Story Reader / Main Story / 21 Spiral of Chronos / Story
Classified Laboratory, Science Council.
The once-bustling area, always filled with blinking instruments and fast-walking researchers, now lies in ruin. The remnants of broken vessels and shattered equipment litter the floor, bearing witness to the violence that has befallen this place.
Fortunately, the frame compartment remains unscathed, protected by bulletproof glass from those frenzied researchers, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Lee swiftly locates the pod encircled by a radiant red band and promptly enters, settling inside. With deftness, he grasps a cable and inserts it into the port on his neck.
He will unravel any thorny dilemma, just as the countless times he has done before.
>>>> Commencing frame switch authorization, please enter the activation parameter.
>>>> Authorization successful. Starting consciousness transfer.
>>>> Please refrain from interrupting the connection during consciousness transfer.
>>>> Consciousness transfer completed.
Alongside the suffocating discomfort that threatens to engulf his body, peculiar lights flash before his eyes. Luminance intertwines with darkness in a fanatic dance...
Despair and pain seep out from the depths of his M.I.N.D., as twisted towers swiftly rise and collapse...
Time ceases to be a mere concept measured by the hands of a clock, transforming into images that endlessly replay in front of him...
His thoughts insidiously begin to venture into the realm of the unknown. Guided by an otherworldly force, he ascends along a web woven with the fabric of time and space. However, an invisible hand mercilessly yanks him down each time he nears the summit.
At the pinnacle of the web stands a towering gate, reaching toward the heavens with an imposing presence. Once again, allured by the radiant light that seeps from behind it, he embarks on yet another desperate climb.
Here time takes on a different essence, where a fleeting moment stretches into a lifetime. He has endured endless loops of existence, witnessing countless sunrises and sunsets. He finds himself trapped in this rift of the world, akin to a helpless insect ensnared within a prison of amber.
He sees the annihilation and rebirth of everything he once knew. Shattered memories flicker before him like a fast-forwarded movie. He attempts to recognize them, yet his vision blurs...
Ugh...
>>>> Warning. Activation of unauthorized frame detected.
>>>> Warning. Activation of unauthorized frame detected.
Despite his forceful switch to the new specialized frame, he is unable to achieve full mastery over it. It is undeniably a formidable weapon, but the combat abilities remain tightly restricted until he successfully adapts to its intricacies.
Nevertheless, there is no time to squander.
...Execute access control override!
>>>> Warning. Activation of unauthorized frame detected.
>>>> Warning. Activation of unauthorized frame detected.
The mechanical voice retains its usual coldness as Lee musters all his strength to rise, his every ounce of energy dedicated to appeasing the storm raging within his M.I.N.D.
...
He is nothing more than a pile of scraps without the combat abilities activated. At this moment, only one person can help him.
He turns on the screen and sends a communication request to the name listed at the very top of his contacts.
Earth, 06:30 p.m.
Enshrouded by a crimson mist, the ruins emanate a putrid stench. Intertwined blood-red vines grow from the bottom and extend with an unyielding momentum, as if striving to breach the heavens.
The solemn tower resembles an immense eye that emerges from the earth, leaving nothing to evade its watchful scrutiny.
The resounding echo of rushing footsteps shatters the oppressive silence, as countless bright red dots silently light up the surrounding darkness.
The Punishing Virus concentration in the air ahead is still increasing!
The number of Hetero-Creatures also keeps rising...
From a close angle, the tension emitted by the spiral tower becomes even more suffocating. Every aspect of it can effortlessly evoke fear within one's heart, whether the towering height or the incessantly increasing virus concentration displayed on the screen.
The sensation of unease intensifies with each step taken toward it.
A strange tower rising out of the blue, unknown electron radiation, severed communication, crazed teammates, rampaging Hetero-Creatures...
As your mind grapples with the potential challenges arising from the situation, Lucia, who had gone ahead to scout, returns to deliver her report.
The Punishing Virus concentration ahead has exceeded the safety threshold of the protective suit.
Commandant, it's no longer safe to press on.
The device is functioning normally, but I'm unable to establish a connection to Babylonia's comms channel for some reason. The interrupted call with Mr. Asimov might be caused by...
She stops talking, reluctant to continue.
The severed connection of Babylonia's communication channel suggests a situation that may already be spiraling beyond control there.
If it was not Babylonia, it could be Science Council or Asimov...
Either way, it seems that something terrible is lying in wait.
I haven't picked up any yet...
With a grim expression, Liv solemnly shakes her head.
Maybe they have lost their means of communication, or they are simply too preoccupied with the Hetero-Creatures to send out a signal.
After all, facing enemies in such overwhelming numbers...
As you approach the coordinates of the tower, a relentless onslaught of Hetero-Creatures surges forth.
Their numbers appear inexhaustible. No matter how many Lucia and Liv take down, more consistently show up as if spawned from an unending wellspring.
The challenge posed by the overwhelming numbers of Hetero-Creatures proves to be a strain even for the skilled Gray Raven, let alone other squads.
Those words are spoken not only for Lucia and Liv, but also for yourself.
The faith of mankind has sparked innumerable remarkable achievements, triumphing over countless impossibilities.
It is proved that the unknown harbors not only danger but also hope.
Suddenly, a jarring noise erupts from the communication device Liv has been adjusting, shattering the momentary silence.
Was that a new message?
...No, just some static noise.
Disappointment can be easily spotted on Liv's face.
Right afterward, a faint notification sound emanates from your bag.
...Commandant!
After a flustered search, you discover a peculiar communication device tucked away in the depths of your bag. The small machine displays a blinking green dot of light, indicating an ongoing call.
Lee unexpectedly handed you this device one day, and you perceived it as a last resort that would never be necessary. Fortunately, you always remember to bring it with you...
Commandant, I need your help.
Through the unstable connection, Lee appears before your eyes though in a frame that is utterly unfamiliar to your eyes. This is the first time he has met others in this specialized frame.
Yet no one expected it to be... under such circumstances.
Meanwhile, the hoarse roars of Hetero-Creatures echo from a distance, as the crimson mist lingers around the ruins. On the other end of the call, Lee is wearing a frown on his face, looking grim.
Yes. Things are not going well here.
Babylonia is in a dire spot—the electromagnetic radiation has caused mental disorders in a large number of humans. Even Asimov was attacked and heavily injured.
According to the Science Council's prediction, the next wave of radiation is expected to strike soon.
Through unconventional means, I have managed to obtain certain information and switched to this new frame ahead of schedule. However, as Asimov is currently in a coma, I need your authorization to attain full access to it.
Despite Lee's attempt to present it as a simple matter, his pale face cannot conceal the inherent peril of his so-called "unconventional means."
I request full access to this frame, including its offensive functions.
Lee hesitates, lowering his gaze, but eventually continues to explain after a brief pause.
The crucial and initial step required to resolve everything is entering that tower.
I can.
I've sent you every report regarding the adaptation experiments on this frame. I'm sure you can tell from the data that out of all the frames in Babylonia, only this specialized one exhibits complete immunity to the Punishing Virus.
Which means, only this specialized frame is able to enter that tower.
We've seen worse.
Trust me, Commandant.
This is our one and only option.
Also...
Lee appears slightly restless, pausing for a moment before talking again.
Do you remember the only message that Asimov deciphered from those Heteromer Shards?
This is... the gift of the future.
Asimov and I found more information from those shards.
Everyone falls into silence, only the hoarse static noise from the communication echoing in the air.
Lee consciously adopts a relaxed tone, attempting to ease the tension.
Even disregarding the message, this frame remains the best option we have now due to its complete immunity against the Punishing Virus.
I'm a member of Gray Raven, the best squad in Babylonia, more experienced in battle than many others. With my abilities and experience, I can ensure—
It is rare to see Lee being this verbose. After you interrupt him, a barely perceptible sigh travels through the communication channel, from Babylonia to your ears.
...I understand what you are going to say, Commandant.
On the other end of the call, a fleeting smile graces Lee's face, as quickly as a butterfly flutters its broken wings amidst a rain shower.
This is the sole solution I concluded from deduction, taking both a frame's capability and the selection of the executor into consideration.
You too are aware of that, aren't you?
Lee is right. The answer has been presented together with the question from the very beginning—Lee switches to the new frame, heads to the tower, and settles the situation...
Nevertheless, the lingering doubt within you and the haunting fear of the past continue to hinder you from embracing this answer.
I know what you are thinking.
With the static noise buzzing in the background, his familiar, steady voice resonates through the device.
The unknown isn't always unsolvable. Sometimes, true hope can be found in the unknown.
...I know you will always choose to stand by my side, and that's exactly why I'm bound to succeed.
Now, it's my time to make a choice.
His gaze remains firm. You find no trace of regret or doubt in his eyes, only determination and courage that are always there.
I cannot agree with that. It's too dangerous.
My M.I.N.D. in this frame is... highly unstable. If any emergency occurs, I won't be able to guarantee—
Lee's hesitation unmistakably reveals the uncertainty regarding the frame, which is precisely why you cannot allow him to venture into danger alone.
The crimson sky and the white figure flash again before your eyes, evoking blunt pain within your heart. Liv notices your unusual demeanor and immediately turns her gaze toward you with concern.
Fortunately, the current situation seems not as bad as that time.
You look firmly into Lee's eyes, displaying no intention of making compromises.
...
Fine.
I accept your condition.
Upon hearing the desired answer, you proceed to turn on your terminal. However, to your dismay, the command system fails to respond.
According to the emergency protocol during wartime, commandants are granted primary decision-making authority. You activate the backup interface and select the access level—
As you tap the screen, the process feels longer than ever. You know that Lee is fully prepared, but the sense of unease still lingers within your heart.
The strange electromagnetic radiation, the unknow tower, and the disordered Mind Beacons... all have merged into a chaotic tapestry, entwining within your mind.
...I will.
Amidst the buzzing static noise, he casts one final gaze toward you from Babylonia before abruptly cutting off the connection.
The ruins recede into an eerie silence, only the Hetero-Creatures roaring hoarsely from a distance.
>>>> Commandant authorization confirmed.
>>>> Verification successful. Full access controls granted.
With the authorization confirmed, Lee remains standing in front of the screen, his eyes reflecting lines of code that flash by in rapid succession.
Functions enabled, data test passed, access to weapon granted...
With the frame operating at full speed, the excruciating pain caused by M.I.N.D. overload begins to subside. Time and space regain clarity in his sight as the Omega Weapon system is activated...
That's...!
Suddenly, the space around him loses all traces of color, and time becomes fixated on a singular moment. Some figures appear beside him, only to crumble to the ground as if struck by an unseen force.
That peculiar vision has only lasted for a brief moment. Once Lee recalibrates his visual module, it never occurs again.
The test machine is beeping—the full-power simulation test for the Omega Weapon has been completed, with all readings showing normal results.
However, there is no time for Lee to dwell on that peculiar sight. He quickly runs a test on other modules and, after confirming their functionality, rushes out of the laboratory.
They got here faster than I expected...
The Science Council's gate can defend itself against those fragile scientists but not Constructs who are built for combat.
A group of Constructs in battle mode has already assembled at the laboratory door, showing distinctively abnormal behavior.
Among them, Lee recognizes the members of the Task Force who fought alongside him at the seashore, as well as a squad of Constructs affiliated to the Control Court.
The defector is here! He took away the new frame from the Science Council without authorization!
Is he planning to join the Ascendants with our latest frame?! We cannot allow him to leave here!
You damned defector!
The enemy of mankind...
A Construct holds up his gun and rushes toward Lee desperately. However, Lee swiftly dodges the attack and knocks the gun out of his clenched hand with his weapon in a breeze.
No one stands a chance against Lee in this specialized frame with its combat functions fully activated. Soon, all the Constructs obstructing his path are immobilized by Lee's swift strikes, collapsing to the ground.
There's no sign of Punishing Virus infection.
Could it be that the Mind Beacons of commandants are corrupted, affecting Constructs through their M.I.N.D...?
This doesn't sound good... but I have a more pressing matter to deal with. I'm sorry.
After a brief glance back at the sealed gate of the Science Council, Lee opens the map of the lower hangar and strides forth.
He needs a transport craft.
One that can take him to the surface, the root of this madness.
