Surviving without God

“...Where am I?”

The place they brought him to was a hidden room deep within the Sanctuary. Grand Crow’s favorite refuge for secret conversations. In the game itself, as the story progressed, the player ended up here several times.

“...I didn’t think I’d be coming here already in the first act.”

What did he want to talk about, calling him to a place like this? Gunther stopped at the entrance, slowly scanning the room. It was an instinctive impulse—to find some kind of clue—but his gaze had little to catch on. Beneath the round stone dome, only a few candles and a blazing fireplace poured out dim light.

—Come in.

Grand Crow’s voice came from the direction of the hearth. A round table stood by the fire, surrounded by cozy armchairs. The furnishings were modest. An artfully designed, egalitarian layout where no one occupied a central seat—no matter where you sat.

—Sit down, —khem-khem, —anywhere you like.

Grand Crow himself was practically swallowed by the armchair closest to the fireplace. The charisma he had radiated from the dais an hour ago was gone without a trace—now he looked utterly frail. It must have been the aftermath of the ritual. He should have been resting, yet he had called for a rookie...

—Allow me.

Only after sitting would he understand the point. Gunther silently pulled out an armchair and sat opposite Grand Crow. Cheonmae and Moon Wolf, who had been standing motionless off to the side, took their seats as well. Cheonmae sat right up against Grand Crow, while Moon Wolf, after a brief pause, slowly lowered herself into the chair beside Gunther.

Shh—shuk...

The tips of her long red hair brushed Gunther’s shoulder. He turned his head and met her scarlet eyes, staring straight at him.

—Glad to meet again, Gunther. Or rather, Guardian of the Moonless Night.

—I’m glad as well.

—First, I want to say I’m happy about our future cooperation.

“...She can speak that bluntly?” Gunther doubted for a second.

—Tsk.

A sharp clicking sound came from right in front of him. It was Cheonmae.

—What are you staring at, rookie?

—You can ignore her.

Moon Wolf, not taking her eyes off Gunther, continued:

—Before we get to business, I’ll briefly explain our organization. Even though you’ve become an official member, you must still have many questions.

—Yes. Please.

Gunther already knew everything that followed far too well. But he couldn’t show it. He nodded, playing the attentive listener.

—You’ve surely read the handbook.

—Yes.

—As you’ve guessed, “Night Raven” is divided into divisions depending on its members’ talents. The Combat Unit, the Intelligence Department, the Support Unit. Each has its own tasks.

Of course he knew. The Combat Unit handled direct clashes with enemies. The Intelligence Department handled reconnaissance, surveillance, assassination, and spy coordination. The Support Unit handled supplies, technology, recruiting talent, and cleaning up consequences.

—However, members who display special abilities are assigned to secret divisions outside the general structure.

For a moment, pride echoed in Moon Wolf’s voice.

—The official name of our division—the one you’ve been attached to as well—is “Execution.” And at present, I am serving as the acting commander of this unit.

Cheonmae suddenly cut in:

—Heh. Do you even get how rare it is for a rookie to be sent straight into “Execution”? Consider it special treatment. Be proud.

—You have a strange way of praising people, Senior.

—P-praising?! Looks like our little junior’s gotten way too full of himself!

Grand Crow, who had been listening in silence, raised a hand, and Cheonmae immediately shut up. No matter how unruly she was, in front of him she became the exception. Then the old man’s warm single eye turned to Gunther.

—We gather the will of the avengers, and we carry it out. Well... that’s the spirit I created this unit with.

—...I understand.

—And we’re given the most dangerous assignments. Infiltrating ritual sites to stop them, punitive operations against traitors inside the organization... Sometimes we’re sent deep into the heart of Luthien’s lands. That’s why our mortality rate is the highest.

That was an addition to what the handbook already said. Gunther nodded and gave the kind of answer no one present could fault.

—Whatever assignments await me, I’m ready.

Now Grand Crow looked at Gunther like a grandfather delighted that his grandson had gotten into a prestigious university.

—Yes, I know. Recently, you handled a similar mission brilliantly. And without any support.

He meant the Weaver of Despair and the destruction of its maternal form. That truly fit the nature of “Execution” work, even if the scale differed.

—That was the deciding factor that made me pay attention to you. I... placed certain hopes on you.

......

Gunther instinctively sensed it: the real part was about to begin. They could have explained the unit’s structure and meaning at the next gathering. The true reason he had been called into a hidden room immediately after the ceremony was about to be spoken.

And indeed.

Shh—shuk.

Grand Crow lifted himself in his chair and leaned forward toward Gunther.

—In any case, I’m glad you’re resolved to complete any assignment.

Grand Crow’s speech began to quicken. On one hand he looked excited, like a child; on the other, embarrassment seeped into his voice, like someone about to make an awkward request. Gunther felt uneasy. What was this old man planning?

—To be honest, I thought for a long time about where to place you. Your case is too unique. Opinions among the leadership were split.

—I-I see.

—But after thinking it through, I found one suitable group... Um, it sounds a bit vague, but... how should I put it—everyone there is exceptional. Their skills and, well, personalities... very vivid. Even too vivid.

“...A group?” Gunther nodded, thinking frantically. Exceptional skills and personalities?

—But with your unconventional nature, I’m sure you won’t just fit in—you’ll exceed expectations. You’ll get along quickly.

Cheonmae cut in again:

—If you don’t get along, you’re dead.

Keeping his expression calm, Gunther rubbed the bridge of his nose hard. He did know Night Raven’s work was organized into groups. But in the game, the composition of those groups depended on the player’s will. You could team up with people you liked and keep your distance from unpleasant ones.

“...I overlooked the fact that in reality, things can go according to a different script.”

For a rookie in the organization, an order from above was law.

“There’s no helping it.”

Gunther accepted that he would be placed into a team chosen by Grand Crow. Now only one thing mattered: who those people were. Even Gunther didn’t know every member of the “Execution” unit. As if reading his thoughts, Grand Crow added:

—I’ll arrange a meeting with them soon. Ah, and one more thing.

—......?

—The leader of that group recently died in battle. He was an outstanding commander, a pillar for those rascals... I mean, the group members. A grievous loss.

—But why are you telling me that?..

Grand Crow smiled faintly and spoke in a coaxing tone. He acted like a playful grandfather, treating even serious matters as if they were jokes.

—You could call it... a chance for rapid promotion. In my view, there’s no one in the organization better suited for that important post right now. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you took that vacant spot?

...So.

In simple terms: he was being thrown into a team of problem children, and if he managed to survive there, he would be expected to become their leader. Gunther ground his teeth and forced a tight smile.

—...I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but I’ve been in the organization for less than an hour.

Grand Crow burst into loud laughter. In that laugh, instead of old frailty, there was the mischief of a boy.

—Fortunately, our organization values skill. Moon Wolf and Cheonmae both took important posts less than a year after joining.

Cheonmae shrugged, while Moon Wolf stayed silent. Gunther clicked his tongue inwardly. This old man’s character was exactly as it was in the game. Always half-joking, half-serious—but once he decided something, he never backed down. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

“Well, it’s not all bad.”

Of course, he didn’t like this unexpected forced assignment. But as Grand Crow said, if he formed a squad and took a command position, his influence inside the organization—and the speed at which he could push the scenario forward—would multiply.

“And most importantly, I’ll gain the right to pull Ryan to my side, even though they assigned him to the Combat Unit.”

The option of leaving Ryan alone was never on the table. Gunther knew “Execution” was more dangerous, but leaving his friend outside his line of sight was an even greater risk. Only when Ryan was beside him could he take responsibility to the end.

Gunther lifted his head decisively.

—...I’m intrigued.

—Well then, don’t take the command question too much to heart. Not right now. In a very, very far future.

Grand Crow gave a sly smile, ending the meeting.

.

.

.

Ding!

[A personal scenario has been initiated! “The Problem Children of the Execution Unit”]

Grand Crow places far greater hopes on you than you thought. In truth, you brought this on yourself. Even before joining, you amassed an impressive record, and at the ceremony you drew unprecedented attention.

For that reason, he has decided to place you in the “problem group,” officially designated as the 4th Platoon of the Execution Unit. A nest of incorrigible brutes—each with outstanding combat power and a fierce individuality, for whom conflict and madness are everyday life. Moreover, the previous commander recently died on a mission. At present, the 4th Platoon has lost its compass and is in turmoil.

...This is both a crisis and an opportunity. A major fork that can instantly raise your internal reputation and authority within the organization, and also forge ties with powerful allies. Naturally, since the 4th Platoon always takes on nightmare assignments, the risk will be great.

Yes. Good luck.

Mission ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) details:

-Join the 4th Platoon of the Execution Unit.

-Replace the fallen commander by serving as a candidate leader.

-Earn the platoon members’ trust.

Completion reward:

-The Execution Unit’s 4th Platoon will become a permanent participant in your scenario.

-Explosive growth in reputation and authority within the organization.

-Additional rewards specially for the “Commander” class.