"I'll begin by explaining some more about myself." Valtana began, her voice taking on a more deliberate tone. "That being you received the Cave City and Surge contract from, I was using it to communicate with you. It isn't a real individual, it's a completely artificial robot. I have a number of them under my control for a variety of purposes. Gathering information, observation, communication with multiple parties, and more.. all without revealing my identity or risking my own life. It's quite the convenient little tool, isn't it? Keh heh heh...."

Teres rested one arm over the back of his chair, his other hand reaching for another piece of tart as he spoke. "Sure is from the way you're describin' it. Seemed to be real damn advanced too, the thing moved so quick I never actually saw it arrive or leave. Mm... you rich or somethin', or did ya make 'em yourself?"

"I am quite the inventive person, but not yet at the level to create robots that advanced. I had them custom built in Kiness, which is one of my personal favorite places to visit might I add. Their technology is simply astounding, but words alone aren't enough to truly get the picture across. Have either of you ever been there? I haven't seen your group stop there since I began observing you..."

Verlena clenched her fist, her tone sharpening with frustration. "Do you truly find it so difficult to remain focused? Our discussion involves information and revelations that should lead to countless lives being saved. Information that you've withheld from us for some unknown reason. So, I ask that you please remain on topic. This is incredibly important for us to learn so that we may take action as quickly as possible."

Valtana gave a small shrug. "Well, our discussion involved Kiness, so I figured that would still count as being on topic. But I get it, I do. I know you and your type Verlena, always wanting to save people and do the right thing. So I'll do my best to get straight to the point, just for you, my dear."

"For how long exactly have you been observing us?" Verlena's eyes narrowed.

"Naturally I've always had my eyes on you to some degree. You are the contractors ranked above me after all. I'm sure if I let enough time pass, Esca would likely surpass my ranking as well. Even though completing contracts is merely a fun side gig for me, it's still impressive for anyone to overtake my position. That's when you first caught my eye. But it wasn't until I needed you recently that I was able to catch a glimpse of what you're truly capable of. You really haven't been challenged much combat wise, but how one responds to pressure says a lot in regards to who they are. Power and skill mean nothing if you crack when faced with the ever so terrifying unknown. And you passed with flying colors my friends." She paused briefly, her eyes glinting before she continued. "You see, while yes the whole cave city incident was meant to test the capabilities of my new friend here, it was also a great way to see how you'd react to some of the dark secrets this world has hidden away as well, as I described. A two birds with one stone type deal. And all it cost was the life of a child! One that was already suffering and destined for death, might I remind you. So please Verlena, don't go getting all upset with me again."

"So you've been watching us, and deliberately putting us to the test in several ways. What is it that you're hoping to recruit us for? A battle against the organization that's trying to destroy all of these beautiful places?"

"Keh heh... yes, they're one problem I'd like us to handle together. But not the sole purpose for all of my actions. To put it in the simplest terms I can, I'd like to form a sort of ultimate contract team, one that can neutralize the darker side of this world together as an unstoppable unit. Your thoughts?"

Verlena and Teres exchanged a look, one that held a hint of caution, both weighing the proposal in silence.

Eventually, Teres broke the silence. He reached for one of the roasted larvae skewers, giving it a curious look before taking a bite. "I like the sound of it, never hurts for strong people to band together. But you've gotta confirm they're cut out for this squad you wanna assemble. That their strength's gonna hold up when face to face with this crazier shit they've probably never been up against. So your method was smart, makes a lotta sense now." He paused, chewing thoughtfully before continuing. "You're one hell of an interesting person, so sorry to say, I'm not gonna be able to put my full trust in ya just yet. But I am willing to cautiously cooperate for now and test out the waters of this idea of yours. Verlena, how're you feelin' about it?"

Verlena remained silent for a few moments, her gaze fixed on the table, fingers tapping against her arm as she weighed her thoughts. Finally, she looked up and spoke. "To assemble together such a group, the concept is something I'm completely for, and would love to be a part of. However, the behavior of Valtana has me unsure of whether or not cooperating with her is a wise choice. She does not seem to be the most trustworthy. Or... a better way to put it would be, that I cannot tell. She's a strange one, but I cannot deny that without her, we'd have been left unaware of a number of things for who knows how long. I'm not sure if we'd be able to locate the group behind these acts of terrorism either without her assistance. So, I am in the same boat as you Teres. I'm willing to cooperate with her cautiously for the time being. I suppose we don't have much choice if we intend on pursuing the situation further either way."

"Guess you're right about that." Teres said. "Could end up getting ourselves killed runnin' in circles trying to locate the S.O.B.s alone too. Plus, we were lookin' to find some strong comrades to slaughter the shitty bastards with us anyway, and I get the feeling that she's got more power at her disposal than we do..."

Valtana clasped her hands together, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Oh my, well this is absolutely marvelous news!! How wonderful will it be to stand side by side with Verlena and Teres themselves. It'll give me so much satisfaction to check that one off the bucket list, you know! It's a big one after all."

"Yes.. congratulations." Verlena replied, her voice devoid of enthusiasm.

Centi-Ren, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke, his voice calm and measured. "Well... I knew you weren't the most normal person I'd ever come across, but I certainly didn't expect the quirky owner of Roach Realm to be a woman like yourself. Consider me surprised. But... as strange of an individual as you are, your cause seems to be for the greater good. You can call it an officer's intuition, but I don't think you're lying." He brushed a hand across his centipede mask as if adjusting it for comfort, before continuing. "In which case, I'm looking forward to having your help with this contract even more. Speaking of, now that we've had some discussions about Valtana's true self, Verlena, Teres, are the two of you ready to hear about it?"

"Yes. Go on and describe it to us." Replied Verlena.

"What she said. We're prepared, so spit it out to us." Teres added.

Valtana sat there with a gleeful grin, her eyes sparkling with delight as she watched the exchange unfold.

"Alright. I'll get right into it then."