Canto II: The Unloving

……

……

The least you can do is let us know where our next destination is, you know?

Oh, sorry about that.

I was wondering whether briefing the mission to you fools would be worth the effort.

Ouch, that hurts. Don't you know kids who fall behind need extra care?

Then I can't help but plead for you to not embarrass me this time.

I sure don't want to look like a teacher taking a bunch of grade-schoolers out for a picnic.

I have high hopes for you in particular, Rodion. You might just make a good guide for this tour.

Huh? Sure, I know I'm pretty exceptional, but I'm not sure what I can do to guide the team in a place I've never been to.

Not to worry. You'll definitely more than feel at home in our next destination.

The Nest of hedonism, a place where you can either hit the jackpot or rock bottom, with very little in between:

J Corp.

……

Well, I suppose it wouldn't be so bad to hit it big while we're at it.

Oi, someone wake me up when we're there.

Unfortunately, the bus will not be dropping you off at the branch entrance this time, dear passenger.

Charon, park the bus.

……

… ? Charon?

What's "park"?

It means stop.

Stops are red. Red tastes bad to Charon.

Aren't we bursting with energy today? Good. Now get off.

Hmm... but it looks like we've still got quite a distance to cover... Ah! Are you going to call a taxi for us?

... Miss Faust will give you the full rundown, but be aware that this mission is going to be quite different from the last one, Dante.

This is because you are to retrieve the Golden Bough...

... from the underground floor of a casino.

Do you mean to tell us that it's somewhere among the brightly lit buildings lined up at the center of that street?

Correct. It's one of the buildings there.

The Lobotomy Branch Facility we infiltrated last time was one that had been neglected for quite a while.

So you mean that… that was the exception?

See, it's times like this that remind me this team is not exactly short on critical thinkers… which only makes me wonder how your last mission ended up such a disastrous failure.

……

The Golden Bough is a potent energy source, holding the essence of many technological marvels.

With energy that powerful, people and money are sure to follow - laying the groundwork for an entire civilization before you know it.

Ergo, it's likely that our future destinations will have been occupied by other factions and organizations as well.

... Which, in turn, indicates that we should be prepared to also visit a wide variety of venues in addition to this casino.

It also means that your first mission was the easy one. Makes it all the more baffling how you turned a guaranteed success into a defeat.

<... Is he always this petty and vindictive?>

... Ahem.

Beats me~ We've only had a bit more time with him than you have.

What'd he say again? Something like, "Welcome to Limbus Company. I'm your guide, Vergilius" and all that…

Hah! Pretty good impression, wasn't it?

Gotta admit, he definitely has that bossy, overbearing tone. Nearly made me want to quit on the spot.

<I get the feeling the rest of you had the same thought, more or less.>

Nonsense! 'Twas a day to go down in history! To be summoned into service by the Red Gaze himself! Truly, there is no honor greater than a Color addressing your―

Huh, I guess he does have a fan among us after all.

*chuckle* Looks like it.

I'm hearing far too much unnecessary chatter. Don't give me a reason to add a third rule on this bus.

Come on, that's just plain petty. Employees need some space to vent about their boss, y'know?

Next time, do it out of the earshot of your petty boss.

I'm more fragile than I look, you see.

Right, time to get up and move. I sure hope to see you return with a Golden Bough in your hands this time.

And if we bugger it twice?

Who knows? Charon might suddenly forget which button opens the door to let you in.

Button, red. Yucky color.

... He's a complete psycho, this bloke...

U.I.T.G.A.A.N.

And that means?

Shorthand for "Useless idiotic travelers go and abscond, now."

Allow me to give you a rundown of the plan.

Our primary objective is to infiltrate the casino incognito. This will be critical for the successful recovery of the Golden Bough.

According to the information we've acquired, the casino has three entrances.

One for ordinary visitors, one reserved for VIPs, and lastly, the backdoor used by employees.

We'll split into 3 groups to cover each entrance. 4 of us will disguise as croupiers, 4 as guests, and the last 4 will play the role of VIPs.

Working in smaller groups will certainly draw less attention.

It is wiser to divide rather than unite.

You can find your assigned roles in the envelopes distributed.

Also, the company's higher-ups have expressed concern about our performance.

They stress that the company's future plans hinge on our successful retrieval of the Golden Bough through this operation.

Therefore, we will carry out the objective by means of a joint operation.

<Joint operation?>

Our partner is a special forces unit consisting of professionals and veterans.

I believe they are now monikered the "LCC," short for the Limbus Company Clearance Department. Rest assured that their abilities far exceed our own in espionage.

Aren't 12 people already enough? Anything more than that is basically a crowd.

Guess someone finally realized that more isn't always merrier.

Wowzer! I haven't met staff from other teams before. Where are they now?

We'll be heading to the pawnshop.

Is pawning still a thing these days?

We're in the so-called "pawnbroker's avenue." Most businesses double as pawnshops here.

That shop over there is our rendezvous point. Let's head inside.

Ain't ya too many visitors at once? The shop's cramped as is…

So, which one do y'all prefer to test your luck on? Trumps? Mahjong?

What's that blighter on about?

... Am I the only one here who read up on J Corp.? Vergilius gave us a pamphlet to peruse before we left.

Well, I vaguely remember checking out the cover...

Here, you get loaned different amounts depending on your fortune for the day.

Drawing "Great Fortune" rewards you with bonus cash, but the closer your draw is to "Misfortune," you'll be paid far under the pawn's value.

Ah~ That reminds me, my family had hired dedicated fortune tellers before.

They divined a Great Fortune for me before I left. That must've been a sign that I would join all of you wonderful people on my journey.

Wow, good for you. Must've been nice enjoying the high life with fancy pastimes in that mansion of yours. That come bundled with a silver-spoon fortune? Maybe I should start praying for that kind of luck in my next life, if there's even one.

I'm good. It's well-off gits like him that tend to play dirty.

Hmm, you might be right, actually. I didn't like to get along with my younger sibling when I was little. Always tried to cheat and grouch if things didn't go as desired.

No, that's NOT what I meant by "playing dirty!"

So you wanna get your fortune told or not?!

Actually... Forget fortunetelling, Did you people even bring anything to pawn? I'm not seeing any glowies on ya…

Oho… That clockhead might fetch a good sum.

How much do you think it'll sell for, old pal?

<Uh, Rodya… Why are you even asking him that...?>

As you were likely contacted in advance, we are from Limbus Company, and…

Oh, I did bring this handkerchief with me when I left home…

Oho… A dragon embroidered on silk. That's some meticulous needlework, which might net… let's see, 7 million… Ahn?

A crummy piece of cloth is worth that much?! You'd better check them eyeballs for cataracts, ya old geezer!

Wha? Don't you recognize the quality in this craftsmanship?­ Hah, no wonder - guess that explains why you're parading around that ratty ring on your finger like it's real treasure... Tsk-tsk.

... What did you just say? Oi, outta my way. I'm gonna - Oi!

Geez, cut it out! Hey, Dante~ Shut them up or something~

You had us worried, Faust.

You're 15 minutes late to our agreed-upon rendezvous time at 4. Surely you haven't forgotten how to read a clock?

I certainly haven't, but I was also not the one charged with driving the bus.

Aha, is that why you're letting this clock human tag along with you? I suppose they didn't come with a timer function.

<Hey, that's a bit harsh. Let's at least try to leave better first impressions…>

Oh, so it was you? You guys are the team that botched the Golden Bough retrieval last time?

Folks had high expectations for your team, what with some of the smartest people in the City being on it.

No wonder… That explains the look on Miss Faust's face.

My facial expression has remained unchanging.

Ey, this bloke's also the brainy sort - don't brush him off. Aren't you gonna say anything?

I shall not, as that would be a hollow vaunt.

Huh, remember you bein' a lot chattier in that basement. Who am I dealin' with now, an odd lookalike or somethin'?

You deal with what I deal with - the congenital, selfsame reflection of my mirrored self.

What's that about "I deal"― *sigh* Forget it.

Our first mission was devised with failure in mind.

We needed an opportunity to see what sort of potential each Sinner had.

... Wait, so that's what it was?

An operation with failure as its objective? That hardly qualifies as a mission.

By the way, is Mister Vergilius here? I volunteered to assist with the operation mainly for a chance to get to see him.

He must've been embarrassed to be in their company. Imagine having to babysit people like them.

Tch… Is that why that sod dropped us so far away from the entrance? Because he was ashamed of us?!

... These two are the ones insulting us. Why are we getting mad at someone who isn't even here?

In any case, if they're not going to introduce themselves, we have zero reason to give a damn about their grandstanding.

These two will be our cooperators for this mission. They're from the Limbus Company Clearance department, also known as the LCC.

Please add "Before Team" there, if you don't mind. Ah, I'm Saude, and this here is Effie.

So what? Are you expecting us to burst into applause or...

Wonderful! It's a pleasure!

Now… For this mission, we'll basically spoon-feed you everything. All you have to do is open wide and chew up your simple tasks.

Check the documents in this envelope, and do exactly, preciiiiisely as the papers say.

There's hardly any joining forces in this so-called "joint operation," is there? You're basically ordering us to stick to your tail.

This is downright insulting. Are they taking us for pushovers or what?

Look, Manager, we've got to put our foot down and…

And…

... do as they say, I guess?

<Huh?>

... The documents they gave us - they're flawless.

Look at this. There are routes drawn out and everything. It's been ages since I saw a plan this clear and meticulous.

Mhm, precisely. This is certainly indicative of their knowledge and experience in drafting proper plans of operation.

Ah, this isn't to say that it holds a candle to the level of forethought you display, Executive Manager.

<Tingtang Gang?>

A name doesn't necessarily represent the nature of an organization. Believing otherwise is nothing more than shallow prejudice.

It is unideal for one to choose to see things through the tinted lens that is bias.

<... Right.>

We've prepared fake identification as well - just in case the casino security decides to run random inspections on visitors.

Sure, that's all fine and dandy… But how do you plan to win that game on the top floor?

What do you think these getups are for?

We practiced for months to pass off as bona fide croupiers.

We'll make sure the winning hands come your way. The game's already in the bag - all you need is a working pair of eyes.

And how exactly are we gonna take the place of the Tingtang Gang's boss?

We'll put sedatives in the food served at the casino. We've already finished negotiating the details with the head chef.

Sedatives…

Sir~ you wouldn't mind if we took a look at the items on display, would you? From this side to all the way over there.

Yes? Oh! Sure, sure. Take all the time you need, ma'am!

Now then, let's take what we need from the display.

Oh my! This one here - it's a Guppcha Designer Brooch, isn't it?

Ah! You've truly got the eyes of a connoisseur, sir. This piece is our shop's pride and joy. Only 10 were ever made, so it's no surprise that people are willing to pay whatever price is called fo -

My dog used to have one of these on its collar whenever we took it out for walkies. It's so nice to see something that brings back pleasant memories!

……

I'm down for these cowhide gloves. Whoever had 'em must've been a fashionista~

Please stick to the items listed in the envelopes. You have roles to play.

Prithee, the envelope I have received sayeth "janitor." Surely this is a most grievous error!

Okay, it's good and all, but… Do you have the money to pay for all this?

That kind of hand-wringing over budget's way above your pay grade, isn't it? Don't stress. One swipe of this "Black Card" can buy you anything you can imagine.

Dante! You've got some explaining to do! I remember you telling me we can't have prime-cut beef 'cause we don't have the budget!

So the rumors were true - teams with standout performance are issued no-limit cards.

Heya, old fart! Didn't I say ya payment was due today?

P-please… give me one more chance. I swear I'll have the money ready the next time you visit.

One more chance? Can't ya do basic math, ya old coot? Ya said the same thing last time! Boss won't like me wasting precious time reteaching you kindergarten, ya hear?

I-I'm just a weak, frail old man. There's really nothing you'll gain by shaking me down...!

Eh? Got a mouth on ya now, do ya? Yeah, that's it - lose ya shit and show me what ya can do! It'll make me feel a whole lot less guilty about havin' to do this to ya!

The hell ya lookin' at? Mind your own business!

Wow... that was so cliché that I couldn't even be bothered to reply. Would it kill for these dicks to be creative for once?

Shouldn't we help out...? Maybe...?

It is what it is. The Backstreets play by their own rules, and that's what maintains the complex web of their society.

Outsiders like us will only cause a bigger scene if we try to step in.

Hmph, if y'ain't got money, why don't ya pay your dues another way instead? Not the first time we gave ya the chance.

A-anything but that... I'm begging you!

<... Are we really going to leave them be?>

May I step in if this situation displeases you, Executive Manager?

Anyhow... what did that thug mean by "another way"?

... A currency more valuable than money exists in this District.

It is a known fact that J Corp.'s Singularity is a powerful security technology capable of locking anything.

What is less known, however, is the extensive cultural and historical background of the corporation's Backstreets that has led to the Singularity's creation.

H-history…? You really gonna start lecturin' us right now, right here? I didn't sign up for a bloody school!

Here in J Corp., they utilize a technology to extract something called "Wishpower" from people.

However, it remains largely unknown beyond this District as it lacks sufficient generality to be classified as a Singularity.

In simpler terms, it is a way to process "luck" into a commodity that can be traded like currency.

The existence of such a technology consequently brought forth the need for a means to stop others from forcibly extracting Wishpower, leading to the creation of a security technology that ultimately developed into the Singularity we know today.

Gee-wee, Faust~ Must be tiring, having to dumb everything down for these thickheads.

It's fine. This was well within my anticipated scenario.

The way you're talking is proper pissin' me off.

All right, pick out the items you need from the display and let's get out of here.

We're salaried workers, not "heroes" fighting for justice, okay?

<Wait… Not that word…!>

<That... isn't exactly in step with a certain someone's... principles...>

…!

Dost thou presume to purloin the treasures of others? Verily, this deed is naught but utter villainy!

<Oh no…! Don Quixote…!>

……

Ah, for your information, keeping the Sinners in check is not part of my job description. That would be the responsibility of this employee.

<Don't give me that look. What was I even supposed to do there...?>

Oooh…!

Hah! Serves him right! But I've gotta say, you could've smacked his head a tad harder.

Vergilius did counsel me that though I am free to mete out justice upon villains, I must do so without involving those who are irrelevant to the mission! 'Tis why I did temper my hand!

<Uh-huh. So you knew exactly what he told you and still went charging in anyway?>

Verily, 'twas a deed compelled by mine own creed. I beseech thee to understand the virtue in this act of violence!

Not to kill the mood, but… That ruffian isn't actually dead, is he...?

Pretty sure you wished he'd gotten it worse back there, old man.

I did, I did… But it'd cause me problems in more ways than one if the Yurodiviye got mixed up in this.

The Yurodiviye? What would they show up here...? No, wait - why are you even worried about them in the first place?

Not up to date with the news, are you, ma'am? They've been causing trouble here for months now.

Are they villains as well?!

Oh yes, they're villains all right to small-time shopkeepers like us. They're always going on about, what was it? Shaking down money-grubbing merchants and giving the take to people in need. Some kind of "distribution," they called it...

The redistribution of wealth.

Aah~ That's it, yes. Those scoundrels are robbing us poor saps of what little wealth we have. And they don't even do the dirty work themselves - it's always the local brutes they send. Can you believe it?

Life's been hard for us with those self-righteous thugs turning the streets upside-down. It seemed like they were here searching for something at first, but all they do now is squeeze money outta us...

… Ah! I-I just realized, shouldn't we be taking off now? More Tingtang Gang bruisers could be headed this way.

*sigh* What a headache... Now you made the problem bigger than it had to be.

Hey, Muffin and Sablé, was it? Don't be so tart now. There are plenty of pawnshops around here, right? We can always find another -

It's Effie and Saude. Please don't mistake our names for confections.

And yes, you're right in pointing out that there are plenty of pawnshops in the vicinity...

... but what you don't seem to get is that every last one of them will close up once they hear about what happened here.

<Don Quixote…!>

I'm getting fed up with having to spell every little thing out for these idiots. Let's just be on our way.

Ayo, codger, have you seen our li'l -

Wee Slimmy! Just what's going on here?!

Where's the motherfucker who did this to ya?! Tell me! That bean's gonna regret the day they grew stems!

Nngh… O… Over there…

That red… clockhead...

Just so you don't get the wrong idea, I have nothing to do with these people or what happened here. I was just about to go get some ice and a towel for that bump on the poor fellow's head.

That smarmy gaffer…

I didn't expect this geezer to hold his ground, but he's really got a shaky reed for a backbone.

Jah… Frijolitos over there… Stop. Freeze where you are.

Bah. No need to run. Let's just kill them all and be done with it.

Oh, sure, what's next? Why don't you take out the whole Syndicate while you're at it?

Heh. Sounds like a plan.

The forces of evil must be swiftly uprooted, that the banner of justice may be lifted up high!

Is there even a single person on your team who's actually in their right mind?

<First, let's…>

<... let's get the heck outta here!>

Ey! You bastards! Don't you dare take another step!

Ya think ya can mess with our family and just walk away, huh, tiny fave?

What is it with these Syndicates and their "family" nonsense? Is that really their best attempt at inspiring some misplaced camaraderie?

Look at that swelling you put on our precious young'un's head!

……

For goodness sake… This is going completely off-script...

You two, you thought we were good-for-nothing lice all along, didn't you?

You've been looking at us as if we were lumps of filth and waste clogging the sewers!

I don't think anyone spoke of us that harshly, Outis...

Have you never wondered why we, the Bus Team, were entrusted with the momentous task of claiming the Golden Boughs?

A-and why is that... uh, ma'am?

While I don't disagree that these others are worthless refuse, soaked through head-to-toe in sewage, figuratively speaking...

No, seriously, you're the only one who thinks that...

M-Miss Outis, you've thought of us like that this whole time...?

Never once have I tasted defeat. And our Executive Manager here has the power to restore us from death itself, making us practically immortal.

To be frank, just the two of us would be sufficient as the Bus Team - though that conniving weasel Vergilius seems to think otherwise.

The point is, no matter how many fights these pieces of detritus are thrown into, they won't be worn down - they'll keep coming back as the same piles of trash they were before dying.

*sigh*

That sure is an impressively motivating way to tell us you think we're all living, breathing pieces of garbage.

... Morons.

Hostiles incoming. Orders, Executive Manager?

They made for pathetic foes. Barely counted as a warm-up.

The Tingtang Gang practically owned this stretch of the Backstreets. A single battle won't put an end to -

Who sent ya haricots to mess with us on our turf?!

We are the proud soldiers of Limbu―mmph!!

Have you completely lost it? Do you want the entire District coming down on us?!

More incoming! We await your command, Executive Manager!

Dammit, they just won't stop coming!

Keep this up and we'll be dead knackered before we even set foot in that bloody casino!

Don't fret, Heathcliff. As long as the manager is with us, there's no chance we'll die from fatigue -

You think I don't KNOW that, you %#@&**?!

The solution is simple: Any organization can be brought down by killing its leader. Smash the head in, and the sack of meat propping it up will also collapse.

Now that's what I like to hear. You're the only one makin' sense out of this lot.

I'm proper miffed, so let's go break something - bones, heads, whatever.

Come, then! Onward we travail!

Wait! Get back here, all of you!

... This is the crowd you're supposed to accompany, Faust?

Life is full of mysteries.

That, perhaps, is what makes it an ideal reflection, no?

Tell me where your gaffer is! I wanna see 'im, now!

The sea heart… should be at the car pagoda…

The what? Where the hell is that?! Start making sense, or else...!

He probably means the scrapyard nearby.

But seriously - are you actually planning to take out Tingtang's Boss?

You do realize that won't earn you anything on your employee performance review, right?

He's not sharp enough to factor in such things before he acts.

Indeed. He is also a pile of refuse, far removed from schemes or forethought - and quite acquainted with absurdities.

Actually… His plan might be a valid alternative.

Nothing to worry about, Effie. We always keep a Plan B, don't we?

If disguising yourselves as your given roles is no longer an option...

Then you can pose as members of the Tingtang Gang instead.

That way, you won't draw much suspicion even if you move together as a group. You should be able to reach the top floor without much trouble, too.

And while we're at it, maybe we can siphon a bit of wishpower from the Tingtang Gang as well.

Ohh…? Come, friends, and lend your gazes hither!

... What is all of this?

Cars are stacked atop one another as if to form a tower.

Sombre.

Why are there so many cars piled up here?

Oho, some bear scripts upon their wind-shields! These must have been missives from their families!

This one says… "I miss you." The owners… should be coming back soon for them, right…?

Not a chance.

Even if they did return from the casino, they wouldn't be in any shape for a happy reunion with their loving families~

……

Well… if I may play the auxiliary role of an impromptu guide... this here is the hidden landmark of these parts of the Backstreets.

The final stop for gamblers, so to speak.

And also the stepping stone that helped the Tingtang Gang amass its wealth - dealing in used cars taken from those who had nothing left to offer as the stakes.

So Rodya, you've been around places like this pretty often, right? Got anything to add? Bet you could tell us some interesting tidbits.

Nah~ No idea. Don't remember a thing. I chose to forget the past and live for the future.

... And I'd stick to that promise I made to myself if it weren't for pests bent on getting in my way. Hmph.

Oi, bohnen! Who do ya think you are, messin' about on our turf?

Or what, ya here to sell ya car or something?

Nay! We mount an omnibus!

We're not the ones who specialize dealing in organs, though... Hmm, well, I guess a pair of eyes with colors like yours might fetch a decent price.

So we have come to the right place! We are here for thy leader!

Ya got some nerve, marchin' up to a gang like this. Who do ya work for?

We serve under Limb - !

Ahem...

I asked you a question! Don't just trail off!

Hmm? What's with all this racket?

Boss! Some fasole showed up outta nowhere - won't even say who they work for!

Who sent ya? Judgin' by the getup, you ain't Los Habaneros or the Butchers...

I'll give ya one chance to grovel and beg fer forgiveness. Do that, and I'll let ya crawl outta here with your limbs intact.

... We would gladly part ways, should you first divest yourself of your clothing for us.

Y'know, there were a million other ways to phrase that, Yi Sang.

Boss… I think these might be them... The odd pods folks've been whisperin' about. The ones that... y'know, do stuff with people's body odor or somethin', doin' strange things...

Ugh… Disgusting pervs… Lemme tell ya, that's some depraved shit.

<... I don't think I've ever wanted to win a fight this badly.>

Ya… tarned little roaches…

Who the hell do ya work for…? Haven't you done enuff...? 'Bout time... ya spit it out...

We…

... are from Limbus Company.

Finally. One less millstone 'round the neck.

That doesn't... help at all...! The hell is "Limbus Company" supposed to be...?!

Oh, just for your reference - Effie and I work in a different department. Please don't lump us in with these people.

……

Do we seriously have to wear these clothes, though? Stuff reeks of sweat and blood and... ugh, just gross.

Yuck, there's hair on it, too... First time I've ever been jealous of Dante not having eyes.

<My vision's working fine, you know...>

The material looks... pretty quality, actually. Guess business was better than I thought.

I want that. Hand it over.

I-I can't. It's tailor-made.

<… The label here says "Fits all sizes.">

Ngh... W-we wouldn't be doing any of this if you hadn't caused that mess in the pawnshop to begin with!

I don't mind. I've always wanted to try on clothes like these. It's like we're filming a movie.

To be honest, I'm a little nervous. It's been a while since I've worked in disguise.

I don't feel like it. This is some wimpy crap.

Sorry, but can someone please keep her mouth shut?

*scoff* You're welcome to try so long as you don't mind getting sliced up all the way past the ribs.

… This is a Wish Canister we seized from the Tingtang Gang's boss.

Manager, here's a simple role you can play.

<What role...?>

Judging by your confused gestures, I suppose you're in need of some explanation.

The long and short of it is that this thing contains J Corp's Singularity. It's a tool that siphons people's "wishes" and stores them as energy.

And when the time comes to make use of it, you press that Wishpower onto paper, and voilà! You get a single-use sticker tattoo that boosts your luck high enough to touch the sky!

Looks like Tingtang Gang's plan was to win the game on the top floor by scraping luck from other people… Hard to believe a small-time gang boss managed to get his hands on one of these.

Manager… Dante, right? Okay, before we head inside... I want you to hold on to this.

<You sure you want to entrust me with something that important?>

You're not exactly radiating confidence, sure, but we do have our reasons for assigning you to this task.

First off, keeping a poker face is essential at any gambling table.

No matter how good they are at reading expressions, they can't read emotional cues off a clock.

<……>

Secondly, I do believe there's a reason you were chosen as manager.

Call it a hunch, but something tells me you'll be more useful than those Sinners you lead.

Alright. Now put this on your arm. With this, you can become the luckiest person in the City for a short while.

As for the rest of you, you'll act as Tingtangers, and we'll be the croupiers. Good luck and break a leg!

Wha… What manner of sorcery are these dazzling contraptions?

Try not to go saucer-eyed at everything you see in here, Don Quixote. You're gonna make us look suspicious.

The patrons here've all got eyes like those of a dead fish. And they smell just like one, too... Hell, the Tingtang schmucks smelled better than them! Do they ever wash up...?

I don't think they'd appreciate you pinching your nose right in front of them, Ishmael...

Still. This bilgy stink - I've only smelled it on deckhands on a ship.

Manager Esquire! Hast thou ever witnessed such a wondrous thing?

What must I do to hear the jolly bells as the other patrons do?

<I wouldn't know... I don't think I've ever been to one of these places before.>

<I-I suppose one look wouldn't hurt...>

Here! It sayeth "hit the button!" Shall I proceed?

<Yikes!>

I hope Dante is being careful with those wish stickers we took from the Tingtang Gang.

That manager, you mean? That was the only favor we asked. They'd better be handling it properly.

Relax, you can count on Dante~ They're one of the few people in the team with a sensible head on their shoulders.

That's good to hear. With that many sheets of stickers attached, they should be able to win any game easily.

We just need to be careful and avoid attracting attention.

A jackpot? Which machine?

Wha - now? Just like that?

One moment, please.

May I see your ID?

What's your problem? Is it a crime to win a jackpot at a casino?

Chance in this place does not function the way we think it usually does. One may accumulate luck for a large payout or trickle in small amounts to break even, but winning the jackpot on the first try at a machine is clearly an impossibility.

Chips are raining down upon us like shooting stars!

So much for being the responsible one. Can't believe you caved to Don Quixote of all people.

I expected more from you, Manager. Thought someone in your position would at least be able to help snag us this much-needed win - which, I might add, would've been pretty nice after that humiliating failure of a first mission.

... Hang on. I don't think that's the sole issue here...

How long have you been out of disguise, Ryōshū?

I don't put on castoffs from others.

*sigh* Manager Bud, looks like we're...

<Yup… Looks like we're screwed. Royally…>

This can't be happening... After everything we did to set this plan in motion...

Faust, what were you thinking, volunteering to drag these idiots along on your mission? You're supposed to be one of the most brilliant geniuses in the City - so act like it!

Though I have not worked with them for long, I was able to arrive at one conclusion:

I ought to become a Faust that believes in uncertainty.

When the lack of a plan becomes the plan, all variables become constants.

That is the "plan" as I have understood it.

……

*sigh*

<Alright… It's time for our usual gig…>

<Kill... and be killed.>

I can't stand watching this charade.

How much time are you going to waste fighting those small fries?

Hmm, people who are too quick to grouse and moan never seem to offer clear solutions.

... Then I'll show you art.

You there, gimme the knife.

You may wrest it from my hands forevermore.

It will be better if the blade parts from my side to drift about the air for however long.

Thank.

Thus, in a haze does it succumb to the imminent fracturing.

Uhh -

W-watch out!

<So, uh, what was that for? Ryōshū?>

… Performance art.

You just came up with that, didn't you?

S-still, I'm glad none of us were hurt!

… We'll have to see about that.

Just making sure we're all on the same page…

You all know that our goal is to win the game being held on the top floor, not reduce the first floor of the casino to rubble, right?

Remember, our ultimate objective here isn't reaching the top floor - it's winning the game.

Which means that we need enough Wishpower to make that happen.

I won't bother going into detail about how the Wishpower we went through quite the trouble to claim went straight down the drain for so preposterous a reason. No need to hurt our morale even further now, right?

Where's the largest Wishpower reserve in our nearest vicinity?

That roulette by the entrance. People who visit the casino try their daily luck using the roulette, and take or yield Wishpower depending on the outcome.

Is that so? Then I'll snatch the Wish Canister attached to it when opportunity knocks.

<Think you can pull that off?>

I have carried out countless operations much greater in scale.

Your preposterous blunder amounts to nothing in the grander scheme of things, Executive Manager.

It has to have been the fault of the drudging dredges who obfuscated your ability to make sensible decisions! Don't let their words deter you!

<"Preposterous," huh... I see… Wait!>

<Heathcliff?!>

Dammit, about time we got on with it, don't you think?

Oh, ain't you all one sorry, embarrassing lot?!

That blondie over there is a rookie who's as unfledged as it gets.

And that mate there, our "manager," misplaced their memories so badly that they can't wield a weapon to save themself.

This is what you're struggling against? What a bloody joke you lot are…

Ngh... D-damn prick...

H-Heathcliff… That was too harsh…

<Hear, hear. Much too mean, Heathcliff.>

And last thing, that club you're holding is wasted on a pansy like you.

You cocky little…!

The, the Wish Canister…!

Oi, listen up, you thickos.

Would you rather us keep fightin' and have to admit to your boss later you broke this thing?

Or, would you rather let us through now and blame us for the broken container when this all blows over?

T-this was… a whole month's worth of luck…

……

It won't be any safer for you upstairs…

Eh, never been too familiar with safety anyway. 'Preciate the advice, though.

What's the look? Do your thing and fix me up.

<……>

I've made up my mind. From now on, I won't even try to discuss plans or anything in the same ballpark with these characters.

Took you long enough to realize.

Faust… You ever hear the saying "silence is golden?"

The atmosphere here seems rather different. It appears that a different Syndicate controls the second floor.

Hey, oigan! What's with all the doom and gloom on your faces?

Don't you know the floor rules? Sour looks are a no-no, so put a hat over your long face!

Are you talking to me? Keep staring and I'll S.Y.N.C., that what you want?

The heck's SYNC mean?

"Snap Your Neck Completely."

<Come on, Ryōshū… Can we please stop immediately resorting to violence - >

Ey, never mind that. This one's mug is even nastier, no? Which hand's supposed to be your eyes?

<… Ryōshū, ready to throw down?>

You bet, Dante.

GAAH!!! NOT AGAIN!!!

I lost again, dammit! Why won't this losing streak end?!

Oye, espera, time out! We're gonna need to do some customer care, team!

Dear Customer, I hope you haven't forgotten the rules, have you?

B-but… That was... I just blew all of my savings…

If you insist on ruining the mood of the table, we might be forced to throw a pañata party out of you.

(Uh, what's a pañata party?)

<I don't even wanna know…>

What's this now…?

There's a rule every visitor to this floor must follow - una tradición mariachi, if you will.

Gambling is entertainment, an activity done purely for fun; thus, the sadness and pain it brings must be sublimated into dance.

Allow this knight to demonstrate what dancing is about!

This one won't do.

There's not an ounce of sincerity in her moves.

What in the name of chivalry dost thou mean?!

Dance is a window to the heart.

Without a clear and pure heart, it loses all meaning.

……

…I find thine assessment rather disgracious.

This is getting further out of hand… What are you doing, Saude?

Oh, just working on our statement of apology to the company, given the way this is going!

I can't believe I'm saying this, but our best chance of getting past this floor…

... might be a dance so magnificent that it can move their hearts.

<Dance...? What is this concept of "dance" supposed to be? As you all know, my memories aren't all there...>

<Say, Hong Lu, have you taken dance lessons or anything?>

I learned a little <ruby=face-changing art>bian lian</ruby>, though I only had three instructors teaching me. To perform it, I'll need a few masks, fans, makeup, and…

<… We aren't gonna find them here. Next.>

Well, I did step on a good few feet of snobbish toffs at balls.

My inner voice expresses fear.

… Me? I spent half of my life on a ship.

Dance is where I - ! Hrrmph! Cease this relentless obstruction of my words!

A sword dance for the first time in a while doesn't sound bad. I'll kill it on the floor.

Though the only beats I have ever danced to were morning exercise programs during roll call, if the Executive Manager so demands, I will immediately see to it that -

W-well, Dante… I'm good at most things, buuut, I'm what you'd call a bashful girl... when it comes to dancing. Ahaha...

I don't mind, except my arm might rage out of control from the stimulation and charge for the audience's heads.

……

Faust doesn't necessarily enjoy dancing for leisure, but could gladly perform a routine if it's for the mission's sake.

However, it's not technical perfection they want. They're looking for something unstable and unpolished, such as…

Sinclair!

Wha?!

You busted a move or two as a kid, didn't you?

B-bust? I suppose I… took a basic maracas course at school as an elective…

<Sinclair's in the rich boys club too? How'd you figure that out, Rodya?>

I can tell from the way he walks and talks.

On the other hand, uncultured ones… Pfft… It shows, y'know?

'Kay now~ My little Sinclair, I have a very, veeeery important task for you.

Huh? Hey? Rodya? Where are you taking me -

<Sinclair… You can do this.>

Yeah, think of all the times when Heathcliff walked all over you...

I-I'm…

Can I… Can I really do this?

Wrong question, Sinclair.

This is something only you can do.

The flick of his wrists... That passionately absorbed expression... Restrained rhythm... Perfection!

It's calm… Yet it's the calmness that stirs my heart… This young man - he's channeling something from within…

This is sublimation...

He is fighting to overcome his repressed darkness and inner turmoil with the body's motion…!

Ohhh… The lingering embers of a firestorm… heating the rhythm… for gestures to be struck along… This conjures an image, one of a bonfire that has burnt through the whole night! And we are witnessing the cotillion of ash dancing atop its remnant!

<Sorry, what?>

Young man, won't you consider joining us? You have the potential to grow big.

That boy belongs to our company. You should know that unauthorized poaching of valuable talent from their current employment is a serious crime.

What a fine performance. You wish to get to the top floor, right?

You may pass. You have earned the right.

Be warned, though, the folks upstairs won't be as reasonable. They have no concept of festivity in their heads.

The things welling up inside me… This is what it was about.

It makes me wonder why I thought it would be hard. I feel much more comfortable now.

What d'we have 'ere?

D'you fellers have any idea what you've just walked into?

Muck about, and we'll make unwilling contortionists outta all 'o you.

Then we'll lop off your digits joint by joint and make purdy mahjong tiles with 'em.

Sheesh… Some warm welcome that was.

Feh, I'm not one to let introductions like that go unanswered. Oi! Square up!

You'd better behave and keep your noggin safe and sound, 'cause we might need somethin' around for kick the can.

I remember now… Their intimidating language is what made them infamous in the first place…

Rumor has it, their language is so coarse that it once inflicted enough psychological damage to reduce dozens of rival Syndicate members into gibbering messes...

Oi, you lot! You'd better shut your bloody mouths while I'm bein' nice -

Who the fuck do you think you're eyeballin' up 'n down, little man? Keep starin' and I'll pluck 'em right outta them sockets for ya, dog-eyes.

Easy, don't be so hard on 'em! I cracked one open like an eggshell in the scuffle, hollered into 'em, and heard only my voice echoin' back 'cuz its empty as a drum.

Well brush me sideways, they don't even got a string o' egg noodle for brains? What's the round thing on their shoulders, then? A bag o' gas?

……

Hm. Wonder if they all go to the same asshole school.

… Pft.

I - I mean, it was kinda funny. D-don't glare at me like that~

… Dead.

… You're all bloody dead!!

<What should we do? I don't know if fighting'll get us anywhere at this point…>

What's there to consider? We have our trump card.

<We have what now?>

Just the right person to teach them something "legit."

After you give it a good @#$@#$ and @$#% it up, go $#%@#$ on it.

Next up, you @%$#$^ the @$%@$% and then soak it in #$#@.

Lastly…

I'll be damned, she had me struck.

Hoo-ie, that's one damn creative twist 'o wit... She must be what they call the wizardess o' the tongue, eh?

No. That has to be the gob of a witch, yeah.

I am impelled to applaud the inventiveness of her language. The pen - Nay, the tongue is mightier than the sword, indeed.

Damn, and here I thought I'd heard my share of the sailor's mouth in all those years I'd spent seafaring.

Guess my vocabulary was only the tip of the vulgarity iceberg.

……

I honestly couldn't fathom why the higher-ups would organize a team of people like you.

It is likely that rational understanding was not in consideration when this roster was established.

And I'm still having trouble figuring out what they were thinking when they assembled this team…

But, I guess… this isn't so bad after all.

Saude, you've finally reached the stage of acceptance. This is a cause for celebration.

<This isn't good. We've reached the top floor, but we don't have nearly enough Wishpower…>

Ah~ Don'tcha worry about that. 'Cuz it's finally time to reveal what I've been itching to share.

I actually pinched a little Wishpower back at the pawnshop. It's not a lot, but it should be just enough, right?

Why'd you wait until the last minute to tell us?

Like you said, gambling is all about keeping a poker face. Wouldn't want one of us to slip up and complicate things.

Dante~ Mind if I borrow your boss role for a sec?

... Had it been just a few hours ago, I would've been vehemently against this. But now...

Good thinking. I've never lost once in anything where money was involved.

Alright…

Here comes the contestant~

Wait, I'm not the last? Aw man, I wanted to be fashionably late.

And you are…?

Name's Rodion. I'm here to gamble for the basement access rights.

Pfft... Hahaha!

So much for finally meeting the infamous "Wishpower Whisker" of the Tingtang Gang in person. You've got a lot of nerve for a nobody, sauntering in here like you own the place.

What, this your first day or something~? Haven'tcha been playing this game long enough to know it's not about who plays, but who wins?

Well, you got me there. I suppose getting this far's a qualification on its own.

A pleasure. I'm Aida.

And this is…

Golly, my back's hurtin'.

… That a robot? No, a prosthetic body…?

What're ya lookin' at me for? Never seen a full-body prosthetic before?

Isn't your model… a bit antiquated? You look like somebody plucked you right out of a museum.

Old is gold, as they say. Patched it up a few times, and now it's sturdier than most new ones.

Why's that boy so comfy with bein' tardy, anyhow? Arrogant brat thinks he can show up late to serious business, eh?

Pardon me. I had an urgent matter.

?!

Are you having a bad case of main character syndrome or something, Sonya? Are you really so hungry for attention that even our annoyance feeds your ego?

Haha, it's not like that. If anything, I thought you were always the "main character," Aida.

……

It's been a while, Rodya.

What's up? You two know each other?

Let's say that she's a... friend from back home. Isn't that right, Rodya?

So, are you… still leading the Yurodiviye, then?

Hmm. "Still?" You're saying that as if we've disbanded or something... You were the only one who dropped us.

Now now, that's enough catching-up. Since we have all the players, let's go over the rules again.

The four bidders for the casino are all here: Sonya, Aida, the Tieqiu boss, and... the Tingtang Gangleader's... suspicious yet shameless representative.

We'll be playing a straight game tonight - no cheats, no sleights of hand allowed. Anyone catches you in the act, you're out.

It should go without saying that anything involving Wishpower is, likewise, forbidden.

Ooh, when I catch ya cheatin', you're goin' right on the chopping block! I'll mess ya up good!

……

We'll play three games in total, and the one with the most chips wins. Simple enough?

The winner will get to take the elevator to the underground section where the Golden Bough is.

Yes, that same Golden Bough that the former owner of this casino so desperately wanted to claim, going so far as to dig a whole tunnel system under this property to find it.

Too bad they suddenly passed away for reasons unknown, but that allowed us lucky four to win the joint bid on this establishment.

… What an elegant way to put that they died under shady circumstances.

Haha, oh Rodya. I see you haven't lost your sarcastic wit.

… Shut it. How do you guys all know about the Golden Bough, anyway? Didn't think it was such an open secret.

Any Syndicate worth its name has caught wind of the stories. Those about the Golden Bough buried down here… and the riches and fame it'll bring to the owner.

That so? Seems someone has gained an interest in fame and fortune, huh? I think I remember how you always used to preach to us to steer clear of such things, Sonya.

The Golden Bough can be used to achieve things far greater than the accumulation of capital, Rodya. I have never strayed from my purpose: to destroy the system of oppression and exploitation, to keep a watchful eye on the unequal distribution of wealth…

Yeesh, Sonya's 'boutta begin lecturin' again. Someone kick away that soapbox under 'im.

My apologies. It reminded me of the old times.

It's funny how I always used to discourage your obsession with gambling and riches.

Yet here we are, sitting around the same gambling table, hiding our hands of cards from each other in this game with our goals on the line.

So, what is your goal?

… To win.

… Of course.

And here comes the final round. You all keeping a good eye on your chips?

Hm, I'm all in.

… All in?

Ooh~ Dealt a nice hand, huh, Rodya?

Hah~ That swagger of yours's been rubbin' me the wrong way the whole way. You lose this round and you're out, y'know that? The hell are ya countin' on?

I'm the kind of gal who goes for the climactic flourish of the final round wager.

……

Not so fast. Pull your sleeve up. Don't think I missed your little sleight-of-hand there.

The heck's your problem?

You just put one of them wish stickers you got from the Tingtang bossman on your arm.

That's why you went all-in on the chips this round - so you can nab the Golden Bough for yourself. Can't fool me.

Lookee here, all! Right 'ere 'neath her hand, this thing. 'S got to be the sticker, ey?

… Can ya back it up?

Sorry, Rodya, but can I take a look at your wrist for a second?

……

Oh no, you ain't! Don't you touch 'er. Far as I know, you two might be in cahoots.

Nooow, I'll lay 'er arm bare, so keep your eyes peeled, aight? I knew this sly little fox would play dirty.

Wait, something about this whole situation... this exchange... it all feels oddly familiar. Am I having a déjà-vu?

You sure are small-minded for such a big hunk of metal, huh? Why are you being such a nitpicky asshole about this?

Didn't they teach you that with stolen Wishpower comes strict responsibility?

… You've been watching too many movies. What stolen Wishpower?

And what if you're wrong, huh? Gonna fold and forfeit the game?

Hah, you've got guts. Fine, I'll bet all my stakes that there's a piece o' the Wishpower on your wrist. What do you say?

Same as yours, which means it's gonna be either you or me. So ask yourself this: am I feeling lucky? Well, do ya, dickhead?

Pahahahah! Oh that's cute. And I'm the one who watches too many movies? Anyhoo, our wager's final, ey?

Oh my… It's just like in that - I think I know where this is going…

Here goes, the moment of truth~

……

Wuhuh? What's going on 'ere?

I saw it. I saw the little fox rub 'er wrist! There's - there's no way…

That means you're out. What a pity.

What happens to the loser, then? Lop off a hand or something?

You're joking, right, Rodya? What's the point of removing a prosthetic hand?

No, this is… This can't be right…

The defeated will be shown generosity, but false accusations need to be taken care of with more finality.

Hang on, are you…?

……

Gweh… What in the…!

Holy crap, that came in like a car crash! Couldn't you have put a blinker on for a warning or something?!

Ugh… Look at all the grease and spinal fluid… *gag*

Remember, Rodya? It's that same trash compactor from our Backstreets' junkyard.

……

Remember what I said back then?

That we proletariats must unite and take down the ruling class and build a new society.

I even remember your reply:

"If you mean we should round up the rich and flatten 'em under one of those compactors, then I'm all for it."

… Small correction: I said "crush 'em 'til they pop."

… Is that so.

Rodya, are you still unwilling to return to the Yurodiviye?

I…

We all heard that loud slam just now, right?

I sure did. After a quarrel about… Wishpower and the like.

What? Did they catch on? Oi, quit spacin' out and try turnin' that clock.

Gosh, Can you stop pushing - Ahhh!

Huh, woah - ?!

Uh… Who might you all be…?

<Rodya, how did it go?!>

I see that you've made some new friends in the meantime, Rodya.

The game is over.

You win, Rodion. I have no objections.

Haha, caramba… Thanks for the spectacular game, but…

... I'm not as cool as Sonya.

Since you brought your friends, why don't I introduce some of mine as well?

…Y'know, uh, I'm pretty sure I heard one of your guys say that gambling is an activity done purely for fun or something.

Mhm, exactly. Isn't this more fun than caving right away?

You were gonna force your way downstairs regardless of who won the game, weren't you?

Pfh. Think about it. Why would I give up on the Golden Bough 'cause a round or three of some game said so, when I have the strength and the manpower to seize it?

Aight, then. I'm actually glad you're a rebel.

I was starting to get bored with all this sitting around and chatting.

… How did you manage to win without even using any Wishpower?

No, before any of that, what made you so sure that you'll win regardless?

Yikes, hold your horses, gal… One question at a time. Okay?

The Tieqiu Crew's boss had been wary of the Tingtang Gangleader before the game even began.

How did you know that? You couldn't have read the tells from his mechanical body.

He had every reason to. After all, everyone seemed to know that the Tingtang Gang owned a Wishpower extractor.

He must've been totally sure that Wishpower was gonna come into play one way or the other, regardless of who ended up playing.

So… You deliberately made it look like you were using a sticker to bait him into calling you out on it?

Yup! Then I declared I'm going all in~ I needed to appear suspiciously ballsy in his eyes.

A winning gambler creates her own momentum and rides it. Fuhu.

……

I mean, look. Even you guys thought I'd popped the wish stickers, right?

If I'm being real, at the end of the day, wish stickers and all that stuff are just hopes and desires given official-sounding labels.

To someone with unshakable faith in themselves, it's nothing more than a weird piece of paper.

That can't be true… J Corp.'s Wishpower-related tech is an officially approved semi-Singularity with widely proven efficacy.

Tens of thousands of people rely on Wishpower for every aspect of their lives…

Nothing hits the spot like a little confidence boost in this day and age, right?

But me? I'm different.

I've always believed in myself.

... To have faith is to preclude the plummeting of one's heart.

Pray tell, how does one go about acquiring such faith?

Oh, that? It's actually super simple. I'll let you in on the secret, so listen up.

Ooh…

Just think: "I'm the most awesome person in the world, so whatever anyone else says is a crock of shit!"

That certainly makes sense. Faust subscribes to that perspective as well.

……

… Perhaps I shouldn't have asked at all.

<Rodya… Don't tell me you've been taking my words as a crock of - ?>

Hold on a sec! The heck was the point of winning the game, then?!

Why do we have to be so sneaky about this? And what's up with those slaves picking away at rocks?

We technically did earn ownership, but... we don't have anything to prove that we're the winners, not to mention how we're more or less intruders to them.

Quite the grand excavation. They sure didn't waste space - they even made spare vaults here, all the while digging a tunnel.

What an incredible sight… When my time comes, lay me to rest under a pile of cash just like that one over there. I want my last breath filled with the smell of banknotes.

By the way, about that fella at the table who gave us the up-down… Did you know him from somewhere?

… A friend from back home.

<Something tells me the history between you two runs deeper than just that.>

Greg, love, these get-togethers are always uncomfortable. Didya already forget about that one heck of a reunion you had with your former comrades?

… Can't argue with that.

There are things moving behind those bars.

Aha, I wonder if this is where they raise their pets?

… Do pets from your home usually rattle their cages like they're about to rip the bars apart?

It's the Peccatula.

<Did they think they could tame Abnormalities?>

Miss Yuri would've knocked three grown adults out cold with a scoff if she heard that.

Oh, Yuri…

It is possible, theoretically speaking.

Provided that they possess a similar level of intelligence to humans and that an empirically proven method of managing them exists, that is.

Huh… I guess they could make for excellent guard dogs if that ever works out.

Oh? On closer look, these people have fingers or other parts of their bodies bitten off.

… Is this in fashion these days?

<……>

Tch… We've got security guards and Peccatula… This is starting to be a bother…

Got any ideas, Greg? You said you fought on the front lines back in the war. Try something.

What does that have to - Hey, stop pushing!

……?

……

H-hey. Looks like things aren't exactly pleasant for either of us, huh? How about we just… let this slide?

……

We're not here for the money in that vault.

I mean, sure, we wouldn't refuse if offered - but that's not the point. We're just trying to get to the lower level.

We're not here to cause trouble, I guarantee you. Why don't we pretend we never saw each other and just go our separate ways?

F… Four…

47,920,000 Ahn...

47,910,000 Ahn... 47,900,000...

Speak some sense, or I'll B.A.R.F. on your hands.

I think... she means she'll "break all remaining fingers" on his hands…

<... At this point, I'm more scared by how fast you figured that out.>

Must repay…

Repay all the debt… before I can go back to my family…

They said they'll take off 1 Ahn for every swing… 47 million and… How much…was it… Agh! Don't talk to me! I need to count...!

Hold it. What's all that noise over there?

Ah, shoot…

We… We can't live like this anymore!

This is… outrageous… abuse! To tie people up and force them to dig!

Let us all… rise up… and fight our oppressors…! Forward - chaaarge!!

<……>

……

……

The hell was that?

Propaganda. His effort has regrettably ended in failure.

Greg… Here's the thing about those "people." They're here because they spent their whole lives like lice - trembling little creatures that only know how to exploit or be exploited.

You didn't seriously think a half-baked speech would suddenly awaken their revolutionary spirit, did you?

... Next time you attempt a subversion, ensure your acting skills are at least at an intermediate level.

Greg... have you seriously never tried acting even once in your life?

C'mon, go easy on me... I'm embarrassed too, you know...

W-wait… Why are they coming this way?! Stop! I said stop!

G-get them off me! Hurry!

... 47,900,000...

Guess that counts as receiving help from these debtors, after all.

Just a coincidence.

It's a freight container, made of smooth plastic that comes in assorted colors.

The use of so many peculiar materials suggests that this is more than just a basic manufacturing facility.

I've got a bad feeling about this...

Why aren't there any guards on this floor?

Ah. Ah.

Highly excited!!!

Ahh~

Thoroughly amusing!!!

Da GAME of DEATH!

……

ATH.

ATH!!

ATH!!!! ATH!!!! ATH!!!!

Hm… It appears they redoubled excavation efforts from this point onward.

Otherwise, there would be no reason to mass-produce augmented humans on a conveyor belt...

<Got it, but we gotta get a move on! They're pointing right at us singing that spooky song!>

Feels like it's getting colder and colder.

What's up with all this ice around…?

An increase in the frequency of anomalies should ideally be strong, positive reflections.

Did you call?

*sigh* Am I missing some kind of pun here? Why do you keep reacting to that word? Gah, it's so cold...

<... Because that means we're getting close to the Golden Bough… right, Faust?>

Yes, sure.

I'd come here whenever I felt the need to clear my thoughts. Though there are no armchairs or that whiskey you like…

... the chill dominating this place pierces even the thickest coat. That helps me think with a more lucid mind.

Didn't expect you to get here first.

My men and I knew of a shortcut leading here.

It was a route we learned by parlaying with the local lowlives in our search for the whereabouts of a great, buried power waiting to be used for our noble purpose.

Alas, we... could only make it as far as this place, the general vicinity of the buried Golden Bough; we could not get any closer to it.

Thought you'd never leave District 25, but seeing you resorting to those tactics like some kind of gangster... Maybe you should've stayed a country boy.

Sonya, your lackeys have been taking from shopkeeps who weren't even rich to begin with.

… Want to know something, Rodya? This cave used to be nothing more than a peculiar hollow whose walls were lined with hoarfrost.

And look at it now. A giant castle, surrounded by thick columns of ice, has risen here.

This change happened the instant you walked in.

… Sounds like you figured this would happen on my arrival. How'd you know?

I have many sources… But that's not for you to know, Rodya.

What makes you say that I caused this in the first place? I'm not some kinda witch of the Backstreets or anything.

I think the answer to that should become quite obvious once you observe those faces encased in ice.

Take a peek. They're the ones you loved yet secretly contemned, are they not?

250,000 Ahn.

That's all it's worth? You can't be serious…

Oh, I am dead serious. Just look at how old and battered it is - it's scratched all over, and any shine it once had has long dulled.

To be frank, others wouldn't pay more than 200,000 for this.

And the rest… All worthless garbage.

With that, your remaining unpaid tax is now down to 400,000 Ahn.

Why do the poor only grow poorer the harder they work?

It's ridiculous, isn't it? As the pawnbroker's vault grew fuller with each passing day...

... our neighbors only grew more gaunt, forced to give up even their precious mementos and cherished memories to be weighed for pocket money upon her ruthless scale.

Sonya rallied people, delivering speeches using big words.

They organized a group under the name of the "Yurodiviye."

It went okay at first. Sonya's words managed to inspire even the thickest folks to help the impoverished of the Backstreets.

But I could see it on Sonya's face that he still wanted something more.

Eventually, the Yurodiviye that was first established to actually go out and help the needy was warped into an organization full of passive pundits who only cared about sitting around and endlessly debating how the streets and the Nests were to be revolutionized.

That's why I left them.

Being an armchair revolutionary wasn't going to feed our starving neighbors!

But I told you time and time again, Rodya. That we must wait for the right moment.

Sonya, I'm sorry, but that "moment" you kept talking about…

It didn't come when little Ivan, Yurodiviye's youngest... dug through trash for food waste just to recall what having food in his stomach felt like...

Nor did it arrive after he choked to death from it.

Detailed policy plans and the power to realize them are both necessary in monumental endeavors such as ours - the redistribution of wealth.

Such personal grievances and tragedies will inevitably occur as the wheel of progress turns.

Personal? Don't you remember how it all began? Helping people was our purpose!

You and your Yurodiviye no longer seemed interested in doing that, nor in anything I'd hoped for when we began.

Is that why you decided to take matters into your own hands?

Absolutely. What our town needed…

... wasn't an empty promise telling people to sit on their hands and wait for some vague "moment,"

but someone willing to pick up the axe.

It must've been one of those days when most of the neighborhood hadn't seen even a glimpse of food for at least 4 days.

But the biting wind hounded and howled without mercy, clawing at the cracked skin of people who barely had any energy left to even move.

And I happened to know whose safe kept so much money that she could treat my neighbors to a three-day-feast and not even make a dent.

So, what did you do?

… No, wait. I don't think I want to do this anymore.

The Golden Bough has resonated with your psyche and has created this confessional of sorts, just for you.

And a confessional's purpose is to lead a sinner to the path of penance.

... ....... ... .... ....... .. ....

If only that old woman had changed her mind in her last moments…

But Rodya…

You must have known that a terminal leech upon her neighbors wouldn't turn over a new leaf just like that.

You knew she wasn't the kind of person who'd give up that life for that of a generous philanthropist.

You wouldn't have brought the axe otherwise.

Poor Rodion, dear, you seem to be under the delusion that you're some sort of savior…

Demanding my money so brazenly to my face won't change anything.

You're nothing but a louse yourself, no different from the paupers in the Backstreets.

That's right.

I'm the one who put an axe through her head.

Like cutting open the belly of the goose that laid golden eggs, I cleaved into that hag's skull.

I mean, someone had to do it. Am I wrong?

Unlike the idiot cottager in the fable who gave in to greed and severed his own future prospects…

... we were just hungry, miserable people who would've gladly scooped out her brains for a meal.

And unlike the goose, her "belly" was full of golden eggs.

Yes, the old lady you killed was a tax collector wielding considerable authority in District 25.

But what gave her so much power… was her sibling's status as a member of The Middle.

I… I put an axe through her skull for my neighbors, so that they wouldn't starve to death. Was that so wrong?

No, you did that for yourself.

You couldn't stand the fact that you weren't anyone special.

Did you know? The Middle… never forgets, never forgives anyone who has wronged their family.

They aren't too interested in finding out exactly who did the deed; what matters to them is that they demonstrate clearly what happens to the poor fools that dare to disturb them.

The joy of the Backstreets residents, who'd tasted the tenderness of quality meat for the first time in their lives, soon made corpse towers of them all.

Not much different from the car pagodas outside the casino.

I'm well aware of the sheer weight of pain and guilt you've been burdened with ever since then.

It can't have been easy to live with the realization that, at the end of the day, you really weren't so different from the idiot who cut open the goose that laid golden eggs.

Since that day… Nothing I held truly felt like it was mine.

It's all... all my fa -

It's okay, Rodya.

You see, Rodya...

... I've perused hundreds of books and thousands of documents...

... and met all kinds of people around the City, all to change the world.

Change the world so that the oppressed can be free from the exploitative dominion of the ruling class and find liberation in the truest sense.

And I want to make that world a reality.

However, I learned that such a world cannot be realized by changing what is already here. Once ink makes its mark on a page, it is permanent; you can't simply put the ink back in the pen.

Look closely. This is the world you and I can usher in.

A world… that can be created using the Golden Bough with which you resonated.

May no soul on this earth suffer from starvation ever again.

May every individual have the right to pursue their delights, both spiritual and intellectual.

… Join hands with me, and I'll gift you that world.

It would be as if everything that has happened... hasn't happened at all.

Ah.

Who could ever understand such a feeling?

Even the briefest glimpse of that world felt so dreamlike.

I wanted to etch that mesmerizing instant into my memory so I wouldn't forget it - not even for a second.

If this were a dream, let my sleeping self never wake and join the residents of the dreaming world.

But, despite everything…

Sorry, I'm still turning down your offer.

How should I put this…

I don't wanna bask in the warmth just yet. I feel like I oughta be shivering in this cold a bit longer.

Think I'll stay this way, at least until I can answer whether I deserve to be warm again.

Besides, Sonya…

You knew my temper would get the best of me and make me kill her, didn't you?

……

Rodya, this will probably elude you, but you don't have the Sign.

I came here hoping to see you possess it, but I'm seeing it on a few of your friends instead.

The Sign? What do you…

On top of that, you can't even see the Sign. In other words… you don't have what it takes to lead.

But I'm different. So, to make a better world -

Yeah, yeah. I think I remember hearing ya say something like that a while ago, sitting atop a desk buried in piles of books.

…That's why I can't join you.

I still believe that your big words and endless debates won't ever feed the neighbors.

And as I'm sure you've learned by now…

There's no way a rowdy rascal like me would fit under some dweeb's leadership, right? Hahah!

……

The Golden Bough awaits inside the castle, Rodya.

I hope you'll be able to find what you seek.

I see the exit over there!

Gah, bloody persistent, innit?

<We'll have to distract them somehow before we can get away…>

Why don't you throw one of us at 'em? You can bring them back later anyway.

Why are you looking at me?

<… Hold on, look over there…>

Leave this to me.

Sonya?! What are you playing at?

<Rodya! What are you talking about? Just let him do his thing, we need all the help we can get!>

No one ever helps for free, y'know? There's gotta be something!

……

It's just like how you simply couldn't hold yourself back from using your axe that day.

I'm discovering that I might have a similarly… inexplicable drive.

Dante, I take it that your organization is working to make a better world in its own right, yes?

<I… Uh-huh?>

Silence sometimes speaks volumes. I'll take that as a positive.

And one more thing… That child will soon visit you, too.

<Child?>

Huh?

Ah… Sorry. My eyes must have fooled me. I thought I saw something on his forehead for a second…

Yes, I mean that boy who left quite the impression on you. It'll be a touching reunion, I imagine.

<The Golden Bough…>

Don't expect me to act on the same impulse of kindness next we meet, though.

If a clear path towards prosperity of the many shows itself before my eyes, I'll take it without hesitation.

Rodion. Are you not concerned?

About what?

Irrespective of consequential differences, he was nevertheless a fellow of yours.

Ah, that~ Eh, he's a clever dude, so I'm sure he'll figure out a way to live and all that jazz.

… Truly, an ideal form of friendship.

… I see, so that's your story. There's just one thing that bothers me, though.

This man… Sonya, was it? His actions during those final moments don't quite seem to align with the way he pursues his ideology.

We need to get a clearer idea of his true intentions before moving on from this -

Hey, time out, tiiime out!!!

First Yi Sang, and now you too? Why does everyone care more about Sonya than me? I'm the one who got the Golden Bough, aren't I?

As a plus… Check this out, everyone~

We can exchange these cuties for cash at any casino, so we should drop by one.

I nabbed 'em while our one and only manager hit the jackpot and dazzled the floor.

<I'm impressed that you thought to pocket all that amidst the chaos.>

Well, Verg? What do you say to a juicy serving of prime sirloin steak to celebrate our abounding success today?

… Any thoughts, Charon?

… Mmm.

Seems Mephi wants it too. Fresh, succulent, juicy meat.

Gah, of all the things you could mention…

Alright, then. I'll entrust Rodion with the task of locating the venue for our team dinner.

Okay. Vroom-vroom.

Now we're talking, Verg.

After all's said and done…

I'm pretty rad, aren't I?

Impressive, Yurodivy.

Not only did you manage to clear out the legion of foes…

You also burned all that cash.

You should know, Hermann, that I've never been a friend of capital.

I will admit, you're not like most idealists; you actually walk the talk.

You'd have earned yourself a further compliment if only you had capped it all off by securing the Golden Bough.

… I showed Rodya that world.

The same ideal reality that I fell for.

Alas…

I suppose it didn't win her over.

It seems the method you suggested was wrong after all, Hermann.

She wasn't the kind of person to let a few words change her mind.

So, do you find this… regrettable?

Well…

Part of me might've wished that she'd follow me like in the past.

Actually, never mind. I think I'm actually relieved to find that things haven't changed at all.

Rodya never wished for a perfect, flawless utopia.

Rather, she might have felt…

... that it would be boring to live in such a world, since there'd be no way to affirm that she's special.

That's the impression I got.

I thought her to be a woman of virtue and unshakable principles…

Turns out she's but a dreamer, just like yourself.

She still has a long way to go, that's all.

… Though I doubt she'll admit that.

I got your point. I'll keep it in mind for future considerations on our course of action.

You won't scold me for this? I did ultimately fail to complete the task you gave me.

Would reprimanding you make the Bough suddenly appear at our feet? No.

It's fine. Wherever the Boughs may be right now…

What matters more is who claims the bundle at the end.