Author's Notes: Okay, regarding what I said about the change in viewpoint; I'm practically scrapping that; it's not feasible with the future layouts of the story. I'll make it this: I won't do it if the option exists.
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [10:00] September 10th 20XX
Location: [Lowee Basilicom]
It's been over a week since we made our alliance with ASIC, though we haven't heard anything from them which worries me as the number of people getting sick with this neurotoxin is growing by the day. Thankfully, the Oracles gathered together and mutually decided to restrict the fast-travel network's connection with the cities to avoid the worst case scenario and had members of the Basilicoms act as town criers informing the public to avoid venturing to dungeons at all costs. The only ones legally allowed to enter dungeons at this time are Guild Enforcers or individuals granted top level clearance by the Oracles, like myself since I'm doing my best to complete quests to build Lowee's shares while avoiding the Guardragon, but people still venture out regardless since the dungeons has materials people need in their daily lives and ignore the warnings. I try to help the stragglers if I notice them but it's a challenge doing that and handling quests and the enforcers have been doing the same.
I constantly worry for the well-being of Rom, Ram, Gust, and Izumi as they've gone to extreme lengths to slow down the neurotoxin that is plaguing RED and Karen: Whenever I see them, I see them using all of the magic they can gather to slow down the infection speed and exhausting them so severely in the process. While I admire that Rom and Ram are trying to help this much, I have not seen them play a game once since I've gotten here. While it appears that they're growing up, they are missing a lot of spirit since all they're doing lately is either sleep or using as much healing magic as they can. Unfortunately, it seems to be in vain since RED has been getting paler by the day and it's been increasingly tough for her to breath and Karen's suffering the same way, albeit much slower because of Caelus' help. This abomination needs to die and soon or it may be too late.
Mina constantly keeps an eye on those four so they don't end up getting sick or hurt trying to help them, which left me alone to gather intelligence and building shares in this group. This is the first time in six years that I've been doing things alone and it's actually really difficult for me to fight on my own, since I've been dependent on Izumi's healing magic in dungeons.
Lately, I've been seriously pursuing the concept of improving the Eject Button technology since I never really liked how those things work, and even though I thought up the concept years ago, I never had the time to put it into application until I began working with Gust when she's not slaving herself over helping RED and Karen, and we've already got basic concepts for the Escape Button Mark 2. We speculated that if we took the magic circle of the original design and put it into an apparatus that didn't require self-detonation to activate, it could greatly increase effectiveness if we had to flee dungeons in a hurry and not to mention it'd be far more efficient if we didn't have to replace the Eject Buttons, though we haven't run field tests yet so we don't know if it even works. I'm actually wearing one of the three prototypes around my lower stomach as we decided to try a belt frame to house the Eject Button Mark 2.
One of the only bit of good news is that I know that the Mascot Character is in the World Maze dungeon since I scoured Lowee Global Expo and got nothing. I would've gone to find it by now, but with the Guardragon still on the loose, I have no desire to risk my life right now, not with so much on the line. I was about to go check up on Rom and Ram when Mina walked toward me with a letter in her hand
"Miyo, someone sent this letter to you, but the sender is anonymous so I don't know who it came from." Mina explains as she gives me the letter which I open and read
"Miyo Hanari, we have formulated a plan of action. Come meet me in the forest outside Randome City as soon as possible. We must strike while the iron is hot."
After reading the letter, I begin inspecting my gear and look toward Mina "Miss Mina, I need temporary authorization to fast-travel to Randome City. One of my contacts is asking for my help."
"May I inquire who this contact of yours is Miyo? We both know you've had a shady past the last couple of years. In addition: I am worried for your safety and for Lowee's citizens, I don't want to put them in unneeded danger."
"Sorry Miss Mina but no. Everyone has their secrets they want to keep, but trust me when I say that I'm doing this with everyone's interests in mind: Especially Blanc's." I say with an uneasy tone.
I hate that I have to keep secrets from my employer like this, but my morality is neither black or white. While I really like Rom, Ram, Blanc, Nepgear, and the other people here in Gamindustri; I'm not native to this land and I hold little loyalty to the CPUs and people like me tend to have similar viewpoints. At the end of the day, this is just a job I'm taking since I need money to buy food to live. However, I strongly hope that going to this length to helping the CPUs will earn me some brownie points which I could cash in at a later date. People like me: people stranded here from their own dimensions; we're not exactly united since most of us tend to isolate ourselves from society so completely based on what I've seen, though I've seen exceptions here and there, and I want to change that. While it could take time, I want to establish a village so we won't have to be alone anymore. We need a place where we can congregate and better serve the goal Thraaklon wanted from all of us: Survive and persevere.
"Very well. But don't you want to inform Izumi and have her accompany you"
"No. She's suffering enough as it is. I don't want to burden her any further right now. I'm going on my own." I say with a sad frown as I take the opportunity to fast-travel to Randome City.
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [12:00] September 10th 20XX
Location: [Randome City]
When I fast-traveled to Randome City, I walked to the nearby forest and noticed the house that one of Thraaklon's apprentices built himself deep within it. I actually got to meet him a year after I graduated Thraaklon's training, but unfortunately, he died in battle investigating a dungeon called the Oblivion Ruins a few months ago.
He was a fae like being named Spark and looking back, he was rather big at 5'2 if what the fairy tales say about fairies are true. But putting that aside, he was freaking blood thirsty on the surface since he actually tried cutting me into tiny pieces and fought me to do so, and I subconsciously drew upon all of the rage that Thraaklon tried to instill in me, even though it was rather fragmented and it couldn't match his rage. That was one of the toughest battles I had fought in my life at that point and he actually busted up my sword arm for a few days but I got him back in my own way: I slashed off one of his wings which, according to his words 'stung worse than a Viali'...whatever the heck that is; thankfully, it regrew after a month passed. When the bloodlust in both our heads cleared, Spark said he recognized Thraaklon's crest on my weapons and apologized for jumping into battle so suddenly, but he wasn't exactly too fond of being around people: hence his desire to isolate himself from society. Despite that, since we could relate, he actually offered to let me live there if I wished. I turned him down but said that I'd come by every now and then since I had a mission I had to do.
Although the forest isn't too far away from Randome City, Spark chanted special magic all over the place and made it where you have to take an extremely specific path to make it to his house and I got lost for hours when I first tried finding the guy after hearing rumors of him from people in the city. Afterwards, he took a bit of my blood and adjusted the spell; it'd allow me to always find this place if I wanted to visit him.
When I reach the exterior, I notice CFW Brave standing nearby, seemingly staring at the building
"How did you get here Lord Brave?" I inquire as I join his staring at what appears to be a caved-in house. Spark had actually used magic to disguise his house's appearance to deter people from taking the effort to investigate.
"It wasn't too difficult. All magic can be dispelled with enough effort. I don't know who did all this, but its extravagance is remarkable so I made sure it was temporary. But I fail to comprehend the value of using such complex magic to hide such a hideous abode."
I lightly chuckle in response "It's another part of the illusion. No one has been here for a few months. The old owner died in battle."
"Such a shame. But I need to get to business. We have formulated a plan of action to destroy the Guardragon."
"May I ask what that plan of action is Lord Brave?"
"We are building a neutron bomb. We aim to trap the monster in a dungeon and detonate it to ensure its destruction."
"A-A-A...Neutron bomb?! Lord Brave, that would kill every monster and all the plant life in whatever dungeon we choose! Whoever assigned to detonate it will die as well!"
"I are aware. But this Guardragon must be destroyed lest it evolves to the point where it can enter cities or spreads its gift to other monsters. Either outcome will be disastrous. We have no choice in the matter. Putting that aside, we require your assistance in constructing the device Miyo Hanari."
"I'm...er. Saying I'm uneasy about constructing a WMD is putting it mildly. What's keeping you guys from using the technology against us in the future?"
"Trust me, we wouldn't even consider using such things if we weren't in such bad straits. It's common knowledge that using weapons of mass destruction would earn nothing but extreme ire in most cases and it's counter-productive if we wiped ourselves out. However, in this case, people will applaud our initiative to wiping out a nationwide catastrophe waiting to happen."
"You are very crafty Lord Brave. You want my technical expertise to help you build faith in ASIC. But I know you're right about this. I'd rather suffer a minor loss of share distribution than significant loss against that blasted Guardragon. Just...bring me to where you're building this thing and I'll try to help."
"Your help is appreciated Miyo Hanari." Brave says as he extends his hand in my direction, wanting me to grab hold so we'll end up in the same place when he uses fast-travel.
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [13:30] September 10th 20XX
Location: [Unknown]
After the fast-travel finished, I find myself in what appears to be a small factory. I see a bunch of people rapidly assembling various parts of the bomb Brave had told me about. There appears to be a computer built into the frame
"These people are loyal to ASIC's cause, even when they know that the technology is being used as a disastrous weapon beyond anything in existence."
"No kidding. I rarely encounter people capable of such fanaticism." I retort rather sarcastically, though I quietly applaud their resolve in such dangerous times. It's one thing to have faith in a higher power, but to go this far and construct explosive ordnance for the sake of their faith and to protect their friends and family...I wish I had a tenth of that resolve. Honestly...when push comes to shove, I'm a freaking coward. I imagine Thraaklon would've taught me to be able to handle any situation with courage and all that if he hadn't rushed my training since he was at the end of his life.
Spark told me once that Thraaklon would always spend five years training the people he recruits, so Wrex, Garrus, and I had our training end abruptly at two years and six months respectively with his death. But then again, I highly doubt those two needed training beyond instruction of the guard barriers since they had seen more action within a single decade than most people would see in their entire life.*
"I call it loyalty to ASIC's mission. But none of these people are skilled computer technicians, they build things for a living. Based on your history, your technical skills are among the elite."
"Heh. I try not to toot my own horn, but I did come a civilization renowned for their technical expertise." I say with my tone becoming rather condescending even though I didn't mean it to.
Honestly; while I am an Isnian, I don't know many of our technological advances. However, I inherited the strong intellect that was commonplace among our people, and that's partially because of the implants grafted on my person. It doesn't work like my cybernetics and can't help me in a physical way, but it helps me store information. When it comes to technology, the implants instantly show me the best way to work with any technology within reason, though they're not fool-proof. However, it only shows me what I can do, I can't do it without resources. I had the implant help me upgrade Karen's gauntlet with materials I had available on the physical side. Honestly, it was far simpler handling the technical side: Most of the work was already done and I was simply improving what was already in place, though the most controversial upgrade I made was the skill creation system. I question day and night whether that upgrade was beneficial or not since I know of the pros and cons of both: The old system was cluttered and a bit unreliable in the long-term, but its specifications mirrored the capabilities of the user which I admire. My system was far more streamlined and skills could be created far more easily, but that crucial feature of the old system wasn't capable in this version of my upgrade. The next chance I get, I'll do my utmost to modify my system to allow that feature. Karen will need all the advantages she can get.
"Okay, then can you get to work immediately?"
"Don't insult me." I retort with a confident grin as I walk toward the frame and get to work.
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [18:00] September 10th 20XX
Location: [Unknown]
To my surprise, these engineers were incredibly fast and skilled with this bomb's construction and they left me be while I worked on the bomb's fission drive. This computer's display was really advanced since I was able to use special flex sensor gloves to work with it, which created a sort of virtual reality field which allows me to work really quickly and more accurately than through conventional means. While I was working on the fission drive, I noticed it was rather unstable and I had to do everything I could to keep it from prematurely detonating. Failure would result in everyone in this area getting vaporized. No wonder Brave went out of his way to recruit me and send a letter straight to the Basilicom. I highly doubt anyone else would be able to pull something like this off, atleast, not in a way that'd allow for quick utilization of this puppy.
"Virtual reality...I haven't seen much of that in this world. Maybe I should bring that info back to Karen. Based on what I've read, CPUs supposed to establish nations and this could be a revolutionary concept in gaming that she could take."
I continue trying to work with the drive though it's actually a very tough challenge since the tiniest of mistakes could destabilize the entire thing, so I'm being forced to play this game very cautiously for the sake of everyone here
"Geez, this is the toughest thing I've done in my life so far. It's almost as if they WANT us to get killed by this thing!" I mutter as I write in a few subroutines to better smooth over the computer operated timer system and to stabilize the fusion reaction within the bomb. I want to ensure that whoever is unlucky enough to be forced to trigger this thing has a chance to escape, but a part of me doesn't want me to set too wide a berth; not with how powerful this abomination is. We may only have one chance against this freak of nature and I know that, despite my personal feelings, I must minimize the chance of failure.
While my focus was kept on this, I could easily notice someone walk next to me
"Miyo, it's good to see you again."
While I haven't seen her in roughly six years, I could easily recognize her, even when I was ten and she was twenty. This long haired mahogany haired, brown eyed woman's name is Filia Yuasa. She's wearing plate armor that obviously looks custom made as it looks like it was made out of ice even though it's actually made of shiny mythril and the pauldrons are oversized since I think there is a six inch space between her arm and the far end of it. There's also a blue cape built into the gorget though it thankfully isn't long enough to trip over. I wouldn't have noticed it was her until she took off her extravagant falcon-themed armet helmet before she spoke with me.
According to what I heard when I stayed with the family for four months: Filia's mother is native to Gamindustri while her father is from a world called Bespeon; so in that regard, Filia's apparently half human and half Bushrak; if her father was serious about what his species was called; but apparently the humans here take a higher priority in genetics since Filia looks like her mother while her father apparently was a reptilian humanoid. I never got a chance to meet him since he was on some sort of fancy crusade around the world and wouldn't be back for another six months according to what Filia's mother said. Ironically, a week after I left, I met Izumi and that particular train ride went on for six whole years. At that time, she said her marriage with him had reached their 40th year and he had been in Gamindustri for forty five. He apparently spent the first five training with Thraaklon and a reason why he went on his crusade was to deal with grief following Thraaklon's death.
"Filia? What are you doing here? You hardly seem the ASIC type. You were one of Lady Green Heart's followers."
"Well; things change Miyo. But to answer your question, you know I've been practicing my swordplay since I was twelve; I've had fourteen years to refine my talents. Besides, my father was injured fighting some monster and has fallen ill; to the point where he's beginning to die. I was told ASIC knows how to cure it, so I signed up in a heartbeat. They assigned me to oversee security in this area." I can't exactly argue against that, nor am I really interested to. Besides, she's in her mid-twenties now and she began her training when she was a teenager so she knew full well what she was doing "And I never pegged you for an ASIC type either Miyo. You just never seemed the religious type."
"It's just a job. But I have a personal stake in this one."
"Fine by me; that certainly seems like you; even when you were a kid. You tended to keep your morals rather flexible."
"Mhm. I can't exactly afford to let myself be burdened by moral implications too much. I need to survive, so I throw morals to the wind for the most part. However, I'm not a machine: I do disobey orders that I don't agree with. I just...tend to keep that to a minimal."
"Wow, when you explain it, you have a screwed up philosophy. Tell me of a time when you disobeyed an order." Filia was rather wide-eyed when I talked of how I tend to work.
"Hmm." I simply try to recall such a time before I simply stop and stare aimlessly. I nervously gulp and scratch the back of my head as I realize I've never had a case of that happening. I've done wetwork and had little issue with it; but the guy I was sent to kill had it coming "No comment."
"Heh, I was right: Your philosophy is screwed up." Filia says with a cocky grin, putting a hand on her waist.
"I don't want to hear that from you, you hypocrite." I retort, mimicking her own tone.
"Anyway, I'm glad you're here handling the tech work Miyo. You certainly seem to know what you're doing." Filia finishes with a heartfelt laugh.
"Eh, a bit. I've never dealt with explosive ordnance before, but I happen to have a gift with technology."
"Fair enough; I need to get back to work, but when all this calms down, we should meet up and talk. It's been six years after all."
"I'd like that Filia."
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [4:00] September 11th 20XX
Location: [Unknown]
We had been working through the night and all of the effort we put into construction, programming, and security has paid off: The bomb is complete and ready for deployment. But of course, there is a rather obvious problem in front of us as well: How in the world are we going to transport this thing to the dungeon we'll pick? It weighs a ton and I highly doubt any CFW is capable of carrying it. I know damn well that I couldn't achieve a feat like this in my life, even with my cybernetics.
"Way to go everyone. We've done it. Now disperse!" Filia proclaims as she leads the evacuation process with the other members of the security team in the area helping her.
When everyone is sent out of the area, only Filia and me are left "You too Doc. But considering that I swore not to come home until my father's cured; I can't go back home, so you mind entertaining a guest? I imagine you've been on your own all this time?"
"Wow; you certainly have become incredibly conceited Filia. No, I have a friend I travel with thank you very much. I met her a week after I left you guys. Lately, I've been staying in Lowee's Basilicom." If anyone other than Filia said this much, I would've added a number of profanities to that statement.
"The Basilicom? Let me guess-"
"Just another job Filia. But how are we transporting this abomination?"
"I contacted the CFWs already, they're bringing anti-gravity tech to transport this thing. They'll take care of the rest. Let's hurry back so we can get a bit of sleep."
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [4:30] September 11th 20XX
Location: [Lowee Basilicom]
While it took some time to reach it because of the near endless flight of stairs, we've finally made it inside the building and we blow into our hands some to warm them up from the freezing cold.
"Okay...I'll show you where the guest rooms are that way. You'll need to help me out though Filia; if I'm not careful, I'll fall asleep at the drop of a hat."
"Got it Miyo. I'm as tired as you, but I atleast can hold fatigue at bay for a time. Let's hurry." Filia says as she supports me as we walk in the direction of the guest rooms.
When we make it to the room I directed as mine, she helps me inside and lays me on the bed rather gently "You going to be okay Miyo?"
"After some rest, maybe." I say as sleep take me in a near heartbeat.
"Okay, go get some sleep you little tech junkie." Filia says with a playful chuckle as she runs her hand through my hair; afterwards, I hear her exit the room.
"Bugger off you hypocritical traitor." I retort with a quiet laugh in face of her tease there.
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [9:00] September 11th 20XX
Location: [Lowee Basilicom]
After getting a fair amount of rest from last night's escapades, I was awakened by Miss Mina with the news that I had received a new letter from an anonymous source. When I read it, it tells me to quickly head to Endless Zone: ASIC is mobilizing there and CFW Judge will be acting as bait while Brave, Magic, and Trick create a barrier veil over the dungeon to prevent that Guardragon from escaping. They are requesting my help to ensure the bomb detonates.
"Miss Mina; I'm departing. I'm going to destroy that Guardragon once and for all. When I return; Karen, RED, and all of the citizens infected will be cured."
"Very well. I wish you the best Miyo Hanari. But there is one thing I wish to say."
"What is it Miss Mina?" I inquire, wondering what she wants to say to me.
"As of today, you and Izumi are relieved of your duties here in the Basilicom."
"Relieved of...You're firing us?! But...is it because I'm keeping secrets?!"
"No. It is not for that reason Miyo. You and Izumi are exceptional employees, but now that Caelus has regained her powers through Karen; she will need loyal followers to serve her, to protect her, to believe in her. I want you and Izumi to be among the first. She is a CPU and needs shares to maintain her power and potentially her life. Can I ask this of you?"
I look away from her out of unease for a moment before I shift my eyes toward her "I'm not exactly loyal to CPUs. I'm not from this world, so I keep religion separate from my moral obligations. But in this case; I give my faith to her not because she's a CPU. I do it because Karen's my friend and we both know the same pain from what this world does to people."
"And that is acceptable; if not unorthodox. Is there anyone you wish to accompany you as you depart?"
"I will ask them appropriately, but I imagine all but one of them would accept without hesitation. But Lady Mina, would you mind if I asked for Gust to travel with me?"
"That is her choice. I'll gather your friends in the lobby and they'll decide then if they wish to travel with you or not."
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [9:15] September 11th 20XX
Location: [Lowee Basilicom]
After walking to the lobby, I see Izumi, Filia, and Gust sitting in different pews and all walk toward me
"I'm glad you all are here. I need to ask you all something."
"You have question for Gust?"
"Yeah. I do. Do you three want to travel with me? We'll be gathering special objects called Mascot Characters. We need to get the ones here in Lowee and in Leanbox."
"Gust is in. Gust has been wanting to travel for rare ingredients for longest time. Also; Gust wish to rectify past statement: Gust charge triple usual rate for healing and labor."
"Ugh" I groan as I look through my inventory to see if I have enough to pay Gust for this sudden charge "Um...can I offer an IOU? I can barely pay half." I nervously inquire, knowing that Gust takes this stuff extremely seriously.
"Gust, I'll pay the charge on Miyo Hanari's behalf. Even though Karen is not a Goddess of Lowee; she is a CPU and we Oracles are sworn to aid CPUs." Mina interjects and I'm extremely thankful that she's bailing me out like this since money is tight.
"That is acceptable Oracle Mina."
Thankfully this uncomfortable tangent was quickly swept under the rug before things got bad and the old matter of business continued
"Do you even have to ask Miyo? We've been working together for six years; I'm not leaving now."
"So this is who you've been traveling with for the last six years. She certainly seems capable enough. Wish I could say the same for those poor souls who got hurt by that Guardragon."
"Yeah; about that one, let's get going. A friend of mine told us to meet him outside Endless Zone immediately."
Right when I would've fast-traveled, I see Karen limp toward us wearing her armor sans helmet
"There is no damn way you're leaving me behind on this one." Karen says to us, though she coughs a good deal and she quickly falls to her knees. Immediately afterward, Izumi and Filia go to support her.
"Karen, you need to rest." I sternly say to her as I crouch down to her level, facing her from the side in case this disease is contagious.
"Screw that. I know what you're doing and I am not letting this slide." Karen snarls, acknowledging why I'm not facing her, but her fiery temper is obviously directed at me.
"Dammit Karen, you nearly got killed by that monster and you want to go after it again?!" I groan as I look toward Izumi and Gust "Can you two restrain her with magic? Filia and I will go on our own."
Izumi and Gust quickly use their magic to spawn chains which quickly force Karen to the ground and prevent her from moving
"You had this coming Karen, now stay put like a good girl while we destroy the monster."
I mouth apologies to Izumi and Gust as Filia and I fast-travel to Endless Zone.
Chirper Events:
Lily Rank 4 - Miyo, Filia
"Heh, that Karen girl is crazy." Filia smirks amusedly as she recalls how Karen was fighting so much to get by and convince us to let her tag along.
"You believe it's crazy, I believe it's fearlessness. She is willing to push herself to her absolute limit for her goals. She has irritated me some because of that, but she's braver than I could ever be."
"Really now? Are you certain you're not just misguided with her?"
"No. While I haven't known her long; you can easily tell that she is determined to do whatever it takes. Think about it: She was beyond sick with that neurotoxin and yet she persisted to try convincing us to let her tag along."
"Speaking of which...how did she have the strength to pull that off? I've seen RED and she could barely talk without going into a coughing fit, let alone walk. How did she do it?" Filia got rather serious when she asked this question, dropping her usual jokester attitude.
"She's a goddess. While she's hardly infallible, she's still one of five CPUs in Gamindustri. Purple Heart is lazy and childish, Black Heart is a bit conceited and always tries to do everything, White Heart has her severe temper, and while Green Heart appears level-headed, she is a rather obsessed otaku. Karen appears rather hot-headed but she is not lacking for confidence."
"Er, that raises more questions than answers. I'll keep it to one however. She's not from this world. How is she a Goddess?"
"That is a legit question. Believe it or not, she's carrying the soul of an ancient CPU and she recently gained the Hard Drive Divinity ability. While the power is not strictly hers, she gained the right to use it from the CPU that merged with her."
"So she's basically just borrowing a Goddess' power?"
"Well, kinda. It's hard to explain the specifics."
"Ah. I see. I'll let her explain then when I get the chance to ask."
Back to story
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [9:30] September 11th 20XX
Location: [Endless Zone]
When Filia and I arrive outside the dungeon, we find all CFWs there with a small contingent of soldiers, but what surprises me the absolute most is that CFW Judge has the bomb we constructed strapped to his back.
"About time you make it." Magic scoffs at my entrance, and I respond in kind
"Well sorry. Not everyone is blessed enough to have the ability to teleport from place to place in a heartbeat." I retort with my voice full of sarcasm.
"Stop it. We can't afford to fight here. We're here to destroy the Guardragon. We've managed to lure it here and trap it with our strongest barrier magic." Brave says as he defuses the situation before looking toward me "Miyo Hanari; we need you to arm this bomb. Judge volunteered to take it into battle, knowing that it'll destroy him in the process. When you do this, we'll make a small gap in the barrier for Judge to enter and confront the beast. We've been throwing monster after monster at it to keep it distracted and that will be our ace in the hole when Judge is deployed. Hopefully the monsters will have distracted the Guardragon enough that it doesn't notice the gap of security."
"Are you sure Judge? You're willing to go this far?"
"You insult me by simply asking. This enemy evaded me two years ago and I am going to destroy it here and now! I don't care if it's through my axe or through this bomb, it falls. Here and now! If I am to die, I will die destroying an enemy that once defeated me! Arm the bomb already, before I cut you to pieces!"
"Alright alright! Just...crouch down so I can reach the controls." I mutter in minor irritation before making the request of Judge "Thanks for letting me keep the flex sensor gloves by the way."
After Judge crouches down, I work the controls and set the timer to three minutes, plenty of time to get in and go nuclear against this thing.
"All set. You had better get moving Judge; that bomb will explode in three minutes and remember that the radiation of the bomb may not be enough to kill it. Get close enough so the explosion will be the catalyst for its destruction."
"Don't lecture me." Judge snarls as he dashes toward the dungeon.
"So...how do we know if the guy succeeded or failed?" Filia inquires as she stretches her arms and connects them around her back.
"We'll obviously feel the explosion's after-effects from here, even with the barrier in effect. Once the bomb detonates, we'll scan the dungeon to see if the Guardragon has indeed been vanquished. If he succeeded, we'll lift the barrier and announce that the monster causing trouble has been killed through the combined work of ASIC and the CPUs."
"But after that, all pretenses end. We'll use all of our resources to stop them. If you get in our way, we will not hesitate in the slightest."
"Fair enough. Since you ordered our termination CFW Magic, I will accept that our next encounter will be on the battlefield."
"Exactly. The sole reason why I didn't have you killed now was because we needed your technical skill."
"Thanks for the motivational speech." I scoff and beckon Filia to walk a short distance away from ASIC "Okay, this is going to be our cut-off point. Are you okay with that one?"
"I'm helping these guys since my father is dying from that neurotoxin. Once I ensure he's fine, I won't care about these jerks whatsoever. You must know they're playing nice to get your help right? In any other case, I would've let them be out of gratitude, but if you ask me to, I'll gladly help destroy them."
"You mean it?" I ask with my tone getting soft out of surprise over Filia's sincerity to help.
"Yeah. Miyo look, while I don't know the experience you've lived first-hand since I was a 2nd-gen, but in a way, we're birds of a feather. In the truest sense, I'm not native to Gamindustri just like you. Erm...I'm probably indirectly insulting you by saying this, but know I'm trying atleast."
"I know Filia. Thanks regardless."
POV: CFW Judge
After being sent to my inevitable death, I wander through the dungeon trying to find the enemy that defeated us two years ago. I remember that it severely wounded Trick and mutilated Magic by tearing off her wings and sported them as war trophies. The surrounding areas are desolate which I presume is because of how our monster minions are distracting this abomination so I can ensure it is destroyed once and for all. It has been alive for over two years, and those two years have been far too long.
When I make it to the farthest depths of the dungeon, the sight of the monster wiping out monster after monster fills my soul with both exhilaration and rage to make sure this foe is neutralized permanently. I notice the timer reaching thirty seconds and I'm still too far away for total annihilation, but I should be able to get one single slash of it.
To my dismay, the bomb detonates before I'm able to get a single slash over this two year old nemesis but seeing a monster this strong die through my work, even in this pathetic manner, gives me fulfillment. I died destroying a monster stronger than any other.
"Magic. Brave. Trick. You three had better destroy all of ASIC's enemies when this is over! I want to see each and every one of them end up in the fiery abyss! Kill them so I can tear each and every one of them apart limb by limb!"
After another minute passes, I feel sensations similar to an earthquake, meaning that the bomb has exploded. Brave then casts his spell and sigh deeply after a few minutes pass "The operation has been successful. The Guardragon has been destroyed."
"Well now. Now that this crisis is over, we're no longer friends. We're enemies out to kill." I muse rather solemnly knowing that the alliance is concluded.
"No surprise there. We'll let you go just this once since you helped save our followers. But the next time we meet, we won't hold back at all."
"I'd expect nothing less Magic. Farewell Lord Brave, Trick; Magic."
Although the trip was brief, the importance of it is far too important to simply dismiss: A world-wide catastrophe has been averted and our brief alliance with ASIC is concluded. Now Karen, Izumi, RED, Gust, Filia, and I are an independent faction. We'll likely have to fight against Nepgear's group if we encounter them and for the time being, they outnumber and overpower us. Right now, we only have six people compared to Nepgear's ten: Herself, IF, Compa, Nisa, Falcom, Katsuo, Kazuto, Mamoru, Yuuki, and Shino, and it could go to eleven if they recruit the CPU Candidate of Lastation: Uni. If we have to fight, we're going to need to recruit more people to stand a chance.
Hyperdimension Standard Time: [10:00] September 11th 20XX
Location: [Lowee Basilicom]
After making it back to the Basilicom, I find Gust and Izumi unconscious and Karen standing over them
"Dear goddess. Did you actually fight them Karen?" I mutter in surprise as I check to see if they're doing okay.
"I didn't hurt them too badly. At worst, they'll have minor headaches. These two had put up a strong fight though, I'll give them that. I had Celeste in hand and it was tough. Then again, I am still pretty sick from the neurotoxin in my veins. Look Miyo. I don't like that you had Izumi and Gust chain me to the floor, but I can understand why you did it. I would've done the same in your shoes. But know that if you do something like that again, I won't hesitate to repeat this process to you."
I gulp in acknowledgement since I know first-hand how powerful Celeste is and I don't want to be on the receiving end of that blade.
"Hm, while I can see the reptilian scales beginning to recede, it'll still take some time for her to truly recover. Likely a day or so." I mumble in my head "Karen, I think you should get some rest. You're not fully cured yet. The Guardragon has been destroyed so "
"I guess." Karen says as she slowly walks away from the lobby in the direction of her room.
"Oh boy. I was originally going to get the Mascot Character when we got back, but with Izumi and Gust out of commission, I don't want to risk it."
"Good enough point. Besides, we're kinda delving into CPU territory regardless of the fact. I feel like we regular humans should minimize our involvement in such things, though that's just my stance. I may worship Green Heart but that doesn't mean she's my best friend or anything. To be truthfully honest, I'd rather wait for our CPU to get back in peak condition."
"Agreed. For the time being, how about we do some quests? After we inform Miss Mina that the Guardragon has been destroyed and lifts the fast-travel restrictions."
A/N: You cannot deny that Urdnot Wrex and Garrus Vakarian have been to hell and back. Anyone that works with Commander Shepard would be. Also, if you're wondering what exactly Miyo was talking about with her work status: She's basically like Financier from the first Neptunia game: She works for Blanc yet doesn't worship her and in this regard, Miyo doesn't worship any CPU. And before you start asking questions: there's a difference between worshipping people and having faith in a friend. Lastly, if you're wondering why Trick never speaks when he's on scene, putting it simply: I hate that character and I refuse to give him the benefit of speech. It's bad enough giving him mere existence.