Story Reader / Main Story / 27 Aeon Reforged / Story
She is observing...
She watches as one group unwittingly walks into a meticulously laid trap set by another.
Following a brief exchange of words, an eruption of intense gunfire breaks out.
It is an uneven battle. Caught off guard, outnumbered, and with no defensive position, one side quickly falls.
She witnesses the apparent leader of the group endure a devastating impact from a grenade, sustaining grave injuries.
Urgent radio waves reach her ears, gradually transforming into intelligible words.
We're under attack! Communications are jammed, and we're sending out an SOS on all channels!
We were ambushed by people disguised as the Purifying Force! Watanabe is in critical condition. Requesting backup!
Zong! Drop down now!!!
The radio transmission abruptly ceases. The soldier's flesh dangles from the charred radio station, turning a haunting shade of black.
She is observing...
Before this, no one had told her that even those of the same kind could turn against one another.
Lives exhibit their fangs for survival when faced with the unfamiliar but they would also retract those fangs when it comes to their own kin.
If that little wolf who intruded upon her territory fought to preserve something unique known as "self"...
Then, what are these similar lives fighting for?
She wants to understand...
So...
She extends, expands...
Hetero Zone?! Why is it spreading so fast?!
She holds no interest in those who fled, as she was born amidst decay and death, naturally drawn toward lives that are on the verge of fading away.
She fulfills her mission, scattering seeds of a new civilization on the remains of the old.
In the midst of it all, she delicately turns the pages of the weathered book before her. To ensure her uninterrupted reading, she allows the last surviving soldier to carry away the dying life.
This story is nearing its end.
The girl turns to look at "you."
A creeping sense of deja vu envelops your senses, sending a shiver down your spine. It becomes evident that the anomaly lurking within Watanabe's Deep M.I.N.D. is far more than a mere corrupted M.I.N.D. shard.
Here, I'm just a reader.
But if possible, I'd like you to call me Cradle.
Hello, [player name].
The girl in the green robe gracefully lifts her dress and performs a curtsy.
Though it's our second meeting, it's your first time seeing me, isn't it?
You suddenly remember the source of this uncanny sense of deja vu—it bears a striking resemblance to the feeling you had during the connection with No. 21 in the Hetero Zone.
Yet, the girl shakes her head calmly.
That wasn't me... I'm merely a reader here.
I've finished reading the story in his heart. As a part of our deal, I shall return the book intact.
Her figure gradually fades away, and the eerie feeling dissipates.
I look forward to the day when I can touch the past in your heart.
With the words carrying her hopes, the girl vanishes.
In the silent cold, a door seems to materialize in Watanabe's sight.
No matter which direction he moves, the door remains ever-present before him.
He suddenly recalls a passage from a science fiction writer's work...
—You're strolling along a vast plain when, out of nowhere, you stumble upon a wall. It stretches infinitely high into the sky, infinitely deep into the ground, and infinitely wide to both left and right. What is this wall?
Is it death...
But it's somewhat different. If death is an unavoidable wall, then no matter how one moves forward, they will eventually bump into it.
This door, at least, offers a choice to enter or not. How would death offer a choice?
Watanabe rests his hand on the door, feeling its temperature.
On this side, he feels silent coldness, but on the other side lies something unknown.
He suddenly realizes what this door stands for.
He has pushed this door open time and again...
When saving the young Zong...
When intercepting the Hetero-Core headed for Earth...
When fighting off the Corrupted swarming the train...
When rebooting his M.I.N.D. after damaging it each time...
He also realizes why he is standing before this door once again.
It is named will to survive, appearing only before those refusing to die.
I need to go back... People are waiting for me...
He pushes the door open.
The dark path ahead illuminates the scenery behind.
See, I told you that you didn't need to worry about him.
Garzah...
Hey, Watanabe, it's too early for you to be here, you little brat.
Instructor...
You've been caught napping for quite a while this time. Make sure to offer a proper apology to those who've been waiting for your return when you get back.
Albert...
It's good that you remember us, but there's no need to visit too often.
Coates...
Watanabe, are you still hesitating?
...I recognized those who ambushed us. They were comrades, compatriots...
Under the same starry sky, we once warmed ourselves by the campfire and supported each other back to the camp.
Even they decide to draw their swords against me. Does that mean that I've made a mistake?
Too many have sacrificed already... Maybe Ballard is the one who can offer them a better future.
Watanabe... Have you succeeded in stopping more people from dying?
...
It's not about how many people you can save alone, but how many your actions and beliefs can influence.
Those who made sacrifices upheld the belief in protecting others, and the survivors will carry forth these very beliefs.
They didn't get this far by relying only on force and fear.
It's you who gave them courage... Not just the courage to survive, but to trust others and believe in the future.
When people no longer think of tomorrow as the worst thing imaginable, they hold the drive to push forward.
This is something no false promise or threat of force can bring.
So, don't let the opposition of some make you deny the past you carry and the future you aim for.
He points to a tiny dot of light in the darkness ahead.
You see that light?
Go. Do what you think is right.
A somewhat unfamiliar wooden ceiling comes into view. He tries to move but feels wires all over his body.
You finally woke up.
From the side, a voice tinged with a hint of reproach can be heard.
Jada? I'm in New Oakley?
What a sharp memory. Looks like the long coma hasn't affected your recollection.
He turns his head to look around, only to find an unexpected figure.
How come [player name] is here?
Shh...
The commandant just fell asleep. Keep it down.
This person's Mind Beacon has been overloaded for months on end. Otherwise, you wouldn't have managed to wake up after being in a coma for such a long time.
I see...
He finally realizes who that familiar yet out-of-place figure was.
I remember my frame...
Watanabe places his hand on the parts that were once ravaged by grenades. The lingering phantom pain seems to echo within his shattered chest armor and torn abdomen.
It's been months. Those parts have been patched up, but there's no replacement eyeball for now.
She points at Watanabe's eye.
I wouldn't recommend putting the original one back, either. It's got a micro surveillance camera inside.
...
Go ask Zong for more details. It was him and that young person who secretly brought you here.
He should be on guard duty on the first floor.
Alright, I'll go find him.
He steals a final glance at the peacefully slumbering commandant before gently readjusting the slightly askew blanket.
Thank you.
Then he turns to walk out the door.
