The Beast and the Hunter

『獣』と『狩人』 The Beast and the Hunter
Information
Name	The Beast and the Hunter 『獣』と『狩人』
Belongs to	Merkava
Number	18
Chapters	3
Participants	Merkava Londrekia Lex
Story
Previous	A False Identity, A True Self
Next	Child of Darkness

The Beast and the Hunter is the nineteenth Chronicle Mode Scenario.

Chapter 1

Merkava: I arrive into the mountains seeking solace from people. A land where wild animals still freely roam.

The air is cool and crisp. The stars brilliant amid the night sky. The place lacks excitement, but the location is hospitable.

I was to use the place as a hideout, avoiding the bustling of the city. It may now serve well as a place of residence until my very end.

Sadly enough, I doubt I will perish here. I will probably go hungry and leave in haste when that time comes. Heh heh heh…

(My drive for violence quells quickly with no prey around. A decent exchange for being able to avoid that horrible view…)

How many days and years have passed since my conscience dwelled within this beast? Alas, time has made me one with this body now.

The body is free for my use, but the moment hunger strikes, the beast itself seeks and prey upon any humans it sees.

The shackles I hold are broken, releasing the beast that is me.

The beast and I hunger… Seeking prey to feast on. My will can no longer control my body when in hunger. How tiring indeed…

Merkava: (Odd, as this beastly body will not die from hunger. Despite that, the hunger that strikes makes this entire ordeal an irony in itself.)

I can still sense my humanity within the body of the beast, even while it goes on a rampage. I see fear and blood on the face of my prey. I have grown used to it, but it isn't a delightful sight.

This is… similar to an uncontrollable vehicle. My soul rides the vehicle, seeing the sights it goes to, but that is all I can do.

I should simply enjoy the flavor that goes down the throat. Alas, I cannot rid the humanity within me. It simply will not leave.

This insatiable appetite… If I was to follow my primal urge to feast, the humans around would all perish before my hunger was no more.

That was merely a jest, or… so I thought. Unfortunately, my hunger is, indeed, very real…

When… When did I awaken? I search my memories, which led me to the oldest of my memories… hunger.

Memories of the beast's will commands me… "Consume your prey"…

I chase those who run. I capture and bite those who run. The prey wails, rolls tears, cries, then soon… goes limp. I have consumed many a life whole.

I satisfy my hunger. That is all I can remember. I drank the red juices that spewed about without concern.

My mind could not follow what was happening. What I couldn't understand kept layering upon my mind. I kept telling myself that I was… merely having a bad dream.

My neck prevents me from looking away from the body I cannot control. This beast lacks eyelids, so closing my eyes is not an option. How humorous…

There are "eyes" on its head, but it does not function as it needs to. They are merely ornaments left to retain a form of a human being.

Visuals, language, information around me come into my mind. There is no way I can deny what I receive.

How vexing it is to see that my very situation is made as if to place me in the most tragic scenario as possible.

And so, I continue to see the gruesome sight of the prey I feast upon. This has continued countless times for eternity…

I wander the Night in search of EXS. This beast's feasting has not changed since my awakening, and probably eons before my awakening, too.

I prayed for this to all be a dream from which I will one day awaken. Then one person falls, then another, victims to that which only I can see.

This is not a dream. I am, without doubt, a humiliating beast…

-----

Days living as a beast have given me the opportunity to gain control of my body. Slowly, but surely, I have been taming the beast that is me.

Even so, control is a mere pulling of directions between me and the beast. No… If wanted, the beast could easily pull in its direction. My control is akin to that of a leash on a puppy that is me.

I can control the body freely when full. This was both hope and despair as it only proved that I was, indeed, this pitiful beast.

I moved to seclusion away from people to find a way to die. Perhaps I can starve myself to death.

But this beast can last without food… It felt as if it could live forever without nourishment.

At least living in seclusion would keep me away from prey. That was the only sliver of good I could think of.

It seems as if the beast lacks the intelligence to search for people if far enough from civilization.

The beast searches a short distance for prey, then falls and goes to sleep like a babe tired from crying.

This was the life I lived, deep within the mountains. But every so often, people would come, perhaps because I am still within reach of the city.

Despite coming here to die, I have regrets for life. Regret of possibly having a chance to return back to a human. Secluding myself only nips the possibility of finding such a way.

The regret for life I harbor is confusing me.

Merkava: Live until death… Very beast-like indeed. Maybe my humanity has already left me ages ago…

I can only scoff at myself amid the flowing time.

I merge myself with the sea of manifestations, and search the mountains, only to discover that someone has stepped into my domain.

The aroma is fine, and the EXS weak. There is distance between me and the certain someone, so it is hard to tell, but… Could it be an In-birth?

It seems the person has come to hunt me. Interesting…

Merkava: Consuming to live is a sign of a beast. I am a human. I should let my human will try to encounter this other person…

Whether that person will be the next meal depends on the person's reaction and the beast's whim.

That one came here alone… I doubt the person is unwary or came here by chance.

Though the time may be short, it should prove interesting. I should see who this certain someone is…

-----

Londrekia: According to reports, it should be around here…

The mountains are deep and is located away from the city. The base of the mountains is popular for its trekking course. Then there is a place located deeper from there.

The casual trekking course takes a sudden change to that of a mountainous range, which hardly anyone traverses through.

There's rumor of a "violent mysterious lifeform" hiding here. I'm here to hunt… No, find out what it is.

It's expected to be difficult to capture it alive.

My mission is to investigate and report my findings, but that's just a front to my real mission.

The city located at the foot of the mountains is called "Kanzakai." A giant Void was reported appearing there. My true mission as a member of Ritter Schild is to see if that Void lives in these mountains.

Londrekia: It sure doesn't feel like I'm deep in the mountains. What? About a few hours of walking to get here? Just the right amount of exercise, if you ask me.

I hope this helps to tone my body a bit since coming to Japan.

To be honest, I'm not the athletic type, so I'm just trying to hold a strong front.

The Ritter Schild is an organization under the Licht Kreis. We're an organization specializing in surveillance, but our presence within the Licht Kreis is close to none…

Ritter Schild and Licht Kreis… Our organizational structure is pretty complex, so it isn't easy to explain, but I suppose the one word that best describes us would be…

Londrekia: (…"Enemies.")

There are no opponents for us to defeat. We need to somehow make our existence known.

The mission was originally for Licht Kreis, but they simply laughed saying that they didn't want to get bitten by bugs in the mountains, so the mission came to us.

Londrekia: Of course, I'm not sure how true that story is, but in any case, I'm happy it came to us. After all, clearing the mission would be an achievement for Ritter Schild.

It does feel a bit weird in that it's like what wasn't wanted was pushed onto us, but it wouldn't be polite to send the ladies of Licht Kreis into the mountains like this.

According to Licht Kreis's report, the creature is said to appear when the area is at its peak with EXS. That should be sufficient proof that the creature is actually a Void.

If so, I should be able to sense it within the vicinity by now, but… I suppose I need to wait until at least the sun goes down.

Londrekia: At this rate, I'm probably going to have to set camp here for tonight.

If someone finds me camping here, I'm sure they would call the police. As for why the people in this country do that is something I don't understand. People here should just mind their own business…

Londrekia: (I do sense something lurking around here… It's hard to tell, but it feels like it's purposely holding back its EXS… I've never heard of Voids being able to do that.)

(The only ones I know who does that are In-births…)

An area located away from the city… No one around, yet a drift of EXS exists. Something is not right…

Maybe a mid to large size being… Quite intelligent, too. But if whatever it is has intelligence, it would station itself where it can feed readily off of humans in the city. So, why here?

Londrekia: (Could it be possible that this thing learned that, where there are food, there are enemies, and moved away from the city?)

(Or it could be hurt, and made its way here to heal itself. Hm… Bears, maybe, but Voids?)

(In any case, I better keep my guards up. It could be a trap, too. I need to be very careful…)

I don't, by no means, have my guards down. Yet that very thought may prove that my guards are down now. I need to focus… It's important to be self-aware.

I go through bushes and trees leading me to an open area.

It looks like the vestige of EXS around the area came from here.

Londrekia: There could be enemies lurking nearby, but as they say, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." I should rest and search this area thoroughly…

Chapter 2

Merkava: (I see… A male heading this way… Quite young… Interesting…)

(So, he sensed my existence drifting amid the darkness, has he?)

I can tell he is searching and coming towards me akin to that of a dog tracking a smell.

Merkava: A formidable one with a Vessel beyond the norm…

(I doubt he came to hunt for Voids when it is not yet dark. If so, why did he come here?)

(Showing myself would prove meddlesome, yet interesting enough to stave off my boredom.)

No… The meddling is a way to stave off boredom. It took me ages to arrive at that truth.

So, I appear within the evening in the form of the beast… Heh heh heh… Meddlesome… Meddlesome indeed…

Londrekia: It's here… Something is definitely around…

The man places his belonging onto the ground, and grabs hold of his staff, which I doubt is for use in climbing mountains.

It seems he is simply being cautious, and not posed to attack. Do not worry… I am not so uncouth as to strike without warning.

Moving between the rifts of the Night into the human world took a while to do even in this body…

I concentrate the powers of EXS within me…

I imagine a thin membrane in air, which I pull apart to get through.

And now, my way to the human world opens…

Londrekia: Wha--?!

So, he notices already…

I did not take much time to manifest myself. I am fortunate that he was not intending to strike before my existence manifested.

There is some distance between my beastly body and the man. I crouch slightly, so that I am ready for anything.

Londrekia: A human form?! I've never seen a Void so large before! And… it's so visible, even with so little EXS around?!

I stand and raise my arms to show I have no intention of attacking. Will he see it that way?

He raises his staff in preparation to strike.

Hm, then let me try something else.

I let loose a bit of my inner power outside of my body.

I begin to manifest my will…

Merkava: Do not scream, human.

Londrekia: Wh-What?!

The man jumps back quickly hearing my will in the form of a voice.

I suppose this was something truly unusual or of danger to him.

Merkava: The distance you made should be safe for you now. Do not scream, human.

Londrekia: It talks…? A Void…? It can't be!

His eyes are calm, but I can sense he is trying to figure out what is happening here. That alone shows he has gone through much already.

Merkava: Wait… I wish to speak.

Londrekia: S-Speak…? With me? About what?

Despite his stern looks, he seems quite open to suggestion. He also has the capacity to speak with one like me… Fascinating.

I must… try and keep this going.

Merkava: Yes, speak… I was… bored.

Londrekia: What are you saying? Bored? Do Voids have emotions like that?

Perhaps my manifestation is weak. Perhaps my thoughts are not being projected well. It seems my intent is not relaying very well.

No matter. I will get used to this soon.

Merkava: Bored… Yes, bored. Of city, and of humans. I wish to listen. Listen to your story, formidable one.

I raise my arms up again to show I mean no harm.

It also is to quell the young man's aggression towards me. Should he attack, he will be in the wrong of striking one without the will to fight.

Londrekia: Ritter Schild has no intention of getting friendly with Voids… That is likewise so with me!

The man grasps his staff stronger with a murderous intent in mind.

Londrekia: Yet, attacking when the opponent lacks the will to fight will brand me evil. I suppose I can speak with you for now…

He holds his staff down and loosens his stance.

Londrekia: I am also interested in hearing what a Void has to say. Such an experience should prove helpful in our mission.

Merkava: Wise decision, young one.

Londrekia: Do not be mistaken, Void… Take one wrong move and I will seal you forever in a coffin with my power.

The man waves his staff. The air becomes clear. The temperature dropped?

Freezing cold… Manifestation of ice. Ah, that must be his power. Though I lack insight into his abilities, I suppose it will do me well to act in compliance…

Merkava: How fearsome… I should be careful that does not happen.

We then talk, coming to two promises to be upheld.

First, neither of us will move any closer to each other from our current distance.

"Coming close could mean one will attack." How worrisome… I see no issue here.

My arms cannot reach him from here, but the same could be said to him.

Second, to keep what happens here secret once we finish our conversation. Perhaps our meeting proves troublesome to him.

There is no force binding me to retention of secrets, but I suppose his containment of my existence within him is of benefit to me as well.

Voids speaking the human language is apparently quite unique. I would prefer not having humans flocking to me.

Merkava: Very well… I will agree to your proposition.

Londrekia: I'm glad you agree. I do have a position I need to maintain within my organization. Even if it isn't binding, the fact that we made a promise is important to me.

He shrewdly lets out a bold smile at me.

Londrekia: Then it's a promise. No fighting here. Only an exchange of words. All information here will be kept to ourselves. We may have seen each other, but we didn't talk. Agreed?

Merkava: Agreed. I will swear to you with the human soul within this body of a beast.

Londrekia: By the way, the name is "Londrekia." You can call me that here. What is… your name?

Merkava: I see… My name… Merkava… Call me by that name… Londrekia.

Londrekia: Merkava? Understood. Where did you get the name from?

Merkava: I do not know. It is etched within my memory. All is shrouded, Londrekia.

I tell him that I do not know how or why I was born. I believe I was a human before, but alas, that is all I know.

Londrekia: Astounding… It would be rude to call you "curious," but there is no other way to describe your existence…

Merkava: That is fine. I have not seen one like me even among Voids. I too am curious, Londrekia.

Now then… Why are you here, Londrekia? You have sensed me here, did you not?

Londrekia: Have you heard of the "Licht Kreis" before? I am a member of Ritter Schild, a group associated with them. My mission is to search these mountains and to rid the source of the rumor around here.

Merkava: I see… Mission from Licht Kreis… Now what, Londrekia? Will you now exterminate me? The promise can be broken by leaving here, and returning again.

Londrekia: I'll figure that out depending on our conversation here… The fact that you can poke fun at the promise we made makes matters difficult for me.

We can't befriend you. But, we are not seeking conflict. Being that we can talk, negotiations are the best option I have.

Merkava: Negotiate with this beast? How unusual.

Londrekia: At first I laughed at the rumor of a talking Void, but now that I'm communicating with you firsthand, you may be the key for us to discover the truth behind the Hollow Night.

Merkava: Heh, heh… How foolish of you, seeker of truth of the Night.

Our conversation continued, most of which was babble.

I have very little to ask. Thus the conversation was mostly centered on queries from Londrekia.

"What are Voids?" "How did your body form?" I have answered them countless times to those who have asked before.

"Can't you live without attacking humans?" I can, and, in all intention, am doing so now. Yet, the will of the beast prevents me from doing so.

"Do Voids have a life cycle or culture?" Foolish question. They are beasts of the darkness. Human forms, as myself, are rare and far few in-between.

"Where does EXS comes from? What do you know about the Night?" I do not know. I am merely a beast close in existence to that of Voids, and a mere puppet made to dance on stage of the one who prepared it.

Londrekia: I see… I guess answers to questions like these aren't easy to come by. By the way, you're fine to falsify your answers or to lie to me. I already have that as a possibility in my mind.

Londrekia also says he is also hiding parts of his conversation as well. Hm… Quite honest you are, Londrekia.

Londrekia: One last question to you… Are you a failed result of someone who sought to be a Re-birth? You mentioned you didn't know how you came to be, but I want to ask this once more.

Merkava: I will repeat myself. I do not know how or why I was born. But, I have considered that as a possibility among my pondering.

Londrekia: I see… It seemed the most likely that you were created after being consumed by EXS and turned into a Void. The difference is that you were able to somehow retain a bit of your humanity in process.

Merkava: That may be true. If so, how foolish of me.

Londrekia: If I can return you back into a human, I would do so, but there is nothing within my grasp to do so. Worse, if the beast inside you attacks my comrades, I will have to exterminate you.

Merkava: Indeed, and this subject should not be pursued, Londrekia.

His human soul is showing compassion… Fool. He will only hurt himself.

Merkava: Let me ask you about occurrences within this area. I have seen Voids consuming and creating a great amount of In-births. Do you know anything about this?

Londrekia: Let me just say that the Ritter Schild has nothing to do with that. Our existence is to prevent such from happening. We are actively searching for a way to stop it.

Merkava: I see. The beast is riled by the Voids and excitement. Quite the bother. You who seek to stop the manifestations, toil and labor well, Londrekia.

Londrekia: I'll do my best, though… I didn't expect a day to come where I would be scolded and cheered by a Void. Comes to show I haven't seen it all yet.

We spoke for as long and as little as 20 minutes.

I have very little to ask. I have very little to answer.

Our talk was more a prattle than a conversation. That is fine as I intended this to only stave my boredom.

Londrekia: Now then, I better leave soon. I'll just let my superiors know that I fought a Void that fit the description, but it ran away. Hopefully that will change the search area.

We don't know each other, and you are our mortal enemy, a Void. If we fight, there is no holding back. You're fine with that, right?

Merkava: Of course, Londrekia. Assume that I do not know what has happened here today.

Londrekia: Merkava… Let me ask you one more thing. If we find a way to make you human again, will you?

Merkava: …

How pathetic… His word strikes me sharply. Human again… It is as if he knew my regret.

Merkava: Perhaps it would interest me. I do not mind death if I could leave this beast's body.

Londrekia: I see… Then let me make a promise to you. If we ever find a way to make you human again, I will personally come for you. You will be with us then. Agreed?

Merkava: How unbelievable. Even if I was to place trust in you, Londrekia, I cannot trust your organization.

Londrekia: That's expected. I also can't ask you to not attack anyone until then. That also means I can't promise that we won't attack you.

If we meet, we're enemies. Like I said before, you are our mortal enemy, a Void. But if there ever is a way to save you, we can talk again then.

We are doing research on EXS, In-births, and the Night. If we can figure them out, we want to use what we know to help people. That is Ritter Schild's goal.

Merkava: Hm… I will cautiously be optimistic of your statement. You do be wary that I do not consume you before you achieve your goal…

Londrekia: Thank you, and… it's time for me to go. I want to go back to civilization before the day ends. Good bye.

Merkava: Wait, Londrekia… Now that our conversation is over, letting you leave without a gift would be quite uncouth.

Londrekia: What do you mean?

Merkava: Let me show you my gratitude for befriending me.

Londrekia: You want to kill me? It's true that our conversation ended, so our promise is now over, but… You want to fight now?

Londrekia jumps far back leaving his belongings on the ground. He holds his staff up ready to battle.

I expected him to act no different.

Merkava: Fight? No… You are quite wrong!

I charge towards him.

Londrekia: Damn it! Are you serious?!

Merkava: Gaaaaaaaaaah!

I know he can avoid me. My target is not you, though…

I grab his belongings and sprint away from the area.

Londrekia: What?!

Merkava: Hahahaha! These must be quite heavy! Be grateful as I will carry these for you!

Londrekia: W-Wait! If you take those I can't get back! Sure I can move faster without them, but…! Damn it! You're playing with me, aren't you?!

Merkava: Gaaaah! It is my way of showing thanks for your haughty lecture to me! I will place these somewhere noticable in the city! Hurry, before someone else retrieves them!

Londrekia: Damn it! What in the world is it thinking?! I can't believe it's mocking me like this!

It makes no sense for me to just watch him get away… I better hurry and go after it!

Wait… That means I need to go down the mountains… How long did it take me to get here again?

Chapter 3

Merkava: Heh, heh… How enjoyable it was looking at his expression.

That was entertaining enough to stave off my boredom.

I can't live in quiet with someone like that prowling the area.

I need to ensure that he will return to the city again. Bringing his belongings here should do, but… What to do now?

It has been a while since I have been here, but this crowd and noise will only awaken the beast.

Look at the EXS, Voids, and rifts around… It would only mean there is a ridiculous amount of In-births as well.

Merkava: (Though the Night is not yet upon the area, I can tell something is direly wrong… I should dispose of whatever is causing this.)

It is quite a bother, but with so many prey lurking the area I know, as fact, that my beast will go on a rampage.

If that happens, many will begin hunting for me.

Rumors of a talking Void is something I would rather avoid. I suppose that would mean my meeting earlier was not for my best.

Merkava: (I can only hope that he will not speak openly of our encounter…)

I have been wandering the city after I placed the belongings. Some time has passed, so he should be back in the city soon. His name… Londrekia, was it?

Merkava: (His actions do interest me… I suppose I can at least greet him as a gesture of grace…)

The thickness of the EXS in the air portents the Night to come. I cannot sense him yet, but I should be able to soon.

If he proves to be meddlesome with his words then so be it. I can simply consume him whole.

Merkava: (It would be a waste to see such a man go, but if he is consumed by me, that was all he was worth. I can then simply move on.)

I hide myself within the EXS flowing from the Night to come. Being a Void will allow me to hide without being found.

But hiding also means that I cannot move freely. At least I can detach myself from the human world while hiding.

I should find him soon as I keep myself amid the sea of manifestations.

I float amid the darkness of the Night, sleeping.

I pray that the beast that is me will not awaken.

An endless darkness shrouds me. I can sense the human world beyond the thickness of the dark.

Boredom…

The beast twitches each time prey is sensed.

This is why I detest being in the city…

I can sense my body flowing with the tide of manifestations.

It seems a hole has opened somewhere to the human world.

It means little to me as I cannot use such a small rift.

I continue to direct my senses towards the human world.

Merkava: (It seems a good number of powerful manifestations have appeared.)

Among them, I can sense a handful within the area. I cannot determine how many, but there are a few for sure.

It should become much clearer once the Night comes…

When that happens, they will probably come hunting for me.

Ah, interesting…

One of them I know…

It must be that one earlier…

Merkava: Ah, finally here…

-----

Londrekia: *Huff* *Huff* F-Finally…

Despite not having much weight on me, and not being that deep in the mountains, running all the way down without any preparations can be extremely tiring.

I can now relate to how some say that going down the mountain is the most tiring.

Londrekia: Damn it… I'm going to have a word with Merkava later…

I begin walking towards the center of the city.

Wait… Where would he put my belongings?

It was then I notice…

Londrekia: The city… What is going on? Who… is it?

I felt someone or something watching me. It's as if someone was monitoring me from within the city.

An eerie EXS was wrapping itself around me. Who… What is doing this?

Londrekia: (I suppose it isn't uncommon to have someone watching a wide area for things. Worrying about it now isn't going to help me, so I better just get moving.)

This expedition was a total disaster… Worse, if I tell Licht Kreis what happened, they'll just brand me as a loser.

(I better not tell anyone about the talking Void… It's only going to make matters worse with people who would go looking for it.)

Where is my stuff anyways…? It said that it would place it somewhere noticeable, but…

I check the train station, park, and even the police station. I walk all over this huge city. Nothing.

Londrekia: (Well, not that there was anything valuable in there… Losing them isn't going to hurt me much.)

As I was thinking of giving up…

…My cell phone rings.

Londrekia: (No name…? Who could it be?)

Given my situation, I better answer it.

Londrekia: Londrekia speaking. Who is…

???: Londrekia! Thank goodness I got through to you.

A girl's voice? Who could it be?

???: My name is Lex. A member of Licht Kreis's intelligence division. Now hold on… Don't hang up, you hear?

I have no intention of hang up. I guess she's just joking knowing our organization's relationship.

Londrekia: Licht Kreis…? Why are you contacting me?

A call from our nemesis, Licht Kreis… I would've been less surprised getting a call from that Void earlier.

Lex: I'll explain a bit more later, but first… We have your belongings with us. You lost it, didn't you?

It's quite dirty, and to be honest, it's a bit of a pain holding onto. We contacted Ritter Schild, but they pretty much frowned at us and told us to contact you.

That's how bad our relationship is with Licht Kreis… I keep telling them to act like adults, but…

Londrekia: I see… I'm sorry you had to go through that.

Lex: You have the time now, right? I'd like to have someone take this to you, but are you available?

Londrekia: Understood. I'm near the train station now. Where are you?

My belongings were pretty heavy, and the person is a girl, so I ask her where she is, and decide to meet near there.

Lex: Understood. I'll be heading out shortly.

-----

I arrive near where we're supposed to meet.

I can see the park in front of me already.

Lex, was it? I heard she was an expert in conducting recon for the Licht Kreis.

Compared to the Executors like Orie Valadier, she doesn't stand out like them, but she's known for her knowledge in computer science as a former engineer.

She was near the park, so we decided to meet there.

As I get closer I notice her standing with my belongings beside her. She's quite small in stature, so my belongings look that much bigger.

It's good that we decided to meet here. At least she didn't have to travel too far to meet me.

I can tell she's busily checking her note pad and her tablet. Maybe she's doing her work, or studying something.

Londrekia: Hello there! Sorry I'm late. Thanks for bringing all this here.

I believe this is the first time we've met. The name is Londrekia Wright. I'm a member of the Ritter Schild. Pleased to meet you.

Lex: Ah, so you're the on everyone's talking about. My name is Lex. I'm currently acting as the liaise for Licht Kreis.

Londrekia: I've heard about you, too. It's an honor to meet you.

Lex: I think that's enough formalities for now. First, here…

Londrekia: Thank you. I was looking for them.

She hands me my heavy sack. Whew, finally… That Void caused enough trouble for today.

Lex: How in the world did you lose all that? Did you leave it in the train?

Londrekia: Well, it's a long story, but… A weird crow sort of took it away. It's stupid, so I'd rather forget what happened…

Lex: Crow? Ah, that "crow." It must have been quite huge. Let's just leave it at that then.

She smirks. I think she figured out it had something to do with Voids.

Londrekia: Wait… Where did you get this anyways?

Lex: I'm not sure. It was sent to Licht Kreis. We checked inside to determine who it belonged to.

Lex jokingly says how they thought it was a bomb. I'm so sorry for the trouble caused by that Void…

Londrekia: Ah, I see… Why did it go to Licht Kreis?

(Did Merkava physically take it to the Licht Kreis branch office? That's amazingly daring, considering what would happen if they found it…)

Lex: That Ritter Schild emblem is similar to Licht Kreis's one, and the designer is the same. Maybe whoever that brought it to us thought it belonged to us.

Londrekia: I… suppose so. In any case, many thanks.

Lex: Hm? What's with that look on your face? You seem quite relieved.

Londrekia: N-N-Nothing! Nothing at all. Th-Thank you…

Even if Merkava didn't show itself, it can leave a strong vestige of EXS in its wake. I'm just relieved they didn't sense him through that.

Lex: No need to thank me. I'm simply a port to our headquarters.

Londrekia: Um, do you mind I ask you something?

I need to avoid talking about this more than needed…

Londrekia: I've been sensing a very strong presence around here. Does it have anything to do with you, Lex?

The strange sense of someone watching me since I got to the city isn't going away, not in a bit. Maybe she has something to do with it.

Lex: I have no clue. Unfortunately, I lack the ability to sense EXS like you do.

It doesn't look like she's lying… If that's the case, then it must be "that"…

Londrekia: I've heard about your achievements with what you've created and how you helped our tech staff, among others. So I wanted to just check, even if you don't have the power of EXS.

The weapon I use is what our Ritter Schild tech staff created. Among the weapons made, many utilizes the technology that she created.

Lex: I thought I said we don't need formalities. Let me ask you something in turn. What are you doing in a foreign place like this? You are supposed to be Ritter Schild's "anti-Licht" ace…

Londrekia: That's something I can't answer. In a way, my job is to cause trouble to Licht Kreis. After all, I need to prove that Ritter Schild is of greater prominence than Licht Kreis.

Lex: Ahaha! Trouble? On the contrary, you're making it easier for all of us. In fact, I would gladly become useless if you will do more on your side.

She's dead serious… She must really not want to do work herself.

Londrekia: Now that you brought it up, I find it odd that a specialist like you would be in this part of the neighborhood. Do you mind I ask what you and your comrades are doing stationed here?

Lex: I can't go into details, but… Let's just say we're working to correspond to the manifestations in this land.

Londrekia: I see. Regardless of why you folks are here, my mission of hunting Voids doesn't change. Do you mind letting "her" know that we will soon determine who is greater?

I have no intention of losing, but I am ready to face her anytime she wants.

Lex: Unfortunately, "Void Hunter" left the country…

Londrekia: What?

Lex: She went home. Left.

Londrekia: Whaaaaat?!

Left?! Didn't she just arrive recently?! Why did she come to this country if she's going to leave so quickly?!

Lex: You'll find out soon enough, but to make things simple… She left because she was involved in an accident during her mission here…

Londrekia: Accident? Did she get hurt?

Not at all. I would doubt the Void Hunter would be hurt so easily.

Lex: She… put down a person who turned into a Void…

Londrekia: A person…

A person turns into a Void when they gain EXS beyond what their Vessel can handle. They lose any and all humanity they had…

They take form of a Void with only the human qualities of rage and anger remaining. There is no known way of reversing this process.

In other words, Merkava is similar to this particular state.

I've never seen a person turn into a Void before, but…

Most lose all sanity and can't be communicated with. All that remains is a beast… A beast with intelligence and the vicious elements of humans within them.

Once born, there is no way to stop it. All that can be done is to lop its head off to end its misery…

Londrekia: When did that happen? The only major incident I can think of is with Amnesia. Does that have something to do with it?

Lex: Exactly.

Months ago there was a major clash between two major groups around the area, Amnesia and Bankikai.

I didn't put too much attention to it, since I was assigned elsewhere, but I didn't expect that to have caused so much trouble.

Londrekia: She had no other choice if the person turned into a Void. I'm sure she determined that was the best action to take to prevent further casualties.

Lex: Of course she had no choice. What didn't work well with her is that recently we've been thinking of penalizing those who kill such human turned Voids. Her timing couldn't have been worse.

So she was red-carded during her penalty phase… I can't blame the superiors for calling her back.

Londrekia: I see… How unfortunate.

There's very little meaning for me to stay here if Void Hunter is gone…

Lex: She won't be dismissed from the organization. I'm sure she will be back soon. She is, after all, Licht Kreis's ace. We don't have the luxury of not having her on duty, and we do need her to mature.

I'm guessing you were planning on one-upping Void Hunter so that you could let Ritter Schild claim superiority over us, but too bad that's not possible now.

Londrekia: Hahaha! I suppose that's something I should have considered, but that isn't my real objective.

Lex: Wait… Don't tell me you were seriously thinking of facing her. Objectively speaking, I doubt you stand a chance.

Londrekia: Strictly speaking of battle prowess, I'm far from where she's at. That doesn't mean I can't fight, though. I'm sure you all know that by now…

Lex: Of course… I can't deny what you said there.

If this was a battle where only fists were your weapons, then her strength is along the lower-upper tier of fighters. She's definitely strong, but not noticeably strong.

Londrekia: What's fearsome about her is her power when she uses EXS. I do have a chance against her so long as I can seal the power that was passed within her family - Divine Helm Aegis and her flames.

I can… No… I shouldn't say more with you around.

Lex: Why hold back? There's rumor of your powers running around already. Still, I can't believe you want to fight her…

True… There's no real need to hold back information. After all, my group has been claiming they would defeat Licht Kreis and Void Hunter.

Lex: Ah, now I get it. You must have been training with how dirty you are.

She smiles at me gently. I'm not good against girls. It gets really weird when a girl smiles at me like this.

Londrekia: Wh-What is it to you? You already know anyway, right?

I shift my eyes away from her and speak like I was angry.

Lex: I'm sorry. I do already know you went into the mountains to search for a giant Void. We did ask for your group to handle it after all.

Londrekia: Mind you, I know we can't have the fine ladies of Licht Kreis go up into the mountains, but it was ridiculous…

Shoot. I just made way into her being able to ask me what happened…

Lex: Did you get results?

Stupid me.

Londrekia: No… No notable results. Even if I had results, I can't share that with you now.

I try to joke about it while trying to avoid lying. Now then, what's her reply?

Lex: Well, thank you for your efforts anyway. No major results is a sign of nothing happening. You returning in one piece is a good thing, too.

That was simple… Does she sense something from me?

Merkava better not be talking with people all over the place…

Lex: In any case, the time will come where we need to settle things. Be sure not to instigate Void Hunter now. Play the cards wrong and she will eliminate you, while making it look like an accident.

Londrekia: I'll be careful. Even if you folks are planning on destroying our group, we don't have any intention of doing likewise. All I want to do is show how good we are. You mind letting Adelheit know?

Lex: Understood. Now then, I'm done here, so now it's time we part ways. It was fun speaking with someone from Ritter Schild.

The weather isn't looking good, so I better leave before it rains.

Weather… She's not saying it in a literal sense.

An unusual manifestation has been prowling this area for awhile now. I can sense its power getting stronger, which means it's planning to do something.

Londrekia: It may not look good, but if it doesn't have the will to fight it should be left alone. May I suggest you leave using a well-lit and busy area?

Lex: Don't worry about me. I am quite skilled at running. I doubt there are many who can catch up to me.

Londrekia: What do you… No… I suppose it's rude to ask now.

I suppose she has some power that can help her movement.

Lex: Good bye. I hope we can fight together soon.

Londrekia: Thank you. If only everyone in Licht Kreis was as open as you.

Lex waves her hand and leaves.

Londrekia: (But…)

(Now that I think about it, most people I meet from Licht Kreis aren't so openly aggressive against us.)

Maybe it's just someone in upper brass that hates us, and is giving orders to Licht Kreis as a group to fight us.

Londrekia: (Or maybe they can put on a fake smile easily when meeting with us, and start to bad talk us as soon as we're gone…)

I begin to chuckle at how real that sounds.

Our hatred against each other has to end one day. Defeating the Void Hunter is my trigger to seeing that happen…

Londrekia: Now then, I should be going. Are you satisfied…?

(…Merkava.)

(I didn't talk about you. I already knew you were monitoring me from afar, testing to see if I would break our promise.)

(No… I suppose you came to warn me not to break the promise, rather than monitoring me. I understand.)

(I won't be going back into the mountains again, too. I don't want to instigate the beast-side of you.)

(I'm guessing you're around here now, so I won't ask you to appear. I don't want anyone to find you. You do understand, don't you?)

(Next time we meet, we will be enemies. You will simply be a Void with immense powers. I can only hope you won't be hunted and destroyed, but I also hope you won't cause casualties to others.)

(Voids are our mortal enemies, and thus we can't be together. Yet, I want to save you with whatever means I have.)

(I'm just not making sense, am I?)

-----

Merkava: Heh heh… What an interesting person. It seems he embraced my greeting.

I understand your will as well. We do not need words. Live as you would and please.

I was going to get rid of you if you spoke of me, but… Yes… You are very interesting…

Your response to the other that you did not find any major results will deter your kind from my abode. I shall now be able to live in quiet as intended.

Humans… So, these odd rifts are they? Why and how are humans meddling in manifestations?

I can sense I am being targeted as one who is considered rare and as one who is considered a source of calamity. I now know there are many who seek my kind.

I will retreat into the mountains for now. But if the manifestiations do not subside…

…I will consume all that are meddling in my realm. Nothing will remain, neither their flesh nor their EXS.

That will prove to be interesting as well. I suppose our boredom can be staved, great beast.

In-births… Those born between the realm of Voids and humans. I suppose my existence is similar to them with the only difference being our affinity.

I have no reason to be here now. I should leave before the Night comes.

Farewell, humans. Farewell, In-births.

Farewell, my preys. Farewell, my offerings.

I will, one day, consume you all…