Suvron's Pass.

22nd Mazem, 1092.

Suvron's Pass was not meant for the light of heart. It was one of, if not the most damaged zones in the continent, having faced terrible devastation during the Calamity. Most of the earth was sunken far below sea level, leaving narrow irregular paths surrounded by rugged, sharp, tall cliffs,

Smoke belched from the abyss cast the path in perpetual darkness. The mountains, mostly devoid of life, was only known to house rock bats.

Kashi walked the path with his party, all of whom guided their horses by the reins rather than ride. Their caution was quite understandable, as the narrow path could barely contain the horses' wide frames. Any burst of anxiety could send both horse and rider over the edge.

Kashi eyed the bats fluttering around as if gauging whether to attack or not. "Keep your eyes open. We won't be safe until we leave this place..."

Residential Sector.

16th May 2043.

It had almost been nine days since Kashi started his journey along Suvron's Pass, but it was just a little over a day in the real world. Suzuki stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He wasn't sure how long he had been there, but five minutes later, he splashed some water on his face, then exited his room.

Suzuki wasn't surprised to see the rest of the gang chatting in the hole. It was one of their compulsory days off the gaming world with orders from above to spend their days doing whatever. They were engaged in talks over the news broadcasting on the screen.

"...It is with great pleasure that we announce the completion of Genaco's first space station. C.E.O of Genaco Corp, Jediah Kaguya Minako is reported to be the first civilian to visit it tomorrow..."

Suzuki listened with slight interest as he made his way to the kitchen. It was no secret Genaco had been attempting the project, and with the Nesla Coils, development must have somehow sped up. He bit down on an apple as another exciting piece of news was broadcasted.

"... In other news, tension continues to rise in southern Nigeria, where a huge structure nearing twenty-thousand feet continued to be kept heavily under wraps. The area has been designated as a no-flying zone by the local government, and attempts to recon using satellites have turned up futile. There are reports of countries threatening to invade, but without any concrete proof of a threat, it is understood any invaders would be held in contempt by the UN. Forces ha..."

Suzuki stared at the veiled still photo of the towering construct. He could understand the fear other countries faced. Something that massive was definitely not commercial and could pose a potent threat in the future if left unchecked. However, no one had the explicit right to demand answers from its owners, and if the Nigerian government stuck by their decision not to assist, then their hands were tied even further.

'Oh, the loving world of politics.'

Suzuki sneered and then exited the apartment. Interestingly, his roommates never realized he was in the room until he left. Once outside, he obtained the address for the testing site from his phone. The company's app let him know, it was just a few floors below him.

Suzuki walked to the elevator and then placed his phone on the scanner. The system verified his identity and then granted him access to the restricted lower floors.

Suzuki left the elevator and then entered a door marked Gladiator Testing Site 1, where he found several full-body virtual drives occupying the room. Elsewhere, a large screen occupied most of the east wall, while a see-through glass window occupied the north.

Suzuki ran his fingers along the machines' slick bodies, eyes glazed over in deep thought.

The door slid open as a familiar voice called out, "Beautiful, aren't they?"

Suzuki turned to see Yukino enter the room, eyes oddly focused in on him. It felt like he was being studied by a predator deciding if he should live or not. He hid his discomfort behind a serene expression, turning his back as he replied, "Nothing beautiful about mere tools."

Yukino chuckled. "I know for a fact that you of all people don't mean that."

Suzuki frowned. He did not like the feeling of being read. "And what makes you say that?"

"According to your file, the virtual world is far more than a passing game. There's no way you haven't developed some affection for the one thing that makes that world possible."

Suzuki's fists tightened. "Files never tell the whole story. I would expect someone of your standard to understand that." He turned to meet her eyes. "... Or did I give you too much credit? Are you really just the mascot you appear to be?"

Yukino's expression stiffened somewhat, but the smile didn't leave her face. "Impressive. Using anger to destabilize your mark to gain a psychological advantage. Your file did mention you are excellent at manipulation." Yukino chuckled and adjusted her hair. "However, you are correct. Files do not tell the whole story, and it is wrong on my part to draw conclusions based on a sheet of paper." She closed the distance and then held out her hand. "I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Asagi Yukino, but you can call me Yuki."

Suzuki stared blankly at her hand, but then grasped it after a few seconds. "Mato Suzuki. It's a pleasure... Asagi-san."

"Yuki."

"Of course, Asagi-san."

Her grip tightened, her face tightening as she struggled to keep the smile on her face. "Yu-ki."

Suzuki, revealing his inner pettiness, affirmed with a cold sneer. "I find it inappropriate to call an 'older' woman by her first name, A-sa-gi-san."

Yukino all but crushed the young man's hand as she turned beet-red. "You're not very popular with girls, are you?"

"Not at all. I am plain unpopular with everybody."

Yukino stared wide-eyed. She wasn't sure if it was what he said, the expressionless way he said it, or the matter-of-fact voice he used, but she was soon clutching her tablet to her chest in belated laughter,

Suzuki snorted. "I don't think it's exemplary to laugh at others' misfortunes."

Yukino's lips settled into a soft smile. "You finally dropped the formal speech. That's a start at the very least."

Suzuki sighed. "Sorry, I get defensive when people try to psychoanalyze me."

She released his hand, shrugging off his apology. "It's fine. Most people get defensive. You, on the other hand, go on the att- Oops, there I go again. Force of habit." She took a deep breath then continued, "So, what brings you down here so early. The meeting isn't for another hour."

"Wanted to see the place for myself."

"Familiarize yourself with the layout?"

'She's good. I'll have to keep an eye on her.' "Something like that." Eager to switch the conversation to something less about him, he turned to the Full-Body Drives. "What are these doing here? The sign outside says Gladiator Testing site, but I don't see any remote cockpits."

Yukino looked at Suzuki with pleasant surprise. "You know what remote cockpits are?"

"I did some research after the last meeting. I have to be honest. Your online libraries contain information that would be classified top-secret in most countries. You sure it's alright to let just anyone access it?"

Yukino raised her tablet. "That's why you have smartphones. Only those with the right amount of clearance can access sensitive intel. There's still a lot for you to learn if you rank even higher."

"Not interested," Suzuki rebuffed. "Instead, explain why a Gladiator testing site has no remote cockpits."

Yukino had the proudest of smiles on her face as she replied, "Because they are no longer necessary."

Suzuki's frowned in confusion, then his eyes widened slowly as realization dawned on him. "No way. It's impossible.. the stress on the brain, information overload... That's why we're playing the game. For this!" He gazed at the Full Drives with apt interest and amazement. "If this is true, then..."

"Yes," Yukino said, "It will completely change the battlefield. But if you think that is amazing, watch this." She tapped her tablet and the screen on the wall displayed an image that stunned the young man silent.

Twenty Gladiators faced off in some sort of bunker, ten per side. The war machines were humanoid in shape but had several aesthetics attached that made them resemble alien invader armor. Powered by the Nesla Coils, they were made up of several layers of an undisclosed alloy with several joints that mimicked the anatomy of a human to allow never before seen flexibility.

The Gladiators engaged in combat, shooting, slicing, and tearing each other apart. The highlights of the fights were the quick, agile movements and unpredictability which remote cockpits simply couldn't provide. There were backflips, suplexes, chokeholds, and even one or two dropkicks, maneuvers unheard of in machines.

Suzuki could have watched this for years, but unfortunately, after a few minutes, the reel came to an end.

"What do you think?" Yukino asked.

Suzuki could scarcely hide his disbelief and wonder. "That was... How did you manage to find so many people who could integrate so seamlessly?"

Yukino shook her head. "We couldn't. They were all controlled by a single man."

Suzuki's expression stilled when he saw the image of the man in question on the screen. "You're saying this guy controlled all twenty Gladiators simultaneously?"

"Yes. His NS levels are the highest in the world as of this moment, and his information processing rivals that of the most advanced computers."

"Is that so..."

"You don't sound surprised," Yukino pointed out.

Suzuki shrugged. "The human brain does regulate millions of information daily after all. It was only a matter of time before we were able to access the aspects of the brain we never consciously use." Kashi frowned, focusing on the screen. "More importantly, do his NS levels affect LNE?"

"Naturally," Yukino replied, momentarily stunned by the sudden change of topic. "It's safe to say he's easily the strongest diver in the game. His processing speed allows him to do things you can't even imagine."

A wry smile curled up Kashi's lips as he placed his hand on the screen. "...Strongest, is it?" He muttered, then made his way to the exit.

"Where are you going?" Yukino asked. "The meeting is in a few minutes."

Kashi turned to her. "Pass. I've got something more important to take care of."

"L.N.E?"

"Yes."

"But today's a compulsory day off."

Suzuki smiled. "Did you forget? The testers get special days off."

The door shut behind the young man, leaving Yukino in the room. She looked up at the silver-haired man on the screen. "Taiga and Suzuki huh?" She tapped her tablet, and then asked, "Is that okay?"

"Perfect."

Suvron's Pass

Kashi woke to the incessant shrieks of rock bats. He turned to see Miote and Lunette asleep next to him. Shadow, Hektor, and Kira had their backs to them on watch. He quickly took stock of their surroundings, pleased to see they had gained some ground while he was asleep.

"You're finally awake?" Shadow asked as he walked over.

"Yeah," Kashi replied as he was helped to his feet. "Anything major happen while I was gone?"

"Nothing much. The rock bats have been increasing in number, though. We saw some huge ones yesterday. The sooner we get out of here, the better."

Kashi scanned the area. Like Shadow said, the number of rock bats had indeed doubled in number since he was last there. The odd thing was they hadn't attacked yet. It seemed more like they were waiting for something. Well, there was no need to wait and find out what it was.

"You're right. We should get moving." Kashi then paused when faced with a new dilemma. "How exactly did you guys move with me when I was asleep?"

Shadow grinned. "Hektor carried both you and Miote."

"So tha-"

"We're not alone," Kira interrupted. Her hairs stood on end as she tensed up, growling soft murder.

"What? Where?" Kashi asked as he equipped his bow.

Hektor and Shadow noticed his actions and drew their weapons.

"Wha?" Hektor asked, grip tightening on his ax.

"We've got company," Kashi answered.

Their apprehension rose as the pass was suddenly awash with stark silence. Time seemed to stand still as the warriors glared at mountains as if daring fate to make her move.

"It's coming."

Rock bats of different sizes took flight, their wings beating drums of death as they circled the party. The spiral movement quickened as their numbers increased until they completely blotted out what little light pierced the dark clouds.

"Hektor, Shadow, make sure no harm comes to the party, and continue without me. I'll meet up with you at Meilfour." Kashi ordered as he equipped three extra quivers.

"What do you-"

Shriek!!

The bats rushed down like an arrow to their prey.

"[Gilgamesh]!"

A thousand arrows, strengthened by Ferulic's spirit, shot towards the advancing bats.

Kashi hopped on Kira's back as the pass drowned in anguished, furious shrieks. Before Hektor or Shadow could speak up, the duo tore off down the path.

"This has to be the stupidest thing you've done, and I have a long list," Kira chided as the flock of rock bats flew over the party and chased after them.

Kashi chuckled as he pressed against her back. "It'll work out somehow... I think."

"You think?" Kira rolled her eyes as she picked up the pace. "I should present them with your dead body. Maybe they'll let me go then."

"I'm pretty sure wolf meat tastes better."

"Ugh."

"Watch out!"

A flock of bats rose from the gorge, throwing Kira off balance. She missed her footing and was soon clinging to the edge of the path for dear life. She tried latching onto the wall with her hind legs, but years of neglect had bred moss that rebuffed her grip. "I can't hold on. Jump off."

Kashi knew that to get back up, he would have to push her down. Sighing, he said, "Sorry, it's impossible."

Kira growled and then glared at the bats closing in on them. "Kashi?"

"Yes?"

"I hate you."

"I know."

Kira let go, cursing her fate as they fell into the gorge, followed closely by the rock bats.

High up in the sky, a hooded figure looked down from atop the back of a giant rock bat. "That is for your interference, Kashi. Pray you do not get in our way in your next life."

Temple of Aygor,

Second Under,

Merriheim.

Lord Froy looked up at a statue of the dwarven deity. He wielded a giant hammer which the legends said could create anything its master desired. Froy walked past the statue and placed his hand on a wall. A mandala flashed beneath his hand, then the wall slid open. Torches along the stairwell, lit up as he descended into the depths of the temple.

The order official traversed a dungeon, the monsters ignoring him as he passed. He stopped in front of a tombstone and rolled it out of his path. He then descended an even deeper flight of stairs before reaching his goal.

Froy entered a chamber that housed a petrified dwarf. Tapping the statue, he taunted with a snicker, "Good Morning Aygor. How's life been?"

A giant hammer lay on the ground beside the statue. It emanated powerful aura, which created a field around itself.

Froy reached for the hammer but pulled back when it shocked him. He cussed as he glared at the hammer. "You will be mine."

"How are things in Second Under?" Suddenly a foreign voice questioned.

Froy turned to a bowl placed at the head of the room. He walked up to it as a hooded figure appeared on its surface. "Perfect. The dwarves are completely under control."

"Good. 'Chaos' is coming. We must make sure the world is ready to accept it."

"Yes."

"Has news of Rosendun reached your ears?"

Froy hesitated. "Y-yes it has. What of-"

"Your brother is yet alive. We granted him one final chance to atone for his error. Know this: the same courtesy will not be granted to you should you fail."

Froy breathed a sigh of relief at the good news. "I understand."

"For the day, the sky turns black,"

"Strong shall we stay."

Froy wiped his brow when the figure dissipated. This was no time to fantasize. He had to make sure the dwarves stayed in line.

Zeing had to go...