Cyberknight: One Path

⁕ Sea of Broken Shards (part 1)

The morning sun shone once more on Trump City as its rays finally broke through the monotony of its red neon glow. The devastation caused by Kadyn's rampage might have cost KD-554 more than she had expected. From the bodies blocking entire streets to the devastating amount of infrastructure damage, the city was not about to forget that night any time soon. On top of the sheer devastation, Kadyn's actions also attracted some unwanted attention from some people KD-554 was not keen to meet.

Inside KD-554's office, one of the main city officials sat before her desk with a pad in his hands. While the man nervously responded to his boss' inquiries, KD-554 didn't seem to be bothered at all by the reports.

[administrator] - "So Block 72 all the way to Block 158 were annihilated by the Storm-class Titan's blasts as collateral damage. I was wondering, was this an acceptable loss in your eyes, dear governor? "

The administrator paused nervously, fearing KD-554's wrath in reaction to the catastrophic news. However, KD-554 was barely paying attention as she distractedly savoured some of her wine.

[KD-554] - "Walking on eggshells won't do you any good, administrator. If anything, your hesitation is what irritates me. "

Said KD-554 before suddenly throwing her empty wine bottle against the man's face.

Surprisingly, the man didn't even flinch as the bottle shards stabbed through his skin. Instead of feeling pain, the man smiled with relief before tearing the shards out of his synthetic skin.

[Administrator] - "Forgive me for doubting your cruelty, governor. I seemed to have forgotten the difference between disposable assets and the true heart and soul of our ways. "

Said the administrator with an unnatural, cruel smile across his face.

Just like KD-554, the man's eyes began to burn in a crimson colour as he confidently raised his head to stare at his master without fear.

[Administrator] - "The total tally, governor, 78k dead by direct causes, 128k injured by indirect causes, the loss of over 204 billion dollars in military and civilian assets, the death of seven elites of the city, including Martin and his entire company. Despite all this, armed civilians and petty criminals make up 80% of the number; thus is counted as an unconsiderable loss. As for the city, the rebuilding process won't take longer than three months with the use of slave labour. Our only considerable loss is the death of the seven elites and the whole of the White Trident PMC group. That's all the relevant information to your ears, my mighty governor. "

Said the administrator without pause or hesitation.

[KD-554] - "It's like poetry to my ears, administrator. You delivered once again, a flawless report worthy of my time. "

Said KD-554 with a slight grin on her face.

[Administrator] - "I thank you, governor. After all, you chose me as your administrator for a reason! "

Said the administrator with a proud smirk.

Suddenly, a loud beeping from the screen on KD-554's desk interrupted the two. Without a second thought, the administrator stood up and declined the call by hitting a button on the desk. As KD-554 and the administrator shared an amused glance, the phone suddenly rang again. This time, KD-554 was fed up as she abruptly stood up and accepted.

[KD-554] - "You're dead! You hear me, Neil? You have disturbed me for the last fucking time, you bloated maggot infested piece of shit! "

Yelled KD-554 with a rage that even made the administrator recoil in fear.

[Neil] - "Your highness, it's... It's the Emperor. He's here to see you. "

Said Neil in a panic on the other side.