Story Reader / Floating Record / ER04 The Floating Reverie / Story
Kaw, kaw... kaw, kaw, kaw... Cough, cough...
Cough, cough... Cough, cough...
A battered Guardian staggers toward Pulao. Its long blade, meant for slashing enemies, has become a walking stick.
A cold light flashes behind Pulao just before the Guardian is pierced through the chest by a spear.
The light in its eyes slowly flickers and fades, until it shuts off completely and the weapon falls from its grip.
My lady!
I'm fine... The mechanoid didn't seem to have ill intentions.
But it's neutralized now nonetheless. Thank you.
We're just finishing off a few small fries from behind.
Pulao picks up the fallen sword that belonged to the Guardian. A cluster of debris from Kowloong mechanoids lay in front of her.
All these Kowloong mechanoids were hijacked, including the Guardians. This must be "The Cradle's" doing.
But we haven't found any hackers. I mean we haven't encountered anything except aggressive mechanoids.
As long as they are still hiding in this mountain, we will find them.
Seems like they've not only kidnapped Kowloong civilians, but they're also collecting mechanoids for their own use.
And if nothing is done about it... they could become a threat to Kowloong.
Roger that. We will speed up our search for the hackers and the missing civilians.
...Wait.
The long blade in Pulao's hand is a standard weapon for Guardian I. It was designed to be durable and to withstand attacks from all sorts of enemies.
But this one is covered in rust and its edge is marred with numerous chips.
Has any of you rested since we got here yesterday?
We haven't—not when it's our responsibility as Pulao Crew to protect Kowloong and its citizens...
That won't do.
Pulao puts the long sword next to the Guardian and, in a stern tone, starts speaking to Pulao Crew.
Humans have limits. How are we supposed to keep Kowloong safe if you all work yourselves into pulps?
...We don't feel particularly tired, though.
You don't need to act tough when it's just us alone...
The head of the Pulao Crew is about to say something but swallows her words.
Understood. Let's get some rest, then.
The dozen Pulao Crew lined up along the passage quickly scatters, each looking for a comfortable spot to get some rest.
I'll keep watch, my lady.
I'll join you.
Pulao leads her onto a tree branch hanging over the wooden passage and they sit down together.
From here, they have a clear view of the narrow trail they took up the hill and the mountain ridges amid the hazy clouds nearby.
Pulao gets out a piece of candy and hands it to the girl sitting beside her.
Hum?
Just a little something to keep you going when you're tired.
...Thank you.
Pulao Crew peels off the wrapper and tosses the lime-colored candy into her mouth.
Wow, this is super sour!
Um-hum, it's a salted plum candy.
Pulao unrolls one for herself and chucks it into her mouth.
Mmm... sour indeed.
Do you always have candy with you when you go on missions?
Mm-hmm, it's just an old habit.
But... you don't need to eat candy for energy now anymore, right?
I don't need to, but that doesn't mean I won't.
Pulao stares into the clouds shrouding the towering mountains as she gently swings her legs.
You can't find a view like this on the Nighter.
Kowloong may well be the last place in the modern world that still offers such a sight.
I remember that when I was young, my father would tell me tales from lots of different places.
Some were of desolate mountains, some of glamorous, magnificent cities, and even railroads that span an entire continent...
He must have been to a lot of places! I'm jealous...
...
But in the end... he left the Nighter.
My father left the Nighter while I was still very young. He roamed the world as a Scavenger and I was raised by my mother.
He only contacted us a few times in over a decade.
Oh... I'm sorry.
No, don't be. He probably... doesn't even remember that he has a daughter.
As long as you still remember him, you'll see him again.
...Mm.
Pulao flashes a bright smile and gives her companion a few pats on the shoulder.
I have always held onto the belief that one day, we will be reunited with the ones we hold dear.
We will.
The fog thickens just as the candy in Pulao's mouth melts away and vanishes.
Did you manage to get some rest today?
I took a quick nap around noon.
Okay. I'll let you take over, then.
Wake me up right away if anything comes up.
Copy that.
No sooner has she lain down on the dead branch than the distant echo of a bell begins to resonate through the valley.
Dong... dong... dong...
Alert, alert!
This is the same sound we hear every time before the enemy attacks.
C'mon, not even going to let us rest now!
Pulao of Kowloong! Prepare to fight!
