The Underground Prison Amidst the Ruins

Demian now stood in the middle of Claridium's southern Downtown, once the most splendidly prosperous area, now reduced to ruins.

Beneath his feet, a passage leading to the underground was visible. Stairs, twisted and warped by the explosion, descended into an endless darkness. It was the trace of a secret facility, unknown before the city's collapse. If his information was correct, it was the entrance to the Underground Prison.

He believed there must have been someone who recognized the signs before the city was consumed, like the artists who had migrated from Claridium to Rigved. Some of those with keen senses and sharp perceptive abilities would have resisted to protect the city as it was being devoured.

Demian had raided the Assembly Hall and seized court records from it. This was to secure a list of those who had been detained for trying to correct the city's misguided ways. In a dire situation like the present, he believed those who shared his resolve would be in prison.

Claridium was infested with such an overwhelming number of Dopplers that it would be difficult even if all survivors united. Someone had to somehow gather and rally the survivors.

Demian took a glowing stone in his hand and began to descend, using the collapsed rubble as foot<F1>holds.</F1>

He was clutching a sliver of hope.

Regilion had reorganized his ranks and returned from patrol. In the Operations Room, a Medic was waiting. Soon, a foul stench assailed his nostrils. It was the smell emanating from the Medic.

“I have something urgent to report.”

“Speak.”...