The buzzing broadcasts, the eerie surveillance probes... Strange phenomena suddenly occur one after another in the eco garden, tightening the nerves of the evacuees that had only just begun to relax.
The brief tranquility shatters in an instant, and anxiety washes over every face. Whispers spread through the crowd along with quick, shallow breaths, and panic breaks out once more, like drops of ink in clear water.
Wel... come...
A rotund mechanical butler rolls out from behind the service counter in a sluggish, almost comical manner. Its monocular eye flickers with unstable blue light as it speaks with a synthesized voice laced with static.
Philimon Eco... Garden... welcomes... all new members... I am... the butler robot... of this facility... pleased to... serve... everyone...
The old, decrepit mechanoid emits distorted, disjointed electronic sounds like a broken vintage radio would. This bizarre scene sends chills down the spines of the refugees.
Kamui instinctively steps forward, positioning himself in front of you and the refugees to protect everyone. His golden pupils are sharp and alert, unlike anything you've seen before.
[player name], please step back. While the target unit is an outdated civilian model, I cannot rule out the possibility that it's armed.
I also cannot rule out the possibility that it's a Corrupted.
The word "Corrupted" lands like a spark in boiling oil, and panic ignites among the refugees in an instant. Fear tightens its grip on the crowd, shattering the silence as chaos erupts, followed by distressed cries.
H-how is there a mechanoid here? Is it a Corrupted? You promised us this place was safe!
See? I knew it! These phonies from Babylonia can't be tru... Mmm...
A hand clamps over Jerome's mouth, and then an elderly voice yells out a command that quells the brewing chaos momentarily.
Quiet! Everyone, settle down! Jerome, you shut your mouth too... stop saying things that'll cause trouble!
Luke shouts while shielding the women and children behind him. Though his voice is trembling with fear, he tries his best to maintain order as the leader of the refugees.
Babylonia's navigation system led us here. They wouldn't just lead their own people to their deaths... right?
Murmurs ripple through the crowd as anxiety reaches its peak. You pat Kamui's shoulder, signaling him to relax.
Hearing these words, several refugees who had been trying to flee but were stopped by Kamui come to a halt, albeit still hesitant. They turn their gaze toward the two of you.
You step past Kamui and stand in front of him. Kamui glances at you with a mix of surprise and concern, his brow slightly furrowed, showing clear disapproval towards such a risky move.
[player name], be careful. Please stay within my cover.
But he doesn't stop you. After giving his warning, he adjusts his stance and follows your lead without another word, cautiously approaching the peculiar mechanoid alongside you.
In this moment, you and the construct stand shoulder to shoulder, facing the bizarre, odd, and rotund mechanoid. Behind you, the refugees huddle together like helpless children.
The butler robot's monocular eye scans the two, eventually focusing on your silhouettes as you stand side by side, protecting the refugees. The blue light in its eye flickers several times,
and shifts to a soft pink glow.
Beep—!
Scan complete! Two exceptional individuals detected, fulfilling protective duties. Behavior pattern analysis: Selfless, courageous, and displaying high levels of coordination.
Identity confirmed: Welcome, Core Members of the new family. Registration pending.
Family? Core Members?
The calm mask on Kamui's face finally cracks. Unspoken emotions from the past seem to seep through the fissures, spreading across his entire expression.
He turns to you, his tone still composed and restrained, though tinged with bewilderment now.
Is this robot... malfunctioning, perhaps? [player name] and I are nothing more than superior and subordinate, and not... a "family."
The butler robot, however, disagrees. Its pink eye shifts to a disapproving yellow glow.
Objection. According to the evaluation criteria established by my master, only family members would selflessly protect one another.
Family... huh?
Kamui glances at you, and your eyes briefly meet before he quickly averts his gaze. He then turns to the refugees behind him, that absolute rationality returning to his eyes.
[player name], I believe allowing this butler robot to remain here could pose a security risk to everyone...
The butler robot ignores the discussion between you and the construct, and its seemingly malfunctioning eye projects a static-filled holographic image.
Now playing a message from my former master to all of you—
The aged footage is blurry and indistinct. Only the vague outline of a woman in an old-era lab coat is visible, her features eroded by time. She faces those behind the camera, speaking with heartfelt emotion.
Even though the outside world is unrecognizable now, I've always believed... my dear, that you'll come back to me.
Perhaps nothing but weeds and deserted ruins remain now. Even so, please don't grieve over this sight. Believe me when I say that together, we can rebuild our home.
As you complete these wishes and tasks one by one, you will find that slowly but surely, life and light are returning to these lands. Just as how we once built this place brick by brick.
The blurry footage abruptly cuts off there. The tender, emotional tones of the woman are replaced by the butler robot's sterile, mechanical voice.
According to preset system protocols, when core family members return, they must pass the "Family Verification" and can only unlock access to the eco garden using Family Contribution Points. Points can be earned through different actions.
The butler robot provides a clear and detailed answer to your questions.
You must complete the tasks that are designed specifically for family members, and the system will gradually grant more access based on your current completion rate. Please note that until the basic missions are completed, only essential life-support systems will be available in the eco garden...
The Philimon Eco Garden will only entrust everything to family members once they demonstrate their resolution to rebuild their home and genuine commitment to other family members.
Kamui listens to everything with an expressionless face, then lowers his head in contemplation.
The sudden questioning catches Kamui completely off guard.
Hm? Ahem...
This verification protocol is excessively redundant and inefficient, and it involves restricted access to essential life-support facilities...
It's reasonable to infer that countermeasures against so-called non-family members are likely in place, which would pose a significant threat to everyone here.
Hearing Kamui's assessment, you fall deep in thought once more.
I've already assessed the situation, and I believe I can neutralize the butler robot right now. There is no need to play along with its charade.
However, I'll need your assistance with gaining complete control over the eco garden afterward, [player name].
You and Kamui turn to look at the exhausted refugees behind you. Anxious whispers echo through the disheveled crowd.
Don't tell me we have to move again. It's still raining outside, and it's way too cold.
What choice do we have? Look at [player name] and Kamui's faces—that bot probably means trouble. Chances are we can't stay here anymore.
What're we supposed to do... We've got nothing left... and now we're supposed to grit our teeth and travel through that cold rain? Not to mention there's probably Corrupted raring to get us... I can't do this anymore!
Shh! Keep your voice down!
Some of the whispering refugees notice you and Kamui looking their way and lower their voices even further.
Do you have a better solution, Commandant?
His words remain calm and measured. The situation isn't unsolvable, but out of absolute trust, Kamui decides to leave the decision-making to you.
The refugees' eyes are filled with uncertainty and terror. These people cannot possibly be relocated, at least not under such severe weather conditions.
But then you notice several critical details—the main structure of the eco garden is still solid, and its dome is strong enough to withstand the current harsh environment. The water purification system in the corner also appears to be operational...
Are you certain? I don't believe this is the most ideal location to set up base...
Kamui falls silent for a moment. He seems to be weighing the advantages and disadvantages of these options. After a while, he nods and stows away his weapon.
After careful deliberation, you come to a decision.
I understand. There really isn't a better option right now. I'll cooperate and complete this...
A strained, peculiar expression creeps across his otherwise calm face... as if this mission is making him feel... embarrassed?
You pick up on this slightly more familiar reaction from Kamui immediately.
Family roleplay mission.
You breathe a sigh of relief after reaching an agreement with Kamui. You then turn to face the refugees, their anxiety and unease still visible.
The murmurs subside in that moment. All eyes are fixed on you as you are about to speak, eagerly awaiting your decision to be announced.
Everyone, think of this place as our home for now. There's no need for us to move through the rain!
After hearing your words, the elder conveys the final decision to everyone else.
The crowd remains quiet at first, but they begin to discuss after a few seconds. Then, the voices grow louder, eventually drowning out the anxiety and fear. A glimmer of hope returns to many faces.
After confirming the tasks with the butler robot, reality sets in—it's already late, and you won't have time to unlock the residential zone today. Your current priority should be to prepare an overnight camp for everyone.
The two of you spring into action—over the next few hours, Kamui works with unusual intensity. Clearing rubble, driving away pests, all calm and efficient, like a top that can't stop spinning.
You pat Kamui's shoulder and hand him a bottle of electrolyte solution.
Thank you, [player name].
Kamui politely reaches out to take the bottle from you, but your fingertips accidentally touch in the process.
In that instant, Kamui recoils as if he was shocked, retracting his hand so violently that he nearly drops the bottle.
I-I'm fine...
After securing his grip on the electrolyte solution, Kamui regains his restrained expression and turns back to his work.
Strange... what just happened? Why is my cooling system running at full power?
As the night grows old, the rain remains relentless. Thunder roars occasionally, concealed behind the distant, thick clouds. Inside the eco garden, the lights dim. Meanwhile, in the dry campsite, a campfire crackles softly.
The eco garden lies beyond Babylonia's rapid response area. Because of this, well before nightfall, you and Kamui came to a decision together.
For the next few nights, the two would take turns keeping watch to ensure the safety of the refugees temporarily sheltered here.
The flames of the campfire dance, flickering between light and shadow, illuminating Kamui's distant, vacant profile.
Kamui turns around vigilantly upon hearing footsteps from behind, but his tense shoulders relax when he sees it's you.
[player name]? Have you not gone to sleep? It's not time for your shift yet.
You walk over with two bottles of drinks and sit down beside him. Kamui hesitates briefly before shifting slightly to the side, politely but unconsciously clearing out a relatively clean spot for you.
Nothing. I've verified the perimeter security lines. The butler robot is currently in standby mode and hasn't shown any signs of aggression. Based on my assessment, it poses no immediate threat.
You open a bottle of electrolyte solution and hand it to Kamui, who takes it without fumbling this time.
My frame's functions show some deterioration, but still within acceptable parameters. [player name], regarding the... family roleplay mission...
Kamui gazes at your profile, bathed in the campfire's glow. His tone is serious, as if discussing a battle plan—though the slight hesitation betrays him.
I'm concerned that my current state might impede mission progress. I am uncertain as to... what I should do to act as "family."
You meet Kamui's gaze. His eyes reflect the dancing flames, but beyond that, you see confusion.
[player name], I... don't quite follow.
You guide Kamui to rise and survey their surroundings. He sees sleeping refugees all around the two of you, a few letting out exhausted snores.
I still don't quite understand, [player name]...
Kamui places his hand over his heart and exhales, his breath calm and undisturbed by emotion.
Family, huh...
Looking at our behavioral patterns, our current situation does match what the butler robot described as a family... but I still can't understand or feel these emotions that exist between family members...
I hope these issues of mine won't hold everyone back.
His words are sincere and thoughtful, worrying about things that haven't even happened yet.
Really? In that case, I hope it comes back to me soon. It would help us progress through our upcoming missions more efficiently.
Kamui stands up, brushes the dust off his clothes, then glances at the time.
[player name], although it's our scheduled shift change, considering how much energy you've expended today, I suggest you continue resting. I'll keep watch through the night.
In that moment, the exhaustion Kamui accumulated over multiple days becomes too much for his M.I.N.D. to suppress and spills out, escaping through his lips in the form of a long, deep sigh.
Phew...
Alright, but if anything happens, please wake me up right away.
The flickering campfire illuminates Kamui's silhouette as he quietly walks toward the area where the refugees are resting.
Not long after, Kamui's quiet breathing becomes a gentle thread, softly weaving into the collective rhythm of everyone's dreams. He's finally got the chance to completely relax after this long, tiresome day.
Only the soft crackling of half-burned firewood remains. But then, the sounds of someone kicking against pebbles disrupt the silence.
You don't turn around, letting the faint glow from your terminal screen continue to illuminate your face as you speak softly.
The boy steps out from the shadows, his face still bearing the same stubbornness and wariness as before.
Tch, no fun. Isn't your hearing a little too good?
No... I mean... I didn't mean to.
The boy's tone softens for a moment. Perhaps he realizes that eavesdropping isn't exactly proper behavior.
So... is something wrong with Kamui? Is... he okay? Are you two, like, a family or something?
I was watching... observing Kamui. When that projection mentioned his... what was it again... emotional... disruption? Your face kinda...
That look... I've only seen it on Gramps and Bernie's faces when someone... passes away.
A-and also...
The boy seems to have recalled some kind of crucial evidence, earnestly attempting to deduce an answer from it.
Kamui is acting so different now, compared to before. He was the one who made the decision to evacuate and escort us here.
But since you got here, he's been constantly looking at you and waiting for your opinion! I'm sure he cares a lot about what you say, or at least respects you a lot! So...
The boy leans in closer to you, his curiosity compelling him to ask the most important question.
You two are family, aren't you?
Man, you adults always talk in riddles...
The child mutters dejectedly, seemingly dissatisfied with your evasive answer.
Don't you live together all the time like me and Gramps?
You think for a moment. With how demanding missions are in Babylonia, it's rare enough for everyone to get together, let alone live together.
But isn't Babylonia like, super huge? That's not what I meant, I'm talking about a house, under the same roof—
Jerome tries his hardest to trace the shape of a house with his arms.
Huh, seriously...?
Of course! Like... me, Gramps, and Bernie for example. Even though we've moved so many times already, and even though we're not related by blood, we're still family. Being a family means sticking together!
After hearing your question, the boy's expression crumples.
Every time we relocate, people get separated for all sorta reasons. It went better this time, but after moving again and again... we've had to say goodbye to so many of our family members already.
Eventually, everyone lost touch with each other. That's still fine, but for some others... they either got sick and died on the journey, or were attacked and separated from the main group, going missing in the end...
Say...
The boy stops you once more.
If... one day, you could never see Kamui again, would you be able to accept that? Would that make you happy?
And I don't wanna be separated from my family either.
The boy glances back at the sleeping crowd behind them. As if on cue, he catches Luke shifting his sleeping position.
Gramps is old and not in good health. He was ready to give up when we were attacked.
It's all thanks to... Kamui. I really do feel bad about lashing out at him earlier.
...
The boy sitting on the other side of the campfire falls silent. The sounds of sleep, rain, and burning embers are the only things filling the void between you two.
...
It'll be great if... what you're saying is actually real.
Thanks for trying to comfort me.
Man, I'm beat. Time to get some sleep.
To the boy, your promises feel like unreachable fantasies. The harsh reality of his past makes it impossible for him to believe in a kind future like that.
But home seems too far away, so the boy decides to believe in dreams instead.
