15.08.1642

The Southeast Military Base

16:49

Yet again, we find ourselves at the base during the morning while it is doing its daily schedule so that everyone can wake up and get ready for another day. It's been a few days since the Great Leader's disappearance happened, but it doesn't seem like anybody cares that much anymore. Ever since RY4N got the letter from his brother, they've stopped with this constant worry and focused on work only. There were days when the ruler came at the base too so that He can see how's everything going, and even explaining about what's happening around Him too. But He never stood much, He just assured that everything is okay and did a few things for His work before going back to His business.

So this time, while He is out with this new matter of an outsider inside the walls, the base is simply doing its normal work while RY4N leads everyone. And even if he got sick back then, now he seems as he got back into his more lively spirit, since he has rested properly and got rid of his sickness. Sure, he is curious about this outsider too, as well as all the other soldiers since they've heard about the ruler's letter. But even so, they trust the Great Leader in coming back and explaining everything later. If the outsider really isn't a threat as He said, then they do not need to fear this for nothing.

Right now though, as said, the base is waking itself up, with every soldier getting ready by cleaning themselves and doing a few morning tasks. RY4N for example is talking with some people about what he has planned for today, to inform them about a possible mission and later to know when they will get the full information about it. As he does so, Officer KYR4 approaches him too, wishing to speak with him.

[KYR4]-Morning, RY4N.

[RY4N]-Hm? Oh, good day, KYR4! How's everything going?

[KYR4]-Pretty well, I guess. There is nothing troubling us at the moment anyway, so nothing really changed.

[RY4N]-Alright. Hey, ER1C, mind if I talk for a while with the Officer?

[ER1C]-No problem. I have to do my tasks anyway, Master.

[RY4N]-Okay. And don't forget to do what I told you, alright? I'm sorry again if it disturbed your schedule or anything, but IZA4K wasn't available.

[ER1C]-It's alright, RY4N. I really don't mind. And don't worry, I won't forget. I promise.

[RY4N]-Alright. See you later, Mr. ER1C.

[ER1C]-See you.

ER1C does a nod as a goodbye and prepares to leave towards his next destination, while the two Officers remain to chat for a while.

[KYR4]-I see you are doing better than the first day of the outsider's appearance, RY4N. I will guess you have rested well?

[RY4N]-You can bet on that. And MY4 also helped me as always, so it shouldn't really be a surprise. So you came at the base already, huh?

[KYR4]-I mean, I arrived a few minutes ago, but I had to speak with a few other Hackers and Defenders to check on their equipment as I planned yesterday, and also... speak a bit with LUK3 who just so happened to block my way as always...

[RY4N]-Heh... Said anything useful or...?

[KYR4]-He is LUK3. What exactly can he say and be useful for once?

[RY4N]-Just asking, heheh...

[KYR4]-*sigh* Anyway... So? You are ready for today's Council meeting, I assume?

[RY4N]-When wasn't I ready, KYR4?

[KYR4]-Just saying. Do you know anything about what we will discuss today?

[RY4N]-Probably the old matters as always, nothing much. I mean, there are no problems that got reported in the past few days, are there? And we still have the issue with the supplies from the outside. We have to solve it quickly if we want to survive. Though I can't say for sure if we are going to do so or not... Whatever CHE5TER was talking about friendly demons, it doesn't really seem to be our solution. If anything, we just know that the younger creatures aren't really a threat, just the old ones.

[KYR4]-Why can't they just go outside the walls and gather the ores as soon as possible though? During the day, the creatures are vulnerable.

[RY4N]-I don't think it is as simple as it sounds... You remember when we saw the demons ourselves, right? They might be hiding anywhere, in any kind of cave, so they aren't as safe as it appears even if they have a source of light. They seem pretty aggressive after all, don't you remember that LUK3 almost got injured because of his curiosity alone?

[KYR4]-He gets in all kinds of troubles just because of it, RY4N. Let's be honest now.

[RY4N]-Heheh... Yeah... So, I assume you have plans for tomorrow with him and MY4, huh?

[KYR4]-Is that even a question? You know damn well that the moment he approaches me, he invites me out.

[RY4N]-I know, I know...

[KYR4]-*sigh* Yeah, I guess I have. I mean, as long as MY4 comes, then I don't have any problem with it. Why? Are you interested in coming?

[RY4N]-No, no. I was just asking. No need of me to come or anything. You can all go without me.

[KYR4]-Well, because it is a free day, you have no more excuses of "I have to stay at the base 'cause either me or CHE5TER have to be here, so I cannot leave because blah blah blah...", and it won't be such a bad thing for you to get angry at LUK3 too for a while instead of putting me to do it alone.

[RY4N]-So, in other words, you want to torture me, huh?

[KYR4]-Maybe. Or maybe I am done being the only person present in the group to keep him to behave properly. Seriously now, why am I always the person left to watch over him and his actions? Let him get in trouble if he truly wants it. I got sick of forever paying for whatever he destroys.

[RY4N]-Alright, I will come for a bit with you guys this time. It's not much I can do anyway since I have no idea of what to do tomorrow. CHE5TER is still out supervising the outsider and he might not come to do anything until we find an answer on who he is and where does he come from.

[KYR4]-I assume that Master is using that technique of His to manipulate the boy and get closer to him in order to find the information He wants, huh?

[RY4N]-I guess so. Oh, boy, the previous Leader sure had an influence on him... But he also told me that he will say a few things about us so that the boy will feel more comfortable to speak, so if anything, be prepared if he attacks again.

[KYR4]-Did He also say when exactly is this going to end? I mean, He is the Great Leader, He shouldn't be out with a stranger this much since there is a lot to do.

[RY4N]-Not really... He simply wishes to find the village the boy is talking about and see what's going on. Then, he might come back and everything will go back to normal.

[KYR4]-If you say so... I just hope that the outsider isn't a new kind of enemy or anything like that.

[RY4N]-I hope so too. But we will get an answer when CHE5TER gathers every important information from him. Until then, we might just stay vigilant and be prepared for anything. Anyway, let's stop talking about this subject...

[KYR4]-Mhm. So then, what subject you wish to talk about, Leader RY4N?

[RY4N]-Heh, you like calling me that for some days now, huh?

[KYR4]-I mean, you are titled a Leader now, aren't you? Master said that He will let the base in your hands from now on.

[RY4N]-Alright, alright... Then how about going back to the subject that includes the Council? Are you prepared for today's arguments?

[KYR4]-Ha ha...

They sure like talking, but shouldn't it be normal? After all, they are friends. Not as long as how LUK3 and her are though, but they know each other for quite some time now. And since they both had the same role in this building and had to work together, chats like this one are pretty common for them. Not to mention that they are both members of the Council, so they talk even about the meetings subjects.

Even if KYR4 gets mad and all at him or at anybody around the base, they will still remain friends, as they get along pretty well. And not only that, but she sure needs a small helper with the everyday LUK3, so that she can manage to escape him by simply going to do her work as an Officer alongside RY4N.

The Council of the Underground City

22:54

But now, we are going back at the Council where, as always, everyone is angry and screams at one other as if they are each other's enemies, not actual colleagues or partners in solving the war.

[R4YMOND]-...Can't you just shut up for once, XANTH3? I'm getting sick of forever hearing your annoying voice at the meetings and your constant complains about us.

[M4EK0]-I have to agree with him, XANTH3. You sure do not know how to keep your mouth shut at all.

[XANTH3]-Oh? But of course you two help each other in an argument. Yet you forget that collaborations should be only regarding the missions, not the meetings too. And of course I complain. You two are becoming even more stubborn than before. As if that was ever possible...

[M4EK0]-If we are stubborn, then how exactly would you describe your character? You consider yourself an important member of the Council just because the economy of the city depends on you. But guess what? The city depends on us all too. Without one of us, we would've been dead long time ago, XANTH3. We all have important roles to play here, remember?

[EM3RY]-Are you sure you consider your base worth including in this category, ALLINA? I mean, I wouldn't say that spying around the City of Above is that necessary as you say. Let's be honest now, even the Southeast Base does somehow a better job than your base.

[M4EK0]-Need I remind you that most of the problems that we've encountered and also solved in this room were found by my people, EM3RY? And of course the Southeast Base is finding other problems as well. They are specialised in official documents of the M soldiers. It's pure logic to be this way. But we are investigating the city itself, not just the documents.

[M1SH4M]-*sigh* May I ask why exactly can't we finish this conversation for once and for all? I came here to talk about the current problems that you wanted to speak about. Especially the one about those creatures of the outside. YANIS here barely managed to do anything in these days and we are getting in a drastic situation regarding the supplies of the ores.

[R4YMOND]-And what do you suggest, EWAN? Do you have any plans on how to solve it? Or you are doing just a big talk so that you can appear superior to us?

[M1SH4M]-I do not try to impress anybody, Max. But once again, we are here to solve the problems of our city. Can't you do a little effort and keep this room in peace for a few days until we find something useful? The Great Leader might as well come back one day and be disappointed with us for not solving anything without His presence.

[N3MES1O]-It is no use, EWAN. No matter what we do, the environment around this area will forever be a war of words. Let it be at this point instead of stressing yourself with it.

[M1SH4M]-At least I am trying to do something about it...

And once again, as always, it is chaos. But as the Leader of the Northwest Base said, let it be. While everyone argues, the new Leader of the Southeast Base and his Officer are talking to each other.

[RY4N]-Want to intervene now too or...?

[KYR4]-Does it really have a point though?

[RY4N]-Just asking. I mean, the argument might as well just go like this until someone decides to put an end to the meeting itself.

[KYR4]-*sigh* At this point, I do not know why we are even coming anymore. I guess some things never change...

[RY4N]-Yeah, I guess so... But to think that I used to be in this room from a young age alongside the previous ruler and I do not remember them being so aggressive to one another at all...

[KYR4]-It was in the presence of the Great Leader, RY4N. Of course they will behave properly.

[RY4N]-I don't think it was that... I remember that Mr. M1SH4M was always so close to CHE5TER and I when we were coming here and always welcomed us with a smile, while the others simply talked to each other about the problems. But they were respectful, not because of the ruler, but I will say more because of us. I guess they took the idea of two young boys being around and learning something they might not be allowed to as a rule to respect for the time being. But now... I don't really know why they've changed so much.

[KYR4]-Hmph. Seems like a weird dream of yours.

[RY4N]-No. Really. They were like that when I was young. And compared to the way they've turned now... it was actually pretty enjoyable to come here and stay around them.

[KYR4]-Huh... Who would've thought...

They admire the spreading chaos for a few minutes in silence. I mean, what can they even do about it? No matter what you say in this room, nobody will listen to you. Only the ruler has the power to inspire such a strange feeling and to make everyone behave right. Whether it is fear or respect. Then, they start talking again.

[RY4N]-Say... how exactly was at the shelter when you were young? I would think that you and MY4 are used to this type of chaos from those years, but you seem more annoyed than us all.

[KYR4]-Just because it was chaos there too, doesn't mean I enjoyed it, nor that I can tolerate it now. And I won't say it was like this atmosphere either.

[RY4N]-No? 'Cause I thought that since there are so many people with all kinds of mindsets, all set in a huge room to sleep together, will result in conflicts and battles.

[KYR4]-Oh, and you were right on that for sure. I was betting with MY4 on who is the next one to get in a fight every day. The winner had to choose the next game we were going to play.

[RY4N]-Heh, and who was winning the most?

[KYR4]-Me, of course. MY4 didn't even like that game of betting on people, but I created it for fun.

[RY4N]-Hahah... Oh, it seems you guys had a good childhood then! I, on the other hand, had to run after my brother to get him out of trouble all the time.

For some reason, she stops talking for a few seconds, as if she has a moment of remembering the past too, not knowing whether her past was a silent one compared to RY4N's or even a more chaotic memory than he ever had, before she finally responds.

[KYR4]-...Yeah. I guess we had.

And so, the meeting goes like this on and on, for more minutes, as all the people present here sure like to fight each other. It takes a while until someone finally wishes to end the meeting and manages to convince everyone else to stop too. So, when everything is done, the Leaders and their Officers begin to go towards the exit. RY4N and KYR4 are some from those people too, as they tend to leave and go back to their work at the base. But before they can do so, one of the Leaders stops Officer KYR4 and begins to talk.

[EM3RY]-Officer KYR4! Wait!

[KYR4]-Hm?

This time, it seems to be the Central Base Leader, Mr. EM3RY, who stands with his Officer by his side, as KYR4 stopped walking and RY4N doing the same thing when he notices the Leader.

[KYR4]-Mr. EM3RY? What is it?

[EM3RY]-I have something to talk with you for a bit. Do you have a minute?

[KYR4]-Alright...? Yes, I have... What is it?

[EM3RY]-Well, here is how it goes: I would like you to come tomorrow in this free day of ours to the Central Base so that we can solve a small matter. Believe me when I say that I wouldn't have wished to do this and to disturb you or your Leader, but we have a few documents that need to be seen by one member of the Southeast Base so that the Great Leader will get the information further.

[RY4N]-What's the matter?

[EM3RY]-Nothing important, RY4N, but I wish to get the approval of the ruler on something. I would like for Officer KYR4 to come so that you do not waste your time and do your work at your base as a Leader. Is it okay by you two?

They do not say a word, though it does seem as this idea kind of annoys KYR4 for good. Still, she looks at RY4N in the eyes and makes a sign for him to understand that she can handle it alone. So, he nods as a goodbye and leaves the room, remaining only the Officer, the Leader and his assistant.

[KYR4]-...So, what exactly is this important matter?

[EM3RY]-We've been working on a small project of a new weapon for quite some time and we wish to have a feedback from you. We did a few tests and all, but it is still under development. We believe that it might also help with the issue of the demons too.

[KYR4]-Weapon, you say?

[EM3RY]-Affirmative. Someone came up with a sketch of a new gun a few months ago and believed that it is powerful enough to even destroy a thick wall. If anything, maybe it will be able to cast off the demons in the process.

[KYR4]-Just... when exactly do you want me to come, Mr. EM3RY? I have plans for tomorrow as well, so I can't stay for too long.

[EM3RY]-Around 16:00. Is it fine?

[KYR4]-Yeah, I will remember. Now, can I go back to my work?

[EM3RY]-Y-Yes, of course... Apologies for the disturbance.

The Leader and his Officer leave the room too, while KYR4 remains to simply look in disgust at these two people. Then, she whispers to herself before leaving towards her base too.

[KYR4]-Hmph. And when I thought that I will never go back to that base ever again...

16.08.1642

The Central Military Base

15:10

And so, here she is, sleeping in her room of the apartment in which she lives, before waking up to her alarm that goes on and beginning her day. As usual, just like all the others, she does the morning tasks, like cleaning herself and organising her schedule of the day. Then, when she got dressed up, she leaves her apartment and begins her journey towards the Central Base.

She explained many times in the past, and probably she will do it again in the future. She is a former soldier of that base, before she left after a year of work and joined the Southeast Base where her friends went. But she never really said what exactly made her take this decision, she just said that she despites the people there for being too lazy. Then, when she joined the Southeast Base, she proved her worth and also changed her name, later on becoming one of the Officers of the base.

When she arrives at the base, she has a moment of hesitation of stepping inside the building, but she did it in the end, where she found herself with one of the Officers of the Central Base accompanying her towards the location of the Leader. Of course the Officer knows her, he is a former colleague of hers. As a consequence, he wishes to speak with her too.

[AV4R0]-It really has been a while, Miss ADIN4, hasn't it? I didn't see you in our base for some good years now.

[KYR4]-I guess...

[AV4R0]-You still enjoy talking less, huh? Oh, then you didn't change that much from how Master said. So? How is life going for you now? I believe you joined a different base, right?

[KYR4]-...Yeah. I'm a member of the Southeast Base now. Even an Officer.

[AV4R0]-Really? Oh, then you sure are close to the Leader there if he chose to give you this title. I believe he is a kid too, just like you. Am I right?

[KYR4]-...

She seems pretty annoyed, as the man gets on her nerves quickly.

[AV4R0]-Hahah, oh, I'm just kidding, Adi! No need to do that face now! I congratulate you for achieving this role then. Knowing the responsibilities that come with this title and all, I assume that you had a lot to do, huh? Did you manage to handle it?

[KYR4]-...Yeah.

[AV4R0]-Oh? Then good job! I also heard that you are a member of the Council too, no? The Officer present in the meetings?

[KYR4]-Yes, I am.

[AV4R0]-Heh, what a surprise! Oh, you wouldn't even know how much I've struggled to become one too! But for some reason, Master doesn't wish to let me assist him.

Yet again, she is annoyed by his responses, even beginning to whisper what she has in mind...

[KYR4]-...Of course he doesn't allow you if you do nothing all day, AV4R0.

...before simply avoiding to let the man hear it.

[AV4R0]-Hm? Did you say something?

[KYR4]-...No. I didn't say anything.

[AV4R0]-Okay then... Oh, I actually have a few questions to ask you too! Since you are a member of the Southeast Base and all, maybe I can get a few answers from you! Like, you know the ruler, right? Since He works around that base. Do you think tha--

[KYR4]- --Just get me to Mr. EM3RY, AV4R0. I do not wish to speak with you right now. I have work to do after all.

[AV4R0]-...O-Oh, alright then.

And now, even the man seems annoyed by her response too. In the end, they just continue walking around the hallway of the base towards the Leader. Looking around, you might really see a difference between the Southeast Base and the Central Base. Here, there are thousands of people that are members of the building, from young ones that just graduated, to older ones near their retirement. Hundreds of people walking around, chatting and doing whatever they wish. Yet in the Southeast Base, at best they remained a number in hundreds, if not lower, that do not chat that much and focus on their work alone. It is a reason why this hallway is so full of people, while that hallway is almost empty every day.

After all, everyone in this city believes that the Central Base is the best group of military people that exists, with many candidates every year, with a great salary like none other, paid monthly for putting yourself in danger, yet with former members saying that this base is nothing but a building of lazing around. KYR4 is one of the people that believe this idea, since she too managed to work here for a year. The Southeast Base though, it is barely remembered, but also the group that works the most in this city. They do not like lazing around that much, they simply wish to protect the city after all.

Yet why would people say that this base is the best from them all? Well, lies and greed. The members here believe that they are superior to all the other soldiers, so they make their name heard around the schools by visiting them and giving a few advices, as well as encouraging the students to join them. Those that say the base is great don't say it because of the work itself, but rather because of the money they get. That's why the base is in the top of the students' list of military bases, because it was voted by those that are greedy.

As for the work they do, they make all the equipment for the other bases, as well as for themselves, but also creating new techniques of fighting and defending, a reason why if a battle is started between these two cities, they would be the most trained in a fight. But knowing that most of the people that work here barely respect the schedule, it would only be a lie. If it wasn't like this, then the base was truly what they praised it to be.

But going back to how KYR4 and the Officer are doing, they are still walking around, while KYR4 admires with disgust the people around them.

[AV4R0]-By the way, ADIN4! I am curious of something! Did you miss working with us in these past years? I mean, we were your pals too!

Yet she doesn't respond. She looks at the soldiers around as said. Some are chatting with each other, some are simply doing whatever they like, some are even playing around. Sure, it's a free day, they are allowed to do whatever they wish. But from the way KYR4 looks at them, it doesn't seem that unusual for this atmosphere to be present. More like... it feels like this is how the base actually is all the time. No work done, no seriousness coming from anybody, just staying around the building and winning the monthly payment by doing nothing at all. And only the devoted ones actually respecting their work.

[KYR4]-...No.

16:41

And so, minutes after walking around, she finally found herself in the Leader's office, where she sits down and looks at Mr. EM3RY who analyses a few documents in the meantime.

[KYR4]-...So what do you wish to speak with me about the weapon in cause, Mr. EM3RY?

[EM3RY]-It is not much to speak though, KYR4. As I said yesterday, I have a few documents in which you have to look into about it and give us a small feedback, and also maybe try and announce the ruler when you get back. The designer of the weapon was Mr. SR1J4N, if you remember him. I trust that he was also the creator of your final weapon too, right?

[KYR4]-Maybe.

The Leader gives KYR4 a few papers in which she has to look into, not before starting to talk again.

[EM3RY]-Take your time. You can look into them as much as you wish. Just don't forget to tell me your opinion.

[KYR4]-I won't. It's not the first time I'm doing something like this, god dammit.

[EM3RY]-I know, but who knows how much you've done something like this in the past years.

[KYR4]-Just 'cause I didn't do it as much, doesn't mean I do not remember how to do it.

[EM3RY]-Alright, alright... If anything, I trust that a former soldier of mine would do this small task for me though, am I right? After all, you were a devoted warrior when you used to work for me. What a pity that you've left...

[KYR4]-...So that's what's all about? You wished me to come back here?

[EM3RY]-No. It is your choice alone where do you want to work. I only wanted to get this small matter done quickly and see if the project is of any use. The thing that I managed to get you as the member that helps me is a whole another story.

[KYR4]-And how come that you need a Southeast Base member to give you a feedback?

[EM3RY]-You are the people that work around the ruler Himself, KYR4. And you know very well that in the past months, He wasn't present at the meetings at all. Whatever He is doing there is being hidden from us all, and we cannot even contact Him that much either. So, since I need His approval on the weapon, I need one of the members to be the announcer.

[KYR4]-I'm afraid that the ruler won't be available to give you the permission any sooner though, Mr. EM3RY. He is busy with other matters now. If I manage to speak with Him, I will tell Him what you want.

[EM3RY]-Alright then. I understand. How about you tell me about the sketches? Do you see anything interesting in them?

[KYR4]-If anything, from what I observe on these sketches, the gun in cause is more of a shotgun, right? With a powerful shot, yet easy to handle... Okay, so what exactly do you think that it can help us with the issue with the demons?

[EM3RY]-Well, we believe that the shots themselves should be powerful enough to injure the demons. No, not by creating a wound on their bodies or anything, but more of creating a small fear because of the pain caused and make them run away. The tests with the training dummies have shown us that it can get rid of such object too easily, so if anything, maybe the shot is all that we need.

[KYR4]-Right...

[EM3RY]-So? Do you have an answer? I respect your word since you are a well trained soldier in observing weapons and equipment.

[KYR4]-I would like first to see a result of the shot you've talked about though, Mr. EM3RY. Simple words are not enough for me to get a conclusion.

[EM3RY]-It is the same reason I gave you the sketches, KYR4.

[KYR4]-Yes, but without seeing it with my own eyes, I won't give you any kind of feedback.

[EM3RY]-*sigh*

So, at KYR4's words, the Leader takes from a drawer of his desk a few more papers that seem to be photos of the tests. There are photos of the training dummies completely destroyed and even some with the weapon itself. Then, he gives them to KYR4.

[EM3RY]-Here. Any better?

She begins to analyse the photos themselves, but still no conclusion.

[KYR4]-Some empty photos won't help with anything, Mr. EM3RY. I wish to see it in action.

[EM3RY]-You sure didn't change... You still like analysing everything by each side until you consider it perfect to be released, huh? Seems like some of your old habits from our base remained.

[KYR4]-You want my answer or not?

Then, the Leader stops talking, as he takes an airpod from his communication device and puts it in his ear, calling for a soldier.

[EM3RY]-...1ZA4N, take Prototype74Y9 from the developing room and come in my office. We need to do a few more tests with it.

Not long after that command, KYR4 is taken in a room similar to the training ground of the Southeast Base, full of people either training or testing weapons. Alongside her came the Leader, as well as some of his people to assist him with the weapon in cause. One of them is carrying with him a new weapon, a shotgun as described, with a simple design and written on it "PROTOTYPE: 74Y9". After all, the weapons that are still under development are not given a fascinating design at first, focusing only on making its functions for the time being.

Then, the man gives it to KYR4 at Mr. EM3RY's command, before setting a special training dummy for her too. And not long after, the Leader starts speaking with her again.

[EM3RY]-I will assume that you do not need me to understand how the weapon works?

[KYR4]-I'm fine. I saw the sketches, so I know what I'm dealing with.

[EM3RY]-Oh, but of course. After all, you were one of the best members of this base. Not a single sketch troubled you. And I have to admit, your own prototypes were also fascinating.

[KYR4]-Yeah, yeah. As if I didn't hear that too many times now. So, can I start testing it? Or do you want to add something first?

[EM3RY]-No. You may start.

She is a bit pissed, maybe because she knows that the Leader didn't enjoy the moment she left the base, but from the looks of it, he moved on, accepting that this talented soldier wished to give her full potential somewhere else. So, she fixes her gun in a more proper way before finally starting shooting around, striking the training dummy. She does that for a few minutes while the others are simply watching, yet when she stops, she looks at the marks that are left on the dummy. Or, well... more like what is left from it.

It is indeed a powerful shot coming from this weapon, as only a few trigger pulls were needed to destroy the dummy completely. And yet, KYR4 doesn't feel as it is the best weapon against the demons, but she doesn't really know what exactly is missing either.

[EM3RY]-So? Have you taken a final decision?

[KYR4]-...Not yet. There is still something that it didn't achieve, but I can't figure it out what exactly is.

[EM3RY]-As in...? More power? More velocity?

[KYR4]-Just one second.

She analyses the weapon she holds again, before looking around for whatever reason. It takes her a few seconds to finally make a decision, which seems as she wishes to take a person as a small helper for a bit. So, she looks next to the Leader and points at one of his people, before ordering him something.

[KYR4]-...You. Come here for a bit.

[1ZA4N]-Hm?

He is a bit confused at first, of course, as he looks at his Leader to see what he says about it. Yet the Leader only gives him a nod, an approval to follow the girl's orders. So, he goes where she told him and looks at the Officer which analyses the weapon once more. And then... she does the unexpected.

Unexpected, as in it wasn't expected for them, so of course, it took them a bit by surprise. She shoots the man that stands in front of her with this weapon one time, before everyone getting confused and a bit pissed at this "outsider". And yet... the Leader doesn't really mind it, so he stops everyone that tries to get closer to her or those that try to stop her. After all, the man in cause doesn't have his immunity affected, a reason why she picked him in the first place. She continues for a bit, shooting once or twice more, before finally stopping and looking at the man, observing the result.

The man was exhausted because the impact of the bullets and the pain resulted, but it isn't the exhaustion she wished to see. So, as a consequence, while the helper tries to take a breath, a bit pissed off by this girl, she makes a conclusion and looks at the Leader.

[KYR4]-...I'm afraid the answer will not be by your side this time, Mr. EM3RY. Even though the weapon has a great potential of damaging something, or even someone with an affected immunity, you have to take into consideration that these creatures we are talking about aren't as weak as you think. Sure, the shots are powerful, I admit that, but they aren't enough to get rid even of one demon alone. I would rather say that is has a better chance of annoying the creatures for good rather than scaring them, resulting in them being more violent and more likely to attack even worse. Those are aggressive beings we are talking about after all, simple shots of a gun won't scare them so easily. The shots need to be way more powerful, or even enough to damage their body, in order to achieve your initial plan. So... my answer is no. It isn't a weapon that could be approved by the ruler as a solution to this matter. If anything, it is more like a simple one, enough for a soldier to use during a battle. Did I give you a proper answer now?

[EM3RY]-...Yes. Thank you, KYR4. And I understand. I will not bother the Great Leader with it if you consider that it hasn't enough value on this issue. That is all I needed. You are free to go whenever you wish.

[KYR4]-Before I do so, I have a few suggestions for it knowing the vulnerable part of the demons. Do not focus on the weapon being powerful. Instead, focus on creating the required bullets of such enemy. Creating a small and new device that should serve as a bullet for this type of gun, one that would actually scare the creatures away, should be enough. The device in cause should have an activation system, which when activated should create a powerful light that scares the demons. The bullets should also somehow get attached to the body of the creature, affecting it with the light and getting rid of it as a consequence. This way, the weapon would be perfect in a close fight with the demons. Did I make myself clear?

The Leader then looks at the other member that came with him to assist the test, one that was carrying with him a note and analysed everything that has happened in it, before asking a question.

[EM3RY]-...Did you note that?

The member then looks a bit at his notes, adding a few more words and looks back at his Leader to give him a nod of an approval. He is maybe one of the members that assist the tests around the new weapons and records every failure or improvement, as well as suggestions and possible needs of changes.

[EM3RY]-Alright then. Thank you again for assisting us today, Officer KYR4. Have a restful break.

And with that, the Leader and the assistant leave the training ground with the weapon, where KYR4 remains behind to look around before leaving too. But as she tries so, the other assistant which she has shot at with the weapon got up and came to her a bit mad. Though that didn't surprise her at all...

[1ZA4N]-...Was it really a need of doing such thing, ADIN4?

[KYR4]-Maybe.

[1ZA4N]-You know you're gonna pay for this...

[KYR4]-Sorry not sorry, 1ZA4N.

17:57

And so, she speaks a bit more with a few former colleagues that she used to know here before leaving, being accompanied by AV4R0 once again. The guy sure looks a bit pissed at her since he heard what she has done to one of his colleagues, as they sure like to gossip. But instead of asking her in a rude tone, he tries to have a calm conversation.

[AV4R0]-...So... I heard that you've tested our new prototype for the weapon that should get rid of the demons, hm?

[KYR4]-Yeah.

[AV4R0]-Alright, cool... And... did you like it?

[KYR4]-I guess.

[AV4R0]-Okay... Then what's up with the rumour I've heard? Did you really test it on a soldier?

[KYR4]-Yes. Got a problem with that?

[AV4R0]-...Why did you though?

[KYR4]-To do my work, of course. Why shouldn't I?

[AV4R0]-Because he is a living being like you? And also a former colleague of yours?

[KYR4]-So?

[AV4R0]-What do you mean "so"? You really got no heart and started injuring anybody you wish just because "it is your work"?

[KYR4]-We are not talking here about any kind of injury, AV4R0. 1ZA4N's immunity wasn't affected, a reason why I chose him as my test subject. And it's not because I got no heart as you said. Weapons have to be tested in all kinds of situations before giving them further. If a defected weapon gets in the hands of a soldier, it might put his life at risk.

[AV4R0]-And you have to test them on people just because of that? Training dummies aren't enough for you anymore? You want us to be your toys?

[KYR4]-The creatures of the outside are a threat to us, no matter our equipment. Need I remind you that? Training dummies aren't enough for us to conclude how they would react. I tested it on a person because I had to see the effect of the shot on a real being. That and... because it was funny too... Heh...

[AV4R0]-...You've gone insane, ADIN4.

[KYR4]-Oh? Well, insane or not, I am still doing my duty as a soldier, no matter the ways I work.

[AV4R0]-And what exactly are you implying with that response of yours? That I am not doing my work?

[KYR4]-I mean, you said it with your own mouth...

[AV4R0]-But I am doing my work! All of us are! You are just blind to think that you are the best soldier this base has ever had! Well guess what!? Saying that you didn't reach your full potential at our base when you left us doesn't make you any better than us!

[KYR4]-Mhm. Then what exactly makes any of you better than me? I remember when I was working with all of you, none of the soldiers of this base respected the schedule and had done something in time. I was the only one that was actually doing some work every day, unlike you who were either playing games with others or going outside the whole day to get drunk. You never did your work properly, yet you expect to become a member of the Council. Pfff, what a joke...

[AV4R0]-You know what, ADIN4!? You start to make me realise why everyone hated you back then! You make me realise why everyone called you a coward, throwing insults at others to make yourself look better! You think you are superior to us now just because you got into the Council?? Well, maybe you got your title because the Leader there felt pity for you! Did you think about that!?

[KYR4]-...I never said I am superior. I just said that I've achieved what I have today with all the work I have done throughout my life while you all just stood and complained about not getting more than you deserve. You want to hate me? Then hate me. I do not care. But you cannot run from the facts either. If you want to achieve more, then work harder instead of staying here and crying about it.

[AV4R0]-Work harder? You work harder?? You amuse me, dipshit! You never had any potential for anything! You were weaker than us all, even your name defines it! Don't you know that the Leader was lying to you when you said that you are a great warrior!? You were nothing to him from the very beginning!

And the conversation escalated pretty quickly. I mean, as honest as KYR4 is and what the Central Base soldiers believe in their reputation to be, it was pretty clear that the soldier would feel attacked since all of them believe that they work harder than the whole city together. A former member of this base telling him that he does nothing but waste time sure got a bit too personal for him. So of course... KYR4 is pissed too.

[KYR4]-...If you believe that, then so be it. But if you see that after years and years of "hard work" you still didn't get to be a Council member, you should really start to reevaluate your words and take into consideration what I've told you today. If you want to see me as a coward just because I've left this place, then it is your problem alone. Believe what you want. I've completed my work anyway.

And so, she left the Officer behind without adding any other word, leaving the base for good and going back to her initial plans for today.

The Underground City

18:21

Minutes later after walking alone around the city, she found herself at the merchants' area first, to buy a few things for her apartment and look around. After all, break or not, you have to do the house tasks too sometimes. But to her surprise, she finds one of her colleagues there, looking around too. Seems to be recruit N04H and an old friend of his. So, by pure curiosity alone, she goes and greets him.

[KYR4]-Green Head!

[N04H]-Huh? Oh, Officer KYR4! Morning! You came with LUK3 and the others? They invited me too, but I had other plans already.

[KYR4]-Other plans?

[N04H]-Yeah! I'm out with my old roommate for a bit and I told LUK3 that I will come a bit later.

[KYR4]-Aha... And this friend of yours is called...?

[N04H]-Oh, right... He is M1LO. We used to go to together at the Central School and had the plans to go in the same military base too.

[M1LO]-Greetings, Officer!

[KYR4]-Greetings... You seem to be a new soldier from the Central Base, right? From the uniform and all...

[M1LO]-Oh, right... Right. Yes, I am, Miss!

[KYR4]-Why so formal, recruit? You are in your break, as well as I am.

[M1LO]-O-Oh? Sorry then... In my base, there is a rule to respect the high titles no matter the times, and since you are an Officer, I thought that I have to obey to the rule here too.

[KYR4]-Respect them, huh? Respect them for what exactly, if I may ask?

[M1LO]-Well, because technically they are the ones giving orders and also working harder than the rest. Isn't... the same in your base too?

[N04H]-I mean, it is, bu--

[KYR4]- --And what exactly are they telling you they are doing if you see them as hard workers?

[M1LO]-I don't know, to be honest... They say they do a lot of things, but never actually specify what exactly are they doing. I began to feel that I've made the wrong decision a few days ago anyway... I do my tasks and everything all the time, I help my other colleagues around and so, but no matter what I do, the high titles get the whole praises, while we just stand in the darkness. A lot of the members just choose to stay and do nothing just to get the salary, and the others that are actually working are stepped on. B-But please, don't tell anybody from my base about this.

[KYR4]-Hmph... And? The impression so far?

[M1LO]-*sigh* I think... simply a disappointment. I believed that for the most appreciated building in this city, there is a reason behind everyone's vote. But the more I see it, the more I believe that something isn't right with that...

[KYR4]-And what do you choose to do from now on?

[M1LO]-I think I'll just... continue everything... It was my dream after all, so why give up on it just because of my colleagues, right? I guess you were pretty lucky that you've changed your mind in the last second, N04H.

[N04H]-*sigh* I guess...

Yet the Officer seems pretty annoyed by that answer, but it's not the annoyance given by the recruits, rather simply the thought the young boy has.

[KYR4]-...You know, Recruit M1LO. It is never too late to change what you know it isn't right.

[M1LO]-I-I know, but what can I do? What if the other bases are the same too? W-What if I've simply dreamt of too much? My second choice was the North Base, but I heard that they've changed their work because of a small issue! Who says they aren't even worse!?

[KYR4]-You never know until you give it a try, right? Sometimes it isn't that bad to make a change in your life.

[M1LO]-But how do you know that it will turn to be better? Life is full of lies! Heck, even my dream was a lie!

[KYR4]-Well, this is an advice from someone that chose to change this lie that was affecting her life and managed to get into a decent fate similar to her dream. Hearing this, will it help you?

[M1LO]-I-I...

Even N04H found it surprising the answer she gave. But looking at her expression, she simply seems as pissed as ever, though her words and way of talking say something completely different. Maybe this has been forever? Yet if so, pretty hard to find the truth of her thoughts.

[M1LO]-...I guess I will give it a try then. At this point, there is nothing else to lose anyway.

[KYR4]-Good. And good luck with your choice. Green Head, I will see you when you come to the group then. You both probably have plans and I also must take my leave.

[N04H]-Alright, Officer... I will see you later.

And so she leaves. She simply gives them both a nod of goodbye and begins her road towards the group once again. And though her expression is the same as ever, her eyes now seem pretty relaxed, even if she knows that she is about to meet up with someone she doesn't suffer.

"...Fate brought me the name KYR4, name chosen by me to replace some unwanted thoughts of mine that were connected to my previous name. I am a child of the shelters, as well as many more like me. MY4 and I were raised together and had the same thought and dream which we never gave up on: help the city and its people.

When I was young, this dream was everything to me, believing that one day I will succeed in giving back what the people that took care of us gave. I worked hard for that dream of mine, studied a lot and exercised with my powers like no other being. I have this motivation to continue and simply become better and better, and maybe that's what people hated at me. But do I care? ...Nope.

At my times in the shelter, the kids around us always made fun of this dream I had, saying that I fight for nothing since I will still remain a weak little girl forever. Beauty in our culture is the equivalent of weakness after all, and my name did have a correlation with beauty. Maybe because of the vision everyone had on me back then, including the people that named me. As a consequence, I was getting in all sorts of fights with the other kids of the shelters while MY4 was trying to get me out from the arguments. Most of the times I was losing, to be honest, but my point wasn't to win. My point was to simply show them that they are wrong.

Later on, years have passed and I got into the Central Military Base under the command of Leader EM3RY, where I've dreamt of seeing myself in. At first, it wasn't so bad, thinking that it simply takes us from a lower level to a bigger one bit by bit. But months pass and nothing changes. I worked hard there, and maybe some of the members still remember everything I've done for that base. Yet my limit was crossed when I've heard that everything I've done for them was just for the high titles to look good in front of the others, while they simply stay and do nothing. So... I just left and never came back at that base.

I dislike when people take advantage of some discouraged yet devoted young people, people that are actually trying to help everyone else while they simply sleep or play games. And I dislike more when people are telling me lies and think that they can fool me so easily. So... I guess... I had a reason why I wanted to give up on my dream when I joined my childhood friends and went to a military base that was barely known, seeing the Great Leader for the first time and realising who are the people behind the city's protection.

But to be clear, it wasn't because I disliked Him as a person, I simply thought at that time that a 16-year-old isn't and shouldn't be the ruler of an entire city. This idea was so absurd to me... yet I've realised that I've done the same mistake as all the other people around me. I've... judged someone from the way He appeared... just like how they all did with me. As I proved myself to be worthy of being called an Officer, He too proved that He is a capable ruler, which resulted into my respect to grow. And He too respects us as well.

Yet this concept of glory that people are talking about... is strange to me. It was always strange. Glory is said to remain with you as long as you didn't change, but I never understood if my glory is still with me or if it left a long time ago. In my eyes, I've never changed. I remained the same devoted citizen of the Underground City, hoping to put an end to this misery. But in the eyes of the others, I have changed more than anybody else. What exactly do they mean by change though? I'm not sure to this day. But for MY4, I've never lost my glory, even if I did replace a few things here and there, and that's enough for me.

Change isn't as bad as people think though. Sometimes we are forced to do it, other times we simply want it to happen. No matter, it shouldn't define one's character and desires. Because for me..."

"...change brought me closer to my dream."