03.09.1642

The City of Above

17:31

For the past two days, the two young men only have tried to search further for the village that the boy says it is its home. Besides that, with all the new information that was told to the Great Leader, they have also started searching to see what this "other blessing" He has truly is. But that's it. Regarding the Underground City, nothing really has been interesting these days. Even now, they are out searching for the truth.

So, instead of focusing on what they are doing at the moment, we can go back to the M soldiers this time. After all, they've all been informed of a whole new enemy that is threatening the city. All this time, they've been investigating the areas of the City of Perfection in hopes that they will manage to at least understand what's happening. Many theorised that it was a demon who has killed the soldiers, others say that it was a descendant or a sibling of Seven Two, or even His creation. But nothing really was proven.

To our surprise though, we do not see at the moment any of the M soldiers as said. Instead, we focus on the General himself, who simply stands in a room alone and watches the view of his city from a huge window. Since it is early in the morning, the city is waking up at the moment, so nothing really surprises him. Not even the fact that one of his soldiers is entering the room in order to talk with him.

It seems to be DU5TIN, who probably started his routine hours ago giving that he seems a bit tired. Even so, he took from his time to see the General on his own.

[DU5TIN]-...Good day, Master C4E5AR.

[C4E5AR]-Oh? Morning, DU5TIN. You've been out with your work so much lately that it even takes me by surprise that you finally came to see me. But I knew you will come to your senses at some point and want to talk to me.

[DU5TIN]-Apologies, Master... We had a lot to do around the city ever since the new problem of an attacker. The other soldiers needed me to do the investigations, so I barely had any time to sleep myself...

[C4E5AR]-Right. The attacker. It sure surprises me that there is another person like Seven Two out there though... You made me pretty curious ever since you've informed me of this information and said that you are not going to see me for a few days. So do tell me, have you found who he is?

[DU5TIN]-*sigh* We wish... The new enemy seems to know exactly what he is doing since we did not find any kind of trace that could lead towards him. It even bothers me that the rumour of a demon wandering around has spread so quickly around the whole city, to be honest. Now all I hear from the citizens is that they wish to gain some protection around their houses in case the attacker comes to them.

[C4E5AR]-And have you found any kind of clues on who might be at fault?

[DU5TIN]-No. All the information are unclear to even make assumptions on who might be behind the whole attack. We had asked a lot of people around the area and nobody saw what happened at all. They simply noticed the dead bodies and reported them to other soldiers. Meanwhile, some soldiers say that they have encountered two R borns who have said that they are sons of a researcher from the north area and who took a slave for him. Yet when we've gone to ask the researcher himself about the situation in cause, he told us that he doesn't even know what we are talking about, that has no children and that he doesn't even wish to have any. Some of my people thought that he was lying, but no matter what we've tried, he denies being a part of the problem. Then, we went in search for the kids ourselves, asked several citizens around the area if they saw the described R borns and with no result. The only person that saw them was a soldier who caught them, knew that they were lying and got unconscious not long after he asked them for the ID cards. The whole situation is just a mess, Master. The only people that could've had the answer were the dead soldiers with their Officer.

[C4E5AR]-It sure looks like you had work to do these days... Oh, what a pity that this had to interrupt us now. When we thought that we got rid of a problem, here comes another one. Surely Seven Two hasn't returned yet, right?

[DU5TIN]-...No, Master. Nobody reported to have seen him anywhere. He has been gone ever since the whole chase. Some of the Officers even say that he might be already dead.

[C4E5AR]-Then I guess our only problem would be this new attacker. Since he is so powerful as everyone says and he had brought fear into the lands, we will have to delay our plans for the moment. Let us find what's happening soon and we will continue later. Tell the Officers to have teams ready to patrol over the whole city in hope that we might discover his hiding spot and also prepare themselves for the worst battles. If this enemy can kill ten of our soldiers at once, then he sure knows how to win a fight.

[DU5TIN]-I will do as you wish. Do not worry about that detail.

[C4E5AR]-Alright then. Oh, and since you've came to me now, I assume you have something to tell me as well?

[DU5TIN]-Well, besides the whole investigations that have been around the city, there is one thing I really wish to ask you. If you do not mind, of course...

[C4E5AR]-Don't be afraid to ask. Tell me, is it related to any puzzles you've been having these years? Or problems that you've encountered?

[DU5TIN]-W-Well, it's... nothing like that... I was rather thinking that... maybe...

The General sure was pretty curious of the boy's demand, since he looked pretty embarrassed to even ask his question. But he takes courage in his hands and begins to talk.

[DU5TIN]-...May I... have a break for today?

[C4E5AR]-...Oh? You sure took me off guard, DU5TIN. This is the first time I hear you asking such a question.

[DU5TIN]-I-I know, Master, but those past days have been exhausting for me. I was simply wondering if someone can take my place for today while I rest and get my powers back. J-Just today! After that, I will go back to my duty and continue the investigations!

And from the curiosity he had, now he stands pretty confused, with the same expression of a ruler that he always has, which probably gives DU5TIN the fear that appears in his words. Maybe it sure is the first time he asks for a break since he fears the General's words like nothing else. But it surprises his response too.

[C4E5AR]-...Alright then. Take your break.

[DU5TIN]-R-Really??

[C4E5AR]-But of course. Though I despise this request every time I hear it from your colleagues, sure you have your intentions now, right? And I'm expecting you to come back even more willing to do your work after your rest.

[DU5TIN]-Y-Yes, of course, Master! Thank you for your generosity!

[C4E5AR]-I will see who can take your place in the meantime. You can go without a bad thought.

[DU5TIN]-Yes, Master! I will see you tomorrow!

He doesn't say anything in response though, he simply nods at the Officer as he leaves the room. Or... tends to leave. It seems that DU5TIN has been stopped by a small thought before he could take his break, so he looks back at the General.

[DU5TIN]-...O-Oh. One last thing.

[C4E5AR]-Hm?

[DU5TIN]-If the person in cause will have to take my responsibilities in the meantime, I wish you to give him something from me. Maybe it will help him in with the investigations.

[C4E5AR]-And that might be?

Then, DU5TIN starts searching in his clothes for some notes that have been taken during these days by him or by the other people under his command. Simply some written things explaining what was found until now, like the problem about the two R borns who took a slave and disappeared, or the researcher suspected. Then, he gives it to the General.

[DU5TIN]-...Those are my notes from the whole problem, Master. Everything we've discovered so far is written there. If anything, maybe it will help the person that will take my place.

[C4E5AR]-Very well. I will make sure to give it further.

And then, DU5TIN leaves the room, only for the General to remain and think of a person that can take the role of the Officer for a day. But while he does so, curiosity kills as he takes the notes of his successor and looks through them. Nothing really seems interesting though. Everything was already said and there is no need to waste time on that.

But what takes him off guard in a small second as he flips the pages quickly is something he notices on one of the pages. So, he begins to look again and find the page that seemed interesting, only for him to get more confused, almost even shocked. Probably so shocked that it might be the first time we see the General of above in such state. The page itself isn't something special though, it simply shows the weird symbol that was carved on the Officer's body, as well as some notes below it. Who knows why he stopped at that page? Since the notes aren't even that interesting:

ARRIVING TIME OF THE INVESTIGATIONS TO BEGIN: 40:05

16 DEAD BODIES FOUND WITH NO SIGN OF THE YNASH'SAVEGHTAH GAS IN THE AIR REPORTED BY ANY OF THE SOLDIERS

STRANGE SYMBOL CARVED ON THE BODY OF THE OFFICER (GROUP 5 OF THE PATROLLING SCHEDULE - DATE: 16 / 08 - HOUR: 39:00)

FIND THE MEANING OF THE SYMBOL ONCE THE INVESTIGATIONS OF TODAY END

☆RESULT: NONE

(ASK OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT THE SYMBOL WHILE THE INTERROGATION GOES ON)

19:57

DU5TIN on the other hand, after he left the building in which the General was, he simply took advantage of the break he has today and went for some rest around the city. Or... at least tried. Before he left, he had to solve a few other matters that his colleagues reminded him of and also had to talk to a few more Officers to announce his break. So for almost two hours, he worked even if he didn't want to.

But even so, the whole work was put to an end and he finally managed to leave the building. When he did so, of course since he is the Officer, no matter the break, he is greeted by his colleagues just like the usual. Some even are surprised that the Officer took a break all of a sudden, giving their faces which explain it clearly that he doesn't do it quite often, but he needed it sooner or later. One of his colleagues though comes and greets him as usual, but remains for a bit to chat as well.

[ZAF4R]-Officer DU5TIN! Greetings!

[DU5TIN]-Hello, Mr. ZAF4R. Is everything alright around the team?

[ZAF4R]-Yes, it is. Why are you asking?

[DU5TIN]-Because I will be gone for today so that I can take a small rest and I don't want to hear that the soldiers managed to cause trouble again. Seriously now, make them somehow understand that the General doesn't wish to see us fooling around.

[ZAF4R]-A break? Well, that sure is a surprise... How long have it been since you last requested a break besides the free days given?

[DU5TIN]-It didn't even happen before, ZAF4R. But believe me when I say that I didn't wish to even request for one if I wasn't so tired today. Master C4E5AR wasn't happy when I gave him the question either. Probably it will be the first and the last time I do such a thing.

[ZAF4R]-*sigh* I understand that you fear his words and all, DU5TIN, but everyone needs a break at some point. You work for him ever since you were a child and refused to do something for yourself. I felt pity when I saw such a young soldier exhausting himself just to please someone else myself. You had the chance to live your childhood and you simply turned your back on it.

[DU5TIN]-We are at war here, ZAF4R. Do you really believe that we have time for breaks? The attacks from the Creators are increasing, and it doesn't help that this new enemy made its appearance now too.

[ZAF4R]-The war ended over two centuries ago, Officer. Those that are left are simply lost demons that we have to take care of so that our city can live in peace and the perfection that General 4RTHUR promised us. Why are you talking like we are still on the field of battle? What was worst ended and we have to take advantage of that. Our only mission now is to get all the plans of our General done and we can live the paradise after.

[DU5TIN]-If you really think that the C borns will give up from trying to fight against us, you are terribly wrong.

[ZAF4R]-I do not believe that. I simply believe that you have to also appreciate life as it is now. Stop thinking about work all the time. The General has other people that can do what he wants as well.

[DU5TIN]-*sigh* You remained my tough opponent of convincing even to this day, ZAF4R...

[ZAF4R]-Well, you remained the same little walking machine I saw when you joined us. Always obeying to the rules and doing whatever other people are telling you, yet never even trying to think by himself.

[DU5TIN]-...

[ZAF4R]-But enough of that... Since you took a break for today, why don't you come with me to give you a treat?

[DU5TIN]-...A treat?

[ZAF4R]-Yes! I will tell the others that I'm going for a few minutes off and we can go to get some rest. Maybe this way, you will learn how to do things for yourself sometimes.

[DU5TIN]-I'm not so sure of that idea, ZAF4R...

[ZAF4R]-It's not like you had better plans knowing you, right?

[DU5TIN]-I had, alright? I was thinking to go around the statue of General 4RTHUR later this night after I get some sleep now.

Yet the Sergeant seems pretty annoyed from his response, as he gives such a expression that reads "Are you serious?". So, the Officer gets rather confused.

[DU5TIN]-...What?

[ZAF4R]-I'm sorry if I sound rude, but these are not plans at all. I meant something that you could feel that you are living.

[DU5TIN]-I'm not taking breaks to have fun, Sergeant. I'm taking them to rest.

[ZAF4R]-Yet a drink won't kill anybody, right? I know a good place in the city which will be to your liking. And no, we won't drink until we pass out. Just a quick one and then you can go to whatever plans you wish to fulfil. What do you say?

At first, DU5TIN was hesitant on saying yes to this plan since he sure dislikes this idea of wasting time for "fun". But this is a colleague of his just trying to be friendly. So, he simply makes up his mind and gives the Sergeant an answer.

[DU5TIN]-*sigh* Alright, alright... But just a few minutes, okay?

[ZAF4R]-Of course. Just let me inform the others and we are good to go.

20:29

A few minutes later, after they've done whatever they needed and after wandering the streets of the city as DU5TIN follows his older colleague, they arrive at what seems to be a small club. As we already know, the concept of these buildings in which you are suppose to have a drink and relaxed is seen different by these cities. In the City of Above, or "City of Perfection" as its citizens call it, these areas are designed in a concept similar to what we call a club. Yet the Underground City designs them in a simple and small bar, from where you can only sit and relax, have a chat with the bartender or friends you bring with you and so on.

And though these clubs that are suppose to be in these areas in general are larger, this one is a bit smaller than the others. It doesn't have that many features as the others either, but it sure gives rather a calming atmosphere once you enter it. It is intentionally designed to come here and rest, not do a party until you can't take it anymore.

So it sure was a surprise to the Officer when he first set foot into this building and saw such a calming atmosphere around him. What a pity that this place barely has any customers, since the citizens of above do not prefer this vibe that much. This paradise they dream of contains, after all, a life that is lived to its fullest. Resting for them is like spitting on the gift of life and refusing to experience it. Funny information to know, since the supposed successor of the General himself only does what is commanded to him and never lives his life. A "machine" as his Sergeant said. And not to mention that the city is also seeming to be always empty because of the fear installed by the General.

[ZAF4R]-Soo...? What do you say? Is it to your liking?

[DU5TIN]-I'm... surprised you even know about this place.

[ZAF4R]-Yeah, I mean, a long day with everyone from work would make me lose my mind if I didn't take a rest myself once in awhile. I came here some years ago for a mission given by someone from the west and I discovered that this place is pretty calm compared to the other places. So whenever I have some time for myself, I... simply come here to rest on my own. It isn't such a crowded area, so it has its bonuses.

[DU5TIN]-Hmph. So that's where you disappear when I can't find you anywhere, huh?

[ZAF4R]-Heh, something like that... But, to be honest now, it is pretty much the only place of rest that I actually enjoy. Those from the young generations are doing things that simply... aren't to my liking at all. And since the bars are targeting them, rarely you find a place where you can go in your free time. So I thought that maybe you will enjoy it too since you don't really like partying that much either.

[DU5TIN]-I don't like wasting time, ZAF4R. That's what I despise, not that I am being different from my generation.

[ZAF4R]-Yet a rest is needed, isn't it?

[DU5TIN]-*sigh* Only this time.

And so, they sit on some chairs, get a quick drink to relax, talk in the meantime and finally enjoy life. It isn't much they do, and it is pretty similar to what the underground citizens do as well. Though these cities hate each other, ready to give blood in order to get rid of one another, they don't seem to be that different. All of them try to live, whether it is by working or by killing.

And what's the difference between them anyway? Their beliefs? They are all still brings, Immortals who live to see them all, R borns who are told to believe their city's stories and hate the other city, and even Creators, though they are rare in the City of Perfection. They are still the same. So why did a whole war start between them years ago?

As they talk, they do seem to forget about the work they have to do around the city, Mr. ZAF4R surely being relaxed, yet DU5TIN still trying to get used to this weird feeling to him. Not only that, but something sure starts bothering him after some minutes of talking. So, he stops speaking and tries at least to make that bothering feeling end.

What exactly bothers him? Well, it seems to be his eye. More specifically, his right eye, which is always covered with an eyepatch or with his hair. He puts his right hand on it and starts moving it around gently, as if he is massaging his eye. And though his colleague notices it, he doesn't really seem surprised either.

[ZAF4R]-...Problems with it, I see?

[DU5TIN]-It's just some random pain, ZAF4R. It's nothing serious. I barely even feel it anyway, it just bothers me.

[ZAF4R]-It's been some time since you got that problem though. Are you sure it is still normal to feel pain at that area? It already healed after all.

[DU5TIN]-Those who helped me said that it is. Though it sure is rare when it happens since most of the times I am focusing on my work and never actually pay attention to it. They told me that it is happening because of the lost body part.

[ZAF4R]-And you tell me that you still don't want a artificial eye? You won't need to hide all the time anymore if you bought one. And maybe it will help you with your pain too.

[DU5TIN]-I am sure I don't want one. I don't like that idea it all. Do you know how strange it would look?

[ZAF4R]-*sigh* As you wish then.

DU5TIN massages it for a while, until he decides to take off the eyepatch as well and continue what he is doing. Without it, he can do his job more effectively, so it might be the reason why he decided to do this. But again, nothing is really interesting. He does his job with his hand to move the muscles around the eye and make the pain go, and while he does so there are actually a few moments when we can see why he really hides this part of the body.

The area itself had already a scar, that's not really interesting to him. But what bothers him is that his eye is completely missing, and that part in which it was suppose to be is empty, like a dark hole. Whatever injured him sure did a good job on doing so.

[ZAF4R]-...He sure didn't have any mercy on you, huh? He really injured you for life.

[DU5TIN]-It's not like I can't live without my eye. I've survived the last two years ever since I got it after all. Whether I have my full body or not, I am still capable of doing my duty. Sure, I don't have the best vision anymore, but still.

[ZAF4R]-I assume the news on him being dead were long awaited? I mean, If I were you, I would've gone for a part of his body too as a revenge.

[DU5TIN]-Even so, Seven Two was not my top priority. He was an enemy of ours, but I had duties to complete, with or without him.

[ZAF4R]-But I still can't understand what that child could've wanted to achieve from our base. Why did he start all of that?

[DU5TIN]-Who knows. All I know is that he killed many of us and almost even me. Yet to be honest... probably almost himself too. I mean, an explosion of that level and that close to a being's body would've gotten him dead in the next second.

[ZAF4R]-Yet you both somehow survived.

[DU5TIN]-But I wasn't that close to the explosion, ZAF4R. At least, not as close as him.

"And his perspective sure is different than what we already know. During that day of the whole incident in which CHE5TER was still trapped, we seem to look at that moment when He looks for an escape.

More exactly, when He enters a room in hurry. We know what He did there, but we didn't know that DU5TIN was present too. The moment He entered and locked the door, DU5TIN saw Him doing everything and ran towards the room He was in. Since the door was locked, he had a few difficulties entering there, but managed in the end to do so. And when he entered the room, he saw CHE5TER trying to make Himself an escape. Yet then...

Of course he shot after Him. He is still his enemy. But his shot wasn't aimed to hurt him at all. They were still alone in that room, so nobody could see anything of what happens there. He shot right next to Him, which made Him stop immediately from everything He was doing, but didn't want to turn around.

[DU5TIN]-...It's over, Seven. This is where your era of terror ends. If you surrender now, I promise I will go easy on you.

Yet CHE5TER didn't seem to respond at all.

[DU5TIN]-Put your hands up and turn around. Now.

Again, no response. But He did as he said. After a few seconds of moving His hands around His chest, He put His arms up, but didn't turn around at all.

[DU5TIN]-Didn't you hear me? I said turn around!

No response once more, but He obeys to the man. He then turns around, only for DU5TIN to have a shock. Why? Simple answer. This isn't the person he thought He was.

Looking at the Great Leader as He turned around you can sense that something really changed. His eyes are not normal either. What were simple eyes of a being now stand weirdly-shaped ones that express no mercy, almost as if they belong to a true demon. His face shows no emotions either. But what scared him the most was that in His right arm, there was a sphere-looking object that He was holding. And that sphere... was an explosive device.

The sphere itself has nothing but a button on it, which the ruler is now ready to press it at any given moment. And He really proves it, as He starts moving His right arm towards DU5TIN, still holding it, as if He tries to give it to him or show him their "fate". Yet he was simply in shock, and as a consequence, he also responded by instinct.

[DU5TIN]-...W-Wait! CHE5TER, d-don't do it!

Yet again, no response. But even so, DU5TIN starts moving slowly towards his little brother that just stands and watches him. And no matter what movement he does, CHE5TER still presses the button, moment in which the Officer starts running to stop the explosion in the last seconds he has left before it is programmed to activate. And as he runs...

[CHE5TER]-...Enemy.

...he really looks like he is trying to reach for Him.

[DU5TIN]-CHE5TER, NO!

And still in vain. In the last second that was, He only activated His mask and turned His head to the right, as if He accepted His fate, no matter if He dies or survives, while DU5TIN continued running to save the day. Not long after, the explosion came which threw both of them on the complete opposite parts of the building depending on their position.

DU5TIN was thrown towards the door he came from, and no matter the armour he had on him, he still got badly injured. CHE5TER though was nowhere to be seen. The part in which was theoretically threw was the window, which if before it had that protective wall because of the alarm, now stands a huge hole from where you can see the city and a damaged floor from which you can jump on the lower one or climb to the one above.

Even so, DU5TIN was still trying to fight, as he didn't look unconscious just yet. He coughed heavily, trying to get up on his own, but all he could do was to look towards the broken window while continuing to suffer in his pain until other soldiers came to help him, being the moment he lost his consciousness as well."

And here he stands in the bar, remembering the day as if it was yesterday, yet not saying any word about the truth to his own colleague.

[DU5TIN]-...Even if I was pretty close too, Seven was the one who was holding the explosive in his arm. For whatever reason, he decided for that to be his fate. As if he really wanted to die.

[ZAF4R]-Are you sure of this thought? This psychopath sure has questionable actions, but why do you say that he wanted to die that moment?

[DU5TIN]-Who knows. I just know that something wasn't right in that moment when I came in the room.

[ZAF4R]-But it simply doesn't make sense why would he go in a room just to activate an explosive with no reason behind. I just don't understand what was in his mind.

[DU5TIN]-...

Yet the reason behind his lies... is pretty obvious. Even if he has a powerful title, even if he is the descendant of the General himself and even if people respect him a lot, everyone is considered a sinner if they help the C borns. Even DU5TIN.

He told just a part of the truth from that day that caused him the injuries, avoiding completely that he actually refused to kill Seven Two when he had the chance and decided to give Him a chance of pure surrender. He didn't tell that Seven Two is actually his little brother, or that they've met in the past. Even if he trusts ZAF4R, nobody is truly your ally in this city.

Everyone here respects the General's words, so if someone finds out that you disobey to them, you will be executed right after. And DU5TIN knows it too. He knows that if he tells the truth even to his closest friends, he will be betrayed and given into Death's hands just because this life has no mercy on him. And this is exactly why he fears fate.

24:17

Hours later, Mr. ZAF4R has given his regards to the Officer and went back to his duties, while DU5TIN only continued to relax in his first free day he ever asked for. He didn't do much since he didn't plan a lot of things either. He bought himself a few things that should help him with his work when he decides to come back, visited the statue of General 4RTHUR, which is a statue that is placed right in the center of the city, near the central building from which all the newborns come, and then simply thought of going back home. As if he can even consider it a home. After all, he stands more to do his work rather than visiting his own house.

But he couldn't just visit the statue without doing anything there, right? After all, around the statue, there is a park dedicated to the fallen General of the past in which that sculpture is. He wandered around it alone, and despite being the center of the city, the area is pretty empty. Very few souls are around, and most of them are soldiers. But it has its logic too, since everyone is afraid of the General, so they all stay hidden in their own houses so that they can avoid any type of problem that might piss him off.

It is a huge difference between the cities here. After all, the Underground City has very few parks or areas dedicated for resting, yet the whole population is outside enjoying their times. Here, even if they have a lot, and when I say a lot, I really mean A LOT of areas meant for people to go to and make the city appear as the true City of Perfection, the citizens don't even dare stepping foot outside without the fear of the General judging them. They are either hiding inside their homes as said or even in the bars, but never outside. Very few actually come here to walk around.

So while he walks around the park, he can barely even see people around, being so silent as if this isn't even suppose to be a city in which three billion people live. But then he stops right in front of the statue, where he stands to admire it in the daylight. The statue is huge, way bigger to the one dedicated to M1NERV4. It represents the former General, faceless, with his cape flying in the wind and in his arm being his sword which points to the sky. Beneath the General's feet, there are countless skulls that are suppose to represent the dead C borns killed by him during the war. This is how the M borns see him after all. A "god" that can grant them a perfect life.

He stands a bit to watch it, admiring this faceless and dead "god" of the past, as if he has questions for him too. And he even speaks his puzzles loudly, hoping for this god to hear him.

[DU5TIN]-...General 4RTHUR, fallen warrior of the past, father of the M borns who promised us a perfect eternal life... can you hear me from the heavens?

No response.

[DU5TIN]-I am one of your children. I am a warrior who decided to dedicate his entire life to protect your promise. Do you see me from above?

Still no response. After all, this is a dead soldier, and what's dead remains in the memories and memories only. He cannot answer this young child's questions even if he wanted. But he still doesn't give up.

[DU5TIN]-...Father 4RTHUR, where is that eternal peace that you've promised us? I am feeling like my life is slowly going against me by each day, so what should I do? Should I continue the path that I've already chosen? ...Or should I listen to my own heart? What do you think, dear General?

And as always... no response. His "god" won't come from the heavens to help him after all. This is simply reality. So... he looks down, takes a deep breath and turns around to begin going towards his own home. But before he could even do two steps, a voice starts speaking.

[Voice]-...And what makes you think that he will respond to your sufferings?

But he does recognise it, and he sure hates that voice. So, he stops and looks back, a bit pissed, only to see the person expose Himself from the back of the statue.

[DU5TIN]-...What do you want now, Seven?

[CHE5TER]-Nothing in particular, actually. I just happened to be near the area when you came here and started talking to the statue. And so I thought, why not say a peaceful "Hi"?

[DU5TIN]-So you were following me.

[CHE5TER]-No. I truly was with my own matters around the city and I just happened to see you here. If it wasn't for this, then I wouldn't have risked to come down here in the first place.

[DU5TIN]-And you tell me that you do not fear the soldiers coming our way and seeing that you are still alive?

[CHE5TER]-Having the clothes of the crevaators has its advantages, you know? And what if they come? They still don't know what happened to the Crevaaria Clan from the west. Seeing a little crevaator like me will simply make them question where was I hiding and why.

[DU5TIN]-And what about me then?

[CHE5TER]-Come on. Are you that bad at lying and saying that you simply found me?

[DU5TIN]-...Hmph.

[CHE5TER]-So what were you doing just now? Are you truly that naive to think that this liar will come from Hell and answer your questions?

[DU5TIN]-You are the liar here, Seven. General 4RTHUR only tried to help us get rid of demons like you.

[CHE5TER]-Heh... Speaking of demons, have you found something interesting regarding our deal?

[DU5TIN]-No. The problem of the creatures is still the same. No information regarding them was found.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* What a pity... Seems like even if we used my findings, it still won't be enough...

[DU5TIN]-Hm? You found something?

[CHE5TER]-Oh, nothing serious though. Only that the demons that are younger won't cause us any kind of harm. The older demons are the only ones attacking us. Other than "they are scared of light" and "they act based on their instincts", I didn't find anything.

[DU5TIN]-How did you find that information though?

[CHE5TER]-Oh, it doesn't matter that much. I have other things to investigate now on my own anyway, so I won't really manage to help you in this regard.

[DU5TIN]-Of course you won't...

But, that's pretty much it. That's how much they talk and then try to separate their paths without even a goodbye. Yet before they do so, DU5TIN has one last question.

[DU5TIN]-...Seven. Since we have this agreement, you have to help me out with an answer.

[CHE5TER]-Hm?

[DU5TIN]-I don't know if you heard or not, but there is a new threat to our city which we don't know much about. It is said that a demon has gotten inside our lands and started killing people, but our investigations say nothing of a demon. It is a very weird situation, but we really believe there is a being behind this.

[CHE5TER]-Aha... So? What exactly do want to ask me?

[DU5TIN]-...Don't play dumb with me. I know you are behind all of this. What's up with this new rumour you've caused? You know the person in cause for sure.

[CHE5TER]-I do not.

[DU5TIN]-Do not lie to me, Seven! I know you are guilty of this rumour, even if not fully!

[CHE5TER]-I am not.

[DU5TIN]-Stop lying to m-

[CHE5TER]- --If you continue screaming at me, the soldiers will truly come our way and question what are you doing here with me. So for your own sake, stop this nonsense. I am not a part of this rumour. I do not know who this being is and what's happening. Whatever you are telling me here is a new information that I wasn't even aware of. So without any kind of details given to me, I am not able to help you in any way.

[DU5TIN]-...So you truly don't know about it at all?

[CHE5TER]-No.

Liar.

And even DU5TIN can sense His lies, but he knows that if he continues arguing here, he will most likely get in trouble. So what can he do? He will play along for a while.

[DU5TIN]-*sigh*...Alright. I am here to take a rest, not to stress myself with you even more. You are free to go.

[CHE5TER]-As you wish then.

So, they both go towards their own destinations, DU5TIN going exactly where he wanted before his annoying sibling came here. Yet the ruler only stood a bit to watch before anything, as if He was pissed about a decision He was obligated to take.

[CHE5TER]-...You are forever in debts at me, General. I hope your answers are worth it.

24:52

His destination is a bit different though. Instead of going to His city, He simply climbs a building nearby, which from what it seems to be the hiding spot of the person CHE5TER and His brother just talked about, waiting for the Great Leader to come.

[General]-Took you long enough... What was this "business" you had to take care of anyway?

[CHE5TER]-Doesn't matter. Now, if you are ready, we can go back to our matters and see if we can find your village, little outsider. You are bringing me problems each day, so let's solve this already.

[General]-*sigh* How impatient can you be, I swear...

But even if the Great Leader was getting ready to leave and continue His research, the boy still stood in its position, before looking back at the view of the place in which CHE5TER just went.

[General]-Hey, CHE5TER, I've been meaning to ask you something after you left.

[CHE5TER]-Hm? And what's that?

[General]-What's up with that statue in the center of the park? Is it important in any way?

[CHE5TER]-No. To me, it is as useless as screaming at a C born with no energy at all.

[General]-Then why is it there?

[CHE5TER]-Because this city has its beliefs. How exactly can I even explain it more than that? It is simply someone they worship.

[General]-Oh? So that person was important to them?

[CHE5TER]-He was the most important in this city unfortunately. He is the whole reason why my city is hiding, while this one does whatever it pleases.

[General]-Huh... But what did he do that made him so important?

[CHE5TER]-...He killed my people, General. Is that enough to you? He killed many of my people and lied to those that saw him as a protector. And I despite the most that they had to build him a statue literally next to the building which we all came from.

"...Then why does he look so familiar?"

Yet as He said those words, the boy got pretty curious. Knowing that this is the exact building in which their machine is hidden, it probably wanted to see how different is from its peoples.

[General]-May I see the machine?

[CHE5TER]-...What?

[General]-What? I mean, the building is right in front of us, isn't it? We can find a way in if we try!

[CHE5TER]-The building is open just for other beings to take newborns from it freely, not to visit the machine. Nobody knows where it is located.

[General]-Nobody?

[CHE5TER]-Yes. No soul ever saw the machine in flesh before. It's probably a mechanism that protects it from being destroyed.

[General]-Oh, now you made me even more curious! Let's give it a try!

[CHE5TER]-What!? Hold on a seco--

Yet the boy didn't listen, as it jumped off the roof and simply went towards the entrance of the central building. CHE5TER was hesitant though. He never went inside that place in His whole life before, and technically everyone says it's just a building with several rooms free for everyone to enter at the lowest level, in which all the newborns created by the machine are put. But as He said, nobody ever saw the machine before. And what's more terrifying is that His own father had a bad experience there.

"I somehow found myself being chased down by something which was searching for this crying newborn. I don't even know what it was, it looked like a machine, yet it was way more complicated than that..."

Only that thought made Him fear going inside it. Whatever is there, it is coming for Him. Why exactly is that? Who knows.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* Of course I have to deal with Death again...

But He took His courage back and followed the boy which already managed to get right in front of the entrance, staring at it while waiting for the ruler. He didn't want to even imagine Himself going inside, but the stranger already made up its plans.

[CHE5TER]-...Why do you exactly wish to see it? It's not like we are able to anyway, but why?

[General]-Because I already saw my machine! And knowing that there is another one here, I have to see it with my own eyes!

[CHE5TER]-Again. We can't do that. Let's get back to our business already, General!

[General]-Oh, come on! We are so close to it! Why don't you give it a try? There has to be a way towards it, even if everyone from your lands says otherwise!

[CHE5TER]-Oh, for the love of...

So the boy got closer to the door which leads inside and looked around. Yet again, the Great Leader was hesitant, just admiring the boy and its stupid curiosity without getting any closer to that door, being closer to the statue itself not the building. But in the next second, the boy already vanished inside, as it opened the door, entered it and then closed it, leaving CHE5TER behind. Of course He was pissed, He didn't wish to even touch that door, but it seems as He is obligated anyway.

Even so, inside the building it's pretty normal from what the boy sees. Of course, probably it isn't the same architecture and all, but it isn't a place that would stand out so much. Once you entered it, you can already see the other doors that lead to the rooms in which the newborns are, being such a long corridor like none other, having from where to choose, and having glass-like walls, making you able to see inside each room in particular very easily. Yet not a single crying baby, nor a sign of a machine. Nothing at all. This is all that is inside it. There is no second floor either, even if this building is huge. It is just this floor opened for everyone else. So then, where is the machine? Where is everything that should be here? Or the fears that CHE5TER has? 'Cause this building seems ordinary.

The boy still continues investigating though, looking around, opening some doors and even seeing the newborns staying on some platforms, one by one, lifeless. After all, we already know that these beings are unconscious in the first months of life. But again, nothing special seen in it. It even looks for a way up, maybe thinking that it can get somehow to the higher levels, but no success. The machine is simply well hidden so no normal being can find it.

But something happens as the boy slowly gives up. In one of the rooms it has gone to investigate the area, it had looked around the newborns, maybe thinking that they could be related to a way towards the machine. Yet instead of finding what it wanted, it found something else that sure caught its attention. When examining the platforms themselves, there seems to be a weird symbol carved all over the margins. Something like a combination of an "L" and a smaller "F" that is turned backwards. Again, nothing interesting to us. But this stranger sure got confused.

So, it went back towards the exit, where there was CHE5TER who just entered the building for the first time and started looking for the boy...

[CHE5TER]-...Alright, have you gotten any lu--

...and who also got confused on the face that the stranger had. As if it was shocked. But no word given back, it simply left this place while the ruler started battling another puzzle. And of course, He followed it again.

When He left the building and closed the door, there was no sign of the boy. He started looking around, seeing maybe if it climbed another building or followed the road that circles the statue and leads to the exit of the park from very far away. Nothing. But after He looked left to right, He finally noticed the boy going towards a new destination, next to the building itself. So, He started running after it to catch up.

25:17

He managed in the end to circle the whole building, still following the boy that goes blindly to whatever destination it has in its mind. CHE5TER sure is confused, maybe thinking that the stranger lost its mind already and wishes to make a huge mistake. But nothing like that, as it finally stops in front of the back wall of the building.

Again, nothing out of the ordinary. The back of the building seems pretty similar to the main entrance. Whether you enter by using this door or the one from the statue, it will lead you to the same corridor from which you can take a newborn. But the boy simply stood and looked up at the wall, as if it wanted to see something in particular. Yet nothing was there.

[CHE5TER]-What's happening? Why do you wish to come here? What did you see there?

Yet no response.

[CHE5TER]-General?

The boy simply looked up and minded its business, perplexed. Seconds later, it finally moves, going towards the wall itself and looking at a specific area on it next to the door. Nothing is there. But it does something anyway.

The stranger takes off a small part of the wall by breaking it with its normal sword, struggling for a few minutes, while the ruler simply watches confused. He can't just scream at the boy to stop, it will bring even more problems. He can try to get it out of the area and try to forget about this whole day, but He sure got curious of its actions too. In the end, He simply decides to admire the show.

Then, after so much time wasted on just hitting an innocent wall, the boy managed to take off the part which it wished to, revealing a small panel with numbers. The panel itself doesn't really seem to have any meaning though, since it doesn't look like it is connected to a specific door or alarm. But even so, no matter how much CHE5TER saw that the panel is simply useless even if you press something on it, the boy still interacts with it. It presses a specific code of numbers, more exactly "2350706", and waits for something to happen. Nothing happens.

Or at least that's what CHE5TER thought, as a camera that was attached to the wall before, simply being one of the many other cameras that supervise the area in case something happens, now looks at the two men standing in front of the door without entering it. And without anything added, behind them now opens a new path towards the underground, which both of them look perplexed at.

It isn't a very long path, in fact, it's very very short. It contains a few stairs that lead to a specific door that is opened, waiting for the boys to enter. But both of them just go towards it to look inside before stepping on the stairs, the ruler sure having some hesitations. Yet the boy was sure of itself, being the first one to start and go down the stairs towards the opened door. What can CHE5TER do? He has to follow, even if He doesn't want to.

As they both enter, the door closes itself, now being clear this is not a simple door, but an elevator that leads them to a higher level, somewhere in the building. Of course the ruler was curious, confused, all kinds of emotions that struck Him when He saw a stranger know something He didn't. But looking at the stranger itself... it looked rather as if it was ready to fall in depression, with such a confused face it had as if it was ready to cry from all the questions from its mind.

And minutes pass, before both of them found themselves with the door opened that shows a whole new floor, one that is not accessible to anybody, but them. Looking out, it seems to be another corridor, with some more rooms but with no transparent walls this time. And in front was a door that stood out the most, which the boy started to go towards while the ruler followed it.

When they arrived in front of the door, even the boy had hesitations of opening it, as if it wasn't ready to face what was behind it at all. But still, it gained courage once again and opened it slowly. It was then when CHE5TER felt more confused then ever, seeing a simple room with all kinds of new technologies not known by Him and a huge window with the view of the whole city. Books were all around the two walls that were next to the window.

But what was the most confusing part was a desk, with the chair behind it turned towards the huge window. Such a creepy vibe that this room could give, since nothing seems familiar to these two boys when it comes to what's inside. And what's even more terrifying is that something started speaking to them too.

[??]-...You know... I couldn't believe my own eyes seeing these clothes again. Heh, I thought they were long gone, wiped from existence. Longer than I can recall... So how is it possible for you to be here? Were you truly guided here for a goodbye? Or it just so happened to be our lucky day to relive some old memories?

Of course, CHE5TER was already ready to strike down whoever this person was, putting His arm on His own sword and looking for the enemy in cause. But the boy wasn't doing anything. The more it was listening, the more it felt like it was ready to break.

[General]-...A-Are you t-truly...

But it couldn't even finish its sentence as all kinds of emotions struck it. So, hearing such a voice worth just of pity, this "enemy" that CHE5TER thought to be finally revealed itself. When the chair finally turned around, a man with half of his face being replaced with a mechanical skin and a bionic eye, an arm replaced as if he was half robot-half being, a cyborg if you wish, now standing to admire the perplexed boy that watches him.

[??]-...Indeed. It's been so long, dear friend. And when I thought you've disappeared forever... So, since you are here now... I have just one sentence to tell you. One that I've been waiting for so many years to say...

What is more creepy is the fact that those two seem to know each other, while CHE5TER has no idea what is happening. But the moment He hears the last sentence, His body begins to experience a whole new level of being uncontrollable, as weak as a feather falling from the sky.

"...Welcome home, God of War."