아이라: 만화

Hello! It's been a long time. To celebrate our reunion, I prepared a surprise for you! What is it, you ask? Hehe. I'll give you one guess.

We're one step closer to the image I wanted to paint...!

The higher we go, the more we can see... It does feel nice to stand on top of the world and look down on everything, but sometimes, beauty can only be discovered when you look at it up close.

Upgrading based on the original foundation... No, no, no, no, no, that's too stingy! What about... I design a whole new frame? I've got so many ideas.

To faithfully recreate the picture within me, I must first hone my skills until they are perfect.

Question: who designed such a beautiful yet destructive weapon...? Bingo! It is me, Ayla!

We're one step closer to the image I wanted to paint...!

The higher we go, the more we can see... It does feel nice to stand on top of the world and look down on everything, but sometimes, beauty can only be discovered when you look at it up close.

Upgrading based on the original foundation... No, no, no, no, no, that's too stingy! What about... I design a whole new frame? I've got so many ideas.

To faithfully recreate the picture within me, I must first hone my skills until they are perfect.

Question: who designed such a beautiful yet destructive weapon...? Bingo! It is me, Ayla!

Now's the time to create together!

Turning contrasting colors into a harmonized picture... Hm, isn't that what I do best?

Mission complete—! How did I sound? I'm thinking about starting my podcast. Do you think I sounded professional?

Hobbies of the WGAA members? Well, some like to collect trinkets they got from their archaeological missions, some enjoy burying themselves in the design commissions from Babylonia, and some focus on their own artistic projects... Me? All of the above!

There's hardly anyone or anything on Babylonia that I don't know! Huh? I'm not showing off my memory! It's just... Babylonia might only be a small garden compared to Earth, but it is where I grew up... Isn't it normal to be curious about it?

Why did I change my frame? This is my first step toward a new beginning. Sometimes, just changing how you look can make a difference. Speaking of which, do you want me to design a new uniform for you, Commandant?

Lately, more Constructs on Babylonia seem to be getting interested in art... Hm... Should I start a drawing class? You're interested too, Commandant? Then I'll need to set up a private classroom as well!

I like the fantasy genre, whether it was back in the Golden Age or in modern times... Don't you find it fascinating? The endless imagination of words and images. Sometimes, people describe them as childish, but I don't care what people think!

Hold on, Commandant, don't move. Hold this position... steady... almost there... done! That image should give me plenty of ideas!

Even the same subject can look very different based on the artistic style. For example, Impressionists would focus on how light and the atmosphere affect the image, while Realists would... Hm? My style? Well... every movement has something that interests me, but if I must pick one, I'd say it's "Alyaism"!

I've been on countless archaeological missions since I joined the WGAA. Battlefields, ruins, destroyed cities, wilted gardens... All of those sights were disheartening, each leaving a lasting impression... I really thought I had seen the "true" world, but I'm not so sure now... Commandant, what is your "truth"? I'll be so happy if you can tell me.

You can't keep up with my mind sometimes? Haha, I think Selena used to say that as well. "Sometimes Ayla will come up with nonsensical ideas out of nowhere..." But that's okay—we have plenty of time. I'm sure we'll be in sync eventually!

Huh? I seem to be carefree all the time?... It's not like I'm never sad or upset. I got mad several times back when I had "friendly discussions" with Selena. But I realized happiness matters the most, because people like seeing my smile more than my sad face!

Have you seen a "moonbow," Commandant? It's a rainbow produced by moonlight after a thunderstorm at night... If humanity has a color that belongs to them, I think it is the color of the moonbow.

What would I be doing if I hadn't taken up painting? Maybe I'd enroll in F.O.S. and become your schoolmate? Haha... I'm kidding. I've had so many precious and wonderful memories because I painted. To give them up for a different life... I'll never make that trade!

I think the bond between people... is the most brilliant and fragile thing in the world. Anyone could be saying goodbye on a morning no different than the last one... So, Commandant, if you have someone important standing beside you, never let her go no matter what!

I'm not someone who "came" to Babylonia from Earth, but I still want to "return" there... because your gaze rests on that planet so often. I want to know what kind of world is reflected in your eyes... That's the view I want to paint the most.

You've known me for so long that your painting skills must have improved, right? I guess that makes you my student, doesn't it? In that case, as your teacher, I shall give you your final exam—ahem... Commandant, can you paint a picture for me?

Why do I care so much about you? Hm... There are quite a few reasons. Let me tell you the first one... It's because you are perfect for my paintings!

What kind of relationship do you want to build with me, Commandant?

Commandant, are you here to see my paintings? Hold on! I'm almost done. Please be patient!

Thank you! Oh, isn't this the product I designed? Do you like it as well, Commandant?

I have an idea for a new coating... Do you want to be its first viewer when it's done?

Thanks, Commandant! What do you want in return?

Let's go check out the new restaurant in Babylonia, Commandant! Don't worry about waiting in line. I've booked the whole venue!

Lately, I've been getting so many gifts from my fans that I'm running out of space... Oh, don't you worry. I keep your gifts in a special place.

My agent has been telling me that I've been seeing you too much. I've been reflecting on that... Next time, we mustn't let my agent find out!

How do you always know what I want at the moment...? I suppose I wanted them because you gave them to me!

Drum roll! Now, for the second reason... Your figure is like those in the painting—so close and yet so far away... It's intoxicating... Hah, are you blushing from how I described you?

Commandant, quickly! What is in the truck? It's all the paintings I have ever done since my debut, all signed by yours truly! Now, place your thumb here, and they'll all belong to you!

Consider WGAA your second home. If a day comes when you are no longer needed on the battlefield, come find me. I still have many things I want to do with you.

Commandant, take this. It's a lifetime pass I made specifically for you. You'll have the best seat for all my future exhibitions and performances!

Commandant, let me tell you my final reason in secret. Come on, give me your ear... PUFF! Haha, it's itchy, isn't it? How can a girl just give out her biggest secret? You must discover it yourself, Commandant!

I'm running out of ideas for a gift for you, Commandant... Right! I don't have to think about that anymore if I just give you me! What do you say, Commandant?

Commandant is zoning out! How interesting!

What's troubling you, Commandant? You can share anything with me.

What can I do to lift your spirits? Do you need me to share some of my energy with you?

Commandant... Commandant... Can you hear my voice? In that case, then I can stay with you even when you're asleep.

...Commandant, are you tired? You don't want to talk? That's okay. In that case... I'll just stay with you and slack off a bit...

If you exhaust yourself today, it'll cost you your inspiration tomorrow!

Fweet-fweet—! Enough, Commandant! If you keep working, I'll have to sentence you to mandatory rest!

Commandant, do you want me to tell you a bedtime story? Something more lively? Then let me draw it for you.

You want to finish the painting with me? That's not necessary, Commandant. Go rest. Although we can't witness the moment of its completion together, it can be your first surprise when you wake up!

I had a good day today too! Now, go to sleep, Commandant. It will take more than a day or two to complete every item on my agenda.

Commandant, would you mind if I paint here today?

No one becomes a master overnight. For today's practice, I will begin by doing 100 sketches of the commandant!

Are you interested in the World Government Association of Art, Commandant? Then allow me to take you for a tour. Many exhibition halls there aren't open to the public, but I can sneak you in!

How do I look today, Commandant? Energetic? Good.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Commandant. I accidentally spent a little too long doing makeup today... You can't see a difference? Commandant, never say that to a lady.

Tag! I got you, Commandant! Well, then, you're spending your day with me.

Lately, I find it difficult to paint if I don't see you, Commandant... Come on. Do your part, alright?

Commandant... You're here. Good, I'm painting a portrait of you. This is a practice I do every day so I'll never forget your face.

Commandant, you're back. Seriously... I made so many copies of missing posters with your portrait, and I was going to put them up around the world... Luckily I don't have to use them anymore.

...Commandant, cease your ambush!

Ah...! I almost hit your face, Commandant.

No! The paints... Spilled all over the canvas... COM—MAN—DANT?!

What's wrong, Commandant? Do you have a secret you want to share with me?

Commandant, you always seem to poke the same spot...

I still have work to do, Commandant... Fine, you can poke me for another five seconds.

Have we finished everything on the to-do list? Then you're spending the rest of your time with me, Commandant.

Express yourself! Unleash creativity!

Do you understand the essence of "Aylaism" yet?

Time to paint!

Yes! Eureka!

My ideas are blooming!

Behold a world of imagination!

The canvas is ready!

Let's paint the future in these new colors!

The colors are wrong...?

I must not fail the expectations of others.

I suppose... despair is beautiful in its own way...

This is my draft for "Victory".

A stroke of genius!

This story of ours has just begun!