Double Gambit

That's it. Keep it up!

Don't panic... I've still got time to win... I can't lose hope...

Oh gosh, I'm so nervous!

Go, go, go! Sprint to the finish!

Nonononono, this is bad. This is real bad! If I lose now, it's all over!

"Aaand that's the race, folks! I never coulda seen that coming!"

"This concludes the 9th race: Eeza Stakes. Now to announce the winners. In first place, we have the unexpected cat from gate 2..."

Whoa, everyone sure is excited. I heard they recreated the Nagsham cat races on screen, but I'd never seen it myself before.

Aldooo! Yoohoo!

Guess what? I just won BIG on that last race!

And I think I'll spend it buying tons of gifts for Havoc!

I don't really get how this all works, but I'm glad you're having fun, Rusalka.

A-Are you okay, miss?

This can't be... It's just not possible... I had it all figured out, the distance, temperature, even habits of the cats. I made the most logical choice...

That might be true, but that's just not how races work, I'm afraid.

Oof. She's not looking so hot right now... But I guess that's what happens when you're always betting big.

"The 10th race, the KMS Award, will begin shortly. Those wishing to buy a betting ticket, please do so quickly."

No. It can't end like this... Oh?

(That is one intense stare. I really hope she's not thinking what I think she's thinking...)

You've come at a good time, Aldo. I bet you know exactly what I want from you right now.

Money...?

That's right. And we've known each other for a long time, haven't we? We're such good friends.

So, how about it? Just transfer it into this account right here and...

I'm not giving you any money! Helena even asked me to make sure you don't do anything reckless with your Git.

Ugh...

But I feel the same way. You need to be more careful with your spending.

He's right, Professor. We can't let a sweet summer child like this one see how irresponsible adults can be.

I wonder who would be contacting me at a time like this... ......

What is it?

Is this an email? They want you to conduct an investigation...

And would you look at that reward?! That's an awful lot of zeros!

But first they wanna meet you and talk about the job. Does this feel a little...suspicious to you?

The message came from a secure KMS line. I can't imagine it's some kind of prank.

They've certainly piqued my interest.

You can't be serious! I know the reward is very attractive, but this request is just...

They want to meet at the airport. That's not too far from here.

H-Hey! Xianhua!

Well, this is the place.

Color me surprised. I didn't think you'd actually come.

That's no way to greet an old acquaintance, now is it? You don't even seem to care that we're out in the open.

Wait... You're the Director of KMS's Special Branch, aren't you?

Have you no shame? How dare you show your face after all that's happened!

Hang on, Xianhua!

People will see!

Tch. I can't imagine you've forgotten about what happened with Vita.

I heard about the whole thing. Quite the unfortunate end, I must say...

Silence. What do you want now?

I have a request. You read my message, didn't you?

So that was from you.

I'm not interested. Goodbye...

I heard you entered Volos Research Institute.

So you were watching, just like you always do. You disgust me.

Rest assured watching is all I did. The electromagnetic interference kept me from following.

And while I am interested in what you did inside the facility...

I am more interested in the fact that it is now open, after being closed off for so long.

Why is that?

On paper, it was supposedly only being used for chimera research, but that wasn't the case.

Did you know they were also researching clones there in secret?

This is the first I'm hearing of it.

So not even the former head researcher knew about it, I see.

It sounds like you've been doing your own research on me as well.

Have a look at this.

It's a list of all the clone-related research that we're looking for. And all of it should be in that facility. I'm sure retrieving that data would be no problem for you, Xianhua.

I'm sure it wouldn't, but...why can't you just do it yourself? Aren't you a higher-up at KMS? I feel like it shouldn't be a problem for you either.

I imagine he lost that "higher-up" position after what happened with Vita. He might still work at KMS, but even that's dependent on Old Man Delamair. He's not able to do whatever he wants like before.

I'm willing to bet you contacted me to get this information so you can climb that corporate ladder all over again.

You're such an imbecile. Did you really think I would help you do that?

Yes. Because you need the money. I've had a peek into your financials, and it seems like you've been living quite lavishly. You've also been investing more into stocks lately. You have a lot of hobbies, Xianhua. Expensive hobbies.

...Make your point.

Money won't betray you. We may not have the best relationship, but introducing money into the equation should simplify things.

And besides, it's not like you've got nothing to do with clones.

What do you mean? Xianhua was researching Synth Humans, right?

Yes, but her data on life sciences was the cornerstone for research on clones.

However, that data was stolen some years ago from a server in the Xeno-Domain.

The circulation of that data led to rapid acceleration in clone research all over, and at KMS, of course.

Is that true?

Yes... Though I do not like to think about it.

So people used your findings as a stepping stone to get ahead of you...

I heard a rumor that the same thief who stole your data is also after the data in Volos Research Institute.

What?

They made a mess of your research. This could be your chance to get back at them... or you could choose to look the other way.

Hmph.

Xianhua! Where are you going?

To Volos Research Institute.

You mean you're accepting the job?

I don't care about his stupid job. This is a matter of pride.

If the thief really is there...I'm going to make sure they pay.

That's where the top-secret area is, but still...I've never heard anything about anyone researching clones.

Notice anything?

Could it be the thief that's after the data?

I can't believe there was an entire room I never knew about here.

And this is where the data is stored, right?

It was probably all deleted when the facility shut down. They're no fools.

Oh, you changed your outfit again.

You said it was like a "uniform for battle" before. I think I'm finally understanding what you meant by that.

What's it say?

The electromagnetic engineering team?

That's where I worked. Now that I think about it, some big shot from KMS came to talk to me once... I might have been called the "head researcher," but I was still just a young girl and did whatever my boss told me to do.

I guess my research never amounted to anything.

Yeah. It's thanks to you that Erin and Tilda were reunited.

Oh...

That's very kind of you to say. It's got me all teary-eyed...

Is something wrong?

Say, Professor... What's this?

Someone's journal?

Whoa! Who turned out the lights?!

Curio?!

Ah, Aldo. It's been a while. Thanks for always looking after Isuka.

Is this a friend of yours, Aldo?

He's a terrorist, one that my friend's been chasing her entire life.

But what are you doing here?

I came to prove something regarding human permanence, and the data you have in your hands can make it possible.

I...don't understand what you're saying.

Surely my words aren't lost on you, Professor.

You might not know me by name, but I'm sure you're familiar with my work.

I got acquainted with your data on the Xeno-Domain.

You're the thief!

I value it very much, thank you. And I don't intend to lose it now. After all, there's still so much more fun to be had with you.

With Professor Chronos gone, you possess the greatest wisdom left in the world. Can you imagine how exciting it is to know that I could have that knowledge for myself once I strike you down?

I've got your back, Xianhua!

Xianhua!

I was aiming for your head, but you've got quite impressive reflexes.

Yes. Your attack was spot on.

He's...disappearing.

Was he...a clone?

Going up against you was a big gamble. You could say I was hedging my bets.

I'm a kind of "data" myself. You know what I mean, don't you, Professor?

Xianhua! XIANHUA!

Hah. Looks like I won't be taking that beautiful brain back with me.

But...at least I get a consolation prize.

Hey! That's Xianhua's!

There's something else further in I need to pick up before I leave.

Get back here!

Aldo...

It's too late... She stopped moving.

No... Xianhua...

I...

I'll see what I can do.

Do you think you can save her?

If she were an ordinary human, no. But she's not.

She's a Synth Human.

I never told her, but I've had a hunch for a while now. But now...there's no need for that. The truth has come to light.

That's why there's hope. Maybe I can help.

I might not look it, but I'm none too shabby of a scientist.

Rusalka...

You go after that man, Aldo. It sounded like he might be after the black blade. I'd hate to think what it's capable of in a terrorist's hands.

Right. I'll stop him!

......!

That's far enough, Curio!

Rusalka?!

I'm so sorry, Aldo...

What're you gonna do to her?!

......

I can hear their voices...

I'm so sorry... It was all my fault that you suffered...

What're you doing, Rusalka?!

It was all my fault... Everything... Those poor children...

Be reasonable, Rusalka. Put the knife down.

I must atone...with my death...

You're using your power to control her, aren't you?!

Stop this, Curio! Let Rusalka go!

Rusalka! No!

Ungh...

What just happened...?

Xianhua! You're alright!

And once I capture you, that'll be checkmate.

Careful, Xianhua.

Yeah. He's dangerous.

Hah. Then you'll be glad to know this isn't over yet.

What is it?

Curio?! But how?

Um... Professor?

I'm fine, thank you.

I'm more worried about you.

Yeah. I thought you were a goner.

Could you...make it simpler than that?

So when that boy earlier mentioned you being "prepared," then...

You're pretty much immortal now, no?

Wait. Is that what you've been spending all your money on lately?

That's good. Then you can get your money and...

Ah!

Are you really okay with breaking it, Xianhua?

But what about the money?

Me?! B-But I don't have any money. And my military salary is depressing!

Uh... Is that why you're swindling Havoc?

Come now, Aldo. Don't say it like that!

You're really gonna go back to having fun after what just happened?!

"Today's main event, the Eeza Prize race, has begun!"

"The cats are running, and walking, toward the goal. But whose paws will cross the finish line first?!"

They look even more excited than usual.

It's the most important race. Of course they're excited!

Hm...

Xianhua's being awful quiet, don't you think?

Shh. She's probably just focusing on the race. She'll get mad if you derail her train of thought.

O-Okay.

Human permanence...

Huh?

I was just thinking about what that boy said. He became "data" himself. I suppose that is one way to live forever, but...

It's not something I'd like to do myself.

Why not?

Because it'd be painful, surviving all on my lonesome.

......

Sure, it might be important to keep our memories alive for as long as possible. But I think it's more important to make as many memories as possible and enjoy our lives while we're alive.

I'm sorry if I said too much...

......

"We're at the final stretch, folks. And at the front of the pack, we have our most popular kitty..."

Oh dear... This isn't looking good for me. I should have taken the professor's advice and gone with a safe bet.

"Oh my goodness, I can't believe this! It looks like the kitties in the lead have all gotten distracted by something!"

"An opportunity the other cats are pouncing on! It's a once-in-a-blue-moon kitty catch-up, folks!"

No way! I didn't know that could happen in a virtual race!

"GOAAAL! Talk about an upset, folks! The kitties usually occupying the bottom three are all in the top three!"

She's frozen...

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

Don't tell me...

I'm pretty sure she went all in on the most popular cat.

Oh...

Ch-Cheer up, Xianhua. Better luck next time?

You think I need cheering up? You couldn't be more wrong.

Have a look at this.

Wait. You bet on all those cats that won?

What?

I bet all my money on the winning cat!

But you said it would never win!

Well, I changed my mind at the last minute.

Why? Did you make some new calculation?

No. I just thought...I could try trusting my gut once in a while.

But you hate that. It's not logical.

Yes. Perhaps that emotional side of you has rubbed off on me.

......

Regardless...it looks like you'll be getting tons of money now.

You could pay me back everything you owe and it wouldn't even make a dent!

Somehow I doubt that's gonna happen...

You're right. A true gambler knows when it's time to place bets.

Already thinking of the next race, Professor? You really are a...

I'm not talking about the race.

You mean you didn't buy tickets? You transferred the money somewhere?

The IDA Scholarship Fund...

Wait. You mean you donated it to a school?

It's no easy feat to give your knowledge directly to others. The easiest way for it to remain in this world is with money.

What exactly does that money do?

It'll help subsidize the education of students who don't have the money to pay tuition.

After what happened with Vita, I started thinking...this might be another way to live forever. So if anything ever happens to me, then...

Well, need I say more?

I never expected you to donate to any cause, Professor.

Are you making fun of me?

N-No! Nothing like that.

Right now...I feel like grabbing a drink to celebrate.

What do you say? I know a place that plays good music!

You know I find music to be nothing more than glorified racket, don't you?

Yes, but I'm sure you'll find this to your liking.

Why don't you come with us, Aldo? But we have to keep it a secret from Havoc. We'll need a good excuse if we come back late!

Alright, I'll join.

Then off we go!

We should make memories and enjoy our lives while we're alive...

Perhaps I'll bring a little souvenir to Helena and the others after this.