1045 hours, 4 July 0145...
We were deep into the blackened part of the wide Giuvila cave. The sound of the water droplets on the stalactites reverberated down the corridor. As we ventured deeper and deeper, our flashlights illuminating the wide, darkened cave way, I recounted the details of my fight with Onigashi, using a hand gesture to illustrate each step. I also shared my experience with Dr. Leah during my meeting with Sergeant Adipati yesterday.
And evidently, my brutality against her left the group visibly shaken. Therefore, Dr. Leah's revelation about the non-existence of frantilos hit them like a thunderous clang of a metal pan in the dead of night.
Lisabelle inquired thoughtfully, with a trace of surprise in her voice.
"She mentioned that Frantilos didn't exist. What does that mean?"
As I spoke, I vividly displayed the evidence on my smartphone screen, showcasing the crystals and sunburns adorning the guards' necks.
"I found crystals and sunburns adorning each downed Cleanser Squadron guard's necks. I ran an analysis of their elements on my smartphone, and it revealed an infection rate of around 72.12%."
The logic suggests that they should transform into zombified Authonoids, devoid of thoughts and feelings. But how did they behave like a normal human being, still maintaining order in the midst of chaos?
When I nodded in understanding of Axel's sudden query, I then responded with a hand gesture, never stopping myself from sauntering deeper into the cave with the latter.
"Do you remember what happened with Scott in the abandoned sugar factory when he encountered Florent? This may be the answer, but the individual who is implementing it is taking it to the next level. But that too is just the beginning."
After everyone gave me a curt nod, Commander Katoki suddenly elaborated.
"Oh yeah, I remember that she used to be the top-ranking medic at Minerva, where Commander Marisa and Kyouko were learning from her. However, at times, she struggles to control her emotions when performing her duties, often putting her own life in danger to save several wounded soldiers. While beneficial, it is also risky."
"Until then, the medical academy had to demote her, so she needed to be more patient when dealing with various battle-hardened patients."
Commander Marisa suddenly approached my right side as she continued Katoki's elaboration.
"But instead of accepting her humiliation through demotion, she chose to quit and take the risk by joining Crescent, given her deep bond with Onigashi. During that period, she regularly sought advice from Onigashi to alleviate her mental distress after each mission. It's remarkable how Dr. Leah continues to communicate with me even after years have passed. The last time we both talked to each other was two weeks ago, when she asked me how Tsuyuki's doing in here. And I obviously answered, He's doing fine in here."
I couldn't help but chuckle with a slight blush after hearing Commander Marisa's elaboration. As the surroundings went deeper and darker, Christine suddenly joined in on the conversation as she spoke with a sense of wonder in her tone.
"Perhaps the medical academy's mistrust of her stems from her relationship with Onigashi, leading to her expulsion as a traitor from Minerva."
As we delved deeper into Giuvila Cave, Kyouko unexpectedly approached me and asked me a question.
"But why would Dr. Leah care that much about Onigashi? Isn't she the kind of Authonoid figure who could manage everything on her own? And what does Onigashi mean by saying that Minerva was an accursed organization?"
Without stopping our stroll as we ventured deeper, I elaborated with a hand gesture.
"She had to accompany Onigashi to a psychiatrist for her mental health concerns. Given that her prior traumas are why she's becoming completely berserk, she is a danger to herself and others. That's why Dr. Leah also needs to soothe her."
Perhaps it stems from the institutionalized dishonesty within this organization. The organization's actions, which range from disposing of the failed Authonoids' experiments in a junkyard to members colluding with the elites and engaging in money laundering, may be to blame. Including what they've done to her."
After hearing Onigashi's story, a wave of sympathy, understanding, and sorrow swept through everyone, each expressing their emotions. Lisabelle queried with a hint of sympathy.
"Who told you that besides Dr. Leah?"
"General Qassem."
It does surprise the latter after my sudden revelation, like a sonic boom that shattered the castle of glass from the immense shockwave. Lisabelle suddenly queried in a loud, surprised tone that echoed the cavern's walls, shocking me as well.
"General Rasheed Qassem Jenar? Before Nikolai Vladislava Brezhnev's administration, General Rasheed Qassem Jenar was the director of Minerva."
Her unexpected question irritated me due to its extreme obnoxiousness, akin to someone popping a balloon in the middle of my peaceful sleep. I felt like I wanted to slap her forehead to remember her tone, but all I could manage was a quiet, frustrated response.
"Yes."
"What did he say to you?"
After I sighed to regain my composure, I then opened my mouth with a hand gesture.
"Besides Onigashi's expulsion from this organization, he also mentioned that she shared a frame with me."
"What's your frame's code, then?"
After Nolan's sudden query, I then glanced over my shoulder with a brief response.
"AT-05RT"
With a brief nod, Nolan then elaborated on his analytical query.
"Does her brutality account for her expulsion from Minerva? I've heard from several of Minerva's Authonoids that her brutality scared the latter, until the high-ranking commander conspired to secretly dump her. Is that so?"
After hearing Nolan's query with a nod, I elaborated with a hand gesture.
"Hmm, not really. If what General Qassem stated is true, then Rukia's infection rate was so high that, according to the rumors, someone in the Minerva kicked her."
My response shocked everyone, knowing the organization had treated her unjustly. Following this, Nolan let out an exclamation.
"Someone kicked her out of Minerva just because of her rising infection rate? What a stupid move they made! I mean, why not give her some kind of specialized medical care? Seriously, what were they thinking?"
"And is this why Rukia is becoming a bad person?"
"No. There's more to it than meets the eye, given how far below the iceberg may go."
As I walked past the crystal walls and unintentionally caught a glimpse of their shine, a sudden thought emerged in my mind, prompting me to confront it.
"Oh… I forgot to mention that Onigashi's real name was Rukia."
With a surprise, everyone then responded in unison.
"Rukia?"
As I kept walking with the latter, I glanced over my shoulder for clarification.
"Like, have any of you Minerva's veterans ever heard this name before?"
Christine began to speak abruptly, her voice echoing off the walls of the cavernous room.
"I've heard from one of my colleagues that Rukia often challenges the toughest Authonoid in Minerva, and she always comes out on top without breaking any sweat. Even though she's got too greedy with her power."
Axel agreed with a brief nod and then elaborated on his experience too.
"Me too. From what I've heard, she once soloed a supreme-type monster, Shanti Jameel, using her katana to kill it with brute force that no normal Authonoid could find it possible to replicate."
"So, do you guys already know that Onigashi's real name was Rukia, judging by her behavior on every occasion?"
"Kind of. However, during our most recent encounter at Grande Maria's Great Church, where she brutally assassinated the Great Pope, she appeared more stoic as she slaughtered anyone who stood in her way, a departure from her usual demeanor. Though it was terrifying to see, at least."
Images of my painful past suddenly flashed before me. I knew how dangerous she was because of how brutally she slaughtered my former allies and the helpless village guardians.
I may have avenged their deaths, but her ghastly recollections continue to torment my mind, plunging my sanity farther into the blackened abyss. My statement came as we reached the cave's midpoint.
"But to me, she wasn't an ordinary Authonoid nor a human. She looked like a demon that would appear from the legend."
With a solemn nod, Axel then responded with a hint of worry in his tone as he looked down.
"Yeah, I too don't want to face her if I'm not ready enough."
We've arrived at the three-way passageway across the cave's interior, with the ambient wind creepily blowing through the surrounding area. Then, Leonid Martinez stopped his step and ordered us with a hand gesture.
"Unfortunately, we have to separate ourselves into three groups before entering each of the tunnels to prevent ourselves from getting surrounded by the entire flock of Piracelli at once. But we will randomize it this time."
"Tsuyuki, Nolan, and Lisabelle will go to the middle."
"Axel, Christine, and Kyoko will go to the left."
"Leonid, Commander Marisa, and I will move to the right."
We then all nodded and answered in unison.
"Yes, Mr. Martinez!"
Leonid then issued a stern command to us all at once.
"Always stay on your guard whenever those lurking monsters attack you from behind!"
Leonid then turned to Christine with a reminder in his eyes.
"Especially for you, Christine. I hope you'll make it out unscratched, sweetheart."
"It's alright, father. We can do it."
Christine walked up to Leonid and kissed him briefly on the cheek.
"Alright everyone, we'll see you in the exit way!"
Afterwards, everyone went their own way to locate the exit through the separate path of Giuvila Cave.