"What should we do now?"

Sitting around inside a locked room, a voice belonging to a man carrying a massive coffin on his back asked the trio silently hearing him.

The air present was, needless to say, grim. All 4 of them looked at each other, hoping that one of them would have the solution to their problem.

A sigh slipped out from the one who first raised his voice. It was clear that none of them knew how to proceed.

As he did so, his eyes lowered towards the rifle he carried. From what he heard, it was something that belonged to the small witch girl he spent many hours interacting with. The claim was... questionable. I mean, why would a little girl who wants friends need a weapon like that?

However, right now, whether that info was right or not, he couldn't be happier that it existed. It's what kept him alive so far.

"What are we supposed to do, every Abnormalities broke out at once, we can't fight against all of them."

Finally, a second voice spoke up, belonging to a girl wearing a suit glowing with a yellowish hue. In her left hand, a single feather of the same color could be seen.

"I'm sure the manager will help us, we just have to stay safe until then."

"Oh great, and when do you hope that help arrives?"

The final duo present were a pair of twins both carrying the same E.G.O weapon and suit that were extracted from that pitch black pendant.

With the exception of the latter mentioned, none of the people present knew each other's name, making this situation extremely awkward.

From the other side of the door, screams of agony could be heard alongside the rampage of the roaming monsters.

"Maybe R Corp will send a team down here to deal with this-"

"And get themselves killed like all the poor bastards currently outside. Those Rabbits are going to keel over the second something remotely tough sneezes at them."

"What else are we supposed to do then?"

The man with a coffin asked as he observed the gun he held, making sure everything was fine. The witch girl was kind enough to give him a copy of her hat and if the rumors were true, he didn't want to break something of hers.

"Simple, we go down."

The girl replied to his question without hesitation. She made her way to the door and pressed her ear against it before looking back at the rest of them.

"Down" in this scenario meant the bottom layer of the facility. Of course, the gunman couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in confusion, unlike the twins who became completely silent.

"There is no rescue and there certainly isn't a miracle waiting for us. So, if I have to die, I'm gonna go down knowing what they're hiding from us. With this chaos, this is the perfect time."

There were no more words exchanged after the bold intention of the employee standing by the door was made clear for all of them. The look in her eyes made it clear that none of them could convince her to stop.

Right now, their options were limited: either sticking together as a group or let her go and reduce their strength, an automatic suicide in their case.

"I can't believe we're doing this."

"You didn't believe Santa wasn't a thing a year ago, there's a lot you don't believe."

"Stop bringing that up!"

"If we're dying today, I sure as hell gonna mention it one last time."

The duo who looked like an exact copy of each other continued their banter as they joined the girl ready to step outside, followed from behind by the last person present.

The group all looked at the others, judging their stress at the thought of fighting for their lives. Morale wasn't high but hey, at least none of them were panicking.

With tightened grips on their weapons, they soon charged outside before making a sharp turn to the left. All of them knew where their goal was, the true ordeal was reaching it.

All 4 of them turned a blind eye to the massacre that left their colleagues in a pitiful mess at their feet, praying that they too wouldn't become a morbid decoration on the way.

Sirens echoed in their ears, making the task of avoiding roaming Abnormalities much more complicated. Amidst this chaos, they only thing they could rely on were prayers and lady luck to grant them a painless path.

Unfortunately, in a prison forsaken by god, the chance of obtaining the lady's grace were none and they were forcefully met by that realization.

"I was supposed to be the hero... I was supposed to save everyone... So why did this happen..."

On the other side of the hallway, the lone figure of a girl dressed in pink could be seen, holding her head as she looked down at the floor. Their collective footsteps, however, made her gaze raise up and meet theirs.

Out of thin air, a floating staff colored with bright colors appeared. Through the shadow covering her face, the employees were met with a demented glare that foretold what would happen.

"Tch, of course we stumble into that bitc-"

"She still hasn't transformed, we need to hurry."

The woman leading the group rushed ahead, forcing the trio behind to catch up to her and observe her coldly shove the Abnormality against the wall to open the path.

"...I found you evildoer."

"Oh shut it, go bother someone unimportant."

The words spoken were followed by the door shutting down on her face, allowing the group to turn around and see a circular machine look back at them, multiple bloodstained blades coming out of its body.

"We're not getting past this one."

"Get ready to fight!"

The tension doubled as all of them readied themselves for the upcoming battle, knowing that a ticking time-bomb was right behind them, stopped only by a single door.

Time was running out and they needed to be fast or else-

"Hey!"

Y/N: ...

Right as he was about to finish his sentence, a voice that came from behind them cut him off, followed by footsteps.

His eyes slowly closed as he closed the book he held and he turned around to meet the surprise guest.

Y/N: Is there something you need Malkuth?

The person approaching was none other than the ex-Sephirah of the Control team. She carried with her her own book. She offered him a smile at first before answering his question.

Malkuth: I came to ask some questions about what happened before the reception of our guests... is now a good time?

Y/N: ...

The man quietly turned his gaze over his shoulders, indicating her that he was in the middle of something.

Gathered together around a table, a group of 4 people could be seen looking back at them.

Vince: Oh, you can take your time, I need to plan my first move anyway.

Cereb: Why did you push Queen of Hatred, she's gonna kill us all.

Hava: Why not~?

Rin: Ahhh...

Y/N: I guess it's fine. Alright everyone, you get a break, use it to plan your first turn.

"Got it."

All of them replied as the assistant walked away, following Malkuth's foosteps until they were far enough to not be heard.

Finally, the both of them sat down before the interrogation began.

Malkuth: Is it true?

Y/N: What?

Malkuth: That Angela got injured by the guests?

The director's helper looked away from her, thinking about it for a second. He soon moved back his focus on her afterwards.

Y/N: You make it sound like it was something severe. With that thick head of hers, there was no chance for them to crack it open. Though, I have to admit that they did manage to make her bleed.

Malkuth: Bleed?!

Y/N: Yea... it's a long story.

The ex-captain leaned against a bookshelf behind him before recounting the events that led to a certain surprise for both the witnesses of this incident and the victim herself.

...

Y/N: Look at you, decided to greet the guests this time?

With a nonchalant voice, the unwilling helper made his presence known to the AI he was forced to work under.

She looked back at him in silence for a moment and allowed him to step closer before replying.

Angela: It is my duty as the director.

As usual, her cold voice did not lighten the mood.

Y/N: Not gonna complain, they're a bunch of nutjobs as Roland said. I don't think they'll be as kind as some of our previous guests.

The man shrugged while making sure to maintain some distance between himself and the entrance. Hook Office & the Stray Dogs taught him to stay away from violent guests for his own safety.

Unlike him, Angela was a machine through and through, she could easily take a beating that a normal person couldn't.

Y/N: Good luck then, I suppose.

Glad to not be forced to deal with their upcoming guest, the director's assistant raised a hand as a salute and promptly hid himself just in time before a certain trio wearing animal masks appeared.

The first in line, a girl named Meow, wore a gray mask resembling a cat. She was followed from behind by a man wearing a white rabbit mask called MuMu and a second man wearing a pig head named Oink. All of them were seemingly busy singing a song that could have made anyone with a modicum of musical talent cry if they heard it.

Meow: Cat goes~!

MuMu & Oink: Meow~ Meow~

Meow: Pig goes~!

MuMu & Oink: Oinkie~ Oink~

Meow: Rabbits goes~!

Oink: ...Squeak... Squeak?

MuMu: This is so sad...

Angela remained completely silent as she observed the trio in front of her completely ignore her presence.

Right out of view, the former employee was forced to hear everything, making his head slowly turn towards the direction of the voices. As he did so, one thought crossed his mind.

'They really are nutjobs, glad I'm not dealing with them.'

However, with her patience running out, the director began to raise her voice in order to make her presence known.

...Or at least tried.

Angela: Greetings dear guests. I am the direc-

Meow: MuMu~! Don't be so down.

Meow's voice swiftly cut her off, making her annoyance grow.

MuMu: But rabbits don't have any signature cry sounds.

Oink: Then we can make one!

Meow: Good idea!

MuMu: Everyone...

Finally, it ended with a long sigh coming from the AI.

Angela: What a load of nonsense.

Her comment was ignored by the trio, who finally faced her properly for the first time. Unfortunately, this ordeal was far from over.

Meow: Why are you standing there, bluey hair? Aren't you gonna let us in?

Her question was followed by Oink stepping closer to Angela, tightening his grip on the weapon he carried.

Oink: Stupid little machine, don't keep your guests waiting!

The frigid look belonging to the machine grew fiercer as that comment reached her ears. She opened her eyes, ready to retaliate.

Angela: What-

However, that anger of hers was cut short by a direct strike to the head by Oink's "musical tool". The recoil sent her head downward, exposing a curtain of red falling from her hair. The sight caused Meow to errupt in laughter.

Meow: Puhahaha, look at it stumble~ It's got red blood, too?

Unlike her though, Oink observed the sight with not an ounce of amusement. He examined his weapon, making sure it was fine as he looked at the bleeding robot.

Oink: It can bleed, but the inside is still a bunch of metallic junk. Not a good vibe.

"It can bleed", those words made the AI freeze slightly as she raised a hand to the struck area. When she lowered her fingers, she was met with crimson sticking to them.

Her shock lingered briefly before MuMu raised his own weapon in her direction.

MuMu: Hurry up and let us in before we break your legs too.

Angela: ...

Her glare remained as she observed the trio walk further inside, leaving the librarians on their own at the entrance.

...

Y/N: That's basically it. Like I said, you made it sound like it was something severe.

Done reciting the events that unfolded, the assistant glanced at the ex-Sephirah, who looked back at him with wide eyes.

Malkuth: So, she really started to bleed?

Y/N: Yea, I was surprised at first but she told me that it had something to do with the Light.

Malkuth: ...I see.

The Patron librarian mumbled to herself as she averted her gaze, realizing that Angela was slowly getting closer towards her goal, a wish trampling on the efforts and suffering both her and her coworkers endured for thousands of years.

A part of her wanted to despise her, yell about the rug she pulled under them. However, another part of her was slowly trying to understand her decision, what exactly made take that choice.

As a result, she felt herself stuck on a line between different sides.

Y/N: Does that answer your question?

Malkuth: O-Oh, of course. Thank you Y/N, helpful as always!

Y/N: ...I wouldn't say helpful, I'm just retelling what happened but I'll take the compliment.

With a somewhat forced smile, the assistant stood back on his feet and began making way back to the group he left behind.

Left on her own, Malkuth was left with her own thoughts.

This sudden event made her realize that things were slowly progressing and she, just like the other Patron librarians will have to make a choice concerning Angela's betrayal. Will they simply accept it and move on or refuse to abandon their original goal.

What will she decide?

Only she knows, only she can choose her path.

...

Y/N: ...Did you seriously spent all this time just to decide to "Perform Attachment" on the Little Helper?

Cereb: Not my idea.

Hava: A challenge can be interesting~

Vince: ...I'm starting to understand why nobody wants to be near you.

The man let out a sigh of defeat as he stared at the girl flashing her smug grin at her colleagues. Rin silently pinched the bridge of their nose and Cereb was seen quickly writing down notes on his character sheet.

Y/N: What are you doing?

Cereb: Writing my last will... and also making my next character.

Y/N: Ahem, alright everyone, let's take a moment to breath. Nothing happened yet, there's no need to be like that, it's a game after all.

"What game?"

A voice called out to them, causing their eyes to look towards the origin of the voice. Right next to the staircase leading up the Library, Christopher was seen making his way towards them.

Sensing this opportunity, Vince stood up from his seat and made his way towards the newcomer.

Vince: Hey, good timing, mind taking over for me?

Christopher: Hm? Why?

Vince: You'll see soon. I have to go do something. Thanks, bye.

With a tap on the shoulder, the former clerk promptly left the scene with relief emanating from his face. Left in complete confusion, the assistant belonging to the Floor of Natural Sciences stepped closer and took Vince's empty seat.

He looked at everyone present before speaking up.

Christopher: Sooooo, what's going on here?

Y/N: Oh, we're just starting a new campaign of a game I made.

Christopher: ...And why did he leave?

Y/N: ...

Hava: Who knows~

Cereb: I do.

Christopher: ...I guess I don't mind taking over, I don't have much else to do anyway.

A shrug accompanied his choice before he took a look at the sheet left behind by Vince. He quickly looked at everything written on it.

Christopher: ...I don't understand what any of this means but I'm sure it'll be fine.

Hava: Don't worry, I'll teach you the ropes~

Rin: I-I'll do it!

With great effort in their voice, Rin caught the attention of everyone present. They quickly stood up from their seat and made their way to Christopher's side before quickly explaining every details present on the sheet.

It didn't take a genius to know what caused them to act like this.

Said reason quietly watched in the comfort of her seat.

Y/N: ...

Hava: ...

Y/N: ...You did this on purpose, didn't you.

The game master slowly leaned towards the culprit and whispered her way. In response, she winked before glancing back at Rin desperately trying to make Christopher understand the rules of the game.

At the pace they were going, they'll have to wait a while before the poor victim subjected to this surprise lecture properly understood everything.

Not willing to hear the rules that he made for the dozenth time, the former captain stopped paying attention and let his mind wander off until they would be ready to resume.

As he did so, he couldn't help but think back to the reception that was concluded today, both the story he told Malkuth... and the side he did not share with her.

Only one other witness will truly know what happened.

...

...

Y/N: Woah... is that blood?

Frozen in place for a second, the assistant librarian couldn't help but ask once he saw the director holding her head. One side of her face was almost fully turned red and the blood was dripping down on her clothes.

With a slightly more hurried demeanor, he stepped closer and observed the injury left behind by Oink.

Meanwhile, Angela silently stared at her hand completely covered by her own blood with a slight confusion.

Y/N: Aren't you supposed to be robot, since when was this a thing?

Angela: I am surprised as well, I wasn't expecting this to hurt as much as it does. I can assume this is one of the signs that I'm getting closer to my freedom.

Despite her claim, her voice showed a clear lack of said feeling in it. The worker ignored it for now and lightly shoved her hand aside in order to take a look at the wound.

For a second, he hesitated but after a click of his tongue, he wiped the blood around the impact with the palm of his hand before placing a finger on it.

It didn't take long for him to feel metal touching his fingertip.

"Still no skin, where's the blood coming from?"

He pondered about the logic behind an AI capable of storing and losing blood. What would be the purpose of doing so? From the few ideas he could think the answer was: none.

Y/N: ...Maybe it really is.

Unable to think of a logical reason, he was forced to admit that Angela's theory might be right. He hasn't seen anything that could contradict it so there's no reason for him to deny it.

Angela: Y/N.

Y/N: Hm?

His name forcefully snapped him back to reality. His head turned to meet her gaze, only to realize he was basically right next to her.

A drop of sweat formed on his face as he stepped away in a hurry, looking down at his now bloodied hand.

Y/N: Anyway, we should take care of this. The last thing we need is make everyone panic because of nothing.

He hurriedly wiped the crimson lingering on his hand against his own clothes as he tried to bring back the subject to the current issue.

The smell would linger but he could deal with it later. For now, he focused his thoughts on one specific memory of his, causing a mild headache to form until he could feel something weighing down his right hand.

The object took the shape of a small pebble glowing with a white hue. It was an item he saw back in that facility and the best he could forcefully extract from the Abnormality it belonged to.

Y/N: Here, take th-

However, when his eyes rose up, the assistant librarian was met with a director in completely pristine condition. No traces of blood could be seen on her face, nor her clothes.

She quietly looked at him and the extended hand he offered towards her. She, too, recognized the small rock.

Angela: ...

Y/N: ...Right, you can just do that. Nevermind then.

A sigh left him as he closed his hand holding the pebble, causing it to vanish into golden pages. As soon as he did, the migraine dissipated.

Angela: Were you trying to help me?

Y/N: My mistake.

He should have expected that it would turn out like this. Unfortunately, he didn't, leaving him in this situation.

He knew that she wouldn't let that slip away, not with that perfect memory of hers.

Y/N: I just... instinctively reacted to the blood, I guess. Lobotomy Corporation taught me so, forcefully.

Angela: You don't need to remind me.

The name alone was enough to make the AI complain as she rolled her eyes. She had eons of memories to support that disdain.

...But that past of hers was behind her. She wasn't trapped in that facility anymore, she could begin to move on.

She tightened her grip on the large book she carried and fell silent for a moment before looking back at him.

Angela: Still... Thank you.

Y/N: ...Wasn't expecting those words to ever come out of your mouth.

Angela: Sigh.

Y/N: That's more like you.

"Y/N, we're good to go!"

Y/N: Hm? Already.

The assistant librarian blinked a few times and turned his look towards the duo staring back at him. Christopher was practically fuming at the head after being forced to remember everything he was taught.

Rin: I-I'm sure it'll be fine.

Christopher: ...Where's coffee when you need it?

He weakly mumbled to himself as he took one last look at the sheet of paper. Right next to him, Hava couldn't contain her amusement.

Left to decide what to do, the former captain took a deep breath before grabbing his own papers, taking one more look at his original idea.

Y/N: I guess we can resume now.

Hava: How lucky of you, you'll get to experience your first battle as a tutorial~

Christopher: Oh great...

His shoulders lowered in defeat, feeling the pressure building up. Both Rin and the game master himself couldn't help but share a look that betrayed their lack of faith.

"Oh well, might as well how it turns out."