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With nowhere else to go, you head through the turnstiles and up the stairs. Outside the station doesn't look much better than inside. That's when you notice the 'AVALON' sign hanging above the station.
"Oh, this place hasn't been active since 2175, huh?" Kiara instantly recognizes it. "heard a lot of rumors about some valuables still being around here. Most of it was left behind when they had to abandon it."
"I heard something like that from my father. He was a teenager when it happened, I believe?" Maruyama comments. "It's been so long, I didn't think anyone young would still remember it."
The streets around the station are completely abandoned. Buildings with long since boarded up or broken windows stretch on for miles on miles. It's a ghost town in every sense of the word. Cars that would collect a tidy fortune from a collector are scattered in the middle of the streets, seemingly abandoned in a mad rush out of here.
Someone begins to approach your party. Everyone is immediately on guard when they see a figure approaching them but when you see who it is, your guard doesn't lower. Not because they're scary but-
"Hallo, hallo. What are you youngsters doing here?"
A tall, ancient looking old man stands in front of you two. He has to be in his late 90s at bare minimum given how wrinkly his skin is. A bright red overcoat that's nearly long enough to be a flatout cloak covers his wiry, stick-bug like body. A cotton white dress shirt and bright red dress pants seems to be the only other thing he's wearing. No shoes, no tie, nothing.
Maruyama pulls at the collar of his suit. "We're here to investigate this district on behalf of someone. I assume you are said man?"
"Correcto, correcto!" The old man claps. "I am <span class="mu-b">Gregory Krakatoa, father of Roland Krakatoa.</span>" Gregory smiles, showing off his shockingly intact teeth. "Though, Director is a workable title as well."
"Wait, Krakatoa?" There's sparkles in Kiara's eyes. Neither of you can stop her before she feverishly begins taking pictures of the man in front of you. You and Maruyama look at each other with equal parts confusion and worry.
Gregory seems to be taking well given how he's not freaking out. Hell, he's laughing at it. "Alright, alright, take your time. It's not much you see one of us in the flesh." Despite being blinded by the constant flashing, he looks in your direction. "Your names?"
Maruyama instantly bows. "Maruyama Daido. Section Chief of the Starlight Office. Pleasure to meet you, sir."
You offer a more casual response. "Nicole. Cleaner. I'm the one who was hired to scout this place out for you."
Kiara is done taking pictures of the old man for now so you can actually see his facial expression. He seems to be trying to recall something. You read his mind...<<span class="mu-b">"That name sounds familiar. I recall someone complaining about losing to a Nicole. Who was it?"</span>>
You're equally as confused as him. You brush it off for now. It's not too relevant, is it?
