(I just finished chapter 3 of Limbus Company so I'll be able to return to a more consistent release if possible. Sorry for the delay.

I promise the next chapter's gonna be on the actual story, Limbus took my sleep for a few days so this is the result *Ahem* Fucking Kromer post patch *Ahem*)

The silence of death loomed in the library, acting like a grim reaper dragging its heavy scythe. No motions could be heard or seen and no traces of life could be find within. It was eerily quiet, which could only meant one thing...

Deciding to refute this powerful silence that pressed against his shoulders, the faint footsteps of a certain someone all of us are familiar with at this point echoed. His breathing bounced around while his feet brought him to his destination.

He had to hurry, time was running out. He couldn't afford to waste a single second, not with what wa on the line!

Y/N: Hah... hah... hah... Damn it, I knew I should have placed my points in endurance, not charisma!

His complaint was heard by no one but himself. Indeed, with the exception of him, the Library was now nothing more than an abandoned construction made out of Light. However, this awful loneliness was not enough to make him lose his morale.

In fact, it only grew stronger knowing that a terrible fate would land upon this place if he were to fail.

Step by step, the librarian ascended the floors of the large tower resting in the center of L Corp's Nest.

With each one he took, the time remaining ticked down. Just thinking about his possible failure sent shivers down his spine. He HAD to succeed, failure was no longer an option.

Finally, after putting every ounce of strength in his body, Angela's assistant reached the top floor, Keter's. There, looking down at the City below, a singular figure stood there in complete silence.

Probably sensing his presence, the unknown person slowly turned around with a dramatic effect, enjoying the moment.

Y/N: Hah... hah... Alter Ego... Why?! Why are you doing this?!

The employee who once worked in the Security team showed a smile that was unlike what she showed to him before. Her hands were hidden behind her back and her gaze revealed a complete 180 in her usual attitude.

Alter Ego: Ah... To see a familiar face in those final moments, how peculiar.

She didn't answer his question, forcing the man to grit his teeth before raising his voice for the second time.

Y/N: You have to stop this! This isn't going to end how you planned it!

Alter Ego: Hm?

Still arboring a large smile on her face, the ex-captain of the upper layer tilted her head to the side. Then, as if hearing the best joke she had ever heard in her life, a powerful laugh shattered the deadly silence of the Library.

Shivers ran throughout the body of the lone librarian trying to reason with her.

Her eyes slowly opened once her fit of hysteria died down. A grin formed on her face and a shadow formed over her eyes. This expression reminded Angela's assistant of a certain Arbiter who was now no longer present, gone like everyone else.

He was the last one left, facing his demise.

Unfortunately, none of his words successfully reached her, it was akin to talking to a brick wall. Her attention soon returned to the grand view of the City outside. Her long hair followed along. What was once a sight that made his heart beat faster was now capable of plunging it into a dark pit.

Alter Ego: You all refused to see my idea. You all objected to it and even dared to oppose me in the final moment. Can't you understand that this is for your- No, our own good?

Y/N: ...

His eyes lowered to the ground, unable to formulate an answer. His lack of response caused the once shy girl to confront him once more. Her eyes were locked onto his face with an expression he saw many times in the past...

...A kind visage that almost broke down his guard.

Alter Ego: I'm doing this for us, for a better path.

Y/N: ...

Taking his silence as a sign of uncertainty, Alter Ego rose one of her hands and tightened it into a fist, displaying genuine anger.

Alter Ego: The City is nothing more than a nest of sin, a tumor that demands to be culled! All manners of atrocities are performed every day left and right. The lives of the people are nothing more than pawns used for the benefit of the demons controlling this world!

Y/N: ...

Alter Ego: Thinking about improving the City is nothing more than optimism! No amount of kindness will ever undo the pit the residents of this hellish place dug. Charity is a web of lies and mercy is only used for monetary gain!

Y/N: ...I'm sure with enough time, some parts of this coul-

Alter Ego: Hoping is already a sign of defeat. History is nonexistent in the knowledge of the residents who are oppressed by the Head and at this right, the future may as well reach that level! The City is falling to its demise!

Her glare shot right through the ex-agent's soul, shutting down any counter he possibly had. A bead of sweat fell down from his face.

Alter Ego: The City was a mistake, an error that should have never grown to this proportion. For it to be fixed, we need to wipe the board, start from the very beginning! The suffering of the many will never be ended until the concept of the City as a whole is gone!

Y/N: It's not going to work! You have to stop, please! I'm begging you!

Alter Ego: ...Y/N, you don't understand. You being here, standing in front of me, is what compels me to proceed.

The girl snapped her fingers. Heeding her call, a bubble of Light formed next to her and immediately dissipated into hundreds of golden pages. What was left behind was a machine that looked about as tall as them with multiple confusing parts attached to it.

Y/N: That's... Backward Clock.

Alter Ego: Indeed. With its power that saved us hundreds, even thousands of time, I shall rewind and completely rewrite the course of history!

The device was already fully charged, indicated by the numbers present in the tubes on it.

Alter Ego: With the power of the Light of Possibilities, its function will be strengthened to a level that nobody could have ever imagined!

Y/N: N-No. You can't-

Alter Ego: If the City is doomed to never change then I will force it to!

However, as she was about to activate the tool Abnormality next to her, a projectile flew across the room at a fulgurating speed. It barely grazed the head of the girl and landed into the wall behind, creating massive shockwave that shook the entire Library.

Everyone present froze out of surprise, allowing a pair of footsteps to make themselves known.

???: ...Quite an interesting idea, it is unfortunate that such mind is used for a foolish plan.

Alter Ego: ...You.

The calm voice that joined the conversation caused the one who once acted as the captain of the Security team to frown, revealing a venomous wrath & hatred. Following its sudden introduction, a duo stepped out of the shadows, allowing the man to catch his breath.

Afterwards, once the initial fright dissipated, his voice called out to them out of relief.

Y/N: ...Zena, Baral! You finally arrived!

Baral: ...

Zena: Such pointless expression is unnecessary, the Head knows anything about anyone. There was no need for concern over simple delusions.

Baral: Lady Zena received your message and jumped in the air before hurrying here.

Zena: Executioner, silence.

The exchange currently unfolding was swiftly cut short once a cold and murderous whisper escaped its owner's throat.

Alter Ego: You. You are the monsters who allows such torture to occur! You also dare stand next to him!

The Arbiter replied with her cocky smile, which further enraged the lone figure standing next to Backward Clock. Her hands tightened into fists and her mumble turned into a scream.

Alter Ego: I'll put an end to your reign, this corrupted City you built shall vanish along with your sins!

Zena: A worthless decision that will be crushed into the ground, alongside everything that was built to accomplish this goal. 

On one side, a trio composed of an Arbiter, a Claw and a librarian mentally exhausted were prepared to fight as the City's last defenders. In the other faction, the rogue L Corp. agent was demonstrating a deadly aura, unfazed by her opponents.

Time slowed down, at least in the eyes of those involved in this grand battle. This was it, the finale, where everything would be put on the metaphorical table. The tension was at its peak, which was visible on each member present, regardless of if they were conscious of it or not.

The final duel was now ready to begin for the sake of the world.

Daniel: Aaaaaaaand cut! Alright everyone, that was amazing, you couldn't have done a better performance! We'll be taking a break for now!

All of the sudden, the voice of a man who worked with Alter Ego in the same department during the days of Lobotomy Corp. echoed. Immediately, a group of people walked inside to meet up with the group which was already there.

With this act finally done, Alter Ego and Y/N let out a deep sigh before glancing at each other, exchanging a simple smile.

Cereb: That was so cool, it was like watching a tv show live!

Dana: Haha... Even I felt some shivers towards the end.

An awkward chuckle soon followed as Yesod's assistant took a look at the duo looking at each other. Without making a single noise, a familiar figure made its way and soon grabbed the man by the shoulders, causing him to let out a scream.

Y/N: Don't scare me like that Hava! I'm gonna drop dead at one point.

Hava: Oh come on, don't be so dramatic~

The red eyes of the girl with long brown hair turned towards the one who acted as the villain and revealed a smug grin.

Hava: Though, I have to admit that our shy girl over there certainly has the talent to act as the bad guy.

Alter Ego: I-I do?

Y/N: You have the spirit and voice for it, Daniel definitely was right to pick you.

While this exchange was happening, the Sephirahs who were curious enough to take a peek at the production glanced at the director, Daniel, who was looking over the script once more.

Finally, one of them spoke up to catch his attention.

Binah: As impressive as it might look, I cannot help but question your choice of actors.

Tiphereth: Couldn't you have just asked Binah for something like this?

A confused "hm?" slipped out of the man making sure that everything was proceeding smoothly. His head turned to look at them but he soon replied while twirling a pencil around his fingers.

Daniel: I could have... but why would I choose the same characters that everyone is used to? A different cast creates diversity, tension and even unlikely relationships! Do you think the tension would remain if I just tossed our already known & popular ex-Arbiter and THE Red Mist?

Tiphereth: I suppose not...

Daniel: Exactly! By putting people that most viewers connect to "bad guys" in the spotlight by making them fight on the "good side", it creates excitement! It's a true showdown!

Gebura: ...I don't see much excitement, it's all just acting.

Chesed: Many people find enjoyment in said acting, you shouldn't be too quick to judge Gebura~

The Fixer in red shot a glare at the coffee maniac, who replied with a casual shrug before taking a sip of his drink.

Unbothered by said sight, the lady dressed in black, Binah, looked back at the troop making the cast of the scene they were preparing. Alter Ego was busy discussing with Hava about her future lines, leaving the remaining trio together.

Baral remained completely motionless while Y/N & Zena spoke to each other. It didn't seem like much so the librarian in charge of the Floor of Philosophy paid it no mind and returned her cold gaze to the one who orchestrated this whole play.

Daniel: Hmmm... we're gonna need some special effects for the E.G.O manifestation scene. Hey Gebura, can we get some of the lava from your floor?

Gebura: Go get it yourself.

Daniel: Tch. You know what, I will. I'll be back.

The ex-agent who could only be described as the average man in a group of weird characters snapped his fingers to create a bucket in his hands. He soon took his leave afterwards, leaving behind a group of many interests on their own.

Surely nothing bad can occur, right?

...

...

Yea, right, as if anyone would believe that. I can't even convince myself.

Chesed: Still, I have to wonder what will occur once the filming is finished.

Tiphereth: I heard that he was planning to release it.

Chesed: I see~ It's nice to see our librarians get excited about new hobbies.

As he spoke up with his usual attitude, he slightly raised his head to point back to the scene with his chin. Confused by this sudden movement, the other Sephirahs present followed his gaze and saw-

Y/N: Then you go up like this so that we give each other a high five, it shouldn't be too complicated.

...Y/N and Zena exchanging some odd hand gestures.

Zena: ...A rather inconvenient method of greeting.

Y/N: Come on, loosen up a little. You need some sparks of light otherwise your black coat might reach the level of your edge.

Zena: You certainly don't mince words, even when speaking to someone of higher rank.

Y/N: Being trapped in a loop for at least a thousand years does that to someone.

Despite the harsh voice used by the woman representing the Head, our idiotic protagonist still kept a nonchalant attitude. At first glance, one would probably comment on how suicidal it was to act this way and they probably would be right.

His many arguments with a completely deranged robotic bi- Ahem, Angela, definitely was enough for anyone with a duo of functioning braincells to simply label him as a "chaotic gremlin".

Gebura: ...

Binah: ...

Chesed: Relationships can blossom from anywhere, isn't this fascinating~?

His attempt to lighten up the mood was followed by a faint "Clap" echoing. Both Angela's assistant and the representative of the Head were practicing some form of secret handshake. Baral quietly observed their movements.

Tiphereth: Chesed... you should probably stop before...

Her raised concern was cut short by the Patron librarian dressed in black. The simple sound of her footsteps was enough to make the noises around feel muffled compared to them. A frigid silence formed as she stepped closer.

Cold sweats formed on the face of everyone unfortunate enough to be standing in her path. Her eyes were locked onto a certain trio.

Binah: This is a somewhat interesting interaction, isn't it little sheep?

Y/N: ...

The ex-agent froze in place, his hands turning into fists out of fright. His shoulders were held by the lady who speaks in riddles. Along with her grasp onto him, a sinister smile barely hid her hostility.

This expression terrified the poor worker in more ways than one. He knew what said look meant.

Binah: I am curious to know how our little sheep came to know one of the many shepherds of the City.

"Where the fuck did the both of you met?" was the short version of her sentence.

Y/N: Uh... Well, uh... you see-

Zena: It seems like your time spent away in this shabby prison has rendered your manners poor at best. This is truly saddening to witness.

Binah: Is it? I would say my stay here has... opened my eyes in many ways.

Zena & Binah: Heh...

Trapped between the duo of Arbiters, the unlucky assistant sent a glance at the Claw silently watching this unfold. Upon sensing the gaze sent his way, he shrugged before refusing to intervene.

Y/N: Spineless.

Baral: Not my problem.

Binah: So, little sheep, care to explain in further details?

A brief period of silence followed her demand. The eyes of our hero went left & right multiple times, only for an awkward smile to replace said behaviour. A few drops of sweat were lingering on his visage.

Y/N: I... may or may not have said at one point that machines didn't deserve any rights.

Binah: ...

Zeta: A truthful statement. Ever since, he has been under my wing so to speak.

Y/N: Apparently being racist against robots and proclaiming it proudly automatically gives you an internship to A Corp. You learn something new everyday I suppose.

The former representant of the Head remained completely still. In fact, his reason took her aback, something that made everyone around to blink out of pure shock. Binah? Of all people showing surprise?? What???

Binah: Little sheep... you are not-

Y/N: I mean, I haven't signed the contracts yet but it's kinda hard for me to keep refusing when I'm threatened to get beheaded by a giant pillar.

Gebura: ...You can't die.

Tiphereth: Plus, Angela probably wouldn't even allow you to leave in the first place.

A sigh of exasperation slipped from both of them just in time before the man behind this grand show returned with a bucket full of a certain orange substance, one of his arms completed devoid of any flesh and exposing the bones.

Despite this, a wide smile was on his face.

Daniel: Alright, I got what we need for the next scene. I want everyone back in position!

Y/N: Oh hey, look at that, we have to go back. Aaaaaaw, what a shame, I TOTALLY wanted to continue this conversation. Bye bye~!

With his saviour extending a helping hand, the man stuck in the middle of this chat slipped through and joined the group, followed by Zena and her partner. As she did so, she sent one final grin at her ex-colleague.

Gebura: Tch, is every Arbiter required to be able to make a grin like that?

Tiphereth: ...Binah?

Binah: ...I'm strangling someone once this is done, with my bare hands.

Chesed: ...Aw, my coffee ran out.

Acting completely oblivious of the situation, the Patron librarian dressed in blue turned his mug to show that he already went through what he brought.

Cereb: Sir Chesed, that was your 15th cup.

Chesed: Then I suppose I'll go for my 16th. I'll be back.

Tiphereth: He's a lost cause...

...

Y/N: Ha... ha... ha...

Barely able to endure the pain he was going through, the exhausted librarian weakly raised his head just in time to witness a clash occur between the Arbiter serving as the last stand of the City and the rogue agent attempting to redo the entire world.

Zena had a raised hand, allowing multiple chains to break through the ground in an attempt to bind their target.

Fighting against this unending assault, the girl holding the power to turn back the clock retaliated by unleashing a wave of crimson water with a single step. The massive wall that seemed impossible to breach shortened the distance and threatened to crush the trio standing in its path.

Baral: Too weak.

Of course, unlike the barely standing agent, seeing a natural disaster like this was just a simple eyesore to the duo. In order to prove that, the Claw, which was ordered to not intervene at the start, slightly crouched and charged ahead before swinging his main weapon. The mere motion of his arm caused the wave to split open.

Zena: Great work Executioner.

Baral: ...

No reply.

Y/N: We... We're not making any progress. How are we going to win?

Zena: No progress? Are your eyes in need of getting checked?

Y/N: ...?

Confused by the sudden question thrown his way, the man on the brink of a mental collapse turned to look at his helper but was met with a sadistic grin in return. Her raised hand slowly closed and with it, her voice dropped a few levels in terms of warmth... surprising considering that there wasn't much to begin with.

Zena: Nothing can outrun our grasp, no matter how far they go.

The entirety of the Library shook, possibly out of fear. Baral understood what said reaction meant and promptly grabbed the struggling assistant with one hand and stepped away from the battle.

Finally, just as they took their final step to safety, the ceiling collapsed above the grand villain. This was the one trick the Arbiter who answered the distress call of the last ex-employee hid in her coat, one capable of turning any scenario in her favour.

Shockwave.

Not willing to let this grand opportunity slide, she raised both hands in the direction of their lone opponent and created a dozen pillars out of nothing. The shadow covering the eyes of the lady in black began to allow a faint light to pierce through it, which originated from her eyes that showed no mercy to the traitor of the City.

Acting as a witness of the possible execution of the girl he once loved, Y/N couldn't help himself but cover his eyes. Despite what she did, his heart still ached at the simple thought of seeing her getting hurt. This was the last act of kindness he could ever offer her: a death that would not stain his image of her any more.

However, in the end, before anything could be truly achieved, everything collapsed. A singular snap of fingers shattered the tension built for this scene. Every actors present turned their gaze to the stairs and saw a singular figure looking back at them.

Angela: ...

Y/N: ...Shit.

Zena let out an annoyed sigh and moved one of her hands upward, lifting the fake rubbles that were prepared in advance for this. Alter Ego glanced at the AI displaying a murderous gaze and immediately flopped down on the ground in an attempt to look unconscious.

Angela: Y/N?

Y/N: ...Y-Yes?

Angela: Would you care to explain why the Library has been taken over by... them.

Zena: Machine.

Angela: Sore loser.

Y/N: I'm innocent.

While this was happening, the staff hidden were sweating bullets upon realizing that all of them would be thrown in the same boat once she found out. Daniel tried his best to look calm but nothing worked, which only made the other librarians get more stressed.

Gebura: Well, it was fun while it lasted, I'll take my leave.

Tiphereth: I'll do the same, don't want to deal with Angela.

Chesed: Have fun~

Cereb: You cowards!

Malkuth's assistant was the first & only one to call them out on their betrayal. The others were simply busy trying to think of a plan B.

Dana: What should we do?

Daniel: Hm...

Hava: ...I got an idea.

Without an hesitation, the girl with red eyes grabbed the camera held by the director and pressed the record button once she aimed it at the dispute.

Not sure about what she was doing, Daniel raised an eyebrow.

Hava: You wanted some action? Then just watch, we're gonna get some.

Angela: A contract?! This is ridiculous, Y/N is mine and I will not hand him over to a despicable group like yours!

Zena: Pot calling the kettle black, quite ironic.

Angela: My words are final, end of the conversation.

Baral: Stand down impurity.

Angela: You keep your non-existent mouth shut.

Baral: ...Ok.

Zena: Executioner.

Baral: I-I mean, silence.

Our once more unlucky protagonist slowly looked at each interlocutor in complete silence, praying that he might gain a chance to slip out and take his leave. So far everything seemed to lead that way, he just had to not draw attention to himself.

"So this is what it feels like to be a child in the middle of their parents' divorce.", that thought crossed his mind as he quietly walked away, only to be dragged into a tight embrace by the director of this place.

Angela: I will gladly end this entire City if I have to.

Y/N: Please don't, I'd prefer a normal house.

Zena: We would like to see you even reach a fraction of said promise.

Angela: You're all dead.

Zena: The feeling is mutual, machine.

The deadly aura around the Head's force temporarily vanished once the eyes of Arbiter with short hair landed on her "intern". Her smile grew uncomfortably soft as she sent her final words.

Zena: We'll be back to finalize our contract, take care.

With that, the both of them vanished, leaving behind a robot tainted by anger. Still unable to escape her tight grasp, Y/N was dragged along, only able to let out one final scream of agony as he was taken out of the room.

Daniel: ...Is he gonna be alright?

Hava: I'd say he's alright.

A second scream echoed, louder than the first one. Shivers were felt by many, forcing their eyes to look back at the girl hiding one of her eyes.

Hava: I have faith in him.

Daniel: I'm... gonna make sure he's fine.

Standing behind the entire group, a certain Patron librarian that had yet to take her leave mumbled to herself and swiftly stepped out of the room, following after Angela and her helper.

Legends say that the screams that followed the aftermath of this encounter would soon create a ghost story within the old Nest of  L Corp. Many assumed that they belonged to a mourning banshee, crying the loss of the many employees after the collapse of the Wing.

...

If only they knew the truth, that all of this occured just from a simple movie made for fun.

(Hello, as you might have read, I finally finished the 3 story chapters of Limbus so I'll be able to focus more on the story. To commemorate the start of this new game, my exhausted brain was able to create the shittiest meme to have ever been made.

Like, it's genuinely so bad that I forgot everything about it until I woke up the next day with it saved on my desktop. I don't know why I made it but hey, Crack of Ruina is made entirely with a sleep-deprived brain so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

Anyway, I promise next part is going to be an actual chapter so I hope you still give a shit about it. Take a free meme made by my tired mind.)