Story Reader / Extra Story / EX01 Grand Blue / Story
EX01-1 HelloWorld
>Hello there, friend.
Yes, I know. How foolish it is, to imagine a friend for myself, isn't it?
But, foolish though I may be, I'm willing to believe that you are good, or at least, one that is trustworthy.
After all, you are my imagination. I can't betray myself, now, can't I?
There are some things that I must, and can only, tell you.
I don't know if I can even live until tomorrow.
Anyway, it's foolish. Pure, distilled foolishness.
But still, please listen to what I have to say.
About the truth... and what we've just realized about this world.
About... things that might go poof—without a trace—after today. About things that might change what common sense means.
Before the real "battle" begins, a myriad of events will take place.
You do hear me, do you? You are not ignoring these seemingly meaningless words of mine, are you?
My friend.
[player name]...
[player name]!
[player name]!!!
Oh you. How can you fall asleep at a regular briefing?
...Well, you did get it rough in Kowloong. I guess you do need a little rest, maybe?
What's the matter?
Lucia...
Memories flash past you. You seem to still feel Lucia leaning on your back.
The scent, the smell of vital fluid, the lingering warmth of her heat ventilation... Could the briefing before you be but a dream? Are you perhaps still in Kowloong, with Lucia still leaning against you...?
[player name]!
The feeling of Celica lightly smacking your head brings everything sharply back to reality.
...This is the flimsiest response for daydreaming that I've ever seen.
What's wrong? [player name] did great work in Kowloong. There's no need to be so harsh, aye?
I am just reminding [player name] to rest.
...Come to think of it. You've all been crammed with missions after missions.
Even with your excellent performance, we might've been overworking you all.
How about this, why don't I give you—no, you folks a vacation? Now that a few safe zones have been established on the surface, this should be doable.
In that case, can I join them? President, see, I've basically been working seven days a week for a while now...
Here's the thing, I'd love to say yes, but...
Okay, what's the reason this time?
I need someone to help me chair the reconstruction of Kowloong Metropolis, Wuming City, and K-44. And, we have to arrange local intelligence officers for infiltration recon of the Monastery of Purity...
Seeing Celica slowly rolling her eyes to Hassen's chatter, you feel a chuckle building up within you.
...Anyhow, sorry, but please understand. If I get the chance to arrange a vacation for you, I will. Definitely.
...Overtime pay. Double.
Deal.
Okay. Back to the topic. Since it's a vacation, let's also get the other squads that came back from Kowloong.
Yep. Gray Raven, Strike Hawk, and the others that helped out.
In that case, hmm, what to do with the location...
What are you talking about? Why are you all gathered around [player name]?
President Hassen is suggesting that we send the returning squads from Kowloong to a safe zone for a vacation.
In that case, I know a place.
?
Caribbean Sea, Area D. It was a famous beach area until Operation Acadia.
Now, plagued with not even a single tourist, it's a better-than-ever vacation spot.
But we don't have that many forces stationed in that area...
That's because the viral density there is very low, and the garrisons there are just to keep an eye out.
Besides, with the reconstruction teams working away in the other safe zones, our vacation-goers won't get any peace and quiet, yeah?
...I see. You do have a point.
President?
Area D should be a good choice. It used to be the center of some integration plan of the World Government.
It had the best-of-the-best entertainment from before po-pan, all in this one place.
Bottling it all up can mess with you. Gotta let your stress out from time to time.
Oh, how nice it must be. I also wanted to go to the beach with you guys...
It's not a common occasion. You should use it to get to know your teammates better.
...
...What's wrong, Commandant?
...Commandant, your expression doesn't seem like it's "nothing."
I feel like I went through a lot. I might need some time to fully recover and return to my previous condition.
But Asimov and President Hassen told me that I'll have the time to do so.
After I recover, I can be your blade again, just like before.
...You tell Lucia about the vacation.
...A vacation? Sure.
It's also a good opportunity to reacquaint with everyone, right?
Let me see...
That one's Liv... That's Lee... That's Ayla...
Okay. Ready.
Is that so...
Indeed... We've all known each other for quite some time.
Then let's take this opportunity to relax.
Yeah!
Lucia takes your hand and drags you out.
Am I acting based on my intuitions, or memories? Or... am I just being the Lucia that Commandant wants me to be?
...I am who I am.
...No matter what happens, I will stay by Commandant's side. I am the leader of Gray Raven, Lucia. This will never change.
...What plans are you hatching?
You needed help. I gave it.
You're not the type to recommend vacation spots. And may I remind you that Lucia's frame—
—The problem about her memory data hindering her combat performance? There are enough combatants going with her. There shouldn't be any issues.
Then why Area D?
You'll know why when it's over.
...Looks like they'll need a vacation extension after this one.
Never mind, I'll get it sorted out. One last thing—what did you send Cerberus to do? They went dark on our surveillance system.
...I might be obliged to tell you, but I would prefer not to.
Very well. In that case, I'll get Asimov to give a little something to Gray Raven's commandant.
A little something?
To make sure it all goes well, I think your plan needs the help of that thing.
In the vast and endless sea of sand, three figures trudge...
Argh! Why do we hafta hop there on foot from the frontlines HQ?!
We blew it with the Forsakens. They ain't lending us their wheelies.
C'mon, man. At least get Babylonia to airdrop us some of em' self-folding cars or something...
Can you two stuff it?
Keep that up and I'll just turn you two off, then tow you both to the mission site.
You hear that, Blackjack? No more noise.
Bog off, you.
