Chapter 50: Improving Chances

Meanwhile, in the Training Facility in the Hecate Sector, Rook, Epel, Sereia, and the others are waiting patiently.

Soon, Ortho enters the room, "Hi, Rook Hunt. Epel Felmier. Sereia. Tanzanite. Jasper. Trinket. Is there anything you need?

"Your kindness is most touching, Ortho. We are all faring quite well," Rook says.

Then Ortho says, "We've finished the tests for Vil, Grim, and all the others. Everything went smoothly with no major issues. They're all pretty tired though, so they're recovering in their rooms right now. Grim had an especially large battery of tests. Now he's sprawled out on his back, snoring away. You'll be able to see them tomorrow morning, when you leave the island."

"Oh, would that I could see Vil looking hale and hearty sooner, but if he's fatigued, then so it must be neary sooner, outn nes laugueu, wen so n must be," Rook says.

"We're glad to hear everything worked out for Grim," Sereia says.

"And for the others as well," Jasper says.

"I agree. I hope we get to see them soon," Tanzanite says.

Then Ortho turns to Rook, "Oh, and I made sure to pass along the skincare products to Vil. And the tuna to Briar to give to Grim.

"Truly? Merci!" Rook happily replies. "I'm most grateful for your friendship and generosity."

"Yes. thank you," Sereia happily replies.

Trinket tinks with a smile.

"If anything, we should be grateful to you," Ortho replies, "Thanks to you and your friends coming here, 1 think I finally understand my purpose. I must do my best so I can say, 'I did what I could. So zero doesn't stay zero."

"Monsieur Marionette…" Rookn says, "I hope your endeavors lead you to a bright and shining future."

"Thank you. I should be going now... Bye," Ortho says, and takes his leave.

Once Ortho is gone, the group turn to each other with confused looks.

"Is it just me, or was Ortho acting differently from this morning?" Epel says, confused.

"I have to agree," Tanzanite says, adjusting his glasses, "Ortho seems different somehow."

"You're right. Ortho seems distracted somehow," Jasper says.

"I wonder why," Sereia adds.

Even Trinket is confused and concerned.

Later on, down the island near the gateway to Tartarus, something strange is happening.

The mysterious voice Ortho heard earlier says, "Now, let us first put Cerberus to sleep.

Ortho is actually there and says, "This command cannot be undone. Proceed?

Then the voice says, "The time has come. Let us go. The whole universe awaits.

"Voice verification confirmed. All systems green. Executing program," Ortho says.

Just then, the gateway begins to turn green as multiple voices and screams are heard beyond the doors.

The voice then says, "Oh, how I've longed for this day… I have no doubt that together, we can change the future.

"I won't let zero stay zero…" Ortho says.

Then the voice says, "We meet at last."

Just then, Ortho and the mysterious voice both say, "-Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ortho-"