Story Reader / Main Story / 13 Fake Ascension / Story
After getting rid of all the Corrupted in the area, you spot someone familiar in the data you have picked up.
This is... the girl who was looking for her sister. Based on the timestamp, this happened not long after she hung up the phone...
I wonder if she did find her sister... Should I replay the record?
With the sound of tires screeching, a raggedy jeep brakes abruptly in front of the ruins. The researcher called Angel jumps out of it with three Constructs.
The road has been destroyed. We have to go on foot, but...
As the four of them approach their destination, each begins to show different signs of infection.
The Punishing Virus concentration here is getting dangerously high. Are you sure she's here?
You can turn around if you're scared.
I know my sister is here for a fact, just like how she always found me when we played hide-and-seek as kids. Our blood has bonded us.
She injects herself with a serum, then runs forward without looking back.
Angel.
A female Construct walks out of the ruins' shadows and calmly gazes at Angel.
Sister! I found you!
Actually, I found you. But he's right, you should turn around.
Yes, I should go back, and so should you.
I chose this, Angel. You shouldn't interfere.
I just want to be with you, Sister!
Be with me...
Angel, when I fought as a Construct, I witnessed terrible deaths over and over again.
At this rate, you'll lose me sooner or later.
The only way to save me from the threat of the Punishing Virus is doing what Gabriel the angel told me to do.
Really?
If there is a shortcut, then why are we still fighting against the virus?!
...
Good question. Every "shortcut" comes with a certain risk. However, if the alternative is to die in battle like the others, I'd rather take the risk. I was never born to fight. I was born to do research with you.
Sister... Did you come to that conclusion after being wounded?
...
I've always wanted to apologize... You gave up your future so that I could remain a researcher...
...Only I was compatible with the copolymers. It wasn't your fault.
But... But if I also gave up my position, then we could've just survived as humans!
Don't be silly. You only agreed to do research with me because that was the safest option.
But ever since I became a Construct, you can't stay focused on your job. It's only a matter of time before you're fired.
You know very well what it means to lose that job now.
Regardless, there's no "if." I am what I am already.
Did you conceal your injuries from me because you were worried about me?
There is a sudden movement in the shadows of the ruins, but no one besides Liadrin has sensed it at all.
Angel, you have to leave now.
Why? I won't leave without you. Come with me!
We've been together since we were born. You're my only family left in this world!
It's too dangerous here. Go, go with them!
No! Sister... I always did what you told me to do... but this time...
Angel's voice is shaking. Tears rush out of her eyes uncontrollably. She tosses her gun and throws herself at Liadrin.
Just let me follow my heart for once... Sister!
Liadrin tries to push away Angel, who is holding onto her arm, but in a split second—
Eh...?
Angel's body falls backward while her hand is still tightly clasping Liadrin's arm.
Angel!
The other three Constructs react immediately to this horrifying scene. They hold up their weapons and fire fiercely at Gabriel, but all of them are incapacitated after just a few seconds.
Looks like the material is here.
What did you say?!
I knew I was right about you. You have the gift. All you need is a little extra help.
Sister...
Angel focuses away from the excruciating pain. She presses hard against her severed wrist and wipes off the blood splashed into her eyes.
But when she opens her eyes again, everything is still covered in red—the Punishing Virus is gushing out from Gabriel's hand. It then transforms into a bright red electric current and wraps itself around Liadrin like a bloody worm.
Ahhhh!
Watch this closely.
Gabriel hurls a broken slate at the immobilized researcher, crushing her ribs loudly before she realizes what is happening.
Angel shakily stretches out her intact hand toward Liadrin.
...Sister... I just want to... be with you...
Without you... I...
Her unfinished words disappear into the wind. The stretched out hand heavily drops on the ground.
Angel—!
Very good. You'll do well as one of us.
Ahhhhhhhh!
Liadrin's wailing echoes painfully over the ruins but does not bring her any comfort. The living creatures around the area regard it merely as shrieking winds.
Still being corroded by the Punishing Virus, she raises her weapon and uses all of her strength to strike the Ascendant whom she thought was an angel—
After that, Liadrin's projection vanishes.
