12.07.1642

The Council of the Underground City

23:15

It's been a while since we found ourselves in the room of the meetings made by the Council. But it's obvious we might need to assist some of the meetings because of all the changes that were made ever since the Great Leader disappeared and didn't come to the Council at all. And because of His absence, of course, everything is resulted in chaos.

[M4EK0]-I will ask you again, Mr. EM3RY, why do you wish to even argue with me on this subject?

[EM3RY]-Maybe because you are an irresponsible Leader, that's why. I'm sick of forever hearing your complains about everyone, ALLINA.

[M4EK0]-Oh, yeah!? Then maybe I'm sick of forever having to deal with your people's bullshit just because you cannot lead everyone right and let them do whatever they want! If you have the audacity to tell me right into my face that you are better than me, then I suggest you look in a mirror!

[R4YMOND]-OSKAR, we all know about how your people are just lazing around because of the little interest you give in the military. Of course ALLINA and I are doubtful about your words.

[EM3RY]-Oh, but of course you decide to stay by her side, MAXWELL! 'Cause you are so afraid that she might cancel the collaboration between your base and hers and you might get our whole city discovered just because you cannot work on your own without the information that she provides you!

[M1SH4M]-And what if he stands by her side? If anything, I'm starting to get mad about all these meetings myself just because none of you cannot stop complaining about any kind of thing you guys find! Can't you just end this nonsense once and for all!?

[XANTH3]-I do not think that you have any right to speak, EWAN. You like complaining about things that I do as well, so do not make it look like you are any better than them.

[N3MES1O]-Yet you complain as well, Mr. XANTH3. If anything, M1SH4M has his rights to get mad about these meetings too. And I believe it is the first time I see him this angry, so maybe you should start thinking about what's happening and stop the argument. If you really managed to make the most calm person in this room mad, then you should reevaluate your behaviour.

[XANTH3]-Oh, look who has decided to speak against me. Now, now, MARVIN, I do not believe that you have the authority to tell me what to do. From all of us, you are the newest to these meetings, so I suggest that you keep your mouth shut and let the true Leaders speak.

[N3MES1O]-You do realise that titles are earned somehow and that people of the city, including you, voted for me to be a Leader, right? So what if I'm the youngest one from this room besides the Great Leader's son? I fought for this title of mine just like all the other people here. If anything, you only make yourself seem like an idiot if you really start complaining about this subject. So do your clan a favour and start thinking straight. I begin to feel pity for the previous Clan Leader since she had to endure such a shameful successor like you.

[XANTH3]-Oh, you little...

[RY4N]-Okay, enough already! Arguing all day won't get us anywhere!

[EM3RY]-Oh, look. The son finally decided to speak.

[M1SH4M]-OSKAR!

[EM3RY]-Don't you dare shout at me, EWAN. I do not care that you are the oldest from this room at all. You are not our parent, which means that you cannot boss around with us.

[M1SH4M]-Just because I am not one, doesn't mean you have to be disrespectful to any of us! Especially to the Great Leader's descendant!

And it sure is chaos... As we saw before, when the Great Leader is present to the meetings, everyone seems more respectful to each other and do not say such cruel things to anybody. But when He isn't... it is just like a battle ground. But instead of blood and weapons, the whole fight is with words and arguments. And this time, it seems like KYR4, one of the Officers from the room and one that does not technically have any right to speak, loses her cool and joins the fight.

[KYR4]-...Can't you just stop arguing for one goddamn second!?? For the sake of this city, you all should stop acting like kids at each meeting and start co-operating! You are adults in all nature, yet every time I come to this meeting to assist my Leader, you cannot help but give me a headache!! So what if the Great Leader isn't present!? Do we really need to make more problems than solve the existing ones!?

[XANTH3]-Oh? The Officer dares to speak? ADIN4, if anything, you shouldn't really join our fights. Take it as an advice from someone that used to know you.

[KYR4]-Oh, don't you dare, Mr. XANTH3! I know very well that I have no authority to speak in this room, but the more I stay here, the more you guys drive me insane! I do not care about your empty words, nor that you used to know me! I dare to say that even your son behaves more properly than you, and he annoys me every second of his life!

[XANTH3]-...

But, she calms herself down in the end, letting her "Leader" speak so he can calm everyone else down too.

[RY4N]-*sigh* Look, everyone... I know that the Great Leader isn't present and each time He doesn't come, everything ends up in arguments. But please! We are here to help the city, not destroy it! With or without the Great Leader, we should do our work properly, not make new problems.

[R4YMOND]-If I may, Master RY4N, may I ask when does your father return? It's been three months already ever since you've announced us that He isn't coming to the next meetings.

[EM3RY]-Yeah, and what's with all the secrets about His breaks? We do have the permission to know what's happening around the LENKOV family after all. We are His Leaders, so we must know what's this all about.

[RY4N]-I told you all already, I'm afraid that I cannot tell you anything about what's happening. This is the Great Leader's command, and I have to follow it. If anything, He will tell you all when He comes back.

[N3MES1O]-Are the breaks any related to the incident from ten years ago? I mean, maybe that shouldn't really be a secret. We all know about what happened in the ruler's family, even I, who wasn't a part of the Council back then.

[RY4N]-I... guess they are a bit. But again, I do not have the permission to speak about them.

[M4EK0]-Look, I get the whole sadness for that child's death and all, but I told you before, RY4N. And this should count for the Great Leader as well. Little CHE5TER's death shouldn't affect our meetings, nor our behaviour. I understand that he was His son and that he was your brother, and I understand that maybe it is still an unpleasant memory since he was a part of the LENKOV family, but we have to focus on the city's protection from now on. The Great Leader should not take breaks whenever He pleases just because He wants to get over that whole incident. We all have responsibilities to take care of, and that shouldn't exclude Him either.

[M1SH4M]-*sigh* And again, you reminded me how cold-hearted you can be sometimes, ALLINA. Little CHE5TER was very close to the family if you do not remember it, and we too got close to him when Master M4TTH3W started to bring His sons to the meetings. What would you do if he was your son? You know very well that the loss affected us all for a while too, knowing damn well how close we were to this family.

[M4EK0]-I do understand that, but it's been ten years, Mr. M1SH4M. We have to get over the incident and move on. We cannot bring him back no matter what we do anyway.

Of course RY4N knows the truth, yet he cannot help but feel a bit bad every time he has to lie about this whole incident. But it doesn't take long before someone from the room raises his hand to show that he wants to speak, someone that never spoke ever since we were present to these meetings at all: the EZR4H Clan Leader. So, when everyone notices him, they all look at him in silence, before RY4N finally gives him the permission to speak.

[RY4N]-Oh, yes, Mr. EZR4H?

But to our surprise, he does not speak, instead, he starts making weird moves with his hands. He starts speaking in Sign Language. So of course, none of the Leaders understand what he is saying, but his assistant, the only Non-Leader being in this room that is allowed to speak, starts explaining.

[S4DA5HI]-Mr. EZR4H wants to point out that we have a small problem that we wanted to discuss today at the meeting, but since the whole argument between the Leaders started, we didn't have the chance to talk about it. Can we talk about it now?

So when the assistant finishes her words, he nods affirmatively, so that everyone knows that what she said is true. Mr. EZR4H was born mute, and because of this disorder, he wasn't able to speak at any meeting in the past and only assisted everything. His assistant is the one that helps him speak after all, since she is a Healer as well. Even with this disorder though, he proved himself being worth leading his clan in the past, a reason why he is the Leader for some years now. If it was for him to have a different disorder like blindness or deafness, he would have not been able to rule over the clan since it was hard for him to be understood by everyone, as well as all the needed help he should've had and constant problems.

[RY4N]-What is it then?

He makes some movements again until the assistant understand them all and starts speaking again. But it's not much from what he shows, yet she makes it even longer than it should be.

[S4DA5HI]-Well, as you all already know, the EZR4H Clan has stopped the missions outside both of the cities' area after Master RY4N informed us about the problem with the demons from the outside. But because of such a problem, the city will begin to have some difficulties with all the supplies of ores we have left. Since most of the supplies arrive in the military's arms, some of the industries that need ores from the outside have started to report all kinds of problems since we do not have enough things to give them anymore. We are trying our best to do rations for the whole city so that we will have enough supplies to guarantee our survival for the next months or few years until the problem with the demons is solved, but we cannot stay without them for a very long time. After all, the Healers like myself need the ores in order to treat people from the shelters or the wounded soldiers. What do you advice we should do in order to get our hands on some more ores from the outside? It's been a month since this information was given to us after all, and we did as you and the Great Leader suggested.

But seems like RY4N isn't really sure of what to do. Since technically the Great Leader is the one that should give orders, he isn't so used to give advices to the Leaders. While the Great Leader was absent, he was only trying to make peace with everyone so that they can solve every problem of theirs themselves. Yet this is a problem that needs help for sure. But the Leaders sure do like to speak.

[R4YMOND]-*sigh* To be honest, I am curious of why these creatures have returned anyway. Didn't the M soldiers manage to get rid of them in the past and they didn't come back ever since that day?

[N3MES1O]-What's up with them anyway? Why are their instincts telling them to kill us all?

[S4DA5HI]-If we knew, believe us, we would've told you all. But we only ran away from them during the missions since they can cut in flesh without the need of the Ynash'saveghtah Gas. We did not have any opportunities to study them in more details to find out what's happening with these creatures. We don't even know where they came from in the first place...

[XANTH3]-It is not the problem of where did they come from, S4DA5HI. Documents from the XANTH3 Clan say about their existence even before the birth of the clan. Do remember that the Great Walls were in development even before the war from 250 years ago started. Maybe they are just creatures of the lands, just like us. Maybe it's simply a different machine that creates them somewhere.

[N3MES1O]-But that still doesn't excuse their behaviour. If anything, it makes it even more strange to us.

[M1SH4M]-*sigh* They sure are a pain for all of us. I do know that the C borns can make almost everything with the help of their powers, but making ores as well is a bit difficult for them. And as an R born myself, I can say for sure that the lack of ores will be a huge issue for the entire city, no matter the powers of the C borns.

[M4EK0]-Maybe we can start to create some smaller caves near the crevaators' area? If anything, maybe we can find some ores this way, even if they won't be enough.

[N3MES1O]-I don't think that the crevaators will let us do such a thing in the west area of the city at all. I mean, they believe it is their area, so we technically don't have access to it. Not even by laws can I make them help us unfortunately. I'm afraid that if we disturb that clan, we might cause even more problems to the city.

[XANTH3]-Maybe some new equipment from the Central Base might help. I mean, if we find a solution to the demons and their harmful behaviour to the normal beings, then we won't need to fear them anymore.

[EM3RY]-Easy to say, XANTH3. We've tried many times in the past to find an armour that might protect us from them, but without knowing the cause behind their powers, we didn't succeed in doing so. YANIS begged us a lot to find such equipment as well, but we simply don't have enough knowledge to do so. It's even pitiful to think how many times he asked us about this idea of his actually.

[S4DA5HI]-Of course we would ask you to make us a better equipment, Mr. EM3RY! Isn't it obvious that we depend on your people when we go out in our missions!? How can you even say something like that??

Seems like the assistant got a bit mad from the way the Central Base Leader said his words, so EZR4H simply pushes her a bit with his elbow for her to stop, yet she seems a bit confused from what he did.

[S4DA5HI]-What!? Am I not right though!?

With her response, it seems like the Clan Leader rolls his eyes and sighs, starting to make some signs again. This time though, his sign is simple, rotating his right arm on his chest clockwise, indicating that he is sorry for her behaviour. But looks like this sign is known by the Leaders, since it does seem as it is not the first time he uses it.

[M1SH4M]-It's alright, YANIS. OSKAR has his fault as well here. We all depend on his equipment after all. One wrongly made armour or weapon can cost us a lot during a mission, so I do understand why your assistant is a bit angry at him.

[EM3RY]-Hmph.

[M4EK0]-*sigh* Then what do you guys suggest to do? Do we have any better options? I remember that it took a long time for the M soldiers to get rid of these creatures. We cannot lack these ores for such a long time.

[R4YMOND]-Maybe if we take the ores from the insignificant industries and keep it only for the shelters? I mean, do we really need to still provide the bars with our supplies?

[N3MES1O]-I'm afraid that we cannot do that, MAXWELL. A lot of people work on this industry alone, not to mention that this city does focus mostly on the trades around the bars. I mean, it's the city's theme, isn't it? Simply taking it will only mean people starting to beg the shelters to have some space for them too, and the shelters already have too many people. Do we really need to have homeless people from now on? We are trying to help the citizens, not make their lives worse.

And so, seems like peace somehow made its way into this room, even if people are still not respectful as they should be and maybe complain or get angry at some point too. But they are the Council, they are here to help the city. If a problem is being brought into this room, they should find a solution to it no matter what it takes.

The Southeast Military Base

25:03

Seems like RY4N got back from the meeting now, alongside KYR4. They don't look to have the same destination though, as KYR4 is going on her own road, while RY4N goes towards the Great Leader's office. And when he opens the door, he finds his brother still stuck on that letter, having around two books open in front of Him, while He tries to give light to the letter with a lighter.

[RY4N]-So that's what you've been doing while I was gone to the Council, huh?

[CHE5TER]-Greetings to you too, RY4N. I mean, I told you that I will look around the letter in the meantime anyway. Why such a scene all of a sudden?

[RY4N]-Alright, alright. Take a pause from it though. We have a small problem to discuss about.

CHE5TER looks a bit at His brother, then puts the lighter and the letter on His desk, standing in a more formal way than He was before and starts speaking.

[CHE5TER]-Alright then. Speak up.

[RY4N]-Well... you do remember when you told me to inform the EZR4H Clan about the situation with the creatures from the outside, right?

[CHE5TER]-Right...

[RY4N]-Well, it seems like the situation with the supplies from our city is getting worse for us and the EZR4H Clan asked us all for an advice on what to do today at the meeting.

[CHE5TER]-Oh? So Mr. EZR4H finally brought an issue during the meeting? It has been a while since the last time this clan has spoken to the Council about a problem that they've encountered rather than simply contacting one of us in particular and solve it outside the room. It sure is a problem then...

[RY4N]-What do you suggest they should do? The Council threw some ideas here and there, but we still didn't decide what to do regarding this problem. Since you are the Great Leader and you make all the decisions around the city, they asked me if I could get an answer from you too. At least for them to form an idea of what to do in case not even you can find a solution.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* To be honest, RY4N, I don't know myself. The demons from the outside are a threat to all of us, no matter the equipment we use. The Central Base still didn't manage to find a solution either, and all we can do for now is to simply stay away from them as much as we can. But... since all the supplies of the city come from the outside, it will be hard for us to simply solve something like this. All we can do is probably send the EZR4H Clan in some missions during the day and only in the caves that they know the best to not be populated by these creatures. But even so... knowing they come back every night, not even that could be a good option. Who knows where they are hiding during the day...

[RY4N]-So still nothing in the end, huh...

[CHE5TER]-Something like that. But it's normal since we know very little information about why they behave like this, or even what exactly they are. If anything, maybe the M soldiers will find more about them during these times.

[RY4N]-Maybe...

RY4N makes a small pause and looks at his brother, who still stands in front of him waiting for another word, probably.

[RY4N]-Say... did you manage to find anything new, or it's the same story again?

[CHE5TER]-What do you think?

[RY4N]-I don't know, maybe you got luckier while I was at the meeting. Just saying.

[CHE5TER]-In my dreams... I didn't find anything at all. I read the same book over and over again trying to translate every colour it has and it simply doesn't make sense at all. I do not believe at this point that colour reading is what we need...

[RY4N]-Do you have a better idea?

[CHE5TER]-Other than simply looking through the letter a thousand times in hope that I will understand or find another hidden message, not really. I actually didn't know that our father used to like to create puzzles. Seems like we didn't know Him that well in the end... Maybe Him and Leader LUCIA knew each other for good?

[RY4N]-I don't think so... Leader LUCIA has some years after all, and He was pretty young. If anything, we are closer to His age than her.

[CHE5TER]-Still, He was the Great Leader, wasn't He? Both of them were important to this city of ours, so maybe they got to talk a lot after she gave her role further.

[RY4N]-Who knows at this point...

[CHE5TER]-Heh... If you think about it, I wasn't so productive in the past few days, was I? Who knew a simple paper could take me to have the rest you asked me all this time to respect?

[RY4N]-It's still a bit unusual for you though, but I guess it's better than nothing.

[CHE5TER]-Hahah... I wonder... What does He think about us now? Over there, in Heaven?

[RY4N]-Maybe He is laughing at how stupid we are to not solve a simple puzzle. Maybe it's simpler than we think and we might just look like a bunch of idiots in His eyes now.

[CHE5TER]-That would sound more like my master than our father, but maybe... So I guess all I can question now is... what could possibly be there for us in the future.

40:18

Now it seems like LUK3 decided to train N04H again after the sleep schedule of the day for a bit, putting the recruit to fight him while he simply stands and defends himself, until at least he leaves for his mission. Meanwhile, it looks like KYR4 has just entered the room looking for LUK3.

[KYR4]-LUK3!

[LUK3]-Wait a bit, KYR4444!

[KYR4]-The fuck do you mean "wait a b--

[LUK3]- --Soo, N04H, how about you punch faster? You know, lik--

[KYR4]- --Come on, LUK3! We have to go! CHE5TER is going to show us what we need to do soon, god dammit!

[LUK3]-JUST WAIT A MINUTE!!

[KYR4]-Oh, dear M1NERV4...

[N04H]-Faster?

[LUK3]-Yeah!! I mean, maybe strength isn't really your advantage, so you can focus on your speed and energy! It's worth a try, right?

[N04H]-So in other words, you want to tell me that I'm weak, huh?

[KYR4]-Yeah, he got you, LUK3.

[LUK3]-Oh, shut up! I was just giving an advice!

[N04H]-Well I can try and all, but I don't think I'm that fast. Can I take a pause though? I didn't have a break for quite a while now.

[LUK3]-Oh, right! Right! Take a pause! I will have to go anyway, so you can continue your training without me!

[N04H]-Alright. See you, LUK3.

[LUK3]-See ya~!

N04H stops his training in the end and goes to one of the walls to stay down and relax for some minutes. Yet LUK3 remains with KYR4 to talk and probably get ready to leave, as they go towards the door.

[LUK3]-Alright! So! KYR4! After the mission of today is done and all, can we go out in the city?

[KYR4]-Again? Didn't we go this morning already?

[LUK3]-No, no, only the two of us!

[KYR4]-*sigh* Why do you wish take me alone so often... Do you want us to terrorise another crevaator or what?

[LUK3]-I mean, we could try... But I was thinking rather that I want to buy some things too! And don't worry! I got money this time!

[KYR4]-Mhm... And what do you want to buy exactly? And why do you wish me to come?

[LUK3]-Well, I mean, you are still going to your apartment anyway, so I thought that I could accompany you and maybe buy something until we arrive! I need some new clothes and all... Some got a bit destroyed a few days ago and most that I used during the missions are always getting torn apart! You know that!

[KYR4]-Why don't you want to go with MY4 though?

[LUK3]-Well... when we get over with the mission and all, it will be very late. So MY4 will probably be already sleeping at the base! Come ooon! You saw that I can behave properly!!

[KYR4]-As long as you don't do anything stupid or put me to pay for everything... I don't really care then. Do what you want. I don't want to get mad today anyway. I already had problems at the Council.

[LUK3]-Hm? What do you mean by that?

[KYR4]-Oh, nothing, I just started shouting at everyone after they got on my nerves. I even argued a bit with Mr. XANTH3 too.

[LUK3]-Are the meetings getting this bad?

[KYR4]-Seems like it... I mean, CHE5TER refuses to come back as the Great Leader for whatever reason, so it's complete chaos without Him present. RY4N doesn't even have the heart to shout at the people there, and so nobody is able to make peace in that room. I simply got mad and tried it myself in the end, even though technically as a simple Officer, I have no rights to speak with my Leader present. I'm just there to assist him. If anything, maybe I could give this responsibility to a different Officer from the base...

[LUK3]-Didn't you fight a lot to get it though? Why do you wish to give up now?

[KYR4]-Just that it's the same story over and over again in that room and my title simply serves as nothing. I mean, I still remain an Officer in the base and all, just that I got sick of forever hearing everyone's complains from that room.

[LUK3]-Aha... Do you think I have time to buy a small drink before the mission starts though?

[KYR4]-But you bought one in the morning already, idiot!

[LUK3]-So what? I wanna have enough energy for the night!

[KYR4]-Or maybe you just want to fall asleep more easily... Just saying. But if anything, take advantage of your stupidness while you can. The bars will remain without drinks to serve you soon.

[LUK3]-EHHH???

And now, it does seem as they finally managed to meet up with the rest of the group while everyone is getting ready for the next mission, but this time, it does seem like nobody is actually aware of what the mission is about. In the end, they all wait for the Great Leader and the "Leader" to come to all of them and explain the tasks.

[ELL1OT]-Master CHE5TER! Master RY4N!

[ER1C]-What's the mission of today? The east area of the City of Above? Something with their documents?

[CHE5TER]-Mm... A bit different.

[IZA4K]-How different exactly are we talking about? A new building? New Officers to confront?

[CHE5TER]-Well...

It seems like the Great Leader has a map of the City of Above that He shows to His soldiers, on which are highlighted the Great Walls this time, which shock a bit the members.

[CHE5TER]-...a whole new thing kind of different. Today we will try for the first time to investigate a bit the area of the Great Walls. I've planned a mission like this for days, but I wanted to get rid of the other problems first before telling you all too.

[IS4MU]-Isn't it a bit... risky? I mean, not even the South Base has investigated the areas since they are so well guarded by the M soldiers. Won't it put us all in danger?

[CHE5TER]-Yes, you are right. I am aware of that problem which is a reason why we never did something like this before. But since the supplies in the Underground City are becoming a problem, I would like to see the whole demon rumour that the M soldiers are talking about. This way, maybe we can find something to solve everything with the missions of the outside from the EZR4H Clan.

[IZA4K]-Okay... Then what exactly do you want us to do, Master?

[CHE5TER]-Simple. All the Strikers shall get themselves close to these areas, even on the walls themselves, while being hidden from the soldiers. You won't fight anyone, nor you will do anything in these areas. I only wish you to take a small look around and see what you can find. We will try to at least look into a small percent of the surface of the whole city too, so you will work separated this time. Only two Strikers on a distance of around... let's say... 20 kilometers? 30? Each of them getting one Defender, one Hacker and one Guardian, of course.

[KYR4]-Still... it is a bit dangerous to do such a mission.

[CHE5TER]-Do not worry. That's the role of the Guardians, right? While the Strikers will have their devices to make themselves invisible, the Defenders and the Hackers shall be protected by the Guardians while doing the mission.

[IS4MU]-It... sure is different, Master. If not even Mrs. M4EK0's team has done such thing, then what makes you think that we are ready? You won't even be present at the mission itself.

[CHE5TER]-Mm... Simply my instinct telling me that each and one of you are loyal soldiers of mine, and I trust the powers of you all. Besides, it is not the first time we did something dangerous, is it? I do believe that we are already used to situations like this already.

[B4S7IAN]-Alright. We will do as you say. No need of worrying.

[CHE5TER]-Good. Then I can only hope that RY4N will have a good time leading you all. Wish you the best of luck.

And with that, He gives RY4N the papers he needs and leaves them all, going back to His office. But seems like the soldiers are still a bit doubtful.

[IS4MU]-...Master RY4N, are you sure of His plan? It's like going in the Suicide Building again.

[RY4N]-*sigh* Yeah, I'm sure. We've been planning this type of missions for a few days now after all, both of us, just that we didn't have enough time for them. But since the problem with the supplies is getting worse, we simply have to investigate what's happening for a few days. We thought of every possible thing we could encounter and all, so no need of worrying. As long as we do exactly like how the mission is planned, then we won't have any problems.

[ER1C]-What about the M soldiers? What if any of us gets caught?

[RY4N]-Don't worry. We've contacted the EZR4H Clan to talk with the Clan Leader personally to get some advices on which areas of the Great Walls will be easier for us to do our mission. If anything, we will fear more the creatures than the soldiers.

[ER1C]-*sigh* Alright then... You are the boss here. You know better than us.

[RY4N]-Good. So, I will see you all to the east entrance?

[B4S7IAN]-Not a worry. We will be there.

The City of Above

41:45

Now they are indeed present in the City of Above, somewhere at the east area of the city. The Guardians, Defenders and Hackers are staying on some buildings near the walls on different position in the area, while the Strikers are vanished on the walls themselves, watching the outside world. RY4N, as a Guardian himself, but as the Leader at the same time, just stands with Officer KYR4 who is helping her small group and the rest of the Hackers. And of course C0NNER is with them too since he needs help, as they are guiding LUK3 and another Striker, IZA4K. Or, well... guide... it's not really the appropriate word here anymore. Just to make sure they are alright.

[RY4N]-Alright, what's the situation for you all?

[/ELL1OT]-Well... My group doesn't seem to be able to find anything. The Strikers are wandering around, but they don't seem to have any clue about what exactly do they need to see.

[/J4CE]-Mine too. Are you sure the demon rumour is true, RY4N?

[RY4N]-That's what the Great Leader said. It's not like I know how these creatures even look like.

[/J4CE]-Alright, alright... Then what do we do?

[RY4N]-Let me think...

He does take a small pause, then starts talking to his Strikers.

[RY4N]-LUK3, do you see anything?

[/LUK3]-Nuh-uh! It's pure darkness there! I don't see any sign of life.

[/IZA4K]-Yeah, he is right on this one. The suns are gone after all and it's hard for us to see anything. I mean, yeah, the light from the walls does cover up a small portion of the area that circles them, but more than that, there is nothing to see.

[RY4N]-Alright... then let's try something.

[/IZA4K]-"Try something"...?

[RY4N]-Mr. EZR4H told us about a special device they use if they encounter demons. We managed to get some from the Central Base a few days ago and maybe it can help us now. Do you remember what I gave you in the equipment and you guys started questioning it?

[/IZA4K]-Yeah...?

[RY4N]-There should be a small button on it. Press it and throw it in the dark area. Then, tell me if you see anything.

[/IZA4K]-Alright then...

RY4N doesn't hear anything from his soldier anymore. He waits a few seconds to see if he says something, but starts the conversation himself in the end.

[RY4N]-IZA4K, did you do it?

[/IZA4K]-Oh, yeah, I did it. I managed to throw the device without making it appear on their cameras. I mean... I hope I got it right, 'cause if they see the device appearing out of nowhere from my position, then they will be aware of our vanishing equipment...

[RY4N]-So what's the situation?

[/IZA4K]-Well... I understand why Mr. EZR4H uses them against the demons and all, but still nothing.

[RY4N]-What do you mean?

[/IZA4K]-I mean that the device has created a small light in the area I threw it and all, but I couldn't see anything there before it disappeared.

[RY4N]-Maybe if you throw more?

[/IZA4K]-Let me see...

He makes another pause, but this time the Striker talks first.

[/IZA4K]-...No, nothing. I threw around three but I don't see anything. Do we maybe have a clue on how do these creatures look li--

[/LUK3]- --IZA4K! I hear growling!!

[RY4N]-What? LUK3, what's happening?

But no response this time. Seems like after LUK3 has said his words, everything turned to silence.

[RY4N]-LUK3?? LUK3, respond to me! Nothing once again.

[C0NNER]-So, he got eaten by the demons in the end, huh...

[RY4N]-C0NNER, I'm serious! Don't laugh!

[C0NNER]-What, I cannot joke around now?

[RY4N]-LUK3! LUK3, say something!

Yet no response. He waits a few seconds as he gets more concerned. But LUK3 manages to respond in the end.

[/LUK3]-Y-Yeah, RY4N! I'm here!

[RY4N]-Oh, dear M1NERV4... Stop scaring me like that, LUK3!

[/LUK3]-S-Sorry, RY4N. I just got a bit paralysed.

[RY4N]-What do you mean?

[/LUK3]-W-Well... Seems like you were right with this equipment and all... 'cause they've made their appearances in the end. A-And it seems as they continue coming.

[RY4N]-What's the situation?

[/LUK3]-U-Umm... I could only hear them a moment ago, but now it seems like there are glowing lights that come from the darkness of the outside that look towards exactly our position, e-even though we are vanished with our devices.

[RY4N]-How many are they?

[/LUK3]-Umm... Many! T-Too many!

[/IZA4K]-...He is right, RY4N. I see them too.

With that, RY4N finally sees progress and starts talking to the other groups.

[RY4N]-Okay, all the Strikers should take the equipment I gave you and throw it outside the walls! Inform your people immediately, everyone!

He waits a few minutes for everyone to inform their Strikers and get a result, and it does seem as he gets somewhere now.

[/J4CE]-RY4N, my Strikers report glowing lights outside the Great Walls!

[/D4NI3L]-Mine too! Besides them, they hear distorted and corrupted growling coming from their position! And it's not only one, it is combined with many more!

Lucky us that we cannot even see what they are talking about, nor a creature like this, huh... But at least we hear what they say about them. I mean, we only focus on RY4N's position at the moment, so it is impossible for us too take a look on what exactly they report.

[RY4N]-So the rumour is true... The demons came back... But why...?

[KYR4]-One question. Just by curiosity. Can we throw LUK3 outside so he can analyse the creatures? Maybe we will find some clues on what they want.

[/LUK3]-H-Ha ha...

[C0NNER]-But why do we know so little about them if they exist for thousands of years?

[RY4N]-...It is simply our fear, C0NNER. These creatures are able to kill us with their own bare limbs, without the need of any gas. Because we were afraid to get killed by them, we only tried to keep our distance.

[C0NNER]-But if we continue doing so, how would we be ever able to find out more about them?

[KYR4]-You have your right and all, but how do you propose to do so? We do not have any special equipment against them.

[C0NNER]-I was just asking... Maybe if we manage to manipulate them, we can use them as a weapon in this war, hm?

[KYR4]-Oh, that sounds like a cool plan. Announce me when you do so and you didn't get killed in the process.

[C0NNER]-Ha ha.

[/IZA4K]-...To be honest now, RY4N, they manage to scare me too. We are not even able to see them properly and even so, they give me chills down my spine.

But... it is progress after all. The Great Leader demanded for them to see what's the situation with these so-called demons of the outside, and RY4N managed to find something on this subject.

[RY4N]-Alright. We will move to the next area for now to see the situation there too.

The Southeast Military Base

49:21

Seems like the mission is done now. Everyone got back to the base, put back the equipment and some already get ready to leave in order to go to their houses. KYR4 is one of them for example, yet C0NNER seems as he still wants to stay at the base for a while.

[LUK3]-Come oooon! Hurry up, KYR444!!

[KYR4]-Why are you rushing me?? Just wait up!

[LUK3]-Just hurry!!

[KYR4]-Oh, for the love of...

[C0NNER]-I still don't understand why you've accepted in the first place, Officer.

[KYR4]-Maybe 'cause he would've annoyed me anyway? You know him damn well, C0NNER.

[LUK3]-Oh, yeah!! C0NNER, come with us too!! You are going to your apartment as well after all, right?

[C0NNER]-No, not yet. I'm staying a bit around the base to help out someone.

[LUK3]-Oh, come oon!! Let us accompany youuuuu!

[C0NNER]-It's gonna take a few hours, LUK3. Just leave without me.

[LUK3]-Ninini... *sigh* Okay... KYR4, come oon!! You are so sloooow!!

[KYR4]-Just wait for a damn second, you idiot!!

Yet while they argue, RY4N seems to note some things from the mission and sign a few papers to get them to the Great Leader. When he is done, he goes again in the Great Leader's office, but this time, He doesn't seem to be present. It is a bit surprising actually, but he just sits down on the chair in front of the Great Leader's desk and solves the paper.

He gets rather bored as he waits minutes for Him to come, and concerned a bit too. So he decides in the end to give Him a call to see where He is. He takes his airpod from his communication device and starts calling Him. But He does answer this time, not like other times.

[RY4N]-...Hey, CHE5TER, I was wondering where you are. I am in your office and I couldn't find you at the base. Anything wrong?

[/CHE5TER]-Oh, no, no. I'm just a bit off with work. I was talking with someone in the meantime until you guys came back from the mission. You can leave the papers on my desk. I will look around them when I come back.

[RY4N]-Mhm... So who is this "someone"? Another crevaator?

[/CHE5TER]-Hahah... Oh, okay, you got me. Yeah, I was talking with a small crevaator to see something from an area nearby.

[RY4N]-Alright... Then anything new?

[/CHE5TER]-No, not really. It's not something big either, so don't worry. I will come back to you in a few hours if needed. I just stay a bit longer to solve something out.

[RY4N]-So, I assume you won't tell me anything this time either, huh?

[/CHE5TER]-Don't make such a scene, RY4N. I will tell you one day everything you wish to know. But right now, I'm just a bit busy, like always.

[RY4N]-Alright, alright... See you in our room then?

Yet now, looking at His position too, we see the ruler in the City of Above, with one of the Officers from the M military present with Him, as he looks rather annoyed again.

[CHE5TER]-...Yes. See you there.

And so, He ends the call and looks at the young Officer standing in front of Him.

[DU5TIN]-...So you lie to him as well.

[CHE5TER]-Oh, but I do not lie. I did whatever I told him earlier already. No need of me to invent something.

[DU5TIN]-It is still categorised as lying since you didn't tell him what exactly are you doing now. But as blind as you are, I do not see why should I explain it to you over and over again.

[CHE5TER]-Hm, so I'm the one blind, huh? Then what's up with that eyepatch?

[DU5TIN]-Ha ha... Make fun of me, won't you?

[CHE5TER]-Oh, I'm just joking around, Big Brother. No need to take it personally now. So, I assume you know about the problem with those creatures as well, right?

[DU5TIN]-Yeah, what about them?

[CHE5TER]-Mind telling me what's up with them? Since you are a citizen of this city and all, I was thinking that maybe you know more about them than I do.

[DU5TIN]-Aren't you a citizen as well or what?

[CHE5TER]-Oh, I am. But I was rather meaning that you are one that doesn't need to hide himself from the soldiers, right?

[DU5TIN]-...

[CHE5TER]-So, do tell me. What is this problem all about? What do these demons want?

[DU5TIN]-...There are two inconveniences with your request here anyway. One: I do not have any permission to tell you anything about what's happening around the military, especially to criminals like you.

[CHE5TER]-Oh, you flatter me, DU5TIN. And the second one?

[DU5TIN]-Simply that... I do not know anything about them in particular either. You waste your time asking anybody about them. No records were found to talk about these creatures.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* So you don't know anything about them either, huh...

[DU5TIN]-Why do you wish to know so much about them anyway? What do you win from continuing this charade?

[CHE5TER]-Well, I'm afraid that these "demons" are the only thing that may actually make us co-operate in order to get rid of a common problem. Or maybe fear if you wish to call it that way. No matter the race I am or what your people desire, these creatures are something that both of the sides want to get rid of. And since they are a common enemy, maybe we can help each other until we know they've disappeared completely.

[DU5TIN]-Foolish you to think that the M borns will work with the C borns in this life, CHE5TER.

[CHE5TER]-That is... not exactly what I mean.

[DU5TIN]-Then? What did you mean?

[CHE5TER]-I was rather thinking of two Errors working together rather than a C born and an M born. I mean... after all... I have a plan.

[DU5TIN]-Oh, yeah? Heh, then let's hear your plan, "Seven". What did you think about?

[CHE5TER]-Oh, nothing much. I was thinking that you might provide me with useful information about these creatures from whatever source you find. Doesn't matter if it's real or not, just find what you can.

[DU5TIN]-And what would you do?

[CHE5TER]-Simple. With the more information you give me, I can think of a plan that your people can use in order to get rid of the problem. Even if it takes days or even months. I am a man of my word after all. As for how you thought of the idea when they will ask you... you could simply say that you've done your research. Nothing more.

[DU5TIN]-That's it? I will work my butt out and you will only wait for my information?

[CHE5TER]-I will try to find something myself, do not worry. I have people everywhere after all, and you are one of them, remember? The whole thing about you refusing to help is simply a different story. But I do believe that this will be the first time we will work together to solve something out. Right?

[DU5TIN]-...

[CHE5TER]-So what do you say, Brother?

He looks a bit in his eye, seeming a little pissed by His affirmations, yet his little brother talks again, saying a final word.

[CHE5TER]-...Truce?

And by saying it, He puts His right hand standing on the air, in a position looking as if He waits for DU5TIN to shake hands with Him. DU5TIN doesn't seem pleased with this idea though, and of course he wouldn't be. Even though they are brothers, they've been in a conflict for so many years that they cannot even remember what started it.

But this time, he needs a bit of His help. This problem threatens both of the cities, the city in which he lives and tries his best to serve it, and the city that he isn't even aware of, not even till this day. Though working with someone that you hate is simply Hell, he needs to do so in order to protect his city. It is also the same thing that CHE5TER does, trying all His best to gain another ally in order to protect His people. They have things in common, they are brothers after all. Both Errors coming from the same Original which both of them try to protect.

In the end, DU5TIN gives Him his right arm and shake hands, making peace between them for the time being. Or at least until the common problem is solved.

"...Truce."