Story Reader / Main Story / 34 Dream till the Timeless End / Story
Babylonia
Star of Life
10:20
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Doors open with a click as you and Ayla exit from two different rooms.
Neither of the two consciousness connections produced symptom patterns similar to what you described during tests.
We've sped up the process. Both patients show physical functions, M.I.N.D., and Mind Beacon stability levels above safety thresholds.
Your conversations have been sent to our psychology department for analysis, but they'll need to interview your friends, family, and colleagues before forming a conclusion.
This process will take three to four business days. Our preliminary diagnosis indicates mass conversion disorder.
The doctor delivers the results in a monotone, then sets down the paper to add more information.
For most patients, the diagnostic process would end here, but because it's [player name], we'll follow up.
Considering your previous reports, I'm inclined to believe this finding is meaningless.
You don't believe your own preliminary diagnosis?
In my professional opinion, except in extremely rare cases... Of course, I don't mean to speak ill of any patient.
The doctor smiles in apology and makes a gesture, as if trying to take back the inappropriate comment, but becomes serious again.
Apart from a handful of cases, I've never seen other Commandants exhibit similar psychological symptoms in their daily lives.
A Commandant can still fall ill or have physical and mental health issues. Others may have psychological issues, but nothing nearly as severe as what you've described.
And we haven't detected any signs of infection, so...
I might not agree, but your status as an "elite squad Commandant" still takes priority over your status as a "patient."
Even if others have doubts, I won't say it. I'm a doctor and I'm supposed to reassure my patients.
But you need assistance instead of reassurance. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.
The doctor shakes her head, gathers the examination forms, and leaves the room. As she exits, Asimov enters.
Is the examination over?
There's no evidence linking what happened to you with the Science Council incidents, but I'm still concerned about your condition.
The Science Council is responsible for all Commandant's mental well-being, as it directly affects the stability of your Mind Beacon.
I know the general situation now. What would you like to do next?
It's alright. This is about [player name], so don't worry too much about me.
A quick glance is all it takes for you to understand each other's intentions. She nods gently.
Okay.
Asimov immediately accepts. It's clear he already had this in mind but was waiting for you to confirm his guess.
The samples need to be private, so we'll assign technicians who are familiar with you both.
We'll ensure the safety of your objects during the examination.
I'll get someone to retrieve Ayla's canvas as soon as possible... [player name], your letter.
He extends his hand toward you as he says this.
You take the letter from your pocket and hand it to Asimov. After parting, you leave the Star of Life with Ayla.
Fast City Suburban Villa
Suburban Villa
12:30
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At the villa's entrance, a weathered mailbox creaks in the wind as Iris reaches in to pull out a letter.
The sharp edge leaves Iris's fingertips unscathed, yet the sharp sensation reminds her of her exhaustion.
These lapses in attention are occurring more frequently. It's not a good sign.
Iris shakes her head and opens the letter. Rows of delicate, elegant cursive in royal blue ink flow across the page with confidence.
<i><color=#0066CC><size=38>—The Multilateral Trade Agreement has been signed at the Mirror Sea Twin Towers and officially implemented.</size></color></i>
<i><color=#0066CC><size=38>—The peace operation conducted by the Tuka Independent Guard along the Mantaine coastline has concluded.</size></color></i>
<i><color=#0066CC><size=38>—The 709th Mechanized Brigade of the United Government has entered the Roro Rainforest in accordance with the joint security regulations in the "The New Earth Codex" - Roro and United Government Section.</size></color></i>
Each line reads like a brief report, with items arranged chronologically.
Anyone can find all of this information with a quick search. Even most of the details have been made public.
The letter doesn't provide any additional details.
Yet Iris sighs with relief after reading it. She carefully folds the letter, tucks it into her pocket, and walks back to the villa.
In the villa's living room, Dandelion and Jonathan sit at opposite ends of the coffee table.
The conversation is serious yet odd. Dandelion wears a grave expression, while Jonathan looks confused.
Hmm... and then what?
There is no "and then." That's all there is to know about why you were attacked at the opera house.
Do you have any questions? I know that what I just said might sound a bit absurd.
...I just have one question: are you finished?
Like that speedy recital of my identity in the car—are you done with your rigorous, precise, and informative explanation?
Hmm... yes? Did I leave anything out?
No, no, no... I mean, what you've been saying must be some science fiction, to set the mood?
Like how a judge always says a few transitional words before announcing the verdict...
Jonathan rests his elbows on his knees, hands clasped over his nose and lips. His leg bounces nervously before he takes a deep breath and drops his hands to his sides.
For instance, the truth could be that I work for the United Government, helping revise the articles of "The New Earth Codex".
A group of dissatisfied civilians has targeted me, most of them victims of the Peace Operation.
They oppose the United Government and don't want to see "The New Earth Codex" implemented, so they planned the attack.
Jonathan's analysis is logical and clear. The conclusion is the worst-case scenario in his mind when he accepted this job.
But human imagination has its limits. Trouble does not.
Jonathan, this isn't a courtroom, and we're not a jury playing make-believe.
Do you really think what happened is something ordinary people... or the military, or these "special organizations" could carry out?
...
Jonathan opens his mouth but nothing comes up. He stands up and freezes before swallowing his words.
Anger, or losing control, is unfamiliar to Jonathan, or any lawyer.
So you're saying that whoever's targeting me isn't a civilian organization, nor an armed group opposing the United Government.
But rather... someone with supernatural powers who can travel through time. Someone who can easily cause mass destruction...
Jonathan pauses, desperately searching through his knowledge for anything similar.
...A criminal who's still committing crimes.
Dandelion nods in silence.
...What is her goal? Why target me?
Is it because I have the ability to convict this Enora Lueya someday? For crimes against humanity?
It's far more than that. Your pen has the power to change the world, Mr. Jonathan.
Iris' voice comes from behind. She's leaning on the wall next to the stairs, tending to her hand wounds.
You can change history. Without you, the "The New Earth Codex" between the United Government and the Bane local government would fail.
This would hinder multiple United Government initiatives, and as for Bane...
Iris has a glance at Dandelion and pauses a bit.
Bane will also be incorporated into the United Government's Peace Operation mission.
...
Jonathan stares at the glass on the table in silence, then gives a self-mocking smile.
...You make it sound like I'm saving the world.
No, my duty is to ensure that history moves along its original path.
What's the difference? Are you suggesting something?
Jonathan looks around, his gaze settling on Iris's bandaged hands.
Vehicle, safe house, essential documents... This isn't your first operation.
Is it the protection mission that keeps repeating, or your battles with Enora Lueya?
...
Does that mean anything to you, Mr. Jonathan?
Iris wants to change the topic, but Jonathan reads something from her brief silence.
This rhetorical question doesn't align with her demeanor and words. Avoidance and reluctance are two different things.
...Fine. The truth is always more complex than words on paper. I get it. I mean, we're dealing with time travel.
What about your identity? Surely you can explain that? Even if it's just a story.
A group of guardians hidden in the shadows? An organization that maintains historical stability?
I'm afraid none of that exists. What you see is all there is.
...This is not a time for jokes. The whole "fighting alone is the rule" thing only happens in superhero movies.
Just the three of us against the mastermind behind an attack of that scale today?
To be precise, it's only Iris.
Jonathan looks toward Dandelion, who tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.
Like you, I'm an ordinary person. Iris saved me, and I want to do something in return.
...
Can't we ask for help? Like sharing Enora Lueya's file with the United Government to get the military involved?
The weapons of this era can hardly pose a threat to Lueya, and sharing information would only create more complications.
At that point, Lueya wouldn't even need to make a move—the future would already be altered.
What would happen if it changes? The world ends?
The world ends.
Iris calmly looks at Jonathan in silence.
If the prisoner finds a way out before the prison is sealed, all efforts will be in vain, and the world will vanish into one final echo—but she has no other solution, nor can she tell this to these two.
...Fine, you don't need to say anything. I can tell from your expression that the outcome would be catastrophic.
I understand how you feel. Perhaps you need some time to process this.
Don't worry. We'll protect you until you reach Bane and finish your work.
With that said, Iris turns to go upstairs.
...
Well...
Jonathan turns his head to see Dandelion hiding half of her face behind a book.
Why don't we... take a look at Bane's history first?
...
Jonathan reaches for the book with a sigh. Only the quiet sound of pages turning remains in the villa.
