Story Reader / Main Story / 22 Renaissance du Fantastique / Story
...Wow.
No matter how many times she has seen Kowloong, she is still stunned by its magnificence every time.
A city engulfed by rainbow-colored light, sparks flashing from the numerous buildings—even when it is a mini "exhibition" version, it is still breathtaking.
On the other side, a large ship slowly appears on the projected water.
On the ship are the shadows of people, never-dimming lights, and a faint singing voice.
～Of flexile and simulacrous make...～
～Thusly it cometh and goeth at the pluck of digits ten...～
～How transient its flutter...～
That is...
The Nighter.
I can't believe Cervantes was able to recreate both Kowloong and the Nighter.
But this layout... Do we have to separate into two groups and visit different exhibition halls?
But...
Sica looks from left to right indecisively.
On her left, Ayla is staring at the exhibition hall in front of her, eager to rush in, while Trojan is just standing there without expressing much interest.
On her right, Lena holds onto her bow, mindlessly cleaning it, her gaze sometimes wanders over to Trojan and Sica.
Lena? Is something the matter?
No... Nothing.
Her gaze drops as she continues to wipe the non-existent dust off her bow.
So, how should we divide?
Any suggestions, Ayla?
As the only member from the WGAA, Ayla is the one who understands Cervantes the most, which was why Sica asked Ayla.
Huh... Me?
Brought back to her senses by Sica's voice, Ayla turns with her arms folded and looks at her teammates who are in different mentalities.
Hm, according to my understanding of Kowloong and the Nighter, Kowloong should be the "main route" while the Nighter should be the "side quest."
From the experiences before, I can see that Cervantes put in a lot of thought when recreating these exhibitions. He prioritized authenticity.
So why don't Trojan and I visit the Kowloong exhibition and Sica and Lena can check out the Nighter?
Trojan is not at her best due to frame issues but she can balance out my inexperience.
While Lena has both experience and power, so you can familiarize yourself with Sica.
What do you think, Sica?
...I think that is sensible, right, Lena?
...
Lena frowns, not exactly satisfied with this grouping. She purses her lips and unconsciously tightens her grip on her weapon.
On a personal level, she does not want to deepen her connection with this overly young commandant.
Rash, youthful, all talk with no action, she is not good with this kind of people, but...
Her gaze lingers on Trojan for a second before quickly averting it.
A dated frame, from Kurono, and a mysterious past...
Lena?
It's nothing.
Lena lowers her gaze as if to hide.
I do not object. I'll go over to the Nighter with Commandant.
Then it's settled.
Ayla and Trojan will go to the Kowloong exhibition, while Lena and I will investigate the Nighter exhibition.
And... we'll reconvene here.
Just a heads up...
After confirming the assembly point, Sica and Lena head off first to the Nighter exhibition, and Lena seems to be explaining something to Sica on the way.
Hm...
Seeing the two off, Trojan asks uncertainly.
Are those two... really going to be fine?
What could possibly happen?
What if like in the exhibition hall before the mechanoids battle and the two of them get into an argument?
I thought you would suggest for me to pair up with Sica, while you buddy up with Lena.
Hm... I think you're overthinking.
We're all on the same team anyway, we have to time get to know each other and one day we'll be close enough.
So, no need to ignore the relationship between those two—
Eh?! There are carvings on the window up ahead! Is that the legendary ancient Kowloong window frame patterns?!
Ayla runs over excitedly, Trojan glances over in the direction of Sica and Lena once more, before following Ayla deeper into the exhibition.
