Story Reader / Floating Record / ER05 Sands of Wrath / Story
What's the point of just giving this to me?!
In a decrepit camp, a Construct smashes a metal object onto the face of the other Construct.
...
The Construct, wearing a Purifying Force emblem, silently picks up the name tag from the ground and wipes off the dirt on it with the not-so-clean cuff of his uniform.
I'll take it back if you don't need it.
He puts the name tag in his pocket and turns away.
Is that all? Don't you have something else to say?
No. I have said everything.
Is he still alive?
No comment.
What did he do wrong?
No comment.
Did you... do it yourself?
The Construct in the Task Force uniform asks one last question with a trembling voice. The Purifying Force member falls silent for a moment.
...No comment.
He still replies with the same cold-hearted response.
But the Task Force member already has his answer from his hesitation.
It really was you... Three of us grew up together... How could you?!
You Purifying Force bastard! All you do is climb up the ranks on dead bodies!
Unable to accept the reality, he raises his fist, completely forgetting the other Construct's identity as a Purifying Force member.
Sorry, but I can't just ignore that.
Before his fist lands, it is grabbed by another stronger hand.
What are you doing? Let me go!
Noctis... I'm fine. Set him free.
Hah... Do you really think I'm helping you?
The red-haired man shows a sinister smile with taunting eyes under his wind goggles.
Honestly, I don't like either of you. But I just dislike this guy more.
Stop being wishy-washy... Move aside!
Noctis shows no courtesy even to his colleague.
Where was I up to...? Right, you called him a Purifying Force bastard.
I'm not as nice as the others. Apologize, or get beaten up. Which one will you choose?
Did I say anything wrong? You Purifying Force people always get merits from killing our own folks!
We are all Constructs. Who gives you the right to determine our fate?
What nonsense are you spouting? Your fate only depends on whether you are loyal or not.
I wouldn't feel bad at all to kill a traitor.
Then tell me clearly, what did he do wrong?!
Why would I know? We were just following orders from above.
Hah, you're just a puppy wagging your tail to your master.
What did you say?
Noctis raises his eyebrows. Those who know him well would know this is a sign of him resorting to violence.
You must have enjoyed yourself in safe zones while we risked our lives fighting Corrupted in the frontline, huh?
You never have to worry about being infected, or lack of supplies.
When we become too weak to fight, you just come to get rid of us... You filthy scavengers!
Ballard used to be a hero... But he has now become a watchdog for the powerful ones, slaughtering his own people with you pups.
Fine, you don't need to apologize.
Noctis lets go of his hand.
Noctis!
Sensing what may happen next, the Purifying Force Construct warns Noctis.
Even if you beg me, I'm going to beat you so hard that you have only one breath left!
Bring it on! I've had enough of you!
Stop...!
Sorry. My hand just slipped.
This is your fifth time receiving disciplinary action this month.
A Construct with a middle-aged look sits opposite to Noctis in an overly simple room. He speaks unemotionally while reading Noctis' disciplinary report.
It was his bad for saying things he shouldn't say...
Noctis never fears anything or anyone, but the man's scrutinizing look still makes him feel like sitting on a hot chair... He was not even asked to sit though.
This man defeated him during his most difficult, out-of-control times, then adopted and raised him, bringing him back from the abyss of despair.
But after spending such a long time together, Ballard is still a man of mystery to Noctis.
Still, it does not mean there is any estrangement between Ballard and him. Quite the opposite, Noctis has nothing but unspoken respect for this man who almost gave him a second life.
Captain, can you take them off already? I feel like my head is getting flat.
Noctis is balancing a stack of steel plates on his head like a circus performer. To avoid them from falling on his feet, he has to stand straight.
You can only take them off when I say so. I can't really change your temper, so this is all I can do.
I thought the penalty was less severe than last month. Why did you put more plates on me?
Because it's only a week into this month! You even laid hands on someone from the same unit, didn't you?!
Because that sissy guy was helping an outsider against me. I was just trying to protect the Purifying Force's dignity... Wait, why did you put more plates on me, Cap?!
Noctis barely keeps his balance under the suddenly increased load. He has no energy left to argue back.
If you continue to act this way, the next time, it will be the Control Court coming for you. I won't be able to help you then.
Let others say whatever they want. Don't make the situation even more unstable.
What we are doing may not be understood by others. Still, it's necessary justice.
The third evacuation has just ended. Too many people are trying to do their dirty deeds under the table. Someone's got to keep an eye on them.
That is why I proposed to establish the Purifying Force in the first place.
The Purifying Force was supposed to be a "silent watch," just like its emblem. But your personality is way too...
Seeing Noctis still struggling to stay still with many steel plates on his head, Ballard shakes his head.
Maybe I should send you back to Bianca's squad, so you have more time watching and learning from them.
No! Don't!
Noctis sounds like a dog whose tail has been stepped on. He probably would have already jumped up if he didn't have the plates on his head.
Please, don't put me in her squad ever again. You don't know how much I suffered under her. She has a rule for every single thing.
Noctis' face becomes twisted from the painful memories.
Even if I was late for a little while, or landed a couple more punches on the tough suspect, she would make me write two or three pages to explain.
I feel like my frame has aged ten years just by staying with that stubborn and cranky one.
I'd rather go on a mission with Nigel.
Sorry, but I don't have the habit of bringing a loudspeaker with me.
A Construct in a black coat walks past Noctis. Noctis did not even notice him before he spoke up.
****! I know you walk without a sound, but how did you manage to open the door so quietly?
Because someone with a stegosaurus' brain forgot to close the door.
I don't know why you suddenly mentioned a dinosaur, but it must be sarcasm, right?
The steel plates on your head are about to fall off.
Tch.
As Ballard's right-hand men, Nigel and Noctis have a similar past, but completely opposite personalities.
One is noisy, the other silent. One excels in direct confrontations, the other in stealthy assassinations. One is known for getting frequent disciplinary actions, and the other never fails to kill his target but remains unknown.
Their personalities make them incompatible, yet their similar experience makes them like brothers.
Did you find out everything?
Yeah.
Noctis, your punishment is over. You can go back now.
Alrighty!
Noctis immediately puts the steel plates down as soon as Ballard finishes his words.
Phew... It's finally over.
He rubs his red hair, making it all fluffy again.
Found another group of guilty guys? It's time for me to come into action.
Noctis flexes his wrists, eager to get involved.
These targets don't suit you. They need to be handled covertly.
Ballard speaks as he flips through the list submitted by Nigel.
Just stay on standby for now. Wait until your accumulated penalties are cleared.
Alright...
Noctis may have boasted about "don't underestimate me" in front of someone else, but he just cannot utter those words to Ballard.
Close the door when you leave.
Nigel speaks unexpectedly as Noctis walks past him.
I will.
Noctis gives his taciturn "brother" a "friendly hand gesture," then slams the door shut.
Heavy breaths pump air into the frame, bringing the heavy odor of Construct vital fluid into the sensor of smell.
For Constructs, breathing is not a necessary activity. But right now, it is these remaining human instincts that are still holding him up.
He pushes himself up with his remaining right arm, stumbling toward the cliff's edge, where the person he must kill awaits.
Get up... Get up!
Answer my question!
Gnashing his teeth, he throws a punch at the man struggling to get on his feet, only to find his opponent still maintaining that infuriating silence like he always knew.
Silent, reserved, calm and reliable as always. His one and only "brother."
Yet, that silence is deeply hurting him at this very moment, as he is unable to vent his anger and sorrow.
The victims of this anger—Nigel, along with one of his arms—quietly lie on the battle-worn ground.
Not far from them is the origin of his sorrow. Ballard, the person that Noctis respects the most, lies lifeless at Nigel's feet.
It was nothing but a simple mission to begin with. Considering that Ballard, Noctis and Nigel all participated, it could be considered a piece of cake.
However, just as Noctis tied up his target to a concrete pillar while muttering how long it had been since he last had such an easy mission, he lost contact with Ballard and Nigel together.
Following the combat traces left behind, Noctis finally found two of them... Or, just the remaining one.
Having no time to ponder why Ballard fell next to Nigel's feet, or why Nigel pulled his battlestaff from Ballard's chest, Noctis' body moves first.
Gargh... Aaargh!
Charging over like a beast, Noctis chops off Nigel's arm, which still has vital fluid on it. Nigel soon recovers and picks up a katana from the ground with his foot...
Nigel!
Despite having his left arm separated from his body, Noctis rams his forehead into Nigel's, as if he is not feeling any pain.
Why?!
Using every part of his frame, Noctis completely disregards the damage to himself with every strike, leaving no room for Nigel to utilize his mobility.
Katanas have snapped from collisions. The temperature of their frames continues to rise from intense actions, stirring up their M.I.N.D.
Slowly, the man in black has been pushed to the cliff's edge.
You just won't say anything, huh... Fine!
Clenching his teeth, Noctis picks up a heavily damaged katana and holds it up, trembling.
Okay then...
Just die!
Sigh...
Watching Noctis coming at him, Nigel sighs, as if he has given up.
This is probably our last conversation, so I'm only going to say this once.
Use your brain and think. Who else, other than Ballard, can give me orders?
Nigel utters an unusually long sentence, but Noctis has not lowered the broken blade.
It can't be...
Yes, someone above.
Nigel affirms Noctis' unspoken guess.
Why?
Because he crossed the line. Because they found him annoying.
No way! Captain will never betray humanity.
Maybe... But to some people, seeking equal rights, or even privileges for Constructs, can be considered a betrayal of humanity.
Even at this moment, Noctis can only hear a hint of self-mockery in Nigel's tone. There is no sign of emotional changes on his face.
Of course, that's not the most important point. What matters most is that the Purifying Force has already ripened, but Ballard has become a scarecrow that is standing in their way.
What do you mean?
Ballard hadn't told you anything, had he...? It makes sense though. Otherwise, you would have gone into an argument long ago.
The situation in Babylonia is very complex. There are a lot of problems that cannot be exposed. Sometimes, it's a lot easier to eliminate the problem maker than the problem itself.
But when Ballard refused to let them use the Purifying Force in such a manner, he became a problem maker too.
Even so, you wouldn't... Besides, you never used your poison on me just now. You must have a reason, right?
Noctis grits his teeth, looking for a reason. Maybe Nigel was threatened, maybe it was Ballard's own plan all along. Or, any reason will do, even if it does not make much sense.
Do you think Ballard could be easily dealt with? I finished all my poison in the battle with him.
If you don't want to believe it, just forget what I said after you kill me.
Other people will take care of the rest. Just pretend as if you know nothing.
Nigel!
Nigel's indifferent tone stings Noctis' already battle-worn heart. He forces himself to not swing the blade, squeezing out every syllable from between his teeth.
No. You are coming back with me.
Whoever asked you to kill Cap... I'll dig their names out of your mouth, and make sure they get the punishment they deserve.
That's the justice Cap believed in!
Noctis... You really are too kind for the Purifying Force.
But I can do the things you can't do.
(Did he just... kick me away?)
The broken blade falls into Nigel's hand in the blink of an eye.
Time to finish you off now.
The attacker and defender have switched their roles. Noctis tries to get up, but he feels a numbness in his chest where Nigel's kick landed.
The poison... You said it was all used up!
I gave you a chance, but you were so naive and disappointing.
Never trust your enemy again in your next life.
Haha—Hahaha—Hahahaha!
Noctis suddenly bursts into a hoarse, sharp laughter that sounds like a desperate roar from the underground.
If you don't want to come with me...
The sensor on Nigel's head was severely damaged from the previous battle, significantly compromising his perception.
So he did not notice that Noctis left an inconspicuous "rock" before he was kicked away.
Then let's die together!
A violent explosion engulfs Nigel and Ballard. It also sends Noctis flying.
Is that everything?
No matter how many times you ask, I have nothing more to tell.
After regaining consciousness in Star of Life, Noctis was visited by a Control Court inquisitor.
I hope you can understand. Based on the residual from the explosion, if what you said was true...
It will be quite challenging for us to find the intact bodies of former Purifying Force member Nigel and former Purifying Force captain Ballard.
And that is also a fact. Still, we are unable to determine whether they had fallen off the cliff, or were blown into pieces by your explosive.
Or...
Or it was just my lie. Is that what you're trying to imply?
Noctis wants to shoo away the person in front like swatting a fly, but realizes he can only move his lips.
You can access the memory data of my M.I.N.D., can't you? Just take a look yourself.
We will. But considering your current injuries, in conjunction with the advice from the military commander and the new Purifying Force captain, it will be carried out after you recover.
What, the Purifying Force has a new captain already?
Strictly speaking, she is just taking over temporarily. Well, now that we have brought the topic up, I shall let her talk about it.
As the door opens, Noctis finds a familiar figure in the ward.
It's you. Tsk.
Ignoring Noctis' somewhat sarcastic greeting, Bianca just nods at him and turns toward the inquisitor.
Inquisitor, I still insist on my original viewpoint. Until concrete evidence of betrayal is obtained, Noctis should not be moved out of the Purifying Force.
But you have also heard about the recent rumors within the Purifying Force. They have been saying he killed those two.
I think it's better to take him away for the sake of the Purifying Force's internal relationship.
Rumors are just rumors. If we force him to leave just because of those ungrounded accusations, that would be a violation of justice.
Please give me some time. I'll sort this out.
Watching the two of them arguing, Noctis suddenly recalls the conversation he had above the cliff.
Of course, that's not the most important point. What matters most is that the Purifying Force has already ripened, but Ballard has become a scarecrow that is standing in their way.
Ballard hadn't told you anything, had he...? It makes sense though. Otherwise, you would have gone into an argument long ago.
The situation in Babylonia is very complex. There are a lot of problems that cannot be exposed. Sometimes, it's a lot easier to eliminate the problem maker than the problem itself.
But when Ballard refused to let them use the Purifying Force in such a manner, he became a problem maker too.
Noctis... You really are too kind for the Purifying Force.
Why don't we just ask him?
...
Hmm... I think I want a change of mood after all.
With a somewhat mocking tone, Noctis wants to stretch like he always did, but the immense pain all over his body stops him from doing so.
Besides, I really don't want to work under this woman. Spare me, please...
Noctis...
Noctis turns his head away from Bianca's gaze, pretending to be distracted by the devices on his bedside.
Basically, I don't want to stay in the Purifying Force anymore. Can you just let me go, dear Captain?
Alright... I respect your wish. Still, I will take care of the rumors.
One more thing. Just take this as if I'm talking to myself...
Running away is not going to fix any problem.
Bianca has left. Once again, there are only Noctis and the inquisitor in the ward.
Why are you still here? I thought you had already asked all your questions.
The inquisitor turns off the video camera on his chest and closes the screen.
Actually, I have a suggestion regarding your new assignment.
It was also President Hassen's suggestion...
