Chereads / Empty Pockets / Chapter 20 - Presence Imposition

Chapter 20 - Presence Imposition

Kassius and Arnold head down the stairs.

Kassius: "Hey, what do you plan to do when this tour thing ends?"

Arnold: "I don't know. I guess I'll just go roam around here for a bit. Maybe try learn more about the location of those paintings."

Kassius: "Nice. I'm planning on go for a big snatch."

Arnold: "Already?! Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Kassius and Arnold reach the bottom floor and walk down the hall.

Kassius: "I mean, not really. But I wanna explore a little bit so why not?! Hey, you should come with me."

Arnold: "Hmm."

Kassius and Arnold reach the end of the hall and see the group with two other people. The man who was touring them is standing with the group as well. Kassius and Arnold walk into the group.

Man: "And that's the whole gang. Now, let me introduce the other two people I mentioned. The tall guy over there is Jacob. He doesn't really fight much and is more of an intellectual person. The lady next to him is Lucy. She is-"

Lucy: "The future strongest around. Don't forget it.

Bonnie scoffs.

Lucy: "Got something to say?"

Man: "OK, let's tone it down a bit. I'm not trying to stay here for too long. So to finish this tour, if you have any questions, do ask."

Jinsoku: "I have a question. About the continent, what are some good places to visit?"

Man: "Ahh, a little bit of tourism. I suggest Thari, it's a beautiful nation. Plus their beaches are excellent. If you are looking for another place, I heard Windsaw is a great location this time of year. Ale like no other and the water falls are mesmerising."

Bonnie: "I got a question related to that. Could you explain these four nations."

Man: "That's fine. If you guys don't mind surrounding me, I can shortly refresh some of your memories, if not give you new insight."

The man removes a rolled up paper out of his pocket and sits on the floor. He unrolls it on the ground for all to see as they circle around him.

Man: "This is a map of the entire continent. So long story short, there were different groups in different areas. These groups eventually took over areas of the continent to form their respective nations. The largest nation currently is Vincere in the North, followed by Thari in the West, Windsaw in the East and finally Maldone in the south. That huge circle in between is Lake Suba, and is middle ground between all nations. As of right now, these nations are individual parties but are on good terms, even hosting meetings between their four leaders every two years, known as The Royal Medium. Other than that, there are different cities in each nation, but each nation have their capitals. Some of these other cities may have leaders that work for the top leader of the nations. All nations however, have a royal family that have the power to dictate any and all commands. Finally, two things. One, we are in the south so we are a city of the smallest nation. And two, places that are blackened on the map have been advised to avoid visiting."

The man rolls the paper and puts it back in his pocket. He stands up and they go back to their original places.

Man: "Alright, any more questions?"

Arnold: "I have one. From my understanding, there isn't just regular police on this continent. How strong are the ACO?"

Man: "Good question. Well, I told you all the nations have their leaders come in unison to have a meeting. Well, a while back, they decided to agree upon a neutral military force to stop criminals. They are known as the anti criminal organisation, ACO for short. They essentially are everywhere, protecting the nation cities, making sure criminals do not break the law. To answer your question, they are very powerful and funded by all four nations so do not take them lightly. Not onlt numbers, but equipment and officers themselves are no joke."

Kassius: "Ooh. I got a question. What are those seven you were talking about on the helicopter?"

Man: "Yes, that. I can break that down for you but instead of starting at the seven, I'll explain how they even rank criminals. As I just mentioned, the ACO are the neutral army of the world. So when they see someone as a threat, it's given all around to keep an eye on them. They do this by labeling them under notices. Let's take a petty thief to compare. If he were to steal from a shop, it wouldn't be a big deal, so that will be up to the nation's police force to deal with them. However if this becomes a common issue or the ACO deems them a threat, they'll get on the radar with world wide notices. From my knowledge, there are five notices; green, yellow, red, purple and black. Most likely you will start off at green notice no matter the crime, but there are exceptions when it's insanely severe. Green is the lowest and is usually for upstarts. You won't be seen as a giant threat so you'd most likely be arrested and interrogated. Yellow is following and you may be given more attention but it isn't something monumental. You'd probably be at risk of harm but similar treatment of imprisonment."

Kassius (in head): "So... much... information."

Man: "It gets more serious at Red, where it's more likely you'll be wanted dead more than alive. Going up one more is Purple. Some of the worst criminals have this notice on them and the police almost take no chances with them. But they aren't the worst. That, would be black. The black notice is the highest of all and these are for the deemed 'dead living'. Anyone on black notice is to be killed on sight, no if's, no and's, no but's. And to link it back to your question, the seven are the only people in the world with the black notice."

Bonnie: "Whoa! Who are these seven?!"

Man: "By the ACO, the individuals known collectively as the 'Seven Wonders' are the seven most infamous criminals in the world. Deemed as threats to the nations, the ACO keeps a lot of attention on them. The ACO say they have no understanding of their patterns, so they call them wonders. Hold on..."

He pulls out a phone.

Man: "Let's see... Yes. Here. On their website. They have all criminals wanted, listed. And here, is the seven wonders. I'll just summarise the descriptions:

1. Case 9.81, Archemis Selo - A world renowned genius who suddenly turned to a life of crime and is said to have technology that the ACO can only match with the help of elite groups of scientists together.

2. The Ghost of Ironmaid, Puca - a murderous fiend who roams from nation to nation picking off victims. Famously known for the murder of the Prince of Windsaw.

3. The Grim Reaper, Osir Hindo - An assassin so skilled traces of his victims are almost nonexistent. Infamously known for the scythe on his back and the dark robe that covers him, this was the description from one of the top brass of the ACO that survived encountering him.

4. The Whisperer, Kailo Vocce - The leader of the infamous group, 'The Void'. A unique group, talented in multiple departments of crime. Even with small numbers, they have amassed a fortune.

5. Diana Perseph - Also known by some as the Queen of The Underworld and has been linked to multiple rings of crime. A master of manipulation to which description of her appearance has been the key objective of her investigation."

Kassius (in head): "Wait a minute. Didn't that woman in the food place say her name was..."

Man: "6. Remus - Also known as 'Goliath'. A giant among men, with immense strength and bloodlust who parades from place to place taking what he pleases and killing any who oppose. Sources suggest he might not be human."

Marcus (in head): "Remus..."

Man: "And finally,

7. The Malefactor, Mekai Ventra - The prodigy thief who rose to infamy, stealing multiple artifacts and causing so much havoc. The Union incident (March 4th 3020) had lead to the request of the world leaders themselves to put him on black notice."

Kassius: "Whoa! Mekai is up there already?!"

Man: "You know Mekai?'"

Kassius: "Yeah."

Man: "That guy, he's an interesting one, that's for sure. Anyways, let's not get distracted. Are there anymore questions?"

The room stays silent.

Man: "Well, if that's all, then-"

Marcus: "I have a question. What's your name?"

Man: "Hmm? Did I not introduce myself? That's a bit rude of me, I apologise. I'm Remus."

All: "What?!"

Marcus: "You... are Remus?"

Sarah: "Are you serious?"

Remus: "I am."

Bonnie: "I thought you said he was a giant among men?!"

Remus: "I always wondered why they called me that. It's kind of cool to be honest hahaha!"

Lucy: "So you're strength is revered eh? Maybe I should put it to the test."

Remus: "Right now? I don't think that's a good idea. I haven't fought in quite some time."

Bonnie: "I'm kind of interested too now."

Sarah: "For once I agree with the monkey. Unless, you're a phony."

Remus: "Phony? Why would I lie?"

They all stare at him with unconvinced faces.

Remus: "Alright... fine. Why do I bother, it's just like the last group... Ok. Three people, step up and the rest, stay back."

Lucy, Bonnie and Sarah step forward.

Remus: "All girls this time."

Lucy: "Is there a problem with that?"

Remus: "No, no. Just making an observation. It doesn't matter to me."

Remus inhales and exhales sharply.

Remus: "Let's begin."

Remus takes a step towards them and all of them start tensing up with fear.

Kassius (in head): "What the-"

Arnold (in head): "What is this?!"

The boys in the back start sweating as well. Jacob falls to the floor and passes out.

Jinsoku (in head): "Huh... what the hell is he?"

Remus walks up closer to them.

Bonnie (in head): "Why won't my legs move?"

Sarah (in head): "Is he... human?"

Remus stares menacingly at all three of them and they look at him. Stunned by fear, all they see is the shadowy figure of a giant monster.

Lucy (in head): "Wha... h-"

Remus taps her head.

Remus: "We're done here. Great fight everyone. I hope that was convincing enough."

Jinsoku: "That intensity..."

Remus: "Someone check on Jacob over there."

Lucy: "Jacob! Is he..."

Remus: "Nah."

Kassius: "How did you do that? What was that pressure?"

Remus: "That? It's presence Imposition."