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Warning: You who fear death, yet claim balance should never interact with a being this devilishly handsome.
Evolution comes... Are you ready?
<b>The established governments have long since attempted to discard the ways once known to them, and now this renunciation of the norms has come to fruition. Once a peaceful nation, now torn asunder, Japan has made it perfectly clear the inexorable path that it must travel. Reunification will come, not with niceties, but with blood. The three ravens have cast the die. The chieftains will not decide this war, but the people. Do you dare interfere? Do you pick a side? Will peace return? Do you accept the fate of conflict, or will you rise above? Others will attempt to stop you. Others will attempt to destroy the path to peace. Have you the ability to build it once again? No time for philosophy it seems... You've training to attend.</b>
<i>The fading light of the stars signals the beginning of what promises to be a grueling transition, you've been conscripted. Whatever life you left behind is just that, behind you. The quartermaster sounds his horn, and that is your signal to awaken. The schedule seemed light in the paperwork, the only thing of note was the large time slot allotted to "Evaluation".</i>
<b>Schedule Allocation: Breakfast</b>
<i>You have roughly an hour to finish you breakfast, maybe now is the time to fraternize before you begin today's assignments?</i>
nascita: Statistically Superior to Other Cafe Alternatives
<i>In a fairly unassuming alleyway in the Eastern Country, not even two blocks away from the infamous GYM lies a small cafe. The only indicator that it even is a cafe is the small foldable chalkboard listing off several specials. The tag on the door has recently been flipped from 'Chiuso' to 'Aperto', signalling the grand opening of the very famous and completely well regarded coffee vending establishment. The handsome owner would be seated behind the counter, spending his currently idle time twiddling on his smartphone.</i>
Revolution: Bad Question/Destruction
<b>THE STREETS OF THE EASTERN COUNTRY</b>
<i>It is the first day of the provisional government's operation, and the changes are vast. Gone are the days of lawlessness and freedom. The prime minister has ordered a nationwide curfew in an effort to reduce night crimes, as such, the streets are all but abandoned. Not even the state police are seen patrolling the vacant alleyways and avenues. The only visible source of movement is the aurora beaming at the peak of the wall, a constant reminder that life is not and may never be the same. It is a desolate country. Naturally this is simply a tabloid article found in the trash. In actuality, the Eastern Country is one of the few that has refused to change policy in an effort to 'maintain normalcy'. The only major exception to this is the sweeping tax breaks to fishermen and cargo ship captains that are now vital to the country's survival. Not that this affects any of the citizens that have any agency beyond snarky dialogue. No, this is all a setting, a setting for the stage that won't be used at present. The only thing missing for the show are the actors. The scene is an empty street with a mysterious swirling mass of... nothingness, should that make sense. The spiraling void merely exists, though its purpose is not clear, or known by anyone for that matter. There is only one option for the players, enter the void. There is no promise of victory. There is no promise of defeat. There is no promise of death. There is no promise of life. There is only the void, and the choice to enter.</i>
The Sky Wall: Sky Road
<i>Almost a month has passed since the appearance of the mysterious wall that divides the country, the world even. Life has seemingly returned to normal, the adaptability of humanity being a guiding light to living with this major obstruction. Air travel was deemed unsafe due to the light the wall emits, so naval travel has become the only way to move between the segments of the city. There are whispers of several footpaths to traverse the wall, these paths are colloquially referred to as the Sky Road. One such road is tucked away within a forest on the outskirts of town, unnoticeable were it not for the haggard man stationed outside of it. This road linked the south-eastern country with that of the north. Another rumor circled about the Sky Road... it was used for smuggling goods and personnel between the three governmental segments which the world was now divided into. These smugglers worked for no country, no higher power, other than the dollar value. If this were so, traversing the wall would always deplete the wallets of such adventurers. The cost of renting a boat having risen exponentially, and the smugglers having to set rates at their own discretion.</i>
GYM: A black hole, a cripple, and the queen of Mars walk into a wall
<i>Not too long ago, the world as it is known was split into three by a cataclysmic wall. Buildings caught in its wake were torn in half, and the resulting rubble cleared the remainders of humanity from its base. This didn't stop business as usual for the most part, but the need to survey the damages was certainly a priority to some. One such individual approached the relatively unscathed structure known as GYM. His attire suggested barista, but his posture detracted from his outward appearance. He stood before the front entrance, slightly perplexed.</i>
"The door looks brand new, but the frame and walls around it... Hang on... Did that Kalib guy even give me a key? Better not be locked I guess..."
<i>The man tried the knob, no luck. He even twisted it back and forth rapidly, but the door would not yield. Perhaps another tactic was required?</i>
"I could always run back and tell him everything's A-OK, but I guess I'm sorta intrigued. Maybe one of his BFFs will show up and give me some more deets on him... Hehe, like I need him to have visitors..."
<i>His alternative strategy would have to do. He pulls back his left arm, balling it into a fist. He then simply crouches and checks under the doormat. Bingo.</i>
"Cliche, but who am I to judge? Cliches always give me the <i>key</i> to victory!"
<i>With that atrocity committed, he enters the building, switching on the lights as he did so. GYM was open. At least it appeared that way, in reality it was just not closed.</i>
Back Alley Healings: A Bitter Pill
<i>With a bit of steam based transportation, the pair of the handsome man and the rotund invalid arrive in a white room. The most noticeable thing at present is the stark resemblance to a basic hospital room. The item of curiosity that followed in line was the information displayed on the IV drip. There was your typical vitals, heart rate, blood pressure etc., but there was also an anatomical graph with strange colors focused in the heart, the stomach, and the brain.</i>
"Ah, nothing like the smell of alcohol and plastic... And they wonder why half the people stuck in rooms like this get addicted to drugs... Lucky for me I'm a simple man, and I only need coffee!"
<i>He pours a steaming hot black liquid from a pitcher he had with him. As he lifts it to his lips, he takes time to savor the smell. Evolt then takes a small sip. Not a second passes before his face scrunches up in disgust. He opts to pour the cup down the drain, and leave the room. In a short time he returns with two cans of coffee, of which he opens one. The canned beverage is significantly more palatable, but it lacks the aromatic presence of a fresh brew.</i>
"Hey, buddy! If you can hear me, wake up! If you can't well... be not asleep! Honestly, I've gotten pretty sick of comas..."
<i>Evolt snaps as he raises his voice; simultaneously he pinches Kalib's arm. Nothing too strong, but it should send a good jolt to the pain receptors.</i>
Evolution: Looming Schism
<i>An immense crowd of people has gathered in the middle of Shibuya crossing. They all seem to be focused on the object located in the middle of the street. A small pillar, alien in nature, harbors a strange, metallic box atop its peak.</i>
"What is that...?"
"When d'you think it got there?"
"What kind of asshole puts a box in the middle of the street?"
"Maybe it's a publicity stunt?"
"I dunno, I kind of want to take it though..."
"Didn't you hear? Nobody has been able to move it, and the police have it surrounded."
<i>True to the crowd's word, police have set up a wall of caution tape and patrol cars to block any pedestrian from going near the box. Several men in white coats examine it, while a man in bomb squad equipment is standing at attention.</i>
"They do always make a big deal outta these things..."
<i>A lone man in the crowd seems to be less focused on the box, and more focused on the people around him. He looks around, scanning the streets with a keen eye. He dons a cap with a low brim, and he appears to be smirking.</i>
Back Alley Dealings: 85% of Your Daily Sodium Intake!
<i>A loud popping noise resounds across a newly refurbished factory. No more rust, no more industrial feeling. Now the fridge was in the staff room where it belonged, and the pods are isolated in their own separate quarter, a more reinforced quarter mind you. The door leading outside was now a futuristic sliding door, complete with keypad! The customary piece of paper is absent, but instead a message scrolls across the keypad. '1 knock for subject///2 knock for < <b>REDACTED</b> >. Whatever the case, it's in the same location, same posters, same charmingly mysterious owner.</i>
"Ah, 'sbeen too long since I had some good old fashioned cola!"
<i>Evolt sits at a folding table with a bowl filled with noodles, an electric kettle, and a can of cola. What a feast. He peels the lid of the noodle container, and claps his hands together. He bows his head in reverence to something.</i>
"Thank you for the food!"
<i>After doing so, he breaks a pair of chopsticks apart, and begins to slowly eat the noodles, waiting for someone to come knocking, like usual.</i>
Back Alley Dealings: A Smash Hit on Yelp
<i>With the strange man's phone number in hand and a smartphone in the other, Evolt decides to shoot a quick text his way. Of course, the posters advertising for his test subject job were still littering the city. This time, the sign on the door read "Knock thrice for test subject, Twice for Intro to Agricultural systems". The rusty door seems to have had some of its rust scraped off and polished, since the base now had a more greenish color of fresh paint, but it was nonetheless still rusted toward the fringes. If the mysterious fat guy bothered to pick up his phone, he'd see a text message.</i>
'Thinking of u xoxo. Come over and bring some cola for a quick chat! The cola isn't optional.'
<i>After pocketing his phone and tossing the scrap of paper, the handsomely dressed man takes a seat in his antique chair.</i>
Back Alley Dealings: A Steamy Rendezvouz
<center><b>NOW HIRING
PART TIME TEST SUBJECT
COMPETITIVE SALARY
FLEXIBLE HOURS
APPLY AT THE XXXXXXX BUILDING</b></center>
<i>So the flier says... Or at least one of them, there are quite a few scattered about the place. Paper ads may be out of date, but it gets the job done. The specified locale happens to be a rusted red door located behind an assortment of shops and apartments. The alley leading to it drips with runoff from AC units and a passed rainshower. A rusted old sign screwed to the door has a laminated piece of paper. It has two different sets of instructions listed each in a generic black font. "TEST SUBJECTS KNOCK THREE TIMES FOR ENTRY. DANCE CLASS APPLICANTS KNOCK ONCE.</i>
<b>Such are the options laid forth.</b>
Back Alley Dealings: A Steamy Rendezvouz
<i>The masked man adjusts his position in the chair, leaning forward and resting his chin on his arms, which were stationed on his legs now.</i>
"I guess there's always at least one to waste time by asking questions. Here's a quick rundown: The pod locks, fills with a magic gas, and potentially turns you into a superman. Or in some cases batman. The latter isn't anywhere near as likely. Of course, this procedure proves fatal in cases where the subject is physically ill, weak, or I just don't like them. I'd say you've got a lot working in your favor Mr. Samurai. You've got to be in top physical form after all!"
<i>The man leans back, pointing a finger toward PK, making a gesture resembling a gun firing.</i>
"That is, if you're smart enough to not ask anymore questions!"
Back Alley Dealings: A Steamy Rendezvouz
<i>The figure in red raises the hand not holding the rifle, and snaps. The sound of whirring and a quiet hiss fills the room. Lights flicker to life one by one, illuminating a series of pods hooked into the wall. These pods are a stark contrast to the industrial room, as they are a pristine white. A deep blue light seems to emanate from within each pod.</i>
"Well, since you asked nicely, yeah. I'd say that you have a non-zero chance of dying. So long as you're in acceptable physical condition, you might make it through this!"
<i>Of course, the chair isn't for show, and the red man vaults over the chair and sits with his legs resting his feet on the arm of the chair.</i>
"Now we can go on about the details, but you fellas don't look to be that scientific. If you want to get in on this, choose a pod. Of course if you want an express procedure I'm more than willing to oblige!"
Back Alley Dealings: A Steamy Rendezvouz
<i>Evolt seizes the bottle mid-flight, sighing with drooped shoulders.</i>
"I don't know why you'd think giving the KID the bottle was a wise decision, but I'll leave that at heightened adrenaline lowering brain capacity."
<i>He looks toward Russell, a curious glint piercing his visor. He pats the kid on the shoulder.</i>
"Good work, but your numbers leave something to be desired. 1.8. You'll be a little forgetful of, well my guess is your entire life! Give it a couple days, you'll be right as rain!"
<i>That'd matter if Russell was conscious, that alone would take a few minutes. He mainly said this to keep the weirdo off his case. He'd later inform Russell of his situation, but for now cleaning house was a bit more on the agenda.</i>
"Well, I can't say you weren't helpful, but try to remember who's running this show. One wrong move with this... and he goes right back on his rampage. Rinse. Repeat. Of course, eventually his body'd break down from the exertion and then he'd die. For realsies! So I won't say you aren't welcome, but next time you swing around you might be in his shoes."
Back Alley Dealings: A Steamy Rendezvouz
The red figure claps in a snarky golf clap way. The pod opens, and a small puff of a mysterious gas rolls from within it. As the individuals climb inside their respective pods, the door closes shut on them, and the gas slowly begins filling the capsules.
"I'm glad you folks came to your senses! You know, I like to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, well, by my hand after all!"
Russel would begin to feel a burning pain, first building in the lungs, then as the gas completely submerges him, it feels like a stabbing sensation is flowing throughout the body. PK on the other hand, would find himself breathing clean air. The gas in PK's chamber seems to be only water vapor tinted by the blue light. PK's pod opens, but Russell's remains sealed shut. The gas continues pouring into the pod.
"Oho, Mr. Samurai! Looks like you lucked out, unless you wanted excruciating pain, if so, tough luck! I thought for a joke I'd swap one of the pods for a sauna, but I think the heating element broke in transit. Too bad, I guess..."
Back Alley Dealings: A Steamy Rendezvouz
<i>All the ghost would end up finding is a dank room lit by a solitary hanging light. It careens from side to side as a gust of wind passes through the barren room. As the light swings slowly back into place, it rests upon a pristinely upholstered chair resting on an elevated platform. Aside from that, the room is empty.</i>
"The kind of tests that don't really do much for the dead, or people who can't read signs."
<i>A deep, almost distorted voice rings out across the room, the source seems to have no physical location. Its echo dies down gradually, and inevitably leaves the room in the same state of eerie silence.</i>
"Now try not to get all scary, we've got guests!"
<i>The door makes a clunking sound as it unlocks, and begins to slowly turn open. The stale air smells of rust and dust. The newcomers get a sight of the chair with the dangling light. A mist begins to amass inside of it. As the mist dispelled with a gust of warm summer air, a blast of steam erupted from behind the chair.</i>
"Good to see some people can still read, that's no bonus points to getting hired, but literacy is very valuable these days!"
<i>The steam ceases erupting and a figure in crimson stands in its place. The figure has an industrial theme, with pipes and wires protruding from various points. He holds a strange rifle over his shoulder.</i>
"I am a bit sad nobody's here for the dance lessons though."
Back Alley Dealings: A Steamy Rendezvouz
<i>Evolt stretches his arms and cracks his neck before bothering to answer PK's question. He waggles his finger in disapproval.</i>
"Patience... You'll get your share of cuts, or cutting. Really that all depends on how much of your samurai claims were just talk. Basically that pod is about to pop open, and judging from experience something that wants you to be at least 94% less alive is gonna stroll right out."
<i>He pulls a clear, plastic looking capsule from behind him, and throws it at PK.</i>
"Either you die, or that monster, a Smash, gets taken down a couple notches. If you want the kid inside to die, just hand the bottle back, but I'm operating under the assumption that you'll at least <i>try</i> to play the hero."
<i>Almost with precision timing, Russell's conscious begins to fade, all semblance of self drowning in a deep, black abyss. The boy's only remaining thought is one word. Destroy. A particular desire for the destruction of life, really. His form remains stable until the pod opens with a brief blare of an industrial siren. After that, he takes the shape of a stark white figure adorned with slender blue protrusions.</i>
"Oho, a Needle Smash! Try not to get all too accustomed to having your structural integrity intact!"
<b>Russell's abilities have been augmented to fit the form of the Needle Smash. Those pointy bits aren't for decoration! The arm needles have the ability to extend roughly two feet, mainly for slashing and stabbing. The back needles serve as a protective weapon, mainly to protect against slippery targets.</b>
Nexus: A Realm Reborn
<i>The man looks in the nearest reflective surface, clearly emotionally distraught.</i>
"Is it really that bad? Lucky for me I make a point to tip local only. Damn city boys don't have much goin' for them, eh? You're lucky I'm in a bad mood over someone else, lest I let out some pent up aggression, you feel me? Tell you what... get me some napkins, and I won't make a scene. You city slickers hate scenes, right?"
<i>It seems this man is more open to negotiation now that his haircut has been thoroughly insulted. Perhaps the hat would have been a better choice today...</i>
Nexus: A Realm Reborn
<i>Evolt scoffs after having his jacket assaulted. But feels the added weight to his pocket. Something to consider.</i>
"Ciao! Guess I'll head back..."
<i>He straightens his jacket and wanders off into the city. Checking the piece of paper when he arrives in his area.</i>
Nexus: A Realm Reborn
<i>Evolt takes the napkins and wipes his jacket off. Flapping it to remove any remaining scent of coffee.</i>
"Under normal circumstances, I'd have either killed you or found a new friend given your snide remarks, but I'm a man of my word. You're free to go. Of course, if you want... You can test that terrible luck of yours and come work for me. Hey, if I like you enough, you might not be a test subject either! 'Course, you don't seem to have the mind for it. Seriously, 'diplomatic immunity'? A spastic chimp could've come up with a better excuse."
<i>Surveying his surroundings, Evolt lets out a sigh. Mostly one of annoyance. He whispers under his breath toward Kalib.</i>
"Those other freakshows with you? You one of those tour guides that helps mentally deficient cosplayers roam the street?"
Nexus: A Realm Reborn
<i>A man in a leather jacket, button up shirt, and khakis emerges from a nearby barber. He stops to admire himself in the reflection of the skyscrapers rising around him. From his pocket he pulls what looks to be a candy wrapper, and takes a bite on the chewy item inside.</i>
"Not many good barbers these days... Kiryu always got my style just right, now what do I have to deal with? Fancy city barbers who couldn't find a good haircut if it trimmed their nose hairs with a pair of pliers..."
<i>He takes another bite before storing the wrapper in a nearby trash receptacle. Save the Earth and all.</i>
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