Chapter 230

Miracles Reportedly Disappearing from Inmates

November 20, 2618

Written by Nataly Richard

Following the events of November 17, where countless inmates were freed from prison simultaneously and allowed to wreak havoc throughout the city, another major development in the Miracle problem has occurred. 

On Friday, as aforementioned, several prisoners were released by Team Chaos' Ferry, according to inmate testimony. They were given a single instruction: to cause as much trouble as they could. Most did as they were told, running amok throughout the city. The number of casualties has not yet been released, but preliminary numbers suggest at least 10% of city residents were seriously injured. The fact that the number is not higher is due entirely to the efforts of various Miracle holding individuals who fought to protect civilians. 

Among these names is Prime, who was released from prison along with the inmates, Barrier Maiden, a member of Achilles' Legion, Lightning, formerly of the Legion according to its website, Jumbo, who accompanied Lightning, Rose, another former Legion member, Itera, formerly of the disbanded Paris' Phalanx and current member of a group called Solstice, Bruce Garcia, a hospital volunteer, and Sergeant Surge of the military. The sergeant's real name has not been disclosed for privacy reasons, though the military is expected to release more information in the following days. 

These individuals, among others, will receive personal thanks from city officials next week, as well as a reward for their contributions in ending this crisis. Barrier Maiden in particular is expected to receive high honours for her work in detaining and recapturing the escaped inmates, many of whom also bore Miracles. 

As if in response to the event, over the weekend, more than 50 inmates who had Miracles lost theirs without explanation. Inmate accounts vary on this matter; some claim to have seen a man with a strange raygun that put them to sleep, while others say they spotted a masked individual. Security footage shows no evidence of either, leading to speculation on whether these reported sightings indicate ghosts, mass hallucinations, or tampering with the security footage. 

According to General Isaac McGuire of the military's Second Division, which is in charge of the prison, "It is unthinkable for anyone, let alone a pair of individuals as some inmates claim, to have infiltrated the prison without any physical evidence. Our security is tighter than ever with these Miracles running amok, and no one could have gotten in and out unseen by our officers." 

Further comments from Second Division colonels support General McGuire's statement. Psychologists and doctors are examining some of the affected inmates to look for traces of any substance that might explain this baffling testimony. 

Regardless of how it happened, the truth remains that every Miracle holder in the prison has been relieved of their Miracle, at least as far as military personnel can tell. We are currently waiting for more details, but the investigation is expected to take quite some time. In the meantime, we are merely thankful that the terror of the Miracles seems to be coming to an end. 

Alyx finished reading the article, waiting for filming to begin. 

"Miracles disappearing, huh?" she murmured. It should be a good thing, right? But the sudden nature of their appearance, and now disappearance, made her uneasy. 

"We're on soon, Alyx!" her director called, and Alyx pushed her unease to the back of her mind. She had so much to talk about today - the attack on Friday, the Miracle disappearance the military was trying to figure out, the Angel Victim Fund that had mysteriously appeared yesterday, the arrests related to it...

Too many things. Alyx schooled her features into her normal mask as she prepared to walk to her desk onstage. 

She started the segment with a few funny stories, mostly about her nephew, then sighed and launched into the serious talk. 

"Now, I know you love hearing about my nephew, but we've gotta talk about what else is happening in the world. I assume you're all familiar by now with the attack that happened on Friday? In fact, you probably know someone who was injured in it. The numbers aren't quite in yet, but it was bad. Really bad. Perhaps the worst attack in the history of Arx Nubibus. Maybe the worst in the history of the world - though knowledge of the old world is sketchy. But I can't imagine anything much worse than this, unless of course it succeeded in wiping out the whole city." 

She paused as a few awkward chuckles rippled through the room, then resumed her discussion. 

"Surprisingly enough, Barrier Maiden of the Legion was the leading individual in the recapture efforts. Light Master was taken into custody, and the other two remaining members listed on the Legion's official site are still at large. 

"Now, you know how I feel about Achilles' Legion. And if you don't, well, watch two episodes where I comment on them and you'll figure it out pretty quick. But this last crisis? I'll say it - Barrier Maiden stood up. She did what needed to be done, and whatever the city council's got planned to reward her with, she deserves it. Unless they decide for some stupid reason to reward her with a prison sentence." 

More laughter. 

"Come on, it wouldn't be entirely out of the question what with how the Legion's been doing. Cut me some slack for picturing the scenario. But, hey, Barrier Maiden, whoever you are, don't let that scare you off of the ceremony. I'm sure everyone in the city would be glad to thank you for what you've done. And if the military does lock you up for it, I'll be at the front of the protest line." 

Alyx signaled for the board behind her to change to the next story. 

"And as if that whole thing wasn't enough, we've had a real busy weekend. Miracles disappearing from inmates for one. If you want to learn more about that, I'd recommend following my friend Nataly Richard. She's got the inside scoop on it, and I'm learning about it all from her anyway, so you can check it out and wait for the witty Alyx commentary when the investigation's a bit further underway. 

"One thing we do know for sure, though, is that these Miracles are gone now. Is it divine retribution for their crimes? Or is it just random stupidity? Really, I wouldn't count either out at this point, and I feel like a moron for entertaining either thought. Surely we have a scientific explanation, right? But science hasn't helped us thus far, and I can not wait for the day the world starts making sense again. 

"We've also got a couple more stories that aren't being talked about as much, but they're still important. So I'll start there. Angel Victim Fund. A bunch of people randomly got money with this labelled on it, and mass confusion naturally ensued. Later, a statement was released through city channels that said the money was all legit, compensation for victims of fraud by this Angel group. 

"In conjunction with this, several arrests were made yesterday, with the military stating that an anonymous informant had sent them overwhelming evidence of the existence of this crime group, along with the names of everyone involved. Hence a buttload of more arrests. I wonder if the prisons are overflowing yet? I mean, we've had a lot of trouble this year. I'd almost feel sorry for the people stuck in those conditions, but they kinda did it to themselves, right? 

"Anyway, we're waiting for more details on this Angel group, which I've never heard of. Apparently they're some kind of massive crime syndicate? Which begs the question of how they've managed to fly under the military's radar this long. Guess our system really is either incompetent or corrupt. Not sure which, honestly. Could be either at this point. The investigation should tell us more, either by what they tell us or by what they don't tell us. 

"Victims of this group are being asked to come forward and testify in trial. It's on a volunteer basis, and they're saying the more who come forward, the better. The list of victims hasn't been released of course, but I kind of wonder why the prosecution doesn't just send them all individual invites. Wouldn't that be better? 

"Whatever. I'm sure there's a method to the madness. Maybe they hope to protect privacy this way? Or maybe they don't want people to feel too obligated. Volunteers are already coming forward, so we'll see how the trials shape up in the coming months. With the size of all this, I wouldn't be surprised if it took years for this matter to finally settle, even if it's top priority." 

She moved on to her next story after that, feeling like she was running through things at a breakneck speed. There was just too much to talk about. 

At least she'd have plenty of content for the next couple of weeks.