Story Reader / Main Story / 31 Shaper's Ripples / Story
Hey.
As soon as you return to the infirmary, the mercenary captain approaches.
We've finished our discussion. Everyone trusts you and agrees to this operation. If the outside world remains safe, we'll send reinforcements to assist you.
But if... uh, like you said, everyone's struggling to survive... then we'll prioritize helping them first.
Alright, let's do it.
Right, then. I'll leave the big trouble here in your hands. If things get out of control, don't hesitate to call for backup.
Yes, sir. It will be.
Let's go. Most of them are already waiting on the second floor.
Alright.
Lucia turns around and gives you a warm smile.
Commandant.
D7 Twin Observation Building 2nd Floor
The previously dispirited crowd has come back alive, now eagerly discussing their upcoming plans with renewed vigor.
As the Construct and you step into view, the crowd falls silent in unison.
Apart from the crowd at the far edge stands Chaos, fixing her gaze directly on you.
Just as your eyes are about to meet, Lucia steps between you, blocking both Chaos' gaze and the lurking Hetero-Creatures from your view.
That very same step places Lucia right beside you as both of you now stand together before everyone.
Folks.
The crowd falls into a tense silence, hanging on to every word Lucia speaks.
Form up behind me in the positions we planned.
The Hetero-Creatures are currently in the first floor lobby. Once the force field barrier is down, they'll rush right at us.
I'll take point. While you handle any stragglers, avoid their fluid splashes at all costs—even a single drop will cause an unstoppable infection that could lead to amputation.
Once you're out, stay away from all machines and regroup with other humans—that's your only chance of survival.
That's all. Any questions?
We're good. Let's move out.
Rose, disable the force field.
Hidden in the shadows, the girl listens to the thundering footsteps above while crimson butterflies dance around her string-playing hands.
Heh... By deliberately containing the Red Tide, they've fallen right into my trap, thinking I've lost control over it.
The grand plaza shall be the perfect stage for your mass funeral.
She smiles as Lucia's strike blasts through the inner doors of the exhibition hall, the shockwave carving a path through the sea of Hetero-Creatures all the way to the first-floor stairs.
The glimmer of hope vanishes as quickly as it appears—the remaining monsters surge forward to seal the gap, causing the Hetero-Creatures' formation to contract by one ring.
With an icy gaze, Cradle runs her fingers across the strings. In response, crimson butterflies soar over the monsters' heads, while the trembling strings echo with lingering resonance.
Through the carnage and scattered crimson, Lucia, at the vanguard, pierces through the chaos with her gaze fixed on the girl lurking in the shadows.
It's time to end this, <phonetic=Agent Zero>Cradle</phonetic>.
Dazzling flames burst forth, their radiance instantly dispersing the surrounding gloom.
Ha...
The harp vanishes from the girl's grasp as crimson butterflies gather and dissolve, coalescing into a new form—a blood-red scythe materializing with its blade gleaming.
As the scythe takes form, Lucia has already closed in on Cradle, her powerful strike slicing through the air with a frenzied howl.
The blade flashes, descending in a devastating overhead strike.
Cradle barely raises her eyes, and with just a curl of her finger, a flying Hetero-Creature hurls itself at Lucia, its expendable body intercepting her fierce attack.
Two, three, four... At Cradle's call, every Hetero-Creature marks Lucia as their prey, lunging desperately at this radiant beacon of light.
Surrounded by the Hetero-Creatures, Lucia raises her other hand and firmly grasps her second blade.
You're not taking another step forward!
The light of the blades flashes, cutting through the encroaching prison of monsters.
Serpentine dragons of soaring flames weave a violent dance, incinerating the grotesque enemies until nothing remains.
Lucia deflects Cradle's strike with one blade as she swiftly eliminates a weakened Hetero-Creature with her Crimson Blade.
The fierce wind sends her frame's ribbons fluttering. In a swirl of blazing light, her twin blades flash in a synchronized arc, shattering the ever-looming despair.
The platinum radiance gleams brighter than the celestial dome above, its countless luminous facets reflecting and interweaving. Within this brilliance, Lucia stands out like a sun, casting light upon all in her path.
No matter where you run, I will stop you!
What's the point of this?
Chiko, cover them while they evacuate!
Copy that.
Yuko also leaves the hiding spot, joining the crowd's escape.
Though Lucia has drawn away most of the enemies, several stragglers still lurk at the edges, their eyes fixed on the crowd.
As the mercenaries form a protective circle around the employees, herself included, their gunfire keeping the stray Hetero-Creatures at bay, her thoughts suddenly drift back to Cradle.
If only she had discovered the truth sooner, she would have never let Cradle help them fight off those mercenaries, and they would still be alive.
If you still hate me after this, then I shall give you a chance to hurt me.
...Would she hate Cradle? If she saw Chiko being killed, she surely would.
Caught in the middle of the crowd, Yuko watches Chiko as she maintains suppressing fire against the remaining monsters alongside other mercenaries, her eyes fixed on the battlefield.
...In the end, she's still the one being protected.
She thought things were different when working with Cradle, believing she could secretly offer food and protection to everyone. Only now does she realize the folly of her actions—she was still just relying on others.
In that moment, the ground suddenly trembles with a thunderous roar, like a beast awakening from its long slumber, the violent shaking scattering the evacuating crowd.
****, an earthquake now of all times?!
Watch out! The ground is cracking!
The Red Tide bursts forth from the ground's fissures, surging outward in an instant.
Hetero-Creatures emerge from all directions, shaking off the tide from their bodies before charging forward with savage momentum.
Those at the back of the group cry out in terror, their screams mixing with desperate footsteps as they run for their lives, afraid of being consumed by the crimson tide.
Move forward! Watch your step! We'll cover you!
Amidst the sharp report of mercenaries' gunfire, enemies fall one after another, momentarily quelling the panic in the crowd's hearts.
Like a battle horn's call, the mercenaries fire in unison, holding back the Hetero-Creatures' onslaught.
The stragglers leap across the fissures one by one as the Red Tide surges madly behind them. Another person comes running, his face contorted with pure terror.
Behind him, a Hetero-Creature gives relentless chase as the ground trembles once more, churning up the tide in its wake.
Amid the chaos, the employee who has been hiding in the middle of the crowd suddenly buckles at the knees and collapses, reaching forward with desperate hands.
Ahhh...!
With a Hetero-Creatures breathing down his neck, Chiko grips her gun with one hand and, amid the monster's roar, uses her other hand to pull the fallen person up before giving him a firm push forward.
Keep running! Don't look back!
As these words ring out, the mercenary captain fires several rapid shots, taking down the Hetero-Creature in front of Chiko.
Watch your flanks too!
Taking advantage of this brief respite, Chiko catches her breath and resumes directing the evacuation group.
As the crowd gradually shifts from chaos to order, Chiko takes position beside Yuko, standing guard at the group's flank.
Chiko, who has been focused on the broader situation until now, turns to her sister. Recalling the recent events, she asks in a low voice.
Where's your gun?
Still with me, but there's only one bullet left. Got any more for me?
Forget it. You've never been trained to use a gun.
Chiko adjusts her shooting stance and reveals the dagger at her waist.
Take this. We'll make it out together.
Chiko falls into silence once more, her focus back on guarding the flank. Sensing her sister's reluctance to speak, Yuko restrains the words she wishes to utter.
...
"But I want to help you."—Yuko glances once more at the dagger in her hand, then at the gun she doesn't know how to use.
She looks up at the battlefield—a few more Hetero-Creatures fall, but their armies continue to emerge from the tide in an endless onslaught.
In mere moments, the Red Tide erupts amid the earthquake. The crimson circle of death rapidly constricts, like a giant hand crushing what little space remains for the survivors to escape.
As the massive wave threatens to swallow the crowd whole, desperate screams erupt from the group.
They're f***ing charging at us, aaagh!!
An agile figure suddenly appears at the front of the group.
That monster?!
Chaos extends her hand, and a force field unfurls, blocking most of the Hetero-Creatures while creating a temporary shelter against the encroaching Red Tide.
The exit's right ahead! Disable the force field behind us and let everyone retreat!
I don't think she has a hand to spare?! The moment we turn around, we'll get drowned!
The young man swings his baseball bat at the approaching Hetero-Creature's neck, as if venting days of pent-up frustration.
Then, he grabs Darcie, who struggles to keep pace with the group due to her frail constitution, practically dragging her along by the arm.
Barley, slow down... slow...
Slow down? If we don't move now...
The whistling of bullets cuts his words short as the mercenary captain takes down a struggling monster, throwing a sharp glance at the two.
Shut up and move!
Yet disasters are like holes that can't be plugged—no sooner is one crisis contained than terrified screams erupt from another direction.
Aahh! Stay back!
A Hetero-Creature lunges at Mona, its deformed claws gleaming with murderous intent.
Following behind Mona, Yuko freezes for a moment before springing into action.
Mona!
Yuko's body moves on instinct—she dashes forward and shoves Mona out of the way.
The claws still come down, leaving horrific gashes across Yuko's leg.
...Agh!
The pain, rather than bringing her down, only serves to tighten her grip on the dagger.
With newfound courage surging through her, she drives her blade deep into the Hetero-Creature's neck.
As fluid splatters and the monster collapses, delayed panic suddenly seizes Yuko's entire being. She falls back onto the ground, too terrified to even pull her dagger free.
Yuko!
I'm fine... I'm fine!
Her voice trembles as she grasps Mona's outstretched hand. Attempting to rise, the wounds on her leg prove too much, causing her to collapse back down.
Yuko! What were you thinking? Now you can't even walk!
It's okay, it's not that bad... I can just walk slowly.
What are you talking about?! I'm not complaining about your walking speed!
I know, but... I'm just glad you're safe. After all, you're the one who found a job here and brought me along. Consider this my way of saying thank you.
...
Mona lets out a sigh, saying no more words. She grabs Yuko again and, with all her strength, pulls Yuko up from the ground.
I'll help you. We walk together!
...Thank you, but...
The words reach her lips but come out as barely a mumble.
You should go ahead. I'll only slow you down with my pace.
Um... Alright.
Mona glances at the departing group, loosens her grip, and hurries to catch up with them.
The moment she reunites with the group, the ground violently shakes again. The Red Tide surges forth, separating Yuko from everyone else.
Yuko?!
Don't worry! I'll wait for Lucia to help take me over. You all go ahead!
...
It is her choice to make—Mona has no right to intervene. She watches as Yuko limps up the stairs, then turns to join the moving crowd.
The never-ending Red Tide slowly devours the lowlands, as the evacuating crowd seeks refuge within the sanctuary produced by Chaos under the mercenaries' protection.
Rose pours every ounce of her strength into dismantling the force field. Despite the repeated tremors within Chaos' sanctuary, it manages to stabilize with each surge of energy she unleashes.
All eyes are fixed on Rose, hearts torn between utter despair and overflowing hope.
Yuko catches sight of Chiko in the crowd, who scans the sea of faces, seemingly seeking her sister's presence among the throng.
The mercenary captain pats Chiko's shoulder, his gaze sweeping over the encroaching foes before pressing his last remaining bullets into her hands—a silent passing of responsibility. Chiko accepts it all without a word, shedding her role as a sister to once again become a protector.
...Alright.
A sudden whoosh through the air shatters her momentary peace.
Cradle, who has been trapped in the exhibition hall, now breaks through Lucia's blockade.
Looks like you're at the end of your rope again.
She doesn't even spare another glance at Yuko on the stairs, her eyes fixed on the sea of people and the Construct standing in her way.
One-on-one, I wouldn't stand a chance against you. But with all these people around... ensuring their safety is sure to distract you.
Lucia rushes in with a fierce slash, cutting off both Cradle's advance and her taunt in one swift motion.
A slight smirk crosses Cradle's lips as she swings her scythe to meet Lucia's blade—sparks explode from their violent collision.
...
...What exactly are you, Cradle?
In her daze, she recalls the question she once asked.
My name is Cradle. Who I am... is a more difficult question to answer.
But I think... I lost my "creator," and because of that, I've been searching for stories of other "creators." It's not my mission... just consider it a regret, or maybe a hobby.
Cradle had shown her kindness before. When exactly did she start to change?
It's more like she's using that character as a vessel, similar to...
Possession?
...More like personality data conflict.
Two different personalities dwell within her body. The kindness Yuko felt back then wasn't a lie.
Is there any way to bring back her original self?
It might be possible, but I don't know how exactly.
...
She turned your consciousness into one of those butterflies around her and willingly swallowed it... Maybe you mean something special to her?
...Special? Me?
Yeah, she said she would give you a chance to hurt her.
That butterfly... is it still there...
Her murmurs are interrupted by shouts from behind. Turning around again, Yuko sees that the evacuating group has opened both the barrier and the disaster containment wall.
The Red Tide surges forward another step, as if eager to drown everyone's hopes, forcing people to scream and push their way out as death inches ever closer.
Evacuate one by one! Those who can still fight, stay behind to cover! Everyone else go first!
Yuko!!
Her sister calls out to Yuko, finally noticing the insurmountable Red Tide that separates them.
...Yuko!!
To Yuko's surprise, her sister, whom she views as capable of overcoming any challenge, stands frozen in place, only able to utter her name once more.
...Once again, she finds herself becoming a burden to Chiko.
Chiko, you know what? Cradle told me that in the future, I'll still end up being a burden to you and everyone around you.
...Huh?
Chiko sees Yuko break into an inexplicable smile, but can't make out what she's saying.
I've been thinking about what someone like me could possibly do, but no matter how much I rack my brain... I just can't find an answer.
Across the distance, her words fail to reach the other side again.
Speak up! I can't hear you!
Yuko, hurry up and get Lucia to bring you over here! We're running out of time—this exit needs to be sealed right now!
...
Half of the crowd has already pushed and shoved their way out, and Mona, after shouting her warning, squeezes through the narrow exit.
Yuko!! Answer me!!
...How could she possibly answer? What words could give her legs the strength to cross this uncrossable river?
All she can do is gaze at Chiko, listening as the sounds of combat between Cradle and Lucia draw closer and more frantic.
Perfect. Since you've opened the barrier, I might as well take advantage of this chance.
You're not getting past here!
Oh really? Then let me present you with a trolley problem I've been planning for quite a while.
Amidst Cradle's laughter, the long-suppressed Red Tide and Hetero-Creatures suddenly burst forth, lunging at the commandant who is providing support behind Lucia.
Stop me, or stop those Hetero-Creatures? If you choose me... my little "soldiers" might just run wild everywhere.
As Lucia charges without hesitation toward the commandant surrounded by Red Tide and Hetero-Creatures, the girl dashes past the Red Tide, making a beeline for the crowded exit.
Guarding the gate, Chaos hears the cry, but maintaining the force field has already drained her strength—she is in no condition to face Cradle head-on.
Yet, seeing Chiko hasn't evacuated, Chaos stands her ground, refusing to abandon her post.
Watch out!!
The scythe's blade crashes forcefully against Chaos' force field, tearing open wounds across the doll's fragile arms.
Just one more strike, and everything will crumble.
Cradle!!!
She screams at that body, one that will never answer her call.
I remember now—how you killed me, and what happened with the butterfly!!!
That is nothing but a complete lie.
How could someone with no connection to the Hetero Tower remember things from before the time rewind?
Yet, <phonetic=Cradle>Agent Zero</phonetic> hesitates in her attack upon hearing this false "intel," turning around to look back with <phonetic=Agent Zero>Cradle</phonetic>.
Now I understand why the "creator" you spoke of made that choice in the end.
...?
With a smile, she raises the gun loaded with a lone bullet—though unaware of how to wield it, there's one spot she knows she can't miss.
Let the rotten wood burn...
Blood erupts like flames, blooming into a single-winged red butterfly from Yuko's loose hair.
With countless words of worthless wishes and farewells left unsaid, she crumples heavily onto the ground and rolls into the Red Tide.
Yuko?!!
A familiar ringing emanates from the butterfly she had once swallowed, compelling <phonetic=Agent Zero>Cradle</phonetic> to lower her hands.
Run!! Chiko!!
The captain's firm grip seizes Chiko by the collar, scoops up Rose, and forcefully pulls them both through the narrow exit.
As the last person evacuates, the force field finally seals shut once more.
Before there's any time to confirm anything, Lucia carries you up and leaps into the air.
Within the Red Tide, Cradle slowly approaches Yuko, pensively taking her into her arms.
In the howling wind, Lucia's expression remains inscrutable, and yet her grip noticeably tightens around you.
Commandant...
Regardless of the weight burdening her heart, she cannot look back on this one-way path.
No one knows what emotions stirred within Yuko as she pulled the trigger.
...Was it because of that insurmountable Red Tide?
...Was it to buy a few precious seconds against Cradle?
...Or was it because she learned what the future held?
Or perhaps... she had fallen into despair about her own life?
Was it truly the right decision to tell Yuko about the future?
Should one glimpse into the changed future, the survivors would affirm without hesitation: yes, her death was the right choice.
Many will survive that incident, and Chiko's M.I.N.D. will not be damaged trying to save her.
"In the distant future," when Chiko dies at Copperfield Aquarium, her Hetero-Humanoid form will be able to process more intricate data, thanks to her intact M.I.N.D.
The world will mark this as a turning point, guiding humanity toward a more stable and prosperous future, until one day... they can safely venture into the cosmos.
Yet how much more rotten wood must we burn, how many heroes must die with regrets, and how many more righteous deaths must we endure...
...before we can build a canal of wounds leading to the sea of stars?
