Story Reader / Main Story / 17 The Surviving Lucem / Story
What can I do now?
(Well... I need to keep treating the wounded.)
What else can I do?
(There are people who get injured every single day and supplies are scarce... If the source of the catastrophe is removed, all the problems will be solved, right?)
On her way back to Conservation Area 046, Liv is reminded of the Omega Prototype.
She hadn't paid much attention to it during the test because of the hasty procedure, but in retrospect, the power of the weapon is the key to saving the world.
If we could test it again with adequate preparation, we would surely achieve better results, right?
...But a weapon test is dangerous and may hurt people.
With Cosette in her arms, Liv is hesitating for quite a while before she finally asks Lucia.
Lucia, do you remember the Omega Prototype we tested before?
Yes, I was thinking about that too. I remember it could absorb the Punishing Virus, something that had never happened before.
About that...
Liv tells Lucia what she thinks.
Apply for the testing program again?
She thinks about it for a moment.
Good idea. The previous test was too hasty. If we're better prepared this time, we'll definitely get better results.
Once we eliminate the Punishing Virus, we'll solve many other problems too.
Yes, I remember the look on Lee's face when he saw the test data. I'm sure he wants to try again too.
Our top priority now is to find a way out of the predicament. We've got to be more proactive.
That makes two of us.
Can I apply for it?
Are you sure?
Liv rarely offers to do that, but Lucia smiles and is not surprised at all.
You can't wait to get it done, right?
Yes... Waiting and mourning can't change anything.
I've been thinking... Liv, you're really a strong girl. Unlike those who keep to themselves, you care about what you and other people feel.
Even if it's overwhelming for you sometimes, you can get over it and pull yourself together very soon.
Lucia...
Go and do what you want to do. Lee and I will give you our full support and when your application is approved, the three of us will go for the test together.
This new weapon will definitely play an important role in reclaiming Earth, and if we can find a solution, we'll help everybody out of this misery.
Sure!
In Conservation Area 046, Liv tends to all the patients in need of treatment as usual.
Since the leader of the armed refugees was informed of the story of Cosette, she stops complaining about Matches.
When all her patients get their treatment, Liv takes Cosette, who is in a swaddle, to the cubicle of Commandant [player name].
She changes Cosette's nappy and feeds her some nutritional powder until the baby falls asleep. Then Liv puts Cosette in the makeshift cradle next to the commandant's bed.
She gets up and carefully checks the commandant while pressing the comms button.
She thinks it will take a while before somebody answers, but she hears a familiar voice immediately.
Hello, Liv.
Celica, there's something I want to ask you... Is there a follow-up test of that weapon we tested earlier?
...What's the plan?
I want to apply for further tests.
...
What happened? You look... so much more determined than before.
Nothing happened. I just want to do what I can to get us out of the predicament.
...
Liv... If, I mean, if...
If there was a mission that would get us out of the predicament but would most likely pay the highest price, would you do it?
The highest price? If you mean the safety of Lucia, Lee, and Commandant, I certainly wouldn't do it.
No, no, it's about your own safety.
My safety?
That's right.
Although Celica keeps emphasizing the "if," she doesn't look like it is just a hypothesis.
...
Liv used to feel powerless.
Sadness and regret can't change anything, so she decides to move on no matter what.
But at the same time, she is also aware of the fact that as long as the Punishing Virus is still around, the problems will drag on.
What if the Punishing Virus is gone?
The Omega Weapon can make that happen. That's what everybody has been waiting for. Liv knows she can't let this opportunity slip away.
What if she has to die to make it happen?
...
Liv remains silent for a moment, but eventually, she smiles in the face of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If it really worked, I would do it.
Seriously? You really think so?
...Yes.
So many people died right in front of me and I could do nothing to help.
Now everybody, the Task Force and humans, are trapped in this catastrophe.
And no one will be spared, including the elite squads.
If it's just a matter of time before the catastrophe kills us all, why not do something that promises to make a difference? I'd love to give it a go.
Celica... I don't want to see anyone die anymore.
...
Actually... about this, the President hasn't decided whether to give you the call or not.
...Are you alone now?
There are only Commandant, me, and this little baby here.
A baby? Uh... Is it a refugee's child? Is the mother... dead?
Yes.
...
[player name] is still in a coma?
Yes.
The signal is off for a moment before Celica's face reappears on the terminal.
I'll transfer you to the Parliament Hall. Please keep your environment quiet.
...Alright.
Noticing the seriousness in Celica's expression, Liv turns back to make sure Cosette is sleeping before nodding to Celica.
Celica's face blurs on the dark blue screen.
BPN-08 Liv, Gray Raven, Task Force.
On behalf of the Babylonia Parliament, I send an invitation to you.
The cold, mechanical female voice echoes in the darkness. It is uttered by nobody, yet it can be anybody.
In the war against the Punishing Virus, humans have never won a true victory.
According to the calculation of Gestalt, no one will survive this catastrophe if effective measures are not taken.
At the outbreak of the catastrophe in the Pulia Forest Park Ruins, the Science Council had already made a preliminary recreation of the technology recorded in the Omega File.
We managed to retrieve and analyze the test data of the Omega Prototype through the contact of the Gray Raven with the Unidentified Twins.
The weapon's effectiveness in absorbing the Punishing Virus has been confirmed, and with its help, the infected mechanoids and Constructs can recover too.
Even the Corrupted...
Due to technical constraints, it's not yet possible to achieve all the research objectives at this stage.
...
BPN-08, we need you to support this technology and put the Omega Weapon into use as soon as possible.
What do you want me to do?
Become a carrier for the Omega Weapon.
A carrier?
Use the latest specialized frame and its properties to "attract" the Punishing Virus, allowing the virus to pass through your M.I.N.D. and be completely "absorbed" by the Omega Weapon.
Through my M.I.N.D.?
That's the only way to maximize the effect of the Omega Weapon.
This is a dangerous task, because we can't control the rate of attraction of the virus, and once it exceeds the rate of absorption by the Omega Weapon, you'll get infected completely.
In addition to that, there is also a high risk that your frame won't be able to reboot again or use recall due to symptoms such as M.I.N.D. deviation and contamination.
But in order to reclaim Earth and go back to our common home, we must do whatever it takes to overcome the predicament.
BPN-08, humanity needs you.
...
Will the Punishing Virus really be cleared and infected individuals recovered?
This will be our first attempt at this technology. At this stage, there remains a lot of uncertainties.
BPN-08, we need a pioneer.
...Fine, someone has to take the first step.
BPN-08, does that mean you agree to our invitation?
Yes.
Please confirm that you can't quit the mission once you take it.
Confirm.
Please confirm that you are aware of the dangers of this mission.
At the end of the experiment, your chance of survival is only 7.23%.
Confirm.
BPN-08, on behalf of the Babylonia Parliament and humanity, I thank you for your service.
Please tell me what to do next.
The hall is solemn and silent. A middle-aged man with an erect posture gets up and stands in front of a table.
Liv.
Take Commandant [player name] back to Babylonia.
After this talk, I'll send out a notice to all Constructs stranded on the ground to explain the situation.
After I get their consent, you'll be escorted back by them.
There is an undestroyed underground base in City 047, where some transports and an airship are stored, along with the last of our supplies. They're all we've got now.
I'll let you open the base.
We'll talk about what to do next when you return safely.
Hold on. I have one more request.
...Please let me... take a baby with me.
While Liv is speaking to Babylonia...
The Constructs that had been transferred from City 043 are talking to the Constructs that had survived the Omega Prototype delivery mission.
Seeing Lucia and Lee walk into the lounge, one of the Constructs jumps up from his chair.
So you guys finished your work now?
To her surprise, Lucia sees a familiar face from the initial annihilation of the Hetero-Hive Mother among the four surviving Constructs.
When we got out of the transport, we didn't even have time to say hi to Captain Lucia and the other members of Gray Raven.
Exactly. Hello, I'm Percy. I met with Lucia and Captain Chrome in City 075 before.
...I've heard Lucia mention you guys.
You must be Captain Percy. You gave the locator to Commandant, right?
That's right.
How are your injuries?
We're all fine. My people are now taking a break inside the cabin. Want to check on them?
Not now. Let them take a good rest. Why did you come down in the first place?
We volunteered. Too many people have died. The strong have important work to do, and the rest have their own concerns. At least we volunteers are not forced to come here.
Besides, Captain said we were blessed to have survived the accident last time. So we need to make good use of our luck, right?
...Reyna.
It's the truth. We survived again.
I'll tell you a little secret. Captain is the only one who has survived all those missions, so he...
Hey!
...Well, strong people usually have problems like that.
Come on. I've got your back here!
Reyna lets out a loud laugh while patting Percy's back.
His cheerful laugh is so reassuring and relaxing for these weary and battle-hardened fighters.
During this brief respite, the terminals of all the Constructs start to beep...
As Liv leaves the dimly-lit cubicle, she notices that all the Constructs are watching their terminals.
The familiar voice of the President comes from the screen, wrapping up his short speech.
I had no idea that Omega Weapon could be incorporated into a frame.
But such a specialized frame would be a serious burden on one's M.I.N.D., just like Chrome's Glory.
There is no misinformation in the Parliament's announcement. They just told Liv, and only Liv, the worst-case scenario.
Liv, did you see the message? President Hassen said they wanted you to use the new specialized frame.
Well... Actually, they told me they had the plan because I volunteered to do the test.
President Hassen is very concerned about the commandant's condition... He would like to take the commandant to Babylonia for thorough treatment.
As long as I can go back, I'll take the commandant with me.
...I see. The commandant does need to go back to Babylonia.
It's just that...
Liv, are you sure you can do it?
Specialized frames are nothing new to us, but with the commandant still in a coma, I'm a bit worried about you.
...Lucia...
Lucia looks terribly worried, which makes Liv a bit anxious too.
But we finally have a chance to reverse the catastrophe.
Liv tries not to show too much affection. If Lucia and Lee knew the consequences of this mission, they would have done all they could to stop her.
It really bothers me. I need to go with you.
Lucia looks at Lee, who nods without saying a word.
Alright, the four of us go together then.
Great, Captain! We're going back!
This is a voluntary escort mission, not a return mission. We may die on the way.
I'm aware of that. But I'm sure we'll make it!
I want to be an escort too, even though we're very likely to be killed. Still, this is the only way to return to Babylonia.
Besides, without Liv, I would have been killed already.
That goes for me too. Everybody in this room is alive thanks to Liv.
Alright then, who's going too?
Everyone in the room raises their hands.
Thank you...
You don't have to thank us. I...
Sandra is interrupted by a beep from her terminal.
Sandra!
Are you still with the Gray Raven?
Yes.
Both of them are Sandra's teammates and are in charge of different areas during the mission. They have been keeping in touch through comms.
How's it going? All seven of us are going to check over there. How many of you are leaving?
We're all going too.
Looks like there are going to be a lot of people...
Why are you all joining the mission?
It's not really about the mission.
Do you know that the underground base in City 047 was left behind by Kurono, and there remains a lot of supplies as well as transports?
I don't know why they suddenly figured it out and decided to give the Parliament permission.
The Parliament now wants to use the supplies in that base for disaster relief. That's why so many people are going to City 047.
And we can take this opportunity to go back to Babylonia. It's now or never.
I agree. Since you're going too, we'll meet up in the underground base in City 047, alright?
Yes, see you there.
She cuts off the call.
Hold on, guys. I really appreciate it, but we promised the people here to protect them.
If we all leave, who is going to take care of them?
I see your point, but the Hetero-Creature barrage is coming. I can't do detection, and I'm no match for those creatures.
I still have the manual on taking care of the wounded you wrote for me, so I can work as a nurse here. But if anything dangerous is attacking this place, I won't be able to help.
That's right. So, what should we do now?
...
Shall we... stay?
Lucia double-checks the action plan: If she wants to protect everybody, the best option is for her and Lee to stay.
But a strange feeling comes to her mind, as if she has neglected something very important. Lucia frowns.
The last time she felt that way was when she was on her way to capture the Ascendant by order of Ravenge. Is this just a coincidence?
Lucia, what's wrong?
...I have a bad feeling about this.
...Lucia...
(Does overworrying mean mistrust...)
Liv calls Lucia in a pleading tone. Lucia relents.
Sorry, I was overreacting. Alright, let's make a plan.
The President said there were plenty of supplies in the base, so I'm sure everybody wants to get their hands on them.
We're pretty close to the underground base and we have plenty of time to do round trips. So I suggest we take everyone there in different groups.
...Okay, sounds good.
The underground base is going to be bustling.
I know. Supplies are scarce these days. People will be flocking there.
I'll talk to their leader about the base.
Okay, it's not going to be a dangerous trip, but we need escorts, just to be on the safe side. I'll stay for now. Two vehicles can't hold everybody, so I guess we'll have to make a few more trips.
I'll stay here with you, Ray.
OK~
Let's hit the road.
Gray Raven arrives at the entrance to the underground base of City 047 at midday.
After leaving the commandant in the sleeping pod, they are waiting for a while before a large influx of people comes from different directions.
Liv opens the base's warehouse and hands out the supplies inside to the eager crowds.
Days of hunger are finally quelled, for the time being. Everybody seems to be in a better mood.
In the evening, even the refugees who had been relocated to City 044 arrive in their cars. After an exchange of pleasantries, they go back with supplies.
Somebody shows up as the moon rises.
Hey, we meet again!
He talks to the Gray Raven and learns that the wounded in Conservation Area 045 are being treated by Forsaken's doctor and everything is fine.
In order not to deplete the supplies there, Shrek has decided to get some supplies from the underground base in City 047.
As he hangs around, Matches the border collie spots him and follows his motorbike to Forsaken's base.
As dawn breaks, it is time to embark on the journey.
The Constructs from different squads get together in groups as ordered by the interim captain for a final confirmation and roll call in front of the airship.
I'm sure you all know from the President's message that the battle on our way back to Babylonia will be a tough one. This is a voluntary mission.
I don't care why you risk your lives to be part of it.
I just want you to understand one thing: Getting rid of the Punishing Virus is the only way out for humanity.
This is a difficult as well as noble battle. This is a life-changing moment for us all.
So we must win.
There is half an hour to go before our departure. Say goodbye to your friends and get ready for the journey ahead.
And then, we'll win back the future of humanity and Earth!
Roger!
...
Liv...
I haven't seen that look on your face for a long time.
Huh? You think I have a poker face?
That's not what I meant... But you always looked like you were forcing yourself to smile, and while your facial expressions looked natural, your shoulders were always tense.
...
Maybe it's because it's a relief to finally see some hope.
Matches, Stanley, Fantine, Cosette... Whether they're people, animals... or Constructs...
I hope they are all safe and sound.
Just because you're weak doesn't mean you're useless?
Eh? Is that... what Commandant said?
That's right.
I remember the second half of the sentence was..."Take a few parts out of you if you don't understand that," right?
Remembering the past, they start to laugh.
Yes, I had just joined Gray Raven at the time.
There was a very confident Construct, who snapped at a teammate, another Support Construct who couldn't kill the enemy as quickly as he did on a mission.
Most people couldn't be bothered with things like that, and none of the other commandants stepped in.
Yes, I still remember the commandant said "Just because a single cog can't stand up to the enemy doesn't mean it should be left behind." I totally agree.
...Whether it's a human or an animal, or even an insect or a bacterium, just because they seem "weak" doesn't mean they should be dismissed.
They are all unique and irreplaceable in their own positions.
It's the diversity of lives on Earth that gives us hope.
That's why I'm so delighted to be involved in this research and hope it will make a difference.
...
Lucia... You'll need to take care of the people here after I leave. But remember, you and Lee must take care of yourselves first.
Liv's smile is gone and she speaks very slowly.
I will. I promise you.
Liv nods and turns to look at the stairs before her. Those who are going with her are waiting there.
Let's hit the road, Liv.
Come on!
Are you ready?
Alright, I'm off.
Have a safe trip.
Liv boards the airship with Cosette and Commandant [player name].
This seemingly long journey is only the beginning of hope and parting for both Liv and the other surviving humans.
No matter how much she wants to stay, she has to go.
