The IDEA has Fallen

Oh?

What's up, Hismena?

I was expecting to get my regular report from IDEA, but still nothing...

Something's wrong. I can't even get connected to them.

H-i-s-m-e-n-a!

*pant* There you are! I've been looking all over for you!

Wow, what's the rush?

Something happened! We're in serious trouble! It's dead!

Dead?

Calm down. So, who died?

Oh, I should rephrase that... No one died. Even worse! It's the network!

The network's dead? I guess that explains why I hadn't heard from IDEA.

I've been running around gathering up IDEA members to fix the problem, but it's so hard. How did people do this in the past?

All right. I'll help you. Want to come with me, Aldo?

Sure. I'd be glad to help. Let's hurry to the Operations Room!

Blast it! It's dead over here too!

What's the situation, Isuka?

Hmm... Unfortunately this is no ordinary network outage.

What does that mean?

After an initial investigation, we have discovered that the network in the IDA School is up and running.

Which means, apparently the IDEA are the only ones experiencing this network issue.

Only the IDEA? It sounds like someone did this on purpose. That gives me the creeps...

You're right... This was intentional and we were the targets.

Someone has forced their way into the IDEA servers! Our network authorization data has been forcibly overwritten somehow!

Forcibly overwritten? Who on earth would do that...?

Pardon me.

Wh-Who are you guys?

Hmm. So this is the IDEA Operations Room, huh? The rumors were true. This place is ideal for keeping all sorts of scary secrets.

How did you get in here?! This place is only known to a select few with top security clearance! Only a top level hacker could break into here...

...Wait. Can we assume that our network issue is your work?

......

Answer me!

Boss?

We are known as DOXA. I'm in charge of this organization.

We do not take orders from anyone within IDA, and the board of directors is no exception.

What? No one is more powerful than the board of directors.

It's difficult to believe that people like you have authority over the entire IDA.

It is no surprise that you would know nothing about us. Us DOXA work in the shadow created by the light of IDA. We remain hidden as long as nothing goes wrong.

If nothing goes wrong, huh?

We consider ourselves the representatives of those suffering victims. Should the IDA come under a cloud of despair, it is our job to make it disappear.

Cloud of despair? What are you referring to?

Don't you get it?

It's the IDEA that I'm referring to!

Excuse me?!

What are you talking about?! The IDEA is committed to maintaining peace in IDA.

You think you're so exceptional, huh? You're nothing more than a closed student club.

We can't let children like you bear the responsibility of maintaining peace in IDA.

Still, you can't just go shutting down the network. There's no need for that. The board of directors won't forgive you for this act.

*chuckle* It just so happens that more than half the board are DOXA members.

What does that mean?

It means that the board elections are just a show. They're just a rubber stamp committee for what we decide. As of today, the IDEA must stop all activities and all of you are now under our jurisdiction.

What did you just say?!

The board members will make an official announcement about this in the near future.

Hold it! If we're ordered to stop all activities, who'll keep the school safe?!

We will be working with the civil authorities to secure the area in your place. As for IDEA, we will take under consideration whether you should be allowed to continue working together.

How could you? If we're forced to break up, the whole purpose of a student organization will fall apart.

Do you think that matters to us?

You were all just birds playing in a cage provided by us grown ups. The whole governing system was just a game.

But play-time is over...

Games provided by grown ups?

Liars! IDEA has always been my...

Is there a specific reason as to why you wish to get rid of the IDEA?

Of course there is. We only wish to keep all our children safe. hahah.

That right?

I guess we've got no other option.

Isuka! Are you out of your mind?!

Hismena... The board members makes their decisions with the best interests of the students in mind. Once a decision has been made, there's nothing we can do about it.

Hahah. You're smarter than you look.

But it sounds like the board members haven't officially made a decision yet.

The board members gather for a regular conference before making any decisions.

So...until then, nothing is set in stone.

The thing is, I could simply tell them to have an urgent meeting for this if I so wish...

But you've stated you're going to take over IDEA's duties. You wouldn't want to see the students get anxious over any sudden changes.

......

I still want IDEA to be allowed to engage in minor activities while we prepare for the new system.

Hmm... I guess we can allow that.

In that case, I'll make an arrangement so that the network resumes service. Think of it as a sign of our benevolence.

But you're the ones who stopped it in the first place!

Still, you students will be watched around the clock. Don't even think about doing anything stupid.

......

It was nice meeting you all today. You'd better find something to wear besides that white uniform. You won't need it next time.

Hey. Are you sure about this?! How could you let them get away with that?! IDEA's has worked hard to keep this school safe. Why didn't you guys fight back?!

We can't just fight back when we're dealing with these people. Any direct action we take could cause them to disband us immediately.

That's precisely why I asked them for time to prepare for the change.

I knew Isuka wouldn't give in so easily. So I kept my mouth shut for once.

And now it's time for me to get back to work.

Right. We can expect some confusion within IDEA. As commander, I'll do everything I can to keep things calm.

Your mission, Hismena, is to find the means to undermine DOXA's authority.

Hah... Who do you think I am? I'm Hismena, the best lancer in IDEA. The first strike is always mine.

IDEA will continue its mission as long as I have anything to say about it. DOXA-SmoXA... I'll bring down anything that stands in our way.

Well said. I'm glad you're on our side.

You know you can always count on me.

How about you, Aldo? Want to join us for this fight?

Of course! The existence of IDEA is in jeopardy and I just can't stand by and watch.

Thanks. Our first move is to go the University Hospital to pay someone a visit. They'll be a good fit for this mission.

Got it. Let's head to the University Hospital.

Long time no see. How are you doing?

Ah. Blue Rose! It's so nice to see you again.

Ugh...! I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't call me by that name...

Blue Rose was that handle name thing you used in the game, right?

...That's right. I met her while playing the game.

You met her in the game world?! I thought we're here to find someone who could help us fight against the DOXA.

Hang on, did you just say DOXA? That doesn't sound good.

Well, here's what's happening...

I see. DOXA has decided to do this the hard way... They'll work cautiously because there are so many bystanders this time.

You know a lot about DOXA. Just who are you exactly?

Me? I'm a former board member of IDA.

Board member? Sounds like your were pretty important.

You could say that but now I just live a quiet life.

You've retired, but you still know more than we do about the head honchos in IDA.

I never imagined that we would need your help for such a crisis.

You were always so kind to me, even before you knew me well. For that, you can always rely on my help.

It's funny how people can get so close by playing a game.

Your background and social status don't matter there. You just get to know some great people.

Getting back to matter at hand, if DOXA is involved, it's just a matter of time before a decision is made.

Do you have any idea at all how to convince the board members to change their minds?

Unfortunately, for you students, it's hard to stand up to the grown ups and come out ahead.

For real?

But the IDA School values a student's ability to change the status-quo using their own unique talents.

Changing the status-quo? That's strange...

Wouldn't it just be easier to battle and emerge victorious?

...That's it! Aldo, you're a genius!

I am?

We aren't strong enough. That's why they are trying to introduce a security system.

But what if we were able to prove that IDEA is better than any other system out there?

If that's the case, there will be no reason for the board members to approve the new security system.

I see... So I guess it's a challenge to see who's more competitive.

That's right, but we don't know whether they'll even accept our challenge.

Ah. I'm getting something from Isuka.

Can you hear me? It's about DOXA. They've started bringing in guards, robots, and equipment to prepare for the new security system. They're also using Large Synth Drones to transport everything.

Large Synth Drones? How did they manage to get ahold of those?

They're taking advantage of the fact that we're holding back at the moment.

That was quicker than I thought. Will the IDA be all right?

...This could be the opportunity that we were waiting for.

Could you tell us where they're gathering?

At the Sky Terrace in H Block. You go ahead while I handle other business.

Understood. You take care of things over there. We've got this one.

Are you leaving now?

Yup. We may have figured out a way to fix all this.

I'm glad to hear that.

Before you go, I have one question. Why would the heiress of the Lunabright family fortune be involved with IDEA?

Because...

Here's my guess. Being part of IDEA is much like playing the game. Just like in the game, your background and social status don't mean anything in IDEA, no?

...I think you're right. I've been running from my own name all my life.

Hismena...

But IDEA is no longer just an excuse to escape from reality.

For my own reasons, I'll continue fighting alongside IDEA. I'd be willing to pay any price to fight for justice with my fellow members to the very end.

I see... Well, that's all I wanted to ask. Good luck with the challenge.

Thank you.

Aldo. We should hurry to the Sky Terrace.

Good. All preparations are completed then. Time to end IDEA once and for all.

What?

Looks like our information was right. Is this everyone from DOXA?

Well well... You're quite the trouble maker, aren't you? You know well that we are busy here. What business do you have with us?

We got reports that some suspicious people were hanging around the Sky Terrace. As the defenders of IDA, it's our job to protect everyone from dangerous armed gangs.

What do you think you're doing? We run the show now. We are the defenders of IDA.

No. The board members have not officially approved anything yet. Until then, we still have the right to perform our duties.

Stop giving us excuses. That's a mere formality.

And who exactly gave you permission? What does DOXA mean to IDA?

Hee-hee. No matter what you do, the only gang that's going to be eliminated is IDEA.

All right, then.

If you insist on becoming the defenders of IDA, then defeating us shouldn't be a challenge, right?

We can't just let anyone weaker than us become the defenders of IDA.

You think a handful of brats like you are stronger than us? Are you asking to be swatted aside like insects?

What's this machine...?! How could you have been keeping it without letting anyone know about it?!

Are you ready to give up now? This is your last chance to get out of here.

Ngh!

Nothing can defeat Hismena's will to protect the IDEA! It's the one place she really belongs.

Aldo...

You're right. I'm the best lancer of IDEA, and the first strike is always mine.

I'm Hismena. I'm faster than anyone, and there is no one that can withstand my charge.

No matter how many of you there are, none can lay a hand on the Blue Rose!

What do you know, child?! You think you can stop these military grade robots?!

What are you guys? How did you manage to get your hands on these things?

......

Well, it doesn't matter now. Now you know that the power of IDEA should never be underestimated.

I hate to tell you this guys, but the whole school will know about your miserable defeat.

How can you defend the school when you can't beat us? Even if those board members were to back you guys up, there won't be a single student supporting you.

Haha...hahahahaha!

I admit you're right. You're stronger than we imagined. Your enthusiasm can't be matched.

......

So you admit your defeat and IDEA can stay?

We'll see about that.

I knew this was your plan all along.

You assumed you could get rid of us by proving that you are more powerful than us.

In another words, you've just admitted that the school should be governed by those with unchallenging power. If that's the case, we shall prove to you that we are superior to you students in every way!

What are you up to...?

This is Hismena! Report in!

H-Help... *static*

Operations Room! Answer me!

......

You... Tell me what you have done!

...You should know that we're pretty serious about this.

We will do whatever it takes to remove all of you from the picture.

What did you guys do?!

Hahah... Our associates have just paid a visit to your Operations Room. Unfortunately, your network was shut down. You are just a bird with clipped wings. IDEA is officially a thing of the past.

No way!

Talking to them is a waste of time! Let's hurry to the Operations Room!

Isuka! Are you okay?!

...Huh?

Ah. What took you so long? It's all been taken care of.

What happened here? What's going on?!

It's exactly how it looks. We were attacked and forced to defend ourselves.

It can't be! They're our elite forces armed with the latest armor! No silly student club could have defeated them!

We knew you were going to attack and had time to prepare.

We were able to install a whole new network while you guys just shut down the dummy one. Thanks to our new surveillance system, we were able to know every details of your plans!

Assuming that IDEA would raise the white flag so easily was a poor calculation on your part.

It means that the security system was functioning properly.

As long as the network is alive, IDEA's security system is infallible!

So you were playing along pretending to fall into our trap as you prepared yourself for an ambush...

That's right. We were simply trying to prove we are stronger. But this wasn't just a simple competition of physical power.

I see... Your intelligence and teamwork were also superior. That is why we lost.

Without a doubt, IDEA has bested DOXA.

That means you won't do anything to break up IDEA?

Yes. I swear in the name of DOXA, we won't intervene again.

Despite battling DOXA, we're still no closer to understanding who they are. How did you muster all those forces?

......

All we know now is that DOXA provides a great amount of support to IDA.

Not only did you have members on the board, but you had the power to sponsor members as well.

Was the real reason for all this just to remove IDEA?

To answer that honestly, it's because we're grown ups!

We can't sit and watch as children keep getting into trouble.

...What?

There's something you should know about us, the members of DOXA...

We're the defenders of the students!

...... Wh-Wh-What were you thinking?!

FATHER!!

Wait! That's your father, Hismena?

It makes sense now... The head of one of Elzion's richest families could afford those forces. That explains why they had control over the board members using their financial support.

W-W-Wait... Father, why would you even consider breaking IDEA apart?!

Isn't it obvious? IDEA's been overworked lately dealing with incident after incident.

Look at you, Snookums! You never came back home!

Did he just call you "Snookums"?!

Father...! I've told you a hundred times not to call me that!

You'd only come back home just to sleep. You never even talk to me! We just worried and worried about you.

That's why I wanted to change the entire system so that you wouldn't work yourself to death!

You used all these machines and gizmos just for that...

He's right about IDEA being hard work.

I actually think it's a good idea to have DOXA there to back us up when needed.

Well, maybe it's good if that's going to help IDEA perform its duties...

...I mean, no! We've got to talk, Father. And this is not the place for our little chat!

What's wrong Snookums? Are you mad at me?

I'm going to be perfectly clear, Father...

Forgive me Snookums! I've gone too far this time...

Stop it. What I wanted to say is that I appreciate what you've done.

...You do?

But you can't just give me whatever I want... Because what does that make me if I weren't the daughter of a rich family?

......

I've always been at the top. I was the best student in math class, music class and even lance fencing.

But one day, I saw something that I shouldn't have. I overheard a conversation of adults saying they shouldn't let other students beat the child of the Lunabright family.

You see... Umm...

But here in IDEA, I've risen through the ranks based on my own skills and merits. It is here that I found friends and ideals worth fighting for.

I'm Hismena, the best lancer in IDEA. The first strike is always mine, and I'm proud of myself for achieving that title.

Meanwhile, what can Hismena Lunabright do at home, sitting on a fancy chair and getting everything she wants?

So you don't want to inherit the family name...

Absolutely not. I will not allow myself to be the leader of the house raised like a precious flower.

But that's just the way I feel now.

Huh? What do you mean by that?

...A chance encounter with one who shouldered the same fate as myself taught me something valuable. The strength that can be earned by bearing the weight of a family, and the duties it carries with it.

You mean, the other...?

We swore an oath to one another. Her, to grow stronger in her way, and I, to grow stronger in mine.

And I'm eventually going to take over the house of Lunabright.

The world will not know me as Hismena of the Lunabright family. They will know me as Hismena who made the Lunabright strong.

You've just been looking for a way to face your fate as a Lunabright.

Aww, Snookums... You're all grown up now...

Daddy is impressed... But I wanna cry... *sniffle*

Geez father...

All right, you win. I'll step back. But you should know one thing!

If anything gets in your way, daddy will come to save you no matter what!

And this time, the army will be three times bigger and stronger!

Three times? That's gotta be a joke...

I know, Father.

That's my baby girl...

Give my regards to the rest of IDEA.

I'm not sure for how long it's going to go on for, but I'm grateful to know that you've got wonderful teammates.

Geez father...

Snooku...

...I mean, Hismena.

I'm looking forward to see you become someone you can be proud of.

Yes, Father. I will not disappoint you.

The Blue Rose's dream will be a reality. You can bet on it.