Chapter 0TJ - Prelude

It's been months and years since John Archer and Bell Archer, a couple of husband and wife, lived their lives together, free of the assassination, demonic incursion, and whatever that's being war and horrific things.

In fact the Archer Logistics, the military organization John and US Army General Thorns had been established 2 years ago, had now been experiencing one of the longest holiday seasons.

There's no loss though, the Logistics started doing things like mining, R&D and procurement of high tech military and digital technology. 

And now the technological parity reaches like the early 2020s, the time where i left my previous life.

Only here, there's little to no political turmoil, as me and my brothers and sister in arms, especially in Amelion territory... quickly quashed it.

Prices are low as well and everybody is content, due to the land being more than rich in resources. I mean like even a kid could just pick a pickaxe, mining, crafting... Or tend the farm. 

The important thing is everyone is happy, content, and have chances to be special. To be more than just a human.

They'll held their imaginations... in Mobius, that could become true.

John and Bell lived as a happy, married couple. However, due to Bell's real age, she can't conceive or having children. But still, John treats his underclassman along with brothers and sisters in arms like they're friends... or his own child. Bell would've did the same thing.

They live with Sasha Novikov, a Novoslavic orphan turned brother who John saved and personally chose as a brother. Sasha is noted to be the most calm of the three, yet both John and Bell equally liked Sasha while Sasha increasingly felt annoyed with Bell's clingy presence at times, despite being still loyal and loving. 

And now...

John is playing Fortnite. He idled and relaxed after ending a session.

 Bell: John... you have a fancy computer here...

John: Bell...

Bell: Ufufufu... if you're busy, just keep on doing what you do best. If you're done, come with me.

John later finishes what he did. Playing. Or something.

Then he met Bell.

Bell: John... i think it's time for me to get my own PC as well.

John: Well, why asking me? We all know that you're wealthier than me....

Bell: Hehe, i think it's odd for a lady like me to do.... boyish stuff.

John: Uhhhh... PC and videogames aren't exactly just... boyish stuff.

John: You should think of something you want to do. And then...

Bell: Well then, if you're need me, i'll be with you on the bed.

Having a playmate on top of being a wife will be nice. However, due to numerous trial and error and the many things i learn to make even the cheapest of computers, PCs, and laptops to work...

Might be overwhelming... awwww... why do i underestimate somebody who's lived long than me?

Nevermind.

The next day...

John wakes up to see a gorgeous woman in a 19th century style dress sitting besides him. Ribbons adorn her hair.

Surprisingly, despite how John usually being turned by scantily clad, busty woman like how Bell usually appears...

John began to be turned on to what appears to be just an ordinary, but beautiful woman in style of 19th century.

Despite having a body that's different than usual to be point that her bust seems to be compressed...

John immediately recognizes who she is, given that John can sense one's soul. 

Bell: Good morning, my dear one. Ufufu...

John: You...

Bell: Last night, i decide to traverse within my own mindspace.... and, i discovered something of unimaginable power within my soul... It is the Sagestone.

Bell: Because of that...

Bell: Now i'm the Sage. Bell Aster Archer.

Bell: Named after the beautiful aster flower. 

Bell then immediately kisses John.

Bell then doing finger gestures, as if it's tracing something.

The finger gestures were interesting and attractive, as if she's dancing.

Behind her is a multiple screen connected to a pink neon-adorned PC, as if she put together the PC and the workstation behind her in merely a day. It's not impossible for her especially how whenever we mind-link, she can unknowingly delve in and basically read or absorb my knowledges.

I guess i am too underestimating... please, forgive this part of mind.

The screen depicts scenes made with...

Fortnite? I know girls and women who are into that but almost all of them are exactly "not" a lass like my dearest beloved. But everyone could be everyone they want.

Unreal Engine?

John felt missed out after he realized that he's gone to this world without experience in doing Unreal Engine development. Yet his sunshine did it first...

She toyed with the development kit given by Epic through Fortnite.

She created something with Unreal Engine.

Character abilities, parameters, game genres...

From third person shooter, first person shooter, strategy genre, the ever-popular survival crafting, open world...

There's the fact that she managed to port the ever-popular and long-lasting Bethesda's Creation Engine into Unreal Engine, apparently trying to improve it.

Bell invites me to dance together. An intimate moment between lovers.

Both conversed in the middle of the dance.

Bell: You know, why i can do all of this?

John: Hmmmm?

Bell: Because of you. You've been providing your ever regenerating mana to myself.

Bell: This improves me.

Bell: This allows me unlock my own hidden potential.

Bell: Something in my countless years of life i never imagined.... how lucky it is to be with you...

Bell: And this...

Bell: Made me...

Bell: Think like what i never before.

John: Bell, you're beautiful no matter what.

Bell: Yeah, but like boys who keep finding and creating new toys, wouldn't a girl... woman like me can't?

Bell: I need a new form that suits the personality and role you ever dreamed, and you want.

Bell: Ufufufufu....

Like conceiving an offspring, a new software, made in the combination between Unreal Engine and Creation Engine is finally made.

By one woman filled with mana, as in magical powers. 

The "Battle Song".

And it didn't ran on a computer! Not consoles too!

Apparently the Battle Song is a way so that common people can use magic easier than the weird incantations used by my brother and my sister-in-law (though i love to reverse the term instead).

Contrary to the name, it does not need to be powered by song or music... Well, Unreal itself is an ironic name... As the Unreal Engine made Unreal... Real. As in making imaginations turn into reality or vision. 

John himself personally have no need for Battle Song, but...

Bell: Your sister...

Bell: As a singer...

Bell: Myuu...

Bell: She granted powers to those she wanted to. But she's just a girl.

Bell: But myself... and yourself...

Bell: Can grant more of that in just one night...

John, feeling ecstatic, immediately cut the Battle Song program, saving it and exiting it...

Bell: Eh?

John smiles...

John: Let's do it...

Bell: Ufufufufu... (smiles), that means more mana for me, right?

John: I can't bear it much longer... i need to release it...

Both grabbed each others palms, and without disrobing, immediately doing the deed, first by frenching each other, and then....

John: Haaaaa.....aaaahhhh....ahhhhhh....

Bell: Ufuuuu....ufufufufu.....ufufufufu....

A music plays when they do the deed.

Show me what you gonna do

Tell me how you wanna play, eh

You can bring it on

You can bring it on

Hold on, you can make it through

It don't matter what they say, eh

You can bring it on (ooh)

You can bring it on (oh)

Bell: Your fluids... not only it's full of mana, but... it smells and tastes good...

John then closes his consciousness for the time being after a short but meaningful kiss.

The next day...

John: Bell?

John: Bell ??

John: Honey?

John: Sunshine?

John: Strawberry ice cream?

John sighed, knowing that her lover could take care of herself. She isn't weak. 

But John, seeing his wife's PC, which is not turned off yet...

Seeing that there are multiple variants of Battle Song...

Many of which are based on famous, highly regarded video games.

From simple UI instruction, crafting interface, inventory, RTS interfaces...

John is astonished and surprised... her lover did the thing that it took years for him, let alone others, but in a single night...

And she thanked me for all of this, despite John only knowing how to play and only a little of how it's made.

John decided to lay down for awhile.

Character Profile - Thea Archer - μ

As Thea Archer (formerly has the Perrault surname) 

As μ

 

Voiced by:

Reina Ueda (Japanese), Caitlin Glass (English) (Type A)

Reina Ueda (Japanese, singing) 

Aoi Yuuki (Japanese), Christine Marie Cabanos (English) (Type B)

Sumire Uesaka (Japanese), Cristina Valenzuela (English) (Type C)

Ikumi Hasegawa (Japanese), Jennifer Losi (English) (Type D) 

Megan McDuffee (English, singing) 

 An affine psionic mage and considered within the most powerful of her nobility, she looks younger than she should be due to a mage-related quirk, unlike most mages who often look old. Despite looking like 10-15 range of age, she's actually in her twenties at the time she became John's little sister. 

In return, John also looked younger than he should be. Only seven-years older yet look around 15-22 mark.

Her appearance greatly resemble John's beloved previous-life sister Alice, though Alice has a black hair.

Is the one girl that befriended John for the first time in John's second life. In John's word, he wouldn't do it wrong like it was.

But about John's brother...

Thea and Lugh, almost instantly, smitten toward each other, though Lugh took his time first due to wanting to give something in return, which, to Thea's words, "more than enough". Thea then, as  Lugh take a break in the hot tub and home he made on his own, instantly return her favor by teaching him how to use psionic magic. Something that both felt like "their first time" and to Lugh, it gave him a more "addictive" feeling than videogames and energy drinks. Even if they can't stay just yet for long, she loved to hang out all day. By "all day" that means sharing bed.

"She's the nicest and sweetest woman i ever knew. If only I could make amends with my sister. But as they say, what's done is done, and i am not intending to make another mistake in approaching a woman." 

-John Archer

"You said something about your sister? Aren't the family of Tuatha De only has males in it?" 

-Thea Perrault

"Nevermind."

She's a reserved and girly girl (though due to her age, "woman" is more accurate), but she often let out her rambunctious and perverted side very, very often whenever she's with only Lugh on her side.

"See you when the time's right."

"Or maybe never..." 

-Thea, after the date, far after Lugh is out of sight. 

After a particularly impressive date where both were doing it in a hot spring, Lugh felt uneasy after leaving (which he doesn't want to). At the time, Thea doesn't reveal something about imminent attack, but she believed Lugh would return, because initially, Lugh was called home against his will. 

And then there's the time.

Being an affine psionic mage, Thea was sought after by members of her nobility, which she despises because of their endless fighting over everything valuable they can claim their hands of. One of the enemies, if declaring a civil war in Amelion's soil isn't enough, even goes to the lengths of  summoning a demon just to try to claim her!

Until the time, Thea wouldn't take a life. Until that time, where the intent of the enemies are real.

Under the guise of assassination (for Lugh) and with the help of Amelion's forward military elements, both brothers John and Lugh along with some assistance managed to save her and her years worth of psionic and magical research.

Thus, Thea Perrault is dead.... well... officially.

"Why? Aren't your parents, your family, your nobility would miss you if you failed?" 

"Not only i have to upheld what we have pledged upon each other back in the day, but you... Since the day we met. I... Love you. Not only you're really cute but outside of my family, you're the first one who treat me with such kindness. "

-John Archer

From that moment onwards, the Viekone-Swoigel nobility, which the Archer / Tuatha De were distantly part of, is no more. And Thea is granted a new name and identity as Thea Archer. A sister.

Both the Tuatha De nobility and the northern military elements, through the since-then-retired General Thorns, helped reconstruct what's left, as "Persica", moving forward in modernizing the western coast of Amelion. In the center of it, called the "Tower District", resides a tower where John, Lugh, and Thea lived in a penthouse situated at the top floors of it.

The tower became the base of operations of Archer Logistics, mostly crewed by soldiers under Thorns' lead.

Through Bell, she even learned how to use magic to change her appearance, making her be able to look different as John desired. It's also useful to conceal her appearance against strangers and bad guys like Bell always did.

One night, upon listening to John's singing, she's inspired to become an idol.

With the help of Bell, who further encourages her, she became one at day.

With the exact same appearance as the one John sees at his awakening in Mobius. 

 (Thea, as μ, teasing John by pretending to be someone else, even though John knew that she's her sister) 

The idol, called "μ", became an instant hit in Persica thanks to her captivating voice and her ability to sing the hearts of people. Most of the songs are representative of what's inside her nearest people's heart and mind as well.

Of course, when not on show, she appears as Thea herself, and nobody but people who's really close to her knew.

Character Profile: Lugh Tuatha De

Possible appearances. Him with black hair is a splitting image of his older brother, only the eye isn't green.

 Voiced by: Kenji Akabane (Japanese) Christian Banas (English)

John Archer's little brother by 13 years age difference. Claims to be reincarnated from a "world's best assassin", something that is greatly disputed due to the existence of that suit wearing bald guy with a barcode on his back, and John's unconscious mind-link that happens during a lucid dream session confirms the claim that Lugh was indeed, an assassin in his previous life (and a clumsy one, in John's words, due to Lugh's tendency to get into gunfights).

Compared to the easygoing and "happy-go" attitude of John, Lugh is noted to be cold, calculating, and a bit strict, to the point that John silently compared him to his previous-life parents.

That being said, thanks to John, he can open up and be sociable.

Especially toward soon to be his wife Thea, where he managed to be really really friendly to her. 

Largely friendly, however they often at odds when it comes to assassination. Especially how he is chosen to be the nobility's assassin, while John is... not. 

John doesn't mind about that, either, but John's presence is convenient to mask the noble family's assassination business as a front. It helps that John's innate ability allows chaos to be easily subsided.

Afterwards, their relation is good. Until...

After a spectacularly impressive date with Thea where Lugh shows to be just like his brother when it comes to Thea, Lugh is tasked to assassinate her girlfriend. Well. Faking her death actually. Nevertheless, John angrily storms off back then before Lugh dragged John to follow on him.

"That's it. I'm an Archer, not a Tuatha De."

That's what John said before leaving the nobility.

Regardless, even afterwards, after all is done and Thea is safe, John left the nobility, seemingly indignant by the continuous job of senseless killings and also provided by General Thorns to establish Archer Logistics, preferring to rebuild instead.

Nevertheless, John still allow Lugh to made contact with Thea and eventually Lugh formally marrying Thea. Though Lugh never knew that µ is his wife.

Chapter 4TJ - The Reproach

 

 John: Cut the Taps. I said it, cut the Taps!

John is being unusually emotional. 

Truly, this is the first time where death personally impacted him.

He used to be resigned to fate whenever his closed relatives are dead. But now... it's personal. After all, Taylor's barely 20 and Taylor reminds John of John himself, being a kid full of dreams and talents of leadership. 

He wishes that Amelia Watson, his assistant coach during the leadership training, doesn't know about how her one of the students died like this just suddenly. Don't want to see that sweet assistant heart being crushed.

Soldier: But sir... respects...

John: SILENCE IS THE BEST RESPECT!

John: Now, let me gave in my speech. The epitaph.

John: Why is one man spared, but another men, or more of them, are taken? To this day, nobody could give that an answer.

Which, says a lot about me.

John: But death comes for us all, eventually.

John: When you lose over 6000 men in less than a day.... it's easy for one death to be just another number.

John: But all i knew is that my new friend was gone... and small parts of me wish for i to be taken instead. 

John: We planned to build relationships, gathering together, barbeques, videogames...

John: But alas, for one Cameron Taylor, those things were never come to pass.

John: (started to cry)... it's up for the living to pick up the tab.

John: Now... let Cormack here to take over with the proceeding speech (cries).

Cormack: He leaves behind family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in arms.

Cormack: Now John, will you pay his last respects?

John agreed silently, before continuing with one last command for the brothers in arms to Taylor.

John: Sorry... (sobs) Now proceed with the lowering of the casket. 

As the attendants were his subordinates, they have no other option but to obey as the Taps is stopped and the casket of one Cameron Taylor is lowered. 

John feels sad. But strangely not vengeful.

John then proceed to left after cleaning his face. 

Across the walkway Bell awaits. 

Bell: John... Come here.

She fast-traveled me into the private suite, as usual. So i just need to hug her, point the place in the map where to go, and... 

At the private suite, i bawled my heart out. 

John: Y... You.... Don't mind?

Bell: I don't. 

And thus... As John cried out his heart, Bell comforted him.

No matter how much Bell would want to hide it from him... 

John sensed that Bell knew about the dangers the so called "Jon and Dani" possessed. And in fact Bell tried to safeguard John. However such rare "Dead Eye" power is a treasure, and Bell, as immortal as she is, still has human characteristic. 

That of an ambition. 

With seemingly infinite power draw for Bell, she treats Mobius and the "real world" as something she needs to complete. 

Thanks to John, who provided her the powers necessary, she can be free of being an agency and become somebody who dares to be more than just a background character. 

Nevertheless, to Bell, John is more than just a mana fountain. He's Bell's dearest, and John's feeling toward Bell is not mentally conditioned. It's John's own heart and soul.

As John's tears dry, John returns to being one John Archer. Immediately he asked Bell to accompany him bathing. Refresh his mind and soul. Probably "feeding" Bell in the process. 

Meanwhile...

Jon and Dani ran out from the hotel, compromised.

There is a three way fight between Archer Logistics, the JSOC, and...

Zombies?

Dani: There's civilians! We should be helping them!

Jon: At this point, it's extremely unlikely to save the city. We're burned.

Also Meanwhile Again...

Mayor Roy Tannhauser: Marcus Black!

Mayor: Why the hell did you come here! And ruining San Da Silva!

Mayor: I mean... Rayne ordered me to maintain the city...

Mayor: And you....

Mayor: You ruined it all!

Marcus: Hehehe, truth is, i'm under Rayne's payroll too!

Mayor: What? You? Under her payroll?

Marcus: Just hand over control. Media, electricity, whatever, handle it to me.

Marcus: We have a prime target here.

And then...

Radio: People of San Da Silva... can you hear me?

Radio: I'm Marcus Black under 44th Undead Division, and i'm in charge of this city!

Radio: Right now.... look at the screen!

The screen shows Jon and Dani.

Radio: Bring those two within an hour, before we order an airstrike to the city!

Mayor: Seriously? What the hell?

Radio: And don't even think about leaving! Border guard is active.

Jon and Dani didn't have any option....

Jon: Lock and Load!

Both of them fought the onslaught of zombies, Logistics troops, and civilian militias who were out for their blood.

But they eventually ran out of ammo.

Jon: Well, there's no other option but to gather to where Marcus wants us.

Dani: Yeah, i know you can just plug him straight once you met him. Haha.

At the Central Park...

Dani: Wait... is it Halloween now? I know zombies and all, but...

Both the confront Marcus Black.

Jon: You Marcus Black? I hear and see you're looking for us.

Marcus: Yes... yes... Jonathan Torrington and Daniella Tammison. In the flesh.

Marcus: So..... whaddya want? I could just plug you two out of the living world!

Jon: Our demands is simple... We want to go to capital of Persica.

Marcus: Tower District, eh?

Marcus: But, hehe, funny how you two at a disadvantage, yet you two are asking favors to me!

Jon: Oh, so that's it? Then let's make a deal. I'll let you live, i'm going to lay down any resistance.

Marcus: You're an amusing guy, but let's not waste any time!

Marcus: Send in the undeads!

Marcus: You can't kill what's already dead!

Jon: No, you're wrong. Heroes dealt with undead on an almost routine basis.

Jon then easily kills the undeads.

Marcus: No.... no.... all my undeads!!!!

Marcus: You're... that's impossible!

Jon: Oh, i didn't use a gun.... yet.

Dani: Jon... you still have ammo?

Mayor: Rick Tannhauser! I yield! I have nothing to do with all this madness!

Jon: Now... it's just between you and me, Marcus.

Jon readies his M79.

Jon fires.

An impact later, Marcus laid down died.

Dani: Then how it didn't explode!

Jon: Well, you know, 40mm grenades has a safety range where if it's fired point-blank or at certain range. I just use my dead eye. So yeah, i can load the 40mm again.

Jon: And now...

Mayor: Spare me! Spare me! I have nothing to do with all this madness!

Jon: Well, i'm doing all this to protect ourselves. And we just wanted to go home!

Mayor: Well, listen then...

Mayor: The sage, Rayne, want both of you to die, so she put Marcus Black on the task.

Dani: The sage? Isn't the sage's name is Bell?

Mayor: Dearest Bell is also a sage. But... Rayne keep watch of this city.

Meanwhile... T79s... T80s... convoys of tanks and marching soldiers with Russian gear can be seen.

Mayor: See? That's Rayne's personal army. Bell didn't take the lead for herself, for she's got John Archer to take the lead. And believe me that you two won't want to draw the ire of Sages. Especially John.

Mayor: Me myself? I'm tasked as a mayor to San Da Silva. Overseeing this "border city" before the inner Persica.

Mackie: Danger! Danger!

Mackie: I see... not just the Russian army, but the citizens... they all up in arms...

Mackie: Against us!

Jon: Beth! We need reinforcements! Hurry! Just.... sleeping gas. The local militia's being riled up to fight us and i don't wish to kill them!

Dani: Hold on anyone, i have an idea!

Suit: Maximum Shield.

Dani's Nanosuit, which is beneath her "magical girl" clothing as to not provoke attention, generates a spherical shield, protecting them.

As the artillery strike dropping projectiles filled with sleeping gas... 

The entire populace went asleep.

However, Rayne, instead of by herself, send her clones against Jonathan and Dani.

Of course, as seen before with Taylor... Jonathan can kill the source, the controller....

Rayne: I think i need to confront this... personally.

Rayne: (to herself) Bell, do me a favor and keep an eye out of John.

Rayne: Leave John out of this. That little boy.... would better suited for this world.

Rayne: I wish i could end my suffering... my unending service to life forced upon by me since my unwarranted birth.

Rayne: John, i wish you have a good, long life.

Afterwards...

The situation went under control. The JSOC opts to stay in San Da Silva, recuperating with the survivors and city folks that had just freed from the control.

At this time, the team could take one of the Hamlin Battalion's MRAP armored vehicle and sneak their way into Inner Persica.

 

After they, but most especially Daniella, say their goodbyes, 

 

Jonathan, Dani, and Mackie left with one of the Hamlin's MRAP vehicle.

Company Profile: Archer Logistics

 

Established: 2022

Headquarters: Los Suenos, State of Persica, United States of Amelion

Personnel: Roughly 50000+

Field: Logistics, Mining, Military Support

Key People:

General Thorns (Founder)

John Archer (Lieutenant Colonel, Co-Founder, Leader)

A-Chan (Spokesperson, Secretary)

Bell Archer (Spokesperson, Secretary - Covering for A-Chan whenever unavailable)

Sasha Novikov (Security Chief - Elite Division)

Fuwamoco (Security Chief)

Archer Logistics is a logistics company based on Persica, founded by John Archer. Currently the head of operations is General Thorns, often unseen in public, with John himself as the top field agent and spokesman, along with Vincent Fabron as the consultant. Occassionally, Bell, John's wife, appears as the spokesman and consultant in event that John and Vincent is not available for business.

Archer Logistics line of work is mainly to secure, serve, and provide logistics and trading throughout the region. It mainly dealing with shipping to and from the United States of Amelion.

However, it is also a front for employing professional mercenaries, security team, combat squadrons, and assassins, with roughly 25% of them are directly recruited from off-duty or retiring US Army, with its non-retiring staff doing double duty. The other half are Mobius citizens, usually with interest in military, mining, and video gaming.

Some of the staff, John included, are providing help for security throughout the region of Persica, including the outer regions. John are often seen frequenting side duty as the SWAT team leader of PPD.

Its hardwares and personnel are combination of military gears from Amelion, Eufrices, and Novoslava. 

The armed group is formally classified as the Security Team, though they also operate in offense whenever required.

The Logistics also has partner companies such as Schneider (an engineering company based on Federal Republic of Neubladt), Altec Lansing (an audio/electronics company based on USA), HP (a computer company based on USA), and Coffee Stain (a video game publishing company based on Central Eufrices).

The Logistics also has a separate gaming, military and public service simulators, and virtual reality division, to be elaborated later.

However, after a disastrous "first recruiting" which has like 18 deaths, 2 of them are unarmed civilians and 16 of them are under-30s, the US Army later deemed that the Logistics is a rogue element of the US Army, and thus the Logistics has to avoid appearing in public often. Not that it is hard to for the Logistics to impersonate the US Army.

List of Hardwares:

-Standard issue Persica Police Department SWAT + US Army military gear (include: Ranger Body Armor, MICH series of helmets, M4A1 Assault Rifles, HK416 Assault Rifles, UMP45 Submachine gun, M40A5 Scout Sniper Rifle, M82 Barrett Sniper Rifle, M1911 handgun, Geist 19 handgun, M9 Handgun, M870 Shotgun, M29 Revolver, and various military-grade accessories)

-Standard issue Royal Army military gear (include Osprey Body Armor, MICH series of helmets, L85 Bullpup assault rifles, Steyr Aug Bullpup assault rifles, AWM Sniper Rifle, and various military grade accessories)

-Standard issue Slavic Army military gear: (include Spetsnaz Helmet, AK-series of assault rifles, AK series of submachine guns, Groza submachine gun, SVD Dragunov Battle Rifle, 

-Standard issue military vehicles (HMMMV, MRAP, UH-60, AH-64)

Chapter 2TJ - Survival Begins

 We walked to a nearest cabin.

The cabin looks uninhabited, but tidy.

There's weapons all around there.

Granted, if i will it, i can make my targets die.

However, for the sake of Dani here, and how it takes a lot of focus doing that, i need weapons.

I guess a pair of revolvers and repeater shotguns would suit us well.

Still i wonder how there's military grade weapons laying around... does she intend to play games with us?

I prefer Western classics due to their resilience though. And i couldn't lug many weapons yet at this point. 

Not particularly a fan of Battle Royale, but i remember an insistent friend who loved that genre.

There's some pain pills as well...

Things like this reminds me how we played Left 4 Dead 2 together with Mom* and Dani.

Age ratings doesn't matter, said somebody i knew back in the day.

*Allison

Well, some guns, some weapon tutorials, and some dead bandits later....

Dani: Look! The city gate! But why they're closing out?

Jon: Well, it's evening already...

We made it into the outer gates of Persica.

All i can think of is a warm bed.

Guard: Halt. City's closed with the dragon's about. Official business only.

Dani: But sirrrrr.... we've beaten the dragon.

Guard: Fine, but we'll keep an eye on newcomers like you two.

A guard, seemingly the leader, by the name of Mildew, approaches:

Mildew: Well, nice to see a fellow, i don't know, busmates?

Mildew: But....

Mildew: Hold it.... before i let you into Outer Persica, you need to pay the visitor's tax.

Dani: This is obviously a shakedown! (Persuade)

Jon: Well, we heard everybody headed to Persica. But well, we have nothing, so how do we earn?

Mildew: Well, that girl, and only that girl, is welcome.

Jon: Huh?

Dani: HUH? No, thank you!

Dani: (silently) Come on, let's leave. Things got freaky here.

I'm thinking to start a gunfight but as you can see, guards would start pouring in and...

Dani: Well, not only because of the dignity, but... i'm just afraid you'll going to kill and kill.

Jon: Well, i've got standards.

Jon: Yeah, yes, it is.

And now... as we approach the cafe...

GULP. A Virtual Streamer?

Catgirl: Are you two sage candidates, meow?

Catgirl: I'm Mireiyu. Nice to meet you two!

Mireiyu: Any problems, meow?

Dani: Hey, check it out, cat ears!

Jon: So?

Mireiyu: If there's anything you need help with, we're setting up a free accomodation, meow!

Dani: Really?

Jon: Then how it'll benefit you?

Mireiyu: Because i dig powerful male, sage candidates, like you, meow!

Mireiyu: (looking at Jon) Like you! You're strapping AF! Come here!

Then Mireiyu puts a X (not allowed) gesture, and said:

Mireiyu: W... waitaminute... you already got a girlfriend, aren't you, meow?!

Dani: (clearly feigning) Not his girlfriend. Sorry. We're just surviving together.

Jon: What did you say?

Dani: Well, to be honest, an accomodation will be nice. Won't want to lose stamina and had to sleep someplace where we can be easily mugged in the night, right?

The two then walk around the town at night, and...

Dani...

Gets a nice pair of clothes! It looks gorgeous on her!

While i... just get a similar t-shirt and tie. Ever since the internship, it always looks good on me.

Suddenly...

Argonians, Khajiits, Alik'rs, and bandits of various types circle us.

Like there's 12 of them.

Jon: Well, this is kinda expected.

I immediately unholster both of my Carlson Single Action Army.

Looking good though almost never used, and i'm pretty sure it fires well too.

Jon: For starters, six shooters to the back...

Dead Eye activated, Jon marks all the targets behind...

And all of them dropping dead.

Bandit on the front: What the hell, you just did?

Jon: What? People die if they got shot in the weakness... so....?

Jon: Then to the Khajiits and Argonians, i try to target his specific weakness just to intimidate.

Jon: They all dropping dead, even horrifying Dani.

Dani: Jon, i know you're the sharpest shooter in Red Dead Online, but that's... well, lesson learned, i think.

Jon: Up next, Flashbang. Dani, cover your eyes.

Jon then throws a flashbang, blinding them all except for the two, followed by critical hit shots.

Mireiyu: Just... what the hell are you?

Mireiyu and a bandit left...

Dani: So you just left them to jump on us another day?

Jon: No.... i got this.... 

Jon then tries to shoot them at a distance... and... it hits.

Mireiyu: I shouldn't have messed with the wrong men... (last words)

Bandit: U...uugh...

Jon: (to Dani) We should get outta here.

Suddenly:

Sirens and car noises from the back.

Vans and cars with the label PPD encircle us.

Persica Police Department, i presume.

Edelgart: Freeze! PPD!

Edelgart: Come here, dead or alive, don't force us to bring the "Judge" down here!

Jon: I mean... both of us are innocent. Look, they have bigger weapons than us, and... uh.... self defense.

Dani just trembled.

Edelgart: Don't lie! I see that you've killed them in one hit, with a .357! That's an impossibility given the caliber!

Dani: Figures! Dirty cops!!

Dani: It's obvious that you lads won't help us, a couple of helpless couple!

Edelgart: Actually... That's because we want to discreetly track the bandit leader...

Jon: So, in other words, you used both of us as a bait?

Edelgart: Of course! But just don't mess with us!

Edelgart: We're under the employ and assistance of the Sages. Need to know basis only.

Edelgart: So, strike us, and you'll...

Edelgart's second in command, Jorge, said:

Jorge: Chief, you won't going to believe it, but...

Jorge: Dude's only got a UI as a "gift", and the girl... has nothing.

Edelgart: You gotta kidding me...

Jorge: Yeah, it's hard to believe that they're doing this all.

Edelgart: Guess... we have no reason to apprehend or question them...

Jorge: My apologies... Please forgive our haughty captain.

Jon: Sure thing.

Jon: But...

Jon: This day's such a beat, could you show us a place where we can eat and stay?

Edelgart: Got live ones here!

Later....

Winfield Manor.

Loot's pretty good for the night.

Dani: Whoa!!!! This is like a castle!!!! Though, apart from Skyrim, i never went into a castle before.

Jon: Now, about the lodgings.... should we have one room for the couple, or...

Dani: Whoa... uh.... no, no funny ideas please should you decide on one room...

Jon: Then that's it. Two rooms next to each other.

Dani then enters her suite.

Whoa....! It's huge!

What a loot back then from the bandits.... it's enough for one room....

But....

To think about it... I felt uneasy every time i got separated from him... Jon.

Without him, i think i may be powerless...

I really really wonder if Mr. Torrington really loves me... i mean. Girlfriend... yeah. Emphasis on friend.

Hmph. All he cares is Bethesda. Microsoft. FromSoftware. Rockstar Games. Sony.

I hear a glint.

Whatisit?

I notice a ghost wearing an ancient dress.

Dani: Sis? What are you doing in Mobius?

Ghost: DON'T LUMP ME IN WITH HER, PLEASE!

Mackie: I AM MACKEIGH TAMMISON! THE GREAT MOTHER OF THE TAMMISON BLOODLINE!

Mackie: IN SHORT, I AM YOUR ANCESTOR.

Mackie: Oh, sorry, just call dearie sweet ancestor here Mackie.

Dani: Whoa. Eh... Nice to see you. But please, away with the shouting! You're attracting unwanted attention here!

Mackie: As a spirit. I will protect you. No. In fact, i am already with you since the beginning.

Mackie: Like...

Mackie: Why aren't you getting the "Gift"?

Mackie: It's to protect you, so that you're not becoming those... maniacs who treat the world like it's a videogame.

Mackie: I've been yanking out the "Gift" from Jonathan as well, if that's eases your mind. I'm sure with his ability, even that is something he doesn't need.

Dani: I see. I see.

Mackie: Now you go get some rest, Granny Mackie's will always be here for you.

The scene cuts to John Archer. He's leading the PPD's "D Platoon" responding on a violent standoff in a convenience store.

The one that Jon and Dani had just purchased clothes from, but attacked by a different group of assailants.

John: Police! On the ground!

John: Put your hands up and stay down!

John succeeds in making one of the assailant giving up.

John: This is for your own good.

Several arrests and rescues later...

John: TOC, this is entry team. Put em on safe and let them hang, boys. Mission complete.

Prescott: Well, you're a nice stand in for Judge. Judge himself would be so proud of you. He's kinda hard to please, so that's that.

John: Nevermind, just doing my job and... training fellow law enforcements.

John: Can't believe it's just a day.

Prescott: Well, judging from your performance, you can come and go as long as duty available.

Prescott: Besides...

Prescott: You're that Logistics guy, right? Your ability serves you well.

Meanwhile, at the Persica Police Department Headquarters...

Female Operator: ...bunch of criminals died with only a single low caliber bullet fire... one that shouldn't be capable for killing in one hit...

Female Operator: ...the ringleader, a catgirl known as Mireiyu, found awash on the Southern Basin...

Female Operator: ...some survived, but experienced total loss of sense of their body parts... 

John: (eating sandwich) hmmmmffmmmm, sttrangeee...

John kept eating and gulping, trying to shake the anxiety he's stuck on since... well, that mind feeling appears like a day or two ago.

John then marks the day on reception.

John: Well, i call it a day, i guess. And i'm not a permanent day-to-day worker, just an independent contractor, so....

Reception: Well, it's up to you then. Regardless, your performance is something this city really needed. Looking forward to have a fellow Logistics member joining up the force!

John then left with casual t-shirt, expecting to see his wife back home.

Ever since the cases of people... just dropping. John felt unease. Maybe it reminds him of his previous, highly anxious "real" life. Maybe it reminds him that everyone has its time...

But either way, he heads home. Finding his and his wife's bedroom... empty.

She said she has important matters to discuss. Perhaps about the "Sage" thing? 

But nevermind, i can chill. The pillow is just as comfy as always, the air is cool, take some showers and perfume, then...

The scene cuts to Dani, who is dreaming.

Dani: Don't know about you much, since you appeared in my dream, but like Granny Mackie here, you offer me nice advise, and i intend to see you further... but... Jon...

Venti: Well, stay with Jon, you.... He's your guidance in the waking world. Without him you might as well as... not surviving.

Venti: Isn't having guardian angel fun? Well, reminds me of a squeaky travel companion...

Travel Companion: "Huh?"

Venti: Ehe.

Travel Companion: "What do you mean, ehe?"

Venti: Than a granny, but, as they said, respect your elders, all that...

Venti: And you have an amazing granny there, so cherish.

Dani then awakened.

Jon: Mornin'.

Jon: Trouble sleeping?

Dani: Well.... kinda complicated.

Come to see it, that men... Venti, he does a bit look like my dear Jon here... Except Venti looks... i don't know... cuter?

Dani: But we should check out already, our goal is to go home, not loitering around!

Jon: Yeah, fine, no lollygagging, as they said.

Elizabeth Conway: Greetings, i'm Elizabeth Conway, the concierge for the guided tour of this hotel...

Dani: Hey, nice you see you... Eli...li...

Beth: You can call me Beth.

Jon: Well, as you went to your room earlier, i asked Beth here to pinpoint the route where the bus survivor is going...

Jon: We'll have an air support here, C-130...

Beth: I'll provide long range communications, navigations, but you two...

Beth: Here's a locomotive ticket. Going with a military airplane would attract unwanted attention, so we pose as a standard air reconnaisance unit for the Archer Logistics...

Dani: What's a "Logistics"?

Beth: Cover organization for the Sages. Unless you belong to them Sages, you shouldn't mess around with them. Their gear resembles the military gear, but they don't bear the Amelion flag.

Dani: Ame...ame....?

Jon: America in this universe.

Beth: In case you didn't know, i'm with the US-JSOC. And as a soldier, i want to help fellow countrymen out from this universe, as they, and you two, are unwilling.

Later at the train....

Dani: What now...

Jon: Yeah, we both now together again... eye by eye...

Dani: eh....eh? (blushes)

Dani: So....

Dani: Dani... you can see my ancestor here?

Jon: Well, since you told me, yeah.

Jon: By the way, won't you sit here?

Dani: "You" as in grandma or me?

Jon: (smiles) You, of course.

Dani noticed her Jonathan there playing a third person shooter game.

Dani: What now? Fatal Bullet?

Dani smiles. She think of his boyfriend here like Kirito.

But of course, she's happier knowing that Kirito is a pipsqueak compared to her lovely Jon.

Dani: Well, back to the topics... where did the survivor go...

Jon: Well, according to the AWACS who tracked the sudden appearance of a Japanese bus...

Dani felt asleep, almost doesn't catch the whole thing about AWACS, reconaissance, blablabla...

Dani: Well, it's crazy how it's just like a day and you've got the backing of the US Army here...

Jon: Well, they have a common enemy, and they'll interested to send us home, because we want to get home...

Jon: Dani get down!

Suddenly the train stops as explosion and gunfire suddenly appeared.

PA Voice: Attention. Emergency protocols. Engine failure.

Jon then gives me a gun. 

MK23 Socom.

Dani: Look, an armored soldier!

Jon: Don't interrupt. No collateral, no cross fire!

The armored soldier lost to a Dragon Quest-looking swordsman.

Then the swordsman aiming his attack at us!

Dani: We're civilians! Cease fire!

Unknown: You're an eyesore!

Jon: No, you.

Unknown: I'm a Sage. Now give up, and....

Jon: No, you die.

Jon aims his M82 Barrett right into the chest of the unknown Sage that just taken down the armored soldier.

The "Sage" just fell down.

Dani: Wait... you killed him, right?

Jon: Well, it's a self defense, right?

Armored Soldier: Wait...

Armored Soldier: I offer you my gratitude for helping me...

Armored Soldier: However...

The Armored Soldier then points to Dani.

Armored Soldier: Dani? That's your name? Dani... isn't destiny's a harsh mistress....

Dani: eh?

Armored Soldier: But... It'll be on you now, daughter.

Integrating new DNA profile.... Initializing....

Recording: Dani... It's all i can do... For all of us...

Recording: I'm used up... My body... is used up. 

Dani: Rest in Peace, unknown soldier...

Dani then prepares to bury the unknown soldier before telling Dani to continue on foot.

Meanwhile, this is a nice piece of armor... Can't believe, in just two days...

Dani then moved somewhere to wear the armor inside her "magical girl" outfit.

Meanwhile.... Later...

Edelgart and Jorge investigates the combat zone, now surrounded by both the US Army and PPD...

Including the dead Dragon Quest-looking swordsman.

Edelgart and Jorge: Gasp... That Sage Santos, right?

John: (munching sandwich) Ummm... Jonathan Torrington and Daniella Tammison?

John remembered that there will be a new guest coming. Probably talking about the recent unusual rash of events that bothered his mind as well.

John overheard her beloved Bell talking to the new guest. It seems like they're talking about the recent mysterious deaths happening.

"Ah yes, Rayne", as John observes. I remembered fighting with him in Eisenblut. She has longer hair than what i remember.

Bell: Dead Eye, right? I thought Santos is immune from that...

Rayne: Dead Eye... well, last time i read, two of its wielders died... another two lived a life away from action...

Bell: Figures, probably, it's about the incoming darkness...

Rayne: There's a lot of pressing matter, like, the one that's going around killing Sages so easily.

Rayne: So please, my friend, don't interfere with the Sage candidates. Now i'm taking over from here.

Bell: So, now you decide to take over the plan me and my lovely John had cooked for months? 

Rayne: For the sake of little... John... there.

Bell: Ufufu... John's not little!

I smiled a bit.

Bell: Looks like that's it then. Thanks and bye bye!

As i opened the door, i look at Bell straight in the face.

Bell: My honey, what's the sullen look?

Rayne: And oh, forget about the snacks. I can grab some on my own.

Bell: John my beloved, this is a grown-up matter!

Eh... eh... i'm 33.

But yeah, Bell and... who she is... Rayne... she's like already older than mine.

Bell: Come on, take some munchies, banish your anxious feelings, and....

John: Ehe....ehehehehe...

Bell: Ufufufu...

John blushes given it's the corridor, not their own personal quarters....

But yeah, the next step is obvious, Bell grabbed me along to our personal quarters and then we began... frenching...

True that Bell can play with him anytime, anyday, especially at night and lately John felt elevated, but John have a lot of thoughts. Mostly bad. Such as how Bell seems to be hiding something, and there's rash of people who suddenly... just drop dead.

All of these could be the end of us all... 

John often has phases where he think about death itself along with the impending end of things that he savoured. True that he can "return by death" any time, but lately, just like in his previous life, a sense of creeping dread, especially how a lot of people and things just.... die... made him felt fearful.

Sometimes he even had silent crying and sobbing fits.

He even missed his family, but now it is the next cycle of his life, so that he couldn't even met them.

And such cycle has its end as well... 

Things that, no matter how strong he is, are often beyond his control. 

Especially... the great end itself.

Yaaaawwwwnnnn...

With only the smooth silken blanket covering our beautiful bodies, i embrace my beloved Bell as my mind slowly drifts out...

Or not, i'm just insomniac at any times, but Bell doesn't mind i'm loitering around anywhere. It's my home, and my headquarters.

Chapter 3TJ - San Da Silva

 It's the morning and John's still lightly dressed with a comfy, canvas t-shirt. 

He does, however, wondered why...

Did his dearest Bell hid something from him?

Does his uneasy feelings are related to the... happenings?

John overheard his dearest mentioning the name Jonathan Torrington and Daniella Tammison, supposedly from the bus she "brought in" to recruit.

Which, for John, probably okay. The wonderland known as Mobius needs more people anyways.

But 16 fatalities...

"Grown up matters", i'm 33, did my dearest wife, who had nothing to hide after all, started hiding something?

I've met some cool guys in a tavern, like, yesterday. Befriended that one Cameron Taylor. He seems to be... troubled. Didn't know why.

Well, he already rested for like 10 or 11 hours... it's time...

He then takes some showers and get dressed.

Time to set the clock for the PPD then. 

Along the way, he met one of his subordinates, Gomez.

Gomez: Something on your mind? People said you'll twitchy and "uneasy"...

John: Uhhhh.... fine, fine. 

Gomez: As a brother-in-arms, i just want to say, "don't overdo yourself."

John: Well, how about the date with Winfield?

Gomez: Oh, you know that we're dating...? Well, she's a nice girl, but you, as a superior, know that i'm on duty, right?

John: Uhhh... Ohhh... yes, yes, you're dismissed for this day. Go on. Have fun.

Gomez: Ummm... sure. Who's going to take my post anyway?

John: Well, i'll report to Thorns later. See you.

Gomez: Good day.

With sandwich on mouth, John marches on for his day-to-day task at the PPD. Something so that the Logistics could get an additional contract funding. And staff training as well.

Chief: Afternoon, John? Trouble sleeping?

Chief: Well, most of the force have... those... uneasy feel. Trouble sleeping. Wish to be relocated, all that stuff.

Chief: But they're really glad on meeting you. I mean, you've got that smile...

John: Ummm... Teehee.

Chief: Yeah, but i can see behind that smile that you're... clouded.

Chief: Well, nothing to do here for the platoon apart from the firing range and VR simulation now.

Chief: Or... you could just laze around on the roof.

Funny, this is the first time John - or anybody - have a chief telling them to laze around. 

But sure. Things just... well, it's like anybody could sense the end of the world is near.

Meanwhile....

Dani: Ahhh yes... we're here at... let's see...

The sign...

ENTERING SAN DA SILVA, POP 500.000

Dani: Well, strange name, and the city... looks modern.

Dani: So... lock and load, then?

Jon: There's no point. I won't do a GTA-style chaos. That was wrong. I'm only killing those who were out for our blood.

Dani: Well, hold on tight... Just want to try the armor...

Jon was surprised to see her girlfriend allowing him to hold her.

Of course, both wanted to jump down.

Hmmmm....

Jon: I hope that's inconspicuous enough.

Dani: Where to next?

Jon: Beth tell us... and already booked... a high rise hotel.

Jon: There will be JSOC contacts... and a base of operations.

Dani: Cool, i'm down with that!

Entering the hotel...

Dani: Whoa, this felt like home....

Then suddenly...

I see a fancy-looking nobleman looking guy...

Ah yes, it's Taylor. Knew him back. Only he left earlier.

Dani: Well, you got here earlier?

Taylor: Yeah, thanks to our contacts. Archer. Military guy.

Erica: Now who's this bee-yoootch?

Erica: You've been awfully close to Taylor, you fetcher!

Taylor: Chill, Erica. She's my classmate.

Erica: If you say so....

Taylor then gets surrounded by beautiful girls. Seems to be cosplayers.

Dani: Who the hell are they?

Jon: I would ask the same thing.

Taylor: Oh, i forget to introduce you... these are my bodyguards.

Erica: I'm Erica, Fifth Class Private from Archer Logistics... But honestly, names are for friends, and you two are not my friends, but this is because Taylor told me to.

Stephanie: I'm Stephanie, Fourth Class Private, Archer Logistics... I shouldn't talk to you unless Taylor told me as well.

Chelsea: Third Class Private Chelsea...

(miming her grinning teddy bear) would you just die, stranger?

Elize: Second Class Private Elize. I found both of you an eyesore. Would you drop off the sight, please?

Lisa: Here's Sergeant First Class Lisa, and i'm the captain of all before you. Drop off your arrogance or i'll send more reinforcements after you two.

Dani: What's with the unfriendliness! You all approached us!

Taylor: Apologies. They're just that overprotective.

Jon (whispers): Hey, hey, Taylor seems awfully in over his head...

Dani: Well, before we all enter Mobius, we know that he's such a womanizer.

Taylor: Then..... will you (looking at Dani) be my mistress?

Dani: WHAT THE INFERNO?

Taylor: Perhaps i'm too hasty after all, or...

Taylor: Probably you're already taken by this... Torrington?

Taylor: But i'll would enlist this Tory as well, as we're classmates, right?

Dani: How could you be so confident with people around you...?

Taylor: well....

Taylor: The lass back in the beginning of the Mobius grant me the ability to dominate and command lower ranked ones.

Taylor: And we're with the clearing party....

Flashing back to Taylor during the Archer Logistics clearing party... where they survived reaching Persica and granted membership to Archer Logistics as their first mission.

The mission that, unsurprisingly, isn't granted to Dani, and Jon chooses not to partake for the sake of Dani.

Vincent: Vincent Fabron. Consultant for Archer Logistics.

Vincent: You know this guy? (shows a picture of a cute-looking boy with distinctive green eyes). Here's John Archer. I learned being a consultant from him. He's the founder of the Logistics. 

Taylor: So...

Vincent: Well, i'll open a recruitment drive for you. You'll have a roster of brothers-in-arms. Sisters, even.

Vincent: It's time to put your leadership ability to test. It's what the lass grant you, remember?

Attendant: (Clap Clap!) Attention everyone! Now we have John Archer, playing Shadow of the Sun!

The cute boy from the picture appears. Wearing a fancy nobleman's clothing, he introduces himself to others with a heartful smile before he starts singing with a very soothing tone:

Once upon a time

I was on the mind

To lay your burden down

Leave you where you stood

You believe I could

You seen it done before

I could read your thoughts

And tell you what you saw

And never say a word

But now all that is gone

Over with and done

Never to return

Audience: (Cheers)

And I can tell you 

Why people die alone

I can tell you I'm 

The shadow on the sun

Vincent: Heh heh, you know why he's so charismatic? He's the lass' husband.

Vincent: Bell, you know her, right?

Taylor blushes. 

Vincent: And you should be lucky that you've got part of his ability granted to you.

Vincent: We need various approaches to bring forth a Sage. No, not just a Sage. More of it. You enjoy living here more than the "real" world, right?

Vincent: Another point is guess what? Like videogames, you can unlock your brothers and sisters in arms perks and abilities. Soon you'll be unstoppable!

Vincent: Without people like you, the others would be suicidally charging and wasting their lives.

Vincent: Welcome to the Logistics, Taylor.

Back to the present.

Taylor: So, that's that.

Jon: Ah i see. As you level up your soldiers/squadmates/servants/whatever, you're leveling yourself too, right?

Taylor: Well, now i'm ready to take on what's happening and appearing in this world!

Taylor: So.... Miss Tammison, will you...

Dani: No, never! Don't touch me!

Taylor: Well, think about it later!

Dani: Uuugh... how annoying...

Jon: Well, let's leave him be, right? We need to find a way home, right?

3 days later...

Dani: Well, day 3 now.

Dani: I understand, the foods are delicious, the town is nice... and... 

Dani: Don't forget our goal.

Mackie: Boy seems tired. You should check him out.

Dani: But... fresh air...

Then an ominous clusters of black fogs appeared.

Dani: Eh... what's that?

Mackie: Something's.... bad.

Dani: We have to pack out. Lock and load.

Mackie: Invisible assassin!

A gunfire rings.

A girl laid down with a bullethole.

Dani: Erika?!

Jon: Should have thought it. These guys are up to no good!

Jon: Again, we should pack up and leave!

Both readied their respective guns.

More gunfire ringed.

Soldiers of unknown origin appears, opening fire at Jon and Dani.

They seems to wear American... er... Amelion special operations personnel suit, yet there's no flag patch.

The dogtags, however, indicate that they're a member of a mysterious secret unit called the Hamlin Battalion.

Both, however, relentlessly fight back, despite Dani's initial hesistance to pull the trigger.

Jon indeed can kill or disarm easily, but that's mentally and physically tiring for him, and he need maximum focus to trigger it.

That, and the bulletproof function of Dani's suit helps.

Then Lisa intercepts us.

Lisa: My... my.... After all you've done, i wouldn't let you and those pansy-ass 'Mocs get away!

Dani: What do you mean the 'Mocs?

Lisa: The so-called "JSOC". What, your contact?

Lisa: And now there's only two left...

Lisa then conjures a frost barrier, trapping the two.

Lisa: Taylor told me to bring you, Dani, to him.... 

Lisa: You'll be a fine addition to the Logistics!

Both broke free with shotgun. 

M870. Seems to be a weak magical barrier, isn't it?

Dani: Yeah but it's cold and hard to the touch!

And now...

Jon fires a killing shot to the magic wand...

Jon: As you see, i can kill everything i shot with.

Jon: Try anything and you'll be boarding Afterlife Express with a buckshot.

Jon: Now... Lisa, answer!

Lisa: Yes......

Jon: Can you use magic without your wand? 

Jon: As far as i knew, wands only provide limited magical capability, and cannot be improved apart from buying a new one.

Lisa: Yes.....

Jon: So that's it, you're not even a real mage.

Jon: So... where's the rest? WHERE'S THE REST?

A shadowy being approaches Dani...

Suit: Maximum Strength.

Dani then, by pure reflex, fought the shadowy being.

Dani: What's this? A puppet?

Jon: Must be Chelsea.

Bunch of puppet approaches.

Lisa: He.... hehehehehe...

Jon: Shut up. (fires M870, dropping Lisa dead immediately)

Jon: Dani! Keep on firing! Keep on firing!

Jon: Beth? Any backup...?

Beth: I'm losing signal. Logistics have taken over the town!

Chelsea: Noooo... my beloved... Bonnie... Chica... and...

Jon and Dani approaches Chelsea, who controlled the doll...

Chelsea: (heartfelt pleading) Please.... please.... don't....

Meanwhile...

Radio operator: Permission to use the secret weapon, sir!

Unknown: Granted....

Suddenly...

Metallic insects approaching!

Dani: ehhh.....ehhhh.....ewwwww....

Jon: Prepare your MAC-10 for the ground-based ones!

Jon: For the flying swarms, use the M870!

Dani: Just.... just.... how many of these.... things are there!

Mackie: It seems like Taylor is using those... what are those?

Beth: Terror Bites.

Mackie: Ah yes, Beth, you knew that i'm exists, don't you?

Beth: Well, save the chatter for later.

Beth: The Terror Bites are mechanical insect like beings that can function as a swarm-based weapons or a surveillance tool with its long range camera optic capability. It was first seen in 2007, before.... (radio interference)

Jon: Never mind, just hold down the trigger and keep firing as we'll make it out here!

Dani: But... but... what about the ammo?

Jon: Dead soldiers. They have it.

Soldiers from the Hamlin approaches and Jon and Dani gun them down without a second thought due to how they're out for both.

Jon: Well, i've got a good idea for the Terror Bites...

Jon then attempting to hack the signal of the Terror Bites to be able to call Taylor back.

Jon: Hello, Taylor.

Taylor then panicked.

Jon: (coordinate numbers)

Jon: Beth, initiate orbital strike at (coordinate numbers)

Beth: Roger.

Jon: Wait, you took direct orders from a civilian like us?

Beth: You two are the only hope after The Logistics took so much control over Persica.

Beth: Therefore, you two are immediately as of now, a pair of US JSOC member.

Meanwhile...

John Archer's WIRE.

Audio Call.

Voice: John, this is an urgent matter....

Voice: Taylor... you know, the guy you met at Outer Persica's tavern?

John: Yeah. Soon-to-be a field commander?

Voice: I'm sorry to say.... but... Taylor. KIA.

John immediately went shocked.

Knowing how easy it is for his new friends to just drop dead like that.

John: I see. Recover his body, and prep him for the funeral. End call.

John then cries and starts pounding with his arms.

John: G......g........d.......mit!

John: Why......why?

John: He didn't deserve this!

John: We've planned for a gathering later this weekend!

John then send a message to the previous caller.

John: Need a time to mourn for a bit, then we could do for a funeral.