10.05.1642

The Underground City

14:29

Another day around the Underground City. This time though, we seem to be in another apartment, but it is not KYR4's place like the last time. It seems as it is more like... C0NNER's apartment, where he is now sleeping, until his alarm goes on, waking him up. He gets up and stops the alarm, wiping a bit his face to wake up properly and looking around his room, before starting his day as usual.

He cleans himself up first, then does his bed and then he seems to be looking at some kind of board attached to one of his walls, on which are written by him all kinds of things that he will have to do, something like a time schedule, where next to it is a calendar with every passed day cut. He takes some minutes to analyse the board, before he starts removing things and adding new ones from what he knows it is planned around the base. So from this point of view, even if he used to be a kid that depended only on the surviving rules, now he seems to be pretty organised in everything he does.

After all of these things are done, he takes a small break and goes to his tiny balcony, watching the city. The city seems as it is just waking up as well, from few people walking around, to the merchants opening their business, to even kids starting to play around the streets. It doesn't take long before he takes a small pack of cigarette and his lighter, taking the last one he has and lighting it up to relax for a while.

Then, minutes pass and he leaves his apartment to go around the merchants area to buy some things before he goes to his work place. First thing he buys is, of course, a new pack of cigarettes, then some new clothes like a shirt or a jacket which he puts them in a backpack he brought with him along, and then a weak drink to start his day with some energy. So it doesn't really take long before he finishes everything and goes towards his apartment to leave what he bought there and then go to the base.

But when he goes back, he notices a small problem at one of the merchants nearby. It seems to be a kid who annoys one of people working there for a reason. As to the reason itself... is that the kid doesn't have the money to buy himself something from that merchant, like a small toy, and the man doesn't want to give it to him. In the end, the kid seems to leave disappointed, yet C0NNER seems interested in the subject that happened there for a reason or another.

The kid stands now on a bench, sad, looking down. It does seem as he is one of the people from the shelters, which will explain why he doesn't have money in the first place. The shelters only guarantee the bare necessities, like basic clothes and a place where you sleep, nothing more. Since they do not need to eat either, that's not even something that they should think of. Yet after some minutes, C0NNER comes to the kid that was standing alone and just looks at him. None of them say a word though, and the kid even seems confused. But C0NNER finally decides to do the first move, and gives him something which... looks to be the toy the boy wanted. So of course the boy now is so joyful and looks with such a huge smile to him, before he leaves him alone.

As to the reason behind C0NNER's action, it is maybe only because he was one of the "Lost Children of Heaven" after all. His childhood wasn't easy, and things like toys or games aren't something that cross into these people's minds at all. They focus on survival only, but maybe seeing an unhappy child just brings him unpleasant memories. It's not easy to be the only survivor of a group in which you grew up once, and even harder to know how people around you lived and in which horror you had to survive.

In the end, all he does is to see the kid leave and remember these horrible memories. Maybe it is a small reminder of who he used to be, an innocent child with a desire of being joyful and live a happy life.

"...We will always be together, Six. I promise."

The Southeast Military Base

16:13

And now, C0NNER seems to have arrived at his work place, more exactly at the training room where it doesn't seem as anybody is around yet. So he takes this opportunity of training in peace, closing the door and getting his bow ready for some practice. Well... to get his bow though, he takes a simple stick looking device from one of his pockets and actives it, making this weapon of his take its true form. After all, all of the weapons are designed to look like this at first.

Then, he finally begins his training, taking a few arrows and aiming with them at a training dummy. But after some minutes of doing so, he seems to lose his focus for some reason, as when he shoots with his bow, he barely manages to get the arrow in the center of the target, where he aims at.

He misses the center again and again, and stops a bit from shooting for a small break. He draws a small breath of disappointment and looks down, but then he looks at his left arm out of nowhere. In the right one he has his weapon, but the left one is empty. And then... he starts forcing it a bit for a reason only he knows, and tries now to focus on something else.

Yet all of a sudden, LUK3 and N04H enter the training ground, opening the door, which seems to have scared C0NNER a bit and dropped his weapon down, stopping whatever he was doing. He looks at the door afraid, then bends to take his weapon back. LUK3 and N04H seem to have seen him and go towards his location in order to greet him.

[LUK3]-Morning, C0NNER! It seems that you came before us all, huh? You sure woke up early today, man...

[C0NNER]-...I just wanted to train a bit. I thought that I could use some of my time here until I leave to go around the city later on for a while.

[LUK3]-Oh, leave? Leave where? Are you really going in the city without us? *gasp* You traitor! I thought we are pals!

[C0NNER]-I have something to do, LUK3. It's not like I'm going out because I like it. I programmed to meet up with someone in some hours regarding a small problem that I have to take care of. Nothing more.

[LUK3]-Oh, can I come? Can I come?? Pleaseee!!

[C0NNER]-No.

[LUK3]-Why not??

[C0NNER]-Because I don't want you present, LUK3. It's my business alone what I'm going to do around the city, not yours! What's so hard to understand?

[LUK3]-Oh, for the gods' sake! Why does nobody want to let me come with them!? I just want to take part of the events as well!

[C0NNER]-I simply have something to solve. Alone. There is no need of anybody to come with me, especially you. But N04H here doesn't seem to mind your presence anyway. You can stay with him.

[LUK3]-Ninini ninini... What's with these excuses, damn... I don't want to stay only with N04H all the time! Yeah, I enjoy staying with him, but I have other colleagues too, right? What's the problem if I stay with you as well?

[C0NNER]-Don't you have Miss MY4 and Miss KYR4 for that?

[LUK3]-Yeaah, because they are my best friends! But maybe I want to stay with the others too! You are a part of our group as well, C0NNER! I just want to have some time with you too!!

[C0NNER]-Well, maybe I don't want to stay with anybody. Did you think of that?

[LUK3]-Well, that's simply bullshit, okay!? Dammit, C0NNER! If you were my disciple, we could have been best pals! Why did you choose Him from all of us??

[C0NNER]-So what if I chose Him? It's not my fault N04H was obligated to be stuck with you 'cause you implored the Great Leader to get His approval on you being his master! From all of us, he is the only one unfortunate enough to not have the right to choose his teacher!

[LUK3]-So what? At least I'm teaching him something! You see me lazing around??

[C0NNER]-Yeah, pretty much. You invite us out despite the responsibilities you have with the recruit now, not to mention how much you stay just talking to the others around the base.

[LUK3]-Well, at least I'm talking to someone! I didn't see you talk with anybody ever since you joined us despite Boss!

[C0NNER]-...

[N04H]-Okay, okay! I don't want you to jump at each other's throats! I will not able to stop you!

[LUK3]-Well, you can try! Think it as a part of your training!

[N04H]-But I'm not stronger than any of you!

[LUK3]-Doesn't matter that! It's worth a try!

[C0NNER]-Yeah, I see what you are teaching him, "Teacher"...

[LUK3]-But it's effective!!

[C0NNER]-Yeah right... You just don't know what to teach him to begin with.

[LUK3]-Then why don't YOU stay with us and help me with his training if you like to criticise my work so much?

[C0NNER]-Maybe because I'm not obligated to do so.

[LUK3]-But you said you want to kill time anyway, so you have no excuses, rascal!

[C0NNER]-Even so...

[LUK3]-Come oooon! Just a bit? You are not doing it for me! You are doing it for him! Please??

[C0NNER]-...

He looks a bit at the recruit before he takes any decision. In the end, his visions of the past won't let him go that easily. It's not his fault that N04H looks like one of his old friends from his group, haunting him that moment he lost everything till this very day.

[C0NNER]-*sigh* Alright... But just a bit!

[LUK3]-Heheh! Alright, alright! Just "a bit"!

[C0NNER]-What am I suppose to do anyway? Nothing comes to my mind of a way that I could be helpful. I'm used to training alone, not to help others train.

[LUK3]-We will find something, don't worry! What do you think, N04H? Are you ready?

18:19

They seem to have trained for some hours now. LUK3 showed N04H some fighting techniques as always, but C0NNER seems more to watch than help them out, as he doesn't really know how should he help them in any way. He did help, it's true, but more than being the target dummy for N04H, he didn't really do much.

After a while though, KYR4 enters the training ground too, searching for LUK3 this time.

[KYR4]-LUK3!

[LUK3]-Huh? KYR4? Didn't expect YOU to search for me! Heheh!

[KYR4]-Keep your mouth shut!

[LUK3]-Aww, you are so cute when you are angry at m--

To make him shut up though, she puts her hand on his mouth as she got a bit annoyed. But he looks at her as he knows what happened the last time she did this to him. She remembers, of course, and removes her hand immediately.

[LUK3]-Good choice! Now, why are you searching for me?

[KYR4]-...MY4 told me to do so. Do you think that I will search for you without being obligated?

[LUK3]-Are you sure you didn't come here because you wanted?

[KYR4]-God dammit, LUK3! MY4 wanted us to come with her so we can help her out! I'm not interested in taking you anywhere with me, but I'm doing it only for her!

[LUK3]-Help her out with...?

[KYR4]-She said she needs to buy some things from the merchants and we can come to help her. Nothing special. So we are not going to the shelter again, calm the fuck down!

[LUK3]-Aww, you just don't want to admit that you want me to come with you!

[KYR4]-BUT I DON'T WANT THAT! MY4 WAS THE ONE WHO TOLD ME TO FIND YOU!

[LUK3]-Mhmmm...

[KYR4]-LUK3, FOR THE LOVE OF--

Yet it seems as N04H interrupts because he doesn't really know what's stopping LUK3 from training.

[N04H]-Hm? What's happening? Why did we stop, LUK3?

[LUK3]-Oh, sorry, little guy! I have to go with KYR4 for a while! You can stay with C0NNER so he can teach you until I come back!

[C0NNER]-What!?

[LUK3]-Don't "what" me! You heard me! Stay and teach N04H some moves until I come back from the city!

[C0NNER]-But I have to go somewhere soon as well! You can't just leave me alone with the kid and pass the responsibilities like that!

[LUK3]-Don't worry! I will finish quickly! Take my role just for this time!

[C0NNER]-But--

[LUK3]- --See ya later, kiddo!

[C0NNER]-No! Hey!! WAIT!!

LUK3 already left the room with KYR4 while C0NNER was shouting at him.

[C0NNER]-I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO TEACH HIM! ...Ah, god dammit, LUK3...

[N04H]-...So what do we do now?

[C0NNER]-*sigh* I... guess we have no other choice but train together. I think I got some time left... and maybe I can try some techniques from what I remember from my lessons and so... Come on. I'm going to argue with him later on this subject. It's not worth wasting our time like this now.

And so they start training. But the training itself is a bit confusing for N04H since C0NNER looks to have different ways compared to LUK3's techniques. C0NNER seems to be aiming with his bow towards N04H, while he tries to dodge the arrows coming, but doesn't seem as he does that well.

[C0NNER]-*sigh* No! No! You are suppose to dodge them, N04H!

[N04H]-But it doesn't help that you are not going easy on me!!

[C0NNER]-I AM going easy on you! Never mind... Then at least try to catch them or... something...

[N04H]-But I can't! I can't catch them if you are hitting me, C0NNER!

[C0NNER]-It's a method of learning, N04H! Doesn't LUK3 hit you as well while training?

[N04H]-No! He doesn't!

Yet it got C0NNER surprised this response of his.

[C0NNER]-...He... doesn't hit you at all?

[N04H]-No! At worst, I'm the one who is hitting him as a training practice!

[C0NNER]-...

C0NNER looks for a while at N04H, perplexed. Then, he remembers his old trainings with his master. After all, he tried to take from His example.

"But it seems like... the little C0NNER we see here is rather exhausted, angry, sad, you name it! He looks as he falls on the ground because of all this training with his master, while He seems to hold His weapon, trying to teach C0NNER everything He tries.

[CHE5TER]-Again, C0NNER!

["C0NNER"]-...But I can't do it... I-I can't...

[CHE5TER]-Don't say "I can't"!

["C0NNER"]-I-It hurts me, Master...

[CHE5TER]-It's suppose to hurt, C0NNER! Pain is the best teacher in training! My master taught me the same way and made me the man that stands in front of you right now! The more you learn to endure it, the more powerful you become!

["C0NNER"]-I-I can't...

And yet... he starts crying a little. He is disappointed of himself after all. CHE5TER looks at him, and from the serious face He had before appears now a softer one, holding His sword a bit weaker.

["C0NNER"]-...I-I'm a disappointment to them! I'm too weak! I-I can't do it, Master!!

[CHE5TER]-Look at me, C0NNER! A warrior never gives up, no matter the obstacles of life! You want to make them proud, right? Show them what you have to offer to their murderers! Show them that you can, C0NNER!"

Memories still haunt him after all. He rethinks a bit what should he do to teach him, but this way was how he became stronger. He tried his entire life to take an example from his master because he admired Him, the man who saved his life.

[C0NNER]-...But why do you admire LUK3's teaching ways anyway?

[N04H]-Huh? What do you mean?

[C0NNER]-Even if he is older than me, I can still beat him in a battle. The only thing that is in his advantage is that he is way more taller than me, which makes it hard for me to put him down because of his bonus weight. But I'm faster than him and have more energy, which allows me to stand longer during a fight.

[N04H]-Yeah, but... teaching with pain?

[C0NNER]-"Pain is the best teacher in training". Don't you think the same?

[N04H]-Okay... Alright then! I will give it another try!

[C0NNER]-Good. Back to where we were then. You want me to go easier than that?

[N04H]-No, no! I will try this way again!

[C0NNER]-Alright... As you wish. If you can't dodge them, at least try to catch them. Understood?

[N04H]-Mhm! Understood!

And so, C0NNER takes another arrow and aims at N04H. He takes the hit again. He takes another arrow, N04H gets the hit again. It's hard for him to do something since he is used to a different method of learning. He takes hits after hits. One, two, five, eight, twelve... but doesn't give up that easily. It sure hurts him from the impact of the arrows on his body, but at least his immunity isn't affected, so he can't get injured or anything serious.

He takes another hit, and another hit... until he finally manages to catch one of the arrows. He got used to the situation now, so it's a bit easier compared to the beginning. N04H looks a bit at it, smiling from his joy, then at C0NNER, happy as he saw that he has succeeded and gives a small and silent laugh. He then throws it on the ground, making it destroy itself and becoming nothing but a black mist, evaporating into thin air, just like all the other arrows which were shot.

C0NNER takes another arrow and starts shooting again. Compared to the beginning, N04H does seem as he has improved a little. If he got hit by each arrow at the start, now he at least manages to catch some, though he still gets some of the hits. Seems like this method of C0NNER's isn't that bad in the end.

C0NNER gets the to the next level and makes it a bit harder now, to see at least how N04H would do in a different situation. He takes three arrows at the same time and aims at him again. N04H does notice that and gets a bit nervous this time, but tries his best. He shoots the arrows and N04H manages to catch one, but tries to avoid the rest, failing. They practice this way for a while, until C0NNER looks a bit shocked at N04H while he tries to get other arrows. Then, he looks at his quiver that was attached around his stomach area, in the right side, searching for more. But the quiver seems to be empty, no more arrows, as if he used them all.

[C0NNER]-...Shit!

[N04H]-What's the matter? Why did we stop?

[C0NNER]-Oh, nothing. I think it's enough practice for today.

[N04H]-Eh? Why? I was just getting used to this!

[C0NNER]-Nothing serious. I just run out of arrows. I will go later to get more from someone, 'cause I don't think I want to do that now. I don't even have the time to do so anyway...

[N04H]-Can't you just make some others now? Or at least just create some that are more of a simpler design?

[C0NNER]-N-No, no. I'm more used to these. I've used them for years now and I'm not really thinking of using other arrows with different design than these. A-And the thing is that... I don't have the sketch of them and I can't really make any without it. You know what I'm saying?

[N04H]-But they don't seem that complicated to create... Look, I can help you make some!

[C0NNER]-N-No, really! N04H! No need to do that! It's fine! N0--

But N04H doesn't really listen this time. He creates with his powers one arrow similar to the ones C0NNER uses, but C0NNER doesn't really seem happy about it. N04H shows him the arrow so he can take it, but he simply refuses, shouting at him.

[C0NNER]-...I said it's fine, N04H!

And when he does so, N04H gets so confused. He doesn't really understand this behaviour of C0NNER's, as he never saw him this way until now. But, it doesn't take long before he calms himself down and realises what he did.

[C0NNER]-*sigh* Never mind... Look, I have to go somewhere anyway. Take it as a... break from your practice. At least until LUK3 comes back to you.

[N04H]-But, C0NNE--

[C0NNER]- --Go in the city if you wish. Visit some of your old friends in the meantime. I'm sure LUK3 takes his time after all. You only waste your time staying here alone. I will... see you later.

[N04H]-Wait! C0NNER!

And so, C0NNER leaves the room, as if it was out of fear more than anger. N04H doesn't really understand what happened either. Maybe he said something wrong? Or maybe did something wrong? In the end, he never really found out more about this guy. He did accept, technically, to be friends, but doesn't seem as he wants to talk about his past that much, nor about anything in general. He just likes to be left alone, in his own world.

Others know, it's obvious, since N04H is still a newcomer. But even with his past, it's a bit weird this action of his. It's pretty obvious who was his master after all, knowing that He, too, refuses to say a word about Himself or His actions. But even He behaves a bit better than him. But... it's how LUK3 said: he took a bad habit from his master in the end.

The Underground City

20:06

N04H does seem as he follows his advice though, going in the city and meeting up with his old friends. There seems to be a larger group though, as some kind of reunion of that school year students or something, and it does seem as if he was invited to this event from one of his pals, as a guy waves at him when he noticed him. It appears to be M1LO, one of his old roommates.

[M1LO]-N04H! Over here, N04H!

[N04H]-Hey... M1LO?

[M1LO]-Yeah?

[N04H]-Why are there so many people? I thought we will go out in our old group. I mean, that's what you wrote me on the device you gave me when we met last time, right?

[M1LO]-I know, but, well... some of the people here are my colleagues from the Central Base and most of them wanted to create a bit of a reunion. Again! They spoke to each other at the base and invited those who got the similar devices made by our base last time we did the actual reunion. So... here we are.

[N04H]-Okay... Where are ANDR3 and K4NE then? Do you know anything about them?

[M1LO]-I've talked to K4NE some minutes ago and he told me that he will be late, but I don't know anything about ANDR3 yet. He probably sleeps the whole day again. You know... their usual!

[N04H]-Right! Hahah!

[M1LO]-Though it does seem as we are early since a lot of people are missing... We are going to wait until the others come anyway.

[N04H]-Doesn't matter that... Anyway, what are we going to do?

[M1LO]-I'm not so sure myself. The organiser didn't say anything and it is a bit too early for a huge group to go in the bars now. Probably we will wander the roads and talk about how we've progressed? Like the last time? I mean, if anything, those from the military will talk about future missions of the bases.

[N04H]-So I guess that you guys already got into action at your base, huh?

[M1LO]-Hm? You still didn't or what? It's been some months already though. What are your colleagues waiting for? Do they really not want you to participate?

[N04H]-Well... I got admitted as one of the hardest roles from that base and I have a two years practice before I actually join the missions. But someone does try to take me to learn a few things.

[M1LO]-Oh, that sucks... I mean, we don't do many things either, but at least we are allowed to be a part of the missions to learn as well.

[N04H]-Yeah... but I guess they have their good intentions behind anyway. From what I understood, it is the hardest role because it is put in the most dangerous situations.

[M1LO]-Damn, N04H, what the hell did you choose?? I'm just helping out with the sketches of the equipment and make sure the transportations are being done right!

[N04H]-I guess danger loves me from what I see, heheh...

[M1LO]-Oh, gods... Anyway... I'm actually pretty curious of what we would do around the city this time to be honest.

[N04H]-Right... Maybe we should go and ask then?

[M1LO]-Nahh, not now. Let's wait for the others to come too first, so we won't have to wait for every single person to get the information after.

[N04H]-If you say so then...

And they wait. It did take some time for other people to come in the end, but doesn't seem as they are all now either. Their old roommates do make their appearances too.

[K4NE]-...We are here, M1LO!

[M1LO]-What took you guys so long!??

[K4NE]-Oh, don't you even dare to put the blame on me! ANDR3 was the one who overslept again, and since I wanted to walk together with him, guess who had to wake him up! AGAIN!

[ANDR3]-...It's not like you couldn't just... let me sleep for... *yawn* one more hour...

[K4NE]-You can't just sleep for your whole damn life, dude!

[ANDR3]-Yes, I can... It's not like I'm working like M1LO or N04H here.

[K4NE]-Well, you sure are a waste of oxygen!

[ANDR3]-...But you are not working either!

[K4NE]-I AM! I got a job from one of the merchants! Just because I didn't want to join the military, doesn't mean I don't have to work to get myself some money, you idiot!

[ANDR3]-You are always late wherever you go! I'm even surprised you didn't get fired!

[K4NE]-So what!? Is that suppose to be an excuse of yours to get more of your dream time?

[N04H]-Alright, I think it's enough.

[M1LO]-God dammit... The reunions are always ruined by our old conflicts from the past, why can't we have a normal reunion one goddamn time??

[K4NE]-YOU tell HIM!

[M1LO]-Oh, shut up!

They do argue for a while, but then one of the former students stands in the middle of the whole group and starts talking.

[C3LINE]-Alright! Seems like almost everyone here!

[Student1]-That's not true! There are still people that need to come, C3LINE!

[C3LINE]-I said almost. But, to respond to that answer of yours, if you are waiting for someone, just inform them about what's happening when they show up. Understood?

[Student2]-Yeah, yeah! Whatever! Just get to your point, C3LINE!

[C3LINE]-Alright then! As you can see, we did manage to organise a reunion of our generation from the Central School, but I'm afraid that we won't be able to go to the bars. Again... Other than that, I had a better idea. What do you guys think of paying a visit to our school? To see our professors again and the classes in which we were formed? Hm?

The group does seem pleased with this idea, though they are a bit disappointed as they can't do more than that. They talk about this subject to each other though, whispering.

[C3LINE]-Then I will take that as a yes! Good! Now... would you guys want for all of us to go together at the same time or should we split? It's okay no matter what you guys want. We can do bigger groups, smaller groups or even let you go alone. Though I personally think it was better if we were all together when greeting our professors. What do you guys think?

But this time, the group doesn't seem that hyped on the advice.

[Student3]-...I don't really think it's the best for us all to go together since we are such a big group, C3LINE. Wouldn't it cause some chaos since there are still students that have classes now? We will kind of occupy a lot of space for nothing.

[Student4]-Yeah, I have to agree with him this time. Probably it's the best for us to make some smaller groups now and split up.

[C3LINE]-Alright! No problem! Then I guess we've solved this subject. Next... would you want to go somewhere after this is done too, or should we just visit the school? We can prepare something for later this day, but you will have to wait.

The group seems to approve, but the four friends don't listen to the conversation anymore. Seems like they plan to go together somewhere already.

[N04H]-So I guess the group is already made for us, huh?

[M1LO]-Yep! But now we kind of need to decide what should we do, and in which order...

[K4NE]-How about we pay a visit to Mr. 3DMUND first?

[ANDR3]-Nahh... I don't want him this soon! He was always shouting at me for sleeping during classes!

[K4NE]-Well, wasn't he right in what he was doing!?

[ANDR3]-How about Miss YU1? She was my favourite!

[K4NE]-Yeah!! Because she was always believing your lies, god dammit!

[M1LO]-Or... I'm just saying... Maybe we could visit Mr. EK0N first!?? He was our Class Master, you idiots!

[N04H]-Mr. EK0N will be! We decide later on about the others.

And so, as they decided what to do, the group finally moves towards their old school.

Central School "M1NERV4"

20:57

We do not focus on the other small groups that wander around the hallways of the school for now. Rather, we are focusing on N04H's group, which seem to go towards a man, possibly the one they mentioned that they want to see first.

[M1LO]-Mr. EK0N! Greetings!

[EK0N]-Oh? Well, wouldn't that be a surprise! M1LO, K4NE, N04H and ANDR3! Greetings! What are you guys doing at the school?

[N04H]-Well... We aren't the only ones actually... Our whole generation has come to visit the school today.

[M1LO]-Yeah! And we thought of visiting you first since we spent the most time here with you. And, you know... because you were our Class Master!

[EK0N]-I see, I see... But I'm afraid I don't have that much time to talk. I'm the Class Master of a new generation now since you guys left and began your journeys outside the school.

[K4NE]-Well, that's a shame...

[M1LO]-So you replaced us, huh?

[EK0N]-Hahah... Oh, don't worry! I won't forget you all that easily! So? What have you guys been doing in these past months?

[K4NE]-Oh, I got myself some decent money from my job recently and managed to buy an apartment a few days ago!

[ANDR3]-Well, that doesn't matter that much anyway.

[K4NE]-Shut your ass now!

[EK0N]-Heh... Okay, calm down. No need to fight here as well.

[M1LO]-...And N04H and I got into the military life in the end, as we said we will do when we told you about our future plans.

[EK0N]-So you managed to join together the Central Base after all?

[N04H]-Well, not really...

[M1LO]-Yeah... N04H changed his mind in the last minute and joined a different base. I'm not sure why though...

[N04H]-I mean, we are still colleagues, even though M1LO and I barely get to see each other that often.

[M1LO]-Right...

[EK0N]-Do you both get along with your new colleagues by the way?

[M1LO]-I don't, that's for sure! They are a bit of assholes! Most of them just decide to laze around and don't do anything at all most of the time.

[EK0N]-Are they that bad?

[M1LO]-Yep! What about you, N04H? Were you any luckier?

[N04H]-I guess I was a bit on this subject. They are fine, but I'm still trying to get used to them.

[EK0N]-What do you mean "get used to them"?

[N04H]-Let's just say they are... interesting. I'm kind of trying to understand their desires and everything that's in their minds, but it feels like it's a never-ending loop every day. Whenever I think I understood them even a tiny bit, something happens and makes me more confused than before.

[EK0N]-I see... And the Leaders there? How are they?

[N04H]-Well--

[M1LO]- --Actually, even if we wanted to tell you, I'm afraid none of us has the permission to tell anybody anything about the Leaders and their identities, nor about what we are working there. We only have permission to talk to those who work in the military like us. It's one of the rules we are told to follow the moment we join the bases.

[N04H]-Heh... Yeah...

[EK0N]-It's okay. I understand... Alright then! It was a nice meeting, but I think I should be going now.

[K4NE]-Eh? This soon? We've barely talked!

[EK0N]-I know, I know... But I still have to see my class. If it wasn't for the work now, we could've had time for talking.

[K4NE]-Aw, man...

[M1LO]-Then I guess we will go and visit the next person, eh? How about Mr. EL1K4I? Or K4NE's suggestion, Mr. 3DMUND? Or maybe Mr. OSW4LD?

[EK0N]-Oh, sorry if I interrupt your plans but I'm afraid Mr. OSW4LD isn't free now. I got to talk with him some minutes ago during the break and he said that he has something to do for the next... two or three hours? He asked me if I could talk to another professor to take his position. I think he only had a class in this time, next hour, so I could take his position myself. Maybe you can try and talk with him a bit later?

[N04H]-Oh? Why is he busy?

[EK0N]-I'm not sure... But don't worry! It's nothing that you should worry about, that's for sure! From what I know, Mr. OSW4LD has got a lot of work to do in the past months. If I'm not mistaking... I believe he will also have to retire in a few years as well since he gets to the age of 180 years soon. Even if he would love to stay more, he will be obligated to get his retirement by the law since at this age he is near to his weaker times.

[M1LO]-Alright. We understand. Thanks for the information, Mr. EK0N!

[EK0N]-No problem! I hope I will see you all soon again!

They say their goodbyes to their old Class Master and start arguing on what to do next again. They sure don't agree on everything, but that's just how friendships work at some subjects, right?

22:49

The group of friends visited many people in these past minutes, and doesn't seem as they've finished either. They chat for a bit as they walk the hallway and decide where to go next. But after a while, N04H notices a door as it opens and one teacher leaves, looking behind. He seems to recognise him, being Mr. OSW4LD, and almost greets him from his location, but then he notices someone else with him.

He tells the group that he will remain a bit behind and lets them go forward without him, so that he can find out what's happening. He goes towards the teacher and greets him, as the teacher was standing in the door, talking to someone behind him.

[OSW4LD]-...Keep exercising, alright? No need to rush. We will see each other tomorrow as well after all.

[N04H]-Mr. OSW4LD! Greetings!

[OSW4LD]-Oh? Oh, Mr. N04H! You came to visit me, I assume?

[N04H]-Yeah! But my group and I couldn't find you earlier anywhere! How have you b... Huh?

And then, he looks at the person who was standing still in the room, a familiar face looking at him embarrassed.

[N04H]-...C0NNER? What are you doing here?

[C0NNER]-...

[OSW4LD]-Oh? You know Mr. C0NNER?

[N04H]-Y-Yeah! I work with him for some months now!

[OSW4LD]-Is that so? Very well then! I guess there is no need of me to do the introductions if that's the case.

[N04H]-Can I... ask why is he here though?

[OSW4LD]-Oh, nothing serious. Mr. C0NNER has come to me today to...

But before he could say a word, he looks at C0NNER who was looking at him ashamed, as if he was begging him to do something. So, he changes his mind immediately and says something else.

[OSW4LD]-...to pay me a visit as well. He is a... former student of mine. Just like you.

[N04H]-Oh... I-I didn't know that...

[OSW4LD]-Anyway... I'm really sorry, N04H, but I have to see one of my classes now. I will leave you both alone, alright? I wished we had more time to talk, but I have to take care of my students. I hope we will see each other later.

N04H nods respectfully at the teacher as he leaves them behind, but C0NNER still looks a bit unhappy.

[N04H]-So, C0NNER... You studied here as well? At the Central School?

[C0NNER]-...Hm? Oh, um... Yeah. Yes, I did.

[N04H]-I don't think I saw you in the school before though... You said you are 19 years old, right? I mean, it's a four or five years between us and all, and I probably was very young so I might not remember everything, but I swear I don't remember you around the school at all.

[C0NNER]-W-Well, I... didn't leave the class that much. Probably that's why.

[N04H]-Huh... Alright... So, you know Mr. OSW4LD for some time now?

[C0NNER]-Yeah... Something like that.

[N04H]-Was he your Class Master? Mine was Mr. EK0N. You know, the one who teaches survival rules? Like how to hide and stuff? So you had the one who teaches power tactics?

[C0NNER]-Mhm...

[N04H]-Whoaah, that's so cool!! You know some tricks that I might not know? I heard once that Mr. OSW4LD is teaching his own class something more than he teaches to the others because of the time they have as a bonus! Can you teach me some tricks of his??

[C0NNER]-...I-I don't think I remember any. Sorry, N04H.

[N04H]-You don't remember anything interesting from those eight years?

[C0NNER]-Yeah... Is... that a bad thing?

[N04H]-No, no. It's fine! I just had some hopes that I might learn something new. I heard that the tricks that Mr. OSW4LD teaches his class are cool.

[C0NNER]-I guess if I... remember... I can try and teach you something.

[N04H]-Really??

[C0NNER]-Y-Yeah. Why not... B-But now, I think it's the best you stay with LUK3. He did try to contact me a few minutes ago since he didn't see any of us at the base. I told him that I was still doing my business around the city, but I did think that you got back at the base already, not that you are here as well...

[N04H]-But I still want to stay with my old friends. We have some time left until all the others decide to leave and so...

[C0NNER]-*sigh* No worries. I was thinking of going back at the base now anyway. You can stay with them as much as you want. I will tell him where you are if you want.

[N04H]-O-Okay! I will be back soon, I promise!

[C0NNER]-Take your time. If anything, I think it isn't the worst for us to see LUK3 annoyed, don't you think?

[N04H]-Heheh... Yeah... Alright! Then I will go back to my group! See you at the base, C0NNER!

[C0NNER]-See you...

N04H runs kind of pleased towards his group who seems to have stopped and waited for him all this time. They seem to argue again, most likely putting the blame on him now as he seems to say an excuse or something.

But C0NNER remains behind, looking a bit at that group far away in the distance. Rather than seeing N04H with his friends, he sees another vision of the past: little him and his former friends. A burden that he carries till this very day, the blame being on him in his perspective, not specified why. If it wasn't for that day though, what would've happened to them? Were they the same as these kids that are in front of him? At least, there is something that remained even after all this suffering of his though. And that is...

[C0NNER]-...I will make you all proud. I promise.

...that he didn't give up just yet.

23:37

The group seems to be finally leaving the school and meeting with everyone outside. Everyone is talking to each other and almost ready to leave, and N04H and his friends still seem to argue again.

[N04H]-I won't say it was THAT bad, M1LO!

[M1LO]-Yeah, yeah... Whatever...

[K4NE]-So are we coming later this night as well? Or do you guys have work to do at the military jobs?

[ANDR3]-Well, I don't know about them, but will you manage to not be late this time if we are going to come tonight as well?

[K4NE]-It was YOUR fault today that we were late, ANDR3! Don't you dare say a word! There is a better question! Will you manage to stay awake until then!?

[ANDR3]-Shut up!

[K4NE]-Oh, I should shut up, huh??

[M1LO]-Both of you should shut the hell up, god dammit!

[N04H]-Going together later this day isn't such a bad idea though. It's worth a try!

[M1LO]-If you say so... But it isn't something so special anyway. We will just go to one of the bars and get some drinks together like the last time.

[N04H]-Should we talk to the others then?

[K4NE]-I mean we still need some information on where we are suppose to go if so...

[N04H]-Alright then! Let's go and see!

And so they do. They go to a group nearby to ask around some questions, yet that group doesn't seem to know anything either. They are a bit disappointed, but before they could leave and ask the others, someone approaches them, which is one of the guys from that group.

[RY3]-Hey guys...

[M1LO]-Oh, hey, RY3! What's up?

[RY3]-Nothing much, but... can I talk with N04H? ...In private?

[K4NE]-Huh? Why?

[RY3]-It's just that... I want to speak to him a bit about a subject.

[N04H]-Okay! No worries! I will come back quickly, guys! Wait for me!

They leave alone to an area that doesn't seem to have anybody around. RY3 is kind of serious, even a bit scared too.

[N04H]-Okaaay... What do you want to tell me, RY3?

[RY3]-Okay... It will be a bit strange to ask, but I feel like you are the only person that I know to be aware of this information...

[N04H]-What is it?

[RY3]-You know... Seven Two... right?

[N04H]-Sev... Oh, right! Right! What about Him?

[RY3]-Do you know if he... ever stalked people or something like that in the past?

And when he asked that question, N04H got so confused quickly.

[N04H]-...What do you mean by that?

[RY3]-How can I explain this... Do you know that, a few days ago, our base worked to help out the South Base?

[N04H]-Right... You work for the North Base, right? But that happens almost every day now! My base is helping them as well! I even managed to go one time since one of the people there took me so I can learn a few things.

[RY3]-Okay, okay... I will go into more details then... More specifically, eight days ago, we were on a mission, alright?

[N04H]-Yeah! I believe I was present on that one too!

[RY3]-Well, that day, I believe that I saw someone far away... that looked like him... like Seven Two.

As he hears this, N04H gets in shock. This past month, nobody saw CHE5TER anywhere. Almost everyone believed that He was dead. Now, a new soldier claims that he saw Him all of a sudden?

[RY3]-...I was so scared, I didn't know what to do... He even looked at me and I did kind of recognise a bit from his face. But why was he there? Do you know if he wants something from me? I'm kind of afraid of him, you know? He is a crevaator, right? I mean, with those clothes and all...

[N04H]-...You are not lying? Are you sure it isn't a joke?

[RY3]-No! I'm not lying to you, N04H! I'm scared! I couldn't sleep that well in these past days 'cause I always thought about that mission! I even lied to my own Leader! You are the only person that I know to be aware of Seven Two! Please!! Tell me!! Did I do something that made him mad at me!? Why was he there?? From all the places in this world, he chose to come in the City of Above near my location?? Please!! Tell me what did I do to get that strange crevaator mad!!

N04H doesn't seem as he cares that much about the guy's worry. He was so happy he found something to tell the base now. He puts his hands on the guy's shoulders, squeezing them from his joy, yet the boy was still afraid.

[N04H]-RY3, you don't know how much I owe you now! I will treat you at the bar this night, no matter the price! Be sure to come, alright??

[RY3]-Wha... Hey! Wait! Don't leave! You didn't answer my question! N04H!!

N04H starts running towards his base, leaving everyone behind. He doesn't care if he will argue with his friends about this later. He is in a rush, and the first person he wants to talk about this is RY4N.

And so, minutes later, at the base, RY4N seems to stay with N04H, in the Great Leader's office, talking about what he just found out during his trip around the city. On the ruler's desk though, there is RY4N's communication device, untouched. Yet the device opens while they are talking, as a new message appears on the screen. It isn't clear who sent it though, but it's clear what it says.

"Meet me tomorrow morning around our old place. I will tell you everything you wish to know. But do me one favour..."

"...Come alone!"