When Nirvatia returns to the dormitory, it is already late at night.
The building is quiet, with only the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze outside. Nirvatia moves silently down the hallway and carefully pushes open the door to Room 303.
The room is pitch black. She looks at the bed by the window and finds it empty.
...Margaret?
Only the sound of the wind outside answers her. Margaret, a heavy sleeper, should have been in bed by this time.
Surrounded by stillness and darkness, Nirvatia's mind drifts to the hospital ward she has just left behind. She unconsciously grips her sleeve, a dull ache spreading through her troubled heart.
In the blink of an eye, the lavender scent of the dormitory seems to transform into the biting smell of disinfectant. A sense of unease begins to creep through Nirvatia's mind.
Her breathing quickens, and her knuckles turn white and ache from how hard she involuntarily clenches her fists.
{226|153|170}~
Suddenly, she hears soft footsteps behind her.
—?!
Nirvatia spins around as several small candle flames suddenly illuminate the darkness.
Happy birthday to you{226|153|170}! Happy birthday to you{226|153|170}!
Holding a chocolate lava cake with whipped cream, Margaret sings the birthday song with a face full of joy.
Jagienka, come on in!
Um...
Margaret moves aside a bit, revealing Jagienka standing awkwardly behind her.
Happy...
She turns away, wiping chocolate sauce from her cheek. The faint blush on her face is just visible in the candlelight.
...Happy birthday, Nirvatia.
Woo-hoo!
Margaret pulls Jagienka closer by the hand. In the flickering light, the three girls look at each other, their small figures silently reflected in one another's eyes.
...Birthday? Mine?
Nirvatia can't even remember where she was born, let alone her birthday.
I saw it on your student ID card! February 3rd was the day you came to Carthaki!
Here you go. Your student ID and keys fell on the ground earlier.
Guess what? I'm in room 303 too! We're roommates from today on!
Since you can't remember your past, let's start fresh from here.
We were taught that Carthaki is our home. That makes the three of us family, right?
She gives Jagienka's palm a gentle squeeze.
Ahem, yes, we're... family.
Jagienka continues to twirl her hair around her finger.
Jagienka! Isn't there something else you wanted to say?
Um...
Nirvatia, I was quite mean to you before, so I just want to apologize... I'm sorry.
So... this cake... I was the one who...
Pfft...
Watching Jagienka's face turn comically red with embarrassment, Nirvatia can't help but burst into laughter.
W-why are you laughing?! I'm being serious!
It's fine! You don't have to apologize, because—
With a wide grin, she casually pulls a wooden plaque from her pocket.
Stop trembling. The target won't pity you. —Jagienka, highest scoring shooter on this range
I swiped your first place too.
My sign? Who let you take it?!
Jagienka reaches out to grab it, but Nirvatia steps back. The two begin chasing each other in circles around Margaret.
So, are we even now?
She stops first, asking with a smile.
Definitely not. My first place was worth way more.
Pfft, what nonsense.
Hahaha!
In the late-night dormitory, the girls' laughter gradually swells and melds together.
We'll settle the score at tomorrow's final exam.
We're a team, so don't go playing hero just to steal my thunder again.
Alright, alright, we can worry about tomorrow when it comes. Time to make a wish and blow out the candles!
Margaret places the cake on the table and pulls Nirvatia in front of it.
Nirvatia wipes her hands and looks toward Jagienka and Margaret, who both nod back at her.
I wish...
Nirvatia presses her palms together and bows her head slightly.
Just then, she hears a muffled sound from outside that is almost lost in the night breeze.
WHIRRRR—
A piercing wail suddenly blares from above.
It is the air raid siren.
Tch, a drill this late at night?
Wait, there are three red lights...
This isn't a drill!
Attention all Scouts! This is the District Command Center! An emergency combat alert is in effect! We repeat, an emergency combat alert is in effect!
Carthaki is under attack from Corrupted! This is not a drill! All units, report immediately to your designated assembly areas!
The World Government's 324th Air Division has authorized bombing operations. Their 7th Bomber Squadron is preparing for takeoff and is expected to commence the first wave of attacks in 35 minutes.
Attention all battalion commanders: Up to three brigade-sized Corrupted forces are converging on Carthaki. You are to fortify your positions and defend the Satellite City with absolute resolve.
We do not fight alone. Reinforcements from the World Government are en route. Carthaki lies behind us, so we will not let a single Corrupted cross the Riverbank Central!
Forward Command Post
Carthaki Satellite City
The 2nd and 3rd Battalions' forward units have also engaged the Corrupted in sector K-20-1, with approximately 8% casualties.
The 1st Battalion in sector K-20-2 has been hit by airborne Corrupted drones. Their defenses have been breached, with scattered Corrupted landing in the river, though none have yet attacked the ports in the Satellite City.
Colonel Pavlov, Captain Zana can't hold out any longer. She's requesting immediate air support to eliminate the aerial threat.
No. Low altitude engagement will risk infecting the aircraft with the Punishing Virus. I cannot take that chance.
We have no reserves left. If we don't regain air superiority, the 1st Battalion will be in grave danger.
We sent so many troops to protect Asslam, but the train won't spare even a single person when we're in trouble.
**** the Ashlar family.
Tell Zana there will be no air support! She'll hold the line if her soldiers fall, and I'll take her place if she falls!
Pavlov shouts fiercely, drawing his sidearm as if ready to make good on his promise at any moment.
...Comrades, may I ask if rotorcraft without smart components be vulnerable to the Punishing Virus infection?
A weathered voice cuts through the chaos. The speaker wears the attire of a worker, standing out conspicuously among the uniformed military personnel.
Comrade Gregory, the Satellite City is dangerous right now. You shouldn't be—
Pavlov stops mid-sentence, suddenly noticing the large group of soot-stained companions standing behind the man.
...Who are these people?
Carthaki Workers' Militia, all 152 members present and accounted for! Reporting for duty, Colonel!
We heard there was a war, so we came.
Pavlov surveys the workers before him. Though most lack training, the resolve in their eyes matches that of any soldier under his command.
Comrade Gregory, the Punishing Virus can't infect rotorcraft, but it might damage the physical structure of fuel engines... The situation is urgent. Please speak freely if you have any suggestions.
Long before the Golden Age, Carthaki was already a military stronghold of Akdilek. It was nearly lost during foreign invasions, leaving only this port and the Satellite City beneath our feet intact.
At its most desperate hour, the workers in the Satellite City labored around the clock, sending countless tanks and aircraft across the river, ultimately liberating the entire city and securing the final victory.
In the eastern outskirts of the Satellite City, there's an old warehouse we call the "Graveyard". It contains all the weapons, vehicles, and aircraft left over from that war, which are enough to equip an entire division by old-world standards.
Gregory approaches the central holographic display and marks a location at the edge of the combat zone in red.
Everyone understands what he means, and the command post falls into momentary silence.
Can these relics even fly?
Some can. The kids from the parachute club maintain them as training aircraft.
Even if our pilots could get those antiques flying, we don't have the manpower...
Have faith in our workers, young man.
When it comes to handling hunks of metal, we've got just as much experience as you do.
Gregory straightens his hard hat.
We'll clear the path. After that, it's all up to you.
Sector K-20-2, Carthaki Satellite City
4-Feb-62
1:33 AM
Captain! We've got another wave incoming! About 200 Pilgrims and 30 Harvesters!
Enemy forces have broken through the minefield and entered the valley!!!
Now's our shot! Detonate!
At the captain's command, a massive explosion echoes through the valley. Over ten tons of explosives blast open the rock face, sending an avalanche of boulders down like a tsunami.
Fire down on them! Don't spare the rockets! Blast them to hell!!!
With the valley entrance sealed by massive boulders, soldiers hidden along the ridge rise and unleash a barrage of attack on the trapped Corrupted below. In an instant, the battlefield erupts in a storm of fire and light.
They're breaking formation! Keep up the pressure! Don't let a single one escape!
C-Captain! Above us!
Through the smog, crimson flashes streak down from the sky with terrifying speed.
They're back again!
More than a dozen heavy drones emerge slowly from the thick smoke. Like hawks on the hunt, they hover above the battlefield, training their high-caliber autocannons on the scattered troops below.
Take cover—!
The thunderous roar of automatic fire fills the sky as white-hot rounds rain down like a deadly downpour.
The barren ridge offers virtually no cover, and the soldiers fall to the ground one by one. Those who set the ambush now become desperate prey, frantically scrambling for a way out.
You bastards!
Zana raises her weapon, aiming at the war machines harvesting her comrades' lives.
She pulls the trigger, but the bullet only leaves a shallow scratch on the drone's armor.
Look over here, damn you!
With the courage of a dead woman, she roars and keeps pulling the trigger, repeating her futile attempt.
Several drones notice Zana, abandoning their previous targets and turning their guns on her.
A primal fear grips Zana's heart. In what she thinks are her final moments, she clenches her teeth and squeezes her eyes shut.
A series of explosions rings out as waves of hot air lift her hair. Death, it seems, isn't as painful as she anticipated.
...?
Zana opens her eyes to see three vintage fighter jets adorned with red stars soaring overhead. Firing high-explosive incendiary rounds, they charge into the swarm of enemies.
It is an unimaginable sight: machines from two centuries ago are taking to the skies once more, locked in deadly combat with their technological "descendants."
Friendly forces! Air support has arrived!
All units, support the jets! Launch the counterattack!!!
Three IL-2 ground-attack aircraft have reached the frontline. The battle is proceeding well, and we've regained air superiority.
What about Gregory and his people?
The Workers' Militia has successfully broken away from enemy pursuit and is relocating to the 2nd Battalion's position.
Good. Assess casualties across all battalions. The resupplied companies from the 3rd Battalion are to provide immediate support to the 1st Battalion.
Roger. Gathering intel now.
The aerial ambush has reduced the pressure on the battlefield. Everyone in the command post can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
...That's strange. The CPF base station detected unidentified audio signatures two minutes ago.
The CPF? Isn't that in the city center across the river? Verify it immediately.
Understood... The audio signatures are confirmed to match the Corrupted entities "Excavators". Their location is...
Directly beneath Carthaki's urban district!
Major Li draws in a sharp breath.
Are these the Corrupted that entered the river earlier? No wonder they never attacked the ports...
Something seems to dawn on him as he pulls up the underground structural map of Carthaki on the holographic display.
It reveals a maze-like grid: an underground network of fallout shelters built by Carthakians before the Golden Age as protection against nuclear war.
Approximately 34 entities detected. Uploading their movement trajectories now.
The real-time data of the Corrupted appears on the holographic map as the swarm of dense dots surges from underground toward Carthaki's communal residential blocks and the massive structure that looms behind them—
Their target... is the rocket factory!
****ing hell. They're planning to blow up Carthaki.
Get every combat-ready unit back across the river immediately. We cannot let them reach the factory under any circumstances!
There may not be enough time... I recommend activating the Scouts. They're already on standby in the city.
Pavlov hesitates briefly, but quickly realizes they have no other options left.
...Approved. Have them establish a defensive echelon formation. They are to minimize casualties at all costs and not engage the Corrupted at close range.
Where is "the child" now?
He asks in a hushed voice.
She's with Patrol E. They're currently closest to the factory.
Proceed with the standard order. This is a good opportunity for a "field test".
...Understood.
Rocket Factory Perimeter, Carthaki City District
4-Feb-62
1:49 AM
Spotlights illuminate Carthaki's night sky, bathing the entire city in what seems like daylight.
Nirvatia crouches in an empty room, her weapon mounted at the window, sights trained on the ramp below. This is the only route to the rocket factory.
Just a minute ago, the flashes of light and sound of gunfire from the buildings ahead abruptly stopped. Either the Corrupted have been completely eliminated, or they have broken through the defense line.
Explosions echo in succession from across the river, the sky woven with crisscrossing gunfire. Even from this distance, she can imagine the brutality of what is happening on the front lines.
Catching the scent of cordite drifting from the distance, Nirvatia instinctively tightens her grip on her weapon.
(So this is what a real battlefield is like...)
The staccato crack of gunshot pounds against Nirvatia's chest like a drumbeat. She draws a deep breath, mentally cycling through every training exercise she's ever practiced.
Hey, back away from your mic or stop breathing into it. I can hear everything.
Are you that nervous? I'm not babysitting you if you wet yourself later.
Huh? But my mic is nowhere near my face.
I wasn't talking to you, Margaret...
...Stop picking on Nirvatia, Jagienka!
Over the radio, the girls' voices rise and fall in turn as they try to ease the tension of the upcoming battle in their own way.
A cocktail of excitement and anxiety churns within their hearts. They are eager to prove themselves on a real battlefield, yet they also worry for their own safety and that of their companions.
...They're coming my way!
The worst-case scenario has happened: a pair of swaying red dots slowly emerge at the end of the road.
Phew—
She takes a deep breath, chambers a round, aims at the target, and squeezes the trigger.
BANG! It is a direct hit to the forehead. The metal skull craters inward.
Eject—reload—pull the trigger. Another bullet flies through the air, fully shattering the Corrupted's helmet and exposing the pulsing red structure beneath.
That's one!
She squeezes the trigger again, and BANG! The bullet pierces straight through the enemy's skull. The Corrupted drops dead on the spot.
RAAAARGH!!!
The several Corrupted at the back sense the danger and, like a threatened wolf pack, howl as they charge toward Nirvatia's position.
They're coming for you, Nirvatia! Fall back while I flank them!
Copy that!
Margaret, I'll leave the west side to you!
...Okay!
Swiftly coordinating with her teammates, Nirvatia leaps onto the balcony and sprints in a straight line.
The workers' dormitories in Carthaki were built along a north-south axis. To conserve resources while ensuring free housing for every family, the dozens of rooms within a building were designed to be interconnected.
With the sudden outbreak of combat, many residents have evacuated, while those who remain behind have sealed their doors and windows with the help of the Scouts.
The balconies on each floor are connected seamlessly, creating an unobstructed pathway. This allows Nirvatia to reposition freely, frequently turning to fire and draw the attention of the Corrupted.
Two... Three! It's just like shooting moving targets at the range!
Hit...! F-four!
That's it! There's nothing to fear. We've got this!
The flanking maneuver proves highly effective. Within minutes, most of the Corrupted have been neutralized.
AAAAAH!!!
A blood-curdling scream erupts from below. Nirvatia leans over and finds a Corrupted breaking away from the pack and charging into the dormitory building on the other side.
Unable to find the angle to fire, Nirvatia barely hesitates before vaulting over the balcony and rushing toward it—
HAAAARGH—!!!
With a fierce cry, she readies the bayonet on her rifle and charges into the room, thrusting the blade with all her might toward the Corrupted's flank.
CLANG! The blade scrapes across the metal plating, leaving only a scratch as it slides off to the side.
Raaargh—!
The Corrupted whirls around, its arm smashing into Nirvatia's rifle. The tremendous impact sends both her and the gun flying as they both crash through the glass and out of the room.
Cough... cough cough!
Nirvatia feels several of her ribs break as searing pain tears through her back. Spitting out blood, she grits her teeth and stands up, raising her rifle and aiming at the Corrupted inside.
WHOOSH—
Just then, a whistling shriek cuts through the air above, as the World Government's bombers sweep over Carthaki.
Right as Nirvatia is about to pull the trigger, brilliant flashes of light suddenly erupt across the river.
A series of deafening explosions follows, with flames splashing in all directions like rainfall. Amid the thunderous roar, the entire city seems to tremble on the edge of collapse.
Gasp—
Nirvatia's heart seizes in her chest as her legs give way beneath her, and she drops to her knees.
█▄▆█.
She sees that sky again.
Keep... running...
Says the woman with the indistinct face.
...Don't look back.
—!
Look out, Nirvatia!!
Just as the blade comes down, Margaret arrives in time to shield Nirvatia with her sidearm.
CRACK! The handguard and sight splinter instantly as Margaret loses her grip, and the weapon clatters heavily to the ground.
RAAARGH!
Cough—!
The Corrupted grabs Margaret by the throat and tosses her aside like a rag doll.
Margaret...!
Nirvatia bites her lip until it bleeds as she tries to stand, but the near-explosive pain pins her limbs in place, leaving her immobilized.
She can only watch helplessly as the Corrupted slowly turns toward her and raises its blade once more—
Hey, freak—
The Corrupted looks up to see Jagienka hoisting a massive boulder above, her eyes wild with fury like a rampaging beast.
EYES UP!!!
The raging lioness roars as she leaps down, the boulder in her hands crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact, sending dust billowing everywhere.
The dull thud of stone crushing metal cuts through the chaos. The gunfire and explosions gradually subside, and time itself seems to slow to a crawl.
Her vision blurred, Nirvatia thinks she can see Margaret and Jagienka running toward her before her consciousness slips away...
...
A tranquil darkness flows silently around Nirvatia, submerging her in an ocean of nothingness.
Time trickles away, second by second. After who knows how long, the gentle murmur of water gradually grows clearer and more distinct in her ears, while a humid breeze carries warm, moist air across the tip of her nose.
A warm glow penetrates the layered shadows, caressing her cheek and awakening her dormant senses.
When Nirvatia opens her eyes again, the sun is slowly rising over Carthaki's horizon.
The dawn gently drapes the newly silent battlefield in a veil of gold.
Mmm...
She can feel a warmth on her left cheek. Looking over, she finds Margaret gently stroking her face.
You're awake, Nirvatia.
Maybe cut back on the sweets, hm? No wonder you run so slowly...
Margaret and Jagienka flank her on either side, supporting her arms as they stand together on a street in city center.
Around them, the crowd bustles with activity. There are doctors, injured Scouts, and locals who have come to offer support and comfort.
We... won?
Yeah, we won.
The cool morning air chases away the lingering dread of battle. Some rest against bullet-pocked walls, while others simply lie flat on their backs on the asphalt, basking in the glow of a new day.
Just then, a broadcast echoes throughout the city, and everyone hears the same commanding voice.
In the past few hours, Carthaki has endured an unprecedented attack from the Punishing Virus and suffered tremendous losses.
Despite being vastly outmatched, the workers, soldiers, and students of Carthaki stood united as one and successfully thwarted the Corrupted's attempt to destroy our city.
In our darkest hour, the Workers' Militia fought side by side with the Garrison Regiment fearlessly to turn the tide of battle. You are why Carthaki is called the City of Workers and Steel!
No sooner have the words been spoken than thunderous applause and cheers erupt from the crowd.
Furthermore, I would like to give special recognition to this year's Carthaki Scouts!
When crisis struck, they rose to the challenge and completed the arduous task of intercepting enemy forces and defending our rocket factory brilliantly.
Throughout this long night, each of you has been Carthaki's pride. You have all passed this combat assessment with flying colors.
The praise instantly uplifts every Scout present. They turn to each other with excited glances, their faces beaming with pride.
Therefore, on behalf of the Carthaki Garrison Regiment, I hereby declare: every single student in this year's Carthaki Scout program has passed the final assessment!
At these words, the students erupt in celebration.
During critical moments of this extraordinary battle, many outstanding individuals and groups demonstrated remarkable courage, facing the Punishing Virus with unwavering resolve and steadfast bravery...
The Colonel's broadcast continues, and with each new commendation, the crowd erupts in victory chants. An atmosphere of jubilation and excitement radiates from every corner.
Just then, a sudden commotion breaks out in the crowd in front of the three girls.
Following the sound, they spot a familiar figure—Major Li.
He strides purposefully through the crowd, accompanied by several reporters carrying microphones and cameras, apparently searching for someone.
Is Scout Patrol E here? Scout Patrol E—!
Major! We're over here!
This way! Found them!
He exhales with relief before quickly straightening his collar and approaching them with several people following behind.
What's going on, sir...?
Ahem! Scout Patrol E, attention—
The major clears his throat, his expression turning solemn as he formally begins to read the orders.
During crucial moments of this extraordinary battle, Patrol E demonstrated remarkable composure in the face of danger, successfully protecting civilians while also achieving the highest elimination count of Corrupted...
The Garrison Regiment Command hereby announces that the title of "Dominik Patrol" this year is awarded to the Scouts from Patrol E: Nirvatia, Jagienka, and Margaret!
—!
The three of them widen their eyes almost in unison with looks of disbelief on their faces. People around turn toward them, casting glances of amazement and admiration their way.
Don't just stand there gawking! These are World Government reporters! Give me some camera-ready poses!
The reporters set up their cameras almost simultaneously, focusing their lenses on the three girls.
Huh? What?
Us...?
R-really?!
Faced with the sudden appearance of cameras, the three of them look both thrilled and stunned, completely at a loss for what to do.
Ah, the flashes are going off!
Um, hey! Are we supposed to say something together for this?
Let's say... you know, that.
Nirvatia smiles at her two companions, and they quickly smile back, realizing what she means.
In that glorious moment of dawning light, they join hands and shout toward the cameras in unison—
For a better tomorrow!
