"-In life, nothing will remain the same forever, no matter how hard you hope for it to be. History itself proves it. There is... something that will happen and cause this change of our lives sooner or later. And as you will be aware of its benefits, I am aware of the consequences.

-I know you didn't call me only to tell me that. All the mysterious talk... you've been doing this for so many years. So? What bothers you now?

-Tell me, old friend..."

15.09.1641

The Student Hostel of the West

15:00

Four people, around the age of fourteen, stood in a student hostel room. Three of them were on their beds while one was standing up, ready to disrupt their sleep. All of them had something interesting in their appearance, though. While they looked human, their eyes and end of the hair had a specific colour that differs for each of them. Just like the suns shine in the sky as they rise in the morning, so does their colour in specific moments of life. And when the suns will rise, so will their future.

[M1LO]-Wake up, assholes! It's our graduation day! If we are going to be late this time as well because you can't move your bodies, I swear, I'm gonna cut off your legs!

[ANDR3]-Five more minutes, please...

While two of them had already started preparing, one remained in bed and made himself cozy.

[M1LO]-You are always telling me that, ANDR3! Wake up, you lazy shit! N04H, come help me with this guy!

[N04H]-You know it never works with him anyway. Just let him be.

[M1LO]-Just shut up and help me beat his ass already!

"...My name is N04H, one of the graduates of the Central School from the Underground City. A former student with a dream of being part of the team of people who fight for the peace we deserve. I've always wished to join the Central Military Base, one of the many military places present in the city I have grown in, and help those who protect us from the fears of the above every day. I admired all the soldiers, not only that base in particular. I did ever since I was a child, and I'm not the only one who had this mindset. M1LO, one of my old roommates, also had the same desire as I had. But I can't say that all the people I knew did the same. For example, K4NE and ANDR3, my other two roommates, only wanted to live simple lives, not to trouble themselves with the war. And they weren't the only ones. But it is maybe why M1LO sometimes never understood their wishes and maybe... a reason behind his impulsive personality that never left his soul."

[M1LO]-Come on, ANDR3! We are going to be late again because of you!

[ANDR3]-Mm... Just leave without me and let me sleep...

[M1LO]-Oh, not this time! I'm not going to be responsible for your absence again!

[K4NE]-Why don't you just pull him by the legs up to the school field and leave him with these clothes?

[M1LO]-Then help me pull him, smartass!

[ANDR3]-Nahh... Leave me alone... Stooop!!

"And I'm not going to lie... I was a bit nervous about the day we have graduated. It was a big celebration for all of us, but also a step forward towards our dreams. After all those years of learning the history of our kind, some survival skills and how to use our powers given by the gods above properly, I wouldn't say I knew what was waiting for me in the future. The times we lived in, and even now, are a bit harsh even for the strongest warriors. And it won't be easy for any of us, regardless of what we chose to do. But I hoped one day that I will be useful in stopping this bloodshed, even for a bit. To repay those who died for us.

When we were kids, we've learnt about our city and history either from elders or from school. Our home is a city constructed for the first time by M1NERV4, the second Great Leader, well placed underground in order for us to not worry about the M borns from the City of Above finding us and killing more of our kind so easily. To think that a city so small would grow bigger than anyone could've imagined... Maybe it was Her plan all along. But regardless, I was raised in this place we all call home. The people here deserve to live a peaceful life. They all are trying to survive every moment with the fear that one day we will be discovered and executed because of our "sins". Why do we have to live in fear? What did we do to deserve all of this? ...I question myself every single day of my life, and maybe I'm not the only one. But there is no use hoping for a response, as the only man who has the answer to all our questions is the same man that tries to kill us without any mercy. The man that I will never forgive for doing this to us all... the General of the above."

Central School "M1NERV4"

16:02

[GR1FFIN]-Good morning, everyone! And welcome to your graduation day!

As the graduation day commenced, a huge crowd gathered in the school's property. The teachers and the principal stood on a platform present in the center of the gather ground, while the rest of the crowd, mostly consisting of students, were scattered around that area in the form of a circle. Their attention was taken by the person speaking on the platform, the principal, yet the group of friends couldn't help but argue when they arrived at the start of the speech.

[M1LO]-Good job, asshole! We are already late!

[K4NE]-Stop making such a scene already, M1LO! At least we didn't miss anything important!

[M1LO]-We could've made it in time, you know!?

[K4NE]-To do what? It always starts half an hour after the time of presence. If you came here on time, you would've waited and wasted your minutes of life for nothing!

One of the people standing nearest to them in the huge crowd of souls from the school field started whispering harshly to them. The responses were quick and obedient, looking down once the familiar voice of a teacher was scolding them.

[3DMUND]-You two! Keep your mouths shut!

[M1LO+K4NE]-...Sorry, Mr. 3DMUND!

They didn't say a word afterwards, joining the huge crowd in listening to the principal's speech.

[GR1FFIN]-As you may already know, my name is GR1FFIN MILLER and I am the principal of the Central School "M1NERV4" of the Underground City. I am the one in charge of everything that surrounds us today, as well as the one responsible for all the young souls that step inside the school's doors each day. Every year, we welcome new students in our family of dedicated people and treat them all equally, whether they come from the shelters, from other families or even from above. We meet so many new faces, get to know so many different mindsets and views on life, and all we have always promised is that we will help forming your young minds into responsible beings that can take life into their own hands. But, of course, no one stands inside these walls of protection forever. As well as we are pleased that you all are going to take your own paths and fulfil your dreams, we cannot help but regret that--

"--To think that some years ago I started my journey inside that school after leaving the shelter in which I was raised ever since I was a newborn created by the machine present in the City of Above... and I was about to leave that place as well. I made a lot of friends in that school, and I was afraid I might not see most of them ever again. I knew at that time that I might be stupid to join the military, but I felt bad for not even trying to help those who protect our city from our enemies. I didn't know much about them, but I knew they are all kind souls, risking their own lives just for us."

[GR1FFIN]-...Now that you are going to follow your own destinies, I can only hope that everything will go as you've always dreamt. And for those who wish to continue with helping the people of our city, I just want to say... please, stay safe! Our desire is to see you all once again in the future. And do not worry, the information regarding the military bases will be revealed to you by the teachers and the people in collaboration with the military shortly. But for now, let us enjoy these last moments together, before--

"--But among those people, there is one person who rules over this whole city, and for whom I am the most grateful to: the Great Leader, ruler of the Underground City. Nobody actually knows this person's name, nor His true identity. All I knew back then was that He is some type of descendant of M1NERV4, like an entire bloodline that rules over these lands and that fights for peace. As for who He is or the people before Him? It's a mystery that was never solved. I've heard many stories and theories when I was very young. There was one that said the first descendant is actually M1NERV4's son, or that M1NERV4 simply created this person as the new god of these lands. But it's unlikely. The books that we've studied from say M1NERV4 was an R born, so She couldn't create anything at all since She didn't have any powers like us, C borns. And especially, She couldn't create a soul.

Another theory said that He isn't even one of us, but took Her role after Her death anyway. Nobody exactly knows how the Great Leader was decided after M1NERV4's demise. So, over the course of our existence... some people have started believing that when we were on a weak spot after the revolution, He saw Her death as an opportunity and took Her role anonymously in order to become our ruler. But if this was true, why did He continue helping us? My thought on this though was that He is simply a powerful being who had shown His abilities to rule over the city and got His right of doing so. But I couldn't say I was sure this was the truth either. As I said, nobody knows who He is even in the present. But at least He protects us all, and that's what I admire about Him."

[GR1FFIN]-...Lastly, I want to thank you for all the beautiful memories we've made these years, all of you! We are all aware of the hard times we live in, but at least we've continued to live with a smile and a hope for a new tomorrow. Do not lose this hope of yours, no matter your future difficulties. From now on, I wish you all the blessings of Great Leader M1NERV4! Glory to The Renaissance! And glory... to the revolution!

[ALL]-Glory to the revolution!

18:06

After the speech given by the principal, there is a moment taken for the students interested in the military life to get the information about each base of the city, to which N04H and some other people attend. M1LO was there too, just next to him. And after everyone analysed what each base offers and promises in exchange of becoming their soldier, as well as also showing what exactly their work is about, some of the students go to other areas of the school field because of more reasons. Some try to make their decisions, some simply go to meet up with other friends, or some simply just want to stay and watch the whole celebration. Of course, there are others who remained around the information delivery area to get more details. But our friends decided to just have a small chat on their own once they have gotten the information they needed and also a small paper with everything regarding the bases written on it, similar to a brochure.

[M1LO]-So, N04H... did you already decide where you are going from now on?

[N04H]-You probably know the answer anyway, don't you, M1LO?

[M1LO]-Heheh... So I guess we will still be colleagues, huh... Well, I think it was expected since the majority wants to go to the Central Base and I don't see why you won't go as well. They have the best results in working against the M borns of the above from what the papers show after all. Hope we both get in when we will take our admission papers.

While they were immersed in their chit-chat, a girl their age, possibly one of the graduates too, approached them in order to discuss.

[C3LINE]-Hey, guys! Can you two come for a second?

[N04H]-Hm? What's wrong?

[C3LINE]-Oh, nothing important. We just made a plan of going to celebrate after everything is done and I wanted to take you to the organiser so you can get some details about this event. After all, he wants everyone from this generation to be present. Of course, only if you are interested... Mind if you come for a minute?

[M1LO]-I guess it's worth a try. Okay then!

"During my graduation event, nothing really interesting happened. At least, not until I got myself involved in something that normally I should've refused. Some of the people from my generation came up with the idea of a new event after the celebration at school was over. C3LINE was the one who introduced it to me and M1LO. She was a part of a group known from our generation to organise events around the school for us, the students, and especially during special occasions. The one leading the whole group, organising the members and coming up with the ideas was a guy named AU5T1N. But I can't really tell more about them. We weren't really friends or have known each other to say more about that group or the people behind it. I stood mostly with my roommates anyway, so maybe that explains this problem. But at the end of the day, we all got along in that school, even if we didn't know each other that well."

[C3LINE]-Alright! Here we are!

[AU5T1N]-I see you've invited more people to join us, C3LINE. Welcome!

[M1LO]-Okay, AU5T1N. What's this all about? What's your new, "amazing" idea this time?

[AU5T1N]-So, to get to the point... I was thinking of making a little trip, far from here, in order to celebrate this occasion. Somewhere we've never been before, any of us.

[M1LO]-How... far are we talking about, exactly?

[AU5T1N]-How about... one of the bars from the City of Above? No one went there, that's for sure. We can use some disguises from the training classes in order to hide and bring them back once we are done. I'm sure that would be an experience nobody could even imagine of!

M1LO stood a bit after what he just heard. His expression was a mix of emotions even he probably couldn't decipher. While his face expressed anger and judgement towards the words spoken, His eyes were showing signs of fear, but with no clear explanation.

[M1LO]-...Are you insane!? You've learnt nothing all these years! We try to stay as far as we can from the M borns of the above and you want us to go exactly where they are!? What if we get caught!?

[AU5T1N]-Oh, come on! Don't be like that! Everybody is curious about that city and its sky after all! And I can guarantee you that we won't get caught. We will go at midnight, when the bar should be full of people. And if they ask why we are so many at number, we can just say that we want to have a little party. Simple.

[N04H]-Why when it's full? Can't we go when there are just a few people?

[AU5T1N]-Because it would be a bit too suspicious to go in such a big number to an empty bar, don't you think? And knowing how strict the M soldiers are, we will get caught way too easily just because of this mistake alone.

[M1LO]-It's still too risky, AU5T1N!

[AU5T1N]-Living as a C born is risky, dear friend! At least we can try to make the most of our lives. Are you truly living if you don't take a risk every once in a while? ...So, are you with me? Or are you too afraid of living your own damn life?

[M1LO]-*sigh* Let's go, N04H... We're only wasting our time here.

M1LO was just about to leave, but it looks like N04H had a different idea, stopping him for just a few more seconds.

[N04H]-...M1LO, wait. He has a point. We can't just... run for the rest of our lives!

[M1LO]-So what? Are you with them?

[N04H]-M1LO, we only graduate once in a lifetime... Don't you want to celebrate it?

[M1LO]-Then go get killed by the M borns of the above, if that's what you want. I don't want to be associated with this. I don't want to lose my opportunity in the entrance. And don't you even dare to tell me later that I didn't warn you.

[N04H]-Wait, M1LO!

In the end, M1LO left alone, mad, and without looking back. Almost even looking as if N04H betrayed him. While at the same time, N04H remained, watching his friend taking his leave.

[AU5T1N]-Poor little guy! He's going to lose all the fun! Don't worry, we will keep some drinks for him too. So... are you going to be present at the entrance of the dorms at 51:30, N04H?

"As for the offer itself, I... was put to make a choice. It was either to follow my friend's logical advice and refuse the idea of that whole event, or... run for the rest of my life. Like I always did and like everyone else did because of our fears. The idea was stupid and reckless... but it also made me realise that we really didn't get to live the life we have been granted to its fullest at all. We've been hiding in the shadows ever since we were aware of ourselves and never got the chance to do something about it. It is maybe why I accepted their offer. Because... we hope that we will all be free one day. And I wished to experience what freedom feels like."

[N04H]-...Alright. But don't make me regret my choice!

[AU5T1N]-Worry not, dear friend! This is going to be the best experience of your life! I'm a man of my word!

51:25

Though even N04H knew that accepting this invitation from AU5T1N was pure insanity, he decided in the end to give it a try. Late at night, he came right at the location given the last time they have talked and went towards the group of people in the same spot described, knowing that this must be the group that wants to celebrate with the same event. AU5T1N also noticed his arrival in the meantime, but N04H only looked puzzled at the group itself, counting how many people are present. They were 34 at number. AU5T1N then came next to him and put his hand around his shoulder, making N04H snap back to reality.

[AU5T1N]-Ah, N04H! You actually came!

[N04H]-I... didn't know that we will be so many. I thought that only a few people will come since it's still a bit dangerous.

[AU5T1N]-As I said, everybody is curious about the City of Above. And, after all... you can't live your life without a few risks, right?

[N04H]-...Are you sure this is a good idea, AU5T1N?

[AU5T1N]-Of course! We only need to borrow some of the disguise costumes and we will have the best night of our lives!

Another guy from the group who happened to listen to their conversation started shouting, which made AU5T1N come closer to the group and abandon N04H. Or at least obligate him to come towards the group as well, standing right next to the leader.

[Student1]-And what if one of the teachers sees us? We will get in trouble!

[AU5T1N]-Stop panicking, everyone! We've already planned everything out! Only ten of us need to go and take them for everyone, and I think it's best that the ones who are good at sneaking fulfil this mission. While those ten are taking care of the quest, my friends and I will distract the teachers to give them time.

[Student2]-Won't they ask why you are awake this late though?

[AU5T1N]-Don't worry about that little detail. I've informed them that we are taking the celebration in one of the bars of the south. And if they actually try to find us there, the rest of the students are already having a party and I have a guy that will keep the teachers away from knowing that we are not present. Now, enough with the questions! Let's get moving! The ones from the top of the board from the sneaking class should make their way towards Room 15.

While everyone started talking to each other, N04H only crossed his arms and looked at opposite way of the group leader's location. But he didn't particularly seem mad nor surprised, more like a bit annoyed by the decision, simply whispering to himself. And even if he did whisper to himself, the one next to him managed to hear anyway.

[N04H]-*sigh* Of course the top of the board has to do it...

[AU5T1N]-Yes, that includes you too, N04H! You are in top five after all! Now let's get going, everyone! We got a night to celebrate!

"And I knew from the moment this whole event was put into practice that I might have done a mistake. For us to get into the City of Above, we had to take disguises from our school's property since, well... we are C borns and we have to hide from the M soldiers. And our only simple and quick way of doing so was by this action. Not only that, but I was among those who had to "steal" those disguises as well. As if I had nothing better to do than to go against the school's rules and risk my entrance in the Central Base... But, to be honest, I was risking it ever since I accepted the offer. Which made me think whether I had done the right choice or not.

We had to enter a specific room in which the special equipment used by the teachers for us to understand how those devices work usually stays, and which includes the disguises. I can't say that if I were to organise an event like that one, I would've chosen this option though. The disguise devices are too simple compared to what the soldiers actually use. When we were taught how to use these devices, usually there was a hologram programmed to act just like an M soldier in order to see if we manage to hide our C born appearance made by the colour in our hair and eyes that represents our energy and power, and if we also manage to play as different people in case of an emergency. But we've never actually tried those disguises on real M soldiers to see if they have the same effect as our soldiers' equipment. So I was wondering if AU5T1N actually knew what he was doing at that point.

But while we were taking the disguises, I stumbled upon a tiny sphere which I didn't remember at that time to be explained what was its use during our classes. I knew I've noticed it many times before actually, since it seemed to have been forgotten under the desks for a while and I saw it at the same place every time I had nothing better to do than just look around the class. But I never bothered myself to find out what it truly was since it was so small and insignificant. Yet I guess it sounds ridiculous to talk about it so sudden. It sounds ridiculous to me as well, but when I first saw it with my own eyes, I had no knowledge of its actual use. In the present, of course I am aware of it. But back then, I will be honest... I was a bit curious. I didn't think anyone would notice if it disappeared either since nobody gave any attention to it. So, I just... took it anyway."

When they were done taking the disguises, they hurried back while avoiding the possibility of being caught "borrowing" the school's property. In no time, all the ten people arrived and showed AU5T1N the devices before finally distributing them as one equipment per each person present.

[AU5T1N]-Alright! I think we are finally ready to go in the City of Above! Activate your disguises, everyone! We have to get moving!

Everyone started moving, but only one person was still a bit hesitant. Before AU5T1N could take any step forward, N04H came right behind him and put a hand on his shoulder. He looked back, but once the question was given and he said his response, AU5T1N simply pushed N04H's hand away and moved along with the group. So that the only one with a bad thought will remain behind.

[N04H]-I'm going to ask you one last time, AU5T1N... Are you sure about this whole thing?

[AU5T1N]-Stop asking me that! Just trust my word and everything will be fine!

[N04H]-Yeah... I hope so...

The City of Above

51:53

"Later on, we managed to take one of the elevators that lead to the Underground Tunnels which are known to be the border between the City of Above and our city. But I never actually managed to ever see them in person. The tunnels are usually just used by the military since they have duties above, and the entrances which lead to that place are strategically scattered around in order for the M military to not find them at any cost. Since, of course, we stay hidden from them in the underground to begin with. Them finding our place would only lead to everyone being executed at the General's command. That is pretty much the same reason as to why I never managed to see the tunnels or even the City of Above. And that pretty much explains our own fears as well. Even though our ruler allowed us to go and see the sky above as long as we stood hidden and didn't expose any of the entrances. I guess that sometimes fear wins against dreams.

But anyway, once we got out of the tunnels and entered the City of Above, I actually got to be pretty impressed. Our city was pretty much just a village inside a hidden cave, deep underground where nobody could ever find us. The buildings don't go over two or three floors tall and you could say that we got a lot of merchant areas everywhere you look at. Then there are some parks and some areas dedicated to history figures, since our culture mostly focuses on tradition and history. In fact, the tallest building in our city is not actually a building, but rather a structure that includes the Central Military Base and the Central Memorial where the judgements of the guilty are usually performed in front of the public. Why was it made that way if the Central Base has nothing to do with the judgements? I have no idea.

But the City of Above was different. The buildings were so tall that we thought they could get us to touch the sky itself, and there were so many of those buildings that make me unable to count them. It is a huge city after all, but it still managed to impress me. Not only that, but seeing the night sky for the first time in my life was an amazing experience. Yet I still was perplexed by their own system. There weren't many people around the streets compared to ours. It seemed at first as an abandoned city. And only because of that fact alone, I got chills and a bad feeling as if I'm constantly being watched. In fact, their city system is so different than ours to the fact that it took us a long time to actually find an actual bar. And even the bars were different on their own! The idea behind ours is to just take a quick drink and chat with those you come with or with the bartender. But above, the idea of a bar is more similar to a club."

Once they finally entered a bar, their first surprise was that the bar is actually pretty empty. The only person that they saw inside was the bartender who was just standing and watching the empty bar. But no one seemed to be bothered by this idea, even though the plan was different. They enjoyed the idea of the bar being just theirs. Most started having fun on the open area as well, while others decided to just stay and chat with the bartender.

[N04H]-...Mr. Bartender?

[Barman]-Hm?

[N04H]-May I ask for your name?

[Barman]-My name...?

[N04H]-Yeah! Like... how are you called by the others?

[Barman]-...Why do you wish to know my name?

[Student3]-Because it's normal to know the name of the person you are chatting with, that's why!

[Barman]-...

[N04H]-We just want to talk with you, that's all! I-If that's... fine to you...

[Barman]-...In all those years of working in this business, I've never encountered someone that wanted to talk to the barman. So? Are you working for them? Did I not pay something in time?

[N04H]-..."Them"?

[Barman]-To be honest, I've never imagined they will actually hire kids, but everything is possible at this point.

[Student4]-I'm sorry, but what are you talking about?

[Barman]-...?

The barman simply stood quiet in front of the teens that were here to just chat once he heard the answer given back. N04H was starting to get puzzled as well, let alone to try and think about what is he even talking about, or who are those "them" he just mentioned.

[Barman]-...So you actually came here to just have fun and chat?

[Student3]-Yes, Sir!

[Barman]-...

"In fact, even a barman from the above is more different than one from the underground. While in our city, it is normal to talk with the barman himself, the one from the above is avoiding any personal question or even to talk to anybody in general. It just seemed like every citizen of the above is as we've always expected: rude and stubborn."

But while the barman was confused at the whole situation, he decided to look very closely to N04H's eyes without any kind of explanation. The little man's heartbeats increased pretty quickly, since it was a bit of an uncomfortable moment for him, of course. But only a few seconds later, the barman simply stopped and looked away as if he had made his decision. Almost as if he noticed something that he shouldn't have.

[Barman]-...Fine then. Tell me if you need anything.

[Student4]-What about our question?

[Barman]-...

[Student3]-What's your name?

[Barman]-My name... isn't that important. Go and have fun with your friends. I will be here if you need anything else.

"Considering that it is way too hard to communicate with anybody from the above, we just moved along and simply enjoyed our small event. But yet again, I felt like every movement we were doing was being supervised, even in a closed space. And I guess that feeling was actually never wrong, since the M soldiers do watch everything happening in the City of Above."

16.09.1641

01:57

"Probably not much time has passed since we've arrived at the bar, and yet somehow, things were quickly going down the hill. Someone made his appearance at the bar, even though few of us initially noticed that fact. But just in a few seconds after he has entered, a whole group of people followed him and crowded the bar. We were confused at first, and a lot of us stopped whatever we were doing at that time to just look at the new people who just appeared. But just a few moments of analysing the situation made us realise what was truly happening: we have been exposed. The uniforms of each person was the same and they were very similar to the description of the M soldiers' uniform. In other words... we were doomed to a merciless fate.

What did I do the moment I realise what was happening? I hid, of course. I ran quietly to the nearest table and hid underneath it to watch everything from afar. I was scared after all. Everyone knows what happens if the M military finds people like me, so I simply acted on instinct. And I didn't have much to do anyway, I was just a fresh graduate at the end of the day. But I had a suspicion on who has sold us out..."

[NEH3MI4H]-I see everyone is having fun here, am I right?

[Barman]-...Good day, Officer NEH3MI4H! I'm afraid you came at a wrong time. I already informed your people that I'm going to pay the debt in the next ten days.

[NEH3MI4H]-Oh, I didn't come here for your money! I came here because of a rumour about a party at which I wasn't invited. So... what are we celebrating here?

[Barman]-...

[Student5]-W-We are just... having a party, Sir! We wanted to have a little bit of fun between friends!

[NEH3MI4H]-Oh, how sweet... Mind if my colleagues and I join you?

The man did a sign to the soldiers, to which they have started inspecting the kids quickly and in more detail. As to why they've done such action, they wanted to prove whether the teens are normal citizens, or rather whether they are C borns or not. More exactly, they were trying to reap the part that makes their disguises work, being present somewhere around their chest area. N04H was watching everything, not knowing what to do. When they succeeded to take off the disguise from one of the girls of the group, the Officer came in hope that he will see a result.

In order to find what he was looking for, he waited for the whole appearance to slowly reveal itself and make the differences in their races more clear. If the girl was to have normal colours of hair and eyes, just like we and those soldiers do, then she was either an R born or an M born. Or to be more clear, she was a non-C born. If it is for the girl to have a specific colour both at the end of her hair and in her eyes that can react to her powers or even emotions, then she is a C born. When the appearance was revealed, it was pretty clear that she belonged to the C borns, as she had the colour orange in both her hair and her eyes. Everyone, in fact, belonged in that group since they were all C borns, including N04H who has the C colour green. But the soldiers managed to reveal only one of them. Still, they didn't need any more proof than one C born being present in order to take them.

[NEH3MI4H]-...Take them all. Do not let any of them escape.

And with that command being said, all of the teens started running out of pure fear. But it had no point anyway. They all got captured no matter what they've tried. Even with their powers from the gods, they weren't experienced enough to fight the M soldiers themselves.

[NEH3MI4H]-But I will admit, you all made me curious. Where have you been hiding all this time without getting caught, hm?

"...And since we got exposed, the M soldiers managed to take everyone from my group with them. At first, I thought they will get me too, even though I was hiding unlike them. I just stood there motionless under the table, not knowing what to do. But then, the same sphere I've taken from the school's room fell down on the floor. While it did attract unwanted attention and made an M soldier come my way, it also was my only item left to take in my hands and pray to the gods that everything will be fine. And somehow... it did end up being just fine. Because the moment the soldier lifted the table and looked underneath it, he just stood a second and left. I was confused as to why he didn't take me as well. I thought for a second he just spared my life. But then I looked at my hands and realised that I cannot see them anymore. Somehow, I've become invisible."

02:16

"When I was given the opportunity, I simply ran as fast as I could to get help. But I had so many questions during my way towards the underground. How didn't I know about the existence of a device that makes you completely invisible? What was it doing in the school if we were never meant to know about it? Or were we even suppose to know about it, since the schools never taught anything about them? But at the same time, I had nothing better to do than to just run and find someone to help me out."

But while he was running away, he could hear the soldiers slowly starting to take their leave. At the same time, the person leading them was shouting at one of the people who got caught, but it wasn't really clear to who exactly he was shouting at. So, N04H just assumed it was one of the teens, a C born.

[NEH3MI4H]-Do not try to resist! You know you have to pay for the sins you've committed, for everything that you've done!

"...Everything that we've done, huh?"

When he arrived in the Underground City, he started running blindly around the streets. He looked irresolute, not knowing what idea to apply or ignore, while also fighting the thought that he is running out of time quickly.

"My first thought of getting help was to go to the teachers, but by doing that, I will get myself and all the others involved in trouble for sneaking into the City of Above without anybody knowing, which would risk everyone's entrance chance in the military. Not only that, but who knows if they were any useful in this kind of situations anyway? My second choice were my friends, but they were just kids, just like me and just like all the others that got caught. I couldn't risk their lives too into the game. Then I thought of asking some people from the Central Military Base, thinking that maybe they could help me the best. But if I were to do that, I will ruin my entrance chances even more. Yet then, out of nowhere..."

[LUK3]-Ouch! Hey! That hurt, buddy!

"...I bumped into a weird man with a scar on his nose."

The man seemed young, probably in his early 20s. He was a tall C born with short, messy and black hair and a scar right on his nose going from left to right. His C colour is golden, finding it in both his eyes and his hair. But unlike N04H, he has highlights in his hair with his C colour. It isn't rare for them to have highlights, but it sure is less seen. His outfit is pretty regular, but what stands out is a scarf that matches the colours of his hair, black and gold.

Both N04H and the man had fallen down due to the sudden bump that N04H caused. But even though N04H was still shocked from the sudden falling, the man got up and came closer to help him by giving him a hand.

[LUK3]-Look where you are going from now own, alri--

--But when he looked at N04H's face, he got a bit confused and worried seeing a few tears coming out of his eyes.

[LUK3]-...H-Hey!! Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself? Why are you crying???

It seems like N04H, due to the situation and the sudden fall that caused a bit of pain, got so scared to the point of not being able to keep himself stable for too long as he wanted. But it didn't take long for someone else to arrive at the scene. A woman approached, talking in a mocking way to the strange man that wanted to help N04H get up. She too was a C born, with a bit of a dark hair arranged in a slightly messy hair bun, while in the bun stand in the form of an "X" two metal-looking sticks. Her clothes are pretty regular too and her age seems the same as the guy's age, but her C colour is a bit interesting. She doesn't have highlights like the guy, but her colour is not seen by the human eye and is only seen by the people from this world. While we see it as purple, they see a colour called Vewfhroorav.

[KYR4]-*sigh* ...LUK3, what did you do this time?

[LUK3]-I didn't do ANYTHING!! This kid bumped into me and started crying! Stop blaming me for everything that happens!!!

[KYR4]-Oh, dear M1NERV4... Hey, kid. What's wrong? What did this idiot do to you?

[LUK3]-HEY!!

"At this point, I didn't have much of a choice anyway. Every idea I had would've gotten me into big trouble. And maybe including some complete strangers into the whole situation wasn't the best thing to do either, but I needed help as soon as possible. So, in the end, I just told the weird man and the cold woman that was standing with him what was happening."

[N04H]-...M-My friends got captured by the M soldiers!

Both the woman and the weird man looked at N04H in a way that it almost seems as if they just witnessed someone dying, eyes wide open and expressing no emotion. Just pure shock. But before saying anything, the guy helped him get up first, then both him and the woman started looking at each other as if they were communicating only using their eyes. Still, N04H didn't really allow them much time, since he already started explaining the situation.

[N04H]-...One of the people from my group came up with the idea of celebrating our graduation in one of the bars from the City of Above, but their military forces found us and took them all! I-I managed to escape somehow, but I really need help to save them! P-Please! Can you help me out?

[LUK3]-Hold up, hold up! How did you even manage to escape in the first place? It's almost impossible to do it when you get caught by their soldiers!

[N04H]-W-With this thing.

He then took from one of his pockets the small sphere he found at the school and showed it to them. But the moment they saw it, you could guess that they knew what it is. Their expressions made it pretty clear. And while the weird man only looked at the sphere constantly to even get the slightest idea of what happened, the woman only looked for a single second at it before starting to stare deadly at the teen.

[KYR4]-...How did you get this?

[N04H]-I found it in one of the classes in my school. I-I'm from the Central School.

[LUK3]-But I thought only the military bases have access to these devices...

[KYR4]-Those bastards from the center are never careful in what they are doing... Now they leave secret devices in schools? For the gods' sake, we shall vote for banning visits from the military for advices to the students the next time we have a meeting with the Council...

[N04H]-What is this device anyway...?

But the woman didn't respond. What she did instead was to take the device from N04H completely and put it somewhere in her pockets in order to bring it back where it belongs.

[KYR4]-Tell me, how many of your friends were caught out there?

[N04H]-Around 34, I think.

[LUK3]-*sigh* That's a big number...

The woman then turned her glance towards the man, before they both started a conversation between each other, a bit on a lower tone, which N04H didn't manage to hear exactly everything discussed in it.

[KYR4]-Should we tell Master?

[LUK3]-What?? No!

[KYR4]-Then what!? You know we can't act without His permission and I can't take decisions like these without at least letting Him know!

[LUK3]-Then let's do it without Him knowing anything about this!

[KYR4]-Are you out of your mind!? We will get in trouble!

[LUK3]-We won't! Besides, that man needs to rest a bit anyway! Telling Him about this whole thing will only make Him get involved in it as well, and you know very well that we don't want that to happen!

[KYR4]-LUK3...

[LUK3]-We will just borrow some of the equipment, take the kids and come back as quickly as possible without Him noticing our absence!

[KYR4]-You know the consequences...

[LUK3]-Then what!? You want to leave this kid in this shitty situation alone??

The woman then looked at N04H for two seconds out of pity, but at the same time as if he wanted to kill him for causing the whole trouble.

[KYR4]-...Alright then. But if we get caught--

[LUK3]- --Yeah, yeah... You will put the blame on me and probably kill me after all of this is over. I've heard it many times. Now let's go!

[KYR4]-*sigh* God dammit. When you think you are done with the work for today, there comes another thing to do...

The weird man already started moving with or without the others, but the woman remained next to N04H to watch the stupidity of the guy be in action. After all, she seems to know some problems he might have forgotten about. So, she stops him just before he gets too far.

[KYR4]-And... where do you think you are going?

[LUK3]-Uhh, back to the base to get the equipment...?

[KYR4]-Aren't you forgetting something?

[LUK3]-Umm...

[KYR4]-You KNOW we cant get the kid inside the base, right?

[LUK3]-Oh, yeah! Well, that's a small problem... But I guess nowhere it is mentioned that we can't bring him with something that covers his eyes, no? That way, he won't know anything about the location or the road towards it AND we get the guy to join us!

[KYR4]-Why do we have to bring him in the first place, genius?

[LUK3]-Well, I mean, you still need some information about where his friends have been taken, right? What's so bad if we bring him for just a few minutes until we get everything we need? We just save some more time than leaving him here, get the equipment, get back to him and then get into the tunnels!

[KYR4]-*sigh* As much as I have to scold you for even thinking about this idea, I know you will do it your way no matter what I say...

The strange guy then comes back, thinks for a second about what to give N04H to put on his eyes and then simply takes off his scarf to cover them himself. And he actually pays close attention to how he covers N04H's eyes, since this seems to be very important to both of them. He has to be sure that N04H is completely blind during the road towards their location.

[LUK3]-Okay, that should do it! Now, don't remove it until I say so, kiddo! And DON'T lose it at ANY cost! Guess I will have a bit more work to do since I got to carry you around too, but oh well...

[KYR4]-I swear to the heavens, if someone sees what we are doing and reports us of kidnapping, I'm going to have a huge argument with Master about your staying in the base...

The Southeast Military Base

02:34

When they arrived at the location, the weird man put N04H down for a bit but told him to still not take the scarf off, thus remaining completely blind while the two were taking their equipment. But when they were about to leave, someone already spotted them taking the equipment without any given reason.

[C0NNER]-And... where do you guys think you are going with those at this hour? Without informing Master?

The person was another C born, but he seemed younger compared to these two. He didn't even seem in his 20s. His hair is a bit dark and long enough to get to his shoulders, but that's pretty much it. His C colour is blue, with just a few highlights scattered around in very small strands of hair. As for how he looks as a person... he just seems even colder and more distant than the woman.

[LUK3]-...Shit! Why is HE here this late?

[KYR4]-Yeah, you explain it from here, big guy!

[C0NNER]-Well?

[LUK3]-Oh, alright... So, KYR4 and I were minding our own business, like, you know... the usual! And then this kid happened to bump into me and said he got into a little situation... Sooo, I decided to help him! And that's why we kind of... need the equipment!

[C0NNER]-...Are you two out of your minds? You can't just take everyone that you meet on the streets and bring them here!

[LUK3]-JUST LISTEN! His friends got captured and we have to save them! I couldn't just let him wander around the city crying! You know this feeling better than any of us after all, C0NNER!

[C0NNER]-...

He seemed a bit annoyed by this response actually. Even so, he looked back at the kid for a few moments that was standing blind in their building. N04H had no idea what was happening since he couldn't see anything, but he could still hear.

[C0NNER]-...You need to at least inform Master that you guys are going out in the City of Above.

[LUK3]-No! You won't tell Him anything about this! You know very well what would happen after He gets to know about this whole thing! Besides, He will kick my ass for bringing the kid here!

The young guy stood a bit to think, but in the end, he did as the weird man wanted. He accepted to remain silent.

[C0NNER]-*sigh*  Very well then... I won't tell Him anything.

[LUK3]-Haha, I win again! ...Thanks, man! I appreciate it!

[C0NNER]-Hold on there, LUK3! I didn't finish talking to you!

[LUK3]-Huh?

[C0NNER]-I... assume you guys will need a Defender for the rescue... won't you?

[LUK3]-Hehehh...

The Underground Tunnels

03:06

"Somehow, after they've accepted to help me out, another guy joined and we got to the tunnels again. But it made me curious as to who these people are, since their way of talking didn't seem as they were new to rescuing missions. Not to mention that they were owning military equipment which no one else has the permission to have. But I just guessed they are from the North Base with all the rescue talking being involved, just to not waste too much time on wondering."

[KYR4]-Green Head!

[N04H]-...M-Me?

[KYR4]-Yeah, of course I'm talking to you! Who else could I be talking to?

[N04H]-S-Sorry, Miss!

[LUK3]-Awww, he called you "Miss"! We have a little gentleman, don't we?

[KYR4]-LUK3, I swear to the heave... Oh, forget it! I'm not going to fight with you now. Tell me, kid. Do you remember anything about the people that got your friends?

[N04H]-I know that the bartender called their Officer "NEH3MI4H"... But I don't think I know anything more about them.

[KYR4]-Officer NEH3MI4H, you say... C0NNER, I will give you access to the north part of the city. Look at what the cameras recorded. Just give me a second to get into their system.

[C0NNER]-Yeah, yeah, as if I don't know how to do my job, Officer.

[KYR4]-I swear, you two are testing my limits today...

The woman then took the two sticks from her hair and connected them both which made a screen in the form of a hologram to appear. She then makes a few commands on the screen itself and in just a few moments, she is already done. What appeared to be just her hairstyle, now it seems as even that has a role in her job.

[KYR4]-And... done. Do you see anything?

Then, the guy raised his right hand and activated another hologram from the equipment he had on the hand itself. By using his left hand, he touches the hologram to connect himself with it and starts his own job. But his is a bit weird, since he doesn't press any button nor do anything on the hologram itself. Instead, his C colour starts glowing and looks as if his own vision is connected to what the cameras had registered in the city.

[C0NNER]-...There was a group of people walking in the north area 30 minutes ago. Around... 40 people. And there was... a girl with the C colour orange in the group. Any connections?

[N04H]-Yes! The girl was from my group! She was the first one who got caught!

[C0NNER]-They were heading to a large vehicle, got in and went... right to the third base of the north.

[LUK3]-Ehh, no problem. The third one has only one room which they use for execution. It will be easy!

[KYR4]-...You spoke too fast, LUK3. It is registered to be an inspection there by the General at 04:30. They will hurry with the execution just for this reason alone. Seems like nobody can sleep at this hour, huh?

[C0NNER]-We need to hurry then. We don't have enough time nor enough people for the mission.

[KYR4]-Affirmative.

After they find the location where they needed to go, they hurried and arrived in just a few minutes right under the entrance next to the base in cause.

[LUK3]-Here we are! The third base of the north bastards!

[KYR4]-You know what to do, LUK3. Just don't get yourself killed.

[LUK3]-Yes, darling! I won't get any scar this time only 'cause you told me!

[KYR4]-You little--

[C0NNER]- --*sigh* If you let them continue, we won't get anybody saved at this point... LUK3, just don't go out of my word. Understood?

[LUK3]-Understood! See you later, idiots~

The strange man left towards the entrance of the above, while N04H remained to try and find something he could be useful with.

[N04H]-What about me? How can I help?

[KYR4]-You stay here and sit down.

[N04H]-What!?

[KYR4]-You heard me, Green Head! Just... stay here and wait! You are not prepared for this mission at all! More than the information you have given us, you can't help us with anything!

Even so, N04H didn't listen. Instead, he got closer to the woman...

[KYR4]-Hey, what do you think you are doin--

--just enough to get back the vanishing device, make himself invisible and run towards the City of Above, trying to help in any way possible with the rescue.

[KYR4]-No! Come back here now! Green Head!

"And even if they told me that I cannot help them with the mission, I still wanted to take part in it. Sure, what I did was a bit... insane. But still, I wanted to help my group as well."

[KYR4]-Dammit, Green Head! What's up with these kids? I'm glad you weren't like that when you joined us, C0NNER.

[C0NNER]-Ha ha. Yeah, I get it. The Officer can make jokes. Very funny... Now forget about the kid and focus on the mission. Let's at least save the others and leave the little maniac alone if that's what he wants.

[KYR4]-He does act similar to Him, doesn't he?

[C0NNER]-Yeah... a bit.

The City of Above

03:32

"When I entered to the enemy base without anybody sensing my presence, I simply ran everywhere I looked. I didn't know exactly what to do since I've never rescued someone before from the actual M soldiers. Not to mention that the North Base, which specialises in these missions, was only my second option in case the Central Base didn't work out. So I didn't pay much attention to that detail. All I knew was that usually the executions are taken in a basement.

It is said that in the culture of the above, the "sinners" don't deserve to have any type of connection to the sky, so they are put to die underground. As to where those basements are... I had no clue. But it's actually pretty cool to think that even with the explosion caused by the executions, our city is still in no danger from the above. Apparently, it is so deep underground that it is almost impossible for the abovers to reach it so easily. Even the tunnels are in the same position of protection. As for how I actually managed to know what to do... I will just say that I had a very lucky day back then. Can't say the same for the person I bumped into again, though."

When N04H bumped into the weird man again, he dropped the tiny sphere on the ground and almost fell just like the last time, causing him to become visible again. He didn't fall this time, but he was rather confused since he couldn't see the man at all. He was also invisible, but his device didn't deactivate without his own command. He disabled the device only when he looked back and noticed N04H being right there, behind him. What was strange though is the fact that the man no longer had the regular clothes he used to wear. Instead, he had an advanced full body armour that covered even his face. N04H couldn't even see his expression and wasn't even sure if this man was the same as the one he met, nor did he have the time to see the face either.

In just a few seconds, the man looked towards a corner and noticed someone coming their way, which made him act quickly. He took N04H by an arm, pulled him right in front of his body, put his left hand on N04H's mouth and the right hand around N04H's body in a way of pulling him as much as he can towards his own. As for the device dropped, he moved it towards a wall to put his foot right above it but making sure to not damage it in any way. And after that, both of them vanished. They waited until the person left the hallway they were in completely before finally disabling the device again and the man letting go of N04H. When he made sure nobody comes here again, he also disabled the armour around his head and looked at the teen pretty confused, but also a bit mad. Still, all he could do is to whisper angrily to not draw too much unwanted attention.

[LUK3]-...What the hell are you doing here??

[N04H]-I'm here to help you!

[LUK3]-ARE YOU SERIO... Dammit! Who was responsible for taking care of the kid??

[/KYR4]-So I suppose you found him.

[LUK3]-Yeah... Great... You know, I'm starting to suspect why Boss didn't want these devices to be out to the public! We're lucky there are no cameras on this hallway!

[/C0NNER]-You better hurry and complain later, LUK3. There is someone moving on the cameras near your position.

[LUK3]-Listen kid! Take the device from the ground, keep it tight and come with me! Do not let go of my arm! I don't want to lose you in this building now, understood!?

[N04H]-Understood!

[LUK3]-Good, now move!

Then, N04H quickly grabbed the sphere from the ground and kept holding it as tight as he could, took the man by an arm and finally activated his device at the same time as the man. But while he was following him everywhere he went, N04H noticed that the man doesn't go to the lowest level as he should. So, a bit perplexed, he tried to whisper to him when he made sure no one is around.

[N04H]-...Where are we going though? Don't we need to go to the lowest level?

[LUK3]-Yes, but we need to find a way to make these guys leave the area of the execution room and then somehow lead your friends out in a way so that if the enemies are after us, they won't find the way to our city.

[N04H]-And how do we do that?

[LUK3]-We do a bit of sabotage.

[N04H]-And... what's the plan?

[LUK3]-See those red light bulbs on the walls?

[N04H]-...Yeah, what's up with them?

[LUK3]-Those are alarms that announce the soldiers to present themselves outside for a mission or an emergency. If KYR4 manages to get into their system and activate the alarms, we won't have to worry about them. But I need to put a small device in their control panel in order for her to have access.

[N04H]-Why don't you activate them yourself?

[LUK3]-Shh... Keep your mouth shut for a bit...

The stopped at an intersection between corridors which made N04H a bit confused. He couldn't see what the man was doing. In fact, none of them could see what the other does. N04H examined a bit the area to see what's going on, but all he could see is a camera that watches this intersection. He knew why he couldn't speak, but he still didn't know why they stopped. As for what the man wanted, he waited for some directions which couldn't be heard by the little guy that follows him, leaving him confused on the matter anyway.

[/C0NNER]-Take the right way. It's shorter than the other ones.

Once they started moving again and got out of the camera's range of sound, they got back to whispering to each other about the plan.

[LUK3]-...I don't activate the alarm myself because I can't activate it. Those special buttons are well hidden in these buildings so that only their soldiers know the locations. Our only way is to get into their system. If we stood to find them, we wouldn't have time to save your friends. Besides, we have more than just a few alarms to activate here, don't we? How do you think we can open the room's door without destroying it and attracting too much unwanted attention?

When N04H heard the explanation, he shut his mouth and felt a bit dumb for even asking.

[LUK3]-The cameras in any area of the city are easy for KYR4 to control, they don't need anything special. But the control panel itself is usually harder to get into, depending on which building you go. So, she sometimes needs to put someone to connect a small helping device into it in order for her to take full control. In this case, I'm that person.

"During the whole rescue, they actually managed to show pretty clearly how much knowledge they got about this type of missions. And the more I observed them, the more I believed they are from the North Base. But something about them simply felt like this wasn't as simple to guess as it seamed. Their behaviour didn't match the north soldiers' at all. But I couldn't go with any conclusions just yet."

[LUK3]-Okay, KYR4! I'm here! Just tell me what to do to get this shit done already!

[/KYR4]-Just put what I gave you into the third entry and it should be fine from now on. You can go to the room after that.

He then connected the device as the woman commanded, waited a few moments to get an approval to know everything is alright and finally left the room while N04H continued to follow him blindly.

[LUK3]-Let's go, kiddo! It's time to meet your little friends!

03:50

When the alarms started, both of them were already near the door of the room. But while they were going towards the room, every soldier that was guarding it was running towards the exit, right the opposite way. When they arrived, there was no one left at the entrance of the room. The door got unlocked and they could enter to take everyone out. And for everyone to see them, they disabled their devices, before finally starting the rescue itself.

[LUK3]-Everyone! This is an evacuation! Follow me if you want to live!

"But what I expected the least in that whole chaos was for me to see someone that I thought to be the very betrayer behind this whole thing. Or at least... the snitch behind our fall. I can't really call him a betrayer since he was never by our side to begin with. Because the moment I looked inside the execution room..."

[N04H]-You...

"...the barman was there, present among my group."

[N04H]-Why are YOU here?

[Barman]-...

[N04H]-YOU told them about us! Why did you come here? To see them die so you can satisfy yourself!?

[Barman]-...And who told you that lie?

[N04H]-Lie!?? YOU are the one who brought the soldiers to us! YOU ARE THE GUILTY ONE IN THIS WHOLE SITUATION!

[Barman]-Did you think that maybe you brought them to me?

[N04H]-...What are you talking about?

[Barman]-I say that you are the ones who exposed themselves by coming in a large number in our roads while there are always guards that watch them. I didn't say a word to them. That's why they punish me as well.

Something inside N04H just snapped that moment. He didn't know whether to trust what the barman just said or to consider it a lie. But if it was true, then what the Officer said that time wasn't addressed to a C born at all. "You know you have to pay for the sins you've committed, for everything that you've done!"

[LUK3]-Kiddo! We have to go! Take your friend already and let's get out of here!

"...Something about this didn't feel right at all. Even if he did sell us to the soldiers, why was he inside the execution room as well? And if he actually did try to protect us... wouldn't that mean the M soldiers execute even their own kind? Just because of the "sins" they commit?"

[LUK3]-Come on! We have to hurry!

[N04H]-...You heard him, let's go!

[Barman]-Didn't you want me dead anyway? If you leave me here, you will get what you wished.

[N04H]-That... doesn't matter now. Let's go!

When they got out of the room, they started following the weird man in armour around the hallways of the building. Except, they didn't have a clear exit. The actual exit was now full of soldiers, so they couldn't just go there and be captured all over again. Instead, the man went to a specific hallway and a specific wall present in it, guided by his small team, and destroyed the wall in order to create a whole new exit on his own. One by one, he let everyone get through the hole and made himself be the last to exit. By the time the M soldiers found them, he was the only one left to leave the building.

Instead of leaving though, the man put a small device on the floor, inside the building and right next to the hole, and looked back at the soldiers that were coming his way. Even though most of them already started shooting after him, he took his armour around the head anyway and smirked as a taunt. As for whether he got hurt or not, these beings are unable to be physically wounded unless in contact with a specific gas used during the executions. Since the gas didn't manage to be spread when the evacuation happened, none of those beings could've actually been hurt. And he knew that well. That is why, before he left the building himself, he showed the middle finger to the soldiers that were shooting after him, finally taking his leave. And right after he left, the device left on the ground made an explosion that covered the entire hole, making the soldiers unable to follow them.

"We managed in the end to save everyone present in the execution room, including the barman. So while I could get my chance of answering some questions, I also knew that I was in a huge debt to the people that just helped me."

The Underground Tunnels

04:12

[N04H]-...31 ...32 ...33 ...34! Yep, they are all here!

[LUK3]-Phew... I'm not doing this thing alone usually, and especially in such numbers! I thought I lost one back there by mistake!

[N04H]-Thank you... for everything that you guys did!

[KYR4]-It was nothing, Green Head. Just doing our jobs. But if we are on this topic...

[N04H]-Hm?

[KYR4]-...I would like to take the device you found at your school. Thank you.

[N04H]-O-Oh, right...

N04H took out the device from his pockets and gave it to the woman. She didn't say anything back, just looked a bit... irritated at him before she put it in a safer pocket.

[C0NNER]-I have one question to ask you, though...

[N04H]-What is it?

[C0NNER]-...What's up with the big guy over there? Was he also a part of your group, or just an execution victim?

The younger guy pointed at the bartender, who was standing alone on the ground, staring at the ceiling. N04H didn't really respond, he just went and sat by his side. Maybe this time he will answer his questions.

[Barman]-...So?

[N04H]-Hm?

[Barman]-Why did you decide to save me?

[N04H]-...You told me you didn't tell them anything about us. Why didn't you?

[Barman]-...

Before he could respond, he took a huge breath and looked down.

[Barman]-*sigh* Maybe because I know the feeling of wanting to be free.

[N04H]-How so...?

[Barman]-...'Cause, believe it or not, I had a daughter of your kind once.

[N04H]-...What do you mean you had a daughter of my kind?

[Barman]-I mean that my daughter was a C born, just like you.

[N04H]-B-But I thought that all C borns are executed by the M military, no matter their age!

[Barman]-Well, she somehow survived. And I never left her to be executed. It just happened for fate to not be by her side.

"When I did manage to get an answer from the barman, I was actually left even more confused than I was before..."

[Barman]-I... found her when I was trying to put my mind at ease after work and went on a small walk on the empty streets. She was a newborn back then, lost somewhere in a dead corner of the city where nobody could've found her. I'm amazed I even found her myself. I didn't understand how she got there, so I took her home and raised her as my own child. I knew a rumour about people who take newborns and hide them around the city so they can be found by others, and I thought that maybe someone wanted to help her. I... used to get her some of the drinks from the bar when I got home from work too, when she grew a bit more and woke up from the newborn state. But because she was from your kind and I couldn't help her understand her powers, they were unstable and I couldn't let her go out at any cost. As she got even older... she started dreaming of seeing the outside world and was mad at me every time I told her that she couldn't go out. One day, I went to work and she ran away from home... and got caught by the guards because of her unstable powers. By the time I found out... she was already dead.

"...Not only that his small story meant I was wrong about the M borns of the above my entire life, but it also made me realise that the whole city we fear is full of people that just try to survive, no matter their race. A whole city... that is afraid of their own ruler."

[Barman]-Not... all the people from the City of Perfection are evil as you may think. Many of us struggle to have a normal life or even survive as well. The military is cruel to their own people. But I understand the hatred against us all.

[N04H]-...And what will you do now?

[Barman]-Who knows... I can't go back there anymore. I'm just like you now, a convicted one. At least until they find me and put me to my execution.

[LUK3]-Oh, I can find you a place to work!

The strange guy seemed to have listened for a while to their conversation and came to them.

[Barman]-You can?

[LUK3]-Yeah! You are a bartender, right? I know a guy who looks for employees, so I can have a small chat with him! Though I think I should've put you to swear on your life on a promise before we entered the tunnels, just so that Boss won't say I didn't do anything stupid again... But who cares anymore! It's too late for that! Might as well just get you to our place anyway!

[Barman]-How can you trust me so easily?

[LUK3]-Oh, come ooon! Don't be like that! You are not the first M born from the above that I've saved in my life! Our place has a lot of your people too! So it isn't THAT hard to trust an innocent of your kind!

[Barman]-Thank you, Mister...?

[LUK3]-LUK3! Just LUK3!

[Barman]-....Thank you, LUK3.

"But once everything was settled, we all got back to the Underground City and minded our own business from then on. It was a chaotic day, actually. I remember I was very tired once I managed to relax for a bit. But before I parted ways with the barman, I heard his last words spoken before redemption that I still remember to this very day."

[Barman]-Oh, and kid...

[N04H]-Hm?

[Barman]-...My name is D4N7E.

The Student Hostel of the West

09:47

A bit late at night, when everyone was suppose to be already asleep, N04H woke up feeling a discomfort. It wasn't something major, just a thing that bothered him. But when he looked around the room for a few moments, he noticed M1LO standing awake in his bed. So, he got up and went next to him, even though M1LO didn't want to make eye contact.

[M1LO]-...I've heard that you guys got into a small situation this night.

[N04H]-How did you find out?

[M1LO]-You know AU5T1N. He's not the best guy to keep a secret.

[N04H]-Right...

[M1LO]-...I told you to not go with them, you know?

[N04H]-I know, I know...

[M1LO]-But even so... it seems like you did a pretty good job handling the situation. I... guess you really are born to be a warrior.

[N04H]-...It wasn't me who managed to save them, though.

[M1LO]-Don't be ridiculous, N04H! You were the one who managed to run away and bring help! I'm sure the Central Base will accept someone like you.

N04H stopped for a second and thought about something, before he finally spoke.

[N04H]-I... don't think I will join them anymore.

[M1LO]-Hm? Why not? This was your dream from the very beginning.

[N04H]-I know but... I think I found a better place to work in.

[M1LO]-And which one is that?

[N04H]-To be honest... I'm not exactly sure of which one it is. Actually, I'm not sure of anything regarding it. I just have a few theories of my own.

[M1LO]-Why the sudden change of mind then?

[N04H]-I just... have a feeling that I will fit there better.

[M1LO]-So I guess these days are our last moments together, huh...

[N04H]-It doesn't have to be this way, you know?

[M1LO]-Yeah... but who knows what life will throw at us in the future?

[N04H]-We will always be friends no matter what. Don't you agree?

[M1LO]-Heheh...

Then, M1LO looked N04H in the eyes with a small smile. Though they knew the future, they weren't sure of their fate. And something about his question makes it look like it might have a deeper meaning than it is shown.

[M1LO]-N04H... Will you survive until the dawn?

[N04H]-...It's a promise!

[M1LO]-Then the only thing that I can hope now is for this to not be our last goodbye.

[N04H]-We can still live in the present and appreciate the last moments together, you know?

[M1LO]-Heh... Don't worry about that. We will make the most of it.

The Underground City

37:19

"While the sleep schedule of the day was going, I decided to pay a small visit to that abover and see how everything is going for him. I didn't know much about what he was going to do in our city though, I just heard a few things while he was discussing with the weird man when we were going to the underground. I heard, for example, that he is suppose to work somewhere at the east of the city. But that's pretty much what I knew. Even so, my lucky day continued just like before. Because when I was close to the east part of the city, I bumped into someone. Again."

[LUK3]-Oh, come on! It's the third time this day, kiddo! You don't have something against me now, do you!?

[N04H]-S-Sorry for that...

[LUK3]-Oh, forget it... So? You came to see your little friend from above too?

[N04H]-Yeah, but... I don't really know where he is.

[LUK3]-Then I guess we can go together, little guy! Follow me!

"I managed to have a small walk with him and also had the chance to ask a few questions about them. I didn't want to annoy him with too many questions though, even if I had a lot to ask. I wanted first to know more about them as people, and left the chat about their work for a bit later, when I thought it is the right time to ask."

[N04H]-Where is that girl, by the way? The one who was with you when I found you on the streets?

[LUK3]-KYR4, you mean? Oh, she wanted to stay back to our work place, though I've tried to take her out. We got a few things done early today, so she takes care of what's left. Not only that, but she also refuses when I ask her out pretty often anyway...

[N04H]-Then why were you two together last night when I found you?

[LUK3]-Oh, that's a whole different story! Originally, we were done with the work of the day, but a friend of mine asked us if we could take a few supplies from the city before we go to rest. KYR4 was suppose to go in the city anyway, and I came just to take everything we needed and get it to our work place. Just so she won't have to come and go again. And I had to come back there anyway since there is also where I sleep. I don't have an apartment of my own in the city like her or stay at the shelters. But then we found you with a problem, helped you out and came back to our rest very late. I was actually the last one to reach our rooms, come to think of it... I overslept a bit today as well, and Boss wasn't so happy about it, hehe...

[N04H]-Yeah, sorry about that...

[LUK3]-Oh, it's okay! Don't worry about it! I just had a bit of more fun before I went to sleep!

[N04H]-What about the other guy that came later?

[LUK3]-Um... C0NNER doesn't really enjoy going out that much. So even if I asked him to come with me in the city, I couldn't get him to join, if that's what you meant to ask. He usually stays and trains by himself back at our place. He does come with us sometimes so he can take a fresh breath, but he doesn't enjoy chatting that much. Oh, and that man doesn't stop smoking, if you are asking me! And he is even younger than me!

[N04H]-I see... so you've came here alone?

[LUK3]-Yep! The others are probably resting because of the schedule or help around the place, but I usually just go out and meet with the people around the city if I'm not tired. I do bring people with me most of the times so they can take a small break, but I mostly take them out in the morning before the schedule starts. B-But I do work when I'm needed!

"The man was actually pretty talkative. He didn't mind telling me personal things about him or what he was up it. It made him look even more strange, but I guess in a good way. Even though... most of the information he was giving me wasn't really what I asked about. And I did wonder what would the other two say about him telling me everything so easily."

[N04H]-Come to think of it, I've wondered...

[LUK3]-Hm?

[N04H]-...Is there any possibility of me joining you guys?

[LUK3]-O-Oh, I... guess? Even though, for the past years, we didn't have much luck on this subject. I will have to talk with Boss about this and now it... isn't the best time. I've got in a little fight with Him earlier.

[N04H]-How so...?

[LUK3]-Eh... He somehow found out that we went in a mission without telling Him, and C0NNER swears he didn't say a word. So... of course I was the one to be blamed. I think there is a possibility of seeing me later too, as I have to go around the whole city ten times as a punishment while, of course, avoiding the crevaators' area. Man... my legs are going to hurt all day...

[N04H]-Is the Leader there that cruel?

[LUK3]-Not really... He is a chill guy, actually. He just respects the rules a little too much, if you are asking me. All He does the whole day is work. That guy never takes a rest. But He is the boss, and we can't tell Him what to do. Yet that doesn't mean He is right every single time!

[N04H]-By the way... who exactly are you guys?

[LUK3]-Oh, yeah, sorry! I think I didn't mention it before... And it's not like we are banned from telling you this information anyway, though I will probably get my butt beaten again. We are part of the Southeast Military Base!

[N04H]-I've... never heard of you before.

[LUK3]-Yeah... Boss decided to erase our base from those papers eight years ago. I'm not so sure why He wished to do such a thing, actually... But, yeah, we are barely remembered now, even though we work harder than the others. Maybe He wanted us to be a secret base? Who knows... But I guess it's not a secret for you anymore, heheh! And it's not like I'm going against the contract I have signed anyway! It is just His stupid wish... Oh, and don't worry! I will try my best to bring you to work with us! It's just... you will have to wait for a while.

[N04H]-Thank you!

[LUK3]-No problem, uhh...

[N04H]-N04H.

[LUK3]-N04H! No problem, N04H! Hahah...

[N04H]-*giggles*

[LUK3]-By the way... did YOU get in trouble with the teachers after the whole incident? I remember the teachers from the Central School being very strict.

[N04H]-Not really. I don't think they found out about that just yet.

[LUK3]-Lucky kid...

After some minutes of talking, they finally arrive at the bar in which D4N7E is now suppose to work. They get inside and say their greetings to the changed M born from above. He was in a good mood this time actually, not like when they first met. In fact, he was in such a good mood that they managed to have a decent conversation with him.

[LUK3]-Hey, man! How's the work going so far?

[D4N7E]-Welcome! I must admit, it is better than how it was up there! Everyone here is so kind and enjoys talking with me! In the City of Perfection, the citizens weren't even stopping by to say a small hello.

[LUK3]-Well, we aren't the "City of Perfection"! I told you everything will feel different when you get to move here!

[D4N7E]-The atmosphere here is so relaxing. No fears of the soldiers constantly paying you visits and questioning you about the C borns or your loyalty to the General. Just people living their life! She would have loved it... I am grateful to both of you!

[LUK3]-Heheh... Don't worry about that! This is what I'm doing every day for work! Nothing special, really! The feeling of knowing that the people you help are living better than before is the reward itself!

[D4N7E]-Heh... So, what can I get for you?

[N04H]-Doesn't matter! We've come only to see you anyway!

[D4N7E]-I have to serve you after all. Let me see what could fit your tastes the best.

[LUK3]-Oh, oh! Can I get a heavy drink?

D4N7E went in the back to take the drinks while the other two were left to chat. But right after that, the strange guy started searching for something from the bottom shelves which were full of books and other random things scattered around. N04H didn't know what he was trying to find either.

[N04H]-What are you searching for?

[LUK3]-Usually in these bars you can find games which you can play with the bartender or with your friends, like card games or... Oh, here it is!

He took out a board game and started setting it up. It appears to be something similar to the game "Chess" that we have, but the pieces have different shapes and colours, and even seem to have different positions and movements. One part is red, and the other one is blue.

[LUK3]-Ah, the good old board game everyone loves... Did you ever play it before?

[N04H]-I don't even think I remember its name...

[LUK3]-Oh, don't worry! The name is unimportant anyway. I've heard many legends about this game before, actually... It was said to be a game that reads your fate, or which connects you to the gods above! Amazing, isn't it?

Meanwhile, D4N7E came back with the drinks. For the man, he put an alcoholic drink which was truly something that even N04H would've assumed he liked. For him though, the drink wasn't heavy, just some little pieces from the ore which is usually used for alcoholic drinks, or how they call them "heavy drinks".

[LUK3]-Now, now... who thinks he can beat me in a game?

[D4N7E]-Heheh... I don't think I will play with you this time, LUK3.

[LUK3]-Oh, are you scareeed? How sad...

When he saw he had no chance with the barman, the man looked at N04H with his confident expression and asked him a simple thing. A question that probably started a true friendship between them. But as simple as the question seemed, it's true meaning will be lost in history. Just like the light fading when the night comes.

[LUK3]-What about you, N04H?

"...Will you join me in a game?"