jigokulogs | .:Fourth Blade:.

[ Today has been quite...an interesting time. The commotion borne from the sudden appearance of those blackguards has been memorable, and Felix wondered if that Sakamoto would end up dead from it. Fortunately, that happened to not be the case, but on the other hand there is the simple fact they snatched away that female and doubtlessly are proud of that fact.

Cowards.

Only true weaklings mask themselves in the shadows. They dare to scream, to yell, raise hell, and yet are bold to claim they know who other people are? Do these foolish creatures even know themselves?

Well, nothing to it. He is shoving through people who are still in shock or otherwise in his way up until apparently he catches the attention of one from the Enma. The swordsman simply crosses his arms, irritated. ]

Well? What the hell do you want?

[ At least it's a familiar face, even if Felix’s greeting can stand to be better. ]

[ The Shuten sword fighter he'd allied with during previous trouble, huh... His attitude is more unpleasant now that they aren't being curt by virtue of being in battle, but no matter. Having fought side by side with Felix as a fellow swordsman, van Zieks feels like he has a better picture of the man than of many others. It's a start. ]

A moment of your time. We need to take statements from everybody present before we can allow this crowd to break up.

[ A moment of his time, hm? Felix does cross his arms, but appears to be listening to what the other male has to say. The other male seems to be handling the inquiry well enough. ]

Hmph. Trying to gather information properly this time around while you still can, this time?

[ The other occurrence chaos reigned, given who and what had been targeted, there appropriately was no time for anyone to ask proper questions. ]

I'll cut to the chase, then—those creatures have shown themselves to be well-acquainted with the ins and outs of this hellhole. Including the underground. I saw evidence of it close-up, the cowards taking to the shadows and using the land to obscure their movements as they closed in, and then made their getaways. Obviously, they came in from the surface, given that's where their odd machines [ bikes, lmao ] were...which they also used to make their getaway.

The movements of these creatures were incredibly quick as well, so it's unsurprising they took everyone by surprise.

[ Van Zieks listens quite intently, only looking away a few times to make a quick note.

These were clearly professionals, he agrees with the assessment. It lines up with all he's heard about the Iron Boar as well. But... ]

So you think that our kingpin had involvement with the construction of this place, slipping layout plans to his assassins? Talk about a disgrace to let the underground be compromised twice...

I've never had much faith that breaches in security would stop from happening.

[ From the chaos in the Underground twice over, then with what happened with Kagi no Bou... ]

Layout plans could easily be stolen or learned over time depending on the enemy's resources. But, I don't doubt they have someone on the inside who has access. How else could they keep making successful attacks, even in so-called secure places?

[ Barok nods, frowning. ]

There likely won't be much gained from an investigation into a group as large as the people involved with this construction, but baring any more substantial leads...

[ God, he is so frustrated. ]

The Iron Bear appears to be highly regarded and highly feared in the business world of Jigoku-cho - people fear crossing him more than they fear the Enma's punishment. It will be an uphill battle to convince them to give up their information.

Hmph. The Iron Bear, is it? If this man has been connected to what happened at Kaigo no Bou, then I wouldn't be surprised that they would fear him more than the Enma.

The sight there was revolting enough. And I'm sure you would've thought the same I did of the little 'taunt' in the end.

[ Though, he does believe that this man probably has held such a reputation before such things befell the tower. Not for no reason, if he is correct in his suspicions, but he has little reason to believe he is wrong. ]

Given the recent events, it's unsurprising he's now made a move against a different leader. Obviously all calculated moves, of course. But done ultimately as a coward, so I've no praise for filth like him.

You can never expect the kingpins to show themselves in a fair fight, it is not in their nature. All their power is built on using others and likewise making others take the fall whenever they deem it necessary.

[ Van Zieks sounds like he speaks from experience here. ]

Even once you have brought them into your custody, they still have at least a dozen goons who try to ensure their release - either out of fear or because they foolishly hope that their leader is going to secure their ascend eventually. He never will, of course. That would mean risking the stability of their own power.

Then, the solution to the problem is clear once he's been captured:

His obvious elimination.

It's a pain getting to him will be the most difficult task. If the man truly was no coward and could fight against all that he opposes, he wouldn't hide himself like the scum that he is. Hmph...and the fact he bothers saying he is an Iron Bear, when he's more like a Frightened Cub!

[ ...this is Felix just being Felix here but he's sure others would agree. If he had the opportunity, he'd bring this blasted fool to his knees, he swears it. ]

[ Barok doesn't think that criminal masterminds are quite so easily split into cowards and not - he's spent too much time trying to dismantle their gasp on society to underestimate them.

At the same time, he just appreciates hearing the Iron Bear trashtalked. ]

Should he be a coward, he is using his knowledge of fear well to cultivate it in others. There will be many obstacles to overcome before he can be struck down, but I do look forward to the day.

[ Trashtalking the bastard is admittedly giving a trace of satisfaction, which will only grow with his defeat. Hearing that people are afraid of this wretched kingpin...well, he isn't going to say that he deserves such a reputation after the chaos sewn by recent actions and such, but he can't wait to hear people's tunes change as a result of his defeat. ]

As expected, we're aligned in seeing this scum dealt with.

[ Barok never struck him as someone who wouldn't think the same regardless... ]

It's only a matter of time. He's sewn enough chaos, and has had a hand in who knows how many plots. There's bound to be more than a few who will want his head on a silver platter.

[ The night is already a quiet storm of activity before it progresses into the hustle and bustle lending to what is normally sighted at public events. Felix himself, for once, doesn't find himself feeling all that cranky.

He wonders if, perhaps, the energy behind such an event is affecting him at last. He has even dressed for the occasion, wearing a fitting blue-red yukata, with a fearsome dragon depicted towards the back. A memorable article of clothing he received some time back. That said, the event has not ensured that he has suddenly take leave of his senses, because he certainly has his usual katana with him well within reach. As well in a visible position.

He makes his own wish and decides to join the others in watching the way the constellations alight into the sky, casting an image those religious enough from Fodlan would say is a blessing from the goddess. At least the dancing seems less...frantic this time, and when he goes to grab some food, a blond woman catches his eye. He is not one for smalltalk, but neither is he able to withhold sparky comments when he sees fit. ]

Hmph. How long do you believe it will take before some foolishness is upon us once more?

[ No one ever said Felix was great at parties. ]

That does seem to be a recurring problem with this sort of gathering. The Department has been watching to make sure things go smoothly this time.

[ How effective that will be she isn't so sure. She would only share her doubts with a trusted friend or coworker. She isn't averse to the company though. It's a good opportunity to relax while she can. The food is good and she's really enjoying the view. Even if it's just a simulation seeing the stars reminds her of home. ]

[ Ironically enough, he thinks back to the madness at Kagi no Bou. The chaos and what he saw there firmly implanted in his mind. But he simply scoffs rather than say anything of it at the minent. ]

I'm not in the business of hoping it'll be enough. I'll be prepared when it all eventually goes sideways.

[ A light pat on the sheath of his sword. He can't say he's the type to truly relax...day in and day out the swordsman is always training. Improvement of his skills always remains a necessity even in a place so unfamiliar as this.

But it is true that he doesn't have anything wretched to say of the festivities. He'll also properly begin to eat some of the food he's snatched, content to give it a try. ]

If you'll be one less person to worry about then I have no complaints about that. Are you experienced with... whatever that was last time?

[ Because she sure isn't. She's realizing there are gaps in her knowledge that she needs to fill. It seems like there's so much to learn. She doesn't even know where to start. Wandering around here it's easy to let herself get distracted so she doesn't have to think about it. ]

I am, by now.

[ It is all too easy to recall the first time chaos sprang in his recent memory, when the supposed 'assassination' first took place against a certain leader who ended up not being taken out in the end. Then, of course, the follow-up...

And the mission. He tries to school his expression, but there is an unease as he recalls what he saw in that tower. He hasn't known what to think of it. Or maybe, that's not right either. ]

I was one of those who had the opportunity to go on the mission to fix deal with the situation at the tower. It was a disgusting sight in there.

[ He can easily elaborate on that if she asks, though he does bring something else up as well. ]

But we also saw those people clad in black there...heh, as if you can even call them such in the end. After all, what was underneath them were those haniwa puppet things.

I feel like there's so much more I could be doing. If I could be stronger then maybe I would be chosen for missions too. I never did get the full picture of what happened.

[ She looks to him. If he'd like to elaborate she would be interested in that. Maybe it could help her be more prepared. at this point she'll take anything and doesn't even know where to start. ]

Then, I'll tell you. From start to finish, what we found when we went into that tower.

[ Now that he's let her know a piece, that is enough of a jumping point to start with. But, he places down his food as he begins to launch into an explanation. ]

First of all, it seemed all of that cursed energy had distorted the appearance of the place inside. You wouldn't even be able to recognize how it'll normally look, what with there being tendrils and whatever kind of darkness crap here or there. We even had to jump into a hole to get anywhere.

Navigating by sight was a nightmare as we went further in, the darkness all but blotting out most light unless you had a flashlight or something to light our way. It smelled disgusting, and there was even mold everywhere. Then, we walked into circles, though at one point this curse moved what Anna was used as markers into a damned even pile. Which were coins—then, thanks to Cloud we managed to make some headway where we saw all this crap...a lot of rot everywhere you'd look.

Then there were more glowing, crimson roots. Worst of all were the people, who were working in the building, we found contained and trapped inside of that rot. They were freed by the end of it, but I didn't envy them at all.

Those haniwa puppets were lying on the floor in front of those people. We had to fight them when they suddenly seemed to come to life, being used as soldiers to attack us. They knew how to fire guns well enough; of course, we made our way out of there and managed to make our way to the center of the curse. The sight of which was nothing like I'd ever seen before...

[ And here, Felix describes that too in this block of text ~~for my sanity~~. They made their way to the roots, arriving straight at the containment center, which seemed to contain some kind of incredibly large cylinder-shaped structure smack dab in the middle of a gargantuan-sized room. There were some kind of hexagrams visible at eight points of the structure's outerside, which Felix understood little regarding their meaning. But, it is evident it had something to do with sealing.

At the time, one of those marks had been decimated, red roots converging in like a spider's web, but mostly concentrated in the center of said chamber. Either way, the structure was evidently the center of said curse, unleashed, but it was difficult to look at it directly despite the fact it was a column of darkness. Blinding, and even breathing was difficult. ]

...I suspect that the damage was only possible with all of those haniwa stored in the building. Whatever the case, this thing didn't last when we all opened the way for Cloud to take it out with a special dagger made for dealing with such a thing.

At the end, we did see something else before the light of the blade tore through that darkness...and there was some kind of human shaped thing in the middle of it all. Spouting nonsense about how "They cannot save you." before it pissed right off and then everything reverted to normal.

There. Now you know.

[ If she has anymore questions or thoughts...well, there's certainly time for that as well. He doesn't seem like he's going to immediately leave especially when it is a lot. But he didn't shy away from delivering the full picture. ]

Knowing all this happened where I work is more than a little disturbing. At the time I actually thought I could fight them myself. Thank you for this information. Is there anything I can do to repay you?

[ Some people she's met haven't been nearly as cooperative as he is. It's a relief. She appreciates that as much as the information itself. Now she knows better. Things around here are generally more than what they seem. ]

[ Felix looks thoughtful at the request. He isn't a materialistic person and honest to goddess can't truly think of anything specific in that regard (he already has access to weaponry, after all.)

But then, something else comes to mind. ]

Not much else right now.

Later down the line, though? If you've any other leads, I'd like it to be brought to my attention. Preferably by being brought personally to whatever or wherever it is. Or something along those lines. That should sound reasonable enough.

[ It's the best thing he can think of, really. ]

These investigations were never something I had any practice in. If I manage to beat a lead out of somebody I'll be sure to let you know. Honestly I feel more useful when I have someone to protect.

[ But she would keep her word. There might be something she could learn simply by her rank. Perhaps something will come up where she can do more of what she's good at. Until then she'll keep doing her best. ]

More useful when protecting someone?

Where does your skill in a fight lie, exactly?

[ Felix has been pre-emptively assuming most of the people he's met are fighters, though he is certain that there are definitely outliers. ]

The kind of weapon I use is much too large for this place. I may not have been the one to do the most damage in battle but I could take as much as I had to and survived while keeping much stronger enemies from attacking my commander.

[ But her commander isn't here. She's tried to find other ways to feel useful but nothing is ever quite the same. Even if she never does find some purpose the training will continue indefinitely. ]

Tell me about the weapon.

[ As someone from Faerghus, Felix has an interest in various weaponry even if he is more specifically focused in blades and swordsmanship. Though, speaking of which... ]

I guess I could also show you how to wield a blade properly. We might be from different factions, but we're clearly after the same thing, and if you can't use anything else to fight with, pursuing the enemy won't go well for obvious reasons.

It's like a suit of armor three times your height that allows you to wield weapons of that size. But I'm not exactly helpless outside of it. I know how to use a gun.

[ If he happens to be interested in that. Perhaps she would show him in exchange since he's so willing to teach her. ]

A gun? Hmph, a weapon I'm somewhat familiar with, I suppose.

[ But something he has little interest in learning how to properly use. He doesn't particularly like the weapon all that much. It is like a crossbow but far more...automatic. ]

You'll have to show me this 'suit of armor' in action sometime. I'd like to see what kind of weapons it's able to use.

We'll see if the Enma even allows it. This kind of thing could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

[ But she appreciates the interest. If she ends up getting it (and she will) she will show him. It's hard to miss at the size that it is. Any time she brings it out just about everyone will see it. ]

.:Fourth Blade:.

closed to Barok

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closed to Julieta

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