When all was said and done, two good things came out of the idiots committing suicide in D-23: 

1- They would serve as a warning to others 

2- Free buses, yo! 

As for the area itself, they had made makeshift signs warning people of the danger and dispatched some black squad members there. Realistically they would only act as a deterrence, but it was better than nothing. 

That is how they flew back to Metropolis-D, bringing the vehicles back to a random bus hangar in the suburbs. As luck would have it, there were already people waiting there. They seemed to be cheering happily with colorful banners in their hands. 

|Welcome Back, Heroes!|

|Show D-23 Who's Boss!| 

|The Sloth Conquerors!| 

Oof, oh god!

This was an incredible tragedy. Not only were these guys crazy, but their families had supported them in their madness?! This instance was even renowned for its trash loot. What kind of logic had motivated this?! 

As they landed, the cheers only got louder. When they exited, a few showed unease at the unknown faces. Then this turned into silence and lamentations as the truth dawned on them. 

"They're all gone." Markus somberly declared. 

Tears began flowing as cries of despairs resounded. For some, that sorrow turned into anger as they began shouting at the Rankers: "Why are you guys still alive and unharmed! Why didn't you save them?!" Many began echoing that cry. 

That's when a journalist came out of nowhere to capture this "touching" scene of normal people grieving their loved ones.

Instantly the focus was on Markus, with the man holding his mic to his face. "How are there so many victims? Can you explain where and why you failed your duties toward Metropolis-D?" 

Josh felt his blood boil. He knew first-hand the sacrifices Markus had made. He had sold the land to help support his citizens that had lost family members. That was back when the danger was still unknown. He had also assembled a team of Rankers to help. He could have ignored it all!

No, instead, his care was repaid with hate and criticism by assholes hiding in safety. They were disgusting, all of them. Josh couldn't help but retort: "Why weren't you on the scene to report it all?"

The man scoffed before answering: "That obviously is because there had been directives to stay clear from it. I'm a law-abiding citizen!" He looked so smug. 

"Navi, can you please replay the footage of Markus ordering them not to enter the area?" As it played out, the face of the journalist changed quickly and vividly. 

"Now, tell me. What could YOU have done better to save them? It seems like you knew of this little stunt even when the MTA wasn't sent the memo." Josh criticized him before addressing the crowd. 

"All of you! This tragedy could have easily been avoided. For the love of God, please just follow Markus's directives! He's literally trying to save you people!" Some looked downward in shame. Some were still angry. Some had blank looks. 

That is when Markus spoke, his voice tinged with sadness. 

"All of you. I understand your anguish profoundly because I feel it too. They were good people. I wish they were still here with us. They were too valiant and hot-blooded for their own good. Know that they did not retreat or cower! But please, let their sacrifice be the last! I beg of you…."

He seemed so sincere that the crowd could only agree as they slowly dispersed downheartedly. The air was charged with remorse as people felt loss. They were too shocked to mourn. 

The reporter could be heard atoning and repeatedly encouraging people at home to stay far away from D-23. 

That's when Josh and Markus left the city aboard a very ordinary car. They headed to Metropolis-C on official business, yet there was no luxury or decorum. 

As Markus drove, he took out a silver flask with a pickaxe design. He drank and refilled it. The smell of the strong alcohol filled the interior of their car. He kept sighing before he eventually spoke: 

"You know, that's what I fucking hate about politics. People sometimes assume that you're trying to control them. Well, when the Tower appeared, it was like that. But there were reasons for that goddammit! I didn't want to!"

"Should you be drinking at such a time?" Josh asked, concerned. 

"Hehe, now is the perfect time to be drinking before we arrive. Don't worry about me. My alcohol tolerance is off the charts. Anyway, want some?" 

He handed the flask over with Josh taking a big swig of it. It was awesome! He felt as if a literal fire was going down his throat and belly. Then it warmed him from the inside giving a pleasant sensation. Actually, it felt like a liquid version of these spicy chips from the arcade. 

"Hehe, you sure can drink!" Markus gave him a big thumbs up. 

"So, where are we going exactly?" Josh inquired.

"Arcadia, the Ship of Hope. Well, that's how they used to call it. Now, it's just one fat and expensive umbrella covering Metropolis-C." Markus joked. 

"Anything I need to know before the meeting?"

"Nope. Not here at least, but it's different elsewhere. Hell, Metropolis-T is governed by a monarchy. Etiquette is vital there. No, for us, just stay respectful and don't bullshit."

Before long, they were in front of the Metropolis-C's MTA. The place was streamlined and futuristic looking like last time. Plenty of people, Climbers, and regular folks were running about their businesses, not that Josh knew what it was. 

Markus guided them all the way to a corner before entering a wall. What?! Was this Harry Otter?! What awaited them inside was a portal shaped like an arch with the interior glowing red.  It made a faint buzzing sound too. 

"This here is the only direct access to Arcadia. It teleports people up there somehow. All I know is it works thanks to things we harvest from the dryads. Be careful about your stomach. This thing is hard to get used to. See you up there." He then disappeared inside. 

Now there was teleportation?! Why didn't they just use that to move from one Metropolis to another? Probably the cost or technical limitations. Josh followed his lead, his vision was filled with red before a new scene, and a smiling Markus revealed themselves to him. 

They were inside what felt like an old school completely golden cruise ship. Art was everywhere: intricate pillars, amazing sculptures, white marble floor, and even relief in the walls. Most of it seemed to represent creatures one could find on the early Floors of the Tower. 

"This is a ship?!" Josh couldn't help but exclaim. This felt extravagant yet so very cozy. A few people were present and they chuckled at his loss of composure. 

A man even called out to him: "Rejoice for you have had the chance to visit Arcadia. Doesn't it smell of Power?" Did it? If anything, it smelled like citrus, maybe? Probably the cleaning product they used or something. 

"Alright, let's go. I've already called for a meeting. Hopefully, we can get out of there soon." Markus guided him in a corridor that led to a majestic-looking staircase. At the top, there were double doors that were slightly opened. Both were engraved too.

Inside was a circular room with a circular table and circular throne-looking chairs. There were many Climbers assembled, and  Josh did as a duckling following its mama duck. He remained behind shyly. 

A few curious glances gathered on him, but he ignored it all. Markus went to sit and began explaining: "All 11 S-Rank guilds will send a representative as well as the 3 MTAs. Us 14 will decide, and it takes ten votes for something major to go through. This is our goal." 

Josh nodded, observing around. He could see small plaques with guild names written on them. 

|Draconic| 

|Eclipse| 

|Immortal| 

|Ouroboros| 

Etc….

Soon a small crowd had assembled, with the only one Josh recognized being Dario. Ah, actually, never mind. There were also people from A-Rank guilds that could attend the meeting, but only as spectators. 

There were quite a lot of people, especially that a few came accompanied. This was the case for a man that Josh recognized clearly. He had a stylish blue vest, brown hair, silver glasses. He didn't look as composed and confident as last time, however. Yes, the recruiter from Gemini.

Behind the irksome man walked Lana. Their reactions upon seeing Josh were drastically opposite. She gently smiled as he furrowed his brows. Neither understood how he had come here in the first place. 

Josh could clearly remember the disdain that idiot had shown him. He whispered in Markus's ear, who promptly kicked the guy out. The face he made upon being escorted out was priceless. The man he had recently looked down upon was ostracizing him from an official meeting. 

That is when Markus began speaking. He related what they had seen, the losses the foolish group had suffered, and asked for a vote in order to make entry into D-23 completely illegal without a special permit. 

Now came the hard part, the negotiations. No one knew what this new land contained, but they were afraid of missing out on new sources of wealth. Markus had to convince them somehow to give up. 

Josh thought the discussion would continue forever when suddenly something happened. Someone pushed the double doors in a hurry while shouting: "I have a vital piece of information!" 

What could be more important than D-23 opening up and monsters possibly escaping it? They all wondered the same thing, but the messenger's next sentence brought an end to the debate. 

"We've received some news! The Gene Corp is making a move on D-23. Their targets are the Slothtrosities!"

"WHAT?!" Everyone in the room shouted at once showing traces of panic. 

This didn't bode well for sure!... 

Creator's Thought

My first look at Arcadia felt relatively bland. Sure, it was lavish and all but I was picturing more of a battleship. Instead, there was luxury all over the place and it seemed too casual. Then, I could barely savor the joy of messing with that one guy that life threw a curveball at me.