WARNING! The following content may contain spoilers from one of the other stories present in this bonus content book. To avoid even the smallest inconvenience, leave now and come back after you have finished reading (at least) the bonus story "Merciless Fate".

9 YEARS AGO

17.09.1633

Central School "M1NERV4"

34:57

Looking at the date of this day, this is the final moment of the students of that year to be able to stay in their schools before moving forward in life. Everyone seems excited, joyful about this event, and even upset that they would not see some of the people here anymore. And while some are celebrating this day, others seem to prepare for other more important things. Or in the case of some other people similar to a group of three friends, they are discussing about future plans.

Of course, there is no need for me to even present them. The familiar three faces are already known by you, reader. A complicated future fighter, a gentle little soul and a more serious character.

[LUK3]-Soooo... Have you decide in the end where we should go after? The registration papers are not standing for too long, you know? We have to give them back today!

[ADIN4]-Well, it's not MY fault that someone decided to take his time and piss me off with his decision on the bases! Shouldn't we decide already that we would go for the Central Base?

Young LUK3 seems rather different than the older one we know, as he is more orderly than he usually is, with no scar or muscles he has in the present, rather appearing weaker, but his golden with black hair is also long and tied up, wearing more appropriate clothes. Yet he has the same personality as ever. ADIN4 is a bit changed too, with a longer hair than she has in the present and left free to move around, looking like a young and gentle flower of a girl. MY4 on the other hand hasn't changed a bit, she is as everyone remembers her but just a bit younger.

[LUK3]-But I told you that I am not into that idea! And MY4 is by my side as well on this one!

[ADIN4]-Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean I wouldn't. Do remember that I do like to use my blessing for creating useful gadgets, unlike you who barely passed the exam.

[LUK3]-*mumbles*

[MY4]-I don't know what to say about this one, Ady... I don't think it is really the best for us to go for the center. Both LUK3 and I don't seem to fit there and it might not be as you imagined at all. How about we try the North Base? They are the second best on the list after all.

[ADIN4]-Well, they are the second option for me but--

[LUK3]- --But no buts, Ady! I did tell you before that my father knows the Leader of the center and he said he is kind of a pain in the ass!

[ADIN4]-Yeah, and your father somehow is better than him, right? Last time we came over your house, you were arguing with him in front of both me and MY4. I even saw some of the helpers there standing and watching uncomfortably the whole situation. You do act like him, if I am thinking about it...

[LUK3]-Hey, it's not MY fault that he has gone insane over the past months with this idea that I do not want to follow the traditional rules of the clan, okay!? I don't know what he heard, but now he doesn't stop telling me about the "Clan Leader" title and how I am suppose to take it in the future and blah blah blah...

[ADIN4]-Then why does it bother you so much what MY4 and I will do after school? After all, you do have the obligation to stay at your house and continue the tradition from what you say.

[LUK3]-Oh, you little--

[MY4]- --Okay, okay. No need to start a fight now. Surely we can come to an agreement and enter a base together exactly like how our plans were.

[ADIN4]-Well, I still think that the Central Base is the right choice. It does have the best reputation in the whole city and I doubt that LUK3's father is any better at thinking than his son.

[LUK3]-HEY!!

[MY4]-Maybe if we take another look at the papers we will come up with more ideas?

[ADIN4]-*sigh* I still believe my idea is better, but alright.

MY4 takes out a paper from her pockets while the other two begin to stand by her side and read again what it offers. Most of the words on it are about all the bases existent in the city, as well as some details about them.

[LUK3]-Let's see... Central Base, North Base, East Base, Northwest Base... Um, actually no, not Northwest Base though.

[ADIN4]-Why not? You have something personal against justice all of a sudden?

[LUK3]-It's not that! I just heard a while ago about it when my father was talking to someone on his special device and said something about the Leader wanting to retire soon. It'd be better if we stick to the bases that have a fixed one rather than go for the one which is possible to change in a few months.

[ADIN4]-Then if you are all-knowing, LUK3, why don't you tell us everything you know about every base? You seem to like talking anyway. Maybe something that comes out of your mouth would be helpful once.

[LUK3]-Ninini... *sigh* Okay, okay. But I don't know much about them all! For example, the North Base barely was a subject of talking when it came to work for my father! Or even the East Base, who is suppose to be one of the most important ones!

[MY4]-Then what about the South Base? Do you know anything about it?

[LUK3]-Not much... About them, I just heard that most of the problems of the above are discovered by their base since my father always ask the people about what they find. But I think they are the second base with the most missions inside the City of Above.

[ADIN4]-And of course you would like to join it because it lets you go up there, right?

[LUK3]-That is not true! You have to stop making assumptions about my preferences, Ady!

[ADIN4]-But you did think of joining them too, right?

[LUK3]-Well...

While the other two argue, MY4 looks around the paper alone and reads all the details about each base in question. But then she gets to the end of the paper where she has missed a whole base from her plans because of how worked up they were with the most popular ones. That being, of course...

[MY4]-Hey, LUK3, did you hear about the Southeast Base from your father before?

[LUK3]-The who now?

Both of them look again at the end of the paper, reading the tiny details shown compared to the others.

[ADIN4]-Huh. I didn't even notice these guys on the papers.

[MY4]-Yeah, and I barely heard about them from the others as well. Nobody said anything about this base.

[ADIN4]-So, LUK3? What do you know about them?

LUK3 reads again the paper a bit confused while the two girls stare at him.

[LUK3]-...I actually don't know anything about them.

[MY4]-Nothing at all? Maybe your father mentioned them at least once since they are an official base?

[LUK3]-Umm... Oh, I think he did! But it wasn't anything about the base at all. It was about someone who seems to be working there. He mentioned a stubborn and crafty M born of the above.

[ADIN4]-...M born of the above?

[LUK3]-Yeah! I think it was something like this! Ahem... "That M scumbag of the above sure knows how to get on my nerves! If he continues to keep the truth away from the light, I might as well visit the Southeast Base and have a personal chat with him!"

[MY4]-Personal chat?

[ADIN4]-Wait, wasn't your father talking personally with those with important titles in the city? Why would he care so much about an M born of the above?

[LUK3]-Well, he did say it as if that M born was important... But other than that, I don't know anything about them.

LUK3 makes a small pause to think about the situation and if he can remember anything else about the base. But ADIN4 continues talking anyway.

[ADIN4]-...So we remain with the first idea, right?

[LUK3]-Actually... I think we should try to see what's up with these guys.

[ADIN4]-What!?

[LUK3]-Come on, don't look at me like that! It's not like we can't join a different base after if we do not like the first one!

[ADIN4]-And you want to work with an M born of the above that even your father has doubts about?? Those guys are the very reason we are at war in the first place!

[LUK3]-It's not like the actual war is still going though, there are no battles between the two races yet! Besides, if he was this crafty and mistrustful, why would he be accepted in an official base and get the attention of an important Clan Leader of the city?

[ADIN4]-...MY4, do you hear this guy?

[MY4]-Actually, he has a few points... If that M born of the above got the attention of important titles, then he might be important to the city as well.

[ADIN4]-Yeah. An important threat to us all.

[MY4]-I don't think it's really that way. How many M borns from above have you met to be a threat and to get the attention of the Leaders of this city? Most of them are just judged in front of the public by some soldiers of the Northwest Base, but not by the actual Leader. I think I am on LUK3's side this time.

[ADIN4]-WHA... You know what? Do what you guys want! I am not gonna argue with you two today!

ADIN4 begins leaving them while both of them watch her confused, even trying to stop her and demand an explanation.

[MY4]-W-Wait! Aren't you coming with us?

[ADIN4]-No! I am not entering a base that I know nothing about and might have crafty people of the above there to work with! I will join the Central Base, with or without you two! I will see you guys tomorrow for the big celebration, but if you do not want to come with me, then it will be our final goodbye! Let's see your faces when you come back and realise the mistake!

And then she finally leaves, while the other two remain to see her detach from their friendship with sadness.

19.09.1633

The Underground Tunnels

23:56

Two days later, they are now standing in the tunnels to be transported towards the bases they shall start working in a month to get to know the way or to take care of some things before the official work begins. All the students are separated into groups depending on the base, standing to verify the documents they got from the school as graduates and to verify the presence. While there is nothing much of a special procedure, they just make sure they are prepared with the help of some people that are there to guide them.

Of course, MY4 and ADIN4 decided to stay together while everything is set before leaving, though LUK3 doesn't seem to be present at the moment. And it is a pretty awkward atmosphere, since none of them seem to start the conversation and just look around at how everything is being set. Funnily enough, both of them look at some point to MY4's supposed group that is the smallest of them all, ADIN4 not even being surprised. But she wants to cut the tense and try talking to her for the last time.

[ADIN4]-...So you are not changing your mind, are you? You know, you don't have to follow LUK3 everywhere he goes just to make sure he isn't an idiot and does something stupid.

[MY4]-Who said I am going with him for that?

[ADIN4]-Well, you are usually the one that jumps to help him out when he is in trouble.

[MY4]-And don't forget that I've done that for you as well, even though you are more capable of taking care of yourself than he is.

[ADIN4]-Then why exactly are you going with him?

[MY4]-I don't know, I just... feel it being the right thing. If his father says that something is wrong with the Leader there, then how am I suppose to work with someone that doesn't do anything? LUK3 is the only one that knows a bit about this stuff, so shouldn't we take into consideration his words?

[ADIN4]-You do remember his father being out of the line of reality, right?

[MY4]-Even so, he is also the only one from whom we took some information.

[ADIN4]-*sigh*

They take a small pause from the conversation before starting again.

[MY4]-So... Did you like the celebration yesterday?

[ADIN4]-You know I am not a party person, right? I barely wanted to come, but I came to see you and spend some more time with you since we will separate our paths.

[MY4]-Why do you say it as if we will never meet again? Sure, it won't be the same as it was before, but that doesn't mean we won't see each other again. We will keep talking just like we used to ever since we were kids.

[ADIN4]-Yeah... Speak of talking, guess who is late again.

[MY4]-Oh, just go easy on him today. Who knows how much he will talk to you after this whole separation.

[ADIN4]-Oh, so I do win something from this! Nice!

And while they were talking, LUK3 finally makes his appearance. But something about him seems rather out of place. His hair is left free as if he forgot to even tie it and his face looks as if he is...

[ADIN4]-Look who it is! Have you finally decided to make your appearance, dipshit? It's past 24:00! We've agreed to come and meet at 23:30, remember? Where have you been?

[LUK3]-...I don't want to talk about it.

...angry? When he finally gets closer to the girls and manages to respond, he avoids any kind of eye contact while crossing his arms, just waiting for the whole setup to be ready for their leave. Even the girls noticed his weird behaviour.

[MY4]-Are you alright, LUK3...? You seem to be mad about something.

[LUK3]-...I'm fine! Just get over it already! Talk about whatever you were saying before you saw me!

[ADIN4]-Well, I don't like your attitude, Mister! Do remember that this is the last day you will see us together since your stupidest idea of going to an unknown base in the final day! You better behave or I will sure make you behave! What's gotten into you all of a sudden!?

[LUK3]-...I said I'm fine! Leave me in peace!

[ADIN4]-You are clearly not fine since you behave like a demo--

[MY4]- --Ady, stop... LUK3, if something bothers you, then it's fine. You don't have to tell us. But this is our final day together. Can we not have a final memory left out of this as if we got into a fight?

[LUK3]-...

LUK3 didn't say anything and still avoided eye contact, but he silently agreed that he will behave from the way his tensed arms got a bit more relaxed.

[LUK3]-...Is Ady still not going with us?

[MY4]-No. That's why we want to cherish these moments together.

[ADIN4]-Well, it doesn't seem like we have the time anymore anyway.

ADIN4 points towards her group that is ready to take its leave, which is pretty much their signal to take their final goodbye. They go towards her place and begin the end.

[MY4]-Promise we will keep talking, yes?

[ADIN4]-Yeah, yeah. I know how to keep a promise, girl! Just take care of yourself out there and come to my base if it wasn't meant to be!

[MY4]-I will, don't worry!

They both make a small wave that pretty much means that they will meet again in the future and there is no need to make this scene as if they will not. But then she gets to see LUK3 who wasn't in the mood.

[ADIN4]-*sigh* I don't think I even want to try it anymore, big guy. Just be more mature, god dammit. See you.

Still, no response. He refused to even look at her as a goodbye, but she didn't want to lose her nerves on him this time. She just turned her back and started walking towards her ride, not before she woke up with an unexpected hug from the strange boy from behind. He still didn't want to look at her, but he did want to take a final...

[LUK3]-...Goodbye, ADIN4. And I am sorry.

It was a quick goodbye though, since he let her free not long after with no more words given, before he himself taking his leave without even looking at her reaction. She did not say a word either, just looked a bit one more time before leaving for good.

24:37

Minutes after, they too showed their needed documents and got into their rides, even standing together during the whole trip. Unlike the other trips though, this seems to be more of a hidden one. They were the last who were able to leave and their vehicle makes sure that nobody inside it from their group is able to see the road towards the base. The other transportation ways grant you the permission to memorise the way, but this one takes away that rule. And they are not such a big number of a group. While other groups had even hundreds of people, this one has only around five or six.

Even so, MY4 and LUK3 made sure to stay separated from the rest so they can have some privacy when talking. Though they barely even talked the whole trip. MY4 was the one who tried to open a conversation while LUK3 only stared at nothing, angry.

[MY4]-...You still like her, right?

LUK3 didn't respond.

[MY4]-That's why you are angry today? You didn't want to see her leave?

Still nothing. LUK3 continued staring at a covered window of the vehicle, as if he was staring at his own reflection. MY4 at some point just lost hope in getting an answer, but he managed to respond in the end.

[LUK3]-...No.

[MY4]-Then why are you out of your character?

[LUK3]-...As much as I wished for her to come together with us and as much as it hurt me that she left, it had nothing to do with my attitude. Today, before coming to you both, I just... ran away from home.

[MY4]-Why is that such a big deal? You run away all the time. Your father scolds you for that even when we are present.

[LUK3]-...No, you don't understand, MY4! I ran away for good! I am not coming back!

MY4 was a bit confused at what the boy just said and couldn't understand the situation.

[MY4]-But why did yo--

[LUK3]- --*sigh* I got into a big fight with my father again, alright? He somehow found out that I am joining one of the bases without telling him and ignoring completely his own plans. Apparently, the rumours of me leaving got so spread at the residence that he overheard a conversation on the hallway. Even though I did tell them to not say a thing...

[MY4]-But you fight all the time since some time ago. Why is it so special this time?

[LUK3]-He was just... insufferable. And the fight was even worse than all the others since I did keep a secret from him and also decided to follow my own plans and not his. If it was for him, I wasn't today here with you at all. So I thought that... maybe I should just do what I want and leave that place forever. It's not like he will do something about it. He doesn't even know where I went, so probably he will think of the Central Base for a while. That's why I thought that a less popular base will be the best option for me.

MY4 didn't know what to say about the situation, so she just kept her mouth shut to not say something wrong. LUK3 on the other hand got to be more comfortable all of a sudden after finally being able to talk about it and not keep it to himself.

[LUK3]-...You know, even if this doesn't work out and you will decide to leave this base to reunite with Ady, I probably will remain here. It's fine if you don't want to stay. But I don't think I can go to the Central Base anymore, at least for the time being. So if that day comes for us to separate, I just hope I can say a last goodbye.

The Southeast Military Base

25:41

After arriving at the destination and showing all the documents that prove them to be either graduates or people who have signed for the military and this base specifically, the small group finally enter the building through a door that used to be hidden and was revealed for the sake of the entrance before they came there. From the look of the door though, the building seems small. Yet walking around for a bit really shows that it actually is massive and well hidden in the ground.

MY4 and LUK3 stood together the whole walk of the hallway towards an unknown destination. They didn't talk much and just listened to what the guider said, like supposed rules that each base follows and even routines that they might need to adapt to. A lot of details have been said actually, but along the way, they also looked around the almost-empty hallway that barely had any people. Some of those present were even talking on the subject of newcomers, whispering things like "The numbers seem to be smaller than the last year", yet nobody really seems worried about such fact.

In the end, the guider stops to talk to a woman that looked to be one of the soldiers of the base in private while the group remained to wait. Few minutes after, the woman comes to the group to talk to them as well.

[TH3A]-Hello, new members of the military! You can call me TH3A! I am a member of the Southeast Military Base and I will remain with you till the end of the day to assist with any kind of information you might like to know! Of course, at the moment, I cannot reveal every detail because of some procedures we first need to do before we can officially call you members of this base, but we will get there in a while. Do you wish to know an answer to a question you might have right now? I can try to help and I will inform you if I cannot talk about such subject yet.

Nobody said anything though. LUK3 and MY4 only started whispering about the subject in the meantime while the others were thinking.

[LUK3]-So she is like an assistant?

[MY4]-Do assistants even exist in the military? Maybe the clans have, but why would the bases do as well when they already have different titles for soldiers?

[LUK3]-I'm just saying. The way she talks reminds me of someone from the residence.

In the end, someone raised his hand to ask a question while the quiet group listened.

[Newcomer1]-Can you tell us why this base is barely known? I have tried getting some more information about it from the people that have given us the papers with the bases, but none of them knew anything in particular about the southeast one. I also do not know people that work here at all. Is there a reason for that?

[TH3A]-Great question! You see, our base was established as an official military building for the students to enter just a while ago, so we aren't well known among people. I do understand the confusion. But I guess you could say that since nobody trusts a base that you know nothing about, then of course there won't be any new members and of course the details about us won't be revealed to the public.

[Newcomer2]-Do you know when the work officially starts for the newcomers?

[TH3A]-Well, we will give you a break until the first month of the next year so that we can get done the official papers and prepare everything that all of you need, as well as letting you decide on which direction of your work you would like to go. You might have heard that some bases use a role separation technique in which every member has to choose a role and, depending on it, your work would be different than the others. It is something similar to the system of the North Base. For that, we will give you a few papers today in which are written every role existent here and what is its purpose so that until the official work begins, you can come up with an answer and inform us so that we can register you and begin your training.

[Newcomer1]-Do you know when would we be able to talk to the Leader of the base and get to know who he is?

[TH3A]-I am sorry, but I do not know that information yet. We do plan to let you meet the Leader today while signing the contract that promises your silence regarding his identity and all the information about the military and the base you are currently present, but the Leader is away completing a mission at the moment. We do not know when he will come back.

Some people began to whisper about the subject, even including the two friends. LUK3 was a bit shocked about something, even though MY4 wasn't impressed.

[LUK3]-Wait, so the Leaders do actually participate in the missions??

[MY4]-I thought that was... obvious? Why are you so surprised?

[LUK3]-How could I not be?? My father never participated in anything besides meetings! I thought that all the Leaders do the same thing he does while the members work!

[MY4]-Maybe because your father's clan doesn't have missions?

[LUK3]-Maybe, but still!

While the whispering was going, another soldier of the base started talking to the woman in silence on the subject of the new members. It didn't take long though, as minutes later, she begins to talk again.

[TH3A]-Alright, if nobody has any question left, we can start to do a tour around the building and show you some places that you have the permission to see while we are waiting for the Leader! No need for us to rush though since we have some hours left. Come with me and make sure to not get lost while the tour is going!

29:04

The tour has been going for a while and the group even seems to get bored about the situation. Until now, they managed to see the rooms in which the soldiers sleep and in which they will also do in the future if they choose to remain, the training ground that amazed them the most for being so huge and even a massive recreational room in which the soldiers are suppose to stay and rest together, but was empty during the whole mission. Funnily enough, we never managed to see it since in the present it isn't used as much as it used to in the past.

They even managed to rest for a while and continued with the questions about the base. Most of them were normal questions such as how is the schedule or if they get an uniform. Others were more complicated like the process of the training and even how exactly are they suppose to get weapons. Or others even started to discourage people, like the question of how long do the training process lasts. Because of that question alone, one or two people have said that they do not wish to continue with the military life and were accompanied by the first guider towards the location they came from while also making sure that they do not know were the base really is located.

After the whole tour, a lot of soldiers seem to get inside the base while the small group gets confused on the situation. From the empty hallway from earlier, the whole atmosphere gets rather more lively as hundreds of people join the fun. Well, not really fun... After all, the members of this base have always been serious about what they are doing. Some start to do their schedules, others talk to the members who remained behind about the mission. Some even managed to greet the new faces but didn't stay for a talk as well.

From those people that are coming, two young boys also walk together for a while, even towards the woman who was helping the new members. They seem to want to have a chat with her, while the group stands to wait for the news. The two friends also get rather curious when seeing the young boys.

[LUK3]-Hey, who the hell are those?

[MY4]-Maybe members of the base?

[LUK3]-Members? But they seem to be our age! Is it a possibility for them to be part of a late group that should've come?

[MY4]-Or maybe they came one year ago, LUK3.

[LUK3]-But maybe they didn't!

While the friends were arguing, the teens and the woman have started the chat in a more silent part of the place they were in. The one who wished to talk to her in the first place wasn't really that joyful, yet the other one seemed to be present only for Him. Strangely enough, the younger sibling has His C colour light up for no particular reason at all since He isn't using His powers, but not even the woman seems to mind that.

[CHE5TER]-Master AL7AN wishes to talk to you, Miss TH3A. He said that the papers for the new members should be brought to him and that we should be ready to start the contract process.

[TH3A]-Yes, Master CHE5TER. I will bring him the papers in a bit. I just need to talk to them so that they know what is going on.

[CHE5TER]-...Please, stop calling me Master. I understand the situation with my role, but this title doesn't belong to me. My father had and will continue to have that title. I am not the one to own it.

[TH3A]-With all due respect, if I stopped calling you this way, it would seem like I do not obey to the former ruler's orders. Please do not take it to heart or as if we mean the worst for you. We know that you do not want to be associated with this. But this is our duty as His followers and as yours. Not to mention that your Master also has told us to call you this way.

[CHE5TER]-Of course He ordered that...

[RY4N]-Thank you, Miss TH3A. We understand your perspective as well. Right, CHE5TER?

[CHE5TER]-...

[TH3A]-Oh, and one more thing before I go. Master AL7AN has ordered for you, CHE5TER, to be present during the contract process of the new members before you have gone on the mission.

[CHE5TER]-...What?

[TH3A]-He informed me to tell you only after you come back, right before we are suppose to start. Besides showing them the Leader of the base, he has come up with the idea of revealing the Great Leader as well.

[CHE5TER]-You are joking, right? This information is supposed to be secret. Especially to them! Why did you let him order such a thing!?

[TH3A]-This was not only his decision, Master. We all thought that this is the right thing to do. Whether we tell them now or don't tell them at all, they will find out sooner or later that the Great Leader Himself is associated with this base. Every member of the southeast knows this information of you being the current ruler and even what happened to the former one. If they truly are going to be our members, then we cannot lie to them for too long. So, we have prepared a few papers for them to sign so that they will keep their silence about you and the whole situation of the ruler. It is for the best of this building. We need you present to show them the truth, Master. I hope you can understand.

The woman bows to the annoyed Great Leader and then leaves to talk to the Leader of the base. CHE5TER doesn't seem pleased with this idea at all.

[RY4N]-...You know, you had no right to be so disrespectful to her. She is just trying to do her job and to help us.

[CHE5TER]-And you want me to approve every word the members or my master say? Have you not heard his plan at all? This is simply ridiculous!

[RY4N]-Well, I think it is better than just letting the members find out about us randomly and without any paper signed so that they have all the freedom to tell the whole city who the ruler truly is. Doesn't it seem logical to you enough?

[CHE5TER]-And what makes you think that a simple paper will stop them from saying a single word about me? We are talking about permanent silence on this subject here, RY4N! What exactly tells you that they will follow such rule!? Even if we punish them for revealing this secret, the whole city will still know who I am!

[RY4N]-Well, that's your duty as the ruler right? To explain to them the whole situation and to make sure that they will follow you. A true ruler would not fail to do that.

And then, CHE5TER completely falls silent and even a bit mad or upset about what RY4N just said. As he looks at it, he too realises that he might have used the wrong words and made it sound as if he is disappointed and he scolds Him for not doing His best. Even though he just wanted to correct His wrong ways and help Him out to understand the view of the members of the base. So, he tries to change the subject.

[RY4N]-...Hey, I've been meaning to ask but... why are you lighting up your C colour for no reason?

[CHE5TER]-...For nothing. I'm just mad. It's not like I can always control it.

And then pure silence. CHE5TER didn't say another word and RY4N heard the tone of irritation He gave him. His response wasn't honest but it was used to get rid of the question and of the conversation itself. So His brother just chose to shut up.

But while this was going on, the two friends got closer to the brothers who didn't even notice them. The curiosity in the boy's eyes were pretty funny though, while the girl just wanted to follow him to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid.

[LUK3]-Hey, excuse me!

RY4N hears the voice from behind that gets closer, yet CHE5TER only looks annoyed behind His brother to see what's happening now with a tilted head. When the two finally arrive next to them, the ruler switches His annoyed expression to something close to confusion, squinting a bit at the girl following. But when she also starts looking at Him, He simply looks away as if nothing happened.

[RY4N]-...Yes? Something the matter?

[LUK3]-Hi! Are you guys also new here? You seem to be our age!

[RY4N]-...? ...Ooh, you must be the newcomers! No, no, both of us came a while ago here. Why are you asking?

[MY4]-I told you they are already members, LUK3.

[LUK3]-Oh, come on! Tell me they don't seem to be new at all!

Both brothers just look at them while they talk to each other, but CHE5TER doesn't seem to want to be a part of this whole thing. Instead, He continues to stay behind His brother and even seem to hide something from the way he deepens His hands into His clothes.

[LUK3]-Anyway, sorry for the disturbance! I am LUK3! And this is my friend, MY4!

[RY4N]-It's no problem at all! I do mind telling you anything you need to know, and I think my brother also doesn't have a problem with it.

Funnily enough, CHE5TER didn't say anything and He did seem as if talking to some newcomers was the last thing He wanted to do in that moment.

[LUK3]-Brother?

[RY4N]-Yes, He is my brother.

[LUK3]-So you both were adopted by the same person? How did your parent choose? Was by the look of your hair or...?

[RY4N]-Oh, no, no, no! You got it all wrong! We are brothers by code! But I guess by parent as well.

[MY4]-By code?

[RY4N]-Mhm! Look!

RY4N shows the back of his right hand which has the symbol of the error of their code, with the part of above and the one from the right lighting up since they are together, but the left one being silent. CHE5TER didn't show it though, but looked even more annoyed at RY4N from behind when showing some strangers something that ties them together.

[LUK3]-Wooow, that's sooo cool! How did you guys get to be the same code?? Aren't these suppose to be rare? And does it feel different in any kind since the machine created you differently?? *gasp* Do you have special powers???

LUK3 sure got excited about what they are and took the hand of RY4N to look closer and analyse the glowing lights, even though RY4N sure seemed to be in an uncomfortable position, even feeling awkward to speak.

[MY4]-...Alright, LUK3. You are going a bit too far with this. Let go of his hand and let him breath.

[RY4N]-N-No, no, it's fine, really. It's not the first time we get asked questions like these. We understand the confusion since errors are rare to happen.

But as polite as he wanted to be, even CHE5TER could sense his discomfort and chuckled silently at what he just said. MY4 managed in the end to calm LUK3 down and make him understand that what he is doing is strange, even though he sure seems like he wants to know more.

[MY4]-So how should we call you?

[LUK3]-Oh, right! Since we will be colleagues, we have to know your names! We told you ours so...

[RY4N]-Right. Well, I am RY4N and He is--

[CHE5TER]- --And I am out.

And the moment He said those words, the ruler begins to walk away on His own while His brother looks confused at Him.

[RY4N]-...W-What? Where are you going?

[CHE5TER]-I have something to do already and you know it. I should've left the moment we stopped talking to Miss TH3A but I chose to stay for a bit longer for the sake of knowing what is happening. Now that I know, I have to go and meet up with my master.

[RY4N]-But you can't just--

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

And with that, He leaves them behind in confusion. But when you look at the face that they aren't able to see, it rather gives the impression that He rushed to leave because something came up, explaining the pain from the faded smile and the arm he seems to hide yet while also try to calm down whatever is causing a small drop of a red liquid to fall on His foot.

[MY4]-Is everything okay, RY4N...?

[RY4N]-...Hm? Oh, yeah, everything is fine. It's just... It's nothing. Where were we again?

[LUK3]-What did you say it is your brother's name?

[RY4N]-It's CHE5TER. Hey, how about we go to the training ground and continue talking there? As far as I know, both of you don't have much to do until you sign a contract with the Leader, so maybe I can show you around.

[LUK3]-We've already been there though.

[RY4N]-No problem. We can still kill some time either way and I have something to do as well.

29:22

Inside the training ground, RY4N was followed by the two friends who admire again the room. But while doing so, he also takes into his hands a training prototype of a sniper and gets everything ready for his supposed work.

[LUK3]-Soooo, RY4N, you seem to be new from this "something to do" you told us. Are you sure you aren't part of some late group? There is no point in lying about this, right?

[RY4N]-But I did not lie. I did technically start working here last year and it is a reason why I am still training. I am suppose to do so for some more months until I take a small examination of everything I've learnt so far and then I will be officially called a soldier.

And while they continue talking, RY4N aims at some dummies with the help of a silencer to not disturb the stillness in the room, which also seems to make his aim harder because of its design. But that does not matter so much.

[LUK3]-So they did not lie that the process is long, huh...

[RY4N]-Yes, but I guess I am also at fault to not have trained earlier before joining.

[MY4]-What do you mean by that?

[RY4N]-Well... It is true that I have technically joined the base a year ago, but practically I have been around here more than half of my life. I should've done some training before, but I also wasn't so sure if I wanted to join such path at a young age...

[LUK3]-Wait, is that even possible? I thought that only the graduates can join the military!

[RY4N]-And that is correct. On the other hand, my father has worked here and took me and CHE5TER a lot of times in the past to see the building and stay with the people here.

[MY4]-So your father was a soldier?

[RY4N]-I... guess you could say that... Yes, He kind of was. And because of that, since my brother wished to work in the military from the very beginning to fulfil a dream, my father put a word with the Leader here and managed to let him train ever since he was six and joined officially at the age of ten, when he took his final exams.

[LUK3]-Age of ten!?? How did he manage to do that?? I struggled to take the exams at this age and he managed to get them at TEN???

[RY4N]-Well, I did say that he was in training, so that shouldn't exclude the training for the exams. It is the same reason why, when he joined the base, he didn't need a full examination and only took for the role he wished to have.

[LUK3]-Yeah, b-but-but HOW???

[RY4N]-I guess he is just talented in using his blessing. It didn't really surprise me that much as it did to others when he took a full score, so--

[LUK3]- --A FULL SCORE!?? Wait, wait, is HE the actual ten-year-old who managed to write history FIVE YEARS AGO??? NO WONDER HE LOOKED FAMILIAR TO ME! THAT GUY WAS A SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION FOR YEARS AND EVEN NOW PEOPLE TRY TO FIND OUT HOW HE MANAGED TO GET A FULL SCORE!! Oh, Ady won't believe THIS! She struggled so much to predict this guy's creation and still missed 20 points away from full!!

[RY4N]-...Why is everyone always so surprised about this? Is that exam so hard? I never took it since I am an R born.

[LUK3]-Well, DUH-UUH! You never heard that people actually lose CONSCIOUSNESS while fulfilling it?? It takes a lot of our energy to create something required for a FULL SCORE!

[RY4N]-I did hear that, but neither my father seemed so surprised about this. We just both knew that my brother is able to use his powers with high skill. Not even the ones that trained him seemed surprised. They all told us that he just had the talent at it from the very beginning.

[MY4]-But I did hear about talented people from the shelter and nobody managed to achieve something like this before. How is that possible?

[RY4N]-I-I don't know, he just trained a lot and probably it helped him. I just know that when we went back at the base, people welcomed him as a new soldier and that our father managed to arrange a small celebration with the others from here.

[MY4]-Your father seems nice though. Is it a possibility for us to meet him one day? Where is he?

RY4N makes a small pause and puts the gun down while looking back at the two friends, a bit unhappy.

[RY4N]-He is... no longer with us.

[MY4]-...O-Oh, I am so sorry, I-I didn't know that--

[RY4N]- --No, no, it's fine. Really. It's been some months already and we have to move on, so I have to learn and deal with the truth.

[LUK3]-But what happened to him?

[RY4N]-I... can't tell you that. Not until you have the official title of members of this base. But, since we will be colleagues and I cannot lie to you for eternity, I am just going to tell you that I am sorry.

[MY4]-...Sorry for what?

[RY4N]-*sigh* I am sorry for how I or my brother might behave in the future. Especially my brother... The way you saw him earlier isn't truly the way he usually is. But we are going through some tough years and they do impact our behaviour sometimes. So please understand that we mean no harm to any of you and we do try to keep our heads up, but since the death of our father, some things have changed our whole routine... CHE5TER in particular has a lot of things to battle now since he is the one that took the work of our father in his hands at the moment and it might not be the last time you will see him in a bad mood. So I am truly sorry for what you had and will probably have to witness in the future.

[LUK3]-But why do you say it like it's a big deal? I don't get it. You both were supposed to be soldiers anyway, so why do you say it like this work is nothing of what you've imagined?

[RY4N]-I can't--

But before he could finish his sentence, Miss TH3A enters the room, searching for the new members.

[TH3A]-There you are! Miss MY4, Mr. LUCAS, we have prepared you the papers! Please, follow me!

Yet again, before she leaves with the two friends, TH3A bows to Young RY4N, who also makes a quick gesture with his head. Then, she gets through the door while the other two follow her, and RY4N remaining alone to watch the door close itself.

[RY4N]-...I guess you will find the answer on your own now.

29:37

Guided by the soldier, the two friends enter the office of the Leader where it can be seen the face of a man with a bit of a darker skin, green eyes and white hair, Leader AL7AN. He seems to be sitting on his chair, looking at the two young people that are entering the room as if he tries to analyse even the smallest detail about them just from a glance. When he finishes, his gesture is rather confusing, only making a silent and very short sound of a chuckle when seeing the curious minds and pure souls.

While they get closer to his desk, a different soldier that stands on the left side of the Leader prepares everything that was needed. The former Officer present at the meetings, to be more precise. And pretty much the right hand of the Leader at that time. Leader AL7AN doesn't seem to do anything though, only waits for everything to begin and even for someone to arrive.

At the same time, the other two new people were already present since they were first to arrive and to wait for the other two. They are already sitting in front of the desk of the Leader, even seeming intimidated by the confusing expression such a man could give. And truth to be told, AL7AN does seem as he wishes to bring fear into the room, almost as if he tries to teach them how to obey.

In the end, MY4 and LUK3 finally take a seat next to the other two and start analysing the Leader as well, even though their time is limited since he starts talking.

[AL7AN]-...Well then. I assume everyone is present now?

[Officer]-Yes, Master.

[AL7AN]-Great. Then we can start the whole thing regarding you four. If you feel like you are ready, of course. But I do assume that you are since you have decided to enter this room, right?

His tone is rather cold though, not welcoming at all. All he seems to try is to make them afraid of him so that he can manipulate them into doing everything he wants. His expression is also more similar to the look someone would do that intends to kill if the people do not obey. Though he most likely just acts for the sake of the contract.

[AL7AN]-I will take your silence as a yes then. Good. But before we start this whole thing, may I ask you all why have you decided to come here in the first place? What exactly made you choose this base, hm?

Nobody really dared to speak first because of his tone. MY4 and LUK3 sure were a bit confused on what was happening, even thinking that something made him mad before they entered the room. But one of the newcomers finally speaks.

[Newcomer1]-...I came here because I wish to help out the city that raised me.

[AL7AN]-Oh, only that? Sure, I can say that this is what you have in mind, but it is such a basic way of thinking that even bores me. I've heard that sentence so many times before. No, I want you to tell me what exactly made you decided in joining me? I do not care about your wish of the military at all. I want to know how you got here in the first place. Do you understand what I am telling you?

[Newcomer1]-Y-Yes, Sir!

[AL7AN]-"Sir"? Oh, your way of respect is such a foolish one. Perhaps you didn't know that this title is the way the soldiers of M call their General. But how could I trust someone that associates me with that bastard of the above? Surely I cannot let you inside my base, right?

The newcomer became silent, even a bit afraid to say any other word to the Leader. Seconds of silence while AL7AN analyses the newcomers and nobody speaks. But then, LUK3 breaks the weird peace and begins to speak as well.

[LUK3]-...I-I came here because I wanted to join the military without anybody knowing where I am working!

[AL7AN]-Oh? And why is that?

[LUK3]-Because I made up my mind and I am not turning back on it!

[AL7AN]-Well, that's an interesting answer... May I know your name, little one?

[LUK3]-It's LUK3, Leader!

[AL7AN]-Oh, LUCAS. I heard about you. You are XANTH3's kid, right? Say, wasn't your father all against you becoming anything else but the next Clan Leader? Surely you don't seem scared about the outcome from your expression, but what exactly tells you that not even your father will know the fact that you are here?

[LUK3]-...Because a good Leader would help out his soldiers in need.

The Leader didn't say a word, but he sure looked the young boy into the eyes, almost scaring his soul out of his body. But out of nowhere, there is a smile that cracks on AL7AN's face, that later on gets into laughing. And only after that, he continues talking.

[AL7AN]-...Hahahah, oh, you sure are a brave one, boy! I'll tell you that! Alright then! Let's stop this whole charade and finally get to business! Mr. XANTH3, would you like to tell us why are you all present here?

[LUK3]-It's because we are suppose to sign a contract. And it's not XANTH3! It's LUK3!

[AL7AN]-LUK3... Strange request but okay. You are right, "LUK3". You all have to sign a contract with me before you can finally be named members of this base. My Officer will give you everything that you need in just a moment.

He makes a small gesture with his hand towards the Officer that only bows his head quickly and gives everyone the contract and a pen to write with. They all begin to read it quickly, even though the Leader still talks.

[AL7AN]-With this contract that you are about to sign, you swear on your own life to not give any kind of information about us outside this building, no matter how close you might be with a person. Only the military is allowed to know what is happening in this whole war, and no innocents of the city will take part in it. You will swear on your life to serve me and this city until the moment will be for me to leave and for someone else to take my role, continuing your contract as it is now. If anybody breaks this promise, not only you will suffer the consequences of your own stubbornness, but also the people of this city that have nothing to do with this war. Any kind of information in the wrong hands could lead to another battle of blood, and this is exactly what we avoid here. Did I make myself clear?

Everyone nods as approval, but someone got so focused in reading the contract that they've noticed a bonus paper that technically has nothing to do with the original one.

[Newcomer3]-...Leader, what is the second contract all about? I thought we were suppose to sign only one.

[AL7AN]-Oh, that. Seems I have forgotten. Oh, well.

[Newcomer3]-What do you mean by "oh, well"? We weren't informed by something like this at all!

Again, the Leader didn't say anything, but he did seem to change his expression, even though he didn't want to. He didn't seem pleased by the other contract at all, almost wishing for the contract to be meant to help someone else.

[AL7AN]-...You see, dear comers... This base has a small secret that should not be revealed to any other base or military member. This is why I want you to promise, and to actually keep this promise as long as you are going to live, that you are not going to tell anybody about this fact. Understood?

Everyone was confused, but still nodded as a yes.

[AL7AN]-Well... ever since it was founded, or as long as I know, this base has been in a secret collaboration with someone very important. The only thing is that, nobody knows about this whole collaboration, including the other Leaders. But this secret is so important and it is why we want your complete silence on it. No matter what happens in the future, never tell anybody this whole thing. Never. And that is because we--

And that very moment, Young CHE5TER enters a bit rushed, as if He tried to prepare everything His master told Him to before opening the door, carrying in His hands the old white coat of the former Great Leader, beautifully folded. When looking around though, He stops so quickly and even doing a step back out of pure instinct seeing that He is already late and the newcomers have come. His C colour seems to have calmed down though, explaining why it doesn't shine like before.

Even so, the Leader seemed pleased to see him, while the others being so confused seeing the young boy in the same room with them. Especially the two friends who have already met Him before.

[AL7AN]-CHE5TER! Right on time!

[CHE5TER]-...Doesn't really seem... right.

[AL7AN]-Nonsense! It's always the right time when you arrive! Now come and join us as you stand by my right side!

He obeys to the words but didn't seem to want to at all. Still, when He arrives at the right side of the Leader, He gives His master the coat and stands in front of everyone that watches Him. AL7AN, on the other hand, unfolds the long and white coat and puts it gently onto CHE5TER's shoulders. When finishing, he puts his right hand around the young ruler's neck, getting his head closer to the smaller one's head and with such a terrifying smile that could be a warning to the others of "obey us or you choose your own death". But CHE5TER didn't even seem to blink this whole situation, standing straight and almost like a robot, as if He just follows orders. Even so, His master's smile and secret order was enough for the newcomers to understand that...

[AL7AN]-Everyone! I want you all to meet my disciple, CHE5TER LENKOV! ...The current Great Leader of the Underground City.

30:03

[LUK3]-...HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO BE THE GREAT LEADER?? I THOUGHT THAT HE IS JUST A KID LIKE US!! ...No, it must be a JOKE! That guy sold us tricks so that he can test our loyalty to the base!!

[MY4]-LUK3!

[LUK3]-Oh, I will make sure that this "Leader" will get his ass beaten for even trying to trick us like that! I WILL MAKE SURE OF IT!!

[MY4]-LUK3, stop it!

Of course, minutes after the papers were signed, everyone started with the questions but outside the Leader's office. MY4 and LUK3 are a part of this for sure, even though MY4 only tries to calm her friend down.

[LUK3]-Oh, I know!! Let's go and ask that guy, RY4N, to tell us THE ACTUAL TRUTH! He seems like a honest guy and we already signed the papers so now he can tell us everything!

[MY4]-LUK3, do you even hear me?

[LUK3]-Oh, but what if HE takes part in this trick as well? He did say that they are brothers, so of course he will defend the liars! *gasp* WHAT IF THE WHOLE BASE TRIES TO TRICK US SO THAT THEY CAN SEE IF WE ARE LOYAL OR NOT!??

[MY4]-Please, listen to me! You have to calm down!

[LUK3]-BUT I CAN'T CALM DOWN!! THEY ARE TRYING TO LIE ABOUT THE MOST POWERFUL TITLE IN THIS WHOLE CITY AS IF IT IS NOTHING!! DIDN'T YOU SEE HOW THAT BASTARD OF A LEADER ACTS?? THAT KID CANNOT BE THE GREAT LEADER! IN. NO. NORMAL. WORLD. SHOULD THE GREAT LEADER BE SOMEONE AS YOUNG AS HIM!!

[MY4]-LUK3!

But there was no point in calming LUK3 down. Though he knows about the concept of a young ruler since he also was meant to be one, he never agreed with it resulting in the whole argument around the age of the actual protector of the whole city. And though even MY4 had some doubts about the truth, she would rather ask some people about it than just scream like a maniac.

Yet while she was trying to calm her friend down, she could sense that they were being watched from the distance and it was not the other newcomers who were also mad about the news. No, it was rather the same boy who happened to pass by to bring back everything at its place and heard that people already started gossiping Him not being the ruler. He was watching by the side of a wall, even a bit upset from the way LUK3 expressed his anger and when He noticed that He was spotted, He simply left without any kind of word or expression given.

MY4 felt a bit guilty seeing Him leave though because she knows that He most likely heard them as they were speaking, and gossiping like this could hurt the one part of the conversation. Even though technically she herself doesn't really believe the truth. But she feels like putting everything at its place after she calms down her friend.

[MY4]-LUK3, why don't you go for some fresh air? Ask someone from the base to let you leave and take a moment to calm down.

[LUK3]-WHAT!? DON'T TELL ME YOU ARE ON THEIR SIDE!

[MY4]-I'm not on their side! I'm just saying that you have to calm down! I will go and ask someone else about what we are suppose to do and if we can get the rooms today!

[LUK3]-*mumbles*

He does obey though, even if he looks annoyed from her request. He goes to ask someone to let him get some fresh air and leaves her alone. While alone, MY4 begins to look around for everything she said she will do but also to say sorry to the person her friend hurt. She talks with TH3A first when she finds her about the rooms, then starts searching for the other one she wishes to see when she got her answer.

The young Great Leader was in His office though, sitting down on the floor next to the huge window with the view of the city, looking through it with His head on a knee. The coat was randomly thrown on the desk, completely forgotten and disorganised unlike how it was before. Looking as if when CHE5TER arrived, He simply wanted a bit of time by Himself to completely forget everything.

Why are you hiding from the truth, Little Ruler? Those are the responsibilities you've accepted to be your own. Now you want to give up, it seems. I guess that's a good plan to disappoint your own father.

He then raises a bit His right hand and reveals a wound right in the middle, from the center of the palm and continuing to go down. The gods know how He exactly got it though, but it does seem as it is the very thing that He wanted to hide in His clothes. It is a bit bandaged, even seeming to be recently treated but not by a professional at all since the bandages are a bit off.

He tilts a bit His head looking at it, then uncovers the wound to look at a smaller bandage fixed on it full of blood. He tries to rip it off very gently and slowly but He cannot do it out of fear and pain, even seeming like a coward. To get a bit of courage, He closes His eyes forcedly and looks away, taking quickly the bandage off. By doing so, the pain got worse and the wound started bleeding, but His C colour also begins to light up again, trying to heal the open wound. When He looks back, He tries to calm Himself down from the pain but also stop the bleeding quickly with what remained from the used bandages. He even cracked a small tear but which didn't seem to come from the physical pain at all.

...Look at you. It's even pitiful to know that you are His son. If a small mistake like this can damage you this badly and make you be afraid of repairing it, what makes you think that when you will do even worse than this you will manage to get things right? You are not a leader. You are just a coward. And a coward cannot protect a whole city. No matter what role you want to play.

Soon enough, the door of the office opened with the young girl entering, freezing the young ruler for a few seconds with such expression of fear in His face, but acting quickly and hiding what He chose to hide. He gets up in no time and looks towards the girl that was analysing the room, finally noticing Him right at the end of it.

[CHE5TER]-...Hello?

[MY4]-Hey! CHE5TER, right? O-Or Master CHE5TER, I really don't know... Are you truly the Great Leader just like how that man presented you?

[CHE5TER]-Yes, I am...?

[MY4]-Alright, got it! Thanks for the answer! Also, I am not interrupting anything, am I? I-I mean, if you are busy, I can wait a bit until I can talk to you.

[CHE5TER]-...What do you want to talk about?

[MY4]-Well, I just... kind of noticed you when my friend and I were talking and I did see you leave a bit down when you heard our conversation... I just meant to say sorry for everything he said, really! He didn't mean anything against you, i-it's just that none of us expected things to be this way.

[CHE5TER]-...Oh, that. It's no problem, you can take your leave. I'm fine.

[MY4]-No, really! I am truly sorry for what you have heard! We didn't mean to hurt you, ple--

[CHE5TER]- --I told you that can take your leave. We don't need to talk about this subject. I have to go.

The young ruler seems to want to avoid the girl's words and simply be left alone, while the girl sure noticed that from His tone He is not doing fine. Thinking it's her and her friend's fault, she just wants to make Him understand that she truly wishes Him to be at peace with this subject. But the boy, again, doesn't seem to care. Instead, He begins to walk quickly towards the exit so that He can avoid her.

[MY4]-Please, listen to me! I know that we hurt you and I hear it from your voice that you are upset about what we said! I'm truly sorry, really! We just didn't kno--

She even dared to take Him by His right hand to stop Him from leaving, but by doing so, He took such a defensive posture against her, backing off quickly and taking His hand closer to His chest, protected by the left arm, shouting at the same time...

[CHE5TER]- --I SAID I'M FINE!

But His expression doesn't really seem to be fine. When looking at her back, He gets another small tear on His cheek, shining His C colour even harder than it already was because of His emotions. She too sees that He broke the character He was trying to play in order to hide His agony. Not only that, but she also notices the bleeding hand He tries to protect in His left arm. He didn't even have the time to bandage it at all, He just left it naked and hidden by the used bandages that were suppose to stop the bleeding.

[MY4]-...I-I'm so sorry, I-I didn't know you are injured...

He didn't say anything though, but knowing that she saw His secret, He looked a bit away, even ashamed, to hide the tears that were suppose to come after, closing hardly His eyes and reopening them, repeating the process in hopes that He will not show something like this to a newcomer.

Why are you trying to hide so badly? You failed. Why won't you accept that you are a failure?

But while His stupid ways of trying to hide something that was already revealed, He didn't even notice that the girl already tried to come up with a way of helping Him out to at least fix one hole from the whole broken vase. She created quickly some bandages and took His hand while He was looking away to try and do something, even though she herself is not aware what to do.

[CHE5TER]-...H-Hey, what are yo--

--He was a bit defensive again since it still hurt Him. But looking at her expression made Him realise that she was indeed feeling guilty for something that wasn't even her fault. And funnily enough, by knowing that she feels this way towards something she isn't associated with made Him feel even more guilty since He was the one who brought her into this whole thing. So, He let her do something at least this time.

None of them said a word though. While MY4 was simply not resisting her instinct that was telling her to help Him out, the young ruler only stared at the hand that was now taking care of. Or, well... that's a gentle way to put it. In reality, at this very moment, MY4 doesn't have the knowledge she has in the present about her future role. What she does now is just to try and do the same thing that CHE5TER did it on His own before. But though her bandaging ways are as disorganised, she still somehow managed to do it more gently and without Him feeling any pain.

[MY4]-How did you get it?

[CHE5TER]-...Hm?

[MY4]-The wound. How did you get it?

He didn't answer at first though. He was very hesitant to say the truth to someone He doesn't know at all, especially knowing that His own brother isn't even aware of it.

[CHE5TER]-It's just... I-I just made a mistake. That's all.

[MY4]-Does your brother know about this mistake?

[CHE5TER]-No, and you can't tell him! I've tried the whole day to hide this from everyone, so don't ruin everything now!! I don't want anybody to know about it, okay!? They will begin to worry for nothing even though it's just a small scratch! I can take care of myself!

MY4 didn't say anything. It didn't seem to her to be the truth even though in His eyes it might be. After all, He didn't try to lie at all right now, but it just feels like He Himself doesn't know the truth.

[MY4]-...Is it true that you took the whole responsibility from your father like RY4N said? Would that mean that the former ru--

[CHE5TER]- --RY4N says random bullshit all the time, okay!? He is too nice to everyone and tells too much information! If it was by me, nothing about my title would've been revealed to you and all the other newcomers, but here I am following orders of other people even though I should be the one giving them! After all, it's just how everyone says! I'm too young to be the ruler of this whole city, so nobody will take me seriously!

And again, pure silence. CHE5TER does seem as He wanted to talk about how He feels about this whole situation, but she is just not the right person to do that with. So by trying to protect the truth while also battling His need of expression, He got rather mad at the question with no reason at all.

[MY4]-...I know that what you heard hurt you. It is the same reason why I came here in the first place. But don't take it as if we do not respect you, it's just that... we didn't expect this at all. You know, LUK3 was close to be in the same situation as you and seeing someone young as the actual ruler of the city, he just got mad at the whole thing because of the inheritance rule that he also had to battle. He didn't blame you at all, he actually blamed the former ruler for choosing you as young as you are. And that is maybe because he didn't realise that none of you had a choice since your father is from what I heard... not here anymore.

[CHE5TER]-...

[MY4]-I understand that this is simply a horrible thing to live, and I am truly sorry that you have to face this fate and the critiques from earlier. I just want you to know that me and my friend mean no harm to you. And if you consider that you are capable of handling the responsibility of this title, then we trust you. I just don't want you to misunderstand us.

CHE5TER didn't know what to say. He kept His silence and took a deep breath while still watching the wounded hand being almost done from its help given. Though He didn't manage to talk about how He feels, it sure seemed as if she said just what he needed to hear, even if it still didn't fix all the sadness in His eyes.

But it didn't last the moment of silence either. MY4 was finally done with her struggling of help without any knowledge of what to do. As a consequence, she took His hand into her two palms and hold it for a bit, looking at the ruler with such a gentle expression, maybe trying to help Him one more time. CHE5TER was a bit surprised by her action with her palms, but when finally looking at her in the eyes...

[MY4]-...You know, a little company doesn't seem such a bad idea for you other than your brother. Do you perhaps want to be friends? LUK3 sure will love it and I am more than grateful to help you with anything I can!

...He became numb, freezing from the beauty that He didn't pay attention to before at her. She gave Him such a smile that simply left Him without any words. Though He had the chance of seeing her before, He seems to have ignored everything at her other than the fact that she is a stranger, a newcomer that is suppose to be His future soldier. And since He doesn't believe in giving special treatment to someone just because of how they look in His eyes, He simply ignored her as she is.

But now, seeing her so closely and with such a gentle expression made Him realised that He might have done a mistake. It is such a feeling that He never felt before when looking in her bright pink eyes, even possible of making His own eyes sparkle. His pupils dilate the more He looks and His body feels more like a feather, ready to be guided by the wind. She doesn't seem annoyed by that though. Funnily enough, she herself observes Him as a person at the same time while looking back at His eyes. But she doesn't make it as obvious as He does.

When He finally wakes up to reality, He realises how embarrassing the whole situation is for Him and takes His hand back from her palms. And truth to be told, He did get a bit red on His face from knowing what He did, even though, again, she didn't seem to be bothered.

[CHE5TER]-...Y-Yes, I guess we can do that. Thank you for helping me but I-I have to go see RY4N.

And without any other word given, He has left the room while letting the girl stay alone inside it, watching Him leave. But as He tries to close the door, she tilts a bit her head to see Him for one last time before the door finally closes.

20.09.1633

16:04

[LUK3]-...Mimi! Mimiiii! MY4, wake uuuup!

A day later in the morning, MY4 seems to be sleeping in her room given by the base yesterday. Not only her but also all the others that came in her group including her best friend. All of them were given a place to sleep and some bonus clothes in case they need them. Yet for some reason, LUK3 wants to wake her up in the morning out of nowhere even if the day is free.

[LUK3]-Come oooon, Mimi! You told me to wake you up early!!

No response. MY4 was sleeping peacefully on her bed while her friend was only getting more annoyed. So, to do his job, he simply takes her by her feet and starts dragging her over, even if she still doesn't seem as she wants to wake up. Almost as if she is already used to this behaviour.

[LUK3]-Oh, come on, you lazy dreamer! I can't drag you the whole building! I'm not THAT strong!

And still no kind of word given. So, it leaves to him simply dragging her over the hallway in hopes that she will wake up at some point. She does, of course, since he drags her all over the place and at some point the discomfort is way too annoying for her. Later, after they are finally done with the supposed routine of the morning that was delayed, they prepare to go out together and meet up with ADIN4 to talk to her about how it is over their places.

But that not until they take their new friends with them as well. Yesterday before sleep and after MY4 talked with LUK3 about the idea of them befriending some new people, they went to speak to both of the brothers to see if they are free today and if they can join them in a walk outside. Even though when they went to speak, they only found RY4N. Of course, he was fine with the idea of getting to know each other, but he did insist on not telling anybody anything about the supposed base or who he or his brother truly are. Even if it means to lie to their own friend.

RY4N and CHE5TER were already ready, even though the young ruler seemed more forced to come rather than be at His own choice. Still, it was strange for both of them to see Him disguised and with a lot of things put on His face and His body so that nobody will recognise Him. RY4N was the same as ever though, so it really was strange for them what was happening. They didn't even recognise Him when they first saw them and only realised the whole situation only after CHE5TER used His normal voice.

At first, they didn't say anything, they were just confused. But they avoided the subject for some minutes and talked about what they had in mind when it came to what to do today. Of course, the first idea was to meet up with ADIN4 and make acquaintance. Then, RY4N did think of maybe visiting some place the brothers were used to, like going to the old barman that their father knew and see if they can stay there for a while. CHE5TER didn't come up with any idea though, He was actually pretty silent the whole walk towards the exit and only talked when asked.

At some point though, LUK3's curiosity got out of hand since he, of course, wanted to know more about what is happening exactly with the disguise. So, he asked RY4N rather than bothering CHE5TER, who was listening anyway so there was no point.

[LUK3]-Sooo, RY4N... What's up with the whole "hide me" clothes he is wearing? You guys still didn't tell us anything about that!

[RY4N]-O-Oh, it's just a bit... complicated. The situation itself is something that we ourselves need to adapt to at the moment, so I don't know how exactly should I explain it...

[LUK3]-Are you trying to hide from potential criminals? I thought that nobody knows who has this title of ruler though.

[RY4N]-No, it's not that. It's just... Well, theoretically... CHE5TER should be dead.

[LUK3]-Wait, what? But he is here. What do you mean by dead? *gasp* Did you get in trouble because of the title, Chesty??

Hearing that kind of a nickname, He looked a bit strangely at the weird boy as if He just heard an insult He didn't hear before. But still didn't say a word.

[RY4N]-N-No, no, you got it wrong. What I'm trying to say is that we technically... have to hide him from the public eye. You see, nobody knows the identity of the ruler other than the Council, but the problem is that even if they know who CHE5TER is, they are still not... aware of who he truly is now.

[LUK3]-I don't quite understand...

[RY4N]-*sigh* I don't know how t--

[CHE5TER]- --I told the Council that I'm dead and my father is the one who is still in the position of the title. Does that help you in any way?

[LUK3]-Eh? No, not really... I mean, I understand, but I don't understand at the same time...

[CHE5TER]-When Father died, I was obligated to take the title given by Master and to participate in a meeting with the Council to announce everything that happened to the former ruler. I chose to disguise myself as RY4N however, and when it was for us to tell them the truth, I simply told them that the ruler is taking a rest from a supposed "loss" that included His younger son which is me. Nobody other than the members of the base know who the true ruler is. But that means for me to hide from the public eye since I cannot risk for any of the Council members to see me and to know what truly happened. It's the same reason why we gave you the silence contract about my identity. If you ever choose to tell anybody about this, then there will be horrible consequences to the way this city will function and might lead to another war since the Council will be too occupied about a young boy being at the hands of a powerful title. Now, does it make any sense to you?

[LUK3]-So, for example, my father can't see you, right?

[CHE5TER]-Who is your father again...?

[LUK3]-XANTH3! You know, since you talked about the Council!

CHE5TER was a bit confused and turned towards His brother to ask a question. But even RY4N seems to not know the actual answer.

[CHE5TER]-Mr. XANTH3 has a kid...?

[RY4N]-Apparently? Maybe Master AL7AN knew but forgot to tell us? Or maybe we didn't pay too much attention to what Mr. XANTH3 said in the past.

[CHE5TER]-Huh...

[LUK3]-HEY, DON'T TELL ME YOU ACTUALLY DIDN'T KNOW THAT I EXISTED EVEN IF YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE KIDS OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TITLE IN THE WHOLE COUNCIL!

[RY4N]-Sorry, LUK3, but we never heard Mr. XANTH3 mention you before. From what I remember, at least. Maybe he mentioned you when we weren't present at the meetings.

[MY4]-You guys are allowed to participate in these meetings? I mean, CHE5TER has the title and all, but what about you, RY4N?

[RY4N]-Well, we actually had the permission ever since we were kids. Our father was taking us to observe what is happening in case one of us will eventually take the title. Even though He did imagine it was me from the very start, but He did think of it to be way after we hit the age of adulthood.

[LUK3]-Why did He think that?

[RY4N]-Well, maybe because I am still the Original in our code and maybe because CHE5TER was already fixed on the idea of getting the Leader title, not the Great Leader one. I mean, we were doing what successor are supposed to, I guess. Though I did hear that our father didn't want us to have any kind of connection to it ever since He took us as His sons.

[LUK3]-Huh, then maybe MY FATHER could've learnt something from yours...

[RY4N]-Why do you say that?

[LUK3]-Well, you see...

While LUK3 and RY4N were discussing a bit, CHE5TER took the opportunity to look just for a few seconds at MY4 who was standing by LUK3's left side, Him being by RY4N's right side and LUK3 and RY4N standing next to each other. He looked at this beauty of a girl with such curiosity as if He wanted to learn more about why exactly did she want to help Him out. But not long after, she does notice Him staring at her. Funnily enough though, she again isn't annoyed by such thing at all. In fact, she actually smiles at Him back and causes His embarrassment for being caught, looking away the moment He sees that the situation isn't in His favour anymore and with such red cheeks that you could think He is sick.

But while the group of new friends were on their way out, Leader AL7AN was watching them all walk away as he was leaving his own office with his little helper, or Council Officer if you want to put it that way. He was rather amused seeing CHE5TER being present there, even though He was disguised. As if it was almost way too easy for the Leader to recognise Him.

[AL7AN]-*chuckles* Oh, look at the little ruler. So out of touch with reality...

[Officer]-Should I tell Him that He still has some work left to do for the new month that is coming before He leaves, Master?

[AL7AN]-Oh, let the boy be at least one time. A child is just a child after all. We cannot force such matters into Him in just a few months and expect Him to act the way we want. He still has a childhood to live after all.

[Officer]-Then what about the paper work?

[AL7AN]-It shouldn't take too long for us to finish it together. It's not like I didn't see M4TTH3W do it so many times before. Though I must admit... I have a sense of relief seeing Him finally taking some fresh air in the city after such a long time ever since He took the title. It's rather... strange, to put it that way.

[Officer]-Shall I prepare a drink or two for the work we are going to do?

[AL7AN]-That's more like it, Officer! Now go and do your thing! I shall prepare the papers until you come back.

And from that day on, this has become their habit for the group of friends. They will meet in the city and spend some time together, get to know each other better and talk about whatever subject it comes in their young minds. Even if CHE5TER still continued to disguise Himself every single time. But strangely enough, He also was rather more embarrassed each time He noticed that MY4 is looking at Him, and it was such a weird behaviour that even His own brother didn't know what was happening at all.

But truth to be told, He probably didn't know what the future will bring Him depending on what He experiences. Whether it is feelings or actions. If He did know the future, then maybe He wasn't so embarrassed after all. To stay and think about it, He indeed was different from the way we know Him in the present. But after all...

"...love does act in its own mysterious ways."