Story Reader / Main Story / 18 Her Last Bow / Story
The mysterious mechanoid is clearly familiar with this area. After evading the Constructs' pursuits, they stop in a rural area, where countless discarded mechanoids pile up.
The moon casts its light by Nanami's feet. She can smell the dirt, oil, and blood in the wind.
Master Nanami...
Under the moonlight, the mechanoid takes off her hood and reveals her face. Nanami has seen her before—in another future.
Haicma...
The mechanoid who helped Nanami return to her time in the Ever-Winter.
Now, she seems to have lost the grace Nanami remembers. Her torn cloak flies in the freezing wind, her body dotted with battle scars with oil-stained bandages loosely wrapped around the exposed parts.
You...
She sounds hesitant as if thinking something.
What happened?
Nanami doesn't know... Haicma, why is there a war? Why are the Constructs attacking us... What happened here?
Hearing that, Haicma's expression turns serious. She may be tired and injured, but the resolve in her eyes has never wavered.
I don't know why you suddenly lost all your memories... but "Mother" has asked me to guide you by your side if you are ever lost.
I will try to give you a concise explanation.
As the Sagemachina, you joined the Church of Machina, which grew under your teachings. But it eventually split into two factions.
The other faction, led by "Lover", pursued the meaning of war. Humanity dwindles, facing the threats from both the Punishing Virus and the Church of Machina, and humans are on the brink of extinction.
...
Feeling dazed, Nanami looks around her. The metal from the broken machines clatters in the wind. This was part of the battlefield—she has seen it with her own eyes now. She tried, and this is the future Gestalt offers.
Who is "Mother"?
Her name is Alucard. She has always been the head of the Church of Machina, running the Church before you showed up.
I see...
Just this brief glimpse is enough to make Nanami reject this frightening future with all her heart.
Still, just like last time... Nanami must understand every cause behind the scene to avoid this future.
Nanami believes you, Haicma.
I've always believed you as well, Sage.
Based on what you said... Nanami would like to stop this war. This is not how the world should look like.
You never agreed with the war. Whatever you decide to do, I will stand by your side and help you.
Haicma says the same words she said in the other future.
I'm not your only friend here, but humanity's aggression is not the only thing you have to defeat.
If you want to stop the war, we've got to get going.
Haicma extends her arm and points. Following that direction, an iron tower stands on the horizon.
It appears to be the only monument that still stands on this scarred earth, giving off threatening vileness.
That's the headquarters of the Church of Machina... the "Sanctuary".
At the "Sanctuary", you'll find more machines that are willing to pledge their loyalty to you... They're currently devising a final battle that will end the war between humankind and machines.
Haicma puts her hood back on, hiding her face in the shadow. She whispers from darkness.
Sage, please tell me everything you know. To guide you through this world... I'll first have to know what you already know.
...Okay!
I'd like to assure you about one thing, though.
The white-haired mechanoid reaches out to Nanami.
I have always been and will always be your partner, your follower, and your comrade.
