I hope the following translation of that article will provide some insight on what kind of studio ShiftUp is. As there are gamers just learning of the studio with the release of Stellar Blade and its PC port.

Paraphrased translation of Inven article “ShiftUp is just getting started” focusing on portions regarding Stellar Blade and ShiftUp’s general direction.

[뉴에이지 특집 #1] "시프트업은 이제 '시작'이다" 이동기 테크니컬 디렉터 24/11/28

As most dramatic success stories go, Stellar Blade had a rough start. A project that could be dropped any moment if not for the firm “now or never” stance of the development team. The team’s effort was ultimately rewarded when Stellar Blade’s April 2024 release on Playstation5 was met with glowing reviews.

Inven reporter Kim Suh Jun interviewed ShiftUp Technical Director Lee Dong Gee to gain insight on how ShiftUp achieved this monumental success from within the barren console game market of Korea.

Overcoming the challenge of breaking into console gaming

Behind ShiftUp’s successful foray into console gaming

As Shiftup’s first attempt at developing triple A console game, news of Stellar Blade was met with skepticism from both the gaming community and even from within ShiftUp. Many were concerned how Stellar Blade would be received by the global console market. Concerns which were proven unfounded with Stellar Blade’s critical and commercial success.

Yet Director Lee isn’t sitting on his laurels as he believes certain aspects of development could have been done better with his current experience. Improvements such as character expressions and narrative presentation.

Lee also mentioned wanting a collaboration between a “globally famous” beverage and Stellar Blade’s can collecting side activity. The collaboration didn’t reach fruition due the gap between the beverage brand’s high standing to Stellar Blade’s unproven position at the time. Lee hopes to make that collaboration a reality someday.

ShiftUp had much to prove as a newcomer to the console scene. Lee mentioned how CEO Kim Hyung Tae went out of his way to introduce Stellar Blade on multiple interviews supported by Sony’s marketing and State of Plays to bat for their first Korean second-party studio. But most important was the demo which was heavily pushed from within ShiftUp to showcase the studio’s development skills.

Furthermore, ShiftUp was able to focus on development thanks to Sony handling publishing and marketing. Major contributions from Sony were in localization, QA, and distribution.

Localization was a massive task of providing 23 languages, 9 of them voiced to allow a wider audience to experience Stellar Blade. The expertise of Sony’s user research team, based in London, provided great feedback on where difficulty was unreasonable and parts that could use improvement. Lee also mentioned how he appreciated the quick feedback on hardware inquiries.

The Korean gaming market, where talent and work experience in console development was next to none, is a challenging stage to break into triple A console games but CEO Kim was determined to pull ShiftUp through this monumental task.

It was late 2018 when Kim first floated an idea to Lee. To “Making a game with an ending. Where the credit roll gives the player a chance to put down the controller and reminiscence on the experience”. Lee was captivated by the idea and was on board with development starting on 2019.

Despite the challenge, both Lee and his team were determined to deliver a console game developed from Korea. The members of the team came from impressive work experience in 3d gaming both PC and mobile, yet lacked experience developing for console. But the team was dedicated and worked together to solve issues since they were working passionately on the type of game they wanted to create.

Kim said to Lee that if the team combined working on what they like and what they are good at, they can create something featuring their unique talents. Lee took this guiding principle to heart starting from recruitment and the entire process up to the release of Stellar Blade.

The action combat of Stellar Blade was higly praised and was a remarkable achievement for the development team’s first attempt at the genre. Kim proposed the combat to not be as difficult as a Souls-like nor too high paced as an over-the-top action game, but something in between the two.

Utilizing Souls-like combat interactions such as parrying and also the quick reactions of an action game, the combat was constantly re-iterated until it reached the point the development team was satisfied with.

As Stellar Blade’s combat identity was formulated, development discussion moved towards game difficulty. The difficulty kept getting higher as the developers got too accustomed to the game from constant play testing. Thus difficulty was adjusted through tester feedback and Kim mentioned adding an assist mode so that players who found the controls too difficult could enjoy the story as well.

In response to comments on small details such as Eve’s hair physics on her ponytail, Lee credited both the animation team and Kim’s balanced approach to creating a flowing ponytail to accentuate Eve’s graceful movement. Lee also marveled at how players are able to catch minute details and said the effort put in adding these details were in service to satisfy their players.

The development team was both amazed and grateful how players were able to catch details the team expected to be overlooked. Lee also appreciated how fans would go out of their way to document hidden narrative details and create guides, such as a map for the location of collectable cans.

Though sales figures are an undeniably important gauge for a game’s success, development goals leaned more towards building brand reputation as ShiftUp’s first break into 3D console gaming.

Stellar Blade succeeded in appealing to players as a new IP and Lee hopes to build the IP to the level where a simple logo can generate excitement during gaming convention/shows.

When asked if it would be better to get the same reaction for ShiftUp’s logo, Lee agreed he would like that as well but stressed a gaming studio speaks through its games and such a reaction to the studio’s logo would mean Lee’s dream of creating blockbuster IPs would already have been achieved at that point.

Lee can clearly recall the day of Stellar Blade’s reveal during a 2022 Sony State of Play. He along with many others stayed up at 4am Korean time to watch the stream and read comments expressing excitement for Stellar Blade, which spurred the team to work harder.

At the time of interview, six months had passed since the release of Stellar Blade on the Playstation and the patch version was up to 1.08. Each month was like re-experiencing release month with ShiftUp’s dedication to delivering an enjoyable well-tailored experience to players with each new patch.

ShiftUp expanding as a global studio

Aiming to become a studio that can generate excitement among players

Keeping a record of success is not an easy task for which Lee stressed the importance of understanding the elements of one’s own success. Lee believes understanding one’s strength and what players want is an important aspect for creating quality experiences.

The question of future projects was raised considering ShiftUp’s impressive record with Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory :Nikke. Lee attributed the success to ShiftUp’s unique experience and delivering what they do best. The rumored next project would feature the studio’s unique characteristics but Lee couldn’t reveal more at the time beyond Shiftup commitment to meeting player’s expectations in continuing the studio’s success.

*At the time of translating the article, the next project was revealed as Project Spirits (name changed from Project Witches). Project Spirit is a subculture genre game to be developed cross-platform for both PC and Mobile.

ShiftUp managed to build a strong development portfolio by putting all their focus on game development itself. In pursuit of that goal, Kim insisted on developing both Stellar Blade and Nikke simultaneously. Kim was confident in his studio’s ability to pull through the gargantuan task and this was only the beginning. Lee views ShiftUp’s current lineup of three titles as a starting point on the path to establishing the studio’s identity from which more awesome experiences will be delivered.

Given ShiftUp’s recent commercial success and going public, many expected the studio to expand both workforce and on-going projects but Lee stated ShiftUp is on a different path. The studio is dedicated to expanding the work experience of their current developers and preserving know-hows within the studio.

“I believe development boils down to the person. Development is done by a person and that person gathers experience. By retaining that person in a stable environment, an organic development culture can be created. Which is why we aren’t making sudden expansions and rather concentrating on internal growth.”

The focus on internal growth formulated out of experience while breaking into console development. As technical director, Lee found there was much to learn in both technical aspects such as handling haptic feedback and also narrative aspects. Stellar Blade was the first narrative game for Lee to get involved in during his 20 years as an industry veteran.

Lee looks forward to seeing ShiftUp attain an iconic style of its own whether it be through visuals, character design, or gameplay. An iconic style that can immediately tell players at first glance that “this was developed by ShiftUp”.

Such focus on growth and development bolstered a robust development culture where ideas flow freely. An environment closely guarded by careful considerations during recruitment of new talent. As such, the team size of Stellar Blade has not changed much since its release.

When questioned on how ShiftUp is handling the rising global interest in the studio’s next steps, Lee playfully pushed back that the studio hasn’t reached such global acclaim as of yet. But considers Stellar Blade and Nikke as a starting point for the path to achieving such a renown position. Also, the importance of continued improvement and releasing quality games that players can look forward to was stressed once again by the technical director.

Lee believes there is no shortcut to creating great games besides working hard on creating games based on a developer’s passion and talents. There’s no clear cut answer for success, a viewpoint echoed by Kim during the release press conference for Stellar Blade. Lee hopes ShiftUp’s success will spur the Korean gaming industry to seriously consider console gaming and looks forward to seeing great games in the future.

Final Q&A

Q: What is the defining “direction” ShiftUp wishes to pursue as a game development studio?

A: To become a studio that can present users with something to look forward to, something astounding. As mentioned earlier, I hope ShiftUp’s logo will be able to spur excitement with a logo reveal. That would mean we have succeeded in creating games beloved by our players. I hope that is the kind of studio ShiftUp becomes.

Following a surprise announcement last year, Nexon has begun moving closer to a release date for the sequel to Vindictus, Vindictus: Defying Fate. The official website launched earlier this year in April, with a slew of small updates from the team through May. On June 3rd, an announcement was made, along with a trailer, informing fans that an alpha test would begin on June 8th.

Vindictus has been an impressive title in the past with its deep roots in Irish mythology and appearance on the market as a ground-breaking hack-n’-slash MMORPG, giving Vindictus: Defying Fate an expansive foundation but also a lot to live up to if it wants to “wow” its players once again. So far the trailer has given us a glimpse of Colhen reimagined, and the four characters that will be available during the official alpha test: Lann, Fiona, Karok, and Delia. As expected, the graphics look stellar, and the character design is as generous and indulgent as ever.

Personally, I’m excited to see these developments, and I hope they don’t go too far with the fan-service as this publisher, and especially this title, has been known to do.

You can find more details on their official blog.

All living beings hold Astari Energy but none come close to the amount humans possess. Of humans, a handful are born with the ability to manifest Astari Energy into the form of Astari Power. 

Categorized as (Astari) Adepts, those who can manifest Astari Energy follow a discipline based on the Astari Essence they have affinity with; Order, Havoc, and Harmony.

The following passage details the combat style and general values of each discipline.

Order

A benchmark for Astari Disciplines. The tranquil lake of Order represents calm, steadfastness, stagnation, organization. Order’s fighting style prioritizes defense and precise control of Astari Energy. A signature of the Order discipline is executing masterful parries to disperse an attack’s Astari Energy to fuel a devastating counter offense. Order Discipline Astari are the most skilled in mind-over-matter kinesis thanks to the discipline’s focus on training their control over Astari Energy, which is also used to bolster their defenses.

The values of those of the Order Discipline lean towards stability and control. Examples of such values include; cherishing cooperation, dogmatic belief of law and justice, adherence to authority, prioritizing peace over all, an obsession with one's own personal and social wellbeing.

Havoc

The raging sea storm of Havoc represents radical change, destruction, cleansing, disorder. Havoc’s attributes are reflected in its fighting style focusing on overpowering strength increasing in potency the longer a battle is waged. A potency that synergizes with unrelenting strikes that can break through defenses with sheer force. Only limited by their reserve of Astari Energy, Astari Practitioners of the Havoc discipline benefit the most from exercising a large amount of Astari Energy.

The values of those of the Havoc Discipline leans toward freedom and competition. Examples of such values include; valuing meritocracy, a might-makes-right attitude, questioning authority and social restrictions, adventuring the unknown, being comfortable with conflict and violence, an obsession with anything new, vying for dynamic change.

Harmony

The ever changing property of water represents the attribute and whimsical nature of the Harmony Discipline. Harmony represents an attunement with the world around us. Reaching as far as the people, society, environment, and staying close as being attuned with our own body. Harmony’s fighting style values flexibility and mobility. A jack of all trades master of none, Harmony applies the best approach to the situation whether it be pre-emptive ambushes, evasive maneuvers, or pushing an advantage with quick successive attacks. Harmony therefore values keen senses, quick thinking, and physical dexterity of the Astari. The Astari Energy of Harmony Essence supports this approach by being the most malleable of the three.

The values of those of the Harmony Discipline leans toward attunement and constant change. Examples of such values include; open mind and insight allowing deep understanding of both sides of a conflict, valuing interpersonal connections above all, a whimsical view of life with no consistent principle, skeptical mindset of entertaining an idea without necessarily accepting it, overflowing with empathy at the cost of one’s own wellbeing, overindulgence of one’s shifting desires.

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“..that concludes our morning service announcement. Return to your stations knowing that your duties serve as the front line of the Grand Movement. In service to safety. Service to prosperity. Service to progress”

Morning routines were in motion at Compound RA410. The grounds were crowded with soldiers moving towards their respective posts after morning formation and PT. Serving as a key logistics center for all military installations within the space sector, most of the compound was made up with supply depots and guard posts for keeping watch.

Inside one of the supply depots stood a soldier between racks of medium scale ordinances. Clad in black protective uniform and a helmet with a visor pulled down halfway, the soldier moved between rows checking his tablet.

“Four, six, eight, ten, twelve. Check.” Javen nodded in satisfaction and moved on to the next rack.

Keeping inventory was a thankless, denigrated task relegated to lowly grunts. Nevertheless he found satisfaction in the simple task. A clear goal, no complications or random changes. Honest work in service to the Imperium.

The silence was broken by a sharp bark.

“Rookie! Are you still stuck on inventory?”

‘Here we go again’ Javen thought as he responded. “Almost finished sir!”

“Late again! That’s the third time this week rookie, get your ass in gear! You intend to stay a greenhorn forever?”

“No sir.” Javen responded reluctantly. 

Javen couldn’t wait for the end of his three-month “introductory” period. To be free from the excuse to pointlessly abuse recruits. An excuse his senior serviceman, sergeant Vance, used frequently.

Vance wore a Squadron uniform nearly identical to Javen’s. The main difference being decals signifying a non-commissioned officer and a fully pulled down visor covering Vance’s face. The visor obscures the face of soldiers but Javen could see through thanks to his own visor providing vision through the helmet of soldiers from the same company. Through which Javen saw Vance sigh as he put a hand on Javen’s shoulder.

"You hide it but it’s plain you think I’m being unreasonable.”

Javen refrained from reacting.

“I’m just following tradition. A tradition meant to help greenhorns get their bearings and adjust. Every Imperial servicemen has gone through the same, as will those who come after you."

Javen was only listening halfway. Always the same message in different words. ‘Tow the line. Do as you are told. Don’t question. Maintain status quo.’

An unspoken mantra that echoed across all Imperial organizations.

"You have a week to go. Stay on course and you'll earn your place soon enough."

Vance leaned over as he continued.

"So make double time finishing your morning task. We can't afford to delay our ten hundred report again. Understood?"

"Sir, yes sir."

Light flooded the storage room as the depot entrance opened again. Patrol staff sergeant Gutbrig entered at a brisk pace.

"There you are you slimy maggot! I asked you to help with patrol routine when you got the time.” 

Gutbrig looked around, ignoring Javen who was finishing inventory.

“And if time was money you’d be richer than Ellis Prescot.”

Gutbrig peered at Vance with baggy eyes. It’s been like that for over a month.

"Screw off. We're late for outpost duty."

Vance shot back at Gutbrig to which the patrol staff snorted. 

"Command doesn't give two shits about outpost Charlie. I know that, and you know that.”

Outpost Charlie. Javen’s main duty was taking shifts on the outpost overlooking an isolated storage facility housing unrefined Sadarin crystals. Crystals that are distributed to various refinement facilities to be harnessed into key components of weapons, space shields, and Astari equipment. Only Imperial military industries are legally allowed to research and refine Sadarin crystals which renders the raw material virtually worthless to anyone else.

Which is why the compound’s crystal inventory was pushed away to an outskirt storage with poor security despite protocols mandating any Astari related resource to be kept on the highest security available.

“Vance, help a brother out. We’re being hounded endlessly since the vigilance alert.”

Issued at a division level, a vigilance alert is typically issued when division command requires heightened security and safety response without disclosing the cause for alert.

Coincidentally, a string of accidents were reported across multiple points of Imperial logistics before the alert.

On an unrelated note, those in service understand that there are no coincidences in the military. 

Whatever the truth of the matter, the resulting damage must be severe for the alert to reach low-security sectors such as the one compound RA410 belongs to.

And Sergeant Gutbrig’s patrol team was among those taking the brunt of the alert.

“I’m not asking for much. A short trip from outpost Charlie to check on the east wing column between your watch. Do this and my boys on the same shift as yours can cut their course enough to get some proper shut-eye.”

The east wing columns were a relatively recent construction supporting a new bridge running over the mountainside next to the compound. The bridge provided a direct route from the nearby metropolis to the luxury mountain resorts.

Covering ground up to outpost Charlie was already a daunting task before the added distance to the columns. Patrol teams on that course have repeatedly requested a patrol route overhaul to take the new course into account, but the officers in charge of patrol weren’t keen on rocking the boat so long as they weren’t directly impacted.

A stance shared by Vance.

"Not my problem, can’t leave post between duty.”

Turning to Javen. “Are we done here rookie? We have to report for guard duty."

Javen tucked in his tablet as he joined Vance’s side. "All done sir."

Gutbrig spread out his arms in exasperation.

"Guard duty against what? A saboteur would know better than to waste time on those pile of rocks. Every shift on Charlie except for yours practically been re-assigned to guarding the restricted zone. That outpost is good as abandoned.”

Gutbrig leaned towards Vance and quietly added.

“Besides, I know you’ve been sneaking off to the EC between duty.”

Vance turned around and snapped.

“That’s none of your damned business.”

Guilty by association, Javen grimaced as Gutbrig backed off from Vance. 

Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

“Come on, it’s a wee detour from your post. Do you seriously think you’ll be the unlucky bastard to witness a Ronin since forever?"

Ronins, a designation for Astaris who haven’t submitted to the Empire. The only ones with cause and ability to utilize raw Sadarin crystals against the military.

Decades have passed since Operation Bladehunt wiped out the Astari order. Since then, anyone suspected of being a Ronin or aiding one were hunted down until no Ronins were reported in Imperial Space for over a decade.

Even if such a bogeyman existed, it would take a significant amount of Sadari energy from a highly-trained Astari to arm a raw crystal which loses potency after several hours and the crystals are unfit for transportation in a charged state. Furthermore, an entire cargo shipment worth of charged crystals is needed to cause large-scale destruction.

The staggering requirements to utilize unrefined crystals resulted in poor management and widely accepted negligence. An issue further compounded by the infamously lax operations of compound RA410.

Vance looked over the entrance as if looking for someone.

“Right, Ronins.. about that.” He muttered as he leaned over to speak closer to Gutbrig's ear.

“Commander’s been checking on the outpost lately. I can’t afford to get caught out of line right now. Not while officers are looking for an excuse to tear into any stand-out bastard.”

Gutbrig, in equal measure of surprise and skepticism, remarked.

“The commander? Why the sudden interest? Those crystals ain’t good for nothing. Hell, a single canister from this depot would fetch a higher price on the Bay than our entire crystal inventory.”

“I wager it’s got something to do with Frilia showing up at base.”

Gutbrig now in full shock exclaimed. 

Operative Frilia, the Imperial Astari assigned to compound RA410. All facilities handling Astari resources are required to station a number of Imperial Astari corresponding to the size of the facility. But, typical of RA410, only one of three Astaris required for the compound’s capacity has been assigned. On top of that, the sole Astari is rarely seen on base except for during ceremonies. 

“What? She’s actually reporting in for duty? Why now?”

Vance shrugged.

“Fuck if I know. Either the commander wanted to try a workplace scenario.”

“Pffft. Too tame for the degenerate.”

“Or she’s got intel that requires her presence in-base. Intel that got the commander worked up over crystal storage.”

That reminded Javen of all the wild rumors and speculations he’s heard over the vines. Various threats to galactic security; a psychotic ex-Grandmaster prowling the streets, the dark systems fielding their own Astari, a crew of phantom raiders targeting military installations, a slow yet steady spread of Beyonder infestation, rising military tension within the Vestalan republic, each story wilder than the last.

Many of which could be relevant but the private kept his mouth shut.

“I’m surprised they actually have mission-relevant conversations.”

Vance shrugged at Gutbrig’s remark and added.

“I can’t say for sure but the bitch showing up for work and the commander giving a shit about crystal storage can’t be a coincidence. You do the math on what that could mean.”

Gutbrig faced down with his arms crossed, deep in thought.

“....won’t be the first time glowies withheld crucial intel from servicemen.”

Seeing his words get through, Vance put a hand on Gutbrig’s shoulder.

“You know I’d help if I could. It’s like you said, just a short trip.” 

Gutbrig stared at Vance, not fully convinced. Regardless, Vance continued.

“But we’ve got a target on our backs. Can’t fault an enlisted looking after himself with officers on the prowl eh?”

With a defeated sigh Gutbrig turned and headed toward the exit.

“You let me know when things simmer down on your end you hear?”

“Copy that.”

Once again Vance and Javen had the supply depot to themselves.

“Sir, did I hear that correctly? If Operative Frilia has intel concerning our post shouldn’t we be briefed? Or, more importantly, shouldn’t the other shifts be called back to rotation with us?”

“Don’t be dense private. As if the high and mighty would share anything of importance within earshot of an enlisted grunt.”

“But what you said earlier, where did that intel come from?”

Vance groaned. “You’ve got ways to go rookie. I spun that bullshit to get Gutbrig off my back.”

“A bluff sir?” Despite his protest, Javen felt as if a burden was lifted from his shoulders.

“For a moment I thought the commander had something to do with our recent run-in with the captain.”

“That’s where I got the idea.”

Two weeks ago, the on-duty nightwatch captain showed up at the outpost during Vance and Javen’s nightwatch unannounced. Luckily both were present and Vance’s hangover was unnoticed thanks to the darkness and the Captain’s lack of dedication to actually climb up the outpost. 

Javen dreaded the thought of that late night visit holding greater implication.

“Got me going for a moment there sir. Don’t like the thought of that night becoming a regular occurrence. Worse, with the commander involved!”

“Agreed. Though the part regarding Frilia is true. Heard it from the boys over at maingate control.”

The weight of dread was back on Javen’s shoulders.

—2—

Vance and Javen were on path to outpost Charlie from the command post which winded around the amenities zone and tapered off to the side of the east wing. Between reporting for duty, Javen noticed the cramped patrol schedule posted next to a massive arrivals list. The patrol shifts were stacked beyond reason, and Javen was scheduled to transfer to patrol duty at the end of the month.

“Sir, what about sergeant Gutbrig’s request?”

“What about it rookie?”

“Wouldn’t it be prudent to accept patrol’s request since we don’t actually have a fire under our feet?”

“Are you messing with me?” Vance stopped and spun around.

“You already forgot the bullet we dodged with the captain?”

‘A bullet you dodged, more like.’ Javen kept his thoughts to himself and instead responded.

“No sir but if it’s to help with patrol…”

“So we’re setting up Gutbrig to get screwed too?”

“No sir, that’s not what I me-”

“Then what? Tell the nightwatch captain not only did he caught us out of our perimeter, but we were helping patrol skip out of their route? What kind of response do you think you’ll get?”

Pushing Javen back with his index and middle finger Vance continued.

“What’s more, say a security breach occurs through east wing. You think the patrol team will display an honorable show of gratitude by taking the bullet? Of course not, we’ll get the fucking blame.”

Javen wished he could push back against the blatant distrust. But he could see that scenario is exactly how things would play out.

“Only an idiot mindlessly offers help on a whim. You know why rookie? Helping creates expectation and expectation assumes accountability. You won’t get far here if you keep adding extra weight like that.”

‘No good deed goes unpunished.’ A saying Javen has reluctantly grown to appreciate with his time in service.

Once a bright-eyed recruit eager to contribute to the Imperium, Javan was shocked by the overwhelming every-man-for-himself attitude among servicemen. A stance he realized to be prevalent not only within the military but all facets of the Imperial order.

Yet Vance seemed to navigate this hostile environment with ease. No, thrive in it.

He was a man of vulgar attitude and utter lack of discipline, living by the motto of “Everything is allowed in the military, so long as you’re not caught.” A combination that made it difficult for Javen to believe the Sergeant came from money.

As the men neared their destination, Javen mentally went over the handover checklist only to realize it was unnecessary. It’s more than likely the previous shift was pulled out and sent to wherever the chain of command deemed a likely target for an attack. So the outpost should be empty.

Empty save for a civilian spotted walking from the direction of the outpost.

“Halt, identify yourself.”

Vance approached the civilian, signaling her to stay still. As she approached nearer, Vance suddenly stopped in his tracks. 

“Lena Invos, civic inspection.” The civilian answered but there was no response from Vance.

After an awkward silence Javen looked towards Vance, unsure if he should take over questioning. 

Vance was ogling the Civilian.

“Identification pass please.” Javen took the chance to check out the civilian as he took her pass card.

Long brown hair tied behind a pretty face with almond shaped green eyes. A teal enviro-suit cut out at the shoulders covered her torso, overflowing at the top and slimming down on a well toned waistline. All set upon a tall figure supported by a pair of impressive long legs. 

Just the type Vance liked. Javen also appreciated a deviation from the usual sight of sour-faced soldiers and grizzled technicians frequenting the compound. Forcing his mind back to task, Javen checked the card. 

A Gold-Red pass with matching name and picture. The highest clearance granted to non-military personnel.

What stood out was the butterfly imprinted at the center of the card. Javen never saw anything like that. Mulling over what the imprint could mean, he scanned the pass with his tablet to verify the pass with the identification server.

No connection. He retried a couple times to the same results.

“Sir, I can’t connect with ID.”

Vance was as unresponsive as the identification server.

“Sir?”

“Huh? Oh right, identification. Must be another ether storm. Take the time to go through relay.”

“I tried but the relay station isn’t responding.”

Vance snapped. “Again!? How long have they been putting off those repairs?”

“Five weeks by my count sir.”

Vance cursed under his breath as Javen pondered on the next course of action.

“Should we escort her to command post and confirm with the off-grid list?”

The civilian jumped at the mention. “Oh. I don’t think a trip to the command post would be necessary-.”

Eyebrows raised, Javen interjected.  

“Security protocol miss. Apologies for the inconvenience but your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.”

Before Javen could react, the civilian rushed past him and wrapped an arm around Vance’s.

“Now it won’t do good for any of us if I were to show up at command post with you boys.”

Flustered, Vance was caught between trying to get a hold of the situation and not knowing how to react.

“I’m sure you’d agree if you could kindly check my card please?”

The civilian beamed at Vance who was beside himself. 

“That’s our intention miss.” Javen moved in to pull them apart.

“No, no. Not the scan, look at my card.” 

Vance snapped to attention as if realizing something.

“Private, hand over that card.”

Javen stopped and handed the card to Vance.

Vance’s face went aghast as soon as he saw the card’s front side.

“You nimwit.” Vance carefully pulled away from the civilian and returned the card. His attitude changed to a respectful manner Javen would expect for a high rank officer.

“I’m terribly sorry ma’am. Please forgive our recruit’s manners, he’s still learning the ropes and doesn’t know what he’s saying. I hope you understand.”

With a sigh of relief, the civilian shook her head.

“I understand, I’m still learning my way around here as well.”

“Thank you, that is very gracious of you.” Vance lowered his head so low, he was almost bowing. “Still, it wouldn’t be right to simply bury this offense. If there’s any way we can make up for the mistake...”

Vance pulled Javen to his side and pushed his head down.

The civilian chuckled softly to which Javen noticed something off.

A hint of disdain? 

“Not at all. I’m happy to have avoided a scene.”

She paused to think for a moment before speaking with an eager expression.

“But if you insist, how about you boys buy me a drink?”

Vance brightened up at the mention.

Javen didn’t like where this was going. The Enlisted Club was off limits unless one is on leave or has a R&R permit.

Not that it stopped any of the higher rank enlisted from frequenting the club. Except for during periods of high alert.

Not that it stopped Vance.

“But of course, you can have all you want at the Enlisted Club. What time suits you ma’am?”

“I’m free twenty thirty and it’s Lena. No need for Ma’am.”

Javen leaned over and whispered.

“Sir, we have night shift.”

Vance waved him away.

“Okay then, Lena. Does twenty one hundred at the Enlisted Club sound good?”

“Perfect! See you then. Now if you’ll excuse me I have another appointment.” 

Lena took a couple steps towards the compound but stopped before mentioning.

“Oh I just remembered. I moved some stuff around for inspection and left a bit of a mess. Hope you boys don’t mind the cleanup.”

“Not at all. We have to check inventory for our routine anyway.”

Javen usually did the count by himself.

“Thanks! If there’s anything off, let me know when we meet later.”

With that, Lena went off on her way.

—3—

This was wrong, this wasn’t the life Javen envisioned when enlisting. A daily routine of loose operations, disregard of protocol, going for a fucking drink before duty. Disinterested officers and undisciplined servicemen without a single trace of camaraderie.

“Sir, I don’t think this is a good idea. Going to the EC before duty in this situation is too risky.”

Vance was still staring at the direction Lena left.

“Not this again rookie. We made a promise to a butterfly. Can’t back out now.”

Javen couldn’t understand what was so important about that pass.

“Why so sir? Is there anything about that GR pass I should be aware of?

“How the hell don’t you- Oh right.” 

‘Another off-the-book rule he forgot to brief me on.’

Javen often suffered needless grief due to his senior’s failure to teach him the do’s and don’t s within the compound. There was universal military code, but above that are in-house rules that are different for each base, regiment, battalion, division.

‘I wonder how far this one applies.’

Vance looked around. Satisfied that the coast was clear he motioned Javen nearer. A typical behavior before mentioning something important but not to be mentioned openly.

“Next time you see someone with a butterfly pass, you let the holder go, no questions asked. If the butterfly requests something, you oblige. If it’s beyond your means, pass it over to me.”

Javen couldn’t decide on which he was more shocked by. The treatment towards a “butterfly” or Vance’s willingness to take over a task from him.  

“This goes for any base within our space sector, possibly beyond that. So stay frosty in the presence of a Butterfly. One wrong move could mean pissing off someone far above our compound’s chain of command”

“I never saw such a pass in the manuals, why do they get such preferential treatment?”

“Take the hint rookie. Not on the manuals, young, attractive, backed by higher ups. You see where this is going?”

“Sir?” 

“Cripes, it’s like I’m talking with a ten-year-old.”

Vance exclaimed as he threw his hands up and followed up.

“High rank officials of the Empire sometimes recruit young women and men for ‘private’ services. These individuals are given cushy jobs that allow them to be at the beck and call of a client. A client that won’t appreciate a no-name grunt getting in the way of their service.”

Javen was speechless. Such favors weren’t beyond his imagination yet to be operated in such an official capacity was something else.

“I.. I understand sir, I think I understand. But how can we verify the civy was the real deal? Someone could forge the physical pa-.”

Vance interrupted holding up a hand.

“Rookie.. Private Javen you need to shut up and listen. Don’t you get that butterflies aren’t FM? Use your head and imagine what would happen if you drag a butterfly to command post where everything is on camera directly linked to CIN?”

Central Integrated Network, the Empire’s core infrastructure for its data and surveillance control.

“You’re essentially ratting on every big-wig connected to that butterfly. For what? The chance that someone outside got intel on the butterflies, managed to forge a unique pass, bypass network verification, and found someone who could enjoy a comfy life of a butterfly herself to take the risk? You think it will be fine if you’re proven right? Nope, you made yourself an enemy of powerful enemies by exposing the butterflies on official record.”

Javen didn’t know how he should respond. Should he mention what Vance explained is possible with how the relay station was conveniently down during an ether storm?

No. It’s evident Vance’s patience is at its limit. It would be reckless to push the subject. 

Is there any way he could lighten Vance’s mood? 

“No sir. I see your point sir.”

“Great. Now let’s get to-”

“Perhaps I can skip the EC and head for guard duty instead? That way the post will be manned and you can spend as much time as you need with the civy without me around to mess things up.”

Javen winced as he saw Vance’s expression chill.

“So that’s how it is. I bail you from your fuckup and this is how you repay me?”

“Sir?”

“You going to weasel out and go snitching?”

“What? No! I just thought. I thought”

“That’s the theme of the day ain’t it? You think but it doesn’t get you far enough to see beyond that thick skull of yours.”

Vance knocked on Javen’s helmet with the butt of his rifle.

“How many times do I have to say this? Just do as you’re told when you are told, rookie. Don’t think. It’s not getting you anywhere.”

Javen wished he could simply ‘do as he’s told’. Doing so would grant respite, but only briefly. There always was a catch, an addition, unmentioned intent. What’s worse, most of what he is told is to turn a blind eye to the gross negligence occurring on a daily basis across all ranks. This was no way to run a military operation, compound RA410 may have stayed out of trouble so far but how long will that luck last? Not to mention it’s likely there’s a saboteur with several successful hits under their belt.

“Do as I’m told? I’m told to play this game of Russian Roulette until I reach the loaded chamber and I’m expected to go along?”

“The hell are you getting at?”

“Everything! We’re guarding a post that’s been empty the entire morning, nothing is being done to fix the patrol routes, unverified personnel going as they please with a flash of a physical pass, all the while we’re under vigilance alert. On top of that we’re getting drinks before duty in the name of kissing up to a wh.. a butterfly!”

Vance growled through clenched teeth. “You’re acting out of line rookie. Choose your next words carefully.”

It was too late for Javen to stop. All the pent up frustration from suffering in the name of the Empire in spite of doing his best to serve had reached its tipping point.

“I have and I still get shit for trying to get work done. No matter where I go, who I work with, my every step is prodded by the Imperium. Why can’t the Empire just leave me be to do my job!?”

Vance swung an elbow into Javen’s throat, nearly slamming into a nearby security bulletin. 

After checking his surroundings, Vance turned to Javen with an icy glare that failed to hide a look of frantic fear in his eyes.

“You forget yourself, rookie. Need I remind you where you are?”

Javen could barely hear Vance’s words between pain and gasping for air.

“You want to end up on a missing person poster? Be my guest, but don’t spew that oppositionist bullcrap around me you fuckwit.”

Vance loosened his hold and took a step back as Javen struggled to catch his breath.

“This is your first and last warning. Never mention the Empire in a less-than-flattering light. Ever. You copy?”

Javen could only let out a wheeze.

“That’s not an answer rookie.” Vance shoved Javen in the side with the tip of his boot.

“Yes sir. I copy” Javen gasped out.

“Then get moving. We’ve had enough delays.”

Both men walked in silence until they reached the stairway leading down to the east wing of the complex.

“You could have gotten us in serious trouble. Not the stockade kind, something much worse.”

“It won’t happen again sir.”

“It better not. Those who stray away from the movement are granted no mercy.”

After a brief pause, Vance continued.

“I know you don’t think highly of me.”

“Not true sir.”

Vance scoffed.

“Anyway, for what it’s worth, a sincere word of advice.” 

Vance turned to look Javen in the eye.

“Stay in your lane, do as you’re told, don’t do anything that makes you stand out. This includes disobeying orders and acting on your own judgment.”

Vance paused for a moment.

“Trust no one. Always assume anything you do or say will be used against you if there’s an opportunity. So mind yourself at all times. Keep your head down and tow the line. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal, sir.”

Vance gave Javen a slap on the back.

“Attaboy, we’ll make a proper soldier out of you yet.”

—4—

Both men took their usual stations upon entering the outpost.

Javen picked up the inventory list and took stock of inventory. Vance took a seat inside the station and leaned back for a nap.

Some of the racks and containers were moved slightly or angled differently but it would have been unnoticeable if Lena hadn’t mentioned it. Given the circumstance, Javen paid extra attention taking inventory. 

Everything was in order. 

Javen activated his tablet to register his checklist. 

It was difficult to make out the screen due to the glare. 

‘Was it always so bright in here?’

He headed towards the station to lower the storage lights but stopped.

Vance would be asleep by now and the rusty hinge of the station door would wake him up. Having had enough grief for one day, Javen elected to ignore the lights and stood watch over the rails where he could make out the entrance to the underground docking bay from afar.

A large group of technicians were aboard the escalator going down. The schedule on the command post bulletin detailed an intensively busy month for maingate control to keep track of. It was little wonder Gutbrig was so high strung with the massive amount of in-base traffic to monitor with an undersized patrol crew covering an unreasonable amount of ground. All this in addition to the increased pressure from the vigilance alert.

Logistic compounds like RA410 are often understaffed. Allocation of military resources prioritize high-conflict frontier sectors or prestige sectors in service to planets housing the most influential Imperial families. Which leaves low-security sectors with scraps.

It’s rumored the base commander of RA410 was specifically given the position for his talent in keeping up the illusion of operability while running on fumes. 

Thus officers with ambition or a sense of duty who have the misfortune to be assigned to RA410 would transfer at the first given chance. This frequent turnover exacerbates the existing issues of the compound, building a reputation of being an exiling ground where the careers of officers without a future are sent to die. 

‘Keep up, endure. Eyes on the finish line. I can be rid of this place In less than two years.’

Javen told himself this while a single week would feel like an eternity.

—5—

“- year of celebrating the establishment of the Imperial Astari Corp, bringing the potent power of Sadarin crystals under the careful, caring, capable management of the Empire. With the last unregulated Astari a tale of the past, the galaxy enjoys an unprecedented era of safety thanks to the Empire’s position as the sole keeper of Astari technology and manpower.”

A regular service announcement played over the busy amenities zone bustling with off-duty soldiers. At a distant corner of the zone was the Enlisted Club, an unflattering establishment tucked away from the more reputable amenities. A refuge for enlisted servicemen to relax outside the sight of officers.

More shack than a club, the bare minimum was invested on decor mostly furnished with refuge from the compound’s administration office. Which mattered little to its patrons who were happy as long as they got their drinks.

‘Seven, eight, nine…’

Javen was keeping an eye on Lena’s pace. She was matching drink for drink with Vance who was no lightweight. But it was plain as day Vance was at his limit with how unsteady he was on his stool while Lena had nothing to show for all she had aside from slightly blushed cheeks.

“For real! They literally swim in the ground! At first I thought something was writhing near my feet. But nope! It was dirt being pushed up by warriors circling their queen.”

“Come now, a Vytrax queen? You could pull one over civilians who don’t know a thing about Vytraxes but not on an Imperial soldier.”

Lena pouted. “What’s hard to believe? I got lost, was in danger, then an Astari swooped in to save the day!”

“Exactly that! A lone Astari slaying a queen and her warriors? Sounds like something straight out of a romanticized Grandmaster story!”

Javen lost track of the conversation. Was it a childhood story encountering a Vytrax underground?

A tall tale to believe considering how dangerous the pests become when they’re in their subterranean habitat. Frontier soldiers are often deployed for extermination operations on the surface but Vytrax caverns are exclusively handled by the Imperial Astari Corp.

“How about you? You believe me dontcha?”

Lena looked at Javen with a hint of anticipation.

Javen’s mind raced to think of an appropriate response. Vance told him beforehand to agree with anything Lena says but what little he heard of the story was too ludicrous to take seriously.

Lena tilted her head to the side, waiting for an answer. Can’t keep her waiting.

“Uh, sure! A depth of detail like that has to be from experience.”

With a triumphant grin, Lena poked Vance.

“See? He believes me. Two to one.”

“Javen! Who’s side are you on?” Vance feigned shock.

Javen relaxed as the two continued to bicker playfully.

He preferred to stay out as much as possible. Talk only when spoken to, drink as little as possible. His first drink was mostly untouched and hopefully will stay that way. 

Then there was the matter of other patrons that took Javen’s attention. He caught several men eying Lena and many more glaring at Vance.

None of the three should be there and Vance of all people should know better. Yet the sergeant never faced real repercussions despite breaking code on a daily basis. 

Once again Javen reminded himself of his senior’s privileged background. A background that seemed insignificant compared to whoever Lena’s sponsor may be. At least he got a measure of entertainment from Vance’s display of uncharacteristic patience whenever Lena would occasionally close her eyes and go silent for extensive periods of time.

As the topic moved on to Lena boasting about her own fitness, her multi-rig ringed. 

“Oh, looks like I’m called for work.”

Neither of the men asked what kind as she got her bag and briefly spoke with the barkeep and returned with two glasses.

“Boys.” Lena announced as she set down two old fashioned glasses.

“Since you both have been so accommodating, I’d like you to have a round of Alter Ego. My treat.”

The clear liquid with a ting of rosy red was an infamously strong cocktail. Its namesake, depending on who you asked, either came from its innocent appearance hiding a brutishly strong flavor or from how one glass is enough to bring out another side of the drinker.

Lena waved goodbye as she left the club leaving the two men as Javen’s gaze went back and forth on his slouched over senior and the two glasses set in front of them.

Not even the most seasoned clean drinker could down the immensely hard drink in one go and Vance was not one to leave a glass unemptied no matter his state. Meaning the two men will be stuck in the club for some time. Javen stared at the club exit, wrapping his head over why he was so bothered by the situation. 

“Where ya going private?” Vance blurted seeing Javen rush towards the exit.

“Seeing Lena off sir. I won’t be long.”

Javen felt the need to see where Lena was heading though he couldn’t say why.

Quietly exiting the club, Javen tailed his target from a distance. The amenity zone was crowded with Imperial soldiers returning to their bunks.

‘Good thing I didn’t finish that drink.’ Javen thought as he darted between the crowd.

It was then Lena suddenly took a sharp turn into a corner forcing Javen to catch up.

He turned the corner leading into a dark alleyway when he heard a voice.

“Finished already? Or is it that you couldn’t have enough of me?”

Beyond the corner, Lena was looking back with a smile. A smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

‘How did she know?’ Javen kept a good distance and a crowd between them in the noisy street.

“Just making sure you return safely ma’am.”

“Hm?” Lena’s eyes narrowed.

“Oh, uh I mean Lena.”

“Better.” Lena nodded 

She closed her eyes before taking a couple steps toward Javen. Under the dim light, it seemed Lena lost the slight blush she had at the club and looked completely sober.

“As you can see, I am perfectly capable of managing on my own. Moreover, both my appointment and I don’t appreciate prying eyes.”

Stopping right in front of Javen, Lena held up her pass.

“You know what this means now right?”

“I do.”

“Then I don’t need to explain the dangerous line you’re riding here. I let you off the hook this morning, but.”

She pushed him back with the side of the card with surprising force.

“Don’t push your luck any further, soldierboy. Be a good boy and get your ass back to the club. Your handler is waiting.”

The usual playfulness in Lena’s expression was nowhere to be seen, leaving a cold glare. It was then Javen realized this was the first time Lena’s attitude felt natural. 

‘So this is how she truly views us.’

Accepting that this is as far as he can go, Javen simply gave a nod and turned back without a word. Though he felt tempted to take one last look at where Lena was heading, it wasn’t necessary. The only destination she could reach from her path was the observation deck. What anyone could do there at this time was up to imagination.

—6—

By the time Javen returned to his seat, Vance was slumped over the bar with an empty glass in one hand. Javen scolded himself for getting distracted when there were more urgent matters.

“Sir. We need to get ready for watch.”

Javen shook Vance’s shoulder only to have the senior swat him away mumbling something ineligible. Dragging Vance to report for duty in his state is out of question. 

Best case scenario would be for Vance to sober up enough to report to nightwatch captain without slurring his words. Which would suffice since the disinterested nightwatch captains always have their eyes glued to a show monitor. 

Left with no other option but to wait, Javen returned to his seat.

“Are you going to finish that?”

Javen looked up and faced the barkeep wiping a glass.

“No, I can’t. Got nightwatch duty. I shouldn’t be here in the first place.”

The barkeep chuckled, “Join the club.”

Purposefully ignoring the pun, Javen sat without a word with his eyes glued to his glass.

“Is that okay? Readily breaking code like this.”

The questions left Javen’s lips before he realized it.

Surprised by his own action, Javen looked up to see the barkeep looking back with an expression of interest.

“You new around here?”

This wasn’t the first time Javen was brought to the club but it was the first time he had his helmet off. He felt a pang of bitterness realizing he’s grown accustomed to being here.

“I’m in my second month.”

“Ah a greenhorn. Yet enough time to realize this compound isn’t exactly run to code, correct?”

“Not a day passes where I’m not reminded.”

“Then it should be no surprise that I’ve nothing to gain by denying my patrons and upsetting the status quo with officers?”

Javen didn’t get how the officers could be involved but he wasn’t in the mood to inquire. He had enough of the entangled web of aligned interests within the compound.

“Whatever, you can clear the deck. I’m finished.”

“You sure? It’s good stuff beyond your paygrade.”

Seeing Javen had no interest, the barkeep leaned forward and added.

“Besides, you don’t want to stand out.”

“What if I stand out? I’m not harming anyone by observing code on my own.”

“Not how that works. You become a point of comparison. In other words, you make everyone else look bad.”

“Why do you care? None of this concerns you.”

“Because I’ve seen too many good men in service broken and spat out.”

The barkeep put down the glass he was working on and looked towards a corner of the club with several framed pictures.

“I chose to compromise but perhaps I can do some good by helping people like you make it to a position to make change.”

Pointing towards Vance.

“Until then, learn from your senior. Vance may be the poster child of what not to do but the opposite extreme won’t earn you any friends either.”

‘Opposite extreme? Keeping the bare minimum discipline is extreme?’

“By now half of the base has heard of you three. Vance will get some heat but he’ll manage, but what about you?”

The barkeep pointed at the glass. “That’s more than a glass of expensive liquor. It’s a symbol of how much lockstep you’re in with your superior and, in extension, with everyone else.”

‘Tow the line.’ Javen mentally noted the incessant mantra as he raised a point.

“If we get caught, it’s straight to the stockades minimum. To what end do I take the risk of breaking code against my own wishes? Is that going to make life easier for me?”

“It’s a start. At the least, your comrades will know you are with them.”

Javen was displeased with what he heard and it showed.

“You may not like it but that’s the reality of survival. You can get away with standing out when things are hunky dory. But when shit hits the fan, towing the line is your best bet. Where everyone is guilty of wrongdoing, the innocent becomes a target. 

The barkeep, having said his piece, went back to work. 

Finishing the drink wouldn’t make a big difference. It was too late for Javen to get off the hook if they were caught since he already had a couple sips. There was time before night watch and Javen couldn’t deny he was a bit curious how the exotic liquor would fare.

He stared at the glass deep in thought. After giving it some thought, Javen made up his mind and reached for the glass.

Pushing it away to the side.

—7—

Javen was on his way with Vance to start their shift with barely a minute to spare.

It was not an easy task.

Half an hour wasted on getting Vance back up on his feet, a couple minutes on phone to call in a favor from a buddy stationed at the command post. Vance was in no state to be presented to the nightwatch captain so Javen’s buddy on the inside gave the signal when the night watch captain vacated the post. This allowed the duo to minimize their report-in for duty without facing the captain.

Everything went according to plan and Javen should have been satisfied with how well he handled the situation. But a sense of concern kept gnawing at him from the back of his mind.

—8—

Gutbrig cricked his neck as his squad passed their northern perimeter checkpoint. The squad of four was scaling along the norther-eastern perimeter of RA410. 

“New neck pillow not working out sir?” Gutbrig’s assistant patrol leader called back from the rear.

“Nah, I couldn’t find a spot to keep it steady. Gotta scout a new place to catch some sleep before next nightwatch.”

“What about sergeant Vance, did he agree to help? With Outpost Charlie’s support we won’t need to resort to looking for a hole to crawl in between duty.

Gutbrig shook his head. “Negative. Outpost Charlie is getting heat from command so Vance is laying low for now.”

The assistant patrol leader cocked his head to the side in a sign of skepticism.

“Not the read I get when the sergeant is slamming drinks at the EC with newboy and a hot civy.”

“What? You sure?”

“Positive sir. Caught word of it just before our routine. Rumor is that the civy is a new butterfly.”

Gutbrig kicked away dirt as he cursed.

“I swear that m-fucker is tempting fate for us all with how far he pushes his luck.”

Despite his apparent anger, Gutbrig felt a conflicting sense of relief.

On one side he was pissed at Vance’s negligence, drinking, risking an altercation with a butterfly, and spewing bullshit to duck out of Gutbrig’s request.

On the other hand, Vance’s story being a bluff was good news. For Gutbrig may have talked too much about the outposts during his leave.

Gutbrig let out a sigh.

“Whatever the case I’m going to pay that c-sucker a visit and tear him a new..” 

He stopped mid-sentence as he noticed something glowing from the direction of the east wing columns.

“What the hell?”

—9—

Something’s up. 

Javen noticed there were more lights than usual and he could make out busy movement from a distance. He would ask Vance what the commotion could mean but his senior was in poor shape to walk let alone provide an answer.

Just then, the entire compound lit up and the shrill sound of sirens rang all over the compound.

“Huh? Wus goin ahn?” Knocked out of his stupor, Vance mumbled as he tried to regain focus despite his ringing head.

Javen almost missed his comm notification, the notification chime near drowned by the blaring siren and the thumping of his heart. He picked it up.

“Private Jav-”

“Tell Vance to open his comm, NOW!”

Javen winced from Gutbrig’s bellow. “Sir, sergeant Gutbrig is on comm.”

Javen expected Vance to voice some form of complaint but he quietly fumbled to connect his comm piece.

“Vance here.”

“We’re fucked Vance. Royally fucked. 

“What’s going on Gutbrig?”

“Remember the path I asked you to cover? We’re here and found crystal charges rigged everywhere! There’s enough to take out the bridge and the entire east wing with it!”

Vance tried to press the side of his throbbing head in vain.

“No that can’t be, those crystals can’t be armed. Only an adep-”

“THEN WHAT!? You think someone set this all up for a right laugh? They’re glowing. They’re fucking glowing!”

“Then get your boys to move them! A handful of charges aren’t enough to break through the shielded columns.”

“What part of ‘everywhere’ did you not get? Whoever did this took their sweet time and got our entire crystal inventory set up! Where the blaze were you anyway?”

Vance ignored the pointed question.

“Then what do you want me to do?! You didn’t ring me to scream my ears off before we’re blown to kingdom come.”

“Oh now you fucking care! You, wait a sec.”

The sound of yelling could be heard in the background.

“The charges are set with a short range receiver that can circumvent our bomb scanners. Whoever set this needs a safe place to set up a transmitter with minimum obstruction to trigger the charges. My team is going to sweep the perimeter leaving you and newboy the only ones near enough to cover suitable positions. Outpost Delta and section B12 is our best bet. Split up and get there ASAP.”

“You expect us to cover those points by ourselves? What if the bogey’s got backup?”

“Pray that they don’t. There’s hell to pay if this blows up. Stop yapping and get moving.”

Communication was cut as Vance’s head dropped down, face as white as a sheet.

“Sir! We need to move!” Javen yelled impatiently.

Vance snapped to attention momentarily only for his eyes to glaze over immediately.

“Right, right. Where to. Can’t cover ground in this state. Maybe Delta...”

A growing air of panic grew as Vance started to grasp the situation.

“Shit, shit shit shit. This means there’s an actual Ronin. How the hell is there a Ronin? Why here? They should’ve been wiped out.” Vance yelled out at no one in particular.

Javen was at a loss of words as he watched Vance pace back and forth.

‘This is bad. No way in hell either of us can get through an Astari.’

Javen felt uneasy as the clock was ticking. Every second passed, a second wasted to stop imminent disaster. 

But what could they do to stop it? It’s impossible for regular grunts like them to handle an Astari. If the two of them were to make an ambush then there may be a chance for one person to draw attention from the Astari while another aims for the transmitter. 

Javen could scarcely believe this was a topic for him to consider. A Ronin, a paranoid nightmare come true.

How did it come to this? That something like this could happen today.

Today…

Javen gasped out loud.

Vance looked up, perplexed.

“What is it rookie?”

Javen whipped around ready to sprint.

“Sir we need get to east wing observation deck!”

“What, are you daft? You heard Gutbrig! Our target is at either Delta or B12! A short range transmitter can’t get through all the obstruction from observation”

“No time to explain sir, we need to go now!”

Not waiting for an answer, Javen sprinted forward.

Vance, bewildered, soon stumbled after him.

—10—

‘What’s taking her so long? Don’t like how exposed this location is.’

A blond man of sturdy frame was working on a pair of machinery installed at the edge of a wide deck with a view of the compound. He tugged at the left sleeve of his technician jacket revealing a mechanism attached to his left wrist.

‘Better safe than sorry. Just one last step then I can keep an eye out for unwelcome guests.’

The man concentrated on inputting the final steps of his work on a console connected to the two machines. He was too focused on his work to notice the sound of footsteps approaching from afar.

—11—

“...both my appointment and I don’t appreciate prying eyes.”

The observation deck, a feeling of unease when Lena dropped her act.

In hindsight, Javen couldn’t believe it took so long for him to draw the connection.

But it was the pervasive idea of never questioning those connected to a position of power that prevented Javen from considering the obvious irregularity.

Sure, irregularities were aplenty at compound RA410, but they were the making of its own personnel. All except for the Butterfly.

The vigilance alert.

Verification systems down.

Vacated outpost and unnaturally bright light of the storage room.

A clear effort to keep the duo at the EC.

Odd destination for what he assumed a meetup with a Butterfly would entail. 

Some questions yet remained unanswered but Javen had enough evidence for a lead.

Vance had fallen behind as Javen reached the stairway up to the observation deck. It was a long way up which the drunk Sergeant had no hopes of scaling in a timely manner. Javen went ahead by himself ignoring his aching legs and lungs screaming for air as he neared the top. Once Javen reached the top, he immediately saw he made the right call.

A man who looked to be from the technician crew was focused on a console connected to some kind of contraption. Likely a transmitter connected to a signal masker. As luck would have it, the saboteur didn’t notice Javen.

Javen quickly whipped out his pulse rifle and fired.

Two shots flew directly into the direction of the contraption and the saboteur. Started by the sound, the saboteur turned around but it was too late for him to react.

Even if the saboteur had a shield on, he can’t cover the entire machine. The transmitter will be useless without a masker.

It was over.

But just before the shots reached their mark a flash of radiant blue light swirled around deflecting the pulse bolts. 

Refusing to give into despair from the sudden turn of events, Javen aimed to fire again only to be violently pushed off his feet by an invisible force.

Javen turned his body around from the ground as he tried to make out the source of the blue light. 

A core crystal near the heart. Two dispersion crystals fitted on a red jacket and another two on both legs. A blade of intense blue light shining in the color of the Order discipline. An Astari blade.

All the elements of an Astari, but no Imperial Astari Corp insignia. Which leads to one conclusion. One Javen couldn’t believe.

Every information conveyed to him, all of his training, the entirety of what he was taught insisted on denying his lying eyes. But he had no choice but to accept what was in front of him.

A Ronin

“We need to stop meeting like this.” Lena said as some debris floated to her outstretched left hand.

Javen reached for his rifle only to have it knocked out of reach by flying debris.

“Nuh uh, not another move soldier boy.” Lena’s hand pointed towards Javen’s weapon which gave a slight nudge at first then went sliding away to the distance.

The saboteur gave a sigh of relief and called out to Javen

“So much for giving the impression we spent our entire stock on the pillars. How did you know to find us here?”

He beckoned at Javen with a pistol at hand which seemed to materialize out of thin air. The man held the gun with a grim expression but didn’t share the air of contempt Lena showed back in the alley.

Outgunned and out of options, Javen attempted a bluff.

“All you need to know, oppositionist, is that you’ve been found out. Surrender while you have the chance.”

The saboteur ignored Javen and looked towards Lena.

“That’s the one who tailed me back from the club. He must have figured out where I was heading but there’s no chance he knows anything beyond that.”

“Yet here he is at primetime. Must be the type with good intuition. A pain in the ass to deal with.”

Javen noticed the Saboteur eyeing the console showing a progress bar. Time was running out.

“It’s not too late.” Javen continued. “My backup will be here any minute. You’ll never make it back to east wing.”

“Why would we want to reach east wing?” Lena asked as she tilted her head in the same manner as she did back at the Enlisted Club.

“Why? Because your plan can’t work from here! That signal masker is to avoid interception from our bomb scanners right? But a masked signal is too weak to get through the obstruction from here.”

Javen shouted out in an attempt to convey confidence. But a gut feeling of unease peaked as the intruders looked at each other and grinned. 

The console beeped, notifying the end of its process.

“I guess we can let you in on the secret now that we’re done here.” 

Switching to a laid-back air fitting for a worker clocking out of work, the Saboteur’s attitude stood in stark contrast from before as he approached Javen.

Whatever they were planning could happen any moment now. Though Javen was at the end of his wits, he wasn’t ready to give up. Not yet.

“Do you know anything about crystal chain reactions?”

There was a section of unconventional explosives taught during basic training. An inefficient method treated as a footnote that required a large quantity of Sadarin crystals charged nearly to bursting point by a skilled Astari. 

A topic Javen had no interest in discussing with an outlaw oppositionist, but one that could be used to keep talking.

‘Stall for time. Sergeant will be here any minute now. Lure them away from the machine, create an opening.’

“I understand enough to know that you don’t have enough crystals to set it up.”

Javen spatted out to which the saboteur pointed toward the direction of outpost Charlie.

“There’s plenty at your outpost.”

“Shove it, our patrol found the entire inventory spent on the pillars. Even if their count is off, it can’t be more than an armful. Nowhere near enough to set up a chain reaction.”

Just as the words left Javen’s mouth, he remembered the first words the saboteur said in their encounter.

“Who said we only had your inventory to work with?”

“You’re joking. Where would scum like you acquire crystals? Certainly not the Bay where it can’t fetch a price.”

Lena scratched her head. “I guess that’s partially true.”

Taken aback by what was implied, Javen pushed forth to keep the conversation going.

“They can’t be smuggled out of the mines. Not with Tara Asdal being one of, if not the most, heavily guarded planet in the Galaxy.”

“Getting closer.” The saboteur encouraged Javen to continue.

“And all shipment routes are closely monitored by..”

Javen stuttered mid sentence before finishing. “...Imperial logistics.”

It became clear the scope of this event exceeded far beyond what an ordinary soldier could handle.

Yet Javen couldn’t shake off the feeling that there were countless opportunities to have prevented this. Too many points of failure that could have been easily addressed.

None of which mattered at the moment as the saboteur raised his remote transmitter.

“Well done! Well done indeed. As a prize you get a first class view of-”

“Stop.” Javen pleaded. “Don’t do it. You can get away with raiding a couple logistics routes, but hitting a compound of this size is different.  Whatever you’re hoping to achieve, it won’t be worth becoming a priority target for the entire Imperial military!”

For a moment, the two oppositionists looked at Javen in silence. As he wondered what they were thinking, Lena smirked as she threw a quip at her co-conspirator.

“Priority target huh? Can’t imagine what that would be like, partner.”

The saboteur shrugged. “We’ll manage.”

Then pressed the button on the transmitter.

At first there was only a faint rumble. Then came the first explosion. 

Then another. And another.

Followed by several explosions. A deafening cascade of sound roared as the night sky momentarily lighted up as bright as day. After a moment that seemed like eternity, the sound of explosion gave way to the rumbling sound of the east wing column and its bridge crumbling down.

There was nothing Javen could do but watch the unbelievable sight helplessly.

Done observing their work, the oppositionists tinkered with their machinery then headed towards the ledge of the observation deck.

Just before jumping, Lena turned around.

Just as the two disappeared out of sight, the machinery exploded knocking Javen out.

-12-

“Private, wake up private.”

Javen woke up with a start. Vance was kneeling beside him.

“What the hell happened here private?” Vance questioned in an oddly calm manner. Something Javen would have noted if he was of clear mind.

“Sir, ugh.” A streak of pain racked Javen’s head as his world seemed to flip upside down.

“Talk private.” Vance pressed

Recalling what happened, Javen tried to leap back to his feet only to be stopped by Vance.

“I SAID talk.”

“A chain reaction sir. I don’t know how, but they managed to bring in raw crystals raided from logistic stations to detonate a chain reaction from here.”

“Who’s ‘they’.”

“A man from the tech crew. Blond, very tall. He was alone when I first arrived until..”

Javen paused to process what he had seen once more.

“Until Lena joined him.”

“Lena!? Are you certain it was her?”

“Yes sir, if that even is her real name.”

“What about the crystals, do you know how they were charged?”

Would Vance believe it if he were told?

“It was Lena sir.”

Vance was silent as if missing the connection.

“Lena charged the crystals.” Javen repeated. “She’s a Ronin.”

Vance’s expression twisted for a brief moment before mumbling.

“Ronin. A real Ronin. Hah. Unlucky bastard.”

“Sir we need to report this to the command post.”

 Javen tried to get back up but Vance stopped him again.

“No, you’re injured. Stay here and recover. I’ll handle it from here.”

“Sir?”

“Whatever hell we’ve got coming for us, it’s nothing compared to what you’ve just told me.”

“Understood sir. More reason for me to make the re-”

“No you don’t. You don’t understand, just as you haven’t the entire day. There’s a Ronin raiding within Imperial space, a Ronin we were completely unaware of. That’s a cover-up. Whoever ordered that cover-up will want to keep it that way.”

Javen looked up to Vance with a dismayed expression. Was there no one in the galaxy he could trust?

“Then what should I do sir? Our outpost was emptied for this attack. We’ll be brought in for questioning. What do I say then?”

“I’ll think of something. Stay here and wait for me to come back.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to split up right now.”

“Javen, private Javen.” Vance turned around with a stone cold expression Javen had never seen before.

“You’ve been screwing up day to day operations. I, no, we can’t take the risk of you running your mouth. Not now of all time.”

What Vance said next was something Javen never imagined coming out of his senior’s mouth.

“So please, leave this to me. Stay here and keep watch over the crime scene”

Javen thought for a moment. “Copy that sir. I’ll hold position until you come back.”

Vance nodded and headed towards the stairs.

“Sir.”

Vance turned back.

“Will we be able to get through this?”

Vance smiled. “Of course we can. You know I’m good at getting out of trouble.

-13-

Being well-connected paid off nicely. 

Vance knew there was a Ronin involved with the attacks on Imperial logistics. Not just one but several Ronins. Most of which central command is in the dark on.

Vance also knew the lengths that were taken to keep all of this a secret.

RA410 was in shambles. There’s no telling how bad the damage is. Heads will roll.

Yet the punishment for this catastrophic failure will be nothing compared to the repercussion for getting blindsided by a Ronin and left without a single trace. If word got out about what happened at observation, the big wigs of RA410 will do everything in their power to save their hides. A full cover-up will be in order, starting with making sure there are no incriminating witnesses.

It also paid to be lucky. By the time Vance caught up, there was only a smoldering wreck and an unconscious Javen.

Meaning there’s nothing to prove Vance had any knowledge of the Ronin.

The surveillance cameras on the observation deck are not connected to CIN, just like every other camera except for those installed in command post and the restricted area. This gives the base commander an out to stop the feed from reaching central command. To bury the feed, the commander will need to bury any witness caught on record with it. 

A recording Vance luckily avoided.

All the pieces fell in place for Vance to minimize his losses. Only one piece was needed to start the motions for cleanup running on a pathway away from Vance.

A fall guy with a plausible motive.

“ -in the name of kissing up to a wh.. a butterfly!”

“-my every step is prodded by the Imperium. Why can’t the Empire just leave me be to do my job!?”

The recording came out nice and clear. It pays to be well-connected and lucky.

With a sigh a relief Vance made his way towards the base commander’s office, ignoring the mayhem and calls for help around him.

“I told you kid. Trust no one.”

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Practically turbo-speed with my record.

Jokes aside, I was satisfied with the rudimentary pre-alpha build that was provided save the lack of direction. I tried to include as much feedback as possible but I can never be sure if the many complaints I had were going to persist.

Think of it like trying to critique a pizza at the ingredient stage. What’s there to say?

The ingredients look fresh I guess... can I complain it’s undercooked? It may turn out undercooked even after the pizza is complete right?

The one significant detail that could be gleaned was the souls-like element.

An interesting development following the footsteps of Lies of P and Stellar Blade. The latter of which I was certain of being a Bayonetta-like considering the CEO’s preference.

For now what I can say for certain is I hope the devs map out a clear direction for Defying Fate’s identity and I look forward to replaying Vindictus on an engine that isn’t old enough to have witnessed the birth of Christ.

Organized under direct supervision of the Empire Military Wing, all Sadari Adepts are required to perform compulsory service for the Imperial Astari Corp as either practitioners or artificers.

Imperial military organizations are usually commanded by a lieutenant general but, due to the civil service nature of artificers, the Astari Corp is lead by a Secretary General. The Secretary General precedes two Deputy Secretary General who each oversee the military activities of practitioners and production activities of artificers.

Astari Practitioners serve as the face and forefront of the Empire Military Wing as its elite fighting force and propaganda machine.

In addition to major combat advantages, the Empire’s control over Astaris grants a far-reaching moral boost through constant exposure of Astari related media, carefully curated by the Empire Administrative Wing (commonly referred to as "the administration") for maximum impact.

One significant proposal by the administration was the change of Astari uniform. The original ceremonious uniform was switched for a style emphasizing the Astari’s place as part of Imperial military mixed with superhero-esque elements for public relation purposes.

Astari Artificers produce Astari equipment and refines Sadarin Crystals required for manufacturing high-quality Sadari Arms.

Though practitioners are most recognized, many argue the advanced weapons crafted with refined Sadarin Crystals are the greatest contribution to Empire military superiority.

Dark systems outside Empire control may have Sadari Adepts among their population but an adept without proper training and equipment infrastructure doesn't amount to anything.

All of which are located within the Sadarin System seized by the Empire after passing the Astari Supervision and Protection Act in tandem with Operation Hunting Season.

Any dark system Sadari Adept who wishes to utilize their abilities have no choice but to join the Imperial Astari Training Institution(IATI) where they will be conscripted into the Imperial Military and forced to change citizenship.

A less recognized function of the Astaris is the ability to eliminate Beyonders.

Monstrosities of unknown origins, conventional firepower can damage Beyonders but they will always regenerate back from their core which can only be destroyed by an Astari blade.

Astaris are also immune to the infectious nature of being in proximity of a Beyonder cementing the Astari Corp as the sole organization capable of containing calamitous, though rare, Intrusion Events of a Beyonder outbreak.

The War of Genesis Remnants of Gray, a SRPG remake of the 1995 series is nearing release for this year December. A mobile title(Asura Project) with cartoon rendering is also expected to release at a similar timeframe.

Remnants of Gray Release Schedule

November 2023: Demo version release showcasing 2-3 hours of gameplay.

December 2023: Korean release on the Nintendo Switch

-Base version priced 64,800Won (50USD)

-Collecter’s edition 168,000Won (128USD)

Early 2024: “Hero’s Tomb” DLC release.

Within 2024: Global release

-PS, Xbox, Steam version under consideration

After years of tumultuous development including engine switch and delays, Remnants of Gray secured enough content to promise 70 to 80 hours of gameplay (including cutscenes).

The remake features the story of the first two mainline War of Genesis titles featuring a reworked story and reinterpretation of characters such as the redesigned main cast Iyolin and the Black Prince.

Core gameplay involves real-time exploration and turn-based combat. Movement and combat engagement will differ depending on party leader’s class. Besides the usual affair of tiled SRPGS iconic gameplay elements "Ultimate Skill” and “Magitech Gear” are making a return ensuring there’s no single right answer for every situation requiring strategic response from players.

The planned DLC dubbed “Hero’s Tomb” aims to provide difficult challenges where players can make use of their end-game geared and leveled characters.

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In the world of Antaria, two factions divided by religion are locked in constant conflict. The Silver Arrow alliance led by the Pandragon Kingdom and the Dark Armor alliance led by the Gaysir Empire. A prolonged power balance between the two faction was broken by the Black Prince of Gaysir who managed to turn the tables on absolute defeat of the Empire into the destruction of Pandragon. The Silver Arrow alliance now in ruin with Pandragon defeated losing its King and three eldest princes, princess Iyolin Pandragon vows to raise the banner of Silver Arrow once more and take vengeance on the Gaysie Empire. Such is her determination that she would gain the moniker “goddess of vengeance” .

Gameplay mainly consists of two modes; exploration mode and SRPG(tile-based rpg) combat mode. The two modes were designed with the purpose of providing a more user-friendly experience for exploring while preserving the traditional turned base combat of the original.

War of Genesis: Remnant of Gray will include the contents of War of Genesis 1, 2, spin-offs placed in the same time frame, and content that was dropped for the original due to development issues.

Line Games acquired rights to the IP with the intent to remake the entire series and established a department dedicated to this task. Though the exact date is yet to be revealed, Line Games announced plans to release a demo version and pre-order schedule ahead of the December release.

The announcement itself feels sudden in the midst of troubling development schedule and rumors but I’m here hoping the release turns out successful enough to justify the continuation of the series remake up until at least the remake of the Zephyre spin-off.

-Extra Media-

• Updating to match the “modern era”

• 2021 Gameplay Teaser

Crimson Desert is a single-player RPG with co-op elements based on the world of Black Desert Online (“BDO”), a MMORPG that had a major update not too long ago. CD was revealed with a story trailer on 2019 followed by a gameplay premeire trailer on 2020.

Where the second trailer was a general view of the in-game world and characters, the new trailer is a focused showcase of individual gameplay elements such as horseback combat, trading, NPC interactions, travel mechanics, and more.

The ambitous trailer garnered varied response and one of the trends is that the trailer looked too good/massive to be true. Based on my experience playing BDO, it’s likely the featured gameplay accurately represent the actual game as a large portion of the gameplay are refined features from BDO.

My concern is how well those individually impressive gameplay elements are meshed into a cohesive game. The release of BDO is a good example to look at as it felt more like an impressive tech demonstration for industry professionals rather than a finished product for customers. In other words, a collection of PA’s strengths and weaknesses.

There’s so much stuff shown it can’t actually all be in game!

-It is, whether they’re all implemented in an engaging or satisfying method is another question.

The graphics can’t be that good!

-It is, yet the mythical concept of “optimization” eludes PA as your graphic card melts laboring over unecessary effects you don't even notice except when taking close-up screenshots.

-Oh, and one can never have enough particle effects. You won’t be able to see anything but that’s a sacrifice PA is willing to make.

There’s no way that’s actual MMO combat.

-It is1, shame there won’t be anything fun to use that combat on if you don’t plan to engage in PvP.

The world is so massive!

-Yup, hop on your horse cause this is gonna be a long ride. Fast travel? We don’t do that around here.2

A new world with its history and story to learn!

-Yes, it exists. No, don’t expect the game to tell it.

All experiences reminiscent when viewing trailers for both Crimson Desert and Dokev, another game in development by PA. That said, I’m leaning on being optimistic as the trailers show focus on improving on where PA is the weakest. Namely storytelling and PvE.

The story bits of the first and second trailer has me invested in Macduff, his crew, and the world far more than five years of playing BDO did.

PvE gameplay shows off varied enemy movement opposed to the straight beeline every single monster in BDO rides. Player vs monster Interactions are also varied such as Dragon’s Dogma-style monster climbing. And any amount of inspiration from Dragon's Dogma is a plus in my books.

Speaking of inspirations, the third gameplay trailer shows influence from other popular games beyond Dragon's Dogma. Which is fine. If you're having trouble with a certain area on your own, might as well learn from the best.

A list of inspirations I’ve noticed on the third trailer are as follows;

Dragon’s Dogma: monster climbing on a yeti, treant.

GTA: Stealing rides and criminal status

Assasin’s Creed: Refined parquor and ledge-hanging.

Nier: Bullet-hell boss pattern.

Zelda BotW/TotK: Shrine puzzles, hang glider, sky islands

Though PA has yet to prove they can make an engaging final product out of these individual technically impressive elements, the improvements shown on the third trailer has me looking forward seeing Crimson Desert releasing with flying colors proving my concerns wrong.