Arknights story · Operator Records
The First Step Into Night
Many years later, with the Volcano Watchers' buds she has cultivated, Adele climbs Mount Unna for the first time.
1 scenes, 274 lines
1. Interlude
274 linesAugust 24th, Volcano Watchers Incubator Temperatures: Normal; Humidity: Normal; Soil Nutrients Indices: Normal; Area Originium Activity Levels: Suppression has not yet begun.
It took me some time to reach Unna Village, located near Mount Unna, because the village had been relocated a few kilometers north of its previous site.
From their current location, I can't see Mount Unna in any direction. The ruins of the old Unna Village are only visible from a great distance when viewed from their tallest rooftop.
The mountain road is long and rugged. I'm glad I requested transport for the survey. The incubator is undamaged, and the Volcano Watcher buds inside are in good condition. The experiment can commence right away.
But for some reason... The villagers are acting very strange.
When I first stepped into the village, they thought I was a lost traveler and welcomed me with enthusiasm.
But as soon as I introduced myself as a volcano surveyor, their expressions immediately went cold and they refused to say another word.
Adele sets her pen down and looks into the distance. The new Unna Village is livelier than ever, compared to the images of a village engulfed in volcanic ash she saw on the news a few years ago.
Villagers bustle about. Some strum instruments, and singing drifts from a few houses. Children run happily down the streets, casting curious glances at Adele.
Far, far away at the foot of Mount Unna are those ashen, seemingly lifeless ruins she saw in the news reports. Though darkish gray, they stand out from their surroundings.
Adele looks around, but ultimately finds her gaze fixed on those ruins.
Luckily, I was able to find the mayor with the help of a kind girl, and she's letting me stay in her empty attic.
Pardon me, Miss. I brought some hot tea, and here's your dinner.
As the mayor of this village, I feel it is my duty to explain the cold shoulders you may be receiving from the villagers.
Thank you for the meal and the tea.
I won't beat about the bush. We don't like anything that has to do with that volcano. Frankly, we much prefer never to hear the word 'volcano' again.
Many lives were lost in that disaster, and it's a difficult subject for us. It's best if you complete your work quickly and leave; several villagers have already voiced their concerns to me.
...
I'll finish my work as planned and leave as soon as I'm done.
It has to do with volcano warnings. I don't think it is necessarily offensive to the villagers or any cause for animosity.
Young lady, I understand what you're trying to say.
But we, too, have our own way with the volcano, and we need time.
September 3rd, Volcano Watchers Incubator Temperatures: Normal; Humidity: Normal; Soil Nutrients Indices: Normal; Area Originium Activity Levels: Suppression has not yet begun.
I collected soil samples from multiple areas on the volcano and found an area suitable to cultivate the Volcano Watchers. Their survival rate is astonishing, and they've adapted to Mount Unna well.
They'll be blooming in about two weeks. If I can observe a pattern in their color changes due to Originium activity, it could lead to a breakthrough in volcanic disaster monitoring.
Then, surely more lives can be saved.
I've become familiar with the path from the mayor's home to the flower bed on the hillside, having taken it every day. As long as I descend the volcano before sundown, I can find my way back alone.
Looks like I'll need to figure out a time to stop working. Otherwise, I won't know how to get back after dark.
...The villagers continue to shun me, and communication has been hard. I don't mean to judge their way of coping, but... is it really good to keep running away like this?
On another note, it's about time I build some fences for the experimental flowerbed. I need to find some suitable materials in the afternoon.
Hm, the buds are pretty far along already. In a few more days, they'll start to flower...
I'll start recording Originium activities more often and adjusting Originium activities for different sections of the flowerbed.
First, I'll need to split it into zones, starting here...
Arrrgghhh! Whoa!
That hurts! Who put up this fence here?
...!
Oh, you're the lady who wanted to climb the volcano the other day...! I figured you'd be here!
You're the girl who helped me find the mayor... Are you hurt? Why did you come up the volcano by yourself? This isn't a place to be on your own!
I'm okay...
Hmph, the more my parents tell me not to climb the volcano or go to the ruins of the old village, the more I'm gonna go!
It's just a volcano! What's the big deal? I can climb it by myself... Oww!
You twisted your ankle, didn't you? Come, sit down. I'll apply some ointment there.
I'm fine. And I knew you'd be here!
Can you teach me how to climb to the top of the volcano?
September 23rd. I finished my work a little later than usual, and it started to rain. I tried to descend the volcano, but I tripped and fell. Fortunately, the villagers found me and brought me back.
They asked me why I climbed the mountain despite the weather, and I told them about my volcano activity warning research. They don't seem to object to me being here so much anymore and even gave me some local ointment. It works very well.
But I digress. Originium activity has had an evident effect on the Volcano Watchers' color. Basically, for each level the Originium activity increases, the change in color is observable to the naked eye.
I've collected enough plant samples to put them in different groups for further studies. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out what exactly is causing this phenomenon.
If I can isolate the substance causing these changes, I might be able to incorporate it into early warning kits with greater sensitivity and accuracy. Perhaps the day of precise volcanic disaster warnings isn't so far off.
Also, I met the girl who gave me directions here again. She's been coming to see me every day since she tripped in the flowerbed and I applied ointment for her.
She never listens to her parents and keeps running off to the volcano or the ruins at its foot. She even wants me to take her to Mount Unna's summit... I get the sense that she's interested in volcanoes.
Phew... I'm finally done with these data...
Okay, kiddo. My work here is done. You should head home, too.
They say you're here to research the volcano. I read in the books that people who research volcanoes go to the top to look at rocks and use shovels to scoop lava.
But every time I come, you're always here growing flowers on the hillside instead of going to the top.
Why don't you go to the top? I was hoping to go to the top with you!
I remember you. Your name is Hope, right? It's true that I only ever come here rather than the peak. Because this is where I'm running my experiments.
What about you? Can you tell me why you want to go to the top? You're still a kid. That's a dangerous place. I can't just take you there.
...
Hmph! So you won't take me, either!
...?
October 5th, I managed to isolate several substances during the experiment. Given the conditions at hand, all I can do is narrow the list down.
I need to bring the samples back to the lab and conduct a more detailed analysis.
The Volcano Watchers are blooming. Once I've gathered enough samples, I might be able to grow them on a wider scale and help restore the environment here.
On another note, during dinner last night, the mayor said we got some fresh vegetables from the villagers. They also asked how my leg was. The vegetables were very good stir-fried. They tasted just like how Mutti and Vati made them.
Hope hasn't come to visit ever since that day. I asked the mayor about it, and she said she hasn't been trying to climb the volcano. She might have given up.
I'll sort the sample groups one last time... Check the labels... Good, everything's in order...
Huh? I must have been too absorbed in my work... It's so dark. I can barely see anything...
Maybe I can still make it back if I hurry...
Ahh!
No... With my eyesight getting worse, a flashlight alone won't be enough...
Maybe I should just set up a tent and rest here for the night. Good thing I made some preparations before...
Phew... There we go! With a moisture-proof mat, I should be able to sleep without a problem.
I might need a bit of wild animal spray, too. There are a lot of animals nearby...
Hearing the rustling sound, Adele turns around to look in hesitation.
A small head, covered with leaves and mud, pokes out from behind a rock to the side.
Whoa! You found me!
I'm outta here!
Wait!
What are you doing here this late? The volcano is too dangerous! Stay right there. I'll take you back to the village with my flashlight.
I... I... I don't wanna go back!
I'm going to the top, no matter what! It took me so long to convince them that I don't wanna go to the volcano anymore, who knew you'd be here to bust me...!
I don't want down, I want up! Straight to the top!
Then tell me. What do you plan to do at the top of the volcano?
Will you take me there if I tell you? I... There's something I have to do there...!
Hope takes out a wrinkled flower wreath.
I want to put this at the top of the volcano...
A wreath...? Why?
...
If I tell you, you can't tell anybody.
Okay... I promise I won't tell anyone.
...
I...
I... I miss my grandpa and grandma...
Your grandpa and grandma...?
When I was still little, one night I woke up to find my parents carrying me and running. They didn't stop until they were very far away from home... I was really tired, so I fell asleep again.
I don't really remember what happened after that. Suddenly, we weren't living in our house. We stayed in a tent the whole time. The food was bad, and it was hard to sleep. I never got to see Grandma and Grandpa again.
Later, the grownups built new houses, and we moved inside, but Grandma and Grandpa never came to live with us! I said I was gonna go find them. Our house is still right there!
She points in a certain direction in the dark.
But my parents never let me go. Whenever I bring it up, they get mad. They say that they've already left us, just like the old village.
But when I watch the news, they always say Mount Unna erupted or something. That's why I wanna go to the top to see what it means...
I... I... My grandparents taught me how to make flower wreaths. I... I'm going to the top of the volcano...!
The little girl confessed her feelings in one quick burst, leaving her gasping for breath.
Why won't anyone let me go to the volcano? Why did we have to move so far away? Why won't they even let me bring it up?!
I really wanna see Grandma and Grandpa! Wh-Why...?
*sobs*...
Adele sets down the flashlight and looks at the summit in the distance. Then, she reaches her hand out and lightly strokes the girl's back.
Here... Let's wipe your tears away first. Come, sit next to me.
If you really want to go to the top of the volcano, let's pay the mayor a visit tomorrow. We'll talk to her and your parents about this, okay?
But it's too late right now. It's dangerous to go up the volcano. You'll sleep here with me tonight. Don't go running off on your own.
...
Really?
How about a pinky promise, then?
Okay, pinky promise.
Hope wipes her tears away haphazardly, climbs into the tent, and lies down next to Adele.
For a little while, the two of them remain silent. Adele sits still in the tent, gazing up at the stars, while Hope can hardly stay still—staring at the rocks, poking the tent, and twirling blades of grass between her fingers.
You can't sleep, Hope?
Mhm...
How about I tell you a story, then?
What kind of story...?
It's a story about... a very sweet dream.
Adele lies down next to the little girl and takes the blades of grass. Then, she weaves them into the shape of a small lamb.
Did you know? There are some people who, after they fall asleep, get invited by pink, fluffy lambs to join them in their dreamlike games?
There, they will grant the wishes of those they invite. They get to fly into the skies over the city, surf on the ocean, or hop on streetlights and stars.
I was invited by them once, actually.
Really...?
Then... What was your wish? Did it come true?
Adele hands the lamb-shaped grass to the little girl and picks some Volcano Watcher flowers from the ground to weave the grass lamb a wreath.
Yep, they let me see my parents again.
Your mommy and daddy...?
Yep.
I'm planting these flowers here now because I was encouraged by that dream. It's what my mommy and daddy set out to do years ago, but weren't able to finish.
I know that if I manage to grow these Volcano Watchers here, I'll be invited by the lambs again.
But what about your parents? Why didn't they finish what they started?
Adele stops weaving and smiles.
Just like your grandparents, they stayed behind on this volcano and won't come back anymore.
...
Then... Do you miss them? Do you cry, too?
Of course I do.
Me too... but I think Mommy and Daddy... and everybody else don't. Definitely not.
They don't ever visit the volcano, and they don't let me go. They're all a bunch of weird scaredy pants! That's why they won't ever get invited by the lambs to make their wishes come true.
Hmm, you can't really say that for sure.
Why not?
Well, you see... I'm actually a scaredy pants, too.
Didn't you ask me before why all I ever do is grow flowers on the hillside instead of going to the top?
That's because I'm scared of going there, too... I'm still not ready. Even though I made it to the volcano, I still haven't gathered the courage to head for the summit.
Why?!
Why are... Why are all of you grownups like this? You're all scaredy pants! I thought you...
But, you see, the lambs invited me even though I am scared.
...
Then... Am I the one who's wrong...?
Adele shakes her head.
Look at the Volcano Watchers outside. I separated them into different groups. The ones here were planted in barren soil, while the ones over there were planted in fertile soil.
They're growing under very different conditions, yet they all bloom perfectly when the time is right.
You see, we're all like that. We all have our own ways of coping. Some of us cry, some of us try not to talk about it, and some of us try to be brave and take things on directly...
Just because someone is reacting differently doesn't mean they have forgotten.
Adele stretches her hand out and shows the girl what she's just finished—a flower wreath made of Volcano Watchers.
When I was your age, my mommy and daddy often made these for me to play with.
As long as we still remember, our bonds with them will never ever be lost. Like, say, the lambs will find them.
Look, here they are.
Under the night sky and among the stars, a few pinkish clouds slowly drift downwards.
The girl rubs her eyes, and finds that both the wreath she has been holding and the one in Adele's hands are floating upward toward the sky.
Huh? The wreaths...
The wreaths are flying away!
Wait, Hope, don't run off!
Not here either... Where did she go?
It's dark... I can't see anything... I hope she's okay...
In the darkness, Adele feels something fluffy rubbing against her.
She tries her hardest to find it.
(Anxious cry)
Have you seen Hope?
(Headbutts Adele)
(Loads Adele onto its back and starts running)
Where are you going?
Whoa, watch out...
I'm about to fall!
Whoa, I'm about to fall!
Be careful there! She's gotten taller. If you're going to keep letting her ride on your shoulders, you need to figure out how to keep her from falling!
Alright, alright... Adele will sit on Vati's shoulders, and Vati will stand on the volcano. That way, Adele will be right at the very top of the volcano.
Today's our Adele's birthday. Do you have a birthday wish?
My... My wish is to go on a volcanic survey with Mutti and Vati!
Slow down a little...!
(Rubs against Volcano Watchers)
(Blows the petals with its nose for fun)
Stop playing around. We need to find Hope!
The fluffy creatures leap up and dash forward. Up ahead, the volcano's springs let out puffs of hot, white steam.
It's dangerous that way...!
The fluffy creatures ignore her warning. With limbs outstretched, they leap gracefully across the water, landing steadily on the other side with their round bodies.
Satisfied, they stand next to the springs and shake their loose, fluffy wool.
Some of the tiny creatures start crying happily and shake the flowers on their heads around.
Did you guys come because you thought I was feeling down?
Did... Mr. Dolly send you here?
(Leaps around in excitement)
The fluffy creatures start leaping around like they're trying to answer.
Excited that their passenger now finally understands their intent, the fluffy creatures continue their dash for the cave's exit.
Sure thing, my sweet Adele, as soon as you get a bit bigger, we'll take you up the volcano for an on-site research trip. Then you'll be our assistant!
Really? Then I wanna get big as fast as I can!
Alright, darling. Grow up fast. We'll be waiting for you on the volcano.
We'll climb the volcano, do research, and take in its beauty and majesty together...
I can't wait for the three of us to do that!
Wait! Hold on!
You're running too fast—
Mm...
Sensing that the fluffy creatures are slowing down, Adele gradually loosens her tight grip on the wool.
They often cause mischief around her and show up for support when she's feeling down, but now isn't the time. She has more important things to do.
She has to find the little girl who disappeared into the volcano on her own. She also needs to make up her mind to set foot on Mount Unna's summit.
Adele adjusts her breathing and slowly tries to open her eyes.
Wait, we're almost at... the summit?
Why did you bring me here? I...
I still haven't...
Beh!
Beh! Beeeh!!
The fluffy creatures' excited cries interrupt Adele's flustered speech. While the sky has gone dark at the foot of the volcano, from this height, a faint glimmer of the purplish-pink sunset can still be seen.
They continue to bleat toward the peak of the volcano, as if beckoning and urging.
What... are you trying to do...?
(Nuzzles Adele with its head)
Faraway, a flower wreath can be seen floating in the sky as two snow-white lambs carry a sleeping Hope in what looks almost like a gentle, loving embrace.
There are streaks of dried tears on Hope's face, contrasted by a happy, satisfied smile. The wreath gently descends on her head.
With Hope still nestled between them, the two lambs slowly drift down towards Unna Village.
Phew... So that's where you were, Hope.
Looks like... you were invited, too.
(Nuzzles Adele with its head)
(Bleats loudly)
What's wrong...? Do you want me to bleat with you...?
(Looks expectantly)
Hey... Hey—!
(Bleats anxiously)
No? Then what do you want me to do...?
But it'll take so long for me to grow up, what if you forget...
Then how about a pinky promise? This is a promise between all three of us. When you're big enough, we'll climb the volcano together and enjoy the view from the summit.
And this promise lasts forever. No matter when, no matter where.
Okay, how about we seal this promise with a secret code? When our little Adele's all grown up and ready, just say the words. Then Mutti and Vati will take you on a special volcanic survey.
Let's see... How about... 'The view is splendid at the top?'
The...
The view is splendid at the top...
Mm...
Alright, let's blow out the candles. Then, we'll let you in on a little secret.
Secret! What secret?
Hey now, slow down there. You need to blow out the candles before we can tell you the secret!
Huff... Phew...Phew! They're all out! What's the secret?
Come, let's step out onto the balcony. Look at the twin moons and the brightest star beneath them. Don't they look like the three of us?
Mutti and Vati spotted it last year. We thought it was just a coincidence, but the bright star beneath the moons is there again this year.
Adele, on the day of your birthday, the moons and the star in the sky are just like the three of us, together.
Adele lifts her head and looks at the night sky. There is a bright star twinkling under the twin moons.
The tiny creature fondly rubs its head against Adele and slowly bleats.
So this is what you've been trying to tell me...?
Today's my birthday... I nearly forgot...
So... this is what it feels like... to reach the summit...
I thought it would...
...It's...
...
Adele squats down, the slightly oversized protective coat that had accompanied her on many volcanic journeys enveloping her like a tender embrace.
Puffs of hot air rise from the volcanic rocks, gently drying the tears streaming down her face as if warm hands were comforting her.
She caresses the warm stones, whispering to herself the thoughts she had longed to share.
Mutti, Vati, I surveyed three more volcanoes this year. That makes more than thirty I've been to.
Professor Keller and I have been continuing your research, and filled in many of the blanks. One by one, I'm answering the questions that you left behind.
Oh yes, since I found the Volcano Watchers, I've been trying to cultivate them. I'm also researching the link between their color changes and Originium activity. As it turns out, this is the most suitable location.
That's why I brought the flowers here... Oh, but I don't have them with me. The lambs brought me here so suddenly...
A Volcano Watcher bud appears before Adele.
Huh?
The tiny creature holds the plant gently in its mouth by the stem. The rest of the lambs playfully nudge the bud towards Adele.
She takes the flower she has painstakingly cultivated, its frail form standing proudly against the sun's last rays. With gentle determination, Adele begins to dig a hole with her hand.
Her coat's sleeves are again covered in dirt and ash, but instead of brushing it away, she stays focused on planting this young Volcano Watcher into the soil here.
Look! Volcano Watchers! And so many of them!
I never expected to see them here...
Why don't we bring a flower back as a sample?
Good idea. We can give it to Adele once we're done with it. She loved the freshly picked veggies we brought back last time.
I'm sure she'll love the flower, too.
Phew...
Shall we, little lamb?
(Bleats happily)
A new set of footprints appears on the ground as Adele continues her journey upward, with an excited little lamb at her side.
I can't stop now... when I'm this close to the summit.
The view is splendid at the top... I'll see it for all of us, Mutti and Vati.