Story Reader / Main Story / 33 Wither to Shine / Story
...
As she flips through the pages, fragments of stardust dance in the air, forming shimmering characters on the worn paper.
So, we've finally reached this point...
Lines crisscross the pages, forming complex diagrams and charts.
Humanity... Singularity...
Ah, here it is.
Her index finger presses the page, making the selected text flicker and project a hologram of Aerospace City.
Day 771 since the commandant left Hetero Tower.
Humanity abandoned their last settlement—"Great Tombstone"—and moved to Aerospace City.
But that wasn't the end of the story.
The Mutated Red Tide was eating up huge chunks of Earth, sucking out all the nutrients. Outside Aerospace City, where the filters couldn't reach, the Punishing Virus was eating away at everything.
The Punishing Virus... It's not something you just beat.
She flips to a new page.
The survivors in Aerospace City started pulling some kind of material out of the Mutated Red Tide... They tried analyzing it in their labs, looking for something...
A familiar sight...
The humans in white suits looked hopeful, but...
Red warning lights started flashing like crazy. Equipment broke down as everything screamed the truth at them—
This was not something they could analyze.
Humanity finally realized the Mutated Red Tide had evolved to a whole new level—
They probably couldn't fight the Punishing Virus with anything Earth had.
Abandonment, despair... Same old story.
Then, someone came up with a new idea, and they jumped right into testing it—these "non-Earth" substances were likely <color=#ff4e4eff>fragments from "another civilization"</color>.
The Gray Raven Commandant shared the experiences in the tower, explaining how the old "Time Travel Capsule", wrapped in layers of Chaos Contamination, became the Hetero Tower.
The "Hetero Tower" became a massive gateway.
It stood tall like a crimson Tower of Babel, its twisting tunnels leading to different times and even dimensions, connecting to countless "unknowns".
Around that time, Cradle, trapped in another era, found the Hetero Tower and, using its core, made a new body out of the Punishing Virus—and then came to this world, the one that inherited <phonetic=The Primordial One>Dominik's</phonetic> legacy.
Once the new Agent Zero fully controls the Hetero Tower... what's its next move?
Will it take humanity to a new world, or will it pull in more civilization shards like a star gobbling up dust?
Sharp eyes, clever thinking, but still...
She nods, impressed.
If I had to guess, it's the latter. Agent Zero... the "Punisher", is never satisfied.
The pink-haired woman's eyes drift off, like she's remembering old tales.
Harvesting every civilization that fails the "filtering"... heh.
She smirks as the pages flip themselves, rustling softly without any breeze.
Faced with this, what choices do humans... really have left?
The glowing pages fade as she rests her chin on her hand, staring thoughtfully into the distance.
Two dice roll slowly as dark fate spreads out, splashing water droplets that shatter into faint light.
Inside Aerospace City, the snowstorm keeps howling.
It's freezing, even inside. Not a hint of warmth.
You're watching the snow?
I'm afraid that's not happening.
The Mutated Red Tide... I mean, the mutated Punishing Virus, keeps draining Earth's energy.
With no one to hold back the Mutated Red Tide, "frailty" has already started, and this cold isn't going anywhere.
Following your gaze, she looks out at the heavy snow.
Anyway, I've pulled more shards from the Hetero Tower core. Aerospace City's still holding out against the mutated Punishing Virus because of this new "tech".
And...
She presses her lips together.
Yeah, the filters we can make now aren't cutting it.
I've analyzed the Red Tide samples the team brought back. Their mutation rate keeps climbing. If this keeps up, I'm worried our filters won't work anymore.
We need to upgrade them, at least boost our current filtration power...
Got the supply list ready?
Most parts are still kicking around in Aerospace City, but...
The core parts for the filter recycling units are gone. Nowhere to be found.
The heart of the old CPF, and key to keeping the Punishing Virus down.
If we can find old conservation areas or cities with those filters, we might find spare parts.
In the conference room next to the lab, Vanessa stands with her arms crossed while Discord spreads out a rough tactical map, marking where the Red Tide is gathering.
Not long ago, I led a team outside.
The Red Tide's still packed into the south of Aerospace City. The extreme cold hits us hard, but it might be keeping them back too.
Just like way back when... They still hate the cold.
She marks the southern part of the map with red lines for the Red Tide.
Agent Zero rarely pops up in the north either. I'd say there's at least one barely usable route up there...
Following Discord's directions, Vanessa marks a rough path on the map.
This route's risky. Hetero-Creature nests are crawling around here... and here.
You sure about this route?
This is the best we've got after cutting out the heavily contaminated zones. Unless you'd rather swim through the Red Tide.
She squints at the map, where twisted lines snake into the depths like fishing lures.
There should be a few warehouses left past the ARU. I marked them ages ago.
If those things still hate the cold up north, there's a decent chance we'll find usable parts in those warehouses. As for the core components we need—that's a gamble.
But my luck's always been pretty solid.
What I'm saying is, this might not be the best time...
We're out of time. The Red Tide's surging faster, and the new Agent Zero's getting stronger, almost breaking through our defenses.
Those sentry turrets, anti-aircraft guns... you can't seriously think they'll stop it, right?
Plus, Aerospace City can't even keep itself running. We're scavenging for food just to keep people from starving.
Once Agent Zero surrounds us, it won't even need to attack. We'll tear each other apart from the inside.
She gives a cold laugh.
And I just got some news...
Two more team members jumped into the Red Tide near the perimeter.
...
Red Tide Projection is a twisted paradise with the sweet smell of rust and blood. Every time you get close, you hear calls from deep inside your memories.
It listens to your fantasies, creates dreamscapes of what you want, and pulls out your deepest, most precious memories.
She said she heard her mother calling from inside the Red Tide.
What's even real anymore...
Maybe... this is the dream, this is the nightmare we can't wake up from? If only I could...
If I just go over there, Mom said... she'd be waiting for me...
Paradise is over there, with endless food, where it's never cold again...
Before anyone could stop her, she laughed, dropped her weapon, and jumped into the Red Tide.
...Fool.
A heavy silence fills the room.
So, we need to find that item and fix the filter, fast. Otherwise...
I'm afraid in a few days, people will be lining up to throw themselves into the Red Tide.
Then I'll go.
Not just you...
Vanessa frowns, studying the map.
Discord, take a team and go around this way. There's an old ARU warehouse there. I've marked the entrance with safety beacons.
And...
Commandant, we will go this way.
Are you crazy? That's way too close to Agent Zero's territory.
That's exactly why you need to come with me. As long as my M.I.N.D. holds up, Agent Zero can't touch me.
There's a big warehouse around here that I remember clearly. The ARU used it for trading with Babylonia.
They kept their Punishing Virus filters in good shape there. That place probably has what Rosa needs.
Someone's gotta bring back supplies if we want to survive this.
She mutters to herself, staring out at the dark sky.
Far off, a creepy red glow spreads across the sky, slowly twisting into the shape of Agent Zero's eye...
A sweet, metallic smell of blood fills the air.
Darkness takes over. Consciousness pulls itself from memory. A faint light filters in from far away. A loud buzzing fills your head as pain signals come through the Mind Beacon...
You... left Aerospace City with Vanessa, heading for that warehouse you planned for...
And then, and then...
...Cough.
Shallow, heavy breathing comes from nearby. The sound of a suit rustling. A sharp, icy pain shoots through your arm.
The serum mixes with your blood, swirling strange colors in your vision. Your breathing gets heavy. Your eyes close, then open. Your vision slowly comes into focus...
If you're awake, get up and walk yourself.
Your swaying vision stops. You realize Vanessa's been carrying you this whole time.
Your scrambled brain starts working again.
Back then... Vanessa and you left Aerospace City, following your route to the warehouse.
But no one knew where Agent Zero would be.
The new Agent Zero appeared right in front of you. Chaos was almost gone, replaced by a new, unfamiliar face.
It was about to break free from Chaos's control.
Maybe Chaos's last bit of consciousness helped you and Vanessa. After a brutal fight, just before Vanessa was about to go down, Agent Zero turned into a puddle of red goo and melted into the Red Tide.
Still fuzzy? I should just toss you into the Red Tide and call it a day.
Hmph...
Vanessa scoffs softly and puts you in a hidden spot nearby.
She's not looking good—bad wounds, losing vital fluid, and her M.I.N.D. is all messed up.
Something nasty's latched onto me.
She says this like it's no big deal.
After Agent Zero disappeared, you got hit hard. I carried you all the way here...
She rips at the bandages with her good arm, clearly impatient.
Taking the bandages, you cut a length and help Vanessa with her wounds. Just as you reach for the <b><ud><color=#34aff8ff><link=18>condensation liquid pack</link></color></ud></b>, Vanessa stops you.
We'll save that for later.
With injuries like that, she shouldn't be able to keep going.
The warehouse we planned for is just ahead.
She narrows her eyes, checking your surroundings.
This area's still clean. Agent Zero showing up was probably a fluke. We've got a good chance of finding what we need.
You... can still move, right?
Vanessa holds out her hand.
Let's go. We need to hurry.
Agent Zero's already found this place. As the Mutated Red Tide keeps spreading, we might not get another chance to explore here.
If Discord's team can't find the parts either... we might as well jump into the Red Tide together.
...Tch.
Hah, what's not funny about it?
After a short break, you continue toward Vanessa's marked location.
Just like Vanessa said, Agent Zero's already been here.
The Mutated Red Tide is twitching in the shadows. A bunch of twisted Red Tide creatures are already gathering in the corners, testing the waters... You need to grab the supplies before the Red Tide floods in.
Careful.
She grips her gun with her good arm and gestures for you to follow.
The next second, corrosive spit shoots out of the darkness.
Bang—bang—
Two quick gunshots ring out, blowing through the Red Tide creature's head and chest—or wherever its chest might be.
At least it wasn't Agent Zero.
The Red Tide creature hisses as it melts away. Vanessa's face stays stone-cold as she speeds up.
The base is just ahead.
The Mutated Red Tide's spreading like crazy, totally out of control. You both sprint at top speed, heading for a warehouse that hasn't been corrupted yet.
Along the way, Red Tide creatures swarm them like moths to a flame. After Vanessa and you take them down, they just melt back into the Red Tide, then reform again.
...Cough.
Agonizing pain shoots through her as she realizes, with horrifying clarity, that she's been massively infected with the Punishing Virus.
Her left arm's completely useless, and her right leg parts are damaged. She's got maybe twenty minutes left...
You calmly fire at the charging Red Tide creatures, while Vanessa closes her eyes with a bitter smile next to you.
Cough...
Before she can speak, a choking cough escapes her lips.
I'm fine. Save your breath.
She swallows the metallic, bitter taste of vital fluid.
It's just up ahead.
You pour the fuel you have been carrying in front of the warehouse—a single spark will turn the ground into a roaring inferno.
BOOM—
Red-gold flames shoot skyward.
...Alright. Get inside, quick.
With the flames as a barrier, the Red Tide creatures are temporarily held back from storming the warehouse.
Even a few more minutes would make a difference. Vanessa watches your movements silently, just gesturing for you to start looking for the core device.
Following Vanessa's memory, you search the warehouse, grabbing any useful supplies.
On a shelf at the far end sits the core device, just like Rosa described.
...My luck's always been pretty solid.
She quickly shoves the devices into your backpack, then struggles to stack boxes under the skylight.
Yeah. You go. The flames at the entrance won't hold them back for long. I'll cover your escape.
Through your Mind Beacon, agonizing pain and screams flood your M.I.N.D. connection.
Yeah, I heard you. Now stop wasting your energy—
Before she finishes, her right leg gives out, and she crashes to the ground.
Argh... Thought I could last a bit longer.
Pulling two bandages from her emergency kit, Vanessa tightly wraps her damaged right leg joint and struggles to her feet.
So, like I was saying, I'll stay behind while you take the device back... Never thought I'd say something so cheesy.
Vanessa draws her weapon and looks at you.
What are you standing around for? Expecting some dramatic goodbye? I don't do that. Now, get out of here.
...What are you waiting for?
...Don't. Do. Anything stupid.
...Hey! Let me go!
Without another word to Vanessa, you secure the immobilized Construct to your back with the climbing rope, then try to climb through the skylight using the boxes Vanessa stacked earlier.
The skylight's too narrow, barely big enough for one person. You can't get both of you through at the same time.
It won't work. I told you, just leave me behind...
Bang—bang—
Several gunshots later, the busted skylight crashes down with a deafening bang, sending dust everywhere.
Cough...
After restacking the boxes and using the rope, you quickly climb onto the warehouse roof.
Sensing your determination, Vanessa finally stops fighting.
Such... naive idealism.
Kindness is the last thing we need right now. I suggest you drop me and haul ass back to Aerospace City before your good intentions become actual supplies.
...
The Construct behind lets out a strange laugh.
Looking around, the Red Tide creatures are still blocked by the flames around the warehouse, but a few smart ones have gone around and are trying to cut you off.
The half-collapsed buildings might be a new way out.
Unfortunately, the climbing rope isn't long enough for both of you to reach the other building's roof.
Maybe you could just toss me over... Seriously, you're not even considering it?
Don't be ridiculous. If you try that, we'd both end up on the ground, hugging those disgusting things.
So, how long are we playing rooftop parkour through these ruins?
As she speaks, Vanessa fires at the Hetero-Creatures chasing you.
I told you, you can't outrun them carrying me at this distance...
After checking the distance repeatedly, it's safer to use the rope to climb onto the crossbeam of this building first, then jump to the other roof.
The old building clearly wasn't built for this kind of weight. The steel structure groans ominously.
Put me down! Do you want us both to die here?
As much as I hate to say this again, but...
You should really leave me behind. My right leg is busted. I can't move.
If I stay here, I might make a decent bomb, at least.
A Construct's voice box is useless, and I'm not wasting any more vital fluid.
Gritting your teeth, you sprint across the steel structure, throwing the rope just before it collapses, leaving the two of you dangling from the edge of the opposite building.
The collapsing structure crushes the warehouse below.
After a moment of silence, Vanessa speaks again.
Typical... F.O.S. Chief.
The rope is looped around another building's support beam, and after a careful test, you swing across the rust-colored sky.
Even now, you still believe... that tactics and conviction are for enemies, and the living are worth saving at any cost.
Isn't that how you think?
Don't try to act tough.
Tch... I've never thought that way. Maybe that's why you beat me?
No, I haven't lost either.
The value of every survivor's life should be maximized... That's how we keep humanity alive...
If I didn't think like that, do you think we'd have made it this far?
As long as people are alive, as long as that spark of humanity's still burning, I... haven't lost to you.
Her voice fades away.
Cough...
You feel a slight movement from behind. She's still with you.
After climbing over the last pile of rubble, you're about to hit your limit.
Confirming the direction, you stop weaving around and quickly take out a few squirming Hetero-Creatures nearby before rushing toward the target area.
The terminal beeps repeatedly. Rosa modified it, so it can barely reach your team within a certain range—
Pretty smart. When did you contact Discord?
Don't make me sound like an idiot.
Despite her trying to sound casual, you can feel her frame getting colder.
No...
Don't worry, I'm not dying on you yet.
The edge of the snow field is in sight. Red flares are going up—Discord's other team is right there—
A sharp pain shoots up your leg as a piece of rebar rips through your suit. The icy wind seeps in, chilling you to the bone.
No one's dying here.
The snow-covered ground is a muddy mess, a cold mix of hope and despair.
Vanessa—Commandant—
The faint voice is lost in the wind, echoing into the distance.
Almost—there—
The freezing wind cuts deep. Your pain-numbed body resists moving as the Punishing Virus starts eating away at your flesh.
We're almost there.
Cold sweat freezes on your temples as your vision blurs with those discolored patches again—
Consciousness sinks back into the depths.
