《Heart Mirror - The Day This Utopia Shattered》


 001

    The eternal routine remains, unchanging, ever marching, toward the ideal future, towards a guaranteed happiness. Towards a fair, equal, happiness for all, a true utopia granted to us by the stewards of this universe. Their fair reach will envelop all without exception.


    Praise the benevolent stewards of the universe, their guiding touch ensuring equal, guaranteed happiness.


    There is no need, no room for doubts. Tomorrow, to the entirety of the stretch of the sea of time, the Primeras will only ever guide without strings attached, their benevolence¡¯s satisfaction derived from nothing but our happiness.


    Tick, tick, tick.


    In ten more ticks, the system will activate, and with it, another day will start.


    Tick, tick, tick.


    Each tick was engraved in Izabel¡¯s mind. She looked at the device strapped to her wrist, one with a small screen attached to it. From her touch, the screen was activated, showing the familiar screen.


    [Izabel Viator]


    [Status: Happy]


    [Happiness: 98/100]


    [Physical Health: 99.7%]


    [You are satisfied and happy. Tomorrow and always, the Primeras will guard your happiness.]


    Izabel took a deep breath, her eyes focused on the number. It seems like she was safe for now, and a little deviation will not send the trackers and mechanical attendants after her.


    ¡°I hope the system machines shatter and end everything, stewards of all? What a shitload of junk.¡±


    [Happiness: 89/100]


    [You are currently happy, perhaps, we can help to make you as happy as can be? Remember, the Primeras offer aid and promise happiness for all, with neither requirement nor strings attached.]


    Tick, tick, tick, tick.


    There was no need to contemplate further, for the clock had struck. A quick glance at the device eternally strapped to her wrist confirmed Izabel¡¯s thoughts. As she had expected and seen ever since she could remember, it was 06:00 System Hour, a cue for the habitation unit she lives in to rouse to life once more.


    [Good morning, we hope you had a restful evening.]


    A retort bubbled on her throat, but as the countless times had taught her, she swallowed it, relieved that the shift in her happiness coefficient was negligible.


    ¡°Yes, I had a restful sleep. Thank you for your consideration.¡±


    Her reply sounded forced to her own ears, but as practice had taught her, her expression betrayed no such thoughts. After all, they always watch, they always lurk. Enough shifts of her mood would send a suffocating swarm, tirelessly asking for her well-being. Benevolent as the Primeras may be, their gaze extends and pierces through all under the dome,


    [That is reassuring to hear. Let us commence a quick scan]


    The robotic voice was soft, reassuring, but perhaps, it would be more fitting to say that it would be reassuring when perceived by a scared kitten. Though the voice had been the constant factor that stayed ever since she could remember, for quite a while, it sounded more infuriating to her ears, a fact that invited trouble more times that she had the capacity to count.


    [Coronam Vitae System scan complete]


    [Results: Izabel Viator¡¯s mood is stable, no illnesses or deviation detected]


    [Happiness coefficient in Mirror app has been adjusted]


    ¡°Okay, can we start with the daily routine now?¡±


    [Certainly]


    Wake up at 6, cleanse yourself, eat, do the assigned tasks, eat, do the assigned tasks, go back to the habitation unit, cleanse yourself, eat, immerse yourself in the entertainment provided by the system, and sleep, to wake up and let the cycle repeat anew. Any deviations not permitted by the system¡¯s calculation for optimal routine would alert the mechanical attendants.


    Her mood, her thoughts, everything, it was all laid bare for the Primeras to see from their throne. The room shifted, transporting her to the bedroom while she was musing. With a little scoff, she noted the temperature of the warm water, 43 degrees, one degree warmer than yesterday. The bath was comfortable, but the routine, stretched over uncountable system hours, felt nothing short of suffocating.


    Perhaps, she thought, glancing at the clock to ensure there were no significant shifts in her mood, these Primeras¡¯ benevolence was paid in this suffocating embrace, a routine of calculated happiness that felt nothing short of suffocating.


    After getting dressed, in colors that, just like everything else, was decided for her, she walked out. If the system decided that there was no need for humans to walk, perhaps, that liberty would be denied from her, too.


    As soon as she finished the meal made by the unit¡¯s molecular generator, she walked out of her habitation unit, right to the transportation unit waiting just outside. Painted in a soft blue, decorated with drawings of nature, beautiful, but as false, as artificial as everything else.


    Another day, another routine, to an unchanging future.


    Nothing but lies, illusions, a gilded cage of constant supervision by unseen overlords without even the guts to appear.


    [Happiness: 80/100]


    [How can we help you? Feel free to contact the nearest assistance unit.]


    The screen of the device strapped to her wrist flickered, a silent confirmation. For the first time in her life, it went dark. She stared at the screen, as if wanting to savor the very, very first disruption to the eternal, unending, unchanging cycle. The transport unit started to move towards a destination she was familiar with, but this, this was new, this was a break, and Izabel intended to savor it.


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    But the contrast made the wait stretch to an eternity, enough to affect the meter.


    [Happiness: 68/100]


    [Personnel has been dispatched to your area. Help is coming]


    Another flicker before Izabel could react to the message, followed by the transportation unit screeching into a halt with force strong enough to throw her body forward. The blue skies she had seen for her entire life had started to change, red bleeding from unseen cracks with the speed of a drop of ink in pristine water.


    Just like the skies, the screen on Izabel¡¯s wrist started to disintegrate and fade, becoming pixels as it fell away to reveal darkness. In that brief instance, she saw her face was reflected on the dark screen.


    [Congratulations! You have been chosen to become the beta tester of Heart Mirror]


    An icon consisting of a silver, reflective heart wrapped in blue-chrome cables flashed across the screen.


    [Beta Tester: 1000/1000]


    [MIND: 100% - 00%]


    [Connecting to server¡­]


    [Acquiring connection ¨C 10%]


    From the red, broken skies, globs of pulsating liquid started spilling, their very existence unstable and flickering. Behind the glass window, Izabel watched as a few curious people approached the blobs, expressions innocent and unmarred by fear. The sight was surreal, one she could not tear away her eyes from, a change from routine and curiosity locking her attention to the scene.


    Then, there was screaming. Primal, ear-piercing screams of fear and pain, their bravery paid as they were consumed by the creatures, melting into the ground in a combination of blood and guts. Their clear shock was palpable, proof that such a feeling was alien.


    In that moment, perfection has truly crumbled, giving way to raw, unpolished truth. The sight anchored Izabel¡¯s feet to the floor, her legs too heavy to move, her eyes fixated on the sight as the bystanders tried to escape. Frozen to the sight of change she had once desperately wished.


    Amidst the unfolding chaos, a notification appeared on the device.


    ¡°Run! ¡­ damned¡­ you¡ª¡±


    A voice pierced through Izabel¡¯s thoughts, hasty and tinged with anger. However, they kept flickering, repeating variations of words that made no sense, while static obscured the rest of the words, turning it into a jumbled mess.


    [Acquiring connection ¨C 99%]


    [Mirror Avatar has been acquired]


    ¡°By Delencion¡¯s thralls¡ª Use your legs!¡±


    Izabel¡¯s entire body jolted with shock, breaking her out of the reverie. The stern voice, filled with urgency, has shattered the spell that held her in place. She stumbled and tripped on air, falling backwards to the cold metallic floor. It took her a few precious seconds to realize, that indeed, her life could be forfeit should she still focus on the fact that the eternal routine, the perfection that marked her entire life, had shattered.


    ¡°Can you hear me clearly now?¡± The voice continued, a little softer than before, ¡°Listen to me, I understand that this is a shock, but for now, hold out your hand.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª no, I get it.¡± Breathe, breathe, one, two, and then, Izabel held out her hand as instructed. Energy welled up from within, traveling into her arm as it materialized into a stark white implement with red, ornamental highlights in varying gradients, starting from a vivid red fading into whites, merging with the weapon in a seamless manner.


    ¡°That is called a gun. Now, calm down, give some distance between you and the wall¡± the voice instructed, ¡°Hold your hand steady, and fire, press and hold the trigger with your index finger.¡±


    Even though the weapon was unfamiliar, something she had never seen in her life, the weight of power in Izabel¡¯s hold was palpable. A shudder racked through her, was it perhaps excitement, for a new occasion that would never have been permitted to happen had everything proceeded as it always was, or was it fear, a deep-seated warning from survival instinct?


    There is no time to ponder, as chaos destabilizes the dome, and the life she had known. It is time to fight.


    She did as was told, and energy started to gather, forming into a burning, red-hot sphere no bigger than a toy marble.


    ¡°Now, release!¡±


    Izabel released her hold on the trigger, and the sphere launched forward, expanding upon contact with the door and creating a man-sized hole with black soot around the edges. As her feet touched the ground, some of the monsters started to move towards her, perhaps attracted by something. She looked around, every single visible area crawling with those things.


    ¡°Go to safety! You can take out a few if you use the weapon I gave you. No need to press for too long, they seem to be weak!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Izabel did as the voice instructed, and indeed, with a series of short, quick presses, the monsters disintegrated, turning into dust before scattering in the air. Everything felt new, and she had moments of being unable to aim correctly, resulting in her shots not hitting the monster at all, but it was enough to allow her to escape as she slipped into the space between buildings. It seems that for now, she was safe.


    A message appeared in front of her eyes.


    [Coronam Vitae System emergency announcement]


    [There was interference to the dome from an unknown entity. We are currently working on a solution to this crisis. Please stay calm and find a secluded area. During maintenance, system commands and functions are disabled.]


    ¡°As usual, they really are quick when it comes to their things being disturbed,¡± the familiar voice mused.


    ¡°Now that we are safe, can you at least tell me who you are?¡±


    Izabel felt silly for a moment, but then again, to speak to the system, you needed to speak to thin air, too.


    The air in front of her shifted for a moment, and then, an entity made of light came into view. Beautiful was the first thing that came to mind, with her black clothing. Her eyes were a deep, molten gold mixed with orange, fierceness radiating from her stare as she looked at Izabel. Her long hair reached down the small of her back, vivid red on the roots, then slowly fading to white at the tips. Along with the ornamental hat she wore, her ensemble gives her a dignified aura. On the woman¡¯s hips, there was a pocket holding the weapon ¨C no, the gun she had used before, along with an unfamiliar, sheathed long, curved weapon.


    Her boots floated a few inches off the ground, and if Izabel focused, she could see the wall behind the mysterious woman. It reminded her of a story once read to her at her scheduled entertainment hours, about an intangible thing that could pass through walls to pull pranks at anyone who didn¡¯t follow the system-mandated schedule. In hindsight, perhaps such a story was made to instill belief in the Primeras from the moment she could form memories.


    ¡°You can call me Hunter, I am the Mirror Avatar assigned to you with the acquisition of Heart Mirror in your tracking device,¡± the woman said, her words echoing in Izabel¡¯s head, ¡°I can feel and hear your thoughts, everything, including your anger towards the Primeras, and I too, can understand, for those fiends, fancying themselves stewards of all sentient beings, locking all they could reach in a gilded cage. You felt it too, correct? Every single day, following their orders without being given any other options that didn¡¯t lead to their desired outcome, all in the name of happiness,¡±


    Hunter spits the last word, lips curling in distaste.


    ¡°I know that you have never even seen them in person, the Primeras, right?¡± Hunter asked.


    ¡°Can you¡­ not do that? It¡¯s a little uncomfortable,¡± Izabel said. It was one thing for the system to prod and turn her current thoughts and feelings into numbers, but it is another to see someone tangible, well, perhaps real enough is more accurate, prodding into your mind.


    Hunter¡¯s fierce gaze turned a little softer, and she gave Izabel a small smile.


    ¡°I hear your thoughts even if I do not want to, unfortunately. I understand that it is a little disconcerting, but, if it helps¡­¡± Hunter floated towards a nearby wall and extended her arm, letting her hand sink into the wall, ¡°I am the companion assigned to you by the Heart Mirror, and we are effectively two within one flesh, as I am unable to affect the world without you. I will always be by your side come hell or high water, and all I ask is for you to trust me.¡±


    Hunter paused for a moment, turning her head to look at Izabel.


    ¡°After all, our objective is the same. In a more pragmatic sense, protecting you benefits me, too.¡±


    Only a few moments have passed since the emergency announcement, but another one has already appeared in front of Izabel¡¯s eyes.


    [Coronam Vitae System announcement]


    [The problem has been fixed. Find a comfortable and hidden spot, should your situation allow it. We will deploy the measure to take care of this problem within 30 seconds]


    [00:16]


    ¡°Fast, as always. A reminder, Izabel¡­ Be wary when they ask questions.¡±


    ¡°Why? What is going to happen?¡±


    ¡°Their solution whenever anything breaks their thin veneer of lies. You will see it in a little bit.¡±


    Before Izabel could ask Hunter to elaborate, a flash of bright light from all around her drowned her vision. Everything was engulfed in colorless flood, and the last thing Hunter focused on was the gun, the weapon disappearing into thin air following Izabel¡¯s darkening consciousness.

 002

    An eternity, exploited, trapped in the facsimile of bliss, forgetting all traces of our identity, to chase the intoxicating cycle of upward bliss and downward crash to the unforgiving ground, shedding tears only to make the inevitable ascend to happiness all that much sweeter.


    Nothing less than a mockery of our way of life, all to serve them, to repay them for their unwanted aid, and then, they dare fancy themselves in self-satisfaction for bringing the most savage realm to their knees.


    Self-serving hypocrites, nothing but scourges of the world, all wrapped in pretense to justify their own existence.


    --


    The last thing Izabel remembered was a flood of white, and under the same flood of white did she opened her eyes.


    Likely a medical facility, considering what had happened. She sat up, and as her vision clears, she saw the door leading outside, the walls all around the room decorated with something she could only describe as a colorful, Primeras-inspired artwork. To Izabel, it looked a little juvenile, but then again, it was said that those who chose to take the Primeras¡¯ side would be granted happiness, one that would surpass anything else they would have ever experienced, until none of their senses would taste anything else.


    Blissful, the world had always made her sick. Did no one else realize the cage they were locked in?


    On a more thorough look, the place seemed undamaged. The usual, nauseating perfection she was familiar with was all there, and not even a speck of dust marred the place.


    A little disappointment welled up, much as she tried to suppress it. Of course, the dream of unshackling herself from this dreary existence prioritized on happiness was a farce.


    ¡°Tempering your expectations is all well and good, but do be careful, or you¡¯ll risk destroying your own motivations.¡±


    Izabel¡¯s train of thoughts ended there, replaced by shock as she almost jumped back before she could slip into a downward spiral. Hunter was peeking from the corner of the bed, intangible body passing through everything else. In this state, though her dignified tone remains, the same could not be said about her appearance as half a head poking out of the bed.


    ¡°Wait, you really are real¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am, and for your information, what we both saw was real, though from the looks of it, they¡¯re quick to clean up.¡±


    Hunter glanced at the door, still closed for the time being.


    ¡°They likely have some ways to track your current state, so chances are, they¡¯ll be coming soon. Remember, I can read your thoughts, so no need to talk directly.¡±


    Izabel looked at the door for a few seconds, and when nothing walked in, she asked Hunter, ¡°So, what are you?¡±


    ¡°A companion assigned to you by the developer of Heart Mirror, or as the app stated, I am a Mirror Avatar. My assignment is to guide you and provide you with the means to fight the Primeras. If you still remember holding my weapon,¡± Hunter conjured a familiar-looking pistol in her hand, ¡°That is the base form of the power I gave you. There¡¯s more, but this is not a good time for a demonstration. Maybe later.¡±


    ¡°No, that is not my question. I get it, you are my companion, but what kind of thing are you?¡±


    ¡°That is¡­ a difficult question. Let me see¡­ I think the closest description in your language would be ¡®a collection of thoughts and power connected to you¡¯. Mirror Avatars are simply companions assigned to assist by the creator of the app, and we have a similar goal, that is, defeating the Primeras. I assist you with powers and abilities, while you interact with the world in my stead. A beneficial agreement for us both, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Fair point. As for you, I think considering what I know, you¡¯re likely similar to one of those robots, except with a human form and you can only speak to me.¡±


    ¡°That is a reasonable guess.¡± Hunter nodded.


    ¡°Are there really a thousand people with this app?¡±


    ¡°As far as I know, yes, and most likely all share the sentiment of disliking the Primeras¡¯ rule. No wonder, considering their modus operandi,¡±  Hunter replied, then she looked at the door. ¡°Oh, it looks like they¡¯re here. Pretend like you don¡¯t remember about what happened before you lost consciousness. I¡¯m not sure on how they do things here, but that should be a safe bet¡­¡±


    Hunter trailed off, and her form faded from Izabel¡¯s view. Before she could ask, the door was opened, and a familiar-looking machine entered the room. It was one of the machines assigned to monitor the happiness of the populace, and a few would be dispatched to the area of someone whose coefficient dropped below a certain threshold.


    Aside from its head, which was designed to mimic a cat complete with decorative expressive eyes and ears, Izabel noted that rather than think it was cute, she thinks it looked rather uncanny, though, she noted there was an attempt of making it somewhere close to cute.


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    [Hello! I see that you are feeling well, but it never hurts to ask. Do you experience any discomforts or pain?]


    Here goes. How about you check it yourself?


    ¡­


    Wait. Izabel remembered the numbers, and out of habit, she glanced at the device strapped to her wrist.


    [Happiness: 91/100]


    [You seem happy, there is no need to worry!]


    Another message appeared in front of her eyes, clearly sent by the robot.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in any pain, nor am I feeling any discomfort.¡±


    [Are you sure? Then, perhaps I can be of assistance?]


    ¡°Get me some cake, then?¡±


    [Your tracker indicates that 215 system days have passed since your last treat. Request approved.]


    With that, the robot exited the room, leaving the two of them alone again. As the door closed, Hunter reappeared, her expression serious, ¡°Seems like they didn¡¯t notice.¡±


    ¡°Notice what?¡±


    ¡°That tracker on your wrist. I noticed that it tracks your current feelings, and I¡¯ve observed it fluctuate after yesterday¡¯s incident.  I don¡¯t know how the numbers change while you are unconscious, but yesterday, it goes up and down with your feelings, while now, despite what you were thinking about, it was relatively stable. The lowest I saw it go down to was 88 as of now.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t check while I was asleep?¡±


    ¡°No, it seems that when you fall asleep, I follow suit. Makes sense, considering my consciousness is linked to yours.¡±


    ¡°So, in other words, we know your¡­ existence have several rules. One, I¡¯m the only one who could see and hear you, two, you can read my mind, three, you can¡¯t know what happens while I am unconscious, and four, your only form of physical interaction with everything around us is providing me with a weapon?¡±


    ¡°Precisely.¡± Hunter said. ¡°Back to the matter at hand, it seems like they¡¯re unaware that you didn¡¯t forget the events of yesterday. For now, it seems we¡¯re safe, but I don¡¯t think we can linger here.¡±


    ¡°True, we still don¡¯t know a lot, but on the plus side, looks like neither do they. Though, what¡¯s up with the incident yesterday?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°I have a theory, but there is not enough evidence or information. Perhaps later.¡±


    Right as the two were thinking, Izabel felt a beep from the device on her wrist. The moment she touched on the mail icon displayed on the screen; a message was projected in front of her.


    [Subject: Welcome!]


    [From: CORDIS#404]


    [Welcome to Heart Mirror! Have you familiarized yourself with the app, and perhaps talked with your assigned Mirror Avatar? I understand that you have some questions, and I will do my best to answer them. Please open the attachment as soon as you are ready.]


    [Attachment: CORDIS-app]


    [PS: Do not open the attachment while you are in a public place, or that will be the last thing you ever did. You have been warned!]


    Izabel stared at the warning.


    ¡°Are they sure this kind of warning will prevent people from doing just that? Personally, I would have tried it if this situation wasn¡¯t so...¡±


    ¡°Strange?¡± Hunter offered, ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure, but I think the other Mirror Avatars would discourage such an experiment. After all, there must be a reason for such a warning.¡±


    Izabel supposed that was a reasonable explanation.


    Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. As Izabel requested, she was given a cake by one of the assisting robots, though as she had expected, there was only a little frosting and chocolate. Knowing that complaining would send the robot on a spiel about the importance of health and how long lives would give us happiness. That word again, it¡¯s almost like the Primeras wanted to make her puke with one word.


    ¡°Heh, that makes two of us, but since I don¡¯t have a physical body, I have nothing to expel.¡± Hunter said. Her form was not visible, it seems like she preferred not to appear when the care machine is here.


    Izabel tried to ignore the comment as she took a bite of the cake, and then asked, ¡°Considering I¡¯m pretty alright now, can I be returned to my habitation unit?¡±


    The robot¡¯s eyes lit up, literally, and a beam of light passed over her.


    [Scanning¡­ Please wait]


    [Izabel Viator: Condition currently stable, and a return to the habitation unit is permitted.]


    [It seems that you have missed your living space. We will arrange for a transportation unit to come pick you up as soon as possible. You can bring your treat back, just deposit it to your habitation unit¡¯s system chute when you are finished.]


    ¡°That was quick, thank you,¡± Izabel replied.


    With that, the robot turned around and went out of the room, leaving the two of them alone again.


    ¡°Honestly, chances are they have eyes back at the unit too, but on the other hand, I think it¡¯s still a better place to open that file than here,¡± Izabel said.


    ¡°No, I agree that we should move. Look at the lights.¡± Hunter replied. ¡°Look at it closely, did you see the device they placed on it? It¡¯s the same white as the light, and the glare from being so close to a light source might make it a little less effective, but chances are, if they are placing it in that spot, that factor is not going to hinder them.¡±


    It was tiny, almost unnoticeable due to the colors being like the light around it. However, following Hunter¡¯s line of sight, Izabel saw a small device, its color similar to the room and the light that, were it not for the tiny lens, she would not notice. Izabel remembered that this wasn¡¯t her first time in this room, as she had been taken here when her happiness number went too low, but this was the first time she had noticed the device.


    Now that she thought about it more, even her living unit always has some kind of listening or surveillance device. It would be odd if this room, where they brought in people who were declared as troubled, didn¡¯t have one.


    [Transport unit for Izabel Viator will arrive in approximately 1 minute.]


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we shouldn¡¯t linger.¡±


    As Izabel walked into the waiting transport, she noticed that, as Hunter said, the area all around them had turned back to normal. There was no trace of destruction, no trace of talks about it, and all the damage has been repaired.


    If Hunter was not here, perhaps, she too would have considered the events of yesterday a mere dream.


    --


    As she arrived at her living unit, the room lit up, along with the device on her wrist.


    [Heart Mirror system is synchronizing with your living quarters, please wait¡­]


    ¡°Oh? Talk about convenient,¡± Hunter nodded and gave a small smile of approval.


    Izabel noticed that there was something beautiful, something genuine in that smile. After all, so far, she had never seen Hunter smile before.


    ¡°What is it, Hunter?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see in a bit.¡±


    Izabel got her answer in the form of the whole space darkening, black spots bleeding out from corners until the room was painted in pure, solid, and glossy black. For a few moments, the solid black remained, painting over all the light and everything else in a featureless, dark mass.


    Unsettling was perhaps the most accurate word to describe it.


    In a few seconds, the dark mass crept back into the corners of the room.


    [Synchronization complete]


    [Masking feature added. While you are in this unit, any data derived from your presence will be spoofed]


    ¡°Basically, it¡¯s a feature to let you hide from the constant watch of the Primeras. A simple, but convenient feature regardless,¡± Hunter said. ¡°For example, even if you talk to me out loud here, they can¡¯t hear it from their pervasive systems. Why not open the message here too, while you¡¯re at it?¡±


    Right. Izabel opened the message again, and then, she stared at the provided button for a moment. There was a feeling of thrill, an alluring sweetness from a semblance of freedom, the breaking of invisible shackles that bound her since she was old enough to remember.


    As the feelings swelled with each second, she pressed the button.

 003

    There was a feeling of weightlessness, as if she was floating, and then before fear could take root, Izabel was back on solid ground.


    All around her, there were platforms of differing heights, forming a circle that surrounded a much larger platform in the middle. Each platform has two people, one standing on the platform itself, the other floating near the former. Right next to them, there was a floating projection of a name, along with a numbered code. Other than the different codes and names, however, every single other person looked featureless, more like black shapes made to resemble humans. The platforms themselves stood on branching, metallic spires crackling with energy, sharp-edged veins decorating each of the metal. Izabel looked down, and she saw that the metal branches converged down, into an abyss covered in darkness, preventing her from seeing anything. Other than the abyss below and the platforms, the background were predominantly washed in blues, the shades fading into darkness as they got closer to the abyss.


    Below her feet, Izabel saw that the platform was glowing in a mixture of orange and white, a circle of fire surrounding her feet. Despite the apparent blaze, she felt no heat at all.


    Next to her, the projection said:


    [ID: HUNTER#101]


    ¡°Hey, you, uh, Hunter? What is going on here?¡± a voice asked from Izabel¡¯s right side.


    As she expected, the owner of the voice was featureless, and next to the shape, there was a projection that said [CARCOSA#316]. The voice sounded distorted, each word echoing in different tones that renders any attempt at discerning their identity useless. Below them, the platform was shining with the brilliance of hardened, golden light, with shards of the same color fluttering down with the gentleness of dried leaves.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, to be honest,¡± Izabel admitted, then, she called for her companion in her mind. ¡°Hunter? What is this all about?¡±


    ¡°I am unable to tell you anything, either. I have no information,¡± Hunter answered. ¡°Right now, all we can do is wait, but considering our situation, it seems that the person who invited us here seem to think it was beneficial to hide everyone¡¯s identity behind these featureless shapes and their Mirror Avatar names.¡±


    ¡°Obviously, this is the work of someone who gave us access to this app, what do you think? At least, that much is certain.¡± A slightly miffed voice chimed into the conversation. Next to them, the projection said [ADLER#007], and their platform was glowing in a light purple with streaks similar to the branches of a flowchart.


    ¡°Hey, now, there is no need for insults. This is not an everyday situation.¡± Another voice chimed in. The projection next to them said [AQUILA#749], and their platform was a brilliant, metallic silver that looked sturdy. However, there was nothing else notable.


    ¡°Still, this is practically something a kid could come up with. Are you telling me no one here is capable of drawing conclusions, of all things?¡± Adler replied. Not even the distortion from the voice filter was able to hide their sarcasm.


    ¡°Okay, that is enough bickering for the day. The answers will come soon, and whether you¡¯re right or wrong, it doesn''t even matter.¡± Someone else chimed in. Izabel looked at the projected ID, [PESTILENCE#147], and below them, the platform was made of tiny cubes, each one dotted with glowing white. Each cube looked like a miniature slice of the sky, and some of the individual cubes rotated around the large platform, like celestial objects bound by gravity.


    No sooner than when the words left Pestilence¡¯s mouth did the center platform start to shift. The middle part of it seemed to flicker and break into rainbow-colored blocks of light, and then, someone rose from the crack. Just like the others, they were featureless, but there was only one person, and the projected tag said [CORDIS#404]


    [To all users of Heart Mirror residing in Dome-09, welcome to Cordis, a safe virtual space, free from the Primeras¡¯ influence and eyes. To protect each user¡¯s identity, each user will be referred under the names of their Mirror Avatars, unless the user has chosen to reveal themselves.]


    The distorted voice was accompanied by subtitles projected into all the audience¡¯s eyes. After a quick glance, Izabel used the time to look around, trying to discern how many people were invited here.


    ¡°65, it seems,¡± Hunter chimed in.


    ¡°That is such an arbitrary number¡­ If it was up to me, 100 would be more practical.¡±


    Before Hunter could say anything, Cordis once again spoke.


    [Before we begin, let me inform you that this message is pre-recorded. You may call me Cordis, the very name of the virtual space we all currently stand on. We all are united in our dissatisfaction towards the Primeras, as tracked by your coefficient fluctuations on the pre-modified Mirror system linked to the Coronam Vitae.]


    Cordis gestured to their surroundings, and with that, the scenery changed for a moment, an array consisting of hundreds of colors bleeding into the area. The blue shades returned before anyone could discern what happened.


    [I have unlocked access to the Team Assignment Search Community board. There, you will find what you need to do to start breaking free from the Primeras¡¯ control.]


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Wait, I have a question,¡± someone spoke up. Their projection said [LEGACY#450], while the platform they stood on seemed to be made of bones. If one takes a closer look, it would be clear that tiny creatures roam on the surface of the bones. ¡°I know that you must be deeply involved in this Heart Mirror business considering you can call us all here, but that doesn''t mean you are on our side. How can we be sure that you¡¯re not on their side too?¡±


    [Legacy, designation number 450. To answer your question¡­]


    Cordis pointed their hand at Legacy, and then, they gripped the air with an overwhelming force.


    There was the beginning of a scream, but they faded barely right after one syllable came out, the rest cut into silence as Legacy¡¯s form from the waist down broke into thousands of glitched lights at Cordis¡¯ command. In contrast, the floating figure on the same platform remained intact, and though their expressions were not visible, their body language seemed as if they were close to shaking their head from exasperation.


    [if I were on their side, it would be easy to discard all the seeds of rebellion from this place right away. Please be mindful of your words.]


    Everyone went silent, their pause thick and palpable in the air. After what felt like an eternity, someone spoke up.


    ¡°Now that is interesting. Cordis, answer me now, do you happen to be¡ª¡± A playful voice spoke up. A look at the direction of the source revealed a pair of almost equally tall figures standing on a pink platform surrounded by criss-crossing strings and wires of similar color. On the projection, it said [EYE#819].


    [Eye, designation number 819. I am happy to see that you both are already well-acquainted, and already found the integrity number system, however¡­ please refrain from altering the integrity number distribution without any apparent need.]


    ¡°Heh, alright, I¡¯ll save that for later,¡± Eye replied, ¡°You can¡¯t exactly fault us from being excited, though.¡±


    ¡°Okay, putting that aside, you¡¯re the only one I saw so far who doesn¡¯t like the Primeras, discounting Carcosa here. So, I guess we can trust you for now,¡± The person who stood on the golden platform said, ¡°Let¡¯s get to the things we can actually deal with. What is this board thing?¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, it¡¯s not like they just told you what it is,¡± Adler piped up.


    ¡°Pipe down, smartass,¡± Carcosa fired back, irritated. ¡°No one is asking you.¡±


    ¡°It is likely something similar to the notice or mission board you¡¯d see on some of the Primeras¡¯ provided entertainment media, particularly those that involved you stepping in a role of a benevolent force, or a part of an organization with similar motif. I can see the appeal, really, though to me it looked no different than completing the system instructions minus the whole, you know, actually accomplishing anything.¡± Adler said, ¡°How close am I, Cordis?¡±


    [You are correct. Though, Adler, designation number 007, I will have to warn you the same way I did with Eye, designation number 819. I am happy to see you both are already well-acquainted, and already found the integrity number system, however, please refrain from altering the integrity number without any apparent need. To note, however, your alteration was of a lesser degree, so I suppose there is less of a problem.]


    Cordis looked around at all the gathered people, then they continued.


    [To continue with Adler¡¯s answer, you may access the board from your Heart Mirror app. Select the ¡°TASC¡± menu and you will see a tutorial mission. It is nothing too grand, simply a little thing to get you all started]


    Izabel, and everyone else looked at the device strapped to their wrist, and then, they did as Cordis instructed. After selecting the menu, a simple list was projected in front of their eyes, consisting of two items.


    [1. Tutorial Mission: Team Formation]


    [For now, I will announce the team distribution. All distributions have been calculated based on the projected efficiency of each member.]


    Cordis waved their hand, and with that, the platforms started to shift and shuffle around. Caught off-guard, Izabel almost stumbled.


    [Team formation:]


    [Pestilence - #147]


    [Barnett - #018]


    [Hunter - #101]


    Izabel looked at the two platforms closest to her. One was familiar, the figure who stood on a platform made of white-dotted black cubes, with smaller cubes orbiting around the big platform. However, the other one, Barnett, was new. They stood on a platform made of green, thorned vines, with buds on the cusp of blooming dotting the edges of the circle.


    ¡°So, we are a team, huh? Hello, I guess, Hunter and Barnett,¡± Pestilence started. ¡°We¡¯re together now, right? I¡¯m Pestilence, as you can see, but honestly, this name is a mouthful, so¡­¡±


    The black color surrounding the figure started to fall away, and with it, so did the voice filter, revealing a cheerful feminine voice.


    ¡°¡­ Call me Valerie instead. I¡¯m Valerie Corundum. Nice to meet you both! As you may have figured, the one next to me is the actual Pestilence.¡±


    Valerie was smiling, her smile so sincere that it brightened her gray eyes. Her hair was pitch-black on the outside, while the inside was dyed blue, creating a beautiful contrast.


    Next to her, a man wearing a long, white cloak was floating, possessing blue eyes and a messy, turquoise colored hair that went down to his upper back. His gaze radiates a sense of kindness that contrasts with his rather unsettling name. On top of his head, rests a white hood decorated with a pair of cute rabbit ears. Pestilence didn¡¯t speak, but he gave a nod and a smile of acknowledgement at the other two.


    ¡°Hey, Hunter? Should we?¡± Izabel said in her mind. ¡°What if Cordis misjudged someone? Won¡¯t giving my identity be a risk?¡±


    ¡°Considering our situation, chances are we¡¯ll be going with them for some time. No harm in fostering camaraderie,¡± Hunter replied. ¡°I don¡¯t sense anything dangerous for now, too. Do it, I¡¯ll watch your back.¡±


    ¡°If you say so¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡ª ¡°Barnett started, sounding a little unsure, ¡°I¡¯m Claire, nice to meet you, Valerie, and¡­ Hunter? As with Valerie, the one next to me is Barnett.¡±


    Just like Valerie, the disguise was unraveled, revealing a short, green-eyed girl with brown hair dressed in a casual outfit. Her expression suggested that she rarely talked, her words coming out unsure.


    Next to Claire, a woman at least a head taller than her was floating lazily, sitting on a spear the way a stereotypical witch would sit on her broom. No, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the woman¡¯s appearance evokes a stereotypical witch seen in some of the Primeras¡¯ more fantastical entertainment options, who would grant wishes in exchange for a chance to cause chaos in the future. Everything she wore, from the black, pointed hat down to her dress and her sharp heels, evoke the stereotype, indirectly making her wavy blonde hair stand out more. Her emerald eyes twinkled with the sparkle of mischief as she gave both Izabel and Valerie a knowing smile.


    ¡°Alright, so you are Claire, and how about you, Hunter?¡± Valerie turned to look at Izabel.


    ¡°I¡¯m Izabel, and yeah, this is Hunter,¡± Izabel introduced herself, feeling a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. She noted that she didn¡¯t realize there was a weighing force until it was lifted. Hunter responded to the two with a quick nod.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Izabel. Pestilence said hello to the both of you, too.¡± Valerie said, and her partner waved, his smile radiating an unwavering sincerity.


    ¡°Hey, Hunter, don¡¯t you want to say something? You were the one who put me up to this, you know. The least you can do was participate in the conversation.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, I am unable to do so. As your Mirror Avatar, I am considered as an isolated presence that clings to your mind, both in the dome and in Cordis, so you must give me permission for that. I¡¯ll teach you later,¡± Izabel said while shaking her head.


    [Get to know your teammates and try to work together. I swear on my name, that as long as you work together, I will free your lands from the influence of the self-proclaimed stewards. Now! If there are no more questions, you can start with the tutorial mission. Check the details on your board, accessible both in here and in the dome.]


    ¡°Wait!¡± Someone exclaimed. Izabel was unable to discern the source, but it seems that everyone there shared a similar sentiment. Voices follow theirs at almost the same time.


    However, there was no response from Cordis, and with a flash of light, Izabel felt herself becoming weightless once more.

 004

    After less than a second of a dizzy spell, Izabel was back in her room, confusion all but written on her face. It was clear that she still had more questions, however, Cordis had booted everyone out without giving them a chance to speak.


    ¡°Heh, they did mention that it¡¯s a pre-recorded message after all. It¡¯s likely that the spectacle was prepared beforehand, and they didn¡¯t prepare enough for questions. Though, they did mention that you can access Cordis anytime. I think we should re-enter Cordis. I¡¯m pretty sure some others have a similar idea.¡±


    ¡°Fair, that¡¯s probably the most logical option right now,¡± Izabel nodded.


    It took a few minutes of fiddling for Izabel to find the option to enter Cordis, and then, after the increasingly familiar sensation of weightlessness, she was back. However, unlike before, what greeted her was not the sight of platforms, but the sight of an almost empty room, a small room that was only enough to fit three people at most. In the middle of the room, there was a blue orb placed on a pedestal, and then, behind it, a simple metallic door.


    ¡°Huh? Where are we?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, from what your senses are telling me, the air is similar to the place where we arrived before. I don¡¯t know what the orb is for, but it¡¯s likely that we¡¯re in the same place, just a different part of it,¡± Hunter said. ¡°Also, a quick reminder, you can talk to me in your mind. Everyone has a Mirror Avatar here, so it¡¯s not a big deal, but be careful outside.¡±


    ¡°Right, yeah, my bad. I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Izabel said.


    ¡°Back to the matter at hand, your choice. Do you want to check outside, or do you want to examine that orb?¡±


    Izabel would be lying if she said that she wasn¡¯t curious about the blue crystalline orb, but it seemed dormant for now, and if it was indeed dangerous, it looks like it will be riskier if they tamper with it without knowing what it was. As she approached the door, the metal plate slid to the side with little resistance, seamlessly blending into the wall to reveal the outside.


    They were in a circular room, or perhaps, surrounded by circular walls would be a more accurate description. There was nothing covering the ceiling, only darkness filled with chunks of glowing debris in various colors, giving the illusion of decorative lights if one didn¡¯t look too closely. In the middle of the circular room, Izabel saw metallic roots that led to a familiar tree-like structure complete with veins of glowing blue, its top obscured by the dark. Around the base of the tree, five rods could be seen. They looked ordinary and out of place against the background.


    As Hunter had predicted, there were quite a few people in the virtual world, some chatting in groups, others seemingly deep in thought, likely conversing with their own Mirror Avatars or just thinking, really.


    ¡°Hey, Hunter!¡± A familiar voice called out, ¡°That makes all three of us here.¡±


    Izabel looked at the source of the voice, and indeed, Pestilence ¨C no, Valerie, was there, dragging a confused Claire behind her. Considering that Valerie didn¡¯t call her by her real name, Izabel surmised that Valerie too must be aware of the potential danger of exposing her identity, or perhaps, her Mirror Avatar had warned her after what happened earlier. Either way, it was a good thing. With the ease of access to information, and how the systems could divulge a lot if left unchecked, she would rather not find out what happens if this whole jig is leaked.


    ¡°Oh, hey, Pestilence.¡± Izabel replied. ¡°You¡¯re here too, Barnett.¡±


    ¡°Hm, maybe we can go with Len? It¡¯s short, and sounds less ominous¡­¡± Valerie turned to look at her partner, ¡°Why did you choose this name, anyway? Rather than some kind of evil overlord from one of those entertainment experiences, you look more like you just crawled out of bed, but in a fancier than usual nightgown or something¡±


    The Mirror Avatar only answered with a nonchalant shrug, his mouth moving in a reply that only Valerie could hear.


    ¡°Anyway, uh, right, we¡¯re all here. Should we go look for that Cordis?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°I arrived first and took the chance to survey the place. Though there are many rooms, they can be roughly split into three categories. One, this circular place, let¡¯s call it the hub. Second, at the base of that tree, there¡¯s a door leading to a room, where you can look at the physical version of the board mentioned during the meeting. Third, the room I and Barnett arrived in, an empty room with a blue orb,¡± Valerie explained. ¡°There is no way to contact that Cordis at all, but there¡¯s¡­ it¡¯ll be faster if you check the board option with your app.¡±


    Izabel did as Valerie said, and a new mission was listed.


    [Mission 1: Five Spires Hunt ¨C Section E]


    [There are domes beyond this one, which I refer to as number 15. It is likely that you have heard of the existence of other domes, but due to the nature of the domes, travel in-between is impossible, justified by the system as ¡®all domes are equal, and thus there is no need for travel, and each dome has a limited capacity¡¯ or something similar, and some even dismiss people who ask about the domes as believing impossible make-believe stories. To my knowledge, the domes¡¯ structural integrity is supported by five spires ¨C and in order to progress, we need to alter the spires¡¯ nature so that it no longer blocks large-scale communication attempts between domes. As far as I know, travel would require altering the spires¡¯ nature in such a way that it¡¯s impossible not to notice, so this will have to do for now.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Honestly, even now, communication between domes are possible, but doing that to everyone would require resources that are impossible to procure in a timely manner every time.


    I can vouch for the safety of the alteration tools and your safety after the alteration; however, I apologize in advance that obfuscating your presence from the Primeras while the alteration is occurring is impossible.


    This is a necessary step, and though you won¡¯t be in mortal danger if the Primeras discover you, I assume that you wouldn¡¯t want to find out the consequences. Good luck, and take care.


    Attached with this letter is a marked map of the area your team are assigned to search.


    Regards, Cordis]


    Izabel opened the map and saw the picture of a massive piece of land. On top, it was labelled [Dome Number: 15]. The bottom right section of the land was highlighted, and the words ¡®Section E¡¯ were written in the middle of it. When she focused on the section, a line of text appeared.


    [Section E is an anomaly. With our current situation, it is impossible to find any more clues other than the general location. Teams assigned to Section E are suggested to search the dome for any anomalies and cooperate with the assigned information-oriented Mirror Avatars]


    Izabel sighed. Even Claire, who rarely spoke, looked a little exasperated.


    ¡°Well, it looks like we got our work cut out for us,¡± Izabel said. ¡°This is supposed to be the first task, dammit!¡±


    ¡°As they say in the entertainment systems, nothing ventured, nothing gained.¡± Valerie said, glee shining in her eyes, while Pestilence watched with a sort of interest, ¡°I, for one, feel like we¡¯re one of those heroes, wielding special power, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Those are usually reserved for younger inhabitants, you know,¡± Claire said. Next to her, the silhouette of Barnett was laughing, the witch¡¯s expression so sincere that Izabel could almost hear her voice. ¡°It gets boring, because in the end, you always can rewind to a previous point and try and try again until you win¡­ Well, more like, as long as the system allows you to access that stuff. Sure, the system is pretty lenient when it comes to things that affect Happiness coefficients. I don¡¯t think we have such a thing in here, though.¡±


    ¡°We have Miss Serious Business over here,¡± Valerie took the words in stride. ¡°You¡¯re right, to be fair, but also, no harm in having fun over our current situation. Besides, you, and all of us by extension, now have powers similar to those things we see in, from your words, childish entertainment.¡±


    ¡°Ooookay, back to the main concern here¡­¡± Izabel said, ¡°if we¡¯re going to do this mission, we do have to find out who are being assigned to the same section- ¡°


    ¡°What the hell were you thinking?!¡±


    Izabel was interrupted by a loud shout. Following the direction of the distorted voice, she saw two people arguing with each other, one with such a palpable frustration it slipped through the default disguise. Though the system did not allow Izabel or the other two to ascertain their identity, the voice was familiar, and the disguise did not obscure their heights, allowing the three to see that the source of the voice was almost a head shorter than the other party, but other than that, it was almost impossible to make out any more concrete features with these two, not helped by the fact that both parties looked like their forms were distorted, with less resemblance to well, actual people. Earlier, even with the featureless disguise, the black shapes still resembled a person to a degree, but in this case, it¡¯s a little less so.


    ¡°As I¡¯ve said, Adler, you can sit this one out. I¡¯m sure you know as well as I do why you¡¯re assigned in the sole 4-person team in the Section E search, right?¡± The other person replied. Even through the filter, there was a tinge of condescension in their tone.


    ¡°Do you think anyone would trust you, Eye?¡± Adler fired back. ¡°Considering how I can hear your condescension since the beginning of this business even through the distortion filter, the way you hide all your cards close to your chest, I wouldn¡¯t trust you with a stick if I could help it. Even though I can¡¯t fight, we can trade information in exchange for cooperation. I bet my last system entertainment time that you¡¯re going to be a pain in the ass when it¡¯s the least convenient for us, you damn snake.¡±


    ¡°Talking about trust is free. That is why we have exchanges and contracts, kid,¡± Eye replied, their tone still as easygoing as before. ¡°I have nothing to lose. If push comes to shove, I can fight, but how about you without the protection of the other three members?¡±


    Not far from the two arguing people, five people were watching, two leaning against the wall while the others were in various states of exasperation.


    ¡°Adler, I think that is enough. Let the other teams choose.¡± One of the people leaning against the wall commented. Next to them, there was a silhouette of something that could be described as a human, yet the shape of their head indicated otherwise, resembling a creature with a long muzzle. Even with most of their features concealed, there was a dignified air to them.


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°Adler, you¡¯re smart, you know Baskerville is right,¡± another voice chimed in with a calm tone. ¡°Save your energy for something else that matters.¡±¡¯


    ¡°Are we done here, Eye? Let¡¯s get a move on,¡± a gruff voice said. Even though they were concealed behind the disguise, the way they tapped their feet showed their impatience.


    Within those short few seconds, Eye had stopped paying attention to Adler. Instead, they walked towards Izabel. With a quick flick of their wrist, they produced a small, black card between their index and middle fingers. Their movements were full of flourish, every single detail calculated with the precision of a performer eager to satisfy their audience.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± Eye slipped the card between Valerie¡¯s fingers. ¡°Let¡¯s be off now, you two. Herald, where did you say you spotted that thing again?¡±


    Upon the latter¡¯s touch, the card brightened, turning white. In the middle of the card, there was simple, neat cursive writing.


    [Eye]


    [Pay the right price, and any information can be yours.]


    Below the text, there was a symbol that resembled a runic eye. When it caught the light in the correct angle, it appeared as if it glowed in a beautiful, pale pink.


    ¡°Mirror Device Card, huh?¡± Valerie commented. ¡°Interesting. Haven¡¯t seen one of those in a while.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they rendered obsolete some time ago? We don¡¯t need Mirror Device IDs to find people anymore. They can just meet and tap each other¡¯s device to add each other,¡± Claire said.


    ¡°It was only a few years ago,¡± Valerie said. ¡°At first, an MD card was a more convenient alternative to, well, putting in a 10-digit number ID. I still miss those sometimes; I remember trying to make the prettiest card. At least, until one of those Primeras came along and said something against it.¡±


    ¡°I was in the med facility at that time. I remember that announcement, and how the cards I got were taken to be disposed of. It¡¯s now illegal to own one. What a waste.¡± Claire replied.


    ¡°Can I see?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    When Valerie handed the card to Izabel, the first thing she noticed was the odd texture. As far as she knew, MD cards, likely made in the same way as any other thing made by the Primeras, should be smooth and free of blemishes. She remembered reading one time that everything from the Primeras were built on a molecular level, allowing for a perfect result without any flaws, unless it was intended to.


    Perhaps this too was the work of Cordis? After all, since the declaration that the MD cards disincentivized social connections, the system became unable to create new cards, and the app required to customize one was purged out of the system.


    Izabel decided to use the card, tapping it to the device on her wrist.


    Then, nothing.


    She turned to look at the direction Eye went; however, the enigmatic informant was gone along with two other people, presumably part of their team.


    ¡°¡­ and they¡¯re gone. Dammit.¡±


    ¡°Let me try,¡± Valerie said, and got the same result, and Claire did as well.


    ¡°Nothing on my end as well,¡± Claire commented. ¡°I¡¯ll keep it and ask them later. We¡¯re bound to run into them sooner or later.¡±


    ¡°Well, putting that bit aside¡­ let¡¯s see what Adler has to say, shall we?¡±

 005

    ¡°Well, putting that bit aside¡­ let¡¯s see what Adler has to say, shall we?¡±


    ¡°... Yeah. That Eye is gone to the systems knows where. For now, they are the only information-oriented Heart Mirror user we know, if that bickering is to go by,¡± Valerie said. ¡°That being said, I think we should ask both if we have the chance to.¡±


    ¡°Right, let¡¯s do what we can for now,¡± Claire nodded, then, with the other two following behind her, she approached Adler¡¯s silhouette. Their body language suggested that Eye¡¯s remarks hit close to where it hurts.


    ¡°Hey, uh, Adler, right?¡±


    Adler stayed silent; however, they were focused on another silhouette next to them. It seems they were in the middle of a conversation.


    ¡°You three are¡­?¡±  The figure with the dignified aura asked.


    ¡°Ah right, call me Hunter, these two are my teammates. Sorry, I just saw what happened earlier, and yeah, we need information. If that Eye was correct, Adler is one of the information specialists here. You can call me Hunter, and these two behind me are Pestilence and Barnett,¡± Claire explained. ¡°We just want to know what information we have on the spires mentioned in the mission.¡±


    ¡°All of you seem sincere,¡± the figure replied. ¡°I guess there¡¯s no harm done. Well then¡­¡±


    The distortion surrounding them started to part, revealing a tall, elegant woman. Her black hair reached down to her lower back, and by its appearance, it was well taken care of. Her blue eyes almost shine with life, her gaze intense, with strength to pin those against her if she deigned to do so. Next to her, there was a red-haired woman, the true owner of the name ¡°Baskerville¡± ¨C The upper half of her face was hidden by a canine skull, but her golden-slitted eyes shone through the skull¡¯s eye holes with the intensity of a capricious ruler. Finery adorns her red hair, her dark purple dress reaching down her feet, contrasting the macabre accessory hiding half of her visage.


    ¡°You can call me Baskerville of team 4E, the sole team with four members, as you have heard.¡±


    Baskerville then turned to look at the other three, ¡°Hey, you three, we have work, especially you, Adler,¡± she added the last part with a bemused voice. ¡°Come on, it¡¯s time to be serious.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I, yeah, sorry, Miss Baskerville,¡± the short one known as Adler replied. ¡°I was just discussing something,¡±


    ¡°Fair enough ¨C hey, you two! This includes you both, you know,¡± Baskerville said, looking at the direction where two people were leaning against the wall, their body language suggesting that they would rather be anywhere else.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather go alone for now. You two can go and discuss it among yourselves,¡± a tired voice replied, their form fading out before anyone else could get a word in edgewise.


    ¡°Same here, I have better things to do,¡± another voice added. Distorted as their voice may be, there was a tinge of haughtiness that stood out.


    ¡°Desolation, I swear to the systems, can you put down your feud with that Verdant for a second? I don¡¯t know your history with them, but at least, don¡¯t pull us all into that mess,¡± Baskerville sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t you think this whole matter with the Primeras is a bigger fish to fry?¡±


    ¡°Heh, be that as it may, I have my own priorities. If you want to play pretend heroes, go ahead, I¡¯m not stopping you. It looks fun, but alas! If only I don¡¯t have anything better to do!¡±


    Without waiting for a reply, Desolation sauntered off, followed by the silhouette of their Mirror Avatar. From what they could see of their body language, the Mirror Avatar agreed with the idea of pursuing this Verdant at the very least.


    ¡°That useless Desolation¡­¡± Adler muttered, ¡°Eh, fine, no point in getting mad about it. As you¡¯ve heard, I¡¯m Adler,¡± as they spoke, the darkness surrounding them parted, revealing a young girl with stark white hair and red eyes. Next to her, her Mirror Avatar was floating, observing, her purple eyes and red hair, along with her neatly pressed elegant lavender dress made her seem like a quick-witted aristocratic lady that walked out straight from one of those virtual entertainment stories, usually featuring a person going back in time to fix the wrongs of the world.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    In response to Izabel¡¯s stare, the Mirror Avatar looked away.


    ¡°Okay, back to the matter at hand¡­¡±  Adler said.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Izabel asked, how did you two reveal your form without, you know, divulging your real name?


    Baskerville and Adler went silent at the same time, their stares incredulous.


    ¡°You three revealed your real name? Seriously? Did you all realize that we¡¯re given fake names, to encompass both Mirror Avatar and us, so we don¡¯t get tracked? What if we have a snitch here?¡± Adler started first. ¡°This is only the first day!¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Adler,¡± Baskerville chided. ¡°You¡¯re making assumptions again. There should be some level of trust between people of the same goal, at least, when that goal is involved. Anyway, you should really have asked your Mirror Avatar for that. They are the ones most familiar with the Heart Mirror.¡±


    ¡°Hunter?¡± Izabel asked in her mind. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°I see no harm in telling a name to teammates, but Baskerville is right, the essential thing you need to do to dispel the illusion is think about unveiling yourself for the system to register it and allow the targets to see your appearance. It does work under the same principle as revealing your real name, as the intention, to the system, registers in a similar manner,¡± Hunter explained. ¡°As a reminder, you five are perfectly visible to each other right now.¡±


    Izabel glanced at Pestilence and Barnett. She has no idea what the other two said to their partners, but one thing was clear, Pestilence was still as relaxed as usual, while Barnett only smiled, causing her host to regard the witch with barely concealed exasperation.


    That was certainly useful to learn, but they were here for something else.


    ¡°Alright, uh, where were we?¡± Izabel coughed a little, a signal for the other two.


    ¡°Yes, about the spires. One thing is clear, the spire of area E isn¡¯t located somewhere open in public,¡± Adler explained. ¡°Yes, I get it, that sounds as if I¡¯m talking out of the waste disposal, but¡­ Hey, Adler? Can I?¡±


    In response to the question, the aristocratic-looking girl nodded.


    ¡°Alright, let me just tweak the numbers, and¡­ Back to the matter at hand, look at the areas A, B, C, D, and E with your Mirror device maps. Each area has something I¡¯ll refer to as a prominent point, with area A¡¯s being the Tower of Human Distraction. It¡¯s off-limits to everyone except the Primeras, but according to the system, that place is where the Primeras research new ways to improve Happiness coefficients based of historical and current trends in entertainment. As it stands, this is the most prominent structure here.¡±


    ¡°Right, it stands out, considering the color, the tools linked to it, and the fact that it¡¯s a spot where the Primeras tend to hang out¡± Valerie nodded, ¡°Some people get rather hyped whenever one of them are seen around.¡±


    ¡°Next, area B, there¡¯s a few conspicuous places here, considering that area is close to the Primera-exclusive transportation facilities, but the Energy Transference Center stands out among all those. From this point on, I believe you can conclude the rest, so we¡¯ll skip to E. Area E, from the map, is clearly some sort of mix between work and residence area. Unlike the others, there is no prominent facility or a particular place where Primeras gather with no special occasions. If it weren¡¯t for Baskerville¡¯s information, we won¡¯t know this, but¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­ The shattered skies incident¡¯s first hole and crack occured in Area E,¡± Baskerville finished. ¡°I saw it happen while I was heading out


    ¡°Shattered skies? Apt name, is that what we¡¯re calling the whole black things¡¯ invasion now?¡± Pestilence piped up.


    ¡°Sure, for convenience¡¯s sake,¡± Baskerville replied. ¡°For now, we are moving under the assumption that only those who have the Heart Mirror remembers it.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense, memory manipulation is one of the Primeras¡¯ favored tactics,¡± Hunter said. ¡°They can erase memory thoroughly enough that trauma is a negligible consequence. There¡¯s almost nothing they can¡¯t fix with all that technology.¡±


    ¡°Whatever the name is, if everyone gets it, that¡¯s enough. My proposal is, we find out more about the crack. They may be able to hide traces of the incident and remove most people¡¯s memories of it, but I heard some talks about the Primeras coming here more frequently, so that supports the theory at least¡­¡±


    Adler¡¯s voice trailed off into a low whisper; her eyes focused on her Mirror Avatar.


    ¡°¡­ I get it, but I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll like how that sounds like.¡±  ¡°¡­ What in the- Whatever, I¡¯m not getting labeled a lunatic for you. We¡¯ll discuss this later.¡±


    Adler turned back to look at Izabel and the others. ¡°Sorry about that, anyway, our first step should be gathering information. We¡¯ll have a perfect opportunity for this.¡±


    ¡°The Coronam Vitae system upgrade announcement, coming in ten system day cycles,¡± Baskerville finished.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that thing announced quite a while ago?¡± Barnett, who was silent the whole time, finally spoke up. ¡°Always from the same Primeras, happens whenever the system gets new features that you¡¯d get a tutorial for anyway, and for that, the Primeras would usually send a broadcast to all the habitation units. Good background noise if you want to sleep.¡±


    ¡°Pfft, try saying that in the hearing range of the system, I want to know their reaction,¡± Pestilence snickered.


    ¡°They¡¯re meant to be non-mandatory, actually, the way there is no one specific mandated entertainment, even with all the micromanagement,¡± Izabel reminded. ¡°I never watched any, not my thing, and the system will just tell me with a tutorial about it the day after anyway.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, about that, here¡¯s where I need you three to trust me,¡± Adler admitted.


    The shorter girl walked to the front of the others. With each step she took, her aura was shifting, changing with the clicks on her slender fingers on the Heart Mirror¡¯s device strapped to her wrist. Purple enveloped the tips of her white hair, her gaze now sharper, as a light lavender color bled into her right eye, covering the original vivid red color. With the changes, the Mirror Avatar that floated next to her has faded, putting the focus all on the little girl, whose voice exudes an otherworldly authority, filled with power even though her smaller stature suggested otherwise.


    ¡°We believe that soon, one of the Primeras will arrive in the area.¡±

 006

    ¡°We believe that soon, one of the Primeras will arrive in the area.¡±


    ¡°What? How are you so sure about it?¡± Pestilence spoke first, unable to hide her bewilderment from her voice. ¡°They usually do the system broadcast for big arrivals. Why now?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just call it a hunch for now. Believe me this once, I won¡¯t disappoint you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen her guesses play out first-hand, Pestilence,¡± Baskerville chimed in. ¡°I don¡¯t know how her Mirror Avatar works, but that¡¯s how it is. She knows her things, and that¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°Still, even though she has had accurate hunches before¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Pestilence, there¡¯s some merit to listening to her,¡± Barnett said. ¡°This dome is massive, there¡¯s no way there is never any problem at all, but we never hear or see any. Now, we are the only ones retaining knowledge of the shattered sky incident, while everyone else acts like it never happened. From what I know of the Primeras¡¯ behavior while I was stuck¡­¡±


    Barnett paused for a moment and glanced at her Mirror Avatar. The latter nodded, her smile reassuring. ¡°If they catch wind of this, there is no way they will let it slide. They will at least send someone, and they will likely make a big deal out of it, if only to distract everyone.¡±


    ¡°I believe that they will perform a rudimentary check on the area closest to ground zero, so to speak,¡± Baskerville added. ¡°If Adler turned out to be wrong, at least we¡¯re one step closer, no?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Izabel nodded. For now, there were no other leads, and with this, they wouldn¡¯t run around like headless chickens. ¡°So, what should we do? Is everyone going to do a surprise attack on whoever is arriving, and take the information?¡±


    ¡°No need for that,¡± Adler said. ¡°Too flashy, and when, not if, we fail, it¡¯ll put our whole fight at risk.¡±


    ¡°I know. Then, what do you propose?¡± Izabel said.


    ¡°Talking with them like nothing is happening won¡¯t do either, most likely,¡± Barnett said. ¡°Follow them after they arrive?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s also risky¡­¡± Pestilence sighed. ¡°If we¡¯re discovered, it¡¯ll cause a scene.¡±


    ¡°At least if you¡¯re careful, we can get the information and leave unscathed¡­¡± Barnett answered.


    ¡°No need for that,¡± Adler said. ¡°As thorough as their memory manipulation technology may be, there WILL be some aftereffects to the happiness coefficient numbers after a massive event like that, and if there¡¯s anything that fazes them, it¡¯s those numbers and their whole ¡°stewards of the universe¡± thing. They are going to make their arrival big.¡±


    Adler snapped her fingers, creating a crisp sound in the air, and with it, the purple faded from her hair and eyes, their colors reverting to normal. ¡°I bet my accumulated entertainment system usage hours that they¡¯ll soon announce some kind of event.¡±


    ¡°¡­ and when will this be?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°Soon.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t help at all.¡±


    ¡°How about this, we can exchange Mirror Device IDs, and we can exchange information whenever there¡¯s anything new? If any of you live in Area E, that would make things easier.¡±


    Izabel glanced at Hunter, trying to glean the red-haired woman¡¯s reaction. Noticing her glance, Hunter nodded, ¡°It should be okay, I will protect you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I live in E. Let¡¯s do it.¡± Izabel said.


    One by one, they tapped the device on their wrist with the others. When Izabel checked the device, she saw that no real names were displayed. It seems that the Heart Mirror app has tampered with the functionality of the IDs as well.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell you all when there¡¯s any noteworthy announcements. For now, I guess we can call this talk finished?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°Seconding that,¡± Pestilence added as she stretched her body. ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I can feel exhausted here, despite this being, you know, a virtual space. That¡¯s odd.¡±


    ¡°Yes, tell me if anything happens, even the most unimportant. I need every bit of information if I want to beat that Eye.¡± Adler said.


    ¡°You¡¯re still hung up about that?¡± Baskerville asked, bewildered.


    ¡°She started it first.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, see you all soon,¡± Barnett said.  ¡°Tell me if there¡¯s anything, too.¡±


    Without waiting for the others to reply, Barnett exited the virtual space. Her Mirror Avatar smiled and waved at the remaining four, her cheer a contrast to her partner, before exiting the virtual space as well. With a nod, Baskerville and Adler followed suit, leaving Pestilence alone with Izabel.


    ¡°That¡¯s my cue to put this whole day behind me. I hope this isn¡¯t a vivid dream I¡¯m hallucinating on a long sleep, heh,¡± Pestilence said, her voice sincere, before she smiled. ¡°See you later, Hunter. Don¡¯t be a stranger on the other side.¡±


    Pestilence¡¯s Mirror Avatar nodded, his expression serious, and then, both exited the virtual space.


    Well, it seems that there was nothing to do but wait. Izabel fiddled with the device on her wrist, preparing to leave the place as well, when Hunter spoke to her.


    ¡°Izabel, I have an idea.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Hunter?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the room we arrived in.¡±


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    Right. She had forgotten to check the orb. It wasn¡¯t too important at that time, but now, it¡¯s just a long ¨C or at least, it felt long ¨C waiting game. Looking back, she knew, as much as she despised the inflexible, infuriating schedule she was forced to follow ever since she could remember, now that she was not forced to follow it, there was a daunting sense of losing direction. Even though this was only a mere taste, not even a freedom she would get to keep outside the walls of her altered living facility, it was enough to make the situation they were all stuck in all that much starker¡ª


    Wait, the schedule. A quick glance at the device revealed that she still has a few system hours before she has to head out for work¡­ At least, that was what the system called it, however, to her, for something that was supposedly defined as an activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result, she had never felt any of the latter two at all. A total of ten system hours, divided into two sessions of five, of sitting in front of a device and commanding it to do various tasks, all of which had clear guidelines, and never penalized her for any mistakes. A meaningless stretch of time, all likely because a Primeras researcher decided that such a thing was essential to maintaining happiness.


    While Izabel was out, she had seen some of the dome¡¯s inhabitants gain a permit to be given a small creature, all to maintain their happiness. From what she knew, the creature was essentially miniaturized predators, retaining some of their original look but now safe for even weaker humans to handle. If the stories were anything to go by, they were once capable of many things in their former form, but now, they was reduced to striking on colorful tassels with fervor, in order to amuse others.


    Something about the inhabitants¡¯ whole situation reminded her of those little creatures.


    ¡°Izabel?¡± Hunter called out.


    ¡°Ah! Oh, sorry, was a little lost in thought. I suppose we have time.¡±


    With Hunter¡¯s aid, Izabel was able to find the door of the room she arrived in with little trouble. She made a mental note of the distance between the door and the massive tree in the middle, which was quickly proven moot when the door displayed [Izabel¡¯s Facsimile Room] just before it slid open.


    The room was small, with the orb as the only item of interest contained inside. Izabel placed her hand on top of the orb, and then, a message was projected in front of her.


    [Facsimile of Emotional Experience of Life ¨C BETA system]


    [Anything other than happiness was forbidden. That much is clear. In order to counteract this, each Heart Mirror users has been given access to a space for the Facsimile BETA system. In simplest terms, this is a room made to crystallize thoughts and emotions, giving them a material form only accessible in the virtual world. Any kind of thoughts and emotions can be crystallized, even mixtures of happiness, and in theory, users could create an experience similar to the fantasy world in the Coronam Vitae¡¯s entertainment system, with no restriction applied to their contents, if they so desire.


    For now, think of it as a personal customizable virtual room for any purpose.


    -Cordis]


    ¡°¡­ So, it¡¯s a glorified toy house?¡± Izabel muttered. Though a little disappointed, she couldn¡¯t help but test the thing, focusing on her disappointment. Reacting to her unspoken command, a wisp of light started to form at the core of the sphere, reaching outwards and shifting into a¡­ long, featureless metal stick.


    ¡°Well, that is materialized disappointment for you,¡± Hunter chimed in, traces of amusement slipping into her voice. ¡°Try something else.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    ¡°Something practical. Let¡¯s say, something durable? Something that can withstand heavy attacks. I don¡¯t know if you have an equivalent, but imagine this, a slab of strong material vaguely resembling yourself, can stand up to a few rounds of my weapon, and¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, I kind of get what you¡¯re talking about. Those circle things usually used for the targeting tutorial early on in the virtual entertainment system, but looks vaguely similar to humans, and durable.¡±


    Just like before, a light started to form in the middle of the sphere, curling and twisting with energy before shooting out, forming an object a short distance away from them. The moment the object truly materialized, Hunter let out a choking sound that sounded almost like swallowed laughter. The object looked like a mish-mash, with the vague shape of a caricature of a human, with clashing blue, red, and yellow colors, not even forming a pattern, just a random mish-mash of eye-searing colors that neither looked like they belong together nor resembled the object Izabel was thinking of.


    ¡°If you¡¯re so good at it, why not do it yourself?¡± Izabel said.


    ¡°Oh, right, as good of a time as any to try that,¡± Hunter replied. ¡°Izabel, can you check the device on your wrist?¡±


    ¡°Nope, you said you¡¯re going to try it yourself,¡± Izabel smirked. ¡°Do it first, then.¡±


    ¡°You know that I can¡¯t in my current state,¡± Hunter deadpanned.


    ¡°Are you backing out?¡±


    ¡°Anyway, the device. Were you not the one concerned about the time?¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright, what do I even check?¡±


    Hunter pointed at one of the available options. Then, a simple interface was projected in front of Izabel¡¯s eyes.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [Current: 100 ¨C 0] (Host)


    Other than the text, there were options to alter the two numbers. Overall, the interface looked just like a counting application more than anything noteworthy.


    ¡°Try adjusting the number to 85-15, Izabel,¡± Hunter said.


    As the numbers ticked up from zero, Izabel felt an odd sensation, a warmth radiating from her chest, outwards to reach the tip of her fingertips in a feeling similar to being embraced, a comforting feeling that only intensified with her command. It took a bit of effort for her to remember that she was here on a mission, and more effort to stop her body from altering the numbers higher than Hunter had asked. As if knowing that she has stopped, the comfort was replaced with a sense of strength, brimming from within, taunting her to unleash everything with each passing moment, while knowledge that she never recalled danced at the edges of her mind, tempting, reaching, calling for her to grasp even a strand of it all.


    The feeling of power and control, twisting and following her every movement down to the slightest twitch. It felt almost intoxicating, slaking a thirst she had never known before, and with the satisfaction, came the drive, the need to unleash everything she has.


    ¡°It feels nice, is it not?¡± Hunter spoke, but now, the Mirror Avatar sounded, felt closer than ever. Izabel lifted up one hand, and she could see Hunter¡¯s body acting as a form of shroud over hers, and when she focused, it felt as if Hunter was truly holding her hand, even though her form was as illusionary as ever. ¡°This is the integrity number system you may have recalled during the conversation with Cordis earlier, if that holographic projection could even carry a semblance of one. May I, Izabel?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Sure.¡±


    Hunter didn¡¯t explain what she was asking, but the change in the numbers brought in an understanding that filled in for the gaps in communication, and then, Izabel felt as if she was floating, a first-person observer, disconnected even as she felt herself raise her hand and try the materialization again. This time, the result looked more proper, a row of flat models with humanlike design, each with a layer of blueish-white aura that she knew, deep on a mental level, would serve as a sort of shield to reduce impact.


    ¡°So, that is how it is done. Then¡­¡±


    Izabel felt herself commanding the orb-like machine again. This time, against common sense, the walls started to warp and bend, the formerly small room lengthened enough that the models looked small and far away. As the room¡¯s form stabilized, Izabel felt a tug deep within, a way of calling for her attention that felt close, so close, the unique bond bringing a myriad of new feelings.


    ¡°I understand how good it feels. It is time to adjust the numbers back, though,¡± Hunter reminded.


    A part of Izabel was reluctant to readjust the numbers back, the short stint with such an incredible feeling so addicting, but in the end, she complied, setting  the number back to their original state. With each tick down, the feeling of power left her, until she was left feeling a little empty.


    [100 ¨C 0] (Host)


    ¡°So, this space disregards common sense, as well. Considering the distance between the doors, adjusting it to this length should not have been possible.¡±


    ¡°If the detail about this being similar to the virtual entertainment worlds provided by Coronam Vitae system is to go by, it¡¯s likely a bunch of data, so the only limitation is how much storage space the entire virtual room of Cordis has,¡± Izabel said. ¡°So, in reality, it¡¯s probably all just a matter of making the brain believe this place is big.¡±


    ¡°A mental training space, yeah. This is not as good as actual physical training, but considering the circumstances, a simulated mental training space is better than nothing. Izabel, take out the weapon. Recall the feeling, and the power of the weapon will follow you, as well.¡±


    Cold metal, the power to carve a path through from a twitch of her finger, it all materialized on her palm, a white and red gun resting on her palm just like that fateful day most have forgotten as nothing but a dream, or a figment of their imagination. The weight of the gun itself was not much, light enough for her to use it without thinking, however, the weight came from the power such a small object possessed.


    ¡°Good, you still remember. I did not interfere this time, you did well,¡± Hunter praised. ¡°Now, keep your eyes on your target, concentrate. The secret to hitting your mark lies in the rhythm of your breathing.¡±


    Hunter was still see-through, but Izabel could feel how close she was, a heavy feeling hanging in the air as the former pulled on her hands and limbs, positioning Izabel into a proper stance. Her touches felt like compressed, hardened air more than an actual object, but it was still enough to guide.


    ¡°The MIND system could have allowed me to position your body properly, but you do need to learn to do this on your own, as well,¡± Hunter explained. ¡°Now, you know what to do. Press the trigger, but this time, try to hold it for a few seconds.¡±


    As Izabel did what Hunter instructed, the gun started to heat up, the weapon bathed in a reddish-orange aura. Though the glow became brighter as the seconds ticked by, to her, the heat didn¡¯t rise above what she would consider warm.


    ¡°Now, release!¡±


    Though Hunter has instructed Izabel to hold her other hand over the shooting hand, the latter was still taken aback by the sudden recoil, throwing off her aim. Though the side of the target had melted due to the heat of the attack, the bulk of the power hit the wall far behind the target, leaving a distinct, charred circular mark containing melted metal. Though she had failed, Hunter still smiled at her.


    ¡°Good one, for your first proper attempt. Let¡¯s try that again.¡±


    Something about her tone made Izabel realize that they will be there for quite a while.

 007

    ¡°Tell me how did training in a virtual space actually result in exhaustion in real life, again?¡±


    ¡°Come now, the physical exhaustion was likely just a placebo effect, considering your physical body did not move at all,¡± Hunter said, her tone laced with amusement. ¡°I assume it is a side effect from lack of training.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I did some scheduled training with the system before, you know!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, but still not enough. Remember that you were meant to be a docile thing they can hold and use, not something that can fight back or attempt anything against them.¡±


    Well, as much as Izabel wanted to retort, she had to admit that Hunter was likely right in that regard.


    She looked at the time, finding that it was still ten system hours before she must follow the schedule and head to the designated area for busywork. Unfortunately, as Hunter has confirmed, even if the system data in this living unit can be spoofed, it is much harder to do the same to the system linked to public places, and such a large-scale alteration would likely cause a bit of chaos.


    Well, at least it was only a few hours.


    ¡°You can just not do anything, I think they would not notice,¡± Hunter said. ¡°Actually, I bet they will not care even if you fall asleep in your designated room.¡±


    ¡°But they¡¯ll be sending their machines to check if something is wrong, considering the system sets up how much you need to sleep.¡± Izabel replied.


    ¡°Right. The surveillance.¡±


    Their wait was interrupted by the distinct alert of a message.


    [A routine upgrade for the Coronam Vitae system will be conducted at the following time. A team of specialists will be dispatched to aid the process. Necessary announcements will be made during the maintenance, and inhabitants are encouraged to visit and look at the process]


    Below the notification, there was a timer that continuously ticks down.


    ¡°And there we have it. You have to admit that Adler¡¯s guess was accurate,¡± Hunter said.


    ¡°¡­ How? This is practically guessing,¡± Izabel frowned, looking at the seconds tick down.


    ¡°I would say that this is likely a combination of knowing patterns, a little bit of educated guessing, and prediction. I do not possess such an ability, at least not to that degree, but, considering the diverse array of Mirror Avatars available, the possibility that some could predict the future would not be out of the question.¡±


    ¡°Then, can¡¯t these two just predict how the Primeras will be defeated and take it from there?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°You would have to ask Adler about that, however, to me, I would say that it is similar to how I cannot just set everything here ablaze to accomplish our goals. There may be some limitations to what she could see, such as how far, how accurate it is, and so on, and if I were in their position, I would hesitate to reveal the full extent of my abilities before confirming they are truly an ally, or someone that can be trusted with such an information, at the very least,¡± Hunter replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s entirely fair,¡± Izabel nodded. ¡°Regardless, what do we do about this?¡±


    ¡°We proceed as planned. Go to the event, get things done, and come back with what we need.¡±


    Once again, they were interrupted by the distinct alert indicating a message has been received. A holographic image was projected in front of her, showing a short girl with youthful features. She wore a simple white shirt, her pants reaching her knees, while her brown hair was done up in a ponytail beneath her cap. Her green eyes stood out, striking and showing off the kind of strength that sharply contrasts with her youthful appearance. The hologram showed that she was sitting on a slightly uneven surface, likely her bed.


    Above the projection, a name was shown.


    [Barnett (Claire Saphira)]


    [¡°You¡¯ve probably gotten the message, have you?¡±]


    The voice came out slightly distorted for some reason, perhaps due to the masking effect applied by the Heart Mirror. Such an imperfection was something she had never experienced before.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    [¡°There are various ways to use your entertainment time. Using the Vine is one. It¡¯s practically full of people gushing about it.¡±]


    The Vine. Izabel vaguely remembered the term, though she had thought of the app as mostly obsolete after the creation of the Mirror Device IDs and their associated features. It was basically a board accessible by everyone, where one can start a topic, and others can respond to the topic or watch the discussion unfold. The closest equivalent Izabel could think of was a crowd of people gathering in one place, divided into areas according to what topics are currently relevant, and anyone could enter or tune in the discussion as needed.


    ¡°I thought that app isn¡¯t a thing anymore.¡±


    [¡°It wasn¡¯t, but then someone wanted it back. One of those Primeras¡¯ designer people probably said they would miss it, and knowing them, they¡¯d just put it back to satisfy the request-¡±]


    ¡°Fair point.¡±


    Under Claire¡¯s command, the hologram started to shift and expand, showing a small, familiar room. It was not the living unit, and then, realization sank in with the weight of a hundred rocks ¨C Barnett, no, Claire, was currently being held in one of the correctional facilities. The layout was similar to the medical facility Izabel has been in, and it would be so, so easy to mistake it as one of those. However, the dead giveaway was how one of the walls were replaced with a thick glass panel, where sometimes, machines were passing through.


    [¡°-after all, I, and most of those who are here, have almost nothing but time to spend.¡±]


    The line was spoken with a nonchalant tone, a contrast to Izabel¡¯s shock.


    ¡°Claire, you¡­¡± Izabel shook her head. The sight was a reminder that without the timely intervention of Heart Mirror, without the luck of being able to hide and suppress most of her dissatisfaction, she too would have been there, stripped of what little freedom she has in the name of fixing her, molding her back to what was deemed acceptable. Though the room was pristine, perfect and without flaw, and likely made with comfort as the first and foremost priority, it looked just like a blinding white cage, made to imprison, to restrict, to break any deviations with soft touches and equally soft words until there was nothing left but sheer obedience and happiness.


    Perhaps, docility would be a more fitting term at this point.


    [¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, if the numbers are any indication, they¡¯re going to allow me some outside activities soon.¡±]


    Claire smiled, a smile meant to reassure, yet a hint of bitterness seeped into her expression as her lips trembled, just a little, but enough for Claire to notice.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    [¡°You see, the numbers have been steadily improving thanks to the Heart Mirror.¡±]


    ¡°Likely, there would only be a few aware enough of their unfortunate state behind the veil of perfection and kindness. Cruel, lying monsters, all of them,¡± Hunter spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to meeting you, then,¡± Izabel reciprocated the smile. There was a stark, sharp, piercing awareness, this is their chance, a first step to finally win their freedom. ¡°Hang in there.¡±


    In response, Claire nodded.


    [¡°If everything goes well, I¡¯ll be there with you for the event. Good luck-¡±]


    Claire gave a nod, an encouraging gesture.


    [¡°-Izabel.¡±]


    ¡°Thank you. I won¡¯t let you down.¡±


    With that, the call ended, and Izabel were left with Hunter in their living unit. For a few seconds, the quiet hung, infusing the air with a sort of calm that bolstered their resolve.


    ¡°The Heart Mirror has given us a chance, and we need to make good use of it. Come on, Hunter.¡±


    --


    As it turned out, the Heart Mirror app was unable to completely eliminate the need for Izabel to be away from her living unit for most of the day.


    Though the app was able to create falsified activity logs and screen projections once she was there, this flaw in the system still made her sit around for the designated time, as likely attempting to alter a public system would be far easier to notice and far harder to pull off. Luckily, it wasn¡¯t much of a loss, as to pass the time, Hunter taught her a simple cipher along with another writing system to replace the common one she had known so far. It certainly wasn¡¯t easy to learn, but Hunter only nodded, acknowledging the difficulty and telling her that she would get used to it.


    One thing that Izabel was grateful for was that the learning process made time felt like it went faster. Hunter taught Izabel with the patience of an experienced educator, not once belittling her for the failure, and the slight smattering of frustration that sometimes slipped into the Mirror Avatar¡¯s voice whenever Izabel forgot something gave it a genuine touch that Izabel found preferable than the monotone from the system¡¯s teachings. Unlike the system, which would repeat the same grating condescension that proliferated the network and almost everything connected to it whenever Izabel failed to understand something.


    Strange as it was, the Mirror Avatar felt like a genuine companion.


    Which made Izabel pause for a moment.


    Not even the Primeras, with all their might and their advanced technology, was able to create a system with this much life, this much genuine touch, and even with how much work they put into their systems¡¯ intelligence and thought processes, everything from the Coronam Vitae, the attendant machines, the patrol machines, still felt hollow and false, monotone and empty, only able to reflect very little of their creators, and most of what they reflected was drops of empty kindness and condescension.


    Was Hunter the work of someone more powerful than the Primeras?


    ¡°I am here, and I can hear you, you know,¡± Hunter said. Her tone was neither angry nor offended. Rather, she looked amused, the way someone who walked in on a friend doing something embarrassing. ¡°You give me too much credit. Think of me as a partner helping you towards a common goal, alright? That is enough for me.¡±


    Izabel would not deny that she was curious about the origins of her partner and the app, but there was no point on dwelling on it.


    For now, the most important thing is that Hunter is her partner, and together, those possessing the Heart Mirror on their device all share a common goal.


    --


    Before long, the promised time has arrived.


    Izabel was watching the system¡¯s countdown, each tick a warning her that failure would likely incur a grave cost. It was surprisingly easy to let the system to allow her to take the time off, likely thanks to how all the curious sorts, the admirers, and many other types of people wanting to see a benevolent overlord that they mostly knew as voices or as virtual projections that could be altered whenever they desired.


    Was it curiosity, genuine admiration, or merely the side effect of doctored happiness?


    There was no time to ponder. Only a short while remained before the spectacle started. A part of her was a little disappointed and sad that Claire was likely unable to accompany her.


    ¡°Calm down,¡± Hunter said. ¡°Most likely, they are unaware of our existence just yet. All we need to do is gather information.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Izabel.¡±


    Speak of the devil. With a smile, Izabel turned to look at the source of the voice.


    ¡°Claire? Glad to see you here, I thought I¡¯d be alone.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have much time, still, though I¡¯m expecting the situation to improve soon,¡± Claire whispered the last part, ¡°Anyway, can you follow me?¡±


    When Claire was about to lead Izabel away, a monotone voice could be heard from behind her. Though there was no emotion to the voice, its words were enough of a warning, and the two found themselves raising their guard up without meaning to. Amidst the shock, Izabel could feel Hunter acting as an anchor, keeping her worries in check.


    ¡°My apologies, Claire Saphira is currently unwell, and thus, she is not allowed to be roaming without supervision for an extended period.¡±


    For the briefest moment, frustration danced in Claire¡¯s eyes, however, it was gone as soon as it appeared, and she replied to the machine floating behind her, practiced cheer oozing from her voice, one that Izabel could feel as far too saccharine to be true.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, I just want to have a private moment with a special someone, is that such a bad thing?¡± Claire said, false hurt in her voice. Amidst the cheer, there was a distinct whine. Something about the normally collected, silent Claire utilizing such a tactic was amusing to witness.


    ¡°I understand your anger, but you are still recovering. If it is any consolation, the system will not record your personal moment. We will simply monitor your state.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s not the saaaame!¡±


    To their cause¡¯s favor, Claire¡¯s smaller stature and younger appearance helped sell the illusion even better, though Izabel was unsure whether the machine could process such a thing.


    Izabel wanted to laugh at the response, the amusement she felt from her connection with Hunter only adding fuel to the fire. From the way Claire¡¯s eyes narrowed for a brief second and her lips quivered, as if swallowing a retort, Izabel could imagine that Claire¡¯s Mirror Avatar was reacting much the same way, even though said Mirror Avatar was invisible to her at the moment.


    ¡°Stop it, Hunter,¡± Izabel said through their mental link.


    ¡°One must admit that such a sight was amusing.¡± Hunter replied, no trace of hesitation in her voice.


    A few seconds passed, the machine¡¯s quiet whirr serving as an indication that it was thinking¡­ well, perhaps that word was inaccurate, but it would suffice as a description. Though likely no one else could feel it, a tense silence hung in the air, the two hoping that it was enough to convince the machine.


    ¡°Claire Saphira has shown notable improvement in the last few observation periods. Temporary permission has been granted. You have until the start of the Coronam Vitae system update announcement.¡±


    It was far, far too short, and Claire¡¯s gaze confirmed it. However, they knew that it would have to do.


    ¡°Yes! Thank you,¡± Claire said in a happy voice, smiling as bright and wide as she could to sell the illusion even better.


    The machine stayed behind as Claire and Izabel ducked into a secluded path between buildings. Everyone was mostly gathered in the area closest to the announcement, as if trying to win a contest of being the first one to catch a glimpse of the Primeras. It was far too easy to slip away, as other paths were empty, and the two looked around to make sure there were no surveillance devices in the vicinity.


    After the two were sure, it was Claire who acted first, tinkering with the device on her wrist. Under Izabel¡¯s watch, gold crept onto the girl¡¯s hair, a pair of black-green gloves covered her hands, and the green of her eyes became slightly more vivid.


    ¡°Was that what happened to me while I adjusted the Integrity Number?¡± Izabel thought.


    ¡°Yes, though slightly different in each Mirror Avatar¡¯s case, a similar process happens,¡± Hunter replied.


    ¡°As you see, I don¡¯t have much time. I wish I could help in any other way, but this will have to do for now,¡± Claire said. ¡°The mission for Area E¡¯s spire is in your hands, Izabel.¡±


    Power started gathering on Claire¡¯s hands, starting as motes of light before a green bud emerged from her palm, followed by branches and leaves. Despite the thorny appearance of the plant, Claire seemed unhurt, unfazed as she manipulated the plant to move and slither towards Izabel.


    ¡°Stay still, let me concentrate,¡± Claire muttered.


    As the plant continued growing, the branches and vines reaching for her, Izabel could feel the brush of leaves, and despite appearances, the thorns did not prick or hurt her at all. The bud settled on her chest, vines and branches wrapping on her body and limbs, and with a burst of power, Claire clenched both hands, muttering a spell that sounded like several people were speaking at once.


    ¡°I offer my loyalty, in exchange for a powerful anchor, a presence of calm, a root of empowerment, a promise of support. I beg upon you, the Secret Garden, allow me to call upon the power vested within my life¡­¡±


    For a moment, her emerald eyes glinted.


    ¡°Let the ¡®Bud of Reassurance¡¯ strengthen my ally, further my cause.¡±


    Upon the command, the bud started to bloom into a vivid blue rose, the color almost glowing in its intensity. Then, the flower and everything else faded away without a trace, but its presence remained, a distinct feeling of something that could be felt when Izabel concentrated on the places where the vines and branches rested on her skin just moments ago. Just like that, it was done. True to its name, the presence of the flower was like an anchor, and Izabel could feel the hum of power coursing within her body.


    ¡°There, that should do it. You probably know, but that¡¯s one of Barnett¡¯s abilities. In case the situation gets really ugly, it can protect you for a while.¡±


    From the main road, the noises were getting louder. Excitement, anticipation, curiosity, admiration, all blending into one. Both knew that their time alone was almost out, and should they continue, there will be suspicion.


    ¡°But I hope it doesn''t have to come to that. After all, I¡¯m still not free yet. They might be suspicious.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate that, Claire.¡±


    Amidst the loud voices, the two of them were able to pick up the sounds of a familiar floating machine coming closer. For now, they were still a small speck of fault in the perfect world created by the ruling Primeras, one that could be stomped with ease, should their facades slip and their existence be discovered. A part of Izabel wished that she didn¡¯t have to approach this closely, but now, there was no time for a thought exercise of what-ifs. The only option is to proceed.


    ¡°I am with you, and so is your ally, Izabel Viator. Go now, show off your ability to act, for that will obscure our intentions.¡± Hunter spoke.


    The floating machine has arrived, and it gave Claire a reminder in the same slightly condescending, monotone voice. Claire seemed happy to follow, and walked along with the machine, intentionally humming a disjointed tune to add to the effect, knowing how much the machines valued their happiness ¨C to the point of creating a system of numbers to measure it. In the short time Izabel saw Claire, she knows that it was likely Claire was trying not to let her dissatisfaction slip. For now, she could only hope that Claire¡¯s Mirror Avatar could console her.


    Well, perhaps, her happiness was genuine, it was just that the machine likely deduced it was for the wrong cause.


    Either way, it was sufficient as a distraction.


    It was time to make a move.

 008

    Without counting the times she saw the Primeras on recordings, it was Claire¡¯s first time seeing one of them up close.


    Perhaps to endear, or to help integrate themself to the people around, they seemed to assume the rough shape of a human. However, the marks of the ruling creature¡¯s inhuman physical characteristics were still clear. Considering their technological advances, Izabel surmised that it was either due to their physical features being incompatible with their extensive body-modification technology that they have developed, or due to the desire to distinguish themselves from the humans under their rule. Either way, even without the stage made of colorful metals and decorated with colorful lighting devices, the ruling species has made itself clear from how it looks. Their rough shape is one of a human, but rather than flesh, they seemed to be made of vines and bark, twisting around to form limbs and body, clothed in an odd material that maintained their neatly pressed, flawless look despite how their bodies likely would not allow it.


    A simple thing, but uncanny all the same.


    Yet, the being themself paled in comparison with the person sitting next to them. To most, said person was sitting on the lap of luxury, as close to its true meaning as possible without it being literal. However, to Izabel, the scene looked nothing short of horrifying. The human woman looked no older than twenty at most, but she has been altered, triangular ears of a tamed predator resting atop her head. Her expression was one of, as expected, happiness, but unlike most, there was an empty, unsettling soullessness to her eyes, it was as if not even her self-awareness remained, all obliterated as unneeded.


    ¡°That is what they do to those that strike their fancy. Perhaps, the closest term I can convey this to you with is¡­ ¡°Designer¡± should be sufficiently understandable,¡± Hunter said. ¡°I know they can do alterations to the beings under them, however, I do not know the extent of which they could do it to the inhabitants of this dome. Either way, I can understand your distaste for them. After all, it is such a demeaning thing.¡±


    Izabel knew not of the altered human¡¯s name, but at that moment, she felt a mix of pity and disgust. How much of either, she couldn¡¯t really tell.


    ¡°That aside, remember our objective. If they chose this place, it must be for a reason.¡±


    Izabel made a sound to indicate she understood, and then looked around the stage. The Primeras standing on top seemed to still be busy, explaining that the dome¡¯s safety has been enhanced in a spectacle of light shows, even giving orders for the altered human next to them whenever the audience¡¯s attention waned.


    Something about such a display being able to steal most of the audience¡¯s attention away was almost pitiful.


    ¡°Izabel! On your left!¡±


    Hunter shouted, just in time for Izabel to step to the right, narrowly dodging a hand made of gems, all in uniform white. Under the dome¡¯s light, their body reflected various colors, though the reflection did not detract from the fact their body was mostly white.


    ¡°Not enjoying the show, dear? I can help. Just in case, can I check your coefficient number?¡±


    Dammit.


    Izabel turned around, covering the device on her wrist out of instinct. No one around her noticed.


    Her senses were on overdrive, every single part of her focusing on the Primeras who was standing before her. Unlike the Primeras above the stage, this one closer to her looked like they were made of polished white gem, carved to resemble the form of a human in such a flawless way no joints or other folds were visible, and even what seemed like their clothes were in truth also made of the same material as the rest of their body. In contrast to the one Primeras standing on the stage, the one standing before Izabel didn¡¯t look like they were alive at all. if they didn¡¯t move, they could likely pass as a decoration. Their polished body also made the device attached to them all the more visible, a metallic device that wrapped around their hand, with three different colored liquids running through artificial veins.


    ¡°No need to be afraid, here, let me just¡­¡±


    Their voice was soft as they outstretched the hand covered with the device, but the gesture, if anything, only made Izabel even more wary. The hand covering her Mirror Device trembled as Izabel mentally cursed. This was no time to be afraid.


    ¡°Calm down, focus,¡± Hunter reminded her. ¡°You are correct, though, avoid the device. If I am not mistaken, they contain dangerous substances. However, from the looks of it, it should be a very close-ranged weapon. As long as you steer clear of them, you should be safe¡±


    ¡°My name is Theia of the Brilliance, one of the Stewards of this dome. You are safe, just let me help.¡± Theia smiled, their voice soft, though it has the opposite effect to Izabel. Her apprehension only increased as sharp, long nails began to slide from the fingertips of their device, each finger tainted with the colors of the substances she had seen flowing on the device¡¯s veins.


    Izabel could only hope that she was unnoticed. Her body was tense, and it would only take a little bit of provocation for her to¨C


    ¡°Theia, that¡¯s not how you take a Dome Inhabitant.¡±


    A heavy voice interrupted the two. It belonged to another Primeras, one that looked almost similar to Theia. The only differences between the two was that their voice was heavier, and their body reflected light more brilliantly. Another point of difference was, they do not seem to have a device on them.


    ¡°Hyperion of the Skies? Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not important. See, she¡¯s tense. First, you have to make her trust you.¡±


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    Hyperion, to their credit, at least looked as if they were less hostile. They reached behind their back, and pulled out a small confectionery. It has a spiral shape, and it emitted an enticing, sweet scent, far more intense than any treat the system has ever conjured for her before. As her awareness diminished, subsumed by the overwhelming, single-minded desire to take the treat, Izabel could see nothing else, think of nothing else, as if there was a void in her stomach that needed to be filled, and nothing else would compare to what Hyperion was offering. Somehow, on a base, primal level, she could sense that the inside of the treat was filled with cold, sweet ice cream.


    ¡°Izabel!¡±


    She jolted a step back, awareness restored with Hunter¡¯s almost desperate voice. Her fingers were inches away from the treat, and it took everything she had to even retract the hand reaching for it. With her senses restored, she could feel that Claire¡¯s protective Bud of Reassurance wrapped around her has been pulsing, creating a thin layer of skin-tight barrier around her whole body.


    ¡°What is your name? It¡¯s okay, we won¡¯t hurt you,¡± Hyperion offered the treat closer, their tone soft and full of affection. ¡°We only want to see you thrive.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, but no¨C, no, thank you.¡± Izabel almost choked.


    ¡°Remember, Izabel! Focus on me, hold on my voice. Please,¡± Hunter spoke. Izabel¡¯s willpower was hanging by a thread, but at least, the thread holds, and in a burst of defiance, she managed to steel herself before speaking again, more firm this time, the sway of the mysterious treat dissipating from her mind.


    ¡°No, thank you. If that is all, I¡¯ll be off watching the show again.¡±


    To their credit, Hyperion did not look like they were offended. Instead, with a sleight of hand, the treat disappeared, a part of Izabel still regretting the decision. With a smile, Hyperion replied, ¡°We¡¯re staying here for a few days as some important things need to be fixed here. If you change your mind, find us here. We can give you a better life than any life Dome Inhabitants have.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Izabel nodded.


    ¡°Still the same tactics,¡± Hunter spat, narrowing her eyes at the two as Izabel retreated as far as she could from them. She weaved her way into the oblivious crowd, disappearing into them before leaving the place.


    ¡°Same? What do you mean by that?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°Their conquest tactics are always similar - drown the ruling species of the ecosystem they are targeting into a mess of blissful insanity, then harvest the happiness from it,¡± Hunter explained. ¡°Effective, not to mention, ensures the victims can¡¯t fight it, then depending on which species they are targeting, use various ways to ensure the descendants are unaware of their own existence¡¯s current state.¡±


    Behind the cover of buildings, the two of them watched as the show started to wind down to its end. They were all but proven right, more than an announcement of system update, this was likely meant to be a distraction, but from what?


    However, one thing was clear, if the Primeras were willing to come down here in a group of at least three, it must be an important target.


    Their answer came in the form of two familiar voices approaching their way. A quick look around revealed that there was only one entrance and exit, one too far away to run to without arousing suspicion.


    ¡°Izabel! Adjust the numbers!¡± Hunter shouted.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [87 - 13 (Host)]


    She understood, and then, with a series of quick taps, she could feel the overwhelming power settle into her entire body. Hunter guided her to jump as high as she could, and just like that, she was propelled up, with just enough time to adjust her landing. As she looked down, she saw the two Primeras.


    ¡°Interesting, it seems that there are some Dome Inhabitants able to resist Sucellus¡¯ indulgence,¡± Theia hummed, keen curiosity tinting their tone.


    ¡°Sucellus of the Celebrants¡¯ indulgence is a simple distraction ability,¡± Hyperion replied. ¡°Its airborne substance form simply nudges down the inhibitions of those within their range, allowing them to easily amuse the targets, make them more honest, and so on similar to the effects of a mild alcohol. In other words, it was a mere party trick in truly dire situations.¡±


    ¡°Correct, In their defense, in most cases, there was no need for a more advanced technique. Sucellus¡¯ true contribution was their knowledge, not their fighting abilities. Their group is responsible for maintaining the tools we need.¡± Theia replied.


    ¡°Still, as you said, it is very rare to see a Dome Inhabitant able to resist it. Are you still fixated on them, Theia?¡±


    ¡°Truthfully, yes. They have a dark void in their eyes that I would so love to shine a light into.¡± Theia replied. Though her expression betrayed nothing, their sticky, saccharine fond tone was enough of a hint.


    Izabel had to suppress a shudder, and in response, Hunter placed her hand on Izabel¡¯s, offering as much comfort as her formless state could. In that quiet moment, each was comforting the other with their presence, even as their attention was still fixated on the two conversing Primeras down below.


    An interesting tidbit pulled them out of their shared moment, and Izabel had to resist the urge to lean down to listen more closely.


    ¡°Are they done playing distraction? This is supposed to be their duty,¡± Hyperion sighed.


    ¡°Unless you have a better way to make sure none of the Inhabitants are around here, don¡¯t complain,¡± Theia replied, their voice an indication they were resisting the urge to laugh. ¡°Perhaps, you can play tricks with that inhabitant you took in?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the frontline sort, not the joke around or the bookish sort, unfortunately.¡±


    ¡°Really? Could have fooled me. Anyway, the coordinates of the tear in the dome should be around here. At least, that is what the data is indicating, anyway.¡±


    Theia used their armored hand to poke and prod at the air around them, their gestures kind of similar to someone trying to find an invisible hole on a wall. ¡°I have an inkling that the one responsible for this was trying to put on a show.¡±


    ¡°It''s not our job to decide whether it¡¯s a show or not, our job is to eliminate the cause. If the cause isn¡¯t found and the tear isn¡¯t repaired in time, there will be a repeat of that incident, and the Inhabitants can¡¯t take another mass memory reset this quickly or their psyche will be affected. Not to mention the potential injuries and deaths.¡± Hyperion said.


    ¡°Fair. We only need to find the place, mark it, and get to the cause of it¨C hm, this might be it.¡± Theia said. ¡°No, wait, this one is more¡­¡±


    ¡°Hunter, do you think this may be the ground zero of the incident?¡± Izabel asked, as she watched the two Primeras try to pinpoint what they were looking for. ¡°Should we follow them? I know the risks, but also, this may be our chance.¡±


    ¡°Too dangerous, even discounting their earlier behavior, it will be two against one, and from the looks of it, one of them is a formidable fighter. If you adjust the number distribution high enough in my favor, I can take one, but two is out of the question unless you go all-in and put your Mental Integrity at zero. That is a risk better not taken.¡± Hunter replied.


    After a short moment of silence, Hunter spoke again.


    ¡°As for the first question, yes, it is around here. But our only option is to tell the others. Time is not on our side, and going back is going to waste more time, but also¡­¡±


    ¡°... entering the CORDIS space here is a risk, too.¡± Izabel finished.


    ¡°There should be no one here right now, but I can¡¯t say the same for when we come back.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s take the risk, then,¡± Izabel said.


    ¡°I suppose it is safer.¡± Hunter nodded. ¡°Look around just in case. I will keep watch while you enter.¡±


    Izabel decided to crouch and hide in the corner, then she pressed the button, entering the virtual space in a flash of light.


    ¨C


    ¡°Hah, so that¡¯s their objective.¡±


    On the same rooftop, a woman with fiery red hair stepped out of her hiding place. Her long hair was done up in a ponytail, heavy armor covering her body, and a pair of metallic white wings with black spots could be seen folded behind her back. Her hands carried a pair of deep red spears longer than she was tall, each with drill-patterned tips sharp enough to glint under the daylight. Though she wore heavy armor, her steps were quiet, auburn eyes focused on the two Primeras down below with hostility.


    A few moments pass as the two Primeras tore out chunks of the tear, revealing darkened skies and land behind the cracks. The chunks they tore out turned into dark, pulsating masses before melting into an ashen substance that dispersed through the air.


    She watched as the two Primeras entered the gap, then, with a hard flap of her wings, she glided down and gave chase.

 009

    When Izabel walked out from the private room she arrived at, she saw both Barnett and Pestilence already running towards her. Baskerville was leaning against a wall, seemingly having a serious conversation with her Mirror Avatar.


    ¡°I saw your message. What happened?¡±


    ¡°I found a lead,¡± Izabel said, simply. ¡°Close to the site of the shattered sky¡¯s ground zero in E, two Primeras are carving a hole on the dome. I don¡¯t see any spires, but this might be important.¡±


    ¡°The location of the spire? Another vision¡­¡± Baskerville was still deeply engrossed in a conversation with her Mirror Avatar. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll tell them. Don¡¯t be reckless, Adler. If you can find Desolation, let them know about it..¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Baskerville took a deep breath. ¡°Adler likely won¡¯t come here, as she¡¯s still busy gathering some information.¡± She explained. ¡°Did you say something about a hole?¡±


    Izabel explained what she saw, and as time passed, Baskerville, Pestilence, and Barnett¡¯s expressions turned serious. Baskerville, in particular, has a bitter frown, likely due to something that Adler had told her beforehand. Regardless, none missed the gravity of the situation.


    ¡°Should we go in, then?¡± Barnett asked. ¡°I don¡¯t think we have time to dawdle. I don¡¯t know the specifics of the whole thing, but it¡¯s¡­¡± She paused for a bit, listening to what her Mirror Avatar had to say, ¡°safer to assume that they have the means to close it.¡±


    ¡°Risky. I asked the bedhead guy, and we¡¯re short of people. If we have a lot more, the odds might go our way, but then again, you all know what they can do? More people means more targets for them to break down.¡± Pestilence said.


    ¡°As unfortunate as it is, Pestilence is right,¡± Baskerville concluded. ¡°With Hunter, Pestilence, me, and you, Barnett, we will have to do a two-on-one. The most dangerous part of this is that we don¡¯t know their abilities. Adler tried to use her ability and no information about that, but there is one concerning thing. They might have a,¡± Baskerville spat with distaste, ¡°pet that will help in combat.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like fun,¡± A voice, tinged with easygoing pride, spoke from behind them. ¡°Would you mind if I get involved? We have a common goal here, after all.¡±


    The four of them turned around to see a silhouette standing nearby. Though their voice was still obscured, there was something familiar about them. Something that Baskerville certainly noticed.


    ¡°It¡¯s you. What do you want?¡± Baskerville asked, her voice terse.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be so hard on me before I get the chance to introduce myself,¡± they replied. ¡°Anyway, you may know me before, but hello again, regardless. My codename is¨C¡±


    With their command the static surrounding their noise, along with the shadows hiding their true appearance started to dissipate, revealing a woman with flaxen hair that she tied and placed on her left shoulder. Her eyes were a brilliant, glimmering green that shone with a hint of something that needed to be pursued with their curiosity. Closer to the roots, her hair faded into a hue of pale pink, a contrast to the rest of her hair. She wore a formal attire that hugged her form, emphasizing her curves.


    Next to her, a woman with long, pink hair stands with an unflappable smile. Her bright golden eyes looked soft, and with the rest of her attire being a perfect white suit without blemish, her eyes became her most striking feature. In response to Izabel¡¯s stare, she waved her hand, lips uttering something that Izabel could not interpret.


    ¡°Eye.¡±


    ¡°As I thought,¡± Baskerville said. ¡°If you want to settle your weird score with Adler? She¡¯s not here.¡±


    ¡°Keep it down, you¡¯re going to stink up the place.¡± Eye responded, her expression as serene as ever. Baskerville said nothing, but she gripped her hand until her knuckles turned white. It was obvious that the woman found Eye rather unpleasant. ¡°To answer your question, no, I am more concerned with something else, though.¡±


    With a flick of her wrist, Eye created a desk and a comfortable chair behind her, her expression staying even as she did. ¡°I can help provide, as you say, ¡®numbers¡¯ for you to go chase those two Primeras. In return¡­¡±


    Eye produced a card between her fingers. The same card that Izabel had received on their first meeting.


    ¡°I would like you to find my teammate, the one that goes by the name of [Brecher#189], and give this to her.¡±


    ¡°Is it really that simple?¡± Pestilence narrowed her eyes, obviously unconvinced.


    ¡°You wounded my fragile heart, fallen noble,¡± Eye replied, her gaze directed towards Pestilence. While Valerie herself was puzzled, Izabel saw from the corner of her eyes that Pestilence, the Mirror Avatar, looked tense, a definite change from his usual carefree behavior. Valerie reacted quickly and took a step back, ignoring Eye in favor of talking to her Mirror Avatar.


    ¡°No, Pestilence is right,¡± Izabel spoke up. ¡°I find it hard to believe that you¡¯d be helping with such a simple favor.¡±


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    Next to Izabel, Hunter¡¯s silhouette was staring at Eye with a thoughtful look. From their link, Izabel could sense that Hunter was suspicious of something, but held her thoughts back for some reason, and if Izabel had to guess, she would go with ¡®lack of evidence¡¯. Meanwhile, Eye¡¯s Mirror Avatar was acting as if neither her nor her host was being the center of attention, as her expression stayed the same neutral, mildly gleeful smile that is bordering on nauseating¨C


    No, perhaps that was not the correct expression.


    Perhaps ¡®unnerving¡¯ would be more accurate. Her smile was one of exceeding pleasantness, as though she was talking to a being not sentient enough to comprehend doing a mildly inconvenient harm.


    Regardless, looking at her too long makes Izabel feel enraged, for some reason.


    ¡°Call it a¡­ personal business. Something outsiders don¡¯t need to know,¡± Eye twirled the card with a smile. ¡°Let a lady have her secrets. So, how about it? I¡¯ll even concede a loss to that Adler, if you really want it that much.¡±


    As she spoke, Eye glanced at Baskerville.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough talking from you, Eye,¡± Izabel said, barely hiding her distaste. ¡°So, give the card to that Brecher and you¡¯ll help?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Really, I¡¯m not hard to please,¡± Eye smiled. ¡°So, how about it?¡±


    ¡°Eye, you damned witch,¡± A familiar voice spat out through gritted teeth. Baskerville was the first to look, then followed by Izabel and Pestilence, right to the direction of the voice. It was Adler, followed by a pair of silhouettes, a tall man, and a hooded figure balancing on a mechanized platform. ¡°If you really want to resolve your problem with Brecher that badly, follow us, then. Don¡¯t just sit on the sidelines. Didn¡¯t you boast about your fighting abilities before?¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I wouldn¡¯t dream of it, kid,¡± Eye replied, her voice still as easy as usual. ¡°So, why come now? Bored because you have to sit in an exhibit?¡±


    ¡°You¨C¡±


    ¡°Adler, we don¡¯t have much time,¡± someone reminded her. They were shrouded in the familiar black shadows that made it difficult to discern most of their features.


    ¡°Just give me this, Lapin. You¡¯ve seen how annoying that Eye is,¡± Adler replied. ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise you¡¯ll assist us if we look into Geltona of The Seven for you?¡±


    ¡°The Seven?¡± Barnett piped up.


    ¡°Nothing you should worry about. That will be my business with Lapin,¡± Adler waved her hand. ¡°Back to the topic at hand. Eye, you follow them, then. Don¡¯t stand behind and let everyone else do your hard work. We all take risks, and if you want to accomplish anything, get it done yourself. Deal with that Brecher, then. From the sounds of it, you need something from Brecher that no one else can give. So, come on, put your worth where your mouth is.¡±


    ¡°Are you always this keen on disturbing someone else¡¯s business?¡± Eye spat. Though she was still smiling, the annoyance in her voice was apparent this time, the cracks of her facade beginning to show.


    ¡°Not really, but someone needs a little taste of their crap from the other end,¡± Adler answered, her expression smug.


    Eye ignored Adler, and looked at Izabel. ¡°As for you, why I want to seek Brecher is irrelevant. I just want you to give this card to her, and I¡¯ll give you the support you want. Watch this.¡±


    Eye waved her hand, and from her sleeve, cards started to fall and scatter to the floor. When she snapped her fingers, the cards started to shift and move, spawning effigies made of a strange, pure white-colored material that is both durable and easy to bend. Pink colors flow within the veins of the effigies, glowing and giving them a distinct look.


    ¡°They are not the smartest, but they can overwhelm,¡± Eye continued.


    ¡°Hunter?¡± Izabel called out.


    ¡°Yes, you can test it. I was about to suggest we do so,¡± Hunter replied.


    Izabel held out her hand and concentrated, and soon after, the familiar feeling of a gun on her hand returned. She gestured for everyone to give some distance as she gathered power in the weapon, shooting right as everyone around her was a safe distance away.


    The smell of acrid smoke soon filled the air, and with it, the disintegration of one of the effigies¡¯ heads. There was something unsettling about its appearance, it looked like a candle that had stopped burning midway, still dripping with pure white wax, only for it to start squirming and reform the head into its former shape.


    ¡°They are called P-dolls,¡± Eye helpfully offered, her eyes shining in the same golden as her Mirror Avatar. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, by the way. They should serve as a distraction.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, so, we just have to give the card to this Brecher you¡¯re looking for?¡±


    ¡°Yep! Easy, right? Just like most of you, I have some skin in this little rebellion game~¡± Eye replied. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me just giving a card is too difficult for you?¡±


    ¡°Sure thing, then.¡±


    ¡°Hunter!¡± As one would have expected, resistance came from Baskerville first, followed by Adler. The latter seemed enraged, and clicked her tongue. ¡°I don¡¯t think you need to just let her¨C¡±


    Izabel looked at Adler, and then, the words died in the latter¡¯s throat. Her confusion didn¡¯t last long, as she huffed at Izabel, her tone unamused. ¡°You know what, sure, do what you want. The whole thing isn¡¯t your problem anyway.¡±


    Before anyone could ask her to wait, Adler has made herself scarce, disappearing from the virtual space.


    ¡°Pestilence? Barnett?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°We need all the help we can get, so as much as I don¡¯t trust her¡­¡± Barnett said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, as well,¡± Pestilence shrugged. ¡°After all, we¡¯re all here for the same thing. I don¡¯t trust many things, but that part should be something we could agree on.¡±


    ¡°Baskerville?¡±


    Baskerville only shot Izabel a look. Izabel sighed, and continued. ¡°That¡¯s settled, then. I accept your condition, Eye.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to hear,¡± Eye waved her hand, and the effigies shrunk back, each turning into a card. With another gesture from Eye, the cards gathered on her hand, forming a stack. ¡°Then, here¡¯s 50 of them. I look forward to you completing the end of your deal, Hunter.¡±


    Eye gave a small smirk.


    ¡°Make sure Brecher receives that card.¡±


    ¡°Will do, Miss Eye,¡± Izabel replied. Perhaps, to most people, Izabel¡¯s tone would sound cordial, but to those more discerning, there was an undercurrent of rebellion behind her tone.


    Satisfied with the deal, Eye turned around with a flourish, while her Mirror Avatar gave a small smirk as they left. ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll see you all around. Good luck~¡±


    Everyone was silent until they could no longer hear Eye¡¯s footsteps. Only then did they exhale a sigh, finally breaking the palpable silence. Then, Izabel spoke first.


    ¡°Baskerville? Why did you stay silent?¡±


    ¡°Adler won¡¯t usually concede like that, I¡¯ve worked with her before¡± she explained. ¡°After all, she¡¯s my team¡¯s leader, even if we still have that mess between Lapin and Desolation¡­¡±


    Baskerville waved her hand, and then, following her gesture, a pack of skeletal, massive beasts rose from around the ground she stood on. Their appearance was similar to the predator animals owned by some of the inhabitants, except that they were much bigger, and they seemed as if they had been torn apart before coming here, hanging tissues and remains of muscles smattering their bodies.


    ¡°... I¡¯ll do anything to see the Primeras driven away from this place.¡±


    For a moment, a skeletal half-mask with the shape of a long muzzle appeared on Baskerville¡¯s face, before it disappeared again.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to wait. Let¡¯s go.¡±

 010

    Under the dome, everything is perpetual, unchanging.


    Even the skies were always a bright, sunny blue. Not the kind that would be uncomfortable on the skin, but one where clouds cover most of the sun, a pleasant cool meant to entice the inhabitants to sometimes leave the comfort and idle pleasure of the dome. It was almost rare to feel any heat beyond a gentle warmth unless one deigns to order their living unit to do so, and even then, the temperature would stop far away from even being slightly uncomfortable.


    A cradle, a safe haven, a cage gilded with everything one would want and need, yet a suffocating one all the same.


    Izabel shared the location. Claire, or Barnett, was unable to secure their chance due to the sudden plan, and thus, they had to sit back for the time being. Though she had attempted to cast the [Bud of Reassurance] to Baskerville and Pestilence, the two that agreed to take part, it was a futile effort, the enchantment dispersing as soon as the other two exited the virtual world, leaving Claire the sole holder of the enchantment.


    It seems that, though they were able to use their powers in the virtual world, the effects wouldn¡¯t carry over to the real world.


    Baskerville arrived first at the coordinates Izabel had shared, hiding herself in a shadowed spot while cloaked with a writhing, dark substance that acted similar to a liquid, yet with the toughness of steel. When Izabel walked closer, Baskerville revealed herself, already bearing the signature muzzled half-mask from her Mirror Avatar.


    ¡°That¡¯s definitely not something you see every day,¡± Baskerville commented. ¡°Stay still, Hunter.¡±


    Before Izabel could ask what she meant, Baskerville made a gesture with her fingers, and then, the living shadows engulfed Izabel, drowning her for just a moment before her sight and senses cleared up. As its appearance suggested, it clung to her skin, following the contours of her body, and it was cool to the touch, its material thin enough that it wouldn¡¯t be felt unless she wanted to. Though it was easy to move, Baskerville warned her to stay still.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move, it¡¯ll show as a sort of distortion that can be seen by those passing by.¡±


    In silence, they waited. A quick check revealed that now the place has become a bit less crowded, likely caused by the fact that the third Primeras was no longer around. Izabel sighed. At least, there wouldn¡¯t be any distractions, and there was less risk of being discovered here. However, the fact that their current location is now unknown was a concern. With her gaze, she attempted to communicate to Baskerville.


    Luckily, the latter noticed, as well.


    ¡°I understand,¡± Baskerville said in a low whisper. ¡°I¡¯ve already prepared onlookers, so we should know if there is any danger nearby.¡±


    ¡°Your senses did not pick up anything, Izabel, For now, focus on the current objective,¡± Hunter reminded her. ¡°Your concern is something worth considering, but you¨C no, we cannot waste our finite energy on what is currently a hypothetical.¡±


    As Hunter finished speaking, the air shifted, feeling heavy. Baskerville closed her eyes, and beneath her mask, it looked like the final speck of light has finally been extinguished from the void, leaving an unsettling sight of eyeless sockets from a long-dead creature¡¯s skull.


    ¡°Is there anything, Baskerville?¡±


    ¡°No, nothing of concern. Rather, our late teammate has arrived.¡±


    Izabel looked at the direction Baskerville was focusing on, and then, she saw Pestilence had rounded the corner, her body language relaxed, not even a little tense. A wide smile graced her expression, and to those without a clue, they would believe that everything was fine from her expression alone.


    Now that she was focusing in that direction, Izabel could see a hazy outline of creatures lining the area, each group stationed a few meters away from each other. Each group was in either two or three, all standing in a ready stance.


    Like before, right when Pestilence was out of sight from the main path, living shadows engulfed her, then carried her towards the group.


    ¡°Can you tell me first before using these wriggling things?¡± Pestilence said to Baskerville, ¡°But hey, what¡¯s with all this hiding?¡±


    ¡°Once we step in there, we don¡¯t know what to expect,¡± Baskerville explained, gesturing at the floating hole in the space itself. It flickered at the edges, multicolored lights and fragments phasing in and out of reality in random, indeterminate intervals that would shift when one looked at it from even a slightly different angle. In the middle, there was a crimson mist interspersed with the darkness, a curtain leading to the unknown world.


    ¡°Well, no way to know unless we go there,¡± Pestilence shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I think we can handle anything just fine with our Mirror Avatars.¡±


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    ¡°There is merit to what your comrade said,¡± Hunter added. ¡°Waiting will not tell us what the other side holds, not to mention, it will only waste valuable time.¡±


    Izabel nodded. ¡°Right. Baskerville, rather than wait and see, we can just go in. Maybe you can send one of these creatures you have on guard?¡±


    ¡°They refused. Something big is on the other side.¡±


    ¡°What if they¡¯re just scared of the Primeras? Staying here will just waste time. I don¡¯t know how long that void will be staying open!¡±


    Baskerville looked at the hole once again.


    ¡°Hunter is right, you know,¡± Pestilence added. ¡°You know, the entertainment system they had us play usually has the hardest choice be the right one or the most rewarding one~¡±


    ¡°There is real risk here, actually, but that¡¯s correct.¡±


    ¡°I would even argue that by simply waiting here for an indication of what kind of dangers lie ahead is taking a risk in itself. We can either face the threat sooner, while we have the most information, or wait and face the threat later after we obtain information that may or may not be there in the first place.¡± Hunter said. ¡°Your choice, Izabel.¡±


    ¡°... I see. Let¡¯s go, then. Keep your senses sharp.¡± Baskerville conceded. ¡°I¡¯ll take the lead.¡±


    Baskerville stepped into the hole first, followed by Izabel, and Pestilence just behind. A thrill accompanied their first step into the unknown behind the hole, into the gate leading to the outside of the domes.


    A sight that no human has been privy to in their entire lifetime.


    ¨C


    When their vision focused, the first thing they saw was the skies.


    In a contrast to the skies within the dome, the skies outside could be described as an embracing darkness, interspersed with twinkling dots of light so far yet looked like they were within reach. Clusters of tiny lights formed a multicolored path on the skies above, a beautiful sight that contrasted with the perpetual blue sky and temperate weather within. Beneath their feet, the land felt rough, uneven stones and clumps of dirt disturbed with each step they made, a subtle reminder, an alarm that their presence was not expected - perhaps, welcomed - in this new land.


    A quick look back revealed that just like back in the dome, the void in reality hung in the air, seemingly without any connection to a physical space one could consider the dome. Just what are the domes, really¨C


    Her thoughts were interrupted as a suffocating feeling pressed on her body. From a quick glance to her teammates, Izabel saw the same discomfort happening to them.


    Reddish miasma wafted in the air, and then, the device strapped to their wrists were activated. A message was projected in front of them.


    [Dangerous environment detected]


    [Performing calculation¡­]


    [Threat level within expected range of the Heart Mirror and CORDIS]


    [Deploying countermeasures¡­]


    A thin, circular layer surrounded the three of them. It looked similar to a bubble.


    Pestilence acted first, and waved her hand, forming small, black cubes no bigger than one fingertip with white dots. The dark parts of the cubes reflect almost no light, making the white dots on its surface appear all that much more stark.


    With her command, the spilling clusters of black cubes turned into a sword and a shield. She gave the sword an experimental slash,


    ¡°No interference here,¡± Pestilence said. ¡°Pretty handy.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s just the air that is a concern,¡± Baskerville nodded. ¡°My hounds aren¡¯t affected, luckily, as they have no need to breathe.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I feel bad for pointing out the obvious, but we really don¡¯t know where to start.¡± Izabel commented. Seeing that her teammates had summoned their weapons, she decided to follow suit, feeling the familiar weight of Hunter¡¯s gun on her hand.


    Now that they were focusing on it, the place was quiet, not the sort of quiet with a background noise that one would experience while alone in their living unit, but a sort of quiet that seemed to overpower everything else. swallowing all noises and making their conversation sound much more vivid and loud. Spires of land could be seen reaching high to the skies, while in the distance, just at the horizon line, the remains of a withered tree could be seen, its branches curved in a wicked, skeletal edge. It looked like it was the arm of a twisted creature, attempting to claw a hole on the sky where it stood.


    ¡°That¡­ should be a good start, I think?¡± Pestilence commented. ¡°It looked significant.¡±


    ¡°I can feel something from that direction, yeah,¡± Izabel nodded. ¡°Hunter?¡±


    ¡°I feel the same. If I can make a theory¡­ I do not know the equivalent word you would recognize, but I can only refer to it as the remnants of a Pillar, something that supports a realm,¡± Hunter explained. ¡°I cannot prove this, though, take this with a grain of salt for the time being.¡±


    Something dashed past Izabel, running towards Baskerville, and from the dip at the corner of her lips, it was clear that the scouting animal brought bad news. Pestilence, too, realized this, as she readied her sword and shield, while more of Baskerville¡¯s skeletal animals rose from the ground in tune with her commands.


    ¡°Two-thousand meters, to my twelve. On your guard!¡±


    ¡°Izabel, get ready.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Izabel answered.


    Hunter was a reassuring presence, a rock, her Mirror Avatar who would stop at nothing to keep her safe. Though their time together was still short, the effect of Hunter¡¯s presence was already palpable, her companionship much more preferable to the static, unchanging, and nauseating effect of the Primeras¡¯ stewardship, one that they now share the vision to change by any means possible,


    Black cubes surrounded Pestilence¡¯s feet and followed her every movement, adding an aura of power to her steps. Meanwhile, Baskerville clung to one of her skeletal hounds, and as she tightened her grip, the hound dashed in accordance to her orders. Izabel followed Hunter¡¯s instructions, and as the feeling of power surrounded her with each tick of the Integrity Number, she felt an odd satisfaction, a sense of power and confidence that allowed her to take on anything that dares to bar her way.


    As she ran following the other two, she did not stop adjusting the numbers until she was satisfied.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [80 - 20 (Host)]


    Beneath her skin, heated power was swirling. The roots of Izabel¡¯s black hair was stained with red, and when one looked closely at her, there were traces of Hunter imposed over her appearance. They were joined, united under one desire.


    So euphoric was the feeling of power, that Izabel nearly didn¡¯t realize that the other two had stopped.


    ¡°What the actual¨C¡±


    Pestilence spoke first, but her words died in her throat.


    It was a sight that none of them had seen before. A crimson, towering spear stood upon the ground, gleaming in a color so stark against its surroundings. Underneath the pointed end of the spear, there were splashes of green, a pile of something unrecognizable for a few seconds. Lying underneath the cruel point of the spear, a hole carved into it, was one of the Primeras, a humanoid cluster of plants that has lost its human resemblance, turned into a pile of something stuck between liquid and solid phase. Right in the center of the pile, where the spear had struck true, was a glass-like orb, its insides shattered, the only thing keeping it spherical was the intact outer layer.


    For the first time, they had witnessed death.

 011

    For the first time, they had witnessed death.


    The massive crimson spear, a first mark of pushback against the Primeras, and the object that marked their first milestone as a witness to a demise. Though the concept itself was not alien, death was something none of them had ever seen, let alone inflicted on what seemed to be such a powerful being. A heavy feeling hung in the air, the crimson gleam of the weapon creating the illusion of something watching their movements. Izabel still remembered, not even a system day ago, she saw the now-dead Primeras on the stage, acting as a distraction, and now, the memory of projected perfection clashed with the hideous corpse lying on the ground.


    Her throat seized up. It was difficult to breathe, difficult to think, a fog clouding everything except repulsion, fear, and desire to¨C


    ¡°Izabel! Take a deep breath! Steady yourself,¡±


    ¡°Hunter, it¡¯s just that¨C¡±


    ¡°Finally, this sight¡­ No, never mind. Izabel, you will see this show many times in our journey. The primal instinct of most living beings ensures they fear death, but I will stay by your side. I will be your protector, your shield and your blade. This is my vow to you, for our dreams. Please, listen to me, rejoice at the sight, for it means one less Primeras will walk on this wretched place.¡±


    From the corner of her eyes, she saw Pestilence, shaken to the core. To any onlookers, it would be obvious that light has left Izabel¡¯s eyes as well.


    In contrast to the two, Baskerville looked calm. Rather, she picked up the orb.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    Her voice faded, but her concentration remained. It seems that she was conversing with her Mirror Avatar.


    For a moment, the world around her faded. Izabel felt warmth surrounding her in a facsimile of an embrace, Hunter¡¯s partly transparent form overlapping hers. Without judgement, rather, with boundless patience, Hunter hummed a tune, her voice reminiscent of a soothing breeze, uplifting a falling leaf and carrying her. In that short, precious few seconds, the edges of Hunter¡¯s secrets became tangible, only for the sensation to disperse between Izabel¡¯s fingers when she wanted to grasp it.


    It was a reminder, even though Hunter has promised to protect and aid her, Izabel has almost no knowledge about her Mirror Avatar partner.


    ¡°Do you like it? Back then¨C¡± Hunter shook her head. ¡°No, disregard that. I hope that made you feel better, but,¡± she smiled, her smile a sincere one, ¡°we both know it¡¯s a redundant question,¡±


    ¡°You did, thank you for that,¡± Izabel said, sporting a small smile. She didn¡¯t need to look, for their connection tells her that the sentiment was well-received.


    In that moment, the fact that they were in a potential battlefield almost slipped her mind. On cue, she received a harsh reminder.


    ¡°Izabel, to the side!¡±


    As Izabel shifted her position, she felt the sting of a spear rushing past, to hit a target in the distance. A look at the direction revealed the presence of a canine beast standing almost as tall as she was, its long fur swaying in the wind as it dashed towards a target in the sky. As the three took their fighting stance, they saw a woman, possessing a pair of metallic white wings with black spots patterned over its surface. Her fiery red hair and auburn eyes burn with fierce determination as she outstretched her hand, the two spears that once pierced the ground flying back to her grasp.


    ¡°Can you still understand languages, beast? Your master is dead. Return to the dome and live your life as an Inhabitant, and I¡¯ll consider my job here done.¡±


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    ¡°Cut that shit out!¡± The beast roared, as its form twisted mid-air, into the form of the altered human Izabel remembered seeing the previous day. For a moment, an observant sort might have noticed that a hint of guilt flashed in the flying warrior¡¯s eyes. ¡°Even if I die, Lord Sucellus was¨C¡±


    ¡°What was your name? They called you Silva, I think?¡±


    Silva¡¯s attack was uncoordinated, wild, reminiscent of the beast form she had shed mere moments before. The fiery-haired woman in the sky only needed to shift a little to the side, dodging Silva¡¯s claws before she planted a hard kick on the beast¡¯s stomach, sending her slamming onto the ground.


    ¡°Stubborn and loyal. Admirable, but directed towards the most unfortunate target.¡±


    With a mighty flap of her wings, the armored woman took flight. Energy gathered on her surroundings, shifting, and turning into a projection of a massive, holographic rifle. Even its presence radiated a heavy, suffocating aura. With a calm gaze, the armored woman directed the rifle towards Silva, who rushed forward in a desperate attempt to reach the opponent. From the ground, it looked as if the woman was surrounded by motes of multicolored lights, creating a mystical sight.


    One of her crimson spears entered the rifle, and then, power started swirling around it, strong enough to warp the space around her.


    ¡°Farewell, Silva. When we meet again, you can enact your vengeance.¡±


    Cecilia seemed unperturbed even as Silva was getting closer.


    ¡°I invoke my authority granted by the Linnurata system. I am Cecilia Ru?a, the Spear of the Frontline, the crux to tear open even the most formidable fortress.¡±


    The swirling power around the spear intensified, bringing with it a constant hum of disturbed air that hurts the ears.


    ¡°Strike true, ¡®Piciforma Rupture¡¯.¡±


    With the push of the rifle¡¯s trigger, the spear launched towards the unfettered Silva, the grief-stricken hound taking the full force of the blast without mercy. A flood of light consumed the area for the briefest of moments, and then, without a fanfare to celebrate her loyalty, Silva descended out of the blast, her form tattered, her eyes were wide open, tears streaming down her cheek. None could truly be sure whether the tears were one of heartbreak or one of anger, and the one who could answer could no longer do so.


    Though Izabel found the altered nature of Silva a repulsive prospect, she found herself wondering, would it be a comfort to her, knowing she landed not too far from her beloved master?


    Regardless, the three knew they had witnessed another death.


    Cecilia descended from the sky. There was no flair, no pride in her movements, only a solemn silence. Her eyes focused on her dead opponent, and then, she spoke, her tone not one of pride, but of a grave promise, as she closed Silva''s eyes.


    ¡°If we meet again, I¡¯ll welcome your challenge.¡±


    She pulled out her spears, and then, with a wave of her hand, both spears disappeared into the ether. It was then that she finally turned to look at the three.


    ¡°You are¡­?¡±


    Subconsciously, Izabel stepped forward, hand touching the device strapped to her wrist, her position hiding the other two as best as she could. ¡°I¡¯m Hunter. You are?¡±


    ¡°Izabel, I think she¡¯s also one of the Heart Mirror users,¡± Hunter said. ¡°But rather than that, Linnurata, huh¡­?¡±


    ¡°What of it?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°Nothing. On your guard, Izabel.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve heard me, Cecilia Ru?a, or if you prefer, Ru?a is fine,¡± Cecilia replied. ¡°Considering your stance, I assume you¡¯re one of the groups. Congratulations on discovering this place.¡±


    ¡°You say your real name so easily, aren¡¯t you afraid that I might just report you to the Primeras?¡± Baskerville asked from behind. ¡°What is your objective here?¡±


    ¡°Try it,¡± Cecilia replied, materializing one of her crimson spears, ¡°But I think considering how things are,¡± she looked at the three of them, then continued. ¡°We don¡¯t have a conflict of interest here. We don¡¯t have to fight.¡±


    Cecilia looked at the skeletal tree in the distance, her gaze serious.


    ¡°Rather, I¡¯m here to check something.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Pestilence spoke up, ¡°Then, are you one of the Heart Mirror users?¡±


    ¡°You can say that.¡±


    ¡°Just tell me what that thing is,¡± Pestilence looked in the same direction. Something about the lonely, skeletal tree in the distance felt wrong, melancholic, the red mist acting as a transparent curtain, giving a subtle illusion of lifeblood seeping out of it in the form of a poisonous mist. It was the only trace of life that belonged to this place, and yet, in this lonely wasteland, it has perished. A pitiful sight.


    ¡°Good luck with the mission. I¡¯ll see you around.¡±


    Pestilence opened her mouth to say something, but Cecilia has already soared, to the skies and disappearing into the darkness.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Pestilence cursed, ¡°There was something¨C¡±


    ¡°No, we can deal with it later. We have a problem,¡± Baskerville warned.


    There was no need for explanation, as the ground started to bubble all around them, forming the dark blob creatures. They were familiar, of course, after all, it was the start of their journey, and the moment which they met their Mirror Avatars. For a moment, Izabel remembered the time she has to hide, out of fear and apprehension, but now, she was stronger. She could feel Hunter hold her hand, as the weapon in her hand started brimming with power.


    It was, once again, time to fight.


    The three stood in a circle, their back facing each other. Pestilence has materialized her cubes, forming a swarm ready to strike, and Baskerville¡¯s hounds were snarling, teeth bared towards the sudden onslaught of enemies.


    ¡°On the count of three,¡± Izabel gripped her gun. ¡°Three, two, one¡­¡±


    A pause, one that felt like an eternity. As heat gathered in her weapon, she raised it, then pulled the trigger, creating a massive beam of high-temperature laser. For a moment, the flames shone blue, carving a path amidst the endless horde.


    ¡°Now!¡±

 012

    ¡°Now!¡±


    It was as if they were in one mind, Baskerville¡¯s hounds struck the nearest blobs at the same time, while Pestilence¡¯s cubes surrounded a group of the dark creatures, consuming them until no trace of them were left.


    However, it did not take long, as one that died was replaced with two, two replaced with four, the creatures keep on multiplying until they created a tidal wave, almost swallowing them whole. Even under the darkened skies, the amalgam of the blob creatures looked darker, swallowing what little light provided by the distant twinkling dots far above.


    Pestilence reacted first, gathering the cubes into one mass with a wave of her hand, and then, with a command, the mass started to widen, creating a structure similar to a net above the three.


    ¡°Get closer!¡±


    Baskerville and Izabel obliged, and then, blue energy filled the air, brimming with the weight of power that intensified with each word from Pestilence¡¯s lips.


    ¡°I come to bear the weight of the lost lives, the reality of the quest of vengeance I started. As meaningless, endless strings of what-ifs come to the forefront of my thoughts once more, manifest, the reminder of my hatred that has turned into blackened cinders, now a wall that protects my newfound allies. Rise, ¡®Blair Aegis¡¯!¡±


    With the command, torrents of blue light spilled out from the tiny cubes, right as the massive wave was about to crash against them. The ground they stood on shook under the sheer force of the attack. Pestilence gritted her teeth, mustering up the strength, even as the cubes forming her shield started to crumble into black dust. Even a few seconds felt like an eternity, and it was only when the assault ceased did Izabel take a deep breath, letting the relief wash over her for the briefest moments.


    ¡°We are outnumbered,¡± Hunter said. ¡°Better to carve a path than endure.¡±


    ¡°But where? They¡¯re everywhere!¡±


    ¡°Remember back when the skies cracked, these creatures were mindless, only able to follow, and we can take advantage of that.¡± Hunter reminded.


    Pestilence shouted something, perhaps a warning, and she wiped the blood from the corner of her lips. From the tears welling at the corner of her eyes, it was clear to all that the shield took a lot of energy, and there would be no end in sight if they continued merely warding them off.


    ¡°We need something, an attack strong enough¡­ Dammit!¡± Baskerville cursed as she waved her hand, summoning more hounds to replace the ones consumed by the blob monsters. ¡°Hunter! You¡¯re the only one!¡±


    ¡°We need 10 seconds,¡± Hunter said to Izabel.


    Izabel gripped the gun on her hand, strengthening her resolve. As she drew more power from Hunter, her eyes started to shift, brown pupils giving way to a brilliant glow in the color of fire.


    ¡°Understood! Baskerville, Pestilence! Distract them for a few seconds!¡±


    The two nodded. Pestilence adjusted the numbers on her device. Its effect was almost instantaneous, the swarm shifting into a vicious, ravenous dark shape. With the eagerness of starving locusts, they descended upon all the creatures they could reach, burying them until each creature they touched was reduced into almost nothing, what little surviving parts joining the swarm as more cubes. Some of the cube creatures surrounded their master, from afar, the sight created an illusion of an armor, sword, and shield.


    Meanwhile, Izabel stayed put, feeling power start to stir from within her. As the warmth spread from her heart, down to her fingertips, the gun on her hand glowed, its color shifting with each tick of the seconds.


    10¡­ 9¡­ 8¡­


    From red, the glow shifted to orange, creating waves of heat. From the base of Izabel¡¯s hair, red started to bleed, starting from the roots, slowly overtaking the original black.


    7¡­ 6¡­


    It was as if Izabel became the eye of the storm, heat waves converging around her as the environment shifts under the sheer pressure. Along with the storm of flames, there was a storm of feelings, familiar yet fleeting, images that seemed vivid from afar only to disintegrate into grains of sand between her fingers just as Izabel was about to feel the satisfaction of grabbing one.


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    5¡­ 4¡­


    ¡°Come to me, Phenex, for you are the sole witness of the true timeless ones. Carve my path, for you are a construct that belongs to me, your existence without meaning.¡±


    3¡­ 2¡­


    Izabel¡¯s body felt taut, words she has spoken unfamiliar and strange on her tongue, while her stance was alien to her, yet it felt as if she had done this her whole life. With Hunter¡¯s guidance, she lifted her empty hand, power converging all around it until it first formed a handle, then a long, thin katana with a segmented blade. Another flash of crimson light, and her hands were enveloped with a pair of leather gloves.


    ¡°So, obey my command, unleash your power, the ¡®Storm of Superbia¡¯!¡±


    Her gun was aimed to the sky, and with a piercing shot, a rain of flames descended down, followed by a flaming shadow of a red firebird emerging from the swing of her blade, the creature flying forward right in the brief moment the blade separated into a long, sweeping whip. As the feeling of power started to disperse from Izabel¡¯s body, she felt herself almost enchanted, her feet a statue rooted upon the place she stood, only able to witness the effect of the storm she called upon with Hunter¡¯s help, her thoughts imprisoned in her own body, bound to chasing the feeling of familiar memories once more.


    Even as the blade faded back into nothing, she was still drowning.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [60 - 40 (Host)]


    [Medium imbalance detected. Rebalancing¡­]


    [64 - 36 (Host)]


    [...]


    Unknown to her, the device strapped on her wrist was lit up.


    As the storm started to let up a little, what remained of the creatures started to stir again.


    ¡°Hunter!¡± The familiar voice of Pestilence pierced through the haze, and with it, Izabel was jolted back into reality. ¡°We have to run!¡±


    ¡°Allow me,¡± another voice, Baskerville, spoke up. With a gesture, her remaining skeletal hounds fused, turning into a bigger one. Observant ones would perhaps be able to notice that now, instead of two glowing orbs in hollow skull sockets, now, there were four pairs of sockets, each sporting glowing orbs with a mixture of myriad colors, and the hound itself was sporting eight limbs. It looked like a haphazard creation of a fool whose idea of life was skewed beyond common sense, yet it nudged Izabel to rest upon its back with a gentle bump of its head, without letting Izabel see but a glimpse of its massive fangs.


    Two more creatures were spawned, and then, with Baskerville¡¯s commands, the three hounds ran, dodging the waning fire rain and the creatures that still, in endless persistence, refused to stop moving, still chasing them despite how their only strengths were boundless vitality and the ability to follow anything that managed to lure them. As time passed, they disappeared at the edge of the horizon, their speed slowing, unable to catch up as Baskerville controlled her hounds into weaving through the earthen spires and the massive, dark cracks in-between them.


    When they saw the distant tree now looked a little closer, they finally stopped, Though half of Baskerville¡¯s face was covered with the skull half-mask of hers, from the sweat dripping from her chin, it was clear that the action took a lot from her, and as the three disembarked, she dismissed the two other beasts with a sigh of relief, letting them crumble into pieces of bone that disintegrated into dust. The last beast separated again into a pack of smaller ones, each trained at different directions.


    ¡°What are they doing in this place?¡± Pestilence spoke first. ¡°If we¡¯re the first one who know of this place, does that mean this entire time, we¡¯re living with these things just outside and the domes are the only thing separating us from them?!¡±


    ¡°That seems to be the case,¡± Baskerville replied. ¡°But that¡¯s not our main concern right now.¡±


    ¡°The spire,¡± Izabel reminded, ¡°Remember, there¡¯s nothing of interest in the area we¡¯re assigned to search. By elimination, the spire is likely to be here somewhere.¡±


    ¡°I think the better question is where in here it is,¡± Baskerville said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing but barren ground, those monsters, and that dried tree, and for the last thing, it¡¯s too far. We can¡¯t just go there right now.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Pestilence asked. ¡°It¡¯s the most interesting thing we have here so far. There must be a clue there.¡±


    ¡°Baskerville is right,¡± Izabel nodded. ¡°We weren¡¯t prepared, and we didn¡¯t bring anything other than ourselves and our Mirror Avatar weapons. Either we alter the spire like Cordis wanted and come back, or we look for information then come back.¡±


    ¡°I can help you survive without sustenance as long as you alter and keep your Integrity Number Distribution above a certain threshold in the duration. However, an extended period of any number configuration above the default might be a little dangerous,¡± Hunter said. ¡°Not to mention, I do not think the others possess a similar ability.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s useful in an emergency. I¡¯ll keep that in mind, Hunter.¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I didn¡¯t think of that, either,¡± Baskerville sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t think any of us went anywhere without a nearby system.¡±


    ¡°But for now, we¡¯re not in too much danger. We can look for it, and after, say, three system-cycle hours. we can try to go back. How about it?¡±


    ¡°It might be risky.¡± Baskerville said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind taking it,¡± Izabel answered. ¡°We either make progress here, or come back with information. No matter what happened, we get something out of this.¡±


    ¡°We can also get eaten here, like what happened to the people back when the skies cracked,¡± Baskerville reminded.


    ¡°Or we can win and bring back good news! Come on, Baskerville, no need to be so negative,¡± Pestilence said in a sing-song voice.


    ¡°There¡¯s still the question of where we¡¯re looking for the thing, though¡­¡± Izabel said.


    ¡°I believe I can give you an answer to that.¡±


    An unfamiliar voice spoke from behind them, causing them to jolt and turn towards the source. All three materialized their respective weapons, ready to strike. Then, they saw a mass writhing on the ground, something like boiling liquid with blue veins. No one moved, all eyes fixed on the mass as it started to bubble up and form limbs, turning into a humanoid, blue form with glowing, electric blue veins all over its body. From his back, several silver, cable-like tentacles extended all the way until they dragged on the ground, each slithering independent of each other.


    With a thought, the humanoid being formed the tentacles into a makeshift seat, then sat on it. His silver hair looked brilliant, a pair of metallic horns extending from his head, and sometimes, sparks jump from between the horns. His golden eyes were eye-catching, capturing attention with its stark glow.


    ¡°Relax, I won¡¯t attack you. I don¡¯t think Vivi will like that.¡± He said with a smile. ¡°Anyway, call me T,¡± he offered. ¡°I can help you find what you want, but in return you¡¯ll owe me a favor. How about that?¡±


    ¡°Tell me who you are,¡± Izabel responded first. ¡°What if you¡¯re with them? We can¡¯t be sure you¡¯re not leading us into a trap.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, whoa, of course not,¡± T raised both of his hands. ¡°I think Vivi would kill me first before that could happen¨C No, scratch that, I think you¡¯re more familiar with the name Cordis, am I right?¡±

 013

    ¡°Whoa, whoa, of course not,¡± T raised both of his hands, then, he paused for a second, reclining on his seat, then rested his chin on his hand. ¡°I think Vivi would kill me first before that could happen¨C No, scratch that, I think you¡¯re more familiar with the name Cordis, am I right?¡±


    The three froze.


    Cordis, of course, no one standing in that place could forget that name. It was the first person to contact them after the skies cracked, the one who gave them a hope, a mission, and power they all now possess via the Heart Mirror and the Mirror Avatars. A quick glance revealed that he didn¡¯t possess a device attached to his wrist. He was not a Mirror Avatar user.


    ¡°I¡¯m not one of the Primeras, and I¡¯m not going to oppose Cordis, for a start,¡± T declared, his expression resolute. ¡°Besides¡­¡±


    T manipulated one of his cable-tentacles to separate from the seat behind him, controlling it to slither and extend towards one of Baskerville¡¯s hounds. Without hesitation, the hound ripped it apart with its jaw, tearing the limb from its owner. Glowing blue blood spilled from the wound, then the glow faded, turning into a slick, black liquid, followed by the glow on the severed limb fading away, its power source cut. Izabel noticed that T was hissing in pain right as his limb was severed. He first took a deep breath, steadying his voice, then explained. ¡°I¡¯m not a fighter. Believe me.¡±


    ¡°Change of question then, how did you know about Cordis?¡± Baskerville asked, still unconvinced.


    ¡°Let¡¯s say I¡¯m close, well, was close to her, before a certain incident thanks to  the problem I¡¯m sure we¡¯re all familiar with made me unable to meet her again.¡± T explained. ¡°Keep one of those beasts nearby, I don¡¯t care, but I¡¯m here to help. I just need you to help me in return.¡±


    Baskerville raised her eyebrow, silently urging him to continue.


    ¡°If it¡¯s any help, if you don¡¯t lift the restriction on the spires, I can¡¯t do anything, either. Right now, we have the same objective.¡± T shrugged.


    As T went back and forth against Baskerville, Izabel spoke in her mind.


    ¡°Hunter, what do you think of that T? Do you have any information about him?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, I do not recall anything about him. I am as much in the dark about this as you are. I do sense that he is sincere, though.¡±


    ¡°Sense?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing as grand or fantastical as you are thinking,¡± Hunter chided. ¡°It is just a hunch, but most living beings will avoid pain, it is a base command implanted in the very core of their existence. However, in absence of any other way to prove his allegiance, he willingly subjected himself to pain - an excruciating one, if the finer points of his expression earlier is to go by. It is nothing concrete, but at least, his cause is something he was willing to sacrifice himself this much for.¡±


    ¡°This is really¡­ Urgh, if only Adler were here¡­¡± Baskerville sighed.


    ¡°Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I say,¡± Pestilence spoke up. ¡°I just asked, and my partner could make sure he¡¯s on our side. Hey, T, how do you feel about being disintegrated at the molecular level?¡±


    The question came out of left field, and despite their stance earlier, Izabel and Baskerville couldn¡¯t help but look at Pestilence in shock.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯ll be your end if you do anything suspicious, how about that?¡± Pestilence asked, black cubes spilling out from the sleeves of her clothes, forming a swarm all around her. ¡°I mean, you said that you¡¯re going to help, right? So you shouldn¡¯t really be afraid~¡±


    ¡°Dammit, Vivi, this is why¨C¡± T muttered under his breath. ¡°Okay, alright, sure. I do need the help, anyway, just don¡¯t accidentally hit me or something.¡±


    ¡°Nope, nothing of the sort,¡± Pestilence said with a smile.


    ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll take those terms.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll take your help. I¡¯m not sure about the favor, though,¡± Pestilence said,


    ¡°Another gamble¡­¡± Baskerville muttered. ¡°I swear, Adler would really be handy right about now¡­¡±


    It was a tempting offer, yet worry still lingered at the back of Izabel¡¯s thoughts. There were numerous ways this could go wrong, and if T has allies or something that they didn¡¯t account for, their end would be swift, their little rebellion crushed into nothing by the flood of false dreams they would drown in, extinguishing their little dissatisfaction and enveloping them in a sea of forced happiness.


    In the end, their choice was always either move forward and take risks, or stay where they are, and stumble blind in the dark until something unseen decided to make the choice for them.


    With that, Izabel only has one choice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it, as well, and we¡¯ll return the favor.¡±


    ¡°Hunter!¡± Baskerville called out. ¡°You don¡¯t even know what favor he¡¯s talking about!¡±


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°I know, Baskerville, but we¡¯re going nowhere, and that needs to change. Pestilence can keep an eye on him, and we¡¯ll tackle the situations as they happen. If you¡¯re worried, too, you can put your hounds to the task.¡±


    ¡°I¨C Alright, you have a point.¡±


    ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, I¡¯m happy you agreed to give me a chance,¡± T spoke up. ¡°Thank you for that.¡±


    ¡°... As long as you behave yourself, that is.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand,¡± T replied. ¡°Do what you must.¡±


    ¨C


    ¡°Tell me, T, why do we have to go so far from the location of the dome?¡± Izabel asked.


    The four of them was riding on Baskerville¡¯s summoned beasts, Pestilence¡¯s black cube swarm hovering near T. Even though the shadows from the cubes covered the ground they stood on, there was no noise, no wasted movement, no signs of the swarm being alive at all except when their owner decided otherwise.


    ¡°Good observation. First, did you come from a crack in the air? Something like a hole floating on nothing?¡±


    ¡°Hunter,¡± Baskerville warned.


    ¡°We came here from inside the dome,¡± Izabel said.


    ¡°Well, it lies on the principle of which those domes work. You see, they aren¡¯t in the physical reality, but something constructed in the metaphysical gaps of reality. In other words, your domes, and this place, are really in a different dimension, but still occupies the same place¡­ Okay, imagine this. If you dip your clothes in water, the water is in the clothes now, right? It¡¯s there, but the clothes aren¡¯t damaged or changed in a way you can see. Your domes occupies the same space as the water in this analogy.¡± T explained.


    ¡°And how did you know this?¡± Baskerville asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty fascinating how it all works, let¡¯s just say I like learning these things.¡± T answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s not an answer. For all I know, you¡¯re just speaking made-up nonsense while betting on the fact that none of us understands enough to question you.¡±


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s at least better than ¡®I just know¡¯,¡± T shrugged. ¡°You can either believe me, or not. As long as we both keep our end of the deal¨C Wait, go there, after that rock pillar, turn to the left.¡±


    Baskerville narrowed her eyes, and Izabel glanced at him. Both noticed the attempt of dodging the question. Izabel glanced at her teammate and shook her head, but the other remained unconvinced, eyeing the strange man.


    ¡°Where did you come from?¡± Izabel asked. Perhaps he would be more willing to divulge something else.


    ¡°Outside the domes, I¡¯m here to confirm and fix something, really.¡± T answered, as cryptic as ever. Aside from the rock pillars and the barren ground, the place was empty, and the answer only gave rise to more questions.


    ¡°What is it that you need to fix?¡±


    ¡°All in due time, Hunter.¡±


    Dammit. That was not helpful at all.


    ¡°Also, just to warn you. I can¡¯t fight,¡± T said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about protecting me, but I can¡¯t help you either.¡±


    ¡°So you have something that hides you from the Primeras,¡± Baskerville said, ¡°or something to disrupt or disable their tracking system. Considering how deep they are willing to stalk you if they want to, you¡¯re either not much of a threat to them, or you are one so formidable they haven¡¯t gotten you yet.¡±


    For a second, it was quiet, then Baskerville continued.


    ¡°I¡¯d say the latter. Remember how thoroughly they track everything even to us, and we were just ordinary inhabitants.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you come to your own conclusions on that,¡± T replied, ¡°Oh, stop here.¡±


    They stopped in front of an empty space. Izabel tried to look around as T jumped down from the beast¡¯s back, walking circles around a certain area. The glowing tentacles behind his back was moving around seemingly independent of him, heading to different directions before converging on one spot. Then, T crouched down, sifting on the dirt around the narrow area.


    ¡°Izabel?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Hunter?¡±


    ¡°I have a bad feeling about this.¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who suggested trusting him?¡± Izabel asked back. ¡°What¡¯s with the sudden¡ª¡°


    ¡°It is not him. There is no time to explain, set the Integrity Number to a higher level. Now!¡±


    Izabel nodded, her fingers twitching on the device. As she did, her appearance was shifting, her hair dyed red at the roots, while some of her remaining brown hair turned white.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [70 - 30 (Host)]


    ¡°Here it is¨C¡±


    Before Izabel could process what T was talking about, Izabel felt her hand, the one holding Hunter¡¯s gun, raise upwards. Everyone turned to look, as she fired a ball of blazing energy to the direction behind her. It collided with something, and then, as the flames dispersed, the melted remains of a glass canister and a needle fell to the ground with a distinctive clink.


    ¡°The same goal, the same tactics, the same weapon, always. At least tell me, is this part of your spiel about being the Stewards of the Universe?¡±


    The voice that spoke was overlapping, between Izabel and what only the former recognized as Hunter. Right as Izabel was about to ask, she felt Hunter give back control of her body. Even if it was just for a short moment, the feeling of being an observer in her own body was an odd, jarring one.


    Even though they were shocked, Baskerville and Pestilence reacted fast, the former summoning her dogs, while the latter gestured for a part of the swarm hovering near T to surround her. She narrowed her eyes at T, intent on directing the remaining swarm to attack him, but T was faster, and even as the swarm tried to strike, they only found nothing, the only evidence of her attempts was how T¡¯s body flickered with each strike in place of wounds.


    Without the use of words, Baskerville and Pestilence agreed to talk about what happened later.


    T broke the silence and spoke in a relaxed taunt, his voice bearing no trace of hostility.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve expected you to arrive first, Hyperion of the Skies¡­ Well, it¡¯s a fifty-fifty split between either you and Theia of the Brilliance, but if they¡¯re the one coming, you¡¯d hear and see them first.¡±


    ¡°Theia suspected the presence of a high-priority target here. It seems that they were right,¡± Hyperion replied. ¡°Though they didn¡¯t tell me we have rebels here.¡±


    The word was spoken in disgust, but not one of hostility. More than anything, his tone sounded condescending, more like someone who found out that an animal had an accident on their living space.


    ¡°You, in particular,¡± Hyperion looked at Izabel, ¡°Reminded me of someone from a darker time. A time before our salvation reached as wide as it is now. After we are done, you and your friends will be good and tell us where you get such weapons, will you?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you meant before your fleets stripped everyone of their selves and desires,¡± Hunter snarled. ¡°Izabel? Let¡¯s finish this.¡±


    ¡°So, where is Sucellus of the Celebrants?¡± T asked, not paying any mind to Hyperion¡¯s remark at all.


    Hyperion didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°What? I asked a perfectly valid question.¡± T said again, his tone still carefree.


    Response came in the form of a chain-like extension shooting towards T¡¯s direction, coming from Hyperion¡¯s claw-like weapon placed on their arm. Right as it hit T, his form flickered, the part of his body bearing the brunt of the attack crumbling into intangible fragments emitting blue static and light before recovering in the span of seconds. He still seemed relaxed, as he spoke to Hyperion again.


    ¡°How many times do I need to tell you that you can¡¯t catch me, let alone the others? Not my fault you all were so stubborn about it.¡±


    Hyperion didn¡¯t get a chance to reply, as a shot collided with their head, carving a hole on the pure-white crystalline structure. The gun on Izabel¡¯s hand was glowing with power, already prepared for another shot while the trail of smoke still wafted from the gun¡¯s muzzle, proof that she was responsible for the attack. Within the time it took for Hyperion to stumble back, most of the hole was already recovered, but it was enough, and now, their focus has shifted back to the three.


    They didn¡¯t look angry, rather, it was more exasperation. Their attitude only sharpened the pang of being looked down upon, and Izabel gripped her weapon, as if she was trying to absorb strength from the object.


    The three glass liquid containers on Hyperion¡¯s back, connected to the claw-like weapon on his hand, started to shift, the three different colors flowing all over the weapon with the aid of veins made of a material similar to glass. They raised the claw, focused at the other three as T¡¯s form destabilized once again from the act of pulling out the chain.


    ¡°It seems that the untamed inhabitants of this world need to be taught a lesson.¡±

 014

    ¡°It seems that the untamed inhabitants of this world need to be taught a lesson.¡±


    Despite their seemingly heavy, cumbersome form made of polished gemstone, Hyperion was almost too fast. Izabel barely had the time to react, only realizing that she had dodged a strike when she was able to feel the whizz of her opponent¡¯s claw slicing the air. She landed a few meters away, attempting to put some distance as Pestilence¡¯s swarm and Baskerville¡¯s hounds blocked the way, only for her to be forced back once more, as if the presence of those weapons held no meaning.


    Another attack, right as she landed, and Izabel jumped once again, landing a few feet away, giving Baskerville some time to merge her summoned hounds into their bigger, stronger form. With a wave of her hand, Pestilence¡¯s black cube swarm returned to her, some forming a sword, while the rest surrounded all four of her limbs.


    Right as Izabel was about to refocus, a sharp clang shook the place.


    It was Pestilence, using her sword to parry an attack, Hyperion¡¯s claw mere inches from her face as the black sword attempted to dig and consume the metallic claw weapon. With a mighty push and a grit of her teeth, Pestilence pushed Hyperion away, the act hard enough to make her exhale. If one focuses for a moment, a light-blue barrier could be seen forming as she parried Hyperion¡¯s attacks.


    ¡°Get your head out of your daydreams! He warned me, if you get grazed by that claw, you¡¯re done!¡±


    ¡°Pestilence is correct,¡± Hunter remarked. ¡°More specifically, Pestilence, the Mirror Avatar, is correct.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what their ability is?¡± Izabel asked.


    ¡°I do not know what their individual ability entails - however, those three tubes attached to their weapon are a concoction of serums tailored for specific needs. There are many possible serums, their characteristics differing between each Primeras, but¨C¡±


    Izabel dodged another strike, while Pestilence jumped past her and slammed her sword down on her opponent.


    ¡°You are facing me, not her,¡± Pestilence snarled, as she pushed Hyperion away, the act repelling the two away from each other. Seeing a chance, Baskerville ordered some of her enhanced hounds to strike, the skeletal beasts with gnashing teeth all aiming for the Primeras¡¯ four limbs with the accuracy of a trained group of soldiers, the mighty jaws of each hound clamping down on the target with a vice grip. Seeing a chance, Izabel gripped her gun, willing energy to gather into an orange bullet that exploded on Hyperion¡¯s head - or perhaps, what passed for it. Drops of orange-red molten rock marred the ground as Hyperion was pushed back ever so slightly from the attack.


    Their recovery came too swift for the three to savor any of the victory. Bubbling, transparent substance leaked from the wound, and as it covered the wound Izabel made, the three realized that their efforts were in vain.


    ¡°To continue, the serums were likely a subjugation agent. They do possess the means to create deadly substances, however, it is unlikely that those would be used to deal with what they viewed as a nuisance at worst and a fascinating creature at best,¡± Hunter explained, as Izabel willed for her other weapon, a long katana with a segmented blade, to materialize on her left hand. Relying on her feelings, she swung the weapon, only to almost strike one of Baskerville¡¯s hounds.


    ¡°Adjust the number a little, allow me to assist,¡± Hunter said, her presence enveloping Izabel, allowing herto handle the second weapon much more easily. The sudden change allowed her to carve out a nasty gash on Hyperion¡¯s chest.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [65 - 35 (Host)]


    ¡°If I have to guess what substance they were using, it is either serum P or S. Paralysis and Sense, respectively.¡±


    As Izabel was about to ask about the veracity of the information, she felt an ominous gust, and then, on instinct, she was barely able to dodge, a sharp pain spreading through her left hand. Then, there was a numbness spreading from the wound, reaching to envelop the entirety of her left arm. With the limb out of her control, Izabel was forced to drop her segmented katana, the weapon disappearing into light the moment it left her fingers.


    Her hand felt heavy, a leaden weight that refused to budge. Hyperion was in front of her, their clawed hand reaching for her torso.


    It was then, she realized, despite the power she held, she was not strong enough.


    ¡°Now, tell me¨C¡±


    Izabel jumped back just as Hyperion grasped at the spot she was standing at not even mere seconds ago. Baskerville attacked from above, her hand covered in clawed, skeletal armor of the same color as her summoned hounds. As their weapons collided, a shockwave shook the air around them, nearby stone pillars now sporting pinprick cracks on uneven surfaces.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Izabel! Focus!¡±


    The numbness felt like chilling water, a cooling sensation that pierces through skin to chill one down to the bone. She was afraid, the fingers of her unhurt hand trembling, as if she was freed from the illusion of strength and now has to contend with the bitter reality.


    A realization that, perhaps if her opponent was meant to hurt her, she would not be standing.


    The true weight of futility.


    ¡°By the thralls, Izabel! Come to your senses!¡±


    If the realization was the bitter cold, Hunter¡¯s voice would perhaps be the searing heat, the warm, blazing fire that shattered the pull of clawing hopelessness from the depths of an unending storm.


    ¡°Hunter, but¡­¡±


    ¡°As long as I¨C no, as long as we still stand, we will not lose. This may not be the best course of action, but¡­¡±


    A moment¡¯s pause. In that short time, Izabel was able to pick out a trace of hesitation from her partner, only for it to disappear as Hunter spoke with a resolute assurance.


    ¡°Increase the numbers. We will win this.¡±


    ¡°I understand. I trust you, Hunter.¡±


    Even though she could not see the screen of the Mirror Device strapped to her numb arm, Izabel was able to navigate the app, not fumbling even once as she opened the Integrity Number menu.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [65 - 35 (Host)]


    With a few quick taps, she adjusted the number, her familiarity with the device allowing her to do so without looking at the screen. Spurred by the desire to achieve the impossible and win despite the odds. She neither hesitated, nor did she think of anything beyond the present fight.


    She has to win. Win this fight, strike at the core of the living shackles of her world.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [30 - 70 (Mirror Avatar)]


    [WARNING!]


    [Adjustment reaching critical thresholds!]


    [Rebalance requested! Critical imbalance may result in permanent side-effects!]


    In the corner of her vision, she saw the Mirror Device flash red, incessant beeping and reddish tint creeping from the periphery of her vision and projected straight into her mind, cacophonic noises assaulting her ears and thoughts. The warnings conveyed a sense of panic, trying to spur her to take action, to correct the mistake a machine assumed she must have made. Even without knowing what exactly she has done, Izabel could feel it, the deep mire that comes from knowing on the most base level of thinking that she has made a mistake, all as payment for the sheer level of strength that coursed through her veins.


    However, her guilt, her reservations, her fears, all of them did not matter, it all faded along with the scenery and the battle, as she saw the transparent image of Hunter floating in front of her, a small smile on her lips. In that moment, there was nothing but the two of them in their own world, as Hunter took her uninjured hand, their fingers intertwining with each other. Her voice echoed in her head, but this time, it sounded much, much closer. They were separate, two within one, yet for that moment, the distinction was not clear.


    ¡°Thank you for your trust in me, Izabel, my partner.¡±


    Gingerly, slowly, Hunter brought Izabel¡¯s hand close to her lips, and then, with her smoldering stare meeting with Izabel¡¯s, she kissed the back of Izabel¡¯s hand, her lips radiating a tender, gentle warmth. Flames dance around the two of them, forming a wall, as if no one else was allowed to witness this moment between true companions. A secret moment shared between two living as one, two souls, both united with the same desire to break the shackles disguised as luxuries, to attain freedom.


    ¡°Even if you are afraid, find strength in my vow, I will bring us victory,¡±


    For a moment, she paused. Hunter¡¯s voice started to fade, until it was barely a whisper. The heat of her breath caressed Izabel¡¯s fingers, as if trying to disguise what she said right after.


    ¡°I just hope that, for the future punishment you will have to bear, you will accept my sincere apology.¡±


    Before Izabel could respond. an explosion of power has been injected into her veins. She felt invincible, unstoppable, Hunter¡¯s intentions and movements now clear to her without the Mirror Avatar expressing her intention with words.


    Burning crimson spilled from the roots of her brown hair, fading to white as it reached the tips, and pinpricks the color of persistent embers overtook her pupils until her pupils were a stunning orange. She could feel the material of her clothes had changed, even though she was unable to look, she was able to feel. Her body moved with spontaneity, dodging attacks with the grace and experience of a veteran fighter, fast enough that she would often have already moved before her mind could process the sensation of an incoming attack.


    ¡°If you intend to catch me, you will need to stop playing around, Hyperion of The Skies,¡± Izabel felt herself speaking, in a mix of hers and Hunter¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Hunter, you¡­¡± Pestilence muttered.


    ¡°Did you forget Cordis warned us not to¨C¡± Baskerville gritted her teeth as she launched another attack, aiming at the healing gash on Hyperion¡¯s torso.


    Before Baskerville could continue, Pestilence responded.


    ¡°No, Baskerville, from the beginning, even he has warned me, we can¡¯t fight the Primeras without taking any risks,¡± Pestilence said, shaking her head.


    Power gathered on Izabel¡¯s gun, intense fiery glow shifting from a pale orange to a vivid blue as heat started to concentrate on the weapon. The projectile looked small, not even bigger than the size of a fingernail, yet the pressure from its sheer power was intense, pinpricks of heat rising on the skin as more power was added.


    Then, she pulled the trigger.


    The blue, fiery projectile sped through the air, hitting Hyperion square in the chest wound while they were fending off Baskerville¡¯s hounds and close-range attacks. Seeing a chance, Pestilence gathered her cubes, the swarm all gathering into one group to form a massive, towering spear much longer than she was tall. Her hand gripped the air, commanding the swarm to tighten, to fuse into one, single object, with every ounce of power concentrated at the very tip.


    [WARNING!]


    [Sustained use of critical imbalance in Mental Integrity Number Distribution is not advised!]


    [Requesting permission to rebalance. Prolonged critical imbalance may result in permanent side effects!]


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [30 - 70 (Mirror Avatar)]


    Seemingly sensing Izabel was ignoring the device, its warnings became more incessant now, projected messages obscuring her vision in a haze of flashing red. It mattered not, however, for Izabel was still focused on her target, the weakened Hyperion being pushed back by Baskerville as they attempted to strike at Izabel. With the ease of dealing with a minor inconvenience, Izabel would dodge, giving Baskerville a window of precious seconds to call for her hounds to restrain Hyperion.


    The hounds were only able to restrain Hyperion for but a brief moment, but that was enough.


    As Izabel landed, another vivid blue bullet had formed at the tip of her gun, and she took aim, the rush of pride from the success spurring the flames to burn brighter.


    ¡°Wherever you will go after you perish, watch as we dismantle your empire of lies, Primeras. This is our promise.¡±


    With chilling precision, she pulled the trigger.

 015

    With chilling precision, she pulled the trigger.


    Rendered unable to either dodge or retaliate, Hyperion was forced to take the shot. With a wave of heat, and an explosion of energy, the area around what would be considered a human¡¯s chest were carved open, revealing a floating, spherical core amidst the already healing wound, inhibited only by the still-burning embers eating away on its edges. Various colors swirl within the core, creating a mesmerizing sight as it shifts from dark blue, then the familiar light blue of the skies within the dome, before red-purple tints enveloped it to give way for the colors to shift back to dark again.


    Then, Pestilence rushed forward, planting her sword onto the core until the blade went through it, graying out all the colors, pinprick cracks slowly blooming on its surface.


    ¡°Hah¡­ so you were strong. I should never have underestimated all of you,¡± Hyperion coughed out, pain evident from their strained voice. Unlike them, there was no blood, no visible proof that they had stabbed the life out of them - there was only pain, the dying gasp of what was eternal, perfection shattered before their eyes.


    ¡°You all have no gratitude, perhaps a failure of the Primeras¡¯ Stewardship system¨C¡±


    ¡°You still refuse to acknowledge your faults in this situation, up even to the very end of your life,¡± a familiar voice spoke up. ¡°Your companions didn¡¯t answer me, so, say, how does it feel to be at the receiving end of becoming a statistic, all to build a paradise none desired?¡±


    Hunter, Pestilence, Baskerville, and T all turned around towards the source of the voice. Cecilia has landed on the ground a few meters away from them, carrying a grayed-out, glass-like sphere they all could recognize from moments before. With a nonchalant expression, she threw the broken core, letting it roll on the ground until it reached Hyperion. ¡°I think you may recognize this.¡±


    ¡°Is that¡­ really Theia of the Brilliance?¡± T asked.


    ¡°Correct,¡± Cecilia answered, then, she looked at T from top to bottom. ¡°You don¡¯t look like an inhabitant of the domes. Are you skewing the Number Distribution in favor of your Mirror Avatar?¡±


    ¡°Incorrect. You can consider me a guest to the whole spectacle, if that¡¯s to your liking,¡± T responded. ¡°One thing is clear, though, I¡¯m not going to be a hindrance to you, or your mission, for that matter.¡±


    ¡°Theia¡­ No, you are¨C¡± Hyperion was croaking, their last grasp on life failing. ¡°Heh¡­ so, this is the end, taken out by the lowly inhabitants capable of nothing but strife and destruction without guidance¡­¡±


    ¡°Unless you want me to speed things up, answer my question,¡± Cecilia warned.


    ¡°Why¡­? Guh¡ª¡° Hyperion grunted in pain, as the cracks enveloped the surface of their core. ¡°You should already know¡ª Now I get it. I see why all of you bore a reminder of the dark past. Theia¡ª if only you¡ª¡°


    Cecilia narrowed her eyes, the pitiful sight etching such a deep, unbidden frustration that seeped into her body language. Beneath her massive armor, she was trembling, not in fear, but in unexpressed anger that threatened to spill at any moment. Even a fool would know, without words, her behavior suggested a personal grievance that the armored lady was not likely to reveal, yet, the others could understand - after all, almost every single person standing in this place shares the same objective, the same desire for freedom, the same distaste for the guards holding their gilded cage. Her folded wings twitched behind her, a silent sign that she was close to take to the skies and kill the downed Primeras once and for all.


    ¡°Tell me, Hyperion!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think getting personal here is going to result in anything productive, Brecher.¡±


    Izabel could feel something in her pocket start to shake, and then, a card flew out of her pocket. Even with a glance, Izabel could see the card belonged to Eye, one of many she has obtained from their deal with one another. The card fluttered to the ground, and then, a P-doll appeared right on top of it, assuming the doll¡¯s default, pink-veined effigy look before shifting into the familiar form of Eye. Unlike their first meeting, the Mirror Avatar appeared as a solid form this time, not as a partly-transparent follower of her host.


    For a moment, Cecilia didn¡¯t respond. Her eyes were trained on Hyperion. A few seconds passed, and then, as they did not answer, she hissed in disdain, right as the colors and shine of Hyperion¡¯s core truly faded, never to be seen once more.


    ¡°All of you playing savior are the same, single-minded, not even bothering to acknowledge your actions. When we see each other again...¡±


    Then, Cecilia turned her attention to Eye.


    ¡°I believe I¡¯ve told you that I prefer you call me Ru?a, didn¡¯t I?¡± Cecilia looked at the pink-haired woman in slight disdain. ¡°Not to mention, I¡¯ve warned you not to interfere. I don¡¯t have time for playing dollhouse with you, Eye.¡±


    Eye waved her hand, summoning a few more cards from Izabel¡¯s pocket. The cards fluttered to the ground, unaffected by Izabel¡¯s attempt to hold the cards back or keep the pocket shut. Each card formed a generic P-doll, three forming a chair and a footrest, and the other two standing guard on both sides. From Eye¡¯s long, thin fingers wrapped in white gloves, pink threads made of light, around as thick as human hair, could be seen, the ends all attached to the effigies she manipulated with ease. With an ever-present smile, Eye sat on the effigies, her movements slow and confident, as if Ru?a¡¯s anger didn¡¯t bother her at all.


    ¡°I only wanted one thing from you, Brecher. That is, your cooperation.¡± With a flick of her wrist, Eye produced the card, the one she asked Izabel to bring as part of their deal. With the card held between her index and middle finger, she continued. ¡°I simply want information, and in just a few seconds, I will be one step closer to the root of the Primeras and eradicate these pests. If you want¡­¡±


    A tangible pause.


    ¡°I can even turn them into little living trinkets for your amusement, ready to mewl and grovel at your feet.¡±


    Cecilia narrowed her eyes at that remark.


    ¡°I may not like them, but I¡¯ve never liked your type, either. You act as if by virtue of being born from a higher lineage, your every movement qualifies as a gift from a higher being laughing at our misfortune, that disgusting, saccharine sense of entitlement wrapped in a veneer of politeness.¡± Cecilia spat, her grip on her two spears tightening as she spoke. ¡°We might have the same objective in the end, but I would rather plummet to my death than work with you.¡±


    ¡°Say what you want, but let me remind you, there are more of these dolls where they came from,¡± Eye replied, a meaningful smile gracing her face. ¡°All I want is your information, and I won¡¯t repeat myself.¡±


    Izabel could feel something heavy, something dangerous all around her. Her body tensed, an instinctual move in an attempt to protect herself from an invisible threat.


    ¡°Izabel. Don¡¯t move!¡±


    ¡°I should¡¯ve known not to trust that woman,¡± Izabel gritted her teeth.


    ¡°No, I should have warned you, too. I merely held back due to lack of evidence.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite an easy choice, Brecher. You see, you can either assist me, or wait while I¨C¡± Eye glanced at Izabel with a meaningful smile, ¡°Finish the deal that someone was supposed to do on my behalf, hm?¡±


    Cecilia¡¯s grip on her spears trembled, she bit the bottom of her lips.


    ¡°Eye, don¡¯t you involve other people in this.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t - unless you count punishing someone, who entered a deal on their own volition, for not keeping their end,¡± Eye answered, as she played with the card between her fingers, ¡°So, how is it, Ru?a of the Linnurata Frontline?¡±


    It was enough. Izabel raised the gun on her hand, intent on shooting the woman. Then, the voice of her companion spoke in her mind.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°Do not. There is power in those cards. It is possible to take their combined attack then retaliate, however, you will be vulnerable, and the risk is not worth it.¡±


    ¡°But¨C¡±


    ¡°I understand your frustration, being used as bait is unpleasant, but it is safer to hold your anger right now. We can settle the score when we are in a less vulnerable position.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that, Brecher. You see, the only things likely unaware of your existence are lower-tier worlds within your jurisdiction. Besides¡­¡± Eye dangled the card in front of her, daring Cecilia to take it, ¡°Assisting me to eliminate the Primeras also helps with your mission. Who knows, perhaps I¡¯ll meet your companions on my way.¡±


    ¡°How much do you know?¡± Cecilia asked.


    ¡°Oh, that is just elementary-level extrapolation. Considering the Primeras are still spreading their influence unimpeded, it was easy to assume that something happened to the Frontline. Perhaps they perished, or something has happened that took them out of the picture.¡±


    Cecilia gritted her teeth at the answer. It seems that at least some of Eye¡¯s extrapolations hit the mark.


    ¡°Fine, you win. Hand me the card, and let¡¯s get this over with.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to hear,¡± Eye smiled and gave the card to one of the P-dolls standing guard next to her. Without a word, the effigy walked towards Cecilia and handed the card to her. The card glowed in a white-pinkish light as soon as Cecilia¡¯s fingers brushed on its surface, and then, it disappeared right as Cecilia handed the card back to the effigy.


    ¡°One more thing, next time, have the decency to show up yourself, or¨C¡±


    A third crimson spear materialized in the air, then, with a speed faster than anyone there could perceive, the spear pierced and drilled its way through Eye¡¯s body along with the other effigies, tossing shrapnels in every direction. Rendered broken and unusable, Eye¡¯s form warped, turning into the form of a P-doll, then all the other dolls slumped to the ground, crumbling into the ether, with some fragments turning into a confetti of torn-up cards.


    ¡°-the next time we meet, it will be through your actual skull.¡±


    With the disappearance of Eye¡¯s form and the effigies, the tense feeling surrounding Izabel dispersed as well. A quick pat of where she placed the cards revealed that the cards in her pocket has disappeared too, likely returning to their master.


    ¡°Damn it. Cecilia¡­ or Ru?a, was it? I¡¯m sorry for that.¡±


    From the distance, Baskerville was about to open her mouth, before shaking her head and settling with a barely audible sigh. In the end, there was nothing to be done, and even though a part of her ached for being right this time, she would have gained nothing even if she expressed it.


    All in all, a reprimand would have done nothing to someone who already realized their mistake, nor would it rectify the situation.


    ¡°You all, too. I was just¨C¡± Izabel shook her head, ¡°No, no matter what, I landed her in this situation.¡±


    ¡°Relax, Hunter,¡± Pestilence spoke first, her tone sing-song and carefree. ¡°You¡¯re trying to do your best. Besides, if you ask me, there¡¯s reason to be wary of them.¡±


    ¡°That is correct,¡± Baskerville added. ¡°As much as I hate for this to happen, risks without a chance of failure is not a risk. Not to mention we¡¯ve completed one of the tasks we were given, and gained valuable information of what lies outside the dome. All in all, this was not a bad deal, and Adler would probably appreciate this.¡±


    ¡°Think nothing of it. I wouldn¡¯t fault you for her behavior,¡± Cecilia said. ¡°If I recall correctly, you have a mission to do here, right?¡±


    ¡°Right, the spire,¡± Izabel turned to look at T, ¡°Have you found it?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, about that¡­ Give me a second,¡± T said, as he walked back to the spot he was looking at earlier. With his tendrils, he sifted the ground back and forth, until he saw the tip of a rock jutting out. With one good smack from his hand, static electricity fizzled on the rock, then, a beam of blueish-white light extended from it, going up towards the skies.


    ¡°This is the spire you were looking for.¡±


    ¡°What now?¡±


    As if waiting to answer the question, they felt a notification from their Mirror Device.


    [The Section E spire has been found.]


    [Initializing changes¡­]


    The beam of light was flickering, its color shifting from blue, to red, to black, then fading completely for a split second, before shining again in a brighter azure color.


    [The spires of this dome has been altered. Connection with other domes can now be established.]


    Soon after the notification, a mail icon appeared in front of Izabel¡¯s eyes.


    [Congratulations, teams of Section E, for finding and altering one of the spires. A notification will be sent when all the spires are found. In the meantime, rejoice and rest, for this is a first step to our victory.


    We may not know each other, but I will keep all of the Mirror Avatar holders safe. Even if the Primeras react, do not worry, I will take care of them.


    Regards,


    Cordis]


    ¡°Cordis sent a message?¡± T asked.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°A hunch. Regardless, congratulations are in order. You¡¯ve finished your task and helped with my objective,¡± T said. ¡°For now, I have nothing to give you, but¡­¡±


    He paused for a moment, thinking.


    ¡°I will consider this a favor. Give me time, there are still things I need to confirm. For now, let me help you return. What section are you from?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯d be convenient if you can help us return to Section E of Dome 15,¡± Izabel replied.


    ¡°Let me check¡­¡± T looked around the area, closing his eyes while his tendrils slithered around the place. After a few minutes, he stopped at a spot close to a broken, scratched-up stone pillar. He studied the spot for a moment, then, with a wave of his hand, a hole was torn in reality, similar to the hole they went through before. ¡°Here you go. Once again, thank you, and¡­¡±


    He paused, giving all of them a meaningful look.


    ¡°See you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first, there are things I need to discuss with my team,¡± Baskerville said. ¡°All in all, Hunter, Pestilence, it¡¯s a pleasure to work with the two of you. Regardless of what happened, the fact remains that you two cleared the mission.¡±


    Baskerville looked at Cecilia.


    ¡°You, as well.¡±


    Without further ado, Baskerville stepped into the portal, and disappeared.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m beat,¡± Pestilence said. ¡°I¡¯m going to get rest too, and tell Barnett all about what happened later. You too should get going, Hunter.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the concern, Len.¡±


    ¡°You still remember that? See, you agree Pestilence is quite a mouthful,¡± She smiled. ¡°See you later, Hunter.¡±


    ¡°I still have some business here, so I¡¯ll be staying. Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± Cecilia said.


    ¡°Oh, right, hey, Cecilia, what is the Linnurata?¡±


    Upon hearing the question, Cecilia went silent, then, after what felt like an eternity, she answered. It was clear from her tone that she was holding a lot of things back, the sigh she exhaled a sign that it was a topic she preferred not to discuss.


    ¡°Those who failed at their duties, and now, their current location is unknown¡­ I have to go. See you around, Hunter.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    With that cryptic hint, Cecilia took to the skies and quickly disappeared from view.


    ¡°Failed at their duties¡­¡± Hunter murmured in Izabel¡¯s mind. ¡°So even they were affected¡­¡±


    ¡°Hunter, what are they?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll explain later. We may have a problem on our hands.¡±


    When Izabel was about to ask more, T called out to her.


    ¡°Hunter?¡±


    Izabel looked at T, and now that she got a good look at him, she realized that his form was still blurry, incomplete in some parts. Even though unlike before, no blood gushed out of his wound, the incomplete, flickering parts of his body served as a reminder that he did not emerge from the battle unscathed. He gave Izabel a small smile, then, with one of his tendrils, he sliced open a rift in reality and took out a small ring, a silver band with a blue stone resting on top.


    ¡°This is¡­ an Imitator,¡± T explained, putting the ring on his ring finger, then brushing the stone with his thumb. With a flash of light, a blade materialized on his hand, the same combination of blue and silver as the ring itself. He gave the blade a practice swing, then swiped on the ring¡¯s stone again, letting the weapon disappear. ¡°It will take the form of whatever weapon you find most comfortable to wield. Though its power isn¡¯t enough to combat the Primeras, I think you might find this sufficient for the monsters outside the dome.¡±


    With a tendril, T removed the ring from his finger and offered it to Izabel.


    ¡°Why are you offering this to me, though?¡± Izabel asked. ¡°Why not the others?¡±


    ¡°As a thank-you, and you might find it less¡­ ah, taxing to use than your current weapon,¡± T gave a small smile. ¡°I won¡¯t force you to use it, but please, take it at least?¡±


    ¡°The weapon does not seem to contain any traps.¡± Hunter said. ¡°I find it a fascinating bauble. It should be safe to take the weapon with us and test its capability in battle.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I suppose there¡¯s no reason to refuse.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it,¡± Izabel nodded. ¡°Thank you, T.¡±


    The ring felt cold as it slipped into her finger. The stone exuded a faint glow for a moment, almost too fast to notice.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. I¡¯m the one who should thank you, rather.¡± T smiled. ¡°The rift will stay open for a few more minutes. Oh, you should adjust that device.¡±


    Right.


    Her arm was still numb, however, feeling has started to return on the tip of her fingers. It seemed like whatever poison Hyperion used, he had no intention of getting into a serious fight, and it was only meant to incapacitate.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [30 - 70 (Mirror Avatar)]


    [WARNING!]


    [Adjustment reaching critical thresholds!]


    [Rebalance requested! Critical imbalance may result in permanent side-effects!]


    Now that she was once again aware of it, Izabel realized the sense of urgency the device was conveying. Muscle memory allowed her to navigate the interface without much issues, and luckily, the Mirror Device conveniently projected the numbers in front of her eyes.


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [30 - 70 (Mirror Avatar)]


    [40 - 60]


    [45 - 55]


    [...]


    As the numbers tick down, the power in her veins started to decrease, her hair and body regaining its former form and colors.


    [65 - 35]


    [ERROR -  Invalid adjustment value!]


    [Recalibrating¡­]


    For a moment, the numbers froze.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Izabel couldn¡¯t help but ask out loud.


    ¡°The earlier battle may have caused some errors,¡± Hunter offered.


    T only stared at Izabel, not saying anything.


    [Recalibration complete]


    [75 - 25]


    [90 - 10]


    [ERROR -  Invalid adjustment value!]


    [Recalibrating¡­]


    [Recalibration attempt failed!]


    [Recalibrating¡­]


    [Recalibration complete]


    [Mental Integrity Number Distribution]


    [100 - 0 (Host)]


    ¡°I suppose you¡¯ve finished,¡± T nodded. ¡°Try the Imitator, it should come in handy. Now, go back and rest, it looks like you needed it. Besides, there¡¯s no telling if or when the Primeras¡¯ collective will send someone here again.¡±


    ¡°How about you?¡± Izabel asked back. ¡°You also look like someone tried to shove you into a cutting machine.¡±


    T smiled at the comparison, ¡°This just looks bad, but not really. I still have things to do here. Now go, besides, we¡¯ll meet again. I promise you that.¡±


    ¡°He is correct. We have achieved the first step, and we should recuperate for the moment. Nothing good will come if they caught us in a wounded state.¡±


    ¡°Okay, in that case,¡± Izabel nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll meet again, T¡±


    ¡°See you.¡±


    With the happiness of their first victory, Izabel stepped into the portal.

 016

    ¡°Hyperion, Sucellus, and Theia have perished.¡±


    It was a massive, circular space made of a mix of overgrown branches and roots creeping at the walls, combined with something flesh-like pulsing in an even tune, similar to the sound and look of a beating heart. Hexagonal patterns line the walls, each hole containing a room big enough for several Primeras and their bonded creatures, the main space and the rooms separated by an obscured glass wall, made in such a way those inside can look out to the main space, while the main space saw nothing but lit rooms.


    In the middle of the space, a pillar stood, bundles of wires and branches extending to every direction, while the pillar itself looked like it was carved from a piece of the sky. Impressions of clouds would pass, drifting as if winds were blowing within the false sky patterns.


    Then, the clouds parted, revealing a gray-eyed woman with brown hair striking towards the direction of the camera, before cracks shattered the footage entirely.


    ¡°This is the final footage sent before Hyperion perished. Theia and Succelus has no final footage. What are your thoughts on this, Ouranos?¡±


    ¡°They did not follow the precautions set by the Central System, resulting in their demise,¡± a voice came from one of the many hexagons on the walls, their voice carrying a tinge of regret, ¡°It seems that we were too hasty in designating the BS-Sol-3 as a safe planet.¡±


    ¡°incorrect,¡± another voice chimed in from another hexagon. ¡°The Central System has established that all Primeras visiting all colonies must attune themselves with the Central System for security and information collection during their stay. No matter what you say, Ouranos, it will not change the fact that your subordinates have been neglectful.¡±


    ¡°Caelum, why are you interfering in the Central¡¯s judgement?¡± Ouranos said, their voice strained, heavy with anger. ¡°However, I admit that I do shoulder some blame in this failure.¡±


    ¡°What is your next move, Ouranos of the Gloom?¡± the pillar asked.


    ¡°Use the hero of the ultimate clairvoyance, and bring this matter to a swift, decisive end. I will carry out my mission as the Prime Steward of BS-Sol-3.¡±


    ¡°Then, we of the Central System await your good news.¡±


    Ouranos did not offer any reply, and soon, the glow of their hexagonal room faded away.


    ¨C


    Izabel had half-expected their first victory to be a bigger deal.


    However, Cordis has been silent since then. In a way, even though they seem to be able to communicate to other domes now, nothing has changed, and there was no additional options or any other alteration to the Heart Mirror app. In a way, though they knew that logically they had achieved a highly difficult feat, there was no one to make a bigger deal out of it - at least, not outside the virtual space.


    There was also the fact that there weren¡¯t as many groups as in the first meeting, where Cordis explained everything.


    ¡°Calm down, Izabel. The foundations of even the most magnificent structures are under the ground,¡± Hunter chided, directing her to focus back on their training.


    Ever since Izabel was wounded back in the fight, whenever the system notified them that it was downtime, Hunter made her train on dodging projectiles and close-range weapons. Armed with Hunter¡¯s gun, Izabel weaved through moving dummies in the virtual space, relying on the slight shifts in the air to tell her the direction of the attacks.


    ¡°Still, though, It feels like just any other day. Seriously, we managed to break one of their systems!¡±


    ¡°Concentrate.¡±


    Smack.


    Hunter¡¯s warning was immediately followed by a hit from a dummy weapon right on Izabel¡¯s stomach. The sudden attack caused her to fall over, and with a mildly pained, embarrassed expression, Hunter commanded the equipment to disappear with her mind, allowing Izabel to fall over safely.


    ¡°If I get sick when the system hours tell me it is time to follow their schedules, the blame is on you, Hunter.¡±


    ¡°I did warn you to concentrate.¡±


    ¡°Actually, can we call it quits for the day? I¡¯d rather not suffer when I wake up.¡±


    ¡°You are aware that in order to strengthen yourself, you must put your body through pain?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m not going to get stronger in the span of five days, save some of the suffering for later, please.¡±


    ¡°It is all to accomplish our shared goal, Izabel. Have you forgotten already?¡±


    ¡°No, but I need rest. There¡¯s a message on the room¡¯s control system, too.¡±


    With the virtual room now cleared of equipment and returned to its normal size, Izabel approached the orb in the middle of the room. An incoming mail symbol was projected right on top of the orb, and then, it disappeared as soon as Izabel touched the top of the orb.


    [Facsimile of Emotional Experience of Life ¨C BETA system]


    [Update to the Facsimile System:


    Invitation function now live!


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Are you a frequent user of the virtual entertainment during your system downtime?


    All users of Heart Mirror app are now allowed to invite people to experience the results of your creativity in the system¡¯s provided room. If you frequently use the virtual entertainment provided by the Coronam Vitae system, the Facsimile BETA essentially functions as a sandbox version of those virtual worlds, allowing Heart Mirror users to customize and share their creation even to those without the app. However, keep in mind that those invited this way will be set in a visitor mode, and they will experience the Facsimile the way they would experience any other virtual entertainment system.


    Other Heart Mirror users will be able to visit the area with your permission, You can either grant permission remotely with the provided options, or invite them directly.


    For now, enjoy the downtime, and automatic reports will be sent to the system should any errors occur.


    Regards, Cordis]


    ¡°... So, it¡¯s essentially a sharing feature to a virtual dollhouse,¡± Izabel deadpanned.


    ¡°Correct, but I think the underlying intention behind this update is to create some sort of rules-free space where anything and everything is possible, at least within memory limits,¡± Hunter explained. ¡°So far, we used this space as a mental training area, however, we do not know the actual limits of what it is capable of. Considering other users can visit this space, it should be possible for us to create a room specifically to conduct a mock battle, while the rest of the space is used for other things.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s an interesting idea, but why do we need to fight other users? We¡¯re on the same side.¡±


    ¡°Mental training with tools like this help you get stronger, but there is no replacement for combat experience with a real, live opponent, even if they are not a Primeras,¡± Hunter explained. ¡°Not to mention, you have seen what happened before. There are people who chose to aid the Primeras.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Izabel thought of the time Cecilia defeated one such person, a few days ago outside the domes.


    ¡°I really want to know why.¡±


    ¡°As your Mirror Avatar, let me remind you that while I and the app are capable of many things, that does not include reading minds, I am afraid,¡± Hunter replied.


    Izabel sighed, then she stretched her body. ¡°Now that I think about it, I¡¯m curious how this virtual space works.¡±


    Hunter gave a slight smile in response.


    ¡°Alright, you have earned yourself a break.¡±


    When Izabel was about to tinker with the control orb, a notification popped up from the Mirror Device. A quick glance revealed that Pestilence was contacting her. With a flick of her finger, projection appeared in front of her eyes. As soon as the projection appeared, Pestilence - Valerie, spoke in a sing-song tone, her relaxed mood evident even through the slight distortion from the device.


    [¡°Hey, Izabel! Have you seen the new feature? Come here, I want to show you something.¡±]


    Pestilence gestured for the projection to expand, showing that she was waiting outside the rooms. Behind her, a part of the massive tree in the middle of the virtual space could be seen.


    [¡°I¡¯m waiting outside the rooms, you should be free, right?¡±]


    ¡°I am free, yeah. Right on time, I¡¯m curious too.¡±


    [¡°What is it, Len?¡±]


    The sound notification of a new projection interrupted the two. Next to Pestilence, Barnett, or Claire, can be seen. She was sitting behind a desk, an opened sketchbook with drawings of flowers lying right in front of her. A slight frown decorated her features. It seems she did not appreciate being interrupted.


    [¡°Finally! Come here, Claire! I have something to show you.¡±]


    [¡°Sure, I have some time.¡±]


    [¡°Well, see you both in the common area.¡±]


    With that, the call ended, and Izabel walked out through the door.


    Valerie was already there, waiting while leaning against a wall, laughing at a conversation she was having with Pestilence floating next to her. Not long afterwards, Claire emerged from one of the rooms, scanning through the people passing by for a bit before heading towards them, Barnett floating close behind her.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s been a few days. How is the situation over there?¡± Valerie asked first.


    ¡°Nothing much happened, just mostly trying to be on my best behavior,¡± Claire shrugged. ¡°Thanks to the interference, my Happiness numbers are doing pretty good, it¡¯s pretty much a matter of time until I¡¯m out.¡±


    Izabel glanced at Barnett floating behind her. The witch, noticing her gaze, gave Izabel a small, reassuring smile, and then gave her a thumbs up.


    ¡°Barnett asked me to tell you that she¡¯s been keeping me company. As long as the machines don¡¯t walk in to check, we pretty much have free reign. They¡¯re discussing about the possibility of continuing the treatment outside, something about reintegration into the society at large.¡±


    Claire shrugged, then continued.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to talk your ear off about that, though. Val¨C Len, why are you calling me here?¡±


    ¡°Right, the thing,¡± Valerie nodded. ¡°First of all, come here with me.¡±


    The three walked past a few doors, then stopped right as Valerie did. As with the others, the door looked unassuming. Then, Valerie opened it.


    Behind the door, a massive room could be seen, decorated in such a deep, pervasive sense of luxury that it was nauseating. Gold lined the walls, along with piles of treasure behind a velvet lined-throne, chandelier made of sparkling crystals gilding the ceiling like they were worth nothing. It all was almost blinding in its opulence, the sheer scale would be magnanimous if¨C


    If they weren¡¯t an illusion.


    ¡°Did you ask the system to make the tackiest room imaginable then run with it?¡± Claire spoke first, and Izabel sighed, unable to help but agree. ¡°This can¡¯t be the thing you want us to see, is it?¡± Claire continued.


    ¡°Oh, it is,¡± Valerie smiled, meanwhile, Pestilence was floating next to her, his expression equally pleased. ¡°Considering that we can create anything here, I decided to make this. You don¡¯t think that is all to this room, do you? Try sitting on the throne over there.¡±


    ¡°... Okay, I am kind of intrigued now.¡± Izabel said, then added in her mind. ¡°Hunter, stop laughing.¡±


    ¡°My¡­ ahem, my apologies, Izabel. You cannot deny how ridiculous this is, though.¡±


    ¡°True, but I can hear you hold it in my head, just let it go so you¡¯re not making me¨C pfft.¡±


    Well, the jig was up.


    ¡°Not you too, Izabel,¡± Valerie said. ¡°At least try it first. Sit on that throne.¡±


    She gestured at the luxurious, velvet-lined throne sitting at the center of the room, just in front of a massive pile of glittering treasures.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll bite.¡±


    Izabel walked to the throne and climbed up onto it. She resisted the urge to tell Valerie to at least make it reachable and less ostentatious.


    Right as she did, a notification appeared in front of the eyes.


    [Would you like to start Everlore of Reminiscence - Disaster Edition?]


    For a moment, Izabel was silent, knowing what Valerie has made.


    ¡°Did you really just make your own virtual entertainment, without using any resources provided by the Primeras, in the span of days?¡±


    Izabel looked at Valerie. It was then that she noticed the bags under her eyes, a sure sign that she has been sacrificing sleep for it. However, even though she looks a little worse for wear, her lips was curled into a proud smirk.


    ¡°Yes, I did, what of it?¡±


    ¨C


    [¡°Adler, I¡¯ve brought news.¡±]


    A deep, grave voice filled the silent habitation unit. Adler, along with her Mirror Avatar, was looking at the screen projected in front of her, depicting a lanky, thin man wearing a hooded coat. His brown eyes and hair looked unremarkable, and were it not for the smattering of white that crept up from the roots of his hair, he would disappear the moment he walked into a crowd. The room was darkened, all windows covered with blackout curtains, and the only light source was the projection.


    [¡°What is it, Lapin?¡±]


    Lapin took a deep breath before answering.


    [¡°First, the outside of the dome. We checked and tried to find the source of the miasma, however, we found nothing. The person named T isn¡¯t there, as well. Even the location information given has nothing. It is all the same, untouched landscape.¡±]


    [¡°Didn¡¯t the reports also mention that the Primeras left nothing but their spherical core?¡±] Adler asked.


    [¡°Yes, but I can¡¯t find any spherical objects with the stated descriptions, nor can I find any traces.¡±] Lapin explained. [¡°There is no way the elements outside got to the cores first or eroded everything, because there was really nothing, no weapon marks left on the stone structures, and considering that  Hunter uses a bladed weapon, it was impossible to not leave marks at the battleground at all.¡±]


    Adler¡¯s expression turned grave at the explanation.


    [¡°I see, I¡¯ll try to take that into account for the next extrapolation.¡±]


    In the dark space, she was sorting through a pile of papers, something her partner has encouraged to use for better safety purposes. Though her Mirror Avatar possesses a dagger for protection, it was clear to anyone watching that she would not last in an extended fight.


    [¡°Speaking of extrapolation¡­¡±] Lapin started.


    [¡°Still no news of what you¡¯re looking for, I¡¯m afraid,¡±] Adler shook her head. [¡°This time, everything is too blurry, and the vision ends in black before I can really see anything. One thing is clear, though, a stranger¡¯s voice said¨C¡±]


    She took a deep breath before continuing.


    [¡°Leave, for her clairvoyance sees all.¡±]

 017

    ¡°Yes, I did, what of it?¡±


    ¡°Just how dedicated are you? I didn¡¯t even use mine,¡± Claire said. ¡°Well, to be fair, Barnett uses it as a decoration spot.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know she could do that,¡± Izabel remarked, glancing at Barnett¡¯s partly transparent figure. Barnett responded with a slight smirk, and with a wave of her hand, a single rose bloomed on her palm, followed by vines slithering along her forearm.


    ¡°Barnett said it¡¯s a convenient spot for relaxing and growing plants, as false as they are, and can be used as a storage unit for information.¡± Claire said.


    ¡°Anyway, what does this virtual entertainment do?¡± Izabel turned to look at Valerie.


    ¡°Just try it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d expect another virtual adventure like those the Primeras let us play in the downtime, something about saving everything and all is well at the end of the day, then, black-out and we¡¯re back to the habitation unit¨C well, this room, more like,¡± Claire said, sighing.


    ¡°Come on, Claire, at least try it.¡±


    ¡°Well, sure, we have time, anyway. Izabel, are you going to try?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to admit that I¡¯m curious what entertainment that isn¡¯t approved or checked by the Primeras is like,¡± Izabel admitted. ¡°Even if I don¡¯t have any interest of playing those myself,¡±


    ¡°Alright then, you first.¡±


    Afterwards, they were quiet, letting Izabel figure out the controls as they watched on the side. As the customizations were done and the game started proper, a line of notification, telling the others they were on spectator mode could be seen, right before their bodies became partly transparent, a signal that they could watch, but affect nothing during the game.


    Izabel¡¯s expression was a serious one - brows furrowed, lips in a thin line, and body language tense. It didn¡¯t take long for the first enemy to appear, a character wearing an all-black outfit that exposed nothing but their eyes. They approached Izabel, and then, following an unseen prompt, a broadsword appeared on Izabel''s hand, right before she slashed the character in a diagonal curve across the torso.


    Blood spilled on the virtual room floor, and even though the others were aware it was nothing but simulation, they could smell the tang of iron in the air as the enemy dispersed into pixels.


    ¡°... Len,¡± Claire started, her face blanched in disgust, ¡°Did you have to include the smell?¡±


    In contrast to her, Barnett¡¯s gaze was glued to the sight. It seems that, unlike her host, she found the sight a rather interesting one.


    ¡°Hehe, of course! There are no restrictions, so I get to go all out.¡± Valerie grinned, ¡°and I mean it.¡±


    Next to her, Pestilence nodded, his expression an indication to his agreement.


    ¡°I swear, you two, get a less¡­ urgh, disgusting entertainment,¡± Claire sighed, then she turned to whisper at Barnett, ¡°Hey, Barnett, there¡¯s no need for you to look that interested.¡±


    Barnett turned to look at Claire, smiling with the glee of a child who saw a new, expensive toy that she has to acquire right about now, and replied. No one except for Claire can hear her, however, it was clear from the way Claire shuddered that it was something she disagreed with.


    Their conversation continued for a few more minutes, the two locked in a back and forth, then, with a resigned sigh, Claire said, ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯m letting you try. Just¡­ don¡¯t make me see that, or something. I¡¯d rather not smell or feel blood if I can help it.¡±


    At that point, Izabel has reached a change in scenery. Now, she was seated at the end of a long table, with her seat bearing an elaborate emblem that looked like a combination of a white wolf and some kind of geometric symbol. On the chairs at the side of the long table, characters with similar facial features were seated, the only thing that separated each character was the different symbols on their clothes.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten around to fix their appearance yet,¡± Valerie said with a shrug right as Claire looked at her.


    Valerie and Claire saw Izabel furrow her brows, then she mouthed something. Neither of them could hear what she said, however, soon after, another character materialized, wearing clothes that were less elaborate than those sitting near the table, and bowed to Izabel¨C


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Only for them to reveal a concealed dagger, then stab her on the gut. Blood trickled down the corner of her lips as the surroundings faded, sending them back into the beginning.


    ¡°Seriously, Izabel?¡± Valerie started, barely containing her laughter, ¡°You barely passed the tutorial segment! Besides, you can dodge that.¡±


    ¡°... This isn¡¯t my thing,¡± Izabel replied with a sigh, then glanced at Hunter, who had her head in her hands.


    ¡°My apologies, I am afraid that navigating an environment of such¡­ intrigue is not one of my strengths,¡± Hunter said. ¡°You may not realize, but this could be described as a crude approximation of what goes on in the life of a ruler. I do not have enough information to effectively aid you.¡±


    ¡°... aaaand by the looks of it, your Mirror Avatar isn¡¯t good at it, either,¡± Valerie said. Next to her, Pestilence was covering his mouth with his hand, his eyes sparkling in amusement. From the way he was floating in the air behind Valerie, acting as if he was lying on a comfortable, invisible sofa and enjoying the show, it seems like he had a hand in the creation of the virtual world.


    Meanwhile, Claire, who has been silent, spoke all of a sudden, ¡°Wait, Barnett, okay, alright, let me just¡­¡±


    Claire fiddled with the settings of her Mirror Device, and then, her gaze changed. No longer did she looked pale, and though her eyes stayed green, now there was a tinge of mischief sparkling within the vivid emerald color. A light blond color has seeped out from the roots of Claire¡¯s brown hair, a phenomenon they both recognized as a sign of someone altering their Number Distribution.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she smiled, her voice now distinctly different, more playful compared to Claire¡¯s usual demeanor. ¡°First time we¡¯re talking like this, right?¡±


    ¡°Hey, Barnett,¡± Valerie started first, ¡°Go on, then, tell me what you think, and¡­ yeah, can you help her with that?¡±


    ¡°Easy, she¡¯s not going to see it,¡± Barnett smiled, showing her hand. Vines has surrounded her arm, from the tip of her fingers and disappearing under her sleeves. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±


    ¡°Good, well, have fun, then.¡±


    ¡°You could at least let me dodge so I don¡¯t lose that early¡­¡±


    ¡°Correct, but you dodged attacks from a Primeras, albeit one that underestimated your capabilities before its demise. Assuming you were not too tense, you should have been capable of dodging it yourself, too,¡± Hunter said with an easy smile, the kind of smile reserved to goad someone into doing something they wouldn¡¯t want.


    In response to that, Izabel frowned.


    ¡°You helped me dodge the initial attack, why not the second one?¡±


    ¡°Did I?¡± Hunter asked back, her smile still present, ¡°Putting my distaste for court intrigue aside, you were paralyzed by the available choices, and fearing the wrong one, your body tensed, causing the loss as you were unable to dodge that surprise attack.¡±


    Meanwhile, Barnett, using Claire¡¯s body, has started the game. Even with a cursory glance, it was easy to tell that she was much more at ease than Izabel was, and even without being able to hear her voice, her body language conveyed that she was at ease. Unlike Izabel, she dodged the initial attack, then summoned a weapon, a long, wooden spear with an iron tip, right as the character attacking her stumbled. She then stabbed the attacker at the back of their neck, killing the character in a less messy way than Izabel did, before flicking the spear, cleaning it off most of the blood, and wiped the rest on the fallen character¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°That. Is. Cool,¡± Valerie said, while letting out a whistle. ¡°Do you often play?¡±


    Of course, Barnett does not reply, after all, she was currently engrossed within the virtual world. Just like with Izabel, the scenery soon changed, now they were in the courtroom with the group of officials and Barnett sitting at the end. She seemed completely at ease, and with a sentence or two from her, all spoken with the same ease of someone talking about their day, the characters were immediately enraged at her.


    Barnett has managed to rile up the characters in the room, and from her playful smirk, it is obvious that it was intentional.


    The room erupted into chaos, the faceless characters now materializing their weapons and charging at Barnett. Unperturbed, she simply dodged the combined attacks, taking advantage at their sloppy movements.


    All the while, Valerie was watching, clearly enjoying the display, while Pestilence was floating, lying down on his stomach with his chin propped up with his hand, the way one would relax on a bed. In a way, there was something amusing about how relaxed he was in the current situation, compared to how silent and serious he seemed to be while on the mission not that long ago.


    Alas, as with all things, the display comes to an end. Barnett was caught off-guard, and with the distinct scent of blood being splashed across the floor, she was decapitated. Izabel watched as their expression changed almost as quickly as the situation.


    For a moment, the metallic tang made Izabel forgot that they were not in an actual battlefield.


    ¡°Whoops,¡± Barnett said, with a grin, while moving her head around as if the previous event was nothing but a minor inconvenience. ¡°Can I try it again sometime?¡±


    It took a moment for Valerie to pick up her wits, but right afterwards, she laughed, and nodded. ¡°As long as Claire is okay with it, sure.¡±


    ¡°No worries, I made sure she¡¯s safe. I¡¯m returning her to you. Again though, thanks for the chance~¡±


    Barnett did a bowing motion, her movement reminiscent of an act of obeisance - except, as Claire was not wearing the necessary garments for it, it came out as her trying to pick up the air in an awkward manner. She seemed to realize, too, but the smile still etched on her lips was a wordless confirmation that it didn¡¯t bother her in the slightest.


    ¡°Let me try that again, but for now, ta-ta~¡±


    With that, there was a perceptible shift in the air, and Barnett reappeared next to Claire, sitting on the handle of her spear. She jumped down, bowing correctly this time, and waited as Claire adjusted the numbers. Claire¡¯s movements were groggy, just like the way one would be when woken up from a nap.


    ¡°--you¡¯d like to try that again sometime? Sure, just don¡¯t involve me,¡± Claire mumbled, then stretched her limbs. ¡°Alright, alright, you get it.¡±


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Izabel asked, staring at her.


    ¡°Like I just woke up, really. Did she cause any problems?¡±


    ¡°Nope, in this case, she really did keep her promise,¡± Valerie nodded.


    ¡°Good to know¨C oh, she tells you that next time, try to reduce the possible failure points.¡±


    ¡°Sure, for the next time I revise things, then,¡± Valerie nodded. Meanwhile, Pestilence¡¯s expression soured a little. ¡°Let¡¯s try it first before you judge, okay, Lenny?¡±


    Bad move. As an onlooker, Izabel had never seen Pestilence bear such a serious expression - at least, not outside the battlefield. Valerie too realized it, and she raised her hand in surrender, even though the twitch from the corner of her lips suggested that she was close to a full-blown laughter. ¡°Right, Len, not that, I won¡¯t call you that again, I promise.¡±


    When one thinks about it, the situation felt normal, too mundane, in contrast with what they have gone through not even a full system month ago.


    As if to mock the thought, everyone felt a notification from their Mirror devices. Even though no one had seen the message, they all knew it was the same kind of alert as when they were first invited as a Heart Mirror user. At the same time, all three opened the message, the expressions of their Mirror Avatars equally serious.


    [Subject: Mission Complete]


    [From: CORDIS#404]


    [The Spires have been unlocked, and communication between Domes is now possible. As the wise says, all journeys start with the smallest steps, and we have taken ours.]


    [In accordance with the current situation, it is time for us to move again. All Heart Mirror users are advised to find a safe place to enter the virtual space as soon as you are able.]


    [Automatic transport to the virtual space will occur in 1 hour, 59 minutes]

 018

    As the timer ticked down, Izabel felt the familiar weightlessness, then, she landed on the platform. It was still the same orange and white, surrounded in a circle of fire, but this time, there was flickers of blue embers amongst the flames, not even visible unless one bothers to pay attention to the platform. On her left, Valerie - Pestilence¡¯s platform could be seen, made of thousands of tiny, black cubes dotted with white with a few stray clusters of cubes rotating around the platform.


    Their platform rested a little bit below Izabel¡¯s. From the looks of it, the platform heights were randomized every time they arrive.


    Unlike before, now Claire - Barnett¡¯s platform, rested on Izabel¡¯s right side. It was green, made of clusters of leaves, vines, and grass, surrounded by thorns, and flower buds form around Claire¡¯s feet, moving and following along with each little movement she made. Claire herself seemed not to notice, her gaze focusing on the center platform, where Cordis stood before.


    Behind her alias, now there was an additional line.


    [HUNTER#101 - Team 2E]


    Next to the three, there was [EYE#819 - Team 1E], the woman sitting on the back of one of her puppets, with two more acting as armrests and one serving as a footstool on her pink platform.


    ¡°Do not stare,¡± Hunter reminded.


    A little too late, right as Izabel turned away, Eye had glanced to where Izabel was, and smirked, her smile taunting, dangerous.


    Not keen on playing that game with Eye, Izabel focused on the others. They too possessed a distinctive platform, one a coiled, blue dragon with a distinct, pale, cold mist wafting from its surface. The name on the platform says [HERALD#881 - Team 1E]. Meanwhile, the other one stood on a platform that looked almost ethereal, shaped like a jellyfish with a transparent body and waving stingers. If she didn¡¯t know better, Izabel would be worried about the flimsy-looking platform falling apart from being stood on.


    [DAHLIA#291 - Team 1E]


    ¡°I can feel your gaze on me, Hunter,¡± a voice spoke from the direction of Dahlia¡¯s platform. Even with the distorted voice and the faceless disguise rendering them as a shadow, Izabel could almost picture the lazy amusement, mixed with a curiosity that so badly wished it could pierce through the dark veil covering them. ¡°I share your sentiment, for you are the one of the first ones who killed a Primeras.¡±


    Dahlia turned around. Even with the featureless disguise, Izabel could feel their eyes meeting hers.


    ¡°Perhaps we should meet up and talk sometime?¡±


    ¡°Dahlia, enough playing around. We have things to do,¡± another voice joined in, this time, from Herald¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Now, now, Herald, let her have fun, after all, the star of this show hasn¡¯t arrived yet,¡± Eye spoke. ¡°Perhaps, Hunter, you too should stand on the central platform, with your team?¡±


    Eye tapped her foot, and another T-doll materialized from the card she dropped, bringing her a glass of red wine. While swirling the drink, she continued, golden eyes glancing at Izabel.


    ¡°Regardless, allow me to offer my congratulations, for being one of the first to kill a Primeras.¡±


    ¡°Can she not shut up?¡± Claire snapped. Right next to her, Barnett was pouting, indignantly staring at Eye. ¡°We¡¯re not here to be gawked at.¡±


    ¡°Get lost, Eye. You used me.¡±


    ¡°We simply had a deal, dear Hunter,¡± her reply was casual, unconcerned. ¡°Don¡¯t be such a stick in the mud.¡±


    On the right of Izabel¡¯s team, there were one familiar platform, and two unfamilar ones. Izabel spotted Carcosa¡¯s platform first, a glowing, gold-hardened light, then followed by a circular platform made of rusted metal. On the surface and around it, feathers were fluttering around, each one a distinct black-and-white.


    [BRECHER#198 - Team 3E]


    ¡°Brecher, huh? So she¡¯s really on our side.¡± Izabel thought.


    ¡°She seems to have acted independently from her team in our previous encounter, though,¡± Hunter said.


    Brecher gave a nod of acknowledgement. Izabel noted that, despite how she had seen Brecher in the outside world, here, the featureless disguise bestowed by the system was still active.


    Then, next to Brecher, there was a platform that looked rather festive. It was decorated in soft blues and whites, with colorful lights emanating wherever their feet stepped. It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that it was one of the brighter, more distinctive platforms.


    [STRIGA#444 - Team 3E]


    Their demeanor looked cheerful, a contrast to the others¡¯ more serious or relaxed stances.


    [Welcome back, it seems that all the Heart Mirror users have arrived.]


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Just like before, the central platform cracked, fragments of reality falling into a dark void in multicolored blocks. With the grace of a creature clawing its way out of the abyss, Cordis rose out of the crack, their body obscured with the same darkness coating the users who still wished to remain anonymous. Unlike before, their form now has a certain sheen to it, creating the illusion that their disguise was made of forged metal.


    [First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to you all, for you have managed to secure the spires, and the means of communication to other domes.]


    ¡°You¡¯re not calling us here to praise us for that, right?¡± Eye said.


    ¡°You look different, Cordis, surely you don¡¯t expect every user here to not notice?¡± Adler added.


    [Adler, designation number 007, and Eye, designation number 819. You are correct. As you may have surmised, we have a dire problem.]


    With that last word, all other chatter died down. Those who were busy not listening all but stopped mid-sentence, the words dying on their throat. A heavy pause settled in the very air of the virtual world, and then, Cordis continued.


    [One of the Primeras has set their eyes on Dome-13. They have caught wind of our existence a little earlier than anticipated, and their pet has found that the disturbance is linked to the altered Mirror Device. I have set some countermeasures - however, the identity of the Primeras who sent them along with the nature of our enemy¡¯s powers remain uncertain. As travel between domes is not yet possible in larger scale, those in Dome-13 are trapped prey, unable to escape.]


    ¡°I see, so, what is your proposal?¡± Someone else asked. They were standing atop a black platform, surrounded by broken, half-empty glowing vials. A crescent symbol was etched on the center of the platform, each line a deep groove made by scratching something massive and sharp. The designation [LAPIN#303 - Team 4E] could be seen floating near them.


    After a pause, Lapin continued.


    ¡°Do you have a plan to save them?¡±


    [That is correct, Lapin, designation number 303] Cordis replied. [Soon, there will be maintenance performed on that dome. I should be able to force open a backdoor, where we can send those with offensively-oriented Mirror Avatars.]


    ¡°That sounds heroic, but is there anything to be gained here, Cordis?¡± Eye asked, shifting her legs so both were pressed on the puppet acting as a footstool. ¡°As appealing as playing a rescuer sounds, we don¡¯t have infinite power or resources.¡±


    A pause. It seems that Cordis was considering the point.


    [Yes, we have neither of those.]


    Another pause.


    [However, Eye, designation number 819, I need to remind you that we neither know what will happen if the Primeras figured out the in-depth workings of the Mirror Device, the Mirror Avatars¡¯ true nature, and the existence of the Heart Mirror app.]


    ¡°That is odd. Remember how last time they said not to alter the Number Distribution too much,¡± Hunter said.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just not important right now?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, but Eye likely has had her numbers altered since before the very beginning of this session.¡±


    Logically, Izabel knew, considering how Eye had behaved since the start of this, and the show of power she was currently doing, some of her behavior must be controlled by her Mirror Avatar. However, unlike before, Cordis didn¡¯t seem to call any attention to it - nor did they act like it bothered them.


    ¡°You drive a hard bargain, Cordis,¡± Eye said, letting the glass on her hand drop to the platform. Before the glass could even touch the ground, the hand of a P-doll rose and took it away through a tear in reality itself. ¡°What¡¯s in it for me?¡±


    From somewhere else, there was a voice.


    ¡°Striga, don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Carcosa, even Brecher agrees with me,¡± they said, in a sing-song voice. ¡°What is it? Do you need a calculation tool for potential allies? How about you head out again and face the Primeras yourself? Let¡¯s see if that goes better than last time. Tell me your results, I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    ¡°Is that a challenge, Striga? How about you come with me? Maybe see if that cacophony of yours can break their eardrums.¡± Eye fired back.


    ¡°Nah, unlike someone, I¡¯d rather have allies.¡±


    [Quiet!]


    It was the first time Cordis yelled.


    Not even the voice distortion was able to mask their annoyance.


    [Considering that there are oppositions to this, we have two options.]


    Cordis waved their hand, creating a pair of projections.


    [First, the inhabitants of this dome can go and rescue them. If this is done, you will have potential allies, and in the long run, this will benefit us. Think of it as an upfront investment that you can get the benefits on later.]


    ¡°The second one?¡± A voice asked. The voice came from atop a platform split in the middle. One part was green, filled with life, and the other was withered and skeletal. The name [VERDANT#258 - Team 5E] was visible.


    ¡°We don¡¯t, and boom! No more things to worry about, duh!¡± Another voice responded. It came from a platform made of what seemed to be a cluster of machinery inner parts.


    [DESOLATION#813 - Team 4E]


    ¡°Desolation!¡± Adler shouted.


    ¡°What? I was right.¡±


    Baskerville opened her mouth, about to say something, then closed her mouth again. ¡°This isn¡¯t productive, Desolation. Shut up!¡±


    ¡°Haah, so serious, we¡¯ll get these damned Primeras eventually, anyway.¡±


    [Let me remind everyone again to not alter their Number Distribution too carelessly. Regardless, the second option is, we abandon Dome-13 to their fate, while thinking of a countermeasure.]


    ¡°Hunter? I¡¯m going, but what do you think?¡±


    ¡°I agree, we cannot leave them to their fate. Depending on what the Primeras do with the information they will obtain in Dome-13, we might be in danger as well.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯m in favor of option one,¡± Izabel said, out loud, causing everyone there to turn and look in her direction. ¡°This is our chance, and we¡¯re not losing allies to the Primeras this early.¡±


    ¡°That is too idealistic, if we fail, we will just send more fighting force into a trap,¡± Herald said. ¡°I vote option two. Some fighters are better than none.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should abandon them, Herald,¡± Dahlia said. ¡°Remember, if they know about the details of our Mirror Avatars¡¯ existence, it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°Hence we focus on finding ways to hide them and regroup,¡± Herald replied. ¡°Ask your Mirror Avatar, Dahlia, would they sacrifice themself for someone they don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Shut up, all of you!¡±


    The indignant, enraged voice came from Adler.


    ¡°Since none of you gets it, I¡¯m going to tell you all something. I¡¯ll only say this once.¡±


    There was a perceptible shift of power in the air, but it disappeared almost as quickly as it came.


    ¡°If we don¡¯t go with the first option, we will lose a valuable ally, one that some of your Mirror Avatars might recognize.¡±


    Adler¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper, calling for the assistance of her partner. Again, power shifted in the air, and Izabel saw as the girl¡¯s hair were tinged in a soft lavender from the roots to the middle of each strand, giving her an odd, mismatched look taken from two different people. She took a deep breath, and then:


    ¡°I invoke my authority granted by the Linnurata system,¡±


    As she spoke, her voice took on a different dip, different pitch, different tone that seemed impossible, a dark voice full of anger. Brecher immediately snapped to look at Adler. Even though her expression was not visible due to the disguise, from the way her hands trembled, it was clear that the voice resembled something familiar to her.


    ¡°Embrace me and manifest, the ma¨C¡±


    Adler stopped right then and there.


    ¡°That is what I have seen,¡± Adler said, her voice returning to normal.


    Whispers and questions started to fill the room, some asking their Mirror Avatars in bewilderment, others asking about what they recognized.


    ¡°Adler!¡± Lapin shouted. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous for people to know that.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Lapin. This is our only option,¡± Adler shook her head. ¡°No matter how many times I did the Extrapolation, we have no chance of winning unless this happens.¡±


    ¡°Embrace me and manifest, huh¡­ That can¡¯t be¡­¡± Brecher muttered.


    ¡°Interesting, so you know of them,¡± Eye said, while doing a slow clap. ¡°Then, that begs the question, how do we know that you¡¯re not lying, Adler?¡±


    ¡°You can believe me, or don¡¯t. Look around you and judge by yourself, Eye.¡±


    Adler narrowed her eyes.


    ¡°Or should I say, Inquisitor of Illuvastria?¡±

 019

    ¡°Or should I say, inquisitor of Illuvastria?¡±


    Eye¡¯s smile faded, her relaxed demeanor replaced by something hardened, something enraged. With her disguise lifted for her, Izabel was able to see that the woman¡¯s expression was uncharacteristically serious. Her eyes narrowed, and as they did, the vivid green of hers shone, shifting into the color of molten gold.


    A clear mark that her Mirror Avatar was taking control this whole time.


    ¡°You are an inconvenience, are you aware of that, you damn brat?¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the compliment,¡± Adler smirked.


    With a flick of her fingers, Eye materialized a card. The heavy feeling of power started to manifest in the air. It was clear, the title bore some significance for her.


    [Eye, Adler, if you both continue this, I will be forced to limit your Number Distribution feature during future meetings.]


    The two of them looked at Cordis. A few tense seconds passed before the two of them looked away, adjusting the Mirror Device on their hand as they did.  With their feud halted for now, the feeling of power diminished from the air.


    ¡°Wait, what just¡ª¡° Adler said.


    [Continuing our previous conversation.] Cordis cut in, rendering Adler¡¯s mutterings lost to the crowd. [Tell me your decision, now.]


    Cordis waved their hand.


    [What course of action should we take?]


    [Option 1 / Option 2]


    ¡°First one, right?¡±


    ¡°Correct, dear Izabel,¡± Hunter replied, a smile on her lips.


    Just like them, the other users took some time to discuss things with their Mirror Avatar, before choosing the option that appeals to them. Some took a little longer, some discussing their options before committing, others seem to start arguing, until Cordis put a stop to it by tapping their feet, signaling for them to hurry up.


    Before long, Cordis spoke again.


    [I believe we have our results.]


    One by one, light started to shine on each platform, some red, some blue. Underneath her feet, Izabel¡¯s platform shone blue, and a quick glance around revealing that her teammates¡¯ did the same. To many people¡¯s surprise, Eye¡¯s platform too shone blue, even as her expression looked stone-still, a sign that this outcome was something she would not desire otherwise.


    However, as she looked at the other direction, Brecher¡¯s platform shone red.


    Noticing her stare, Brecher turned around and said. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here with Carcosa in case something goes wrong.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve discussed this, Hunter.¡± Carcosa added. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t think that the other teams are gallivanting off while your team is fighting, heh.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go on behalf of 3E~¡± Striga said.


    [Considering the split, roughly 57-43 percent in favor of going there, I will make it so that those who agreed to go will be on the list of candidates. Will that be acceptable?]


    ¡°Of course,¡± Herald replied. As expected, their platform shone red.


    ¡°Sure thing,¡± Desolation said, and just like Herald, their platform shone red.


    ¡°While you¡¯re playing chase with that Verdant, at least pretend to make sure that this Dome is safe, will you?¡± Adler said in a sarcastic tone.


    ¡°Worry not about that, Adler. I will make sure to keep him in line,¡± Verdant said. Even with the filter obscuring their identity, it was almost too easy to imagine them with a smirk.


    ¡°Piss off,¡± Desolation hissed.


    ¡°C-can you two not do that¡­?¡± Someone next to Verdant said. Their platform could be described as unremarkable, being something akin to hardened, reflective liquid silver that still rippled whenever the person above it even so much as moved a step. Just like Verdant, their platform also shone in red.


    [CATHY#100 - Team 5E]


    ¡°Just let them, they¡¯ll pipe down eventually,¡± another voice said. They stood on a platform colored in a mix of various colors forming marble-like patterns on a gray surface. However, unlike their teammates, their platform shone blue.


    [GRAY#712 - Team 5E]


    ¡°Anyways, sure, I agree, but then tell those who chose to hide down here to start discussing how to prepare. If you ask me, let¡¯s start by making this place inaccessible to the Primeras. Just topple the transportation bases or something.¡± Gray continued.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Even children know that¡¯s an unnecessary power display,¡± Aquila said. They stood on a plain platform made of metal, with nothing else of note except the addition of their team behind their name. Their platform shone in red.


    [AQUILA#749 - Team 1C]


    Izabel barely remembered them from before the spire mission.


    ¡°But you¡¯re right, we need to prepare. Cordis, can you allow the creation of a separate room?¡± Aquila asked.


    [Request granted. Let me finish things up here first, and we can discuss the defense matter later.]


    ¡°Alright then, can we go now?¡±


    [Yes, those who chose option two may go. Remember to not exit the virtual world just yet, as we are not finished.]


    One by one, those with red on their platforms disappeared.


    [Now that our decision about Dome-13 is sorted, we still need to decide who will head to the Dome itself. According to my current estimates, they will need to conduct a routine repair in around 112 Coronam Vitae system hours. In case of any changes, let us prepare in 90 hours.]


    With a wave of Cordis¡¯ hand, the platforms shifted, sorting them to a less messy look without all the empty spaces.


    [Considering the long nature of the mission and the disagreement of some users, we need to create a new team with what we currently have.]


    ¡°Before that, I want Eye and myself to go,¡± Adler said. Next to her, Lapin glanced at her, and saw that her hands were balled into fists until the tips of her fingers turned white. ¡°I¡¯m not negotiating on this.¡±


    ¡°Even without your little tantrum, Adler, I¡¯ll do that. Congratulations, you have successfully piqued my curiosity,¡± Eye said.


    ¡°No, not one of your P-doll clones disguised as you. I want you personally to come,¡± Adler said.


    ¡°What an annoying little thing, what are you after?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired of watching you sit there and play with everyone¡¯s life while you watch and indulge in your throne of puppets. Back up your claims, I will go, and you will, too.¡±


    Adler narrowed her eyes. Her eyes had turned into a deep crimson.


    ¡°I will make sure of it.¡±


    [Adler is correct that Eye may be a suitable candidate to go, considering their abilities.]


    ¡°If the great Cordis themself said we have to go, then so it will be,¡± Eye replied, her demeanor more relaxed, however, one with keen eyes would notice that the heel of her foot was pressed onto the puppet she used as a footrest.


    ¡°... Adler, let it go. No matter your distaste against her, she is our ally,¡± Lapin reminded.


    [Enough. Let us begin the selection.]


    With a gesture from Cordis, three screens appeared above them.


    [For this mission, we will need three teams. Your objective will be to stay hidden, gather information about our enemy, and with the least amount of confrontation, secure the Heart Mirror users of Dome-13.]


    Another screen appeared, this time, it depicted a map of the dome, along with several dots.


    [The dome¡¯s population is around three million, give or take, and we have seventy Heart Mirror users there. The report we received confirmed the presence of one opponent - it is likely that the Primeras responsible for this hunt is hiding.]


    ¡°If there is only one opponent, don¡¯t you think sending three teams is a little bit excessive?¡± Gray asked.


    ¡°If you ask me, that¡¯s safer,¡± Pestilence - Valerie said. ¡°Better safe than sorry.¡±


    ¡°A little hint for you two, think about it, why is it that despite having seventy Heart Mirror users, someone requests aid almost as soon as communication is established?¡± Eye said.


    ¡°Either they discovered things right after we established the spires connection system, or¡­¡± Barnett - Claire muttered,


    ¡°They have someone specializing in tracking and information the way we have Eye and Adler,¡± Izabel finished.


    ¡°Remember, the last time we fought a Primeras, they seemed to be unprepared. Chances are, this time, they have some information about us, at least enough to conduct a large-scale attack,¡± Hunter added.


    [Hunter is correct. From what I observed while I was conducting a remote defense, it seems that they target people in the vicinity of the Heart Mirror users for a ¡®random¡¯ check. For now, the worst has been avoided, and no devices containing the Heart Mirror was discovered yet. However, it is only a matter of time.]


    ¡°What do we know about our opponent?¡± Lapin asked.


    [They seem to specialize in tracking and has some knowledge on the operation of technology. Their identity is currently unknown.]


    Lapin didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°Adler?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know either. It¡¯s still too early.¡±


    [Regardless, considering Heart Mirror¡¯s nature, it is dangerous to let them be.]


    ¡°Someone specializing in tracking? Now this is an interesting development,¡± Eye said. ¡°So far, we have a tracking specialist, and a Linnurata Frontline member if that brat¡¯s information was anything to go by. All in one dome.¡±


    [Correct.]


    ¡°I am going, then. Regardless of a certain flea¡¯s meddling, this is shaping up to be something I have to see for myself.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Lapin followed suit.


    ¡°Count me in,¡± Adler said.


    [Do any others wish to volunteer, or is everyone else alright with being picked in accordance to my calculations?]


    A few grunts and nods, and with that, a whirring sound could be heard from all around Cordis. For a moment, their image flickered, teetering between existence and disappearance, before then, the list above her was filled with names.


    [Operation D13 Rescue]


    [Team A]


    [HUNTER#101]


    [BARNETT#018]


    [EYE#813]


    [TEAM B]


    [LAPIN#303]


    [STRIGA#444]


    [GRAY#712]


    [TEAM C]


    [INSIDER#333]


    [ADLER#007]


    [DAHLIA#291]


    [Team A and B will focus on more offensive endeavors, while team C will act as backup and focus on staying hidden] Cordis explained. [Any objections?]


    ¡°Cordis, I¡¯m sure you have seen my situation, so, I can¡¯t be there,¡± Barnett said. From the corner of her eyes, Izabel saw her grit her teeth.


    [I¡¯m aware.] Cordis replied. [I promise you that before the mission starts, you will be freed from the facility]


    ¡°How are you going to do that?¡±


    [The same way I have rendered all the surveillance on you null and void.]


    Claire stayed silent, but from the tremble of her lips, the shaky way she stood with an iron grip on her balance, Izabel knew that her teammate was itching at the prospect of being free. Even though her pride did not allow her to truly express her emotions to its full extent, there was no need for such a display - her pure, unfiltered joy was contained within two simple words.


    ¡°Thank you, Cordis,¡±


    [Think nothing of it, just focus on our mission.]


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Congrats, Barnett,¡± Pestilence said, a smile on her face. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s your turn to shine, I¡¯m sitting this one out.¡±


    ¡°You wish,¡± Barnett snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that everyone who stays has to participate in reinforcing this dome.¡±


    ¡°Aw, you didn¡¯t have to remind me of that,¡± Pestilence said with a pout.


    ¡°I mean, at least it¡¯s familiar territory for you?¡± Izabel offered.


    ¡°Shoring up defenses in the base of operations is not easy. There are bound to be vulnerabilities we never even considered that needs to be taken intk account,¡± Hunter said.


    ¡°Cheer up, Len, at least you are working together with most of the others,¡± Barnett offered. ¡°Maybe you can entice some of them to¡­ try out your virtual world?¡±


    ¡°Was it you who said that, or your partner?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t it be both of us? i mean, I agree with Barnett that it¡¯s not that bad¡­¡±


    ¡°Sure, sure. Return with good news, and show us all what both of you can do. This goes for you too, Hunter!¡± Pestilence grinned.


    ¡°I won¡¯t disappoint you,¡± Izabel replied, ¡°or you, Hunter.¡±


    ¡°I have the utmost faith in you.¡±


    [With that, the selection is complete. Here is the estimate of the time of operation.]


    A notification appeared in front of everyone who was chosen.


    [Operation D13 Rescue Countdown]


    [Time left: 5 days, 15 hours]

 020

    [Operation D13 Rescue Countdown]


    [Time left: 5 days, 15 hours]


    ¡°Do not even give her words any heed.¡±


    Even with Hunter¡¯s warning, a part of Izabel was tempted to confront Eye right then and there. Common sense dictated that she herself was not impacted, nor did anyone close to her in a significant manner - yet, Izabel couldn¡¯t shake the indignation from being used and fooled. It was a new feeling, an entirely unpleasant one, but one that she was given the privilege to feel with her Mirror Device being tampered with.


    Another experience that was denied from her, yet felt bitter all the same.


    ¡°Deep breaths. Take it as a lesson, do not drown in your anger.¡±


    Hunter was right, as much as Izabel wished that she could go back in time and beat herself up for the mistake, imagining such a fantasy scenario would give her nothing but wasted time.


    Izabel was so lost in her own thoughts, that a touch on her shoulder was enough to startle her.


    ¡°Are you alright, Hunter?¡±


    With that, Izabel was snapped out of her thoughts, to see Barnett, clear concern conveyed in the latter¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been spacing out.¡±


    Izabel shook her head, getting the lingering thoughts out. ¡°I¡¯m just thinking. How do you feel? Cordis themself personally promised to get you out of the facility you are being held in, after all.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, after the initial relief subsided, it¡¯s how they are going to pull such a thing,¡± Barnett admitted. ¡°If that plan got discovered, Dome-9 will have the same situation as Dome-13, not to mention, after two Domes are discovered to have similar enemies, the Primeras will be even more wary. Once is a coincidence, twice is a pattern.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps it would be more accurate to say ¡®twice is enemy action¡¯ is their motto. I have seen how thorough they can be when any indication of potential threats are detected. They seem to underestimate the denizens of this world, though.¡±


    ¡°Hence, we have this situation in Dome-13, that could possibly spread to other Domes if we don¡¯t stop it.¡±


    As the discussion has concluded, the two were teleported back to the virtual space beneath the massive tree. Right as they landed, it didn¡¯t take long for them to hear the sound of approaching footsteps, and the two, including their Mirror Avatars, looked towards the source.


    Even to the biggest fools, it was clear that Eye possesses a presence that commands attention from those around her. Background noises bend to her presence, emphasizing each sound she made in a way that was almost unnatural.


    ¡°So, we meet again, Hunter. Your teammate as well, it seems?¡±


    ¡°Eye, let me get this out of the way. If you pull a stunt like before again¡­¡±


    ¡°The deal has concluded, Hunter, let us,¡± Eye stopped close to Izabel, lifting the latter¡¯s chin with one finger, forcing Izabel to meet her golden eyes glinting with something deep and dark, ¡°Start again. We promise not to repeat the incident.¡±


    ¡°One, yes, it¡¯s Barnett, and two, Eye, do you know what personal space is?¡± Barnett asked.


    With her blood boiling from the sheer condescension, Izabel narrowed her eyes, the color shifting into a fiery orange-gold for a split second, and slapped away the hand on her chin away with a loud smack.


    ¡°Good call.¡±


    ¡°Whoever you are, are you truly there, or are you taking a backseat while letting your Mirror Avatar do whatever she wants?¡± Izabel gritted her teeth. ¡°I want the host of Eye, not Eye the Mirror Avatar.¡±


    ¡°That is where you are wrong, Hunter,¡±


    Gold shifted back into green, the color so vivid it was almost glowing even in the absence of metallic color. Flaxen hair, tied into a ponytail and gathered on her right shoulder, reaching down to her breasts, frame a beautiful visage with no visible flaw. Next to her, her Mirror Avatar simply stood with an expression of confidence more befitting a would-be winner in an invisible board game.


    Izabel noticed one flaw, however, the fact that a stark taint of cotton-candy pink has bleached the roots of Eye¡¯s hair.


    ¡°We are one, my words are mine as much as they are hers, and vice-versa.¡±


    ¡°To me, it looks more like you left all the heavy lifting to your Mirror Avatar,¡± Barnett said. ¡°Your individuality, your body, is no different than puppets on strings you both are so fond of commanding.¡±


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Oh, how cute. For your information, we are very much in agreement with each other, so there¡¯s no need to worry your little head about that.¡±


    Eye leaned down, trying to meet Barnett¡¯s gaze. Even though from her eyes Barnett was still hidden behind the disguise, Barnett could feel the woman¡¯s gaze piercing her.


    ¡°Get away from me. No wonder Adler finds you such a nuisance.¡±


    ¡°How cold, you are hurting my very fragile feelings.¡±


    ¡°Gross.¡±


    ¡°Eye,¡± Izabel took a deep breath, ¡°If you are finished with taunting my teammate here, we all need to actually prepare. That goes for you, too.¡±


    Not wanting to listen to her reply, Izabel tuned her out. Hunter, realizing the situation, helped without a word, humming a tune only Izabel could hear, a sort of upbeat tune that in moments, bore a feeling of longing, of familiarity, of standing in the precipice of fate.


    Without intention to guide them, Izabel stopped in front of the door to her private virtual room.


    ¡°Thanks for, you know, getting me out of that situation,¡± Claire said.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much, really.¡±


    Before Claire could reply, a notification appeared in front of her eyes.


    [The window of opportunity for your escape is coming. Return to the other side as soon as possible.


    Remember - do not hesitate. You will need to do things that woule seem impossible. Follow my instructions as close as you could in the given situation.


    Regards, Cordis]


    ¡°What is it?¡± Izabel asked, then added after looking at Claire¡¯s expression. ¡°Something about your situation, considering how you look?¡±


    ¡°Right, uh, yeah.¡±


    ¡°Can I help? I mean, if it¡¯s possible.¡±


    Another notification appeared on Claire¡¯s device.


    [You must do this alone. - Cordis]


    ¡°... I don¡¯t think so, but, thanks.¡±


    ¡°Hunter, do you have¨C¡± Izabel couldn¡¯t even finish her question, as Hunter shook her head.


    ¡°No. In addition, remember that enchantments in this virtual world would not carry over.¡±


    Izabel sighed.


    [If you would like, you may watch. However, you will have no communication with her. Would that be acceptable? - Cordis]


    ¡°That¡¯d give me some peace of mind,¡±


    [It has been done. Her position will be visible to you when you exit the virtual world. - Cordis]


    Izabel smiles at her teammate, even though deep down, she was upset, her inability to provide any help despite Claire having helped her was seeping into her thoughts.


    ¡°All I can say is, good luck¡­ Claire.¡±


    Claire nodded, resolution brimming in her gaze. Next to her, Barnett gave a thumbs-up.


    ¨C


    (POV Switch: Barnett / Claire)


    She caught a whiff of the scent of a sterile room before her feet even touched the ground.


    The dark, inky substance that sealed the three walls of the room was a source of comfort, yet, much as they could cover her activities and give a modicum of privacy, there was nothing it could do to cover the glass wall and the door across where she would sleep. It was a strange contrast, seeing her room covered in comforting cover, while the outside remained as white, pristine, and unnerving as they had always been.


    Down in her soul, she could feel a gnawing need, a pit that needed to be filled.


    After having a taste of freedom, the memory of it became such a potent drug. Even as her rationale screamed that a freedom from this cage was not one that could be so easily attained, her heart still yearned for it, to feel the outside world again.


    [Are you there?]


    A message appeared in front of her vision. She did not need to ask who that was, nor did she need to answer.


    [It seems that you are held within a cell in one of the lower levels.]


    ¡°Tell me something I don¡¯t know, Cordis.¡±


    [The layout of all the floors are similar, and I assume you are already familiar with it, though here is a layout of the floor plan just in case. The most pressing matter here is the detection tools.]


    A flash of light spilled out from the Mirror Device on her wrist, and when her vision cleared, red criss-crossing lines appeared on the other side of the glass wall and door.


    [These are relatively basic, so there was no need to worry, as it functions more as a sensor to detect if any unauthorized living beings are moving outside. As you could see, there are gaps between them, and I can disable them for a few seconds should you encounter a tricky portion. However¡­]


    Claire waited for the message. Even though Cordis didn¡¯t communicate using their voice, she could sense their hesitance.


    [You cannot use the aid of your Mirror Avatar in this escape attempt.]


    Claire stared at the message, and so did Barnett. They looked at each other.


    ¡°I can¡¯t agree to that. Cordis. What game are you playing here? are you trying to lead her into a trap?¡±


    [Of course not, and I do not appreciate such an insinuation.]


    Claire flinched. Even though it was just a line of text projected in front of her eyes, there was an unmistakable sense of hostility emanating from the reply. Barnett, however, remained in her refusal, touching Claire¡¯s shoulder as a gesture of reassurance.


    ¡°Then there better be a very good explanation~¡±


    Barnett¡¯s voice has reverted back to their usual sing-song tune, but even fools could tell that, should Cordis step a toe out of line, the consequence won¡¯t be pretty to witness.


    ¡°Calm down, Barnett. There must be an explanation,¡± Claire said. ¡°Also, remember, we don¡¯t know what she could do to you.¡±


    [There is. It is true that some of the detection tools are basic, but remember, the Primeras are neither blind nor stupid, and you ar not the first person to try escaping  - or as they would put it, you are not the first one who did not appreciate their attempt to make you whole and happy again¨C]


    Claire felt bile rise at the back of her throat, the burning feeling serving as an emphasis of her disgust. Then, she continued reading.


    [-nor would you be the last one. They have hidden Mirror Device detection tools as well, using the signal emitted by each Mirror Device to identify between intruders and visitors. Normally, there is no way to deactivate the device, but I can jam the signal it emits during the duration of your escape.]


    ¡°... How is that related to me being unable to use Barnett¡¯s power?¡±


    [The signal would also cut off your connection to your Mirror Avatar. To be clear, you are still able to access their power. For example, if you materialize their weapon, you would still be able to use it after the connection was cut off. What you cannot do is access your Mirror Avatar¡¯s observational assistance and any alteration you made to your Number Distribution will be reverted at the time of the signal jamming. In other words, you will need to use what weapon they could give you.]


    ¡°That is easy. Hold out your hand, Claire~¡±


    With some skepticism, Claire did as Barnett requested, and a spear appeared on her hand. It was an ornate weapon, made of polished silver, a pair of vines awash with blue and green glow slithering on its surface. The blade portion of the spear sported a deep, captivating red.


    Claire gave it an experimental twirl. It felt a little heavy.


    ¡°Let me help you, just change up the numbers~¡±


    ¡°Remember, no changes to the numbers will apply after we open this door, Barnett. We very much just established this.¡±


    [What is your decision? Remember, time is not on our side.]


    Claire took a deep breath, her brows furrowed in concentration. A few tense seconds passed, before she let go of the spear, letting it disappear. Her eyes were glued to the outside halls, the machines wandering outside still oblivious to her enmity.


    She outstretched her right hand, fingers reaching towards the door.


    ¡°Barnett, give me one of your vines on my arm, 100 cm long, with thorns only on the length not touching my arm.¡±