Breakout Archive

by Pseudo_Blackhole

Summary:

Kamona. A wartorn region that has long fallen into a civil war, caught between the power struggle of two large factions, Colom and Tevila. Amidst the chaos of the Dark Zone, four operators, hardened from their experiences of gruelling gunfights and harsh environements take on what seems to be just another mission. Soon, however, things go south...and they are plunged into the strange land of Kivotos.

Side stories in the works.

Notes:

My first ever fic, please add suggestions/recommendations to make it better. Thanks!

Chapter 1: Utopia and Starfall

A rundown of each member’s gear:

TI-7 “Overwatch”:

Helmet:IND50 Heavy Tactical Helmet

Attachments:T7 Thermal Imager, can be exchanged with DK8 Military Bulletproof Mask with a SW-5 Half Gas Mask if the need arises

Body armor:BT101 Tactical Body Armor

Rig:FA Commander Chest Rig

Bag:926 Field Backpack

Weapons:AX50(12.7x99mm M2), AR57(5.7x28mm SS198),G18C(9x19mm Dumdum)

 

AS-2 “Packrat”:

Helmet:AS200 Heavy Tactical Helmet

Attachments:DK7 Premium Bulletproof Mask with a SW-5 Half Gas Mask if the need arises

Body armor:926 Composite Body Armor

Rig:FA Multipurpose Chest Rig

Bag:RAL Heavy Military Backpack

Weapons:M110(7.62x51mm M62), H416(5.56x45mm M995)

 

DO-9 “Juggernaut”:

Helmet:DOD9 Blast Helmet

Attachments:None

Body armor:Spartan C Heavy Armored Rig

Rig:Above mentioned armored rig

Bag:Med Field Backpack

Weapons:RPK-16(with gun shield)(5.45x39mm BS),USAS-12(12x70mm Type 8 Buckshot)

 

IN-7 “High Caliber”:

Helmet:IND70 Tactical Helmet

Attachments:None

Body armor:KN Composite Body Armor

Rig:926 Premium Field Rig

Bag:RUSH Tactical Backpack

Weapons:Mk14(7.62x51mm M61),AR-30(.338 AP) ,G18C(9x19mm 7N31)

 

Kamona, Nighttime. Somewhere above Onotos

 

It was a foggy night. Inside of a large transport plane, a group of four operators sit inside the cargo hold, idly chatting.

 

“Hey AS-2 and DO-9, you guys were contracted by MNST right?” TI-7 asked

 

“Yeah. We’re all operators under PMCs here in the Dark Zone. I took MNST’s side this time so we could clear Renoir’s name with Sumek this time by helping with this delivery of “humanitarian aid supplies”. Who’re you guys under?” AS-2 said, while DO-9 remained silent.

 

“Me and TI-7 here are under contract with Blackgold, but we’re here mostly for the money. I think there’s more to these “humanitarian aid supplies”, otherwise Blackgold wouldn’t pay so much to do this job. But hey, we help escort the cargo, don’t ask questions, make sure it arrives safely, and get paid. Easy job for easy money, right?” IN-7 says.

 

“Money’s money, I suppose. MNST has some good heavy armor manufacturer contacts, but this gear costs shit tons to repair. Don’t get me started with the ammunition costs.” DO-9 says, slightly muffled due to his helmet.

 

The group temporarily stops their conversation as the plane goes through some turbulence, shaking the operators as some clattering is heard further into the cargo hold.

 

“Hey, you guys are a pretty nice bunch. If we work under the same faction in the future, let’s go grab a drink, yeah?” said AS-2

 

“As long as you don’t owe the bartender the amount Sans owes Grillby, sure.” DO-9 says

 

“That’s if we make it outta here alive. If the cargo needs eyes on it from both warring factions in Kamona, I feel like it’s important enough to get intercepted.” TI-7 says

 

“Don’t jinx it.” IN-7 says

 

At that moment, the plane tilted sharply, causing large amounts of cargo to slide around and jostling the operators. DO-9, even with all his heavy armor on, tumbles onto TI-7.

 

“Yo, juggernaut. Can you get off me? If you crush my thermal imager you bet your ass you’re paying for it!” TI-7 said

 

“Sure, sure. Gimme a minute” DO-9 said.

 

At that moment, the pilot opened up the intercom.

 

“Operators, we got a missile lock on us. Sumek has given me full disclosure to tell you the contents of the cargo. We need you to defend the “Utopia” and get it back to Sumek or the destination. Grab the parachutes, they should be in bright orange packs under the seats. I’ll eject the cargo with the “Utopia” in 30 seconds, so secure it once it reaches the ground. We only have a minute till the missile hits!” 

 

The operators look under the seats, only to find nothing there. They looked around, only to see that those packages had slid all the way to the end of the cargo bay, very far away. 

 

At this moment, they all thought the exact same thing:“Fuck.”

 

“They were really carrying those experimental chems from KMNTV? What the hell are they doing here?!” yelled AS-2

 

“More importantly, let’s get those parachutes and get the fuck out, ASAP!” DO-9 said

 

“Wonder how much these samples will sell for.” TI-7 said

 

“How about you start wondering how we’re getting this job done, eh?” IN-7 said

 

“Fair point.”

 

All the operators sprint to the end and grab the parachute packs, strapping them on. They then start sprinting back towards the exit ramp as it slowly opens.

 

“Ejecting cargo!” the pilot yells.

 

As cargo spills out of the plane, the operators also jump out. However, IN-7’s eyes widen as he notices a streak heading towards the plane. The next moment, the plane blows up in a fireball, with fragments shooting outwards. A large piece of the ramp is blown towards the operators.

 

“Ah shit…”

 

The ramp hits the operators, severely injuring them and rendering them unconscious. Residents near that area reported a large, orange fireball before a blinding blue flash lit up the sky. When Sumek first responders arrived at the drop site of the “Utopia”, there was nothing. No cargo, no bodies, not even discarded parachutes. This became a mystery in the Dark Zone not even Colom intelligence could not solve. Little did they know, soon, something would give them a lead…

 

???,???.???

 

The group of four blinks as they come to their senses.

 

“Urgh…”

 

“Which fucker decided to shoot a missile at the plane…?”

 

“Shit, my head…”

 

“Where the hell are we?”

 

“Seems like we’re on a train.” DO-9 said

 

“Guys…look outside.”TI-7 said

 

AS-2 and IN-7 join TI-7 and DO-9 at the window as they stare outside at…well, nothing, really. An empty expanse of blue, with the brilliant sunset in the distance casting its rays inside the train’s interior. The light also reflects off the metal interior of the carriage car, showing the rows upon rows of empty seats on either side.

 

“...”

“Woah…”

 

“Don’t think I've seen water this clear. Ever. Not even at the Port or at the Valley’s beach.”

 

“It was all my fault.”

 

“Whaddya mean? Ain't nobody’s fault that we’re-”

 

All four operators whirl around, with TI-7 and IN-7 pulling out their G18Cs and DO-9 and AS-2 fumbling to pull out their USAS-12 and H416 respectively as they hear the unfamiliar voice. They stare in bewilderment at a girl with a large, bloody gash running across her chest, staining her pristine white uniform with a deep shade of crimson. 

 

“My decisions, and everything they caused.”

 

TI-7 and IN-7 keep their G18cs trained on the girl, while DO-9 and AS-2 start searching their bags and rigs for medical items.

 

“Shit, is that a civvie?”

 

“Get that STO First Aid Set out! Patch her up!”

 

“Girl, hold still! Pass me some bandages!”

 

“How did she even get injured like that? And why is there nobody else on this train?!”

 

“It had to come to this for me to finally realize you were right all along…”

 

“Give her some painkillers. I think she’s gone a bit delusional from the pain…”

 

An image of a grey-haired girl pointing a silenced pistol at him and a shattered tablet flash through TI-7’s head.

 

“Urgh, my head! What the hell? I think I’m hallucinating…”

 

“So forgive me for being so bold, but I must ask for your help.”

 

“We’re helping you right now. Hang in there!”

 

“TI-7, AS-2, DO-9 and IN-7 Sensei…”

 

At this, all members of the squad froze. AS-2 flipped up his face mask, and stared the girl dead in the eyes.

 

“How do you know who we are? And who are you?”

 

“You’ll forget these words, but it won’t matter.”

 

“...”

 

“Is this pre-recorded or something?”

 

“No…definitely not. I can feel her. She’s real.”

 

“Even without your memories, you’ll probably make the same decision in the same situation…”

 

At this point, all the operators stood frozen, faces grim. The bleeding didn’t seem to stop. Even the best medical items they had at their disposal weren't able to help her. They stood there in silence, letting her speak her words as she slowly died.

 

“Therefore, I believe what matters most are the choices we make, not the experiences we have.”

 

“...”

 

“There are only choices you can make.”

 

All the operators flinched, as various images of the students across Kivotos appeared in their heads.

 

“ Are you guys seeing this?”

 

“If you’re talking about girls with halos and guns, then yes, you’re not the only one on that Kamona TV station gas and hallucinating.”

 

“Very funny.”

 

“I’ve spoken of responsibility before.”

 

TI-7, who is used to sitting on a sniper perch for hours on end, tracking his targets with his AX50, notices IN-7 starting to space out due to the lack of action. He gives him a sharp smack on the back of his helmet.

 

“Guh!”

 

“I didn’t truly understand it then, but now I do.”

 

“Pay attention. Might be important later on.”

 

“Didn’t she say we’re gonna forget this anyways?”

 

“Adulthood, responsibility, obligation…and the choices you make that extend beyond those ideals.”

“...”

 

“I even understand their implications”

 

“...”

 

“Therefore, senseis…”

 

“You’re the only ones I can trust.”

 

“Only you can free us from this twisted, distorted fate…”

 

“...and find the choices that will lead us to a new reality.”

 

“So. Please…”

 

“...”

 

The group of four sense their vision blurring. They stand there, solemn, as their vision slowly darkens. The girl gives a slight smile, and everything fades to black.

Notes:

I kinda like playing both these games, and I have a rough idea of how the story will go. Probably won't update often now (busy with summatives) but I will try to write some more and update more often during the summer. If you like the fic, please leave a kudos, and helpful feedback in the comments is also appreciated. Thanks!

Chapter 2: Investigations and Airdrops

Notes:

Just pushing this chapter out before I get a bit busy, don't expect any updates in the next 6 days or so. Dropping a bit more exposition, will also make some more backstories for the characters later. Other than this, hope you enjoy the chapter!

Colom, ???. Colom Defense Intelligence Service (CDIS) HQ

 

In a dark, secluded office, a phone rings. A woman with platinum hair sets down her coffee, picking up the phone.

 

Kayla:Hello?

 

???:I have the information you’ve asked for. Through some contacts inside MNST to shed some additional light on the history of the operator’s they’ve hired, we were able to find information about them. And while that’s nice and all…

 

Kayla:Yes?

 

???:We’ve been unable to find any leads or other factors that could lead to their disappearance. Their files should show up any moment now on your computer; I’ve sent it over. Anything on your end?

 

Kayla takes another sip of coffee.

 

Kayla:Nothing. Other than being quite skilled, there isn’t much that stands out or that could make them an anomaly. Also, send extra info from your side about our operators too. The information in our database isn’t complete; we didn’t directly hire them, unlike Tevila.

 

At this moment, the inbox pings on her computer. Kayla opens up the file, bringing up profiles of the two operators hired by MNST.

 

???:Working on it. Those should show up in your inbox soon as well.

 

Kayla:Thank you. I’ll look through them.

 

Hanging up the phone, she begins to read through the files.

 

AS-2 “Packrat”: An enigmatic individual. He’s hard to understand, but we know he prioritizes the survival of himself and those around him highly. As his callsign states, he’s the “Packrat” of the group, carrying essential supplies and rations suited to the needs of his raids or missions. He’s your go-to for spare ammo, medicine; even spare equipment is stashed in his huge bag. He prefers traveling light so he can store more supplies in his bag for less drawbacks on his movement. He’s worked for us before, taking a more neutral stance between the factions, and doesn’t have a particular bias.

 

DO-9 “Juggernaut”: A casual, caring individual. He opens up fairly easily, making him easy to work with. He understands that teamwork is key, valuing the lives of his teammates over his. He excels in the defensive, always wearing heaving armor to help reduce the amount of injuries his teammates accrue and providing suppressive fire. Rarely pushing on the offensive, he’s the wall his teammates rely on, a true “Juggernaut”. A strong belief in protecting the weak and innocent has led him to partner with Tevila multiple times, as their goal is to restore Kamona to its former glory as an independent country, and defending it from takeover attempts by Colom.

 

At this moment, another ping echoes through her inbox. She opens the file to review the additional information on the operators that they hired for the mission.

 

TI-7 “Overwatch”: A cold and reserved individual that opens up towards people he trusts. He seems to be the near opposite of “Juggernaut”, caring more about profit than the lives of those he works with. Usually, he utilizes his T7 thermal imager combined with his AX50 anti-materiel rifle with frightening accuracy and efficiency to stealthily eliminate high-value targets, or takes the role of a scout, spotting targets for others to take care of. He’s a patient individual, almost like Viper, being able to sit still for hours on end if it means completing the objective. He values his thermal imager very much, to the point where he’d kill the person that broke it. His callsign, “Overwatch”, comes from the fact that he’s usually the one who watches from the shadows. And… you’d better hope he’s watching you through a pair of binoculars instead of through the scope of his rifle. He’s taken our side mostly because we care a lot less about our more…“expendable” personnel.

 

IN-7 “High Caliber”: A very open individual that likes socializing with others. His personality is very similar to Obol’s: He doesn’t care who hires him, as long as it pays well and has a high chance of profit, he’ll take the job. He’s usually the brains of whichever squad he joins, and his open personality allows him to form a bond with the team he works with very fast. He’s led many of his teams out of dangerous situations with minimal casualties, becoming a favorable individual in both MNST and CDIS’ eyes. In an offensive, however, he’s ruthless towards his enemies, always being the first to take initiative and lead the offense. Both White Wolf and Blackgold have made offers to him to join, however, he seems to be disinterested and wishes to not be tied down to either side, remaining neutral.

 

Finding nothing that could lead to their disappearance, Kayla moved back towards analyzing the plane crash. From what she knew, Operation Blackout had been a success and they were able to infiltrate the Armory; hijacking one of Renoir’s missiles to shoot down Sumek’s convoy plane. It was an…unexpected move by Styx, but it benefited them overall. As she was inspecting an image taken by one of the locals of the bright blue flash, the phone rang again. She picks up the phone.

 

???:New info: one of our recon teams found someone near the cargo ejection point. They found her walking along the side of the road leading to one of our outposts. We currently have her detained, and she’s being brought in for questioning. One of our agents took a picture of her; I’ll send it over. Colom High Intelligence has been informed as well. She’s…unusual.

 

??? quickly hung up the call.

 

Colom High Intelligence. This was intriguing. What could warrant their attention? Kayla thought, taking another sip of coffee.

 

At this moment, her inbox pinged again. Kayla opens up the image…and almost chokes on her coffee. 

 

Kivotos, Daytime. Somewhere above D.U Shiratori

 

IN-7 opens his eyes to see a bright blue sky. Craning his head around, he unexpectedly flips his entire body over, and his eyes widen.

 

“Holy shit…”

 

A magnificent city stretches out below them. From small shops to tall skyscrapers, all of them are neatly arranged in orderly grids. Above all, it was clean (mostly), at least compared to the Port in Kamona, the closest he could compare it to. The glass in multiple buildings reflected the bright, glaring sunlight. However, there were a multitude of problems: First, the buildings were getting closer. Which meant that they were falling. Second, his other teammates were flailing around in panic, which was not helping the situation. Third, there were also multiple crates falling around them, which might club them if they weren't careful. And finally, it was daytime . Which meant that they had definitely been falling for more than 30 minutes, and that they had somehow maintained a goddamn death grip on their parachute packs.

 

“EVERYONE, STOP PANICKING! STRAP ON THE PARACHUTES AND DEPLOY THEM BEFORE WE IMPALE OURSELVES ON ONE OF THOSE SKYSCRAPERS!” IN-7 yelled, as he put on his own pack.

 

Everyone else followed suit, and they prepared to pull the ripcord. At around 2000 metres from the ground, they pulled the ripcord. However…

 

“...MY PARACHUTE ISN’T DEPLOYINGGggg…” TI-7 screamed as he quickly fell without a parachute while the other had begun drifting, descending at a slightly slower speed.  However, DO-9, who was very heavy, had descended faster and managed to catch TI-7 in his freefall.

 

“Hang on! We’ll get to the ground safely!” 

 

“Thanks! Tell the others to rendezvous and land at the park…”

 

As TI-7 clambered onto DO-9’s back they both realized that the parachute was taking on a little too much weight… and that they were descending really fast. A large airdrop crate was also hurtling towards them, parachute undeployed…

 

Kivotos, Daytime. In a park in D.U Shiratori

 

“The fuck did you just say to me? I’ll beat you till you run back to your shitty hideout!” A helmet gangster yelled

 

“Come at me then! I’ll show you what I’m made of!” A sukeban yelled back

 

Neither side got to act on their threats, as a large shadow appeared above the sukeban’s head, before she promptly got folded like a KitKat by a large airdrop crate dropping out the sky.

 

“What the-” the helmet gangster said, before being completely crushed by two armored operators and a parachute, knocking them out cold.

 

“...uhhhhhhh…we didn’t just kill a kid, did we?” TI-7 asked

 

DO-9 reaches down to feel for a pulse.

 

“No, I feel a pulse. They’re alive. Their helmet protected them from the worst of it.”

 

“Should we be more concerned about why they’re wearing a biker helmet in the middle of a park with no bike in sight and carrying a gun?”

 

At this moment, the other two operators also land.

 

“ Perfect timing. Can you guys help move the airdrop crate? Kid under it’s gonna die if we don’t.” DO-9 said

 

“How are they not dead?” AS-2 and IN-7 asked

 

“Beats me. What concerns me is that they’re both carrying guns…”

 

“...Alright, let’s do this.”

 

Together, they manage to push the crate off the sukeban. They then start searching the airdrop for the “Utopia”. IN-7 eventually finds it, pulling it out. A large biohazard symbol is printed on a yellow sticker, attached to a metallic crate with a small window showing three vials lined up, filled with a viscous green liquid. Lifting it out, he shows it to the others.

 

“Found the “Utopia”. Can you secure it, AS-2?” IN-7 said

 

“Sure.”

 

However, when AS-2 opens his bag, he finds an unexpected addition to the supplies in his bag.

 

“Guys? Did any of you put a letter in my bag?”

Notes:

As always, kudos and suggestions are welcome. Also forgot to put this out there last chapter, but thank you to the authors of various Blue Archive crossover fics for inspiring me to make this.

Chapter 3: Jailbreak and the GSC

Notes:

I'm dying

Tevila, ???. Ministry of National Security of Tevila(MNST) HQ

 

Andre stood pacing in his office. Ever since the plane crashed into the Mine, things had become heated as the Sumek Committee, Colom and Tevila forces contested over the wreck in the hopes of finding any leftover “Utopia” samples. Plenty of bullets spent and lives lost, yet no real results. None of the factions had found any samples yet, and White Wolf forces had withdrawn from the ejection point after some conflict with Blackgold forces deployed by Colom. However, investigation by Colom at the occupied site continued, and one incident had caught his eye. This was why he was pacing around the office, while waiting for one of the insiders to gather more information about the incident. The phone rang, jolting him out of his thoughts. Walking over to his desk, he picks it up.

 

Andre: Finally have that information? I’ve been waiting for a while.

 

MNST Informant: Yes, and I’ve gathered plenty of information. I’ll send the information to you promptly. Unfortunately, I’ll have to make this communication short, since security in Colom Intel HQ is anything but lax. Have a good day.

 

The phone hangs up as a file shows up in Andre’s inbox. His brow furrows as he opens and reads the file with disbelief etched across his face.

 

Suspicious individual “Kosaka Wakamo” apprehended near Colom security outpost #7 on an incoming path from the Onotos region. The individual showed extreme confusion at their current situation, talking about a location called “Kivotos”. The individual also talks about getting revenge on an organization called the “GSC”. 

 

When questioned about Colom, Tevila, and Kamona, the response was one of confusion, showing no knowledge of any of these locations. During the interview, she also identified everyone as “non-haloed”, citing it as the only reason why she hasn’t blown up the entire place, to our utter confusion. 

 

We have noticed that she does have a halo above her head, among other more…peculiar features. She is female with fox ears and tail, and a dress of unknown make and origin. The gun she carried is a modified Type 99  rifle with a bayonet attachment. Facial features are unknown, as she wears a fox mask to cover her face, refusing to take it off. The decision is pending on whether to do a forcible removal of the mask or not, and to use harsher interrogation methods, due to refusal to shed further light on “Kivotos” by the individual.

 

Overall deduction:The individual is related to the phenomenon on the night of the missile attack. Although improbable, the operators as well as missing cargo may have been transported to another region or even world. Current priority is further questioning to ascertain the location of missing operators and cargo for recovery. Contacts to other countries have been made for more information on the individual as well, and we are pending a response.

 

Andre finished reading the report, and let out a large sigh.

 

“I may have a slight headache. But honestly, what the fuck is this?” Andre said, while looking at a picture of Wakamo taken by the interviewer.

 

Kivotos,daytime. In front of the GSC building

 

All four squad members stand in front of the large and majestic building with the GSC logo in front. Along the way to the building, the squad had witnessed many weird things. From animals that walked on two legs and talked , to people with bodies made of metal and computer screens for heads. However, the most unique of them all were the humans…though calling them that would be a stretch considering many had animal features such as wings, tails and most of all, halos. They were also all uniquely female, and carrying guns(some extremely heavy) like it was just another Tuesday. They also heard gunshots and explosions in the distance, but they still stuck to the task of delivering the letter to someone called “Nanagami Rin” of the General Student Council. 

 

After getting directions from a bewildered kid with a helmet on (for some reason, they thought IN-7 and DO-9 were…helmet gangsters?) they had gone towards the building out in the open street, attracting many curious gazes. People avoided them, and some of the teenage girls had even started whispering behind their backs. Of course, none of these conversations escaped hearing the GS2 headsets that most members of the group wore, excluding DO-9.

 

“Woah…look at those guys! They’re huge!”

 

“What are those guns? Never seen some of them before…”

 

“Why don’t they have Halos?”

 

“Are those robots?”

 

Yes, another prevalent feature of the inhabitants of this place was that for whatever reason, there were no human males. After trudging through some streets (and taking some back alleys, courtesy of the Helmet Gangster’s directions), they had finally made it to the building. Stepping in, the lobby of the building was packed. There wasn’t a seat that wasn’t full, and in front of the receptionist’s desk, four girls were grouped, with one of them shouting at the receptionist.

 

“Get the president or vice president down here NOW! We’ve been waiting for hours!” a girl with dark blue hair, twin pigtails and a black halo with blue interior yells

 

“I-I’m afraid I can't do that, miss…th-the vice president said not to let anyone in…” the receptionist stammered

 

At this moment, IN-7 “quietly” coughed.

 

“Hello. We have a letter for…Nanagami Rin? Could you please give her the letter, or if she can’t receive it right now, give her a notice so we can meet her? It’s urgent.” IN-7 said.

 

Yuuka turned around, ready to yell at the person who had interrupted her, only to look at the white- and green camo paint on IN-7’s 926 Premium Field Rig. Craning her head upwards, she was greeted equally with IN-7’s IND70 helmet looking down at her, the dark visor and full-coverage gray helmet obscuring his face. The other representatives also turned to look at them with interest, having gotten tired of Yuuka’s constant yelling. Meanwhile, IN-7 just stood there…MENACINGLY.

 

“M-Miss Rin’s busy right now, but she says you can come up by the elevator to deliver the letter p-personally…just go to floor 80 and she’ll meet you there…” the receptionist said

 

“Thank you, miss…?” AS-2 asked

 

“Ayumu…” the receptionist responded

 

“Thank you, miss Ayumu.”

 

“Alright, we’ve wasted enough time here. Fall in!” TI-7 said. While reception areas were usually non-threat zones, the amount of weapons carried by the kids around him had put him on edge, eyes scanning left and right for threats under the thermal imager. If the Valley had taught him anything, it was to be cautious, especially around people you don’t know well. As they all filed into the elevator, Yuuka finally snapped out of her stupor.

 

“Hey, wait! Why the hell do you guys get to see the vice president right away? We’ve been waiting for hours!”

 

“...then we’ll try to get her down here. Don’t blame us if it doesn’t work, though.” TI-7 responded

 

The elevator doors closed on the face of a positively red-faced and ticked-off Yuuka, and they started to ascend. As the numbers ticked upwards, DO-9 recalled some experiences he had.

 

“Reminds me of the TV Station…” DO-9 said

 

“...Yeah.” AS-2 muttered

 

The other two stayed silent. After a little while, the elevator pinged, and the doors opened. As they stepped out, they were greeted with a clean office space, as well as a woman with elf ears and dark hair with a deep blue interior. She wore glasses framing eyes the same color as the interior of her hair, with a stern look and a crisp white uniform that radiated authority.

 

“Miss Rin, I presume?” DO-9 said

 

“Yes. If you would please follow me to my office, then we can discuss the contents of the letter you’ve brought.”

 

Walking through the crowded office, the squad noticed many others wearing similar white uniforms working at various desks. Picking their way through stacks of paperwork, they eventually reached Rin’s office.

 

“This is my office. You can take a seat now, and I will take a look at the letter, and discuss the contents with you shortly.” Rin said

 

The squad crashed onto the nearby couch, with the sole exception of TI-7, who remained standing, partially because there wasn’t space left on the couch and partially because he still had questions to ask.

 

“How can we trust you? It seems like you let us in too easily, and we still don’t know the current situation.” TI-7 said

 

“I let you in because the President had disclosed to me in advance your arrival. She gave rough descriptions in a note she left behind, and when Ayumu told me a group of four haloless armored adult males had shown up in the lobby, I knew that it was you the President was talking about.” Rin said

 

“You make it sound like it’s a rare occurrence.”

 

Rin shifted her glasses up using her middle finger.

 

“A human male in this city is already rare, and males themselves possess no halos. In addition, nearly nobody in this city wears armor, much less carries two primary weapons. Is it commonplace for people to wear armor and carry multiple weapons and absurdly large bags around where you all come from?”

 

With a deadpan expression, all of them answered “Yes, though not always two primaries.”

 

“...” Rin temporarily stopped reading the letter and looked up at the group of four with raised eyebrows, before glancing back down at the paper.

 

“What do you mean by haloless? We’ve heard them say that about us in the street while walking here. It sounds like halos make the individuals special or something.” DO-9 piped up

 

“Halos grant us a wide range of unique abilities. We don’t know where they come from, but each person’s halo is unique, granting each individual unique abilities of their own. However, one feature is shared across all haloed students in this city:it makes us somewhat bulletproof, though we become unconscious after taking a large amount of gunfire. However, how much gunfire we can take also varies across different individ-”

 

AS-2, who had popped open a can of Hongyang Energy Drink and was halfway through the can promptly spit out his drink, while the other operators likewise froze.

 

“WHAT?!”

 

Rin, who had just finished reading the letter, set it down to see the office in chaos. While AS-2 was coughing up some of the energy drink he had choked on (with DO-9 smacking his back to help him get it out), IN-7 pulled his Mk14 off his back and started unloading ammunition. TI-7 had sat down on an adjacent chair, clutching his head like he was in denial.

 

IN-7 briefly looked up from unloading his ammunition to see the face of a rather flabbergasted Rin, before going back to unloading his ammunition. He proceeded to stash his 7.62x51 M61 ammo and procured 50 rounds of 7.62 UN instead. From the explosions and gunfire earlier, he had guessed what they were going to do already.

 

After everyone had calmed down, Rin cleared her throat.

 

“First, an introduction to the city. You are currently in the academy city of Kivotos, comprising thousands of school districts. Each district governs themselves, with the GSC acting as a mediator and peacekeeper between different schools.”

 

“...So you’re telling me that this city is governed by a bunch of high school girls who realized they were bulletproof and thought it was a good idea to resolve conflicts by bullets, judging by the guns everyone carries around.” IN-7 said

 

“...Essentially, yes.” Rin said

 

“...You know what? I’m not even gonna question how that works. Just tell us what the letter says.”

 

“Ah, I was getting to that. According to this letter, the GSC President has brought you here as “Senseis” to help regain control of the city by restoring access to the sanctum tower, by accessing an item in the SCHALE building. However, the streets are filled with delinquents, and you’ll have a difficult time getting there on foot...I’ll get Momoka to get you a transport helicopter over there.”

 

“What does Sensei mean?” DO-9 asked

 

“...Sensei, in other words, means “teacher”, and the GSC has assigned you four as the heads of the extrajudicial club of SCHALE to regain control of the city.” Rin responded

 

After dialing on her phone for a bit (which gained the gaze of the operators, as it was a lot more advanced than the flip phones they found in Kamona), the person on the other end finally picked up.

 

Rin: Momoka, I need a helicopter to transport Senseis to the SCHALE building.

 

Momoka: The Schale club room? That’s on the outskirts of the city, and things are currently crazy over there right now.

 

“Crazy? I was crazy once. They locked me in a room, a rubber room, a rubber room with rats, and rats make me crazy-” AS-2, who had overheard it whispered, earning a withering gaze from Rin and the other operators before she continued with the call.

 

Rin: What do you mean, crazy?

 

Momoka: I mean that it’s a battlefield over there. Those helmet gangsters found a few AA guns from somewhere and are currently duking it out with the Sukeban in the streets. It’s an absolute mess. There’s no doubt that if you take a helicopter there, you’re getting shot down. They already shot down Kronos’ helicopter… twice.

 

Rin: Twice?

 

Momoka: Yeah…those idiots were trying to cover the “gang war” in the streets, and they were very persistent about it.

 

Rin did a mental facepalm, letting out an audible sigh at both the inconvenient situation and the stupidity of Kronos.

 

Momoka:Oooh! My food’s here! Gotta go, ciao~

 

With that, she hung up the call.

 

TI-7 suddenly recalled something.

 

“Oh yeah, there's also a group of students downstairs asking to meet you…they say they’ve been waiting for hours.”

 

Rin’s face darkened, and an eerie smile crept across her face.

 

“Perfect.”

 

The other operators sweatdropped at the sight.

 

“I have a feeling this isn’t gonna be good…” they all thought

Chapter 4: Side Story: TV Station Counteroffensive

Notes:

Starting to make some backstories for each of the characters as well, showcasing some of the conflicts in the Dark Zone/Kamona. Retaking SCHALE building is coming next chapter. Just to help comprehend better, Colom and Tevila are countries with their respective militaries but they deploy independent PMCs to fight for control of Kamona after the Sumek Committee negociated a truce between the two, forbidding them from using their militaries to fight in Kamona. Blackgold is Colom's PMC, While White Wolf is Tevila's PMC.

Kamona, nighttime, a few months before the incident. Inside the TV station central control area

 

Night had set in Kamona. The light that shone through the skylights of the TV Station had dimmed, transitioning from the faint orange of the sunset to the cold blue of the moonlight. The hallways, once a pristine white, was now littered with trash and dried blood. Amidst one of these hallways, a group of White Wolf forces crept through, guns raised and poised to shoot. DO-9’s headphones crackled to life as communication came in from the “Wolf Den”, the last remaining area under control of MNST after the truce had been negotiated between the two factions contesting over the TV Station.

 

Commander: Tonight is the night we begin to push back, boys! Don your gas masks. We’re pushing directly into the heart of the station. No worries, reinforcements have got your back.

 

DO-9: Affirmative

 

White Wolf Soldier: Gas masks on. Preparing to breach.

 

They had arrived at one of the doors into the central control area. DO-9 took point, standing smack middle in front of the doors. Hefting his RPK-16, gun shield facing forwards, his eyes slit and beads of sweat rolling down the side of his face. He had changed helmets to a AN95 Heavy Blast Helmet with the face mask so he could wear a SW-5 Half Gas Mask, though still donning his Spartan C Heavy Armored Rig. The White Wolves, along with some other operators, lined up on the wall on opposing sides of the doors, crouching down.

 

“Preparing to open. You have the flashbang?” a White Wolf Soldier said to another

 

“Affirmative.”

 

“Breaching.”

 

The door opened after one of them pressed their hand on the scanner, and a flashbang was tossed in.

 

“Urgh!”

 

“Central Control Area under attack! Hold your positions!”

 

“Don’t let those White Wolf fuckers take another step!”

 

“Augh…”

 

“Push forward! Retake the control area at all costs!”

 

“For Tevila!”

 

The battlefield devolved into chaos as Blackgold and White Wolf forces clashed over the Central Control Area. After some gunfire was exchanged, a Blackgold soldier ran over to a lever situated at a pillar and pulled it, before being riddled by bullets from a White Wolf soldier.

 

“Gas masks on! Lockdown’s in effect! Make sure none of those bastards leave alive!” a Blackgold soldier yelled

 

A siren began to wail, and green gas began to leak out the vents, blanketing the central area while the TV Station’s Broadcast system started issuing a warning.

 

Broadcast: The area is about to be cordoned off. The gas is starting to leak. Emergency services are on the scene. Any unrelated personnel are to leave immediately…

 

DO-9 swung his RPK to his right and gunned down a Blackgold soldier who had peeked his head over a crate, his 5.45x39mm BS rounds easily piercing the F70 helmet the soldier wore. 5.56x45 M855 rounds glanced off his armor and helmet, leaving scratches and dents but not piercing. More Blackgold soldiers rushed in from upstairs, while the doors behind them slammed shut as the lockdown took effect.

 

“I’m reloading! Cover me!” DO-9 yelled

 

“Kuh! Kuaaaak…”

 

“Fuck! What’s going on?!”

 

“It’s burning me from the inside…”

 

Some of the White Wolf soldiers who had donned their gas masks had started coughing, choking on their own blood as they coughed it up, desperately trying to get fresh air, only to inhale more gas. Meanwhile, the operators, who had brung their own gas masks, were still breathing easy and provided suppressing fire for DO-9.

 

“What the hell happened?!” DO-9 yelled

 

“Shit! It’s sabotage! Someone screwed with the gas masks!” another operator responded, before getting hit in the head by a shot. It left him concussed slightly, as the helmet had absorbed the shot, the bullet failing to pierce.

 

More Blackgold troops closed in on their position, firing their guns and finishing off some of the incapacitated White Wolf soldiers. 

 

“Eat…shit…”A dying White Wolf soldier said, slumped against a crate. As Blackgold soldiers circled around the crate, the Mk2 fragmentation grenade he had pulled the pin on exploded, shredding both himself and some of the Blackgold soldiers with shrapnel.

 

Meanwhile, DO-9 changed out his AN95’s face mask to a new one, the old one having many cracks spiderwebbing from impact points and obscuring his vision even more than the gas did. Some White Wolf soldiers had also started putting up a fight, calming their breathing and trying to inhale as little gas as possible, not knowing whether their gas masks were effective or not.

 

“Grenade!”

 

Multiple Blackgold soldiers were blown away by the blast as a Tevilan operator tossed a GHO grenade. DO-9 pushed forwards, downing Blackgold soldiers left and right. However, his armor and helmet were starting to wear down from the concentrated gunfire, and a few stray bullets had hit his arms and legs. An operator next to him suddenly jolted their head backwards, before falling on the ground, a penetration hole spiderwebbing cracks across his face mask.

 

“It’s Bernard! Everyone, take cover!”

 

At that moment, his headphones’ comms crackled to life.

 

Commander: Reinforcements incoming! Hang on until the lockdown ends!

 

A bullet suddenly shredded part of his RPK’s gun shield, and DO-9 ducked behind a terminal as multiple more shots struck the front of the terminal.

 

“Up there! On the balcon-” A White Wolf soldier exclaimed, before his gray matter was splattered across the ground

 

Another White Wolf soldier rushed to DO-9’s side, also taking cover behind the terminal as more shots pinged off the metal and whizzed above them. DO-9 noticed blood leaking out the filters of his gas mask, and with quick thinking, reached over to a nearby Blackgold corpse, prying off the gas mask and handing it to the soldier.

 

“Take it. If only to fight a little longer, and make those Blackgold scum pay.” DO-9 said.

 

The White Wolf soldier simply nodded, putting on the gas mask. His life was slowly trickling away, and the blood and phlegm had clogged his throat enough so that he could no longer speak, and breathing was difficult. At that moment, the distinct sound of a RPD could be heard firing. 

 

Commander: Bernard’s being suppressed! All of you, pull out! We’ll come back again, but for now, this offensive’s a bust!

 

DO-9: ...No. I’ll stay behind. I won’t leave until everyone else has, and until those Blackgold fuckers pay.

 

Commander: ...Fine. Everyone else, evacuate. DO-9 and a few others will hold the line. Bernard retreated as well, so hurry!

 

Gas trickled down in lesser portions, and though it still lingered, some of it had dispersed enough to see a bit clearer

 

“Go. Get out of here. They should be able to give you treatment.” DO-9 said, trying to comfort the soldier next to him. Deep down, however, he knew he wasn’t going to make it. Nebulizers could only help stop the gas’ effect, but it could not reverse the damage done, and it couldn’t remove the gas in large quantities.

 

“Kuh…no. I…know I don’t have much time left. All I can do…is go down fighting. And…make those bastards pay for sabotaging us…*cough*...and killing our comrades…”The White Wolf soldier said

 

“...Understood.”

 

The White Wolf soldier took up his AK-74N, while DO-9 set aside his RPK. He instead crawled towards a nearby machine gun nest, built from loosely stacked sandbags and crates. He turned the M249 machine gun around,facing the enemy instead of towards him, and opened fire. 5.56x45mm M855A1 ammunition tore through the gas, drilling holes through the Blackgolds’ armor. Others in similar condition to the White Wolf soldier as well as some operators chose to stay behind, giving one last fight before they died or volunteering to help hold the line.

 

Heavy gunfire and the blast of grenades shook the central area, until it tapered down to the report of a single gun’s shots. The M249 clicked empty, and DO-9 looked next to him, finding no more spare ammunition. The Central Control Area was silent. The gas had all dissipated, showing a dark and desolate scene. The flicker of staticky screens cast a dim light on the floor, littered with corpses of allies and enemies alike. Spent cartridges stuck to the floor as blood slowly congealed, leaking from the shattered eyeholes and filters of the gas masks of those who had succumbed to the gas from sabotaged gas masks or ones broken from the gunfight. DO-9 picked himself and his RPK-16 up, and slowly walked towards one of the supporting pillars of the Central Control Area, where the soldier he had talked with earlier now leaned on.

 

“...It…was an honor fighting with you…comrade…”

 

“Rest easy, my friend, knowing you did not die in vain. If we die, we drag at least two of those fuckers to hell with us. You got your revenge after all, didn’t you?” DO-9 said, kneeling down

 

The White Wolf soldier could only nod weakly, giving a slight smile. He’d taken his gas mask off after the gas had dispersed, letting DO-9 see his face clearly. Dust stuck to his face along with the sweat, and a noticeable river of blood steadily leaked from his mouth, coating his chin. His eyes had also begun to cloud over, losing focus. With shaking hands, both of them raised their hands to rest them on each other’s shoulders

 

“We…got...those bastards…” the soldier said

 

His head slumped, and his ragged breathing ceased. His chest no longer struggled for breath, and his arm went slack, falling to the ground before being able to touch DO-9’s shoulder.

 

“...”

 

DO-9 rummaged around, before taking his dog tag.

 

“Collect the dog tags. Their bravery will not be forgotten. And…take any you can from those Blackgold bastards too. They don’t deserve to be recognized. Burn them.” DO-9 said to the other operators

 

Commander: Blackgold reinforcements en route. Get out of there, now!

 

DO-9 finished up collecting the tags. Then, with one hand holding the pistol grip of his RPK and the other slung around an allied operators’ back, they trudged out the door, the blood on their boots streaking the floor of the TV Station with a dark shade of crimson and leaving the scent of smoke and gunpowder. DO-9 looked back one last time, and his eyes scanned over the faces of his other fallen comrades, before the doors slammed shut.

Chapter 5: Vision Through The Haze

Notes:

finallydone this chapter, let's gooo

Kivotos, daytime. GSC building lobby

 

Yuuka was undeniably pissed off. First, her school’s wind generators had shut down, then delinquents had started running amok, sowing chaos and making it unsafe for the students to go to school. She had come to try to ask the GSC for a solution to the problems, but for the past few days, she had not been able to get any help. While she had been venting her anger on the receptionist, a group of four oddly geared people had walked up to the desk and gotten to meet with the Vice-President, and when she asked for them to get the President or Vice-President down, all she had gotten was a “we’ll try to get her down here. Don’t blame us if it doesn’t work, though.” from the one with a camera-like device attached to their helmet, obscuring his eyes.

 

As Yuuka sat fuming and waiting for the four operators to come down, Chinatsu glanced over worriedly, while Hasumi and Suzumi quietly conversed. The lobby had gone back to normal, if normal meant people complaining and yelling for the GSC to fix things, that is. Just another day in the week since the city had basically gone to shit. 

 

Time flew by, and when the elevator dinged and the doors slid open, nearly everyone had left except for the four representatives. Rin stepped out, flanked on both sides by the operators. Now that she took a closer look, Yuuka could only make out the face of one of them while the others all had their faces covered. One had a dark helmet that looked like an Atlyn helmet, wearing a full-body armored rig covering his torso, abdomen and part of his upper arms. Another, which she had been face-to-face earlier, wore a grey helmet with a darkened visor in the shape of ski goggles. They also wore tight-fitting light green armor covering the top half of their abdomen as well as their main body. 

 

The one who had made the vague promise earlier sported an olive-colored helmet with a camera-like device attached to it, wearing a lightweight sand-colored armor covering only their main body. The device acted like goggles, covering the upper part of the face and only revealing the lower half of his face. Finally, the only one whose face she could see clearly sported a sand-colored helmet, with a clear angled glass face mask attached to it. They wore dark armor with a red strip in the middle, covering their main body as well as the upper abdomen. His face looked like someone who was worn out, with smudges of dirt and slight eyebags underneath his eyes.

 

While Yuuka was examining the equipment they were carrying, the other representatives also took notice. Chinatsu looked worriedly over AS-2’s face, noting the signs of exhaustion and lack of sleep, while Hasumi took notice of the…well, rather strong odor that was coming from them. Suzumi decided to step up first, and walked up to Rin. However, before she could start speaking, Rin cleared her throat, getting everyone’s attention.

 

“Are these the representatives you were talking about?” Rin asked TI-7

 

“Yes…are you sure about this? I’ve worked with some other operatives before, but…none of them were, well…” TI-7 gestured towards the obvious height difference “This age…”

 

“While we are all students, TI-7 Sensei, I assure you we can use a gun properly.” Rin said

 

“This makes this place all the more weird…the consistency of the modernity of these guns are off. On one hand, that girl with blue pigtails-” IN-7 said, before being rudely interrupted

 

“H-hey! The name’s Yuuka! Representative from the Seminar of Millenium Science School! Remember that!” 

 

“ ...Anyways, here’s how to tell whether your sign is cheap- -Tony LC Signs ”

 

“...Anyways, she’s using a more modern gun like the MPX (and why does she have two of them?), while that girl with dark wings there-” IN-7 continued, before being interrupted again

 

“The name’s Hasumi, from the Justice Task Force. Pleased to make an acquaintance,...?” 

 

“IN-7. As I was saying, she’s using a gun that’s outdated even by Dark Zone standards. I don’t even see a scope on it…”

 

“Each student has their own unique weapon that they resonate with. Thus, each student specializes in that one weapon. Even old weapons can be as effective as new ones if used by the right student.” Rin explained

 

“Miss Vice President, earlier you called TI-7"sensei "...what did you mean by that? And what was he talking about when he said we were working together?” Suzumi said

 

“Ah, yes, let me introduce you. This is DO-9, TI-7, AS-2 and IN-7 Sensei.” Rin said, pointing at the one with a juggernaut helmet, the one with the thermal imager, the one with a sand-colored helmet and the one with the alien-like helmet respectively. “They were sent here by the GSC President to help regain control over the city, as she has currently gone missing.”

 

“Huh?!”

 

“The President went missing?”

 

“So the rumors are true…”

 

“...”

 

“As for the second part, that is up to you to find out, representatives. Good luck.” Rin said, before turning back to the elevator.

 

“Hey, wait! What do you mean by “good luck”?” Yuuka shouted as she chased after the president, only to be stopped by AS-2 as he grabbed the collar of her shirt.

 

“That means that you’re helping us retake the SCHALE club building.” AS-2 said

 

“Wait! You can’t just go out there! You’re haloless, and you can die from just a few shots! It doesn’t help the fact that you guys look like you haven't slept for a few days!” Chinatsu exclaimed

 

“And you are?” DO-9 asked

 

“Chinatsu, medic of the Gehenna Prefect team!” 

 

“Alright, we’ve wasted enough time. Let’s go.” TI-7 said, as he started walking towards the doors of the lobby

 

“Wait, TI-7. The President had something else on the letter. I didn’t show it to Rin since I thought that she might seize it first, but the GSC President said that they had left us something in the underground garage. Let’s go.” AS-2 said. He then tried to drag a flailing Yuuka with him…only to fall flat on his face as Yuuka overbalanced and fell on top of him.

 

“Ohhh…fuck…” AS-2 groaned

 

“Are you okay?!” the others exclaimed, including Yuuka who quickly got off him.

 

“Kid…how much do you weigh…?” AS-2 said, still lying on the floor

 

“...around 100kg…?” Yuuka said, her face turning beet red

 

AS-2 groaned even more.

 

Kivotos, noontime. Underground garage

 

The automatic doors to the garage opened as the group of eight stepped through, with AS-2 leaning on IN-7 for support. As they stepped through, they were met with a fleet of vehicles, from motorcycles to Humvees. However, one vehicle looked out of place compared to the rest, with a flat dark green wash and slitted, bulletproof glass windows. Reinforced tires supported an armored car, which could carry four people at the front and up to six more in the back.

 

DO-9 whistled. 

 

“Huh. Didn’t think we’d get this thing as a gift.” he said

 

All the others looked at him in confusion. Noticing this, DO-9 gave a brief explanation.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is Tevila’s pride in VIP and troop transportation: the GLC2301 Armored Vehicle. As it stands, it is completely bulletproof. Except for the tires.”

 

“...WHAT?!” everyone else exclaimed

 

“Why didn’t we know about this?” AS-2 asked

 

“You haven’t worked long enough with the White Wolves and Tevila to get close enough to them. You also don’t have a set allegiance, and we don’t want people to go around spilling secrets now, would we?” DO-9 responded

 

“Continuing on, this thing’s top speed isn’t the best, and it guzzles fuel at a decent pace. It’s also still vulnerable to explosives and collisions with other vehicles, but other than that, it’s a great vehicle to get from point A to point B without any problems.” DO-9 said

 

“You have the keys, AS-2?” TI-7 said

 

“Yeah.”

 

“You’re driving.”

 

“WHY ME???”

 

Kivotos, noontime. On the way to SCHALE building

 

“So…how’s life? What do you guys learn in school?” DO-9 asked

 

“As Millenium’s treasurer, I mainly take mathematics courses and also manage the finances for our whole school district.” Yuuka replied

 

“The Prefect Team deals with troublemakers daily…I do still study a variety of courses, mostly in the medical category.” Chinatsu said

 

“The Justice Task Force is similar to Gehenna’s prefect team. I do marksmanship practice and learn some other courses as well.” Hasumi said

 

“The Vigilante Task Force is made up of unofficial law enforcers, and we mainly patrol the streets of Trinity and get rid of gangsters.”Suzumi said

 

“Hm. Interesting.” DO-9 muttered

 

“Stop the vehicle. Roadblock ahead.” TI-7 said.

 

The vehicle brakes, and they stop a few meters from a crudely made roadblock of destroyed cars, sandbags and other junk.

 

“I hear enemies behind that roadblock. Since it’s time to fight, use callsigns to communicate from now on. Packrat, stay here and wait for your back to recover. Overwatch, take a vantage point. Juggernaut, come with me to take point.” IN-7 “High Caliber” said

 

“Affirmative!” the other three said

 

“Wait! Let us handle this. You don’t have halos, and we don’t know how well that armor will hold up against the guns here.” Chinatsu and the other representatives said

 

“...Kid, I don’t know whether you’ve noticed or not with all this gear and the weapons we have, but this isn’t our first gunfight. It certainly won’t be our last, either.” TI-7 said, exiting the car with his AR-57 and AX50 slung across his back.

 

“Besides, our armor is top-of-the-notch where we come from. We’ll be fine.” IN-7 said, as he discarded his AR-30, favoring his Mk14 for closer ranges.

 

“Have trust in us.” DO-9 said

 

With that, they hopped out the vehicle. The helmet gangsters, who had heard the vehicle, peeked over the roadblock. The representatives filed out back, while the helmet gangsters stared at the four operators with confusion.

 

“What’re you guys doing, standing in the middle of the road? Come join us!” one of them yelled

 

“...What?” the two operators asked

 

“You two are helmet gangsters too, right? Good work on getting the vehicle! Now we can repel those Sukebans and Valkyries easily!” the same helmet gangster said

 

The two operators and the representatives who had listened to the whole thing sweatdropped, and a few internally facepalmed. At that moment, IN-7’s headsets crackled to life.

 

TI-7: Overwatch in position. What’s your status, High Caliber? I’m counting 14 enemies, currently scanning surrounding buildings for snipers. One of them has a minigun. Not seeing any snipers at the moment.

 

IN-7:Currently at a standoff. I'll give a signal if negotiations go wrong, but right now there’s a misunderstanding to our advantage. We may be able to resolve this peacefully.

 

TI-7:Affirmative. Keeping watch. Overwatch out.

 

IN-7 turned his attention back to the helmet gangsters.

 

“Alright, we’ll move further in. I’m going to need you guys to clear the roadblock for the vehicle though.” IN-7 said

 

“Do you have any supplies? We need a restock.” One of the gangsters said

 

“No problem. You need 5.56x45, right?” IN-7 said

 

“Yeah. Thanks, you guys are great!”

 

In a few moments, the gangsters had moved aside a part of the roadblock to let the vehicle through. IN-7 and DO-9 got back in, and IN-7 turned on his headset.

 

IN-7: Negotiations successful. Not a bullet wasted. Pack up Overwatch, we’re moving ahead.

 

A loud thump and a feminine pained groan came through before TI-7 responded.

 

TI-7: Already on the move. Found one of the snipers, they’re taken care of. Seems like these kids are stabproof too, can’t go full british on them. Not immune to choking though. Seems like they have enhanced resistance against physical attacks, but are still vulnerable to things like oxygen deprivation.

 

IN-7: Copy that. Enhanced physiques also noticed, one of those gangsters was able to make a car by herself.

 

They were about to end communication when someone else interrupted them.

 

Rin: Keep moving, Senseis. There’s a distress signal from Valkyrie up ahead, rendezvous with them and fend off the gangsters to proceed to SCHALE.

 

IN-7: Affirmative. Rendezvous ahead at SOS signal. High Caliber out.

 

TI-7:Affirmative. Overwatch out.

 

Soon, they arrived, though they could hear the gunfire before they could see it. As they turned a corner, they were met with a chaotic sight. Bullets flew everywhere, and some pinged off the armored car. The Valkyries, in their uniforms, were crouched behind concrete barriers on the road and taking cover, while helmet gangsters and sukebans fired upon each other and on the poor officers hiding behind the barriers from on top of yet another improvised roadblock. Unconscious bodies from all three factions lay on the street, knocked out cold with some scrapes and bruises here and there.

 

“They weren’t kidding about the “gang war” part, were they?” AS-2 said

 

“Yeah. Packrat, take the car to a more secure location. We’re not going to need it.” DO-9 said

 

“Affirmative.”

 

“Representatives, get off and help us out! Support the Valkyries!” IN-7 yelled

 

“Yes, Sensei!” they all said.

 

The Helmet Gangsters and Sukebans, all caught up in the fight, took notice of the vehicle and began concentrating fire. Using the open door as cover, IN-7 and DO-9 conversed with the rest of the representatives, coming up with a strategy.

 

“We’ll rendezvous with the officers and provide reinforcement. Hasumi, take a backline position to provide supporting fire. Chinatsu and Suzumi, take midline positions and provide medical and firepower support. Yuuka, you’re coming with me and Juggernaut to the frontline.” IN-7 said

 

“Senseis, please take a midline position and let us handle it. Although your equipment protects you, I still can’t trust the protection it gives you, and unlike us, it is much harder to recover from being shot.” Chinatsu said

 

DO-9 responded with a chuckle. “Heh. The fact that IN-7 was able to appease those gangsters back there with cheap ammo means that the standard for ammunition here isn’t great. You use anything on hand, and none of it’s really meant to pierce armor. Besides, we have our own ways to easily recover from shots. Anyways, we’ll advance through the smoke, and let Overwatch work his magic.” He said, tossing a few smoke grenades up front. IN-7 soon did the same, and the shooting temporarily lulled as the street was covered in smoke. IN-7 turned on his headset and spoke to TI-7.

 

IN-7: Overwatch, are you in position?

 

TI-7: Affirmative. Targeting HTTs, including miniguns and snipers. You and Juggernaut along with the others can take care of the rest of the small fry, yes?

 

IN-7: Affirmative. High Caliber out.

 

IN-7 cut off communications, just as an extremely loud boom resonated through the street.

 

“AHHH!!!”

 

“WHAT WAS THAT?”

 

“ONE OF OUR MINIGUNNERS IS DOWN!”

 

“SNIPER! TAKE COVE-” a helmet gangster carrying a sniper rifle shouted, before their helmet shattered into bits and their head snapped back nearly 90 degrees, and they fell to the ground, their halo fading out.

 

TI-7: -2

 

IN-7:Affirmative. Moving in under the smoke. Juggernaut’s taking point.

 

TI-7 scanned the nearby buildings, before identifying a few more heat signatures. Settling the crosshair of his 20x scope on one of their heads, he pulled the trigger on his AX50 anti-materiel sniper rifle, and another 12.7x99mm bullet flew out the barrel, knocking the sniper out cold.

 

Meanwhile, on the ground, IN-7 and DO-9 pushed forwards, with IN-7 swiveling left and right with his Mk14 while DO-9 silently walked forwards, RPK-16 raised up and the gun shield pointing outwards. The representatives trailed behind, excluding Hasumi, who had stationed herself on a balcony of a nearby building.

 

“What was that just now? Was that TI-7 sensei? And how could he see through all this smoke? Is it because of that camera-like device on his helmet?” Yuuka asked, curious

 

“That device on his head is a TI-7 thermal imager, hence his name. It can register thermal signatures in a black-and-white vision mode, and can see directly through smoke, no matter the density. It also makes him immune to things like flashbangs, since they don’t give off much heat, and thus don’t “blind” him though the imager” DO-9 explained

 

The group of five arrive at the base of the roadblock, where a few other Valkyrie officers were also huddled, afraid to go over the top. Upon seeing them, some officers become more nervous and frightened, some pointing guns at them.

 

“Relax. We’re reinforcements sent by the GSC. You, you and you, file in behind me. The rest provide supporting fire as we go over the top.” DO-9 said, hefting his RPK-16 upwards while pointing at three officers who looked the least like they were going to piss their pants (which was pretty hard, somehow).

 

At that moment, TI-7 patched in.

 

TI-7: All HTTs eliminated. I think I might have killed one of them though.

 

IN-7: What? What do you mean you might’ve killed one?

 

TI-7: One of the snipers was up on a balcony on the 5th floor of a building. When I shot her, the impact of the shot was so strong that she toppled over the side and fell off the balcony. I don’t know whether these kids can fall down five stories and live…

 

IN-7 temporarily cut off comms and turned to Chinatsu.

 

“Just a quick question, but can you kids survive falling from large heights?”

 

“Yes, why do you ask? And how high are you talking?”

 

“Five stories?”

 

“The average student can recover from a fall like that in a day or two with proper medical care, and it’s not high enough to break their legs. Why’d you ask?”

 

“Just curious.”

 

IN-7 turned the comms back on.

 

IN-7: Good news: you didn’t kill them. Bad news: you put them in the hospital for at least two days to recover from leg pain and a severe headache.

 

TI-7: Jesus…kids here are just built differently.

 

IN-7: …pack it up and move ahead. We’ll catch up. High Caliber out.

 

TI-7: Affirmative. Overwatch out.

 

IN-7 turned his attention back to the field just as DO-9 finished rallying the kids-er students.

 

“Now, follow me! Charge! URAAAA!” He yelled, vaulting over the roadblock as he began firing, 5.45x39 PRS rounds mowing down gangsters while the other representatives and three “voluntold” Valkyries hesitantly followed. Suzumi dashed in between the gangsters, dropping flashbangs and blinding them before taking them out. The Valkyrie officers fired their assault rifles and pistols, and Hasumi picked off gangsters from a distance. Yuuka pushed up alongside DO-9, mowing down gangsters just as fast if not faster than DO-9 with her dual MPXs. After a short and easy battle, the Valkyries along with the GSC support team stood victorious. However, as the fighting calmed down, Chinatsu noticed that DO-9 was hobbling on one leg, dragging the other limp leg behind it as it bleeded profusely from a shotgun wound.

 

“Sensei! Stay still! You’re hurt! I’ll try to patch you up the best I can, but we’ll need to get you to a-” Chinatsu was cut off as DO-9 abruptly took off his helmet, before pulling out a small brown vial with a white cap and yellow band in the middle. Taking off the cap, he downs the contents before tossing it aside, letting out a sigh of relief as the painkillers took effect.

 

Then, to everyone except IN-7’s bewilderment and amazement, he began sprinting like he never had a broken leg in the first place. Chinatsu’s eyes almost break through her glasses as she sees him start running on both legs, all while trailing blood from the broken one.

 

“Come on comrades! We can’t sit here and dawdle all day! The club room won’t liberate itself!” DO-9 yelled, continuing the advance towards SCHALE building.

 

As he runs off towards the buildings, the Valkyrie police officers and the representatives just stare with their jaws on the asphalt.

 

“I…just realized he was haloless…”

 

“How the hell did he just start sprinting on a broken leg like nothing happened?”

 

“...Whatever he drank, I want it.”

 

“Holy…”

 

“Haaah…let’s just get a move on.” IN-7 said, letting out a sigh while walking past the slack-jawed students

 

He catches up with DO-9, and they walk ahead, while the students behind them start to recover. With armor and equipment weighing them down, it wasn’t long before the other students caught up to them.

 

“...you better have a good explanation about what happened earlier once this is done…” Chinatsu said, with her face darkened and glasses covered in a sheen of white while giving off a creepy smile. Both operators slightly sweated inside their helmets. As they stepped onto the final stretch of the road to the SCHALE building, there was silence. A lone figure stood on the road, leaning on their anti-materiel rifle and repeatedly tossing and catching a 12.7x99mm cartridge. Delinquent bodies were splayed out on the road, all unconscious, while spent canisters of smoke grenades lay on the ground. A scrapped AA gun sat on the road behind him, burning up before another small detonation happened from one of the flak shells being cooked off by the fire.

 

“...you’re late.” TI-7 said, stashing the cartridge in his rig before getting up and tossing DO-9 and IN-7 a wallet each. “Take this as your contribution reward. Next time though, hurry up. If I have enough time to take them out with my bolt-action rifle and loot them before you come, you’re definitely too slow.” TI-7 continued, while DO-9 and IN-7 opened the wallets to find a moderate amount of credits stashed in them. 

 

The representatives simply stared at the absolute Shiroko behaviour the operators were exhibiting, but before they could comment, the whir of helicopter blades were heard as one descended. Rin stepped out, surveying the street, before looking back at the group.

 

“Excellent job, Senseis. You were able to meet up and support the Valkyrie officers and retake SCHALE building. Congratulations. However, I can't help but notice one  of you is missi-” Rin said, before the GLC2301 with AS-2 driving barreled out a nearby alley and performed a perfect 180 degree drift, stopping just shy of the edge of the group and causing a few officers to scream in surprise.

 

“You called?” AS-2 said, stepping out the vehicle.

 

“...Well, now that you’re all here, follow me. The president left something in the SCHALE building that we can use to regain control of Sanctum Tower. The rest of you, stay outside. The GSC will take things from here.” Rin said

 

Rin turned towards the building and started walking towards it, with the four operators following suit. However, a few steps in and DO-9 collapsed on the ground.

 

“DO-9 Sensei!” Chinatsu yelled

 

Before she could intervene, AS-2 stepped in.

 

“He’ll be fine. I’ll patch him up.” AS-2 said, pulling out a STO Surgical Kit

After 20 seconds of surgery, a health injector and a bottle of water to sate his thirst, DO-9 was upright and walking again.

 

“Perfect. Good as new.” DO-9 said, before continuing to walk. Everyone else, barring the other operators, stared again.

 

“I don’t think 20 seconds of surgery and some random injector’s going to fix your broken leg! It is definitely not “Good as new”! Get back here so I can check up on you, at least!” Chinatsu yelled, as DO-9 and the other operators continued walking

 

“Fine. If this will get you off my back, then gladly.” DO-9 said, before sitting down and rolling up the pant sleeve of his previously broken leg, showing a perfectly fine leg. After Chinatsu checked the leg, to her astonishment, it really was good as new.

 

“Kid, if you look at my completely fine leg any longer I might think you had some sort of fetish.” DO-9 said, slightly annoyed. “Besides, I still have to go with the rest of my squad to regain control of the city.”

 

Chinatsu’s face flushed a deep shade of red, her elf ears heating up. She quickly turned away, flustered, while DO-9 calmly rolled down the pant sleeve and stood up, walking towards the buildings with his squadmates. As he was about to enter, Chinatsu called out to him.

 

“One last question! What was the thing you drank back there?” She asked, her face still slightly flushed

 

“...Painkillers.” DO-9 said, before the doors slammed shut, leaving everyone outside shocked. Everything was silent for a little bit before the crowd exploded.

 

“You’re telling me…that that was just painkillers?” Chinatsu whispered disbelievingly

 

“There’s no way in hell it was just painkillers! No painkiller I know ever makes it so that someone with a broken arm or leg can just use it while completely ignoring the fact that it’s broken! If that existed, Himari would definitely be taking those to walk!” Yuuka yelled

 

“What was up with the ridiculous speed of repairing the limb like that? Twenty seconds and it’s fixed like it was brand new?” Suzumi questioned

 

“Not to mention whatever was in that injector, and the fact that the limb didn’t function worse than before…” Hasumi muttered

 

The crowd continued to be in an uproar, but none of it was heard by Rin and the four operators as they descended into the basement.

Chapter 6: Escalation and Lethality

Notes:

exam week is fun (not)

Kamona, ???. The Armory

 

An old-fashioned TV sputters to life, slight static flickering across the screen before clearing out, showing a news station. The broadcast had been on for a while already, as a well-dressed reporter spoke about the latest news behind a smooth wooden desk, with a picture of a large transport plane streaking flames from its tail projected beside him.

 

Reporter: -as missiles launched from the Marulos region, specifically near the old Kamonan Armory currently under the control of Renoir, a former Kamona military officer, take down a Sumek airplane carrying humanitarian aid supplies towards the locals of the Onotos Mine, multiple parties pin the blame on Renoir. However, no statement from the Sumek Committee has been made yet, and Colom, a longstanding enemy of Tevila, has seen this as a fit excuse to conduct full military operations against Tevilan and Tevila-aligned Kamonan forces inside Kamona, breaking the ceasefire. 

 

The image changes to the crash site, the plane split into four parts, the cockpit, two middle sections and the tail end, with cargo and troops scattered around.

 

Reporter: The crash site had attracted both Tevilan and Colomite forces, with each nation deploying respective PMC forces to take control of the crash. Sumek forces are also trying to intervene to take control of the cargo, while both aligned and nonaligned individual operators are also trying to intrude on the site. Current conflict is at a standstill, with no known reason why there is conflict at the crash site.

 

The image changes again to an image capturing a bright blue flash in the sky, contrasting with a weaker orange flash in the sky.

 

Reporter: On another note, a strange phenomenon was reported on the night of the missile strike. Locals in Northridge were able to photograph multiple instances of this anomaly, and parts of the transport airplane were found in a nearby clearing, though no cargo was found. Four operators on a joint escort mission on the plane are reported MIA, with no disclosed recovery of either their corpses or their equipment. The pilot of the plane was found dead in the cockpit upon first investigation into the crash by Tevilan forces.

 

The image changes to that of a slightly scorched box.

 

Reporter: The contents of the plane’s black box, seized by Tevila, have been partially disclosed, with records of cargo being ejected just before the missile struck. However, said cargo, whose content is currently undisclosed, has yet to be found and recovered.

 

The image finally changes to a clearing in a forest, littered with debris, with Blackgold soldiers exchanging fire with White Wolf soldiers. A Leopard 1 tank sits off on the side, pointing its barrel at a T-90 tank and a blue, rift-like structure sits in the middle. The video plays with Blackgold forces holding down defensive positions and firing from their SG550 assault rifles and M16 and M14 carbines. A select few also wield M110 marksman rifles, taking potshots at White Wolf soldiers. White wolf soldiers return fire from FAL, AK-74N and AKM assault rifles, with a few using SKS carbines and S12K shotguns. A shot from the Leopard takes out a piece of the T-90’s ERA, and the T-90 returns fire, the shell sliding between the turret and hull, penetrating the armor and cooking off the ammo inside, the turret blowing off.

 

Reporter: To top it off, upon arrival at the estimated ejection site of the cargo, forces of Tevila’s White Wolf elites and Colom’s Blackgold elites engaged in fierce combat, contesting the site. After a few hours of exchanging fire, Tevilan and Tevila-aligned forces pulled out of the site, allowing Blackgold to gain control of the site. Three days post-incident, a rift-like structure appeared, with testimony from a Blackgold soldier on-site saying that “it felt like knocking on a glass window when I tapped it.” shortly before a counteroffensive by Tevilan forces. Currently, both sides are also on a standstill, vying for control over the site. Now, moving onto the latest trends in Colom fashion-

 

A gloved hand reaches over to a remote sitting next to a SH Matzka 2 Helmet, customized with black paint and an extra steel plate over the usual glass visor cutout on the metal face mask, leaving only a thin slit to see out of. Pressing a button, the TV turns off. Gunfire echoes in the distance, from measured, paced shots to wild shots on full auto. The owner of the hand is a bald man wearing an black army beret, and he picks up the helmet, putting it on.

 

“Ahh…things are getting interesting. Let’s check it out once we finish putting these dogs down. These bastards, killing our comrades and blaming us for a crime we didn’t do…we’ll make them pay.” Renoir said, looking at a box full of dog tags laying on a table beside him

 

With that, he steps out the doors of the bunker, out into the rain. It patters against his helmet, dulling the sounds of gunfire around him. Lightning flashes, silhouetting his figure in the rain, his tattered cape trailing behind him. Hefting his RPK-16 with a gun shield, he continues forward, preparing to face off against Randall.

 

“Tonight…we show them who Kamona really belongs to. We’ll show them our iron will, our resolve to restore our country!”

 

Kivotos, noontime. SCHALE building, basement.

 

The four operators followed Rin into the basement, the environment progressively darkening. Eventually, they reach the bottom of the stairs, the narrow stairway opening up to a large room. Many tables and crates lay scattered around, surrounding a large floating stone tablet in the middle with strange runes on it. The only source of light from the room came from the base of the pedestal holding the stone, glowing a light blue.

 

“The item the GSC President left behind should be around here somewhere. You are free to look around while I search for it, Senseis.” Rin said

 

While Rin searched for the Shittim chest, the operators looked around the room. A slight flicker of light catches AS-2’s eyes, and he cautiously goes to check it out. Peeking  in between a few crates, he finds an old-fashioned computer, the screen flickering. AS-2 immediately recognized it, and called out to the others.

 

“Guys, I found something. Help me move the crates aside.” AS-2 said

 

The other operators come over, intrigued.

 

“Huh? What did you fin-oh. I see.” DO-9 said, recognizing it alongside the other operators.

 

“You think this is gonna work?” TI-7 said, pushing aside one of the crates

 

“Don’t know till you try.” AS-2 said, tossing aside a bundle of…chicken plushies?

 

Eventually they were able to clear it away, and IN-7 dusted off the computer. After a quick reboot, a familiar interface popped up.

 

“Wow…really?”

 

“Heh…finally.”

 

“Nice…I was getting worried.”

 

A grid of nine familiar contacts showed up on the screen. 

 

- Joel Garrison, a former middle school teacher turned Blackgold operative after losing his relatives in the Kamona civil war. After 6 months of retirement from Blackgold, he came back to the Dark Zone and now serves as a guide for new operators entering the Dark Zone. 

 

- Lyle Moreno, their trustworthy medic and go-to for medical and some other special items.

 

- Deke Vinson, their underground trader friend, looking out for them with deals and trades, as well as giving them tasks to help expand his business. He was born in Kamona, and established his business after returning from Colom when the war broke out, using his family’s leftover influence in Kamona.

 

- Randall Fisher, A Blackgold contact selling various Colom-made weapons and heavy armor. A retired special forces member from the Ocean Alliance, he joined Blackgold and acts as a commander for Blackgold forces in the Dark Zone. He still takes commissions from his former and current employer organizations.

 

- Vladlen, a White Wolf contact selling various Tevila-made weapons. A former air force member of Tevila and now working in the intelligence department, he oversees various peacekeeping efforts in Kamona with the help of the Sumek Committee, as a Tevilan native.

 

-Thomas Edward, a former member of the Colom Air force, and is now a senior intelligence officer in Colom’s secret services. He oversees peacekeeping efforts in Kamona, appointed by the Sumek Committee.

 

- Rodriguez, a Tevilan contact. A former fisherman, he got in contact with various figures in the Dark Zone and established an intelligence network. However, as blockades tightened, he was forced to reach out for help to sustain his aboveground retail business.

 

- Kayla, a CDIS contact offering various experimental and faction-exclusive items smuggled in from Colom and not made available publicly in the Dark Zone. She is currently in Kamona for a recon mission.

 

- Andre, Kayla’s MNST counterpart offering various experimental and faction-exclusive items smuggled in from Tevila and not made available publicly in the Dark Zone. He serves as a commander for the White Wolves inside Kamona and secret affairs officer for Tevila.

 

“Will this work? Are we finally re-establishing contact?” AS-2 said

 

A quiet tapping of a foot can be heard behind them.

 

“I’ve found the “Shittim Chest”. The president said you should know the password to it. Use it to regain control of the Sanctum Tower. Good luck Senseis, I will be waiting upstairs.” Rin said

 

With that, she handed the tablet to IN-7 and turned around, hedging back up the stairs.

 

“So…what do I do with this?” IN-7 said, staring at the modern tablet. He’d come from the place where flip phones were considered modern, and had no idea how to operate the tablet.

 

“Maybe press that button? Looks like a power button.” DO-9 said

 

IN-7 presses the button and the screen lights up, with a prompt popping up for a password. Looking at the prompt with hesitation, IN-7 suddenly gets a light headache. He taps the fill bar and his fingers fly across the keys subconsciously.

 

We thirst for the Seven Wailings

 

We bear the Koans of Jericho

 

When barriers weaken and the angels sing

 

When war leaves one no more than an echo

 

Gleaned by the dark dogs, that void is the reward of wealth

 

In the face of death, blurred and miraged, brought by the pale wolves

 

Spread your blood-stained wings to soar across this azure Ark, and break through the false sky

 

Free us from this twisted, distorted fate, and lead us to a new reality

 

Continue forward, and don’t look back

 

[Password accepted]

 

“What the fuck did you type-” AS-2 said, before the screen lit up in a blinding white, engulfing them in a brightness comparable to switching to Discord light mode at midnight.

 

[Connecting to system: A.R.O.N.A…]

 

???,???. ???.

 

Clear water covering the floor reflected the sunlight shining through the windows. A large, gaping hole in the wall, occupied by a multitude of desks stacked on top of each other. A small girl with short blue hair and pink insides, wearing light blue sailor’s uniform and a ribbon on her head, slept on a desk. The four operators opened their eyes, with their backs against the teacher’s desk at the front of the room.

 

“Ughhh…”AS-2 groaned for (probably) the third time of the day

 

“Where are we?” DO-9 said

 

“Am I the only one getting a sense of deja vu?” TI-7 asked, feeling some familiarity

 

“Huh…our gear’s gone, and we’re wearing our faction uniforms…” IN-7 said

 

IN-7 and TI-7, who were working with Blackgold before, had donned a dark blue uniform with lighter blue shoulder highlights and a hoodie on the back. They also wore clear ski goggles and a black balaclava covering their face, with a black baseball cap. Their pants were dark blue as well, and their shoes were the only thing that hadn’t changed, being the standard black combat boots.

 

DO-9 and AS-2 were wearing sand-colored uniforms with grey shoulder highlights and a yellow hoodie with a rectangular patch at the tip. They also wore tinted ski goggles and a green-and-yellow camouflage patterned ski mask, coupled with a black beanie. Their pants were grey, and their shoes were the same as IN-7 and TI-7.

 

“...so, the last thing I remember is that we got flashbanged by this “Shittim Chest”, and now we’re here. I don’t recognize this place at all, and I don’t see the usual surroundings of either Kamona or Kivotos.” AS-2 said

 

“What did you type in there anyways?” TI-7 asked

 

“...I don’t know. I just suddenly got this bad headache, and then my fingers started moving on their own.” IN-7 responded with a confused face

 

“...should we ask that girl for information?” DO-9 said, pointing to the girl sleeping with her head on the desk

 

“Eheheheh…strawberry milk …goes better with pineapple pizza…than choco milk … hehe …zzz…” she said sleepily

 

“...” An awkward silence permeated the room.

 

“...Welp. No better way to wake someone up than to splash water in their face.” IN-7 said

 

“IN–7, there is a literal gun next to her. You want her to get mad at you and shoot you? We don’t even have medical items right now, so it’s gonna hurt like a bitch if it happens.” TI-7 said, staring at IN-7 with a deadpan expression

 

“Then I’ll take it away. Simple.” IN-7 responded, grabbing the umbrella gun and strapping it onto his back, before scooping up a handful of water from the floor. He silently tiptoes across the floor, his hands cupped, before launching the water at her face.

 

“Puaaaah!” she yelled, immediately waking up as a small, simple blue halo appeared above her head. The operators all held back a laugh, as the girl scrubbed the water from her face. She reached for her umbrella gun to give IN-7 a smack to the head, only to find it gone, while IN-7 was waving it in front of her.

 

“H-hey! Give it back!” she said, while running up to him, her halo changing shape to a spiky orange one. However, the height difference meant that her hands only reached up to IN-7’s nose on tip-toes, while IN-7 held the umbrella gun above his head.

 

“Only if you can give us information on where this is, and where our gear all went.” IN-7 said smugly, while the other operators looked on with a hint of amusement

 

“Hmph…IN-7 Sensei is such a meanie…” she said, her halo changing to a drippy dark blue one “I’m Arona, the system manager of the Shittim Chest, and you are inside the Shittim Chest right now. I’ll also act as an assistant to help you and the other Senseis in future endeavors. Now, can I please have my gun back?” she said, looking up at him with puppy dog eyes

 

‘Oh, shit. She’s too cute!’ IN-7 thought, before dropping the gun and proceeding to stumble over to the hole in the wall, puking rainbows. Arona came up behind him, and held her umbrella gun up and smacked him on the back of his head, toppling him over the edge and into the watery expanse outside.

 

“Meanie!” she exclaimed, while still pouting cutely

 

The other operators stood in silence at the sheer ridiculousness of what happened, before having various reactions.

 

“Toldja something bad was gonna happen.” TI-7 said, sighing before beginning to walk towards the gap in the wall.

 

“Pfff…HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh man, I can’t…HAHAHAHAHA!” AS-2 laughed, wheezing

 

“Stupid idiot.” DO-9 said with a slight smirk, following TI-7 to the wall.

 

After fishing IN-7 out of the water, Arona finished explaining to the operators about the Shittim Chest and completed the biological authentication. After she restored access to Sanctum Tower the operators were instructed on how to leave the Chest, and promptly did exactly that, returning to their bodies.

 

“So…artificial intelligence is a thing in this world, huh?” DO-9 said

 

“To be able to basically fit a person’s consciousness into such a small device…what level of technology is this place at?” IN-7 said

 

“To be honest…I’m more worried about the inconsistency of technology here…on one hand, there are weapons here that could be classified as “only use if you are desperate”, like that AA gun which is an outdated Flak gun from nearly 30 years before the North-South Conflict, while there are things like this-” TI-7 gestured toward the tablet “-and also that “energy shield” that I’ve only read about in science fiction books, which that girl called Yuuka could manifest using a goddamn calculator.”

 

“Honestly? Just give up on making sense of this place. Everything doesn’t really make sense here…” AS-2 said

 

The four operators picked themselves up from the floor, and headed up the stairs. They opened the door and entered the lobby, where Rin was waiting.

 

“Congratulations, Senseis. Access to the Sanctum Tower has been regained, and law enforcement is moving in to mop up any remaining delinquents. We could not have done it without your help.” Rin said, while holding out her hand. After shaking hands with all the operators, she continues. “Now, if you all will, I will introduce you to your new workplace.”

 

The operators follow Rin upstairs to a clean office, with large windows spanning the walls, allowing the afternoon sunlight to filter in. Dark monitors sat on the desk along with some writing utensils scattered across the desk. A couch sat to one side, and some potted plants sat in some corners of the room. The windows gave a perfect view of various students milling about, and some in Valkyrie uniforms transporting wrecked cars and delinquents away.

 

“This will be your office now, Senseis. You will receive a share of the GSC’s paperwork to help complete, as it is part of restoring order to the city, addressing academies’ demands and issues. I have already left a small portion of work on each of the desks for each of you to finish.” Rin said, motioning towards the four desks clumped together in the middle, separated by dividers.

 

AS-2 picks up a piece of paper from the top of the stack. “Paperwork should be fine…I used to run errands for Deke all the time, so I’m used to having to deal with transport logs and other things. However…” AS-2 points towards the paper, the text written in Korean, as well as others written in varying languages like German, Chinese and others. “...it’s a problem since we only understand English and Spanish.”

 

“Ah, you mean Global? I’m very sorry that I forgot to take that into account. I will temporarily assign you work in Global while you learn the other languages. After all, you will all be interacting with these various schools later, and it is vital to learn their language to establish better communications with them.” Rin said, mentally slapping herself for not thinking of the issue beforehand. “I will have another member of the GSC come by later to exchange paperwork. In the meanwhile, I will give you all a tour of the other facilities of SCHALE.”

 

The operators left the office, following Rin as she showed them the various other locations around the SCHALE building. The gym, where they could perform physical training, the shooting range where they could practice their marksmanship, the cafe, the reception area, the dormitory and the garage. Finally, they arrive at the SCHALE armory. Upon entering from the garage, the operators are greeted by more familiar sights.

 

“Heh…that president of yours really thought of everything, huh?” DO-9 said, walking over to a gunsmithing table in the corner. “Exactly as I left it…” he muttered, running his fingers along a partially assembled AKM on the table. 3 other similar tables stretched across the wall,

 

“Good. All my equipment is here. Koens as well.” TI-7 said, shutting a large crate in the corner, one among four others with a digital keypad combination lock on each.

 

“Finally, a secure place to put my bag. My back was starting to ache from carrying all that stuff.” AS-2 said, tossing his large bag into his own stash

 

IN-7 also opened his stash, revealing rows of neatly lined cash, boxes of armor-piercing ammunition as well as flesh-damaging ammunition, various grenades and gun parts as well as gold and other valuable miscellaneous items he had acquired from the Dark Zone.

 

“So, Rin. I forgot to mention this, but the Shittim Chest contains an A.I, who explained a lot of things about this world to us, as well as what SCHALE does. However, I have some questions for you now that I have regained access to my supplies, which have reminded me of some topics I had forgotten to discuss.” IN-7 said, his eyes passing over a few molotovs and gas grenades inside his stash. The other operators also nod in agreement, some having their own questions as well.

 

“Go ahead, IN-7 Sensei. I will answer to the best of my abilities.” Rin said

 

“First of all, while the halos students possess give immense resistance to physical attacks, I am uncertain about the resistance these halos give towards chemical attacks.” IN-7 said, holding out a gas grenade for Rin to see.

 

“...our halos do not grant us resistance toward chemical attacks, I’m afraid. Tear gas is still very effective against students. Might I inquire about what is in those canisters?” Rin replied, before asking her own question, curiosity peaked by the swamp green canister in IN-7’s hands.

 

“...it is best that you do not know.” IN-7 had been to the TV Station before, and had seen people use the gas before outside of the TV Station. Running through it quickly would only give a slight burn to the lungs, making it ineffective in open areas. In enclosed spaces with nowhere to go, however, it was a death sentence, and a brutal, painful and slow way to die, choking to death on your own blood after inhaling too much of the gas. He did not wish such a brutal death upon anyone, and had only ever used it in emergencies, and he wished to keep it this way in this city, especially since death was a rare thing here.

 

DO-9 raised his hand to speak.

 

“On a similar topic, are the students here resistant to fire? While I don’t wish to use molotovs on kids here, it is still a very effective weapon from where we come from.” He said, pulling out a brown bottle with red rope wrapping on top. A separate white rope fed into the bottle’s liquid, waiting to be ignited.

 

“DO-9 Sensei, our students all have some degree of fire resistance; however, prolonged exposure to fire, especially as an attack, could result in suffocation or burns of various degrees.” Rin said, slightly sweating. Where exactly did these Senseis come from?

 

“Ah, final question. How much would Koens be worth here?” AS-2 asked, dropping a stack of Koens on one of the gunsmithing tables.

 

“Koens? Ah, I see. It is the currency from where you come from, correct?” Rin said, lifting her glasses

 

“Yes. To give you context, this stack is around 200,000 Koens, and where we are from, it is worth around seven gold bars, with two gold bars being worth approximately 55,000 Koens.” AS-2 said, dropping that exact amount of gold bars next to the stack for comparison.

 

Rin sweatdropped slightly, while the other operators looked at AS-2 with an exasperated look.

 

“...well, gold is certainly worth a lot in Kivotos. How many Koens do you have…?”

 

“60 million Koens liquidated, with around 120 million Koens more in non-liquidated assets. I did help Deke run one of the largest trading and smuggling businesses in the Dark Zone before, after all.” (To do the math for all of you who don’t want to bother opening another tab to calculate, that’s around 6545.5 gold bars.)

 

The other operators who were used to his antics (and who had seen the reactions of people who had heard this ridiculous figure before) simply sighed and waited for disaster to strike.

 

And strike it did, because Rin’s jaw dropped to the floor with the same intensity of a 6th gen armored core launching a pile bunker at full power. 

 

“WHAT!?”

Notes:

This is accurate to in-game prices, and AS-2's storage value is around double the average players'. Wait till they find out a golden 2x2 rubix cube is worth 5k more lmfao. And yes, they are gold bars, not ingots.

Chapter 7: Contact I: Hounds in the Tundra

Notes:

Things are about to get wild.

Kamona, afternoon. Cargo ejection site/rift site

 

Smoke curls up from the ground. Puddles of spilled gasoline flicker with fire, lighting up the site as the surrounding area darkens from the setting sun. Machine gun nests are empty, the Blackgold soldiers manning them having all fled or died. T-90’s rolled through gaps in the temporary forward base Blackgold had established at the site, while several Leopard 1 tanks moved in to intercept, with troops behind the T-90’s dispersing and taking cover after entering the base. In the center, a blue rift shimmered, lightly pulsing.

 

“So…that’s what they’re defending, huh? I wonder what it is.” A White Wolf soldier said, holding a pair of binoculars to his face. A mobile missile platform sits beside him, fully loaded with a rack of four ground-to-air missiles.

 

“Beats me. We just need to secure it and wipe those Blackgolds off this place. We’ll have support from the official Tevilan military soon, the ceasefire’s breached. The problem is that Colom might show their cards too. Might send in a Warthog.” Another White Wolf soldier said

 

The radar pings, picking up three aircraft flying in an arrowhead formation towards the site from the south.

 

“Speak of the fucking devil. Gary, communicate to our units on the ground to take cover. Also tell the other missile operators about the situation, we need to take those targets down ASAP!” The first White Wolf soldier said

 

A third soldier scrambles over to the communications station and picks up the radio,  while a fourth starts aligning the missiles. “This is AA Squad Alpha, we have detected a detachment of three A-10 Warthogs inbound to the conflict Zone! Assault Squad Alpha to Gamma, take cover! AA Squad Beta and Delta, align missiles and help take down the targets!”

 

“Target lock completed, launching missile! One away!” the fourth soldier said, as a missile bursts from the rack. Shortly after, two more burst forth, one from each of the other sites. The Warthogs perform evasive maneuvers, with one managing to dodge a missile directed towards them. The second one uses their flares, managing to evade the second missile while the third one takes a direct hit to the fuselage, the plane bursting into flames and crashing into the forest below.

 

“One down, two more to go! Estimated 3 minutes to enter strafing range! Launch the other missiles!” the third soldier yells

 

Two unguided rockets streak from the bottom of the lead Warthog, striking AA Squad Delta and wiping out the mobile missile platform, but not before AA Squad Delta sends off two retaliatory missiles. In response, the lead Warthog deploys its flares, shaking off both missiles. AA Squad Beta launches two missiles, the first hit clipping the wing off the trailing Warthog before the second lands a hit directly on the cockpit, the plane breaking apart in a shower of flame and metal.

 

“Two down! I have a lock on the last one! Firing remaining missiles!” the fourth soldier yells, before pressing the trigger. Three missiles streak from the platform. To his horror, however, the Warthog launches additional flares. It fully dodges the first and third missile, while the second one hits the tailfin, causing the Warthog to only lose some balance, but not enough to crash. The third soldier seeing this, picks up the radio.

 

“INTERCEPTION FAILED! ONE BOGEY INBOUND! ASSAULT SQUADS, HUNKER DOWN AND PREPARE FOR ENEMY STRAFING!” he yelled, before jumping into the mobile missile platform. The Warthog, trailing smoke from its tailfin, approaches the site, its 30mm rotary canon bursting to life.

 

“AA Squad Beta reporting! Our final missile is being launched!” the radio crackles

 

On the ground, many troops hunker behind tents, buildings and sandbags, as well as under tables and sentry towers. 30mm rounds rain down, shredding some of the White Wolf soldiers hiding behind less thick cover. Finishing the strafe, it turns around to perform another cycle. As the pilot does so, a missile lock warning appears on his screen.

 

‘Fuck…I thought they were out of missiles…’ he thought, before the midsection of the plane bursts apart, the tail end going one way and the nose the other way, both falling downwards end over end. At this moment, the rift crackles, opening up. It swirls a light blue, and a faint chill emanates from it. 

 

Back with AA Squad Alpha, the radio crackles to life.

 

Tevilan Commander: White Wolf forces, hold the front line. Tevilan Ground Force reinforcements are currently flanking Blackgold positions. Prepare for encirclement.

 

AA Squad Alpha: Affirmative. We’ve taken some casualties, but we were able to neutralize air support OPFOR sent in. 

 

At the same time, Blackgold forces receive communications that the retreat lines had been cut off.

 

Colom Commander: To all Blackgold forces, hold out the base. Retreat lines have been temporarily cut off by land reinforcements OPFOR has sent in. We are currently trying to break through the encirclement, but it will take a while.

 

Forward Base Defense Force Alpha: Fuck!...The rift seems to have activated…permissions to retreat through the rift?

 

Colom Commander: ...Negative. We don’t know what’s on the other side, and I don't want to unnecessarily lose our forces. There is no guarantee that we can maintain connection with you on the “other side”. Stand your ground and fight!

 

Forward Base Defense Force Alpha: …I’m sorry. I’m taking the risk. I’m disobeying orders, but if there’s a chance that we’ll live, then I will take it. If we stay, we’re getting wiped out.

 

Colom Commander: Do not retreat! Hold your ground! We cannot let those Tevilans gain control-

 

The Blackgold officer in charge of Forward Base Defense Force Alpha cut off the communications.

 

“Full retreat! Go through the rift! It’s the only chance we’ll get to stay alive!” he yelled

 

Transport trucks rev to life, and blackgold soldiers pile into APCs, which begin entering the rift. The remaining Leopard 1s also begin backing towards the rift. Under relentless gunfire, Blackgold forces retreated, losing two Leopard tanks and a few more soldiers holding the rift. Once things had all settled down, Tevilan reinforcements and White Wolf forces converged on the site. The rift had been open long enough that the ground nearby had frosted over, but as they reached the rift, it gave off a slight flash before thinning back into a line.

 

“...secure the perimeter and establish a forward base for now. The temporary closure of the rift is just a minor inconvenience, we will just have to prepare for a possible ambush when we go through next time.” a Tevilan general spoke, walking up to the rift. Stretching out his hand, he felt the rift, feeling the smooth, glass-like texture. The coldness from when the rift had opened had disappeared, and the frost on the ground had begun to fade. 

 

“We’ll have to wait and see…”

 

Kivotos, noontime. Red Winter Academy District, snowfield near No.227 Special Class

 

A bright blue flash appeared, followed by the sudden appearance of four Leopard 1s, 5 trucks full of supplies and 4 APCs full of troops. Immediately, all of them were struck by how cold it was. The snow swirled and the wind howled, and many Blackgold Soldiers began shivering from the cold, having been dressed for combat in the temperate climates of Kamona.

 

“...Where are we?” the Blackgold officer muttered, his warm breath making steam rise into the cold air

 

“Sir, communications with Colom have been cut off. There’s no signal out here either, and the visibility from the snowstorm will heavily reduce the efficiency of our scouts! What do we do?”  one of the soldiers in his squadron asked

 

“... Tell the scouts to wear extra layers of clothes and set out immediately and try to find shelter. Everyone else will huddle around the tanks, they will provide heat. Set up a small temporary base here and start a few fires with the supplies we have. If we don’t find any shelter…we pack up and keep traveling in the direction that’s the clearest. In such cold climates, if we don’t keep moving without a heat source, we’ll all get sick sooner or later.” he said, his voice shaking slightly. He was about as confused and scared as anyone else, since Kamona was still far from winter, and there weren’t any tundras in Kamona or Colom.

 

As his orders were relayed and operations began, he could only sigh. He had the feeling that this was going to be complicated.

 

Kivotos, afternoon. Red Winter Academy District, No.227 Special Class

 

Nodoka and Shigure huddled around a small stove in the middle of one of the classrooms in the building. The frigid snowstorm had started a few days ago, and the heavy snow outside meant that they had to live off the supplies they had in the run-down building until the snowstorm let down enough that they could go out and buy more supplies. The meager heat from the stove that was heating up the leftover kompot from a day ago was barely enough for their shivering bodies, despite that they were both covered in thick winter coats. The snowstorm showed no signs of letting down, and the wind howled even more fiercely as it approached nighttime and the temperature dropped, masking the sounds of vehicles approaching the building.

 

The scouts that set out had found the run-down building of the No.227 Special Class after a few hours, and after reporting back to the Blackgold officer, they had quickly dismantled the temporary base and began moving towards the building, seeking shelter from the snowstorm. The four tanks and nine trucks surrounded the building, and a group of soldiers dismounted from the APC, trudging through the snow before making it to the front door.

 

“Scouts said it seemed clear; no signs of life from afar, and it’s pretty run-down anyways. Nobody’s living out here in this run-down building, especially with this climate.” one of them said

 

“Keep your guard up. You never know if a very hungry pack of wolves or a bear has taken up residence here.” another one said, raising his gun. The group of eight split upon arriving at the wall, one in front of the door while three sidled on the left side and four on the right.

 

“Breaching!”

 

Nodoka and Shigure both jumped up as they heard the door downstairs slam open, and the sound of multiple footsteps running through the building.

 

“Sweeping!”

 

“This room's clear! Move onto the next one!”

 

“Someone get a flashlight…this place is dark as shit…”

 

“Found the stairs! I need backup, I’m pushing up!”

 

Nodoka froze up for a moment before picking up her PP-2000 SMG, while Shigure picked up her RG-6 40mm grenade launcher. Both of them pointed their weapons toward the top of the stairway,waiting in silence for whoever the perpetrators were to come upstairs.

 

“Stop. I’m seeing a light above, and I hear some slight scuffling. Might be animals and a somehow working light in this place, but it’s unlikely.”

 

“Relay back to command, ask what to do.”

 

“...”

 

“Affirmative. Hello? Anyone up there? If you can hear us, respond back! We’re not hostile, and we’re seeking shelter!”

 

Nodoka looked over to Shigure, who simply gave a shrug.

 

“Should we reply?” Nodoka whispered

 

“They seem to have weapons…I’m not certain. Let’s hold our ground and ask them about themselves…they might be lying about not being hostile.” Shigure whispered back

 

“Alright, let’s talk! But don’t come up the stairs, alright? We have guns, and we’re not afraid to use them!” Nodoka yelled

 

“Damn…they’re armed? What do we do?” one of the Blackgold soldiers whispered

 

The radio crackled to life. “What’s the holdup? If there’s any complications, we’re sending in a backup unit!” the Blackgold officer said

 

“We’ve identified one individual, it’s a girl. According to what she says, though, she’s got a gun. It’s unconfirmed, but there’s a military-grade flashlight beam shining at the top of the stairwell. Should we continue to engage in negotiations or not?” the soldier responded

 

“Subjugate the subjects with a stun grenade, then we can interrogate them later. We’ll send in an additional squad, and the others will begin unloading.” the officer said

 

“Understood.” the officer said, before shutting off comms

 

The soldier made some silent hand signs, and another one handed him a Z3 stun grenade, along with a flashbang. Another squad entered directly through the front door, crouched behind the first squad. The soldier with the flashbang and stun grenade pulled the pins and lobbed them up the staircase.

 

Back with Nodoka and Shigure, they were confused by the lack of response.

 

“Did I say something wrong?” Nodoka whispered to Shigure

 

“...you just told them that you have a weapon…what did you expect?” Shigure responded

 

“Ehhh? But isn’t that supposed to even out the conversation? They would attack us directly if I said we were unarmed, right?” Nodoka responded

 

At that moment, they hear more footsteps downstairs.

 

“They got reinfor-” Shirgure whispered before two objects clattered onto the floor in front of them, having been tossed from the staircase. One of them Shigure immediately recognized as a flashbang, but the other was completely unfamiliar, a green orb with a black basket-like cover at the bottom and a small stick tapering from the orb. Both detonated, and the two girls were temporarily blinded, both by the large flash by the flashbang and a bright yellow flash from the stun grenade.

 

The grenades also gave the two temporary tinnitus, with a large ringing in their ears muffling out all other sounds, including the sound of boots stomping up the stairs. The stun grenades made their limbs feel like jelly, and when Nodoka tried to walk, she stumbled forward and fell flat on her face, the gun dropping from her hands.

 

“Go! Go! Go!”

 

“Subjugate enemy units!”

 

“Visual contact with enemy units established! Two individuals identified!”

 

“Seizing weapons!”

 

When the two girls’ vision cleared up, they found themselves deprived of their weapons and staring down the barrels of SG550s held by unfamiliar soldiers dressed in black and dark blue, pressed onto the floor by two other soldiers behind each of them, one pinning their wrists down while the other pointed another SG550 at the back of their head. It took a few moments for both of them to realize that none of them had halos, before the stock of the SG550’s from the soldiers behind them hit their heads, knocking them out.

Notes:

New chapter tomorrow, pushing it out before I have to lock in for my math exam.

Chapter 8: Desert and Midnight Screams

Notes:

kids are boutta be in a whole world of pain

Kivotos, morning. SCHALE Building

 

The four operators woke up from their bunks in the dormitory, ready for another morning. It had been three days since SCHALE building had been retaken, and they had been burdened with paperwork. As a group of four, their coordination meant that they could finish the paperwork quickly, but learning new languages was a difficult task, especially for DO-9, who, while knowing Russian on top of Spanish due to working with Tevila for a long time, was getting old, nearing 50 years old. His learning abilities were not the best, while the others, who were younger, learned faster.

 

That morning, DO-9 was going through his pile of paperwork. Partway through, he found a letter, neatly folded inside of a sand-colored envelope. Opening it up, his eyes widened. It wasn’t your run-of-the-mill complaint or request, being a plea for help from SCHALE to help clear out the delinquents harassing their school. Usually, it was delinquents threatening certain facilities or students, but a whole school? This was new.

 

“Hey, you guys. Come over here and check this out. Got a letter from…Okosura Ayane, saying that some gangsters were harassing their school, and they want help clearing them out.” DO-9 said, waving the others over.

 

“Another neutralization mission? I’m not complaining or anything, but the whole school sounds like a lot of work.” AS-2 said.

 

“...Sure. Where’s it at?” TI-7 asked.

 

“Someplace called Abydos High School…IN-7, can you look it up?” DO-9 responded.

 

“On it…says here it’s a school in the desert, got swamped by a shit ton of sandstorms a few years ago. Used to be pretty big, but after those disasters everyone moved out, and the GSC hasn’t heard a peep from them since.” IN-7 said, reading through the GSC’s files of Abydos.

 

“Alright, pack aid supplies. We’re going. Seems like they need ammunition the most, load up the GLC2301 with it, along with some rations.” DO-9 said, standing up and beginning to pack his gear.

 

“I just pulled up the current students’ profile, we need some 12x70mm buckshot along with 7.62x51mm  and 5.56x45mm and 9x19mm. Larger quantities of 5.56x45mm and 7.62mm are needed.”

 

“Man…those are on the somewhat more expensive side… but sure. I’ll head to my stash to get the ammo, AS-2, you grab the food.” TI-7 said, walking out the office.

 

“Rendezvous at the garage in 10 minutes, and be ready for operations!” AS-2 said, walking towards the stash area as well.

 

Ten minutes later, IN-7 and DO-9 hear the door to the garage from the stash open. AS-2 opens the back of the armored car, and begins unloading the contents of his bag. They had taken the liberty of installing some expansion boxes in the back of the armored car, courtesy of Lyle Moreno. He’d asked about their whereabouts, since some big event  had happened in the Dark Zone when they had “died”, they had simply told him not to worry about it. The expansion crates included weapons, ammunition, medical and food boxes, which lined the back wall of the armored car, allowing additional passengers to still be seated in the back. Once the boxes have been filled, AS-2 and TI-7 join the two other operators in the front, and DO-9 turns the key to the engine.

 

“Well, then…off to Abydos!”

 

Kivotos, noontime. Street to Abydos annex building

 

“So…how much longer till we get there? It’s getting hot in here.” AS-2 said

 

“If you think you’re hot, try driving while wearing heavy armor with nearly no airflow.” DO-9 bit back.

 

“Slow down, DO-9. I see someone up ahead.” TI-7 said, picking up a tiny radiant white speck on his thermal imager. The landscape was also a much lighter grey due to the heat of the desert, and was somewhat interfering with his thermal imager. However, he’d been using it for long enough to spot even the tiniest speck appearing in his vision.

 

“Estimated around 200 meters ahead. They’re riding a bicycle.” he continued, peeking his head out from behind the headrest of the front seat.

 

“I see them too. Looks like one of the students around here, judging from their uniform.” IN-7 said, also spotting the distinct blue jacket and black skirt.

 

Shiroko had been biking on the road to school, when the sound of an engine cut through the whistling wind and the sound of sand grains tumbling over each other. Looking back, she saw a green unmarked armored car rumbling down the road. Curious, she temporarily stopped the bike, and waited for the car to catch up. As the car neared, it slowed down, before coming to a stop. The right-side door opened and a person with a grey helmet covering their entire head and a black visor stepped out, his hands raised, showing he had no weapons.

 

“Hello there. Are you a student of Abydos High?” IN-7 said, hands still raised.

 

“Nn. Yes I am, Obi-Wan Kenobi . May I ask who you and the others in the car are, and what business you have in Abydos?” Shiroko responded. While she clearly saw that the person in front of her had no weapons in his hands, she spied a few spare magazines and grenades in his chest rig, as well as two unfamiliar guns strapped to his bag, one clearly being a sniper rifle. He also had a pistol with-Shiroko did a double take-a drum mag.

 

“We received the letter requesting support, and we’re here to help clear out the delinquents and deliver supplies. As to who we are, we’re the Senseis appointed by the GSC President to manage SCHALE.” DO-9 said from within the car, having heard the conversation.

 

“Ah, you received Ayane’s letter. Thanks for coming.” Shiroko said, lowering her guard after understanding the situation.

 

“Ah, no problem. Want a ride?”

 

“Nn. Let’s race to the school.”

 

“My old bones can’t take this. IN-7, take the wheel.” DO-9 sighed, exiting the vehicle from the left and climbing up into the seat on the right.

 

“Sure. Let’s dance.” IN-7 said, walking to the driver’s side and climbing up into the seat on the left.

 

“Shut up man, you’re not Dante.” AS-2 said.

 

Kivotos, noontime. Abydos annex building

 

The armored vehicle pulled into the front yard, performing a drift and stopping with the back facing the building’s front entrance. Shiroko leaned against one of the pillars under the shade of the main entrance’s outcrop.

 

“Nn. You lost.” She said, greeting the operators. Meanwhile, the other operators detached the expansion boxes and started carrying them inside, while IN-7 walked up to Shiroko.

 

“Heh. Just you wait, I’ll beat you next time.”

 

“We’ll see.”

 

The operators walked into the building, following Shiroko as she led them upstairs. Sand had gathered in various corners of the halls, and many classrooms lay abandoned, sand spilling in from open windows and covering the floor in a thin layer. Walking past the classrooms, the operators noticed that some of them had shown recent use, while others had thick layers of dust over large tarps, probably used for storage.

 

“Man…I knew this place was underwater. I just didn’t realize it was this underwater. -Grammarly ads, probably ” IN-7 said

 

“You mean under the sand?” AS-2 said, readjusting his balance so that he didn’t accidentally overbalance from the crates he was carrying as well as the load he was carrying in his bag.

 

“Whatever.”

 

Arriving at the front of a particular classroom, the operators could hear voices inside.

 

“Shiroko-senpai’s late…”

 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s late ‘cause she found something to steal on the way here.”

 

“If that’s the case…she’s in for a scolding~☆”

 

The operators looked at Shiroko questioningly who had flushed a slight tint of red, her wolf ears twitching slightly as she pushed open the door, motioning for them to stay back for now.

 

“Ah! Shiroko’s here!” a girl with blond hair and green eyes exclaimed with an excited face.

 

“What took you so long? We were about to start the meeting without you!” a shorter girl with black hair, cat ears and red eyes yelled with an angry face.

 

“Ah, good, you’re here…speaking of that, where’s Hoshino?” a girl with elf ears, black hair and amber eyes said with a calm expression.

 

“Probably napping on the roof again. I’ll go get her!” Serika yelled, before running out the classroom, and promptly running facefirst into DO-9’s armored rig. Thankfully, the operators had all set down their payloads to rest their arms, so nothing got spilled.

 

“Ow…wait, who the hell are you guys!?”

 

After clearing up things (and calming down a very angry cat), Serika managed to go and drag Hoshino back down to the classroom.

 

“Hoshino! Wake up! We’re about to start the meeting!” Serika yelled, dragging Hoshino into the class by the scruff of her neck, with Hoshino acting more like a certain orange cat than Serika was one.

 

“Uheee…five more minutes…” the pink-haired girl yawned, her eyes still half-closed.

 

“You said that on the way here!” Serika yelled.

 

IN-7, who was lounging in one of the seats inside the classroom rehydrating, capped his bottle of water.

 

“Let me try something…” IN-7 said. The other operators sweatdropped while Ayane, Nonomi, Shiroko and Serika looked over with a questioning look on their face.

 

“IN-7 don’t do what I think you’re gonna-”

 

IN-7 tossed the bottled, flipping end over end in an arc aimed towards Hoshino’s head.

 

It landed perfectly, the cap squashing Hoshino’s ahoge.

 

“Eeeh!” Hoshino exclaimed, opening her heterochromatic eyes and waking up completely, shaking the water bottle off her head.

 

“Jackpot! Perfect bottle flip!”

 

“JESUS CHRIST IN-7, YOU ARE NOT DANTE!” AS-2 yelled, while the students in the room looked on in bafflement and the other two operators let out small chuckles.

 

“...Putting that aside, I believe introductions are in order-” DO-9 says, before being cut off by the sound of gunfire outside and hail of bullets shattering the window behind him, spraying his body with loose glass shards “-but we’ll have to deal with that first.

 

“Finally. I was wondering when those delinquents were gonna show up.” TI-7 said, detaching his AR-57 from the side of his bag.

 

“The usual mop-up ops?” IN-7 said, preparing his Mk14 and doing a quick mag check for the 50 round drum magazine.

 

“You bet. I’ll stick back and help coordinate, since TI-7’s going to fight on the frontlines.” AS-2 said, pulling out a juice box from his bag.

 

“You guys sound like you’re going out there and fighting the delinquents! We can’t let you go out there, it’s dangerous! You don’t have a halo like us!” Ayane yelled, sweatdropping.

 

“Nn…It’s dangerous out there. Let us handle it, Senseis.” Shiroko said, while loading 5.56x45 FMJs into her SG550’s 30 round magazine.

 

“Don’t underestimate us! We’ll fight too!”

 

“If you say so…just hurry and resupply. TI-7’s always eager for these types of fights, and he  likes to compete for the kill count.” IN-7 said, with TI-7 already having taken painkillers and jumped out the window. DO-9 and hefted his RPK-16, the 95 round drum mag fully loaded with 5.45x39 PRS rounds, slamming it down on the windowsill and aiming outside through the mounted 3.5x ACOG scope. His gloved hands clutched the slender vertical grip, before pulling the trigger. Meanwhile, IN-7 and AS-2 conversed, with IN-7 performing additional gear checks and helping the girls with arming themselves.

 

“I thought our combat proficiency would have been proven by whatever news footage there would be about the retaking of SCHALE…” AS-2 said.

 

“Don’t you remember from that call Rin took that said that the news helicopter got shot down twice? I wouldn’t be surprised if they got put out of commission by the time we started the assault.” IN-7 said, finishing his checks. He rushes out the door, leaving AS-2 behind, who also goes out the door. While IN-7 goes downstairs, AS-2 goes to the roof, pulling out a pair of binoculars.

 

“Of course…then again, getting too much attention is probably a bad thing as well.” AS-2 muttered.

 

Meanwhile, the girls had also finished replenishing ammunition, and rushed outside.

 

“Ugh…those idiots! If they get hurt, they’re finding their own way to fix themselves up!” Serika yelled, gripping her Beretta AR-70

 

“Then we’ll just have to show them our skills as well!”

 

At that moment, the drone above them buzzed to life. However, instead of Ayane, a hologram of AS-2 was projected, his sand-colored helmet and visor contrasting sharply with the black balaclava he wore to block out the sand.

 

“Be careful ahead. It’s TI-7’s playground out there, and he might mistake you for delinquents if you’re not careful. I’m relaying your positions to him right now, but you’ll still have to be careful.” AS-2 said.

 

“How did you take control of the drone? And how did you get it to project your hologram?” Serika yelled, taken aback by the appearance of his hologram in place of Ayane’s.

 

“Let’s just say I have a very handy friend.” AS-2 said, patting a certain tablet sitting in one of the pockets of his FA Portable Chest Rig, to the FTF members’ confusion. (For readers, the appearance is very similar to the rig Hoshino(Armed) wears.)

 

“Hm? What do you mean it’s TI-7’s playground?” Shiroko asked with a curious expression.

 

“You’ll see.” IN-7 said, surprising them. He was standing next to the front door, waiting for the FTF members, excluding Ayane, who was still in the meeting room. Opening the door, they were greeted by…well, a wall of grey.

 

“Huh…? Smoke?” Serika said with a confused expression.

 

“Ah, I see! He’s like an assassin, prancing around in the shadows! But, if the smoke’s so thick, how can TI-7 Sensei see?” Nonomi questioned.

 

AS-2’s hologram buzzed to life once more.

 

“If you all noticed that camera-like device mounted to his helmet, it’s a thermal imager. From where we come from, they’re a little special, being able to see through smoke like it’s not there in the first place. He’s probably having a little fun right now with the delinquents.” as AS-2 said this, a burst of gunfire lit up the smoke, and a distinctive cry of a delinquent was heard before more panicked cries rang out.

 

“I can’t see a thing!”

 

“Where are they?”

 

“Friendly down! Retrea-urkk..kuhhhh”

 

“AAAHHHHHH!!!”

 

Inside the smoke, the delinquents were utterly blind. TI-7 darted in between the delinquents, opting to use takedown tactics on individual delinquents, choking them out. For larger groups, he would shower them with 5.7x28mm SS190 rounds from his AR-57. For small groups, he opted to creep up on them, taking light steps before blasting them with 9x19 Dumdum rounds from his G18C. 

 

A group of three helmet gangsters held their guns with shaky hands, the smoke around them obscuring their vision. A bright yellow flash lit up the smoke before 9x19 rounds flew through the smoke, the sheer amount impacting their torso rendering them unconscious.

 

“Gahhh! Shoot them! Shoot them!” a second gangster yelled, firing wildly towards the direction the shots came from. The rounds pierced through the smoke, hitting nothing.

 

“Hold out! We have reinforcements incoming!” the third gangster yelled, before her helmet shattered from the impact of 5.7x28mm rounds, the tier capable of penetrating intermediate armor slicing into the helmet like a sledgehammer against cheap glass. The additional shots were enough to knock out the gangster. The second gangster trembled, looking left and right, before the crook of an elbow caught her neck, putting her in a chokehold.

 

“Khhh…urgh…” she could only sputter slightly as her vision faded, followed shortly by her halo.

 

By the time the smoke had cleared, TI-7 had cleared out nearly half the delinquents, while the other had retreated and taken positions outside the smoke. A few delinquents also lay knocked out from DO-9’s suppressing fire from the window. While the Abydos students watched in awe, IN-7 simply chuckled, before moving forward.

 

“Heh. Can’t let him do all the heavy lifting, he’s gonna grill us about it later.” IN-7 said, before rushing in. The students followed, with Hoshino unfolding her shield as the delinquents began firing back after regrouping. TI-7 took the thermal imager off, before swapping it with a DK8 Military Bulletproof Mask for better face protection at closer ranges. IN-7’s headset crackles, before DO-9 speaks.

 

“High Caliber, I’m coming in as well. I’ll take point with that girl with the riot shield. Hold your position with Overwatch until I get there. Packrat, now that the smoke’s clear, begin relaying enemy positions to the girls. It’s time for the young’uns to shine.”

 

AS-2 begins relaying positions, as Shiroko and Serika fire upon the delinquents, knocking them out with M855 rounds dealing heavy damage to their helmets and exposed parts. Nonomi provides suppressing fire from her minigun towards any delinquents that pop their head out, with the BPZ rounds brought by the operators easily shattering the helmets. Hoshino advances towards the helmet gangsters, spraying type 8 buckshot and mowing down gangsters as the flesh-damaging rounds hit unarmored body parts. DO-9 walked out the front entrance, having switched to his USAS-12 shotgun and stowing his RPK-16 on his back. He soon pushes forward to Hoshino’s position, the flesh-damaging rounds the gangsters were shooting not having enough penetrating power to go through his armor and either bouncing off, flattening on the surface or missing entirely.

 

“Uheee~Sensei, you shouldn’t keep this old man waiting. I almost can’t feel my arms just holding this shield…” Hoshino said playfully as she dispatched another gangster with a shotgun blast.

 

“Don’t talk about being an old man in front of an actual old man…” DO-9 grumbled, dumping flechette buckshot into the gangsters at full auto from his own shotgun.

 

The duo pushed forward, while IN-7 and TI-7 jumped out from behind cover, taking positions behind Hoshino’s shield and DO-9, firing upon the gangsters. At that moment, the rumbling of engines could be heard. IN-7’s eyes widened at the sound, having heard it before in his times  on the front.

 

“TAKE COVER! BTR!” He yelled, rushing forward and sidling against the side of the school gate. The BTR-60 rolled up to the school gates, firing indiscriminately. Its 14.5x114mm main heavy machine gun was not firing, broken from possible previous engagements and poor maintenance, but its coaxial 7.62x51mm machine gun was still in action, spewing UN rounds.

 

DO-9, weighed down by his equipment, moved slower than the others, being hit on the armor multiple times and also sustaining a few lucky hits on his left arm and right leg. While the rounds that hit his armor only damaged it and did some slight shock damage to his chest, the rounds going into his exposed parts did heavy damage, breaking the respective limbs and spreading extra damage towards his chest and abdomen. The battle was on a temporary lull as both the students and gangsters stared in disbelief and shock at the crimson splattering on the sand, and DO-9, who had dived behind cover.

 

“Wh-what the hell?”

 

“I just realized, but that guy doesn’t have a halo!”

 

“Sh-shit, is that blood?”

 

“Damn, I don’t want to kill anyone!”

 

While the gangsters panicked, the Abydos students attacked back with fury in their eyes. The other operators simply sighed, it being just another Tuesday for them. After all, on average, you’d break your limbs at least once or twice in a raid, and an STO surgical kit and 30-40 seconds later, with the help of some med injectors, you’d be good as new. 

 

“Now you’ve done it! You’re going down!” Serika yelled, as blue flames erupted around her.

 

The operators’ eyes widened as Serika…somehow caught fire. Wreathed in blue flames, her bullets started felling the gangsters in just one or two shots, instead of needing up to two bursts to finish one off. 

 

“What the hell?” AS-2 muttered, watching the scene from the rooftop.

 

“Not another weird-ass thing about this place…” IN-7 groaned. He’d gotten used to most of the quirks of this place, but any more and he thought his head would explode.

 

The BTR turned its turret towards Serika, shooting at her, but the crew member operating it was still frazzled from injuring DO-9, their hands and body shaking, threatening to puke. Their aim went wide, hitting the school building behind them and chipping off parts of the wall.

 

“Packrat, can you tell me how far the BTR is from the school gate?” IN-7 yelled into his headset, pulling out a GHO grenade. On the opposite side of the school gates, TI-7 did the same.

 

AS-2 caught onto what they were trying to do, and quickly relayed. 

 

“Around 5m from the entrance, the turret is around 7m away.” he relayed, before shutting off comms and picking up his M110 marksman rifle. Someone had to provide cover fire for what those two were about to do.

 

Meanwhile, Ayane had rushed outside, setting herself beside DO-9, who was currently performing surgery on his left arm, using various scalpels, splints, a pair of scissors and a syringe. The exposed interior of the arm made her want to retch, but she carried through it, setting down the medkit, and offering the contents to DO-9.

 

“H-here, take these to patch yourself up…I don’t know if it’ll work for you though…and…don’t do anything that stupid ever again!” Ayane said, tears brimming at the corners of her eyes.

 

“Heh…thanks, kid. Can’t promise to not do that again though…after all, I used to do that all the time, taking fire for my teammates who weren’t as well protected as I was…” DO-9 said, with a bitter chuckle. He knew that because of the halos, nobody really got seriously injured here, and a literal high schooler having to see things that you’d usually see on the battlefield was…traumatizing, to say the least. He still remembered the first time he had to help perform surgery for one of his comrades that had all his limbs shot out and no knowledge on how to do battlefield surgery…he shuddered at the memory.

 

Meanwhile, AS-2 was pegging gangsters in the head left and right, silenced shots whistling with deadly precision and shattering the helmets. TI-7 and IN-7 peeked from the corners of the school gate, taking postshots at the gangsters before pulling back behind the wall as fire was returned by the gangsters, their aim wide as they noticed that the two didn’t have halos either.

 

“Seems like they’re reluctant to hurt us…” IN-7 said, before flicking the pin off his GHO grenade.

 

“Then we’ll show them that they made a mistake. They’re lucky to have halos; this type of hesitation is what gets you killed in the Dark Zone.” TI-7 grumbled, doing the same.

 

Two GHOs sailed over the top of the wall, detonation upon arriving at the turret of the BTR, the fuses on both having been cooked to leave no reaction time for the recipients of the grenades. The blast took out many nearby gangsters, as well as the gangster manning the auxiliary machine gun on the BTR, the pure concussive force bypassing the armor and knocking out the gangster. Those nearby got temporary tinnitus, their heads ringing and their ears deaf. 

 

It was all over in an instant after that, with the remaining gangsters being swept up by the FTF students and operators. At the end, the BTR stood silent in front of the school building, the driver having been knocked out as well and the auxiliary machine gun destroyed from the grenade blasts. Gangsters lay sprawled out of the ground, some beginning to wake up, groaning before being silenced once more by a harsh smack from TI-7’s sapper shovel.

 

“Alright…now, standard procedure, check around for more enemies before looting… all clear.” AS-2 said, looking around with his binoculars and finding nothing.

 

“Got it, Packrat. We’ll start looting our kills.” IN-7 said through the headset.

 

“Are they really kills? And anyways, what about the ones Overwatch went around smacking back into unconscious like he was playing Whack-A-Mole?” AS-2 said, before a curt response from TI-7 through his own headset replied.

 

“Greed clouds your judgement, no matter where you go. I’ll let the original ones who felled those gangsters take the loot, though I doubt they have anything good. Also, the fight’s over, you can stop using callsigns now AS-2.” TI-7 responded, sounding slightly tired.

 

“Alright. AS-2 out.” he said, before walking down from the roof to join the others.

 

Back down on the ground, many things were happening. The FTF members, excluding Shiroko, were berating DO-9, while Shiroko, IN-7 and TI-7 were looting the bodies. TI-7 had also pulled out some rope from the back of the GLC2301, and tied up a few of the gangsters.

 

“Damn…nothing good. These guns are shit, and the ammo’s probably equivalent to militant ammo at best. Some of it’s so bad that it’s not even used in the Dark Zone…” IN-7 said, his face dull.

 

“Well, if we don’t get any good loot from them, we’re definitely getting information out of them.” TI-7 said, gesturing towards a few tied-up gangsters.

 

Meanwhile, DO-9 was visibly sweating, not only from the scolding he was getting right now from the FTF members, but from the scolding he was going to get from Arona later…

 

Kivotos, afternoon. Abydos annex building, meeting room

 

“What an eventful day, huh?” IN-7 said, stretching his arms.

 

“Uheee…Oji-san here wants to sleep again…” Hoshino said, yawning.

 

“Don’t fall asleep just yet! We still have to introduce ourselves!” Ayane scolded sternly.

 

“Fine…” Hoshino said.

 

“I’ll go first! I’m Izayoi Nonomi, second year! Nice to meet you!” the girl with long blonde hair wielding a minigun exclaimed cheerfully.

 

“Okusora Ayane, first year. I’m the medic and secretary for the Foreclosure Task Force. Nice to meet you.” the girl with short black hair and elf ears said, wearing a slightly shy expression

 

“Kuromi Serika, first year. You guys better not try anything stupid!” the girl with long black  twintails exclaimed, with a distrusting look on her face.

 

“Sunaookami Shiroko, second year. Nice to meet you.” the girl with medium-length grey hair and wolf ears said, with an expressionless face. The operators also noticed that she had a pair of human ears, but decided not to question it at this point.

 

“Takanashi Hoshino, third year…I’m the Vice-President of the Abydos Student Council…nice to meet you…zzzz…” the girl with long pink hair and mismatching yellow and blue eyes said sleepily, dozing off.

 

“Seriously?!” Serika yelled

 

“Ah right, I’m Kuchinashi Yume, the President of the Abydos Student Council, Nice to meet you!” a girl with mint-colored hair…-wait, you’re not supposed to be here! Never mind! Ignore this part!

 

It was the operators’ turn.

 

“DO-9 “Juggernaut”, former member of the Kamona Military, currently a part of the Kamona guard Corps but shifting towards being a freelance operator in the Dark Zone. Nice to meet you.” the man with a black helmet said, leaning on a…cane? His facial features were indistinguishable, hidden under the helmet that covered his entire head.

 

“TI-7 “Overwatch”, former member of the Colom Special Forces. Currently a part of Blackgold, but shifting towards being a freelance operator in the Dark Zone. Nice to meet you all.” the man with the thermal imaging device mounted on his helmet said, with the device currently flipped up to be parallel to the surface of the helmet, showing his piercing grey eyes. Black hair peeked out from under the helmet as well, through the lower part of his face was still covered by a balaclava.

 

“IN-7 “High Caliber”, former Ocean Alliance marine, currently a nonaligned operator inside the Dark Zone. Nice to meet you all, hope we’ll get along in the future.” the man with a grey helmet and tinted visor said, extending a hand towards Ayane, who hesitantly shook it. His facial features were indistinguishable too, hidden under the helmet.

 

“AS-2 “Packrat”, former courier and assistant manager of an underground smuggling and trading operation, now a freelance operator after I quit the job. Nice to meet you all, hope to make some beneficial deals with you all in the future.” the man wearing a sand-colored helmet and slanted glass face mask said with an enthusiastic edge. Brown hair showed from the edges of the helmet, and playful black eyes shone from behind the slightly scuffed glass of the lowered face mask.

 

“AS-2, stop trying to strike a deal with them. We’re here to help the kids, not scam them.” IN-7 said sternly, with AS-2 sweatdropping slightly while the FTF girls looked at AS-2 with various degrees of interest and distrust.

 

‘Operators and the “Dark Zone”? What are those?’ a few of the FTF members thought, wanting to ask the operators. Before they could, however, DO-9 spoke.

 

“It seems like the job we got called here for is finished…do we go back?” DO-9 asked. Some of the FTF members had an air of hesitancy, but TI-7 interjected.

 

“We probably shouldn’t…something feels off. How were those gangsters able to acquire a whole-ass BTR? That shouldn’t be possible, especially in this barren district. I haven’t interrogated them yet, but since we weren't able to wrench any good loot from them, I’m going to wrench as much information as I can out of them.” TI-7 said, with a bit of frost tinging his voice, showing his distaste towards the gangsters. The FTF members shuddered slightly at the change in tone, while IN-7 recognized the tone, having worked with TI-7 before.

 

“...TI-7, calm down. We’re not back there where we can…kill hostages to intimidate others into spilling the beans.”

 

“IN-7, I know what I’m doing. And anyways, if they spill the beans easily, I won’t have to go too harsh on them.”

 

IN-7 left the room, leaving behind the slightly shaken members of the FTF and three solemn operators. After all, war was war, and they had all witnessed it or done it themselves at some point.

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Abydos annex building, abandoned classroom

 

The gangsters woke up one by one, six in total. Blinking to clear their vision, a few instinctually tried to bring their arms up and rub their eyes, only to find their wrists tied.  Waking up completely, all of them realized that their feet and arms were tied, with their helmets gone.

 

“What the hell?”

 

“Did those abydos bastards really-”

 

“Shhh! Look, there’s someone there!”

 

Indeed there was. TI-7 sat on a desk in the shadow of the disused classroom, with a pot of water and some logs next to him. Smoking a cigarette, he took a light drag on it before parting it from his lips.

 

“Finally awake?” he said, looking at them with steely eyes.

 

“Who the hell are you?”

 

“H-hey! Let us go! You’re gonna have hell to pay once more of us attack tomorrow!”

 

“Hmmm…you say more are going to attack tomorrow? Who’s encouraging you to?” TI-7 said calmly, flicking the cigarette into the logs. Pre-soaked in alcohol, the logs caught fire easily letting off a light warm glow.

 

“Like hell we’ll tell you!”

 

“I’ll make you look like swiss cheese once I get my hands back on my gun!”

 

“Now, now…why don’t we calm down. The desert’s hot, and you’ve all been sleeping for quite a while. You’ve all got to be quite thirsty, right? No worries. I’ll get you all some water. After all, you can’t spill the beans if you can’t talk properly.” TI-7 said while setting the pot on the fire.

 

“...I.. guess I wouldn’t mind a drink…”

 

“Now that you say it, I really am thirsty…but I still won’t tell you anything!”

 

“Why’re you boiling the water? Just give us it already!”

 

“I wouldn’t want you all to get stomachaches now, would I? The desert gets quite cold at night. And besides, it seems like you all still have enough hydration to bark insults at me.” TI-7 said, dipping his hand in the water. Warm.

 

“Why…you!”

 

“Ghhh…damn ropes!”

 

“You fuckin asshole! I don’t care if I get a stomachache!”

 

TI-7 sat in silence until the water boiled, while the gangsters continued to throw insults at him. He was slowly losing his patience with them, but he was going to get the information out of them. Once the water began steaming, he began speaking again.

 

“So…last chance that I'm going to be nice with you. Speak up, who’s funding you? Who’s behind the attacks? If you don’t give a straight answer, you’re not getting your water.” He said, motioning to the pot beside him.

 

“Sure, I’ll tell you…I’m really damn thirsty…” one of the gangsters said, their voice beginning to sound raspy. 

 

“Sure…come over here then, so I can hear you clearer.” IN-7 said, untying their legs. He walked back to the desk while the gangster followed him. Sitting back down, he turned around to find the gangster staring at him in the eyes, their faces close.

 

“The person that’s funding us and coordinating these attacks…is your mom!” the gangster said, before spitting in his face and bursting out in laughter. The other gangsters also began to laugh, while TI-7’s face darkened.

 

“Hahahahaha! Look at this dude!”

 

“So gullible…what an idiot! Ahahahahaha!”

 

TI-7 snapped. His voice, sharp like a knife, brought the gangsters’ laughter to an abrupt stop.

 

“So…thank you for the helpful information.” he said, smiling slightly. “Now, have your water.” he said, abruptly jumping off the desk and grabbing the gangster’s head, before dunking it facefirst into the boiling water. His other hand held their torso up, preventing them from toppling the pot and spilling the water. The gangster could only let out a small yell before their face hit the water, after which muffled screams of pain could be heard from under the water. The other gangsters’ demeanor changed instantly from mirth to pure panic.

 

“WHAT THE HELL!?”

 

“AHHHHHH!”

 

“LET THEM GO! LET THEM GO!”

 

“NOOO!”

 

“HHHGGGGLLRRRGH!!! HHGGGGH!!!” the gangster exclaimed, head still stuck in the water. It was getting hard to breathe and their vision was fading, but the boiling hot water kept them awake, forcing them to experience the pain of slowly drowning and of the intense heat of the water.

 

“As long as I monitor your pulse through your wrist, I’ll know when to pull you out. And when you do, I’ll give you an endurance stimulant, just to keep you awake. Once you’ve recovered, we’ll do it all over again. The thing is that endurance stims cost quite a bit, so I’ve allocated only one to each of you. When you get knocked out, another one of your friends gets it. If none of you are willing to spill the beans tonight, then I’ll do it tomorrow as well with some more of your friends once they come to attack the school again. So…you kids better start talking.” TI-7 said, as he felt the pulse weakening before pulling the delinquent’s head out the water. 

 

The gangster, choking and coughing up water, felt their vision darkening. However, before they could fall completely unconscious, TI-7 pulled out a thin, red injector, stuck it into the delinquent’s arm and pressed the button on top, injecting them with an endurance stimulant. The gangster’s eyes shot wide open, feeling like they had just eaten ten sugar cubes, continuing to cough and try to get the burning hot water out of their lungs. Meanwhile, the other gangsters trembled in fear, huddling close to each other.

 

“Wh-what the heck…”

 

“This guy’s crazy!”

 

“W-waaaah!”

 

“I-I’ll tell you…please…don’t do that anymore!”

 

“Kuh! Kuack! …urgh…”

 

“Alright! Alright! It was some robot guy in a van! They just came to us one day, saying they’ll fund us to attack the school! They gave us the BTR, and our leader was the one that coordinated the attacks!” one of the gangsters screamed desperately, tears in their eyes.

 

“Good, good. Now, mind telling where your base of operations is?” TI-7 said, tying the choking girl’s feet together again while she was recovering. After the same gangster told him, he nodded.

 

“Very well. Now…I’ll let you all go on one condition. Never come back here. If I catch you doing it…well, there’s harsher ways to make a person hurt.” TI-7 said, standing over the gangsters.

 

“W-we promise!”

 

“Well…I can’t be sure of that, right? So…” TI-7 grinned maniacally, picking up the girl who had just recovered back up by the head.

 

“WAIT! STOP!” all the gangsters cried, not wanting to see it happen again.

 

“No worries,the rest of you will get a turn too. Just be patient and watch the show.” he said, before dunking the girl’s head back into the water.

 

That night, screams punctured the air, coming from a single abandoned classroom lit by a cozy little fire.

Notes:

Really need to lock in for my math exams, so at earliest the next post is on tuesday.

Chapter 9: Second Contact: Interconnection

Notes:

Hold on boys, shit's hitting the fan. Also fair warning, but lore dump ahead for AB.

Kamona, afternoon. Cargo ejection site/rift site

 

The Tevilans had heavily fortified their position, putting up concrete walls and setting up watchtowers, turning the temporary base into a permanent one. In the center of it all, the thin, closed rift shimmered a light blue, casting a small glow over the surroundings. Nearby a few Tevilann soldiers chatted.

 

“Hey man, what’s the news from the front?”

 

“Meh, we’re holding strong. Forces are being massed here as we speak, it seems like they’re putting together an expedition group.”

 

“Expedition group? Where to? I haven’t heard anything from the higher-ups about this…”

 

“Beats me. Those higher ups are keeping it all hush-hush from us ordinary soldiers, but if you’ll believe them, a few of those White Wolf guys and Tevilan reinforcements saw those Blackgold cowards retreat through that blue light right there. Said it was a rift of some sort, and it closed after they left.”

 

“Really? Sounds like some magical shit.”

 

At that moment, the rift expanded, becoming a solid blue. The nearby Tevilan soldiers immediately felt an intense heat radiate from the rift, contrary to the freezing cold from the previous time.

 

“Uhhh…guys?”

 

“Inform the superiors immediately!”

 

A few minutes later, a congregation of soldiers had amassed around the rift, some looking at it curiously while others looked at in foreboding. A Tevilan officer stepped up, rallying the troops.

 

“Alright, men! The rift has reopened! Prep the expedition group and be wary, those Blackgold scum might be waiting in ambush on the other side!” he yelled, while soldiers scrambled to prepare supplies and perform checks on vehicles. Once it was all done, a convoy of four T-90s, two BTR-60s, two trucks of supplies and three GLC2301s full of troops were prepared, along with communication devices. The officer himself stepped into a GLC2301, nodding towards the other soldiers within. Another Tevilan officer walked up to him, saluting him as the responsibilities of managing the base were put on his shoulders.

 

“Ready to go?”

 

“Affirmative!”

 

The convoy moved forward into the rift, small grains of sand having spilled onto the floor in the time it had remained open.

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Abydos District, near a Helmet Gangster HQ

 

A bright blue flash, and convoy appeared, their arrival kicking up fine grains of sand. Immediately, the officer picked up the radio, checking to see if everyone was there.

 

“T-90-1, T-90-2, BTR-1,BTR-2, ST-1, ST-2, GLC-2, GLC-3, communications check. Relay a response if your comms are working and also what you see.” he said, clutching the radio. To his relief, all of them responded back. However, one of them gave a different description of what they saw than the other.

 

“T-90-2 to GLC-1, I currently have a visual over a large expanse of the desert from a vantage point. Looking at our surroundings, it seems we are on the roof of some building. There’s a wire mesh gate slightly obscuring my vision, and a few…desks?”

 

“GLC-1 to T-90-2, can you establish a visual on the rest of us?”

 

“T-90-2 to GLC-1, negative. We can’t see any of the other units. Comms are still positive, though, it seems we are close to each other.”

 

“This is BTR-1 to GLC-1, we are spotting multiple unknown personnel approaching on foot. They’re wearing biker helmets and… holding guns? They look like kids…”

 

 “GLC-1 to BTR-1, copy. We will dispatch units from GLC-2 to make contact.”

 

“BTR-2 to GLC-1, a turreted armored vehicle has also been spotted, with tank shell caliber. Are you sure this is the right move?”

 

“GLC-1 to BTR-1 and BTR-2, hold fire. GLC-1 to GLC-2, orders are canceled, stay put. We’ll-” the officer was interrupted as a tank shell whizzed past his GLC2301, impacting a dune on his right.

 

“GLC-1 to BTR and T-90 units! Permissions to engage are granted! Open fire!”

 

Meanwhile, the Helmet Gangsters had been chilling in their hideout when a sudden rush of sand came in through the windows of the abandoned building they were in.

 

“Damn, another sandstorm?” one of them said, getting up from their game of UNO to peek out the window. Instead of a large wall of sand they expected, a convoy of armored vehicles had appeared, all green with no distinguishable markings from the gangster’s perspective.

 

“Yo! I’m seeing an armored convoy! You guys wanna test out our new equipment on them?” the same gangster exclaimed.

 

“We already lost the BTR, and our backer said to use the tank for invading Abydos. We shouldn’t-” one of the gangsters, before the leader spoke up.

 

“Eh, what’s the harm? I don’t see any markings on them, and we can just take a few potshots and retreat. If they catch us, we’ll just tell them the name of our backer, and they’ll back off.” the leader said, before getting up. The other gangsters had no choice, and followed the leader.

 

At the present, heavy fire was being exchanged. The T-90 turned its turret and fired off a round. The 125mm APFSDS round whizzed through the air, slamming into the left-side track protection pad at the front of the tank and blasting straight through, shattering the caterpillar track and suspension. The coaxial HMG of the T-90 then began to fire off a hail of 12.7x108mm rounds(.50 cal for non-nerds or those too lazy to search it up). The helmet gangsters’ tank rolled forward for a moment before coming to a stop, the suspension no longer having any tracks to run on, becoming a sitting duck as another APFSDS round was loaded. Meanwhile, the BTR-60’s unleashed a hail of 14.5x115mm and 7.62x51mm rounds from the main HMG and coaxial MG. The combined fire from the heavy and regular MGs on the Tevilan vehicles downed many helmet gangsters, with only a few lucky ones finding cover behind some sand dunes. 

 

Meanwhile, the helmet gangsters’ tank (a black market tank) had reloaded, and had instead focused fire on the T-90. A resounding boom, and the shell whizzed forward. By this time, most of the Tevilan vehicles had turned towards the enemy, showing their frontal armor. The shell from the gangsters’ tank ricocheted off the armor of the T-90, slightly scratching the paint. The T-90 responded with another APFSDS shell, this one hitting true and cooking off the ammo in the helmet gangsters’ tank, disabling it. Meanwhile, one of the BTR gunners peered through the optic quickly finding something very wrong.

 

“BTR-1 to GLC-1, the felled enemies are bleeding slightly and bruised, but they don’t seem to have any visible bullet marks, even after multiple confirmed hits on a single target. Instead, they seem to fall unconscious, or collapse on the ground…”

 

“BTR-2 to BTR-1, copy that. Same thing has been sighted here.”

 

“GLC-1 to all units present, we’ll move in to check the hostiles once they’ve been subjugated.”

 

The rest of the night was spent cleaning up the gangsters. The Tevilans were shocked to find that the girls had only sustained major bruising and concussions from blunt force trauma to the head, and were not dead. They scouted around and found the helmet gangsters’ hideout, where the remaining gangsters quickly surrendered once they saw their leader captured (and also the fact that those holding their leader captive was haloless; one wrong move and they would be a murderer).

 

As the sun began rising, the Tevilans, who were setting up a temporary base, began discussing their whereabouts.

 

“So…a desert, huh? Don’t they all have those in the south? Don’t tell me we’re in Colom…”

 

“Does Colom have magically bulletproof girls? Even then…I don’t recognize that large ring in the sky or any of the stars above us.”

 

“Comms aren’t working…we’re cut off from the HQ, both in communication and in routes. There’s no sign of a “return rift”.”

 

“Great…we’re stuck here…”

 

Kivotos, morning. Abydos annex building

 

Meanwhile, Hoshino had arrived late to school, only to find her other classmates staring at their school, their heads craning upwards.

 

“Uheee…what’re you younglings all staring at? Finally appreciating-oh.” Hoshino said lazily, before joining the rest of the FTF at staring at the roof of the school, and specifically what was on it.

 

“WHY THE HELL IS THERE A TANK ON THE ROOF OF OUR SCHOOL?” Serika exclaimed in outrage.

 

At that moment, the rest of the operators joined the FTF.

 

“Huh, shouldn’t you all be heading in? What’s going-oh.” AS-2 said, before seeing the T-90 on the roof as well.

 

“Wait…what's Tevila’s symbol doing on it? How did it get here?” DO-9 muttered, walking up to the school gates.

 

Meanwhile, in the tank, the crew was sweating hard. They had been stuck on the roof of what seemed to be a three-story school building for over four hours, and they were living off of rations stored inside the tank, which were minimal. Their commander had stepped out to survey the surroundings with a pair of binoculars, and the rest of the crew had also piled out, relaxing in the cool air of the nighttime desert. However, as the sun began to crest the dunes, the heat had also increased substantially, forcing the crew to return back into the tank.

 

The tank was located on the roof of the right wing of the school (the one with a light blue rooftop in the in-game relationships school model), and at present, the driver was peering through the vision slit on the hull of the tank, looking at the five girls standing outside the gates, soon being joined with three operators.

 

“Hey…don’t those guys look familiar?”

 

“Oh,yeah, they do. Wait, aren’t those the operators that were on the Sumek plane when it got shot down? Their disappearance started the whole bunch of controversy in the Dark Zone.” the gunner said, peering through the aiming reticle of the main gun.

 

“Should I contact the others?” the radioman asked.

 

“Please do. Ask them whether we should establish contact or not, and tell them about the persons of interest.”

 

“Affirmative. This is T-90-2 to GLC-1, we have a visual on eight individuals at the gate to the building. They seem to be the owners, but three of them look like the MIA operators from the Sumek plane crash. Requesting a next course of action.”

 

It took a couple of moments before a response came back.

 

“GLC-1 to T-90-2, stay inside your vehicle, but arm yourselves. The locals have proven to be hostile so far. If possible, try to bargain for contact with the MIAs first to get a better understanding of our surroundings. Shoot out a flare when they’re not looking, we’ll start heading to your location if we spot the flare to back you up just in case.”

 

“Copy that. T-90-2 out.”

 

Kivotos, morning. Abydos annex building, meeting room

 

“So…what should we do?” Ayane asked, sweating slightly.

 

“Nn…I could see them being useful in helping repel future helmet gangster raids…” Shiroko said, clearly not intent on hijacking the tank for that purpose.

 

“What should we do? What should we do?! GET THAT TANK OFF OUR ROOF, OF COURSE!” Serika yelled, outraged. 

 

“Uheee~I don’t think we have enough strength to lift that tank…” Hoshino said with a playful look. 

 

“Now, hold on a second, we should probably check it out…I recognize the symbol on the tank, and if my guess is right, we can establish peaceful relations with them.” DO-9 said, trying to calm down the members of the FTF.

 

“Hm? You do?” Nonomi asked, curious

 

“Yes…it belonged to a country me and many other Kamona locals sided with once civil war broke out. I helped them on many occasions, and I’m friendly with them. I’ll go and talk to them.” DO-9 said, setting his USAS-12 aside after completing maintenance. Standing up from his seat, he walked to the doorway. Before leaving, however, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

 

“Never let your guard down. If something goes wrong, we’ll tag behind you and support you.” TI-7 said, with the other operators and members of the FTF nodding.

 

“...Thanks.”

 

Kivotos, morning. Abydos annex building, right wing roof

 

Ascending to the roof, DO-9 walked out onto the open rooftop, taking the tank in. The main gun was pointing towards the stairway entrance, giving him a slight scare upon exiting the stairway, but he strode forward. Halfway to the tank, the T-90’s turret hatch opened, revealing a heavily sweating commander.

 

Привет. Вы, случайно, не из Тевила? ( Hello there. Are you perhaps from Tevila?) the commander said.

 

Да, как ты узнал, товарищ? (Yes, how did you know, fellow comrade?) DO-9 greeted back, a slight bit of cheerfulness in his voice.

 

Ах, я видел тебя по новостям! Ты пропал после того, как самолет был сбит... это вызвало много разговоров в Темной Зоне! (Ah, I saw you on the news! You went missing after the plane got shot down...started quite a lot of talk in the Dark Zone!) the commander exclaimed, laughing heartily.

 

Это действительно было так важно? Я не знал. (Was it really that big of a deal? I didn’t know.) DO-9 said, slightly surprised.

 

Meanwhile, the Abydos girls were utterly confused.

 

“What the heck is he saying?” Serika whispered loudly, not understanding a thing the two were saying.

 

“Probably some old man language…” Hoshino responded, letting out a yawn.

 

“I can only understand some of the stuff said between them since I worked with both factions before. Not very well versed in it though.” AS-2 said, also miffed. TI-7 didn’t understand anything at all, while IN-7 only understood a bit due to having worked with both factions as well. 

 

“Nn…sounds like a good secret code we can use when we rob a bank.” Shiroko said, ears straight as she tried to remember every word and decipher their meanings.

 

“No! Bad Shiroko!” Ayane said, bonking Shiroko on the head, while Shiroko’s wolf ears drooped and she pouted.

 

Meanwhile, the conversation between the two continued.

 

Итак, как вы сюда попали? (So, how did you get here?) DO-9 asked, curious.

 

Ну, самолет, на котором вы были, сбросил груз перед тем, как ракета ударила, и мы поспешили на место. Затем появилось странное разлом, и Blackgold захватил контроль над местом. После контрнаступления нам удалось взять место, но эти мерзавцы из Blackgold сбежали через первое отверстие в разломе. (Well, the plane you guys were on ejected the cargo before the missile hit, and we rushed to the site. Then a strange rift appeared, and Blackgold took control of the site. After a counteroffensive, we were able to take the site, but those Blackgold scum escaped through the first opening of the rift.) the tank commander answered, before being interrupted by DO-9.

 

Первый открытый? (First opening?) DO-9 questioned.

 

Да. Во время нашего контрнаступления разлом открылся, и трусливые чернокожие сбежали через него. Однако к тому времени, когда мы смогли добраться до него, он закрылся. Он открылся снова через несколько дней, и мы стали частью экспедиционных сил. Мы отделились от остальной группы во время транспортировки по какой-то неизвестной причине и оказались здесь. (Yes. During our counteroffensive, the rift opened and the Blackgold cowards escaped through it. However, by the time we were able to reach it, it closed. It reopened a few days later, and we were part of an expeditionary force. We were separated from the rest of the group during the transportation for some unknown reason, and ended up here.) the commander explained.

 

Где сейчас остальные? (Where are the others right now?) DO-9 asked, his eyebrow raised, though not visible due to the helmet covering his face.

 

Последний раз, когда я слышал, они захватили какое-то укрытие в пустыне. Мы недавно связались с ними по поводу нашей ситуации, и они сказали нам выстрелить сигнальной ракетой, чтобы они пришли на подмогу, если всё станет плохо. (Last I heard, they took over some hideout in the desert. We recently communicated with them about our situation, and they told us to shoot off a flare and that they'd come over as backup in case things got hairy.) the commander said.

 

Вы уже выстрелили сигналом? (Have you shot the flare yet?) DO-9 asked, sweating slightly, not just from the heat.

 

Да, они уже в пути. (Yes, they’re on their way.) the commander slightly sweated as well. Both of them realized what was going to happen.

 

Ух… как же мне объяснить это студентам? (Urgh…how will I explain this to the students?) DO-9 sighed worriedly.

 

Студенты? Я так и думал. Это школа, верно? (Students? I thought so. This is a school, right?) the commander said, gesturing towards Shiroko, who had peeked her head out the door from the roof to the stairwell. Shiroko noticed and quickly pulled her head back.

 

Да…как-то так, меня назначили городом учителем здесь… (Yes…somehow, I got appointed by the city to become a teacher here…) DO-9 sighed tiredly.

 

Ха-ха, фрилансер в роли учителя? Ты вот-вот станешь Джоэлом в этой ситуации! (Haha, a freelance operator as a teacher? You’re going to become Joel at this point!) the commander laughed, having heard about Joel Garrison from DO-9. A former schoolteacher, who now guided operators when they started their journey in the Dark Zone.

 

Что угодно, что угодно... Я слишком стар для этого. Мне почти пятьдесят, черт возьми. (Whatever, whatever…I’m too old for this. I’m almost fifty, for fuck’s sake.) DO-9 complained, rubbing his back.

 

В любом случае, можем ли мы с моими людьми войти в здание? Если мы останемся здесь еще дольше, они сгорят. (Anyways, can me and my crew go into the building? Any longer outside here and they’re gonna burn.) the commander said, his tone turning towards a serious one.

 

Конечно. Идите за мной, я вас познакомлю с остальными. (Sure. Follow me, I’ll introduce you to the others.) DO-9 said, waving his arm in an arc, motioning for the commander to follow. The commander entered the tank again and told the crew the news, and the entire crew exited the vehicle, before following DO-9 into the building and out of the sun’s harsh glare.

 

Kivotos, morning. Abydos annex building, meeting room

 

“Haaah…thank god we’re here. Any longer and we would’ve burned up in that tank.” the tank commander said, sipping on a bottle of water provided by DO-9. The room was quite cramped now, with the five members of the FTF, the four operators and the loader, gunner, radioman, driver and commander of the T-90 in the same room. The other crew members of the tank were doing the same, sitting on a couch they had dragged in from another room with rumpled uniforms. Meanwhile, the operators and students were sitting in the chairs surrounding the desk in the center of the room in an awkward silence. 

 

“So…DO-9? What did they say?” AS-2 asked, breaking the silence.

 

“They said that they shot off a flare beforehand, just in case, so reinforcements are coming…they’re part of an expedition group that came in on the “second opening” of a rift that appeared at the spot we disappeared, with  Blackgold coming in on the “first opening”. When the counteroffense staged by Tevila drove the Blackgold guys into a corner, they used the rift to escape. They’re probably here as well, but I don’t know where they are. ” DO-9 responded, giving a rundown of the situation.

 

“These guys got separated when they got warped here, that’s why they’re on the roof…I’ll probably have to contact Rin to call in a SCHALE heli and airlift that thing off the roof…” DO-9 continued, sighing in annoyance.

 

“I’ve been meaning to ask for a while, but what’s the place you senseis come from like?” Nonomi asked. She was quite curious, but also a bit scared because of the mannerisms of TI-7 the previous day.

 

“Sensei?” the tank commander asked, looking at DO-9.

 

“That’s the title given to us teachers here. The other guys in my squad are also teachers.” DO-9 said, gesturing toward TI-7, AS-2 and IN-7. AS-2 and IN-7 gave the tank commander a small wave, while TI-7 simply glanced at him.

 

“Heh, then should I also start calling you that?” the loader spoke up, grinning.

 

“Jesus, no. Unless you become a student here, which is not happening.” DO-9 groaned.

 

TI-7, sensing DO-9’s fatigue, decided to answer Nonomi’s question in his stead.

 

“Well…to start off, we as operators are special, well, operators who have above average physique due to physical training. We’re also trained on how to use a gun, and how to perform battlefield surgery and medical aid. However, navigation of the Dark Zone and tactics need to be learned from the real battlefield, and thus there’s rarely anyone who enters the Dark Zone that doesn’t have a former or current military background. Those that don’t have previous training or experience…don’t usually live long.” TI-7 said, pausing to take any questions. Hoshino raises her hand next, having a question.

 

“You keep on mentioning the Dark Zone…what is it? It sounds like a dangerous place.” Hoshino asks, her curiosity piqued as well. She was slightly wary of the operators, them being adults and also having sketchy backgrounds, and wanted to learn more to affirm her suspicions.

 

TI-7 looked towards the operators, silently asking them whether it was okay to divulge the information. After receiving a nod of affirmation from all of them, he continued.

 

“The Dark Zone is what we refer to the country of Kamona to. It’s an island nation that got caught up in a power struggle between two large countries, Colom and Tevila. Colom was in the south, while Tevila in the east. Tevila helped the locals when the war broke out, trying to defend Kamona from an aggressive takeover by Colom. So far, they’ve been successful, with most major locations either Tevila-aligned or under Tevilan control, excluding the Kamona TV station, which was mostly taken in an offensive by Blackgold.” TI-7 paused before continuing.

 

“The war was put to a standstill when a third party, the Sumek Committee, wagered peace between Colom and Tevila, ending the war on paper. However, in actuality, both countries just downsized their forces, being forced to use PMCs to wage an indirect war between private military contractors of both countries instead of using their main armies. There were quite a lot of bloody conflicts, and major events led to a lot of local leaders taking over major areas of Kamona. Despite this, some locals still live in Kamona, clinging to the hope that the flames of war won’t reach them…” 

 

“What about all of you? How did you all get involved?” Shiroko asked. She wanted to know more about the operators themselves, curious about their pasts.

 

“A lot of people like me, AS-2 and IN-7  jumped in on the opportunity, all of us for different reasons. AS-2 saw a good business opportunity, an economy built on the conflict, while I was already part of Blackgold and was sent into the conflict. IN-7 had a family in a collection of countries in the Ocean Alliance, and took some commissions during both the major war and the shadow wars with the PMCs to support his family. DO-9 was actually part of the old Kamona military, and was going into retirement when the conflict started. That guy really needs a break…”

 

“What about the prominent figures in the Dark Zone? Can you tell us about some?” Serika asked, wanting to know about the personalities of those in the Dark Zone.

 

“...are you sure? You might not like what you hear.” TI-7 said with a cautious tone. The FTF girls were only more curious after that and nodded anyway.

 

“Well, first of all, there’s Ajax and Renoir. Renoir was Ajax’s superior and both are Kamonan locals. When the war broke out, Renoir splintered off from the original military, and became commander of an independent rebel army that wanted to defend their homeland and reclaim the parts that had been overtaken, with Ajax following him. He seized the armory and Ajax took over the Farm. Derwin was a crewmember aboard the Polaris , a Kamonan warship, but mutinied when he was ordered to scuttle the ship, killing the captain and taking control of the Port. Rolf, one of the three Blackgold commanders that helped take over the TV station, took a big hit when his entire squad excluding himself was killed in an operation, giving him PTSD and survivor’s guilt and getting him hooked to drugs and stims. Due to this, he’s known to recklessly charge invaders, sometimes with an axe at very high speeds. Finally, Doss and Porrero. Porrero was a former inmate who escaped when the war reached his prison, but got betrayed by the leader of the gang he was a part of in the prison. He took control of the Mine afterwards, and allied with Doss, a crime boss in control of the Valley to help him get revenge against his betrayer.” TI-7 said.

 

Everyone else in the room was giving him a wary look at this point, including the other operators.

 

“...how the hell do you know so much about us?” AS-2 asked.

 

“...I used to work in Colom Defense Intelligence Service (CDIS) after a relocation from the front. I was able to gather information on some prominent operators as well as major figures in the Dark Zone, as well as a general overview of the conflict. I quit the job later though, pen-pushing just wasn’t for me.” TI-7 explained, slightly easing the tension.

 

“Wow, I’m flattered. Me, a prominent operator?” IN-7 said jokingly.

 

“Ah…I’m curious, but what weaponry did you all use in the Dark Zone? A lot of you are carrying unfamiliar weaponry, I don’t think I’ve seen any of your weapons before, other than AS-2 Sensei’s H416.”

 

TI-7 looked over at the other operators, who all shook their heads. He internally agreed. If torture and death was already a horrifying subject here, then…well, they certainly didn’t need to learn all the ways you could die in the Dark Zone. At that moment, multiple engines could be heard outside, before the sound of hatches opening, car doors opening and slamming shut, shouting and guns loading were heard outside. DO-9 looked out through the window, having already guessed who it was.

 

“Seems like our friends are here. Why don’t we go down and greet them?”

 

Kivotos, noontime. PS68 office

 

Aru set down the phone, sighing contentedly.

 

“Let’s go! We got another commission! This time, it’s really big!” Aru exclaimed, startling the other members of Problem Solver 68.

 

“Hmmm…what’s the job?” Mutsuki questioned curiously.

 

After Aru told them, Kayoko visibly paled even more (somehow, she’s already pale as hell).

 

“What?!” Kayoko exclaimed, visibly appalled by another stupid move the idiot had made.

 

“Wait, boss, you already spent money hiring the mercenaries? Nice foresight!” Mutsuki chuckled, ginning.

 

“Whatver you do, I’ll follow you, Aru-sama!” Haruka said, clutching her shotgun.

 

Kivotos, noontime. D.U Shiratori

 

Four Leopard 1s rumble down a street, followed closely by four supply trucks and four APCs full of Blackgold soldiers. Curious students turned their heads towards the convoy, as it rumbled through the city. The Blackgold soldiers had interrogated the two members of No.227 special class and gotten directions to D.U Shiratori, and had promptly released the two before departing. On the way to D.U, one of the supply trucks had become stranded in a snowdrift, with the convoy ultimately scavenging as much supplies as possible and leaving the truck. Apparently, there was a group called the “General Student Council” that could provide them all the information they needed…

 

Kivotos, noontime. Gehenna District, back alley

 

An ongoing chase between a few Prefect Team members and a group of delinquents was underway. Rapid, inaccurate shots were exchanged between the pursuing Prefect Team members and the delinquents, though with the Prefect Team’s superior training, they were able to nail a few gangsters. Huffing and puffing, a pair of delinquents rounded the corner, narrowly dodging a stream of bullets. The delinquents turned their heads back forwards, only to find that they were about to collide with a dumpster at the end of the dead-end alley…until a large, blue rift suddenly opened, and the gangsters ran right in. The Prefect team members, rounding the corner, only saw a large, blue rift, open and humming slightly with the sound of ventilation. A murky, green gas leaked from the rift in small quantities…

 

Kamona, nighttime. TV Station Central Control Area

 

Blackgold personnel scrambled to put on their gas masks as another central area lockdown was initiated, flooding it with gas. An operator who infiltrated the TV station had pulled the lever, before putting on a gas mask of his own, beginning to loot various crates scattered in the central area. Suddenly, in the middle of the central control area, a bright blue flash appeared, before a large blue rift opened, the two delinquents from earlier spilling out. 

 

Blackgold personnel and operators alike, confused by the situation and in a state of battle frenzy, fired upon the delinquents. The delinquents themselves weren't faring well in the situation, having not been prepared at all. The first breath they took hurt. So did the second one. Every breath they took seemed to kill them more, coughing blood by the sixth breath, as they desperately tried to crawl back towards the blue rift. Their legs refused to work, weakened by the gas and streams of bullets hitting them.

 

By the tenth breath, they had fallen unconscious.

 

And the next breath they breathed was their last.

 

Kamona, nighttime. Armory Radar Station

 

‘Damn, damn, damn! How the hell did the assault fail?’ Randall thought, hobbling away from the main conflict while his guards and other Blackgold soldiers held Renoir and his soldiers at bay. His leg was broken, shot out by one of those godforsaken hired operators, while the operators Blackgold had hired for this mission were all dead. 

 

The rain showered down, slicking his hair and making it stick to his forehead and scalp. His clothes were soaked, and vision blurry from the multiple other hits he’d taken. A distinctive bang suddenly rang out, and he felt his other leg give way. Gritting through the pain, he began to crawl. Just a little further…it wasn’t red smoke, but a blue rift. Salvation. Maybe even a place to rest. Just…a little further…

 

Kivotos, afternoon. Trinity District

 

It was the afternoon, with many students returning to their dorms or visiting various locations as school ended. On a main street, a blue rift shimmered to life, opening and ejecting a sodden figure. Black hair that curled at the ends, now stuck to the surrounding skin due to the rain, drenched clothes that dripped a diluted red, the rainwater combining with blood flowing from multiple gunshot wounds and falling to the ground. He was barely conscious, coughing up small amounts of blood, his eyes glassy from the pain of having both legs broken.

 

The surrounding Trinity students momentarily stood silent, before screams erupted all around the man.

 

“Oh god…oh god!”

 

“Call the Remedial Knights! Quick!”

 

“What the heck is that blue thing on the street?!”

 

“AAAAHHHH!”

 

Then, from the rift, another figure stepped out. He wore a black, customized SH Matzka 2 Helmet with a metal plate covering most of the glass, leaving a tiny gap to see through. A black cape, tattered at the edges, flowed behind him, and a Defender M4 Rig, also customized, glinted from water droplets. Raising his RPK-16 to point the muzzle at Randall Fisher, he spoke, his voice low and menacing, reverberating through the helmet.

 

“Time to put down the last dog.” Renoir said, before pulling the trigger, holding it down and mag-dumping his RPK into Randall’s head point-blank.

 

What remained on the street was a heavily armored man standing over a headless, bleeding  body, the barrel of his gun smoking while blood was sprayed across the street, and the gun shield painted crimson. Many students either froze on the spot out of fear or ran away, screaming in panic. Remedial Knights members as well as JTF backup are horrified upon arriving at the scene while Renoir himself simply turns back, re-entering the rift and heading back.

 

The flames of the conflict had reached Kivotos.

Notes:

To cope with depression, next chapter's gonna be bloopers. I didn't include all the bosses...because that would take another thousand or so words. So, yeah.

Chapter 10: Bloopers I

Summary:

Have fun reading the dumb shit, I guess.

Bloopers(to take a break from the depression)

 

Kivotos, afternoon. Red Winter Academy District, No.227 Special Class

 

Nodoka and Shigure huddled around a small stove in the middle of one of the classrooms in the building. The frigid snowstorm had started a few days ago, and the heavy snow outside meant that they had to live off the supplies they had in the run-down building until the snowstorm let down enough that they could go out and buy more supplies. The meager heat from the stove that was heating up the leftover kompot from a day ago was barely enough for their shivering bodies, despite that they were both covered in thick winter coats. The snowstorm showed no signs of letting down, and the wind howled even more fiercely as it approached nighttime and the temperature dropped, masking the sounds of vehicles approaching the building.

 

The scouts that set out had found the run-down building of the No.227 Special Class after a few hours, and after reporting back to the Blackgold officer, they had quickly dismantled the temporary base and began moving towards the building, seeking shelter from the snowstorm. The four tanks and nine trucks surrounded the building, and a group of soldiers dismounted from the APC, trudging through the snow before making it to the front door.

 

“Scouts said it seemed clear; no signs of life from afar, and it’s pretty run-down anyways. Nobody’s living out here in this run-down building, especially with this climate.” one of them said.

 

“Keep your guard up. You never know if a very hungry pack of wolves or a bear has taken up residence here.” another one said, raising his gun. The group of eight split upon arriving at the wall, one in front of the door while three sidled on the left side and four on the right.

 

“FBI, OPEN UP!”

 

Nodoka and Shigure both jumped up as they heard the door downstairs slam open, and the sound of multiple footsteps running through the building.

 

“HUT! HUT! HUT! HUT!”

 

One of the Blackgold soldiers crashes through the roof, rappelling down, following the chant of his mates. Meanwhile, Nodoka and Shigure clutched each other, screaming in confusion and fear. A group of the soldiers made it upstairs, crashing through adjacent rooms while others held the two girls at gunpoint and one of them upended the pot of kompot, spilling it on the floor.

 

“HUT! HUT! HUT! HUT!”

 

“FOUND THE EVIDENCE! SECURE THE SUSPECTS!!!” A blackgold soldier yelled, holding up an oversized bag of what seems like cocaine but is actually a bag filled with the copious amounts of sugar required to make the kompot.

 

“YOU’RE COMING WITH ME! YOU’LL EXPLAIN YOURSELF AT CDIS HEADQUARTERS!”

 

“UAAAAAAH!!!” the two girls screamed as they got dragged into the snow, before being yeeted through a rift.

 

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Abydos annex building, abandoned classroom

 

The gangsters woke up one by one, six in total. Blinking to clear their vision, a few instinctually tried to bring their arms up and rub their eyes, only to find their wrists tied.  Waking up completely, all of them realized that their feet and arms were tied, with their helmets gone.

 

“What the hell?”

 

“Did those abydos bastards really-”

 

“Shhh! Look, there’s someone there!”

 

Indeed there was. TI-7 sat on a desk in the shadow of the disused classroom, with a pot of water and some logs next to him. Smoking a cigarette, he took a light drag on it before parting it from his lips. For whatever reason, he had an extremely square jaw and was making a sigma face.

 

“Baby girl…” TI-7 started.

 

“Daddy’s home.”

 

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!” All the gangsters yelled in fear.

 

(Extra:TI-7 proceeds to do what canon Sensei does with his students, but I’m not writing it because I don’t write smut fics)

 

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Kivotos, morning. Abydos annex building

 

Meanwhile, Hoshino had arrived late to school, only to find her other classmates staring at their school, their heads craning upwards.

 

“Uheee…what’re you younglings all staring at? Finally appreciating-oh.” Hoshino said lazily, before joining the rest of the FTF at staring at the roof of the school, and specifically what was on it.

 

“WHY THE HELL IS FREDDY FAZBEAR ON THE ROOF OF OUR SCHOOL?” Serika exclaimed in outrage.

 

Suddenly, the morning sky plunged into absolute darkness, with the loud sound of power shutting down.

 

“Uh-oh.” Hoshino said, snapping awake in an instant.

 

“Dring ding din ding ding ding da ding da ding. Ding da da ding…” the tune played from Freddy, before his head snapped abruptly to face them.

 

“RUN!!!” Serika yelled, before sprinting off as fast as she could. The rest of the FTF members followed, running at full speed. However, soon they heard the sound of a helicopter. Risking a glance, Shiroko turned her head backwards.

 

“Tactical Freddy Fazbear is ready for deployment in Afghanistan. Preparing to drop…” the pilot said from the cockpit of the helicopter carrying Freddy suspended by lifting ropes.

 

“AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!”

 

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Kivotos, afternoon. Trinity District

 

It was the afternoon, with many students returning to their dorms or visiting various locations as school ended. On a main street, a blue rift shimmered to life, opening and ejecting a sodden figure. Black hair that curled at the ends, now stuck to the surrounding skin due to the rain, drenched clothes that dripped a diluted red, the rainwater combining with blood flowing from multiple gunshot wounds and falling to the ground. He was barely conscious, coughing up small amounts of blood, his eyes glassy from the pain of having both legs broken.

 

At the same time, a pair of idiots (Hifumi and Azusa) had hijacked a tank, and were barrelling down the street. Randall Fisher weakly raised his head, his glassy eyes spotting the tank barreling towards him at high speeds.

 

‘Is this how I go out? Run over by a tank?’ He thought, too weak to mutter the words, before he was hit. 

 

Tank-kun when? Anyways bros boutta be Isekaie’d.

 

Randall woke up in a prison cell. Looking down, he saw he was wearing a prison tracksuit, sharing a cell with a few other prisoners and one really big guy. Wait, one really big guy? And did he just shoot himself in the head? Wait, why did the bullet stop? 

 

“That guy…he’s just standing there…menacingly…” Randall muttered, looking at him

 

“ORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORA! ORA!” the big man yelled, before the prison bars in front of him disintegrated, and he stepped out.

 

“What the fuck?” Randall thought, beads of sweat rolling down his head.

Chapter 11: Casualties

Notes:

Here ya go. I have plans to move side stories based in Kamona for these characters to a separate work, so don't be shocked if the number of chapters here reduces by 1.

Kivotos, noontime. Abydos annex building

 

The three other T-90s took the lead, swerving into the field in front of the school, followed by the two BTRs, two supply trucks and three GLC2301s.  The three T-90’s gunners switched to the coaxial machine gun, ready to engage infantry, while Tevilan and White Wolf soldiers dismounted from the GLC2301s, taking cover behind the other vehicles while pointing their weapons at the various windows and entrances of the school. The Tevilan officer pulled out a megaphone, ready to broadcast a message.

 

“To the occupants of the building, provide a signal that you are friendly, or we will fire upon the building!” He yelled into the megaphone, his voice amplified.

 

A few seconds passed before a few members of the tank crew leaned out one of the windows, waving towards the group below and giving all-clear signals. The soldiers below collectively sighed in relief, relaxing and lowering their weapons.

 

“Dispatch to all troops, we are safe to enter. However, keep your guard up for potential ambushes.” the officer said, aware that the crew could have been forced into the action.

 

Troops cautiously walked towards the building, opening the entrance door. They were greeted immediately by the students, as well as the four operators, with the tank crew coming down shortly after.

 

“So…you guys are the Tevilan expedition group, I assume?” IN-7 said, slightly wary.

 

“Yes. We were radioed about the situation, and we came as backup in case things got hairy. However, it seems the situation has been sorted out, thankfully.” the Tevilan officer said with a  relieved tone.

 

“That’s great and all, but the gangsters yesterday said that there’d be another attack scheduled today. We should probably mount a defense.” TI-7 said with a flat tone, indicating his impatience.

 

“Helmet gangsters? Ah, those kids wearing motorcycle helmets? I think we took care of their hideout last night when we arrived.” the Tevilan officer said with a slight smirk. “Their…skill is abysmal, to say the least…”

 

“Arrived? DO-9 Sensei did tell us that he was familiar with you guys…are you all from Kamona too?” Serika asked warily.

 

“Yes, we came through a rift that appeared at the cargo ejection site where those four-” the officer said, motioning to the four operators “-disappeared. There’s a stable entryway from our side, but it only opens periodically, and to random locations. Last time, when Blackgold forces retreated, there was frost creeping out, probably a cold place. This time, hot air was blowing, and some sand was spilling out. Do you have guesses as to where the first location could be?” the officer asked the students, glancing over them. He and the soldiers behind him questioned the animal features, but honestly, at this point it did not beat bulletproof kids in weirdness.

 

“Snow? Hmmm…maybe Red Winter? It’s an academy that lives in the snowy tundras, but they’re pretty volatile, having a revolution every week or so…” Nonomi said.

 

“Thank you for the information. Is there perhaps a safe place where we can store our vehicles?” the officer said, motioning to the large group of vehicles behind him.

 

“No, not here. You can park your vehicles at SCHALE Building though, I’ll give you a local GPS with directions to it. Follow the roads and you should get there by the end of the day. Speaking of…I need to make a call back to the GSC for air support to get the tank off the roof.” DO-9 said, handing the officer a GPS before pulling out his phone. 

 

After the retaking of SCHALE building, Yuuka had been kind enough to give them all secondhand phones from Millenium, and adding some contacts for Momotalk, a local messaging service. It was much more compressed than bulky radios and computers that they had back in Kamona, with more features too. He dialed Momoka’s number, before waiting for her to pick up, tapping his foot. The call finally went through after a few seconds.

 

“Hello, Devil May Cry, how may I help you?”

 

“Momoka, we need a heli to airlift a tank off the roof of the Abydos school.” DO-9 said, putting the palm on the face of his helmet.

 

“No worries, I’ll send one over when I finish my chips!” Momoka said, pulling another chip out of the bag. “As a wise man once said, “I’ll take a potato chip…and eat it!””

 

“How long till you finish…?” DO-9 sweatdropped, as Momoka smugly pulled the chip bag towards her body. And kept pulling. And pulled some more, as DO-9 continued to sweat with each subsequent pull.

 

“What the hell is that, SCP-1689?” DO-9 muttered, as Momoka’s smug face grew even more smug. (Reader context: SCP-1689 is basically a bag of potatoes that spawns infinite potatoes inside the bag, with potatoes self-replicating to fill space every 2 hours or so.)

 

“Momoka, send the helicopter now or I’ll order the Tevilans with me to come over to your office later and mag dump you. Don’t make me do it.” DO-9 said, angling the video call towards the Tevilan soldiers. Momoka’s eyes widened, before returning back to normal.

 

“Okay~, okay~. No need to threaten me like that! I’ll send one over right away.”

 

“Thank you.” DO-9 said, hanging up the call.

 

At that moment, the officer’s stomach rumbled, along with a few other soldiers’.

 

“Right…we haven't eaten since morning…men, pull out the rations, and set up camp.”

 

“Actually, I know a good ramen place nearby…” Ayane spoke up, surprising the Tevilans.

 

“Ah, Shiba Seki Ramen, was it? Sure! Let’s go!” Nonomi exclaimed, while some of the others were borderline confused. Serika had a flustered face like she was going to say something, but decided to keep her mouth shut.

 

“Can’t hurt to try this “ramen” stuff, I suppose…” IN-7 muttered, as they set off towards the ramen shop.

 

Kivotos, noontime. Shiba Seki Ramen

 

The bell rang, signaling the entry of customers as Master Shiba turned to greet the new guests.

 

“Welcome to Shiba Seki…” Master Shiba trails off as he sees the five members of the FTF along with the four operators and a multitude of soldiers behind them, some with balaclavas and helmets on and AKs slung on their shoulders or across their backs.(For precision, there is 1 driver+1loader+1gunner+1radioman+1commander for the T-90s, x4 + 6 infantry, 1 driver and 1 gunner for each BTR, x2, +2 people per supply truck, x2 +4 in the front and 4 in the back per GLC, x3. The total is 5x4+8x2+2x2+8x3=64 soldiers.)

 

Master Shiba pulls Serika over to converse with her silently.

 

“Mind introducing your new friends?” he whispered, while everyone else watched with a confused face. Customers inside the restaurant stared slack-jawed at the large crowd outside the restaurant, many noticing the distinct lack of halos above their heads

 

“I-it’s a long story…I’ll explain it to you later, okay? For now, they’re hungry…” Serika said, heavily sweating from the situation.

 

“Well, it’s a lot of customers for me, so it’ll take a while to prepare their orders. How about you go and take their orders and get them settled down? In fact, I’ll count this in your work hours.” Master Shiba said, giving her a slight wink, while her face turned a bright red.

 

“N-no way! Not here in front of everyone!”

 

“You know as well as I do that if I do all of the work myself they’re not getting their orders for another two hours.” Master Shiba said, his voice taking on a more stern tone.

 

“Fine…” Serika said, face still flushed as she headed into the back to change into her waitress uniform.

 

“What’s Serika heading into the back for?” Shiroko questioned, tilting her head slightly sideways.

 

“Hmmm…I think she said something about having a part-time job? Maybe it’s here?” Nonomi said, equally perplexed. Her suspicions were confirmed, however, when Serika re-emerged in waitress clothes, walking up to them.

 

“Welcome to Shiba Seki Ramen…please take your seats first, then I will come around and take your orders.” she asked with a trembling smile, while the operators and soldiers all looked on with varying degrees of confusion and amusement. Eventually, everyone took their seats and placed orders, though Serika had to help many soldiers and the operators with their choices due to the foreign dishes on the menu, growing more flustered each time. The soldiers occupied tables with six at each, though with a total of 64 soldiers, TI-7 and AS-2 volunteered to share a table with the remaining 4 while DO-9 and IN-7 went to share a table with the FTF.

 

After some shenanigans with Nonomi and Shiroko, DO-9 ended up sitting next to Shiroko while IN-7 sat next to Nonomi. Both DO-9 and IN-7 took off their helmets, before picking up the pair of chopsticks to start shoveling ramen into their mouths, with the knowledge of how to use chopsticks courtesy of a new years hotpot event the Dark Zone had a few months ago. Meanwhile the FTF members hadn’t taken a single bite, all staring at IN-7 and DO-9. Noticing this, DO-9 glanced over.

 

“What?” DO-9 asked.

 

“Ah…it’s just that we’ve never seen you without your helmets before. I guess I really should hold back on my “old man” jokes, huh?” Hoshino said, staring at DO-9. His hair was greying, with wrinkles on his face and a small horizontal scar on his cheek from a bullet graze. Meanwhile, IN-7 had sideswept black hair, with darker skin and a rough, worn appearance. Both operators realized as well, only giving off light, weary smiles before going back to eating their food.

 

“How old are you, DO-9 and TI-7 Sensei? I was never able to ask before…I apologize in advance if this comes off as rude or inconsiderate.” Ayane said with a shy yet curious look on her face.

 

Due to DO-9 being busy eating, IN-7 spoke up.

 

“I’m still in my early thirties, able to pull off some sick maneuvers. DO-9 was going into retirement when the conflict broke out, he’s almost fifty. About those two-” IN-7 gestured towards TI-7 and AS-2 “-AS-2 is still mid-twenties, running around and being a courier while TI-7 is late thirties.”

 

“Ah…thanks for the information.” Ayane said, as the FTF dug in as well.

 

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Problem Solver 68 lingered, watching the commotion inside.

 

“Hmmm…didn’t expect a restaurant out here in the middle of nowhere to be this packed…” Mutsuki said with a mischievous smile.

 

“More importantly, are those haloless adults? I remember hearing that the four Senseis were haloless, but I’m counting nearly seventy haloless individuals.” Kayoko said, her tone bordering on nervousness.

 

“Well, if the place is popular, then that means the food must be cheap! Let’s go!” Aru exclaimed in a confident tone, while she was internally screaming.

 

‘AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! What if there’s no seats left? What if the food’s actually more than 600 yen? We’ll look like complete fools!’ Aru thought.

 

The bell rang, signifying the entry of new customers. A few gazes were drawn towards the door, before most promptly returned back to eating.  Entering the restaurant, it was a rowdy atmosphere, with many soldiers for once having full bellies and not eating flavorless military rations. Alcohol, brought by some soldiers, were being drunk at a few tables, though nearby customers and FTF members looked visibly uncomfortable at such actions. Banter filled the restaurant, with soldiers no longer having to worry about being shot out of nowhere, and the Tevilan officer was nearly conked out from drinking ¾ of a bottle of vodka. Amidst all the chaos, Serika arrived at the front door, greeting the utterly bewildered guest.

 

“Welcome to Shiba Seki Ramen, how may I serve you?”

 

“Wh-what’s the cheapest thing on the menu?” Haruka asked, clutching her shotgun.

 

“The cheapest item on the menu is the Shiba Seki Special, at 580 yen.” Serika replied, glancing down at the menu on a clipboard in her hand.

 

“Ah, thank you! We’ll take a seat for four, then!” Mutsuki exclaimed happily. 

 

“I presume you want four orders or the Shiba Seki Special, then?” Serika said, jotting it down on an order list on her clipboard. It was already mostly full, having to record the orders of the soldiers below as well.

 

“Ah, no. Just one will do.” Mutsuki replied, still smiling.

 

“You’re sharing a single bowl between the four of you? Serika questioned, somewhat surprised.

 

“Ah! I’m sorry that we’re poor! Dirt like me shouldn’t even get to taste the delicious ramen here!” Haruka suddenly exclaimed, kneeling on the floor in front of Serika.

 

“Ah, hold on, you don’t have to be like that. We all had these moments as students, you shouldn’t be ashamed of yourself!” Serika said, slightly taken aback by Haruka’s sudden outburst.

 

AS-2, who had been watching from a distance, walked over.

 

“It’s fine, Serika. Give them four bowls, I’ll pay for it out of my own pockets. I’m already paying for all those other guys too-” AS-2 said, motioning to the soldiers sitting at their tables “-so a few more bowls wouldn’t hurt anyways.”

 

“Are you sure that’s okay? I thought they were already making you pay for them…” Serika said, motioning towards the FTF members sitting with DO-9 and IN-7. Kayoko, who looked in their direction, flinched slightly, which AS-2 noticed.

 

“Those Tevilan guys don’t have the local currency, so I gotta pay for them…just add their bill-” AS-2 said, gesturing towards PS68 “-to the sheet, it’s more convenient to pay it all off in one go.”

 

“If you say so…”

 

“Thanks! We’ll remember it! What’s your name?” Mutsuki said with a small grin.

 

“Just call me AS-2. Add the title of “Sensei” if you want, though personally I’m not fond of it.” he said, before turning around and walking back to his seat.

 

Everyone had their share, and slowly the restaurant cleared out, with AS-2 paying the bills, some of the more sober soldiers helping their drunk comrades out the restaurant, a small exchange between the Tevilan officer and DO-9 before they parted ways. The four operators headed back to Abydos along with the FTF, while the Tevilans started the drive to the SCHALE building. PS68 also left, thanking AS-2 for the meal, and had gone back to their office to prepare for the attack on Abydos tomorrow.

 

All in all, a nice, eventful, and peaceful day. What could go wrong?

 

Well…a lot. Just not for the Abydos students.

 

Kivotos, morning(the next day). Abydos annex building

 

PS68, along with a group of hired mercenaries, cluster a bit of a distance away from the school building, preparing for the attack. Meanwhile, the FTF students were explaining to the Senseis about the debt situation, and AS-2 was mulling over the information he had heard last night. The discussion between the members of PS68 at Shiba Seki Ramen the previous night about the assault had not gone unheard by AS-2 and his handy GS2 Headset. He’d shared the information with the other operators, and all of them were ready for the attack at any time.

 

As someone who worked in the smuggling and trade business in Kamona, AS-2 had made multiple trips to the Port, working with Rodriguez to deliver goods smuggled in through the Port. Derwin, the local boss, had rigged the place with many booby traps, mainly tripwires. Using information gained from working alongside some of the former marines under Derwin’s leadership, he’d set a multitude of tripwire traps, claymores and other nasty surprises.

 

As the first mercenary stepped forwards, a Z-3 stun grenade attached to a tripwire detonated, immediately making the nearby mercenaries let out a muffled yell, giving their position away. The GS2 headset picked up the sound, and AS-2 nodded to DO-9, who was the only one who wasn't able to wear a headset due to the helmet he wore. DO-9 nodded back in understanding.

 

The Foreclosure Task Force members, without enhanced hearing, only looked at the four operators in confusion as they did gear checks, before leaving the room, with TI-7 heading to the rooftop with his AX50 while AS-2 and DO-9 head downstairs with both their weapons, and IN-7 picks up his AR-30.

 

“W-wait, what the hell? What’re you all doing so suddenly? Why did TI-7, DO-9 and AS-2 Sensei all leave?” Serika asked in a confused tone.

 

“It seems we have some…uninvited guests.” IN-7 said, racking the bolt and cycling a .338 UPZ round into the chamber as an impact grenade goes off in the distance, most likely from another tripwire. Taking aim down his 4x/16x scope, he immediately spots the group, treading slowly along the path and trying to spot any more hidden traps. A few mercenaries already lay sprawled out on the ground, unconscious. Unfortunately for them, TI-7 had helped AS-2 camouflage the traps the previous night, being an expert scout and marksman, meaning that they were near indistinguishable from the surrounding environment.

 

“Grrr…what the hell? We weren't told about traps!” the leader of the mercenaries exclaimed angrily, turning towards Aru.

 

“C-calm down…we weren’t told about these traps by our commissioner either…” Aru said with a panicked look on her face.

 

“For that matter, how the hell did those Abydos kids even get these traps? I thought they were running low on ammo and supplies, an easy target!” The leader grumbled, turning around only to catch a 12.7x99mm round to the face, launching her body backwards. The unconscious mercenary leader tumbled into a previously spotted trap, triggering it and detonating a GHO grenade, blasting nearby mercenaries into unconsciousness. 

 

Meanwhile, Haruka had taken the vanguard, taking a few hits from explosions but not falling unconscious due to her resilience. However, things took a bad turn halfway to the school, where AS-2 had set up an extra nasty trap. At the halfway point were two abandoned cars, with two very obvious Mk2 grenade tripwires blocking off the left and right side of the street, leaving a large gap between the two abandoned cars, with no tripwires in sight. Stepping in cautiously, Haruka and a few mercenaries went through the gap, some not trusting the gap and going over by the hood of the car, while Kayoko trailed behind, gripping her pistol tightly. Either way, however, resulted in the same result.

 

Behind the rear tires of the abandoned cars were a claymore on each side, positioned slightly forward to lure in as many enemies as possible and lulling them into a false sense of security. The group stepped forward, before the claymores blasted their legs, immediately paralyzing them. A few mercenaries with less resilience fell unconscious, while others, with their forward momentum, tripped and fell, triggering a hidden tripwire strung at waist height. Their weight pulled two molotov cocktails, hidden inside the cars, out the broken windows, smashing the bottles onto the ground and burning the girls as they tried to crawl out of the flames with their hands, their legs paralyzed from the claymores. Haruka was finally knocked out by this trap, falling unconscious to the burning ground.

 

“AHHHHHH!” one of them yelled in pain, their clothes on fire.

 

“IT BURNS! IT BURNS!” another one yelled, barrel rolling in an attempt to quickly escape the fire.

 

“...This is fine.” one of them says, before they become unconscious from the pain.

 

Observing the scene through his 1x/6x scope on his M110, AS-2 chuckled, before picking off another mercenary with a well-aimed 7.62x51mm BPZ round to the head. The first half of the road to the school was the easy part, with only physical pain. The second half was both physical and mental pain. Many of the traps laid in plain sight, but not all of them were real, some being obvious only to funnel the enemies into the actual trap, while others were obvious and were the actual trap. This ends up messing with the enemy's psychology of whether the trap is real or not, and induces intense paranoia. TI-7 had also set up some barbed wire in the area, hampering their movements and making them easier to pick off.

 

Additionally, there was more variety with the grenades, with flashbangs, molotovs and smoke grenades in the mix of tripwire grenades, flashbangs to disorient enemies and make them stumble into other traps, molotovs to cluster enemies using AoE denial and smoke grenades to reduce enemy visibility while TI-7 could simply pick them off with his thermal imager seeing through the smoke. 

 

“The clothes catch fire but don’t burn, thank god. I don’t want to be grilled by Rin about forcing minors to commit public indecency…” AS-2 muttered, offering a prayer of thanks to whichever law or being in this world that protected these girls’ dignity.

 

DO-9 was trying his best to pick off enemies with his RPK-16, but due to the hefty weight of the gun shield, and the fact that his LMG was medium-range, he took down mercenaries at a much more reduced pace. Meanwhile, the delinquent opened fire with an assortment of M16 carbines and M4A1 assault rifles, but due to the range potential and near-to-no modifications, most shots missed their target, while the ones that actually managed to hit simply flatted or bounced off, unable to penetrate.

 

At this point, the FTF had also been drawn into the conflict, though only Serika, Nonomi and Ayane could contribute greatly, with Ayane providing overhead surveillance while Nonomi provided suppressive fire and Serika picked off enemies with her assault rifle. Shiroko also sent out her own drone to rain rockets on the mercenaries every once in a while, but the reloading time of the rockets and travel time in between bombing runs meant it wasn’t very effective.

 

“Both physical and psychological warfare? It seems like these “Senseis” are not to be underestimated…” Kayoko muttered, stepping past a dummy trap.

 

Kayoko, with her ever-observant eyes, had figured out a few of the traps and traversed them safely, with a few mercenaries tagging behind like they were playing the glass bridge game from Squid Game, following in her footsteps. As she got closer, IN-7 noticed, choosing to switch to his Mk14 instead for medium-long to medium-close-range engagements. He could tell she had some sort of trick up her sleeve, and he wasn’t letting her use it.

 

Kayoko pulled out her pistol before firing a shot into the air, a purple aura emitting from it.

 

While the FTF members stood paralyzed, reliving fearful memories for only a moment before shaking it off and returning to battle, the effect on the DO-9 and AS-2 were noticeable. While Hoshino was the only one among them having witnessed true death, being affected longer than the others but ultimately still being fine, AS-2 and DO-9 had been living in a warzone for nearly two years. Their breathing quickened, pupils dilating, heart rate spiking. AS-2 dropped his M110, clutching his head while the two operators out of range of the effect looked on in confusion.

 

“...the hell’s going on down there? Packrat, respond!”

 

AS-2 had mostly recovered, picking his marksman rifle back up.

 

“...fuck…that…kid…has…some sort of…trauma-inducement ability…” he said, stumbling over his words. The effects still hadn’t completely worn off, and his hands were extremely shaky, and his legs felt like jelly. His head had stopped hurting, but there was still some white noise in his head, clouding his hearing. 

 

“Shit…Packrat, rally the FTF members. You’re going to have to restrain Juggernaut.” TI-7 said. He’d looked through DO-9’s combat records before, and suffice to say a majority of them had been bloodbaths, both for his enemies and his allies. Unlike TI-7, he wasn’t a stone-cold killer, and operated under the goal of protecting his country and the weak using his own strength. If the ability recalled past traumas, DO-9 would not fare well.

 

DO-9 was not so lucky. The throbbing headache intensified, and the street in front of him flickered, alternating between the street and the narrow corridors of the TV Station. Stumbling to his feet, he drops the RPK-16, unslinging his USAS. All of the sudden, he stabilized. His hands no longer shook. His legs tensed.

 

And then, he charged.

 

Straight forward, dodging traps and vaulting over obstacles like a maniac, blasting mercenaries left and right as he pushed forward towards Kayoko’s position.

 

“Colom scum. You made me lose everything. My homeland, my family, my friends.” he growled, dispatching more mercenaries. 

 

“Fuck! Hoshino, Nonomi, Serika, Shiroko, we’re pushing up! We need to restrain DO-9 before he gets to that girl over there!” AS-2 yelled, rallying the FTF members and preparing to push through. 

 

Meanwhile, DO-9 had finally arrived, jumping over the concrete barrier Kayoko had hunkered behind. Looking around, he found that she had retreated backwards, hunkered behind a broken car instead, though her halo gave away her position. At that moment, a round impacted his helmet, slightly denting it. Aru had taken a shot, only for it to bounce off, while Mutsuki, who had also advanced, began laying suppressive fire. DO-9 quickly ran up to the car Kayoko was hiding behind, pressing himself against the other side. So close. Just a bit further.

 

“What you did was unforgivable. And when we pushed back, trying to retake what was ours?” DO-9 growled, still lost in the hallucination. He didn’t see the bodies of knocked-out mercenaries. He saw the bloodied, mutilated corpses of Blackgold and White Wolf soldiers alike, dead or dying, either from various shots from each other or, in the Blackgolds’ case, torn to pieces by DO-9’s flechette buckshot. He could hear him. Just on the other side of this sandbag pile, breathing heavily in fear. Bernard. That goddamned sniper had followed him like a plague since the beginning of the conflict, appearing just to kill a few soldiers, his brothers-in-arms before disappearing all over again. He’d finally kill him today.

 

Jumping over the hood of the car, ignoring the fire, he slammed into Kayoko, pinning her to the ground, before pointing the shotgun to her face. Kayoko desperately fired her pistol, but none of the rounds penetrated the armor. In response, DO-9 stepped on her right wrist, pinning it to the ground as well.

 

“You killed them. My brothers-in-arms, my childhood friends, everyone I knew and loved. I joined Renoir and Ajax so I could rid my homeland from sons of bitches like you.”  Holding down the trigger, the USAS-12 ejected three servings of flechette buckshot out the muzzle before the 20 round drum magazine ran dry. Not bothering to reload it, consumed by rage, he turned the gun around, smashing the stock into Kayoko’s face.

 

“Still not dead? Fine by me. Stay awake. Feel the pain. Feel my pain. Feel the pain that you inflicted on my comrades. Feel the guilt of being one of the only ones alive after the dust has settled. FEEL OUR SUFFERING! I’LL PUT YOU THROUGH THE HELL YOU PUT US THROUGH, AND WORSE!” DO-9 yelled, at this point bashing the stock of the USAS-12 on any part of her body. Slam. Kayoko felt her right arm go numb, dropping her pistol. Slam. A gasp as air was forced out her lungs. Slam. A sharp, searing pain on her left elbow. One, final blow. Straight to the face.

 

The battlefield had quieted as everyone paused to stare at the brutal beatdown in shock, and the resounding crack of breaking bones echoed through the street, clear as day.

 

“Fuck…” AS-2 muttered, as the Abydos girls stared in shock along with the remaining conscious members of Problem Solver 68. Kayoko’s nose had been broken, bleeding profusely, while the owner was barely conscious. The mercenaries were all screaming in panic, retreating.

 

“F-fuck…I didn’t sign up for this!”

 

“R-retreat! Let’s get the hell outta here!”

 

“Urgh…I think I’m going to puke…”

 

“H-huh!? You can’t just leave now! We paid you to help with the job!” Aru yelled, though her brain was a hot mess right now with Haruka knocked out and Kayoko barely conscious from a brutal beating.

 

“S-screw the money! You can have it all back, we don’t care! A-as long as we get away from-from that thing , I don’t give a shit!”

 

Meanwhile, DO-9 had pulled the cane strapped to his waist out, unsheathing the blade inside attached to the cane handle. Raising it, he lined it up with one of Kayoko’s eyes, while Kayoko watched in absolute terror, unable to move and vision fading. Just in time, AS-2 tackled DO-9 to the side, the cane-blade clattering to the side of Kayoko’s head harmlessly, redirected by the momentum of the tackle.

 

“ Fucking …stare me in the eyes, DO-9! Snap the hell out of it! We’re not in the TV station anymore! We’re not even in Kamona anymore! Nobody’s killing anybody! Wake the fuck up!” AS-2 yelled, hands grasping both sides of DO-9’s helmet and making him stare at AS-2 dead in the eyes. The other operators and Ayane were on the way as well, while Nonomi, Shiroko, Serika and Hoshino crowded around DO-9 and Kayoko, still staring in shock.

 

“One of you, call an ambulance! Call an ambulance! But not for me… ” AS-2 said, turning his head back and observing the damage. At this point, Kayoko had passed out from the pain, her halo fading away.

 

“Our medical items might be borderline miraculous, but it can’t heal a broken nose! Besides, I don’t know whether you guys can handle it, so the best option is to get them to the nearest hospital!” AS-2 continued, with Nonomi nodding and fishing out her phone, dialing the emergency number. At this point, all the mercenaries had fled, with only the members of PS68 remaining. Aru and Mutsuki walked over, both with hesitant looks on their faces.

 

“Will she be alright?” Mutsuki asked, her usual playful demeanor gone. DO-9 had snapped out of it at this point, his pupils returning back to normal size, his breathing calming and the adrenaline fading. Which immediately meant that it would start hurting more.

 

AS-2 glanced up at them, stabbing DO-9 with a medical injector as torn flesh from lucky bullets that had hit exposed parts of him repaired itself. His thorax and head had sustained damage from damage spread, and both of DO-9’s arms had been broken, though under the effects of painkillers, DO-9 had been able to use them just fine.

 

“Both of them should be fine after a while…you should probably worry about yourselves first, though.” AS-2 said, seeing the other two operators who had crept up behind the two members of PS68, raising their weapons.

 

“Once you’re all awake…you’re going to have a lot of questions to answer. Ayane told us that we have an infirmary at the school…so answer our questions nicely and we’ll let you go, capische?” TI-7 said, not waiting for an answer before smashing Aru over the head with his sapper shovel while IN-7 clubbed Mutsuki over the head with the stock of his Mk14. Both of them slumped to the ground, unconscious.

 

“I’m sorry you had to see that.” DO-9 said, speaking up while still lying on the ground. “I do not have the fondest memories of the Dark Zone, and I’ve lived long enough to see many of my close comrades die…so I had a lot of buried trauma. I do not wish any of you to go through what I have, so…sorry, again. Urgh…fucking painkiller’s worn off…”

 

“...it’s okay. If you want to talk about it later, you can, okay?” Serika said, while AS-2 nodded, putting his hand on DO-9’s shoulder.

 

“You won’t be alone. You never will be, as long as we’re here.” AS-2 said, giving DO-9 a small smile. IN-7 and TI-7 also gave nods of acknowledgement. DO-9 could only smile back weakly. He’d heard something similar before from his old comrades, but in the end, he was always the last one alive. He hoped that maybe, just maybe, it would be different this time.

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Abydos annex building

 

Three members of PS68 stirred, halos flickering to life above their heads. As they came to, they noticed a tight rope bound them to chairs, while one of them was missing, and an ongoing discussion between FTF members and the operators was ongoing.

 

“TI-7, don’t you think this is a bit too cruel? I know they’re bulletproof, but that doesn’t mean-”

 

“AS-2, shut the hell up. It’s already non-lethal for these kids. Back in Kamona, this shit was lethal and we actually blew heads for this interrogation method.”

 

“You’re telling me that you held back on the last one by not drowning them, then?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“You absolute fucking psychopath.”

 

“At least I'm not Viper with thirty different lethal purely natural poisons to make you suffer for days before killing you.”

 

“It’s not any better.”

 

“Whatever.”

 

Aru completely snapped awake, seeing an abandoned classroom. In front of them was a teacher’s table, but instead of lesson materials and an apple, there was a M300 6-shot revolver, a box of 7.62x54mm LPS ammunition and a lamp.  On both sides, Mutsuki and Haruka struggled against the ropes, but to no avail.

 

“Where’s Kayoko?” Aru asked, her voice slightly trembling. This wasn’t right. A true outlaw would never get caught like this, and if they did, they had some fancy way of escaping! Not struggling miserably like this.

 

“The girl’s in the infirmary at the moment, getting patched up by Ayane. However, as AS-2 said before, I recommend you worry about yourself first.” IN-7 said, walking over to them. He shoves the box of ammunition in his pocket, taking a round out and loading it into the chamber.

 

“You know, back where we came from, there was a little game called russian roulette. You’d load a single round into the chamber of a six-shot revolver, spin the cylinder, and pull the trigger while pressing it against your own body or head, usually as a wager. You only won when the opponent shot themselves. Based on this, I came up with a new interrogation method: what if we raise the stakes every time? Each time you tell a lie, instead of re-spinning the cylinder with a single round, I’ll load another in the chamber before re-spinning. This would mount up the pressure for those on the receiving end. And if it actually landed and blew their head off? No problem. There’s more to go around.” TI-7 said, striding up to them. The Abydos girls recoiled hearing this description, while the other operators grimaced.

 

“So…I feel like you’re all a bit more professional, with a bit more information. How about you start spilling the beans?”

 

In the end, Mutsuki thought TI-7 was joking and refused to spill the beans, laughing until TI-7 put a round in her head after the fourth cartridge was inserted into the cylinder, at which her halo immediately winked out from the force of the bullet. (Seriously, in the game some people just slap a 4x/16x scope on one of these revolvers and use them as discount sniper rifles chambered in 7.62x54mm. Costs around 25-35k with just the revolver+scope.)

 

After that, Aru immediately spilled everything, telling them about Kaiser’s involvement, but nothing major was divulged other than that. At the revelation, the Abydos girls, now including Ayane who had come downstairs after tending to Kayoko, all tensed. 

 

“Damn…burdening us with the debt wasn’t enough, they’re also funding attacks on the school?” Serika yelled angrily.

 

The others were in a similar state of outrage, while Aru sweated nervously. In the end, however, PS68 (with Kayoko) was let off with a stern warning from TI-7, the FTF members calmed down, and everyone went their separate ways. IN-7 gestured to the other operators, heading into an adjacent classroom as the FTF members went home. Pulling out the Shittim chest, he booted it up, displaying a map of the Abydos desert.

 

Over the past few days, ever since TI-7 had grown suspicious of the gangsters’ supplier, they had been tracking equipment shipments from the supplier through the desert, and had roughly pinpointed the location of the place where they were either manufacturing or stockpiling the weaponry. EMP had not-so-subtly clouded the area, disturbing the satellite imagery, only further confirming the location.

 

“Seems like it’s high time we had a raid.”

 

Kivotos, morning. GSC Building

 

“Currently, a new anomaly has manifested in parts of Kivotos. Reports of unknown, nonhaloed individuals have popped up around D.U Shiratori, with video footage of a large convoy of tanks and transport vehicles heading towards the GSC main building.”

 

Video footage of Leopard 1s and trucks full of Blackgold soldiers, clad in black and dark blue is displayed. 

 

“Meanwhile, two rifts have appeared, one in Trinity and one in Gehenna. The one in Gehenna is unlocatable, with only a rough location and on-site witnesses reporting it to be in an alleyway. The reason for this lack of knowledge is due to perpetrators similar to those in the convoy in D.U Shiratori having come out of the rift, engaging in armed conflict against the Gehenna Prefect Team. There has also been use of chemical weapons by the attackers has been seen, with the chemicals causing severe lung damage upon increased inhalation, with fatalities among Prefect Team members already occurring. This is not a joke. If you see a green gas, flee immediately. It is lethal.”

 

Shaky video footage shows the filmer firing into a roiling cloud of green gas, with Blackgold soldiers wearing gas masks retaliating, firing shots and tossing canisters of the gas, forcing Prefect Team members to retreat. A burst of gunfire slammed into the filmer, knocking them down. The footage jolted with the body as it was hit multiple times, before the camera went still, falling sideways and showing green gas rolling forward with black combat boots moving past. The fate of the filmer was clear, with loud choking and coughing sounds that could be heard off-camera.

 

“The rift in Trinity, meanwhile, has been relatively peaceful, with nothing coming out. It initially appeared with two individuals, with a heavily armored man killing another man on the ground, before abruptly turning back to the portal and going back. Equipment recovered from the dead man’s corpse does not match any produced in Kivotos, while the JTF and Valkyrie are currently trying to find and arrest the individual on charges of first-degree murder. Due to the relative safety on this side of the Trinity rift, the GSC has planned for a squad of SRT to be sent in to investigate the anomaly soon. For the viewer’s safety, we will only display a sketch of the armored individual, and we will not show the man’s corpse.”

 

A rough sketch of a man in a black, customized SH Matzka 2 Helmet with a metal plate covering most of the glass, leaving a tiny gap to see through. A black cape, tattered at the edges, flowed behind him, and a Defender M4 Rig, also customized, was patterned with metal. The figure was holding a roughly drawn RPK-16 and its gunshield, pointing down. Grey camo pants and black combat boots sat under the armored rig, giving the figure a generally ominous and menacing aura.

 

“Meanwhile, helicopter footage has captured a convoy coming from Abydos desert, also with nonhaloed individuals but with different vehicles and uniforms. Who are these mysterious individuals, and where are they coming from? Well-”

 

Rin shut off the TV in front of her. This was honestly one of Kronos’ more serious broadcasts, and she didn’t want to stick around for their crazy theory-crafting.

 

“So? Care to answer that question, mister?” Rin said, turning towards the Blackgold officer who was also watching the broadcast, now quite pale.

 

‘Shit…Tevila’s here now too. Things just got a lot more complicated…’ he thought.

 

“All in due time, Miss Rin. Let’s just sit down… and talk about it over a cup of coffee.” the Blackgold officer said, sitting down from across Rin.

 

Things were getting chaotic.

Notes:

Huge thanks to everyone who's stuck with this fic till now. I appreciate it very much!

Chapter 12: Laundering and War Crimes

Notes:

Author's warning:DISTURBING SCENES AHEAD. READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.

Kamona, ???. ???

 

A pair of operators sit in a bar, discussing the news.

 

“So…it seems like operations got suspended in the TV station and at the Armory. Have you heard anything about the reason?” the first operator said, sipping on a mug of beer.

 

“Thing’s airtight. I can’t even contact my friends inside the Armory, they’ve locked both locations down tight. No people or information in or out of those places. Can’t put a thumb on it at all. From some other guys I have contact with though, apparently Northridge’s been empty. The Forest Man’s gone most of the time.” the second one said, taking a light sip from a bottle of vodka.

 

“Same story here. Some guy I know had direct contact with Abyss Squad, contact got cut off a few days ago. No word from them at all.”

 

“Weird shit’s been happening ever since that plane crashed…”

 

“No shit. You saw the goddamn thing that happened on the night the plane got shot down? The thing flashed blue . The fuck was on that plane?”

 

“Seems like we’re going to have to dig deeper…I’ve been hearing all over the Dark Zone that we operators are losing contact with our contacts…Deke said he was gonna go on a short trip, no word from him. Kayla and Andre all went radio silent, Randall went to the Armory for the Blackgold offensive and never came back. Rodriguez only got a short message off because the Port’s preparing for an attack from the TV Station, and Thomas and Vladlen only said that they were getting called on by Sumek for some business. Only Lyle and Joel are still up and active. Operators are getting restless…” the second operator said, letting off a sigh.

 

“Good talk. Hopefully we meet back here…alive.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

Both operators clinked their respective containers, mug against bottle, before taking a large swig. Outside, the air began to turn chilly. A snowstorm was coming.

 

Kivotos, morning. Abydos annex building

 

It had been a few days since Problem Solver 68’s attack on the building, and the Abydos students were gathered in the meeting room for the weekly meeting on solutions to their debt. Previously, when the operators had heard the amount on the debt, AS-2 had offered to pay it off, but Hoshino had turned it down, similar to Nonomi’s offer to pay it off using her solid gold credit card before.

 

The operators had gone back to SCHALE building after the incident, making preparations to attack the Kaiser PMC base, getting the Tevilans settled, and overall welcoming extra applicants to SCHALE and getting them to work with the Tevilans.

 

So, when they returned to Abydos, they were bone tired and also weighed down from the recent news. Gehenna had been able to push back against the Blackgold assault in Gehenna after utilising gas masks themselves, but it was still a dangerous endeavor due to the gas masks’ possibility of being damaged during firefights. This resulted in large casualties for both sides, eventually grinding to a standstill as Blackgold had demolished buildings near the rift using explosives to establish a temporary base, and therefore a foothold. Meanwhile, the SRT expedition group sent through the rift, FOX squad, still hadn’t returned after four days and additional Tevilan forces had blinked into existence in Millenium causing a whole load of headaches for Yuuka and the Senseis. A Blackgold splinter group had also shown up at the GSC Building, complicating things for Rin and her colleagues, as they had different goals than the Blackgold forces in Gehenna, but the public would view them in the same manner as them.

 

“Goddamnit…if it was only us, and a few troops I thought it’d be fine. Now Kivotos is getting itself dragged into the conflict…” IN-7 groaned, his eyes tired from dealing with the increasing paperwork.

 

“At this point, we’re going to have to step into the situation in Gehenna soon…motherfuckers…” DO-9 grumbled.

 

“Ah, whatever. Let’s…*yawn*...get this meeting over with and…sleep some more…” AS-2 said, yawning  from the lack of sleep.

 

TI-7 was the only one that didn’t seem affected, having stayed awake for extended amounts of time as a sniper. Once they entered the meeting room, the FTF immediately greeted them.

 

“Morning, Senseis!~☆”

 

“Uhehe~…AS-2 Sensei, you look about as awake as I am…”

 

“Nn. Morning.”

 

“Good morning, Senseis. Try to stay awake for the meeting, please.”

 

“Hmph…good morning…”

 

The operators practically collapsed into the chairs(except TI-7), letting out groans of tiredness and pain.

 

“Haahhhh…kids, have you seen the news lately?” DO-9 said, rubbing his back. He was really getting too old for this stuff.

 

“...no? What’s going on?” Serika said. The Abydos region was pretty isolated, so not much news came in or out. Ayane and Nonomi both flinched slightly, having seen the news.

 

“...never mind. You don’t need to know. So, today’s meeting was on how to pay off the debt, right?” DO-9 said, sighing in somewhat relief. He knew at least one of them had seen the news, but better that some don’t know than none of them.

 

“Y-yes…now, who wants to put their idea forward first?” Ayane said.

 

“Ah! Me! I’ll go first!” Serika’s hand shot up.

 

After Serika went up, she went on a little ramble about how they had to make it big. IN-7 nodded along, having gone to his fair share of casinos before to grow his earning front he Dark Zone, though never enough to get blacklisted or to get addicted to gambling. He nodded all the way along until Serika pulled out a poster, showing everyone something about the…Germanium Bracelet Network?

 

“Uhhh…kid, I know that those halos above your head give you near-magical powers, but can you put that magic in objects?” IN-7 said, before being bluntly interrupted by AS-2.

 

“It’s a scam…more precisely, a pyramid scheme…” AS-2 said, sighing. Deke’s smuggling and trading business he worked in before had done similar scams, but the department for those scams had eventually been terminated as operators in the Dark Zone became less gullible, making scams less effective.

 

“Now I realize why the rifts were one-way from Kamona to start…if people like you were in the Dark Zone with that level of naivety, someone persuasive enough could scam you of your gun before you know it…” AS-2 said, facepalming as he continued to grill Serika, while Serika had a flushed face and was completely frozen by the critique given by a Gordon Ramsay equivalent in trade and smuggling.

 

“I-I think that’s enough…” IN-7 said, sweatdropping while TI-7 silently moved the still frozen Serika back to her seat, sitting her down.

 

“Proposal rejected…next one?” Ayane said, looking slightly uncertain.

 

“Nn, I’ll go.” Shiroko said, raising her hand. Ayane had a certain terrified look on her face, and the operators could roughly guess what she was gonna say.

 

Shiroko immediately presented the idea of robbing the central bank, even pulling out handmade ski masks from a bag nearby.

 

“Hmmm…not actually a half bad idea.” TI-7 said. Profit was profit after all, and honestly it was pretty feasible considering these students could tank a few shots.

 

“Absolutely not…I don’t think we should encourage this behavior among these kids…look how all those militants turned out in the Dark Zone.” DO-9 said.

 

“I agree with DO-9 Sensei…proposal rejected.” Ayane said. 

 

All the other operators agreed as well.

 

“So…next one?” Ayane said, with her voice tinged in uncertainty and a slight bit of anger. None of these proposals were serious…

 

“I’ll go…” Hoshino said, raising her hand. Ayane sighed in relief. Finally, their responsible senior was going to put forward a serious proposal…right?

 

Hoshino started with a little speech on the lack of students and abysmal enrollment numbers, pointing out the issue and advocating for a solution to the problem, which AS-2 nodded to. More people was more manpower (or womanpower in this case), and that was good to help achieve long-term goals. However, when Hoshino mentioned the method, AS-2 immediately started sweating.

 

“We hijack a bus of students and force them to sign enrollment papers.” Hoshino said, giving a sleepy smile.

 

“...I don’t think you’ll win their loyalty like that… besides, shots aren’t even lethal here, and there’s a whole bus full of students against you five…how are you even going to pull this off?” AS-2 said sweating slightly. The solution might as well have derailed his previous train of thought, sending it tumbling down a mountain to crash and burn at the bottom. This was a horrible plan.

 

“Even if, say, you actually do manage to pull this off…I’m pretty sure some students have enough common sense to realize that you can’t camp their bodies forever, unlike a certain someone…” IN-7 said, staring at TI-7. He knew that TI-7 camped teammates’ corpses before, exploiting the enemies’ greed to lure them out into the open before blowing their brains out.

 

“...” TI-7 didn’t respond to the jab. It was extremely ineffective!

 

“Proposal rejected! Do any of you have serious proposals!?” Ayane said, extremely angry at this point.

 

“Me! Me!” Nonomi said, waving her hand in the air enthusiastically.

 

“Alright, go ahead…” Ayane said, sweating slightly. This could not possibly go wro-

 

“Two words:Pop Idols!”

 

Everyone in the room, excluding Nonomi, collectively broke another sweat. Meanwhile, in another gacha game, a group of three men collectively sneezed. One, a 50,000 year old Herscher slayer, one a 500 year old simp/mad scientist and one a edgy black hole and object manifester(who was also the creator of Arahato).

 

“Uhhh…did someone just talk about us?” Otto Apocalypse said. For some reason, he felt a sense of impending doom. One could say, an impending apocalypse.

 

“Something doesn’t feel right…my MANTIS senses are telling me so.” Kevin Kaslana said, temporarily stopping in his journey to inhale another cup of cup noodles.

 

“It’s probably nothing…probably.” Welt Yang said, though he had a distinct feeling of dread as well.

 

Back in the meeting room, Ayane slammed the table.

 

“28 stab wounds! You really didn’t give him a chance, did you?”

 

“REJECTED!”

 

“How about we just let the Senseis decide? Or tell us their own plan if they have one?” Hoshino suggested.

 

“That…actually sounds logical. Go ahead.” Ayane said, though with a look that was saying ‘If you say any stupid shit, I’ll kill you.’

 

In response, TI-7 simply tossed the Shittim chest on the table, the screen lighting up and showing a map of the Abydos desert, with a large blurry patch in the middle.

 

“We’ve been honing in on whoever’s supplying the attacks these past few days, which was confirmed to be “Kaiser Corporation” by Problem Solver 68. Tracking shipments and such, me and the others have been able to narrow the base down to this point.”

 

“So…how does this help take care of the debt, exactly?” Ayane said. She could sort of see it, but raiding a Kaiser base would only lower their credit score-

 

“For one, gang attacks will be easier to deal with once they lose access to all the fancy equipment that Kaiser has. We’ll also do it the Kamona way: go in, “take care of” the occupants, and take whatever loot we can. Then, we’ll just sell it and give you the profits. In fact, I’m quite sure that physical loot isn’t the only thing we’ll get; the databases will definitely contain transaction logs of illegal dealings. We can just take the evidence and sue them with information to demand reparations, and they can’t do jack shit because we’re an extrajudicial organization.” TI-7 said, letting out a satisfied smirk. For him, he could already see the checkmate.

 

“...I mean, it sounds credible, but how are you going to sell Kaiser equipment? It technically belongs to them, and you can’t sell their equipment without their permission.” Ayane said.

 

“Who said we were going to sell it in Kivotos?”  TI-7 said.

 

“Huh?” 

 

“We got in contact with Deke a few days ago, and thus the market. It’ll work this way: we steal the gear, give it to Deke, then he’ll launder the gear to make it seem like it came from a legit manufacturer from our world. He’ll sell it in the Dark Zone, then split the pay between us and him. However, since it’s in koens, we go and buy gold bars from the market in Kamona using said koens, then bring the gold bars here to Kivotos and convert it to yen through Rin. Simple, right?” AS-2 said.

 

“Isn’t this…literally robbing a bank with extra steps?” Ayane sweatdropped. This was simply robbing a bank with higher risk and higher reward, after all.

 

“Oh, I guarantee you that we’ll make a lot of profits here. In fact, guns are so cheap here that I could buy and resell ten AKMs from here to the Dark Zone and make enough money to pay off 2.5% of your debt.” AS-2 said. He’d gone to Angel 24 to buy supplies, and had seen that abysmally cheap prices on some guns, especially mass-produced ones. Honestly, with Deke being Deke he might as well just make a new branch of Kaiser in the Dark Zone that wasn’t under the actual jurisdiction of Kivotos’ Kaiser and just resell weapons and equipment smuggled in from Kivotos without the need to launder them. 

 

Shiroko’s eyes were practically sparkling. Absolute genius, and the best part? They didn’t even have to do sophisticated things like cutting off alarms, months of planning and worrying about their identity being leaked. It was just simple: Enter, raid the facility, take any valuable items and data, and extract.

 

Ayane’s response to such a proposal was cut off by a large explosion in the distance.

 

“H-huh? What the hell?” Serika yelled.

 

“Great…never assume it’s a normal day…” IN-7 groaned. What was with something going wrong every time they left the SCHALE building?

 

“I’ve tracked it…there’s been an explosion at Shiba Seki Ramen!” Ayane said, her recon drone spotting the point of the explosion. The drone flew closer, trying to get a clearer view of the instigators.

 

“WHAT!? I’M GOING TO KILL WHOEVER DID IT!” Serika yelled, grabbing her duffel back and rifle before rushing out.

 

The operators also snapped awake, grabbing their gear while rushing out with everyone else. Jumping into the GLC2301, AS-2 floored the gas pedal, the armored car speeding down the road towards Shiba Seki Ramen.

 

Kivotos, daytime. Abydos residential area

 

The armored car pulled to a stop beside the ruined ramen shop, now reduced to a pile of rubble. Everyone inside immediately dismounted, with Serika rushing over to the rubble pile, finding the members of Problem Solver 68 walking out the ruins of the shop with Master Shiba slung over Mutsuki’s shoulder.

 

“YOU GUYS AGAIN?!” Serika yelled angrily, her face turning red.

 

“...you lot again? I told you not to cause trouble again, unless you want to die…I was serious. I’ll give you all a chance to leave right fucking now, before I really fuck you up bad.” TI-7 said, sending shivers down the spines of the PS68 members.

 

“W-wait! It wasn’t us! We came over to have a bowl of noodles, and while we were eating we got shelled by some mortars!” Aru said with a panicked face, waving her hands in front of her. As if to emphasize her point, a light whistling sound was heard before several more explosions rocked the streets around them, throwing up chunks of asphalt. A loud voice boomed down the street, emitting from a megaphone.

 

“This is the Gehenna Prefect Team! Problem Solver 68, come out with your hands up and surrender to be taken into custody!” a girl carrying a custom Kar98 with silver twintails and elf ears yelled into the megaphone.

 

“The fuck? Do they have the jurisdiction to do this?” AS-2 said, crouching behind a concrete barrier.

 

“I don’t think so…but I thought they were dealing with the Blackgold invasion in Gehenna?” IN-7 responded back.

 

“...motherfuckers.” DO-9 growled. This was absolutely disgusting to him. Flaunting your power so blatantly, not for any meaningful purpose just to cause collateral damage.

 

“They don’t look too friendly…” Hoshino muttered.

 

“Packrat, Juggernaut, High Caliber. Prepare for battle. Something’s amiss, I can feel it. I’ll withdraw and scout the surrounding area for reinforcements. If a fight breaks out, tell me and I’ll take care of any reinforcements.” TI-7 said, rushing over to a nearby fire escape and beginning his climb up.

 

“Affirmative, Overwatch. I’ll go confront them.” DO-9 said, watching him go.

 

DO-9 got up, walking towards Iori with no weapons in his hands. Kayoko trailed behind him, flinching as DO-9 looked back.

 

“What do you want?” DO-9 said, his voice tinged with hostility. He’d taken a disliking to her ever since she had activated her halo’s ability, making him relive his past traumas.

 

“I have some words to exchange with them as well…specifically their commander.” Kayoko said.

 

“Fine.”

 

The duo walked up to Iori while she unslung her Kar98, pointing it at Kayoko.

 

“Perfect. One of you is here, seems like you’re one of the more sensible ones. Now the rest of you! Come over here, don’t make our job more diffi-”

 

“You disgust me.” Iori was abruptly interrupted by DO-9, who had similarly unslung his USAS-12. Doing a magazine check, he made sure that he had loaded the special rounds before slamming it back into the shotgun.

 

“...excuse me?” Iori said, taken aback.

 

“No, not you. Your commander. I know you’re listening, Amau Ako.” DO-9 said. A drone swooped in, before displaying a hologram of Ako. Dressed in rather…revealing clothes and wearing a cowbell dangling from a choker and light blue hair, she was currently holding a clipboard while letting off a smile.

 

“Oh?~ How’d you know?”

 

“TI-7 dug around the GSC databases for prominent figures here too. Information was basic, but I was able to ascertain that you act as the commander of the Prefect Team when Hina is absent. Since Hina isn’t the type to do this…it could only be you.” 

 

“So, then. Tell me what disgusts you.” Ako said with a smile, though there was also a slightly pissed expression leaking through.

 

“Everything. Why use such force to arrest a few petty problem makers, even shelling the building they were in? Why were you in such a rush? I’ll tell you why. You want to intimidate the Abydos girls, show them that they can't do shit. You know why that pisses me off? Because Colom did the exact same thing to my homeland, turning it into the hell and warzone that I know it as today, and Tevila helped us. Instead of crushing us like Colom, they supported us, helping us take back and defend our lands. I did the same. I never used my bullets to slaughter the citizens and steal their valuables. I used my armor to be a shield for my teammates, for the people I value, for the homeland I loved. That’s why you disgust me Ako. You abuse your power, use it to bully the weak where you see fit. And, just like those Blackgold commanders that treat all their troops like expendables, you don’t give a shit about your troops.” DO-9 said, but before he could continue, Ako interrupted.

 

“What…what the hell are you saying? I care for every Prefect Team member! On what grounds can you say-” Ako yelled, losing her composure from the repeated jabs by DO-9, but DO-9 interrupted her, losing his composure as well.

 

“What the fuck are you doing, Ako? I know you’re aware of the Blackgold invasion going on in Gehenna right now. Members of your Prefect Team are dying , yet you’re still diverting such a large force here. For what? I’ll tell you right now. Those Blackgold bastards aren’t stupid. In fact, they probably noticed such a large force leaving. I’m pretty sure they’re mounting an offensive right now. Why don’t you deal with that now?” DO-9 said, voice rising.

 

Ako had completely lost it at this point, but before she could retort, a large explosion could be heard before the hologram cut out, with the last few seconds showing Ako turning around, face filled with panic.

 

“...guess it’s just us now. I’ll tell you this once: leave. Or face the consequences.” DO-9 said, turning to face Iori.

 

“Just as he said. If you take another step forward…well, you’re really not gonna like what happens next.” IN-7 said, walking up and standing next to DO-9.

 

“Nothing personal, kid. Business is business…if you want to deal.” AS-2 said, sidling up on the other side of DO-9.

 

“We’ll support you, senseis!” the FTF members said, running up from behind.

 

“Overwatch, get ready.” AS-2 said, relaying through the headset.

 

“Affirmative. Hostiles located, awaiting neutralization orders.” TI-7 responded, taking out his AR-57, getting ready to shower down a group of Prefect Team reinforcements.

 

“Be careful…I suspect that Ako’s intentions were to capture you all, senseis. Not us. This was bait to lure us out.” Kayoko said, narrowing her eyes.

 

“Then we’ll show them they’ve lured out a fish a bit too big for their hook.” IN-7 said, smirking confidently under his helmet.

 

Iori fidgeted uncomfortably. Communications with Ako were cut off, and their objective was to capture PS68 as far as she knew. She wanted to hurry back to reinforce Gehenna, but that meant the failure of the current objective.

 

“You know what…everyone, let’s retreat. It’s not worth it right now, and we have bigger problems to deal with.” Iori grumbled. In truth, she was scared. If they took losses right now, the Prefect Team members would spend at least a day recovering, and the situation at Gehenna wasn’t good. The other members of the Prefect Team had mixed opinions. On one hand, fighting these guys would get them put out of commission painfully, but if they headed back, reprimands would definitely be issued, and they also didn’t want to die fighting Blackgold.

 

Eventually though, all the Prefect Team members retreated.

 

“Haaahhh…really thought we were in for a fight today…” AS-2 said, slumping down. The anxiety-induced adrenaline was gone, making him realize how tired he was from the lack of sleep and the stress today.

 

“Grrr…they still haven’t made reparations for blowing up my workplace…” Serika growled. However, she stiffened in surprise when DO-9 put a hand on her shoulder.

 

“I…think they have more things to worry about right now. Don’t hold a grudge against them…to be honest, I can only hope that they’re alive the next time we see them, if we ever do.” DO-9 said, his voice softening. He knew, despite everything, that even if the girl Ako was after them, it was probably a desperate measure to get them to help defend against the attacks from Blackgold.

 

As the Abydos girls retreat and Problem Solver walks away after an apology, DO-9 pulls TI-7 aside.

 

“TI-7, I need to ask you a favor.”

 

Kivotos, noontime. Gehenna Emergency Medicine Club clinic

 

Chinatsu walked towards the building, face somber. Even outside the door, she could hear the panicked yells of the members of the Emergency Medicine Club and the coughing of patients. This time, however, it wasn’t coughing caused by an illness. She had gone there, wanting to pay a visit to her old club, as well as the club president, Sena after reading the reports on the attacks and its victims. Walking in, her eyes widened. It had become worse than the reports had said. Students lay on makeshift cots on the floor, covering every available inch after the proper beds had been occupied. EMC club members tried their best to avoid the sea of coughing and unconscious students on the floor on their way to provide help to those who had only breathed in a little of the gas. For those who had breathed in a lot, the EMC club members could only pray.

 

Sena walked up to greet Chinatsu, clearly shaken.

 

“This conflict with the forces on the other side of the rift is costing us so much…I used to accidentally refer to my patients as corpses…never thinking there would be a day where saying so wouldn’t be a mistake.” Sena said, her eyes losing their luster. Other EMC club members were in a similar state, with some in a literal catatonic state, hugging their legs after witnessing a close friend pass away in such a slow and painful manner, while not being able to do anything. Chinatsu simply stared in horror, as one of the students coughed up blood, while Sena stared on sadly. For Chinatsu, it was a firsthand experience, different from reading from the reports, while for Sena, it had become almost normal.

 

The doors behind Chinatsu barged open, as multiple stretchers were wheeled in. Multiple students on these stretchers were convulsing violently, either wheezing, dry coughing or coughing up blood. Nebulizers were quickly grabbed out of boxes, EMC club members quickly giving doses to the ones dry coughing and wheezing. Their strained breathing ceased and they fell unconscious, while the medical effects took place.

 

“We requested help from the GSC and SCHALE after the attacks with gas started happening, but they were only able to send over a few boxes of nebulizers. These help with students who only breathed in a little, but for those who breathed in a large amount…those who are coughing blood…” Sena said, shaking her head sadly. As if to prove her point, one of the Pandemonium Society mobs brought in who was violently coughing up blood suddenly slumped down, her halo shattering. Nearby EMC club members froze, while one went to feel her pulse, desperately hoping. There was none.

 

“H-how did this happen? Why?” Chinatsu could only stammer out. It was horrible. Students left with permanent lung damage or outright dying right in front of her, around her. They were helpless. Some carts with sheets draped over the bodies on stretchers were wheeled into a separate room, the students having already succumbed to the gas on the battlefield or had died during the ambulance ride here. Some of the sheets still had fresh blood splattered over them from when the students were still alive and coughing.

 

“I…don’t know. The situation’s…I can’t even describe it anymore. It’s depressing.” was all that Sena could say.

 

A Prefect Team jeep suddenly pulled up, braking just outside the door and nearly colluding with the ambulances. 

 

“EVERYONE! GET OUT OF THE BUILDING! ENEMY AIRCRAFT INCOMING!” one of the PT mobs yelled, startling everyone present.

 

“W-what?” Sena said, shocked. Aircraft heading towards the clinic? Even in conflicts between academies, there was a universal rule: clinics and hospitals were supposed to be a safe zone .

 

“No…they can’t do this! Why?!” Chinatsu said, her eyes widening. She could hear it now, the sounds of multiple helicopters outside.

 

The Gehenna students were ignorant of one fact, one truth of the Dark Zone that they did not have in Kivotos.

 

In war, there were no rules.

 

Kivotos, noontime. Gehenna District

 

Things were going downhill. Multiple Pandemonium society tanks had been knocked out, the crew inside having their defense capabilities whittled down by repeat attacks from GHO grenades thrown by Blackgold troops, which dealt explosive and pressure damage, bypassing the tanks’ armor and on the occasional lucky grenade throw, taking out a main or coaxial gun or destroying other vital parts like the vision port, tracks, engine or hatch hinges. The steady hiss of gas grenades permeated the battlefield, obscuring vision for both sides.

 

Abandoned tanks or those whose crew were no longer conscious clogged the road, with some having a peaceful death as their tanks became metal coffins, being knocked out before dying to the gas. Others who were conscious weren’t so lucky. Ones with broken hatch hinges and engines or tracks were stuck, unable to exit the tanks to repair those parts and retreat, becoming trapped inside as gas entered the cabins. Desperate cries and pleas, the pounding of fists against hard metal, went unheard amidst the steady echo of gunfire resonating all around the street. 

 

Helicopters flew overhead, having been assembled inside Kivotos from parts brought over from Kamona through the rift. They couldn’t fit large tanks or helicopters in the TV Station central area, meaning that smaller-scale vehicles had to be deployed. They also hadn’t been able to get a large enough space for an airstrip to deploy A-10 Warthogs yet in their temporary base, meaning that they were stuck with using VTOLs as their airforce. Smaller vehicles, such as FV101 Scorpions, rumbled along, taking out the Pandemonium tanks that were primitive in comparison, while shells from Pandemonium tanks failed to penetrate.

 

Blackgold foot soldiers were going full offensive, laying down heavy fire and advancing forward using creeping barrages from mortars set up in the backlines. Prefect Team and Pandemonium society members fought side to side, determined to push back the invaders, holding a strong defensive. Both sides were wearing gas masks, now aware of the threat of the gas, but it wasn’t completely foolproof. Gehennan artillery also rained down occasionally, bombarding Blackgold positions and causing them to take some casualties. Buildings were caught in the blast of the artillery from both sides, turning the place into a warzone with collapsed and burning buildings.

 

The Gehenna students all felt horrible. On one hand, they were seeing their fellow students die, but on the other hand, they were also killing people. Killing people. Something entirely alien to the students, seeing dark, crimson blood splatter on the ground from holes made in bodies from their bullets. Some laughed maniacally, while others cried in confusion, all with their sanity slipping. The streets were painted red, whether from blood, or the raging flames from shelled-out buildings and destroyed vehicles.

 

It was not helping that Blackgold had begun kidnapping students, dragging unconscious bodies away into the gas. Kivotos was becoming more and more involved in the conflict.

 

Kamona, afternoon. Rift site

 

The rift opened once more. This time, another expedition group, this time with communications equipment, prepared to go through. This time, no indicators of the climate: just a sound, a soft steady hum and occasional buzzing could be heard.

 

The second MNST exploration group had officially entered. However, unlike before, the rift stayed open.

 

Three completely stable rifts had been established to Kivotos.

Notes:

War never changes, huh?

Anyways, a heads-up that due to activities during the summer, uploads will come slower. I'll also try to get another chapter out before my trip, meaning there will be NO updates to this fic for at least the first half of july.

For those of you who have checked out this fic since the day it was posted...well, it's been a month, huh? Thanks for sticking around.

Chapter 13: Fight Back (I)

Notes:

Come ride with me...into more depression.

Kivotos, noontime. Trinity District

 

FOX Squad filed out of a GSC armored car, being dropped off in front of the rift. Multiple members of Trinity’s JTF greeted them, having locked down the perimeter. The rift glowed a soft blue, with a slight chilly and moist atmosphere coming through from the rift. Nodding back, Yukino gestured towards the other members to group up. Doing last-minute checks on her HK416, she nods as the gun shows no visible signs of malfunction.

 

“So, the GSC told us to explore the other side and apprehend this armored guy, right?” Niko said, while Otogi pulls up sketches of Renoir made by eyewitnesses of the incident on a pad. 

 

“Yeah. Be wary, the people on the other side...they're not friendly, based on those attacks in Gehenna.” Yukino affirmed, while Kurumi hefted her riot shield.

 

“Wasn’t the guy the suspect executed part of the group that’s attacking Gehenna right now? Maybe they’re fighting against them?” Otogi said, with a slightly hopeful tone in her voice. Apparently, friendly soldiers that belonged to an organization called “MNST” from the other side of the rift had arrived at SCHALE, though FOX Squad hadn’t confirmed it themselves.

 

“Nevertheless, be careful. They’re not opposed to using guns to kill.” Yukino said, as the group piled behind Kurumi.

 

FOX Squad entered the rift, pushing through.

 

The first voluntary contact with Kamona by Kivotos residents.

 

The first to witness the hell of the war themselves.

 

Kamona,???. ???

 

“The test subject has expired. Dispose of the body.” A CDIS researcher huffed, disappointed. Ever since they had gotten their hands on the individual “Wakamo”, things had been lively. Medical items galore had been tested on her, and it was a goddamn miracle. Not only did the effects work, they seemed to work better than on normal operators. Painkillers lasted longer, endurance and strength injections made them stronger than they already were and healing items like regeneration stimulants patched them up nearly instantly. Not to mention the fact that when they tried to shoot her after knocking her unconscious, the bullet literally flattened against her skin before falling off. 

 

Miracle bulletproof girls. If his friends outside of the lab heard about this, they’d say it was something straight out of an anime.

 

However, things fell apart when they started testing a new stimulant that they made, dubbed the Breakpoint stimulant. Apparently, the stimulant had a rough 25% chance to outright kill the user, but in the 75% chance that it didn’t, it would give a veritable cocktail of effects, such as hearing enhancement, muscle mass increase, sedation and endurance and strength enhancement, lasting for 10 minutes. The researcher had been especially curious about the effects of hearing stimulants, and how the effects would be amplified on someone with animal ears.

 

Unfortunately, the wheel of fate decided not to sate his curiosities, and “Wakamo” had died. Fortunately, however, Blackgold troops had sent a shipment of “test subjects” from the TV Station, courtesy of the recent rift opening in the location. Upon further inquiry, none of them had any animal features, and seemed to be normal humans other than the halos and bulletproof bodies. Completely stabproof, too, though it seems like gas and now injections could be lethal.

 

It seems he’d have to wait for his hypothesis on the effects of sensory boosting stimulants on those with animal ears. In the meanwhile, he wondered…if this girl had died from the Breakpoint stimulant, was the lethality rate the same as for operators, or was it higher for these girls?

 

Kamona, afternoon. Armory radar station

 

FOX Squad emerged, first a riot shield, then its owner. Cautiously stepping in, they were greeted with a light drizzle. The clouds had parted enough to show the setting sun, casting a dull orange glow over the landscape. The rift sat facing away from the Bunker, giving the girls a good view of the Barn and the Gas Station. Kurumi flinched as her foot made contact with a metal object, making a clinking sound. Looking down, she saw bullet casings littering the ground, the one she had hit with her boot rolling away into a small pool of crimson. Tracing the blood up to its source, Kurumi looked sick in the face, as the other members also looked upon the body of a soldier clad in green. 

 

A light green helmet and white body armor sat on the body, with the latter full of bloody holes from gunshot wounds. The soldier himself was already dead, slumped against a green cargo crate with his T85 still gripped firmly in his cold hands, blood leaking from the corner of his mouth. Sandbags and Czech Hedgehogs lined the edge of a platform in front of the radar station in two layers, forming a makeshift defense, with signs that it had been there even before the rift had opened.

 

The FOX members only grimaced before moving on. They had expected this, but the real thing was something else, with all of them slightly shaken. Nevertheless, they looked around, and found the doorway into the radar station (or more accurately the doorframe; there was no door.), before walking in, looking for any clues about this place.

 

“So this is the result of gunfights in a world where people don’t have halos…” Niko said, eyes wide.

 

The interior was a mess. Crates lay open, as if someone had searched them, and bullet casings lay everywhere, along with a few shotgun shells here and there. Blood practically covered the floor, giving off a rank stench while mixing with the smell of gunpowder and sulfur. Corpses littered the ground, some with green uniforms and some with unfamiliar brown combat fatigues. One particular corpse was slumped against the leg of a table, his face mask having holes in multiple places with cracks spiderwebbing from the piercing points. Fresh blood still dripped down from their chin, staining their black-colored chest armor. They did not need to flip up the face mask to know what lay beneath it, seeing the unmasked results on some soldiers that had had their heads blown right off. Some of the corpses strangely also had extremely mangled legs, with marks indicating JHP rounds and buckshot had been shot into the legs.

 

As Yukino shone her assault rifle’s gun light onto the corpse, gunfire could be heard from the direction of the bunker, as well as shouts, picked up by their sensitive ears. Something else they could hear was the sound of slow footsteps on metal, originating from the staircase in front of them. Instantly, all the members of the group raised their weapons, pointing them at the staircase.

 

The footsteps stopped. Then, the sound of pockets being opened, before the unmistakable sound of a pin being pulled. A stun grenade bounced off the curve of the wall of the spiral staircase, landing at their feet.

 

“Take cover!” Yukino yelled, as all the members of FOX Squad crouched down behind Kurumi’s riot shield.

 

As soon as the stun grenade goes off, the operator who threw it rushes up the stairs, unleashing a hail of Dumdum bullets at the group from his MP5, whose limbs were temporarily turned into jelly from the stun grenade. Not expecting a riot shield, half the 50 round magazine was spent on the shield before the operator pulled back around the central beam of the stairwell, taking cover from suppressive fire from Kurumi’s UMP45. Neither side’s bullets pierced, dealing no damage.

 

‘Shit, I’m out of nades. Where the fuck are those guys?’ the operator thought, swapping out his MP5’s drum mag for a fresh one. His Z038 headset crackled to life, his teammates contacting him.

 

“I just heard gunfire at the Radar Station. Are you okay over there?” another operator said, speaking through the headset.

 

“Davidson, get your ass over here! There’s a whole squad over here! Where the fuck are you?” the operator yelled, peeking from his cover only to pull his head back as a spray of buckshot from Niko’s M870 slams into the wall beside his head.

 

“We’re at the Field Hospital, me and Gerson are on our way. Hold tight.” the operator on the other end said. Heavy footsteps could be heard on the other end.

 

“Hurry up! Didn’t get a clear look, but one of them has a riot shield!” the operator said, as he heard footsteps approaching. FOX Squad was starting to push down the staircase, with Kurumi taking point.

 

“The fuck? Doesn’t Blackgold have those?” the operator on the other end says. He checks his pockets, a few impact grenades. Not the best, but it’ll have to do.

 

“No idea, they’re not wearing any uniform I know!” the operator at the radar station yelled, sprinting down the stairs. FOX Squad, hearing this, begins pursuing the operator.

 

“Kurumi, keep your guard up! This might be a trap!” Niko yelled, reloading her shotgun. 

 

“Hold on, I’m contacting Kevin. They might be the ones we’re looking for. Make a run for it, we’ll intercept.”

 

“You mean…?”

 

Kamona, afternoon. Field hospital.

 

“Urgh…” an operator groaned, lying on one of the beds in the field hospital. The soldiers that had been in the Field Hospital had either been drawn to the fight in the Bunker or had been killed by the unaffiliated operators. Currently, the operator on the bed was having surgery performed on his arms by another operator, due to both his arms having been broken.

 

Davidson cut off comms, grabbing a hold of his M4A1 assault rifle. Motioning to another man, Gerson, he ran out the field hospital, passing by a few parked pickup trucks the operators had used to get here. Out of the four initial squads, only three had made it into the Armory, with the fourth having stayed back to hold off the checkpoint guards. One squad was the medical squad, taking over the field hospital temporarily and patching up wounded operators, while a split recon squad stayed outside to scout and find out what Renoir and the other had been keeping under wraps. The last squad had gone into the Bunker to cause a stir, pulling more troops away from vital points.

 

Gerson slung his S12K over his back, before following Davidson. On his way to the Radar station, Davidson patched into his radar, contacting the second half of the recon squad.

 

“Anderson, are you there? Nick’s gotten into trouble. We need you to provide suppressive fire on them while we move in to subdue them. Tell the boys in the Bunker to pull out as well, and join us.”

 

“Affirmative.” 

 

The response came from another operator, adjusting his 1x/6x scope on his M24 bolt-action rifle as he zoomed in on the ground entrance to the Radar Station from a ledge beside the Bunker facing the Radar Station. Tapping the shoulder of the operator next to him, the operator jolted awake, his hands clutching his M110 marksman rifle in anticipation.

 

“H-huh? Wha-where-” the operator mumbled drowsily.

 

“Haaaaaahhhhh…get in contact with the bunker squad, tell them to pull out. We found the targets, and I need you to wake up to provide suppressive fire with me. How you fall asleep in all this gunfire is beyond me…”

 

“Sure, sure…this is Hawk squad to Bunker squad, pull out. We’ve found the POIs(Persons of Interest), they’re currently en route to the intercept point between Field Hospital and Radar Station.”

 

“...”

 

The gunfire had been silenced.

 

“Anderson, something’s wrong. I can’t contact the Bunker squad.”

 

“The fu-” Anderson said, before precise gunfire from an AKM shredded his head like swiss cheese. The operator beside him jolted wide awake, quickly crawling backwards away from the ledge.

 

Meanwhile, the operator carrying the MP5, Nick, was still running towards the intercept point, while FOX Squad pursued.

 

“Hey! Stop! We just need infor-” Otogi yelled, before being cut off as a burst of gunfire smashed into the operator’s chest, first wearing away the armor before eventually penetrating, killing him and splattering blood onto the grass and cliffside that the Radar station was on. FOX Squad looked at the unfortunate operator in horror, while soldiers and a certain armored figure closed in.

 

Meanwhile, Anderson and Gerson heard the gunfire before communications were cut off with Nick.

 

“Shit, they’re onto us! Retreat back to the Field Hospital, get the others, and extract!” Anderson yelled, diving into a prone position while pulling Gerson down as a hail of bullets flew towards them. Anderson is hit in the leg, but simply takes some painkillers to negate the effects of his broken leg before sprinting towards the Field Hospital along with Gerson. More bullets impact both, but thankfully their armor takes the brunt of the damage.

 

Rushing to the trucks, the other operators and the two who had returned hurriedly packed up supplies before piling into the pickup trucks, speeding away towards the extraction point as bullets whiz past them from behind.

 

Meanwhile, FOX Squad was backed up against the cliff face, with multiple Armory troops and a BTR-60 pulling up surrounding the group.

 

“State your business, and drop your weapons.” Renoir said, walking up to them. Kurumi held up her riot shield, while the others peeked out cautiously from behind, guns raised.

 

“We’re here to gather information about this side of the rift. We’re not giving up our weapons though.” Yukino said, pointing her HK416 at Renoir in defiance. “In fact, we’re here to arrest you for committing murder. The GSC would like to meet you.”

 

“Hmmm…should we discuss this now? How about an exchange of information? I’ll tell you about this place, and you tell us about yours. Then we’ll let you go and I’ll forget that you stepped foot in my Armory, and you’ll forget that I did something on your side that we do on a regular basis here. Seeing as I’m not going to come with you, and you all refuse to surrender your weapons.” Renoir said. He did feel somewhat uncomfortable that he’d basically killed someone in front of a bunch of…well, high schoolers at best, but it was an unavoidable consequence of the war. Randall was a major commander for Blackgold forces within the dark Zone, and killing that scumbag was a necessity. 

 

He’d left the rift alone, with MNST Forces on their way to reinforce the rift while his own forces locked down the Armory as best as he could, though it seemed that a group of curious operators had still gotten through. However, he was jolted out of his thoughts as one of the girls in front of him, the one with fox ears and brown hair carrying a H416(the name of the HK416 assault rifle in the Dark Zone) responded.

 

“...we don’t deal with murderers.” Yukino said. With that, she rushed forward, finger pushed down on the trigger. The rounds simply bounced off Renoir’s armor, while Renoir tried to keep up with her maneuvers. The other soldiers and the BTR held fire, afraid of hitting their commander.

 

As Renoir backed up, he tracked Yukino’s movement, taking aim before letting loose a stream of bullets from his modified AK-74N. Yukino dodged a few, but some still hit her. As Renoir reloaded, Otogi shot off a round from her Barrett M82, the round slamming into Renoir’s abdomen. The anti-materiel round smashed through his femur, spreading major damage to his thorax but not enough to kill him. Kurumi followed with a shield bash from her riot shield before mag-dumping her UMP-45, though the round failed to penetrate. Renoir temporarily staggered, the strength from the shield bash affecting him, but not enough to knock him over.

 

“Urgh…! Bastards…” Renoir growled, clutching his abdomen in an attempt to stem the bleeding and pain.

 

In response, Renoir focused on Kurumi, grabbing the edge of her shield before starting to push it to the side with one hand. Kurumi, gun empty, dropped the gun before socking him in the chest, making Renoir lose his grip on the shield.

 

As Renoir fell back, Armory soldiers began shooting Otogi with AKs, G3s, FALs and a variety of other weaponry, with some lobbing M67 frag grenades into the mix. Renoir’s guards also tossed smoke grenades, blinding FOX Squad as Renoir retreated to heal himself. The BTR proceed to lay down suppressive fire, with bullets from the main heavy machine gun making dents in Kurumi’s riot shield. When the smoke cleared, Otogi lay knocked out, while Yukino and Niko stood back to back, with Niko slightly worse off with soldiers exploiting the range of Niko's shotgun to land shots on her without her being able to take effective retaliatory shots.

 

Renoir’s voice reached the conscious members of FOX Squad once more.

 

“One final warning. Surrender now, or we will use force to take you in and pry information from you. You are trespassing on the Armory, and we will take appropriate measures to defend it from invaders like you!” Renoir yelled. At this point, another BTR had arrived, with a small platoon of soldiers and even a T-90 MBT. The main gun was pointed directly at the group, a HE shell loaded.

 

“My shield’s not going to hold if they keep on shooting it like this…they all have some sort of AP bullets, stronger than the ones in Kivotos.” Kurumi said. Not to mention that her arms and feet hurt from accurate shots to those parts by the Armory soldiers. Niko nodded in agreement, with her entire body and face hurting from multiple shots, despite using maneuvers to dodge bullets and close distance with the Armory soldiers, she’d still been hit from the pure volume of firepower.

 

“I don’t think I can hold out for long either…” Niko said, breathing heavily. Yukino looked over at Otogi, who was still knocked down on the ground, as well as at Niko’s belt, coming up with a plan.

 

“Kurumi, shield to the front. You and Niko will push through the encirclement, make a path to the Radar Station bottom entrance. I’ll take Otogi. Niko, hand me your stun grenades, I’ll use it to disorient the soldiers.” Yukino said. The other two nodded, and Niko passed Yukino her belt of stun grenades. Yukino immediately pulls the pin off one before tossing it into the crowd in front, while Niko uses on that she had kept to disorient the soldiers in her way.

 

Yukino sprints over to Otogi, slinging her over her back before sprinting back to Kurumi and Niko. Niko bashes the stock of her shotgun on the disoriented soldiers’ heads and chests, sometimes also discharging round point-blank into their chests, with the armor absorbing the shots and only winding the soldiers. Kurumi knocks out soldiers with shield bashes to the face. The armored vehicles, not affected by the stun grenades, start firing on them. 

 

Just as Niko raises her shotgun to the chest of a soldier to blast him, the HE shell from the T-90 impacts the ground behind them, jolting her forward. As she falls, her elbow pushes down on the stock, jolting the shotgun’s barrel upwards to align with the soldier’s exposed chin. The shotgun jerks forward from the blast, forcing the trigger to slam into Niko’s index finger.

 

The shotgun goes off.

 

The resounding blast of the shotgun, the sound of tearing flesh and bone echoes across the battlefield. All the soldiers, who were focused on stopping the group from escaping, were looking in the direction of the group, seeing the results.

 

Niko’s pink hair was stained with the soldier’s blood and grey matter, while other members of FOX Squad stared at her in horror. Kurumi’s blond hair had also been stained, while Yukino and Kurumi were only covered with mud stains from being knocked over by the blast. Meanwhile, the soldiers, seeing their comrade die, lost all restraint.

 

“MOTHERFUCKERS!”

 

“DAMMNIT! GET THEM!”

 

“DON’T LET THEM ESCAPE! MAKE THEM PAY!” Renoir yelled, having finished healing himself.

 

The vehicle gunners didn’t say anything audibly, but it was clear they were also angry as they switched from controlled bursts to full auto. Yukino quickly slung Otogi over Kurumi’s back, before dragging along a crying Niko as they retreated up the stairs to the second floor of the Radar Station, with Yukino wincing as bullets impacted her back. FOX Squad dashed out onto the platform with the rift on it, making a hasty retreat as Armory soldiers were hot on their heels. The vehicles had to take a detour, driving up the hillside to the platform. All of them clustered around the rift, keeping a safe distance from it while locking down the area.

 

“...it seems the other side is more dangerous than we thought. We cannot simply sit idle anymore. I’ll wait for MNST forces before making any moves. If the other side is hostile…there may be no choice but to engage.” Renoir said, picking up the dog tag of the dead soldier. The night had arrived, and floodlights illuminated parts of the Armory, including the rift. The rain had started once more, pattering the ground and washing the blood off the grass, diluting it into a lighter shade and letting it flow off the bodies of the dead. Soldiers began running around, disposing of dead bodies and stripping them of any useful equipment. MNST reinforcements pull in from one of the checkpoints, a convoy of armored cars, supply trucks, BMPs, BTRs and T90s. A group of Mi-24s flew overhead, red lights blinking and searchlights sweeping the dark areas of the Armory, looking out for intruders.

 

Tensions had mounted.

 

Kivotos, afternoon. Trinity District

 

FOX Squad tumbled out of the rift, landing on the ground. Back on the ground, Yukino pointed her HK416 at the rift, ready to incapacitate any pursuers. JTF members, seeing this, also pointed their weapons at the rift. After waiting a few minutes, Yukino relaxed, as nothing came out. She looked over, and to say the least, her squadmates’ conditions did not look good. Niko was curled up on the ground, sobbing, while Kurumi’s eyes were empty, staring at the blood and grey matter coating Niko’s hair as well as her own. None of them looked well, with mud and sweat covering them from the fight. Bruises were plastered on some parts of their bodies from concentrated gunfire, and they hurt all over. Kurumi’s riot shield was in horrible condition, with some of the edges having broken off and multiple cracks on the shield. The glass pane was nearly opaque from the amount of cracks on it.

 

Nearby members of the JTF stared at the squad, some puking at the sight. One of them called for the Remedial Knights, while FOX Squad grouped together, Yukino trying to comfort the other members.

 

Kivotos, nighttime. GSC Building

 

A knock on the door to Rin’s office. Rin had been expecting it, waiting for a report on FOX Squad’s expedition to the other side of the rift. 

 

“Come in.” Rin said, adjusting her glasses while rubbing her eyes. 

 

What she had not been expecting, however, was a lone figure walking through the door.

 

“Where’s the rest of your squad?” Rin asked.

 

“...they’re being tended to by the Remedial Knights. But if you want to know what happened…I’ll tell you. The others aren’t doing well right now.” Yukino said.

 

“Very well. First of all, the fact that you didn’t call Valkyrie of the GSC means that you failed to apprehend the suspect, correct?” Rin said.

 

“Yes…it seems he's a commander of sorts, and of a very well-trained military force. We couldn’t get through his troops and were forced to break out of an encirclement.” Yukino said, leaving out the details of their escape.

 

“Did you find any relevant information about the other place?”

 

“The suspect said something about us intruding on “their” Armory, and some differently geared people also relayed other locations like the Bunker and Field Hospital before they were killed. The rift’s opening is under a large building with a giant satellite dish, probably some sort of radar station, and we also saw a gas station and a barn-like warehouse further away. We weren’t able to obtain any additional information.”

 

“...do the uniforms of these people look similar?" Rin said, setting down images of TI-7, DO-9, IN-7 and AS-2.

 

“Yes, those were the uniforms of the people that were killed by the soldiers and the suspect. It seems that they are not on good terms with each other…”

 

“...thank you for the information. Tell FOX Squad to take a break and return to SRT Academy.”

 

Yukino walked towards the door, before hesitating and turning her head around.

 

“Just a question…where did you get those photos?”

 

“Those are photos of the Senseis that were brought to Kivotos, the ones who resolved the Sanctum Tower crisis. I’ll talk to them later about this, and see if they have information on what could be on the other side of those rifts…”

 

“...thank you.”

 

Yukino walked out the room, while Rin sighed. Another thing to tend to tomorrow.

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Abydos Desert, 10km from Kaiser PMC base

 

The four senseis sat behind a dune, along with the five members of the FTF. For whatever reason, Shiroko insisted that the members of the FTF wear the ski masks she had made. 

 

“Remember kids, the sooner we get this done, the better. We have a tight schedule.” TI-7 said. The situation in Gehenna had escalated too far for them to ignore, and they were stepping in right after finishing the job at hand. AS-2 took the RPG-7 out of the back of the GLC2301, aiming it at a scrambling tower.

 

“Stand clear!” AS-2 yelled, as the other scrambled out of the way before AS-2 shot the rocket. The rocket flew slowly but precisely, hitting the EMP tower and taking it out.

 

“Drones are a go now that the scram tower’s down. Move in!” IN-7 said, piling into the GLC2301 along with DO-9 and AS-2, as well as Hoshino, Nonomi, Serika and Shiroko. Ayane and TI-7 pushed forwards on foot, providing support from afar.

 

At the gate, two automatons stood guard, mechanical fingers gripping their assault rifles. One of them suddenly noticed a vehicle heading towards them, kicking up dust and sand as it closed in. Zooming in, he saw nothing that marked the vehicle as Kaiser’s.

 

“This is Kaiser PMC! You are trespassing on private property! Turn back now, or we will open fire!” the automaton’s amplified voice boomed across the desert, the only response being a 12.7x99mm round smashing into his face, shredding wires and circuit boards as the round overpenetrates and smacks into the wall behind him, leaving an indent in the concrete wall.

 

“Damn! Sound the-” the second automaton  said, before another .50 cal round makes a hole in his torso, shredding connections to his legs and right arm, dropping him. The last thing he saw was the GLC2301 barrelling straight towards him, before the metal grate at the front of the vehicle bashed into him, turning him into a pile of scrap metal. His communications never got through, as the sentries on the towers overlooking the entrance had also been taken out.

 

The GLC2301 ran right over the automaton, colliding with the entrance, and smashing through the metal as it rumbled on, with only a slight decrease in speed. It skidded to a stop, drifting on the sand while smashing its side against more unprepared automatons. Getting out of their vehicles, the operators and FTF members immediately opened fire, using the car doors as cover against oncoming fire.

 

“Ayane! Have you located their comms center?” IN-7 said, communicating with Ayane through a headset they had lended her. Ayane, who was using her drone for surveillance, nodded.

 

“Yes, IN-7 Sensei. It’s the large building in front of you, three buildings down. You should be able to distinguish it with the amount of relay towers sticking out the roof, as well as the distinct black color.” Ayane said.

 

“Affirmative. Also, FTF-A, please call me by “High Caliber”. It’s just a precaution in case they’re tapping into our comms.” IN-7 said, unloading bursts of 7.62x51mm M62 bullets into the automatons. Even with the thick metal making up their body, the quality was mediocre at best, letting the bullets easily shred through the internals. One thing was for sure though, the bullets these Kaiser guys had had better armor-piercing capabilities, packing a bit more of a punch, but not much. The group ditches the car, pushing forwards towards the comms building.

 

“Got it, High Caliber. Careful, there's a tank coming to intercept you.”

 

IN-7 nods, motioning for the other two operators and the FTF members to take cover. A Kaiser PMC Tank bursts out from one of the side roads, cannon pointing down the street to find…nothing.

 

“Shiroko, blast it with your drone.” DO-9 said, at which Shiroko nodded, sending out her drone. The rocket barrage tears at the armor and disables its main gun, taking out the tank and allowing the group to safely pass. One building away from the comms building, Ayane taps into the comms again with another warning.

 

“There’s a Kaiser power loader approaching your location! Get inside the building, quick!” Ayane yells. The other members of the FTF obliged, and though the operators were confused, they obeyed nonetheless, sensing the urgency from Ayane’s voice. A flashbang is tossed onto the street, cooking the optics of the automatons before Nonomi guns them down with her minigun. The group quickly rushes into the comms building, DO-9 taking point.

 

“FTF-A, just gotta ask. What’s a power loader?” AS-2 questioned. It was a foreign concept to him, never having heard about such a thing in the Dark Zone.

 

“It’s a giant metal robot, usually autonomous but it can be controlled by a pilot inside the cockpit. Usually, as the name suggests, it’s used to lift and transport excessively heavy items, but Kaiser seems to have repurposed them for combat.” Ayane explained.

 

“A mech, huh? Well, thank god we’re in this building. They won’t take out such an important building just to get us…hopefully. By the sound of it, the armor’s pretty thick, though. We’ll have difficulty taking it out.”

 

“All the more to call our friends as soon as possible.” DO-9 said, blasting another Kaiser automaton as it peeked out from a doorway down the hall with flechette rounds, managing to take the head out after three shots from the buckshot.

 

“Fuckin hell…I always hated fighting in cramped spaces.” IN-7 said, as he unloads the last fifth of the 9x19mm 7N31 bullets in his G18C’s 50 round magazine into a Kaiser PMC automaton that had rounded the corner to the hallway, before pulling out his M9 combat knife and slamming it into the head of another. A third automaton rounds the corner, pointing his gun at IN-7 before the blast of a shotgun takes the automaton out. Looking over, IN-7 sees Hoshino give him a light nod, which he returns. Extracting the knife from the automaton's head, he rounds the corner to find a staircase leading upwards.

 

“I’ll toss a flash up, then you two push up with DO-9 and gun down any Kaiser PMC grunts.” IN-7 said, pulling another one out of his pockets while pointing at Shiroko and Serika.

 

‘I really need to thank Suzumi later for giving me these for free…’ he thought as he unpinned it, tossing it up through a gap between the railings of the staircase.

 

“FLASHBANG! COVER YOUR EYE-” a human voice yelled, before it detonated. Gunfire erupted, wild and unpredictable, as DO-9, Shiroko and Serika peeked over the edge of the topmost stair, returning precise fire as opposed to the wild shots of the blinded Kaiser PMC mercenaries.

 

“Stairwell is clear. You’re good to go up. I’m seeing the sign to the command room, be ready to engage.” DO-9 said, while the others also came up the stairs. AS-2 peeked the hallway, pulling his head back as bursts of gunfire impacted the wall behind where his head was.

 

“Nonomi, you know what to do.” AS-2 said with a small grin.

 

“Got it!” Nonomi exclaimed, setting herself at the mouth of the hallway before pressing down on the trigger, the rotary barrel spinning before unleashing a hail of bullets, the automatons getting taken down by the blunt force instead of piercing damage, while mercenaries fainted from the overwhelming amount of fire.

 

“Nice. Let’s keep moving.” IN-7 said, patting Nonomi’s head as he passed by. This prompted a light blush from Nonomi, while Shiroko looked on with a pout.

 

Pushing through the hallway, the group takes down many more groups of mercenaries and automatons, dealing with them with ease. Finally, they arrive at the entrance to the command room.

 

“Stun grenade.” DO-9 says, as IN-7 obliges, tossing one in. The stun grenade goes off, with no sound emitting from the room. Entering, they sweep the room, finding it empty.

 

“Nothing. All clear.” IN-7 said. DO-9 walks over to a radio, switching over to another frequency. There was no point in trying to misinform the PMC troops; they probably knew that the command room had been taken over by now.

 

“Support squad, you are free to move in. Concentrate fire on the Power Loader.” DO-9 says through the new frequency.

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Abydos desert

 

The MNST commander drops his cigarette onto the sand, snuffing it out.

 

“Signal’s been received; we’re on our way.” he says back, motioning at White Wolf and MNST troops to move. They oblige, and the revving of engines fills the stakeout as a group of T-90s and BTR-60s begin moving towards the Kaiser PMC base, with small squads of infantry riding on and inside the BTRs.

 

Arriving at the site, they see the GLC2301 in flames, presumably destroyed by Kaiser PMC troops to prevent the operators from escaping the same way they arrived. A giant, black-and orange robot also stood a few metres away, facing towards the comms building.

 

“BTRs, get inside and take out the automatons and mercenaries. T-90s, focus fire on the Power Loader.” the commander says. The BTRs split up, driving through the streets to other buildings such as production zones and storage depots, as well as the central command building. Meanwhile, the T-90s take aim with APFSDS shells.

 

“Aiming complete! Firing!” one of the gunners says. The 125mm gun lets loose a shell, before five others also let loose their shots. Two shots take out the right arm joint of the modified Power Loader, while one makes a large dent in the torso armor and the last two do damage to leg joints, but don’t destroy them. Smoke roils out of the arm joint, as sparks fly and the arm goes limp. 

 

The Kaiser PMC Director, finally noticing the tanks, turns the machine around, using the minigun arm to fire large rounds at the T-90s. The five tanks split up, reloading as they move into cover behind buildings. Their ERA protects them from the majority of the damage, though some rounds still find their way to spots not covered by ERA, making large dents but not penetrating. The Kaiser PMC Director growls in annoyance, closing off the barrels before charging down the road towards their positions, opting to use the left arm’s gun for melee purposes. Seeing this, the MNST commander’s eyes widened. 

 

“Take out the legs! Don’t let it get close!” he yelled, as the T-90s finished reloading. After adjusting their aim, they fired again. This time, one round slams into the left leg joint, crippling it, while another narrowly misses the right joint, smashing into the armor plating above it and making a dent. The three remaining shells miss as the Power Loader takes a dive, the left arm plowing through the street as the left leg gives out and the Power loader slides down the street.

 

“Grrr…I don’t know who these arrogant bastards are, but I’ll show them not to get too cocky!” the Kaiser PMC Director says, getting ready to raise the large cannon from the back. As his right arm reaches over, a bullet smashes through the reinforced glass of the cockpit, blowing the fat automaton’s arm straight off. TI-7 pulls back the bolt, cycling another 12.7x99mm into the chamber of the AX50, before pulling the trigger again, taking off the other arm. Shots from the T-90s then take out the back cannon and the other arm, rendering the Goliath useless.

 

“Leave him be. He’s useless if he becomes a pile of scrap.” TI-7 tells the commander, walking up to him as the commander dismounts from the tank. 

 

“Got it.” the commander said, lighting another cigarette. Taking a drag, he pulls it back out his mouth, exhaling a plume of smoke into the cold desert air. “You got a plan?” he asked, glancing over at TI-7 as he pulled the PMC Director from the mech’s cockpit.

 

“Yeah. Can I hitch a ride to the comms center?” TI-7 said.

 

“Got it.”

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Kaiser PMC Comms Center

 

The door slammed open, making the occupants of the room jump. TI-7 walks in, dumping the Kaiser PMC Director, armless, on the ground.

 

“DO-9, can you switch back to the original frequency? It’s time for this fucker-” TI-7 said, sliding the Director across the floor to the desk while the FTF members winced at the vulgar language “-to give his lackeys a little surrender speech.”

 

“You bastards…there’s no way I’ll tell my troops to surrender. In fact, I saw that those guys were haloless, just like you “Senseis”. Bullets will be lethal won’t they? Since you’re illegally invading my land, I think a death or two is justifiable to “drive off the intruders”.” The PMC Director said, turning his head to look at the group. If he could put on a shit-eating grin, he would have.

 

“Hoshino, can I borrow your shield for a second?” TI-7 said, his voice laced with disgust. Even if his PMC troops fought, they were in no way more experienced than the MNST soldiers and the White Wolves. Those soldiers had literally held the Colom invasion of Kamona back for nearly two years, while these guys were barely out of the boot camp. This guy was-in every sense-a fucking dumbass. Catching the folded-up shield, TI-7 tosses it to DO-9.

 

“You can do the honours. After all-” TI-7 said, before DO-9 cut him off.

 

“They’re my brothers-in-arms. You don’t get to talk about them like that, and you certainly don’t get to underestimate them like that.” DO-9 finishes, catching the shield by the handle. TI-7 lifts the robot up by the head with some difficulty due to that mass (seriously, what’s the practical application of being fat as a robot? How does a robot even get fat?), as DO-9 holds the shield’s handle with both hands. Pulling his foot back as well as both arms, he steadies himself before swinging the large metal block, smashing the side of the director’s face, disabling two of the four optics the director had as the sharp edge digs in. 

 

“When we’re done, Kaiser won’t exist anymore. AS-2 has made arrangements with Deke to at least take over the PMC branch, and we’ll press for at least that once the footage from your memory chip gets copied by Veritas.” DO-9 said, tossing the shield back to Hoshino. Serika, Nonomi, Shiroko and Hoshino all feel slightly uncomfortable but satisfied at the same time, seeing the Kaiser PMC Director being smashed across the face brutally.

 

“Y-you won’t get away with this…” the director says weakly.

 

“Actually, we will. I just received a transmission that our allies took over the central command center. Since you’ve been funding gangs and all that messy stuff, I doubt you burned the receipts or else you wouldn’t be able to collect their debts later on. It’ll be a treasure trove of info to use in the lawsuit. Seriously man, all this was a bad business decision in general. Were you high or something when you thought this was a good idea?” AS-2 said, making jabs at the director.

 

“We already own this land! None of this belongs to Abydos anymore! It’s legal for us to operate here!” the director yells, his demeanor cracking.

 

“It’s not legal to build a base here without the GSC knowing, and I’m pretty sure none of us here authorized you to build any shit here during the time we were taking care of documents. Anyways, if you want to plead guilty, we left you your legs so you could walk into whatever court there is to do it yourself. If you don’t want to…well, that’s fine with us. We’ll take your legs off to make you lighter when we ship you to Millennium to copy your memory.” AS-2 rebutted, letting off a sinister smile as the other operators all nodded in agreement.

 

“Here. Make our jobs easier for us. We can’t dawdle here all day.” TI-7 says, shoving the director’s head against the speaker of the radio.

 

The director shakily agrees to order a surrender order, and the base is taken over by MNST forces as the Kaiser Director is transported to Millennium in a GLC2301, legless. Apparently, he didn’t want to plead guilty. As they saw the armored car leave, a BTR-60 pulled up, the MNST commander waving at them.

 

“No rest for the weary, huh?” AS-2 yawned, stretching.

 

“Whatever. We still need to help push back the invasion in Gehenna before we meet Rin.” TI-7 said. The other operators looked at him in surprise.

 

“Huh? When did Rin tell us to meet her?” DO-9 asked.

 

“While you guys were doing your thing inside the base. She contacted me, and said that the FOX Squad returned from the expedition they sent into the Trinity rift. She wants extra info.” TI-7 said. 

 

“Damn, I almost forgot about that one…I think that one goes to the Armory, given that Renoir seemed to have come out of the rift. Tell Rin to postpone it a few days, can’t hold off the invasion in just a morning.” DO-9 says, facepalming (or helmetpalming, whatever you want to call it.)

 

“Alright.”

 

The operators, after waving a quick goodbye to the Abydos students, hopped into a BTR-60, as a small convoy of three BTRs and a single T-90 drove away from the base, towards Gehenna, while the other forces secured the base. In the distance, a pickup truck approaches the base, kicking up sand. Over in Millenium, a rift opens in a busy street, the second Tevilan expedition force emerging.

 

The break was over. It was time to return to the warzone.

Notes:

Welp. We're now officially off-cannon. Next chapter's gonna be info dump, so skip it if you want to just read the story(with near zero context).

Chapter 14: Info for future chapters

Notes:

Has been busy the past few dyas, next chap is probably coming out in 2 or 3 days.

Author’s notes to clear up any confusions/additional info for future chapters: 

 

Tevila and Colom: two major countries at war, with Tevila based off of Russia and Colom being based off of the U.S.A and its allies.

 

MNST:Ministry of National Security of Tevila. Military and security force of Tevila.

 

CDIS:Colom Defense Intelligence Service. Military and security force of Colom.

 

White Wolf/White Wolves:PMC employed by Tevila to fight in the Dark Zone post-ceasefire that banned direct military involvement with heavy weapons.

 

Renoir’s Brigade: Former Kamona military that sided with Tevila when the conflict erupted. Under direct leadership of Renoir(superior)/Ajax(commander under Renoir).

 

Blackgold/Blackgold Universal: PMC employed by Colom to fight in the Dark Zone post-ceasefire that banned direct military involvement with heavy weapons.

 

Abyss Squad: Elite Blackgold force, made up of elites from Colom under the leadership of Hecate(Leader), and three sub-leaders (Viper, Obol, Styx)

 

Operators: The player. Not aligned to any faction, can take sides during conflicts(faction wars) in the Dark Zone or just be non-aligned(normal raids).

 

Contacts: Non-public market vendors like Deke or Randall. They are NPCs that will give quests, and you can trade items/spend Koens and faction currency to buy items from them. Sometimes, certain contacts may appear in events as killable NPCs (Randall during Armory Siege, Vladlen during Boss Summit)

 

Militants: NPCs. Can consist of the former Kamonan Military (Under Renoir and Ajax, found primarily in the Armory but can appear elsewhere), wearing green uniforms, locals turned scavengers (variety clothing, found everywhere except the Armory and the TV Station), or PMC-employed(dark blue uniforms for Blackgold, yellow ones for White Wolf, found in TV Station).

 

The conflict in Kamona takes place around the Cold War to pre-2000, with complementing tech (so nothing too modern like ICBMs yet, or proper modern smartphones/computers for that matter.) No tech like aim assist on the T-90s yet either, requires manual aiming. I somewhat based the vehicle selection off of animations made by a certain Youtuber called ArenaFighter, he makes fan animations for the game. Check him out if you want.

 

—---------------------------

 

Current alignment of schools/groups toward Dark Zone factions/events in Kivotos:

 

Gehenna:strong dislike for Blackgold/CDIS, impartial for White Wolf/MNST

Ongoing invasion by Blackgold/CDIS in Gehenna, MNST/SCHALE reinforcements incoming.

 

Trinity:mixed opinion for Blackgold/CDIS, dislike for White Wolf/MNST

Uproar over the murder of Randall on their grounds by Renoir, opinion on Blackgold varies due to Trinity supremacists(like Mika) who want to see Gehenna burn.

 

Millennium:impartial for both factions

Impartial until now, imminent encounter with second MNST expedition group.

 

Abydos:dislike for Blackgold/CDIS, favorable towards White Wolf/MNST

MNST helped them in the raid vs. Kaiser, and they also gained a dislike of Blackgold through news of the Gehenna invasion and opinion of their “Senseis”.

 

GSC:mixed for both factions, some favorability towards White Wolf/MNST

GSC members see both factions as a threat, though a bit less towards MNST forces due to their favorability with SCHALE/no attacks by MNST yet.

 

SCHALE:some dislike towards Blackgold/CDIS, favorable towards White Wolf/MNST

MNST forces helping around SCHALE, also mixed but ultimately negative opinion towards Blackgold due to the invasion in Gehenna.

 

SRT:dislike towards both factions

Blackgold invasion in Gehenna and trauma from the Armory/Renoir gave them a negative opinion of both factions, as well as increased tensions between GSC and SRT due to the GSC being the ones to order the expedition.

 

Smaller schools(Shanhaijing, Kronos, Odyssey etc.):mixed/impartial for both factions

Not really involved, mixed/impartial opinions for both factions.

 

—---------------------------

 

In-game boss rivalries(format of boss+weapons/armor, Tevila-aligned on the left and Colom-aligned on the right, <-> means they hate each other.)

 

Note that:

 

AR=Assault rifle, SG=Shotgun, LMG=Light machine gun, SMG=Submachine gun, CA=Carbine, BA=Bolt-action, MR=Marksman rifle and P=Pistol

 

Nuclear bomb vs coughing baby:

Renoir(LMG, AR, SG, Heavy)<->Randall(AR, Medium)

 

Boy vs girl beef:

Ajax(AR,SMG, Medium)<->Hecate(SMG,AR, Light)

 

Who can camp better(sniper vs sniper):

Fred(AR?, MR, Medium)<->Viper(CA,BA, Light)

 

Gang wars(Seriously. They’re all gang bosses or former inmates)

Porero(LMG, AR, Heavy/Medium)/Doss(AR, P, Medium)<->Esteban(SG, Medium)

 

Property intrusion/ neighbor hate(Beef formed during recent Port invasion faction war, TV Station is literally just over the river from the Port):

Derwin(AR, Heavy)<->Bernard(MR,P, Medium)

 

Ones with no real beef: Kurt(AR, Heavy, Colom), Rolf(SMG, SG, Heavy, Colom), Obol(CA, Light, Colom)

 

Interesting facts:

 

Rolf can charge you with a combat axe if you get too close. 

 

Hecate is (currently) the only female boss in the game.

 

The only bosses in the game that wear helmets are Renoir, Porero(sometimes), Fred (sometimes), Viper and Kurt.

 

All members of the Abyss Squad only appear during events, with Styx being the only member that isn’t a killable boss (Appears during a campaign mode as a friendly but pulls a Shepherd on you at the end, backstabbing you and launching the missiles that take down the Sumek Plane in CH.1 of this fic, this is AB-cannon.)

 

—---------------------------

 

OC additional info:

 

DO-9: A Kamona local. Served in the military before civil war broke out. When the North-South conflict began, he sided with Ajax and Renoir and helped bring the Kamona Armory in the north under the former Kamonan military’s control. After that mission, he moved to help reinforce the TV Station and held out to gather enough reinforcements to launch a counterattack. After a failed counteroffense operation with indication of Blackgold sabotage resulting in many of his brothers-in-arms dying, he developed a strong hatred towards Blackgold and Blackgold-affiliated groups (such as the Abyss Squad). Maintains strong bonds with both current and former squadmates, but recent years take more tolls on him as more and more people he knew die off in the Dark Zone. When full-blown war became apparent, many locals and some soldiers chose to flee to Tevila, but he stayed behind to help defend his home country from the southern invaders (Colom) with the help of Tevila and the former Kamona military. Currently around 40-50 years old.

 

TI-7: A Colom local who grew up on the farms, hunting wild animals under the guidance of his father. Was drafted into the Colom special forces and later became a Blackgold operative to continue fighting in the Dark Zone after the ceasefire. He was transferred to work in intelligence for a while, however, he realized that pen-pushing was not his calling, and transferred back into active service on the front lines. Using his time in the intelligence department and marksmanship skills from his childhood and time in the special forces, he participated in multiple assaults on the Valley and Northridge as both a scout and a sniper. Due to his assaults on these locations, the local Tevila-affiliated bosses hold a grudge against him, especially Doss. He continues to stay in the Dark Zone to assist Viper and Esteban in eliminating Fred and Doss respectively. Currently around 30-40 years old.

 

AS-2: A Tevilan local who entered the Dark Zone after taking interest in Deke’s operations inside the Dark Zone and started as a courier, slowly building his way up. Eventually got high enough to work directly with Deke, helping organize transport lines and smuggle products and intel into and out of Kamona. Later, he also started taking commissions from Rodriguez, helping bypass the increasingly tight blockades by the Sumek Committee. However, the work was inflexible and he decided to quit, becoming a freelance operator, though still taking commissions from Rodriguez and Deke. He has enough specialization in weaponry to defend himself well, however, he still prefers well-rounded, easy-to-use and reliable weapons such as assault and marksman rifles. When the conflict grew increasingly intense, business grew and he decided to stay within the Dark Zone. Currently around 20-30 years old.

 

IN-7: A former Ocean Alliance marine, he learned to specialize in a multitude of weapons for all situations. Worked in the intelligence department after leaving the special forces, but some old connections still ask him to help take some jobs in the Dark Zone occasionally. Sometimes, he will also take easy commissions on his own initiative in the Dark Zone for some quick money to help support his family in the Ocean Alliance. Despite recruitment offers from both Blackgold and the White Wolves, he prefers not to be tied down to any side, due to having to stay away from his family for extended periods of time if he becomes affiliated. However, as conflicts escalated, he became trapped inside the Dark Zone, and is trying his hardest to escape the Dark Zone to reunite with his family. Currently around 30-40 years old.

 

—---------------------------

 

Hopefully this can clear things up for future chapters.

Chapter 15: Fight Back (II)

Notes:

Can probably put out another chapter or two before I go on break.

Kamona, noontime. TV Station central command area.

 

Hecate racks the bolt on her MCX, the 5.56x45 M855A1 round gleaming under the dull lights of the central area screens. Over her SEK Composite body armor, she wore a light rig, stashing backup magazines and smoke canisters. Her hair was trimmed short, reaching only to her shoulders, while a pair of amber-tinted large-lens glasses sat on her nose. Her head turns as the door to the central area opens on her side, and another figure enters.

 

“So…guess Viper didn’t come, huh?” Obol said, walking up with his M14 carbine slung over his back, casually sitting down beside Hecate. Obol wore a blue plaid shirt, with a baseball cap and some glasses. A half-Balaclava covered his lower face and nose, while his eyes were covered by a pair of shades.

 

“Yes, after we were given the operation details, Viper said he had better things to do. Apparently, he’s still tangled up in affairs with Fred, and said that he’s not used to fighting in this environment anyways. Styx…” Hecate said, as the doors to the central area slid open, revealing the man she was about to talk about.

 

“I’m here. So, we’re being sent now, huh?” Styx said. He wore a skull-decorated ski mask and tight-fitting bodysuit, carrying an assault rifle. Other Abyss squad grunts also enter, wearing black ski masks, black body armor and blue uniforms.

 

“If everyone’s ready, let’s go.” Hecate says, hopping off of the box she was sitting on. The three leaders of Abyss Squad walk into the rift, with other members following close behind as well as some extra Blackgold forces from the TV Station. CDIS reinforcements from Colom split up, some going into the rift while others helped reinforce the TV Station.

 

Kivotos, morning. Gehenna District

 

A BTR screeches down the street, turning a sharp corner and smashing into some Blackgold soldiers before coming to a stop. Gehenna and Blackgold forces come to a collective stop as the BTR appears, before the turret of the BTR turns and begins firing upon the Blackgold forces. White Wolf and MNST soldiers file out the back, taking cover and returning fire. The BTR fires smoke from its smoke launchers, covering the Gehennan and Tevilan forces as they retreat or reposition.

 

“Perfect.” TI-7 says, dismounting from the BTR and beginning to shoot through the smoke, downing Blackgold forces with pinpoint accuracy, his thermal imager seeing them clear as day.

 

The other operators also dismount as the two other BTRs catch up, all of them providing support fire with 12.7mm bullets from their main heavy machine guns. An FV101 rolls around the corner at the end of the street, taking aim before firing a HESH shell from its low velocity 76 mm gun, the round smacking into the frontal BTR, squashing against its armor before exploding, blowing away a chunk of its side armor.

 

“Shit..! Evacuate the street, that thing can fire canister rounds!” IN-7 yelled, as students and soldiers near him obliged, some students pulling their confused classmates with them. A Blackgold soldier comes out of cover, pointing an RPG at the lead BTR before letting loose, the rocket streaking towards the BTR and smashing into its side, penetrating and cooking the ammunition and crew inside.

 

As if to prove his point, the FV101 shot a canister shot down the street, the round balls only leaving small scratches and dents on the BTRs but having a huge effect on soft obstacles, breaking through sandbags and concrete barriers and hitting the Gehenna students behind them, knocking them out. The T-90 trailing the BTRs comes around the corner, ready to put an APFSDS shell into the light tank, but before it could, a figure falls from the sky onto the remains of the first BTR. White hair fell from their head, reaching past their feet, and four horns were nestled inside the hair. Purple eyes glowed, and a dark, formal uniform covered her petite form as she held a machine gun nearly as tall as she was. Small wings also sprouted from her waist, which she had used to cushion her fall.

 

“Head Prefect Hina!”

 

“Thank god…”

 

“We’re saved!”

 

Hina, in a hip-fire stance, let loose a bright purple stream of bullets from her MG42, the halo-empowered bullets shredding through the thin armor of the FV101 as well as the cover the Blackgold forces were hiding behind, shredding them in the process. The remaining Blackgold forces tossed gas grenades in the direction of the Gehenna-Tevila forces, before retreating.

 

“Damn! Gas masks on, everyone! We need to retrieve those kids before they die!” IN-7 said, motioning towards the unconscious students inside the gas as he stashed his helmet in his bag before pulling out a full-face RAL40 gas mask, diving into the gas. DO-9 does the same, while AS-2 and TI-7 strap on SW-5 half gas masks. Other students and soldiers with gas masks also take notice, jumping in while putting on their own gas masks. Together, they pull the unconscious students out, while Hina uses the wings on her back to do the best she can to prevent the gas from drifting towards the retreating forces.

 

An injured MNST soldier, hit in the leg, crawls toward the edge of the gas. DO-9 picks him up, slinging him over his shoulder as he walks out, depositing him in the hands of the Emergency Medical Club before he goes in again. 

 

As AS-2 goes to pick up another Gehenna student, a Blackgold he thought was dead on the ground springs up, shooting him in the arm multiple times with his SG550.

 

“SON OF A-! ARGHHH!” AS-2 yelled, as both of them fell over, the Blackgold soldier discarding the gun after it ran dry. The two grapple on the ground, but the Blackgold soldier has the upper hand, with AS-2’s left arm broken. Thinking quickly, AS-2 uses his right hand to pull his M9 combat knife from its sheath on his hip, ramming it into the soldier’s neck, splattering blood over his body armor as the soldier falls onto him, clutching his throat while blood gurgled from behind the gas mask the Blackgold soldier wore. AS-2, gritting his teeth in pain, pulls out a bottle of liquid painkillers using his right hand, downing it and letting out a light sigh of relief. Pulling his combat knife out of the now dead soldier’s neck, he shoves it back into its sheath, prying the gas mask off the dead soldier’s head and shoving it onto the student's head before dragging her out. When he emerged from the gas, the other operators were waiting for him, having finished the rescue operation. DO-9 was giving nebulizers to neutralize any gas in the students’ lungs, while IN-7 walked up to AS-2.

 

“Man, you look like shit. What happened?” IN-7, gesturing toward the blood all over AS-2’s chest armor as well as his arm, wrapped in a gauze bandage.

 

“Some Blackgold fucker was still playing dead in the gas, shot out my arm before trying to beat me to death. Stabbed him in the neck while he was above me, blood got all over me.” AS-2 grumbled, pulling out a STO surgery kit and starting to fix his arm.

 

“You need me to tell TI-7 to shoot the bodies to make doubly sure?”

 

“Better safe than sorry.”

 

“TI-7, nail the bodies in the heads again just in case.” IN-7 said, waving at TI-7 and motioning towards the bodies on the street.

 

“Got it.” TI-7 said, hefting his AR-57 before beginning to put bullets into the bodies' heads. As expected, a few Blackgold corpses sprang up, trying to run away, only to be gunned down by TI-7. Once it was all done, the gas had cleared out, revealing the bloodied road and a blown-up BTR, along with the FV101 at the end of the road with so many holes in it it looked like a pile of burnt swiss cheese. Blackgold corpses and some Gehennan corpses lay on the road, killed by intensely concentrated fire or the gas.

 

“So, you’re the Head Prefect. There are matters to discuss between us later, but for now we have more pressing issues. Is there anywhere else that needs reinforcements?” DO-9 asked, walking up to Hina, who had gotten off the engine of the BTR. Now that he got closer, he could see that her eyes were a bit empty, with eyebags from the lack of sleep and a clearly depressed face. Her clothes were also a bit scruffy, probably from constant engagements and gunfire. Other students around her were similar, with some breaking down as the adrenaline and numbness from constant fighting ends, bringing the full weight of the consequences of their actions down on them.

 

‘...these kids only ever knew the destruction fighting brought, but not the death…they shouldn’t be killing people or seeing people die at such a young age. Never mind the fact that unlike me and the others, they’re not used to it or trained to take it…we should drive Blackgold back as soon as possible, so these kids don’t suffer any more.’ DO-9 thought, shaking his head slightly.

 

“So far, with my help, we’re pushing back the invaders. However, their air force has been a problem, destroying buildings and gunning down infantry in open streets. I’ve been dealing with them as best as I can, but they’re still doing a lot of damage.” Hina said. At this moment, her radio buzzed.

 

“Ghh…! Head Prefect, something’s going on! There’s been a large push directly down the main street, they’re gunning straight for the Pandemonium main building! We can’t stop them, they’re better than those invaders we were fighting before!” a panicked voice yelled over a walkie-talkie.

 

“...I might have an idea of who they are. Ask them what they look like.” TI-7 said, with Hina jumping slightly, not hearing him come up behind her.

 

“Is there anything different about their appearance? What do they look like?” Hina asked back into the transceiver.

 

“Yes, they’re different! No baseball caps, black ski masks with headsets, some with helmets! Their uni-GAHHHH! AUGHHHhlrrrrrgh…” the voice said, before a gurgling sound like they were strangled came over the walkie-talkie. The sound of gunfire in the background and the device dropping only serves to heighten the operators’ anxiety, and the description only confirms TI-7’s suspicions. A thump sounds, as a body is head falling to the ground on the transceiver.

 

“To whoever is on the other side of this communication, we’re issuing a demand here: surrender, and you’ll make our jobs here easier. We were tasked with taking this place and forcing the commanding forces to surrender this territory to help with their goals. The sooner you do this, the less casualties there will be on both sides. If you choose not to…well, there won’t be mercy.” A female voice spoke over the transceiver, lifting a few nearby eyebrows. The walkie-talkie is then dropped once more, but after a few seconds it is picked up again.

 

“Eh, don’t mind Hecate. She’s being a bit intimidating as usual. Just know that I’m at least doing this cause the pay’s good. Don’t blame me, after all…well, I gotta quote Styx on this one…business is business. She’s still serious about the mission objective though, so I suggest you do as she says.” A casual male voice speaks over the walkie-talkie, before it gets shut off completely.

 

“Huh…didn’t expect CDIS to try and pull something like this.” TI-7 said. The other operators also had a good idea of who it was at this point. Hecate had temporarily taken control of the Farm from Ajax about half a month before they were sent to Kivotos.

 

“Abyss Squad, huh?” IN-7 said, looking over at TI-7 for confirmation, getting a nod from him.

 

“Didn’t think I’d get to deal with that bitch Hecate this soon.” DO-9 said, cracking his knuckles. In truth, many of those under Ajax or had close ties to him, including DO-9, were still butt hurt over Hecate seizing the Farm, even if it was for only about two months.

 

“Anyone you guys know that are confirmed to be on this mission?” AS-2 asked. Abyss Squad never used Deke’s service, being supplied by CDIS themselves, so he was the only one who was in the dark about the group out of the four operators.

 

“Obviously, there’s Hecate, the leader of the group, as well as Obol, probably, from that casual tone on the second message. Don’t know whether the other two sub-leaders are in this op or not.” TI-7 replied.

 

“Ah, excuse me Senseis, but what are you talking about?” Hina interrupted with a curious expression. She didn’t have a clue what they were talking about, but it sounded bad.

 

“Blackgold, the name of the group that’s currently invading Gehenna, got backup from their employers, the Colom Defense Intelligence Service (CDIS). They’re sending in the elite of the elites, Abyss Squad, to deal with this. Seems like they got tired of waiting.” TI-7 said.

 

“...do you have any suggestions, Senseis? We are planning to fight to defend the academy, but you know them better. If you have a different suggestion for us…we’ll take it.”

 

“It’s fine. We’ll just have to set up better defenses accordingly…after all, I know how they operate.”

 

Kivotos, morning. Trinity District.

 

The rising sun cast the shadows of the buildings across the streets, dark blocky shadows contrasting against the dim orange light. The open rift in the middle of the street hummed lightly, with multiple JTF members guarding the rift. Some of them were bleary-eyed, having stayed awake through the entire night, while others were stretching, yawning from actually having fallen asleep. Nearby, a group of Sukeban laid in wait, ready to ambush the JTF forces and take a peek at what was on the other side of the rift.

 

“Uwahhh...what a nice nap…” a JTF mob says, blinking the sleep out of their eyes.

 

“Urgh…I’m gonna fall asleep…” another one says, having taken the night shift.

 

“Mnn…five more minutes…” 

 

“Wake up, it’s our shift now!”

 

The Sukeban silently motion to each other, though the effectiveness is questionable, with many tilting their heads in confusion at sloppy hand signs. However, eventually all of them come up with a plan, and perform mag checks before leaping into action.

 

“CHARRRGGE!” one of the Sukeban yells, charging in with a shotgun.

 

“Let’s get 'em girls! Nail those idiots, then we’ll take a look at what’s on the other side of that thing!” another one yells, rallying the others while holding their assault rifle pointing upwards.

 

“Hehe…just the loot on their bodies makes my mouth water…”

 

The Sukeban rush in, taking the JTF members completely by surprise. Even with the initial element of surprise, however, the fight turns into a prolonged firefight as the surprise wears off and JTF members start returning fire, nailing a few gangsters. However, as the fight drags on, the JTF members start to notice something off.

 

“Urgh! Damn, that stings!”

 

“No matter how many we knock unconscious, more of them come! We’re running out of ammo!”

 

“We got assigned here to stop small groups from trying to get through…why are there so many?”

 

The JTF forces were being slowly overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Unknown to them, the gangsters had also set up an encirclement, and were holding a perimeter against JTF reinforcements while the others took out the members guarding the rift in the middle. Why were they doing this? Well…let’s just say a certain leader of a certain school, part of a certain group funded the gangsters to do this. 

 

As the Sukeban and some other gangsters broke the perimeter, the situation escalated even further. A BTR-60 flew out of the rift, smashing through JTF members and gangsters alike as they were flung away like ragdolls, plowing down the street before skidding to a stop, blocking off the street as it began to fire on anyone that had a visible halo above their heads. MNST soldiers exited out the back of the BTR as a second BTR blocked off the other side of the street, while a T-90 emerged from the rift, flanked by Renoir and his guards.

 

“Take ‘em down!” one of the MNST soldiers yelled, opening fire on a group of Sukebans.

 

“Enemy contact! Take cover! Let the BTRs clear the street!” another one yelled, taking cover behind the remains of a concrete roadblock.

 

“Enemy here! Need a grenade!”

 

“Go! Go! Go!”

 

“Establish a perimeter! Don’t let anyone get through!”

 

“RPG at 7 o'clock! Open fire!”

 

JTF mobs and gangsters alike were not spared, and were taken down easily due to having fought each other beforehand. However, the place was still chaotic, with more gangsters still attacking, and to complicate matters, artillery shells began to hit the streets, forcing the soldiers to take cover under building outcrops or break into nearby residences to take cover, terrifying the students inside.

 

“AHHHH!!!” One of the students yelped, scrambling into cover behind a chair while another one simply stared in shock at the busted-down door and soldiers, cereal dripping from the corner of her mouth.

 

“Goddamnit! These are civvies!” one of the soldiers yelled

 

“G-get out!” the girl behind the chair yelled, opening fire on them with a SMG. The soldiers quickly take cover behind a wall separating the stairway upstairs from the hallway

 

“What the hell? Why do these schoolkids have guns!?” one of them exclaims, peeking slightly before pulling back as another shower of bullets takes chunks out of the corner of the drywall.

 

“You idiot! Renoir and those guys from MNST briefed us on this! These kids are bulletproof, of course they’re gonna use guns to solve their nonlethal conflicts!” a third one yells, pulling out a flashbang.

 

“HOW THE FUCK DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? DID SLAPPING PEOPLE JUST BECOME INEFFECTIVE HERE DUE TO THEIR PHYSICAL DAMAGE TOLERANCE?” the second one yells, peeking the corner and nailing the poor sod with cereal still dripping from her mouth in the head with a 3-round burst, knocking her out.

 

“BEATS ME!” the third one yells back, tossing the flashbang.

 

“What about property damage…?” the first one mutters, dropping the other girl, the SMG’s shots silencing.

 

The answer is drowned out by the resounding blast of a HE shell going off, being fired into a large group of Sukeban, scattering them. More MNST, White Wolf and former Kamona military reinforcements pour out of the rift, helping with the cleanup of the perimeter and setting up makeshift defenses. At the same time, JTF forces are mopping up the perimeter, closing in on MNST forces. The artillery stopped, holding back as friendly forces could possibly get caught up in the blasts. The BTRs and T-90s took minor damages, but not enough to impair them in any way.

 

A confrontation was on its way…which may decide what happens to Trinity.

 

Kivotos, noontime. Millennium District

 

A blue rift shimmered into existence in the middle of a T-intersection as students were making their way to another class, the appearance not noticed by many in class. What did draw their attention, though, was the sound of rumbling engines, with many nearby students walking to their class’ windows to see what was making such a noise early in the morning. Many were shocked at the appearance of the rift, as well as the numerous soldiers and vehicles pouring out.

 

“H-huh?”

 

“Blue portal-like things? I think I saw something on the news about these “rifts”…”

 

“Who the heck are those guys?”

 

Meanwhile, the soldiers were awestruck at the sight, seeing the sleek and modern appearance of Millenium. However, a problem soon manifested…specifically, the FNAF 2  problems. Security drones and robots patrolling the streets quickly took notice, and not recognizing the soldiers as students, opened fire.

 

“Goddamnit! This place looks so nice, but the inhabitants aren’t?”

 

“This feels like those dystopian novels of utopias controlled by robots…”

 

“Focus! Take down those robots and drones!”

 

“Command, we need anti-air!”

 

Drones zipped through the air, raining fire down on the infantry and vehicles. While the vehicles were mostly fine, the infantry took heavy damage, with many soldiers being injured and having to be dragged into cover by their comrades. A Shilka comes out of the rift, coming to a stop before unleashing a hail of fire from its four 23mm autocannons, sweeping the sky of drones. 

 

Despite this, the ground was splattered with blood as well as scrap metal from destroyed robots and drones by the time Seminar had been informed of the situation, taking control of the robots and ceasing their hostilities. Meanwhile, nearby security cameras glimmered, with different watchers through each.

 

“Hmmm…this is about to get interesting, huh?” Hare commented, sipping at yet another can of energy drinks, looking through a hacked CCTV camera while the other members of Veritas look on as well, taking a break from hacking into and copying the Kaiser PMC Director’s memories.

 

‘Phew…thank god we stopped the robots and drones before they could cause more damage…that said, how the hell are we supposed to explain this to them!? We even injured a few of them really badly! They’re definitely mad at us now!’ Yuuka thought, internally screaming and panicking while showing a stressed face, staring through another camera’s feed.

 

“...Himari, before we couldn’t do anything because these rifts appeared in others’ school districts…now that one’s here, it’ll be a good chance to investigate, no? As the Super Phenomenon Task Force.” Rio said, glancing back at the white-haired elf girl in her wheelchair.

 

Things were getting interesting.

 

Kivotos, noontime. ???

 

In a certain meeting room, a man in a black suit had his face in his hands, if you could call a bunch of glowing cracks on a completely black head a face. Across the circular table, a woman with multiple eyes with red skin wearing a white dress stood, staring at him.

 

“Beatrice, I know you are eager to find out about those otherworlders like I am. But did you have to do it now? Couldn’t you have waited until the Eden Treaty?”

 

“Black Suit, because of the invasion of these otherworlders in Gehenna, the Eden Treaty has basically been postponed indefinitely. The least I can do is get some of those gangster cannon fodders to overwhelm the JTF guards and see what’s on the other side, so I can make those otherworlders pay for disrupting my plans.”

 

“Okay, Beatrice…I don’t have too many problems with that. The delay of the Eden Treaty is beneficial for neither of us. The problem I have is with the promised compensation you told the gangsters about.”

 

“What about it?”

 

“...Beatrice, It’s my wallet you’re taking the money from.”

 

“...I still have to pay money to run Arius and feed the kids there.”

 

“Yes, and that’s already coming out of my wallet. You almost owe me as much as Abydos did to Kaiser before the raid on their base yesterday”

 

“...Whatever, none of those gangsters made it through anyways. If this approach doesn’t work, then I’ll send the Arius Squad to kidnap a member of FOX Squad and interrogate them for information about the other side. They went into the rift earlier, and their trauma is going to affect their performance. It’ll be easy to snatch a member of theirs.”

 

“Gods, no…Beatrice, the whole reason I didn’t try to take Horus while the Senseis were in Abydos, and why I never interacted with them was to find a moment to make a good impression on them, and also to speed them on their way to resolve the crisis in Gehenna to get the Eden Treaty back on track. You’re going to ruin it all if you do that…not to mention your plan to crash the Eden Treaty…”

 

“If you keep on opposing my plans like this, Black Suit, I might as well not be a part of Gematria. At least some of the other members agree with my plans…”

 

As Beatrice walked out, Black Suit only sighed, burying his face deeper into his hands.

 

“I can only pray to Chroma that this doesn’t go horribly wrong…”

Notes:

Things are heatong up...a lot. Time to deal with the invasion and consequences in the next chapter.

Chapter 16: Fight Back (III)

Notes:

Took a long time to upload due to procrastination and multiple revisions and edits. That said, please enjoy!

Kivotos, noontime. Gehenna District

 

Hecate silently crept across the rooftops. From the information given in the briefing, the enemy possessed no air force, so spotting her on the roof would be hard. Besides, climbing buildings provided her with a similar challenge to climbing mountains, something she had taken a liking to doing during her spare time. Styx trailed behind, creeping through the alleys and going from one shadow to another. Obol advanced with them, albeit at a slower pace, providing cover fire. Blackgold, CDIS and Abyss Squad forces swarmed the streets, sweeping alleys and supporting a convoy of light and medium tanks. The FV101s and Leopard 1s crew were on constant vigilance, with the commanders and drivers looking left and right through their vision slots. Above, AH-64 Apaches attack helicopters and MH-53 transport helicopters flew forward, with more squads of Abyss Squad members inside, ready to drop down and fight like they did in their invasion of the Farm. A sudden explosion rocks the street, as Blackgold soldiers at the front of the convoy begin laying down fire.

 

“Enemy contact! Casualties confirmed!”

 

“Grenade! Take cover!”

 

A wink of purple shines at the top of the main street before a barrage of bullets sweep through the middle, shredding through soldiers like swiss cheese and crippling the lead FV101. Blackgold and CDIS soldiers go into nearby buildings and alleys to take cover and return fire, while Abyss Squad infiltrates the alleys. An AH-64 turns its nose around, finding the source of the destruction.

 

“Enemy unit spotted! It’s that girl that’s been taking down our helicopters in the other assaults!”

 

“Open fire! Priority target!”

 

On separate rooftops, the four operators are in a kneeling position, aiming RPGs at the attack helicopters. As the helicopters aligned themselves towards Hina and slowed down, they took aim, aligning the sights on the helicopters.

 

“Perfect.” AS-2 grinned.

 

“3…2…1…fire!” DO-9 yelled.

 

Four rockets streak from their respective rooftops, with three successfully taking down attack helicopters. However, the fourth rocket, shot by IN-7, goes askew.

 

“What the hell? IN-7, what-” AS-2 yelled into his headset, before IN-7 cut him off.

 

“Urghhh…fuckin’ Hecate…my arm’s screwed, healing right now. Need backup, now!” IN-7 yelled into his headset, detaching the healing injection from his thorax and peeking out from behind the rooftop ventilator he was hiding behind. 5.56mm rounds impacted his helmet and the ventilator, forcing him to pull his head back, the visor of his IND70 slightly cracked. Pulling out a Mk2 grenade, he flicks off the pin and handle, letting it sit for two seconds before tossing it over the top of the ventilator. After the blast goes off, IN-7 immediately leaps out from behind the ventilator, swinging his Mk14 left and right, but seeing no one.

 

“Stupid mountain climber…she probably heard me pull the pin. I’ll get-” IN-7 muttered, before stopping, hearing a slight scuffle of footsteps in the alley below, right behind him. He quickly ducks into cover behind the other side of the ventilator, just as another stream of bullets impact the spot where he just was, the rounds digging into the concrete rooftop and kicking up small fragments.

 

“Huh, an independent operator? Here? That’s certainly interesting. However, I don’t remember Abyss Squad asking for the help from operators…which means you’re in our way, unfortunately.” Styx said, hauling his entire body over the lip of the rooftop.

 

“Styx, I suppose?” IN-7 said, gritting his teeth. Something about this guy’s voice pissed him off, probably the condescending tone that he spoke with.

 

“Hmmm, now how do you know me? Now I’m wondering whether Hecate or Obol hired some operators behind my back…but with that hostile voice of yours, I assume not.” Styx said, casually meandering towards IN-7’s position.

 

“Would it hurt your confidence in your prediction skills if I said I wasn’t alone?” IN-7 replied, shouldering his Mk14 and unholstering his G18C, checking the magazine. Perfect. 7N31 armor-piercing rounds. 

 

“Not really. I can hear that you ditched your assault rifle. A pistol duel, then?” Styx replied, also shouldering his assault rifle and instead switching to a suppressed pistol. He was more used to using the pistol anyways, using it on multiple occasions for covert operations involving CQC and stealth.

 

“Didn’t take you to be the honorable type.”

 

“Appearances can be deceiving.”

 

With that, IN-7 quickly peeked the edge of the ventilator, leaning his head out just rough to see Styx less than a meter away, before pulling his head back in and committing completely, jumping out from behind the ventilator and holding down the trigger, six rounds coming out of the G18C’s barrel before he releases the trigger. Styx, who had seen IN-7’s armor, knowing that his bullets wouldn’t penetrate, dove behind the ventilator, taking a bullet to the arm before returning fire, shooting out IN-7’s other arm and his left leg. Ejecting the empty magazine, Styx quickly loads another mag into his pistol, while IN-7, having taken painkillers beforehand, rushes Styx.

 

Clouds began to converge in the sky, blotting out the sun. Below on the streets, shots ring out, streaks of tracers and flashes from gun muzzles illuminating their surroundings. Thrums of suppressed gunshots ring out of the alleys, as Abyss Squad grunts take care of any Gehenna stragglers that try to escape into the alleys. On another rooftop, Obol sits, quietly tampering with his sights.

 

“...nothing interesting up here going on…Hecate went to fight an operator, and Styx is having a duel with another operator. The other two, I’m not seeing anywhere…oh, well. As long as this attack succeeds, I get paid. Getting chill moments like these just means I get paid for doing nothing…” Obol said, scanning the rooftops once more with his 1x/4x scope mounted on his M14. Spotting a silhouette, he ducks just as a 12.7mm round smashes into the wall beside his head. Quickly realigning his scope to the location, Obol sees a prone figure on the balcony of one of the taller buildings, his sniper rifle nestled in between two planter boxes. The thermal imager’s lone optic gleams slightly under the dim light filtering through the clouds, as TI-7 makes a “come at me” gesture with his hand after racking the bolt, cycling another 12.7x99mm cartridge into the AX50’s chamber.

 

“Heh…things finally get interesting, huh? Challenge accepted.” Obol says, making an “OK” sign with his right hand. TI-7 nods back before getting up, dropping down to the balcony below him and repeating the process, steadily descending towards the ground. Obol also gets away from the window, taking the stairs down the building, repositioning. Checking his M14’s 30 round magazine, a double row of 7.62x51mm BPZ rounds gleamed back at him, the green casing and yellow bullet contrasting against the black magazine.

 

“Not the best, but it’ll work. Just need to aim for the lower face.” Obol muttered, dashing out the open door and going towards another building. TI-7, finally reaching the street after repeatedly dropping down balconies, also dashed towards another building.

 

Rain had begun to fall, soaking the Gehenna students, while Blackgold and Abyss Squad forces put on their hoods attached to their jackets. CDIS forces didn’t have such a thing, soaking in the rain along with the students as they continued fighting. DO-9 stood with the students, sending 5.45mm bullets whizzing down the road, taking out nearby Blackgold forces. Some CDIS soldiers, better equipped, also pushed forward, but were taken down by DO-9’s BS bullets, shredding through their armor like it was made of paper. The Gehenna students, however, were having troubles, their bullets having a difficult time penetrating the enemy’s armor. This made Prefect Team and Pandemonium Society sharpshooters invaluable, with only CDIS soldiers wearing face masks. At some point, Iori had joined the fray as well, her powered shots smashing straight through the CDIS soldiers’ face masks. When her halo’s power was on cooldown, she instead took shots at soldiers without face masks, downing them with precise shots to the face.

 

However, it was only a matter of time before Abyss Squad struck. Swarming out of the alleys like rats, they took the Gehannan defensive lines by complete surprise. Some of the alleys, rigged with traps beforehand, blew up, taking part of the Abyss Squad with them. In response, White Wolf and MNST forces pounced, driving back Abyss Squad attackers as best as it could. The defensive line descended into chaos, as the lone T-90 and some Pandemonium Society Tiger Is took on the convoy’s Leopard 1s, the FV101s all crippled from RPG fire. The BTRs tried to perform crowd control on the alleys, but soon had to pull back to avoid friendly fire and RPG shots from Blackgold and CDIS soldiers. One of the two remaining BTRs pulled back completely after sustaining heavy fire from RPGs, its armor charred and engine coughing smoke. Its main heavy machine gun ammo was running dry, while the coaxial machine gun had been disabled.

 

DO-9 opted to switch to his shotgun, unloading Type 8 shotgun shells into faces and legs at full auto from his USAS-12, splattering grey matter, blood and bone fragments across the streets. The other defenders were in similar CQC situations, shots ringing out only periodically, mostly from SMGs and shotguns, but also the sound of choking and bodies impacting the street or fists and legs impacting various exposed body parts. A Leopard 1 fires a HE shell into a cluster of Gehenna students, sending them flying shortly before the damaged T-90 sends a APFSDS shell back, the shell smashing through the gun mantle and turret and obliterating the gunner operating the gun, as well as killing the commander, a hole through his chest made by the round as it overpenetrates, exiting. Other members of the crew were also injured from the shrapnel thrown around the turret from the entry of the projectile, as the tank temporarily went out of commission.

 

Iori, taking out Blackgold soldiers in close quarters with her Kar98, didn’t notice a figure creeping in the alleyway beside her. The figure lunges, putting Iori in a chokehold before bashing her with the tip of their karambit repeatedly, knocking her out. The figure, unceremoniously dumping her unconscious body on the ground, spots DO-9, slowly walking towards him. Meanwhile, DO-9 spots some Blackgold soldiers trying to drag an unconscious gehenna student away. Opening fire, he blasts all their heads open before turning his attention back to the battlefield. Spotting the lone figure walking towards him, he grits his teeth.

 

“Hecate.” he growls, reloading the 20-round drum magazine in his USAS-12.

 

“DO-9.” she replies with a sneer, putting her karambit on her waist and unslinging her MCX.

 

“Time to pay back…with your life. We have unfinished business from the Farm. Although Ajax won’t be happy that I took the kill for myself, he’ll still be happy nonetheless to see you die.” DO-9 grumbled, hefting his shotgun up.

 

Hecate simply lets out a small grunt, raising her MCX.

 

The two charge at each other, rain pattering against DO-9’s helmet and soaking Hecate’s hair. Once in range, DO-9 starts unleashing buckshot rounds from his shotgun, while Hecate shoots controlled bursts at DO-9’s limbs. Due to his armor coverage, some bullets that hit DO-9 in the abdomen and shoulder armor dealt no damage due to not penetrating. Meanwhile, Hecate weaves between DO-9’s shots, with only a few pellets grazing her combat fatigues and pinging off her armor.

 

“Heh…too slow. You’re getting old, DO-9. Although I don’t know how you got here, I’m not opposed to a chance to finally settle a grudge.” Hecate said tauntingly, darting out of the way of another one of DO-9’s shots.

 

“Just shut up and die.” he growled back, letting out one last shot as the magazine ran dry. Grunting disdainfully, he uses his gun to block a few more bullets coming from Hecate before tossing it at her. Hecate ducks, reloading the MCX before getting tackled by DO-9, his cane-sword unsheathed. Grunting as she gets knocked away, Hecate recovers, tossing her MCX aside and grabbing her own karambit, giving it a little twirl. She rushes in, plunging it into DO-9’s left arm as he takes a swing at her, the blade biting deep into Hecate’s left arm as well. 

 

Both of them pull back, clutching their left arms before Hecate picks up her MCX with her good arm, shooting at DO-9 while her left arm controls the recoil. Despite the wound, Hecate’s grip is still firm, courtesy of her years of training in the military. DO-9, knowing it would take too long to reload his USAS-12, sheathes his cane-sword before unslinging the RPK-16 from his back, the gun shield tanking the bullets. However, the shield’s protection level was similar to the bullet’s penetrative force, the shield cracking and breaking off by the time that Hecate had emptied half the 30 round magazine into the gun shield. The rest of the bullets slam into DO-9’s legs and arms as he charges in, shoving the gun barrel straight into Hecate’s chest and ramming her to the ground before pulling the trigger, mag-dumping the entire 95 round magazine into her thorax.

 

By the time the dust had settled, Hecate lay on the wet road, as the fight around them raged on. Blood pooled voluminously across the ground, mixing with the crimson rainwater trailing towards the sewer grates on the street from other corpses. DO-9 stood above her, panting. Blood leaked from gunshot wounds all over him, his vision dimming as the painkillers slowly wore off. Jagged pieces of broken bone stuck out the back of various parts of his arms and legs where the pullets had overpenetrated, shattering the bone.

 

He collapsed.

 

On another rooftop, IN-7 had Styx pinned down, his left hand choking him as he pressed his G18C against the skull-decorated ski mask. Styx’s pistol had been kicked away in their melee scuffle, while blood dripped from TI-7’s chest armor, leaking from Styx’s combat knife embedded in his thorax.

 

One last bullet left in the magazine.

 

A singular shot rang out, muffled by the sound of thunder. Styx’s hands, weakly grasping at IN-7’s arm, fell limp. IN-7 fell backwards, slumped against the blood-stained ventilator. A steadily growing pool of crimson was forming under both of them, merging together and swirling with the rainwater, painting a quarter of the rooftop a light red.

 

“Heh…those swirls…just like that red smoke from the exfil sticks…” IN-7 muttered, his vision fading. The fight against Styx had cost him, with multiple of his bones shattered including one of his ribs, courtesy of the knife embedded in his armor. His breathing slowed, as his vision faded.

 

“AS-2…come on, let’s…get out of here together…”

 

“...yeah, I’ll patch you up. Just…stay still,buddy.”

 

His sight wavering, IN-7 turns his head sideways, finding AS-2 kneeling beside him.

 

“...fuck, man…are you real? Am I…hallucinating?”

 

“Yeah, I’m real. Hang in there, buddy. Just gotta patch you up.” AS-2 said, quickly applying gauze and healing injections from his STO Medkit to IN-7, while beginning to work on fixing IN-7’s legs with an STO. After patching up his thorax as best as he could without removing the knife, he took off IN-7's helmet, feeding him some liquid painkillers before stabbing him with an adrenaline shot. IN-7 gave a  little grunt before snapping awake, beginning to work on his other leg with his temporarily functional arms. After completely patching IN-7 up, AS-2 let out a sigh of relief.

 

“Thank the gods above I came in time. Any longer and you would have actually bled out.” AS-2 grumbled, giving IN-7’s shoulder a little shove. Styx’s bloodied knife lay nearby, the blade slowly becoming a more diluted shade of red as rain washed over it. AS-2 had wrapped the stab wound in extra layers of gauze, with the wound closing on its own. For whatever reason, medicine from the Dark Zone was borderline miraculous. A shame it wouldn’t be released to the public, though honestly only a select few could even afford it if it ever did make it onto the markets. Leaving the empty STO Medkit behind, AS-2 walked over to the fire escape of the building, slowly traversing the rickety stairs downwards with IN-7’s arm slung over his shoulder.

 

“Alright, let’s go get DO-9. TI-7 can take care of himself.” IN-7 said, the two’s silhouettes disappearing into the alley, trudging towards the main street’s defensive line.

 

Kivotos, afternoon. Gehenna District

 

The rain continued to pour down. Lightning flashed, briefly illuminating two figures on a street, guns pointed at each other.

 

“Didn’t think we were gunning for the same building.” TI-7 said the crosshair aligned on Obol’s chest. Even with their above-average physique, elites like him would still die from an anti-material round to the thorax.

 

“Same thought. So, why haven’t you shot yet?” Obol asked, grinning slightly. In truth, he was a bit nervous, his grip shaking slightly. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his head, indiscernible against the water droplets already streaming down the same place.

 

‘...son, if I don’t come back…don’t cry. Keep going forward, focus on your studies, and become a successful and happy person. I risk my life every day here to pave a better way for you, so you don’t have to do the same for your kids, so if I die here…keep going, and don’t look back. Don’t hold any grudges, ‘kay?’ Obol thought, tensing. Although he knew his son couldn’t hear him, he still wished. His time in the Dark Zone. Working in the Abyss Squad. It was all for the money, to pay his son’s tuition for a good college in Colom. To give him a better future than his own.

 

“Because you’re not like the rest of them. You’re not here for Blackgold. You’re here because of the money, because of your family.” TI-7 said, lowering his gun. Obol raises his eyebrows in surprise, while TI-7 begins walking towards him.

 

“I used to work with Blackgold, just like you. The other Blackgold-contracted member of our squad came to the Dark Zone for the same reason as you, so…I feel like you could change, just like him. Me and the others, we have a high position in this city, so if you want money, we can get it for you. Hecate and Styx are already dead…” TI-7 said, offering a hand out. Obol lowered his gun as well, looking at the hand but not taking it. 

 

“...I’m sorry. If Blackgold finds out I betrayed them, they’ll probably send agents to kill my family members, including my son. I…can’t have that.” Obol said, his head lowered. As much as he wanted to take the deal, refusing or accepting the deal would both yield negative results in the end. Returning alive with his squadmates dead, especially since they were the commanders of Abyss Squad, would put heavy scrutiny on him, and would definitely get him a heavy pay cut and reprimand from CDIS higher-ups. Accepting the deal would mark him as a traitor and would definitely negatively impact his family, whether it be their lives or their reputation.

 

“You have concerns about your family in Colom, right? Don’t worry, once this attack’s over, you’ll be declared MIA, then we'll extract your family from Colom once the time’s right. Then you don’t have to concern yourself with your family being under threat or thinking that you’re dead anymore.” TI-7 said, interrupting Obol’s train of thought.

 

“...why are you so insistent on having me on your side?” Obol asked, cautiously lowering his gun.

 

“First and foremost, the intelligence you have will be key to our future operations. The second…well, it’s probably because you’re the most reasonable out of the entire Abyss Squad. You also don’t have a particular reason for participating in the war, no grudges or otherwise. I feel like you could change. Besides, if your concern is your family, they’ll be safe from any consequences of the war here, and you can stop risking your life as well. Teaching here pays well, you know?” TI-7 said, encouraging Obol to take the deal.

 

“Heh…fine. I’m screwed either way…might as well see how it goes.” Obol says, slinging his gun on his back and shaking TI-7’s hand.

 

“You won’t regret it. If you’re concerned about those kids, I’ll clear it up for you.” TI-7 said, grinning just slightly, internally sighing in relief for once. Even though bullets were a sure way to solve problems, sometimes words worked better. Besides, TI-7 knew that stretching out the fight would just result in a stalemate; both of them were equally skilled, the only advantage TI-7 having being his thermal imager. The single lens, however, still came with the drawbacks of a reduced field of vision.

 

“Right…speaking of that, when you go to extract my family, there’s also something else you should be looking out for.” Obol said, his voice hesitant.

 

“Oh?”

 

“The kids that got brought through the rift…they got sent off somewhere. I don’t know the specifics; after all, we’re the hired muscle. We’re not supposed to ask questions. However, it’s definitely sketchy, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Colom was trying to do something to them after hearing about these “special” kids.”

 

“Figures. I’ll try to remotely get into their database and see what they’re up to later. Thanks for the tip.”

 

“No problem. Say, you said you worked with Blackgold before. What department?”

 

“Intelligence department for CDIS. Pretty high up as well, but I quit later to become an operator in the Dark Zone. Ironic that I’m back to pen-pushing after everything, though I still go on combat missions like these…pretty often, just not on this scale.”

 

“I see. Say, what’s up with these bulletproof kids anyways?”

 

“It’s a long story…I’ll tell you about it on our way to rendezvous with the rest.”

 

The two marksmen walked off, side by side, towards the distant gunfire.

 

Kivotos, afternoon. Gehenna District defensive line

 

The situation had taken a turn for the worse, as the MH-53 helicopters had started offloading more Abyss Squad grunts, while Hina was becoming exhausted from the constant fighting, lack of sleep and constant fire from the Apaches shooting at her. The defense line was in total chaos as CDIS, Blackgold and Abyss Squad attackers brawled with students, MNST and White Wolf defenders. Artillery rained down from above, taking out Gehennan defenders and Colomite invaders at the same time, no longer caring for friendly fire. Abyss Squad members from the helicopters took positions on the roofs, raining down accurate fire on the defenders. A few White Wolf and MNST defenders lay dead on the street, while the ground vehicles on both sides had retreated for a resupply of ammunition and field repairs to the armor. Any fires had been quenched by the rain, with only faint embers glowing here and there. 

 

The rain presented a problem for invading forces; the usage of gas was highly volatile due to the storm, and gas masks also worked at a reduced effectiveness in such humid conditions. As such, they couldn’t use the gas to cover their retreat, and could only push forward, steadily taking more casualties as they stepped into traps the defenders had placed. The street ran red with blood from everyone; whether it was students or soldiers, small scratches or mortal wounds and corpses, all of them bled and washed the street red.

 

The physical harm tolerance of the defending students was overall higher than the invading soldiers, resulting in a stalemate between skill and physique, while ammunition and manpower on both sides continued to dwindle. DO-9 had been dragged into cover by a White Wolf soldier, being administered aid while a MNST soldier fired over their cover behind a pile of sandbags. AS-2 and IN-7 both arrived at the time, and seeing the condition DO-9 was in, AS-2 immediately got to work helping the soldier patch up DO-9. 

 

“Jesus, he got shot up badly. Worse than IN-7. What the hell happened?” AS-2 asked the soldier beside him, pulling out a Military First Aid Kit to heal DO-9 as quickly as possible. While the STO First Aid Kit had its benefits of being able to patch up wounds and repair body parts that weren’t broken at a faster speed and to do it multiple times, the Military First Aid Kit had a shorter activation time and could be used to get them out of any immediate danger. 

 

“He took on Hecate and killed her. Jesus knows how.” the White Wolf soldier responded, before peeking out of cover and firing off a few bullets from his AKM.

 

“Hahhh…this idiot…” AS-2 sighed, beginning the long process of fixing up another severely injured person…

 

Kamona, nighttime. ???

 

A black transport truck rolls along a rough path, heading deeper and deeper into a forest. In the back, a halo blinks to life. Then, another. Until a total of eight halos are seen in the back, hovering over the heads of eight teenage girls dressed in black uniforms with Prefect Team armbands on their shoulders.

 

“Ghhh…where are we?”

 

“I can’t see a thing…”

 

“I’m…not dead?”

 

“Are we in the back of a truck?”

 

The light clinking of chains is heard as the girls move around, trying to get a grasp of their surroundings. The back of the truck is stuffy, and the constant bumps the truck encounters only serve to make their maneuvering more difficult.

 

“My wrists are cuffed, as well as my legs!”

 

“Are we…prisoners?”

 

“Please…tell me this is a dream…”

 

The sudden bumps of the rough road come to a stop as the truck hits a smoother road, while at the same time, the girls slide towards the front of the truck as it descends down a ramp. It finally comes to a stop as the ground evens out, and the sound of a garage door closing along with the opening of the truck’s doors can be heard. The doors to the back of the truck swing open, the fluorescent ceiling lights blinding the students. Two soldiers in Blackgold attire point their guns inside, motioning to them to exit the truck.

 

“Get out of the truck.” one of the soldiers said in a gruff voice.

 

“A-and what if we don-” one of the girls stuttered, before being pulled out by the scruff and tossed to the ground by one of the soldiers.

 

“Just get out and follow us, unless you want to be in a whole world of pain. I would prefer not, as we need you all to be in tip-top condition. You’d also make our jobs easier, so we get paid sooner.” the other soldier said, gesturing at the rest with his SG550. 

 

Hesitantly, each of them hopped off the truck, walking in a line with the two soldiers taking up positions in front and behind the girls. As they walk through a metal door, two more soldiers guarding the doorway give them a nod, as they enter the lab proper. After walking through a series of winding hallways, they end up at a hallway lined with wooden metal doors, where they are roughly shoved into one of the rooms. The door shuts behind them, a light click emanating from the door as a lock is turned. The girls examined the room, finding a total of four double-layered bunk beds, each with a rough, worn mattress on the frames. The walls and floor were barely clean, streaked with bloodstains and dried vomit, and the smell made them want to throw up. Signs of previous use were clear by rumpled sheets and torn pillows on the mattresses, showing that whoever was here before did not have a good time. A single light hung from the ceiling, the light given off just barely enough to illuminate the room.

 

“W-what is going on?”

 

“D-do you think we’re…ever going back?”

 

“...”

 

The group was confused and scared, and the feeling was only amplified as the light in the room shut off.

 

“TIME TO SLEEP! TO YOUR BUNKS, IF ANY OF YOU TRY ANYTHING FUNNY, YOU’RE GETTING SENT TO THE MORTALITY THRESHOLD TESTING SECTORS!” the voice of one of the soldiers yelled, banging his stock against the doors. The girls, scared out of their minds, could only follow along and climb into their bunks, falling asleep into restless dreams.

 

???, nighttime. ???

 

A man wearing square-framed glasses with curled black hair looks tiredly at his computer screen. Sheets were scattered across his desk, test results from the various tests performed on the “Haloed Individuals” from the other side of the rift. Taking a sip from his coffee mug, he adds more notes on the test performed, sighing as he rubbed his eyes, dark bags already showing. A plaque on his desk read [Dr. Keter], with a Toland Group logo beside the name.

 

He questioned the morality of the project; nevertheless, orders from above were orders, and failure to obey would just get him replaced by someone more morally grey. In all honesty, he only managed staff, budget and test results; the sector head managed test subjects and what experiments they ran. Glancing back at his computer screen, a list showed him the projects as well as their progress. He’d definitely have to censor some of it; some of it wasn’t for those outside the facility to know, not even the higher ups. Besides, he liked to keep some personal notes just in case those bastard higher-ups decided to use the contents of his report for their own purposes.

 

Haloed Individuals Tolerance Project (H.I.T Project) notes:

 

Pain Threshold Testing:

 

[H.I.T: Firearms testing sector]

Gunfire tests on Haloed Individuals to test their pain thresholds before being “knocked out”. Nearing completion, melee specialists seem to be able to take much higher amounts of firepower than ranged specialists. So far, small arms fire as well as SMGs, ARs, LMGs, Carbines, MRs and Bolt-action rifles have all been tested. Heavy weapons testing, including the usage of tank-caliber cannons and explosive ordnance such as artillery and RPGs is pending budget approval by Dr.Keter(Me).

 

[H.I.T: Stimulation testing sector]

Currently concluded:test subjects showed the same average tolerance as normal people. Staff are currently being transferred to [H.I.T: Melee testing sector]. Testing involved stimulation of... rather sensitive body parts. Testing highly unethical, recommended removal of involved staff members, and termination of said staff members should they exhibit unusual behaviour near former test subjects or persistence to continue testing.

 

[H.I.T: Melee testing sector]

Melee weapons tests on Haloed Individuals to test their pain thresholds before being “knocked out”. Newly established after [H.I.T: Stimulation testing sector] testing was completed on XX/XX/XXXX. Currently shows a decent amount of physical resistance against basic melee weapons. Curiously, blunt force trauma attacks seem to be more effective than piercing/cutting  attacks in melee.

 

Enhancement Threshold Testing:

 

[H.I.T: Stimulant testing sector (S)]

Safe stimulant tests on Haloed Individuals to see enhancement results. Nearing completion. Effects shown to be enhanced drastically on Haloed Individuals.

 

[H.I.T: Stimulant testing sector (E)]

Experimental stimulant tests on Haloed Individuals to see enhancement results and to test mortality rates. Half-complete. Mortality rates seem much higher, but those who survive receive stimulant effects for an indefinite amount of time, with increased boosts compared to effects on operators conducted through live tests inside the Dark Zone on XX/XX/XXXX. More testing needed to determine the average mortality rate.

 

[H.I.T: Drug testing sector]

Forced consumption of addictive drugs to test addiction tolerance, as well as amplification of both beneficial and adverse effects. Subjects show lowered addiction tolerance (most likely since they’re below age. Sick higher-ups…), with surprisingly lowered beneficial effects and much more adverse effects. Recommended to terminate this project as soon as possible to prevent the kids from getting addicted to cocaine and whatever other shit they’re dosing them with.

 

Mortality Threshold Testing:

 

[H.I.T: Chemical warfare testing sector]

Chemical weapons tests on Haloed Individuals to see survival rates. Half-complete, currently, it seems that most Haloed Individuals have a lowered tolerance to chemical weapons than operators. Currently on a shortage of test subjects, pending approval for more test subjects. Multiple results have also been forwarded to [H.I.T: Subjugation testing sector] for further testing.

 

[H.I.T: Internals testing sector]

Terminated sector: Dissection of subjects yield no meaningful results. Current theory is that enhanced physical damage resistance is due to “halos” instead of body composition. Attempts to transfer halos from “Haloed Individuals” to normal operatives at the current test site has resulted in a 99% failure rate, deemed inefficient for the amount of consumed test subjects.

 

[H.I.T: Subjugation testing sector]

Ongoing, unknown completion progress. In the process of finding effective ways to kill Haloed Individuals. So far, it seems indirect ways of killing them (e.g, poison, diseases, inhaled gas) are effective. Death by physical means is possible, but only if extreme amounts of damage is taken, such as extreme blunt force trauma or taking a large amount of “damage” at once or for a sustained amount of time. An indicator of the “death” of a “Haloed Individual” is the shattering of their halo, which can be detected through visual means and audio cues. However, halo shattering indicators will not occur when the subject dies while unconscious (sleeping, knocked out)

 

Mental Threshold Testing:

 

[H.I.T: Sanity testing sector]

Ongoing, unknown completion progress. Progressive mental state degradation results in most subjects’ deaths; however, sometimes an unknown anomaly occurs where some subjects, instead of dying, transform into a wild, berserk state. Haloes crack and change color, but do not shatter. Increased security and investigation needed. Current recommendation for “turned” Haloed Individuals is shortened study length of approximately 10 minutes before termination of the “turned” individual using known termination methods from [H.I.T: Subjugation testing sector].

 

[H.I.T: Remodelation testing sector]

Ongoing, low completion progress. Efforts to reform Haloed Individuals into CDIS operatives yield mediocre results at best. Multiple rebellion efforts have been logged, with rebelling subjects sent to Mortality Threshold Testing sectors.

 

Current logged test subject deaths:681

 

“Now, just to modify it a bit and send the important info to the higher-ups…” Dr. Keter said, resuming his tapping on the keyboard as he shifted personal notes to a separate document and left a clean version with more vague details to send to the intelligence officers in Toland Group.

 

The Dark Zone was about to experience some…interesting changes.

 

Colom, nighttime. ???

 

Hurried footsteps rushed down a corridor. A Blackgold soldier burst through the door to an office, panting. A CDIS researcher looks up from his work, anticipating the news.

 

“Have the test subjects from the TV Station arrived yet?” the CDIS researcher said. If this was a delay, it was one hell of a long one.

 

“...that’s the problem…they’re gone. We lost signal with them halfway through the drive, and when we tried to track the transports, the trail  went cold.” the Blackgold soldier replied, out of breath.

 

“…what?”

Notes:

Put this out right on time before my trip, and right on the day Arena Breakout launches S9 and celebrates its 2nd anniversary! If there's any AB players reading, feel free to share your experiences in the comments! Of course, once again a large thank you to anyone that's stuck to this fic so far. A new fic is actually in the works...although this one's definitely still going to be the main one.

Chapter 17: Fight Back (IV)

Notes:

Time for more depression.

Kivotos, nighttime. Gehenna District

 

The fighting had quelled, with both sides setting up defenses as they resupplied and rested, tired from fighting the entire day. Armored vehicles were on standby, while both sides also plotted infiltration plans to stealthily attack the enemy under the cover of the night. The rain had stopped, while a group of ten people converged inside the Gehenna Prefect Team’s building.

 

Inside the building, a lamp illuminated a map of the Gehenna District on the table, as the electricity had been cut from the attacks by CDIS forces. Obol, DO-9, TI-7, AS-2 and IN-7 sat on one side of the desk, while Hina, Ako, Chinatsu, Iori and Sena were sitting on the other side. Iori and DO-9 were both recovering from their injuries on the frontline, sitting away from the table while the other eight sat at the table. The operators mostly glared daggers at Ako, which she flinched slightly at, while the Prefect Team members looked at Obol with suspicious glares.

 

“So…is anyone gonna say anything? TI-7, ya said you’d clear up stuff with ‘em, right?” Obol said, sweating slightly. The looks he was getting from the students in front of him, especially Hina, were downright menacing, especially when taking into account the fact that they were freakishly strong.

 

“Yes…but firstly, we have a little… misunderstanding to clear up. Ako, tell me. What was the point of attacking us in the Abydos District?” TI-7 said, his voice tinged with disapproval. Honestly, this girl and her arrogance made him want to shove a Molotov down her throat.

 

“Didn’t I already tell you? It was to apprehend Proble-” Ako said, before being cut off by TI-7.

 

“Cut the crap. I’d already guessed the reason even before Kayoko pointed it out. You wanted to take us in, and for what purpose? To help you? We were discussing with the members of the Foreclosure Task Force the exact reason why kidnapping students and forcing them to join their school was a bad idea-” this raised a few eyebrows from the Prefect Team and Obol “-and it’s even worse if you do that to us. The only shit that did was slow us down from arriving to help you push back the invasion, and also hastening the invasion yourself, pulling such a large force away from Gehenna.”

 

“While I agree with TI-7 Sensei on that matter, the more pressing matter is how we’re going to repel this invasion. A lot of our students are recovering at the Emergency Medicine Club’s temporary infirmary from the fight today, and we’re lacking defenders to push back another attack of today’s scale tomorrow.” Hina piped up, stopping TI-7 from berating Ako further. She mentally reminded herself to reprimand Ako severely after this, if Gehenna managed to push back the invasion first.

 

“I was able to communicate with forces at SCHALE, they should be able to send in volunteer students and anti-air as well as some ground armor as reinforcements tomorrow. The problem is tonight; Abyss Squad is notorious in the Dark Zone for their streak of successful and devastating covert ops missions. They’ll definitely try to sabotage our vehicles and supplies, maybe even injure or kill some students.” DO-9 pipes up, with a few heads turning over to look at him, currently lying down on one of the couches in the room, his head turned sideways to look at them.

 

“I doubt they’ll be too effective though, without me, Hecate and Styx, they’re definitely going to be taking orders from less experienced commanders. Heck, they might not even attack tonight, given the risk of working under an incompetent commander.” Obol said, sweating nervously as the students turned their attention back to him.

 

“May I ask who you are? I haven’t seen you with the Senseis before…” Hina said, glancing at Obol with a judging gaze.

 

“Oh, yeah. This is Obol, one of the commanders of the Abyss Squad that came in to reinforce the Blackgold forces in the offensive…” TI-7 said, trailing off as he noticed the students tightening their grip around their weapons.

 

“But I made a deal with him, and he’ll cooperate with us until the end of the invasion.” TI-7 finished, attempting to dismiss the students’ hostility.

 

“How do we know he’s trustworthy, TI-7 Sensei?” Hina said, slitting her eyes. She maintained a degree of trust in the Senseis, but with the wobbly relation between them and Ako as well as some of their…sketchier backgrounds that intelligence was able to dig up, she remained cautious.

 

“Honestly, Blackgold is mostly made of mercs like him. Just that he’s good at his job, so he got a commanding position in their elite squad, but honestly he’s one of those guys that’d shift if they got promised better pay.”

 

“...essentially the mercenaries here in Kivotos. So he’ll “clock out” after the invasion ends?”

 

“I’ll deal with it later. For now, we need to worry about any cov-ops that Abyss Squad might run, probably just mopping up stragglers and outliers since they don’t know the terrain well. AS-2 and IN-7 can help set up traps, while you guys can send out an order to pull in your fighters, or at least put coverage on them to make them harder to raid. Making choke points and ambush sites would also be a good deterrent, since you know the land better than they do.”

 

“...understood, TI-7 Sensei.”

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Gehenna District, Abyss Squad Temporary Command Center

 

“...all the commanders are dead, or at least MIA. Hecate’s dead, while Obol and Styx have gone off the radar. Are you sure we should do this?”

 

The remaining Abyss Squad members were clustered around an aerial surveillance photo of the Gehenna district, performing weapon checks and repairing their armor. Nearby, CDIS soldiers performed repairs on damaged armored vehicles, while a few Blackgold soldiers were escorting a supply truck as it rolled by.

 

“Supply sabotage will definitely make our offensive tomorrow easier. Striking them now can also reduce their morale and increase paranoia, giving us an edge over their infantry fighters tomorrow. One of our wiretappers was also able to intercept a call for reinforcements; we need to intercept them tonight. Scouts on the “border” of this place spotted a small convoy entering the district a few minutes ago, we already have an interception point.” one of the squad members said, pointing to an intersection on the map.

 

“...alright then. Get those Blackgold grunts to set up a trap with CDIS armored support. Try to set up a blockade and box them in before using throwables to mop them up, also bring anti-tank weapons. Split the Abyss Squad into small regimens to carry out guerilla tactics and sabotage the OPFOR’s armored units, as well as taking out any stragglers. Chemical weapons are in the green.” another one says, getting up, ready to execute the plan. Motioning to some other Squad members, he slinks off into an alley, a few members also hopping up and following him.

 

“...still can’t get over the fact we got called to put down some schoolkids.” one of the remaining members said, sighing.

 

“...orders are orders.”

 

“Remember, since we’re lacking our major commanders, don’t take any action against major forces. We don’t have the sufficient manpower or planning to do it tonight, so don’t do anything stupid.” the first member says, eyes scanning over the remaining group.

 

“One more thing…look out for traps. If you see any suspicious activity, report back and try not to get caught.” he continues, staring at the gathered Abyss Squad members with a steely gaze. “We’ve lost too many squadmates to those bitches. When they shower us with bullets, we die. When we shower them with bullets, they just get back up after a few hours, dust themselves off and get back into action. So go, and carry out your every move with the intention to kill.”

 

“Because we won’t retreat until we break even with the deaths they’ve caused.”

 

“Affirmative.” the other Squad members reply, before they scatter, disappearing into separate alleyways like wraiths in the night. The Blackgold and CDIS soldiers pile into APCs, with truck and tank engines revving, before they set off into the night, ready to intercept the reinforcements.

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Gehenna District, Reinforcement Convoy

 

“SRT Academy Squads, you’ve been given the task to support the Senseis in pushing back the Blackgold invasion in Gehenna. Perform well, and they can put in a favor for you to not shut down your school.”

 

A convoy rumbled down the road, consisting of two APCs, a BTR at the front and two of Trinity’s modified Crusader tanks in the back, with a helicopter following overhead. Millennium was dealing with their own crisis of the sudden appearance of MNST forces in their school district, while Gehenna was busy dealing with their invasion. The Tea Party was only able to send two tanks as reinforcements, as Trinity’s stand on the invasion was mixed between supremacists and pacifists, while the BTR was part of MNST’s forces. The frontal APC contained the four members of FOX Squad, while the rear APC contained a scattering of volunteer SCHALE students from various smaller academies, and the MH-60 helicopter overhead contained the four members of RABBIT Squad with Moe in the cockpit.

 

Moving through the cramped roads of Gehenna, the reinforcement forces looked left and right, scanning the buildings and alleys for enemies. Above, Miyako swept a searchlight over the rooftops, while Miyu followed the searchlight, ready to shoot any potential enemies. Fog had built up as the rain from the day cooled and condensed in the tight roads, obscuring vision as the vehicles cautiously advanced though.

 

A loud boom resounds through the street, as a shell flies down the street, shredding through the BTR’s thin armor and detonating inside, cooking off the ammunition and instantly killing all the MNST soldiers inside. The few accompanying White Wolf soldiers quickly ducked behind any available cover, opening fire as Blackgold and CDIS soldiers popped up in the windows of nearby buildings, firing down on the group. A RPG rocks one of the Crusaders, blowing off a track before a second finishes it off, destroying the turret and knocking out most of the crew members excluding the driver, who managed to escape. Behind the convoy, a Leopard 1 turns the corner, aligning its sights before taking a shot, cooking off the second Crusader’s ammunition. More vehicles and Colomite soldiers converge, covering escape routes and boxing the reinforcements in.

 

“Box them in!”

 

“Need a grenade here! Enemy spotted!”

 

“Contact, contact! Suppressive fire, don’t let them escape!”

 

“Chem weapons are green! Prep the gas grenades!”

 

“Reloading! Cover me!”

 

In such an obscured environment, the students’ halos glowed way too brightly, exposing their positions and making a few that demounted from the rear APC easy targets as they were flushed out by gunfire and grenades. Yukino, in the driver’s seat, groaned as she unstuck her head from the driver’s wheel.

 

When the ambush had happened, the rear APC’s driver had panicked, trying to push past, before being knocked out by gunfire with their foot on the gas pedal. The result was a collision that had mashed the APC containing FOX Squad between the disabled BTR and the rear APC, crippling both the engines and rendering the APCs unusable. Gunfire sounded off all around, with a few grenade blasts and pained groans from students. The helicopter overhead with RABBIT Squad inside was performing evasive maneuvers and bombing surrounding streets to deter the Colomite forces, while the soldiers below tried to shoot down the helicopter with RPG rockets.

 

“Urgh…” Yukino groaned, looking around. Her vision was blurry, but she could see Niko beside her, clutching her shotgun, shivering.

 

“Hey…it’s going to be okay. We just have to get with the Gehenna main force, then we can help them with fending off the invasion. Just…if they’re willing to kill us, then we have to respond with the same force. We need to expect this if we’re fighting against unhaloed individuals, especially when they have the means to kill us.” Yukino said, clambering over the gear shift in the APC and hugging Niko tightly. Niko only nodded silently, continuing to clutch her shotgun while looking outside. She hadn’t been her usual self ever since killing that former Kamonan soldier in their expedition into the Armory, trying to recover from the experience.

 

Yukino glanced one more time at Niko while pulling away, before turning to the metal panel dividing the driver’s area and the back of the APC.

 

“Otogi, Kurumi, are you two okay back there!?” Yukino yelled, receiving two disoriented groans of affirmation in response.

 

“Yeah, we’re okay…”

 

“Over there! There’s still a few left conscious! Open fire!”

 

A CDIS soldier had noticed Niko and Yukino’s still-active halos in the front driver and passenger seats, and opened fire. Both of them ducked down as a wave of bullets slammed into the windshield, shattering it and raining glass shards onto the two hunkered-down figures.

 

“This is RABBIT 3, the situation on the ground looks bad. Need a ride?” the earpiece in FOX Squad’s ears buzzed as Moe communicated through her headset, the helicopter circling high above.

 

“Much appreciated, just drop a ladder when you get close to the ground. We’re currently in the first APC, it’s stuck between the BTR and the other APC.” Yukino replied, as gunshots from the back of the APC sounded. Yukino peeked over the dashboard, firing her assault rifle at the CDIS soldier. The bullets slam into the soldier, but he manages to duck behind the burning BTR with only a broken arm and heavily damaged chest armor. Grunting in pain, the soldier brings out a GHO grenade, pulling off the pin.

 

“Got it. We’re descending, ETA 3 minutes to exfil. I need you to clear out anything on the ground that can pose a threat to the heli so we can get down there faster. The longer it takes, the more reinforcements that will arrive, and the higher the chance that they bring AA guns. If that happens, we’re screwed, and we won’t be able to exfil you.” Moe replied, before cutting comms.

 

Above, the helicopter’s spotlight came on again, but this time, instead of sniper shots that crippled the weapons in the soldiers’ hands, a hail of machine gun fire peppered the ground, forcing large groups of Colomite forces to scatter as Saki opened fire with her machine gun.

 

Meanwhile, on the ground, Kurumi and Otogi had pushed out the back of the APC, with Kurumi pushing through clustering Colomite forces with her shield, as well as mag-dumping her SMG into their chests, knocking the wind out of them (their armor was good enough to tank the veritable “peashooter” rounds) before giving them a good bonk on the helmet, knocking them out. Otogi, meanwhile, had stashed the scope on her anti-materiel rifle, gripping it by the frontal handguard and using it as a club, smashing the stock into nearby soldiers as they prodded around, trying to find threats to the helicopter as it circled lower.

 

In the truck’s front, a GHO grenade clattered onto the gear shift, bouncing off and onto the headrest before rebounding onto the floor under the driver wheel.

 

“GRENADE! NIKO, WATCH OUT!” Yukino yelled, kicking open the truck's door before diving out. Niko does the same, though unfortunately directly into the line of fire of the CDIS soldier who was pushing the truck after tossing the grenade.

 

The soldier immediately opens fire, a few rounds nailing Niko in the head before she rolls aside, letting off two blasts with her shotgun, crippling his legs. The grenade goes off, as the APC’s engine explodes violently, showering fuel all around.

 

“ARRGHHH!!! Ghhhuh…” the soldier yells, falling to the ground as his M4A1 clatters onto the ground beside him. As he reaches to his waist to pull out a sidearm, a three-round burst drills through his head, splattering more blood on the ground as he goes limp. Niko, who was patting out the fire on her clothes, froze temporarily, before turning to the source of the gunshots.

 

Yukino, who had miraculously not gotten any fuel splattered on her, stood in a firing position, the barrel of her assault rifle still smoking.

 

“...why…?” Niko silently asked.

 

“He already lost three of his limbs. I’m simply putting him out of his misery so he doesn’t have to suffer more in the future.” Yukino replied coldly. She was still internally hurt, but convinced herself that it was justified to end the soldier’s suffering.

 

“...”

 

“...alright.”

 

It was all that Niko replied before pushing forward, scanning the street for threats. Rounding a corner, she spots a Blackgold soldier aiming a RPG up at the descending helicopter. Quickly taking aim, she lets out a shotgun blast, destroying the soldier’s hands as well as knocking the RPG from his hands. The RPG flips end over end before smashing into the road, the warhead in the launcher detonating and reducing the soldier and nearby others into blood splatters on the street.

 

Fuck. (and oopsies).

 

Yukino takes accurate shots at soldiers that attempt to get close to the exfil point, disabling limbs and forcing them to retreat, and directly killing ones that posed a threat to the helicopter or had lost three or more limbs.

 

Meanwhile, Kurumi was still knocking out soldiers and tanking bullets with her riot shield, though it had begun to wear down. Otogi took shots at any rocketeers she spotted, wincing whenever the shot went slightly astray and blew off parts of the soldiers’ hands, their yells and screams of pain echoing through the night.

 

Suddenly, dark green canisters were thrown out of some windows, while the armored vehicles pressed in further and the Colomite soldiers retreated, putting on gas masks and taking defensive positions. A soft hissing sound spread across the battlefield, as knocked-out students began being forcefully woken up as gas was subconsciously breathed in, damaging their lungs and causing them to scream out in pain.

 

A cacophony of screams from injured soldiers and students mixed with the yells between Colomite forces as they advanced once more, along with engine rumbles and the soft hissing of gas and the crackling of fire. All of them mixed together in a chaotic symphony, though soon a majority of the screams turned into coughing and gurgling as Colomite soldiers who were in too much pain or knocked out and students who couldn’t put on their gas masks or never had one began to be affected heavily by the gas, choking on their own blood and coughing it out. 

 

“ETA 1 minute. RABBIT 4 is getting the ladder ready.” Moe said, as Miyu scrambled to the back of the helicopter, detaching the rolled-up rope ladder.

 

“Got it. All nearby threats have been cleared. FOX Squad, regroup in the middle and retreat from the gas.” Yukino said, rallying the other members of FOX Squad. Despite everything, a few White Wolf soldiers were still alive, three of them joining the four girls as they clustered around the APC.

 

At this moment, two trucks swerve onto the street in front of them, with mounted machine guns in the bed of the trucks. The CDIS soldiers begin firing on the helicopter, while Blackgold soldiers inside the pickup truck dismount and fire on the group. The White Wolf soldiers immediately return fire, downing three of them before retreating.

 

“You guys go ahead! We’ll hold them off!” one of the White Wolf soldiers yelled, peeking cover while the other tossed a Mk2 grenade over the top, the grenade disabling one of the mounted machine guns and incapacitating the gunner. Taking more shots, the peeking White Wolf soldier downs another Blackgold before pulling back, ejecting the spent magazine and loading a fresh one, racking the bolt and cycling in a new round.

 

As the helicopter gets nearer to the ground, the wind generated by the rotary blades start blowing away the gas as a rope ladder falls down. Kurumi climbs up first, taking some fire blocking most of it with her riot shield strapped to her back. As soon as she makes it, she turns around, tossing her riot shield down as Otogi goes up next, with the riot shield on her back while Kurumi provides cover fire with her SMG.

 

The process repeats until only two White Wolf soldiers are left alive on the ground, the third taking an unlucky shot to the head and lying on the ground, dead. At this point, the Colomite forces were able to bring an anti-air to the scene, and Moe had to constantly dodge RPG shots that came her way. Nodding to each other, the two White Wolf soldiers rapidly hooked ascenders to the sides of the rope ladders, ascending upwards quickly and firing wild shots as they retreated.

 

As soon as they entered, FOX Squad pulled in the ladder, slamming the doors shut as the helicopter quickly ascended, dodging anti-air fire. 

 

“...fuck, that was close.” one of the White Wolf soldiers said, beginning to bandage his arm with gauze, stemming the bleeding. The other does a magazine check, weighing it and deducing it to be nearly empty. Looking into his pockets and rig, he sighs as he finds no spare bullets.

 

“Thanks for the exfil back there, any longer and we would’ve been dead meat.” the White Wolf soldier says, addressing both SRT Squads. Just as Moe and Yukino are about to speak, a large impact shakes the helicopter, before red warning lights start blaring inside.

 

“Guh-hang on tight, enemy attack helicopter!” Moe yells, as Otogi slides open the side door and peeks out, quickly ducking her head back in as a shower of machine gun fire impacts the side of the helicopter. An air-to-air missile had struck the rear of the helicopter, blowing a large hole and miraculously not detonating the fuselage, but still damaging it and causing it to leak fuel. A few lucky bullets find their way into the main rotor, as it starts smoking before bursting into flames, the helicopter rapidly losing altitude.

 

“Brace yourselves! Pilot, whoever you are, try to control the landing and have us crash somewhere open and hopefully on our side! You guys might live through this crash, but we won’t!” one of the White Wolf soldiers yelled, while the other one started freeing parachutes, lifejackets and other soft objects to cushion the impact of the crash.

 

Moe, following their orders, spots lights ahead. It’s the Prefect Team main building, and there's a plaza right in front perfect for making a crash landing.

 

The only problem is, it’s already filled with people.

 

Some of them without halos.

 

The other SRT members realize this too, their eyes widening. Glancing back at the two White Wolf soldiers in the back of the helicopter, and looking again at the many more on the ground.

 

They’d be knocked out or bruised if the helicopter crashed directly, but the soldiers in the helicopter wouldn’t live and the helicopter itself would be destroyed. If they made a “safe” landing, then it would cause major damage to equipment in the plaza as well as potentially injuring many students and soldiers.

 

A trolley problem, per se.

 

‘I’m sorry.’ Moe thought, shutting her eyes as tears started to stream out.

 

Flicking a few knobs, she set the helicopter on a single course with the last remaining control and power it had.

 

Praying to whatever god out there that they could forgive her.

 

Kivotos, nighttime. Gehenna District, Prefect Team Building Plaza

 

Students and soldiers alike looked up at the sky as a helicopter, trailing flames from its rotor and fuselage cut through the sky, like a meteor lighting up the night while another helicopter followed.

 

Shooting towards the day’s warzone, the helicopter soon crashed, exploding in a fiery ball of flame. The pursuing helicopter clumsily shot off an unguided missile, the missile smashing into one of the buildings at the edge of the plaza and causing it to crumble before the pilot attempted to flee, only to be quickly taken down in the air by multiple AA installments, the assault helicopter exploding right in the sky and raining flaming scrap metal down over the district.

 

The Emergency Medical Club quickly piled into Pandemonium Society jeeps before taking off towards the crash site of Moe’s helicopter, under the orders of the four Senseis that had seen the events unfold, searching for any remaining living reinforcements.

 

“...I should’ve seen this coming.” TI-7 said, letting out a sigh. “Knowing Abyss Squad, they probably scouted the reinforcement convoy before we even knew where it was coming from. Honestly though… there wasn’t much we could do. A few of the Gehennan forces on the outskirts were hit with minor attacks as they were coming towards us for the group-up, so if we stretched our forces to support the reinforcements, much more casualties would be incurred from Abyss Squad ambushes.”

 

“So what’s the plan now? Just sit the night out?” AS-2 said, absentmindedly flipping a coin.

 

“Pretty much. Can’t do much tonight, Abyss Squad’s gonna eat us alive if we do. Wait for morning, then we push an offensive using artillery and armor.” IN-7 said, having set to work on the map, planning out different attacks for the next day.

 

Outside, the orange glow of the helicopter’s burning remains illuminates a small section of the district as members of FOX Squad and RABBIT Squad are hauled out the wreckage, all of them unconscious and battered. They were loaded into ambulances before being driven off, leaving behind the wreckage.

 

Leaving behind the bodies and souls of two nameless White Wolf soldiers, their flesh and bones  burnt beyond recognition, melting and becoming one with the ground.

 

As the sun rose, the last flickers of the fire died out, the embers rapidly cooling until it left behind a grave of charred and twisted metal, the bodies long gone.

 

They had been given their burial, in their own way.

Notes:

Just a note that this will update slower from now on due to working on my second fic and side stories for this one.

Chapter 18: Chaotic Clash

Notes:

Short interlude chapter as lore progression on the Kamona side catches up to the current season.

Kivotos, morning. Trinity District

 

“This is Trinity's Justice Task Force! Put down your weapons and peacefully cooperate!”

 

“We will not yield! Do not give an inch, and do not surrender!”

 

A tense standoff between Renoir’s forces and the JTF was taking place at the portal, as artillery had temporarily stopped raining down and MNST foot troops emerged from buildings, some disheveled as they staggered out with the residents yelling angrily at them from behind.

 

At the perimeter, JTF mobs and MNST and former Kamonan Military forces faced each other in a tense standoff, as Trinity Crusaders wheeled onto the scene, while MNST armor pushed against JTF foot troops as more reinforcements came through the rift, armor and soldiers alike.

 

“Make way! The Tea Party’s here!” a voice at the back called, as the JTF forces parted like the sea under Moses’ command and an elegant transport vehicle wheeled down the road, coming to a stop before Renoir’s forces. Similarly, Renoir’s forces part way as the man himself walks through, his Matzka helmet and armored chest rig highlighting his imposing build. The doors of the transport open as Nagisa steps out, along with a group of Tea Party guards. Meanwhile, Renoir’s personal guards also step up beside him, flanking him and giving the Tea Party envoys a suspicious glare.

 

“...What do you want?”

 

“Tensions are naturally running a bit too high here, don’t you think? How about we negotiate terms-”

 

“There will be no negotiations until you compensate for the death of one of my men.”

 

“What-?”

 

“...did you not know? Your little “scout team” killed one of my men! I hold all of my brothers-in arms in high regard, and the death of even one is unacceptable! Do not pass it off as an “accident”, or else you will have hell to pay.” Renoir growled angrily, while the soldiers behind him stiffened, their anger and outrage also practically radiating off of them.

 

Meanwhile, Nagisa wore a shocked expression. FOX Squad had killed one of them? Why weren’t they informed?

 

“Ahh…we didn’t know. We’re terribly sorry for your loss, as it was a scout team under the governing force of this city. How about we sit down and have a talk over some tea while my subordinates contact the GSC? You can put forward some terms of compensation while we wait.” Nagisa said, sweating heavily. God, SRT made such a mess and they weren’t even informed? The sour relationships with the other side’s forces almost escalated into a heated gunfight!

 

“...fine. But if this is a trick…” Renoir responded begrudgingly. After all, it didn’t seem like these teenage girls were trying to kill them despite the guns they had, as he noted that most of the girls in front of him had their gun safeties on, and more of them had their fingers on their safeties (if they had one) than on their triggers.

 

“I assure you, it isn’t.” Nagisa said shakily. After all, Renoir, despite committing murder in Kivotos, seemed to be an influential figure over a large military force. Nagisa did not want to deal with their own invasion from the other world, especially since some of the soldiers in the group looked very similar to the soldiers stationed at SCHALE.

 

With that, both sides let out a silent sigh of relief, many relaxing their grips slightly. The situation had been resolved…for now.

 

Kivotos, morning. Millennium District

 

Meanwhile in Millennium, the complete opposite was happening. Several MNST soldiers were being tended to, with fellow brothers-in-arms applying gauze over wounds caused by the defense drones. Nearby students had also rushed over to help, doing the best they could, while Rio and the commander of the MNST expedition force were sorting things out between each other.

 

“So…automated defenses, huh?” the commander said, looking over the wreckage.

 

“Yes. We apologize for the mishap due to the face recognition. None of you are registered visitors, so the drones and security robots opened fire on you.” Rio said over the radio.

 

“Alright…I’ll accept it. We don’t have this type of stuff from where we come from, so I don’t know how this shit works anyways. We were supposed to link up with an expedition force that came through before, any idea where they are now?”

 

“Hmmm…I suppose it is the force stationed at SCHALE. I’ll have members of Seminar provide you with a GPS with pre-set coordinates to help you navigate your way out of this district.”

 

“Much appreciated. I suppose you’re not going to meet us in person?”

 

“No. I’m busy enough with managing this school already, so my former clubmates will be performing tasks for me.”

 

“Hmph. Paperwork’s paperwork, wherever you go…”

 

The MNST commander turns off the radio, pulling out a pack of cigarettes and lighting one. Shoving one in his mouth, he takes a puff of it before pulling it out again.

 

Bulletproof kids, automated defenses, and a “school district” that looked like it came straight out of the future. Sentient, walking animals and robots. All being taught by videos recorded on discs and four teachers, who were all apparently on leave in another district fighting a goddamn war.

 

He and a few of his men might be downing a few bottles of Tevilan vodka once they get to wherever this “SCHALE” was, if it had any.

 

Kivotos, noontime. Abydos Annex Building

 

“In a shocking announcement, Kaiser Corporation has handed over control of the entirety of Kaiser PMC to Abydos High School, including all assets owned by them. The reasoning behind this is unclear, however, rumors suggest it has to do with a special operation conducted by federal investigation club SCHALE’s Senseis within the Abydos District, as well as the mysterious disappearance of the Director of Kaiser PMC…”

 

“Aaand it’s all done!” Nonomi said excitedly as she filled in her name on the contract on the table.

 

“Even though they handed over a whole PMC to you guys, you’re willing to just give it away to me?” Deke Vinson asked. Sure, he wouldn’t mind a business expansion, but dealing with otherworld politics was hella different from running an underground business in the Dark Zone. 

 

“Well, as long as you’re as good as AS-2 Sensei says, you should be able to manage, right?” Ayane said, looking at Deke. His tousled black hair and generally rugged appearance, with a scuffed scarf and leather jacket, definitely didn’t make him look like the most trustworthy person out there. More so like one of the cowboys in those TV shows, minus the hat.

 

“Not really sure…arms dealing and smuggling is my thing, so I can manage distribution and sales of weapons, but I can’t manage production or instruction of anyone that uses them. I’ll have to contact Joel, see if he knows anyone.”

 

“Ah, yes. DO-9 mentioned him before…a combat instructor, right? Maybe he does know a few others…” Nonomi said.

 

“Anyways, that should be all for today. Thanks for the cooperation, I hope we can work together in the future!” Deke said with a grin. Now all he had to do was to get the contract processed by the “GSC” or whatever.

 

Oh, and also do some underhand dealings with the Kaiser Corporation President. If Deke really wanted to make a profit, he’d at least have to acquire a part of Kaiser Industries…by blackmail. The four Senseis had been able to dig up a lot of dirt with the help of admin access granted to the (disabled) PMC Director and Veritas, and it’d definitely be enough to bargain for a share of their industrial complexes for a stable income of weapons and equipment.

 

For now though, he first had to sell off the weapons stockpile at the PMC base and cut off a large share for the kids, as agreed to.

 

Kivotos, morning. Gehenna District

 

“Weapons and ammo check.” TI-7 said.

 

“All good.” the three other operators said.

 

The Prefect Team members had left to do their own preparations for the offensive. Hina, Ako and Iori had gone to rally the remaining Prefect Team forces, Chinatsu had gone to tend to the injured with Sena, and SRT was doing their own thing. 

 

“Armor?”

 

“Repaired it overnight.” DO-9 said.

 

“Alright, everyone. Let’s get together with the others, then move out!”

 

Racking the bolts on their guns, they strap them onto their backs, taking off on a sprint towards the steadily growing group of Kivotosian forces as they prepare for the final offensive against the Colomite forces.

 

Kamona, morning. TV Station

 

Unbeknownst to the defenders, the Colomite forces were in chaos. A full retreat had been ordered as Kurt’s Squad had suddenly deserted the TV Station, allowing White Wolf/GNESK forces to begin backing up their allies on the second floor. Tanks and Colomite soldiers had been pulled back through the gate in a last-ditch attempt to combat the growing chaos in the TV Station, as a three-way fight between the offensive reinforcing Tevilan forces, defensive retreating Colomite forces and opportunist operators took place. 

 

“Hold the first floor! We can’t let any of those White Wolf fuckers upstairs!”

 

“Sir, they’re breaking through from the second floor! The White Wolf remnants!”

 

“Grenade!”

 

Scattered groups of Blackgold operators were holding down patches of the first floor, while a large fight was taking place in the central control area on the first floor and the surrounding second floor corridors. Small squads of operators were darting in between the firefights, taking out anyone in their way, causing general mayhem as flanks on both Blackgold and White Wolf lines were attacked by them.

 

“This is White Wolf Offensive Squad 1-3, we’ve detected a breach from the south by unaffiliated operators, do we engage?”

 

“Central Command to WWOS 1-3, you are cleared to engage. Sweep them out.”

 

“WWOS 1-4 to Command! Unaffiliated operators have taken out WWOS 1-3! Requesting immediate support! We’re pinned down at the General Office on 2F! ”

 

“WWOS 1-1 to all other WWOS units, the Central Control Area is being locked down. Gas is being dispensed in approximately 30 seconds. Should we cut the power, Command?”

 

“WWOS 1-1, you are cleared to cut the power. Contracted operators with thermal imaging will be breaching the lobby to sweep out the rats once you do, so sit tight and hold position once you do.”

 

“Roger. WWOS 1-2 en route to backup WWOS 1-4.”

 

White Wolf operators were entering from the roof and lobby of the TV Station, pushing in from the third and second floor as well as the lobby on the first floor. Despite all the pressure, a large group of Blackgold forces were holding out in the Central Control Area, where most of the fighting was being done. Shots were exchanged every way as White Wolf soldiers shot over the railings from the halls on the second floor and pushed down the stairs, unaffiliated operators attempted to gain ground by pushing through the first floor entries and Blackgold defenders were being resupplied and reinforced through the rift at the center of it all. 

 

As the power was cut, the chaos intensified. Operators burst through the Central Control Area 1F entrances, while White Wolf soldiers took it as a sign to charge or drop down from the second floor. Melee brawling, shouts and sporadic gunfire echoed through the central area, as everyone fumbled around in the dark, blind and stuck in a sea of bodies and bullets.

 

Chaos reigned in the TV Station.

 

And it wasn’t about to sit still and stay there.

 

Kivotos, near noon. Gehenna District

 

Advancing through the deserted streets littered with rubble, the four Senseis and Kivotosian forces looked around cautiously. Scanning buildings left and right, many collapsed or pockmarked with bullet holes and impacts, they seemed empty. Nothing but the faint whistling of wind and the crunching of debris under their footsteps could be heard.

 

“What the hell…?” DO-9 muttered.

 

“Everyone, keep your guard up. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there.” IN-7 said. A few Prefect Team members stiffened up before tightening their grips on their guns and sweeping the surrounding buildings once more.

 

“Strange…Colom is usually pretty persistent when it comes to these offensives. They wouldn’t retreat without reason.” TI-7 said. His thermals weren’t picking up any heat signatures, even faint ones, that could have been made by enemy soldiers or vehicles.

 

“Doesn’t seem like anyone’s been around lately. Should we press in directly towards their base camp?” AS-2 asked.

 

“RABBIT and FOX Squad are up ahead. Ako, can you ask them about the situation?” Hina said.

 

“Yes, Head Prefect…it seems clear ahead, no signs of enemy activity.” Ako responded, quickly contacting the SRT forces and responding back.

 

“...” just as Hina was contemplating, several explosions were heard from the Blackgold base camp, followed by a large amount of gunfire and panicked shouts.

 

“Enemy…breach…got through…neutralize…defensive…doing?!” panicked yells of multiple Blackgold soldiers could barely be heard over all the gunfire.

 

Glancing at each other, the four Senseis have a wordless exchange before DO-9, IN-7 and TI-7 charge towards the base camp, while AS-2 stays behind.

 

“Hina, contact Ako and tell her to tell FOX Squad and RABBIT Squad to find out what the hell is going on. Go help the other three once you’re done, and get the Prefect Team to encircle the base camp.” AS-2 said.

 

“Got it, AS-2 Sensei. What about you?”

 

“...I’ll provide supplies. I feel like we’re going to need it.”

 

With that, the two headed off their respective ways.

 

Both know that the scenario’s tense. No need, nor time, for formalities or extras.

 

Just what’s necessary to achieve victory, quick, efficient and brutal.

Notes:

Net chapter may be the final chapter in a while, as I need to familiarize on the gdd and eden treaty arcs. We'll see how it goes.

Chapter 19: Resolution

Notes:

LESGOOOOO I GOT A SECRET DOCUMENT WOOOOOO

Kivotos, noon. Gehenna District

 

Entering the Blackgold base camp was…ridiculously easy. The reason soon became apparent, as chaos raged all over the camp. The fighting inside the TV Station had spread through the rift, prompting the Colomite defenders to fight back the ever-growing number of unaffiliated operators and White Wolf soldiers that slipped through the rift.

 

Steady gunfire exchanges blazed around the camp, denting the concrete structures around and pinging off of the Colomite vehicles as paced gunfights raged between the Colomite and Tevilan forces. In the midst of it all, a few experienced operators swept through both forces like forces of nature, decimating everyone in their path, while less experienced operators provided cover fire or were caught in the crossfire.

 

With the Kivotosian forces pressuring the Colomite defenders from the outside and operators and Tevilan attackers trying to break out from the inside, they crumbled. Soon, the Colomite defenders had crumbled, leaving the Tevilans fighting against the unaffiliated operators.

 

Going back…

 

The operators had heard leaks here and there about the rifts, and were naturally curious. After all, this type of secret could be comparable to the contents of the mythical “secret document”, which was said to contain the truth about the lab under the TV Station and the beginning of the North-South conflict.

 

Naturally, a group of operators banded together with the objective of raiding the Armory or TV Station to try to get information on these “rifts”, if they existed at all. When Kurt’s Squad made a sudden departure from the TV Station, the chaos that ensued looked like a great opportunity for the operators to infiltrate and storm the TV Station. Thus, a large group of unaffiliated operators stormed the TV Station when the White Wolf Squad conducted its offense, taking out both forces to try to get a monopoly over the rift.

 

Meanwhile, Kurt’s Squad had been relocated by Blackgold to the crash site rift, but unbeknownst to them, a fierce fight was already raging there…but that’s a story for another time.

 

Back to the present…

 

A bloody fight was ongoing between the operators and soldiers, showering the ground with more blood than there already was from dead CDIS and Blackgold soldiers. Meanwhile, the Kivotosian forces stood in the sidelines, uneasily watching the unfolding slaughter.

 

“...Senseis, please give us an order.” Hina said, as an operator peeked out from cover and blew a White Wolf soldier’s head to pieces with his customized Mosin.

 

“Let it be. It’s difficult to negotiate with additional forces, just stand by and negotiate with whoever’s left at the end.” TI-7 said, crossing his arms while looking at the carnage.

 

“I disagree…it pains me to see those that helped us on many occasions be slaughtered like this. If the girls can take it…please order them to step in and intervene.” DO-9 said, seeing that the White Wolf forces were slowly being pushed back.

 

“I gotta agree with DO-9 here-” AS-2 said, but was interrupted as multiple smoke grenades sailed over the White Wolf soldiers’ heads from the rift. All the soldiers duck, as a thick smokescreen is deployed, temporarily quieting the battlefield as most operators stop firing, wanting to conserve ammunition.

 

“Fu-GET DOWN! NOW!” IN-7 said. This wasn’t his first time seeing this, and quite a few people in the Dark Zone had PTSD just from the sound of a smoke or gas grenade going off because of what followed. The other three operators did the same, though TI-7 grabbed a pair of binoculars from his belt to look, as he was one of those to cause the PTSD in most cases.

 

In the next moment, the deafening sound of multiple Mk14s firing in bursts echoes across the battlefield as 7.62mm bullets tear through the smoke, decimating any exposed body parts the operators had facing the rift. Numerous operators fell to the ground, dead, as a few of them behind cover started retaliating with grenades.

 

“...nevermind. Break up the fight, Hina.” TI-7 said, looking over at the Head Prefect, who was still standing up mostly because she could tank bullets and also mostly because of her low height.

 

In a sense, it kinda made her a bit…

 

[INSERT INVINCIBLE TITLE CARD]

 

“Got it, Senseis. Ako, get the Prefect Team forces into the line of fire. Tell them to hold the line at all costs, and to prevent further casualties. We’re going to negotiate with both sides…also, tell them that I’m going to be there with them as well.” Hina said into her tablet, which Ako complied to. 

 

As Prefect team forces started to hem in the fight, Hina jumped down from the wall surrounding the camp where she was talking with the Senseis.

 

“Should we…uh…help them?” AS-2 asked.

 

“Nope. I’m pretty sure we’ll get mistaken for unaffiliated operators, and getting turned into swiss cheese by 7.62mm M61-shooting thermal users is not on my bucket list today. The kids will probably be fine; most of us operators still have basic morals…” IN-7 said.

 

Gunfire rang out somewhere inside the camp, accompanied by the pained yell of a Prefect Team member.

 

“Or not, though I guess teens carrying guns would definitely be a bit of a giveaway…at this point they might get mistaken for militants…”IN-7 continued, sweatdropping.

 

Meanwhile…

 

“Hey…762, are militants supposed to be this young?” 

 

“Bella, this is a place that most likely isn’t in Kamona. If this place has weird inhabitants, then we should probably try to negotiate…”

 

Two operators, aligned with White Wolf, stood in front of the rift. Their thermal vision down, they could see as a row of…gun-wielding teens were breaking up the fight, making a human wall between the two forces. For some reason, they weren’t being injured or even killed from the gunfire, only slightly flinching from what they could see through the smoke.

 

“...alright, I'll tell the White Wolf Soldiers to hold their fire. How’re Sade and Ice doing?” Bella said.

 

“They’re almost done cleaning up the TV Station…heh, lobby wiping.” 762 said, unmounting his thermal imager and stashing it into his case.

 

As the smoke cleared, a certain grenadier peeked over a few crates on the unaffiliated operators’ side. Seeing the two figures’ exposed faces, he pops out, sprinting over to them. The Prefect Team members, surprised, let him through.

 

“Yo! Bella? 762? Is that you guys?” the grenadier yelled.

 

“Crow?” Bella asked.

 

“Yeah! Where’s Sade and Ice? Are they okay?” Crow said, reaching the two.

 

“Yeah, they’re fine…figures, you almost killed me with one of your GHOs, you fuckin’ Port creeper.” 762 grumbled, beginning to heal himself with his STO Medkit.

 

“Heheh, sorry…”

 

At that moment, two more figures emerged from the rift, guns at the ready. Seeing the situation, they also lowered their guns and stowed their thermals.

 

“Awww man that hurt! Those TV Station soldiers still friggin sting like hell! I swear they got more training or something!” one of them said.

 

(Author note: This is actually game-accurate. There was an AI upgrade in S7 or S8 that gave all the bots a sort of self-preservation AI that let them run away after getting shot, and also gave them the ability to peek and sprint like players could. I think this season also gave friendly bots in faction wars the ability to revive downed players, but it’s not relevant here.)

 

“Eh, yeah. Breaking through was tough, but we managed. Mopped up any straggling operators, lobby’s wiped…at least, we think. Rats and loot runners have probably extracted already.”

 

“Ice, you’re just as rusty as I am, we both took a break from raiding this month! Sade probably tanked all the bullets for you, haha!”

 

“Oh, shut up…those TV bots killed my arms at least three times over…” Ice said, finishing casing his own thermal.

 

“I need to agree with that…” Sade said, tapping his noticeably more damaged armor.

 

“...” the four senseis stood off to the side, watching the exchange. Not just them but the entire camp also looked at the exchange in an awkward silence. One geared operator also peeked over some faraway crates.

 

“Should we shoot, Drage?” the operator asked the other one next to him while peeking over the box.

 

“Don’t think so, Chowds…anyways, still testing to see if the universal key works on this-it does…” the operator beside him who was trying to unlock the door to the CDIS weapon room muttered.

 

“Holy shit that’s stacked.”

 

Back with the group of five…

 

“Uhhh…now that I look at it…are those schoolgirls with guns?” Ice said.

 

“Hey, it wasn’t as weird as that time with androids named after the guns they used.” Crow said.

 

(Author note:this is a reference back to the Girl’s Frontline collab Arena Breakout had back in like S6 or 7)

 

“No, it’s definitely weirder…they all have halos, for fuck’s sake.” Bella said, taking a closer look.

 

“I also saw them tank at least four or five bullets to the torso and not go down, and they’re not even wearing armor. For us, two taps to the chest and we’re done without armor.” 762 said.

 

“Huh? One of them is coming towards us with…four other operators?” Sade said, noticing Hina and the four Senseis approaching.

 

“Hello…operators. And quite famous ones at that, from what IN-7 Sensei told us.” Hina said, trying to kick off a conversation.

 

“More like infamous…you’ve raided Renoir’s Armory more times than I can count…” DO-9 grumbled, looking over the five assembled operators.

 

“...back off, DO-9. One or two of them we can take one, but all five? We’d be dead before we could even pull off a single shot.” TI-7 said, grabbing DO-9’s shoulder.

 

“...I know.” DO-9 responded, loosening up.

 

“So…who are you?” Sade asked Hina, looking downwards just to meet her eyes. Noticeable, his eyes traced over her unique features, like her horns and wings.

 

“Sorasaki Hina, Head Prefect. You could say I’m responsible for the security in this region. While I thank you for helping get rid of the…Colomite invaders, I must first and foremost ask that you stop fighting with each other. We have just suffered heavily from the attack by the Colomites, and we do not wish to deal with another conflict…or take any more lives.” Hina said, gesturing to the surrounding Prefect Team and Pandemonium Society members (who were late to the party; Makoto having the “Let Hina Tank It” mentality).

 

Now that the five operators and surrounding White Wolf soldiers looked around, they could see that most of the students looked like they were barely holding it together. Most of them had empty eyes and crestfallen expressions, some of which made the White Wolf soldiers and operators alike cringe.

 

It was the expression of those who had basically given up.

 

The operators had seen it on many of the faces of injured and dying militants, not having sufficient medical supplies to patch themselves up to fight further.

 

The White Wolf soldiers had seen that look on civilians they rescued from the warzone, who’d lost their loved ones, their homes, their innocence.

 

At that moment, they realized just how much the war in their world had impacted this other one. Even their leader, who looked to be standing strong on the outside, was actually slowly crumbling on the inside.

 

She’d been their vanguard, the one to repel most of the invaders.

 

But at what cost?

 

How many human lives had it cost…for victory?

 

With Hina negotiating with the White Wolves and Iori negotiating with the unaffiliated operators, the two sides lowered their weapons, coming to an agreement to keep the peace. While the unaffiliated operators stayed behind in Gehenna to help restore order, the White Wolf forces would come with the four Senseis to regroup with friendly forces at SCHALE. 

 

The operators and students maintained an uneasy truce, but overall got along well, with the Senseis’ help as operators putting the unaffiliated ones in a good light in most of the Gehenners’ eyes.

 

Before leaving, DO-9 pulled Hina aside.

 

“...I know that look. I’ve seen it on the face of junior soldiers in the Armory after they’ve just killed their first man. Heck, even refugees that had to kill to survive getting to the camps. The thing is, our world operates on a kill or be killed ruleset. It’s not easy taking the life of another; it shatters your innocence, turns what you knew about the world upside-down. Especially in a world like this, at your age.” DO-9 said.

 

“...” Hina simply looked downwards. Deep down, she knew DO-9 had already seen through her. 

She was putting up a strong front as a leader every day, yet slowly being chipped down by her responsibilities and actions every day, with the invasion in the past few days taking an especially large toll on her mental and physical health.

 

“But…you, and the others need to stay strong if this happens again in the future. Me and the other “Senseis” can’t guarantee it won’t happen again with these weird rifts. What matters is that you have to push through your regrets. Don’t drown in them. Don’t let them hold you back. If you keep thinking back on those deaths, those regrets, they’ll crush you. Both mentally and physically. Sena already told me that your halos’ durability aren’t just based on your physical health, but also your mental health.” he continued, kneeling down and resting both hands on her shoulder, making her look up at him.

 

“The Dark Zone…it taught us four the mentality and skills we have today. Now, it’s teaching you as well. Learn from it. I’m not asking you to overcome it now…but eventually. At the end of the day, kids at your age should still be enjoying school, not suffering from a war like so many Kamonan locals did at the start of the war.” he said with a rather somber tone.

 

“For us…well, we were all pretty relieved that we didn’t have to wake up every day worrying about food and supplies, or when we were gonna get a bullet through the head when we got here. This place…it’s paradise compared to what’s on the outside. So…just live life the best you can, and enjoy it while it lasts.” DO-9 finishes, getting back up and turning around.

 

“I’m…going back with the others now. If you or any of the others need help…don’t hesitate to come to SCHALE and ask for it.” he said, taking slow steps out of the alley towards the other three Senseis who were waiting for him.

 

Hina simply nodded numbly as she watched him leave.

 

With that, the four Senseis return to SCHALE, along with the rowdy(?) group of five and the White Wolf forces…to deal with the accumulated paperwork over the past few days.

 

Unbeknowns to them, the two operators observing from afar trail behind them…

 

[END OF VOLUME 1 AND DIVERGENT VOLUME]

 

NOTICE:This fic, along with my others, will be going on a hiatus or will update extremely slowly. I need to focus on school starting in September, meaning that I will have much less time to work on my fanfics. Between my three fanfics, I will be able to hopefully update one more chapter before school starts for the reaction fic. Thank you in advance for your understanding, and see you all when the next chapter comes!

 

Also, the guys whose names were mentioned here are real CCs(content creators) for Arena Breakout. Go check them out if you’re interested! Full names are: 762 GAMING, Bellatrix, SADE, 1ceStream, Ragingcrow, D’RAGE and Chowds. And no, Bellatrix is NOT a she, though the shortened name makes it sound like that. They are all male.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Breakout Archives