What a heavy atmosphere.
Inside the elevator returning to the Ark, they felt a sensation of movement in all directions—front, back, left, right, and up and down. Despite experiencing this physically, they remained silent.
Due to the impact of the battle, their initial conversation had ceased. The fact that Exia had been shot kept coming back to their minds, causing their words to dwindle, and the atmosphere grew increasingly somber.
It had likely been three hours since they boarded the elevator.
The last semblance of conversation seemed to be his request, "Lend me your lighter." After Anis used her electronic lighter to ignite his, the words of gratitude were the last they had heard an hour ago.
There were no cheerful topics or witty jokes left in Moore's repertoire. All they could do was sit quietly in the seats provided near the elevator gate to Ark.
Gradually, the elevator slowed its descent. When they looked at the LCD panel, it displayed that they would arrive in one minute.
Saying goodbye to the now-warmed seats, Moore stood up, and the others followed suit.
As the elevator decelerated, vibrations ran through their bodies, and the closed doors eventually opened.
.
.
.
"...Quite the reception committee. Did someone send for you all?"
Beyond the open doors stood about ten armed soldiers from the Central Government Forces. Moore recognized the figures of the three leading soldiers. Just to confirm, he glanced at his subordinates, but they all shook their heads.
Nevertheless, they couldn't stay in the elevator forever. Sensing the discomforting atmosphere, Moore took the lead and stepped out toward the gate. However, the soldiers, as if blocking their way, surrounded them. Everyone was armed, but the muzzles of their automatic rifles remained pointed at the floor. However, their fingers were positioned to touch the triggers and safety mechanisms at a moment's notice.
"Please stop."
"...Quite the welcome, Lieutenant."
"I apologize, Captain Moore."
One of the three who stepped forward, Privaty , saluted him while apologizing. Moore, ensuring that the assault rifle hanging from his sling did not move, acknowledged the salute by shading his eyes with his right hand, his left hand pressing against his chest and right side.
"What's the matter?"
Rapi, raising an eyebrow, also stepped forward. Moving to his left, she confronted Privaty, questioning the meaning behind their actions.
"Why did you come to the surface without permission? Explain."
"Haven't you heard about the Special Task Force?"
"I have, but—"
"We have the freedom to move. In other words, Triangle has no authority to interrogate us."
Moore observed the soldiers surrounding them, all armed with personal firearms. These weapons might not be very effective against Nikke, although it would be a different story at close range. Moreover, there was a possibility that they were prepared to suppress Moore if necessary.
"Just as you are a Special Task Force, we are a unit directly under the Central Government. We have the authority to question you."
"We haven't received any official documents to that effect. Commander, did you receive any communication?"
"No, nothing at all. My apologies, can you lend me a lighter?"
While Rapi looked up at him, a head taller, Moore shook his head from side to side. He then pulled out a cigarette from a pouch on his body armor, lit it with the turbo lighter Rapi offered.
Creating a windbreak with his left hand, he lit the cigarette, blowing out purple smoke as he faced them again. He thought,
*Clearly not well-trained,*
as he did so.
"...Because. Our commander—"
"That's right, that's right."
"....Why are you behind me?"
Anis and Neon, hiding behind his back, provocatively interjected. Yulha, the tall, clean officer with a captain's epaulettes on his coat, sighed dramatically and narrowed his eyes. She still seemed sleep-deprived, evident from the dark circles under her eyes.
"...Captain. It seems like you have no intention of complying... Are we mistaken?"
"With all due respect Captain, there's no intention of compliance in the first place, Ma'am."
He subtly corrected her expression, and behind Moore, there were faint murmurs of admiration. Ignoring them, Moore continued to survey his surroundings, savoring the purple smoke as he slowly burned the cigarette.
Whether out of disbelief or resignation, Yulha glanced sideways at Prebity.
"Privaty, ignore them and take them with us. We can shoot them here if we want to—just like that hacker. The name was... Exia, wasn't it?"
At the mention of shooting, Moore's cheek twitched slightly. He released his right hand from the grip of the assault rifle, letting it hang loosely by his side.
Hiding behind him, Anis subtly gasped at the specific description. It was fortunate that they hadn't been discovered, likely due to Moore's broad back shielding them. However, the fact that these soldiers were aware of Moore and the Counters having a video call with Exia seemed evident. Perhaps there was an anonymous informant among them.
"...Anyway, we will proceed with the interrogation. Will you accompany us voluntarily?"
Privaty who was the commander, once again requested Moore's voluntary cooperation. Moore deliberately exhaled purple smoke in her direction—a clear indication of his refusal.
Though he didn't seem impolite, Privaty narrowed her eyes and made eye contact with one of the soldiers standing behind her. The soldier nodded and approached him.
"Captain, we will confiscate your gun—"
.
.
.
"—This gun, you mean?"
.
.
*Click*
The muzzle of a .45 caliber automatic pistol, drawn from the right leg holster, was casually pointed at the soldier's forehead. The movement was so natural that the soldiers couldn't react in time.
In their haste, other soldiers attempted to raise their automatic rifles, but Moore's intense brown eyes stopped them in their tracks. They involuntarily froze.
"Captain, please lower your gun... We don't want to resort to force."
"Is that so? Yet you handle this quite splendidly, Lieutenant. You seem to lack manners. Ah, it might be best not to move."
Sensing Privaty's attempt to calm the situation, Moore moved his thumb, showing off the cocked hammer of the pistol.
"Please calm down... I assure you, it's just a routine questioning..."
"Unfortunately, I can't believe that. I don't know what accusations you might throw at me. Let me make this clear: I'm willing to do anything to protect my subordinates. If it's not in the records of the Central Government Forces, remember it well: I'll do whatever it takes."
The sound of the trigger being pulled seemed disproportionately loud. It was evident that Moore had pulled the trigger right up to the point where the hammer would fall.
Rapi and the others evidently hadn't expected him to take such extreme measures. They felt a sense of urgency deep inside.
"Back down, Lieutenant. I assume you don't want to see blood,no?"
The most unfortunate person in this situation was the soldier who found himself facing the barrel of Moore's gun, emanating with murderous intent. Despite being a spirited young man with adequate training, having a gun pointed directly at his forehead was an experience entirely new to him. He forgot how to breathe, and cold sweat trickled down his face.
"Commander, please calm down... This is after the battle with Rapture. I understand you're agitated, but—"
Anis and Neon couldn't help but think that this was a nice follow-up. It was clear that Moore was only going through with this act, but only they could understand that. Given the post-battle tension, the soldiers might understand his agitation as well.
Rapi gently grabbed Moore's right wrist, the one holding the pistol, and slowly guided the muzzle toward the floor. Once the gun was no longer pointed at the soldier's forehead, he visibly relaxed, resuming his breath as his shoulders moved up and down.
"Hmm...Private, be thankful for my subordinate."
It was strictly forbidden to attempt to seize a weapon carried by an officer in such a manner. The soldier, educated in this protocol, swallowed hard and stepped back to his original position.
Acknowledging this, Moore pressed his thumb on the pistol's hammer and pulled the trigger. As the hammer returned to its position, he holstered the gun back in his leg holster.
"If you want to do something to the Special Task Force, bring an officially issued document. Signed by a Deputy Commander or above."
"That's all I have to say," Rapi added. While Privaty contemplated her next move, a voice came from her side. It was Admi.
"...Privaty, let's go. Captain Moore."
"What is it?"
"...The cake was delicious. Thank you."
"...I see. I'm glad it suited your taste."
This was a moment from the restaurant where Moore had entertained Admi for the sake of pacifying her. He had given her a piece of cake—for whatever reason—and this gesture of thanks was now subtly returned. It seemed like a way to repay the favor.
Privaty wanted to object to retreating like this, but she knew that the soldiers in front of her wouldn't budge. Realizing this, she ordered her waiting soldiers to step back first.
The armed soldiers, aligning their steps, retreated, breaking their half-circle formation. Privaty approached Rapi, who stood next to Moore.
"Rapi, you really are my rival, aren't you? Hmph, You won't fall for transparent tricks, huh ?"
"...Rival?"
—This was news to her.
With the cigarette clenched between his fingers, Moore cast a sidelong glance at her, Privaty, but Rapi was tilting her head.
"Yes, you and I are destined rivals. Our records... um..."
"...Rapi had her memory erased. She shouldn't remember the Lieutenant."
Moore informed her, and she fell silent for a moment. It seemed she had entirely forgotten.
"...S-she, my record is 21 wins to 0 losses. Of course, I have the 21 wins."
"—What? No, that's wrong. It's the other way around—"
"Yulha! Please be quiet!"
"...Alright."
---I guess this is what it means to dig own's grave.
Moore mused, exhaling a puff of purple smoke from his cigarette as he looked down at Privaty. She, unable to bear his gaze, turned her face away and coughed.
"I'll consider this count null and void for you, given your memory wipe. So, work harder. I won't accept a weak rival. Be someone worthy of being my equal!"
With her finger pointed at Rapi, Privaty encouraged—or rather, admonished—the erased-memory rival. Then she turned away and started to leave.
"Everyone, let's go."
"...Let's go, Admi."
"Yes."
"What a futile endeavor... Really."
With a glance that seemed to say, 'I'll overlook it,' Yulha turned her golden eyes toward him before pivoting away. Was she saying she'd let this one slide?
"Counter's and Captain Moore, I have one piece of advice."
"...Is there something else?"
Moore, not a fan of lengthy conversations, urged Privaty, who had stopped with her back turned.
"The Central Government is watching you all. Don't forget that."
"...We'll keep that in mind. And I apologize for the various rudeness."
"...Hmph."
The apology came late. Privaty, as if to convey this sentiment, shook her thick hair while leading her soldiers away.
Yulha glanced at Moore once more before Admi nodded subtly and followed along.
Finally, the tension eased.
Anis and Neon, emerging from behind him, looked up at Moore. They hadn't expected him to pull out his gun and point it at someone. They had been quite concerned about the outcome.
"...The appointment to the Special Task Force was also the Central Government's intention, right?"
"...That's what I've heard. Well, it's likely that Lord Anderson had a hand in it... to some extent."
"...Not everyone in the Central Government is fond of us, after all."
Rapi added as a supplement, and Moore exhaled along with his sigh, releasing a plume of purple smoke. He had smoked the cigarette down to its base, which was inevitably harsh. It had its own unique flavor, but once he savored the final drag, he flicked the cigarette into the portable ashtray.
"...Will this kind of thing continue to happen in the future, I wonder..."
"...Probably. But don't worry. I'll protect all of you. That's my role."
(Tl Notes: As always, what a chad.)
"Don't say it so casually... I need to mentally prepare..."
Anis looked up at Moore's determined profile, a faint blush touching her cheeks.
"Now... first, let's confirm the situation with Exia—"
Suddenly, Moore's mobile device vibrated. He took it out from his pouch and checked the incoming call. It was from Anderson.
"...Is it a report first? How much should I tell him..."
He sighed for what felt like the umpteenth time and began to walk, his steps heavy.
-----
The next story is expected to be long (probably, definitely).
Note: The line "Is this the one?" comes from a scene in the movie "The Rock," where General Hummel, who feels betrayed, points a gun while saying, "Is this the one?" during the final moments. Interestingly, General Hummel also had a .45 caliber pistol...
What a heavy atmosphere.
Inside the elevator returning to the Ark, they felt a sensation of movement in all directions—front, back, left, right, and up and down. Despite experiencing this physically, they remained silent.
Due to the impact of the battle, their initial conversation had ceased. The fact that Exia had been shot kept coming back to their minds, causing their words to dwindle, and the atmosphere grew increasingly somber.
It had likely been three hours since they boarded the elevator.
The last semblance of conversation seemed to be his request, "Lend me your lighter." After Anis used her electronic lighter to ignite his, the words of gratitude were the last they had heard an hour ago.
There were no cheerful topics or witty jokes left in Moore's repertoire. All they could do was sit quietly in the seats provided near the elevator gate to Ark.
Gradually, the elevator slowed its descent. When they looked at the LCD panel, it displayed that they would arrive in one minute.
Saying goodbye to the now-warmed seats, Moore stood up, and the others followed suit.
As the elevator decelerated, vibrations ran through their bodies, and the closed doors eventually opened.
.
.
.
"...Quite the reception committee. Did someone send for you all?"
Beyond the open doors stood about ten armed soldiers from the Central Government Forces. Moore recognized the figures of the three leading soldiers. Just to confirm, he glanced at his subordinates, but they all shook their heads.
Nevertheless, they couldn't stay in the elevator forever. Sensing the discomforting atmosphere, Moore took the lead and stepped out toward the gate. However, the soldiers, as if blocking their way, surrounded them. Everyone was armed, but the muzzles of their automatic rifles remained pointed at the floor. However, their fingers were positioned to touch the triggers and safety mechanisms at a moment's notice.
"Please stop."
"...Quite the welcome, Lieutenant."
"I apologize, Captain Moore."
One of the three who stepped forward, Privaty , saluted him while apologizing. Moore, ensuring that the assault rifle hanging from his sling did not move, acknowledged the salute by shading his eyes with his right hand, his left hand pressing against his chest and right side.
"What's the matter?"
Rapi, raising an eyebrow, also stepped forward. Moving to his left, she confronted Privaty, questioning the meaning behind their actions.
"Why did you come to the surface without permission? Explain."
"Haven't you heard about the Special Task Force?"
"I have, but—"
"We have the freedom to move. In other words, Triangle has no authority to interrogate us."
Moore observed the soldiers surrounding them, all armed with personal firearms. These weapons might not be very effective against Nikke, although it would be a different story at close range. Moreover, there was a possibility that they were prepared to suppress Moore if necessary.
"Just as you are a Special Task Force, we are a unit directly under the Central Government. We have the authority to question you."
"We haven't received any official documents to that effect. Commander, did you receive any communication?"
"No, nothing at all. My apologies, can you lend me a lighter?"
While Rapi looked up at him, a head taller, Moore shook his head from side to side. He then pulled out a cigarette from a pouch on his body armor, lit it with the turbo lighter Rapi offered.
Creating a windbreak with his left hand, he lit the cigarette, blowing out purple smoke as he faced them again. He thought,
*Clearly not well-trained,*
as he did so.
"...Because. Our commander—"
"That's right, that's right."
"....Why are you behind me?"
Anis and Neon, hiding behind his back, provocatively interjected. Yulha, the tall, clean officer with a captain's epaulettes on his coat, sighed dramatically and narrowed his eyes. She still seemed sleep-deprived, evident from the dark circles under her eyes.
"...Captain. It seems like you have no intention of complying... Are we mistaken?"
"With all due respect Captain, there's no intention of compliance in the first place, Ma'am."
He subtly corrected her expression, and behind Moore, there were faint murmurs of admiration. Ignoring them, Moore continued to survey his surroundings, savoring the purple smoke as he slowly burned the cigarette.
Whether out of disbelief or resignation, Yulha glanced sideways at Prebity.
"Privaty, ignore them and take them with us. We can shoot them here if we want to—just like that hacker. The name was... Exia, wasn't it?"
At the mention of shooting, Moore's cheek twitched slightly. He released his right hand from the grip of the assault rifle, letting it hang loosely by his side.
Hiding behind him, Anis subtly gasped at the specific description. It was fortunate that they hadn't been discovered, likely due to Moore's broad back shielding them. However, the fact that these soldiers were aware of Moore and the Counters having a video call with Exia seemed evident. Perhaps there was an anonymous informant among them.
"...Anyway, we will proceed with the interrogation. Will you accompany us voluntarily?"
Privaty who was the commander, once again requested Moore's voluntary cooperation. Moore deliberately exhaled purple smoke in her direction—a clear indication of his refusal.
Though he didn't seem impolite, Privaty narrowed her eyes and made eye contact with one of the soldiers standing behind her. The soldier nodded and approached him.
"Captain, we will confiscate your gun—"
.
.
.
"—This gun, you mean?"
.
.
*Click*
The muzzle of a .45 caliber automatic pistol, drawn from the right leg holster, was casually pointed at the soldier's forehead. The movement was so natural that the soldiers couldn't react in time.
In their haste, other soldiers attempted to raise their automatic rifles, but Moore's intense brown eyes stopped them in their tracks. They involuntarily froze.
"Captain, please lower your gun... We don't want to resort to force."
"Is that so? Yet you handle this quite splendidly, Lieutenant. You seem to lack manners. Ah, it might be best not to move."
Sensing Privaty's attempt to calm the situation, Moore moved his thumb, showing off the cocked hammer of the pistol.
"Please calm down... I assure you, it's just a routine questioning..."
"Unfortunately, I can't believe that. I don't know what accusations you might throw at me. Let me make this clear: I'm willing to do anything to protect my subordinates. If it's not in the records of the Central Government Forces, remember it well: I'll do whatever it takes."
The sound of the trigger being pulled seemed disproportionately loud. It was evident that Moore had pulled the trigger right up to the point where the hammer would fall.
Rapi and the others evidently hadn't expected him to take such extreme measures. They felt a sense of urgency deep inside.
"Back down, Lieutenant. I assume you don't want to see blood,no?"
The most unfortunate person in this situation was the soldier who found himself facing the barrel of Moore's gun, emanating with murderous intent. Despite being a spirited young man with adequate training, having a gun pointed directly at his forehead was an experience entirely new to him. He forgot how to breathe, and cold sweat trickled down his face.
"Commander, please calm down... This is after the battle with Rapture. I understand you're agitated, but—"
Anis and Neon couldn't help but think that this was a nice follow-up. It was clear that Moore was only going through with this act, but only they could understand that. Given the post-battle tension, the soldiers might understand his agitation as well.
Rapi gently grabbed Moore's right wrist, the one holding the pistol, and slowly guided the muzzle toward the floor. Once the gun was no longer pointed at the soldier's forehead, he visibly relaxed, resuming his breath as his shoulders moved up and down.
"Hmm...Private, be thankful for my subordinate."
It was strictly forbidden to attempt to seize a weapon carried by an officer in such a manner. The soldier, educated in this protocol, swallowed hard and stepped back to his original position.
Acknowledging this, Moore pressed his thumb on the pistol's hammer and pulled the trigger. As the hammer returned to its position, he holstered the gun back in his leg holster.
"If you want to do something to the Special Task Force, bring an officially issued document. Signed by a Deputy Commander or above."
"That's all I have to say," Rapi added. While Privaty contemplated her next move, a voice came from her side. It was Admi.
"...Privaty, let's go. Captain Moore."
"What is it?"
"...The cake was delicious. Thank you."
"...I see. I'm glad it suited your taste."
This was a moment from the restaurant where Moore had entertained Admi for the sake of pacifying her. He had given her a piece of cake—for whatever reason—and this gesture of thanks was now subtly returned. It seemed like a way to repay the favor.
Privaty wanted to object to retreating like this, but she knew that the soldiers in front of her wouldn't budge. Realizing this, she ordered her waiting soldiers to step back first.
The armed soldiers, aligning their steps, retreated, breaking their half-circle formation. Privaty approached Rapi, who stood next to Moore.
"Rapi, you really are my rival, aren't you? Hmph, You won't fall for transparent tricks, huh ?"
"...Rival?"
—This was news to her.
With the cigarette clenched between his fingers, Moore cast a sidelong glance at her, Privaty, but Rapi was tilting her head.
"Yes, you and I are destined rivals. Our records... um..."
"...Rapi had her memory erased. She shouldn't remember the Lieutenant."
Moore informed her, and she fell silent for a moment. It seemed she had entirely forgotten.
"...S-she, my record is 21 wins to 0 losses. Of course, I have the 21 wins."
"—What? No, that's wrong. It's the other way around—"
"Yulha! Please be quiet!"
"...Alright."
---I guess this is what it means to dig own's grave.
Moore mused, exhaling a puff of purple smoke from his cigarette as he looked down at Privaty. She, unable to bear his gaze, turned her face away and coughed.
"I'll consider this count null and void for you, given your memory wipe. So, work harder. I won't accept a weak rival. Be someone worthy of being my equal!"
With her finger pointed at Rapi, Privaty encouraged—or rather, admonished—the erased-memory rival. Then she turned away and started to leave.
"Everyone, let's go."
"...Let's go, Admi."
"Yes."
"What a futile endeavor... Really."
With a glance that seemed to say, 'I'll overlook it,' Yulha turned her golden eyes toward him before pivoting away. Was she saying she'd let this one slide?
"Counter's and Captain Moore, I have one piece of advice."
"...Is there something else?"
Moore, not a fan of lengthy conversations, urged Privaty, who had stopped with her back turned.
"The Central Government is watching you all. Don't forget that."
"...We'll keep that in mind. And I apologize for the various rudeness."
"...Hmph."
The apology came late. Privaty, as if to convey this sentiment, shook her thick hair while leading her soldiers away.
Yulha glanced at Moore once more before Admi nodded subtly and followed along.
Finally, the tension eased.
Anis and Neon, emerging from behind him, looked up at Moore. They hadn't expected him to pull out his gun and point it at someone. They had been quite concerned about the outcome.
"...The appointment to the Special Task Force was also the Central Government's intention, right?"
"...That's what I've heard. Well, it's likely that Lord Anderson had a hand in it... to some extent."
"...Not everyone in the Central Government is fond of us, after all."
Rapi added as a supplement, and Moore exhaled along with his sigh, releasing a plume of purple smoke. He had smoked the cigarette down to its base, which was inevitably harsh. It had its own unique flavor, but once he savored the final drag, he flicked the cigarette into the portable ashtray.
"...Will this kind of thing continue to happen in the future, I wonder..."
"...Probably. But don't worry. I'll protect all of you. That's my role."
(Tl Notes: As always, what a chad.)
"Don't say it so casually... I need to mentally prepare..."
Anis looked up at Moore's determined profile, a faint blush touching her cheeks.
"Now... first, let's confirm the situation with Exia—"
Suddenly, Moore's mobile device vibrated. He took it out from his pouch and checked the incoming call. It was from Anderson.
"...Is it a report first? How much should I tell him..."
He sighed for what felt like the umpteenth time and began to walk, his steps heavy.
-----
The next story is expected to be long (probably, definitely).
Note: The line "Is this the one?" comes from a scene in the movie "The Rock," where General Hummel, who feels betrayed, points a gun while saying, "Is this the one?" during the final moments. Interestingly, General Hummel also had a .45 caliber pistol...
