Story Reader / Main Story / 12 Kowloong Metropolis / Story
Just a few floors away from reaching the top. Gotta say the inside of this tower looks just like that of the Nighter...
You got it backward, Babylonian.
Walking down the stairs is the familiar feminine figure of Qu, yet vastly different from her imposter on the ship. Her footsteps ring in majesty as she approaches.
And—this place has a name. The Observatory. Not just any "tower."
Indeed. Its height is to observe the stars.
If you want to see the stars, why not do it in space? You'll get a clearer view.
There is no better description of the folly of human conceits, than what you describe.
From here, you can see the stars filling the universe. Learn that Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena.
We're not here to chit-chat. You know the situation, yeah?
Things are not looking good. Some Ascendants found their way in here. We have to protect Huaxu and keep it from falling into their hands.
Of course I do. And it's none of your concern.
Not yet. Nor do I know where he is.
So we're good for now, at least. Phew...
...
Liv, you've been like this since we got here. Are you not feeling well?
Ayla is relieved to hear Qu's reply. Meanwhile, Liv's face turns grim as she fiddles with the device in her hand, as if beset by self-doubt.
What's wrong, Liv?
That Qu, the leader of Kowloong, is an Ascendant...
This city's being ruled by an Ascendant? How's that even possible?
It might be hard to believe, but it's true. I've ran several scans to reconfirm.
Yes. I've ran several scans to test. She displays similar viral reactions to Alpha and Roland.
What the hell...? If she's an Ascendant, why would she start this war? To lure us here?
The Ascendants wouldn't bother doing something like that, and neither would I.
You make it sound like... you aren't one of them.
There's no rule that says all Ascendants have to band together, or that an Ascendant can't govern a human city.
I'm an outlier, that's all. In order to contain the virus spreading from me, I cloistered myself in the Observatory, running every aspect of this city in these confines.
Ayla tenses up as Qu approaches. Qu wears a smirk on her face, but her hands are still tightly held to her weapon. A dreadful silence reigns the tower.
Kowloong Corp has but one goal—To preserve all that is of value on Earth.
I am but the vessel of our common wish—To preserve all that is of value on Earth.
Preserve Earth...?
Babylonia has been doing something similar, I know. With historical artifacts, pre-pandemic data, and whatnot, yes?
Are you talking about WGAA?
But that is nothing compared to our grand design.
How could you? Me, the president, everyone! We're all working in earnest to study and rejuvenate human cultures, to prepare for the day we reclaim Earth...
That day will never come.
What?
All your talk about reclaiming Earth, reconnecting the world is nothing but a joke. History ended the moment the virus broke out.
We're all on borrowed time. How much longer do you think you can last?
Another episode in human history... So you honestly think there's still a future for Earth?
Foolish though your ideals may be, your words speak to something special. Tell me your name, commandant of Babylonia.
[player name], your name will be inscribed in a special place. Consider it a parting gift.
Parting gift?
Life will fade, machines will break down, the world will perish. This is why things that have value must be preserved. Kowloong will be the final epithet of Earth.
When all lights go out, when all goes dark, this place will still burn. Like fire, we will stay a beacon for visitors in the eons to come.
They will know that we, "humanity," lived. Like fossils, we will leave behind a legacy. This is Kowloong. This, is Tabula Akasha.
Tabula Akasha...
Resistance is futile. Accept death with grace. That's the way we, the once ruler of Earth, should bow out.
And through this war, I finally realized that to complete the Tabula Akasha, the world must first be ended.
You are going to...
I came here expecting a certain Ascendant first, but no matter.
Earth's demise is set in stone. The question of who goes first and who goes later is inconsequential.
Fall, and become history, Babylonia.
——
Guys, guards are coming from downstairs...
I knew it! She's ambushing us here!
Commandant, we'll hold our position here. You go up.
This is the best strategy... Go a few more floors up so that the reinforcements can pick up your signal.
Yup, President Hassen will send reinforcements for sure!
Run, Commandant! Don't look back!
