The Apex of Logic

Aldo! Aldo, wake up!

Urgh...

It's morning! Time to get up!

*yawn* Amy? It's morning already?

What a stupid question. The sun's already risen well above the Pekari trees!

The sun?

I don't see any sun. Just fish... You must be half asleep yourself.

Interesting response. Perhaps this wasn't just a Miglancian idiom, it described a literal event?

Ah, I see. How fascinating.

Wh-What's with you? I don't really follow.

Haha, Aldo, it's me. Didn't you realize?

Wha, Curio?! You've met Amy?!

To tell the truth, Amy of Ishar's is pretty famous in the Twilight Time Layer. Though, it seems your Amy doesn't go to IDA School...

Anyway, enough fooling around. Everyone else is already up. No going back to sleep, okay?

Oh yeah, I forgot he could do that. When we first met, he was disguised as Hismena.

I wish I could ask what was going on, but I just know I'd get given that nickname in this era, too...

Here you go! It's an activity log from your copies. Your memories will sync up when you install it. It'll almost be like you experienced it yourself.

Wow, thanks! I'm so excited to find out what happened over there!

But I was SUPER shocked! I never thought Maya would give you a copy of herself, too!

But I was SUPER shocked! I never thought another me would give you a copy of herself, too!

Forgive me, Sebastia. I thought to make myself useful, but I appear to have burdened you.

Not at all. All I had to do was carry out the same task twice. Besides, it all worked out in the end. Whether or not it actually helped, Elzion didn't end up falling.

Yeah, you're so right! You're thinking way too hard about all this, Maya.

Yeah, you're so right! You're thinking way too hard about all this, other me.

Mkay, I'm gonna go ahead and install!

...Are you not going to?

For now, no. I believe I should consult with my auxiliary brain before any decisions are made...

Then I shall also...

...Error detected. Memories incompatible.

Huh? But that shouldn't...

S-sniffle...

Waaah!

Wh-What is it? Why are you crying?

They've gone! The Midnight three are gone...

They've gone? Gone where? What three?

T-the Professor, and me, and...

Ah. So that's what happened. The reason why all the invaders in the real world suddenly shut down wasn't because you beat them in cyberspace...

Yeah... We couldn't do anything for them...

Neither could I. But...

When this is over, let us throw a party. We will enjoy ourselves in their honor.

Yeah...let's do it. But first...

We must deal with Cardinal Vestige. The Midnight attack sidetracked us, but our future is still in jeopardy.

Yeah, we gotta fix that! Let's go back to the others and come up with a plan!

Leo asked me to look into the whereabouts of these Cardinal Vestige guys. Honestly. He's just the worst. He's only just got back and already he's putting me to work.

...Haha. Well, we shall be on our way. Thank you for the data.

......

Strange. How could there be an error installing her data? But come to think of it, there was also something strange with her copy. I was in too much of a hurry, but... If there was no error before, but there is now...

I guess she hasn't noticed herself. That everything's reversed...

You're finally up, Aldo? You're such a sleepyhead.

Sorry, sorry. I'm really not a morning person.

But it's good to see that the city's back to normal.

The Xeno Prisma was restored and the electricity supply has stabilized.

I don't see anyone from Twilight. Things had just started looking up, and now this...

Oh. And what about Toova? What's she doing?

She heard that Natural had returned, so she went to use their facility late last night.

Late last night? So she wouldn't have slept at all?

I feel kinda bad about lazing around in bed...

Haha... It's a valuable skill to be able to get some sleep at such an important juncture. But even so, Toova had something she needed to do. Which is why she and no one else...

Bad news! Really bad news!

Premaya! Did the memory sync work?

Oh, yeah, but the other me, Wait, this isn't the time for that right now!

There's a fight! Between the Twilight people and the men with the scary faces!

Men with the scary faces?

Perhaps you should take us to them.

You were just at Dear Saint Sebastia's house, right? Is that where the fight is?

Yes, in Theta District. Please, come with us.

I will ask one more time. Are you the ones who keep traveling between the time layers? Is the strain they're now under your doing?

Urgh, you honestly think we'd give information to some random Synth Human? Do we really look that stupid?

Hmph. This is going nowhere. Once you realize quite how outmatched you are, you'll be begging to talk.

The nerve of some people. We'll see who ends up begging here.

Show us what you've got. 'Cause this tomato's claims don't ring true to me.

The planet is screaming out. This is no time for a fight between humans and Synth Humans.

Must I make the same choice again? Then there is no need to hesit...

Wait!

Everyone from the Twilight Time Layer! And Galliard! Lay down your weapons!

I should have known you'd come to stop us, you killjoys.

Erm, is that... When you say G-Galliard...

The class-A rebel. And former leader of the Synth Humans.

The official record states that he was defeated by the group led by the hunter Amy, and was subsequently shut down.

Ohh...hey, according to what I heard in cyberworld, he's even got a citizen ID?

It's kinda complicated. The Administrator arranged for him to be able to travel in and out of Elzion.

But why are you with LeA-BAK, Galliard?

We both heard the cries of our planet. A huge timequake, across not just this time layer, but this whole dimension.

A Multi-Dimensional Tremor is coming. A disaster to mark the end.

A Multi-Dimensional Tremor?

The voice of the planet? But...

No, nevermind. The multi-dimensional tremors come first.

Listen carefully, you who dare interfere with the time layers! Crossing the time layers, moving mass and energy back and forth again and again, increases the strain. And this increases the risk of a Multi- Dimensional Tremor, a huge timequake engulfing multiple time layers!

It's true that I am involved with interference in Time Layers. But is that really included in the warnings of the Chronos Report?

Yes. This is Professor Chronos's Third Theorem! You must stop this reckless behavior now!

So he expected it... I almost can't believe it. Professor Chronos truly is a man of absolutely fearsome intellect.

Professor Chronos' third theory is coming true?!

The strain on the time layers will be near critical point by now. If it's not there already...

Wh-What was that?! Such a horrible feeling...

Urp! That felt even worse than motion sickness...

That was even stronger than the intense discomfort I felt when I crossed the time layers. Was that...

The screams of the planet have stopped. But to let out such a cry...

We were too late. Look at the sky!

That distortion...is that the Corridor of Time Layers? But there's so many of them... First the Xeno Prisma stopped, what are we in for next?

I wonder if any other Administrator has had to face this many disasters in such a short term?

No matter. As governor of time, it is my duty to weather this storm.

Urgent notice to all COA and SMU. Deploy across Elzion in pattern D2 and await further instruction.

There is one more person I must contact.

Oh, the Administrator is calling.

This is Agent Isuka. Yes, we felt it too. Yes... I am with Aldo and the others. Then I will see you in the Administrator's Office for debriefing.

Have you been summoned?

Yes. As have all of you.

Then we've gotta respond! Let's go, Aldo!

......

Aldo?

What's wrong? You look like your soul has left your body.

Oh, um, no...

It's nothing. Come on, let's get to the Administrator's Office, quickly!

There's so many Time Layer Distortions!

There you all are. Though, we seem to be missing a few?

I'm sorry, Sir. The others rejected your summons.

No matter. I can hardly force them.

Now. Though we may have faced each other over the board... This is the first time we've ever actually met face-to-face, Galliard.

Yes. Though this is no time to be reveling in introductions.

The situation is as you see. I called for help from the East and West, but they are facing the same thing we are. This goes well beyond my role as Administrator, but I can hardly look the other way on this. I have my own research team looking into the time layers, but to think we missed this... I can make no excuses for this lack of preparedness regarding our own time layer...

Still, I know enough to understand that what we do know won't be enough.

Aldo, you and your friends previously saved the world from a timequake. Would you help us out again?

We didn't save it...

We weren't able to stop the timequake, and the Four Great Elementals ended up taking the fall for it. There were so many ups and downs... It was only thanks to Eden that things were brought back under control. I...

You have no choice but to keep going. Right?

Huh? {lang-nuance}Aldo line{/lang-nuance}

Don't get me wrong. I don't want to push my assumptions about you onto you. To see you so unnerved... I can't begin to imagine the weight of what you've had to carry.

......

It's just, this is who you are. And I think you know that.

You're right. I wasn't acting myself.

Let's get revenge, all of us together. Stopping the Multi-Dimensional Tremor won't make up for my mistakes, but...

Heheh, of course. We wouldn't back down even if you weren't coming with us.

Now that's decided, let's hurry. The situation is changing moment by moment.

I have already deployed all of my agents to each district. If you need any help, go to them.

Thank you, Administrator. Okay, let's head into town!

Thank you? It's me who should be thanking you. Our future is in your hands, young heroes...

It's so dark! But it's not even nighttime!

I saw those monsters in the Corridor of Time Layers! They're escaping out here?!

Tears in the time layers are appearing all over the place. This is what you get when you keep on burdening the time layers...

A huge mass did cross the time layers several times over. Who knows about Twilight, but with Midnight's technological abilities, could they have seen this coming?

So, if they go down, they're taking us all with them? Midnight ran out of luck, so maybe someone desperate enough decided to pull the trigger. Or else, the fact that they sent Premaya in could have been a result of this desperation...

I don't like this one bit. Things are so awful here that the Netherworld almost seems nice in comparison.

You're right, this is hellish. We have to save as many people as possible.

Everyone from Twilight has spread out to fight the monsters... And the Administrator's team appears to be backing them up.

This is way more dangerous than what we've faced so far. We should split up and get to work!

Right. Stay safe, everyone!

So you're not going to tell them? Are you sure that's the right thing to do?

What are you talking about, LeA-BAK?

Don't play stupid, not now. Once a Multi-Dimensional Tremor has started, it cannot be stopped. You know that full well, having read the Chronos Report.

For you to know that, I guess you've accessed those words of wisdom, as well as the voice of the planet. Yes, that is what the Chronos Report says. However...

Genius though he is, we still can't guarantee that his prediction will come true.

Chronos's boy has been able to exceed his father's expectations time and time again.

I'm going. I will play every card in my hand to protect them.

Hmph... Fine. I will prove that I can protect more than you.

Ta-dah! No biggie!

Erm... Thank you for rescuing us fro...

Thank me later! You and your kid need to get outta here as fast as you can!

Wow, saving people feels great! I could get used to this...

Okay, who's next? ♪

Huh? {lang-nuance}PremayaAC line{/lang-nuance}

Before protecting others, ensure you yourself are safe. You must internalize this before making a habit of it.

I got it... Thanks, Maya.

I got it... Thanks, another me.

Erm... Can I ask you something?

The calculation function the Professor made me is acting kinda funny. I keep getting these alerts: "Chance of winning: 0%" "Get out of there now"...

I regret to inform you that so am I. It is not a malfunction.

WHAAAT?! Then...

Here it comes. Be ready.

What is that? You think...

It's coming. So all this was a foreshock? Then how big's the main one gonna be?

Grr! Surrounded!

Phew...this may be a little tough to handle alone.

I knew it would end someday. I just hoped it would be after I grew my hair out again...

I wanted Toova to braid my hair again. If I could have that, then...

Giving up before it's over, are we?

You foolish fool of a fool!

You...

I guess I really was stupid, hoping Toova would come rescue me.

What?! Am I not good enough for you?!

Urgh, you're so annoying. But seeing your stupid face has reminded me of something. I have my Qirytte. So when it does all end, it will be a happy ending.

Hah! All of this, and you're still talking of fairy tales. You really are me, after all!

If it ends here, Toova's research will all be for nothing.

And I can't let that happen. So help me, another me.

Phew! Are you okay? Starting to get out of breath?

Worry about yourself, not me. It's your problem, not mine, when your little water pistol runs out.

It's! A! Mist! Gun! And it's your problem, not mine, when your burner runs out of gas!

Oh? Someone's asking for it now! You want me to kill you before these monsters get the chance?

Hey, you started it!

Anyway... Even as a joke, I don't wanna throw this life away.

Hmph. Then let's do everything we can. Pretty sure you'll be the first to give up, though.

Is that a challenge? Fine. Bring it on!

Tch... They're so strong, and they just keep on coming. Makes our little time layer tug of war seem like a walk in the park in comparison.

At this rate, Dawn, Twilight, and all other time layers will perish. But we haven't heard a peep from Cardinal Vestige. What are they up to?

You're still suspicious? Honestly, I respect that.

I respect it so much, I'll tell you. I...

What?

No, wait. But that would mean... From the very beginning...

Oh no. Aldo! You can't use your secret weapon!

Origin Force?!

Yes... Perhaps that power to interfere with the time layers would be able to put an end to this situation.

But, Curio... If Cardinal Vestige finds out, our secret weapon...

Aldo, this isn't like that fight with the Midnight Premaya. Back then, we still had other options. But now...

Yeah, you're right. I was so hung up on the future that I lost sight of the present.

......

You ready, Ogre Rancorem?

Of course. I simply need to mend the tears in the time layers, yes?

Yes. This is it. Do or die. Let's go, Ogre Rancorem...

Aldo, no!

Did we do it?! The tears in the time layers are healing!

Oh no... I'm too late.

Isuka?! What do you mean, too late?

Curio, Aldo, I need you to listen and listen to me carefully. The Twilight me was still in cahoots with Cardinal Vestige...

But that fact is already pretty irrelevant on the scale of things. The reason why she was doing as Cardinal Vestige said, was...

What?! The tear in the time layers is getting bigger...

How could this be?! Cardinal Vestige said it would prevail against a Multi- Dimensional Tremor...

Cardinal Vestige? Why would you mention them?

A time layer wormhole?! We didn't make it in time!

Aldo!

No... Then why was I doing all this?

ALDO!

Ngh!

Where am I?

The Corridor of Time Layers?! The distortion, it's accelerating!

I was too late? Oh no. Not again...

This place could collapse any moment. I need to get out of here!

It sounds like you've misunderstood the situation a little.

They are all Aldos... Other possibilities of you.

But... They are not from the branch time layers.

You heard from him...or rather, from her, didn't you? Why this time layer in which we live is considered the Trunk...

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?

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

In time layer distribution simulations, the layer with the most significant presence will always come to the center. And Dawn...

No one really knows for sure. But unlike the others...

It appears to be made up of tens of thousands of the same time layer, all layered one on top of the other.

Though they are the same, each have very slight fluctuations. All these layers together form an incredibly strong unit. It is so very dazzling to observe.

The many Aldos you see here all came from these overlapping time layers.

But, due to the enormous impact of the Multi-Dimensional Tremor, what would normally overlap has now scattered.

This is all that I can tell you.

The rest is up to you, all of you. You must think hard about it, make a choice, and take action.

I wish you well. And I wish you luck with your decision.

What is this?

I thought I was fighting in Elzion...

No search results.

This may present an issue. I suppose I must engage in a search on foot...

You're...

Maya!

Another me!

What's going on?! Why's the world all funny?

I do not know. But if these are manifestations of the time layers, then...

Oh no... Then the tremor thingy did happen after all?

...Most likely. It seems we have failed.

Not necessarily.

Huh?

You!

The collapse of the time layers started in the branches. My time layer is no longer recognizable.

However... A certain theory has come to light, after contacting Akasha at the bottom of the sea of electrons. The Trunk has not yet collapsed. If you mend the tears, you may be able to save it, and some of the branches.

Nope, I don't get it. It's too complicated for me.

How strange. A thought is flowing through me, as though our minds are resonating together.

Yeah! It's too soon to give up!

If we stop this tremor thing, you can come back, right?

Um... That seems contraindicated...

It's okay. Let me tell you the truth.

How should I put this? For me, this moment is like borrowed time. It doesn't really exist.

Borrowed time?

This manifestation you see is a personality saved in my original time layer as a backup. As the time layers collapse, so do the barriers. They unify with those of us who escaped into the sea of electrons.

It will not be possible for me to return to the physical world.

Then I'll never see you again...?

Have you ever thought about the concept of death?

Death...

As AI, are we ever really what one might call "alive"? And if not, then how can we ever die?

It's an especially complicated question for us, being artificial intelligence uploaded to a semi-living body.

......

However, as people say, you only ever really die when you are forgotten.

If this is true, then so long as you are not forgotten, you are alive. So, I am still alive. So long as you remember me, I am alive.

Okay. I promise I'll always remember you. But, um, another me...

We don't need to think so hard. We're alive, right? That's what the Professor said. That I would always be human.

Is that so...

Haha. Logic, no matter how reasonable, is no match for compassion...

We must be on our way. I am glad we had the chance to speak with you one last time.

This place is like a bubble. If the time layers recover, it will burst, and vanish into thin air...

But remember this. You have to help them. Help all of those who tell you such compassionate things.

What is going on? I thought I was using Natural's facilities...

Ah, the curse of mutation. My research was nearly done!

Something must have happened. I should look for them.

That woman... Is that...

How could this be? I have no memory of crossing time...

How could this be? You're me, from so many thousands of years ago...

I don't know either. But so many worlds are twisted and warped together. I was caught up in that huge warp and whirled through time and space.

I hear such grief... So many worlds have ended.

And the worlds that are managing to resist are destined to disappear before long...

Perhaps this planet will end up dying before I do.

......

From your looks, you must be from very far forward in my future. So? My research... Was it all for nothing?

It was... Or, that's what I thought.

But it's not the end. So long as the world makes it through this predicament, that is.

Right. Then there's no time to waste. Not for you, or for me. I'm sure this meeting of ours is little more than a fleeting dream, but even so...

I wish it was a dream. Better than standing around having a chat while the world falls apart...

Boy, does this not look good!

I've gotta find the others. It'll be okay... If this was a book or a movie, this wouldn't be the end!

I'm surprised to see him here. I knew the borders between time layers had disappeared... But I never thought the borders with the realm of the dead would do the same.

Were you reunited with your lover in Purgatory, another me?

Pfft... That's not going to work with me. If it's revenge you're after, tell them yourself.

Tch... You're not even worth teasing.

Tell me, what's it like over there?

Well... Put simply, Purgatory is dauntingly vast. And time works so differently there. It's more than likely that I'll be reincarnated in the distant past.

Really? Perhaps that's best for her.

...I should go. At least make sure her brother doesn't find you and kill you.

I'm more scared of that than I am the world ending. At least if it happens, I can find out if dead things can die a second time.

Ah! What are you doing here?

And why is that me with you?!

You're one step, no, two steps behind. Come on, we should get moving.

Huh? But can't we at least talk...

Go. I said everything I had to say at the grave.

Right. We have things to do.

All right, competition time! Who can find everyone first?

You're so annoying. You know you'll just lose anyway.

In Purgatory, whether dead or alive. But which will offer salvation?

......

Ughhh... That was the most horrible shaking I've ever experienced.

Now I'm really mad! ...Uuugh...

Even if the world falls, I've gotta get rid of what's causing this nausea!

Aha, it's you!

I've finally found you! So this is where you've been fighting the nausea!

Don't lump me in with you. I've spent my life working out how to manage my control module.

Its ability to automatically correct the tiny semicircular canals in the human ear...

Left unchecked, will obviously make you nauseous. Too much can be as bad as too little.

Automatic correction? Semi-whatsits? What are you talking about?

...I don't understand. My memories from the lab are so fuzzy...

Hm. Perhaps your guilty conscience has buried your memories deep within your subconscious?

My guilty conscience? You're right... Everyone in the lab, I...

Don't force yourself to remember. The past will only weigh you down.

My guilty conscience?

If you've forgotten, leave it that way. Don't try to remember.

But a word of advice. Your strength doesn't come from your body or your control module.

Remember the picture book. Was it her Netherworld powers that saved Qirytte?

Release the true you. You have to continue... Continue your own story.

My own story...

This is...

Ah, I understand. We were too late.

No, I'm still hanging on to life. So I should struggle on, no matter how hard it gets.

You came.

I did. You know, to be honest, you surprised me. I never would have guessed... That when you betrayed us, you did it to protect Curio.

Distrustful as you are, you don't suspect that to be a lie as well?

No, I know you. I know your ways. You were shaking when you told me.

...It's strange. Lying comes so easily to you, yet telling the truth makes you shake like a leaf.

But I can't understand it. If this is true, then why are you always so mean to him?

I didn't know. Or perhaps I did, but I wanted to pretend I didn't see it.

I just...didn't want Curio to be their pawn like I was. Having someone to protect makes you weak. So no matter what, I didn't want him to want to protect me.

And this is what it got me. I'm a real piece of work, huh.

I guess that makes me one, too.

You're...

After you defeated me, I wished to become part of the Premaya Structure. I believed it was the only way I could see my dead brother again.

But Curio...

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.

Ouch! What the?

This is a one-way ticket to ARP1-Moa. With it, you'll be able to reach that place with your life preserved.

But you must get there within 72 hours. After that, the slow-acting poison will take hold of your brain and kill you.

There is no antidote. The clock has already started ticking.

Wait. What do you mean by "that place"?

Curio lived. If you can call it that. ...That's what I told myself.

In any case. As I suspected, Curio's whereabouts and Cardinal Vestige's whereabouts were the same place...

Take this.

Is this...a pocket watch?

I once gave this to him... And a long time later, I found it in Cardinal Vestige's location.

With it, you should be able to reach Cardinal Vestige.

I can't forgive them. But now, there's only so much I can do.

So I have to leave the rest to you.

Wait! I still have questions!

I couldn't protect him. Please, make sure you don't follow in my footsteps.

It's the same watch?

Yes. It's even a few seconds out, just like the one you gave Curio. What was that?

Tch. It's moving? Let's worry about the watch once we've got out of here.

Y-Yes... You're right. We can solve this mystery when everyone's back together. Let's hurry up and regroup!

What am I doing? I bragged about wanting to save all the Isukas... But it turns out, I couldn't even save one of them. I thought I could, even if I had to mislead them...

I can't let it end like this. There must be something I can do.

...ait...

Hey, wait...

That voice...

Cardinal Vestige?! You deceived me!

Wait. I have nothing to do with the Cardinal Vestiges who conspired together across the time layers.

After all, we're not supposed to exist.

You're not? Wait, does that mean... You're from the Midnight Time Layer?!

Correct. We are confident that their degeneration plan will fail, and you will win. The real test begins now. Take this.

What is it?

A weight to balance out the uneven scales... A piece of both sides. Once you have overcome this predicament, it will help you.

Why would you do this for us?

Why? Well... Because I wanted to bet on him.

Him?

What, you still haven't realized? Look. Look at those countless sparkles.

That's...

Aldo?! What is he doing?

Leave this to us!

Of course! I'm following my own story now!

A symbol of my power... To protect those I care about!

So now it's your turn, Aldo! Show me...

Ngh?!

Stupid girl. You think talking like this will make you look any less ridiculous?

Aldo...

To be honest, I still can't work out what you're planning to do here.

But I have done something I can never take back. So... My life is in your hands.

I am so ashamed of what I have done. If you would give me a chance to make up for it...

Of course! I'm going to support your story with everything I've got!

From the moment I entrusted myself into your hands, I have been.

Aldo? I see. So Cardinal Vestige even predicted this moment.

Haha. He really is so careless...

But I have already decided. The tip of my blade is bound for another.

Pardon me.

Still not dead, eh? Guess that makes two of us.

Long time since we've spoken in the flesh, isn't it, Mr. CEO?

It has been a while indeed, Delamair. So rare to see you back here now that you're head of the Eastern Division.

It has been a few years since I came to HQ. Guess it's just us now.

It would have been so much easier if we'd both died in the Multi- Dimensional Tremor.

Hahaha... I am well past the age of wanting to cling to life. But so long as I am alive, I will live how I choose. That's simply how I do things.

I've done such foul things. And turned a blind eye to so many more. No human being is ugly in my eyes, myself included. But when we band together, this is what we get. We humans are the prey that feeds this monster we've created, the monster called society.

What of that granddaughter of yours, raised seeing you as such a CEO? Do you want her to live alone?

We're already growing apart. And as sad as that is...

Oh, they're here already? Faster than I was expecting. We have a good deal to talk about, but we can get back to that later. Will you greet them?

No... I'll leave that to you. I would like to look at the city for a short while.

You may enter. It is not locked.

Whoa! It's really okay to come in? This isn't some mistake?

Delamair! You're the one who called us?

I imagine I'm the last person you wanted to see. Believe me, the feeling is mutual.

To call us at such a time... Would I be right in thinking you have information on Cardinal Vestige for us?

Aren't you a smart one? If you were a little less naive, I'd offer you a job.

Anyway. The Multi-Dimensional Tremor is no longer a threat and the Sapient Complex has returned to its own layer. We can finally focus on other problems. Which means, it's about time. I have a story to tell you. A story from five hundred years ago.

Five hundred years ago? A time when humanity was struggling to survive due to land contamination and the prisma drying up.

Indeed. Humanity was caught at a crossroads, and this tragedy is what sealed their fate.

It was a period of upheaval that gave rise to scientific thought and a change in popular values.

Two young scientists clashed over what to do.

One was an unparalleled mechanical engineer who developed the steam engine from fire and water prisma.

The other, a talented environmental scientist who turned the deserts into forests using wind and earth prisma.

The mechanical engineer interpreted humanity's existential crisis as a "test of mankind." His proposal was to advance civilization through artificial improvements to prisma.

On the other hand, the environmental scientist considered it to be the "ceiling of mankind." His proposal was to abandon prisma altogether, and maintain their current level of civilization.

Though they had conflicting ideas... The two were apparently the best of friends. I suppose they had a lot in common, both bearing the fate of humanity on their shoulders.

I think I've heard this story before...

Most likely. I'm hardly the only one who knows it. This tale has been told a thousand times across the land, each time slightly different from the last.

Then why did you call us all the way here to tell us it? Don't you know how little time we have?!

Just keep listening. Once you know the full truth, you'll understand what's truly going on here.

Those two scientists... were the founders of KMS and Cardinal Vestige.

What?!

Ignoring KMS for now, they're the founder of Cardinal Vestige?!

Indeed. The two met in a secret location, and discuss the future of humanity together.

They both knew full well that there were flaws in their own approaches. Yet they also knew the sad truth... That humanity closed its eyes to those flaws, and only ever saw the positives. So, they vowed that whichever approach humanity chose, they would each work to counterbalance its flaws.

Ohh... What a beautiful friendship...

However, soon after, a certain discovery tore them apart.

The environmental scientist discovered a flower that remained in bloom near permanently. The Asphodelus. It was a mystery, assumed to be a sudden mutant strain of the World Tree flower.

A flower that never dies? That's so romantic!

Remaining in bloom is not the same thing as never dying, little girl.

Interesting. And this tore them apart? Why?

The World Tree contains all four types of elementals within its trunk and foliage. The elementals within the Asphodelus were in perfect balance. Miraculous, even for a flower of the World Tree. The moment it died, it would spring back in bloom, endlessly repeating a cycle of death and rebirth.

This discovery of the century gave the previously less popular environmental scientist a dramatic boost in prestige. If the flower could be cultivated, then they could maintain their civilization without prisma. It was a dream no more.

Soon after that, however, disaster struck. The flower, the Asphodelus, was taken.

...As was the scientist's life.

Taken? By whom?

No one knows. Some said they saw the mechanical engineer at the scene, but there was no proof... And the fact is, the stolen flower was never recovered.

After that, the mechanical engineer successfully artificially synthesized prisma. He set up the predecessor to KMS, using research results from the prototype, Ragna Prisma.

Judging from the circumstances, it's all too obvious who did it...

But it was buried in the darkness, as the shadow cast by this great man of history...

That, too, is only conjecture. In any case, the rumors took on a life of their own. And in the end, their secret location was given a new name.

Iscariot, the Traitor's Ground.

I-Iscariot?! Where is this place?!

Nobody knows now, I'm afraid.

W-Wait a minute... How could the founder of Cardinal Vestige be that environmental scientist? I mean, um... Wasn't he killed when the flower was stolen?

Yes. However, Cardinal Vestige was established at the same time as KMS's predecessor. As if in pursuance of the environmental scientist's ideals, it was formed to counterbalance KMS's flaws... And to watch for the dangers of engineering technology that might prove too much for humanity.

......

That's all I have to tell you. All that's left is to give you this...

Oh? What is this?

It's resonating? With this fossil-like thing?

This is most unexpected! When the CEO said to hand this over, I wondered what its purpose was...

With that in your possession, matters are much different. Just how much did the CEO predict...

Ah well, never mind that. Here, take it.

A crude device of some sort?

It's the prototype Ragna Prisma. It appears to be modeled on some flower... But it was the CEO's wish. Please, accept it.

Of course. Um, Isuka, would you mind taking it? I'm worried I'd drop it...

Ho ho. Is this coincidence or destiny? That fossil also looks like a flower. I think these will be the keys to guide you on your way.

Is this his way of thanking us for sorting out the Multi-Dimensional Tremor?

I suppose so. But also... I believe it is to express his gratitude to the friends of his granddaughter.

Granddaughter? Dear Saint Sebastia?

...Quite. The dark deeds of Cardinal Vestige, and what you do with them, are now within your hands.

Phew... We made it back.

I had no idea what would go down when we got called over to KMS headquarters.

But it's curious. How could an artificial prisma prototype also be a key?

It is also curious that Curio's flower-like fossil resonated with the prototype.

Sorry, I'm getting a call. From the group at the Tree of Eternity.

Yes, this is Isuka... How is it going over there?

We're searching Cardinal Vestige's relay station as planned. In terms of how it's going...

Teehee! If I just break through here...

Whoopsie! I thought I made it out, but I'm right back where I was!

That's how it's going. Cardinal Vestige didn't take any chances with their protection here. Why don't we share what we've found out? Toova has finished her research and is heading here, too.

Okay, let's do that. I'll be counting on you.

Well there you have it. Sounds like they're having a tough time.

I really thought we'd find something in the station, but I guess I was being overly optimistic.

Let's regroup for now. Come on, to the Tree of Eternity.

What? Then...

Yes. Effectively, my research...

Is that you, Toova?!

You beat us here. Did you finish your research?

Yes, I did... I have good news, and I have bad news. Which would you like to hear first?

Th-There's bad news? Um, then start with the good news.

Haha, how like you. The good news is that I successfully analyzed the curse of mutation. The members of Natural ended up helping me, and it went much smoother than expected.

Now, for the bad news...

W-Wait! It's great that you analyzed it, but can you implement it or not?

It can be implemented. Although...

The curse of mutation itself depends on a higher power source, negative feelings of the ancient gods. Its multi-faceted nature means that we would require a huge model to even just create the vaccine. I have formatted the common parts, but the rest will depend on exactly how the curse manifests upon them.

In other words...

My research holds no meaning. Not until the curse is propagated in the future, or until we get our hands on Cardinal Vestige's research.

I see. So finding Cardinal Vestige really is our only option.

We searched here like you asked, but we've still got nothing to go on. So what next?

Ohh... I'm so sorry it ended up like this.

I tried to contact Sebastia before, but it sounds like she's going through a hard time as well.

You just exchanged numbers like it was nothing...

Haha. Anyway, it seems like forever since we were all together.

We may not have a plan yet... But this might be my last chance. I want to apologize to you all.

From the very beginning... I've been working for the Twilight Cardinal Vestige.

Curio, you don't need to...

Thank you, Aldo... But please, let me explain. I know it will hardly atone for my sins, but...

My orders were simple. Think and act entirely as your ally... And never hesitate to do so, even if it ends up putting Twilight Cardinal Vestige at a disadvantage.

My orders were the opposite. Seize whatever chances came my way, even if it risked blowing my cover. Now that I think about it, it must have been to maintain Curio's cover, and keep all suspicion away from him.

My orders changed after the incident at the Manifestation Spring. If there were any signs of a Multi- Dimensional Tremor, offset it with Origin Force... And once the time layer crisis has been avoided, deal with Ogre Rancorem and its wielder.

You had the chance, but you didn't take it. That's enough for me.

But Isuka, how come you realized what Curio was up to?

During all the fighting, the Twilight me told me something.

I won't elaborate, for their sake, but all those little things that didn't feel quite right finally made sense.

......

......

Oh, and Curio, I didn't get around to asking before... But where did you get that strange fossil? I'm very curious about it. Seems like it's the key to remembering something important...

Oh... Where was it?

Oh yes, the Corridor of Time Layers. How could I forget something so important?

Perhaps when the time layer tears were mended, all memories from the distortion were blocked? My memories from back then are rather hazy, too.

So that wasn't all just a dream. Which means, neither of these two pocket watches are yours.

No... I have mine right here.

There are three pocket watches?! One from Dawn, one from Twilight... And the other one from...?

Midnight, yes. The Midnight me said she found this in Cardinal Vestige's location. Which means...

It is the only clue we have to working out their whereabouts.

Look at this. It's a few seconds out from both of our watches.

Even in other time layers, your two watches show the exact same time. Such high precision, that there are no errors even in slight environmental differences...

There must be some hidden meaning! This is a real mystery!

...The effects of gravity and atmospheric pressure.

What is it, Premaya? Did you think of something?

It is old data, but there was a thought experiment run on mechanical watches before Xeno watches became standard. It found that the time shown on a mechanical watch would be affected by gravity and atmospheric pressure.

Gravity and atmospheric pressure? So distance from the surface and concentration of the atmosphere?

Aha! I've got it!

The moon! Cardinal Vestige is on the moon! Humans shouldn't be able to live on the moon yet, but there are photographs of things that look like ruins...

It's an interesting idea, Suzette. But this watch is a few seconds faster than ours.

I read in an SF novel that in places with weak gravity or no atmospheric pressure, watches operate by inertia... Which would mean it would be slower, not faster, on the moon, and it would be out by more than a few seconds.

If it's faster, then gravity and atmospheric pressure must be stronger there than where we live. So, stronger than Elzion, floating in the sky thousands of meters above ground level. If this reasoning is correct, then Cardinal Vestige...

Is on the contaminated surface?!

Yes, I think we can infer as much. Our preconception that humans can't survive there blinded us to the possibility.

Which means there's somewhere like Angal on Migleina Continent? There's land where humans can survive?

It's not very likely. When we investigated afterwards, those in the know in the East did acknowledge the existence of Angal. It would be near impossible to remain completely hidden without a rumor or two of your existence arising.

Which makes the theory that Cardinal Vestige is actually AI seem all the more credible. It's not hard to hide a machine. The only problem is...

Why was the Midnight Curio's watch in Cardinal Vestige in the first place?

Right. From what we were told, we assumed the Midnight me was dead. And back then...

Right. We assumed the Midnight me was dead. At any rate, back then...

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.

Yes. Perhaps she didn't know the truth herself.

But the surface is enormous. How are we going to find it?

If I were to search by myself, your grandchildren would be all grown before I found anything.

If we can at least work out the precise location of Iscariot, maybe we'll find some kind of clue.

Iscariot? What does that have to do with any of this?

Oh, that's right. We still haven't told you about what we learned in KMS HQ.

You see, the land of Iscariot...

So that's how KMS and Cardinal Vestige started.

It does seem like we could at least hope to find a clue there...

Then let's go. It should be possible to physically approach on Synth Hydra.

Huh?

By some twist of fate... I know the coordinates of that location.

......

You do? Then hope is not lost! But how on earth do you know something like that?

...I wonder. In any case, we're in a hurry.

Let's talk to Synth Hydra right away. It's not much, but it's the only clue we have!

The Twilight me was shaking more than I've ever seen before. Why did she have that look on her face? Where did she get them? Why hide it? Are those coordinates...

I see. I thought you were flying around a lot recently, but you want to go to the surface? Synthetics like me were designed for surface exploration, so I do have anti- contamination measures in place... But just to make sure, do you?

Erm, I guess... But I am a bit worried.

Here. The guys at Natural said we could borrow these indefinitely.

Whoa! There's enough for everybody!

In case we needed to examine the Angal area any further. I didn't think we'd need to, but I ended up taking them just in case...

The guys at Natural are fussing over us like a grandma or something.

Th-There's enough for everybody? But this was meant to be my thing...

...Haha. I guess it doesn't matter. I'm more used to wearing it, so I've still got the upper hand!

Yeah, I don't care about that. Having more can never be a bad thing.

It means we'll still be okay if any of them break, or if anyone decides to go off on their own.

Let's hope no one does, eh? Haha.

Oh boy... So I get to put one on too, right?

As much fun as I'm sure you're having, if there's no problem with the devices then can we get started?

Of course. So shall I take you to these coordinates you gave me?

Please. I'm sorry for asking this of you, but you're the only one we can ask.

Well, who could turn down such an earnest request from a wise woman?

Gah?!

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.

......

What is it? Is there something on my face? Just get your speech over with so that we can depart.

Good heavens! Are you using the carrot-and-stick approach on me?

Who could resist being swayed by such a wild woman? Certainly not a gentleman battleship such as I. Just call me Synth Hydra Z! To Iscariot we go!

We will shortly be arriving in Iscariot airspace. However... Something isn't right. The thermal detection and echo analysis results deviate from the norm.

What does that mean?

There is a large-scale underground facility here, I am certain of it.

An underground facility? That's the last thing I would have expected...

Hmm... Perhaps I shouldn't land just yet?

...Be careful. We Synth lifeforms are sensitive to the madness of humanity, and this place reeks of it...

So this is the land of betrayal? The contamination is even worse here.

KMS and Cardinal Vestige... This is the site of their separation, whether by godless development, or godly stagnation.

What's that? It looks like scales...

One generally leaves flowers on the site of a grave.

Flowers? Then...

You were given the Ragna Prisma prototype, yes? Place it on the plate of the scales. Then the path will open for us.

......

Now that you've told us the truth, I don't mean to suspect you anymore... But tell me. How do you know what to do?

Well... He told me... The Curio from this time layer.

Curio?!

I should have known. He knew the name Iscariot right from the very beginning...

Wait, Isuka!

Let's go, Curiosity.

Coming, Isukacherry...

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

Iscariot...

Ultimately, all this does is raise the question: how did the Dawn Curio know what do to?

Still, strangely enough, I'm convinced.

There's nothing particularly surprising about him knowing, if you ask me.

I have to agree there.

But whatever the case, put the Ragna Prisma prototype on the scales.

Good, like that. Nice and slow... The tipping of the scales should cause something to happen.

(Wait, think about it. Would that other me really tell the truth?) (It's a set of scales, the symbol of balance. In which case, what belongs on the other plate...)

Curio?

What are you doing?

The entrance appeared! Now we can continue underground.

But that's not what the Dawn Curio said to do...

I knew it. This fossil was the Asphodelus.

Asphodelus? That flower the boss guy at KMS was talking about?

Yes. Maybe its cycle ended naturally, or it couldn't withstand the rigorous testing it underwent. Who knows. But something had to counter the prototype Ragna Prisma, and it was the only thing I could think of.

I don't understand. Why would I of all people just accept what he told me without question? Perhaps... Perhaps he used his power to control others on me...

It's down here, I'm sure of it. Cardinal Vestige is waiting for us.

Curio? How do you know that?

It's a strange feeling. I feel in tune with something, like during the Multi-Dimensional Tremor...

Wow... I sense a whole lot of living things. A WHOLE lot.

Life should've been exterminated on the surface, yet there are so many thermal readings. What secrets are they hiding?

Except for this entrance appearing, nothing else has happened. Doesn't look like anyone's coming to greet us.

What, did you think they'd welcome us with open arms?

We have to go, so that the research you helped me push forward won't have been for nothing.

All right, let's go underground. Make sure you all come back alive!

Wh-What is this place?

It's a city! There's a whole city underground!

Do people live here?

I can even see the sky! What's going on?!

Relax, everyone. This isn't a real city.

It's a reproduction, a mess of nature and cultures from different cities.

But what for?

They once told me this. "We will keep searching for the potential humanity has amassed, from the past to the present."

So... Cardinal Vestige itself is a large-scale simulation facility?

Yes. So they must be recreating human civilizations and ecosystems here. From all periods, too.

That's kind of creepy...

I was wondering what they were doing, hidden underground.

They're as delusional as ever. Let's wake them up from this dream.

Sounds like fun! Let's go, let's go!

They sure are reliable...

We can't lose. Let's go further in, quick.

They must already know we're here. Remain vigilant.

What is this place? I can't see a thing!

Be careful, everyone... I feel it. The presence of souls in a form I've never seen before. They're close.

So you finally came to us. Agent Curio, Agent Isuka... Your betrayal was unexpected.

Heh, I can finally see your true form. You may hide under cover of pitch darkness, but that means nothing to my Evil Eye! So bring your mechanical body into the light.

Huh? They're just...ordinary people?

No! There's something further in!

Eeeep?! Th-They're b-b-b...

Brains. Human brains!

S-So Cardinal Vestige's true form wasn't artificial intelligence?

​​Artificial intelligence? You would entrust the future of humanity to something that could betray you at any time? Only humans could ever truly care about humanity.

Hmph! That's not true! I care about everyone, really!

You think you're still human, then? But this repulsive sight must be your true form. Have you tired of playing pretend?

Now that we've reached this point, communication using a virtual body seems nonsensical. Many of them in the tanks have their own Father Program...

In other words, they are saints who have agreed to part with their bodies and become father of humanity. And I.. am the environmental scientist who lost his body after his best friend betrayed him 500 years ago. My name back then was Jarvis.

So you're the scientist Delamair told us about? You overcame your limited natural lifespan and ruled over Cardinal Vestige all this time?

But of course. It is my responsibility as father of humanity.

If I had a mirror with me, I'd hold it up to you right now. Look at you. "Father of humanity?" Looking like that?

What is humanity? According to the definition we came up with, humanity is "thought." Of all sapient life, humanity is a population with different DNA from other humanoid groups. The proportion of this DNA matters not. If it did, then humanity, mixed as it is, would fall into self-contradiction.

You are anxious about our plan. You worry that if humans regress into Old Titans, you won't be able to call yourselves humans anymore. But that's why we came up with this degeneration plan. Take, for example, the long-extinct dinosaurs... If we recombined dinosaur DNA into present-day lizards, we could almost bring back the original dinosaur. This "almost" is important. Because you will still retain the tiniest percentage of human blood.

So, our next thought experiment. If the ancient Titans were to ask how their ancestors were faring... Knowing that a tiny amount of Titan blood still flows through your veins, you would reassure them. You'd tell them that their bloodline will live on, far into the future. That feeling of detachment, of objectivity, is the truth: reality, free from bias.

Why titans? Surely there are plenty of other humanoids whose DNA can be found in humans?

Yes, you're quite right. Elves, dwarfs, beastfolk, specters, fishfolk, winged people, dragonfolk, Therians... And countless other intelligent lifeforms more. In that sense, perhaps there are no humanoids at all who do not share some DNA with mankind.

Then surely any species would do?

Would it, though? The reason why we chose the titans was due to their curse of mutation. They had the best genes for peace. We've already carried out experimental crossbreeding on three generations of host bodies. We are yet to see any signs of them returning to even New Titans... But we will not give up.

We can make a vaccine. Just so long as we can find out what their DNA is doing!

We expected you would consider a vaccine. But even if you managed to complete it... We can theoretically survive in these tanks indefinitely. We can take countermeasures.

But I am an immortal witch. I can continue to fight alone until you eventually give up. For all the Titans, for all the humans, For ten thousand years, a hundred thousand years, a million years!

You shared your definition of humanity. You said it was "thought." But there are levels to thought. Those electrical signals, said to have originated from a fear of death... Have diversified in every which way, manifesting sometimes as curiosity, sometimes as inquisitiveness.

It is an infinite approach concerning "possibility." Are you really the father of humanity? Perhaps that arrogance is a reaction to losing the constraint of your body. A controlled society smothered by imposed restrictions doesn't sound very human-like at all to me.

It is such a shame that we do not share the same opinion. We really wanted you sweet, loveable members of mankind to understand this if at all possible.

After all, your descendants would be able to enjoy true peace before the degeneration starts.

However...

If you still insist on hindering the peace of all mankind, then you leave us no choice. We must deter you.

Wh-What is that form?!

Should we fall, then humanity, still but an infant just learned to walk, would lose its father... So naturally, we made sure our children were prepared to do whatever was necessary to protect us from the enemy.

Geez... It's like we're the bad guys here.

Works for me. I hate the idea of being the good guy anyway.

Fine. Let's settle this once and for all! Which version of humanity will win the future?

Now's our chance! Use Origin Force!

No, it's no use. It obstructs the harmony of the time layers!

What?!

As expected of the orphans of the Sapient Complex. You certainly know how to fight. But it is decided. Out of respect for your rare strength and achievements to date... We will give you gravestones on the surface.

Wait... You think you can run away?!

We are responsible for so many lives. We won't run or hide. Not now. There is an elevator to the surface beneath your feet. If you yourselves choose to run, we won't stop you. You are still our beloved children, after all.

Oh no! Come on, we've got to follow Cardinal Vestige!

You came...

Behold, the sun will soon disappear from the horizon.

Then twilight will end, and a vast darkness like unto midnight will fall. Pollution of the sky itself. But you accept that filth as natural, and feel nothing in particular despite being made to live beneath it. My old friend, the mechanical engineer, Micallef, laid the foundation for that. After killing me with his own hands, he chose the wrong method of ensuring humanity's survival... Which consequently led to the Great Timequake and the Multi-Dimensional Tremor.

He...killed you?

Indeed. And once it has appeared, a Time Layer Distortion does not simply disappear again.

That. A cluster of distortions, bound together as a singular point... It's countering the Origin Force, and offsetting my power!

We must be a deterrent to technological civilization, and be vigilant against its excesses and mistakes. Night always fades again into day. We will announce the new dawn of Old Humans and prove it.

...Twilight, is it? Just before the sun goes down, it blazes all the more brightly...

Midnight is approaching. But it will not be you who clears the darkness, Cardinal Vestige.

This ends here and now. We'll be the ones waking up to the new dawn!

I see. So this is the strength of humanity...

The distortion is done with now, right? You can't counter the Origin Force...

Unfortunately, you are right. That would be impossible. Which means, at the very least that our plan to change humans across all time layers has ended in utter failure. Of course, the number of brains joined with me has also greatly decreased... Immortal witch, I can no longer fight your vaccine. It looks like this planet embraces the choice of the man who murdered me.

Maybe so... But Jarvis, do you remember the circumstances of your death?

No, not in detail. But there is no doubt that he was nearby. We were meant to have a talk in our secret place like normal... But when I came to, I had lost my body and had been moved here, underground. My brain, someone...

No, wait. Who was it?

It was all in your imagination. Please, listen to me.

It takes a human roughly three minutes to go from cardiac arrest to brain death.

It's not very long at all. And yet, someone carefully connected your brain to a machine.

Someone capable of performing such a feat, in that era, who happened to be at the scene at that moment in time...

It could only be this Micallef, surely?

How bizarre. Why would someone bother to save the brain of the man they killed?

Curio, if I'm right in thinking, then what you're trying to say is...

That someone else killed Jarvis? And Micallef was actually the one who saved him?

You made a vow, remember? Whichever one humanity chose, you would each work to counterbalance its flaws. I don't know who really killed you. But your names were known worldwide. Perhaps your secret place wasn't so secret after all.

......

If that's true, then I have been so unspeakably foolish these 500 years...

The truth has long since faded. All that matters is what you want to believe.

Micallef, you continued to fight all on your own, to make sure the Asphodelus didn't go to waste. I'm not fit to raise humanity. I guess they never even needed me anyway. The future of humanity should be in human hands...

No. It's too soon for that. Humans may not be infants... But all adults face temptation.

And when that happens, we need someone to tell us off, and get us back on track.

And when it comes to Micallef's KMS, surely that should be you.

... I see. But there is no need for other time layer Cardinal Vestiges to fill that role. ...It's time to wrap up. Use the Origin Force on me. I from the Dawn Time Layer, alone, shall remain here, and the Vestiges from the other time layers will...

Huh?!

But I still... Have things to do...

Heheh... Sorry. You don't get to decide how this ends.

Curio...? You killed him? How could you?

Ah, I've missed that look in your eyes, Isuka. Just like when we were little, when you stood before the flickering flames...

Why would you do this, Curio?! Tell me!

Please. Haven't you worked it out already?

I've been watching this endeavor of yours with great excitement. Waiting to see who'd win, you or Cardinal Vestige.

If the outcome was interesting, I thought I'd have a little fun with the winner. But then, Cardinal Vestige...

That's why you did it?! You've got to be kidding, right?

You're in the wrong, too. You need a reward for your actions, yet you were going to write it off. So I'll tell be the one to get you back on track. And besides...

I figured killing him would be the best way to get you riled up. I want you to fight with all you've got.

Hah... You really didn't go easy on me. Good, that's how I like it.

It's over. We won. You don't get to carry out any more atrocities in my name.

You just hate me because we're so similar. Peel off that thin skin of yours, and you'll find me underneath.

Isuka, do you remember? A few days before that fire... When everyone was playing Hide 'n' Seek?

How could I forget? It was the night of the Sapient Complex Subject Community Meeting...

That's right. That day, we were transferred to the venue to represent all Lab 1 assets.

In the middle of the night, we snuck past the guard and out of the room. Now, you being you, of course you needed some convincing.

You were surprisingly restless. It was incredibly rare for us to ever leave the facility, after all.

And that's when we ran into the other lab subject, who had run out of her room just like we had.

Oh yes... Hide 'n' Seek was her idea. It was so exciting, playing this game I'd hardly ever played before.

When it was my turn to be "it" I was running around the facility as quietly as I could, trying to find you.

And that's when I heard the adults talking.

They were going to start narrowing their focus onto just one successful Lab 1 test subject. They'd teach them to be an agitator and encourage crime and conflict. All to stabilize growing demand for weapons.

Oh, so your time layer was the same? Except you were "it" instead, Isuka?

We were plunged into a state of war right after that.

I was dispatched to Eeza as a Cardinal Vestige spy, and I destroyed KMS's Eastern Division from the inside.

And that's what made me an internationally wanted fugitive.

Isuka... Did you choose to take on that role of agitator yourself, so that we wouldn't have to?

Curio... When you started that fire in the lab, you did that to protect us?

Heheh... Is that what you think? Well, you're free to think so.

Humans just love a good story. We contextualize that which we don't understand, and kid ourselves that we do understand it. It comforts us.

But can you explain why Lab 2 was also destroyed at the same time?

Lab 2? Surely the timing was just a coincidence? No, wait. If it wasn't, then...

Exactly. When we parted ways after playing Hide 'n' Seek, I whispered something to the girl.

Using my power to control others, something I had managed to keep hidden from the adults...

Urgh! (I don't know anything... I can't know anything!)

Lab 2? Then... Oh?

That's the reaction I was looking for. Guess this wasn't a waste of time after all.

Now I know how you felt when you wanted to kill the Midnight you.

Oh? You think you can kill me?

I can. I was a fool for thinking, even for a second, that we could ever come to an understanding.

Curio, no!

(Back then, Curio stopped me from doing something stupid...)

(So now, I have to do the same thing for him!)

(No, WE do!)

Wha?! He broke through our power?

Curio, stop!

This sin... It's not something I'll regret. Not ever.

Oh... Well, aren't you full of surprises.

Curio...

Isuka, are you okay?

I am. There's no time to waste. This time layer has lost its Cardinal Vestige, just as Midnight did.

You're right. And KMS are free to run wild and do whatever they want now...

Without their deterrent, full dictatorship is within their grasp.

Right. No one would be so optimistic as to bring wishful thinking into this.

For better or worse... If everyone here keeps quiet, Cardinal Vestige will keep its air of mystery.

Perhaps the mechanism that enables the brains to survive in the tanks is still working.

W-Wait a minute!

You're saying someone should stay here and take Cardinal Vestige's place?!

I'll stay. I've been looking for a good place to die.

But you won't die, you'll stay alive near-indefinitely. I'm immortal, I should...

No. When you get right down to it, this was all the doing of another me. I should take responsibility.

Heheh. That won't be necessary.

Who said that?

C-Cardinal Vestige?! I thought the Cardinal Vestiges from all the time layers disappeared?

Curio, is that you?

Oh? You caught on so soon? I wasn't expecting that.

Yes, I am Curio. I am the Curio from what you call Midnight, the time layer for which only death and darkness awaits.

I remember now! You gave me that flower during the Multi-Dimensional Tremor!

But I thought the Midnight Curio died when he was young?

Officially, yes. But in truth, I was taken to fill a vacancy within Cardinal Vestige. Those who join Cardinal Vestige are officially treated as dead.

But, I thought the Midnight Cardinal Vestige lost against KMS? I thought you were no more?

Remember what the Midnight Isuka said. Its members were slain, but the safety of Cardinal Vestige as an institution was uncertain.

Indeed. When my members were annihilated, I was left alone in this basement... While all the other brains slowly went insane, I did all I could to keep my sanity.

And then, it went quiet. I alone remained. And from that moment, I inevitably was given authority over all Midnight Cardinal Vestige decisions. And so... I rejected the summons from the Dawn Cardinal Vestige.

And that's what kept you from going down with their sinking ship. Kind of ironic if you think about it.

Indeed. But thanks to that, I can make this proposal. I will take over the Dawn Cardinal Vestige.

You?

Don't worry, I won't get up to no good. I'll do as I always have, and only act as deterrent when KMS goes too far.

But... You're all on your own.

No. You're...

You're not alone, are you?

No. So there's no need to worry.

......

Okay. It would be wrong to try and stop you.

Thank you. I'm glad I was able to meet you all. Farewell... Until we meet again.

May you all rest in peace...

Maybe I'll be able to save Eden soon... I'm sure I'll overcome this Multi- Dimensional Tremor. So just wait a little longer, Eden!

If the time layers are collapsing, then every single era is going to be in chaos. Oh no... But I'm not finished on the Zerberiya Continent. It can't end like this...

Ogre Rancorem... I wanted to fight again in the Manifestation Spring. So let's get through this first. Then we can square off for real.