The Legion's Infiltration

The existence of Evermere hung in the balance. 

Over the night, several dozen platoons of troops had ridden out to engage the approach army. All had been defeated, with minimal losses from the enemy. The few who had made it back had all reported increasing numbers of troops - far outpacing Evermere's own military. 

Not too long into the skirmishes, Amane called all of the forces back to focus on defending the perimeter wall around Evermere. If they were going to survive, they would need to use every advantage they had. Location would be a big piece of that. Soldiers who were well-trained and properly positioned could defeat and army several times their size...

But that's not what happened. Instead, the Directive's forces just... stopped. A few kilometers out, just beyond the distance of any long-range weaponry, they had halted their advance. They had just been motionless since then, as if held in a temporary stasis. 

It was a creepy thought - and an even more terrifying sight once the sun fully rose. Itsuki looked out towards the fields beyond Evermere. 

What had once been green grass was now a sea of black bodies, menacingly awaiting to march at a moment's notice...

"it's clear that they're here for me..."Itsuki announced. "If they wanted to take Evermere, they would've simply marched overnight when visibility was lower. We'd be stupid to pretend there's a different motive..."

"Regardless of their goals, they've chosen an unwise strategy," Amane chimed in. "If they intend to stand there for days in order to intimidate us, it will not work. My strength will be regained by that point, and I can simply dispense of them without issue..."

"They likely know that," Yuna pointed out. "That's part of what makes it so uneasy. They're wasting time, which means there must be some sort of plan..."

There was a buzzing, humming sound behind them - signaling that someone had entered the viewing area via the portal. Itsuki, Yuna and Amane all turned towards the portal. One of the knights had arrived with an update. 

"We've captured one, your Highness," he reported. "We've noted that some have managed to infiltrate the city. Most have been killed, but we managed to capture and incapacitate one before it could self-destruct. If we'd like to proceed with an interrogation, we've locked it in the anti-magic chamber on the tenth floor."

***

Itsuki hadn't yet been to this part of the tower. It was the first ominous and unsettling environment he'd seen within Evermere...

It was a long hallway with cells lining either side. Everything in the area - floor, walls, ceiling and cell bars - was made of the same material. It was this vibrant white stone that hummed and released a bright glow. This was likely what created the 'anti-magical' effect within the chamber. His feather pendant felt entirely inert here, and even Yuna seemed uneasy that she couldn't bring forth her abilities in this chamber. 

The three of them approached the cell; escorted by a small handful of city guards. Within the cell, bound and unmoving, was one of the robotic humanoids that made up the Directive's legion. It was identical to the ones Itsuki had seen at Firefly Pond. It was also likely identical to the ones currently outside the city walls. 

"Tell us what the Directive seeks here in Evermere," Amane commanded with authoritarian tone. "I know you must have all communicated some sort of plan before arriving."

The robot remained silent, and did not provide any information. 

"Why be stubborn?" she continued. "You're going to be torn apart and killed in here if you don't cooperate. Is that really what your Directive would desire?"

Again, no response. Itsuki examined the being thoroughly. The jet-black metal that made up its 'skin'. The golden pulsing 'circuits' that seem to be drawn across its body. They were much dimmer than the ones he had seen before. While he wasn't certain of anything, he guessed that the anti-magic cell was dampening his power supply. On top of that, he was likely isolated from communication with the rest of his allies. At least, that would make sense if Itsuki assumed they possessed such a power. 

Final determination? It was a robot. It did not care, it had no instinct of self-preservation. It would die in that cell without any remorse. It would only share information that it had been told to share...

"What does the Directive want with me?" Itsuki asked. "Is it trying to use my influence as the Judge to forcefully extend the Cataclysm?"

The creature shuddered a bit, as if responding to his voice. After a brief moment, it's head lifted. Its eyes - or what could be interpreted as such - focused on Itsuki.

"We have come seeking the Judge," it spoke, monotone and matter-of-fact. "If he willingly departs with us, then Evermere will not be harmed."

"That's a bold statement..." Amane growled. "What makes the Directive so sure that it could achieve such a feat?"

No response. The creature's focus remained locked onto Itsuki. 

"Answer the question," Itsuki commanded. 

No response. 

"This is pointless..." Amane sighed. "Let us leave this place and have the guards dispose of it. It's simply wasting our time."

Amane began towards the exit of the cells. Itsuki stood there a moment longer, searching his brain for the right answer. It had spoken once, which means it did have information it could share. What determined whether it was shareable or whether it wasn't?

Itsuki wasn't sure, but Yuna seemed to have an idea. 

"Is there information you are allowed to share with Itsuki?" she asked. 

Another shudder. The robot's head shifted towards Yuna. 

"Yes."

"And what is it?"

It thought for a moment, and its head shifted back to Itsuki. Amane had also stopped walking away. She hadn't turned around, but she waited to hear the creature's response. 

"Information to convince the Judge we mean no harm. Our Overseer wishes to speak with him, and provide a show of good faith?"

"Good faith?" Itsuki questioned. "How would you plan on 'showing' me that?"

Another shudder. It's head turned back towards Itsuki. 

"Your younger brother is alive. He is currently with us, he is currently safe, and he desperately wishes to see you again..."