15.03.1642

The Southeast Military Base

51:27

Everyone is getting back from a mission, whose details aren't revealed to us yet. LUK3 barely can walk in the hallway, but he manages to go and meet up with little N04H, who was again excluded from the mission, standing with Miss MY4. So, as a consequence, LUK3 starts talking with her first.

[LUK3]-...MY444, we are still taking C0NNER out tomorrow... right?

[MY4]-Hm? Yes, I think? Why are you asking? I didn't cancel anything.

[LUK3]-KYR4 said that she won't do anything as long as I'm part of the action... Hi, N04H! ...And I don't want her to miss anything!

[MY4]-KYR4 is just joking, LUK3. I'm sure she will come as well. But why are you talking like this? Are you alright?

[LUK3]-No, I'm NOT! I'm tired like shit as if I had to circle the entire city 20 times and KYR4 plays around with me, AGAIN! I feel like I'm dying, I swear...

[MY4]-Speaking of tired... Where is CHE5TER?

[LUK3]-He said something about work to do or shit. You know... same Boss, same excuses every single day... At this point I couldn't care less of what that man is doing, for Heaven's sake...

[N04H]-...To be honest, if we are on this subject, I didn't see Him anywhere in the past few days.

[MY4]-That's why I'm asking, N04H. He didn't come to me at all these few days and I, too, barely saw Him. Something isn't right and I'm beginning to have a bad feeling about this...

[LUK3]-You worry for nothing, MY4! That man is perfectly fine, or, well... as much as I saw. Even if He doesn't appear here, doesn't mean He is gone for good! I mean, He was present at all the missions and, as far as KYR4 told me, at the meetings with the Council as well!

[MY4]-Then why doesn't He want to stay at the base anymore?

[LUK3]-I DON'T KNOW, GIRL! Who the fuck do you think knows about what's in His mind anyway?? I'm too tired to even think about Him! Maybe I can get four or five hours of sleep if I leave now...

[MY4]-*sigh* Then why are you still awake if you know you are so tired, LUK3? Go and take a rest!

[LUK3]-...Yes, Mom, I'm going now!

[MY4]-See you at the exit tomorrow?

[LUK3]-Yeah, yeah...

Then, LUK3 leaves as he was getting more and more tired by each second. It was kind of late, indeed, but after all, some of them need to still stay awake and work. But... MY4 and N04H aren't the ones this time. N04H was getting a bit tired too, but seems as he still wishes to talk.

[N04H]-Why was he so tired anyway? What did they have to do today?

[MY4]-Umm... If I remember it right... I think they went to find some documents from one of the buildings that belongs to the M soldiers. To be honest, I don't know myself why was he so tired all of a sudden. He is just there in case of an emergency, unlike the rescue missions where he is the one doing the work.

[N04H]-Maybe he will tell us tomorrow?

[MY4]-Maybe? But I don't think he did something anyway. Probably it's just that he didn't rest during the sleep schedule of the day, nothing special.

[N04H]-Oh, so he's just exaggerating...

[MY4]-Something like that. But it's normal to be tired at this hour. Half an hour from now on and it's midnight after all. Most of the members that don't sleep at the base already left.

N04H looks a bit at the hour though, surprised, amusing MY4 for a little.

[MY4]-You know what? We should take his example as well. It's kind of late to stay and chat right now.

[N04H]-At least one last question?

[MY4]-Oh, sure! What is it?

[N04H]-Well... about what you guys were talking earlier...

[MY4]-*sigh* I know, I know... I worry a bit too much for someone that is actually more powerful than any of us. But I can't help it. I only want t--

[N04H]- --No, no, not that! I'm not going to judge you on that! I was actually talking about the tomorrow thingy...? I didn't understand it so much.

[MY4]-Oh, right... Sorry.

[N04H]-It's okay! I should've given you more details.

[MY4]-Well... I can't... really tell you much about tomorrow. LUK3 wanted it to be more of a surprise. Even though technically it isn't for you... It's just that we will go around the city and celebrate something. Do you want to come as well?

[N04H]-Oh? Sure! But what's the celebration about?

[MY4]-A small gift for someone, nothing big. Though, I'm not so sure of how much that person will like it...

[N04H]-Alright, I think... I understood.

[MY4]-Don't worry! You will see what we were planning tomorrow with us. For now, it is better for us to take a rest. Come on!

16.03.1642

05:13

And yet, here it is. The time in which they had to wake up and prepare whatever MY4 explained to N04H. But, there is one problem: the organiser is missing. In his room, LUK3 is sleeping deeply, even snoring loudly as if he didn't sleep for months, but at the door of his room, Officer KYR4, Miss MY4 and little N04H are looking at him tired. KYR4 seems annoyed as always, while the others try their best to stay awake.

[KYR4]-Are you serious... I swear, if I woke up and came at the base this early for nothing, I'm going to kill this man with my own bare hands...

[MY4]-Take it easy, KYR4... *yawn* He already said that he was tired when he came to us yesterday.

[KYR4]-Aren't we all or what, MY4!? It was his idea in the first place! Why should we be the ones to wake him up??

[N04H]-So... who is waking him up?

[KYR4]-Not me! That's for sure! You both can do it on your own! I don't want to get involved!

Then, a sudden sound appears randomly in the hallway, a sound of a door shutting, from which the ruler exists, tired like all the others, but keeping Himself up a bit better than them. So, MY4 looks towards the sound and notices Him. At first she thought that she is still seeing things from her tiredness, but she then realises that He is actually there, in front of her.

[MY4]-...CHE5TER? CHE5TER!

[KYR4]-Wait, what?

CHE5TER notices them as well after MY4 shouts for Him. He seems a bit unhappy about this, as He puts His left hand on His head, wondering what the hell is going on, before He approaches them as there is nothing He can do anymore but to give an explanation.

[MY4]-CHE5TER!

[CHE5TER]-...Why are you guys up this early? Do you know what time it is!?

[KYR4]-A better question would be why are you out at this time of day? Just saying.

[CHE5TER]-...

He doesn't respond, but He looks at N04H to search for an answer from him. The little recruit understands that, so he starts talking.

[N04H]-...We are trying to wake LUK3 up.

[CHE5TER]-Huh... Is that so?

Then, He takes a random weapon which He had with Him, a simple gun, and points at a spot above LUK3's head, shooting near him and waking him up. LUK3 gets up in a shock, scared as if someone tried to kill him, but notices from who exactly did the bullet come and gets mad.

[CHE5TER]-Wake up, LUCAS. Your friends are waiting for your arrival and you aren't even ready.

[LUK3]-YOU SON OF A BITCH! I WAS GONNA HAVE A HEART ATTACK!!

[CHE5TER]-That's not how you talk to your superior, Soldier. Maybe if you behave properly, next time I will be more indulgent with you.

[LUK3]-...Yeah, yeah, whatever! Let me sleep for ten more minutes!

From this response of his, CHE5TER gets a little serious on His expression and walks towards him, while LUK3 simply puts a pillow on his head to fall back asleep. Then, He gets him by a hand and slams him on the floor, forcing the hand backwards so that he can feel a bit of pain.

[CHE5TER]-...Did I not make myself clear? I said wake up. Now!

[LUK3]-A-Alright! Alright!! You win, Boss! Just please, stop!!

Then, He lets go of his hand and leaves the room towards the people that are still waiting, looking at the show.

[LUK3]-...Yeesh man, when did you even get here?

[CHE5TER]-He is awake. Now, who is answering my question?

In the end, the one who has decided to obey was the Officer.

[KYR4]-LUK3 wanted us to wake up so we can prepare everything for when we are going out. We were suppose to be already leaving, yet we found ourselves with the organiser still in his bed. Can't really say I'm surprised actually... But yeah, that's the story. He simply told us to wake up early for the celebration.

[LUK3]-IN WHICH I ADD that you gave me the permission to do so in the first place! I got all the rights to do whatever I want regarding this subject! You cannot take this right away from me after YOU gave me the permission yesterday!

[CHE5TER]-And you thought that this time of day is appropriate for this type of things?

[LUK3]-I mean... YEAH, pretty much! After all, KYR4 will have to be present at the meeting too, and I don't want her to miss anything! And after the meeting would end, it would be a bit strange to start everything all of a sudden! Will you be present at this as well by the way? I asked you yesterday too, but you still didn't respond.

[CHE5TER]-I'm still thinking about my answer to that question, that's why. But I suggest you start to prepare now if you truly wanted to wake yourselves up at this time. Though I still don't get what exactly do you want to organise, LUCAS...

[LUK3]-I told you already!! I spoke to one of the barmen to let us have a little party in his bar! Just us!

[CHE5TER]-Mhm... And how much were you suppose to pay the barman?

[LUK3]-Well...

[KYR4]-Oh, no, no, no, no, no! I hope you already paid everything by yourself, LUK3! I'm not even thinking to come with you if you didn't do so!

[LUK3]-WHY NOT!??

[KYR4]-BECAUSEEE you are already in debts at me since a few years ago! I'm not paying shit for you again, you hear me!?

[LUK3]-Oh, shut your ass! You are not gonna pay for anything!

[KYR4]-Mhmmm... Then from who exactly did you get the money to pay?

[LUK3]-FROM HIM, OKAY?? NOW CAN YOU STOP COMPLAINING???

[KYR4]-Oh, dear gods, forgive me... So let me get this straight. You borrowed the money FROM the Great Leader, the one who we DON'T even KNOW if He will come!?

[LUK3]-He accepted, for Heaven's sake!! Why can't you just stop complaining, KYR4!?

[KYR4]-I simply cannot accepted it because of how stupid it even sounds! Why do you have to borrow money all the time from everyone around the base!? What exactly are you doing with your money when you get paid monthly!?

[CHE5TER]-...Alright, just stop already!! I'm already tired and sick of your bullshit! Both of you! At least argue when I'm not around!

In the end, they stop arguing hearing the Great Leader mad. LUK3 seems as he calms down, yet KYR4 just stares at him deadly as if she wants to kill him. Then, CHE5TER takes a deep breath to calm Himself down and finishes His words.

[CHE5TER]-Look... go and organise whatever you have there. You said you want to start early, right? You better hurry.

And so, everyone nods at the Leader for a goodbye and starts leaving, but as they do so, not even two steps are made by the group and KYR4 smacks LUK3 in his head from behind. But, one person remains, MY4, who was looking at Him all this time, waiting for the right time to speak with the ruler. CHE5TER notices her, but He looks a bit away, unhappy, as He knows already what conversation is about to come.

[MY4]-CHE5TER...

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* I know, I know... I cancelled the schedule too many times in a row... But I told you already, I can't be present at them for now.

[MY4]-It's not only that! I didn't even see you at the base in these past days! It's... unusual for you. What is happening?

[CHE5TER]-...Work is happening and you know that. I'm too busy to stay here forever and I'm too busy to enjoy the life you and RY4N want me to have.

[MY4]-CHE5TER... I see it in your eyes that you aren't happy. You are always coming tired and lie to us about everything. You know you can stop this nonsense at any time and just listen to us. We wish you no harm, you know that.

[CHE5TER]-Happy or not, it is an obligation, MY4. Without the Great Leader, the city will be doomed and everyone would get killed by the M soldiers. I'm the one responsible for everything, so I have to make sure everything is at its place.

[MY4]-And without you, we cannot win this battle of Life and Death! I don't care about your title, Ches! And you shouldn't care so much either!

There is a moment of silence between them for some seconds, as MY4 tries to not get too emotional. Then, CHE5TER puts His right hand this time, hand that is still hardly moving properly, on her face, looking at her.

[CHE5TER]-MY4, look at me... Everything is going to be alright. You have to stop worrying about me all the time. I am not the undefended man from back then anymore, you gave me my strength back. I can take care of myself now. You just have to believe in me.

She then puts her hand on His hand that was touching her face, so that she can feel the bandaged arm that is trying to calm her, an arm that she fought to save all this time and still fights to give it its normality back, for the man that she loves and that she knows He loves her back, more than anybody could ever imagine.

[CHE5TER]-...I will come with all of you for some moments, but I cannot stay for long. I promise you.

[MY4]-...Then will you promise me that you will take a rest too?

[CHE5TER]-I will. Now go with them. I know that they are waiting for you to come.

The Underground City

07:49

So now, we found ourselves around the city, seeing LUK3 walking out from a building which seems to be C0NNER's place, as he takes the young man with him as well. C0NNER seems as he just woke up, forced to come outside at this time of day, and it is a reason behind his complaining too.

[LUK3]-Come on already!! Why are you so slow??

[C0NNER]-...LUK3, it's almost eight in the morning... People sleep at this time, you know...? What do you want?

[LUK3]-Just come and stop talking!!

When they finally exit the building, they are greeted by the people who have waited outside, as well as a strange "good morning".

[C0NNER]-*sigh* ...What did you do this time, LUK3?

[LUK3]-Oh, come on! Don't be like that! It's your day after all, isn't it?

[C0NNER]-...Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I told you two years ago, I told you last year and I'm gonna tell you this time as well: I don't care about this type of things and you are only wasting your time! Now... can I go back to my bed?

[LUK3]-Hard to get through as always, huh? Just look at all of us who came to make your day better! Oh, oh! And even your master came! Right, Boss? ...Boss?

They were looking at CHE5TER who was leaning on a wall nearby with His hands crossed. He wasn't responding, He was simply standing on His feet and looking down. LUK3 shouts at Him again...

[LUK3]-Boss!!

...only for Him to wake up suddenly. He looks at him a bit just to realise that He fell asleep while waiting for them to come.

[C0NNER]-...Or rather you obligated Him to come too. Just saying.

[LUK3]-Shut uuup!! He came by Him own will!

[C0NNER]-Then explain to me why does He look more tired than I am?

[LUK3]-Man, what's your problem? I'm just trying to do something nice for you!

[C0NNER]-...And I told you that I don't want anything, god dammit!

[LUK3]-Well, I don't care if you want something or not! I'm doing what I planned to do and you are not going to ruin it!

[C0NNER]-Are you serious...

They both start arguing a bit, while MY4 goes near CHE5TER, a bit worried after she saw how exhausted He is and tries to talk with Him on a lower voice so that the others won't hear.

[MY4]-...You didn't take a rest, did you?

[CHE5TER]-...I had to go back from where I came after I met up with you all. I thought that I might sleep for a while at the base after this is over... that if I will be able to keep myself awake for now. That being said... do you have any Energy Killers with you by any chance?

[MY4]-They will only make you even more tired than you are already.

[CHE5TER]-I know... But it is better than risking falling on the ground in the streets and revealing my identity by accident. Now, can you please tell me?

[MY4]-*sigh* I have... only five with me.

[CHE5TER]-It's better than nothing I guess... Probably they will be enough until I leave. If not... can you make some while we are at the bar? Or you don't have anything with you?

[MY4]-I don't think I can... The ore and all the things that I need are at the base. I didn't get ready for the next leaving at the shelter yet.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* Alright. Hope M1NERV4 will go easy on me then...

She searches in her small handbag for the Energy Killers and hands Him over one of them. After He takes it with His left arm, CHE5TER takes off the needle used for the shots and starts drinking from it to regain a bit of energy and try to stay awake. Meanwhile, the boys are still arguing in the background, while N04H and KYR4 are spectators to the fight between them again.

[C0NNER]-...No, you are just a big idiot who doesn't understand what people tell him no matter the case.

[LUK3]-Well, you are dumbass child who refuses to stay with anybody! Do you think you are better than me!?

[C0NNER]-Yeah! 'Cause at least I can take orders seriously unlike you!

[LUK3]-...You little--

[CHE5TER]- --Alright, cut it out, both of you! Enough with the fighting! LUCAS, the hour you've decided is a bit too much any of us can handle, you have to understand that Mr. C0NNER is tired as well. As for you, C0NNER, Mr. LUCAS is only trying to do something nice for you. It isn't a bad thing to celebrate it after all. I understand that some people want to do so and others simply see it as nothing but another day, yet now it is a bit late to cancel anything.

[C0NNER]-But, Master, you don't see anything in them either.

[CHE5TER]-Doesn't mean you have to take my example. Right now I might be busy to even think about these things, but I did have days when I was doing something special in them. Please, for the sake of everyone present here, let him be until everything is over!

[C0NNER]-*sigh* Alright... I'm truly sorry for my behaviour.

[LUK3]-HA!

Yet as LUK3 does that vocal celebration, the Great Leader looks at him dead serious, enough to scare him for death.

[LUK3]-I-I mean... it's okay! I-I'm sorry too, C0NNER! I should've... listen! Yeah!

[CHE5TER]-I swear, it's like I'm babysitting kids now... What did I do to test me in this way, gods?

08:06

Now they are all walking together around the city. In front, C0NNER, N04H and LUK3 are chatting together, while the rest are a bit far from them. MY4 stood behind with CHE5TER so she can make sure nothing happens, but KYR4 only stood with Him because she didn't want to stay with the other boys.

[MY4]-...Where have you been all this time?

[CHE5TER]-In... the City of Above. I've encountered some problems there in which I had to dive deeper. And I might stay for a bit longer, just so you know. Seems like this time, they affect us as well from how it is going...

[KYR4]-Really? Damn, I didn't hear about problems in that city that might affect us in years.

[CHE5TER]-Yeah... Me neither... The economy there is in a drastic situation. Only a few Novha are left in the entire city as they used them like there is no tomorrow. In the past days, in every missions, every single official document that I've found talks about this problem and it might be even worse than it appears at first sight. And I fear that it might affect us pretty badly as a consequence too.

[MY4]-How so?

[CHE5TER]-Since the money will disappear entirely in that city, and since they can be only made by the XANTH3 Clan, the people there are in desperate situations. A few days ago, the North Base Leader, M1SH4M, informed me that in each mission, no C borns were found in the execution rooms, absolutely none, and it's very unusual. After some time of investigating everything myself, I discovered that all the C beings that are found in the city are automatically put to slavery, rather than using only the survivors of the executions. Every single one, they are took by the M people with huge titles in the city so that they can create more equipment, like their researchers or military people in general. I even heard that the previous owners of the slaves put a price on every single one they have, up to about five billion Novha, but not even the high titles can pay for that. Now they are trying to pay them with something they desire in order to get them in their hands, so they can use them in whatever they need. I think even the General himself cannot afford one single slave without going in debts to his people. It's just... wild up there.

[KYR4]-So that's why we've encountered the problem with the fake money back then? The soldiers are desperate to get their hands on the money so they ask around the city for supplies to those that think they have? Weren't the crevaators giving them supplies though?

[CHE5TER]-From what I heard, the crevaators refuse to give them any money now, that's why this whole thing started.

[KYR4]-Ohh, and since they do not pay them anymore, the soldiers are willing to reward anyone who gives them money. Now I understand. So we will meet this problem with fake money again in the future, you say?

[CHE5TER]-Most likely. But there is another problem that I fear...

[KYR4]-Hm?

[CHE5TER]-...The M soldiers started patrolling around the whole city in order to find more and more C people that are hiding. They are very active during the night too, while the city is sleeping, a reason why I came back so late. If they keep this up, there is a chance that they might find at least one of the many entrances to our city or to the tunnels, which will put the city in danger. This is the problem that will affect us for a while, and I don't think things might get better soon out there... This will probably be discussed at the meeting today, KYR4.

[KYR4]-*sigh* This is more serious than I thought...

[CHE5TER]-And it will probably get worse.

[MY4]-So this is why you left us?

[CHE5TER]-I... didn't leave. I never did. I simply had to get more and more information about what's happening. If you want me to be honest, I... missed to stay at the base these days. I know in some days I even fell asleep on the roofs of some tall building up there as I was patrolling around the city... and I am only one versus three billion people. I couldn't even see the situation in the whole city. This is why I will ask the South Base for some help on this one. Maybe I will have some more time to stay in the Underground City this way...

[KYR4]-Dear M1NERV4, have mercy... I swear this one is tougher than any problem encountered since I work here. Maybe we could try to move our city entirely so that they won't get us? This way, the whole fear of being discovered one day will also disappear forever.

[CHE5TER]-I'm afraid there is no point... It will take us some good years to do so and we also have to find a place where we can move. Great Leader M1NERV4 found this place when she was plotting the whole revolution against General 4RTHUR. I don't even know how She managed to find the cave in the first place anyway. It is way low underground to begin with. The chances of us to find a similar cave outside the Great Walls are pretty low, considering that we don't even explore the outside world that much because of the problem of the creatures from the outside. And what the EZR4H Clan states is that the caves they find and use are very small compared to this one, so moving an entire city in one of those will be impossible. And I will not build a city above the ground, KYR4. The walls of it themselves against the creatures will take a long time to build, and if by any chance the M soldiers decide to go outside the Great Walls, we will get discovered and the true war will begin again like how it was 250 years ago. Our only way is to end this whole conflict sooner without the need of any other blood battles, though I'm not so sure we are that ready, not even me. I wanted it to end as soon as possible... but I never thought that it will be this soon. We either find a solution now and come victorious, or disappear entirely from this world and lose everything we've built. And I still believe that the only way out of this is to find the first descendant of the Renaissance Group. He has the answers that I search for.

[KYR4]-Then I... honestly don't know what to say... I guess we will depend a lot on Mr. R4YMOND from now on, huh?

[CHE5TER]-Something like that. But R4YMOND alone won't be enough. We all have to work together on this one.

[KYR4]-Oh, this is gonna be a good show! I don't think they will listen to you on this one though, Master. You can tell them even ten times that they have to co-operate, but not even the Great Leader will be powerful enough to make such a thing happen.

[CHE5TER]-I know that already, KYR4. I'm expecting to have some doubts from them the moment I say the word "co-operation", but they will need to understand that we are talking about our city here. I won't tolerate any more conflicts of theirs. *sigh* All I can hope now is that Mr. XANTH3 won't make the whole situation even worst for us...

He stops a bit from talking and looks in front of Him, seeing the three boys still chatting and having a bit of fun, but more exactly, He looks at little N04H, with regret.

[CHE5TER]-...Poor little thing. He came at the worst times to work with us.

10:32

The group is coming out from one of the bars, talking between each other happily. All seems a bit more relaxed, even CHE5TER, who is still a bit sleepy. They walk for a while like this, but then the Great Leader feels something off with His right arm. He looks a bit at some kind of device attached to His hand which has a screen on it. On the screen, it seems to be a message from one of the Leaders of the bases on some kind of group chat, which reads: "Sorry for the disturbance at this hour everyone, but I need to announce you that we cannot be present at the meeting from 21:00. If it is possible, could we make it now, at 11:00? I will have a different meeting with someone from the city and I cannot come at that time. I'm waiting for the responses of the Master M4TTH3W and each Leader in particular. Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience once again!". The message is followed in real time by other messages that are affirmative, leaving only the Southeast Leader and the Great Leader to response.

CHE5TER gets a bit woke up from this message in particular, as it is a bit out of nowhere. The adrenaline raises as it is late to go back at the base, so He goes towards KYR4 in a hurry.

[CHE5TER]-Officer KYR4! We have to go, now!

[KYR4]-What? Why?

[CHE5TER]-Look at Council's messages!

She rolls up her sleeve from her hand and looks at the device similar to CHE5TER's, reading the message.

[KYR4]-At this hour?? Who the fuck is even awake at this hour??

[MY4]-I wonder who...

[KYR4]-Oh, shut it!

[MY4]-*giggles* I was just saying!

[KYR4]-*sigh* So what? Tell them that is too early, Master. What's the big deal?

[CHE5TER]-Everyone has to be present, KYR4! This meeting is too important to have people missing, especially Mrs. M4EK0! I'm not waiting any more days to talk about this subject!

[KYR4]-A Council meeting was the last thing I wanted now...

The boys that were in front of them get confused a bit when they see KYR4 and CHE5TER in a hurry.

[N04H]-What's happening?

[CHE5TER]-Officer KYR4 and I have to leave earlier. You guys can continue everything you prepared.

[LUK3]-WHAT!? NO!! YOU CAN'T TAKE HER NOW!!

[CHE5TER]-LUCAS, not now! I don't have time to argue with you on this subject, alright? She will come back after we are done, that if she wishes to.

[LUK3]-Hmph!

MY4 looks at CHE5TER a bit while He is in a hurry, and when He notices, He can't do anything anymore.

[MY4]-...At least take these which remained. Maybe they will help you to stay awake.

CHE5TER gives her a nod as a goodbye and takes the last two Energy Killers with Him before He leaves as fast as He can with KYR4 by His side. But not long after, He takes one of them and starts drinking while running, then He detaches an airpod that was connected to the device on His hand and starts calling His brother, RY4N.

[CHE5TER]-RY4N, we will meet outside the base! Be sure you are ready! We need to be present at the meeting, now!

The Council of the Underground City

11:25

[R4YMOND]-It is simply impossible, Master M4TTH3W! There are over 53 entrances to the City of Above! We cannot make sure every single one of them are perfectly guarded every second! We do not have that many people to protect them from any angle possible!

["M4TTH3W"]-Do you have a better idea, Mr. R4YMOND?

[R4YMOND]-...

["M4TTH3W"]-Our city is threatened by a great danger which we cannot overcome with this attitude. If we fail in protecting it, all the citizens of the Underground City are screwed, including us. I need you and Mrs. M4EK0 up there, in the City of Above, so that we can protect it as much as we can.

[M4EK0]-We will send as many people possible to investigate the situation, but as Mr. R4YMOND said, we are a smaller group than them. It's two million people versus three billion. They are winning in numbers.

["M4TTH3W"]-Which means that we need to win in wisdom. They can be ten billion if they want, but if we are playing smart, we can put this threat at rest. We will need more equipment and more supplies of ores, which means that we will rely on the Central Base and the EZR4H Clan, not to mention the Verha that are required to produce everything. Understood, Mr. XANTH3?

[XANTH3]-Yes, Master M4TTH3W!

["M4TTH3W"]-Mr. M1SH4M, I will need your base to join the East Base in the protection of the entrances as well, which would mean that you and Mr. R4YMOND will work together from now on. I do not think any rescue missions will be needed anymore for a while. The Northwest Base shall continue to punish anyone that tries to make any contact with the M soldiers without my knowledge, regardless of the intentions they say they have. As for the Southeast Base which is led by my son, they will continue to provide us with information from every official document written by the M soldiers. We must be vigilant! One small mistake will cost our entire existence! Understood?

[ALL]-Understood!

["M4TTH3W"]-Good. 'Cause I know how you all do not get along that well from past incidents. Now we have to forget any kind of conflict between us and work together. I do not care who did what and everything else, the city's protection is our top priority now!

Everyone is looking at the Great Leader as if they were scolded, with such sorrowful faces that could make you feel guilty just being around. Then they look a bit at each other as they know they won't really get along no matter the situation, but they are obligated this time to do so. It isn't something they want, but it is something they need in order to survive.

["M4TTH3W"]-If you wish, I can give you some minutes to talk to each other so you can solve everything between you, or at least try and do so.

Though they do not want to do so, they know they have to. So, slowly, they start talking to each other, most of them talking with the ones they have to co-operate the most. The Great Leader is simply looking though, more tired than He ever was, even His brother notices that.

CHE5TER is starting to see everything unclear, as His eyes are starting to close on their own. And so, He falls asleep on His chair, with His head looking a bit down. It isn't that clear for anybody from the room that He is actually sleeping, as people are still talking and He is simply sitting normally, only His head being a bit lower. The only ones that actually notice this problem are the two people that stay right next to Him. In the end, they start whispering as well.

[RY4N]-...CHE5TER? CHE5TER, wake up!

[KYR4]-Don't tell me He is sleeping now...

[RY4N]-Dammit... We have to end the meeting soon, KYR4.

[KYR4]-And how do you think we can do that? Only He has the permission to do so, remember? We have no authority in this room regarding what would happen to the meeting. I don't even have the authority to speak in general, for the gods' sake...

[RY4N]-CHE5TER, wake up! We are still in the meeting! CHE5TER!

RY4N shakes Him a bit, not too obvious so nobody will see him, but enough to wake the Great Leader up. CHE5TER finally opens His eyes, quickly, and looks at His brother, who was still moving Him slowly to wake Him up. He clears up His mind and wipe a bit His eyes.

["M4TTH3W"]-...Did I fell asleep again?

[KYR4]-Yeah, pretty much.

[RY4N]-...What's happening to you, Brother?

["M4TTH3W"]-I'm just tired... *sigh* I guess I can't let the meeting continue like this if I can't even keep myself awake...

So, He raises His hand in order for the people to understand that He wants to speak and looks at everyone in the room.

["M4TTH3W"]-...Though I think you already started to make everything clear between you all, I would wish to end the meeting now. You can continue everything outside the building as well, you do not need my supervise on this. The meeting itself has reached its purpose, so there is no reason for it to continue. Dismissed!

Everyone nods as a sign of approval and starts leaving the room. RY4N and KYR4 are looking at the people who are leaving, so they can make sure nobody is left in the room.

[KYR4]-Alright... I think he was the last one.

[RY4N]-Okay, we can go at the base now so you can sleep there, CHE5... CHE5TER?

Yet as both look back at Him, His head was already on the table, sleeping before anybody noticed it. He didn't even disable His disguise, He simply gave up on everything, remaining as this "M4TTH3W" He pretends to be.

[KYR4]-...Should we carry Him ourselves?

[RY4N]-*sigh* No. Let him sleep. It's the first time in my life I see him this tired... At least now he is resting without anybody obligating him.

[KYR4]-He said He didn't have time for anything these days when He came with us some hours ago actually. He was patrolling around the City of Above, so that's why we barely saw Him at the base.

[RY4N]-Really? I couldn't imagine him telling me everything about what he was doing. Guess he wasn't even aware of what he was saying from his tiredness...

[KYR4]-Hm... Maybe... But this guy is a whole mystery to begin with anyway, so who knows. Also, He did say that He will stay more in the City of Above since He has to investigate the problem further, so probably this won't be the last time we will see Him like this.

[RY4N]-What did MY4 say about this?

[KYR4]-What do you want her to say? Of course she isn't happy about this whole idea, as well as you probably aren't either. But no matter what we do, you know He will always do what He wants. We have no authority to tell Him anything as He is the Great Leader, we only need to obey to His words. And if He doesn't listen to His own brother, I don't know what makes you think that He will listen to her.

[RY4N]-I don't know either. I just... feel like he is more open to her than he is to me, that's all.

The City of Above

48:23

Yet now, we are witnessing a small part of a schedule of the M soldiers in the City of Above. The M soldiers are patrolling around the city, trying to find more C borns in random buildings. Some soldiers are waiting outside for the others to come. Over five exit a building, carrying with them two kids, and then calling for their other colleagues to help them.

[MSoldier1]-We found two more here!

[MSoldier2]-Damn, these brats do know how to hide from us... It's hard to get them even if we are more at numbers.

[MSoldier3]-Officer DU5TIN, we are waiting for your orders!

[DU5TIN]-...You already know what to do, no need to wait for my words. Take them to the General and come back to me immediately.

[MSoldier3+MSoldier1]-Yes, Officer!

With that command, the soldiers take the kids away, who were crying from the fear that they were facing. Both of them were looking at the one who gave the orders, begging for mercy. The Officer noticed it, as he was looking at them too. He wasn't really happy seeing them, yet none can say if the unhappiness was from hating them, tiredness, or feeling bad for them. As for how he looks like, he seems young, pretty injured as well, as he doesn't seem to have an eye, which he either tries to hide with an eyepatch or with his own hair.

[MSoldier4]-Officer, I cannot help but notice that you are a bit down. Is it something that I can help you with?

[DU5TIN]-It's nothing, soldier. I am just a bit tired from all the patrolling we've been doing in the past few days.

[MSoldier4]-If you wish, I brought some drinks before we came here from a friend of mine. I can give you one so you can feel better.

[DU5TIN]-Thank you, but I must refuse. I do not need anything. I will be fine.

While the soldiers are doing their work, some which remained with the Officer start to talk about a subject.

[MSoldier5]-...Why do you think they stopped providing us with money in the first place anyway?

[MSoldier6]-Eh, who knows. The crevaators are parasites to the city no matter the situation. I'm glad that the General has decided to eliminate them in a few days.

[MSoldier7]-But what if they still have some supplies of money with them which we aren't aware of? Eliminating them won't be a problem to us?

[MSoldier6]-Even so... They still refuse to give us anything, so they've lost their use to the city. Why should we keep them? If they want to survive, they should give us what we need as a trade.

[MSoldier5]-I still think something isn't right about this whole situation. Doesn't seem even a little off to you? First we find a brand new currency which they gave us, and now all of a sudden they stop paying us anything. What do you think it's the deal here? Do they hide something from us?

[MSoldier6]-If they do, then most likely we will find out once we get rid of them and investigate their area.

[MSoldier7]-If you say so...

As they are talking though, the Officer looks far away to a building. There, it seems to be someone watching them all this time, but he doesn't seem to mind that, he simply looks at that person with disgrace. Then, the figure leaves without anybody knowing where He went.

The Crevaators' Area

49:01

It seems that the Great Leader is coming to "visit" the crevaators for a reason, and they do notice Him coming. There is nothing to explain more. The leader is coming closer, making sure it's Him and searches for the payment for a bit, before starting to talk.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-So? What is it this time?

[CHE5TER]-Hmph... Not even a greeting? So be it.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-I know shit like this doesn't matter to you anyway, so I'm getting straight to the point. What do you want to know this time?

[CHE5TER]-I came more to offer you a trade, Mr. ESTVA4NH7SE. I give you an information that might benefit you in the future and you give me the most expensive answer that I've been asking you all these years.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-Hahahah... I don't think you can pay for that type of demand no matter what information this is. You know the price of it after all. We want your body, I do not care what you want me to know. The body of a true ruler is the most precious thing you can ever give me, CHE5TER. Nothing compares to that.

[CHE5TER]-Then I guess I can leave and let you have fun in your last moments if that's what you wish.

CHE5TER tends to leave, but the leader stops Him from doing that, as He isn't so sure what He means by what He said.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-...Hold on there, buddy. What do you mean by "last moments"?

[CHE5TER]-If you wish to know that, then you might as well accept my offering, right? So? What is your final decision?

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-...

The leader looks a bit at Him. He isn't joking, He isn't messing with him, He is dead serious about what He is saying, rather, even horrifying how serious this man can be.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-Alright... We have a deal, Great Leader.

[CHE5TER]-Heh... A wise choice...

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-Now, don't leave me in the dark, give me your part of the deal!

[CHE5TER]-How impatient... I don't remember you being this way, Mr. ESTVA4NH7SE.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-Stop playing with me, CHE5TER! I can devour you at any second knowing damn well that you are still affected till this very day from your incident! My people are always ready, you know!?

[CHE5TER]-And you still forget that I'm more powerful than any of your people, even you. Doesn't matter in what condition I am, I can still kill you all in a blink of an eye.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-...

[CHE5TER]-But, since we have a deal now, I will tell you everything I know.

The leader looks directly in His dead eyes, as He never gave him any kind of information. Everything that He is doing now is unusual, but He desires for an answer that the crevaators' leader has.

[CHE5TER]-...The M soldiers want to execute all of your people from the above, as they think you are all useless to them since you've stopped offering them money. They plan to do this in the next days, when you all aren't prepared. You either trust this word of mine now and find a solution, or your people might as well just die.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-But this was all your idea, it was your decision that put us in danger!

[CHE5TER]-And you think I didn't know that? Of course, the crevaators from the above will need to hide as well from now on, suggesting that you might hide under their city in the first place.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-We barely have space for the people from the underground here since you do not let us have access to the city anymore! How are we suppose to live all together in this small space, smartass!?

[CHE5TER]-Mm... That is not my problem. This is your group to lead, not mine. You have to find a solution to the problem on your own. I only gave you the information that you needed and a small advice. Now... I will like to get my answer.

Mad, the crevaators' leader seems to be whispering to himself, in his own language this time.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-...Zistzvertse laiszuv il na Heell'vorahvai, CHEE5TER. (TR: Hope you burn in the flames of Hell, CHE5TER.)

[CHE5TER]-Hm? What did you say?

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-...Nothing.

Even so, the leader seems annoyed by this man for the first time in his life. He knew the Great Leader used drastic methods in the past that annoyed most of the people that worked for Him, but he didn't understand why everyone thinks of His ideas to be so strange until now.

[ESTVA4NH7SE]-Just... What do you want from me?

[CHE5TER]-...Oh, you know what I want very well, Mr. ESTVA4NH7SE.

The Great Leader looks at Him deadly so He understands that He wants no lies. A simple mistake made by this leader and He could kill Him in two seconds. The leader looks at Him back in disgust for a last time, before His words are finally spoken.

"...I want you to tell me everything you know about General C4E5AR."