City Ruins
Past
Hey Azael, you really think this whole lab facility thing is legit?
Coordinating personnel assignments over the radio with Kamui, Azael paused, surprised by the question.
...Who knows? That's exactly why Ezette sent us as the scout team, yeah? To check things out.
Look, this is the only lead we've got right now. People are already turning into Sunspots. Anyone we've sent out for tech help came back with nothing.
At least these guys actually responded. If their research on the Punishing Virus can actually fix the issues with Project Barleycorn... then it's worth taking the shot.
I know. It's just... something's bugging me. I swept the whole outskirts with my team, completely clear. The first city ring you checked is also clean. Barely a single Corrupted in sight. You really think they're all trapped in that lab in the core area like they said?
Probably just what they said. Some kinda leak during experiments, attracted the Corrupted. Makes sense they'd all cluster there.
Either way, mission's the mission. We finish sweeping the outer zones, head back, gear up, and then three days from now we push into the core area and pull those scientists out.
Don't overthink it. One problem at a time.
Continuing progress report. Inner area sweep complete for the first city ring. Moving to the second city ring now to finish up. If all goes smooth, target areas will be cleared, and we're good to go for the rescue op.
Copy that. Outskirts are fully swept on our end. We're holding position here. Just give us a shout if you need backup.
...No need. Take your team and head back. Prep time's tight so better get started.
But the second ring is right next to the core area where the lab is. If there's any hidden danger—
There won't be.
For a few seconds, Azael paused, his expression softening once he realized his tone had been too assertive. When he next spoke, his voice carried a gentler edge.
Think about it, we swept the first ring completely clean. No security risks, nothing. The second ring's adjacent. It doesn't even touch the restricted core zone. There's no way anything major slipped through.
Don't worry, Kamui. Head back. Catrayv's with me. We've got this.
Besides, your squad's been pushing the red line lately. Their Corona Genes aren't stable. Long exposure to high-Punishing environments would be dangerous. You need to get them back to base and let them recover first.
Don't worry. Azael and I. We're together.
Catrayv, having just finished inspecting another checkpoint, returned to report when he overheard their conversation. He approached and joined Azael in persuading Kamui.
...Alright, alright. We'll head back.
But I'm checking in every half hour on comms! You better reply to me!
And I mean it, if either of you misses a safety ping for more than five minutes, I'm hauling ass into that second ring to find you myself!
Call me extra if you want, I don't care. From now on, none of us are losing anyone. Not again.
Fine, whatever you say. Can you all head back now?
Just stick to the route back. Don't wander anywhere near the inner ring.
Yeah, yeah, I got it! Jeez, Azael, you're so naggy today.
...
Comms, projection, can't reach. Hit him, after we go back.
Outskirts
City Ruins
Alright team, inventory's done, everyone's accounted for! Let's head back to Ezette!
Copy!
To err on the side of caution, Kamui walked from the front of the line to the back, double-checking that no one had been left behind.
Wait, where's Andrew?
Huh? He said he was gonna take a leak a minute ago, and then... uh. Actually, where is he? No way he got lost, right...?
...
Inner Ring
City Ruins
...Wait, so Andrew might've wandered toward our side?
Yeah, dude's probably lost. His location pings show him moving toward the second ring, but his communicator's busted so we can't reach him.
I wanna send someone after him, but half my team's already showing symptoms from the Punishing Virus concentration. I gotta get them back to base first...
Copy that. We're already sweeping the second ring anyway. I'll tell Catrayv to keep an eye out—
I heard. On it.
I'll watch for him.
Good. If you find him, have Andrew link up with the outermost team. Don't let him come any deeper. This zone's too close to the core. Way more dangerous.
Roger.
Azael ended the call with Kamui and Catrayv, then turned to face the Ezette members gradually gathering behind him.
Azael, all target areas swept. No suspicious threats detected.
Good work. I'll handle the remaining locations myself. You all head to the outer perimeter and rendezvous with the other team. Help them finish their sweep there.
Copy!
Once everyone else had left, Azael finally felt secure enough to open his terminal.
<size=50>Sweep complete. No potential threats confirmed. Deep rescue operations may proceed.</size>
<size=40>Recorded by: Azael</size>
He quickly typed this entry into the mission record, then closed the page immediately, as if unable to face what he had written.
...Keep it together, Azael. You haven't actually lied about anything.
He muttered to himself, his words echoing through the empty ruins.
This area really is free of any Corrupted threats. That part's true. What comes after... isn't anything to be afraid of either. Just... necessary measures.
...All of this is for Ezette.
Beep beep... beep beep...
His terminal rang. Azael stared at the number—unlisted, yet burned into his memory—with trembling fingers. Despite his hesitation, he finally answered the call.
What are you doing? We agreed. No contact until everything's done. What if someone finds out?
Oh, don't be so jumpy. As a council member with clearance to Project Barleycorn, it's hardly suspicious for me to be in touch with Ezette.
Besides, someone as careful as you wouldn't let this line be traced... would you, my dear future leader of Ezette?
Tch. Since you brought it up, you promised you'd leave Leif alone after this. Don't go back on your word.
Of course. I only ever disliked him because he controlled access to Ezette and kept me out... that stubborn old man.
Once he's away from Ezette, I couldn't care less about him. Just cut his comms during the operation so he can't respond in time. I'll handle the rest, slap him with dereliction of duty. Easy.
Your people... those "researchers" at that facility. They better be reliable and not make extra complications.
I've already shared some of their findings with you, and you've verified them yourself, haven't you? They're genuinely useful to your situation. I'm saving you all, remember?
You're saving your own status. Your own power. And feeding that sick ambition of yours.
You really will stop at nothing to get control of Ezette...
Hmm? But isn't it a beautiful plan? Once your team moves deep into position, we cut off Leif's support, and then... I make my entrance. You get the technology to advance Project Barleycorn, and I get authority over Ezette.
Win-win, wouldn't you say?
Greedy as a hungry wolf.
But right now, this "wolf" is the only one who can save you. I have the technology, but if you want it? You give me something in return. That's only fair.
And I've been fair to you, Azael. You help me, I reward you accordingly.
Under me, you'll be the highest authority in Ezette.
...We've already settled all this. You didn't call just to repeat yourself, stop dancing around it. What do you really want?
Sharp as always. This time, I want top-level access to Ezette's internal communications. I know you still have the passwords.
What? You think I'd break our agreement?
Nothing wrong with some extra insurance. You Ezette people are so tight with each other. I'd hate for you to have a last-minute change of heart and refuse to cut their comms. Let those kids successfully call for help and ruin the lovely trap I've set for Leif.
Trust requires investment, and haven't I invested? The technology, the researchers—they're already at that facility. If you're worried I won't pay up, just take what you want yourselves during the rescue operation in three days.
We each get what we need. What's not to like?
One more thing: how do I know what happened before won't happen again? I need actual proof this time.
You mean Solar Exodus? I told you, the information just wasn't updated in time. You were the one who cut off all communication with me first.
By the time I found out that conservation area had fallen, it was too late to reach you.
I don't accept subjective excuses.
...Then let's talk objective facts, little debater. Your own people just finished advance recon, and I didn't interfere once.
You saw it yourself. No Corrupted in the vicinity, right? Powerful as I may be, I'm still just a human. One with some power, yes, but human nonetheless.
...Remember your own words. If everything goes according to plan, we both get what we want. But if you hurt my family again...
Ezette will never let you go, Marlis.
Thud!!! A tremendous noise erupted from the ruins behind Azael. Whipping around, he caught a glimpse of a figure darting away, and even in that brief moment, he recognized the familiar Ezette combat uniform the person was wearing.
Oh my... looks like a little mouse heard something it shouldn't have.
If that leaks, everything we've worked for collapses in an instant. Make your choice, Azael. If you can't bring yourself to do it, I'll have my people handle it.
You want to hurt one of ours?
What's your alternative? Sacrifice the future of everyone in Ezette for one person?
You should understand protecting the majority better than I do. One life for a better future for all. That's a bargain.
Even if they knew the truth, I'm sure they'd understand your position... isn't that the Ezette creed? Give everything you can for your family. So let's all make the necessary sacrifices.
Now don't waste time. Clean this up quickly.
With those final words, Marlis cut the communication, clearly leaving Azael no choice but to make a quick decision.
...Damn bastard. You really think Ezette is powerless against you?
Even without Leif's support, your troop's no match for ours. Once we find those researchers and take their tech... no one will be under your control anymore.
But... I can't let her get suspicious, not yet.
Azael clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white, as his eyes remained fixed in the direction where that figure darted away.
All of this is for Ezette...
...Someone has to make the sacrifice.
He bit down hard on his lip until he tasted the metallic tang of blood. With his mind made up, he set off in pursuit.
I'm sorry... but this is for Ezette's future.
City Ruins Core Area
Three Days Later
So this is definitely the last place anyone saw Andrew, yeah?
Kamui surveyed the surroundings, his brow furrowed in concentration, but despite his best efforts, he couldn't think of any logical reason why Andrew would have come to a place like this.
Here. Azael and I. Together.
Uncharacteristically, Catrayv answered Kamui's question first; his response came even before Azael's. He usually hung back, letting others take the lead, but not this time.
It was only when both Catrayv and Kamui turned their gaze toward him that Azael snapped out of his daze, realizing it was his turn to speak.
Right. I spotted him while surveying the high-risk zone. Thought he might run into trouble, so I went after him.
Ran into Catrayv on the way. We both caught a glimpse of Andrew here, from a distance. But by the time we got close, he was gone. Had to report him MIA and wait for the official rescue op to keep looking.
...Right, Catrayv?
...Yeah.
Something felt off about them today, Kamui sensed, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He took some vague guesses, but there was no time to dwell on it now. The mission had to continue.
Then Catrayv and I'll keep searching for Andrew. Azael, you and your team push deeper, scope things out. If it gets hairy, call us. We regroup after, then pull those researchers out.
Leave Andrew to me! I'll bring him back in one piece! Catrayv, let's roll.
With that, Kamui eagerly rushed out with several team members. Catrayv, however, didn't follow immediately. After hesitating for a moment, he finally turned to look at Azael beside him.
...Should we tell... Kamui?
Not yet. For now... neither of us says anything.
Later. You tell him. Yourself.
...I will. I promise you.
When this is all over, I'll tell Kamui everything.
Yeah. I trust you, Azael.
Azael reached out to ruffle Catrayv's hair before tightening his wristband. When it came to taking care of himself, Catrayv remained as careless as ever, no matter how much he grew. Since Kamui couldn't be counted on for those things either, Azael had gradually developed the habit of straightening up after his two reckless brothers.
Look after yourself and Kamui. If anything happens, call me.
Now go.
Ruin Depths
Found it!! This is Andrew's terminal! And look, Ezette markers nearby!
We totally went the right way! He was definitely here!
Come on, let's follow these! I can feel it. We're gonna find him any minute now!
Kamui and Catrayv carefully observed their surroundings after parting ways with Azael, and they successfully found subtle traces of their target. Throughout it all, however, Kamui didn't merely revel in self-satisfaction. He vaguely sensed something unsettling about the path they were following.
Andrew's tracks don't make sense. They're all over the place, no consistent direction at all. Then there's only one explanation...
He was running.
But we swept this whole area. Didn't find any Corrupted hordes or hostile forces.
So who... who was he running from?
Kamui. Ahead.
Kamui looked in the direction Catrayv was pointing, to a spot not far ahead of them.
Is that... an Ezette uniform?! We found him!! Andrew's right there!
A familiar figure lay collapsed on the ground, his back to them. Kamui rushed over immediately, hoping Andrew was just injured and trapped there. At least they had found him now.
Andrew?
...Kamui.
Kamui moved to Catrayv's side, and in that moment, he saw what had caused Catrayv's hesitation.
...?! Andrew!!!
Andrew's eyes remained open. He wasn't unconscious or peacefully asleep. His skin had turned deathly pale, his eyes bulging so wide they nearly protruded from their sockets. Blood vessels webbed across them, matching the brownish-red pool of blood on his chest.
One hand still clutched desperately at his pierced chest, his face frozen in shock, astonishment, and disbelief. This was his final expression before death.
Realizing what was happening, Kamui immediately contacted Azael.
Azael!! It's a trap! Get out NOW!!
I was about to tell you the same thing! Rally your team, regroup fast. Keep everyone alive!
We found the researchers outside the facility. They've been dead for a while!! There's no technology or equipment inside.
Get everyone out!! Move for the exit! If we wait any longer, we're not making it!!
City Ruins Core Area
For five days, Ezette's action team had been trapped here. Kamui and his companions hid precariously among the ruins, forced into cover by the numerous Corrupted that roamed the abandoned city.
Three more turned into Sunspots today. Five more are borderline...
Comms with Leif are still dead. And even if they weren't... by the time anyone broke through, we'd be gone.
We need a new plan. Or we don't make it out.
...I'll take the serum we got with the temporary extractor to them first. Then we figure out breach routes.
Kamui, wait.
Kai stepped forward to stop Kamui. Ever since they were trapped in the core area, Kamui's team had been isolating members who showed Sunspot symptoms due to the Punishing Virus's corruption, prioritizing their protection, and Kai had been serving as their leader.
Keep the serum... for yourselves. Stop extracting for us. And these...
He pulled out a collection of serum already loaded into storage vials.
We talked it over. These days you've protected us and fought off the Corrupted. If this keeps up, we'll just slow you down.
We can still extract usable Serum from ourselves. Essence too. Combined with what you've already given us... it should come in handy.
...?!! Are you insane?! No way!!
Kamui!!
What other choice is there?! If you can't fight, then none of us will break out!
Stop with the pointless sacrifices. You're the ones who matter now...
It's NOT pointless! Nobody gets left behind, ever! That's not how this works!
But we don't have the strength to save everyone anymore, Kamui. Escape route's cut. The team's been surrounded by the Corrupted for five days.
The only way anyone gets out of here alive is if you keep fighting. If you stay strong.
Kamui.
Catrayv rushed over, interrupting their conversation.
Corrupted. Trying to break in. Door won't hold.
We're out of time! Kai, status on your team?
Some fatigue, but no serious injuries. Don't worry about us. We'll keep up.
Then we make the most of what we have. Serum and solar essence.
Stop hesitating, Kamui!! If we wait any longer, we all die here!!
...Damn it. Fine, let's end this quickly!!
Kamui snatched the vial from Kai's hand and forcefully jabbed it into his vein.
I'm not falling here... No matter what, I'll hold on until the very end.
Nobody stands in our way! I'll cut down anyone who tries!!
Everyone! Stay behind us! We've got this. Every single one of us is making it back to Ezette!! You hear me?!
Now, let's charge through!! TOGETHER!!
The solar essence began to take effect, burning through his veins and brain.
The long-stagnant mire finally began to break free, carrying with it a desperate hope mixed with defiance, erupting with explosive force.
