Story Reader / Main Story / 30 Stars Ensnared / Story
Cradle greets her guests with an elegant smile and a courteous bow.
Since you've come all this way to find me, there must be something you wish to discuss?
How did you know... that we came specifically to find you?
I can read your memories to a certain extent—any M.I.N.D. susceptible to the Punishing Virus is accessible to me.
So you have difficulty accessing Lee and Commandant's memories?
Indeed.
Following Lucia's signal, Lee takes several steps back with you, ensuring you're now far enough that no one can overhear your conversation.
Observing this, Cradle merely gives a slight smile before turning to face Luna.
Now then, let's get to the point. What do you want?
Help me merge with the Red Tide, rebuild my frame within it, and reclaim my power.
This will add Hetero-Creature components to your body. Are you sure?
I will turn all of it into my strength.
Are you sure you can return from the Red Tide with your consciousness intact?
This is not your concern.
What could you offer me?
You already know that.
I'd agree to this deal if it were anyone else, but you... surely you've got more to offer, right?
...What do you mean?
You lower your voice amid their strained negotiations.
Hmm.
Are you referring to the egg she mentioned at the seaside?
We can't rule out that possibility.
Fine, but what if... their deal doesn't go through?
Lee glances at the nearby agent and humanoid Hetero-Creature, only to find their eyes already fixed on him.
You've brought an even better gift along. How about you hand over that human as well?
...
Of course not...
Miss Luna.
Three unexpected figures emerge hastily from the thick fog.
Among the Ascendants stands a familiar figure from the Egret squad—it's Teasell.
...
Hello...?
Ah, you must be the Gray Raven Commandant. Nice to meet you.
I've come to fulfill what Mister previously discussed with you.
Lithos turns around to face Luna.
Let me pay the remaining price.
He left?
Yes.
Left? Where to?
Cradle approaches Lithos with curiosity, studying him intently.
It's as if pages have been torn from your memories. You have no answers to any questions about me.
Is that so... Before I came here, I did something Mister had asked of me a long time ago. If I've lost some memories because of that, they must not have been important.
You want to help pay the price? Why?
Because... Mister has already left us.
Lithos takes a step toward Luna and bows slightly, extending his "pledge of loyalty" with deliberately exposed vulnerability.
Please, accept the three of us as your subordinates.
Where is Lilith?
She took Mister's belongings and left to pursue her own goals.
Oh? Then why didn't you follow her?
Given her personality... she wouldn't accept someone as "boring" as me.
Are you truly Lithos right now?
...
Yes.
In the next instant, Alpha's blade is at Lithos' neck. If Voodoo hadn't just managed to intervene, Lithos would have been reduced to a lifeless corpse.
Before you kill me, may I ask you a question?
...
If you could go back in time, would you kill me before I met Ravenge?
The boy holds his offering pose, letting vital fluid trickle down his neck.
He wasn't your only victim.
...Do you really think that without me, Ravenge and everyone else would've made it and found their happy ending?
...
My only task is to deliver this bargaining chip to Miss Luna. Whether I survive after that doesn't matter.
Like you, I'm ready for the end. But before that comes, I just need a few more days to find my only living family.
Your only living family?
Yes, I only recently heard news about her...
If Miss Luna grants me these few days, I'm willing to give up everything I've accumulated over the years.
As your Ascendant, you'll be able to sense my location at all times. You can end my life whenever you wish.
...
You'll get your answer once I come out of the Inver-Hetero Tower.
Lithos nods, his neck brushing against Alpha's sword blade as he steps forward, handing something over to Luna.
...
Alpha quickly sheathes her katana with a look of disgust, as if she had just scraped the blade against rotting flesh.
...Now then, is this bargaining chip sufficient?
Cradle looks at the gathered crowd before her and nods with a smile.
Now, I no longer have the right to refuse.
—But she still has the right to flee and watch from afar.
Take it.
Cradle takes the data chip from Luna's hand and bows her head, placing it in her mouth.
...
...I see now, Agent Zero...
She turns toward the Inver-Hetero Tower and gives a slow nod.
It seems our goals align, Agent Luna.
Come with me. I will help you... rebuild your frame within the Red Tide.
