Roses Awaiting the Coming Morning

Captain! We're all set. At long last, we're about to launch the very first test of the Trauma Code Simulation.

Of course it is! Who do you think built it?

There won't be any problems... probably.

Sigh, Since you look uneasy, Captain, let me run through it once more before we start the real test.

Until now, every agent boarding the SS Nightmare had to go through counseling with the Captain and talk about their own trauma.

But revealing your deepest secrets to someone else is something most people would rather avoid,

and even if they did, the process could be uncomfortable.

That's exactly why we developed the "Trauma Code Simulation."

Exactly. With this system, no one has to force themselves to confess their secrets anymore.

Experiencing past events firsthand will be far more vivid for the Captain than simply hearing about them.

...And this time, I've been chosen as the very first test subject.

Hmm... Should I apologize for that?

But Renoa is the one closest to the Captain.

If anything unexpected happens, I believed Renoa would be the best person to protect you, which is why I chose her.

...Closest, huh...

All right, let's get started.

Following the instructions, I lie down as Elaine begins attaching various electrodes to my body.

Both of you ready? Alright then, I'll activate the simulation.

At Elaine's signal, my vision suddenly went dark, and in the next instant the glow of the hologram filled my sight.

Testing... testing... Captain, can you hear me?

This simulation reconstructs past events by reading an agent's memories, but that doesn't mean it perfectly reproduces everything that really happened.

The Captain's presence won't be represented as someone who actually existed at that time, nor as the Captain themself, but rather as a fabricated character.

Your presence will be faint, yet the agent and everyone around them will naturally accept that you're there.

Normal conversation and behavior will be fine, but don't act too unpredictably.

The purpose of this system is to let you experience the agent's past. If the Captain's actions create too many disruptions, the simulation might shift into something completely unintended.

As a scientist, of course I'm confident in my work... but wouldn't it ruin the fun if I told you the answer in advance?

Why not find out for yourself just how accurate the simulation really is?

After all, you've heard Renoa's past directly before. Heh.

Because of the sensory synchronization, you might end up glimpsing fragments of the agent's memories, but I trust you'll handle it without losing your composure.

All right then! Three, two, one...!

Stop... Just stop...

[Encrypted communication request detected. Activating security protocols.]

Verify identity.

[Biometric scan in progress... Retinal pattern match. Voiceprint analysis complete.]

[Identity confirmed. Communication channel opening.]

It's been a while, "Black Rose." I have an urgent job.

Go on, I'm listening.

That attitude hasn't changed. Fine, I don't have much time either, so I'll get straight to the point.

It's a job to retrieve data stored in a small research lab.

Why bring a simple job like that to me?

Because that lab... is an unregistered laboratory on the outskirts of Chaos.

And there are reports of abnormal signs there lately.

Abnormal signs?

They're precursors of a Chaos bloom. It hasn't officially been announced yet...

But the intel has been cross-verified through multiple channels, so it's highly reliable.

...And how would you know something like that?

Heh. I don't think we're close enough to share those kinds of secrets.

You've felt the same, haven't you? Or am I wrong?

...

What matters now is securing the data before the lab gets consumed by Chaos Bloom.

Where exactly is it?

Planet Felicia-07. It used to be a mining base, but now...

I'll send you the coordinates.

[Coordinate data received. Decrypting...]

[...Decryption complete.]

...These coordinates.

Renoa, why...?

...Ki...ll...

Mon...ster...!

Her vision snaps back. The violent surge of emotions quickly settles down.

(Was that...a side effect of our memory sync?)

...Sorry, but find someone else.

Hm... surprising. I didn't expect you to refuse so easily. Is the job too easy for your taste?

No... it's for personal reasons.

I see. According to my intel, there are also civilians being held in that lab...

I don't care what happens to an Illegal Laboratory, but I would hate for innocent lives to be lost.

You...

Ah, I've said too much.

If you're not taking the job anyway, there was no point in bringing that up.

...

If I go... again...

Renoa's shoulders tense. She grips her left arm tightly with her right hand, as if to suppress the tremor.

...I'll take the job. But on one condition.

That's good to hear. So, what's the condition?

You said all I need to do is bring the data. Don't ask me for anything else.

Of course. I'll pay you double the usual rate. And I won't concern myself with anything else about the lab.

Alright then, I'll look forward to good results.

[Transmission terminated.]

[All call records will be erased shortly. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...]

The terminal's glow fades, and the room falls back into darkness.

Renoa doesn't move for a while. Her gaze lingers on her own hand.

...? How long have you been standing there?

...Don't worry about it. It's nothing.

It's just... an old memory came back for a moment.

I don't think I'm suited for rescue missions.

These hands... they're for taking lives, not saving them...

...Is it, really?

...Forget it. Let's get ready to depart. Felicia-07 is quite a distance from here.

We're finally here. The lab lies just ahead.

Still worried about me?

If I didn't want to take it, I wouldn't have. I told you I already accepted it, so there's no need to dwell on it.

I'll be fine. Just focus on the mission for now.

...There are more guards than I expected.

From here on, we could run into enemies at any moment, so stay sharp. Don't move ahead of me.

No, you don't need to go that far...

...Ahem! Anyway, just keep up.

Phew... All right. Let's keep moving...

Damn...at this rate...

Face the righteous strike of this officer! Villains, begone!

Brat?! I am the proud commander of Wolf Platoon!

Even if there's only one soldier in the squad right now...

...Who are you?

Oh! Are you terrorists too?!

Mercenaries...? Suspicious... Don't tell me you just saw my attack and made up that excuse out of fear?

Who are you calling suspicious?

Suspicious?! As I said, I am Beryl, commander of Wolf Platoon under Ironrain!

I can prove my identity if needed! Do you have any way to prove yours?

If not...

...

...

Behind!

Ooh...! Thanks!

That settles my debt. You helped me a moment ago, after all.

Hmm... If you were the enemy, you wouldn't have saved me just now. And you're clearly skilled!

All right! If you've come here for business with that lab too, then why not join forces with me?!

No. I don't feel like adding more companions.

W-Wait! You'd reject my offer so coldly...?!

Don't be so heartless! We could help each other, just like we did a moment ago!

I was ordered to wipe out the terrorists! And you?

It's a confidential mission.

...?!

Information is a kind of weapon. And yet you reveal yours so openly...

Hmm... Then it seems our goals won't conflict.

In that case, I say we should join forces!

Ohh! Then our objectives align!

In that case, I say we should join forces!

...No. It's too dangerous.

Do I look weak to you? You saw my skills just now!

That's not the issue...

Besides, I've heard the inside of this lab is quite complicated! Exploring with two—no, three—will be far more effective than going alone!

You know the layout inside?

Indeed! I may be the only one on the infiltration team, but I have allies outside!

They're covering the perimeter and helped analyze the building's interior structure!

So your name is Renoa! And you are... ? I'll be counting on both of you!

...

After a moment's hesitation, Renoa sighs and nods.

...Fine. But if you slow us down, we're leaving you behind.

Hehe! Don't worry! I'll protect you both!

So far so good. The infiltration's gone smoothly.

This must be the communications equipment.

Got it! Then we just need to connect with Anika...

...Uh, how do we do that?

...

Ooh! That's it!

Ohh...! It looks like it worked! All right, I'll try to establish a connection!

Beryl, how's comms?

Let me check.

Anika! Can you hear me?

Oh, Beryl! Finally calling in, huh?

I've infiltrated the lab! How's it look outside?

Quiet. Didn't you already take care of everything?

You're Anika?

Oh? A new face. Beryl, did you make a friend already?

This is Renoa. Anika, don't be shocked! Renoa's true identity... is none other than the famous Black Rose!

Heh... I see. Well, if Beryl says so, I believe it. Hello, Black Rose. I'm Anika, his partner out here. Nice to meet you.

...Hello.

And you're Black Rose's companion? Nice to meet you too.

I heard you know the lab's layout.

That's right. Mapping structures is part of my field of expertise.

You're calling from the Communications Sector, right? Head up through the central corridor on your right, and you'll reach the main lab. Move there first.

That's Anika for you! Reliable as ever!

It's nothing.

But... be careful. The central corridor is exposed, which means you'll likely run into hostiles.

That doesn't matter! Our mission is to wipe out the terrorists anyway!

They'll be all right... won't they?

The children, you mean? Don't worry! Anika's every bit as capable as I am!

No matter how many terrorists come swarming in, she'll cut them down with ease!

More importantly, Renoa, you were incredible! I was moved!

What do you mean?

The way you shielded the children!

Honestly, I thought you were talented but cold... and I was completely wrong!

Now I see the Black Rose is not only powerful, but also compassionate—a true mercenary!

Please, accept my apology!

...I only did what needed to be done.

And your poem! It was truly wonderful!

Weren't you done praising the poem already?

No! I could praise a poem like that all day!

Which is why I want to try writing one too! Renoa, please, teach me as well!

Poetry is just... expressing what's in your heart.

Ooh...! Then I shall compose a poem!

I am the pride of Wolf Platoon! In the name of justice! Onward to victory!

Huh? So that's not a poem?

...Well, if your heart's in it, I suppose it counts.

I knew it! I knew you'd understand, Renoa!

, you could use a bit more education in poetry! Hahaha!

...Don't let it get to you.

Anyway! I feel stronger knowing I've met an ally like you, Renoa!

An ally...

That's right! We're already comrades!

...What do you think?

...We don't have the right to stop her pursuit of revenge.

You all...!

Beryl, if you try to grab everything in the worst situation, you'll end up losing everything.

So that's it, then?

The girl's gun flashes brightly.

P-Please... Spare me...!

...

If you're not going to interfere anymore, step aside. I still need to find the others.

I'll get out before it's too late. But I can't die before avenging my comrades.

At the very least... I'll do what I can.

As she turns to leave, the girl suddenly glances back as if remembering something.

Ah... There's one thing I should tell you.

After I leave this place, I plan to blow up the lab. Maybe...thirty minutes after I'm gone?

So make sure you're out before then. Not that it matters if you aren't.

And my name is Kiara. I'm telling you because you didn't interfere—so next time we meet, call me that.

Wait, hold on!

But Kiara walked away, as if she hadn't heard Beryl's shouting.

...

Let's go, Beryl.

...Renoa. Why...?

I thought you were someone with a kind heart, someone who stood on the side of justice...

So why...? Why did you stand by and let someone die right before your eyes?!

...I told you already.

The right to vengeance isn't mine to claim. I have no grounds to stop another's revenge.

Renoa turns her head and leaves the room first.

Beryl glances this way with a dark expression, then silently follows behind her.

, what do you think is the right choice?

Help Beryl save the researcher.

All right. Got it.

I think so too. Just as Beryl said, we should save whoever we can first.

But these people...!

You heard the alarm, right? This isn't the time to argue. If you try to interfere any further, we'll put you down.

Either stay here and get subdued, or surrender and cooperate. Choose one.

Ugh...!

...Fine. I surrender.

I-I'm alive... Thank you, truly!

We didn't do it for gratitude.

Tell me—do you know where this lab's data is located?

If you mean the data archive... it should be in the central server room, two sections back, down the corridor on the right...

The central server room? Isn't that the place we already passed?

There was nothing there. Anywhere else?

If it's not in the central server room, then maybe...

Spit it out! We don't have time.

Th-The underground Special Security Sector! But my clearance level can't access it!

Special Security Sector...?

Yes, ordinary staff can't enter.

Only higher officials are allowed in, and only at scheduled times. I don't know much beyond that.

Beryl's comm unit buzzes, and Anika's voice comes through.

Guys, we're in a situation.

You heard the alarm, right? The Chaos intensity is spiking. It will bloom soon.

Anika! How much time do we have?

Thirty minutes... an hour at most! Hurry!

We're heading underground. It's the only option.

But the clearance...

There's a manual override code for emergencies. I... I'll tell you.

...This time, I'll see it through to the end.

Be careful... It's likely far more dangerous down here than above.

We sprint through the dark corridor, as the beast's roars and the snapping of vines echo behind us.

Through her hand, Renoa's weight felt so light it seemed as though she might vanish at any moment.

You locked the door properly, right?

Yep! No one will be able to tell it was ever opened!

Good. Since we decided not to head underground...let's start exploring over there.

Are you sure this is the right way?

...Yes. How many times are you going to ask?

You just move so confidently. Like you actually know where you're going.

...

If you don't want to talk, I won't push it.

...This way.

Everyone, you remember the plan?

Yes! Perfectly!

Renoa closes in to bind the enemy's feet, Beryl provides mid-range firepower, and I cover from long-range, right?

Stay in the back where you won't get in the way.

Haha! Don't be too discouraged! Everyone has their own strengths!

I get how you're feeling... but no normal pistols would ever have been able to damage that thing.

Don't blame yourself. You're the one who devised this plan, remember? Without you, we wouldn't have made it this far.

Make sure to keep the others from losing their nerve.

Renoa's right. Stay cautious.

I'll be counting on you...

And if it comes to it, we'll step in too, so don't worry too much.

Then let's go.

The fierce battle rages on, and through the monster's torn skin, something gleams.

Ah...?

That's...

Renoa! Notice anything different about me today?

Hm...? Not really.

Aw, you're no fun... Look closely. This rose hairpin—I swapped it for a new one.

It looks the same as the one you always wear.

*sighs*... You really don't notice subtle beauty. Our Renoa still has a lot to learn.

Such a pretty face, like a princess... What a shame, really.

Honestly, I don't think a soldier and a rose hairpin really go together.

What?! Says the one wielding roses herself!

M-My case is different! It's my power, I can't help it!

Then I'll wear a rose hairpin too! Ah, maybe it's fate that two rose-loving agents ended up together?

...It's just coincidence. And I don't even like roses—my power just takes that form.

Hehe, when coincidences pile up, that's destiny! And soon enough, you'll love roses too!

Now... Fall in love with roses... Fall in love with roses...

N-No way...!

Oh, come on! Here, as a keepsake, I'll give you this!

Em...ma...?

Grrrrr...

A-Ahh...

Ahh...!

Grrr!

Renoa! Snap out of it! What are you doing?!

Ah...

What's gotten into you? Ready to just throw everything away?

I'm...

Everyone...

...Sorry. I slipped for a moment.

I'll keep it together from here on.

Renoa! Now's the time...!

Yeah. With this...it's over!

*panting*...

...Yeah. You all did well.

I knew we could pull it off!

Though there was a moment where it got dicey.

Now that I think about it, Renoa—why did you suddenly freeze up? Looked like something spooked you...

...

Renoa walks over to where the monster fell and picks something up.

Is that...? A rose ornament...?

Could it be...a keepsake from a fallen comrade?

...Something like that.

It belonged to someone very important to me... Someone who left this behind.

Then that monster just now was...

I'm not certain. It's only a guess...

...Still, I think I finally understand a little.

What they felt...when they said their last farewell.

*Sobs, sniffles*...

Renoa, are you clear-headed now?

Em...ma...

Tsk...those idiots. Leaving like that...it's too cruel for a kid to bear.

Phew... I'm sorry. I never meant for things to turn out this way.

So...what do we do now?

Hmm...well. Honestly, I'd like to at least take you out of here...

...But it doesn't look like that'll be so easy.

Emma...? Not you too...

I-I... What should I do...?

Hush! Don't cry. I won't burden you any further.

Then...what?

I've sent a signal to Imperial command. They won't ignore a distress call from a Protos, so the rescue team should arrive soon.

...Even if I'm alone, I can still protect you until then.

So rest for now. Sleep deep, like a princess from a fairy tale, and when you wake, it'll all be over.

Emma...? Where are you going?!

To do my duty. Just stay here and wait.

...Don't worry, princess.

As long as I am here...no one will get past me.

This way...!

Here's the data archive...!

Hurry! While Renoa's buying us time...!

I slot the mission terminal Renoa entrusted to me into the control computer. With a small beep, lines of complex code scroll across the screen.

[Bypassing security protocols... Infiltration module active...] [Scanning vulnerabilities... Connection established. Root access granted.]

Is it really working?!

Probably.

[Accessing database...]

Complex text scrolls by, then a progress bar begins to fill.

[23%... 47%... 69%...]

Sounds of battle echo in the distance.

Renoa... Please be safe...

[100%... Data extraction complete. Terminating control.]

It's done!

N-Now we just need to get out, right?

That's right! With the data secured...

Just as we turn to leave the archive, something lying beside the door catches my eye.

A recording device?

Ah, I know what that is! Soldiers carry these for operation logs!

Judging by this insignia...it must be from the SS Justitia!

At once, thoughts of Renoa's past come rushing back, and before I know it, I press the play button.

Grrrrr...!

...Dodging its attacks isn't as hard as I thought. Maybe the way I saw it move stuck in my memory...?

At this rate, I can manage. Maybe... I really can take it down alone...

[Warning: Subject's vital signs lost.]

[Forcing termination of simulation.]

The darkness fades from view, replaced by the familiar interior of the SS Nightmare.

Captain! Renoa! Are you okay?!

*sighs*

Renoa slowly rises, her face clouded with complicated emotions.

In the end...I failed again.

I know this ending isn't reality...but maybe it was still one of the possible outcomes.

It's always bitter to think how a single choice can bring about such a result.

...Even now, I sometimes wonder.

What if I had vanished with my platoon back then...

...Sorry. That was a grim thought.

Even knowing it was just a simulation... I can still see my comrades' faces flashing before my eyes.

Tell me, Captain...if I could go back to that time, do you think I could have reached a better ending?

...Maybe. Who knows. But now it's just a meaningless what-if.

If I do it again... I hope the next simulation shows me a different outcome.

Saying that, Renoa stood and left the simulation room first.

If a failed past could be reproduced through the simulation, then a successful one could be as well.

What outcome was Renoa hoping for...what possibility was she wishing to see...?

For now, there was no way of knowing.

...The mission failed.

Is that so? Has the Black Rose finally withered?

...

No mercenary succeeds every time...but this failure is a great disappointment. I'll make sure it's reflected in your evaluation.

Still, you tried your best. Do better on the next one.

Wait. There's something I want to ask.

Hm...? You failed the mission, and yet you still have something to say?

...That lab was no ordinary illegal lab.

It wasn't Terrascion's, it wasn't Ironrain's—its technology was something I'd never seen before...

And the terminal you gave me cut through such a lab's security system like it was nothing.

You...just what do you know about that place?

...It's fine to be curious, but I have no obligation to answer.

If you want to know, how about carrying out your assignments more faithfully next time?

Who knows? If you keep accepting jobs, you might get another just like it.

In any case, thanks for the hard work. I'll expect better news next time.

[Transmission terminated. All call records will be deleted shortly.]

With the system's dry monotone, the terminal's glow vanishes.

...Yeah. I never expected to get an answer in the first place...

It may not have been a perfect ending...but this time, no one died.

Beryl, me, and you... We're all still alive.

I'll choose to believe that's not such a bad outcome.

But Renoa's voice carried no real conviction.

[Simulation ended. Session terminated.]

Everything gradually brightens.

Well done, both of you. So, how did it end?

...

Captain, you've heard the story of my past.

So why did you let the simulation play out differently?

I knew it wasn't what I'd heard in the story, but there in the simulation it felt like the natural choice.

Oh? So what the Captain did in the simulation wasn't what happened in real life?

Still, might that not be one of the charms of a simulation?

Knowing the truth, but still taking another path...

I guess that means the choice I made back then must not have been the right one.

I know that Renoa gave it her all back then; that she fought desperately to save everyone, even if the outcome wasn't what she hoped for.

But before I could say anything, Renoa shook her head.

You don't need to comfort me, Captain. I'm just... confused.

...Sorry, I think I need some time to clear my head.

Renoa immediately turned and left the simulation room, her face troubled.

Hmm... with the Agent responding like that, looks like the simulation's a bust.

Ah well... Cheer up, Captain. Some days just don't go the way we want them to.

Despite Elaine's encouragement, the conflicted expression on Renoa's face as she left remained with me.

(Did Renoa have a fixed answer in mind all along? Or was this too just one of many possibilities...?)

(Perhaps the simulation wasn't showing the past at all, but the many possible paths that could have been...)

I'd meant to bring up the subject of Imperial technology, but clearly now wasn't the time.

...Someday, the chance will come.

The job is done.

Well done. And the data itself?

...Here it is. I'll transmit it now.

Renoa hesitates for a moment, then connects the terminal to the communicator. Soon, the blinking light of transmission begins.

There's no need to check the contents right now. Payment will be transferred as promised.

Can I ask just one thing? That data...what do you intend to use it for?

Ha...? The Black Rose asking something like that—how unexpected.

Don't worry. It's not meant to end the world.

...Sure.

I look forward to working with you again next time.

[Transmission terminated. All call records will be deleted shortly...]

As the light indicating the call status fades, Renoa lets out a long sigh.

*sighs*

...So you noticed.

The truth is...before I handed over the data, I made a copy.

That lab wasn't just experimenting on making monsters.

Just like the Empire created the Protos, I think these were failed attempts to create something... Something greater, beyond humanity.

The reason a new lab was built directly over the ruins of the old one, the reason humans suddenly transformed into monsters...

I think it's all connected. That's why I kept a copy—just in case it's needed later.

Of course. If there's one thing I've learned from all this...

It's that the past can always come back.

Simulation terminated! Good work, both of you.

*sighs*

Across the room, Renoa rises to her feet.

As expected...reliving my trauma doesn't feel good at all.

Yeah...it was different. Because, at the end, you were by my side, Captain...

But there's still one thing that hasn't changed.

The fact that I killed my comrades... That will stay with me forever.

Renoa presses her hand against her chest.

It's fine. This is a burden I have to carry.

But now I know... I'm not alone anymore.

Even if the road ahead is still lined with thorns...just knowing there's someone beside me to hold my hand gives me the courage to keep walking.

Heh... Thanks, Captain.

From here on... Yeah, I'll keep moving forward.

One step at a time, even if slowly...

Saying that, Renoa carefully places her hand over mine.

...Wait, Captain. You said you'd walk with me, but I don't recall saying you could just change my title at will.

Captain!

You bolt out of the Simulation room, dodging Renoa's scowl.

Her angry voice echoes behind me...but beneath it, I can almost hear a trace of laughter.

I had high hopes for your future, but to fail so spectacularly on your very first mission...

From your report, it sounds like everything started falling apart the moment you collapsed.

What exactly happened in there?

Inside the lab...people started turning into monsters.

Including my platoon members.

What...? Over something like that?

An elite agent should maintain composure in any situation, yet you let yourself be swayed by mere comrades...

I told you countless times to cast aside such weak emotions!

Easily swayed by..."mere comrades"...?

What they taught me wasn't weakness.

It was humanity. Not that you'd understand.

Wh-What are they talking about...?

I'm no longer your tool.

I won't live the way you want me to anymore.

Y-You insolent child...! Don't you dare think of coming back!

...Of course not.

Goodbye, Father.

Renoa speaks to someone through her communicator.

The job is done.

Well done. And the data itself?

Right here.

Good. Then transmit it. Your payment will be as promised...

Wait.

What's the matter?

Do you even know what's inside this data?

Why ask that all of a sudden?

It's research data on turning humans into monsters.

...And?

Renoa hurls the portable terminal to the ground.

Sorry, but the job's canceled.

Black vines erupt from the floor, wrapping around the device. With a shriek of metal, it's crushed to pieces.

For a moment, silence hangs over the comm line...then a cold voice responds.

...What do you think you're doing?

I only did what I had to.

You'll regret this.

[Transmission terminated.]

[All call records will be deleted shortly.]

Even after the transmission ended, Renoa kept staring down at the terminal for a while.

...

, did I do the right thing?

But what?

When I said I was sorry for canceling the job...? Of course.

The truth is, I wasn't sorry at all. If anything, I felt relieved.

This...is the closest thing to atonement I can manage.

As Renoa finishes speaking, the scenery around us begins to blur.

The holographic glow fades across her retinas. A signal that the simulation is ending.

Ah, you're awake, Captain! How are you feeling?

Already worried about Renoa the moment you wake up? Perfect timing. She just woke up too. See for yourself.

Something glimmers at the corner of Renoa's eye as she rises.

Ah...

Captain... What I just saw... Was it real...?

You know my past. I've told you before what I went through.

But what we just saw...what was that? Just how accurate is this simulation...?

I'll explain, Renoa.

This Trauma Code Simulation is fundamentally linked with the Zero System.

When reconstructing a simulation from an agent's memories, if the event truly happened, its accuracy exceeds 99.999%.

...I see...

So that ending... It could have been real too...

...If only I'd known sooner...

A single tear slides from Renoa's vacant gaze.

I quietly approach Renoa and place a hand on her head.

Renoa flinches with surprise, but soon accepts my touch.

...Thanks, Captain.

Renoa slowly closes her eyes and leans on me.

Within the cold air of the simulation room, warmth seeps into her trembling shoulders.

The shallow breathing that could be heard between the low mechanical vibrations slowly regained a steady rhythm.

Neither Renoa nor I say anything. We sit in that position for a while and pass the time.

Captain...what do you think? About this Trauma Code Simulation.

You've experienced it firsthand, sowhat's your take?

Yeah. I feel the same. I never imagined this level of implementation was even possible.

This time, we were lucky it ended well...but there's no guarantee it will again.

There's a real risk it could deepen an agent's trauma instead.

That's unfortunate... Should we scrap it?

True, there may still be agents who want to revisit their past.

Then how about this: we'll keep the system, but require approval from three people before it can be used.

Exactly. The agent, of course. The Captain overseeing their trauma. And myself, as system administrator. If all three agree, then it can be used.

Then this matter's settled.

Truly... I'm relieved there was a happy ending.

Elaine's hands glide over the console, and new text appears on the screen.

Beneath the heading "Trauma Code Simulation Approval," three empty slots are displayed.

Whether this Simulation device will ever be used again, I don't know...

But I hope nothing happens that leaves me with regret.

...

(A simulation, no matter how accurate, is still just a simulation.)

(And yet...were the things I experienced inside really nothing more than an illusion?)

...

(Inside the simulation, I walked my past once more.)

(If I had made a different choice then...)

Who...?

Renoa, mealtime!

Rei...?

Oh, I didn't know it's already so late. I'll be right there.

Hello, Renoa.

Hehe. You must be surprised that I've suddenly come to see you!

Mika? Owen? First Rei, now you two...

What is it? Why are you all here?

Ah, well... The Captain said we should eat together.

Is something wrong? You seem troubled about Renoa.

You all must have really worried everyone, huh?

But it's okay, I'm fine.

Come on, let's all go eat.

Mm... Lady Renoa...you seem unusually kind today, somehow?

R-Rei...! That's so rude!

No. Maybe Rei saw correctly.

Wh-What in the world...

See? I told you my eyes never lie!

Yeah? Then let's get going! The Captain's waiting!

What? The Captain...?

(...I mean, I should call you Captain.)

Emma...

I... I'm all right now.

It's still hard sometimes...but I've learned how to live with those feelings.

Walking down the road, I may still stumble. I may be hurt again.

But now I know there are hands beside me to hold mine.

And I know I can take those hands...and stand back up again.

So don't worry... Just smile and watch over me from there.

The roses you left behind—may they bloom beautifully.