Story Reader / Main Story / 30 Stars Ensnared / Story
Following behind Cradle, the group ventures into the deepest part of the Hetero Zone.
Everyone stands by the crimson pool, watching as she submerges her hands into the Red Tide.
Go ahead. I've shaped the Red Tide here into an "ordered" pattern. Just find the right interface, and it should ease the burden on you.
Shouldn't we turn the Red Tide into something we can hold first?
No need. This is similar to the "Giant Whale" from your memories—we just need to enter it.
Or, if you can find a consciousness capable of containing this, I could try to replicate the same thing here.
The girl cast a meaningful glance at you behind her with her mesmerizing eyes.
But I've heard... when humans die directly in the Red Tide, their consciousnesses rarely stay intact. Converting to M.I.N.D.s would be safer.
There's no need.
Establish a Deep M.I.N.D. connection with me.
This is a rare opportunity. Don't you want to see everything that I can see? Even if it's dangerous.
Commandant, but...!
Liv looks like she's about to say something, but her eyes shift between the surrounding Ascendants and the Inver-Hetero Tower, now shrouded in purple mist. In the end, she quietly steps back to your side, concern written all over her face.
If you're worried about traps hidden in the Red Tide to deal with the Grey Ravens...
She steals a glance at Cradle from the corner of her eye.
Wait until everything is confirmed before initiating the Deep M.I.N.D. connection with me. This was meant to benefit you... For now, just focus on getting ready.
In silence, she steps forward and places her hand in your palm.
All preparations are complete.
Ignoring the various gazes and veiled emotions around her, the girl steps into the thick, freezing Red Tide.
The stench of decay assaults her olfactory sensors as dissolved corpses tug at her long hair, surrounding her pristine white frame.
With her levitation module disabled, her body can barely move through this swamp of death. Yet despite her labored steps, Luna forces herself to stay upright, moving away from the shore one painful step at a time.
Then, watched by countless spectral shadows of the dead, Luna vanishes entirely into the crimson hell.
Opening her eyes, she finds herself still sinking. The putrid, viscous Red Tide below, heavy with the hatred of countless dead, clings to her feet like the damned clutching at a single thread of salvation from hell.
Countless fragments of others' emotions and memories stab into her mind, all driven by the same desperate goal—to force their way into this frame, to overwrite the consciousness within, and to escape this endless hell of torment.
A shattering sound echoes in her ears, followed by a flood of screams. Luna's voice cuts through it all like a desperate cry in a bustling square—she herself has become the relentless, chaotic noise.
The voices slice through her like countless blades, binding her current agony to the suffering of countless dead. Her pristine white frame is slowly stained, then completely engulfed, by her own signature crimson.
Through their tears and laughter, those piercing voices join together in broken fragments to form accusations.
—Why does it have to be you?
—I once held the same good intentions as you, suffered the same betrayals as you, clung to attachments I couldn't let go of, and harbored the same hatred of having everything stripped away.
—Why aer YOU the chosen one?
—Why are YOU the one who survived?
—Why aer YOU the one who found the Ascension-Network?
Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why
Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why
<b>W H Y</b>
Luna struggles, but the mire of Punishing Virus is already beyond the control of the "agent," who is on the verge of going haywire.
She can only cling to that sole Mind Beacon, struggling to regain control of her body.
The more she struggles, the more her consciousness descends into chaos.
Once again, she hears the shattering sound.
A fragment of "consciousness" breaks away from Luna, merging with the Red Tide.
The dispersing Punishing Virus rises from the lake's surface, melting into the thin mist.
Gently, through that torn fragment of consciousness, Luna gazes back at the thin mist<//HERSELF>.
Through this hazy awareness, it perceives traces of wind, the swaying silhouettes of leaves, and the crowd waiting by the lake.
Lithos stands motionless in place.
Roland keeps his gaze fixed on where she vanished.
Lamia seems to sense something, looking around alertly.
...<color=#ffffffff>Sister</color>.
As if hearing the voice of the mist<//LUNA>, Alpha raises her head from the lakeside.
You've been quiet this whole time. Is it because of Luna?
She hears the human standing in the mist<//LUNA>, speaking to Lucia in a hushed voice.
The two remain silent for a long while, and only as the thin mist<//PERCEPTION> begins to fade does an answer finally come.
When we left Babylonia, people were still dealing with the aftermath of the explosion. Many haven't found proper shelter yet.
The same goes for the Inver-Hetero Tower and Clean Zone. At a time like this, our only lead is that it might be connected to the Ascension-Network.
As the other sister speaks these words, she takes the human's hands in hers, as if checking they're still unharmed.
Back in City 075, I wanted to save Luna too, but... now... what right do I have to save her?
...Neither I nor Gray Raven want to see you in danger again... If what happened last time repeats itself...
The human steps closer to her, as if to comfort her, showing that they are safe and sound.
Commandant...
The last gust of wind extinguishes the flames in her consciousness, and she falls into the Red Tide weaver's embrace like a fleeting sigh.
...
She can't allow this to continue. She must grasp the Mind Beacon and keep her M.I.N.D. stable, or what remains of her consciousness will be torn apart and scattered to the winds.
...?
In this fleeting moment of chance, the weaver of the Red Tide seizes the consciousness with all defenses stripped away, and the deep knowledge once glimpsed by the agent flows into Cradle's eyes.
The will of the Ascension-Network... agents... consciousness data...
These fragments of knowledge flow into the Red Tide, gradually reassembling into their original forms as Cradle analyzes them in her consciousness.
To think the inner layer could be this simple and direct—how fitting for human civilization. This can hardly even be called a will.
As her understanding grows more complete, a strange thought suddenly invades Cradle's mind. If the Ascension-Network truly operates as she has glimpsed...
Then... if I use the Red Tide's properties to simulate Luna's composition, can I create an existence equivalent to that of an agent...
No... it's not that simple...
Cradle's thoughts begin to race. The Red Tide's ability to simulate and replicate isn't omnipotent—otherwise, Cradle would have long since used this power to create copies that defy logic. But...
Why make things so complicated...
Luna is now in Cradle's grasp. She could use the Red Tide to shred Luna's consciousness, then implant the concept of Red Tide into the frame to create an existence similar to a Red Tide Projection...
Then, advance to Luna's destination, complete the trials meant for her, and claim the agent's authority... or perhaps... go even further...
If only...
A nonexistent and unneeded heartbeat begins to quicken as Cradle's gaze grows deeper. After all, this is no risk-free endeavor. Yet she need not act—just let the tide surge a little stronger, and the lonely vessel tossing upon it may be completely engulfed.
Just a little surge of the tide...
Cradle lowers her eyelids slightly, her slender fingers moving with imperceptible tremors. Deep below, the tide encompassing Luna grows ever darker.
Time loses meaning since Luna entered the Red Tide—
Suddenly, an alien sensation invades your mind. Your consciousness falters, and within the M.I.N.D. connection, the already weak perception rapidly dissipates.
[player name].
At some point, Alpha's eyes snap open from her contemplation. Like a blade unsheathed, she turns her cutting edge toward the Red Tide.
Upon hearing your words, Alpha turns to face Cradle, her right hand dropping to her waist.
Explain yourself.
Cradle turns around, her brow furrowing as if only now noticing something amiss. Then her expression shifts to one of concentration, as though sensing something distant.
She's too weak. The Red Tide is pulling Luna deeper, dragging her toward depths I haven't yet woven.
How unfortunate. Shall I terminate this deal and pull Luna back? I should mention, however, that I won't be returning the payment for your failure. The data has already merged with my body.
Cradle raises her right hand, hovering in midair. Her expression is calm, but her eyes are earnest, as if the moment Alpha speaks, she'll pull Luna out of the Red Tide without hesitation.
...
Seeing Alpha weighing her options, Cradle tilts her head and offers what she knows again.
Hmm... she seems to be resisting still... Though the situation isn't promising, she might be able to hold on...
Well? Have you decided? Shall we stop now or wait a little longer?
...
[player name].
Alpha calls out again with the same tone. Though it's just your name, her questioning intent is crystal clear.
Clearing all distractions, your consciousness follows the faint, flickering trail.
After several twists and turns, finally—your consciousness latches onto Luna's trace.
Is it just an accident? Luna appears to be safe...
Just as the perceived information is about to be voiced, that same unsettling sensation strikes you again. Through the daze that follows, a low, resentful growl reaches your ears.
Cra... dle...!
Splash—
The roar of tides drowns out the growl as a suffocating pressure tears your consciousness to shreds.
If this is the message she is so desperate to convey through her rage, then without doubt, everything happening now is Cradle's doing. She has ulterior motives.
Shing—Splash—
Alpha draws her blade without hesitation. At the same instant, Cradle raises both hands—and the Red Tide, docile as a lamb mere moments ago, erupts into towering waves that reach the height of the trees.
Hetero-Creatures materialize in the space between, surging forward with grotesque faces. Chaos erupts in an instant.
Eek! What in the world is happening?!
Copy that.
Huh? What plan? Nobody told me about any plan!
Liv, stay with Commandant.
The rear should be safe ground—unless you're worried enough to count us among the threats.
Far from feeling displeased by Lucia's command, Roland doesn't linger. He immediately exposes his back to Lucia without reservation, rushing forward to assist Alpha.
Eek...?! I... you... w-what does it mean?
I-I'll go check!
Following the order, Lamia swiftly moves into position between Lithos' group and the Gray Raven squad. As she moves, she gradually grasps the intentions of Roland and the commandant.
...Betrayal in return for kindness. It seems even among Ascendants, treachery is the norm.
Observing the chaos from a distance, Teasell lets out a low grunt. Before he can make a move, Lithos steps in to stop him.
We shouldn't meddle in Miss Luna's conflict. Acting on our own will only mark us as enemies.
Look... Lamia is watching us from over there.
Having pointed to the empty space beside him, he pulls back his hand, simultaneously catching and dissolving a Hetero-Creature that had been lurking near Gray Raven. With another wave of his hand, he signals the three to retreat further.
Forgive me... Lamia, but our inaction now is the only way to prove we mean no harm.
Before leaving, he turns and speaks to the seemingly empty space.
...
If things become dire, you know where to find us.
Then, Lithos walks up to Voodoo and Teasell, lowering his voice to a whisper.
If things go south, leave immediately. No need to waste your lives here—there might be salvation waiting for you with Lilith.
I've said it before—she reminds me of another despicable woman. I'll never go to her for help.
Are you leaving?
I made a promise to Mister... Besides... I don't believe Miss Luna will fail so easily.
Alright.
Lithos lifts his face, his gaze piercing through the battlefield as if cutting through the raging crimson tide, settling on someone in the distance.
Bang—
The bullet's piercing shriek cuts through the chaos.
Found you.
Whiz—
Following the guidance of the bullet, Alpha's blade falls, shredding Cradle to pieces. However, moments later, she rises again behind a group of Hetero-Creatures.
One against six, Cradle shows no signs of fatigue. In this area covered by the Red Tide, the odds of victory are firmly in her favor.
Your perceptiveness... I must admit, it exceeds my expectations.
It was improvised, after all. Perfection wasn't exactly on the agenda.
Cradle!
Alpha dashes forward in a blur, her blade cleaving through both Cradle and her Hetero-Creature guards in one devastating strike.
Whether from disdain or sheer indifference, Cradle rises again, utterly ignoring both Alpha and her ally Roland.
Of all emotions I've encountered on my journey, anger has been the most frequent—and the most meaningless. Whatever I choose to do, none of you can stop me.
With that said, Gray Raven Commandant... shall we have a chat?
Just give me a little more time—I can offer you everything Luna can. After all, there's really no reason for Gray Raven and the Ascendants to work so closely together, other than mutual benefits, right?
Cradle's words bring both the Gray Raven trio and Roland to a momentary standstill.
While not everyone fully grasps the meaning of the first part of her statement, the divisive intent of the latter half is unmistakably clear.
Tsk!
As the blade strikes again, Alpha is the only one unaffected by the conversation.
We have only one target right now. Focus, Roland.
With a flourish of her blade, Alpha flicks away the Hetero-Creature remnants. Her gaze sweeps across the Gray Raven squad before coming to rest.
Even as enemies, we know each other well enough by now, [player name]. There's no need to deliberate this long.
You give Alpha a slight nod, responding one by one to the questioning looks from the three members of Gray Raven.
[player name], I trust Luna, but this is Cradle's territory. She won't yield it without a fight.
The M.I.N.D. connection—it hasn't broken, has it?
A trace of concern slips through Alpha's steely tone, almost imperceptible.
Fighting these Hetero-Creatures is just a war of attrition. We must find a way to eliminate Cradle. As for the rest...
Alright.
The situation shifts rapidly. As Cradle appears once more, there's no time for hesitation—the team charges forward to engage both her and the Hetero-Creatures.
Just like before, your consciousness follows the flickering trail, winding through several turns.
Anxiety causes your consciousness to drift briefly out of alignment, but reason quickly pulls you back into focus. The more tense the situation, the more crucial it is to stay calm.
Whatever trouble Luna has encountered in the Red Tide remains unknown, but one thing is clear—she needs help.
Find Luna. Help her.
The simplified thoughts are so pure—only such brief ideas can be transmitted through the M.I.N.D. connection at the fastest speed.
The simpler the thought, the stronger it resonates.
Soon, beyond the chaotic and violent crimson tide, a figure appears at the edge of your conscious vision.
—In the very instant after locating her Mind Beacon.
The Red Tide, which dissolves all matter and spirit, surges violently, spilling its distinctive stench of decay outward.
Like a finger pressed to the lips, silencing breath, in that fleeting moment of distraction, a hazy moonlight blankets the forest.
She raises her hand silently, pointing at Cradle, who is still stunned when Alpha arrives just in time to block her path.
...
This method won't... work on...
Before she can finish her sentence, the Punishing Virus in the air crystallizes into countless spikes, impaling Cradle.
Luna's lips curl upward, her hollow eyes dancing between fury and amusement.
Her indifferent hands close gently, and the Hetero-Creature, formed of the Punishing Virus, is completely shredded into fragments of its original material.
...With a broken sneer, she tumbles into the Red Tide.
She's not completely destroyed!
Just as Cradle's fragments are about to fall into the Red Tide, they're met by humanity's answer—the Omega Weapon.
At last, silence reclaims everything.
Alpha rushes to the shore, catching Luna's body as it falls from the sky.
Clearly, that battle has pushed her to her absolute limit.
Thank you for your final help, [player name].
The young girl quietly closes her eyes in her sister's embrace.
