Before the End
Mist still shrouds the town, its once-bustling streets now silent. Only rats scurry through the darkness, their claws scratching against stone.
The detective, the assistant, and their former client now stand united with a new purpose, facing the endless Mist together.
You have become true "companions," united in purpose and understanding.
Through the fog, the Siren turns back one last time, silently bidding farewell to the town now lost.
Even with unmistakable wings spread behind her, the determination in her eyes remains unwavering.
I never expected this "case" to end like this...
...Let's go.
But Eileena's expression suddenly shifts with discomfort, her hand instinctively moving to her throbbing temple.
Are you alright?
It's okay. Just the occasional headache...
I think... I'm starting to remember things I've forgotten.
Not wanting to worry her companions, Eileena quickly masks her pained expression and returns to her usual carefree demeanor.
She has always been this way. Eternally optimistic and genuine, she always shows her dependable side as your trusty assistant.
It's alright... Really, don't worry about me.
Your all-capable assistant won't show her weakness that easily!
Alright then! Let's head into the Mist!
With light, confident steps, she takes the lead and strides into the Mist.
Behind the three of you, the Mist grows ever thicker.
A man with black hair and golden eyes emerges from the fog, silently watching the three figures disappear into the distance.
Finally, he smiles as his gaze locks onto the winged "Bloodthirsty Siren", admiring what appears to be a successful "test subject" until she vanishes completely into the Mist.
The beginning of it all surfaces in the man's mind.
In the mist, the cowardly and greedy Roko begs him for power beyond mortal reach from the "Apostle of the Archdevil".
Pathetic, terrified, yet still greedy.
Just like the pitiful rats scrambling for crumbs.
I beseech you, my lord.
I don't want to die in the Mist, and I don't want to risk my life serving that iron-fisted sheriff...
Please, I'm begging you. If you grant my request... I'll do whatever you ask of me.
Very good. They have heard your plea, and they will grant you the power you deserve.
As long as you can please them, you'll be able to enter their temple and become one of their true followers.
I agree!
But in exchange, you must carry out a plan for me in this town.
...Because they require the arrival of the "Bloodthirsty Siren" in their chess game.
After that, countless pieces begin to move on that vast chessboard.
Infinite variables shift, grow, diminish... all to validate the results of a divine experiment.
Amid the spreading white mist, countless innocent lives fade away, discarded like pawns.
Including Roko, who tries to bargain with the divine, using his "loyalty" as currency.
But the divine never makes deals.
Soft scratching sounds from his palm draw the man back from his thoughts, and he looks down at the maze-like cage in his hand.
Inside the contraption known as a "Skinner box", a laboratory rat continues its relentless attempts.
Drawn by the aroma of cheese at the maze's end, it weaves through the passages, using its tiny paws to press different levers, trying to forge a route forward.
Driven by gnawing hunger, the rat tries again and again, moving through the maze with increasing urgency, drawing ever closer to the cheese at the end.
You'll have to rely on yourself to reach the end.
Keep trying.
At last, the rat's tiny paws reach the cheese, and it begins to feast with abandon.
The man looks up, watching the "Bloodthirsty Siren" walking alongside her companion with her wings spread wide. A look of certainty flashes in his eyes, as if everything is unfolding exactly according to his design.
The "Bloodthirsty Siren" has taken the stage...
The others in this town have fulfilled their mission of guiding you here.
Welcome, [player name], and your Aberration companions.
Now then, let me observe more of the variables this world has to offer.
I do hope you can all make it through the Mist and reach the finish line... where they await.
