Time passed for the SSS. With Juna unofficially becoming KeA's caretaker, the SSS were free to do their usual jobs. One such case was the request from Mayor Bickson that they were taking now. To make it short, a miner from Mainz left for Crossbell City and hadn't been back for several days. They found him gambling in the Barca Casino, winning so much at the lottery. One thing that Lloyd noted was that Gantz, the miner, suddenly became so good at the slot machine when he wasn't that good before, according to people's testimony.
Then, the next day, Heiyue's branch was raided by Revache. Everyone was worried that this would be the trigger for an all-out gang war, but Cao was being reasonable about it. Some information from Grace led them to think that the raid was organized by the newer members, who wanted to stand out. However, it didn't make sense that Cao and his subordinate couldn't beat them if that was the case, so Lloyd also put that into his note.
Strangely enough, Juna was tight-lipped about the situation. All she said to him when he asked for some clarification was, 'I still don't have all the facts.'
They only had a breakthrough when Mayor Bickson called them to see Gantz in the Barca Casino again, dueling Lechter Arundel, the Intelligence officer from Erebonia. Lechter somehow was able to beat Gantz every single time, and that fact frustrated Gantz enough that he had to be restrained by the SSS. However, Gantz was surprisingly strong and hard to subdue. In the end, Grace was the first to hypothesize that Gantz was using drugs. Once Lloyd got permission to look for his belongings, he found a pack of suspicious blue pills. Lloyd noted Tio's weird reaction to the evidence they found before all of them decided to talk with Chief Sergei.
And here they were now.
Juna and KeA were conveniently out for a walk so they could talk to Sergei without being interrupted.
"..." Sergei had a complicated look on his face after Lloyd and the rest laid out their investigation.
"S-Sorry. Was it too convoluted, after all?" Elie asked out of consideration.
"Nope," Sergei sighed. "It's just this series of events... I'm starting to think that it might all be connected."
"You do?"
"Seriously?!"
"How do you figure that?"
"..."
"I know a lot's gone down in the last day or two...but I want you to try to connect the dots. Better buckle up, Lloyd. We're going to need those detective skills you've been honing if we want to get anywhere with this."
Lloyd nodded. Connecting the dots was Juna's specialty. But Juna wasn't here, and most importantly, he couldn't always rely on Juna. He opened his side notes, which contained several statements Juna had made. Maybe something there would help him connect the dots for this case?
"Today, we were able to discover roughly three pieces of key evidence," Lloyd started. "The information we heard from Cao about the raid on Heiyue, the intel we exchanged with Grace about the current state of Revache, and everything we learned about Gantz, the miner from Mainz."
He laid out the three pieces of evidence.
The information from Cao about the raid had three main takes on it. First, according to Cao, Heiyue's main branch in Calvard would send some reinforcement to 'defend themselves,' but everyone knew Cao spelled 'retaliate' with that statement. Second, their knowledge of KeA was nonexistent. In fact, they didn't even know anything before a letter came and said that the trunk contained something that could blow Revache up. Of course, that 'something' referred to KeA herself. Aside from that, Cao said he didn't know anything. But those two pieces of information did not have any common ground with the other information they got today. This means... the last information about how the assailant was powerful enough to overwhelm a practitioner of Eastern martial arts like Cao was the one he had to take notes on.
Moving on to the second intel. Grace said that the Don was trying to make up for his blunder at the auction by buttering up Speaker Hartmann and even trying to establish a relationship with someone from the Republic. He even talked with the CGF commander from what they found out. But, the one that stuck out to Lloyd was how the chain of command in Revache was in shambles. Garcia was acting strange when he confronted them. Not to mention that the raid on Heiyue wasn't done with Garcia's supervision. Low-level members of the mafia were strong enough to overwhelm Cao. It was really strange now that he thought about it. Not that Revache was weak. But their strength had always been in number. To think that suddenly they recruited some people strong enough to do an overnight raid... something was suspicious.
That brought him to the last information: Gantz. Their investigation of Gantz resulted in one clear and obvious evidence: the blue pill. But wait, before that, Gantz suddenly became really strong, didn't he? And according to Mayor Bickson, Gantz wasn't really the type to get angry over losing to someone in the casino. Then there was his absurd winning streak before Lechter faced him.
Common threads connecting the three pieces of information...
Strong, aggressive, and uncontrollable mafia... a shared trait with Gantz. However, both Gantz and the mafia members did not exhibit those traits before.
"I get it," Lloyd said out loud.
"Lloyd?" Elie asked in confusion.
"Man, you can't just pull a Juna out of nowhere," Randy groaned. "Explain to us first."
"Pull a Juna?" Sergei looked at Randy.
"A-Ahaha. Sorry, guys."
Lloyd then explained his train of thought.
"...And so, I think that Revache is distributing new drugs that can enhance your potential, whether it's luck, strength, or maybe something else. That new drug is these blue pills we found."
"It makes sense," Tio nodded. "Revache didn't just distribute the drugs. They also took it, which increased their overall strength."
"Maybe that's part of the reason why Garcia's influence in Revache has been dwindling," Elie also remarked.
"So a bunch of those mafiosos took the drugs to toughen up, and, as a result, it gave 'em all big egos. Is that it?"
"Nicely put," Sergei gave an appreciative clap. "By the way, do you remember the rumors Ian told us yesterday?"
Lloyd's eyes widened when he recalled what Grimwood said. "The trader and that stockbroker...!"
"You think those two are already under the influence of the pills?!" Elie asked their commander.
"Who can say? At this point, that's nothing more than pure speculation. However, things are beginning to come together, piece by piece... You feel the same way, don't you?"
Lloyd nodded. Elie might not be sure about it, as was Sergei. But Lloyd knew that Juna would definitely conclude that those two consumed the pill. It was what he believed.
"Chief... if I'm being honest, I don't think the Special Support Section will be able to handle a case of this size," Lloyd sighed. "We might even need to call in the First Division for support, given that the incidents revolve around the distribution of illegal drugs."
Coincidentally, Juna and KeA entered the room.
"Good Evening, guys. I brought a guest for you."
"Mr. Grumpy wants to meet you, Sergei!"
Mr. Grumpy? Lloyd's mind immediately went to Dudley; indeed, he came into the room after them.
"Hmph. Good Evening, the SSS, Sergei. Sorry that I'm late. If this is about the same thing we discussed earlier, do you mind if we go ahead and begin?" Dudley greeted them.
"Sounds good to me. Fill them in, too, if you don't mind," Sergei casually tried to include the SSS.
"I don't exactly have time for jokes, Sergei! This isn't something rookies should know about, and-"
"Actually, I think the information they've found will end up being pretty useful to you and your investigation." Sergei cut Dudley off. "C'mon, it won't take any time at all."
"Are you insane...?" Dudley sighed. "Then again, I did leave the Heiyue investigation to the Special Support Section. Perhaps it should be fine, then... N-No! What in the world am I saying?"
"Um, Chief... If we're that much of a bother, we can always just leave the room," Lloyd offered.
"Nope. Stay right where you are. They don't call Dudley the ace of the First Division for nothing, after all. I'm sure he realizes what he needs in a situation like this."
"Tch. You win this time. Listen up. The information I'm about to disclose is strictly confidential... It does not leave this room. Otherwise, there WILL be consequences! Got it?!"
"Got it," Lloyd nodded. He looked towards Juna, who saluted him.
"Roger! Come on, KeA. Let's check the fridge for any treats! Aren't you hungry after playing so much?"
Once KeA and Juna left the room, the talk continued. Dudley revealed that the First Division's hands were tied from the inside. They received orders to prioritize quelling any disputes between Heiyue and the Mafia. Coincidentally, that resulted in their investigation of emerging mysterious drugs stopped.
They exchanged information, and Lloyd even showed Dudley the blue pills they had confiscated from Gantz. Of course, Lloyd didn't say where he got it from. Still, with how the First Division was pressured to stop, Lloyd wondered how the situation would look like for Juna.
He widened his eyes when his mind reviewed the evidence and laid it together with Juna's words.
First, the blue pill and Tio's reaction when they found it. Second, Juna's warning about the SSS's past she later confirmed wasn't about Randy's, and the fact that Elie's past was known to them already. And third, her words about the threat the SSS would face soon back in Long Lao.
Could it be...?
"Chief, Dudley. Is it alright if I invite Juna here?"
Lloyd immediately asked his superior for permission to get Juna. There was something he really needed to confirm to her. And if he was correct... then it'd spell trouble for Crossbell.
"Juna again? What does she have to do with anything?" Sergei raised his eyebrows.
"Who?" was Dudley's response before he shook his head. "Never mind. This is a confidential matter. You would include an outsider?"
The SSS looked at each other... "Well... not exactly an outsider since Juna is KeA's temporary caretaker. But..."
Lloyd felt Elie's hand on his shoulder. "Lloyd. Did you think that Juna can deduce something out of the information?"
Randy then turned towards the two adults. "I know it's out of protocol, but honestly? Juna helped us so much with several of our requests. She has a mind comparable to Lloyd."
"And that's without taking notes of her usually correct intuition," Tio chimed in.
Sergei sighed. "I was wondering why you'd take Arios' student as KeA's caretaker. Why am I only hearing this now?"
Lloyd gave him a smile. "We've asked her to officially join the SSS, but she refused because she wants to become a Bracer. I guess I'm afraid that you or the CPD will pressure Juna to join if we told you earlier."
Dudley harrumph. "Hmph. We're not that crass, Bannings. Fine, I want to see it for myself."
"Then I'll go fetch Junie," Randy went towards the door.
He came back two minutes later with Juna in tow and KeA on his shoulder.
The other SSS members, including Lloyd, looked at Randy flatly.
"Ahaha... sorry, guys. It's hard to refuse KeDo. And I feel bad leaving her alone."
Lloyd heard Elie sigh. "Alright. I'll distract KeA."
"No, I want everyone to hear it," he prevented Elie from going before turning to KeA. "KeA. Please do not get overly worried about what I'm going to say, okay?"
KeA blinked before she smiled. "Okay!"
She then jumped down from Randy's shoulder.
"You want my help again?" Juna finally said to Lloyd, who nodded.
Lloyd then relayed what happened in his investigation and the information from Dudley to Juna, who only hummed and nodded at his explanation.
"...so that's how it is. And now that you've got the context. Do you have any questions before I want you to confirm my deduction?"
Juna shook her head. "No. It's all clear from me."
"Alright, then..." Lloyd turned from Juna to Sergei and Dudley. Both looked at their interaction seriously.
"We have new drugs being circulated in Crossbell. These blue pills can enhance the user's capabilities, whether it is physical strength or something outrageous like luck for gambling. And we all agree that Revache is the dealer based on the information we got from our collective information," Lloyd started. "However, one question remains. Who made it?"
Everyone in the room went silent, trying to consider Lloyd's words.
"I have to say sorry if I offend you, Tio. I didn't want to say this, but I have to," Lloyd suddenly asked for forgiveness from Tio, who was too surprised to reply. "A few weeks ago, Juna, you mentioned something interesting to us and Joshua and Estelle. 'The D∴G Cult -or whatever remnants of that organization- still exists, and as police officers, you'll come clashing with them sometimes in the future, SSS.' You were so sure of it."
"Hold on, what's the D∴G Cult has to do with all these?" Dudley interjected.
"Please, Dudley. Let me confirm my theory first." Lloyd turned back to Juna and raised the plastic bag containing the blue pills again. "These blue pills can enhance something so out of mind, like your luck. It wouldn't be a long stretch to think that these pills can also enhance someone's sense, wouldn't it?"
"Someone's sense..." Elie parroted.
Everyone then looked at Tio except for Juna, who wore a smile on her face, and Dudley, who didn't get the context.
"Tio..."
"So this is what you meant by Tio's background, huh, Junie?" Randy sighed.
"I didn't notice it immediately from your weird behavior when Juna mentioned the cult back at the Long Lao, but I did see you acting weird. Later, Randy told me that Juna knew of your background story. But the one cinching it for me is your reaction when we found the blue pills. It was then I realized your connection to the D∴G Cult. Most probably, you were like Renne, who is also experimented by the cult," Lloyd revealed to Tio.
Sergei widened his eyes. "I've never told you anything..."
Lloyd nodded. "I know. As I said, Juna's mind is amazing. I'm only tracing the breadcrumbs left by her."
He saw Tio being hugged by KeA and Elie. "...Thank you, everyone. But I'm okay now. And Lloyd, next time, please give me advanced notes if you want to pull a Juna."
She ended with a playful glare, to which Lloyd could only laugh.
"I know you can rise from this, Tio, so I'll move to the next important part," Lloyd said, getting back to the main topic of the conversation. "How probable is it for the blue pills to be made by the remnants of the D∴G Cult you mentioned before?"
Juna exhaled.
"You yourself are amazing, Lloyd. I can't confirm anything since I'm not a seer. However, my mind did connect the blue pills to the D∴G Cult when you were explaining your investigation, so our suspicions match. And you even connected the dots yourself! You noticed Tio's weird behavior when I mentioned the cult and correctly guessed her background. If you're asking how probable your theory is, then my answer is yes. For me, it is most likely the D∴G Cult who made the drugs and is using Revache as the distributor."
"I see..."
"You..." Dudley said. "I don't know where you got your information from, but how sure are you of it? The D∴G Cult was wiped out by the coalition a few years ago. To think that remnants of that cult still exist... It's unthinkable."
Sergei sighed. "The worst part is that it fits. I also had suspicions that the nightmare of several years ago, the D∴G Cult, is crawling back from the depths of hell."
He then put out his cigarette before calling Lloyd out. "Lloyd. I'm just gonna say this. Your brother was involved with the raid on the D∴G Cult lodges several years ago."
Lloyd's eyes widened. "What?"
"Arios, Guy, and I were assigned from Crossbell Police Department to the coalition. In fact, he's the one who found Tio there and saved her life."
"Arios, too? I have to get the full story out of him!" Juna declared with a huff.
"Yes. I was about to tell you later, but it seems that you found out part of it on your own," Sergei glanced at Juna. "Or rather, with some help."
"Alright. Regarding my theory, keep in mind that there is still no hard proof, just a deduction from the information we gathered. So, none of us can really put this in the report. Dudley, how would you and the First Division move after this?"
"...I don't know how the others will take it, but I'm still gonna investigate Revache."
"Good," Sergei interjected. "The SSS will investigate the drug more closely to look for any sign of the D∴G Cult resurgence. Any objection?"
"No. And I'll keep a look out for the cult, too. It'd be dangerous if somehow the D∴G Cult resurfaced from inside Revache," Dudley shook his head.
"And we'll trade information again later," Sergei casually added.
"What? Hmph. Fine," Dudley then looked at Juna. "I don't know how you do it, but you, too, share more information if you know something."
"Roger!"
Dudley then left the room.
"So," Juna suddenly said. "Since Mr. Grumpy is out, I have one more thing I have to tell you. Nothing against him, but this isn't something that he needed to know yet."
That caught everyone's attention.
"What is it, Juna?" Elie asked.
"I've said it to Randy, and I don't know if he passed it to Lloyd..." Juna trailed off, looking unsure if he already knew or not.
Ah, it was about another threat that Randy said Juna told him. Lloyd nodded, giving Juna a sign that Randy had already told him.
"I see... I'm just gonna say it for everyone else, then. SSS. There is a nonzero chance that you guys will also face the Red Constellation Jaeger Corps in the future," Juna revealed.
"What?!" Elie gasped in surprise at the news.
"Really?" Tio's voice held a skeptical tone, but it sounded like she was in disbelief about the how rather than the confrontation itself.
"You have to lay it down to us gently, Juna," Sergei pulled out another cigarette and lit it. "Still... the Red Constellation, huh? How did you say you came up with your deduction again?"
"Please don't pressure Juna, Chief. I can explain that to you. A few weeks ago, Randy quoted Juna's explanation in full," Lloyd tried to placate the older man.
"And Lloyd..." Juna's tone turned softer, catching Lloyd's attention. "The truth about Guy's murder will come to light. This one, I'm one hundred percent sure."
...yeah, he wasn't really affected by Juna's words because Randy had told him.
Sergei, however, was so startled he coughed on the smoke.
"Cough, what?"
Ignoring the question from Sergei, Juna then sighed. "The worst part is I don't know if those two events would be related to the one who planted KeA in the Schwarze Auction or not. It could be that they're related, but it also could be not. There is even a chance that the one who planted KeA in the auction is the D∴G Cult themselves. Argh, sometimes I wish I'd know more details about my own certain prediction!"
"Haha..."
"If you had that kind of ability, you'd be the prime target of every criminal, Juna."
"That's right!" Randy followed him with another laugh.
"...Juna?" Lloyd's smile turned into a worried frown when he didn't hear Juna's follow-up.
"...Lloyd. How many people know my 'connect the dots' again?" Juna asked with apparent worry behind her tone.
"Only everyone here, Dudley, Estelle, and Joshua," he answered the name that came to his head. But it was true that they didn't say anything to anyone else. There was that moment in the Schwarze Auction when Lechter asked them how they weren't so startled by the situation, but Lloyd just answered that somebody tipped them before without mentioning any name.
Juna then let out a sigh of relief. "Right. Of course. Thank you. You had me worried there."
"Worried? For what?" Elie asked her.
"It'd be a hassle if the enemy knows and dispose of me because I spoil their plan or something," Juna said with a shrug.
That was a weirdly specific concern. Was it...
No. The important thing was that nobody else aside from a select few who they trusted knew about Juna. They need not needlessly worry about it.
"Don't worry about it, guys. It's not like I'm a damsel in distress, you know," Juna winked.
Right. Lloyd sighed. Juna was a practitioner of the infamous Eight Leaves One Blade school of swordsmanship. While she wasn't as strong as the SSS yet, according to Randy, Juna was good with some fixable flaws.
"Um..." KeA suddenly tried to get their attention. "What do you mean the ones who planted me?"
Lloyd blinked. "A-Ah... KeA."
He honestly forgot about KeA because she was unusually silent.
"How about we cook dinner?" Elie came to the rescue by trying to distract KeA with something else.
But KeA didn't reply. She just stared at every adult in the room.
"Listen, KeA. We'll tell you about it later. Right now, it's late, and we still haven't had dinner. How about it?" In the end, the best Lloyd could do was delay it to give them time to discuss what should be told to KeA.
"...okay."
Lloyd smiled at the green-haired girl before he ruffled her hair. "Thank you, KeA."
After that, Juna excused herself and left. The SSS also put aside the case and enjoyed their dinner. Tomorrow, they would go to the St. Ursula Hospital to consult things with Dr. Guenter. Hopefully, he could shed some light on the situation.
A/N: FLAG GOES BRRRRRR! JunaSI is not even the one who triggered it, poor Juna. This chapter compresses the first half of Chapter 4 of the game. Lots of things skipped because honestly, nothing changes from how it is. The conversation with Sergei and Dudley is different though, with Lloyd connecting all the dots, or in his words, picking all the breadcrumbs Juna left for him, they realized that the cult might be behind everything before the meeting with Joachim and Tio telling her backstory. In canon, the reveal is structured so tidy I had to leave the crumbs since the end of Renne's arc for it to make sense. And even then, there's something I missed the first time I played that I only realized when I'm planning for the next chapter of this omake. Seriously, the whole Crossbell arc's writing is just amazing.