The Darkness of Elzion

Hm? It's turned on.

What's wrong, Rovella?

It's nothing. Anyway, Aldo...see that large monitor there with the advertisment?

Monitor? Yeah, what about it? Huh? Rovella?

Hey, where'd you go?

I'll have you come with me.

Huh? What are you...?

I wouldn't make a fuss if I were you.

Or else... Wait, you're not Rovella!

Don't move.

First... step away from Aldo. Or you'll be missing a head.

Now, what business do you have with me?

We have a job for you.

I don't take work from sneaks like you.

Cat and Mouse...

So that's what this is all about.

I'll be waiting at the airport.

What was that just now? I'm so confused.

We're heading to the airport, Aldo. It'll all make sense once we get there.

You came. I'm glad.

What does the army want with me?

What?! This guy's with the army?

Cat and Mouse is code for a clean up operation used among the troops.

Oh right. You used to be one of them.

So tell me, what do you want from me?

It's about V-Sense. You heard of it?

Yeah. It's an illegal system that seizes control of the senses with the usage of nano machines.

Very good. I'm surprised. There shouldn't be much information available about it. Actually, V-Sense has begun spreading within the army, weakening our troops.

And you want me to locate the source of it.

Correct. And it's not only the troops either. It's begun spreading among the citizens of Elzion as well. If we don't contain it now it will cause an epidemic in the city.

We gotta do something, Rovella! We can't let things get any worse!

......

Why me? You can just get someone in the troops or the police to investigate the matter.

You will be rewarded for it. A laborer like you wouldn't assist in this otherwise.

Fine. I'll do it.

I want to get to the bottom of this quickly. That's why I sought you out.

It's great you're helping them and all, but where do you suppose we start?

I have one suspicion. But first, let's head to the bar in Elzion. There's someone I want to talk to there.

I have some questions.

Hm? Oh, Rovella.

I'm told that V-Sense is infecting the army. I'm looking for the source of the problem.

So it's information you want?

No. I know it's you who's behind this.

Heh. Ha ha ha! That's a good one! You calling me a criminal?

How can you be so sure, Rovella?

This man once paid me to deliver V-Sense to the city. Who else would it be?

Seriously?! But then that means it's your fault for causing this outbreak!

I am partly to blame.

How can you be so calm about that?

Because that's what a laborer does. I carry out the work I'm paid for. Besides, if I didn't do it he would have found someone else instead.

You can't just do anything for money.

A brat like you wouldn't understand. That's just the kind of world we live in. Money talks here. That's just how things are.

Speaking of money, the reward back then was pretty good. That group you've been working with must be paying you well.

G-Group? What group? This is my own business I'm running! As if you would know!

I know they're paying you for the goods. But what I want to know is...

Who are the ones spreading the virus!

Like I'd tell you! They'll have my head!

I can make you talk.

Ngh!

Let's settle this with money. Tell me how much they're paying you and I'll double it! Just make up something to tell them!

So it's come down to this...

Aldo! You should probably step out for a bit.

Rovella! Don't tell me you're actually...

Relax. He's only spewing nonsense 'cause you're here.

...Alright. I'll leave you to talk it out with him.

Heh. Talk it out? You're still too naive, Aldo.

So how much? How much do you want?

Sorry, but I'm not interested in negotiations.

The army's the one who hired you, right? Why work for them? You know better than anyone about their lack of justice!

I don't have to hear that from you.

Then why? Money's more important, right?

Seeing my assignment to the end is more important than money. I'm a professional. Even if that means using brute force!

Guaaah!

Sorry to keep you waiting, Aldo.

Did you finish talking?

Yeah. He revealed everything. I did have to chuck him for it though.

Chuck him?

Forget it. Anyway, he made us arrangements to meet the one behind all of this. After that I paid him and said to take cover until everything is settled.

You let him go? But he's still selling the stuff!

Like I said before, if it's not him someone else would sell it. More importantly...

I know! Now we have to stop V-Sense from spreading any further!

Heh...that's right. We're heading out, Aldo. To the Industrial Ruins.

This is the place? But there's no one here.

No, they're here alright.

Hey! Stop pretending you don't know me! It's me, Rovella. I'm the guy who delivered your V-Sense to Elzion.

So you're Rovella. I heard you have some valuable news for me.

Thats right. The army's onto you. They know about your goods...and your guerrilla plans. It's over.

......

I figured out your real identity. There's only three locations that have the technology needed to create V-Sense.

First is the army's research facility. But the army's the one who hired me and they're frantic about the situation.

......

Second is KMS. Although they manufacture weaponry, there's no reason for them to get involved. Why weaken the army?

And the remaining location?

The only ones left who have the technology and who would benefit from weakened troops...

Are none only than the Synth Humans!

Wha?! Synth Humans?

Heh heh heh...

How about you turn off that optical camouflage I gave you?

I was warned this might happen, but I never would have guessed it would be you.

Anyone could see through your plans with the right information.

How unfortunate. You were an exceptional human being. But now you must die!!

Are you...really human...?

I am. At least half of me is.

So did we stop the spread of V-Sense in Elzion?

We just removed the source of the problem. Now we wait for an electronic vaccine to become available.

But, Rovella...

Wasn't that too easy? It's odd that we cleaned up the situation so quick. Did you already...

I almost forgot! The reward! Aldo, follow me to the airport!

You did well. I have a grasp of the situation now.

We took it upon us to take out the source, so how about you pay us a bit extra for our troubles?

I'm afraid I can't do that. Instead I'll let the distributor and the delivery man slide in the case.

Tch! I guess you've finished your little investigation, then! You knew and that's why you got me to handle it!

I have nothing more to say.

I've deposited your reward. Now if you'll excuse me. I must bring justice on the Synth Humans.

All that work for nothing...

If I knew it would come to this, I would have bargained for more back at the tavern.

Is that what you think?

Don't push it, Aldo. If you want to survive, you can't be fussy when it comes to money.

That's not what I mean. I think it was your plan all along to take down the leader.

......

You were familiar with V-Sense and even said you had an idea who was pulling the strings in this scheme. But not once did I see you look into the matter. How else would you have known all that?

I knew immediately after taking on the job.

You mean when you first delivered the V-Sense?

That's right. I had a feeling my next job would be related to it. A pro has to anticipate their next assignment.

Really? But you had no idea what you were delivering, right?

After you heard people were suffering, that's when you began looking into it. Just so you could stop the one behind it!

Th-That's...! Don't be ridiculous!

Keh. Don't kid yourself! I wouldn't waste my time caring about something like that.

Sure. If you say so.

But I bet that drink is especially satisfying today.

That's because the score's finally settled. *cough cough*