Island Town
Island Town
To Island Town.
A rusted signpost is nailed to the wall; it looks like it's been neglected for years.
This passage seems to have experienced a collapse, with rubble and debris scattered around. A path barely wide enough for two people has been cleared out.
The Red Tide faintly unfurls along the path, its glow seeping from hidden depths.
Bianca tightens her grip on the Lashblade as you raise your sidearm, both of you advancing cautiously down the shadowed path.
Your terminal suddenly rings.
Commandant? How is there still a signal here...?
Commandant?! Is that really you?!
I'm in an unlocatable area. Nothing but seawater and a whole lot of Hetero-Creatures.
Commandant, are you safe right now?!
You quickly fill Lucia in on what has happened and give her a rough idea of where you are.
An island in the sea...
Got it, Commandant. I'll clear out these Hetero-Creatures here, then head straight for the island to link up with you.
You too, Commandant. I'll find you as soon as I can.
Having confirmed Lucia's safety, the two of you press on toward the end of the passage.
The Red Tide's traces... They're getting clearer from here.
Yeah, that's definitely a possibility...
We're almost there.
The sound of rushing water grows louder from beyond the rock wall, a sure sign that the exit is near.
This is...
The "reversal" device installed in the CUB emanates a gentle glow, illuminating the path ahead.
The path gradually narrows, with stone steps extending into unknown territory.
According to the signpost right here, yeah.
"It's a passage built at the bottom level of the aquarium, leading straight to the nearest town."
"The town sits on a nearby island, and there's an altar set up on it..."
The rest of the text is illegible, Commandant.
In any case, the aquarium is no longer safe. You have to get out of here first, then figure out your next move.
The farther you advance, the stranger the scenery grows. Jagged stone pillars spear the sky, their bases streaked with water stains—years of neglect etched into their surfaces, mingling with the lingering remnants of the Red Tide.
Commandant...
Bianca shields you behind her, sending her CUB to scout the path ahead.
...
As the CUB's view widens, the scene at the center of the island comes fully into focus.
Stone pillars jut out like sharp fish bones, spearing the twilight-streaked sky. The ruins scattered everywhere tell a story of the area's past glory.
But none of that matters now—
In the center of the altar stands a "monster" with twisted limbs, her torso hanging limp. As if she has sensed the CUB's movement, her unfocused eyes sharpen slightly, meeting Bianca's scrutinizing gaze.
She—the "monster"—with the faint remnants of her consciousness, still remembers that gaze.
She once walked beside the owner of that gaze time and again during missions, conquering one treacherous trial after another...
She once watched the owner of that gaze covered in grime, wading through swamps of sin, yet still holding onto hope.
Killing is evil. Each time I made a decision to kill, darkness haunted me.
Many people attribute such sins to external factors—to this flawed world, to the Punishing outbreak.
But you, Bianca, you're different.
The "monster" grows confused upon the sudden surge of images within her M.I.N.D. Disoriented, she acts on instinct—or perhaps some lingering shred of memory—and begins absorbing the surrounding Red Tide and Punishing creations more frantically...
But you'll never see yourself as innocent. You won't conveniently blame the Punishing Virus or the wrongdoings in this world.
Your hands might be stained with blood and dust, yet your soul shines with pure light...
That's just who you are, Bianca.
The friend stands up with a smile.
So...
As she takes the final step at the end of the stairway, the crimson altar quietly transforms into a calm sea.
The blue-haired "monster" absorbs this altar and the Red Tide of this sea area; its form grows massive, to the point of distortion.
Captain, you made it.
Wait...
Bianca's eyes widen. The moment she hears the monster's low growl, a keen awareness prickles at her senses.
However, her lingering doubt is cut short by the monster's menacing strike, as that twisted arm slashes toward her shoulder.
A whisper, tinged with a smile, blends into the deafening screech.
Did I... handle this mission well?
Bianca swiftly dodges the attack. In that split second of surprise, she catches sight of a familiar figure...
Chiko stands right there, her face streaked with blood, wearing a surprisingly gentle smile.
The moonlight spills across the altar, silver and vast.
