Story Reader / Border Pact / Achilles / Story
NO.52 Data Center
Without Lee at our side, the squad scrambles to fend off the attackers.
These mechanoids... Aren't they the prototypes used in the performance troupe?
...
Hm... there's logos of the Nighter all over the place...
So this facility is somehow related to the Nighter?
...Sensing something wrong, I turn to find Pulao gone.
...Sorry about this.
...That familiar binding sensation again.
No point in testing its strength. This collar is probably like the ones in the past: uncrackable, unless with authorization.
...Now you just stay nice and still. If you move more than 2 meters away from me, the neurotoxin will be in you faster than you can say "ouch".
...Judging from what the merchant told me, you'll rot from the inside out.
This was the real reason you had us sheathe our weapons!
Sorry... I do not want to go against you all.
This is a backup data point designated by the boss. If I acquire the data, perhaps—
That's no reason to hold [player name]hostage!
Once my pals on the Nighter get the data, we'll give you back your Commandant. You can take everything else that's left, if you want.
We may not need much, but we do need our boss back.
[player name]... All that has happened was quite the coincidence, so I can't bring myself to trust you. If you're here for the boss' data... I have no choice but to go against you.
I'll have to use Morse code... I'll set it to the Babylonia backup channel.
...
S.H.O.T
?
...
Lee raises his gun, pointing it straight at Pulao. Exactly what I was hoping he'd do.
Taking advantage of Pulao's moment of hesitation, I leap onto her, and the two of us roll together into the adjoining room. At the same time, I press the mouth of an anti-materiel pistol against the back of her head.
All you Babylonians ever do is play dirty!
Hey! Let me go!
Only if you promise to stop resisting.
Still, I'm not going to believe you no matter what you say.
Hmph.
I've decrypted the file block, but...
All the files are empty. I tried to restore the log and was only able to recover two entries.
Data log: Year ■, Day ■. Excerpt from audio monitor... Tsk, AI backup files, huh? Not even the real thing. No way they're more interesting than the secrets of Ascnet.
Data log: Year ■, Day ■. Excerpt from audio monitor... Miss Luna's wish is our command.
...Looks like other "visitors" have come before we did.
Behind the squad, the Corrupted begin to sway and crumble. As the Punishing Virus ravages their bodies, they gradually lose control and can barely hang on to their weapons.
?
...
This data center should've been safe...How did they find this place?
Do you mean...
?
As both parties are after the contents of the database, I believe it's best to make this a long-term mission.
The Purifying Force will keep an eye out on groundside missions as well.
...
Uh, um, what... what should I say at a time like this?
You don't need to say anything.
After all, trust is not something that's built on words.
...
...Fine! In that case, I'll join your search for the guys who took the data... for the greater good!
I did something bad, I'll admit. Sorry!
Pulao twirls around and sets off towards the mechanoids from the performance troupe, here to pick her up.
Oh, that? It doesn't! Actually! Work!
