Story Reader / Main Story / 27 Aeon Reforged / Story
BOOM!
The scorching sensation still lingers on your back. The dizziness is taking a while to fade away.
Cough... cough... Watanabe, Commandant, Jada... Are you guys okay?
Aargh! Your cloak is on fire, Watanabe!
Why don't you start dragging people away instead of yelling?
You feel yourself dragged away as the heat around you gradually dissipates.
Are you alright?
You take the hand he offers and stand up.
Both Zong and Watanabe have varying degrees of burns on their backs, unlike Jada and you, who are basically unharmed.
If they did not react in time, they would not have been able to stand back up after just a few coughs.
Aaargh! We're doomed!
A thug who has arrived late kneels on the ground, crying.
Who the hell started the fire?!
Was it you guys... Wait! Isn't that the uniform of the Forsaken?
His gaze fixes on Zong, who is wearing a combat uniform.
You must have started the fire!
Huh? Me?
The thug keeps on cursing Zong, ignoring the three of you.
The mayor didn't let you in, so you sneaked in to cause trouble, didn't you?
No... I've been here for a long time...
Oh? So it was premeditated!
I knew the previous Forsaken attack didn't come out of nowhere!
The attack...
Can you tell me more about it?
Who are you? You look like a Construct... Do they all look like this nowadays?
Don't you mess around! I've already called for backup!
I'll explain everything, but please first tell me what's been happening with the Forsaken recently.
Let's discuss it somewhere else.
A young man wearing a cowboy hat walks over quickly.
The rest of you stay here to put out the fire. I'll take them to see the old man.
The wooden room is still covered in slash marks. Max sits at the desk, listening to the few of you recounting what just happened.
So, they're finally looking here...
I'm sorry, [player name], but I'm afraid New Oakley can no longer shelter you.
The Forsaken used to maintain a facade of politeness with us, but they're going all out without any pretense this time.
I can't take credit for that.
Max shakes his head and looks at Watanabe.
Folks like Jada and all the equipment were rescued and salvaged by the Forsaken during that disaster.
They chose to stay here afterward because they realized those of us on the surface valued them more, unlike those living in Eden.
Although I haven't met you in person before, I've heard many stories about you.
...I couldn't have saved those people alone.
There's no need for modesty here. You've earned the right to hold your head high.
I've been observing from the sidelines. No matter what you think of the attack, I can assure you that many made the same choice as yours because of your influence.
And you and your followers have saved more people because of it.
I believe that's why Ballard used your death to incite them.
Mutual benefits are a great way to bring people together, but mutual hatred forges a stronger bond.
For the Forsaken, your death provided the perfect spark to ignite their hatred.
...
Can you update me on the current situation?
It's not a long story. Ballard gradually took over disputed areas under the guise of searching for you and self-preservation during the six months you disappeared.
There were frictions between Babylonia and the Forsaken during this time, but they were more or less resolved under orders from the higher-ups of both sides.
After all...
He glances at Watanabe's repaired Epitaph frame.
I assume the Forsaken doesn't normally reveal their true strength, right?
Perhaps Ballard gradually revealed his cards during this process, forcing Babylonia to reassess him.
It's not that simple...
I don't mean to pry.
Max shakes his head and continues.
The situation changed last week. After securing another area, Ballard suddenly announced your death and called on all Forsaken to liberate the conservation area.
Many were incited, though some opposed.
Those who opposed were summoned to Ballard's new headquarters, and they haven't been heard from since.
Both the Forsaken and Babylonia are now amassing troops at the border. No one knows who will fire the first shot.
I'm just an outsider. That's all I know.
I assume you'll be discussing what your next steps should be, right?
Max stands up and walks toward the door.
You can have the room for now.
He closes the door, leaving the three of you inside.
Um... Should I leave too?
Shall we head to the border together?
You both give opposite answers almost simultaneously.
It's too dangerous for you.
Instead of refuting Watanabe's concern, you ask about the name you have only heard a few times.
He can't turn a blind eye to what he opposes, but he never acts recklessly. If he has revealed his true intention, he must be prepared for success.
If he has a way to counter Babylonia, he hasn't told me about it.
That's the only way he can pose an equal threat to Babylonia.
Hey, haven't you been avoiding the Babylonians, Commandant?
But it's different if a large troop is at the border.
But they can't control all the frontline soldiers.
...Then let Zong go with you.
Roger!
I know you think it's more dangerous where I'm going, but hear me out first.
First, having Zong represent the Forsaken is more convincing. We still don't know what Ballard's and Babylonia's orders are, and we need to keep both sides calm.
Second, Zong can keep you safe on the road. None of this matters if you can't reach your destination.
You didn't make it easy.
Looks like you've made your decision.
Max tosses a shiny object over.
Car keys?
It's old, but it still runs well. You're going to need transportation, aren't you?
Unfortunately, it's the only one I have...
You've all saved this town in different ways. This is nothing.
Looks like I have to ask you to stop a war again.
The jeep drives steadily on the rugged path. According to the map, you have to pass through a forest to reach the border, while the route to Ballard's location is along old highways.
So Watanabe insists on dropping you and Zong near the forest before heading directly to Ballard to confront him.
You turn and see Watanabe resting one hand on the car window and looking somewhat distracted.
...How much of my memory have you seen during the connection?
Can't you be a bit more tactful about it? There goes my privacy.
He "complains."
I'll take your word for it.
He smiles ambiguously.
In that case, you should understand why Forsaken was created and what Babylonia had done.
How do you feel about Babylonia now?
You wouldn't have suggested splitting up if that's true.
Even if it isn't the paradise it's claimed to be?
I'd be convinced if you looked more angry.
Not giving it up, huh...
Zong told me a little bit about your situation earlier.
A place that doesn't really need you and could betray you any second... Why would you want to save it?
Is it for the people you care about, those who are still alive?
He seems to be asking you as well as himself.
...
Your unexpected answer makes him pause and wait for you to continue.
Even if it isn't perfect and needs to change...
Perhaps humanity's future really is up there, but we still don't want to give up the soil we walk on...
Humanity will take back our home, no matter how long it takes and what it costs.
Hah...
Right. I almost forgot why I chose to stay.
They made the same choice because of the same simple reason, didn't they?
It's simple, which is why it's unyielding and dazzling.
The confusion and doubt he has from the betrayal vanishes in an instant, and he chuckles softly.
How unfortunate. I was going to invite you to join the Forsaken.
No… I mean it.
The vehicle gradually stops at the entrance to the forest, and your short journey together comes to an end.
We'll get off here, then, Watanabe.
You step off the jeep, your feet standing on the muddy ground once more.
Be careful out there.
You call out to him just as he is about to leave.
...
Yeah. You have my word.
