Story Reader / Main Story / 19 A New Divide / Story
The Moon—the closest celestial body to the earth.
Back when humans were still unfamiliar with the world, the Moon channeled all their wildest stories of the night.
Some people thought it was the home of gods who observed humans from afar.
Times changed, but the clarity of the moonlight was unchanging.
It was not until the first human footprint was left on the Moon...
...did the age of stories and myths end for the silver night sky, declaring the beginning of humanity's golden age.
It has been a week since Karenina and Teddy accepted the job and arrived at the lunar base. After completing the Omega Prototype, Karenina began work on a new project.
M.I.N.D. compatibility test complete. Frame stability rate... Hey, try to move your right hand.
Like this...?
Yep. All good. The readings on the base stats of this frame have all exceeded a regular frame's... Just what kind of tech did that guy use in the base model he provided...
Hey, missy, can I get out now?
One second... I need to read and record a disclaimer.
A what now?
A disclaimer that says I was forced to help you calibrate your frame, and I am in no way responsible if your frame explodes. The Cosmos Technician Union cannot hold me accountable if you are killed in the line of duty.
**** you! ************! Go to hell!
Brashly, Karenina pulls off the cables on her body and jumps up, stretching her limbs and moving her joints.
Hmph, the frame is indeed performing nicely... Mobility, explosiveness, balance... all better than what I requested!
They modified the frame based on your requests, didn't they? Why are you surprised...
I designed the changes, but the creep provided the base model of the frame. That is why we can complete it so quickly.
Are we sure... about that creep and the people in the lunar base?
Although she has followed Karenina to the Moon, Teddy clearly distrusts Collins.
Not really, but that doesn't affect our work. As long as we can help the people on the surface, we'll do what it takes.
Karenina swings her transformable Blast Hammer, her weapon of choice, while Teddy watches from the side.
So? It's cool, isn't it?
Yeah. It suits you.
Karenina was not expecting to hear Teddy complimenting her. She feels a little self-conscious.
Hmph... I designed it, after all. Not only does it pack a punch, but it can also adapt to different battles...
...A weapon that doesn't require careful maneuvers really fits a dumb*** who only knows how to hold the trigger down.
Hey, are you interested in helping me test my weapon? I need a target, you little ****!
Right as the two are about to strangle each other, a middle-aged man in researcher garb enters the preparation room. He looks very awkward, crouching as he comes in.
Ah, haha... Haha, eh, we actually have prepared something for you to test the new frame. You don't have to get your own target.
The miserable-looking man is Yarha. He is said to be the research director of this lunar base, but his obsequious attitude appears otherwise.
Director Yarha, we were just kidding...
Ah, haha... I was kidding too...
Right before the discomfort boils over, Teddy sighs and stands up from behind the calibration terminal.
Is the testing for the new frame about to begin? Can you take us there, Director Yarha?
Ah, correct. This way, please. But I really was kidding...
Yeah, yeah, we know.
The two of them follow Yarha, leaving the preparation room and heading toward the testing area. Meanwhile, two men quietly start talking on the other side of the room.
Is that frame the "second request" from the girl? But why would you provide her with the frame we developed as the base model? We spent so much effort to reverse-engineer it from "her"...
Liszt, you're being silly now. "Don't be stingy with your baits if you want to catch a big fish." The fishermen in the Arctic told me that back when I was posted there. The more expensive the bait, the bigger the fish.
Patting Liszt on the back, Collins starts walking toward the testing area, but he stops with some parting words before going further.
Don't disregard ancient wisdom, you know?
Watching Collins' departing figure, Liszt tightens his tie.
Of course... I'll remember that.
