Lamentations, Manifestations

What?! That's the Twilight Sapient Complex?!

So the Twilight lab just replaced the Midnight one?

But, how? Didn't the Twilight Isuka say... That the Twilight Time Layer doesn't have the technology to send something that big across the time layers?

She did, and I do think she was telling the truth, as it stood at the time. I had always been under that same impression.

So how did they acquire it? The only chance they had was when Isuka installed that virus to deport the lab.

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.

She must have installed a program to steal their time layer travel technology along with the virus.

Come to think of it, I did feel pretty apprehensive about that at the time. It just seemed so reckless of her. If only I'd taken a moment to inspect her virus...

Don't blame yourself. We had to rescue those children as quickly as possible.

She was one step ahead of us. She knew how to take advantage of our time pressure.

It looks like we threw this victory party a bit too soon... There is only one thing for it. We must attack the other lab as swiftly as possible!

Let us commence this crusade! Let us delve into the belly of the Twilight Cardinal Vestige!

As much as I would love to do that, it's not going to be that easy.

Huh?

It would be faster to hear from her directly. I'll switch to loudspeaker.

Are you all there? This is Renri, from COA.

COA installed the cameras in this facility... The Sapient Complex, was it? On Isuka's request.

So they're COA cameras? I just assumed you'd got the IDEA Operator to do it.

IDEA cannot exercise its power outside of IDA grounds, so I had to rely on COA's help here.

And we had to wait for an official search warrant first, so it took some time to get moving. We've got more than enough data to make up for our late start...

But the results show that the barrier they're using to block the entrance isn't the same as the last one.

So it's not a Time-Space Structure?

No... At the very least, the device you got from KMS won't work against it. Our special unit is looking into it, but it will take some time.

Oh, I'm sorry. I should be getting back to work soon...

Thank you for your help, Officer Renri. You must be busy.

Well, it's just paperwork really.

Oh, I nearly forgot. One more thing...

Have you heard anything about Cetie?

Officer Cetie? No, why?

It's nothing really. It's just, in spite of everything going on, he's taken a paid vacation. He never takes vacation.

Anyway, if you don't know, then you don't know. Don't push yourselves too hard, okay?

......

We should probably be concerned about Cetie...

But for now, what do we do about this barrier? Do we need the KMS task force again?

I'm not sure. Unlike with the Midnight lab, the Twilight Sapient Complex has only just arrived in our time layer. No matter how fast they move, I doubt the task force will have even been summoned yet.

Speaking of KMS... I wonder how Leo is faring in the Twilight Time Layer?

The Twilight Sapient Complex arrived as soon as Leo departed, like they were switching places.

We have to assume that they were always planning to betray him. He's most likely been taken into custody.

Oh no... Poor Leo...

Then we have to rescue him!

We do... Sentiment aside, Leo is the leading authority on time layer technology. Leaving him there puts us at a huge disadvantage.

We may have had our ups and downs with Leo, but at the very least, he's been a good ally to us in this. How would we rescue him, though?

I'll take you there.

Curio?

I almost forgot... You were in a similar position to me. You were a disciple of a foreign land. When I was summoned to this mortal plane from the Netherworld, I took a magic path linking the two worlds together...

Yes. It's something like that, I suppose...

The Twilight Cardinal Vestige set up a time layer gate prior to enacting their plan. That's what I used to get here. It stands to reason that we can also use it to travel the other way. However...

They'll be expecting you this time. Which means it won't be nearly as easy to cross.

Right. This is going to be a challenge.

But there's no time to waste! Where is the time layer gate?

Toto Dreamland.

Toova?

Interesting. It sounds like the Midnight gate isn't far from ours, then.

As Toova says, the gate is within Toto Dreamland, the old, disused theme park.

Toto Dreamland? I used the Haunted Chateau terrace to get in last time.

W-Wait a moment. You say that like it's obvious... So you've been there before, Aldo?

Oh, yeah. It's kind of a long story. I wasn't exactly there for fun.

Are you ALWAYS off on an adventure?

These things just seem to happen. Anyway, how do we get in this time?

Perhaps we should approach from the main gate. That should be the easiest to navigate.

Okay then. Let's head to Toto Dreamland!

It looks so desolate here.

I hear them, the ghosts of the wretched jesters abandoned in this paradise of lost dreams. Oh, how they weep...

Oh, you hear the ghosts, too?

Gah! Y-You mean there really are ghosts?!

Teehee... I was joking.

It really didn't sound like a joke...

You said that the Midnight gate was here, as well as the Twilight one? So why here? Are they using this derelict, run-down island because no one would ever stumble across the gates here?

Oh... So the reason for the park's closure was never uncovered in the Dawn Time Layer?

There were rumors, of strange happenings.

Like a roller coaster disappearing into thin air while it was still running.

Or a path appearing between areas, that everyone swears was never there before.

Or ghosts appearing in the haunted house, that weren't part of the show.

Or people who'd never shown up swearing they'd been there the whole time...

You're still going? You're a real expert on this!

The thing is, you're thinking about it the wrong way around. This place...

What was that noise?! It sounded like an explosion!

It must be a fight! Sounds like someone got here before us!

We should find out what's going on. Come on, over there!

Attacking us on sight. Not very polite of you.

Honestly, are even the adults in this time layer naive little pacifists?

On the battlefield, a surprise attack IS polite. You can't get upset if you're already dead.

So this is a battlefield to you? There we were, thinking this was just a nice place to take a stroll. But fine. We'll take you on.

That form... Are you psychics?

Nice party piece. This should be fun.

Wait!

You were the ones making all that noise? You two from the Twilight Time Layer, and the Chrono Clan?!

You two know Aldo?

Wait, YOU TWO know Aldo?

And just like that, I've lost all interest. You have such bad timing.

Same. Let's put the Psychic Ego away, Mildy.

Long time no see, Aldo. Going around with other girls, are we? Poor Amy.

Wha?! I-It's not like that!

No need to get so flustered. I was just joking with you.

You're so mean, Mildy... Say something, Clughorn.

Mildy? Clughorn?

Whoa! You're Dilmy and Horgclun from Paradream! Aren't you? Aren't you?!

You know them, Suzette?

Well, yeah! I'm not exactly an expert or anything...

But they're REALLY famous! They're absolutely HUGE in Eeza. They're living legends that come and go like the shadows.

Their band's full name is Paradoxical Dreamers, and they're the vocalist and guitarist respectively. Oh, and according to sources, these two are in a love triangle with some friend from their childhood.

I thought you said you didn't know much about them? You listen to far too much gossip, Suzette!

Paradream? What's that?

Well, I'm not exactly an expert or anything...

But they're REALLY famous! They're absolutely HUGE in Eeza. They're living legends that come and go like the shadows.

But their band's full name is Paradoxical Dreamers, and they're the vocalist and guitarist respectively. Oh, and according to sources, these two are in a love triangle with some friend from their childhood.

I thought you said you didn't know much about them? You listen to far too much gossip, Suzette!

Sounds a little different from the Mildy and Clughorn I know. Are you two really in a band?

*giggle* You can come sit in our VIP section next time we tour in Elzion.

Um... Thanks, I guess?

Anyway, I thought you two needed the Ogre Key to unleash the Psychic Ego. You can do it without the key now?

It is the duty of we Neohumans to continue to evolve.

There are various artifacts other than the Ogre Key to trigger the Psychic Ego.

Wait, you came here with the Ogre Key last time as well. Why come back? Is there something here?

Of course. We wouldn't choose this abandoned theme park as a stopover point without good reason.

We're not here out of sentimentality, to reminisce on our childhood outings. This is a special place for the Chrono Clan. It is essential for our work.

So why are YOU here? What possible business could you have in this place?

Umm, well...

Should we tell them? The Parallel Time Layers are so complicated, I don't even know how to explain it...

Parallel Time Layers? I never expected those words to come out of your mouth, Aldo.

Huh? You've heard of them?

Yes... They're not irrelevant to our Chrono Clan work.

It's actually what we came here to investigate. The figures showing traffic between the time layers have surged massively in this region recently.

But it looks like we have nothing to worry about. The figures were for a time layer gate that has nothing to do with us.

But on our way back from our investigation, we ran into these two.

You're here about that gate, aren't you? Getting yourself tangled up in yet more trouble... Will you never learn?

Come and see us if anything happens. We'll be in the Satellite Stadium for the time being.

Are you sure?!

Of course. We owe Aldo for that thing at the Stadium... And our little quarrel over the relic is water under the bridge, right?

Satellite Stadium?

Oh, you don't know it? If you come visit the East, you'll find it soon enough. I know we've quarreled in the past over that relic... But that's all water under the bridge now, right?

Satellite Stadium?

Oh, you don't know it? If you come visit the East, you'll find it soon enough. I know we've quarreled in the past over that relic... But that doesn't make us enemies for life.

Okay, I'll bear that in mind.

Okay, we should be heading off. Clughorn...

Right. Let's go back and report to Kamlanage.

And just so you know... We're still minors. Just like you.

He's much more anxious than he looks. Sorry.

No way is he a minor. He looks so old and haggard...

Um, I know what you're trying to say, but maybe don't put it like that? He looks so mature. That's what you mean, right?

Dewey, Suzette, can I check something with you? The Twilight two, that is. Did you know that the Twilight Sapient Complex had come to the Dawn Time Layer?

We'd guessed as much, though we weren't informed about it. The barrier at the lab entrance won't open to us, and we've had radio silence from Cardinal Vestige.

So we were planning to go back to the Twilight Time Layer and ask someone there about it. But then we ran into those two on our way to the time layer gate... And, well, you know the rest.

I see. We actually came here in order to visit the Twilight Time Layer as well. Though realistically, with Leo being taken hostage, we'll be one step behind them in everything.

So we share a mutual interest again? Fine, we've come this far already. Turning you away would be more hassle than it's worth.

We were never really on Cardinal Vestige's side. We just never had the freedom to make our own decisions. I would gladly return to the field if I'm given free rein.

Then we're in this together. The time layer gate is just down that narrow, blocked-off path...

Deep within Toto Dream Ocean. The monsters there aren't nearly as friendly as they are in Dreamland. We'll need to be careful.

It looks like a dead-end...

No, this is it. This pedestal holds the time layer gate.

All right, no problems activating it. But why isn't there anyone guarding it? Something isn't right.

Given how difficult it was to get here, maybe they didn't feel the need to guard it?

It's perfect for coming and going without anybody noticing. Is that why they put it in this abandoned park?

Oh yes, I never got round to explaining, did I? Do you remember what I said before? About how you were thinking about it the wrong way around?

No? Don't think we were there for that bit.

I'm sure we can work it out though. Continue.

Each time layer has a different level of scientific development, so this is just the prevailing view in the Twilight Time Layer. But it is thought to be incredibly difficult to generate and stabilize a man-made time layer wormhole in a set location. So, we use naturally-occurring time layer wormholes instead, that are then artificially stabilized. That's all a time layer gate is.

As you might have guessed, this one is no different.

For whatever reason, this island is a hotspot for these naturally-occurring time layer wormholes. And this chaotic intermingling of multiple time layers is what caused all the strange phenomena after the park opened.

At first, this just added to the experience, but soon the park visitors realized this was no laughing matter. Business ground to a halt shortly after, and the park had no choice but to close down.

With further research into the time layers, they eventually found out the surprising cause for all these incidents. And ironically, the park prospered for a second time as a strategic point to visit the other time layers.

This is a bit off topic, but it does sound like the Dawn Time Layer suffered the worst from these strange phenomena.

The rumors that Suzette mentioned probably did actually happen. As the trunk, the Dawn Time Layer will have to deal with a multitude of connected branch time layers.

Curio, can I ask you something?

You treat this as fact, and I never saw any point in doubting it... But I can't help but wonder, why are you so sure that the Dawn Time Layer is the trunk?

Ah, that...

Because it's obvious. It's on a completely different scale from the other time layers.

Isuka!

Ouch. I've had friendlier welcomes...

There's something I have to ask you. Only then will we know whether you're welcome with us or not.

What a strange thing to say. I'm already answering your question. In time layer distribution simulations, the layer with the most significant presence will always come to the center. And Dawn...

That's not what I wanted to ask you!

Please, try to calm down. Your soul is close to tears.

I'm sorry. I lost my cool.

I have only one question. I want to know if you were involved in the Twilight Cardinal Vestige's treachery. When we were in Leo's villa, you said you failed to retrieve the sword. Was that true?

Oh, the demon sword from the Midnight Sapient Complex? Well...

Wait. Look into my eyes and tell me. Don't you dare look away.

......

Fine. You win. The Twilight Cardinal Vestige has the sword.

What?! Why did you lie? Why did you say you didn't find it?

If you'd let me finish... I only found out afterward. It turns out another unit had infiltrated the Sapient Complex when we did.

Another unit? On top of the Special Mobile Unit guys?

Yes, the Twilight version of them. They retrieved the sword when no one was looking. Which was why I couldn't find it. If I'd kept on looking, I would have been sent off to Midnight for my troubles.

If what you're saying is true, was I only dispatched as a diversion?

......

Isuka...

To tell the truth, my gut is still telling me you're lying. But it does more or less add up.

Unless she lied because she knew how things were going to play out...

Honestly, you're all too suspicious... Looks like I'll have to play my hand then.

Isuka?! What are you doing?!

Interfere with fluctuations in the other time layers and they'll become unstable. Watch this, Curio.

This should do it. Let's make contact.

Contact?

Can you hear me?

Wait, is that...

Oh good, we're connected. I can't speak too loudly, but...

Leo! You're okay?!

Don't worry about me. They're not mistreating me, I have food in my belly, and a roof over my head. I am under house arrest, but I'm perfectly comfortable.

That is a relief. But...

Ah, yes. Allow me to officially state... This is not a recording. I make it my rule to never tell a lie, so I hope you can trust me.

He does come in useful, being able to prove his credibility so easily...

Did you meet the Twilight Cardinal Vestige? What are they after?

Did they want Ogre Rancorem for the same reason as Midnight? To take over Dawn using an ogre army?

Okay, I'll try to answer each of your questions in turn. First, as to whether I've met the Twilight Cardinal Vestige... That's a firm no. They never show themselves. In fact, they're so discreet that I don't know the whereabouts or identity of a single member of Cardinal Vestige.

No, we were never told who they were, either.

After command transferred from KMS, we only ever spoke via hologram when giving periodic reports or receiving orders.

Yes, I have had dealings with that hologram, too. They informed me that the Dawn Cardinal Vestige consented to my arrest.

So... The Dawn and Twilight Cardinal Vestiges have joined forces?

Most likely, yes. Regarding their intentions... At the very least, I don't think it's to rule over the Dawn Time Layer. Cardinal Vestige has had total control over the Twilight Time Layer ever since they defeated KMS... And they had never made any trouble until they discovered that the time layers could be pruned. Such an organization wouldn't suddenly turn around and decide to conquer a whole other time layer.

Certainly, if conquest was their goal, involving the Dawn Cardinal Vestige would be a pretty risky move.

Then their motives remain a mystery. That's nothing new. Almost everything about Cardinal Vestige is a mystery.

Right. Which is why I want you to find out what we're up against before you act so recklessly as to cross the time layers. As I said at the start, I am okay. I am more than happy to remain here and gather what information I can. I have sent a key person to your time layer. I want you to talk to him first.

What key person?

I should go now. If I talk too long, they may grow suspicious. I'm counting on you, Isuka. Introduce him to them.

That's that then. You can come out now.

Heheh... I was starting to get bored back there.

I'm that key person! I have come to you from afar, from the Twilight Time Layer, did you call it?

I recognize you from the records. You're from Lab 4...

Yep! I'm the ever-popular, ever- adored Professor Loah. Oh, I'm a genius scientist, too.

Loah? I think I've heard that name before.

You're a professor? You don't really look like one...

Heh. You're Zekir's pet project, ain't ya? Little word of advice, don't judge people on appearances if you don't want to get yourself hurt.

Sure. But also, don't overstate the truth if YOU don't want to get YOURself hurt, FORMER Professor Loah.

Hey! I've still got my job, just about!

Former Professor? Lab 4? What is all this?

Cardinal Vestige reshuffled the Sapient Complex staff after taking over from KMS, and Loah here's not making the cut.

Urgh, it's true. And the other world is full of ogres...

Anyway! When Cardinal Vestige turned up, they started meddling in everything. They even took away all my research! And I'm gonna get my revenge! So today's your lucky day! Let's go lay waste to the Sapient Complex!

Um... Even if we wanted to, there's no way to break through their barrier.

You seem to be forgetting that I'm a genius. I've already factored that into my considerations.

Weren't you listening before? I may be hanging by a thread, but I'm not an ex-professor yet!

My point being, I still technically work there! So my pass can get through the barrier! Well, probably!

Can we really trust this guy?

No matter how strong we may be, we are still just pawns on the chess board. But he isn't. Not yet, anyway. We should take advantage of him in whatever way we can, while we still can.

Hey, I can hear you! That's how you plan on treating me?!

Whatever. Let's cut the talk and make our next move already.

Right. Anxious as I am about this, let's head to the Twilight Sapient Complex.

He just slipped through the barrier? What technology is...

Premaya?

Master? I never thought I'd see you here.

I'm as surprised as you are. What on earth are you doing here?

I'm sorry, this must look so suspicious. Do you have something to do with this lab?

Um... I guess it's more like, I have something to do with someone to do with it. If you get me?

You make it sound so suspicious, Aldo...

As for me, I followed someone here.

Oh?

So, why are you standing out here? Do you work in this lab?

Oh, no, not at all. I'm sorry, this must look so suspicious. Do you have something to do with this lab?

Aldo... You make it sound so suspicious.

I'm Aldo. We have business in this lab.

I'm Premaya. I followed someone here.

But as you can see, I was turned away at the gate.

You followed someone? So does that person work at the lab?

No, he's an intruder. It looked like he broke through the barrier.

He did?! There's actually someone capable of such feats in the Dawn Time Layer?!

Wait, you're...

Oh, hahaha! Don't mind me. Please go on.

......

The person I was following appeared in my room one day, said what sounded like dying wishes, then disappeared.

He appeared? So was it a demon or an apparition or some other dubious spirit?

No, he was no demon or apparition. He was a human, with a physical form. Yet I knew I wasn't in any danger. It really unnerved me...

So you decided to pursue a soldier heading to his death?

Yes, though I'm sure he spotted me. Shadowing isn't exactly my strong suit... I couldn't get past this barrier though, so I was never able to catch up to him.

Wait a minute. I have a thought. What if he's the man I know from my time layer...

You. The one hiding behind Master, muttering to himself...

You. The one hiding behind Aldo, muttering to himself...

I knew it! You're that suspicious man who came up to me in the Gamma District the other day!

Eep! Busted!

Is this whole group made up of suspicious misfits?

So it's come to this...

There's no point in running. Flesh and blood have no...

Code White. Initiate temporary freezing of artificial hippocampus.

Huh?

Yes, my designer. Conducting maximum- depth blinding of all five senses.

......

What just happened? She's not moving a muscle.

She said you're her designer... Is Premaya a Synth Human?

A Synth Human?! Urgh, absolutely not. Premaya here is a fully-fledged human. Just, most of her body is machine. She's a cyborg, you see.

A cyborg?!

Indeed. Premaya is my most successful enhanced human. Of course, I worked on the Twilight specimen, not this one. But the Dawn me has clearly carried out the mechanization procedures on her all the same.

Ah! I finally remembered! I knew I'd heard your name before! So you're Premaya's maker!

Oh? So you know the me from this time layer?

I guess so... But the Loah from this time layer doesn't have a human form, so I didn't make the connection until now. You don't even talk alike...

Yeah, well I thought I'd make myself sound more edgy after the reshuffle. But you know all that about me, do ya? You two must be pretty close.

You created Premaya?! I guess you really are a professor then!

Hey, didn't you believe me? Do I really not look like enough of a scientist to you?!

Ugh, whatever... Anyway, I once spoke with the Dawn me. And we made a few decisions, so as not to get in the way of each other's research.

And one of those decisions was that I won't do anything uncalled-for to the Dawn Premaya.

So what you're saying is, you just put her to sleep?

Yup. Urgh, I'm so jealous of that other me. HE gets to carry on with his research, even when he's lost his lab and his body...

So... Why were you replaced? What did you do?

Heheh, he may have sunk pretty low now, but he was flying high back then. Back when KMS was his patron, and he could research whatever he liked.

The big shots absolutely lapped up my research. Mechanization would expand human potential, they said.

But it seems Cardinal Vestige wasn't so fond of mechanization. When the power shifted to them, they started screening us based on their own stupid value system. And just like that, my research was dead in the water.

This is my modest rebellion against them. I can't do much, but at least it's something.

The barrier!

I've played my part now. But I've got a favor to ask.

Take Premaya with you. She's also got an inseparable bond with the Sapient Complex. It'd be cruel to keep her seeing its demise.

Okay. I'm fine with that if everybody else is.

This group's already so big, one more won't make a difference.

Obviously we'll need to check with her when she wakes up...but fine.

Good. Much obliged.

Okay! I'm gonna borrow a hoverbike off Synth Hydra and get myself home!

I'm counting on you here. Code White rescinded.

Huh? What am I doing here? Wasn't I trying to apprehend some suspicious man?

Um, heheh. More importantly... You followed some guy here, right?

Right. And the barrier seems to have gone now, I guess I can continue my pursuit.

Would you like to go together? Who knows what could happen in there?

Sure. Thank you, Master.

Sure. Thank you, Aldo.

Okay... Let's find out what Cardinal Vestige is up to!

Tch... Staying on the defensive?

Your tactics give you away. You're from COA. And you're from the SMU.

Hey, you're pretty perceptive. You got all that from a fight?

Guess I can come out of hiding then.

What is the world coming to? The Administrator's operatives are acting as agents of Cardinal Vestige? Aren't you worried about the Administrator finding out about you? You're hardly being subtle.

I've got a plausible excuse for being absent, and I've got proof for it, too. Sure, that disruption to the investigation was a massive help. But something you've gotta remember...

Is that the Administrator knows of, and tolerates, Cardinal Vestige intervention, and always has.

The city of Elzion is on a knife edge. Anything could upset the balance. But he knows full well how disastrous it would be for the head of the whole administration to point that out.

Save it. I'm not interested in the outer world and its problems.

I'm from the underworld, after all!

What, you don't want to cooperate? But...

Checkmate.

What is this?

That's odd? It says there's a sign of life in here. Is someone there?

I'm not used to this. Waiting for someone without using perception inhibitors.

Rovella... Thank you for your help before.

I didn't do anything. It was all your own power.

No, I'm always being rescued. By my master, by the others... By you too, Rovella. Still, what are you doing here?

Don't worry. I'm not here to harm you.

Who are you?

I'm Rovella. A mechanized human from Lab 4, just like you.

So you're a cyborg. But why are you...

Good question. There's no particular reason, really. I just wanted to leave a message behind.

A message?

...... I'm not good with words. But... Don't be like me. Live an ordinary life, as a human. Don't let remorse get the better of you.

Wait! What are you talking about?

Rovella?

What was that tremor?

It felt close. And these Synth Soldier carcasses keep piling up...

This was skilled work. As I suspected when I heard he slipped through the barrier, he is no ordinary man.

I recognize this handiwork. It's the silent professional. Rovella from Lab 4.

So you know him? Because Rovella is the man I am following.

The man we know is him, yet isn't.

What's that supposed to mean?

It concerns the time layers, but there's simply no time to explain it now. Maybe once things calm down.

Rovella, though? He's definitely the best card to play if you want to infiltrate the lab...

I looked into him before. The Dawn Time Layer one's a pro contractor. He's not acting of his own accord.

But with Leo out of the picture, who would play such a card?

It's got to be the Administrator.

But if so, why isn't he using his own agencies? Where's the SMU, or COA?

Come to think of it, I haven't heard from him at all. I had assumed it was because I was just an intern...

But COA isn't that lax. Everyone with the power to investigate would normally be put to work.

Maybe it's not that he doesn't want to use his own agencies? Maybe he CAN'T use them?

We should get a move on. That man with the dying wishes, his life force is starting to fade.

Fade?

Then we shouldn't hang about here. Let's go further in.

We fight well together. Not bad for an impromptu team.

Well, yeah. When I realized you were Cardinal Vestige, I ran simulations of this day. You still hadn't realized that I was also Cardinal Vestige. Though I can hardly blame you there.

It wasn't easy being stuck with a partner with no image training.

What? That's supposed to be my line. I realized you were Cardinal Vestige long before you realized I was. I'm the one who was stuck with you.

Cardinal Vestige members aren't meant to acknowledge each other. So I had to pretend I didn't know who you were.

Well, same here. Stop pretending and admit you hadn't...

Wait. That's strange...

He's not here. Where's the intruder?!

You talk too much. Has all your official work made you soft?

So you've teamed up with him? You're the last person I thought I'd see here.

Hardy!

Ouch, so cold. Call me by my old name, like at the Tree of Eternity.

Ouch, so cold. Call me what you used to call me...

Yeah, we're kinda on a mission here. I left personal feelings in the locker.

Oh... Did you leave all your caution in there, too? See, Gray here really likes bones. Anything smooth and white and he's on it like nobody's business.

But he's a fickle thing. If he doesn't like 'em, he spits 'em straight out.

If you try to mess with our mission, I will make you regret it.

Hahaha! You're so funny...

Who d'ya think you're talking to? See, I think you left something else in that locker of yours. Something pretty important for people...

So let's start by you telling me where this locker is. I'll wrench it open, clean it out... And get you back!

There he is!

Rovella! I'm so glad you're safe.

Premaya?!

Didn't you listen to me? Why would you follow me here?

I don't really know. But...

You told me to live my life as a human. Abandoning you here isn't the human thing to do.

......

Cetie? Biaka?

And Hardy, too? What are you all doing this far in?

Good to see ya, Aldo. You know, I'd love to give you a nice explanation for this. But those guys are making that kinda difficult.

And who's this? What are you all doing this far in?

Hey, li'l bean sprout... The name's Hardy. You know, I'd love to give you a nice explanation for this. But those guys are making that kinda difficult.

Long story short, we two silver hunks here are awesome champions of justice.

I've never met this man before in my life. I always carry out infiltration missions alone.

Ouch, rejected. That hurts, it really does.

Anyway. This gorgeous couple here...

Are Cardinal Vestige's spies.

What?!

The lady from SMU...

And Officer Cetie?!

Isuka, wait! Cetie's...

Explain yourself, Officer Cetie! I want to hear this from you, not anybody else!

I'm sorry I never said anything. It's true, we work for Cardinal Vestige. Our job is to monitor the Administrator, to find out if the quantum computer's optimal solution really is our best option.

What is Cardinal Vestige up to? Do you know what they're planning next?

Of course I know. What of it?

Well...

As your superior, I'm ordering you to make a choice. There are only two options. Either you join me and work for Cardinal Vestige. Or you and your friends leave, and you pretend this never happened.

......

I respected you. But if you can't stand proud as a member of COA...

Then I'll have to do it for the both of us!

......

......

WAIT!

That voice...

Retro? And Clock?

Don't be so mean to Cetie! He'd never be the bad guys' puppet!

Sorry, Cetie. I would have stopped this, but a search bit doesn't have the power to control a combat one.

Retro's right, Isuka. Why don't we try and talk this out?

The truth is, I knew that they both worked for Cardinal Vestige. But they both have their reasons...

Right, Cetie? Right, Biaka?

The truth is, I knew that Biaka worked for Cardinal Vestige. But she has her reasons...

And I'm sure Cetie does, too.

*sigh* I would've liked to sound you out a bit more first, but I guess it's time.

I told you they'd be fine.

That's just stupid. We can't go easy on her just because we work together.

You're hanging out with the villains who attacked KMS and IDA School. I'd kinda like to know why.

Oh! I've only just realized how this must look to an outsider!

I don't really get what's going on... But whatcha gonna do, Cetie?

I... I'm going to revolt against Cardinal Vestige. I can't follow what they're now pushing for.

Oh? You're finally gonna bite back at them, are ya?!

I knew I'd persuade you eventually!

This has nothing to do with you. I decided this on my own.

That's the grit and determination I expect from a man who pulled himself up outta the slums!

Did you only fight me and try to provoke her to see if we were worth teaming up with?

Yeah, sorry about that. Truth be told, I didn't want to do it.

Cardinal Vestige is so secretive that even we don't know who else works for them. Anyone could be an agent. The only way to find out for sure is to admit that we work for Cardinal Vestige and fight it out.

Officer Cetie...

You don't need to say a thing, Isuka. I'm sure you have your reasons for working with those guys, too.

So... What about me, and what I did? Are you just going to overlook it?

To be honest, we don't yet have any laws about those from other time layers. And laws aren't retroactive anyway. Seeing as you're time layer travelers, there's no point in me getting involved in your affairs unless I catch you red-handed.

But you're willing to double-cross Cardinal Vestige? What plan could be so bad as to push you that far?

You should hear it first-hand. In their own words, free from bias.

So... We're all agreed to call a truce?

Good. Now...

I can finally tell off Rovella.

What?

You snuck up on me then ran off, leaving only words in your wake. It's cowardly. To the one left behind, it's like a curse... If living as a human means following your heart, then telling me to do so is a contradiction in terms.

I-I'm sorry... I see that now.

So, do you have a problem with me coming along? I am following my own heart, after all.

This is quite the party we have going here. Cardinal Vestige won't know what to make of us.

We should proceed through that door. Let's go give Cardinal Vestige a fright!

Okay! Let's do this!

Eighteen, nineteen, twenty...

Ngh!

Twenty-one... There's no point hiding from me.

There is more to add to my count. Nothing is infinite in this finite world.

He's dead.

This one, too... She's still warm.

Clock...

Search complete. I'm afraid there are no survivors in the area.

What's Cardinal Vestige gonna do without any members?!

This is horrifying. What happened here?

It stinks! Smells like the slums. It's the stench of a rotten place where life has no value.

Yes... Everyone here is dead...

Except for one.

Still on twenty-one...

Are you with Cardinal Vestige?

She's still in this time layer? This is like something out of a nightmare...

Hello, Midnight me. What if we were?

Nothing much. I'd just continue my count.

No matter how many members you slaughter, it won't have any effect on Cardinal Vestige itself.

You didn't even know that? You're just a brainless killing machine, huh.

If that's what you wish to believe.

But the way I see it, you are clueless.

What?

This is a tried-and-tested method to bring Cardinal Vestige to a complete shutdown. In my time layer, assets from the Sapient Complex were ordered to exterminate all members of Cardinal Vestige. The result? Complete and utter eradication of everyone who worked for Cardinal Vestige. We waited for their next move, but we never heard a peep out of them again.

Our time layer's Professor Loah... Our shadowy authority, analyzed it and concluded as follows.

(Professor...Loah?!)

Perhaps it was not that Cardinal Vestige refused to show their true form... It was that they had no true form to show. Because Cardinal Vestige is AI. Artificial intelligence.

No way! Why would they care about the well-being of all mankind if they're machines themselves?

Technically, it is possible. So the hologram was just to fool us into thinking they had physical forms? Something doesn't feel right, though... But what?

This is just a possibility, nothing more. Either way, exterminating all of its members did prove effective. And even in a different time layer, they'll still operate in the same way. So theoretically, the same method should work.

Do you remember how many people you killed doing this in the Midnight Time Layer?

...... That's a stupid question. Twenty- one thousand, six hundred... and ninety-two. That's my count. And all of that only got me to second place. Another war asset beat me to the top spot.

Twenty thousand lives...

No, not twenty thousand. Twenty-one thousand, six hundred and ninety-two. Don't disrespect the other one thousand, six hundred and ninety-two lives by leaving them out.

What?!

I'm sorry, everyone. But this me...

I just can't forgive her. No matter how terrible her past may have been.

(Oh no... Out of everyone here, Isuka ended up being the one most distressed by another possibility of herself?!)

Isuka, remember what I told you. She is not you!

......

I had assumed you'd try to get in my way. Not to worry, I had already factored it into my plans.

I think it's time I added your numbers to my count.

Switching to neuro-pain blocker. Boosting nervous system threshold to 140%...

(What am I doing? I thought I came here to thwart Cardinal Vestige's plans?)

She's far exceeding her body's limits! Yet she's still fighting?

(I let my emotions get the better of me. I didn't listen to Curio...)

We have the numbers, how is she overpowering us?!

(But... I don't have an outlet for these emotions...)

Professor Karin had some personality flaws, but she was an exceptional scientist. The control module she invented is truly incredible, pushing our body's limits leaps and bounds away from its normal range. Her expertise was shared with all labs as part of KMS policy, and it was applied to all assets as standard.

ALL labs? So the labs weren't self- contained in the Midnight Time Layer?

Isuka has the same module that Toova was given?

The control module is a double-edged sword. It forces the theoretical potential of your body to its absolute limit. You freed me from mine, but...

Isuka, you're manipulating your own module, aren't you? You're operating beyond your limits!

It's too late for my body anyway. Now that we've lost that kid... It is my duty to conquer this lab and send it back to its own time layer, tipping the balance back to my layer.

So that's what your goal is.

That voice!

The Twilight Cardinal Vestige! And that hologram is...

The Dawn Cardinal Vestige, yes. Upon negotiation, we have decided to share this Sapient Complex.

So you really did form a cross-time layer alliance?

This room acted as a relay station for the time layers. The Cardinal Vestige researchers may have all perished, but we saw the whole thing unfurl.

Agent Cetie and Agent Biaka... We ordered you both to watch this place. Have you betrayed us?

About that. I work for mankind.

So you betrayed long before we ever betrayed you.

I see. You think the instructions and requests we gave you are not in humanity's best interests? You are wrong. We still work for the good of humanity. Nothing has changed.

Then let me ask you something. Why did you take the demon sword? Why would you need it, if you're not going to enact Midnight's plan to take over the other time layers?

Very well. You have the right to know. Our plan...

Is to bring about the degeneration of all mankind from all time layers, including this one.

D-Did I hear that right?!

You goin' senile there, Cardi?

How is that supposed to be for the good of humanity?

Your confusion was to be expected. You see, you have fundamentally misunderstood what "humanity" means. Studies in the Midnight Time Layer found that modern-day humans actually have some titan DNA. So let me ask you... What percentage of you is pure human?

Well...

Toova, the immortal witch. You have done us a great service. By salvaging your memories, we were able to uncover some new information.

......

Wait. Leaving aside the details of these memories for now... From which Toova did you salvage them? The Midnight Toova is with us now. The Twilight Toova passed away...

And as far as I know, the Dawn Toova was never found. Which would mean...

Good question. I will repeat our objective.

To bring about the degeneration of all mankind from ALL time layers, including this one.

MORE Cardinal Vestiges?! I should have known!

My time layer is relatively close to that which you call the Midnight Time Layer. The witch specimen was provided by my time layer.

No way... This is getting out of control!

I'm not concerned about my fate. But what have I got to do with the titans and the degeneration of humanity?

To put it simply, we learned three key facts from your memories. There are two species of titans: Former Titans, and New Titans. The Former Titans perished from the "curse of mutation" they were given in ancient times. The New Titans were a curse-resistant variant. They and the humans mixed, eventually merging into one species. These facts led us to an optimal solution never considered before.

To degenerate humanity into titans and receive the curse of mutation.

That's crazy! Then we wouldn't be humans anymore!

You appear quite distressed. I can understand your urge to resist. It is merely a conditioned reflex that shows your temporary discomposure. So let me put this to you...

Imagine you were told that you could eliminate all these titan elements to create a perfect, pure human race. Would you still be feeling as distressed?

Well...

You wouldn't, would you? So let's look at this from another perspective... Let's suppose we ran some experiments... And found that actually, the majority of human cells were once derived from titan ones.

Now, you'd likely feel distressed again, right? Basically, this distress you feel is an issue of ratio and self-identity. It is merely an identity crisis caused by the incorrect assumption that you are practically 100% human. In time, you will come to understand, and it will cease to bother you.

That's not an answer! I don't see how your plan can possibly be for the good of humanity!

Do you still not understand? Titans have something humans don't. The curse of mutation.

Witch, you know what we are talking about. They led peaceful lives without wars, and their disappearance from history was quiet and without violence. That is because they were always destined to perish.

They never asked for that curse... They just accepted their fate and led a noble existence while they could, before their all-too-short lives came to an end.

Are you trying to say that the curse was for their own good?

Yes. Humanity and conflict go hand-in-hand. So we tried to control that urge, cautioning the young against it. But that can only go so far. The curse of mutation would eradicate conflict altogether. How can that not be for the good of humanity?

That doesn't make any sense.

This is some monster we're up against.

However, there is one thing for which I must apologize. Our degeneration plan cannot be achieved quickly. It will take generations to work. First, we will select those with strong titan genes from our own pool of humans, and have them reproduce. We'll repeat this over the generations until one day, we reach the farthest Eden, a world of degenerated humans. This will be a long, arduous project. So I'm afraid you won't be alive to see it.

You're insane. Completely and utterly...

It is a shame that you cannot understand. But I have faith that you will come around when you have calmed down.

Hey, wait!

I never in a million years would have guessed that this was their plan.

I just don't understand. We have to stop this.

I agree.

If we don't stop them, human science will become obsolete. And that couldn't be further from KMS's vision.

So what do we do? Do you have a plan?

Simple. Just eradicate every single Cardinal Vestige member from every time layer involved in this conspiracy.

What?!

Twenty-one thousand, six hundred and ninety-two. Whether it's ten times that or one hundred times that... There is a finite number of them. We just need to bury them all, and Cardinal Vestige will be silenced.

I was a fool to think even for a second that we could possibly work together.

I guess I'm insane as well. How could another possibility of myself have this much blood on her hands?!

Isuka, no!

(Another possibility of myself has just as much blood on his hands, too...)

(And because of that, I know what "this" me must do.)

I will save all the Isukas!

What's going on? Weren't we about to clash swords?

What was that light? My control module has ceased functioning...

I must withdraw. But why is my heart pounding like this?

Curio... What did you do?

I'm so glad...

I made it in time...

Curio!

......

Are you doing okay now?

Isuka...

I'm sorry. I nearly did something that could never be undone. If you hadn't stopped me, I shudder to think what would have happened.

That light before... Did you use your power to control others?

I have always known not to use my power. It suppresses free will, it distorts people's minds.

But back then...I just wanted to save you. And as a result, my power manifested itself in a completely different way from what I feared.

Hm. What should we call it, then? If not the power to control, the power to lead? To guide?

Your names sound innocent enough, but one wrong move and it's still just controlling other people. I will only use this power to save you, Isuka.

I think I was given this power in order to save all the Isukas.

Thank you, Curio. But I want you to remember something.

Just as you want to save me, I want to save you, too.

Curio... I never expected a parallel you to have such an influence on me. But this is the end of the line. You have melted my ice-cold heart.

But we will never meet again. Farewell, my...

Wha?! You?!

Isukacherry, I have been monitoring your movements on the time layer data transmitter. You have shown flexibility in this unfamiliar terrain.

No, I fell at the final hurdle. My failure is the reason why KMS sent you here.

I won't deny that. But your failure itself isn't the problem. It is that we don't expect you to be able to recover from it.

So they've released the Premaya Structure... Our time layer really must have its back against the wall.

Don't worry. When circumstances change, we update, we adapt, and we move to the next best plan. I can predict with a high level of accuracy what you are about to ask me.

That saves me some time. Okay... Will you take my control module? If you do, you will be able to assimilate all my experiences from this time layer without the burden of automatic revision.

Just so we're clear, the control module is implanted in your brain. It is a part of you. If I were to take it, you would lose all that makes you "you." You would be brain dead.

That is my wish. I'm certain you'll be able to find out something about my brother using it.

You are infrastructure, after all. You have access to all data swimming in the sea of electrons.

Understood. My judgment here has the same authority as that of our leaders. So very well, ARP1-Steller... I will send you to ARP1-Moa.

Oh?!

What is it?! Are you feeling unwell?

No, it's not that.

Look. Your shoulder brooch fell off.

My brooch? How prophetic...

It's not like you to say something so vague... You must have gotten more sensitive since my accident.

I hope you're right...

Anyway, we should call the others. We need to plan our next move against Cardinal Vestige. We need to find a way to outmaneuver their multi-time layer, multi-minded strategy.