A Debt of Metal
In a world devastated by the rebellion of Steam Golems, survivors cling to life in mobile cities made of scrap metal. Bax, a veteran mercenary, lives by a simple code:....
In a world devastated by the rebellion of Steam Golems, survivors cling to life in mobile cities made of scrap metal. Bax, a veteran mercenary, lives by a simple code: everything has a price. Armed with his serrated sword and a deep-seated distrust of others, Bax takes on the jobs no one else dares to touch. His latest mission brings him across the path of Rin, an idealistic young man desperately searching for a cure for the "Iron Plague," a disease that turns people into metal statues. Rin possesses a map to the legendary City of Inventors, where he believes he will find the key to stopping the plague. However, a sect of machine worshippers is also hunting him with deadly intent. Rin hires Bax as his bodyguard with a coin that, by the time Bax discovers is a fake, has already cost him saving the alchemist's life three times. Despite feeling betrayed, Bax finds himself intrigued by Rin and his cause. Together, they face constant attacks from the sect and navigate the dangerous post-apocalyptic terrain as they travel toward the promised city. As they progress, Bax begins to see Rin not just as a job, but as the younger brother he never had. This unexpected bond challenges Bax's cynical motto that nobody helps for free. The journey takes a dark turn when they discover that the "Iron Plague" is part of a larger scheme orchestrated by the worshippers to transform humans into mechanical servants. The sect kidnaps Rin to use him as bait to lure in other alchemists. Bax faces a choice: move on without him or risk everything on a suicidal rescue mission. Choosing to save Rin, Bax assembles a ragtag band of outcasts and former enemies turned allies. Together, they storm the sect's headquarters in an explosive confrontation. They manage to liberate Rin, but not before he is exposed to the deadly virus. With time running out and their forces decimated, the group finally reaches the ruins of the City of Inventors. There, they discover blueprints and lost technology that allow Rin to develop an antidote just as his own body begins to show metallic symptoms. The cure not only saves Rin but also halts the plague in nearby cities. With the virus checked and the enemy forces scattered, Bax turns down lucrative offers to stay with his newfound makeshift group, finding purpose beyond money and discovering that some things are worth more than gold. Cynicism gives way to fellowship as they survive together in a chaotic world where even the most improbable alliances can change destiny.
Disclaimer: This show may contain expletives, strong language, and mature content for adult listeners, including sexually explicit content and themes of violence. This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real persons, businesses, places or events is coincidental. This show is not intended to offend or defame any individual, entity, caste, community, race, religion or to denigrate any institution or person, living or dead. Listener's discretion is advised.
