Gestrig Academy
Your vision blurs as illusory images overlap. Having just ended the Deep M.I.N.D. connection with Jetavie, you need a moment to process the discomfort caused by the slight misalignment between your body and your consciousness.
You shake your head to clear the afterimages lingering on your retinas, barely managing to steady yourself.
Jetavie slumps nearby, breathing heavily. Her overextended assault has obliterated most of the Corrupted inside the academy, but an endless stream of them continues to appear beyond the walls.
You survey the surroundings, but the clown-like figure is nowhere to be seen.
While looking around, you catch sight of a Corrupted from the corner of your eye, using the corpses of its companions as stepping stones to climb over the high wall.
Before you can react, a low shriek pierces the air near your ear. The bullet flies swift and true, shattering the Corrupted as the shot rings out.
A dark line emerges from the tide of Corrupted, just as a communication signal chimes in your ear.
Squad G227 has reached the designated coordinates, [player name]. What's the situation on the ground?
You look up as the dark line comes into focus, materializing as small groups of human figures. They move with practiced coordination, tearing open a gap in the clustered mass of Corrupted.
Soon, these Task Force reinforcements break through into the academy.
As the two of you speak, a field medic approaches. They inject a serum that immediately brings your exhausted mind back into focus.
I've transferred squad command authority to your terminal, Commandant. Secure the area.
A large number of Corrupted are flooding the perimeter. I'm currently leading the soldiers in the conservation area to clear them out, and I'll join you as soon as possible.
Hm?
...
You keenly sense Lee's reluctance in his pauses and careful choice of words.
...G227 discovered an area that could be the source of the Corrupted while approaching your position.
And a high-energy signature escaping from the direction of the academy.
However, I recommend postponing any action against these two targets until I arrive.
...G227 doesn't have the capability to assault an area with such high Corrupted density. Dealing with both the source and that high-energy entity requires elite Constructs.
Jetavie lifts her hair to insert the power component provided by the Task Force into the back of her neck. Upon hearing the question, she raises her gun in a gesture of readiness.
No problem at all! As long as I have enough energy, I'm good to go!
A powerful infected mechanoid like "Gwynplaine" would wreak havoc on nearby conservation areas if it breaks free from control.
...
Go find the squad leader. He'll sync the map data with you.
If there's danger, don't be reckless. I'll leave now to rendezvous with you.
After ending the call, your gaze lands on Jetavie. She's still a bit unsteady on her feet, but has clearly regained some of her energy.
Finally... we meet again, Chosen One!
What kind of life have you been living in this world? Meeting me again is such a miracle...
I have so, so many things I want to tell you, and so, so many things I want to do with you.
But, before that...
Her smile slowly fades, replaced by an icy gaze fixed in the direction where the clown escaped.
Jetavie will eliminate every obstacle that dares to stand in our way, one by one.
I won't let anyone take you away from me ever again.
Now then, Chosen One, let's embark on a journey with me.
Following the trail Lee provided, Jetavie and you drive to a factory billowing with thick smoke.
Seemingly quite displeased with the excessive decor of this place, Jetavie pinches her nose and furrows her brow.
Hah... so this really is the source of the Corrupted...
Let's make this quick. I don't want to waste time I could be spending with you.
