Story Reader / Main Story / 21 Spiral of Chronos / Story

The bullet aims precisely at Hassen's heart, leaving him no time to react. He can do nothing but watch as the enraged guard pulls the trigger, unleashing a furious yell.

Bang—

...!

Unexpectedly, the bullet intended for Hassen's heart finds its mark in the chest of another person instead—one of the councilmen rushes in front of Hassen amidst the chaos, selflessly shielding him from harm.

Mr. Liszt...?!

The bullet strikes Liszt's chest with force, yet it fails to bring him down. Nonetheless, it takes him a few unsteady steps to regain his balance.

You... traitor... Go to hell!

As the guard tries to pull the trigger once more, Liszt's fist proves swifter than his finger, delivering a powerful blow to the guard's jaw.

In a split second, the man is sent sprawling to the ground as Liszt swiftly seizes the fallen gun. Only after ensuring the guard's complete incapacitation does Liszt retreat to Hassen's side.

Thanks... but how did you...?

It is only at this moment that Hassen's eyes catch sight of the bullet-proof vest concealed beneath Liszt's suit, revealed by the bullet hole. He realizes that the vest is the true savior that protected both him and Liszt.

Beside the two, Nikola nimbly deflects a councilman's attack by throwing a kick and comes to join them.

Hmph, so it seems someone actually showed up to a meeting wearing a bullet-proof vest... Talk about having zero faith in the Parliament's security.

No offense, it's just a bad habit of mine—I can't stand to see any accidents that deviate from my plans.

Liszt swiftly removes the magazine from the pistol to check the remaining bullets before reloading it. With a sense of urgency, he fires several warning shots, dissuading the approaching people from getting any closer.

Even the Parliament's guards are...

Are the guards collaborating with these rioting councilmen...? No, that seems too unlikely.

As the assault erupted, Nikola's initial suspicion fell upon Kurono. However, Liszt's reaction and subsequent actions have strongly suggested that Kurono is likely innocent.

There's another possibility to consider. I'm assuming you both have heard Celica's report—that strange electromagnetic radiation apparently is affecting people's minds.

Liszt discerns the presence of numerous individuals engaging in frenzied attacks or muttering amidst cries, and he recognizes them as members of Kurono. Something is undoubtedly amiss.

If that's true, then there won't be a single safe place left in Babylonia.

This space station, once hailed as humanity's last cradle, has now transformed into a breeding ground of unadulterated terror. Within its confines, every human survivor has become one of the most menacing foes.

Even we, who could potentially succumb to the same fate at any moment, can no longer be trusted...

Liszt narrows his eyes and shakes his head, attempting to suppress the maddening thoughts that persistently plague his mind. He recognizes all too well that surrendering to that madness would inevitably transform him into one of them.

As they face off against the crazed councilmen, the piercing wail of alarms resounds through the Parliament Hall. Accompanied by the clamor, the emergency partition door leading to the hallway begins its descent.

...We are going to be stuck here.

Liszt firmly aims his gun at the councilmen who have gathered near the door. The grim reality sets in—their only chance of survival lies in swiftly taking down any obstacles and making a desperate run for freedom.

We won't make it. It's already too late...

Just as Hassen says, there is no time left for them. The partition door falls with astonishing speed, isolating the Parliament Hall from the outside world in the blink of an eye.

None of this feels normal... It appears that even the person in control of the partition doors is being influenced.

Is this the end...

Liszt issues a stern warning with his final bullet. With their last means of defense gone, they are now forced to watch helplessly as the throng of deranged individuals closes in around them.

Hey, this way!

With a thunderous bang, the previously locked emergency passage door is forcefully kicked open, shattering the tense atmosphere. In the doorway emerges a figure, both familiar and unexpected.

Collins... Why are you here?

Collins waves at Nikola with a wide grin, as if they were long-lost friends happily reunited.

Didn't see this coming, did you? I got banned by the Parliament, thanks to someone, so I decided to wait for you here... Hey, Nicky, this isn't considered a violation, right?

Nikola notices another person in the emergency passage other than Collins.

Wells... Are you the only one who survived?

The man named Wells responds with a nod. As the head of the General Staff Department operating under the HQ, he holds a position that technically makes him a direct subordinate of Nikola.

Yes, I'm fine... for now.

I bumped into this guy on my way here, who told me that the Parliament must be in complete chaos. Couldn't resist joining the party myself.

Excuse me, no one is asking about you... Wells, how's the situation outside?

As soon as I received the messages from the surface, I immediately instructed my team to issue an emergency call for the Task Force, but they fell soon afterward...

Given that General Wells arrived alone, it becomes evident that the situation within the headquarters must be equally chaotic.

General Wells, may I ask how you acquired that weapon?

Liszt's attention is drawn to the firearm in Wells' possession, its antique design catching his eye. It appears to be a relic from a bygone era, crafted before the Golden Age.

Just a piece from my collection. Never expected it to have any practical value until now.

With a composed demeanor, Wells strides toward the door and tosses a cylindrical object at the crowd.

Upon landing, the cylindrical object unleashes a blinding flash that illuminates the entire space, accompanied by a powerful shockwave that swiftly renders the nearby individuals unconscious.

Don't worry, it's just a flashbang... They'll be temporarily unconscious, but it's non-lethal.

Wells gives Nikola a nod, acknowledging the importance of minimizing harm to the innocent, even in the midst of such an emergency.

Who would've thought an antique like this can still come in handy... I bet this old thing has seen more action than all of us.

During the Golden Age, large-scale wars were scarcely witnessed, and the advent of the Punishing Virus further diminished the relevance of weapons specifically designed for combat against humans.

More than me, that's for sure, considering I'm a lot younger than you. But I won't make the same assumption about you.

Oh, is that so? I almost forgot my age... I suppose an old-timer like me could use a bit more exercise.

Collins swiftly seizes a lurking councilman in an attempt to grab Nikola from behind the door. With one hand, he bends the man's arm at an unnatural angle, and uses his other hand to firmly grab the councilman by the collar, forcefully slamming him into the doorframe.

Hey, isn't he the Control Court guy who investigated me? If I remember correctly, he's a "friend" of yours, Liszt? My apologies, I might have hit him a bit harder than intended.

Liszt's gaze remains cold as he stares at Collins, devoid of any emotion.

...Forget about it. To be honest, I'm not really that familiar with him.

Stop wasting time here. Take these...

As Wells distributes the remaining three pistols among the group, Liszt is surprised to find that Wells has also prepared a firearm for him.

With no way to predict when or who will succumb to madness, someone needs to have the means to stop him.

Each member of this group possesses formidable control over Babylonia. They are acutely aware that even a single individual succumbing to madness could cause dire and untoward damage.

Well, in that case, we're tailored for the situation, considering our diverse perspectives. If someone loses it, we can put him down without batting an eye.

I see... Fair enough.

Liszt carefully inspects the gun in his hand to ensure its functionality. He confirms that it is still in working order, despite its utterly outdated model.

So, where are we heading next? Go play bridge or grab a drink?

Let's make a stop at the communication center first... We need to send out the emergency broadcast as soon as possible.

Though nodding in mutual understanding, no one in the group takes the first decisive step—something is still left undecided.

Here is the first question: who should be the one taking the lead?

Irrespective of who among them takes on the responsibility, it becomes evident that this person must confront the imminent danger ahead while staying mindful of the four guns behind that may point at his back anytime.

...The youngest one.

Is that even a question? The youngest one, of course.

Considering our combat capabilities, it would be optimal for the young one to scout ahead and make the first contact with the enemies.

I second that. The youngest person should be assigned to the frontline.

...

A subtle twitch of Liszt's mouth and his discernible frown reveal his inner thoughts. However, it only takes a fleeting moment before he raises his gun and makes his way toward the end of the emergency passage.

Within the confines of a dim meeting room belonging to the Science Council, the light of holographic transmission is intermittently flashing.

...Based on the rough inferences from the Science Council and Star of Life, the conclusion should be easily drawn.

With a furrowed brow, Asimov pores over the Task Force's report on the Hetero Tower, as well as Hippocrates' research document. However, no matter how many times he scrutinizes the information, he repeatedly arrives at the same conclusion.

Indeed. It appears that the electromagnetic waves, or rather, the energy beams emitted by the Hetero Tower, have a significant ability to contaminate Mind Beacons, leading humans into madness.

However, the symptoms exhibited by the affected individuals are not identical... It has only been around tens of minutes since the onset, which is not sufficient time for us to fully decipher its approach.

Same for us. Even...

Abruptly, a loud and heavy sound reverberates through the meeting room as the door is forcefully smashed.

Arrrgh! Mr. Asimov!

Rosa, who has been silently staying in a corner the whole time, is startled by the noise and bursts out screaming.

Be careful. The Hetero-Creature that ran away is hiding inside this room...

Since it refuses to come out, we should utilize this new grenade to blast the door open! Once we capture it...

What if the explosion ends up killing the test subject? Let's break in! Just force it open!

Despite Rosa's desperate efforts to push her tiny body against the door, her attempt proves nearly futile.

Rosa... I want you to hide inside the locker and remain completely silent, no matter what happens... Do not come out under any circumstances.

But... what about you, Mr. Asimov?

Before Rosa has time to say more words, Asimov has already shoved her into a locker.

There are still things I must finish…

Once Rosa is secure in the locker, he pushes down all the invaluable equipment positioned near the door. This impromptu makeshift barricade serves as their final line of defense, aiming to create a temporary delay against the impending assault.

From what I have surmised—"surmise" might be a too generous word to use—more from my "instinct" as a scientist, the root cause of this situation lies within that colossal Hetero Tower.

You want to use that frame to be assigned to Gray Raven...? But the compatibility adjustment is still incomplete, as far as I know.

Time is running out. All the basic adjustments are finished. We have no choice but to... leave the rest to him.

Then, we'll gather our forces for the rescue operation... if there's anybody who can still work.

As the smashing sounds intensify outside the door, cracks start to form, signaling the imminent breach of the door.

We will prioritize heading to the Science Council... Keep yourself safe before we get there, alright?

I'll try my best...

Don't "try your best." Give me an affirmative answer.

Asimov nods at her, a faint smile showing up on his face.

Yes, I will.

Having said that, he terminates the call with Star of Life and quickly initiates a new communication request...

This is strange... Very strange...

Hey, hold on! You're not allowed to pass through here.

A group of Construct soldiers intercepts Lee on his way.

I'm Lee from Gray Raven. I received an order from the General Staff ten minutes ago, and I'm heading to the landing pad for the surface combat mission. Weren't you given the same order?

Upon learning that Lee is a member of an elite squad, the Construct soldiers' demeanor noticeably shifts, displaying a greater level of respect.

We did receive the same order initially, but a new order came from the General Staff shortly after.

It's said that the emergency alarm has been lifted, and we were asked to stay here and stop the uninformed Task Force members from passing through.

That's impossible...

Lee checks his terminal again, finding that neither the emergency assembling order has been lifted nor has any new order been received.

Wait, that's not right. How come the order I received was to rally the Task Force and wait for a new order to come?

No, no, no... What I got is...

Confusion permeates among the Constructs, causing a fracture in their once-unified discipline. Despite being a small team, multiple members have received conflicting versions of orders from the General Staff...

...Could it be that the terminals in the General Staff have been hacked?

Lee's thoughts drift back to Luna's time as an agent, when she utilized Huaxu to hack into Babylonia's network system. Following that incident, security measures were reinforced against invasions. Lee finds it difficult to fathom the possibility of another successful attempt.

Abruptly, a deafening blast resonates nearby, jolting Lee out of his contemplation. It was a street-side store that erupted in flames and subsequently detonated.

Go help them!

Lee's voice breaks through the Construct soldiers' preoccupation with the command system error, redirecting their attention to the explosive scene. The soldiers spring into action, rushing toward the site to initiate rescue operations.

Just as Lee is preparing to join the rescue efforts, a call interrupts his intentions, emanating from Lee's terminal—it's from Asimov.

Asimov?

There seems to be strong interference on Asimov's side, with garbled noises filling the airwaves. After a few seconds, Lee finally manages to discern Asimov's words.

Lee, can you hear me?

This is Lee. Asimov, what is going on in Babylonia? Do you know anything...

Although Lee has answered Asimov's call, it appears that Lee's voice is unable to reach Asimov on the other end.

I'm hearing no response... Could it be that the use of internal comms devices in Babylonia has also been manually restricted...? If you can hear me, please immediately head to the Science Council.

If Asimov's statements hold true, it means Lee is about to confront innocent civilians who are meant to be protected, as well as all of Babylonia falling under their control.

Cough... There's not much time left... I'll make it short.

Among a cacophony of noises, the deafening smashing sound rings once more, accompanied by furious roars and screams of humans.

I've finished adjusting your new frame. Consciousness transfer and authorization are the last two steps to be taken before its activation.

Asimov's voice is tinged with groans of pain as he speaks. It seems that he is also affected by that infectious red light.

You may be the only one who can stop this calamity... Lee, I'm sorry. I have no choice but to place the hope of all humanity on your shoulders...

The communication is cut off right afterward. Asimov's end remains silent, regardless of Lee's repeated attempts to establish contact.

Damn it...

Besides the terrors that have transpired so far, Lee is struck by a more frightening realization: even Asimov's words cannot be trusted, as he too is a human being.