Story Reader / Main Story / 31 Shaper's Ripples / Story
After seven full days of slumber, you struggle to sit up. The sutured wound on your abdomen appears nearly healed.
The house exudes a vintage charm, with daily necessities scattered about. A thin layer of dust blankets the corners, contrasting with the pristine gleam of frequently visited spaces.
Upon closer inspection, you notice scratch marks on his couch. Could there be a cat in this house?
Vonnegut sits close to the bed like an attending physician, studying something on his outdated terminal while keeping watch of your every movement through his peripheral vision.
Upon closer inspection, you notice that beneath his coat, he's wearing something different from his usual attire. It looks more like casual home wear.
He did not answer.
Because of your severe injuries.
There's no Clean Zone here. You and Lucia retrieved the Hetero Tower's core. Lee modifying the core and creating the Clean Zone happened in the previous layer—naturally, this layer has no Clean Zone.
Previous layer.
He shows absolutely no intention of explaining further.
Every possible exit is sealed off by a force field. Escape seems nearly impossible.
Lucia is still trapped in the Fog. Even if with the "Key", you don't know how to use it...
You must extract information from Vonnegut, then find a way to save Lucia and take her out of the Hetero Tower.
Asking directly would make him suspicious... You decide to start with some casual conversation.
It's the afternoon of May 10th, one month after you fell from the transport craft into the Red Tide.
Are you expecting me to apologize for this?
Or perhaps you're just looking for empty words of compensation?
Is that so? I hope you've scheduled an appointment. There's quite a waiting list for that particular matter.
His cold demeanor makes it clear this discussion is going nowhere. You should focus on gathering intelligence for now.
Indeed, and Cradle pulled you to this exact point in time before. I used the "rat hole" she left behind to ensure your emergence time remained controllable.
At this point in time, I haven't entered the Hetero Tower yet.
Transferring memories through the Hetero Tower and Punishing Virus is one of my specialties.
To ensure you're in optimal condition for the next phase of the plan.
You'll likely still enter the Hetero Tower, once you're ready.
Vonnegut glances at his antiquated terminal, appearing to search through some records.
You will still enter the Hetero Tower, albeit with a focus on mending the rifts that have appeared alongside it.
...Yeah.
But once Agent Zero returns, it becomes impossible to predict which moment in time will be affected.
At the mention of this, Vonnegut's hand freezes for a brief moment.
How did you learn about this? From Dominik?
Gray Raven Commandant.
Vonnegut repeats your title in a grave tone. Though his head remains lowered and his expression unchanged, his grip on the pen tightens ever so slightly.
(Should I tell him about what you glimpsed in your dreams?)
(If I remain silent, this agent certainly won't reveal anything more to me either.)
In those long, agonizing dreams, he never once disclosed the Chaos Contamination to his subordinates, instead consistently portraying it as an unavoidable phenomenon caused by the Ascension-Network and Punishing Virus.
Unveiling what he already knows will merely expose your means of acquiring such information—hardly escalating the peril of your predicament, as you're already entrenched in the tiger's den.
...?
You adjust your position, letting your recently healed body rest against the pillow, and begin to recount the visions that unfolded in your slumber.
About "Nemo" and "Professor Trout", and the death row inmates merged into his M.I.N.D.
Every event that happened in the ocean's depths, alongside the events involving the core and Lee within the Hetero Tower... You shared it all with him.
You adjust your position, letting your recently healed body rest against the pillow, and begin to recount the visions that unfolded in your slumber.
About "Nemo" and "Professor Trout", and the death row inmates merged into his M.I.N.D.
Every event that happened in the ocean's depths, alongside the events involving the core and Lee within the Hetero Tower... You shared it all with him.
It is only after you finish telling this long story that he finally raises his gaze from the antiquated terminal to meet your eyes.
...
Then, he thoughtfully lowers his head again to look at the records on the terminal.
These symptoms of yours... they're remarkably similar to the effects of Agent Zero's authority.
If there aren't any secrets about you beyond my grasp, then it means you've eventually merged with Chaos and taken the place of Agent Zero.
His voice is calm, even with an undercurrent of dejection.
Since you already know so much, there's no point in hiding things anymore.
If there's anything you want to know, go ahead and ask.
Yet, if the answer requires a detailed elaboration, you can only ask one question—I have matters to attend to later, and you must stay here until you've fully recovered before departing.
...
...Go ahead.
It refers to different future paths. For instance, in the previous layer, where the Hetero Tower's core was still intact, Lee would modify it after entering the tower. After the core was destroyed and taken away, Lee's actions within the tower would change—instead focusing on mending the rifts by paying an equivalent price.
The diverging futures of this world are intrinsically linked to the Hetero Tower. Rather than using terms like "worldlines," I prefer to refer to them as different layers of the Hetero Tower.
Even when events are altered through the Hetero Tower, the sacrifices and existences of the past don't disappear—they become the foundation leading to the next layer.
The Hetero Tower grows ever taller because of this, until it brings about destruction... or until the moment of collapse.
The world of the highest layer will remain.
If both Agent Zero and the core still exist, yes—that's why we must stop Agent Zero from reclaiming the core, even if it means melting the core down.
One who stands in the light should have more contact with you than I do.
<b><ud><color=#34aff8ff><link=1>Dominik's Invitation</link></color></ud></b>?
He searches through his vast repository of memories spanning countless moments, then briefly checks his terminal before finally understanding which specific item the person on the bed is referring to.
Someone capable of leaving you that invitation must possess the ability to perceive beyond their own viewpoint. It is logical that they would leave a password that only you could remember.
That's just my theory.
Most likely not.
<phonetic=Nemo>I</phonetic> suspect the real Dominik never escaped the Fog.
Through some means, Dominik has been continuously sending messages to the "successor" in this era.
Correct. I believe the previous Dominik gave you that invitation so you could become the new Dominik and contain the contaminating memetic.
Even if as the new successor, there would be little you could do against those determined to break through the data walls to get their hands on Dominik's legacy.
Besides, it would mean digitizing your brain... your consciousness, and you lack the required affinity for that, right?
That's why I had them use cloning on you instead; it's an older yet more dependable technology.
It's a realm of temporal chaos created by the Hetero Tower and Chaos Contamination. To draw a comparison... it resembles the Red Tide in this world to some extent.
Or rather, the Red Tide is a lesser variant of the Fog. It can corrupt time and also keep one alive in an incomplete state...
He hesitates for a moment.
Can you imagine a world stripped down to just two dimensions, or yourself existing as a two-dimensional being?
It might be possible with the Hetero Tower's core.
You've already asked two.
Vonnegut lets out a sigh.
Go ahead.
Many people prepared for ways to survive the catastrophe, but in the end, only this plan—the one demanding the greatest sacrifices, the most deplorable of them all—succeeded.
...How boring.
You haven't saved everyone yet. You know your own limitations and what you can't accomplish, so why won't you change your approach?
An agent has their limitations and capabilities. I've tried many other approaches too, repeatedly revising my plans using the Hetero Tower.
Upon reviewing the outcomes, among everything within my power, this plan is, in fact, the most considerate of others.
Save the future?
I'm not some noble idealist. Besides, as long as the sun continues to rise, the world will always need salvation.
That's one of my goals, yes. A planet devoid of life would be boring too. These two things aren't mutually exclusive.
...I only wish to give that world its final rest. They're not quite dead, their consciousnesses still struggling at death's door... I've found no way to save them, and I absolutely cannot bring the core back there.
While Vonnegut's voice remains unchanged, his tone is now tinted with subtle weariness and softness.
This purpose aligns with the others as well.
He returns to his usual composed and detached demeanor.
...
Upon hearing this question, Vonnegut glances down at his hand holding the pen.
Not really.
But I need to maintain certain habits that aren't my own, to keep track of my current state.
Is that all you want to ask?
...
Upon hearing this question, Vonnegut, previously gazing downward, surveys the room. Tracking his line of sight uncovers a plump ginger figure under a cabinet.
Stray cats have always been around here. I don't see any point in chasing it away.
The force field is for you.
...
Don't you have anything better to worry about?
...
How about some cat food instead?
...
I'll get something from Lithos later...
I'll get you some cookies.
As you've probably noticed, the contaminating memetic emerges alongside zero-point energy.
It prioritizes infiltrating a civilization's most advanced technology, adapting its form specifically to target that technology.
In the future we came from, the contaminating memetic chose the time travel pod as its target and infected the time travelers.
In this world, if the contaminating memetic isn't contained within Gestalt, it will disrupt all forms of information transfer. Humanity would face a world where text, language, and even symbols themselves cease to exist.
While it appears similar to schizophrenia, it affects more than just humans. It creates what you might call... a "future convergence" effect.
No matter what precautions are taken or changes are made, those who are infected will meet the same fate—either death or causing accidents that lead to more deaths and spread the contamination further.
When you tried to change the future inside the Hetero Tower, you were not only influenced by Agent Zero but also by Chaos Contamination. This is why you found yourself trapped in those repetitive cycles of futility and death.
Yes, but since this is still the world of the Punishing Virus, the Chaos Contamination won't spread beyond the confines of the Hetero Tower.
I have force fields.
It shields me from the effects of the Chaos Contamination, much like the Omega Weapon's "purifying" influence on the Punishing Virus.
When you become Agent Zero, I will make sure you have it.
...
He lets out another sigh, seemingly giving up on arguing about how many questions this makes.
The Gateway in the Hetero Tower serves as a shortcut to another Gate.
That lady once told me about another "Gate," behind which exists a <color=#ff4e4eff>civilization without life</color>.
It's recycling what it deems valuable—civilizations that have mastered zero-point energy—and testing them. Those civilizations whose development is deemed unbalanced or incorrect have their data harvested and brought back through the "Gate," where they're left to evolve on their own.
The criterion is whether they can survive the contaminating memetic's assault. If humanity can learn to control the <phonetic=contaminating memetic>Punishing Virus</phonetic> as they do fire, it will become both a gift and a tool.
To fail the test yet recklessly utilize zero-point energy is, in the eyes of the "Gate", incorrect.
To preserve the data seeds of civilization. The "Gate" seeks to carry these seeds through the catastrophe of the heat death, allowing them to be reborn when the universe starts anew.
He forces out a sarcastic laugh.
If you've never found me kind, then don't expect any kindness from this civilization either.
No matter the reason, once you set your sights on something too distant and grand, everything in the present becomes expendable.
He remains noncommittal.
Regardless, I will ensure Agent Zero's authority remains under human control, allowing the sacrificed to be reborn through the Red Tide's aid.
She will contain the Red Tide within the ocean, carving out a habitable zone for what remains of humanity.
Feel free to disagree, but there are no better options left. I will soon take you to the sea, where you'll replace the incomplete Chaos and solve the problem at its very source.
Dominik has failed to find a successor, and Babylonia's technology isn't advanced enough to defend itself against Agent Zero. For both you and humanity, I am the only choice left.
An ironic situation indeed, but no matter how much hatred you harbor, the only path forward is...
Vonnegut never expected this from you, a disarmed human. Accompanied by the sharp echo of the slap, that perfectly fitted mask drops onto his lap.
Beneath the mask, the face is marred with cracks, as if its bearer has long forsaken the effort to mend these wounds.
Wounds...? Ah, they're caused by the instability of my M.I.N.D. Even if I heal them, they'll just fester again. No point in wasting effort.
This happens when you forget your original face.
Is that all you want to ask?
He picks up his mask and locks it back onto his face.
Since you chose to hit me here, this must be more than just an emotional outburst.
Now that you're done with it.
The slap lands squarely on his face, but unlike last time, his mask doesn't budge an inch. Instead, the impact sends a jolt of pain through your hand.
Tell me what you want.
He listens in silence, as if he has been waiting for these exact words all along.
Do you realize what this means?
Yup.
...
Are you referring to giving the core to Chaos, allowing her to temporarily take over Agent Zero's authority?
When did you learn about this option?
...
Such an option indeed exists, but it would make Chaos end up like Cradle—gradually losing control over herself and becoming nothing more than a vessel for Agent Zero.
...
Concerns flicker across Vonnegut's face, yet he stays silent, intent on listening.
Is this how you want to choose who gets to decide your fate?
However, if you do save Lucia, she will start another endless cycle of time rewinds and battles, fighting relentlessly to get you back.
...So your plan is to have the me currently inside the Hetero Tower pull both Lucia and the tower's core out of the Fog.
Then hand the core to Chaos, kill Cradle when she catches up, and let Chaos take over Agent Zero's authority—even if it won't last long?
He falls into contemplation for a moment.
There's a major variable in your plan.
Even if you win all your gambles, a battle with Agent Zero will certainly cause the Hetero Tower to collapse again.
The time you and Lucia arrive at after leaving the tower will become even more uncertain, and even the anchor point she left on May 3rd will be erased.
What if you end up in a desolate time or world, and the Hetero Tower's ongoing collapse makes it impossible for you to return?
There's another thing.
The "I" inside the Hetero Tower, after enduring prolonged torture, must have depleted all reserves of composure. If I'm not completely broken down by then, that means I'll act on the more volatile side.
It's bound to be an unsavory battle.
...
After a long, silent contemplation, Vonnegut speaks in a tone unlike his own.
...Sure.
Yes.
...I've also... been wondering what it would be like if Dominik's original plan had succeeded.
Even if it fails, let's consider it a necessary setback.
But you must understand this: if Chaos fails to hold on, and you remain unable to find a way out, even time rewind will have repercussions.
At that point, you absolutely cannot evade <color=#ff4e4eff>sacrifice</color> any longer. Otherwise, this world will spiral into the same predicament and march toward inevitable destruction again.
...Your life?
A sneer forces its way through his weary voice.
Back then, everyone who entrusted their lives to me thought the same way... You all just want to trade your lives away like currency, making a graceful escape from this suffering.
His sneer trembles with lingering resentment.
But the <color=#ff4e4eff>sacrifice</color> I speak of... is to forever live on, with time as your only companion, witnessing everyone's departure... yet remembered by none.
