Tokyo Subway Tunnels

Tokyo Subway Tunnels
Name
Japanese	東京地下道
Romaji	tokyo chikadou

Tokyo Subway Tunnels (東京地下道, tokyo chikadou ) are a collective set of recurring locations in 7th Dragon 2020 and 7th Dragon 2020-II.

In 2020, there are a total of three entry/exit points: Kokubunji (至国分寺), Toshima Waterways (豊島下水道) and Odaiba (至台場).

In 2020-II, only the Hachiouji Sewer (八王子下水道) point can be accessed. This particular tunnel also serves as the entry point for the Tokyo Metropolitan Ruins that will emerge some time later.

History

“	An extensive network of underground tunnels consisting of both railways and sewers spanning almost the whole of Tokyo. It later became the nest of The Scaver, an enormous Emperor Dragon shaped like a worm. Its movement caused the addition of a multitude of pitch-dark caverns. Deeming them necessary to turn the campaign around, humanity sought to reclaim these underground passages by launching a full-scale counterattack.	”
— Location Description, 7th Dragon 2020 & 2020-II Visual Collection.

Chapter 1.5 (2020)

Rin and Ikoma arguing over the distress signal snafu.

An injured Rin Dojima is first seen arguing with an SDF soldier named Ikoma. Said soldier was the one who sent the distress signal to Murakumo, as their platoon was in disarray following an encounter with an Emperor Dragon. Rin insists that this is the SDF's problem and reminds Ikoma that she's the one in command but Ikoma counters her, saying that their incomplete and battered group is at a total disadvantage against "that thing" and feels that waiting for the rescue team's arrival is more prudent as opposed to performing the search themselves in several winding, pitch-black caverns.

Unit 10 and 13 exchanging pleasantries before the mission proper.

At the Kokubunji entry point, Unit 13 is met by Gatou with Aoi in tow. The former has somewhat recovered from his injuries and opted to participate to get his groove back while watching over the new recruit at the same time. The navigator then provides their mission brief: Unit 13 is to rendezvous with the SDF platoon that sent the distress signal, while Unit 10 will escort any survivors found en route to the nearest exit.

Gatou putting the navigator to task over not being able to pinpoint the cause of the earthquake.

A sudden quake rocks the tunnel, but the navigator did not detect any plate movement, suggesting that it might be a localized occurrence. Gatou did not appreciate that vague answer and pressed the navigator to speed up the analysis, as both units were at risk. He also advises Unit 13 to watch out for possible aftershocks.

Rin giving Unit 13 a status report.

Unit 13 soon reached the signal source. After some urging by Ikoma, Rin begrudgingly gives them a status report: The SDF was in the middle of an operation to secure a functional underground route by clearing debris from the 5th Block District Area when a strong quake suddenly occurred; next thing they knew, the SDF operatives found themselves staring "that thing" in the face. Following a desperate run, Rin realizes that three members had gone astray, and assumes that they escaped into one of the odd caverns that lined the subway tunnels. Ikoma implores Unit 13 to help locate the missing personnel, as their lives may also be in danger given that there are a handful of dragons lurking within the many cavern passages.

Sasuga has died and gone to heaven (or so he says in his delirious state).

Braving the convoluted tunnels that were lined with otherworldly plant life glowing an eerie green color as well as numerous dragons blocking their path, Unit 13 manages to find all three SDF soldiers, though one of them was rushed by Unit 10 to the Metropolitan Government Building for treatment due to mild psychological trauma.

Makita and Sasuga giving Rin a hard time.

Upon returning to the station platform, SDF soldier Makita speaks up and tells off Rin for her ineptness in being a leader. Ikoma defends her with a fib, claiming the distress signal to Murakumo was their captain's call but another soldier named Sasuga doesn't buy it; knowing fully well that Rin isn't particularly fond of the organization. Ikoma appeases them by saying that their captain is aware of her shortcomings, and knows when to ask for help. The two soldiers back down, and the navigator declares the mission accomplished. Off-hand, an odd signal was detected but the navigator did not see it as anything significant.

The Scaver in hot pursuit of Unit 13.

As Unit 13 departs from the area, the tunnel is shook by a particularly strong quake. The odd signal that the navigator dismissed earlier turned out to be an Emperor Dragon called The Scaver, which emerged from one of the caverns and was rapidly approaching the trio. Though it looked like they were going to get run over before reaching the exit, The Scaver suddenly stopped near the hole where light from the surface was pouring in, giving Unit 13 the opening needed to escape.

The Scaver stopped in it's tracks by light from the surface.

All the rescued SDF members were waiting for the Murakumo operatives outside the Metropolitan Building, worried that they weren't able to make it out when "that thing" attacked. The soldiers then offer their thanks to Unit 10 and 13 in place of Rin, who refuses to do so out of contempt for the organization as well as frustration over not being able to lead her men properly. When the soldiers take their leave, Gatou declares that he'll be resting for a bit in his room, but not before snapping at the navigator once again for not being all there during the risky operation. Aoi on the other hand, will be busy filing reports and sets off as well. For their part, Unit 13 takes a well-deserved break.

Chapter 2 (2020)

Miina telling Unit 13 about the purpose of the Toshima Waterway access point.

A huge explosion gives Unit 13 a rude awakening the following day.

The navigator then summons all Murakumo operatives and SDF personnel for an emergency meeting in the conference room floor. Kirino reports that an electromagnetic laser was fired a moment ago, reducing the nearby town of Takadanobaba into nothing but a large crater. Data obtained from security cameras trace the source to an Emperor Dragon occupying Ikebukuro. Though it appears that the targets of the laser were not predetermined, Natsume predicts that it's only a matter of time before the Metropolitan Building is next. Hence, the source needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. A joint operation was to be held with the SDF since the surrounding areas of Ikebukuro were guarded by a number of large gun turrets, necessitating a significant amount of manpower. More Dz was needed for facilitating construction of the SDF Barracks to give the soldiers improved equipment. To this end, the Toshima Waterway point was opened, serving as both a resource hub and training ground.

Chapter 4 (2020)

Unit 13's next mission was to make their way to Kokubunji to investigate the confirmed Emperor Dragon signal there while Kirino and Aoi attempt to probe a faint signal elsewhere. The Kokubunji portal of the underground tunnel was used once more, with the trio having to go to the district station from Shinjuku completely on foot. The Scaver was still slumbering nearby, so they had to take several winding cavern passages before reaching a subway tunnel 3 kilometres from their intended destination to avoid waking it up. Though the platform shutter was closed, the navigator was able make the breaker functional by connecting the station's grid to the newly constructed power plant room within the Metropolitan Building. The shutter opens after power was restored, giving Unit 13 access to the surface.

Gallery

Concept Art

Trivia

• In 2020, the Kokubunji and Toshima Tunnels have no save points, making them tough to run through unless the player manages their resources properly. Only the Odaiba tunnel has save points.
• In 2020-II, the Hachiouji point has two save points: a green one in the cavern and a blue one in the deepest subway part.
• Despite having multiple points in 2020, the three tunnels are considered as one area. Therefore, hunting down all dragons in just one point will not grant the "circle star" mark.