Day 3

Not much was happening in the morning. I just did my own daily routine like getting out of bed and preparing for work.

It's now early afternoon and I was asked to go to Dead Town and investigate on any unusual activity in the area—or what they say in short-form: Recon.

Actually, that's supposed to be short for reconnaissance; they just use the word to avoiding repeating the definition to K.G. novices.

The place was called Dead Town for a reason. Years ago, Baron Praxis led a defence group to fend off the Hora-quan—commonly called the Metal Heads—from taking over an old sector of the city. The battle was barely won; it suffered greatly, as now the entire area is in ruins, surrounded by murky water filled with eco radiation and mutated animals.

As a Krimzon Scout, I usually examine a location by getting at the highest point possible, like jumping up on a tall tree. I thought maybe I'd take a look at the Baron's banner from the large, crumbling tower—where his victory took place. But when I got there, I noticed that something was missing.

There was no banner, and the tower had fallen down into huge stone blocks. This may not sound good for the Baron. It wouldn't sound right for the tower to come down naturally like a tsunami or an earthquake. And it would be pretty serious if someone had gone and stolen the banner, and then accidently make the tower collapse.

The headset on my ear beeped so suddenly that it made me jump. I was just too focused on the fallen tower and the headset's ringing tone isn't usually that loud. There was another message from the Guard. As usual, I played it:

PUMPING STATION BREACHED! MAIN HYDRO-PIPES UNLOCKED!

This message sounded like it was a bad thing. But personally, I think the Pumping Station's main pipes should be unlocked. Why? Well, because the residential sector of the city's slums has been getting oil instead of purified water through the water systems for quite some time.

I turned around to head back to the city, but then something just threw itself on me. It felt like it was a chunk of metal barely crushing me, but really it seemed organic, too. Then I realised that I got pounced on by a Metal Head!

I rolled over and tried to kick the predator off me—it threw back, enabling me to draw out a Yellow Eco pistol. Within a few shots it was dead, and it left something which was purple on the ground, then somehow I automatically obtained it as if I was a magnet. The substance felt painful around me and then, something out of me just burst out. I felt anger grow inside of me and then I punched three more Metal Heads with my own fist, which seemed to have turned to a grey-mauve pale, ghostly colour.

When all the Metal Heads were gone, I felt my head throbbing. I took hold of it, struggling, with my eyes shut tight, and then I wiped the sweat dripping on my face and opened my eyes again to see my skin go back to my usual colour.

I looked up to the city doors on the ionised walls, but then pain had come in my head, nails and teeth...again. What was actually happening to me? How did this happen? Then I realised that when I was fighting, my nails had turned to black, metallic claws that grew to nine inches. Now I felt panicky. Now my muscles were starting to heat up at a high rate. But I have to stay calm. Who knows what will happen if word gets out that I'm now a Dark Eco carrier?

The sun indicated it was starting to set on the horizon, which said it was now a late afternoon. I should head back to the city to see if there are any more missions for me.

Later

I just got in my room in the palace. I was feeling a bit exhausted from that event that occurred a few hours ago. I saw that there were a few things on my bed which I don't remember leaving. Then I looked a bit closer. There was a keycard and a note reading:

Vaia

The guards are concerned about the cases they have going, and the Baron is also concerned for the protection and safety of Haven City. Mainly it's the escapist from the Fortress off yesterday's news.

In front of you is a keycard to a safehouse in the industrial sector of the city. I put the location on your radar, so you can move in there as soon as you're comfortable enough to go.

If there is anything you need, remember that you can always come find me.

From your dearest guardian, Erol

How nice—two places to live at once.

I looked at the time on my alarm clock by my nightstand. It said it was now 9:11pm. I also realised that I wanted to ask my guardian about this escapist. But just to make it easier, I'll ask the Baron of where he is. I was going to walk out of my room when suddenly the Baron was already at the door.

The Baron was both big and tall, wearing the royal uniform signifying himself as Haven's ruler. He had head-gear covering the right side of his head and eye. He also had a long moustache, brown, that ran its way to the back of his head. His hair was short compared to the size of his head, black with grey streaks. On the left side of his belt was his lance held in its ribboned sheathe. The lance was said to glow green with energy when drawn.

I asked the Baron respectfully, "Your Highness, do you know where I could find Erol at the moment?"

"I'm sorry, Vaia. He's on a late night shift again. You'll have better luck finding him tomorrow morning."

"OK," I replied. "Thanks for informing me, Your Highness. I only wanted to talk to Erol but it's not exactly urgent. Could you tell him that I wanted to see him?"

"Of course," The Baron nodded matter-of-factly. "I'll see that he get your request, Vaia."

Well, I didn't get to see Erol today, but the Baron is going to tell him that I wanted to talk to him as soon as his shift is covered, so it should be fine by tomorrow.