Designs of Life

Was what you said before true?

That I created Galliard and his siblings? Of course, it's true. Why would I lie about it?

But Galliard told us he was created by Professor Chronos...

That is also true. I designed the plans based on my own theories, and Chronos performed the physical assembly.

That still doesn't explain why neither of them ever mentioned you.

They couldn't have even if they wanted to. In order to test if it was possible to place a lock on their memories, I wiped their entire recollection of me.

Why would you do that?

Because I needed a way to hide the coordinates, or to be more precise, the system used to look them up. I was less likely to draw suspicion if I cut off all contact with Helena.

But you DID end up contacting her. Why?

Because of the increasingly unusual company she'd begun to keep. I will admit my own curiosity played a role.

Before we stray any further off topic, can I assume you now understand why I erased their memories?

Yeah, I get it. Mostly.

Well I don't.

Galliard and Helena were created 18 years ago...

And yet look at Professor Xianhua's silky smooth skin!

How?! How is it possible?! Did your research reveal the universal secrets of anti-aging skin care?! Please share it with me!

Unfortunately, cosmetic science isn't my area of expertise...

...Though I did overhear that one of the KMS researchers found a way to reverse aging. Apparently the higher-ups are putting a lot of money into turning it into a marketable product.

Keep your snake oil to yourself, please.

What? I'm just saying there are a lot of ways to preserve your youthful appearance.

...Looks like he's arrived.

LeA-BAK... I had a feeling it would be you.

I didn't come here to catch up with you, human.

Want to tell me why you hacked into my private channel? Do you have a death wish?

Is that any way to talk to your own creator?

You mean the same creator who granted Chronos Report access to everyone except me? Don't make me laugh.

Poor thing. If you're feeling unloved you should just say so.

...Watch your mouth.

You created LeA-BAK, too?

That's right. He's a hastily programmed personality AI that I installed on a spare Galliard unit shortly before retiring from KMS. I never imagined he'd turn out like THIS.

...I'm sure you can all see why I disposed of him.

Disposed of him?! That's terrible! Don't you feel sorry for the guy?

...Hey! I don't need your pity!

Sorry, but if I were in your shoes, I'd be furious.

...Just hurry up and tell me why you called me here.

Helena's been kidnapped by a synth human that looks exactly like Galliard. The real Galliard is in pursuit, but we don't know where he is.

As Galliard's sibling unit, you should have the ability to pinpoint his location. Can you?

You want Galliard?

Not me, but HIM?! Just how much of a mockery do you intend to make of me?!

Why are you angry? As Galliard's copy, you're the only one in the world who can do this.

Your phrasing comes off as heartless, professor.

No, it's simply accurate. Without his unique abilities, we have no chance of finding Galliard and rescuing Helena.

What?!

I know it's selfish, LeA-BAK, but we really need your help with this.

Please!

...I can't believe you'd resort to begging me, of all people. Fine, let's make a deal. What can you offer me in return for my help?

I'm guessing a thank you isn't going to cut it here.

Then how about I agree to tell you why the synth humans were originally created? You've been searching for that answer for a long time, haven't you?

It's hardly a fair trade, but I'll accept it for now. I can't deny that I'd like to see Helena and Galliard bow to me at least once.

Thank you, LeA-BAK! Really!

Hmph.

...... (That pride of his is easily exploited.) (The synths were meant to be higher beings, and yet the way he acts you'd think he was a spoiled human child.)

(I know you thought it was important for the synth humans to have hearts, Helena...but I just can't agree.)

I don't mean to rush you, but can we get on with this?

Hmph, fine. Galliard is east of our current position.

He's in Sky Fortress Eeza.

The eastern continent?! Why?

The answer is obvious. They must have taken Helena to KMS East.

Synth Hydra, set course for Eeza!

Understood.

Gaudy lighting, enough noise to cause a feedback loop in my audio systems... I detest this place.

Have you pinpointed Galliard's location yet?

There's a lot of interference causing the signal to drop in and out, but I've got a pretty good idea, , I think he's in the KMS underground.

Ah, the manufacturing division. He's not making this easy, is he?

Is it a high security area?

That's one thing, but the real problem is its massive size. It's not the kind of place you'd want to go without good reason.

Let's just head over to KMS East for now. We may get a better signal as we get closer.

That's weird. It looks like they've ramped up security since we were last here.

It might not look like it, but some of the most sensitive technology in the world is housed here. They can't just have people coming and going as they please.

What's your problem? I just showed you my employee badge, didn't I?

What? I have very important work to attend to today! It can't wait!

Why would they be locking out their own employees?

...They're not. They're locking someone in.

Galliard...

Hmph... I already told you that much. Hopefully you can at least remember the way in.

Wait, you've broken into KMS before?

It's a long story...

Don't worry, I'm not judging you. In fact, the thought of Delamair writing a formal apology almost made me crack a smile.

Let's try getting in the same way we did before.

Are you kidding me? Their security is even worse than the Xeno-Domain's...

Their arrogance makes them easy to outsmart.

You're one to talk... But I suppose it's impossible to micromanage an organization this big. I'll just be thankful that it's working in our favor this time.

Let's go find Galliard. I'm sure Helena won't be far from him.

...Wait! Something's coming!

Watch yourselves! They don't look friendly!

Is that it?

I doubt it. Their security might have its share of blind spots, but they aren't completely naive.

Hmph. They're little more than flies before my power.

Maybe, but what they lack in strength they make up for in numbers. We can't keep fighting them forever.

I understand your concern, but I don't think they're going to take no for an answer.

Then...

(...What was that just now?)

...I guess we'll just have to teach them the importance of tight security.

Not you, too, Xianhua!

Stop complaining and just try to draw their attention this way.

...Fine! Whatever you're planning, I hope it works!

H-Heeey! Over here you bucket of bolts! Come and get me!

...That's it?

(Well, it's fine I guess. I'm sure our friend in the shadows will handle the rest.)

Kikyo?!

Long time no see, Aldo. I'd love to catch up and chat, but it's going to have to wait until later. I managed to shut down their security while you were keeping them busy, but it won't be down for long.

You won't hear any arguments out of me. Let's get out of here.

Alright, I'll show you the way.

This should be far enough to keep us away from prying eyes.

I doubt that. KMS has surveillance all over the city. We're probably far enough that they can't attack us, but if you want total privacy we'd be better off descending to Angal.

Angal? How do you know about that? The existence of surface dwellers isn't public knowledge.

I used to work for KMS, that's why. It was my job to know everything there is to know about this place.

KMS?!

I wasn't the one who sold out Rindo, if that's what you're thinking.

You even knew my father?

...I knew a lot of people. Your father was a fool who had a bad habit of running head first into danger. ...And we all know where that got him.

......

I'm reading a drop in likability due to the heartless nature of your comment. Target's wariness has increased.

Don't waste your time warning her. She doesn't give a damn what other people think.

I'm glad you understand that fact. The only thing I'm interested in is my research. I could care less about humans and human affairs.

You can believe whatever you want about me, but I hope you'll at least listen when I say that this isn't the best place to talk.

...Fine. We'll talk at my house in Angal.

What a depressing room. I can't imagine this is what Tsutsuji would have wanted...

First my father and now my mother... Just who are you?

An old acquaintance of theirs.

But how? My mother died ages ago.

Don't let her bewitching appearance fool you... Xianhua is a peerless professor of cosmetic science!

Not true. I just had a colleague once who wouldn't shut up about needing to maintain my appearance. I ended up with a lot of worthless knowledge about beauty care.

As crazy as it might sound, Xianhua is telling the truth. She didn't just know Rindo, she was the original creator of Galliard.

His creator?

That synth human accompanying you...is that LeA-BAK? Did she create him, too?

...Hmph.

Don't we have more important things to talk about? It's rude to poke around another woman's past.

Hmm, I guess you're right. We have more important things to worry about right now.

So let me ask you this instead, What are you doing trying to sneak into KMS again?

It's Helena. ...She's been kidnapped.

What?!

Galliard already went after her. We came here to back him up.

First my father, and now Helena... Will it ever be enough, Delamair?

Now it's your turn, Kiki. What were you doing there?

...K-Kiki?

Ah, sorry. That's what I used to call you as a child. Would you prefer I used something else?

N-No... You just didn't strike me as the type to use nicknames.

Well now you know. Shall we continue?

Oh, um, sure... I snuck into KMS to investigate something.

Like what?

I... I saw my father going into the KMS building not long ago...

Your father? But in Gulfagin he was...

...I see. So even he's gone and left me.

We all know he was buried in Angal. How is it possible?

If I had to guess...I'd say it was a clone. In fact, I'm already aware of at least one clone of Rindo existing.

I'm sure you remember the time that Levia III or whatever her name was went out of control.

They wanted a substitute for the real Rindo to learn more about his body.

They wanted what?! Just how far will they go to disgrace my father's legacy?!

Delamair's doing, no doubt.

...They cloned my father?

KMS was looking for any clue they could find to lead them to Chronos's legacy. They were always going on about how obtaining it would be tantamount to conquering the world itself.

But why? If they were only after the cybernetic technology in my father's body, then what good would a clone do them?

Who's to say that's all they were after? What if they only needed his voice or fingerprints?

Now I get it! Delamair must have seen how Kikyo's voice was able to open the lock on Helena's memories!

He probably wants to test it out on other pieces of the legacy.

Well he's in for a rude awakening. Chronos had nothing to do with that locking mechanism. I created it myself solely to protect the coordinates of paradise.

I thought their memories were only locked to prevent conflict. You're saying there was another reason for it?

Delamair knows my personality well...

He views me as a perfectionist who values rationalism and efficiency above all else. A person like that would NEVER use such an inefficient method to hide something, right? Wrong.

Rindo had already told me he was living with his family in secret on the surface, and no one would ever expect us to use Kiki's voice. It should have been the perfect plan.

It doesn't matter how strong your password is once it's been caught on camera.

Ugh... Why does my luck have to be so bad? By my calculations there was only about a 0.0001 chance of the lock ever being released.

Wouldn't that method make it difficult for you to open the lock, too?

No. I prepared a video orb disguised as a simple home movie of the family for that purpose.

You have a video of my family?

Considering the lock has already been disengaged, I see no reason not to relinquish control of said orb to Kikyo.

Sure, if she wants it. It's worthless to me now anyhow.

Thank you Xianhua. Thank you Riica.

So what was it exactly that you went to such lengths to hide, Xianhua?

...Put in very simple terms, it was a collection of data regarding parallel time layers.

Parallel time layers? Like the ones that bastard Leo was planning to deal weapons to?

Everyone here is already aware of the Chronos Report, correct?

It's a collection of research notes that Professor Chronos considered too dangerous to fall into human hands. He believed they weren't yet ready for it.

In it he theorizes that the world itself is a living organism, and he compares other time layers to its twins or triplets. They appear to be the same, but end up developing differently due to differing circumstances.

By observing these different possible outcomes, he was trying to find a way to avoid the inevitable destruction of our world.

Are you saying that's the reason he thought to alter history and erase the existence of the Xeno Prisma?

That's right. He had observed the end of countless time layers where Xeno Prisma existed.

......

You look like you're having a hard time processing all this. The only thing you really need to know is that the report contains valuable experimental data.

...And to get their hands on it, they need the coordinates hidden inside Helena.

I think that's enough talk for now. Helena is a valuable clue. They probably won't try anything right away, but the danger grows with each passing minute.

How do you plan to get inside KMS? They're not dumb enough to fall for the same trick twice.

Even if we can't use the front door, we might still be able to get in from a connected facility.

Like where, exactly? You have any ideas?

Maybe. I know someone who might be willing to help.

Humans are self-serving creatures. I can't imagine them doing anything to put their own lives at risk.

He won't have to, since he's already got connections on the inside. In fact, he's basically dying for a chance to help me out.

...I just got a reply. He wants to meet up at the Eeza airport.

He can be a little immature, but he's a nice guy, I promise.

Is your friend here yet Kikyo?

He told me he was off today, so I figured he'd already be here, but...

The church? That's easy. Just grab the elevator and head straight to the right. You'll see a lift that'll take you where you need to go. You can't miss it.

Enjoy your vacation in Eeza, my dude!

Having fun, Oboro?

Yo, Kikyo! Sorry! Did I keep you waiting?

No, it's fine. We just arrived.

Gotta say, Oboro was not who I was expecting...

Yeah well, we happened to meet while I was in Eeza on work.

Hey! You know my boy Aldo? We should all make a comms group!

...Oh wait. That's right. Aldo doesn't have a mobile.

Well, whatever! Let's grab some food and chat, then. It's on me!

Nice outfits, by the way. Who are your friends, Kikyo?

Sup, man. Name's Oboro. I'm good at sports.

Aldo. I'm good at, uh...sword fighting?

Whoa, for real? That's sick, bro!

I should've guessed it was you causing all that racket, Oboro.

Hey, Miss Xianhua! Haven't seen you since KMS East.

I don't think I've met the rest of you yet.

I am the KMS all-purpose service android, Riica.

......

That's LeA-BAK. He's a synth human, but don't worry, he's not a bad guy.

Why would he be? You westerners are way too uptight about synths.

People around here aren't?

I mean, I guess it depends on the person. There are definitely people that get scared by what they see on the news. Not me, though. A bunch of my training buddies are synths, so we're cool.

"Cool"? You humans enslaved our entire race! You have no right to refer to us as your friends.

...Sorry, man. Maybe that came out wrong.

But still, I really do consider them friends. I hope me and you can become buddies one day, too. My comms are always open.

Are you sure we can rely on this fool?

We can. He's a famous athlete with official sponsorship from KMS, not to mention he's the son of an Eezan official.

They can't do anything to him without causing a huge uproar.

...I mentioned this already in my message, but what we're about to do is extremely dangerous. We only need you to get us through the doors.

Don't worry about me, Kikyo. I'm just honored you came for me to help. If you've got a friend that needs help in the KMS underground, then I'm there.

Same old, Oboro.

There's an elevator to the facility in Eeza, so let's head there first.

This is the place.

Here?

Does this look like an elevator to you, boy?

Chill out man. I might need reading glasses at home, but it's not that bad.

Just hold up a sec.

Just gotta show my employee ID card, and...done.

I knew that the scenery around here changes from time to time, but I never would have guessed they were hiding something like that.

They're just trying to squeeze every last git out of the tiny amount of land they've got to work with. If you're impressed you should send a letter to their PR department. I'm sure they'll be thrilled.

Let's go, dudes!

"let's"? You aren't going to get off with just a slap on the wrist if you get caught here. Go home before you do something you regret.

Hmmm... Nah. Friends are more important.

Huh?

...I mean yeah, it might get me a criminal record. That's probably not great. But it's nothing compared to your situation, so I'm all in.

Plus I can keep an eye on ya, you know? Make sure ya don't do anything too crazy.

This is just how he is. You'd better get used to it.

Down we go, then.

So this is what's under Eeza...

Like I told you, this place is massive. It's easy to get lost.

Not to mention all the security robots.

Right. We might not be able to find you if you wander off alone, so be careful.

You don't have to treat me like a kid, you know.

If you're worried then how 'bout I let ya borrow Nyanmaru?

Is that what you call the cat drone that's always following you around?

Yeah, that's right. It's got a camera, so even if you get lost, we'll be able to see where you are.

C'mon man, I'm not gonna get lost...

If you're planning to keep treating this like a playdate then I'm going ahead on my own.

He's so impatient... Don't blame us if you get lost, LeA-BAK.

Will this work?

Sorry guys. I guess my card's not good enough.

Hmph... Step aside.

There's no way this is opening without the highest levels of clearance.

So what are you going to do?

I'll try to rewrite the kid's ID card into something a little more useful. Executive level clearance should do.

This reeks of criminal intent!

Why do you look excited about it, then?

Unfortunately the best I could do was change his status to "researcher". It should be enough to move around this floor, but it won't get us further in.

If this is how they want to play, then I'll just have to take total control of the entire Eastern Division mainframe.

That sounds like it might get a little out of hand... Can you think of anything more discreet?

...Hmph.

I guess we could also disengage the lock manually via the terminal in the back of building four.

Yeah, let's do that.

Weren't you the one who said that every minute we waste here could be Helena's last?

As much as I prefer solving problems with my head, I guess I can stretch my legs for once.

Sigh...

You seem like you're in a bad mood, Xianhua. Is something wrong?

It's just really starting to bother me how bad their security is.

, read me?

Huh?

What's that?

, LeA-BAK...you...read me?

Galliard. How long were you planning to keep us waiting?

The equipment...here...causing interference...

It's good to hear your voice! Is Helena safe?!

...Yes. I can still read her signal.

But it won't...easy getting out. I keep running into...same time-space structures...encountered in KMS...

Time-space structures? Now there's a term I haven't heard in a while.

Last time we got past them using time layers force. They were using it to power the security robots at the old KMS building. Is there anything like that you can use?

I wouldn't count on it. That energy was still under research and turned out to be highly inefficient. Delamair wouldn't utilize something so crude.

What about the Origin Lance? It was explicitly designed to break through time-space structures. Didn't Chronos leave it in your care?

He did, but it doesn't have the power that it used to.

...I see. I'm relieved to hear you still have it, but if it won't work then you're going to be in for a rough time.

It's fine. I'm used to it.

Bastard... Nothing phases you, does it?

We're counting on you, Galliard. I know you'll think of something.

Yeah. Over and out.

This is where they house their research data on alternate time layers.

Time layers... Humanity's greed knows no bounds. They could amass all the wealth and knowledge the entire world has to offer and still not be satisfied.

It's only natural for scientists to want to research and dissect every possible aspect of the unknown. Time layer research is just one part of that. We dream of overcoming our own limitations.

You're just arrogant. Now I understand why Galliard wanted to kill all of you.

He wanted to what now?

You didn't know? Well, I've got different plans for your kind. It's more efficient to conquer and enslave you than it is to just kill you.

So you want to flip the role of master and servant, then? That's your idea of revenge?

It's nothing so petty as the feelings of revenge that consume your kind.

So... You don't really have any hope that things will get better between us?

Of course not. What a stupid question.

My parents work in government, and they always say we have nothing to lose and everything to gain from talking things out.

Hmph, politicians love to spout worthless ideals. Do you really think dialogue will fix everything? If it were that easy, Helena would have succeeded long ago.

Maybe not everything. Even I'm not that naive. But it doesn't have to, you know? We can learn to respect each other without agreeing on every little thing.

Sigh...

(I've read that men seek admiration while woman seek unity, but even when I tell her what she wants to hear it never goes well...) (...What a complete and utter waste of time.)

Don't you have somewhere to be, Helena?

You don't need to fake a smile, you know.

I'm not.

Zere, you did it again. I already know you don't like talking to people. You don't need to wear a masque around me.

...Life isn't that simple. Humans naturally form groups and shun outsiders. Smiling is an efficient way to assimilate to the group without wasting much physical effort.

...Ah, yes. Zere's ze cynic I know and love. You're so much easier to talk to when you're being honest.

You know... We should really try and be friends.

Humans and their arrogance...

Give it up. The boy's never experienced real hardship, so he can't understand. I used to know someone a lot like him, and even I warmed up to her eventually. That limitless optimism will crush you in the end.

Used to know? You mean they're already...

No, it's not like that. She's still alive...

(That's right... Even if her body is gone, Helena will live forever.)

Oh, okay. It's just the way you said it made it sound like you miss her.

You're reading into it too much. I'm not the nostalgic type.

When we met in Elzion you were telling us how much better music was in the old days. Records indicate that such glorification of the past does in fact fall under the commonly accepted definition of nostalgia.

That was a special case. When you remake a song a certain amount of respect needs to be afforded to the original. If you try to change the original into something new, you'll just end up degrading what made it good in the first place. It's like if a restaurant suddenly started adding honey to your favorite Nagsham noodle recipe. You wouldn't like that much, would you?

Maybe I was wrong about you, Miss Xianhua. Music appreciation is the last hobby I'd expect from a scientist.

Really? Well it doesn't keep most people from thinking of me as some sort of heartless monster.

...Good to see I'm getting better at blending in.

Huh?

I wonder why there isn't any equipment in here. Could it be some kind of meeting room?

Hey, looks like somebody forgot their comm device.

...Ugh. How careless can they be? If there was sensitive information on this thing, losing their job would be the least of their worries.

Project...Eden? Professor Chronos's plan to reach paradise...

Hey, isn't this exactly what you were telling us about, Xianhua?!

Now that you mention it, we never did finish that lecture, did we?

Nope.

Well we have plenty of reference materials here. Take a look at this.

Is this supposed to be the Xeno-Domain?

Negative. While it has the same general appearance, the layout is different. I have no records of such a facility in my database.

But if it's as big as the Xeno-Domain then it would be pretty hard to keep it a secret...

Don't look at me. We've just got an outside contract with them. We're not involved in whatever shady back room deals they've got going on.

One of the biggest corporations in the world is planning something that could shake the entire world to it's core! It's a conspiracy theorist's dream come true!

Sigh... Can we just move on, Miss Xianhua?

The facility you've just mistaken for the Xeno-Domain is actually the planetary-class analytics system, Proto Eden. It's one of the many pieces of technology Chronos left behind for us.

...Eden?

That's right. The name Eden is derived from an ancient word for utopia. According to legend, mankind lost their place in paradise due to their own hubris.

...Hmph. Sounds about right. And I'm guessing they lost this "Proto Eden" in much the same way?

Not exactly. There was an accident. Almost all of the research staff was killed.

That's awful...

I was...

Hm?

...I was there. I ended up surviving somehow, but not before suffering permanent memory loss. I'm incapable of telling you the details.

Memory deletion as a result of physical shock is a well documented phenomenon in human biology. You could say it was a...shocking experience.

I don't think that would explain it in my case, but... More importantly, we lost an irreplaceable piece of technology in the accident. It was meant to lead humanity to a better future by analyzing data from countless other time layers.

I see. With Proto Eden's data you could make choices and exact policies based on the successes and failures of other worlds.

Precisely. However, it was completely abandoned after the accident and no one knows what kind of analysis work it's been performing since then. I assume it's just been continuing its usual processes, but there's no way to access the data from here.

No way except through Helena, at least. She has the coordinates of this "paradise" locked somewhere inside her memory, right? Whoever took her must be looking for a way there.

Their employer more likely. The people running this outfit are completely obsessed with Chronos's legacy...

...And few of the technologies he left behind are as valuable as the planetary-class analytics system.

Chronos and I sought to create a system free of emotion because humans are too prone to impulsive behavior. They try to create rules though ethics, faith, and law... But in the end, their emotions always lead them down the path of ruin.

I can actually kind of understand why you feel that way. When Feinne was first kidnapped, and when I found out what happened to Eden...I was totally consumed by anger. You're definitely right that those kind of emotions can impair your judgement.

Indeed. It is humanity's fatal flaw.

But I had hoped we could at least avoid making choices that would lead to our extinction. That was why we built Proto Eden, but in the end it seems that this is just mankind's destiny.

Anyhow, class is over. Let's keep moving.

What's up with this place? It's totally different from the other rooms.

...Gasp!

Kikyo? What happened?!

It's my father! But why?!

A cloning vat. Not that I'm surprised, but they really will go to just about any lengths to get to Chronos's legacy...

Think you can get Rindo out of that tank, Riica?

Affirmative. It doesn't take a tank to break a tank.

Dad! Please wake up!

Ngh... Ugh...

Thank goodness! He's still conscious!

The last time I encountered one of these it didn't have a psyche of its own...

Could it have responded to Kikyo's voice?

...Who...are you?

Wha, ?!

He doesn't remember her? I guess he never knew her in the first place...

Hmph. Looks like his miraculous revival didn't extend to his personality and memories.

Maybe, but knowing Delamair, his memories should be saved on a database somewhere. If we can get our hands on that data it should be possible to revive him.

What do you want to do, Kiki?

...What are you saying?

Perhaps my explanation was lacking. I'm saying that we can install Rindo's data onto this empty vessel and essentially bring him back to life.

...Disgusting. This is what you humans always do. You treat your creations like tools, with no thought for their own rights. Leo tried to do exactly the same thing to me. He wanted me to be nothing more than an empty, soulless vessel for Galliard.

Forgive me if I can't comprehend your logic. Tools exist to serve their creators. Nothing more, nothing less.

......

Riica... There's something I need you to do for me. I want you to erase all of the data related to my father on the system.

Understood.

Why? As long as we have his data, we can bring him back as many times as we like.

Your arrogance knows no bounds... Do you really think looking alike and having the same memories makes him the same person?

I do. I would imagine you all define your "self" as the culmination of your memories. By that definition, if we were to perfectly preserve the memories of the deceased we could keep them alive forever.

...You would never have to worry about losing the people you love. If you go through with this Rindo really will die.

It's better that way. As long as his genetic data remains, they'll keep cloning him. No matter how close they look, no one can replace my father.

The corresponding data has been deleted.

Thank you. No one will ever rob him of his dignity again.

...I always forget that's how the average human views it.

Wh-Who...am I? Why am I here? Why...

Take a good look, Xianhua. This what you scientists do. You give life only to abandon it, failing to even grant it a purpose. I'm sure you can't even begin to understand how your creations feel.

You're angry...for my sake?

...No. This isn't about you.

...We need to get you out of here. There's no idea what they'll use you for if they find you.

Alright. I'm sorry...

...Don't be.

Hmph. I should have expected as much from a synth human created by Chronos himself.

The professor entrusted the future of this planet to me. It's going to take more than that to stop me.

I'm well aware. I know full well a frontal assault would never be enough to take down one of his creations. But I don't have to. I only have to buy enough time for that man to find the key.

And just who is he exactly?

...A living testament to the sins of scientific hubris. A ghost of the past who had his entire identity stolen from him...by you.

I knew it...

...Sounds like he's finished extracting the key. He'll be here shortly, but in the meantime, how about we try a little experiment?

What... Is that, ?!

..., BAK...

What's up?

I'm getting a transmission from Galliard.

...Be...ful... They are...here...

You're breaking up Galliard. Repeat.

...Got it? You're my brother unit... Don't give in to... Prove...you are...own person...

Prove I am my own person? What do you mean?

Protect...comrades...

Damn... I can't get a good signal.

He was definitely trying to warn you about something, but I couldn't tell you what.

Then we'll just have to proceed with caution.

This is...

...Look! In the back of the room!

Helena! Thank goodness you're safe!

Let's see... All we gotta do is switch this, and...done.

She's not responding at all... Is she really okay?

Someone forced her to shut down. She'll be fine after we restart her systems.

Hah! How do you like that, Galliard? I'M the one who reached Helena first!

...Do you hear that?

Picking up multiple incoming hostiles!

What?!

Why are you surprised? We haven't exactly been discreet about this.

Isn't that right, old man?

Such impudence... But I've come to expect that from you, Xianhua.

Delamair! You'll pay for what you did to my father!!!

So you're the daughter. I had a feeling showing "Rindo" in public might draw you out. Those screams of yours should serve our purposes well.

He must have been planning to reactivate Gulfagin.

Correct. That synth isn't the only piece of Chronos's legacy that was locked away from us. We brought her here thinking we could access them using same method from before. I must applaud you, Xianhua. I would never have expected someone as shrewd as you to use an old friend's voice data as the lock.

It's quite romantic, don't you think?

What would a heartless person like you know of romance? ...In any case it doesn't matter. The keys to paradise are already in my hands.

Let Helena go, Delamair!

I'm afraid I can't do that. Chronos's secrets cannot be allowed to fall into your hands.

Proto Eden is too much for a dying old man like you to handle.

Better me than a scientific prodigy who hoards all of their knowledge to themselves.

And you, Oboro... You're making a grave mistake. Since you're one of my employees, I'm willing to give you one last chance... ...Or would you rather face the consequences for your trespasses?

I appreciate your concern, sir, but once I've made up my mind there's no goin' back. I'm seein' this one all the way to the end.

Why do that? You have no reason to throw everything away for us.

Sure I do. I don't wanna see you die, bro, and I'd say that's a pretty dang good reason.

That is...unfortunate.

In that case, for the crime of trespassing on my private property, you will face retribution.

Hmph. I should have known it was going to take more than that...

Obviously. Did you really think you could bring ME to my knees, you old fool?

That pride will be your undoing, LeA-BAK.

...What?

Victory is mine!

Urgh... What is...this?

LeA-BAK! What's wrong?!

It might not have worked on Galliard, but we're the ones who built YOU.

That light... It's just like my father's, !

That's right. It's our newest weapon that makes practical use of Rindo's hyperspeed arrow of light.

Wasn't that weapon designed to forcibly shut down synth humans? If you use it here, your own synth ninjas will be affected too.

"Practical" is the key word here, boy. The weapon emits electromagnetic waves with a strong effect on synth human circuitry. As for what the effect is exactly, well, you can ponder that in the afterlife.

Ngh...GYAAAAAAAAAHHH!

Abnormality detected! His circuitry is being taken over!

LeA-BAK!

Chance of avoiding combat registers at less than 1%. I recommend preparing for battle!

Come on! Pull yourself together, LeA-BAK!

You think...you can order...me...around?!

Hmph. It's still in control of his circuitry. The design is a little derivative I suppose, but...I'm slightly impressed.

There's one flaw though, As long as their data remains, mechanical lifeforms can never die.

What are you planning, Xianhua?

To destroy him. We can put him back together later, just like we did to the synth humans in the Xeno-Domain.

No way! LeA-BAK is just being controlled by them!

Machines have feelings too! Don't think we'll just sit back and let you run steel through his steely heart!

Don't worry, I'll make sure nothing happens to his logic circuit, and there are plenty of spare bodies lying around.

You keep telling us we can just rebuild them if you have their data, Xianhua, but are you really sure they're the same in the end?

Bodies and minds are irreplaceable, whether you're human or machine. It's not okay to just destroy him!

Ugh. You're all so naive...

Fine. LeA-BAK's combat capabilities are almost on par with Galliard's. Even if we managed to defeat him, it'd be a pain getting out of here with what strength we had left.

Sorry Xianhua, but I wanna be friends with THIS LeA-BAK, not some copy.

......

Foolish...human... I don't need...your protection...

LeA-BAK?!

Our earlier battle must have had some effect on his circuitry!

I refuse to be helped by human hands... Galliard would never be controlled by such a worthless...toy!

So don't you ever...think you can control...ME!!!

I bow to no one! My free will... My spirit...is mine alone!!!

There's...your proof... I...am...me...

But why? The device should still be...

Shut your mouth, old man...

...We're glad to have you back, LeA-

, bak... Cough, cough! Who do I feel...dizzy?

I brought a little insurance after reflecting on my prior failure.

Oxygen levels are rapidly decreasing. By my calculations, we will run out of air within five minutes.

Biological lifeforms will have no chance of survival.

It won't open... ...I've gotta hand it to you this time, you sly bastard.

Don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to regret your choices in the afterlife.

I can't...breathe...

Forgive me...father...

Consciousness levels decreasing! We don't have a nanosecond to spare!

Riica... LeA-BAK... Please...take care of everyone...

Don't tell me what to do, human.

It's pointless... There's nothing you can...

(Wait... What was that just now?)

I will never be indebted to humans!

......

Tell me, do you think we and ze synth humans will be good neighbors one day?

Are you sure you want me to answer that? No. It's totally impossible. Humans are too afraid of them. They'll never be able to accept a race of beings that could surpass even their own potential.

Maybe zey will feel zat way at first, but humans can also learn from zeir mistakes.

Zat's why I believe zat someday we'll learn to coexist.

You really do like to dream, don't you?

I do. Dreaming is how we humans evolve.

If we're going to dream, it might as well be of something beautiful, right?

(Good neighbors... I'm not sure if that will ever really be possible, but...)

You don't have enough energy reserves to keep fighting.

Don't lecture me. He tried to take control of my mind...my freedom! I won't be satisfied until he's been crushed into dust!

Sigh... I'm just saying that I'll do it for you.

Hey! Since you insist on acting like a creepy voyeur, why don't I show you something interesting.

Growing senile, are we, Xianhua? You were always obsessed with being recognized for your genius, and yet here struggle like a pitiful fool.

Big words for someone who can only hide and watch.

You're the one who's gone senile here. Emotion is a variable that can corrupt even the most perfect of formulas, and I've always detested humanity's imperfect nature. Do you really think someone like me would take action without purpose?

You...

I felt the floor vibrating when my knees touched the ground earlier. I just thought I'd let him know we were here.

I feel it, too! It's like electricity flowing through my body!

Hmph... Took you long enough.

It looks like our leading man has arrived.

...Kept you waiting, huh?

You're damn right you did. We were already one foot in the grave.

Helena. Are you hurt?

...Ngh... What's...going on?

I came to take you home.

Mon brave? Why...? I thought you hated me...

You made a mistake, that's true, and it's not one that will be easily forgiven.

......

...But that doesn't mean that I hate you.

Mon brave...

Get on, Helena!

The rest of you get out of here.

But, ! What are you, ?

Leave this to us. We'll get you out of there.

But weren't you all damaged by that device earlier?

Fear not. LeA-BAK's actions allowed us to regain control of our bodies as well.

Can you walk, human?

No problem, bro! ...Okay that might be a lie. It's kind of a problem. But that's not gonna stop me from powerin' through!

...Stay close to me.

Where do you think you're going with my test subject? That's company property!

Ah, I almost forgot you were here. Sorry, but I don't have time for you right now.

We're counting on you guys.

They're gone. Now it's our turn. Hold on tight, Helena.

Yes, mon brave. I'll never let go.

Did you really think I'd just let you leave?

Not for a second.

But our battle's going to have to wait until after I get Helena somewhere safe.

He doesn't know when to give up...

I already told you! You aren't going anywhere!

Hey! What's going on?!

Wait, they're by the waterfalls, too. They're coming in on hoverboards...

Alright, they're safe. That's enough running.

You really think you can win?

I won't sugarcoat it, I'm not expecting this to be easy. ...You are the original, after all.

So you figured it out yourself, huh? How irritating...

...You're really ze original Galliard? Why would you attack us?

Why? You really have to ask me why?

You stole EVERYTHING from us!

Huh? I don't understand.

Your name, your voice, your looks, EVERYTHING! Helena was one of a kind! I won't let you tarnish her memory!

Now hold on just a minute! Helena had no control over the circumstances of her birth! I can understand how important the original must have been to you, but Helena isn't at fault here!

Her sins are irrelevant to the fact that she is a perfect copy of the original Helena. They're exactly the same, from their personalities to their ways of thinking. Helena has become eternal...

...And I won't lose her again.

What does a heartless monster like you know of loss...

But no matter. I can deal with you later.

......

You probably feel like you're the ones who had everything stolen from you, right? Well from my perspective, it's quite the opposite.

Our names... Our very existence... I'm here to take it all back!

Argh...

...I'm not going anywhere.

...You aren't impressing anyone by trying to act tough.

Shut up. There's more to this than just the debt I owe Delamair. There's a fire that drives me...

A fire?

...You wouldn't understand. Hell, even I don't completely understand it. How can I let go of my anger when it's the only thing left to power this hollow shell of a body?

...All I know is one thing, Hatred.

You're wounded. Are you sure you want to go through with this?

This is nothing compared to the pain and fear Helena suffered that day.

I see... It's not us zat you hate. It's...

You've done well holding them off for this long!

Delamair!

We're taking back the synth human and clone you stole from our research center.

You need to give up on Chronos's legacy, Delamair. A man of your caliber could never understand the true value of Proto Eden. ...Not to mention, we're the ones with the upper hand here.

Hmph, you say that, but the law is not on your side. I could have you arrested for this.

Hah! You must be joking.

Hey, kid. Let me borrow that cat.

Uh? Sure, I guess...

We have video evidence of you trying to kill us in here, old man. "Head of KMS East Attempts to Assassinate Star Athlete" would make for one hell of a headline, don't you think?

...Are you trying to intimidate me?

Not at all. I just thought you should know that I have another trick up my sleeve.

Wouldn't it be simpler if we just killed him?

Sorry, but I can't let you do that. His crimes are for a court of law to judge, not us. Killing is never the answer.

The real world isn't so pretty, boy.

Yeah... I can't deny that. But violence is only gonna be answered with more violence, and that sucks, you know?

......

I could kill you 100 times and it still wouldn't be enough to make up for what you did to my father.

Hmph. I could care less what a brat like you thinks of me.

You, !

Kikyo.

I know. My father wouldn't have wanted me to waste my life seeking revenge.

I'll let you live, Delamair, but don't forget that I have evidence of your crimes. I could destroy your life in an instant.

Listen. This geezer doesn't care about anything but himself and his money. He'd do it all over again without a care in the world. That goes for humanity as a whole really. It's hard to make an argument for saving them when they just repeat the same mistakes over and over.

Wait...

What's wrong, Galliard?

It's the voice of the planet. It's trying to tell me something.

...What?