Dormitory
Ezette
If you ask me, Carol's fever should be treated with a hot compress! Every time I had a fever growing up, my parents cured me exactly this way!
I already said cold compress, COLD COMPRESS!! If that treatment worked on you, it only proves you're too stubborn to die!
When you're sick and feeling awful, you should eat something nutritious. I think those fruits they handed out yesterday would be perfect...
...Sure, they're good. But what do you think you're doing reaching into my locker? Let's be clear: if you take my fruit, it's ONLY for Carol to eat. There's none for you.
Hey... will a week be enough for Carol to recover? What if she's still too weak for training when the time comes?
Don't worry about it! When problems come, we'll find a way to solve them! If we put our hearts into it, we'll always find a solution. Believe in ourselves! Right now, let's focus on taking good care of Carol!
In the modest room, conversation hummed softly. Carol gazed at the faces surrounding her and let out a delighted giggle.
But the laughter quickly dissolved into coughing, and Carlie hurried to her side, concern etched across her features.
Carol!! What's happening?! Are you okay?!
She patted Carol's back gently. In an instant, the room fell silent as everyone closed their mouths and watched Carol with worried eyes.
Cough, cough... I'm fine, Carlie.
A few more coughs, then she accepted the water offered to her. After a sip, she was finally herself again.
I just... I really like hearing everyone gathered around talking like this. When I was little and got sick, you and Mom and Dad would keep me company the same way.
Back then, you all would tell me so many stories and jokes to cheer me up.
As I listened, I'd forget about being sick. And in all the happy laughter, I'd fall asleep without even realizing it.
And when I woke up... my illness would be gone. And everyone would be smiling happily again.
Mom... Dad... sob...
Carol recalled those warm moments from her past, when she had a cozy bed, a safe home, and no worries about survival—only playing and laughing under the doting care of her parents and sister. But those days were now so very far away from her.
Carlie! Carol! Stay right here and don't move! Someone will find you...
Her father had fallen impaled, his body a barrier against the invading Corrupted. Her mother had pushed her daughters away from the collapsing wall, and in that final act of love, had been swallowed forever by the ruins.
Over here! Someone's alive!
They had hidden in the basement until Ezette found them.
After that... the Ezette presence had shrunk. The talking had stopped. And the children, with no experience in caregiving, had simply comforted each other the only way they knew, by remembering what comfort had felt like when they still had someone to give it.
In the grip of fever, she had drifted between waking and dreaming. Her parents had visited her there, sitting vigil, their expressions alternating between joy and grief, their words a promise: "Sorry we're late. We're here now. Let's go home."
But then her sister's head had fallen against Carol, heavy with exhaustion, and Carol had jolted awake. The bedside had been cold and empty. It had always been empty.
Carlie had gathered her sister gently against her chest, but her trembling voice, when it came, had betrayed her.
I know. I know, Carol... I miss them too...
I miss my mom and dad so much too. Waaahh...
A boy, normally so carefree, could no longer hold back his grief. His loud wailing drowned out the soft whimpers of Carlie and her sister. The earlier commotion fell instantly silent as everyone else began to share in the sorrow.
Their conflicting opinions, their inability to persuade one another with the weight of their limited experiences—these were proof that they hadn't yet grown up. They should have been carefree children who, even when stumbling and falling, had parents and elders to take their hands, guiding them forward without hesitation or fear.
Instead, they had been forced to endure grueling training no child should ever face. They wandered lost between weakness and death, with nowhere left to turn.
I-I fell during training yesterday... My arm was bleeding really bad...
I used to be so scared of pain. But yesterday, I didn't dare say anything. I just... I just found some medicine and bandaged myself up.
I read in a picture book once... that only children with homes have people who care when they're hurt. But... we're all children without homes now.
I'm scared that Uncle Leif and the others will think I'm useless. That they'll throw me out. And... and never care for me again.
Who said that?!
Until then, Kamui had said nothing. Now he stepped forward, positioning himself at the group's center, and spoke with a voice that carried absolute certainty.
Never mind the fact that Uncle Leif would never throw us out. What's more important is you are NOT children without homes!
You're all children of Ezette. And Ezette is your home... No, that's not right— It's OUR home!
Kamui looked over Darren's arm. A moment later, as if struck by a memory, he lifted the boy's injured limb with care and blew softly on it.
Blow on it and all the pain flies away. That's how it works, right?
Though it had offered no real physiological healing, the method had worked wonders on the boy. Darren was still crying, but through his tears, a smile broke through.
Um... when I was sad, my family would tell me stories. Kamui... could you do that too?
I don't mind, but... I think Azael would be better at this sort of thing! Whenever I tell stories, I end up falling asleep first! He's much better! He can bore the listeners to sleep before he even finishes!
...Kamui. You don't actually think that was a compliment, do you?
Tch. That's so childish. I don't wanna hear stories. We're not little kids anymore.
How is that childish?! Then what do you suggest we do? We barely ever get days off from training, and today's basically our home's birthday! We absolutely HAVE to do something special on such an important day!
If it's a birthday, then of course we have to sing the birthday song!
Everyone in the world sings that birthday song. It's nothing special. We should find something that belongs just to us in Ezette.
Hmm... that's easy peasy!
After a moment's thought, Kamui snapped his fingers and began to speak.
Ezette has always had a tradition of celebrating Family Day every month! Since things are different now, why don't we set a fixed date for it? Today can be the day!
And to make it feel like a real celebration, how about I teach you all a traditional Ezette folk song?
When I see birds migrate
Over mountains and rain
<i>Fly through the dark of fate</i>
<i>Chasing light beyond the haze</i>
<i>Home's the place where they land together</i>
<i>Head up to see the sun</i>
<i>Across thousands of years</i>
<i>Countless flames burnt inside</i>
<i>With sparks of life</i>
Ah the sun comes back every dawn
The otherwise harmonious singing had been abruptly pierced by a jarringly discordant voice, one that hit every note with spectacular inaccuracy. To compound the offense, its owner sang with excessive enthusiasm, at such extraordinary volume that everyone else had frozen in their tracks.
At first, the voice showed no signs of stopping, utterly lost in the rapture of its own self-absorbed performance. Only when someone nearby delivered a sharp tap to the singer's head did the noise finally come to an abrupt, forced end.
You IDIOT!! Didn't I tell you to hold back and NOT sing?! Do you have any idea how completely tone-deaf you are?!
Stop hitting me, stop it!! What if you knock over the medicine?! Besides... I thought my singing was pretty good.
The conversation was loud enough for the entire dormitory to hear. Carol stirred, propping herself up and leaning forward to glimpse what was happening outside.
Uncle Loren? Is that you?
The question drew Loren out from behind the door. He paused, hesitation written in every line of his body. Then, slowly, he stepped into the room and approached Carol's bed.
Little Carol's hearing is as sharp as ever! That's just like you!
How are you feeling, huh? Doing better? Am I disturbing your rest?
Carol nodded gently. Then, fearing Loren might misunderstand, she immediately shook her head to say she was fine.
They took me to the medical ward. I'm feeling much better now.
...You're not disturbing me at all. I was actually hoping you'd come visit.
The news that Carol was recovering finally let Loren relax. Smiling, he lifted the large bag he'd brought, opened it wide, and held it up for her to see without leaning forward.
That's great! Look here, I brought you some nice things.
These are special medications for your symptoms... And here in the compartment are some supplements that'll be good for your health.
And the rest are snacks I've collected bit by bit during my missions. If the medicine tastes too bitter, you can have some of these to help it go down.
Oh right, how could I forget this! Take a look at this brooch! Do you like it? It's a gift my daughter sent for you. You young girls will surely love it.
Carol extended her hand and took the bag.
Thank you, Uncle Loren. But I still haven't finished the snacks you gave me before. You don't need to give me new ones.
Carol started rummaging through the bag to give back the snacks, but Loren caught her hands mid-search before she could find them.
Those snacks were always meant for you. Whether you eat them sooner or later doesn't matter. Just keep them all.
That's right, little Carol. Your Uncle Loren almost cried to me yesterday just to get more of your favorite candies. Absolutely insisted I give him my share too.
HEY! At least let me keep SOME dignity in front of the children!
Little Carol, don't listen to your Uncle Joe. He's just making things up! I would never cry over something like that. Never!
No sooner had the words left his mouth than Joe, standing beside him, delivered a ruthless smack to Loren's head.
Who are you calling uncle?! There's such a big age gap between us! Little Carol can just call me big brother. YOU'RE the real old man here!
What's wrong with being called uncle? It's called mature charm, you know? Little Carol's about the same age as my daughter, and when my daughter met you before, she called you uncle too.
While they were talking, someone else peeked into the bag and couldn't help but let out an exclamation of amazement.
Whoa, Uncle Loren, Uncle Joe, you guys are amazing! How did you manage to get so many things?!
Uh... o-of course! We have a great relationship with the folks at the medical ward. Just had to say hello, and they were happy to hand everything over—
Wait a second! Didn't I just say? Don't call me uncle!
Thank you both. For everything. Again...
Taking the bag from Carol, Carlie expressed her gratitude to both Joe and Loren.
Hey, it's nothing... Carol, I want to tell you all about the interesting things I saw during this mission outside...
While Loren and Joe chatted enthusiastically with the children, Carlie walked to the storage cabinet, preparing to organize the contents of the bag into their shared shelf.
Carlie, we'll handle this! You just go keep Carol company.
The medicine was usually kept on the higher shelves. Carlie stretched up on her toes, struggling to reach, and Kamui stepped forward to take the items from her hands.
...Azael, Catrayv, take a look at this.
As Kamui placed the medicine bottles on the shelf, he noticed the drug names and specifications and realized something wasn't right.
Both these bottles are special-grade medications. Only sergeants with rank two or above at the base are qualified to request them.
With the clearance we have as trainees, or even Uncle Loren and Joe as regular soldiers, none of us have that kind of authorization.
...These three bottles too.
Azael gestured toward the uppermost shelf of the cabinet, the one in his designated organizing area.
So many of them... This isn't just a coincidence. Or someone grabbing the wrong bottles.
Joe. Won't look us in the eye when talking. He's lying.
Having quickly finished organizing his assigned section, Catrayv moved closer to Kamui and Azael.
Hmm... maybe it's just a white lie? With good intentions?
Their sections done, the three took a moment to ensure no one was watching. Satisfied that the relaxed atmosphere held everyone's attention, they traded a look and exited the dormitory in careful silence.
Do we really need to... find... who gave these meds?
Yeah, I think we should. With all the complicated comings and goings at Ezette lately, it's better to be extra careful with stuff like medication. Safety first, you know?
There aren't many people who fit these criteria... Shouldn't be too hard to confirm who it was.
You decide. I'll follow.
Looking for someone, little ones?
The three of them had been huddled at a corridor corner, deep in discussion, when a woman's voice cut through their scheming.
...Hello, Councilor Marlis.
Frowning, Kamui moved forward, positioning himself to shield both Azael and Catrayv, the latter having already turned his face aside.
You're Kamui, right?
And your brother... Azael, correct? I've reviewed Project Barleycorn's reports. You two were standouts among the trainees...
Oh my, how could I forget Catrayv. I do apologize. You were hiding behind them, so I didn't notice you at first.
Of course, you're equally exceptional.
...Thank you for the compliment.
At this hour... shouldn't you be with the others? Wandering off by yourselves...
Have you run into some kind of problem?
Not at all. We were just discussing whether to do some extra training today. That's all.
Mmhm.
Marlis clearly didn't buy Azael's explanation.
Being cautious is a good thing. It proves you've truly developed the qualities of excellent warriors.
No need to worry. I'm really here to help you, you know? I'm the supplier of those special-grade medications you've been looking for.
Now... do you trust me?
How did you know we were looking for someone who supplied the medications?
Didn't I just tell you? Little Azael, since I'm the one who brought those medications to you, I naturally know exactly where they went.
Those two soldiers were also sent by me, you know? I imagine you all get along quite well. Since they trust me... what reason could you possibly have not to do the same?
So... do you remember what kinds of medicine you had them bring over?
We're not doubting you or anything. We just wanted to check back with them. See if anything got missed.
A mysterious smile crossed Marlis' face.
Oh, you've got me there. I only gave them permission to take the medications. As for what they actually took... I really didn't ask for specifics.
If you want to verify with those two, I certainly don't mind. It's just that...
The situation was urgent, so I imagine they didn't complete the formal approval process. If more people found out... and a strict investigation followed...
You know how it is. Every department in the World Government is already overwhelmed. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to fully protect them if things went south.
It's alright. Time reveals all truths. You'll understand eventually.
If you still need my help in the future...
She reached for her pocket notebook, jotted down a sequence of numbers, and ripped the page free.
My contact number. I'm sure you'll have reason to call me one day.
I'm really looking forward to that day, little ones.
Medical Ward
Ezette
The councilor sent by the higher-ups? You mean Marlis?
He turned around to face the three young visitors.
Yeah, she stopped by earlier with a shipment of medical supplies. Said it was a goodwill donation for Ezette.
But none of it's been opened yet. Word is she and Leif got into it over at the training ground. Until I know where this stuff actually came from, it's not getting logged into inventory.
So basically... none of her supplies have been used at all?
Of course not! She kept me stuck here listening to small talk the whole time she was around. Barely got a second to breathe before you three showed up. When would I have had time to touch that stuff?
He turned back to the supplies after speaking, resuming his inventory of what Marlis had brought. From across the room, Kamui glanced over and noted that everything remained sealed in its original packaging.
...So she was lying. Figured.
Then why'd you still keep her contact info?
...Tossing it there'd be too obvious. Dorm's packed right now. Taking it back to hide is just as bad.
I'll hold onto it for now and destroy it later.
If not her, then who, gave the medicine?
The three exchanged glances—
That all of it?
With a clatter, the medical ward door slid open and Leif walked in. He was talking and looked up once he finished speaking, only then spotting Kamui, Azael, and Catrayv in the corner.
Kamui, Azael, Catrayv. What're you doing here?
Same thing you are, checking out this little "gift" situation.
This is the stuff. Sent by that councilor. What's the call?
Check it first. If it's clean, log it and put it to use.
Thought you weren't into taking handouts from the top brass.
Survival comes first. Ezette needs supplies. If she's dropping them at our door, we're not turning them away.
Fair enough. Oh, and those special-grade meds you used your personal quota on... should we—
Keep it down! We'll talk about that later.
Leif's brow knit together as he raised his voice, booming over the doctor in a futile attempt to drown him out.
Special-grade meds... you mean those for Carol?
I. Don't. Know. Not saying a word. All I know is Loren and Joe came by to pick up the meds and helped themselves to a few bottles of my nutrients while they were at it.
Just so we're clear, whoever sent them? Those nutrients are coming out of their quota. Don't care what rank they are.
...Why are you looking at me? I told you, I had nothing to do with it.
Hanging around the med ward with nothing better to do? You asking for extra drills, or you volunteering your quotas to cover what Loren and Joe took?
Same threat. Used last time.
Wait wait wait, have you guys noticed? Every time Leif gets nervous, he shuts us up with extra drills!
...Next time you two run your mouths, do it quietly. And keep me out of it.
All three of you. Three hours. Training grounds. Now!
Ayyy, mission accepted!!
A snicker escaped Kamui as he grabbed Azael and Catrayv and dragged them into a dead sprint. He didn't slow until the medical ward door opened, then he wheeled around and shouted at Leif.
We'll make sure to shout "Thank you, Commander Leif!" the whole time we're training! Loud. So everyone hears it!
?! Kamui!! Get back here!! I'll shut those mouths myself before you even see the training ground!
Golden Sun Training Grounds
Ezette
Councilor Marlis' visit hadn't disrupted Project Barleycorn. Out on the training field, the children had pressed on with their grueling, monotonous drills and evaluations.
...That's five tests today, and two-thirds of you still can't hit the mark!
This is bad... Real bad...
The record weighed heavily in the instructor's hands. His brow furrowed with concern. He knew those vultures from the World Government would never accept these numbers.
One more hour of drills! We run the sixth test after that.
His gaze swept over the trainees, who were pushed to their limits, bodies trembling with exhaustion. He hesitated, just briefly. Then he made his decision: the training would continue.
Instructor... another hour isn't gonna fix the scores. We're tapped out. Pushing more tests won't change anything...
Kamui dragged himself toward the Instructor, every step costing him. He saw clearly that this excessive workload was a path to nowhere but more pain. The benchmarks would remain out of reach, no matter how long they suffered.
Besides... none of this stuff today is stuff we've even trained for. Outside of the few who've seen real combat, no one here's done mobile tactics in the field.
Keep pushing like this and we'll just burn out. Waste time, energy, and get nothing for it.
...
I've seen Leif's schedule for Project Barleycorn. Mobile tactics and field training were supposed to come later, mid to late stage, after the Corona Gene stabilized.
So why are we getting tested on them now?
Kamui's question cut through the quiet, pointed and unavoidable. The Instructor's expression darkened, and for a long moment, he said nothing.
The boy had seen something wrong. How could the man who had trained them, day after day, have missed it?
It was just...
...That's not your call to make. Every move we make follows battlefield logic.
You're soldiers. Soldiers follow orders. Do I really need to explain that to you?
Back to drills. Anyone who doesn't meet the standard will face the consequences themselves.
Main Control Room
Ezette
Late Night
Man, good thing you still remember the codes for this place...
Shh. Keep it down.
After scanning the area with quiet caution, Azael reached out and powered on the control room's display.
...The movement systems were reactivated. But Ezette hasn't actually moved anywhere...
Probably just a basic systems check. They're seeing if Ezette can still move...
A look passed between them. Then, wordlessly, they returned the control room to its original condition and stepped back into the hallway.
Patrol report, done.
No one saw us.
From the far end of the hallway, Catrayv approached the other two, a stack of hastily completed reports in his arms.
Warehouse. Supplies. Different.
He transferred the covertly captured supply photos to Kamui and Azael.
...They divided everything up by squad. Like they're getting ready to...
Kamui's communicator shattered the hallway's quiet, its urgent buzzing an unwelcome interruption.
Kamui! We just wrapped patrol. Caught a soldier snooping around the dorms. Looked like he was trying to steal stuff.
We've got him held at the dorm. You guys should head back now!
Wait, what?! A soldier? Stealing?
On our way!
Despite their confusion, the three immediately rushed back to the dormitory.
Dormitory Lounge
Ezette
He's... one of the recent transfers? What happened?
Azael examined the items confiscated from the soldier: food, emergency medical supplies, all of his identification documents, and... an unopened letter.
We three were on internal patrol and caught him inside the dorm. He was going through our lockers!
Then why didn't you drag him straight to Leif?
Because of this.
Azael tore through the bag with precision. Contents spilled out, told their story. And from the deepest corner, hidden deliberately, he produced an ID card and passed it to Kamui.
Darren's ID card? He thought he lost this days ago. You took it?
What were you doing sneaking into the trainee dorms?
D-don't hurt me!! I'll tell you everything!
The higher-ups are pushing Ezette to relocate for combat support. Other war zones. I-I don't wanna be here anymore. I was trying to run...
I stole the card so I could get into your supply lockers. Thought I could grab some to make it out...
...Ezette's relocating for combat?
Leif hasn't told you? They already sent the draft deployment orders...
What orders?! Explain it!
The letter... in my bag...
Azael opened the letter.
..."Ezette Combat Relocation Draft Order"?
You seriously didn't know? The World Government's been leaning on Ezette hard, pressing for training results. They want us to start backing up regions overrun by Corrupted. They even changed the testing metrics for Project Barleycorn... You really didn't notice?
I've been asking around. The place they're planning to send us? No one comes back from there. We won't even stand a chance!
Even elite units got wiped out. What chance does an ordinary troop like ours have?
The draft says Project Barleycorn trainees get deployed first, to "test the results." But if it's a full relocation, we're all going. We'll be thrown into the grinder right alongside you...
They've been keeping you in the dark, but I know what's going on. Joe's been leading a group of soldiers to confront Leif every day, pushing him for answers.
The dormitory erupted the moment his words landed.
That's why training's been cranked up! I knew something was off!!
But why didn't anyone tell us?!
...Of course they didn't. We're the ones getting sent in first. You think they'd warn us so we could run too? Then what would they show their superiors?
...I don't know. I still feel like... they're not that kind of people.
Unable to reach a consensus, they left the decision to Kamui and the other two. By then, the three had become the collective's foundation; when difficult calls had to be made, no one inspired more confidence than they did.
...Don't worry. I'll figure something out.
Three days later, the boys gathered once more in the trainee dormitory.
So... I went straight to Leif. And he just... dodged it. Wouldn't give me a straight answer.
"Give me more time. I'll get you the results you want."
That's what he said.
What about you, Catrayv? Saw you heading to the archive room yesterday. You found anything?
Archive room. Password changed.
Azael frowned, synchronizing the files for Kamui and Catrayv to see.
"Confirmed: Ezette Combat Relocation Order. First Support Target..."
"Project Barleycorn - Performance Record of Corona Gene Test Subjects"
"Priority deployment of Project Barleycorn trainees for battlefield support has been authorized. Regular monitoring of Project Barleycorn outcomes has been required."
...Can we trust this? What if it's all fabricated?
Unlikely. It's got the World Government's official stamp. And I've done my own digging around base... It lines up with what I found.
The archive room's locked. Leif won't give me answers. No way he handed these over willingly... Azael.
Did you contact Councilor Marlis? I thought you trashed her info.
...That's irrelevant. What matters is... what do we do now?
...They don't even see us as people! They're just sending us to our deaths! They never believed in Project Barleycorn or the Corona Gene in the first place!
Darren's composure was crumbling as he gestured toward the files on Azael's screen.
Look at this! Right here—"Expendable"! That's what they're calling us!
The combat relocation order is already sealed. So what? We just sit here and wait to die?
Let's go find Leif! Make him tell us the truth to our faces!
...It won't change anything. Kamui already tried. Leif won't give a straight answer. They were sent by the World Government, remember?
In times of war, the disposal of human lives like refuse had always been commonplace.
...Not everyone's like us. Not everyone treats Ezette like home, willing to give everything for it.
We can't gamble our lives on how much humanity outsiders show when things go bad.
Not a single voice rose to counter Azael. How could they? The memory of being left behind was etched into all of them.
Wordlessly, the children drew closer together.
