video; un: maboroshi

[jigokumods]

[ The video is the audience chamber within Mizukume. Against all odds, sitting alongside Tenkohime are Toraguma and the Daitengu, all three wearing the stains of work, the tell-tail signs of stress, sweat, and blood. Captain Shiki is there as well, standing just off to the side, looking much the same.

Before them are two chalices, and before those two tantou. Each had been made quickly, and decoration is absent entirely. They're meant to serve a very specific purpose.

Tenkohime gestures to Captain Shiki, who turns to address the camera. When she speaks, her tone is even, but stern. ]

Thanks to the efforts of Gainsboroug, Bennett, and Dyer, we've developed a means of staving off the cursed energy with specialized incense. These chalices were built to accompany them, and provide a relative safe zone of about 18 meters length.

[ She gestures at the two chalices ]

That's enough space for two steams of five to enter the tower. One heads up to the 88th floor to recover the Enma, the other heads down to the 8th Level Basement to the Containment Zone to find the source of the energy.

[ She then gestures to the two daggers ]

Jiro, of Shuten, created these from recovered Hihi'irokane. They should have the power to seal away the source, if it can be found, and stop this.

[ She steps back, the Daitengu speaking next. Their voice is calm, almost soft. ]

I'll guide the first team heading up Kaigo no Bou. I've selected Minato Suizenji, William Bonney, Hu Tao, and Cain Knightley to accompany. Our mission is to find and secure the Enma...

[ And boy, does the Daitengu have a lot of thoughts about that fact... Toraguma speaks next, his voice the usual gruffness, though clearly somewhat restrained ]

I'm leading the second team, heading in the sublevels. Felix Hugo Fraldarius, Hunter Anna, Cloud Strife, and Sergeant Andy, you're all with me!

[ Tenkohime is the last to speak, taking a small draw from her pipe and allowing herself a tired sigh before addressing the camera. ]

The rest of you, we're still securing positions and making certain is accounted and cared for. We must do our best to assure there's a city left to save, after all...

Good luck, everyone. The teams will leave first thing at midnight.