Story Reader / Arcade Anima / On the Brink of Abyss / Story
Watching her sister leave, Luna stops herself from calling Lucia back.
(Lucia... just needs more time.)
Similarly betrayed by humans, Lucia should feel the same hatred as Luna. She would not have passed the filtering otherwise.
(Perhaps she's sympathizing with the Constructs, who are also betrayed?)
Luna could always tell what Lucia was thinking from her expression, but ever since her cathartic cry that night in the rain, Lucia has seemingly vented all her emotions.
After that, Lucia has been nothing but indifferent. Luna has not seen any trace of sentiments on Lucia's face for a while.
Should we follow her, Miss Luna?
A familiar voice pulls Luna away from her contemplations. Roland and Gabriel approach her from the shadow.
That's not necessary. Lucia is more than capable of handling those Babylonian Constructs, even if she is being merciful.
Not to mention that I always know how she's doing with my connection to her through the Ascension-Network.
If she wants to take a walk by herself, she can take a walk by herself.
Do you have something to report?
We have not found that Ascendant's trail yet. We have widened our search, but we have not discovered any clue that points us to him.
Is that so...
Luna is not too surprised by this result. He would not be the "Swindler" if he could be found so easily.
On the other hand, we've learned something regarding Lucia.
...?
This has caught Luna by surprise. She turns to look at Roland, her gaze slightly fluttered.
What is it?
A few Babylonian defectors talked to us. "Gray Raven was almost wiped out in the last mission. Lucia, the only survivor, is back on Babylonia and receiving treatment."
Shock, comprehension, anger... Luna's golden eyes reveal a series of conflicting emotions before calming down again.
They wouldn't let Lucia go, would they? Even if she isn't the original one.
Should we tell her?
...
Will telling her sister convince her to join their side? Luna is uncertain about it for the first time.
All Luna has ever wanted is to be with her sister, but does Lucia feel the same now?
Is Luna forcing Lucia to do something she is unwilling to do? Is that why there is this gulf between them right now?
Luna?
Roland, Gabriel, how do you feel about Lucia becoming an Ascendant?
Luna's sudden question does not catch the two Ascendants off guard.
Gabriel answers without hesitation.
Based on the data we recorded during our pursuit, I can conclude that she is a rather exceptional combatant amongst the Constructs we have encountered.
She is simply unaccustomed to the utilization of the Ascension-Network. Given that she has passed the filtering, her mastery of the network is but a matter of time.
Once she can fully harness the Ascension-Network, she will certainly become a massive boon to your plan, Miss Luna.
She is someone you have chosen, Miss Luna. Your will is the will of the Ascension-Network. We abide by your decision.
Unlike Gabriel's candor, Roland takes his time to think without offering an answer.
Luna does not press him. She just watches him quietly.
To the Ascnet...
Roland first takes a look at Gabriel before turning to Luna and continuing.
I think the most important thing is that Lucia didn't decline your invitation, Luna.
I believe that Lucia's involvement must be crucial to achieving your "goal."
It's going to take time and a good catalyst for her to realize that.
That is what I just said. Is this your conclusion after thinking for so long?
C'mon. I put a lot of thought into how to word it.
"Great minds think alike," don't they? We should be happy that we agree on this.
Hearing what Roland said, Luna turns toward where Lucia departed.
She gives her order after a while.
Keep searching for that Ascendant. We need to find out who sent him, at the very least.
As for what you mentioned, Roland, we'll decide after Lucia returns.
Understood.
Raaargh!
The damaged Corrupted does not resist. A giant mechanical hand crushes it into pieces.
Gabriel retrieves its memory chip from its shattered body, starting to read the data stored inside.
There's no reason to be this cruel, is there? It's your people!
It is a Corrupted who did not pass the filtering. It is nothing like me.
Do you consider those feeble Constructs your "people"?
What a tough question.
Roland keeps smiling, not agreeing or disagreeing with Gabriel.
So? Found anything related to that Ascendant?
Gabriel takes the memory chip out for his reader and throws it into the pile of metal scraps on the ground.
Nothing new. It did not see the Ascendant who contacted the humans. We should move on to the next area.
How about a short break, hm? I'm not you. I get tired.
And don't you think Luna is a little bit too obsessed with this Ascendant? That can't be good, right? Luna draws enough attention as it is.
Babylonia is also searching for that Ascendant in secret. Now's not the time to confront them.
The will of the agent is the will of the Ascension-Network. Are you doubting Miss Luna's decision?
I'll let you know that I'm really quite loyal, milord. But to do my job well, I need to understand my boss better.
Put your loyalty into action, then. It is such a human vice to pledge one's devotion in words only.
Now you're making me all worried. Does Luna care so much about that Ascendant because she wants to fire me and replace me with him?
Roland speaks with an exaggerated expression of concern. Gabriel does not pay him too much attention, being used to his jokes.
There is indeed something special about this Ascendant. As the first Ascendant to connect to a human, his existence alone is worth studying. It is understandable that Miss Luna would want to capture him.
Do you really think that's the reason?
Roland chuckles.
Miss Luna may have other concerns, but we have no need to speculate.
Because Miss Luna needs him, we will take him. If Miss Luna needs to destroy him, we will terminate him.
Even if he is an Ascendant.
For Miss Luna?
For Miss Luna and the Ascension-Network.
...
Well, then. I'll leave the other area to you to contribute to the great will of the Ascnet.
Where are you going?
Don't forget that I'm also looking for qualified candidates for the filtering as well.
I've been eyeing a few people. Now's the time to reel them in.
I mean, I'll appreciate it if you want to do my job for me.
I told you it is not necessary to lengthen the process of the filtering with your additional operations.
Bring your candidates to Miss Luna, and the Ascension-Network will pass its judgment.
Your games are pointless.
Sigh. You don't have to be so mean. I'm only doing this to find the truly worthy ones.
With your silly arrangements?
I prefer to call them tests.
I hope they work. Other agents have started making moves as well. We will need more companions.
I didn't expect you to be so guarded with the other agents.
Only those with absolute power can shape the new world to their likings.
Once humanity is wiped from this earth, the different Ascendant groups will clash.
I am not guarded. On the contrary, I look forward to that day when other agents reveal their power and will to the Ascension-Network.
That will be... gospel!
So you agree with what I'm doing?
I have always supported increasing our number.
I merely hope you are taking your time to do something useful instead of doing something entertaining to you.
Relax. I have a feeling that I'm going to catch something big this time.
Roland looks toward the distant horizon.
I wonder what kind of show will they put on?
