Story Reader / Arcade Anima / Land of Bliss / Story
New Dawn
Standing in the lightless "prison", you stare at the man seated in a chair beyond the bars.
Though you cannot make out his face clearly, you can tell from the occasional sounds he makes that he is probably quite young.
You executed Vera's "cast away" scenario half a day ago and was taken away by the Aurora Squadron.
Everything has been proceeding according to plan, but ever since the Aurora Squadron brought you to this prison from the beach, this young man has not stopped staring at you. It is impossible not to feel uneasy.
Wondering who I am?
Let me introduce myself. I'm Haniff, a squad captain.
If I'm not mistaken about who you are, you're something of a "distinguished guest". We can't afford to treat you poorly.
You take two small steps forward and grip the railing in front of you.
Everyone in the room tenses up immediately. From the corners come the sounds of bullets being chambered.
Anyone who just happens to be "rescued" from the sea ought to be observed for a while... especially with all the recent incidents occurring topside.
...
We should be asking you. I don't believe in coincidences. We were carrying out our regular mission, so how is it that we just happened to find a Babylonia Commandant near a deserted island?
It's true. Who in Babylonia doesn't know that Kurono has been having some issues lately?
Why don't you be more honest with us first? Tell us how you really "ended up" here. Otherwise, we can't have a proper conversation.
After all, I don't believe in coincidences. We were carrying out our regular mission, so how is it that we just happened to find a Babylonia Commandant near a deserted island?
You carefully consider your words and decide to probe a little bit.
Could it be that we are looking for the same thing?
That's not a good idea. We don't need to share anything with Babylonia. This is Kurono's business.
An eerie silence spreads between you. He has clearly rejected any attempt at friendly communication.
Haniff rises to his feet and beckons with his hand. A squad member approaches from the shadows and asks something in a hushed voice.
Should we take the commandant away or directly...
We'll relocate the commandant first. Ensure Commandant's safety at all costs. I'll talk to the higher-ups.
As you listen to their discussion, a sudden feeling washes over you that something is not quite right.
Hmm? Are you nervous?
Seemingly noticing the subtle change in your expression, Haniff smiles and approaches, his eyes gleaming faintly in the darkness.
He moves in until he is right at the bars, the two of you now face-to-face with only the cage between you. Haniff's voice drops to a taunting whisper—
Don't be nervous. I was just teasing you. You're playing your part well, so have some faith in yourself... Chief.
His piercing gaze makes your skin crawl, and you have lost your patience to continue this "performance" with him. Without hesitation, you bring the back of your hand to your lips.
Stop it!
The soldiers outside quickly raise their weapons, but a sharp, prolonged whistle has already sounded.
Lower your weapons! This room is soundproof—the signal wouldn't reach the outside.
...
The squad members uniformly lower their weapons, yet remain intently focused on the situation unfolding in front of the cage.
No one notices the discordant streak of color appearing overhead.
Haniff keeps his right hand hidden underneath his coat, fiddling something while maintaining an air of nonchalance as he continues to ramble on.
I should've tied up your arms and legs as well...
?!
No one expects the caged prisoner to thrust an arm out with lightning speed, precisely clamping down on Haniff's throat.
Leader!
As that name escapes your lips, the sounds of bodies hitting the ground echo one after another, traveling forward from behind.
A red shadow dashes among the soldiers, taking down everyone in her path.
Not a single bullet has time to leave its barrel before the red figure arrives at the front of the cage.
Vera watches the standoff between prisoner and jailer with leisurely interest, a dazzling smile spreading across her face.
Heh, you two are really getting into your roles, aren't you? Everything's already taken care of.
Thanks to the tracker we planted in your mouth earlier. We'd have completely lost our dear Commandant otherwise.
Cough—can you—let go—already?!
Seeing Vera raise her weapon, you decide to exercise some restraint.
You're not letting go? Don't tell me you're changing the plan... Are we just going to kill him instead?
Alright. I trust your judgment.
Cough... Ngh...!
Seeing Vera with her weapon raised, you feel like you have taught Haniff a lesson, and you are happy to stop here.
Cough!
Haniff rubs the reddened swelling on his neck, coughing as he unlocks the cage for you.
Thinking it is over, he is surprised when Vera suddenly delivers a swift kick to the back of his knee, sending him crashing to the ground.
He looks up and meets Vera's dangerous gaze.
Consider this a warning. I heard everything clearly from above. You've said quite a few unnecessary things to my commandant.
Next time, you won't be so lucky if you try to act clever or run your mouth.
I don't know what game you're playing, forcing us to eliminate all your squad, but understand this—now that we've dealt with them all, you're truly alone. After this, you'll have no choice but to follow our instructions.
And don't think you can "defect" to Babylonia this way. We won't accept it.
Cough... As expected of people who'd go along with such an absurd plan... I already heard those exact words from this one.
Haniff looks at you as you flex your wrist.
...I haven't forgotten my promise. I can take you there anytime. It's just behind this island.
You flex your wrist while catching the pistol Vera tosses over. After "toying with" it for a moment, you point it directly at Haniff's head.
When did you F.O.S... cough, you Babylonia forces start acting like a bunch of bandits?
...I haven't forgotten my promise. I can take you there anytime. It's just behind this island.
Seeing that Haniff has no intention of resisting, you nonchalantly holster your pistol.
A few days ago, you arrived at the beach to rendezvous with Vera for your "appointment". You found your mission objective—the true "Key"—amid Hummingbird's remains, and Vera revealed the story of Kurono's Group 013.
Meanwhile, this young man from Kurono also showed up as if he had been waiting there the whole time.
He proposed a deal with an inexplicable excitement in his voice.
Finding the "Key" isn't enough. I know where the "treasure chest" is.
Getting the treasure chest through me is definitely faster than negotiating with Kurono through Babylonia.
However... we'll need a convincing reason for me to slip away from the Aurora Squadron.
That works out perfectly, then. Here.
Vera gently pushed you forward.
Is this "bait" good enough for you? If the Aurora Squadron dares to make a move against the commandant, I'll have a legitimate reason to act.
Don't be so surprised. Since you're here, we might as well "make good use" of you.
We don't have any better bait on hand.
Haniff's eyes linger on you for a long while before he finally nods.
That's enough... more than enough. I look forward to the moment when you "abduct" me instead, Chief.
With a gun pointed at Haniff, you make your way to the shore until bushes and a wire fence block your path.
The tall wire fence, draped with black fabric, prevents anyone from glimpsing the shoreline beyond. It looms over the three of you.
So this is Kurono's "treasure trove" up ahead?
You synchronize your location data with Babylonia, then signal for Vera to pull back the curtain.
Not exactly. This is just a waypoint, or rather...
As the curtain slowly falls—
The wind rises.
The sea surges violently against the shore as a warship suddenly appears before everyone.
—This is the ark that sails toward the treasures.
Vera stares intently at the ship through the wire fence.
She slowly breaks into an excited smile, not expecting the next opportunity to "set sail" would arrive so soon.
Wasn't expecting another chapter on this treasure hunt.
You gaze at the scene before them, your eyes lingering on Vera's frame—your memories drift back to a time when the sea breeze carried the damp, slightly bitter scent of Atlantis.
Haha... This is truly the perfect moment to "set sail" once again.
Vera tilts her head and looks over, her crimson hair dancing in the wind.
Commandant... my commandant, since I extended an invitation to you, you should see it through to the end, shouldn't you?
