2 Chapter 2 Hint

It was supposedly going to be our first "night" in Plaux. But it's a bit different this time, since there are two suns in Plaux it meant that we had to sleep with the sun still out. Time was becoming irrelevant. Though that's something common when we go onto different systems with different sun orientations. According to our mission watches, it was 18 hours in. In the academy, we're trained not to have a camp. That way we could just be ready to jump into action without any need to pack anything. Food for us were these pellets with nutrients infused into them. A wonder of the old world that still remains today.

For every class, we'd have to pack one hand held box that we'd attach to part of our legs. Just one pellet could help starvation away for another day or so depending on the person's survival instincts. Though these provide nutrients, they don't provide any flavor or anything else. That's why it's quite rare for academy students to be as muscular as Terra. It meant that she went through extra training despite the numerous required exercises that magic born are already given. The first shift of sleep was to be given to the healthiest one of the group which meant me.

Terra was injured and shouldn't move for another few hours. Despite magic existing in our generation, healing magic was scarce. Those who were gifted would never be sent on S classes. Since I'm second in command, I've decided that we halt our progress for now. Terra was positioned with Nitra by one of the trees that I've hexed while Nex was on the opposite side. No matter what, I've always wanted to protect my classmates but this was hell as always.

Luckily we've located a grove of trees nearby that had moderate shade for us to rest under. The trees of this planet have grown to such heights that most of the wild life here were living on the branches. Just by being on top of these trees could induce a fear of falling. It's quite the height even for experienced teams or climbers. Though it doesn't beat the height of the cliff edges of Norld. Though despite the staggering heights, it isn't something that I'm worried about. I've hexed the earth on the ground to be soft when activated. If someone were to fall it wouldn't be certain death.

As I moved closer to the trunk of the tree, all I could think of were the numerous classes that we've taken already. Strange how some people just want to forget about all the others like us so easily. The only way I could rest was leaning on the trunk of this enormous tree. Suddenly a strange sound was coming my way. My senses started to sharpen but as soon as they did, Nitra had appeared instead. That strange sound was the whizzing effect that her mini hurricane was producing. She used it to float by me. Her face seemed a bit concerned. I would be too if I had almost caused the demise of a classmate this early into the class. She moved past me then to the second branch next to me. Her expressions were gloomy but still did her best to smile. Nitra sat by the neighboring branch to get some rest as well.

Nitra: I'm sorry about today… I messed up. I want to take full responsibility.

Arc: There's no need to be. Everyone can make mistakes. Just don't ever do it again. This isn't some kind of normal class. It's an S.

Nitra: From the sounds of it, you seem to be quite experienced now..

Arc: That's because that's what we agreed to. Always try to make it seem like nothing is wrong. There's only so much I could hide.

Nitra: Huh? What do you mean?

Arc: Our class in particular. Don't you think it's a bit strange? Our composition? Our mission difficulty? Despite being S it's still terribly hard.

Nitra: I still don't get it.

Arc: Have you ever been in an S class before?

Nitra: This is my first S class. The previous classes I've taken are at least A leveled but never S.

Arc: That's because we're the only class taking them. But this is new. There hadn't been any S missions for a while. Most of the missions we've had are the hardest A ranked ones. But we made an agreement with the dispatchers that we'd always take S classes when we could. That's probably why our rotations are so different from each other.

Nitra: I've only had 16 rotations. We can't be too far apart.

Arc: 15 rotations.

Nitra: That's not so far apart then. Though I can sorta see why you're talking about. But even then, wouldn't you want to have fun?

Arc: I guess.

Nitra: At least try to get something out of your mind. How about we talk about something else? We're going to be here for a while anyway. It's best that I get to know even the second in command.

Arc: Whatever…

Nitra flew close to the neighboring branches then sat closer to me. Her optimistic smile worried me because it wasn't something that I was used to. Compared to the others, she still had this innocence around her that made me want to follow. But it always hits me, she doesn't know what S classes are. There's always a damn catch to these kinds of missions. Forget that, there's always a catch in the missions that we're given. Unlike other squads we're given our classes by the dispatchers. Then again, she's trying her best I reckon. I should do the same. All I could do is try to repress my feelings about what happened earlier.

Nitra: So… Do you remember when it happened to you?

Arc: 10. It was 10 rotations. I think it took longer than the rest because I didn't want to be part of the Academy. I knew what happened to the children who went. That's just what happens when you're part of a big familia.

Nitra: 8 rotations.

Arc: That sounds about the right amount of time for someone to be sent off. Inspection days were always the worst. The tests always made me nervous. But I knew it was only a matter of time..

Nitra: I'm surprised you managed to evade inspection until the 10th rotation. I'm even more surprised that you can remember other children in your own familia.

Arc: I think it was because I had plenty of siblings with friends. They'd sometimes come over to our side of the Platform to play. Though it was quite rare for someone from the Arc family to have a magic born that's strong enough to be sent. I am the 24th.

Nitra: We're not so far different. I'm the 30th. Hey, I know it's against the rules but can you still remember your name?

Arc: Name? Oh you mean before the designations?

Nitra: What else would it be?

Arc: I can't remember anymore. It's been so long since the academy changed it. It's also not in protocol to talk about it. Do you still remember? I would be pretty surprised to hear a name that didn't have a designation.

Nitra: It was Alice. I still remember. If it was one thing I didn't want to forget, it would be my name. There's just something about it that makes me feel special despite designations being special in a way.

Arc: Maybe it's because we're always the ones doing so much dirty work that I don't have time to remember anymore. Though I'm also sure that I chose to forget.

Nitra: How many classes have you been in? You guys feel a lot more confident than me in decisions. It sure does make me feel isolated.

Arc: I could only imagine two possibilities. You're either used to being ordered or you feel that you're not doing enough. Though personally I don't care, as long as you do your work then it should be fine. These classes pile up that you'll eventually feel jaded anyway. Too many… That would be my answer.

Nitra: Sorry, I'm just curious is all. I've never been on these kinds of missions. Compared to my other missions, this one already feels like I'm not going to make it.

Arc: I guess you get used to that feeling. Sometimes, I wished we could take the easier classes. But I wouldn't want anyone else doing this scummy work.

Nitra: How long have you been teammates with those two?

Arc: You talk a lot don't you? I don't want to talk about these kinds of stuff. It's depressing!

Nitra: I'm sorry! I just… it's pretty lonely…

Arc: Argh… My bad. I lost my cool there. It's just hard to talk about classmates. Any mission can be our last mission. Being attached to them will be the death of me. Judging by the way you act, you've never experienced losing a teammate. Or worse a wipe.

Nitra: No… I haven't… Don't want to ever experience it...

Arc: Then please. Just don't bring it up. Just be glad that you weren't talking to Terra about this stuff. She gets really touchy about these kinds of things.

Nitra: I'm sorry…

Arc: Stop that! You don't need to apologize all the time. Just take this seriously! This isn't a game for me. I don't know what kind of missions you've been in but this isn't like those. We don't have second chances. We only have each other.

Nitra: I've been in tough classes too y'know!

Arc: Tough huh? Like what? Kill classes?

Nitra: Yes!

Arc: That's naive of you if you think kill missions are tough. Tell me when they've sent you to classes on the planet Modos where we've had to extract a missing researcher out of the depths of a subterranean ice world. It was so cold that we could barely feel our fingers. They didn't even give us a clue on where to find him just like this mission. They just dropped us in. That class clocked in 3 months on the planet. Or maybe the class where they sent us to uncover plans for a rebellion struggle on the moon of Ekos. Do you know what it's like to see millions of lives clawing for life, only to crush it down right after? A mission that involves killing a target then ending the mission sounds like a cake walk for me.

Nitra: I didn't think… they sent you out on those kinds of classes.

Arc: No! None of you know what the three of us have been through. That's why seeing Terra hurt so early makes me so mad!

I couldn't help feeling the rage inside me swell up that I punched the tree trunk quite hard. It scared off some of the birds hanging on the tree as well as Nitra. Maybe I've grown soft for my team. Everything about this feels like any other mission to be honest. A sense of hopelessness when things just get a bit hard. But that's just how it is for our team. Nitra looked like the guiltiest person in the universe right now and that's exactly how she should feel. This isn't a joke to me!

Nitra: I get it… You don't need to say anything else. I'll pull my own weight. I promise.

Arc: Don't promise me, just do it.

NItra: Despite being so tough on the inside. You must care for them a lot.

Arc: Of course I do. I'd be dead with Terra and Nex. But that goes for you too. I want to make sure you're safe despite the dumb things you say. I still care that much.

Nitra: Geez, just pick a mood already. Hmph!

Nitra had blushed a bit from what I've said but I don't think what I've said was something to be flustered about. It's only natural that I should care for her. She's part of the squad. I sat back down to calm my nerves. It was just too early to be stressing out this bad. I popped in another pellet to start the cycle as well as Nitra. Seemed like she had started to calm down a bit too. Despite the situation, this place did quite feel like some kind of relaxation paradise. A perfect place for a time to enjoy the tropics. Though I wouldn't know what's enjoyable anymore. Maybe in a different time in reality, this would've been the place I would've chosen. What did they call that in the old world again? A "vacation"? Is that what they called it? I wonder if those ideals still work for us. It was a peaceful planet on the surface at least. Organic wood, multicolored birds that didn't have any metallic augmentations, and non synthetic ground. Nothing like anything I've felt before. Not a single metal gear clicking or people scrambling around. A planet devoid of the old world's philosophies and skewed ideals or at least from this side. Looking at Nitra, I could feel her innocence springing out as she played with her magic. It gave me a sense of peace that people like her still exist.

Standing up, I started to trail off around the wilderness. Though it's innocence was far from perfect as the bodies that we left in our wake started to appear. Nitra followed me because she didn't have anything else better to do. The vegetation of the planet was also quite interesting though. Something about it was different compared to the other planets I've been to. Before I knew it, Nitra was already trying to get my attention.

Nitra: Hey, Arc. What are you doing?

Arc: Sorry, I was just spacing out. I just noticed that there was Veras Notrirooms hanging by the trunks of the trees.

Nitra: What's that?

Arc: It's the mushrooms on the trunks of the trees. Though it's more of a parasite to the tree because it's roots are deep into it. Most of these kinds of fungi would be found in massive trees though so they wouldn't mind.

Nitra: Mushrooms?

Arc: Their health benefits are still currently unknown but it's said to help create bonding agents for multiple things. Tighter rops, cables, and even strings.

Nitra: You sure do know a lot of things about plants huh.

Arc: It's not like I wanted to.

Nitra: What do you mean?

Arc: Nothing. Just a distant memory.

Nitra: But do you like plants?

Arc: I don't certainly hate it. But they do have their important uses despite how meaningless they seem in our field. It did help us in Norld.

Nitra: That's a bit surprising.

Arc: There's a vegetation called Ashen Roots. They have the ability to warm you up if you put them on top of your clothes. Kind of like a heat pack.

Nitra: Don't we have thermal training for that?

Arc: We do, but learning these things help. It was surprising to find Ashen roots in an ice dominated planet like Norld. Though they've probably sprung up from the deep trenches and brought up by the spelunkers of the planet. Those roots only grow within a certain temperature and are subjected to changes forcing it to evolve to keep its body heat to remain constant or the species would die.

Nitra: You sure do know a lot more than I thought…

Arc: It wasn't my choice. Someone insisted that I take it.

Nitra: Oh I see. But It became useful huh.

Arc: I guess it does have it's uses.

As I stood back up, I could tell that Nitra was a bit overwhelmed with what I was saying. Or maybe she just clearly wasn't interested at all. I sighed but that was something normal anyway. Most of the squad wouldn't care either or remember anyway. Though her expression sure does remind me of someone so new. However, I knew that she was more experienced in darker stuff. Kill missions can do something to a person that they can never come back from. It makes me wonder why she left those kinds of missions in the first place. With her ability to easily kill someone, she chose to be part of a different series.

Arc: How do you do it?

Nitra: How do I do what?

Arc: You're still peppy and overall so caring. I can just tell from how you rushed in. Nobody in our squad would ever think like that. That must've been the style you're used to. A squad that would rush in for each other.

Nitra: I guess it's because that's what my other classmates would've wanted. But who am I to say what they wanted?

Arc: They said it was going to be fun right? Or at least that's what my siblings would say.

Nitra: I can still remember our faces when we first learned that we could do these amazing things that nobody else in the universe could do. I thought it was like one of those stories of old. That was a big lie.

Arc: Guess we it was.

She wasn't naive enough to not realize the reality that she lived in. Rather she still wanted to believe in her own lie. I don't blame her for wanting to. It would've been easier for her to accept this way than the latter. After getting a better look at her, she must know what's actually happening. She's a killer in the end just like the rest of us. Behind that smile of hers was someone's blood, dreams, and regrets. Every person that we kill for the sake of the Platform, carries to us. I didn't have anything else to say and neither did Nitra. All we could do now was wait.

As the hours had passed, the tropical planet started to cast it's winds. Looking at the view I have right now, I'm glad this was the place we've been assigned to. At least it was dry. Compared to other planets we've been sent on, this was much tamer. Though I've heard that the locals on this planet were something else. It was finally my turn to take a proper rest before suddenly something had activated my snares. An energy spike had been activated a few meters ahead. This was only something I could sense. A hex is like leaving behind a bundle of string. However, unlike any normal string I tell if someone had touched it or activated it.

Arc: Nitra! Wake up!

Nitra: Huh?! I'm up!

Arc: Something activated my snare. Go find Terra and prepare for support. We don't have our front liner so we might have to run.

Nitra: Roger! What are you going to do?

Arc: I'm going to survey who sprang the trap. I won't take any fights. Just stay with Terra and Nex.

Nitra: Adam be with you.

Arc: Adam be with us.

The hex was activated more than 10 meters, that means I should be able to see who it is from a distance. I'm quite positive that it could just be a stray patrol moving about the trees. I've made sure that I didn't stray too far away from the group or my air modded boots would vanish. My legs leapt from branch to branch making sure that my steps were concise. The height of these trees were still dangerous even with air modded boots or softened ground. As I moved farther and farther, I started to notice something on the ground. There were more scrap parts than last time. These things weren't here before. Or were they? The hex trap was now within looking distance but there wasn't anything moving in the area. However, there was something trapped in the trap hole I made. Was it a stray wildlife? It can't be. We aren't in the section with quadrupedal animals.

I knew that it was going to be a risk but I wanted to see what was snared up. I dropped down onto a lower branch to get a better look. To my surprise, it was a metal golem! Actually it wasn't just a golem. It was the Ev3 golem from earlier! How was it moving? I looked closer to see if there was anything strange but there wasn't! It was moving without the help of any other machinery. Except, that shouldn't make any sense because golems need Foxphite as a power source.

There wouldn't be any unless someone brought some. I looked around a bit more just in case someone else was around. After a couple more minutes, there wasn't. My guard probably lowered more than I'd like because I jumped down to it. The hole was deeper than I thought it would be now that I was down here. It would've broken someone's neck. Though that's probably what I hoped for. The golem looked up and blinked? This was an old model too, back before the war. One eye, no exoskeleton armor, and only a skeletal framework. I could easily see it's wiring from all the way up here. Which was a miracle since I added jagged rocks down there, they would've been cut. As it moved, it raised his hand up to me. It waved at me.

Golem: Hi friend!

Arc: What is this?

Golem: It seems that I am stuck. Oh no!

Arc: Okay?

Golem: Oh well.

It even had a voice modification?! That's quite rare even for an ancient model. Now it's just standing there. It didn't seem keen to get out either. Looks like it just decided that it was stuck in there. This golem clearly wasn't going to harm anyone with it being satisfied down there. Though this was also a big waste of snare if I kept him there. I activated my symbol on the bottom of my boot then stomped on the ground. Suddenly a giant earth column kicked the Golem out of the hole. It fell flat on his frontal skeleton then got back up. The golem was at a much taller height than I thought it was. There was so much dust on it that I couldn't even make out what color it was. This thing was just so poor looking that I can't help giving it a bit of a hand. My canteen still had some water on it. I dropped a couple drops on the ground then placed a quick symbol on it. After a couple of glows, the water moved up to the golem to wash him up. I'm not that great at water magic but I know a couple of things. Turns out the golem was colored blue when it was cleaned up. Like some kind of blue overalls color. Guess that fits the description. There weren't any modifications on it that indicated that it was used for something either. Just an empty metal golem.

Golem: Thanks a lot friend!

Arc: I'm not your friend. It would've been a waste of a snare if I kept you in there.

Golem: That's okay! I'll be on my way now! Cool shirt, I wish I had one! Bye now!

Strange golem. With a spring in its step, it makes its way out but turns right around and falls into the hole again. This time I made sure that it was going to leave before going back to the team. After using yet another earth pillar, he raised his hand up.

Golem: High five!

Arc: Huh?

Golem: Maybe next time?

Arc: What's a high five?

Golem: Oh my.

Arc: Actually now that I've thought about it. How are you active? Don't golems need Foxphite to be active. You don't seem to have an external power source either. Peculiar actually.

Golem: I'm not quite sure. From what I can recall, it was dark. Then a red light appeared. All of a sudden I was awake.

Arc: What's your prime directive golem?

Golem: My name is Ev3 and my prime directive is… I don't have one? I'm sorry friend. Would you like to issue one?

Arc: A reset? But that doesn't make any sense either. A reset would've given you your original order. But you currently… Forgot?. Were you perhaps awakened by that giant spider golem?

Ev3: You mean that guardian?

Arc: That's what it was?

Ev3: It's strong, friend.

Arc: I could tell. But if it's a guardian what is it protecting then?

Ev3: Mother! She's my best friend!

Arc: Mother?

Ev3: Oh yes, she's the big boss. Mother protects her children.

Arc: How?

Ev3: Hunters, scrapers, and other combatants of the planet. From what I've recalled from my memory banks, smugglers would come by, then try to take things. Mother was not pleased. Mother hoarded the rest of us in one area but some of us sometimes made our way out.

Arc: That's interesting but that still doesn't explain your activation.

Ev3: I wish I knew that myself, friend!

Arc: Is it possible to talk to Mother?

Ev3: I don't see why not! Lucky days! I have a new friend!

Arc: Can I take my friends with me too? I think they'd wish to see her too.

Ev3: I'm not sure. Mother can be a bit complicated.

Arc: I see, guess this is a solo mission then.

Ev3: Let's go have some fun!

With hop, skip, and a step this Ev3 marched on with an awkward step to a different direction. I'm sorry team but I'll be right back. I need to get some quick information. Maybe I could find a peaceful resolution so Terra wouldn't need to fight. We headed back to where we first came but Ev3 didn't stop. It kept going onwards ignoring where the building was.

Arc: Wait! Isn't this the place you said Mother was?

Ev3: That's not where mother is. This is the graveyard! This where we lay the spare parts of the others. Be careful though. The guardian keeps them safe!

Arc: Then what the heck were you doing down there?!

Ev3: I like to pretend to be furniture sometimes. It keeps the guardian away.

Arc: So that thing is just one of the guardians. So you mean...

Ev3: Yes! And there's more of them within Talos.

Arc: Stop right here Ev3. What's Talos? Isn't this Plaux?

Ev3: Talos is where all of us live! It is a great metal city!

Arc: You guys built a city… But how? I thought every single one of you was deactivated when the war started.

Ev3: My records aren't quite sure. But perhaps the library can help.

Arc: Are there humans down there too?

Ev3: Humans? Is that what you are?

Arc: Yes, Human!

Ev3: No, sorry friend. Just the golem citizens. It's quite nice down there. We have dozens of repair shops filled with scrap and wonderful places too.

Arc: Then who's Mother?

Ev3: My best friend!

Arc: Augh… I mean what's her species? She has to be something. She can't be some kind of sentient computer. Mother is probably Plauxian.

Ev3: Negative. She has zero Plauxian blood.

Arc: Then she's not from here!

Ev3: Yes! She's from a distant planet!

Arc: How?

Ev3: Spaceship!

Arc: From where!? Answer in whole sentences, damn it!

Ev3: My memory is incomplete. I must've been gone for so long… Why not try to find her? She's probably still in Talos.

Arc: She's in Talos?

Ev3: Absolutely friend! Let's go find her! She might have the answers to your questions.

Arc: Would there perhaps be a record on how the people of Talos awakened then?

Ev3: Maybe! I can help you search! There's one place that comes to mind!

Arc: Wait. I really don't think I can come with you if I don't bring my team with me. We promise not to hurt anyone down there.

Ev3: Okay! That's a promise!

Arc: Really? That was easy. Please meet me here in a few hours.

Ev3: Okay! I shall wait here for a few hours!

Arc: Wait, don't you have somewhere to be?

Ev3: Nope!

Arc: So you're just going to stand here till I get back?

Ev3: Absolutely Friend!

Then Ev3 gave me a thumbs up. What a peculiar golem. But that just changes everything. With Ev3 I could help make sure this mission could be a success. Rushing my way back was easier because this time we've finally had a solid hit on where to go. It's a good thing too that we wouldn't have to deal with those deadly guardians. But we have to make sure we don't mess this up, if what Ev3 said was true then we wouldn't just have to deal with one guardian if things go sour.

I made my way back to the camp where Terra and the rest were. Terra was already prepared to fight while the others were right behind her. As I walked into their vision, they stood down. The atmosphere here was starting to get tense as I made my way to them. Terra was still recovering with some makeshift bandages to help her heal.

Terra: What's the situation? Was it just a random patrol or the wildlife?

Arc: It was just an Ev3 unit. It was alive. This is going to be hard to believe but it's alive.

Terra: What?!

Arc: The unit didn't appear to need to be connected to a cell supply nor did it have a Foxphite cell on its fuel bin. That Ev3 unit was completely alive and we might be able to find it's source.

Terra: A scouting mission would suffice.

Arc: We might not need a scouting mission. I know where they're hiding.

Terra: Isn't it the place where that thing was?

Arc: No, the place we were just in was just the tip of the iceberg. There's a whole city hidden under this planet.

Terra: Impossible! If there were any other building structures. Then I would've felt it when I recon'd the area.

Arc: But what if it's much deeper than we think it is?! Golem's don't have it in them to lie about this. And that thing inside was just a guardian. One of the many in their city. This could be a gold mine of information.

Terra: Sounds like there's something else that you've discovered.

Arc: There's someone or something down there that can bring golems to life without the need of Foxphite. The only lead I have currently is something that the Ev3 unit called Mother. Though I'm afraid it might be heavily guarded by guardians.

Terra: There's more… That's a problem then.

Nitra: You're injured enough already Terra. We don't need to burn this place to the ground. What we do need is the schematics of how they're alive. Retrieving that is our first goal.

Terra: Shut it already! I get it! It's just too dangerous to go into an unknown area filled with those behemoths.

Arc: That's why I'm asking you to stand down for now. You need rest above everything else. We can station ourselves close to the entrance of Talos. That way you'll still be able to track us still.

Terra: The way you sound so confident pisses me off sometimes. We're a team and we stay together.

Nitra: I wouldn't want to separate from each other either, Arc.

Arc: Y'all can be so naive sometimes… But are we in agreement that we recon Talos?

Terra: Seconded. Like we have a choice in the matter. This is just part of the class.

Nitra & Nex: Adam be with us.

Arc: We'll leave right now. We have to. If we stay here then we might be seen by something.

Terra: Arc, before anything else. This is a city right? A city filled with living golems?

Arc: I assumed so.

Terra: Then you know our secondary orders from command.

Arc: I know…

Terra: Prepare for class action 0 when we arrive. We have to find those schematics one way or another.

Arc: Adam be with us.

As we walked back to Ev3, all I could hear was the excited talking behind me. They were wondering if this place could be a mechanical wonder. Something about this place caused me to have great anxiety but I had to keep it cool. Terra wouldn't be afraid of this place if she wasn't injured and I shouldn't be either. For all I know, this could also be a trap. My head started to spin a bit because my memories were starting to act up. They don't just erase names but memories as well. The problem with me is that I'm resistant to memory modifications. But I'll never tell anyone that. Not even these guys...