Project Zeruqkchiyion

"What do you mean, you lost Shien?" In Fanghui's office of the Arcane Phalange, High Visionary Joltiarre yelled in Japanese at Kyrinna's hologram. "Fanghui's master plan to wipe out the Vulpi is screwed up because of your failure!"

Kyrinna said nothing as Azuroid's hologram rubbed her shoulder.

"That's enough, High Visionary," Fanghui told the pink-haired Joltiarre. "She may not have Shien now, but our Countess will complete her mission nonetheless."

Joltiarre tipped her glasses with a huff. "How do you know that?"

"Kyrinna wishes to bring her father honor. She always makes certain that the job gets done. I have faith in her skills."

"Fine, whatever."

"Kyrinna, you did your best. I want you and Azuroid to secure the Ironclad Eagle," Fanghui instructed in Japanese. "We'll give you further instructions from there."

"Wakarimashita," Kyrinna's hologram bowed before fading.

"Now, Joltiarre," Fanghui sighed. "You said we must unlock the sarcophagi of the Prognosticus Trinity?"

"Correct, Supreme Herald. With the three sisters' revival, Shien will bring forth the Revelation Concerto as the Vultau tomes foretell."

"And you've foreseen where they're hidden?"

"I do, Supreme Herald," Joltiarre flipped through the pages of ancient Vultau scriptures. "Terrhina's earth sarcophagus is hidden in an underground Vultau temple in Hualien."

"Then let's mobilize our forces to conquer the temple. The sooner the Revelation Concerto, the sooner the Vulpi will die in their destined war ritual."

***

Magnus and Captain Arius clutched their pistols, hiding in a ruined mall as a barracuda hovertank strolled by. Reaper Squad commandos rode on the tank's platform wings.

"Fan out!" One of the soldiers instructed. "They went this way! Report anything suspicious!"

"Alrighty," Arius whispered to Magnus. "They haven't found us. Let's go back inside before we get into another unnecessary fight."

The two quietly walked back into the store. After their aircraft was destroyed by a chimaera, the group crash-landed in Chicago. Saitori's group of four was on the run by the Federation forces.

"We all should be clear for now, General," Arius told Saitori.

"Good," Saitori sat next to Dorian behind the grocery shelves. "Hate to say this, but we got to move on foot."

"Ugh, on foot?" Magnus groaned. "My feet hurt already after all that running!"

Dorian clutched onto her laptop, thinking about her friends. "I hope Shien and everyone else are alright."

"They will be," Saitori assured. "We got the antivirus down. Now, Mivangeline must do her part to lead them to beat the game."

"I hope she can. I mean, she's a very skittish gal," Arius scratched his head. "I can't imagine how she must feel with all this pressure."

"Well, she's going to have to get her act together. We did our part. Mivangeline needs to do hers."

"So, what now, General?"

"We wait until those patrols leave. Last time I checked on the control panel, we're about ten miles away."

"I hope Isrina and the other families made it to Choro Emplexion," Magnus checked his ammo.

"Hmm? Do you guys hear that?" Dorian asked.

The four heard a bustling crowd cheering. They walked through the hallway of aisles towards the noise until they reached the large windows. As they hid behind the fruit shelves, they saw a massive assembly of people in between columns of Reaper Squad and crusader droids.

The crowd quieted down as President Forroway stood in the middle of the podium, clearing his throat before the microphone. Behind Forroway was a large screen with two flags hung on each side. One of the United States, and one of the Chinese Kneapexist Party. Under the US flag sat Vice President Idiyura and the rest of Forroway's Cabinet. Maika and SANDRA sat under the CKP flag, guarded by White Death guards.

"Thank you all for coming to this wonderful assembly. I know it's been stressful with the World Cybertrap and our massive evacuation procedures from the battles with the UICA and SHRIKE," Forroway announced. "But I'm here with a Federation ambassador, who wishes to provide you all well-needed good news. May I present you, Colonel Shiran Maika!"

Saitori clenched her teeth as the crowd cheered. Maika pulled her fuchsia-colored hair while walking up the podium. The crowd was mesmerized by Rose Warrior's cat-green eyes.

"Thank you, President Forroway. Thank you all for your patience and cooperation with our ambitious evacuation procedures," Maika smiled at the crowd. "We sincerely apologize for mass-moving everyone into different places every day, but your safety is a priority to the Global Federation."

"Hey! Why are you two looking at Maika like that?" Saitori yanked Arius and Magnus by the ears for staring at the Rose Warrior. "She's the one who made the Eclipser Virus!"

"Oh, sorry, General," Arius scratched his head. "Don't worry, I lost interest in her once you reminded me."

"She's pretty. You sure she's one of the bad guys?" Magnus snuck a peek at Maika's body.

Saitori bonked his head with a fist. "Don't be fooled. She may look cute, but she's a big fat liar."

"Ouch! You know her?"

"She's a Shin-Kaminari like I was."

"I assure you all that we'll stop the UICA without fail!" The four listened to Maika's speech. "We'll make them pay for the World Cybertrap! And we're proud to announce the death of Kainos Cecilius, President of the UICA!"

"Hail, Fanghui!"

Waving their Kneapexist banners, the people cheered with their whistles and applause that made the air rumble.

"Why are they cheering?" Dorian shook her head. "Cecilius didn't do anything! This isn't right! Is there something we can do?"

Saitori shook her head. "If we fight now, we will lose. We must look for Choro Emplexion first."

"But that's not the only good news I bring you, fellow people!" Maika winked to charm the public. "Our best researchers have found a way to rescue your loved ones from the Syanic Earth. I present Project Zeruqkchiyion!"

When Maika pointed to the screen behind her, it turned on with vibrant rock music. Three metal dragon heads spiraled from the center as the program's name was inscribed.

"Project Zaruchi- what?" Arius blinked.

The people clapped, eager to hear about the new program that would set the players free.

"Big name, I know. But our mission is very ambitious!" Maika winked. "We found out about the virus the UICA implemented, the Eclipser."

"Maika, you little liar," Saitori hissed. "You made the Eclipser, and you tell everyone that we made it?"

"We've tried to build antivirus software, but they have proven ineffective against the Eclipser, but don't worry!" Maika snapped her finger, signaling the screen to change into a cartoon. "We plan to send top agents into the Syanic Earth. The agents will carry program Zeruqkchiyion and free players from the inside out!"

Within the screen, an Agent stick figure carried a Cure suitcase on the green left side titled Real-World. The Agent jumped to the red right side of the screen titled Syanic Earth, where Player stick figures stood. The Agent opened the Cure suitcase and grabbed each Player's hand, teleporting them to the green side.

"And, of course, our agents can use the program to return safely to the real world!" Maika pointed at the Agent typing on the suitcase before he teleported to the green side. "We will be sure to send one experimental agent first to ensure the procedure is safe!"

The people clapped their hands, amazed by the new program.

"Now, now! Settle down, fellow people! We will get started with Project Zeruqkchiyion as soon as possible!" Maika waved to the crowd. "However, we need you to send your entrapped loved ones to our new reformation centers. This will help us locate each player in the Syanic Earth with their headgear data."

"Great, the Federation's making themselves look like the hero," Magnus shook his head. "Is Forroway seriously going along with this?"

The four watched Forroway and his Cabinet members clap along with the public.

"But why?" Saitori questioned.

"Thank you very much, Colonel Maika!" Forroway shook hands with the Rose Warrior. "You have provided us with fantastic news of hope for the players. I look forward to seeing Project Zeruqkchiyion in action!"

"It's my pleasure! And thank you, for aiding us with the resources we needed for this program," Maika held their hands high for the crowd. "It couldn't have been done without your part for the greater good."

"No!" Saitori scratched her teal hair in frustration. "T-this can't be happening!"

"Rejoice and delight in thy news of salvation! Thy beloved shalt no longer be ensnared by the UICA's blasphemy!" SANDRA launched fireworks from her metal fingers. "Project Zeruqkchiyion shalt mark the unshaken union between the United States of America and the Global Federation of World Justice!"

"Hail, Fanghui!" Forroway and Maika shouted.

"Hail, Fanghui!" The people clapped and cheered, waving their Kneapexist signs up.

"After all Forroway did for us, he sides with Maika!" Saitori muttered. "Why does every government fall for her?"

"What do you mean?" Magnus patted her back.

"During the Niang Chronicles, we ventured through Europe looking for refuge," The General punched a pack of coffee beans on a shelf. "Cecilius pleaded to the European governments for our refuge while Maika promised them riches for their cooperation in our persecution. Take a guess who Europe sided with!"

Arius and Magnus were silent. They didn't know that the deceptively beautiful Rose Warrior caused so much pain during the Niang Chronicles. Saitori repeatedly kicked the wall as the crowd's roaring cheers echoed for Project Zeruqkchiyion. Dorian shuddered at the scene, tugging on Magnus' arm in fear.

"That's enough, General!" Arius held her down. "Throwing a tantrum is not going to make anything better!"

Saitori knelt in tears, covering her face. "Why does Maika always get away with lying? It's not fair!"

"Listen, General. We're going to Choro Emplexion. That's where Cecilius wanted us to go, right? So we can fight back!" Arius shook the General. "We'll figure out a way to expose Maika together! We'll make certain the Rose Warrior doesn't get away with this! Understood?"

Saitori nodded and wiped her tears. "S-sorry."

"Don't be, we all break down sometimes," Arius looked out the windows. "The coast is clear. I suggest we move before another patrol finds us."

"I didn't mean to scare you, Dorian," Saitori hugged her as Arius and Magnus led them on their journey to Choro Emplexion.