Dawn Front/Story/Season 8

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Introduction[]

(Rosset City)
(In a tall building owned by Mercury Group, a lanky figure stands before a giant French window, looking down on this croweded [sic] city.
(He holds a phone in his hand, looking impatient as he listens to the voice speaking emphatically on the other end of the line.)
Reid: Mr. President, you keep talking about how much pressure you're under because of the edict. But don't you forget, if it weren't for Mercury Group, you'd still be under house arrest.
George: I'm grateful for what you did. That's why I issued the edict in the first place. But now with the election coming, there's growing opposition and it's hurting my approval ratings.
Reid: Building ties with the free trade zones of the Northern Kingdom and Cloud Kingdom is good for Apple Federation's economy. I want nothing but the best for the federation.
George: I think you want more than that. But whatever it is, I don't want it to ruin my chances in the election.
Reid: I understand your concern Mr. President. You see, I'm a man of business. If you want my support in the election, you've got to do something to earn it.
Reid: With the election coming, surely you don't want any... accident to happen, do you?
(Reid lowers his voice. The menace in his tone silences the voice on the other end of the line. Then slowly, he hangs up the phone.)
(Inside the courier station of Luoyan City.)
Zhu Yuxian: Did you get the word out?
Zhan's Subordinate: Sir, we've arranged to spread the news about the new goods, and sent men to spy on the big merchants in Luoyan City. They've heard the news and are taking actions. Perhaps...
Zhu Yuxian: Luoyan City has been an impregnable fortress under Clan Yue's leadership, but now we finally have access to it thanks to its newly built trade ties with Apple Federation.
Zhan's Subordinate: So what's our next step?
Zhu Yuxian: Keep spying on them. We're going to make waves in Luoyan City.
Zhan's Subordinate: Yes, your highness.
(Inside a hotel in Rosset City).
Joe: Tomorrow will be your first campaign speech. How's your preparation going?
Kimi: Almost ready. But I have a bad feeling about the edict the president issued the other day.
Orlando: The president was suddenly released from Federal Security Agency's investivation. Then right after that, he issued this edict. Someone must be pulling the strings behind the scenes
Kimi: My thoughts exactly. And I have a theory. On the surface, the new arrangement between the three countries serves to deepen their trade ties, but it puts Apple Federation at risk.
Orlando: I agree. Crime rates in Rosset City have shot up, and the new edict is partly to blame.
Kimi: So we must stop this edict from doing more damage.
Orlando: I'll keep on investigating what President George did during his presidency, but having the edict abolished won't be easy—we need more support.
Kimi: I understand, but I will not sit by when the well being of Apple Federation comes under threat.

Kimi - Apple Apparel Group[]

Want to be an excellent designer? Welcome to the Apple Apparel Group.

(Inside a hotel in Rosset City.)
(I knock on the door and Kimi bids me to enter.)
(Outside the French window, the night has fallen. Kimi is still at her desk, buried in her work, her profile lit by the dim lamp.)
I: Miss Kimi, here are the files you requested.
Kimi: You've got everything I need?
I: Yes, it's all in here, including the details on Rosset Group's failed merger attempts, and the information on the companies targeted by edicts issued by President George.
Kimi: Thank you, well done.
I: Just doing my job. May I ask what do you need those files for?
Kimi: As the funder of the president's campaign, Rosset Group has been able to mount hostile takeovers with immunity. Companies that resisted were unfairly target by the president.
Kimi: And I want to know how those companies feel about the new edict.
I: Since its release, there has been a lot of criticism, but no one has taken actions against it for fear of running afoul of Rosset Group. Are you ready to take them on?
Kimi: Abolishing an active edict will not be easy, but it's not impossible if we can monilize enough opposition against its proponents.
I: Would those companies be willing to join us in rejecting the edict?
Kimi: I'm not sure, but I'll try my best to convince them. That's the only way to find out.
I: I see.

Orlando - Federal Land Force[]

Will you join our army to protect the peace of Miraland?

(Outside an underground tavern in Rosset City.)
(In a dim, winding ally, there's something lurking in the dark.)
I: Sir, this is the tavern where the recent violent riots happened.
Orlando: Despite the mixed crowd, this place has an order to it.
I: You mean this is not an ordinary tavern?
(The officer, tall and slender, leans against the wall, his eagle-like eyes fixed on the tavern.)
Orlando: That's right. It seems those riots didn't happen by chance—more like it was choreographed to cover up something.
I: Our men have been staking out here for days, and they did find something suspicious... Should we go in and take a look?
Orlando: Don't be rash. I saw quite a few well-trained soldiers in there. Best not to alert them.
I: Understood, sir.
Orlando: We'll wait until the middle of the night and sneak in posing as customers. Until then, we'll stay put and keep watch.
I: It could be very dangerous in there. Should I call backup?
Orlando: No, we don't want to draw attention to ourselves. Tell the others to come here and pick us up when we're done, and tell them to do it quietly.
I: Yes, sir!

Yue Qianshuang - Army Yue[]

Joining Yue House's Army means to put life and death aside. Are you ready?

(At a smithy in Luoyan City.)
(I use a pair of long tongs to get the red-hot metal block out of the furnace and place it on the table, then pour a gourdful of water on it.)
(After a sizzling sound, the metal cools and starts to show its original silver color, looking conspicuous in the dim room.)
I: General, judging by the purity of the metal, it comes from outside Luoyan City.
Yue Qianshuang: When did such a pure metal show up in Luoyan City?
I: We interrogated the owner of this smithy. He said he bought it on the black market a few days ago.
Yue Qianshuang: Lots of goods of unknown sources have recently found their way in Luoyan City, reviving the long-dead black market. Someone must be behind this.
(The general ponders with a serious expression, her right hand gently rapping on the blade hanging on her waist.)
Yue Qianshuang: Got anything on the spy we found the other day?
I: Like you instructed, we didn't confront the spy after we found him, and we've been keeping a watch on him since.
I: Yesterday, one of our men saw him doing trade with Luoyan City's black market. The goods being traded were drugs of unknown uses. We impounded them and found they're unlicensed.
Yue Qianshuang: Illegal drugs, goods of unknown sources... Sounds kinda familiar.
I: Do you know who is behind this?
Yue Qianshuang: Only guesses, no solid proof.
I: Do you need me to catch the spy and interrogate him?
(General Yue raises her hand to stop me.)
Yue Qianshuang: A spy like that must be well trained and ready to sacrifice his life. I'm afraid interrogation won't work on him. For now, let's just follow that lead, see where it takes us.
I: What are you suggesting, General?
Yue Qianshuang: Whoever is behind this, he wants more than just to smuggle some goods—he's looking to take over Luoyan City.
I: Such ambition! Well, general, so our next step...
Yue Qianshuang: Now that we've located the black market, you and I will go there tonight and find out where those goods were headed.
I: Yes, General!

Louie - Nameless Order[]

You will have to forget your name forever once you choose this path. Are you prepared? My comrades.

(Inside a cave in Frigidfog City.)
(A young man leans against the wall of the narrow cave, which provides shelter from the howling wind outside. I pour him some water. He looks weak, his eyes glazed.)
Louie: Do you remember where you escaped from?
(The captain asks, crouching next to the man.)
Young Man: No... I don't. All I remember is that they kept injecting something inside me before I passed out... Then I somehow awoke while the rest was asleep and got out.
Louie: The rest? There were a lot of people where you escaped from?
Young Man: There were only four of us in the room where I was held. When I got out, I saw lots of similar rooms.
(The captain twists his head to look out of the cave, a solemn expression on his face.)
I: Captain, we checked the tracks outside the cave and found that he came here from the northeast.
(The captain nods and turns to the man leaning against the cave wall.)
Louie: Do you remember who you are and where your home is?
Young Man: I-I am... Who am I?
(There's a confused look on the young man's face.)
Young Man: Where is my home? A place covered with golden wheat, I think...
Louie: There's no rush. Take your time to remember. We'll take you to somewhere safe.
(After calming down the confused young man, the captain leads us out of the cave.)
I: captain, his symptoms are similar to those of the man we saw earlier. They must have come from the same lab.
Louie: The way he described it, the experiment is now being conducted on a larger scale.
I: What are they up to? What is this experiment for?
Louie: One thing's for sure, it's more than just about erasing people's memories... Whatever it is, we must put a stop to it.
I: Our men are tracking them down. We'll leave no stone unturned.
Louie: Have someone evacuate the people from the cave. Bring the rest, and we'll go northeast together to find the lab.
I: Yes!

Reid - Mercury Group[]

Mercury Group welcomes powerful stylists.

(At the train station of Rosset City.)
(The porters are busy loading a cargo on the train. After I finish checking the goods, I turn and walk toward the toll booth.)
I: Mr. Chairman, I've checked the goods, It's all there. We're good to go.
Reid: Good job. Have they checked it?
(The chairman gestured to the transport supervision team nearby.)
I: They were going to, but like you instructed, I only let them checked the outer carriages, using the excuse that checking the rest will slow down the delivery.
I: The new edict not only opened up a trade route to the neighboring countries, but also gave us excuses to sidestep inspections. How did you get the president to sign it anyway.
Reid: Desires make people weak, especially for those in power. If he wants to keep his job, he has to make this deal with me.
I: But will it affect the outcome of the election? Ms. Kimi is giving a campaign speech in Rosset City. She seems to enjoy growing popularity in federation...
(The handsome-looking chairman gives a soft laugh.)
Reid: She's brave and persistent. I'll give her that. But we've prepared for her.
I: Prepared how?
Reid: You'll find out soon. The cargo is loaded. Time to set off.
I: Yes, sir.

Grey Raven - Clinic No. 6[]

Are you going to accept my makeover? You can gain unprecedented strength.

(In the underground tavern in Rosset City.)
(I ask one of the waiters to put the ingredients in the metal box. When it's done, I walk toward the man in the shade.)
(As usual, his hair is disheveled but his uniform is pristine.)
I: It's all set, Doc.
Gray raven: You mean the experimental materials Reid mentioned?
I: Yes, because of the huge demand, it took Mr. Reid a long time to find the materials you want on Apple Federation's underground black market.
Gray raven: Something was wrong in the base. That's why i came all the way here.
I: The materials look different than the last batch...
Gray raven: Didn't Reid tell you? Never mind. The soldiers injected with Reagent No.7 suffered the pain of curse and the project had to be shelved. We're now focusing on the 'Shade' experiment.
I: You're talking about that... famous sniper?
(He lazily lift his head and shoots me a glance, then gives a casual nod.)
Gray raven: Just when we thought the experiment was going perfectly, an accident happened... Then again, if we could succeed once, we can do it again...
I: Are you creating a... second Shade?
Gray raven: That's not your concern. You just make sure i get out here safely with materials.
I: Yes, I've followed Mr. Reid's instructions and done something to distract attention from our activities here. I'm sure no will bother us.
(A smile creeps over the man's face.)
I: Yes, your highness.

Zhu Yuxian - Phoenix's Feather[]

Ills difficult to break through. Can you help me?

(Inside the courier station of Luoyuan city.)
I: Master, the drugs have been sent out with the help of our spy at the drugs office.
Zhu Yuxian: Has Clan Yue... noticed anything?
I: i don't think so. Everything is went well.
Zhu Yuxian: Went well? It's unlike General Yue to sit by and do nothing.
(With half of his body covered by the shadow of the room, the master raps on the desk with his long finger-something he does when he thinks.)
Zhu Yuxian: Remove the spy at medical office.
I: Why? We went through a lot of trouble getting him in there. Everything's going well.
Zhu Yuxian: That' the problem. Everything's going too well. i'm afraid General Yue is onto our spy. The only reason she hasn't made a move yet is because she wants to use him to get to us.
Zhu Yuxian: Don't underestimate General Yue.
(The master's cold tone sends a shudder down my spine.)
Zhu Yuxian: The spy is only a shortcut. But now that he's compromised, we had no choice but to get rid of him.
I: Yes. We worked so hard to get everything in place in Luoyuan City, and it's finally paying off...
(The master gives a soft laugh.)
Zhu Yuxian: General Yue my have men guarding every corner of Luoyuan City, but the situation is more complicated than what it was. Still, Clan Yue is prepared for this and will take actions.
I: With the black market reopened, merchants in Luoyuan City are scrambling to snap up what's an offer. This is bound to bring chaos, which General Yue will find it hard to contain.
(The master doesn't respond. His finger slowly stop rapping on the desk.)
Zhu Yuxian: Maintain contact with the black market, but be more discreet when delivering goods. Once spotted, abort the mission immediatly and don't leave loose ends.
I: Understood.

Nidhogg - League Tyr[]

Do you want to join League Tyr?

(Frigidfog City.)
(Inside the tall wall's, grayish building stand tall, clad in dark glass that prevents people seeing what's inside.)
(I lift my head. The thought of what's going on in the lab makes my scalp tingle. I quicken my steps and walk in.)
(I pass through the long hallway and come to the door. I knock on it.)
I: Colonel!
(I receive an answer and open the door. A tall figure sitting in a couch, flipping through a thick folder.)
I: Colonel, we injected those sick soldiers with Reagent No.7, but it didn't work.
Nidhogg: Did the pain of the curse get worse?
I: Yes. And there are other soldiers in the barracks showing the same symptoms... What do you want me to do with them?
Nidhogg: Like what we did before, increase the dosage of Reagent No.7. If the symptoms persist, send them to... Gray Raven's lab.
I: Yes. But there was a little accident in the lab... Early this morning, a new subject ran off, probably due to the strong resistance he developed against the drug...
Nidhogg: Did you bring him back?
I: I've sent men to track him down. The anaesthetic hasn't worn off. He shouldn't have gone far.
(The colonel sets down the book with the dull thud. My heart quivers.)
Nidhogg: Step up the security around the lab, clear all the trace of human activities in the area, don't let anyone find that place.
I: Yes, sir! But the thing is, although the experiment was expanded, we have yet to have another subject as perfect as the Shade...
(The colonel stands and walks up to the window. His straight back gives off solemn air.)
Nidhogg: If Reagent No.7 has no effect against the Curse of Blood, then instead having them suffer from having the pain of the curse for eternity, we should put them through the Shade experiment.
Nidhogg: When the Gray Raven returns from Rosset City with the materials, we'll continue to expand the experiment. I want to see new result as soon as possible.
I: Understood, Colonel!