Underground Castle
Night
...Alright, that's the last one tied up.
Kamui tugs at the knots, making sure his captives won't slip free no matter how hard they struggle.
He glances around the room. Bound figures lie scattered across the floor, each one secured moments ago.
...They must be from the group she took seven years ago.
After all, Gecko Tail had tons of test subjects to work with. Even if they burned through a bunch already, there's still plenty left over.
After leaving the farmhouse, Kamui and you picked up a trail just as expected. Following it led you to this hidden underground castle on the outskirts of town.
It was clearly Marlis' new base for her schemes, sprawling far wider than expected, as equipment from the old facility seven years ago lined the walls.
As you ventured deeper into the rooms, you encountered the Tails.
Return... Obey...?
The Tails showed no signs of aggression, their motionless state making it clear that they were not of sound mind. But when Kamui and you tried to slip past them, they suddenly blocked the exit as if being commanded.
Defeating the Tails would take too long, and neither of you had the heart to hurt them anyway. So Kamui quickly tied them all up, keeping them out of your way without causing harm.
Ngh...? Uhh...
The Tail closest to them clearly registers your question. He lifts his head slowly, staring blankly at you with unfocused eyes.
The Tail freezes for a long while before slowly shaking his head, but he offers no verbal answer to your question.
Can't... go... can't...
Ahead... dangerous... can't go...
Forget it, [player name]. We won't get anything out of them.
They're Severed Tails, forcibly cut off from their Forbidden Chains. Their minds are deteriorating, so...
Kamui locks eyes with the Tail for a brief moment, then falls silent. He lowers his head, unable to finish his thought.
Just like their namesake, the Severed Tails... have outlived their usefulness to their masters. They're disposable appendages to be severed and discarded.
When Tails show disobedience or weakness, Marlis would deem them defective. She'd sever their Forbidden Chains to their masters and leave them to waste away on their own.
...We find Marlis and shut down this whole Gecko Tail operation for good.
If we can cut off her power at the source, maybe they can break free from her control.
Tap... tap... tap...
While you talk, you hear distinct footsteps approaching from nearby. Kamui raises a finger to his lips, signaling you to stay quiet before moving in front of you cautiously, weapon at the ready.
...
The sources of the footsteps finally emerge. Walking into the room, they reveal their faces beneath the dim light, and you know them all too well.
Duke Chrome, devoted servant of the people. Wanshi, the royal physician known for his charity work. Captain Camu, the incorruptible sheriff. They are all regular clients and trusted collaborators of your agency.
You move to approach them for answers, but they all remain silent, their expressions vacant and unresponsive.
They're... Wait, something's not right!
[player name]! Get back! They're not who you think they are!
The three figures lunge at you without warning, throwing themselves at you.
Kamui reacts just in time, yanking you out of harm's way.
Ngh... Urgh...!!!
The three of them can't react fast enough, tumbling to the ground in a heap. After a brief pause, they slowly struggle back to their feet.
Order... Order...
Capture...!
—Haargh!
Kamui blocks the trio's second assault without hesitation. Their attacks are just as sluggish as their movements, and they are barely a threat at all.
Yet Kamui is holding back for some reason. Rather than ending this quickly like he would with any other enemy, he only uses his greatsword to keep them at bay, refusing to strike back.
The situation is far from ideal, but at least it remains more or less under control for now. Kamui holds his ground, forcing himself to focus and figure out his next move, but...
Received... order... order... capture...
Must... obey... must not... disobey...
The Tails who have been listless and lifeless begin to stir. A few have even slipped out of their restraints, creeping closer to the two of you.
Kamui quickly realizes he is being ambushed. Knowing what you are about to do, he stops you from continuing.
—No! [player name]! Don't shoot!
In his panic, Kamui loses his grip on the three, and they seize the opening and break free. But you are both surprised by what happens next—the expected attack never comes.
Capture...? No...
"Camu" moves faster. He circles around behind Kamui, but instead of attacking, he turns his weapon on the Tail trying to ambush Kamui, blocking the strike.
Capture... protect...
Protect... keep safe...
"Chrome" and "Wanshi" follow his lead. They charge straight at the incoming Tails, tackling them to the ground and pinning them in place before they can make another move.
What—?!
Keep going... move forward... get to the end...
Go... hurry... go now...
Kamui lowers his weapon and looks at the three of them. After a long pause, he makes his choice, taking your hand and moving forward.
...We're out of time. Finding Marlis comes first. [player name], let's move!
Once we're done with all this... we'll come back for them!
Your footsteps echo through the empty halls as you two race forward, searching for your enemy in a race against time.
Hearing your question, Kamui falters for a moment, but the hesitation doesn't last. He answers quickly.
...They're all Tails. The whole Gecko Tail thing revolves around you, so people you know probably got added to the list too.
They might've even kept the original memories. That's probably why they... couldn't go through with attacking you. Why they tried to help us instead.
...Once this is over, I'll help you get them out of here.
Sensing that his words might have come off a bit cold, Kamui quickly follows up.
...I know they're good people. I've run into them before because of you.
Your friends are my friends. I'll look after them just the same.
...My answer's the same, [player name].
None of that matters anymore.
First things first, we gotta take care of the dangers around you—
—AAARRRGGGHHH!!!
An agonizing scream from down the path draws both of your attentions immediately. It is the kind of scream that can only be caused by brutal torture.
Up ahead! That's gotta be them!
Azael! Hang on, I'm coming!
