Story Reader / Main Story / 24 Chaos Unsnarled / Story
We lost them.
...Okay.
During the relentless pursuit of Hetero-Creatures, the alloy part on Vera's leg becomes severed, pushing her mobility to its absolute limit.
As several purple beasts' mouths loom dangerously close, No. 21 acts swiftly, leaping high into the air. With a powerful strike, she cleaves a giant tree at its waist, effectively blocking the direct path of the impeding threat.
Behind the severed trunk, the Hetero-Creatures scratch frantically at the obstacle that stands between them and their intended prey.
As more and more Hetero-Creatures join in the turmoil, the once sturdy wooden barrier, as resilient as rock, begins to exhibit noticeable vibrations.
No. 21 knows that it's only a matter of time before the Hetero-Creatures breach the barrier. However, the more immediate concern is ensuring they escape the forest before Vera falls unconscious and the exits become completely sealed off by the encroaching plants.
With lightning speed, the claw blades retract, and No. 21 swiftly positions Vera's arm over her shoulder, doing her best to share the weight and support her.
Vera has ceased speaking unnecessary words, but No. 21 continues to periodically address her, regardless of what Vera may or may not utter.
Captain.
Yeah.
Left.
At the end of the path, they encounter a horizontally growing tree. No. 21 assists Vera in squeezing through the narrow gap. Once she herself passes through as well, No. 21 promptly severs the giant branch, blocking the path and buying them additional time for their retreat.
As No. 21 cuts through the tough stems consecutively, her wrists tremble slightly under the strain. However, she recognizes that her own discomfort is insignificant compared to the hardships Vera has endured.
Navigating through the narrow path, they are greeted by an open view.
The rushing wind and gentle sunlight sneak in through the gaps in the intricate web of entangled plants. Their white and red hair intertwines, blending together into a complex hue.
Captain, light. We're there soon.
...Okay.
No. 21's pupils contract violently, resembling those of an animal, as she meticulously calculates the optimal spot to step onto the stairs leading to their escape.
She can't afford any mistake given Vera's dire condition. If the Hetero-Creatures manage to breach the barriers and reach them...
No. 21 forces her imagination to subside, redirecting her full attention toward observing the staircase formed by the interwoven plants.
But instead of a "staircase," it's more like bud-shaped plants interconnected by twisted vines running through them.
The bud-shaped plant on the far end appears to have completed a blossoming cycle, leaving behind only a platform-like calyx.
On the edge of the plant structure, there is a massive bud that seems in a state of partial withering, with an organ left that resembles a petal or the veins of a leaf.
Utilizing the support provided by the leaf veins, they can make it to the top of the tree web that has not fully closed yet.
Recognizing the potential dangers they may face while navigating the vines between the "calyxes," No. 21 decides to hide Vera in the nearby tall grass to ensure her safety.
And if they fall from the vines...
As No. 21 gazes downward, she is met with the sight of a treacherous swamp of thorns at the bottom of the forest. If they were to land there, it would be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to climb back up to their current position before the relentless forest consumes them.
She formulates a rough plan and calculates the time—it will take her less than two minutes to scout the path ahead.
Captain, stay here. Wait for me.
...
...Hmm.
No. 21 feels a sudden surge of pain in her M.I.N.D., as if it deliberately chose this moment to play a prank on her. However, accompanying the pain is a familiar yet somewhat strange sensation, stirring within her.
...But she has no time to think about it.
The white-haired girl swiftly draws out her sharp claw blades. Like a wild beast, she dashes toward the setting sun ahead.
Captain, hang in there. I can save you soon.
Video: No. 21: Feral Version_Boss Deployed
Buddy!!!
"Buddy", covered in dark purple growth marks, is mercilessly torn apart from the inside out by some sharp claws. The unruly newborn emerges, carelessly shaking off the remnants of its former "host" and stretching its long-suppressed body.
From its elevated position, the towering creation gazes down upon No. 21, its compound eyes scrutinizing her every movement.
Even though No. 21 can no longer detect the familiar scent emanating from the creature, she stubbornly persists in calling it by that name.
Buddy... Is it you...
ROAR—!!!
Its light purple abdominal part starts to change color as the creature lowers its body—
In a swift motion, the creature swings its colossal purple claws directly toward No. 21's head, seemingly as a response.
A gust of wind caused by the attack threatens No. 21's balance, but she swiftly evades the cold and swift claws. Some of her light grey hair strands are severed in the process.
In the spot where No. 21 just stood, a dreadful pit materializes.
No, Buddy... Please...
It's me! Me!!
No. 21's claw blades drop helplessly, hesitating to rip the throat of the looming threat in the same manner she eliminated her previous foes.
Her body trembles slightly, as memories from the past flicker before her eyes.
She has never imagined losing Buddy.
In her mind, it had become an inseparable part of her being, a constant presence she took for granted, even over that of Vera and Noctis—
No one would've thought that a part of themselves would crumble into ashes and rise again as their adversary.
No. 21 feels deeply sorry for that.
I see...
The headache... It was because you were calling me, right?
I'm sorry, Buddy. I was too dumb to recognize your call for help.
How could I...
No. 21 lets out a sorrowful whine, akin to that of a lone beast mourning the loss of its pack.
She stands alone in the hostile forest, feeling the gaze of everything around her as it leers, waiting to attack and tear at her throat.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry...
Her voice grows faint, gradually fading away until it becomes barely audible in a gentle breeze.
The purple claws remain poised, primed for the next assault, their lethal power capable of swiftly ending the life of any obedient prey.
But...
With her head lowered, No. 21 is stating her sin in silence.
Captain is still waiting. I can't let Captain be taken as well.
A sharp pang shoots through the corner of No. 21's mouth, a stinging reminder that she is biting down hard on her lower lip as she utters these words.
I can't. I can't surrender here...
Even if it's Buddy, I can't—
So—
I'm sorry, Buddy. I will punish myself—
But I have to take you down here!!!
