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Chapter Text

Aboard Mephistopheles

[Sinner #7] Heathcliff: Oi, everythin’ alright out there?

[Sinner #2] Faust: We are almost done, please have patience.

We’d been pulled over on the side of the road for about an hour now, and all of the Sinners were getting antsy. Heathcliff had managed to maintain his composure for the most part, but I guess this was really testing it. After a short pause, Mephistopheles roared to life, and Faust and Outis returned to the bus, the latter sitting back down whilst Faust stood in front of everyone.

Faust: I apologize for the delay. There were some unforeseen complications regarding the upgrades that allowed us to cross water that were installed some time ago. As for now, the parts responsible for this have been removed.

[Sinner #1] Yi Sang: Thank the heavens…

I could see Yi Sang getting worried at the mention of our voyage across the Great Lake. Poor guy.

Faust: As of right now, our duties as members of the LCB have been resumed. Any questions.

Nobody raised their hands… except for me.

Faust: Yes, Manager?

[Manager] Dante: <Are you ok? You look exhausted.>

Faust: Faust is fine.

Dante: <I hate to question you, but how long did you sleep last night?>

Faust looked at me with a mixture of disdain at my questioning, and some lament that she had to admit this in front of the others.

Faust: … A perfectly acceptable 3 hours-

[Sinner #13] Gregor: Hold on, isn’t 8 the acceptable number?

Faust: You got 5 hours and 26 minutes of sleep last night, Gregor.

Gregor: How did you- nevermind.

Dante: <I wouldn’t question it, she just knows those things.>

[Guide] Vergilius: What are they saying, Faust?

Vergilius speaking up silenced the chatter amongst the Sinners.

Faust: … Nothing important to the mission-

[Sinner #12] Outis: Nothing important? You will not speak ill of-

Dante: <It’s fine, Outis. It wasn’t relevant anyways…>

[Sinner #5] Meursault: I believe Dante is concerned about Faust’s wellbeing. More specifically, the amount of rest she has been having.

Vergilius: … I see. Fine then, Faust, go to bed.

Faust: I apologize, but I cannot follow that instruction.

Vergilius looked back at Charon, before nodding at Faust.

Vergilius: Fine then. Return to your seat.

As she did, however, Charon suddenly took off, throwing Faust off balance. After the complaints died down, all eyes were on Faust once more.

Faust: …

Heathcliff: Weren’t you goin’ on the other day about how you can’t flinch?

[Sinner #8] Ishmael: There’s no point arguing with her, Heath. She’ll find a way to prove you wrong.

Heathcliff: Yeah, you’re right…

Vergilius: No no, that’s a good point, Heathcliff.

Heathcliff and Ishmael: It is?

Faust: What are you-

Vergilius: Usually whenever we take off suddenly, you stand completely still. You haven’t ever lost your balance until now. So, what’s changed?

Faust: … I haven’t gotten enough sleep, so what? How do you propose we fix that?

[Sinner #4] Ryōshū: She’s right, you know. With all this M.N., none of us will get any sleep anytime soon.

[Sinner #11] Sinclair: People talking isn’t “meaningless noise”...

Dante: <If Vergilius keeps looking at us like that, we’d probably stay quiet.>

[Sinner #9] Rodion: Yeah~, but staring like that can’t be anything but exhausting, right?

Vergilius: … This is my resting face.

Rodion: (…. My apologies...)

Dante: (<How did he know we were talking about him?>)

[Sinner #6] Hong Lu: We could try hypnotizing her…

Everyone on the bus, except myself and Charon, turned to look at Hong Lu.

Hong Lu: … Did I say something wrong?

Discussion broke out amongst the Sinners once more, until Heathcliff spoke up.

Heathcliff: Isn’t hypnosis rubbish though? Like that shit you see on late night telly?

Hong Lu: That kind of hypnosis, yes. I’m referring to a different kind.

Heathcliff: Lemme guess, you and your family used that other kind as a sleep alternative?

Hong Lu: Just my older sister.

Heathcliff: Of course… Still think it’s a stupid idea.

Hong Lu: Well perhaps you need to watch it happen.

Dante: <Guys?>

Heathcliff: Like hell, I’m not lettin’ you screw with anyone’s mind.

Dante: <Guys?!>

Hong Lu: Well, I’m not going to be the one to do it, so-

Dante: <Could you both quit it!?>

Hong Lu: … Hm?

Heathcliff: … Is something wrong?

Dante: <You’re making Faust uncomfortable.>

Hong Lu: Ah, my apologies Miss Faust. I did not intend to cause discomfort.

Faust: Please think about the connotations of your words before you speak them.

With a sigh, Faust began returning to her seat. It might have been my imagination, but…

I could’ve sworn I heard Faust thank me as she walked by.

Chapter Text

Aboard Mephistopheles 

We’d been driving for a bit before we started swapping seats around. It was going to be a longer drive after all. Don Quixote and Faust had swapped, as had Meursault and Heathcliff. Hong Lu had come to the front of the bus to talk with Gregor and I.

Hong Lu: Not at all? 

Gregor: Nope. Swore to an old friend of mine I’d never tell.

Dante: <Not even to me?>

Gregor: Not even to you, Manager Bud.

Vergilius suddenly stood up and cleared his throat.

Vergilius: Hong Lu, Don Quixote, please be seated.

The two Sinners in question returned to their seats next to each other, after a brief "argument" over who should be seated first. When they were finished, Vergilius began talking.

Vergilius: Due to recent discoveries, our current directive has changed, as I'm sure you can tell. We’ll be driving through the Nest of the former H Corp.

As if on instinct, some of the Sinners looked around, looking to see who reacted. After they were satisfied, they looked back towards Vergilius.

Vergilius: … We have been informed of a group of people holding Limbus Company personnel hostage inside of a seemingly functional L Corp. branch, which we are also to retrieve the Golden Bough from. After that, we will return to the W Corp. Station and make the intended trip to P Corp.’s Nest.

[Sinner #3] Don Quixote: Must we return on such a transport?

Vergilius: Yes. We will have first class seating again, if that’s a concern.

Don Quixote slumped back in her seat satisfied, and Hong Lu patted her on the back sympathetically. Vergilius went to continue speaking, but as he did, the bus began to slow down.

Vergilius: Hm? Charon, what’s wrong?

[Driver] Charon: Charon must pull over.

Vergilius: What are you-

Vergilius looked out of the windshield, noticing a light in the distance, staring at it for a short time. As the bus began to pull over, he broke out of his daze, walked into the main section of the bus, and closed a shutter we didn’t know existed.

Outis: Is something wrong?

Vergilius: We’re being attacked. They’ve found us.

Ishmael: WHO’S found us?!

Vergilius: A group that’s set up camp in this Nest has been tracking us for a while, since our encounter with N Corp..

Dante: <But why? What could they possibly want from us->

But as I began asking that question, footsteps were heard.

???: Clear the girl off.

Vergilius: No… Not these bastards…

???: She’s off!

???: Plant the thermite!

The sound of something burning through the metal screen filled our hearts with fear. Vergilius grabbed me and retreated to the back of the bus, as the Sinners took up arms.

???: CLEAR!

Chapter Text

Pre-Battle Alert: Manager. The Identity Card System is currently down. Faust will attempt to fix it when she can. You will need to use our “default” Identities for now.

<Oh, alright, that’s fine then. Thank you, Faust.>

0/5

+LCB Sinner Yi Sang

+LCB Sinner Ryōshū

+LCB Sinner Meursault

+LCB Sinner Rodion

+LCB Sinner Outis

5/5

Begin

As soon the first enemy was visible, Yi Sang charged forward, plunging his blade through their arm. Ryōshū quickly followed up with a slash from her sword, cutting through their chest, before holstering her sword and pushing the person out of the bus.

Enemy 1: OW!

Enemy 2: STAND DOWN!

Dante: <Who are these people?!>

Enemy 3: PREPARE TO BREACH THE WINDOWS-

Charon: Charon will personally feed you to Mephi if you do that.

Enemy 3: …. CLIMB THE BUS!

Meursault opened the emergency hatch and helped the other 4 Sinners onto the roof.

WAVE 1

Enemies:

??? Team Member x3

??? Team Captain x1

Hooded ??? Team Member x1

<Try to be a bit more careful with your health. No, I—I mean… I’m just worried for you is all.>

Turn 1

The first round of attacks began to fly at the Sinners, but Meursault simply batted them away with his gauntlets, as Yi Sang and Ryōshū prepared to flank. With the enemies distracted, they had no problem getting around them. One of the enemies managed to knock back Meursault, but Outis closed the gap and pushed them back. Her blade clashed against their baton for a bit, eventually knocking it out of their hands entirely, allowing Outis to throw them off of the bus, and out of the fight.

Yi Sang and Ryōshū had begun to engage the hooded person near the back, taking turns dodging in and out of their attacks, striking when they could. After tiring them out, Ryōshū made a few cuts into their chest, and knocked them off of the bus with her odachi… is it really alright to call Mephistopheles a “bus”?

Meursault was assisting Rodion in fighting a pair of enemies, blocking what attacks he could while allowing Rodya to follow up with her axe. After a few repetitions of this, Rodya swept the legs out from under one of the enemies and kicked them off, whilst Meursault effortlessly picked the other up and tossed them away.

“Isn’t it weird how your subordinates give up after one loss? We’ve barely begun and they’re already giving up.” Outis confronted the Captain of this group, backing up her verbal attacks with physical ones.

“Have you ever considered you guys are just crazy strong?”

“Often.”

The clash continued, while the other Sinners stood around, awaiting an opening. Such a chance came swiftly, as the Captain was knocked away, and Meursault used the chance to kick them off of the roof.

<That went really well, great job, guys.>

VICTORY

Most Valued Employee - LCB Sinner Meursault (26%)

“It's what should have been done; compliments are redundant.”

<I’d say you went above and beyond…>

Chapter Text

5/5

No Change

Begin

Vergilius: Everybody, off!

The rest of the Sinners, including myself, quickly rushed off of the bus. The fighting Sinners jumped down from the roof. In their rush to leave, the strangers left Charon behind, but Vergilius quickly grabbed her.

Somewhere in H Corp.’s Nest

Heathcliff: Right, ready to tell us who these bastards are?

Vergilius: They’re known as the HHS, and as I mentioned, they’ve been following us since our encounter with N Corp. at Calw. Roughly after the time we left, I noticed a van of theirs following us around on occasion.

Sinclair: I’m glad I wasn’t the only one to see that…

Rodion: But what exactly does “HHS” stand for?

Ryōshū: Judging by the pins on their outfits, the “HS” is “Hypnotic Solutions”, and the “H” is  a name.

Dante: <But who’s?>

Enemy 1: HARPER! HARPER! WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Vergilius: Her’s.
Again, with no explanations given, nor time to ask, a new wave of enemies charged us again.

WAVE 1

Enemies:

Blue-Clad HSS Employee x4

Blue-Clad HSS Captain x1

“Dunno how helpful my cheerleading will be, but… might as well do what I can.”

A group of blue-wearing employees came running over, seemingly attempting to distract us from the gathering group of enemies we’d just defeated.

“Why would they run away like that after giving up so easily?”
“A bunch of G.F.N. fodder.” (that’s “Good For Nothing” (special thanks to Sinclair for the translations))

The Sinners quickly engaged the enemies, trading blows back and forth with the employees. Something seemed off about the way they were fighting though… It’s almost like… No, I’m getting ahead of myself.

Rodya and Ryōshū managed to land a joint combo on two of the enemies, knocking them both down, forcing them to retreat. They quickly joined Yi Sang in engaging the Captain, while Meursault and Outis dealt with the other two enemies fairly quickly. Watching the remaining enemies, they seemed to stay close to their Captain. I’ll make note of that…

Taking advantage of this, Outis leapt forward and pushed the three enemies over at once, Staggering them. Meursault and Yi Sang took this chance to disarm the enemies, and restrain them.

“Got ‘em good there. Let’s push ahead and break their ranks.”

WAVE 2

Enemies:

Orange-Clad HSS Employee x3

Orange-Clad HHS Captain x1

HHS CEO Harper x1

<Is it just me, or… is something sinister approaching?>

The next wave of enemies, the first people we fought, quickly arrived to retrieve their friends. The Sinners quickly re-engaged the employees, whilst Meursault went for who I can only assume was Harper. They clashed with each other, but ultimately Meursault was knocked away. Rodya quickly joined in, having re-opened the wounds of the enemy she fought, but was quickly knocked back. Throughout all of the chaos, one person just wouldn’t stop…

The supposed leader was getting closer and closer. I could feel Vergilius’ disdain at her just from how he breathed.

“My new friends!” she shouted “Let me help you!”

The Sinners looked at each other in anticipation.

That couldn’t mean anything good.

Which Sinner should decline her invitation?

Lust/Sloth Advantage, Threshold 6

Ryōshū - Brushstroke (Pride)

Threshold 12(+)

5 

Heads +3

Heads +3

Heads +3

12 < 14

Check Passed!

[Ryōshū] stepped forward to greet the woman. Quickly, before she could react, the Sinner plunged their weapon into her chest. Someone, the leader’s smile didn’t fade, only faltered.

Harper became staggered!

“Got a fine piece of work out of it.”

Having knocked away Harper, Ryōshū began walking away to re-engage the employees.

“Hey! Don’t just leave a threat like that unaccounted for! Finish her off!”

“Nah. F.G.I.”

“That’s “Frenchie’s Got It”...”

“Wha-” Before Outis could finish her questioning of Ryōshū’s actions, Meursault quickly swept in.

“The multitude tightens it’s hold…”

The CEO was knocked away, and quickly extracted by her allies.

“U-Until next time…” Her voice faded away into the distance, but I could still see her fighting off the urge to return to combat. As most of the other employees were Staggered already, Yi Sang and Ryōshū made quick work of them. With only the Captain remaining, it was clear what had to be done. As they turned to face us, only the end of Outis’ blade stared back.

“The odyssey had a purpose…”

(BANG)

H Corp.’s Nest..?

HHS Captain: Damnit… even with… RETREAT!!

As the enemies began to run back, I heard a beep from my PDA’s radio system.

Vergilius (Radio): I appreciate your efficiency. I will ensure you are rewarded if you keep this up.

Don Quixote: Hark, fellows! The Red Gaze himself shall reward us if we continue with our hastiness!

Rodion: For real?!

VICTORY

Most Valuable Employee: LCB Sinner Outis (21%)

“This was 99% your brilliant leadership and 1% my competence!”

<I forgot she said this…>

Chapter Text

H Corp.’s Nest..?

As the Sinners fought off the last advance, some of the other enemies began to call back their leader.

Enemy 1: Miss Harper, I insist you return inside!

Enemy 3: We don’t have time to stick around! Fall back, we can negotiate later!

Vergilius: Like that will ever happen…

Enemy 5: Harper, please. We need to go back inside…!
Hong Lu: That voice…

Dante: <Do you recognise it?>
Hong Lu: I might… Not entirely certain, it could just be a coincidence. No need to pay it any mind, Dante~

Dante: <Right then.>

As Vergilius recovered Charon, everybody slowly began to pile back into the bus. We all hastily sat down, as Charon prepared to take off again. The enemies took this time to recover their allies, before continuing their retreat.

Ishmael: Since when has that screen been there?

Vergilius: Only recently. Charon and I finished installing it whilst you were inside that mansion.

Heathcliff: Right…

Dante: <Touchy subject?>

Heathcliff: Nah, just… Haven’t fully recovered, is all.

Ishmael: That’s understandable… I haven’t either. From.. well, you know.

We all sat in silence for a few moments, as Charon began to carefully drive us through whatever part of the Nest we’d found ourselves in.

Vergilius: I’m sure you have questions. I’ll start from the most obvious. That woman you so helpfully assaulted is Harper, a person I’ve unfortunately had the displeasure of crossing paths with before. Her company, HHS, is a group that specializes in unwanted therapy, to put it simply.

Heathcliff: Through… hypnosis?

Vergilius: Yes, although I’d argue most of what she does could be categorized as “mind control” instead.

Sinclair: There’s a difference?
Faust: Yes. Crucially, people under hypnosis cannot be made to do things they do not wish to do, assuming it is done properly.

Vergilius: … And if it’s done improperly, then it can be considered mind control. However, no incidents of this have seemingly been recorded within the HHS recently.

Ishmael: I assume it being done “improperly” means the victi- patient isn’t aware of how much control they truly have?

Vergilius: Correct, well done.

Heathcliff: Right, so what do you call that late night TV crap?

Gregor: Staged?

Hong Lu: Hmm, it depends… If they want ratings and stuff, it’ll probably be staged, but if they’re doing it for the fun of it, it most likely isn’t. Then again…

Heathcliff: I don’t wanna keep doubting ya lad, but I’m having trouble thinking of why a bloke would willingly act like an animal in front of all of those people.

Dante: <They could be using a controlled form of mind control, maybe. I’ve never once heard a stage hypnotist say anything about their volunteer having control.>

Hong Lu: I was about to say that~ It’s a fascinating dilemma, is it not?

Heathcliff: I suppose…

Yi Sang: Forgive me for asking, Vergilius… But may I request to know how Charon is faring?

Vergilius: … Did you think I’d be mad? You two are somewhat acquainted after all. She seems to be doing alrigh-

Just as Vergilius spoke, the bus suddenly swerved towards the left.

Vergilius: Charon, what are you doing? You’re headed straight for that hangar!

Charon: Charon knows. Buckle up.

The bus caught air off of the small hill we were on, and hurtled head-first towards the hangar wall.

Dante: <E-Everyone, brace yourselves!>

Various screams of panic and despair filled my ears…
Then nothing at all.

Chapter Text

???

???: Is... one… ight?

???: Man…. ger… Hel…

I couldn’t tell who was speaking, or what was happening. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t open my eyes.

???: Oi, clo…. ay something!

???: Dan…. nte!

My thoughts were growing hazy. What did that woman do to Charon? Was everyone alright?

???: Allow me!

???: You mustn’t-

Something or someone startled me awake.

Dante: <H-huh? Where… am I?>
Outis: Executive Manager! Are you alright?! You’ve sustained damage!

Ishmael: Let them get up, Outis! Give them room!
Sinclair: Oh thank god you’re alright Dante!

Dante: <Where’s… Charon…?>

Heathcliff: Hm? She’s with Vergilius.

I slowly began to sit up off of the ground.

Hong Lu: Ah- Careful!

Dante: <Is it bad?...>

Vergilius: Minor cosmetic damages. Nothing we can’t fix.

Dante: <Ah… you’re here…>

Faust: I believe it would be best to allow the Manager to collect their thoughts.

I nodded hazily, and closed my eyes again.

It was all so weird…

It had all happened so fast…

Dante: <...>

Dante: <...!>

Charon: You must join us.

Dante: <Huh? Charon?!>

Charon had jumped onto me, attempting to… I don’t know exactly. She was looking at me weirdly, like she wanted me to stare back. I didn’t see anything unusual.

Gregor: Hey, get off of the-

Vergilius picked Charon up with one arm and held her aloft.

Vergilius: Bad. You promised you’d leave them alone.

Charon: Charon changed her mind.

Vergilius performed a similar maneuver to what we’d seen Nelly do to Heathcliff back at Wuthering Heights, knocking Charon out cold.

Ishmael: I wish I could do that…

Ryōshū: I.C.T.Y.

Sinclair: S-she said she could teach you…

Ishmael: … That would be nice.

Rodion: Dante, are you alright?

Dante: <I think?... No idea what that was about.>

Vergilius: I do.

We all looked up at Vergilius expectantly, when we heard the sound of the shutter door opening.

???: Is everything alright in here? Is anyone hurt?

Faust: Those voices… What are the LCCA doing here?

The what.

Chapter Text

0/5

+LCB Sinner Heathcliff (Fixed)

+LCB Sinner Ishmael
+LCB Sinner Rodion
+LCB Sinner Sinclair

+LCB Sinner Gregor

5/5

Start

A Hangar in H Corp.

LCCA Agent 1: Phew, looks like nothing too serious happened. We’ll collect your vehicle and have it repaired-

Faust: What are you doing here? There’s been no reports of any LCCA activity in this area.

Heathcliff: Oi, wait a tick… Aren’t you the blokes that carried away-

LCCA Agent 2: We crashed here on our way back from T Corp., but the nice people here helped us back on our feet!

Vergilius: You’ve been missing for a week. It has taken us double that time to get here from T Corp..

Dante: <To be fair, we did make a few stops…>

Gregor: They weren’t that long though…

LCCA Agent 1: Well, seeing as how you’re in the same situation as us, why don’t we go down to the nearby Lobotomy Corp. branch and get you all checked in, huh?

Heathcliff: Hold on. The coffin you were carryin’. Where is it?

LCCA Agent 2: It’s been moved inside the branch for the time bei-

Heathcliff rushed forwards at the LCCA agent

Ishmael: Heathcl- Shit. Get ready, guys!

Heathcliff: Give… her.. BACK!

WAVE 1

Enemies:

LCCA Agent x5

Heathcliff charged at the first agent, who blocked his first 3 strikes with their baton, but his fourth knocked it away, and he grabbed them by the throat. As another went to intercept, Ishmael knocked them away with her shield.

“Hey, I get you’re mad, but try not to get this rash next time, alright?”

Heathcliff threw the agent down, breathing heavily.
“No promises.”

A third agent ran up behind Heathcliff and managed to get a good hit on him, but Sinclair managed to throw them off balance. Ishmael restrains them using some of the spare rope we carry on board for situations like this, whilst Rodion tries to calm Heathcliff down. It seems to be working.

“How much more rope do we have? We’ve got a few more coming.”

“We could just knock them out…”

“Oh, right. Good thinking Sinclair.” Gregor approached one of the charging LCCA Agents and parried their attack with his bug arm, before simply knocking them out with his human one. “Woah. They don’t make ‘em how they used to…”

“The armor’s ineffective, no head covering.” Outis chimed in from the backlines

Sinclair engages the 3rd LCCA Agent, and renders them unconscious with a side strike from his halberd, sustaining minor blunt force trauma. Rodion immediately rushes over to him to ensure his health, as Ishmael and Heathcliff begin restraining the unconscious agents. Rodion and Sinclair are heard arguing over the latter’s safety, whilst Gregor fights off 2 of the remaining Agents.

“Uh, hey, guys? A little help-”

At this moment, Gregor is thrown off balance, or Staggered, and grabbed by one of the agents. Heathcliff rushes the Agent restraining Gregor and knocks them out with a single bat strike. Gregor’s bug arm attacks the other Agent on its own, and Ishmael rushes over to restrain that agent.

VICTORY

A Hangar in H Corp.

Dante: <That looks like all of them…>

Don Quixote: Huzzah! Another swift victory… ‘tis almost too easy…

Sinclair: I swear, I’m fine!
Rodion: Just let me look!

Sinclair: I’m fin- OW! J-jeez, you’re strong…

Ishmael: Yeah, her grip strength is no joke.

Rodion: A scratch… Hm. This is no good, not at all…

Dante: <I can turn back the clock if you need me to.>

Sinclair: It’s fine, really! You don’t need to bother yourself with the pain, Dante.

Outis had already lined up the captive Agents. Ishmael was treating the wound of the one who got slashed by Gregor’s arm. Lined up next to them was an upset looking Heathcliff.

Outis: Talk! Why did you attack LCB personnel?!

LCCA Agent 1: W-we were attacked first!

Outis: Oh, right.

Outis struck Heathcliff across the face.

Ishmael: Hey, watch it!

Outis: Why did you attack LCCA personnel?!

Heathcliff: I got mad… I’m sorry, I’ll try to control myself next time.

Outis: You’d better be sorry. Executive Manager! What should I do with him?

Dante: <J-just let him go. He’s going through a lot right now.>

Outis: Hmph. Very well.

Heathcliff got up and returned to the other Sinners.
Heathcliff: Thank you.

As Outis was preparing to interrogate the captive Agents, the door to the hangar we were in opened once more.

???: HEY! What’s going on in here?
Heathcliff: No way…

Most Valued Employee: LCB Sinner Heathcliff (32%)

“Heh, see that? I did a real bang up job!”

<Heh… you sure did, Heath.>

Chapter Text

A Hangar in H Corp.

[LCCA Team Leader] Caiman: What the hell did you do? I said bring them in here, not force them to crash!

Heathcliff: Oh, it is you! Ha, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?

LCCA Agent 2: I-it isn’t our fault! Their driver did it, not us!

Caiman: But you’re the one who put out the signal, didn’t you? You called her directly here!

Vergilius: Oh? Is that so?

Caiman: Yes, it is! And because of their incompetence, you lot are on too high guard for us to talk!

Dante: <No no, we can still talk about this!...>
Caiman: … The hell did they say?
Faust: (sigh) That we can still talk about this.

Dante: <Thanks, I think…>

Faust: I am as sick of her as you are.

Caiman: Alright then. Anything you wanna know?
Heathcliff: You go, guys. I’ll get worked up if I talk first.

Don Quixote: What hath thou done with Heathcliff’s beloved?!

Heathcliff: Or you can do that…

Caiman: The… person in the coffin? We sent her into the Lobotomy Corp. branch so the people there could look at her.

Heathcliff: For what? What could they possibly want from her?

Caiman: Hell if I know! It’s not my damn problem, and even if it was, they weren’t gonna tell us shit.

Ishmael: Moving on from that, why are you helping them?
Caiman: Because we made a deal. After we crashed here, the employees of the former L Corp. got us on our feet, and proposed a deal. If we took some time off while we’re here, and helped them bring you lot here, they’d make sure we’d have less work to clean up after one of your next missions. 

Ishmael: …
Outis: …
Dante: <...>

Heathcliff: …

Faust: How so?

Caiman: I’m not entirely certain, but judging from their modus operandi, probably by making you less… chaotic.

Ishmael and Heathcliff became enraged at this, and Outis was barely suppressing a look of rage herself.

Sinclair: What are you going to do…?

Caiman: Well, you’re here, so now I can get down to business. The other LCCA Agents are still inside, but I’ve got a couple of guys left. We can do this the easy way or the hard way.

Rodion: The difference being…?

Caiman: Either you can come with us and talk to the people at the Lobotomy Corp. branch…

A pair of armed Agents took their places beside Caiman, weapons raised.

Caiman: … Or you can let us get our frustrations out on you guys.

Dante: <... You know what? She’s really starting to tick me off. Everyone, get her!>

All 12 Sinners took up arms, and prepared to approach Caiman.

Caiman: I see how it is then. Men, ATTACK!

Chapter Text

Enemies:
LCCA Agent Caiman

Armed LCCA Agent x2

5/12

<Oh?>

+LCB Sinner Yi Sang

+LCB Sinner Faust

+LCB Sinner Don Quixote

+LCB Sinner Ryōshū

+LCB Sinner Meursault
+LCB Sinner Hong Lu

+LCB Sinner Outis

<Oh hell yeah.>

12/12

START

A Hangar in H Corp.

As the Sinners began to approach Caiman, she slowly started to look more and more panicked.

Caiman: Hey, hey hey- WOAH WHY ALL 12 OF YOU?!

Yi Sang: You are loud and obnoxious.

Faust: You are currently an enemy of Limbus Company, so I must fight you.

Don Quixote: THOU HATH TAKEN HEATHCLIFF’S BELOVED FOR THYSELF AND SOLD HER OFF TO THE VILLAINS WITHIN THE BUILDING OVER YONDER!

Ryōshū: Y.A.M. (You’re Annoying Me)

Meursault: The manager has requested I beat you.

Hong Lu: I just want to do this, honestly.

Heathcliff: Too many reasons for why I’m doing this, die.

Ishmael: You’re an asshole.

Rodion: Honestly, a lot of us just don’t like you.

Dante: <I hate you.>

Sinclair: You’re freaking me out...

Outis: You oppose our manager, and for that you will die!

Gregor: I don’t like you.

Caiman: …. I’m sorry?

Vergilius: Far too late for that now.

WAVE 1

Caiman orders her accompanying allies to open fire, causing most of the Sinners to scatter, however, Yi Sang disappears. Caiman looks around, raising her weapon, seemingly looking for Yi Sang.
“Utter to me what you think the ideal is.”

Yi Sang stabs one of the agents with his E.G.O, Staggering said Agent. As the other aims their weapon at Yi Sang, Hong Lu approaches rapidly and knocks the Agent over, using his weapon to throw them over to Ishmael and Heathcliff, who begin to beat on the Agent.
“I couldn’t undo a thing…”

The axe from Rodion’s E.G.O goes flying into the chest of the Agent near Yi Sang, incapacitating them. Caiman attempts to flee from the Hangar on foot.
“Let’s visit the world of wonders.”

The sudden splash of water crashing down onto her knocked her down, and clouded her mind, 

“This is how I’ll chart my own path…”

The harpoon piercing her body ensured she couldn’t run far,

“The multitude tightens it’s hold…”

and the chains ensured our victory at last.

Caiman fell to the ground, somehow alive. 

Outis: She is going to die without immediate medical attention. Someone, do something!

Hong Lu quickly activated his Soda EGO, spraying soda across Caiman’s body. It… somehow seemed to repair some of the wounds?

Hong Lu: She’ll be mostly better now. Someone should have a look at her arm for now.

Outis: Well… done?

VICTORY

Dante: <I think that was a record time for a fight we’ve done. Good job, everyone.>

Don Quixote: Forsooth! Surely Sir Vergilius will be rewarding us in no time!

Ishmael: I don’t think there was much room for improvement there, any more E.G.Os would have been overkill.

Caiman: Gah… what… are you people…?

Hong Lu: Sinners, last I checked.

Gregor: I don’t think that’s what she meant, bud.
Hong Lu: I know.

Faust: The Agent’s injuries are minimal, thankfully, and Caiman should be fine with some additional medical care. We’ll gather up all of the Agents and find out what they know.

Heathcliff: Was Soda really the best choice for that?

Hong Lu: I couldn’t exactly use the K Corp. Ampules, could I?

Heathcliff: … Right, that’s fair. Speaking of, when will we get those back anyways?
Faust: When Faust has finished fixing the devices.

Ishmael: You’ve been doing a lot recently, are you sure you’ll be-

A glare from Faust silenced Ishmael, but it also told us everything we needed to know.

Faust never showed that amount of emotion. She was clearly irritable.
Faust… Are you truly alright?

Most Valued Employee: LCB Sinner Hong Lu (26%)

“No need to shower me with compliments~ I’m sure you had a part in it, too.”

<Heh, I’m sure I did… not.>

Chapter Text

A Hangar in H Corp.

Heathcliff: Right, that should be all of them. Not sure what else we can learn from them, though.

Outis: It’s good to be thorough. We most likely can get some more out of Caiman that we didn’t learn before.

Ishmael: You sure you’re gonna be alright to hear this, Heath?

Heathcliff: I’ll be alright. If I want to get her back, I’ll have to.

Ishmael: I won’t stop you, then.

While people were still confused about her existence, or lack thereof, Heathcliff’s information on Catherine, while biased, helped fill everyone in on who and what he was talking about. Don Quixote was especially enthusiastic to help him once she learnt of who was in the coffin.

Caiman: I’ll give you this… you’re damn good medics…

Gregor: I’ve had training. The arm makes things a bit difficult, but I can walk someone through it just fine. You’re doing great, Sinclair, just pull that through a couple times…

Sinclair: Alright… got it! That should be good for now.

Outis: Good. Now talk, or I’ll rip them back open!

Sinclair: Please don’t…

Caiman: Yeah, alright… what do you want to know…

Heathcliff gripped his bat tighter, and crouched down to Caiman’s level, slowly raising her head up with his bat.

Heathcliff: You absolutely certain you don’t know what they want from my Cathy?

Caiman: The… coffin lady?... I heard them say some weird shit… like wanting to “make people remember” her…

Caiman’s head was forced up to meet Heathcliff’s piercing gaze.

Heathcliff: That’s all you heard?

Caiman: That I can remember… it was all a blur… and these injuries aren’t helping…

Heathcliff finally relented, standing up and backing away.

Heathcliff: Right, I ‘spose that’s fair. Sorry ‘bout tha- actually, no, I’m not.

Ishmael: After what she said, none of us are.

Outis stepped forward, and we all braced for the worst.

Gregor: Here it comes…

Outis: Look.

Sinclair averted his eyes, and Ryōshū prepared to take notes.

Outis: You and I both know you’ve been too much today. Just talk, and I won’t hurt you.

We all collectively breathed a sigh of relief, including the Agents. Well, except for…

Ryōshū: Hmph.

Caiman: Yeah yeah… So there was this woman… Harper… Her group set up… well, I want to say a trap, but I can’t… a… hell if I know.

Caiman took a moment to catch her breath, and sat upright.

Caiman: So she took in our division of the LCCA… gave us some sort of treatment or something… messed with our minds… Made us lure you in here…

Vergilius walked forwards, looking down upon Caiman.

Vergilius: Why?

Caiman: Cuz they’ve been tracking you too… thought you looked “stressed” or some BS… so we brought them in for an exchange… we’d get you to come here… they’d make our lives easier…

Vergilius: Right then. Faust, how long will it take to fix the bus?

Faust: Too long to do ourselves. Faust suggests we attempt to make a deal with the people within the branch, as the LCCA seem to be in an… unfit state to work, currently.

Caiman: Tell ya what… you let us go, and get us some medical supplies… we’ll get your bus fixed up ASAP. 

Faust: If you’re certain you’re up to the task. Mephistopheles is a delicate creation, it will not be easy to-

Vergilius: Calm down, Faust. The engine wasn’t damaged, and I’m sure these guys can handle the physical reconstructions.

Faust: … Very well.

We untied the LCCA Agents, and used what little medical supplies we had to deal with some of the lesser wounds we’d inflicted.

Dante: <Soooo… what’s the move from here, then?>
Faust: The manager would like to know what we’re going to do from here.

Vergilius: Simple, Dante. We’re going straight in there.

Chapter Text

Outside the H Corp. Lobotomy Corp. Branch

Ishmael: Remember, no Cursed Techniques yet, guys.

Vergilius: They aren’t aware of our capabilities yet, wait until absolutely necessary to use them.

Dante: <Anything you can tell us, Faust?>

We stood outside of the massive front doors leading into the Lobotomy Corp. facility. The lights were on inside, and there appeared to be a receptionist at the desk, but they looked… off.

Faust: The HHS are expecting a building company of some description, and the LCB. 

Yi Sang: If I didn’t know any better, I’d say we could mix the two pieces of information, assuming they can’t tell them and us apart.

Faust: Hmm, it seems they don’t. An ideal solution.

Just kiss already, you two.
Rodion: Hey… do you think they’re alright? They’re just sorta… staring into space.

Rodya pointed towards the receptionist still sitting at the desk, unmoving.

Sinclair: Like Hong Lu?

Hong Lu: No, no, they’re far too focused still. If you truly want to space out, you need to let go of all of your thoughts…

Gregor: Judging by the name of this Harper lady’s company, you’d kinda expect ‘em to do it to their employees, yeah?

Ishmael: Now that you mention it…

Ishmael rattled on the doors, which refused to open. The receptionist seemingly snapped out of their daze and turned the intercom on.

[Lobotomy Corp.] Receptionist: Ugh, sorry about that, what do ya want?

Ishmael: …
Dante: <...>

Rodion: …

We all looked at Gregor expectantly.

Receptionist: Hello?

Gregor sighed, and walked up to the intercom.

Gregor: Hey, yeah, we heard that you needed some things fixed around here, and we’re, uh, the guys you hired… to do the work…? The LCB- er, Lenient… Contract Builders?

Everyone stared at Gregor with baited breath, and he began to look defeated.

Inside, we could see the receptionist look around to make sure they weren’t being watched.

Receptionist: … Right, yeah, we did hire you guys, didn’t we? My apologies, I’ll open those doors for you right now.

The doors to the facility opened, and we all stared at Gregor in shock.

Ryōshū: Not bad, not bad at all.

Rodion: Gregor, babe, that was… well, surprisingly good.

Gregor: Don’t say it like that…

We all entered the facility, and the receptionist eyed us up and down.

Receptionist: Oh, yep you’re definitely the builders. Take some of these keycards from the box here and head down the elevator to the Control Team, they’ll hook you up with the details ‘n legal whatnot. I dunno, it’s not my job.

All of the Sinners grabbed a keycard each, and I couldn’t help myself but to slip a few extras into my pocket, just to be sure. I’m sure the receptionist noticed, but maybe he just didn’t care.

Rodion: Are we sure Charon will be fine to come?

Vergilius: She’ll be fine.

Outis tapped her keycard, and selected the Control Team floor.

Yi Sang: That’s odd… Why wouldn’t they send us to the Architecture Team’s floor?

Ishmael: The lowest floor down?

Dante: <That is weird… Maybe… there’s something at the bottom of the facility?>

Outis: Keen observation, manager!

Dante: <It was Yi Sang’s…>

The elevator began to descend, silencing us for the time being.

Receptionist: …
Receptionist?: They’re on the way down. They’re gonna say they’re builders. Yep, send ‘em straight down. I’ll be down soon. Gotcha, over and out.

Chapter Text

Pre-Battle Alert: Manager. Faust has fixed the Identity Cards. You may deploy Identities once more.

<Perfect, thank you, Faust.>

0/6

+[Wild Hunt] Heathcliff

+[Cinq Assoc. South Section 4 Director] Sinclair

+[Zwei Assoc. West Section 3] Ishmael

+[Effloresced E.G.O: Spicebush] Yi Sang

+[Effloresced E.G.O: Farmwatch] Meursault

+[The Middle Little Sister] Don Quixote

<Eh, good enough. Don’t want to play all of my best cards yet.>

6/6

START

The elevator reached its destination with a ding, and we exited the cabin, entering into a main room, covered with maps, screens, and…drawings on the wall? Weird.

Control Team Main Room

Ishmael: (Remember what we practiced. We’re the Lenient Contract Builders, and we’re here to see the Architecture Team.)

Everyone nodded or hummed in agreement, and we waited in the main room for a few moments, awaiting someone to come and see us.

Don: Aha! Prithee, Manag- er, Foreman Esquire, come, behold this!

Dante: <Hm? What is it, Don?>

Heathcliff and I went to see what Don Quixote was pointing at.

Heathcliff: Ah, I’ve seen this before. The Tree of Life, yeah?
Dante: <I didn’t take you as the kinda guy to know this stuff, Heathcliff.>

Heathcliff: Cathy and I looked at this sorta stuff a lot. Religion was a… surprisingly common reading topic for us. Neither of us believed that stuff, I reckon she just liked the drawings.

Yi Sang: Hold on. Is this not reminiscent of the Branch’s layout we saw whilst in the elevator?

He was right. If flipped on its head, the elevator map would match up with this picture pretty closely.

Dante: <I see what you mean. Perhaps the facility was designed after the Tree of Life?>

Heathcliff: Which would mean we’re at…

An employee of Lobotomy Corp. walked into the room, noticed us, and began to panic.
[Lobotomy Corp.] Control Team Employee: Malkuth, Malkuth! Th-they’re here!

Heathcliff: Yeah, we’d be on- Malkuth?
At this moment, a woman, not too much taller than the employee, ran into the room, carrying a notebook. Her uniform was not too dissimilar to the employees.

[Control Team] Malkuth: Phew, almost missed you! So sorry about that, we weren’t expecting you guys so soon! You’re the… Lenient Contract Builders, correct?

Gregor: Uh- uh yes, mam, that’s us! 

Malkuth: Forgive me for suggesting this, but you don’t look the most… well equipped for this job.

Meursault: I assure you, madam, we are professionals.

Ishmael: Yeah, and the Architecture Team said they had equipment for us.

Malkuth: ….
The boss looked at each of us in turn, before turning her eyes to me. She stared for a solid few seconds, and then she looked as if she’d had a sudden revelation. She grabbed a radio and raised it to her mouth.
Malkuth: Hod, they’re here.

Voice Over the Radio: Who?
Malkuth: The, uh, “Lenient Contract Builders”. The LCB.

Voice Over the Radio: …. Ohhhh, them! I’ll make an announcement.

Heathcliff: Oi, wait, why would she call the Hod floor? Didn’t it say Architecture was Ke-

A loud intercom ping interrupted Heathcliff’s revelation.

Voice From Radio: Attention all Lobotomy Corporation and HHS Staff!

Vergilius: I knew it…!

Voice From Radio: Our guests, the Limbus Company Bus Team, have arrived on the Control Team’s floor! 

Vergilius placed Charon, who’d just woken up, upright on the floor, before preparing his gladius.

Charon: What’s happening, Vergie…?

Ishmael: They knew?

Voice From Radio: Remember, the first person to bring them to us earns their team the rest of the week off!

Hoards of Lobotomy Corp. employees began to flood the hallways near the Control Team main room, and we were quickly surrounded.

[Lobotomy Corp.] Control Team Agent: Get ‘em!

[Lobotomy Corp.] Information Team Agent: L-Let the Captains through first!

[Lobotomy Corp.] Safety Team Agent: We got dragged out here for this?...

Dante: <Oh god, there’s so many of them!>

Ishmael: Really? We hadn’t noticed.

Outis: Do not give attitude to the Executive Manager!
Gregor: That one was… kinda obvious, Manager Bud.

Dante: <I’m trying my darn best here, guys…>

WAVE 1

Enemies:

4x Control Team Agents

1x Control Team Leader

As the first two Agents charged towards us, but Heathcliff and Ishmael fended them off with their defensive skills, Heathcliff following up with a slash from atop Dullahan. Sinclair ran in and began engaging the Captain in combat, before being interrupted by an Agent running in to defend their Captain.

“Captain Mariah! Are yo-” Before the Agent could finish speaking, Rocinante slammed into the back of his head.

“THOU SHALT NOT ATTACK AN ESTEEMED ALLY OF THE MIDDLE!”

“T-Thank you…”

Sinclair and Don fought back-to-back, while Ishmael opened a path through the hoard for us. 

Heathcliff picked off the last few Agents, slamming the last one away with his coffin… Cathy’s coffin… right as Sinclair finished off the Captain in a flurry of slashes.

We moved ahead as the Control Team retreated.

WAVE 2

4x Information Team Agents

1x Information Team Leader

The Information Team members forced their way into our ever-closing circle, allowing us some room to move closer to the front end of the room, fully enclosing ourselves in the process, but getting closer to the window near the front.

“Long way down, huh?”

“Don’t joke about that…”

As the Info Team’s Captain dashed in for a surprise attack, a branch of golden flowers blocked his way, as a wooden scythe carved through the Agents following him.

“Hoard tactics. We will need to change our approach accordingly.”

“But of course. I was not planning on charging headfirst into them. Were you, Meursault?”

“Non.”

Ishmael dropped her defensive stance to allow the rest of us to move past her, while Yi Sang and Meursault began their offensive, backed up by Don. Yi Sang dodged around the attacks thrown at him, making the Agents around seem less motivated the more they missed. With every counterattack of his, his flowers began to bloom further and further. Similarly, Meursault’s weapon gathered more power, the blade sharpening with each successful swing.

A sudden breeze swept in, carrying 2 of the Agents, before reversing, picking up another, then moving towards Meursault, throwing the Agents into his blade. As the scythe pierced the ground, the cracks it caused created piercing spikes of ground to stab through the Agents.

“I would recommend retreating.” Meursault calmly spoke, just as Heathcliff batted the Captain across the room with Ca- his coffin. As the Agents retreated, Yi Sang fiddled with something on his belt, before nodding at it, seemingly satisfied.

Control Team Main Room

[Lobotomy Corp.] Info. Team Captain: Gah… These guys are insane… And they can use E.G.O too…?

[Lobotomy Corp.] Control Team Captain: Do we really have no other choice?... But to let her do it?...

Vergilius: I would recommend you don’t.

Info. Team Captain: Leo, can’t you and your-

[Lobotomy Corp.] Safety Team Captain: No can do. Frank and I have been ordered to stop our operations for the day. Joint activity-thing involving Welfare and Safety.

Control Team Captain: Well let’s just use our E.G.O. gear then!

Safety Team Captain: I’m too hungover to deal with a penalty today, though…

While the Captains debated each other, we moved to the front of the room, near the window.

Hong Lu: Sure is a long way down, huh? I wonder how far it goes~

Gregor: I’d prefer we didn’t find out.

Info. Team Captain: … Shit. Looks like we have no choice. Let her through.

Some commotion could be heard from the East hallway, and…

The same group of people we’d fought out the front…

Walked in, completely fine.

[HHS CEO] Harper: Finally! We get to do something!

Vergilius: Dante. Clear the path. I’ll handle her.

Dante: <Got it.>

WAVE 3

Enemies:

1x Training Team Agent Sebastian

1x Training Team Agent Ana

1x Training Team Captain Sarah

1x Training Team Agent Levi

1x Hooded Training Team Agent

1x HHS CEO Harper

Harper and her Agents began to approach the Sinners, who prepared to attack. Yi Sang raised his arm to keep them back, and removed an E.G.O orb from his belt. In an instant, his gear changed to a fox-pelt raincoat, and the surrounding area became a cold and rainy alleyway.

“I worry that this seeping rain may leak through the umbrella.”

The other Sinners, protected from the rain (although Heathcliff had to dismount), prepared to launch their counterattack. The heavy rainfall battered the Agents, and the shining sun brought some relief to the Sinners’ minds. After the E.G.O. attack, only the hooded Agent, the team’s Captain, and Harper were left standing.

<Isn’t it weird that Harper didn’t appoint herself Captain?>

“Maybe… her CEO job has too much work already?”

<Maybe…>

Sinclair’s blade pushed away the Captain’s blade, still aimed directly at her the entire time. With only a baton to defend herself with, it was inevitable the Captain would become Staggered, unable to keep up with the Cinq Director’s offense. As the hooded figure made a move to attack Sinclair, a metal coffin suddenly slammed into them, encasing their body. Reeling towards it’s wielder, the coffin’s spikes pierced their body, filling them with the regrets and sorrows of their life, until-

“Get trapped in regret and die!”

A greatsword came slashing through it, sending the Agent across the room.

Control Team Main Room

[Wild Hunt] Heathcliff: Do you all fail to understand..? You are…

An immense storm of lightning began swelling above the Agents.

[Zwei Assoc. West Section 3] Ishmael: Everyone, behind me, NOW!

We quickly rushed past Ishmael, hiding behind her as her shield was raised once more, just in time.

[Wild Hunt] Heathcliff: …nothing but…

The lightning came crashing down onto the Agents, piercing their minds and bodies with despair.

[Wild Hunt] Heathcliff: .. PREY TO ME!

[The Middle Little Sister] Don Quixote: ‘tis such a wondrous storm… I hadn’t even a clue the escapee was capable of such feats…

[Effloresced E.G.O: Spicebush] Yi Sang: Ah… but has one not been missed?

[Cinq Assoc. South Section 4 Director] Sinclair: That one there… What is she thinking?

I turned my head to follow their gaze, and…

Harper stood defenseless in the midst of the chaos. She managed a smirk, even as her friends were defeated and beaten up around her.

She reached for something behind her back.

“This won’t be good. Clear the path.”

Who should allow Vergilius his chance?

Pride/Glut. Advantage, Threshold 12

Meursault - Time of Harvest (Pride)

7

+6 = 13

+0 = 13

13 > 12

Check Passed!

[Meursault] took their opportunity to charge at Harper, knocking her back. She took a premature shot with whatever weapon she was hiding, hitting the Sinner’s head, but they quickly shook it off, and retreated.

Harper became Staggered!

[Meursault] lost 10 SP.

“My work… is done.”

Vergilius, taking his chance, swooped in and broke Harper’s weapon. As he raised his gladius, however, the hooded Agent shot something into his neck.
“Damnit… Restraint Serum.”

“Hah… Looks like we’ve still got it.”

Vergilius picked up Charon again, and retreated back to us.

VICTORY

[LCB Sinner #11] Sinclair: Are you alright? What did they hit you with?

Vergilius: As I said, Restraint Serum. It prevents your body from following through on your attacks by blocking the thoughts.

Hong Lu: Interesting…

[LCB Sinner #7] Heathcliff: Wait, lemme guess, your sister used it?

Hong Lu: I think so…. You, in the hood.

Hong Lu’s voice had taken on an uncharacteristically bitter tone.

Hong Lu: Would you mind removing your hood for me? I’d like to see your face.

The hooded Agent shook their head frantically.

Hong Lu: Fine then. Then I shall do it~

However, as he approached, all of the other Agents began to encircle us once more.

Harper: I’m sure you’ve seen it by now… but these friends of mine… they’re pretty loyal… Hell, I am too. I’d give my life for each and every single one of them… But… even if I tried to… they’d defend my life with their’s… Seize them.

We began to back up more and more, slowly running out of room. Sinners began to get grabbed by the Agents.

Heathcliff: Oi- hands off!

[LCB Sinner #8] Ishmael: Get away from hi- HEY!

Outis: Protect the Manager!

Vergilius let out an exhale through gritted teeth. He was trying his best to fight, but the Serum wouldn’t let him.

Vergilius: Dante… Do you trust me?

Dante: <Huh? Y-yeah, why?>

Vergilius: Good.

Vergilius grabbed me by the arm, and ran…

Full force out the window.

As we plunged into the depths of the facility below, I saw a pair of familiar red shields surround Charon and I.

Dante: <W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!>
Vergilius: Saving your life.

Control Team Main Room

Gregor: Hey, Hong Lu?

Hong Lu: Hm? What is it?

Gregor: Use your E.G.O, take Rodya, and get out of here.

Rodion: Huh? What about you?

Gregor: I’ll handle this. Go!

Hong Lu activated his E.G.O, Land of Illusion, and took Rodion in his arms.

Hong Lu: Good luck, Gregor~

And he, too, jumped into the abyss. Floating gently down, he and Rodion looked up towards where Gregor was.

“My arm… had changed.”

A loud slam indicated the usage of Suddenly, One Day, as screaming from the Agents was heard.

Rodion: Will he be ok?

Hong Lu: I’m sure he can handle himself. We’ll be back for him soon enough.

MVE: Wild Hunt Heathcliff (29%)

“It is done! I will no longer tremble in the wuthering storm, no longer suffer Catherine’s dream to suffocate me in grief, nevermore! I have… I have… ended it… haven’t I?..”

Wait, what-

Chapter Text

Rodya and I gently floated down to the depths of the facility, looking down into its shadowy depths.

Rodion: Do you get a lot of practice holding girls like this?
Hong Lu: But of course~ How else do I take Don places?

Rodion: She can walk, she has legs.

As we laughed at her joke, we looked at the architecture of the different departments.

Rodion: This seems a bit… Extravagant, for a place like this.

Hong Lu: Yeah, I see what you mean. This is something you’d expect to see in one of my family’s houses or something~

Rodion: Yeah… I guess it’s for employee morale or something.

Hong Lu: I suppose so… why do you think this space exists? The fact we got into it so easily is one thing, but separating it from the facility with just this gray plastic is weird, right?

Rodya reached out and touched the material separating this chasm from the rest of the facility.

Rodion: … It’s… metal?

Hong Lu: Huh… that’s unusual… must be some Lobotomy Corp. tech then~

Rodion: Guess so.

We continued floating into the deep abyss that was the Branch.

Hong Lu: Hmm, I wonder… How do you think Dante is?

Rodion: Well, I’m sure Vergilius had a plan, he wouldn’t have just jumped for no reason, right?

Hong Lu: It certainly seemed unusual for him.

Looking down upon the facility, I couldn’t help but notice…

Hong Lu: Don’t things seem to be moving a little faster in there?

… everything was moving around a lot faster than Rodya and I were floating.

Rodion: They’re all running around like they’re in fast forward… that’s weird…

As we began to float past the purple-ish floor, an orangey-yellow floor came into view, double the size of the others.

Rodion: Woah… check this one out, it’s massive!

Hong Lu: And very extravagant… Whoever runs this floor must love their job~

Rodion: … a job like this?

As we continued floating down, a small gap in the material, I think for ventilation, began to grow closer. However, as we passed it…

Rodion: Huh?

Everything returned to normal speed… Hmm, no, it must have been us that changed speeds.

Another tone from the intercom sounded, indicating an announcement was about to be made.

Harper (Intercom): ATTENTION ALL LCB PERSONNEL!!

Hong Lu: She sure is full of energy, huh?

Harper (Intercom): Once we have located your allies, the game shall begin!

Rodion: Game…? Is this some sick joke to them?! A GAM-

Harper (Intercom): You will assist us in capturing and rehabilitating your escaped friends!

Rodion: … oh my god it is. Hong Lu, go faster! We need to catch up to Dante and the others!
Hong Lu: Roger that~

I began to speed up our descent, missing whatever was left of the announcement. Ah, well, I'm sure it wasn’t important. 

Rodion: Hold on a little longer, Dante. We’re coming.

Where… were we?

Is this… a lab?...

The ceiling has those weird line lights…

I’ve seen them before in laboratories.

That probably doesn't mean anything.

I rolled onto my side, and saw Vergilius, holding Charon in his arms.
Dante: <Is she.. alright?...>

Vergilius: … I suppose it’s about time I come out with it then. 

Dante: <Huh?>

Vergilius: I can understand you.

Dante: <I thought so. Why do you make Faust translate it?>

Vergilius: To give her something to feel superior about. She had nothing else over me.

Dante: <Right… Are you two ok?>
Vergilius: Charon is fine, she’s just unconscious. I may have broken a few bones, though.

Dante: <Ok, that’s… a problem. I’ll have a look around for- Huh?>

The sound of dripping water and something whooshing caught my attention. I got up and looked towards the ceiling we’d fallen through, only to see…

Hong Lu: Are we late to the party?

Dante: <How did you guys get away?>

Rodion: Hong Lu’s E.G.O, Gregor sent us off and had us float down out of the window… is he ok?

Rodya was pointing at Vergilius, who had turned his attention to Charon.

Dante: <He’ll be alright, as long as I can find something to help him with.>
Hong Lu: Well, I’d get the K Corp. Ampules out, but I’m afraid they won’t work on our guide.

Did…. Did I have no other choice? Will I have to make another deal?...

Vergilius: I can tell what you’re thinking, Dante. It may be the only choice. At least that way, I’ll be able to understand you.

I knew he was lying, he knew I was lying. I suppose I had no other choice. I knelt down next to Vergilius, and reached out my hand.

#)&Y&*#+!)#($*&$*(#)(@*&@*(!)#(#*!()(#*$(#)(@*#()!(*!!!!!!

Chapter Text

Rodion: Are you feeling alright?

Vergilius: … Better than I have in a while. They won’t be up for a while, my injuries were… severe, most likely.

Hong Lu: Those basement monsters must have done a number on you, huh?

Vergilius: I suppose so.

Rodion: That was a bit ago, though…

Rodya and I watched as Vergilius stood up, and began to examine our driver.

[LCB Temporary Sinner] Vergilius: She’ll be fine… Right then, let’s look around for an exit, a computer, something. 

We searched around the room, and found a nearby computer. Pressing a key, the screen flickered on. 

>Stage 3 Progress:

Project: Exchange Student - 100%

Project: Huntress - 100%!

Project: Remembrance - 97%

98%...

99%...

100%!

[ERROR]

Phase 4 Critical Failure - Mirror Device Failure

Confirm early release?

Y/N

I reached over, and clicked the Y key.

Rodion: Hey, what are you-

As the release process began, lights started to flicker on. An overhead light turned on, revealing an ominous coffin at the back of the room.

Rodion: What the… Isn’t this… the coffin?

Hong Lu: Ah, this is the one Heathcliff mentioned then~

Rodion: And inside it. That’s… that’s…

???: Catherine Earnshaw.

Rodion: W-WOAH!

...

I am floating in an abyss.

Stuck between my world and the abyss of forgotten thoughts.

I see every Heathcliff. I see every world. 

I am not in any of them.

I see my Heathcliff. 

I see his desperation.

“You... and everything that crushed me under their feet, built this wall between me and Cathy…”

I see his anger.

“I'll shove all of it in this bag... drag it to the end of inferno…”

I see the vengeance he so desperately wanted me to face.

“And pummel it… until my strength fails…!”

He wanted to break my heart. And so he did.

I tried to fight back. I tried to push myself back in there.

“Take me back, Heathcliff! ” I cried. “Free me from this coffin and take me into your arms!”

But it was no use. I watched everything happen. I’ve watched it all happen again and again. I can’t bear to see his face now. Not after… not after…

“Even if you are forgotten to this world… I’ll get you back.”

I can’t possibly face him as I am…

But nothing will change if I don’t. I must overcome this pain, and face what I’ve been given.

I will return to you, Heathcliff.

I see the shards of countless other worlds.

I see them without me.

And yet, I do not see Heathcliff's smile.

I cannot see him happy.

I see a few worlds coming back together now.

Other versions of me begin to appear.

I don’t know what’s happening.

I don’t know why this is happening.

I am confused.

I am lost

I am…

???: … I am…

C????????: I am….

C?t?e?in?: I…

Cat?erin?: am…

???: Catherine Earnshaw.

Rodion: W-WOAH! What the hell..

An alarm began blaring. The force restraining me dropped, and the coffin door unsealed.

Hong Lu: This coffin… Then, you must that girl Heathcliff keeps mentioning, right?

???: …He… does?

That manager, Dante. They began to sit up. I couldn’t understand a word they said.

But they recognised me.

Did I… fail?

Why… am I back?

Chapter Text

Rodya helped Cathy to her feet. She was wearing fairly similar clothes to how we’d last seen her, but with a white button-up and white tracksuit pants instead of her white dress.. What did they do to her..?

Dante: <Catherine?>

[Wuthering Heights Survivor] Catherine: … Dante.

Dante: <What… are you doing here?>

Catherine: … I can’t…

Rodion: Oh, uh, they asked what you were doing here.

Catherine: Ah… that lady. She brought me back. She was going to do something to me, though I can’t recall what.

Hong Lu: Harper?

Catherine: Yes, I believe that was her name. I believe she was planning to bring back another. I do not know who.

Rodion: Well, we’ll take it one step at a time, then. There’s some weird stuff going on in the higher layers of this place, and our friends are in danger.

Catherine: Is Heath-.... he, ok?

I saw the pain in Cathy’s eyes as she went to ask about Heathcliff. She couldn’t bear to confront him at the moment, but she couldn’t stand the thought of something bad happening to him.

Hong Lu: Hmmm, we’re not sure yet. If we could find a way out of here, we could find him and ensure his safety.

Catherine: Then I shall travel with you.

Vergilius: Well then…

We all instinctively turned to face Vergilius, and Cathy slowly turned to face him.

Vergilius: I’m glad we’ve got all of that sorted out. I think I’ve found a map of this place that might be useful.

We all gathered around the small terminal near the corner of the room, which now displayed a layout of the L Corp. facility. 

Hong Lu: Ahh, so it is like the Tree of Life then~ But what are each of these icons?

Vergilius: They correlate to each of the other Sinners, I believe. Just basic colors, by the looks of things.

Dante: <So then, that gray-blue there must be Yi Sang.>

Rodya: That red’s Ryōshū, right?
Hong Lu: And that yellow, that must be Don, is it not?

I turned to look over at Cathy, who was staring at the screen wistfully.

Catherine: That purple…
Vergilius: That would be Heathcliff, I believe.

Rodya: Ah, but that department’s a bit big, it looks like it’s connected to where Ishmael is…

Catherine: Then we’ll go there once we have enough people. Let’s start from the top.

Dante: <So Faust, then. We should go… assuming we can find an elevator.>
Vergilius: There’s one nearby, but we’ll need to leave this room.

Rodya: Is it dangerous out there?
Vergilius: Most likely. Charon, are you ready?

Charon, who had been unconscious, suddenly stood right up.

Charon: Ready, Vergie.

Hong Lu: Wow, up so soon~ How are you feeling?

Charon: Charon is fine. Let us depart.

Catherine: Dante.

Cathy approached me, and grabbed my hand. I instinctively raised my other one up.

Catherine: I will get him back.

I hesitated to place my other one down, but Cathy grabbed it and dragged it dowN!)_#$&((_!)*&#*$(*@

…

…
Catherine: Dante?

Dante: <Y-yeah?>

[LCB Temporary Sinner] Catherine: Good, I thought that would work.

So another contract had been sealed.

I can work with this.

Chapter Text

0/3

+ LCB Sinner Rodion

+ LCB Sinner Hong Lu

+ LCB Temporary Sinner Catherine

<Wait, what?>

- I wish to handle this myself.

<Alright then…>

3/3

START

Dante: <Did you get a copy of the map?>

Vergilius: Yes. I transferred it to this backup PDA they left lying around.

Rodya: Why did they just have it lying there?

Vergilius: Harper is… not the brightest. She’s most likely misplaced several to the point where each lab needs one. 

Rodya: Each lab?

Vergilius: There is another on the other side of this floor.

Rodya: Ah, gotcha.

Hong Lu: But wouldn’t multiple devices add to the confusion though?

Catherine: Indeed, it seems counter-productive. Wouldn’t having multiple devices with their own sets of files on them be worse for her organization skills?

Dante: <Maybe the files can be sent to other PDAs when they’re connected to the system?>
Rodya: Fair point…

We hadn’t been walking for very long, but the halls of the facility were rather long. As we neared the location of the elevator, we saw a group of gray-clad workers standing around the doors. We quietly tried to stand with them and wait.

Gray-Wearing Employee: Hey, are you guys… with us?

Hong Lu: We are~ Transitioned to this branch just today, in fact.

Gray-Wearing Employee: Oh, that’s nice. Us clerks don’t get those fancy suits or anything like that. 

Hong Lu: That’s a shame, really. We haven’t gotten anything cool yet, but we’ve only just started after all.

The elevator doors opened, and a group of agents exited.

Gray Area Agent: That so? I wasn’t aware we were getting more hands down here so soon. The name’s Samson, I’m the Captain of the Architecture Department.

Rodya: O-oh, w-well it’s nice to meet you, sir.

[Architecture Team Captain] Samson: You can’t fool me with that, I know a sinner when I see one, and you aren’t it.

Dante: <... Do we tell him, or->

[Lobotomy Corp.] Annoyed Architecture Team Agent: You gotta stop saying that, Captain…

Samson: Yeah, you’re right… but do you really think we wouldn’t know who our builders are?

Hong Lu: Ah, it was too good to be true…

Samson: Either way, you shouldn’t be down here just yet, so I’ll have to ask you to… to leave…

Samson’s eyes locked onto Cathy, who was staring him down in return.

Samson: … Aren’t you that girl from the lab?

Catherine: So you recognise me. I have but one thing to say to you.

Energy seemed to gather around Cathy’s arms, concentrating on her hands. 

Samson: Oh yeah? That being?

The gathered energy began to crackle and spark, and Cathy raised her arm up…

(ZAP!)
And brought it down.

Rodya: WOAH!

Catherine: Stay out of my way.

WAVE 1

More energy seemed to gather around Cathy, as Hong Lu and Rodya took up their arms. The lightning she was harnessing seemed to be the same lightning we’d seen back at Wuthering Heights. The other four agents equipped their weapons and began to carefully approach. Noticing the one at the back arming themself with a gun, Cathy swiped her arm again, sending the Agent’s weapon reeling from their hand. Another agent, using a baton, charged in towards her, but Cathy began to block and weave away from their attacks, before aiming one well-placed strike into their face, launching them away with another crackle of power. 

Hong Lu closed the gap between the other Agents, and began his assault, deflecting their blows using his weapon. Rodya flanked the distracted Agents, and disarmed them too. Hong Lu finished fighting the other Agent, and pushed them away, allowing Cathy to disable them using a single bolt. Suddenly, as Cathy was approaching the Captain to ensure his defeat, Hong Lu thrust his blade forward, into her path. Before she could protest, Hong Lu used his weapon to launch himself to the elevator doors, which he’d only barely prevented from closing.
“Ah, I see. Quick thinking.”

Hong Lu smirked, and wrenched the doors open with his arms, scaring the poor clerks half to death.

“We’ll be taking this up to the Control Team now, if you don’t mind~”

VICTORY

Samson: Christ, you guys are good… Yeah, you can go… We didn’t really want to be doing this anyways…

[Lobotomy Corp.] Quiet Architecture Team Agent: Can we go back now?

Samson: Yeah, let’s… let’s get the hell out of here.

MVE: LCB Temporary Sinner Catherine (32%)
“I did what I had to, no need to congratulate me.”

Chapter Text

The elevator began it’s slow climb upwards, as we all stood quietly by ourselves, the clerks having run off shortly after the doors were opened.

Hong Lu and Rodya carefully inspected the map on the wall of the elevator, as Vergilius tended to Charon.

But Cathy stood silently, deep in thought.

Dante: <Hey, Catherine?>

Catherine: …. Oh, um, yes, Dante?

Dante: <Is something worrying you?>

She paused for a moment, unsure of whether or not to tell the truth.

Catherine: I… can’t say there is not something on my mind.

We both knew what she was thinking.

We didn’t want to say it.

But I could see right through her.

Her beloved.

Her Heathcliff.

She was worried.

Dante: <...>

Dante: <I promise he’ll be alright. We’ll get him back.>

Catherine: Thank you.

Rodya: Actually, can I ask a question real quick, Catherine?

Catherine: Cathy is fine. Go ahead.

Rodya: So, that lightning, is it like, innate, or-

Cathy: It’s a Cursed Technique I developed while in the coffin at Wuthering Heights. I don't know how I can control it so well, though.

Rodya: I see…

Hong Lu: We have our own, too~ But, it’s best not to explain them for now.

Cathy: I understand.

We continued the ride in silence until we reached the top. The room we entered into was a small office-like area, where some clerks were quietly working.

We tried to walk past them as quietly as possible, but…

(creeeeeeeak)

Hong Lu accidentally stepped on a creaky floorboard…

But nothing happened. The clerks didn’t even react. They sat, transfixed by their computers.

Dante: <... That’s odd.>

Rodya: Hellooooo?

No reaction.

Vergilius: Let’s not take this for granted. Move.

 We quickly walked out of the room, taking a short flight of stairs into a familiar hallway.

Hong Lu: Ah, this must be one of the hallways where the Agents go to work, correct?

Dante: <Looks like it… I don’t see any stairs or anything like that, do they only have elevators?>

Catherine: What would they do in case of a fire?

Charon: Burn.

Rodya: That’s ominous…

We carefully approached the door that we assumed would lead to the lobby.

Carefully crouching by the door, we listened into the conversation inside.

[Control Team] Agent 1: Well there’s no possible way you could actually pull that off-

Faust…?: Yes, yes I could.

Rodya: N-no way…

[Lobotomy E.G.O:: Regret] Captain Faust: Faust’s knowledge is extensive. Name an abnormality.

[Control Team] Agent 2: Backwards Clock.

Captain Faust: A Level V agent is to make use of the abnormality 4 times at the beginning of each day. In the case of a Third Trumpet situation, a Level V agent will be selected to make use of the machine for a 5th time. No other Agent is allowed to go near the abnormality.

[Control Team] Agent 3: Aha! That’s-

Captain Faust: The most recent addendum to the file indicates the abnormality is no longer in use, and is being used as part of a bigger, supposed ‘version 2’ of the same abnormality, with the same requirements, although the Agent is to use it for a 5th time at the end of the day, and will disappear upon it’s use.

Agent 1: … holy shit.

Dante: <That’s her alright.>

Control Team Captain: I think that’s quite enough for now, Miss Faust. Please sit down and rest.

Captain Faust: Faust has a perfectly adequate level of-

Control Team Captain: Then just sit down and relax.

Captain Faust: Very well, Captain.

Catherine: Captain…?
Dante: <By the looks of things she’s been forced to equip her Lobotomy E.G.O Identity… but isn’t that one the captain of the…>

Catherine: Excuse me, Dante. What does that-

As Catherine began to speak, the door next to us opened.

Agent 1: … You done eavesdropping?

Catherine: Hold that thought, Dante.

Chapter Text

0/3

<I suppose we can do a bit of a practical demonstration, if you’d like.>
- That sounds nice.

+Lobotomy E.G.O: Sanguine Desire Rodion

+Lobotomy E.G.O: Gaze Hong Lu

+LCB Temporary Sinner Catherine

3/3

- Interesting…

START

Agent 1: Well? You done now?

Hong Lu: Almost, just give us a couple more seconds.

We all stood in silence for a few moments, seemingly lasting forever.

Hong Lu: Ok, all done~ Can we help you?

Agent 1: … I think we’re supposed to fight you.

Hong Lu: Oh, is that so? What have we done?

Agent 1: Oh, wow, this is awkward, um, just come into the main room with me, this is… oh god.

We followed the gullible Agent into the main room… I feel a little bad, but if it’s to save Faust…

Agent 1: Well, you see, our boss sorta kinda has this game thing going, and she’s using your friends for it.

Hong Lu: Oh, wow, really? We thought you guys were kidnappers.

Agent 1: Oh god, she really didn’t think about this- look, I’m really sorry, but I can’t really help you with this, it’s this whole thing now because like we already have one of your friends, and all the other departments do too, and it’s just sorta this whole problem now…

Rodya: Awww, really? Nothing more you can tell us?

Agent 1: Well, our boss has kinda sorta like hypnotized your friends or something? Not entirely sure how it works, but they’re kinda fighting for us now… Sorry.

Dante: <That enough info, Cathy?>

Catherine: It’ll suffice.

A bolt of lightning crackled forth and struck the first Agent.

Agent 2: Woah! Get her!

WAVE 1

Rodion and Hong Lu’s Identity Cards activated, and their IDs appeared over them, replacing them in almost an instant.

“Interesting… Is this mirror tech?”

<Mhmm.>

“So are they still themselves, or are they completely replaced?”

<It’s hard to explain, but from what I can tell, they retain parts of their original memories and personality, but are still mostly that Mirror World’s version of themselves, memories, personality, and that sorta stuff… Do you know much about the Mirror Worlds?>

As Cathy and I spoke, Rodya was engaging the closest Agents to her, while Hong Lu fought off the other one.

“Only that I don’t exist in any of them anymore… I think.”

Not wanting to open fresh wounds, we both silently agreed to not mention what happened back in T Corp., and Cathy walked ahead to fight the Agent she’d knocked away, still fascinated by the Identity System. I kept a close eye (metaphorically) on Hong Lu, as I’d learnt to do with that Identity. It was odd, in that it got stronger if I looked at him. Either way, the saw blade at the end of his weapon began to cut into the Agent’s arms, forcing them to back away, allowing Hong Lu to strike them with the blunt end of the blade, Staggering them. Rodion’s axe swung it’s way through the two Agents attacking her, occasionally backed up by some of Cathy’s lightning.

“Ya know, for Level V Agents, you guys sure are weak.” 

“It’s be-”
“Because all Agents within this building were told to hold back in order to not kill us.” Faust chimed in from the corner of the room. Vergilius and Charon had made their way over to her, and were simply sitting close to her, amidst the chaos.
“Why’d you have to go and tell them that?!”

“While I may be swayed to your side, Faust’s first and foremost priority lies with the interests of the Limbus Company higher-ups.” The bewildered Agent was stunned long enough for Rodya to Stagger them, before quickly throwing them into the other Agent, removing both from the fight. Meanwhile, Catherine was having little trouble attacking the injured Agent, having practically fended them off with one hand, whilst supporting Rodya. Her strength is no joke…

Control Agent 1: Ghk… these guys aren’t messing around… CAPTAIN!

Captain Faust: Yes?

Control Agent 1: No, not you, the actual… nevermind.

Agent Rodya: We weren’t fighting the Captain…?

Control Team Captain: What the hell happened here?

A young woman entered the room, clad in the E.G.O equipment of an Abnormality we hadn’t seen before.

Control Team Captain: Where is your E.G.O equipment?

Agent 1: C-Captain Mariah! W-We were told not to-

[Lobotomy E.G.O:: Green Stem] Captain Mariah: Oh whatever, we’ll sort it out later. Captain Faust!

Captain Faust: … No.

Captain Mariah: I didn’t even…

The Control Team Captain paused as her eyes drifted over to Catherine.

Catherine: Hello.

Captain Mariah: … How did you get out…?

Catherine: Force of will.

Captain Mariah: … oh no…

Dante: (<Do you actually know?>)

Catherine: (No, but it’s scaring her.)

I’d eventually figured out I could communicate with the Sinners the same way I could sometimes see their thoughts and desires… that was not a fun conversation…

A lot of shouting, a lot of getting called a weirdo…

I’m glad Gr- Faust intervened.

Captain Mariah: L-Look, I don’t want any trouble-

Cathy: I do.

WAVE 2 

Catherine slowly walked towards the captain, who was fumbling with their weapon.

“Hey, Fau, what can you tell us about that E.G.O?”

“DO NO-”

“It’s the E.G.O of the Abnormality Snow White’s Apple, known as Green Stem, it’s a medium to long range Black damage weapon that-”
“SIT THERE AND SHUT UP FOR GOD’S SAKE!”

“Fine.”

Mariah cautiously approached Catherine, who was slowly approaching the Captain with an unwavering stare. Suddenly, Cathy came to a stop, causing the Captain to do the same out of fear. This pause allowed Rodya and Hong Lu to sneak up behind her and prepare to strike, but the Captain slammed her E.G.O weapon into the ground, causing roots to shoot up and knock the Sinners’ weapons away. As the Captain turned to face them, Catherine suddenly rushed up behind her and knocked her away from the other two, allowing them to recover their weapons. Rodya quickly engaged again, blade clashing against spearhead, allowing Hong Lu to charge up an attack from behind, shredding through the Captain’s E.G.O armor. Despite all of this…

Captain Mariah looked at us with an unreadable expression.

The best of the best of the Control Team. That title had to mean something.

If she was like the other Captains, then she’d gotten here through sheer force of will.

We shouldn’t underestimate her… but.

The way she stood, her legs shook like leaves.

We could abuse that.

Who should sweep her off her feet?

Wrath/Glut. Advantage - Threshold 12

Lobotomy E.G.O:: Gaze Hong Lu (High)

Severing Gaze (=12)

4 < 12

(+3) 7 < 12

(+3) 10 < 12

+(3) 13 > 12

Check Passed!

As Mariah prepared another attack, [Hong Lu] quickly circled around beside her, and swept her legs out from under her.

Mariah became staggered!

“No need for excess praise, I’d prefer to not feel seen~”

With Mariah defenseless on the ground, Rodya quickly got into position, axe held high above her head. As she prepared to swing it down, a wicked grin now adorning her face, Faust interjected.

“That’s enough. She’s defeated. Captain Mariah, disable your E.G.O. I will handle it from here.”

VICTORY

MVE: Lobotomy E.G.O:: Gaze Hong Lu (40%)

“Ah, am I being awarded? Apologies, I’m not used to the spotlight~ This E.G.O is… unstable, to be blunt.”

Chapter Text

3/3

No Change

START

Captain Faust: A most pathetic performance for a Captain. 

[Control Team Captain] Mariah: Ghk… You’re… supposed to be…

Captain Faust: Don’t tell me what I am and what I’m not. I’ve had enough of people doing that.

Faust stood up from her seat slowly, reaching over to grab the Regret E.G.O weapon that was leaning against the wall.

Quietly walking past Vergilius and Charon, Faust slowly trudged her way over to where Mariah lay, defeated.

Captain Faust: Here in Lobotomy Corporation, there is no room for weakness, nor mercy. To be blunt, your time under Harper has made you all weak.

Mariah: Better than us… being heartless bastards…

Captain Faust: … Is that what you call it? I believe you once said, “There is no room for weakness in the Control Team. If a team member goes rogue, no matter your relationship with them, you must suppress any and all threats immediately.

Mariah: That was… before-

Captain Faust: Before Harper took over.

Faust was now standing above Mariah, clutching her E.G.O weapon in her hands.

Captain Faust: You’ve become afraid of killing again. You’ve removed the values of your own lives, knowing you can simply be brought back later, but in doing so, you’ve placed too much value on the lives of everyone else.

Mariah: …! Wait, n-

Before anyone could react…

The heavy hammer of Regret smashed Mariah’s face into the floor.

Dante: <...! Faus->
Captain Faust: I will play your game, Harper. But, while the others may be happily compliant with your demands, I will still have the best interests of Limbus Company at heart. I will not attack you, Dante, even if it means defeat for “my” side.

Captain Faust: However… Do not expect the others to be so forgiving.

WAVE 1

Faust slowly dragged Regret across the floor behind it, the floor scraping and scratching under the weapon’s heavy weight. 

“Is that truly necessary?” Hong Lu questioned, deciding now of all times to start joking around.

“Yes.” Faust raised her weapon up, preparing to strike. Rodya and Hong Lu got into fighting stances, while Cathy shakily raised her arms.

“Dante? Is there any reason why those two won’t help us?”

“I am pushing my luck by entering this accursed place to begin with, assaulting LCB personnel would not go well for my contract, to put things simply.”

“Oh… I see.” The first swing from Regret knocked Rodya back, forcing Catherine to start paying attention again, as the second clashed against Hong Lu’s weapon.

“I am not like the Agents you have fought so far. I am much more willing to fight the way the rest of you do.” Faust kicked Hong Lu’s leg, throwing off his balance, allowing Faust to get a good hit off on his face, and a second on his torso. Rodya quickly jumped in, but her slashes were less effective against Faust’s suit… was it more padded than usual?

“Why we were told to monologue is beyond me, but do expect the other Sinners to talk a lot more than me, for the most part.”

Cathy helped from a distance, hurling a few lightning bolts which seemed to piece Faust’s defenses. Hong Lu joined back in, getting some cuts in with his weapon, which didn’t seem to both Faust at all, who maneuvered her way in front of Rodya and Cathy. Raising her weapon high, I knew she was planning for a group attack. 

<Watch out!> As I called out, Hong Lu suddenly lunged at Cathy, pushing her out of the way of the attack’s radius, as Faust’s hammer came crashing down, the collected Tremor bursting to Stagger Hong Lu. Cathy and I watched helplessly, as the repeated hammer strikes tore through their EGO suits, leaving them defenseless as Regret was drawn back like a bat, before slamming directly into the two Sinners, leaving them both defenseless. Despite that…

Faust stood still for a few crucial moments, her face seeming a bit red.

On close inspection, her suit seemed more padded than I could remember.

While it protected her from Blunt attacks, it certainly couldn’t be good for her body temperature.

Her movements sluggish, she turned to face Cathy and I.

“You’re going to regret that.”

Who should outpace Faust?

Gloom/Envy Advantage - 12 Threshold

LCB Temporary Sinner Catherine (Very High)

“I see. I should be able to handle this.”

Wuthering Storm (=12)

4 < 12

(+0) 4 < 12

(+4) 8 < 12

(+4) 12 = 12

Check Passed!

Faust prepared to take a swing at Cathy, but a sudden surge of lightning swept through the room, disarming her. With only her fists left, Faust sighed, and prepared for combat.

As I looked over at Cathy, I could have sworn that her arms were…

Faust lost [Regret]!

Catherine took 10 HP damage…

“I hope that was sufficient for you, Dante.”

Cathy rolled up her sleeves, and rolled her shoulder.

“I won’t allow you to retrieve that. If you are intent on playing this game, then fight.”

Faust raised her fists, and began to approach Cathy. As she did, lightning began collecting around her target’s hands.

“If you are as smart as you say, then dodge this.” A bolt shot out, arcing towards Faust, who evaded the attack. However, as she went in to follow up, the bolt arced back towards it’s origin, and pierced Faust’s armor, right as Cathy’s charged fist contacted her face. 

“Very well done. I did not expect a diversion of such magnitude from-“ before Faust could finish her sentence, a bolt of lightning struck her where she stood. All of this had given the other two enough time to recover, and Rodya quickly followed up with the blunt side of her axe, smacking it into the back of Faust’s head. 

“Hey, Dante? I have a theory here, can you indulge me for a second?”

Faust had seemingly been Staggered, so I gave Rodya the go ahead. Reaching over to where Faust’s Identity Card was, with a bit of effort, Rodya pulled off the Card. The Identity flickered, before disabling, leaving an injured, overheating Faust to fall to the floor in pain. Her slot on my PDA became available again, and the nearby Agents seemed disappointed.

<Good job, we’ve got her back now.>

VICTORY

MVE: LCB Temporary Sinner Catherine (53%)

“A-Ah, am I being awarded? This really isn’t necessary, Dante…”

(<That's... not what she said the first time...>)

Chapter Text

Faust collapsed onto the floor, attempting to catch her breath.

Rodya: Fau, you don’t look too good…

Hong Lu: Here, let’s get this off for you~

Rodya and Hong Lu helped Faust take off her jacket, placing it onto the floor beside her.

[LCB Sinner] Faust: Thank you…

One of the Agents passed us over a water bottle from the fridge nearby, as we helped Faust sit upright.

Catherine: Why are you helping us all of a sudden? We killed your-

Before Cathy could finish her sentence, Captain Mariah, who was dead on the floor not too far from us, entered the room.

Agent 1: We have some versions of Backwards Clock V2 running in the background to revive any Agents that die during this “game”, prioritizing Captains and Sinners first and foremost. 

Agent 2: That, and it’s part of the rules. We have to help you now, even if we can’t leave this floor.

Captain Mariah: I’ll give you guys this; you’re damn good fighters. Crafty, too.

Mariah picked up her EGO equipment from her own body, which I’m sure was not a fun thing to think about.

Faust: To think she can extract Identities… and alter them, too…

Dante: <Her having Mirror technology isn’t out of the question, especially considering Cathy’s presence, but why would she have tech capable of altering Identity Cards?>

Faust: From what I saw, she already had the pre-altered Cards ready. Ignoring that she knew we’d end up here, she must have known of this system ahead of time. We’ll need to question her on that when we get to her.

Rodya: Wait, what was she doing to them?

Faust slowly stood up, assisted by Hong Lu and Rodya.

Faust: Firstly, they reduced the mental resistance of our mirror selves, making them, and us by extension when using those Identities, a lot weaker to HHS’s methods.

Dante: <So what’s with the padding then?>

Ryōshū?: Comfort.

None of us had noticed the elevator arriving, which wasn’t helped by it’s complete silence.

??? Team Agent: YOU ARE NOW IN THE PRESENCE OF THE DISCIPLINARY TEAM! AT ATTENTION!

A group of agents stepped out of the elevator, alongside Ryōshū, using her Penitence and Red Eyes ID.

[Lobotomy E.G.O:: Red Eyes & Penitence] Captain Ryōshū: Pathetic, isn’t it? They try so hard to care about us.

Nobody dared to move, but I could tell the others were ready for a fight.

Disciplinary Team Captain: Hmph, tell me about it. These “upgrades” to the EGO Suits have only hindered our combat capacity.

Captain Ryōshū: It’s futile, really. Combat and comfort should not cross over.  

Disciplinary Team Captain: Now that that’s been dealt with, it’s time to do what we came here to do!

Mariah: You are not allowed-

Disciplinary Team Captain: WE ARE VERY MUCH ALLOWED OUTSIDE OF OUR FLOOR, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Such rules are childish. 

Mariah: these guys are so getting penalized…

Captain Ryōshū: Let me get to the point. Y.C.W.U.

….

Captain Ryōshū: (sigh) You’re coming with us. Get the damn kid, I can’t speak without him.

The Disciplinary Team Agents quickly surrounded us. Damaged, and with no way out, we reluctantly agreed, standing up and beginning to follow the Agents to the elevator.

Mariah: H-Hold on! Victoria, you can’t-

[Lobotomy E.G.O:: Mimicry] Captain Victoria: If that damn Harper lady has a problem with us, then she’ll have to get through me first. 

Captain Ryōshū: And me. 

Faust: Or Gebura.

Captain Victoria: Sephirot aren’t allowed to participate in this game.

Rodya: Why no-

Captain Victoria: WE WILL BE ASKING THE QUESTIONS HERE!

Captain Ryōshū: … we don’t have anything to ask them.

Captain Victoria: … oh, yeah.

With that, the elevator doors closed. 

As the concerned faces of the Control Team faded from our view, I couldn’t help but wonder…

Were they willing participants of this “game”?

Or were they like the Sinners that had been taken away from us?

Chapter Text

It’s…. dark…

I don’t know where I am…

I feel like I'm being taken somewhere…

I try to open my eyes, but…

I can only see mirrors.

Other versions of me.

They all look so happy…

Why can’t….

Why can’t that be me..?

Why do they get to be happy?

Why am I left here, in a world with that-

No, no, don’t think about her. Just…

Just don’t look, Sinclair.

We don’t need to know…

But…

Why can’t I close my eyes…

Does that Harper lady… want me to confront this?
Does she want me to realize my inadequacies?

Why? Why me?

Why am I left to suffer? Why is every other Sinclair happy?
Why is she doing this to us?
WHY IS SHE DOING THIS TO US?!

WHY IS SHE DOING THIS TO M-

I awoke with a start, surrounded by a bunch of people looking down at me.

???: …id…. Kid…. KID! Are you alright?

???: Get this kid some water, quick!

???: What kind?
???: The ones from our storage! We can’t risk anything!

I slowly sat up. I couldn’t see much, my vision was still blurry.

Sinclair: wha… where am I?

???: You’re gonna be ok kid, just sit up and try to compose yourself. You took a bit of a fall back there.

Ah… I remember now…

It happened just earlier.

[???] Harper: Now, dear friends! Take our new friends to go see their departments!

I was walking along with the Safety Team, if that was even “me”.

Safety Team Captain: Can’t say we have the most… welcoming department for a kid like you.

I wanted to fight back, say “I’m not a kid”, say something.

Sinclair…?: I… will not…

But the words that came out of my mouth…

Sinclair…?: be commanded…

…were not my own.

[Not Me] Sinclair: by a heretic.

That must have been when I fell…

I can’t remember what actually happened…

But I remember seeing that other me.

[The One Who Shall Grip] Sinclair: While I do not agree with your ideologies…

[The One Who Shall Grip] Sinclair: I will not allow us to be controlled by such a person.

[The One Who Shall Grip] Sinclair: Do not mistake this for kindness.

Safety Team Main Room

The water helped me get my bearings. I slowly stood up, and looked around the room.

Safety Team Captain: Are you alright?

Sinclair: I’m better, I think. What’s going on here-

A loud sound coming from the intercom interrupted us. My head still hurts.

Harper (Intercom): ATTENTION ALL LCB PERSONNEL!

Her.

Harper (Intercom): Once we have located your allies, the game shall begin!

Safety Team Captain: Damnit, she was serious about this… did she really intend for those two to get away?

Harper (Intercom): You will assist us in capturing and rehabilitating your escaped friends!

Sinclair: D-Do we have to??

Safety Team Captain: So she did… damnit..! 

Harper (Intercom): Please await further instructions, we will be around to check on you all very soon! This announcement has been sponsored by Lobotomy Corporation.

As I tried to calm myself down from these sudden revelations, one of the (I think) Agents ran into the room.

Safety Team Agent(?): They’re on their way over. We have to do it. 

The Captain nodded solemnly. I understood what that meant.

Sinclair: I’m going back there, aren’t I?

Safety Team Captain: I’m sorry, kid. Sinclair, was it?

I nodded, as the Captain leaned down, pulling the Identity Card from his pocket.

Safety Team Captain: My name’s Leo.

Sinclair: … Thank you.

With that, I felt myself fading away once more…

[Lobotomy Corporation, Day 32]

Lobotomy Corporation HQ of the Past

[Control Team Captain] Mariah: Hey, Harper. You look happy.

[Training Team Agent] Harper: Heyyy! Guess who just got clearance to work with HE-classes!

Mariah: Really? That’s great!

[Control Team Agent] Eva: Oh, hey, good for you.

Mariah: At least try to sound excited for her!

Eva: Well maybe it’s hard for some of us-

Harper: Captain, it’s fine, really! Don’t worry about it!

Mariah: Alright then…

[Control Team Sephirah] Malkuth: Hey, what’s happening over here?

Harper: I got clearance to work with HE-classes!

Malkuth: Oh, excellent! Just be careful, ok? Some of them are…

Malkuth: Unstable.

[Present Day, 3 hours before Game Start]

HHS HQ

[Control Team Captain] Mariah: I’m not seeing many engaged Identities…

[HHS CEO] Harper: Hmm… I’ll make an announcement.

Mariah: That won’t do much.

Harper: Why not?

A hand touches a shoulder.

Mariah: They aren’t listening, Harper.

A pause. A moment of thought.

Mariah: What are we going to do?

A reciprocating hand.

Harper: Don’t you worry about a thing, Mariah.

A reassuring smile.

Harper: I’ll pay them a few visits~

A reciprocated smile.

[Control Team Captain] Mariah: And what of the premonition?

[HHS CEO] Harper: Let ‘em run, we’ll catch ‘em.

???

[Facility Overseer] Angela: The Architecture Team doesn’t truly have a Sephirah.

Angela: Different facets of the Manager’s personality overlooked it.

Angela: We never bothered to build or find one after his disappearance.

Angela: I suppose, in a sense, one of us could be considered as such.

Angela: I am in charge of this Branch until the Manager returns,

Angela: And you were once in charge of another Keter floor yourself.

Angela: Our turn will be soon, Roland. Do not worry.

The Strength to Think For Oneself

2/11 Departments Synchronized