Story Reader / Floating Record / ER09: Crescent Sun / Story
Construct?
Hmm, according to Scarab's intelligence, this woman called Yuka is at the core of the experiment.
Minutes ago, the communication anchor set up by Yata successfully restored contact with Babylonia and began transmitting mission intelligence in real-time.
According to records, there are two non-compliant expenditures—a giant signal amplification device and an uncoded clinical procedure.
Neuroscience Research Institute
Research District - Hydrangea Island
Morning, Early November - Pleasant and Dry
Well, well, guess I have you to thank for all the little drama you caused while I was away, Kouhei.
I deeply apologize, but this experiment will definitely succeed!
If we can produce results before the Science Council fully intervenes, I believe... the academic community will recognize our efforts.
Yuka's body is at its limit, isn't it?
I have failed in my duties... but I've already found a solution.
The academic community previously conducted research on human modification, and they've made some preliminary progress...
You're suggesting... Construct modification surgery?
Yes.
Since you've brought up this surgery, tell me, what's its success rate?
I know the success rate is still quite low... but this is the only way to move the experiment forward.
As you've always known, Constructs not only far surpass normal humans in physical capabilities, but also possess advanced cognitive structures.
Reika doesn't respond to Kouhei's words, merely flipping through the records in her hands with an expressionless face.
Page after page, in the lengthy silence, only the rustling sound of the old paper records can be heard.
I apologize, but if you're looking for the research records, they're still in the laboratory. What you're looking at is Yuka's medical records.
These medical records are exactly what I wanted to see.
Consciousness projection, as a branch of consciousness connection technology, has been based on the mental structure of Constructs since the beginning of its research.
The budget doesn't align with Babylonia's standards, but when we consider the prerequisites and calculate the project's other expenses, these so-called clinical procedures were most likely Construct modification surgeries.
Why weren't the modifications performed from the start?
It was mainly due to the extremely low success rate of the surgery.
Based on what we know here, Reika Saotome probably didn't have a lot of...
A barely perceptible look of disgust flashes through Asimov's eyes.
..."Test subjects".
The two exchange a knowing glance, their understanding unspoken.
However, this is just my deduction based on the experimental data at hand. According to Yata's information, Yuka was Reika Saotome's adopted daughter.
Perhaps this familial relationship was what caused the delays in progress.
Nikola taps the table noncommittally.
So the key question now is why Yuka just woke up all of a sudden after several decades.
Who's there? Show yourself!
Greetings to you, my dear Construct.
The figure in the shadows lifts her skirt and performs an elegant curtsy.
Cradle!
She passes Shiva to the mechanical arms behind her and cautiously raises her fists into a fighting stance.
Relax. I'm not here to fight you... You see...
What did you do to Yuka?!
I merely gave her a "heart", using the power of the Red Tide, that is.
Her body was incomplete from the beginning, resistant to all attempts at awakening. Yet within her M.I.N.D. lay a beautiful story...
Her words are cut short by two pulse rounds suddenly streaking through the air.
V！
You're alive, that's what matters. Now focus on the fight.
Yata, isn't this what you wanted? To see her again?
Stop making decisions for people! Stop acting like you did that out of kindness when she's a monster now because of you!
How unfortunate... but perhaps this is what she wanted.
Yata, while I'd love to see how this story ends, I'm afraid I have more pressing matters to attend to.
Until we meet again.
With a smile, Cradle steps into the darkness, once again leaving the Scarabs alone in the empty corridor.
V, I'm counting on you to help Shiva. Yuka is still projecting memories—if we don't stop this, none of us will be able to wake up.
Your M.I.N.D. is unstable, too.
Yuka and I share a past, and her influence on me stems from that... But I know how to fight it.
I've made some adjustments to your M.I.N.D. Once I help stabilize Shiva, I'll head over there.
...Sure.
Without another word, Yata vanishes into the darkness.
Neuroscience Research Institute
Research District - Hydrangea Island
Morning, December - Pleasant and Dry
How did the modifications turn out?
It worked... partially.
Yuka's heart was too weak and it required an external power supply device during the modification process. Now she can no longer survive without it.
However, as long as the external power supply device functions properly, Yuka can live a normal life.
Her cognitive structure has improved significantly. I believe the experiment will be successful soon...
Losing interest in what Kouhei has to say, Reika walks straight to the laboratory.
On the metallic examination table lies a young girl, as delicate and lifeless as a porcelain doll.
Power tubes, resembling instruments of torture, connect one by one to the girl's back, sustaining her fragile existence.
D-Dr. Saotome?
An unhealthy flush appears on her pale face as she struggles to sit up.
Why are you here?
Lie back down.
Even Reika herself fails to notice how her voice has unconsciously softened.
As she speaks, she supports Yuka's back, gently helping her lie back down.
How are you feeling?
My heart... it's no longer fragile. You don't have to worry about it anymore.
After a brief hesitation, Yuka manages a weak smile.
...
Unable to face Yuka's smile, Reika instinctively turns her face away.
Her "fragile heart" has been replaced with cold power conduits.
Around Reika, Yuka has always been good at pushing herself past her limits. That pale smile is proof enough.
Is something wrong? Did I fail to do something properly?
Yuka's anxious voice pulls Reika back from her daze.
No, Yuka, I'm just...
Dr. Saotome... look.
As she speaks, she hands Reika a flower. Only when Reika takes it in her hands does she realize it's made of paper.
I... folded this myself. It's a hydrangea. Does it look nice?
The blue-dyed petals bear delicate, perfectly placed patterns that make it almost indistinguishable from a real hydrangea.
If not for the slightly stiff texture of the card paper, Reika might have thought she was back in May.
I've never been physically strong and never done anything right.
But being able to participate in the experiments makes me feel... that even someone like me can do something for you.
I've always loved the hydrangeas on the island, but they... wither away once September comes.
Sometimes I find myself wishing they could bloom forever.
That's why I made these paper flowers by hand... as a gift for you.
Even when hydrangeas are not in bloom, these will stay by your side.
Though barely above a whisper, Yuka's voice carries an unmistakable hint of determination and resolve.
As the paper flowers rest in her palm, Reika's lips part to speak, but the words die on her tongue.
Something wells up in her chest, and Reika grows restless—this kind of emotion makes her uncomfortable.
Every researcher detests such emotions. The unknown means trouble and lack of control. So Reika closes her eyes.
Behind her closed eyes, the magnificent sight of humanity's interconnected consciousness unfolds before her. For a moment, the tension in Reika's chest eases—only to tighten again.
For there, in a corner of this grand spectacle, a girl huddles helplessly.
Dr. Saotome...?
Reika opens her eyes at Yuka's timid call. She stares at the young girl, letting the silence stretch between them.
...Why don't we call it quits, Yuka?
What? Dr. Saotome... why?
Her eyes widen in disbelief.
Having overheard their exchange, Kouhei rushes over.
What are you talking about? We've already come this far!
Kouhei's outburst brings Reika back to her senses, but the turmoil in her heart only grows stronger.
Are you questioning my expertise?
...No... I would never... I wouldn't dare, but...
While Kouhei stands speechless, Yuka is the first to act, grabbing onto Reika's sleeve.
...Did I do something wrong? My body has already been modified into that of a Construct, I'm sure I can do this, so please...
Tears suddenly stream down Yuka's face as her voice turns almost pleading.
...You haven't done anything wrong, Yuka.
Your condition is deteriorating severely. If we go any further, I'm not certain the experiment will succeed, or if it would even yield valuable results.
Continuing the experiment would not be a wise choice.
But this is the only way to prove your theories.
If it's the only choice, then it must be the best choice.
...
Reika's gaze shifts from the girl's clothes to her face.
Yuka's unwavering gaze helps Reika regain her composure, as reason gradually overtakes emotion.
Please...
As Yuka tries to speak further, Reika suddenly reaches out and gently pats her head.
Yuka...
Don't die. You have to live.
...Yes! Of course, Dr. Saotome!
Reika turns around and leads Kouhei out of the room and back to the monitoring station.
Continue the experiment. Expand its scope to the entire campus.
The entire campus?
Kouhei stands bewildered. Just moments ago he thought Reika was being too cautious, but now he worries she's becoming too radical.
Since she's already become a Construct, we should accelerate the process to minimize potential accidents.
Reika turns on the microphone, taps it twice, and speaks with a gravity that adds weight to her already serious tone.
Yuka, I'll say it again—if you can't hold on, terminate the consciousness projection immediately.
Don't worry. I can handle it.
A feeble response echoes through the laboratory.
...Very well. Begin the experiment.
The third Consciousness Projection Experiment starts now.
Brain wave capture in progress. All nodal consciousness signals positioned... Beginning transmission.
Activation successful. Initiating synchronization... Synchronization in progress...
While the main console buzzes with activity, a researcher stands by the window, entranced by the view outside.
Wait, what's with those robots on the street in the distance...
Hey, focus on the experiment! Get back here!
But something's not right...
Screams of agony from other researchers begin to echo through the research facility's hall behind Kouhei.
The service robots break free from their controls and begin attacking all personnel indiscriminately.
Reika stares in shock at Yuka, who is convulsing violently in the laboratory.
What has happened?
What's going on?! Security! Where's security?! Someone stop these crazy machines!
Amidst Kouhei's shouts, Reika notices subtle anomalies appearing on the instrument displays and dials in front of her.
Mechanical malfunction... Is this a virus?
Reika turns to see people collapsing one after another in the facility's hall—only those wearing protective suits remain standing.
No, that's not it... It's not just targeting machines...
Yuka, terminate the consciousness projection now!
Having reached a conclusion, Reika immediately activates her microphone.
Her only response is the beeping of instruments and an ever-climbing synchronization rate.
Yuka? Answer me, Yuka!
Stop the consciousness projection, now!
In the laboratory, Yuka continues to convulse, oblivious to what's happening.
Seeing this, Reika throws aside her microphone and moves to rush toward the laboratory door, but someone nearby grabs her and pulls her back.
Dr. Saotome, what are you doing?!
The equipment is malfunctioning. I can't terminate the projection experiment remotely—I need to go in and cut the power manually.
There's no time! We need to evacuate now!
We can always replace the test materials! But we can't replace you!
But the same goes for Yuka!
Reika whirls around with a fierce shout, her sudden intensity leaving Kouhei stunned.
Catching herself, Reika draws a deep breath and quickly regains her composure.
...What I mean is, as the volunteer with the highest compatibility rate for the projection experiment, Yuka possesses irreplaceable qualities.
Her presence is crucial to the project!
...
Kouhei remains silent, his gaze shifting past Reika to something behind her.
My apologies for coming late, Chief, Doctor!
Your timing is perfect. The lab door needs to be opened manually. You'll have to...
Before she can finish, the guard, following Kouhei's silent signal, renders Reika unconscious.
Take her away. Give me the gun. If we don't cut power to the consciousness projection host, none of us will make it out of here.
The guard nods, hands over his gun, and swiftly carries Reika away.
Kouhei fires several shots, destroying the safety valves controlling the power conduits. As he glances at Yuka convulsing inside the lab, a flicker of pity crosses his eyes.
He perfunctorily inputs commands into the malfunctioning console to force the test subject into suspended animation, then quickly exits the monitoring room without waiting to confirm if the commands went through.
For the doctor's sake, I've done what I could. Yuka, if you don't make it... well, blame it on your misfortune.
Inside the laboratory, the power conduit indicator lights shut off one after another as cryogenic gas bursts from the equipment.
Yuka lies motionless on the examination table, blood vessels bursting in her eyes, as her mind drifts into...
A computer-simulated sea of consciousness, where waves of negative thoughts spread uncontrollably.
Everything around her is stained blood-red as the entire system goes haywire.
At that moment, her consciousness reaches across the sea to the distant shore.
No matter how far, she can reach and connect with every point of light.
Ironically, this power comes from the very mechanical corruption eating away at her M.I.N.D...
Yata...
As the thought crosses her mind, Yuka finds Yata's consciousness among the glowing specks of light.
She touches the light, mustering every last bit of her sanity to utter these words.
The mechanoids on the island have gone haywire...
Run, Yata!
Track and Field Ground
Misono High
Morning, December - Pleasant and Dry
While warming up on the track field, Yata is suddenly struck by an intense headache.
She falls to the ground, then hears a voice echoing in her head.
This voice... it's Yuka's...
Why am I hearing it inside my head?
Was I hearing things? But she mentioned haywire robots... Could it be...
Without a moment's hesitation, Yata races to the academic building's rooftop and scans the horizon.
On the streets of the harbor district, swarms of robots are marching toward the school.
And from the inland research district, a group of sentinel robots has already breached the school's restricted zone.
Figured as much. These buckets of bolts have gone haywire!
With her nimble agility, Yata dashes to the principal's office to alert the school staff about the situation.
Unfortunately, not a single person there is willing to listen to someone they've written off as just another delinquent.
The staff continues with their work, treating Yata like she's invisible.
Dismissed by the staff, Yata rushes to the student council office, where they at least acknowledge her presence.
But lending her a hearing ear is all they do. They drive her away, convinced she's just there to stir up trouble.
Left with no choice, Yata decides to arm herself and heads to the gym storage to find weapons.
By coincidence, Yata runs into Masao Osako in the gym storage room.
Hey, you troublemaking prefect. Looking to pick another fight with me?
Listen, Osako, I don't have time for this. I've got more pressing matters to deal with.
Ignoring Masao, Yata frantically rummages through the equipment.
Hey, what's with that attitude, Yata? Is this how you treat your betters?
Be honest with me. What's going on? I've never seen you this rattled before.
Something's coming from across the sea. A legion of robots is making their way to our school.
Sigh, never mind. You probably wouldn't believe me anyway.
...
Yata, swear to me you're not making this up.
Dead serious.
A robot legion, huh...
Sounds like we're in for a tough fight. Can't exactly punch through metal.
But with my Osako Gang backing up your track team, we might stand a chance, right?
Wait... you actually believe me?
Well, that look on your face tells me you're dead serious.
To be honest, after Dad passed away, I've been doing a lot of thinking... Something about this island just doesn't add up.
At this point, nothing would surprise me anymore.
Osako...
Masao slowly pulls out two cloth-wrapped objects from behind him.
These are the Science Blades my father left behind. Pretty sure you've seen them before.
The red one is called "Rainbow Breaker", and the blue one is "Snow's Grace". Got that?
A mono-molecular vibration blade... Think it can cut through those mechanical bastards?
Don't be ridiculous! These are my father's masterpieces.
Yata, with these blades you could cut through anything—even a god standing in your way.
But how are you going to fend for yourself if you're giving me the blades?
These blades are too damn heavy for me anyway. I'm better off with my baseball bat.
With some hesitation, Yata takes "Rainbow Breaker" and "Snow's Grace" before rushing off to the track club.
People from the track club trust Yata completely. They spring into action without a moment's hesitation.
Meanwhile, Masao leads the Osako Gang to position themselves at the school's back entrance.
The swarm of Corrupted effortlessly tears through the school's security checkpoints.
And so begins the Battle for Misono High—
At first, Yata attempts to hold back the invading Corrupted at the main entrance...
But she quickly realizes the overwhelming gap in combat prowess between machines and humans.
Left with no choice, Yata falls back to the school building, with people too frightened to venture out remaining inside the building with her.
But this proves futile—the machines soon breach the school building as well.
Ahhh! What the hell is that thing?!
Help! Help!
Two Corrupted corner a pair of fallen high school girls.
Their grotesque red eyes glare down at the girls as they raise their mechanical blades...
As the blades flash twice through the air, the terror on the girls' faces gives way to vacant stares.
A red blur cleaves the Corrupted in half at the waist—it's Yata, standing behind what remains of its body.
Are you two all right?
We're... okay.
Head to the gym and lecture hall. The doors there are reinforced.
Without another word, Yata races to the stairs, cuts down two Corrupted at the corner, and continues her ascent.
She swings "Rainbow Breaker" relentlessly, using both hands and feet to maintain her momentum.
Though somewhat disheveled, Yata manages to save many people along the way—until she finds herself surrounded.
Caught in the middle of the corridor with enemies on all sides, Yata readies her blade in a defensive stance.
Guess I've got no choice now.
Yata looks at "Rainbow Breaker" in her hand and lets out a sigh.
If this blade truly lives up to its legend of cutting down gods, I might still have a sliver of hope.
As the Corrupted lunges at her, Yata sidesteps and cuts one down in a single motion.
The rest of the Corrupted spring into action, and Yata meets their charge with her blade.
A sharp crack rings out—and her blade shatters.
Rainbow Breaker... You should be breaking rainbows not getting broken yourself...
The Corrupted behind Yata lunges at her, but she can't draw Snow's Grace from its sheath in time.
She knows one thing for certain—in the next moment, it won't be her enemies or gods being cut down...
...but herself.
With no time to turn and face her attacker, Yata desperately tries to look back... but it's already too late.
You sure fought hard back there.
Even the most powerful of weapons can break, not to mention the human body is nothing but vulnerabilities.
Without the resolve to sacrifice, you can't even step onto the battlefield.
You're stronger than me now... as far as the determination to fight goes.
Well, look who showed up at the perfect time.
How's it going over there?
I guess I'm doing alright. From here on out, I'll be fighting by your side.
Yeah, let's do this together—right here, right now!
Let me ask you a question... Why are you trying to protect all these people?
That's just who we are—sticking our noses where they don't belong. We'd rather die than yield to our enemies.
Don't tell me you've forgotten?
Has my future self really become just another jaded grown-up who's indifferent to everything?
If you've forgotten what you once stood for, then I refuse to become someone like you!
I... No, I haven't forgotten. I'm just afraid I won't be able to protect everyone.
And this feeling... it pains me every single moment...
But wouldn't you regret it more if you ran away from that responsibility?!
...
You're right... Giving up would make everything so much easier, but...
The challenges will still be there. Are you really going to surrender to your fate?
Life's challenges won't disappear just because we run from them... I guess I never really "graduated" from that lesson myself.
If regrets are inevitable, we might as well fight and make our stand.
You'll never know unless you try! Even failing is better than not trying at all!
Are you sure?
Leave no regrets behind. Give it your all, so you know that you've already done your absolute best when you look back.
If you ever forget your reason to fight, just keep your eyes on me.
I see.
I'll take point from here!
At a moment when Yata isn't paying attention, the blade in her hand becomes two.
The fact that human memory isn't entirely reliable can probably explain it.
Sometimes people confuse past events, even in their hallucinations...
She sees the truth before her, yet chooses to forget certain parts of it.
