3 3 301 DialogEnable It has been a few years since the greatest calamity in human history—the Punishing Virus outbreak. Most civilizations on the planet's surface have been completely wiped out.
4 4 301 Once, the cities' skylines at night are brighter and more beautiful than the starry night sky. But now, the civilizations that shone in the dark are gone, replaced with darkness dimmer than space.
5 5 301 But one lone star shines in this dark void. Its faint light flickers as if the nights never arrive; it laughs as if there have never been any tales of sorrow.
6 6 301 AniZhuanchangBegin —The Nighter, sailing still tonight.
11 11 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Vendor I'm gonna be honest with you, young lady. This varnish here is actually supplies from the World Government. So, at the very least— 1
12 12 301 The merchant raises four fingers, his teeth grinding. Seeing the girl before her still indecisive, he decides to pull his last trick.
13 13 301 Vendor Fine, fine. You were asking so earnestly, so I guess it's just not my day. How about this... 1
14 14 301 He retracts one finger, and the girl smiles with delight, her eyes almost lighting up—not noticing the subtle smirk of the vendor behind his "disappointment," obviously.
15 15 203 1 0.25 400
16 16 201 2 500447 2 -400
17 17 301 1 Yoyo That's wonderful! No backsies! 2
18 18 301 Just as Yoyo is about to take the ware from the vendor, a large hand takes it away first.
19 19 202 1 2 1
20 20 201 1 500240
21 21 301 1 Jin Man Ha... how is this crap worth anything? Are you kidding me? 1
22 22 201 1 500447 5
23 23 301 1 Yoyo You...! What do you want this time, you liar?! 1
24 24 301 Yoyo recognizes the man who tricked her and almost got her killed, but he does not seem to bother to acknowledge her.
25 25 201 1 500240 400
26 26 201 2 500236 -400
27 27 301 1 Jin Man The logo of the World Government was painted, and painted wrong, mind you... Still, the quality is acceptable. I'll wager it's worth this much— 1
28 28 301 Vendor You...! 2
29 29 301 Jin Man raises two fingers. After a moment, he seems to have thought of something, so he retracts one, wiping away a corner of the World Government logo with the remaining finger and revealing the original logo beneath.
30 30 301 Jin Man I'd clear your stock as soon as possible if I were you. Otherwise, if someone discovers your "supplier," you won't even last until the mechanoids throw you off the boat... 1
31 31 301 Jin Man looks up at the tallest tower on the Nighter, where one person holds everyone's life on the Nighter in the palm.
32 32 301 Seeing Jin Man slowly scratching away the painted logo, the vendor can only muster a twisted smile in the end, as angry as he may be.
33 33 301 Vendor Ah... This gentleman's taste really is impeccable. I'll sell them at the price you offered... How many do you want? 2
34 34 301 Jin Man All of them. As many as you got. 1
35 35 201 1 500447 5 400
36 36 301 1 Yoyo Hey! I was here first! Don't listen to this bad man, sir! He's tricking you! 1
37 37 301 Vendor I'm sorry, dear, but you heard him. I've sold all my stock to this gentleman here. Perhaps he's willing to share some with you... 2
38 38 301 Jin Man gives Yoyo a sidelong glance as if he has just noticed her.
39 39 201 2 500240 -400
40 40 301 1 Jin Man Trades only have value when they bring profits. I'm not playing house with a girl... Although I'm surprised to see you still alive, child. What a waste of miles... Hmph, I didn't know Lady Qu had gone merciful. 2
41 41 301 Jin Man Perhaps your naivety is why the folks who won't let go of the Golden Age are scouring for memories like yours as if they can get drunk with it. 2
42 42 301 Jin Man Hahaha, I should thank you, by the way. Your purchase really set me up for good, so if you change your mind and want to sell your memories, give me a call... I'll give you a good deal. 2
43 43 301 Yoyo clutches her fists, staring furiously at the gluttonous merchant before her.
44 44 301 Jin Man I'd exercise restraint if I were you, girl. There are security mechanoids everywhere, so don't throw away your life so quickly after someone gave you a second chance. 2
45 45 301 Yoyo You know Hanying? 1
46 46 301 Jin Man does not answer, only turning away with a "hmph" before telling his men to move the wares he just bought.
47 47 204 1 14
48 48 301 Yoyo Oh, no! If I don't hurry, I'll be home late tonight! 1
49 49 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Aggrieved as she is, Yoyo does not have time to barter with Jin Man. She dives right back into the crowded street, her small figure pushing forward away from the haggles and shouts.
56 56 301 Yoyo returns to her home exhausted. The market on the Nighter today was a little too bustling for her. She would have gone home sooner if not for Jin Man.
57 57 201 1 500444
58 58 301 1 Uno Rargh— 1
59 59 301 The Blubber Uno wobbles its way toward Yoyo upon seeing her, handing her a pair of couplets in its hands.
60 60 201 1 500447 1
61 61 301 1 Yoyo Whoa! Did you write this, Uno? It's so pretty... Did Hanying teach you? It's so good that we can sell it when the monthly market opens again on the ship! 1
62 62 301 Hearing Yoyo's compliment, Uno sways from side to side, looking delighted.
63 63 203 1 0.25 400
64 64 201 2 500442 4 -400
65 65 301 1 Hanying You're back, Yoyo. You're a little late today. Is everything alright? 2
66 66 301 Hanying steps inside the room upon hearing Yoyo's voice, looking worried.
67 67 204 1 2
68 68 301 Yoyo I'm sorry, Hanying... I couldn't get everything you wanted. 1
69 69 301 Hanying pats Yoyo on the head, taking the goods Yoyo bought and putting them aside.
70 70 204 2
71 71 301 Hanying That's okay. They're just... for you later... 2
72 72 301 Yoyo is not sure what Hanying means, but she is certain Hanying is looking out for her.
73 73 204 1
74 74 301 Yoyo You're all dressed up, Hanying! Are you heading out to work? Is there a show at the theater tonight?! 1
75 75 301 Yoyo's eyes glisten as she looks forward to a day when she can perform at the theater like Hanying, earning her keep on the Nighter without relying on someone else.
76 76 204 1 2
77 77 301 Yoyo Can you take me with you, Hanying? I've remembered all the steps you taught me. Maybe I can get a role as a side character or something... 1
78 78 301 Hanying cannot help but smile, seeing the way Yoyo looks.
79 79 301 Hanying The way you move is more like doing martial arts and acrobatics than dancing... 2
80 80 204 1 14
81 81 301 Yoyo Ugh... I just can't do the elegant dances. After all, my dad taught me martial arts since I was young. 1
82 82 301 Hanying I'm just teasing you. Many in the troupe speak highly of you, you know? 2
83 83 204 1 2
84 84 301 Yoyo Seriously?! Then... 1
85 85 301 Hanying ...Still no. I've made arrangements. The next time the Nighter is close to Kowloong, you can leave the ship secretly and go home. 2
86 86 301 Yoyo R-really?! 1
87 87 301 Yoyo cannot believe that she may actually leave this place and return to her parents.
88 88 204 2 4
89 89 301 Hanying Yes... so you should stop going somewhere crowded like the theater, and I'll take care of trading wares from now on. We don't want anyone to recognize you when you leave. Who knows how many years we'll wait if we miss this chance? 2
90 90 301 Yoyo nods obediently. But the unexpected good news has her disoriented.
91 91 301 Yoyo Oh, okay. But at least let me help you with your makeup! 1
92 92 301 Hanying smiles, sitting down before the dressing table. Yoyo carefully observes Hanying's overwhelmingly beautiful face with the light's help.
93 93 301 Yoyo You still look so pretty no matter how many times I've seen you... 1
94 94 204 2
95 95 301 Hanying Is that so...? I have no clear notions of "beauty" as a mechanoid, but I'm sure you'll be much prettier than me when you grow up, Yoyo. 2
96 96 301 Yoyo's hand with the powder puff gently glides over Hanying's cheeks, leaving behind a light flush—Yoyo has been doing Hanying's makeup for a while in case her identity as a mechanoid is exposed during a performance.
97 97 204 1 14
98 98 301 Yoyo But I've grown so much already, even now... Will Mom and Dad recognize me when I go back to Kowloong? 1
99 99 301 Hanying I can't say for sure... but you don't look much different from before to me. 2
100 100 204 1 2
101 101 301 Yoyo You're the one who doesn't look different! You're still so pretty after all this time. 1
102 102 301 Yoyo attentively applies eyeliner on Hanying, not noticing the sadness in Hanying's eyes.
103 103 204 2 4
104 104 301 Hanying You're right... A human's thoughts and emotions would grow and develop over time, but a mechanoid can never easily "let go" or "change" its values... 2
105 105 204 1
106 106 301 Yoyo Is that how it is for you as well, Hanying? 1
107 107 301 Hanying It is... But I've heard of a mechanoid called "Sagemachina" living with its disciples on land. They have "hearts" that are beyond their programming even though they are mechanoids... If I can find them, maybe I... 2
108 108 204 1 2
109 109 301 Yoyo Then you should go back to Kowloong with me, Hanying! We'll find my parents and then look for this "Sagemachina" together! 1
110 110 301 Hanying smiles. She knows that Yoyo's fantasy is almost impossible, but she cannot help but imagine their journey together on land.
111 111 204 2
112 112 301 Hanying But that's just a myth. Who knows how many years and decades it'll take us to find them... 2
113 113 301 Yoyo Oh... Forget if Mom and Dad would still recognize me—I'm sure I'll be an old granny by then... Alright, almost done! 1
114 114 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Yoyo takes out a brush, dipping it in vermillion pigment and painting Hanying's lips—those lips tremble for a while before finally speaking.
115 115 204 2 5
116 116 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Hanying Yoyo, you can stay how you look right now when you search for your parents, no matter how many years have passed... if you become a Construct. 2
117 117 301 Yoyo A Construct...? Can I become a Construct? 1
118 118 301 Yoyo has seen those Constructs on the market before. They are called the "Kowloong Crew", a remarkable group of humans that have become machines, working as the left and right hands of Lady Qu.
119 119 204 2 2
120 120 301 Hanying You can! Actually, I've saved up enough to afford a procedure on you. I've also prepared all the parts you'd need, so you don't have to worry... 2
121 121 204 1
122 122 301 Yoyo Okay, but... 1
123 123 301 Yoyo finds Hanying a little strange when talking about this topic as if Hanying is withholding something.
124 124 301 Hanying Yoyo, you don't have to decide now... 2
125 125 301 Hanying, having completed her makeup, stands up and quickly heads for the foyer with her back toward Yoyo. Yet she waits for a long while before speaking again.
126 126 204 2 5
127 127 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Hanying But I hope you can... consider it. 2
131 131 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Next to the center stage, Hanying stares at the topmost balcony with hesitation.
132 132 201 1 500442 5
133 133 301 1 Hanying I shouldn't have talked to the girl about becoming a Construct... She should return to her parents. 1
134 134 301 Hanying But why... 1
135 135 203 1 0.25 400
136 136 201 2 500421 -400
137 137 301 1 Troupe Leader Hey, Hanying! You're the headliner of the troupe! The audience is here for you! Stop chasing them away with your miserable look! 2
140 140 301 Hanying My apologies... I was lost in thought. 1
141 141 301 Troupe Leader As long as you're alright... I thought one of your crazy fans did something to bother you again. 2
142 142 301 The troupe leader leans toward Hanying and whispers in her ears.
143 143 301 Troupe Leader That rich fella Jin Man is back... and he's asking for you. 2
144 144 301 Hanying I see. Please tell him... I'll find him after the performance. 1
145 145 301 Troupe Leader Sure... By the way, why isn't your sister with you? The girl has a solid foundation, and we happened to need someone to perform sword dances... 2
146 146 204 1 5
147 147 301 Hanying I'm sorry... but she won't be... 1
148 148 401 2 212
149 149 301 The troupe leader is about to ask Hanying something when the audience cheers loudly, only stopping after a loud "Bang!" from the gongs—they are waiting for the new performance on the stage.
150 150 301 Troupe Leader Alright, alright! Time to go to work, guys. Get ready! 2
151 151 301 The troupe leader shouts, and dancers wearing the same dresses as Hanying's gather together, doing their final preparations before stepping on stage.
158 158 301 AniZhuanchangEnd On the most extravagant stage of the Nighter, the dancers appear amid thunderous applause. Hanying, the fairest and the most talented dancer of them all, enters to the loudest cheers.
159 159 201 1 500462
160 160 301 1 Audience "Falling snow by the Luo River; morning clouds in the Wu Mountains. The glamor that can move cities; the beauty that once broke kingdoms..." That's Lady Hanying right there. She's worth all the money I've saved up! 1
161 161 301 He notices an unfamiliar man sitting nearby with a bamboo hat on, even during the dance, which he finds odd.
162 162 301 Audience Hey, buddy! Never seen you before. What should I call you? 1
163 163 203 1 0.25 400
164 164 201 2 500148 -400
165 165 301 1 "Cradle" You can call me "Cradle"... 2
166 166 301 The pompous man called "Cradle" has not moved his gaze from the dancer on the stage.
167 167 301 "Cradle" So, she's Hanying... 2
168 168 301 Audience What? Didn't you know? She's the most famous performer in recent years! I can give you a whole lecture on her... 1
169 169 301 "Cradle" ignores the self-indulgent audience member next to him, nodding at someone standing at the side before taking a small device from his pocket and wearing it on his ear.
170 170 301 Whispering a series of nonsensical phrases, "Cradle" combines his words into a signal that reaches the stage through the crowd.
171 171 202 1 2 1
172 172 201 1 500442 5
173 173 301 RImgBg1Shake 1 Hanying Ugh... 1
174 174 301 A pain Hanying never-before-felt hits her right inside her mind, causing her to lose balance mid-dance. But she manages to take advantage of the force of the drop, turning the fall into an impressive somersault.
175 175 301 Hanying (What is this... My code signature is receiving external interference?) 1
176 176 301 This unexpected showcase triggers roaring applause from the audience, where several menacing figures hide among them, smirking.
177 177 201 1 500462
178 178 301 1 Audience Holy cow! Amazing! Did you see her move just now—huh? The guy's gone already? 1
179 179 202 1 1
180 180 301 While all eyes are drawn to the stage, the man in the bamboo hat has quietly vanished from the audience.
181 181 201 1 500148
182 182 301 1 AniZhuanchangBegin 1 "Cradle" Yes... This is it. We've found "it." 1
