Ezette Archive Room
Past
...There's just no answer to this. A total dead end.
The war had left Ezette in a somber, oppressive mood. The archive room, which had always been sparsely visited, was now utterly deserted.
The only sound that proved the place wasn't completely empty was the intermittent tapping of keys.
...
The screen's pale light played across Azael's face, carving his worried brow into sharp shadows.
Click.
A soft noise from the door made him jolt; he killed the display and spun around.
Who's there?!
—Boo!
...Kamui.
Recognizing the visitor, Azael let his guard down. He casually tapped a key to wake the screen, revealing the standby interface.
And Catrayv.
Azael, we came.
...What're you guys doing here? Shouldn't you be at the dorm?
Lookin' for you, man! Nobody else in the dorm wants to go out and do anything.
And lots of people, in recovery.
Catrayv's words stirred something in all three of them, bringing a moment of collective silence.
...Yeah. More and more are turning into Sunspots as their Corona Genes go haywire. Only the three of us made it past the seed stage. Guess we're the only ones with any energy left.
But even we... can't push any further.
...You got any ideas, Azael?
So that's why you came looking for me?
With a sigh, Azael shook his head. He hooked two chairs with his foot and gestured for them to sit down.
Look, if the research lab couldn't figure this out... what makes you think I can?
You both already know the deal. Sunspots can't be cured. No magic fix. Your options are either forcibly separate the Corona Genes from the Punishing Virus, or just... hang on and wait for the inevitable.
And that one possible solution? That doctor made it crystal clear last time.
A real, Golden Sun.
Exactly. We need new data to create new possibilities. That's the only thing that can shake up the dead end that is Project Barleycorn.
No change, no breakthrough, dead end.
Kamui sat, deeply absorbed in thought, as he processed all the information available to him.
What if we just... get more people into the seed phase? That's gotta up our chances, right?
You think the World Government hasn't thought of that? They halted the relocation ops because they saw hope in the three of us. That's why they pulled the remaining Ezette members back here. For more conversion training.
And you already know how that turned out. Nobody could figure out how we broke through, and now look, more people in the recovery ward than ever.
But here's the thing, don't you think it's weird? We only made it to the next stage 'cause we absorbed the essence extracted from other members.
So why aren't they, like, doing that more? Other members could probably pull it off too.
Kamui's question gave Azael pause. He glanced at the standby screen before shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
...Maybe the essence requirement's just too massive. They can't sustain it.
And the real problem is that we can't produce the essence of the quality you need for a Golden Sun. All we can do is stack quantities and hope for a qualitative change. They don't trust us enough to go all in.
Then we give them reasons to trust us! We prove our worth, show them we're a solid investment. They gotta listen then, right?
Yes. We try. Ask Leif.
...
It's... not that simple. I've told you before, don't trust the World Government. To them, we're just guinea pigs. Tools to grab power and wealth.
But even they're not that stupid. At a critical moment like this, they wouldn't mess with our military supplies. They wouldn't short us on research resources or combat supplies.
Azael's lips moved, but no words followed. Only after a long pause did he finally speak, as if weighing each word with care.
They must've had... other concerns. And the real reason is right here.
Azael typed in a password and brought the display back to life. The screen now showed a real-time link to a terminal database, populated with rows of files.
Each file was stamped in the corner with the World Government's official verification seal.
This is... our training data?
Wait, these look different from the ones we usually see. What's this extra data at the end?
Tests of the Corona Gene and brain activity levels. It's also our... real defect.
What, do you mean?
Azael opened one of the files, revealing a subject they all knew: a member who had recently turned into a Sunspot.
Is the sun eternal, Kamui?
...No, it's not. Why're you asking me that?
Our modifications are modeled after the sun, burning energy to unleash power. Simple logic, right?
But the sun isn't a forever machine; it burns itself out. So here's the thing: what if the fuel keeping us going isn't just the essence, or those daily supplements?
You mean...
Kamui went still. At that moment, even he had finally grasped the full, terrible weight of the implication.
It's a flaw. Built right into the opportunity they gave us. A defect in our genes.
Yeah, Kamui. The burning weakens us. Drains us. Our bodies are running on overdraft. All that power we throw around is just a front.
The real toll on our bodies is way worse than it looks. If you go by physical function alone, the person in this file is basically... in his late years.
Thud!
Kamui shot to his feet, fist clenched tight as he brought it down hard on the table.
So that's why the project stalled?! It wasn't that they didn't want to keep going. It was... it was...
Everyone in Project Barleycorn has already burned out completely. We're just the lucky ones who happened to fill the gap.
No way! No freaking way! The experiment had this huge a risk and nobody told us?! We gotta confront the World Government. They owe us an explanation!
And how exactly are you gonna do that? This file is not from a clean source. It won't hold up as evidence. The World Government'll never accept it.
They'll just deny everything, make up some excuses, and brush it off as fake news.
Then... then... Right! We can still reach out to Leif!
Leif's gotta believe us! Plus, we can totally back it up with proof. There has to be evidence that we can find from the members who turned into Sunspots!
No time to waste! Let's go!!
Having made up his mind, Kamui tossed the words behind him and, without a moment's hesitation, raced out the door.
Catrayv followed close behind but stopped dead in the doorway, casting a glance back at Azael.
Azael. You waited here, a long time. Right?
...I don't know what you're talking about.
I'm not, blaming you, Azael.
Just, tell us, sooner.
No matter what, Kamui and I, we help you.
Catrayv gave Azael an earnest nod before turning and rushing after Kamui, who had already vanished into the distance.
...What a pair of idiots.
They were so impossibly close to him that no matter how perfectly he covered his tracks, Kamui and Catrayv had always sensed the hidden meaning behind his actions.
Yet they hadn't cared. In fact, their unwavering trust only made Azael feel all the more hypocritical and despicable by comparison.
...I'll explain everything, Catrayv.
Once this is all over... I'll tell both you and Kamui everything.
Azael made this promise to the empty data room. Then, he rose, powered everything down, and pushed through the door to rejoin the other two.
Ezette Recovery Ward
What the heck are you doing?!
Kamui tore the sack from the nurse's grasp. She could only stare back at him in utter shock.
Kamui. We can't afford to start anything right now.
Rushing over, Azael grabbed Kamui's hand to restrain him and gestured for the nurse to leave, all while trying to calm his agitated brother.
The trio's initial plan had been to brief Leif on the situation, but they couldn't find him in either the command room or the training ground. They then decided to change course and instead sync up with the members still in the recovery ward.
To their surprise, they were greeted by an empty room with vacant beds and neatly made bedding.
If not for the nurses tidying up and gathering personal belongings, no one would have believed that just that morning, the room had been filled with soldiers who had recently turned into Sunspots.
Where'd everyone go? And why are the nurses packing up their stuff?
As Kamui opened the sack, a flicker of anxiety crept into his bewilderment when he found it filled with objects he recognized.
Because they've been given a new mission.
The voice came from behind the trio. It was Leif, the person they had been searching for, who pushed open the door and appeared.
That's exactly why I'm here, to inform you of this change.
According to the military order issued by the World Government, 20% of all forces previously assigned to Project Barleycorn are to be immediately reassigned. Those selected will be transferred to regular combat units, centrally deployed by HQ to reinforce the front lines. This order is effective immediately.
You three are not included in the reassignment list. Your training will continue as scheduled.
Wait, when was this military order even—
Shock widened Kamui's eyes, but Azael stifled his words before they began, clamping a hand firmly over his mouth.
Seizing the perfect moment, Catrayv moved forward and positioned himself to conceal most of Kamui from Leif's sight.
Commander.
Catrayv, speak.
What about, the other soldiers, in our unit?
I know what you're concerned about. Most of the Sunspot members who were in the recovery ward have undergone artificial removal of the Corona Genes and are no longer at risk. However, they can no longer use the solar essence, making it impossible for them to stay at Ezette. They've already been included in this reassignment quota.
The remaining members have been transferred to a specially equipped medical center established by the World Government, where attempts to reverse the Sunspot components will continue. Once the results are finalized, their status will be publicly announced within Ezette.
Leif spoke in a monotone, his explanation flowing out without hesitation, like lines from a script rehearsed long in advance.
Do you have any other questions?
...No. No questions.
Then return to your training. Dismissed.
Copy.
Leif gave a curt nod before turning away, dismissing the three without another glance, and walking off.
Mmph... Mmph!
Kamui wriggled his shoulders and used his hands to wrench himself free of Azael's grip.
Dude, why didn't you let me ask?! That was totally not the whole story!
Not, normal.
Kamui picked up on Catrayv's unspoken warning: Leif's demeanor had changed. Sensing that pushing the issue would only lead to disciplinary measures rather than answers, he held his tongue.
Ughhh!
Kamui dragged his fingers through his hair, a gesture of pure frustration.
...Hey, easy.
Azael drew Kamui closer with a reassuring pat, yet his gaze trailed Leif's fading form while his lips shaped a silent, unheard whisper.
...Marlis, when you said I'd come to you again... was this what you meant?
Huh? Azael, what're you talking about?
Nothing. We'll talk when we get back.
Azael narrowed his eyes slightly. Leif's behavior had been understandable. Reacting that way after receiving military orders from the World Government hadn't been wrong, per se.
However, for Ezette, not being wrong had never equated to being right. Leif had his limitations; people like him could never truly protect Ezette, just as Odile and Eurytes had been unable to before him.
We're on our own now.
Ezette - Medical Ward Supply Room
Kamui, Azael, and Catrayv stood within the building's long shadow.
Last chance. You guys absolutely sure about this? Walking through that door means we're officially breaking the rules.
We've got ten minutes before the signal blocker on our locators craps out. Leif's extra monitoring will ping that we're not in the dorm, and then he'll start searching for us.
There's nothing to hesitate about... Look around, how many people are even left in the dorm now? Every single day, more of our guys turn into Sunspots, get sent to recovery... and then, poof! Less than half a day later, they're magically "healed" and shipped out of Ezette like they never existed.
For everyone, worth the risk.
Azael, you really think we'll find answers down here?
Yes.
From the corner of his eye, Azael stole another glance at his terminal.
After parting ways with Leif that day, he contacted Marlis again. Her reply to Azael had been sparse—only two words, "medical ward"—followed by a string of cryptic numbers that resembled an unlock code.
He knew this was a bad sign. Marlis was the type whose attitude shifted in direct proportion to the leverage she held. She was utterly confident that Azael could not slip from her grasp.
Let's move.
All three of them had visited the medical ward's supply room multiple times for various reasons. On this return visit, everything appeared just as it always had.
However, with clues to guide them and a more scrutinizing gaze, the three of them quickly spotted something unusual.
The dust pattern's messed up... Entrance is here. Someone's been here recently.
After exchanging a knowing glance, Kamui pulled open a hidden floor panel in the corner of the room.
A pitch-black tunnel yawned before them.
The spacious chamber was brightly lit, its interior filled with rows of observation pods arranged in perfect order.
Figures in white lab coats moved through the space, bustling between the pods. Some were busy scribbling notes on clipboards, while others adjusted the controls at the external operation consoles.
Reading G...
Nngh!
As one of the researchers recorded data from an observation pod, he suddenly widened his eyes in shock. A hand appeared from behind him, clamping firmly over his mouth.
A sharp blow struck him a second later, and his consciousness faded.
In his final moments, before his eyes closed completely, he caught sight of a colleague nearby. Someone was standing behind them as well.
Oh cr—
...
Kamui tightened his grip, cutting off the researcher's final gasp until unconsciousness finally claimed him.
Realizing they weren't Ezette's medical staff, he examined the person's ID badge. He then lowered the unconscious body gently to the floor before crossing the room to rejoin the other two, who stood waiting in front of an observation pod.
So THIS is your so-called "manual removal"? "No more danger"?! IS THIS IT?!
Kamui closed his eyes. His words came out in broken fragments, each syllable forced through gritted teeth.
Inside the observation pods, the people were a perfect match for the list of Sunspot members who had supposedly been "reassigned."
They... Damn it.
Catrayv! Calm down! Kamui, give me a hand here!
...Kamui?
But Kamui, who stood nearby, didn't move a muscle.
Sensing something amiss, the two turned. Following the line of Kamui's gaze, they saw a man standing at a distance, watching them in silence.
...
Leif. Tell me why.
...So you found your way here after all.
As if provoked by the silence, Kamui stepped forward. His suppressed voice was laced with an unmistakable mix of anguish and confusion.
LEIF! How could you do this?! After everything, you're still not gonna give us an explanation?!
...You've already seen it. The truth's right in front of you.
The man let out a sigh as he walked to the control panel. He activated it, and the system hummed to life.
Go ahead. Open it. Everything you want to know... it's all in there.
As he methodically typed in the password for the encrypted document, Azael's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly. It was the exact code Marlis had sent.
Kamui surged forward, his gaze fixed on the text now flooding the screen.
"Project Barleycorn contains a fatal flaw: the experimental protocols have resulted in genetic defects within all test subjects, manifesting as irreversible physiological deterioration."
"Based on historical records and analysis of current subject tissue samples, we have reached the following conclusion regarding the long-term viability of all individuals involved in the project."
"All test subjects possess a maximum physiological lifespan of 35 years, with a critical transition phase occurring between the ages of 17 and 19."
"Upon reaching adulthood, subjects enter a stage of latent deterioration. During this period, they will continue to exhibit peak physical performance until a sudden and complete failure of organs and tissues occurs."
"The onset of organ and tissue failure triggers an immediate and accelerated aging process—"
...Is this why you kept it from us, Leif?
Why didn't you just tell us?! Maybe we could've found another way!!
...Too late.
Nearly two-thirds of all trainees, including you three, are already showing signs of physiological decline.
The members older than you can't fight off the Sunspot's influence anymore. And even the ones who seem fine now, they'll deteriorate too. Once they hit a certain age, it's over.
Ezette only has you three left as viable "seeds." And even you are almost past your physiological prime. If we wait any longer... we lose everyone.
We had no choice. We had to gamble everything on you. Sacrifice whatever it takes to seize that one chance before your bodies give out.
...The World Government knew. They KNEW Project Barleycorn would cause genetic defects, didn't they?
They knew this would give us a maximum lifespan of thirty-five years, and they just... didn't tell anyone?!
...The genetic defects in your bodies weren't entirely caused by Project Barleycorn. Even if intervention had begun at birth, it would have been beyond saving.
The prototype for Project Barleycorn was already being tested within Ezette during the Golden Age. It was only after the Punishing Virus outbreak that it was adapted for combat.
Genetic modification defects were already present in Ezette members a few generations before you. These issues persisted through heredity, affecting your parents and ultimately yourselves.
No sooner had Leif finished speaking than Azael, against all expectations, became the first to show agitation.
That's nonsense!! My parents never showed any of these symptoms!!
They were simply less obvious. Hadn't manifested yet. The earlier modifications weren't affected by the Punishing Virus, so the defects hadn't reached such a severe state.
That's why, before we arrived at Ezette, the adult combat personnel volunteered. They chose to be the first test subjects for Project Barleycorn.
Even without the modifications, their bodies were already entering decline. So they made their choice. They placed their hopes in you, the younger generation.
You...
Azael tried to say something more, but beside him, Kamui held him down.
So then, what was the research team's final conclusion?
...
Quietly, he opened another document.
"Based on the current progress assessment, it is recommended that solar essence be extracted directly from Sunspot members. The supply is to be prioritized for trainees with the highest probability of successful conversion to facilitate their breakthrough."
"Following the extraction procedure, the subjects' physiological functions will be unable to restore normal immunity, leading to rapid deterioration and death."
"It is therefore recommended that the bodies be immediately frozen in observation pods post-surgery to serve as test specimens for subsequent research."
...
This is your conclusion?! This is the approach you chose?! Why not try other alternatives?! Why give up like this?!
We... tried what we could...
I know you're angry. I understand—
What do you understand?! That we were born monsters?! That because of genetic modification flaws, everyone in Ezette doesn't even get a normal life?!
That Kamui and I completed nineteen years of growth in just six?! That we're destined to be nothing but failed monsters our entire lives?!
Azael's emotional questioning left everyone else in the room stunned into silence.
!!!
Leif, is what he said true?
I understand this is a tremendous shock for all of you. Don't force yourselves to process it right away. Take your time.
I'm close to finding a solution. Trust me. I will—
Leif sighed and tried to turn away, but then excruciating pain struck him without warning. He collapsed to the floor, writhing in agony.
Leif?!
Wait, this only happens when the Corona Gene deteriorates?! Why would Leif be affected by that?!
With no time to ask questions, the three of them hoisted Leif up and hurried him away from the area.
Afterward, they all remained in the medical ward for a long time. The doctors treated Leif immediately, but some truths could no longer be concealed. It was then that they decided to tell the three boys everything.
It's just like before. Leif didn't want to put you kids in harm's way. To explore new possibilities and deal with the World Government's pressure, he gathered a group of soldiers who started receiving Corona Gene injections and underwent experimental training.
But these old-timers are way past the optimal age for modification. I told them back then this was asking for trouble. It's pure nonsense.
...I believe you deserve to know the truth.
That's all I can tell you for now. If you've got more questions... wait until Leif wakes up. Talk to him yourselves.
The three boys stood in silence outside Leif's room, their hands gripping the stack of documents the doctor had given them.
...These petitions... they match the list of the Sunspot members who left.
It was Kamui who chose to break the silence first.
Leif never forced any of them into this. He just... told them the truth.
They volunteered. They gave up what little they had left, lives and essence, for Ezette's future.
And Leif... he's given everything too.
All his negative emotions evaporated without a trace. Kamui even started to reproach himself for his past behavior, for the way he had sulked and given Leif the cold shoulder all that time.
But that's just a band-aid. It won't fix the real problem.
After everything they've sacrificed for us, we can't just sit around waiting for the end. We can't let them down.
...So? What do you wanna do?
Azael breathed out those few words feebly, not even bothering to look up at Kamui. Noticing something was wrong, Catrayv moved to support him, but Azael simply waved a hand, signaling that he didn't need the help.
Okay. So here's the thing: the genetic defect is a fact now. No matter how much we hate it, we can't change what's happened to us.
We're running out of time. We need the fastest, most effective solution we can get.
If the regular trainees don't have enough solar essence in them... then we pool what's in the three of us. The seed candidates.
We pick whoever has the best shot at a breakthrough among us. Then we extract all the essence from the other two and put it into that person.
At least for now, I think it's our best bet.
The solution wasn't new to Leif. However, he and the Sunspot members who'd stepped forward were unanimous in their conviction: they would never sacrifice anyone from Ezette but themselves.
The three boys represented their greatest hope, the people they would protect at all costs.
Ultimately, the decision belonged to them alone; they were the only ones with the right to make that choice.
What if even that doesn't work?
Then we cross that bridge when we get there. Figure it out together.
Long as we don't give up, the spark of hope doesn't die.
Nonsense... Complete NONSENSE! When are you gonna face reality, Kamui?!
Azael let out a laugh as he teetered on the edge of breakdown. Stomping toward Kamui, he seized his collar in a white-knuckle grip.
Count them yourself! How many different approaches have we tried?! When has even ONE of them actually worked?!
You can go back even further than that.
When we were kids, we worried about not growing fast enough, strong enough. Mom and Dad told us not to worry, that they'd always be there to guide us. That was our solution back then.
But as we grew up, that devil called the Punishing Virus showed up, and none of us knew what to do. They told us there was hope, so we believed them. We waited for them.
But they died anyway, killed by the Punishing Virus. They weren't the hope we were counting on.
Who did we pin our hopes on next? The World Government? The other people from Ezette? Leif? Or even ourselves?!
Every single one of us, every single time, has pressed on without giving up! We kept searching and searching!
And what do we have now?! Tell me, what have we actually gained?!
...Every time we give it our all, Kamui. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Instead of getting something, we're always losing.
I'm sick of facing the same ending over and over again.
After Odile and Eurytes were gone, they found themselves trapped in an endless cycle with no way out. Every path they walked ended at a cliff of despair. They had fallen too many times already and were left to wonder how much more their bodies and minds could take.
...I know, Azael. I get it.
But we can't stop.
Ezette's counting on us. If even we give up... what happens to them?
Those who walked this path before us must've felt the same way. They weren't afraid of failure or death, because they knew exactly who they were fighting to protect. All the people standing behind them.
You wouldn't turn your back on our family either, would you?
I'm not afraid of loss, Azael. Even if I have to lose myself, it doesn't matter.
If I can hold this family together for even a few more days before the end? Then I'll keep going until I've walked through every last one of those days.
Even if I'm lost... there are others to take my place. If we keep going until the very end, Ezette will always have a glimmer of hope worth protecting.
Isn't that how our family's survived all this time?
...Leif, awake.
Catrayv spoke up, interrupting their argument.
If you've got more on your mind, take it to Leif yourselves. I've got nothing to say about it.
...I'm tired. I'm heading back.
Kamui understood that this was Azael's way of ending the argument. Acknowledging his exhaustion, he decided not to push for a conclusion.
He let Azael go ahead, taking it upon himself to handle whatever needed to be done. He would be the one to search for their hope.
I knew you'd come anyway.
There's still hope for Ezette. We can't give up now.
Ezette has no hope left. Stubbornly persisting is pointless.
This is a rough path, and you may still fail. Kamui, are you absolutely sure about this?
I told you long ago that idealistic naivety comes with a price. Sooner or later, you wouldn't be able to bear the wounds it inflicts. Congratulations, Azael. You won't have to suffer from it anymore.
I know there are countless challenges waiting for us. But we've overcome them before, and that's what made us who we are today.
I'll never let reality defeat me. I'll change it instead. I'll turn it into the fertile ground where our home can thrive. Where everyone can be happy.
Reality? That thing only brings despair and suffering. It should've disappeared long ago.
Since reality, cruel as it is, chose to abandon us through these endless cycles of the same outcome, why should we foolishly hope for its charity?
That will never happen.
My wish is simple. As long as people from Ezette survive, as long as there are still human survivors out there who can keep on living...
If we can do that, our home will continue to exist. I believe humanity will live on until we rebuild our home again.
Life is too fragile. Too easily shattered by this ugly, disgusting world.
I've found a more enduring connection medium. Through it, our family will never be separated again.
Because I love this world.
Because I hate this world.
Because I will always love Ezette, my home.
It was everyone at Ezette who taught me what love is.
Even though some of them are gone... and others still endure cruel suffering. We've lost so much. But everything we've done is always about one thing: love.
I'll never forget their deaths, their sacrifices, and the pain these things brought. But what I want to keep, what I want to continue, is what they tried so hard to give me. This thing called love.
They taught me how to love. So I want to share this warmth with the entire world.
This is what I want to remember, and what they hoped I would remember. The most important thing of all.
As long as there's love, home will never disappear.
From the moment I was born, Ezette was my entire world.
Mom and Dad, Kamui, Catrayv, and everyone else at Ezette... We struggled so hard to get where we are today.
But what did this world do to us? It took away our precious family, brought endless suffering upon us, and trapped us in the clutches of something called "fate."
Every time we thought we could save our home, this cruel world reduced it to ruins once again.
If the world is nothing but an unreasonable tyrant, then let it burn to ashes.
The world will no longer define what home means. I'll make our family inseparable, in my own way.
Bring hope to Ezette.
Bring death to Ezette.
Hope might cost me my life. But I'll never give up, and everyone else will keep fighting for it too.
Even if howling winds extinguish our flame time and again, I'll keep lighting it. Until we reach the highest peak. Until we become the undying sun.
Since we're destined to lose everything anyway, why not embrace that loss completely? Death will forge a bond more eternal than anything else.
If we can't ignite the spark, then let's rest peacefully in darkness instead. No need for futile struggles anymore. The night will become our eternal cradle.
In this way, our family, all the people of Ezette, will never be separated again.
I will bring them home.
