Faceless Parents

Eeek!

Y-Your Majesty? What's going on?

What was that tremor? Perhaps we are under attack?

Return to the castle and check for signs of enemies. Get the people to safety!

Yes, Your Majesty!

As much as I would love to hear what you have to say, this is now an emergency. Come with me.

What is that?

Yeah, what is that thing?

It's clearly not from this era. Has it traveled through time?

That battleship...

Do you know something about it, Sesta?

Whoa!

Another bombardment!

The barrier will be at risk! To the control room, quickly!

Exceptional measure though it may be, I have no choice but to increase the barrier's output.

You're increasing the output?

Uh-oh. This sounds like the type of thing that could push the control device to exploding point...

Yeah, but if they don't protect the barrier, the bombardments will hit Cochlea. We have to go and stop the battleship's attacks.

Right!

Mo, I mean, Your Majesty! We're heading to the battleship to stop this assault!

Can you really do such a thing?

I don't know, but we have to try!

However...

I'm sorry. We've only just arrived here, you don't even know us. We must seem so very suspicious.

We truly do want to protect this country. Please believe that at least.

Very well. In any case, all I alone can do is ensure our barrier endures. Without someone stopping this bombardment... I cannot prevent harm coming to our country. Your help would be appreciated.

Thank you, Your Majesty! But how are we supposed to reach the battleship? It's all the way out at sea.

Regrettably, our country no longer has any seaworthy ships.

Oh, right! What should we do?

Sesta will try something.

Sesta?

We must cross the sea. We could use Sesta's power. But Majesty...may lay waste to your seas.

That's not something I would normally accept, even to protect our country.

......

Very well. Not knowing what your power is, perhaps you could show it to me? I shall take you to the coast closest to the battleship. The barrier should hold out that long.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Okay, let's head to the coast.

It doesn't look like the attacks are going to stop.

What could they possibly want out of this?

Just as Sesta thought. Looks alike...

Do you recognize it?

Sesta not sure until closer.

How exactly are we going to cross the sea then?

Sesta's power creates this body, and will fuse with nearby matter. Sesta will try to control power and fuse with only heat.

You're going to fuse...with heat?

Sesta will draw heat from sea. Create path of ice. Run across before it breaks, and reach battleship.

You can do that?

Never tried before. 50/50 chance. If ice melts before we cross... ......

We all drown in sea.

Don't say that!

It's not like we have any other options...

You wish to freeze my beautiful waters? You were right. This really will lay waste to my seas.

I-I'm so sorry, Your Majesty. I know this sea is important to you...

Indeed, but I am well aware that we have no other option. Go ahead.

Are you sure?

Though it may only be weak, we have cooling magic in this kingdom. If we can lower the temperature of the seas, you should be able to create an ice path. When the water cools, the fish will swim away. At least their lives can be saved.

Cooling magic?

I think I learned that! I could help you!

Oh, indeed? How did you come to learn of such ancient magic? The more wielders, the greater the success. I would appreciate your help.

Sea surface temperature falling! This is really working...

Huh? Am I doing it right? I learned it so long ago, I'd kinda forgotten how to do it.

You lack control over your magic. It is unstable. Cease unnecessary thoughts and focus. Honestly, you're always...

......

Always? But surely this is the first time I've ever seen you use magic? Why would I say such a thing?

Oh! Thank you, Your Majesty.

This is all we can do.

Thanks. Now Sesta's turn.

No firm boundary between Sesta and sea. Sesta extends self. Each drop of water in sea becomes part of Sesta...

Only fusing heat. Make heat part of Sesta, and freeze the sea.

Done, but will not last long. We go now.

I'm really not sure about running on ice. I just know I'm gonna fall...

Hm? Nona not the one running.

Huh? What do you...

Oh no! Not this again!

Thanks for help, Majesty. Sesta take care of these two.

I-Indeed...

Eek!

Wargh!

Just in time.

My head's spinning!

Still, it's amazing that we made it all this way without being hit.

Yeah! Thanks, Sesta.

Sesta?

Knew it...

......

Cold, thick, inorganic walls... Sesta...

Sesta knows this place.

Y-You do? How?

It looks like first place Sesta went after given life.

Really? You went to this battleship?

Want to know more about this place. Stand back.

Sesta will try melting wall using heat stored from sea.

Whoa, it's so hot!

It worked.

I would never have thought of that! You're really good at using your powers, Sesta.

Yes. Compliment Sesta.

Oh, you greedy thing!

But remember. Those with power always run risk of being consumed by power.

What are you talking about?

Sesta's life not constant. Sesta fuses, Sesta separates. Different power from you two. Your lives continuous. That gives Sesta danger. Danger you two do not have.

Like when you were attacked by the vessel and couldn't come back?

Yes. Sesta more vulnerable to attack than you. Sesta's body assembled under single unified will at core. Shake core, Sesta's whole existence at risk.

Over-rely on fusion and separation and maybe time comes when Sesta cannot keep shape. Like Nona's power.

Mine?

Power Nona used to save Cochlea given by someone observing time layer. Know not much else about it yet.

What price has your power? Until Nona knows what she lost by gaining power, best not use too much.

I-I understand. I'll be careful.

Sorry. No mean to scare. Just, for Nona, Sesta feels power in words. When Sesta imagines Nona in danger, Sesta feels moved by unbearable impatience.

This what you call concern, yes?

Teehee. It is. You're definitely a bit of a worrier. Still, thanks to you using your powers, it looks like we can get inside this ship!

It's still kinda hot. Do you think it's safe to go through yet?

One time, Nona cooled down hot dish while caring for Sesta.

I don't think blowing on the ship will cool it down, Sesta!

I guess we have to risk it and go inside. Just be careful.

This is what it looks like from the inside? It seems kinda familiar...

Yeah, I see that too. Hm, a machine built for people...

Oh, I know! When the people of the future woke up from their cold sleep!

Oh yeah, that's where we saw it! The Arat memory device! That'd make this their shelter ship, the Sanctuary.

What are you talking about?

Erm...

Oh!

You...

Got away.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! You can't attack on sight! They'll just run away! We might have been able to talk to them!

Best not assume they talk. Not those faceless white ghosts.

Faceless white ghosts?

Wait...

That's who you were talking about before? You weren't talking about Phantom?

Phantom?

Yeah, the suspicious white haze we spoke to before coming to Cochlea Castle. We just assumed the white, faceless creature you were talking about was him.

Now you mention it, the people of the future are also dressed in white. And they don't show their faces...

Sorry. No other way to describe.

You really did come to this shelter ship before, then. If you come from that era, maybe you'll pick up on something we missed.

Right. Though stopping the assault is our first priority, I would like to hear more from you.

You two know more of this place than Sesta.

Now we search for man. Meanwhile, tell Sesta what you know. Maybe Sesta will remember something.

Thanks!

He ran out that way. I just hope we catch him before anything bad happens...

Sesta sees what happened now. This shelter ship came from future where planet destroyed by contamination. And future people want to connect history's end to beginning. So they caused mass death to switch with Cochlean people?

Yes. And Nona was sent to Cochlea to aid in that plan.

Thank you. Sesta understands. Malice swirls around this world...

And you have lost your fangs.

......

Why you not more angry? You know why they do this. Why give them opportunity for excuses?

They kill your loved ones for own selfish reasons! Over and over, they kill! They destroy this world! Why reach out to such people? There is no need! Sesta could kill them all on sight and be done with it.

We can't do that!

Why not? They did the same! They chose to kill! They chose to squash your people like bugs!

How can you forgive them? Why does anger not surge through you? You should be angriest of all!

I am angry. I'm extremely angry. And I don't forgive them.

Then...

Even so, I can't bring myself to finish this before I hear what they have to say.

Why not?

Because of something Aldo said. When I learned that I'd been born to destroy Cochlea, I told him I wished I'd never been born. And Aldo told me that we can't choose where or why we were born, we can only choose how we live.

Nona...

He told me that I've always been the one to decide how I live my life. Those words are keeping me going right now. I don't want to ever give up on being able to choose. I'm sure it would be easier to go in blind and jump to a conclusion, but I think I'd regret it later.

If I'm going to choose, I want to ponder this until the last possible moment. I need to know everything.

......

Oh! And another thing! If you actually do defeat all the future people, nobody will know how to stop the explosion! And that would REALLY not be good. So...

Sesta understands. If Nona insists, Sesta won't use tough measures.

Sesta...

Do not misunderstand. Sesta is not convinced by what Nona says.

I know, but that's good enough for me.

Nona is bad at being angry.

Maybe Sesta is born with anger because someone must unleash rage in your place.

I appreciate the sentiment.

Wh-What was that?

Have they found us?

Oh no! This way's blocked off!

You again?

Sesta, no!

Grr...

It matters not. My life is yours.

......

I'm sorry about before. It happened so fast, I ended up hiding before I was ready to tell you anything.

It's like this. Restrain me. It's up to you to decide whether to kill me straight away or extract information out of me.

What are you talking about?

I can't commit any more sins. I just can't. I don't have much time left. If there's anything you want to know, now's the time to ask.

Oh no! They followed me!

You're saying you don't want to be our enemy?

That's right. Though I don't expect you to believe me.

We can work that out later! For now, come with us!

Huh? Oh, got it!

Man did not lie before? If this is some kind of trap, you will pay. You will pay dearly.

I-I know...

Sesta! We want him to speak, remember?

But...

I know. You're feeling all the anger for me. But our first priority right now is information.

You said you don't have much time. How much do you have?

The cooling device on my suit has already begun activating.

The cooling device? You mean...

Once operational, I'll instantly fall into cryosleep. Even if I try to remove the suit, it will still occur. Others in our lab who refused to follow the plan were all put to sleep against their will. I've halted it temporarily by manipulating the remote system, but I don't know how long it will last. Whatever time I have left, I want to use to help you.

Why help us?

I'm tired of all this sinning. Nona, Sesta, if you've made it here, then you must know some of the sins we have committed. I know it's a selfish thing to ask, but please put an end to this folly before it goes any further.

Any further? You were trying to explode Cochlea using the contaminated prisma inside me. There's more to it than that?

Yes. We had no choice but to use a more direct approach, and resort to this bombardment. We don't have a time to return to anymore.

You don't?

The deadline was always looming. The buried toxins were slowly driving the planet to internal collapse. Then the reactive heat from underground contaminants began to melt toxins frozen in the surface... And the planet's collapse started to accelerate. As a result, our only means of survival was to escape from the era in which we lived.

Oh...

That's why you're trying to kill the Cochlean people yourselves, and take their place?

Why such contempt for the people of this era?

Wait. Your story doesn't add up. I thought there was a fixed number of lives that can exist in any one time? You were planning to destroy Cochlea and then come to this era. And yet...

Oh yeah! Both you and the people of Cochlea are living here right now. Why hasn't the time layer corrected it?

The white god helped us.

Phantom?!

At first, we thought our plan to send you to antiquity full of contaminated prisma had worked. Your recording medium sent us fixed point data one hour a day on your growth and changes in the prisma.

......

Seven and a half months later, their elementals had been successfully replaced by contaminated energy. After nine months, 18 years in your time, the elementals were filled with blast energy. So we waited. Yet, on the estimated date of detonation, the data was suddenly corrupted.

That would be when my mother rewound time.

We were unable to observe for ourselves what was happening. Months and months passed, years in your time, yet we were unable to collect new data. Our plan was at a standstill, yet it was becoming apparent that the collapse of the planet was imminent.

And then the white god as you call him, Phantom, he approached you again?

Yes. The white god proclaimed a delay to the destruction. He said that the surface ice would soon be melted by a thermal reaction of toxins beneath the surface... And that the day would soon come when the planet could no longer maintain its form. He predicted that our Cochlea plan would not come to fruition in time.

The time had finally come for us to accept our destiny to perish with our planet. If only we had accepted it. If only we hadn't listened to that demon.

......

He told us that it was possible to hide our existence from the time layer's observation, albeit briefly. If we could destroy the ancients in the meantime, the switch could be achieved as planned. The white god asked us, were we willing to make this one last gamble?

And you went along with it?

More like, those who didn't go along with it were put into cryosleep.

Oh!

Debates raged in the lab, and each time, more of my coworkers disappeared. I learned that if I truly wished to resist this plan, I would have to remain silent. That's when you showed up, Sesta.

Me?

Yes. I was the first to call you by that name. No one else guessed who you were. You had reacted to the gate to Cochlea that had been opened by the time reversal device. Many researchers tried to stop you, but I...

You know who Sesta is?

Of course I do. I remember you as I remember all the children I studied.

Child...ren?

Oh? You mean to say you came all the way here without knowing? So rash. Just like before, when you charged toward the gate as if chasing something you held dear.

Sesta heard voice from gate's other side. Sad, painful voice gave Sesta life. Made Sesta run.

A voice? Then you... Why, that would be truly incredible. A response to your genes perhaps? A bond across time and space, so to speak...

You have an idea what happened?

Yes. You see, you're...

Oh!

I'm out of time.

A-Are you gonna be okay?

I'll just be taking a little nap, that's all. There was so much I wanted to tell you... If the cryofreeze has started, then so too has voice monitoring. I'll have to limit what I tell you. Here, take this.

What is this?

This will show you where you need to go. Sesta, you will find the answers you seek there.

......

Wait! There's still so much we need to ask you!

I wanted...to stop...the attack... On Cochlea... There is...a way... It's left...in the same place... You...will work it out... One last time... Let me see your face... Wol...

Wol?

He is frozen. Sesta wanted more information first.

......

This looks like some sort of key. It says "Biosciences."

We must look for the room this key unlocks.

If it holds a clue to stopping this attack, we'd better hurry.

*cough*

Aldo?

Sorry, just a little cough. Let's look for this Biosciences place.

It opened! This must be the room!

This is the Biosciences lab? Then those experiments we saw in the recording medium...

Yeah, they must have taken place in this room.

You say before, experiment to make artificial life using Phantom's powers?

Yes. I know of two experiments. One in which the pre-birth life started rampaging and disappeared... And one in which I was born.

......

The chief of the institute referred to me as a miracle child. There must have been lives lost before I was born.

Are those records still in here? The guy in the protective suit said we'd find out about Sesta in here. What could that possibly mean?

Sesta has no memory of this room.

But Sesta believes him. Check the terminal.

*cough* *splutter*

Are you okay, Aldo? You don't seem so well.

I don't know. Maybe it's something in the air. It's no big deal. I can keep going.

Okay, so this is where the fire control system is housed.

Security robots gone. Nothing to get in Sesta's way now.

No more holding back.

Wha?! What are you doing?

Are you sure you can do this by yourself?

Best you stay out of this. Sesta is confident in strength, not in ability to control it. Would hate to unknowingly shatter you to pieces when breaking down door.

Unknowingly?! Yikes!

Okay, we'll leave this to you. But don't be too reckless, okay?

Sesta will be fine.

Abnormal operation confirmed. Locking artillery system. Time until recovery: One hour.

Yay! I think you stopped it!

Only a short delay.

Looks like we'll have to talk to the people of the future directly and get them to stop this.

Although, it's all well and good wanting to talk to them... But where do we find them?

Only one person from institute showed their face since we came. We dealt only with machines. They hide and attack us from a safe distance. They never fight fair.

Maybe it's not that... Maybe they're scared. Of us.

Scared? They are the ones doing harm.

Maybe they're so scared, they feel they have no choice but to lash out at us? They're just ordinary people. They don't use magic or fight with swords. They're not physically strong. They fled here, unable to bear the thought of their planet perishing. They're afraid. Afraid of everything.

So what if they scared? We just let them attack?

No. Just, there's no way we're gonna be able to have a calm conversation with them like this. What should we do? Our only hope to find a solution is to think of one together.

Nona is very naive. It shocks Sesta. But Sesta understands a little.

Huh?

Humans form groups, but no individual the same. All have different thoughts and wishes. To judge all those with the institute as one is no different from them only seeing ancients as numbers. That is why Nona wants to understand them to make the best choice.

Right. Maybe I won't know what's best until the very end... But it will still give a more satisfactory answer than if I decided without knowing anything.

I'm doing this for me. It's not out of naivety or kindness.

Sesta hopes Nona knows what she is doing. Knowledge is a burden. Easier to think of faceless suits as the same enemy... But Sesta has a curious sister.

Teehee!

Whoa! What the?

Key is glowing. Maybe it picked up a signal.

Nona, Sesta, and whoever this man is... Can you hear me? This is a one-way communication, so I am not able to hear your response...

I recognize her voice...

That's the chief from the memory we saw!

I would like to apologize to you for everything. For the attack on Cochlea, and for sending in the contaminated prisma through you, Nona.

......

We do not wish for any more armed hostilities. If you also seek a dialogue... Please make your way to the broadcast room. Access has been granted to your key.

They just do what suits them. They only want to talk because they know they are outmatched.

Still, I would rather avoid a fight if we can. Let's go! With a ceasefire, maybe we can talk to them about undoing the damage from the imitation prisma.

Okay. Let's trust them for now. She said the broadcast room, right? Then that's where we'll go.

Key reacts. That makes this the broadcast room.

No one's here...

What is that noise? Did door get locked?

Can you see me? Can you hear me?

You...

Nona, I can see you. You've grown so much, I almost wouldn't recognize you. The lot code is definitely yours, though. Thank you for coming here.

Mother did all this? You are selfish summoning us here.

You're Sesta, aren't you? I was shocked when I saw that traces from the time reversal device breach matched our Lot Six data. I never thought I'd see you again, after you were reborn as an unknown lifeform in that bottomless darkness.

No need for hollow lies.

You said you wanted to resolve this through dialogue. Maybe you could tell us what you're up to?

Yes, of course. Time is limited though. Um, who are you?

Me? I'm Aldo.

Aldo, huh? I'm Crete, Chief of the Perma-Civilization Institute.

Thank you for bringing these two here. Now time is short, so to get to the point...

I will guarantee your safety. In exchange...

Wait here until our plan has reached completion.

Huh?

What are you talking about? We came here to stop your plan!

I am aware of your intentions. However, they are incompatible with our own.

Urgh!

Now, we only need to replace the lives of the citizens of Cochlea. We don't want to involve you. So until our artillery system is restored and we have destroyed their barrier...

Are you kidding me?! Our lives aren't the issue here! Don't you know how much the people of Cochlea have suffered already? Don't you care? How can you do this?

Please reconsider! We want to find a way for you guys to survive without having to harm the people of Cochlea. Remove the imitation prisma contamination. And stop attacking Cochlea!

I understand how you feel all too well.

Then don't do it!

The last of humanity and its tens of thousands of years of history cannot be allowed to come to nothing. You know the laws of this time layer. The number of people who can live in this era is already set. You know full well that we cannot coexist with the people of Cochlea.

But! We could...

I'm afraid we don't have enough time.

I wish we could have talked longer, but any further dialogue will be fruitless. I know that you think this choice I'm forcing on you is unreasonable. However, this is for the future of all humanity...

Hey! Wait!

Once our plan is completed, we will send you to your own time. We don't need your forgiveness. Even so, I hope a better future awaits you in this closed cycle of history.

Hey! You call this a dialogue?!

She's gone.

We go to them. Sesta will break lock on door. Get back.

Sesta is confused... Protected by stronger power than the control room...

Was this their plan all along? To lock us in here?

Tch!

We have to get out of here before they resume their assault! Let's look for another exit.

No use. Like the entrance, no way to smash through.

You can't dismantle the wall or manipulate its temperature like when we crossed the sea?

Only possible because of liquid. It is hard to explain. Not easy to disassemble things when particles have strong connection. When Sesta makes body, it is possible because of parts crushed or melted by chemical reaction.

I see. You can't melt a wall with heat unless it has heat to begin with.

It looks like we're going to have to do something about this door. What, though?

Yep. I figured that'd happen.

You enter next room yet come out here. Sesta wonders how it works.

What do we do? We're never gonna get out of here! We won't be able to save them!

Try to keep calm. Let's see if we can figure out how the door works.

Is there anything strange about the door?

Ack! *cough* *splutter*

Aldo!

Are you okay? I knew you weren't looking well!

I thought I was fine, but I'm starting to feel more and more pain as time goes by.

Aldo. Show Sesta.

Pulse racing. Blood in breath. And...

Substance not meant to be in Aldo's body spreading rapidly.

Wait...

Sesta thinks toxin is eating away at Aldo's body.

A toxin? Wait. All the researchers in the shelter ship were wearing protective suits. The chief only removed her helmet once in the recording, and the others tried to stop her.

Is the contamination from their time within this shelter ship? B-But that doesn't make any sense! Why aren't Sesta and I...

Sesta should have realized. Makeup of our bodies is different from Aldo's.

......

We are test subjects made in this lab. Our genomes manipulated. It makes sense we have resistance to contamination.

Oh... Then only Aldo's affected?

What do we do?

This is bad! If only I'd realized sooner! If only I'd examined you properly when you first started looking unwell!

It's okay, Nona. This isn't your fault. I've gone to contaminated places before. Honestly, I never expected it to come to this. I have my own carelessness to blame.

But, but!

I know, why don't you try using your healing magic? It might have some effect.

I'm on it!

Anything?

......

Yeah, I feel a little better. I think I'm up to searching the room for a bit now.

......

We have to find a way out of this place as soon as possible! If we could just get out of here, maybe we'll find you a protective suit to wear.

We've gotta find out how this door works!

Aldo. Nona's healing magic ineffective on toxin. You won't...

I know. Just, don't tell Nona, okay?

......

Don't worry. If we can get out of this room, I'm sure we'll find any number of cures.

Sesta! I know attacking the wall didn't work, but how about attacking the door directly? This door's clearly got some special feature. If we can break that, maybe we can get through.

Okay. Sesta will try.

Aldo understands situation, yes? Must avoid moving. Slow down the toxin's progress to have a better chance of leaving room.

Okay, I understand. Thanks, Sesta.

Get back. Sesta will use full force.

Well?

I'll give it a try.

Nope. No change from before.

So door won't open through force...

Then what else can we try? Unless we do something, Aldo will...

Be calm. Nona's healing will buy some time.

Yeah, you're right. I've got to pull myself together.

Huh?

What?

The door may not seem broken after your attack...but look! There's something strange wrapped around it.

Strange?

Like a hazy, glowing thread all tangled up or something...

Oh! It just disappeared!

Mysterious. Sesta sees nothing.

Maybe it's not that the door won't break under attack, it's that it's being repaired by some power? Would you mind trying again, Sesta?

Sure. Won't break easily. Sesta will get even rougher.

Sesta see nothing. Does Nona?

I knew it!

I saw it more clearly this time. There are threads wrapped all around this door. The more you attack, the more threads there are. Maybe some power is at work each time the door breaks!

Nona! Nona's eyes...

......

Nona not the same. Light in eyes like never seen before. Maybe this is part of Nona's power. Perhaps the threads seen are related. How were threads wrapped around door? Can Nona work out what happened?

Hmm, let me think... It was wrapped around the same area over and over again, and it looked kinda distorted. As if a thread that doesn't belong there was stretched taut and forcibly connected...

Walk through or attack, and the door goes back to how it was before we interfered.

I don't know if this could even be done, but maybe it's going back in time?

Possible. Researchers on ship unraveled all human civilization.

Right. The technology to create a distorted flow of time must have been created at some point.

Then maybe it can be changed by unraveling the threads Nona sees? But...

But?

Sesta knows not the right path. Nona seems a different person to before. Cannot judge the full extent of power. Could put self in danger.

Yeah, well, how's that any different from Aldo's situation?

If there's something I can do, I want to do it!

But...

Don't worry. If I've always had this power, then surely I should be able to use it.

......

I'll have to take a closer look. If I can mend what is broken, like I did with Sesta and my mother...

Then I should be able to do the opposite, and undo what was forcibly mended.

I know I can do this. I'll get it back to normal. I'll unravel this distorted thread. If I can just imagine it...

Nona!

Sorry. I was a little too focused. Just before I started to wobble though, I saw the thread change shape. I think it might have changed something!

Nowhere Sesta attacked is broken. In that case...

Wait! Sesta!

This isn't the same room!

It worked! We got through the door!

Oh dear...

Do not overdo it, Nona. Use of power may exhaust you.

Hey...did it work?

Aldo! Look, look! We got through the door! The threads, you see, they...

Guh?

Do not get overexcited. Sesta already told you this.

Aldo... Feeling okay?

I'm fine. I can still walk.

We have to find an exit, quick! It's the only way to find a way to save Aldo and stop the bombardment from restarting!

Yes. We must leave this place.

Finally, we are out of the broadcast room.

Phew... At last.

Is Nona okay? Looks pale.

I'm...fine. Maybe I'm just not used to using my powers. I feel kinda faint when I use it more than once.

It feels like something else is entering my mind instead. I just don't know what that something is...

It's like, it's exhausting just trying to remain myself and drive this thing out.

Like power erodes away at Nona?

Sesta knew it was dangerous. Nona should not use powers.

Don't worry. I'm sure we won't come across those door traps again!

Anyway, forget about me! What matters is Aldo! How are you doing, Aldo?

Yeah, I'm holding up.

Now that we're finally out of there, I'm sure we'll be find something to cure this toxin in you. Just be patient a little while longer! Don't push yourself too hard, okay?

Thanks, Nona.

Where to head now?

Ah! Look at that!

It's a map! Okay, through here's the civilian shelter and storeroom, and the prehistoric lab is this way...

Aha! There's a medical room up ahead! They must have something to help Aldo!

That is where we must go. Quick.

According to the map, this is the medical room.

Gah... *huff*

Poor Aldo. Just hold out a little longer.

I wonder if this key will work on the lock...

Yay! It opened!

Let's go, Aldo!

What? This isn't a medical room? What's going on?

This looks like the armory.

Maybe map was changed.

Sesta!

Sesta! Sesta! Are you okay?

Sesta let guard down. Should have considered possibility of a trap. But fine now. Enemies wiped out. We should keep going.

But, Sesta!

No problem. Wound is deep, but can be mended.

......

Do not look at Sesta like that. Only Sesta could fight there, no? Nona exhausted from using powers. Aldo weakened by toxin. Only Sesta able to act. Sesta fulfilled her role.

Pull self together, Nona. Sesta is big sister. Sesta will look after you.

Sesta...

Location of medical room may have changed, but unlikely whole map is false. Civilian shelter through here. Should be big storeroom close by. May be medical equipment in storeroom to treat civilian health problems.

Okay. There's still a chance. We just need to get out of here.

Yes. No time to abandon hope.

Come on, you two. I'll look after you!

This door looks like the others. It must be using that time reversal trick.

Nona is okay using powers?

Of course! I can handle this!

Huh?

What's wrong?

I can't use the threads like before.

Why not? I could manage it a moment ago...

If we can't get through here, this will all have been for nothing!

Calm self, Nona! Nona exhausted from breaking through other traps. Proof it is dangerous to use powers more. We find another way.

There is no other way! This was the only thing we found to work before!

But...

Besides, there's no time! You're both so worn out... I...I have to do this!

Nona! Do not push self too hard!

I know. I have to focus in order to use this thread power. But I...I...

My head's in such a mess, I can't do it!

......

I want to save Aldo, and until I do, I'm left with this guilt. I'm so worried. What if I can't help? I should have been more careful about letting you wear yourself out, Sesta. I can't stop the regret... I've been suppressing my feelings, thinking I can't get emotional, that the researchers must be scared... But what they did to me, what they did to Sesta, and to the Cochlean people, and now to Aldo... And what they're doing to us now, knowing we want to help them...

I can't let any of it go. Just thinking about it makes my body burn up. I feel so sad, so angry, and distressed, and pathetic, and frustrated, and hopeless.

I have to do this right. I have to use my powers...

Yet the more I think about how I've gotta do this, the more my powers slip away.

What am I gonna do? Unless I think of something, we're all gonna die here! And Cochlea will fall again!

Breathe, Nona...

*cough* *splutter*

Guh...

ALDO!

My healing magic's worn off? That's okay, I'll just cast another spell...

......

Huh? Why? Why aren't you getting better? Your pulse is weakening...

Do I not have enough power? Is that what this is? Oh, Aldo! I'm so, so sorry!

...... Nona. No need for more healing.

Why not?

Does not work on Aldo's symptoms. In truth, it never worked.

Huh?

Sesta!

If Sesta did not tell her, she keeps trying to heal you forever. Nona. Do not blame Aldo for hiding truth. He lies to keep Nona calm. To stop Nona worrying about him.

Oh... Then you've been pushing yourself way too hard this whole time?

I'm sorry, Nona...

I'm the one who should be apologizing! I've only been thinking about myself! I made you push yourself... And I still can't even find a way to rescue you two from this place!

No, Nona. You...

I can't do anything! There's so many people I wanna save, yet they're suffering right before me and I can't do a thing about it!

Help us! If whoever gave me this power is here, then help us! I'll give you anything! Anything at all! Please...

Whoa!

I'll give you everything I have! Please... Please save them!

......

No...na?

It's back.

I think my power's back! Now we can keep going!

But you...

Come on! To the civilian shelter, quickly!

Okay, it doesn't look like there are any of those traps here... Maybe they never expected us to make it this far.

You two, rest here. I'll take a look around!

Okay. Thanks.

Erm? This square, stone-looking stuff must be food. So, over there? There are so many weird machines here. Hm? Then, here? ......

WAAAHHH!

N-Nona? What's wrong!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!

Calm self. What is it?

I found it! I found the cure!

See? It's written in the description! This thing decontaminates people who've gone to contaminated zones like the underground disposal site.

And look, Sesta! This thing could heal your wounds!

That is helpful. Only so much self- mending Sesta can do.

Okay! I'll stand guard, you two get yourselves healed up!

Will do. Thanks, Nona.

Sorry to keep Nona waiting.

Sesta! Aldo!

H-How are you both feeling?

All better.

I think the toxin's all gone. All thanks to you, Nona.

Really? I'm so...

Wait. You're not lying to me again, are you?

Your lies lose trust with Nona, Aldo.

I'm not lying! Hm, how can I prove this to you?

Look! I can move around again! I'm good as new. Come on, surely you believe me now?

......

You really are both better?

Yes. Like we say.

Oh... OH!

YAAAYYY! YIPPEE! I can't believe it! You're healed! You're actually healed!

Yay! I'm so happy right now!

I'm so... Oh...

Waaahhh... *sniffle*

Sorry for worrying you, Nona.

You got us here. Thank you.

I'm so grateful!

I was so scared! I felt so hopeless! Never get unwell again, you hear me?

I'll do my best, I promise.

And never lie to me again, okay? No matter what.

I-I won't, I swear! How many times are you gonna say that?

As many times as it takes!

Next time you lie... Um... I know! You'll owe me 100 cakes!

100?! You can't eat all that...

This storeroom looks like it has everything you need to live. Food, spare protective clothing, all kinds of medicine...

This is anti-contamination drug for suit malfunction. It lasts a few hours.

Then that's what I'll use. The cryofreeze function in the suits could cause real trouble if it comes to a fight.

Luckily, anti-contamination drugs as effective as suit.

......

What's wrong, Nona?

Let's take a suit anyway.

Nona is anxious about medicine?

Not that so much... Just, it's always better to be safe than sorry, right? Okay, where to now? The assault will restarts soon, and we still have to find the researchers.

Detailed map of ship here. Not updated recently, so it must be real, unaltered map.

Let's take a look and see if we can work out where the researchers would be.

Okay, so this is where we are, in the storeroom...

Huh? There's only a few rooms left!

They will not risk coming back where we are. Must be further ahead.

Beyond the civilian shelter, there's the security room, and then the weapons lab.

Crete likely in weapons lab.

Though, judging from the size of the security room, they could have more of those traps.

Just leave that to me! I'm much better at using my power now!

Nona is really okay? Sesta worries ever since you regained powers in that room.

Yeah, I think I'm okay...

Although...

Although, what?

Maybe I'm just imagining things, but sometimes I could swear I hear a voice.

A voice?

Yeah. But it's kinda inconsistent. Sometimes it's saying, "Somebody come here," sometimes it's saying, "Nobody come here." Whose voice could it be?

When Nona asked for power before, someone answered. Maybe voice is watching over this world.

Then where do they mean by "here"? Will I understand if I use my powers more?

As Sesta keeps saying, do not be careless with powers!

I know, I know.

You two really do seem like sisters now.

Because we ARE sisters.

Teehee. Yes we are.

Okay! Now that we're all better, let's get out of the civilian shelter!

The civilian shelter's the cold sleep area for the regular citizens, right?

Yeah, I think so.

There's so many rooms. I guess they really do have a similar population to Cochlea.

If only one side can survive this battle, then by protecting Cochlea, all these people will die.

Sesta understands Nona's point of view. But they are the ones who shouldn't be in this era. They are the ones who twist reason.

If worse comes to worst and Nona must pick one...

I know, but if we can, I'd rather try to find a solution in which everyone survives. Everyone in these cold sleep capsules had lives of their own. They had a future waiting for them.

I can't pretend I don't see that.

Future-people did terrible things to Nona, yet Nona does not lose her love for humanity.

Love? Maybe. There's still so many things I find utterly unforgivable. And yet, just because I'm angry, it doesn't mean I can't care.

Nona cares about all people living in this world, yes?

Sesta could not agree before, but now, Sesta is a little jealous of how Nona sees things.

Besides, in order to discuss this properly, I need to know what Crete and the others care about.

Nona...

Security room ahead. Move carefully. Want discussions to go smoothly.

Okay, then let's keep moving.

Wait.

Whoa?!

Urgh, why do you keep doing that?

Quiet.

Huh? Oh, s-sorry!

Knew it. There is a faint motor sound on other side of door.

Know not how far away. Definitely something sent to intercept.

They really don't want us getting through here.

Sesta smashes through easily. Only hard part is ensuring no one gets caught in crossfire.

Be careful, okay?

You were right!

Are we ready?

Poor thing.

Huh?

Seeing you, Sesta feels nostalgic. Sesta is descended from weapons made by humans, worn down by humans.

Sesta is reluctant to fight you.

Listen. These are cries of the voiceless, buried for the future.

......

Oh! It came back!

Nona, are you doing better now? You looked so exhausted when you first used your powers.

Yeah, I'm great! I'm actually getting less tired the more I use my powers!

Are you sure about this?

Don't be such a worrywart, Aldo. Come on, let's go!

I'm fine. I'm totally fine.

Just, that voice is getting louder.

Who are you?

All right, we did it!

That was on a whole other level to the rest.

You said something super cool before the fight, Sesta. What was that about?

Yes. Sesta felt like saying something cool.

That's it?

Yes. It is true, Sesta gets emotional. Sesta cannot see human-created lives as others. Does Nona never feel that way?

I think I understand. We would never have been born if they hadn't intended to destroy Cochlea.

No one gets to choose why they're born.

Right. But that does not mean our lives already decided.

Exactly! I may have been sent to destroy Cochlea, but instead I came to love the country and its people.

That's why this time, I'm gonna choose. I'm gonna save everybody.

Right. We'll get your home back in its truest sense.

This door looks it works the same as all the others.

Let's get it open! This is no time for a break.

It's so quiet.

Yeah. Maybe they've spent all the weapons they have.

That makes opponent unarmed. Can have calm dialogue now.

I wonder...

Huh?

They attacked because they can't exist in this world without destroying Cochlea. Though we just want to stop that, to the people here, it may seem like we're trying to destroy them.

......

They've thrown everything they have and still couldn't stop us. Now, they'll just be hiding and waiting. Having taken all their weapons, I'm not sure how keen they'll be to talk to us.

Nona makes it sound like our fault. They are the ones attacking us at every turn.

Do you have some kind of plan, Nona?

Yeah, maybe. It might seem like a silly method to the two of you... But I was thinking. What if we could talk to the unarmed researchers without scaring them?

I thought we could use this.

The protective suit from the storeroom?

What does this mean? Nona is not affected by contamination...

No, it's not to protect me from that. I thought, if they know they can freeze me at any time, maybe they'll be willing to talk to me.

WHAT?

The suit has a freeze function, remember?

Nona lets the enemy take advantage of weakness on purpose? No. Sesta disagrees entirely. Why take such a risk just to make enemy comfortable?

I'm against it, too. They've proven they're not above foul play. Who knows what they'd do this time.

What if all that was just because they'd given in to fear?

Aldo, do you remember that time I rained arrows down on you?

Arrows? Err, yeah. That was the first time we met.

Now that I know how kind you are, I'd never do something like that. But back then, it was different.

I was so scared, and that made me act irrationally.

Yeah, I guess...

And Sesta... Once you realized the man in the suit meant us no harm, you calmed down, right?

If he had pointed a gun at us, we would never have discussed what we did.

......

That's why I want to make sure they feel at ease around us. There's only one suit, so I'll be the one to wear it. I'll go to the lab first.

You two, watch from behind. If anything happens, I'll be counting on you.

But Nona...

Relax. I'm sure nothing's going to happen.

Without trust, there's never going to be a dialogue. Whatever they've done... I want to believe they're the same as everyone else I've ever met.

They fear because they have things they want to protect.

They're reckless because they don't want to lose it.

They tremble because they can't call for help. If there's anything I can do for them, I want to do it.

Friend or foe, I'll hold out my hand...

We'll think it over until we find an answer...

And keep going until the last possible minute. Everyone deserves their tomorrow.

Nona...

I know I'm just being selfish.

Maybe it's a stupid thing to do. Maybe there are better ways. But this is the only way I can think of right now.

Now it's time for you two to decide. How do you want to do this?

......

Sesta understands what you say, but still disagrees. Sesta does not trust them.

I thought so.

And you, Aldo?

......

Okay, I'll help you.

Thank you for sticking with me.

Um, Sesta...

Fine. Sesta has no choice but obey now.

If anyone attacks Nona, Sesta will bite their throat off.

What? No, you can't do that!

Do you really have to be the one in the suit, Nona?

You see, I've been thinking about that...

I was born here. I was sent out by them. I should be the one to talk.

I know Sesta was born here too, but even if she puts on the suit, she can still just turn into a wolf.

I'm the best choice.

But...

Come on, don't look so anxious! You're even starting to scare me!

I'll be fine. I'll have you watching over me.

Right...

......

No. Stop this.

Aldo...

You don't know what you're up against. It will be too dangerous. I'd feel terrible if anything bad were to happen to you.

Yeah, I understand.

Okay, forget about what I just said! Let's head to the lab.

We'll be right here if you need us.

If you want Sesta to bite anyone, just say.

The miracle child is approaching.

Indeed.

Neither our spacetime distorter nor our special armored weapons worked on them. Faced with such superhuman power, we...

We took all possible means. We did all we could to leave humanity with the slightest chance.

And now, we are out of options. We have no choice but to surrender to their will.

NO! No! I don't wanna die! My son is in the civilian shelter! I await the day he wakes up! I want to believe that we'll meet again!

Am I no longer able to show him a tomorrow? If everything is blown away here, if everything is over... Then his last words to me will be the "goodnight" he said before entering the shelter.

I know that we're just getting what we deserve. But what did he do wrong?

Calm down.

How can you stay calm?

Don't you have anyone in the shelter? Is there no one you want to protect?

......

My students will still be dreaming of a tomorrow. If there is life after death, I'll have to apologize to each and every one of them.

Literature had no use in that era.

Yet, I adored it. Each word pain- stakingly written by someone from another time. They were like jewels.

I will be the last to read them. No one in the future will ever be able to read from my library. I'm not afraid of death. It's just, it's a shame to fade away along with all those soon-to-be forgotten words.

I so longed to say "Good morning" to him again.

We were in love.

I made them believe in a future. I made them believe in a tomorrow. It's all my fault.

I understand how you all feel.

However, all we can do is wait. These shooting drones may not be much of a source of comfort... But let us wait for our time of judgment.

Excuse me.

Whoa!

Sh-She's here!

Eek! Shoot! SHOOOT!

Wait!

Why are you dressed like that?

You shouldn't be affected by the contamination. And without the helmet, the suit is useless...

I don't follow. It is indeed possible for us to activate the cryofreeze function in your suit... However, I don't see what possible advantage that would be to you.

Scare us?

......

......

Why?

Why would you think about all that? We fully expect you to hate us, or at least hold a grudge against us. We desecrated life, we made you a distorted being. We even used you in our plot to destroy the humans of the era in which you arrived.

Are you saying you forgive us?

......

The same?

......

......

......

Stealing our tomorrow, huh? We're the ones who started it. We chose to deprive innocent people, like your family, of their tomorrow.

Yet you'd still allow us to have a future?

...... I see. Your unclouded words shine light on the sins we tried to keep locked in darkness.

Not all of us here necessarily feel the same way... But me, I always regretted my failure to face this sin. It's not like I was unaware of the sinfulness of our plan to drive those innocent people to their deaths.

But I couldn't let go. I chose to avert my eyes from the karma I knew my choice would bring.

You could say I was paralyzing my own sense of guilt. Just thinking about the ancients and their dignity, their hopes for the future, I felt I would lose my mind. The only way to stay sane was to force myself to think of them as mere numbers, as "them" not "us."

Though I knew that such thinking only compounded my sins.

I know. I understand that now. Now that I've heard from you, someone who actually lived there.

I should have realized my mistake earlier. I should have tried to stop this. We have committed unforgivable sins. At the very least, we can ensure that this is the end of it.

Don't you agree, Chief?

You must have been aware of our sins for a long time now.

......

Is it safe to take this as general consensus among the group?

I see. Then my sins are the gravest of all. I led our institution astray to the point of no return.

No. Everyone here is equally guilty.

We knew you couldn't let go, and we used your plan to protect what we wanted to protect. What we needed wasn't the resolution to carry out this evil plan...

It was the resolution to end human history with you. At least, that's what I think now.

......

I agree. And if we're to take action about this situation, now is our moment.

Let's stop the assault on Cochlea and initiate decontamination of the imitation prisma.

Shut down the artillery system and launch the decontamination unit. Monitor it until it lands in Cochlea.

Right away, Chief!

We can't make amends for what we've done. However, we can at least choose to not get any more blood on our hands. We can choose to not steal the lives of those you love. We can choose to not steal their tomorrow.

Nona?

...... Oh...

The imitation prisma's already been activated? Cochlea's been destroyed countless times already?

Our choices have brought the people of Cochlea death and pain not just once, but many times over. What have we done?

It's been over half a year since monitoring stopped. If they've been repeating the same three days... That would mean Cochlea has perished over a thousand times...

Nona. I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. No apology can ever make up for what we have done to you.

The future?

Are you referring to the white god?

Of course. First, we should try to figure out what they have done, and why they are doing it. Will you tell us everything that's happened so far?

Are you okay?

Go ahead.

No need for Sesta to bite them?

Ah, so that's what happened. You're right. If spreading chaos was their only aim, there would have been no need to invite you in.

And perhaps our attack on Cochlea, and indeed this whole situation, was all part of their calculations. If there was no advantage in it for them, they would not have enticed us to do so. What in the world could they...

Last of humanity, it is time.

Phantom!

My, is that you, little bird? I didn't expect to see you here in this moment.

The promised time has come. I made a deal with them, to hide their existence from the time layer until Cochlea was destroyed.

However, it appears you have defaulted on our contract. Not only has Cochlea escaped destruction, but it has been freed from contamination. Last of humanity, have you chosen to perish along with your history?

Tch.

We will no longer allow you to provoke us. Even if we were to destroy Cochlea, I now doubt we would ever replace them. Each time it perishes, time rewinds, creating a new vortex of time, and consequently, the chaos you desire.

Oh, indeed?

Besides... Even if it were possible to switch with them, we no longer wish to. We had been deceiving ourselves, but now we realize our sins. We see the countless lives we have trampled on.

I see the little bird has imparted her wisdom unto you. No matter. The time has come either way. If you don't wish to complete our deal, we will end it here.

Whoa!

What did you do to them?

I simply took back the power I gave them. They are no longer concealed from the time layer. Soon the time layer will sense this great inconsistency and will start to eradicate them.

Aaargh!

Gahh!

Their existence is unstable. Sesta thinks correction already started!

It looks like our time is running out.

I'm sorry for leaving you like this, before we ever got the chance to help you. I only hope that...

......

Nona! What is Nona doing?

No use! Difference in power is too big!

But Nona...

Oh? How unexpected. I had thought that luring you here would be enough to create the tear, little bird... But it seems that all your ordeals, and your dealings with the last of humanity has given you wings...

Wings? What are you talking about? What are you up to?

I have no need to answer that. Now, little bird. Are you sure you should be wearing away at your own life like that?

Nona!

Sesta feels her energy weaken.

Stop this, Nona! Keep going and you...

......

Thank you, Nona.

Nona?!

Don't worry. We just activated the temporary freeze function in her suit. A short sleep will thaw her out, and there should be no lasting impact on the body. I'm very glad you chose to wear that suit.

You've done more than enough, Nona.

We committed such grave sins, and yet you still hold your hand out to us. You accept our need to live. That is more than enough for us.

Maybe we just wanted someone to affirm our right to live. When we awoke from our cold sleep, the planet, the atmosphere, the whole world seemed to reject life.

That's why we clung to life. Fearing we would die in that desolate place, we wanted to prove that we had lived.

Yet our only legacy will be this irredeemable sin.

I just wanted to show my sons a tomorrow. But how could I ever offer them that, when I snatched it away from someone else?

Our wish was doomed to fail the moment we embraced it. And yet you would still...

We don't have much time left. Let me just tell you this one last thing.

Thank you.

Thanks, Nona.

You don't need to remember us.

You're so very kind, Nona. If you remember our faces, you will feel regret. We don't want that.

We're happy to remain unknown strangers from a distant world. You've given us more than enough already.

Thank you, Nona. Truly. And sorry.

We weren't great parents to you. Yet...

In spite of everything, allow me this one wish...

That this time... May you have a happy tomorrow.

...na...

Nona.

......

They've gone.

They disappeared. Corrected by time layer.

It couldn't be helped, Nona. From very beginning, they...

......

Phantom disappeared in there.

It's...

All of them are gone.

What's that?!

The tear has finally appeared.

What is that hole? Where are you going?

To the White Night Cocoon.

The White Night...Cocoon?

A sanctuary outside of history. The domain of the observer and reviser of the White Night Time Layer. What I seek is through here.

Wait! Was this tear caused by...

The inconsistency in the number of lives here created a delay in tear restoration. It will now be possible for me to summon my brethren from their different eras.

You wretch!

The end is now in sight. Our goal can be achieved.

Wait!

Yes.

I know, we feel the same way.

Sesta agrees. Let's go. Whatever their plan, we must stop them.

Right!

What's wrong, Nona?

......

Voice that says "Come" but "Don't come" over and over?

If the voice you hear is the observer of the time layer...

Sesta does not like the sound of this.

...na? Nona?

Nona is okay? We are in the middle of talking?

You were saying how you wanted to wear the protective suit to meet the researchers, and Sesta disagreed. Do you remember that?

I'm still not sure which is the right choice. That's why I asked for some time. Then you suddenly went quiet...

......

N-Nona? Are you okay?

Nona has nightmare maybe?

Nona...

Okay. I'll trust your judgment.

We'll be right here if you need us.

Not to worry. If anyone attacks Nona, Sesta will bite their throat off.

This door seems to work like the others. Hold on, I'll unlock it!

Nona! Should Nona be using powers again so soon?

Don't worry, I'll be fine!

I'm going to save Aldo.

We decided to create a life that could handle the power of the white god. We will create a suitable vessel using existing genome technology and the discarded bio weapon technology. Our newborn miracle child will bring a new future for mankind, away from the time layer's watchful gaze.

We used 1,000 different genetic samples per lot, filling the vessels with the white god's power. For lot code names, we decided to use ordinal numbers of an ancient civilization we had observed. We will then add a child code of alpha, beta, gamma, etc. to create individual codes for each specimen.

I wonder if opening some of the data will unlock the other terminals.

We should check data of unlocked terminals.

No life was observed in Lots One, Two, and Three. Therefore, there are no specimens for codes Prima, Seconda, or Terza. The first life observed within this experiment came from Lot Four. Of the 1,000 samples, only one life developed. With no child code required, it was named simply Quarta. Quarta grew at an extraordinary rate that exceeded expectations. However, during the observation process, multiple non-human organs began to appear. These organs developed in such chaos, it was impossible for Code Quarta to exist as an individual lifeform. Code Quarta was completely lost 10 days after birth. The cause was thought to be overwriting or alteration of genome information upon fusion with the white god's power. All subsequent samples will contain new genes resistant to corrosion from the white god's power.

One life was observed in Lot Five. Consequently, the individual code, Quinta, was used, with no child code. Considering the birth rate thus far, the use of child codes will be rare. Code Quinta was lost shortly after birth. Its immunogens for resisting corrosion from the white god's power started attacking its regular cells. In the next lot, we should investigate a different approach to resistance through immunity.

Lot Six aimed to prevent corrosion through fusion with, rather than resistance to, the white god's power. By adopting the white god's power instead of yielding to its corrosion, it could be put into a controllable state. The only birth from this lot, Code Sesta, seemed to be progressing well initially. However, the specimen was lost after a sudden wave of indiscriminate fusion, leading to an explosion. Analyzing what caused this extreme fusion will be impossible in the absence of any prototype remains. Only a few cell fragments were found at the scene that could be recognized as the specimen's. Due to the possibility of the cells breaking the freezing process and causing another outbreak... It was decided to discard the cell fragments in the underground disposal site. More careful genome adjustments will be required from the next lot.

Sesta... That is what man from institution called me. Everything is written here...

But... This means my life was lost in the experiment? Then why...

Nona, this experiment...

Yes, I think it's the experiment we saw in the recording device back in Arat.

So after the experiment failed, Sesta was dumped in that disposal area... The dark pit Sesta spoke of was the depths of that dump site.

Tell Sesta more.

Okay, um...

Thank you. From this data, it seems Sesta was born in future weapons disposal site.

Yes. You said that where you were born, things were all piled up and jumbled together. I saw the bottom of that pit in your memories, and I just know that's what it's got to be.

Then Sesta is convinced. This fusion thing put in Lot Six specimen... If it has something to do with Sesta's power... Then this body was born from fusing with biological weapons and chemical substances discarded in dump site.

It is possible, yes.

Then... Doesn't that make you my sister?

Sis...ter?

Yeah! And you were born before me, so I guess you're my big sister!

Sister...

Sorry, I really shouldn't be laying this on you right now, should I? Just ignore me, Sesta!

Sister...

Do you...not like the idea?

No, not that. It is hard to explain.

Sesta is happy there is a name for the connection we share. Finally found out why and where Sesta was born. Why my body is like this. Sesta was born as your sister.

Sesta...

Oh! That's something though. You said my voice was what awakened you... But we still don't know how my voice got to you from Cochlea, all the way to a dump site in the future.

That is not what sister means?

No! It's not some universal link!

Maybe if the people of the future were observing Cochlea, then that's how your voice got to Sesta? Even so, you were pretty far apart in both space and time.

Hmm... I don't think we have enough information to work this one out yet.

It is fine. Sesta has all information Sesta wanted. Sesta is Nona's big sister. That is enough for Sesta.

Besides, there was a clue to stop assault in room. We must check other terminals.

In Lot Seven, DNA to resist the white god's power was once again incorporated. This was due to our success in creating immunogens with little resistance to regular cells. For the first time, two lives came of this lot, named Code Setima Alpha and Setima Beta. Setima Alpha, showing more stable readings, was equipped with imitation prisma. However, Setima Alpha rejected the imitation prisma almost immediately, lost control, and was ultimately lost. Meanwhile, Setima Beta's readings started to fluctuate, and remain unstable currently. It is unclear what happened to Setima Beta, given that they were not equipped with the prisma. We will expedite development of Lot Eight while attempting to determine the cause.

We have finally succeeded in developing a specimen compatible with imitation prisma. Only one life emerged from Lot Nine: Code Nona, a combination of immunogens and improved fusion DNA. Post-birth progress has been the most stable to date, with no readings exceeding standard value observed. More surprising still is the lack of rejection of imitation prisma as feared, as with Setima Alpha. This specimen truly could be our miracle child, one to whom we can entrust all of human history. With the time and resources left, chances of creating a suitable specimen were theoretically low. It is a miracle that she was able to come to life here. I feel as happy as if she were my own child. She will be burdened with a cruel fate, but for now, I pray for every blessing on this child.

According to their records, both Setima Beta and Ottava received some sort of signal from others here.

Yeah. Maybe the children created by these experiments are able to communicate in something beyond words.

Maybe this explains how Sesta heard Nona's voice?

Didn't the man in the suit say something about a genetic response and a bond across time? Then maybe you really did hear my voice calling for help.

Thank you, Sesta.

It is fine. We are sisters after all.

......

Nona...

Somebody was genuinely happy when I was born. That makes me feel... something. Then I remember... They were happy because I would be capable of destroying Cochlea. And suddenly I can't accept it anymore.

No need to accept their blessings.

Sesta rejoices instead. Sesta affirms your life, your existence. Any time.

Thank you, Sesta.

Key alone will not unlock terminal.

Let's check the other terminals and try again.

Key alone will not unlock terminal.

Genome authentication system activated. Initiating collation.

Whoa!

Geno-what now? What just activated?

Maybe you hold your hand up to the light?

Error. Genome mismatch.

That makes sense. I guess not just anyone can use it.

Sesta will try.

Huh? How'd that work? If Aldo couldn't open it, how come you could?

Sesta is surprised too. Wonder why Sesta authenticated.

Being antiwar, the Perma-Civilization Institute shelter ship Sanctuary is equipped only with minimal armaments. The artillery mechanism at the ship front is for removal of obstacles and intimidation in emergencies. All artillery on this ship is managed by a single control system. The route to the control room of this system can be found on this map. However, it is almost impossible for anyone to enter the control room.

Huh?

Given the history behind the institute's founding, extreme caution is exercised with the use of military force. The approval of a majority of members is required to enter the control room.

We can't enter the control room? Then we can't stop the bombardment?

There is more.

Control room security is sensitive. Strong external impact will force all functions to stop for a set period. After this period has passed, the suspension will be lifted pending management approval. This is to prevent seizure of artillery mechanisms by armed force.

Oh!

What is it, Sesta?

Maybe we need not enter control room after all.

Oh, I get it. If we can create a big impact outside, it will shut down the artillery.

Pay no mind to details, just use power. Sesta's preferred method.

That must be why the man led us here. He knew we'd realize!

Okay, to the control room!

Being antiwar, the Perma-Civilization Institute shelter ship Sanctuary is equipped only with minimal armaments. The artillery mechanism at the ship front is for removal of obstacles and intimidation in emergencies. All artillery on this ship is managed by a single control system. The route to the control room of this system can be found on this map. Given the history behind the institute's founding, extreme caution is exercised with the use of military force. The approval of a majority of members is required to enter the control room. Control room security is sensitive. Strong external impact will force all functions to stop for a set period. After this period has passed, the suspension will be lifted pending management approval. This is to prevent seizure of artillery mechanisms by armed force.

...... Journal ends here.

Sesta, whoever wrote this memo...

Yes. Must be man who gave us key to room. Man did say. He was first to call Sesta by name.

Then he was the one who gave you the mirror that leads to Cochlea?

......

One last time... Let me see your face... Wol...

Why show Sesta this?

Sesta?

Sesta still hates people from this institute. They did wrong. They do selfish experiments putting Phantom's power in human vessel. They manipulate lives. They belittle lives of Cochlean people. They made Nona suffer a fate worse than death.

Cannot be forgiven. Not ever!

You're right.

Whatever the reason, whatever they seek, the sin is the same. They are all guilty. Sesta knows this...

Yet when Sesta sets alight hatred within for that man, another flame burns in chest. It hurts. It hurts bad. Is this a flame of doubt?

Sesta...

Sesta wishes to never know anything if it leads to this conflict inside.

You don't need to think of it like that...

Huh?

You can feel both. Both your anger toward the people of the future, and your indescribable feeling for him. It doesn't have to be one or the other.

But...

It doesn't change what we must do.

It doesn't change anything. We can't let the people of Cochlea perish. Even if that means going against the people of the future.

......

Though, that doesn't mean you have to force yourself to hate the man who gave you that mirror. Sometimes you like someone, but you're incompatible. Or they're wrong, yet you can't hate them. You shouldn't have to abandon your sense of justice, but neither should you have to abandon your connection to them.

Now, maybe that will only make it more painful...

No.

It is strange. Sesta's heart is calm now holding two conflicting feelings. Sesta will not forgive people who harmed Nona. Not even him. He deserved to be punished.

It is strange. Sesta's heart is calm now holding two conflicting feelings. Sesta will not forgive people who harmed Nona. Not even him. He deserves to be punished.

Still, Sesta will never forget what we saw here. You taught me Sesta needs not forget. That is enough for now. That is enough to keep going.

Thank you, Sesta.

We have seen everything there is to see here. Shouldn't stay too long.

Yeah, you're right. Let's get going.

We go to the fire control room. Sesta is ready to attack. Just must make sure whole battleship is not destroyed in the process.

Yeah, PLEASE don't do that!

Sesta does not want to forgive you. But just once, Sesta says this...

Farewell, Father.

......

What's wrong, Sesta?

Not sure. Feel painful regret at leaving this room.

My mother's barrier should hold out a little longer. If there's something you want to check, do so.

Thanks, Nona.

Not sure what tugs at Sesta's chest. Why does the word "Wolva" give Sesta feelings of nostalgia?