ER12-26 EX - Cliff
<i>"You're not a hero, you don't pretend to be a hero, you're not even worthy of being called a fake hero.</i>
<i>...</i>
<i>You're like a rabbit sewn inside a bull's carcass,</i>
<i>suffocating in there, yet starving all the same,</i>
<i>surrounded by all that fresh meat, yet craving real food."</i>
Ascendant Gabriel took Lloyd... no, half of Lloyd's skull, which miraculously preserved part of his M.I.N.D.
Gabriel found a dilapidated old frame and spent nearly a month gradually "reconstructing" Lloyd.
At first, Lloyd remained unresponsive, lost in the overwhelming grief of suddenly losing his companions.
Once his voice module connected successfully, Lloyd "awoke from his trance" and immediately began cursing the Ascendant who had destroyed everything.
But Gabriel ignored him, blocking Lloyd's voice module and continuing to focus intently on his creation.
When his upper limb circuits connected successfully, Lloyd reached out to strangle Gabriel, only to be pinned to the frame by metal spikes.
By the time his lower limb connection was complete, it had been exactly 33 days.
Lloyd seemed to have abandoned any thoughts of escape. He remained silent while pinned to the frame, allowing Gabriel to reposition him once more.
You may speak now. Your noise was too loud earlier and interfered with my creative process, so I had to quiet you down.
...
Then I'll ask the first question.
You've clearly passed the Ascension-Network's filtering process. Why won't you simply comply and join?
...I witnessed you kill them with my own eyes. Do you really think I would ever join forces with you?
Why not? They were wrong, and the "old world" you despise is actually right. I stand on the side of truth.
I refuse to discuss such revolting notions of right and wrong with you.
Avoidance isn't the answer. Sooner or later, you'll have no choice but to face these truths.
I've observed that project in Las Prados. The "built-in blocking system" inside your body is more correct than Babylonia's current "Inver-Device."
By the way, I admire the Las Prados project's spirit of exploration and willingness to embrace sacrifice. Those principles are truly commendable.
If you allow yourself to drift with the current, swept away by the tide of changing worlds, you'll only end up as another sacrifice to the waves.
Only by building a sanctuary with your own hands and leading your loved ones to a mountain of your own can everyone find a true shelter and home.
I've personally witnessed all you've been through, yet you still refuse to see the truth.
Lloyd, let me summarize for you—you're dull in comfort, hesitant before action, and blind during execution. You've accomplished nothing. You're pitifully wrong about everything.
Beat it.
...
You're too impatient. Don't you want to extract more truths from me?
...What exactly have you turned me into?
Lloyd struggles as he feels the Punishing Virus flowing across his frame.
You refused the Ascension-Network's invitation, yet I've still generously granted you the privilege of coexisting with the Punishing Virus.
No need to thank me. I simply don't want to miss out on someone with talent. From today, you're free to go wherever you want, but this coexistence with the Punishing Virus won't fade until you truly see the "new world" for what it is.
Gabriel removes the spikes from Lloyd's body as he speaks.
Oh, and you'd better not get caught by humans, or else you'll...
Lloyd has no intention of listening to this madman. The moment his restraints are removed, he staggers to his feet and frantically runs away.
Gabriel watches as Lloyd's figure disappears into the distance.
...While you were unaware, they've already thoroughly studied your internal blocking system and used it to evolve their military forces.
Do you think your precious "new world" will still welcome someone like you? You're about to be swept away by the tide once again, Lloyd.
You're about to be swept away by the tide once again, Lloyd.
Wenke! Captain!
Is anyone there?!
He stumbles back to where his entire team was wiped out, but it's been over a month since Gabriel took him away. Even the bodies have long been buried.
Something must still be here...
He digs frantically through the sand, finding only a single piece of leg armor that belonged to Francis.
Nothing remains...
He gently caresses the lone remnant and sinks to the ground.
I grew attached to the Gray Mako Squad from the old world, and all that's left is a piece of Mako-2's shoulder armor. I grew attached to my Babylonia team in this new world, and all that's left is a piece of Francis's leg armor.
...Wasn't it supposed to be the Punishing Virus's fault? All of it?
I escaped from Madam Monzano's false "Eden Type III" because I wanted to survive, I wanted everyone to survive.
I never asked to be a leader, let alone a "hero"... Yes, I avoided that responsibility, but was that alone so wrong?
Why am I punished just for being swept along by the tide?
...Is the Punishing Virus really to blame?
Lloyd's gaze dims.
Ahead—help—
...!
Suddenly, he hears a call from nearby, catching a Babylonia signal—he must cling to this hope like driftwood in a flood.
Where are you?!
Search Mission—
Lloyd takes off running once again, clinging to hope.
At the end of his run, he finds a barely breathing Construct. Their injuries are severe, but not beyond salvation.
Requesting support...
I'm here!
Lloyd reaches out to pull the Construct from the sand, but freezes when he spots the nameplate on its chest.
Are you... "L-l-o-y-d"?
*cough*... Yes, I am... Lloyd. Please help me... perform... Recall.
The safety lock... is disabled. Just help me press this... and I can... transfer back... to Babylonia.
Under Lloyd's puzzled gaze, the Construct points to a button-like mechanism on its body.
...Impossible. Hasn't it only been a little over a month...? True Recall... that's something that shouldn't be possible yet...
Don't worry, we'll all use this method to... return to the battlefield.
...
Why are you using my name? Why are you trying to comfort me with lies?
...Huh?
The power core of the brand-new "Lloyd" gradually dims, but its Punishing detector clings to life, emitting a shrill alarm when Lloyd draws near.
High concentration of Punishing... That's not right... What are you really?!
I am... Lloyd!
...
The dying Construct says nothing more, but suddenly bursts with strength, raising its weapon to impale Lloyd's body—a Banner Spear.
AAARGH!!!
No! Trust me, the way I am now... this frame full of Punishing, it's all because of someone called Gabriel...
Lloyd doesn't resist, merely gripping the Banner Spear with his hands as he explains with an almost sorrowful tone.
But the dying Construct has no chance to hear his explanation, its final attack seemingly accelerating its own death. The power core dims completely, emitting one last muffled sound.
No...
It shouldn't have this name, how could it have this name...
Lloyd tears the nameplate from the remains and examines its personal belongings.
! This is... my notebook?
Lloyd finds his notebook—the pages are well-preserved, even covered with fresh protective film.
He gently opens it to find his own handwritten records of Babylonia—a testament to the peaceful year he spent there.
Since escaping the false Babylonia, he'd questioned everything around him, constantly seeking information to verify that what he saw was real. He'd asked about Babylonia's history and inquired about the lives of every passerby.
Lloyd cradles the notebook in his hands. He'd lost the ability to mourn himself, but now clearly realizes—someone has been continuing his existence.
...
In the next moment, the terminal still attached to the remains activates once more.
From it comes yet another unfamiliar male voice, but the words spoken are exactly the same.
Lloyd here. Approaching target...
...
He doesn't answer again. A new Lloyd is about to arrive, while the real Lloyd chooses to leave.
After that, the windblown sands continue to rage for a long time.
So long that even the last "Lloyd" met his end at the hands of that red-haired Construct; so long that even Gabriel has vanished without a trace; so long that even the armor remnants of old friends have been completely eroded by the windblown sand.
How long has it been?
He still wanders through the yellow sands.
So long that... even their remaining armor is completely gone now.
Even Gabriel has vanished without a trace... he'd better be dead.
Even the last "Lloyd" was eliminated by that red-haired Construct... just as well.
Searching for Wenke has become pointless—I no longer need to prove my identity. As long as I remain in this Punishing-contaminated state, I can never return to Babylonia.
...
But why... have I still come all this way searching?
He stands still behind the speeding golden train, watching as it recedes into the distance.
Wenke is on that train.
！
He witnesses the door at the rear of the train suddenly being pulled open.
Get off!
Please... don't... look, I have a child with me, at least let her stay... I'm begging you...
I can still... AHHH!!
With the man's agonized scream, these pitifully dressed people, including the father and daughter, are thrown from the train. Their bodies slam hard against the tracks, broken into pieces by the unyielding rails.
Taken care of.
Freeloading off our rations for three months in the rear car, finally they're dealt with... it's just sickening to look at.
...
Lloyd feels as if he just witnessed Wenke's lost wife and daughter die, a long-forgotten sense of dread rising from the depths of his heart.
...Would Wenke really be in a place like this?
Lloyd boards the train.
He walks silently down the center aisle, ignored by everyone—the disabled, severely ill, elderly, and young... all crammed into corners on both sides.
Even when he accidentally steps on someone, there's no response.
I'm looking for your "Fixer."
...
The only one who hears him speak, a little girl, shrinks back into the shadows.
...You're hungry, aren't you?
...
Chocolate. It'll give you energy. Here, take it.
Lloyd carefully places a piece of candy in the girl's palm. The Punishing virus he carries doesn't infect the child.
The girl devours it immediately. Withered souls around them look over, but fortunately, no one tries to snatch the candy away.
Tell me, how many people were thrown off just now? Who did it?
..."The Fixer." What do... you... want with "The Fixer"?
Eat slowly. I can give you another piece.
Thank you...! Don't look for them. They kill people. And they hate outsiders even more.
If they kill so indiscriminately, then they should be prepared to die themselves.
Can you do it?
I can handle them.
Then please, help everyone here.
I only have one piece of chocolate.
No... I'm begging you to pass judgment on everyone. Kill us all, not just "The Fixer."
The girl's emaciated arm sweeps in a circle, pointing to every refugee around them.
...
I'm sorry, I can't...
Are you looking for me?
The culprit who had just cruelly thrown someone off the tracks stands right behind Lloyd, questioning him.
The train is moving at high speeds. How did you get on board?
If you came from the front of the train, then turn back...!
Lloyd rises from the shadows in front of the girl—upon seeing Lloyd's face, The Fixer suddenly falls silent.
...What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?
...
...Wenke?
—URGH!!
Lloyd lunges forward, hurling The Fixer to the ground before him, then crushes his chest cavity with one stomp—The Fixer is a Construct.
The metal framework inside the Construct's chest shatters, spraying faintly gleaming fragments—along with a filthy ring from his chest that hadn't been cleaned for years, now sent flying.
Clink.
The filthy ring rolls into a corner, and The Fixer, pinned down by Lloyd, struggles briefly but can't reach it no matter how hard he tries.
Why is it YOU?!!!
My ring!
Weren't you searching for your wife and daughter? Why did you stop?! You just threw that father and daughter off the train with your own hands! Watched them fall to their deaths!
Anyone else could have done this, but it shouldn't have been YOU!!
The ring... give me back my ring!
You and Francis were the ones who carried me out of Las Prados... Francis is dead! And you—you might as well be dead too!
Why is it you!!
Lloyd, long since numbed into a fossil eroded by wind and sand, actually chokes up—he raises his fist high and, without using any Punishing, frantically pounds blow after blow into Wenke's face.
Wenke's face blurs before his eyes. Lloyd wipes his face with one hand, then continues pounding, as if he could somehow deny reality through his fists.
Mako-1, Mako-2, Francis... and so many other "Lloyds"—I cherished all of them... and you're the only one who survived... the only one left alive, and you've become this! Why?
I foolishly thought if I found you, I could prove my identity, and then I'd...
*cough* And then what...? Go back to Babylonia?
I don't know—
Vital fluid drips steadily as the Punishing detector on Wenke's body screams in alarm, revealing the high concentration of Punishing Virus in Lloyd's body.
Amid their mutual silence, Wenke breaks into a mocking laugh.
Hahaha... so that's how it is... so you can't go back either. How did you end up like this?
...It's not time for me to answer that yet. How did you become like this?
Just like you, I've seen the true face of this world, so I can't go back to that "haven for good people."
Wenke struggles to reach for a ring in the corner. He hooks the metal chain with his pinky finger and clutches it in his palm with utmost tenderness.
You know my story. Shortly after the Punishing outbreak, I got separated from the two of them. I searched for them for many years, even after boarding Babylonia and becoming a Construct, but only found the smallest of leads.
When you had your accident... when that strange metallic fellow took you away, I survived. He told me many things he'd witnessed firsthand—about my wife and daughter.
...Gabriel.
Lloyd trembles as he realizes Gabriel's hand has been guiding this story.
I didn't believe what he told me, so he pointed me toward a path where I could see for myself. That's why I "deserted," to find the place that metal fellow directed me to.
In the end, all I found were two corpses and this wedding ring... Hah, my wife was clearly shot to death, while my daughter had almost... melted.
He said he saw the two of them escaping in a vehicle, but a fight broke out on board over resources. My wife's gun was taken from her, and they became nothing more than insignificant casualties.
Do you understand what I'm saying? The Punishing disaster didn't kill them. They fought to survive all that way, held on for so long, only to be murdered by other people.
...
Don't just stand there in a daze! Stop avoiding the truth! I'll say it again: People kill each other!
I've tamed myself into a jackal on this train, feeding on any carrion I find. That guy we just threw off? He couldn't feed himself, so he repeatedly traded his own daughter for food. I've become numb to such sights!
That kid was right! If you're going to play hero and pass judgment, then purge all the rotting flesh in this rear carriage! A single chocolate bar won't save this train, and a Lloyd who just goes with the flow won't save this place where people murder each other!
Ha! Why has the heroic "Immortal Lloyd" fallen silent? I heard you were in Babylonia, constantly being "reborn" through Recall, racking up impressive battle records... But looking at you now, that wasn't really you, was it?
After all, the poster hero they manufactured is nothing like the real you—you're just a coward with occasional bursts of passion, a deserter who betrayed the very spirit of heroism.
...
What's wrong, Lloyd? Does it bother you that I'm saying these things...
Have I tainted your new world?
Lloyd continues to tremble.
...How... how many more times must I be pushed?
I can give you one last push.
<size=40>The train races forward through the yellow sands,</size>
<size=40>No one knows that a dramatic change is brewing in the last car,</size>
<size=40>It's about to detach and derail.</size>
Someone pushed Lloyd,
Pushing him off the train.
An earth-shattering explosion erupts, finally liberating the rotten flesh that was destined to derail.
The lone gray figure, cradling a small human girl, traverses the endless yellow sands, legs pushing forward through billowing dust, breaking into a run.
Completely numb to the world, he begins one last aimless run, just like when he had led countless Lloyds in their escape from the false paradise of Babylonia.
The Punishing Virus on his body slowly corrupts the girl, yet he refuses to put her down.
My skin hurts.
It'll be worse if I put you down. Just hold on a little longer, we'll make it out of here soon.
...Are you going to be my father?
Do you want a father? If that's what you want, then I could...
No, I've seen my friend's father. He didn't seem like a good thing. Please don't.
...
...I'm sorry. Then I'll never be your father. I'll be your partner instead, okay?
Okay, partner... Where are we going?
To the end of the road.
Does the desert have an end?
There should be.
If it's like Las Prados, then the end should be a cliff.
Back then, he felt lost when facing the cliff. Now he realizes that the cliff is his salvation—if he jumps off it, everything can restart in a better new world.
I'm no longer threatened by Punishing, able to run to more places, to see more of reality... But it's all just deeper despair. Each dramatic scene is no less tragic than Wen's stories, to the point where dying in the sandstorm has become a merciful end.
Are you crying?
Yes, I'm grieving for a tremendous tragedy.
He remembered the words that "cowardly Lloyd" shouted when escaping from the fake Babylonia—
<i>"We'll definitely meet again in the sunlight!"</i>
"Meet again in the sunlight"...
Tell me, will there be a new world this time?
Please tell me that this world is still just a ruin belonging to the old one.
I don't know. I've never seen any other kind of world... It hurts.
The exhausted girl rests her head against his chest, where there's no heartbeat, only the humming of mechanical parts driven by the Punishing Virus.
...I'm sorry.
He holds the girl tightly, the last two souls in the old world clinging to each other.
He stops in the windblown sand, abandoning his hesitation and weakness—after Wenke's final push, he finally sees everything with perfect clarity.
This world no longer has an end, no cliff I can jump from to separate truth from illusion.
The fault doesn't lie entirely with the Punishing Virus—this world corrupts good people, and human civilization had already begun rotting from within long ago.
<b>If I don't want to die in chaos, I should have stopped drifting with the current long ago.</b>
He sees clearly through the boundless storm of sand and wind:
<b>If this world no longer has a cliff, then I will become the world's cliff.</b>
Friend, what's your name? I want to save you. At the very least, I want to help you.
"Ascendant"...
He turns his hands over, examining his body anew, feeling the power flowing within him.
I can feel that the power obtained through "Filtering" is actually extremely limited.
He looks at Lilith standing not far away. This Ascendant has such overwhelming confidence in herself that she doesn't even bother to guard her back.
I understand your intentions. Allow me to offer a brief assessment... Gabriel trusts his "deity" too much, which is why his vision can never expand to more distant horizons.
Of course, none of you have seen the upper limits of the Punishing power.
What about the "agents"? Can even more distant existences accomplish it?
Oh? Do you want to become an agent? Want me to introduce you to that gentleman?
Lilith still has her back turned to him as she asks with casual indifference.
No, I have no interest for now. My gaze will not linger on Punishing.
He looks outward, his gaze seemingly able to dash through the vast wilderness outside. Through the busy crowds in the conservation area, through the people preparing for battle in Babylonia floating in space.
He casts down a pitying glance.
I promise, my gaze will always remain on humanity.
Hahaha... Now that's the most impossible goal—you want to wash away all of humanity's inherent flaws? Rebuild a beautiful society based on love and mutual aid? It's been a while since I've heard such laughable naivety.
You certainly think I'm foolish, and I won't argue against that. After all, whether humans are good or evil means nothing to you. In your eyes, they're just pigs in a pen.
But I'm already running down this path, and... I don't have much time left.
No need to explain yourself to me. I've already agreed to your deal.
Fine. Within two days, I'll remove all of "Lloyd's" remains from the Las Prados Ruins. I've already found a temporary storage location for them.
Don't mention it, I'm merely returning things to their rightful owner. Come to think of it, I spent quite a lot of time hunting you down back then... Hahaha, to think that such an unremarkable little branch could come this far! Auntie's little experiment in her cultivation jar has certainly yielded impressive results!
By the way, if you're calling all those old remains "Lloyd," then what should you call yourself?
...
He falls silent for a moment, then speaks a name he had chosen long ago.
Call me <b>"Ephialtes"</b>. All betrayers of Lloyd should bear this name.
When all the Lloyds become heroes... I alone will be Ephialtes.
