The Underground City

24:02

When they get back to their city, they walk around towards the base this time. CHE5TER seems to have changed in His crevaator clothes already, yet RY4N is still a bit confused about what happened.

[RY4N]-Sooo... Are you going to explain what happened now?

[CHE5TER]-Why the rush?

[RY4N]-*sigh* You are such a secretive person, Ches... I wonder who made you this way.

[CHE5TER]-*chuckles* And what's wrong with that?

[RY4N]-At least tell me, what was that data things about? Did you really managed to get registered in their data?

[CHE5TER]-Yeah. Can't believe it or what?

[RY4N]-Yeah, I mean... How did you do that anyway? Don't they need to take a drop of your blood to be registered? If anything, they could've seen already that you a part of their Officer's code line.

[CHE5TER]-It was pretty easy, actually. Remember Mr. A4RU?

[RY4N]-Didn't he die years ago? What about him?

[CHE5TER]-Well, in his will, he wrote that he wants to donate himself to the Great Leader even after his death. He wanted to serve the ruler, to make his death matter. "Use my blood as ink for the peace treaty, my body as shield for the citizens and my dreams as a reason to continue."

[RY4N]-*sigh* Yeah... I remember he was loyal to our father even after He passed away and served you like he was some sort of slave. He was a bit insane, wasn't he?

[CHE5TER]-Heh... A bit... After he died, I managed to take a small vessel full of his blood to fulfil his last wish in the future, not long before I cremated his body myself. But I'm afraid that he will still have to wait until the peace is established. In the end, I took this opportunity of him being an R born and put two drops of his blood in a fake finger to register myself in the data as soon as possible, knowing how much work I have around the City of Above.

[RY4N]-So he managed to serve you even after his death, huh?

[CHE5TER]-Yeah... And after that, I had to explain why I didn't get registered until that day and had to think of something quickly. So I simply said that I am ill and need to stay home to rest. They did check some days to see if I'm telling the truth and managed to trick them just enough for them to leave me alone. But I don't think they will check on you as well. I annoyed them for good, so they won't even bother themselves to see me again at my "home". But we will have to do something with your registration since now they are aware of you.

[RY4N]-Another pain in the ass... So I have to do it soon as well now? Don't think I need to do like you though. I'm not a C born.

[CHE5TER]-Yes, but you said it yourself. We have the same code as their Officer. If anything, it will raise some questions of how you got in my hands in the first place.

[RY4N]-Then we are going to take from someone's blood? I don't think we have someone young as an R born at the base. If anything, we will have to take from a different base.

[CHE5TER]-We will find a solution when the time comes. For now, let's just go back to the base. I have a lot of papers to sign since all the changes with the N3MES1O's base.

[RY4N]-When I come back, I can help you with them if you wish.

[CHE5TER]-You said it, not me. If you get bored, don't tell me you give up.

And so, they continue walking, as they chat so they can kill the time. Yet at some point, CHE5TER hears His name being called from one of the buildings nearby.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Pssst! Master!

...It's the little crevaator again, whispering to Him so He can come alone and see what he wants. When the Great Leader notices him, He just tells one more thing to His brother before He leaves him.

[CHE5TER]-...Hey, RY4N, I will see you later, alright? I have something quick to do.

[RY4N]-Are you sneaking off again?

[CHE5TER]-No, no. I will come back soon. I just have to do a small thing and then I go back to my papers as I said.

[RY4N]-*sigh* Alright. It's not like you are going to listen to me no matter what I say anyway.

[CHE5TER]-Hmph. I will see you after your meeting, alright?

[RY4N]-Alright.

In the end, he waves at Him as a goodbye and leaves, yet CHE5TER remains behind, looking at His brother leaving.

[CHE5TER]-...You can come out now.

So, the crevaator listens, as he comes to Him quickly in order to tell Him what he wants.

[CHE5TER]-Alright. Tell me what you want. Quick!

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-J-Just a few things and I leave! I promise!

[CHE5TER]-Okay. Did you do as I said?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Y-Yes, yes! But--

[CHE5TER]- --Did he tell you his answer? Or did he delayed it?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-L-Look... There has been a problem with the thing you've requested, Master.

[CHE5TER]-A problem?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Yes! He said he won't be able to do the sabotage as you wished at all because of a problem with the Great Walls.

[CHE5TER]-And that might be...?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-H-He said something about the demons wandering around the walls of the city too frequently. He fears that this might get us all in trouble if we do the sabotage now.

[CHE5TER]-...The demons are back? But I thought the M soldiers got rid of them years ago. Why are they back?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-I-I don't know, but 0ZUL says that he doesn't want to risk with stopping the power and letting the demons enter the city so that--

[CHE5TER]- --they won't find our city as well... With the instincts of a demon, they can find the Underground City in no time and kill anybody here with their own limbs, without the need of the Ynash'saveghtah Gas... What about the M soldiers? What are they planning to do with this problem?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-I-I'm afraid that I don't know anything. 0ZUL also says that the problem is still under investigations. They intend to find something to get rid of them again, but they have to discuss further.

[CHE5TER]-So this is the problem they've been talking about...

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Hm?

[CHE5TER]-Nothing. You are free to go. If anything, you can try to speak again with Mr. 0ZUL and tell him to investigate the problem as well. The demons are a common enemy for us and the M soldiers. We need to get rid of them if we don't want to go extinct.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Alright! I will do as you said!

So, the crevaator leaves, only for the Great Leader to stay and think further about the problem.

"...Why are they back again? Do they really want to kill us all? If so, why did they leave years ago?"

He looks at the ceiling of the city now, being lost in His thoughts again.

"If anything, they will only cause trouble. Maybe if we find how they can cut in flesh without the gas, we can find a way to protect ourselves from them for once and for all. But until then... they will only cause me problems with my plans. Great time for them to reappear, I swear..."

Yet the crevaator seems as if he came back while He was thinking, talking with Him one more time.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-O-Oh, Master! I almost forgot!

[CHE5TER]-What is it?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-While I was talking to Mr. 0ZUL, a woman came to us as she heard the conversation and--

[CHE5TER]- --You've been exposed?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-N-No, no. I mean, I think not... But the woman was simply trying to advertise one of the clubs nearby. We refused the things she offered us, yet she insisted on giving me one saying "This is for your friend that's not present with us at the moment. I am sure that Young Master LENKOV wouldn't mind if someone stole His time for a bit. I do hope you will inform Him about our conversation, right?"

[CHE5TER]-Is that so? What did she give you for me?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-Umm... One moment...

The crevaator searches for some seconds for whatever he got, only for him to find it in the end show it to the ruler.

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-This. This is the thing.

He hands it over to the Great Leader then, so He starts analysing it. Seems like a small advertise card for a strip club, so no wonder He got a bit confused at first when He knows that the woman knows Him.

[CHE5TER]-...You're joking, right?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-N-No, no! I'm serious! I swear, I-I'm not joking with you! S-She gave me this for you!

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* Okay, so? Is that all? She didn't tell you anything more?

[RA4V'SZEFNAGH]-U-Umm... Yeah, that's all. Nothing more. She just said that thing and emphasised the word "steal".

He stops for a bit to think, then ends the conversation right away.

[CHE5TER]-I see... Alright then. I will keep that in mind. You can go now.

And the crevaator leaves again, this time for good, as the Leader stays to stare at the advertise card.

"..."Steal some time", huh?"

The Southeast Military Base

27:29

RY4N just got back from the meeting, a bit tired because of the constant chaos without the Great Leader present there. He walks around for a bit, as he seems to meet up with some of the members on his way. After all, LUK3 was waiting for KYR4 to come back as always.

[LUK3]-KYR4!! KYR4!!!

[KYR4]-*sigh* Not again...

[RY4N]-He sure likes to be around you, Officer.

[KYR4]-Oh, shut up.

He finally manages to get close, as he takes KYR4 in his arms. She seems to be very annoyed at this point, but there's nothing she can do.

[KYR4]-Let go already! LUK3!!

[LUK3]-Nuh-uhhh!

She struggles a bit to escape, until she just gives up and takes a huge breath.

[RY4N]-So... are you ready for the mission of today?

[KYR4]-RY4N, I swear, one more word and I smack your ass. I don't even care if the Great Leader will find out.

[RY4N]-I just asked.

[KYR4]-Mhm...

[RY4N]-Hey, LUK3. Where is little N04H?

[LUK3]-Hm? Oh, he is with C0NNER at the training ground. I just took a break so I can greet KYR4!

[KYR4]-Well, you greeted me. Can you let go now??

He finally lets go of her in the end with a smile, yet she doesn't give a damn. She just thanks him in disgrace.

[KYR4]-...Thank you.

[LUK3]-Aww, you're welcome, little one!

[KYR4]-Ughh... RY4N, just tell me what the fuck were gonna do this night.

[RY4N]-CHE5TER said something about a sabotage near the gates. Probably he will explain more when we get the documents.

[KYR4]-Sabotage? Well, that didn't happen in a long time. What's the matter now?

[RY4N]-It's related to the General's plans. CHE5TER wants to take the documents that reveal all of these things we've feared. If anything, most likely it will be hard for us to get our hands on them, but it's his decision, not ours.

[KYR4]-Tough day today, huh... I'm surprised you are okay with this plan actually. Won't it mean for Him to enter and take the documents? And, you know... since these are the documents related to the General's plans, they will be supervised at all costs?

[RY4N]-*sigh* I know... That's why I was planning on going to talk with him about this subject. This is too much. We took this risk already in the past and look what happened. I don't want to relive that experience once again...

[KYR4]-He's not gonna be so happy about it though...

[RY4N]-Yeah, I know. But I'm sick of taking such high risks all the time and live in fear.

[LUK3]-Want us to come with you and confront Him?

[RY4N]-No. I have to do this on my own. He's my brother after all. He has to listen to me, whether he likes it or not.

[KYR4]-Alright then... I guess all I can say is "Good luck".

[RY4N]-Thank you. I will talk with you after.

So, RY4N leaves, while KYR4 and LUK3 remain behind, looking at him vanish slowly.

[LUK3]-...Bet they will argue again?

[KYR4]-Ehh... Maybe he will convince Him.

[LUK3]-Are you serious? You know Boss! He is too stubborn!

[KYR4]-Okay then. 4.000 Verha will be?

[LUK3]-Oh, I'm in!

Yet now, RY4N finally arrived at the Great Leader's office, taking a deep breath, ready to enter and confront his brother. As he enters, he sees CHE5TER sitting on His chair, signing some papers from the desk, a bit bored.

[CHE5TER]-So you came?

[RY4N]-Wasn't I suppose to come or...?

[CHE5TER]-I just thought that you won't like to stay and work with papers for a long time, so you wouldn't even bother yourself coming.

[RY4N]-Actually... I've came here to discuss with you about something that bothers me.

[CHE5TER]-And that is...?

[RY4N]-Well... The plan of today.

[CHE5TER]-Okay... Then what about it?

[RY4N]-I was thinking that we shouldn't rush with this type of missions again... You know what happened last time, right?

[CHE5TER]-So?

[RY4N]-So I refuse to let you do the same mistake again.

[CHE5TER]-Really? And who are you to refuse my words?

[RY4N]-Who am I!? I'm your brother, that's who I am!

CHE5TER gives him a death stare, yet RY4N just continues to stand for his point. But then, strangely, He starts laughing at him, letting RY4N confused.

[RY4N]-Why are you laughing!?

[CHE5TER]-...Oh, nothing. It's just funny for me every time you try to defend your arguments. You just bring this excuse every single day, don't you know any other ones?

[RY4N]-So? Isn't it true though?

[CHE5TER]-Maybe. I don't know. Still, even as my brother, you have no authority against me. I am the Great Leader, the ruler Himself of this city. Probably the only one who had higher level than me was our father. Nobody else.

There is a small moment of silence between them. Of course RY4N knows the difference between their titles and he cannot really say anything against His words, but he is still a bit annoyed by this long lasting problem. Yet, CHE5TER decides to speak again.

[CHE5TER]-But... I guess I have good news for you.

[RY4N]-Good news...?

[CHE5TER]-Indeed. It wasn't necessary for you to beg me anyway, 'cause I've already decided to not try this idea anymore. You were lucky this time.

[RY4N]-Really? Strange choice of yours... I don't remember the last time we've agreed on a subject. What made you change your mind all of a sudden?

[CHE5TER]-Simply the idea that I encountered a small problem with the plan. That's all.

[RY4N]-Problem?

[CHE5TER]-You see... remember when you saw me discussing with the crevaator and told you about his mission for me?

[RY4N]-Yeah...?

[CHE5TER]-Well... seems like he encountered a small difficulty in my plan. He informed the guy that I told him about and everything, but there is a tiny investigation on a new problem around the City of Above that destroys everything. More exactly... seems like the thing the soldiers were talking about wasn't about the money as I thought at first, more like the creatures from the outside of the walls.

RY4N looks a bit in fear at CHE5TER, before he speaks again.

[RY4N]-...The demons came back?

[CHE5TER]-Apparently...

[RY4N]-Not these things again... We had problems with them years ago as well! Why did they come back!?

[CHE5TER]-Who knows... They are unknown to us till this very day. We know very little information about them. Even the M soldiers, who live near them, don't know much about these creatures. Last time they left was because they are scared of the light of the walls, it getting brighter each ten years because of the power gained. But now all of sudden they try to enter even with the lights on. It's strange for them to fight against their only threat just to get to us. Like they are looking for something...

[RY4N]-What about the supplies? The EZR4H Clan is suppose to take even more from the outside in the next few days! They will get devoured in no time, no matter the equipment they use!

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* I know. We have to stop the missions from the outside for now and rely on whatever we have at the moment. It won't be easy at all...

The more He speaks, the more He realises how much troubles this will cause around the city, not to mention the work He will be obligated to do because of it. Even RY4N realises that He isn't happy about this subject.

[RY4N]-Alright... As much as I like that I won this time, I don't think it's the best time to celebrate. Let's change the subject now.

[CHE5TER]-Heh... Then what's on your mind?

[RY4N]-How about I help you with the papers as I said earlier? Can't be that hard, can it?

[CHE5TER]-Not hard, but boring indeed.

So, RY4N comes closer to Him, taking a seat and looking around the desk. CHE5TER just gives him half of the papers, as well as something to stamp them with the official seal of approval from the Great Leader. While he stamps them, CHE5TER looks at the other half of documents that weren't signed to make sure it is legit, puts His signature on them, or, well... more exactly His father's old signature which He has learnt to do over the years, and hands them over to His brother to do his part. It's not complicated, it's just a bit too much to handle alone.

[CHE5TER]-Say... Why did you want to help me so badly with these papers anyway? It's probably the only thing I can do without you worrying all the time.

[RY4N]-Well... you aren't the only one who made promises, remember?

[CHE5TER]-So that's all about...

[RY4N]-I guess. But you know that we used to say "whoever breaks a promise will go eat a demon".

[CHE5TER]-Right... I wonder who created this proverb anyway.

[RY4N]-Why does it matter?

[CHE5TER]-It just sounds funny to me. That's all. Don't you think that as well?

[RY4N]-A bit.

Minutes later, CHE5TER took a small break, as He looks at a photo that stays on His desk for a while. It doesn't take long before RY4N notices that as well.

[RY4N]-...Hey, Ches?

[CHE5TER]-Hm?

[RY4N]-Maybe you don't like it, but I will still try to keep my word. That's why I might be a bit too annoying for you and all. You know this already. No matter what happens...

He stops looking at the photo and stares at RY4N, who is talking to Him now. Yet the photo is so beautiful, even if we've seen it before. Two lively kids, standing next to the one that took care of them and died years ago. Maybe they're still trying to forget the past, the reason behind their quarrels, but it's painful to simply let go of those beautiful memories.

"...I will always be here for you, Brother."