Story Reader / Main Story / 31 Shaper's Ripples / Story
D7 Twin Observation Building 21st Floor
Having dispatched the Hetero-Creature in front of her, Chiko carefully lowers Yuko—who's been on her back—and pauses for a quick breather.
We've got 14 more floors before we hit the highest observation deck. Let's take a quick break—Yuko's wound won't stop bleeding.
She's checking Yuko's stomach wound, all the while keeping an ear out for any signs of trouble.
...
She raises her head in mild surprise when she hears that name.
If you want to thank me, then first tell me what's going on here. You look like you've got more info than I do.
You give a rundown of the Red Tide, the Hetero-Creatures, the Punishing Virus, and what's happening outside Constellia. They both listen carefully.
It doesn't look like this disaster will blow over in a year or so.
This is only the start of the crisis, so how come you know all this? And why are you calling me Chiko instead of Kirishima?
Hmm, sure. I don't see any other explanation.
You're really from the future? Does that mean you can still turn things around in Constellia and save us?
The "Key" is about to get broken. I'd guess it has maybe two uses left... No... it might only have one.
Since you've arrived here from the future, you must already know what our fate will be today, right?
Not bad at all. So what happens after that?
Hmm. Did my sacrifice give everyone else the opportunity they needed?
Great. Looks like I gotta make sure I pull through today. If I drop here, I won't be any use to anyone.
...Sis... you...
Nothing surprising there. Mom is that way, and so am I. The instant I saw your wound, I got it.
Those who are cornered often cling to sacrifice as their proudest virtue.
Constellia
Underground Level 6
Dense Red Tide floods the tunnel below, leaving Lucia nearly blind. With her senses dulled by the Punishing Virus's intense concentration, she follows her scouted route and presses forward through the roiling Tide.
Even with all these hurdles, a familiar red silhouette breaks through the tide with ease, surging straight at her with murderous resolve.
Cradle!!
Lucia whips around, her blade erupting with a sharp clang that lingers in the air. Cradle staggers back but, in the blink of an eye, swings her scythe again with a scornful chuckle.
Under the crimson surge, both blades clash and strain, vibrating until they unleash a shrill, prolonged ring.
The clash reverberates and echoes, cycling over and over without pause.
At last, the surging Red Tide engulfs every piercing sound, turning them into a low, ominous roar.
The "fruit" residue is finally wiped out. Now I'm done holding back.
The scythe skims the Construct's cheek, its sharp gleam sparking the red glow in Lucia's eyes.
Shedding fluid whips from the wound, stretched into a thin strand by her swift movement, then dissolves into the endless Red Tide.
Out of the way!
Thrusters ignite in a brilliant blaze. Lucia narrows her eyes and slashes, breaking Cradle's tight offensive. The moment Cradle slips back in a flicker, Lucia surges forward to confront her head-on.
Raising her blade high, she slices through the surging flow in a bright flash that illuminates everything around her.
So you're that eager to ditch your commandant and head back to the Hetero Tower on your own?
Lucia stays silent. Her blade flashes like a fierce storm, tearing through the water bit by bit, only for it to surge back together as if mending a wound.
The deeper she goes, the heavier the pressure of the Red Tide becomes.
Cradle scatters when their blades clash, leaving behind a derisive laugh. When the enemy disappears again, Lucia adjusts her stance and dives even farther down.
But the Red Tide quickly swirls into a new human shape, a curved scythe once more poised right behind Lucia.
You really think that Commandant is safe just because I'm here?
A savage surge of murderous intent tears through the Construct's awareness. The device on its spine flares a bright, warning red.
Flames roar nonstop, propelling it away from the foe in a flash.
This time, Cradle refrains from charging in. She flicks her wrist, sending her scythe into a sweeping arc while her body tilts backward under its weight. All the while, a radiant grin remains fixed on her lips.
Come on—show me whether the <phonetic=Red Tide>blood</phonetic> you've wrung from the Hetero Tower can flood every corner of Constellia!
...!
In the midst of her swift descent, Lucia abruptly stops. A katana materializes in her left hand, then she whirls around, bringing both blades up in front of her. Overhead, Cradle's features lie shrouded in darkness.
A swirling crimson current wraps around the scythe's blade. Just as the Construct raised her blade, the humanoid Hetero-Creature now hefts her weapon in the same manner.
Bam!
The attack reverberates through both blades, demolishing any defense with a resounding crash.
The scythe's tip tears open a savage gash across Lucia's chest.
Her complex mechanical systems rupture in an instant, shards flying from her torso.
Looks like today's the day you meet your end...
Lucia grips her sword hilt firmly, her stare fixed on Cradle's face.
Every clang and echo around them fades into the relentless roar of the Red Tide.
D7 Twin Observation Building, 33rd Floor
You three forges ahead, your weapons rattling with every strike. You and Chiko trade off the severely injured Yuko as you ascend the exhibit's stairs without pause.
We're almost at the top floor.
The tide behind you rushes up the stairs in a flash, its roar thunderous.
...The Red Tide is closing in on the top floor too.
A harsh roar echoes through the air as the building's front wall splits open, and a twisted giant claw wedges itself into the crack.
A deafening roar tears through the air again as the Hetero-Creatures lunge straight at Chiko, who is still carrying the wounded Yuko on her back.
Bam!
The creatures snarl in pain as they crash to the ground, then tumbles into the relentless Red Tide.
Two shots echo across the field, sending the Hetero-Creatures in the way toppling off to either side.
The Red Tide swallows and dissolves its creation, steadily eating away at the skyscrapers.
The route to safety climbs endlessly upward, with only the echo of footsteps shaking the stairwell's silence.
Lift, aim, pull the trigger.
As the shot rings out, another Hetero-Creature vanishes in an instant.
The relentless gunfire leaves your arms tingling with numbness, and you mentally track the dwindling ammo and the distance to freedom.
The wall on the left side gives way in an instant, and a nimble monster pounces with its claws outstretched.
Its massive jaws snap at the pistol in your hand, but you already aimed at its throat, unleashing another round.
Taking advantage of the forward rush with nowhere left to run, the monster's neck collides with the shining blade.
Searing hot blood splatters across your faces as the creature's head detaches and tumbles free.
Chiko!
Chiko strides forward, kicking aside the headless corpse in her path. With one hand, she steadies the wounded person on her back, and with the other, she grabs your arm, hauling you clear of the surging Red Tide.
Adrenaline spikes, powering your legs to drive upward in a swift kick.
The exhaustion dissolves. You reload, aim, and pull the trigger. The bullet erupts from the chamber, tearing straight through the enemy's body.
Bullets rip overhead, monsters cry out in torment, and panicked screams echo—behind it all roars a blast so intense it feels like it could split your head open.
These sounds unite into a sweeping, pulse-pounding symphony, while the tower's windows silently reflect the desperate scramble of those racing for safety.
As soon as we get through the door on the top floor, we can make it to the viewing bridge.
...This isn't a promise of hope; it's the final countdown when there's nowhere left to run.
...What if the Red Tide rushes to the observation bridge...? Then what...?
Nope.
If that's how things are... then what are we gonna do?
You look down at the box Chaos just gave you, where a throbbing Hetero-Creature's "fruit" is alive.
If all goes according to plan, this fruit will fuse with her, making separation almost impossible. That way, I can keep her in check and stop her from freely controlling the Red Tide.
Except...
No human can survive taking in a Hetero-Creature's memory like that.
Are you really going to stake your life on this?
The "Key" is about to get broken. I'd guess it has maybe two uses left... No... it might only have one.
Behind you!
You glance over your shoulder. Several monstrous Hetero-Creatures are clawing their way out of the surging Red Tide, all vying for the exit.
The ambushing creatures unleash piercing cries before tumbling back into the tide, one by one.
Scrambling to dodge their attacks, Chiko loses her footing and goes rolling down the steps.
The Red Tide surges even closer, now just a step away. At the bottom of the stairs, Chiko's leg twists at a grotesque angle, leaving her unable to stand on her own.
Sensing death at her heels, Chiko forces herself up. Acting purely on instinct, she raises her arms and hoists her younger sister to safety.
No! I'll pull you up!
She struggles to stand, fresh blood leaking from her abdominal wound with each attempt.
Your heart is racing, and your voice quivers as you force the words out.
Before help reaches the distressed figure, a swarm of shadowy butterflies bursts out from behind them both.
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It glides gently across the churning water, settles near Yuko's ear, and conveys its master's command in a barely audible whisper.
...
Then, as though it's threatening...
...Aargh!
The butterfly's proboscis drives right through Chiko's shoulder, and her blood pours down in a thick, pillar-like stream.
You finally drag Chiko up and guide her to the bridge entrance. At the same time, Yuko collapses on the steps, looking like she's ready to meet her end as she watches the red butterflies.
...
But the red butterflies ignore her and fly straight at you and Chiko.
Those words jolt Yuko awake. Clutching her wound, she struggles to stand and, under the red butterflies' watchful gaze, makes a desperate dash toward the exit at the topmost level.
Together, the three of you step into the highest point—one that offers no way back.
The night remains dark and oppressive. On the windless observation bridge, red butterflies swirl in the air, looming as close as the bloody tide below.
They make no move to launch a futile attack; instead, they seem to linger on the bridge, observing what final stance the trio will take.
In the end, you're backed into a dead end—like there's no escaping this grim fate.
Dazed, it feels like you're already trapped in that endless Inver-Hetero Tower, facing the same desperate chase and bloodshed.
But at the end of each tragedy, Lucia is always right there beside you.
Over time, she goes from panicked to calm, ready to take everything in stride.
Then, the moment finally arrives, and her face stays locked in a mix of grief and fury.
Where is Lucia now? Did she get into the Inver-Hetero Tower? Is there any way to roll back time before she stepped inside?
If the Tower's timeline isn't synced with yours, then once you're pulled back in, does that mean Constellia will remain swallowed by this Red Tide for good?
You try to distract yourself with scattered thoughts, but you can't shake off the darkest possibility.
...Will Lucia still be able to return?
Without thinking, you clutch the "fruit" Chaos gave you. She warned you you'd die for sure if you ate it, but there's a slim chance it could rein in Cradle.
I'm at my wits' end. Maybe I should just do it here...
Yuko!!
You hear her cry and see Yuko down on all fours at the bridge's edge, surrounded by swarms of butterflies that seem to hold her hostage.
...Stay back, I can't...
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She suddenly swallows the rest of her words, letting them spill out as tears.
Speaking calmly, you clutches your dagger and inches closer. She trembles, gently shaking her head as her eyes dart between the two people standing in front of her.
You fire a rapid series of shots to push back the butterflies around her, only for another swarm to surge in right away.
Sensing your intent, the butterflies swarm over Yuko. In a single heartbeat of hesitation, one of them plunges its proboscis straight into her eye.
Ahh!
Overwhelmed by the agony, Yuko tears the butterfly from her face, which makes her hand start to rot almost instantly.
Please... I'm begging you... just leave me behind...!
The Red Tide's still rolling in, and the butterflies won't spare us!
You carve a path with your dagger and catch Yuko by the railing of the observation bridge.
A chance...?
Halfway through her words, a sudden jolt of pain lances through her chest.
Yuko grips a strange, slender needle and plunges it into her own heart.
I... I'm...sorry... so sorry...!!
Do you understand why your squad failed the rescue simulation?
Memories from the old days flash through your mind.
Cradle... that should be enough, right?!
And that Commandant will be pinned down by a pack of useless "rotten wood."
Please, just let her go already!!
The butterflies on the bridge scatter all at once, as though echoing this last mournful cry.
I'm so sorry... so sorry... I'll give you my life if that's what it takes...
Through her blurring vision, she reaches for the long needle again.
Yuko!!
Blood rushes from her torn lung into her mouth and nose, making it almost impossible to breathe.
Sit down, now—just focus on stopping that bleeding...
You shove Chiko's arms aside and stagger toward the edge of the observation bridge, collapsing there as the Red Tide creeps dangerously close.
Right now, we're both cornered with nowhere left to turn.
The "Key" is about to get broken. I'd guess it has maybe two uses left... No... it might only have one.
Then...
We'll just have to gamble everything on this...
You grit your teeth against the searing pain, dig out the fruit from your pocket, and force it down with the taste of blood still on your tongue.
Then, you set your sights on the crimson torrent before you.
In one swift motion, you hurl yourself forward.
You can't tell how long passes, but the thunderous crash of the tide slowly fades.
Glancing upward, you notice snowflakes drifting down from above.
No matter how you try to move, you can't feel the shape of your own body—it's as if your consciousness is floating in water, becoming one with it.
You drift like this for what feels like an eternity, and your scattered senses slowly converge.
Now, you're able to perceive information, allowing you to sketch out the scene before you.
It's January 2, 2161, the third day since you arrived in Constellia.
Chaos stands at a distance, using the "fruit" she planted to hold back Cradle's abilities.
Cradle, perplexed, keeps checking herself, struggling to understand why the Red Tide has faded. It really has.
Staggering footsteps approach the Twin Observation Building, come to a halt in the street, and then kneel down in place.
She lifts a torn jacket from the Red Tide...
...It's Lucia.
...Commandant...
Her voice quivers, and her fingertips tremble.
...Is this... all that's left for us?
...
Am I making her show that expression again?
Am I dumping all of this on her to deal with by herself... again?
We...
Is this the only option we have left?!
Amid the heart-rending cries, a single flash of clear crimson slips quietly into the butterflies' procession.
Miracles and dawn remain just out of reach.
