Story Reader / Main Story / 22 Renaissance du Fantastique / Story
>>> Confirming... World time synchronized: 00:16 AM, UTC-4 <<<
>>> Uploading meeting record for backup. <<<
>>> Backup process complete. Next appointment: in three days, tender conference at Transatlantic Economic Community HQ. Attendee list... <<<
Michele, it seems you're not feeling your best. Would you like me to escort you back to your room so you can get some rest?
No, Carl, I'd prefer to go for a walk in the city.
You've been engaged in continuous work for 18 hours. Following the doctor's guidance, you must secure a minimum of 70 hours of rest per week to prevent the deterioration of your health.
Ah, the older you get, the less freedom you have, and there's always someone telling you what to do.
I'm merely fulfilling my duty, Michele.
Even if I adhere to every medical directive, how much time remains for me? Five years? Three years? How should I make the most of my remaining days? Confined to a bed and tethered to IV tubes 24 hours a day, with muscles so weakened that they can't even lift a paintbrush?
How's that any different than death?
Michele, a complete recovery remains feasible in your current condition. I can identify 28 clinical cases...
You don't have to say this to comfort me, Carl. I'm well aware of the time I have left.
...
Let's review today's meeting, Carl.
Based on your observations, what kind of individuals do you believe our partners to be?
...Would you like me to provide a comprehensive explanation of all my conclusions?
You don't need to keep anything from me, Carl. I know that you've been investigating these things on your own ever since our Kowloong adventure.
It appears you've had some fresh insights following your conversation with Lady Qu, and truth be told, that's precisely what I hope to see.
Rarely does hesitation appear on the mechanoid's face like this. He lowers his head to organize his thoughts before starting to voice his opinions.
The Norman Mining Corp has presented a rather enticing proposition. However, their motivations for undertaking the Constellia project extend far beyond the disclosures made today.
Official and unofficial statistics indicate that the Norman Mining Corp has employed comparable strategies to establish financial dominance in no fewer than 47 regions, ensuring control rests in their hands or those of their subsidiaries.
Next in line is the proposal put forth by the World Government and the Akdilek Commercial Alliance...
Carl begins to detail the information and data he has gathered through his investigations on the global network and concealed databases. These horrifying events and wrongdoings are widely known in the shadowy corners, yet the general public living in the Golden Age remains blissfully unaware.
The representatives sent by the Arctic Route Union and Kowloong hold their own motives. As for Collins, the special consultant of the Transatlantic Economic Community, we cannot glean any information from his heavily classified profile, but there undoubtedly exists a formidable force backing him.
They all aspire to gain control over this city, incorporating Constellia into their broader economic landscape.
With an air of composure, Michele quietly allows Carl to conclude his speech.
I still find it astounding that you have already cultivated such a deep comprehension of this world.
Michele, with all due respect, I must express my concern that all of them... are in direct opposition to both you and the ideals embodied by this city.
However, if we exclude these people, how can we ever hope to construct this city?
With my blueprint? Or with me building it brick by brick?
We require their presence, but they may not necessarily require mine. They have the option to replace me at any time—this is just how insignificant my role is in this circumstance.
But Constellia is your creation...
You're mistaken, Carl. Constellia isn't my creation; it's a creation of humanity.
Humanity is the sole catalyst behind its inception, and I merely played a role within it.
Hehe, I must confess, I harbor my own aspirations in this endeavor. If this were akin to an orchestra performance, I would desire the conductor's podium, for it is the most dazzling of all positions.
Even though I understand that the conductor is never truly the one "directing" the performance.
>>> Confirming... World time synchronized: 00:30 AM, UTC-4 <<<
It's time for the injection, Michele.
Carl carefully retrieves a syringe from the sterile box and asks Michele to roll up his sleeve for the injection.
A faint smile graces Michele's face as he observes the medicine within the syringe slowly entering his body.
Human beings are undeniably delicate creatures. If you were to apply even a tad more pressure to my feeble old wrist, it might just snap.
Carl, have you tried to create something on your own these days?
Michele, ensuring your well-being remains my foremost concern.
So, will you go take care of another cranky old fellow once I'm gone?
...Per the agreement, you possess the authority to dispose of me prior to your passing.
You know I won't.
Yes... I know, Michele.
>>> Confirming... Synchronizing world time... Global network currently offline, time synchronization disabled. <<<
Hello, I'd like to pay a visit to Michele.
>>> Confirming visitor identity... Global network currently offline, database filtering disabled. <<<
Could you please provide your identity?
The visitor is a young man, no more than twenty years old. He is impeccably dressed and exudes a sense of decorum, leaving a first impression of both confidence and composure.
I'm Allen, a member of the WGAA. I've come to visit Mr. Michele Vasari as per the chairman's request.
Carl's expression subtly tightens at the mention of "WGAA".
I have not received any visiting requests from the WGAA, and this location does not extend hospitality to individuals associated with that organization.
Are you Michele's assistant? The chairman mentioned you to me, saying that you've developed a significant connection with him.
My primary responsibility is to serve Michele. If there is no pressing matter, I kindly request that you depart and allow Michele to rest.
While Carl attempts to politely persuade the young man to depart, a faint yet still somewhat charismatic voice emerges from within the room.
Please, bring him inside, Carl... cough, cough... I did give our address to that old coot. Since he's sent someone, a guest is still a guest.
Understood.
Pardon me.
Allen offers a polite nod before entering Michele's bedroom. Carl follows closely and comes to a stop just outside the door.
The elderly man on the bed noticeably lacks his usual vitality. His exposed arms look thin and bony, his veins clearly seen. There are no IV bottles or injections in the room since at this point, medication proves ineffective in stalling the progression of his illness.
It's an honor to meet you, Michele. I've grown up listening to your stories.
Cut it out... You are that old coot's student. I'd bet my bottom dollar "Carrasco" didn't have nice things to say about me.
Actually, that's not accurate. My teacher frequently expressed his regret over losing his dearest friend.
Oh, really? But I didn't feel a thing when our friendship ended.
Teacher and I both felt deeply sorry hearing about Constellia.
If the WGAA could lend you support, perhaps... the situation might undergo some change.
Hehe... You needn't expend your efforts on consoling a dying old man. If the WGAA could genuinely assist me, you would have seen me knocking on your door for aid long ago.
I've exhausted all my efforts, but in the end, I still can't alter the things I yearn to change. I desired to demonstrate the power of art, yet here I am, ensnared in a cul-de-sac.
Your teacher once said this to me, "Those who dare to challenge the world often meet unfortunate fates." As it turns out, his prediction has proven rather accurate, in its own way.
But that old guy's a real chicken, and that's what bugs me about him.
I believe that... art isn't lacking in power; rather, it's we who lack the proper approach to harness that power.
Haha, your attitude is even cockier than me in my younger days. What a delightful surprise, I must say... Who'd have thought "Carrasco" would have such a gutsy student?
You've devoted your entire life to your ideals, and I intend to use mine to validate my beliefs.
Allen respectfully lowers his head in a nod toward Michele, and then retrieves a sealed letter from his chest pocket.
This is a handwritten letter from my teacher to you, penned before his passing. My visit today is also to deliver his final message.
He's dead?
Allen's silence unveils the truth.
You may go now. Leave the letter here or take it with you—either way, I'm not going to read it.
I see. In that case, I'll be going, Michele.
Without making any further attempts at persuasion, Allen places the letter in the foyer and departs from Michele's residence.
Carl, come over here. Let me hold your hand.
Obeying his master's command, Carl crouches beside the bed. His cold metal fingers come into contact with the touch of a wrinkled, feeble hand as he begins to monitor Michele's pulse, finding it slow and steady.
Michele, why do you refuse to read that letter?
My life teeters on the edge of its conclusion, and the person who penned that letter has already departed this world before me. There's no longer any purpose in reading it.
I've learned that the old coot got himself an excellent student, and that's good enough for me.
He probably figured that would get me all worked up. Well, too bad for him, it didn't work.
Throughout my entire life, I have never accepted any students or disciples, perhaps owing to my personality. I was far too arrogant to believe that someone would tread the same path as me.
Carl, even though you haven't produced a single work yet, in a way, you are my student.
Michele, I'm not deserving of such a title. I am merely... a mechanoid.
Why can't a mechanoid be a human's student?
You'll never endure the agony of bodily pain or be confined by a short lifespan. Your soul can roam freely in this world.
You can journey farther than I ever did.
...There's no soul in a mechanoid, Michele.
Is that so, Carl?
...
You've always seen yourself as Sancho Panza, but there won't be a master whom you can serve forever.
I want you to be a storyteller. It's time to stop being Sancho Panza because the Don Quixote you've served is about to bid you farewell. You're going to embark on your own journey.
Michele, I...
Everyone believes I've failed. They all deem my efforts futile. However, I know that I did not fail.
Because I found you.
>>> Confirming... Commencing system self-check. <<<
>>> Critical structural damage detected. Multiple functions have been disabled. <<<
>>> Unauthorized module connection detected. Initiating mandatory system reboot. <<<
You're awake.
"Magician" performed emergency maintenance on your body. Unfortunately, we have a shortage of compatible components, so we couldn't facilitate a complete recovery for you.
I...
With the activation of the new visual terminal, he rises from the rudimentary plank bed and begins to observe his surroundings.
He finds himself within a structure reminiscent of a church, though its decrepit state suggests it has been abandoned for quite some time.
I'm...?
The data reading on his memory module displays noticeable latency. His body appears to have endured significant damage.
The world began to crumble in the wake of the virus called "Punishing" by humans.
You established a makeshift shelter within your former master's estate, providing refuge to humans who had lost their homes due to the virus.
My... master...
>>> Memory module reading complete. Initiating record playback. <<<
The virus will reach here soon. We can't stay here anymore!
Sooner or later, this mechanoid's gonna go haywire. We'll be doomed when that happens!
But Mr. Carl has been looking out for us...
Everyone, please calm...
Before he can complete his sentence, the man standing behind him delivers a forceful blow to the back of his head with a vase in hand.
Damage to external terminal detected—
Argh! What did you do?!
I'm cutting off any potential threats early! This thing will turn against humans once that Punishing Virus messes it up.
Grab all the valuables and food. Quick! The World Government's put out a worldwide alert. We've gotta move to a safer spot!
You have—no authority to confiscate... Michele's... belongings...
You have—no authority—
Only thick smoke and flickering flames offer him a response.
>>> End of playback. <<<
My apologies, but we couldn't avoid accessing the memories stored within you during the repair process.
Data loss detected... Level Two classified files... Michele's portfolio...
Your external data terminal sustained severe damage, which necessitated the replacement of the memory storage chip. However, since the new chip isn't entirely compatible, a substantial amount of redundant data had to be deleted during the replacement process, with the exception of your own memory.
"Hierophant" discovered you in a ruin and transported you back here for repairs.
They are currently still scouring the nearby area for both mechanoid casualties and supplies.
And you are...?
My name is Arcana, and during the Golden Age, I served as a humanoid machine aiding humans in the study of occultism and divination.
Following the outbreak of the Punishing Virus, I encountered "Magician" and "Hierophant" first, and then came across you.
In the present era, mechanoids endure relentless persecution at the hands of humans. We must unite and safeguard our awakened brethren from further senseless tribulations.
"Magician", "Hierophant", and I have been discussing about establishing an organization dedicated to fostering mutual support among mechanoids. Would you like to join us?
Together, we shall construct an ark of our own, guiding all mechanoids toward a haven of solace and belonging.
...How can you ensure its success?
Because I once heeded the profound message imparted by "Sage", who shall illuminate our path toward the future.
In that envisioned future... what fate will befall humanity?
Given your firsthand witness to their actions, it should not be arduous to surmise the ultimate outcome that awaits them.
...
It's not like I have a place to go to anyway.
You saved me, and I find no justification to decline your offer.
Very well then, welcome aboard. I implore you to accept this as a cherished keepsake, symbolizing our newfound bond as comrades from this point onward.
As he reaches out, his hand clasps a card made of coated paper presented by Arcana. The card depicts a spired tower piercing through the clouds, while the Roman numeral "XVI" adorns its surface.
By the way, what's your name? A code name serves as an external identity, yet among comrades, it is appropriate to address one another by our true names.
...
"Carl" was the name bestowed upon him by his master. However, only now, in this moment, does he truly come to terms with the undeniable truth that his master has departed, leaving him to navigate the world alone.
I've buried my old name along with the master I used to serve. From now on, I prefer to live as his "student."
So... please address me as "Cervantes".
>>> Confirming... Church of Machina time: 9:45 AM <<<
>>> "Gray Tower" Trail Operation No. 7331 complete. Commencing Computing Power Network access sharing with all Church members. <<<
>>> Initiating Simulation No. 7330... Conclusion transmission in progress. <<<
A stream of intricate data, woven with complex code, is transmitted into his memory shell. He only skims through its contents with a mere glance before discarding the outcome into the recycle bin of his hard drive.
Casting a final gaze upon the enigmatic giant computing power terminal, he readies himself to depart from the "Church", now a testament to his and his comrades' shared endeavors over the course of years.
Are you truly planning to walk away just like that, Cervantes?
Suddenly, a mechanoid draped in a cloak appears out of thin air and approaches him.
The figure who emerges is none other than the "Hierophant" of the Church, one of the earliest mechanoids with whom Cervantes forged a connection here. Given the plethora of monikers circulating among the members, Cervantes has come to refer to him simply as "Hierophant".
The construction of the "Gray Tower" is complete, and Zavier alone can handle all the maintenance work from now on. There's no point for me to remain here any longer.
This tower acts as a global network exclusive to the Church. No matter how far apart we may be physically, we can still stay connected and communicate with ease.
Is "leaving" a better option for you?
Many of our comrades have chosen to stay here, eagerly waiting for the arrival of Sage.
The act of "waiting" has the power to mend numerous wounds. We've witnessed countless comrades who had lost hope in this world, only to have their hope rekindled by Sage's Revelation. This Revelation is undeniably real, breathing life into that hope once again.
But I reject the notion of choosing the path of waiting, for I still have an unfinished mission ahead of me.
As his student, it is my duty to deliver a work of "creation" that is truly deserving of his teachings.
Cervantes! Cervantes—!
A mechanoid in mecha form hastily dashes out of the Church hall. He frantically calls out Cervantes' name in a state of agitation, his body still adorned with tangled cables.
Zavier said you're leaving?! Where are you off to?
Blaze? Please don't tell me you actually left in the middle of Zavier's maintenance session. He's going to lose it when he finds out.
That's beside the point now that you're bailing! Remember when you promised to have my back while I take down that big fella and become the "Chariot"? How can you just go back on your word like that?
That was some crazy talk you spewed out after chugging expired engine oil. I never made any promises like that to you.
Hey, Typhoon Dicer, did you know this already?
Ah-haha... Well, this is totally Cervantes' call. I can't really do anything to stop him.
Don't worry about me, Blaze. It seems like there are some mechanoids who want to join my journey. I won't be alone.
Do you have to do this?
My teacher said he did not "fail," even though everyone labeled him so. I must prove him right.
I'm the one chosen by him to fulfill his vision on his behalf.
He believed that I could create a world of his dreams.
But you still don't know how.
...Maybe you are right, but I have a feeling that the answer lies in "humanity."
Humans have deviated from our predictions, yet still persisting in their efforts to reclaim Earth, the very place they once called home.
I believe that this "answer" will also be crucial for the future of mechanoids.
I see. It appears that you are well-equipped and ready for this journey.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
By the way, if you ever find yourself losing sight of your destination or the true purpose of your journey, I recommend going back to the basics of "formality"—it's a method described as "learning through investigation" in the ancient texts of Kowloong.
Are you sure you have a correct grasp of its meaning?
Just think of it as a little piece of advice from your friend.
Hehe... Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.
Alright then, it's time for my departure.
As a metal arrow pierces through the last enemy mechanoid, a hush falls over the entire hall, restoring a tranquil silence.
...Is it over?
The alarms have stopped. There should be no more trouble for now.
Trojan disconnects the tonfas from her arm, and the engines at their rear release vapor to cool down the iron needles, which have turned red from overheating.
Meanwhile, Lena takes the weapon box from Sica to replenish her arrows.
Having set off from Ayla, the duo continues their exploration. Following a period devoid of arduous battles, they reach another hall, where they devise a plan for their next move.
Ayla turned off her transponder... and the M.I.N.D. connection was severed as well. There's no way for me to confirm her current location.
Well, it seems like someone's hell-bent on making sure we don't look for her.
This art museum employs a large cloister structure. If she manages to break free, she should be able to rendezvous with us at the end point.
I believe in Ayla. That kind of obstacle is no sweat for her.
I told you, don't go jumping to optimistic assumptions all the time...
Before Lena can finish her words, Sica's commandant terminal abruptly begins to ring.
A comms request...? Is it from Ayla?!
Sica answers the call, only to see an unexpected face on the virtual screen.
Hello, hello? Can you hear me, Ms. Top Student?
Well, I didn't really expect anyone to pick up, but it's quite a miracle your sorry squad has managed to survive this long.
Vanessa...?! How... Is the communication between this place and the outside world restored?
Seriously? Don't come at me with stupid questions. Can't you just check it yourself?
The only possible reason I can reach out to you is because we're nearby.
Eh...? Nearby? Wait, by "we" you mean...?
[player name]?! Why are you with Vanessa? Did you both come to this city?
Oh? This is the fabled commandant of Gray Raven?
...
What? Can't keep your composure after meeting your precious "big hero"? Cut the loser act already.
Wait, where's that WGAA Construct? Did she already fall victim to your pathetic commandant skills?
Ayla split from us to divert the attention of the enemies, but we'll catch up with her later.
Oh? You've finally figured out how to use a Construct as bait? Not bad, I must say. Seems like some of my teachings actually managed to sink in.
Uh...
I just don't get what those higher-ups were thinking, putting a ragtag squad on a mission like this.
And now here I am, stuck dealing with this jinx and cleaning up the mess you've made.
Vanessa, what do you...?
As the clock inches closer to four in the afternoon, two humans and three Constructs traverse a main avenue, steadily making their way toward the city center of Constellia.
You mean... Kurono sent their people here too? To retrieve some lost test subject?
I see. Now everything we've been through starts to make sense.
It's unbelievable that you were completely clueless this whole time.
Not to help us out but to erase all the evidence, of course.
These little tricks pulled behind the scenes in the military are common knowledge by now. Anyone with even a hint of experience in the Task Force should be aware of them more or less.
I understand, and that's why both of you are here.
In that case, I'll adapt Iris Warbler's course of action according to the latest information.
During the wait for reinforcements from Gray Raven and Egret, our priority will be focused on investigations.
Just hold on tight, Ms. Top Student, until we reach you. You're my first protege, so don't go pulling any dumb stunts and making me look like a fool in front of this person.
Without waiting for Sica's response, Vanessa abruptly ends the call. Meanwhile, Lucia, who had ventured ahead to scout, returns for report.
No unusual signs detected, Commandant.
If Liv and Lee were with us, we could've performed a more thorough scan of the city.
Since I'm the only one here, we need to proceed with extra caution.
Following their recon mission, Lee was summoned back to Babylonia by the Science Council for a routine check-up on his Hyperreal frame. Meanwhile, Hippocrates took Liv back for a similar purpose as well.
Hence, Nikola assigned both you and Egret, who had just wrapped up their previous mission, to provide support to Iris Warbler.
Bambinata will make every effort to provide assistance to Mistress and the Gray Raven Commandant.
Hmph, both you and Ms. Top Student better not drag me down.
Vanessa lays her eyes on the Construct, adorned in a flashy coating, strolling ahead with a carefree demeanor. The Construct is casually taking in the cityscape, seemingly treating the mission as a mere leisurely walk rather than a serious endeavor.
Now that I've got this shiny new "toy" in my hands, it's the perfect opportunity to put it to the test and see its real worth.
And to teach that idiot a lesson in how to properly train subordinates.
Yeah, lucky me. She's a complete idiot who can't even handle a Construct properly, and I have no idea how she managed to become a Chief in F.O.S. Just the sight of her gets on my nerves.
I don't see any redeeming qualities in her except for her hard work. If it weren't for someone from HQ asking me for a favor, I would've kicked her back to F.O.S. in a heartbeat.
But Bambinata recalls that Mistress had saved all of Commandant Sica's battle reports in her personal terminal, complete with meticulous comments...
Hey, zip it! Who gave you permission to speak?
I took her as my student to boost my own reputation and climb the ranks. Don't assume everyone is as stagnant as you, content with just being a Task Force commandant.
Seriously, she's right up there with you on my list of people I can't stand.
Someone like her is bound to meet a pointless end on the battlefield, sooner or later. I'm just giving her a crash course on how to survive a little longer.
Oh, here we go with your ridiculous love-and-peace theory again. Spare me the nonsense. I'm allergic to that kind of talk.
I can't tell if you're genuinely foolish or just playing dumb...
The "war" is not gonna end, even if one day the Punishing Virus is no longer a threat.
What makes you say that? Doesn't everyone want the war to end?
"Hero of Babylonia" and "Gray Raven Commandant", you aren't blind, are you? The proof is right in front of us, plain as day.
Vanessa points at Lucia and Bambinata.
You know why Construct Tech has been progressing at lightning speed these past few decades. And you also know that many of those breakthroughs would've never gotten a green light in the old days.
The test subject we're supposed to "rescue" is a direct result of this messed-up situation, just like "Construct Tech" and "Ascension-Network".
You really think there's any shot in hell that this war will wrap up before those ambitions are fully satisfied?
Oh, really...? Well then, I wish you all the best of luck.
Vanessa offers a smattering of insincere applause, her smile tinged with sarcasm and contempt.
Noticing your unchanging countenance, she quickly grows bored with your lack of reaction and shifts her gaze toward somewhere in the cityscape.
What's the matter, Mistress?
Ugh, nothing. It's just that my head starts pounding the moment I remember I'm stuck on this mission with two idiots.
Shaking her head, Vanessa regains her focus and increases her pace, signaling Bambinata to keep up closely.
Let's keep moving and wrap this up quickly.
...
