News of incidents has always spread like wildfire, as society’s natural response to tragedies is to be aware.

The civilians who meet the cruel and unfair fate of losing their lives, the countless money and time to build and manufacture property amount to nothing upon its destruction, and the courageous first responders who put themselves in harm's way to protect the country and its people, these are what must be remembered.

At least, that was the case…before Ada stepped into the presidential office. With the power she received (both as the president and with her blessing), Ada Foster trampled over the lives of numerous soldiers. She manipulated an unfortunate soul, to spite her enemies.

Since she stood in the highest position in the country, the immediate news wasn’t safe from her manipulation either.

“Good evening, everyone, my name is Ashley, bringing you the 7 pm news, and unfortunately it's one no one wants to hear. It appears the S-Class convicts won’t fully be brought to justice without causing more chaos. The events today are proof of this, as they laid waste to a district in California for seemingly no apparent motive,” Ashley, the reporter, explained. “Their vicious acts were led by Nathan Hayes and Charles Warner, who massacred many soldiers and law enforcement.”

This piece of information was played and broadcast everywhere, whether it be on television screens, on the internet, or the audio of Ashley being played on the radio. This was so received that even the developer tuned in and listened.

Well, he wasn’t alone, as he made Charles and Olivia watch the broadcast with him. They occupied Olivia’s home as they watched.

“Huh? We attacked somewhere earlier today?” Charles questioned as he scratched his head. “I don’t remember such a thing though.”

“W…We didn’t,” In her usual introverted behavior, Olivia muttered.

“Shh, keep watching,” The developer said.

“Thanks to our president’s care and quick-thinking, she ordered an immediate evacuation, resulting in no civilian casualties. If only Ms. Ada were always our president, and not the man who made poor decisions, resulting in a massive tragedy,” As they returned their focus, Ashley remarked. “Though the events that transpired earlier today are also grim, we shouldn’t be daunted. Reports have said the criminals also suffered casualties and are temporarily crippled. We don’t need to fear them when our president works tirelessly to defeat them. It happened with Jack the Ripper, and it will be the same with the rest–”

Hearing what he wanted, the developer turned the television off.

“So, what did you guys think about that report?” The developer questioned.

“I don’t really care, but what the hell even happened today,” Charles replied. “Well, it doesn’t matter because it sounds like I’ll have fun in the future!”

“Heh, I knew you’d say that,” The developer remarked. “What about you Olivia? What do you think?”

“...I don’t…understand,” Olivia softly muttered as she turned away. “B…But it seems…everyone loves…Ada.”

“You don’t look so happy, Olivia. But judging by your answer, Ada’s the reason, right?” The developer speculated. “The mere fact that Ada, who abandoned you, is receiving this praise and fortune, is irritating, right?”

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“...D-Did you…call us here…just for this?”

“Nah, I’ll tell you what happened, because the news reporter and society have been manipulated by Ada. I colluded with Ada in the shadows to cause problems for Nathan and Lilith,” The developer clarified. “I wanted them to change their attitude with regards to my game, and Ada wanted to get revenge on Nathan, so it was a win-win situation.”

“What!? And you didn’t invite us!?” Charles exclaimed with frustration dripping from his face. “You know I wanted to fight Ada and her gang, so why didn’t you leave us out?”

“It wasn’t a battle mission, it was to fix their attitude as I said. I wanted them to undergo character development, so I opted to make them suffer horribly by Ada,” The developer continued. “It all started with luring them to a pre-decided location where Ada would torture them. They did fight well but Ada’s plans bested the duo. Now Nathan is currently mentally broken and Lilith is rendered depressed. Zack tried helping but only prevented their deaths.”

“W…What? B-But…why would you…even help Ada?” Olivia questioned. “Why is everything… always…on her side?”

“Hehe, now you’re asking better questions!” The developer excitedly responded. “But let me ask you this. Are you still depressed about Jack’s death?”

“H-Huh?”

“You’re depressed about his death?” Charles questioned. “Don’t be. I know he’d seem like a good fight, but he’s not the type to fight fair. Plus he’d swing around those damn fancy blades of his.”

“I know you were torn up about Jack’s death since he was the man you clung to, and he was killed by the same woman who cruelly betrayed and left you to die,” The developer said. “Now, Ada crippled more of your allies and she’s loved by everyone. You’re probably thinking the world is unfair, right?”

“N-No…stop.”

“Charles is the only one who’s in the right mindset to kill for my game since Jack has died,” The developer continued.

“I detest fighting weak people because they’re boring, but I have no problem fighting strong people!” Charles exclaimed.

“And that’s amazing. Although you haven’t had the chance to do much, I believe you also have that mentality, Olivia. You were just too depressed to help,” The developer said. “How long are you going to keep wallowing in sorrow? It’s about time you look after yourself, instead of needing to cling onto people, Olivia.”

The developer fully saw through her, and it was evident as she held her head down and furrowed her eyes. As much as she hated it, his words which hit deep to her core were true.

“...How…are Rachel…and Zack?” Olivia questioned after a full minute of silence. “What did…Ada do…to them?”

“Well, they were left with extensive injuries, but thanks to our doctor, they easily recovered,” The developer answered. “Only Nathan suffered a worse fate as Ada broke his mind.”

“I-I…understand. I-I’m sure…they don’t…think very much…of you now,” Olivia muttered. “It never…seems like…you care…about us. Only Ada.”

“Well, I’d help you guys if you’re eager to continue my game,” The developer retorted. “And not wallow in complacency or depression, hehe.”

“...I’ll try…to be…helpful,” Olivia replied. Although…I have no one to rely on…

“You had better.”

“You didn’t do this before,” Charles said. “That makes me wonder what strong enemies we’ll face in the future.”

“Well, those are yet to come,” The developer replied. I just wish…I’d see you guys enlightened. Who knows how much time I have left.