"You alright sweetheart?" She said to me in such a sweet manner so I couldn't stay mad.
"Yes, thank you for caring, unlike some other people I know."
"Ahh, don't be like that!" Apollo said while Koji was just wiping the tears coming from his eyes.
"Nope, we aren't friends for at least 15 minutes."
"Okay... Pfft haha." Apollo started again
"Alright, 20 minutes."
"Okay, okay I'll stop, I'll stop," Apollo said, gathering his breath.
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CHAPTER 26: The Calm Before The Storm
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"Pupil? Don't get so hasty, if he's good enough for Apollo to want to train then I want to teach them." Erebos said, walking towards me and grabbing the sides of my cheeks and stretching them, and looking into me intently.
"Yeah, I want him. Apollo stepped off."
"No can do! He's going to take my spot in the Top Five and be the best Top Five... Next to me of course."
"Bullshit! I'm the best in the agency!"
"Say the one who was locked in a jail cell."
"Yeah, and you're the best. That's right guys, a dog is better than us and if we were in trouble, he's our only hope, a dog... See how unbelievable that sounds?"
"Well, you must want to fight handcuffed, since I'm one of the only ones that can break those cuffs!"
"Huh!? Watch me!" That's when Erebos broke the cuffs with complete ease.
"Wait, you could have done that the whole time!?"
"Uh... No?" Erebos said confused "I mean, of course. I told you, I'm the strongest."
"He definitely just lied," I said to Koji who just shook his head in complete shame.
"Hey! I heard that! I guess that's what apprentices do, doubt their mentors until they see their true strengths" Erebos said as he walked up to me.
"Well, I let that slide for now," Apollo said he unlocked Hestia's handcuffs and walked over to Erebos and pushed him to the side to talk to me.
"Z sidebar real quick," Apollo said walking away from the group and Koji just looked at me and shrugged. So, I followed Apollo who just sat down on this box in the corner.
"Z, I ... Don't think you're ready."
"Huh?" He doesn't think I'm ready after all that training, we did together, and me beating my fight for my first case.
"Your power levels are too low, and your Detection Zone hasn't developed. As it stands, you're too weak."
"So, what are you going to do?"
"Nothing. I can't pull you out of the fight no matter how hard I try, I also know that you wouldn't let me do that."
"I wouldn't."
"However, I'm still your mentor so I needed to make a decision and I couldn't come to one. Until Dion stepped in for you and proposed a second alternative, a deal. If at any point this fight gets too dangerous, I'm pulling everyone out except for Top-Fives." Apollo said, sighing heavily.
"Okay."
"I don't mean to hurt you, but I also don't want you to get hurt."
"I know."
"I don't know why I started to care more about this too, I know you're capable. I just don't want to lose another person I care for today."
So, it's not the fact he doesn't think I'm ready, he just doesn't want me to get hurt. He had me scared there for a second, now I know it's just fear. Now I can see it, the way Alfred is being captured has affected him. Not only do I see it but I'm starting to sense it. Has he been trying to keep a face for us? For me?
"Let's shake on it!" I put my out towards Apollo.
"Shake on what?"
"The safety of each other! No matter what happens, we'll not get hurt or at least too bad. Maybe a couple of scratches and a nosebleed!"
"Alright," Apollo said putting his hand out and shaking mine
"This is a promise you can't break."
"Alright!"
"One more thing, If you end up getting hurt to extreme lengths, the pain I'll receive will be just as bad as that. If you die, I'll receive the pain of death."62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmYZ9Gcnm9
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"Alright..."62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGtbJUcSB5
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I don't know what he's doing here. Is he trying to tell me figuratively? Or is he actually going to get hurt? There's no way he could be talking about physically so I'll just go with his way of saying he'll be hurt emotionally if I die.
"You agree?"62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn6CK8ctkw
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"I guess." With that I shake his hand.
"Okay, I'm glad we got that out the way. I just really don't want to see any of you get hurt, we already lost Alfred let's not lose anymore."
He's right. I want everyone to get out safe, I want to get out safely. However, if there's a point where it's myself or someone, I love on the line...
"Yeah! Let's bring everyone home!"
"That's what I like to hear," Apollo said standing up and messing up my hair a bit. "Z, don't stop teaching me, and I won't stop teaching you."
Stop teaching Apollo? What could I have possibly taught Apollo? If anything, all I have been doing is learning, not to say that's a bad thing. However, you can't exactly teach someone something when you're still in the process of learning. Right?
"Okay, let's do this! What's the plan?" Apollo said, walking towards everyone who was waiting for us.
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"The plan is nothing! You idiots lost me for one day and can't make a plan!" Erebos said animated with each word.
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"Please, let's just make a plan without yelling at each other," Dion said in his gentleman's manner.
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"We should totally go and save Alfred!" Hestia said with a smile.
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"That's what we're trying to do..." Pete said in a socially awkward way.
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"All of you be quiet! My brain is trying to think!" Erebos yelled at everyone again.
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"Wow, using your brain? I knew you could do it!" Hestia said, with a smile on her face.
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"What's that supposed to mean?"
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"I'm sorry, did I offend you?"
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"I- Nevermind.
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"This is all pointless!" Apollo butted in.
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"This only happens when we're all together!" Dion said, shaking his head in shame.
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"Then maybe we should all split up then! I'm better on my own anyways!" Erebos said.
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"Hey, now I know that brain actually has a function! Who would have thought!?" Apollo chipped in
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"Why you! Erebos said has him in Apollo we're head-to-head.
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"All of you shut up!" Pete said, making them be quiet.
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"Here's the deal, Alfred is suffering and we're arguing! It's best to split up into teams because you guys obviously don't work as a group, so we'll split you up! Is that fine with everyone!?" Pete said with a crazy look on his face.
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"Pssh, it's fine with... I guess." Erebos said
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"Seems like the best way to go about this," Dion said
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"I do love that idea!" Hestia said
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"Alright, shoot for it," Apollo added in starting to sweat just like the time we walked to Phronesis.
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Alright, glad we can come to a consensus on this. From the maps, it seems there are four floors or so. When Kingsley and I looked at the maps there was an area that wasn't marked on the fourth floor. That's where Alfred is for sure! It's perfect for holding prisoners you don't have anyone to find and can be heavily guarded!"
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"Alright so, can't we just break down into the ground in the general area?" Dion said
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"I don't believe so. It doesn't look like a big area where they're holding Alfred or where we think he's holding him. I think all the walls have concealed Zoe and are probably holding a big amount from different people." Kingsley said
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"So, what does that mean? What do we need to do?"
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"We need to descend down the levels. Now here's the thing there could be a chance we're wrong. If that's the case, we need to check all possible floors and locations. That is why we need to split up and clear each floor."
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"So, how do we spl-"
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"I'm going straight towards the fourth floor! Catch you losers!" Erebos said, cutting off Dion and running right out the room, and going straight towards the fourth floor.
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"Oh no, you aren't!" Apollo said, running after him.
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"..." Everyone in the room went silent.
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"Well, those two idiots actually make a great pair when they're fighting so I'm not concerned about them," Dion said
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"Koji, Aza, and Hestia. Let's go, we'll cover the first two."
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"You are remaining three, we'll cover floor 3, If we see Zeph, we'll send him your way," Dion said while pulling out a bottle of wine.
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"How did you do?" I asked because from the time we were locked up and the time we got to the roof there was no way.
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"I grabbed it on our way up to the rooftop, too bad someone else lost their wine," Dion said, sipping on the wine straight from the bottle.
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"Man, is this delicious! Alright team, let's roll out!" Dion said walking out has the others do the same.
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"Aza, I feel like you didn't say a word that whole time," Koji said to Aza, who was stretching.
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"I fell asleep, and when I awoke everyone was arguing so I went back to sleep."
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"So, you're sleeping while we planned and went through hardships."
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"You're one to talk!" Was the last thing I heard from Aza and Koji and the rest of the team as they went too far away for me to hear.
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"Well, looks like it's just us three," Kingsley said with a cheerful look.
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"Looks like it," I added to it.
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"Alright, come here you two!" Pete said, putting us in a hug.
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"Where does the time go!? I remember you guys we're tiny now you're all big!" Pete said laughing as we all let go.
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"I remember when you only made pizzas!" Kingsley said and I nodded in agreement.
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"If there was something I didn't completely love, it was definitely that. Not necessarily the overall atmosphere but making the pizzas themselves well..."
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"Still, they 're still delicious!"
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"We should totally eat a pizza at the old place, if it is still around that is."
"We totally should, it can be like a trip down memory lane thing, what do you think Pete?" I said seeing if he liked Kingsley's idea, but then he looked complex in thought.
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"Oh, sorry. Yes! We definitely should!" Pete said, walking forward.
It was weird but he sounds genuine, and I don't feel any bad intent from Pete so he's not lying. I guess he was probably thinking of his old shop and brought to an emotional thought? Oh, what the heck it's Pete probably thinking of a way to make food in a new way or something! "Wait up Pete!" Kingsley and I both said trying to catch up to him
...
Equivalent Exchange? That's a pretty good Zone, and him explaining the technique isn't going to make this easier. I can't see so I'll have to use sound to my advantage, since his Zone isn't limitless sound is bound to echo. Come on out and reveal yourself.
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"So. when are you going to attack?" Zeph asked, standing still and patiently waiting but there was no sound.
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Where are you coming fro- There! No, it's too late. I can't dodge.
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"These fights are a lot different without being able to detect me, huh!" The man said punching Zeph on his side and making him fall back from the attack.
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"You're right. What's your name?"
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"Dajin"
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"Hi Dajin, I'm Zeph."
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"Why are we introducing ourselves?"
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"I just want to know the names of my opponents, so I can motivate them."
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"Motivate us?"
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"Yes, yes. Cause all of them seem to forget something while they're fighting me."
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"What's that?"
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"I have yet to use a single form."
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He's right. He hasn't used a single form. Dajin thought to himself.
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"So, what are you trying to say?"
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"Well, I haven't fought in some time and you're a good opponent. So, I thought maybe I can show out a little."
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Show out? Okay. Dajin thought.
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"Go ahead. I won't just lose to anyone. I will learn to adapt and win! I will push through and beat you no matter what!" Dajin yelled
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"Oh, really?"
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"Uhm... Yes?"
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"Well, I can't let you do that now. Specialty Zoe: Transform, Robe 1!" That's when a robe went around Zeph, and it had one bind that looked like it was glued to the back instead of going on his waist.
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"Well?"
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"Well, what?"
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"Explain your technique."
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"I don't want to; besides I don't have to."
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"Second Rule, no one is allowed to throw a single attack until you explain your technique."
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"You didn't care before, why do you care now?"
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"I did care before! I just thought if I just made it so you would force yourself to the level of using your technique that works too. You did exactly as I thought, however, you didn't want to explain your technique so I will stop fighting entirely."
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"Why do you care so much?"
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"I have siblings, ones I have to protect. Ones who believe their stronger than they actually are because they use those power enhancers. Well, when they can't use those who can they fall to? That's where I come in."
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"So what?"
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"I would rather die immediately, than not fight someone at their best. If I'm not advancing in my skills to protect my family, then I'm fighting for no purpose. I fight for them and them only, you may call us villains, but I call them family."
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...
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"My ability. My ability is Robe! It uses the binds of a robe to attack the person by grabbing, stretching, bending, anything it can to try to get to the opponent. It can also multiply, and my record is 12... There are three forms, starting out with one and then going to multiples of 6. The less there are the stronger the binds" Zeph explained taking a battle stance.
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"Thank you."
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"Anyone who is willing to fall down for the sake of others, deserves some respect."
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It worked! I still followed the rule by explaining my technique however, he didn't say to what extent so I should be fine. I don't want to use full power, not just yet. However, I wanted to meet his requirements as well, so this is the best alternative. This is going to be a good match!
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...
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"Back off!" Erebos said running down and down past many people.
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"Back off? You're lucky I haven't pushed you to the side to go faster!" Apollo yelled, finally catching up to Erebos.
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"First you try to take my apprentice, now you're trying to take my number one spot!?" Erebos yelled at Apollo's face.
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"No, that's what you're trying to do!"
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"No, I not!"
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"Yes, you are!"
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"Grrr!" They both said to each other literally staring at each other with hatred.
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"Wow, stop right there you two." That's when someone walked in front of Apollo and Erebos.
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"Who are you?" Erebos and Apollo both said at the same time.
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"Me? I'm the fifth in command, Yoki!" Yoki said, walking up to them.
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"Now who are you two? Why are you causing such muck in my area of the floor?"
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"Well, we thought we saw a child down here so we're trying to find out if that's true or not?" Erebos said, cracking a smile that just looked awkward on him.
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"One of the slaves escaped?"
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"Slaves?" Apollo said in a low tone.
"Why are you acting surprised, comrade?"
"I must have forgotten, what slaves?" Apollo said, fixing his posture and all the anger in his voice was gone.
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"The children we have working day in and day out to keep this place on its toes. Without them, Ground 0 would fall! I guess that's why we're underground huh? Now don't forget again and stop causing a ruckus in my section! Got it?"
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"Yes sir!" Erebos said walking away but Apollo didn't walk away.
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"Oi, Yoki!"
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"Who dares to scream my na-" Right there with Zoe coated on his hands Apollo punched Yoki so hard Apollo broke his ring finger.
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...
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"Boss!"
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"Yes?"
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"There's been an infiltration!"
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"Infiltration? Sounds pretty serious."
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"It is! They're already making their way here!"
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"Send out all the officers and tell number one to sit next to me for the time being."
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"Roger that!" The soldier left the room leaving only the Boss and someone else.
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"Now it's just us."
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"Inde- eed"
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"It sounds like you're pretty beat down?"
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"B- astard."
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"Aww come on don't talk to me so cruel, Alfred."
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"Don't say my na-m-e. The only peo-ple who I- car-e fo-r no-w i-s my agenc-y." Alfred said, catching deep breaths.
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"Well, I don't care for your agency, and truth be told I don't even want to see your face. Where's your son!?"
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"He's dead!"
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"How can he be dead when this reading is saying he's alive! He's here in Phronesis! He started out in Mystiko, then Venzard, now... Here!?"
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"That's impossible."
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"He's here. He's here!"
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"I'm here sir, what's the situation?"
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"Forget all that, there is someone I need you to kill. You're the only one I can rely on as well."
"Who?"
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