This was a good way to fix me up. Though I still feel that there's still lot more to learn, we just needed to keep moving forward. Now that I have something to work with, I'll be alright on the field or at least just simple scouting work. Wished we could have properly thanked Eliza but our jobs were already calling out to us. As I started slowly taking off my clothes and picking up some spare combat gear, Olley stared at me with a lot of weird glances. It felt a bit nice wearing civilian clothing, the piece didn't constantly restrict some regions of the body. Though nothing beats the feeling of wearing one of the best tailored made armor in this section of the universe. Her face was a bit flushed while I placed on my newly fitted combat suit. Nex had given the both of us the assignment to investigate the crashed ship and see what they had abandoned. Though if they were smart then they would've wiped away the data they had. But that shouldn't be something that should stop us from checking it out anyway. I started finishing putting on the standard combat pants, shirt, and gadgets then looked at Olley. She's probably still concerned about something. Her face said it all along with those blue glowing eyes. I wished there was something that I could do to help her from feeling that way. I adjusted my watch one more time to resync my cycle. Things were going to be a little bit different this time because our watches had a new special feature that would help us on the field. Olley walked over to me with the rest of the standard gear that she was going to use. With that unsure face of hers, it made me feel so reluctant to just be next to her.

Olley: Are you sure you're going to be fine? You don't have to go with me. It's just going to be a scouting mission anyway. You need some more time to rest.

Arc: I'll be fine, Olley. This will be good for me. It's been a while since I've had my feet on the ground. So this will be a good exercise for me. I can help this time. I can do my job. I can be a soldier.

Olley: What happens if she's there? What are we going to do?

Arc: Then we'll just have to face it somehow. Though I doubt that she'll do anything dumb like stay in a crash site. It'll be like a simple test run for me. I got a something that I want to test out.

Olley: And what about your sight? It still looks like it needs to recover. Your eye hasn't been healing anytime soon.

Arc: Eliza checked on it before we left and I guess it might be this way until further notice. But she did give me this. Just one of her many gadgets.

I placed a black metal piece over my head that covered my broken eye. It felt light despite what it looked like that I almost threw it up. There was a socket piece that would fit my eye. As I opened my other eye, I could see everything clearly again! It felt like some kind of weird miracle because I almost felt that it was never going to come back. Though I know without this, then it would most likely still be a bit busted. The UI was easy to understand because it used the same technology interface of our contacts. Eliza sure does know how to tinker with things.

Arc: I feel a bit… Strange?

Olley: You look cool! Almost like a space pirate except even cooler! I like it. Besides you need it too, this is a scouting mission after all.

Arc: If you say so I guess. It's just that I've never worn anything like this. So it's definitely a first.

Olley: How does it feel?

Arc: It almost feels a bit like seeing again, except with an eye augmentation of course. I'm not sure how else to describe it. Somehow it doesn't feel like my eye is broken but that's just how good it is.

Nitra: Alright! Break it up you two. Step off a bit. I need to talk to Arc.

Olley: Cool, then I'll see you outside.

Arc: Yeah sure.

Nitra had entered the storage room that we were in so quietly that it scared Olley a bit. It didn't catch me though because I had seen her coming in already. She seemed a bit pissed but I wasn't quite sure what her reasons were. Her eyes were narrowed compared to her usual bubbly look. It must be some kind of news that's ticking her off. Nitra stepped in between me and Olley. She stared daggers right at Olley right after. Did something happen between those two? Olley must've felt a bit pressured because she started to slowly walk away from us. She got the rest of what she needed then left, leaving me and Nitra alone. Olley seemed annoyed by this too. Nitra sized me up as she turned back to me. Almost like she was pouting.

Nitra: Oh! You look…

Arc: Like a pirate? A bit of a strange look huh.

Nitra: I was going to say something else but pirate works too. So are you sure you're up to this? You just got back from that woman's lab. I thought for sure that you were going to take a rest.

Arc: I have something on my mind. If I just stand around here healing and talking to Siv, I'm going to lose my mind.

Nitra: Siv, isn't that bad to talk to. He's just a bit... Eccentric I guess. But he means well, I think.

Arc: I guess so. But I want to do this. It's the least I can do for the Vanta team. You guys need to recover way more than I need to. Be sure to take those pellets alright?

Nitra: Yeah, I know. Just be safe out there. I get worried too y'know. Wait, I'm supposed to be the one telling you to take pellets. Just take care okay!

Arc: Nitra, we're called the suicide squad. We never go out anywhere safe.

Nitra: Maybe you might want to reconsider your classes then. I wouldn't mind dawning you in Vanta, just say the word and I'll go with you too.

Arc: Y'know I can't do that. Anyway, I'll see you when I see you.

Nitra: Wait, before you go. I just want to say that. Be careful okay! Like for real this time. Whatever happens in there, I want you to know that you should keep your cool.

Arc: Are you not telling me something?

Nitra: No, of course not. I just want to tell you since you're recovering. Don't push yourself or anything.

Arc: Alright sure. No problem. I'll see you guys then.

That was a bit strange. Though I don't think I should actually care. I finished up wearing and equipping whatever I needed then headed out. Olley was waiting for me by the transport area so I ran directly there. We wouldn't have the aid of Nex because he's needed here or wherever he's needed.. This was strictly a scouting mission so I don't think there would be a need to send in too many people. Volv and Siren were already doing so much on their own with different locations of the city slowly being freed. They did their best to clean up after the first Hyer attack. I have to do my best to do something about this situation. As I walked towards the dirt path towards, I could see Olley waiving to me. There was a HUNT vehicle ready for us to take us to the site. Hunt vehicles are mostly known for their military purpose. Specifically it's used for rushing down bunkers and demolishing bases in the front lines. The durability is beyond anything in this sector of the galaxy due to the type of metal that was used. It absorbs plasma easier compared to other heat resistant builds. Though it's not practical against explosives. It's black sleek wings shined against the suns and it's eagle-like hood was indeed intimidating. Hover technology kept this off the ground so this thing never touches the ground. We hopped on then without any kind of bumps just sped off in the air. Though the only thing that was the real danger would be Terra. I've seen her tear these things like some kind of twig with a single cannon shot. If she wanted, she could take down a while platoon without skipping a beat. No survivors as she always wanted. I don't relish the thought but those are the things I think about when I see these things. Now I'm on the receiving end if things goes to the worst.

As we started to touch down, I could see the flying laboratory already wrecked on the ground. Half of the ship was already blown to bits while the other just had holes on the side revealing some areas to the wildlife. Some of it was already scattered on the ground making it a hazard just by standing around. Radiation, chemical poisoning, the whole deal. Though that would never be a factor to us. I opened up the mouth of the HUNT to give me a better visual of the area. There wasn't even a single security golem still active or any vermin coming out. Olley joined me after turning on the auto cloaking and sentry mode. The place is highly toxic so we pulled up our filtrated masks. We don't actually know what was inside the lab besides this hatchery so we couldn't be lax about it. We dropped on the ground then cloaked the hunt one more time for safe measure. Olley took out her shock sticks ready for anything. There was a giant gaping entrance that was right towards somewhere. Olley looked a bit hesitant but that didn't stop her from putting on her goggles. My eye piece saw that there was nothing so far.

Olley: I guess I didn't expect how strong those charges were. I just added more and more but I guess it did the trick.

Arc: So you were the one in charge blowing up all of this stuff.

Olley: Well one of the many. There were a bunch of moving parts in the plan. Though I ignored most of them because I was only interested in busting you out. I just threw the explosive on a corner I thought looked important then booked it.

Arc: Thanks I guess.

Olley: What?

Arc: What?

Olley: Did you just thank me?

Arc: Yeah?

Olley: Strange…

We entered through the giant hole to see that the hallway was completely dark. I've seen some of these hallways completely light up so seeing them so dark was strange. Despite the white walls, they still couldn't reflect anything. If it weren't for my contacts and patch then I wouldn't have been able to see anything in this thick amount of darkness. These halls were unfamiliar to me so this was the area near the hatchery. Some bodies were still visibly rotting, some were bodies of researchers mixed in with the vermin. There were also some metal golems on the floor just being barely functional.

Olley: So what are we looking for? This place isn't exactly my style. I'd prefer a big, sunny, patch of land to run in. This is just depressing...

Arc: A hint. A clue maybe. I'm not quite sure if we could find anything in this amount of garbage though. It's like finding a needle in a haystack. There's too many things to look at and too little time.

Olley: Why not go towards the security room first? That should be the first thing I would go to.

Arc: You know what a security room is?

Olley: That's what most of the guards were screaming about when I was here. Personally I think it's some kind of storage for weapons or something. But if it's something important then I think that should be the direction we're going to.

Arc: Clever lass. Let's head there first then. It should be within this main hallway but I'm not sure myself.

Terra: It's a few more minutes forward then a left.

Arc: Oh thanks Terra.

Olley: ARC!

Olley's scream turned on my instinct into overdrive! Right as I turned Terra was standing right behind us! I jumped into my fighting stance once more and Olley got onto hers too. Terra was just silently staring at us in the darkness. Has she known this entire time?! This can't be. We can't fight her here! The odds of us getting out is near impossible. What's more is that we're trapped like rodents in a cave. My powers were barely functional and Olley could only do so much without getting completely obliterated. Terra didn't move a single step. Olley's legs started to tremble from her presence. Understandable since all it took to stop her was a small hit, though I'm probably in the same boat too. Our odds just went down the drain from here. However, all Terra did was hold up her hands surrendering.

Arc: What are you doing?

Terra: I'm surrendering. Why would I want to fight?

Arc: You're making fun of us aren't you?

Terra: Maybe just a bit. Though you can't really blame me for it. You did break your promise that you'd stay. It annoyed me a bit for quite some time.

Arc: I promised I'd stay. I never said that day. So it was just a lot of missing context. So what now? Are you going to bring me to your next ship or something? Going to scramble my brain again?

Terra: You know what's a bit funny to me? Despite losing your powers and breaking your eye, you're standing right in front of me without a single ounce of fear. Compared to your partner over there. It makes me giggle a bit.

Olley: Well what's it to you if I'm scared! It just means that I'm careful. I don't want to mess things up. Besides, you Adamians are scary. It's like I'm about to fight an adult Phimis.

Terra: I see. Well then, let's get to business then. Arc? Are you coming?

Arc: I'm not going anywhere with you.

Terra: No, I mean to go to the security room. That's where both of you said you wanted to be in.

Arc: I'm sorry. I don't really understand what's happening here. What's happening right now?

Terra: I'm taking both of you to the security room. I'm heading towards that direction as well. I might as well help you out for a bit.

Arc: No, I mean I don't get why you're helping.

Olley: Aren't you supposed to be our sworn enemy here?

Terra: You two? No, you two aren't the real enemy I'm fighting. I have no quarrel with the people of Hyer. I personally don't have anything against my ex colleague either. However, maybe she still might have. I can already feel her inside me trying to exit to fight.

Arc: Then tell us why you're here then.

Terra: I need to find something myself within this large ship. In fact, I have even been ordered to kill anyone on sight but I don't want to.

Arc: Skip to it already!

Terra: You're still an asset to us Arc. It would be a total loss for us if you die. However, that girl over there would probably be dead if it weren't for you. I don't mind killing the locals.

Olley: Is that it? A threat? I'm still here and I can kick ass!

Terra: Yeah, yeah I know, I just need to recover files. Simple as that. What files you might ask is definitely not something I should tell.

Arc: I'm sorry if I don't believe your story.

Terra: The only proof that I'm telling the truth right now is that the girl is still alive. If I wanted to unleash Terra then I would've when I saw the hunt vehicle. Y'know full well that I can take those down with a flip of a switch.

Arc: True.

Terra: If it helps, it would just be like old times.

Arc: I guess…

Olley: This sucks.

Terra: Though I have to ask.

Arc: What?

Terra: How does it feel that I can kill you both anytime I wanted?

Arc: Stay on guard Olley.

Terra: My bad, she slipped out there for a moment. I thought you said that it was a legitimate question. That wasn't a legitimate question! Calm down already!

Olley: Is she alright?

Arc: It's complicated…

Terra led the way towards the security room while we stayed a few paces behind her. The path was completely straight forward. She didn't say anything or did any movements that indicated that she would jump at us. This was definitely a lot more disturbing than I initially thought. She doesn't even care about us. Olley tugged my sleeve while also unholstering her AWD.

Olley: Why isn't she scared that we might blow off her head while she's in front? Is she not alone or maybe this is some kind of ambush tactic.

Arc: No, the answer is a lot more dangerous and simpler than you think. She doesn't see us as a threat. Just like how Molter flies ride on Artuskans.

Olley: So what's with her anyway!

Terra: I can hear both of you by the way. I'm not that far from your pace that I can't hear your conversation.

Olley: Hmph!

Arc: We might as well try to take anything we have considering she's not out here killing us compared to the other times.

Terra: Those first few fights weren't me.

Arc: Don't tell me they were Terra.

Terra: Exactly. That wasn't so hard to understand right?

Olley: I don't understand at all.

Terra: Whatever happened to me just happened. I'm Terra, I'm under the first series.

Olley: I didn't ask.

Terra: Seemed like you wanted to know.

Olley: I'm Olley. Just so you know. I don't appreciate what you do. I can't believe you would turn your back on your friends.

Terra: It's much more than just that. But believe what you want to believe.

Olley: How dare you! Hmph!

Arc: Pouting isn't a weapon Olley.

Terra: Wait!

Olley & Arc: Huh?!

Terra: Before you proceed further. I just want you to be prepared and just keep walking.

Terra blocked the way but I could already tell why she stopped us. The place ahead of us went to the worst because of the smell. We looked over to see a horrifying sight coming out of that corner! There were corpses everywhere in this hallway. All of them were connecting towards one room. Olley suddenly started to run towards the room. I tried to grab her but she had gone inside at a quick pace. Terra looked at me, her eyes were closed It wasn't that she closed that bothered me but it was the fact that she held them shut. There was something in that room they were trying to hide. I walked towards the room. However, before I could go in, Terra held out her arm stopping me from proceeding further.

Arc: What's beyond Terra?

Terra: The determination of one man.

Arc: What the hell are you saying!

I pushed her arm away and ran to Olley. As I entered through the doorway, the first thing I saw was something brown. I wasn't sure what I was looking at but the smell was even stronger now! Was it a corpse or something!? I looked closer around the room and it was just brown stuff all over the room. A second later, I took a step back because I just realized what the brown stuff was. It was a massive formation of flesh still living. There was still a pulse in this thing. However, that wasn't the only thing that bothered me. The flesh pile surfaced from a pit. This file almost looked like it was swimming in it's own filth. It's skin was secreting blue ooze from it's giant pores. There was no way that I thought it was. Terra walked in with a disgusted face.

Olley: What happened here!?

Terra: Evil things. This is the hatchery. The place where they made what you call vermins and mutants. Made from... Hyer, citizens.

Arc: Then that thing.

Terra: It's a giant vermin and mutant. In fact, this is the reason why we left the ship. It's a nuclear bomb. It's enough to level half of Hyer into the dust. What it's sitting on is a vat of the A1 serum.

Olley: A1?

Terra: The first pseudo Adamian magic serum. It can make anyone have powers. Or at least in theory.

Arc: Wait! That's against everything that Platform is! No nation should have access to this kind of destructive power.

Terra: And Adamians are? Isn't that a bit naïve Arc? We have the power to potentially level planets by the palm of our hands and they expect people to just accept that. Those in charge in the Platform are blinded by their politics.

Arc: Not everyone is ready for magic! Not everyone deserves the power that we have! Why do you think we have the Academy!

Terra: All they taught us was to be soldiers Arc. They didn't teach us anything. The Platform programmed us to fight for them no matter what.

Arc: That's not true!

Terra: How many?

Arc: What?

Terra: How many classes have we been in Arc? HOW MANY?!

Arc: I can't remember them all…

Terra: We've fought and fought. Only to be rewarded with another fight. When does it end?

Olley: It won't...

Terra: Precisely. It will never end. And at this point you should know what happens after a number of cycles.

Olley: Arc?

Arc: I don't want to say it because it's only for the Platform to know.

Terra: She already knows too much anyway.

Arc: Once you reach a certain amount of cycles. Your body will return to the Platform for deliberation. From there, they will decide if you will be part of a new series or continue on to become another number in your series.

Olley: What!? When does that happen!?

Arc: We're never sure. Some go earlier than others. Adamians must always have to find a way to stand out amongst the others. They need to make them look important that they don't become another iteration.

Olley: I thought you said you would never be a vile.

Arc: I never said that someday I'll never. I said I wouldn't want to be one right now. But it'll only be a matter of time that all of us have to return to the Platform and go through that deliberation.

Olley: What kind of world do you all live in? If all you do is fight and suffer then what's the point in doing anything!

Terra: She seems to understand it that. What say you?

Arc: What are you talking about?

Terra: I'm giving you another chance. Both of you this time. Olley was it? Now that you understand my side of this. Would you want to join us perhaps in our cause? Somewhat has the guts to hold a weapon to me despite the odds and fear has a place. I only fight for a chance to liberate the Platform's secrets.

Olley: ...

Arc: Olley!

Terra: My personal mission is to take down the Platform. That is what I want to spend the rest of my life on. I don't want others in my spot ever again. But that's just one of my other ambitions.

Arc: Olley don't do this!

Olley: I don't know…

Terra: The Platform has done nothing for us Arc! We would know the most. Ohnurd, Letis, Wopmur, Tifon, and Polarity. It will never end. It's time. If Adamians won't share this power then we will. We'll perfect this serum and give it to the people.

Arc: You're going to endanger the lives of millions for your experiments just for revenge!

Terra: Genocide? You're talking about genocide? Then what about what happened in Ferith. You didn't hesitate! We didn't hesitate!

Olley: …

Terra: Not just the millions! A species! A whole species died because of us! What more do I have to tell you! I remember everything! NOT JUST MILLIONS! A SPECIES! A WHOLE SPECIES WENT EXTINCT BECAUSE OF US! WHAT MORE DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU! I REMEMBER EVERYTHING! THEY WIPED OUR MEMORIES JUST SO THAT WE CAN LIVE WITH WHAT WE DID AND SO THEY CAN DO IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT I MADE IT LIKE A SPORT! HOW CAN I POSSIBLY COMPREHEND ALL THAT!