Duet Night Abyss story · Main story, Chapter 1: Game of the Overlookers (Ⅶ)
The Overlookers
2 scenes, 308 lines
1. Head to the central control room
29 linesThis one is tough to deal with. Be cautious!
It's an ambush! Defend yourselves!
Wait... The defence system here is off?
The central control room is empty... Has the Messenger left already?
Mors, something's off here. The original blueprints of the fortress show this room should have the strongest defence system, including a self-destruct mechanism.
But they've only locked the door, and there's no sign of any defence systems engaging. What do you make of this?
Probably a ruse to lower our guard. There might be other traps.
They probably predicted we would be extra cautious around this place, so they cleverly concealed their real traps.
True. The central control room is key to regaining control of the fortress. It doesn't add up that they'd leave it undefended after all the elaborate traps we've encountered.
Maybe we're overthinking it. Perhaps The Forsakens never figured out how to operate the controls in this room.
But given the number of traps they've set up along the way, it seems unlikely they'd ignore this crucial area.
Trap or not, we have our objectives. Proceed with caution and stay mission-focused.
I'm about to access the fortress's control panel with my key. If all goes well, that should complete our mission.
Understood. I'll take a look around for anything suspicious.
Be careful, there may be more enemies inside.
"The 13th Legion will attack in two days. Antonius Fulvis has vowed before Sibylle that if his forces fail to breach the fortress, he would shoot himself with his own gun. Sibylle then assigned him the best troops."
"The Legion will do everything they can to take Lonza Fortress back. We should not attempt to defend the Fortress against such odds. Withdraw our forces and ensure the survival of The Forsakens."
"Merely retreating would squander a perfect opportunity. We should make the Hyperboreans pay dearly."
"Easy. Leave it to Avar. He'll be commanding two vanguard squads in the operation. Those fools always listen to him."
"Avar will hold off their assault. Use this time to lay traps and fortify our defences. The fortress will become their graveyard."
"We'll soon read this headline in the news..."
"'During the battle in Lonza Fortress, the 13th Legion valiantly defended the Emperor's lands. The vanguard suffered ninety percent casualties in the fierce conflict...'"
"'Lieutenant Colonel Avar, one of the survivors, mourned the fallen and delivered a eulogy of unmatched honour.'"
"Good for Avar! Let's go with this plan then. Shame those dead dogs will receive posthumous honours, though."
...Avar?
"Charons like us can no longer stand Hyperborean tyranny."
"I hereby pledge my allegiance to The Forsakens. The Empire must be held accountable for its actions."
" Avar Hrodland"
...!?
2. Investigate the central control room
279 lines...Authority override successful...
...Current authority: Avar Hrodland...
Good afternoon, Lieutenant Colonel Avar Hrodland! Motto 16 of the Hyperborean Legion: When you have the enemy within range, beware that you are also within theirs...
...Finally.
Whew, of all the battles I've fought, none has been as nerve-wracking as this! Ha, I thought I might never see Daphne and Claudia again.
Strange. I've got the clearance, but the door still won't open...
Hmm? You look like you've seen a ghost. What's wrong?
...
(The recording, the signed document... and this man in front of me, my mentor on hand-to-hand combat and battle tactics, my superior who always looks out for me...)
(What should I believe...?)
Trust Avar
I found this voice recorder... and this document.
Do not trust Avar
...
What's in your hand? Show me.
...
What is it that you have to keep secret from me? Hand it over.
...
...Is that so... Well, then...
Someone in your Legion wants you dead.
(...That girl, Katya, told me this...)
(The recording, the signed document, Katya's words... and this man in front of me, my mentor on hand-to-hand combat and battle tactics, my superior who always looks out for me...)
...Great. Comms are down.
What about you? Find anything?
We need to have a SERIOUS discussion about this.
Fulvis... you scheming bastard.
You fabricated all this "evidence," didn't you? I didn't know you old-line aristocrats would stoop to such nasty tricks.
I'm nothing like those stubborn old fools. I'm a pragmatist and would do anything that works.
Isn't this your favourite protege? You did this?
Heh, I was just setting the stage for a deal with you. I don't think we need a third party.
...
Off you go, Falsi. It's alright, the entire fortress is in our hands. This old man dares not make a move.
Yes, sir. I shall wait outside the door.
Now, why bother making up all this false evidence? You really think the higher-ups are that stupid?
Of course not. They're actually smart enough to turn a blind eye and play along. Use your head, Avar. Why do you think I dare to make this bold move? It's naturally because someone wants me to.
Since you're a goner already, I'll show some mercy so you won't die a fool.
When His Majesty was first crowned, Duke Servius was our Imperial Regent. But the Regency strayed from established Hyperborean traditions and grafted too many useless scions onto the great Imperial oak.
Those fools let so-called Laurelled Charons into the Military Council and the Legion, even handed high office to some of you. It's absurd.
Though His Majesty is now aware of these mistakes, they continue to plague us. I'm merely helping him prune the oak.
...So you went through all the trouble, just because you don't like Charons?
You should've told me earlier. There's no need for such an elaborate ruse. Just let me off this time, and I'll retire early and stay out of your way forever.
If you need my loyalty, I can do that too. We can blame her for leaking our battle plans. Both of us walk away clean. Hell, we might even get a reward for uncovering a spy. And...
You'll gain an old dog obedient enough to follow your orders.
Hah, how quaint, Avar, didn't expect you to stoop this low too. But you don't know the half of it, Avar. You're worth far more to us dead than alive.
Use your head! Imagine the uproar if it came out that a high-ranking Charon officer defected and joined The Forsakens, resulting in the deaths of many of our best young soldiers.
Laurelled Charons in high office are already a thorn in plenty of sides. A scandal like this? It'll drag their names straight through the mud. Take our beloved superior, do you have any idea how many people wish to watch her crash and burn?
You mean Sibylle? You wish her gone... You're after her position and power?
Perhaps. Maybe I want more. But that's no longer your concern.
Wait!
We should talk about one more thing... About No. 0.
...Oh?
She is the most precious weapon of the 13th Legion. Sibylle controls her now, but to complete the Second Scion Program, she still needs the crucial "Catalyst"...
Sibylle has ordered you to find the Catalyst in Flagson. But your search doesn't seem to be enjoying much success.
Get to the point, Avar.
There are many paths to power, Fulvis. Even if this charade pushes Sibylle off her seat, how can you be sure the Emperor will let you take her place?
You need some kind of unparalleled credit to propel you to the Legion's head.
I'm listening.
The Second Scion Program is too important to the Empire. It's worth far more than a hundred Lonza Fortresses combined. If you find the "Catalyst," which is the final piece of the puzzle, the entire capital will chant your name, Antonius Fulvis.
It's the unparalleled credit you need. And I, by circumstance and chance, happen to know of its whereabouts. I am willing to concede this to you.
Now we're talking.
That would be my end of the deal. All I ask in return is your word, let me and my people walk out alive.
What a noble commander. Alright, tell me where the "Catalyst" is, right here, right now. No stalling, no tricks. You don't have leverage.
Fine. It's at...
Oh, thanks. As for now, I just need one last thing...
Remember, Avar, never trust a pragmatist.
Stay behind, Falsi. Clean up this mess.
Lieutenant Colonel Avar Hrodland, you have yet to enter any command. Motto 17 of the Hyperborean Legion: Obeying orders and trusting your comrades give you a better chance of survival on the battlefield.
...Do not indulge in the eternal void...
...Wake up...
...Before blood flows like swollen rivers... This is far from over...
...I'm still... alive.
(Avar shows no sign of life. There is nothing on him except for a military knife, a tactical flashlight, and a broken radio.)
...What's this...?
...
Argh!!
Attention to all 13th Legion soldiers in Lonza Fortress. Daphne Theodore, the former Medic of Squad Griffins, is now classified as a Forsakens spy.
Daphne Theodore is to be executed upon sight.
...Daphne? A wanted spy?
(I must... get out of here first!)
An accomplice! Kill 'em both!
Here, take this painkiller. It should hold you over for a while.
Wait, where are you going?
To the central control room. My fa... Commander Avar is still in there.
No, don't go.
He's d, Sir Avar is no longer with us.
...I have to check on him myself. Maybe he's just heavily wounded... As a medic, I can probably...
Get back here. They burned down the entire central control room. Sir Avar's final words were for me to bring you safely out of this place. At least respect the man's dying wish.
Argh!!
...!!
There's no turning back now. We have to keep moving.
Where are you going?
The underground sewers.
The fortress is filled with Fulvis's men. We have to try our luck with the sewer tunnels.
Warning. No access privileges.
...They've already revoked our authorizations...
Target sighted! Over here!
...
Knock them out and use their key to open the door.
Current water level exceeds safety threshold. Safety gate will remain closed. Reduce water level to reopen.
They're controlling the inlets... But since this is a reservoir, it must also have drainage outlets.
They can't be far! Herd the remaining Filthoids into the tunnels!
Seal all exits. Once they surface, we'll eliminate the traitors.
Hurry up! We're running out of time!
...We should hurry up too!
What a riveting story, which completely contradicts the testimonies provided by the Narwhals. Since you claim that you and Avar Hrodland are innocent...
...Do you have any idea what you just said?
I absolutely do. I'm formally accusing Antonius Fulvis of orchestrating the events at Lonza Fortress.
Then are you aware of the consequences if your accusation against Colonel Fulvis are proven false?
...It's ten years in prison, for making false accusations.
Incorrect. You'll be charged with treason, espionage, and making false accusations.
And the highest penalty in the Empire awaits you: being hung upside down with thorny vines and crucified on the Heaventree in the centre of Dismania, until your very last breath is taken.
I'm telling the truth. Since you have chosen to interrogate me and Daphne Theodore separately, you must be aware that our testimonies can perfectly corroborate each other.
Despite suffering grievous wounds, you have endured intense interrogation without changing your testimonies. Admirable, I must say.
Push the interrogation to the next level, initiate the "Inferno."
Yes, ma'am. The hypnotic agent is ready.
Survive this, and I'll consider the veracity of your testimony.
...Fine.
...My head hurts...
The warden just said... the next-level "interrogation"...
Wait, isn't that Leon… and Marco!?
Traitor of the Empire...
If you claim to be innocent, prove it to me.
Leon! You are still alive?
As you can see, ma'am, all our plans have been leaked...
...Commander Avar participated in the formulation of the vanguard squad's combat plan...
...He's a Charon. He was the one most likely to reveal our plans to The Forsakens...
What did you just say?
Marco!
...The Forsakens set traps in every path...
As you can see, ma'am, someone... betrayed us...
...No, this is not Marco.
That interrogator mentioned a hypnotic agent...
I'm probably not in a real world. This is a dream...
...Sir Avar...
As you can see, ma'am, I am Avar Hrodland, Commander of the vanguard squads in this mission...
I turned my back on the Hyperborean Empire. I betrayed the 13th Legion... I sold out the Griffins and the Snow Wolves...
My accomplices include... my daughter Daphne, from my ex-wife Claudia Theodore... and my protege at the Imperial Military College, Mors...
...
So this is the charge Fulvis had prepared for me.
Shut up. You're not him.
...
As you can see, ma'am, I am Daphne Theodore, daughter of Avar Hrodland...
My father... and Mors... they planned to split the payment for selling intel to The Forsakens...
...But at the heart of the fortress... They disagreed on the division of the spoils...
My father... was...
He was killed in a ruse woven by Mors ...
She then deceived me about how my father died...
I've brought the murderer to you, ma'am... I humbly request you to deliver a fair and just verdict...
...You're not Daphne.
As you can see, ma'am, I am the control panel in the central control room of Lonza Fortress...
Motto 18 of the Hyperborean Legion: An unexpectedly easy victory often leads to an impending ambush...
...I can't believe you have to recite those mottos even in my dreams.
All verdicts are in the name of justice.
All questions must be answered absent falsehood. I tolerate no fabrication, alteration, or concealment of the truth.
The vanguard squads were obliterated in the battle of Lonza Fortress. Were you the architect of their doom?
Feel their agony! Betrayal led them to untimely deaths.
Should you betray the justice of your comrades, these Filthoids' claws shall tear you to pieces!
(They were killed by these monsters... Fulvis... He actually unleashed these monsters upon his own comrades...!)
One last question. Are you the cause of Avar Hrodland's demise?
Despite his faults, he trusted you. Where were you when he was consumed by flames?
(Yes... He truly trusted me...)
(I must survive... to avenge him... I cannot let this woman kill me...)
Should you betray the loyalty of friendship, these infernal flames shall burn you to ashes!
(Justice... justice... That's what she keeps talking about...)
(Time to reveal the truth of that day...)
Ma'am, to satisfy the justice you seek...
Allow me to tell you the truth... of what unfolded in the central control room that day.
We need to have a SERIOUS discussion about this.
I'll keep it short, we're out of time. If we still can't reach the outside... I shoot you with this gun. And you play dead.
To make it convincing enough, the shot will have to hit. It will miss your vitals but will really hurt. You must endure the pain silently.
What are you going to do?
We're trapped in here, completely cut off. Fulvis is already on the move... by now, he's probably seized the whole fortress.
Only the dead stay silent forever. He'll kill me, no doubt. And you... you're in this too. You've seen the fake evidence. He won't let you walk away either.
...!!
It's okay, I got you.
...If I "kill" you and feign allegiance to him... he might lower his guard. You'll slip under the radar, it's your only shot.
No... Sir Avar, once that door opens, we're going out together!
I'll try to negotiate with Fulvis, though I believe it's going to fail in the end, so don't get your hopes up. The negotiation is for a more important purpose...
To collect evidence.
Take this recording device. It'll provide the evidence needed to expose and destroy Fulvis.
We can't let the cries of the wronged echo over Lonza Fortress forever.
...Sir Avar...
Why the long face? Cheer up, kid! A true soldier laughs at adversity.
...
I'm proud to have been your instructor, Mors... And I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess.
You must survive. Bring the truth to Chief Sibylle and His Majesty. Let the entire Empire know that every soldier here held true to their creed and duty, and everyone fought till their very last breath.
...All glory to our Emperor.
Think. After everything we've been through to get here, boxed in, outnumbered, what chance do we stand against Fulvis's personal guard?
If we're surrounded... close to none. But so what? I'd rather die fighting than...
Dying is easy. Living on, carrying the mission, that's the hard one. This is an order, Mors. You're the only one who can do this.
As for me... heh. I'm not done yet. I've still got a part to play.
...That's exactly what happened in the central control room that day.
Sir Avar fought valiantly, confronting a conspiracy far greater than any individual could withstand alone. He sacrificed his life to secure crucial evidence, his final act in defence of justice.
But, we underestimated the enemy's meticulousness. As I drifted in and out of consciousness, I sensed Fulvis's adjutant, Falsi, removing the recording device from me.
By the time I fully regained consciousness, Fulvis had seized control of the fortress. Confronting him would have led to our deaths, and the truth would have been buried with us.
That's why we decided to come to you like this. I believe that you have the authority to recover that evidence, or at least secure a testimony from Falsi.
Warden Hellfire, I know you hold justice above all else, and I believe you possess the means to defend it. Please, go get Falsi. She holds the truth you want.
Hyperborea functions like a vast machine, requiring every component to operate flawlessly.
My role is to uphold the law and protect the justice defined by Hyperborea. If anyone attempts to manipulate me to subvert this law, they will face severe consequences.
I will investigate Falsi. Be aware of the consequences if what you said proves to be false and a waste of my time.
...
Your Royal Highness Prince Vergilius! This place isn't fitting for someone of your stature. Please don't proceed any further!
Gathering so many signatures must have been quite the feat.
Yet, these signatures might weigh less than the one in my hand, I suppose?
Intervene? I must ask, do you view His Majesty's decree of pardon as an "intervention"? Is the Royal Military Prison no longer under the crown's jurisdiction?
...
I need to speak with Mors alone. Everyone else may leave.
...Phew, they're finally gone.
Back-up Phoxynamo Wheel No.1 is ready. Now activate it.
Well done. I'll unlock the control authority for the remaining three Phoxynamo Wheels.
Activate them once the yellow light is on.
(The light is on. Looks like Sir Avar has made it on his side.)
WARNING: Phoxichor tank is overloaded by 50%. Please shut down the Phoxynamo Wheels immediately; unauthorized departure is not permitted.
(...I need to hurry up.)
No.3 is also ready. Go get it!
(Phew...)
Quick and clean! Well done, kid.
The control authority is unlocked. This is the last one!
WARNING: Phoxichor tank sabotage detected. Anyone held responsible should confess your crime.
Run! Get behind the safety door!
WARNING: Phoxichor tank sabotage detected. Anyone held responsible should confess your crime.
Here it is.
The view is good. Let's bombard the central control room from here.
Damn it...
Take down the Filthoids first. Don't let them distract you!
Alright, all cleared out.
Next, let's start with the relatively thin side door.
Keep it up! Use the High-Explosive Shells!
That's our cue, move in.
Snap out of it! Keep firing!
Are you okay? Did you get hurt?
I'll be an old man by the time you break the door with that! Go back to the cannon.
Go, stay in touch, and be careful.
Vic...
Activate the Phoxynamo Wheels and set off whenever you're ready.
The young soldier lies slumped against the cold wall, lifeless. A massive claw had torn straight through his chest. Against something like that... an ordinary human never stood a chance.
(...Rest in peace.)
Mors! Thank goodness you're safe.
I found this on Vic. Thought you should have it.
His identity disc...
"Monica, next time, I'm beating you at the shooting range." ...Heh. Haha... That idiot. What kind of farewell is that...
If I'd known he'd be that petty... maybe I would've let him win...
...Monica. We've got another fight ahead. Stay sharp.
I... Yes, sir. And thank you... for bringing this back.
Watch your six!
Stay alert, they're coming from all sides.
Nice shot!
That's their leader, bring it down!
Nice work. You've got a real talent for demolitions.
That's our cue, move in.
Switch to Safe Mode
Switch to Defence Mode
(Red light's on. This must be the Defence Mode.)
Switch to Self-Destruct Mode
(...What?)
(Am I actually thinking about pressing that?)
Lonza Fortress Maintenance Log Safety Hazards: 1. Underground Sewers: Severe corrosion in the piping. High-pressure gas leaks occur frequently. Several maintenance personnel have already suffered burns. Reply: Perfect. If our own engineers can't get in, neither can those slippery Forsakens.
2. Engine Room: The fortress currently depends on a single power source. If the enemy takes the engine room, all defensive systems will go offline. Recommendation: Establish a backup engine room or redesign the grid so each area, like the central control room, has its own independent power supply. Reply: Brilliant. Who's footing the bill, then?
(Looks like these were written before the fortress fell... So they knew about the weak spots. Lucky for us none of it ever got fixed.)
(Nothing else useful here. Better keep looking.)
View the First Document
(A tactical deployment plan detailing how The Forsakens laid traps throughout Lonza Fortress in the days leading up to their retreat. Signed by engineer Katya Orn.)
(So it was her.)
View the Second Document
Lonza Fortress overlooks the Agate Valley from high ground. Once a key stronghold guarding the river routes between the Imperial Capital and Scarletriver, it played a pivotal role in the early days of the Empire. It was here that Emperor Galea, the first emperor of Hyperborea, orchestrated a decisive ambush, defeating a coalition of enemies and cementing the Empire's unification.
However, after the railway connecting Dismania and Scarletriver was completed, Lonza Fortress, now cut off from the main line, lost its strategic relevance and was relegated to a purely military outpost.
(Nothing here that's worth my time.)
Play Recording
Very impressive, Avar... didn't think you'd make it this far.
Warning: Self-destruct sequence initiated. Estimated time to detonation: 20 minutes. Evacuate immediately. Repeat: Evacuate immediately.
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