Chapter 6: King

[Prologue Arc End]

     The next morning, everyone was summoned by Marianne Eventide to a spacious white-walled laboratory filled with many strange machinery and some free space to run around. But with the complete lack of stereotypical test tubes and standard laboratory equipment, it was more accurate to call it a machine workshop with all the wrenches, screws and power tools sprawled all over the place.

     "This lab, kids, is where all the magic happens, and where all the magic shall end. Welcome to HELL."

     This was the High-Ethereal Link Laboratory, or HELL as Marianne liked to call it. The first thing in the lab that caught Jack's eye was the glass cylinder high above the wall, containing what seemed like a beautiful child suspended in blue liquid. Dressed in a dark-themed gown, she had wavy auburn hair and glass-like purple eyes that never blinked. Upon closer inspection, she had doll joints on her elbows, so it was safe to assume that it wasn't a human being. 

     "I hope nobody does something stupid, like pressing buttons they shouldn't be pressing. Right, Seralstin?"

     "Oh come on, I'm well-versed in lab etiquette. Don't treat me like a child now, Marianne."

     "... Waterfelt, I'm leaving Seralstin to you. Nobody better be touching ANYTHING while I set things up."

     Marianne immediately left for the computer close by and began clacking away.

     As soon as Jack made eye-contact with Iris' sparkling sapphire eyes, he felt his cheeks warm up. The scene from yesterday night came flashing back. He didn't like to beat around the bush, so he tried to clear up the things between them as soon as possible.

     "So, what was last night all about?"

     Iris cocked her head in a cute manner. "Ha? If you're talking about a wet dream you had, then Iris Seralstin isn't your girl."

     "Wet dream...? Ye— I mean, no. Didn't yo—"

     "Wait, you really had a wet dream? Perve—"

     "No! Didn't you visit me last night?"

     They both stared at each other for seconds in confusion. The first one to break the silence was the kid in the maid uniform, who genuinely didn't understand where Jack was coming from.

     "So you're saying that I visited you last night? How's that even possible?"

     "... With your teleportation ability?"

     Iris sighed and looked at Jack with pity. "You weren't listening yesterday? Or rather, you don't know about the teleportation ability's flaw?"

     "Flaw? You mean only being able to teleport once a day? Yeah, but, I know what I saw yesterday."

     "Think about it like this. Our jail cells were guarded the whole night, so no one comes in or out without them being alerted. Let's say I teleported to your cell. Then what? How would I escape without being seen?"

     "... You're lying about your flaw?"

     "Are you stupid? It's not my flaw, it's the teleportation ability's flaw. Every infected who got the teleportation ability has the same problems as mine. Literally every ability has a flaw, that's why the DPD are so efficient at their job! Super strength guy can only use his powers for a while, then he needs to rest. Electric girl can't shoot lightning out, so a gun can easily deal with her. Forcefield guy's forcefield can only last one hit. Miss mind reader requires eye contact to use her powers. You... I don't know what your ability is, but I can tell you its weakness once you tell me. Do you understand why yesterday's wet dream can't actually be possible?"

     Jack couldn't say anything back. He knew abilities had exploitable flaws after a year of fighting them, but he has never met anyone else who could teleport. Since that genius Marianne said it herself yesterday, then it meant that Iris was right and last night couldn't have happened.

     "So it was all just a wet dream?"

     "... I know it was me who started the whole "wet dream" thing, but can you please stop? It's getting weirder with every mention."

     "Oh, a quarrel between lovers?" A new voice entered their conversation. It was the girl with the flowing blue pigtails, offering Jack a friendly handshake. "We haven't greeted each other formally yet, have we? Hi, I'm Klara Constance. Nice meeting you."

     Normally, an uninfected would have qualms touching her, but such a problem was nonexistent for Jack. He took her hand and gave it an awkward shake. "I'm Jack... Waterfelt. And we're not lovers."

     She turned to Iris next and donned an apologetic look. "I'm sorry about yesterday— Iris, was it? I've been thinking about it, and now I realize that it was wrong of me to doubt my teammate without listening to their story first. I hope you can accept my apology!"

     Iris did nothing but laugh. "Mwahaha! That's right, apologize. But I won't accept your apology."

     "T—then what—"

     "If I wanted mere words, I'd rather choose my beautiful face saying it in a mirror than yours. What I want is an actual apology. From now on, you owe me one favor. Can you vow in your honor to do just that?"

     Klara's eyes blazed as soon as she heard the word 'honor'. "If that's what it takes to make you accept, then I'll take it!"

     "Say it loud, say it clear."

     "I vow in my honor to grant you a favor!"

     "SAY IT LOUDER!"

     "I VOW IN MY HONOR TO GRANT YOU A FAVOR!"

     "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

     "I VOW IN MY HONOR TO GRANT YOU A FAVOR!!"

     "Even if I ask you to pee on Marianne's desk?"

     "I VOW IN MY— what the heck!?"

     "Nothing, just asking— geh!" "Oof!" "Ah!"

     Their heads were all consecutively smacked by the roll of paper on Marianne's hand. She wasn't too pleased about the racket the three were raising. "Why the hell are you shouting in my lab? And Seralstin and Waterfelt, you even dragged Constance along with your troublemaking."

     "N—no, professor, Iris and Jack didn't do anything wrong this time." Klara stood between them and Marianne to defend the duo. "It was me. I just wanted to apologize to Iris for my actions yesterday, and it... somehow went to us shouting."

     Marianne groaned. "Why can't you be quiet like those guys over there?"

     In front of the exit was Lance Silver, growling at it like a lifelong rival. His face clearly showed his intentions of breaking the door and getting out of here for good. But at least he was silent. On another part of the lab was Gin, admiring a huge sphere of glass that could fit a person. And he was silent. Near the water dispenser was the fidgeting Lili who was looking at them the whole time. The moment they turned their heads to her direction, she immediately went back to ogling the water dispenser. And she was silent as usual.

     "You know what, I don't care anymore. I'm done with my preparations anyways, so everyone gather up!"

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     Marianne gathered everyone in front of a humongous cylindrical silver machine that towered them all, almost reaching the already high ceiling. It was similar to a steam engine, having a series of gears sticking out on its side and pistons on the other, but there was no sign of an exhaust pipe around it anywhere. A sliding door served as the machine's entrance. Beside where the scientist stood was a control panel stuffed with switches, dials and complicated labels.

     Jack instantly realized that the whole thing was similar to the machine behind Marianne's picture, the one with Sara Aislin and his teacher, with only a slight difference in some minor parts.

     "I'm sure you're wondering why we're starting this job right away," Marianne began. "Simple. The job requires not preparation, but adaptability. I have very little information about the worlds I'm going to send you to, so surprises are bound to be everywhere. Adaptability is key!"

     "Can you now tell us what we're supposed to do?" asked an annoyed Jack, who has been waiting long enough.

     "I'm getting to that," she answered. The scientist placed a hand on the strange machine. "This is called the Mass Reality Switcher 2, the only machine in the world capable of injecting a human's consciousness into another human from a parallel world. It's very advanced, so don't try to ask how it works. The important thing is that it works."

     "Wait, we're taking over other people's bodies!?" The first to complain was Klara, who didn't find the idea endearing.

     "Yeah, and is that thing really safe?" added Iris.

     "In regards to its safety, I've done some tests. Most of them came out green, so it should be relatively safe." Marianne answered. "And Klara is right, you are going to take over someone else's body. Unfortunately, the MRS2 doesn't have the capability to transfer a human body's mass from one universe to another, so your consciousness will have to do. But worry not, for you have her."

     Marianne pointed to the glass cylinder on the wall, more specifically the doll inside suspended in blue liquid. The moment they all cast their eyes on her, she softly blinked. That was the extent of the action she could spare them.

     "... I hope you weren't expecting her to dance. That's Harmonica, an AI droid, and her job is to be your Navigator. She chooses the person most compatible with you in the other world and feeds that info to the MRS2, where the machine will do its job. Take out those silver cards I gave you."

     Everyone followed her orders. The words [Save the World] was still plastered on them without change.

     "Along with adaptability, general knowledge of the world is what determines life and death. The cards on your hands are what we call Marker Cards. They are small AND durable enough to travel through universes. Use them to communicate with the Navigator, where she will give you general knowledge about whatever you encounter. Just think of it like a compact encyclopedia. Harmonica, say something."

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     [Example Text]

     And sure enough, the words on the cards magically changed. But the doll sure did a spectacular job at exhibiting her lethargy.

     "... I'm sure she'll help if you ask nice enough. Finally, your job. Once you arrive to the other world, Harmonica will give everyone a destination we'll call a Marker Point. The Marker Point is where the "hole" on their side is located, so meet there and leave the rest to Harmonica. Easy, right?"

     "Just... that?" Jack was surprised. He expected something more difficult, considering that Marianne only told them now.

     "Don't worry. It won't be as easy as it sounds, I assure you. Any other questions?"

     The silent Gin raised the first question. "What happens when we die in that world?"

     "You're dead if you die, obviously," Marianne answered. 

     Everyone was silent. Of course, everyone in the room except for Marianne (and Jack) was about to die in a year or less, but they weren't too enthusiastic about shortening their lifespans even further.

     Jack was next to ask. "Why us? Why not send those soldiers outside lazing around"

     "Three answers. First, adaptability. Sending them is no better than sending you, but with your experiences, you should be better suited for this job than them. Second, advantage. If the lab tests were right, you should be able to carry your abilities over to the other world. There's a whole lot of difference between a soldier with a gun and one without. Third, common sense. Lorine came from those world. So it makes sense that those worlds are polluted with high amounts of Lorine as well. Sending an uninfected's consciousness out there may bring unexpected consequences. I like my lab ra— I mean, my pieces not convulsing on the ground dying. Do you get it now, Waterfelt?"

     "I guess so." 

     "Hey, can these Marker Cards do the same stuff you did with the musclehead yesterday?" Iris asked while completely ignoring the dangerous growl coming from delinquent.

     "Nope. That card is still on development, and I was just testing it out yesterday. You can look forward to it in the future, though"

     Marianne waited for anyone to raise a question, but it seemed like they were all satisfied.

     "Any more questions? No? Let's quickly get this over with then. Harmonica, give me a random number."

     [0]

     "... Oh come on, something higher."

     [1]

     "Really?"

     [2]

     The words on Marianne's Marker Card changed as she conversed with the Harmonica. "Shit, whatever. Um, 43. Okay. From now on, I shall refer to you guys as the 43rd Sealing Squad. I'll need something to write on my damned report, after all. Your first world is A52o1, and you are in luck. Your time limit's one year, and according to the data gathered by Harmonica, one year in that world is approximately one month here. So you get around eleven more months to your life. Consider it a bonus for working with me."

     The first person to happily react was Klara. "R—really? Is that true, professor?"

     "It depends, really. As long as one of you arrives on the Marker Point in that one year period, everything's fine for me. You'll all return together in a month's time, anyways. Since the MRS2 can only accommodate six, I chose people who'll give me the greatest possible chance at succeeding in this. Oh, a warning, though. To them, your consciousness is "Lorine". And what happens to infected people after a year? Do the math."

     Klara was unfazed by her words. Instead, she was happy enough that her time on this world (or the other) got extended, something she never expected in a million years. "Thank you, professor! We'll be sure to give it our all with this job to repay you! Right, guys?"

     Unexpectedly, everyone else thought differently from her. Lance was his same old grumpy self and acted as if he already knew. Lili was as fidgety as usual, and hearing the good news didn't change anything. Gin was deep in thought, but it felt like he was thinking about something else. Iris, the person who should be the happiest about it... just didn't care. And Jack, as always, reacted like nothing ever mattered to him.

     Klara didn't know what to make of their reactions. They were, indeed, a strange bunch.

     "Professor Marianne, power is online and ready to go!" A scientist in his mid-thirties entered the laboratory and gave the Head Scientist a thumbs up. Jack recognized him as the newspaper stalker from two days ago, and the one responsible for crossing his fate with Marianne's.

     "Got it, Marc. Okay everyone, let's begin before those people notice anything." Marianne flipped a series of switches on the control panel beside her, making the MRS2 emit a low hum. She looked at everyone dead in their eyes, wishing to express her seriousness to all of them. "Never forget our ultimate goal. Our gospel. The words we live for, and die for. Save thy world, ye children of Earth. For it's the only one you own."

     The entrance to the machine slid open. Inside was a still abyss that even light couldn't pierce.

     The first one to move was Lance Silver, irritated by all the talking. He spared no one a glance as he walked forward to the machine.

     "Lance." Marianne stopped him. "You are my pawn. You possess great potential, but you can only realize it if you never give up until the end. Have fun."

     Lance didn't answer and silently stepped into the darkness.

     Next in line was Gin Kazuya, who acted as cool as ever. "Gin. You are my rook. You are a protector through and through, but protecting takes strength. Gain it there. And don't worry, I'll keep my side of the deal."

     "I hope so."

     He as well disappeared into the darkness.

     Next up was Lili Liselotte, taking hesitant steps to the machine. Marianne gave her a light push on the back to encourage her. "Lili. You are my knight. Your unconventional path will carry you to places nobody shall ever reach. Be careful out there."

     "Y—yes..."

     The moment Lili met eyes with the scientist, she gulped. Although slow, there were no more hesitations in her steps towards the machine. Three down, three to go. 

     Fourth was Iris Seralstin, who took everything like a school field trip. Marianne hesitated, but said something in the end. "Hey, Iris. You're the bishop. You control the game's flow. You're crooked as hell, but you've got the longest reach on the board. Well, the queen as well, but you get my point."

     "Spare me the sappy sentiments. Don't fret, despite all the infighting between us, I respect you. A teeny tiny bit. I'll be the perfect "bishop" for you." 

     Before she reached the darkness, Iris turned her head to Jack. "If you're in any trouble, don't forget to contact me through Harmonica. See you!"

     Four down, two to go. Second to the last was Klara, who was somehow teary-eyed. "Professor, can I ask you a question?"

     "Make it quick."

     "... Why aren't you afraid of us infected? You interact with us like normal, and you aren't even afraid to get close to us with only a labcoat. What if you get infected as well?"

     Marianne smiled. "I'm fighting things scarier than the May Death, so I don't have time to be afraid." She placed her hands on Klara's shoulders and gave her a motherly look. "You, Klara, are my queen. You're my strongest piece. So don't be afraid to find your justice. Good luck."

     Klara quickly turned away and hid her face from Marianne. Without uttering another word, she stepped into the darkness with determined steps. Five down, one to go.

     "... There're are many things I don't understand," Jack said. "But that'll wait along with the information about her."

     Marianne nodded in approval. "You're getting smarter. Jack. You're my king. You're the weakest of the bunch. At least the pawn has potential. Your sword skills won't even push you far enough. But in the end, the king is the most important piece of all. Once it's dead, it's game over. For both you and for me. So don't you dare die on me."

     "I don't plan on dying anytime soon."

     The moment he turned his back on Marianne, he felt the Marker Card on his hand heat up. He subtly placed it in an angle where Marianne couldn't see it as soon as he read what Harmonica had to write.

     [A Message from Sara]

     Jack was confused. Did Harmonica know Sara Aislin? Why choose this particular time to contact him? He had many other questions, but he had no time left lest Marianne got suspicious. He walked almost as slow as Lili in order to wait for the incoming message. First step, second step.

     [Save the World]

     Third step, fourth step.

     [Save Yourself]

     "Hey Jack." He was stopped right in front of the machine's door. Jack clenched the card, hoping the the scientist didn't notice anything weird. "I hope you find meaning in saving the world."

     "... Me as well."

     On the other side was another world he didn't know. Another world, just like this one, but different. What challenges did he have to face? Maybe, just maybe, he could find the answer he has been looking for out there— the answer Jack believed Sara Aislin held captive. The answer that would save him.

     He took a small glance below to read Sara's words before being completely engulfed by the abyss. 

     [Save Me]

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PROLOGUE ARC     >     WORLD ONE ARC

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