Kurono Ground Research Base ■■
"War God" Prototype Activation Date
Several researchers in white lab coats dash hurriedly about, synchronizing constantly updating data to the hands of every supervisor up and down the chain of command.
Is something wrong? It's been half a day already.
Not too promising... but it's still the best result we've had since beginning tests on this batch of frames. In just half a day, her M.I.N.D. data synchronization progress has already reached 75%.
Most Constructs can't even hold up to 75%, and quite a few show tendencies to go berserk and haywire before reaching even half that.
The power system's major overhaul and the Inver-Device's Receptor is developed to an extreme degree... add everything up, and the demands on the M.I.N.D. are just too high.
Do you think she'll make it to the awakening phase?
...She will. Even if her hardware specs don't meet the standard, the "resilience" of her M.I.N.D. is worthy of our trust.
Let's trust that for now. After all, she is Kurono's "hound."
Following the eager gaze of the staff into the testing chamber, two crimson frames are visible, their eyes closed as they undergo adaptation to their new bodies.
"They" float in transparent liquid, unconsciously rotating slowly, with connection cables from their bodies tethered to larger equipment like umbilical cords.
Two identical faces face each other, an endless sea stretching between them as a mirror, reflecting each other in perfect synchrony.
...
BPN... 13...
Executing activation protocol... "Hound," time to wake up.
...
Can you hear me?
...
Vera nods slightly within the transparent chamber, her visual modules making slight movements as she begins to observe her surroundings.
It's a cold, heavily guarded isolation room, with people outside communicating with her remotely through devices installed within.
The entire world appears with a strange unfamiliarity, like a "dissociated" reality.
Do you remember what you're doing here?
She parts her lips, releasing a string of tiny bubbles as her vocal apparatus gradually begins to function normally.
...I'm undergoing... new frame adaptation...
The new frame is a special model, completely different from your previous Support type. Can you adapt to it?
...Currently... no sensation.
Good.
Wait, her M.I.N.D. isn't ready yet...
No, tests must be conducted under the most extreme conditions possible. There won't be a better opportunity than now.
Preliminary assessment indicates "Hound" is in good condition. Permission granted to begin baseline testing.
A male researcher outside the window insists on continuing the dialogue with her.
"Hound," focus on capturing key words.
"I was the shadow of the waxwing slain By the false azure in the window pane"
...Memorized.
Test Start.
"On the Punishing battlefield, sometimes you must <color=#ff4e4eff><b>kill</b></color> comrades infected by Punishing with your own hands. You approve of this practice."
She blinks gently.
Kill.
"After experiencing various battlefields, you believe you've developed psychological <color=#ff4e4eff><b>trauma</b></color>, or more severe symptoms of M.I.N.D. deviation."
...Trauma.
A wave of dizziness suddenly washes over her.
"While fighting for Kurono, you felt that everything might be <color=#ff4e4eff><b>false</b></color>."
...False.
"Your existence might also be <color=#ff4e4eff><b>false</b></color>."
...F... alse...
Her chest burns with heat, as if something inside has ignited on its own.
...Uhm...
Minor M.I.N.D. deviation detected!
What is this...?
She struggles to lift her head, noticing a device plugged into the chest of her new frame.
She tries to push through the viscous liquid to grab the device, desperately clawing at it to pry it out and discard it.
Only BPN-13 can withstand this modification. I can't allow you to rush her testing just to...
"You harbor resentment toward the world and everything around you. You decide to shatter the <color=#ff4e4eff><b>window</b></color>."
M.I.N.D. deviation levels exceeding controllable parameters! Terminate the test!
Terminate... tes... no.
"You harbor resentment toward the world and everything around you. You decide to shatter the <color=#ff4e4eff><b>window</b></color>."
Window...
Hah...!
She tears free from countless "umbilical cord" connections, fighting against the rage coursing through her entire body as she drives her fist into the center of the "transparent bubble."
Some observers scatter with screams, but many more display excitement as their ambition flares in response. The flames of ambition smolder in their eyes, reflecting both the cracks in the window... and the Construct's frenzied state.
Window... glass...
...!
Ha, hahaha!
Did you see that! The test...
IT'S A SUCCESS!
Data Synchronization Progress: 76%
...Aargh!
Vera suddenly falls into a daze. She stands motionless as her hands instinctively rise to cover her cheeks.
Memory data cycles through her mind in an instant. She closes her eyes, struggling to grasp reality—moments ago, Granny Wang had brought her back to Conservation Area 062, where she was attempting to transport the sample, and after that...
...after that, she barely got two sentences out before being interrupted by several young men and women who also came from the F.O.S. Military College. Then, the Corrupted suddenly launched their assault.
She lowers her hands and tries to open her eyes. After several seconds of blurred visual feedback, her visual module finally regains clarity.
...Phew.
(Why am I suddenly remembering my frame compatibility testing...)
(This frame is still far too unstable.)
Vera sweeps her spear sideways to take down a Corrupted, seemingly unaffected by the disturbance in her M.I.N.D.—or so it appears.
Shut up! I see it!
This unexpected Corrupted assault forces everyone onto a new battlefield.
Once again, Vera charges to the frontline. She thought it would be just like her past, fighting alone at the front.
But this time, surprisingly, several others manage to keep up with her.
"Hound," you and that high-ranking Commandant clear a path to the left!
Engines roaring, Granny Wang drives her vehicle straight into a mass of Corrupted—bringing along Kent, who's stepped up as a temporary replacement, and several young faces.
Vanessa leans halfway out of the roof hatch, using her earpiece to contact Vera who's not far ahead, while simultaneously shouting through an old-fashioned megaphone at the refugees behind them who are in complete disarray.
All armed personnel who can still move, grab your weapons and join Kent at the front! Everyone else, follow Granny Wang's directions and evacuate in an orderly fashion! I and—
What the hell are you saying? We both know these Corrupted are a different breed. Those weaklings who can barely hold their own on a normal day will just end up as cannon fodder if they charge to the front now!
Weaklings? Most people in this conservation area are indeed useless in the face of such an onslaught.
Vanessa frowns, repeating the word.
I suppose we can agree on that, but unfortunately, your thinking is too outdated to be useful right now.
You want to discuss tactics with me?
Vera raises her hand to cleave through a Corrupted lunging from her left—this frame's power and equipment represent Kurono's finest technology, and she wields it with practiced ease.
Don't flatter yourself. Why would I need tactical advice from a Construct? I haven't fallen that low yet.
If you manage to survive, then I might consider sparing you a glance.
...I was studying military tactics when presumptuous brats like you weren't even born yet!
Get lost! Go bother someone else! I don't need your help!
Vera kicks over another shrieking Corrupted. Her chest burns. These past few days of high-intensity battles have left her frame unusually "excited."
Vera's movements are too dramatic, yanking you off-balance.
Tch, another burden! You just had to tie us together with this rope—
As Vera yanks you into her arms, and you're forced to fire their weapon while swaying unsteadily—the bullet strikes directly into the core of a Corrupted lurking in the corner.
Like I care what you—Ungh!
Shut up!
There are still too many Corrupted. One that slipped through their defenses tears off a piece of Vera's bionic skin.
Huff... Why did you...
...That look in your eyes again... Ugh...!
<i>"Vera, wake up!"</i>
<i>"Faster, maintain the connection!"</i>
Rgh—!
Chaotic consciousness data flickers past like a rewinding tape—she has no idea where these data fragments are coming from, as if they've appeared out of nowhere.
What is happening... It's becoming more and more frequent!
Your concerned questions slip into her ear, yet all it does is spark irritation in her heart.
I need to... talk with you, after this is over, after I deal with all this...
But then current you, so very different from the "Little Commandant," suddenly speaks.
...Why?
...Then what should I do?
Why are you denying me? Why suddenly reject everything I've lived for... the principles I've used to survive since I was born?
What nonsense is this...
Trust who? Those clowns crashing around in the vehicle?
I don't belong with them! That bunch of fools running around with a loose screw in their heads!
...
If you can't keep up, just fall back on your own... disgraceful...
The noise in her earpiece becomes unbearable for Vera—she rips it off in one swift motion and flings it into the Corrupted horde, letting them tear and gnaw at it, shredding the young girl's cold voice to pieces.
Yet the metallic creaking of Corrupted bodies pressed together, the screams of refugees behind her, and the roaring of engines still flood her auditory module.
This is my battle and mine alone. Why should I even try relying on others?
As the Corrupted grow in number, her destructive urge rises like lava from a volcano.
The burning sensation in her chest returns.
I've had enough...
Ever since I met you, I've been dragged into this damn charade of having to pretend, to deceive... to play the "good person."
And wearing this mask, just to hide from you "righteous" types...
She flicks the mask off her face with the tip of her gun, grabs you, and fixes her garnet-red eyes on you, as if searching for answers in your gaze.
But she must admit, no matter how she looks at them, this is <color=#ff4e4eff><b>unmistakably the same person.</b></color>
...It is too late.
Let me make this perfectly clear. I am a Kurono Construct.
—How did the little Commandant react?
She tries to see clearly, but she's already starting to lose focus.
...This frame was deployed to the battlefield for the first time... so the mission was simple, just... find some documents and materials, and deliver them to the nearby base.
But when the Corrupted appeared, you just had to rush out and play hero... And I, tried to save you, wasted those materials on you and... Damn it all!
Great, now my frame's unstable, and I can't even... remember the initial test protocols...!
A faint reflection of herself seems to linger on the blurry window glass, preserved in her M.I.N.D., while beyond the spider web of cracks, unfamiliar yet agitated faces stare back at her.
But she can't remember anything more.
I understand now. I'm going Haywire.
While I'm still somewhat sane, cut this damn rope and regroup with those jokers in the back.
Our alliance, born of "naive goodwill" and "pitiful cause and effect"... ends here.
But she still takes one more look at you, along with the chaotic crowd bustling behind you.
...I can hold off the Corrupted up ahead for a little longer.
She places her hand on her chest, curling her fingers as if to pry something out from the center of her collarbones.
Once I pull out the "safety plug" from this frame, everything will end. Do you understand?
Before I completely go Haywire, you need to run to—
！
You heard everything she said, but before her final warning, you grabbed her wrist.
As you speak these words, Vera senses the "landing" of a Mind Beacon within her M.I.N.D.
Why should I trust you???
What's the point...
Vera is familiar with this emerging technology, and her frame is equipped with a system to connect with Mind Beacons, but she still feels uncomfortable—it's like allowing someone to peek into her mental world, which feels very strange.
Mmm...
But the Mind Beacon lands anyway, plunging into her M.I.N.D., attempting to calm the raging tempest within.
Her memory data is being retrieved in a "fumbling" manner—she can feel that you are inexperienced with M.I.N.D. connections, clumsily "stumbling through" her past experiences, trying to find anything that might be useful.
...Should I trust you?
I... can't remember clearly...
It's... ■■■murdered■■■■■shadow... ■■■window glass■■false■■...
The vast expanse of her M.I.N.D. envelops the beacon, and you... or rather, the person you are now, cannot find the answers in time.
*Crackle*
A stubborn, ill-timed burst of static suddenly comes through your earpiece.
You guys are... Hey... Did "Hound" mess with the comm device...
We've successfully evacuated many refugees from the rear. Are you guys at the front still alive?
You've done well. Just hang in there for ten more seconds and...
9, 8, 7...
Let me explain! Prepare for impact! The explosion will begin approximately 30 meters ahead of your position!
4, 3...
...What's with that gaudy humanoid figure up ahead?
Something's wrong! Why is it coming towards us? Granny Wang, didn't you say—
Woof?! Woof woof! Woof-awooooo!!
(Howls frantically.)
On the other end of the communication, Granny Wang seems to have lit a cigarette, her arm casually resting on the steering wheel as she lets out a long sigh.
...Oh my, that kid is still quite unreliable.
The next moment—
A burst of colorful smoke suddenly rises, and before anyone can react, the bombardment begins.
A violent gust blows Vera's hair forward, strands wildly slapping against her face.
...!
The surrounding Corrupted are sent flying, giving Vera a brief reprieve.
You desperately cling to Vera to avoid being blown away, while the powerful explosive force has already lifted those behind you into the air—
Just in time!
！！
Sigh...
(Remains silent, only lighting her cigarette.)
Woof!
(Barks joyfully.)
Before they crash to the ground, a flexible whip lashes out from the extravagant colored smoke, wrapping around everyone and placing them "safely enough" in a secure location.
Hehe! Everyone's saved!
A vibrantly colored young woman "descends from the sky," drumming and singing to herself as if completely oblivious to the chaotic battlefield around her.
Boom boom boom, clang clang clang, in the MOST dire hour of need, here comes the MOST powerful Construct descending from the heavens!
What a tremendous feat! Quick, give your thanks to the great LE-IA- the legendary Hero! Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Simon collapses into a sitting position on the ground, adjusting his glasses which have lost half their lenses.
So this is who Granny Wang mentioned... the... special... Construct temporarily stationed in Conservation Area 062?
Leia descends from above like an angel, breaking through the Corrupted's encirclement.
She and Vera, both Constructs, have been fighting fiercely on the frontlines for a long time, finally securing the crucial time needed for the evacuation of Conservation Area 062.
Only after confirming that most civilians had been evacuated from the conservation area did Vera, with Leia's support, retreat from the frontlines with the humans. Together, they joined the tail end of the refugee column.
Granny Wang's small pickup truck was destroyed by Leia's indiscriminate explosions, forcing her to drive a large transport vehicle at the front instead. The rest of those still able to move are "relegated" to the back of the line, advancing on foot.
Everyone can tell that Vera is not in good shape.
According to you, she has endured numerous hardships lately, exceeding her frame's load capacity, resulting in symptoms of M.I.N.D. deviation.
She used to wear a mask, acting all mysterious and secretive, but now she doesn't hide anything at all.
...
Hmph, what was the point of charging so far ahead? In the end, you still had to be carried back by everyone, didn't you?
"Hound" urgently needs rest and maintenance, but it's only a matter of time before the Corrupted catch up. For now, escape remains our top priority.
And so... the current scene is somewhat difficult to describe: a Construct's weight far exceeds that of normal humans, so the main responsibility of carrying her falls to Leia, who is also a Construct, while the humans insist on walking alongside them, lending their support.
Vanessa frowns and pinches her nose, examining Leia for a good while before speaking sharply.
I heard you're not a Babylonia soldier, you're just a Construct attached to Granny Wang?
Hmm... I'd like to experience life in Babylonia, but I still have some unfinished business, so I'm putting it off for now.
Besides, Granny Wang is amazing! When she and Shepherd found me, I was dead set on following her! She provides frame maintenance parts, all kinds of supplies, and she's someone who always has my back no matter what I want to do...
...Granny Wang really raised herself a good dog. It's rare to find someone who can be ordered around so easily with just a bone.
Huh? Are you talking about me?
Leia, who was just compared to "a good dog taking orders," bewilderedly points to the tip of her nose. With her movement, Vera nearly falls off her back.
See? I was right to tell you to help support "Hound." We can't rely on just Leia.
Speaking of "Hound"... what exactly is her background?
Vanessa points at Vera, getting to the heart of the matter.
I don't believe you. Give me an explanation.
Give me an explanation.
Impossible. That's your responsibility, so don't force the burden on others. We'll decide after we return.
I heard you attempted the newest Mind Beacon connection with her without authorization? At most, you only practiced on simulators back in F.O.S. Weren't you afraid you might kill her?
You don't finish your sentence, but the image of Vera desperately clawing at the device on her collarbone remains vividly fresh in everyone's mind.
...It's hard not to suspect you two have something on each other.
Hey, "Hound," stop pretending you can't hear me. I've studied the clinical symptoms of Construct M.I.N.D. disruption, I know you can still hear what I'm saying.
Vera slightly opens her eyes in response. Unfortunately, her visual module is as blurry as a human experiencing a concussion. After briefly glancing at her surroundings, another wave of dizziness forces her to close her eyes again.
So what brilliant insights do you have now.
I already said, I haven't sunk so low as to discuss tactics with a Construct. But if you're lucky enough to survive, I might deign to give you a moment of my attention.
Do you still think your theory is correct?
...
Your tactics have an excessively individualistic style. Do you believe that as long as you alone can hold the line, everyone else should be classified as assets who should just stand behind you and be protected?
It's embarrassingly obvious how old you are. Only the Golden Age could produce such a mindset—brimming with that dazzling ideal of individual heroism.
But times have changed, and what we've learned is completely different.
In complex ground environments, protecting everyone is impossible. The correct approach is to sacrifice some expendables while preserving the essential personnel.
Almost forgot about you.
Vanessa points mockingly at the rope binding Vera and you at the waist.
One's a pitiful relic from the Golden Age with a head full of laughable traditional heroism; the other's a delusional innocent, foolishly trying to trade the most worthless sacrifice for honor in this apocalypse.
You two really are cut from the same cloth. No wonder you're tethered together on the same rope.
...
Rest assured, once we're back in Babylonia, I'll report issues of your misconduct to our superiors in full detail, your inappropriate attire, ideological distortion, malicious competition...
Vera begins a retort, then falls silent mid-sentence as memories from her past surface.
—But it's enough to make Vanessa's skin crawl.
I can also ensure that neither you nor that idealistic Commandant ever make it back to Babylonia. You can both rot down here on the surface instead.
Big talk. I'll say it again, you're welcome to try...
As the tension between Vera and Vanessa sharpens to a razor edge, a colorful figure suddenly slides into view, studying both women through the gap in their standoff.
With her back to Vera, she studies both of their sour expressions from below, with exaggerated, theatrical interest.
Oh my goodness! Two women with such vicious tongues appearing at the same time!
Is this how everyone from Babylonia talks? Perhaps it's some kind of fashion trend? So sophisticated!
It's not your place to butt in, you tasteless, chaotic dork.
Here you go again...
Simon, pale-faced, closes his eyes once again. As an injured member, he should be in the vehicle, but severe motion sickness forced him to walk instead, returning to this "shattered" F.O.S. squad.
Don't think you're in the clear just because you're with Granny Wang now. Once I graduate, we'll have plenty of chances to meet again. You'd better pray you never fall into my hands.
...What are you going to do to me?
I'll make sure you're the first one I send in for a complete makeover, head to toe, to get rid of that tacky style of yours.
That's it?
？
Wonderful! The young lady from Babylonia is truly generous!
Far from being intimidated by the warning, the peculiar character excitedly drew closer instead.
[player name], be my witness—once I finish my business and go to Babylonia to join the elites, I'll seek out Lady Vanessa there!
...?
Leia and Vanessa simultaneously jerk their chins forward—one can't free her hands, while the other can't be bothered to lift a finger.
In the transport vehicle up ahead, under the watch of that useless "acting supervisor" Kent.
Don't worry, I've got that criminal wrapped up tighter than a mummy.
"Criminal"? Are you certain of his guilt? Did he confess?
He just mumbled nonsense for ages, babbling about being some "messenger of the gods" and the "true purpose of Punishing"... Obviously he's just a lunatic with delusions of grandeur.
...Is this the... "researcher" who left early that you all mentioned before?
Vera forces her heavy eyelids open, looking toward the large transport vehicle not far ahead. A sense of foreboding rises within her.
Like...
The cause of the leak is still unknown, but they discovered that someone left the research facility right before the virus leaked out. That person has now completely disappeared.
Leia left the moment she received the news.
Yes, we've already sent a Construct to find the person who left earlier, hoping to uncover some clues from them. She hasn't returned yet, but we're not just twiddling our thumbs either.
Like on that final night of the Golden Age during the raging blizzard, an eerie red flash briefly appeared in the distance beyond the windows of the military hospital.
Something isn't right.
Vera begins to struggle on Leia's back.
Huh? You want to get down? Are you sure you can walk?
I didn't take Kent's explanation seriously at first... because I couldn't believe a mere researcher could cause such a massive crisis—it's simply impossible. Someone must be backing him.
But if this is true... if Leia really manages to capture the target...
That night, she opened the window. A couple of snowflakes drifted onto the back of her hand, their iciness accompanying her vigilance.
It's snowing.
Now, a few snowflakes drift onto Vera's eyelashes—it's snowing again.
If... he's truly suspected of causing something this massive, then detaining and interrogating him should be our top priority...
Vera locks her gaze on the transport vehicle ahead, loaded with elderly and vulnerable civilians, as her fingers reach for the weapon on her back.
She knows the melting snow will turn to mud, making this desperate winter escape even more difficult. This struggling convoy cannot withstand another attack.
You draw a handgun with barely any ammunition left and decide to scout ahead.
...First tell me everything you know about that person...!
Umm... he's a very gaunt old man...
Thinking about it now, it was pretty scary. When I found him, he was even humming a tune...
Alert! We have a situation!
There's gunfire at Transport Vehicle #3. Kent is on that vehicle, but he's not responding. I'll lead the other vehicles away while you get over there now—
Suddenly, everyone's communication systems activate simultaneously as Kent's channel opens on its own.
Besides the disturbing screams, everyone also hears the voice of an old man humming a tune.
Including Vera, everyone hears that song.
{226|153|170}~
{226|153|170}~
What song is that?
I made it up. Don't worry about it.
Leia seems completely insulated from the approaching danger, still innocently reciting the mission target's name.
His name is...
...Hay·nes...!!
