Ezette Archive Room
One Month Later
[SUE-03] Kamui, starting today's routine frame inspection now.
Appearance damage at 45%, doesn't affect combat capability. Negligible.
Component wear at 35%, within acceptable limits. Negligible.
Speed and average strength stable within theoretical parameters. Performance normal. No detailed inspection needed.
M.I.N.D. status: current damage doesn't affect combat performance. As for other metrics... negligible.
...All remaining values don't affect combat performance. Per usual protocol, no inspection needed. Negligible.
With steady hands, Kamui records his notes in the logbook, idly flipping back through the previous pages to confirm he has missed nothing.
This log dates back to Ezette, to the days after the retreat. In those days, he was never alone. Others always stood with him, sharing the work.
Kamui!! Would you quit messing around and actually cooperate for once?!
Hey, I am cooperating. Look! No matter how much I bounce around, I'm not letting a single one of these gadgets fall off!
...And another thing! Could you please stop filling out the logbook? We waste hours trying to decode your scribbles. Your handwriting really does match your personality, you know that...
There's so much stuff to record, no way I'm letting you guys handle it all! Don't worry, I'll write super neatly from now on!
But all of that is gone now. He has learned to do the inspections alone.
There is no joy in it anymore, only routine. As long as the frame is not ready for the scrapyard, he will continue using it. Only when it threatens battle performance or renders him unable to complete missions will he seek repairs.
He is not really a person now. He is a machine. A weapon. Personality, feelings, a soul—none of it matters. The only thing that matters is that he can still fight.
Beep—beep—
Time for base patrol.
Alright, let's get started.
Inspection of all rooms complete. Cleanliness levels don't affect functionality and pose no impact on Constructs. Negligible.
85% of lounge lighting fixtures are damaged and non-functional. But Constructs don't need lighting. No repairs needed. Negligible.
Comparative analysis between Ezette's current state and initial records shows a 90% deviation.
But... none of it affects functionality. So, negligible.
Hey, hey, no seriously! You should totally take my advice and decorate these rooms like Babylonia!
It's all about creating that special vibe, you know? Making it feel as much like an actual "home" as possible.
When you make a promise, you gotta keep it, yeah? Nobody's allowed to forget—
In time, the Task Force is all but gone. A few survivors remain. Some died. Some just left. Now Kamui stands alone, the last one still holding on, and he has no strength left to keep any of this going.
Next is personnel count. No changes among permanent base residents. As for the list of recently rescued personnel...
Total of 281 individuals. 164 deceased. 53 missing, including three children who left without permission. Count complete.
Kamui still thinks of those three children. One of them was the kid who brought him medicine at the gate that day, when [player name] died. When he realized they were gone, he tore out to search for them, only to find nothing.
Inspection complete. The chime sounds again, familiar as breathing. Kamui moves to the next station. The routine is carved into him now.
Next, time for solar essence adaptation. Heading to the Golden Sun Training Grounds.
Same routines. Same metrics. A life that means nothing, stretching out ahead of him.
Kamui wonders sometimes if the Corona Gene will finally take him, if one day, he will simply stop being able to bear it, and death
That he would actually long for such a cowardly, escapist end. The old Kamui, if he could see this, would spring up and flick himself right on the forehead.
Maybe others would line up to do the same. Odile. Eurytes. Azael. Catrayv. Leif. Strike Hawk. [player name]...
But if it meant seeing them again? He would take a thousand flicks and call it joy. The thought stirs something in him, a warmth he has not felt in years.
So he keeps going, living by routine
...Wait.
Kamui suddenly remembers one daily task he has forgotten to complete. Some parts of his nature, it seems, remain stubbornly unchanged.
Refresh signal database, check for new communications or distress signals...
Small wonder he forgets sometimes. The task serves no real purpose, after all. There are hardly any humans left. Survivors are few, and those still active are weaker by the day. New signals almost never appear.
So why keep trying? Why waste the effort on nothing? A voice reminds
...Better stick to the routine.
Ezette - Communications Room
Signal database update initiated. Checking for new signals received at Ezette according to priority protocols.
Scanning... Please wait...
Scan complete. No new signals detected within jurisdiction.
According to program calculations, optimal results are achieved with 3-5 daily scans. Only 1 scan has been performed today. Would you like to initiate another scan?
The rule dates back to the program's founding: scan multiple times daily, maximize the chance of reaching anyone still out there calling for help.
But as time passes, fewer people remain to be saved. Months go by without any new signals, making these repeated protocols seem like pointless redundancy.
Should he just give up? It is not like anything would change for the better anyway.
...Yeah. Run another scan. Make it three total.
Acknowledged. Beginning scan...
The machines drone on, relentless and indifferent. Before long, the scan is almost complete.
...Third scan complete. No new signals detected within jurisdiction.
Kamui's thoughts drift away as he lets out a rueful sigh, feeling a twinge of regret for wasting time on this futile routine.
He moves to shut it down, but his hand pauses over the button.
His gaze catches on the "Real-Time Scan" button. After a moment's hesitation, he presses it anyway.
"Real-Time Scan" mode activated. System will remain operational and continuously monitor for signals at 4-hour intervals.
Initiating first scan cycle. Scanning Area A... Scan complete. No new signals detected in this area.
Scanning Area B...
Kamui pays no further attention to the device as he turns and exits the communications room.
Scanning Area █▅▇▄▂▅... Scan—
ALERT!! ALERT!! New signal detected!!
Signal database update complete. Now reporting latest results.
[Ezette] has received a distress signal!! Signal source from Area S, coordinates [4N 323311 19210]!
Signal transmitted from a device verified by the Ezette system. Immediate assistance requested!!
At the sound of the report, Kamui spins and rushes back to the device, scanning through the distress signal's details.
The signal is from... those three runaway kids! That's the signaling device I gave them!
They found their missing friend, but they're surrounded by Corrupted, asking for help...
I gotta get there right now!!
Kamui races toward the target coordinates, terrified that even a moment's delay might mean losing any chance to save those children.
I gotta check the comms again. They might've sent another message.
As expected, a new message waits at the top of the screen when Kamui opens his terminal. He recognizes the sender's signal immediately and taps it open.
Kamui,
We found a hiding spot and wanted to send you this message.
We don't know when those monsters might break in again, and we're scared we won't get another chance.
Thank you for saving us. Thank you for giving us a home in Ezette, where we could feel safe.
We're sorry we ran away.
But our friend's still out there. We couldn't leave him behind. So we all went back together to the conservation area to find him.
A long time ago, we pinky-swore...
...that we'd always be family. We promised we'd never leave anyone behind, or else we'd turn into oinking little piggies!
None of us wanted to become piggies. So we went to look for him, as we promised.
The one we're looking for is the youngest.
If something goes wrong, we'll stand in front of him and protect him. We'll hold out as long as we can!
And when that happens... could you come and take him back? Please. We want him to survive, and you too!
From now on, he'll be your family. That way, neither of you will be lonely.
Hehe. And hey, if we all make it out safe and sound, we ALL want to be your family!!
It's a promise, okay? You said you'd help make our wish come true. So we all have to keep our word!
A tear, scalding hot, hits the chilled metal of the terminal. When did he start crying?
Something he thought long dead rises up in him again. His body, so withered, so empty, remembers what it is to feel.
My... family?
...Yeah. My family.
I'll go now... I'm going to find you. I'm bringing you home.
He sprints toward his family with everything he's got.
Arrgh! Get back! I won't let you... hurt my family!
Face flushed, the frail child lets out a roar. Gathering every ounce of strength, he lunges forward. The Corrupted barely lifts a hand, and one casual strike sends him hurtling backward, slamming into the ground.
—RAAARGH!!!
The mindless creature offers no mercy. Youth means nothing to it. A blade, slick with blood, lifts into the air as the executioner readies itself to finish what it started.
Get outta the way!! Fall back NOW!!
In the final instant, Kamui lunges forward, placing himself between the child and the blade. As he clashes with the enemy, he forces out the breath to shout back at the child cowering behind him.
Run!! Find somewhere safe to hide, quick!
The child freezes at the sight of Kamui's face, then shakes it off, scrambling to the ruins just as told.
Free to fight without holding back, Kamui throws himself into battle without reservation, quickly eliminating the Corrupted.
After confirming the area is clear, Kamui plants his weapon in the ground and uses the brief respite to catch his breath. He turns to the child, searching for the right words, something to ease his fear and to earn his trust.
But before he can speak, the child, whom he has never met, rushes forward and wraps his arms around Kamui. The crying starts—all the fear, all the relief, pouring out at once.
Kamui!! You're Kamui, right? They told me what you look like. I knew it was you. Waaah...
You're the kid they came back to find?! It's okay now, don't cry, you're safe with me here. What about the others? Where are they?!
They... They...
They tried to save me, but now they're trapped inside and can't get out... Please, Kamui, hurry and save them!
Kamui!!
The children's cries ring in his ears. Kamui's strength is almost gone; his awareness fades, moment by moment.
I'm the [captain], so do what I say and go first! I'll stay and help Kamui.
He's too banged up! What he needs is a [doctor]! We gotta take him back to treat his wounds!
You're the ones who should stay put! It's all [dark] over there, you won't be able to see anything! I'll go!
I ▇▄▆▃ we ▇▃▇▄▁
Their words do not reach him anymore. He only swings. He puts everything he has into his blade, carving through the wreckage that blocks their way to open ground.
All of you... run!! Everyone get outta here together!!
I'll draw all the Corrupted to the other side and trap them there! You'll be safe! Now GO!!
Then pinky swear with us! Promise you'll definitely come back safe!!
You got it!! I promise you all, pinky swear!!
I'll come back to Ezette with all of you, my family, and we'll become the sun for humanity!!
Pinky promise for a hundred years... no backing out, whoever breaks their word turns into a little oinking piggy!!
You hear me?!!
We heard you!!
We'll all be together!! Waiting for you to come home!!
The crumbling ruins do not grant them more time for promises
At least the ruins will bury him deep enough. That way, even if the children come back, they will not see him at his most broken.
...Haha, nah, nah, that'd be way too embarrassing...
Besides, they'd definitely cry if they saw me. And I just can't stand hearing kids cry.
This... is good. Ending it here is good enough.
Dragging his heavily corrupted frame, he firmly pins down the last struggling Corrupted. As the massive stone overhead begins to loosen, Kamui makes no attempt to move.
The last enemy shatters into pieces, and so does he.
Can anyone truly remember being born? Kamui does not know.
As a child, he told Odile and Eurytes that he remembered the moment. Darkness first, then light, sudden and blinding. He fought to open his eyes, and there they were, looking down at him.
Odile laughed and tapped his head. Another dream, she said. From falling asleep with a book again.
Eurytes pulled him into his lap instead, rubbing the spot where Odile had tapped. Gently, he explained that babies do not form memories at birth, theoretically.
Kamui opened his mouth to argue, but then Azael walked over, complaining loudly that he refused to have an idiot for a little brother. He dragged Kamui away to study before the argument could finish.
Kamui stared at the books until his head spun. His eyelids grew heavy. He slumped over the table, mumbling, still arguing with them as sleep pulled him under.
But it really happened that way! He saw it all and remembered it so clearly.
It's just like now. Everyone says that when you die, there is nothing, no sight or memory. So why is he still seeing?
He is dead, isn't he? His body shattered, only a whisper of awareness left.
Something surrounds him now. It's soft, light, impossible to name. It feels like a mother's arms, but he cannot hold on to anything. He simply floats, weightless.
After a long while, a beam of light gleams. The children have returned. Thank goodness, they are safe. But Kamui can no longer wipe away their tears; he can only silently pray.
The children search for a very, very long time. At last, they gather all the pieces of his body and bring them back to Ezette.
Just as he told them to, they lay his remains in the great energy furnace. The fire takes him.
Finally... no more running... I'm so tired... My body feels so heavy...
I can... stop now. I can finally... go to the same place... as you all...
"Sorry I'm late... you must have... missed me."
His wish, at last, comes true. Soon, he will hold them again—his family, gone so long. Finally, they will be together
Oww. It burns. Hurts so much.
Is the fire... burning my consciousness now...
Pain is... not so bad. Feels like... I'm still... alive...
To be human is to feel—joy, rage, grief, happiness. When the turning of life and death no longer stirs anything, the soul has already gone quiet.
But now, in dying, he finally feels what it was to live. And for that, he is truly grateful.
My body... is falling...
Thud!
He does not recognize this place. Some valley, maybe, deep and dark at a cliff's foot. He falls like a bird that dared the crossing, only to have its wings broken by falling stone.
It hurts... it's so cold...
But... it's okay. They're... everyone... they're all here.
Beneath him are many other birds, kindred souls. They, too, had once spread their wings for the ideal of soaring across, only to have their wings broken earlier than his, perishing in this place.
The flock of birds, who should no longer be able to speak, call out to him nonetheless.
It's alright, coming back to us is the perfect ending. Look, we're all here...
This is the most beautiful home, the best ending ever. We are kindred. We are family. Nothing else matters...
So come back, fall down, and die
Break your wings with us. Stay in the darkness. Don't fly out anymore. You already have us.
Sink gently now into these familiar arms, and rest. Let our quiet lullaby cradle you, soft as breath, warm as embers. Drift without a care, like a child in peace
Let the fire rise and wind us in its fierce embrace. Let us turn to ash together, and in that stillness, we become one, never to part again.
I want to... be with... you all...
Yes... That's right...
Let yourself go. Choose our home.
Become one... with us...
You're finally home... Kamui...
Home...
I'm... so tired...
I wanna... go home.
But... home...?
Where is home? What is home?
Home is... everything I have to protect.
But your home is already gone. It's nothing but ruins now.
If you want to go home, then stay here in the ruins with your family, with us.
Is that so? Then why, even as he stands in this abyss, does he not feel the faintest trace of that familiar warmth
The wounded bird opens his eyes and turns his gaze toward the direction he had so desperately sought.
The cliff's edge looms impossibly far above, a height he may never reach in this lifetime. Suddenly, something stings his eyes. It's a blazing sun, ringed in flame, yet not enough to rouse him fully.
High above, a bird wheels and hovers, wings beating against the sky.
It looks down at him, longing to draw near, but it cannot. A futile rescue would only pull itself into danger and offer him no true escape from the darkened valley.
So the bird lingers beside the red sun, watching.
The flock of birds below him surges and presses together as one. Though their bodies are bound and enslaved by the abyss, mere puppets meant to drag him down into the depths, their souls have broken free of their cages. They transform, each one, into pairs of hands reaching up to lift him.
They are all
Wings of the past, wings of the present, wings of the future. They buoy him, they call to him. Fly now, they whisper. Let us go together to see the sun of your dreams.
Kamui! Stop slacking off. Get up! Didn't you say you wanted to be the bravest warrior of Ezette someday?
Kamui? It's okay. If you're tired, lean on us. We're here. But I know you still have it in you to rise again, when you're ready.
Kamui! Where's that hotshot who's always first in line? Get back to your spot! Move!
Kamui!! Thank goodness you're here. When you're around, we always know everything's gonna be okay.
Kamui! See? With you in our squad, we're definitely the strongest out there!
Listen to me, Kamui. No matter what happens, every member of Strike Hawk stands with you. Don't ever forget that.
Mmm... Kamui, that you? That's good. Keep watch for me, alright? Gonna crash now. I know you've got this.
Kamui!! The hell is with that look? You look like a total ghost. That's not you at all. Quit moping and get over here! We're all waiting!
What I want to protect... is my "home." The dreams we share, the future we believe in...
The path humanity has walked, this land we cherish and love...
Everyone who warms each other, everyone who loves each other.
That... That's what I'm fighting for! That's my forever home!!
That's why I can't stay here... I have to release them from suffering...
He remembers the pain. He does not let it claim him. Again and again, he fights to move his wings... until, at last, they answer.
Hands lift him. Voices guide him. With everything he has, he rises. The bird that has fallen countless times spreads its wings again.
Broken wings grow new bone, bloodstains dry and flake away. Cliffs once unreachable will finally be crossed. For you are an undying wing, an ever-burning torch marching against the wind.
They are calling out to him. All of them.
Wake up! Kamui!
Video: v4.4神威主线动态漫
He reaches for it, so close now, but the "cradle" rises from the dark valley to block his path. It shifts, warps, and becomes solar flares, then vast black masses, all surging together to eclipse the sun he flies toward.
You're leaving us now? Leaving the home we shared?
Did you forget the family who was once by your side?
You traitor!!
I've never forgotten a single one of them. That's exactly why I have to become that sun.
Coward!! You're full of excuses!!
Kamui!! You betrayed Ezette!!
Kamui strikes at the solar flares without a moment's pause. He will shatter this eclipse himself, no matter that the enemy wears a face he knows, a face he once loved.
Face your execution, traitor!!
The one who betrayed Ezette... the one who hurt our family...
IT'S YOU!!
