[Underlevel 9 — Perimeter Nullborn Cluster]
The air in this underground corridor feels cold, reminiscent of a long-abandoned server room. Dim neon light reflects off the condensation-covered pipes, creating an illusion akin to a massive network of veins pulsating. In the distance, a metallic echo resounds—an irregular rhythm, as if someone is striking a pipe, trying to calm themselves in the chilling silence.
"We have detected a vigilante signal at the midpoint. There are two Nullborn entities, fifty meters from the witness's location. The Invert pattern is now active." Lyria's voice is firm, her eyes sparkling with focus, as if she can see clearly in the darkness.
"Show the visual." She leans forward, her face sharp, staring at the screen with intensity.
A holographic map then appears in the air, emitting blue light from two icons representing the Nullborn, one red icon for the vigilante, and one yellow icon for the witness. Red lines connect the red icon to the witness, forming a narrative vector that appears extremely dangerous, suggesting the potential for an unavoidable conflict.
Mission HUD — Invert Stage
Objective: Convert Vigilante to Ally
Secondary: Neutralize Nullborn
Constraint: Human attacker remains unharmed
Toolkit Active: FPB, VAA, Jealous Regulator, Root Exception (M6)
Threat: Codex Manipulation Highly Likely
"You know this isn't just a fight," he emphasized, his gaze full of determination, as if trying to pierce through his opponent's soul. "He's nothing more than a distorted symbol of 'justice.'"
"That's exactly it; we need to change his perspective," Fitran replied, his eyebrows slightly raised, a moment of tension flowing through his words.
They moved quickly. The sound of metal flooring creaked beneath Fitran's steps, creating a rhythm that reflected the anxiety enveloping the atmosphere. From behind
"You know this isn't just a fight," he asserted with a steadier tone, his eyes shining with courage. "He's being used as a false symbol of 'justice.'"
"That's why we need to change the stage," Fitran retorted, the corners of his mouth slightly lifting, revealing a hidden jest behind the tension. "We can't let it continue like this."
They hurried forward, Fitran's steps creaking on the metal floor as their breaths grew heavy. From behind a pillar, they peered at the vigilante— a young man with a wild look, swinging a steel pipe in one hand, while the other gripped a witness tightly. The atmosphere became increasingly tense, as if every second was leading to the collapse of calm.
The vigilante shouted, his voice slicing through the silence. "He's one of them! He's helping Nullborn!" His hand holding the pipe was raised, threatening with clear dissatisfaction etched on his face.
The witness panicked, his voice trembling. "I'm not—!" He tried to explain himself, but every word seemed interrupted by the uncertainty haunting his thoughts.
Behind them, two Nullborn figures floated in the air, resembling frozen blue smoke, circling around the human pair like predators stalking their prey. The atmosphere in the room grew tenser, every breath filling the space with an unbearable anxiety.
"That's a classic Invert framing," he said while observing the situation closely, his eyes glued to the unfolding events. "If he attacks the witness, the narrative will shift to: 'painful justice'."
Fitran spoke in a low but firm voice. "Not while I'm here," he replied, his tone filled with assertiveness that seemed to set the boundaries for the battle that needed to be maintained.
Combat Panel — Fitran Fate
Void Mastery: 95/100
Stamina: 79/100
Special: Voidlight Slash (CD 12s)
Toolkit Buffs: VAA (Active), FPB (Passive SC+1% per ally save)
Fitran stepped out from the shadows, his arms wide open, his gesture signifying goodwill. "Hey, I'm on your side," he said in a calm tone, trying to ease the tension hanging in the air.
The Vigilante grimaced, his eyes narrowing with accusation. "Shut up! You're one of the cover-ups! They sent you to save that monster!" His voice was sharp, almost like a blade ready to strike.
Fitran shrugged, his demeanor relaxed even though his gaze didn't waver. "If I really wanted to save that monster, I would've stood behind it by now," he said. The weight of those words created a charged atmosphere, challenging the Vigilante's claims.
Echo-12B stepped forward, his optics flashing ominously as he locked eyes with the Vigilante. "Do you really think hitting him in front of witnesses will save the city?" His voice boomed with skepticism, trying to inject a sense of reason into the escalating clash.
The Vigilante tightened his fists, the air around him thick with tension. "He's a false witness! That Nullborn—"
Suddenly, the first Nullborn lunged, reaching for the witness's head. Fitran, sensing the immediate danger, sprang into action. His arm shot forward, the Voidlight Slash unfurling as a brilliant arc cut through the swirling fog. "No one touches him!" he shouted, his voice fierce and protective, the energy particles glittering like stars scattered across the night sky.
Enemy Status — Nullborn A
Integrity: 42% → 10%
Status: Destabilized (Cannot Reform 30s)
Fitran's voice was steady, his gaze unwavering as it cut through the chaos. "Do you see that? He's human. They're the target, not the aggressor."
The Vigilante's voice escalated, every muscle tense. "Who says so?!"
Echo-12B replied calmly, an almost mocking lilt in his tone. "Your own eyes—if you're willing to look."
The Nullborn exhaled, lowering the air temperature, and white steam escaped from their mouths as they spoke. Fitran, with steady breathing and deep focus, activated Vow-As-Action. The promise icon appeared on his HUD, glowing bright blue, displaying: Protect the human witness without lethal force.
VAA — Active Promise
Condition: Maintain 0 human casualties
Progress: 35%
Reward: +NR +TFR if complete
Fitran leaned slightly closer to the Vigilante, his tone urgent. "Listen, if you attack, the city's SC will come down on us. That means the families up there could be more easily wiped out. Do you want Codex to win?"
The Vigilante fell silent for a moment, his expression conflicted. "SC?"
Echo-12B nodded seriously. "Spiralborn Cohesion. That number reflects the lives of all the infants in Nexus. If it drops, we all become empty folders."
The second Nullborn suddenly swooped down sharply, as if it were an arrow released from a bow. Fitran, with eyes glistening with tension, quickly spun his body. "I won't let you escape!" he shouted, pressing the core of the mist with a palm glowing with Voidlight. He forced the entity down onto the metal floor, struggling to withstand the relentless force pushing against it.
Lyria's voice trembled, revealing deep tension. "One remains, but Codex has already shifted its focus. They have turned this interaction into a personal conflict!" She bit her lip, worry clearly etched on her face.
Fitran, with a piercing gaze as if wanting to penetrate her soul, stated, "If you keep directing that pipe at the witness, you will only become a pawn in their propaganda. We must not get caught in this game." His voice was deep and confident, conveying an undeniable firmness.
Vigilante, his voice shaky and filled with doubt, asked, "If I break free, and he turns out to be a traitor? What should I do?"
Fitran, looking at him with an intensity that made his heart race, replied, "If he's a traitor, I will personally protect him in the plaza. But not now, and not on the stage they've set."
The man fell silent, anxiety clearly visible on his face. A steel pipe clattered to the ground, its sound echoing throughout the space, adding to the tense atmosphere that hung in the air. SC on Fitran's HUD increased by one percent.
HUD Update
SC: 23% → 24%
NR: +3
TFR (Echo-12B): +4
Echo-12B, in a soft, soothing tone. "Come on, join us. No Nullborn will be coming back for you tonight, trust me."
The witness, his voice trembling with doubt: "Thank you… I… don't know what to do." He bit his lip, fighting back tears that were about to spill down his cheeks.
The last Nullborn attempted to retreat, but Fitran stepped forward resolutely, his face showing an undeniable certainty. "Don't even think about running away. The Void Seal has wrapped around you, draining your remaining energy as quickly as possible."
Lyria, with a flat expression and no emotion, looked straight ahead. "Invert Stage has been canceled. This vigilante is now listed under Conversion Pending. Do you want me to process it?" Her voice was flat, though a trace of empathy lingered, she remained as professional as ever.
Fitran straightened his back and spoke with deep conviction, "Process. Add him to the public ledger as a saved witness. He has an important story to tell." His hand gently touched the visor of his helmet, ensuring all the necessary information was available and ready.
Public Ledger Update
Event: Level 9 Intervention
Saved Witness: Yes
Vigilante Redeemed: Yes
SC Change: +2
Reputation: +8 (Total: 13)
Vigilante soft voice, full of disappointment. "I… missed the target."
Fitran nodding, in a calm tone. "This isn't about right or wrong. It's just a matter of being at the wrong venue."
They resumed their walk towards the lift, their steps organized even though the atmosphere felt damp. In Fitran's HUD, the Jealousy Regulator was blinking, reminding him of the impact this public interaction could have on their peers.
Echo-12B squinted, the tone of warning firm. "You're aware this is going to become gossip in Nexus, right?"
Fitran responded with a skeptical tone and a slight smile. "Let it be. Gossip is just a current that keeps flowing."
The lift closed its doors, taking them up to a higher level. Upon arrival, the Deus Tower shone a little brighter, as if welcoming their return with a warmth filled with hope.