04.06.1642

The City of Above

49:23

Is it strange for you, reader? Or do you feel that it is pretty normal this scene that you are witnessing? To see two distant siblings that do not suffer each other just because of their separation at birth and because of those who took them? Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't. But you are not here just to tell me what's your view on them after all. If you were, then what was the purpose of learning their story? After all, the writer has a plan... the God of this world Himself...

So, here we are. Two Errors of the same code now standing in front of each other and looking deadly at the eyes of what they call their "enemy". The little brother and the middle sibling. One is standing on a chair as said, waiting for the other one to say something, playing with a small thing that appears to be a tiny weapon around His fingers, while the other one seems pretty pissed off about His presence here. Why do they hate each other? Who knows. I'm not here to kill the fun for everyone. I will let you find the answers on your own.

[DU5TIN]-...So? Explain yourself. Why are you here?

[CHE5TER]-...I don't remember you being so impatient, DU5TIN. Can't I visit my second sibling as well?

[DU5TIN]-I don't want you to be here, CHE5TER. Leave me alone!

[CHE5TER]-Oh, so you remember my name. Guess the theatre of "Seven Two" doesn't work that well on you in the end.

[DU5TIN]-Just stop this already! Leave this place immediately! Only if you don't wish for me to tell everyone that you are here!

[CHE5TER]-Oh? I see we are starting well. But I'm afraid that a small threat doesn't scare me so easily. Do not forget that I'm more powerful than any soldier you could call in this room, even you. And I know you won't bring the General no matter the case, but if you do so, you know that's what I want in the first place. Now... would you stop begging me for nothing and start listening to my words?

As said, DU5TIN seems a bit pissed at this figure that stands in front of him, yet CHE5TER seems to remain calm... for now at least.

[DU5TIN]-...What do you want from me?

[CHE5TER]-I only came to negotiate, of course. As I always do.

[DU5TIN]-But I already told you my answer! A no is a no!

[CHE5TER]-But I don't want to hear your fears, DU5TIN. I want your true answer.

[DU5TIN]-This is my true answer, CHE5TER! Now leave this place immediately!

[CHE5TER]-Are you afraid of me helping you by any chance?

[DU5TIN]-No. Because I don't need your help on anything.

[CHE5TER]-How interesting... Because I thought that as successor of the General, you would want to know even the smallest detail of how to rule a city properly in the future. Even if it comes from a simple citizen of the city like myself...

Yet with those words of the ruler, it seems that they made DU5TIN look a bit in fear at the man that stares at him, as if He knows something. Something He shouldn't. So of course CHE5TER sees this fear in his eye and feasts Himself with it.

[DU5TIN]-...How did you know that I'm the descendant of the title?

[CHE5TER]-How stupid do you think I am, DU5TIN? But... to answer to your question, I guess the crevaators did a pretty good job while working for me in this miserable city. Even if they had to hide all of a sudden now.

[DU5TIN]-You were the one behind the crevaators' disappearance...? But how did you ev--

[CHE5TER]- --Doesn't matter now. All I can say is that they are well hidden from your sick people, in a safe space, from which only I can benefit from their existence now.

[DU5TIN]-...And what did they tell you?

[CHE5TER]-Oh? So you are curious about it after I told you a few things? You weren't so interested in the subject a few seconds ago though. How come?

[DU5TIN]-Don't play games with me, CHE5TER! Tell me what the fuck do you want to say to me or leave in this moment!

[CHE5TER]-Very well then. Oh, how should I even start...

CHE5TER looks at him, smirking even creepily as He enjoys this moment. Of course He does... He enjoys playing with those that are sinners after all, twisting their minds as He pleases. Yet now, the one that He plays with is no sinner, and He knows that too. Probably it is simply a game between the brothers of code that we don't understand.

[CHE5TER]-...Your name is simply DU5TIN, despite the fact that you are the successor of General DOLION C4E5AR for quite a while now ever since he took you from the central building and taught you how to be a soldier personally. As a consequence too, you were the youngest soldier in history because of that action of his, corrupting a young mind into believing whatever he wishes you to believe. A brainwashed soldier, if you wish. He taught you how to fight, how to behave... and who are your "enemies", without letting you have your own opinion on the subject itself and simply going after his words, thinking that it is the only truth. And because of these constant lies that you consider "protection", you've started seeing him more than just the General, but he doesn't seem to care, a reason why you do not have his name in the end. And even funnier is that he doesn't trust you as much as you think either. I mean... nobody knows his plans at all, remember? Not even you.

[DU5TIN]-...

[CHE5TER]-The more I speak, the better I see in your eyes that I am right. After all, that incident of ours from 14 years ago makes sense to me now. I was so confused seeing such a young soul being a soldier of the M, since they usually join the military at the age of 16 when they become adults, yet now seems like I found the answer on my own. Am I not right?

[DU5TIN]-...So? What do you want to achieve from this information?

[CHE5TER]-Well... nothing. I am here just to open your eyes and make you see the real world after all. That's what I told you the first time I came to visit you and that's what I am continuing telling you.

[DU5TIN]-...You are lying.

[CHE5TER]-I am not.

[DU5TIN]-You are. I sense it in your voice. You are not sincere with me at all. I sense that you are hiding something from me. You want to achieve a small reward from "opening my eyes" as you said, but you refuse to tell me what that is.

[CHE5TER]-...

He makes a small pause, looking at the soldier that stands in front of Him, disgusted by the figure. Yet He continues.

[CHE5TER]-...I do not lie when I say that I want to make you be able to see the truth. After all, you are buried in those lies that the General has told you over the years with no way out, and I am the only one in this city that you know who is able to help you. You know that those words which raised you are only harming you after all, DU5TIN.

[DU5TIN]-And yet you still refuse to tell me the full truth as well. Do not make it look like you are my saviour or anything like that. I do not need one. I never did and never will.

[CHE5TER]-You will one day. You know it well. As well as you know that I will be that guiding light of yours.

[DU5TIN]-Liar...

[CHE5TER]-Hmph. Why do you consider me a liar though?

[DU5TIN]-Because you are one. You do not tell me the truth after all.

And He takes another pause, giving a small sigh. It is true, He hides something from this brother of His, He hides something in general, yet He doesn't want to reveal it just yet.

[CHE5TER]-...Then tell me this: isn't it a bit... familiar to you?

[DU5TIN]-...What exactly? Those untruths of yours?

[CHE5TER]-No. This whole situation regarding a reality unknown to a specific person.

[DU5TIN]-What do you mean?

[CHE5TER]-Oh, where did I hear it before... A young child, so naive, that it can believe everything it is said to him, only because of who his model in life was and what title He had... Doesn't it ring you a bell?

[DU5TIN]-...

[CHE5TER]-No? Oh, I'm sure it does, DU5TIN. After all, that naive child from this story stands in front of you right now. And I know that you are aware of Him too.

[DU5TIN]-...Your father has entered a building that nobody has access to and you expect my people to let him be?

[CHE5TER]-I do not care what He did, Brother. Don't you realise how blind you are? I wouldn't care if it was me, I know your people hate my kind, but my father was born as an R being. He did nothing wrong but live His life, and yet your General killed Him without any kind of hesitation.

[DU5TIN]-We weren't even the ones who killed him, CHE5TER. You believe a lie yourself. My master told me that--

[DU5TIN+CHE5TER]- --He was already dead by the time the trigger of the gun was pulled, pointing at His head.

It sure awaken an unwanted memory for the ruler these words, even if the Officer is perplexed about His response. He did not expect CHE5TER to know the truth.

[DU5TIN]-...?

[CHE5TER]-...I know this story already. No need to remind me.

[DU5TIN]-How do y--

[CHE5TER]- --Only you, the General, the one who told me this information and I know about this secret of ours, DU5TIN. Everyone thinks He was killed because of that gun of your people. Not even RY4N is aware of this information till this very day...

[DU5TIN]-Then why are you so mad about this whole story from the past if you know the truth already?

[CHE5TER]-...I don't think you realise something. Even if He didn't die that early, your people would have killed Him anyway. No matter the case, He would have died that day. Your kind is guilty of His death, DU5TIN. Do you know how I felt when I heard that my own father died? Do you know how it feels to be only a child and lose the people you love only because of the hypocrisy of one man alone?? ...All that He left for us was nothing but this memory. I know where He died, I know when He died, but He didn't leave anything for us, not even a letter, not even a will in which He could write His last wish. Nothing... And I don't even know what He found that day, or even if He found something, as I don't think He chose that building randomly.

[DU5TIN]-It is not my fault that your kind started this whole war, CHE5TER. Don't put the blame on my people for the sins that you, monsters, did in the past.

And of course those words irritated the ruler, as CHE5TER throws His small weapon at His older brother, weapon which He was playing with all this time as said, while DU5TIN manages to catch it with his hand. He looks at it for a bit, not because he wants to use it, but because he knows His intention wasn't to hurt him, but rather to give him a small signal.

[CHE5TER]-...How sad is to believe someone's lies for eternity and not think by yourself. It is weird that 14 years ago you chose to save me and RY4N from getting killed in that building, and didn't even try to catch me back when you found out that I'm a C born. You knew back then that all of this is wrong, DU5TIN. But now you hide under these lies which you chose to represent you.

[DU5TIN]-I was only a child too 14 years ago. I made mistakes in the past and I still do. I'm a simple being in the end. But the biggest mistake of my life was that moment when I chose to help you out.

[CHE5TER]-You lie to yourself again. You know it wasn't a mistake at all. It was suppose to happen. It was suppose to be this way. This was your fate of changing this cruel world. But now it seems like you are afraid of it.

CHE5TER gets up from the chair, looking at His lost Error again for one last time. DU5TIN probably had enough of His shit at this point, but it is a small goodbye until their next reunion.

[CHE5TER]-...One day you will realise that I'm only trying to open your eyes, to help you choose the right path. I hope that you will start thinking everything you encounter from now on by yourself, not rely on others' weak words.

[DU5TIN]-...

[CHE5TER]-And also... solve that shit with your right eye. You look terrible.

[DU5TIN]-...You did this to me.

Yet CHE5TER smirks again, for the last time, before taking His leave.

[CHE5TER]-...No. You did this to yourself.

And then, He vanishes, as He has activated His device, making Him invisible. So, DU5TIN now stands alone, looking at that small weapon, reading what's carved on it, before continuing to mind his own business: 7 - 2.

05.06.1642

The Southeast Military Base

16:21

And now, we are finally back at the Southeast Base, where LUK3 seems to have just woke up by N04H since they both leave his room and he looks a bit sleepy. KYR4 was passing by in the meantime, so LUK3 greets her as always.

[LUK3]-*yawn*...Morning, KYR4. Where are you going?

[KYR4]-Morning, LUK3. You look like shit.

[LUK3]-...I just woke up, don't be mean with me! I'm going to clean myself in a moment!

[KYR4]-Why are you so sleepy anyway? It's 16 and a half! The whole base already woke up!

[LUK3]-Yeah, but I went out yesterday after the clock hit midnight, so I came back at the base pretty late. I think I went to sleep at around 5:00 or 7:00... Oh, and N04H obligated me to wake up so he can train.

[N04H]-Because yesterday you said we will start practicing at this hour!

[LUK3]-I say dumb things every time and regret them after! And now I wish I had more time to sleep...

[KYR4]-Well, at least you admit the fact that you say stupid things every second of your life.

[LUK3]-Oh, shut up!

But as they talk, the Great Leader passes by as well, yet this time... He looks a bit stranger than usual. As if He was... happy? But it isn't the right word to describe it either.

[KYR4]-Oh, morning, Mast--

Even KYR4 notices that something is off about Him in this morning. So as He looks back to see the people greeting, everyone gets a bit in a shock.

[CHE5TER]-Morning. I assume you all go towards the training ground for little N04H?

[KYR4]-...Something happened? You look awfully... cheerful.

[CHE5TER]-Oh? Is that so obvious? My bad, I guess. Heh...

[KYR4]-You act strange ever since you got back at the base, Master, but I never saw you act like this before. Something on your mind?

[CHE5TER]-I guess I can have my own reasons to act a bit strange at some points in my life. Just like some of you.

As He says these words, He looks weirdly at LUK3, but LUK3 seems a bit scared of Him this time, as he hides slowly behind N04H.

[LUK3]-Ehehey! Why are you looking at me like that!? I didn't do anything, I swear!! You can't be mad at me for no reason! You don't have any right to beat my ass!!

But He doesn't say a word though. He looks at him, at the grown man scared like a child of his own ruler, and He doesn't seem to mind that, more like He enjoys it. He gives him something like a smile... but a creepy one, before saying some final words.

[CHE5TER]-Have fun with your training, little N04H.

And then, leaving without saying any other word anymore. LUK3 sure is afraid of the future now, especially knowing what RY4N told him a while ago.

[LUK3]-Ah, shit! He sure will smack me when I'm not expecting later this day! What did I do wrong??

[N04H]-Are you sure that's what He wants to do though?

[LUK3]-Then why did He look at me like that?? Maybe He is mad at me that I let you on that mission?? Ah, dammit N04H... please stay with me for the rest of the day... I want to make sure I'm safe!

In the meantime though, CHE5TER wanders the hallway on his own, greeting the people He meets while doing so, and even C0NNER passed by alone and considered weird the way He acts.

After a few minutes of doing this, He even meets up with MY4 in the end, who seems to be ready to leave towards the shelter. But she didn't notice Him at first, as He came from behind her back. He puts His arms around her shoulders, but she gets a bit surprised at first, as she didn't know who was behind. She then looks behind to see the person's face, only for her to admire CHE5TER's weird... smile.

[MY4]-...CHE5TER? Are you alright?

[CHE5TER]-What makes you think that I'm not fine?

[MY4]-You act a bit too joyful today. Did you find something when you went out yesterday?

[CHE5TER]-You can say that... But don't I have the permission to act lively sometimes anymore?

[MY4]-Of course you have, but I didn't see you smile like that in a long time. I'm just curious, that's all.

Seeing that He wishes to chat with her, she turns around so they can see themselves face to face and be easier to talk.

[CHE5TER]-I assume you are going to the shelter now?

[MY4]-Mhm! I told some people that I will see them in a few minutes. When I come back, we can look at your wounds as well. Maybe I can try a few things and find out what this state of yours is too...

[CHE5TER]-No need, MY4. I don't think I need my medication anymore at this point.

[MY4]-But I have to make sure that it doesn't get worse! You know that! What if that thing isn't healthy for your body? I have to know that you are not in a bad situation, I can't just leave you wander around as you wish with it and find you later unconscious!

[CHE5TER]-Heheh...

He smirks a bit while He hears these words, closing His eyes, yet MY4 doesn't really understand what's in His mind. When He opens His eyes again, slowly, He comes near her and gives her a small kiss on the lips. The kiss is not long, only a few seconds. But she did kiss Him back while He did so, as this is not the first time when they show their love to each other. Yet when it stops, He starts talking to her again.

[CHE5TER]-...I missed you, MY4. More than anything in my life. I'm just sorry I couldn't come back earlier.

[MY4]-You know I missed you too... But you put me more in a worry as I thought that you will never come back...

[CHE5TER]-I know that, and I will make up for this mistake of mine to you in the future. I promise.

[MY4]-I don't want you to make up for your mistakes, CHE5TER. I only want to know that you are alright.

[CHE5TER]-Then I will tell you now and every time you ask me that I'm fine. Is that alright?

[MY4]-It's... not what I meant...

[CHE5TER]-But it's better than nothing, right?

[MY4]-...

She doesn't really respond since she is a bit worried, so of course CHE5TER notices it and starts ensuring her that He will be fine.

[CHE5TER]-...I will be alright, MY4. Everything is going to be alright. This thing of mine shouldn't worry you. It doesn't affect me in any way.

[MY4]-...Then what is... it?

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* I do not know. I swear I do not. But if it gets any worse and it really starts affecting me, then I will call for your help if that's what you wish. I promise.

[MY4]-...Then you will take your medicine if it gets any worse, right? Even a bit?

[CHE5TER]-I will... I give you my word...

...Liar.

She feels a bit better this time though, even if CHE5TER looks a bit uncomfortable talking about this subject. So, to change it, He reminded Himself that He has other business to do now as well. He doesn't want to leave her or anything, but He still hasn't done all of His duties.

[CHE5TER]-Alright... I think it's time for us to part our ways. I don't want to take from your time. People are waiting for you at the shelter after all. But if you wish, we can talk again when you get back.

[MY4]-...And what are you going to do?

[CHE5TER]-There is someone left in my mind that I want to see now. Do not worry about me, please. I will be at the base and stay safe. See you, MY4.

So, CHE5TER leaves towards His destination, while MY4 remains behind, looking at Him moving slowly far away from her. She is glad that He came back in the end, but the worry still didn't stop there.

16:40

RY4N was called out of nowhere in the Great Leader's office, and from past incidents when this happened, most of the times this means that something isn't at its place, that something bad is going to happen, and that he needs to talk about this problem with his brother, to know how to solve it. So of course he is a bit worried while he walks to get there soon. He thinks maybe it's a problem that he needs to bring up in the meeting with the Council, or maybe a personal problem of CHE5TER's.

But he is rather confused when he arrives, as he opens the door and sees CHE5TER staying in His chair, waiting for his arrival, while in front of Him, on the desk, it seems to be a board game, one that they know the best: a similar game to Chess.

[CHE5TER]-So you've finally arrived, RY4N.

[RY4N]-What is... this?

[CHE5TER]-What is what?

[RY4N]-...Why do you seem so relaxed and everything? Every time you call me in your office, you discuss with me about a huge problem.

[CHE5TER]-Oh? I do so? Well then, I guess I had a change of plans... So? Wouldn't you take a seat?

[RY4N]-...The older you get, the more you seem to act just like your old master in my eyes. You called me only to play a game?

[CHE5TER]-I guess you have a part of truth in your words. But I didn't know you will remember my complains about my master calling me in his office only to play around with me and with my mind.

[RY4N]-It's hard to forget something like that when you cried about it almost every minute when I was around you.

[CHE5TER]-If you stood even a second with him, maybe you would've understood. But... since he retired a long time ago, I guess someone has to take from his bad habits in the end to lead this base, don't you think?

RY4N sits on the chair in front of his brother and they start playing that board game while talking. After all, the whole purpose of it is to stay and discuss, not to see who wins it.

[RY4N]-...All of his bad habits?

[CHE5TER]-Hahah... Oh, maybe not all, let's hope... But I think you've already noticed some of them in me for years now.

[RY4N]-Yeah... I did.

[CHE5TER]-But in the end, you also had someone to take an example from, didn't you?

[RY4N]-I did so, you say?

[CHE5TER]-Yes, don't you see? From both of us, only you act the same as Him. But it's obvious you would take an example from our father since you stood the most with Him when we were young.

[RY4N]-Hm... I don't think the same.

[CHE5TER]-Really? Then maybe I should open your eyes as well.

[RY4N]-As well...?

[CHE5TER]-Look at yourself, Brother. You always worry about the most insignificant things that you encounter. You always want to know every position of mine, every thought that I have, every word that I say. You always want to take care of me, until you even end up even annoying me. You act the same as our father. Do you see it now?

[RY4N]-No... I still don't see it.

[CHE5TER]-Oh... What a pity... Maybe you will realise it one day. Maybe not now nor tomorrow, but one day... I thought 10 years ago that He died and He will never come back, but it seems that wasn't really the truth. That part of Him remained in you, even if you don't see it, while I only have a part from the previous Leader of this base.

[RY4N]-So you will call me "Father" instead of "Brother" from now on or what?

[CHE5TER]-Heh... Let's not cross the line now. I only said you act like Him, not that you are Him. But I guess it's normal since you are the Original of our code, while I am the right Error. Technically, you are the oldest brother in this code of ours, while I'm the youngest. And to think that I'm more powerful than you... Weren't you suppose to be the best at fighting?

[RY4N]-Hmph... Laugh at me now, won't you? Just like you were doing when we were kids.

[CHE5TER]-Hahah! That's the point, RY4N! You wanted everything to go back to how it was before I was titled the ruler of this city, and now I'm trying even a bit to get back to those memories! Now you complain about it? Boy, you sure confuse me sometimes.

[RY4N]-Heh... Yeah... But it's not the same anymore.

[CHE5TER]-Hm?

[RY4N]-...No matter how hard we will try, we could never get back to those memories, Ches. It was something else when our father was alive and when you didn't care about responsibilities at all. We were happy then, now we fear the day of tomorrow every night. We didn't even know what this war was about, let alone that we weren't a part of it! It's not the same as it was before anymore.

[CHE5TER]-It will never be the same, RY4N. The past cannot come back once it was written. I cannot bring back the old me like you always wished, as you cannot bring our father back. But that doesn't mean we have to pity ourselves that we lost those beautiful times. It's never impossible to make a better memory than these ones.

[RY4N]-...

They moved a lot of pieces on the board while they were talking. For now, RY4N seems to be in advantage, but CHE5TER doesn't really mind that. It seems that CHE5TER plays with the red pieces, while RY4N with the blue ones. The game is something similar to Chess, but more complicated.

[RY4N]-...So? What will happen now?

[CHE5TER]-What do you wish to happen? We will continue what we've built all these years. We wanted to honour our father, remember?

[RY4N]-And what will happen to those memories? They will simply fade as we forget about them by each day because of the work we have to handle?

[CHE5TER]-They will never fade. They will always be there. We only need to not lose ourselves, not the memories.

[RY4N]-But one of us seems as he already started doing what he said he will never do...

[CHE5TER]-I still didn't lose myself yet. I only grew older.

[RY4N]-But you are not far from it either.

[CHE5TER]-How so?

[RY4N]-When you were titled the Great Leader, you got lost in your thoughts every night because of our father's death, but you were still you. We were still by each other's side like nothing happened, we even made that group of ours when LUK3 and MY4 joined since you were talking to her so much, and ended up making ourselves some friends after a long time. But now... you barely want to stay with us, CHE5TER. You are always away from us, working on whatever you do there alone. You don't talk to us that much as you used to do. And only since that incident of yours.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* RY4N... I know that it changed me and everything, but it doesn't help that you bring it in our conversations almost every time. Let me forget about it even for a day. It was only that time, who says it will happen again?

[RY4N]-I can't expect your movements at this point anymore, that's why I'm always worried. But... alright. I won't bring it all the time in our discussions anymore.

[CHE5TER]-Very well.

RY4N seems to move another piece on the board, being a bit confident as it took an important piece out, not the one similar to the Queen, but something that is commonly used in the offensive: the "Suicider".

It is actually a very strange piece this one, since its rules are to get taken three times in a row which will later on make it get the role of a taken piece, yet if it is taken by the piece that is similar to the Queen, the "General", it won't come back ever again on the board. Unlike Chess, this is the only piece that can change its role, where in Chess you need a Pawn to do so, having eight of them. So if you lose it throughout the game, you won't have any other chance of getting back an important piece that has been taken anymore.

What is even stranger about it is that one of its rules says that it also obligates whatever piece is technically able to take it to do this action, no matter what the opponents move was at first. It is why it has this weird name. It is an obligatory move to take it if you found a piece of yours being able to, making it be put on its initial position from the start of the game and getting taken then two more times to do its full role. Yet only the "General" piece is able to actually get it out of the board as said. But again, CHE5TER doesn't care. He actually expected this move of his.

[RY4N]-Can I ask you something?

[CHE5TER]-What is it?

[RY4N]-Why are you so relaxed today all of a sudden? We didn't play a game since your training got harder with your master.

[CHE5TER]-Heh... Why do you think I'm so relaxed then?

[RY4N]-Because... you know something that I don't?

[CHE5TER]-Mm... You are not far from the truth.

[RY4N]-Then what is it?

[CHE5TER]-It's more because... I have a new plan.

Yet with that, CHE5TER moves a small piece and confuses RY4N in a second. He also makes a move because it's his turn now, but doesn't really understand what his brother intends to do on the board.

[RY4N]-...And what's that?

[CHE5TER]-How can I explain it... You know that the only way of ending this war is to get the ruler of a side down, right?

[RY4N]-Yes...?

[CHE5TER]-But from what history taught us, whenever a ruler dies, there is always someone who takes the role for the fallen one. Even in our case, when our father died, I took His title and ruled over the city.

[RY4N]-And where do you want to go with this?

[CHE5TER]-Well... Then I thought... if there is always a successor of the current ruler in both of the sides... what will happen if the successor doesn't take the role anymore?

So, CHE5TER moves another piece, taking the one called "General" from the board, piece similar to the Queen as said. RY4N gets in shock when he sees his piece taken down, as he didn't expect that move before.

[CHE5TER]-By taking the successor out of the board, it is no use to say that there will be someone that would take the role instead of him, especially in the M soldiers case believing that they can only have one descendant and nobody can take that place without waiting at least five years after the new ruler is being chosen. Then, we attack the ruler himself, making sure he doesn't survive in the end and making sure nobody plots anything about replacing the current descendant. So... if there is no successor and the ruler is taken down...

CHE5TER makes another move, defeating RY4N, as He took the piece similar to the King, the "Leader", and taking it in His right hand while looking at His brother.

[CHE5TER]-...Then you could say that it's game over. You've won the war.

And as He says these words, He breaks the piece in His hand, looking at RY4N, but RY4N was still looking at the board, trying to understand how he lost.

[CHE5TER]-And once the game is over... he would never torture us again.

But once he looked at his brother, the confusion of the game didn't matter anymore. He saw that wild part of CHE5TER again, but it was silent this time. All He was doing was to give a creepy smile, looking down at the ground, almost impossible to see something in His eyes, knowing damn well what was about to come, and leaving RY4N concerned once more.

17:23

They both seem to have left the office, this time, together. RY4N still has a lot of questions, but now it doesn't really seem to be the right moment though.

[RY4N]-Are you coming back to the Council then?

[CHE5TER]-No. Not yet.

[RY4N]-But they are still causing a mess at every meeting without the Great Leader there.

[CHE5TER]-So? My role there is to solve problems that affect our city, not to help full grown adults to understand each other. I didn't want to come back at our base this early either, remember? But at least here, if something happens, everyone knows me already. I cannot risk to go at the Council and have a sudden problem without putting them in worry or even reveal my true identity.

[RY4N]-Yeah, but... to be honest... you kind of passed this burden to me.

[CHE5TER]-Oh? So that's the problem here? Don't you want to learn to be a Leader, RY4N? Take this incident as a practice.

[RY4N]-So you still want to make me the Leader of this base in the end?

[CHE5TER]-Weren't YOU the one who begged me of a way to help me? I told you that I will title you the Leader here when you are ready, so you can take a small burden of mine. Now you don't want that to happen anymore?

[RY4N]-I just asked, Ches! Don't be like this!

[CHE5TER]-Oh, dear M1NERV4...

RY4N laughs a bit silently, but CHE5TER remains serious as always. It's bit of a silence between them, before CHE5TER starts talking once more.

[CHE5TER]-RY4N, I have to go somewhere now. We will discuss further when I get back.

But from the happiness he had, RY4N now looks a bit rather sad as he hears his sibling's words.

[RY4N]-...Are you leaving us again?

[CHE5TER]-You know that I'm not leaving forever. It's just my duty as the ruler of this city. I cannot stay in one place forever.

[RY4N]-Even so...

[CHE5TER]-Stop worrying about me, RY4N. You don't have to take care of me, that's not the legacy that our father gave to you. We are meant to work together, that's what He wished, not to think only about the other one. You have to start thinking about yourself too.

[RY4N]-I know, but--

[CHE5TER]- --Just listen to me, Brother. I can take care of myself no matter how bad I'm doing. And I promised you many times that I will forever come back. I was doing this when we were kids as well, don't you remember?

[RY4N]-But back then you were taking me with you whenever I've asked you.

[CHE5TER]-That's because back then we were only wandering around the city, nothing more. Now it's more complicated than that and I cannot take you with me. Heck, you weren't even catching up back then when it was so simple, what makes you think you can catch up now?

[RY4N]-Maybe because you were moving too fast for me. I've never trained back then, remember? You were the one training every single day. Of course I wasn't catching up with you.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh*...I told you that I will take you one day with me when it isn't something that complicated.

[RY4N]-And when will it be that day...?

[CHE5TER]-I don't... know. Let's hope it isn't far from us. For now, it will be the same as it was before I left.

[RY4N]-So I guess I will be left to the base with the others while you go and waste your time with your stupidity. Wake yourself up and embrace reality, Brother. You know already that running away from your responsibilities will only make me punish you one day as I did back then. Little rascal...

CHE5TER gives him a small look in the eyes, before He kicks his head with His left hand. RY4N was sure a bit surprised and confused as He did so, but as he looks at Him back, CHE5TER is only giving him a small smile, as if He was laughing. Of course it is a thing from their past, RY4N used to do this to Him every time He was doing something stupid. Now, maybe He considered his words stupid and took the opportunity to take a small revenge on His brother. He believes in Karma after all, revenge is His lovely hobby.

[CHE5TER]-I will see you later, RY4N.

But then, He only takes His leave, without saying another word, letting RY4N behind, alone. And so, He leaves the base, going towards His next destination which seems to be... the crevaators' area? Or at least He tries to, as He gets interrupted by one of the crevaators nearby, as it has attracted His attention. The crevaator seems to be trying to get more supplies, but he isn't the only one, as it seems that there are even more of his kind around the area. Some wear their insignia, some don't. And it's even harder for them since the Great Leader is always dressing the same as them only to hide in this city, without an insignia, to get distinguished from the true crevaators.

One crevaator comes to Him, which seems to be one of those who don't like this insignia of theirs, as he thought that He is one of them as well. So, he starts speaking to Him.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Hey! Kemjahmtse vath zevhtsai! Manayihtsai ceht la na xohnai! (TR: Hey! I bought what we needed! Let's get back to the rest/group!)

[CHE5TER]-Oh? What did you say, crevaator? I couldn't understand.

But then, the crevaator gets terrified as he recognises His voice and face. He even tries to run away, but CHE5TER gets him by a hand before he can do anything.

[CHE5TER]-Why do you try to run, little one? I only asked a question.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-I-I'm sorry, M-Master CHE5TER! I-I promise to you that I won't come back in the city ever again!

[CHE5TER]-Why so terrified? Answer to my question.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry! W-We only bought some ores and materials to build more places to stay for the crevaators that came down! I-I only mistook you with someone from my group!

[CHE5TER]-And did you pay for them?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Y-Yes! Yes! We paid for them! All of them!

[CHE5TER]-Good. Now... I would like to know what happened in this last month around my city if you do not mind. I was about to visit your leader for this information, but since you are here, I don't think I need to bring another corpse this time.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-B-B... B-But you have to pay for the information like we all have to pay the merchants! W-Wasn't that your word in the first place??

CHE5TER takes from His pockets a bag which seems to be full of money, probably a part of them which He wanted to use. He hands them over, pushing him on the chest with the bag, as the crevaator puts the hand on it.

[CHE5TER]-Here is your payment. Don't waste it in one place. Now, tell me what I asked for.

The crevaator isn't so sure of what to do though, but he is afraid of this man, and at least He paid him with something.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-I-I... *sigh*...A-Alright, alright. Mr. XANTH3 has decreased the production of Novha by 30% and increased the production of Verha by 10% because of the use needed around the Verha currency for the Council. Mr. N3MES1O has caught around 2.300 people trying to have deals with the ones from the above and even shut down the public entrances to the City of Above. Now they are all guarded and nobody has access to them, only the secret ones made for the Council are accessible with the approval of the Great Leader. His decision, probably... Mr. EM3RY is currently testing a new weapon which a designer has made. It is said that it will be available to the Council in the next few months, only with the approval of the Great Leader, of course. The barmen plot a riot because of the low wages from XANTH3's decision of lower production of the money, as well as the other merchants that are affected heavily. The population of the city now has increased, from 2.450.793 to around more than 2.457.000, without putting the new crevaators who moved here, and Mr. M1SH4M is still trying to save more people from the above, as well as bringing more from the newborns from the central building in the City of Above here, a reason of the increased population.

[CHE5TER]-Anything else?

He stands a bit to think of something, but he doesn't really want to tell Him the last thing. He is afraid after all, but manages to tell Him in the end.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-...A-And two of your people from the base has caught one of the crevaators and found out that you work with us.

CHE5TER stands a bit to take a deep breath. He isn't so happy about this information, but it had to happen at some point, right?

[CHE5TER]-...And who were these two people?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-The vewfhroorav girl and the golden boy.

[CHE5TER]-Officer KYR4 and Soldier LUCAS?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Yes. They were the ones.

[CHE5TER]-And how did they find out?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-DA4VAHNDAR, the crevaator who got caught, told them everything.

[CHE5TER]-And what happened to our deal of not telling my people anything of what I'm doing around this city?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-H-He told us that the girl threatened him by telling that she will kill him as she took him in the City of Above and made him hang above the city, while the gas was affecting his immunity. O-Out of fear, he answered her questions.

[CHE5TER]-And what did he tell them?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-The case of the Verha currency from months ago, the deny of the crevaators in the Underground City, the payment provided to us, how you got in touch with us in the first place and what was the last information you asked for when you came to our leader.

[CHE5TER]-So pretty much everything that I wanted you to keep it a secret?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Y-Yes, Master CHE5TER!

He looked at him deadly in his eyes, a bit pissed off. Of course He is mad, why wouldn't He be?

[CHE5TER]-...And does he know that there are consequences when you disobey to my words and break promises? Or are you not aware of that either since you are here?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-W-We all know the consequences, Master! He only acted out of fear! P-Please, forgive us for our mistakes! We will make sure it will never happen again!

[CHE5TER]-Then be sure to not break this promise as well, RA4V'SZEFNAGH. None of us wants to know what happens if you break it again, right?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Y-Yes, Master CHE5TER!

[CHE5TER]-Good. So? Won't you leave my sight now? 'Cause I'm starting to get disgusted by your face, little crevaator.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-S-Sorry, Master!

But before He leaves him alone, it seems that the Great Leader got a bit irritated by a word, as He talks to him once more.

[CHE5TER]-Oh, and one more thing...

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Y-Yes?

[CHE5TER]-I want to correct that mistake in your words... I do not work with you. You work for me.

The Underground City

18:42

CHE5TER seems to be watching His beloved city from one of the buildings, standing alone. But He doesn't seem that cheerful as He was earlier anymore. Not because of the news, not because of the conversation with His brother. It's like He pretended to be happy, but... it was no pretending. It was real. It's just that... in the end, He will always remember what He has become.

Look at you, Young Ruler. You can't even be happy without worrying everyone that something happened. You think you can save them? You even lie to yourself, let alone that you lie to them too. Are you proud of what you are?

So, He takes a cigarette and His lighter out to calm down for a while. He also takes a deep breath, before starting smoking from His cigarette, as He continues to watch over the city. But as He does so, He looks a bit at His right arm, His now corrupted hand that was once paralysed, moving a bit its fingers, or it as a whole, before closing His eyes and starting His rest.

"My name... is CHE5TER LENKOV, a descendant of the previous Great Leader, M4TTH3W LENKOV. Or as people know me of... the successor of this title. I am an Error of a code that was separated into three beings, three parts of a single soul. I am the youngest among my brothers by code as I am the right Error, yet even with this fact, I am a true warrior, one that doesn't plan on giving up any sooner. I've shown my worth in the past and I am not afraid to do it again. After all, my title defines my power too till this day.

But a title is nothing more than a bunch of letters. Why is that? Because different people call me different titles. To the strangers that meet me or either manage to work for me at some point, I am Seven Two. To the people from the Southeast Military Base, I am their Leader. To the people of the Council, I am the ruler of this city. But to the people that truly know me... I'm nothing more than a simple being, just like all the others in this world. A brother, a son, a soulmate, a friend, a disciple... and even a master.

A title doesn't represent me, nor does the words of a simple rumour. But the title that you have makes you be seen different by the people of these lands. Doesn't matter who you are or what you are doing. You can be a merciless killer or even a coward. As long as you own a title, people will always see you as a powerful being. But what about our names? What about those names that are given to us, names that truly represent us? Because to them... CHE5TER LENKOV is nothing more but a fallen child of the past.

...Isn't it funny? This whole city thinks that I've died many years ago, that I couldn't be saved and that I could never come back. It's a rumour, a lie... which was made up by me. But do I care if they honour someone that can't help them anymore instead of honouring the one who truly fights for this city's safety? Giving his own life only to know that everyone here won't get murdered horribly? ...No. Because in the end, the one they honour is the one who left me this title after His death... my father.

And even so, why would I care? I never wanted this title anyway, let alone the attention given to me because of it. Did I get it because of something that has happened? Yeah, pretty much. In the end, it was more of an obligation for me to take it from a young age, since RY4N couldn't take it back then nor he can take it now. And it's even funnier to know that he was the best option for the title. But it's true that... I was already in training in those times, while RY4N never even dared to give it a try when he was a child. So technically, it was my fault, wasn't it? But maybe it's better this way. Who knows if he could've handle this on his own?

Yet our... father... was truly someone that this city needed. It's a pity that He had to die so early and even... strange. He didn't suffer of any illness, and as much I knew He was also pretty young. I remember the moment He died, He was around 45 to 50, though I can't tell for sure. I wasn't sure at that point either as He never actually told me His age since I was never curious. So how exactly He died? I'm... still not aware of the truth.

Everyone that knows He is dead thinks that He died executed by the M soldiers, even by the General himself. But my master told me that it isn't the actual truth. In the end, I'm the only one left in this city who knows this information. I didn't dare to tell my brother about this even till this day, but I still put the blame on the soldiers for putting Him into a public execution, even if He died before it.

He was... better than me. He protected this city for years while I always just enjoyed to explore and find new things every day. When I became the ruler, the whole city started to have problems after problems. Maybe because I was so young when it happened, but that's still not an excuse for me to be such a failure, is it?

"Yet how does it feel to rule this city?" I get that answer from my soldiers pretty often and I admire their curiosity. But my answer is still the same. It feels... interesting. I sure have different ways than the previous Great Leader which probably creates these constant problems, but everyone has their own ways, am I not right? Even if it's a bit... cruel. But the M borns of the above wished for this... They wished for all of this.

They fear us as monsters because of the race we are born? Demons that belong in the flames of the Hell Itself? If they fear us so much, then put the whole fear in their eyes on me. They want a monster? I can give them a true monster so they have a reason to fear me. I can kill each and every person that helps that miserable man from the above. I can torture everyone just as he does with my people. Maybe this way he will see what mistake he has done and surrender right in front of me, kneeling on the ground, as the red cold river flows underneath his feet. Maybe this way... he will realise that he had lost even before the battle had started.

Do you hear that, General C4E5AR? You gave birth to this monster called Seven Two! Fear me, General!"

"...Fear me as you never did in your whole life!"