Story Reader / Main Story / 13 Fake Ascension / Story
We're almost done searching the area, but we didn't turn up any clues.
This is all we can see on the map. Where should we go next?
Just when everyone is at a loss, a flustered researcher catches everyone's attention.
Excuse me. Have you seen this person?
She pulls out a picture and asks around the scavengers.
You damn fancy folks with your fancy jobs! If you're lookin' for someone, why doncha go ask your damn watchdogs!
S-sorry, this is personal. I can't ask security for help.
P-please... Help me...
Hearing this, the scavenger squatting in the corner takes the photo and glances at it.
Oh, this gal. I can give you the scoop, but what's in it for me?
The flustered researcher takes out a bag of compressed biscuits from her pocket and hands it to the scavenger. He quickly rips open the bag and swallows them whole.
I just saw her go that way.
The researcher thanks the scavenger, then runs in the direction he was pointing. He smacks his lips and sneers.
Heh, I didn't see nothin'.
By the look of the scavenger and researcher, this must've happened quite a long time ago.
There are no clues that match the key intel here. Should we take a chance?
Following the researcher's projection, you all arrive at a dark alley...
We haven't searched this area yet...
The entrance is well hidden—looks intentional.
After inputting the key intel into the Spear of F.O.S., the researcher reappears in front of you.
She has not run down the alley for long before embracing a Construct and cries.
Sister!
She found her even though he just pointed in a random direction... Was it because she kept narrowing her search?
It's not that strange. Growing up with someone makes it easier to predict where they'll go. After all, you're familiar with their habits and how they think.
Really? I don't have any practical experience in this matter.
You don't have any siblings, Liv?
I have brothers and sisters, but we're not related by blood.
If we did, maybe it would've been better...
Blood...?
At that moment, the Construct in the researcher's arms turns around and gives a look of surprise.
Who are... Oh, you're Liadrin's little sister... Angel, right?
Oh, wrong person.
It's you. How did you know she's here?
Where is she?! Why haven't I heard from her for so long? Her locator pinpoints her near this area... That's the only reason I've found this place.
Didn't anyone tell you? She was wounded in battle and switched bodies in order to recover. I saw her go out this morning. Maybe she's on a mission.
Does she still remember me?
I don't think her memory data was damaged. She said "Hi" to me last night.
If you don't feel at ease, just wait for her here. I need to get going. I'm still on a mission.
She waves goodbye and leaves. Angel breathes a sigh of relief and sinks to the ground.
Seems likes she's worried about her sister... And as a researcher, the fact that her sister is a Construct...
...She must have her own reasons.
Angel stands up and pats the dirt off her knees. Just as she is about to walk to a nearby bench, her comms rings.
A message... Sister?
She opens the message in a hurry. The four of you onlookers step forward and look carefully at the words on the screen.
Sorry I haven't been in touch with you for so long, Angel.
I was wounded in battle a few days ago. When I was at the rescue camp, I saw a winged mechanical angel. He told me about a power known as the Ascension-Network.
We were both researchers, but when we ran out of test subjects, they used me instead. Since then, I haven't been able to continue with my research...
But now, I've been presented an opportunity to research the Punishing Virus. So, I've accepted his invitation.
Farewell, Angel. I hope we see each other again in this life.
After reading the message, Angel staggers backward a few steps and falls to the ground again.
...The Ascension-Network?
Even though she does not know what she is talking about, she can still sense the danger.
Sister... I will find you. I WILL!
Angel stands up, ignoring the dust on her body, turns back and dials a number in her contacts.
It's me, Angel. Requesting permission to locate Liadrin.
Permission denied, Angel. How many times have I told you? Quit getting involved with your sister. You'll only hinder her in battle. I know it was against your wishes for her to become a Construct.
But, think about your future career. You know what unemployment looks like.
Hmph, then I won't beat around the bush. She's gone AWOL. Do you know where she is now?
What?! Do you have any proof?
Try contacting her.
Alright, wait a moment.
Shortly after, her comms rings again.
...I can't reach her. I don't know what happened, but I'm going to dispatch a team to help you look for her.
For your sake, I hope she comes back to her senses. After all, your sister is quite an accomplished soldier. We've put her talents in high regard.
Not long after terminating the call, three Constructs arrive by car. The car's navigation system clearly displays the coordinates of their destination.
Angel enters the car and proceeds en route to their destination, quickly disappearing out of sight.
Looks like they went here. Let's get going, Commandant.
But do you think she'll be able to find her sister?
If this really is the Ascendants' headquarters, I'm afraid this doesn't look good.
Liv clenches her hands and gives a look of sadness.
Blood is complicated. When you grow up together, it brings you closer to one another... but in times like this, it also pushes you to the abyss.
...Blood.
This is the second time Lucia says this word. Is she still thinking about what happened to her sister, Luna?
I'm here, Commandant.
...Yes.
I don't understand. Why did Luna become an Ascendant?
I heard that she was disposed of after failing to become a Construct. Did something happen?
Why is she with another me? If she is me... why did she choose to become an Ascendant?
You mean...
Different experiences?
If they could do it again... If they could live in a gentle environment... They wouldn't have chosen this path, would they?
...If only I could know what she went through, I might be able to understand why she made this choice.
But...
Lucia looks up and stretches her hand toward the distant sky. The sun hiding behind the clouds struggles to shine a ray of light between her fingers.
If I find out from her memories that all of this is a lie... and that my purpose belongs somewhere else...
...Will I become someone like her?
Are you sure, Commandant?
If I really did, what would you do?
Hearing this, she places her outreached hand on her heart. Her smile shows signs of doubt and bitterness.
She and I are the same person. I wouldn't be surprised if we'd make the same decision. Do you really believe in me?
You mean... If she had the same experiences as I have, she would also be standing here as a member of the Gray Ravens?
Your affirmation does little to assuage Lucia of her worries.
Confusion of the unknown, the fear of loss, the possibility of parting after uncovering the truth...
All these worries cloud her heart, much like the sun above.
Thank you, Commandant.
Lucia nods. Although the worries in her eyes remain, her smile widens faintly.
She turns and leads the rest of you to the target location.
Her pace continues to be firm in conviction and, like a raven aimed at its target, she spreads her wings and soars into the cloud-covered sky.
