Story Reader / Main Story / 31 Shaper's Ripples / Story
Having bid farewell to her most precious one, Lucia steps into what will become her long imprisonment.
Through glimpses of "future information," she sees herself standing before the rift. Among the nine possible futures, she knows this path will lead to the fewest losses.
Even still, multiple possibilities await at the end of this path.
She has seen a future where, after winning the battle, she and her commandant return to the correct era with the core, reuniting with everyone.
She has also seen one where she fails to hold on for these 30 years, leaving the world in complete chaos.
And more often... she has seen herself returning to the Hetero Tower, repeatedly battling Vonnegut only to fall to his power.
...
Did Commandant make it back safely?
Did Commandant receive treatment?
Was Commandant able to regroup with Liv and Lee without Cradle's interference?
These questions remain unanswered, and this anxiety is bound to haunt her for a very long time to come.
Should she fail to endure these arduous 30 years, should she disappoint all those relying on her... how would she ever reconcile with herself?
But what other choice is there? If no one restores this devastated past, the "present" that person could return to would cease to exist entirely.
...She will take it as a gamble.
She and the commandant have already found the path of least sacrifice through their journey. This alone is worth being grateful for.
...
Lucia takes out the paper four-leaf clover from her chest, gently caressing it in her palm as she prays for a miracle at the end of her long imprisonment.
...No matter what happens, Gray Raven will always reunite.
She speaks these words to herself as she gazes at the paper clover.
She needs to believe these words. She must believe that miracles are still possible.
...
Meanwhile, she steels herself for what's to come. No matter what, she must fulfill her final promise...
Return the core to Commandant.
