Story Reader / Extra Hidden / EX04 Echo Aria / Story
You stand at the landing zone and watch the transport craft take off.
In the FOB erected by the vanguard forces, numerous teams are moving about the base, strengthening fortifications and adjusting comm lines.
Corrupted remains piled outside of the base allude to a small conflict while the base was being erected. A tall Construct is throwing debris on either side of the street to clear a passageway for personnel and vehicles.
This area had been engulfed in the flames of war like most human cities on the Earth's surface, now standing in silence as the surface falls into desolation.
Corrupted intermittently scurry down the street toward the base only to be immediately blown to pieces by the defense turrets.
Corrupted.
The base's defenses are sufficient enough to fight off the few Corrupted wandering outside the city.
Actually, a horde of Corrupted are making their way to the city center. That's our target for this mission.
Right, the temp HQ should be... Ah, over there.
Lucia checks her surroundings, then fixes her eyes on a makeshift building in the center of the base. The white flowers and pink ribbons on the exterior of the temporary headquarters serve as a stark contrast with the surrounding charred city ruins.
Someone's sure got a strange taste.
Don't assume, Lee. Maybe they serve a special purpose.
Perhaps.
Alright, go report for duty. I'm going to scout the surrounding area.
Alright. We'll leave the reconnaissance to you then.
Before Lucia could finish speaking, Lee had already turned to leave the base.
...
Uh... It's nothing... Let's go report in...
The HQ's interior is far more spacious than expected. A woman is in the center of numerous display panels. A hologram of the city fills the space outside of the screens.
The woman furiously taps the screens, displaying various data on the city hologram, such as Corrupted distribution, weapon deployment and material allocation with each tap.
Gray Raven, reporting for duty.
Lucia, who was walking in front, speaks first. Hearing Lucia, the woman stops tapping the screens with both hands.
Gray Raven?
She speaks as she pushes aside the display panel in front of her. Her eyes fall directly on the Gray Ravens walking into the HQ.
Oh, THOSE Gray Ravens! Looks like you really are on the roster for this mission.
It's been a while, [player name].
You know each other, Commandant?
BAHAHA! I guess that's to be expected from you, Chief.
Why would you care about those who can't keep up?
What do you mean?
Nothing. Maybe this'll jog your memory.
Should I be honored that you remember me?
What do you mean?
Nothing. I was just remembering a few things during our time at F.O.S.
Let me re-introduce myself. My name is Vanessa, commandant of Egret and chief commander of this operation.
Regardless of your past accolades, Commandant, you better follow my orders as the chief commander.
Egret... Isn't that—?
Vanessa rises from her seat, crosses the city hologram suspended in mid-air, and slowly approaches the Gray Ravens.
Yes... The team Liv used to be a part of.
Vanessa...
Seems you're still using the frame I had recalibrated for you.
Why appear before me as Lux? Miss me that much?
That's not the reason.
Pfff, didn't I teach you to keep your mouth shut?
[player name], the Constructs on your team aren't all this insubordinate. Are they?
Saying this, Vanessa slowly lifts her hand as if to touch Liv.
Noticing Vanessa's intent, you take a step forward and catch Vanessa by the wrist.
Also sensing Vanessa's intent, Lucia prepares to draw the blade sheathed on her arm at any moment and lunge forward. However, you step forward and catch Vanessa by the wrist.
Heh. I don't know why, but I sure get a kick out of hearing the commandant call me that!
Oh? Can't even bring yourself to have a little chit-chat with me?
Hmph. I see you're still as boring as always.
Regardless, shouldn't a doll be punished for disobeying their master?
Comrades? You really haven't changed a bit.
But if that's how you view them, I have no interest in getting involved. After all, they're your playthings anyway.
Comrades to you, toys to me. Family to him, tools to her. It's irrelevant. Each team interacts differently.
At any rate, the powers that be only care about completing the mission.
But there's still one thing I'd like to say...
Vanessa leans in and whispers into your ear.
Don't worry, you can cut the act.
You can kick 'em to the curb whenever you've had your fun.
Even the most beautiful of toys is worthless if it refuses to listen.
Compared to such an exquisite dollhouse, they belong in the dump. Do they not?
Vaness... Chief, please focus on the mission.
Liv suddenly steps in between you and Vanessa. Looking outside the headquarters, she signals you with her gaze.
The confrontation had already stirred up quite the audience of onlookers.
Hmph, why let go so easily? Hold on a little longer if you'd like. After all, it'd give others a chance to see another side of you, Chief.
Vanessa gently rubs her wrist, smiling at you and Liv.
Chief, the Gray Ravens await your orders.
Lucia's loud voice suddenly comes from behind Vanessa. Vanessa scowls and turns to reprimand Lucia.
Did I give you permission to interrupt?
Apologies for interrupting you, but the Corrupted threat still hasn't been alleviated. We must focus our efforts on the mission.
Neglecting one's duty may be detrimental to the success of the mission. If the higher-ups want to point fingers, you'll be shouldering the blame as the chief commander.
...Hmph.
Vanessa quietly sighs, then returns to her seat surrounded by screens.
With a gentle tap of the screen, the Gray Raven symbol appears above the hologram of the city.
Gray Ravens, breach 35th to 42nd Street in Zone B.
There are far more Corrupted concentrated in this area than the surroundings. But, I'm sure that won't be an issue for your team. Right, Chief?
Understood.
Good. Don't disappoint me, Gray Ravens.
Roger.
As the Gray Ravens depart, the other teams originally gathered outside of the headquarters return to their respective posts.
Vanessa types on a screen as she watches the Gray Ravens leave.
[player name], how long do you think you can live out this naive fantasy of yours?
