Story Reader / Extra Story / EX01 Grand Blue / Story
Hello there, friend.
Ah, forget it, "friend." What nonsense it is. By now, you should have already realized that this is just a madman's ravings with an imaginary friend.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like, on the day you die?
I might die at any time. I'm close enough to "that place," so there's no need for me to hide anymore.
Strangely, I don't have any resentment about it.
When those people were after me, I ran like a rat prodded by some hot metal rod.
When Roland burned the research facility to the ground, I was cowering like a child.
When I learned that it was the Godfather who betrayed me, though, I instead felt nothing.
Maybe it's true what their leader, the little girl, said... that humans are weak, vile, unworthy of trust. That must be the case.
—I finally feel like things are about to come to an end.
But I must apologize, my friend, this story of mine... It's not some thrilling tale.
Only now, do I realize that I am nothing but a coward. A coward that, even to kill a man, I need someone to place the knife in my hand.
Hello, friend. I guess this is goodbye.
I've never made proper farewells before. So allow me, my imaginary friend, allow me a proper farewell.
Meanwhile, in the main plaza on the other side of the hidden passage...
...So, how was your last supper?
Ah, I must have forgotten. You're no longer human. You don't require food.
...
Have you bid your farewells to family and friends?
...Ah, I jest. You have no family or friends.
...
He who has nothing, did you at least have a good, last night's sleep?
...
Luna shakes her head in face of Shome's silence.
Pitiful child.
Even the last day of your life is in such misery.
You're not after what I know, are you? You went to all this trouble looking for me, not because you're trying to know something.
You knew from the beginning. You only wanted my death.
...
Yes, I don't care at all. Not a sliver.
...Why?
...Why, indeed?
Perhaps it's because of your impudence. That merciful agent protected you by making you an Ascendant, but instead, you squandered your hard-earned rebirth, marching into territories not yours to tread.
I hope your death will make others agents realize, that humans are not worth saving.
Miss, the info backup he scattered in various parts of the theme park have been found and destroyed.
The execution can begin at anytime.
Just that?
That's what you people want? To take the Ascension-Network, all for your own?
How dare you, mere mortal! Guessing at the will of Miss Luna!
Thank you, Gabriel.
Looking at the time, ours guests should be arriving soon...
Indeed. They are close.
So, any last words?
...Just what are you waiting for?
Ah, what am I waiting for, indeed?
Don't worry, it's not what you are waiting for, that's for certain.
Lamia?
An X-shaped shadow squirms quickly near Luna. Space distorts, and a figure materializes out of thin air.
Miss Luna... I'm here.
Did you do everything I told you to?
Y-yes... Every.
Good girl.
In appreciation, or perhaps out of mere amusement, Luna stretches out a hand and gently pats Lamia's face.
M-M-Miss Luna...
Good work. You did well. Step back and wait for everything to end.
You step into the plaza, only to see...
Pieces of fallen Constructs litter the plaza. A lone figure stands with their back to you, admiring the massive bionic statue before them.
As if sensing your arrival, the figure turns toward you—
I've been waiting for you.
Shortly before the Gray Raven arrived...
...It is time.
As you wish.
Mh-hm.
Our guests from Babylonia seem to be late.
Is this part of your plan too, Miss?
Yes.
This is our own problem. We'll deal with it ourselves.
With that, the massive cartoonish statue behind them suddenly begins to transform.
...Speare?
You ran here last for this statue... Ah, no this is a mere holo-projection. You are here for the real Shark-speare underneath it.
Shark-speare, the defense robot made in the image of an animation from your childhood.
...How did you know?
Did you not say so yourself? I know what you know. I want what you want. No?
I hope this makes you feel better on your way to hell.
A shadow flies out of the holo-projection and prances slowly to Shome.
Ah... Ah.
No, no, Speare...
The shadow crunches on Shome's torso, as if trying to break him into two.
ARRRGGH!!!
Almost instantly, the shadow pulls Shome back into the holo-projection and returns.
A rumble of mechanical screeches ring out from within. Crushing, fracturing, masticating—at something.
No screams. No cries. Only chewing. Fluids and gears fall near the statue's feet.
