...Kamui?
You're...
He strains to make out the face before him, but the features stay frustratingly vague.
Jeez, would you stop running off ahead all the time? How many times do I have to tell you? The others can't keep up like that. You wait for them. That's how it works.
No matter when. No matter what's happening. You never leave a single family member behind.
Family...? Where... is my home?
And you... Who are you...?
But no answer comes. The figure turns and walks forward, receding steadily until the distance finally takes them.
The World Government never intended to abandon you. We just... arrived one step too late.
This voice—deep, husky, unmistakably male—stands in stark contrast to the rugged female tone from before. Yet still, the face remains hidden from him.
Maybe someday... you'll understand, when it happens to you. You'll see that no one's to blame. Not me. Not yourselves.
But I still need to say it. To all of you... I'm sorry.
I don't want your sorry!!!
Listen to me, Kamui. If you ever dare to leave us behind? None of us will forgive you!
No. We stay together.
...Keep your word, Kamui. Don't leave us behind. Don't abandon our home.
You...
"What really happened? Please, anyone... just tell me the truth."
But they're already walking away—no lingering glances, no trace of attachment. They have no intention of bringing him with them.
As if he's the one being left behind.
WAIT!!
He runs forward, desperate to catch them. But the distance between them stretches endlessly. No matter how hard he pushes, he can't close the gap.
Not fast enough. Need to go faster. Somewhere deep inside, he knows a moment too late means losing something irreplaceable.
Thud!! His sprint ends abruptly as an obstacle sends him sprawling. His arms shoot out on instinct, catching hold of something.
Did he... finally catch up?
Hope flickers as Kamui lifts his head, yearning to see their faces clearly at last.
?!!!
They lie fallen beside him on the cold, harsh floor. No breathing. No signs of life. They are clearly dead.
Just before the vengeful spirits can devour Kamui, [player name] pulls him from the abyss.
...
Perhaps it is the solar essence that has restored fragments of his M.I.N.D., allowing him to sink deeper into memories once locked away. Yet each descent exacts a price: the emptiness upon returning grows heavier with every connection.
To feel more genuinely is to become more entangled. But maybe that's the point. At least now, he's finally touching the instinctive thoughts that have always been waiting beneath the surface.
Test complete. Recording final data. Full report generation will conclude in approximately 30 seconds.
...Report complete. Ready for review. Would you like to configure parameters for subsequent testing?
Acknowledged. No configuration required. Test system entering sleep mode. Manual restart required for future use.
I've forwarded copies of the report to your terminals. This is the final pre-deployment assessment; all data will be archived accordingly.
In summary, the Aeternion frame's M.I.N.D. turbulence issues remain unresolved, presenting risks. However, all other metrics meet baseline requirements. Deployment is approved.
Those obsolete records offer no practical value regarding Kamui's current frame.
Project Barleycorn involved far more extreme cases. Consider it an immune system failure resulting in destructive feedback loops. Archival records designated these subjects as "Sunspots".
Their genetic integrity was insufficient. They were gradually assimilated by the Corona Gene's defective segment, compromising the immune response entirely. This rendered them exceptionally vulnerable to Punishing Virus infection—rapid deterioration, followed by termination.
The World Government's handling of Sunspot cases at the time... while not explicitly documented, the outcome was predictable. They were likely abandoned entirely.
We're diverging. My recommendation stands: if you deploy surface-side in his current state, be prepared for frequent turbulence episodes.
That concludes my evaluation. If you still believe this won't compromise mission integrity, I have no further objections.
The connection can theoretically promote stability, but the root cause is "fragmentation."
A connection can stabilize a structure that's crumbling. It cannot restore ruins to their original state. Not even you can accomplish that, [player name].
...Of course, these are hypotheses, not conclusions. Since you're heading to Ezette shortly, your investigation may yield additional context.
Kamui's M.I.N.D. damage predates his arrival at Babylonia, after all. It's almost certainly tied to the modifications performed during Project Barleycorn.
Just to be safe, take this portable detector with you. It analyzes small solar essence sources for viability. Gold readings indicate safe consumption levels.
Red readings indicate Punishing Virus concentrations exceeding critical thresholds. If you see red, cease all contact immediately.
Back during the adaptation before, I remember we tried using that solar essence stuff to patch things up. Think that might be worth a shot?
The probability is reasonable. During previous modifications, your M.I.N.D. partially fused with the Corona Gene. Residual substance at the damaged terminals appears compositionally similar to solar essence.
However, most of what I've administered has been synthetic. If you can locate and integrate the original solar essence at Ezette, regeneration may be possible at the damaged parts.
Again, this remains hypothetical. I still recommend additional defensive countermeasures before surface deployment.
Defensive countermeasures... wait, you mean those "consciousness anchor" things you mentioned during the last round?
Correct. Similar to Mind Beacons or the connection itself, they allow commandants or Constructs to establish stabilization points within your M.I.N.D.
Functionally, these anchors are specialized information packets. When activated, they assist the M.I.N.D. in temporarily regaining clarity. The response is faster and more robust than standard connections, making it an ideal preparatory measure.
...Yeah, but I remember you saying if someone's M.I.N.D. gets wrecked bad enough, broken anchors can backlash on the person who set them.
And even during the setup phase, they would've already started carrying the weight and the negative side effects, right?
Every method carries side effects. This one remains the lowest-risk option available.
...I get that. But why spread the risk around, y'know?
It's cool. Let me handle my own mess. I'm not gonna let it drag anyone else down.
...
Asimov's expression remains unsurprised. He chooses not to argue further with Kamui; instead, his gaze flicks meaningfully toward you, standing behind him.
Then let's proceed with the final frame inspection. The estimated time should be...
At that moment, your terminal vibrates. A quick glance reveals both the message and its sender:
...Five minutes.
We'll start with the M.I.N.D. connection. [player name], I need your assistance.
It's a standard procedure, so Kamui has no reason to refuse. You and Asimov fall into easy, wordless collaboration, drawing out a simple five-minute check into a solid fifteen.
You glance at Asimov, brow raised. He visibly suppresses an eye roll, shooting back a look that practically shouts: Don't look at me. I have no idea.
Okay, okay, Commandant, Asimov, I can see what you're doing...
You can't fool me this time! My frame's good to go, right? So let's bounce! We've got a mission to start!
Kamui.
The moment that familiar voice calls his name, Kamui's enthusiasm evaporates.
C-Captain...? Ahaha... hey... what's up...?
Um... [player name] and I were just, y'know, heading out! Super important mission! Whatever it is, it can totally wait 'til we get back! Yep! That's the plan!
Kamui grabs your hand, making a break for it. But he barely takes two strides before Camu steps directly into his path, blocking any hope of escape.
Your new frame—
SHOULD
NOT
BE
READY
YET.
Right? You're not going anywhere.
So, funny story. Even though you manually disabled the report notification to the Captain, the system still auto-sent the data anyway.
And, as luck would have it, when the Captain received it, he was projecting his screen in the Strike Hawk lounge. Camu and I were there.
Even. More. Coincidentally. Asimov then sent over a "consciousness anchor suggestion" mail... with your rejection attached to it.
We all recognize the benefits anchoring could bring you. And after seeing those risks in your report... we decided to come together.
We respect your decision, Kamui. But we can't just stand by while you face something like this alone.
I hope you can trust us the same way we trust you.
Solemnity settles over every member of Strike Hawk. Not one of them has ever treated this lightly.
I'm sorry... I didn't mean it like that. I just...
The anchoring thing... it's gonna affect you guys too. If someone's gotta pay the price... it should be me. Just me.
Trust me! I'll crush this mission and be back before you know it! And when I get back, I'll definitely—
Enough! Cut the crap, Kamui! Don't you dare underestimate us.
Answer me this. If the situation were reversed, and we needed your help, would you hesitate? Even for a second?
Of course you wouldn't because you're a big idiot! So if you'd help us without question, why the hell do you think it'd be any different when it's us helping you?!
We're not blaming you, Kamui. Think of this as a promise you're making to us. And as our way of keeping that promise to you.
Promise us you'll take care of yourself. Find what you're looking for. And come back safe... with everything we're giving you now.
When it gets rough... just let Strike Hawk be your shield.
Remember. No matter what happens, you're part of Strike Hawk.
I...
After a moment's hesitation, Kamui decides to abandon all the excuses he had prepared.
Then... you guys gotta promise me you'll take all the safety precautions too! And don't worry, I'll protect those anchors with my life! No way I'm letting them get hurt!
Oi, oi, oi! Since when'd you turn into such a wishy-washy crybaby, Kamui?!
Camu scratches his head impatiently. No matter how much they drag this out, they won't actually delay the mission.
Fine! Since your "admitting-you're-wrong" attitude isn't totally garbage, I'll put you down for compensation. And you'd better pay up when you get back!
For me? Twenty snack delivery runs. For Wanshi, twenty sleep pod transport services. For the Captain... uh, I forgot. We'll figure it out when you're back!
Twenty—?! That's way too many!
Camu and Wanshi simultaneously fix Kamui with a deadly glare, and whatever protest he had dies instantly on his tongue.
If I may interrupt this heartwarming bonding session.
There are precisely thirty minutes remaining before they depart for the transport craft. Shall I continue with the inspection, or will you handle it? And regarding those consciousness anchors, have you reached a final decision?
Isn't it obvious—
More hands make lighter work. We can be more thorough. As for the anchors... we'll take care of those at the same time.
Huh?! Wait, wait, wait, WAIT—Camu, Wanshi, stay back—
Too late to beg for mercy now!!
We're not professionals, so we might be a little... rough. Just bear with it.
Camu and Wanshi drag Kamui to the opposite corner. He's about to undergo what they promise will be the most "thorough" frame inspection he's ever had, whether he likes it or not.
Hmm. I'll go over the previous test reports again.
HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN—COMMANDANT—?!
Com... man... dant...
The half hour slips by. Now Kamui sits intact inside the transport craft, waiting to depart.
Given the "torture" he suffered just thirty minutes prior, "intact" is perhaps the most accurate description possible.
Camu and Wanshi were way too rough with me... and you just stood there and totally "left me for dead"…
The Commander has granted special communication access for this mission. Please complete authentication and verify everything's working. Once confirmed, we can depart.
Understood.
Kamui drops the act immediately, attention sharp as he begins operating his terminal.
Verifying identification, please wait...
Verification successful. Special communication access granted to the Aeternion frame. Connection setup complete.
Connection designated as [SU-0]. Would you like to modify this name?
...No need. This is fine.
At the name, Kamui falters, though just for an instant. Then he steadies himself and presses "No" without hesitation.
Yeah. That's the designation they originally planned for the first successful Golden Sun of Project Barleycorn.
During the Aeternion frame's research phase, they used it as a codename. Guess that's why the comm line ended up with it.
I vaguely remember... Ezette even designed a medal for it. Engraved with that designation, specially made for the first Golden Sun. Whoever earned it could wear it right here on the chest, for everyone to see!
Like this! I can't really remember for sure, but hey... maybe I even got to touch that medal with my own hands back then!
With a flourish, Kamui lifts his hand to his chest, pretending to pin on the medal. But his smile flickers as his fingers find nothing there.
The medal isn't his. Not now. Maybe it never was, even back then.
Slowly, he traces the three characters against his chest, letting their meaning settle into him once more.
"Second-Unnatural-0". That's the full name.
The first two words... they had probably been with me for a long time. Second-gen modified subjects in Project Barleycorn—those of us who started transformation later in life, through artificial intervention—we all got the same prefix.
Pretty amazing when you think about it. Just two simple letters... somehow sum up most of my time at Ezette.
To be precise, exclusively to the first Golden Sun! Ezette thought "0" looked like the outline of the sun. And it represented limitless possibilities.
Starting with the first Golden Sun, humanity got hope for rebirth and a breakthrough. We got new power to create countless more "suns"... to drive away the darkness called the Punishing Virus.
This special number was a unique honor, one no other transformed subject would ever possess again. It should be proof of Kamui's former glory... if he truly was that sun.
Ever since I got briefed for this mission, I've heard that designation so many times my ears are practically falling off!
You must know exactly how I feel, Commandant. I mean, you've definitely heard it plenty of times yourself, right?
According to the Ezette and F.O.S. matching system... [SU-0] is a weapon exclusive to [player name].
It was the destiny of every Ezette member to serve F.O.S. And such a Golden Sun, their crowning glory, was made to fight alongside F.O.S.'s chief elite.
When I first heard that, I was absolutely thrilled! Felt like you and I finally had this... special connection.
Something no one else has. Something only you can give me.
Plus, [SU-0] is a symbol of incredible power! Means in future battles, I'll have the strength to protect all of you!
This feeling is just... amazing. So good that... I want it to stay with me forever.
I know what that signal the Commander mentioned could mean. 'Til we confirm the truth... nobody can guarantee I'm still [SU-0].
'Course, I'm not that upset about it! Even if it's not me, there are definitely other Golden Suns out there. Humanity'll still have its protectors.
It's just... call it my selfish wish. If I really am [SU-0]... that'd be perfect.
That way... those people I keep failing to remember... if they're still alive... I could definitely bring them back.
His M.I.N.D. is shattered, a broken bone that never quite healed. This mission carries all his hopes: to recover what was lost, to piece himself back together.
But he knows. Weakness has no place when disaster strikes. His past coils around him like doubt made visible, whispering that light may not reach this deep.
But Kamui refuses to be mere mud. Mud cannot become the sun, nor can it chase away the darkness that clings to the world.
But if he isn't [SU-0]... then how? How does he reach the dream? How does he reclaim what's already gone?
When this mission was first conceived, they stopped calling him by name. [SU-0]—that's what appeared in reports, in briefings, in every mention of him. He heard it so often that eventually, he started to believe it.
But today, everyone calls him Kamui. Kamui of Strike Hawk. Kamui of Babylonia. Kamui who was once a human.
Yeah! [player name], you're right. I am Kamui!
No matter what happened before, or what comes next, I'll always be Kamui. That'll never change!
If something's really waiting for me up ahead, then let it come! I'm ready!
Whether I'm [SU-0] or [Kamui], there are definitely things that only I can do.
And if that message was telling the truth... if there are still people in Ezette who need my help...
No matter who I am, I'll find them. And I'll tell them: Kamui's here. And I'm bringing them back safe.
