3 3 301 DialogEnable The remaining cleanup work progressed smoothly. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all teams, the remnants of Hetero-Creatures on the west side were soon wiped out completely.
4 4 301 You reported the casualties and loss of equipment to Babylonia and were told the shuttle had already departed.
5 5 301 Liv stayed in the west to perform emergency treatment on the wounded soldiers. Lee and Lucia went in other directions to continue searching for survivors. Meanwhile, you are staying in the command center to help the seriously wounded Constructs stabilize their M.I.N.D.
6 6 201 1 500019
7 7 301 1 Purifying Force Soldier Thanks... I feel much better now. 1
8 8 302 Has anyone seen Bianca? 9
9 9 301 Purifying Force Soldier Captain? She was heading that way. 1
10 10 202 1 1
11 11 301 The Purifying Force soldier points at the breakwater.
15 15 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Along with the clearing battle smoke, The heavy clouds hanging overhead are gradually receding, as if they are declaring the end of the battle. The setting sun shines through the clouds, leaving a gentle hue of colors in the distant sky above the sea.
17 17 301 AniZhuanchangEnd She sits on the edge of the breakwater, gazing at the distant sky absentmindedly. You walk next to her to look at the vast sea together.
18 18 301 Bianca ...
19 19 301 Bianca Commandant.
20 20 302 It's over. 21
21 21 301 Bianca Yeah. It's all over.
22 22 301 She looks back at you and nods.
23 23 301 Bianca I guess we will witness many more losses and farewells like this one in the future.
24 24 301 She whispers softly in a complicated tone, but there is no confusion in it.
25 25 302 I think so. But we will carry on with their will. 26
34 34 301 DialogDisable Veritas and Stigmata look so different.
35 35 302 Bianca... 36
36 36 302 You found her. But have you also found yourself? 37
37 37 301 DialogEnable Bianca looks a little surprised initially, but soon understands the meaning behind the inquiry. She nods, raising her hand to gently tuck a strand of hair that dances in the sea breeze. The earrings that once belonged to Chiko are glimmering at her fingertips.
38 38 302 You look a lot more determined. 39
39 39 301 Bianca ...I am.
40 40 301 Bianca makes the first pure, genuine smile that you have seen ever since you started doing missions together.
41 41 301 AniZhuanchangBegin You reply with another smile. Both of you just sit side by side, quietly watching the sea getting peaceful again in the sunset.
47 47 301 AniZhuanchangEnd A few seagulls glide past, screeching in the wind. Moments later, you hear a few calls from afar. When you look over, you notice some Purifying Force members waving in your direction.
48 48 401 2 1515
49 49 301 At the same time, the terminal receives a signal that the shuttle is about to arrive.
50 50 302 It's time to go back. 51
51 51 201 1 500532
52 52 301 1 Bianca Alright. 1
53 53 202 1
54 54 301 Bianca turns back for one last time, holding her sword horizontally in front of her chest. She closes her eyes facing the direction where the Hetero-Humanoid disappeared.
55 55 301 ...Is she praying? No, it looks more like a silent farewell or a devout oath.
56 56 401 500 2 988
57 57 402 988
58 58 301 The Phantom Tracer on Bianca's waist makes a brief hum as if it has sensed some sort of connection. A fragment-like object is flickering in the center of the lamp.
59 59 302 What's this? 60
60 60 201 1 500532
61 61 301 1 Bianca It fell off her and was absorbed by the Phantom Tracer. 1
62 62 301 Bianca I have a feeling that this is very important... After returning to Babylonia, I will submit it along with the mission report. 1
63 63 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Bianca Let the Science Council analyze it. 1
71 71 301 Bianca walks out of the training room. She has changed back to the Veritas frame after coming back to Babylonia.
72 72 302 Have you fixed the unstable M.I.N.D. of this frame? 73
73 73 201 1 500004
74 74 301 1 Asimov It's all good now. 1
75 75 301 Asimov After rounds of adjustments and upgrades, Veritas can definitely replace the damaged Zero. 1
76 76 301 Asimov As for Stigmata... Its abilities have already been fully demonstrated in battle. I let Bianca change out of it because the Punishing Virus information inside the frame has yet to be completely neutralized. Using it will make her M.I.N.D. more unstable. 1
77 77 301 Asimov A thorough tuning is necessary before it can be used again. 1
78 78 301 Asimov As for the Phantom Tracer Bianca brought back... 1
79 79 401 2 2566
80 80 301 Asimov taps on the light screen. A core fragment appears in the center. Looks like it was formed from Punishing Virus Heteromers.
81 81 302 Does it have anything to do with Chiko? 82 Does it have anything to do with Ascendants? 82
82 82 301 Asimov No. The fragment appears to be merely a vessel for transmitting information. What really matters is the message it carries. 1
83 83 301 Asimov It almost feels like someone was purposely using the fact that the Punishing Virus could carry information... Actually, there's more than that. I must have overlooked something more important. 1
84 84 301 Asimov The encryption method is beyond my knowledge, at least for now. 1
85 85 204 1 8
86 86 301 Asimov frowns. He curls his index finger to rub his temple.
87 87 302 If it's a piece of information... Can you track its source? 88
88 88 204 1
89 89 301 Asimov I didn't have time to find out its true origin. The first piece of deciphered information looks like a "message." 1
90 90 401 2 2566
91 91 301 Asimov raises his hand, displaying the information to the screen. They seem like just a few pages of cryptic codes to you.
92 92 301 Only one obscure message was deciphered from the codes.
93 93 302 "This is a gift... in the name of the future." 94
94 94 301 Asimov I don't know what it really means. 1
95 95 301 The message does not quite make sense, but that familiar gray-haired girl suddenly appears in your mind. She waves at you with a bright smile, then walks away into the dazzling light.
96 96 302 (Speaking of it... You haven't seen her for a long time.) 97
97 97 301 Asimov Anyway, there are still a lot of unsolved mysteries regarding this fragment. I will continue analyzing it. 1
98 98 201 1 500011 5
99 99 301 1 Hassen Apart from the fragment, the production of Omega Weapons also needs to be prioritized. We have almost used up all the available inventory in this battle. 1
100 100 302 ...Sorry. 101 ... 101
101 101 204 1
102 102 301 Hassen But we won. 1
103 103 301 Hassen's brow seems to have relaxed a bit. He points to the casualty rate displayed on the screen. The final number is even lower than Gestalt's estimate.
104 104 301 Hassen Like you said, the people who bring us hope are our most important resources. 1
105 105 301 Hassen The battle outcome is exactly like what we estimated. Most of the participants have survived. There is no better victory than this. 1
106 106 201 1 500004
107 107 301 1 Asimov The only regret is we could not retrieve Lithos' frame. 1
108 108 201 1 500128
109 109 301 1 Bianca I was already getting close to where Lithos sank, but a large number of Hetero-Creatures suddenly appeared from the sea. When we cleared them up, his frame had already disappeared. 1
110 110 301 Bianca Thinking back now, the Hetero-Creatures were probably... 1
111 111 302 They purposely showed up to transfer Lithos' frame away before you got ahold of it.
112 112 301 Bianca Correct. The only party that could do this was... 1
121 121 301 That enigmatic figure has once again been hiding behind multiple mysteries, manipulating the situation and reaping the outcomes they desired.
130 130 301 DialogEnable 1 Bianca I could only find Lithos' hairpin. I've brought it back. 1
131 131 201 1 500004
132 132 301 1 Asimov ... 1
133 133 302 Do we have any clue? 134
134 134 301 It could be just your illusion, but Asimov seemed a little odd when she mentioned "hairpin."
135 135 301 Asimov That hairpin? It passed the sterilization process not long ago and was delivered. I left it in that box over there... 1
136 136 204 1 7
137 137 301 Asimov looks back at the desk behind. He suddenly stops.
138 138 204 1
139 139 301 You look in the same direction. There is a box on his desk, but it has been opened by someone. There is nothing inside.
140 140 301 Asimov It was right here... 1
141 141 302 Did anyone else come to this place other than us? 142
142 142 301 Asimov Apart from you, there was only Rosa, who had been staying in the lab... Wait a sec... 1
143 143 301 Asimov Rosa? 1
144 144 301 Asimov raises his voice, calling out her name. But the timid, purple-haired girl is not coming out of a pile of documents as she usually did.
145 145 301 The box is carefully opened and put aside. Asimov looks at it and recalls the coincidental encounter between Rosa and Noan not long ago.
146 146 301 ...He did not want to bring up the "unimportant" past, but he had forgotten that Rosa had always wanted to know the truth behind some things.
147 147 204 1 8
148 148 301 AniZhuanchangBegin He sighs to himself.
199 199 301 Noan gazes at Rosa in silence. Seeing his expression, Rosa anxiously raises her voice.
200 200 204 2 11
201 201 301 Rosa All I know is that there is an Ascendant named Lithos. Everything about him is classified... Asimov didn't want to tell me anything... 2
202 202 301 Rosa Not even his look...? But you did say this name when you saw me on that day... 2
203 203 204 1
204 204 301 Noan realizes what she is trying to ask. His first response is to turn her down.
205 205 301 Noan Sorry, but I can't tell you anything. I signed the confidentiality agreement. 1
206 206 204 2 14
207 207 301 Rosa But... 2
208 208 301 Large tears roll down the girl's cheeks. She begins to sob, mumbling words to beg him.
209 209 301 Rosa P-please... You're the only one I can ask... 2
210 210 204 1 7
211 211 301 Noan W-wait! Don't cry! 1
212 212 301 Realizing Noan is a little shaken, Rosa begins to cry even louder.
213 213 301 Rosa (Weeping) 2
214 214 301 Noan Um... 1
215 215 204 1 1
216 216 203 1 0.25 400 -80
217 217 301 Slightly troubled, Noan scratches his head. He then gently crouches down in front of the sobbing girl.
218 218 301 Noan Rosa... I can't tell you more... 1
219 219 301 He takes out a sketchbook and a pen from his backpack and begins to draw the look of Lithos.
220 220 204 1 11
221 221 301 Noan ...But I can draw him for you. Will this work? 1
222 222 301 Rosa ...Yeah. Thank you... 2
223 223 204 1 15
224 224 401 2 910
225 225 301 She wipes away the tears blurring her vision. Her eyes widen as she watches Lithos' face gradually appearing on the pale paper.
226 226 204 1
227 227 301 Noan I didn't add colors... But Lithos' hair and eyes are all purple, very similar to yours. 1
228 228 402 910
229 229 301 He pulls the page off the sketchbook and passes it to Rosa.
230 230 301 Noan May I ask why this matters so much to you? 1
231 231 204 2 14
232 232 301 Rosa I have another hairpin that looks exactly like this one at home... But it is a lot older. I don't know whether it is part of Mother's memory, or just one of the "materials" she brought back. 2
233 233 301 She shakes her head, trying to cast away the mixed memories. She carefully holds the sketch and the hairpin in her palms.
234 234 301 Rosa Can I take this sketch back...? I won't let anyone find it... 2
235 235 204 1 1
236 236 301 Noan Of course. 1
237 237 301 Rosa Thank you. Please don't tell others what I asked. 2
238 238 301 Noan Sure. Similarly, please don't tell others what I told you. 1
239 239 204 1 2
240 240 204 2
241 241 301 Noan puts a finger to his mouth. Rosa wipes off the tears on her chin, then nods with a smile too.
242 242 204 1 1
243 243 301 Rosa It's a deal. Nobody tells anyone anything. 2
244 244 301 Noan Yeah. It's our promise. 1
245 245 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Rosa It's our secret. 2
267 267 301 Vanessa ...Wait. There is one last thing. 2
268 268 301 Teasell ...? 1
269 269 301 Vanessa waves her recording terminal.
270 270 301 Vanessa Gray Raven had a photo like this. Let's take one too for our final time together. 2
271 271 301 Nobody expects her to say such words on a battlefield full of potential threats of Hetero-Creature.
272 272 301 Teasell ...A photo? 1
273 273 301 Teasell Fine then. This is the last time anyway. 1
274 274 301 Teasell cannot understand why his former commandant wants to take a photo of a traitor, but he no longer has any desire to find out the reasons behind Vanessa's changes. He has already made up his mind to leave them.
275 275 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Vanessa Bambinata, stand next to Teasell. 2
279 279 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Bambinata nods in obedience. She follows Vanessa's instruction to stand next to Teasell, striking a "photo-taking" pose.
280 280 301 Teasell just turns sideways and crosses his arms. He keeps a poker face, but has not left.
281 281 301 Vanessa raises her terminal to put both of them in the viewfinder. Seeing the terminal's screen, she makes another breezy smile, but never presses the shutter.
282 282 301 What is she waiting for? Teasell looks over in confusion. Bambinata just keeps her hand up helplessly, maintaining the pose.
283 283 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Vanessa ignores Teasell's questioning look. She just looks into the distance.
287 287 301 AniZhuanchangEnd At the very end of her vision, she can barely see a familiar pink figure on the distant coastline.
288 288 301 Completely unaware of Vanessa's gaze, Liv rushes directly to the wounded Constructs. Vanessa cannot see her face, but she can easily imagine her expression.
289 289 301 It must be that same firm, determined look that once made her laugh. Just like when she cut off her long hair in the factory ruins, or when she said "I won't flee" in the ambulance.
290 290 301 The Gray Raven in that ambulance reminded Vanessa of Teasell, who had gone missing. She has seen many "dolls" who died or fled from her hands, but never thought that one of them would come back and save her life.
291 291 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Perhaps it is already too late, but something has changed indeed.
292 292 104 0|0|0 0
293 293 401 2000 2 925
294 294 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Just when Liv enters the viewfinder, Vanessa presses the shutter, capturing this scene.
295 295 301 —Bambinata is still submissive, but Teasell no longer obeys orders. Vanessa still does not want to be in the photo. With Liv in the distance, the once glorious Egret has their first and last photo.
296 296 301 AniZhuanchangBegin They are going to part ways.
302 302 301 1 Teasell looks away and walks in the opposite direction. He could not hold it when walking past Vanessa.
303 303 202 1 1
304 304 201 1 500523 400
305 305 201 2 500537 -400
306 306 301 1 Teasell We will be enemies the next time we meet. 1
307 307 204 2 13
308 308 301 Vanessa ...Hah, I don't want to see a traitor again. Besides, once I throw away a "doll," it is no different from dead to me. 2
309 309 301 Teasell ... 1
310 310 202 1 2 1
311 311 201 1 500537 250
312 312 301 1 Vanessa feels her body is getting increasingly heavier. She no longer looks at Teasell, but raises her head and walks toward the temporary command center.
313 313 201 2 500536 -300
314 314 301 1 Bambinata comes to Vanessa and helps her walk. She looks back at Teasell for one last time.
315 315 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Vanessa Just pray we will never meet again. 1
323 323 301 Someone is knocking on the door. Vanessa turns off the terminal's screen and puts it face down on the blanket.
324 324 401 1 207
325 325 202 1 1
326 326 201 1 500059 -400
327 327 201 2 500001 400
328 328 301 1 A doctor of Star of Life walks in with a report in his hand, followed by Celica, who is holding a fruit basket.
329 329 301 Doctor The results are out. Your recovery is progressing well. 1
330 330 301 Doctor But the wound on your face may take some time to heal. 1
331 331 301 Doctor As for your left eye... Unfortunately, it was wounded too badly and didn't receive timely treatment. Its vision is completely lost and cannot be recovered. 1
332 332 301 Doctor ...But considering your situation at that time, this is already the best outcome. 1
333 333 301 Doctor I suggest you have the eyeball removed as soon as possible to avoid sympathetic ophthalmia. Once it's out, you can consider installing a prosthetic one. 1
334 334 301 Celica thought Vanessa would blow up for this, but she just waves her hand as if she does not care at all.
335 335 202 1 2 1
336 336 201 1 500537
337 337 301 1 Vanessa Whatever. 1
338 338 204 1 13
339 339 301 Vanessa The scar and prosthetic eye can serve as evidence, proving that I saved so many lives, as well as that loser, 【kuroname】. 1
340 340 301 She casually runs her fingers through the hair on the side, giving her usual sarcastic smile.
341 341 301 Vanessa Hope that Chief can regret lying down for 3 months and doing nothing after seeing my face. 1
342 342 201 1 500001
343 343 301 1 Celica If you say so... 【kuroname】 just happens to be in Star of Life helping Liv for her rehab. Would you like me to call him? 1
344 344 201 1 500537 13
345 345 301 1 Vanessa just sneers disdainfully.
346 346 301 Vanessa If that Chief insists to apologize and thank me, I don't mind accepting it. 1
347 347 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Vanessa But I hope that Chief can show some sincerity and stand for at least an hour before coming in. 1
352 352 302 (What the...) 353 (She is just...) 353
353 353 201 1 1031001
354 354 301 1 Liv Commandant... 1
355 355 301 Liv Vanessa did save us in the evacuation of City 043. 1
356 356 204 1 19
357 357 301 Liv Without her and Bambinata to cover us, maybe everybody left in the conservation area would... 1
358 358 302 I know. 359 (Sigh) 362
359 359 301 The medic Construct mentioned the long-lost Vanessa showing up at the temporary command center, seriously wounded. She was in a coma for quite some time due to infection after being sent back to Star of Life.
360 360 301 When Vanessa appeared, she never talked about her injuries or what happened in the past few months. She just provided tactical assistance to the surrounded soldiers with Bambinata until the battle ended.
361 361 363 301 After joining the main force, she was sent to Star of Life. She was once in a coma due to serious infection.
362 362 364 301 Liv and Lucia had also told you the stories in City 043 long ago.
363 363 302 I'll be there right away once you finish your treatments. 365
364 364 302 I'll wait for another half an hour. 365
365 365 204 1
366 366 301 Liv Okay. 1
367 367 302 Are you also coming? 368
368 368 204 1 3
369 369 301 Liv I...
370 370 204 1
371 371 301 Liv hesitates a little and shakes her head.
372 372 301 Liv You go first, Commandant. I will visit her alone later. 1
373 373 204 1 19
374 374 301 Liv I heard Teasell defected... If she sees us together, I'm worried that she may... 1
375 375 302 ...Understood. 376
376 376 201 1 500001
377 377 301 AniZhuanchangBegin 1 Celica Okay, I'll just wait here, then I'll take you to her. 1
422 422 301 You first smell a light fragrance, then see Vanessa sitting straight on her bed.
423 423 201 1 500538
424 424 301 1 Vanessa ... 1
425 425 302 ...
426 426 301 Vanessa is mostly the same as how you remember her, but with subtle differences. She is dressed in a glamorous gown that looks out of place and wearing near flawless makeup. You notice her delicate eyelashes and a complicated but beautiful laced eye mask on her left eye.
427 427 301 Still, you can see the horrifying scars under the mask if you look carefully.
428 428 301 Vanessa What are you looking at? Are you tired of your own eye too? 1
429 429 301 She sounds as sarcastic as always.
430 430 302 You seem to be... in good spirits. 431 I think I know why you kept me waiting for an hour. 432
431 431 433 301 Vanessa That has nothing to do with you though. 1
432 432 301 Vanessa Definitely not for you. 1
433 433 301 Vanessa throws back a sarcastic remark without mercy.
434 434 302 ... 435
435 435 301 Vanessa You are an idiot who couldn't even protect yourself. Even your Constructs were eager to throw their lives away. If not for me, you wouldn't be able to stand here. 1
436 436 301 Vanessa Do you even know how messed up you looked when you lay on a junk bed in the basement? Do you know how much hassle you caused? 1
437 437 301 Her words sound more aggressive than ever, as if you have triggered something.
438 438 302 (Feels like she is just taking it out on me...) 439
439 439 204 1 13
440 440 301 Vanessa Weren't you going to push the door in? Why aren't you talking now? 1
441 441 301 Vanessa seems in a good mood as she begins to smile. She elegantly reaches out for water on the table in front.
442 442 204 1
443 443 301 —But she fails to pick up the white porcelain cup. Her hand, wrapped in bandage, just moves past the cup and misses it.
444 444 204 1 3
445 445 301 She pulls the hand back out of instinct, splashing water that soaks the bandage on her purlicue.
446 446 302 You... 447
447 447 204 1
448 448 301 Vanessa ...Forget about it. It's already cold. 1
449 449 301 She quickly conceals it, but you still see a moment of frailty in her eyes.
450 450 301 You grab the cup and pour her another cup of warm water, then pass it to her hand.
451 451 302 Here's a hot one. 452
452 452 204 1 3
453 453 301 Vanessa gives you a peculiar look. She has not rejected your offer—which is quite unusual—and holds the cup with both hands.
454 454 204 1 13
455 455 301 Vanessa Hah... Gray Raven Commandant being so submissive and obedient to me? This is definitely a new experience. I'm not used to this. 1
456 456 204 1
457 457 301 AniZhuanchangBegin She looks at her reflection in the cup and turns silent.
458 458 202 2000 1 1
459 459 401 2 2626
460 460 301 AniZhuanchangEnd After what seems like an eternity, the silence is interrupted by door-knocking sounds.
461 461 201 1 500536 -400
462 462 201 2 500201 1 400
463 463 301 1 With a large bag in his hand, Simon peeks into the ward, followed by Bambinata.
464 464 301 Bambinata Master, I met Commandant Simon on the way. He said he wanted to visit you. 1
465 465 301 Simon How are you feeling, Vanessa? Oh, Chief, you're here too! 2
466 466 302 Simon. 467
467 467 301 You wave at Simon. He looks a little shocked when seeing Vanessa on the bed. 2
468 468 204 2
469 469 301 Simon Um, you— 2
470 470 202 1 2 1
471 471 201 1 500538
472 472 301 1 Vanessa What's going on today? Are all the losers having a reunion? 1
473 473 301 Vanessa interrupts Simon before he can finish.
474 474 201 1 500201 1
475 475 301 1 Simon completely ignores Vanessa's sarcasm. He gently places the bag on the cabinet next to her bed.
476 476 301 Simon You should increase your vitamin intake. Recovering from major injuries can be quite challenging. When I was... 1
477 477 201 1 500538
478 478 301 1 Vanessa I don't— 1
479 479 201 1 500536
480 480 301 1 Bambinata Bambinata would like to thank Commandant Simon on Master's behalf. 1
481 481 301 Bambinata has been standing aside quietly. She suddenly walks up and takes Simon's bag.
482 482 301 Bambinata Master would need this. The doctor had said so. 1
483 483 201 1 500538
484 484 301 1 Vanessa You all... 1
485 485 202 1 1
486 486 301 Meanwhile, Simon has already begun to dig into the bag, taking out one item after another while explaining them to Vanessa.
487 487 301 There are nutritious foods, books for killing time during rehab, gifts from the survivors of the evacuation, and many other things.
488 488 301 Vanessa still maintains her indifferent attitude, with occasional sarcastic comments. Still, she "reluctantly" makes Bambinata carefully put away the things Simon brought.
489 489 301 Another new visitor has shown up in the room.
490 490 201 1 500372
491 491 301 1 Harley Jo Wow, this place is so busy! I didn't expect all of you to be here. 1
492 492 201 1 500538
493 493 301 1 Vanessa Don't you have anything more important to do...? 1
494 494 201 1 500372
495 495 301 1 Harley Jo We're on it right now. Nothing is more important than visiting my heroic senior. 1
496 496 301 Harley Jo looks so genuine that Vanessa cannot get mad at him.
497 497 201 1 500538
498 498 301 1 Vanessa ...Whatever. 1
499 499 301 AniZhuanchangBegin She takes a sip from the cup in her hand, covering her face with it.
500 500 201 1 500538
501 501 201 2 500372 600 1
502 502 201 3 500201 1 -600 1
503 503 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 The four of you sit together, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility while reminiscing about the past in F.O.S. Since graduation, you have never had such a relaxing time to interact with your classmates even during official school reunions.
504 504 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Maybe the next time you can meet somewhere else other than Star of Life.
524 524 301 Bianca's elegant but determined steps come to a halt. She pauses ahead, as if waiting for her members.
525 525 201 1 500128 1 50
526 526 301 1 You cannot help but stop walking and glance back, catching a glimpse of Bianca's smiling profile as she turns toward them.
527 527 301 The Purifying Force you remember is always serious and distant. They do not want emotions to hinder their actions, for they know that one day they may have to turn their blades against their former comrades.
540 540 301 1 But right now, they can stand together and walk forward like this.
541 541 301 Something is changing, quietly but surely, just like burning flames.
542 542 301 1 AniZhuanchangBegin One day, all the encounters and separations will turn into a spark to light up the silent sea and guide the way to hope.
