Story Reader / Main Story / 13 Fake Ascension / Story
Despite the difference in their strength, Roland has still managed to stall Alpha long enough. It is clear who is winning by the end of the fight, yet Alpha cannot fathom why Roland is dead set on stopping her.
You should know that there's no way you're beating me...
Alpha removes her blade from the side of Roland's abdomen, and vital fluid pours out from the wound.
Roland retreats backward with his hand on the wound, the weapon in his hand still blocking Alpha's path forward.
Don't be... so sure...
What was that?
Gabriel believes that the only way to create our paradise is to become the strongest Ascendant, holding absolute power in hand...
Roland raises his gun and aims at Alpha.
But the Ascension-Network won't allow kindness and mercy in an agent. Intense hatred, pain, obsession... they're where Ascendants draw their strength.
Luna's strength and yours have been declining, meaning your wills in the Ascnet have been wavering.
If we were to succeed in our goal of destroying humankind and transforming Luna into the strongest agent with absolute power, then you simply must die, Alpha.
Is that why you're hellbent on stopping me?
Roland lowers his gun.
Nah...
Luna's initial wish was to create a "paradise she can stay with her sister."
But as long as the Ascnet has a leash on her, Luna will never get what she really wants.
It took me so long to understand what she truly desires, but it feels like she has yet to realize it.
The Ascension-Network has a bigger hold on her than it has on you or me.
Gray Raven, and that human commandant... They are the key to her real vision. That's why I must let them go.
Do you get it now? I'm not the one you should be stopping—Gabriel is. He's the one who's been scheming all along.
...
Using us and Luna to fulfill his so-called will of the Ascnet—that's his real goal.
Roland informs Alpha of everything he knows about Gabriel's plan.
...That Gabriel, how dare he leverage all the Ascendants for his idiotic plan.
To betray, abandon, and sacrifice everything for his own ambition—that just sounds like a...
(Chuckles)
Where's Luna now?
If I have to guess... Inside the Polyphage.
I couldn't warn Luna in time. I didn't expect Gabriel to move forward with his plan so soon.
But if you were also stoked by Gabriel and tried to fight the Polyphage at your current state, then forget about saving Luna, you'd have been devoured as well.
Then no one would be able to stop Gabriel.
That's why you're guarding here?
Roland shrugs, neither confirming nor denying.
So stay calm. If the Gray Ravens get stomped to death by the Polyphage over there, we still have time to come up with a contingency.
I know what I'm going to do.
Oh, really? Well, then... I should also start moving.
Gabriel's as purist as an Ascendant can be. Luna, you, and I, we're all just tools to accomplish his goal. So...
You are correct. Not only Miss Luna... both of you should also become tools of the Ascension-Network! Roland, I do not find your treachery surprising.
Gabriel...
Gabriel steps out of a dark corner, still acting as courteous as ever, but he can hardly conceal the deranged sense of menace he is giving off.
Well, he's all yours.
Roland smiles again nonchalantly. He whispers something to Alpha as he passes her, before leaping into the darkness within the Core Area with the help of his chain blade.
Alpha has already lunged forward with her sword out before Gabriel can make a move.
Alpha closes in, attempting to expose a weak spot on Gabriel with a series of continuous strikes. Gabriel is forced back, barely managing to counter her every move with his cane.
You betrayed Luna.
...Me? No, Luna is the one who betrayed us, and you—you are the reason for her betrayal! You are why she was forsaken by the Ascension-Network! Why she has lost the power of an agent!
Luna... has never betrayed anyone of us!
I am sorry, but I cannot let you leave this place. I will not let you disrupt our great ascent because of some frivolous sentiment!
Alpha's sword slices across Gabriel's chest, sending sparks flying everywhere. Gabriel rips off his tattered cloak, revealing his colossal mechanical stature.
You... really are the biggest threat to the Ascension-Network...
Are you not going to save your dear sister now that the Polyphage has devoured her?
I know what you're conspiring, Gabriel. You might as well have it written on your face.
If I let you go now, you'll just become a larger threat to Luna.
I can only hope that those Gray Ravens will last long enough for me to get to her.
I cannot imagine you choosing to believe in those inadequate Constructs. Alas, they have most likely been turned into food for the Polyphage.
No.
This time, I'm choosing to believe in "myself." And, Gabriel—
What I'm going to do now is destroy you.
Alpha lifts her katana, her eyes burning with fury.
I will not forgive anyone who hurts Luna.
