The Chief of Defense, Barry Alexander, was as usual typing on his computer and doing paperwork in his office. Amid his paperwork, Barry heard knocking on his door.
"You may enter."
Receiving permission, a soldier opened the door and stepped inside. He carried a file containing several documents.
"Greetings, Admiral," The soldier greeted as he saluted. "I have compiled yesterday's report, sir."
"Yes, how has the civilian evacuation been going?" Barry questioned as he took the files.
"Ninety-five percent of civilians have now been evacuated and transferred to safer areas, sir," The soldier explained. "It may have been arduous to convince the civilians, but they eventually cooperated."
"Hmm, that's good," Barry said as he began to skim through the documents. We've gotten rid of arguably the largest obstacle keeping us from enacting our plan of eliminating the S-Class criminals. Locating them all is the only issue.
"Alright, thank you," Barry said. "You may go now--"
BOOM!
Suddenly, a loud bang vibrated throughout the military base, visibly shocking Barry and the soldier.
"W-What was that!?" Barry questioned.
"I-I'll check, sir!" The soldier responded as he quickly went out.
The cause of the bang was none other than Jack the Ripper, as he had tossed the dismembered corpse of a soldier through the walls of the base.
"Nice! I made an entrance for us!" Jack said. "See, we didn't need any keycard or whatever!"
He was speaking with the C. Specialist, who Jack carried like a sack of potatoes. Deceased soldiers also littered the yard of the military base - they were victims of Jack.
"Yeah, yeah...let's just hurry up before they alert anyone else," The C. Specialist advised.
"Yeah, I don't want to waste time with these guys," Jack said. "When my destined prey is still out there."
Jack immediately rushed inside and was confronted by more soldiers. They were alerted by the loud bang of their comrade being used as an entrance-maker.
"What the--" The soldiers didn't get a chance to do anything, as Jack instantly ran past and decapitated them all with a dura-neg. The screams of other soldiers upon perceiving this and the blood that painted the walls and his clothing made Jack rather happy.
The C. Specialist had kept his mask on. For obvious reasons, he didn't want his identity exposed, but it also helped to protect his face from the blood splatter.
"Hey, are we there yet, mate?" Jack asked as he casually murdered more soldiers.
"Just search every room or something," The C. Specialist responded. "I have no clue where the Chief of Defense is, so you'll find him by process of elimination."
"Heh, that doesn't seem like a bad idea," Jack said. "I'll get to kill even more buggers."
As Jack dashed off, the soldier who conversed with Barry was desperately hiding. He had broken out in a sweat and was visibly trembling.
W-Why is Jack...the Ripper here? D-Did he say...he was looking for the Chief? The soldier thought. I-I have to tell him!
Of course, it was a massacre. Jack, who went into any room he encountered, ruthlessly murdered everyone inside. Despite their best efforts, the soldiers stood no chance. Well, this is understandable - who could stand a good chance against blessed humans, much less Jack the Ripper?
Meanwhile, Barry had heard the commotion that took place outside his office. Although he had no idea the extent, he was visibly shocked and sweating from the unusual noises.
"W-What the hell is going on!?" Barry uttered. Suddenly, his door flew open, which caused Barry to jump in fright. Relief overtook him when he realized it was the soldier who informed him of the evacuation report.
"What...What's happening!?" Barry questioned.
"I-It's Jack! He's looking for you, sir!" The soldier frantically responded. Hearing that revelation, Barry became stunned. "He's killing off the soldiers! We need reinforcements!"
"J-Jack!? Why would he come here of all places!?" Barry questioned. "Damn it! I'll send out a distress signal!"
The soldier also picked up a communication device.
"C'mon, pick up, you blessed soldiers!" The soldier desperately hoped. Much to his happiness, Trixie answered.
"Yyyeellllooo?" Trixie said.
"I-It's Jack! He's killing us all and going for the Chief!" The soldier explained in a desperate tone. "We need backup, quickly!!!"
"A-Alright! We'll get there as soon as possible!" Trixie advised. "So, distract him with a trick or something meanwhile!"
"Thank you--What!?" The soldier uttered in confusion.
BANG!
Before he could say anything more, Jack had entered. Well, less entered but more so kicking the door with enough force to blast it from its hinges.
"SHIT!" The soldier yelled.
"Hello, guys!" The bloodstained Jack greeted politely. "I've come to collect the Chief of Defense!"
"Wait, that's him, Jack," The C. Specialist confirmed as he pointed at the visibly scared Barry.
"Oh, good! So we don't need the other one then!" Jack responded.
"What--" Before the soldier could do anything, Jack appeared in front of him and punched him in the face. His strike had enough power to force the soldier's head into the wall and cause his skull and brain matter to explode everywhere.
"Damn, you regulars are always so damn weak," Jack uttered. "I used virtually no force, and your head became a firework."
Upon registering this, a great deal of fear clouded Barry's facial expression. That fright made Jack rather ecstatic.
"Haha, no need to be scared, bugger," Jack said. "You should be happy that you're this lucky. You aren't going to be slaughtered by me!"
"W-W-What?" Barry stuttered due to his fear. "W-What do...you mean?"
Hearing this question, Jack began to reminisce. He reminisced on his reasons for this attack.
* * *
Rewinding to when Jack reunited with the game characters, everyone met in the living room to plan their next move.
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"So, while you were away, I thought of a pretty alright plan," Nathan said. "But I was waiting for you to return since you would kick the plan into action."
"I'll do anything as long as I get to murder that brat, mate," Jack responded.
"Well, I'm sure it's obvious, but this country's law enforcement is likely making some plan to eliminate us...just as the United States tried to do," Nathan explained. "So, I thought we should disrupt their plans a bit...What do you guys think the best way would be?"
"Kill the strongest guy?" Charles asked.
"Going on a massive murder spree?" Jack inquired.
"Uh, drop a nuke on them?" Zack questioned. "That worked well in the United--"
"No...Why did I even ask?" Nathan said with a facepalm. "Cutting the head from the body would be the best way, and in this case, the head would be the Chief of Defense of this country, Barry Alexander."
"Oh, I see. Killing that bugger would screw with the pawns badly!" Jack said.
"I have a better idea than killing him," Nathan said. "It's better if we just kidnap him. He could be useful for baiting a big fish."
"Wait, you talking about that Ryzen guy?" Jack questioned.
"Exactly. Since you're fast enough, Jack, I want you to kidnap him," Nathan suggested. "I've done some research and found out where his office is. I'll send it to you via GPS."
"That's fine and all, but I still haven't found where that brat's at," Jack said. "That's my biggest priority now, you know!"
"Well, I've thought of that too! Why don't you bring the C. Specialist with you," Nathan suggested.
"W-What?" The C. Specialist said in confusion. "Why does he have to bring me?"
"Oh my!" The doctor uttered.
"The Chief of Defense is the head of all the soldiers in this country. He's bound to have information about them on some computer or whatever," Nathan speculated. "While you're kidnapping Barry, the C. Specialist can hack into the computer and help you find the whereabouts of Amber Hoss since that's what he's good at."
"W-Well...if you say it like that," The C. Specialist muttered. But I have to go with that psycho?
"Ooh! You thought this through, Nathan!" The developer excitedly said. "I'll gladly lend you my NPC's aid...so you can eliminate Amber Hoss!"
A devious grin formed on Jack's face after hearing that.
"Hehe, looks like I doubted you a bit, Nathan," Jack said. "But you've always proved yourself to be extremely intelligent."
"Uh huh...just hurry up and get it done."
* * *
Jack had stopped reminiscing.
"Let's just say you'll be my ticket to fulfilling my wishes!" Jack responded.
"W-What--"
Jack had not let him speak anymore as he delivered a backhand to the side of his face, knocking him unconscious.
"No need to speak. Go to sleep, mate," Jack said as he picked him up by the collar. "Now, C. Specialist...do your thing."
"Sigh, I never expected to be in this," The C. Specialist said as Jack put him down and approached Barry's computer. "Just watch out for any guys..."
"Well, it's not like there's anyone alive in this military base, mate," Jack responded. "And if any reinforcements arrive, they'd all be slaughtered by me."
"Yeah, yeah."
With rapid finger movements, far faster than what humans could accomplish, the C. Specialist began to sift through the Chief's computer.
Jack, who glanced at the laptop, was overwhelmed by the constant switching of tabs and applications on the computer.
Jeez, I have never been good in the slightest with technology since I never really used them, but what the hell is this shit? Jack internally questioned.
"Heh, many sites are locked behind various passwords and other encryptions, but this is all child's play!" The C. Specialist said. "There's no way they'll hold me back with this!"
"Uh-huh..." Jack muttered. "Just tell me what I want to know, mate."
In a short time, the C. Specialist had found what Jack wanted to know - the location of Amber Hoss. The C. Specialist stared at a screen with Amber's picture and information.
"Ah ha! I found it!" The C. Specialist said. "It seems she a soldier of...the Enlightenment Program?"
"Enlightenment Program? What the hell is that?" Jack wondered.
"Well, it's a top-secret military course that individuals with blessings are a part of," The C. Specialist explained. "I guess that's this country's version of super soldiers...it's their best weapons."
"Haha. Is that so, mate?" Jack questioned with a grin. So that means that the brat's friends are also there too, right?
"I've found the location of this 'Enlightenment Program.' I sent you her location on your GPS," The C. Specialist stated. "Let's hurry up and leave now."
"Heh, gladly," Jack agreed as he picked up the C. Specialist. Without wasting any time, Jack ran off with them.
* * *
Ryzen had heard the desperate communication that Trixie and Altius received.
"Oh? That's not good, huh?" Ryzen said.
"R-Ryzen! Perfect timing!" Altius uttered. "You heard what went on, right? You can save Barry by teleporting there, right?"
"Hmm, my teleporting range isn't the largest," Ryzen responded. "I can try to save him, but I'll have to get closer."
"Tsk, dammit!" Altius yelled. "This couldn't be any worse! Why would Jack even do this!?"
"Oh yeah. Amber has returned, by the way," Ryzen revealed.
"...What!?" Altius uttered.
"I guess it can be worse, huh," Ryzen said. "Since Jack's moving about now, and you know...he wants to kill her."
"DAMMIT!" Altius yelled.
"Not to worry, Altius! I'll try my best to save Barry, and even kill Jack with my own hands!" Ryzen declared. "I promise that Amber won't have to deal with any of this!"
"...Tch. There's no point in getting worked up," Altius uttered. "Amber doesn't need to go through any of this...none of the students should. We instructors should handle this ourselves...that's the main plan anyways."
"You should also check the base that Jack attacked for any survivors," Ryzen suggested. "It isn't likely, but still worth a shot."
"...If you say so, then alright," Altius agreed.
"Looks like I'll have the most boring job..." Trixie stated with a pout.
"Don't worry, Maybe things will change, you'll never know!" Ryzen strangely said.
"...For the student's sake, let's hope nothing changes," Altius remarked. "So you better shut it with those ominous comments."
"Haha, I'll be going to save Barry, now!" Ryzen said. "Good luck to you guys!"
Altius and Trixie watched as Ryzen teleported away.
...There's always something about that guy that makes me nervous. Altius pondered. It's like he always knows more than us.
* * *
Ryzen had teleported to Amber and Kreuger, who were still surprised by the ear-piercing sirens.
'Psst, hey guys," Ryzen said. Of course, Kreuger and Amber were visibly surprised by his presence but quickly composed themselves. They were starting to get used to his shenanigans. "You guys are probably wondering what's happening with the sirens, and I have the answer. It's Jack."
"W-What!? Jack!?" Amber uttered.
"Ssshhh! You don't want your friends to hear that, do you!?" Ryzen desperately advised. "They'll want to get involved if they hear it's Jack!"
"T-That's true..."
"Tsk, what did that bastard do now?" Kreuger questioned.
"He either captured or murdered the Chief of Defense," Ryzen responded. This baffled the duo, as they couldn't believe Jack's brazenness. "He murdered a ton of soldiers to get to him."
Hearing this, a sorrowful expression clouded Amber's face. Not only did Jack take more innocent lives, but the fate of the one who gave her a new life after her family's massacre is unknown.
"Tch, that's just his usual scumbag activities," Kreuger responded.
"Well, I want you two to come with me," Ryzen responded. "You can get your chance to kill him without putting your friends in danger."
"B-But, doesn't he want to kill me...more than anything?" Amber questioned. "W-What if he comes here?"
"Did you forget, Amber? Jack has no idea where this complex is," Ryzen reminded. "And for good measure, we can track the location of Barry and by proxy, Jack."
"I-I see, you're right," Amber agreed. "I'll come with you."
Meanwhile, Kreuger stared at Ryzen with suspicious eyes.
"Good. Let's teleport away before your friends notice!" Ryzen suggested.
* * *
In a very short time, Jack had returned to the game character's hideout with the C. Specialist and the Chief of Defense.
"Side mission, complete," Jack stated as he harshly dropped Barry's unconscious body to the ground.
"Uh, he's not dead, is he?" Nathan questioned with suspicion dripping from his voice.
"Of course not," Jack responded. "If I killed him, his body would not be in one piece, mate."
"Hey, Jack. Did you get the information about Amber Hoss?" Zack asked.
With a grin, Jack answered, "Of course I did. The C. Specialist might be my favorite NPC."
Hearing that, the other NPCs patted the C. Specialist on his back.
"Haha, you hear that!" The blacksmith asked. "You're pretty useful, huh?"
"...Just let me rest, please," The C. Specialist muttered.
"So, what are you going to do with that bugger now?" Jack asked.
"Well as I said, I'm going to use him as bait," Nathan replied. "So, I'm going to need Zack for this."
"Oh? Me?" Zack asked as he pointed at himself. "I wanna be useful too!"
"What are the rest of you guys gonna do now?" Nathan asked.
"I'm going to do what I do best!" Charles responded. "I'll enjoy myself by fighting their strongest fighters in this country!"
"I too, am going to enjoy myself," Jack responded with a sincere smile. "I'm going to do what I want."
"I'm sure you will..." Nathan remarked.
"I'm coming with you too, Jack," The developer said. "I want to see Amber Hoss's death."
"No problem, developer!"
"C-Can I...come with you...too, Jack?" Olivia questioned. Immediately, a frown appeared on Jack's face.
Ugh...so annoying. Jack said. "Why don't you stay with Nathan and the others...It'll be annoying having to protect you constantly in battle."
"Oh...Okay," Olivia said in a low tone. She wasn't thrilled about staying with Nathan over Jack.
Now...good luck, my game characters," The developer said. "Here's to a successful mission completion, just like before!"