I can't remember how long I remained still, my eyes firmly held close without allowing what was around me to enter my vision. I was scared to open them, to see what would await me after everything we've gone through. I could vividly remember the final moments during our battle against the Arbiter and my fears were whispering in my ears, doubting the possibility that it would get better.

"It'll only get worse so just don't open them."

"You don't even know if this nightmare has the mercy to have an end."

Slowly, I reached for my own face and placed one of my hands against my skin. Out of fear, I gritted my teeth but still tried to keep an indifferent expression in spite of that. I wanted to confirm something for myself, to feel the aftermath of that madness and destruction. I wanted to prove to myself that everything would be alright. I was latching into a bet to quell the voices trying to throw me off.

...No signs of imperfection, the only thing my fingers were able to touch was the simple sensation of my own face, no foreign substances felt. The discovery was like an explosion in my mind, clearing any doubts I had for the moment and replacing them with relief. Then, after a long moment of silence, the light waiting for my awakening broke through the barrier of my eyelids, almost blinding me for a second.

Y/N: ...

For a moment, I was left completely speechless as I glanced at my surroundings. I was inside a pretty well lit room with white walls serving as its limits, no windows nor any doors that one would use to leave or enter. I was completely locked inside with no way out, all alone in an empty room.

Though, I guess "empty" wouldn't be appropriate. In front of me was a person that I've gotten used to seeing at the end of each day, a phantom haunting me with its thoughts from the past. She calmly smiled and got closer, allowing me to realize that I was sitting on the ground, not that I had the willpower to stand up after the hell I've gone through.

So, I did not even bother greeting her on my own feet and instead observed her rather intriguing way of walking as she approached me. Once close enough, surprisingly, she dropped down on the ground to be on my level, placing her hands on her knees and giving me her warm smile.

Carmen: I suppose it would be polite to begin with a "welcome Y/N", don't you think?

Y/N: I guess, though we saw each other for like the past 3 days.

Carmen: 4 days.

Y/N: You get my point.

I was way too tired to argue the minute details, thankfully she didn't press further. Around us, no sounds could be heard, no wind, no ambience, it was completely devoid of everything that one would associate to reality. If it wasn't for the sound of our voices, the silence would have probably driven me mad by now, it was quiet to the point of being eerie.

Carmen: You've gone through a long journey to get here, a lot of problems along the way too.

Y/N: ...

I nodded, there was no way that I would deny that fact. From my first day to here, I was sliding down a slope leading directly to disaster with no way to stop it, the madness unveiling itself as the days went by.

Carmen: But finally, we've reached the end.

Y/N: ...The end?

The words that came out of her mouth felt like a mirage, it was so unbelievable that I instinctively gave her a "is this supposed to be a joke?", to which she responded by shaking her head. As I let that answer sink into my brain, she continued.

Carmen: The Light is ready, this is the end of the journey.

Y/N: Does that mean...

We're finally allowed to leave? That wish that I often found myself begging for, now simply at arm's reach, just waiting for me to grab it. My body was completely frozen upon hearing the news.

Carmen: For you, it will be one final day in Lobotomy Corporation. With this, the Light will shine over the entire City and cure its residents, to give them a chance to stand up for their own dreams.

Y/N: You really believe that it will work huh?

Carmen: I'm sure it will, I have hope in our efforts. Just like how I had hope for you to reach this place.

Y/N: I guess that's nice to hear, though I have to question how long you've been stuck watching us.

If we go by the process that one day of work here was one day outside then how long have been here? Hell, if the notion of time here wasn't a perfect 1:1 then what if we've been trapped here for like a millenia or something crazy like that?! Will I even be able to recognize the world outside?

Y/N: So this is it? Is this really the end of the journey?

Carmen: Your duties as agents will end today.

Y/N: ...

It felt so unbelievable, no matter how many times I tried to process that revelation. The both of us remained sitting on the ground for an extended period of time, completely silent. I looked down at my hands, at the pink sleeves covering them and then back at her face, who patiently watched me do so.

Carmen: So, what will you do?

Y/N: Huh?

Carmen: What will you do once you get out?

I slowly averted my eyes to the side, pondering on the question given to me. The possibilities were endless, so many thoughts racing in my head, I didn't know which one to pick. However, during this debate against myself, a stressful memory emerged from the back on mind. It was a memory of pain and adrenaline, a memory of fear and battle, a memory of helplessness and persistence.

That horrible landscape of many bodies, all laying everywhere around me, all glaring at me as if to spite my will to survive, the unlucky ones who could not proceed to the next day. Finally, in the end, the fallen emerged from their slumbers, clinging to their desires and wishes.

"I want to see my family, that is what I want!"

Y/N: ...Probably go look for my parents.

"I want to find my sister, I want to know if she's still alive!"

Y/N: ...And my sister, they're probably somewhere out there.

Carmen: I see, it's nice to see that you already have your own goals.

Her expression seemed rather... relieved, content to hear my answer. I slowly tilted my head to the side before deciding to turn the tide to my side and ask her a question.

Y/N: What will you do? Are you gonna stay here?

Carmen: Not like I can leave this place even if I want to.

She lowered her gaze and placed her hands in her pockets. She remained still for a short period of time but soon looked back at me.

Carmen: This is where we'll both go our separate ways... at least for now, only time can tell.

Y/N: ...Why did you have to say it so ominously?

I heaved a sigh of exasperation. I went through a full shitstorm to get here, only to be told some words that were basically tempting fate, I have all the reasons in the world to be annoyed. She chuckled back, not minding my mood.

Carmen: But seriously, I'm glad to see that you've already planned your path ahead.

Y/N: Why are you so worried? It doesn't really concern you.

Upon hearing my words, she simply pulled out one of her hands and placed it on my shoulder, giving me a slight frown that shattered her previously smiling face.

Carmen: Y/N, I may be dead, I am aware of that but you still are someone important to me. My heart would definitely be tormented by horrible thoughts and scenarios if I knew that you would be dropped in the middle of nowhere with no idea what to do.

Her feelings seemed genuine, that much I can confirm with my own eyes. Hearing me talk about my future plans was probably a relief for her, to know that I wouldn't be wandering with no goal once I set foot outside of this place.

Y/N: Plus, I won't be leaving alone, I'm sure Alter Ego will follow me. Maybe Hava too, though I don't put much faith in that, she seems like she has her own agenda.

Carmen: ...Right.

Her gaze grew frigid with that last statement. For the first time since I've opened my eyes in this room, a gust of wind touched my skin, a cold blizzard grazing my body like a snake readying its fangs. Fortunately and surprisingly, it vanished once she sighed, the pressure released like a balloon.

Carmen: No... if it makes you happy then I have no reason to act like this.

Her eyes made their way back to mine and warmth emanated from her, like the rising sun heating my body with its presence. A smile followed as well, one brimming with emotions.

Carmen: Please live your lives to the fullest, following your dreams.

Y/N: Thanks, I hope that your path leads you to a more... peaceful fate than the one you have.

It was my turn to pat her on the shoulder, not much else to say beyond these words. We simply gave our farewells to each other and wished the other a good future. Finally, I gathered my energy and stood up, followed by the woman sitting across from me.

Y/N: I'll take my leave, still gotta go do my duties one last time.

Carmen: Take care.

Before I could step away, she embraced me one last time, something that I was kind enough to give back. My memories of her were blurry at best but from what I can remember, she honestly tried to do a good action, I can commend her for trying so hard.

With that, we parted from each other, ready to pursue our different directions. Around us, the room began to feel hazy, losing its shape and evaporating like smoke. We kept looking at each other while this was happening until I could no longer see her through the wall of smoke, slowly waking up from this odd dream.

...

...

Y/N: Gh...

Slowly, my eyes opened to reveal the ceiling of the Central Command department. I took a moment to gather my thoughts and slowly stood up, using that time look around to see what was going on.

Clerk 1: Did... Did we live through that?

Clerk 2: ...Holy shit, I'm quitting my job, this place sucks.

Around me, the office workers were as lively as ever, putting a faint smile on my face. Once on my feet, I took a deep breath to calm down and turned in the direction of the stairs leading to the upper layer. As I did so, a weight landed on my right shoulder.

BongBong: Bong.

Y/N: Oh shi-! Stop scaring me!

I swiftly turned back around to face the blue haired girl who took me by surprise. As per usual, she didn't even bat an eye to my sudden tone of voice, calmly looking at me with her cold eyes. I placed a hand on my forehead and mumbled some words to myself before flicking hers. Her head lightly bounced and she placed one of her hands where I flicked her, as if touching to see if she was bleeding.

Y/N: Whatever, I'm gonna go take a look on the upper layer so keep an eye on the department for me.

BongBong: Bong!

Taking that as a "yes", I made my way up and found myself in the Information sector of the facility. From there, I took a left and entered the Security area. As I got closer to the main room, however, my ears were faintly able to hear some kind of commotion inside.

Y/N: Hey, what's going-

I tried to ask once I entered but stopped myself. In the middle of the room, Daniel was lying on the ground with his eyes closed, his body not moving. By his side was Elis, desperately shaking him with tears in her eyes. Standing beside her was Alter Ego, also looking at the man on the floor.

Elis: Daniel! Please wake up, I beg you!

He did not respond.

Elis: Daniel!!

Alter Ego: ...

I stepped closer and watched the normally stuttering girl crying the name of the one she cared about, placing her face in his stomach and sobbing to herself. The air was completely somber, a strong contrast to the office workers in my department.

Elis: ...

Y/N: ...

Her body, although covered by a black and golden suit that I assumed to be her E.G.O armor, was visibly quivering. She was in a deep emotional distress, stricken with grief. The sight was enough to make me feel bad for her.

Yet, strangely, through her crying, I could hear an odd noise coming from her. Curious about it, I leaned closer and tried to focus and soon enough, I was able to recognize what it was. It sounded like the wings of a bee, coming from her suit. The sound was faint, like an echo in her heart starting to come out of her body just like her emotions.

Y/N: ...?

That's odd, what is-

Daniel: Boo!

Then, all of the sudden, the deceased man rose up and yelled out loud, causing the girl next to him to jump in fright. Soon enough, he stood back on his feet and looked around at everyone staring at him.

Daniel: Man, I thought I was a goner back then, though I guess it allowed me to do this more naturally!

Security Clerk 1: ...

Security Clerk 2: He's gonna get his ass kicked.

Daniel: Huh?

Elis: Daniel...

An aura of death was starting to form behind the agent with brown hair, who began to sweat bullets upon hearing his name. He turned around and raised his hands to try to calm her down.

Daniel: H-Hey Elis, it was just a joke, y-you know I wouldn't that if I was in serious danger right?

She completely ignored his words and slowly dragged her feet in his direction, eyes capable of making even WhiteNight shiver in his containment room locked onto him.

Daniel: E-Elis?

Y/N: You brought this upon yourself friend.

His eyes tried to look in my direction after hearing my voice call to him but the moment he did so, he was struck by Elis, wearing her golden gloves. He held his stomach and fell down on the ground, letting out groans of pain.

Daniel: Ok... that hurts.

While he did so, his attacker slowly sat down on his stomach and looked down at him, her fists tightened.

Daniel: E-Elis, I'm sorry.

Elis: It's okay Daniel.

Daniel: ...Really?

Elis: Yes, I understand. It was just a joke right?

Daniel: Wow, that was fast, I must have rolled a perfect charisma without realizing.

Elis: I'll just break your legs so that you have a reason to be on the floor.

Daniel: No, nevermind, not good! I take it back!

Y/N: ...

Alter Ego: Let's just... leave them on their own, I'm sure they'll make up soon enough.

Daniel: No, I don't want to see my kneecaps turn the opposite way!!

Y/N: ...Yea.

Ignoring the loud and obvious pleadings for help, I was finally able to greet the one I wanted to visit. She seemed rather distraught and was holding her left arm with her right one, looking down at the floor while doing so.

I suppose hearing someone scream at the top of their lung for mercy was a good enough reason for her to be in this state.

Y/N: Where's Hava? I'm surprised that she isn't here to watch... this.

Elis: Don't scare me like that ever again!

Daniel: I-I won't!

Alter Ego: She's busy taking care of Queen of Hatred.

Y/N: Ah, got it.

With that question getting an answer, my eyes unconsciously moved back to the duo of comedians making their skit in the middle of the room. She clearly cared about him like her own life, even more possibly.

Alter Ego: Is there something wrong? It seemed like you came here for a reason.

Y/N: Oh right, I almost forgot!

The scene that I've stumbled upon was enough to throw me off to the point that I almost forgot the goal of my visit. Thankfully, her question was able to bring me back on track.

Y/N: So, I know it might sound sudden and out of nowhere but I want to ask you something.

Alter Ego: W-What is it?

She averted her eyes slightly, her cheeks turning pink while her grasp on her left arm grew tighter, her fingers digging into her outfit. I took a deep breath and continued.

Y/N: Once we get out of here... do you have something planned?

...Great, I fucked up my line, good job Y/N. You could have been smooth and tell her "wanna leave together?" but no, you took the safe route. I mentally slapped myself after realizing my mistake.

Alter Ego: Not really, I doubt my parents would accept me even if I went back.

Y/N: ..?

Alter Ego: Nevermind, what about you? Why are you asking me that question?

Y/N: I've just been pondering on the matter, since I don't remember much from the outside.

Alter Ego: I suppose that would be a fair question.

Now's a good chance to strike!

Y/N: Since that's the case, you wouldn't mind if we both go together?

???: Ooooh, what do we have here~?

Alter Ego: H-Hava?!

Quickly sliding between us like a shadow, she placed her arms around our necks and gave us her usual grin, her red eyes looking back and forth from me to Alter Ego. She casually stepped into the conversation like nothing and managed to turn the one I was talking to into a blushing mess.

I, on the other hand, simply greeted her. BongBong already scared me once today, I've gotten my daily dose of surprise.

Y/N: Busy dealing with Queen of Hatred?

Hava: Yep, still the same broken recorder as before too.

She let out one of her many remarks which was soon drowned by the sound of the walls vibrating around us. Immediately, everyone in the room went completely silent and looked around, only to hear the odd disturbance stop soon after. We remained still for a full minute but no more sounds came out.

Y/N: That was... whatever, I'm too tired to even guess what's causing this.

Hava: Felt like the whole place was shaking for a moment.

That thought was thrown into the air but soon came crashing down when everyone simply shrugged it off. Lobotomy Corporation was known to not care about logic as long as it allowed more people to die, a sad truth.

Y/N: Also, since you're there Hava, I might as well ask you the same question.

Hava: Hm?

Y/N: What are you planning to do first once we get out of here?

Hava: ...That's a tough to question to ask all of the sudden. Not everyday that you get asked to talk about your future.

Y/N: True.

Hava: Hm... I guess I would go back to my old job.

However, as soon as she answered my question, her eyes closed slightly and her grin changed direction in order to aim directly at me before gaining more power. She was giving a teasing look and did not even bother hiding it.

Hava: Why do you ask, gonna get lonely without me around to brighten your day~?

Y/N: Not to that extend, I've gotten used to your antics so it would definitely feel off once you leave for good.

Hava: For good? You want to get rid of me that badly, I'm hurt.

Y/N: N-No, you... you get what I mean!

Hava: Relax, I'm just messing with you~

She gave me a firm pat on the back and leaned closer, her crimson gaze fixated on mine along with her wide, carefree smile that she always carry around. A bead of sweat slowly fell down my face as she got closer, only for a third person to step in and push her away.

Alter Ego: W-What are you doing Hava?!

Hava: Oops, I got carried away~

She loudly laughed, much to her interlocutor's dismay. Standing on the side, I silently looked at the duo going at each other, not in an aggressive manner but I wouldn't say playful as well, at least not on Alter Ego's side.

As it occured, a faint vibration once more passed through the facility. Starting to get a little fearful about this, I began making my way back to my department after saying my goodbye for now. Something was going on but I couldn't tell what.

...If Carmen was right then this would be our final day here but she never spoke about any source of danger, which was giving me a sense of dread. I had no information and it was scaring me, we could suddenly face both Binah AND Gebura for all we know.

Y/N: ...

Still on my way towards the lower layer, I accidentally bumped into someone. We both stood still and exchanged a long look to each other before a flash of memories formed in our eyes. Her red hair, her ponytail-

Y/N: Dana?

Dana: Y/N? Wow, it's been a while and a half since I last saw you.

Her eyes brightened slightly upon calling my name, remembering the first days, a distant time. She quickly pulled out a matchstick between her lips and gave me a smile while she stuffed the object in the pocket of her suit, a suit that I immediately recognized. It was completely pink, with many pockets used to store ammo and many other things. She was wearing the same E.G.O as me.

Y/N: It's been a long while indeed.

Without hesitation, we quickly gave each other a handshake to greet the other.

Dana: Going back to your department I assume?

Y/N: Yea, BongBong may be effective in many things but I don't wish to push my luck.

Dana: That's understandable, she's... something, that's for sure.

I nodded back at her. It seems like the feeling was shared with everyone who took a look longer than 5 seconds at the blue haired devil. The red haired captain of the Information team flipped through some notes that she was carrying.

Dana: I've heard about your loss as well, my condolences.

Y/N: ...Yea, thanks.

There goes the happy mood, quickly turning sour while those terrible memories emerge. I couldn't explain how she died, it was a mystery to me but her dead eyes looking at me was scarring enough. One moment, she was running by my side and the next... she was gone.

Y/N: At least the casualties we suffered were minor...

Dana: ...

After these words, she looked away without saying anything.

Y/N: ...Dana?

Dana: ...We also lost the entirety of the Control team.

She looked down through her notes and heaved a solemn sigh. Her eyebrows lowered and then, finally, she faced me once more.

Dana: More precisely, The entirety of the Control team, 2 agents of the Information team, one from Training and the captain of the Disciplinary department.

Y/N: ...So many deaths.

A long moment of silence followed her detailed report. The both of them were not ecstatic about the news, not like many would in this scenario.

Dana: I had to witness the people who relied on me die in front of my eyes. They were just rookies, gone without me being able to do anything to save them.

Y/N: ...

Dana: I know that it's hard to do so sometimes but... What I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't blame yourself for her death, nor any of them, the situation was beyond our control.

She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. The moment she did so, the door behind me opened and a duo of agents walked inside, wearing the armband of the Information team.

???: Hey captain, i-is this correct? I wanted to know your opinion.

???: Captain, the office workers were looking for you, some reports just came in.

Dana: Give me a moment both of you.

She began making her way to her new recruits and glanced over her shoulder in my direction, sending me one last message.

Dana: Many people are still waiting for you, don't just keep looking at the ones who died.

Y/N: ...

The door soon closed, allowing me to resume my walk back down. I was left pondering on her final words. It seemed like she was trying her best to give me some advice, though her path leading up to the conclusion was rather...

Y/N: Eh, it's the thought that counts.

Giving myself a small smile of encouragement, I set foot back into my department, greeting the ones waiting for my return with some newfound strength.

...

Y/N: So, that's pretty much it. Kinda long for a story but I needed to let it out of my chest.

I mumbled to the one across from me as I wrote down some notes. Even if this was supposedly our final day, that wasn't a reason for me to slack off, I was gonna do my best until the last second. So, during my work, I began explaining the many thoughts floating in the back of my head.

Nothing There: ...

Y/N: I know, not the most riveting story to hear but it remains one nonetheless.

I calmly responded to the silence and then made a perfect circle on the ground with the pen I usually carried around for my work with abnormalities. Following that, the undescribable abomination lowered its gaze to the ground, where my circle was.

Nothing There: ...

In response to my action, the extra arm emerging from its back lowered and pointed to the left of my drawing. I nodded and placed a perfect 'X' where it pointed. Now my turn once more, I placed another circle diagonally to my first one. A minute passed by afterwards, which was followed with Nothing There pointing the right spot next to my first circle, prompting me to put a second 'X'. Said 'X' was also under my second one funnily enough.

Y/N: ...

Calmly, I placed my third circle on the left corner, forcing the abnormality into a loss situation. No matter how it played, I would emerge victorious

Y/N: Tic-tac-toe.

Nothing There: ...

My victory was followed by the loud breathing of the abnormality I was supposed to work with. However, before I could try to begin another round, the door behind me opened. I was slightly curious why and peeked over my shoulder, only to see another agent in the doorway.

Y/N: Oh hey Zeta!

He looked down at me with an unamused gaze but still stepped inside to join me.

Zeta19: You've been in here for the last 10 minutes, what the fuck are you doing?

Y/N: Playing tic-tac-toe, nothing too crazy. We don't have much in terms of entertainment here so you gotta be creative.

Zeta19: ...Playing with an abnormality?

Y/N: Sure, why not. It quickly understood the rules too surprisingly.

To prove my point, I pointed all around us. Scattered everywhere on the floor were many past games that were completed, some won but many left in a draw. The ex-clerk observed the scene for a moment and glanced back at me.

Zeta19: ...Uh, what's the score?

Y/N: 16-13.

Zeta19: That's quite-

Y/N: For Nothing There.

Zeta19: ...

I slowly stood up from my spot and stretched my arms. My work with Nothing There was done a while ago so I don't really have a purpose to remain here. With that, I waved to my opponent, who simply responded by loudly breathing back at us.

Y/N: Is it me or is the facility shaking a little?

Zeta19: ...It's been like this for like the past 5 minutes.

Y/N: Oh, I honestly couldn't tell in that containment room.

Zeta19: Obviously, you were busy playing tic-tac-toe with what could have been your murderer if it suddenly decided to rip your head off.

The ground below our feet was slightly shaking, a small vibration indicating that the facility around us was trembling for some reason. My first instinct was to assume that Binah made her return once more just to mess with us but considering that nobody seemed to be in a panic, that idea was quickly dismissed.

Y/N: So, what are you doing? I assumed that you wanted to work with Nothing There but you just left.

Zeta19: I passed by, stupid fetus throwing a tantrum like always.

Y/N: ...And you STILL don't have a suit!

Zeta19: Nah, I like the clerk uniform better, the uniforms they provide us look too weird for my taste.

I let out a deep sigh upon hearing his reason, this guy was basically screaming "shoot me!" to everything around him by letting himself be exposed with no way to protect himself. All of this because he didn't like the way the E.G.O outfits looked, I still don't know if I should applaud his bravery or be disappointed at his stupidity.

The question lingered in my head until I finally made my way back in the main room of the Central Command department, which then decided to dip once my eyes witnessed something close to some sort of ritual to summon an eldritch god.

Clerk 1: Come on Bong, show me these moves!

BongBong: Bong.

Standing in the middle of the room was the one clerk I clearly remember from yesterday's shift: the one who got himself high before dancing on the corpse of one of his colleagues who turned into an animated pile of slime to cope with the stress of the previous day. The man in question was once more breaking into a dance while looking at the girl with blue hair beside him, who followed his movements in an attempt to replicate his dance. The scene felt like a fever dream, making me blink out of shock.

I know that relief after overcoming a terrible ordeal can make you do some crazy things but this was probably a new level of insane.

Yet despite that, BongBong was eagerly following her 'teacher', trying to catch up with his intensity and follow his patterns. The other office workers gathered around to make a circle around them, cheering the both of them.

Y/N: ...

Zeta19: ...I'm not even gonna bother, I'm probably passed out drunk behind a bar somewhere, this ain't real.

He threw his hand over his head in a way to signify that he was done and did a full 180, leaving back the way we came.

I remained quiet during this whole spectacle, witnessing something that was almost as insane as the numerous creatures contained here, maybe even more. I was genuinely at a loss for words, I didn't know what to do except observing everything unfolding before my eyes.

Clerk 1: Come on, give it some more, your moves are weak!

BongBong: Bong!

...The final day huh? It sure as hell feel like it honestly, everyone seemed to be happily going about with activities, despite the fact that we were still working. From the comedy duo above us to this, Carmen's words were starting to make more sense.

Clerk 1: Hey captain, get in!

Y/N: Huh?

Clerk 1: Show me your skills!

Y/N: I... I don't know how to dance.

Clerk 1: Well you sure as hell won't know anytime soon with that attitude. Come on, on your feet!

Y/N: Fine...

Why am I even going along with this? I'm the captain, I could easily tell them to stop and that would be it. At the same time though, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, a rare sight in this hellish reality. I couldn't bring myself to ruin everything so I went along, might as well let out some of my stress with this.

Do I know how long we've spent doing this? Nope. Does anyone in this room know how long this went on? I highly doubt it but everyone seemed to be in a good mood so I don't think it really mattered, especially since no orders were handed to us to ruin the mood.

Clerk 1: Alright, you both did good, kinda slow on some parts but it was acceptable.

Y/N: Thanks, I guess?

BongBong: Bong.

I was completely exhausted after this exercise, something that was not shared with BongBong. She didn't even break a single sweat during the whole process, her unblinking eyes remaining as sharp and cold as ever. Our trainer was also in good spirits, not a single drop of sweat on him.

I dropped down on a chair that one of the workers brought for me to sit on, trying to desperately catch my breath. The both of them had much more stamina than I had, which was terrifying considering that someone was on equal level as BongBong of all people.

BongBong: Bong?

Y/N: I'm fine... just need to rest.

What just occured definitely wasn't on my agenda, it probably wouldn't have been for the entirety of my time working here if it wasn't for the fact that I was forced to go along. As much as I would like to complain, it definitely helped me let out some steam.

Clerk 2: Oh dancing god, grant us your wisdom.

Clerk 1: Libraries suck, they make you kill each other for the books you want only to pull the rug under you. Don't go there, that's my wisdom.

Clerk 3: Sounds like a regular day at a grocery store, speaking from experience.

Clerk 2: ...You killed someone for groceries?

Clerk 3: ...I won't confirm nor deny.

Y/N: ...They sure are lovely over there.

I mumbled to myself while wiping the sweats off of my face. I had to keep an eye on future orders sent our way, the day was not over after all. Once that happens, I'll be able to switch back into work mode and concentrate on our duties.

...

Only it never happened. Minutes went by, many in fact but none reached our department, making the wait rather boring. Sure, the workers were providing their own source of entertainment but it wasn't enough to make the wait shorter. I leaned further into my seat and watched BongBong sit on a chair across from me, her eyes focused on mine with her hands held together under her chin.

Y/N: ...

BongBong: ...

I slowly raised one of my hands in her direction, she didn't react. Deciding to get closer, my hand carefully made its way towards her but still nothing occured, her attention was on me rather than my action. Finally, with enough time, my hand soon found its way on top of her head, burrowing into her hair.

Y/N: ...

BongBong: Bong.

Y/N: Yea yea.

We remained like that for a while before I pulled out my hand away from her. She calmly watched me do so and stop up from her seat. Unsure about what she was doing, I kept my eyes on her face until she raised one of her hands, placing it on top of my head.

Now that I'm on the receiving end, it feels kinda awkward, making me regret the decision I took like a minute ago.

Y/N: ...

BongBong: ...

Y/N: ...You can stop now.

BongBong: ...No.

Oh great, of all times for her to be stubborn and actually speak. I rolled my eyes slightly and tried to stand up, only to be pushed back on my seat by the girl standing in front of me, not letting me get up until she was done.

Y/N: ...

BongBong: ...

Clerk 2: Wow, look at her, she looks like she's ready to murder someone.

Y/N: I don't need your comments, I need assistance!

Clerk 3: Nah, you're on your own.

Clerk 1: Even I can't help, sorry captain.

I took a deep breath, accepting my fate to remain stuck on this chair until the one next to me was content with her headpat. This lasted for 5 more minutes before the floor moved, making me jump on my feet. The source couldn't be determined precisely but it definitely came from somewhere in this facility.

This confusion seemed to be shared with the other employees in the room... well except for BongBong but that's the usual at this point. Something was definitely happening but the real question was "what"?

I remember Carmen mentioning the Light curing the residents of the City, is this what's happening? If it was then I didn't know making a light show could be so... 'shaky'. I wanted to ponder deeper into the possible cause of this anomaly, however fate  had decided otherwise.

Intercom: This is a message broadcasted through the entirety of this facility.

...

Intercom: I am the one who's been sending you the many orders you have received during your stay here. My name is no longer important, nor it ever was. However, what is is my sincere thank to all of you.

A moment of silence followed.

Intercom: I would like to properly thank you all. With your help, our goal was finally something that could be reached. Every single ounce of energy you have gathered led us to this final moment. Every loss were for this moment.

Y/N: ...

So my theory was right, it was the reason behind it, the Light.

Intercom: Today is the day our project will bear fruit, the day the City will be illuminated by the Light, completing our duties. All of you still hearing this message, I bid you farewell, you are all relieved of your duties. Manager, over and out.

Just like that, it was over, the long cycle of torment came to an end, Lobotomy Corporation reaching its final goal. I couldn't speak, the unbelievable occured, the miracle happened, the distant mirage came true. It was so shocking that I could not celebrate.

We were truly relieved of our duties, the words were officially said. I glanced at the girl standing next to me and she did the same, not really impressed by the speech given to us.

Y/N: We can leave?

Clerk 1: Fuck yea, I can finally go smack my old man for forcing me to get here.

Clerk 2: Wait, are we gonna get our pay?

Clerk 3: Are you really more worried about that than your own survival?

BongBong: ...

The faces around us were pleased with this sudden turn of events... all except one. Said person was the blue haired devil herself, who slowly reached for her rifle as if to assess a threat. Her eyes were quickly darting around, scanning her surroundings.

Y/N: ...BongBong?

BongBong: ...

Then, they landed on the camera looking at the room we were in. Her weapon was in hand and an aura of mistrust envelopped her. I tried to reach towards her but my blood froze, all because of a singular line.

Intercom: I'm sorry dear Manager but I have other plans.

...Angela.

Just as that realization arrived, a horde of screams echoed in the hallways, all inhuman. My eyes widened, which was then followed by the sound of bells piercing through the entire facility, the bells of the apocalypse, the instrument signifying the end, the arrival of the winged fetus.

I looked around and witnessed to my horror the doors open, revealing the many entities that were contained in their rooms a moment ago on the other side, aiming for us with the intention to take our lives. With no hesitation, BongBong opened fire and charged into battle while my mind was still processing what was going on.

...

Why? Why was this happening? What did we do wrong? I couldn't think of a reason we deserved this hell. However, one thing remained certain: I couldn't stand there and simply accept it. So, with that in mind, I tightened my fists and took a sprint into the rampaging madness.

-The End-