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| - Having been banished to Sandopolis Zone by Enerjak, Knuckles and Archimedes wander their way the desert, only to be attacked by a Sandcrawler. Just barely managing to dodge its assault, Knuckles tells Archimedes that Sandcrawlers are heat seekers that track prey by their body heat. Archimedes draws its attention with a blast of his fire breath and leads the creature towards a rock, which it strikes and explodes. Later that night, Knuckles and Archimedes prepare a meal from the creature. While they camp, Knuckles asks Archimedes to tell him what he meant when he said the fire ants had a history of "pulling echidna fat out of the fire." Archimedes explains that the fire ants were aware of Echidnaopolis's imminent destruction by the White Comet, and that his people secretly helped separate the future Floating Island from the mainland. His people also foiled Dimitri's world domination plot by eating the foundations of his fortress, causing it to crumble on top of him, creating Mount Fate, and seemingly burying him forever. He says that ever since Dimitri's initial defeat, the Fire Ants have continued to assist the Echidnas through the generations, and explains that his previous encounters with Knuckles were tests to determine his ability to deal with dangerous tasks. Realizing that Enerjak has had centuries to plan his revenge, Knuckles determines that they must make their way back to the Grand Conservatory as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Enerjak makes his way to the former site of Echidnaopolis, creating his new capital of Nekronopolis using his power over the Chaos Force. Back in Sandopolis, the desert heat takes a toll on Knuckles. Overcome with hunger and thirst, he tries to eat Archimedes. His mouth is scorched for the effort, and Knuckles is eventually overcome by the desert heart, falling face first into the sand. In his delirium, Knuckles sees a vision of his father, Locke, who encourages him not to give up. The beleaguered pair follow the vision, which leads them to an unexpected oasis in the desert. After recuperating and gathering some supplies, the two press on. Knuckles is certain that someone, or something, led them to the oasis. When they turn around, the oasis has suddenly vanished. They briefly ponder the mystery, only to notice the completed Nekronopolis ahead of them. Infiltrating the city, Knuckles dispatches one of the many Mechanauts on patrol, and the pair make their way to Enerjak's citadel. They attack several guards at the entrance, bringing the entire army down on them-exactly according to Knuckles' plan. Knuckles rushes into the citadel, closing the main gate behind them and destroying several more Mechanauts. As they make their way deeper into the fortress, Knuckles notes with some suspicion that they have met very little resistance. He's suddenly ambushed by a brainwashed Espio, Charmy, Vector, and Mighty. Knuckles realizes that to reach Enerjak, he has to fight the Chaotix.
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