1/F Agitator

Okay? So we're here, and the Gamma District is all the way over here.

Oh, we got the wrong plate! No wonder we couldn't find it.

Ohhh! Thanks, weirdly-dressed man!

Haha, you're welcome. You're sure you don't want me to go with you?

We'll be fine. Thanks, mister!

I never thought I'd be asked for directions in the future...

But I actually managed to show them the way. Maybe I've gotten used to this era?

Heheh, coming to the rescue again, are we?

Hm? I know that voice.

You're always such a do-gooder, Aldo.

Isuka! Fancy running into you here. Shouldn't you be in IDA?

Something's been on my mind, so I left IDEA in charge of the school and came to investigate.

On your mind? Did something happen?

Yeah. It must be fate meeting you here. I can talk to you, right? I can count on your help with my investigation, can't I?

Hey, don't put it like that... You don't think I can say no. Because I'm such a do-gooder...

Oh, don't pout. I was only messing around.

Haha, it was a joke. I'd be happy to help.

So what happened? You mentioned an investigation.

I'm heading to the airport. You don't mind if I fill you in while I work, do you?

Of course not. Lead the way.

So this is where you wanted to investigate? It smells of burning...

Well smelled. This was the scene of an arson.

Arson? So you're here to find the culprit?

Heh, I guess that's a natural assumption to make when I said we'd be investigating. But take a look around. Do you see any police? Any news reporters?

Now that you mention it...

The case is already closed.

And the arsonist...has long since been caught.

Huh? Then why are we here?

......

It was only a small fire and there were no casualties. It was hardly covered by the news. And yet...

I could feel it. There was someone else, the true villain, pulling the strings behind the scenes.

The true villain?

This is what the arsonist said... "Before I knew it, everything was burning"... "I never even thought that I could be the one who set the fire until I was arrested."

Until they were arrested?

Normally, I would laugh it off as a ruse to look less guilty. That's what the EGPD are doing. There is a comprehensive list of evidence implicating him, from fingerprints, to access records, to his purchase history.

But there are too many things in this case that can't be explained. First, there was no motive. He was happily married with two kids. He was doing well at work, and he had no previous convictions. I can't find a single cause for suspicion. Which seems to be why EGPD chose to treat this as a crime of impulse. But...

Look at these burn marks, Aldo. Those burns are far too intense for a fire-proofed floor. Sure, special fuels do exist that can ignite fire-resistant materials. It's just, if this was a "the devil made me do it" situation and he simply couldn't resist the sudden urge to set a fire...

Then why did he have such fuel with him in the first place? It doesn't make sense.

I know this M.O. The inconsistencies between deliberateness and impulsiveness... The bewildered testimony of the perpetrator, as if they couldn't trust their own senses.

I can't help but think that this is related to the series of cases I have been pursuing my whole life.

Your whole life? You don't think...

Yes. I think Curio is behind this.

I should have known. He did say we'd have our work cut out for us next time we saw him...

If he's back, then this case is just the tip of the iceberg.

Your whole life?

Yes. I think my brother is behind this.

Really? I didn't even know you had a brother!

But you think he's the one behind this?

It's not like we're blood related, or even legally siblings. He and I were both test subjects in the same research lab you see, so we thought of each other as family.

Did you just say "test subjects"?!

It's complicated. I'll explain some other time. But the only thing you need to know at this moment in time...

Is that Curio likes to toy with people and incite them into doing things like this. The aim of the experiments was to make us superior beings that could control others, using a power beyond your wildest dreams.

Superior beings?

If he's involved, then this case is just the tip of the iceberg.

This case didn't get a lot of attention and it took too long to find out the details. It will be nearly impossible to prove that the guy in jail has been falsely accused...

Isuka...

However, I will make sure that the truth is brought to light. I will stop you, Curio. That is my duty, as your sister.

I'll help, too. Just let me know what I can do.

Thanks, Aldo...

Right, now that we've finished investigating here, why don't I thank you with a cup of tea?

But all I've done is listen to you. That doesn't really deserve thanks, does it?

It's fine. The case won't be over until Curio is caught.

Well, I do plan to stick with you till the end. I can't exactly leave you on your own now that I know all of this...

Heheh. You're such a do-gooder. You really are a rare breed, Aldo.

Tsk, there's no need for that. But I may as well take you up on your offer.

I'm glad to hear it. You don't mind if I recommend the cafe, do you?

Are you thinking of the same place you took me before?

Yes. The place with the most exquisite jam-infused tea. A new road's been built there, so it's really easy to access now. Let's head to Gamma District.

Of course not. I look forward to seeing where you take me.

Great. They have the most exquisite jam-infused tea in this particular cafe. A new road's been built there, so it's really easy to access now. Let's head to Gamma District.

You were right! There really is a new road here!

The cafe's up ahead. Let's head down this road.

Oh yeah, we've been here before. It's so nice here.

So this is the cafe? It looks so nice!

It's called La Vie En Rose. A hidden gem, well-known but to the few.

I imagine there'll be one or two devotees among your companions.

I do think I've heard the name before...

I'm not sure about Amy, but I reckon Riica's in the know.

Do you come here often? Because it's pretty far from IDA.

I do. There is a great cafe in IDA City too, but... There aren't many people who know me here, which makes it ideal if I want to relax a little.

Right. I guess you're pretty famous over there, aren't you?

Heheh, not as famous as you. Okay, shall we head insi...

Oof!

Are you okay?

Are you hurt?

I'm okay... Did you catch it?

Honestly! I told you not to run so fast! Sorry, Sis. I got so excited buying the cake we wanted...

Oh, right... The cake!

If you're talking about this box, I think it should be okay. Why don't you check?

Whoa! Thanks, miss!

Hm?

Wait, aren't you the kids from before?

Oh! It's you, the weirdly-dressed man!

What, you know these kids?

We got lost on the way here. He gave us directions.

Oh, that was you... It must be a special occasion, I presume?

Why would you say that?

You went to buy cake in an area you know so little you had to ask directions. You must've really wanted to celebrate.

W-Well...it's my sister's birthday.

Oh... What a great brother.

Heehee... He's the best!

Quit it! C'mon, we'd better get back to the dorm before our ice pack melts!

Yeah! Thanks, mister! Thanks, miss!

Those kids must be scholarship students at the law school.

Skull-or-ship?

It's a support system for orphans. IDA school opens its doors to all students, regardless of birth.

Come to think of it, their uniform did look a little IDA-esque. So by dorm, he meant a school dorm?

......

Can I be honest with you, Aldo?

Isuka?

I really want to guarantee a peaceful future for kids like them, who have their whole lives ahead of them...

But I also want to save Curio, though he is a threat to that peaceful future.

They contradict each other. I'll never be able to make them both come true.

I'm not so sure. It may seem like they contradict each other right now, but I know you can make it work. Anyway, surely it's more like a conflict between the two than a contradiction?

I see... Sometimes you have a strange ability to really hit the nail on the head. It's a conflict, not a contradiction. The enemy is within me...

......

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get all melancholy. I'll pull myself together. We're on a tea break after all, we should enjoy ourselves!

That'll be all for now.

Right away! Go ahead and take a seat.

What's the matter, Aldo?

I was just wondering if there were any free seats...

Oh, that's no problem. I booked from my device while we were on the way here. If you don't book, you can find yourself waiting hours for a seat to free up.

Hours?! That's mind-blowing!

With this new road opening up, the cafe's started to get more attention. While that is a wonderful thing in itself, its long-time devotees are taking the hit...

What is the meaning of this?!

I cannot see today's new dessert anywhere! Where is the quatro fruit tart?!

I'm sorry... They sold out on pre-order alone...

Sold out?!

Then why don't you... Make some more!

As much as we'd really like to, we're out of ingredients.

Oh... So when will they be back in stock?

Okay, looking at the delivery schedule for the synthetic fruit...two weeks from now at the earliest.

She looks like the world is about to end.

Oh dear, we can't leave her like this...

Hey, Suzette! Can you hear me?

She's not answering. She's blanked out entirely.

Hm... There's only one thing for it.

Your time has come!

Servant of darkness, answer my prayer!

What are you doing, Isuka?!

Take these sweet offerings as host and manifest once more from the distant abyss of the afterlife... Awaken, Princess of the Netherworld!

I am Suzette, Princess of Darkness! I have come unto your mortal realm in answer to your call!

Phew... She's come to.

What a weird way to wake her up!

Huh?! What's going on?

That you, Isuka?!

Long time no see, Suzette.

And Aldo? Why are you two here?

We came for some tea. It's been a busy day.

Are you okay, Suzette? That was quite the commotion.

Yeah... Who's the man in the historical costume? I think I've met him before...

Yeah... Who's the man in the historical costume?

I'm Aldo, a friend of Isuka's. Erm... Nice to meet you.

A follower of Isuka's? Then the pleasure is all mine.

F-Follower?

Best ignore it. She talks in a very... peculiar way sometimes.

Right... Anyway, are you okay? That was quite the commotion.

Oh yeah! The new dessert was sold out.

Ohh... I was so looking forward to it...

Suzette, I wanted to talk to you about that.

We actually ordered those new desserts a short while ago. And it just so happens that out of the four fruits, two are ones I don't like.

Huh?

I'd be so grateful if you could help me eat those two.

Y-You don't mean...

That's right. Half.

And I'd be happy to give the other two to you. Then you'll be able to eat them all.

Are you saints? I will never forget this kindness!

Oh, that's right! Next time will be my treat! Some day, I will return to the sacred place and host a hermit's banquet! Even if the world has perished many times over!

Heheh, I look forward to it.

Me too. Though maybe not the part about the world perishing...

Then why don't we take our seats? The cafe will be getting busy soon.

That was so good! My Evil Tongue is satisfied!

I'm glad to hear that. The fruits are resting in peace.

I'm actually really surprised that you two know each other.

I'm actually really surprised that you know someone like Suzette, Isuka.

Indeed?

Yeah. You make an odd pairing...

There is always more than meets the eye, Aldo. You would do well to remember that.

Isuka's and my souls have been crossing paths ever since the ancient times.

Oh? What's that, Suzette?

Just follow my lead, Isuka! We have to get our stories straight!

No, not that... It looks like there's something caught on the ribbon of your hat.

Hm? Oh, you're right! Now, when did that...

There's something written on it... Will you read it out for us?

Let's see now... "I'll be waiting for you in the back room"? Wait, could this be...

Back room? I didn't think customers were allowed back there...

Do you think it's a prank? Although, it's pretty elaborate for a prank...

Heheheh. The time has finally come!

Let us find out just who it is that beckons me from the world of darkness... Even if it is just a prank, we should take a little peak at La Vie En Rose's back room!

(Is that really what this is about?)

I have a bad feeling about this. I vote to check it out.

Not you too, Isuka?!

Fine. If you're both set on this, I'll come, too.

But we come right back if there's nothing there. Let's get moving.

Is this really the back room?

It's so dark! I can't see a thing!

But you were just talking about the world of darkness...

The lights are out, that's all. But why, during business hours?

This must control the lights. Here's the switch...

Whoa, it's so bright! That was way too sudden, now my eyes are...

Look! Someone's over there!

Is that woman facing away from us...

Hismena?

Well, well... You came after all, Aldo.

Is that white uniform...

Her name is Hismena. As you've probably worked out, she's a member of IDEA.

I thought so. I'm Aldo...a traveling swordsman.

I'm Hismena Lunabright. Nice to meet you, Aldo.

Sorry for calling you out here like this, Isuka. And who is this friend of yours?

I'm Suzette, the Demonic Princess! I am willing to answer my summons wherever it may lead!

Hismena... Before I ask why you called us here, can I check something with you?

Of course. What is it?

I'll get straight to the point. How did you clear everyone out of this back room?

I thought you knew? La Vie En Rose is run by the Lunabright family.

Of course, I took that as a given. After all, the cafe's logo, the blue rose, is also the Lunabright family crest.

But that's not what I meant. The daughter of the head of the Lunabright family wouldn't be so self-centered.

It's mighty strange, Hismena... I thought you refused to use your family's name. The you I know would never use your family's influence to swagger about like this.

......

Ah... I failed. I didn't realize this Hismena was like that.

Huh? The way she's talking... Is she really not Hismena? Then who is that...

I have an idea. Didn't you think it was suspicious?

Suspicious?

That the lights were off in the back room.

Oh yeah... She was waiting for us in the pitch black.

Why would she go to the trouble of staging that? What do you think, Suzette?

M-Me?! Erm...

That's simple! Clearly it was a prank! She wanted to give us a scare!

A prank? But that's so childish...

Right. It's so very childish. And I can't think of a good reason why she'd go out of her way to hide a message in order to summon us here.

Which means... It must be a mere prank.

You're kidding!

I was right?! Yay!

Or rather...I knew all along! My Evil Eye sees through all!

A series of seemingly fatuous events. But I only know one person devoted enough to such things. If my assumption is actually correct, then...

This won't end peacefully. Isn't that right, oh other half of my being?

You really are a sharp one. I expected you to see through me, but I didn't think you'd be so fast.

I'm annoyed that I didn't surprise you, though. I would have loved to see the look on your face.

But the rush of excitement is always better.

So it was you, Curio! Disguise always was your favorite trick! Get ready to fight, you two!

Wait! I'm not here to fight.

Then take off that white uniform. You may be my brother, but... No, it's because you're my brother that I cannot allow you to make a mockery of IDEA! This uniform is a thing of pride!

I'm not taking it off. I am also proud of my white uniform.

What are you saying?

I'll start from the beginning. It's like this...

I don't want to fight you. I came to ask for your help.

I see. At the very least, it looks like you really aren't here for a fight.

Are you sure? But he's Curio... The one you've been pursuing your whole life...

Are you sure? But he's Curio, isn't he? The one who keeps causing all these incidents...

Yes, you've got that right. He is Curio, without a shadow of a doubt.

However, he seems a little different from the Curio I know. There's something not quite right...

It will take a while to explain. Why don't I tell you over some tea?

Aldo, Suzette.

Got it.

Thanks. Let's go someplace else. Come with me.

Right... Now that everybody's cleared out, I'll begin. I'm sorry to do this standing.

Wait a minute... All the customers really have gone. How did you do that?

I reserved the standing area for a short while, using a little of that Lunabright influence.

Y-You reserved it?! You reserved La Vie En Rose... You've made one of my greatest ambitions in life come true!

......

Oh, don't look so angry. I'll straighten everything up later. We don't want to cause Hismena any trouble, do we?

I'm guessing you really don't want anyone else to hear what you're about to say, then?

That's right.

I'll start with the conclusion. Isuka... You were right to feel that something wasn't quite right about me. I am Curio, that much is true. But I came from a parallel world.

A parallel world?!

Then... Did you come from another time layer?

You know about parallel time layers? This will certainly speed things up. Do you two know about them as well?

Suzette, you know about them?!

You know about parallel time layers?

Pfft, of course I do. It's just a type of netherworld, surely?

......

I'm embarrassed to say, I've never heard the term before. I could take an educated guess as to what it means, though...

I would be very interested to know how you'd interpret it... But we don't have the time. Allow me to explain.

The basic premise is that this planet has infinite parallel worlds, known as time layers. All are slightly different, and no two will be the same.

Someone from a far-off time layer will be pretty much an entirely different person to you. But the closer you get... The closer your shared histories will be. And consequently, any differences will be limited to the finest of subtleties.

For example, one person could entirely switch places with another.

Like you and me?

It's enough to make your head spin, isn't it? But yes, you are exactly right.

What do you mean?

It's simple. Curio and I are like two sides of the same coin... In his time layer, he wears the white uniform of IDEA. Which means I must...

......

That's settled! I want another helping of that tart and cake!

You're still eating?!

A servant of darkness is an infinite vessel! I have a Devil Stomach! A dessert stomach!

Uh, that's not what a dessert stomach means...

I'll have a dozen of these here amandines!

Heh...

Haha, you have a interesting friend there.

Hmph! The revelry of the netherworld begins now! Eat up! Come now, Isuka, don't look so serious.

Oh? Is that a smile?

You've really helped me. Thanks, Suzette.

Huh?

Well, I was just trying to embody one of the seven deadly sins!

Let's get back to the topic at hand. Why did you cross over these time layer things to come here?

That's simple. I came to stop an incident that's about to happen in the near future.

An incident?

The near future? You make it sound like you can see the future...

Think of it like this. Sooner or later, something is going to happen. If it's happening in my time layer but not happening here, then that means it is yet to occur. It is quite like seeing the future.

I suppose there's some logic to that...

Now, as I was saying. Have you heard of KMS?

Have we heard of it? What a thing to say! It's the biggest, most powerful conglomerate in the world. It's huge!

Most cutting-edge engineering is patented by KMS, from key technology like Xeno Prisma, to androids, to Synth Humans. Though the fact remains that there are some sinister rumors about them that don't seem to be going away...

Does KMS have something to do with this thing that's about to happen?

To be honest with you... If we leave it be, KMS in this time layer...

Will soon be no more.

No, that's not possible! KMS? No way! There's no other company that even comes close! It doesn't have any rivals!

Oh? I never expected to hear such a pragmatic response from you.

How dare you!

I'm not an earth-dweller like you, I'm from the Netherworld! It's not even time for my morning tea yet!

Isuka, if you were tasked with bringing about the collapse of KMS... How would you go about it? Assuming this Netherworlder wasn't helping you, of course.

Good question. There's no real in-road, but if pushed, I'd go for internal collapse. I've heard that KMS is a thoroughly hierarchical organization. Power struggles must be a regular thing there. If anything were to happen to someone high up, there would always be someone wanting to take advantage of the chaos.

I see. So you'd plan it for when the important ranks are in chaos...

Heheh. Though I still have no idea what it is I'm supposedly planning. But to start with, I don't think anything could happen without a disturbance from inside the company.

I see. I thought you'd say that. I think the same. Have you got any ideas about who could be KMS's Achilles heel? Someone important, yet open to attack.

I'm afraid I'm not all that acquainted with the upper echelons of the world's biggest company...

What about you two?

I-I have so many ideas that I can't pick just one out!

I don't know anyone...

No, wait! There might be someone!

Really?!

Yes. Riica, one of my friends, told me...

That one of our acquaintances, Sebastia, is actually the granddaughter of the CEO of KMS. But she doesn't actually work for KMS herself, so I guess that's a no-go...

What are you saying, Aldo? The granddaughter of a CEO has so much more influence than some humble employee!

Who are you? How can you know such a person?

Actually, forget the details. Do you think this person could be taken advantage of?

Yes, absolutely I do.

Then they might be in danger. Could you show us the way?

Of course. If anything happened to Sebastia, Amy would be so mad at me. She lives in the Theta District, so it's not too far from here. Let's go!

Thanks. Lead the way, Aldo.

...... I feel like I've heard the name Curio before.

You're gonna get left behind, Suzette!

Hey, wait!

Out of bounds?

These security measures... Something's happened, I'm sure of it.

It looks like our hunch was right. You really can't let us in?

Erm... This elevator leads to our friend's house. Can't you...

Oh dear. What do we do now?

Wait, Aldo! You're there, aren't you?!

Where's that voice coming from?

Over here! It's me, Sebastia! Boy am I glad I fixed up my intercom to work on loudspeaker!

Sebastia! You can see us?!

Of course. It's perfectly normal these days to use a drone fully kitted out with a camera and mic to guard your own home.

That's not normal at all...

Anyway, do something about those nuisance EGPD guys, will you? I didn't even ask them here, but they keep loitering about outside, "guarding" me or whatever! I can't even go for a walk!

I'm so angry! Don't fob me off like that! I'll have to talk to the Administrator! But he won't answer my calls. Must be busy... So, why don't you guys see him for me?

Wha?!

Hey, Sebastia! We're not here to work for you!

Heheh. If she can make Aldo react that way, this girl must be all right.

Now, Aldo, if you have a channel to the highest authority here, I wouldn't mind taking advantage of that.

Why don't we do as she asks and call on the Administrator?

I guess Sebastia wouldn't ask unless it was important.

Okay. Let's head to the Administrator's Office for now.

Oh, that man over there...

Good to see you, Officer Cetie.

Oh! It's Isuka! It's Isuka!

Be quiet, you piece of junk! You're so loud, they'll hear you in the Administrator's Office!

Hey, it's perfectly reasonable to greet someone you know!

You're the piece of junk! A rude ol' scrap of metal, Clock!

It's a double negative for a piece of junk to call something a piece of junk. So I'll take it as a compliment.

What?!

What are these ball-like robots?

Heheh... They're always so lively.

Sorry about the noise. Oh?

Is that you, Aldo? What are you doing with Isuka?

I'm as surprised as you are. I never realized you two knew each other.

We're little more than acquaintances.

Curio, Suzette... This is COA Agent...

I know you...

You're that COA officer... You know Isuka?

We're little more than acquaintances.

Curio, Suzette... This is COA Agent...

Looks like you brought some friends with you today.

A friend of yours, Isuka?

We're little more than acquaintances. But this is COA Agent...

Cetie. The bits are Retro and Clock. The white one's Retro, the black one's Clock.

COA? That's the intelligence service that works for the Administrator himself!

More or less, yes. I was summoned by the Administrator, how about you? Why are you here?

Sebastia asked us to come. The EGPD guards have her confined to her home.

Sebastia? Oh, you mean the Administrator's chess buddy?

Will you let us sit in on your meeting? I imagine you've been summoned here over the same thing.

Okay. Let's go to the Administrator's Office.

EGPD alone simply isn't enough. Please dispatch COA immediately!

Of course, as her friend, I feel the same. I would love to do so. But even my agency needs an appropriate reason to mobilize if it's to be seen offering support to one particular company.

We've received a ransom letter! If you keep sitting around doing nothing, it'll all be too late! I didn't want to have to mention this, but the androids you use are KMS models.

My, my... Bringing out the threats, are we? There I was thinking you were the one being threatened. It seems that you lose your usual composure when it comes to her. I'm willing to forget what you just said, but...

Excuse me, sir.

Oh, Cetie. Thank you for coming so quickly.

A COA agent...and Aldo?

Leo! It seems like forever since I've seen you.

To think we'd be meeting again here. And who have we here?

A COA agent... And who have we here?

What a lot of new faces...

My name is Leongrantze Figaro San. I'm an executive at KMS.

Leongrantze? As in Leo? From the San family?!

Why are you acting like that?!

It's only natural to be surprised. The San family is one of the three richest families in Elzion, rivalling the Lunabrights.

Not to mention, he's a huge celebrity! He's the youngest ever executive in the history of KMS, so the media absolutely loves him!

I've gotta get his autograph later...

If you were in the middle of something, we can come back later.

There's no need. He is the reason why I called you here.

You already called him here? Why didn't you say so before? Honestly, don't tease me like that.

Well, allow me to explain. A few days ago...

A criminal declaration was sent to our executive committee. I'll leave the details for now, but the main gist was that they planned to kidnap the CEO's granddaughter.

Kidnap?! And by the CEO's granddaughter, you mean...

Sebastia.

How credible is this declaration? I hate to be blunt, but KMS isn't exactly in everyone's good books. Pranks must be a regular occurrence, surely?

You are absolutely right. The company is handling this as a prank, which is why I am looking into this personally. However, it has proved to be completely untraceable. It's too elaborate for a prank.

But why would a threat to the CEO's granddaughter motivate you to see to this personally?

About that... I've heard the rumors, that I'm doing it to curry favor with the CEO. It makes me so sad.

It's okay. I know you only tell the truth.

You seem reasonable. You are right, it is a rule of mine to never tell a lie.

(He said it! He said his famous catchphrase!)

Which is why, Administrator... I intend to stay right here until you take some action.

Very well. Isuka?

Yes, sir.

I'm putting you on this case as part of your on-the-job training. Team up with your mentor, Cetie, and crack this case.

On-the-job training? What is he talking about?

Oh, hasn't she told you yet?

The opportunity never came up...

It's exactly as it sounds. I'm currently an intern at COA.

Wha?

Whaaa?! You implied you barely knew him! How could you mislead us like that?

I see. So you're at where I was in my life two years ago...

At COA, even interns have the right to investigate, provided an advisor goes with them.

This actually works out quite well. No one can be upset by COA's involvement if it is just a training exercise.

But if it's meant to be training, are we allowed to go with you?

Sir, would you be willing to permit everyone here to come with me? Their help will be indispensable in lowering the girl's psychological barriers.

It's fine with me...

I'm putting all matters of tactics in your hands. So long as your advisor approves, you may investigate as you see fit.

You can do as you please. My role here is just to follow you in case anything goes wrong.

Thank you, Officer Cetie. Let's head to Sebastia's house then.

Yay everyone's coming! This is gonna be so much fun!

Bringing pleasure into this will only hinder our ability to complete the mission.

Boo! You're such an egghead, Clock!

Incorrect. My head is not remotely oval in shape.

Hmm... What do I do?

What's the matter, Aldo?

You know how Sebastia said she had a machine flying around outside her house? Well I thought, maybe we should look at the moving pictures it's been taking.

I usually know how to handle these things, but I just can't get it to work...

This should be a piece of cake. Luckily, it's not in sleep mode, so we shouldn't need a password.

And... There we go. Now we should be able to see the video from today.

That's amazing! It really is showing the outside of her house.

I'm fast-forwarding it, so keep your eyes peeled for any subtle changes.

They're not moving an inch. EGPD really stayed there the whole time...

Huh? Isuka... That vehicle...

The motorcycle? What about it?

What? Maybe I'm imagining things...

And that's the end of the recording. Maybe I should rewatch it...

Nope, it doesn't look like they came through the window. It doesn't open, nothing is broken, the window frame is pretty dusty, and there's no evidence of anyone climbing through. It's too high for even a Netherworld being like myself to get down unharmed, let alone an earth dweller.

So you didn't notice anything strange? Anything at all, no matter how small.

Strange? Um... When we first got to the room, I did feel a teeny bit unwell.

Hmm. That was right after we took the elevator, right?

Huh?! D-Do you think I have elevator sickness?

One who flies through the red sky of the Netherworld cannot possibly be made ill by some flimsy contraption of the human world! I have no doubt that the vestiges of some dark miasma used by the kidnapper were hanging in the air.

Sure enough, there doesn't seem to be any evidence of someone having gone through the window. However, this could just be the beginning. When examining a window, one tends to be hung up on the window itself.

Sometimes, hints can shift our focus. The two windows face east and west, and while the sky over there is crimson, it's still blue here. Which means that this is east.

The west window area by the bed would actually avoid the morning sun.

It's so like you to look at things like that. Does anything else stand out to you?

Let's see... I imagine you spotted this too, but the room is far too tidy. A little resistance is to be expected with a kidnapping...

And yet, there are no signs of a struggle, and neither is there any sort of message. The door isn't that close. No matter how quick the kidnapper was, there would be time for some call for help.

I think I see what happened here.

Phew. I know it's for the investigation, but looking through Sebastia's journal certainly requires a little courage.

Let's see now... "Since I usually sleep during the day, I moved my bed so that the sun setting in the west wouldn't disturb my sleep..." "But I've started sleeping at night again, so the morning sun wakes me up. I wish I could just get rid of that blasted sun!"

Yep, that sounds about right. That's the Sebastia I know.

As for yesterday's entry... Hmm... "An elevator inspector came even though I never asked them to..."? "They were rattling away at work for ages, but it turns out there was nothing up with it..." "Now that it's been inspected, I really don't need any EGPD guard..." EGPD came yesterday as well? Curious...

Keep checking through the journal. Has anything else stood out to you about this case? I'd like to get your perspective.

Well, something stood out to me right from the start. I only stayed quiet because I thought it would help my case in persuading the Administrator to lend me COA.

But don't you think it's strange? A ransom note usually comes after the kidnapping, not before. This was more like a notice, so why send it? It's not like the phantom thieves are around these days.

Okay, so here's my summary of the EGPD's testimony I just heard below. It looks like all four guards received their orders separately, and had never met each other before.

They seem to have nothing in common. They work for different branches, graduated at different times, hail from different places. But since the ransom note only turned up today, hasty measures are hardly surprising.

I wondered if one was the kidnapper and the rest accomplices, but he would've had to win them all over at the same time. I wouldn't want to take that kind of gamble if I was in their shoes.

At the very least, this means they would've had to slip past all four EGPD guards in order to kidnap the victim.

Precisely.

I also received this floor plan of the housing unit.

The only entrance to any room is through the elevator. There is no other way into the rooms. The elevator is the old style, with a round, rotating floor, and one exit that connects to each room.

The exit to the elevator is on the south side of the building... But that's where EGPD stood watch. Judging from Clock's scan, it's pretty much a perfect locked-room.

It's three stories high, with two rooms on each floor, one to the north, the other south. They're symmetrical about the elevator. There are a total of seven rooms including one in the basement. All are reserved under the name Sebastia Cetus. However, according to the elevator records, none of the rooms are in use, barring this one and the basement.

I guess she didn't want anyone else living in the same building as her. I really don't get the rich...

Thanks, everyone. You really helped me out in finding these clues.

You're done?! Are you sure, Isuka?!

Yes. Let's wrap up.

Curio, how do you collect your thoughts at a time like this?

Don't try to be original. For the time being, just consider what you need to be thinking about.

What do you mean by that?

For example, have you ever heard the expression "whodunit"? It originates from detective novels, a genre where the fun is in trying to work out "who" did the crime.

There's also a variety of other terms, such as "whydunit" and "howdunit"... You can use these to refine your thoughts, to indicate what is suspicious, and what you still need to know to solve the crime.

How interesting. I'll try to bear that in mind.

Well now... Are you ready, Aldo?

Wh-Why me?!

Hahaha! You were thinking the same thing, Isuka? There's something about Aldo that reminds me of the assistant in the classic Detective Haus series.

There were too many spin offs for my liking, but the original Haus was a staunch theorist with a somewhat naive assistant...

Hey! Are you calling me naive?

Oh, don't be angry. He sees things that Haus doesn't. They're the perfect duo.

And, it's not like we can see the answer right from the start. The best thing to do here is to review the case through your eyes.

Okay. But I've never been an assistant before.

That's not a problem. All you need to do is answer my questions.

That's doesn't sound too bad. Okay, I'll do my best!

Firstly, let's establish the basics. When did the culprit kidnap Sebastia?

Hmm... Could that be possible?

Common sense would say no. We may only have been talking over the intercom, but she did speak to us in real time.

But maybe someone responded to us using a recording? Or they accessed the intercom from another location? The former wouldn't be possible unless they had ESP...

And the latter would be inconsistent with Sebastia's speech and conduct. It's not a valid theory if you ask me.

O-Okay... I'll try again.

Right. That seems the most likely at the moment.

She talked to us through the intercom before we went to the Administrator's Office.

And ever since we all came back together, we've had no communication with her, not even via the intercom.

It's a valid conclusion for our first point of doubt.

Onto the next question. From where did the culprit kidnap Sebastia?

Interesting idea. It's certainly not something we had considered...

But Clock scanned the room when we came in.

And even a magician would struggle to get her out without any of you seeing...

Yeah, you're right. I'll try again.

I see. That's certainly a novel viewpoint.

But Clock scanned the room when we came in.

And you examined every nook and cranny of that room. Have a little confidence in yourself!

You're right... I'll try again.

I remember it well... I heard the wailing of her soul through my magic apparatus when we first visited this castle in the air.

Having myself been trapped in the depths of the Netherworld long, long ago, I know all too well... The sorrow you feel when your freedom is taken from you...the regret, the despair. In a sense, she herself disappeared the moment she was imprisoned in this castle in the air.

That is what I have perceived...

(Nope, I don't have a clue what she's talking about.)

You're a romantic, Aldo. I can understand that.

But in this case, neither Clock's scan, nor our visual inspection found any sign of a secret escape.

You're right... I'll try again.

It's an interesting view... But are you taking a page out of Suzette's book?

N-No! I'll try again!

Right. Since the only entrance to the room is via the elevator, we have to assume that's how they came in and out.

But doesn't that mean they managed to evade the EGPD surveillance AND the drone video?

The important thing is to not be biased. Don't be influenced by other information. I understand your feelings, but you need to detach yourself from them for now.

Okay, next question... How did the culprit kidnap Sebastia?

I think it's great that you're considering all possibilities.

But in this case, both Suzette and I have dispelled that suspicion.

No one can go through the windows, and there was no evidence of them having done so. You have my word!

In that case... I'll try again.

Heheh, my Evil Eye won't stop twinging!

Is it a sty?

NOPE! My Evil Eye... It whispers to me!

I don't think eyes can whisper...

As I was saying! I sense a dark miasma, I sense immeasurable corrosion! It is the Door of Darkness! The path to the Netherworld must be somewhere in this room!

Thanks, Suzette. I'll keep that in mind.

Don't give me that resigned smile! Stop that!

That could be possible...

Really? I wasn't very confident in that...

Wouldn't your guard be down if you saw someone you knew? It's the same thing.

That makes sense... But if the culprit was someone she knew, doesn't that put you under suspicion?

Pfft, that's nothing to worry about. Sebastia always has her guard up around me...

......

There was no need to be on guard. If there are other cases like this...

Let's get to the crux of the matter. The next question is... Who is the culprit?

What?! How can you expect me to know that already?!

There's nothing to worry about. This is but an extension of what you've been doing so far.

I-It is? Well I'll do my best...

If they caught her unaware and gave her some kind of tranquilizer, they would have been met with no resistance.

But in this case, the only entrance is through the elevator, and that makes a fair amount of noise... And in such a stressful environment, it's hard to imagine that she would've been too absorbed in her work to hear.

Hmm... Okay... I'll try again.

FREEZE!

Whoa! You startled me!

I guess they only say that in the movies. I just wanted to say it, just once...

Anyway, Sebastia can open communication with the outside at the touch of a button.

Which means that even if she went quietly, it could still be heard outside.

I guess so... I'll try again.

Sebastia is pretty small for her age, so it is possible...

Actually, I know I'm the one who said it, but I can't really imagine that happening...

Going quietly, without leaving any evidence, would be very out of character for her. There would be a struggle. Which means the room would not be so tidy right now.

Good point. I'll try again.

Oh, poor Saint Sebastia! All alone, her castle in the air, her talisman, used against her... Even if she screams, she is trapped within a ring that seals off magic.

Why would a ring that seals off magic stop her from screaming?

Be quiet! Her voice also consumes magic, so it would naturally get sealed away at the same time!

Your use of the word "magic" sure is convenient...

Yeah, it would make some sense if EGPD kidnapped her.

But the four EGPD were completely random guards who just happened to be free at the same time. Did one win over the other three then and there? No, that would be far too risky.

It's a convenient idea, but it doesn't seem very practical.

I guess so... I'll try again.

You don't want to rule out the possibility that it was someone she knew? If what he told us turns out not to be true, that would make him the most likely culprit...

I understand why you might think that. But it is a rule of mine to never tell a lie.

(*squeal* He said his catchphrase a second time!)

No, I can't start distrusting him now. I'll try again.

......

......

......

Wait?! What did I just say?!

Did you just confess? Well, this is unprecedented...

Mild fever detected in his head. He's been pushed harder than his brain can cope with, causing a temporary stupor.

Oh, I'm so sorry, Aldo...

Clock, Retro, not you too! I-I'll try again!

Oh, you're quite the flexible thinker, coming up with such a theory. If she did leave of her own accord, there would be no need for her to be on guard or anything.

And she has motive. Living under surveillance stressed her out enough to yell.

Why don't we summarize our deductions so far? It might make things clearer for us.

Um... It happened while we were talking to the Administrator.

They used the only exit, the elevator, not the Door of Darkness.

And there was no need to lower her defenses somehow, right?

Right. Not if she left of her own accord.

I don't see any problems with our theory so far. And yet... There is fundamentally and decisively contradictory information standing in our way.

The EGPD testimony and the drone footage. One, you could maybe get around. But not both. So no one went in or out.

Then everything we've worked out up until now was just a waste of time?

No, warming ourselves by the fire of straightforwardness has brought suspicious information to light.

This is the critical moment. The key to unlocking this contradictory information.

I already knew the truth, thanks to my demonic calculations. But I didn't want to give any spoilers. That's why I didn't say anything.

Oh... That's a shame.

Grrr! You don't believe me?! I know you're being sarcastic!

Go ahead, tell me.

Oh, um, well...

My Devil Mouth says the gate of Purgatory... It does not open for mortal beings.

(Doesn't it?)

The drone footage supports the EGPD testimony, and the EGPD testimony supports the drone footage.

But Aldo, you spotted something in the drone footage.

Yeah. It could've been my imagination... But I thought I saw something in the recording that should be impossible.

Clock, could you check the access log just in case?

Understood. Loading video data...

Check complete. There is evidence of video editing.

Wha?!

Looks like you noticed. The key to getting to the root of this case.

Yeah, that vehicle disappeared into thin air.

I checked it over and over, but that vehicle keeps disappearing, then reappearing a few seconds later.

It looks like yesterday's video was edited over today's.

Yesterday's? But the EGPD are in it.

That was for the elevator inspection. She mentioned in her journal that EGPD were keeping guard, remember? They must have used the inspection as an excuse to record their replacement video ahead of time.

I see! And Sebastia used that time to run away?

So they prepared a fake video, swayed the EGPD, made them give a fake testimony, then escaped!

No, wait. That's not for certain yet.

I did consider that possibility, but why would you say that now?

I know. It was a last resort. Sebastia's always been interested in Synth Humans.

Clock's scan detected no signs of life. There's no need to worry about them.

Yeah, I guess so. I'll think it through more carefully!

You're under suspicion, Clock...

Serves you right!

Wait, I didn't mean it like that...

Registering Aldo's bio data to questionable donor sites...

I don't know what that means, but I know it's bad!

Haha. But let's park the jokes for now, okay?

Anyway, Clock was inspected just the other day. All he needed was the minimum cleanup, no irregularities or anything. I really can't imagine he'd run into any errors.

You're right... I'll think it through more carefully!

You think the journal was tampered with? Analog data is easily overlooked, so it's always possible.

But unfortunately, this handwriting is definitely Sebastia's. Unless someone spent all night creating a forgery, this must be her journal.

(How does he know Saint Sebastia's handwriting so well? Could Leo be...) (Saint Sebastia's long-lost brother?!)

I see... I'll think it through more carefully!

Erm, Suzette...

No, Aldo. This final puzzle alone, you must tackle by yourself.

But I've been pretty much doing all of them by myself...

Fine. But did you sense anything strange? Surely keys to the truth and things of that nature are in your field of expertise?

Well, that is true. But in terms of strange feelings, there was only really that thing when we first entered this castle in the air...

When we first entered? What happened again?

If you don't remember, you don't remember! Just solve the puzzle already!

Sorry to interrupt!

I have bad news! The victim has been sighted!

The victim? You mean Sebastia?!

Yes! She was seen on Route 99...

Hurry! Prepare the hoverboards!

Y-Yes, sir!

No, wait! That isn't the real Sebastia! She may not be in this room, but she hasn't left the building!

She hasn't?!

It's too late. I think he realized that, yet ran off anyway.

Our conclusion so far was fake. It was just to help lead us to the true criminal.

What do you mean, fake?!

The elevator inspection wasn't just to make sure the EGPD were caught on video. It was done as camouflage.

How could you possibly know that?

We just followed the breadcrumbs.

For example, the video editing was inexplicably crude given the elaborate nature of the plan. Which means, it was intended to be noticed.

Additionally, it should be near-impossible to win over all four EGPD guards. But it's easy enough to challenge that assumption. So we know that they must be too charming to turn down.

Even so, we first observe all information from an impartial perspective. Then the answer will show itself to you. The victim didn't necessarily leave during that period of switched video.

Then where did Sebastia go?

It was Suzette who led us to the truth. When you entered the room...

*burb* I don't feel so good.

Are you okay, Suzette? You did eat a dozen desserts...

That's nothing compared to normal.

Oh, ruler of this castle in the air! I, the Demonic Princess, would like to know...um...where is the bathroom?

Your nausea.

What?!

If it was a simple matter of eating too much, it certainly came at a suspiciously unlikely time. If we assume it wasn't that, the only other possibility was the elevator with the rotating floor you had just used.

But what's so strange about that? Didn't Curio say that this bed was to the west?

Which means this room is on the north side. The entrance to the building is on the south side...

And therefore, the elevator must have rotated half a turn, from south to north.

So the sickness was because of the elevator spinning.

Surely there's nothing strange about that?

There's something else you need to remember. Sebastia's journal said... "But I've started sleeping at night again, so the morning sun wakes me up."

The morning sun?

Wait! That doesn't make any sense...

The bed is on the west side. The morning sun shouldn't hit it. Unless she rearranged her furniture yesterday...

This room we've been investigating is on the north side. But Sebastia's room is actually...

The room on the south side!

Clock! Can you put the elevator back to normal?

No problem, Cetie.

Sebastia!

It looks like she was put to sleep with a powerful sleeping gas.

So we're looking for a sleep-inducing device that the occupant would never notice...

Found it. It's a sprinkler device that can be controlled remotely.

It must have been installed when they changed the rotation settings during the fake elevator inspection.

And they put Sebastia to sleep remotely, while we were in the Administrator's Office.

But someone who's never been here before might never notice something that might seem obvious to the resident.

I didn't notice, and I've been here loads of times. The rooms look exactly the same. But...why would the culprit use such a roundabout method?

It certainly doesn't look like our Sebastia's been taken...

But if she's here, then who did they see on Route 99?

Ah, I finally understand. Her... The true culprit's target was Leongrantze Figaro San all along.

Her?

Curio, do you think the true culprit is...

There's no point in discussing it here. You can find out for yourselves soon enough.

We must follow them, and head to Route 99!

Officer Cetie!

What's on your mind, Isuka?

There's someone else who'd disregard their own safety and rush to Route 99 if they believed Sebastia to be there!

The CEO of KMS, you mean?

However... Now, this is just a hunch based on little more than personal feelings, but...

I think the person waiting on that abandoned road is someone that I must face myself. Which is why...

...... You want your superior to abandon his trainee for no discernible reason? I'm gonna get a pay cut for this, you know...

Fine. I'll head to the KMS CEO.

Th-Thank you!

But this is a big favor you're asking. I'll be expecting you to pay me back when you're an official member of COA.

Of course!

All right... We'll look after Isuka for you, Cetie!

Can we trust Sebastia to you, Suzette?

Certainly. I'll head to you once support comes!

To Route 99, quick!

Hello? It's me... Not so loud! Are you free right now?

I've got a VIP to keep an eye on. Come back me up if you want to score some brownie points.

Hmm... What do I do?

What's the matter, Aldo?

You know how Sebastia said she had a machine flying around outside her house? Well I thought, maybe we should look at the moving pictures it's been taking.

I usually know how to handle these things, but I just can't get it to work...

This should be a piece of cake. Luckily, it's not in sleep mode, so we shouldn't need a password.

And... There we go. Now we should be able to see the video from today.

That's amazing! It really is showing the outside of her house.

I'm fast-forwarding it, so keep your eyes peeled for any subtle changes.

They're not moving an inch. EGPD really stayed there the whole time...

Huh? Isuka... That vehicle...

The motorcycle? What about it?

What? Maybe I'm imagining things...

And that's the end of the recording. Maybe I should rewatch it...

Nope, it doesn't look like they came through the window. It doesn't open, nothing is broken, the window frame is pretty dusty, and there's no evidence of anyone climbing through. It's too high for even a Netherworld being like myself to get down unharmed, let alone an earth dweller.

So you didn't notice anything strange? Anything at all, no matter how small.

Strange? Um... When we first got to the room, I did feel a teeny bit unwell.

Hmm. That was right after we took the elevator, right?

Huh?! D-Do you think I have elevator sickness?

One who flies through the red sky of the Netherworld cannot possibly be made ill by some flimsy contraption of the human world! I have no doubt that the vestiges of some dark miasma used by the kidnapper were hanging in the air.

Sure enough, there doesn't seem to be any evidence of someone having gone through the window. However, this could just be the beginning. When examining a window, one tends to be hung up on the window itself.

Sometimes, hints can shift our focus. The two windows face east and west, and while the sky over there is crimson, it's still blue here. Which means that this is east.

The west window area by the bed would actually avoid the morning sun.

It's so like you to look at things like that. Does anything else stand out to you?

Let's see... I imagine you spotted this too, but the room is far too tidy. A little resistance is to be expected with a kidnapping...

And yet, there are no signs of a struggle, and neither is there any sort of message. The door isn't that close. No matter how quick the kidnapper was, there would be time for some call for help.

I think I see what happened here.

Phew. I know it's for the investigation, but looking through Sebastia's journal certainly requires a little courage.

Let's see now... "Since I usually sleep during the day, I moved my bed so that the sun setting in the west wouldn't disturb my sleep..." "But I've started sleeping at night again, so the morning sun wakes me up. I wish I could just get rid of that blasted sun!"

Yep, that sounds about right. That's the Sebastia I know.

As for yesterday's entry... Hmm... "An elevator inspector came even though I never asked them to..."? "They were rattling away at work for ages, but it turns out there was nothing up with it..." "Now that it's been inspected, I really don't need any EGPD guard..." EGPD came yesterday as well? Curious...

Keep checking through the journal. Has anything else stood out to you about this case? I'd like to get your perspective.

Well, something stood out to me right from the start. I only stayed quiet because I thought it would help my case in persuading the Administrator to lend me COA.

But don't you think it's strange? A ransom note usually comes after the kidnapping, not before. This was more like a notice, so why send it? It's not like the phantom thieves are around these days.

Okay, so here's my summary of the EGPD's testimony I just heard below. It looks like all four guards received their orders separately, and had never met each other before.

They seem to have nothing in common. They work for different branches, graduated at different times, hail from different places. But since the ransom note only turned up today, hasty measures are hardly surprising.

I wondered if one was the kidnapper and the rest accomplices, but he would've had to win them all over at the same time. I wouldn't want to take that kind of gamble if I was in their shoes.

At the very least, this means they would've had to slip past all four EGPD guards in order to kidnap the victim.

Precisely.

I also received this floor plan of the housing unit.

The only entrance to any room is through the elevator. There is no other way into the rooms. The elevator is the old style, with a round, rotating floor, and one exit that connects to each room.

The exit to the elevator is on the south side of the building... But that's where EGPD stood watch. Judging from Clock's scan, it's pretty much a perfect locked-room.

It's three stories high, with two rooms on each floor, one to the north, the other south. They're symmetrical about the elevator. There are a total of seven rooms including one in the basement. All are reserved under the name Sebastia Cetus. However, according to the elevator records, none of the rooms are in use, barring this one and the basement.

I guess she didn't want anyone else living in the same building as her. I really don't get the rich...

COA has taken over the case. Tell your HQ and await their instructions.

Um, Cetie, shouldn't we help her out?

Nah, just stand back and watch.

Fair enough, I'm not going to convince you in this outfit. Very well...

How about now?

Here's my ID card. At least two of you should check my registered biowaves for any inconsistencies.

Whoa... COA is almost like nobility around here.

Nobility? It's so like you to put it that way.

Just make sure you don't abuse your authority, and stick to the mission at hand.

Of course. Now then, let's make contact with the target.

*burb* I don't feel so good.

Are you okay, Suzette? You did eat a dozen desserts...

That's nothing compared to normal.

Oh, ruler of this castle in the air! I, the Demonic Princess, would like to know...um...where is the bathroom?

Sebastia?

Hey! This is no time for hide 'n' seek!

No response. Do you think she's already been kidnapped?

No way! Sebastia!

Clock, check the room for bio signatures.

Already on it. Bio signatures two...three...

Six in total. No other signs of life detected. We are the only ones here.

Okay. Keep scanning the room.

Isuka.

There has been an incident. We must seal off the scene immediately.

Officer Cetie, could you go back downstairs and keep EGPD in your custody?

A swift and appropriate decision if I may say so. They're key witnesses right now.

I'll head up the search for clues as to the whereabouts of the victim.

You all heard me! Split up and get looking!

There you are. I was looking for you.

Stay away! They'll kill you!

Don't you worry about me. I know how to take care of myself.

Get rid of the bits, now. Or the hostage gets it.

I see how it is. But there's something I really want to say here.

You've been foiled!

......

Wha...

What were you thinking? Are you out of your mind?! You could've hit me!

It's okay, they're just electroshock bullets. Besides, I would never have hit my Sebastia anyway.

It sure didn't seem that way to me! And what if they managed to avoid it? You would have been in danger!

No, I never would have hit my Sebastia. After all...

Neither Sebastia nor the kidnapper is actually here.

......

When did you realize?

Before I came here. Though I never checked myself, she was in the next room, wasn't she?

Why would you come here if you knew it was a trap?

Don't play dumb. It was you... Who used my rule of never lying to lure me out here on my own.

Well done. I suppose we wouldn't be in this situation if you hadn't worked all that out.

But there is just one thing I don't understand...

How did you know about that promise?

......

Pretty much everything inexplicable about your actions can be explained on the assumption that you knew about the promise.

The fact that your ransom note came before the actual kidnapping, for example. That doesn't seem so strange if your plan all along was to use that to lure me out specifically.

You are correct. I never needed to take her hostage. I heard about your promise on the "other side." Your wedding ceremony was broadcast live throughout Elzion.

When you were young, you told her... That you would protect her from all danger with your own two hands.

Oh, that explains it. If I was going to make my promise public, that would be the only time I'd do it. So even though I was your target, once I knew that Sebastia was in danger...

You had to come here, and come here alone, in order to ensure that you could protect her with your own two hands.

So, have we cleared that up? Because it's time to fight it out. Let's find out who wants this more.

Just so I know, what DO you want here?

Why bother telling you, when you will soon be dead?

Themis!

Ah, there you are.

I'm so glad you're okay. Eh? Sebastia?!

No, it's just a disguise. By the one behind the fake kidnapping.

Another disguise?! How many people are there that can do that?!

It's not all that surprising, really. In a sense, there is only one who can. Since she and I are like mirror images of the other.

Mirror images? Didn't you say something like that before?

There is no mistaking it. She is...

Y-You're...

That face! Is she...

Indeed. Isukacherry, I am another possibility of yourself.

I knew it. I saw this right from the start... That if another Curio could come here, another me probably wouldn't be far behind.

B-But why would the Isuka from another time layer want to destroy KMS?

That, I don't know. The only thing that's certain...

Is that Curio came here in order to prevent the collapse of KMS. And if the me from their world was the one behind all this, then Curio must have known this right from the start.

She's right. But I couldn't say anything as I was worried it would cause too much confusion.

No, it's because you have a kind heart. You knew it would hurt me, that's why you didn't say anything.

And that's why I'm well aware that the me from your world is the same as you from this world... An international criminal. I am so ashamed and sorry to say... She is a cross-time layer terrorist.

This is getting tedious... I had assumed you would exist. And I had assumed you would team up with Curio and have the audacity to stand in my way.

Isuka, I came here to stop you. It's not too late... Let's stop this and return to our own time layer!

You're telling me to go back empty- handed to a time layer just waiting to disappear? What a cruel thing to say...

Waiting to disappear?! What do you mean?

There's no need for you to know. Anyway, I came prepared. I know how you are...

Those who are strong against pain to themselves are often weak against pain to others!

Are they...from Elzion?!

Do you like my soldiers? I tamed them myself. They are all free of sin, with dull, happy families awaiting them in Elzion.

The power to control others...

Isn't that...

Isuka? What is that?

It's the final phase of the program Curio and I went through. It forces its way into the target's mind and incites them to do things, regardless of whether they want to or not.

Regardless? Please, I'm no psychic. I couldn't possibly get them to disregard their own feelings like that.

They want to. They have all this pain and sorrow, and I understand them, just a little. I let them lean on me. And that creates a real bond, you know? Friends would do anything for each other. That's all there is to it.

You disgust me. How can even one possibility of me have such foul thoughts?

I will not take this from a version of myself that was brought up on a bed of roses!

Now, awaken... To the pleasure of trampling upon courtiers. To the corruption poisoning eternal paradise.

That man coveted your blood, sweat, and tears! Bring down the hammer of justice upon him!

No! Leo, run away!

I wouldn't recommend that. They will chase you to the ends of the earth, heedless of any danger to themselves.

What?!

I'm done for. If any harm comes to them, I will lose my position for sure. It's simple, but effective.

Oh no! What do we do?

Leave this to me.

Please, listen to me... Innocent citizens!

You're wasting your time.

You're being manipulated! Try and remember your loving families waiting you to come home!

Uhh...

They're coming to? Does Isuka have the same power?!

Curio!

I'm on it!

There is nothing to be gained by hurting others!

You are his friends, fellow citizens on this floating continent! Wake up!

Hm? What am I doing here?

Where am I? Mommy...

They've come back to their senses! Good job, you two!

We're not there yet. There's no way you're not thinking what I'm thinking! He's got to be somewhere!

Mwahaha! I'm afraid you're too late.

Go on, let loose.

Oh no! He was...

Ngh!

Leo?!

Huh? What did I...

D-Did he fall? I'll contact Synth Hydra and...

There's no time to contact anyone. You can't save him from this height.

That was a bit of an anticlimax. I was expecting something a bit more entertaining.

Right, Isuka?

Curio!

Curio? The one from this time layer?!

Heheh, we meet again, Aldo. It must be fate.

I don't believe we've met before. Though I see you've met the other me.

Well, it looks like we've seen to the main contender for the next CEO position.

There's no reason to stay here now. Let's move on to the next phase of our plan.

Have you learned your lesson yet? Just return to your own time layer. These soldiers have served their purpose. They can go back to their lives now, just as you wanted.

Wait, Isuka!

Let's go, Curiosity.

Coming, Isukacherry...

Or how's this for a name? Taken from the land of betrayal...

Iscariot...

Phew, they've blacked out, that's all.

Looks like they've gone...

Is that...

Suzette?! And...Synth Hydra!

There's no need to worry about that man. He had fallen a fair distance before I caught him, but I was able to minimize the impact using an anti-gravity device. The stab wound wasn't deep. The crew medic is taking care of it.

Suzette, did you call him?

No, I just came along for the ride.

Who could deny a polite request from a young lady? Certainly not a gentleman battleship like myself. I am Synth Hydra, after all.

Do you mean Sebastia? Who'd have thought she'd be the one to save us...

Synth Hydra, was it? He certainly is an impressive acquaintance to have.

Indeed. We were saved by Aldo's friend here. This was one narrow victory, won purely by an unexpected bit of luck and by holding the vantage ground.

We would have lost on our own. We will have to do better next time.

You're right. Our enemy was more powerful than I had imagined. We cannot drag the others into this anymore. This isn't their fight.

Wait one moment. Who says this isn't our fight?

Yeah! You haven't dragged us into this. We're here of our own volition, so don't say things like that! You're not alone here.

Heh... That's so like you.

Thank you, Aldo, Suzette...

But there can be no more secrets. You knew about the other Isuka, so what else do you know?

Tell us what the other Isuka meant about your time layer waiting to disappear. Just what is she planning?

I will tell you. But first...

We should prioritize the safety of these innocent citizens.

Are you sure it was right to let him live?

It was easier than killing him. That's all.

Be prepared to sacrifice anything in order to achieve our aims. You aren't having second thoughts about our oath, are you?

Heheh, not at all. You truly are my mirror image, all right.