4 4 301 DialogEnable 1 Chrome ...Right, that's everything summarized. We've gone through all of the key points regarding the squad-based fire and movement tactic. Anything you want to add, Commandant? 1
5 5 302 Nothing. It was a perfect summary. 6 The only problem is there is none. 7
6 6 9 301 Chrome I'm flattered. It really was the clarity of your thought process that made it easy. 1
7 7 204 1 1
8 8 10 301 Chrome Is that so? You're quite wisecracking sometimes, Commandant. 1
9 9 204 1 1
10 10 301 Chrome takes a look at the time on the terminal and smiles, packing up the files used during the discussion.
11 11 301 Chrome It's been nearly an hour... My mission here is also almost done. 1
12 12 301 Chrome In that case, the discussion on the tactics used during our last battle is concluded... Sorry to take up so much of your time today of all days. 1
13 13 302 Today of all days...? 14
14 14 301 Chrome shakes his head, chuckling. He swipes on the holo-screen, and the battle records show a picture of you fighting with Strike Hawk—a memory that you cherish.
15 15 301 Chrome I didn't realize it, but you have gone through a lot with us as a commandant... So much so that we can laugh about them now. 1
16 16 302 It's been a lot indeed. 17 Too many to count. 17
17 17 301 Crossing your arms, you look at the images and descriptions that compose the thrilling past you share, and you feel like being with an old friend—flipping through photo albums and talking about old days, not noticing the time.
18 18 302 The past isn't the only thing we share. The future too.
19 19 301 Chrome Right... we should set our sights on tomrrow. Strike Hawk must grow and perform even better than before... until we're our best selves. 1
20 20 301 Chrome reveals a subtle smile as he looks at the members of Strike Hawk in the photo.
21 21 301 Chrome Strike Hawk has been improving because of you. Whether it is Kamui, Wanshi, Camu, or me... you have lifted each one of us up. So, on behalf of Strike Hawk, I'd like to give you this small gift. I hope you'll take it. 1
22 22 202 1 1
23 23 301 You take the beautifully wrapped gift from Chrome, confused by the sudden gesture.
24 24 302 It's for me...? 25 Thanks, Chrome, but why are you... 25
25 25 202 1 1
26 26 301 Right as you are about to ask about the gift, the door to the Strike Hawk lounge opens, and a thick-haired head pokes in.
27 27 201 1 1081001 1
28 28 301 1 Kamui Hey, Capt.! Has the Gray Raven Commandant left yet? 1
29 29 201 1 500309
30 30 301 1 Chrome You're looking for the commandant as well? But please, remember not to yell inside the lounge when we have a guest... 1
31 31 302 Is something wrong, Kamui? 32
32 32 201 1 1081001
33 33 301 1 Kamui Something is wrong! Very wrong! I saw Celica carrying a stacked folder asking for you on my way back, and she's almost here! Run, Commandant, RUN! 1
34 34 301 Extra work is bad, but you reckon it is not bad enough to run away...
35 35 302 Perhaps Celica has something important for me? 36
36 36 204 1 1
37 37 301 Kamui She would have called you if there was something urgent... not to mention that her folder is filled to the brim! It must all be annoying documents like trivial reports and paperwork inside! 1
38 38 302 Why are you so familiar with it?! 39 What a detailed analysis... 39
39 39 204 1 2
40 40 301 Kamui Hmph. Wanshi taught me the tricks to handle Celica. 1
41 41 201 1 500309
42 42 301 1 Chrome If only your training reports were also as thoroughly analyzed... 1
43 43 202 1 1
44 44 301 Chrome rubs his furrowed brows before standing by Kamui, sighing.
45 45 201 1 1081001 1 -450
46 46 201 2 500309 450
47 47 301 1 Chrome Although I do not agree with this approach... I suppose today can be considered an exception. 2
48 48 301 Chrome We'll hold Celica off. Commandant, go ahead and return to the Gray Raven lounge... 2
49 49 301 Kamui Go! Lucia and the others are waiting for you! 1
50 50 302 Thanks, guys... but... 51
51 51 301 Seeing how serious the two of them look, you reckon now is not the time to ask them what is wrong with everyone today...
52 52 204 1 1
53 53 301 Chrome One last thing—please apologize to Lucia for us. Kamui and I will probably be late... 2
56 56 301 AniZhuanchangEnd AniZhuanchangBegin You have not found the chance to ask them why, but Lucia and the rest must know something, so your best move is to head back to the Gray Raven lounge. As for Celica... you will have to apologize to her later.
59 59 302 AniZhuanchangEnd Didn't realize I'd walked this far already... 60
60 60 301 DialogEnable Having left Strike Hawk, you are still confused about the gift in your hands. And leaving them does not feel like the most considerate thing to do—you would feel terrible if they got reprimanded because of you.
61 61 302 Maybe I should go back? 62
62 62 301 Except that Chrome and Kamui were very insistent on you returning to the lounge as soon as possible. Their urgency slightly worries you, and you cannot make up your mind.
63 63 301 RImgBg1Shake It really is not the best idea to be distracted when walking past a corner. Abstracted, you bump into someone who appears at the corner at the same time.
64 64 302 I'm sorry. I...
65 65 201 1 500323
66 66 301 1 ??? ****! Keep your eyes open when you walk! Hell... You're lucky that I still have an intact present to deliver, or I swear to god I'd kill... eh?! 1
70 70 301 Only now do you realize that the person you have run into is none other than Karenina. She is also holding a beautifully decorated box, but right as your gaze lands on it, she immediately hides it behind her back.
71 71 201 1 500196
72 72 301 1 Karenina What are you looking at...?! 1
73 73 301 You are not sure why Karenina seems to be in such a foul mood today as she mumbles quietly.
74 74 301 Karenina Tch... Dammit, why did we run into each other here... There goes the surprise... 1
75 75 203 1 0.25 -450
76 76 201 2 500128 1 450
77 77 301 1 Bianca I suppose it's pretty surprising to meet somewhere unexpected like this. 2
78 78 301 Karenina You're not wrong... 1
79 79 204 1
80 80 301 Bianca The efforts you spent to pick the present will be in vain if you don't give it today... 2
81 81 301 Karenina It wasn't me! You were the one who chose it. I just helped a little... 1
82 82 301 Karenina sighs before taking out the decorated box from behind and handing it to you.
83 83 301 Karenina This is for you... Consider it a gift! With Bianca and my tastes combined, this present must be better than the one Gray Raven... Lucia picked! 1
84 84 202 1 2 1
85 85 301 Taking the gift from Karenina, you find her finally smiling candidly.
86 86 302 Umm... Thanks. 87
87 87 201 1 500196 -450
88 88 201 2 500128 1 450
89 89 301 1 Bianca It's hard to compare gifts when they all represent their sender's love... 2
90 90 301 Karenina Well, at least we're the first one to deliver ours! I'll count that as a win! 1
91 91 202 1 2 1
92 92 301 Smiling, Bianca pats Karenina on her head when she discovers the gift from Strike Hawk.
93 93 201 2 500128 1
94 94 301 1 Bianca That's... Have you already received a gift from someone else, Commandant? 2
95 95 302 This is from Strike Hawk... 96
96 96 301 Bianca Strike Hawk... That's the scout team Kamui belongs to, isn't it? 2
97 97 302 Yeah... He's pretty lively right now. 98
98 98 301 Bianca Hmm, that's good... I haven't really seen him since last time, but I suppose no one wants to see the Purifying Force a second time. 2
99 99 301 Bianca If it weren't for you, I would have taken him down as another soldier infected by the Punishing Virus. 2
100 100 301 Bianca That decision might seem obvious to you, but it wasn't for someone who has always been in the Purifying Force like me... Please accept my utmost gratitude. 2
101 101 301 Bianca It wasn't just that. I've been following what you've done, Commandant. Your conviction always seems to create impossible miracles when there is none. 2
102 102 302 I'm not as remarkable as you make me out to be... 103 I was lucky. 103
103 103 202 2 1
104 104 201 1 500196 -450
105 105 201 2 500128 1 450
106 106 301 1 Bianca The work you've done has given so many of us hope. The gifts you're receiving are the best proof. 2
107 107 301 Karenina For crying out loud, enough with your courtesy. Just accept the gift and people's gratitude, especially today, alright? 1
108 108 302 Right... Understood. Thank you. 109 I'll keep working hard as a commandant. 109
109 109 301 Karenina Yeah, yeah. Lucia... the Gray Ravens are still waiting for you. We might as well head there together. 1
110 110 301 Bianca That's right. Although it's common for the protagonist to show up last, you shouldn't make the others wait too long. 2
111 111 302 The protagonist? Is that me...? 112
112 112 202 1 2
113 113 301 As the impatient Karenina pushes you forward, you hear the piercing screeching sound of tires skidding across the floor.
117 117 301 With her powerful shout, Celica appears at the end of the corridor—along with someone else...
118 118 201 1 500091 1
119 119 301 1 Nanami Ta-da! Nanami is also here! 1
120 120 301 Nanami is carrying Celica on the back of her Pulse frame, the wheel on her feet spinning at incredible speed. The sight reminds you of medieval knights charging on horseback.
121 121 301 Nanami Stories dictate an antagonist for maximum drama! Nanami is now the villain's goon! 1
122 122 201 1 500001 4
123 123 301 1 Celica Who are you saying is a villain...? 1
124 124 201 1 500128
125 125 301 1 Bianca We can't let Celica catch the commandant today... We're counting on you, Rosetta! 1
126 126 202 1 1
127 127 301 With that, the flame of a propeller approaches from a distance, stopping beside you.
128 128 302 Rosetta? Where did you come from? 129
129 129 201 1 500214
130 130 301 1 Rosetta Don't mind that for now... Commandant, hold on to me... We have to go! 1
131 131 302 (Hold on gently) 132 (Hold on tightly) 134
132 132 204 1 6
133 133 137 301 Rosetta Commandant... y-you can put some muscle behind it. This frame is sturdy enough to withstand it. 1
134 134 204 1 6
135 135 301 Rosetta Oh...?! Sorry, Commandant, that was a bit too tight. I'm worried that the stiff exterior of my frame will hurt you. 1
136 136 202 1 1
137 137 301 You look back, your arms around Rosetta's slim waist, and you find Nanami and Celica fast approaching.
138 138 302 Nanami is coming!
139 139 201 1 500091 1
140 140 301 1 Nanami That's right, Nanami is coming! Full steam ahead! 1
141 141 201 1 500001 5
142 142 301 1 Celica Stop running! 1
143 143 201 1 500214 4
144 144 301 1 Rosetta Hold on, Commandant. We're taking off! 1
149 149 301 Before you are ready, the landscape before you turns into a speeding blur as the wind and the loud rumblings of the propellers are funneled into your head...
150 150 301 Your mind almost melts from the high velocity. You are only staying awake because of one simple fact—you cannot let go. If you do...
151 151 302 AniZhuanchangBegin I'm really going to die! 152
155 155 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Your feet do not touch the ground until the harsh wind gradually ceases beside your ears, and your body is once again anchored downward by Babylonia's artificial gravity.
156 156 301 It has only been a few minutes, but you feel like you have returned to the high-g training chamber at F.O.S. for half a day.
157 157 201 1 500214
158 158 301 1 Rosetta It seems like it'll take them a while to catch up... Are you alright, Commandant? 1
159 159 202 1 1
160 160 301 Rosseta breathes a sigh of relief, her feet firmly planted on the ground. Meanwhile, you are barely standing straight, only staying up with her support.
161 161 302 Yeah. I'm fine. 162
162 162 301 Your vision is still hazy, but your surroundings are familiar. You know them even with your eyes closed.
163 163 201 1 500214 1
164 164 301 1 Rosetta Alright, it is the Gray Raven lounge right ahead. Everyone should be waiting for you inside. It's still not too late if you go now. 1
165 165 202 1 1
166 166 301 Rosetta hesitates for a second before letting you go, extending the propellers on her shoulders and hovering before you.
167 167 302 What about you, Rosetta? 168
168 168 201 1 500214 4
169 169 301 1 Rosetta I'll... help draw Celica away. I hope I can buy you some time. 1
170 170 301 You do not know what they are planning in the lounge, but it seems like everyone is coming over—yet, Rosetta has excluded herself from "everyone," intentionally or not.
171 171 204 1 14
172 172 301 Rosetta smiles, wrily, looking at the door to the lounge.
173 173 301 Rosetta I'm still under Babylonia's monitor. If I appear with all of you, people may make a thing out of it—I do not wish you anything but joy and peace of mind today. 1
174 174 302 You don't have to worry about those people. 175 Rosetta, you are one of us. 175
175 175 202 1 1
176 176 301 Looking a little surprised, she gives you a gentle smile. She takes out a colorful, intricate box from her pocket.
177 177 302 Is that... for me? 178
178 178 201 1 500214 1
179 179 301 1 Rosetta I've been hesitant to give you this present as a token of my gratitude. After all, it is nothing compared to the things you have done for me... for the Forest Guard. 1
180 180 204 1 8
181 181 301 Rosetta closes her eyes, touching your forehead with hers—you have heard that this is the way Forest Guard expresses their thanks.
182 182 301 Rosetta But perhaps we don't have to weigh appreciation aginst the value of a gift. 1
183 183 301 Rosetta Once again, thank you, Commandant... 1
184 184 204 1 1
185 185 301 She opens her eyes again, lifting her head with confidence, her prism-colored wings extending with strength.
186 186 301 Rosetta You're right. I am one of you. I'll return to everyone, but for now... 1
187 187 301 Rosetta Please ask Lucia to wait for me for a little bit. I'll be quick. 1
188 188 202 1 1
189 189 301 With that, her propellers bring her to the other end of the corridor in an instant—you hope that Celica will not give her an earful afterward.
190 190 301 AniZhuanchangBegin You cannot waste the time Rosetta is buying you. With a sense of curiosity and expectation, you enter the lounge you have been to countless times.
194 194 301 AniZhuanchangEnd But as the automatic doors open, you find a room completely in darkness. None of the Gray Ravens seem to be in.
195 195 302 Am I too late...? 196
196 196 301 You walk inside to find the automatic lights not turning on as usual. Realizing something is out of the ordinary, you put down the gifts you have received, your hand going for the pistol by your arms.
197 197 301 But as your hand reaches your holster, you remember that today is a holiday, and you have not been issued your gun. As you pause for a brief second, the lights inside the lounge turn on with a loud "BANG!".
204 204 301 Liv Happy birthday! We've been waiting for you, hoping to surprise you. 2
205 205 301 Lucia and Liv run out from the corners with party poppers still in their hands. Seeing them, you finally calm down.
206 206 301 Liv Did we scare you, Commandant? 2
207 207 302 No, not really. 208 Yeah, you got me. 210
208 208 301 Liv That's good... Although surprises are traditionally a little frightening... 2
209 209 302 Which tradition is this...? 212
210 210 301 Liv Really? The "director" wanted to make it even scarier originally... 2
211 211 302 That's not necessary! 212
212 212 202 1 2 1
213 213 301 Ignoring that, you recall hearing them shout, "Happy Birthday!" You reckon that is why they are hosting a gathering here.
214 214 302 Is it somebody's birthday today? 215
215 215 301 Lucia and Liv look at each other, slightly confused and dumbfounded.
216 216 201 1 500166 2 -450
217 217 201 2 500021 450
218 218 301 1 Liv It's... your birthday, Commandant. 2
219 219 302 It's... my birthday? 220
220 220 301 Lucia That's right! Which is why everyone's planning to meet here today to celebrate your birthday. 1
221 221 202 1 2 1
222 222 301 Only now do you notice that the lounge is adorned with decorations. You cannot believe that they have put in so much work for this.
223 223 301 The adornments might be simple, but they give the monotonous lounge a sense of warmth.
224 224 302 Thank you... 225
225 225 301 You have forgotten how many times you have thanked someone today. Still, you want to express your appreciation to them yourself.
226 226 201 1 500166 2 -450
227 227 201 2 500021 450
228 228 301 1 Liv I bet you didn't notice that Lee was the one who put up all the decorations! 2
229 229 301 Lucia Neither Liv nor I were tall enough to hang the ribbons that high, so we had to ask Lee to do it. 1
230 230 202 1 2 1
231 231 301 Lee was the one who decorated the room... You certainly did not expect that.
232 232 302 Speaking of which, where is Lee? 233
233 233 301 ??? That's why you should hang the ribbons at different heights to look make them more natural and artistic!
234 234 301 ??? What even is "artistic"...
235 235 301 AniZhuanchangBegin You hear arguments from inside the lounge. They sound like Lee and... Ayla?
236 236 201 1 500110 4 -450
237 237 201 2 500026 450
238 238 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Ayla As a member of the WGAA, I will not accept such a poor imitation of proper decor! 1
239 239 301 Lee I don't know much about decorating a birthday party, but if you want my help, you have to be specific about what you want instead of asking me to wriggle these ribbons around... 2
240 240 302 You're here as well, Ayla. 241
241 241 204 1 1
242 242 301 Ayla Oh, Gray Raven Commandant! Welcome to the birthday party! 1
243 243 204 2 10
244 244 301 Lee This is the Gray Raven lounge. You're the one being "welcomed" here. 2
245 245 204 1
246 246 302 So... what are you two doing? 247
247 247 204 2
248 248 301 Lee The others wanted to throw you a birthday party, but they weren't sure what to do, so we asked Ayla to be the organizer... 2
249 249 301 Ayla Ahem, it's "Chief Designer", actually. Of course I have to make sure everything is perfect! 1
250 250 302 You really don't have to go overboard for me... 251
251 251 301 Ayla Everyone's birthday is special and worth commemorating—it was like that during the Golden Age, and it should be so now... during a time of uncertainty. 1
252 252 301 Perhaps Ayla is right. When you cannot easily predict what tomorrow brings, you should cherish today.
253 253 301 Ayla According to WGAA's records, people used to host parties this way in the past, celebrating their birthdays with their families. 1
254 254 202 1 2 1
255 255 201 1 500021
256 256 301 1 Liv Right... Birthdays used to be my favorite day of the year when I was younger. 1
257 257 301 The past seems to flash through Liv's mind, her smile filled with nostalgia and a hint of sorrow.
258 258 301 Liv I would be with my family. The night was warm and dusky, and the pie my mom prepared was fragrant and sweet—I still remember how it tasted, even after I became a Construct. 1
259 259 301 Liv Perhaps because my sense of taste has been modified, I can never make a pie that tastes like hers, no matter what... Otherwise, I can make one for you, Commandant. 1
260 260 301 Liv Still, I have prepared a cake for you and everyone, Commandant. I hope you will like it. 1
261 261 302 I look forward to it. 262
262 262 201 1 500026
263 263 301 1 Lee Murray would have been ecstatic if he knew you made a cake, Liv. 1
264 264 201 1 500021
265 265 301 1 Liv Does Murray have a sweet tooth? 1
266 266 201 1 500026
267 267 301 1 Lee A birthday-cake-tooth, technically. He's curious about them. 1
268 268 301 Lee Our family wasn't exactly rich, but we still kept each other's birthdays in our mind. We would always try to prepare small gifts on those days. 1
269 269 202 1 1
270 270 301 Lee talks about his past as he adheres the ribbons to the wall with great focus, making sure they are straight as an arrow.
271 271 201 1 500021
272 272 301 1 Liv I feel like we never hear much about your past, Lee... 1
273 273 302 That's true. I'm your commandant, but I've never really asked you about it. 274
274 274 201 1 500026 10
275 275 301 1 Lee ...That's alright. We don't have to bore you with the details. After all, you're the star today, Commandant... 1
276 276 201 1 500166 5
277 277 301 1 Lucia I still remember my parents would always throw exciting parties on my birthdays, no matter what... 1
278 278 301 Lucia Just like today, friends and family would gather, and I'd receive a lot of gifts like you do, Commandant. 1
279 279 204 1 2
280 280 301 Lucia smiles and nods, looking at the pile of gifts to the side. Those are the gifts you have received on your way back.
281 281 301 Lucia Every time I saw those gifts, I felt lucky to be born into such a large family, and I came into this world with all of their blessings... 1
282 282 204 1 5
283 283 301 Lucia So no matter how difficult things were, I decided that I couldn't give up that easily—not when I had their support. 1
284 284 301 Lucia's fists slowly tighten as she nods.
285 285 301 Lucia And now, it isn't just the memories of the past supporting me. Commandant... and everyone... you're all part of my family now. 1
286 286 302 I also think of all of you as family. 287
287 287 301 As Lucia said—despite the hardships you have been through, you have not regretted becoming a commandant of Babylonia and Gray Raven. Becoming a part of a family.
288 288 202 1 1
289 289 301 As Lucia said—despite the many regrets you have had, you have not regretted becoming a commandant of Babylonia and Gray Raven. Becoming a part of a family.
290 290 301 Still, one thing continues to bother you...
291 291 302 How do you know it's my birthday today? 292
292 292 301 As you recall, you have never told anyone when your birthday is, and you have never been asked to put down that information. Even you have almost forgotten about this date.
293 293 301 Lucia and Liv hesitate, seemingly unsure whether to tell you the truth. In the end, Lee reveals the truth.
294 294 201 1 500026 10
295 295 301 1 Lee Well, we have Vera to thank... 1
296 296 204 1
297 297 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Lee When you went to the routine briefing earlier today, we discovered that Cerberus somehow got ahold of a "classified document." 1
303 303 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Lucia Vera... that is private information on the commandant. If you didn't obtain it through the proper channels, I'm afraid I have to ask you to return it to us. 1
304 304 202 1 1
305 305 301 The three Gray Ravens have finally caught up to Vera, only to find her accompanied by the other two Cerberus members as she mockingly laughs at Lucia's request.
306 306 201 1 500168 1
307 307 301 1 Vera That's funny. I personally don't have any classified info of your commandant on me. Does either of you? 1
308 308 202 1 1
309 309 201 1 500328 450
310 310 201 2 500336 4 -450
311 311 301 1 No. 21 I've not seen it. 1
312 312 301 Noctis Ha! You birdies want to blame us for misplacing your stuff? 2
313 313 202 1 2 1
314 314 201 1 500026
315 315 301 1 Lee Lucia, stop wasting your breath. This woman is beyond reason. 1
316 316 202 1 1
317 317 301 Lee's arm reaches for his pocket. Noctis and No. 21 react immediately with a fighting stance, thinking Lee is drawing his gun.
318 318 201 1 500328 4 450
319 319 201 2 500336 -450
320 320 301 1 Noctis Oh, you looking for a fight? I'm game! 2
321 321 301 No. 21 "Kick his butt!" 1
322 322 202 1 2 1
323 323 301 Except Lee takes out a terminal instead of his pistol.
324 324 201 1 500026
325 325 301 1 Lee Not that I want to contact him for such trivial matters, but Murray is still your commandant, isn't he? 1
326 326 301 Lee I know that guy. No doubt he'll order you to hand in the file to keep himself out of trouble. 1
327 327 202 1 1
328 328 301 Vera's eyes widen, seemingly slightly surprised, but soon she bursts out laughing.
329 329 201 1 500168 1
330 330 301 1 Vera Not bad, I didn't expect you to be so tactful nowadays... but it's still funny since you have no idea who I got that file from. 1
331 331 204 1
332 332 301 Vera slowly withdraws her smile as if contemplating something.
333 333 301 Vera It's true that this is pretty useless to me... 1
334 334 202
335 335 201 1 1031001 -450
336 336 201 2 500166 5 450
337 337 301 1 Liv If that's the case, please return it to us... 1
338 338 301 Lucia If you hand it in, we won't look into how you got ahold of it. 2
339 339 202 1 2 1
340 340 301 Vera seems to have thought of something interesting, and she smiles teasingly.
341 341 201 1 500168 1
342 342 301 1 Vera I spent quite a lot of effort to get it, and I got it fair and square... I can't just give it to you. 1
343 343 203 1 0.25 -450
344 344 201 2 500026 10 450
345 345 301 1 Lee Enough with your nonsense and name your price. 2
346 346 204 2
347 347 301 Vera A small favor is all I ask of you. It's simple. 1
348 348 301 With that, Vera throws the file in her hands to Lee. It has obviously been opened.
349 349 202 1 2 1
350 350 201 1 500166
351 351 301 1 Lucia Have you read what's inside...? 1
352 352 201 1 500168 1
353 353 301 1 Vera Sure. "That guy" told me the classified information inside is valuable, but it turns out it's useless to me. 1
354 354 202 1 1
355 355 301 Lee inspects what is inside the folder in case Vera is trying to pull some kind of trick on them.
356 356 201 1 500166 450
357 357 201 2 1031001 -450
358 358 301 1 Lucia Is that... a date? 1
359 359 204 2 7
360 360 301 Liv The day of birth of 【kuroname】... It's Commandant's birthday! And it's today! 2
361 361 202 1 2 1
362 362 301 Vera snaps her fingers twice, reminding Gray Raven that she is not done speaking.
363 363 201 1 500168 1
364 364 301 1 Vera What I want you to do is throw a birthday party with Contructs that your commandant is friends with. The more you can find, the better. 1
365 365 201 1 500026
366 366 301 1 Lee is not sure what he has just heard, and he looks at Vera perplexedly.
367 367 301 Lee ...Is that it? 1
368 368 201 1 500168 1
369 369 301 1 Vera Yeah. What were you expecting...? Did you think I'd send you to assassinate someone? Relax, I can do those jobs myself. 1
370 370 301 Vera grunts, not trying to hide how angry she is.
371 371 204 1 13
372 372 301 Vera How dare "that guy" lied to me... Well, I can't just let him play me like a fiddle, now, can I? 1
373 373 301 Vera So, I want you to spread the news to every Construct, turning this valuable "classified info" worthless. I'll have "that guy" deeply regret his foolishness. 1
374 374 202 1 1
375 375 301 But Lee is still suspicious. He knows that Vera would never hand in something she owns that easily.
376 376 201 1 500026
377 377 301 1 Lee What exactly are you after? It can't be something as boring as a birthday party... 1
405 405 301 AniZhuanchangEnd You did not expect your birthday party to come with such a convoluted origin story... but you are glad that Gray Raven did not come to blow with Cerberus.
406 406 302 I didn't think my birthday would be classified... 407
407 407 201 1 500021 5
408 408 301 1 Liv Commandant, you don't pay too much attention to your privacy, do you...? 1
409 409 202 1 1
410 410 301 Still, if it results in a party where you can briefly forget about fighting and work and instead spend time with others... you think that is acceptable.
411 411 302 But it seems like our short rest has already come to an end. 412
412 412 301 The cutting screech of wheels braking hard approach from afar, and with that, a figure—technically two figures overlapping with each other—appears at the door to the lounge at incredible speed.
413 413 201 1 500091 1
414 414 301 1 Nanami Eee-ya! Nanami Express—we live to deliver! 1
415 415 202 1 1
416 416 301 RImgBg1Shake Stopping at the very last second, Nanami cannot keep the momentum from throwing Celica off her back. Luckily, Celica crashes into Ayla "mid-flight," lessening the impact of the fall.
417 417 201 1 500110 4
418 418 301 1 Ayla Celica... are you okay? 1
419 419 201 1 500001 4
420 420 301 1 Celica ...Nanami! I almost died! 1
421 421 202 1 1
422 422 301 Behind Nanami is Rosetta, withdrawing her propellers and landing, looking slightly frustrated.
423 423 201 1 500214 14
424 424 301 1 Rosetta I'm sorry, Commandant... I couldn't keep them away long enough. 1
425 425 302 It's alright. 426
426 426 203 1 0.25 400
427 427 201 2 500091 1 -400
428 428 301 1 Nanami Your propellers are super cool though, Rosy! Even I couldn't keep up during linear acceleration! 2
429 429 302 Rosy...? 430
430 430 204 1 1
431 431 301 Nanami holds out her hand, and Rosetta shakes it, smiling and looking slightly embarrassed.
432 432 301 Rosetta Nanami, your roller skates really impressed me with how you can traverse through difficult terrains. I never thought it was possible for Constructs to make that kind of maneuver. 1
433 433 202 1 2 1
434 434 301 You are not sure why these two have developed an odd friendship after a race through Babylonia.
435 435 201 1 500001 4
436 436 301 1 Celica Right, I almost forgot... You there! Commandant! Why did you keep running away when you saw me?! I have something important for you! 1
437 437 301 In the end, you cannot escape your fate... That said, you have been prepared for that for a while now. You just feel bad that the efforts Lucia and the rest have spent are going to waste.
438 438 201 1 500166
439 439 301 1 Lucia Commandant... 1
440 440 302 Relax. I'll be back as soon as I finish work. 441
441 441 201 1 500001 4
442 442 301 1 Celica What are you talking about... Aren't you on break today? I don't recall assigning you anything. 1
443 443 302 Then what are you holding in your hands? 444
444 444 301 Celica This folder? You must be kidding me... That was why you kept running? 1
445 445 202 1 1
446 446 301 Realizing that, Celica slams the folder on the desk. A bunch of cards spills out from the folder, all with beautiful pictures or blessings written on them.
447 447 301 Liv picks up the cards, carefully looking through them.
448 448 201 1 500021
449 449 301 1 Liv Commandant, these are all birthday cards for you! Look, even President Hassen and Commander Nikola have sent one... 1
450 450 302 That was not what I imagined... 451
451 451 201 1 500001
452 452 301 1 Celica The news of your birthday reached the Parliament and the HQ as well, so someone suggested sending you birthday cards. Call it a way to promote pop culture... 1
453 453 201 1 500110 1
454 454 301 1 Ayla Haha, I bet that was Chairman Allen. 1
455 455 202 1 1
456 456 301 Chairman Allen is always forcefully persuasive on activities like this... No wonder the President and the Chief Commander were involved.
457 457 201 1 500001
458 458 301 1 Celica Although Allen was the one who suggested it, we all sincerely want to thank you for all the impossible missions you've successfully completed. You've been protecting Babylonia. You've been protecting us. 1
459 459 301 Celica grabs a card from the pile with a cute drawing on it and hands it to you. It is clearly signed with her name.
460 460 204 1 2
461 461 301 Celica Happy birthday, Gray Raven Commandant! This is my gift for you. 1
462 462 302 Thank you, Celica. 463
463 463 301 You nod and take the card. It appears that work is going to be busy tomorrow.
464 464 202 1 1
465 465 301 Seemingly remembering something, Lee takes out his terminal and fiddles with it on the side.
466 466 302 What are you doing, Lee?
467 467 201 1 500026
468 468 301 1 Lee The cards from Celica reminded me that we received messages from Forsaken and Akdilek earlier today as well. 1
469 469 301 Lee Who knows, maybe they're also wishing you a happy birthday... 1
470 470 202 1 1
471 471 301 AniZhuanchangBegin You nod and gesture to Lee to open the message—although you are not sure how the news about your birthday reaches those two places.
475 475 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Watanabe Hey, are you filming? 1
476 476 301 Zong Sure thing! When have I ever screwed up?
477 477 301 Watanabe Then perhaps you're losing your mind—honestly, is it necessary for us to send that commandant a birthday message? 1
478 478 301 Zong Eh?! Boss, you're the one who always says Forsaken doesn't forget our friends. If it's a friend's birthday, it's only right for us to send our blessings even when we can't physically be there.
479 479 301 Watanabe does not seem to be able to refute Zong. He tries to say something, only to hold his words back, turning to the camera instead.
480 480 204 1 1
481 481 301 Watanabe Alright... Ahem. First of all, I'd like to say "thanks" on behalf of the Forsaken. You've come to our aid multiple times last year, and your efforts have earned our respect. 1
482 482 301 Watanabe If this message is delivered to Babylonia on time, then it's still your birthday today... 1
483 483 301 Watanabe Birthdays... are crucial to us Forsakens. It's likely that we will die on this land, alone and unknown. So we mourn the dead, and we celebrate the living. 1
484 484 301 Watanabe So, allow me to say this on behalf of all of us. Happy birthday. 1
485 485 301 Zong Okay, perfect! What a wonderful speech, boss. It felt like you were speaking from your heart instead of the prompter.
486 486 204 1
487 487 301 Watanabe Enough with that crap. Is the recording done? 1
488 488 301 Zong Relax. The recording will be automatically encrypted and sent to Gray Raven through a secured channel in just a second.
489 489 301 Zong Oh, wait. I just discovered a problem...
490 490 301 Watanabe What is it? 1
491 491 202 1
492 492 301 Zong It seems to have recorded our conversation before and after the message as well... Hey, boss, chill! Put down your dagger first!
562 562 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Kamui Wanshi...?! How are you here? 1
563 563 201 1 500273 8
564 564 301 1 Wanshi I had training this morning. I worried that I'd miss the party if I napped, so... Yawn... 1
565 565 301 Wanshi yawns, seemingly only half-awake.
566 566 204 1 1
567 567 301 1 Wanshi I smelled something nice and heard a familiar voice in my dream, so I woke up... Commandant, am I too late to wish you happy birthday? 1
568 568 302 Of course not. Thank you. 569
569 569 201 1 500166 2
570 570 301 1 Lucia Well, everyone's here! Let the party begins! 1
571 571 202 1 1
572 572 301 You look around and find the tiny lounge packed with members from different teams and their colorful personalities. They are different, each of them, but their smiles are one and the same.
573 573 301 —If possible, you would pause the world and hold onto their smiles.
574 574 201 1 500110 2
575 575 301 1 Ayla Right, Commandant, I have one more gift for you. I think you can make use of it. 1
576 576 302 Is this...? 577
577 577 301 It is different from your usual recording device. This is an old camera from the golden age. The records you read call it an "instant camera."
578 578 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Ayla Compared to digital data, a camera like this can turn memories into a photo that you can physically hold. I think it's beautiful that way. 1
579 579 202 1 1
580 581 301 AniZhuanchangEnd You hold the camera up, pointing it toward the crowd in the room. Your finger is on the shutter, hoping to this moment into forever...
581 582 302 We're taking a photo! Look this way! 583
