21호: XXI

My name is No. 21. This is Gray Raven, isn't it? As per Captain's order, I'm here to "infiltrate the rival squad"... Hmm? I shouldn't have said it out loud?

Functional experimental data added. Increase one testable level.

Promotion? Is it a new experiment?

Rank-up experiment completed.

Operating system updated. Experimental data... recorded.

Here you are, Buddy.

Functional experimental data added. Increase one testable level.

Promotion? Is it a new experiment?

Rank-up experiment completed.

Operating system updated. Experimental data... recorded.

Here you are, Buddy.

So, whose "ass" am I gonna "kick" this time?

I'll show you how to squeeze every last drop of value out of a person. Yay.

Test data collection completed.

...No. 21, refining the observation records.

Do you see that line... on the floor, near your feet? That's my boundary. You're not allowed to cross it.

...You want to chat? What is this "chatting"? I do not comprehend.

Names are nothing but a designation. No. 21 is my designation.

This place is as extensive as the institute…

Its designation is "Snore". Noctis suggested calling it "Georgievich Paustovsky", but I thought "Snore" suited it better... Oh, a new one just flashed through my mind...

Captain... Commandant... Noctis... Captain... Commandant... Together... Feeling good.

Short circuit? I know nothing of it. I only wanted to turn the lights on, so I pulled down all the levers.

...Sometimes it still feels like there is a faint smell of disinfectant in the air.

My boundary... has already expanded to the base's entrance. This is my territory now.

You have a human scent... Some have it, some don't. Like Vera and the Constructs around you. Did they get that scent from you? If I get closer to you, will I smell like a human, too? I want to have a human scent on me.

Sniff... It's the real commandant... Buddy, do not attack.

...I allow you to give Buddy a new designation.

Is the institute a quiet place, too? Not really. But here... I can hear your heartbeats. Thump-thump... Thump-thump...

What do I desire? Are you telling me to do what I want? Then I'm taking you away. That's what I want right now.

I will never betray my captain.

I don't need it.

What are you doing?

Is this some kind of experiment?

You're a "good buddy." I don't hate it.

...Is this a decoy to lure me into your trap? I've seen this hunting strategy before. You won't be able to trick me with it.

I think Buddy... is starting to like you, too.

This is not supposed to be used to measure power? Oh... I used it that way last time.

I think I had that dream last night again... that pure white dream.

The content in the broadcast just now doesn't exist in the database. Yet... it's interesting.

Warning, frame data errors d-detected. Vital fluid t-temperature rising.

I have nothing to repay you with, besides fighting for you on the battlefield.

It seems... you've hunted me down...

Munch... I've heard from the terminal that biting someone's cheek is a way of showing gratitude... I shouldn't do that to everyone casually? ...What's "casually"?

Even if you're gone... It's okay. I remember your scent. Wherever you go, I'll find you.

...Don't go.

A void period of time... I'm already quite used to it.

Have you been taken to some kind of experiment?

...Oh, you still have vital signs.

You look exhausted. Need Buddy to freshen you up? I can help too, if you don't mind.

Yawn... You seem to be sleeping well at this location. I'm crouching here to try it out myself.

Based on the experimental data, you've already reached maximum connection time. You're advised to cut the connection off now.

Why are you hanging around here all the time? Is anything good here?

If you stay connected without a break, your body will eventually be destroyed.

There were 20 other subjects before I was born... But they were all scrapped because of malfunctions. Commandant... please don't break down.

It hurts after you've fought again and again... But I'm used to it now... So don't worry, you can leave. I'll defend this place with Buddy.

Hmm?

Hey, worthless junk—that's how Captain greets everyone.

Hey, Gray Raven Commandant.

...Hmph, you're here.

Gray Raven Commandant Observation Record: Commandant has come today as well... Oh, it's just a task Captain assigned to me.

Buddy just asked me when you will come again.

Good morning. Why did I climb up the pole? It's a chameleon's courtship behavior... Hmm? Why can't I do this?

...How am I supposed to express this feeling? Is this love? What is love? Should I smile at a time like this?

Did you find a new organization out there? Could you take me there with you?

Hmmmm... Hm... Hm... Hm...

Experiment error... Frame unresponsive...

...Stop.

...Eww!

Gaf!

Hmm... Head... head pat is... UwU...

All tests completed. Entering standby mode.

Let's go, Buddy.

Can I crush it? I can crush it, right?

There's nowhere for test subjects to flee.

Hahahahaha!

Destruction begins. Hahahahaha!

Ugh! The experiments... continue.

I... don't want to be scrapped.

Am I going to be... a failure...?

Roger, "I'm gonna kick their asses."

Surround the enemy.

No. 21 survived and destroyed all enemies.