Chapter 24 - Finding Answers

Day 57

Lastation - inn

"…No, no, no! The Sanctuary group driven out by the Parliament…I can't find them anywhere!" IF shouted, looking frustrated as she searched on her phone.

"Nothing on the net either," Soren added, "Looks like Parliament's suppressing the information, though word still goes around here and there."

"Ugh, just what you'd expect from a corrupt government…"

With Chian busy preparing for the Expo, the party decided to find a way to take Avenir down after what happened to them and Chian. However, they were at a loss at what to do until IF suggested they look for the Sanctuary group, having heard that they were driven away.

"The Sanctuary serves the CPU and goes on missionary quests, right?" Neptune asked, "Oooh, so if we find 'em, we might get to bump fists with the goddess directly!"

"I doubt that," Soren argued, "Considering what happened at the Basilicom, and the Parliament being in control of things, I'm guessing that they're deliberately fooling Lady Black Heart somehow…"

"What? But that's-!"

"Ugh, it doesn't matter either way, because despite our efforts, we can't locate them." IF interrupted, flipping her phone closed. "We might have to speak with another heretic to get some answers…"

"Do we have to?" Soren didn't look too thrilled at the idea. "I mean, every heretic we find seems to have gone around the bend one way or another."

"Yes, we do Ren. As you said before, people can't be oblivious to all this information-suppressing by the Parliament. Compared to a normal civilian who would keep their head down, the heretics don't care about that, right?"

"Everyone, it's time to work." Compa spoke up, "I heard an old helpless man is being harassed by monsters outside of town!"

The others looked surprised at that until Soren asked, "Doesn't anyone find that…weird?"

"It's probably a heretic. They're the only ones who would stay out in the wilderness with the monsters. Though I'm not too sure about the harassment part." IF shrugged, before her phone started ringing. "Hold on…Chian? Yes, he's here… Now…? I suppose so… Okay, later…"

"Did Chian want to see me again?" Soren asked.

"Yeah. Looks like she needs more help."

"I see. Well, looks like you girls are on your own for now. I'm sure it won't be hard to find the Heretic anyway." Soren gave a wave before he departed for Chian's.

"Hey! Stop violating the no-leaving-party rule-! Aw, dangit, he's gone." Neptune gave a pout as she put her hands on her hips.

"Ugh, I wouldn't worry about it Nep," IF assured her, "It's not like he's ditching us or anything."

Lastation - Temporary Workplace

"Hello? Chian, are you here?" Soren called out.

"Over here." Chian's voice replied from behind a shelf.

Walking over to where Chian was, Soren looked at all the machinery crammed into the large room. Other employees were running around working, though they looked nervous as they worked.

'No surprise really. Avenir attacked the factory under the pretense of a 'malfunctioning robot.' With all this corruption running rampant, one would wonder where the heck Black Heart is.'

Approaching Chian, Soren noticed something different on the table in front of her. On the table, there were not one, but four unfinished weapons, one of which Soren recognized as a dismantled Mech Sword Armas.

"Four weapons? I thought it was only just going to be the one." Soren mused, looking at a pair of weapons modeled after IF's weapons.

"I was just going to go with the Mech Sword Armas, but since you and the others are helping with this, I decided to make a few more for all of you." Chian replied as she moved around a few parts to what looked like a futuristic syringe.

"I see." Soren looked at another dismantled sword, and wondered why there was something that looked like part of a gun among the parts. "So, what do you need?"

"I need to borrow Yukihira for a little bit." After the whole attack, Chian grew interested in the Infinite Stratos, and was surprised to find an AI in the sword. "Also, I need you to pick up some more materials from a few places. I'll supply you with magazines for your gun in addition to paying you."

"That's…doable." Soren nodded, 'And it's not the first time I've went out on a job with just my gun.'

"Thanks." Soren handed Yukihira over to Chian as she pointed over to another table. "The magazines are over there, so carry as much as you can. Yukihira, start up."

[Understood, ma'am.]

When Chian found out about the whole AI, she started using it in place of computers when Soren lends it to her. Understandable, since most of the factory's were destroyed in the assault, with the others damaged. The fact Yukihira had a sentient AI that could assist was a major plus in her book.

"Alright, I'm ready to go."

"Okay, here's a list of what you need to get." Chian handed Soren a piece of paper that was on the table. "And do be careful. I heard that the monsters are starting to increase in number."

"I know, I know." Soren takes one look at Yukihira, which has holo-screens above it before he takes off. 'It's been a while since I went on a solo mission, hasn't it.'

Elsewhere, Neptune, Compa, and IF are busy getting information out of the heretic, which won't be shown here as one can watch the scene on Youtube or some other site.

Day 58

Lastation - Old Basilicom

"For an old Basilicom, the building sure has, um, what's the word… 'aged' well?" Soren pointed out.

"Either that, or the word that the Sanctuary really is hiding out here is true." IF replied.

The party approached the old Basilicom in the dead of night, looking cautious and all that. Considering they rarely go out on night excursions, it was something they were not used to. Well…for Neptune and Compa at least.

"Are you sure the info you got from that heretic is accurate?"

"It's the only lead we've got Ren."

"Hmm, people seem pretty knowledgeable about the old Basilicom." Compa said suddenly, "Kind of weird Iffy failed to find any info about it…"

"I heard nobody lives near it. Maybe that's why information was scares for me."

"That…doesn't make any sense though. One would think that since it's the old Basilicom, it would be treated as a historical landmark or something." Soren argued.

"Huh, you have a point there…" IF frowned at the thought as she looked around.

"I just hope someone is really here. This place looks way too haunted-looking for normal people to stay at…" Compa gave a wary look around before shivering. "I d-don't see any lights… Maybe Mr. Heretic was wrong. I think we c-can still go back!"

"D-Don't even think about running away with your butt between your legs! You've got me here!" Neptune shouted, though she seemed a bit twitchy.

"Hello, be my friend~" Which was followed by something feeling up Neptune and Compa's spines.

"Eeeyaah!"

"Kyaaah!"

Both Compa and Neptune cried out in fright as the two went straight for IF, with the latter jumping straight into her arms. IF was understandably overwhelmed at the sudden action.

"Wha-? Hey-oomph!"

IF staggered a bit as the girls heard laughing coming from Soren. They looked and saw him slapping his leg.

"Ooh Goddess, that was hilarious! Hahaha!"

"…"

The girls were understandably not amused by Soren's antics, with Neptune shouting, "That was mean Ren!"

"…Ren."

Soren stopped laughing when he saw the look on IF's face. It made him gulp. Yup, it was that scary. Compa moved away, looking a bit afraid of her at the moment.

"I-If? You know it was just a joke right?"

IF stayed silent as she just dropped Neptune, who cried, "Owie!" and walked towards him. She had one of those smiles that would make a goddess cringe in fear.

"If…? I'm sure we can talk about this…"

"Talk? Yes, talk, sure…"

The next thing anyone knew, IF punched Soren right in the face, sending him crashing to the ground. "Erk! What was that-ugh!"

"You *stomp* better *stomp* stop *stomp* making *stomp* jokes *stomp* at *stomp* times *stomp* like *stomp* these *stomp*!"

"Ow, it hurts If, it hurts, ugh!"

Watching IF stomp on Soren, Neptune whispered to Compa, "Hey Compa, ya think Iffy's a S-type?"

"Nep-Nep! You shouldn't talk about such things!" Compa replied, looking scandalized, "Though I admit it looks that way…better put a stop to it…"

"Ugh, my ribs!"

"Yes, most definitely…" Compa went up to the irate IF and tapped her on the shoulder. "Iffy, don't you think Soren's had enough for now? We do need to check the old Basilicom after all…"

IF gave one last stomp before she sighed, "I suppose you're right. C'mon girls, let's get going."

Leaving Soren on the grass, IF left towards the old Basilicom with Compa following her. Neptune went up to the fallen Monster Hunter and poked him in the head. "Hey Ren, you alright?"

"Mmrrgh…" Soren groaned in response as he struggled to get up. "I-I'll be good…urk…"

Eventually, Soren did manage to get up, but he had to lean on Neptune of all people for support, and the two caught up with Compa and IF. The latter was about to open the door when a voice suddenly said, "Halt, who goes there? Are you with Avenir, or are you part of the Parliament?"

"Whoa! W-Wh-What's goin' on here? Do we look like bonanza people or something?" Neptune cried out in shock.

The door opened, revealing one of the Sanctified, who blinked at their appearance. "…Oh, just a few little girls. I'm sorry. We're not used to visitors, and that screaming from earlier didn't help matters. Are you selling cookies? …Is your friend alright?"

"No…and Soren's alright," Compa replied, "Oh, and he's a guy."

"Oh…my apologies." The Sanctified replied, with Soren just groaning. "Please, come in."

As the party was let in, Compa took a look around and saw that there were other members around, and they looked like they were on edge at their appearance. "You all seem so tense. Is someone trying to hurt you or something?"

"I'm afraid so. Avenir's automated weaponry have already paid a visit to a few of us."

"What? Why would Avenir be such a bully?" Neptune's outrage caused Soren some discomfort, which resulted in a moan. "Sorry Ren. Anyways, the Parliament got their cake and ate it when they took over the Basilicom, right?"

"They'll never rest until every last one of us are dead." The Sanctified shook their heads at that. "Even after driven out, the public eye still thinks that we're part of the Basilicom's system."

"That's…corruption for…you…" Soren groaned.

"…Is your friend really all right? He looks really beaten."

"Oh, we, uh, ran into something earlier," IF made up, "It's the reason Compa and Nep screamed after all. We, um, managed to drive it off, but, uh, Ren here took most of the hits."

"Huh? But wasn't it-?" Compa's mouth was covered by IF as she gave a smile.

"I see… Well then, please follow me. We can talk elsewhere while your friend rests."

The party followed the person until they reached a room they recognized as the Goddess' room. To their surprise though, it looked pretty new and clean, as Compa pointed out.

"Wow! The outside looked like it was about to cave in on itself, but this room looks no different from the other Basilicoms."

"We remodeled this room. We couldn't possible welcome the Goddess in such a filthy place. Here, place your friend on the bed." Neptune led Soren over to the bed as the Sanctified went on, "We typically don't use this room for guests, but for your friend, I'll make an exception."

"Question! Is the CPU gone right now?" Neptune asked.

"Not just now. We've not seen her for nearly three years. We're concerned something's happened to her."

"Most likely…in…Parliament's hands…" Soren wheezed out.

"That's the most likely scenario. They're probably fooling her somehow. We're hoping that she'll find out something's wrong and look around to investigate. However, with the increase in monsters, she might be too busy to notice…"

"So we can't talk to her about Avenir…" Compa mused, "Is there anything else we can help with?"

"We'd like the assistance, but we have no solid proof of Avenir's activities due to…many reasons."

"What about Chian's factory? It was totally crushed by Avenir. That's a whopper of proof!" Neptune suggested.

"Won't work… Incident…already classified…as machine gone rogue. Claims…Chian's been compensated. Not true though…" Soren told them.

"It's as your friend says, the incident is already covered up by the Parliament. If anyone defies them, they'll be driven away, like us." The Sanctified looked frustrated as he told them, "Their military and political might is engulfing Lastation from both sides. …We're thinking of a countermeasure. As soon as we can find a connection between Avenir and the Parliament…we can call in the military's infantry units and declare martial law on the company."

"The military's infantry?" Compa looked puzzled as she tilted her head.

"Yes, the Sanctuary actually controls Lastation's infantry units, while Parliament bolsters it's military might with automated robots. Unless we can find solid evidence that even they can't ignore, we'd be slaughtered in a quick civil war."

"Well…we worked with Avenir a few times. I remember a Basilicom member substituted once to explain our job for us." IF suggested.

"Oh, that's right." Compa snapped her fingers. "They were saying scary stuff like 'dead or alive!' for some monster tissue and stuff!'

"Hmm, if that's true, the equipment made from the monster's tissue could be our proof. If only we could get such a thing…" The Sanctified mused.

"How…could that be…proof?" Soren asked, "Is biotechnology…illegal in…Lastation?"

"Sort of. Lady Black Heart declared that biotechnology is only legal for medical practices after that incident with the replicating bioroids… If the tech is being used for other purposes, then we can use it as proof."

"All those mechanical meanies are Avenir's product, right? I'm sure they'll poop one out if we keep bustin' 'em up!" Neptune said.

"That…sounds so wrong…Neptune…" Soren choked before sighing.

"I don't know the odds of such a peculiar drop, but that's the only way to go about this. Besides, I'm sure Yukihira can scan for something like that in a machine, right?"

[Understood. I am able to scan for organic material as well as metals.]

"W-What was that?" The Sanctified person was understandably unnerved hearing Yukihira's slightly robotic voice.

"It's nothing you need to worry about." IF assured.

"Still, even with Yuki's help, it sounds like a lot of work. But if it's for justice, I'll do it. Even small efforts can be the seeds of great success!" Compa said with confidence.

"…Yuki?" IF muttered to herself.

"Thank you for this invigorating discussion." The Sanctified person nodded, "We'll await your return with the hardware and expose those bastards. I need to explain what transpired here to the others. Excuse me…"

As the Sanctified person left, a moan came from Soren. "…Compa…medic!"

"Oh dear, I'm coming Soren!" As Compa went over Soren, she said, "Wow, Iffy sure did a number on you."

"Wow, for Ren to be like that, you must've went overboard Iffy." Neptune commented.

"…Maybe I did hit him one too many times." IF admitted, as she and Neptune watched Compa treat Soren.

Day 59

Lastation - Avenir Facility

"Hey. Haven't we, uh, been here before?" Neptune asked as she and the others walked through the forest.

"It's near the facility Avenir asked us to work at before." IF replied, "I thought they'd release a robot if we walked around suspiciously."

"Maybe we need to get closer?" Soren suggested, "I mean, we're still some distance from the perimeter."

"Ugh…Ren's talking about math. It's making my head hurt…" Neptune held her head in mock pain.

"Stop being a big baby Nep. Ren wasn't even talking about math." IF sighed.

"I suppose so… Wow, there are way more bad guy monsters than before. Hopefully we won't get bonked before we can get what we're looking for."

"I didn't think about that, to be honest. Well, whatever. I'm sure we'll be fine."

"…And now something will happen thanks to Iffy jinxing us." Soren whispered to Compa, who giggled in response.

After a few hours of searching, the party didn't find what they were looking for, something Neptune didn't find good. "We didn't find it… Do we have to, like, backtrack to all the previous dungeons on this fetch quest? Say it ain't so, Iffy!"

"Uh, it ain't so?" IF replied with uncertainty. Sure, they came across a number of robots, but Yukihira didn't detect organic components within them. "Whatever, let's go back for today. I'm…feeling tired."

Everyone nodded in agreement and were about to head back when Compa noticed something. "Wait! I see someone over there!"

Someone was indeed approaching and when the person got closer, they saw it was Ganache, as well as a bipedal robot following him. "Greetings, little ladies and sir. Fancy meeting you here."

"…This is no coincidence. Avenir's solicitor and a robot sidekick." IF deadpanned, before folding her arms. "You know, it's probably difficult to have completely automated robots throughout Lastation."

"You're keen as usual, I see. All of our larger-scale machines are controlled remotely. The smaller ones tend to have simple instructions programmed into them, so we let them be."

"Then, you've been controlling the robots? All this time and forever and ever? Is it…a motion controller?" Neptune inquired.

"For some reason, I feel that's some sort of weird joke." Soren muttered, fingers tapping his pistol.

"Yes. Also, yes, all this time. But from now on? Hmm. That's up to you." Ganache replied cryptically.

"Really? That's good, 'cause I know exactly what to do." Soren pulled out his pistol and aimed it right at Ganache's head, surprising everyone present.

"H-Hey, hold on now…"

"Ren, what do you think you're doing?" IF hissed.

"The logical thing. This guy here says he's controlling the robots, yes? Take him out, and problem's solved, at least temporary. Besides, I still remember the stunt he pulled last time." Soren cocked the weapon with a click, making Ganache sweat a bit.

IF put her hand on Soren's arm, trying to get him to lower his weapon. "Hey, I remember what he did last time still pisses me off, but just killing him is too much. We should take him to the Basilicom so he can confess his wrongdoings."

"…If, I'm going to give you one minute to think about that last sentence and reword it in a way that actually makes sense."

IF looked confused for a moment before she gave it some thought. A moment later, she realized what she was implying and tsked. "Right, Avenir and Parliament…"

"Wait, we still haven't found that hardware yet!" Compa argued, "We should interrogate him about it first before we let Soren shoot him."

"Oooh, I can totally see that death flag now." Neptune chirped.

"W-Well, I'll chat more this time around. It's the reason why I'm here actually. I've started to question the motives of this company." Ganache explained, "I've come to help you take Avenir down."

Everyone looked at Ganache in disbelief as Soren said, "I'm finding that hard to believe."

"I agree," Compa added, "If you're trying to help, why did you attack us with your robots?"

"To see you all without seeming suspicious. I'm still an Avenir employee after all. Great benefits. I had to look like I was following orders." Ganache told them.

"Well whatever, said the blind man to his deaf dog. You're gonna bring Avenir down, and that's that, right?" Neptune asked.

"Hold up, Ren and I aren't convinced," IF said, with Soren still pointing his gun at Ganache, showing his opinion. "How did you hear about Neptune? Why did you try to get rid of us?"

"That…was the company's order. I was told to keep you four busy while they raided the Passe factory, and claim that it was my own doing." Ganache replied, "You can see how twisted it sounds, right?"

"Your story makes sense, but that doesn't mean I'm convinced. Heck, I'm even considering letting Ren shoot you now."

"L-Look, I'll give the hardware you're looking for as proof, okay? You want it, right? I'll even testify against Avenir."

"Awesomesauce! That'll give us a fightin' chance against Avenir. Still not convinced, Iffy, Ren?" Neptune cheered, turning to IF and Soren.

"You know what happened before. This is just one odd turn of events. Can we really trust him?" IF frowned as she eyed Ganache suspiciously.

"There's no reason to assume otherwise for now. Let's just leave it to the Sanctuary people instead." Compa suggested.

"Sanctuary… I heard a rumour that they're at the old Basilicom, right? Please take me to them. I'll tell you everything then."

"Hmm, fine." IF turned to Soren. "Alright Ren, gun down."

"Grr…fine." Soren lowered the gun as he put the safety back on, making Ganache sigh in relief. "But if he makes one wrong move, I won't be held responsible for the bullet that goes between his eyes."

That made Ganache gulp, but he managed to say, "The hardware you're looking for…it's the stuff made with the monster tissue correct? This little guy here is made with the stuff, so it can be considered evidence."

"Really now. Yukihira, scan."

[Acknowledged. …Scans indicate dead organic tissue present in construct.]

"Well, there's our evidence. Okay you, lets go, and no funny business." IF ordered.

"Alright…" Ganache raised his hands in surrender, though he gave a curious look towards Soren due to Yukihira speaking.

As the four escorted the Avenir employee, Soren couldn't help but think, 'This is too easy. Something's going on here…'