Definition

Inane

Takuya had the video call on a larger screen, so that everyone could see. Currently, Hiro, Ran, Ami and Kazu were with him as he contacted Jessica.

Takuya got straight to the point. "Jessica, how's the plan coming along?"

"Kirito just contacted me. Turns out, the original plan might not work afer all." The blonde woman explained bitterly.

"Eh? But aren't they already inside?" Hiro asked, worried for his friends.

Jessica nodded. "He says that the insider managed to contact them all and that he already had a plan formulated to get them all out. As of right now, Kirito's team is waiting in the Duck Shuttle on one of the launch pads of the NDHQ. However, we have no information on what Ban and the rest are doing."

"Did he mention who the insider was?" Kazu asked, confused why Jessica didn't just mention their name.

"Well that's..."

"What is it, Jessica?" Ami felt panic sinking in with her friends hesitation.

Sensing her fears, Jessica smiled reassuringly. "It's nothing serious... At least, I don't think so, but Kirito wouldn't give me a name. Not only me, but he hasn't told anyone else in his group about who contacted him."

Now, it's Ran who is confused. "Kirito wouldn't? But why?"

"He says that if we knew, the questions we'd have would distract us from our current mission... I'm sorry that I couldn't provide any further information."

Takuya nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Jessica. We'll leave you to it."

"Right."

The line was cut and the five of them sat in silence, wondering what their friend could possibly be thinking.

~~~~~

Arata, Hikaru, Haruki and Sakuya were gathered in a different room, discussing with Kiyoka and Wataru for any new events happening.

"Nothing new, huh?" Haruki muttered.

"There's been no progress on this side too, as far as I've heard." Hikaru stated.

"Nee-chan is still in there?" Wataru asked worriedly.

"I'm sure they're fine!" Arata said, trying to cheer him up. "Muraku's with them after all!"

The younger boy immediately grinned at this. "You're right! Muraku-senpai wouldn't let them get hurt!"

"Takeru told me that the plans have changed though." Sakuya informed the two across the screen. "Their insider said they're working on a plan. It looks like the insider knew everything that was going to happen since they got in."

"And that insider doesn't have a name?" Kiyoka asked.

Haruki shook his head. "Kirito-san says it's someone he trusts with his life, but he wouldn't tell anyone who it is."

"That man is a complete mystery himself..." Hikaru muttered.

~~~~~

The seven of them made their way to the passage, taking on the stance of guards and prisoners. There was only one vehicle left, a tank of sorts, and standing in front of it was the man in the mask. Behind him, they could see the blonde woman and the soldier staring at them with empty looks.

The man clapped his hands. "After this, phase 5 will begin! The true beginning of my vengance against the Seekers!"

"Why do you hate us so much?" Niara asked as she and the rest were pushed closer to the man. "I mean, if it was Alfred Gardyne or literally anyone else, I'd understand, but aren't you just a follower?"

"Followers have their own mind too, Levanov." He stated. "You and Kazama of all people should know that."

"... Right, okay. But that still doesn't answer the question."

"Gardyne was supposed to be Country A's ruler. And with the help of Paradise, we'd be able to be the strongest nation in existence!" He began. "With that power, Country A would rule the world easily! I was promised by Gardyne to be his right hand man when he ruled! But you Seekers ruined it!"

At those words, Ban recalled the news from years before. "And then he was assassinated... A few months ago, President Lenneton released you from prison early in hope you'd work for her to repent for what you did, but you disappeared instead."

"Silence! You children don't understand anything!" He took off his mask and glared at them. It wasn't as intimidating as they thought it would be. Really, he was much more frightening with the mask on.

"I think we do." Jin interrupted. "You killed Worthen and agreed to help Gardyne because the latter had much more influence. You wanted to get your hands on that power and wealth and so you were going to backstab him, right? But we stopped you all before it could ever reached that part so you were only ever known as the world's most evil lackey."

Seeing the man's shocked expression, Niara struggled to hold back her laughter. "Yikes. Bishop, the one thing you did correctly in this whole journey is piss the emperor off!"

"How did you..."

"It really wasn't all that hard to figure out." The black and white haired man sighed with a shake of his head. "Read a few news articles, have friends who were formerly affiliated Omega Dain, and match Gardyne's intentions with whatever it has in common with the World Sabers. Power, wealth, influence. And having someone like Kaidou Yoshimitsu to raise me, it's far too easy to figure out. I assume you'll also betray the World Sabers once they give you what you want?"

"You..." Bishop began to snarl. "I was planning that you all watched phase 5 helplessly from our main base, but it appeares that that's no longer an option! Take them down!" The three soldiers stood still, their weapons in hands, but not taking aim. "What's wrong with you?! Take aim and shoot them!"

"They won't listen to you." Eva spoke up suddenly, surprising them all. She took off her collar and twirled them around her finger. "You're by far the easiest villain to predict thus far."

The soldier behind her revealed his true form and threw her a look. "I thought we agreed that would be my line." The other three took off their helmets as well, shocking him.

Niara smiled deviously. "We're the ones who are going to take you down."

~~~~~~~~~~

Inane: Showing lack of intelligence or thought