5 5 301 DialogEnable At 6 o'clock, No. 21 opens her eyes to see herself lying on a pure white bed approximately six feet long.
6 6 401 1 209
7 7 301 She hears the lyrics, "Put your head on my shoulder. Whisper in my ear, baby." playing through the speaker. It only plays this one line; no more, no less.
8 8 301 At 7 o'clock, she finishes washing up and is spared a brief moment of silence.
9 9 301 At this time, she normally just sits on the only chair in the room, waiting for her designated Medic Bot to administer her routine physical and injections.
10 10 301 She looks at the white Medic Bot in silence. The Medic Bot will flash one of three colors depending on her examination results. Green means "Safe", orange means "Standby", and red means "Danger".
11 11 301 These colors were the only colors she could see in the pure white confines of the room, thereby making the Medic Bot seem all the more peculiar.
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13 13 301 Medic Bot ...Ding!
14 14 301 Today, the color is green. She is free to leave.
15 15 301 The holo-screen displays her schedule for the day. But does it really matter? Each day is merely a repetition of the previous day—the same schedule she has seen countless times.
16 16 301 At 8 o'clock, staff at the research institute begin their work. No. 21's room is at the end of the corridor, so few people pass by the glass wall. She watches the staff clad in white lab coats, awaiting the one assigned to her room.
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18 18 301 At 8:30, she hears the locking mechanism activate and the massive white door slide open. A staff member in a white lab coat walks in.
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20 20 301 1 Staff Member Good morning, No. 21. 1
21 21 301 The staff member approaches the Medic Bot and inspects No. 21's vitals for the day.
22 22 301 Staff Member Looks like vitals are normal today. 1
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24 24 301 1 No. 21 ... 1
25 25 203 1 0.25 -400
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27 27 301 1 Staff Member I have some news for you. Your modification surgery has been moved up to today. Your Tantalum-193 affinity will be re-evaluated at 9 o'clock, and the surgery will begin at 10 o'clock. 2
28 28 301 No. 21 ...Moved up? Why? 1
29 29 301 Her response catches the staff member off guard. No. 21 normally just obeys quietly.
30 30 301 Staff Member Test Subject No. 20 had some... Um, forget it. It has nothing to do with you. 2
31 31 301 She stops herself mid-sentence, realizing she should not say too much. Instead, the staff member just replies vaguely.
32 32 301 Staff Member Put this on. You need to complete your daily training first. 2
33 33 204 1 3
34 34 301 No. 21 ... 1
35 35 204 1
36 36 301 No. 21 Understood. 1
37 37 301 The staff member hands her a collar. Whenever No. 21 leaves the room, she must always wear the restraint collar on her neck, even during combat training. When the collar turns bright red, she experiences severe pain and numbness radiating from it.
38 38 202 1 2 1
39 39 301 No. 21 has worn this ever since she was a child. There were a few times she put up a fight, but it has long since become an everyday part of her life.
40 40 301 AniZhuanchangBegin After putting on the collar, the staff member escorts her out of the room.
43 43 301 AniZhuanchangEnd At 10 o'clock, the bright surgical light turns on overhead.
44 44 301 The dazzling light burns her retinas, causing a constellation of lights to obscure her field of vision. The masked doctor, the noise from the instruments, the clock on the opposite wall—everything becomes blurry.
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46 46 301 1 Doctor Examination results show no irregularities. 1
47 47 301 Doctor Begin administering anesthesia... 1
48 48 202 1 1
49 49 301 No. 21's cognition begins to blur as the anesthesia takes effect.
50 50 301 Has it started?
51 51 301 No. 21 is no stranger to this kind of surgery. During her stay at the institute, she has undergone them numerous times.
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53 53 301 All of those surgeries have been leading up to this.
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55 55 301 AniZhuanchangBegin As her consciousness is gradually pushed away, quixotic and aimless memories begin to float up from the depths of her mind.
64 64 301 ??? I just thought of something. Do you know how old you are? 2
65 65 301 No. 21 ...No. 1
66 66 301 ??? I know how old I am! The last time they gave me the Tanta... ta-whatever affinity test, I snuck a peek at the report the doctor was holding. According to the date, I should be fourteen years old! 2
67 67 301 No. 21 Okay... 1
68 68 301 ??? But you've been here at the institute longer than me. Maybe you're older? 2
69 69 301 ??? You're about as tall as me, but you're a lot skinnier... 2
70 70 301 No. 21 I don't know. 1
71 71 301 ??? Why haven't you been modded yet? 2
72 72 301 No. 21 ... 1
73 73 301 This question, however, she knows the answer to.
74 74 301 No. 21 The Medic Bot. 1
75 75 301 ??? Oh, right. You have a Medic Bot unlike the others. Is it because of your poor health? 2
76 76 301 No. 21 (Nods) ...I haven't passed. 1
77 77 301 ??? That's okay! I saw your recent training results. You killed it! I wanna be strong like you... Once we're modded, we can get the heck outta here! 2
78 78 301 No. 21 ...Leave? Here? 1
79 79 301 ??? Yup! No. 13 left last week after he completed his modification surgery. I heard some grown-ups say he's already going on missions. 2
80 80 301 No. 21 Oh... 1
81 81 301 ??? What's wrong? You don't wanna stay here, do you? 2
82 82 301 No. 21 I don't know. Is there any difference between doing experiments out there and here? 1
83 83 301 ??? Obviously, DUH! I saw the outside world before I was brought in. It's completely different from here... Er... It's hard to describe, though. It's been so long, I can't really remember... BUT! I'm sure it'll blow your mind when you see it! 2
84 84 301 No. 20 sits cross-legged in front of No. 21. Unlike the other test subjects, she came from "outside."
85 85 301 The researchers do not like No. 20 speaking with the other test subjects, but she always finds a way to sneak off with No. 21.
86 86 301 No. 20 Hehe... But based on our numbers, looks like I'll be modded before you. When I get out, I'll be waiting for you! 2
87 87 301 No. 21 Why do you want to wait for me? 1
90 90 301 No. 20 Sigh. The other kids are just as scatterbrained as you, but you're the only one that doesn't get mad at me. And besides, don't we talk a lot? I think that makes us friends. 2
91 91 204 1 3
92 92 301 No. 21 I don't understand. 1
93 93 204 1
94 94 301 No. 20 Let's make a pact. You're my first friend, and I'm your first friend. How does that sound? 2
95 95 301 She ignores No. 21's confusion and continues to speak her mind, but No. 21 is used to it. Based on her analysis, No. 20 is safe and non-threatening. Not to mention, no one ever talks to No. 21 besides her. So, she nods in agreement. 2
96 96 301 No. 21 Okay. 1
97 97 301 No. 20 Awesome! 2
98 98 301 No. 20 jumps on her in excitement and rubs her hair. But right after, No. 20 curls up in her arms and whimpers.
99 99 301 No. 20 Dang it... Sniff... They found out I'm missing. 2
101 101 301 No. 20 Ouuuch... Ow! Ow! Ow! I need to get going! 2
102 102 301 The girl staggers to her feet, puts her hand over the restraint collar on her neck, and spits her tongue out at No. 21 even though the pain causes her to wince slightly.
103 103 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Following that, she runs away and disappears out of sight.
108 108 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Once we're modded, we can leave?
109 109 301 The thought of this does not get No. 21's hopes up.
110 110 301 Born as a test subject, her duty is to undergo experimentation, fight in combat training, and wait for the next experiment. Her future is like the list on the holo-screen in her room, written out long ago.
111 111 301 On the other hand... perhaps, there are many colors for her to see in the outside world.
112 112 301 That is all she wants to know.
113 113 301 AniZhuanchangBegin She holds on to that desire as she falls into a deep sleep.
118 118 301 ??? Your GPS shows that you've reached the target coordinates. Did you find the entrance?
119 119 301 ?? Tsk... What's the rush?
120 120 301 ??? According to the topographic map, you should turn left at the intersection ten meters ahead. There's... Ah! Careful, two guys around the corner on your right are...
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123 123 301 PanelActor1Disable 1 Male Researcher The operation was moved to 10 o'clock. If everything goes according to schedule, maybe we can meet up for afternoon tea... Huh?! 1
130 130 301 The figure emerges from the shadow and releases the chokeholds on the two researchers. Their bodies fall to the ground.
131 131 301 ??? ...approaching. Have you taken care of them already?
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133 133 301 1 ?? What do you think? Should I have waited until you were done with your babbling? 1
134 134 301 ??? Ok... I'll leave you to your mission. Call me when necessary and keep in touch.
135 135 301 ??? Still remember our objective? Recover the research material and core data...
136 136 301 ?? Any more of your crap, and I'll hang my receiver next to one of the Daedalus Institute's loudspeakers so you can test out the surround sound in high fidelity. 1
137 137 301 ??? Just recover the target without making a scene and I'm sure you can do it and just call me if you need anything and I'll be on standby and bye.
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139 139 301 With a click as the transmission ends, the dark corridor returns to silence.
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141 141 301 AniZhuanchangBegin ?? ...Hmph. I didn't make any promises. 1
148 148 301 No. 21 opens her eyes to a deafening alarm and flashing red lights.
149 149 301 No. 21 ...Ngh...
150 150 301 She wants to move her limbs, but she cannot. Thinking that she is paralyzed, she soon realizes that an intense and almost unbearable pain is overwhelming her other senses.
151 151 301 No. 21 ...
152 152 301 The operating room is empty. Apparatuses and surgical instruments are knocked over. An intravenous tube hangs from a scattered array of racks and supports. Blood and vital fluids drip from a damaged tube, forming an immiscible pool on the floor.
153 153 301 No. 21 ...Doctor?
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155 155 401 100 2 10001004
156 156 401 100 2 1513
157 157 401 150 2 1504
158 158 401 50 2 1513
159 159 401 80 2 1504
160 160 401 40 2 1506
161 161 401 80 2 10001004
162 162 401 90 2 1513
163 163 401 70 2 10001004
164 164 301 RImgBg1Shake Outside the operating room, she hears a cacophony of screams, erratic footsteps, gunshots, roars, and blades colliding.
165 165 301 No. 21 takes a moment to acclimate to the pain. The effects of anesthesia still have not subsided, causing her to feel dizzy. After several attempts to raise her hand, she finally manages to pull off the respirator covering her face.
166 166 301 Taking off the respirator obstructing her vision, she sees a hand—a robotic hand. Surprised by the unfamiliar sight, she tries to move her fingers, and the doll-like spherical joints move.
167 167 301 This is her body. She strains herself to look down, gasping for breath from the unprecedented confusion and panic.
168 168 301 Her body has become a mechanical frame—but it is not complete. She can see her joints... Her legs are embedded with iron plates, with gaps between them, revealing the internal structure of thin wires and luminous chips.
169 169 301 No. 21 gradually relaxes her breathing—before realizing that she no longer needs to breathe.
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171 171 301 Medic Bot WARNING: Vital fluid leak. Please repair the intravenous tube promptly and complete the surgical procedure—
172 172 301 The blinding red light on the Medic Bot indicates "Danger".
173 173 301 No. 21 feels her life leaving her body. She reaches out and touches the vacant part of her leg. The red light flashes on her fingertips, showing the vital fluid dripping between her fingers that she is unable to stem.
174 174 301 No. 21 ...I musn't... be discarded...
175 175 301 No. 21 ...Infirmary... Repair...
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177 177 301 RImgBg1Shake Since the surgery was interrupted, her legs still remain inoperable. Falling off the operation table, she crawls out of the operating room with the support of her elbows as if driven by survival instinct.
178 178 401 2 1501
179 179 301 Medic Bot WARNING: Surgery incomplete. Patient must not leave the operating table. Repeat. Surgery incomplete. Patient must not leave the operating table.
180 180 301 The Medic Bot delivers an ear-splitting alert. Connected via a protruding tube, the Medic Bot is giving No. 21 a continuous flow of vital fluid and electricity.
181 181 301 However, No. 21 does not stop. One by one, the wires connected to her begin to sever. Her metal frame drags across the floor, making a sharp grating sound, as shards of glass scratch at her frame.
182 182 301 AniZhuanchangBegin The Medic Bot is pulled closely behind by the tube connecting it to No. 21, constantly issuing warnings.
185 185 301 No. 21 has endured pain countless times, but that type of pain pales in comparison to what she is experiencing now.
186 186 301 She trembles violently. Her elbow slips out from under her on a pool of blood, causing her frame to fall onto the cold floor with a heavy thud. She firmly grabs onto a protrusion of the wall to drag herself forward.
187 187 301 Can't... stop...
188 188 301 No. 21 ...I musn't... be discarded...
189 189 301 As a test subject, that would be the end of her life. She does not want it to end.
190 190 301 No. 21 ...Somebody...
191 191 301 —Somebody to repair her. Anyone.
192 192 301 The screams fade into the distance. The damage to her audio module makes her unable to hear clearly. Her world succumbs to silence—all that remains is the tightly sealed door with a flashing red light nearby. She does not know what to do. She approaches the infirmary and asks for help.
193 193 301 The artificial heart beats in her chest. The Medic Bot incessantly issues some alerts about "insufficient vital fluid storage"... Her heartbeat becomes languid and cumbersome.
198 198 301 Following the deafening noise, No. 21 realizes that the sound was not coming from her heart. Instead, she sees that the door in front of her has been blown open by an explosion.
199 199 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Gravel and rubble fly in every direction. A beam of light shines from the breached doorway, landing on No. 21.
201 201 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Light... Is that... light?
202 202 301 This light is unlike anything she has ever seen. The orange light envelopes her in peculiar warmth.
203 203 301 A woman stands amidst the light.
204 204 301 Her long red hair dances in the wind with every move. The light almost appears to radiate from her body. Holding a blade, she looks down at No. 21.
205 205 301 No. 21's blurry vision makes her unable to distinguish the red-haired woman's face.
206 206 301 Is she... glowing? It's so warm...
207 207 301 She reaches out for the warm light.
208 208 301 ?? ...
209 209 301 ??? Why am I hearing an alarm? What the hell did you do? Didn't I tell you not to make a scene?
210 210 301 ?? ...Why should I listen to you?
211 211 301 ?? I'm just responsible for completing the mission. Quit lecturing me.
212 212 301 She lowers her head and looks at No. 21's outstretched hand. Her expression remains unflinching.
213 213 301 ?? Tsk. Enough.
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215 215 301 She furrows her brows and terminates the transmission.
216 216 401 2 1516
217 217 301 She walks around No. 21 and proceeds down the corridor all without even casting so much as a sideways glance at her.
218 218 301 No. 21 Don't... leave... me...
219 219 301 No. 21 I...
220 220 301 No. 21's weak plea goes unanswered.
221 221 301 AniZhuanchangBegin She slowly lowers her arm, unable to support her cumbersome mechanoid frame as her vision gradually fades to black.
225 225 301 The outside world is just a few steps away, but she no longer has the strength to make it.
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227 227 301 After who knows how long, she hears the crisp sound of footsteps coming from behind...
228 228 301 ?? ...Is that all I could grab?
229 229 301 ?? Not satisfied with my work? Hm?
230 230 301 The sound approaches from afar, stopping beside her.
231 231 301 ?? No other Construct in Kurono could've gotten half as much as what I did.
232 232 301 ?? The Daedalus branch has been completely wiped out. If you want any intel, go get it yourself. I'm too lazy to go digging through this dump.
233 233 301 ??? WIPED OUT?! By a single Construct?! How'd you...
234 234 401 2 1516
235 235 301 She terminates the transmission, stopping the babbling noise.
236 236 301 Right at that moment, the Medic Bot's last bar of energy depletes. The tube connecting it with No. 21 convulses, no longer injecting any fluid.
237 237 301 AniZhuanchangBegin In a blur of consciousness, No. 21 feels a pair of hands lifting her shoulders.
240 240 301 AniZhuanchangEnd She struggles to open her eyes. This time, No. 21 clearly sees her face—a face she has never seen before.
241 241 301 She has never seen such a vibrant color.
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243 243 301 1 Her hair and eyes are a fiery red.
244 244 301 She picks up No. 21 like a doll, lays her out flat, then stops her "blood loss" with surgical precision.
245 245 301 No. 21 ...Are you...
246 246 301 No. 21 opens her mouth to speak. Her voice is wispy and delicate like gossamer. She remembers a story No. 20 told her about a mythical being that shines radiantly and brings salvation in times of danger.
247 247 301 No. 21 ...Are you... an angel?
248 248 301 Hearing No. 21's question, the red-haired woman sneers at such a preposterous question.
249 249 301 She approaches her and forcefully closes the wound on her chest. Compared with the pain she had just endured, No. 21 only winces slightly.
250 250 301 The sound of music can be heard playing in the institute.
251 251 301 "Put your head on my shoulder. Whisper in my ear, baby."
252 252 301 This is a reminder to all test subjects that it is now 4 o'clock. Time for them to assemble for their afternoon round of experiments to collect data.
253 253 201 1 500168 1
254 254 301 1 ?? Angel? You've got to be joking. 1
255 255 301 She whispers into No. 21's ear—
256 256 204 1 13
257 257 301 ?? I'm the devil... here to take you back to hell. 1
258 258 301 ?? That's enough. Rest, and welcome aboard the train to hell. When you wake up, you'll arrive at your destination. 1
259 259 301 1 AniZhuanchangBegin This is the last thing No. 21 hears before losing consciousness.
