What's the Probability of That!

Well, if it isn't Aldo and company.

Administrator? It's not like you to just be walking around town.

You make it sound like I'm out on a leisurely stroll or something. On the contrary, I often take to the streets to keep myself grounded.

Oh that's right. I heard that you two may have come into contact with him on one of your recent endeavors.

Him?

I wonder, did you happen to meet with a man excelling in medical science recently? Dressed head to toe in black?

Medical science...black clothes? Do you mean the Professor?

Something wrong?

No. Nothing wrong, per se. It's just, he has not renewed his citizen ID in quite some time, you see. He has pretty much been counted as a missing person for quite some time now. I was surprised at his sudden reappearance.

The Professor is missing...

Have there been no updates recently?

I suppose you have a right to know as well. There were once seven research institutions under the KMS umbrella working on exploring the possibilities of the human body. Among those labs, one burned to the ground. Another was destroyed in an incident involving the personnel there. The rest were also all forced to close for some reason or another. He was something of a spokesman for one of those laboratories. He went missing after his research institute burned down, but rumors about him are still around... But I don't want to bother you with any misinformation.

Sorry to have taken up so much of your time. Just bear in mind what I have said.

......

Dewey?

The Professor...

You called?

Wha?!

I had a feeling that I'd see you again. Thanks to the anti-toxin, the people in comas were able to make a full recovery.

If there is a poison, there will, theoretically, always be an antidote. We just have to unravel it. So... You wanted to talk to me about something?

I didn't get a chance to ask you the other day... The Professor in the other time layer was doing terrible human experiments. Just like how me and the other Dewey were different people, I know the Professor is different too. But I'm sure that's still a possibility for the Professor. Don't you think so?

Just as I suspected. You want to know about the research I performed in this time layer.

......

In that case...

I'm going to ask you to do one thing for me. The answer you seek will be waiting for you.

Request?

Oh come now. It's nothing too trying. There's a girl that I'd like you to meet.

I understand. I'll go with you.

I'm coming with you, Dewey.

Now that you mention it. I don't think I really know a whole lot about the Professor either.

So, what's he like?

I suppose you have a right to know as well. There were once seven research institutions under the KMS umbrella working on exploring the possibilities of the human body. Among those labs, one burned to the ground. Another was destroyed in an incident involving the personnel there. The rest were also all forced to close for some reason or another. He was something of a spokesman for one of those laboratories.

So he was kind of a big shot, huh?

There were also more than a few rumors concerning him. Some less savory than others. You should be wary around, No. It's not my place to get involved in other's personal business.

Sorry to have taken up so much of your time. Just bear in mind what I have said.

I can't believe that Administrator! The Professor saved my life. It kinda gets on my nerves to hear somebody talk about him like that!

You called?

Whoa! Professor? Where the steam did you come from?

Thanks for your help the other day! Thanks to your anti-toxin, we were able to save all the people who were in comas!

I really didn't do anything particularly difficult. If there is a poison, there will, theoretically, always be an antidote.

I don't really get the specifics, but without you I know there'd be a lot of people still in comas. I gotta show my gratitude somehow!

Is that so, Dewey?

In that case, would you hear out my request?

Request?

Oh come now. It's nothing too trying. There's a girl that I'd like you to meet.

Oh just meet somebody? Is that all? Of course, I'd be happy to do that!

You're up for it, right, Aldo?

Sure, fine with me.

I knew you wouldn't let me down. I'm actually on my way to pay a visit to her at her house now. It's in the Theta District. Come, follow me.

The girl I want you to meet's house is just up ahead. Come on.

Ah! Professor, thank you ever so much for coming!

Oh, and who might these people be?

Oh, these two? They're just my assistants of sorts. And very capable ones at that.

Is that right. They're awfully young. I guess you gotta train 'em up early, huh?

Anyway, as you know, our daughter is suffering from a serious illness. It pains me to admit it, but she doesn't have long left. There was no use keeping her in the hospital, so we brought her home so that she may rest quietly in the time she has left.

The tumor has just continued to get larger. She complains that her arms and legs are numb and it gets a little bit worse every day.

I dare say she has but a few days remaining. I imagine you have seen your fair share of this type of illness, too, Dewey?

Yeah... I saw loads of people with the same illness when I was in hospital.

A few days after going numb, the bed that kid was lying in would be empty. That's when you know they've gone for good. I had it too. I couldn't sleep for thinking that it'd be my bed next that'd become the empty one.

Does that mean... Professor, is this the child you were talking about?

That's right. Dewey here is living evidence that this deplorable illness can be overcome. I believe, with his help, your child's chances of survival will increase significantly.

You will help, won't you, Dewey?

If it'll be of help, I'll do anything I can!

I just wanna check before you do anything, but, is this going to be dangerous for Dewey in any way?

No, no, he'll be in no danger at all. All I need from him is a little blood.

If you're sure he'll be safe, then okay.

I really appreciate you offering to help. My daughter is resting in her room, I'll just go get her.

Professor! You came to celebrate with us, huh!

Of course. I wouldn't miss your birthday now, would I? And I have a present for you, too. A present in the form of my friend Dewey here. He's here to cure that sickness of yours.

What?! Really?! He can cure me?

So this is what you meant by meeting with somebody.

There's so much I want to do if I get better.

Like, go to school and make loads of friends. I don't really like studying but I would give it my best shot anyway! After class we'd all go into town and explore. Maybe even make a secret base!

That's not the first time I've heard this story. A lot of the kids in the ward wanted exactly the same thing. Don't worry, I'll do whatever I can to help you get better.

Okay!

We'll need to use some facilities in Xeno-Domain for the treatment. Let's head there now, we don't have any time to waste.

Okay, Professor. So what do I need to do?

Nothing too strenuous at all. First off, Dewey, I need you to get inside this pod.

This one here? Okay, got it.

How do you feel?

Completely fine. As limber as ever, see.

Now it's your turn to get inside the pod.

Okay!

I just had a little bit of blood taken when I was in the pod. Just exactly what will happen to her inside there, Professor?

It's really quite simple. I have extracted the nano tech from your blood sample.

I'll then implant those same nano machines into her. They have already developed in your body to fight this disease. The chances of them successfully bonding to her DNA as well are extremely high.

So, how do you feel?

I... I feel amazing!

I haven't felt this good in...almost forever!

Well, it looks like the treatment worked, huh!

I guess it has. Wow, look at her go.

Woooooo! Professor, look! Weeeeee!

Haha, Are you sure you should be running around like that? You've only just recovered, take it easy for a second!

Huh?!

Whoa! What happened? Was there a problem with the pod or something?

I don't think so. It worked the same as when you were in there.

You've got some explaining to do. What's happened to her?

......

I had predicted this might happen. We're still missing something.

What do you mean you had predicted this? I thought you said we could save her!

We could have saved her, yes. With a 1 in 2000 chance that is.

1 in 2000?! Are you crazy?

What were you thinking?!

Based off your reactions, you both think that was too risky a probability I see. But, you see, without my intervention this girl would've had a zero chance of surviving.

Maybe, but with probabilities like that, do you really think it could have been successful? It's impossible!

I did. And it is not impossible at all. After all, it worked with you, Dewey.

Wait. Are you saying Dewey had the same 1 in 2000 chance of his nano tech being successful?!

It goes without saying that he was not the only one. I gave every child lying waiting for death in that hospital wing the same chance as Dewey for survival. However their bodies rejected the nano machines and one after the other lost their lives.

So, you mean it wasn't that everybody had been discharged before I woke at all. They'd all...

A tragic, but significant sacrifice. I did not allow their deaths to be in vain. They paved the way for a step forward in medicine.

And most importantly, it provided me with you: a miracle. The life of those who already had no hope is a small price to pay.

You're crazy!

I had performed over 10,000 case tests with nano tech. 500 of those being on human test subjects. Every single one ended in failure. I had actually given up hope on achieving any kind of success and moved on to another research project.

So can you imagine my elation when I heard reports of your survival? It was the reckoning of mankind become more complete. More perfect.

You must understand that I had an obligation to find out whether you were an anomaly. Or whether I could recreate the same results.

But you said if I helped, you would be able to save her...

Indeed, and by using your already functioning nano tech, the chances of success were significantly amplified. According to my pre-test calculations they were as high as a 1 in 400 probability. This is as close to a scientific revolution as it comes!

1 in 400? That's still so low!

Right, let's just...

Can you hear my voice?

*groan* Pro...fessor?

As much as it pains me, I am afraid I cannot save you. It seems the same miracle that worked for Dewey did not work with you.

Wh-Why?! That's not fair! Why do they get to live and not me?

......

Rest in peace knowing your death will not be for nothing. I pledge that in the name of science and progress.

What are you going to do with her?

Let us not get to hasty there, my sword brandishing friend. I would hate to be more forceful with you now.

No!

Aldo!

The nano machines within this girl's body are more valuable than you can imagine. If I can deduce why they didn't bond with her, it will greatly advance my research.

So, I won't die for nothing?

No, your parents will be so proud of you.

Well, I guess that's not so bad then...

I've heard enough! Please, Professor, don't take her with you!

Stop. Please, don't let my life go to waste...

He's just tricking you! Just like he tricked me and all the others!

Please...

That's it! TAKE THIS!

Damn... My mistgun...

You nanomachines can't attack me just like in the Parallel Time Layer.

While in my presence, and without my permission, you won't be able to produce a single wisp of steam from that gun of yours.

Huh? Why can't I use my mistgun?

Oh, did I forget to mention? I have had, and always will have full control of your nano tech.

Put simply, while in my presence, and without my permission, you won't be able to produce a single wisp of steam from that gun of yours.

B-But then...

Ah!

I'll take my leave now. I'll make sure this girl's life is used for the good of medical science.

Damn it.

......

My life, my power... It has all been built upon the sacrifice of countless innocents.

I finally get what my nurse friend meant now. When she said my life comes with great responsibility, this is what she was talking about.

I had never really understood what she had meant by that before. Hearing those words made me want to save others like me.

But I couldn't even save one girl. It's...it's embarrassing. I'm pathetic.

What's that? You're giving up already? That's not like the Dewey I know at all. That girl has a family waiting for her to come home. Even if she never does get better, I'll make sure she gets home.

Y-Yeah! Thanks Aldo.

But we got no idea where the Professor has made off to.

I guess we'll just have to split up and look for him.

What's that light?

Oh man! It's the nano machines inside me!

I can hear a noise coming from them. It's that girl's voice.

You mean just like before...!

Could it be the nano machines in her body are still connected with you somehow?

The resonance of the nanomachines!

I-I got it. Aldo! I know where she is! They're heading for the airport!

Okay, let's get over there straightaway!

So you came after me after all. I thought you would know better, Dewey.

Give her back!

And what would become of her if I did, hmm? All she has left now is to wait for her imminent last breath.

I think she would be much better off being a valuable research subject of mine instead.

What else would give her life as much meaning as that? She would leave her mark on the scientific world in a way few others can.

Professor, I'm going to be honest. I could really care less how you try and spin this.

I made a promise. To save that girl. Even if it means giving up all of the nano machines in my body to save her, I'll do it gladly!

I don't doubt your will to save her. It's commendable. But what do you really intend to do against me?

Speak up now. How did you intend to take her from me when you can't even use your only weapon without my permission?

Urgh!

What's more... Just as I told you in Xeno-Domain, I have conducted over 10,000 test cases. And I do hope you haven't already forgotten the success rate of those injected with nano tech?

1 in 2000. I didn't just pull those numbers from a hat, you know. It's truth, through and through.

10,000 tests... 1 in 2000... So, there are only four more like me?

Actually, Dewey, the only successful human test is standing in front of me now. You!

Although, as you can see, when testing on a genetic level, my work hasn't been completely fruitless...

This monster here, is actually something like a big brother to you, Dewey. He is just like you. An existence that defied the odds of survival.

......

Professor... This is all wrong! Think about what you're saying! And doing!

You've just abandoned the person in pain right in front of your eyes. You never really intended to save her at all. We all only have the one life given to us. You can't just turn that into numbers!

I've made it my responsibility to do anything I can to protect fragile lives unable to help themselves!

That's good, Dewey. This is exactly why I chose you for my research.

In that case, show me. Show me exactly what lengths you will truly go to to preserve life!

Let's do this, Dewey!

You got it, Aldo!

Well, look at that. You surpassed your brother. I'm impressed.

This is the burden I carry. It is also my power!

Oh? Did you think you had me cornered? Oh, Dewey, not even close.

Damn it! Where's he keeping these things?!

I allowed you use of your steam in the last fight. I had to make things somewhat interesting after all. But not anymore. Let us see just how far you can get without your powers. Come now, Dewey, it'll be fun.

Shut up! Just shut up already and... And give the girl baaack!

Oh no!

I did not foresee you being able to override my control over your nano tech!

This is exactly what I had hoped for! A true miracle against the odds. I'm proud of you, Dewey, I really am!

Please, Professor, just stop already. Don't make me have to shoot anymore. I can never forgive you. But that doesn't change the fact that you saved me, I'll never forget that either. I'm begging you. Just leave the girl with us and get out of here.

Very well. I'll do as you wish. I have accomplished what I set out to do for now anyway.

What do you mean?

My first and only goal in all this was purely to push Dewey's limits and see just how much he was capable of.

You see, the nano tech implanted into Dewey's body has the ability to extract information and learn, grow. However, most living beings aren't strong enough to keep up with that growth and are destroyed.

Dewey was the key to break past that wall in my research. He proved that the human body could indeed be pushed further. With this data, I can keep forging forward into the unknown and take my research to it's inevitable conclusion.

Certain circumstances require me to leave Elzion for the time being. However, we shall meet again, Dewey, mark my words.

But until then, Dewey, my greatest creation, I bid you farewell.

Why? Why would you send him away?

I heard your voice, we connected through the nano tech in our bodies. What you really wanted was to be saved. To see your parents again.

What, no! I just wanted them to be proud of me. For my life to not be a waste.

I think they'd be much happier to have you back home where they can look after you.

Your life was never a waste, not for a second. Your life means the world to your parents.

It...did?

I've been so stupid. I'm sorr, Ah!

What's happening?! That light's shining again!

The nano machines are calling out to each other again!

H-Huh? All the pain's gone. I...I feel great!

Wait, does that mean the nano machines are working? But why now?

I don't know. This whole thing's been pretty confusing.

This is just my guess, but that guy said something about your nano machines having the ability to learn and grow, right? And the nano machines in the girl now used to be yours, right? It kinda makes sense that she would be affected in the same way.

Y-Yeah that makes sense, I guess. Hehe, I guess that means all this was worth the effort then, huh!

Hey, do you think you can stand?

Okay!

This is so weird! All the pain has just completely gone away. Is...is this a dream? You gotta tell me if it is!

Nope, this is as real as it gets! I think that was the same reaction I had when I got out of bed for the first time too.

Well, let's get back to Theta District. Your parents will be anxiously waiting for you no doubt.

Okay!

Mom! Dad!

Wait, since when were you able to run?! Are...are you really cured?

I knew the Professor could do it! Is he here? I have to thank him!

The Professor...

I get it, you know. Without the Professor neither me nor that girl would be alive right now.

What he's doing is pretty amazing, there's no doubt about it. But that doesn't make it right.

Right? It's messed up to measure people's lives with numbers and probabilities.

Yet, I know I only have this power because of that exact same cold and calculated way of thinking.

And that's exactly why I have to use these powers to help more people. It's about all I can do for all those who didn't make it.

I know you'll be able to make them all proud. I believe in you.

I really don't even know how to begin to thank you. You helped cure our daughter, didn't you?

Words can't express my gratitude. Hey, where are your manners? He saved your life, show a little gratitude.

Th-Thanks...

Well, that wasn't very good now, was it?

I'm very sorry. She's gotten all shy now.

Haha, don't worry about! I really didn't do anything anyway.

Isn't that right? I just stood in a pod for a couple of seconds is all.

Listen, if you ever need anything again, just give me a call okay? The name's Dewey!

Well, I've gotta get going now. Laters!

Whoa, Dewey! Hold on, wait for me!

Ha! Look at him trying to be cool. Well, he wasn't cool at all. Nope, not one bit!