Watanabe: Epitaph

It's been a while, Commandant... or comrade, if you prefer the Forsaken's way.

It never hurts to gather more strength.

The Forsaken doesn't need ranks to differentiate ourselves, but your acknowledgment is indeed appreciated.

The effort today shall pay off in the future.

Honing my combat skills? I'd be glad to have a discussion on that subject.

Decent balance, quality, and tenacity... Don't be so surprised. I know about more than just wielding daggers.

It never hurts to gather more strength.

The Forsaken doesn't need ranks to differentiate ourselves, but your acknowledgment is indeed appreciated.

The effort today shall pay off in the future.

Honing my combat skills? I'd be glad to have a discussion on that subject.

Decent balance, quality, and tenacity... Don't be so surprised. I know about more than just wielding daggers.

I shall repay your trust with victories.

Comrades, march with me!

Mission accomplished. It's downtime now, right?

I've known a lot of people and bid farewell to many more since the Golden Age. Even those who knew the names of the dead are gone.

Is Sh... Is Noan still with you? I see. Feel free to bring him over sometime.

I haven't seen Nanami for a long time, either. Whenever she appears, chaos reigns over our base... If she shows up again, what do you say we serve her some mint tea? Perhaps that will tame her a bit.

The connection between Constructs and humans? I was asked a similar question before Nigel, and my answer remains unchanged—it's the same soul in a different vessel; old wine in a new bottle.

Most of us are just a grain of sand in the grand scheme of history. Though insignificant, we still carry our own weight.

The greatest cost of progress isn't your own life but the lives of others. That's why... every decision matters. That's something I always remind myself.

There's this not-so-old saying in the desert that goes, "While cold and darkness linger on, the fire burns bright until the dawn; as long as a comrade needs our aid, bullets must be loaded, unafraid."

Bruce, Cyril, Zong... These names will leave no marks in history, but they are here, always.

Rumors may contain some truth, and the truth may be worse than the rumors, but everyone deserves to know the truth. To those in the know, the challenge is how to guide the people toward acceptance and action.

There are many overwhelming powers in this world, but they never really belong to anyone. We should not fear those who appear strong and think them invincible, nor should we belittle those who seem weak, for their true strength and significance may surprise us.

I used to believe that it was fine to sacrifice my life as long as it could end this darkness. Only later did I realize that such thinking was wishful and arrogant. While heroes are important, what will get us through this calamity is the spirit that encourages everyone to join the fight and inspires them to become heroes themselves.

While death may be the gentlest release from life, and it may seem cruel to hope that people can survive such hardship... we must respect the unwavering determination of those who refuse to give in to the ease of death.

Each age has conspirators but also solidarity and courage. When we despise darkYou see conspirators in any era, but also the spirit of unity and courage. We must not deny the light while we condemn the dark.

I have told enough of my stories. Isn't it your turn now? No, this is not about being fair. I'm genuinely interested in getting to know you better.

It may appear to others that we represent different factions and thus must sit at opposite ends of the negotiating table. But I want to let you know that... at Oasis, we welcome all our comrades, and I will always welcome you.

It's cold outside. Come in and have a seat.

Hm... I can't deny I've missed this.

You wish to hear about my past? No... there's nothing I'm unwilling to share. It's just that only when reminiscing do I realize how quickly time has passed. Please, have a seat, for there's much to tell.

Don't underestimate the rations. I'll teach you how to make it better. Mix it with the side dishes, like this... Try it now.

Teach you how to cook? But I only know simple dishes for a big group. Perhaps Liv or Lucia would be better suited for the task. But since you asked... Give me some time to prepare, and be warned—I'm a strict teacher.

How did you manage to find this many? It should've gone out of production already... It's been produced again? I see... Glad to hear it.

Compared to when the Great Evacuation first ended, the people on the surface now have a much better impression of Babylonia. I believe this is due to the proactive efforts of individuals like you.

A rare miso seasoning packet... Do you want to try it with me, Commandant?

Please visit often if you can. I'm not the only one among the Forsaken who wants to see you. Alas... You don't seem to be fully aware of your own popularity.

You can have this harmonica. Rest assured, it is still unopened and can't be misconstrued as a bribe from the Forsaken.

The sunrise in the desert holds a unique beauty. I can attest to this from having witnessed it many times before. The sun is about to rise again in just a few minutes, and I find myself in good company, eager to experience the familiar scenery with newfound appreciation.

While many may wish for you to be one of the Forsaken, I believe that anyone who fights for the same cause is our comrade.

When I was a student? So you didn't see the... Ahem, never mind. Don't give me that "just this once" look... Fine, just this once. No one else can know, alright?

Do you still have the harmonica I gave you last time? Someone gave me sheet music for a duet, and I thought we could try playing it together. It's okay if you don't know how to play. I'd be happy to teach you step by step.

In my dreams, I still occasionally find myself walking toward that door where Bruce and the others were, but I always feel something pulling me back from behind. I'm not talking about the remnants of the M.I.N.D. connection, but the bond between you and me.

Why do I care for you so much? Since I'm considered a veteran, isn't it natural for me to look after a new recruit? You didn't work hard just to hide behind me... You make a fair point. Then, can I trust you to watch my back, Commandant?

It's important to balance work and rest. Taking a short break won't be seen as slacking off by anyone.

It seems like you've been quite busy lately. Would you like me to share some tips for refreshing yourself?

If you find yourself unable to concentrate, why not take a break and try something else? I'll still be here when you return.

If you ever find yourself in trouble, don't hesitate to talk to me... The same goes for me, you say? Heh... well then, I appreciate your support in advance.

Can't believe you fell asleep in a place like this. If someone else sees you, you'll have to go through the trouble of explaining yourself again... Where's the blanket... Here it is. Heh. Reckless.

Does Babylonia depend on you alone to keep running?

Taking on everything by yourself can also mean neglecting others, so consider delegating some of the tasks at hand when you're too busy.

Someone's schedule seems fully packed. Would you like my help? I don't mean the tasks assigned to you by Babylonia, but rather to help relieve your fatigue.

Here's some interesting trivia: the focal length of a Construct's field of vision can be freely adjusted, so we don't experience vision loss... For the sake of your eyes, get some rest.

I know that persuasion doesn't work on you, and I can't help you with the Babylonia matters, but at least stay here for a nap after you finish all your work.

Good morning. What's the matter this time?

Let me take a look at the collaboration task this time... Seems fair enough.

It's my turn to be on duty today. You too? What a lovely coincidence.

Since you're here, would you mind signing this? The children in the base were asking for your autograph. To them, you are like a heroic protagonist from a manga, I guess.

Want a non-alcoholic drink? I assure you it can help relax your mind just the same.

You're back? Well, for me, there's no such thing as waiting too long.

You can talk to me if you have something on your mind, and I'm happy to share my thoughts with you too. Everyone should have someone they can confide in, and for me, that person is you.

What do you do when you're away? I also have my own matters to attend to, of course. We can only secure a better future by working on the present, don't you agree?

You're up? You seem to have had a good dream by the look on your face. No need to feel embarrassed. Although I haven't had any dreams in a while, I do often dream of a secure future. Turning such a dream into reality is what we are working toward, isn't it?

No need to waste your effort. This is nothing compared to pilot training.

Are you trying to see if I'm rusty as a pilot?

I've told you many times. This is... Ugh! Don't tell me you've dedicated your time to honing your shaking skills.

Watch out! This frame still has some edges that need to be polished. Don't cut yourself.

I have turned off my tactile sensor, so no matter how many times you poke me... Fine, I admit defeat. There's no such function.

You won't stop even if I ask nicely, will you? Well then, looks like it's time to test those dodging skills I taught you.

I really wonder about the driving source of your overwhelming energy.

A new battlefield shall witness a fresh victory.

This dispute is to be settled.

Challenges are always welcome.

I'm more than ready.

Hard work pays off.

Now or never!

Never give up!

Here, we pave the way forward!

This is the strength of an unwavering will!

I no longer fear death.

Aargh... Don't worry about me.

This is not where I fall.

It's... up to you now...

As part of the strategy, I shall be at your call.

Eyes on the target!

Come on... It's not our style to stop now.