GWJGOSNIKNK-A

1

Mujirushi Kaizera

In the quiet suburb of Osaka, under the soft glow of streetlights, Mujirushi found himself immersed in the mundane task of grocery shopping. Clad in a crimson tracksuit, his white hair tousled, and dark blue eyes glazed over, he absentmindedly traversed the aisles, lost in his thoughts. The shopping list his mother had given him floated in his mind. As Mujirushi deposited items into his cart, his detachment continued until he found himself standing in line at the checkout. It was only then that he snapped back to reality, realizing he had forgotten one crucial item; the new charging cable mom wanted. A furrow formed on his forehead, and with a hint of annoyance, he retrieved the missing item and returned to the queue.

The late evening hushed the grocery store, and the line moved swiftly. After the two customers in front of him completed their transactions, Mujirushi mechanically paid for his items. A brief pang of regret hit him as he walked out, realizing he forgot to purchase a bag. Still, he dismissed the idea of retracing his steps and opted to carry the items in his hands. The rhythmic tapping of Mujirushi's footsteps reverberated in the quiet night. Suddenly, a man shaped blur raced past him, causing a momentary startle. Unfazed, he continued walking until the true nature of the situation unfolded. The pursuer, now visible, revealed himself to be a criminal, the glint of a gun chillingly present in his trousers. With a demand for his phone, Mujirushi's instincts kicked in.

Partially refusing to be a victim but partially due to panic, Mujirushi bolted, a gunshot echoing in the stillness. He dodged into the cover of nearby bushes, heart pounding. As he cowered, the air crackled with tension. Then, an indescribable, blinding white light enveloped him forcing him to close his eyes, and the world around him seemed to dissolve into the unknown..

Mujirushi lay still, his eyes squeezed shut against the blinding light which was now fading, unsure of what had just transpired. The seconds ticked by, and in the silence, he contemplated the possibilities—was he dead, or was this some strange twist of fate? Amidst his musings, guilt gnawed at him for neglecting to grab a bag for the groceries he had dropped in the panic. A distant murmur interrupted his thoughts thought.

• "God has the homelessness got so bad that they sleep in the middle of the road now?"

Startled, Mujirushi's eyes shot open to a new environment. Before he could grasp his surroundings, a man materialized before him. A grand mustache adorned his face, and a top hat crowned his head. The man, donned in a black suit with a distinctive "C" pin, confused by Mujirushi's disorientation. As he turned to leave, Mujirushi mustered a shaky "Wait!" that halted the man in his tracks.

• Mujirushi: "Where am I?"

• The man: "You had a deep sleep huh?"

• Mujirushi: "No seriously, where am I? I was in some bushes, and then there was a bang, and some light-"

• The man: "Calm down. If you're seriously that clueless, I don't know how you're still even alive."

He pauses for a second.

• The man: "Unless... Do you happen to come from a foreign country?"

• Mujirushi: "No! Well, maybe. I don't know..."

The man stared in confusion.

• Mujirushi: "C'mon, just tell me where I am!"

• The man: "Fine, fine. You're in Pzhemeborg, a small town in Liberland, 60 km east from the capital."

• Mujirushi: "Liberland, huh? I've never heard of such a place."

• The man, in shock: "Huh? Seriously?"

• Mujirushi: "Yeah, well, do you know where Japan might be or how do I get there?"

• The man: "Hm, well, I think I've heard of such a place. Apparently, it's in Kultokrat's area."

• Mujirushi: "Who?- Nevermind. How do I get there?"

• The man: "Well, since we're in Liberland, there is no public transport here. You're going to have to get a taxi or something. Alternatively, you could come with me. I do happen to plan to go to the capital soon anyway, and if we split the taxi bill, then it will be cheaper for both of us."

• Mujirushi: "Sounds good.."

Carrots Rppltwo

• The man: "Since we're going to be together for the next few hours, might as well introduce myself. I am Carrots Rppltwo, CEO of C Grant."

• Mujirushi: "Wait, if you're a CEO, why do you need a taxi?!"

• Carrots: "I like to be humble."

• Mujirushi: "Ugh... Well, I'm Mujirushi Kaizera."

• Carrots: "I see. Your name does definitely sound foreign, if not archaic even."

• Mujirushi: "You know, that does sound kinda rude."

• Carrots: "Doesn't matter because I didn't mean it to be."

They start walking towards the city center with Carrots leading the way.

• Mujirushi: "That's not how that works."

• Carrots: "Yes, it is. Shut up already. Let me walk quietly."

• Mujirushi: "Ok, fine."

They continued to walk towards the center in silence. After a few minutes they entered the Pzhemeborg city center, and as they stepped out of the alleyway, Mujirushi couldn't help but be awestruck by the unfamiliar surroundings. The architecture, products, and even manners were a stark departure from what he knew, reminiscent of the online videos and posts showcasing European countries or the United States. Meanwhile, Carrots, though slightly embarrassed by Mujirushi's childlike awe, kept a composed silence. He fought the urge to comment on Mujirushi's excitement, deciding to maintain a stoic demeanor. The two made their way to the taxi station, where Carrots settled on a bench while Mujirushi continued to explore the area. Carrots couldn't contain his annoyance as Mujirushi's fascination seemed to intensify. Finally, he blurted out, "Can you stop excitedly prancing around like a little girl for God's sake?! You're clearly too old for that stuff now, no?"

• Mujirushi, suddenly halting, apologized, explaining, "I'm sorry. It's just this place is so... exotic?"

• Carrots scoffed, "This is the most boring and unexotic place I can think of. It's a damn taxi station."

• Mujirushi defended himself, "Well, I've never been in one of those before, I think."

• Carrots couldn't resist the opportunity to criticize, "Personally, I don't think you've done anything in your life, judging by the fact I found you on the floor completely unaware of your surroundings." Their conversation was interrupted as a taxi screeched to a halt.

Skeletronius Janitorius, more commonly known as SJ

• SJ greeted Carrots, "Good day, Mr. Rppltwo."

• Carrots, acknowledged, "Yes."

As Carrots entered the car, Mujirushi attempted to follow but was stopped by SJ. Carrots clarified, "Nah, let him in, SJ. He's with me."

• SJ questioned, "You sure?"

• Carrots snapped, "Are you stupid or something? If I say something, I mean it."

SJ nodded, and Mujirushi entered the car. The taxi pulled away, and Mujirushi, impressed, remarked, "Do all taxi drivers follow orders like that? Amazing customer support, honestly."

• Carrots couldn't resist a jab, "I'm so lucky that you're stupid."

• Confused, Mujirushi questioned, "What?"

• Carrots dismissed him, "Nothing," sticking his tongue out mockingly.

As they drove in silence, Mujirushi's worry became palpable. Carrots, sensing something was amiss, debated asking what was wrong but ultimately chose not to. Assuming Mujirushi's concern was about accommodation, Carrots decided to let the matter rest. With Mujirushi lost in thought about explaining his sudden absence to his mother once he returns to Japan, Carrots kept quiet. After 35 minutes of driving, the taxi came to a stop.

• SJ announced, "We are here. The Liberland capital."

The Liberland capital stretched before them, a dazzling spectacle of towering skyscrapers that reached into the evening sky. As the city lights began to shimmer with the onset of dusk, Carrots and Mujirushi exited the taxi, which promptly continued on its way without them. Carrots anticipated Mujirushi's admiration for the prestigious capital, but to his surprise, Mujirushi seemed less impressed, his worry about getting home and the city's resemblance to Osaka overshadowing any awe.

• Carrots, bewildered, exclaimed, "How were you in awe about some ugly small town, but then seem completely uninterested in the most developed city in this region?!?"

• Mujirushi responded calmly, "Well, this city just... it's very similar to my home city. There are many big glowing cities like this in Japan."

• Carrots, sweating at the thought of FPCBA's development, stood in shocked silence. He muttered to himself, "Maybe laissez-faire doesn't wor—" before cutting himself off, "he must be a propagandist, I WILL get him back to FPCBA and then blackmail Kultokrat into giving me money."

• Mujirushi, not fully hearing Carrots, asked, "Huh? What are you murmuring about now? I'm not saying it's ugly or anything."

• Carrots chose to ignore his theory for the time being, saying, "Whatever, let's just get something to eat. I'm starving!"

• Mujirushi agreed, "Uh, sure, but in terms of currency, I don't think mine is compatible with this place," taking out some yen.

• Carrots, puzzled, asked, "What in the world is that? Some collector's coins? They don't look like the FPCBA Zloty."

• "Well, I guess I'll pay then. You'll just pay for me next time," Carrots suggested.

• Mujirushi, reluctantly, agreed, "Uh, sure."

They walked to Taco Gong, Carrots' favorite place, where they ate and talked for about an hour. After leaving the restaurant, they stood outside.

• Mujirushi declared, "Well, time to get to Japan now!"

• Carrots, taken aback, exclaimed, "What? You know that's like a couple of hours' drive. I don't have enough energy for that."

• Mujirushi responded, "Well, you don't need to come, I guess."

• Carrots, thinking about the missed blackmail opportunity, asked, "How in the world are you gonna get there without me?"

• Mujirushi suggested, "Can't I just take some taxi? I didn't see you pay for your taxi."

• Carrots, flustered, claimed, "Uh... I paid... in advance, yeah, I paid in advance."

• "Oh, well, can you lend me some money?" Mujirushi asked.

• Carrots adamantly refused, "Hell no!"

• Mujirushi pointed out, "I thought you were trying to be humble?"

• Carrots snapped, "Shut up! I don't care about that! It's about the blackm— I mean, I want to come with you," forcing a fake smile.

• Mujirushi, unaware of Carrots' internal struggle, said, "Oh, well, I don't have anywhere to stay if I am to stay."

• Carrots, dismissive, replied, "Oh, well, that's fine, I guess. Just buy me a whiskey in the future or something."

• Mujirushi asked, "You sure?"

• Carrots, with another forced smile, affirmed, "Yes."

They walked to the hotel, where Carrots spoke to the receptionist.

• Carrots asked, "How much is a room for one night? A small one is fine, it's just gonna be one guy."

• The receptionist replied, "Like, hm, 560 dollars."

• Carrots, seemingly unfazed, accepted, "I suppose that's doable."

• "Room 240 is yours then," the receptionist declared, handing the key to Carrots.

• Carrots passed the key to Mujirushi, saying, "It's two whiskeys now."

• Mujirushi, somewhat nervously, responded, "Haha, thanks."

• Carrots instructed, "Tomorrow at like 2 pm, meet me at the entrance. Before then, do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't cost me, Goddamit."

• Mujirushi agreed, "Alright, thank you once again."

They separated, and Carrots left the hotel. Mujirushi headed upstairs to the second floor, took off his shoes, and immediately jumped onto the bed on his back. Staring at the ceiling, he pondered the events of the day, wondering how he ended up in this strange place, his working theory being that he must of been transported by that guy who wanted to steal his phone, since he didn't have his phone with him ever since waking up. Eventually, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, determined to find his way back home as soon as possible.

2

Mujirushi slowly opened his eyes after a good night's sleep, still feeling a bit disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. As he sat up, he noticed a piece of paper and some money on the bedside stand. The note read:
"I just realized that 2 pm is a little late, and you're probably gonna wake up way before that. So, here is some money if you're planning to buy something, or more importantly, eat something."
Mujirushi, relieved to have some sustenance, pocketed the money but couldn't shake off the discomfort of someone entering the room while he slept. Ignoring the lingering unease, he took a moment to inspect the room more closely. Yesterday, fatigue had led him to overlook the unique yet somewhat cheap appearance of the place.

• Mujirushi pondered, "Well, if I have to be here by 2 pm, then how much do I have?"

Checking his pockets, he was once again reminded that his phone was missing. Frantically looking around for a clock, he found none.

• Mujirushi decided, "Guess I'll just ask somebody in the city."

He left the room, descended the two flights of stairs, and handed the key back to the receptionist, inquiring, "Thank you. By the way, do you happen to know what time it is?"

• The receptionist suggested, "I don't know, but I could go check the staffroom; there's a clock there. I suggest investing in a watch."

• Mujirushi chuckled, "I wish, but I don't think I have enough money for that."

• After a quick check, the receptionist informed him, "It is currently 9:14 AM, sir."

• Mujirushi sighed in relief, "Huh, so I still have some time until 2 pm?"

• The receptionist confirmed, "Indeed."

• Mujirushi thanked her, saying, "Well, thanks for the help. Goodbye."

• The receptionist replied, "You're welcome."

Exiting the hotel, Mujirushi felt a bit disoriented and without a plan. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to turn right and walked down the busy city streets, navigating through the crowded sidewalks. Eventually, he found himself in front of a general grocery store but initially decided to turn away. However, a loud groan from his stomach interrupted his indecision, prompting him to turn back towards the store and enter.
Mujirushi then walked around the store, perusing the aisles with uncertainty about what to get. Normally, he would have a list of items, and his mother would take care of the cooking. The thought of his mother made him feel a bit sad, but he pushed those emotions aside and focused on the task at hand. In the end, he grabbed a pack of chips and a bottle of LiberCola, paid for them, and left the store. He began walking to the right again until he found a quieter area away from the bustling crowds. Exhausted from the pushing and shoving, he sat on the floor in an alleyway.
Finding a moment of calmness, Mujirushi ate his chips while observing the adjacent street. He noticed a surprising number of men in suits passing by and speculated that it might be a commercial center. After finishing his snack, he tossed the empty chip bag and stood up to continue exploring.
As he walked out of the alleyway, there was a sudden explosion, and smoke filled the street. Shocked, Mujirushi stood frozen until a man ran towards him, pinning him down. Initially resisting, Mujirushi soon realized the man wasn't intending harm but trying to get him to take cover. Another explosion followed, and they waited on the ground, eyes closed, for what felt like an eternity.
Once the silence endured for around 20 seconds, Mujirushi assumed the danger had passed. He stood up, and the man followed suit.

Tikket Maister

• The man: "Man, I was really thinking you were gonna be in danger, but it seems the second explosion was further away than the first. Sorry for tackling you like that, dude."

• Mujirushi: "It's fine. My name is Mujirushi."

• Tikket: "My name is Tikket." He proceeded to shake Mujirushi's hand and then pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and put it in his mouth.

• Tikket: "Want one?"

• Mujirushi: "I don't smoke."

• Tikket: "Lame." He put the cigarettes away. "What's the deal with you, anyway? A bomb went off, and all you do is stand there like an idiot?"

• Mujirushi: "I—I was just spaced out, I guess."

• Tikket: "Jeez, enough to ignore a bomb? Must be something major on your mind, then."

• Mujirushi: "I guess so. I just wanna go home, but for that, I have to wait till 2 pm, and I don't know what to do till then."

• Tikket: "Hm, I see. Well, I can show you a cool place I frequent around these parts."

• Mujirushi: "I guess that could kill the time. Thanks."

• Tikket: "No problem. Let's get going, then."

They both walked out of the alleyway, past the damage the bomb caused.

• Tikket: "Goddamn terrorists. It must be them Pecebian guys. Still salty we're just better than 'em."

• Mujirushi: "Pecebian guys?"

Tikket raised an eyebrow.

• Tikket: "You're not from around here, are you?"

• Mujirushi: "Nope, I'm from Japan."

• Tikket: "Never heard of that place, must be some small town in Panthonia or something."

• Mujirushi: "No, it's a big place. Made up of a bunch of islands, has a large population, etc."

• Tikket: "Sounds like Neersea, but everyone knows they're just Socnat puppets. No way they don't know about Pecebia."

a moment of akward silence paseed

• Tikket: "Well... I'm not a geography expert or anything, so maybe you should give up on me trying to recognize your place."

• Mujirushi: "I guess so."

• Tikket: "Anyways, Pecebia is the country south of us. Used to be the main country over here until they put draconian purges in place, which caused a mass popular revolt. The country split in half into Pecebia and Hyperfreepecebia. There were like three or four wars, I don't remember anymore. But eventually, Pecebia just stopped being relevant, so they stopped attacking us. We still hate them, and vice versa, though."

• Mujirushi: "Hm, interesting. I see."

Then they walked into a sketchy-looking alleyway, and Mujirushi got a little uncomfortable.

• Mujirushi: "So, is this the place where you hang out?"

• Tikket: "Mhm. Even though the devil's lettuce has been legal since like forever in Liberland, we still do it in sketchy alleyways for the sake of tradition."

• Mujirushi: "That's just stupid."

• Tikket: "Nah, it's smart. It isn't as cool when it feels legal, so we make it feel illegal even though it isn't."

Mujirushi sighed.

Then they were interrupted by Tikket stopping and pointing towards a back door of some building with LED lights saying "Very illegal activities area" above it.

• Tikket: "This is the place!"

They both then entered through the creaky front door. In the dimly lit room, a haze of smoke greeted Mujirushi and Tikket as they stepped inside. The air was thick, and Mujirushi couldn't help but cough, but Tikket, seemingly unaffected, led the way. As Mujirushi's eyes adjusted to the smoky atmosphere, he spotted two figures on a sofa.
A man, sprawled in a blue shirt and torn jeans, lay in a deep slumber with an improvised hoodie pillow. The evidence of his revelry surrounded him in the form of empty beer bottles. His light brown hair and green eyes spoke of a night well spent. On the other side, a girl in a worn-out suit held a cigar, billowing smoke that obscured her features. With green eyes, and blonde hair, she emanated an air of mystery.

Mish cheskyy & Luna Chloro

Approaching the duo, Tikket smacked the sleeping man on the head in an attempt to wake him, but it proved futile. Concern and shock flickered in Tikket and Mujirushi's eyes. Tikket turned to Mujirushi, introducing the duo, "Tikket here on my right is Mish, he is black out drunk right now, I think. And on my left is Luna, she is... well, I don't know. I just hope she ain't dead."

• Mujirushi, alarmed, questioned Tikket's uncertain statement, "What do you mean you HOPE?"

• Tikket replied casually, "What do you mean what do I mean? Do you want me to speculate she's not dead or something instead?" Turning to Luna, he added, "Also, Luna, can you open up the window? This smoke is rancid."

• Luna, clearly not sober, agreed with a stumble, "Yeah, sure." She managed to get to a window, opened it, and let some of the smoke escape.

• Tikket then turned the conversation toward Mujirushi, asking, "So, what do you think?"

• Mujirushi, surveying the chaotic scene, replied, "It's... not what I expected, let's just say that."

• Luna chimed in, "Oh, come on, this place is great."

• Mujirushi looked at her with concern, "Yeah, sure..."

• Tikket redirected the conversation, "Anyways, you came here 'cause you're bored, right?"

• Mujirushi confirmed, "Yeah, something like that."

• Tikket offered various vices, "Well, you want beer, whiskey, weed?"

• Mujirushi declined, "No thank you. I guess these sorts of activities aren't for me."

• Tikket scoffed, "You are SO LAME, my God."

• Mujirushi, unfazed, continued, "I still want to ask about things generally, though. Do you know how long it would take to get from here to FPCBA?"

• Tikket explained, "Oooh, that's a hard one. Technically, it's not that far from here, but Neugermania is in the way, and they have basically no roads there. Also, closed borders, so you have to go alllll the way around through Centrapolis or by boat. It's not impossible, just annoying."

• "I see," Mujirushi replied.

• "Why would anyone want to go there anyway? It's an authoritarian shithole, and the leader is an alcoholic," Tikket commented.

• Mujirushi pointed out, "But aren't you guys too?"

• "I don't lead a whole autonomous zone, though," Tikket retorted.

• "Hmm, I guess. Still a bit hypocritical, though," Mujirushi observed.

• Tikket dismissed it, "Nuh uh, you're wrong."

• Mujirushi sighed, "Well, do you know what C Grant, the company, does?"

• Tikket revealed, "Oh, Rppltwos thing? It's an arms dealership firm. It builds guns and bombs, then sells them to governments, our own and also foreign ones."

• "Oh, I see," Mujirushi acknowledged.

• "Don't you try starting any revolts, though, kid. I don't want the army in the streets like back in the day of the RC split," Tikket warned.

• "The what?" Mujirushi inquired.

• "Oh, just some stupid political feuds. It's why we have autonomous zones. It's pointless, so don't worry about it," Tikket dismissed.

• Luna, who had been paying attention to the TV, suddenly shouted, "Bomb!"

• Tikket and Mujirushi exclaimed, "HUH?"

• Luna clarified, "Look, there was an explosion on Ire street in the capital!"

• "Oh, that? Jesus, don't worry us like that with just shouting the word bomb, you moron," Tikket scolded Luna.

• "Whatever, man, you're just scared," Luna retorted.

• Thinking it over, Tikket advised Mujirushi, "You should probably abstain from travel, kid."

• Mujirushi questioned, "Huh, what, why?"

• "Well, considering there was, like, an explosion, it would be extremely suspicious for you to bail right after. Plus, the intel agency will be snooping around, trying to find the ones responsible," Tikket explained.

• "But I have to get home!" Mujirushi protested.

• Tikket suggested, "Well, at least avoid Centrapolis, then."

• "I'll do whatever is necessary to get home without trouble," Mujirushi declared.

• Tikket concluded, "Well, have fun with that. Speaking of, it's 1 pm. I think you should get going to whatever you were going to do."

• Mujirushi realized, "Oh, right! I have to go. Thanks for everything!" He rushed to the door, swung it open, and ran out.

• Luna questioned, "Why'd you let him go?"

• Tikket explained, "Seemed like a good kid. Plus, I put our business card in his pocket so he can reconsider buying from us in the future."

• Luna simply responded, "Hm."

As Mujirushi hurried out of the alleyway and back onto the main road, a sudden unease overwhelmed him. Not entirely sure which way he came from, he trusted his instincts and ran towards the right. Spotting the aftermath of the explosion, now filled with firefighters and police, he knew he was going the right way. Ignoring a firefighter's request to stop, he kept running until he reached the hotel entrance.

The hotel lobby is a chaotic scene, with people rushing in and out, talking frantically about the explosion. Mujirushi approaches the receptionist, who seems stressed but still manages a professional demeanor.

• Mujirushi: "Excuse me, is everything ok?"

• Receptionist: "Yes. It seems there was an incident on Ire street. Emergency services are handling it. Are you a guest here?"

• Mujirushi: "Yes, I stayed here last night. I just wanted to know if it's safe to leave."

• Receptionist: "It should be fine, but please be cautious. If you're planning to go out, stay away from the affected area."

Mujirushi nods, feeling a bit uneasy. He heads towards the exit but stops when he hears a familiar voice.

• Carrots: "Hey! Where are you running off to? You know you owe me two whiskeys and some money even if you don't need my taxi."

• Mujirushi: "Carrots! I was just about to head out. Did you hear about the explosion?"

• Carrots: "Yeah, I bet its those Pecebians. I was actually on my way to meet you. Ready to head to the capital?"

• Mujirushi hesitates for a moment, glancing back at the commotion outside.

• Mujirushi: "I guess so. Let's go."

They leave the hotel and make their way to the taxi station. The city feels tense, and Mujirushi can't shake off the recent events, however he is interrupted by SJ.

• SJ: "Good day Mr. Rppltwo, don't you think this is a strange time to go out of the city? considering the timing of the explosion and all.

• Carrots: "Doesn't matter I'm a big CEO dude so Im not suspicious, now, buckle up. It's going to be a long ride."

Mujirushi and SJ do as instructed, Mujirushi still processing the unexpected turn of events.

• Carrots: "We will just have to avoid big places and stuff"

3

In the dimly lit taxi, Mujirushi found himself surrounded by an air of uncertainty, a future shrouded in mystery. Carrots and SJ, his unconventional companions on this unexpected journey, were like enigmas, and Mujirushi couldn't decipher the paths their destinies would weave.
The hum of the car engine resonated with the rhythm of his contemplative thoughts. Unbeknownst to him, the intricate tapestry of fate was unfurling, each thread contributing to a narrative that Mujirushi could scarcely comprehend. Deep in introspection, he gazed out of the window, the world passing by in a blur, his mind dancing to the melody emanating from the car radio.
The weight of his familial concerns pressed upon him, the worry etched across his face. Yet, the allure of a daydream drew him in, a momentary escape from the harsh reality of the unknown. Slowly, Mujirushi succumbed to the embrace of slumber, leaving Carrots to observe the scene with a watchful eye.
Carrots, sensing an unspoken turmoil within Mujirushi, pondered over the complexity of the situation. However, choosing not to disturb the tranquility of the sleeping passenger, he turned to SJ for a brief exchange.

• Carrots: "Hey, SJ, so what's your take on the kid?"

• SJ: "I don't know him and so I don't have any opinions, you know I'm only giving him the privilege of being transported by me because you have instructed me to"

• Carrots: "Damn, Cold as always."

• Carrots: "I feel like he could get us a lot of money, that's why I'm helping him. Its not personal or anything"

• SJ: "And you call me cold, sir."

• Carrots: "hm, well I guess it was sort of hypocritical..."

Meanwhile, Mujirushi continued to slumber peacefully, oblivious to the discourse between his companions. As the taxi traversed the rural landscape, a sudden jolt and the blare of a loud song disrupted his restful state, forcing him back to consciousness.

• Mujirushi: "Ack!"

• Carrots: "Good morning, slacker. Good timing."

• Mujirushi: "Why's that?"

• Carrots: "We're approaching the border, and the guards might stop us, especially after the recent bombing in the capital."

• Mujirushi: "Yeah, that makes sense..."

• Carrots: "They won't bother me, being a big CEO guy. Just try not to raise suspicion. You should be fine with me around."

• Mujirushi: "Alright, sounds good."

Peering out of the window, Mujirushi observed a quaint village, its underdeveloped facade a stark contrast to the bustling capital. A pang of empathy struck him, realizing the disparity between urban prosperity and rural struggles. His contemplations shifted as the car left the village, the border checkpoint emerging on the horizon, marking the threshold between Liberland and the Folkish Syndicalist Republic.
As they approached the border in the car, Carrots appeared a bit nervous, though he did his best to hide it. SJ, the ever-expressionless companion, and Mujirushi, determined to overcome any obstacles, shared a sense of anticipation. The vehicle neared the border checkpoint, revealing two distinct coat of arms on the small building. One showcased a white raven on a dark red shield, representing the autonomous zone they were entering. The other featured a yellow shield with a green dollar symbol, symbolizing the autonomous zone they were leaving. Mujirushi briefly pondered these symbols before the car came to a halt at the checkpoint, where a guard named Wendigo Silva awaited.

Wendigo Silva

• Wendigo: "Good day, sir. I'm Wendigo Silva, the local border guard and all."

• SJ: "Good day, sir."

• Wendigo: "So I assume you know about the incident in the capital?"

• SJ: "Yes sir, with me is Mr. Rppltwo and his companion"

• Wendigo: "Hmm, interesting."

Expressing a need to check the trunk, Wendigo received permission from SJ. As he walked past, Mujirushi's gaze briefly intersected with his, sending a shiver down Mujirushi's spine.

• Mujirushi (whispering to Carrots): "Who is that guy?"

• Carrots: "The border guard, dumbass. I don't know everyone in this country; I don't know him specifically."

Wendigo proceeded to check the trunk and then approached the window where Mujirushi sat.

• Wendigo: "Mr. Rppltwo, may I have a moment..."

• Carrots: "Yes, sure."

Wendigo quickly checked Mujirushi's pockets, making him scream out of fear.

• Wendigo: "He seems unarmed, so he's fine."

After the inspection, Carrots and Wendigo went into the small building. The tension lingered for a few minutes before they emerged. The gate lifted, allowing the car to pass.

• Wendigo: "You're good to go. Don't cause any trouble."

As the car sped away, SJ hit the pedal, and Mujirushi couldn't help but ask Carrots about the encounter.

• Mujirushi: "What did he tell you?"

• Carrots: "I don't know why he made it so scary at first, but he just wanted to ask about how my company is doing. Apparently, the FSR is interested in buying stuff."

• Mujirushi: "Oh, I see. It looked much scarier than it ended up being, huh?"

• Carrots: "Yeah, almost like he gets off on people being scared or something."

• Mujirushi: "Well, if he did, then being a border guard makes sense."

• Carrots: "I suppose. I'm just glad everything turned out fine."

After clearing the border checkpoint, the car cruised along the highway, leaving the immediate vicinity behind. Mujirushi, gazing at the landscape and distant villages, couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between this place and Liberland. Unlike the industrialized and heavily exploited land of Liberland, here, nature seemed to reclaim much of its space, with vast empty lands and villages that almost felt like a journey back in time—albeit shattered by the modern amenities like lights, roads, and vehicles.

• SJ: "Uh, sir, we have a problem."

• Carrots, abruptly waking from a post-border checkpoint nap: "Huh, Huh, what is it?"

• SJ: "We're low on fuel. I don't see a gas station now, but we should visit the next one we come across."

• Carrots: "Sure, yeah, do that. Sounds good."

Mujirushi chuckled at Carrots' abrupt awakening.

• Carrots: "Hey, what are you laughing at?"

• Mujirushi: "Just how unaware you were of your surroundings the moment you woke up."

• Carrots: "HEY, you weren't much better when I found you on that street."

• Mujirushi: "Pfft, I know, and I don't care."

• SJ: "I see a gas station. Success."

• Carrots: "Nice, we can fill the car tank and get something to drink."

• Mujirushi: "Oh yeah, I guess I am a bit thirsty."

The car turned right into the gas station, and SJ started pumping gas. Carrots and Mujirushi exited the car.

• Carrots: "So, how low is the tank?"

• SJ: "It's basically completely empty, so you can pay the guy full price for filling a tank minus a few dollars."

• Carrots: "Alright, thinking about it, the currency is different here, isn't it? I need to find an ATM."

Mujirushi spotted one near the entrance of the gas station shop.

• Mujirushi: "Look there."

• Carrots: "Ah, nice."

Carrots and Mujirushi left SJ behind to pump the car and headed toward the gas station shop. Carrots stopped at the ATM while Mujirushi entered the little shop, scanning the drinks aisle and patiently waiting for Carrots.

After a brief transaction, Carrots walked into the store and approached Mujirushi.

• Carrots: "Still not decided on what to get?"

• Mujirushi: "I was just waiting for you. I don't know how much money you withdrew."

• Carrots: "Oh, no need. I have more than enough. Besides, they're all about the same price."

• Mujirushi: "Hmm, okay." Mujirushi then picked out some orange juice while Carrots opted for a Whiskey-cola mix. They headed to the till where a tired man with black hair and brown eyes, wearing the firm's uniform, attended to them. His tag read "Sanchez de Repugnante."

Sanchez de Repugnante

• Carrots: "Good day to you, sir."

• Sanchez: "Hey, is those two drinks all?"

• Carrots: "In terms of products, yeah. But we're also filling up our tank."

• Sanchez: "Mhm, well, how much gas are you taking?"

• Carrots: "Basically the whole thing, minus a few milliliters."

• Sanchez: "Alright, so I'll just count it as 95%."

• Carrots: "Sounds fair."

• Sanchez: "Alright, here is your total."

Carrots paid and left the store, sipping on his whiskey drink. They strolled through the gas station shop, Mujirushi eyeing various snacks. Carrots caught sight of a peculiar-looking energy drink labbeled as a free sample.

• Carrots: "Hey, check this out. 'Folkish Blast' Sounds intense, huh?"

• Mujirushi: "Sure, why not? Grab one."

They headed back to the car, each with their chosen drinks. As they approached, SJ was finishing up with the gas pump.

• Carrots: "How's the filling going?"

• SJ: "Been done for a long while. We should get going then."

They all got into the car, and SJ hit the pedal to move, but the car made a revving noise without budging. SJ tried a few more times.

• SJ: "Oh no... Something must have broken."

• Carrots: "Oh, come on! Our journey is long enough as is!"

• SJ: "Sorry, sir. I will check it out immediately. It must be the engine."

• Mujirushi: "How about we ask the shopkeeper guy to help?"

• Carrots: "Yeah, sure, you do that."

As Mujirushi headed back to the store, Carrots and SJ inspected the car's engine, trying to determine the issue. Inside, Mujirushi approached Sanchez.

• Mujirushi: "Hey, do you know anything about cars? Our car just died."

• Sanchez: "I dabble a bit. Let me take a look."

As Sanchez stepped outside to join Carrots and SJ, the three men found themselves in an unexpected situation, their journey momentarily stalled as they faced the uncertainty of a malfunctioning car.

• Sanchez: "Let me take a look at that engine."

• Carrots: "Yeah please do that, I cannot be stuck in a place like this.."

As Sanchez crouched down, ostensibly examining the engine, he furtively glanced around, making sure nobody was paying too much attention. He quickly switched from the cool demeanor of a gas station worker to someone more clandestine, all the while maintaining a façade of normalcy.

• SJ: "Looks like a loose wire here. It should be a quick fix."

• Sanchez: "Yeah, just give me a moment."

While SJ and Sanchez got to work on the engine, Carrots and Mujirushi, armed with various tools and sticks, goofed around, attempting to contribute in their own way.

• Carrots: "'Ey, pass me the wrench. No, the other one idiot."

• Mujirushi: "This one?"

• Carrots: "Yup!"

As they bumbled through their makeshift assistance, Carrots couldn't help but see a glimmer in Mujirushis eyes, this kid probably wasnt a propagandist afterall, but still, there was something about him. Unconsciously, his mission to profit from this endeavor began to shift into a genuine desire to help, driven by a blossoming friendship.

• Carrots (whispering to Mujirushi): "You know what, if we keep being this lucky with all this suff, we might actuall get to FPCBA in no time."

• Mujirushi: "I guess even a broken car can't stop us."

Meanwhile, SJ and Sanchez managed to fix the engine without much hassle. Sanchez, was growing more and more weary, trying to hide parts of his clothes, for an unknown reason.

• SJ: "There we go. It should run smoothly now."

• Sanchez: "You're good to go. Just be careful out there."

Carrots, Mujirushi, and SJ thanked Sanchez for his help and Sanchez accepted the thanks then quickly hurried back into the gas station.

• Carrots: "You sure know your way around cars huh."

• Sanchez as he is leaving: "Well, you pick up a thing or two working at a place like this."

• Carrots: "We owe you one."

The trio hopped back into the car, the engine now purring like a contented cat. As they drove away from the gas station, the unlikely quartet continued their journey, the road ahead holding uncertainty. Sanchez watched the car disappear into the distance, and as that happened he heard a bang.

• Sanchez: "thank God she fell out now, not before, some people have terrible timing for things"

A dead body of a woman in revealing clothing had fallen onto the floor, bleeding out even more than before.

4

The car hummed along the highway, the rhythmic sound of the engine providing a soothing backdrop to the journey. Carrots, having downed his whiskey earlier, succumbed to the drowsiness, and soon, his rhythmic snores filled the car.
Mujirushi, staring out of the window, initially found himself lost in thoughts about his parents, their worries, and the uncertain path ahead. Eventually, he decided to break the silence and engage SJ in conversation.

• Mujirushi: "Hey, SJ, mind if I ask you something?"

• SJ, keeping his eyes on the road, responded, "Go ahead."

• Mujirushi: "You've been with Carrots for a while, right? What's your story?"

• SJ: "Not much of a story to tell. I've been working with Mr. Rppltwo ever since the RC split."

• Mujirushi: "But, like, what were you doing before? Where are you from?"

• SJ: "Cant say im from anywhere except hyperfreepecebia, I have been around since before the RC split and so had Mr. Rppltwo. As for what I did before, not something I talk about."

• Mujirushi persisted, wanting to know more. "Why are you helping me, then? It can't just be because Carrots told you to."

• SJ's gaze remained fixed on the road. "Mr. Rppltwo is my employer. I do what he says. That's all there is to it."

• Mujirushi: "But there has to be more to it. You could've reported me back in the capital after that bomb incident. Why didn't you?"

• SJ's response was measured. "Reporting isn't my job. My job is to transport. Mr. Rppltwo handles the rest."

• Mujirushi, not satisfied with the vague answers, continued, "But there's got to be a reason you're sticking your neck out for me. What's the deal?"

• SJ, showing a rare hint of emotion, sighed. "Look, kid, I don't get personal. I'm here to do a job. If it weren't for Mr. Rppltwo, I would have reported you. You came out of nowhere and then a bomb went off, you are suspicious."

Mujirushi, understanding the gravity of SJ's words, fell silent. The car continued its journey, the road stretching out ahead. After hours of Akward silence with Carrots waking up half way through, the taxi glided into Borkeria, the capital of the Folkish Syndicalist Republic. Mujirushi took in the surroundings, marveling at the city's elegant architecture and the disciplined demeanor of its inhabitants. Unlike Liberland's bustling capital, Borkeria exuded a calm and organized atmosphere. The streets were well-planned, and everyone seemed to adhere to a code of order.

• Mujirushi: "This place is different. It's so well-organized."

Indeed, the cityscape was a contrast to the chaotic vibrancy he had experienced in Liberland. People dressed in either casual clothing or workers' attire, and the absence of suited businessmen caught Mujirushi's attention.
On the contrary, Carrots remained indifferent to Mujirushi's childlike admiration for Borkeria. This awe, reminiscent of a sentiment he had deemed foolish back in Pzhemeborg, failed to captivate Carrots. While he acknowledged Borkeria's impressive design, he viewed it more as a propaganda city—the primary destination for tourists in the FSR. Carrots, motivated by both the camaraderie he had developed earlier that day and a lingering belief that he could extract future financial gain from Mujirushi, simply desired to press on with their journey.

• Carrots: "Yeah, what else do you expect from a propaganda city, lets just continue going, nothing interests us here."

Mujirushi, torn between his determination to find his home and the allure of Borkeria, hesitated.

• Mujirushi: "There could be something interesting, plus didn't this place want to buy some of the stuff from your company?."

• Carrots: "I guess but I can do that later, I just want to get our thing over with first"

• Carrots: "Every minute we spend here is a minute longer until we reach your home. You want that?."

• Mujirushi: "I'm already in big trouble, a few hours isn't gonna change anyt-"

SJ, usually stoic, interjected with a rare display of emotion – exhaustion.

• SJ: "I hate to admit it, but I'm dead tired. Stopping for the night might not be a bad idea. Plus, outside the city center, street lights are scarce."

Mujirushi seized the opportunity, pleading his case.

• Mujirushi: "See, even SJ thinks it's a good idea. We could all use a break."

Carrots, though reluctantly, considered the points made by Mujirushi and SJ.

• Carrots: "Alright fine, I cant have a driver that's falling asleep in the middle of the road."

As the argument ended Carrots gestured to SJ to stop, then he and Mujirushi both left the car whilst SJ continued to drive the taxi down borkerias streets, in search of a parking spot. They strolled through the streets of Borkeria, guided by the city lights.
As Carrots, Mujirushi wandered through the streets of Borkeria, they stumbled upon an unexpected spectacle – a vibrant parade moving through the city's main thoroughfare. Crismon Flags fluttered, and the air was filled with the sound of cheering and festive music. A sense of celebration permeated the surroundings.
Amidst the crowd, Mujirushi caught a glimpse of a figure on a parade float, standing tall and commanding attention – Iefan Alstud, the Chancellor of the Folkish Syndicalist Republic. His cyan eyes and dark brown hair, tied at the back, gave him an air of authority. Dressed in a crimson uniform with a black beret, Astuld exuded a sense of leadership.

Iefan Alstūd

Carrots, who had been contacted by the border guard earlier that day, recognized the opportunity to address the Chancellor directly.

• Carrots (calling out): "Borker! Borkaaaa!"

However, their attempt to approach the Chancellor was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Messard, a man in a full crimson military uniform with a cap, with brown hair and brown eyes. Despite his intimidating appearance, Messard had an air of narcissism about him.

Messard d'Algérie

• Messard: "Well, well, what do we have here? Lost tourists?"

Carrots, undeterred, tried to assert his position.

• Carrots: "We're not lost. We just wanted to speak with Borker."

• Messard: "Ah, the great General Messard at your service. Trained by the best, you know. However unfortunately Kansler Alstud is busy as of right now."

• Messard: "You seem a bit out of your depth here in general. Not everyone gets the honor of talking to a legendary general like myself."

• Carrots: "Look I know who you are and I think you should know who I am if you are so high up the ranks as you say."

• Messard: "Hm, is that so? Well you cant prove anything to me, so what does it matter what you look like. There are lots of people who look alike"

Carrots then proceeded to dig in his pocket and pull out an ID

• Carrots: "here's proof"

• Messard: "I'm not looking at that"

• Carrots: "WHat?"

• Messard: "I cant be bothered and even if you were the real Rppltwo then I already told you the Kansler is busy"

he scoffs at Carrots and turns away, he is about to walk away but is stopped by Mujirushi who in the meantime managed to pick up one of the crismon flags off the floor and then as Messard was leaving grabbed him by the uniform stopped him from leaving

• Messard: "huh? who dares!" he turns around to face Mujirushi

• Mujirushi: "uh excuse me sir, I'm a really big fan of the Kansler and I am so happy I saw him, but now I'm lost and I don't know where to find accommodation" he said while holding the flag up and putting himself in a defenseless pose on purpose.

• Messard: "oh, uh"

• Messard: "is this kid with you?" he turns to carrots

• Carrots: "sure, you can say that"

• Messard: "Well, if you needed directions you could have asked, but youv'e been nothing more than a bother!"

• Carrots, caching on what Mujirushis plan is: " huh, I guess you just don't know your way around the city. Always being in that closed in administrative circle away from the people has made you loose your touch with the common folk hasn't it"

• Messard: "What, no! I know every corner of this city like the back of my hand"

• Carrots: " You cant prove that"

• Messard: "OH YES I CAN YOU BASTARD, follow me"

• Messard, wanting to prove he was not out of youch, assumed the role of their guide.

• Messard: "Follow me, and I'll show you around. Consider yourselves lucky to have a guide of my caliber."

As they followed Messard through the parade and the bustling streets, Carrots exchanged a knowing look with Mujirushi. They had managed to divert Messard's attention and, in turn, secured an unintentional guide to navigate Borkeria's streets.
Messard, in his haste, led Carrots, Mujirushi, and SJ through the streets of Borkeria like a whirlwind, showcasing various landmarks. He pointed out a grand statue of the Kansler, a museum displaying the rich history of the Folkish Syndicalist Republic, the imposing parliament building, and the bustling shopping district.

• Messard: "You see, this city is a testament to the greatness of our nation, and none of this would stand if it wasn't for my successes in the rebellion against the Pecebians."

• Carrots: "yeah sure whatever, what battle did you even participate in in the war?"

• Messard: "It should be obvious to you! if you don't know you have clearly not passed the patriotic education!"

• Carrots, to himself: "I'm guessing he either forgot or didn't fight at all"

• Messard: "WHAT WAS THAT ?"

• Carrots, dismissing it: "Nothing, sorry, lets just keep going"

As they walked, Mujirushi couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sights around him. The grandeur of the city, coupled with Messard's bombastic commentary, created a unique experience.
After what felt like an hour of enthusiastic narration, they finally arrived at a hotel near the city center. As a gesture of gratitude, they thanked Messard for the impromptu tour.

• Carrots: "Thanks for showing us around, General. You've been most helpful." Carrots said with a fake smile.

Messard, oblivious to the fact that he had been duped, nodded with an air of satisfaction.

• Messard: "It was my pleasure. Now you cant say I don't know the city."

• Carrots: "yeah certainly.."

However, as Carrots, Mujirushi, and SJ who had suddenly showed up seconds ago entered the hotel, Messard's realization dawned upon him. Anger boiled within him, and he stormed off angrily, promising to make them pay for tricking him.
Inside the hotel, Carrots promptly approached the front desk and secured three rooms for the night. With keys in hand, he turned to Mujirushi with a sly grin.

• Carrots: "You owe me three whiskeys now."

• Mujirushi, rolling his eyes: "Fine."

• Mujirushi: "how did SJ even find us though?"

• Carrots, putting his finger in front of his mouth: "Company secret"

Mujirushi really was curious but now he was too tired to pursue further so he just sighed. Weary from the day's journey. Carrots, SJ, and Mujirushi each headed to their respective rooms, eager to get some rest.
Mujirushi entered his room and turned the lights on, in his room, Mujirushi found a mysterious small note on the bed. The note read, "Order #204 complete - Repugnante." Puzzled and intrigued, Mujirushi sniffed the letter, detecting an odd scent. He couldn't fathom the connection between the gas station worker and the hotel.

• Mujirushi (muttering): "How is that gas station guy related to the hotel? what in the world.."

After a moment of contemplation, he decided to discard the note into the bin. As Mujirushi settled into bed, the events of the day lingered in his mind, but fatigue eventually took over, pulling him into the realm of dreams.

5

Mujirushi, deep in restless slumber, found himself tossing and turning in his hotel room. Unbeknownst to him, a subtle draft permeated the room, disturbing his sleep. Stirring, he opened his eyes, the dim light filtering through the curtains revealing the unfamiliar surroundings.
Feeling a bit parched, Mujirushi decided to get a glass of water. He sat up, the haze of sleep still clouding his senses. As he reached for the bedside table, a sudden movement caught him off guard. Before he could react, a bag was swiftly pulled over his head, shrouding his vision in darkness.
Panicking, Mujirushi tried to shout, but his voice was muffled by the fabric encasing his face. Before he could make sense of the situation, a noxious spray filled the confined space inside the bag. The world around him seemed to spin, and a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him.
In a matter of moments, the effects of the spray took hold, and Mujirushi's struggles weakened. The room spun into a blurry haze, and his consciousness slipped away. The last sensation he felt was the cold surface of the hotel room floor against his cheek as he succumbed to the drug-induced unconsciousness.

As Mujirushi regained consciousness, the unfamiliar surroundings of the room slowly came into focus. The stone walls and floor surrounded him, devoid of any recognizable features. Panic set in when he realized he was bound to a chair, the cold, unyielding material beneath him, and the chair seemingly glued to the floor.
Mujirushi's initial confusion turned into a sense of dread as he frantically assessed his situation. He attempted to move, only to find his limbs securely tied, rendering him immobile. His desperate gaze swept the room, revealing nothing but the stark, unforgiving stones that enclosed him.
With his mouth unobstructed, Mujirushi screamed for help, the echoes of his pleas bouncing off the cold walls. The silence that followed was deafening, intensifying the gravity of his predicament.
After a tense pause, the heavy stone door creaked open, revealing a figure that sent shivers down Mujirushi's spine. Mugi, dressed in a fully black uniform with a red officer's cap, entered the room. His crazy-looking brown eyes and light brown hair created an eerie contrast with the perpetual, unsettling smile etched on his face.

Mugi Ookami

• Mugi: "Ah, hello there! You aren't badly hurt thankfully."

Mujirushi's eyes widened, a mix of fear and confusion gripping him. He struggled against his restraints, eyes fixed on Mugi, who seemed to exude an aura of terror.

• Mujirushi: "Who are you? Where am I? Let me go!"

Mugi's smile widened, his demeanor unsettlingly calm.

• Mugi: "Questions, questions. I'm Mugi, and you, my friend, are in, essentially, a stone box."

Mujirushi's heart pounded, his mind racing to make sense of the situation. The room seemed to close in around him as Mugi continued to speak.

• Mugi: "Now, let's not spoil the fun with unnecessary chatter. We have much to discuss."

Mugi circled Mujirushi, his unsettling smile never wavering as he examined his captive.

• Mugi: "You, my friend, are a rare specimen. We have not encountered a 'most foreign' in a few years now."

Mujirushi, still bound to the chair, furrowed his brow in confusion.

• Mujirushi: "What are you talking about? Where am I?"

Mugi chuckled, almost amused by Mujirushi's lack of understanding.

• Mugi: "Oh, you're not in Liberland anymore, my dear friend. These parts, despite the opposition from the Borkerites still have our hands all over it."

• Mujirushi: "I don't understand. What do you want from me?"

Mugi leaned in, his unsettling presence inches from Mujirushi's face.

• Mugi: "What we want, my foreign friend, is for you to embrace the fact that you are not home and that you will never be. Give up on blending in with this mundane society, give up on going back home, wherever you think that is. It's time to come to work with us – the Kultokratic government."

Mujirushi's eyes widened, the gravity of the situation sinking in. He had stumbled into something far beyond his understanding.

• Mujirushi: "Why? What do you want with me?"

Mugi, his smile never fading, revealed a glimpse of impatience.

• Mugi: "Isn't it obvious? Since you're one of the most foreign, you know things that are highly regulated by the world police nowadays! To get an edge over the degenerate north we need to have that sort of power."

Mujirushi, still defiant, struggled against his restraints.

• Mujirushi: "I won't work for you. I don't even know what you're talking about."

Mugi's smile tightened, the facade of cordiality slipping for a moment.

• Mugi: "You should think about this carefully. For the past day or so, the ZZ service has been following you and Mr Rppltwo, thanks for getting him in range too by the way. They'll continue to do so. If you even breathe a word about our little encounter, you'll be killed on sight."

Mujirushi's defiance wavered, replaced by a chilling realization that the situation was far more dire than he had initially thought. The mysterious organization, the ZZ service, seemed to be watching his every move, and Mugi's threats hung in the air like an ominous cloud. Mujirushi, gripped by the severity of the situation, pleaded with Mugi.

• Mujirushi: "Please, just let me go back to the hotel. I won't tell anyone about this, I promise."

Mugi's smile remained, but his eyes betrayed a hint of doubt.

• Mugi: "Very well, you can return to your hotel. However, there's a condition."

Mugi handed Mujirushi a note with a number scrawled on it. He explained with a stern tone.

• Mugi: "When you find a public phone, call this number. Report on the current situation around you. Do it regularly."

Reluctantly, Mujirushi nodded, sensing the weight of the obligation forced upon him. The prospect of regular check-ins seemed both bothersome and intrusive, but the alternative was far more ominous.

• Mujirushi: "Fine, I'll do it. Just let me go."

Mugi's smile widened again, a mix of satisfaction and something darker.

• Mugi: "Good. Remember, your life depends on it."

As Mujirushi agreed, two other agents entered the room, their faces obscured by shadow. Swiftly, they untied him from the chair. Seizing the opportunity, Mujirushi attempted to strike Mugi with a punch, only to find his effort effortlessly deflected by Mugi.
Mugi retaliated, hitting Mujirushi in the stomach with the back of a rifle. The impact left him winded, gasping for air.

• Mugi: "I'd advise against any more attempts at heroics. Come along."

Warned and weakened, Mujirushi was escorted by Mugi and the two agents out of the stone room and towards a waiting car. The ominous reality of his situation settled in, and Mujirushi couldn't shake the feeling that his life had taken a drastic turn into the unknown. The car pulled to a stop near Mujirushi's hotel, but not precisely at the original location. Mugi, still wearing that unsettling smile, turned to Mujirushi.

• Mugi: "Remember, you were out shopping. Just a quick errand. Tell Mr. Rppltwo that."

He handed Mujirushi a bottle of water, a prop for his fabricated story.

• Mugi: "And here's your shopping, just to make it convincing."

Mujirushi, still reeling from the recent events, nodded in compliance. He accepted the bottle, a token gesture that added a layer of realism to the tale he was now obligated to tell.

Mugi, growing impatient, glanced at his watch.

• Mugi: "Now, get out before I shoot you out of boredom."

Feeling the weight of Mugi's veiled threat, Mujirushi wasted no time. He exited the car, bottle in hand, and watched as the vehicle sped away, leaving him to navigate the web of deception that had suddenly entangled his life.
Mujirushi quietly slipped back into the hotel, the bottle of water from Mugi's calculated shopping trip in hand. The receptionist glanced up, her eyes revealing a hint of curiosity.

• Receptionist: "Back from an early morning shopping spree, huh?"

Mujirushi, crafting his cover story, offered a tired smile.

• Mujirushi: "Yeah, just needed a few things. Couldn't sleep, you know?"

• Receptionist: "Well, you must be tired. Your friends haven't left their room since last night. They're probably still sleeping."

The revelation surprised Mujirushi. Carrots and SJ had remained holed up in their room for hours.

• Mujirushi: "Yeah, I guess they must be exhausted."

As he made his way to his room, Mujirushi couldn't shake the disquieting feeling that something had changed in the air. He entered cautiously, hoping to find the note he had thrown away in the bin. However, the room was devoid of any such evidence.

• Mujirushi: "Strange... Where did it go?"

He pondered whether the mysterious disappearance of the note was connected to the encounter with Mugi however Mujirushi, fatigued from the tumultuous events of the morning, succumbed to the urge to sleep a little longer. When he finally regained consciousness, he found Carrots shaking him vigorously.

• Carrots: "Wake up retard! Do you realize how stupidly late it is?"

Mujirushi, disoriented and still groggy, mumbled a response.

• Mujirushi: "What time is it?"

Carrots, with a mix of frustration and suspicion, retorted.

• Carrots: "It's 1 pm! You sleep like a NEET dawg. Are you still drunk from last night? Got a hangover, huh?"

Mujirushi, attempting to shake off the remnants of sleep, denied the accusations with a tired sigh.

• Mujirushi: "No, no hangover. I just had trouble sleeping. Also I'm not a NEET, I'm in- I was in- Edu- huh guess I am a NEET.."

Carrots, eyeing him suspiciously, seemed to buy the explanation but remained unconvinced.

• Carrots: "Well, get up. We've got places to be."

Mujirushi stood up and ran to the bathroom, he then stood in front of the mirror in the backroom, staring at his own reflection. He pondered the events of the previous day, the encounter with Mugi, and the mysterious note with the number. A nagging doubt lingered in the back of his mind, urging him to confront the reality of the situation.
He debated whether the strange encounter was nothing more than a vivid dream, but as he hesitated, his hand brushed against the fabric of his pocket. Retrieving the crumpled note, he felt a chill down his spine. The tangible evidence in his hand contradicted the notion of a mere dream, leaving him uneasy.
Choosing to dismiss the disconcerting reality, Mujirushi left the bathroom and descended the stairs. Carrots and SJ were waiting by the taxi, impatience evident on Carrots' face.

• SJ: "There you are, Mr. Rppltwo was getting impatient and worried about you.

• Carrots: "Whatever whatever SJ, lets just get going."

Mujirushi, offering a quick apology for the delay, climbed into the taxi. The engine roared to life as they drove off, leaving the hotel behind. Unbeknownst to them, Mugi, lurking in the shadows of an alleyway, observed their every move. Mugi's gaze followed the taxi as it disappeared into the bustling city. His presence, a silent specter in the periphery.

6

Mugi exited the alleyway, his presence melding with the flow of the city. Calmly, he walked towards a parked car and entered. The engine purred to life as Mugi settled into the passenger seat.
Inside the vehicle, Mugi engaged in conversation with the driver, a co-conspirator in the unfolding events.

• Mugi: "That most foreign, he's clueless about the power he holds. He could be a significant asset."

• Driver: "You think so?"

• Mugi: "Yes which is why I let him go for now"

• Driver: "you what?!"

• Mugi: "Dont worry, we still have him on tight watch.

• Mugi: "The strategy is – we keep a detailed report on his every move. Agents watching him, our own reports about his day. We can't afford to miss anything."

• Mugi: "and since we let him go he promised to give his own rep-"

The driver, a pragmatic individual, raised a cautionary note.

• Driver: "Be careful. You shouldn't be talking about this openly, especially out here. You never know if someone from the Beret thing is listening or watching."

Mugi, acknowledging the warning, leaned back in his seat, contemplating the delicate balance between secrecy and ambition.
The car glided down the highway, as they approached a toll booth near the airport, Mugi rolled down the window to pay the fee. However, the routine transaction took an unexpected turn when the toll booth officer requested identification.

• Toll Booth Officer: "Can I see some identification, please?"

Mugi, responding with a sudden escalation, swiftly drew a firearm and fired at the officer without uttering a word. The sudden violence echoed through the toll booth area as the officer slumped forward, the booth's window now stained with red.
The driver, reacting with immediate urgency, floored the accelerator, propelling the car forward towards the airport. The vehicle sped away from the scene, leaving behind the aftermath.
Mugi exited the car at the airport entrance, leaving the driver behind. The driver, recognizing Mugi's intent, saluted sharply before speeding off, leaving a trail of dust in his wake.
Mugi entered the airport and swiftly slipped into a discreet back room, a place reserved for clandestine dealings. There, he presented a special pass to a shady figure donned in a trenchcoat. The mysterious character scrutinized the pass before nodding approvingly, revealing his true identity as Leonid Snow.
Leonid, discarding the trenchcoat, stood before Mugi, his striking blue hair and silver eyes catching the dim light of the hidden room. Both men wore the ZZ Service uniform, marking them as operatives.

Leonid Snow

• Mugi: "Ah It's you snow, we have an interesting situation developing."

• Leonid: "Yeah how are things with the most foreign, I need to know too so incase of your dissapearance I can still pass on the report."

• Mugi: "I will be probably fine, but I will still tell you what happened, because I need you to trust me and back me up when the time comes."

• Leonid: "Go on."

• Mugi: "we got the most foreign, but he was totally clueless about his potential and our bait seems to be working, he is trying to reach the Japan part of FPCBA."

• Leonid: "I see, well if you got him where is he?"

• Mugi: "thats the thing, I let him go."

• Leonid: "You what?!-" he then hits mugi in the stomach with the back of his rifle, then tried to again but is deflected by Mugis own rifle.

• Mugi: "I told you to listen idiot."

• Leonid: "You let one of the most valuable people just leave our captivity!"

• Mugi: "I made him promise to keep us updated, and we still have agents watching his every move."

• Leonid: "and what's the point of that?"

• Mugi: "Ff we let him get to FPCBA himself, not only are we avoiding making Carrots suspicious, we also avoid the authorities from becoming suspicious and we also gain trust with him"

• Leonid: "These seem like stupid games, but I suppose in this department your authority overpowers mine. If I was in charge I would have you removed. I think most of the country, even our part shares that attitude."

• Mugi: "Well you are not, on the way here some polling guy wanted my ID so I'm thinking the local authorities are on watch ever since that bombing in the capital of Liberland, I had to get rid of him."

• Leonid: "I can fly you back to base if you deem it necessary"

• Mugi: "I'm not great with flying but its the best way to deal with it"

Both men stepped onto the tarmac, approaching an inconspicuous plane. As they boarded and the engines roared to life, the aircraft taxied down the runway, disappearing into the sky.
At a later date the plane touched down, and Mugi, disoriented and visibly uneasy, stumbled out onto the grass. A bout of nausea overcame him, and he doubled over, vomiting due to his discomfort with flying. However, he quickly composed himself, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
Leaving the plane parked in a grassy yard, Mugi and Leonid marched toward a looming black tower with tinted purple windows. The air around the tower carried an air of secrecy and authority. They entered the towering structure, navigating through narrow halls until they reached room number 115.
Unlocking the door, Mugi stepped inside, his demeanor shifting from discomfort to focused determination. He settled at the desk, extracting a glass of water from a freezer and a pen. With a deep breath, Mugi began to jot down notes on a piece of paper, the pen scratching against the surface as he documented the events that had transpired.
Leonid, observing Mugi suspiciously from a chair, remained patient but vigilant. The atmosphere in the room hung heavy with an unspoken tension as Mugi continued to write.

-meanwhile-

The car sped down the highway, the hum of the engine accompanying the rhythmic sound of tires against the road. Mujirushi, seated next to Carrots in the backseat, found himself lost in thought. He couldn't shake the regret of spending only one night in Borkeria, the capital of the Folkish Syndicalist Republic. The mysterious encounter with Messard had left him yearning for a proper exploration of the city.

• Mujirushi: "I wish we had stayed longer in Borkeria. It feels like I only got a strange tour instead of seeing the city properly."

Carrots, scoffed at Mujirushi's regret.

• Carrots: "Are you like this with everything? Its not an interesting place, its really not worth wasting time on."

Mujirushi sighed.

• Mujirushi: "It's not about seeing every corner. I just wanted to experience more of the city, you know? Get a feel for the place."

Carrots, rolling his eyes, retorted.

• Carrots: "You don't need a tour of every street corner you come across, we have places to be."

An awkward silence settled in the car as Mujirushi stared out of the window. The passing scenery blurred together, and soon enough, the rhythmic hum of the road had a lulling effect on Carrots. The repetitive landscape seemed to put him to sleep, and the car carried on in quiet solitude.
As Carrots slept peacefully, SJ took advantage of the quiet atmosphere to bring up the mysterious events of the previous night.

• SJ: "Where were you last night? I woke up to get some water from the vending machine in the lobby, and I noticed your room door was open. I closed it, thinking you'd be back soon."

Mujirushi, caught off guard, quickly scrambled to come up with an excuse that wouldn't reveal the truth.

• Mujirushi: "Oh, yeah, about that... I went out for a drink last night. Carrots was right I just didn't want to admit it"

SJ, not fully convinced but deciding to let it slide, nodded reluctantly.

• SJ: "Okay..."

Just as the tension seemed to ease, Carrots, who had been blissfully asleep, woke up with a start.

• Carrots: "Haha! I knew it!"

Mujirushi, deciding to go along with the story, offered an apologetic grin.

• Mujirushi: "Guilty as charged. Sorry about that, I didn't mean to hold us back."

Carrots, amused by the revelation, laughed it off, oblivious to the underlying complexities of the night. SJ, however, couldn't shake off his lingering suspicions, keeping a watchful eye on Mujirushi as the journey continued.
The sun dipped below the horizon as the trio's car rolled into Astuldstad, a town resembling Borkeria yet slightly poorer. Unlike the omnipresent banners of the ruling party that fluttered proudly in Borkeria's breeze, here in Astuldstad, they were less prevalent. The people, though less encumbered by the party's influence, carried an air of restraint, a disciplined demeanor.

• Carrots, broke the silence that lingered within the car: "Man, I'm starving. We should stop here for a bit." His eyes glanced at Mujirushi, who nodded in agreement.

• SJ, sighed but eventually conceded: "Fine, we'll stop in Astuldstad. But keep it quick, alright?"

• Carrots: "Alright, drop us at a bar, its the only right place to go this time of the evening."

The car parked near a modest bar

• Carrots: "This one looks nice. Let's grab a bite and maybe a drink or two."

• SJ warned, "Remember, we're here for a reason. Don't get carried away, Mr Rppltwo."

• Ignoring SJ's advice, Carrots grinned mischievously: "Relax, SJ. I just want to show Mujirushi how real drinking is done. It's an essential experience."

• Mujirushi, exchanged a concerned glance with SJ. "Are you sure about this, Carrots?"

• Carrots chuckled, patting Mujirushi on the back: "Trust me. I'm the 2nd best alcoholic in this entire country."

With that, he dashed into the bar, Mujirushi trailing behind, casting a last glance at SJ, who shook his head with a mix of amusement and worry.

The bar was alive with chatter and the rhythmic cheers of the football enthusiasts glued to the match between Glandsod and Panthonia. Carrots and Mujirushi, weaving through the crowd, finally found a vacant table for three. As they settled in, the distant roar of the football fans provided an ambient backdrop to their night.

• Carrots eagerly grabbed the menu, eyes scanning it: "Alright. SJ, go fetch me some Buffalo wings and a whole bottle of whiskey."

• SJ, shook his head. "Mr. Rppltwo, I'm not getting you that much alcohol. It would be irresponsible of me. If you must drink so much don't put the responsibility of delivering it into my hands."

• Carrots raised an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and irritation crossing his face. "SJ?.. You're not supposed to defy my orders, that's the contact.."

• SJ leaned forward, his tone firm. "I'm just trying to be responsible, sir. It's not a good idea to overdo it. Also I don't think the contract applies to such insignificant requests."

• Carrots scoffed, muttering: "Lame," under his breath.

The fact that SJ, typically compliant, was resisting indicated the seriousness of the situation.

• Meanwhile, Mujirushi interjected: "Carrots, get me some wings too, and a cola while you're at it."

• Carrots shot Mujirushi a displeased look, but begrudgingly agreed. "Fine, fine. Wings and a cola."

As he headed to the bar, Carrots couldn't help but grumble about the fact he had to get all the stuff himself.
As Carrots made his way to the bar, SJ seized the opportunity to bring up a matter that had been lingering in his mind. He turned to Mujirushi

• SJ: "Perfect. Now that he's gone, let me ask you something. What do you think about the gas station clerk back at the border?"

• Mujirushi furrowed his brow: "I don't have any particular opinions about him. Why do you ask?"

• SJ leaned in, his voice lowered: "His name was Sanchez right? there was something in the bin."

• Mujirushi's eyes widened in realization. The note! He had almost forgotten about it, having dismissed its contents as irrelevant: "Yeah, I remember. Why?"

• SJ hesitated before admitting: "I took the note from the bin. I didn't want it falling into the wrong hands."

Mujirushi, puzzled, was about to question SJ's motives when Carrots returned, wings in hand and a bottle of whiskey under his arm. The aroma of spicy Buffalo wings wafted through the air, momentarily distracting them.

• Carrots: "Finally, something to eat, You know on my way to the bar I realised we haven't eaten today till now. Must be why I am so Hungry.."

he placed the food on the table. Before Mujirushi could inquire further, the distraction proved timely. Carrots had effectively halted any further discussion about Sanchez, leaving the mysterious gas station clerk and his note temporarily relegated to the background.
The night unfolded in a blur of laughter, clinking glasses, and the occasional rowdy cheer from the football fans in the bar. Carrots, true to his word, indulged in the whiskey, downing one glass after another, his aryan spirit escalating with each sip. Mujirushi, a more reserved drinker, and SJ, the designated driver, shared lighter moments, engaging in conversation while keeping an eye on Carrots.
As the clock neared midnight, the effects of the alcohol began to take their toll on Carrots. He stumbled, his steps unsteady. Realizing it was time to call it a night, SJ and Mujirushi helped Carrots to his feet and guided him towards the waiting car. The cool night air hit them as they exited the bar.
Once in the car, SJ took the driver's seat while Mujirushi settled in next to Carrots, who had already succumbed to a drunken slumber. The engine hummed to life as the car pulled away, leaving the lively town behind. The road stretched out ahead, winding through the darkness as SJ navigated towards the border of the Woodenist State.

• As the car cruised along the quiet roads, SJ explained his choice of route to Mujirushi. "We're avoiding Centrapolis. It's probably swarming with government activity right now, and I'd rather steer clear. Besides, I can't stand the urban hellscape it's turned into since the last time I was there."

Mujirushi drunk was not listening and did not provide a response, the rhythmic hum of the road and the distant snores of Carrots creating a surreal ambiance within the car.

7

The ZZ office buzzed with muted activity as agents moved about, each engrossed in their respective tasks. Mugi, seated at his cluttered desk, was immersed in the compilation of his report. His pen moved with a precise, almost mechanical rhythm, the scratches against the paper echoing in the otherwise silent room.

• Observing Mugi from a distance, Leonid wore a wearied expression as he approached Mugi's desk and leaned against a nearby surface. "Mugi," he began, "What are you even doing here, man?"

• Mugi paused, looking up from his work, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and resolve. "Leonid," he replied, "I have my reasons. Where else would I be?"

• Leonid responded, "I'm sure you could have found a simple and happy life elsewhere. I don't know, some random place like Olestriamis, for example. Why did you come back?"

• Mugi put his pen down, leaning back in his chair as he met Leonid's gaze. "I wasn't always here, part of the ZZ. There was a time when everyone wanted me gone, and I was forced to oblige. I wandered in a distant land, alone. It was during that period of solitude that someone cared enough to bring me back."

• Leonid listened attentively, sensing the weight behind Mugi's words. "Yeah, I heard about that, but most of the details behind it were classified as per Revolutionary Council Policy."

• Mugi's eyes softened as he reminisced. "It was the Kultokrat, the one safeguarding the country. He extended a hand when others turned away. I owe him my return, my loyalty. It's more than duty; it's a choice I made to repay a debt and show a form of love for the gratitude I feel."

• Leonid leaned back, absorbing Mugi's revelation. The room fell into a contemplative silence, broken only by the distant hum of machinery and the shuffle of papers.

As the conversation lingered in the air, Mugi returned to his report, his pen once again carving lines of dedication onto the blank canvas of the paper. Leonid stood nearby silently. Leonid sighed again, mostly ignoring what Mugi had shared but contemplating it inwardly. He stood up and walked towards the window, observing the plane they had landed in out in the field. His eyes scanned the surroundings. After a moment, he walked up to the exit door and grabbed the handle.

• "Hey, Mugi," Leonid announced, "I'm gonna wait for you at the entrance to the Ziółkowskigród Villa. Take as much time as you need; I have nothing else to do at the moment, so I can wait."

• Mugi nodded in acknowledgment, and as Leonid left, he returned to his report. Left alone, his characteristic sadistic smile faded into a face of deep concentration.

After a few minutes of intense writing and meticulous checking, Mugi stood up and folded the report, tucking it into his uniform pocket. He walked towards the door, hand gripping the handle, ready to leave. However, before making his exit, he took a moment to glance out the window.
A sigh escaped him, a fleeting moment of reflection as he gazed at the world beyond the office.

The car journey continued with Carrots nursing a hangover, his bleary eyes scanning the passing landscape as he tried to shake off the remnants of the night before. SJ's cheerful greeting brought him back to reality, prompting Carrots to inquire about the time. With a yawn, he acknowledged the relatively early hour.

• "Good morning, SJ. What time is it?" Carrots asked, stifling another yawn.

• "12:30," replied SJ.

• Relieved it wasn't much later, Carrots shifted his attention to their route. "When are we gonna be in Centrapolis then?" he inquired, hoping to gauge their progress.

• SJ's response, however, held an unexpected twist. "We're actually in the Woodenist state. I avoided Centrapolis, Centrapolis is a mess, Mr. Rppltwo," SJ explained. "I figured we'd avoid the state agents and their watchful eyes. So, I took us through the Woodenist state, and we'll head to FPCBT before reaching FPCBA. It's a bit of a detour, but I thought it would be safer."

• Carrots, despite his hangover, couldn't help but express his discontent. "Why'd you have to go and complicate things? We don't have time for these detours," he grumbled. His frustration evident, Carrots closed his eyes, resigning himself to the journey, albeit with a hint of irritation lingering in his expression.

As the car rumbled along the road, SJ could sense the exhaustion emanating from both Carrots and Mujirushi, who were in various states of rest. Sensing an opportunity to address their fatigue, SJ turned to Carrots.

• "Mr. Rppltwo," SJ began cautiously, "I think we should make a stop in Londaine. I'm quite tired myself, and I can see that you and Mujirushi could use some rest too."

• Carrots groaned, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, fine. But I'm not shelling out a fortune for hotel rooms again."

• SJ suggested, "Well, don't you know a guy who lives in Londaine? Can't you just call him up? It might save us some money."

• Carrots scratched his head, the hangover still lingering. "Oh, right. I probably do. That might work."

• Deciding that Carrots needed some space, SJ acquiesced. "Alright, I'll leave you be. I'll wake you up when we're near Londaine."

With that, SJ focused on the road ahead, steering the car toward Londaine while Carrots and Mujirushi continued their much-needed rest. The car hummed along the road, the engine's gentle purr the only sound as they entered the outskirts of the city. Mujirushi blinked awake, taking in the urban sprawl before him. The familiarity struck him, and he couldn't help but share his observations.

• "Hey, Carrots," Mujirushi began, glancing over at him sleeping deciding to wake him up, "this place looks a lot like the cities back in the Folkish Syndicalist Republic, don't you think?"

• Carrots, shot him a tired look. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's on purpose."

• Undeterred, Mujirushi continued, "And did you notice we didn't see any border guards or toll booths? It's so different from Liberland to the FSR."

• Carrots sighed, "Yeah, yeah I know, that's what happens when two regions are friendly."

• Mujirushi, oblivious to Carrots' growing annoyance, pressed on. "People here dress a bit differently, and they seem shorter on average, but that's about it. It's strange, isn't it?"

• Carrots shot him a sidelong glance. "Mujirushi, you aren't a tourism advisory.. think in your head instead of saying it out loud, mkay?"

• But Mujirushi, couldn't let it go. "If the regions are so similar and friendly, why don't they just merge into one big region?"

• Carrots groaned, massaging his temples. "Constitutional restrictions, alright? It's not like they can just decide to merge."

Mujirushi nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation. As the car continued into the heart of the city, SJ, focused on the road ahead, while Carrots, nursing his hangover and annoyance, tried to find solace in the passing scenery. The car navigated its way through the bustling streets until it reached the city center. SJ, the driver, turned to the duo in the back seat.

• SJ: "I will find somewhere to park. Then I will find you again later."

Mujirushi and Carrots nodded in acknowledgment, stepping out of the car as SJ drove away in search of a parking space.

• Carrots stretched, feeling the fatigue from the journey and his lingering hangover. "Man, I need a break. I'll find a bench or something. Need to remember where Itapi lives, too."

• Mujirushi looked around, his eyes lighting up with curiosity. "I was thinking of exploring the town a bit. Maybe grab something to eat and drink. What do you think?"

• Carrots scratched his head, torn between the desire to rest and the practical need to find Itapi's place. "I really need to rest, but I also want a drink. How about we compromise? We find a store, get something to drink, and then you go grab a bite while I rest nearby?"

• Mujirushi raised an eyebrow, considering the proposal. "Hmm, I do want to explore, but I'm also hungry. Alright, we can do that. But you better not fall asleep on that bench."

• Carrots chuckled. "Deal. Lets get this over with."

The duo strolled through the lively streets, eventually spotting a convenience store. Carrots purchased a refreshing drink, and they found a nearby bench for him to recline on.

• "Alright, I'll be right here," Carrots declared, sipping his drink. "Go get some food, and I'll try to recall where we are supposed to be going."

• Mujirushi grinned. "Sounds like a plan. I won't be long. Don't doze off, Carrots."

As Mujirushi headed towards a nearby eatery, Carrots leaned back on the bench, taking in the city's sights while pondering the elusive location of Itapi's residence. As Mujirushi started to walk towards the eatery, Carrots took another sip of his drink, sighing in contentment. However, the tranquility was short-lived as Mujirushi turned back, wearing a perplexed expression.

• Mujirushi: "You know, Carrots, I can't believe you're just going to sit there and not explore the city. There's so much to see! Probably!"

• Carrots rolled his eyes, "It might be cool or might not be cool, I don't care; I just wanna rest."

• Mujirushi crossed his arms, "Rest? We're in a new city! This is the perfect time to check out the local scene, maybe find some cool places. You can't just sit there!"

• Carrots sighed, "I'm not stopping you, am I?"

• "But looking around alone is boring!" Mujirushi insisted. "By sitting around, you're just wasting time!"

• Carrots rubbed his temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache. "That's the point, I'm trying to remember something important. Can you just go do your thing, or at least be quiet?"

• Mujirushi pouted, "You're no fun, Carrots."

• Carrots hesitated, "I'm fun, alright. Now is just not the time."

• Mujirushi sighed, "Fine, but I will come back here someday!"

• Carrots chuckled, "Sure."

As Mujirushi walked away, Carrots leaned back on the bench, closing his eyes and relishing the respite. Mujirushi strolled into a quaint restaurant, the aroma of freshly cooked fish and chips wafting through the air. He decided to indulge in a quick meal, opting for takeout. With a bag of deliciousness in hand, he stepped back onto the lively streets, eager to explore the city. Walking along, he marveled at monuments commemorating generals from the PCB Revolutionary war. The towering statues stood as silent witnesses to a bygone era, their imposing presence a testament to the city's rich history. As Mujirushi meandered through the streets, he couldn't resist indulging in his fish and chips, savoring each bite with the city's ambiance as his backdrop. Meanwhile, Carrots sat on the bench, lost in thought. The city noise became a distant hum as he focused on recalling the details of Itapi's whereabouts. Memories floated hazily in his mind, and just as they threatened to slip away, a faint recollection took hold. In a moment of clarity, Carrots faintly remembered the district where Itapi's house was located. Knowing the fragility of his memory, he reached into his pocket for a small piece of paper and hastily scribbled down the details before they could vanish into the recesses of his mind. With the crucial information safely on paper, Carrots leaned back, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He knew he needed to preserve these details before the city's distractions erased them once again. The bench provided a quiet refuge for his contemplation as Mujirushi continued his exploration. Mujirushi, now savoring the last bites of his fish and chips, approached the main park of the city. The grandeur of the exterior hinted at the serene beauty within, tempting him to venture further. Carrots, content with the progress made in remembering, watched the world go by from his spot on the bench, grateful for the respite while the city unfolded its stories around him. As Mujirushi marveled at the exterior of the city's main park, he decided against venturing inside and turned back to return to Carrots. On his way, he crossed paths with SJ, who caught up with him with a triumphant expression.

• "Found a parking spot after looking around for way too long," SJ declared.

• Mujirushi chuckled, "Well, it's about time. Carrots has been sitting on a bench over there, probably falling asleep."

• Together, they made their way back to Carrots, who greeted them with a satisfied grin. "Good news - I did remember where Itapi's place is"

• Mujirushi, curious yet clueless, raised an eyebrow. "Who's Itapi?"

• Carrots waved off the question. "Just an acquaintance from way back. You'll meet him, Worked closely with the Both Borker and the Kultokrat, so he's experienced."

• Mujirushi's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Really? That's impressive."

• Carrots shrugged. "Fortunately for you, since you're always interested in the cities and situations of Hyperfreepecebia, Itapi's the guy to pester. He's got the inside knowledge."

• Mujirushi grinned, "Well then, let's go meet this Itapi. How do we get to the place?"

• Carrots pondered for a moment. "Easy. We just need to ask someone around here for directions to the Rivrea district and take the public transport. It's not far."

Following the directions given by the passerby, Mujirushi, Carrots, and SJ made their way to the bus station. The place had a certain weathered charm to it, its messy appearance hinting more at the passage of time than any neglect or disarray caused by people. The trio approached the ticket counter, where a tired-looking clerk handed them tickets for the public transport that would take them to the Rivrea district. The bus station, though slightly chaotic, echoed the character of a place that had seen years of bustling activity. With tickets in hand, they made their way to the back, where the bus stop was located. A rusty bench, worn from years of use, welcomed them as they settled in to wait for the bus that would eventually transport them to their destination. Ten minutes passed, and Carrots found himself struggling to stay awake, his eyelids growing heavy. On the other hand, Mujirushi took the opportunity to explore, looking at various fliers on the bulletin board and playfully bothering small animals that scurried nearby. SJ, the picture of professionalism, stood calmly and quietly, observing the surroundings. Finally, the distant hum of an approaching engine heralded the arrival of the bus. As it pulled up to the stop, the trio got in line, tickets in hand. The bus driver greeted them, and they handed over their tickets before making their way to the available seats. Mujirushi and Carrots found places to sit, while SJ, realizing there were no seats left, stood near them. The worn-out bus rumbled to life, and they settled in for the journey through the city

7.5

Mugi briskly traversed the labyrinthine hallways, a cadence in his step that bore the weight of urgency but stopped short of outright haste. The ZZ workers he passed by, lower in rank, cast surreptitious glances, recognizing the aura of a high-ranking officer. Mugi paid them no mind, confident in the unspoken rule that his status afforded him solitude unless summoned for matters of consequence.
Exiting the building, he found himself in a parliamentary village adorned with classical structures, juxtaposed with LED lights that remained dormant under the daylight's influence. Mugi navigated the landscape until he located Leonid, a silhouette against the backdrop of billowing smoke from his cigarette. As Mugi approached, Leonid nonchalantly discarded the cigarette and raised an inquisitive brow.

• Leonid: "The whole report didn't take you long... I was expecting to be able to finish."

• Mugi: "You heard what happened, it wasn't that much, not much to write about."

• Leonid: "Not much is not what I would call it, but okay."

• Mugi: "I'm fast at writing. Anyways, we know the Kultokrat enough; he'll be generally apathetic about the specifics as long as the result is what is needed."

• Leonid: "Yeah, but don't be too comfortable."

• Mugi: "Sure, sure, whatever. Let's just go in."

• Leonid: "Okay."

They entered the imposing black-purple building, leveraging their high rank, proceeding through the halls. Leonid pondered his role in this affair. The report was primarily Mugi's responsibility, yet his curiosity and unease led him to share the burden. They approached a white door, and Mugi knocked.

• Mugi: "Hallo? Is anyone there?"

• Voice from within: "Yeah, yeah, just give me a second."

After a few moments and a cacophony of sounds, the door swung open. Standing in a black uniform, a purple military cap, blue eyes, brown hair, and a distinguished mustache, was the Kultokrat. Despite his imposing status, he carried himself with an air of nonchalance.

Hubert Ziółkowski

Kultokrat: "Oh, Mugi. Hi. How in the world did you get here so fast?"

• Mugi: "It was urgent and still is. I have a report about the situation with the most foreign, and I want to share my overall strategy."

• Kultokrat: "Oooo, that is good. Give me a second to clean my desk, then I will let you in. Also, hello, Leonid."

• Leonid: "Sir, yes, Sir!"

• The Kultokrat's response was a slightly disappointed smile. "Well, just give me a second."

As the bus journey continued, the rhythmic hum and gentle swaying seemed to lull Carrots into a state of drowsiness. Despite his attempts to stay awake, the steady motion of the bus proved too much, and he succumbed to a nap, head slightly leaning against the window.
On the other hand, Mujirushi, growing increasingly bored, found himself gazing at the posters adorning the bus walls. The advertisements for local events and services provided some entertainment, but the monotony of the journey weighed on him.
Sighing, SJ attempted to find a comfortable position to lean against something, conserving energy by avoiding the constant struggle against the bus's movements. The vibrations of the vehicle made it challenging, but he managed to find a spot where he could rest his back for a while.
Eventually, a seat opened up behind Mujirushi, and he eagerly seized the opportunity to sit down. The change brought a welcomed respite from the tedium of standing.
As the bus reached Rivrea, the trio disembarked, ready to find Itapi's house. Carrots, still a bit groggy from his nap, vaguely recalled the neighborhood. He ambled around, the streets seeming to twist and turn in a confusing maze.
After a few moments of wandering, Carrots stumbled upon Itapi's house. A triumphant grin spread across his face as he turned to Mujirushi and SJ.

• "See? Planned it all along," Carrots declared, his claim met with amused glances from his companions.

Carrots tapped on the door with a rhythmic knock, and after a moment, it swung open to reveal a man with short brown hair and piercing green eyes. Dressed casually and holding a cup of tea, he looked both surprised and slightly bewildered at the unexpected visitors. It was Itapi.

Itapi Five

• "Carrots, you should have sent me a mail before just appearing," Itapi said, raising an eyebrow.

• Carrots scratched his head, looking sheepish. "Yeah, sorry about that. It was a sudden decision."

• SJ interjected, "We're in need of a place to sleep for the night."

• Itapi sighed, eying Mujirushi with curiosity. "And who might this be?"

• Carrots gestured towards Mujirushi. "Oh, him? Just a friend of mine."

• Itapi: "hm, Well I am Itapi, former commander of the 32nd National militia during the Freepecebian revolution"

• Mujirushi offered a friendly nod, "Hello, I'm Mujirushi. I'm a bit lost and trying to find Japan again."

• Itapi blinked, clearly puzzled. "Japan..? uh come on in."

The interior of Itapi's house was cozy and spoke of a higher class.

• Itapi: "Well, I have made myself tea and it would be strange to drink alone so give me a second."

• Carrots: "You really don't have to, C'mon we did show up randomly!"

• Itapi: "I don't have to but I want to."

• Carrots: "That sounds like a li-"

• SJ: "lets just sit down and let him do his thing."

• Itapi: "Damn right."

• Carrots: "Fine.."

They settled near the main dining table, waiting for the tea to arrive.
As Carrots began to recover from his hangover, his mood visibly improved, and a sense of calm replaced the earlier tension. Meanwhile, Mujirushi explored the tastefully decorated home, glancing at military memorabilia on the shelves and images of Itapi during his time in the war.
Itapi returned to the table with a tray of tea, setting the cups down before taking a seat himself.

8

After a brief interlude filled with the clinking of plates and the unmistakable sound of uncorked bottles, the Kultokrat returned to the door, ushering Mugi and Leonid inside. The room was dimly lit, with a dark, round table already set for three.

• Mugi placed the report on the table and began, "Well, so-"

• Leonid interjected, "By the way, the report has nothing to do with me. I just got Mugi here." His decision to distance himself from any potential consequences became evident.

• Kultokrat responded with a calm demeanor, "Ah, well, alright." However, his face portrayed a hint of worry and confusion.

• Mugi emitted a slight groan, visibly annoyed. "As I was saying, I have the report for the whole situation with the most foreign."

• The Kultokrat requested, "Yes, I see. But you know, things are best explained by voice. I want to hear what happened from you."

• Mugi complied, "Uhm, okay, well... We found the most foreign and captured him. After interrogation, we discovered he was heading towards the Japan district of FPCBA. So, we let him go since he's likely to end up here anyway. Establishing a positive attitude now increases the likelihood of future cooperation."

• The Kultokrat contemplated for a moment, then said, "Him? I see, it's another guy."

• Mugi affirmed, "Yes, it's been a long time since we've had a most foreign in general. Gals are also just rarer for whatever reason, we all know this."

• Kultokrat mused, "Yeah, yeah. It's just my responsibility to know everything about them and all that. Well, good job on the report. You haven't ruined anything yet, and the strategy makes sense. Continue as is."

• Leonid, however, couldn't contain himself. He stood up, exclaiming, "WHAT?"

The Kultokrat looked at him puzzled. Leonid realized his mistake and promptly returned to a professional stance.

• Kultokrat sighed, "It seems the propaganda is doing too well. You are to follow everything I say and be loyal, but you don't need to treat me like royalty or whatever. Honestly, it's quite... how do I put this... strange. Don't tell anyone else this, but dont be weird like that, okay?"

• Leonid responded with a crisp, "Sir, yes, sir!"

• Kultokrat gave Leonid a disappointed smile. "Well, you'll learn eventually. Anyways, I want both of you to work on this jointly from now on."

• Leonid hesitated, "Uh, sure."

• Mugi added, "Works for me, I suppose, as long as he's not in the way."

• Kultokrat reassured, "He hasn't been so far, has he?"

• Mugi responded, "No."

• Kultokrat concluded, "See, no problem then. Well, I would love to catch up, but I need to go through some documents and attend an RC meeting in a few hours. So, it's time for you two to leave."

• Leonid saluted, "Sir, yes, sir!"

• Mugi simply said, "Bye," as he left, and the door closed behind him.

The Kultokrat, left alone, gave the closed door a worried smile before picking up the report left behind by Mugi.

Itapi settled into his seat among the group, leisurely sipping his tea. The air in the room hung heavy with unspoken thoughts, a collective hesitation preventing anyone from breaking the silence. As the tea dwindled, Carrots, engrossed in a newspaper, suddenly detected something that sent a shiver down his spine. He urgently beckoned SJ to join him in another room, swiftly pulling him away from the table.

Left alone at the table were Itapi and Mujirushi. Itapi, attempting to dispel the awkward atmosphere, spoke up.

• Itapi: "So... how did you come across Carrots in the first place?"

• Mujirushi: "Oh well, uhm, I fell in a bush and then passed out. When I woke up, Carrots was just there, staring at me."

• Itapi: "Uhhhhhhhhhh, not what I expected, but okay?"

• Mujirushi: "Yeah, it was weird. He found me when I first found myself here. Thank God, too, considering he helped me with everything. Without him, I'd probably be dead or something."

• Itapi: "Interesting. It seems like a similar story to why SJ is the way he is."

• Mujirushi: "SJ...?"

• Itapi: "Oh, you don't know? Well, I shouldn't talk about their personal stuff like that. I won't tell you more."

• Mujirushi: "Hmm, okay."

• Itapi: "Anyways, let's get off-topic... uhm... What do you think of the RC meeting happening soon? It will be the first televised one this year. Seems like a lot of stuff was being done just in the background without much consultation with the population."

• Mujirushi: "What's RC?"

• Itapi: "What do you mean, 'What's RC'? The Revolutionary Council, duh...?"

• Mujirushi: "Yeah, what is that?"

• Itapi: "Huh? Hm. You did say you weren't from here, didn't you? I see."

• Itapi: "Well, the Revolutionary Council is like the government of Hyperfrepecebia."

• Mujirushi: "So I'm in Hyperfrepecebia?"

• Itapi: "God, you don't even know where you are. You seriously need to have a history or geography lesson or whatever!"

• Mujirushi: "Well, weren't you in some big war or something? It's not like I have anything else to do here, so might as well."

• Itapi: "Oh, uh, sure. Well, let's start with soon before the great revolution."

• Itapi: "Many years ago, Hyperfrepecebia wasn't even a thing. The lands it controls now were all under Pecebia, not in a sense that we were conquered peoples or anything. It's just that we were one nation, one people. However, the country ran on a very high-energy crystal. How we found it or utilized it happened so long ago it's mostly folklore and unproven theories. Regardless, this crystal was the basis for all basic utilities in the country, commonly known as the miraze crystal. Eventually, something was wrong with the crystal. No one was sure what was wrong with it, but often the lights or water would go out, and cracks started to appear on the crystal itself. This caused a huge panic in the whole population. Everyone was, well, except one person, afraid of what would happen. Eventually, the administration of Pecebia decided that the best course of action was to get the crystal supported and maintained via aid from foreign places, in exchange for heavy concessions. They publicly said they would accept aid from... uh, I forgot the name. Regardless, the concession was that controversial and politically extreme elements from society would be purged, either through execution or deportation."

• Mujirushi: "Oh, well, that's not good. Also, who said that the crystal breaking wouldn't matter? Also, what happened after?"

• Itapi: "Oh, well, Kultokrat said that miraze having issues didn't matter and that it would sort itself out. Honestly, we have no idea if he was right or wrong, since we don't use the miraze crystal anymore. But whatever. What happened after was a conspiracy by some major sections of society to create a new country separate from Pecebia, so that the people who were deemed controversial and such had a place to be. Unfortunately, the conspiracy was found out, and the conspirators had their wealth and possessions seized. However, this sparked a mass popular revolt under the leadership of these conspirators, who started calling themselves the Revolutionary Council, with Iefan Alstud at their helm as the general secretary. Long story short, the war would be annoyingly long and tough, eventually leading to a stalemate. There technically hasn't been a peace deal, despite negotiations happening at one point, till now, and the war is technically still going. However, things have calmed down, and de facto, there is no armed conflict between the two sides anymore."

• Mujirushi: "Hm, well, good for you, I guess... Is this revolutionary war the one that you fought in?"

• Itapi: "Yeah," he gives Mujirushi a smile. "I'm very proud of my service to my country."

• Mujirushi: "That's sorta inspiring."

• Itapi: "Heh, thanks."

• Mujirushi: "Well, it seems like things are doing well now."

• Itapi: "Ah, well, sorta... The big machine in the north is an issue that hasn't been solved for years. It even took Bernhe with it... This has left one RC seat empty for a long while. I'm sure they have someone else working on what was his responsibilities in the shadow, but officially in the government building, there are just one dusty and sad empty seat. Also, we're having problems with population growth. The elite of then might live long, but the average Joe lives a normal 90ish years and then dies, and our population is just not having children. I mean, I don't blame them since the male-to-female ratio is like 5:1... Still, it's sad."

• Mujirushi: "Oh damn, that's even worse of a situation than my country."

• Itapi: "What was your country again?"

• Mujirushi: "Japan."

• Itapi: "Oh right, I've never heard of that before."

• Mujirushi: "I'm not surprised, it seems like no one here has."

• Itapi: "Strange, maybe you had a weird thing going on while growing up."

• Mujirushi: "Shut up, I did not! Anyways, what happened with the miraze core in the end anyway?"

• Itapi: "Oh right, the miraze core was taken by the Pecebians, and it's being supported with said foreign aid. As for us, we made our own new core, technically with foreign aid as well, but eh, it came with little to no strings attached."

• Mujirushi: "Woah, how?"

• Itapi: "One of the old elites from Pecebia, Kevin, had chosen to work with Hyperfrepecebia instead of them, and so he was allowed into the RC. He, together with Alstud, went to a powerful wizard in Cidlangma, in the north, by the name of Quark. They paid a hefty sum and aided with the creation of the crystal themselves, then brought it back here, and it works well—sometimes even better than the old miraze one."

• Mujirushi: "Hm, interesting... Also, wizard...?"

• Itapi: "Mhm, that's what we call people who deal with things unavailable to the common man. I can let you in on a state secret — magic is just the new word for technology. The government banned all high-tech stuff since Bernhe made the machine and as a way to make people turn against it, they called it vile magic or whatever. It's pretty silly but it worked."

• Mujirushi: "I see, strange."

• Itapi: "Nothing strange about it, it's just history. Anyways, my throat is sore now, and the RC meeting will be on TV soon, so I will excuse myself to a shower. You can read some history books off my shelf if you can find any if you want."

• Mujirushi: "Okay, thanks!"

Itapi leaves into a hallway, leaving Mujirushi alone at the table.

Meanwhile, in the other room, Carrots and SJ engaged in a conversation.

• SJ: "Mr. Rppltwo, what is the matter?"

• Carrots: "Why did you go through the national woodenist state?? I understood your reasoning at the time of wanting to avoid the capital because the state service was there, but did you forget that FPCBT is literally a war zone we will have to be driving through?"

• SJ: "Hm. I can't lie; I did overlook that."

• Carrots: "Seriously?!" He brings up the newspaper and points at it. "It's literally alllll over the news."

• SJ: "Well, you didn't remember at the time either."

• Carrots: "True, but I am an alcoholic and extremely busy. Being smart and professional is YOUR thing."

• SJ: "Yes, I apologize, but I think we will be fine still. All the factions in the FPCBT conflict aren't really interested in us. The most they will want is to buy guns. Unless we run into Gao, we should be fine. And even if we do run into Gao, weren't you two friends at one point?"

• Carrots: "I wouldn't exactly call it friendship, but I get what you mean. He might be an idiot, a tyrant, and a gooner, but he's not really a threat to us. And the other factions of the conflict don't care about us, but still, we should be careful."

• SJ: "Of course. I am always careful."

• Carrots: "Eh, sure. Anyways, do we tell this to Mujirushi or not?"

• SJ: "Let's just not. He might get panicky."

• Carrots: "Ah, right, that might be annoying."

• SJ: "More so that would be a disadvantage, but yeah, sure, whatever you say."

• Carrots: "You know, you're being so mean today, SJ...!"

• SJ: "My apologies, Mr. Rppltwo."

• Carrots: "Well, okay, let's go back."

Carrots and SJ leave the room, passing Itapi, who's carrying a towel and some clothes. SJ ignores him, and Carrots gives him a slightly confused look before continuing. They then re-enter the main room, where Mujirushi is looking at a shelf and is about to pick out a book. However, Carrots begins to run at him and grabs him, stopping him from grabbing it.

• Carrots: "NOOOOOOO, don't readddd, I don't want you to become a boring nerd theoryhead, please no!!!"

• Mujirushi: "What, what is that? Leave me alone, ugh!"

Carrots gets off him.

• Carrots sighs: "Sure! But no reading, we're gonna watch the TV!"

• Mujirushi: "Fine."

Then they both sit on the sofa in front of the TV. Carrots changed the channel to some show about constructing clocks and watched it, slowly falling asleep, while Mujirushi looked out the window and thought about what Itapi said. SJ cleaned the table and started doing the dishes in hopes to repay some of the debt that Itapi's hospitality encoured.