Story Reader / Interlude / In the Name of a Hero / Story
Praise for the Future
The Corrupted with dark wings slowly descends upon the hill. Its grotesque appearance sends shivers down Lloyd's and Yanna's spines.
Do you seriously think you can run away with that wounded Construct?
Gabriel looks unrushed, not even looking away from the book in its hand.
Yanna... Move behind me...
The female Construct's leg is wounded. Lloyd shields her behind himself and taunts Gabriel with a relaxed voice.
It's nice to be flying. Speaking of injuries, you are not much different.
Gabriel finally closes the book and looks down at its own chest. The oil leak marks on its cloak are clearly visible.
You are indeed a commendable warrior. Not many Constructs can hurt me like this even if they put their lives on the line. Very good, but your effort is meaningless...
Gabriel gently tears its cloak apart, revealing the wound that is already healed under the effect of the Punishing Virus.
...What a monster.
Lloyd squeezes out a smile. He has never heard of a Corrupted with such great power, let alone its incredible intelligence.
Lloyd... I can still fight...
Yanna pulls her katana out, but she can barely stand.
Don't worry. It's just bluffing... and it's alone. I can handle this.
Lloyd makes a hand gesture behind his back, hinting Yanna to run to the east once he gives her the signal.
Your mission is to go back to Babylonia and report this new enemy to the HQ... Understood?
What a pity... Instead of embracing the Punishing Virus, humans would rather run.
Do you want me to befriend the virus that destroyed the world? Sorry, but my dream is to become a hero. I have no plan to be a monster like you!
Lloyd suddenly dashes forward, travelling more than ten meters within an instant. The tip of his banner spear has almost reached Gabriel's chest.
Not bad. But your "surprise factor" is meaningless against machines.
The spear tip collides with Gabriel's claws, striking fierce sparks. But Gabriel's strength is clearly superior.
Yanna!
Yanna grits her teeth and runs toward the east. She will be safe as long as she can catch up with the main force...
...But it's too late.
Gabriel suddenly pushes Lloyd away, then hurls its sharp staff-like blade with its left hand toward Yanna, who can only close her eyes.
But when she opens her eyes again, she realizes she is still alive. Lloyd managed to throw his banner spear to deflect the staff.
I am truly shocked... by your reflex, decision, accuracy... and stupidity.
Gabriel exaggeratedly extends his arms, pulling the claws from Lloyd's right shoulder. Red vital fluid pours out from his mouth.
Still, he quickly jumps back at a speed that does not match his injuries and stands in front of Yanna.
Is this what so-called "heroes" do? Giving up your weapon and getting badly wounded, just to save a Construct that can't be of any use?
Gabriel's taunt makes Lloyd laugh out loud.
Hah... Don't say that so early. Sometimes "surprise factor" can still work on machines, don't you think?
Gabriel looks back at itself and finds out three of its left wings were destroyed from their root.
I see. You split the weapon in two. One was used to save that Construct, the other was aiming at my wings.
Yanna runs over to hold Lloyd as he can barely stand up. She realizes how bad his wound is.
Lloyd! Why...
Listen, Yanna!
Lloyd interrupts her abruptly. He knows there is no time to hesitate.
That Corrupted can't fly now. If I can pull it off the cliff, it won't be able to catch you even if your legs can't function properly.
Now stand up and run! I will stop it for you...
But... you will die.
Lloyd smiles as he pretends to be relaxed.
Don't worry... I will leave through recalling after keeping him here for some time. Trust me.
Lloyd... I'm not smart, but I can tell that you are lying. The risk of recalling when facing such a powerful Corrupted cannot be predicted.
But we don't have...
No... There's another option.
Yanna lets go of Lloyd and steps aside. She smiles.
I'll do the recall instead... Then you can safely get out of here without me. I have faith in you!
You can't! Recalling is a...
Recalling is a lie. There is no redemption—but Lloyd cannot say it out. This lie is heavier than his and Yanna's lives combined.
Alright then, Lloyd. I will see you on the battlefield.
No! Don't!
Lloyd grabs Yanna's hands, but they have already gone stiff... Her mind is forever lost with the so-called "recall" mechanism.
Hmm? Did she choose to end her life? But it's too late. You might be able to survive if you could give up on her earlier.
Lloyd collapses to the ground next to Yanna. Gabriel slowly walks to him and extends its left hand. Dark-red Punishing Virus begins to gather in his palm.
But with your aptitude, you may become our new comrade. Come, embrace the trial of the Ascension-Network...
The deadly red glow intensifies—which also causes Gabriel to ignore the fact that Lloyd has secretly clenched Yanna's blade.
A silver flash separates Gabriel's left arm from its shoulder.
I need to change my view on you. Your strength has indeed exceeded my expectation, to the point that...
Gabriel looks down at Lloyd and shakes its head. As Lloyd cuts off Gabriel's left arm, his chest is also impaled by its claw.
It even forces me to kill you.
Gabriel picks up the top hat with its right hand that is soaked in red vital fluid. It gives a slight bow to Lloyd out of respect.
Thanks to you, I learned the word "hero" today. You had great strength of body and mind... Too bad you chose to fight for humans, instead of contributing your power to the Ascension-Network.
...Humans don't deserve "heroes."
Gabriel puts the top hat back on its head and turns away. The untimely rain begins to fall quietly, soaking Lloyd's broken body.
Sorry... Yanna... I couldn't tell you the truth in the end...
And sorry to you... Commander Nikola... I can't return to Babylonia as a hero once again...
Lloyd takes out a notebook from his pocket and holds it tight in his arms, as if it matters more than his life.
Maybe one day, "Lloyd" can live in a world that no longer needs heroes or lies...
What kind of different life will he live, I wonder?
By that time, our stories no longer need to be kept secret. Maybe he will pass them down like a writer in the Golden Age...
The rain and wind seem to fade away as Lloyd's hand loses its grip on the notebook.
Then, our efforts, as well as all those sacrifices and lies... aren't in vain.
I'm leaving everything to you...
The "Lloyd" of the future.
