Story Reader / Floating Record / ER08 The Long Goodbye / Story
Science Council
Testing Ground
After going through detailed inspection procedures and navigating numerous corridors, you finally stop in front of a sealed laboratory.
With his back to the window, Asimov is working on some laboratory equipment while Wanshi lies on the examination bed, connected to M.I.N.D. monitoring devices. The screen displays the current stability of his M.I.N.D. readings.
The previously stable connection suddenly shows an abnormal fluctuation, and Wanshi's eyes flutter in response.
Asimov walks out soon after noticing the Gray Raven Commandant.
Perfect timing. I need to tell you something about Wanshi's condition.
Ever since receiving his new frame, he's been unconsciously accessing sealed memory data from time to time.
Thankfully, you performed a deep dive to stabilize Wanshi's M.I.N.D. in time. Otherwise, the sheer volume and disorganization of that data would have been enough to kill him through M.I.N.D. disruption.
The memory data no longer poses a threat to him, but I can still detect fluctuations in his M.I.N.D... He must have told you about his condition—those "momentary blackouts"?
It's essentially just a brief, uncontrolled stasis.
You can think of it that way. While it doesn't significantly affect his daily life, we must take this seriously for the sake of his future combat operations.
I've run a thorough examination. The trigger appears to be a momentary disruption in his memory data, which has destabilized his memory storage system.
The M.I.N.D. disruption burst he experienced at the research facility was too severe. Even though you managed to stabilize him in time, this kind of irreversible damage was to be expected... At least, irreversible with our current technology.
There are two solutions. The simplest one is temporarily reverting to the old frame—it's the standard method for dealing with M.I.N.D. deviation. We've tried it already, but it doesn't work for Wanshi.
Another suggestion is to install an external memory module. We have Bambinata from Egret as a precedent. If we try something similar with Wanshi, the results should be more stable—after all, Wanshi's condition isn't as complex as Bambinata's.
However, using external modules would sacrifice much of Wanshi's memory data—at the very least, he would lose the ability to recall memories freely.
Wanshi himself has made it clear that he won't accept it.
After disconnecting from the monitoring device, Wanshi walks over. It is hard to imagine him firmly rejecting anything.
Still, having delved deep into Wanshi's M.I.N.D. before, you can somewhat understand how he feels.
So many people had all traces of their existence erased. If the memory data about them is moved to external storage... wouldn't that mean they have vanished completely from this world?
Besides these two options... Asimov and I want to try a third approach.
Asimov pulls up a document and gives the human a brief look at the publicly available research topics from a particular project group.
This project group was established by the Science Council a few years ago, specifically to study various types of M.I.N.D. disruptions in Constructs.
Unlike most previous M.I.N.D. research, this project is specifically focused on medical applications, working in close collaboration with Star of Life.
I've asked around. Wanshi's condition is quite unique—there aren't any similar cases in the project group yet.
So he needs to make a decision.
Would you be willing to assist the clinical laboratory's research project on M.I.N.D. as the first "case study"?
I'll be clear upfront: the first clinical case always carries significant risks, and complete recovery cannot be guaranteed.
...I've seen many Constructs struggling with M.I.N.D. deviation aftereffects.
If we can use this opportunity to find new treatment methods for similar M.I.N.D. damage symptoms, we could help far more Constructs than just myself.
Whatever the odds, whatever the future holds, I know that this choice, right here and now, is the right one.
Seeing Wanshi's serious expression, Asimov nods in response.
I can still guarantee some things, no need to be so serious... And you don't need to look so worried either.
Asimov pulls up another document.
This is the newly approved "Administrative Measures on Clinical Trial" from Parliament.
It emphasizes that the primary consideration in clinical trials is the rights and safety of the test subjects.
Before research is carried out, all experiment plans must be approved by the ethics committee. A strict ethical review needs to be performed and consent must be collected.
The regulatory system will oversee the entire research process.
The text flows smoothly as Asimov's finger glides across it—concise, meticulous, and clear. These are the principles everyone must abide by.
Humanity should have realized this by now: "No proposition outweighs the survival of human civilization."
After Wanshi finishes reviewing the documents, Asimov leaves a final remark.
This weapon was meant to benefit our era, but some had used it against the wrong targets. Now it's time for someone to wield it as intended.
Science marches forward, and the refinement of human civilization continues without pause.
The pruning of excess and erroneous branches is always required before new buds can grow in spring.
If there are no other questions, Wanshi's treatment should begin shortly.
Thanks.
No problem.
...We're just treating the aftereffects left by that old M.I.N.D. project.
As for the rest... we'll leave it to time.
Asimov gathers his files, preparing to leave.
Where are you heading next? Getting some rest?
We're going to the Youth Center.
It is a rest day for Babylonian residents, and students have no classes. Children from the Youth Center gather in the hall, running past Constructs with familiar ease—some even stopping to say hello.
A human and a Construct sit together on a bench in the hall, basking in the clear sunlight streaming down from the artificial sky.
Constructs were almost never seen here before, but now they're a common sight.
That's good.
...When Shorthalt first came to the Youth Center, even I was wary of him.
I've handed over all of Shorthalt's belongings found in the research facility to Valeria.
The mention of Shorthalt brings to mind a conversation with Valeria, the captain of Scarab, back when you were still on the ground.
Everyone is still busy at the temporary shelter, but when Scarab's communication comes through, you answer it immediately.
The projection flickers violently, barely showing the woman's black hair. Valeria must be on a mission.
Realizing the call is connected, the projection stabilizes for just a moment before a tall, commanding figure appears before everyone.
Valeria cuts straight to the question without looking to the human's surroundings.
I heard you have news about Shorthalt.
Cut the nonsense. Tell me straight—is he dead?
Upon confirming the death of her squad member, Valeria falls into a long, heavy silence.
So those limbs of Shorthalt I found back then... were they removed by the defectors?
It's probably meant to bait you.
At some point, Wanshi has moved next to the human, answering Valeria's question.
Wanshi... you were the one who solved the case.
...I still have some candy that Shorthalt gave me. I'll give it to you when we get back.
Candy?
The one you gave him before.
...I understand. I'll come get it from you when you're back in Babylonia.
I have no further questions.
Valeria accelerates once more, rushing towards her next mission.
Wait, I have another question.
Say it.
A long time ago... you mentioned a video recording of Shorthalt.
That was the last piece of news Wanshi had heard about Shorthalt before his disappearance.
Valeria slows down again. She studies Wanshi's face carefully and hangs up.
Before ending the call, she leaves Wanshi with one last message.
Nothing important... Just a lame joke.
I walked my way, step by step, to finally say goodbye to him. There would be others who need those things more than I do... I knew it too well, especially after speaking with Valeria.
Valeria took it without saying much, just like always.
Wanshi lowers his head, lost in thought.
I guess so...
The human tries to divert the conversation from the heavy topic. Wanshi thinks for a while before something crosses his mind.
I heard Shiva's been learning how to pilot transport shuttles?
Hmm, that's all I know.
As the two are chatting, a girl suddenly bounds up to Wanshi and greets him with uninhibited enthusiasm.
Brother Wanshi, you're here!
Huh...? Oh, I remember you.
Upon seeing the familiar child, Wanshi instinctively rummages through his pouch for snacks, but suddenly stops.
Last time I gave snacks to the children, I got scolded by the volunteers...
A curl of hair droops on Wanshi's head as he explains to the girl with a hint of regret.
...There are a lot of visitation procedures now, but next time I'll ask your teacher to bring you some snacks. You can share them with the other kids.
Wanshi!!
You and Wanshi turn around together and see a wide-eyed female volunteer shouting while pointing at Wanshi's hand, which is still buried in his pouch.
Wanshi! She just lost a decayed baby tooth! Stop giving her sweets!
Natalie pulls out two sets of casual clothes with volunteer badges from the shelf and tosses them over.
We grew up together at the Youth Center. You might have seen her at the Star of Life—she's a doctor there.
A few years ago, volunteer doctor Natalie survived the frontline warfare. After returning to Babylonia, she underwent additional training and became a doctor in the Construct Maintenance Department.
Occasionally, during maintenance sessions, Strike Hawk members would say hello to her.
She's already so busy with work, I wonder where she finds the time to volunteer... Ouch!
Natalie gives Wanshi a hearty pat on the back, sending him stumbling forward a few steps.
Don't act like you've got time to spare—you're here just as often! Get going! Maka's still waiting for you.
While walking away, Natalie throws a quick question at the Gray Raven Commandant.
Did you come with Wanshi to visit Maka? Do you have an appointment?
Cosette? Ah, the child they brought back from the surface. Maka's told me about her quite a few times. Follow me...
Before Natalie can finish her sentence, a boy bounces out from a nearby door and pounces on Wanshi.
Brother Wanshi!
Hey! Slow down!
Didn't you know, Brother Wanshi? After my last surgery, Natalie cleared me for running.
Now I'm just like the superheroes from those old movies! Cool, right?
Maka puffs out his chest proudly, pointing to the special device mounted there.
Wanshi, Maka's just like any other kid now.
Natalie crosses her arms as she looks at the energetic boy in front of her with a satisfied smile.
Even my mentors found his condition challenging. I never expected we'd discover a new clinical solution so quickly.
...I see.
Much faster than I expected.
Good news always arrives much sooner than Wanshi had anticipated.
—During the brief period before returning to Babylonia, Strike Hawk stays tightly together as they carry out their reconnaissance mission.
Especially for Wanshi—during the mission, the captain demands that he stays with the group at all times without exception.
Why do we suddenly "care" about Wanshi so much?
After Rosetta brought the evidence back to Babylonia, people began investigating a Construct desertion incident that Wanshi was involved in during his time as a Construct doctor, demanding the case be reopened.
...
Whether they're trying to hide something or obtain information... they'll do anything to get what they want. I hear they've pulled up old Purifying Force archives and are even investigating Wanshi's temporary modification.
So they're trying to build a case against Wanshi?
...Let's focus on the mission for now.
Chrome performs one final check of the local Punishing concentration before touching his terminal to submit the report.
All remaining Hetero-Creatures ahead have been eliminated. Transport team is clear to advance.
Please remind the volunteer doctors in your team to wear their protective suits properly. The Punishing concentration levels are still quite high along the route ahead.
Chrome glances at Wanshi as more specific instructions come through from the other side of the communication.
You mean Wanshi...?
?
Chrome ends the call with a hint of surprise on his face, as if he hadn't expected such good news to arrive so soon.
The Gray Raven Commandant just received the news—we can return to Babylonia.
Bianca asked the commandant to relay this... Wanshi won't be added to the Purifying Force's list. We can rest easy now.
I heard she passed along some information—an audio recording from that desertion incident?
A voice message...? Ah, right. Please thank her first.
There's still plenty to deal with when we get back... but at least we've got some good news.
At last, Chrome breaks into a relaxed smile.
Awesome! We can finally head back! Wanshi, I've got your Sleeping Pod all set up—you can try it out as soon as we return!
You haven't been stashing anything else in there, have you...
Definitely no more weird pillows. He had already gotten chewed out for it.
At Kamui's cheer, the transport fleet springs into action. One after another, vehicles pass before the Strike Hawk members, carrying engineering staff and volunteer doctors from Babylonia.
Many young faces look around with curiosity and excitement, finding novelty even in the ruins surrounding them.
This is my first time actually setting foot on the surface... It feels so different from what I saw in the footage!
More people have come to the surface.
Indeed, the volunteer doctors were the quickest to respond in Babylonia this time—much faster than any previous mobilization.
The security measures for volunteer doctors have been greatly enhanced. With Support Force members now leading volunteer teams, the casualty rate has been greatly reduced.
Chrome seems to be recalling a certain support operation in the past.
It's so much better now.
As the transport vehicles pass by, the Strike Hawks complete their mission and turn to leave, heading toward another place that needs protection—they are the ones who stand at the vanguard.
Come on, let's go! Clear the path ahead and we can go back!
Wanshi doesn't follow him immediately, his gaze lingering on the wheel tracks in the ground and the receding figures of the newcomers.
He raises his hand, as if reaching out to touch both the distant past and future that lie beyond this moment.
Wanshi? What are you looking at?
...This is the future I've been longing for.
I spent a lifetime venturing forward as both human and Construct... So this is how far I've come.
Tch, spacing out again? Are you really okay?
Yeah... I'm fine, don't worry.
Wanshi lowers his hands, turns around, and catches up with his teammates.
Here I come. Let's go.
