16.08.1642

The Underground City

30:11

It's been a few hours since this day has started, and it sure is the longest day we have witnessed ever since the start of this story. The Great Leader has gotten back to the base in the meantime, letting the outsider alone in the City of Above to watch the view and clear up its mind after the horrible news of a dead comrade. But that's not what we are now focusing on though.

What we see at the moment is not the base, nor the Great Leader with this new person. Instead, we see N04H and a friend of his, M1LO, somewhere outside around the Underground City. We know already that he was out with him the last time we've seen him, and it sure seems as he is still having his break with him at the moment. They are walking around the city, looking at a few views around the merchants area and other areas of the city as well. Then minutes later, they have to separate their paths for the sleep schedule, but they talk for the last time before doing so.

[M1LO]-*sigh* Sure is a pain with all the changes around the military, huh?

[N04H]-Heh, yeah. My base for example is barely doing what it was intended to do ever since all the new objectives that have appeared and which we have to get them done, as well as a small collaboration with the South Base.

[M1LO]-You got a lot of work to do there, if I'm thinking about it, N04H. I don't say it in a bad way, but gods... I'm beginning to be a bit jealous of you since you managed to get in such a good place.

[N04H]-I mean, you heard what my Officer said. You can always change your work place if you don't enjoy where you are right now.

[M1LO]-Yeah, but who says it won't get worse? I can't go to your base to have a guaranteed better environment, can I? And I don't know much about what the other bases are doing at the moment since ours doesn't have that many collaborations besides the important clans of the city.

[N04H]-But maybe it won't get worse.

[M1LO]-*sigh* Hard to say it, man...

There is a small pause, as N04H seems to have something on his mind, a bit nervous about it, but he looks back at M1LO and begins to talk again.

[N04H]-...Hey, M1LO, I was actually thinking of something.

[M1LO]-Something?

[N04H]-Yeah, I mean... you don't have anything planned this night, right?

[M1LO]-Yes? What do you want us to do?

[N04H]-Well... it will sound a bit strange, but... are you up for a small mission? Just us, not the other members from our bases.

[M1LO]-Hm? What do you mean by that?

[N04H]-I mean that... Oh, how should I put it... I just want to finally start my work properly around the City of Above and it feels like ages until I do that. You remember when I told you about my role, right?

[M1LO]-A bit...

[N04H]-Well... I was thinking of going this night around the City of Above to investigate on my own for some minutes. I got a bit bored of forever training and all... Maybe I can beg the Great Leader to give me permission to the city and we can have something to do? It's not like we have anything better to do now anyway.

[M1LO]-So you want to do the same mistake you did when we graduated, huh?

[N04H]-Oh, shut up! We are a part of the military now, aren't we? And I've trained for so long that I know I can survive up there on my own. Don't you want to do something too? You pretty much complain at me about your work for some time now. This way, we both have a chance of having some real work, right?

[M1LO]-Are you sure the Great Leader Himself will let you do such thing though? Every mission is suppose to be led by one of the Leaders after all. I don't think He will approve random ideas coming from His soldiers, right?

[N04H]-You are right... but I know a possible way of convincing Him. I just hope the information won't get to my master...

[M1LO]-Your master?

[N04H]-Yeah, my teacher. The one who helped me train all these months.

[M1LO]-Why don't you wish for it to arrive to him?

[N04H]-Well, he is... an interesting guy... And I bet the moment this information arrives at him, he will try his best to come with us too and it won't take long before the whole base will know that I'm going in the City of Above alone... So? Do you want to give it a try? Worst to happen will be for us to get caught and chased down, but I think we can handle it.

[M1LO]-You sure like danger, N04H... That's why you accepted that time too?

[N04H]-Yeah, I guess... But it also opened this new path for me, remember? Maybe it will do the same for you.

M1LO has a moment of hesitation at first. Knowing what happened the last time N04H went on a trip to the City of Above like this, ending up as a disaster, getting all the people involved caught and almost killed if it wasn't for N04H to come back with help in time, it sure made him a bit... afraid. But it's true. They are soldiers for almost a year now, both of them are trained and know some techniques of fighting and surviving. So, he makes up his mind.

[M1LO]-...Alright. I'm in. Just don't get us killed, okay?

[N04H]-I won't, alright?? We will just observe the city from the above or simply stay hidden from the soldiers! That's all!

[M1LO]-And are you sure you will be able to convince the Great Leader? The ruler Himself?

[N04H]-Oh, don't worry. I'm sure He will accept!

The Southeast Military Base

32:37

[CHE5TER]-...Are you insane, N04H? Did you stay too much with Mr. LUCAS?

And of course the answer is not by his side this time. N04H seems to be standing in front of the ruler in His office for quite some time now, waiting for His positive response that doesn't come.

[N04H]-But, Master, I--

[CHE5TER]- --I don't even want to hear it. The patrolling can be done only led by a Leader, N04H. Otherwise, in case of an emergency, it might not end up well for you.

[N04H]-I know that! But I promise that I will be careful! I've trained all these months at fighting and I barely made anything for the role itself! Isn't training better in a real situation?

[CHE5TER]-Little one...

[N04H]-Look! I know I have another year and all, but I want to feel that I'm part of the team too! I am an Investigator, am I not? I will just look around the city and see if I find anything new! I won't get in trouble and I won't disturb anyone from the City of Above! I will stay in the shadows!

[CHE5TER]-...N04H, the city's problems are progressing each day and I cannot keep up with everything. I have my limits like all of you. I cannot be present everywhere and whenever I want, nor can I protect every single soul when they get in trouble. But I can at least make sure they stay safe by making rules. I am not saying it because I don't trust you, please believe me. But going alone in the City of Above is not the best decision to approve.

[N04H]-But I won't be alone! I will go with a friend from the Central Base!

[CHE5TER]-Even so, it is still not enough. You need to be supervised by a few people.

[N04H]-Master, ever since the thing with the outsider has started, you barely had time for investigations around the City of Above! I am the only Investigator available at the moment, at least until you find out what's happening with that stranger! I know I'm not as experienced as you or any other member in this base, but I know that I'm able to do this quest on my own! It's time for me to finally start doing something in this base! Please!

[CHE5TER]-And what if you get in trouble and you can't contact us in time?

[N04H]-I won't get in trouble! I will stay hidden as you guys taught me! I've learnt from you and from LUK3 everything I need to know in order to survive up there! I know how to use the basic equipment and I know how to use my weapon as well, even if it's just the training prototype!

It sure annoys the ruler how persistent this recruit got. But it is how LUK3 said: a disciple learns from its master, like a child learning from its parent. He stood so much with him in these months that a bit of LUK3's personality got to be his as well. Sure, he doesn't have that stupid mindset his master has, but he still learnt a bit how to trick the ruler Himself to get the approval. We've focused so much on all the other members that it seems as N04H has also changed, ready to become an adult next year and ready to start working properly with his colleagues.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh*...And what exactly do you even want to investigate? The patrols themselves have this objective behind. Why would you want to lose your monthly break just to walk around the City of Above?

[N04H]-I thought that since the patrols are only to see what the M soldiers are doing around the streets and all, maybe I can go and do the same, but on my own. I can vanish on the streets, looking like a citizen of the above and hear what the soldiers say, or I can stay on the roofs of the tall buildings to supervise their movements for a bit. Either way, I won't get in trouble! I will be careful! We will be careful! It's just like a small training!

[CHE5TER]-And do you really think you will find something useful by doing so?

[N04H]-No, I never said that I believe I will find anything! I'm just going to do the normal patrolling, even if I don't get anything in return. In the past months though, we didn't get much information on what's happening around the City of Above anyway, so just investigating it for a bit more won't hurt anyone, right? And who knows? Maybe I'm lucky too! But you have to give me a chance, Master! I'm not a newcomer anymore!

The ruler stands a bit to think. What can He do? It's true what the boy says to Him and it's true that He barely did any work when it comes to investigations ever since the letter and the outsider's appearance.

[CHE5TER]-...Alright. I will give you a chance this time. But don't make me regret my decision.

[N04H]-I won't! I give you my words! And thank you for the chance you have given me!

He is pretty happy that he has succeeded into getting the ruler's approval. But as he tends to leave, the ruler looks a bit confused at him.

[CHE5TER]-...And where do you think you are you going now?

[N04H]-Huh? I'm going to inform the person that will come with me.

[CHE5TER]-And you think that everything is said and done? Do remember that you need the signed approval by the ruler to get to the City of Above now.

[N04H]-Yeah, I know! But I didn't plan on going now! I was thinking after the sleep schedule of the day! I have time until that!

[CHE5TER]-Easy to say it, but you need more than just that paper, N04H. You also need a fake document to "prove" that you are a citizen of the above in case the soldiers are stopping you, and not to mention the equipment that has to be ready. Do you really think that you and your friend will have time for that when you wake up?

[N04H]-Okay, I didn't know about the fake document until now... What do I have to do for it?

[CHE5TER]-I suggest you go and find some other people to help you out with this matter. You will have to find two R borns that are close to your age and that are accepting for you to assume that you have their blood code, and also in case on an emergency, to get a few drops of blood from them. That is if the soldiers put you to get registered in their data. Then, create your own disguise that you will use to appear as an R born in that city, take a small photo of you using it and come back to me to do the document. Both of you. The M borns are strict, so if they suspect you of a fake document, you might get in trouble.

[N04H]-...I need to do all of this just to investigate on my own?

[CHE5TER]-You've wished to start your work here properly, right? The team patrols don't need so many things because we do not show ourselves to the soldiers at all, so we can go as C borns and not hide our true identity. If we went as someone else, then we needed a lot of people to help us, and also might put the people in danger if they decide to go to the City of Above unauthorised. After all, the M soldiers don't forget how people look like, as well as how the criminals do. Why do you think they know about Seven Two's true appearance?

[N04H]-So you don't use disguises up there?

[CHE5TER]-Oh, but I do. Yet I do it when I know I'm in a mission which won't lead to me being chased down if I'm seen doing it. Vanishing and appearing as their own people should be used only when you know for sure that the soldiers won't try to kill you the moment they see you. For example... wandering around the streets as you suggested.

[N04H]-*sigh* Alright then. I will tell my friend about all of this and work to get everything done until we leave.

[CHE5TER]-Do come back when you've done it. Oh, and ask him about two unused disguises since he is a member of the Central Base. No need of buying new ones. Good luck.

Then, N04H bows at the ruler and finally leaves the office. Yet the Great Leader watches Him leave with such a strange face, and when the door shuts, He begins to crack a small smile and look back to His papers that He has on His desk.

[CHE5TER]-Heh... So that's how I was when I was younger, huh?

The City of Above

38:09

Hours and hours of constant running after what they need to do and find the people who might help them, yet it looks as it has succeeded. After N04H has spoken to the Great Leader for the approval to go and investigate around the City of Above alongside his friend, he has gone to M1LO to inform him about this information that he has gained and what they need to do.

First, they've decided to solve the problem with the R born code they need to have. They've gone to their old classmates or simply former students of the Central School from their generation to ask around and see who might be interested in helping them out. This being pretty much the hardest part, it took them some good hours until both of them have found an R born for themselves who agreed to help out. Then, they had to solve the problem with the disguise.

M1LO has gone back to the Central Base when that matter had to be solved, while N04H in the meantime has talked to the ruler about the equipment they might need to use during this quest. When M1LO got back with the disguises, yet another few hours have been wasted only to set the disguises properly with some clothes and a whole new appearance for the young soldiers. Not only that the disguises hide their C colours entirely, but they also hide their true identity as well, looking like completely different people.

After that was done, they've went to a photographer in the city quickly enough and managed to take some photos of themselves wearing the disguises, which also kind of costed a lot of Novha since they weren't programmed. But after hours of constant anger, they finally managed to get everything done so that N04H can come back at the base to the ruler again, get the documents ready, pick up the proper equipment and then set foot outside the Underground City after he met up with M1LO and managed to speak with N3MES1O's people from the tunnels who verified of the ruler's approval.

They were exhausted after the whole running for the things they need, and not to mention that they didn't even have time to rest during the schedule. But they've continued with the plan, as they took some drinks to keep them awake for a while before they came up in the city. And when they came, someone sure was amazed.

M1LO never set foot in the City of Above before since he respected the rules his whole life and the Central Base also doesn't have that many missions up there either. It was his first time seeing the city with his own eyes, though N04H saw it a few times already since he disobeyed to the rules, was brought by LUK3 to have some observation on how the missions are going and so on. His reaction when he saw the city was pretty similar to N04H's first reaction though: he found it pretty beautiful for a city in which lives their enemy.

When they arrived in the city though, they didn't go on the roofs of the tall buildings nearby. Instead, since their disguises now help them appear as different people that are R borns, they wander freely the streets of the City of Above, something that even N04H couldn't do all these months. It sure felt weird for them at first, but they got used to it, and they also learnt how to play a role around the citizens in this city, to appear as any other citizen of the above too. And that's exactly what they are doing right now as well. They wander the streets, lie to the other people around them and try maybe to listen to the conversations brought in this city. But they sure got bored since nothing really happens. N04H even seems as he is humming almost silently something that just came up in his mind, which also confuses M1LO.

[M1LO]-What are you doing, N04H?

[N04H]-...Oh, nothing. Something just came up in my mind and I've simply let it out. Did you see something interesting yet?

[M1LO]-*sigh* Nothing so far... Do you know what should we find exactly though?

[N04H]-Most likely we will just need to focus on the soldiers that we see. We can stay closer to their area and hear what they are saying if you want to give it a try.

[M1LO]-Isn't it like... committing suicide?

[N04H]-With all the work we've done to get here, no, it isn't. These disguises should be enough for us to appear as nothing more than just some simple R born citizens. It's not like we have to bother them anyway, we will just stay close and try to hear their conversation.

[M1LO]-You seem like you're talking from experience... Did you do this before?

[N04H]-One time. A few months ago I've done a mission like that in our city.

[M1LO]-Well, you sure like to try new things... But even if we do so, what exactly should we focus on from their talking? Is there a specific topic that interests us?

[N04H]-We should see when we hear it! I don't know what might be interesting either!

[M1LO]-If you say so...

[N04H]-Come on, just trust me, M1LO! I know I'm not experienced and all, but I also know that I'm ready to face a real quest now! I'm tired of forever staying at the base and train all day while the others are going in their mission and leave me alone. Aren't you tired of not following your dream too?

[M1LO]-I don't know... It's just... this is a whole new experience for me, N04H. I've never been in this area in my whole life, and all the stories and legends from our culture about this city just give me chills down my spine knowing what might happen to us just because of a simple mistake. I'm just... afraid.

[N04H]-Then why did you want to join the military in the first place?

[M1LO]-...

It seems like this question alone made M1LO shut his mouth and rethink what he just said. After all, it is true. He wished to be a soldier. But why would you want to be one if you are afraid of doing mistakes?

[M1LO]-*sigh* I guess you are right... I'm fearing nothing.

[N04H]-Alright. Now, where should we go next...

[M1LO]-I saw a group of soldiers a few steps ago if you are interested, though they didn't seem to do anything important. They were just guarding a building.

[N04H]-Guarding a building?

[M1LO]-Yeah. Nothing much. Why? Is it... suppose to be important?

[N04H]-We can give it a try and see what they are up to. How many were they again?

[M1LO]-I don't know... Around nine or ten?

[N04H]-So they were a few...

[M1LO]-Yeah, but... are you sure nothing's gonna happen if we go and investigate it?

[N04H]-Yes, I'm sure of it!

[M1LO]-And if they ask us about the documents?

[N04H]-Well, let's just beg the gods for mercy then!

38:34

And so they went. They've walked back a few steps and began to look around for a spot where they should stay and listen to what's happening first, then when they found it, they went towards it and played along as if they had no business around that area at all, being just a dark part of the city in which they now just stay and try to listen to the soldiers while also being unseen by them. But they seem to have a bit of a difficulty in doing so.

[M1LO]-Do you hear anything?

[N04H]-Nuh-uh... They are too far from us. Maybe if we get closer?

[M1LO]-Closer than this? Hell no, man! We will get ourselves caught if we do that!

[N04H]-And what do you suggest then? Do you know how to read lips?

[M1LO]-No, but we can watch what they're doing, idiot!

[N04H]-Oh, Brother...

They argue for a bit, but then they start watching the soldiers from far away, trying to understand what they are doing at that specific building. It doesn't seem to be a base or anything, more like a simple building with lots of apartments in which the citizens live. Minutes of constant waiting though and still nothing interesting.

[M1LO]-Are you sure it has something to do with our quest, N04H?

[N04H]-*sigh* Not really, but it sure gets boring...

[M1LO]-Should we look around again then?

[N04H]-Yeah... Yeah, let's go and see other parts of the cit--

But before they tend to lose attention to the soldiers and leave, some progress is finally making its appearance. Around two or three more soldiers come out of the building, with a kid being with them, a young one. So, the two boys look back and watch what's happening.

[M1LO]-...Wait, is that a kid with them?

[N04H]-Looks like it...

[M1LO]-Maybe he is a kid of one of the soldiers?

[N04H]-Do you really think they bring their kids to work?

[M1LO]-I don't know. Knowing how corrupted this city is, everything is possible...

N04H tries to see clearer how the kid looks like, while M1LO simply watches the soldiers. Then, he gets rather shocked.

[N04H]-...Wait, M1LO, that's not just a kid!

[M1LO]-Hm? What do you mean?

[N04H]-That kid is a C born!

[M1LO]-So... a Lost Child of Heaven? Makes sense... *sigh* Poor guy...

[N04H]-...We have to help him.

[M1LO]-What!? Do you see how many soldiers are there, N04H?? There's no way in Hell we can help him!

[N04H]-So what!? You want to leave him here??

[M1LO]-*mumbles*

He then starts looking around quickly, thinking of any possible way of helping the guy out, but he looks back at M1LO, remembering something.

[N04H]-M1LO, you knew most of the information about the City of Above from our class, right?

[M1LO]-Wh... Are you seriously gonna start being jealous of me now too!? Don't you see what we are doing?? God dammit, N04H!

[N04H]-That's not even my intention, you fu... *sigh* Just respond to my question! Quick!

[M1LO]-Um... yeah, I guess I know a few things. Why?

[N04H]-Tell me a bit about what happens to a C born when it gets caught! Every process!

[M1LO]-I don't think it's the time t--

[N04H]- --Just say it, man!

[M1LO]-*sigh* Well... most of them are executed?

[N04H]-The executions are cancelled. Tell me about the slaves!!

[M1LO]-I-I don't... I guess they are brought back to the military and then are given further either to other soldiers with higher ranks or to researchers.

[N04H]-Researchers... Researchers... Okay, I got a plan! Follow me!

[M1LO]-What?? N04H, tell me what do you want to do first!

[N04H]-Just trust me! Come on!

N04H leaves the area and starts running towards the location the two soldiers seem to go for, trying maybe to catch them alone on the road. Only M1LO remains a bit perplexed to watch him leave, and before he follows him, he looks at the sky with his eyes closed with such a pitiful face.

[M1LO]-*sigh* We are going to die...

39:16

The soldiers seem to head towards a specific direction, or street to be more exact, on which you can see in the distance even more soldiers, even Officers, and a vehicle full of other C borns caught. These two though are simply carrying the kid they caught to bring it to the vehicle and talk to the Officers around. But of course, N04H wishes to destroy their plans, as he makes his appearance in front of the two soldiers, cutting their way towards their destination.

[N04H]-Hello. May I talk with you both for a minute?

[MSoldier1]-...Hm?

[MSoldier2]-Get lost, kid. This is a supervised area by the military at the moment. You shouldn't be here. Go back home.

M1LO manages to catch up in the end, but seeing N04H right in front of the soldiers just makes it do a crying face for a second, bow his head towards the ground and take such a deep breath as if he is getting ready to get killed, before finally taking a straight face and going next to N04H.

[N04H]-I know. But I wish to talk with you two for the moment.

[MSoldier1]-And what exactly do you want?

[N04H]-Simple! Me and my brother here come from the orders of one of your researchers to pick up a C born and come back with it alive. Father said that I should talk with a soldier in particular and see if you can give me the C born.

[MSoldier2]-...And why didn't your father come to us personally and ask about it? Or contact one of the Officers?

[N04H]-He is currently busy in his office and didn't have the time to contact any of you, so he begged us to come and ask you. He said something about a weapon in development from what I recall...

It sure calms the soldiers down, as well as surprises M1LO. N04H seems now as a trickster, a good one for sure. The Great Leader informed all the soldiers of His base about what's happening in the City of Above after all, from huge to small details, and N04H also stood to hear them when He was telling them. Now, he uses all the knowledge he acquired from the ruler as an advantage to trick the soldiers which now seem to believe his lies since it is a secret information that only the military should know. Now... he becomes a true Investigator.

[MSoldier1]-*sigh* So your father is also helping out with the project given by the General, huh... Damn, how many researchers were working on that weapon again?

[MSoldier2]-A lot for sure...

[MSoldier1]-Does your father have any good news on the project though?

[N04H]-Not yet. He is struggling to find what the General ordered and to make it perfect to his liking. That's why he requires another C born. He needs more resources for his research.

[MSoldier2]-What was your father's name again...?

[N04H]-J4MES. Researcher J4MES.

[MSoldier2]-Which one? JAM3S from the north? J4MES from the east? JAME5 fr--

[N04H]- --The one from the north.

Though for us appear as different names, it is still pronounced the same in a conversation. The way you write it is what makes the difference from person to person. So even if N04H seems as he did a mistake, do not think that it isn't normal.

The soldiers seem to look for a bit to each other in the eyes, as if they try to talk just from the looks, then they give a nod to each other and look back at N04H.

[MSoldier1]-...Alright, kid. We will let you take the C born. We will inform the Officers and say that your father owns him from now on. Just promise us to give some feedback regarding the weapon.

[N04H]-I will.

[MSoldier2]-Actually... wait one second. We might need to take the C born to the base first though.

[N04H]-...Huh?

[MSoldier1]-Why so?

[MSoldier2]-We might need to register him in the data, remember? I doubt the kid is already registered from how young he looks like. I mean, do you really think someone caught him before and he managed to escape?

"Right... the data..."

It sure complicated N04H's plan since he appears to have forgotten this small detail about the City of Above that the ruler told him earlier. So, he tries to find a solution quickly.

[N04H]-...B-But there is no need. Father can come personally and register the boy when he has the time. It is a waste of time for both of you to do such a thing. We can inform Father about this and promise to you that he will come with the kid personally.

[MSoldier1]-Are you sure? You said he is pretty busy. You save him some time if we go there for him and come to his place with the kid after it is done.

[N04H]-I am sure. I mean, I bet you two have a lot to do anyway, so why waste time on this kid alone, right?

[MSoldier2]-*sigh* He got a point... The Officer already told us to come back as quick as possible after we hand over the child and it seems as we lost more time than intended.

[MSoldier1]-Alright. Just make sure that your father comes with the kid at the base to register him.

[N04H]-No worries, Soldier! I will do as you said!

The soldiers then hand him over the kid, letting M1LO take care of him while N04H simply waves at the soldiers that are heading back to their work.

[M1LO]-*sigh* N04H, you sure like to put me in fear...

[N04H]-Oh, shut up! You saw that I've handled the situation pretty well!

[M1LO]-Yeah... About that, how did you--

[0YV51]- --P-Please, don't hurt me...

And it seems like the kid decided to speak. As the two boys look at him perplexed, you can actually see him cry silently, as he listened to the conversation and knows very well what's suppose to happen to him.

[N04H]-H-Hey, why are you crying? We won't do anything to you!

[0YV51]-*sob*...B-But you told them. You told them...

[N04H]-I-I...

The kid seems so scared and barely manages to control himself from crying heavily. They both don't know what to do, but M1LO looks around and comes to a conclusion.

[M1LO]-...It's not safe to stay here forever and talk. Let's find a place and we will explain later.

39:27

They finally managed to find a dark area in which they can stay and rest for a bit until they go back to their city. The kid though, he seems as sad as ever, even making the boys feel bad. But they start talking to each other first.

[M1LO]-So, are you going to explain what was that about? How did you know all of that information? I didn't know even half of what you were saying.

[N04H]-Told you I've learnt, man! I stood a lot at the base with my colleagues and learnt a few tricks myself! And the information was already revealed to us!

[M1LO]-The weapon thingy too?

[N04H]-Yeah! I know you don't understand it, but I know the details behind it!

[M1LO]-Even the researcher?

[N04H]-Oh, not that, for sure! I went by pure luck on that!

[M1LO]-...Wait, WHAT!? YOU DID WHAT, N04H??

[N04H]-Oh, come on, man! Don't give me that look! J4MES is a common name even in our city, god dammit! Don't you remember we knew five people by that name from our generation in school too? And we weren't even the type of people to go and make friends with as many students as we could find! That's why I've tried that plan in the first place!

[M1LO]-AND WHAT IF THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY RESEARCHER BY THE NAME OF J4MES?? YOU COULD'VE GOT US KILLED!

[N04H]-But I didn't! And look what I've saved as a result!

[M1LO]-Oh, dear gods...

But the kid seems to cry even heavier, though he doesn't understand their conversation. So, the boys feel bad and try to cheer him up, but that after they look around to make sure nobody is listening.

[M1LO]-...Hey, kid. It's alright. Nothing's gonna happen to you anymore.

[N04H]-Yeah, we saved you from the bad guys!

[0YV51]-...B-But you don't understand! You wouldn't understand... *sob* I am a C born... I am a convicted being, a-a sinner... Y-You are just R borns! *sob*

[M1LO]-See? And you argued with me that these disguises aren't good enough...

With that response, N04H simply looks at him a bit pissed, then pushes M1LO with his elbow as a small punishment, before finally getting back to the kid.

[N04H]-*sigh* I know it doesn't appear well, but we are here to help you. Please, just trust us and you will see later!

[0YV51]-*sob* You promise...?

[M1LO]-We promise.

Yet now the kid seems a bit more calm, even though he sure can't stop crying. He looks a bit at the two boys that stand in front of his eyes as they watch him so friendly. But then, with just a small look behind the kid, N04H gets in shock and starts looking back at him.

[N04N]-...We got trouble.

[M1LO]-Huh?

[N04H]-There is a soldier coming our way. Act natural. Act natural!

[MSoldier3]-Hey, you two!

And it sure was. It seems as a soldier that was patrolling around this area has noticed the two boys and the C born standing together, so of course he got a bit suspicious and had to come to investigate.

[N04H]-...Y-Yes, Soldier?

[MSoldier3]-What are you doing here? Where did you find this C born?

[N04H]-O-Oh, right. Right. Well, you see, some colleagues of yours have found this boy in a building nearby and we've discussed with them to take him for our father, him being a researcher. You can go and ask them if you want.

[MSoldier3]-Mhm... And for which researcher are you taking him exactly?

[N04H]-Researcher J4MES, Sir!

[MSoldier3]-...JAM3S?

[N04H]-Yes! The one from the north!

[MSoldier3]-Aha...

Yet the soldier seems to look a bit pissed at the boy's response.

[MSoldier3]-How strange...

[N04H]-Hm? What is strange?

[MSoldier3]-...It's strange that you call Mr. JAM3S your "father", knowing that he doesn't have any children.

[N04H]-H-He does, Sir! We are his kids!

[MSoldier3]-Really...? From when?

[N04H]-For a few months ago! But how would you know that though? We never saw you with him!

[MSoldier3]-How would I know that? Well... I would had known he has children since I come every day to pay him a visit since he is an old friend of mine and also my neighbour... and remembering damn well that he said he will never wish to have kids two days ago.

And it sure shocked N04H. What were the odds anyway? Of course he didn't expect that to happen since it worked last time. Even M1LO got a bit scared.

[MSoldier3]-...May I see your ID cards, kids?

At that moment, none of them knew what to do. Both of the boys were looking scared at each other, before N04H starts to search for something in his pockets... and stopping for a second as he got another idea. He searches for a few seconds then, before finally taking his arms out of the pockets... and kicking mercilessly the soldier below the belt, forcing the soldier to fall down from the pain after such a scream of agony, then punching him with his right fist in the face, hand which now has his weapon equipped as N04H put it on inside his pocket, resulting in the soldier losing consciousness and laying on the ground.

[N04H]-...I honestly didn't know it will work.

[M1LO]-N04H, I swear to the heavens, I'm not going in any mission with you ever again!

[N04H]-Oh, shut up! We just need to go back to our home and everything will be f--

[MSoldier4]- --It came from here! Go!

Yet there is no moment of celebration. A few soldiers have heard the man scream, so they went to investigate what's happening and finally saw the kids in front of an unconscious soldier. Then, they knew for sure they had to run. So, M1LO took the kid by a hand and went in front, while N04H stood a few seconds to look at the soldiers and count them quickly, to know if to he has any chances of defending themselves or not, before finally starting running as well.

39:40

In the end, N04H got what he wanted, didn't he? He managed to go out in a mission and test his own powers of being an Investigator, while the others didn't even want to hear it. He got lucky that the ruler accepted, but at the same time, there are good news and bad news...

The good news are that he doesn't leave the City of Above empty-handed, as he managed to save a C born from being a slave and he might be able to take him to the North Base so that they can help him out. The bad news are... he might also just become a slave if the soldiers catches them all. Though he trusts that he can survive on his own now, he still can't fight more enemies at once, even if he was experienced. After all, this is their territory, fighting an enemy in their own land is like calling the gods to execute you personally.

So, the boys now run as fast as possible, avoiding the soldiers and the bullets that come after them, even if some manage to hit them. Of course, their immunity is not affected, but the impact will sure affect their body as always. And it does! Their running slowly becomes harder, their bodies are getting exhausted and they can't keep this up for too long. This is the advantage that the soldiers are trying to get after all.

And when they do get it, one of the soldiers manages to catch M1LO and the kid in his arms, while N04H stops and watches them, a bit angry, as he screams out of fear.

[N04H]-M1LO!

...Not long before he also is caught by another soldier, while the others are heading towards their direction. Even so, that scream of his seems to have attracted the attention of someone nearby, who was simply staring at a cape with a weird symbol on it now, above the city, and just got a bit curious on what's happening.

N04H though, even captured, doesn't give up so easily. He moves chaotically in the arms of the soldier, who was getting ready to knock him on the ground and make him unconscious. But he acted quickly, simply kicking the soldier on the head with his head when he moved it violently towards his back, then when the soldier got dizzy from the hit, managed to escape from his arms and give him a merciless kick with his foot on the head to knock him instead.

But even if he succeeded with that move, when he tries to run back and save the others, two more soldiers get him by the arms, making him unable to do anything to protect himself anymore. So, an Officer comes closer, demands for the two "R borns" to be side by side and then orders another thing.

[MOfficer]-...See if they have any disguise.

With that order, a soldier that was standing next to him starts coming closer to M1LO and N04H, searching them for any possible device that might help them appear as R borns around their chests, but to the Officer's surprise, he doesn't find anything. Last time N04H went in this city and some of his friends were caught, this is how the M soldiers found out they are C borns. The explanation behind why they didn't find anything now is actually pretty simple.

The disguises used by non-military are helped to work with a different device that is put on the person's chest, in which you can put the small disguise device in. It is something similar to what the ruler gave to the outsider. These are known by the M military since it is so commonly used in this city, but the C military has a small trick to fool them. The communication devices they use on their arms also have small places for these disguises, hiding them completely and making the C borns able to activate and disable them at any time, working in the same way as the vanishing devices too. They are also hidden from the clothes and the design they have when activated, so the M soldiers still don't know about them yet.

[MSoldier5]-...Clear!

[MOfficer]-So they are R borns... Tell me, why would you revolt against us and help this creature out? Do you really believe that he will be grateful for your kindness and offer you a part of the blessings from the gods? He is a monster and he will forever be. His "gods" are nothing more than sinners, just as all of these "people". And you... You are naive to believe that a sinner is able to redeem himself from his sins.

N04H got a bit mad, but the kid only got more upset on the situation, starting to cry again.

[MSoldier6]-What should we do with them, Officer?

[MOfficer]-The C born should be taken back to the base. We still have some work to do regarding his code and see where he will be given.

[MSoldier7]-...And these kids?

[MOfficer]-Them? They have no use. We will simply give them to the soldiers near the Great Walls and see if they can put them outside the city. Maybe this way we can get some information regarding the demons. If they die, they die. It's not like we can let criminals wander freely.

[MSoldier8]-Understood!

And so, the Officer made a few moves and started leaving towards other groups of soldiers, while they take the kids and force them to walk on a specific direction so that they can obey to the orders. But before anybody can do anything, something happens.

A sound like a thunder appears, coming from a building nearby, which makes the soldiers stop from anything they were doing and even get the Officer perplexed enough to look around. Then, the sound seems as it moved its position when it appears again, coming from a different building, confusing and even scaring a bit everyone present there. After all, rain or thunder doesn't exist in their world.

[MOfficer]-...What the hell is that?

[MSoldier6]-Officer, any orders?

But before they can do anything, after the sound appears again and again, they notice that near them is now a strange mist, forming a line that travels near every soldier present in that area. So when they look to see where the line ends... they see a weird figure with strange clothes that holds a dark sword, with its end glowing red and an X carved on it, looking towards their direction with its face almost impossible to see.

Yet for some reason, nobody can say anything, as the soldiers seem to feel weak... before even starting to fall one by one on the ground, bleeding out violently. Even the Officer gets scared when he notices that, so he looks back at the figure, trying to reach for it and capture it... then falls on the ground as well, bleeding out and dying in agony. Before he closes his eyes though, he manages to look at the figure's face, noticing the voothrav eyes, before saying his final words.

[MOfficer]-...D-Damn... you... S-Seven...

But now, the boys and the kid are free from the soldiers since this figure took them all while avoiding what it considered innocent, even getting a bit scared at first too, before the man finally speaks.

[General]-Are you guys alright?

[N04H]-H-How did y-you...

[General]-What happened here? Why did these people want to kill you all? Did you steal something or...?

Yet the boys don't say anything. They both look so shocked at the man that stands with the blade in front of them, but the kid seems more comfortable seeing another C born like him.

[General]-...What? Why are you guys looking at me like that?

[M1LO]-...H-How did you kill them all without the gas?

[General]-Doesn't matter that now! Shouldn't you care that you are safe?

[M1LO]-Y-Yeah, but--

[0YV51]- --Thank you!

...And even if the boys are terrified, the kid only cares about the fact that this person is a C born that just saved them. It sure takes the outsider by surprise, but it is a welcomed one, as it gives such a gentle smile to the little kid.

[General]-...Your welcome. You guys are from down there, right? Shouldn't you get back?

Then, M1LO and N04H look at each other again, realising that they have to go back.

[M1LO]-*sigh* He is right, N04H. We still have to go back with the kid alive.

[N04H]-Master is not gonna believe this...

[General]-May I come with you? You might need protection to get in the city now from what it seems.

The Underground City

40:23

Minutes later of wandering to find one of the entrances to the Underground City, speak to the soldiers that guard the tunnels about the situation with the kid, while the stranger also lies that it had some quest up there too and it might have to come back, finally managing to arrive in the city, with the boys still being perplexed.

[N04H]-...So you are a soldier, Mister?

[General]-Hm? Oh, yeah, something like that. Why?

[M1LO]-And from which base?

[General]-...From no base? I'm not from the city! I'm new here!

[M1LO]-...?

[N04H]-Wait, you are the intruder that caused us problems a few days ago!?

[General]-O-Oh, so you know that information... H-Heheh...

[M1LO]-..."Intruder"?

[N04H]-Yeah! This guy broke into our base one day and kidnapped one of us before disappearing without a single trace!

[General]-Hey! I didn't abduct anybody! Your colleague was free to go back to his home whenever he pleased! And he did, remember!? He is at that "base" of yours now from what I know!

[M1LO]-So he is our enemy...?

[N04H]-I... *sigh* I don't know... Master said that he is no threat for now. Though the way he killed these soldiers sure scared me for life...

[General]-Hmph! Why are you so afraid anyway?? Just 'cause I'm a C born and you guys are R borns? Of course I'm more powerful since I have that blessing from the gods, but that shouldn't mean I'm a monster too!

[N04H]-...But we are no R borns, Mister. We are C borns too.

[General]-Huh?

Then, the boys look at the outsider, disabling the disguises completely without even moving a muscle, as the devices on their hands are connected to a C borns mind as said, before finally appearing in their actual identities. Even the kid was a bit surprised, but sure was more joyful now.

[General]-...So that's how that "device" works, huh?

[M1LO]-*sigh* What now though, N04H? What are we suppose to do with the kid?

[N04H]-Maybe you can take him to the North Base and speak to the people there? They will know what to do from now on, so that shouldn't be a problem.

[M1LO]-But how should I explain what happened? Who in the world would believe that two boys managed to save a C born on their own?

[N04H]-It's worth a try, no? And maybe this way you can also join that base and leave the central one. It's your chance to make a change in your life now, M1LO. Wasn't that your wish?

[M1LO]-Y-Yeah, N04H, but I told you! What if it turns out to be worse?

[N04H]-You've saved a soul, M1LO! Does that seem worse to you?? The North Base is doing this all the time after all, no matter the changes! I bet on that! Just believe me!

M1LO seems a bit mistrustful in his own fate though, as he looks a bit at the C born kid that stands next to him. But he was also listening, so when he looked at him in the eyes...

[0YV51]-...Trust!

...he told him such a word that simply made him take a final decision.

[M1LO]-*sigh* Alright... I will give it a try.

[N04H]-That's more like it! Now go to the North Base and come back with good news!

[M1LO]-See you tomorrow then...?

[N04H]-See you!

So, M1LO took the kid by a hand and went towards the North Base, not before giving his friend a goodbye and leaving him alone with the outsider, who also was a bit perplexed.

[General]-...What was that all about?

[N04H]-Doesn't matter... Now, I have a lot of questions to ask you! Where you coming from? And how did you know about our base? Or how did you even get in??

[General]-H-Hey, slow down there, buddy! I don't think it's the right time to ask me such questions now! Don't you have to go back to your people too?

[N04H]-Hm? And what are you going to do?

[General]-I guess I will go back up there. I mean, I have nothing better to do here... I just came with you so I knew you guys didn't get caught again.

[N04H]-Why so?

[General]-Because my people have a code: "Every person that is like me shall be called my family. Every person that thinks like me shall be called my sibling. Every person that looks like me shall be free from the curse of our gods."

[N04H]-I don't... really understand.

[General]-It's a way of saying that the Creators should be united no matter our homes. No need to take it on different ways. I just saw that C born kid with you and since you were in trouble, I came to help you.

[N04H]-So that's why He said you are no enemy...

[General]-Hm?

[N04H]-Never mind... I guess we will part our ways here then. I have to go back to my base. Hope we can meet again and you can answer my questions next time, Mister!

[General]-Heheh... It's a promise, buddy!

[N04H]-See you then!

So, N04H leaves towards his base too, while the outsider simply raises its hand as a goodbye, not waving it at all, and watching the kid leave. But before it does the same, it seems a bit upset too.

[General]-...Hope I can get my answers too.

The City of Above

49:58

But the day doesn't end here. We are going back to the City of Above for a bit, to watch the area in which all the dead soldiers are laying on the ground, and also some other are here to investigate what happened in this area. This time, it seems like Officer DU5TIN is also present.

[DU5TIN]-Did you guys find anything new?

[MSoldier9]-*sigh* Not yet, Officer... Whoever this was, it sure knew what he was doing...

[MSoldier10]-...We can't detect any kind of Ynash'saveghtah Gas in the air, Officer. We simply don't understand what could cause such a massacre without the presence of it!

[DU5TIN]-*sigh* Keep searching. We need to find out about it soon. If it truly is a demon that got inside the city, then we might be in trouble...

[ZAF4R]-It shouldn't be possible, Officer. Nobody reported any kind of demon inside the city, and this whole area is pretty close to the center.

[DU5TIN]-Even so, Mr. ZAF4R. This enemy seems pretty dangerous. We have t--

[MSoldier11]- --Officer! We've found something!

[DU5TIN]-...Hm?

Around two or three soldiers were calling for the Officer at one of the dead bodies that lay on the ground. That body though, it looks to belong to the fallen Officer himself, who seems as its wounds were the worst from those people. So, DU5TIN goes near them alongside Sergeant ZAF4R.

[DU5TIN]-What is it?

[MSoldier12]-It's the Officer of this group's body. We've analysed his wounds and managed to find a weird symbol carved on his stomach.

[DU5TIN]-Symbol?

[MSoldier11]-Affirmative. We managed to decipher an X carved on the body, but the other sign is almost impossible for us to identify. We also managed to draw it on a note for you to analyse it if you wish.

The third soldier gives the Officer the note that they've told him about, only for him to be more perplexed. Looking at the body, we can see the same symbol: it is an X in front of the weird seal that the boy said it represents its people. Even so, nobody knows anything about it.

[MSoldier12]-...We also managed to detect some Ynash'saveghtah Gas, but the situation is a bit strange.

[ZAF4R]-"Strange"? As in what, exactly...?

[MSoldier12]-As in... only the wounds seem to have a bit of that gas, but the area has not even a drop of it. Whatever that guy used, it isn't something from the normal devices at all. Do you think that the C borns have found a way of creating harmful weapons?

The Officer doesn't respond though, as he only stares at that weird symbol on the note, maybe trying to even make an idea of what's happening here. Then, he speaks again.

[DU5TIN]-...I don't know, but I will inform the General about this whole problem as soon as possible. We need to find out what's happening soon, or else... we might be the next victims.

[MSoldier11]-Do you believe that this is the creation of Seven Two, Officer?

Yet from the distance, it seems that the outsider is also listening to their conversation, watching the soldiers from the shadows without anybody knowing.

[DU5TIN]-No. We have no reports of him coming back yet. This is a whole new enemy to our city, and I will make sure to find out what's happening...

Sure, he lied a bit in these words, but there is a part of truth. He lied that there are no reports of Seven Two since he knows very well that CHE5TER is still alive since He visits him quite often, but he also knows the signature of "Seven Two" as well. And this... is not His. This is a complete new warrior fighting in the war, one that even He doesn't know much about.

"...This time, we have to battle a way more powerful enemy than Seven Two."