Sal Viento, Settlement Administrative Center
The administrative building looked different than when Stelle had last seen images of it in the Express's database. Repair work was still ongoing from what the settlement leader Marcus described as a major Reunion assault three weeks prior. Scaffolding covered portions of the eastern wall, and workers moved with the practiced efficiency of people who had rebuilt before and would likely rebuild again.
March 7th bounced slightly on her heels, her usual enthusiasm barely contained despite the serious nature of their visit. Dan Heng stood with his characteristic stoicism, arms crossed as he observed the settlement's defensive preparations with tactical assessment.
Stelle herself was trying to process how a settlement this small had survived an assault significant enough to require three weeks of reconstruction.
Marcus sat across from them in his office, maps and reports spread across his desk in organized chaos that suggested a man who lived and breathed settlement security. The weathered lines on his face spoke to years of making impossible decisions, and his eyes carried the weight of responsibility for every life under his protection.
"So let me make sure I understand."
Marcus said, leaning back in his chair.
"You're from an organization called the Astral Express, you arrived in Terra investigating energy anomalies, and you're offering to help Sal Viento in exchange for information about the region."
"That's essentially correct."
Dan Heng confirmed.
"We're not asking for sensitive intelligence or classified information. Just general knowledge about recent events, major factions operating in the area, and any unusual occurrences that might relate to our investigation."
"And you're willing to help with settlement defense, infrastructure repair, or other tasks in exchange for this information."
"Exactly. We believe in fair exchange. Your knowledge has value, so we're offering our capabilities in return."
Marcus studied them carefully, his assessment clinical and thorough. Stelle could practically see him weighing the benefits against potential risks, calculating whether three unknown individuals with obvious combat capabilities represented opportunity or threat.
"We've had enough trouble with armed strangers lately."
He said eventually.
"Three weeks ago, Reunion attacked with overwhelming force. Nearly five hundred soldiers, coordinated assault from multiple directions, led by Talulah herself."
March's eyes widened.
"Talulah? Like, the actual leader of Reunion? She came here personally?"
"She did. Along with someone wielding legendary weapons that shouldn't exist. Gáe Bolg, the cursed spear from ancient mythology. They nearly killed her, drove her off despite being vastly outnumbered."
Marcus pulled up reports from the battle.
"We survived because of Rhodes Island support and because of a contractor named Shiki. Young woman with exceptional combat skills and abilities that exceeded anything I've seen in twenty years of military service."
Stelle felt something click in her mind. Shiki. Legendary weapons. Gáe Bolg specifically. Those details matched intelligence the Express had gathered about one of the anomalous entities operating in Terra.
"This Shiki."
She said carefully.
"Do you know where she is now? We might be interested in making contact."
"Last I heard, she's in Lungmen working with Rhodes Island. They recruited her as an operator after the battle here."
Marcus shuffled through papers and found a contact information sheet.
"If you're serious about helping Sal Viento, I can provide an introduction to Rhodes Island. They coordinate a lot of the regional security operations, and they're always looking for capable fighters."
"That would be appreciated."
Dan Heng accepted the offer immediately.
"What kind of help does Sal Viento need most urgently?"
Marcus considered the question.
"Information gathering, honestly. We know Victoria is preparing for war against Laterano. We know Reunion is becoming more aggressive across the eastern territories. But we don't know how those situations will affect remote settlements like ours."
He gestured at the maps.
"If you can investigate regional threats, identify potential dangers before they arrive, and provide us with advance warning, that would be more valuable than physical labor or combat support."
"We can do that."
Stelle confirmed.
"Intelligence gathering is something we're experienced with."
They spent the next hour discussing specifics. Marcus shared everything he knew about recent events, the battle against Reunion, the involvement of Rhodes Island operators including someone named Surtr who wielded fire Arts comparable to Talulah's power.
March took notes enthusiastically, her commentary occasionally derailing the serious discussion into more casual observation.
"So this Shiki person fought Talulah and won? That's amazing! I want to meet her and ask about her fighting techniques!"
"We're here to investigate energy anomalies, not make friends."
Dan Heng reminded her.
"Though contact with Shiki might be strategically valuable given her apparent connection to one of the anomalies we detected."
"See? Strategic friendship. That's totally a thing."
When the briefing concluded, Marcus provided them with contact information for Rhodes Island and detailed maps of the region. He also offered them temporary lodging in Sal Viento while they conducted their investigation.
"One more thing."
Marcus said as they prepared to leave.
"Be careful around Lungmen. The political situation there is complicated, and the Lungmen Guard Department doesn't appreciate foreign operators conducting unauthorized activities within city limits."
"We'll be discrete."
Dan Heng assured him.
"Thank you for the information and the hospitality."
They left the administrative building and found a quiet area to discuss what they'd learned.
"So we've got multiple confirmed anomalies."
Stelle summarized.
"Shiki with strength enough to fight the supposed leader of this reunion group. The Lion King in Victoria with divine authority. And presumably the Doctor in Rhodes Island with knowledge that shouldn't exist."
"Plus the Stellaron signature we still haven't located deep under the sea."
March added.
"Don't forget about our actual mission."
"The anomalies might be connected to the Stellaron."
Dan Heng observed.
"If Terra is experiencing dimensional instability, that could explain why entities from other universes are appearing here."
"So we investigate everything, gather information, and try to understand the larger pattern."
Stelle concluded.
"Starting with making contact with Rhodes Island and this Shiki person."
"I still think we should just call Himeko and ask for backup."
March suggested.
"This is getting complicated enough that having more people would be helpful."
"Let's gather more information first. Once we understand the situation better, we can make informed decisions about requesting additional resources."
They spent the rest of the day exploring Sal Viento, talking to residents, and observing the settlement's recovery efforts. The people were resilient, rebuilding with determination that suggested this wasn't their first experience with catastrophic damage.
As evening approached, they returned to the lodging Marcus had provided and began compiling their findings into a report for the Express.
Tomorrow they would head toward Lungmen and begin the next phase of their investigation.
Tonight, they simply rested and prepared for whatever complications awaited.
Rhodes Island Facility, Lungmen
I sat in my quarters reviewing the system interface that only I could see, the translucent display hovering before my eyes showing a comprehensive list of missions both completed and ongoing. The god's entertainment system had been tracking my activities since arrival in Terra, providing rewards for interference with fate while pushing me toward increasingly significant events.
The completed missions glowed with soft golden light, indicating successful resolution and rewards already claimed.
[Completed Missions]
[Mission: First Steps]
Status: Complete
Objective: Enter a populated settlement and gather basic information about Terra
Reward Claimed: 1 Gacha Ticket
The very first mission, simple orientation that had introduced me to Sal Viento and the basic structure of this world. It felt like years ago despite being less than a month.
[Mission: Rhodes Island Contact]
Status: Complete
Objective: Locate and make contact with a Rhodes Island operator in Sal Viento
Reward Claimed: 2 Gacha Tickets
Meeting Sussurro, which had led to everything else. The mission that started my relationship with Rhodes Island and set me on the path toward partnership with the Doctor.
[Mission: The Approaching Storm]
Status: Complete
Objective: Survive Reunion assault on Sal Viento and eliminate at least 10 Reunion soldiers
Bonus Objective Complete: Prevent civilian casualties
Bonus Objective Complete: Wound Talulah severely enough to force retreat
Rewards Claimed: 13 Gacha Tickets, 1 Legendary Gacha Ticket, Skill Evolution (Mystic Eyes of Death Perception - Harmonized)
The battle that had defined my capabilities, the confrontation that proved I could fight at levels approaching divine authority. Facing Talulah alongside Surtr, driving off Reunion's leader through coordinated assault and strategic application of Gáe Bolg.
Those rewards had transformed my power significantly. Avalon, Unlimited Blade Works, Rule Breaker, all the tools that made me genuinely dangerous rather than just skilled.
The uncompleted missions glowed with blue light, objectives still in progress or awaiting my attention.
[Uncompleted Missions]
[Mission: Shadows in Lungmen]
Status: In Progress
Objective: Investigate Reunion activity in the city and identify their objectives
Reward: 3 Gacha Tickets
Time Limit: 11 Days Remaining
Progress: Reunion presence confirmed, recruitment operations documented, intelligence shared with Rhodes Island command
This mission was advancing steadily through my work with the Doctor and Rhodes Island's intelligence network. Eleven days to complete full investigation and receive the reward.
[Mission: The Wandering Assassin]
Status: Ongoing
Objective: Travel to Lungmen and make contact with key figures in upcoming crisis
Reward: Variable based on actions taken
Time Limit: None
Progress: Arrived in Lungmen, established partnership with the Doctor, made contact with Kal'tsit and Amiya
The main quest that seemed to have no defined endpoint, just continuing progression through Terra's events. Variable rewards suggested the system would evaluate my contributions and provide appropriate compensation.
I was reviewing the progress notes when new text suddenly appeared, bright red lettering that indicated urgent priority.
[URGENT MISSION DETECTED]
[New Mission: Storm Over Lungmen]
[Reunion forces are preparing major assault on Lungmen in approximately 2 months. The attack will be coordinated, multi-pronged, and designed to cause maximum chaos and casualties.]
[Objective: Prepare Lungmen's defenses and survive the Reunion assault]
[Bonus Objective: Prevent the catastrophic event that would result in massive civilian casualties]
[Bonus Objective: Eliminate at least one Reunion leadership figure during the battle]
[Reward: 8 Gacha Tickets]
[Bonus Rewards: 1 Legendary Gacha Ticket per bonus objective completed]
[Time Limit: 59 Days]
[WARNING: This mission is mandatory. Failure will result in severe system penalties and potential termination of support.]
[Accept: Yes/No]
I stared at the notification, my blood running cold. Two months. Reunion was planning to attack Lungmen in two months, and the system's warnings suggested this would be catastrophic on a scale exceeding the Sal Viento assault.
Mandatory mission. Severe penalties for failure. Potential termination of support.
The god wasn't asking anymore, they were demanding. This event was critical enough that refusing wasn't an option.
I accepted the mission immediately, the notification shifting to show it had been added to my active quest log.
Then I was running, my enhanced speed carrying me through Rhodes Island's corridors faster than normal humans could track. Operators jumped aside in surprise as I passed, my urgency probably alarming but I couldn't afford to slow down.
The Doctor needed to know about this immediately.
I reached their office and didn't bother knocking, simply pushing through the door with enough force that it slammed against the wall.
The Doctor looked up from their desk in surprise, papers scattering from the sudden air displacement.
"Shiki? What's wrong?"
"Reunion is planning a major assault on Lungmen."
I said without preamble, breathing hard despite not being physically winded.
"Two months from now. Multi-pronged attack designed for maximum chaos and casualties. The system just gave me a mandatory mission about it."
The Doctor's posture shifted immediately, surprise replaced by focused intensity.
"Sit down. Tell me everything the mission said exactly."
I collapsed into a chair and relayed the mission details verbatim, including the warnings about mandatory participation and severe penalties for failure.
The Doctor listened without interrupting, their mind clearly processing implications and strategic considerations simultaneously.
"Two months."
They repeated when I finished.
"That timeline aligns with intelligence we've been gathering. Reunion activity in Lungmen has been increasing, recruitment operations becoming more aggressive. We suspected they were planning something significant, but we didn't have a concrete timeline."
They pulled up maps of Lungmen on their tablet.
"A coordinated multi-pronged assault on a mobile city of this size would require massive resources. Hundreds of soldiers at minimum, probably thousands if they're serious about causing catastrophic damage."
"The mission mentioned a catastrophic event that would result in massive civilian casualties. Something specific beyond just the general assault."
"That's concerning. Reunion's typical tactics involve attacking infrastructure and military targets. Deliberately targeting civilians on a massive scale would be a significant escalation."
The Doctor pulled up more files, cross referencing Reunion intelligence with Lungmen's city layout.
"There are several scenarios that could produce mass civilian casualties. Attacking the city's power generation would cause failures in environmental controls. Sabotaging the mobile platform's movement systems could create catastrophic structural collapse. Deploying biological or chemical weapons in populated districts."
They looked at me directly.
"We need more specific intelligence about what they're planning. The system gave you objectives but not details about the catastrophic event. That suggests we're supposed to investigate and discover it ourselves."
"How do we even begin investigating something two months away?"
"We start with what we know. Reunion is active in Lungmen currently, which means they have operatives already positioned. Those operatives are gathering intelligence, establishing safe houses, preparing logistics for the eventual assault."
The Doctor began making notes.
"We identify and track those operatives. Monitor their activities, intercept their communications, build a picture of their operational plan. Once we understand the framework, we can predict what the catastrophic event might be and develop countermeasures."
"That's going to require resources Rhodes Island might not have available."
"Which is why we're going to request assistance. Kal'tsit needs to hear about this immediately, and we should probably inform the Lungmen Guard Department despite their usual hostility toward Rhodes Island."
The Doctor stood, gathering materials.
"Two months. That's actually more time than I expected for something this significant. We can work with that timeline if we start preparing immediately."
We headed toward Kal'tsit's office together, the Doctor already composing messages on their tablet to alert key personnel.
"Your system called this a mandatory mission."
The Doctor observed.
"That suggests the god who sent you considers this event critically important to their entertainment. Which means it's probably a major plot point from the original Arknights timeline."
"Is it? Does Reunion attack Lungmen in the game?"
"Yes, though the circumstances are different. The attack should involve Chernobog, the mobile city Reunion controls, being used as a weapon. They were supposed to crash it into Lungmen to cause catastrophic damage."
The Doctor pulled up historical data.
"But Chernobog hasn't fallen to Reunion yet in our timeline. Events are compressed and reordered because of the Lion King's interference. So either the attack will use different methods, or Chernobog's fall is happening soon and we haven't detected it yet."
We reached Kal'tsit's office and the Doctor knocked with urgent rhythm that communicated priority without words.
"Enter."
Kal'tsit sat at her desk reviewing medical reports, but she set them aside immediately when she saw our expressions.
"What's happened?"
"Reunion is planning major assault on Lungmen in two months. We have confirmation from Shiki's system, which means the intelligence is reliable enough to act on."
Kal'tsit's clinical demeanor intensified, her analytical mind shifting to crisis management mode.
"Details."
We spent the next thirty minutes briefing her on everything the mission had revealed and everything the Doctor knew about the original timeline's version of events. Kal'tsit asked precise questions, identifying gaps in our knowledge and areas requiring immediate investigation.
"This changes our operational priorities significantly."
She concluded.
"We'll need to coordinate with LGD whether they want our assistance or not. We'll need to accelerate intelligence gathering operations. And we'll need to prepare Rhodes Island's combat operators for large scale urban warfare."
She pulled up personnel rosters.
"I'll inform Amiya and begin reorganizing our deployment schedules. Doctor, you'll coordinate with LGD and provide them with sufficient intelligence to take us seriously. Shiki, you'll work with our intelligence teams to identify Reunion operatives currently in Lungmen."
"Understood."
We both acknowledged.
"Two months."
Kal'tsit repeated, her tone carrying the weight of impossible timeline.
"We have two months to prepare an entire mobile city for assault by one of Terra's most dangerous terrorist organizations. This will require perfect coordination and resources we barely have available."
She looked at us both directly.
"Failure is not acceptable. Too many lives depend on our success. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure Lungmen survives what's coming."
The meeting concluded and we dispersed to begin preparations, each of us carrying responsibilities that would consume the next two months completely.
As I walked back through Rhodes Island's corridors, my mind was already racing through tactical considerations and strategic possibilities.
Two months to prepare. Two months to identify the catastrophic threat. Two months to build defenses capable of withstanding Reunion's full assault.
The god wanted entertainment.
They were about to get a defensive battle that would determine whether an entire mobile city survived or fell to flames.
Reunion Mobile Base, Ursus Tundra
Talulah stood before the assembled Reunion leadership, her posture carrying the confidence of recovered strength despite the wound from Gáe Bolg still healing beneath her armor. Three weeks had passed since Sal Viento, three weeks of accelerated regeneration and focused Arts training to overcome the damage that cursed spear had inflicted.
She wasn't fully healed yet. Probably wouldn't be for another month. But she was functional, capable, strong enough to lead the operations she had been planning since her humiliating retreat.
The command center was crowded with Reunion's most important figures. W lounged against a console with her characteristic irreverence. Patriot stood like a monument, ancient and immovable. FrostNova waited with quiet intensity, ice already forming frost patterns on nearby surfaces. Mephisto and Faust occupied their usual corner, the unstable boy's giggles occasionally interrupting the serious atmosphere.
Crownslayer lurked near the shadows, her agile frame suggesting readiness to move at any moment. Skullshatterer, the massive Sarkaz warrior, occupied space near the entrance, his presence intimidating through sheer physicality.
"Two months."
Talulah began without preamble.
"In two months, we strike at Lungmen with coordinated assault designed to cripple their infrastructure and demonstrate that no mobile city is safe from Reunion's reach."
She activated holographic displays showing Lungmen's layout, defensive positions, and population centers.
"This will be our largest operation to date. Not a raid or harassment, but genuine military assault intended to occupy and hold territory within one of Terra's most important economic centers."
W whistled appreciatively.
"Ambitious. Also completely insane. Lungmen has the LGD, Rhodes Island presence, and enough firepower to make attacking them suicidal."
"Which is why we're approaching this systematically rather than relying on overwhelming force."
Talulah highlighted several locations on the map.
"Our strategy involves multiple simultaneous operations across different areas. Each team will have specific objectives designed to create chaos and divide defender attention."
She turned to Mephisto and Faust.
"Mephisto, Faust, you will deploy to Lungmen immediately. Your objective is establishing safe houses, gathering intelligence on LGD patrol patterns, and preparing logistics for the main assault. Additionally, Mephisto, you will begin creating your Possessed units in advance. We'll need significant numbers to overwhelm their defenses."
Mephisto's unstable grin widened.
"Oh goodie! I get to make lots of new friends! The people of Lungmen will love becoming part of my collection! "
Mephisto giggles before turning serious.
"Just kidding. I already have a couple of them there hiding below~"
"Keep the Possessed hidden until the assault begins."
Talulah emphasized.
"If LGD discovers them prematurely, they'll increase security and make everything more difficult."
"Fine, fine. I'll be discrete. No fun at all, but I'll do it."
She looked at Skullshatterer.
"Skullshatterer, you will accompany Mephisto and Faust initially. Once you reach Lungmen, you will separate and establish your own operational cell. Your objective is targeting industrial infrastructure. Power generation facilities, water treatment plants, transportation hubs. Cause maximum disruption to city services."
The massive Sarkaz nodded, his deep voice rumbling.
"I will shatter their foundations and watch their precious city crumble."
"Crownslayer."
Talulah shifted attention.
"You will deploy to Chernobog. Recent intelligence suggests the city is vulnerable to infiltration. Your objective is establishing Reunion presence there and preparing for potential future operations. I want detailed reports on their defenses, political situation, and any opportunities for expanding our influence."
The agile operative bowed slightly.
"Chernobog will be mapped completely. Every weakness identified, every opportunity documented."
Talulah turned to FrostNova, her expression becoming more serious.
"FrostNova, you will deploy to a location in the northern tundra. Coordinates are classified until you receive your sealed orders."
She handed the young woman an encrypted data chip.
"This is a critical mission that requires your specific capabilities. The objective is personal to you, connected to your past. I won't elaborate further here, but understand that success is vital to our long term strategy."
FrostNova accepted the chip without question, though curiosity flickered across her features. She trusted Talulah enough not to demand immediate explanation.
Finally, Talulah addressed Patriot.
"Patriot, you and I will remain here temporarily. Once I've recovered more fully, we will follow Crownslayer to Chernobog and coordinate the larger operation there. The timeline is approximately four to six weeks depending on my healing progress."
The ancient Sarkaz warrior nodded.
"I will ensure the base remains secure in your absence and prepare our forces for deployment when you're ready."
W pushed off from the console she had been leaning against.
"What about me? Don't I get a fun assignment?"
"You and your mercenaries will provide mobile support. Deploy where needed, reinforce operations that encounter unexpected resistance, and generally cause chaos in ways that benefit our objectives."
"So basically do what I always do but with official sanction. Perfect."
Talulah deactivated the holographic display.
"Two months. That's our timeline for everything to be in position. I want regular reports from all teams, encrypted communications only, and absolute operational security. If LGD or Rhodes Island discovers our plans prematurely, we'll lose the element of surprise that makes this viable."
She looked at each of them in turn.
"This operation will establish Reunion as a genuine threat to Terra's power structures. Not just scattered terrorists but a coordinated military force capable of striking major cities. Success here opens opportunities across the continent."
"What about the Lion King?"
FrostNova asked quietly.
"Victoria is preparing for war against Laterano. Won't that affect our operations?"
"It will, but not negatively. Victorian mobilization creates distraction that works in our favor. While nations focus on divine conquest, we execute our own operations with reduced attention."
Talulah smiled coldly.
"Let the Lion King wage her war. We'll wage ours, and Terra will burn from multiple directions simultaneously."
Patriot's deep voice carried warning.
"Coordinating this many operations across such distances creates vulnerability. If one team is compromised, it could reveal information about others."
"I'm aware of the risks. Which is why each team operates with compartmentalized intelligence. You know your objectives and general timeline, but not the specifics of other operations. If you're captured, you can't reveal what you don't know."
She moved to the exit.
"Begin preparations immediately. Those deploying to Lungmen leave within forty eight hours. Crownslayer departs for Chernobog in one week. FrostNova's deployment timeline is detailed in her sealed orders."
"What about Rhodes Island?"
Mephisto asked with unsettling enthusiasm.
"They interfered at Sal Viento. Will they interfere in Lungmen too?"
"Probably. Which is why eliminating Rhodes Island operators is a secondary objective for all teams. If you encounter them, engage and eliminate with extreme prejudice. Especially that contractor, Shiki. She's too dangerous to leave operational."
Talulah's expression darkened at the memory of Gáe Bolg piercing her chest.
"And if you encounter Surtr, retreat immediately and report her position. Don't engage her alone, she requires coordinated assault to overcome."
The meeting concluded and Reunion's leadership dispersed to begin their preparations. Talulah remained in the command center, studying maps and running through scenarios mentally.
Two months. Sufficient time if everything proceeded according to plan. Catastrophic if any element failed unexpectedly.
But risk was inherent to warfare, and Reunion had survived by accepting risks others considered suicidal.
This would be no different.
W found her alone an hour later, the pink haired Sarkaz mercenary entering with casual disregard for privacy.
"You're planning something beyond what you told everyone."
Not a question. W's instincts for hidden agendas were frighteningly accurate.
"I'm planning victory."
Talulah replied without looking up from her maps.
"Victory includes contingencies the others don't need to know about."
"Fair enough. Just make sure your secret contingencies don't get my people killed. I'm mercenary, not martyr."
"Your people will be compensated appropriately for their service."
"They'd better be. Premium rates for fighting in a mobile city against LGD and Rhodes Island."
W paused at the door.
"For what it's worth, I think you're insane for attacking Lungmen. But I respect the ambition. If we actually pull this off, Terra will never look at Reunion the same way."
She left, and Talulah returned to her planning.
The wound in her chest throbbed, reminder of how close she had come to death. The fighter with Gáe Bolg, Shiki, would likely be in Lungmen during the assault. Another confrontation was inevitable.
This time, Talulah would be prepared. This time, she would demonstrate why challenging Reunion's leader was fatal mistake.
The cursed spear had wounded her once.
It wouldn't get a second chance.
Reunion Mobile Base, Command Center Lower Levels
FrostNova sat alone in her quarters, the encrypted data chip Talulah had given her resting on the small table before her. Ice formed unconsciously around it, her Arts responding to emotional turbulence she normally kept tightly controlled.
A mission connected to her past. Something personal that required her specific capabilities.
She didn't need to decrypt the chip to guess what it contained. There was only one location in the northern tundra that mattered to her personally, only one objective that would require ice Arts of her caliber.
The facility where she had been experimented on. Where other infected children had suffered and died. Where the memories she tried to suppress had been burned into her mind with scientific precision.
Talulah was sending her back there. Either to destroy it completely or to retrieve something valuable enough to justify reopening old wounds.
FrostNova picked up the chip, ice crystals forming and melting around her fingers.
Two months until Lungmen burned. But first, she would return to the place that had made her what she was.
The place she had sworn never to revisit.
She would go because Talulah asked it. Because Reunion needed her. Because the mission mattered more than her personal trauma.
But she wouldn't pretend it didn't hurt.
Ice spread across her quarters as emotional control slipped, frost coating every surface until the room resembled a winter palace.
FrostNova sat in the center of her frozen domain and allowed herself one moment of weakness.
One moment to grieve for the girl she had been before the experiments.
Before Oripathy.
Before Reunion.
Then she locked the grief away, reasserted control, and began preparing for the mission that would take her back to her nightmares.
Two months.
Everything would change in two months.