(S1) Chapter 5 - Arrival

“Seems like they were looking for something valuable… The repairing department has been called for already. Excis has an assumption that this mission would end up in destruction. We should go back, now.”

“I want to know why, though… Why would they want to destroy a library? I had him so close… But he escaped my grasp…” Haywin replied as she clenched her fist

A helicopter descended from the sky and floated next to the burning Tower. A man dressed in an all-black suit paired with a set of black gloves. His long white hair fluttered in the wind as he spoke out.

“Seems like Excis doesn’t care enough to send himself. Come with me, soldiers.”

“Commander Mustang. We thank you. But I believe Haywin needs to be escorted. I still need to finish some errands.”

“Alright, then. Haywin, please come along.” The Commander said as he raised his right arm to the inside of the helicopter.

Haywin entered the vehicle as she saw dozens of groups of fire fighters enter the building from the high view.

“You had a tough mission, it seems.”

“Yes…”

“Well, you can’t get hurt too much. The Standing’s Test is happening soon, you are one of the favorites. Do you know that?”

“I feel flattered. I shall do my best. A mere mission like this will do no major harm to me.”

“I am proud to have individuals such as you serving the army of Mother. Without this everlasting force, Kritis would have conquered Veldes long ago…”

They arrived at Excis’s Headquarters. Situated at the northern side of Veldes. A grandiose building surrounded by guards and robots, ready for whatever would come for them.

As Haywin exited the helicopter and stepped on the landing pad, she could not shake off the feeling of frustration that settled in her chest. She got so close capturing the man who destroyed the Tower and stole the books, but he managed to escape.

She followed Mustang as he led the way to Excis’s Headquarters. Thoughts raced through her mind about the attack and motivations of the men who carried it out. Why would they risk their lives over a library…?

As they made their way in, Haywin couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in the work she and her fellow soldiers have been doing to protect their people. Without the army of Mother, the arms of Kritis would have overtaken Veldes with ease. But this was something Haywin would never let happen.

“Haywin, you really are okay!” Excis said in joy as he jumped out of his chair.

Dressed in a black suit with golden arrangements, paired with a set of white gloves. He had a short light-browned colored hair. It mostly looked messy, Excis was known to be the most carefree persona in his own Squad.

“Yes, General.”

“Why is Mustang here? Did general Lavia send you?”

“No, she does not know I’m here. I happened to been wandering around as I noticed one of your soldiers standing on top of the burning building.”

‘I mean, I could have just jumped off by myself…’ Haywin thought.

“I see. Your help is appreciated.” Excis replied with a smile on his face

“Yes… However, there is something we need to discuss. Regarding this case.”

“That’s fine. Haywin, get yourself treated, okay?”

“Yes, General.”

She close the door behind her, and the two were left with each other.

“Those men… Mindlessly risking their lives for a bunch of books seems suspicious.”

“They weren’t looking for normal books, Mustang.”

“Hm?”

“We’ve been investigating this case for a while. They would strangely pinpoint our libraries. This is the third time one of our libraries have been attacked now…”