Story Reader / Main Story / 13 Fake Ascension / Story
The signal is leaving the database.
V, what do we do?
I'll intercept him. Yata, after he leaves, go extract the records to get what we need.
You know you're very not commandant-like, yeah? You're a human, but you keep doing things a vanguard or a scout would do.
So?
How long have we been working together?
3 years, 8 months, and 12 days. If you're referring to when you got into this frame, then...
Have you ever thought about when you'll die?
Why would I ever think about that?
Valeria replies with an almost steel-like resoluteness. Yata decides to stop asking further.
Asimov, Yata will act as a proxy for you. You know what to do.
I got the proxy signal... Wait, that's...?!
What's wrong?
No... It's nothing.
(Why would that database hijack program I made for fun from a few years ago be here?)
(The invader that the Scarab Squad is monitoring... That's someone from Babylonia, or maybe a member of the Science Council?)
What's the matter, Chief Technician?
...Just go on with your mission.
...
You aren't... hiding anything from us, are you?
That does not concern you.
Successfully hacking into the database, a stream of data flows into Murray's terminal through his data avatar.
Verifying ID and... looks like this is the stuff. This must be what the two big guys wanted.
Now then, Gestalt's highest clearance database is all bare before me... I can't just leave now, can I?
Flexing his hands, Murray displays the file catalog before him.
Let's see, keyword... Kurono.
Three-fifths of the data vanishes. The rest forms a colossal matrix before Murray's eyes.
Second keyword... Construct Tech.
Another two-thirds of the files vanish. The rest reorganize themselves into a gargantuan matrix that would still take at least an entire day to go through.
...Should I bring all this back? Just transferring the files will take ages.
In that case, let's add more filters.
Digital signatures of Hassen and Nikola.
The matrix dissolves into ten or so files, all with the "top secret" tag on them.
There we are.
Murray waves and transfers them into his terminal.
—At which point, he discovers a shadowy figure moving toward him.
...Tch, I knew it wouldn't go so well!
Murray extracts a program from his terminal and sends it toward the pursuer.
—Bzzz!
The program expands into an electric net, blocking the pursuer's path.
Thanks for catching up! But sorry, gotta go!
Murray bolts and escapes.
Physical conditions in the real world do not translate to a consciousness diving in virtual space, so Murray manages to run at full speed in a rare occurrence.
This, coupled with the electric net program, should allow him to completely lose the pursuer. Or so he thought.
He does not recall if he has erased the access logs—not that he had the time to check.
