Mom...? Dad...?
Kamui wants to call out to Odile and Eurytes in the way he did as a child. It's instinct, etched into him since his earliest memories. From the very moment he began to understand the world around him, whenever "parents" were mentioned, they were the only two people he could think of.
But the archive tells a different story. Biological parents he's never met. Strangers whose faces mean nothing. So which memories are real? And how did he end up here, caught between two sets of parents?
Neither set of parents is here now. No one can answer Kamui's questions.
He stares at the two smiling faces in the family photo. The memory should be his. It is his. But somehow, it no longer feels that way.
I... It'd be a lie to say I don't feel anything. But don't worry too much about me, [player name].
With how my memories are right now... I've got, like... vague impressions, just nothing too clear.
So seeing all of this, here and now, it just makes me feel... a little...
I just wanna know who they really were. And who I really am.
I guess those answers'll have to wait until my M.I.N.D. recovers—?!
The unfinished question sends ripples through his mind. Then a sudden weight comes crashing down on him. That familiar tearing sensation returns to Kamui's M.I.N.D. He knows it's the essence he just took. It's starting to work.
Ghh—?!
With your help, Kamui staggers to the wall. His memories are like a dust-covered puzzle, and now, at last, the shards are fitting together.
Mom... Dad...
More memories of them surface. Of his origins. His parents. And... another child in his "family."
A young boy, around Kamui's age, who called their parents by the same names he did.
[Mom█▄▅▁—Dad█▄▅▁—]
At last, his name comes back to Kamui.
...Azael?
Don't. Say my name. Who the hell do you think you are?!
You think your little fake gestures are gonna make me accept you? You're not part of this family. Stop acting like you belong here!
You've already taken everything from me. Their attention, every moment that should've only been mine, even our only family photo. What more do you want?!
Now Kamui sees him clearly. The boy bears Odile's fierce red hair and Eurytes' silver eyes. He's their child, marked unmistakably by both.
And himself? He looks at his own hands, his own reflection. He has no echo of them, no genetic thread tying him to that family at all.
Kamui remembers the day Azael finally relented and let him into his room. Before he could even celebrate this small victory, his eyes caught a glaring red line slashed across the family photo on the desk.
The stroke was childish, full of anger. It was probably drawn, he realized, right after the photo was taken. That red line carved a stark boundary, separating Kamui, who stood closest to the camera, from everyone else.
On one side stood the three of them, a complete family. The red line formed an impassable chasm, a silent rebuke: You don't belong here.
He had once believed in that warmth. Convinced himself those were happy times, flawless and bright, like an unbroken mirror.
But Azael's words cut through. Maybe Kamui was never part of that reflection. Maybe the crack was always there, waiting to be noticed.
Get out!!!
Get out of here!! Kamui!!
Kamui!
Whoosh.
The swift blur of the weapon grazed Kamui's hair. Had Odile not pulled back in time, her attack would have sent him flying several meters.
Kamui's weapon clattered to the ground, severed. As Odile delivered her final strike, the lower half slipped from his grasp and plunged into the earth with a resounding thud.
This was new to him. Children born in Ezette were required to begin practical combat training once they reached a certain age, with the freedom to choose their own weapons.
Back then, Kamui hadn't overthought his choice. He'd selected a greatsword—the one with the most powerful potential—and never looked back. Odile had called him a natural talent for battle. He rarely tasted defeat while mastering the blade.
But today was different. Today marked Kamui's first humiliating loss. Even though his opponent was Odile, the strongest warrior in Ezette, he shouldn't have fallen so spectacularly. Something was clearly troubling him, disturbing his focus.
Kamui stared at his halved weapon in silence. On a real battlefield, today's performance would have left him dead with no one to bury his remains. This was a fatal mistake, and he was prepared to face severe punishment for it.
Odile set her weapon aside and approached, her expression grave.
Kamui.
Her gaze fell on the broken greatsword.
Explain it to me yourself. What stupid move did you pull during training, and what the hell was going through your head to make you screw up this bad?
Yeah. It's...
Get out!!
The boy's cruel words rang in Kamui's head again, each one a fresh needle of pain.
This had happened three days ago, on Family Day. Odile and Eurytes rarely claimed to be too busy, so they'd told the children to spend the day without them. As usual, Kamui had brought snacks and a gaming console to visit Azael in his room.
He should have known something was off the second he opened the door. The look on Azael's face stopped him cold.
...What are you doing here?
Huh? Didn't Mom and Dad tell you? They're still busy, so I came to hang!
Check it out!! Got all your favorite snacks, plus that game we couldn't beat last time. I studied up after I left. We're totally clearing it this time!!
...Azael? You okay? You seem kinda down.
Is this stupid kid stuff all you ever think about?
Huh? Ohhh, I get it! You wanna do something different today, right? We can switch games!
It's just... the last few times, you said the game was pretty good. Thought you'd like it, so I, y'know...
Someone like you... why do they even compare you to me?! They put themselves on the line, trust important stuff to an idiot like you...
Who do you think you are?! You idiot!! Get out of here! I don't wanna see your face!!
They're NOT your parents! Why do you keep hanging around our house?! This is MY home, not YOURS!!
GET OUT!!
...It was my own carelessness. I wasn't focused during training. It's all my fault.
Kamui replied without missing a beat. Lying wasn't his strong suit. If he stalled or added too much, Odile would see right through him.
Hmph. That so? Kamui. I'm giving you one more chance. Think carefully. That's really all you've got to say?
I... yeah. That's it. I'll take whatever punishment's fair.
Tch. Fine. Listen up, starting today, your training regimen doubles. You're banned from using your weapon of choice. You'll only use backup gear from storage.
You'll go through the whole weapon application process again. Only after you survive this training and hit the standards do you get to choose another weapon.
Now get to Medical, patch yourself up, and start training. Move!
Roger that. On it—
STOP!!
Hearing the voice, Kamui turned around in surprise. He never expected Azael to show up here, much less burst in to defy Odile's orders.
Forcing him into intensive training with zero recovery time is just gonna make his injuries worse.
And those backup weapons are practically useless. There's no way he's meeting standards in this condition. This vicious cycle is completely unfair!
...Fair? Tell me, Azael. What exactly would be fair in your book?
Don't think you can throw a tantrum and intimidate me. When something goes wrong, someone answers for it. That's what real accountability looks like, damn it!
Get out of my way. This doesn't involve you, so keep your mouth shut.
How can you say it doesn't involve me?! Mom, you think I wouldn't figure it out? These "training sessions" have been evaluations from you and Dad all along.
I made excuses to dodge testing, so you used Kamui to keep running your scheme instead. I sabotaged his weapon. I know exactly what the outcome should've been, and it's nowhere near as bad as you're making it out to be.
He doesn't deserve this punishment! And you two should've dropped this unrealistic crap a long time ago!
...That's enough, Azael.
Mom, I accept all orders. Can we just... handle this as planned? Please. Let's not take this any further.
Kamui finished speaking and reached for his broken sword on the ground, turning to go. But his acceptance of defeat only stoked Azael's fire. In a flash, Azael lunged forward, tore the weapon from Kamui's grasp, and planted himself firmly in his way.
Who said you could leave?! Kamui, you're hurt. Where do you think you're going?!
Get back to the quarters and stay put. I'm not a coward. I don't need you taking the fall for me.
That's not... that's not what I meant. It's just... what you said earlier. You were right.
I shouldn't be taking up space that isn't mine. And I shouldn't have... taken things that belong to you.
So... this is fine. Really. I don't wanna take anything else from you.
...I never meant for things to go this far, Kamui.
I only wanted you to fail the assessment. So that... so that...
Hmph. So you two finally decided to come clean?
Odile closed the distance. Her gaze swept over them, and whatever fight they'd had in them drained away. Both boys looked at the floor, suddenly fascinated by their own shoes.
Kamui. Being kind doesn't mean being a doormat. If you can't tell the difference, you're gonna pay a lot worse down the line.
You're not the type to lose focus in a fight like some idiot, so stop carrying every piece of emotional baggage that comes your way.
You've had this habit since you were little. You think if you don't tell us what's wrong and just patch yourself up in secret, everything'll magically be fine once the wounds heal.
Keep bottling up the small stuff, and it'll fester into something you can't heal. By then, regrets won't mean a damn thing.
With that settled for Kamui, Odile turned her attention to Azael.
Same goes for you, Azael. You'd better hear this too.
You thought a little sabotage wouldn't do any real harm, is that it? Who the hell taught you that twisted logic? Who the hell do you think you are?
Like you said yourself, if I'd pushed Kamui through that intensive training, or if Ezette had been ambushed today and he'd faced real enemies instead of me—
Think about it. How bad could he have gotten hurt? Worse, would he have died out there because of this?
Once you start hurting him, intended or not, no one can guarantee those wounds won't break him. That's why Ezette's always had one rule: you never deliberately hurt family. No matter how small it seems.
If something had happened, when that moment came, you'd never forgive yourself. Ever.
...I'm sorry. Kamui. Mom.
I... didn't want it to go this far.
I'm not gonna run. I'll own it. Whatever punishment... I'll take it myself.
Hmph. At least you've got some spine. But you're still naive. You're both getting punished. No special treatment.
I told you, you've both got issues that need fixing. So neither of you gets a pass. Both problems get handled.
...I don't wanna be lumped in with him. And why are you still treating us the same?
Azael. Have you lost your mind?! You'd rather we play favorites with Kamui instead?!
You are playing favorites! Having those high expectations for him, training him like he's me... WHY?!
He's just some adopted kid. I'm your real child. He's not even family. Why waste so much effort on him?!
I'm the only one who should matter to you!!
Odile scoffed softly, as if she'd just heard something utterly preposterous.
That's even more ridiculous than what you said earlier.
You really think a family's held together by something as flimsy as blood?
I'm gonna tell you this one more time, Azael. And it's the last time.
You. Me. Kamui. Eurytes. Everyone else here. We all belong to one home.
That home's name is Ezette.
There are no walls between family. And we all share the same duty—to protect each other. No exceptions.
From the seat nearby, Odile picked up a worn book. She found the first page, then held it up for Azael to look.
You've been taught Ezette's history since you were kids. But clearly, none of it stuck.
Azael. Tell me yourself, what's in this photo on the first page?
...It's the founders of Ezette. Their first group photo after they settled here.
And among them, are any of them related by blood?
...No. They came from all over. Each of them lost their homeland to war. They met by chance, came together, and built Ezette, hoping to create a new home.
But they left descendants, didn't they? There are bloodlines that continued inside Ezette!
If Ezette had relied on blood ties alone, it never would've become what it is today.
Over hundreds of years, we grew from an unknown mercenary group into a major military base. What do you think drove that?
She traced her fingertip to the second page, revealing an enormous world map crisscrossed with countless red lines.
These are all the places our predecessors traveled.
Wherever they shed blood, they brought back the ones left homeless by war. Anyone willing to stay was welcomed, treated as family.
We grew stronger because of that. But that growth also meant we needed more stability.
Why do you think Ezette gave up its "freedom" to be incorporated under the World Government? Became a regulated military base?
Because the World Government promised us protection. Professional training. Resources to better fulfill Ezette's dream.
"To build a world where no family is divided, and all live under the light of the sun."
Every person who belongs to Ezette fights for that dream.
But if you're really set on tracing everything back to origins, fine, I'll grant you that wish.
Odile turned to Kamui, knowing it was time to finally dispel the shadow that had long lingered in his heart.
Ever since you were old enough to understand, Eurytes and I never hid the truth. You're not our son by blood. You have every right to know that, and you should never feel lesser because of it.
Now I'm going to tell you more about your birth parents.
Your father, Saul, and your mother, Rah, were the previous leaders of Ezette. They themselves were orphans of Ezette soldiers. They chose to stay. To carry on their parents' legacy.
They became the strongest warriors of their generation. In their final battle, they stayed behind to cover the retreat. Gave their lives so their comrades could escape.
If you're so hung up on bloodlines, then think about this.
The blood running through your veins has always been that of two heroes.
I... I see.
And you, Azael, do you really believe that being our son gives you some automatic claim over Ezette?
Odile approached her son, her gaze drawn to the shock of fiery red hair mirroring her own.
Ezette does not follow some hereditary dictatorship. Neither you nor I possess some innately superior, noble bloodline.
I, your birth mother, was an orphan from some nameless village massacred by bandits. Before rescue came, wild beasts carried me off. Raised me as one of their own cubs.
It was Ezette's troops passing through the woods who took me from that beast's den. They brought me back and raised me.
And your father Eurytes? He once served an assassin organization. The blood on his hands was no less than mine as a soldier.
I found him half-dead once and dragged him back. Had to beat some sense into him, but eventually he helped us take down his old organization's hideout. Only then did he settle in Ezette.
By your logic, would either of us even qualify as Ezette's members?
I... I...
I'm telling you this not to make anyone feel superior or inferior.
You are both people of Ezette. And you are equals.
If you truly want to carry the weight of Ezette's future, then you'd better fully understand what "family" actually means.
...Now. I'm announcing your disciplinary measures.
Ezette member Azael, for violating Ezette's code of conduct, you will report to the trial grounds in the restricted area in three days. You will undertake a Level One difficulty trial.
And member Kamui, for being aware of the situation and failing to report it, you will accompany Azael and complete the trial together.
This notice will be posted publicly throughout the base. Effective immediately.
...?!
A Level One trial in the restricted area?! That's supposed to be for leader candidate selection!
And protocols require preliminary assessments before the trial... We haven't even...
This decision was made after consultation with Eurytes. There are other factors involved, but now is not the time for explanations.
When you return, we'll explain everything properly.
...Other factors. It's about that thing again, isn't it?
Just like the recent assessment proved, you'll never let it go. You won't compromise, not even for us.
Azael, control your emotions. If you want to carry Ezette's weight in the future, you need to learn maturity.
This "weight"?! You've never once asked what we think about it!
You keep everything from us. Make all the decisions on your own...
When are you EVER going to consider what WE actually want?!!!
Azael!!
Odile shouted after him, but her voice barely registered. Azael was already gone, emotions in chaos, feet carrying him out of the training ground before anyone could react.
...Mom, I'll go after him. Don't worry. We'll be ready to report in three days.
And... thank you. You and Dad. For everything.
Kamui vanished after Azael into the distance. Odile gazed after her children, lost in thought for a moment, before furrowing her brow as the weight of it all settled in.
...Forget it. Now's not the right time. I'll deal with it later.
And... hey! Eurytes! When are you gonna quit that habit of lurking in the shadows?
I swear, Azael and Kamui both got their worst traits from you.
Eurytes approached her with a gentle smile, his arms full of an assortment of bandages, salves, and other healing supplies.
Old habits die hard. Some things are just etched into your bones, I suppose.
Besides, I figured I'd keep my head down while you were sharing with the kids those embarrassing stories about my past.
Nothing to be proud of there.
Odile folded her arms, one eyebrow arching sharply in Eurytes' direction.
You're nothing like the ruthless "viper" you used to be, you know that?
Honestly? I kinda liked you better when we first met. Gravely wounded, but still swearing you'd die before you'd yield.
Mm. But that would've only held your interest temporarily. I think my current self has better odds of keeping you around for the long haul.
...Give you an inch, and you take a mile. Unbelievable.
Odile's gaze fell to the supplies Eurytes was holding—dented bottle caps, bandages shoved in every which way. It was small, almost insignificant, except that Eurytes was never this careless with his things.
Azael brought these, didn't he? Let me guess, they're for Kamui.
Yeah. They fell when you shouted at him. He ran off without them.
Odile stared at the supplies, her expression pinched with uncertainty. For a moment, she hadn't the faintest idea what to do with any of it.
...I thought Azael had softened toward Kamui over the years. What's gotten into him lately?
He's been losing his temper with Kamui way too often. Feels like we're back to when they were kids.
Normally he's just stubborn at worst. But lately? No restraint at all.
Growth is complicated. Can't rush it. It doesn't happen overnight.
They both need a chance to finally resolve this, once and for all.
Besides... the boy might've sensed something. He's been going through our materials about "that plan." Secretly.
Fortunately, he hasn't found the classified files yet. Otherwise, the information Ezette's been suppressing...
Don't overthink it, Eurytes. We focus on the trial and error. If we succeed, "that problem" won't matter anymore.
Not just for individual physiology. For everyone in Ezette... None of them will have to carry that weight again.
...He's always been a sensitive kid.
Eurytes hoped this sensitivity wouldn't harm him someday, but he kept the words to himself, swallowing his concerns in silence.
After they return from the trial, let's tell them everything.
Once we start implementing that plan, we'll need people ready to carry it forward. They're the best candidates we've got.
Ugh... Should I go or not? This is killing me...
Kamui thrashed in his bed, blankets and pillows taking the brunt of his frustration as they flew to the floor one by one.
At least, he thought bitterly, he and Azael were grown now. Odile and Eurytes no longer walked in unannounced. Back in childhood, that door would have burst open already, Odile's hand reaching for his ear.
He'd caught up to Azael after the training ground, but Azael wouldn't even look at him. So Kamui had busied himself instead, checking the supplies needed for their task in three days.
But the real problem gnawed at him: his weapon was shattered. Odile had ordered Azael to hand his over as compensation, but she hadn't said a word about how Azael would fight. Kamui had to fix this.
This won't do! I can't just sit here doing nothing. We leave first thing tomorrow. I won't get another chance!
Kamui shot up from the bed. With no time to waste, he decided to sneak into the arsenal now. He couldn't let Azael walk into that trial without a proper greatsword.
Wait... knowing Azael, he'd totally say, "Who needs your pity? I don't want your charity. Take your stuff and get lost."
But... what if I just swap weapons with him after we leave? Genius! Yeah, that's the plan!
He gave himself a little fist pump and took off toward the bedroom door. But at the last second, his feet skidded to a stop, hand hovering over the door handle. A beat of contemplation, chin thoughtfully stroked. Then, with a grin, he pulled the door open.
Hah! Knew it was you, Azael! My ears never lie!
?!
Azael stood frozen in the doorway, hand raised to knock, whole body flinching at Kamui's sudden appearance. The surprise lasted only a heartbeat before he rearranged his features into a scowl, layering on a voice thick with feigned ferocity.
Kamui! I swear, if you ever scare me like that again, I'll beat you into paste!
As the words left his mouth, he pulled back his fist in a mock punch.
Aaaah—no no no!! I surrender, I surrender! Don't hit me—
Kamui stepped back and collided with the doorway decoration. The impact caught him right on a fresh training wound, and he let out a sharp little gasp. It was barely a sound, really, but enough to make Azael tense up all over again.
...?! You idiot!!
Without thinking, Azael drew Kamui closer, his attention zeroing in on the wound as he examined it with care.
You're such a pain... Get over here. Now.
Azael guided Kamui into the room, and the boy went without protest. His eyes widened slightly as Azael produced a full array of medical supplies, clearly prepared well in advance.
Ahhhhhh! Ow ow ow ow ow!!
Suck it up. Keep overreacting and I'll make it worse. This is what you get for not treating your wounds properly. Let it be a lesson.
You do this every time I patch you up. Then a few days later, you're back to being reckless. You never learn.
A brief silence settled between them. Kamui didn't dare speak first, afraid of worsening Azael's already fragile mood. And Azael, for his part, carried a guilt he couldn't put into words, leaving him momentarily unsure where to begin.
...The weapon.
Azael spoke first, breaking the ice.
As Mom asked, I brought yours. It's by the door. You can bring it in later.
And what I said the other day...
I was... off. It wasn't entirely because of you.
...That's all. I'm heading back. Meet me at the training ground tomorrow. We'll leave for the restricted area from there.
With that, he turned to leave. Kamui immediately rose to his feet as well.
Wait! You gave me your weapon. What're you gonna use?
Gone was the explosive temper or the brooding silence Azael would have once defaulted to. He didn't turn his frustration on Kamui this time. Instead, he dropped his voice, reaching for an air of casual indifference.
I've got a few smaller ones. Should be fine if I bring them all.
...My strength isn't in the weapon. I can handle the trial with those.
He knew those small weapons weren't nearly enough. But he was determined to take responsibility, to make amends for his mistakes. He'd promised to give his weapon to Kamui, and he wouldn't go back on his word.
No way!! Even with both of us, we can't underestimate the restricted area! Without a real weapon, you're screwed!
Then what do you want me to do? Don't say something stupid like giving it back.
If Mom finds out, she'll just make the punishment worse. And I don't need your charity.
Hey hey, that's not what I meant. If we're short one, why don't we just get another one?
Kamui pulled Azael out of the room and pointed toward the arsenal.
...You mean steal one from the arsenal?
Whoa whoa, steal? It's not stealing; we're family.
Mom said it herself: "Figure it out yourselves. I'm not getting involved."
Worst case, if we get caught, I'll tell them it was all my idea!
Azael took in the sight of Kamui—hands on his hips, chest puffed out, radiating pure, unearned confidence. A helpless smile tugged at his lips. Some things never changed. This silly child had always been exactly this innocent.
...Fine. Let's go. I remember there's a repair kit in there. We'll see if we can fix yours first.
Whether it's taking credit or taking the fall... you're not doing it alone.
So you're in?!
Excitement bloomed across Kamui's face, bright and unmistakable.
Yayy! Azael's teaming up with me!! Let's go, let's go, time to roll out! Yahoo!
You idiot!! Keep it DOWN! You want Mom and Dad to hear us?!
