64. Infiltration

We've looked everywhere from P1 to P7. Still no luck... There's only one place they could be.

What place?

The temporary jail, where suspects are kept before being convicted. Perhaps the diversion created by Gryph kept the inquisitors busy and they didn't get around to moving the suspects to the standard prison.

Let's hurry then! We've been here for over ten minutes. They must have been alerted by now!

...No guards here, like I guessed. And no lights either. We can't see who's in the cage.

Don't touch anything. Let's go near the prisoners and take a closer look.

You must be... Lady Nightingale?

Yes. Lady Guinevere sent me. Stay calm. I'm getting you out of here.

No, it's a trap! You must leave now! Or they'll...

The decoy plan worked. Targets have been detected. Activate the defense system now!

All combat units head to area T-12 immediately! The targets have been trapped there! I repeat! All units head to area T-12 immediately!

Decoy plan...? They knew we were here?

Watch out, enemies incoming!

, This is getting exhausting! Is the defense system still active?

The gate will unlock in two minutes!

Hang in there, folks! As soon as the gate unlocks, we're outta here!

The way you navigated the Inquisition like your own backyard, the way you handled this operation, I knew it was you.

, Who's there?

Never thought such an old-school defense technique could keep you here for so long. Or perhaps you were just waiting for me to show up?

I know this voice. Are you...

, It's been a while, Lady Nightingale.

(Such a fast attacker!) Who's she? You know her?

For those of you who don't know me, the name is Baphomet. I'm the Chief Inquisitor, and the apprentice of Lady Nightingale.

Apprentice?

Oh, you never told your friends about us? You're not very proud of your past after all. Right, master?

, You were the best Inquisitor the Inquisition ever had, with the most arrests under your belt. Everyone in the Inquisition wanted to be under your tutelage.

...Didn't know you were such a big shot.

I never intended to hide my identity, I just didn't want to bring it up. Baphomet, are you going to stop me?

Yes, I would be remiss otherwise. Letting you leave the Inquisition was the biggest mistake I've ever made.

Then let's see if you got what it takes to stop me.

You're as good as ever, Lady Nightingale. I'm no match for you, that I admit. But this is the Inquisition, you're on my turf.

Show 'em your weakness, lure 'em with bait, overwhelm 'em with numbers.'' That's what you taught me.

Looks like you graduated from your apprenticeship.

Graduated? Hehehe... Hahahaha!!!

, Don't kid yourself. You abandoned me. You abandoned us!

You led me down this bloody road. You taught me how to view those sinners on trial. You... you built the Inquisition.

...Yes, I did all of those things and I will bear the consequences. Baphomet, if you think I betrayed you, I won't deny it.

Ha, you sure take it easy. But it doesn't matter now. Guards, arrest the invaders. I will personally interrogate them!

...What's our next move, Miss Nightingale?

...

Don't waste your strength. I've been preparing a long time for your arrival. There's no escaping, not even with Nightingale helping you.

But... I can give you people another chance. To be more specific, I can give Nightingale another chance.

What do you mean?

...Come back to the Inquisition, Master. Just admit it, you're better equipped than anyone to lead us hell-bound sinners.

Come back to us. Share your suffering and agony with us. Be the executioner of the dark God. If you do that, I'll let your friends go.

You will be doing your friends one last favor, albeit a hypocritical one.