Story Reader / Main Story / 21 Spiral of Chronos / Story
As the crimson light of the spiral tower pierces through the sky, the malfunctioning artificial sky of Eden glows red, presenting a sight of a crumbling mirage.
The paradise that once embodied peace and order has now been reduced to an uncontrollable hell.
A young man dashes through the panicking crowd, searching for someone familiar amidst the throng.
It was shortly after parting ways with Lee that Murray noticed something peculiar about this mission.
Cerberus's tasks were typically assigned by Nikola in person, but this time they merely received a vague order of assault through the command system. They attempted to reach out to the Chief Commander, only to discover that the communication channel was being occupied.
Murray finds nothing in his sight but sheer chaos. The warning message is repeated several times over the broadcast, ultimately replaced by meaningless static noise. Through this unsettling view, anyone can tell that Babylonia is enduring an unprecedented crisis.
He cannot recall how many times he has sent communication requests through his terminal, but silence has been the only response received.
Suppressing the surging unease in his heart, he raises his head, and his gaze is captured by two females standing not far from him, who are helping injured civilians to their feet.
Amid the chaos, one of the women exudes an incredible sense of peace and grace. It is as if she possesses absolute mastery over her surroundings, and nothing will spiral out of control in her presence.
(The Control Court? Why are they here...)
Lesti, there's no available vacancy in Star of Life now. Leave her to me.
You are going to treat her here?
Ishmael nods silently, wearing a composed smile on her face.
...
The Control Court member named Lesti passes the wounded person in her arms to Ishmael. However, she seems not entirely convinced as her gaze remains fixed on Ishmael.
Is there anything you are worried about?
Huh? I...
Not you. I mean the gentleman standing behind us.
...
Your keen perception is truly impressive. I'm surprised that you have managed to notice things behind you in such chaos.
Murray, intending to quickly end the conversation with some pleasant words, finds himself unable to do so as he looks into her eyes. There is something about that Construct's gaze that penetrates his facade, compelling him to treat her with more sincerity.
I just sensed your anxiety.
Is there anything you are worried about?
She repeats her question.
I appreciate your concern. I can't reach my older brother and have been looking for him here... Have you happened to see him around?
Murray pulls out Lee's profile from his terminal and shows it to them, but as Lesti looks at it, a frown appears on her face.
Lee from Gray Raven... he's your older brother? Miss Ishmael, he's the one who attacked the landing pad just now, right?
He attacked the landing pad? Please tell me what happened!
Well, we received an alert about a fight erupting near the landing pad, resulting in several Constructs being injured. After the assault, he commandeered a transport craft and departed for Earth.
Technically, it's not the Control Court's job to handle the situation, but that's the least we need to worry about right now...
As Lesti fiddles with her hair, Ishmael senses an impending wave of complaints and realizes it's her time to intervene in the conversation.
Would you mind if I explain the situation for him?
Sure!
Lesti answers her in a playful manner and naturally steps aside, her gaze still fixed on her senior.
When we first received the order, we thought it was another false call resulting from an error in the command system...
However, we found this video record from an attacked Construct after arriving at the scene.
Ishmael projects a video through her terminal, revealing unmistakably that the man engaged in the fight against the Construct soldiers was none other than Lee.
Lee... Could it be...
Could it be that Lee was infected by his commandant? However, Murray quickly dismisses this theory as he recognizes the familiar look in Lee's eyes. It's the gaze he has seen countless times, the same expression Lee wears when he is about to charge into the battlefield. This can only mean...
...He's at it again, doing the most dangerous thing without telling anybody.
A conflicting surge of powerlessness and rage engulfs Murray's heart, soon followed by panic and sorrow.
No matter how many moves he orchestrates behind the scenes, no matter the extent of his efforts, and regardless of the meticulous steps he plans ahead, he still cannot prevent his brother from charging into danger alone.
A strong compulsion abruptly wells up inside Murray, urging him to leave Babylonia and make his way to Earth, either to thwart his brother with his own hands or enter that treacherous tower together with him.
He can no longer bear the sight of his brother leaving for one more second.
...Thank you for letting me know. I have to go now.
He turns toward the landing pad.
Sometimes...
Knowing she should just watch Murray leave, Ishmael suddenly changes her mind and starts to talk, as if an inexplicable force is compelling her to do so.
People choose to keep their hardships and sorrows to themselves rather than share them with their loved ones... Would you choose to do the same?
I...
Those tied by blood are inseparable, like seeds and soil, relying on each other for sustenance and growth.
But from the moment the seed sprouts, it ceaselessly strives to ascend toward the sky.
He may have already grown into a towering tree, far away from the soil below.
However... does it mean he will break the promise he once made to the soil?
...
Sorry, am I wasting your time?
Her gentle voice carries an apologetic tone, yet her eyes, adorned with a subtle smile, seem to see right into the depths of Murray's heart.
Regardless of what lies ahead, I sincerely wish that you make a choice devoid of regret, for yourself... and for your loved one.
...You are not wasting my time. I appreciate your reminder.
...
Gray Raven Commandant, can you reach my brother... reach Lee now?
An unexpected call suddenly comes through your terminal. The moment you answer it, Murray's figure materializes in the blurry image amidst the signal interference.
The Murray you know always displays a composed and gentle countenance, but this time, he is not even trying to hide the anxiety in his eyes.
...Was it your order, or his choice?
Somehow, you detect no accusation or blame in Murray's words. He simply desires to hear your response, an answer he already knows deep down.
I knew it... He wasn't willing to tell me even till the very end. I didn't even have a chance to stop him.
A bitter smile appears on Murray's face, his eyes turning red.
Murray is aware that nothing can waver Lee from his determined decision. He also understands that his brother is far from acting impulsively without carefully considering the chances of success.
Even so... That's still way too risky...
Fight alongside each other... Is that so...
My brother is a smart person. In most situations, he can keep his mind clear and find the optimal solution.
However, there's also another possibility... If he realizes that sacrificing himself is the best solution, I fear that he will still calmly embrace that decision.
Murray's voice is uncontrollably trembling, but with unparalleled sincerity that surpasses any he has shown in the past.
If things go down that path, please... stop him.
This is a request from me.
Now... I have my own battle to fight.
Murray mumbles, his gaze shifting from the screen to the view of the Earth outside the porthole.
I'll leave my brother to you, Gray Raven Commandant.
Having said that, he ends the call.
The final glance cast by Murray leaves you with a disconcerting feeling.
You try to send a communication request to Lee again, but there is no response this time, just like what happened to Murray.
Commandant!
Many other commandants have exhibited similar symptoms, and the elite squads have also been affected.
This will impose an unimaginable burden on your brain. Once it exceeds its limit, similar to what happened to Commandant Simon, you will...
But...!
...Okay. But once you are nearing your limit, please stop immediately.
Leave it to me!
Roger!
Mission complete. How's it going over there, Capt.?
On my way to the west side. I just received a call from [player name] requesting reinforcements. I'm going to subdue the affected Constructs there and bring them to [player name].
One human connecting to this many Constructs alone?
I will assist Commandant to share the burden.
It will take us time to gather our forces, but we must not delay in taking action. Let's begin with tasks within our capabilities.
Lucia and Liv are still the only active members in Gray Raven? What about Lee?
I haven't heard anything about him yet. [player name] mentioned that he switched to another frame and headed to that tower.
By himself?! Why's he always pulling that stunt?
At this moment, our only choice is to trust Commandant and Lee.
We'll head out to support Gray Raven. You can come to meet us since your job is done.
Got it.
Stay on your toes. You'll find Corrupted roaming all over the shortcuts.
Don't you worry about me!
Meanwhile...
Miss Ishmael! Everything is settled here. Let's head to the next location.
Okay... Let me finish the final touch.
She responds gently, turning around to gaze at the still chaotic Babylonia.
Sure! I'll go take a break... um, I mean, pack things up!
In the middle of the passage, a glaring red light appears in the real-time Earth projection relayed through Gestalt.
...
The "staircase" leading to a new height has manifested... The light of destruction merely serves as its by-product.
—Humanity has finally reached this milestone.
...It's earlier than expected.
Everything is progressing at an accelerated rate.
The cold voice of Gestalt echoes beside Ishmael's ears.
According to my deduction, whether mankind can ascend the stairs or not, it all leads to—
Is Nanami still around?
She mentions a name with a smile on her face.
She cannot alter the course of destruction.
The "present" her cannot make a change, indeed.
Insufficient reference data. Please update the database.
That's not necessary.
The one who received her gift has set off. The once-established "balance" has been disrupted. Humanity now stands a chance against the Punishing Virus.
However, the staircase has arrived early—most are not ready yet.
...Next...
Ishmael gently rotates the Earth in the real-time projection, unaware of the observing eyes aside.
Miss... Ishmael...
It seems that the spiral tower has made its appearance.
Yes, Mister.
The one-winged girl bows to the man before her.
That lady... The Merciful One is likely to take action... Will she extend her hand to humanity?
We need not intervene. I would be pleased to witness her assistance to humanity and learn about their last resort.
The spiral tower has manifested earlier than anticipated. If humans exit the stage ahead of schedule, the rest of our journey may become even more dull.
But regardless of their survival, the spiral tower will undoubtedly exert its influence on the Ascension-Network.
And thus, we, as the ones intricately connected to it, will also experience the effects. This is a trial not only for humanity but also for the Ascendants.
The filtering process itself is constantly changing and evolving, and so are the criteria.
To meet the requirements, we must implement our preparation in advance. Bring that "recruit" over. There are matters I need her to confirm.
Finally, we meet again.
So, about that tower… What is it?
Have you not picked up anything during your time spent around that mister?
...I'm just a defector. Why would he tell me about it?
Ha... You don't have to keep up that appearance around me, Miss Defector.
...Fine.
You happy now?
Much better. Welcome back, Miss Lamia. It's been a while.
Eh... Didn't you say that already last time?
Fate has brought much upon you and me last time, and so does this time.
L-let's not talk about this. You really don't know anything about that tower?
That mister still doesn't see me as his ally, so no, not much.
All I know is that he saw this day coming long ago, and has made his preparation for it.
...Sigh, I initially thought his whole "diversion" plan was about getting defectors to cover up what went down with the Red Tide.
Based on what I'm seeing now, the Red Tide could also be part of his next move, serving as a cover for something else.
Did he really plan out every step that has happened till now?
Who knows? It seems that everything is playing into his hands.
He even managed to find someone who passed the filtering among all those useless defectors and became an Ascendant. Talking about being lucky as hell, I'd say.
However, the show isn't over yet. There might still be some surprises in store.
Then... does he already know that I'm an imposter among them?
Hard to say, or maybe it doesn't even faze him. In the end, you, someone who's been MIA for ages, haven't managed to dig up any valuable intel worth his attention.
...Wasn't it your idea for me to go undercover as a defector?
How have things been on your end after we separated?
He filled me in on the details about Luna and left the decision-making up to me. Then I passed the options along to Luna.
She should've already left the Moon by now.
Well, as I was caught up with Luna, were you busy entertaining Lithos and his "special guest" the whole time?
Most of the time I was just roping in some defectors for him, but later on, even he didn't have a clue what to do with that "guest."
So, nothing achieved.
...T-that's not necessarily true...
Oh? What have you dug up? Tell me about it on our way to meet Luna.
Oh, it's mostly about Lithos. Turns out they've churned out a bunch of copies of his mind.
That's the kind of technology that agent has. If the current Lithos dies, he'll just use one of those mind copies to bring him back...
Gusty winds scatter people's cries across the barren land. Amidst the high-concentration Punishing Virus that no one can survive, a fragile figure emerges, rising slowly.
...
He averts his gaze from the tower and lets out a sigh, gently caressing the Hetero-Creature by his side.
You are all still alive...
The previous "I" must've died protecting you.
Lithos nods at himself, as if he is no stranger to self-encouragement. Then he walks up to another figure nearby.
Lithos.
From behind, a young girl calls out to him. He turns around and notices a lady wearing a magician's hat standing beside her.
Hello, little Lithos. Do you remember me?
Miss Lilith... I'm glad to see you well.
Thank you. It's all thanks to you... the previous you, I mean. It's a shame that I couldn't express my gratitude to him in person.
In that case, I suppose we can consider this as our first encounter. The pleasure is all mine. From now on, I will be your ally as a new Ascendant.
Ascendant... Was it Mister's decision? I don't recall any of that.
The previous you posed the same question. Worry not, for I made this choice of my own volition and willingly accept any consequences that may arise.
Is this really okay?
Certainly! The most thrilling joy is often intertwined with great risks. I begged Mr. Vonnegut for a long time to secure a VIP seat for the upcoming show.
Not to mention, you all have your hands occupied, don't you?
...
With the future that Mister predicted right in reach, he indeed requires a more resourceful helper.
Then... a warm welcome to you, Miss Lilith.
I appreciate it. Mr. Vonnegut has a task for me. We will be going.
...Alright.
Lithos... I have a message for you from Mister.
Do not squander more time here.
You have unveiled the possibility beyond Ascendance and Transcendence. Your mission stands fulfilled. Linger no longer upon those test subjects.
Linger no longer...
He casts a fleeting glance at the nearby figure, who remains silent throughout.
...Should I get rid of him?
Mister says, "Lithos can keep him if that's what he wants. We have other pressing matters at the moment."
I see. I'll ask one last time before I seal him up.
Cinderelik gives him a faint nod and leaves with Lilith.
Beneath the crimson sky, only Lithos and that tattered figure remain.
...You've heard it. This will be the last time I ask.
This tower has validated all of Mister's predictions.
No one is able to make a difference facing such calamity, be it humans or Constructs.
It's just like what you've seen before... Only those who hold power can call the shots.
It's been a long time since you were thrown off the train, and I'm the one who's been taking care of you so far.
It's time for you to make a decision... Mr. Monster.
