Day 41: Preparing for A Certain Arbiter


-The day a ripe apple fell off the tree in the garden where the princess and the king stood, the witch's heart shattered.


Y/N: ...

Just like yesterday never happened, I was greeted with the usual rooms, cleaned of all stains that were spread after yesterday's carnage. Standing in the Central Command department, every marks left behind were nothing more than echoes of the past, along with the victims. Completely forgotten, I was left bewildered.

Pressed against my back, the pink rifle that was repaired just for me was the only thing anchoring me to reality. Everything felt like a bad dream that I shouldn't be having. Lightly pressing my hand against my forehead, I sat down and took a deep breath.

BongBong: Bong?

Seeing me arriving, the girl with blue hair trotted her way over to me with her usual expression. Greeting her back with a quick smile, I didn't have much force going for me. Of course, it was rather obvious that I wouldn't be able to sleep after seeing this massacre, everything too recent for me to ignore.

When I woke up, I was surprised to see that Alter Ego wasn't present but I simply assumed she went to work early and left it at that. Thankfully, I did ask some of the employees in the Security team and got the confirmation from them that it was indeed the case. I wouldn't want a repeat of what happened in the first couple of days.

Y/N: At least this should be a more... No, I'm not even gonna bother saying it, we all know this place doesn't allow rest.

Leaning further into my seat, I heaved a deep sigh while the girl with about the same behaviour as a dog tilted her head to the side.

BongBong: ...

The day beginning, I could feel my fatigue slowly but surely diminishing in the air. The humming of the lights above my head alongside the echoes of the footsteps coming from nearby employees allowed me to return to the usual work attitude, even though my mind would still sometimes flash images of yesterday.

There was nothing I could do now that the deed was done, we managed to defeat the Red Mist at the cost of many employees, so many in fact that I was surprised that the hands of time have not rewinded. The one pulling the string must have considered the outcome as acceptable, which was a rather horrible thing to think about.

Y/N's mind: ...To think that it's not even the worst, this place sucks.

Yet, we were all trapped inside for what felt like centuries, forced to work on monsters that were also part of this machination. Although they were as clueless as us, the fact remained that we were at the bottom of the food chain here.

*Beep*

Y/N: ?

Turning my head around after hearing the familiar noise, I noticed my name demanded not for a work but rather be positioned elsewhere. Too strained to even think about the reason, I stood up and stretched myself before making my way down to the lower floors. Silently reaching my destination, I could feel the air around the department changing dramatically compared to the rest of the facility.

It was heavy with a sense of solitude and even something close to despearation. Clocks floating everywhere, it was like reality was distorted beyond repair, nothing like the regular offices on the upper level. With only a few clerks roaming around, I spotted a man in the back watching me enter the main room.

???: So, the day has arrived yet again Y/N.

Y/N: ...

I recognized him through the memories of when I worked here. As far as I know, he seemed to hold the Manager with high regards and nobody else, at least not to the same level. Though I do remember him sometimes speaking to Angela with some sort of tension between them but alas, the true reason why was not known to me.

Y/N: Sir, I was called here for standby.

Frowning slightly, the room representing the very concept of time reverberated around like a chorus, you could almost sense the devotion of the employees who lost their sanity in this reality. The song of the sirens remaining constant in the back of my head, I focused on the older man, the employees minding their own work.

???: That expression, there is no need to guess, you woke up.

Moving slightly his hand around the pocket watch that he was carrying, his eyes seemed to arbor even more exhaustion than I ever could. Remaining still, we exchanged a long look with no words uttered. The calm aura of this department was numbing my senses to the point that the voices grew weaker and weaker.

...They were fearful.

???: It is nice to meet you again.

Y/N: Sir Hokma...

Hokma: ...

Y/N: How many times have you ever said those same words?

Hokma: I am afraid to say that this old man has not the best memory. Though, I will confirm over the hundred mark.

The solemn voice escaping his lips did not betray his face, he seemed unenthusiastic about the situation we were all forced into. However, unlike the ones who despaired at the reality, his mind was unshattered, the true definition of a brick wall, unable to be destroyed. At the same time, a mindset solidified would also refuse changes, meaning that any manipulation of this loop could potentially break his determination.

Hokma: You have managed to go this far, truly an enormous challenge, yet nothing compared to the true torment of this place.

Y/N: I intend to go all the way, we did our best to reach this point and I intend on seeing the end.

Hokma: ...

That, of course, did not agree with his thoughts. As mentioned before, a solidified mindset is hard to be convinced. As one of the people who did not mind the truth, he would not simply stand by if someone tried to bring this nightmare to an end. I knew the instant I saw him that he was the end.

The door leading to the finale. If I wished to open it then I had to go through him.

Hokma: It is only a matter of time before the woman waiting for you calls your name.

Y/N: Binah...

Hokma: ...If you wish to interpret it that way, both cases apply.

Y/N: Both cases? What do you mean?

Averting his eyes, he was telling me that the conversation was over. With no purpose being here anymore, I turned my back to the Sephirah and made my way to the elevator. Arriving at the door, I stopped, knowing that he was still listening.

Y/N: Angela is surely planning something, she must have realized the truth by now.

Hokma: ...

Y/N: Don't say I didn't warn you.

With that, I finally left, ignoring the fact that the AI herself might have been listening our conversation. Even if the knowledge is spread around, I highly doubt the outcome would change, Angela was smart, that was something I had to give to her.

She was smart... yet doing so many errors that a normal human would. It makes me wonder, from the very start, was she antagonizing me on purpose? She clearly never hid how she felt when it came to me, a super machine with human emotions and the ability to predict even the smallest things. Surely, with all that on her side, she shouldn't be able to slip up and that was what was bothering me.

...Angela had her own agenda and I was in it, that was clear. It was only a matter of how to counter it.


...

Hokma: ...

Seeing the employee leaving, the old man in charge of the department kept to himself. Staring up to the ceiling, it was almost as if he was gazing at the impossible, the unseen. Nothing more than metal and gears, his body felt even more stiff than one a man of his age would have.

Hokma: C... What have you done.

Those were his only words, words that he was unable to say to the man in question. His head was perfectly clear, just like the female counterpart on the same layer as him. Though both had different motives, something was certain. They were both the final locks keeping this place stale, their roles soon to be forced out of their shackles.

Soon but for now, the Arbiter was the one next on the chopping block and knowing her, she was impatient to get started.

...


QoH: Yesterday was quite a rough day, thankfully we came out as the winners!

Y/N: Uh... Yea, I suppose we did.

Currently completing my work on the Queen of Hatred, I relunctantly agreed to her statement. We did defeat her in the end but with the losses, was that truly a good victory? I couldn't honestly tell, the thought nagging at me.

Calmly writing down my notes on her behaviour, I averted my eyes from the magical girl. Compiling everything, I was good to go, all I needed was for the timer to signal the completion of my job. Sensing the presence of the abnormality shifting closer, I peeked over my clipboard and saw her looking down at the document.

QoH: I always wondered what you are all writing about when you visit me.

Y/N: Nothing interesting, believe me.

With a single drop of sweat dropping after my words, I gave her a light smile. I was not much in the mood to explain stuff so I silently asked for the ones beyond this world to simply have me this small mercy, I deserved it. Tilting her head slightly, she finally agreed and stepped away from me, still arboring that innocent face of hers, the calm before the storm.

Then, the door unlocked, loudly warning me that my work was done for now. Packing everything, I averted one last look to the girl who held her gaze towards me. Once more remembering the day before, the smile I carried became genuine for a while.

Y/N: You did good yesterday.

QoH: Of course, I always give my best! Though, I guess it does make me feel embarrassed to be told that by my partner.

???: Oh my god, when are you both gonna kiss, you're making me sick just watching you.

Surprised by the sudden voice, both our bodies turned to greet the newcomer and to my extreme surprise, it was not an agent but Zeta19, the clerk from the Extraction team, the single one who survived the rampage. Revealing a face of disgust, he was pressing one of his hands against the metal doorframe to keep it open.

Y/N: Oh hey, I wasn't expecting you to be here... like at all.

Zeta19: Don't you have a girlfriend, why are you getting all buddy-buddy with a snake woman?

QoH: A... snake woman?

Y/N: Well yea I do but it's not like acting like a douchebag is gonna make my job easier.

Zeta19: Heh, your problem, I ain't gonna judge you.

Looking down to a document that he was holding, I recognized the clipboard given to employees in order to perform work duties. My eyes widening slightly, I raised a finger and pointed the object.

Y/N: You've been promoted to an agent?

Zeta19: *Sigh* I know and it sucks, I much prefer not doing anything all day except walking around.

Y/N: ...But you're still wearing the clerk outfit.

Zeta19: I prefer this suit than whatever kinda crap those E.G.Os are sometimes.

Y/N: You're working on abnormalities... with only a standard suit?

Zeta19: This isn't the point of the conversation!

QoH: I mean he does have a point, shouldn't you need better protection when facing villains?

Zeta19: You're the last person I want to hear that from.

Looking back at me, he gave a quick glare to the magical girl behind and cleared his throat, indicating that he was changing the subject. Not objecting, I allowed him to organize his thoughts.

Zeta19: You're asked to be brought by Binah.

Instantly, my blood froze. That woman was one of the many people who instilled fear into my being just by remaining by her side. By QoH's terms, she would be the perfect description of a villain, a demon in human flesh. Plus, she knew the terror she sparked and would only smile to those who could not withstand it.

Y/N: Why?

Zeta19: ...I was a clerk yesterday, do I look like I know anything?

Y/N: I guess not.

Shrugging back, I rolled my eyes before exiting the containment room. Once in the hallway, I took a left while the ex-clerk took a right, both going our separate path. Seeing him walk away, I wondered for a moment where he was going with his stuff, what was the abnormality he had to work on.

Well, I had my own problems to deal with and I knew for certain that it would result with yet another spark between our personalities. In addition of that, I knew for certain that she was soon going to follow the trend that the previous superiors we had after a while. It was truly only a matter of time.

Y/N: ...

The door opening in front of my face, I was fairly surprised to see Alter Ego on the other side, going well. However, unlike yesterday, she was completely suited up with a new kit. Completely blending with the dark wind in her back, it was a rather pleasing sight to bear.

Alter Ego: Oh hey Y/N!

Y/N: I like the new look, though I don't think it matches your personality.

Alter Ego: Y-You think so?

She blushed slightly at the remark before hiding her face in her hands, completely breaking apart after only hearing a single compliment. Chuckling back, I moved my hand into her hair and ruffled it a bit.

Y/N: Anyway, I have to go, I'm needed somewhere.

Alter Ego: R-Right, I'm sorry for stopping you, you should hurry!

With that, she ran away with her feelings transparent, escaping from the awkward mood. With a newly gained energy from just seeing her, I took the way down to the bottom floor yet again and reached the entrance of the somber department. Seeing the infrastructure, it was comparable to Hokma's department in terms of surreal, everything felt ever so odd around here.

Binah: There you are.

Of course, the one in charge of this place was one of the many reasons. Standing away from the employees working under her guidance, the place felt so silent that I feared that something might happen if I dared to open my mouth. Unsure about what to do, I tried to gain the intention of the one calling me here but found nothing in those pupils of hers.

Y/N: ...

Gathering my courage, the one I fully declared to the Red Mist in her own face not even 2 days ago, I approached the lady. Stepping closer, I witnessed her smile growing stronger proportional to how close to her I was.

Binah: The little sheep has shown its wits against the fierce predator of this place, well done.

For some reason, hearing her compliment me did the opposite and only gave me shivers. It was as if she was judging me for some reason. Her seemingly hollow eyes drilled deeply into my soul and sent my body into a fight or flight response.

Y/N: Why do you keep calling me a sheep?

Binah: Should there be a reason? Does everything need a reason in this reality? Even better, should everything be known of this world, even to the darkest corners?

Y/N: ...

I could not answer that question, mostly due to the many holes inside that brain of mine. Unable to remember anything outside after so long was like a torture. I wished to leave this place but at the same time, what was going to wait for me there?

Y/N: What does it have to do with you calling me a sheep?

Binah: Simply that you should find the answer for yourself if you wish to know.

Y/N: ...Whatever.

I heaved a sigh and pinched the bridge of my nose but then felt the sensation of something touching me. Jumping in place, I observed the woman looking not specifically at me but rather the thing that was emerging from my back, the black wing of the forest. Smiling at the sight, she looked down to me and stepped away.

Binah: This place is truly interesting, don't you think so? A place where anyone can wield the tremendous power of E.G.Os.

Y/N: ...

Oh no, I could sense the evil speech from a miles away. I knew she was bad news from the moment I saw her but I wasn't expecting her to go all in.

Binah: Yet, you're an oddity just like how Gebura is an oddity to said weaponery.

Y/N: What are you trying to get at?

Cutting the chase short, I firmly asked the true reason behind her calling me here. Understanding that, her expression grew dark but also maintaining that damn grin. Examining me from head to toe, she finally exclaimed.

Binah: I've always wanted to see what a being like you could do, just like Kali in her prime. Would your power be enough for the Head to look down at you, to recognize you?

Y/N: The Head?

It was like the world around us was no longer relevant, both of us trapped within a pocket dimension, which wouldn't be that far off considering how the clerks and agents were actively trying to not get in her way. The air becoming as twisted as her thoughts, my muscles tightened, ready for a fight. 

Binah: That faithful day, when our paths crossed, I witnessed a power beyond our comprehension at the time. It was... rather intriguing to say the least, strong enough to overcome this seemingly impossible disaster.

Y/N: ...

Binah: Kali, the woman who could use this powerful ability to the fullest before it became common thing in this place and the less but still interesting power being from within you. The both of you could only be called monsters that day. Now? The monstrosity has become mundane and lost its value.

Y/N: You... You know something, don't you.

Binah: It depends on what you ask.

The way she answered was like a teacher enjoying his students struggle, a sadistic expression plastered on her. Gritting my teeth, I cooled down and looked around, no one here to help, I was on my own.

Y/N: What made me a monster?

Binah: You should know that answer.

Y/N: WHY did you see me as one?

Putting emphasis on the first word, I glared back at the black haired woman with all my will just to attempt to deflect the aura she was naturally creating around her. Thinking about it for a moment, her smile dropped.

Binah: The things that soon came to be known as "E.G.O", the object of Gebura's power. She wielded it with strength and dominance for the sake of others. If that was the true purpose of such powerful equipement, then how could you explain your case?

Y/N: ...What?

Binah: Another being carrying the power of E.G.O, you were also a monster emerging from the mundane residents. However, what you were carrying was not a weapon but rather monstrosities, scars and even curses, you were a human turned into a monster by other forces.

Walking around where I was standing, she solidified that point by pointing the gift I received from Beauty & the Beast, Queen of Hatred's, Red's mask and finally, she lightly pulled the singular wing protruding from behind me. Feeling a sharp sensation of pain, I jumped away and then felt the extra limb fluttering.

Binah: Those gifts, that was the trait that defined you as a monster. While Kali had the power, you had the attention of the abnormalities.

Y/N: ...

Binah: However, I have to admit that those currently inside this facility are acting much more vicious in that regard.

So, it only got worse with time? What was I supposed to do with this information? Pondering about it, I allowed her to continue her talk.

Binah: They were adament, you were cursed to not die while in their control, they refused to allow that outcome by forcing you however they saw fit. Since you also wished to not do so, you went along with their irrational thoughts until that special day.

Y/N: ...

Binah: That girl you care so much about took what could have been a fatal hit for your safety and paid the prize with her own life. That was when you broke and fought against the abnormalities' will and ended your own suffering.

Y/N: ...

With that, I became aware of an itching around my neck. At first, it felt like simple nuisance but it grew more and more vivid, almost like something was constricting me. Scratching my neck, painful memories resurfaced, making my head ache like never before.

...I remember the painful lack of air, my arms fighting the survival instincts while many voices cried loudly, trying to force my own body to disobey my decision. That was the last thing I remembered. The phantom pain still remaining, I groaned and looked back at the one who brought up the subject.

Binah: Tell me, what do you think happened to those "gifts" of yours?

Y/N: I... don't know.

Binah: A certain man knows the answer to that.

Y/N: ?

Tilting my head to the side, I gave her a puzzled look. Who would be aware of something like this from way before? My mind strangled from the surge of images during what should have been my final moments, I was having a hard time digging through the fragments that I had recovered.

She quizzically stood by and absorbed my reaction into her body, as if wanting to keep it in her mind for as long as possible.

Binah: But, you won't ever get a chance to ask him, his plan almost reaching the breakthrough.

Y/N: ...The Manager?

Ignoring my question, she slowly placed her hand on my shoulder and slitter her way up like a snake circling its prey. Feeling ensnared by her, I couldn't do anything against it, my body freezing and my head hurting. In the end, it found its place against my face, forcing me to gaze into her eyes

Intercom: PE quota successfully reached, end of the first shift.

Binah: Those gifts, they wish to return to their rightful owner.

Y/N: You don't mean... that thing?

The only thing ringing a bell close to this was the goo. That black liquid mixed with other colors, the shapeless monster who immediately tried to attack me the moment we met, screaming my name. I remember when I first came into contact with it, it was like my sanity was destroyed, the feeling unable to be described.

It was like being possessed by something, it felt like I was not completely in control. Seeing that thing again was making my body unconsciously fear it, scarred about feelings that even I couldn't fully understand, it knew better than I could.

Binah: Oh, the pieces have finally assembled.

Her grin fully returning, she stepped away and made her way further in her department. Looking back at me, she uttered the threat that ravaged my soul and shattered it just from the instinctual disgust.

Binah: Tomorrow, I shall return them to their owner and bare witness of their power. An arbiter shall awaken from her slumber to judge that man's progress.

Y/N: You...

I wanted to call her a demon but I could tell that it wasn't enough to describe her, she was beyond that term. Enjoying that emotion of mine, she turned around and left the main room. On my own, my legs gave out from the sheer panic.

Give them back their owner? No, I refuse to let them, I refuse to accept whatever that thing was! I refuse! Do you hear me?! I will claw that damn entity off of me until my fingernails break if I have to, I don't want to experience that feeling again, the feeling of not fully controlling myself. All but that, I don't want to hear their voices, the voices of madness.

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