animus_network | 4th Contract

[Hey, here's someone the tower probably hasn't seen in a long time!]

I understand a lot has happened. At the very least, I assume the shadows are gone.

Considering the circumstances, I realize that there might be those who desire more filling meals, yet not be able to cook effectively. I'll be going on a hunt and try to provide some, but I encourage no one eats too much. [And this was coming from assassin pig.] Just to be safe and conserve food. Human beings can survive alone on water for quite some time anyway.

I also wish to know who creates weapons here. Ever since the incident with the "space whale" or however you refer to it, I was able to get my hands on materials from the monsters that swarmed. [And after dealing with the shadow, he needed new, better gear.]

That is all.

[Filtered to Ryoji (AU), Kirika (AU), and Homura (OU)]

I wish to thank you all for your aid back with the shadow. Without it, I may have not only died, but failed to realize the flaws within myself.

[Filtered to Elena (OU)]

I have something that belongs to you. You might be interested in getting back I assume?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Some words didn't connect properly, everything in his mind assuming certain facts. If it was made from a planet's lifestream, hers at least, then his hopes might have been dashed for replicas.]

Is there anyway to duplicate the materia?

[She's silent for a moment, his question forcing her to think a little longer, before nodding.]

There is a way, yes. Our scientists were able to create artificial materia - like this one here. But the process was labeled as top secret, so only those making the materia knew how to do so.

And none of them are here, right?

[Her head shook, blonde bangs brushing against her cheek.]

Unfortunately not. But there is a work-around. You see, when a materia is mastered - which means it is at its strongest - it will duplicate. Granted, the new materia will be much weaker, but it can be strengthened up to a mastered level and duplicate again.

Then how exactly does one "master" them?

By using it over and over and over again in fights. Which, seeing how this Tower behaves, might not be too hard, but it will take some time.

This is beginning to sound like a video game.

[A tedious one too.]

[Her shoulders shrugged, fingers working the materia back into its slot on her firearm.]

It would be a frustrating one, I agree. But thats what makes mastered materia so rare. It takes a long time to get it to that point. But, in the end, it's worth it to have a high level materia.

What about this one? Is it close to being on a master level?

[After 2 hard fights, it had to be, right?]

This one is... [She turns her firearm, barrel always pointing at the floor, eying the materia closely.] a Level 3. Which means that either a few more smaller fights or another bigger one and it should become a Mastered.

Then if it might be a bit much to ask...I would like to have the new Materia, should it appear.

...That is a lot to ask, given how few materia we have here. I'm not apt to just give something away without getting something in return.

Think of it this way: you need more people to focus on multiplying the materia supply. By giving you the mastered ones, it's guaranteed you will have the stronger firepower. And right now, there are a lot of people who can benefit from being able to use this ability.

That aside, what would you wish from me?

You make a valid point. One that I can't argue. The more people who can help grow our supply, the better off we are.

That being said, however, there is one more thing I would require. Your assistance and partnership moving forward. I've learned of a threat to every person here - somebody besides those in control of the Tower. And I need somebody I can trust to help in the case of a dire situation.

Would you be willing to join me, and my team, when necessary?

[That didn't sit well with Hei. Another threat in the tower? That's was always clear, and yet from another recent source as well? Things were not improving. And joining their organization....he didn't even fit well with the heroes at the facility, and they were using masks and he was more dressed for the occasion.]

I'll need more information, regarding who you work for, and this other threat.

[Oh yes. The fact that there were other threats in the tower besides the Admins, that was not sitting comfortably with a lot of people. Hence the need, the desire to create a small group that was both willing and able to come fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves. Or, at the very least, keep those making trouble in check.]

Of course. [Motioning for him to sit, she returned to a seated position as well.] Before I came here, I worked for the ShinRa Electric Company in the Department of Administrative Research. We served as the intelligence agency, engaging in reconnaissance and espionage. Anything ordered of us by our President. Here, though...

Here we're just a group of people who are trying to stay alive. We're watching the Admins and any other individuals that might threaten those withing the Tower. Now, as for the other threat... [And here she grimaces, remembering her last encounter with uncomfortable clarity.]

I'm still collecting intel on him, but here's what I know. He's tall - at least six feet talk. Dark skin with bright orange hair. He looks like a man who would use brawn over brain, but its quite the opposite. Not only that, he can use magic - though what type I'm not entirely sure of. He's smart, eloquent, and very dangerous.

[He listened intently. Of course they were trying to survive. No one group had the real advantage here. Everyone was powerless with more and more threats arising. The situation was hardly different from when they were inside the facility.]

Ganon, right? The one who seemed to have the most information was Princess Zelda, as she is called.

[Disclosing the amount of information she had to a non-Turk felt...a little unusual. Normally such intel was closely guarded, as it could end up being quite useful. But, in a place like this, the sharing of such information was also a way to earn trust.

And the foundation of any friendship - or partnership - was just that. Trust.]

That's the one. [And she scowls a little more at the mention of Zelda.] I'm sure she does. I've yet to meet her, myself, but she's supposedly partnering with one of my companions in keeping an eye on him.

Why is that? [That info was interesting. Naturally, said trust couldn't be put with everyone it seemed.]

No good reason, I suppose. She and I haven't crossed paths and my partner hasn't scheduled a time for us to meet.

[For a good reason, she guessed. Elena had not been quiet about her dislike for Zelda's methods - sending in a single person to act as a mole to watch his movements. Not that it hadn't been normal practice for the Turks, but...this wasn't the Tower. And Ganon was no ordinary man.]

I'm sure our paths will cross eventually. Until that time, I'm having to go off the word of my partner that this Zelda is a friendly.

4th Contract | [Video]

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