City Center
Carthaki Radiation Zone
As you continue toward the golden tree after eliminating the Corrupted along the street, the Punishing Virus alarm on your power armor suddenly emits a warning buzz.
The Red Mist might be affecting the detection system. Let's find a place to rest, and I'll check it for you.
You two stop in front of a spacious mansion and quickly spot an open garage after following the dark tire tracks on the ground.
As soon as you step inside, a dazzling display of opulence greets your eyes. Luxury vehicles of every make and model line up in pristine formation, their gaudy colors creating a jarring contrast with the crumbling ruins outside.
Nirvatia surveys the surroundings, a look of surprise crossing her face.
Oh, it's this place...
She murmurs in a voice barely above a whisper.
Her high heels click sharply against the marble floor as she casually opens one of the car doors and slides into the driver's seat.
Come over and have a seat.
She pats the passenger seat.
Some of the tension drains from your body as you sink into the spacious, comfortable leather seat. Beside you, Nirvatia seems to be waiting for something, her gaze resting on you in silence.
Take off your armor.
...As talented as I am, I can't exactly check the circuits through a layer of metal.
Don't worry, the blocker will keep you protected.
She takes the armor pieces from your hands, carefully examining their internal structure.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she activates the car's universal console and types in a string of text.
Soothing, ethereal music flows from the speakers.
Just a little habit of mine. Whenever I'm writing important reports or conducting crucial tests, I play music to help me focus.
Aren't you confident... but you're right.
We're kindred spirits, aren't we?
She tilts her head. Warm golden light spills from the wall-mounted lamp, illuminating her faint smile.
I've finished my inspection, and there's nothing majorly wrong. It's just that the armor isn't fully optimized for combat in the radiation zone, so I've adjusted the parameters accordingly.
I've also installed a sensor so I can monitor your condition in real-time. Can't have you hiding injuries or pushing yourself too hard without me knowing.
Nirvatia reaches out and gently touches your side, her fingertip pressing lightly against the thin fabric covering your scar.
I'm the Security Director. It's my responsibility to prevent harm, especially when it concerns things I'm... "interested" in.
She answers casually, closing her eyes and reclining lazily in her seat, seemingly savoring this rare moment of respite.
The air inside the car is rich with the mingled aromas of leather and wood oil, complemented by a subtle fragrance emanating from your companion's shoulder.
Your breathings are soft and measured, distinctly audible in the brief silence between you.
...When you were in my M.I.N.D., did you happen to see an overbearing instructor who always acted like he was in charge, no matter where or when?
A familiar figure instantly materializes in your mind.
He didn't have many interests besides cars and fashion. This place was his little paradise.
She places her hand on the steering wheel, lazily spinning it back and forth.
I used to see him sitting just like this in his car, chauffeuring guests from up there all around this little city of ours.
Do you know how to drive, little raven?
She quietly stops fidgeting with the wheel and turns to look at you.
Then... you must have been to many places and seen all sorts of interesting sights.
Boring? Don't be so modest. I've seen your file. Transatlantic, Akdilek, ARU... you've left your mark everywhere, and always during life-or-death situations.
It's like fate has given you an extra roll of the dice. No matter how dangerous the crisis, you always seem to make it out alive.
She rests her arms on the steering wheel and nestles her chin in the crook of her elbow, watching you with undisguised curiosity.
Any secret tricks I can share with the Science Council?
Doesn't everyone think the same? But we all have different backgrounds, talents, and opportunities... factors that ultimately determine how far we can go on our individual paths.
In other words, given a lifetime, some are destined to shine brightly while others remain in obscurity.
...Heh, this heroic little pep talk is so like you.
But I like it, little raven. It's quite touching.
Indeed... Reality is never fair.
She lowers her gaze slightly, a fleeting look of melancholy crossing her eyes.
I'm afraid I'm quite the opposite. I'm completely hopeless behind the wheel.
Because of my condition.
Amidst the gentle dance music, her slender fingers move up and down rhythmically, tapping the steering wheel with an almost inaudible sound.
On the day of the Great Akdilek Explosion, my friend... no, my family... was left behind in this city forever.
And as fate would have it, that farewell was related to a "car." Ever since that day, every vehicle that speeds past me triggers my condition.
I thought you'd already seen all of my past.
Then I won't reopen old wounds. When you reach that part of the story, things will become clear on their own.
Not for you. You've already passed my "security check."
This is my burden, so you don't need to apologize. The best respect you can show a patient is to hold back that sympathy of yours, little raven.
When it comes to the M.I.N.D., even Asimov can't say for certain. That's why I came here to retrieve this data.
From the day I woke up, this condition has been rooted in my heart, following me like a shadow. Over the years, it's become an integral part of who I am.
Ironically, I can imagine a million ways this condition might torment me to death, but I can't picture what my life would look like if I ever recovered from it.
Nirvatia lets out a soft sigh. It is the first time you have seen her make light of her own situation.
Hah.
She lowers her head and laughs.
I think I'll pass. The last thing I want is to be stuck in driving school with a bunch of youngsters.
You? Then let's forget about lessons altogether. When that day comes, just apply to the Science Council, and I'll create a special position just for you: assistant, part-time bodyguard, and personal driver all in one.
When that day comes... take me to see all those places you've been and all those sights you've seen.
She leans back in her seat and tilts her head to look at you.
Or not. For all we know, I might die right here.
She laughs again. "Death" seems to be a recurring theme in her self-mockery.
Is that the prophecy of a great hero, or a promise between you and me?
Alright then, it's a promise—
She smiles and holds out her pinky finger.
Our story won't end here.
As you smile at each other, your seats tremble ever so slightly beneath you.
Rattle—rattle—
The next moment, ornaments hanging in the car suddenly tremble as if caught by an invisible gust, emitting crisp chiming sounds.
...?
A deep rumbling erupts from the ground in an instant.
Amid the violent tremors, a massive roar from beneath the surface tears through the air like the howl of a creature, shaking the heavens and echoing between the empty buildings.
Marble floors split open instantly. Brass lamps sway and fall, dragging countless delicate ornaments with them as they shatter across the ground with a cacophony of crashes.
The storm-like tremors lash out at everything inside, sending chandeliers and chunks of stone raining down like deadly spikes onto the cars below.
Run!
Nirvatia grabs your wrist forcefully, leaps out of the car, and sprints toward the garage exit.
About ten seconds later, the earthquake subsides. Standing on the cracked street, you watch as an enormous shadow slowly descends from the heavens.
In the distance, the golden colossal tree has burst through the building that confined it, shooting upward straight toward the sky.
Something's not right...
Nirvatia presses her hand to her forehead, her brow furrowed as her eyes dart from side to side.
Life signals detected... Count: 12.
There are humans directly ahead of us.
