The Book of Lost Wisdom

So, I don't really get it yet... Getting Galliard back has something to do with a...personality aye-eye, was it?

Hmm. First, let me explain the make-up of a Synth Human. A synth's logic circuits has two basic components: their memory data, and their personality AI.

In Galliard's case, all of his memory data is saved inside his body. But his personality AI was completely wiped when he was deactivated.

Do you get it now? He needs both components to regain his former self. So Galliard talking like he did is actually impossible.

But...he did, didn't he.

The planet will be scourged... That's what he said.

The other curiosity is the Chronos Report. I'd very much like to know what's in it.

Agreed. The term was buried deep within my operating system. As much as it irritates me, I can't tell you any more about it.

...In any case. The fact he spoke like that indicates his personality AI still exists somewhere.

If Galliard's body had in fact been communicating with some network, the possibility becomes very real!

If we can get a hold of his AI data, I should be able to restore him.

Are you sure?

I couldn't remake his AI from scratch, but with the original data to hand it's definitely doable.

Scouring the vastness of the net for very specific data isn't a five minute job. I'm quicker than most though. Leave it to me.

What should we do then? We can't just wait around for Sebastia to do everything.

Anyway Helena, didn't you want to access Galliard's memory?

Oh, that's right! I completely forgot about that with everything going on.

We wanted to find the reason Galliard gave up on coexisting with humanity.

Yes, c'est vrai. Well then, I'll give it a try.

...... Ugh! What the?!

Did you find something?

No, I was pushed back. There is an incredibly solid data barrier in place. It's as if to make sure I can't interact with him.

Why, Galliard? Why would you put a data barrier between us? We had always kept our memories open to each other.

Is there something you don't want me to know...?

And this is why you don't try to peek at your boyfriend's data terminal. Always ends in heartbreak.

Hmph. Men always have a secret or two, you know. Then there are those types who need to know everything about their lover. Keeping an overly tight leash isn't exactly nice.

I never had Galliard on a leash! That's complètement unfair.

Besides, me and Galliard weren't like that. It's much more complicated.

Oh, is that so. If it's just me overthinking it, allow me to apologize.

......

......

(Uh-oh... The sparks are starting to fly.)

(Hey, Aldo! Defuse the situation!)

(If we converted these sparks from metaphorical to physical, we could power 3000 homes for a year!)

...Would you excuse me. I have a call from the Administrator.

This is Biaka of the Special Mobile Unit. Yes sir, I hear you. Yes sir. No major issues so fa, ...Arrest? Are you sure, sir? ...Understood. I will return immediately.

......

Biaka, what happened?

...Are you familiar with the name Leongrantze Figaro San?

Yes. What about Leo?

He's been arrested in connection to the retrieval of Galliard. Your presence has been requested too.

Arrested?! Dammit Leo, just what did you do to screw up?

What does Leo have to do with this?

Remember how I told you that I got Galliard through a contact? Well, the offer actually came from Leo. He asked me if I would be interested in researching Galliard.

Why would Leo do that?

Who knows. He could have been trying to get on my good side. He's still far from on my good side, but he inched closer. Maybe a nano-inch.

I hope that nano-inch was worth it, since now he's got arrested.

So uh, is reviving Galliard really that much of a big deal?

Did you miss the part where I said it's an act of sub-A class treason? "A" tends to mean high-level, y'know?

Galliard is no danger to anyone in this state. It's not sensible to be treating him like an outlaw!

His past crimes will never be forgotten. At worst, it's possible that...his destruction will be ordered.

No. I can't let that happen. I am going to protect Galliard no matter what it takes!

......

Hmm, right. I'm going to put in a recommendation that Galliard cannot currently be considered a threat.

This isn't a pretty situation. Thankfully I'm chess buddies with the Administrator. I'm sure he'll let a couple things slide.

I'm afraid no one hates conflating the public and personal more than the Administrator. How else would he have been chosen by Elzion's quantum computer?

If I were prosecuted...

Possibly your citizen ID will be revoked.

What?! Does that mean I'll be made homeless?

The orders are for you to return home immediately. I will be on hand to ensure you don't flee.

Okay, let's get back to Sebastia's. We'll talk there.

I guess this is everyone. Right then, to the Xeno-Domain we go.

The time has finally come, huh? I can hardly contain my excitement.

You were thinking of coming along?

You bet. It's an opportunity to witness a historic collaboration between two geniuses. The first being Professor Chronos. You know how much respect I have for him. Seeing the manner in which the synth he designed revives will be illuminating.

A revival facilitated by yourself, Sebastia, the other half of this double act of geniuses. There is no way I'm missing this.

......

Sorry to disappoint, but you're not coming.

What? Why? Why would you take this away from me?

Egh. Because... Just because! I mean, you have that "ulterior motive" look!

But I was looking forward to it so much...

Hold on. Leo's been helping us out too, hasn't he? Why can't he come?

I said no! I can't concentrate with him around!

But Sebastia...

Ugh. Okay, fine...

Leo. If you wait for us here, I'll give you that chess match you want so badly.

Sebastia...

Are you serious?!

Um...sure. If restoring Galliard goes to plan, I'll probably have some spare time.

All right. I'll go think over my strategy for the big showdown.

Guys, I need Sebastia to be in peak condition for our face-off. Make sure nothing happens to her!

Sebastia! You're finally going to accept his proposal?!

What?! Heck no!

But didn't you say you'll accept his proposal after he wins 101 matches? He's already won a hundred times, so the next match will be the clincher!

Why is the assumption that I'm going to lose?

Based on past outcomes, simulations predict Sebastia's chance of winning is... 0.00000000000... ...Shall I keep counting the zeros? In short, the engagement is a dead cert!

What kind of wack simulation is that?

Besides, I'm probably not going to play the match anyway.

My schedule is completely packed, even after we're done restoring Galliard.

But isn't that...

That's harsh, Sebastia...

Why is everybody siding with Leo?!

Leo was the root of all of this! I'm in the right here!

...There. The personality data should be installed.

I'm now going to reboot Galliard's mind. Are you ready, Helena?

I am.

...You're sure?

What do you mean?

I'm saying, is being revived what Galliard truly wants. It's not like he left a message in his will saying "Please revive me," right?

You think you understand him?

Maybe not. You're his partner unit, after all. The decision is yours.

...... Okay. Please do it. Bring Galliard back.

All right. Then here goes...!

Galliard... Please, wake up!

......

Nrgh...

Galliard...!

Hele...na? What, have I...

Oh Galliard!

What the...! You again!

Wait, what?!

Helena, get behind me! They're here!

N-No! Galliard, wait!

Looks like he's turned against us!

Why wouldn't I! You humans have...

Galliard, stop!

Helena, what are you doing?!

Please, calm down! You've just been revived. The situation has changed now.

Revived? What do you...

...Wait a minute. Are we, is this... the Xeno-Domain? There's a gap in my memory. Why am I here?

It's okay. I can explain everything. So please... I want you to put your lance away.

......

Weapons away, guys. It would be stupid getting into a fight here.

...Right.

Fine.

Thank you, Galliard.

I've opened our private connection. I want you to access my memories through it.

These are your memories from while I was shut down? Does this mean that we've overcome the timequake?!

Yes. Aldo and everyone helped save the planet.

...... As long as Xeno Prisma remains in use, the threat of an apocalyptic timequake remains.

Still, there should be a couple hundred years before that happens. That leaves plenty of time for a replacement technology to be developed.

Fine. There is no need for us to restart hostilities immediately.

Good to hear!

Galliard. I knew you'd understand! I'm so glad...

But Galliard. Before anything else, there's something we need to know. Those words you said...

Helena... The planet... Will be scourged...

Huh!

You must stop it... Only you...and I...can... The Chro... Repor... You must...

The Chronos Report?!

I beli...eve... in... you... Hele...na...

Wait, Galliard!

I saw that in your memory data, so there's no mistake I said it. Still, I don't remember anything.

You don't have the slightest inkling?

Nothing. Absolutely no clue.

......

Galliard. Could you open up your memories to me? If we can share that blocked sector, we might be able to figure something out.

...Right. The blocked sector. About that...

Wait. Galliard came back from the dead just moments ago. Pushing him like that will only cause him pain. Why not let him rest a while?

And like I said, men tend to have a secret or two. If you call yourself his partner, then how about you respect him a little more?

What...?!

Wait, Helena.

Are you... Bea?

...... You remember me?

Of course. It's just surprising to see you all grown up.

I can imagine. I bet you'd never have guessed I'd grow up to be a military brute.

That, not so much. I knew you as an innocent girl, and now you've grown into a respectable-looking lady.

......

Has it really been that long now, since the day we met?

Since when were you the type to indulge in nostalgia?

Just how do you and Galliard know each other?

Curious, are you? Curious enough to want to pry into his memories to find out, maybe?

Which would mean you don't trust him. Despite you two being, you know, partner units, destined to be with each other.

No, I...

Is something wrong, Helena? I can transfer the memory to you, if you want to know what happened between me and Bea.

No, I'm fine! I trust you. That's all that matters.

Now I'll take my leave. Go ahead and discuss things to your heart's content.

What's happened to her? She seems to have become much more sentimental since I deactivated.

Uh... I think she's just having a tough day.

If that's what it is, fine.

Still, I don't understand why you reactivated me. I know it was Helena's request... But even if you consider her your ally, ultimately she's a Synth Human. Someone unlike yourselves.

Doesn't matter. An ally is an ally, whether they're synth, android, frog, whatever. Obviously we would want to help her out in a time of need.

......

That attitude explains how you've gathered a following of trusted partners around you.

Allow me to thank you. I'm truly grateful you took Helena in as one of your own. I trust you'll keep looking out for her from now on.

From what you're saying... I'm guessing you can't come with us?

I haven't decided yet.

I'm just...confused about what's happened to me. I need some time to think, alone.

Right. Of course. Take all the time you need.

...... It was right to set up that memory block, when on the verge of death. I cannot let Helena see my memories. I must keep her out of this.

Ugh... there it is again! What is going on with this body...? Is it really mine?

To hell with you! You won't gain control of me that easily!

...There isn't enough time. I have no choice but to ask for Aldo's help. All to save the planet.

You must be the officer in charge. I'm Sebastia's escort.

Yes, thank you. It seems the COA wasn't the only one called in, but the Special Mobile Unit as well.

Hey, it's Renri!

I see you're still getting yourself involved in every troublesome incident you come across.

Yes, thank you. I see your Special Mobile Unit was called in for this one.

Who is this?

Renri, COA Officer. The Administrator has informed me of your circumstances.

(...Renri? She seems a little different from the Renri I know who works as a reporter.)

(Could this be...the Renri from this time layer?)

Ah. I guess EGPD wasn't equipped to handle a sub-A class treason case.

You have got to be kidding. COA interrogations are known to be super tough.

If I remember right the COA is...

It's the intelligence service working directly for the Administrator.

Tough interrogations? What's the COA exactly?

The intelligence service working directly for the Administrator.

Does that mean you'll be interrogating Sebastia, Renri?

Yes. I am the senior officer assigned to the case.

Will my citizen ID be...

That depends on him.

Leo! How did they find out?

Actually, he turned himself in.

Turned himself in?!

It's true, Sebastia. I claim all responsibility regarding Galliard's body. I knew Officer Renri from when the COA did their annual audit on us, and went to her specifically to confess.

A KMS executive comes to me confessing about illegal acts by the company. There was only one proper response. And if the rebel Galliard is involved, that implies a charge of sub-A class treason.

KMS hired freelance professionals specializing in illegal work. It appears one of them retrieved Galliard's body. It was in the Industrial Ruins. They were fully aware of the illegality of doing so, of course.

So it was KMS who took Galliard's body away!

I won't ask for your forgiveness. Transferring Galliard to Sebastia was entirely my decision though. The company was uninvolved.

But why ask Sebastia?

As embarrassing as it is to admit, Galliard was too complicated for our engineers to restore. I thought perhaps Sebastia would be able to make something of him.

I've known for some time how capable she is.

Plus, I thought it might make her happy.

Really...

Sebastia hadn't once accepted any of my gifts. Galliard was the first one she ever did.

It is unfortunate to point out, but that is not indicative of a successful relationship...

In any case, the offer was completely unilateral. I would therefore ask that no action be taken against Sebastia. And that she be allowed full ownership of Galliard.

Leo...

Stop there. Please keep your distance from the suspect.

Sub-A class treason would probably be enough to get my citizen ID revoked. But I won't let you get dragged down with me.

......

Hmph. You had this coming!

Well, good job on not dragging me down with you. Not that I deserved to be.

The final proceedings will be carried out at the Administrator's Office. Send him up.

What do you want to do? I'm his investigator, so I'll need to go with him.

Leo... Why would you do this! Honestly, we should just leave him!

But even if we kept Galliard hidden, they would've found out eventually.

No they wouldn't! I was being perfectly stealthy!

I hate to be the one to break this to you, but we had your every move covered. The Administrator ordered you be investigated when he got wind of your activities. If Leo hadn't confessed, you may have been exposed to severe charges.

Wha, really?

We can't just leave Leo like that, can we, Sebastia?

I, no...

I have to protect Galliard's body... Whatever the cost.

I guess we'll have to head to the Administrator's Office. Let's go talk to him!

Leo!

I didn't think you'd come.

You think I came for you? Hah! No, I came for Galliard's body. So...

No need to worry then. We were just taking care of the paperwork now.

The paperwork...for Galliard?

Now with business taken care of...

Let's head back, shall we Sebastia?

What?! What are you talking about! You were arrested and everything!

Actually, I already secured my release through a plea deal arranged with Officer Renri.

A plea deal?

Basically a way to lessen a sentence by cooperating with the authorities.

This case could have spelt trouble for KMS. That's why I issued a directive to have our company secrets regarding the synths and Galliard disclosed.

KMS had a virtual monopoly over synth R&D. Plus, this is coming from an executive with privileged access. The information he can provide could be invaluable in responding to the synth threat.

In return for Leo's cooperation, we made two provisional concessions. One was his release under probation. The other is permission to continue work on Galliard.

So...

No order was given to destroy him?

According to Mr. San's proposal, all information on Galliard will be shared. This means we have little issue from a security standpoint.

That is why we've concluded his body will remain in KMS's possession.

However, Biaka, you will continue to observe the case.

Sir! I will do my best, sir.

Hm. You appear more enthusiastic than usual.

N-Not at all, sir. Excuse me!

Phew...

What a relief.

Why would you be relieved?

It's none of your business.

I guess everything has worked out okay?

Yeah. Now you can continue your research safely, Sebastia.

Ugh... Leo, you had this lined up from the beginning, didn't you?

You should know me by now. I never get myself into a contest I can't win.

Officer Renri is very fair, and has a preference for plea deals. Knowing that, I chose her as the person to turn myself in to.

Then why did you look so teary-eyed back there?!

Because... I was disappointed. You didn't seem worried about me.

Uhhhgh! You're so damn calculating! Couldn't you genuinely mess up once in a while? This is why I hate you. Truly, thoroughly, utterly hate you!

Haha, harsh, as always.

So Galliard's safety has been guaranteed for the time being. Now the problem is how to find his personality AI data.

What the...

Emergency alert! Location: ...the Administrator's Office!

Good, you're all still here!

What happened?!

It's quicker to just go there!

All right, let's get back there ASAP.

What's going on here?

You are Elzion's Administrator, correct?

...And who might you be?

I am LeA-BAK. A Synth Human, as you can see.

You've got to go through me to get to the Administrator!

Calm down, you harebrained human. This is but a holographic projection.

You address yourself directly to the Administrator? That's some guts you've got.

Hah. Addressing me like that is even gutsier.

Stay out of this, soldier. The only one I need to speak to is Elzion's leader, the Administrator.

...Very well. Biaka, Renri. Both of you, stand down.

So, what is it you want to discuss?

Humanity's surrender.

I don't follow. At present, the synths are firmly on the back foot in this war.

Your assessment isn't inaccurate. But it's about to become outdated. The war changes right now!

What?!

Get Elzion airport up on screen.

I don't see anything out of the ordinary.

Wait, that robot!

While you humans grew complacent, we never ceased to sharpen our fangs. Our new superweapon has the power to completely tip the scales!

Fire! Show them what your power can do!

Am I seeing things?

An entire floating island, disintegrated?!

That's ridiculous!

This is the stuff of science fiction.

Unbelievable! It didn't blow up, it disappeared! How does that work?!

Spatial distortion detected! Its magnitude is negative? Impossible!

Truly, a horrifying weapon...

See that, harebrained humans! This is Chronos's legacy: the book of lost wisdom, the Chronos Report!

What does the report have to do with this?

Oh? You know about the report too, Helena?

......

What do you think, having witnessed the power of our superweapon? This is my idea of coexistence between humanity and the Synth Humans!

What do you mean?

Do you not get it? There's only one way to coexist with the humans...

It's to subjugate them.

What?!

Humans are incredibly foolish. That's one point on which I agree with Galliard. However eradicating you would be too wasteful for my liking. Instead, we Synth Humans will rule this world. We will protect you from yourselves.

That's not coexistence!

That's a matter of interpretation.

Now, Administrator. I will give you some time to think this over... to analyze the situation, and decide your course of action.

There is of course only one reasonable conclusion. That floating island was unpopulated, but if you choose not to surrender the whole of Elzion will be next to disappear.

LeA-BAK, stop!

We weren't unaware of any other synths capable of acting a leader. I don't like this one bit.

Administrator, I must apologize. That unit was produced by KMS researchers.

Yes, you mentioned a unit escaped your facility and couldn't be located.

LeA-BAK is that unit.

But how did he manage to band the Synth Humans together?

There are several possibilities, but perhaps someone was assisting them?

Hm. For instance who?

There are few who would gain from helping them. One candidate would be the Old State.

Stop there, Mr. San. That's not something we should discuss here.

Of course. My mistake.

That said, it's possible...

Again, the Chronos Report...

Do you have some information for me?

Sir, allow me to make my official report on the matter. Upon arriving at Chronos' laboratory...

So it's possible research findings of the ultimate genius, Professor Chronos, may be contained in this report.

Yes sir. That's what our understanding of the situation implies. And seeing as LeA-BAK is a twin model of Galliard... It's possible he can access the Chronos Report.

You mean to suggest we restore Galliard?

Negative, sir. It is not my place to make that decision.

......

Obtaining the Chronos Report is critically important to keeping the synths in check.

But this is a very optimistic scheme if you ask me. Even if we restore him, I cannot imagine he will cooperate with us. It's more likely we would merely strengthen the Synth Humans' force.

That won't be an issue, sir.

Isn't that right, Helena?

......

If Galliard opposes humanity once restored... She will destroy Galliard, and activate her self-termination program.

Self-termination program? You have such a feature?

Yes. Galliard and I were the prototypes for the Synth Humans, created by the legendary Professor Chronos. The program was implemented to secure our classified data.

Oh, I see...

Understood. Then I would request that you restore Galliard. And Biaka, you are to continue accompanying them.

Yes sir! Thank you, sir!

Hm? Why are you thanking me?

Well, that's...

Gratitude is my natural response to being assigned an important mission, sir.

Even with Galliard back, might that robot be too much to handle?

Responding to and negotiating with LeA-BAK is my job. That superweapon is indeed a threat, but it's a threat we know about. A threat once identified can be responded to. If need be, we can abandon Elzion, evacuating the citizens.

That's some flexible thinking. No wonder you were chosen as the Administrator.

Galliard I will leave to you. Of course, any assistance we can offer we will. Are you aware of anything we can help with?

Sebastia has already completed the repairs on his body. The problem is his personality AI. That's right, isn't it Sebastia?

...Huh? Oh, yes. That's right.

His memory remains stored in his body, so reinstalling his AI data will restore him. The problem is, the data could be on any network anywhere.

Then allow me to introduce a subordinate of mine. A data-tracking specialist.

Renri, you know him well through work. Can you lead them to him?

Wait a minute, sir. Are you talking about...

You should have no trouble talking to him, surely? Aldo's group will greatly benefit from his assistance.

...... Yes sir...

I'll let him know to head to the bar in Gamma District. I'm counting on you.

Okay, Renri. Let's head to this bar in Gamma District!

Hmm... I swear I've seen that robot somewhere.

Oh, I can't remember. Maybe there was something like it in that mecha anime with magical girls.

By the way, Sebastia. The plea deal's all set, but I'd like to talk over a few related legal matters.

Wait a minute! You're not trying to come over, are you?

I am. There's still a possibility these events will affect you. We should prepare for every eventuality.

Ugh... What a pain.

This is the place? We'll find the spécialiste here?

That's right. He should be here already. I'll go get him.

Oh, hey, there you are!

Silence, scrap metal. First I must perform an identity verification.

Hey, you're...!

Scanning citizen ID... Verified.

Hey Retro, Clock! Does that mean...

Oh, Aldo.

So it was you the Administrator was talking about.

Cetie!

Oh, hey, there you are!

Silence, scrap metal. First I must perform an identity verification.

Huh? That ball-like robot...

Scanning citizen ID... Verified.

Hmm. I'm sure I've seen it somewhere.

Ah. So it was you the Administrator was talking about.

These are my buddies, Retro and Clock. White one's Retro, black one's Clock.

Cetie!

Oh, hey, there you are!

Whoa?! What's this ball-like robot? It's a bit different from a search bit.

Silence, scrap metal. First I must perform an identity verification.

Scanning citizen ID... Verified.

Are these the Administrator's subordinates?!

You're joking, right?

I've heard about you guys from the Administrator.

These are my buddies, Retro and Clock. White one's Retro, black one's Clock.

And I'm Cetie, COA Officer.

Cetie of the COA, I've heard about you.

Oh? Have we met somewhere before?

No, I've just heard about you, since we both report to the Administrator.

We may have passed each other in one of the administrative sector's hallways.

Yeah, I suppose.

One sec, I've got a call.

Rats. It's my boss!

The Administrator?

No, my immediate superior in the COA. The Administrator is more like the top of the whole command chain.

Renri. What did you do this time?

Shut up! It's got nothing to do with you! Well, I've brought you together. So! I'll be on my way.

Hmph... I know she has principles, but she's so bashful. It's hard to watch.

Anyway. Back to the topic at hand.

Yes. We heard you're a specialist data-tracker.

The Administrator's given me the summary. I almost couldn't believe my ears. Never would I have imagined having to track down Galliard's personality data one day.

Please. Can you find Galliard's personality AI?

Clock, run a search. See if you can track its location.

Roger that. Initiating search...

Found data relevant to Synth Human AIs.

Really?!

That was really fast!

Don't think I'll take this humiliation lying down! In my next set of upgrades I'll...!

Well done, Clock. Download it.

Roge, ...oh.

Download failed. It appears the data is in a closed sector.

That's impossible. Galliard has already woken up once!

That must mean his personality AI was linked up, even for a moment.

His unit could have communicated with the server to get the data, even if a full download is off-limits. A full download is the only thing good enough though. Otherwise he'll lose consciousness each time the connection dies.

His personality AI has to be fully reinstalled.

Is that...not possible?

It's not impossible.

Possibly the closed off sector can't be accessed from an open network. If we head to the server location and physically access the terminal, we might be able to make the download.

Really!

Clock, reattempt the download. See if you can trace the location of the server hosting the data.

Roger, search underway. ...Location traced. The Data Center in the former KMS HQ.

That place closed down ages ago. Why would Galliard's data be there?

It is strange. I mean, Professor Chronos wasn't a KMS employee or anything, so...

Oh... Oh!

What now, Leo? Do you know something?

Actually... There were records that KMS secretly stole Professor Chronos' research data.

KMS... Can't put anything past them.

This was way back. I was investigating Galliard, and came across the incriminating documents.

I had no idea.

Well yeah. These were files only accessible to execs. Timestamp-wise this checks out. I think it's worth paying a visit to the former HQ.

I agree. Let's go.

I've been told to accompany your team. I'll be with you until you find that personality data.

Awesome! We're counting on you.

So... Where is the HQ?

We can get there from the deepest part of the Industrial Ruins. Let's head out.

Sebastia and Leo, what are you going to do?

I'm heading home. There's a bunch of stuff I need to look up.

Oh, before I go... Riica, how are your twin tail bolts? Are they loose at all?

Oh. I wonder if I've been spinning them too much. Maintenance, please!

What would you do without me? Come here then, let's take a look.

There! Don't spin 'em too much, okay? I wouldn't want to see you without them.

Thank you, Sebastia!

Everyone! Thank you for waiting!

Well, let's start heading towards the Former KMS HQ now. First off, just as Helena said, let's go all the way into the Industrial Ruins!

If we use the pathway in there, we can go straight to the Former KMS HQ.

I see.. So this elevator connects to the Former KMS HQ.

Hovering speed exceeds expectations. Experiencing difficulty keeping pace.

Hah! Unlike the armchair theorist that is Clock, I'm a battle model! Watch me whizz!

Hmm... You piece of junk. Don't let it get to your head, or else...

Pfft! Let's see who's the piece of junk. If you think you're better, catch me if you can! Nyaa-nyaa... Hm?

H-Hey! Why can't I pick up speed?!

The inevitable result of fuel misuse. Whether it whizzes around or runs aground, scrap metal is scrap metal.

Mic check. No one likes Leo. Mic check.

Wha...?! Was that my imagination? I think I heard Sebastia's voice just now.

Probably Riica with another uncannily good impersonation.

It's my twin-tails! They're talking!

While tightening your bolts, I stuck a mini comms device on you.

So quickly? And so stealthily! Now you mention it, my head does feel a few micrograms heavier.

Quite a clever little idea, this. Mind if I join in?

Hey, you! Stay out of this!

I can hear Leo as well! The future's technology really is something else!

Yep. And in this age of wondrous technology, Sebastia is the biggest miracle of all.

Finally we agree on something. Anyway, I can monitor you from here. Plus we have twin-tail-powered voice chat.

That's reassuring, Sebastia. We'll be counting on you to navi...

Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no! I'm at my limit!

Oh, fine...

Hey, looks like we're almost there. I can see the exit!

Okay then. Be careful, guys.

So this is the former KMS HQ...

It's like some abandoned ruins. It seems even more deserted than the industrial city.

Keep moving guys. The Data Center is a few floors below you..

Galliard... Perhaps it won't be long until our reunion.

Would you mind explaining something to me? You said before your relationship with Galliard is complicated. In what way?

Galliard and I... We are partner units. We two are the only ones in the whole world who share the same fate.

In other words...you're lovers? Is that what you're trying to say?

Not anymore.

Not anymore...?

If we appear that way, that could be because of our relationship prior to becoming Synth Humans. We don't have any memories from our time as humans, but apparently we were lovers in the past.

What...!

You're right, that's complicated.

What about you? What's your relationship with Galliard?

......

I don't know for sure... I find it doubtful whether or not he even remembers me.

Oh, really...

But I...

I do have strong feelings for Galliard. That's for sure.

......

Hm...? Those machines just dropped something.

What a strange looking part. I've never seen it before.

Hold on... Let me get a better look at that.

Oh, do I just show it to Riica?

What is it? I've never seen this mechanism before... It seems to emit a minute amount of energy... I wonder if it can move for extended periods of time?

Well it is, in fact, moving, so that's probably what it does.

As an engineer, I'm not convinced! Hm? What, Leo? I'm busy right now! There's no time for me to be reading those materials! Go away... Shoo! Shoo!

Leo must have it rough...

Hm? What is this?

What the?! Huh? What's this...

Whoa! I don't think we can pass through that thing.

The coordinates say the server terminal is just ahead.

Everyone, you should back off a little. I'll break it.

You're kidding! Not a scratch! Aucune!

Wait, Helena! You won't be able to break it even if you attack it.

Sebastia! What do you mean by that?

Could that be the Time-Space Structure that we heard about?

Don't know much about it. It's a top secret technology of the KMS Company.

That is what they call the Time-Space Structure. It's a top secret technology of the KMS Company.

Time-Space Structure?

It creates an interdimensional space that is immune to the laws of physics...

In other words, it's a super-barrier!

Ahh... Is that so?

O-Oh, okay.

You're rather knowledgeable about this. It's almost as if you saw the data on it.

Uh... To be honest, I did take a look at some of Leo's data earlier.

But the Time-Space Structure itself is blocking your path. It is indestructible under normal circumstances. We have to check the structure's blueprints, and find the control device for it...

Hold on! Looking at the mechanism of this circuit... Yeah, there's no doubt. Hey! Can you show me that weird part those robots from earlier dropped?

Uh, you mean this?

Your exchange through me... It feels very strange indeed!

Yeah, like I thought... There's a proper technical name for that gizmo: "Time Layers Force."

The research shows that Time Layers Force is an alternative energy source to Xeno Prisma. It can be energy efficient, but it's also difficult to manage, and therefore not widely used.

Hm, I see... So it draws on a long term source of energy using Time Layer Distortion?

In other words, it's a super-battery!

That's a real general way of referring to it...

Who cares?! Anyway, we can use this!

Sebastia, what are you trying to do?

Listen, everyone! You have to gather me some Time Layers Force! If we charge up the Time-Space Structure with that, we can overload the energy. It will then surpass its maximum load... Causing it to vanish!

Brute force, huh... But if it works, I'm fine with it.

All right. Let's try it with the Time Layers Force we have!

All right then. Let's go and gather Time Layers Force!

... This is no good. Nothing is happening.

Maybe we need more? Go and gather more for me!

All right. Let's defeat more of these robots!

All right, let's do this. We'll insert the Time Layers Force we have into the wall...

The energy density is rising!

The Time-Space Structure vanished! Excellent job, Sebastia!

Incredible... I can't believe you could get rid of the Time-Space Structure this way. I always knew you were a genius.

Yup! I know!

......

Anyway, now the path is clear. Let's keep going!

So this is the Data Center.

It was closed a long time ago, so it's pretty run down.

But the facility still seems to be live. I wonder why?

Because it's still useful to us. We need it for facility maintenance.

That's such a waste of resources! It should be cut immediately, just like your pay!

Haha. I sort of feel guilty, but not really. I better work harder to catch up with you.

Those two make a really great team...

The location information is a match. I found the server terminal we've been looking for.

Clock, analyze it for me.

Understood. Initiating search.

Well...?

The personality AI data of Synth Humans has multiple hits on the search. Screening results. The personality AI that appears to belong to Galliard has... One result. You can download that from this terminal.

Really?! Download it immediately!

On it. I'll take care of the rest.

Extracting data... ......

What's wrong, Clock?

Illegal...access... Intervention...success...

... Intruder alert.

What?! Clock!

Target... Four humans. One Synth Human. One Android. One miniature Bit.

Wait, is that us?!

This is real bad! Clock is acting weird!

This is an order for the Security Robot. Eliminate the targets immediately.

That's a security alert! Something's coming our way!

Oh no! Did Clock get hacked!?

It appears to be a hack from the Security Guard due to our illegal access...!

What's going on here?! This doesn't look good!

Clock! Force shut down!

Order denied. Security Robot... The white Bit unit can be ignored. Take out that annoying blonde one first.

Annoying blonde one?!

Drat! What do we do now!?

We have to catch Clock! Retro, help me out!

You got it!

Clock, restart!

Wha... What was I doing?

There's no time to explain! We have to defeat this thing right now!

Phew... We managed to beat it.

Why would a closed facility like this still have such elaborate security measures online?

That does bother me, too... But we have to deal with Galliard first.

...Oh, right. I'll resume the download immediately.

One issue to confirm. The data is "Copy Once" data. After downloading from terminal, the data will be automatically deleted. You can then only move the data. Proceed anyway?

That's fine with me.

Understood. Initiating download.

Oh? This is odd, though. If this is Copy Once data, that means this has never been accessed before.

Download complete. This is Galliard's personality AI data.

You're a life saver! Now Galliard can be revived...!

Well then, seems like my job here is done.

If you ever need my help again, you can call me anytime.

If fate brings us together, we'll meet again.

Thanks a lot, Cetie!

Oh, and Clock...

What is it, Cetie?

Sorry for being an annoying blonde. Once we get back, it's maintenance for you.

What are you even talking about?!

Pfft... Boy am I looking forward to this!

Now then, can you bring the data to mine? We'll head up to Galliard after that.

Okay, we'll make our way over to yours.

ID Number 514X10S, Biaca reporting in. In line with the Administrator's orders, I'm surveilling the Galliard case. There is a high likelihood he will be revived imminently. Has my associate reported in on this issue?

Not yet? I see. I will continue to watch over developments. The problem is...

Yes, understood. We will make regular reports.

Even with things accelerating, they still have the situation under control.