Terror Infinity Side B

Chapter 26, Apocalypse Alice Next

Everyone enjoyed their few remaining days in the Terminal Lobby after coming back from Switzerland. We used those days to train as well. To keep our fighting edge we made sure to vacation first and then train so we would be entering into the next mission with a fighting mindset... and then the last day before the next mission came. Like always, it was a day reserved for rest and relaxation for the most part, yet before they called it a day to rest up for the next mission the next day, a meeting was called for all members of Team Japan.

The meeting was called not by Shin the team leader, but Jin, one of the two newest members of the group. That itself wasn't a problem, but since they knew Jin's character they weren't looking forward to whatever he has to say, yet when they were told the contents of the meeting they were surprised.

Jin had summoned everyone to tell them that they should consider creating rules. Team rules for all present and future member of Team Japan to follow is what he suggested. His reasoning was that having rules clarified out loud, like what was okay, what was not, and what was expected of everyone would unify the team.

Shin agreed with this idea as he was beginning to understand that rules would be important as their team becomes bigger and bigger, with the upper limit being 20 members, yet that was something in the far future since they only had eight members at this time. It was a good idea of Jin's to come up with the idea of potential rules, but to not first go over with them with Shin, the team leader first before including the others was... whatever the case, Jin came up with five decent rules and the group began to go over them one by one.

RULE 1.

Shin: When we receive newbies in a mission, we will first get to know their profession, fitness level, and personality. Then the team will vote if anyone can become a temporary member, Trial Member for Team Japan. Those who can become Trial Members of Team Japan must have the ability to keep up with the team and can assist in during the mission, or can agree with and follow all commands by the official members of Team Japan within reason. We are allowed to save temporary members if it doesn't put the whole team in danger.

RULE 2.

Aqua: Two. Anyone who doesn't pass the team's vote will be given a weapon and gold. If it's a mission that takes place away from the civilization, then we will give them food and water instead of gold. If these people cause conflicts with veterans or temporary members, or if they put the team in danger, then killing them or impairing their movements is allowed.

RULE 3.

Hikari: Three. Every team member’s points and rewards will be recorded at the end of a mission. Then the team will exchange enhancements based on what a member is good at. A team member can't get enhancements solely for their own survival. This isn't efficient for the team. After three warnings, the other members will hunt the rule breaker down.

RULE 4.

Kampa: Four. The leader, currently Shin, will be in charge of all Quest Items. We will vote if anyone has an objection. If over seventy percent of members agree, then the leader will share control of the Quest Items to everyone. If the vote fails, there will not be a second vote and they will remain in the hands of the leader.

RULE 5.

Shuai: Lastly five. The team's first priority is to protect the Psyche Force user, Mastermind/Strategist, and members with unique abilities that the team can't do without. If combat members have enough points and rewards, then they will buy enhancements for these three types of members, however, it won't exceed their 25% of their total points without the owners approval.

That was the basic outline that Jin suggested. Shin went over the rules in his head a few times and he was thoroughly impressed. The rules themselves weren't bad and were well thought out, but because they came out of the mouth of Jin...

Shin: We need to go over this in detail.

Aqua: Doesn't seem enough.

Hikari: There much be some trick here. It is Jin after all.

Misaki: I agree. Also, these rules you suggested protect you!

Kampa: Good, but this can't be only what YOU had in mind.

Connor: I don't want to discuss how I use my points and rewards, and I especially don't trust you Jin who came up with these rules.

Jin: You guy are making me cry! Also, half of your problems are with me rather than the rules. I was just doing my best for the team.

Shin: Yeah, but it is you. That's a fact. When you say such things it creeps us out.

Jin: ...I really am that kind of person, huh? I can't blame you. Well, let us at least go over them together first before throwing them out.

Like Jin was never bothered in the first place he asked, everyone went over the rules one by one and decided if there needed to be revisions. They all started from the beginning with the first rule.

Jin: Rule 1, does anyone have a problem with it?

Shuai: I do.

Jin: What is it?

Shuai: Under what guidelines will we choose new members? A previous team member of ours named Saki made choices like that (on Shuai himself), but later thought that other kinds of talents that you wouldn't expect could become an invaluable asset to the team.

Shuai was probably recalling how even that intellectual Saki said that those with skills outside of battle can be helpful to the team. A few like being able to build guns, magic items, and other worthwhile tools. Shuai was also mostly likely remembering that Saki also acknowledged Shuai before she died, as they worked together making high-end normal and magic bullets after coming back from the BTOOOM mission.

Jin: Shin, what do you think? You are the leader after all.

Shin: So you make up the questions without first consulting me, can't answer them, and hand them over to me like it's not your problem?

Jin: Hahaha, not at all leader. I have my own thoughts on this, but you are the leader and I am not that much liked personality wise (so you are aware!?). Also, settling things like this is the leader’s role after all.

Shin: ...Fine. Shuai.

Shuai: Yes.

Shin: As for the criteria, you are right that we can't be hasty to a judgment on a person's worth, but when they first arrive in the mission most newbies will be a liability rather than an asset. For temporary members, they need to be able to offer additional combat potential to the group. Either in actual battle or in coming up with strategies (and hopefully not as dark as Jin's). Once we come back here to the Terminal Lobby we can discuss if they have a place on our team, but before then... actual usefulness in staying alive comes first.

Shuai: Ok. It wasn't like I totally disagreed with it, but it's just...

Shin: I understand.

Shin saw that Shuai was okay and moved on. Then onto the second rule about regarding those who can't become a part of the group.

Aqua: I think that it is fine as it is.

Jin: Thank you Aqua.

Aqua: But...

Jin: There it is.

Shin: But what?

Aqua: What happens if those who we don't acknowledge, have no talents and aren't useful even with enhancements after surviving a mission, yet still survive to the end? After we use a merit system during the mission to deem their worth, are we going to go for an equality system (Devil Survivor 2, Yamato Vs Ronaldo)? Can we even work with them after treating them as unworthy? When it was just myself before this team was formed, I didn't take care of newbies at all in the missions and afterwards I just let them do as they pleased if they happened to survive, and maybe gave them advice if they asked.

Jin: So both sides are pretty much independent. I am guessing that you are worried about what will happen if this other group that we can't work with gains enough members and enhancements they could become a threat to us.

Hikari: But aren't we on the same side even if we don't agree with or like each other?

Kampa: Don't underestimate what a bullied side is willing to do. Our side has the power and makes the rules, but once they know they can take us in a fight, no even if they just don't care anymore about surviving, they could still attack us. Our side is powerful, but if they choose to attack us here in the Terminal Lobby, or when we have to enter the beam for the next mission...

Connor: We would have to start watching their every move and always be on guard even here, the place where we are meant to rest and train.

Aqua: What do you think Shin?

Shin: ...Sorry. This is too big of an issue for now. If I say something on one extreme or the other then it may backfire on us later. Let's just wait for us to cross that bridge when we come to it.

Shin didn't have a real answer, so they left this rule alone as is for now. Then they went next to the third rule.

Shin: Connor you had a problem with this rule, right?

Connor: Yeah.

Misaki: I don't think that it is that bad a rule actually.

Connor: Well I do. I admit that getting exchanges for the whole team is important, but to what extent? All my points and rewards aren't mine? Will one person, like Shin decide? Or will we take a vote? This is a rule that takes away a Player's freedom.

Shin kind of agreed with Connor.

Shin said he didn't mind that much, but when he thought about it more and more he didn't like it. Shin's main goal wasn't to just survive with everyone. He wanted that, but he was living to become the OP main character of his dreams. Choosing something he didn't want didn't suit his personal goals.

Aqua: What Connor said isn't my main issue, but the very last line is. Who is going to enforce these rules? Even if you write it down, who here is willing to kill a comrade just for being a little selfish if that person is a valuable member of the group? Also, what if it's Shin? Or myself? Even if everyone here turned on one of us, as those with high ranking exchanges and having unlocked the Second Stage of the Genetic Constraint who can stop us? And the fact we know each other’s abilities and personalities is more of an advantage for us then it would be for anyone else.

Shin: Aqua is right. Jin, this rule only works under a Dictatorship type team. We are a mix of a Cooperative and Elite Team. We can work together with the best of them, but half of us (Aqua, Connor, me, and Jin himself despite acting like that) are individuals with strong personalities.

Jin: ...That is too bad, but our leader is right. Still, I would like it if we kept this rule to intimidate new members at the very least so they will act with the team’s interest in mind.

Shin: I can agree to that. Next is...

Rule four pertaining to quest items.

Shin: Does anyone have a problem with me holding on to the Quest Items? Either my Na Ring or Aqua's bag is ideal for safekeeping them.

Aqua: No objections.

Hikari: I am fine with it.

Misaki: I hate to admit it, but Shin is second in a fight next to Aqua. He can keep it safe.

Kampa: I don't trust my ability to guard it.

Connor: I already lost to him.

Jin: Then it is agreed then! Looks like everyone here trusts our leader.

Shin: Shut up, Jin. You ruined a great moment there.

Now the fifth and final rule that Jin made up.

Hikari: The team's first priority is to protect the Psyche Force user, Mastermind/Strategist, and members with unique abilities. If combat members have enough points and rewards, then they will buy enhancements for these three types of members. However, it won't exceed 25% of their total points if you don't agree to give them away... since this obviously is talking about me in this and it is something out of the mind of Jin, I can't be objective, but I believe it is a fine rule to leave as is.

Shin: I'm fine with this as well and can understand the reason. Players like Hikari and Shuai, it will be hard for them to get points and the higher rank rewards, especially in team battles like we will soon be experiencing.

Jin: That is the point. Those two have different type of surveillance and support abilities which will be essential in missions and the team battles. Also, how will they feel as everyone else gets more points and rewards then them when they are supporting us from the shadows?

Connor: True. In war, those who help soldiers in the shadows can be seen as the truly important members of an organization. Not giving them their due credit can be bad for moral down the line. I am in agreement, but...

Shin: But?

Connor: Isn't Jin here the Mastermind/Strategist of the group? Why should we be giving you points and rewards? You’re already an offensive fighter and like me you are exempt from Point requirements.

Hikari: Connor is right. I know that from experience magic and psychic force skills are expensive and cost a lot of rewards, but more so than Shuai (Unique Ability) and I (Psychic Force), you Jin have the ability to fight offensively. Isn't this a rule that benefits you the most?

Jin: It's true that it seems that way, but I can explain Hikari. It is by mere chance of fate that I could gain so many good exchanges so soon, but the so called Mastermind/Strategist after me, if I were to die, won't be so lucky, right? They are an important member of the group, yet more likely than not they will have little to no offensive capabilities to defend themselves for the first few missions. This rule is in place so that if I die in the next mission, the one to take my place will be looked after. Nothing more or less, but... I can see how someone great as you could see someone as lowly as me trying to take advantage of you and the team.

Hikari: ...I see. Sorry for accusing-

Jin: Ah, but if after you and Shuai, if there are any points and rewards left over, I'll gladly take them.

Everyone: I KNEW IT!!!

Jin: Hahaha!

Later after going through the rules (twelve times) to make sure Jin wasn't tricking them, Shin was holding a golden plate that was carved with these five rules and made a speech.

Shin: These are the temporary rules of Team Japan. We will amend them in the future if the situation calls for it. I hope that when we are to leave this world, the eight of us, or even more people, can still be looking at these rules with pride. That by coming together, no matter what we had to do and what we were able to defeat together, that there's nothing we can't overcome!

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Then time moved by in a flash.

Due to the unusual guest they met, Drebin893, and knowing that the dangers of this world had increased they didn't have the mood to relax in the remaining days of rest, so they trained and trained some more.

Kampa taught them advanced shooting techniques and Connor gave them tips on setting traps and predicting enemy behavior. Aqua taught some people close combat techniques, but only Misaki and I were interested in them. The rest of the time the others asked about tips into getting into Unlocked Mode, which I had none (I was just a genius!).

Time passed by and I just spent the most of my time trying out my skills and new combination with Ki Energy and One-eye Ghoul mutation. Also, I used this time to understand ways to use the Second Stage of the Unlocked Mode even if I couldn't go into it of his own free will yet. After nine days... the beams cast down from God came and its rigid yet dignified voice sounded in our minds once again.

Shin: ...It's time. Time to fight for our lives once more. Can I lead everyone here to victory and greater heights? Or will I cause the fall of our team along with our lives? If the heavens fall, the earth splits in two, or armageddon occurs it doesn't matter. If there's only survival in this world then we'll survive together!

- Enter the beams within thirty seconds. Target locked. Beginning teleportation to Hunter X Hunter...

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Authors Note:

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Proofread by Hoebagger

Thank you all for reading the the fourth arc of "Terror Infinity - Side B", Apocalypse Alice. This is my first Fan Fiction, so I am glad that there were many people who enjoyed it. The next mission is a confirmed Team Battle, so look forward to the action packed chapters to come.

Hunter X Hunter is an established master piece of the Manga world. To date it has a Manga, two Anime adaptations, three OVAs series, movies, games and books. Some say HxH has sloppy art, yet its stroy captures your attention like no other. If not for its damming hiatus, HxH would without a doubt stand above both masterpiece works like Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece.

For those new to Hunter X Hunter I would recommend viewing the work in the following order: Manga till Gon leaves the island after speaking to Kite, original 1999 anime (Had the better music, atmosphere, and fight scenes than 2011 Anime), the three OVAs series, 2011 Anime for Chimere Ant arc and Election arc, then back to the manga.

This is just my recommendation and not the best recommendation order. With the exception of the Chimera arc and beyond, I personally hated the 2011 adaptation while the original had a serious, dark, yet action packed essence that I didn't find in the remake till later. If you do just want to watch higher picture quality Anime just watch the 2011 Anime from start to end. I just highly recommend such a first rate work of art like Hunter X Hunter to all and hope that you give it the chance it well deserves.

I will take a unconfirmed amount of time to write the fourth mission. This is my first team battle, so it might take some time. Also proofreading to make the fourth mission the best arc to date takes time as well. My best guess is twelve weeks, but it might be longer, and so please wait patiently for me to return since it will be worth the wait (Hopefully).

Also, a grand thank you for Hoebagger for his proofreading which was perfect! He fixed all my writing mistakes and helped me improve as a writer... Though I still make a lot of mistakes. He helped rewrite a few paragraphs here and there to make some chapters far better. For all my fans I hope you can also give the new addition to "Team Terror Infinity - Side B" a round of applause!

Thank you, and look forward to future terrors that are to come in the upcoming Terror Infinity - Side B, Hunter X Hunter Arc. The next character update and God's Exchange List will be coming out shortly!