Cardinal Scales

Suzette's from the Lost Laboratory?! You're serious?

I have shared many a battlefield with the Twilight version of her. She may have a completely different air, but I have no doubt that they are the same person.

Project Eugenes... Lab 2's perfect genome project? I am from Lab 1, and left the facility before the war started, so I'm no expert on this...

Though it does raise one doubt. The Twilight and Midnight Deweys and Professor Zekirs were like two peas in a pod, like mirror reflections of each other. Excluding the matter of who won the war, the history of both time layers shouldn't fundamentally be very different.

There's something I want to ask the other me. You said you didn't know the spearwoman who attacked L Block. And yet you do know the Twilight Suzette? Surely you're contradicting yourself?

What, am I under suspicion now? I honestly don't know her. But her power comes from the perfect genome. That much is evident.

I'm so confused. You're saying that spearwoman was Suzette, and yet she wasn't?

Sorry, I'm getting a phone call. From a number my COA device doesn't recognize? What timing. I'll put it on loud speaker.

It's me. Hope you don't mind, but I looked up your work number.

Is that...Leo?!

That's right. Thanks for your help the other day.

Leo... Are you doing okay now?

Of course. I'm fit and healthy as ever now. So onto business... I wanted to talk to you about the Lost Laboratory.

It sounds like you know what we've been up to then.

Well, I am an executive. I am briefed on all that happens within KMS City.

An executive? He's an executive at KMS?! Why did you go to all that trouble of sneaking into the city when you could've just gone to him right from the start?

Well, I wouldn't have been of much use. I may not be badly hurt, but I was nearly assassinated. I was taken off the task force and in no place to get involved. With the benefit of hindsight, your approach will have been the quickest method anyway.

So you know what the Midnight guys are up to as well.

I am well aware that you are in a hurry to reach the lab in order to rescue the kidnapped students and teacher. However, there's something I must discuss with you beforehand. And it should be face to face.

What should we do? We could ask Synth Hydra to take us to the lab...

When a door opens, we should go through it. So perhaps we should meet up at the airport.

Great. I'll be there right away.

Oh, and one more thing... Make sure you bring along your friends from the Parallel Time Layer. See you at the airport.

Hmph. What in the world does he want with us?

We'll find out when we see him. No running away, another me.

Why would I run away? I don't intend to run or hide. Let's head to the airport.

Ngh!

Saki?!

You don't look so well. But it's understandable, you have been through a lot here. You've done more than enough. Why don't you go back to school and recuperate?

I'm fine! I can't abandon those children...

Don't pretend to be fine when you're not. You'll just get in everybody else's way.

Sevyn! What are you doing here?

Hey, you're that volunteer... Sevyn, right? What are you doing here?

I came to sub in for her.

Come to think of it, you were worried about one of the students, weren't you? Someone with blue hair...

Did you see a blue-haired boy on your way here?

You see, during break time, just before the attack, some guy came to hang out. He had a shamanic nature, so he kinda intrigued me. Not at my level, of course.

He said he was going back to his classroom. Gave me a really bad feeling. Said he had a sister.

So that boy...was one of the kidnapped students?

Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not really doing it for him. A shamanic nature is a precious thing. It's not something I can allow to disappear so easily.

So I'll get him back, and you wait here. And everything will work out fine.

But...

Tch... I didn't want to have to say this. Y'know, your brother's been weirdly quiet, it's been driving me insane. He's so worried about you.

Jade is?

Okay. There's so much I need to tell him.. Please take care of the children for me, Sevyn.

Yeah, yeah. I was gonna do that anyway.

*giggle* Thank you. Stay safe, everyone.

Thanks. She may not look it, but Saki's a stubborn one.

No worries. It's just best to not have anyone holding you back. Anyway, aren't you in a hurry?

Yes, we are. We'll fill you in on the way...

Nah, I'm not interested. You all are so slow, I'll go on ahead.

That was harsh. But it's motivating, I suppose.

Anyway, we should head for the airport, too.

Ah, there you are. Sorry for making you come so quickly.

So what does a KMS executive want with us? You're not planning to strand us here or something?

Of course not! I know what you guys are capable of better than anyone. And there's no connection between our time layer's KMS and the lab that moved here. I have no reason to stop you.

Then why did you call us here?

I've been keeping an eye on the time layer data transmitter, as well as your movements, and I realized something.

Right now, two other time layers are meddling with our time layer, yes? And you are cooperating with one time layer, and fighting against the other. Correct?

You already worked all that out? You're so smart!

Oh, and you might want to know that we call the former the Twilight Time Layer, and the latter the Midnight Time Layer... And ours is the Dawn Time Layer.

Those are some great names. Thanks, Suzette.

Whaaa?! Y-You remembered my name?!

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. What I was concerned about...regards this alliance. What's the situation? Let's say you defeat the Midnight Time Layer, what next?

Nothing has changed. In order for we in the foliage time layer to survive, we must bring the trunk time layer closer to our own. We will tear down your KMS and make you follow the same path as the Twilight Time Layer.

And I can't allow that to happen. I came here to stop you from doing that.

So, avoid being pruned? Pretty much what I expected. Looks like I didn't call you out here for nothing then.

Another Isuka, I would like to speak to the Twilight Cardinal Vestige. Can you make that happen?

You want to negotiate directly? What's your plan?

You have that to look forward to once you put me through to them. But it will benefit both parties, I can promise you that.

Fine. I can't guarantee that Cardinal Vestige will respond, but I'll give it a try.

This is Agent Isuka. I have a message for Cardinal Vestige. The target wishes to make contact. If you accept, respond within 60 seconds.

I'm calling them, as you can see. Give me a moment.

I wonder what they're like, the guys at Cardinal Vestige...

They never came out of the shadows, even after winning the war. This is actually the first time contact I've ever had with them in person.

I'm so nervous! I feel like I'm witnessing history in the making!

This is Cardinal Vestige. Are you in trouble, Agent Isuka?

Not at all. He claims to have beneficial information. I'll let him tell you directly.

My name is Leongrantze Figaro San. I'm an executive at KMS. But I guess I don't need to introduce myself, since it must have been you at Cardinal Vestige who ordered my assassination.

How interesting. We never expected you to take the direct approach. It seems we were right to make you our priority.

I would love to talk about that in more detail, but we don't have the time right now. So allow me to get straight to the point. It's about this cross-time layer alliance.

So that's what this is about. An inconvenient affair for you in the Dawn KMS.

Dawn?! You know our naming system?!

Agent Isuka's periodic reports have been keeping us in the loop. We have concluded that it would be easier for all parties if we were to use the same names.

That makes sense. But don't misunderstand me. I'm not trying to throw cold water on the alliance itself. It's just, I'm a businessman, and it goes against my way of doing things. Which is why, I come to you with a plan.

A plan? I presume you mean a plan to prevent the annihilation of the Twilight Time Layer? And to avoid conflict between the Twilight Cardinal Vestige and Dawn KMS? Yes?

Of course. What point would there be otherwise? And the only one capable of such a feat...

Is, well, me.

You?!

Ah, I see where this is going. You will visit the Twilight Time Layer and rebuild our KMS. We have tried to rebuild KMS so many times already, but the project has always ended up abandoned.

But the main reason why it never went anywhere was that we did not have the help of the Twilight you. All top positions, including the other executives, were left vacant from the war.

Oh, so that's what happened? I thought it was quite likely, knowing that the other me resigned. However, I am stubborn. Almost everything in that speech was something I myself have thought.

That speech?

Don't pry. Ignorance is bliss.

So let's go over my proposal. Once things are settled with Midnight, I'll relocate to the Twilight Time Layer. Then I will endeavor to restore KMS until your risk of being pruned has disappeared.

Even if it's not back to normal, restoring at least a semblance of the company will help narrow the gap between trunk and foliage.

For better or worse, I myself am not yet under the constraints of that speech. Which means it is possible. With the help of Cardinal Vestige, I think I can get it back to its base form in three, maybe even two years.

How can we be sure that you'll keep your promise?

That's easy. Because I'm the one who said it.

Ah, yes. The Twilight you never acted as our agent, which does, ironically, attest to your reliability. Fine. Accepting your proposal is our best course of action at present.

We have a deal then?

Yes. We won't meddle with the Dawn KMS, even after the Midnight Time Layer has been removed.

Good. Just stick to that pledge and we'll be okay. We are not under the same laws. So consider it the same as breaking a contract once signed.

That is irrefutable, and I won't try to deny it. As proof of our good intentions, we will send soldiers assigned to attacking the Dawn KMS to assist you instead. And I hope it goes without saying that without the elimination of the Midnight Time Layer, our pact means nothing.

I wish you much success. Agent Isuka, I expect great things from you.

That should alleviate any anxiety about the future. This was your aim all along, wasn't it, Curio?

What?! Is that true?

No, you're giving me too much credit. It was just the best result of all possibilities I could think of... I couldn't do anything myself. Everything was Leo's doing.

I just fought with the weapons at my disposal. And you all have your own weapons. That's the same for you, right, Curio?

......

Are we done talking yet? I'm getting tired of waiting around here.

You're right. We should get going to the Midnight base, to the Sapient Complex. The kids are waiting for us to come save them.

Okay. Synth Hydra should be waiting nearby for us.

Moving that many time layer travelers, as well as a huge lab? I pray that the bad feelings I have don't end up coming true, Professor Chronos.

I see. So shall I take you to this Sapient Complex place?

That would be much appreciated. Sorry for the trouble.

Who could turn down such an earnest request from a wise woman? Certainly not a gentleman battleship such as I. Just call me Synth Hydra Z...

There's no need for the speech. Just hurry up and depart.

...... Very well, we will depart at once. To the Sapient Complex, year 1100 AD...

Whoa, what a view! You wouldn't stand a chance falling from this height!

Anyone stupid enough to fall off the ship is someone we could do without on the battlefield.

Hey! I wouldn't actually fall! You're the one who should watch out. You're so big you might get caught in the wind.

They seem really close. They don't look much alike, but are they brothers or something?

Um, not quite...

Did you really not listen to anything we were saying? That's actually quite impressive, Sevyn...

Erm, Suzette?

Don't talk to me right now. I am linking my nerves to the Netherworld, concentrating my strength...

*burp*

Oh no! Do you have motion sickness?

Curio, about what Leo said before...

I'm sorry. It's been on my mind, but I haven't been able to broach the subject.

......

Your time layer is disappearing. The actions of the Twilight Cardinal Vestige and the other me... They may not be appreciated, but they are understandable.

Curio... From the very beginning, you sought our help to protect the Dawn time layer. You're too kind for your own good. You want to protect everything, don't you?

It would be impossible to protect everything. I just... I want to protect you two.

......

At first, I couldn't bear to see the Isuka from my time layer get hurt.

But when I realized that Isuka had gone from the Twilight Time Layer to this one... I looked into the Dawn Time Layer and came upon your existence.

A mirror image of her, but an Isuka who wears the white uniform.

I want to protect you both. I have been acting as I have because of that childish feeling.

Thank you. Just promise me this. If the time ever comes when you have to choose one of us...

Be honest with yourself. Don't think about stupid things. It was obvious who you should pick the moment you came to this time layer.

Isuka...

Our destination is up ahead! We will shortly be arriving at the Sapient Complex.

One, two, three... There are seven labs all in a circle around the reservoir.

Operator, which block are the children in?

The second from the west! And that spearwoman's... What the?

What is it?

When I checked a short while ago, the woman who attacked L Block was standing outside the entrance guarding it. But I can't see her now. You'd better be extra careful when you disembark, just in case.

Okay. The second building from the west, right?

Right! It's pretty big, so you can't miss it.

Okay... Take us near to Lab 2, Synth Hydra!

Very well. Preparing to land.

So this is the lab that came in from the Midnight Time Layer...

It's so quiet. But no way have they not spotted us yet. No one's that dumb.

No sign of the spearwoman, either. There's something quite eerie about this place.

The lack of welcome party will make it easier for us. Hurry up and break in already.

Time for the Professor's device, then.

I hate to say it, but you've gotta hand it to the Professor. That really did the job.

You've gotta hand it to the Professor! That really did the job.

We have prized our way into the lion's den.

Next, we just need to rescue the lion cubs. The real fight begins now. So before we enter, why don't we review why we're all here?

We from the Dawn Time Layer are here to rescue the students and teacher kidnapped from L Block.

And we from the Twilight Time Layer want to send this lab back to the Midnight Time Layer where it belongs. If it can cross the time layers, then it must have a transportation device somewhere.

If we analyze and reverse it, we can send it back to where it came from.

But there's no way the Midnight guys are just going to sit back and let us do that.

They will try to get in our way. So we must move fast and disrupt them.

In which case... First, let's head to the control room and take it over. From there, we can work out the lab layout and decide on the shortest route to our destination...

While also disabling any anti-intruder contraptions they may have.

Curio and I are from Lab 1, and Dewey is from Lab 3. But apparently all labs have the exact same layout. So, provided they haven't remodeled the place, the control room should be in the center.

Okay, then let's head for the control room!

It may be from a Parallel Time Layer, but this was the lab where I was brought up. The Midnight layer me must be inside... It's not just the children I want to save. I want to save her soul, too.

I am the only one who can!

*burp*

I knew it. I haven't yet served my purpose. I still have a part to play.

I am just a pawn.

I have served my purpose.

No... This must be an order in all but words.

I must destroy all those who would trespass over this barrier. If I execute this order...

......

......

Well?

Are you injured? Are you in any pain?!

My wounds are insignificant. Don't worry, Professor Karin.

I'm so glad! I was so very worried about you.

I'm sorry I was late. Did you malfunction at IDA School?

I'm not blaming you! It's just that the other professors are kicking up a fuss, saying to scrap you...

It took so much time to persuade them otherwise. Don't worry. Whatever happens, I, at least, am your ally.

I know...

I won't ever let you go. You are far too important to me.

I need your extraordinary body for my research...

I am still needed. My body belongs to Professor Karin...

This should be the control room.

It's too quiet, though. What if they really have remodeled?

No, none of the rooms up to now seemed out of place. And I doubt they'd just change the control room.

How can there be no one at the control room in charge of the facility? Something's not right. What do you think, Curio?

I agree. Given everything that's happened so far, we can't be too careful. If this is an ambush, then we need to move fast. Let's storm in and overpower them as quickly as possible.

Quite a simple plan for you. I'm on board.

Haha... Was that a compliment?

Good idea. Right, on my signal.

3, 2, 1... Go!

What the? No one's coming out?

Knew it. I didn't think there'd be any danger.

Oh? You knew this would happen?

Yeah. The spirits are calm, you see.

Spirits? Like in fantasy novels?

I guess it's only natural for most people to think of them like that. But I am a shaman, and I've inherited the ancient ability to hear the spirits' voices, draw out their power, and use it as magic.

Really?! That sounds so cool!

A power inherited from ancient times?! That makes you just like me, as Princess of the Netherworld!

Yeah, I'd rather you didn't lump the two of us together...

Princess of the Netherworld? Are you playing make-believe? How much time you must have on your hands.

It's not make-believe! I am undoubtably...

Oh no, watch out!

But the fight is already over.

You're slower than I'd expected, given the number of you. I've overtaken you already.

Yeah, sure looks that way. You're getting better at this.

Infiltration is much easier when you're on your own, that's all.

Who are you?!

Are you the additional fight power the Twilight Cardinal Vestige talked about?

I'm afraid so. I'm not great in groups.

Are you the additional fight power the Twilight Cardinal Vestige mentioned?

I'm afraid so. I'm not great in groups.

Looks like they kept all other resources to a bare minimum in order to send in this lab. This whole control room is fully automated. And there are no living humans around.

But...for them to send me to a parallel Sapient Complex. And to Lab 2 of all places. I'm used to them working me hard, but this was in bad taste.

Y-You're so talented. What's your name?

I don't have one. Never have, never will.

Huh? You don't have a name?

*chuckle* You could always tell them your individual identification code instead... I'd be happy to tell them if you don't want to.

Go ahead and try. You'll be lucky to come out of it your life.

Oh I'm so scared...

Anyway, aren't we in a hurry here? Shouldn't we get down to the nitty- gritty?

That's what I'm doing anyway. I'm capable of both working and talking, unlike some others here.

Oh... Looks like the maintenance system infrastructure does have a time layer control unit after all.

A time layer control unit?

Technology to affix part of one time layer into another time layer. If that's how it crossed the time layers, this huge lab will be under a lot of friction.

In other words, if we destroy this time layer control unit, the lab won't be able to remain in this time layer?

Yes. Though we have no way of knowing whether it will actually safely return to its own time layer.

Okay, let's give it a virus to destroy the system.

What, so soon?

Isuka, wait! We haven't rescued the children yet!

You're a little late. The program's already started.

Isuka!

There's no time to argue. You have to find the children as soon as possible.

Heheh, don't worry. I'll help you out till the end.

Darn it! Where in the world are the children?!

Calm down, Aldo. We're checking the map data.

If the motive behind these kidnappings is what I think it is, then they're probably in one of these laboratories. And it looks like this room is in use. I'm pulling up the security camera footage!

Th-That's...

That's the other me! I found her!

What?!

And there's one of the kidnapped kids! That boy...

He's the older brother we met outside La Vie En Rose. I never realized he'd been taken...

That's the kid I was looking for. So you know him too, Aldo?

Yeah. They're all in different locations, so if we aim for this room...

What the?! Ogre Rancorem?!

Phew. My Ogre Rancorem is right where he belongs.

Which means that this is the Midnight Ogre Rancorem?!

I get that you're concerned, but right now we've gotta get to that room!

The others probably aren't far from there, either.

I've upgraded our security passes so that we can get into the relevant area. Dewey's right, we should get going.

The other her? She really is clueless...

It's me who's in danger. Don't go getting emotional now.

Heheheh. You really are outstanding, ARP1-Steller. We searched our time layer to no avail for the Ogre sword, yet you managed to find it so easily.

How I wish you'd been from Lab 2 instead.

Are you joking with me, Professor Karin? Your assets are the best. They even have the recognition of the HQ board of directors. I can't even come close to ARPX-Silphium's hidden potential.

Don't do that, ARP1-Steller. You must know that I give all my children special names, yes?

I don't like to refer to them as objects.

Then allow me to correct myself. Galette. Is that better?

Well remembered. I would have given you such a nice name if you were one of my children...

You honor me.

But let's leave that for later. For now...

Financier, of all the children I invited here, you are the most compatible. You are remarkable, child.

Don't call me that stupid name! I already have a name! My mom and dad gave it to me!

You're a naughty little rascal, aren't you? I'm sure you and the Ogre Genome will get along just fine.

O-Ogre Genome?!

Yes, it will become a part of you... Now, let's begin our clinical trial. Galette, could you bring the boy here?

N-No! You can't! Somebody help me! Save me, Ruina!

Ruina? Is that another sister of yours? Your little sister was the next most compatible after you.

If you have other blood relations, I would certainly like to invite them here.

No! Ruina's my hero, not my sister! She protected us from you back in the classroom... If I hadn't been taken hostage, she never would've lost to you!

She protected you? In the classroom?

Those ears...

What about them? Are elf ears really that rare?

Elf?

Ah! Another unknown error?! Why? You should be protected from that word...

Dear me...

Ugh... Where am I... What am I doing...?

......

Hm. It is time. I thought an error caused by specific character strings would be a fatal defect...

But your controls are so fragile that they can be broken with just one word.

This is your own fault.

Huh?

I showered you with love. But yet again, you have fallen short of my expectations.

This place...

Is something bothering you, Suzette?

I remember. I'm getting a strong sense of deja vu.

And that room... I don't know why, but it's like it's calling to me.

Hey, Suzette.

What are you doing?

This room is unique. It doesn't exist in Lab 1.

Professor Karin... I heard the rumors about her.

Of the seven professors, she was the only one to treat her subjects as children, give them names, and show them affection. And those children formed the basis of her genome improvement experiments.

So this kids' room is an indication of her abnormality.

......

Ah!

Hush! You must keep quiet!

Don't worry. Are you the children taken from L Block?

Y-Yes...

I'm sorry we're so late. But we came to rescue you.

Please... Please save my brother!

Hey, I know you.

You're the blue-haired boy's little sister, aren't you?

He's the only one they took! I just know they're doing horrible things to him!

Please, I beg of you. This is all my fault. I should never have opened up the barrier to our classroom. I should have listened to Ruina...

This is not your fault. The blame lies solely with the ones who put you in this position.

We will save you. So be strong.

*sniffle* Brother...

Don't cry.

Hey, Sevyn!

Has your brother ever cried in front of you?

No... He's always comforting me whenever I cry.

Of course he is. I have confidence in him. Your brother isn't going to sit back and abandon you.

So have a little faith. If you have time to cry, then there's something else you could be doing. He is my disciple. And shamans are strong.

Okay! Thanks, Funny Glasses!

Funny Glasses?!

These are goggles! They help me see lesser spirits whose voices I can't hear.

Suzette... What's wrong?

......

Suzette?

They have the picture book. The Princess of the Netherworld...

I was once in this lab. And I read this book... All I really remember is my love of The Princess of the Netherworld, and the name Kirytte.

Kirytte?

But that means my whole personality...

I can't remember anything else. Who am I?

Long, long ago... There was a village. And in this village lived a girl. This girl had a mysterious power. But this power caused the other villagers to fear her. Before long, they had given her a nickname. The Cursed Princess of the Netherworld...

The blue-haired boy isn't here?

Neither is Ogre Rancorem. Or this Karin person.

L-Look over there!

Another me! Oh no... She's not breathing!

Oh no! Where are they hiding?

My, oh my. You certainly are impressive, getting all the way here.

That voice...

I was right to change location. I can't have you getting in the way of my experiments.

You coward! Where are you hiding?

What kind of fool stays in the same place, knowing full well that there are trespassers attacking the premises?

Are you the one who killed her?

Oh? Are you... There can be no doubt about it! You're Suzette!

......

Sh-She's me?

What have we here? You're Suzette as well?! I never thought I'd get to meet two Suzettes after crossing the time layers. You've made your mother so happy! You won't betray the love I gave you, will you?

I think I'm going to throw up. Don't you ever call me by that name.

Then... Then you're the Twilight me?

Disappointing as it is to find out that the me from the trunk layer is actually a ditzy frill-clad girl, yes. I am you.

Ditzy?!

Grrr! You sound just like the Twilight Isuka!

This is good... It is proof that you are growing out of your rebellious phase.

In my time layer, you died a couple of years ago, after a tiny little mishap. You have no idea how happy this makes me, being able to see you again.

Tiny little mishaps don't tend to kill people...

Wait. You're saying the Midnight Suzette died two years ago? Then who's the spearwoman?

I was so sad when we lost little Suzette. I almost quit my research over it.

Is that so? Or did the loss of your research results simply make your position untenable?

Oh, there's no need to be so mean. I really was but one step away from being exiled from the lab. But it looks like there's been some kind of misunderstanding, Suzette. I could never have killed Galette. Because she was dead all along. I just hurt her enough to stop her from moving.

She was dead all along?

That's not possible! She's just talking nonsense!

No. She's telling the truth.

I had assumed she was a complete stranger... But seeing her in front of me, I feel myself welling up.

Wake up. I know you can do it. Because you...

You can't die?

That's right. Or, more accurately, I'm already dead.

So don't come any closer. I disgust you, don't I?

Of course not. You're my big sister!

Big sister?

Teehee! I'm the Princess of the Netherworld, which makes you my big sister!

Wh-What are you talking about?

Aha! Found it! Come over here!

Princess of the Netherworld? You were talking about a picture book?

Read it to me! Pleeease?

You want me to...read to you? But me and other people, we don't really...

You won't? I've always dreamed of you reading to me.

......

Fine. But just this once.

Long, long ago...there was a village. And in this village lived a girl.

This girl had a mysterious power. But this power caused the other villagers to fear her. Before long, they had given her a nickname. The Cursed Princess of the Netherworld...

The girl was always alone. But there was one person who was kind to her.

Kirytte was her name. She would come to see her in secret and spend time with her, acting as her big sister.

They would talk, they would play... She would do the young girl's hair... Whenever they were together, the young girl felt truly happy.

But those days did not last long.

Because one day, a group of monsters attacked the village.

By the time the girl had got there, the village was already engulfed in flames. The monster assailants said to her, "You're the daughter of the mighty King of the Netherworld, who stole god's power." "We have come to bring you home. You must hate the humans. Use your power to kill the villagers."

The monsters chanted a spell, causing wings of jet black to grow from the girl's back.

The girl felt so sad. She really was the Princess of the Netherworld.

She attacked the monsters using her power. The monsters rejoiced in her great power as they fell.

The girl looked for Kirytte everywhere. She searched high and low.

By the time she found her, her breathing was growing more labored. Kirytte gently caressed the girl's hair as she drew her last breath.

......

What's wrong? Why've you stopped?

I can't be her. I can't die.

Oh... But someday you're gonna read me the rest, aren't you?

Weren't you listening? I told you I'd only read it to you this once. And besides... What have you been doing this whole time?

Teehee! Finished! Ta-dah! What d'you think?

My hair...

Now we're matching! It's proof that we're the best of friends!

Your body is immortal, isn't it? Toova.

Toova? As in, from twenty-thousand years ago?!

Toova?

My, how clever you are. Unlikely as it sounds, yes.

Yes. She is a witch who has lived twenty-thousand years.

Though, my child's name is Galette, not Toova. When I found the child, it felt like fate. You see, one of the departments just generalizes my research and uses it to make money. That department was working with the Eastern Division on large-scale terraforming on the surface. That itself failed... But during the clean up, a report came in, saying they had found something amazing. And what they found was Galette. A roughly twenty-thousand-year-old human in unusually good condition.

Eastern Division? Terraforming? I've heard about that before... Ah, I remember! It was the research log. So that was about the Midnight Time Layer?

You mean the thing we found with Caviar?

But there's no way a human could live for twenty-thousand years...

Lab 6, which specializes in ancient magic research, was able to explain that for us. This human was a witch who used necromancy to gain an immortal body. This magic was originally intended to manipulate the dead, but she cast the spell on herself as well. Making her a living corpse... Like a zombie from the movies.

So that's why you said she was dead all along...

My biggest challenge was always that the power of the perfect genome puts a huge strain on the human body. But an immortal body that can keep on resurrecting? Galette gave me the most spectacular results. Far, far superior to my research on you, Suzette.

I see. I wondered why Lab 2 appeared to be the one in control... But that's why. Because you acquired a body able to withstand the burden of the perfect genome. Your project was a success.

But it appears that living for twenty- thousand years does in itself create quite the strain on a body. Which was why I deleted her memories. I couldn't bear to see her so pitiful.

As if that's why you did it! Such a vast quantity of memories would have hindered her control module!

In my time layer, you increased the module output to such an extent that she lost her entire personality!

Her flesh may have been immortal, but her spirit wasn't.

Oh, how sad. But a good girl would live up to the expectations of a good parent. This is your last chance, Galette. Seize all humans in here, excluding yourself of course.

Urgh!

My body...belongs...to Professor Karin...

Ngh! My head! I mustn't hurt you...

...... Shame. Then I'll feed you to Financier as well.

Wh-What was that roar? That didn't sound good...

I've felt this power before...

Is that...an ogre?! What's an ogre doing in this era?

Blue hair, shredded clothes... Is this that girl's brother?!

That's right. He's hardly recognizable now, is he? How strong he is!

Aaargh! No... My memories... Ogres... Titans... Pador... Ngh! Back then, I...

Toova?! What's wrong?! As soon as you saw that demon...

Oh dear, what a mess. Looks like her thousands of years worth of memories are coming back and her control module is bursting under the strain. At this rate, she'll be brain dead at best. At worst, she'll continue to suffer, still never dying.

Oh no...

Su...zette...

Toova... You promised you'd read me the rest of Princess of the Netherworld when I came back from my first battle. Remember?

You really did like that book, huh? I always thought I was like Kirytte, pouring love over my underprivileged children. I'm glad I was given that book.

Be quiet! Toova was Kirytte, not you!

Please, Toova... Read me the rest of the book...

The girl looked for Kirytte everywhere. She searched high and low.

By the time she found her, her breathing was growing more labored. Kirytte gently caressed the girl's hair as she drew her last breath.

It was all her fault, the girl thought as she cried. Her tears fell...

"Upon Kirytte's cheek. And do you know what happened next?"

"The girl's wings turned a dazzling white, and Kirytte awoke."

Toova!

I told you before. I can't die... Which means I can't be Kirytte. But I was wrong. I was already dead. Until I met you...

You never came back after your first battle. I thought I'd never be able to keep my promise to read you the rest of the book...

I thought the same.

"The smiling Kirytte said to the tear-drenched girl." "You are no Princess of the Netherworld. You are an angel sent by god."

Haha... You're too late. I'm too old to be an angel now.

I'm a demon now. At least as far as she's concerned.

Ngh! Show some respect toward your mother!

You know, those two aren't the only ones you should be worried about. That kid showed real promise. I don't think he's gonna let you get away with this, either.

You dreadful kids. Why do you refuse to understand my love? I made these pathetic, orphaned children special.

Well, that's enough for today. Once this research is complete, no one will ever question Lab 2's authority.

Come along, Financier!

The wolf has taken off its sheep's clothing. The only thing you love is yourself.

There's no way around it! The only way to stop him is to counter-attack!

I may have only been sent here as your support. But now, this is personal.

Another me! Though, I guess you're not. But that doesn't matter. I will protect you, no matter what. Please, hide!

I will fight too... To protect you!

Tch... He's not getting weaker. Is he immortal, too?

Unfortunately, immortality is a strength unique to Galette. Though I believe Lab 6, which handles ancient research, is looking into this ability...

But Lab 2 is more than enough. The power of the Ogre Genome is greater than imagined!

Ogre Genome? Does that have something to do with Ogre Rancorem?

Indeed it does. Ogre Rancorem provided the gene data.

It was just good luck that we were able to discover it in this time layer so quickly!

You found it in this time layer? (Does that mean it's my Ogre Rancorem's future form?)

I know that the ogres were destroyed by the humans, but physically, they had strong, nonstandard potential. Basically, what they lacked was strategy and tactics to rival that of the humans... But my control module can take care of that deficit. And then I will have unbeatable soldiers at my disposal.

But how can you turn human children into ogres? ogres are descended from the titans, who were cursed by the Dark God.

Well... The boy has strong titan blood.

He has titan blood?!

But how could you turn children into ogres?

Well... The boy has strong titan blood.

Wha?! Titan...?

They were a race of giants who lived in the ancient times. Biologically, they are defined as an extinct species... But they did not go extinct. They mutated into ogres.

So, here's a little lesson in genetics for you. When you compare genomes of bodies from this era to excavated bodies from antiquity, you see an interesting change. About twenty-thousand years ago, genome information thought to belong to another species started to be mixed in.

And now, twenty-thousand years later, almost all humans have it.

And the genome information you're talking about comes from titans?

Titans are ancestors of the ogres. So if their titan blood is strong enough, then humans can turn into ogre soldiers.

The greater the amount of elementals in your body, the greater the chances of becoming an ogre. If I mass produce ogre soldiers and keep them in line with the control module, then I will have the strongest army known to man.

That's a very one-sided view. If they don't have an elemental grounding and can't turn into an ogre... Then you will have no guarantees over head count. Your dream of having an army is just that, a dream.

Don't underestimate my scientific prowess. We are only in the experimental phase right now... But once my methodology is set, we move on to the generalized phase, where I can expand my test subjects as I see fit.

You're desperate. You'd really go that far just to bring down this time layer's Cardinal Vestige?

Cardinal Vestige?

Pfft. You seem to have misunderstood entirely. To assume such a thing, I take it the Cardinal Vestige of your time layer wants to draw the "trunk" closer to its own?

We think a little differently. We are not after such a short-term fix.

What? Then what are you planning?

Our aim is to usurp the trunk entirely. To ravage this time layer with my ogre army and seize supremacy. Much more reliable than clinging to a foliage time layer that might disappear at any second.

Trust KMS to think of something like that.

We won't let you do that!

Ogre Rancorem...

Be quiet and listen. You consider yourself wise to be meddling with our kind. But you are too arrogant. You will regret making an enemy of us.

O-Ogre Rancorem?! What are you doing there? I thought I stored you in the other room...

Hmph. Don't lump me in with them. I am not so weak or foolish as to fall into the hands of someone like you. Let's go, Aldo! We will feast on that miasma!

Okay! We will get that boy back!

Grooorgh!

It's useless! Come, ARP1-Steller!

ARP1-Steller. That identification code...

She's the Midnight us. Definitely.

Heh. I just need to block your demon sword, and then there'll be nothing you can do. If luck is on my side, perhaps I could even defeat you and get myself a second Ogre Rancorem.

And with a spare, oh think of the experiments I could do. They would make you sick to your stomach.

You're inhumane! Because of you, Suzette...

Toova was sacrificed!

We'll back you up, Aldo! We have to save that boy!

......

Sevyn?!

Oh, we have a runner! What a wise decision. Capture the rest of them, ARP1-Steller!

She's so strong! Even up against all of us!

But of course. At this moment in time, her solo abilities far surpass that of the ogre. You should have escaped while you had the chance. This is perfect for me, though. This will give me some new test subjects. Some new children.

You thought I ran away, did you?

Huh?! Where's that voice coming from?!

You mentioned something when you were blabbering on before. Y'know, titan this, elemental that... Blah blah blah.

Look, I'll get straight to the point. I have way more elementals in my body than this kid.

What are you saying?! All that means is you'd make a brilliant test subject!

Kid, you're conscious, aren't you? I'm gonna lend you some of my elementals. Their power will force back the miasma within you.

Graaargh!

Your little sister's waiting for you. Come back to yourself, for her sake.

He's back to normal!

My research...

Aha! If I can't have him, I'll just use the sister instead!

I'll go to her right away and...

We cannot let that happen!

Eep?! You would lay your hands on your own mother?!

Calm down, I won't kill you. You're not worth killing.

Wh-What was that?!

The virus has activated! We'll be dragged into the other time layer if we don't do something!

This way! I have secured the shortest route!

Biaka! What's the Special Mobile Unit doing here?!

The topic at hand is immediate movement to a state of emergency, yes? Having a COA, even an imperfect one, infiltrate into KMS City will be difficult to spin for the news.

You, find the children! I'll go with them.

Sorry I'm late. When I heard you'd infiltrated the lab, I had to move up my plans... And I could hardly follow you in here without a safe plan of retreat.

Sorry, um, ma'am? We don't have much time...

It's fine. You're not experts. This is our job, and yet my organization still dragged its heels. It's me who should be apologizing.

The rest of the kidnapped group hasn't escaped yet. They're in another room. We have to go rescue them.

If you mean the other four from IDA School, my colleagues have already led them out. You're the only ones left. So hurry!

No, we can't go yet. We haven't recovered the other Ogre Rancorem!

Oh yeah! But where is it?!

Leave the sword to me. You should head out.

But you might...

I sowed these seeds. So I should be the one to reap them.

Isuka...

What are you waiting for?! Let's get out of here, now!

My...research...

This is unforgivable. ARP1-Steller! Capture that man who claimed to be a shaman!

......

Did you not hear what I just said? Do as you're ordered, now!

Huh?

ARP1-Steller, what are you doing? You have...the wrong...target...

I apologize, Professor Karin... I was ordered to get rid of you should you cease to be useful.

The lab's disappearing...

Do you think the Twilight Isuka managed to escape?

I don't know. But I have to believe that she did. It's not like we can go back and look for her now...

So, is it over?

I just heard from the Administrator. The SMU's ship was able to take on all the kidnap victims and escape. Now all that's left on Leo's shoulders is the fate of the Twilight Time Layer.

......

We've played our part, even if it did end up quite different from the original plan.

It does seem like such a long time ago that we were fighting against the blondes over the life of that KMS executive.

Will you both return to the Twilight Time Layer?

Eventually. But I'll be staying here for now as this Leo guy's insurance.

......

Urgh. Don't stare at me like that.

The real another me...

Huh?

We may have walked down different paths, but we are both steeped in darkness. I'm glad I was able to meet you. A strange twist of fate... No, the great will of Aksha brought us together.

Yeah, can someone translate that for me?

I'm still finding it hard to believe that she is me.

*giggle* You used to talk like she does, a long time ago. When you were still doing your hair like how you did mine.

I don't know what you're talking about. I cut off the past, just as I did my hair.

Yes, but it will still grow back.

So, why don't we go back to Elzion?

Okay, it's time we got going.

What?! You're leaving already?!

It's too crowded here, I don't like it. I'm sure we'll meet again, if the fates allow.

And I'm gonna be waaay taller than you by then!

Not likely. Don't forget, I'm still growing, too.

Gah! I suppose.

This was short, but sweet. Farewell.

I'm getting a ton of notifications. They're all from Leo.

Hey. Looks like you managed to sort everything out. Now it's time I played my part. I'm already dressed for it.

We'll see you off. Where should we go?

I know. If you can get into KMS City, why not drop by? I have a little villa there. It's not much, but I'll be sure to give you a warm welcome.

Leo's villa?!

We'll be there right away! In this moment, I will be your light!

I thought you were supposed to be steeped in darkness?

Haha, I look forward to it. I'll send you over the location. See you there.

He doesn't wait around, does he?

He must want to leave before they change their minds.

I'm not remotely interested in seeing him off. I'm going back to IDA.

Sevyn... Thank you! Say hello to Saki for us!

Our numbers have taken quite the hit... But let's go to KMS City, to see Leo off.

This is Leo's villa? Are you sure?

Ah, there you are. The door's open, so come on in. I must warn you, this is more of a business villa, so it wasn't really intended for hosting guests.

I-I feel like I'm in a dream!

Oh, if only I'd recorded him saying "Come on in" on the sound orb!

What are you waiting around for? I'm going in.

Wait! I wanna go in first!

She's insane... She's acting like he's royalty.

Welcome. I myself can't stay for long, but please, make yourselves at home.

This is your house? It's so noble and sacred!

If it's sacred, how come you're still here, Suzette?

The Princess of the Netherworld is not a demon! Don't conflate the two!

Dewey, you're getting pretty good at dealing with Suzette.

Anyhow. Well done, all of you.

So, should we contact the Twilight Cardinal Vestige again? I'd like a final confirmation.

You want...to contact them?

Oh no! But we split up from the Twilight two when we got to Elzion!

Oh yeah! And though Curio is from the Twilight Time Layer, he has no connection to Cardinal Vestige...

Not to worry. I actually have one more guest here.

You don't mean...

Isuka!

I failed in my mission. I couldn't find the demon sword.

I wish I could be so irresponsible to say it's not going to be a problem... But I'm glad you're back safe.

You always find a way to get under my skin, Brother.

......

We can discuss Ogre Rancorem later.

Right now, we need to contact Cardinal Vestige.

Right... I'll put you through.

This is Agent Isuka. Cardinal Vestige, please respond.

This is Cardinal Vestige. It appears you are all together.

Yes. They came to see me off.

Agent Isuka has given us a summary in her periodic report. She informs us that the plan itself proceeded without a hitch, even if there was an unexpected failure. Our data transmitter readings also show that the Midnight Sapient Complex has been successfully deported.

Then let's proceed with our final confirmation. Once this call is over... I will head to the Twilight Time Layer and endeavor to restore KMS until your risk of being pruned has disappeared.

And so long as you stick to that proposal, we at the Twilight Cardinal Vestige will not meddle with the Dawn KMS.

Right. That's what we agreed at the airport.

Well, I guess this is goodbye for now.

No feeling lonely without me. And no crying in my absence. Okay, Sebastia?

Huh?

Wha?! Don't be stupid! I'm not gonna cry!

Whoa! You startled me!

Sebastia didn't come running to me... But she did at least join in by phone.

Hmph. If you fail, it puts my granddad in danger! You'd better do a good job while you're over there, okay?

Of course. Thanks, Sebastia.

Quit it! Why're you thanking me? Forget it, I'm hanging up. Bye bye!

Sebastia's surprisingly upfront...

Are you done with your goodbyes?

Yes. Sorry to keep you waiting. I can depart at any time now.

Agent Isuka, please escort him to the gate. We look forward to meeting you in our time layer.

Are you sure this is a good idea, Leo?

What, are you worried about me? It's going to be okay. It was my wish to break free of this place. So in the end, I got what I wanted.

I guess I'll be on my way now. Feel free to use my villa while I'm away.

He's gone.

So... What do we do now?

I would kinda like to talk to you all a bit more, while we're all together.

Teehee. I know just the place!

Strange. I think I know where you're going to say...

Ahem! I think we should go to the earthly paradise where this whole thing started...

And hold a victory banquet at La Vie En Rose!

We're here! Welcome home!

I reserved all the terrace seats as thanks for last time!

Y-You reserved them all?

I-Is that really okay, Suzette? Surely it costs a small fortune.

Teehee, you think I can't afford it? I am Princess of the Netherworld, and a first rate hunter!

This party is in honor of my comrades, with whom I escaped from the clutches of death. I can hardly let any of you pay!

Haha, well, if you insist.

Might I join in?

Of course! I really want for you to try a full meal of all my favorites!

Then let's go to this feast of frenzy!

......

Isuka?!

Y-Yes... What is it, Suzette?

You can't keep any secrets from me, not while my Evil Eyes shine black. You've barely joined in the fun. I can tell you're worrying about something. So what's on your mind?

Well...

I don't want to worry you, not when I don't have any proof.

Don't be so secretive, Isuka! Tell us. I may not be Suzette, but we really did escape from the clutches of death together.

And except for me, everyone else here must be close, since you're all from the same lab.

I would also like to hear it. I have a feeling it concerns me, too.

......

You're right. I'm sorry. It's a bad habit of mine.

It's really not a big deal... But I can't help myself from wondering. Did the Twilight me really fail to recover that sword?

It sure did seem like she gave up pretty easily, given that she considered it her responsibility to find it.

Maybe she was being headstrong, or maybe she plain gave up on it. Either could be possible with her. She may be another me, but I really can't read her. It's so frustrating.

But if she did lie, why? What is she after?

I don't know. It just didn't seem like she was being completely honest with us.

It's just, I have a bad feeling... About Leo. He must have arrived in the other time layer by now. I wonder if he's doing okay.

Oh? Is this the airport? I had assumed there'd be a few more people around...

What a beautiful twilight. Looks like this really is the Twilight Time Layer then.

What kind of welcome is this?

No hard feelings, Leongrantze Figaro San. But things have changed. It has been decided that you will be imprisoned here in our Twilight Time Layer. We have the consent of the highest decision-making body of your Dawn Time Layer.

......

The highest decision-making body? I guess they must be to you.

So this was just a trap?

Dawn Cardinal Vestige, you will regret this.

Princess, Princess, Princess of the Netherworld...!

Teehee! Now we'll have even more opportunities to come to La Vie En Rose together.

I'm so happy that we're able to have another tea party today...

What is this?!

Why is the lab...

There you all are!

Why do you all look so serious? Did you forget all about the new desserts I pre-ordered?!

Suzette, calm down and look at this video. I couldn't let my misgivings go, so I had a camera installed on site. This is video from that camera.

On site?

Wha?! But we sent that lab back! How is it there again?!

Look closely, Suzette. It has a different emblem.

Y-You're right! I've never seen that before...

I wouldn't expect you to recognize it. That's the Cardinal Vestige symbol. Which means...

It's the Twilight Sapient Complex. The Twilight Cardinal Vestige have decided to pay us a visit.

There you are.

You're not contacting across the time layers. So the transfer was successful?

You have done well, Agent Isuka. We greatly appreciate the fact that you brought back the memory stick containing the virus under the circumstances.

I just did as I was told. It was most clever of you to have me analyze the transfer system in the deportation virus.

Analysis was required in order to send it back. That is all. Don't be so humble. Especially not when you've retrieved the demon sword connected to the origin of humanity.

......

It was truly outstanding work. We promise the freedom of your brother-in-law for this. We pray you will continue to act for the sake of mankind, Agent Isuka.

Hah. He was right.

I was aptly named. I really am the betrayer.