Azure 0: Rebellion Sequence/A2E7: Captives of Choice/Transcript

Previously: Episode 6: Obverse Wishes
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Arc 2: Children of Sin
Episode 7: Captives of Choice
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Area: The 4th Exalted City of Naobi 
Exiting the Residential District of Kanpeki
A herd of noisy citizens crowd around the streets of Kanpeki, looking at the three that are dragged along by the Blood Reaver, lead by Serza. Their expressions are a mixture of alarm and hints of disgust. Nex disdains their stares, but the sight of the husks from his earlier attack leaves him in guilt. The citizens are in an uproar, yelling at the mercenaries and young rebel while swinging their arms about in aggressive gestures. Locke and Cerea are pelted by objects.
Serza: Your friends are popular, Nex.
Lifting his eyes to the jeering remark, Nex clicks his tongue and tries not to stumble over any garbage littering their path.
Cerea dodges an egg flying at her by ducking, but a rock hits her in the chest, causing her to gasp for air. Locke notices this and shoots a frightening glare at the person who tossed the rock, and they disappear in the crowd.
Locke: Bunch of animals... you alright there?
Cerea: Had worse... thanks, Locke.
Locke nods and looks at the people gathered around.
Arcius: Easy with the merchandise, people. Don't be idiots here.
While they move, Nex is hit with a glass bottle and growls in agitation. Serza sighs and looks over to the person who threw the bottle, summoning Ophius to his hold in his free hand. Nozomi watches as he points the weapon toward them, which causes the crowd to gasp.
Serza: Throw one more thing and it’ll be your entire arm that goes flying next. Get yourselves under control.
Nex: What the hell is wrong with these people? They attacked me earlier too.
Serza: Naobi is a city where people have everything they want, and they don’t take kindly to intruders. They’re... well, prone to violence. In a way, I suppose Marshal has weaponized even the civilians. Whenever there's a problem, they become a hive mind of all kinds of unpleasantness.
Arcius: You know what they say. A person is smart, but people are dumb, panicky, and dangerous animals. They are no exception.
Locke: All because the Marshal wants to have some thoroughbred assholes in his City. Militaristic tendencies run rampant here, always did.
Arcius: How would you know that, buddy?
Locke: Used to be stationed here for a while. Former jarhead, 4th Thaumaturgical Division, honorably discharged.
Arcius: Ah, one of ours here. I see. At least you're not a deserter.
Locke: Does it even matter now? We're all gonna be accused of treason. Everyone knows what the punishment is.
Serza: Maybe you shouldn’t have left the role you were assigned in life... not unless you’re ready to suffer for that. May as well enjoy your final stroll through the city then.
The group leaves the streets, heading for Iwasu via a branch facility teleportal.
Area: The 3rd Exalted City of Iwasu 
Main Branch - Saiko
As they step out, they find themselves within an impossibly well-guarded fortress. There are Prime Fields patrolling and drones flying around. Feeling a chill of dread set in, Nex lifts his head looking at the layers of floors spiraling throughout, chambers and hallways that are expansive across their vision, all of the different areas sealed with some kind of magic glyphs. There are structures with engravings placed around, floating platforms and patterns of light that move throughout this spire tower as though it were a living structure. Its dark as night with only faint highlights of other colors like blues, greens, reds and purples, and doesn’t seem real compared to everything else he’s seen, like it was plucked right from the imagination and projected into the world by some other invading force. But, it houses the NOS’ banners and personnel all the same, the cathedral-like form is still present in various rooms.
Nex: What the hell is this place? This branch doesn’t even have a familiar structure…
Serza: It’s highly illogical, isn’t it? And no one has ever successfully infiltrated this Branch, rightfully so given it houses the core of the government’s military operations. If you’re here, it’s because he wants you to be here.
Arcius: Completely inaccessible by design. (Chuckles) The Marshal likes to keep things his way.
Locke looks around, clearly familiar with some of the branch, but much has changed since his time in Naobi. Cerea is somewhat frightened by it, Iwatsuchi's branch is much more appealing to the public and easily accessible.
Nex: Is this place connected to the Boundary...? I can sense traces of it here.
Nozomi: It's possible. I’ve been here before...but it still makes me feel ill every time I come inside. It makes me feel as if I’m in some horrible nightmare. The amount of sacrifice it must have taken for a structure like this...
Serza: Be thankful that General Akuhei isn’t here right now, then this place would be a true nightmare.
This thought worries the young rebel, recalling encountering the General after receiving his Grimoire. Being viciously beaten and taken away to be stuck in a facility until meeting Imyo.
Serza: Maybe they’ll turn you into a Destroyer to serve this system as well... although I’m sure you'd end up differently, like me. I don’t seek the end of Irregularity.
Nex: I’m not going to be part of this system's Destroyers, Serza. This system is my enemy.
Serza: Yes, I realize that, but you're bunching us Sequence Destroyers all together. Not all of us are slaves to its will. And I think we could make good allies. Nozomi could play a role too, and you might even see that girl you desire to meet again.
Lost in thought over Serza's words, he almost stumbles when the Destroyer lightly yanks the chain, forcing the three to pick up their pace. Their surroundings shift to that of a prison level. They are released from the Blood Reaver's chain, only to be thrown and surrounded by separated fields of disruptive energy in smaller sections of the room. Nex frowns and looks at it, touching it with his hand which shocks him slightly and forces him to pull back with a growl.
Serza: Marshal should be with you shortly.
A few moments pass and the navy-eyed man steps into the room, looking at the prisoners with a cold stare. After looking at Nex and Nozomi, his attention goes to Cerea and Locke with some puzzlement present.
Lukain: Why did you bother with these two…?
Serza: Arcius thought they could be of use, sir.
Arcius: Could always learn more about any guerilla actions on our territory, sir. Maybe even a connection to the LS so it could be used against them in the future.
Lukain: There's logic in that. (Glances to Locke) I presume you are the secondary commander of this mercenary force.
Locke looks at the Marshal with a tinge of fear in his eyes, but still keeps his composure, determined not to reveal too much.
Locke: Maybe... not certain. If you assume so, then it must be true.
Serza: Apparently this one was one of ours in the past.
Lukain: Was he? (Folds his arms behind his back) Well, he can be interrogated in a way befitting of a former soldier. Akuhei will pick his mind clean.
Nex immediately frowns as he hears that name, while Locke tries to disguise his unease.
Locke: Ah, him. Your personal boogeyman. (Shakes his head) Maybe we could... do it without involving him, sir.
Cerea's golden eyes look at Lukain while he's still talking to Locke.
Locke: After all, there's no need to resort to that kind of thing.
Lukain: And yet trespassing on my city and aiding in the protection of a target seems to warrant it...
Lukain turns his attention to Cerea as he spots her golden eyes, looking at her with intensity that makes her shiver.
Lukain: The girl who gave those crystals to Azure 0. But those alone wouldn't be enough to trigger such a powerful response from his Azure.
Cerea turns her eyes away from Lukain, but he seems to burrow his stare into her, even without looking at him she is still shaking.
Lukain: And I have seen your eyes before. Those eyes are tied to families who have a vast history with magic and even our world's current state. Though I don’t imagine you’re aware of any of it and I sense no notable aptitude from you whatsoever.
Nozomi perks up and keens in to the conversation while she looks over at Cerea in thought.
Lukain: You’re more than likely a dud from said ancestry.
Nex clicks his tongue at the navy-eyed man’s demeaning dismissal, the Marshal constantly appears to look down on others he doesn’t deem worth his time.
Locke: (To himself) Magic, huh? Imyo did say she's special...
Bored with Lukain's assessment of the prisoners, the Blood Reaver casually tosses a blood dagger up and down catching it with his hand.
Arcius: Do you want me to proceed, sir, or should we wait for the General?
Serza: (Sighs at Arcius) Learn to show some patience, Blood Reaver... you can’t sit still for five minutes?
Lukain dismisses the comment, turning his eyes back to them.
Lukain: Leave him be. This impatience is in his nature.
With his weighty gaze off of Cerea finally, the girl’s unease leaves her along with a breath.
Lukain: I’m done with these two, so proceed as you will. If he won’t cooperate, then Akuhei will step in.
Nex’s eyes squint in alarm and he goes up to the front of the makeshift cell, looking at Lukain.
Nex: Hey, can’t you just leave them out of it...? They didn't know what they were getting into.
Lukain: Why does it matter? They’ve interfered in the World Order’s interest directly, more importantly they’ve stepped into my city and become involved in my affairs. That’s a risk they took, it's the choice they've made. They’ll be lucky to survive, and that’s all there is to it.
Arcius: Alright then... I'll make a report here, then file some paperwork for an interrogation form... will take a few minutes.
Lukain: Do as you will, Blood Reaver.
Once he's dismissed by the Marshal, the Reaver moves to a desk to begin working on the report.
There is the sound of a snap and a throne-like construct of black substance materializes, sharing the same otherworldly look as the branch itself. He sits in it with a leg crossing over the other in a clear power pose, before directing his attention to Nozomi and Nex, even though he's defiant by nature, the silver-haired teenager can barely mask his discomfort around the Marshal.
Lukain: Now, more importantly, you two. (Looks at Nex, gesturing to him) I assume you’re aware of the value this girl would have to our system.
Nex: She told me.
Lukain: Do you know why she was here?
Nex: (Squints) Because the NOS took her here after the incident at the refuge that I caused. You're holding her captive, and after she helped us that means she's in danger of suffering the same consequences as any of the others.
Lukain: While that statement is true in some sense, you haven’t learned to notice anything beyond what you’re told, and that’s disappointing.
Nex: I don’t care what you think about it. I wasn’t going to leave her to deal with this alone again if I could help it.
Lukain: (Shakes his head) Of course not. You make it far too easy for your opponents to exploit your weakness. I have no intention of killing an asset who has been of far more use to me alive than dead. I didn’t just now take her prisoner, and she was never in any danger. No, she’s been with us for a while now, Azure 0.
These words cause Nex to be overcome with disbelief, leading to a second of silence. Nozomi sighs, unable to look at the silver-haired male.
Nex: ...What?
This statement also takes Serza aback, but he closes his eyes, trying to deduce his superior's intent.
Serza: Ah, I get it... that’s why you didn’t tell us either. Nex had to believe she was in danger. Coming from you, it doesn’t surprise me, no, I’m more surprised that Nozomi took part in it willingly. You didn’t tell Nex... or maybe you couldn’t, I don’t know. But the fact remains, Nex, you and your mercenary friends came here for no reason. You should have ran and left her behind.
Nex: I don’t understand...she was in hiding. Why would she choose to be here now?
Lukain: Because I’ve become one of the few who discovered why she was at that refuge in the first place. Officially, Nozomi, along with many, perished in that incident that took place in Shukuto due to your reaction with the Gate.
Lukain produces a holographic file of the official report on the incident, seeing the images of the refuge in ruin causes the silver-haired teenager a degree of remorse. Among many names, Nozomi’s stands out.
Lukain: But as you can see, she’s alive. We found her hiding there, a mess of emotions. So... I agreed to let her live in secrecy in Naobi, underneath it near the depths where the system can’t perceive. In solitude, she bears witness to the decaying world that our Government tries to repair.
Nozomi: That’s all the truth...
Her voice trembles a bit, and she has difficulty looking at Nex.
Nex: But, why…? Why let them keep you here?
Nozomi: (Looks away in guilt) The relic and the power I share with it... I don’t want it to be used for the same things that happened in the War. And I knew that if it was discovered by the system that the outcome I was hoping to prevent would be unavoidable. So...
Nex sighs hearing that response, knowing that Nozomi didn’t particularly have any other options available to her.
Lukain: She has given her full consent for the contributions to the research here, and she has lived in guilt, in shame over the past for what was done with that relic. In return I keep the knowledge I have about her secret.
Nozomi: I’m...sorry I didn’t say anything, Nex.
Nex still appears somewhat disappointed by the revelation, but he doesn't have it in him to become upset over it.
Lukain: She is under no threat here. I know of many who would rather kill her. But for someone like myself who has seen what the Relic is capable of, living a life of impossible atonement for her family’s sins, I find that more suitable of a punishment.
Nex growls in disdain at the explanation.
Nex: You…
Nozomi: (Frowns, shaking her head) It's fine, Nex, I deserve it.
Nex: No, you don't. You spent all that time in the refuge trying to make a life for yourself, distancing yourself from your family's desires, trying to do something better.
Her friend's words seem to ease some of the shame the girl holds, but she can't muster more than a sad apologetic smile. Locke appears appalled upon realizing something.
Locke: So you were using the girl in your experiments... I think now the rumors are confirmed to be true.
Cerea: (Confused) Rumors?
Locke: Yeah... like the ones where he "dissects" people with no remorse, trying to find out what makes them tick. This insatiable curiosity has led our world to ruin once. And not just his curiosity, but those who thought they could control how the world itself works.
To this accusation, Lukain displays no concern, closing his eyes while continuing to speak his beliefs unvarnished.
Lukain: I won't deny that humanity's curiosity has been both of benefit and harm to them. For some, the risks outweigh the reward, but progress is built off of those who are willing to do what others will not.
Nex: I don’t need a rumor to tell me what I already know.
Lukain: (Leans in) I digress, the thing about someone in my position is that I prepare for every possibility. This peaceful accord I have with her can continue, or your actions may end it, and I’ll be forced to reveal her to the world, shattering life as she knows it. The choice is yours. Nex: (Squints) How so?
Lukain: Your Azure is connected to all possibilities, after all. I believe interaction with your Grimoire will alter something in her, as she is an individual sensitive to desires which are proven to effect a possibility. This may pave open a new path for her soul...one that will avoid the fate that awaits her if she were to be revealed to this system. I've no doubt she requires your help for this.
Nex ponders over the words with a groan of uncertainty, but Nozomi fiercely interjects with a sudden scorn in her voice.
Nozomi: (Frowns in refusal) You can do as you like with me, but don't try to use me to mislead Nex.
Lukain: Hmm...you said you sought a different possibility. And you hold in your body a key to help make it what you want. Why not use it?
Nozomi: I will not.
Lukain: Hmm... (Dismissively) Fine, I will not involve him in it right now. (Shifts in his chair) But I do require combat data in order to determine a few things about that Azure and what’s been affecting it.
Nex: ...Combat data?
Lukain: It's not a complex subject. I’m sure the Destroyers would assist in gathering it. Think of it as a trial, if you fail it, you have no chance to escape, if you succeed, perhaps your effort will shed light on an opportunity.
Arcius finishes filing the form and sends it to the headquarters before turning around upon hearing Lukain's words.
Arcius: Combat data... yes, I want to fight him... we want to fight him.
Frowning, Nex is a bit perturbed by the sudden tonal shift by the one-eyed male.
Nex: …”We”?
Serza: He means Belial...our Exitium are sentient in some sense. And as per usual, all you need to do is mention combat and Arcius gets interested…
Lukain: You’ll have your fight, Blood Reaver.
He stands up from his chair and it dissolves into Seithr.
Lukain: Within Naobi’s Zenith Colosseum for the annual Supremacy of Souls.
Nex: (In alarm) ...Y-you want me to fight in the public, where everyone is gonna figure out who I am?
Lukain: That’s up to you. If you use all of your abilities and power, it’s undoubtedly going to alert the system outside of here. So you’re going to have to find some kind of balance... and you can’t remain in hiding forever, so you’ll either find the spoils of victory or you’ll be humiliated. As it is my city, you won’t receive any unwelcome visitors, but I can’t guarantee anything when the event is over... or if you try to flee.
Nex: (To himself) God damn...is everything part of a plan with this bastard? Even if we do escape, everyone within these cities is going to know about us.
Taking in his superior's words, Arcius seems to be intrigued with the idea.
Arcius: That's interesting. Gladiator games... think I'm up for it. Last I checked, you put the last year's champion into the Elite Ars Order.
Lukain: Yes, I did. That is how members of it are usually chosen.
Giving a short glance to his fellow Destroyer who seems interested in joining, Serza raises his brow in thought.
Serza: Isn’t that a bit... unfair to the other participants? To throw someone like Arcius into it, I mean...
Lukain: No. They are expected to adapt to any opponent and any circumstance. So if they can’t overcome the odds, then they’re not worthy of continuing. With someone like Azure 0 in it, the odds aren't in their favor anyway.
The young rebel still hasn’t quite come to accept this idea and shakes his head in disbelief at what this has turned into.
Nex: I’m not participating in this insane game, why can't I just fight one of them and be done with it?
Locke: I don't think we have an option here, Nex. He's not asking for your opinion.
Arcius: Like it or not, if the Marshal says something, it has to be done.
Lukain: I’m not forcing him to, Blood Reaver. It’s a choice. (Gestures to Nex) But as an added incentive, if you provide enough combat data and use the Grimoire, regardless of your victory or defeat, I’ll release one individual of your choice. Either Nozomi, or your new allies. But you can only choose one.
Coming to attention as he hears this, Nex’s alarm soon shifts into a doubtful glare.
Nex: What? That’s... why would you let her go after everything you just said about her?
Lukain: I have no reason to be concerned. But if you’d rather not participate, then stay here in this cell until Akuhei arrives. You’ll vanish from the system’s notice, just like Nozomi, and no one will find you...your new life will be one in a lab. But you two will be together, and you won’t be under the threat of constant pursuit. Perhaps that's more appealing to you.
Remaining silent, the silver-haired teenager frowns in conflicted contemplation.
Lukain: In any case... you have some time to think about it. Whichever path you desire makes no difference to me, I’m prepared either way.
Locke: Hey, Nex... The young male turns his head towards Locke who is sitting in his cell.
Locke: Whoever you pick... don't pick me, alright? I'll be fine. The girls, on the other hand... I think they deserve their freedom.
Cerea: Locke, don't be stupid, you can get out too.
Locke: Nah, it's fine, Cerea. I won't let life grind me down.
None of the conversation helps Nex choose, leaving him conflicted and in doubt of any option he decides on.
Lukain: The Supremacy of Souls takes place tomorrow morning, so make your decision by then, Azure 0. Colonels, stay here and keep an eye on them until the General arrives.
Serza: Very well, Marshal. We’re all good friends after all, right, Nex?
Nex raises his brow in disbelief as he isn’t sure how to respond to Serza’s words which seem both mocking and genuine.
The Marshal turns away to leave before stopping by Arcius' side, turning his head slightly.
Lukain: Make sure to interrogate the ex-soldier eventually. I want to know if Sector 0’s commander is aiding them.
Arcius: (Shrugs) Fine. Got my way to get people to talk... just hope that Belial won't kill him before he cracks.
Lukain: Then that means he's not fit to live anyway.
When Lukain leaves the cell room, Nex shakes his head once, feeling helpless in this scenario. Clenching his hands into fists, his tone trembles.
Nex: That bastard. I don’t want to deal with this... why is he putting lives in my hands like this? I…
Serza: It's how he gets into your head.
Serza finds a chair to sit in and takes his hat off, letting it rest in his hand as he exhales, then looks to Nex and Nozomi with his jade eyes.
Serza: Marshal is all about those sacrifices and consequences, any path you choose you have to make a sacrifice.
Seeing the pain this is causing Nex mentally, the girl moves to the end of her cell which is next to his own, and puts her hand on the transparent field.
Nozomi: Please, Nex, you know there’s only one choice here. Don’t stay here for my sake. I’d much rather you take this chance to escape. I don’t want you to be stuck in a facility, being experimented on for years to come. Even if you don’t want to participate in the Marshal’s game, it’s a better alternative to losing your freedom.
Arcius finds a chair as well and sits in it, putting one leg over the other and spinning the dagger on his palm.
Arcius: You'll have a chance to prove yourself, so, better take it. Much better than rotting away in this cell.
Locke closes his eyes, trying to come up with words of encouragement for the troubled teenager.
Locke: Nex... if you're given a chance, take it. At least it's something.
Nex: It’s a chance, sure, but it’s got a ton of strings attached. Do you really think he'll keep his word?
Taking in this question, Serza tilts his head away, choosing his words carefully.
Serza: I’ll say this much about Marshal... he does what he feels is necessary to get what’s required. If it means him making sacrifices to get to his goal, he’ll do it. But he also will never give someone the full picture. So, if you become confident in how he’ll respond to your actions, then you’ve already lost. He’s a master strategist after all, and outwitting him is near impossible.
Arcius: I can always beat the shit out of people for a prize... (Strokes his chin) I wonder what the prize would be if I win.
Serza: That's assuming you win, Arcius. I wouldn’t underestimate my friend here. Against the true strength of that Grimoire, our weapons are like toys...although maybe Ophius could go one on one with it.
Uncertain of this statement, Nex glances to his arm subconsciously.
Serza: Oh right, you don’t know how to access it and your own full potential do you? In fact I don’t think you’ve even properly connected with it…
Nex: (Looks back up, frowning) Connected? It’s fused to me.
Serza: Well, physically, yes...but not completely. See, our Exitium are sort of similar to that Grimoire, at their cores anyway. We're synchronized with our weapons...and it grants us otherworldly power, power from the Boundary. But our power is regulated by the system we defend, while your Grimoire isn't controlled by anything.
Nex squints in thought, recalling Ophius’ power to summon the serpents.
Serza: And that means the power you can access is virtually limitless. You have an advantage over us, is what I’m trying to tell you, but whether you use it or not? That’s up to you.
Arcius: In any case, it would be fun to go against the Azure. I've got experience with strong opponent, so testing myself would be a fun afternoon. You don't get that opportunity every day, you know?
The young rebel scowls and glares at Arcius' casual remark, speaking harshly.
Nex: …You’re a lunatic. I don’t care about this... I’m only doing this to try and get away from here, so don’t talk about it like it's some kind of game.
Serza: (Raises his brow) You seem more prickly than usual.
Nex: Of course I am. You’re with these Destroyers, you tried to kill Nozomi, you--
Serza: You’re also a Destroyer... you just don't serve the system.
Nex: (Sharply) I’m not, you think I’ll believe it just because you told me, just because that sword of yours thinks I am? I don’t care what it thinks.
Serza: You certainly are passionate about rejecting my statement, aren’t you? (Shrugs with a sigh) Ah well, I think you’ll see it for yourself one day. I guess you don't want any tips on how to make a better connection with your Grimoire to give you better odds then...
Nex: I don't need your tips, and I don't want to be connected to this damn thing to begin with.
Arcius: Well, that's a shame, because that thing isn't gonna let you go. It's a life sentence, buddy, so take it as it is and get used to it.
Cerea closes her eyes, shuddering at the thought of spending one's entire life bound to such a horrific thing.
Nex: (Glares coldly) ...Shut up you damn leech. I don’t need you to remind me of it.
Nozomi: Even if you’re stuck with the Grimoire, that doesn’t mean you’ll fall victim to it, Nex. Just like what I deal with from my relic, it’s a matter of knowing your limits and when to push them as well. These abilities are gifts but also curses. Rejecting them... denying them completely is not the answer. But neither is giving yourself up to them.
Although he takes her words into consideration, Nex slumps against the back of the energy field, disinterested in further conversation.
Nozomi: I know it’s hard. You’ve only had it for a short time.
Serza gains a slight grin in thought as he puts his hat back on.
Serza: Compared to you, who has had it for years now… am I right?
Nozomi: Didn’t Ophius already reveal everything to you about me?
The look she gives Serza is somewhat distrusting, which the jade-eyed male sighs at.
Serza: Don’t look at me like that... I told you, it was Ophius-- I stopped the fight so you wouldn’t die earlier, didn’t I? Well, both Nex and I did, but...that’s not the point. And for the record, I can’t simply learn everything about a person and their desires Nozomi... even Ophius has its limits.
Arcius: Oh, so the little lady's got some secrets. (Chuckles) As any woman should... keep them. It's quite distasteful to pry one's nose into a woman's business.
Serza: (Clicks his tongue) Perhaps I burnt my bridges too early... fine, I understand, neither of you trust me now.
Serza stands back up and stares at Arcius.
Serza: Well then, don't you have an interrogation to take care of? Don't put it off.
Arcius: (Waves his hand) Yeah yeah, I'll do it. Just give me a moment here.
He approaches the cell with Locke in it and opens it with a keycard, pulling the mercenary out of it.
Locke: Easy there, don't hurt the merchandise.
Arcius: I'm gentleness itself.
After the jeering remark, the Destroyer puts Locke in a chair and locks the restraints, keeping him immobile.
The attention of the young rebel goes to the Reaver, his face displays a concerned scowl.
Nex: Hey, what are you going to do to him?
Arcius: Just roughing him up a bit.
He looks at the gauntlet that slides backwards and transforms into a crimson bracer, revealing a bare hand. Arcius lifts Locke's head and quickly punches him in the ear, causing the mercenary to groan in pain.
Locke: Ugh... why the ear, man?
Arcius: You expect it the least. Now, will you start talking after this one or after a few more?
Locke: How about neither?
Arcius sighs at this defiant remark and drives his fist into Locke's gut, causing him to gasp for air. Nex squints while watching, while Nozomi turns her eyes elsewhere, unable to handle seeing the man get beaten.
Serza: Listen, mercenary...don't make this any harder on yourself than it needs to be.
Locke: (Coughs) Sorry, not a snitch. I'm not exactly willing to tell you everything...
Another punch follows, and Locke spits out some blood on the floor.
Nex: Dammit, stop! He hasn't done anything to any of you!
Serza: He's not doing it to make him suffer. Exitium are weapons connected to sources of power, and these sources have desires of their own... for example, Ophius demands feeling the suffering that comes with desires. So anyone I meet I tend to read into, not just to learn about them but also so Ophius sates itself. Think of them like beasts that need to be fed, and if you don’t feed them they will do it themselves. Your Grimoire is similar, if you ignore it, it will make you pay the price eventually.
Arcius: I have to draw some blood here to make it comply with what I want. It's just the way it work. I don't need this, but it does.
A swift chopping strike to the throat makes Locke cough, and Arcius sighs, looking at his hand.
Arcius: Just a bit more... Nex: (Shakes his head) Why the hell are you wielding weapons like that?
Nozomi: (Looks down) It’s how humanity confronts the beings outside of logic. Destructive Irregularities, or those who hold traces of possibility connected to calamities… like those things you saw at the refuge’s gate.
Nex: I do remember Serza using Ophius to kill one of them... but this...?
Serza: It's a necessary evil, Nex. Especially in a world like ours filled with desires that become hunger, overtaking possibility.
Nex: But Locke isn’t like those creatures from the Boundary, he’s just a mercenary, a regular human being.
Serza: Our division, unlike others, isn’t concerned with morality... we can't afford to be. Because our weapons aren’t either. As long as they get what they need, they don’t care.
Finally, a punch to the face makes Locke slump while Arcius shakes his hand.
Serza: I think it's becoming evident he's not going to talk...this may be a job for our superior.
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Area: Naobi 
Outside the Military District
Imyo and his team stand near a gate while Switch is busy attempting to hack into, after a few seconds pass with the beastkin on high alert, the gate gives way. The three finally escape to a secluded area of Naobi’s residential areas.
Imyo: Nicaiah’s tech is saving our tails for damn sure…if we set off any alarms and got into a conflict with their military now we’d never get out.
He tries to get a call out to Locke so they could finally regroup, but he appears troubled when there’s no connection.
Imyo: (Worried) Still nothing...
Switch fiddles with his tablet, trying to reach out to Locke, but his attempts are ignored.
Switch: His frequency isn't jammed. No signs of the NOS frying our stuff either.
Spence: Something must've happened with them. Locke would find a way to answer even if he's in hiding. (Looks at Switch) Nothing from Cerea as well?
Switch: (Shakes his head) Nope. Radio silence.
The drone flies above the three, scanning the area for any hostiles. Its camouflage allows it to blend in with their surroundings, and 360-degrees cameras record everything around so that its shell creates an illusion of translucence.
Switch: No patrols so far.
Stuck with this perplexing situation, Imyo folds his arms, closing his cat eyes as he tries to think of a means to learn what occurred to the missing teammates. Something then causes him to hum in realization.
Imyo: Hold on...I think I know how to figure it out.
After a moment, Imyo pulls a device out and opens a contact with the Sector 0 Commander. The woman on screen seems buried in some kind of work from holographic screens, leaning back in her chair while focusing. She turns her head to see the camera, noticing the mercenaries. The Commander gives an audible sigh of exasperation, before swinging herself and the chair around to face the screen.
Nicaiah: Kinda busy right now, what is it? You out of the city?
Imyo: If only.
Nicaiah: Told you it wouldn't be easy to get out of Lukain's Cities...I'm all out of favor tokens. If I help much more, I'll be in hot water with my superiors. They don't even know I'm helping you. 
Imyo': Nicaiah... I know, (ears droop in guilt) but I don't know who else to turn to. (Frowns) We need to locate some of our missing members, and Switch's tech isn't pulling through.
Nicaiah: (Sighs) His tech was provided by us, so what do you want me to do about this, exactly?
Imyo: You know that prototype regulator you gave to Nex in order to dampen the effects of the Seithr in his body?
Nicaiah: What about it?
Imyo: We can’t get a hold of Locke, and he was with the kids. But Locke would stay with them, no matter what, so if we can find Nex's regulator, the other two will be there as well. Those are my thoughts anyway.
Nicaiah: It's sound... (Rubs her temple in thought) Since the regulator is a physical part of Nex, it can’t be jammed easily. So I can try to get a general location, but I don’t think I can find the exact spot.
Imyo: (Perks up, nodding) That’s fine, just need to know what’s going on. Locke said they were moving out of a waste district into some kind of hideout the last time I heard from him. But I feel we’ve been going in circles.
While Imyo explains to her, Nicaiah's eyes are on another screen that displays the two cities layouts. A few seconds later, a signal of a red dot pops up and her voice chills.
Nicaiah: You're not going to like the news... looks like the limiter is sending a signal from Iwasu, and it’s location would suggest it’s the branch.
These words cut Imyo to the core, the beastkin lowers his head briefly.
Imyo: Damn… we weren’t fast enough.
While their conversation goes on, a shadowy blob with eight sharp and strange appendages moves along the walls undetected, it seems to notice the drone, but it quickly bounces somewhere else disappearing into acidic liquid.
Spence: So we're gonna jailbreak them, right?
Switch: Don't think that'd be possible. Even with our new equipment, we don't really stand a chance against everything Necaros can throw at us. The system is in the state of continuous procedural generation, which means it's constantly shuffling itself around, updating and changing passwords and signatures. It's some of the most sophisticated stuff in the world, with a lot of ICE in it.
Spence: ICE as in?
Switch: Intrusion Countermeasure Electronics. A bit of an outdated moniker, but it's still widely used among hacker groups. We'd require a really powerful ICE Breaker, equivalent to a nuke. But even then, Naobi's system is built to withstand such "nukes".
Nicaiah: Lukain has combined some of the most advanced technology available, and reinforced it with illogical aspects he's learned from his studies of the structures of the Boundary. Even if you manage to get past one blockade the other is going to be a pain in the ass that'll stump you. Very few are gifted in knowledge of human technology and that outside of most comprehension, this bastard doesn't make it easy to get to him unless he wants you to. It's essentially impossible to invade.
Imyo: Impossible for the daughter of Telia?
Imyo's words come out with some curiosity, the beastkin leader fishing for some reassurance. Reading into this, Nicaiah groans.
Nicaiah: (Squints) You’re really pushing your luck here, Imyo…
Imyo: Even if it's against impossible odds, is there anything we can use, anything at all?
Folding her arms in thought while she crosses one leg over the other, Nicaiah’s eyes close.
Nicaiah: Well, can’t deny I would enjoy making a dent in that egotistical prick’s impossible fortress of a City.
She gains a small smile.
Nicaiah: And luckily for you, tomorrow happens to be your best shot at such a thing... Lukain and many of the important military personnel will be focused on the major event.
Imyo: Major event…?
Nicaiah: Modern gladiator games. Supremacy of Souls...only comes once a year. Theoretically speaking... you might be able to do it on that day.
Imyo: So it's that tournament that we heard about when we first got here...
Switch: Hm... that has the best probability of success. Given that the physical security will be increased around the colosseum. We may have better odds to get in their system that way.
Spence nods his head in approval, thinking that the plan is bound to succeed.
Spence: That's a good tactic. We just need to get to that competition.
Switch: I'll get us new identities to fool their ID check. Won't take long.
The blob reforms itself, looks at the drone moving around and moves skitters through the shadows back to a male who holds a knife, it rejoins it. From a distance on higher levels the two Destroyers look on.
Faulhier: They finally caught on to what happened. Should we try to take them out? I think I can kill most of them without them even noticing, (Points Cresil ahead) one touch from Cresil is all it takes to spread its poison. The cat may be a bit tougher, though...
Rythrean: No, Faulhier. Assassination isn't our order, and we don't want to alert them. We’re just keeping an eye on them. I don’t think we’re enough to take down their leader anyway.
Faulhier: Fine...(twirls the weapon by the thread) at the very least we should let General know we found them.
Rythrean: I'll concur there.
Area: Iwasu 
Prison Cells
Locke holds his head low, the effort of breathing pains him from the damage he sustained due to the Blood Reaver’s brutal punches to his lower body. However, he doesn’t let a thing slip from his lips, refusing to place his comrades in danger with a steely determination. A concerned Nex watches on with a pained stare, but the sounds of steps echoing in the hallway leading into the cell fill the air.
Akuhei: I see you're having all the fun without me.
Everyone's attention instantly goes to the General, the Destroyers turn to him while Nex becomes uneasy and growls quietly, trying to hide his fear. Nozomi shares this discomfort, stepping away from the front of her cell to make as much distance between herself and the man.
Arcius: Oh hey, Boss. Just doing a practice run here. 
Cerea shivers upon looking at the man, clearly feeling that he's extremely dangerous. She hugs her knees, trying to avoid his attention.
Akuhei: I can see that. Hasn't said a word, has he? Well, we'll see how long he lasts once I step in...
After making the sneer toward the weakened Locke, he turns his gaze to the separate cells containing the three teenagers. The man’s expression twists into a grin when he sees a growling and uneasy Nex. The young male backs away, furrowing his brow with the fiercest scowl he can muster, but this just makes Akuhei scoff.
Akuhei: Azure 0, eh? How are you feeling, lil’ Nexi? I never got to talk to you much after the incident at that refuge… I was just too busy with other things, like beating you to an inch of your life... you were quite dangerous with that Grimoire of yours. Forced the system to call on my talents...think you can do that twice?
Nex: Kh--you piece of...
He can’t finish his words, choking on them as he lacks courage to finish them. Akuhei looks to Nozomi and pieces together her guilty eyes.
Akuhei: A-ha...so you know the Marshal’s secret too. So sorry, I forgot the minor detail that she was still alive...
He says these words with obvious fake remorse, wearing a smile the whole time with an edge of spite. Nozomi finally speaks up, squinting at him.
Nozomi: Leave him alone, Akuhei. You’ve done enough to him.
Akuhei: Oh no, I don’t think I have. I can never get enough of the madness and suffering of an Azure and its wielder. Leviathan needs it, and I’m pretty damn hedonistic, you know? Gotta get my fill somehow. (Looks at Nozomi) Although I could go for another round of seeing you cry in terror as well... being so valuable to this shitty world and all. How’s it been for you here? I hope you’ve enjoyed Lukain’s hospitality... doesn’t look like he’s replaced your body or anything yet.
Nex: Shut the hell up you sadistic freak…!
As the conversation hits a boil, Cerea tries to make herself as small as possible, this man is far more unpleasant than any of the Destroyers she’s met so far.
Akuhei: As much as I’d love to play with you, kid, I’m here on business...
Locke still sits with his head hanging low, trying not to move while Arcius puts a chair in front of him back first and sits down, putting his arms on the backrest.
Arcius: Trying to get info from this fella here. Just started, did some basic roughing up to keep Belial from going too far.
Exhaling and throwing his head back, Akuhei turns to Arcius and finds a chair. With a quick kick to its legs with his shoe, he flips it around so the back of the chair faces Locke, before sitting down and leaning over it, gesturing to the Blood Reaver while a smile creeps in on his face.
Akuhei: As if I care about taking it too far.
Arcius: (Clicks his tongue) Well, buddy, I think you heard him. Try to start talking sooner.
Locke weakly lifts his head and looks at Arcius while blood is flowing out of a gash to the left of his left eye.
Locke: Depends on... what you want to hear.
Akuhei: I think you already know. It's in regards to a certain Commander and if she has been directly aiding your little ragtag band. Last I checked, the cat wasn’t in favor of the LS either... especially after he refused to notify them about Azure 0’s situation. (Shakes his head with a grin) The damn cat is just making enemies everywhere these days...
Nex listens from the cell, going a bit closer to the front of it, but still wary of that man speaking to the injured mercenary.
Locke: Can't tell you much... I'm not the one dealing with her.
A loud scoff escapes the Generals mouth.
Akuhei: Of course you aren’t. You’re just a small fry. But given you’re in the same worthless band of mediocrity, you should know that answer.
Locke briefly looks at Akuhei before diverting his gaze.
Locke: I know that I don't know who hasn't been in contact with her.
Following this response, Leviathan flashes into its wielders hold and the blade breaks apart, extending by a chain of emerald shadows. The weapon moves into Locke’s vision, causing him to grunt in slight alarm. A snake-like head is its tip and separates to show off a glowing green maw and long protruding fangs while producing a hiss. It brushes up against Locke’s neck with its ‘head’ being razor sharp, leaving a cut, and it is a motion away from snapping down on his throat.
Akuhei: Is she aware of your little group’s predicament here, being in Lukain’s Cities, trying to get Azure 0 out? This is your chance to spit it all out to Arcius before I take over. (Sneers) And when I take over you start choking on your words and spewing out blood while Leviathan rips away at your mind.
Locke lets out a short grunt as the snake scrapes against his skin, but still remains determined not to divulge anything.
Locke: Now... nobody wants this to happen, am I right? Otherwise you'll lose any source of info here.
Leviathan's fangs puncture his skin lightly, drawing blood.
Akuhei: As I said, Leviathan will rip through your mind, and that means I can pluck out whatever I choose from that head of yours. It just becomes a matter of how long you can endure it… and I can make it as excruciatingly slow or quick as I want it to be.
Serza watches his superior intimidate the mercenary before receiving a notification from the other Destroyers. Looking over the intelligence report that comes in on his communication device. After finishing, his jade eyes look up from it and he tries to inform his superior.
Serza: Ah, sir?
With slight annoyance, Akuhei responds.
Akuhei: What? Cant you tell I'm busy, Serza?
Serza: I see that. But Faulhier and Rythrean located the others, General. Should they go in?
Akuhei's brow lifts as his smile returns and twists with an idea setting in.
Akuhei: Did they? I wonder how the cats squad would feel about being rounded up like cattle and slaughtered in a glorious display of public execution?
Nex's eyes display his worry as he hears the General.
Akuhei: Naobis favorite event is tomorrow too... and it would be one to remember when the people see that their worries are cut down before their very eyes, wouldn’t it?
A frown of alarm sets in on Nozomi's face while Nex glares.
Nex: You damn...
Nozomi: Please, don’t…
Akuhei: Oh, I won’t make the order, not yet. All this maggot has to do is talk.
While speaking, Akuhei stands up and kicks Locke's leg, making him wince.
Akuhei: It's just a couple words to sell out their informant and his group. Not hard at all. (Leans in with a grin) Is your alliance with this woman so important that you'd let your whole squad be killed? Let's see...
Locke clenches his teeth and looks at Akuhei with a glare of contempt.
Locke: I don't know anything for certain... only that my name is mud. Sorry if I can't say anything concrete.
Staring at Locke for a few seconds, Akuhei squints with amusement. 
Akuhei: Okay... mhard way it is. I hope you’re ready to writhe you stupid maggot... this is what your loyalty gets you!
With these venomous words, the General thrusts his hand forward, making a crushing motion as Leviathan leaps in and pushes Locke against the wall, snapping down just under his throat and spreading emerald veins through his flesh, causing extreme mental agony. Walking up to him with a sneer, Akuhei uses the weapon to sift through the recent memories of Locke being with Imyo and the others. Between his hands, scourge twirls around and it envelops a knife, turning it a sickly green, which he jams it into Locke’s ribs.
Akuhei: I’m going to kill you. Slowly, and painfully. I’ll kill every last one of you mercenary maggots… and I’m going to enjoy every second of it. Tearing you to bloody ribbons, Leviathan will devour every part of you!
A memory that isn't his own comes to Akuhei as he hears the group talking, and the voice of a woman becomes clearer as well. Piecing it together, he chuckles.
Akuhei: That’s what I thought. It hasn’t just been dumb luck that the cat has survived every time... that bitch of a commander is looking out for him. Well, we'll have to put an end to that.
Locke lets out a pained groan, feeling as he's being turned inside out. He stifles the screams in his throat, but it's still hard to keep them down. Cerea tries not to look at her friend suffering, hugging her knees as she lets out a weak whimper.
Arcius: You got the evidence there, Boss?
The one-eyed man is sitting in his chair, looking rather bored with this ordeal.
Having watched this, Nex shivers at it and shakes his head and quietly growls.
Akuhei pushes Locke off the weapon with his foot and the man slumps against the wall. He then turns away and glances to Arcius.
Akuhei: And you should try a bit harder, Reaver. I wouldn't have to resort to that… although I suppose this one was going to be silent regardless.
Serza: Belial isn't of the same class as your weapon. Not many can resist the Leviathan.
Akuhei: Of course not. He's just a maggot, and they all have their breaking point. Anyway, they contacted her... she’s the one helping them out, feeding them information on how to navigate the Marshal’s Cities.
Serza: So we’re dealing with the Liberation Sector as well? I thought Imyo was run off along with the rest of the Rogue Sector’s allies.
Akuhei: Nicaiah is a different kind of woman... she likes to march to the beat of her own drum. Khehehe, but it's too bad for her she’s under the thumb of Sector 51. So no, we’re not dealing with the Liberators, more so the bitch herself.
Arcius: I'm sure her Hierarch or whatever would certainly be displeased with her cutting deals behind his back.
Serza: Aiding enemies of their own government… that woman is bold.
Akuhei: Arcius has the right idea, though. Lukain and I will figure out how to approach this.
Locke's eyes are glazed over as he sits almost motionless. His chest heaves as he stares forward, but the light in his eyes has become dim. Cerea tries not to look at him and lowers her head while Nozomi covers her mouth so she doesn't screech at the tortured male. Her eyes show great sorrow for him.
Nex: Bastards!
Unable to hold it in any longer, Nex's voice raises into a infuriated yell, though the General seems unconcerned.
Akuhei: Oh hush already… he brought it on himself.
He lowers the field of the cell temporarily and pulls Nex over by his arm which startles him as the General sneers at him as he lifts him up leaving him wriggling in fury and unease.
Akuhei: Not like you can do anything about it anyway. Not until you figure out that power of yours, but even then you'd probably fail to make any difference...
Nex: Kh--are you still going to send people after them?
Akuhei: What? No. Of course not... I want the pleasure of killing the cat and his band. I'm not going to hand that off to some nobody. I was just saying it for the pressure, dramatic effect--should have seen all of your reactions. Priceless.
Putting his hands on the General's arm, Nex tries to break away but Akuhei doesn't let his grip loosen any.
Arcius gets up from his chair and rolls his shoulders before doing a few shadowboxing moves.
Arcius: Well, I gotta prepare for the contest. Wonder if I get a promotion if I win there.
Akuhei: You're in it?
Serza: So is Nex. Marshal needs combat data.
Nex: That's right, I am. I'm going to fight. And I'm going to get out of here, I'm taking Nozomi with me, and all of us are getting out!
Akuhei: Hehehahahaa! You're going to escape, eh? I'd like to see you try it, kid…
With a violent motion, he throws Nex back into the cell with force, the teenager collides against concrete floor on his back with a groan and the field forms once more.
Akuhei: This mercenary maggot dies tomorrow. I don't need him for anything else anyway.
Arcius quickly grabs Locke's neck and lifts his up with his right hand, briefly contemplating draining him, but he shakes his head and tosses the mercenary into the cell with Cerea in it.
Arcius: Rest up, buddy. You're on death row.
Locke lands hard on the floor nearby her, but Cerea makes no attempt to move while Akuhei is around, scared out of her mind.
Akuhei: Enjoy your final hours...
Nex pushes himself off the floor as Akuhei leaves the prison room with a chuckle. The youngest male still is fixated on the General after he departs, anger in his eyes.
Arcius: If both of us get to the finals... make it a fight to remember.
The gauntlet once again appears on the one-eyed Destroyer's right arm.
Arcius: Because we want to taste your blood that badly.
Arcius leaves the cell block and heads up the stairs.
Serza: Well, Nex, I suggest you try to rest... tomorrow is going to be a long day for you.
Leaving his chair, Serza scoops up his hat from the table and places it back on.
Serza: While I'm not one for such grisly events...I'm certain you'll make it through, because we will face each other again.
Nex: ...If you were in it, then it really wouldn't be fair at all. That weapon of yours... it's like my Grimoire, isn't it?
Serza's jade eyes glance to Nex as he says those words and he faintly smiles.
Serza: Get your rest.
He then departs after Arcius. Nex clicks his tongue and looks at Cerea and Locke in their cell. Locke groans weakly as he clutches his ribs. Cerea slowly goes towards him as Serza leaves, putting her hand on his wound to stop the minor bleeding.
Cerea: Hang in there, Locke. I can help you.
Locke: Ce... rea... sorry...
Cerea: Don't be, man. Just don't talk, don't aggravate the wound.
The girl quickly pulls the bandana off of Locke's head and removes his shirt, bandaging the wound to the best of her abilities.
Cerea: There. Damn bastards took my stuff away, so I can't do much here.
Locke: Thanks... that felt... awful.
Guilt fills the young rebel’s eyes before he shoves himself into a corner, feeling lingering fear and disdain.
Nex: This is why I asked you not to follow me.
Nozomi: Nex… I’m so sorry. I had no idea it was going to turn out this way.
The girl meekly approaches the cell and tries to speak to Nex from her own, the male youth looks up and lets a sigh full of fatigue out.
Nex: Don’t be. Being upset at you isn’t gonna solve this. If anyone deserves that anger, it’s that damn snake and this Marshal.
Nozomi: Akuhei is the one who showed up at the refuge during the incident, isn’t he? I always thought I sensed something else, even more dangerous than the Grimoire.
Nex: Yeah...that was him. He made a point to tell me it was my fault that the massacre in Shukuto happened.
Nozomi: (Shakes her head) That's not true, Nex. While the Grimoire did cause all that damage, it wasn’t in your control. When I was trying to stop it… I felt something else from it. Something I couldn't handle, and something I didn’t originally sense when you came in to Shukuto. Don’t blame yourself. If I was stronger I could have saved you and everyone there.
Nex: Hard not to take some of the blame… all those lives are still gone to this thing. And that guy... he just made it all worse. Does he hate the Azure or something?
He watches Cerea keep working with what she has to ease Locke’s pain while Nozomi closes her eyes, recalling stories of the man who came before his cruel General.
Nozomi: That man is Yamaorochi’s successor... my family always told me that Yamaorochi was a man who ensured humanity would live on to this day after the Third War-- but it was not without a catch. Yamaorochi was a being of the Boundary, his soul is gone, his connection to the Azure destroyed. He would encourage others to bring death, war, to chase their hunger until it consumes them... even to conquer the Azure itself for their desires. And the terrifying thing is that our world is slowly devolving into what he wanted... even though he’s dead.
Nex: (Folds his arms) Yamaorochi...does seem familiar, but I don’t know why.
Nozomi: The Azure likely feels something similar in Akuhei. But they are not the same possibility. Akuhei may be looking to succeed where Yamaorochi’s possibility did not... maybe he’s the next step of it. You need to be careful, Nex. Your encounters--our encounters--with him are not coincidence. I can feel that.
Cerea: He's been hounding Imyo for a while, that's what he said. Now I know why Nex was so afraid of that guy.
Locke groans as he tries to get up, but Cerea stops him and puts her hands on his shoulders.
Cerea: You shouldn't move, Locke. Don't make it worse.
Locke: I'll be fine... just can't stay still like this.
Nex: (Sighs in disappointment) This is only going to get worse...there has to be a way for everyone to get out of it alive. I don’t wanna see another person die to that snake.
Cerea: Hope you're right. Still, you can't save everyone, Nex, even with your Azure.
Nex: I've never saved anyone with this power... all it's done is cause people to die or worse.
Nozomi: (Frowns) The Azure doesn't only bring destruction, Nex.
Nex: From what those Destroyers are saying they don't seem to agree... hell, the System thinks I'm the most dangerous Irregularity. I don't think I can prove otherwise.
Cerea: Hey... you're the one that determines what your power is used for, not them. At least that's how it's supposed to be.
The golden-eyed girl looks at Nex and curls her lips into a faint smile.
Cerea: If you don't believe in yourself, then at least believe in Imyo, believe in us who believe in you.
He looks at Cerea, unsure of how to take the words, contemplating over the meaning of it as he looks elsewhere.
----
Area: Naobi 
Outside the Military District
Rythrean reads over a response and pockets the device, looking to her fellow Destroyer who spins Cresil.
Rythrean: General isn't going through with any kind of assault tonight.
Faulhier: (Raises his brow) No? That’s unlike him…
Rythrean: Apparently he’s more interested in cutting off their outside support.
Faulhier: Sector 0’s Commander being involved in this… trying to put her fingers in every pie, that’s not too smart, but she does like to try to keep up with Marshal I hear. Must be leftover resentment from her late mother. Such a bother. Still, that would explain them being able to be so prepared.
Rythrean: Neutralizing potential threats is just as important as dealing with current ones. Once their support is out of the picture, we can be certain they’ll have no other options. General likes to strike when his prey is at their most helpless anyway.
Faulhier gets up from his seated position and stretches in faux exhaustion while Cresil goes on standby.
Faulhier: Then I don’t think they’ll be moving tonight, from the sound of things they’re targeting the big day tomorrow... we should go regroup with Arcius and Serza. I need a nap and I'm starving anyway.
Rythrean: Why? You didn't do anything, you lazy lout.
Faulhier: On the contrary, searching around for these guys took a lot of energy. I don't wanna hang around here any longer than we need to so I'm going on ahead.
Rythrean: (Sighs, shaking her head) Why do I put up with this every day?
The Destroyers move off the rooftops, while the mercenary leader continues to plan with the Commander over video who finishes entering something in on her end.
Nicaiah: Okay, I think I figured it out. If you three can find a way into the area, guarantee you there’ll be a way to the branch through that place. Lukain is lawfully bound to ensure personnel and citizens have entry, and since Iwasu is providing many combatants, he has to leave the exits and entries open, regardless of his preferences. Once you get inside Iwasu’s branch you should be able to get them out of there, and there shouldn’t be any physical complications you can’t deal with.
Imyo's ears perk up as he looks over and sees the mapping that Nicaiah has provided, including a route to the teleportals to the base.
Imyo: Great, that’s just the news we needed to hear, Nicaiah. Where is this competition’s arena?
Nicaiah: Right at the highest point of Naobi’s levels, the Zenith Colosseum. Can’t miss it.
Imyo: (Nods) Then it’s settled. Switch, get going on those IDs. Tomorrow we’re going to infiltrate that base and get ‘em out of there.
Nicaiah: If this little stunt works, you owe me big, Imyo. I hope you’re ready to pony up because this isn’t going to be easy whatsoever, even for me.
Spence: When was it ever easy?
Switch: When we were handling some more mundane stuff. Now it's a do-or-die situation, and we're out of options. If we have to save Nex, we must do whatever's necessary.
Imyo hums once in approval, turning to the other two mercenaries with a serious look in his cat eyes.
Imyo: I’m glad you all understand that. After all, the man we’re dealing with is one who is already prepared for our intervention, he’s already played that scenario out in his mind. We don’t ever have the element of surprise with him, but somehow we have to make this work.
----
End of Captives of Choice
Continues in: Souls of Supremacy
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Category:EvoBlaze
Category:Rebellion Sequence Transcript