Margie
*Among the structure, full of people from many different places, arrived a short, stocky feline-esque humanoid with dark, freckled skin and curly, dark blue hair. Despite their youthful appearance, they seemed to be of a time older than this. They also looked strangely relaxed, if not bored, but also tired. Why, I guess that's what traveling completely on foot does to one, I guess. But hey, they seemed like they could go on for miles.*

*As they arrived towards they structure, not a word was said from them. They continued to stand idly by, holding their naginata tightly as they looked among the crowd. Not a soul to be recognized. Expected, but saddening it was for them.*

*The traveling hunter felt the need to start up a conversation. It felt polite, but felt a bit uneeded, and possibly impolite to some. Perhaps they could ask a simple question later (or now, whatever works) but they felt nervous. Hell, the thought of even LOOKING at someone overwhelmed them. So yeah, they're laying low for now. But their need to speak still remained from within...*
Philip
As the bandit continued walking backwards, he noticed two more people approach the group - A man with snow-white hair akin to Jack Frost. For some reason, the goat felt like he *Shouuullld* Know who this is, but he digressed, moving onto the feline-like smell that permated the air. He raised his eyebrow, thinking for a moment that it might be the return of Tabby but is instead met with the sight of a... *``'Aagghhh, what do they call it? Izzat a fuckinnnnn'.............. NEKOMIMI???'``* ... Truly an anime rotted mind - Which, could also appreciate the naginata weapon held tightly along their side. Compared to Astral though, they didn't seem all too outgoing.

```fix
"Yeah, I guess y'could say we're mercenaries — Really, it's just whoever this company sees as useful to explore this thing. I'm a bandit myself - Kuouo Aiche Dee, y'mighta heard of me. Anyways, pretttty sure there's gonna be more of us soon, but y'should prepare yerself. We've already been to the first floor once and as soon as we got there, we got fuckin' ambushed by some knights that we unfortunately had t' kill... With what we did, I'm almost certain there's gonna be somethin' goin' down as soon as we make the transport to the second."```

The bandit warned, making sure there wasn't going to be another incident where someone was killed immediately on landing. He didn't pay too much attention to the bike-riding man's ominous nature, for in a world like this he'd met plenty of others with a stoic, mysterious aura that hid their true selves. Regardless, he'd have to explain what exactly they did during their exploration of the first floor to truely contextualize the danger they could be in during arrival.

```fix
"It's kind of a lot t' explain what exactly we did - But in short, the Vektet izza whole 'nother world built with these 'floors' that are essentially, different large-scale kinda areas. The First Floor is kind of a forested world, with the Exiles Watch being a shoddy village. It was a place where those who committed great sins within the Vektet were 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙙. Those who committed the worst were branded with a root that dug into their fuckin' brains. More or less, I sorta kinda met up with a doctor and made him meet up with an alchemist to cure those branded by the 𝓥𝓮𝓲𝓻𝓸𝓴 root — And our first test subject was a biiiiiig fuckin' dude guarding the way to the second floor. And this root man, lemme tell ya... It's a horrible fuckin' thing - It literally robs ya of yer mind and grows all around you. A special hell, for the ageless people in the Vektet."```

Kuouo took a deep breath, pondering on what to say next.

```fix
"... Well anyways, I cure this guy and he turns out to be someone who was thought to be killed a long time ago — A really important guy who turned out to be while people were exiled and branded in the first place. He was extremely powerful while hindered by the root - I couldn't have imagined fightin' him in his AWAKENED state. His name was Aazkue, the Solar Guardian of the First Floor. He was branded by the root after discoverin' its creation by this Superstructure's Lord — The one they call the 𝑻𝒂𝒂𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒕 𝑬𝒛𝒆𝒓 — and losing a duel to him. Ever since then, people blamed Aazkue for the punishment's existence - But like I said earlier, he was thought t' be long thought dead."```

He re-read everything that transpired next in his mind, the fetching of the doctor, whom Aazkue requested to speak to after *Centuries* Of non-lucidity, the sudden appearence of Aatkei, Kovrot, and 𝓥eitvaazva after said fetching. The *𝑔𝑜𝓁𝒹𝑒𝓃 𝑔𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓂* Of the masked stranger's eyes as he whispered the deaths of the previously mentioned knights befelled by the outsiders. He didn't know why they all showed up, or why the things that things transpired led to the outcome we have now. It just. Happened...

```fix
"I can't really explain the rest, it was all sort of a perfect storm - Almost as if it were planned... But after Aazkue learned about those knights dying, he... He had a powerful, emotionally-driven magical response. I... Well, I think he knew what had to be done for the exiles after a couple of them suddenly showed up outta nowhere. He turned into a fuckin' star. You could jus' feel it resonating within' ya... A star, in a previously sunless sky that broke a bond — a magic one at that — that kept the exiles stuck suffering on the first floor's shitty lifestyle. With that, the entryway t' the second floor was opened - Which is where we're headed now."```
Edward
"Looks you need a certain someone's expertise. If you got a weak stomach, now might be the time to look away. Alright, here we go."

*He gritted his teeth and strained himself, first looking like an idiot. Then, his skin began turning red, steaming coming from his eye balls as he started screaming and grunting in pain. Then, the skin on his head started to peel off, slowly burning away from his skull. Once all his skin and flesh was burnt off, his skull caught aflame. This new person stared down the group with his soulless skeletal eyes.*
Janet
"So, you're the mercanaries here exploring the next floor."
Margie
*The hunter hears your words and. What is a nekomimi, they wonder?*

*Just a few moments later, they turn to hear the fellow speak his words, this story, everything happening. How interesting it all was, yet all so confusing.*

*But as they finish, strangely enough, yet another thing happens.*

*Turning to yet another sound, they're brought to...*

*Uh. Erm.*

*The hunter blinked in response to that... Transformation. Here's the thing: they've seen many things in their life. But that... That was... Something.*

*But... Yes! The question at hand! The hunter finally found the courage and gut to speak up and respond.*

" I, uh... Guess you could say that! But, I must ask, where exactly are we? "
*The hunter speaks up from afar, soon unable to help but ask their long lingering question.*
Carla
The poor Rook still attempts to wean out an answer, "Where are we- oh"

*Oh hey, it is the thief!* The Rook turns his head to his side and waves down at the talking dog, listening intently to his questions despite the use of big words like "Carelessly", and "Vaazva", quickly getting lost in what was being asked before the bandit clarifies that Vaazva is a *Person*. As such, he finds the ability to respond within him, unsure as to if actually divulging this information would get him in trouble later or not. "I was told that the dog—no, cat—" He corrects "Was core-anti'd when I went back home. I was told that The Leader was scared of some six-legged dog or something waking up and she needed to be looked at." He says, hoping to be helpful in any way possible, despite his lackluster description.

"The *Cat*" He says, emphasizing the word carefully so as to show he has grown from his past mistakes already, " Was here to learn more about this Ark and why things are suddenly appearing from other places." He shrugs, "I do not know the details. Also, I heard that the cat saw an Order member, and I am told to not be nice to Order members." He sighs. "But I do not know what he looks like."

Well, that's partially a lie. He *Was* Told, but he simply couldn't visualize anything about Gaige, and promptly forgot anything-and-everything that was said as it was information that got lost on him.

"I am not a mercenary." He replies simply, uttering perhaps the biggest word he has ever said in his life; certainly one that would be a shocker to somebody that had sat and talked with him before. "I am The Rook." Upon uttering his own name, he seems to straighten up a bit and stop slouching — was he really slouching to begin with? — and gives a tiny salute as the group keeps walking, a gesture that had been trained into his very being.

*"I guess y'could say we're mercenaries"* The dog says, causing The Rook to wait patiently and politely for the dog to stop before correcting himself. "Yes I am a mercenary."

Then the goat starts dropping valuable information bombs about Knights. *Those damn Knights and their big, flying dogs.* If The Rook were a lesser man, he would probably say something unsavory mentally, yet he is above that.

"Touch-it easer." He mumbles under his breath, struggling to retain some of the mountain that was just dropped upon him and everyone else.

*Oh, a star...* He perks up. That's something he could understand... He'd need to tell the lady back at camp about this when he returns victorious! She likes stars!

Upon the transformation of the Ghost Rider, The Rook swiftly looks away. *How did he just become into a flaming dog??*
Joe
Out front of the compound's gate was a sleek black 1952 Bentley R Type, inside lay Cumhall, feet on the dash and phone in hand watching the latest episode of *Kenobi* On Disney+, a ping alerted him that it was time but he decided to let the episode finish first. He picked up the helmet from the passenger side, which was on the left as the car had been manufactured in Britain, slipping it on and letting it seal with a satisfying hiss.
The week between the expeditions had been gruelling, waiting patiently wasn't something that Cumhall was very fond of and sitting in the desolate abandoned streets of his former home spying on the perimeter wasn't the most interesting of assignments. 
He stepped out of the Vehicle and approached the forming crowd of mercs.
```diff
- "Nice to see a familiar face" -
```
He smiled behind the blackened steel of the helmet as he passed Kuo once again putting forth a friendly exterior, but looking the new faces up and down, he doubted they would be much help *We handled ourselves.. Well enough last time* He thought, and this time he had come more prepared.
His appearance was much the same, a mix of formal dress and black armour of alloyed metal, ceramic and Kevlar, and a much bulkier cybernetic right arm than before, that made his appearance more lopsided.
This time he wore some sort of pack on his back, made of the same alloyed metal as his arm and armour, its purpose unknown, and he had an additional two guns strapped to his thighs, just like the rifle on his back they were a strange halfway point between a conventional firearm and a sci fi laser gun.
He cracked his knuckles absent mindedly as he strolled into the perimeter camp nonchalantly, not so much as waiting to be invited, after all he had been spying on it all week, he knew exactly where to go.
Marta
Once again Cumhall was joined by a small round recon drone about the size of a head that hovered on a single thruster, it beeped impatiently as Cumhall took his sweet time getting ready and exiting the car whirring around him, it followed into the perimeter but seemed far less interested than before, every inch of the camp had already been scanned and spied on by the drone, it did however take interest in the mercenaries, probing them from afar with censors and energy readers, it beeped in.. Some unknown emotion, Landing on Cumhall's back and settling down.
Karen
*"Please."*

Kirch grumbled silently to herself as she continued through the perimeter with long, slow strides, almost slightly sluggish, if not forcefully pushed forth by her own insistence and hard-worked personality. The whirling combination of her desire to simply get this job done and her desire to get these mercenaries off of her back coalesced, granting her an unhindered determination that would push her beyond even the most damning-of-all-migraines she had ever experienced in her entire life. The faster she got this done with, the faster she could go pop an aspirin. For that alone, she would ensure that the entire ordeal went as smoothly and as swiftly as possible... But by Saint fucking Mary, she wasn't going to be taking *Shit.* 

"Politely refrain from getting your. *Flowers.* Scattered across the facility."

She peered over her shoulder, her eyes in a slight squint as she panned the **Rook,** Dejecting his use of such an extravagant means of entry. Further, she would most-entirely ignore his question, her gaze instead returning front-and-center, toward the looming silhouette of the *Vektet* That dominated the close horizon. *He should've known where they were going, already.* 

On the topic of the flowers... God, did she have a pollen allergy? The *Scent* Of the things were burning her eyes.


—


_ _

Beyond Rook, she'd have little response to the rest of the mercenaries' collective introductions, sparing only a single glance toward the likes of Kuouo, Johnny, Abstral, Cumhall, and... *Mmm, who was that?*

The red-haired woman did a second-take on the one known as *Sachiko.* Per the reports, there was an individual on the last expedition of the *Vektet* — one who had successfully returned from the First Floor — known as 'Tabby', reported to have feline traits. The strange, silent, naginata-wielding individual fit the broad part of the bill, but they seemed to be lacking of the... What was it, *Seven-foot-tall android* To accompany?

*`...Weird. Honestly, I don't know if half of these people were even the ones we hired.`*

With a slight sigh, the woman clasped the bridge of her nose, tilting her head toward the ground and closing her eyes as she continued to wordlessly step forward. There was, truly, no need to make things overcomplicated, here. The likes of their last guide was most critical, down to every last little detail, and was reported even to start an incident with an outsider. Her, however...? 

*`But, honestly. I don't care.`*

Withwhat the white-haired man's most novella introduction was, withwhat the goatlike mercenary's advanced elaboration on topics he wasn't even supposed to be speaking about, per his contract was, withwhat the rich-as-fuck philanthropist drone-slinger nonchalantly barging on in was, withwhat the armored man's flowery-windswept introduction was, and withwhat the now-fucking-on-fire-skeleton-guy even *Was*, the only one of this laborious hodgepodge of mercenaries that Kirch could even vaguely appreciate was the *One who held their damn tongue.*



—


_ _

Finally, after they all (hopefully) followed Kirch for a brief period through the advanced facility at the perimeter of the *Vektet,* She would, finally, make a stop just ahead, but some distance from, the enormous ground-gate of the *Vektet.* Just a few steps to her right was a plastic table — familiar to the likes of Kuouo and Cumhall — and one which held several documents atop it.

"Two of you already signed off, and already know what the whole... Ordeal, is," She spoke, picking up several of the documents, tapping them twice with the back of her hand.

"*Hhh.* Let's make this really simple, okay? Just sign these *Ddda—...* Documents for me. In exchange, you get a *Really cool* Satchel full of *Super convenient* Technology. And a *Translator.* All there is to it."
_ _

Kirch briskly strode toward those of the group who were new to the *Vektet* — namely, **Sachiko, Johnny, Abstral, and the Rook,** Curtly pushing the sheets of paper into each of their chests alongside a pen. Her demeanor seemed to suggest that she didn't even want to bother to wait for them to read the things, as she folded her arms, staring intently at each of them as she awaited for them to sign off. Of course, those who were more attentive, and actually read the documents, would note that the contract they were about to sign was one of **Nondisclosure of the events that occured within the Vektet,** And one that **Forfeited ownership of any objects that they might acquire within its midst.** 

A standard protocol, to be sure, but one that they might find unfavorable — not that it mattered, of course. *If they didn't sign, they weren't getting in.* Simple as that.

Once they (hopefully) all signed off, Kirch would give a slight nod, turning back toward the table at her side. From beneath it, she withdrew six of the satchel-like devices — V.A.R.E.Ts, three in each hand — before approaching again the four, placing each of the devices against their chest in like manner to how she 'handed' them the papers. Out of courtesy (and also out of a desire to not have to explain to them what the hell they even did), she flicked the devices on.

Finally, the woman reached into her jacket pocket, withdrawing a small, spring-loaded container, which she flicked open with a press of a switch. Within the container, sized so to fit comfortably within one's pocket, was an array of contact lenses and earpieces — about a half-dozen in number, arrayed comfortably within the padded interior of the container. Kirch stared down at each of the devices, extending the open container toward the mercenaries.

*"One each. Translator. Put the contact in your left eye, and the earpiece in your left ear.* Should be easy enough."

_ _
With introductions and preparations out of the way, Kirch was most certainly ready to move on to *Actually getting the mercenaries* Into the superstructure. Right. The faster they got this over with, the faster she could relieve the pounding sensation in her head.

"According to protocol, you'll need a... *Guide,* In the *Vektet.* I was assigned to be the fill-in, but—"

In the distance, Kirch spots someone fast in approach, and breathes a sigh of relief.

"...Fortunately, the dedicated guide was able to be recommissioned for the second expedition."
*`Thank God.`*
"I'll let him take over from here."

Kirch nodded, briefly gave a half-hearted thumbs-up, before dissipating in a subtle ***`SWOOSH.`*** A metahuman was she, and one capable of teleportation; she wasn't so eager to show off her abilities as she was to just *Get the fuck out of here.*
Thelma
```cs


A familiar voice. A familiar face. And a familiar appearance, yet clad in unfamiliar garb. The young man known as Alois, the one which both Kuouo and Cumhall had seen to *Perish outright* On the First Floor, emerged into the open space within the perimeter, donning a most embellished garb with accentuated trims — akin to an old, Victorian style in nature — an uncharacteristic, genuine smile on his face as he stepped into the open, evening sun for the first time following *Quite* The wait.

To the new faces — Johnny, Rook, Abstral, and Sachiko — the polite, well-dressed young man gave a wave, stood in a fine, upright stance at a humble height of 153cm. Allowing his pale — unnaturally pale, and as pale as the rest of his visible skin, all as if it had been thoroughly powdered — right hand of red-painted nails to linger at his side, Alois flourished the cascading, embroidered lace of his garb with his left, and leaned his body in a forward bow, greeting the the two whom he was familiar with. Kuouo and Cumhall he distinctly recalled from their meeting no more than a week ago; he was keen in memory, for it was his special suit. Not a single detail would escape from his mind, for such a fault would antithesize his very existence.

```cs
 my unrepresentative lateness. I was only just beginning to tidy myself when I was informed that you were to arrive."

 Well, it seems that Kirch has made you familiar with the technologies you are to use in the midst of the Vektet. Then, with that out of the way..."

 Some of you are familiar, I am Alois — a representative of Odysseus Corporation, and your guide in the Vektet. It's a pleasure to meet you all!"```
_ _

Formalities were intrinsic in Alois' nature, and he had acted once in a similar fashion when he first met Kuouo and Cumhall. This time around, however, he seemed a smidge more enthusiastic. And, further, he did not seem to dismiss the pleasure of his greeting within a single instant, instead allowing his courteous and generally happy mannerisms to persist beyond a single statement. He was, in this iteration, more *Human.* Still, he retained his natural elegance and uprightness in both the way he held himself and in the way that he spoke, his words flowing smoothly, and accompanied by a properly polite bow, no less.

It could've been called comforting, had they not seen him *Perish* Once before.
_ _

```cs
 Hmm..."
 Suppose I should apologise. You must be quite confused."

 Name is Alois. I am an advanced artificial intelligent lifeform currently in service under Odysseus Corporation."
 Such, I possess equal capacity to independently and intelligently think, as does any human. However, unlike humans, I am capable of being recreated upon my untimely expiry. My nature as an artificial lifeform allows me to link my memories to previous iterations of myself, given that the iteration's vessel is recovered."

 Other words, I am not the same Alois you know, but I possess identical thought patterns and memories as him."
 Am deeply sorry for any emotional worries you may have experienced when witnessing me perish on the First Floor. Rest assured, I will not allow myself such a careless mistake twice."

 That said, I suppose it's right for me to say this again — it's a pleasure to meet you two."```

Alois gave a slight grin, following his slightly perturbing elucidation on his semi-immortal nature, and his disclosure of the fact that he was, essentially, a *Clone* Of his former self. Still, as plain, straightforward, and pleasantly as he made it known, even such a weighty statement could be smoothly progressed past, especially when one with Alois' proficiency was leading the conversation.

```cs
 I shan't let this momentum go to waste."
 Should be on our way into the Vektet. Please, if you have any questions, voice them now. If not, we will make entry immediately."```
Janet
*Rider just stared with his soulless eyes, looking into Alois's soul to get a feel who this person is. He doesn't talk much which makes his hellish look all the more intimidating.*
Elizabeth
Abstral followed the group led by the red-haired woman, stopping his stride forward when the woman spoke and handed him a few papers and a pen, quite roughly, he noted. ("Heh, sure don't want to get on *Her* Bad side.", he thought to himself.) He glanced at the papers and the information on them, **Taking notice of the NDA part and the giving up of any objects find within part**, he grumbled at the latter, he was hoping to also explore this structure and take some objects from within to study for himself, but ah, help others first, yourself last, that's what he was here for, after all.



As the device turned on, Abstral was about to see what more it had to offer before the woman speaking again drew his attention away.



As he did so, wincing a bit as he put the contact in, the woman had introduced some other person to them. The newcomer, their guide apparently, seemed to be dressed... Oddly... Yet who was he to criticize?

```"Greetings", he said simply in reply to the wave from the man.```

As the man began to spoke, Abstral took in his words, the "Confusion" Of his death and everything that came with it not a factor to him, obviously. He vaguely took in the man... Or the AI's... Other words.

Abstral didn't have questions, well not any that would be all that relevant to the matter at hand, that is, so he elected to stay silent as he waited for whatever came next.
Margie
*Sachiko was taken aback by the sudden appearance of papers being pushed towards them, but they were quick to recieve them. My, that lady is... Quite the fellow, they thought.*

*They... Didn't exactly know what half of the papers even said and meant here, english was not really their first language. It's one thing to speak it, she's gotten better at that, but the reading part was not too easy. But that's that, I guess, for they signed it off anyhow.* 

*After signing them off, they recieve yet another item, a satchel. It seemed useful enough to them, despite not knowing what certain things were. They weren't even paying much attention to this introduction at hand, for they were too busy trying to understand what the hell was going on at this point in time.*

*And alas, another introduction to another thing, but this time, they understood the purpose for once! I guess. A translator... That would be very much useful!*

*As they finished applying the translator (although confused as to why exactly they had to be used in such a way), they notice yet another voice, another fellow. He seemed much nicer than that other lady over there. Despite their struggle to pay much attention to even more commentary, they felt it would be polite to greet this fine fellow.*

" Hello! "
*Sachiko greeted as politely as they could sound at the moment.*
Carla
The flower petals dissipate into blue glowing light, growing swiftly full until there was absolutely nothing left to suggest they were ever even there. The Rook simply shrugs, as.. Well, he doesn't control the wind, how they descend, or how they disappear. 

The Rook happily follows the woman with no questions asked; even though the one he posed was left un-answered by her. *Maybe she didn't hear me.* He thinks, rather optimistically, posing the same question *Again*. "Where are we going?"

As they reach the table, the lady turns around and starts using really boring words that no one could ever hope to understand, before handing him a piece of paper and pen. Unlike his previous failures at paying attention, he *Does* Actually take the time to read it. Or, *Maybe*, he's *Pretending* To read it. Who knows? Not him, that's for sure. And on that lovely line presented for signatures, he does actually write his name, although...

_ _ 
He raises his hand upon receiving the super cool *Techno-loggy*, "How do I put the contact in without removing my helmet?" He asks sincerely. "I do not like taking off my helmet. How do I put a contact in my eye?" *How do I put any of this on without taking my helmet off in front of all of these peop-where did she go?* And with just as much whiplash as one could receive mentally, a new guide has appeared!

Although still very much confused about how to take his helmet off without anyone seeing him, he attempts a bow back — or, rather, he goes for it before simply resolving into a salute instead as per his nature. He decides to spring the same question onto the noticeably more helpful man. 

"Is there a place where I can put the deck-naw-lodgey on with no one looking? I do not like to be seen without my helmet on..." He asks, a bit lost in how exactly to do this. He *Could* Turn away, but... That would not be sufficient enough, as someone could just swiftly move in front..