Story Reader / Arcade Anima / Candle Light Torment / Story
What is Redemption?
>A morning in late winter.
It's been a while since the Gray Raven Commandant shook loose from the grasp of the "April 1 disappearance incident" and its aftermath.
However, the same thing happens again with Dark Aries.
Noan is sitting in his lounge when he realizes that Simon has been kidnapped.
He clenches the unknown package that arrived with the supplies; inside are a strand of Simon's hair, a blood-stained fingernail...
...And a photo from an "old friend."
Bethe.
The name belongs to a person who served under a major arms dealer of the Golden Age. Following the death of his boss during the Great Evacuation, he assumed control over a portion of the business.
He had connections with Akdilek, Kurono, and Babylonia, recycling their obsolete weapons and selling them to the desperate humans who sought means of resistance amidst the apocalyptic turmoil.
That was just it...
Until Noan broke into his hideout during that rescue operation and stumbled upon his concealed identity—an orphanage "patron."
He was one of the "fathers" Lithos once mentioned.
...As I thought, they're still "collaborating."
After the April 1 disappearance incident, the Purifying Force caught sight of Lithos and Bethe taking away the commandant by the river.
...But they never managed to catch that crafty schemer.
Now, the meaning behind Bethe sending this photo, along with Simon's hair and fingernail, becomes evident.
One, to unveil his "long-concealed" identity, extending an invitation to Noan for a meeting.
Two, to indicate Simon's current condition, forcing Noan to show up alone.
And his intention cannot be more clear—
Lithos.
To that Ascendant, Noan is regarded as a fitting "experimental material" suitable for the Ascendants' forthcoming plan.
Those test reports about Noan, mentioning a "highly stable M.I.N.D." and being "adaptable to specialized frames," played out like a cruel joke, attracting the attention of thieves who would steal away people's lives.
Just like the criminals of the past who illegally trafficked humans, they only value the worth of this body, regardless of whether it is Noan or not.
—This isn't the first time.
Even for those people, a single life as mere "material" is insufficient; they also seek "replicas" of the original.
What? They... saw me by the river where the commandant disappeared?
Right.
But I didn't leave the Clean Zone at all that day. How could I possibly show up there?
Did you use some kind of cloning technique?
Becoming a ninja isn't part of my career plan.
Uhm...
Have you guys heard of... the "M.I.N.D. replication technology"?
...
As Dark Aries Squad speculated, "replicas" were indeed created through the M.I.N.D. replication technology.
The thieves of life orchestrated an accident, secretly taking him to the lab under the pretense of an examination. It was there that they created eight replicas of his M.I.N.D.
...Later, these eight replicas were sold as commodities to an Ascendant.
The Ascendant kept one of these "Noans" and sent the remaining seven deep into the sea as "materials."
He intended to use the preserved replica as a handy tool, even crafting a new frame that would enable him to move like a typical Construct.
Afterward, he deleted all the positive memories the replica had.
He kept telling this "Noan"...
...It was the people from Babylonia who took you, repeatedly conducting human experiments on you...
I suppose the haziness in your memories is a result of that.
I'm sorry. I couldn't save your replica.
He was subdued by Babylonia, losing all memories... like a dog raised in captivity.
The Ascendant, known as the Swindler, showed the youth videos captured in Babylonia.
The youth observed Noan, an exact replica of himself, living every moment under constant surveillance and control.
Why would they do that...?
Because you're adaptable to specialized frames, but no one would entrust such a valuable resource to you.
To them, you're just a useful filler, a handy tool.
...Really?
Deep inside, something was screaming in denial of those words.
Yet confronted with undeniable evidence and a hazy recollection of the past, the youth did not know how to argue back.
Of course, it's true... I saved you. Why would I lie to you?
Those blurry memories in your M.I.N.D. are clearly the evidence of their crime...
...
Despite being unable to fully retrieve his memories, he held a strong desire to do whatever he could, just as he had done in the past.
—But the world is always a step ahead of average people.
...A tower that brings chaos?
Yes. Very soon...
This tower has proven all of Mister's predictions.
No one is able to make a difference facing such calamity, be it humans or Constructs.
It's just like what you've seen before... Only those who hold power can call the shots.
It's been a long time since you were thrown off the train, and I'm the one who's been taking care of you so far.
It's time for you to make a decision... Mr. Monster.
He gazes upon the red light that devours everything and the frenzied crowd...
To grasp that last sliver of possibility, the replica nodded slowly, embarking on a path in stark contrast to Noan's.
On the night he became a Transcendant, helping Lithos take down the first base.
The youth, drenched in crimson, trudged along the tracks amidst the heavy snow for a long time.
Lithos told him the attack was to rescue people taken away for experimentation, yet he still sensed a fragment of the veiled truth.
It was too late—bodies lay lifeless on the ground, silently condemning his actions.
I was wrong...
—No, nothing was wrong.
From what he had remembered so far, those close to him all exemplified a common trait: in order to acquire the power to resist, one must align themselves with those in positions of authority.
If that was truly the right path to follow, where did this soul-crushing pain come from?
No matter how many times he asked himself, he couldn't find that answer left behind in oblivion.
—Just abandon everything here, and with death, apologize to those innocent lives that were lost.
The monster who lost his name stopped in his tracks, yearning for the train to hurtle past at that very moment, crushing his battered body and taking away all the burdensome regrets.
...Just run away like that.
As his soul shattered, the youth released his clenched fists, seeing those familiar faces dissipating into the snow.
...No. I can't.
I still have those memories... memories they left behind.
—The one and only thing he had.
If he gave up his life here, the convictions of the pioneers would fade into oblivion along with his death, forgotten by all.
...They, too, walked down this path, bringing harm to countless innocent people for the final victory.
Let me complete what I refused to do back then...
The young man ignited a candle lamp, stepping into the never-ending snow with indelible resentment and doubt.
...The very same candle that his mother had taken out from a box of miscellaneous items when he was nine.
That night, the lighting and temperature systems in the train were damaged during another riot, plunging everything into darkness and bitter cold.
The mother hurried little Noan into bed early, while she and Rachel sat at the table, chatting by the candlelight.
I never thought you'd keep something as old-fashioned as a candle.
...It was left by him.
Upon hearing Julie mention her husband, Rachel let out a sigh of resignation.
Every time I see this, it reminds me of those who couldn't make it onto the train.
You see, these melted candle tears are like stacks of bodies, and the wick is the fire burning them from above.
Hearing this, Julie gazed at the candle silently for a while before squeezing out a weary, bitter chuckle from behind her mask.
He used to tell me all sorts of bizarre stories and ideas just like that.
...
Folktales from Kowloong, his entrepreneurial stories, and how he boarded the train... Some of them were pretty interesting.
Just now, when you mentioned that, it reminded me of him holding a candle and telling me that... in Kowloong, there was this torture method known as the "sky lantern."
They would wrap a person in a blanket, douse them in oil, and hang them upside down on a pole before igniting them from the top... Just like this wick, the person would suffer incredibly lasting torture before their actual death.
Were these kinds of stories all he talked to you about?
Aren't you doing the same?
She used the handle of a fork to adjust the position of the candle wick, making it burn brighter.
He's gone now. You should forget these things and move on.
...
Have you ever heard a saying?
What?
The dead are the wax, while the living are the wicks.
If one day, the Cargo Crew fails, and I die too, leaving you here all alone...
Would you then say, "It's time to forget these things and move on," and leave without looking back?
...
So, this wax and wicks saying about the living and the dead... It means that those who remain, the living, are like the wick in a candle.
Through the memories left by the dead and the light kindled from this wax, the living gets to survive the long nights, waiting for the break of dawn.
Don't resent the memories of the past... Rachel.
As survivors... we are always guided and protected by the memories of the dead.
At the same time, enduring the burn of those memories.
He checks the weapons and tools to bring along, hides the "dangerous" ones on his person, and organizes the remaining ordinary items in his backpack.
Noan has readied himself for the impending solitary battle.
—Knowing Bethe, he cannot afford to wait even a second longer.
I must leave now.
However, contrary to his intention of taking on this solitary mission, just a street away from the lounge, Noan encounters an unexpected person.
The Gray Raven Commandant stands under the winter sun, greeting him curiously.
Good morning. What brings you here?
Dark Aries has a patrol mission... I'll catch up with you later?
Noan's tone sounds perfectly natural, yet something feels off to you.
Is it because he doesn't usually prioritize missions like this?
Sensing your doubt, Noan offers his usual gentle smile.
I'll be back soon.
He waves his hand before disappearing around the corner of the street.
Ten minutes after the young man left, a notification sound suddenly comes from the terminal.
Where are you now?
You're near the Dark Aries' lounge?
I was hoping you could help me collect a sample, but it's pretty far away from your current spot.
If you're free, could you help me check if Noan did anything with the M.I.N.D. monitor? I'll send you the blueprint for the examination.
The data submitted in the past few days has been kind of abnormal, and I couldn't get any useful information by asking him.
You can go straight there. The tracker on his bracelet shows that he's in the lounge.
Asimov hastily ends the call.
You gaze in the direction where the young man disappeared, and then at the area where Dark Aries' lounge sits a street away. A sense of foreboding washes over you.
After climbing onto the rooftop, he avoids the usual patrol routes of Constructs and machines, steering clear of areas under surveillance.
Taking twice the normal time, Noan finally makes it near the exit.
Just a few steps away from leaving safely, he senses a silent gaze cast from the shadows.
...Commandant.
Why are you here?
You show him the terminal in your hand, as it displays the blueprint of the M.I.N.D. monitor sent by Asimov.
...
If I tell you the truth, will you believe that I have no ill intentions?
With a smile, the young man walks over, exuding a polite demeanor as if this is just an ordinary exchange of pleasantries.
Commandant Simon needs my assistance on something outside.
As Noan speaks, he raises his hand.
In the distance, a shimmer suddenly flickers from the ruins that have not yet been rebuilt.
As if suddenly realizing something, he quickly grabs your arm and pulls you aside.
Watch out!
A bullet grazes Noan's arm and lodges itself into the ground just inches away from your feet. At the same moment, Noan swiftly pockets something he was holding.
Don't move!
Six armed Constructs form a circle, slowly closing in.
BPZ-01, Noan of Dark Aries, you are forbidden from approaching the Clean Zone exit.
Put down your weapon and move away from the Gray Raven Commandant! Comply immediately, and there may still be a possibility of leniency!
If you have doubts about our identity and approach, you may file a report with the management later, but now, we must proceed with the arrest.
...Arrest? But I have something urgent to attend to.
He mutters to himself, surveying the Constructs surrounding him.
BPZ-01, for your unauthorized dismantling of the monitoring bracelet and approaching the Clean Zone exit without permission, we have sufficient reason to terminate you here.
...Commandant...
Releasing his grip on the human's arm, he takes a quiet step back, his hand poised to seize his weapon at any moment.
BPZ-01, I repeat, raise your hands.
Wary of Noan's movements, they close in on him step by step.
I have to leave the Clean Zone. Starting a fight here would definitely cause injuries and escalate the situation.
He speaks to you with a lowered voice.
Noan nods at you.
Commandant Simon has gone missing, possibly with Bethe. If we call for rescue, it would alert him to our actions.
So, I have a rather bold request.
While Noan calls it a request, his tone carries such urgency that it teeters on the edge of coercion.
Just as the encirclement tightens around him, Noan's right hand abruptly lands on your shoulder, pulling you closer in a decisive motion.
In a surprising turn of events, a blade, carrying the chill of winter with it, is thrust toward your neck with astonishing speed.
The aged off-hand short sword hovers perilously close to your neck, a simple twist away from unleashing a fatal spray of blood.
I'm sorry.
He lowers his head, apologizing to you in a barely audible voice.
I'm not going to hurt you.
Gazing downward at the blade close to your neck, you notice that Noan has secretly cushioned it with his finger, ensuring a safe distance.
What are you doing?! Let go of the Gray Raven Commandant!
Do you wish to be labeled as a defector? Put down your weapon immediately, and you might still have a chance to explain yourself and receive leniency.
Of course, I can release the commandant, but you have to give me one hour to leave.
This is against the rules!
Then you leave me no choice.
With you held as a "hostage," Noan keeps a wary eye on the surroundings as he slowly retreats toward the exit.
I'm warning you again! Put down your weapon and come with us!
And I will say this again: I have something urgent to attend to.
As Noan is about to escape into the labyrinthine streets, the Construct standing at the rear makes a negligible gesture.
With all the attention fixated on the encirclement, the two fail to notice this detail, and a lethal danger strikes in just an instant.
Commandant!
Unable to release the sword in time, Noan instinctively embraces the person in front of him, using his own body as a shield against the bullet.
But his action proves to be just a fraction too slow. The bullet pierces through his left hand, halted by the hilt held in his grip, narrowly averting a fatal outcome.
At the same time, a sharp pain shoots through your neck as Noan's hands tremble. Your blood from the wound, mixed with Noan's vital fluid from his palm, leaves a crimson stain on your collar.
This operation goes way far beyond a typical defector arrest. Had Noan not turned at the last moment, the bullet would have found its mark in your chest.
It seems they're not real members of the Purifying Force. Their earlier command to release you was just a facade.
We're still inside the Clean Zone. Anyone with common sense would think twice before starting a conflict with a member of Gray Raven.
Noan releases you from his embrace, firmly grasping his weapon, and assumes a protective stance in front of you.
As expected, the Constructs forming the encirclement quickly close in.
He harmed the hostage! Get him!
