Story Reader / Extra Story / EX02 Firn Night / Story
EX02-1 Arctic Reunion
>Near Babylonia's combat preparation area, several squads are busy transporting supplies and military equipment.
Looks like there's an emergency mission.
Everyone's on edge. Hopefully, the mission isn't too serious.
Don't worry, they've got skilled combatants with them. Though, back on our case, Commandant, we still have a round of data collection for Lucia's frame coming up, right?
I wonder how we'll go about the data collection.
...It'll be nice if we can figure out why my frame isn't operating at its full capacity.
Commandant... You saw the transmission, right?
Because the actual performance of Lucia's new frame wasn't quite up to par, the higher-ups want us to participate in a series of data collection to see what's wrong.
That's what the data collection is about, Commandant.
Gray Raven. Good to see you here.
Suddenly, an unexpected figure walks out of the bustling squads. Her expression is ice-cold—just like when you first met in the Arctic.
Why the surprised expression...? Well, I guess it is my first time speaking to you in Babylonia.
You're just as calm as ever, but at least that's reassuring.
Nikola, Gray Raven's commandant can take the last spot. Report over and out.
She seems to have been connected to Commander Nikola all this time. You feel a hint of what she is saying, but you are unsure as to why she did so.
Rosetta, I know you must have a mission, but we need to collect data. I don't think we'd be able to help you out...
It's okay. It won't affect you. I'm just missing a commandant.
Huh...?
ARU seems to be under attack and has requested reinforcements. I need to bring troops over from Babylonia ASAP.
Is it the Ascendants?
I can't say for sure... But I need to borrow your commandant and get back to the ARU. There's no time to spare.
But, going there with just Commandant...
I won't let your commandant come to any harm. You have my word.
...
...
If that's the case... What do you think, Commandant?
If you say so, Commandant. Rosetta, please keep Commandant safe.
I'm sorry, but there is no way. Rest assured, I will keep you safe.
——
You hear fighting nearby, sending a chill down your spine.
I won't let you get any closer!
Holding a spear, Rosetta confronts the group of hostile bionic machines. They continue their reckless assault heedlessly.
Great. You're awake.
It's up in the air... Or actually, I think it's bordering a bit on the bad side. I wasn't expecting to run into these bionics this quickly.
I think you should be more concerned about yourself. You've been asleep in the snow for over half an hour.
Anyway, it's about over. I'm going to charge ahead!
Rosetta throws her spear, penetrating the enemies like a shooting star. While the enemies are distracted, she jumps into the air and unleashes her shield.
Ready, aim—
—Fire!
A burst of energy erupts from her shield and rains down on the enemy bionics.
—Retreat!
The bionics at the rear make a split decision to abandon their fallen comrades and retreat out of the battlefield.
Hmph... Just my lucky day.
Once Rosetta confirms the enemy's retreat, she lowers the output of her light wings and descends from the sky, retrieving her spear impaled in the ground.
Alright, [player name]. Let's continue our mission.
...Are you messing with me? Or do you not care to remember these sorts of things?
We are within Arctic Route Union's jurisdiction. Did the impact just now give you brain damage or something...?
At any rate—
I didn't expect the transport craft to be shot down by anti-aircraft guns and crash into the snow... Just my lucky day...
ROAR!!!
Just as you are about to inquire about the next course of action, a group of bionics suddenly charge out from where they evacuated. Looks like they were retreating to rally reinforcements.
Looks like now's not the time to talk... [player name], no... Commandant, join me in battle!
