Nameless Heroes Monument
Carthaki Satellite City
Margaret, that commissioner from Babylonia will be attending our memorial service at three.
This morning, I found a rifle washed up on the riverbank with your name engraved on it.
...Are you trying to tell me something?
Low-hanging clouds shroud the cold cemetery. Only the evening wind answers the girl's call, rustling through withered branches like some distant weeping.
I've tried everything I could think of, but no one's willing to help. Now everyone only talks about the volcano eruption in Akdilek... Nobody cares about what we've been through anymore.
Margaret, I'm so tired...
Jagienka sits in the cold wind, her arms wrapping tightly around herself so she can bury her face deep into the crooks of her elbows.
I haven't dreamed about you ever since Nirvatia left.
Don't you think you play favorites sometimes?
Is it because she's smarter than me? Or because she has more time to spend by your side?
She hangs her head, gripping her shoulders so tightly her knuckles tremble and turn white.
But she... she's nothing but a liar. A selfish, vain coward.
It's people like her who got you killed... who got so many good, brave people killed...!
She reaches out and grasps the rifle lying across the front of the grave.
Now, I'm the only one left in the "Dominik Patrol"...
I'll prove to you that I can do better than she ever could.
I'll prove to the entire world that Carthaki will never bow to their lies.
Global Broadcasting Studio
Ring Area Module, Babylonia
2:55 PM
Nirvatia! Mr. Yori is here to see you.
...!
A man in a formal suit suddenly enters the green room. Nirvatia quickly turns around, rolling down the sleeves she has pushed up.
Oh, hello there, Nirvatia! I've heard so much about you!
...Hello, sir.
Nirvatia gives a slight bow, nodding respectfully.
Look at this! A young woman with such excellent bearing is the perfect person to represent our esteemed education system. The world will see that this is the kind of well-rounded citizen we're cultivating!
The man claps his hands together with delight.
You're too kind, sir.
You'll be on stage soon. I'm looking forward to your brilliant speech, Nirvatia.
You won't be disappointed, Mr. Yori.
To be honest, I'm really excited to hear what you have to say. Can you give me a little preview of what you've prepared?
You haven't seen the draft yet?
She clenches her fists tightly.
It's a story about... a terminally ill girl who was given a new lease on life thanks to Babylonia's help.
I heard this is a story about a terminally ill girl who was given a new lease on life thanks to Babylonia's help?
Ah, strength through adversity! That's certainly the most important virtue in our era. Even during wartime, we need to ensure all our citizens receive quality education regardless of their background or circumstances.
But I'll let her tell you herself. I'm sure everyone will find strength in her story and understand the significance of our excellent public education system!
I couldn't agree more! Now, let's welcome today's guest of honor, an exceptional student from a conservation area on the surface—Nirvatia!
The curtains part and the spotlight suddenly comes to life, illuminating Nirvatia.
She wipes the sweat from her temple and casts one final glance at the darkened corner backstage. After confirming nothing is amiss, she steps toward the center stage.
Respected guests and viewers across the globe, my name is Nirvatia. As you've just heard, I stand before you today to share a story of hope, rebirth, and... gratitude.
Facing countless camera lenses, she begins her speech with perfect composure.
I come from Carthaki, a city on the outskirts of the Akdilek Commercial Alliance. It is a city renowned for the rockets it produces, and its collectivist values.
I suffer from PTSD, the cause of which is still unknown. It erased all memories of my past, and any explosion can trigger it, making my heart feel like it's being crushed and plunging me into unbearable agony.
When I was at my most lost, Carthaki took me in. The people there are kind and genuine, allowing me to live my life on my own terms, just like any other ordinary girl.
Her gaze sweeps across the sea of cameras as she speaks, and she slowly paces toward the government representative with his beaming smile.
As you all know, Carthaki suffered a devastating explosion not long ago. Afterward, a supervolcano erupted within Akdilek's borders, followed by a large-scale Punishing Virus invasion.
—This is all the World Government has released to the public about the "Great Akdilek Explosion" thus far.
Nirvatia's tone suddenly shifts in a subtle yet distinct way. Mr. Yori's smile freezes, his eyes betraying a mixture of alarm and disbelief.
No casualty figures or explanations for the explosion have been disclosed! All the sacrifices and destructions are reduced to nothing but a dismissive report, packaged as facts you are all expected to accept!
Murmurs of shock and confusion erupt from the audience. The host tries to intervene, but Nirvatia's voice suddenly rises to a thundering pitch, drowning out everything else.
I'm telling you now—it's all lies!
She thrusts her arm upward, revealing a gun that has been hidden in her sleeve.
Nobody move! Or I'll kill him!
She lunges forward, seizes Yori by the neck, and presses the gun against his forehead.
Security! Security!
Shut up. No one's coming to save you.
Nirvatia casts an icy glance to the side. In the shadows of the curtains, two security guards slump like broken puppets, crookedly propped against the corner.
...H-how is this possible?
In the chaos, he notices Nirvatia's arm. Beneath her sleeve, intricate mechanical structures have replaced her skin, enveloping her flesh and emitting a pulsing purple light.
I didn't come here to tell a story! I came to reclaim the truth!
Now—I have something to say to the World Government!
The entire studio falls into a deathly silence. Hundreds of cameras silently focus on Nirvatia, quietly waiting for her next words.
I demand that you immediately disclose to the world the whole truth about the "Great Akdilek Explosion".
Why was there a Punishing Virus leak at Carthaki Reactor No. 4? And what connection does the Akdilek volcanic eruption have with this incident?
And what exactly is the Seedling? What did the Carthaki Research Institute do to Margaret?
Someone answer me! Or I'll kill him!
Your pursuit of truth will be your undoing, Nirvatia.
Suddenly, prismatic lights begin to flicker all around. An alien, digital voice echoes clearly through the studio's speakers.
—Who's there? Show yourself!
We are the beacon that creates balance in the world, and the chains that rein in humanity to prevent them from falling into the abyss.
The cameras before her simultaneously flicker with light, emitting static-filled noise before transforming into distinctly colored pixels. The pixels swirl and shift, assembling into an irregular cube.
We are "The Tower", the purger of doubt and defender of humanity.
I don't care who you are! Do as I said, or I'll blow this man's brains out in front of the whole world!
Calm down, please! Calm down!
The whole world? There seems to be a misunderstanding. There never was any "world" here.
There is only "us."
No one else will hear your demands, because this is a "test" designed specifically for you.
...A test?
Did you really think your "modifications" on yourself went unnoticed? You harbor such childish delusions about the sophistication of your revenge plot.
A beam of light descends from above, illuminating her mechanically constructed arm.
This so-called recognition ceremony was nothing but a performance. We used this stage to assess your loyalty and obedience to humanity... In other words, a "test."
And you have failed it.
Nirvatia's eyes widen in disbelief. In that brief moment, her heart races as everything before her becomes distant and surreal.
...You staged this elaborate charade just to see if I would willingly be your docile servant?
Correction: to test your loyalty to humanity.
30000 living, breathing people died in front of my own eyes! They died in Carthaki! And you expect me to turn a blind eye to all of it?!
She steps forward, roaring at the hidden voice behind the light.
Aren't you afraid that I'll expose everything that's happening here today? Let the whole world see this ridiculous test of yours?!
Isn't that precisely what you're attempting to do right now?
Nirvatia is stunned.
Compared to the diseases that threaten civilization's very foundation, the truth of a single tragedy is insignificant.
Do you think you're accomplishing some historic, world-changing feat? You're merely wasting your talent on despair. You lack both patience and wisdom.
Nirvatia, you have never been that important to us anyway.
—!!!
With a piercing wail, Nirvatia shoves aside the man in front of her and presses the gun barrel against her own temple.
What the hell are you hiding beneath Carthaki that has you higher-ups so terrified?!
I figured it out! You want to strip roses of their thorns, to tame the wild beasts...!
You want to file down the edges of anything passionate and decorate your glorious era of peace with it!
You don't have clearance...
See?! Anyone who pursues the truth gets pushed back with endless excuses! You'd love nothing more than for everyone to sew their mouths shut!
But I can't do that!
She screams at the top of her lungs, expending the last ounce of strength in her mortal frame, as if trying to tear open a rift in the very fabric of the world.
Because I witnessed the beauty beneath those ruins with my own eyes! Those people left genuine, tangible marks in my world!
No matter how righteous your excuses sound, nothing can justify denying that those lives once existed!!
She has tried. She has given everything she had. At last, she has chiseled a dim ray of light through the labyrinth imprisoning her soul.
After a lifetime as a puppet of fate, Nirvatia chooses her final act of defiance in the moment when all hope is lost.
You want me to pledge my allegiance?
Then open your damn eyes! This is my answer!!
Her mind is made up. Pulling the trigger to end her worldly suffering will be her final performance in this absurd theater.
Distorted rage causes the microphone to emit a piercing screech.
AAARGH!!
A series of sharp buzzing sounds explodes like lightning, freezing time and piercing through Nirvatia's eardrums.
An icy rigidity rapidly spreads from her tailbone, seizing her entire body before silently gripping her heart.
In that split second, Nirvatia's
Cough... AAARGH!!
█▄▆█.
The burning sky. The woman's whispers.
Keep... running...
...Don't look back.
The shrieking warps into the lingering wail of air raid sirens, mingling with the thunderous collapse of buildings... and faint crying that seems to be resounding by her ear, yet simultaneously echoing from deep underground.
I'll stay in the past. You all must continue moving forward.
Nirvatia, promise me you'll protect Jagienka.
Ah... AAAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!!
Tears streaming down her face, Nirvatia lets out a hoarse cry. Though her body trembles like a withered leaf and the pain begs her to kneel, she still grits her teeth, standing tall before the vast and merciless fate.
She roars through gritted teeth, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth as she strains with all her might to pull the trigger, but the cold metal remains stubbornly still.
...No! NO!
The light before her eyes gradually dims, the entire world slowly fading away as she sinks into a vast, fathomless darkness.
The demons of her past, etched into her soul like a curse, seize her ankles and drag her rapidly down into an abyss of suffering.
She has never imagined that death can be so costly... yet so desperately coveted.
Carthaki Satellite City
2:58 PM
Everyone, before we begin our moment of silence, please join me in welcoming Agent Ari! We thank him for taking time from his busy schedule to visit us and represent Babylonia as we pay tribute to our fallen heroes.
Scattered, halfhearted applause echoes throughout the cemetery.
Let's skip the formalities. I have other meetings later, so let's get started.
He glances at the watch on his wrist and waves his hand dismissively, speaking with casual indifference.
Major, why don't we skip the moment of silence and just place the flowers and take the photos?
...
Got it.
The wind on the hill scrapes against Jagienka's cheeks like a cold metal file.
Distance is 330, wind is 3. Adjusting...
She lies prone behind the rocks on the hillside and takes a deep breath as her left hand gently traces the name "Margaret" engraved on the rifle's barrel.
She slowly moves the crosshair, tracking across the cold streets and over the gathered crowd until she finally settles on the man in the tailored suit at the center.
Carrying a bouquet of white flowers, the man walks slowly toward the monument as several reporters with cameras follow behind and make their way to the front of the crowd.
The man stands on the stone steps and turns around, holding his pose as his previously indifferent expression transforms into a warm smile for the cameras.
For Margaret...
As she speaks, familiar figures seem to materialize before her eyes, lifting her rifle to aim at Babylonia, the sanctuary in the sky that has sheltered itself from reality.
—For those who were sacrificed!
BANG! The gunshot reverberates with a crisp echo throughout the valley.
The bullet flies straight, grazing the man's cheek before impacting the dark gray granite and embedding itself in the stone monument behind him.
She missed.
H-help... S-someone...!
Help! Assassin!
She hears screaming from below. The crowd erupts into chaos like a herd of animals under attack, shouting and scattering in all directions.
What...?!
Jagienka's calculations weren't wrong. As the former shooting champion, she couldn't possibly have missed.
Something's not right...
She suddenly remembers something and thrusts her finger into the muzzle, feeling the cold rifling inside the barrel—
—!
Look out, Nirvatia!!
Sure enough, the rifling that should have been a perfect spiral has an extremely subtle distortion in the middle.
—Tsk!
Without hesitation, Jagienka works the bolt, chambers another round, and mentally calculates the trajectory as she takes aim at the government official in the crowd once more.
This is likely her last chance. For the names etched on that monument, she will not miss a second time—
Why are you trying to kill him, young lady?
Suddenly, she hears a weathered voice from behind.
Jagienka whips around to see an old man standing there. His arms are mechanical, and they gleam blindingly in the sunlight.
Who are you? How did you get up here?!
Just a simple drifter passing by.
He shrugs with a faint smile on his face.
You must have a reason for killing someone.
Babylonia concealed the truth about the Carthaki incident. What happened that day was nothing like what the papers reported!
We sacrificed so much to stop the Punishing Virus... but in the end, no one cares about what happened to us.
She turns away, aiming her rifle back down at the memorial grounds below.
I lost my family there... 30000 Carthakians died! And yet Babylonia won't let us know why it happened!
So, this is about revenge?
I'm seeking justice for all who are dead.
If it was the Punishing Virus that killed your family, why is your rifle aimed at your fellow people?
...They're complicit.
Kill this man, and Babylonia will just send down another suit to clean up your mess. In the end, nothing will have changed.
Then I'll keep pulling the trigger until they're all dead.
She says coldly.
They managed to cover up the Punishing Virus killing 30000 people. They can easily hide the one you take down.
Pull that trigger, and all you've done is remove one human from this world. You haven't threatened Babylonia, and you certainly haven't defeated the Punishing Virus.
You're annoying. I don't need a lecture.
Then let me be blunt: the world you hate so much won't change one bit because of one bullet today.
Is this what those who perished at Carthaki sacrificed themselves for?
...
Impulsiveness isn't a bad thing, but in the end we must take responsibility for our actions, don't you think?
Impulsiveness is the most rudimentary form of stupidity. This month's mandatory treatment will make sure you remember that lesson.
In the monitoring room, a young man in white robe stands by Nirvatia's hospital bed.
He lets out a soft sigh and reaches out, tapping the mechanical structure on Nirvatia's arm.
I checked it out. The tactile feedback delay is minimal, and the joint transmission efficiency is nearly military grade. Did you build this yourself?
...Yeah.
Impressive. You've got real potential.
He can't help but remark admiringly, his voice barely audible.
Every person's talent is a precious gift to humanity. Don't waste yours, and certainly don't try to harm yourself again.
The young man makes a finger gun and points it at his own forehead.
Anyone can end their own life, but only fools and cowards take that route. My project has no room for such mediocrity.
Someone will bring you a stack of materials shortly. Finish reading them within seven days, and look up anything you don't understand. I'll test you afterward.
As the researcher is about to leave, he suddenly stops. Looking back, he sees a slender hand clutching the edge of his white coat.
Why... why are you hiding the truth about Carthaki...?
I saw a massive golden tree there with my own eyes. Seeing it... cured my illness... eased my suffering... and let me hear voices I'd never heard before. I've never felt so alive.
Margaret was there, and Jagienka... so many beautiful people and things. What did we do wrong? Why are you treating us like this?
...
The researcher silently listens to the girl's accusations, his expression heavy with complexity and gravity.
My illness, and everything the people of Carthaki cherished... Are they all completely worthless to you?
What really happened at the Carthaki Research Institute...?
The researcher gently presses on Nirvatia's shoulder, gesturing for her to be quiet.
On these matters, our fundamental interests align.
The Carthaki Research Institute was at the cutting edge of M.I.N.D. research. I want to know what happened there that day too.
After the incident, the Science Council shut down all M.I.N.D. research projects immediately. Everyone with authority has remained tight-lipped about why.
It doesn't take much guesswork to know that some unseen force is pulling strings behind this.
Earlier... I met someone who called themselves "The Tower".
The researcher raises an eyebrow but doesn't pursue the subject.
...
The girl is perceptive enough not to press further. She holds her forehead, her eyes betraying complete exhaustion.
Not feeling well?
I don't know. I just feel... tired.
I've lost everything... What can I possibly do now?
I can't find the enemy, yet they are everywhere. How am I supposed to cure my illness... How am I supposed to uncover these secrets?
...
The young man observes her despondent gaze, falling silent for a moment.
What I'm about to tell you might sound cliched, but it holds profound meaning for every researcher.
I have a friend who loves telling this story to newcomers...
There was an old acquaintance at the Star of Life who loved telling this story to impatient young people.
In the past, all wise men believed Earth was the center of the universe, with the sun, moon, and stars revolving around us. This concept seemed so perfect, so beyond questioning... like the enemies you're facing now.
Ptolemy spent his entire life creating eighty planetary models. On his deathbed, he told his students, "My system is too complicated. The truth should be simpler."
So he sealed away all his observational records, hoping to pass them on to someone in the future who could make sense of them.
This manuscript lay dormant in the dust of the Library of Alexandria for 1200 years, until Copernicus discovered it amidst a pile of papers.
Trembling, he repeated his calculations over and over until he finally understood... It wasn't the stars that revolve around Earth, but Earth that revolves around the sun.
But Copernicus never dared publish his work during his lifetime. When giving the manuscript to his disciple, he said, "Maybe after I'm gone. The world isn't ready for this truth yet."
This manuscript found its way to Bruno after a millennium. Unlike his predecessors, he possessed only a martyr's fervor. He traveled throughout Europe proclaiming, "Look! The sun is the center! The stars are infinite!"
Then the Church burned him at the stake. On the Campo de' Fiori in Rome, Bruno told his executioners, "The fear you feel in condemning me far exceeds the courage I show in facing death."
Years later, at the age of sixty, Galileo raised his telescope and observed four moons orbiting Jupiter for the first time. He was shocked to discover that Bruno was right.
The Inquisition forced the old man to kneel, demanding to know why he dared blaspheme against the divine and why he spread such heretical ideas.
Just like how they're trying to silence you now and forcing you to remain quiet about everything regarding Carthaki.
If you were in his place, facing such accusations and scrutiny, how would you explain yourself?
That's because...
I have seen it with my own eyes.
Precisely.
Like them, you possess eyes that have witnessed a new world, and a heart unafraid of death, Nirvatia.
Don't waste that brilliant mind of yours. Go forth and set the Earth in motion.
Where... do I start?
The researcher opens the doors to the monitoring room, allowing gentle, warm light to stream in.
From now on, call me Asimov. If your performance proves exceptional, I can be your legal sponsor on behalf of the Science Council.
From this day forward, temper your ambition and brilliance. Practice restraint and patience. Gather your strength and wait for the day when you can unsheathe your blade.
One day, we will unearth the truth buried beneath those ruins.
Whistles blare at the foot of the hill as guards trace the direction of the shot and establish a tight perimeter.
Keep this up and they'll find you eventually.
My name is Arnold. I'm just a wandering, forsaken field medic who's trying to help the vulnerable on the surface.
Will you stay here and fight your enemies to the bitter end, or come with me to help children who are as helpless as you once were?
He steps closer and extends his hand to Jagienka.
The sharpest rebuke to cowards is to show more courage than they possess.
If Babylonia has abandoned the people on the surface, then it falls to you, to us, to unite them.
Together, we will set this stagnant world in motion.
...
Jagienka gazes into the distance, looking across the river at the home that has witnessed countless joys and sorrows.
The Alliance Heritage Monument towers through the swirling mist, and for a moment, she thinks she can glimpse the silhouettes of many people.
Some are weeping, while others are laughing; some are preparing for feasts, while others are forging steel and building families... Together they form a complete yet distant scene, long and weathered by time.
If she doesn't escape this overwhelming sea of fog, these sparks that have been passed down from days gone by will eventually extinguish and be forgotten in a cycle of decline.
Then I shall be the one to ignite that flame...
She takes in the sight one last time, wipes the moisture from her eyes, and with a heavy heart, turns away.
...Goodbye, Margaret.
