So, Thomas' experiment is what dragged me and Vergil into this world.
Dante chuckles, relieved now that the mystery is solved.
Looks like we weren't the only ones, though.
Mirror Demon... Never heard of it. Probably just some small fry from the Demon World.
Roger that.
Heh, piece of cake.
Now that we're teaming up, I'll show that thing what I'm made of.
Dante looks at Vergil standing on the other side of the screen.
Hey, I already cut a deal with this commandant. I help them take down the Mirror Demon, they help me get back.
What about you? Tagging along?
Vergil tilts his head slightly, considering Dante's words for a moment before responding.
Intriguing. It could be a worthy diversion. I'll accompany you to the Babel Tower.
Besides, that Mirror Demon and I have unfinished business.
Dante raises an eyebrow in momentary confusion, then remembers the video from earlier. Understanding dawns as he realizes what Vergil means by "unfinished business."
Yeah, looks like the Mirror Demon's using your identity to lead those... "Hetero-Creatures".
Seriously, who comes up with these names? "Hetero-Creature"?
Anyway, I saw the video. Even though it only showed the lower half body, no mistaking it. That guy looked just like you, Vergil.
Mirror Demon... mirror... You think this thing can actually copy people?
Hmph... Its fate is sealed regardless.
The conversation between the brothers comes to a pause. Seeing this, Lucia steps forward to speak with Alpha.
Alpha, what do you plan to do?
Go to the Babel Tower.
She thinks for a moment before continuing.
Luna detected unusual activity in the Ascension-Network earlier. She believes it's filtering new agents, which is why I came to investigate.
Given the recent behavior of the Hetero-Creatures, it's possible that this Mirror Demon can already be considered an agent.
Alpha shakes her head, keeping her lingering doubts to herself. The Mirror Demon is neither Construct nor Corrupted, but how could it possibly connect to the Ascension-Network?
Perhaps the Ascension-Network always holds deeper secrets yet to be uncovered.
Luna... how's she?
She's fine. She just needs to focus her energy on the Ascension-Network for now to prevent bigger problems.
Alpha nods and reaches out to end the call.
So, your name is Vergil?
Vergil gives no answer.
Looks like we'll need to head to New Oakley. Do you have any vehicle to use?
I don't need those.
Vergil unsheathes Yamato, its blade tracing a cross in the air. A trail of cerulean light lingers in its wake, and like a flower unfurling petals, space itself splits along the incisions, revealing a yawning void of infinite black.
Alpha watches Vergil's actions, a flicker of astonishment crossing her eyes.
(Did he just cut through space?)
But in the next moment, Vergil furrows his brow.
The portal... it's not stable.
The cross-shaped rift trembles, its edges wavering like disturbed water, and gradually seals shut a moment later.
Looks like you'll need to find another way to get there.
Alpha's motorcycle isn't big enough to seat all three of them.
We're not alone here.
The distant roar of engines reverberates through the air as a group of wildly dressed thugs approaches in a pickup truck equally adorned with flashy modifications.
Look at who we've got here! Three cute birdies!
Hahaha! Consider yourself lucky you ran into the Black Wings!
Hand over everything!
Right on time.
Babylonia
Babylonia.
This is the data sent by [player name].
Asimov, what's your take on this?
Thomas Hell... that name rings a bell.
I'll look up information on him.
Regarding the other world...
There's a barely perceptible hint of anticipation in Nikola's tone.
I've already shared my thoughts on this. Theoretically, it is indeed possible.
However, even with in-depth exploration in this field, we cannot estimate when we might reach any conclusions.
Scientific progress sometimes requires a touch of luck. Thomas... perhaps he hit the jackpot.
After speaking, Asimov recognizes the inappropriateness of his remark. He closes his eyes briefly, then starts again.
That remark was inappropriate. Every researcher's work deserves respect.
If possible, I need more of Thomas' research data. After that, I can provide new conclusions.
Alright, I'll have [player name] recover the data.
If that's all, I'll be heading back now.
Asimov strides toward the exit. Just as he steps through the doorway, a thought flickers at the edge of his mind, and he pauses, glancing back.
There, he catches sight of Nikola and Hassen—their figures slumped with weariness—exchanging hushed words.
Oh, and given the complexity of this research, I find it unlikely Thomas achieved it alone. He might have had external support.
We're already on that.
Asimov gives a slight nod, then turns and leaves.
Could it be Kurono?
I don't think that's very likely.
...
Hassen sits in silence, leaning back in his chair with an uncharacteristic melancholy. It's a rare sight since most of the time, he gives off an impression of determination and resilience.
Another world...
That's too far-fetched. Let's just focus on what's right in front of us.
Hassen offers a knowing smile as he turns to his old friend.
Aren't you excited about it too?
Nikola lets out a disgruntled snort.
But you're right. We are too small to have big dreams.
Hassen straightens his back, returning to his usual composed demeanor.
Back to our previous arrangements...
Their conversation fades into the sterile glow of the office lights. Just another moment in the Command Central, where countless others move through the artificial radiance, absorbed in their busy tasks.
And so, humanity presses onward, stumbling through these lights.
