Data Synchronization Progress: 55%
In a corner of a ruined street, a woman trembles as she holds up a handgun, aiming at the Corrupted rapidly approaching from a distance.
Stay back! Aim... aim...
She seems to be trying to intimidate the Corrupted with her weapon, but quickly realizes what a pointless gesture it is.
She takes half a step back—only to feel her calf brush against a shivering little girl.
！
Mommy... it's coming... and that big brother hasn't contacted us either...
The woman stops retreating.
Run... run now! Mommy will catch up soon!
I'm too scared!
There's nothing to be afraid of! Go now!
Grrrrr!
The Corrupted swiftly closes in on the mother and daughter—the pitch-black shadow rapidly expanding in the reflection of her pupils.
！！！
The woman suppresses a scream as she raises her gun, finger tensing on the trigger.
Get down!!
A red blur lunges forward, tackling both of them to the ground.
And then, an explosion erupts right in front of them.
As the dust settles, the woman coughs a couple of times before finally understanding what just happened:
A red-haired female Construct rises from the ground, dusts herself off, and casually takes the gun from the woman's hand.
I'm confiscating this gun. It'll be more useful in the hands of someone who knows how to use it.
No! Give it back!
The woman instinctively reaches for it—in these chaotic and dangerous times, that gun is their last means of protection.
Tch, I knew I shouldn't get involved in these annoying "clean-up" operations... I can't be bothered to explain. Let that person do the talking.
Little Commandant!
The Construct irritably jerks her chin toward the human beside her.
You are wearing a hospital gown, looking like someone who escaped from a medical facility. Alarming swathes of bandages cover your abdomen and face.
Got that clear? Still thinking whether we're saviors or bandits? If you can tell the difference, shut up and follow us. I'm only generous once a day.
Babylonia... You're also from Babylonia?
You saw other people from Babylonia?
Hearing some key information from the woman, Vera looks over vigilantly.
...Well...
Please, you must save those two people as well!
！
The woman suddenly lunges toward Vera, firmly gripping her arm.
There's a young man who's been helping us escape... but he has an important mission, and the researcher with him is in trouble too... Anyway, he's stuck here now!
No, forget it, I can't explain properly! He should still be behind that building, I can take you to him!
He said he's from Babylonia! He's with F.O.S. College!
Operating on the ground, which feels infinitely more vast and desolate than Babylonia, suddenly hearing this familiar term brings the comfort of home to you.
But Vera obviously doesn't share this sentiment.
I refuse to get involved in unnecessary complications. All I care about is you, little Commandant.
If he were still alive, he would've already shown up here with them, rather than giving away his own gun.
Vera tosses the gun she took from the woman to you—its shape and markings clearly identify it as F.O.S. standard issue.
Let go of me. Don't touch me.
Vera shakes the woman's hands off her arm.
You stare into Vera's eyes, who's waiting for your response. As she does, you search her gaze for a more fitting reason.
You can't help but recall a "memory diary" entry that you personally recorded in your terminal. It documents an incident from one night at the temporary medical post, when she fell asleep beside your sickbed.
Then speak. A "temporary Commandant" is still a Commandant, so make your decision.
Hmph, look who's acting high and mighty. You'd better make the right decision, or I'll sew that mouth of yours shut.
You'd better—
Someone with a gaping hole in their stomach can say such things? I think the painkillers haven't worn off yet.
Those reasons alone won't convince me—why don't you look in the mirror and see that self-righteous expression of yours? I think you just want to play hero, just like when you saved that mother and daughter.
Those reasons alone won't convince me—why don't you look in the mirror and see that self-righteous expression of yours? I think you just want to play hero, just like when you saved that mother and daughter.
Vera looks extremely displeased.
(Just like when you inexplicably rushed out to save me that time.)
I've met a few people with that "natural" sense of duty and justice, and you're just like them. I'm curious, was it your environment that shaped you this way?
Tell me, what's your reason for making these choices?
...Hah, what nauseating, idiotic words.
Well, sorry to disappoint, but we're complete opposites—when I don't have full control of a situation, I never hesitate to assume the absolute worst of others.
Vera suddenly places her blade against the woman's neck, right over her artery.
！
Listen up, little Commandant: if you want to be a hero, you'll have to bear the consequences alone. I'm not willing to carry you—at least not right now.
Let's split up, but stay in touch. Since you're so brave, follow that mother and daughter. Maybe you really can save that person from F.O.S. College.
I'm kind enough to hold off the Corrupted for you, but only for half an hour at most. If you haven't brought back any "good news" after that time, I'll abandon everyone without hesitation.
Oh, and one more thing...
Vera fixes a threatening stare on the mother and daughter, then taps her ear pointedly.
I've seen plenty of "refugees" over the years who act weak but are actually wolves in sheep's clothing. Don't try anything clever. If I hear anyone disobeying, I'll hunt you down and slaughter you, no matter where you run.
...
Is that clear to everyone?
Vera taps the woman's neck with the flat of her blade, while pointing the other end directly at her temporary Commandant.
Meanwhile, a bomber aircraft sweeps across the sky overhead, its ominous sound detected by Vera's sensitive auditory module.
...Tch, what rotten luck. The Corrupted are already catching up to us.
What are you waiting for? Everyone move, now!
