Cyberknight: One Path

⁕ Sea of Broken Shards (part 1)

In a fit of rage, KD-554 punched through the com system with the blade formed from her hand. Then, after taking a deep breath, KD-554 pressed on a different set of controls on her desk and leaned in with her mouth toward the speaker.

[KD-554] - "Honey, it's time to come home. "

Meanwhile, in front of the government tower, a row of Allied Blue Guards lined up to form a protective cordon in front of a limousine. Then, just as KD-554 smugly stepped out of the main gate, Dunkel and Jack also exited the limousine accordingly. With a raised chin, KD-554 scanned for any sign of Jagger, but noticed that Dunkel and Jack were the only ones inside the limousine. Standing several dozen stairs above the delegation, KD-554 stared down at the two with a look of superiority in her eyes.

[KD-554] - "A delegation? I was expecting more of a- "

Before KD-554 could finish her sentence, Jagger suddenly landed in front of her from the sky, kicking up a massive cloud of dust as the impact shattered the ground. Though Jagger expected KD-554 to show him some respect, the mayor simply focused on shrugging off the dust on her body.

[Jagger] - "Bow before your emperor! "

[KD-554] - "The prosperity of your empire is ensured by the mutual respect of your most important allies. "

In a fit of anger, Jagger flicked his finger and caused KD-554 to forcefully kneel on the ground. Though she resisted, her physical strength is meaningless in the face of Jagger's power. Just then, a figure descended from the sky with immense power, causing a burst of dust to accompany his landing. Emerging from the dust, Astroboy stood between Jagger and KD-554 with a calm look in his eyes.

[Astroboy] - "Hands off her, lord emperor. We don't want things to get messy at the first meeting between us. "

Said Astroboy in a cold voice.

With a single touch, Astroboy granted KD-554 a burst of energy, which allowed her to stand up effortlessly once more. Seeing the tense situation, the Blue Guards all around Jagger began to activate their crystals in preparation for combat. However, with a palm raised in the air, Jagger immediately ordered his men to stand down.

[Jagger] - "You two do realize what I'm capable of. Despite your power, Grand Cardinal Astroboy, you know you stand no chance against me, right? "

Said Jagger as he intentionally toyed with a piece of Athena's armour hung on his uniform.

[KD-554] - "Of course we don't, my emperor. However, my rule ensures the stability of your empire. You can choose to drag us through the dirt or kill us, but are you truly willing to rule over a barren wasteland? You control the military of the Allied Empire, but we control the society under your rule. You can purge the branches of this tree all you want, but to pull it out by the root is to destroy it entirely. "

Explained KD-554 calmly without an ounce of fear in front of Jagger.

Though Jagger felt irritated beyond belief by KD-554's defiant attitude, he was no fool either. KD-554 had infiltrated every corner of society way before Jagger began to build his empire, so her words and arrogance aren't simply the result of a bluff.

[Jagger] - "I agree we might be allies, but beware of your boundaries. I'm willing to burn this world down just as much as you are if you overstep your authority. A sick tree that can't produce fruit is as good as a dead tree. "

Said Jagger in a menacing tone.

[KD-554] - "Agreed! I even have a feeling we'd get along just fine. "

Said KD-554 as she stared at the piece of Athena's armour hanging on Jagger's coat.

Later, as the two parties settled in the government tower's guest hall, tensions seemed to have finally eased a little bit. After being served some fine wine by KD-554's staff, Jagger began to voice his demands.