5 5 301 It takes Noan all his strength to move his heavily-wounded body and grabs onto the fence of the dock.
6 6 301 When he woke up in the darkness, he found himself surrounded by Corrupted. Without a way out, he resorted to jumping off the top of the lighthouse into the sea.
7 7 201 1 500507 11
8 8 301 1 Noan ...This would have been the third time I fell and almost died if I hadn't become a Construct. 1
9 9 301 He sits on the road and catches his breath for a few seconds before standing up with his two swords and shaking off the water in his hair.
10 10 204 1 4
11 11 301 Noan No, I can't rest yet... 1
12 12 301 Even though the infection and his injuries have pushed his frame to its limit, Noan still forces himself to shake it off and starts running.
13 13 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Noan ...Lithos is still out there! He's going to hurt more people...! 1
17 17 301 Paper Crane transforms back into Lithos' chair. Around him are dozens of Constructs, all immobilized.
18 18 201 1 500513 2
19 19 301 1 Lithos You're the only one left, Gray Raven Commandant. 1
20 20 301 Lithos The truth is I don't want to kill you. You're different from Ravenge. You're not... repulsive. 1
21 21 301 Lithos I'm happy to bring you back if you want and turn you into a Construct as well. I can try to make you one of us. Our companion. 1
22 22 302 I'll pass. 23 Sounds good. 26
23 23 301 Lithos Why? 1
24 24 301 Lithos slowly approaches you while paying attention to his surroundings. He does not seem hurried to take down his last target.
25 25 302 My actual companions need to connect to my Mind Beacon. 28
26 26 302 But I'd rather have Asimov do it. 27
27 27 302 Not to mention that my actual companions need to connect to my Mind Beacon. 28
28 28 301 Lithos Your actual companions... 1
29 29 301 Lithos Can't I be one? 1
30 30 302 I'm happy to consider it if you're willing to give up your villainous ways. 31
31 31 204 1 1
32 32 301 Lithos Haha... I've tried that already... 1
33 33 204 1 2
34 34 301 Lithos I also want to find a way to coexist with humans, but I've failed to achieve anything except hurting more people... 1
35 35 302 You want to coexist with humans? 36
36 36 301 Lithos I do. It must be hard for you to believe... but this is the one thing you can count on— 1
37 37 301 Lithos I love this world, and I love most people in it. I desperately want them to outlive this apocalypse, even if it means they have to live on in a different, slightly less intact form... 1
38 38 301 Lithos This does make me kind of an outlier among the Ascendants, you know? 1
39 39 302 ... 40
40 40 301 You try to look for an exit again while he speaks. Unfortunately, you are on an open field right now. Without any covers, there is no way you can outrun a Construct, not to mention one with a strange mechanical chair.
41 41 301 It is not wise to confront an Ascendant alone. The best thing you can do right now is not to act rashly.
42 42 302 (Discreetly send another signal to Lucia) 43
47 47 301 Lithos This is the "torture chair" I use to torment or kill the people who sit on it. Well-behaved children should stay away from her. 1
48 48 301 Lithos She was a mechanical wheelchair used to assist people with disability... but she has since transformed into this after my "fathers" remade her. 1
49 49 302 Your fathers? 50
50 50 204 1 2
51 51 301 Lithos The people who raised me when I was young. 1
52 52 301 Lithos You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you? That's okay. Simply put... she's just an infected mechanoid now. 1
53 53 301 Lithos You don't have to understand her, and you don't have to know what happened between us. Just consider her as a Corrupted. 1
54 54 301 Lithos After all, it doesn't matter what I say. You humans will always treat it as the weapon of an Ascendant. 1
55 55 302 ... 56
56 56 301 Lithos Do you regret coming here to investigate the deserters? These people wouldn't have been hurt if it weren't for you. 1
57 57 301 Lithos The captain of the Purifying Force... Bianca, isn't it? Mister must have killed her by now. 1
58 58 302 I believe in her. 59
59 59 301 Lithos ...Believe? 1
60 60 301 Lithos Are you going to keep resisting just because you believe things can change? 1
61 61 302 Of course. 62
62 62 301 Lithos You're all the same, with so much confidence in your abilities... Can't you see how many of you are dying because of the Punishing Virus? 1
63 63 301 Lithos You might think the filtering is cruel... but if you keep fighting like this, what's the difference between the filtering and a victory that no one survives? 1
64 64 301 Lithos Ascendants are trying to save those with our gifts... Without us, even they are going to perish. 1
65 65 302 Without you, humanity would have won a long time ago. 66
66 66 302 We would have saved more people as well. 67
67 67 301 Lithos ...You can't save anybody. 1
68 68 301 Lithos You can't control the Punishing Virus. Even the air is toxic to you now. 1
69 69 301 Lithos The only way to survive this world is to pass the filtering. 1
71 71 301 The Punishing Virus around Lithos slowly forms into spikes that point at you.
72 72 301 Lithos Humanity's courage and hope... are nothing but illusions. It's the flame that kills the moth. 1
73 73 301 Lithos Before I crush that hope, Gray Raven Commandant, allow me to keep you with me. I will make sure to weave you a beautiful dream, even if you end up as fragments inside the Red Tide. 1
93 93 301 A heavily damaged frame stands between you and the barrage of attacks, forming an unbreakable shield.
94 94 301 Noan You're wrong, Lithos.
95 95 301 Noan Hope is not an illusion. It's what came out of our countless sacrifices and sufferings!
96 96 301 Lithos ...
97 97 301 Lithos Is this your choice and your answer?
98 98 301 Noan Yes. It doesn't matter how many times you ask. I'll never agree with you and the filtering.
99 99 301 Noan I don't want to stay in a chasm of exiles and cages; I don't want to see their joyless smiles; I don't want to pity your crocodile tears!
100 100 301 Noan I will not give up on my dream...!
101 101 301 Lithos You can't save anyone without the power of an Ascendant. They will all die, just like your old comrades and companions did.
102 102 301 Noan I know. But there are things I can do even as an ordinary person.
103 103 301 Lithos Babylonia won't accept someone who has a connection with the Ascendants. They won't stop seeing you as a threat.
104 104 301 Noan I know. Better be treated as a threat than keep making the same mistake.
105 105 301 Lithos That's not the Eden you're looking for. They will exploit you and your desire to be a "hero" before discarding you or even accusing you of worse crimes you haven't committed.
106 106 301 Noan I know. Been there, done that. I don't regret my choices.
107 107 301 Bella worriedly asked him three questions a few days before the battle on the train back then. Confused and stressed, all Noan could answer was "no idea."
108 108 301 But now, he knows he is not turning back, even if the path ahead is a grave laden with thorns!
109 109 301 Noan My dream, that future we wanted, is right there beyond the seemingly infinite darkness.
110 110 301 Noan Hope will triumph and fulfill its dream!
133 133 301 Flipping backward using the force from Lithos' counterattack, Noan strikes, aiming for his neck. Lithos has no intention to dodge, only catching Noan's sword with his bare hands.
141 141 301 1 Lithos ...You have made yourself clear. If you want to go, then go. 1
142 142 301 Lithos I still think you will return one day... You'll find me and ask for the power and freedom to trek through this apocalypse. 1
143 143 301 Holding Noan's sword in his hand, Lithos points it at his heart.
144 144 204 1 1
145 145 301 Lithos You can kill me. That's okay... 1
146 146 301 Lithos I'll die soon even if you don't do anything. 1
147 147 301 Lithos So... don't forget to introduce yourself again the next time you see me... I'm afraid I won't remember you. 1
148 148 401 2 571
149 149 301 Lithos lets go, and the blade goes through him.
150 150 204 1
151 151 301 Lithos Tear me apart if you want. I might still feel pain... but there's no reason to cherish a life that keeps getting reborn, is there? 1
152 152 201 1 500507 4
153 153 301 1 Noan ...Lithos! 1
154 154 202 1 1
155 155 301 ??? Bring him back, Paper Crane.
156 156 401 2 1507
157 157 301 You hear a man's voice coming from the dark. Paper Crane immediately spreads its mechanical limbs and envelops Lithos before retreating.
175 175 302 That agent...! 177 Are you alright? 176
176 176 301 Noan Y-yeah. Just had an old wound reopened on my head... 1
177 177 201 1 500305
178 178 301 1 Vonnegut Gray Raven Commandant. I'm glad to see you here alive and well. 1
179 179 301 Vonnegut I'm afraid those who split up with you did not fare as well. 1
180 180 301 Vonnegut Don't worry. I haven't completely destroyed the "seeds" with potential. 1
181 181 301 Vonnegut Our experiment and game have come to an end. I'll see you next time, except... it might be sooner than you expected. 1
182 182 202 1
183 183 401 2 1513
184 184 301 Right as they disappear behind the dark forest, you hear footsteps approaching hurriedly from behind. You turn to find Lucia arriving with reinforcement.
185 185 201 1 500166 5
186 186 301 1 Lucia Commandant! I'm sorry I didn't make it in time! 1
187 187 302 You're right on time. That agent wouldn't have left otherwise. 188
188 188 302 But most of the people who followed me were heavily injured... 189
189 189 301 Lucia ...I can't believe that agent was here. 1
190 190 302 And Lithos. 191
191 191 301 Lucia ...! 1
192 192 302 What's the situation on your side? 193
193 193 301 Lucia The injured members of the Purifying Force are back on Babylonia with our help. 1
194 194 302 A silver lining, I suppose... 195
195 195 301 Lucia Our transport crafts are arriving soon. Let's head back! 1
196 196 302 Alright. We'll move those unconscious to the boarding area first. 197
197 197 201 1 500507
198 198 301 1 Noan Cough... I'm sorry, but I don't think I can help. 1
199 199 201 1 500166
200 200 301 1 Lucia Are you okay? 1
201 201 201 1 500507
202 202 301 1 Noan Damages and infections are both at my threshold, so... 1
203 203 301 He is still trembling even when he uses his swords to support himself.
204 204 204 1 11
205 205 301 Noan Didn't realize it until the adrenaline passed... but I'm feeling... 1
206 206 301 Noan A little... 1
207 207 301 DialogDisable He smiles apologetically before he collapses to the ground. 1
214 214 301 AniZhuanchangEnd You work together to bring the wounded into the quarantine chamber before setting off on your journey back to Babylonia on the transport craft.
217 217 301 Sitting by the cabin window, Lucia reviews the mission data solemnly.
218 218 301 Lucia We caught a lot of them, but we failed to progress on the Ascendant front. 1
219 219 301 Lucia Some Purifying Force members believed that the rescue request from Medical Center 09 was a diversion from the deserters and Ascendants. 1
220 220 301 Lucia They wanted to separate us from the Purifying Force. 1
221 221 302 Those people would have died if we didn't rescue them. 222
222 222 302 There are people we can't save wherever we go. 223
223 223 302 What we did saved the most people we could. 224
224 224 301 Lucia You're right, Commandant. 1
225 225 301 Looking at the young man inside the quarantine chamber, Lucia turns and looks at you pensively.
226 226 204 1
227 227 301 Lucia Is he one of the Constructs we save this time? He looks familiar... but I can't remember where I've seen him. 1
228 228 302 I think so too. 229
229 229 302 But I don't think he's who we think he is. That person... 230
230 230 301 Lucia Yeah, that person sacrificed himself. 1
231 231 302 How's Bianca? 232
232 232 204 1 5
233 233 301 Lucia She's in critical condition. She took a big hit trying to protect the others. 1
234 234 301 Lucia frowns.
235 235 301 Lucia That agent has yet to reveal his true strength. He just prefers to be defensive. 1
236 236 302 I know. 237
237 237 401 2 1543
238 238 301 You two remain silent for a while, with the familiar sound of the engine as your backdrop. Soon, you hear a quiet moan from the quarantine chamber.
249 249 302 Your infection rate is very high right now. 250
250 250 301 Noan I know.
251 251 301 He sounds exhausted.
252 252 302 Sleeping in this state might cause your M.I.N.D. to deviate.
253 253 302 Try to stay awake. 254
254 254 301 Noan Alright.
255 255 302 Have your memories returned? 256
256 256 301 Noan Yeah. I think I remember everything.
257 257 302 Can you tell me your name, then? 258
258 258 301 You ask him the same question you asked when you first encountered him.
259 259 301 Noan ...My name...
260 260 301 Noan has been calling himself "Shrek" ever since he was thrown off Asslam, concealing his real name.
261 261 301 He did that to avoid the unresolved conflicts from finding him and to stay away from the rumors and accusations that would not leave him alone.
262 262 301 DialogDisable There were times when he wanted to use his real name, but people already knew him as "Shrek" by then. There was no reason to correct them.
263 263 302 What's wrong? You still can't remember? 264
264 264 106 3000 buxiao-xiao
265 265 106 xiao 1
266 266 301 DialogEnable Noan I can. I remember.
267 267 301 Unlike the dream and the mask "Shrek" represents, "Noan" comes with scars of the past and the memories of losing his loved ones.
268 268 301 It is a name of pain and trouble. It still draws ire in some places, the name of a traitor and a sinner.
269 269 301 Which is why it is a name that can remind him not to stray from the path his soul has chosen.
270 270 301 He is heading to the future now. He will face many forking paths and choices.
271 271 301 If he has to choose a name now to symbolize his determination, then his name must be—
272 272 301 Noan Noan. My name is Noan.
273 273 301 Noan Nice to meet you, Commandant.
274 274 302 AniZhuanchangBegin Nice to meet you. 275
279 279 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 10: 21 AM, Science Council. A few days after Noan arrived at Babylonia.
280 280 201 1 500004
281 281 301 1 Asimov There are indeed some anomalies in his frame. 1
282 282 301 Asimov But he wasn't controlling them, nor was he losing control. The Ascendant established a unique connection with him using the Punishing Virus. 1
283 283 301 Asimov I believe the Ascendant left behind some special connection technology in his frame or his M.I.N.D. when the Ascendant turned him into a Construct. 1
284 284 301 Asimov It's a fascinating design. It will certainly expand the possibilities for future Construct development. 1
285 285 202 1 1
286 286 201 1 500004 400
287 287 201 2 500011 -400
288 288 301 1 Hassen So you're saying that he isn't an Ascendant or a Transcendant? 2
289 289 301 Asimov That's right. If I have to guess, the anomalies and his power only appeared because he was connected to and controlled by the Ascendant. He's just a normal Construct if he stays away from them. 1
290 290 202 2 1
291 291 201 2 500012 -400
292 292 301 1 Nikola Quite fitting for the Ascendant they called "Swindler" back in the day. He was lying when he said the kid would "lose control if he leaves the Ascendants." 2
293 293 301 Asimov I can't be sure if his frame or his M.I.N.D. have been affected by other factors because of that. Right now, I can't guarantee that he won't lose control again. 1
294 294 301 Nikola It's probably safer to keep him in the lab for now. 2
295 295 301 Asimov I don't recommend it. He has been nothing but corroborative. Locking him up any longer seems unnecessarily inhumane. 1
296 296 301 Nikola Are you sure? 2
297 297 301 Asimov He hasn't asked to change his frame, and every test and inspection was conducted as is. 1
298 298 301 Asimov High-pressure tests often damage his parts, and the inspections require removing some components. Those aren't a walk in the park. 1
299 299 301 Asimov He hasn't complained about anything. He would have shown it by now if he was incompliant. 1
300 300 301 Nikola Do you have a way to prevent him from losing control? 2
301 301 301 Asimov I do. I've left some "insurance policies" inside him after getting his permission. 1
302 302 301 Nikola When can we be sure that the threat is completely gone? 2
303 303 301 Asimov I'll need some time. The Ascendants are staying away from him currently. It will take longer to unravel its intricacies without a way to observe and collect samples. 1
304 304 301 Nikola We'll get a sample if he comes into contact with an Ascendant again, won't we? 2
305 305 301 Nikola Hmph. That sounds like something Kurono and their researchers would do. They won't let this go if they find out about him. 2
306 306 301 Asimov He'll most likely die or defect if we do that. Before we solve this issue or replace his frame, I suggest keeping him away from missions that might involve the Ascendants. 1
307 307 301 Nikola I guess I made the right choice assigning him to Dark Aries. 2
308 308 202 1 1
309 309 201 1 500011 400
310 310 301 1 Hassen Dark Aries has been reinstated? 1
311 311 301 Nikola Yes. Everyone on that team had some issues, so it was time to change things up. 2
324 324 301 1 Nikola Lillian is a little timid. She's no leader, and her records aren't exactly "spotless."
325 325 301 Nikola We questioned her, and although she said she wasn't aware when she brought Noan to Medical Center 09, we can't be completely sure she isn't responsible.
326 326 301 Nikola But we are shorthanded right now, so we can't afford a heavy penalty. We'll let her get used to the new squad first.
337 337 301 1 Nikola All three of them have something to do with Kurono, especially Lillian and Palma. Noan just got here, but Kurono won't give up on the secrets in his frame that easily.
338 338 301 Nikola It'll be challenging for Simon to lead a "problem squad" like this.
339 339 301 Nikola He isn't fit to participate in missions on the surface physically, to begin with. I'm giving him time to rest and let him and his team learn more about each other.
345 345 301 1 Hassen This is already the third iteration of Dark Aries. We shouldn't overburden Simon. 1
346 346 301 Nikola It was his request. He said he would no longer... watch on as his teammate defected the way he did. 2
347 347 301 Hassen ...So he accepted the surveillance mission on Noan? 1
348 348 301 Nikola Not just Noan; the other two are also potential risks. Given how the fight on the surface is escalating, there is no one else more suited for this job. 2
349 349 301 Hassen ... 1
350 350 301 Hassen Don't we have enough people watching him already? 1
351 351 301 Nikola We shouldn't relax as long as we can't stop people from deserting. Noan is just one of the surveillance targets. 2
352 352 202 1 2 1
353 353 201 1 500004
354 354 301 1 Asimov Speaking of which. 1
355 355 301 Asimov Noan mentioned the deserters during an inspection. 1
401 401 301 Asimov Nothing. It was a baseless misunderstanding. 2
402 402 301 Rosa has enough problems as it is. Asimov decides not to mention something this trivial.
403 403 301 Hassen How is Lee's specialized frame? 1
404 404 301 Asimov We can complete the adaptation and the construction at any time. 2
405 405 301 Asimov But it will just be another "Empyrea" in its current state. We still haven't made any significant improvements. 2
406 406 301 Asimov We're investigating the unique connection technology on Noan. Hopefully, it will bring some new ideas to the development of the specialized omega frame. 2
407 407 202 1 1
408 408 201 1 500012 -400
409 409 301 1 Nikola Extend our order from a few days ago and keep Lee in Babylonia. He is one of our few remaining hopes. We can't let anything happen to him. 1
410 410 301 Asimov Noan broke free from an Ascendant's control by himself, which means he is also capable of adapting to a specialized frame. 2
411 411 301 Nikola His connection to the Ascendants means there are still many uncertainties about him. It's safer to place our bets on Lee before we are sure where Noan stands. 1
412 412 202 1 2 1
413 413 201 1 500011
414 414 301 1 Hassen It seems that... Gray Raven will only consist of Lucia and the commandant for the time being. 1
415 415 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Hassen Although Liv has woken up... 1
419 419 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Hippocrates Alright, that's it for today's treatment. 1
420 420 201 1 1031001
421 421 301 1 Liv Thank you, Professor. You too, Commandant... Thank you for coming back to Babylonia so frequently to assist with the process. 1
422 422 302 As long as I can help. 423 Stop saying thanks, okay? 424
423 423 426 301 Liv You never stop helping, Commandant. 1
424 424 204 1 6
425 425 301 Liv Right... o-okay... 1
426 426 201 1 500404
427 427 301 1 Hippocrates How have you been? Any issues during battles? 1
428 428 302 I'm alright. 429
429 429 301 Hippocrates It's a medical miracle that you woke up—or so I thought. 1
430 430 301 Hippocrates I only recently discovered that the monitoring and medical devices in your room were modified before reverting to their original state. The timing matches the time you awoke. 1
431 431 301 Hippocrates I don't know who did it, and I don't know how it was done. All records at that time have been overwritten. 1
432 432 302 ... 433
433 433 204 1 2
434 434 301 Hippocrates Anyway, I'm going to look into it. I won't let some kind stranger remain anonymous! And I'm going to drag whoever that is to the hospital to help! 1
435 435 204 1 1
436 436 202 1
437 437 301 The professor laughs as she waves, turning away and leaving.
438 438 302 How are you doing, Liv? 439
439 439 201 1 1031001 1
440 440 301 1 Liv The migraines have gotten much better with the professor and your help. 1
441 441 302 That's good.
442 442 301 Liv Lucia told me that you saved a person while you were on the surface, and he's serving in Dark Aries now? 1
443 443 302 That's right. 444 His name is Noan. 444
444 444 301 Liv It's great to have a new person with us. 1
445 445 301 Liv You too, Commandant. You should rely more on others instead of carrying everything on your shoulders. 1
446 446 302 I will. 447 Same goes for you. 449
447 447 204 1 1
448 448 452 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Liv smiles and nods.
449 449 204 1 1
450 450 301 Liv I'm already relying on you, Commandant, and so many others. And I will keep doing so. 1
454 454 301 AniZhuanchangEnd You see a familiar figure wandering outside the WGAA after you leave the Star of Life.
455 455 302 Noan? 456
456 456 201 1 500506
457 457 301 1 Noan Good afternoon, Commandant. 1
458 458 302 What are you doing here by yourself? 459
459 459 301 Noan Commandant Simon asked me to requisition some supplies, and I'm still learning my way around here. 1
460 460 301 Noan What about you? Why are you here alone? 1
461 461 302 I'm heading back to the Gray Raven lounge. 462
462 462 302 What are you requisitioning? 463
463 463 301 Noan Some spare weapons and a coating. 1
464 464 301 Noan Captain Palma said I looked like I was, and I quote, "fished out from a pile of Corrupted." So she told me to apply for a fresh coating from the WGAA. 1
465 465 302 Well, get something you like. 466
466 466 301 Noan I haven't seen how they swap a coating, so I would love the chance to experience it myself. 1
467 467 301 Noan But I haven't found out where the requisitioning office is... 1
468 468 302 I'll take you there. 469
469 469 301 Noan Is that okay? 1
470 470 302 Of course. 471
471 471 204 1 1
472 472 301 Noan Thank you, then. 1
473 473 203 1 0.25 -50
474 474 301 He walks toward you with a smile.
475 475 302 How are you, by the way? 476
476 476 204 1 1
477 477 301 Noan I'm good. Commandant Simon is a very gentle person. 1
478 478 204 1 11
479 479 301 Noan Everyone else is... polite. 1
480 480 301 Looking at the intricate architecture of Babylonia, he reveals a hint of confusion in his eyes.
485 485 301 1 Lee happens to be walking past as he returns from Maintenance, and he sees a familiar figure heading further inside the WGAA.
486 486 301 Lee ...? 13
487 487 301 Lee How is the commandant free to hang around this place? 13
488 488 201 1 500506 -600
489 489 301 1 Confused, Lee takes another look, and he sees the other familiar figure.
490 490 301 Lee ...? 13
491 491 301 He immediately dismisses the thought.
492 492 301 Lee (...What was I thinking? There was no way he could survive. That must be another Construct who happens to look similar.) 13
493 493 301 But then—
494 494 202 1
495 495 201 1 500520 -600
496 496 301 1 That young Construct has chosen a new coating.
497 497 204 13 7
498 498 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Lee ?! 13
499 499 202 13 1
500 500 201 1 500303 -400
501 501 201 2 500520 400
502 502 510 2000 2
503 503 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 WGAA Staff 1 But... that's just the preview for the dye effect. Are you sure about that? 1
504 504 301 Noan What's wrong with it? 2
505 505 301 WGAA Staff 1 It's ugly! 1
506 506 302 I think it looks fine. 507
507 507 301 WGAA Staff 1 You too?! Is that what a Chief prefers? 1
508 508 302 I prefer "whatever makes you happy." 509
509 509 301 WGAA Staff 1 Arrgh...! You... 1
510 510 301 The WGAA staff member covers his eyes in anguish.
511 511 301 Noan I'm just curious how it looks in rainbow colors. Relax, I won't wear it outside. 2
512 512 301 WGAA Staff 1 Seriously? 1
513 513 301 Noan I'll take it off, regretful as it may be... 2
514 514 202 1 2 1
515 515 201 1 500026
516 516 301 1 Lee ...Hey. 1
517 517 302 Lee? Why are you here? 518
518 518 202 1 1
519 519 201 1 500520 400
520 520 201 2 500026 -400 1
521 521 301 1 Noan Lee? 1
522 522 301 29 Lee You're still alive? 2
523 523 301 1 Noan I am. It's been a while. 1
524 524 302 Do you know each other? 525
525 525 301 1 Lee Don't you recognize him? He's Shrek. 2
526 526 302 Wait a minute. 527
527 527 301 1 Noan Ah... I might have forgotten to mention that. 1
528 528 202 1 2 1
529 529 201 1 500303
530 530 301 AniZhuanchangBegin 1 WGAA Staff 1 Take off that disco ball on your head and put on your test coating before you catch up! 1
531 531 201 1 500508
532 532 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Noan ...Anyway, that was what happened. 1
533 533 302 I knew I recognized you! 534 Way to bury the lede! 535
534 534 536 301 Noan You even picked up that book! Fate, am I right? 1
535 535 301 Noan I almost forgot about it then, and we didn't really have the time to talk about it when I remembered it. 1
536 536 201 1 500026
537 537 301 1 Lee And the Ascendants made you a Construct. Your luck... 1
538 538 204 1 10
539 539 301 Lee That's not fair. If you hadn't jumped off with the Omega Weapon, you would have just died from your wounds inside the train. Don't even mention how you got away from the Ascendants. 1
540 540 201 1 500508 1
541 541 301 1 Noan Is that a compliment? 1
542 542 201 1 500026
543 543 301 1 Lee ...You can think what you want. 1
544 544 301 Lee ... 1
545 545 301 Lee I'm glad you survived. 1
546 546 302 By the way, why are you here, Lee? 547
547 547 301 Lee I saw you guys hanging around outside. 1
548 548 302 I was showing the newbie around. 549
549 549 301 Lee He has his own commandant, doesn't he? 1
550 550 302 Simon has been busy. 551
551 551 301 Lee What about the others? 1
552 552 201 1 500508 11
553 553 301 1 Noan ...They're... 1
554 554 301 Noan smiles resignedly, swallowing the rest of his words.
555 555 201 1 500026
556 556 301 1 Lee ... 1
557 557 301 Lee Because of your connection with the Ascendants? 1
558 558 201 1 500508
559 559 301 1 Noan Has everyone heard about it already? 1
560 560 302 There have been a lot of new faces from the surface lately. 561
561 561 302 Managing and distributing information has been a mess. 562
562 562 301 Noan I see... 1
563 563 301 Noan The more anxious people are, the more they want to stay informed. Even if what they hear are plain lies. 1
564 564 301 Noan That's alright. I have plenty of experience with something like that. Don't worry about me. 1
565 565 201 1 500026
566 566 301 1 Lee ... 1
567 567 301 Lee I still have to go see Asimov. You guys go ahead. 1
568 568 302 Don't you have something else to say? 569 Alright. 570
569 569 301 Lee Why aren't you working if you have so much free time? 1
570 570 202 1
571 571 401 2 1516
572 572 301 He walks away.
573 573 402 1516
574 574 201 1 500508 1
575 575 301 1 Noan I kind of feel like Lee was hoping you'd go to rest. 1
576 576 302 How can you tell? 577 I noticed. 578
577 577 582 301 Noan It was his gaze... or maybe his tone? 1
578 578 301 Noan Of course you did. You're a Chief. 1
579 579 302 Did Simon teach you to say that? 580
580 580 301 Noan Yeah. He always mentioned you or asked me how you did on the surface when we chatted. 1
581 581 301 Noan He might not say it out loud, but I suppose that was how he showed he cared. 1
582 582 204 1 1
583 583 401 2 1543
584 584 202 1
585 585 201 1 500506 1
586 586 301 1 Noan smiles as he takes off the test coating on him.
587 587 301 Noan I'll take this one. 1
588 588 201 1 500303
589 589 301 1 WGAA Staff 1 Do you have no other requirements? Members from pending elite squads are allowed to request customizations on their coatings. 1
590 590 201 1 500506 1
591 591 301 1 Noan This is good. I'll take the one everyone uses. 1
592 592 201 1 500303
593 593 301 1 WGAA Staff 1 ok~ 1
594 594 201 1 500506 1
595 595 301 1 Noan Thanks. 1
596 596 301 Noan Let's go, Commandant. 1
597 597 301 Noan You really should rest now. Commandant Simon said you just returned from a mission, and you're already preparing for your next. 1
598 598 301 DialogDisable Noan Let me walk you back to the Gray Raven lounge. I have to go back to the Dark Aries lounge as well. 1
603 603 610 301 DialogEnable 1 Noan Hmm? What is it? 1
604 604 201 1 500506
605 605 301 DialogEnable 1 Noan Do you prefer "Shrek" more? 1
606 606 302 It's more familiar. 607 Yeah, I like it. 607
607 607 302 Can I call you that? 608
608 608 301 Noan Sure. Shrek is my name too. Call me the way you like. 1
609 609 301 Noan What were you asking me? 1
610 610 302 Do you regret it? 611
611 611 301 Noan Do I regret coming to Babylonia? 1
612 612 302 Yeah. 613
613 613 301 Noan I don't. 1
614 614 302 But... since you've been here... 615
615 615 302 Um... 616
616 616 204 1 2
617 617 301 Noan I've been interrogated, monitored, alienated... and asked to join those researches. 1
618 618 302 ... 619
619 619 204 1 1
620 620 301 Noan Did you think this would happen when you asked me to come to Babylonia with you? 1
621 621 302 ...I did. 622 I'm sorry. I was focusing on the Ascendant that day. 623
622 622 624 301 Noan I thought about this too when I agreed to come. 1
623 623 301 Noan It's alright. I thought about this when I agreed to come. 1
624 624 301 Noan Lithos warned me too. You heard that. 1
625 625 302 Yeah... 626 I'm sorry. 626
626 626 301 Noan I thought it through before I made the decision. 1
627 627 302 This is going to be hard. 628
628 628 301 Noan Is anything easy? 1
629 629 301 Noan People went through hardships even back in the peaceful days. 1
630 630 204 1 2
631 631 301 Noan And you, "hero"? 1
632 632 301 Noan Has your journey been easy? 1
633 633 302 ...Of course not. 634
634 634 204 1 1
635 635 301 Noan Do you regret taking on this hardship, then? 1
636 636 302 I don't. 637 My only regret is that I couldn't save more people. 637
637 637 301 Noan Have you thought about running away and giving up because you couldn't stand the pain? 1
638 638 302 No. 639 Maybe. 642
639 639 301 Noan Me neither. But not giving up doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. 1
640 640 301 Noan I might be a Construct, but I'm still human inside. 1
641 641 648 301 Noan I know I feel pain because there are still people and things I care about and a future I want to see. 1
642 642 301 Noan But you aren't running. Why? 1
643 643 302 Because there is nowhere to run. 644 Because there are still people and things I care about. 647
644 644 204 1 11
645 645 301 Noan You can always run if you want to... Dying is a way to run away. 1
646 646 648 301 Noan You haven't run away because there are still people and things you care about. That's what drives you forward. 1
647 647 301 Noan Yeah... I also have people and things I care about and a future I want to see. 1
648 648 204 1 2
649 649 301 Noan So... our answers are the same. 1
650 650 204 1 1
651 651 301 Noan No matter how painful and difficult it gets, I won't regret it. 1
652 652 301 Noan It's proof that I still care. I'd rather live on with this regret and pain than give up my dream for an easier path. 1
653 653 302 I see. 654
654 654 301 Noan By the way, there's something I never had the chance to tell you. 1
655 655 301 Noan Thank you for pulling me up at the last moment. 1
656 656 302 I just did what I should do. 657 Thank you for accepting my invitation. 657
657 657 301 He smiles, stopping before a forking road.
658 658 301 Noan That is the way to Dark Aries' lounge. 1
659 659 302 I should head back as well. 660
660 660 301 Noan I'll see you around, Commandant. 1
661 661 302 I'll see you around. 662
662 662 202 1
663 663 301 The two of you wave goodbye before heading your separate ways.
664 664 401 1 36
665 665 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Despite realizing how ordinary he is and knowing how he will face many challenges with this ordinary body, his footsteps feel determined without a hint of doubt.
668 668 304 AniZhuanchangEnd An ordinary life is like wild grass. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1
669 669 304 Wild grass strikes no deep roots, has no beautiful flowers and leaves, yet it imbibes dew, water and the blood and flesh of the dead, all trying to rob them of life. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1
670 670 304 As long as it lives, it is trampled upon and mown down, until it dies and decays. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1
671 671 304 But please do not loathe how ordinary it is or how it decays. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1
672 672 304 It is the price for a soul to burn. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1 1
673 673 304 Rejoice for their uncompromising souls. Laugh and sing for the snow they melt with their flame. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1
674 674 304 They would rather greet death than obey and perish in silence. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1
675 675 304 He<//SURVIVOR> is walking on a path paved with deaths<//FIREFLY>. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1
676 676 304 One day, he<//SURVIVOR> will also face his death, guided by the fireflies<//THEIR LOVE>. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1
677 677 304 This is the choice the wild grass made. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1 1
678 678 304 AniZhuanchangBegin You will still see him smiling when it is his time to go. ffffffff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/Bgstory300.png 1 1
