Krusnik Mission Log (CONTENT WARNINGS AHOY)

[kaisoumods]

Krusnik Mission Log

CONTENT WARNINGS: The following log will involve discussions of kidnapping, stalking, child abuse, and human experimentation. Proceed with caution.

So let's take a moment to recap: amongst the numerous groups connected to the paranormal, one of the more infamous ones is Krusnik. For years, Krusnik's name was synminonous with the darkest parts of the world. Known for taking children no one would miss and other such people to do God only knows what to them, they're a group that seemed more like a horror story than anything real. There's been many efforts to try to stamp them out, some more successful than others, but they always managed to slink away into the shadows and survive another day.

In the past, Krusnik didn't usually go stateside. Too much risk, was the theory. However something must have changed, as they've decided to try their luck in Kaisou. Perhaps it was the active Spirit Vein that led them here, or more possible... the otherworlders that no one would think twice about if they disappeared. Gaining their hands on some of those would be a great benefit to Krusnik. And if they happen to get their hands on one or two escaped prisoners in the process...well. So much the better.

Like hell they will.

Thanks to the combined work of many factions and people; the alarms have been sounded. Alba, the researcher who asked for help a few times, has been revealed to actually be Georg Weissmann - a high ranking member of Krusnik. Now it's time to gather the wagons, make sure those vulnerable are protected, and as for Krusnik itself? It's time to root out these demons wearing human-skin once and for all.

Within the City

While only one Krusnik member had been identified in July, it turns out there's a sizable crew of them within the city. There's several operatives scattered throughout the city. Alba himself is no where to be found in the city, but plenty of his lackeys are. They primarily target the young (or young looking), though it's possible they may go after some slightly older people if they have particularly strong magical energy. It's never very many of them at a time, usually only one to three, and they seem to be focused in areas with a high concentration of supernaturally inclined people (except, notably, the Zodiac apartments and Cathedral Hill). Usually they will attempt to strike when they think someone is alone or their guard is down, so staying in groups and making sure there's someone keeping constant watch is a good way to deter them.

Though the groups are small, they are dangerous in their own right. All of them have been trained for combat to an extreme amount. Not only that, but they have magical abilities in some form or another, some who may rival the Libra app users thanks to years of experiments done to their bodies. Their modus operandi leans towards using stealth tactics to get the jump on their target. Not wanting to make their presence too known while in the city, they will tend to flee if they're met with a confrontation that'll draw attention. These aren't people who can be reasoned with, as they are nothing short of fullblown fanatics to their cause. Though, if you wish to capture and get information about their operation in the city, certain interrogation methods aren't out of the question.

In Hyrule

Hyrule was a dangerous enough realm on its own, but the presence of Krusnik operatives have heightened that danger even further for some. Just like in Kaisou, they will try to strike potential targets when they see an opening in groups of one to three. Since they are away from the prying eyes of the city, these Krusnik members will be more willing to have more drawn out fights in order to obtain their targets. Most of them are more than willing to fight to the death for their cause and have the combat ability to back that up, so you best be prepared for a challenging fight.

However should you manage to capture some of them alive, it may be possible to obtain information about their operation using interrogation tactics. As it turns out the leader of their operation and the target of the Black Order, Weissman, is in Hyrule itself. He's set up camp at the Coliseum Ruins in the southeastern part of the Hyrule Fields. The Black Order has been ordered to kill him on sight, so that'll be their destination. If there's anyone looking to dissuade them from carrying out their mission, they're going to have a tough argument to sell.

When you arrive there, you'll find that the place is covered in a red sludge that is toxic and painful to the touch. You'll have to do your best to avoid contact with it as much as you can. Once you get into the coliseum itself, well, it turns out Weissmann knew you'd be coming for him. This isn't the first attempt to take him out, after all. So as soon as you step into Coliseum, Weissmann will call down to you from his ledge he's using as his vantage point. Before you can react, he'll cast a spell that conjures an evil-looking eye before everyone who looks upon is magically immobilized. Now that he has a captured audience, he'll go into a full villainous speech mode. From mocking the Black Order's shortcomings, to emphasizing that all Krusnik is doing is trying to unlock humanity's full potential. "You could have the power of gods," he says "But instead you hold yourselves back with pointless barriers you call morals". He'll even callously speak of the "progress" the former victims have made: first lamenting that Johan would give up the power of his possession after failing to control it - a true failed experiment. Subject Zero, he notes, has clearly allowed her growth to stagnant while in the outside world. Kohinata, on the other hand... well, the Water Spirit he possessed himself with was weaker than Weissman would like, but it was still some progress.

When he's finished saying his rage-inducing, sociopathic piece - he'll decide that's time to finish you all off. Not by his hand, but rather the Silver Lynel he found living in these ruins. It's a massive centaur beast, wielding a claymore emitting flames. He'll release it from his spell, which it's now angry enough to charge and attack everyone who are nothing more than sitting ducks while under Weissman's Evil Eye spell.

Fortunately, for those who came prepared, there are ways to counteract the spell. Barrier spells will deflect the spell entirely, and extremely strong willpower stands a chance to make the spell's hold break. And if someone manages to break Weissman's concentration (by say, shooting him)- that'll break the spell entirely. Whatever ways you manage to free yourself from his magic chains, it's now up to you to fight off the Lynel and get to Weissmann. Weissmann himself, caught off guard by the surprise resistance, will use elemental magic to defend himself. How you deal with this man is up to you, but it's clear he'll be a threat as long as he keeps breathing.

The Base

Once Weissman and the Hyrule team are dealt with, there is only one more thing that needs to be dealt with: the demon's den that is their base of operations. You can find out information to its location either through interrogating captured agents, tailing their agents, or looking into a trail of breadcrumbs in the form of undertown gossip. Eventually, enough leads will bring you to a cluster of warehouses. Most seem to be just regular warehouses, filled with various stocks for businesses in town and for more illicit business ventures. In the middle of these stands a warehouse which outwardly doesn't seem any different from the others. By design, it is made to fit in, be inconspicuous. The inside, however, is a much different story.

You are not alone, first off. There are plenty of Krusnik goons to fight- who will quickly leap to defend their organization. They will fight back with weapons, elemental abilities, with everything they have. And they will fight tooth and nail. Worse still are other, younger members of Krusnik- former captives who have been beaten down and fully indoctrinated into Krusnik's cause. They will not listen to reason, and they will die for this. There's a couple among them that seem to no longer even have presence of self at all and act more like mindless weapons - results of Weissmann's handiwork, it'd seem. Some are exceptionally powerful- if you have the ability to sense them, you will quickly realize these people have been possessed by monsters and demons. There is no benevolence here. Mercy might not be an option.

The bottom floor of the warehouse is filled with rows upon rows of shipping containers. They all have padlocks and chains around them, but none are currently locked. Opening them, you will find a mattress in the back corner, with chains and shackles bolted to the side of the metal wall. Almost all of them, thankfully, are empty- but there's a few that house the three app users (Takame, Vergil, and Rose) who managed to get grabbed. All three of them are alive, though their harrowing physical and emotional states serve as a stark realization that the horror stories about what Krusnik does to victims are anything but stories.

The upper level of the warehouse has a few rudimentary lab setups. It's clear this isn't anything high-tech or powerful, but the remnants of something that once was. Mismatched equipment can be found everywhere, vials and medical equipment scuffed and cracked- things grabbed in a hurry from a crumbling coalition. It's not all scientific, of course. Ancient tomes line the walls, equally damaged and hodgepodge together. Pages are marked which indicate powerful deities, sheets of notebook paper pushed in amongst the pages, with scribbled theories on the best methods to give a "higher rate of spiritual contact". As any former Krusnik captive could tell you, and as is plane in front of you now, all of the methods are grizzly. Means of pushing a person to the brink of death, to try and induce a possession of a spirit. Ideally, of a god.

The furthest room on the top level is an office. Sitting in a chair is a well-put-together man. He's clearly heard the ruckus of all the fighting but hasn't stepped into the fight himself. He welcomes you with a smooth, relaxed voice, like you've dropped in for a cup of tea and not to root out an evil organization. If given the chance to talk (and oh boy, will he talk) he'll explain he is Philip, he's the second of command of this current operation, and you Libra users have it all wrong. Krusnik is trying to understand the Spirit World, the GODS, better. They are simply reaching out to touch the heavens, to bring this power down to mortal folk. He had memories of a previous life, where this was used to better another world. A lost world. That the touch of a god would give everyone an equal playing field, would rid the world of pain and suffering, why would anyone not want that? He does his best to make kidnapping children and forcing them to become vessels for powerful beings by bringing them to the brink of death a reasonable thing to do. Of course, it's not and you can deal with him as you see fit. Once he realizes you're on the attack, he will lash out- his arms turning into green goop - which he can mold into spikes or just straight-up try and suffocate you with it.

Work together to take this guy out. And make sure you do a thorough job doing it- there's always a chance he might reform if not eliminated completely.

Aftermath

Eventually, once Philip is defeated (be sure to be VERY thorough with taking him out) you can check around the office. There's a computer where the attempts to hack Libra originated from. From the scattered paperwork, they will find candid photos of the escaped Krusnik members- there are also candid photos of current otherworlders, especially the minors. All have scribbled notes, times, days, places- an attempt to work out a routine. The beginnings of a plan to try and capture them.

Further investigation will yield Weissmann's personal logs, as you can always count on the evil scientist types to write down their crimes. Amongst the various records of stomach-churning experiments, unhinged manifestos, and detailed crimes against humanity- they'll gain context to why Krusnik was here of all places. It would seem the previous attacks on Krusnik facilities, those carried out by Abel and Zero, were basically fatal blows to the organization. What is here in Kaisou is the splintered remains of the survivors, trying to start again. There are notes of smaller pocket cells out there in the world- but it's clear this was Krusnik's last attempt to get a foothold and gain power once more. With this crushed, they have no hope of truly resurfacing again.

The last thing in the office is the filing cabinet. Weissmann had the key, so unless you looted it off his body, you'll have to pick the lock. Once inside, you'll be rewards with a treasure trove of documents about the organization. Not just their heinous experiments, but information on who gives them funding, who would help them get new victims, and so on. Perhaps Alba was planning on relying on these contacts again, or was holding onto it for blackmail. Either way, it's a treasure trove of evidence to help pursue justice against those who helped Krusnik. And in the very back of the filing cabinet, there's also a notebook containing information on a glyph Krusnik developed to help conceal their presence throughout the years. Maybe this could come in handy...someday.

With everything explored and dealt with, there's only one left to do: figure out what to do about the warehouse. Maybe it'd be good to alert the proper authorities or the Black Order or Zodiac to figure out--

Oh what you want to burn it? Well... okay, that works too. You did just take out a nefarious cult so...yeah, you can burn this building, as a treat.

OOC Notes

This is the catch-all long for the Krusnik subplot! Should you post about this event outside this log, please remember to use relevant content warnings. The original OOC plotting post for this event can be found here.

Comments

2ish

[lapislamine]

[Mercedes had told Nox she didn't want him going anywhere without her, and she meant it. She would have followed him into the depths of Hell, had that been their destination - thankfully it wasn't. Just Hell on Earth.

She'd stood back and allowed those who knew Vergil better to be the first to find him, to pull him out of the shipping container. It seemed more appropriate. Once he's collected himself a little more, she steps forward. She sees those bruises.]

I'm sure we'll find your belongings. We won't leave without them.

Will you let me heal you?

[Other healers can do more - but she's here. It's a start.]

Re: 2ish

[kowase]

[ So far as Vergil was concerned--it had been hell. He was grateful that it was only moderately hell for his family--nero, dante, those who had come into the depths of that prison who had come for him. But he would be lying if he were to say he was surprised to see a certain blonde woman hanging in the wings.

He'd never met her.
But Nero had shown him pictures. Had talked about her. And vergil, in all his terrible personable skills, had yet to reach out to her--to thank her for taking care of Nero all this time.

So of course, when she comes forward, to offer to heal him, his eyes level on her with a look that is almost a touch guilty, even if he tries to hide it behind layers of something cooled off--overly calm.

His eyes close.
His belongings. They won't leave without them.
The assurance is... good. He needs Yamato.

She offers to heal him.
He can't help but to laugh. ]

Ordinarily.
My body regenerates at an unreasonably fast level. And wounds like these would hardly stay long enough to matter.

...And yet.

[ these bastards had... done something, so his healing factor was slow. it was not kicking in properly.

he felt... tired. ]

I would accept your aid.
If you would be willing to give it.

[lapislamine]

[She would argue the fact they hadn't yet met was at least half her own fault. She'd meant to meet Vergil Vittore properly. The business of life and her family's affairs kept her away.

This is possibly the last way she would have chosen to finally meet him. So she's a little awkward, a little guilty, as well. But better this than never getting the chance. She's not sure she could have forgiven herself, if she hadn't come.

The laughter is...a response, certainly, and she almost smiles through her concern. Mercedes is very familiar with how quickly Nox heals. So Vergil is the same - or will hopefully return to the same. For now, her powers will have to suffice.]

Certainly. I'm afraid I can't heal everything, but...it should help.

[She reaches out slowly - no sudden movements, not right now. Her touch is gentle. She pours as much as she can into the effort, even knowing it won't be enough - she doesn't have the strength to heal more severe injuries. It wouldn't feel like enough even if she did.

She isn't much of a fighter, so she only needs to conserve enough energy to not need carrying.]

[kowase]

[ he's never really been someone who had a big powerful outlook on 'family'. He's only recently starting to realise how important it is--his own human family back in italy had always been so inaffectionate--it's completely different to Nero, to Dante.

And he can see that same kindness in this woman's eyes, too. He knows she's important to nero, and he can see why she'd be important to him--just the way she spoke, the way her movements were deliberate, the softness of her eyes; all of it was deliberate: Gentle.

A kindness that is learned, one that he has never been able to fully understand himself.
He's almost envious of such a capable heart. ]

A splash of water to dry earth is a salvation, even if it is not the downpour that they dream of. [ sorry he
talks like some old poet, mercie, it's something he's not used to: conversation. ]

You did not get hurt, did you.
I am led to believe the fight down here was... quite dangerous.
If the state of Nero and Dante is anything to measure by.

[lapislamine]

[Mercedes has already accepted Vergil as an extension of her own family - and her family is even dearer to her than her faith. Any threat to them is unignorable. Any struggle she may face is acceptable.

Even if it weren't a family matter, though... Life can be very bitter. Mercedes knows that all too well. If she can make it a little sweeter, a little softer, then she will always do so.

The poetry gets a small smile out of her.]

The downpour will come soon enough. Once we find your things and leave.

[And despite everything, Vergil is worrying about her. She shakes her head.]

No, nothing significant. Nox wouldn't allow it, and I'm not quite as delicate as I seem.

[kowase]

If I am honest, I would assume that if Nero were to find a partner, one who can hold his heart, that she would not be some delicate fae who cannot hold her own.

I apologise if that is the impression I gave.

[ honestly, nero seems, to him, to be the type to have a partner who could kick his ass, if he was honest.
While he may not know mercie well, he does consider her for a moment, before averting his gaze again.

The man has difficulty looking at others while speaking, it seems. ]

...Yes. My things.
They took the Yamato away from me.

I need to find it.
It is more than just a sword. You see.

[ it's a part of his soul. ]

[lapislamine]

[That does get a full smile - to not be perceived as vulnerable. It's something she's used to, really. She's definitely more suited to the kitchen than the battlefield.

But soldiers and chefs use knives equally well.]

You didn't. And I wouldn't have been offended if you did - I know how I look.

[She's always been the elegant one, among her siblings. Especially compared to Caesar, she's practically a wisp.

A thoughtful hum. She's not sure she entirely understands the bond he has with this weapon. It's clearly too important to leave behind. Maybe it can help in other ways, too.]

The Yamato. Can you describe it to me? I want to be sure I'll recognize it.

[kowase]

[ listen, his mother in this world was a tigress and his cousin was a hawk. he drank his share of respect women juice in his life. just because someone is pretty and fair doesn't mean they can't heel up when the time comes. ]

One should never judge on looks. He who bases power on appearance finds himself without fingers in an instant.

[ elegance also played a part in war. Vergil looked a mess right now, wounds and bruises aplenty, his usually well-kept hair a mess, blood caking the pathetic clothing he'd been made to wear-- his usual elegance passed over for a very tired middle-aged man. ]

...It is a katana. Her handle is knit with fine white leather, accented in gold. The hand guard is blue, with a design of golden flowers on it. The sheathe the very same navy blue, accented in gold. It should bear a belt tie that is gold, as well.

[ he could picture the weapon perfectly in his mind. He needed her back. ]

[lapislamine]

That is true. I think my father said something similar.

[She has a bottle of water and a washcloth. She wets the cloth and offers it. Hopefully, being able to clean up at least a little will help.

She pauses to envision the sword. With the way Vergil speaks of it (her?), Yamato must be a truly incredible blade. Dimly she remembers someone from her past life, someone who was more dedicated to the art of the sword than anyone else.]

She...? sounds beautiful. I'll have to learn a bit about swords so I can appreciate her properly, when there's time.

[kowase]

[ he will take the bottle--gratefully. the first thing he'll do is scrub his face--it feels like he hadn't had a proper bath in nearly a week; and it might not be pretty exactly how much just a simple cloth with water lifts off his skin.
He's a lot paler than he looks, turns out.

He casts her a gaze again as he considers her for a moment--right, most people don't talk about their swords as if they're sentient. Right. Right. ]

She is not just a weapon. I am not sure if Nero knows much about them--but she is a 'Devil Arm'. A weapon that is made out of the flesh and blood of devilkind. Some are sentient, others have powers that are stored inside them.

They are blades that can have ego and persona--and wills of their own.
Yamato saved me when I was very young.
It is less a sword and... more part of my soul.

[lapislamine]

[That's not good. But it's almost over. He'll be able to rest soon.

As for the weapon... She knows Nox remembers more or less all of his past life. He's told her some. Mostly, though, this resonates with something from her own, a little bit.]

I see... There was something similar in my previous life. We'll definitely find her, then. I could never leave someone so important behind.

[Not again.]