Silence fell over the group after their confrontation with the massive creature. Old Balthazar had been left behind, and everyone was catching their breath.
Rin: So… do you think your companion has regained his senses?
Arata: I swear what just happened… it was sleep paralysis.
Efa: I'm glad you've recovered your spirit.
Arata: Yes, even if I've committed atrocities, I must keep living, and most importantly… I must find my waifu!
Harvey: Hastur, are you okay?
Hastur: Ah yes… it's just that… Rin, is this creature native here?
Rin: No, nothing like that exists in Dream Desert. The archipelago has no exploitable flora or fauna.
A heavy silence settled.
Efa: Anyway! The real question is… where is Rastaban?
Arata: Exactly. And is it at this so-called Censor's place that we'll find the answer?
Rin: Yes and no… both at once.
They looked at Rin, intrigued.
Rin: It's true that the Censor might be the key to this puzzle… but I doubt he'll reveal anything. He's a ruthless man, greedy, who has amassed his fortune through denunciations and scams.
Harvey: Don't worry, I have an incredible plan.
Arata (eyes gleaming): Like in La Casa de Papel?
Harvey (smiling, predatory): Exactly, though I'm not entirely sure what that is.
---
Phase 1 – Division into Two Groups
- Group 1 (distraction): Efa and Hastur
- Group 2 (infiltration): Arata, Rin, Harvey
---
Level 1 – The Entrance
Efa, draped like a diva, positioned herself in front of the Censor's main entrance. Hastur, immaculate in a suit, stood beside her.
Hastur: Do you know who this young lady before you is?
Efa (stamping her foot): THAT'S IT! I'm losing patience!
Hastur: She is the great Baroness SOPHIANNE MARI JEANNE DUBOIS!
The guards, mesmerized by the duo's presence, stepped aside, clearing the way. Behind them, the second group silently slipped through a service staircase discovered by Rin.
---
Level 2 – Labyrinthine Corridors
Efa and Hastur marched imperiously. Efa continued her dramatic demands:
Efa: How dare you slow your pace! My appointment is sacred!
Hastur: Your Majesty, follow my instructions so you do not trip on the carpet…
Meanwhile, Arata, Rin, and Harvey progressed through the conduits, silently disabling a few traps and creating diversions.
---
Level 3 – Armed Guards
The stairs to the third floor led to a more secure area. Several armed guards monitored the metal doors.
Efa performed a dramatic diva act, pretending to faint on the floor, demanding immediate passage.
Hastur: Who dares hold back the great Baroness SOPHIANNE MARI JEANNE DUBOIS?
The panic she caused allowed Arata and Harvey to open a side door and infiltrate the corridor behind the guards. Rin silently neutralized a surveillance system with her powers.
---
Level 4 – Suspended Staircase
The last floor before the Censor's office featured a spiral staircase, surrounded by fragile railings and dim lights.
Efa dropped onto the first landing to draw attention, shouting extravagant orders.
Hastur, stoic, protected their rear, intimidating distracted guards with his commanding words.
Behind them, the second group ascended the spiral, leaping precisely on the steps, disabling traps and obstacles.
---
Climax – Facing the Censor
Finally, the entire group assembled in front of the massive door of the Censor's office.
Efa, hand on hip, chin high, spoke with authority:
Efa: FACE THE CENSOR!