I scramble towards the inclinator knocking aside a carelessly placed chair in the hub while The Voice continues to brief me while I run.

"I have cracked SOPO's communications with the squad that picked up the codex," The Voice rasps, "They are en route to deliver it to a separate team of escorts who will in turn take the codex to a privately held research facility located in the Dreaming Spires District. Thanks to the location of the hub, we still have time to manage an interception."

Codex? This is the first time I am hearing about it. "What's this codex? Why is it important?" I ask The Voice as I step into the powering up inclinator where I find the ORPO motorbike parked and the cop uniform laid out beside it. The inclinator did not need my input to begin the power up sequence this time. The Voice's control over the sarcophagus's systems must be strengthening.

"Now is not the time for lengthy explanations Transmigrator." The Voice replies, "Concentrate on the crisis at hand." As The Voice speaks, the inclinator begins its journey to the surface with a mechanical groan of effort.

I begin changing out of the technician outfit and into the ORPO gear while speaking, "We have time right now Voice. I can't go anywhere while the inclinator is taking me up to the surface. So spill. What's this codex?"

The Voice hesitates for a moment before answering, "The codex is a repository of sorts, storing the operating instructions and blueprints of a relic known as Salvation. I had destroyed Salvation a long time ago, but it appears Fate has managed to find part of the wreckage and salvage the codex from it. It is imperative that the codex is retrieved Transmigrator, I cannot stress this enough."

I protest, "You destroyed the original Salvation right? And this codex is only a small portion of the actual article. Even if Fate gets away with the codex, would it make any difference? The codex by itself is likely completely useless."

"That's where you are wrong." The Voice rebuts, panic barely concealed, "I have worked out the end state Fate had originally planned for the alternate route. It is highly undesirable. For both of us."

"How so?" I ask while putting on the leather boots of the cop uniform.

"We die." The Voice says with consternation.

"What!" I yell, "How in the world is that even possible?"

The Voice rumbles, "I do not know. However, my senses do not lie. I am confident that the codex poses a massive threat to my life, and by extension yours Transmigrator. No matter whatever the risk is, regardless of whatever opposition Fate has prepared, you must complete this mission. Do you understand?"

"Hold up just a minute." I fire back, "All I'm hearing is how much this codex is a threat to you. Are you trying to hustle me into risking my life for your sake? Because that's what it looks like from my perspective." Don't think I've not gotten wise to you Voice. By now, I know your tricks.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

The Voice says in a disapproving tone, "This is no hustle. If I die, my power will fade from the artificial core as well. Do you think you can survive in this world without my help, having Fate as an enemy? Whether you like it or not, in this game, both of us have staked our lives together in the battle against Fate. Will you forfeit now, Transmigrator?"

I finish putting on the gloves and tighten my fists angrily. Fine. If that's the only way, then that's the only way. "What's our win condition?" I query.

The Voice rasps, "We do not have one. The alternate route triggers the moment Fate's place of power has been successfully attacked. The route then inexorably drives the attackers towards a "bad end" as the people of your dimension would call it. As we have already entered the alternate route the moment the toxin was released into the shelter, Fate will drive us to our destruction, regardless of the course of action that we take."

Just as I am about to shout in protest again, The Voice continues, "However, we have a secret weapon, namely you, Transmigrator. While your host Mr Gallant as a native of this world is still subject to Fate's whims, your actions are beyond its reach. Fate can sweep you up in its current, but it cannot truly hold you. Already your actions in Six Trees District have destabilized the route we are on, giving us a fighting chance. Whatever you do next will add further uncontrollable variables into the Crossroads, further depriving Fate of control."

I take a deep breath to calm myself down before replying, "You said that Fate was brute forcing this route through."

The Voice answers my unspoken question with a confidence that I don't feel, "Yes. Nevertheless due to the instability, the ending of the route in no longer preordained. There is hope Transmigrator, but we will need to seize that hope with our own hands. We stand against the current and have the opportunity to divert it away from its original course. Transmigrator, are you prepared to fight for your life?"

I pick up the belt that had been laid on the floor and find that it is not the original equipment belt that I had been using. Instead of holding the stun gun, baton and other assorted cop accessories, this belt is outfitted with a holster carrying a large revolver. The pocketed belt is also meant to serve as a bandolier for the revolver's ammunition, with several fat, stubby rounds piled up on the ground beside it. I draw the revolver from the holster and the weapon's weight immediately strains my wrist. While I'm no expert shooter, I can tell that the revolver's balance is atrocious. The size of its bullets probably mean that the recoil from firing will be equally bad. I am going to need the core active if I want to use this weapon effectively.

"I agreed to help you because I wanted to live." I tell The Voice, "So Fate can bring it on." I put on the belt, load the ammunition into the gun and onto the bandolier before finally sliding the revolver back into its holster. "Why get back the codex though? Why not do something else to mess Fate's plan up?" I ask.

"Its the most direct way of interfering with the route. The longer we tarry, the greater Fate's chances at resolving the instability." The Voice explains, "However if other options arise, I will keep you informed. We have almost reached the surface. Get ready."

I put on the helmet and mount the motorbike. As the inclinator's shutters to the surface rise, The Voice guns the bike's engine causing it to roar like a lion, filling my heart with if not courage, then bravado. The cold winter breeze hits me, driving away all my fatigue. That's good enough for me. I'm literally staring at death right in the face right now. Anything that helps with composure is welcome.

And under the canopy of stars, The Voice and I charge towards our date with destiny. Together.

Until the end.