Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 52: The Truth Revealed - The Conundrum of Decision Making

As the group walks toward the end of the underground facility, they can barely see the massive assembly line to their left through tiny windows.

"Are those eggs hatching behind the windows? I can't see clearly," Zidane asks with a worried expression.

Alex glances at Vivi, a small blue flash appearing in his eyes. Kneeling down, he places a hand on Vivi's shoulder, speaking softly, "Vivi, whatever you're about to see, stay calm. You're different. I swear on my life."

Vivi looks up at him, confused. "What do you mean, Alex?"

Immediately, Alex questions himself for acting on instinct. "What are you doing? These are just characters! Why are you getting involved emotionally? You're exposing yourself, making them suspicious of you! What benefit does this bring? Your life is on the line! Stop with the sentimental nonsense!"

Alex takes a deep breath, trying to regain composure, feeling the need to justify his actions.

He then says more calmly, "The enemy we fought in the Ice Cavern, the way he looked similar to you... the villagers' reactions, like they know you but are puzzled you're walking around. The connection to the castle, the empty crates, the eggs... I have a bad feeling about this. You'll understand soon enough. Let's keep moving."

As they pass through the dark section where the eggs hatch, they finally come face to face with a sight that leaves them speechless. Countless black mages, larger than Vivi but with similar features, are being transported along the assembly line to a packaging facility, ready to be boxed up and shipped like products.

Both Vivi and Garnet are visibly shaken, each grappling with their own turmoil. Zidane, staring at the scene, mutters, "They all look like Vivi. Maybe some small differences, but the resemblance is obvious."

Suddenly, footsteps approach. Zidane, on alert, whispers urgently, "Someone's coming. Vivi, Dagger, Alex, stay sharp!"

Vivi trembles. "Are they... dolls? What... what am I?"

Garnet, equally shaken, questions her mother's role in all of this. "Why is she doing this? Could she really be behind everything?"

As they try to process their shock, Zidane hears the villager's footsteps getting closer. In a panic, he pulls the two pondering companions into the packaging room to hide, hoping to avoid detection.

Alex, however, knows exactly what's coming. Instead of following them and hiding, he calmly leans against the wall, allowing the villager to spot him.

The villager, alarmed, immediately confronts him. "WHO ARE YOU? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!"

Alex shows him the Mayor's key still in his possession. "Inspecting the facility by order of her royal majesty, Queen Brahne. Show some respect or my good mood might take a turn, and trust me, that won't be good for your health."

As he says this, Alex brandishes his favored tool of intimidation, the mighty [Sword of Pluto]. As usual, a red flash flickers in his eyes, its source once again his [Commander Shepard's Dog Tag], powered by his Basic Eloquence lvl 1 and 12 CHA. The effect triggers an emotional attack that a simple village worker has no chance of handling.