Lost in the barren vastness of Nevada, a miniature fissure surfaces. From its depths, a dozen warriors erupt, their breaths heavy with the strain of combat and excavation. Nonetheless, they endure, their eyes darting across the desolate landscape.

Dave "Oh! Fucking great, dudes! We're the middle of bumfuck nowhere for like the billionth time!"

Amelia "Don't be sour sport, Dave! Perhaps our situation isn't as dire as you believe. Isn't that so, Kanji? Gwen?"

Kanji "If this wasn't intentional by that general then it's just our bad luck. We've ended up in the remotest part of Nevada, far removed from their base in the Netherlands. However, it seems we've got a more immediate issue to-

Azan "Ah, fuck! Where's our RV?!"

Dave "What?! NOOOOOO! NOT AGAIN!"

With a theatrical slump, Dave collapses to the ground like a statue.

Mina "Don't we have some sort of GPS to find it?"

Azan "About that... it seems we forgot about backups. Fuck, I feel so... ugh. You know."

Gwen "Fear not, my friends. I foresaw such a predicament, hence why I affixed a piece of Izzy to the RV. Surely, you two recall?"

Sarah/Claire "What?! No shot!"

Kanji "Hold on... Gwen, your tracking device may not be needed any time soon. I think I see the RV is over there."

Adrian "Huh... Damn! He's right! Did they steal our RV?"

Diana "Shit. Guess I can't just punch it then. Alright, everyone get behind me! I'll stop it with one finger."

Dave "Would you like a Kappachino with that bullshit?"

Diana "Just get behind me, Icarus or I'll break your sunglasses!"

With a resigned sigh, Dave retreats behind her. The rest follow suit, leaving Diana to confront the charging RV. The vehicle's engine growls in the growing silence, its bulk looming ever closer... until it halts dead at its track.

Diana "What? How? Why did it... K-Kroma?!"

Occupying the driver's seat is a young girl, her forehead slick with sweat. Momentarily dazed, she focuses on the sound of Diana's call. As her vision sharpens, she's greeted by a huddle of smiling faces, to which she responds with a kind smile—

?? "Oh for goodness sake, child! You told to me to stomp the breaks. Why is that?... Oh, we've found them. Didn't we?"

Kroma "Yes, you old goose. Let's get out."

Tom "Fine, but I'm not a goose. I'm an ant. A very large, dignified, stylish-

Tom "I'll have you know, I'm not a goose. I'm an ant. A magnificently large, dignified, fashionable-

Before he can continue, Kroma hauls him from the undercarriage, the engine silenced as she does so.

She leaves the RV, with Tom slung across her shoulder. Trailing her, an entourage of cultists emulate her respectful bow towards Sarah, their collective voices echoing in the desert.

Kroma "We've returned your RV, Great High Eldritch, and her esteemed peers!"

Sarah "Kroma... Didn't I order you all to retreat?"

Kroma "But... abandoning our leader was never an option. We tracked you secretly for a short while. We're so sorry."

With an even deeper bow, their foreheads scrape against the gritty sand.

Sarah "Enough of this! Stand straight and look me in the eye! I'll forgive your reckless shit this time, but next time-

Claire drapes her arm around Sarah's shoulders, shushing her in a gentle rhythm.

Claire "Yo, chill girl. They were just thinking of our well-being which is really sweet of you, Kroma, and everyone. But, how did you all manage to locate us?"

Tom "I can shed some light on that! Apparently, Kroma shares a unique, sonar-like bond with Miss Sarah. Though we ended up crisscrossing the desert for an entire day! Can't you believe it?! We kept circling 11 specific spots over and over. I was beginning to question our sanity."

Kroma "Cheer up! It wasn't that bad was it? Think of it as a trip."

Tom "Easy for you to say. Try doing it for 14 hours, with nothing but a gas and brake pedal for company, and the overpowering scent of those triangular cornflake snacks."

Mina "You're referring to the Doritas, aren't you? Yeah, that would be my bad."

Diana moves aside, assessing the RV for any damage. Finding none, she breathes a sigh of relief. However, her attention is soon drawn to two peculiar items on Kroma.

Diana "Hey, Kroma! Isn't that Tom's cane sword on your waist? And what's with the red sunglasses?"

Kroma "Oh, these! Tom has been teaching me his techniques using this sword. It's a little challenging, especially due to the sunglasses. I can't believe he fought blindfolded during that time."

Diana "That's super impressive. But, Tom... didn't you say you were just a magician?"

Tom "Well, even a magician wouldn't keep all his tricks in one hat you know."

Kanji "That's fair and commendable. Though this conversation is intriguing, we should refocus on our journey. After defeating a significant number of their Majors, I suspect the Executioners will be hot on our sandals."

Kroma "Executioners? Those sound scary but I think we can help."

Gwen "I strongly advise against your involvement. The Executioners are reputed to be fiercely powerful, capable of decimating cities. Initially, their reckless usage was prohibited, but now the stakes are higher. Perhaps more than we can imagine."

Claire/Kroma "What do you mean?"

"Imagine the cult as a cornered beast. They would care less about sacrificing their integrity and objectives, just for survival. That is, unless they find a way to manipulate the ensuing destruction that those Executioners may cause."

Noah "Yeah, I didn't understand any of that. But shit sounds messed up."

Kroma "But... but we want to help. Please!"

Sarah "Kroma... fine. You guys can help. Head to the Netherlands and station yourselves near the Rijksmuseum. Stay out of sight and avoid making any contact. Wait for our arrival and our signal. Got it?"

The crowd oozes with optimism and her words cause them to jump in celebration.

Kroma "Yes! By your command!"

Gwen "Hold it! Before you go, I would like a word with Tom. It's of utmost importance."

Kroma "Yes, Miss Fischer. How may I assist?"

Gwen "No need. In fact, it is I who will be assisting you. During our "conversations", didn't you mention your last name was Calsion?"

The revelation seems to freeze time, as the group stands still in shocked silence.

Diana "Wait, no way. That means John Calsion is Tom's brother!"

Dave "Dun dun DUN! A hundred points for Caption Oblivious."

Tom "I-I... I have a brother? Ugh-

Tom's antennae whirl, as if spinning a cork of a bottle. A sequence of memories begins to flood back into his mind

Once, a quaint farmhouse stood as the shared universe for two young brothers and their loving mother. Their days passed blissfully— frolicking, tending to crops and farm animals. However, the course of their lives took an unforeseen turn on the 13th summer of their existence. That night, a sky more studded with stars than they'd ever witnessed served as the backdrop to their fate. One brother was grounded in reality, his interest tethered to what he can reach. The other, ablaze with aspiration and wonder, saw limitless possibilities. A comet streaking across the sky cemented this belief.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

From that day, the older brother changed. He became enamored with the study of alien life, Xenology. His obsession began to leech their family wealth. Sleep eluded the younger brother, disturbed by his sibling's incessant fits of passion. Finally, their mother decided to confront the other brother about his escalating obsession. In a moment of blinding rage, he snatched a knife off the desk and pierced their mother's chest 12 times. The younger brother could only stand there, petrified. Seeing his younger brother, he clenched his fists, and then— everything dissolved into darkness.

The memories waver, ebbing in and out of focus. Fragments of a nomadic life surface— drifting from one city to another, homeless, relying on theft and street performances for sustenance.

Tom "I see... My past is so clear. I appreciate your help, Miss Fischer. Everyone. My sincere gratitude. However, I would request that I be granted the final word when we confront my brother."

Gwen "Ah, that's how it is. Very well, your brother is someone who is prone to cause lots of trauma after all. What do you guys think?"

As Sarah gestures, they perform a united salute, giving their assent to Tom's request. Tears glisten in Kroma's group's eyes as they salute back before moving away from sight.

Sarah "Shit. Hey, was that a bad move? It felt a little anticlimactic and kinda off."

Kanji "No, I don't think so. Actually, I think it was an excellent move. A man's torment can only be eased through actions, not words."

Sarah "That's deep, but I still don't get why it is a good move."

Noah "I can answer that. Remember that shit with the leader having like a hundred puppets and stuff."

Sarah "Ah yeah! That stuff but I just worried. Some of them might die."

Azan "Oh hold on to that thought. Think of it this way. Which would they rather attack? The bosses or the employees?"

Sarah "The employees as fucked as that sounds. I'm not emotionally prepared to see one of them die."

Diana "Oh for crying out loud, girl. Fine! I'll play defense in the final battle if that makes you feel better!"

Adrian "But, Diana! I thought that was my role!"

Diana "Adrian, did you see how many followers there were? You might be big, but I don't think you can protect everyone at once."

Adrian "Er... Oh yeah. That does make sense."

Kanji "Alright, looks like we have a plan forming. But remember, we still have Executioners to beat before we can see it through. So let's get on the road!"

They climbed into the RV, the familiar atmosphere enveloping them. Mina and Azan took the front seats, steering the vehicle eastward. Kanji sat on his bed, but the others surprisingly chose to settle on the floor next to him.

Kanji "Ahem. May I ask why everyone is here?"

Adrian "Well, I think we're just making sure we've covered all our bases. Speaking of which, Claire, could you make me a new shield? My glass one sort of shattered into pieces."

Claire "Sure, but why did you choose a glass shield in the first place? I know it was reinforced and stuff, but it was still glass."

Adrian "Well, a metal shield could conduct heat and electricity, which could hurt me if I'm not careful. Curse these think fingers of mine. Also, I have better visibility with a transparent shield."

Claire "Wow, that is pretty. You win lol... Wait a minute, I forgot to restock my medical supplies. Oh and anyone who has some leftovers just keep them."

Claire "Wow, that makes sense. You win lol... But wait, I need to restock my medical supplies. Oh and anyone who has leftovers, just keep them."

She conjures up four bandages, five syringes, and one reinforced glass shield.

Adrian "Er... why does it have a big smiley face on it?"

Claire "I think it would be funny and kinda act like a distraction of sorts?"

Gwen "Shouldn't it be more of a taunting gesture? Since he would be taking the role of tank."

Claire "Noooo! That would be too mean. I also don't want poor Adrian to get swarmed."

Diana "Don't forget I'm also there to make sure he doesn't die."

Claire "Oh. Okaaay! Fine! Give me the shield."

Adrian offers her the shield and it levitates in her hands. They watch as the smiley face contorts to emoji with its tongue sticking out.

Gwen "... Close enough."

Claire "Thank you. Anyone else wants some repairs?"

All "Nope."

Claire "Alright then... Does anyone want to play some Immortal Kombat?"

She darts up to Sarah's floor, with the others hot on her heels, leaving Sarah and Noah alone.

Noah "Dammit. Now, she got dips on the first character select."

Sarah "Huh, yeah but I think she needs it. Out of all of us, she was pretty bad."

Noah "Didn't she beat you once, like, two years ago?"

Sarah "Wow, you remember that?! She only won because she kept spamming that cheesy move!"

Noah "You really should try harder and practice combo breakers."

Sarah "Yeah, nobody has time for that. Anyway, how did your fight go?"

Noah " Ha... about that. Maybe let's not talk about it. Can we change the topic?"

Sarah "Dude, don't be a pussy and tell me. Let me guess the bastard whooped your ass."

Noah "What?! No, of course not. I beat the shit out of him. But I don't have to tell you how. All I'm gonna say is that he had a lot of crazy weapons. Hey, Sarah. What about you? You looked... very more depressed than usual after fighting that cultist. Uh, what's her name again?"

Sarah "Selina... Selina Golworth. Fucking strange name and that battle was lamer than I expected. I wasn't even close to near death!"

Noah "Really? Are you exaggerating?"

Sarah "Of course not, dummy. That fight was like fighting one of the imperial goons, fighters, or whatever they're called."

Noah "Yeah, sure. Hey, let's go to my room. I want to show you something cool!"

Sarah "Woah, hello there, Mr.Confidence. When did you learn to invite a girl to your room?"

Noah "Wha-Wha-What?! N-No! It's nothing like that! Just a guy hanging out with your best friend. Totally platonic btw."

Sarah "Hahaha. Lol, just kidding. You would be very bad at dates anyway. Okay, let's go."

Noah "Sarah, slow down. I need to recover from the emotional blow!" "Whew. That was painful but at least she didn't tell me that I was like a brother to her or something like that."

Sarah "Drama much. Come on, my knight wouldn't be so weak."

Noah "Wow... alright. You asked for it." "Fucking fuck. God dammit! Knight-zoned... Meh. There are some characters in stories who do get out of that relationship. That just means I have to try harder!"

Noah glows a yellow radiance and with a flash of light, they arrive at Noah's room.

Sarah "Woah! How did you do that?! Were you really that fast?!"

Noah "A little bit of practice never hurts."

Sarah "Smug alert! Smug alert! Anyway, what's this thing you want to show me?"

Without a word, Noah walks over to his bed and reached under it. From within the pile of fake corpses, He pulls out two wooden statues.

Noah "Behold! My creations!"

In his right hand was a statue of him as a muscular beast decapitating the enemy general's head on an oak stump. In his left hand was a statue of Sarah, depicted as a beautiful Tomboy rogue, a split second after sending the general's head flying, the gore and splatter suspended mid-air through ingenious woodwork.

Sarah ".... Holy shit! THAT IS SO FUCKING SICK! I LOVE IT! Is this me and is that you? Okay, to be honest, we're not that hot. Did you make this after our first fight with that bastard? When?!"

Noah "Yeah... I tried like really fucking hard to hide it but I'm... I'm really glad you like it."

Sarah "No, I love it. Remember that. Dude... you got to teach me woodworking! Please?!"

Noah "Okay. Okay. But I got to warn you, it's going to be very hard and you need a lot of patience." "Okay, this is gonna suck but at least I have some bonding time with her."

Sarah "No, bring it, dude! I'll surpass you in no time!"

Noah "We'll see about that!"

Not long before... in a fleeting moment, Amelia's perspective lands on Noah as he ascends the stairs, Sarah in his arms.

Amelia "Those two fellas really are rowdy. I'm so bloody glad that they are talking more than in the past."

Claire "Amy! Are you talking about that on purpose just to pause the game? Come on, I'm just about to start my combo!"

Amelia "Calm down. Just a little breather won't hurt. Besides, I have a question before we continue. Do we want to talk about our fights? You know reflect on what we learn? Maybe share what we've gained?"

All "Nope."

Dave "Babe, that's some hand-holding stuff. Let's keep our heads in the game."

Amelia "God, you lads, and lasses are always like this when playing a game."

Kanji "Relax, we have plenty of time down the road for strategies and training."

Diana "Yeah, if the boss says so- Ah fuck! Dammit! Icarus, you got me off-guard!"

Dave "That uppercut was sick! Keep slamming your controller like a gorilla and stay mad!"

Amelia "Ha. Maybe I'm just paranoid for nothing. Alright, I'm unpausing it!"

________________________________________________________________________________________

At a far-off location, public unrest swells around an iconic monument, the Rijksmuseum. The mob yells and hurls edibles and signs toward a mysterious figure donned in a ceremonial robe, their outcry intensifying with each sweeping gesture he makes.

Suddenly, an eerie silence descends as he steps up to the microphone.

?? "Esteemed citizens or rather I say, patrons? Your uproar is noted but my decree remains unchanged, irrespective of your vociferous protests. You all should display greater maturity, however, your fervor for this... Institution is truly commendable. Perhaps, you crave insight. Justification. The rationale behind it all. The whys. So be it, do you recall "The Void Square incident" ?"

A wave of confusion sweeps through the crowd. The man senses their unease as they instinctively retreat and look at each other. He turns around, his hand gesturing skyward, leading their gaze toward the apex of the museum. An arrow? And a note?

?? "That message was delivered to us. A threat of recreating the incident right here. Consequently, we have decided to temporarily close the museum for a few days. I understand the unfortunate timing with the parade just a couple of days away. Yet, I pledge to my faith! To you, the people! To the world! That I will work relentlessly to resolve this dilemma, ensuring that the Rijksmuseum will indeed partake in the parade!"

A roar of approval emerges from the crowd, the remnants of their food soaring into the sky. The man retreats into the building...

?? "What a nauseating display of primitive behavior! They might as well revert back to their ancestral forms. I would pay a king's ransom to see them return to crawling, ingesting dirt, and smashing stones."

?? "I wasn't aware you had a penchant for humor. Lord Calsion."

John "My existence is nothing short of a comedic performance when observed from the correct perspective. Don't you think so, Zeta?"

Zeta "You surely jest, my lord. Your life outshines all. But... I'm here to bear grave news; Lord General remains unresponsive."

John "What? Why? I always considered him to be flawless... even magnificent. Is it guilt? Impossible! Or perhaps he is just fulfilling his duty. The Majors' downfall shouldn't be his burden, but mine. I should've trained them more diligently, like MBETA and MALPHA."

Zeta "It could also be just luck-

John reaches for his throat before quickly releasing his grasp.

John "Heh... luck funny word. A word I haven't heard for a long long time. Zeta, listen to me. Luck does not exist. Fate orchestrates everything, as evident by my very existence, molded and sanctified by fate to establish this religion. And soon..."

He breaks into laughter, dancing around the dimly lit chamber.

John "THE WORLD! THE PEOPLE! THE STARS! MY DREAMS! I'LL BRING THEM ALL TO MY BEAUTIFUL GODDESS! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"