Ezette Archive Room Entrance
Past
So Azael... he still won't come?
In response to Kamui's question, Catrayv could only shake his head, equally helpless.
The argument and its raw honesty had led to an agreement with Leif: a full retest and documentation of their total solar essence levels and Corona Gene activity, with Leif forwarding the data to the World Government.
Passing their probability assessment was the key to securing support once more.
Azael, however, had done little more than comply with the required tests. He spent his days shutting himself away, actively avoiding them. And he continued to do so, even now that the assessment results were being announced.
Is everything, okay, with Azael?
Feels off. Worried.
Yeah, I'm super worried too. But he's been dodging us hard. Doesn't even want to see us.
But at the end of the day, we need to fix the root cause.
C'mon. Let's head in together.
Leif heard the door open, and he turned to face the two boys when they came in.
Well, getting cold feet now? You were so enthusiastic about this before. Thought you two were gonna breeze through without flinching.
On the table, Leif laid the documents out. Inside were the results he had to share with the boys today.
Psh, cold feet? Us?! No way, right Catrayv?
Yeah. Not scared.
Okay, maybe... a little nervous. Like, if this goes south again, I've got no idea left.
Tch. All that bark and now you're backing down? Where's that whole "charge headfirst" energy?
I'm still that guy! You don't believe me? I literally walked in first just now!
Yeah, I'm nervous. So what? That doesn't mean we stop! Even if I'm freaking out inside, I'll still be the first one charging ahead!
Alright, shock trooper. If you're so ready to charge, then charge over here and be the first one to look at the results.
...Wait, what?!
Wait wait wait... Catrayv, don't push me!! Lemme just... mentally prep for a sec!
Whew! Deep breaths. In... and out...
Nope nope nope, still too nervous! How about... okay, what if I close my eyes, and you check first, Catrayv? Then you can tell me what it says!
As Kamui continued to back away, Catrayv simply shook his head before gripping him by the shoulders and pulling him forward.
Kamui. Charge. Look yourself.
Alright, enough messing around. Kamui, Catrayv, both of you come over and look together.
Ready? Here it is...
Ezette - Communications Room
Past
Ready, Azael? Just so we're clear, once the Punishing Virus enters your system, there's no going back.
...You're sure it's stable? Indestructible?
Azael dropped his gaze to the vial of substance that Marlis had pressed into his palm.
Of course. Why else would I take it into myself? Besides, look at what humanity has become... Have you seen anything capable of standing against it?
Submit to the Punishing Virus. Through it, you gain eternity.
I don't "submit" to anything. This is a tool, nothing more. A means to keep Ezette whole. Don't confuse me with your kind.
And you call yourself virtuous? You're about to end your own family. Death and the Punishing Virus, delivered by your hand...
Choose your words carefully. This is a "release" from suffering. A fusion of family.
Even if they struggle on, this cruel world will eventually tear them away from me. Now there's a better place to be, so why not?
I know them. This is the ultimate ideal we've always sought. After this, our family will become truly inseparable.
Then showing you its power was the right call. Still, I'm almost disappointed. I recall you being far more skeptical. No need to test it further?
No need to waste time. I've seen enough. I know it has the power I need.
But... you gave me your word. No more claims on Ezette. You handle the World Government and ensure we're recorded as annihilated, erased from human history.
I expect no complications. Am I understood? I need to hear the truth.
And if I told you yes, would you believe me?
Your hesitation only existed because you had something left to lose. That's why you feared losing them.
But now... there's nothing left to hold onto, is there?
"Attachment" is just another word for "concern," and even more so "restraint." Shed them, and you're no longer bound. You will be truly free.
The Punishing Virus. That was always the endgame for you, wasn't it?
All that talk of power and position... nothing but a mask you've been hiding behind.
Heh. Exactly right. That's why I've always said we're the same, you and I.
I despise this world as much as you do. This ugly, human world.
The Punishing Virus, though? It's beautiful, powerful... This world is long overdue for a new master.
Care to join me? Bring your family. Together, we'll build something new. An empire that's ours.
I don't care about your new world. Stay away from us.
Our world... is Ezette. That's all we need.
Azael gazed at the message on the terminal. Before entering the comms room, he had ordered all Ezette members to stand by for an emergency deployment; no one was to leave the base.
But Kamui, Catrayv, and Leif were different. When he sent the message, they were still in the archive room, waiting for the results of their so-called assessment. For all Azael knew, they were probably already on their way to find him.
With grim resolve, he opened the vial filled with the Punishing Virus, decanting the ominous fluid into a syringe. Without a moment's hesitation, he drove the needle deep into his own heart.
Nngh!
Azael's body underwent a torturous transformation, each second an exercise in excruciating agony. The crimson power crawled through his veins like countless biting ants, gnawing at his very heart as he stumbled forward.
He reached the device they had prepared and pressed the activation key. Leveraging his internal clearance, Marlis' virus program began its silent, rapid infiltration of Ezette's central system. In a matter of seconds, every defense and distress system was rendered completely inert.
Outside, the swarms of Corrupted, assembled by Marlis, lay in wait around the perimeter. They were poised, ready for the moment Ezette's gates swung open to surge in like wolves descending upon their prey.
ALERT!! ALERT!! Abnormal Punishing Virus fluctuations detected within a 4-kilometer radius of the base!!
Level 2 alert protocol activating, all Ezette ▇▄▆▅▂▃▁ members...
All▅▇▃ mem█▃▅bers...
Central system▅▇▃ failing█▃▆▂▃... Initiating▇▄█▃▆▂ self-destruct▅▇▃▄ mode...
Acti▇▃▆▂▄▅vating... Level 1▆▇▄▅▃▂▁ alert▆▃▇▄▅▂...
From this moment on... the order of a "family" will be established in Ezette.
No one leaves. No one betrays!!
Ezette Dormitory
Past
...You noticed it too? There must be something wrong with the Punishing Virus readings from the defense system.
Yeah. Carol and I have been tracking it.
To be precise, it started three days ago. We were on night patrol, and since Leif and the others had been swamped, we decided to check the systems ourselves.
Most of the time, everything looked fine. But then... at regular intervals, every single system in Ezette would just die. Once a night. Maybe... five seconds?
...Like someone's running tests.
We were going to report it today. But Leif and Kamui are busy with the assessment, and Azael ordered everyone to stay put. So we waited.
What about the defense system? Have you checked it?
It was fine yesterday. It should still be...
...Wait!! That can't be right!! The defense system... it's completely down?!
A wave of shock washed over the girls' faces. The defense system was Ezette's only protection against the Punishing Virus. With it gone, and with the solar essence reserves still stored in the base...
Someone find Leif! Or Kamui, Azael, Catrayv—any of them! We need confirmation now!
They rushed to the lounge together, where everyone else was standing by. Upon seeing them burst in, breathless and panicked, those who had been waiting rose to their feet, their faces etched with surprise.
What's with you two?
No time! Where's Azael? Did he say when he'd be here to give us orders?!
Him? Actually, he just messaged me right before you came in. Said he's on his way. Told us to wait.
Knock, knock knock.
The knock came right on cue, as if summoned by their words. It could only be Azael at the door.
See? Right on time.
That's weird though... what's up with Azael today? He has his own access. Why's he knocking?
Despite his confusion, Darren rushed to open the door for Azael. Outside the dormitory, all the lights had mysteriously gone out, leaving nothing but impenetrable darkness beyond the threshold.
There, Darren saw Azael standing unnaturally far back, not moving to enter. He lingered in the gloom, with only a single hand extended—the same one that had just knocked.
Without a second thought, Darren stepped forward to pull Azael inside. Everyone was waiting for him to take charge, after all. But Ava, standing just behind him, caught something Darren had missed: an unnatural crimson gleam flickering in the darkness.
Now she saw it clearly. The hand Darren was pulling into the light had grotesquely mutated beyond recognition.
Punishing Virus?!
Darren!! Get back!! NOW!!
Wha—
GAHH?!!!
The moment Darren turned to face Ava, the hand he had just drawn toward him drove itself through his chest and into his heart.
It was only then that he realized what he held was no longer a human hand. A crimson substance mixed with his own blood, now gushing from his wound, was spreading to engulf him.
A... za... el?
W... h... y...
Darren, reeling in disbelief, attempted to meet the eyes of the figure behind him, searching for any kind of explanation. Azael looked back, yet under the Punishing Virus's influence, his perception had begun to betray him, warping and distorting the scene before his eyes.
Darren... you...
Azael? You took your time getting here. We've all been waiting.
Of course there's nothing wrong with this! This is exactly what we wanted.
But you know me, I hate pain. So make it quick, alright? Don't let it hurt too long.
Azael... it hurts... don't...
Of course, Darren. I know you. I know all of you. Whatever you wish for, I'll make it real.
AAARGH?!!!
With a violent clench of his fist, Azael crushed Darren's heart. He wrenched his hand free and watched the light die in his friend's eyes, Darren's body crumpling into a lifeless heap on the floor.
Run...
Ava scrambled backwards, yelling warnings to her companions further up the path. They stood frozen in ignorance, completely unaware of the horror taking shape before her eyes.
Azael's lost it!! He's infected by the Punishing Virus!!
EVERYONE RUN—!!!
Chaos engulfed the dormitory. Everyone scattered in panic, scrambling like mad ants to get away.
Darren!!! Hang in there!! Someone stop the bleeding!!
He's gone!! Carol, with me. We gotta find a place to hide!!
Where are Kamui and Leif?!! We need to find them!!
AARGHH!!!
Dorian's scream echoed through the room as Azael brought his heavy sword down on his legs, shattering bones and tendons and leaving him helpless, crawling on the ground.
Azael, I'm so tired from running. Can you do something about it? You know me, I suck at long-distance running.
Yeah, if only I could just sit... or lie down forever? Anything would be fine, anything but running.
Azael, how about we do something with my legs? My legs...
My... legs... they hurt...
Need to stand... run... have to...
There... That should do it, Dorian.
Rest easy where you are. You'll never have to worry about running again.
Everyone was as playful as ever, he thought. Azael watched the members scatter, laughing and frolicking as they talked about revisiting their favorite childhood game.
Azael!! You're "it" this time! You'd better run fast if you want to catch us!!
Hurry!! I know a spot he'll never find!
How can I say no to you all... Alright. I'll play.
Five seconds to hide. No waiting for stragglers. Five, four, three, two...
One.
Now, time to come home, everyone.
Yes, this was it. This was what made a perfect home. He remembered what each person wanted, what each person feared, and he would sweep those fears away, fulfilling their every desire.
Once everyone was finally in place, they gathered together in a state of pure contentment and bliss, ascending the steps of the Punishing Virus as one. They became an absolute and perfect whole, never to be separated again.
Carlie!
Of the few survivors left, Carlie and Carol had fled the farthest, but it was not far enough. Azael descended upon them, swiftly killing Carlie and letting her fall limp into Carol's embrace.
Carlie! You're always so busy! Half the time I can't even find you. You're always walking ahead, leaving me behind.
I just want to stay with you forever... I don't care how.
Silly, I walk ahead to clear the path. So if there's danger, I face it first. You don't have to.
You've always been timid, even when we were little. So let me take the first step.
I understand, Carlie. Your sister means everything to you. You shield her from every risk. Stand between her and the world.
And Carol, you feel the same. Don't worry. I'll give you both what you want.
You'll stay together. Forever.
You're insane... You're a monster...
Go to hell!!
Carol grabbed her weapon and struck at Azael, but she was no match for him. He seized her by the throat, his grip a brutal vise that left her gasping. For the first time, she met his gaze with unbridled fury, forcing her head up to stare him down through gritted teeth.
Cough... Azael, for this... for all of it... it's going to come back and bite you.
We already sent word to Kamui and Catrayv. You won't last much longer!!
AAARGH!!
Azael, don't just focus on us. Where are Kamui and Catrayv? You could also try getting Leif to join us.
We all know. Everyone's close, but Kamui and Catrayv are different.
Don't wait around. Go get them! Ezette isn't complete without everyone.
Azael tossed Carol's body beside Carlie, so they could cling tightly together. He gazed at the sisters, embracing in death as they once had in life, and smiled with satisfaction.
Patience... It will happen. Every single one. I'll bring them all home...
And now... just like when you were small. Rest in your sister's arms. Let her sing you to sleep.
...?!! What the—what the hell happened here?!
Alerted by the commotion, the soldiers arrived on the scene and were met with a horrifying spectacle. For a moment, they could only stare blankly at the trainees lying dead on the ground. Then, as dread settled in, they looked up and locked eyes with Azael, who stood watching in the distance.
Azael!! Hey, what game are you kids playing that you didn't invite us?! Don't call us childish. We need to blow off steam too, you know!
Perfect... Yes. One by one. Everyone. Together.
You came later than the others, brought in by Leif. But you've been part of Ezette for a long time now.
So no one gets left behind...
Our sweet dream is just beginning.
Still no response. Comms are completely dead.
Leif told Kamui and Catrayv about the situation. As they were about to leave, the base was suddenly filled with the sound of unfamiliar alarms. They quickly discovered that the central system had collapsed. Leif's soldiers had initially radioed in, reporting they were on their way to check the dormitories, but after that, all contact was lost.
No way... Did those Corrupted that jumped us already destroy the signal tower?
We lost so many people holding them off... How?! How did this even happen?!
The other members are not answering either. They might already be...
With anxiety etched across his face, Kamui fended off several Corrupted nearby. Leif had managed to activate Ezette's emergency system, but its functionality was limited to basic enemy scanning; it was powerless to provide any real assistance.
The interface lit up with a swarm of red dots, a chilling revelation that a massive force of Corrupted had already breached the interior, trapping them completely.
Standing around won't fix this! C'mon, let's move! We gotta save everyone! Maybe they're waiting for us right now!
Kamui!! Catrayv!! Fall back!
Leif's hurt. I'll cover.
Catrayv didn't wait for a response. He pushed Leif into the small room behind him and then moved to block the doorway, positioning himself against the oncoming surge of Corrupted. The fresh wave of enemies had caught them on their way to rescue the others, slowly forcing them back toward this corner.
With a small emergency shelter nearby, their plan had been to take a short break. But with the Corrupted in relentless pursuit, someone had to remain outside to hold the line.
Catrayv!! I'm coming to help you!
Taking in the situation at a glance, Kamui charged forward, placing himself between Catrayv and several incoming blows. Fighting as one, they withstood the relentless assault just long enough to fall back into the emergency shelter and lock the door.
Okay... we're safe for now. But... even if we could reach the others... I don't think we'd make it in time. We need a new plan.
Leif, can we call for backup?
Comms are still jammed. Unless someone can fight their way out of Ezette, we've got no way to signal for help.
But there are too many Corrupted out there. A small team wouldn't break through, and if we send too many, the ones left behind won't stand a chance.
...Then let's get everyone to the escape pods! The wounded and the weak evacuate first!
We'll stay and hold out as long as we can. No time to overthink this. We've gotta rescue the others. Let's go!!
Kamui readied his weapons and made to charge out, but Catrayv caught him by the arm, holding him back.
He had been staring at his terminal in silence ever since they first detected the anomaly. Throughout their advance, he had been deeply preoccupied, slowly assembling the pieces of the puzzle.
So, as Kamui fought at the front lines to buy Catrayv time to patch up his wounds, Catrayv had already made his decision and put his plan into motion.
Catrayv...? What's that in your hand—wait... WHAT THE—?!
Before Kamui could react, Catrayv plunged a syringe filled with a golden liquid into his vein and depressed the plunger, emptying the entire contents.
They had fled in such a hurry that no one had seen what the others had taken. Catrayv hadn't yet formed a concrete plan then, but as a precaution, he had grabbed equipment capable of extracting solar essence in an emergency.
Fortunately, it was all proving useful now, just as he had hoped.
What are you doing?!! You just gave me all your essence. What about you?!
Without power, how are you gonna fight these things?! How are you gonna survive—?!
Kamui.
It was the first time Catrayv had ever cut Kamui off. He had always been a patient listener, absorbing every word before he would speak. But patience was a luxury he could no longer afford. He knew that hesitation now meant it would be too late for everything.
We, can't win this. You, know that.
Fighting, won't, change anything.
Look, I gave you, my essence. You, can breakthrough.
Catrayv lifted Kamui's arm to show him the wound there, revealing that the area once infected by the Punishing Virus was beginning to heal. As it did, Kamui could clearly feel the oppressive weight of the virus's influence fading from within him.
Take essence, to Babylonia. Get surgery, Construct tech, you'll make it.
What about all of YOU?! The injured, the ones in the recovery ward close to the Sunspot stage... we can't take everyone with us!!
Not leaving. Leif and I, we find them. I'll, protect them.
And, Azael. I'll find him, too. All of us, will hold out. You come back, with help. Save us.
But...?!!
Though Kamui wanted to continue arguing, the essence that had surged into him forcibly triggered his final conversion phase. His body reacted violently, paralyzing him mid-motion.
My body... Agh—!!
It burns... like... everything's on fire...
...No... I gotta... stay awake!!
Leif stepped forward to support Kamui, whose body had been weakened by waves of excruciating pain.
Catrayv's right. If we all stay here, we're dead. Every last one of us.
We need to preserve at least one chance, Kamui. In terms of your body and your abilities, you're our best shot. You've got the highest chance of a successful conversion.
Trust us. We'll protect everyone left in Ezette. We'll hold out until you come back for us.
Catrayv, continue the rescue operation. I'll get Kamui to the pod.
Copy.
Having said his piece, Leif helped Kamui up and made ready to withdraw. The moment they started to move, however, Catrayv's hand shot out and closed tightly around Kamui's wrist.
Wait...
He stepped forward, wiping the grime of battle from Kamui's face.
Catrayv had never forgotten the first time they met at the orphanage—where he had been the only survivor—when Kamui had wiped away the mud and tears from his face in that exact same way.
Thank you, Kamui.
And, we'll see, each other again.
With these words, Catrayv let go and waved Leif on. He remained rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on their diminishing shapes until they were gone.
Then, he turned and broke into a run forward.
He made straight for Azael's terminal location, his course set without an instant's doubt. There were things he kept buried, suspicions he nursed in silence. His only hope was that this time, they could settle it once and for all.
...Catrayv?
Once the last Ezette soldier had fallen by his hand, Azael sensed someone drawing near from behind. He spun to meet the threat, but it was only Catrayv, whose expression was utterly devoid of emotion.
You made it here first? Where are Kamui and Leif? I thought he'd get here before you.
Azael.
Why?
...Heh. Isn't it obvious? I'm building a new order for Ezette.
A family that will never be separated again.
So you're here to judge me too? Like all the others who can't see I'm doing this for us? Who curse me, despise me?
Catrayv shook his head. Then, as if nothing had happened, he simply walked toward Azael and approached him.
Not, questioning. Azael, saved me. You're, family. Whatever, you do, I won't, fight.
Azael, if you need, family, I will, be. Spare, Kamui, let him, go.
You both, saved me, Your kindness, I remember.
I will, be with you, Azael. I'm not, leaving. Let everyone, and Kamui, go. They need, freedom.
...You're telling me about freedom?
With a grim expression, Azael mercilessly thrust his blade forward, piercing Catrayv's heart.
Catrayv offered no resistance.
...Hurts. But, it's... okay.
I'll be, here, for you, A... za... el...
Catrayv, since when is freedom more important than family?
But it's fine. I've always seen you as my little brother. You don't know any better. That's why you let Kamui go and say all these useless things. But I won't hold it against you.
You haven't betrayed me. You haven't betrayed this family. So I'll forgive you.
Rest now. Here, at home. Once I bring Kamui back too, we'll all be together again.
In that moment, Catrayv's face was a mask as always. He didn't struggle, nor did he show any fear. And he felt no regret. His life, he had decided long ago when Kamui and Azael brought him back to Ezette, belonged to them.
He found it impossible to resent Azael, whom he saw as family. His only thought had been for Kamui.
I'm sorry, Kamui. I lied to you.
Run now. Live well, Kamui. Be free.
Be free, for me, for all of us.
Having tucked the unconscious Kamui into the escape pod, Leif secured him and initiated the launch sequence, setting the destination for Babylonia.
Kamui, he believed, would endure the journey and awaken there as a true Golden Sun.
He then retrieved Kamui's terminal, which he had pocketed earlier without a moment to spare. Now, as he finally scrolled through the messages glowing on the screen, his eyes went wide with shock.
In the very moment the truth of what had happened—and what was yet to come—dawned on him, Azael arrived.
Hmph, finally my turn, Azael?
...Where's Kamui?
Somewhere you'll never find him. You want blood? Take mine.
...I was going to let you keep your dignity, Leif. After all, since Mom and Dad died, you've been the closest thing we had to a parent.
But you let him go. You aided his betrayal. Don't expect mercy now.
He had completed "retrieving" his last family member.
No, this wasn't the last one. There was still Kamui. However, Azael couldn't wait for him now; the happy family reunion couldn't wait any longer.
He extracted the consciousness of everyone from Ezette and forced them into his own body. Yet, despite being so weakened that they should have had no strength left, all their minds still instinctively rejected him.
So, he seized Catrayv's body, and sure enough, those consciousnesses showed not the slightest rejection toward this vessel. The fusion was complete.
But Ezette was now too empty, completely devoid of its former liveliness. Everyone's bodies, he decided, had to serve a purpose for this home.
Azael grafted parts of some bodies onto himself, while freezing the rest in what he deemed their happiest poses from when they were alive, standing them in every corner of Ezette.
They were all here now. They would never leave again.
Before Kamui left, Azael had secretly slashed away a portion of his M.I.N.D. to keep for himself. But this fragment wasn't enough; it couldn't replace Kamui as a whole person.
But Azael knew that one day, Kamui would return. He understood Kamui all too well.
...Amnesia? He even lost his own body?
Heh, what did you expect? He was half-dead when he left. Critical damage from the Corona Gene conversion. And his M.I.N.D., the one you sabotaged, was fundamentally broken from the start. The fact that he's alive at all is a miracle.
And don't look at me to help you bring him back. I'm already on Babylonia's deserter list. Whatever scheme you're cooking up, you're on your own.
...Then, he would just have to wait a little longer. The time hadn't been right yet. Azael wanted Kamui to return to this family whole and of his own volition.
He had been doing everything to spy on Babylonia, watching as his foolish brother Kamui became fragmented and weak. Once again, Kamui had experienced the helplessness of loss, yet he had still extended a helping hand to everyone around him. As expected, even without memories, he was the same idiot who never learns.
So, when everything finally came to light, he would return here again.
Day after day, Azael had watched his surveillance screens, yearning for the day that the high and mighty Babylonia would come crashing down, so he could finally have Kamui back.
That day finally arrived when Babylonia sent probe signals to Ezette in their search for F.O.S. Azael had known, then, that his wait was over.
After all these years... even like this? You're still not letting go?
That's none of your concern. This serves your interests too. We'll continue as we always have.
I'll help you remember everything, Kamui.
I'll make you experience once again our birth, our growth, what we gained and what we lost. All those memories of being loved, learning to hate, obtaining and being stripped of everything.
After you have lived through all of this again, I'm sure you'll come to hate this cruel world, just as I did.
