Arknights story · Heart of Surging Flame
OF-ST3 Under the Gun
The Doctor and Ceylon talk while taking a stroll. In the end, Ceylon makes up her mind and decides on a plan.
1 scenes, 73 lines
1. Interlude
73 lines
...Would you be able to walk around a bit with me, Doctor?
I'm a little worried about you.
Doctor, did you know? When I was a child, this beach wasn't this busy. I used to like making sand castles by myself.
...This city is getting better and better every year, thanks to my father.
My father and I, well, don't talk a lot.
I've always wondered... Which is more important, this city and the wealth it brings, or me?
My mother died when she gave birth to me. Sometimes I think about if that's the reason why he doesn't like me.
And it feels like he doesn't care if I like him or not. Ever since I can remember, he has rarely been at home because of business. Rather than father and daughter, we're more like two strangers living under the same roof.
Schwarz, I want to go observe the ecosystem of the beach!
You mustn't, milady. Master Doykos said you must not go outside without good reason.
But I'm tired of reading the same old books here! Schwarz, you're no fun at all!
My apologies, milady. This is for your safety though; it's dangerous outside.
But won't you be with me? Are you going to put me in danger?
...Of course I wouldn't.
So, what's the problem then? Let's go!
...In that case, please do not stray from my sight.
One could say that back then, having Schwarz at my side just felt like a simple fact of life.
Hurry up, these ornaments are for tonight's concert.
We'll be in trouble if we don't make it on time!
Oh, that's...
If I remember properly, he's the grandson of the owner of the Mockingbird Café on Second Avenue.
I used to go there a lot. The old storekeeper was a kind man. His wife had already passed away at that time, so he decorated the café with her favorite flowers and bonsai trees, and put on their favorite music.
But he did say that he was getting too old to run the shop, and would pass the business over to his grandson.
Time sure flies.
Why's that?
Because I have Oripathy, milady.
It's bad for your health to come too close to me. Please call upon me only when it is necessary.
What's that? Does it hurt?
...It doesn't hurt, but, I will die because of it.
There is no cure for this disease, milady.
And...
I just have to find the cure then!
Heh, just you wait! One day, I'll defeat that illness, and snatch you back from its jaws!
The reason I became an Originium researcher was because of her. I wanted to cure her.
That has always been the thing motivating me. I even went to Victoria to pursue this dream.
However, Originium research is very difficult. At the beginning, I couldn't even grasp the basic concepts and felt like giving up. But I persevered.
Victoria is also very far away, and I couldn't get used to it at first.
But now, I feel like I'm more of a Victorian than a Siestan.
Doctor, could it be said that everything I have is an illusion?
I'm willing to pay anything to protect this place.
I don't know.
She might be struggling too.
Hmm... I suppose so. There's no way you'd be able to know.
Then what is it? Something she can't even tell me about?
Besides, no matter what she's struggling with, that much is inevitable because of the sins she has committed.
Doctor, do you think I should give up?
I can't answer that for you...
But you are a true Originium researcher.
Can we vanquish Oripathy?
Can we save the Infected?
Will there be an end to these tribulations?
If there is, I can't see it. I'm not sure. I don't know how to answer.
Can I just give up? Yes.
But I don't want to.
Perhaps the land we've been born into is blighted...
But the things that you've done have not been in vain.
Believe in the choices you've made.
Phew... You're right, Doctor.
Your experience really shows. Looks like I still have a lot to learn.
First, I need to stop being sentimental and start by finding the proof.
If they are really putting citizens in danger on purpose, I'll do everything in my power to stop them!
Because I believe in my own decisions, I'll fight to save this city, even if nobody else will!
Well said.
Oh, Mister Hellagur!
By the looks of things, you've found your answer.
Mhm. Mister Hellagur, Doctor, could you hear me out?
No matter what, I don't want to see the citizens being put into danger. That's my number one priority. The largest broadcast tower here is located by the Garrison Amusement Park.
It controls this city's entire broadcast system.
The broadcast tower?
However, it's controlled by Cronin's henchmen. He often appears there to speak to the citizens.
When the major concert begins, everyone's going to be gathered by the stage. Cronin's men are going to be have their hands full trying to keep things orderly.
As long as we control the tower at that time, we can spread the news throughout the whole city.
So, I'm asking both of you, please lend me your aid!