Maya: Today, Siva[1] and I followed up on yesterday's lead about the illegal doctor in Troyusse. We headed to the town and spoke with a trio of local Knights, but I'll elaborate on this in "Diplomacy" (link). Unfortunately, the tip didn't pan out. The doctor performs illegal abortions and lacks the credentials of a transplant surgeon.
Admin: Folks, I need to give you a heads-up. Never, I repeat, never wear anything robot-themed when you visit us! Maya loses her cool when she sees it!
Amanda to Admin: Wow, really? Does she lose it right away?
Leonidas to Admin: Siva, what if I want Maya's cool to be lost? (heartbreak emoji).
Admin to Leonidas: Not in the way you're thinking (disappointment emoji). She gets furious and starts confronting people! I've seen it myself! And yes, confronting, not in the way you're imagining.
Leonidas to Admin: Apologies (sad emoji).
Rex to Maya: But I have a jacket with a giant MA print on the back!
Boss: Enough of the chitchat. Private message for such conversations!
Admin to Boss: No, Max! I barely prevented her from committing murder, and I have to — I must — protect everyone else from this peril (laughing emoji). So, from today onwards, we're implementing a "no robots" dress code!
Amanda to Maya: Did you really almost murder someone?
Admin: Yes, indeed, she even drew her sword just because of a T-shirt!
Amanda to Admin: Because of a T-shirt?
Admin to Amanda: There was a robot printed on that T-shirt.
Maya: This isn't funny...
Admin to Maya: But it's the truth.
Maya: It didn't happen like that, and you know it!
Trey to Maya: So what actually happened? We're all eager to know!
Leonidas: +
Rex: +++!!!
Amanda: !+!
Boss to Admin: Clean this up later.
Admin to Boss: Understood.
Red Poppy to Maya: Well... We're all waiting! What happened?!
Leonidas: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Amanda: Upvote the post above!
Maya: You're not going to drop it, are you?
Amanda to Maya: You already know the answer to your question.
Leonidas to Maya: If you don't spill the beans, I'll show up tomorrow in "Steel Threat" cosplay!
Admin to Leonidas: She'll murder you... Don't take that risk! Please! You're still so young! (sobbing and reaching towards the sky emoji)
Leonidas to Admin: To be slain by the hand of a beautiful maiden — what could be a nobler death for a true Knight?! (horseback riding emoji)
Maya: Alright. As you know, I rarely leave the house these days (working emoji). Over the past two weeks, my trip to Troyusse was only the fifth time I'd been out. As soon as I step outside, I keep running into the same guy! A robot fanatic! Not only does he have a robot on his T-shirt, but he even has logos of anime series about robots on his sandals!
Amanda to Maya: Coincidences do happen.
Boss: This is the guy who helped apprehend the thief who tried to snatch Miss Horn's handbag.
Leonidas to Maya: So what?! I still don't get it!
Amanda: Me neither!
Maya: After finishing up in Troyusse, Siva and I were about to head back when he decided to get a pie from a local cafe...
Admin: Seriously, they have the best pies there! (eating emoji).
Maya: That's where I spotted the guy. In Troyusse!!! Over a hundred kilometers from the capital! Once again, he was wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a massive robot! I nearly lost it, thinking he was tracking me.
Admin to Maya: His aura doesn't suggest he's a sensum. How could he possibly know you'd be there? And how could he follow you if he can't even see your projection!? And what do you mean, 'nearly lost it'? If it weren't for me, you would have attacked him!
Leonidas to Admin: Seriously, almost attacked? (shocked emoji)
Maya: No, I just intended to knock him out and summon the secret service to interrogate him.
Admin: Right there, in the cafe, with a dozen patrons watching!
Maya: I was stressed. I won't deny it. (embarrassed emoji) But I had a reason! Two weeks ago, the mentor warned me, "Your survival hinges on something to do with robots."
Amanda: Wow! What a freaking ominous prediction.
Leonidas: By the way, when am I going to meet this elusive mentor?
Boss to Leonidas: Soon.
Maya: After the Breakthrough with those anime androids, I thought the mentor's prophecy had come true. We almost got torn to shreds, and who knows how things would have ended if not for the mysterious Maestro! And then, this guy with his robots shows up again, so I...
Leonidas: Maestro is awesome! Super awesome! The four of you could barely fend off two MAs, and he battled five on his own and won! He didn't even fight but danced. It was breathtaking and seriously awesome!
Red Poppy to Leonidas: Yeah, yeah, you've bored us all with that story!
Leonidas to Red Poppy: I'm his fan! I've even ordered a T-shirt with his art printed on it. It'll be ready tomorrow!
Boss: When will you settle down? You're cluttering up the thread like children.
Admin to Boss: But we are children, coo-coo! (cheeky emoji) Don't worry, Max, I'll clean up this mess... eventually (laughing emoji).
Amanda to Maya: Is that the end of the story?
Admin: If only! I managed to pull her away from the guy, but calming Maya down is no easy task!! She trailed him through the city and then, during the Break, watched him in his apartment until nightfall!
Amanda to Maya: Is the guy good-looking? (blushing emoji)
Maya to Amanda: Show some girl power! Don't stab me in the back!
Rex to Maya: So, did the guy turn out to be strange and somehow following you?
Maya to Rex: He's normal. He spent half the evening watching anime, then tried to draw some comics... unsuccessfully, I might add. He's not an artist. Still, I must admit, I kind of liked the concept of the robot he was attempting to depict, as crude as it was.
Rex to Maya: Is it just a coincidence that you run into each other so often?
Maya to Rex: Well, he's certainly not a sensum or a shapeshifter, and he's definitely not one of us, I'm 99.99% sure. I wasn't in hiding. I was right out in the open!
Admin to Maya: Yeah, out in the open, during the Break! (laughing emoji)
Maya to Admin: Even a half-blind raig would have noticed! And you know that's exactly what I meant!
Reading this dialogue made me laugh so hard I nearly toppled over in my office chair. I had pondered so many scenarios, concocted so many theories about unseen pursuers, and lost an immense number of brain cells, only to discover that I was being tailed by Maya, who was suffering from a bout of paranoia!!!
As I laughed, I was washed over with an incredible sense of relief. It's funny how things turn out: you're all set to say farewell to your life's plans and gear up for a battle with an unknown enemy, only to find out there is no enemy. All the conclusions you drew using formal logic turn out to be unfounded. Just a coincidence... Or is it? Who is this BKDW mentor? From the photo on Maya's desk, he appeared to be a cleric, and based on her comments about the prediction, he was likely a sensum, maybe even a Maker. Probably not of a lower rank, considering he wouldn't have been assigned to such charges. Also, I was sent to Truyuss by a sensum via Melanie. Interestingly, if I understood Maya correctly, this trip proved to be quite beneficial for me. After the scrutiny orchestrated by her, no BKDW Knight will now suspect me of being a raig. This could make my life a lot simpler. Intriguing.
I glance at the clock. The half-hour I had allocated for myself is almost up. On one hand, if there's no surveillance or pursuers, I could disregard this limit, but... As long as there are those who suspect me to be the First Raig, it's wiser to avoid taking unnecessary risks. Who knows what ideas might pop into the heads of the BKDW curators from the government and the Castle? I need to address this problem and do so decisively: to eliminate any suspicion of me being the First Break Knight.
Of course, there have been a few instances when such misbeliefs could have worked to my advantage, even provided substantial benefits. But it's still a perilous game to play, especially considering the nature of "Word," which makes it generally tough to pull off. Besides, I'm no accomplished actor to tread such a thin line. So, the decision is made, I need to take care of this.
Before I erase the browsing history and close the browser, I can't help but click on the "Mission" icon. I'm curious about the sort of tasks the government assigns to the free Knights. However, my curiosity remains unsated as the click results in a message: "Section under development." The younger Kraas, I recall, had promised this section would be operational by now, but things seem to have been more complex than the organization's formal leader had anticipated.
Alright, if it's not there, then it's not there. I wasn't intending to take up any external tasks anyway, I clicked out of pure curiosity. After deleting the browsing history, I shut down the program, returned everything on the table to its original state, and even placed the mouse on the pad in the same position as the owner had left it. Of course, any diligent administrator would quickly discover that someone else had used the computer if they decided to investigate, but there usually needs to be a reason for such an inspection. Nonetheless, I'm being cautious. Even if someone discovers that a stranger used this computer, it won't impact me in any way.
After pushing the chair back into its place, I returned to the Break and conducted another quick inspection. Everything seemed normal; I hadn't left any visible signs of my presence.
I exited the Tower straight through the window and, after leaping from the twenty-fifth floor, relished the sensation of free-fall for a few seconds. Landing softly, I hurriedly left the city at full speed. The business center was just a couple of kilometers from the city's eastern outskirts, and it was much quicker for me to skirt around the city, reach the sea, and then proceed to the port following the usual route. Yes, technically, the route was much longer, but at a speed of two hundred and fifty kilometers per hour, it wasn't much of a detour. Sure, hopping directly onto the city rooftops would have been even faster, but I generally avoid this method of travel.
Once back home, I first made some tea. Only when I was comfortably seated on the windowsill with a hot mug in my hands did I begin to analyze things.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Firstly, I attempted to recall word for word who had said what in that forum thread, which had evolved into a chat. The contents revealed a lot about the personalities of the participants. Notably, seven BKDW Knights had appeared in that thread. According to the forum counter, there were eleven raigs, including me, who had this status. Nine were long-time acquaintances from the site, and the tenth was Leonidas, who had recently joined the organization.
The first thing that struck me was that many of the guys were either secretly or openly in love with Maya. There's nothing strange about this: she's beautiful, popular, and has a complex personality, which adds to her allure for young men. This is something I must keep in mind when interacting with the male BKDW Knights. I wouldn't want to inadvertently antagonize any of them by speaking thoughtlessly about their object of affection. However, this is a double-edged sword; I could just as easily win someone over through a conversation about the person they love.
Thomas Sivorsky, the site administrator, was the most surprising to me. To everyone, he appears as a reticent and introverted system administrator, from whom extracting even a single comment is a challenge. But it seems this public persona is, most likely, a crafted façade put together by a specialist among the curators. Since the guy actually seems quite talkative and unable to contain his words, it's probable he's been advised not to speak out in public at all to avoid any complications, so to speak. This could be a potential plus for me. Later, it would be worthwhile to scrutinize the forum more thoroughly and delve deeper into this detail.
The dialogue also revealed that Max is merely a figurehead. In fact, within BKDW, more specifically within the group of raigs, there seems to be some kind of pseudo-organized democracy at play, which much more closely resembles pure anarchy. However, if I interpreted the words directed at him correctly, Kraas does command a fair amount of respect, and people still heed his words.
The organization seems to be very welcoming to newcomers. For instance, Leonidas was able to fit in quickly and did not seem timid around the others. Furthermore, the veterans' attitudes towards him were quite reasonable, with no suggestions of any kind of hazing.
Amanda, however, confuses me. Initially, it seemed that this girl, whose avatar strongly reminded me of paintings of Joan of Arc in dark gothic armor with a red knight's cape, is a friend of Maya's. But by the end of the conversation, I revised my assessment to "trying to be friendly, but somewhat envious of a more successful girl." However, this is uncertain and would require more extended observation, and perhaps I am incorrect in this conclusion.
Gleaning any insights about the other Knights was impossible; they participated too little in the discussion. My overall impression of the forum was somewhat optimistic, although I was surprised by the general nonchalance and "teenageness" that permeated the atmosphere. I expected much more organization and seriousness from a structure overseen by the special services. It seems as though the raigs were handed resources, given cover, and then allowed to sail freely. Although I realize this impression is likely deceptive, with some degree of control and guidance still present. And Kraas' father, who is supposedly the driving force behind the creation of BKDW, despite his position, does not seem like a figure of such importance that he would be allowed to toy with such powers. However, I have no doubt that the stakes in this arena are incredibly high.
Perhaps the government and the Castle haven't yet decided what to do with the Knights, which is why the organization exists in such a liberal, seemingly experimental mode. But then again, perhaps this is to be expected? The Breakthrough phenomenon is relatively recent in our world, BKDW has only been around for four months, and for two of those, the organization only consisted of three raigs. They were just recently provided with their building, and besides, the Break Knights are such a group that conventional management methods are hard to implement. Additionally, each force is vying for power over this structure, effectively slapping each other's hands away as soon as one attempts to grab a bigger slice of control. This current state of BKDW is likely a result of this power struggle between the official authorities, clans, the Castle, and clerics. However, if the last two were to take a firm stance, the others would retreat, but this would disrupt the overall social balance, which would not be beneficial for Novilter.
It's an intriguing situation... Although perhaps I've conjured this all up in my head and the reality is entirely different.
After finishing my tea, I placed the mug on the windowsill, but before I could even jump to the floor, it dawned on me that I'd made a mistake. After I turned off the computer in the office and went out to the Break, I shouldn't have immediately fled but rather stayed low. I should have hidden and watched to see if my assumptions were correct and if they were tracking me so closely that they would send a raig observer to my supposed entry point into the network. It's unfortunate that I missed this opportunity to verify my theories, but at this point, rushing back would be futile considering how much time had passed. If I had acted differently, I wouldn't be tormented now by the uncertainty of whether the authorities are interested in me or if it's just another wave of paranoia.
On the other hand, whether they sent surveillance for me or not isn't crucial. Undoubtedly, someone supposedly being the First Raig would attract attention. That is, something needs to be done about this situation; ideally, their presumptions should be nipped in the bud.
I already had an idea of how to do this. But it was too late to execute it today, so it would be better to implement it tomorrow.
With that thought, I undressed and got into bed. Sleep, as usual, was elusive when my mind was preoccupied with a myriad of thoughts, so I put on one of the most tedious anime. This time, my long-trusted method worked like a charm, and I dozed off while watching the second episode.
I was having a dream that was pleasant, welcoming, bright, and kind when suddenly something foreign and unwelcome intruded. It shattered everything in my dream and dragged me along with it. It felt like the Call, but it lacked the insistence and compulsion. I felt that I could resist. I could refuse this Call. So, I fortified myself, building a mental wall, and the Call subsided, becoming less demanding and more like an offer. Strange... Unfathomable... Yet, somewhat appealing...
Yet, it was a Call, albeit a different kind.
At my refusal, "Purity" singed my hand slightly, but then the burning sensation eased, as if the blade itself was uncertain whether it should insist or not.
The Breakthrough certainly didn't occur in the Wilflaes area. If it had, everything would be different. There wouldn't be any question of even a minimal possibility of refusal without substantial consequences for me.
Yet... there was something about this Call that led me, after some contemplation, to change my mind and accept it. I knew I was taking a risk, becoming entangled in something I didn't understand, but I felt in my core: it would be a mistake not to answer it. I couldn't tell what sort of mistake, perhaps one that would determine the course of my life, or perhaps something less consequential.
As soon as I opened myself up to it, the Call caught hold of my projection, and I shot up like a rocket. The speed of the current carrying me was so great that in a matter of seconds, I was observing the planet from outer space. As those who have ventured here say, it looks very impressive from this vantage point and somewhat fragile.
I didn't have time to savor this unusual view, the speed kept accelerating, and in less than half a minute, like a meteor, though without leaving a trail in the sky, I plummeted somewhere into northern Africa.
Although the fall was painless, it took me about fifteen seconds to recover from the dizziness and get back on my feet.
Looking around, I realized that I recognized this place. All around was rock-hard, dirty yellow sand, the scorching sun almost at its zenith, and old bare rocks rose along the edges of the gorge, at the bottom of which I stood under the towering feet of ancient statues.
I was in the Valley of the Kings, at the entrance to the grand temple of Ramses II. I had filmed a scene here a long time ago...
I glanced around. I was uninterested in the few tourists present at this time of the day. I was searching for indications of an impending Breakthrough, but instead, I found five other raigs in the Break, recovering from their arrival. The projection of each of them glowed with a light golden hue. I glanced at myself and noticed that, for some reason, I was also radiating the same pale gold aura today. We all stood in a line near the steps of the ancient temple. None of the Knights were familiar to me. Before I could raise my hand in greeting, two more meteors fell from the heavens, sparkling gold.
There are eight of us, and that's our full complement...
Darn it! I hate this knowledge, seemingly from nowhere, about things I shouldn't possibly know; it vexes me! Since it surfaces in my mind precisely as "knowledge," it's impossible to critique or analyze it. Suddenly, you just know something, that's all. And now I know that all eight Knights who were awarded Gold during the existence of this phenomenon have been summoned to this Breakthrough. And they all came.
Indeed, it's no coincidence that raigs are called Break Knights. There's something about their demeanor reminiscent of the noble warriors of yore, refusing to back down from a Challenge of any sort.
The Knight closest to me unhitches a claymore from his shoulder, as straight and heavy as a rail, and waves it in greeting. The others join in this salute.
Drawing my sword and echoing the greeting, I hear a shout behind me:
"Old man!! How did you end up here too?!"
I turn around... I know the last one to arrive... He grates on my nerves a little, and I'm not exactly thrilled about his presence here, either.
Before I have the chance to respond to the words of the "gladiator" boy, whom I know as Crixus, some force lifts us and separates us, driving us apart by more than a hundred paces. Then, a transparent barrier with a diameter of forty meters appears around the remaining Knights and myself, and in the center of these circles, glass columns rise from the ethereal sand, one for each circle, or rather arena.
My column is filled from the inside with a thick, seemingly grey fog, which gradually takes on the shape of a human figure. Then this substance condenses, and behind the glass, I see the same Knight who was the first to extend greetings to everyone.
What the!??
I turn around, and there he is, the same raig, two arenas to my left! What's happening? The column in his circle shatters, and Crixus steps onto the sand before him! Another one, since the first one still stands in his circle.
But then, my column is riddled with cracks and collapses. And I have no time left to observe.
[1] TLN: they abbreviate his last name, Sivorsky.