09.02.1642

The Southeast Military Base

16:47

"A history so cruel that you couldn't even imagine. And yet these lands were nothing but a united civilisation. People say that the past has many untold secrets, secrets that only the lost legends knew about. But there is one story that everyone knows, as they live in fear because of it. A war so merciless to the victims of it, to the future made from it. What exactly happened? Only the past can tell. But the history from that war was written with the blood of the deceased soldiers. The truth behind it? It's still a mystery.

A long time ago, around 250 years into the past, two of the main races were given the fate of fighting each other until the last drop of blood. Who were these races? The Creators, the C borns, beings blessed with the gift of making even the hardest ideas come true. Such powers that were praised, even seen as the gods themselves. After all, if it wasn't for their existence, all those beings would had nothing to begin with. The second race? The Immortals, the M borns, beings blessed with the gift of an eternal life. It is no doubt that this gift is one to make the most of it. The race that prevails in these lands, more exactly. But are these truly gifts? Some people doubt it. They all have their own thoughts on it after all. But the third existent race besides them? They didn't have a name. They weren't blessed with these gifts from the gods. Why? Only the First Man knows. But they weren't obligated to fight in the war.

Why a war between the other two? Hard to say exactly. But there was no doubt when the battle of Life and Death began that these were the lands of peace no more. A red and cold ocean that was made out of it. Millions of people lost their lives, others lost their places, and others their glory. The one who started all of this? A man that called himself General 4RTHUR, the ruler of the M borns on the field. His intentions were unclear, as well as his actions. But something was known for certain: people died by his own bare hands. Years after years of constant torture for the second race, like a pain that never wants to leave you in peace. It wasn't a long time until the C borns will give up on their hopes and surrender. But when they were ready to wave the white flag, a new hope appeared.

Nobody knows His identity, nobody knows how He truly looked like or what was in His mind, yet He appeared to protect His race when things were to an end. A man, so powerful that could kill hundreds of soldier in a blink of an eye. A man so quick that not even the speed of light could compete with Him. What was His name? It's a detail lost in history, as well as everything that people knew about Him back then. But He had a nickname in the hearts of His people: the God of War.

He fought for a great time, never even thinking of giving up. People thought that the war will come to an end and they will rise victorious. But what happened that caused the lose? His disappearance into thin air. They woke up one morning with Him present no more. He was gone for good. Why? Well, there is a saying that He regretted what He has become and wanted to put an end to this misery of His. In a night so bright and beautiful, He was the only one awake, watching the stars from the sky alone. What did He have in His mind? It's a puzzle for us to solve. But He disappeared the next day, never to be seen again.

Not long after, the war was declared lost for the C borns and the General started ruling over these lands. Yet the poor souls got a second chance. Her name? M1NERV4. She decided to take from the God of War's wisdom and power and give it to Her people. She wasn't a C born though, She was one from the third race. She had no powers, no strength to lead these beings. Yet She still decided to do so, giving birth to the group called the Renaissance, one that started the revolution and disobeyed to the General's words, the new name of the third race, the R borns. She founded an underground city for the people that suffered and promised everyone peace and freedom. In the end, She succeeded in what She had planned and killed the General once and for all, giving Her own life in the process.

It was not long after both of their deaths for the M borns to make desperate decisions and start to eliminate anybody that is considered an enemy, as well as all the C borns alive. As for the Renaissance? A new ruler took Her role, a descendant, but an anonymous one. Nobody knows who exactly He was, not even a nickname, but He continued Her dreams. It was time for a new bloodline to appear and protect this city of theirs, working in the shadows in order to survive. From Her death shall rise the future of these lands, the dream of peace, the glory lost in the war. After all, "the dawn is waiting for us all". These were Her last words to Her people."

And so, as a young man reads the final words on the book he holds, a woman enters the room in which he was standing, calling for him.

[TH3A]-Master RY4N?

[RY4N]-Hm? Oh, yes, Miss TH3A?

[TH3A]-Sorry if I'm interrupting you, but Officer KYR4 told me to inform you about a meeting with the Council today at 18:00 and mentioned that it is necessary for the Leader of the Southeast Base to be present.

[RY4N]-It's alright. I will speak to her in a few moments. You are free to go.

As TH3A leaves the room, the man goes back to his book until a cold voice starts speaking to him, coming from a chair that has its back towards the young man, making us unable to see who this person is.

[CHE5TER]-...I cannot understand you, RY4N. You've read that book so many times and you still insist in doing so every time you stay around me. Don't you get sick of it?

[RY4N]-It was written by your kind, CHE5TER, by the people that looked into the history, by the beings before us here. If there is any information that we've missed about this whole thing, it should be around here.

[CHE5TER]-You only waste your time. Do yourself a favour and stop believing everything you read. The whole "God of War" thing is just a legend. There is no such existent power that a simple man can have. It's just a fabricated story so that the books can be sold. And even if it was real, He wouldn't be able to help us again. He disappeared, forever! I don't even think He is alive at this point no matter what happened to Him.

Yet the voice itself comes from another man that looks to be the same age as the other, sitting on the chair with His back on the other guy, just as mentioned before. But as He turns around, you can't really say He is alive. A face as cold as the voice, half injured, with such empty eyes that even if you stare at them for hours you cannot see a glint of light. He seems to be a C born, yet the other guy is probably an R born, noticing the fact that he does not have any C colour like Him. The cold man's eyes match the colour of the end of His hair, representing Him in this race. But the colour is not something we can see, for us it's similar to red, but for them, it is a colour called "Voothrav".

[RY4N]-Then what's your plan? You want to do all of this for the rest of your life? Or you want to change the present for once and for all?

[CHE5TER]-Do you see that we have something better to do now? We have to stick to the current plans until we find a solution.

[RY4N]-Weren't you the one who said "If anything, the first descendant of M1NERV4 should have the solution of ending the war. If we find who He was, we can get our answers."?

[CHE5TER]-And you think that reading some old books will help you find the answers? That descendant remained anonymous as He pleased. None of our ancestors knew who He was. Don't you remember that even our father didn't know anything about Him? I don't think He left any kind of information in a simple book for any random person to find at any moment, RY4N.

[RY4N]-But there has to be an answer, we just have to keep looki--

[CHE5TER]- --I've told you already. The only way we can stop this is by doing it our way. There is nothing left from the previous generations. We need to keep going.

[RY4N]-...

[CHE5TER]-Go prepare yourself for the meeting. I will see what the others are doing now. Oh, and remember: I want all the details that are revealed, no matter how insignificant they are. I don't like it that they didn't let the Great Leader join this time after all. Seems like they try to hide something from me...

[RY4N]-...Yeah, I will remember.

[CHE5TER]-Good. Then I will see you in a few hours.

The man stands up from the chair He was sitting on, a chair that seems to belong to the old ruler, placed so that He could see the entire underground city, while on the other part, the room isn't visible, appearing only as another rock on the walls. He leaves the room with the same face He had all this time, a serious expression, or rather one that couldn't express any emotion. Yet the other guy remained, standing alone.

[RY4N]-*sigh*...You have to give up on this person you wish to be, Brother. I'm trying to find a solution for the war just like you.

17:06

That cold man is walking towards a room, which seems to be the training ground of the base. A huge room in which anybody can go and train for their strength to grow. But as He enters, He gets pushed by a girl that was blasted in a room by a certain weapon.

[N04H]-Oh no, no, no, no, no! I'm so sorry, Miss KYR4! I didn't know it can do this! Did I hurt you??

He helps the girl to get up, but then she looks behind the little boy and starts giggling silently, making the boy confused.

[N04H]-W-Why are you laughing?

And so, the boy then turns around, only to get stoned by fear. LUK3 was standing behind him and looking at him as if he wanted to kill the little boy. He was looking at him straight into the eyes and the boy was getting more scared by every second.

[KYR4]-You can stop now, LUK3! You scared the shit out of his soul.

[LUK3]-But HE hurt YOU!

[KYR4]-Why do you enjoy making a scene every time something happens? I swear, you are such a child!

[LUK3]-But. He. Hurt. YOU!

[KYR4]-Oh, gods, have mercy...

Yet the cold man turns to the girl for an explanation, as He is confused as well.

[CHE5TER]-Officer KYR4, mind explaining what is happening here?

LUK3 was making hand signs so that the girl understands to not tell Him. Though, despite every effort, she still decides to tell the truth.

[KYR4]-LUK3 decided on his own to give N04H some weapons so that he can choose one after, without your approval.

[LUK3]-OH, COME ON!!

[CHE5TER]-And why did you decide to do that? Without even telling me?

Yet another voice from the room starts speaking as well.

[C0NNER]-You know how LUK3 acts, Master. Childish as ever. No matter how hard you try, he will do as he pleases.

[LUK3]-That is NOT true!

[CHE5TER]-Then it won't bother you to explain your actions yourself rather than letting others explain it to me, right?

[LUK3]-You guys are no fun... Alright, alright! I will explain! Sooo, you know, little N04H here has to decide on his role soon and I thought that, maybe, if he picks the weapon first, it could be easier for him to take the Striker role!

[KYR4]-And who said that he will be a Striker like you, genius?

[LUK3]-AnD wHO sAid thAt... Ninini... Shut the fuck up!

[KYR4]-*sigh*

[LUK3]-OF COURSE he will be a Striker! Didn't you see what happened two months ago? He will be my little buddy during the quests!

[CHE5TER]-He will get to choose his weapon when I decide that he is ready. Do not forget that it took some time for you to choose yours as well.

[LUK3]-BUT, BUT... Yeah, okay. You are right. Sorry, Boss.

[CHE5TER]-Good. Now, N04H, I hope you can make a decision about your role here, if it is possible. I do not try to rush you, but it will better if you manage to choose it soon. Think about it carefully, or you will end up like him.

[LUK3]-HEY!!

[CHE5TER]-Understood?

[N04H]-M-Mhm...

[CHE5TER]-KYR4, have you been informed about a Council meeting at 18:00?

[KYR4]-Yes, Master! They told us to not bring the Great Leader as they want to decide on what to do with a specific event.

[CHE5TER]-So that's what's all about? *sigh* So they want to celebrate His day after all...

[KYR4]-I don't think you should bother yourself with this. They just want a day free. That's all.

[CHE5TER]-Free day or not, there is still a lot of work to do. Some lazy counselors won't help me with anything in protecting this city.

[KYR4]-You should have a free day too, Master. With this occasion, at least you have a reason, if that's what you wished for.

[CHE5TER]-...Show N04H the roles so he can have time to make his choice later. I have to go meet up with Miss MY4 now.

[KYR4]-*sigh*...Yes, Master!

And with that, the cold man leaves the room, while the little boy turns to KYR4.

[N04H]-...The Leader always scares me every time I see Him. His scar doesn't help either.

[KYR4]-He isn't scary at all, kid. Well, at least for me, I don't know about the others. He is powerful, don't underestimate Him, but His soul is just too... weak.

[LUK3]-I mean, I managed to convince Him to bring you here, remember?

[N04H]-...Why is He like this then?

[KYR4]-That's... a long story. And we don't have the permission to speak about it.

[C0NNER]-And you still decided to tell him about it just now, Officer.

[KYR4]-...Let's change the subject. Come on, Green Head. We still have to introduce you to the roles, no?

[N04H]-Right.

17:27

[KYR4]-Okay, we set up a small simulation for you. Do you think you are ready?

[N04H]-I guess? But what exactly do I have to do?

[KYR4]-We will explain it to you, don't worry about that. There will be a simulated world with a different situation for each role, so don't forget that everything is not real if you fail in completing the task. You will see in a few moments.

[LUK3]-Oh! Let me be first!!

[KYR4]-LUK3!

[LUK3]-Pleaaase! Let me introduce him to my role first!

[KYR4]-*sigh* Alright! Fine! Just tell him the basics and then we will set the simulation for the role! Maybe you will shut your mouth if I let you do your thing.

[LUK3]-Okay, okay!

ROLE SELECTION: STRIKER

SIMULATION READY

[LUK3]-Alright, kid! It isn't complicated, you saw me in action! All you have to do is to infiltrate yourself inside the building created by the simulation program! Usually the missions involve some rescue operations here and there, or provide protection for those present in the whole chaos, so that's what are you going to do! Pretty simple right? There are, of course, other quests sometimes like fighting the M soldiers in case of emergencies, protecting other roles that are in action, blah blah blah... Basically, you are the weapon with this role! Exciting, isn't it??

[KYR4]-In this case, it will be something like what you saw at LUK3 some time ago, but on an easier level.

[LUK3]-Yep! Usually, there is someone who guides the ones that are from this quest side in the buildings, like C0NNER did with me. C0NNER, get your ass here!

[KYR4]-We will give you a training device that works the same way as the one used then, but, well... not as efficient as the real ones. You will have to take only two people out. Simple.

[N04H]-Which people? Are you gonna bring some here?

[LUK3]-No, no. There will be some holograms programmed to act like real people. You will see what I mean.

[KYR4]-C0NNER will guide you this time. Listen to everything he says, alright?

[N04H]-Alright... But what if I fail?

[KYR4]-Don't panic if so. Remember, it's just a simulation. If you fail, we will just go through the other roles, and if you want, we will try this one once again later.

[LUK3]-AND you won't fail! So shut up!

[C0NNER]-Oh, gods... Can't we just get LUK3 out and do it without him?

[KYR4]-Just go in there, Green Head, and we will see later.

And so, the boy enters the simulated building being guided by C0NNER. He passes over the hologram guards and manages to get to the room and take the people out. The alarms are activated and he starts running, being chased by the holograms. What he didn't understand is not only is that you have to lead the people out, but also protect them from the projectiles. The holograms that he had to save were shot and the simulation ends. He is a bit confused at first, being his first try.

[N04H]-What? What happened? Why did it stop?

[LUK3]-YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO STAY AND PROTECT THEM FROM BEING SHOT! COME ON!!

[KYR4]-Stop it, LUK3! It's just a simulation! We will try again later if he wishes.

[LUK3]-I hate you all...

[KYR4]-Just shut your mouth for once! Next one is the Defender. Try and calibrate the simulation.

ROLE SELECTION: DEFENDER

SIMULATION READY

[KYR4]-You take it from here, C0NNER. Explain to the kid what he has to do.

C0NNER looks into his eyes. He seemed a bit bored or maybe annoyed. Before everything, he was just training in one of the corners of the room with his weapon and smoking. Now he was put to help out with the roles.

[C0NNER]-*sigh* I think you already know the roles mission, right? Each Defender works with one of the people that goes in the offensive team, you cannot work with more than one at the same time for the beginning, as it is even more complicated than the start, and also you need a lot of focus. I think that's all.

[KYR4]-That is not really the explanation I wanted to hear.

[C0NNER]-If you can explain it better, then why don't you do it yourself?

[KYR4]-I swear, I'm working with idiots... Anyway, in this simulation, you will have to guide LUK3 through a puzzle. Your mission is to get him to the other exit without being caught at all. We won't use devices to keep him invisible, so be careful what decisions you make.

[N04H]-So I have to solve the puzzle first?

[C0NNER]-No. In a real quest, you won't have enough time to act. Everything needs to be done in real-time, so you will have to solve this type of matters during the action. You won't have the time to get familiar with the surroundings at all.

[N04H]-But how am I suppose to guide him without seeing what he sees?

[KYR4]-I guess I can give you a device connected to the cameras. Put it on your eyes and try to guide him. I don't think you can control it only with your mind as you need a bit of training in this category, so use this keyboard in order to change the cameras. LUK3, you can get ready now! We are about to start!

N04H starts guiding LUK3 through the puzzle but he has difficulties in deciding which way he needs to go. LUK3 gets a bit annoyed as he has to go through the same corridors over two times, then because N04H doesn't notice, LUK3 gets caught and the simulation is over. At this point, LUK3 gets a bit mad by this whole thing, but it's not N04H's fault that everything is a bit too complicated for him.

[LUK3]-I swear to the gods, I have to be double paid for this whole thing...

[KYR4]-Weren't you the one who came up with the idea of making Green Head work with us, genius?

[LUK3]-So?

[KYR4]-So? Why do you complain? You didn't know what's waiting for you if you decide to do this whole thing?

[N04H]-Sorry, Mr. LUK3. I guess this one is simply not for me. What's the next one?

[KYR4]-We can skip this one though. I don't think you want to even try this role.

[N04H]-Why not?

[KYR4]-Simply because it's not taught in schools and you can learn only in particular or by yourself, unlike the other roles which can be easier for you from the experience gain from the surviving classes.

[N04H]-I can at least give it a try, right?

[KYR4]-Then, if you are so sure of yourself, do you know at least the basics of computer science?

[N04H]-Oh... Yeah, now I understand why...

[KYR4]-I have to leave now, so we didn't have time for it anyway. LUK3, bring some people for the next two roles to show him the rest, alright?

[LUK3]-Yeah, yeah. I'm not stupid. I know what to do.

[KYR4]-If you say so, big guy...

18:08

ROLE SELECTION: GUARDIAN

SIMULATION READY

[LUK3]-Alright! I'm back, little guy!

LUK3 seems to be entering the room again, with someone accompanying him.

[LUK3]-N04H, this is ELL1OT! One of the members from the defensive group!

[ELL1OT]-It's a pleasure to meet you, Recruit N04H!

[N04H]-Nice to meet you too. But...

[LUK3]-Buuut?

[N04H]-What's the "defensive group"? Is Mr. C0NNER included in it as he is a "Defender"?

[LUK3]-No, no. C0NNER is from the offensive group, as well as I am. It's a bit complicated.

[ELL1OT]-You see, N04H, my role in this base is "Guardian", one of the roles included in the defensive group. The other role is Healer, and the rest are from the offensive group, which are responsible for making the missions: the Defenders and Strikers. The defensive group has the duty to protect the people in the quest like giving them information about the enemies position outside and eventual emergencies, so that they are aware of anything about what's happening outside and don't complicate the things, or even try to make the enemies avoid the offensive group's locations. It is kind of like the shield of the whole action, while the offensive group is the weapon. The only role who is part in both of these groups is the Hacker, which includes Officer KYR4. She has the duty to gain us control to anything regarding the devices, doors, machines and other things. As well as she gains us information, she is also a part of the quest itself, so that's why the role is in both of the groups.

[N04H]-And why isn't the "Defender" role a part of the defensive group?

[ELL1OT]-Because technically they are a part of the quest as well, even if they only provide others of information. They are working on real time with the cameras so that the Strikers like Mr. LUK3 here can make their part of quests. In most of the cases, they are very close to the control station too, so they can avoid interferences, which we don't really want during the quests.

[LUK3]-Alright, alright! Enough with the chit-chat! N04H, Mr. ELL1OT will teach you about the role this time.

[ELL1OT]-Indeed! Let me explain what you have to do in this simulation. Here will be a lot of enemies with unexpected behaviour. Each of them will do something unique, so expect them to make different moves. Inside the walls of the building are the ones trying to do their part of mission. Your quest is to inform the offensive team of anything important that happens. Remember, even the smallest details can cause a lot of problems for us, and do not show yourself.

[N04H]-...It is pretty much the same thing as the "Defender" role. Can we try the next one?

[ELL1OT]-It's worth a try. Come on!

[N04H]-*sigh* Alright, alright...

N04H starts the simulation. He observes every enemy to see what they are doing, but for him there are too many to begin with. He sees a man entering the building and informs the team about this situation, but he misses a man who went to activate the alarm. He tries to tell the information quickly, and somehow succeeds. But then, out of nowhere, another man appears on the wall he was standing and sees him, making the simulation go off. It appears that he saw that man before who was doing some pushups and left on the opposite way of the building, getting up on the wall.

[N04H]-...You gotta be kidding me!

[ELL1OT]-It isn't a good idea to stay in the same spot for a very long time.

[N04H]-But I thought the man left the area!

[ELL1OT]-Don't worry! You did well! You can try again later if you want.

[N04H]-No, no. Thank you, but I think the role doesn't fit me.

[ELL1OT]-It's alright! Go wake LUK3 up to see what's waiting for you next. I will leave for now. Good luck on your choice!

N04H waves at the man and goes to see what LUK3 is doing in the corner. He seems to have gotten bored during the whole simulation and fell asleep, so N04H wakes him up.

[N04H]-Mr. LUK3?

[LUK3]-Mm....

[N04H]-Mr. LUK3! Wake up!

[LUK3]-Mm... What is it? I'm trying to sleep...

[N04H]-I've finished with the role, Mr. LUK3! What's next on the list?

[LUK3]-I will... bring MY4 for the next one... Just let me sleep... a little... more...

[N04H]-Are you tired?

[LUK3]-A bit... I barely slept last night... Heh, I did stay awake for quite a long time... Go take a break... *yawn* for now...

And so, he leaves him in peace. The boy leaves the room, letting LUK3 enjoy his sleep alone. In the hallway though, he meets the Great Leader, the lifeless eyes that scare him. He seems busy, as always, looking at some papers. Yet the boy still decides to stop Him and starts talking to Him.

[N04H]-Master CHE5TER?

[CHE5TER]-Hm?

[N04H]-What are you doing with these papers?

[CHE5TER]-They're just a few work papers. Nothing you should bother yourself about. I was planning the next mission.

[N04H]-Are we going to save other people?

[CHE5TER]-No. We will need to extract some documents from one area. That's all. It's not big of a deal, really.

[N04H]-Documents?

[CHE5TER]-Yes. So? How is the selection going? Did you manage to make an idea of a possible choice?

[N04H]-N-Not really... None of these seem to be to my liking... The closest one that I could think of would be LUK3's role.

[CHE5TER]-Did you try them all?

[N04H]-I think there is one left... Mr. LUK3 said that he will bring someone named MY4 for the next one.

[CHE5TER]-MY4 you say... *sigh* Yeah, I have an idea of what's next on your list. But I don't think it suits you that much.

[N04H]-Why do you say that?

[CHE5TER]-...Just a thought. Did LUK3 go after her already?

[N04H]-No... He said he wants to sleep a little 'cause he is tired. So he told me to take a break for now.

[CHE5TER]-Then let him have his rest. It isn't the first time he falls asleep during the day, yet I told him to stop sneaking off during the sleep schedule.

[N04H]-Why does he do that though?

[CHE5TER]-I don't know. But I let him be at this point. It's not my business to supervise him all the time. As long as he doesn't go in the City of Above without my approval like last time, I don't really care what he is doing in his free time.

[N04H]-Right...

[CHE5TER]-And that should include you as well, little N04H. Hope I do not find you in that city without telling anybody again.

[N04H]-E-Eheheh... I guess I got a bit carried away during our celebration and didn't think it straight...

[CHE5TER]-Yeah. I guessed that from LUK3's explanation.

[N04H]-Oh, by the way! I'm a bit curious of something!

[CHE5TER]-Hm?

[N04H]-How did you even manage to find out anyway? You weren't present with them when we all went to solve the problem.

[CHE5TER]-Little one, I'm the ruler of this city, the Great Leader Himself. You know that already, you signed that contract when you chose to stay in this base and promised on your life on not telling anybody about this information. You think I don't find out about everything that's happening in my city, no matter how insignificant the details are?

[N04H]-Yeah, but how did you--

[CHE5TER]- --That doesn't matter. I have my own ways. I'd say you go back to your break for now. We will discuss later if you wish, but right now I'm a bit busy. I wish you good luck on your choice, N04H.

The Great Leader leaves the boy alone, and he, too, starts wandering the hallway, not before he looks at the ruler vanish at the end of corridors.

[N04H]-I knew the ruler works in the shadows and all, but why are you so secretive?

19:12

LUK3 enters the room with a gentle girl, the one so-called MY4. He still seems a bit sleepy as he just woke up, yet they seem to be talking about something, but they stop as they approach N04H.

[N04H]-This is MY4, right?

[LUK3]-Yep! She is my best friend! Aaand also kind of the best person qualified for this role that I know about... This is why I chose to take her.

[MY4]-By the way, LUK3, is KYR4 back already?

[LUK3]-Nope. I tried to text her and her whole response was simply "Shut up". I guess they aren't done with that shit yet.

[MY4]-*sigh* CHE5TER isn't so happy about the whole event idea though.

[LUK3]-He discussed it with you when He came?

[MY4]-Yeah... and He cancelled His schedule once again.

[LUK3]-I swear, this man cancels this thing every day. What's up with Him? And He tells me not to mess around with the schedule...

[MY4]-I don't know... But I'm beginning to wor--

Little N04H was looking confused at them. Both were speaking in a different language for him.

[N04H]- --What's up with this event anyway?

[LUK3]-Oh, yeah! Let me explain. Every year, on day 17 of the second month, we celebrate the Great Leader's day. So, we all are taking a day off and go celebrate it. Just like how you did with your graduation.

[N04H]-It's Master CHE5TER's day?

[MY4]-No. The celebration is about the former Great Leader. It's hard to explain it. Anyway, let's change the subject. We are here for your role, right?

[N04H]-Right...

[MY4]-Alright then. Should I explain it before we begin or you already got an idea of what you are suppose to do?

[N04H]-I think you should explain first. Master CHE5TER didn't give me any hint about it earlier...

[MY4]-Wait, what do you mean by that?

[N04H]-I've met Him on the hallway during my break while LUK3 was sleeping. When I told Him your name, He already knew what role was about to come for me. And He said that the role doesn't fit me, but I didn't know what He was talking about.

[MY4]-I see... We should take his advice into consideration then.

[N04H]-Wait, WHAT?

[MY4]-Master CHE5TER can see easily what fits us and what doesn't. As for how He manages to, I'm not sure myself. He helped some newcomers back when LUK3 and I joined the base and He, too, helped me choose my role when I was your age by making me realise what fits me the best. To help people. This is how I became a Healer.

[LUK3]-Oh, yeah! I remember it! I thought at first that you got in trouble for the fact that we disturbed both Him and RY4N since we asked too many questions and He wanted to scold you for my behaviour, while I was out to get some fresh air and was talking to some other people about the roles! I had my worries when I saw you leave His office then, not gonna lie...

[MY4]-*giggles* Right. But if you still want to give it a try, N04H, then it's fine by me.

[N04H]-If you say He knows what He's saying, then I guess I will not try this one as well... But I don't think there is anything left for me to try, and none of those roles seem to be right for me.

[LUK3]-I guess we can try them all again. Boss said that you don't have to rush anyway, so you still have some time.

[N04H]-Can you give me that paper again?

[LUK3]-Oh, yeah, sorry. Here!

The boy starts to analyse the paper in which are written all the roles. He was right in the end, he tried everything on the list. But after a while, he notices some writing on the paper that was erased. He struggles to understand what was written there, but he manages to decipher "I- ve- t- ga- or".

[N04H]-Hey, what's up with the role "Investigator", LUK3?

Both MY4 and LUK3 stay silent for a bit, almost as if they were in shock. They seem to be thinking about something.

[N04H]-What? Why are you both so quiet?

[LUK3]-Y-You know, these papers are very old now, nothing you should overthink about it!

[N04H]-Why are you avoiding the question? I want to know the answer. I'm just curious, that's all.

The man stands and looks him in the eyes. He then sighs and tells the little recruit the truth in the end.

[LUK3]-*sigh* The role belongs to our boss, Master CHE5TER.

[N04H]-Why is it on these papers then?

[MY4]-...Because the role was able to be chose before.

[LUK3]-Come to think of it... when I asked Him for the papers, He was erasing something from them. I guess now I know my answer as well.

[N04H]-And you didn't tell me?

[LUK3]-Hey now! I'm only following orders! If He didn't want you to see it, He has a reason that I should respect then, right?

[N04H]-So what's up with it? Why is it on the selection paper?

[MY4]-...Before He chose to make our base a secret, the people who were joining this base were able to become Investigators. It was an open role for anybody who was interested, just like all the others.

[N04H]-But why is it erased then?

[MY4]-*sigh* I don't... know. We used to have a lot of them before. I'm not sure why He chose to erase it all of a sudden, knowing well He has this role too.

[N04H]-Wait, you mean the only Investigator left is...

[LUK3]-Him? Yes... something like that. After we lost some of the Investigators, He decided to take this role on His own, so He was a part of missions just like all the others. He wasn't the only one though, there were still Investigators that were working with us back then.

[N04H]-So they all... died?

[MY4]-Not all. But also the ones that remained left us after an incident over a year ago, leaving Him being the only one left. The rest of the story... won't be possible for me to tell you.

[LUK3]-And because of all the censorship regarding our base, we weren't able to get more recruits to join us, so no more new Investigators to come. It was... indeed a struggle with this role and it still is a bit.

The boy looks again to the erased role on the paper. He stands a bit to think about it, as he remembers the conversation with the Great Leader from earlier.

"They're just a few work papers. Nothing you should bother yourself about."

"We will need to extract some documents from one area. That's all. It's not big of a deal, really."

He now understands why He was so secretive about what He was doing. The whole next mission involves Him to be the main role in offensive. But the boy doesn't think He is so happy about all of this situation. A man who works as the ruler of an entire city, who also needs to play a role in His own team, should be more exhausted than anybody could imagine. N04H then looks at both of them and asks with confidence.

[N04H]-Can I give it a try?

[MY4]-I don't think it's a good idea...

[LUK3]-Yeah! Besides, I'm the one who gets his ass beaten if He finds out! You really want to do this to me, man??

[N04H]-I just want to try it once and if I fail, we won't speak about it anymore. Deal?

[LUK3]-But, but...

They both stare at each other, as N04H waits for his approval. In the end, what can LUK3 do? He accepts the deal.

[LUK3]-Alright... But don't tell Him, please!

[N04H]-I won't! It won't!

[LUK3]-*sigh* I know I'm gonna regret it later, but... come on. Let's start the simulation.

19:37

ROLE SELECTION: INVESTIGATOR

SIMULATION READY

The boy stands and looks at the simulated building. He thinks again and again of what this role could be. The simulation looks almost the same as the one from the Striker role. He then looks back at the man who was calling him to come, so that he can get an explanation.

[LUK3]-Alright, everything is set! N04H, make acquaintance with Mr. N4THAN! He is the Great Leader's personal Defender. He will be the one guiding you from here as he is the most experienced with this.

[N4THAN]-Hello, N04H! It's been a while since I worked with somebody else! Hope you can get in touch easily with my playstyle in this small game of ours.

[N04H]-Nice to meet you too, Mr. N4THAN!

[LUK3]-Alright! The role is something similar to the Striker. You have to go inside that building and not make yourself revealed.

[N04H]-So I have to save people again?

[LUK3]-No. This time, you will search for a specific document. Just... take a look. This is how your document looks like.

N04H looks at the paper that LUK3 gave him and analyses it.

[LUK3]-Usually, I don't think you have any idea of how the document would look like, so you have to search everywhere like a beast. But... the simulation is put on an easier level, so you would know what you are actually searching for. Also, instead of putting it in a random room, the document will only be possible to find in just a few rooms. Around three or four, nothing much. I mean... better than the whole building... N4THAN will tell you in which rooms you should search.

[N4THAN]-Right. But just a few notes. In a real mission, the specific Defenders and the Investigators are taught to communicate in short codes, but we won't use them here. They are taught in the two years practice of your role, and most of them are just the basics. You can also create your own codes with your personal Defender, to make your work easier. An example of a basic code could be "W6" which will be translated as "the 6th room of the west", or even beep codes, like two beeps meaning "Tell me the way I need to take". So if I use them, please tell me to stop. I got used working like this after years of missions.

[N04H]-Wait! I need to practice two years for this role??

[N4THAN]-Yes! Unlike the other roles which can be put in practice after just some months or at worst one year, the Investigator needs to learn more than the basics, like the codes. A whole year is dedicated to the codes themselves to make yourself a cryptic language with your personal Defender, and the other year, or the first year to be more clear, is dedicated to techniques of martial arts because of the high chances of getting into a fight. Strikers do get into fights too, but most of them are just defending, not actual fighting. And besides, in these two years, you also have to learn how to depend on yourself in case of emergencies, like knowing an escaping route even in the most unfamiliar buildings or making your own plans. Strikers work in groups most of the time, so they depend on others and the teamwork between them, while Investigators work alone and depend only on their knowledge and skills, getting help only in drastic situations.

[LUK3]-For example, when you were with me, I wasn't going after my own plan. The whole plan belonged to KYR4 and the one who helped her execute it was C0NNER. An Investigator is always going after his own plan. The only thing he needs is the building construction, position of every possible enemy and... other things as well.

[N4THAN]-Now, enough with the talk. Let's see what you are capable of, little guy.

[N04H]-Dear M1NERV4, have mercy on me...

The boy seems more nervous than he was before, at the rest of the roles. He seemed to get a bit afraid after he heard everything. "Why so much for just one role?". But he doesn't have much to think about it anymore as the simulation starts. He starts going in the building, using his training device, vanishing. As he is new, N4THAN is telling him his plan in order for his simulation to be easier. He leads him to the 5th floor, to a specific room called "The Conference Room". He disables his device and starts looking for the document needed. It isn't there. He goes towards a different room. Not so much luck this time either. He enters the third one and searches up again, but this time he finally managed to find it.

Meanwhile, two figure enter the training room and observe that the simulation is on. The first one seems to be Officer KYR4, who greets LUK3 and ask for what simulation is on-going at the moment. But the second one is the Great Leader, CHE5TER, who, too, demand an explanation, unluckily for N04H. LUK3 seems to be telling them both what is going on out of fear, and the Great Leader doesn't seem so happy about it, rather, as they all are watching the simulation going, He seems more angry than anything, but accepts the situation for the moment being, staying silent and observing the show.

The boy now manages to get his hands on the document, trying to activate his device and to start evacuating the building. But the stolen document seem to have activated an alarm and before he could actually put his device into working, the enemy enters the room. He starts avoiding the bullets and runs in order to get out of the building quicker. He listens for a while to N4THAN, but on an intersection, out of pure instinct, he ignores N4THAN's commands and goes wherever he thinks is the best. He ends up in a room where he couldn't escape. He locks the door and starts thinking of an idea. It doesn't take much until the enemy starts breaking the door, putting N04H in a stressful situation. He has to think fast of something before the door actually breaks.

Yet when the enemy manages to destroy the whole door and get in, they don't find N04H, as he activated his device before they could have seen him. He runs through the door that was destroyed, unidentified by the enemies and manages now to go on the way that N4THAN told him earlier, getting out of the building. Then, the simulation stops for good.

Everyone is in shock, as they start running towards him, cheering for his success, but the Leader just stands and looks at him from the distant, shocked as well. He then decides to approach him, slowly. Everyone was happy, but then they notice the Great Leader as He was just standing close to them all.

[LUK3]-Look, Boss! Little N04H succeeded his simulation!

[MY4]-Aren't you happy, CHE5TER? He passed the simulation!

[N4THAN]-We can finally have another Investigator!

He looks at them all a bit, then He decides to speak.

[CHE5TER]-...And who told you that I will let him choose this role?

So it doesn't take long before everyone stops cheering and look at Him confused.

[KYR4]-...But he managed to do the whole simulation correctly. He is able to be admitted as Investigator.

[CHE5TER]-And doesn't he need my approval to begin with? I am sure he managed to get through this role, but my answer is no.

[N4THAN]-Master, with all due respect, you cannot just tell him such nonsense after all his hard work. You have to give him a chance.

[CHE5TER]-And you cannot tell me what I should do and what I should not, Mr. N4THAN. If you really think that I will stay two years to teach him everything regarding his position, you are terribly wrong. We barely have time for everything we settle now, what makes you think that we will do better if I dedicate my time for this little duty instead of focusing on my work?

[LUK3]-But it doesn't have to be this way!

[KYR4]-Master, we worked with you for years now. We sure can handle to teach him everything he needs to know.

[CHE5TER]-Then, if you are so sure of yourself, Officer KYR4, he will be your responsibility from now on. Whatever happens to him, you will be the one blamed for his actions. Understood?

[KYR4]-...

[LUK3]-Then... is that a yes?

[CHE5TER]-I will think about it for now. You should go back to your duties. Especially you, LUCAS. I know this was all your fault from the very beginning.

The Great Leader leaves, as everyone was still trying to figure out why He isn't so pleased with this idea.

[N04H]-Did I really... cause you troubles?

[KYR4]-*sigh* No. It's not your fault, kid. The Leader is acting like this for a while now, and we can't really understand why. Look, let's not think about this now. Do you want to celebrate your success with a drink? My treat.

[LUK3]-Your treat? Oh, then I'm coming too!

Yet MY4 is the only one who doesn't really seem to listen, as she was watching the Great Leader leave in silence, with such a sad face of hers that could break your heart when you see her.

38:26

The Great Leader is watching the Underground City in His office. A mission is about to come immediately, because after all, He was the one who planned it at this hour. You can see the people enjoying their lives from the distant, as they think they are protected by the Great Leader. But for how long?

He then closes His eyes, maybe to get rid of His worries. But He seems to be getting more tense every second that passes, as He is hearing something that nobody can, or even see it. Maybe is it guilt? Fear? Who knows.

You know you can't keep them alive forever. One day, your weaknesses will kill them all. After all, you are a disgrace to the title "Great Leader". Even now you don't want to admit it, you still hide from your fears like someone is suppose to save you. Admit it, Little Ruler!

Then, a man enters the room. He seems to be Officer RY4N, CHE5TER's brother, the one that was gone at the Council for Him.

[RY4N]-...I assume that you are ready for your mission already?

Yet the Great Leader won't stop standing in front of the city's view.

[RY4N]-I heard that the recruit managed to go through the Investigator role some hours ago and you didn't want to give him permission to continue with it. May I ask you why?

[CHE5TER]-I have my own reasons behind every word I say. Doesn't mean I have to explain them.

[RY4N]-I know my title means nothing to you as I'm your inferior, but as your brother, I have the rights to know every problem of yours, CHE5TER! Why don't you want to tell me anything?

[CHE5TER]-I have no problem to report, that's all. The kid is simply not prepared for this role.

[RY4N]-Oh, yeah? Then explain why did MY4 tell me that you cancelled your schedule again?

[CHE5TER]-I just didn't have enough time because of the work I had to do. Nothing special. You know this story already.

[RY4N]-We are talking about your own life here, Brother! You've been cancelling it almost every day! You refuse to rest or take your medicine!

[CHE5TER]-And I told you that I have work to do. I cannot lose time with these little things just because you tell me so.

[RY4N]-I'm serious, CHE5TER!

[CHE5TER]-I am as well. What's your point?

[RY4N]-My point is that I'm worrying about you every day! Are you that blind, or you choose to ignore this fact?

[CHE5TER]-If you are so worried that I'm not taking my rest, then let me inform you that I will be visiting an old friend after the mission is completed. That counts as "rest" as well, as I will not work at anything in the meantime. And for the other thing, I will try my best on not cancelling it again tomorrow. But for now, we have a quest to do, so let's stop talking about this subject.

So, as the Great Leader wants to exit the door, the Officer says one last thing.

[RY4N]-...I promised Him that I will protect you till the end, but I can't even recognise the boy that you were back then from the man that stands in front of me now. You even promised to me that we will remain the same as we were before. What happened to these promises of ours?

CHE5TER stands, with His back to the Officer, looking down as He hears those words. He knows it is the truth, but what can He do now?

[CHE5TER]-...Time changes everything, even people. Nothing can escape it. Deal with it, RY4N, or you will find yourself living in constant despair.

The Underground City

45:13

A figure wanders the streets, alone. His hood hides His face so nobody knows who exactly He is, but nobody seems to care anyway, as He walks the opposite way from everyone else. He watches everyone living happily together and enjoying their times. But He doesn't stand much on the streets as He enters a closed bar.

The owner was about to open the bar from an earlier break as he was preparing everything needed, but didn't seem to be bothered by the figure's presence.

[AD4M]-...So you finally decided to pay me a visit after all? I wouldn't imagine that the Great Leader CHE5TER will take His time to visit an old barman like me.

[CHE5TER]-Cut the whole "surprise visit". I'm taking my rest for now.

[AD4M]-Oh, so your brother was the one who came up with the idea. How strange of you to listen to him. I didn't know that the LENKOV C born obeyed to anybody's words, even when He was younger.

[CHE5TER]-You want me to stay or not? I can always just leave if I'm not feeling welcomed here anymore.

[AD4M]-Hahahh... Oh, don't be so cold, young CHE5TER. I'm just joking around.

[CHE5TER]-Yeah... I imagined.

[AD4M]-So? One as always, is it? On the house, of course.

The barman makes Him a drink. It doesn't seem to be something extraordinary, but the Great Leader seems to enjoy it for quite a while now. It is a simple heavy drink, yet the effect of it doesn't seem to bother Him.

[AD4M]-So? What is it this time? I know you don't come here just to get a drink.

[CHE5TER]-...Do you remember some time ago that I told you about how LUCAS brought me a new recruit?

[AD4M]-Oh, not him again. You always complain about him and his actions. I'm starting to get annoyed by these stories myself... So? What did he do this time?

[CHE5TER]-The recruit seemed to have noticed that I hid a role from him. After all, I knew already that it would be his first choice, and the one that fits him the most. So, LUCAS told him about it in the end and let him have his chance, resulting in, well, him passing the simulation.

[AD4M]-And what's the big deal here? You should be happy for him, shouldn't you?

[CHE5TER]-I'm talking about the Investigator role, Mr. AD4M. You know very well how many losses we had just from that one small title. How can I be happy when I know what could happen to the little guy?

[AD4M]-Oh, dear CHE5TER... You were just like him when you were little. Don't pretend that all of this is a new problem

[CHE5TER]-Hmph. You say so?

The barman was looking at Him and smiling as he was seeing something from far far away in the times.

[AD4M]-...Do you remember when you all came here for a break? Your father was talking to me of how His work was progressing as I was a former soldier of His, and all of a sudden, you came to us with your brother and told Him how you wanted to join the Southeast Base in which He worked the most. His answer was the same as yours: No. But even so, little you never gave up, and look where you are now.

[CHE5TER]-Maybe because I didn't know what I was involving myself in. I was young and naive to even believe that I was ready to face everything that was waiting for me by choosing this path.

[AD4M]-And he doesn't know the consequences either. And even so, back then, you enjoyed to work as you stood more and more with the other people you knew. Your master used to tell me a lot of how you were progressing. All he wants is to help, just like you wished. Don't be so harsh with him.

[CHE5TER]-...

[AD4M]-You don't need to overthink it, this is why you changed all these years. You tell me the reason of your behaviour is because the sudden change of the Great Leaders when your father died, but the true reason is because you do not trust your own powers. You led them for years now, and you progressed more than you could think of.

[CHE5TER]-..."Be the best, or die in nothingness". My master used to tell me this quote every time I failed to do something. Guess it applies now as well, as I failed to protect the little man...

They both stay silent for a while. The Great Leader was enjoying His drink even after the whole conversation.

[CHE5TER]-...I heard that they still want to celebrate my father's day this year as well.

[AD4M]-They still don't know that He died? Oh, you sure hid it for a long time now.

[CHE5TER]-I cannot just go to the Council and announce His death after all these years, AD4M. They still think He is the one in charge of the whole city and that I'm the one who died that day. If they find out that I'm working as the Great Leader and the Leader of my base, they will start bringing more and more questions and won't be able to do their work properly. I just have to wait until I can make my brother the Leader of the base. Until then, I will work as I did all this time.

[AD4M]-You know they already have questions regarding the next Great Leader, Ches. They think that your father has to retire soon after all. He has quite some time in this whole thing, even if He was suppose to only have the title for 25 years, and RY4N is seen to take His role in their perspective. What would you do if the Council finally decides to ask you about this problem?

[CHE5TER]-I will just tell them the same thing over and over again if needed. "Until I find a capable Leader for my son's group so he can take this title, I will remain in my position of Great Leader of the City of the Underground". Do I need more?

[AD4M]-Heh, isn't it strange for both of you when you say these words? After all, your brother knows that you are behind the whole disguise.

[CHE5TER]-I guess it is a little. But we can't do anything about it. We have to live with it until we find a way to fix everything.

[AD4M]-Heh...

The barman takes a glass and puts himself a drink too. CHE5TER looks at him a bit curious, as the man comes closer to Him. He holds his glass up and looks at the young Leader, who was still perplexed.

[CHE5TER]-For what do we have a toast?

[AD4M]-You said your father's day is coming soon after all. It's not much I can do, but He was my friend as well. So? Let us honour His soul for another year, for the rest He deserves after a life of protecting this city of ours.

The young Leader looks at him and smiles. He remembers the old days when He was just a small child and every memory made back then. How He was playing and argued almost every day with His brother. How He learnt new techniques from His master. How His father managed to take from His time for both of His sons. Memories that He was keeping inside safely, never to be forgotten. This is why He continues to fight after all these painful years. And probably the same reason of Him accepting this title.

[AD4M]-...Son of the first LENKOV, descendant of M1NERV4, may your soul be at rest, even after your biggest wars of your life, even after the worries and fears you had to endure. Your children shall continue the work you've started, your dreams you've wished to see come true one day. From your death, there is reborn, and the bloodline will continue existing once more. As you are our protector, and your memory shall live forever in our lands. Long rest the former ruler of the city and long live the Great Leader from the present!

It is surely not the first time these words are said. They both seem to do this for years now. As for the truth behind the past? Only they know what are they talking about. But even so, let it be for the gods to decide their future from now on.

"...Long live the Renaissance."