Cyberknight: One Path

⁕ The Lynching Game (part 7)

A flow of red wine filled the translucent wine glass; Its crimson colour reflected the bloodshed of the purge that resulted from Jagger's lynching game. Already, the Allied Forces were already a scattered force made of governments in exiles and greedy imperialists who the Empire's law would prosecute. Now, Jagger's purges not only served to further his own interest but also served as an opportunity for settling personal scores for many of the high-ranking members of the coalition.

Political opponents, competitors in the arms industry, ideological enemies and vocal critics, everyone used Jagger's purge to launch accusations at their foes. In the first few weeks of the Appalachian Disaster, the number of generals and admirals in the Allied ranks was reduced by 60%, political figures within the Allied High Command by 95%, and journalists and anti-Allied movements have all but vanished.

Meanwhile, in light of Jerry's capture and Harry's death, Jagger and Kadyn's team were elevated to stardom overnight. As the public cheered for all their heroes on stage, Kadyn was strangely absent from the event. After the celebration, Jagger returned to his newly constructed throne room where all the leaders and prominent figures of his new empire lined up to welcome him.

[Jagger] - "Out! Everyone out, except for Dunkel and Jack. "

Said Jagger with frustration in his voice.

Shocked by Jagger's anger, the crowd quickly exited the throne room without question. As soon as the doors were shut, Jagger breathed a sigh of relief.

[Dunkel] - "My lord, what's on your mind? "

Said Dunkel as she kneeled before Jagger's feet.

[Jagger] - "It was too soon. To believe those two idiots, one who was Mike's personal apprentice, lost to that sorry bunch of clowns is beyond me. They have not only ruined my plans but tightened our schedule. "

Said Jagger with a frustrated look on his face.

Jack raised his head from the ground and put himself on one knee.

[Jack] - "My lord, most of the purges are still ongoing. May I suggest the creation of a crystal users wing of the Allied propaganda ministry to allow the further surveillance and elimination of threats to your rule? This way, the gap left by Jerry and Harry's absence could be filled. "

Jagger thought for a second before moving his gaze toward Dunkel.

[Dunkel] - "My lord, most Blue Guards left alive by this point are certified to be loyal to you. The purge from the past few weeks has mostly eliminated most if not all men who questioned your rule. "

[Jagger] - "Good. Now, Dunkel, as head of the Blue Guards, I want you to send our new heroes to visit a good friend of ours. Glory will be mine alone, not shared with worms like them. "

[Dunkel] - "As you wish, my lord! "

Later, inside Kadyn's room, she watched the clock tick closer to midnight with anticipation. She waited and waited for something or... someone to show up. However, even as the display showed 12:45, all she ever received was the cold embrace of silence. By the time the clock showed 3:34 AM, Kadyn was exhausted but held hope in her heart. By 8:00 the next morning, with the sun shining against her face, she had finally begun falling asleep.

[Kadyn] - "I don't believe it... not in my soul. "

Whispered Kadyn as her consciousness faded into her slumber.

Inside an unfamiliar room, Kadyn pressed down against the floor and shone a light under the bed while searching for something. After rummaging through every single corner of the room, she still wasn't able to find what she was looking for. Exhausted, she sat down on her bed before her gaze was caught by the picture standing atop the wardrobe. Somehow, she was able to see herself in that photo but not the person standing beside her.