Two new chess pieces are added to the board.
A doctor, intelligent and logical, corrupted by unholy desire.
An experiment, secluded and bitter, consumed by religious zeal.
These radicalized wild cards are harbingers of even greater destruction for t...
Cthylla, R'luh, and a handful of Faithful stood in the shadows of an alleyway in the dead of night. XXM aerial units soared overhead, headlamps piercing the black clouds in the sky, and sirens echoed throughout the haven.
"We are freeing a powerful ally from Xirxine containment," Cthylla answered, "and hacking a Xirxine server to search for more information on the location of the Necronomicon. It's bound to be listed somewhere in their database."
"We've tried to hack them before," R'luh informed her. "Their security measures proved too difficult to surpass."
"You didn't have Phineas last time," Cthylla retorted. "That's why I sent him to do recon: he will be hacking the security system in tandem with our attack." She leaned against the alley wall, scanning the streets with narrow eyes. "Be ready for conflict. No doubt the Avatar will report to our breach, and the Saved may enter the fray as well."
"The Saved?" another Faithful—N'gha—repeated. "Why would they be there?"
"According to Phineas, they have an assassination attempt planned," Cthylla replied. "Their target is Dr. Alice Jenkins, one of their top computational scientists. She is a high-priority 'Sinner' in their eyes—a vocal supporter of those inhabiting the so-called 'Safespace' sub-district."
"I assume we won't be safe from their wrath either, then," R'luh grumbled. "We are a rival religious faction, after all."
"Exactly. So be prepared." Cthylla closed her eyes. Are you ready, my love?she asked, calling to Ephaiagl telepathically.
I am, Ephaiagl confirmed. You can start the operation.
Excellent.
Cthylla's eyes snapped open. "Let's go."
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Veronika crouched atop a building, clad in her new armor. Her scarf—which hung around her neck—fluttered behind her in the breeze. "Ve 'shall keep ze vay of ze Lord,'" she murmured , "'to do justice... and judgement.'"
"Such is the will of the Lord," the ten Crusaders behind her responded in unison.
Veronika pulled her scarf up over her nose and mouth. "So shall it be."
One of the Crusaders—a Bengal cat named Lady Marli—walked over to Veronika's side and pointed to the Xirxine Northwest Headquarters. "Our inside sources have informed us that the so-called 'Faithful' are performing a coordinated attack on the headquarters tonight as well," she told Veronika. "They'll be sending the place into chaos at any moment. That's when we'll strike."
"The target will likely exit in a mass exodus with the rest of the staff," another Crusader, Sir Robert (a human), added. "You must reach her while she's still in the building so you don't lose her in the crowd."
