Other scenes

This doesn't look like the right wire. Hey, anybody -

…ake up.

Teacher. Wake up.

<A school?>

You seem rather confused, Dear Teacher.

<Me? A teacher?>

Indeed you are. Seeing how you're acting, you must have forgotten all about the explanation that was given just now.

<Uh… Y - Yeah, I guess. Hey, wait a sec… You can hear me?>

I am V.E.R.G.I.L.I.U.S. I have been waiting a long time for your arrival.

I am pleased to finally meet you.

<What's… Why are you acting like this…>

Anyway… I was in the middle of explaining your biological authentication.

<Bio…whatnow?>

I cannot be bothered to repeat myself… Let's just move on.

Okay… Dear Teacher.

Now, place your fingertip against mine right here.

…mael! You can't simply smack a device back into function. Go scuttle off to a corner with your ignorance.

Tch, then -

Doctor, Doctor!

<…Vergilius?>

The doctor spoke! Here, hold my hand tight…

I've come here to rescue you…

<…Who… am I…?>

Doctor, you…

You're a member of Limbus Island, just like us.

…ss Faust! How does this clock head even work?!

Amazing… that was amazing! You really won!

So this is Mephistopheles… showing us the way a true "Ace" runs…

<What are you going on about… this time…>

Ah! Looks like the chief trainer has arrived!

<Seriously, what is this place?! The center of some Nest? What's up with your horse mask…>

Memory module… …Did that work? The… Why is…

<M - My head…>

You're back.

I was getting worried about you, Executive Manager.

You suddenly… fainted on the bus out of nowhere.

<Vergil…?!>

<Eek! EEEEK!!>

What is the meaning of this, Manager? Why are you running?

<Keep you and your weird titles away from me!!!>

…You sure sound like a broken clock.

We tinkered with a number of things trying to fix you up…

Hah, and as it turns out, all we had to do was wind that clock. Some time we wasted.

<Am I… really back?>

…I have no clue what that ticking is supposed to mean. I can suppose you did calm down a little.

If Ms. Faust is to be believed… you might have visited a number of mirror worlds in your dream…

Well, that's not relevant now, is it?

The Sinners have left the bus already.

So stop flubbing around there…

And get out already.

……

<…….>

Right! I said RIGHT, not left! I'm sorry, is this a hard concept for everyone? Am I the weird one for being able to tell left from right?

I am... left-handed...

What...? I mean, what does that have to do with any - ?! Aagh!!

Oof... oh man, sorry about that... Looks like I tripped over my own feet. I can tell left from right, by the way.

Guys~ I thought you meant 'right' from that Distortion's perspective!

<O-kay. Guys, everyone...? Let's pull back for now, regroup, and - >

Oi, enough of that nonsense! Charge 'em on three!

<...regroup, and...>

... Three!

... I wonder if he forgot the first two. Oh, or maybe he meant to skip them?

The satiation of that curiosity may hardly be worth the effort of inquiry...

Perhaps, in the inevitable event of a second attempt, it would be advisable to place Heathcliff as a backup unit and place a more level-headed individual in his place.

<... Hey, Faust. Can you check if the contract's still linked? I don't think any of them can hear my voice.>

Executive Manager! I beg of you to forgive my insolence, for I must make an urgent request!

<Ooh...! I knew Outis still had my back...!>

Your tick-tocking noise is proving to be a rather significant distraction to strategizing! Will you please be quiet for a moment?!

<…….>

Outta my way, C.H.

<Haah...>

<I wonder if they'll finally learn to work with me once I force them to walk in each other's shoes.>

…….

<Oh, ahem...>

<I... didn't really mean what I said, Charon. ... Ah, I guess you can't hear me anyway.>

When making wishes...

... no take backsies.

<…?>

...! Oi, shrapnels! Watch out!

Watch out over there! Aw crap, manager bud!

<... Oh?>

... -te! A... ou... kay...?

...ou! How dar... ... spea... to the Exec...!

<I think I'm fading...>

... oom. First...

<A star, huh...>

Oi, Clockhead. Get up.

Mate, get up.

Mate, this ain't the time for a kip, get up...!

Oi, Clockhead! Get off your bloody arse!

<…? …?!?!>

<S-Sinclair? Was that you? What - is everything alright?>

Oh, 'everything alright?', you say?

Does it seem like everything's alright to you, you bloody muppet?!

<... Hah! Ahaha! W-wow, Sinclair. I didn't know you had it in you to pull a prank like this. Wow...>

M-ma-manager!

What, wh-wha-what do we... what do we do?!

<... This isn't a prank, is it?>

<G-guys! Anyone! Something's wrong with Heathcliff and Sinclair!!!>

<Aaagh?!>

…….

<Ryō-Ryōshū, sorry. I'm kind of in the middle of a crisis right now... Uh, did you - >

Aha, Dante~ Are you alright?

I'm still getting used to this body, so... Looks like I couldn't get out of your way in time. Are you...

Whew, that sure was a surprise, wasn't it? Hehe... Come, the other Sinners are all waiting for you at the bus.

Now, grab my hand...

<YEEAAAAAGGHHH!!!!!>

D-Dante! Why are you running on all fours all of a sudden?!

Dante~~~!

What took ya so long? We've been lookin' all over for ya!

Listen, Dante. You're not gonna believe this! Our bodies were switched all over the place when we woke up!

…….

It can be surmised that the minds of the Sinners have been interchanged with one another due to a cause that is yet to be determined, manager.

The suspected time of occurrence: last night -

Pfftahahaha! L-look at that! Look at that face! Holy crap, this is the funniest thing ever! Right, Dante?

The suspected time of occurrence: last night -

Pffft, I can't. I just can't! How does he do that with a straight face?!

<Faust... I need to find Faust...>

Faust is located on the frontmost row of the bus, second seat from the left.

<Th...ank you, but can you point it out for me? I... I can't think straight right now, hearing your voice talking like...>

It will be done, manager.

<Oh boy...>

Oh.

Manager...

<Faust...! Oh, what a relief. S-so you're okay, huh? What's going - >

ESQUIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<Oh.>

<Of all people... It had to be Don Quixote. Of all people...>

"Of all people"?! 'Tis quite rude of thee to speak thusly!

Ack, 'tis of no concern! Manager Esquire, forsooth, I have been overcome with quite the odd sensation upon my possession of this body!

I am... awash with a sense of... imbuement by an immense and unparalleled genius! 'Tis as though my eyes have been opened for the first time!

Ah, a clear vision of the future lieth before me - the brave white - ahem, golden-haired one, returning from a most splendid adventure, welcomed by the praise and cheer of the citizenry...

That is unlikely.

Knowledge and certain authorizations beyond thereafter for those in the original body are not transferred to the other merely because their consciousnesses have been switched.

In other words, what you have seen is not the vision of the future, but a display of your vivid imagination.

Ooho! Much have I searched for thee, young Fau - uh, Don Quixote...? Perchance?

Ooh, pray tell, what is this voice in mine head? "Access denied"? Prithee, let it not be a sickness of some sort!!!

... Please, take a seat. This will not be a brief discussion.

<Is this even the time to - >

Ahm, hm.

<Outis...?>

<Wait, no... who... are you...?>

Worry not, Dante.

This bizarre circumstance is just as inexplicable as it must be to you, yet we must maintain a calm mind; let us analyze the situation at hand with -

YOU DARE!!!

How dare you assume my form and use this opportunity to usurp my position as the Executive Manager's right-hand officer?

Another thing! When using my voice, you will address the Executive Manager by their full title, and not their name like some ignorant fool!

T-that is not - This is but a mistake of the greatest proportions, miss Outis.

Pah! The only great mistake would be to let this slide! How long have you been planning this treachery?!

<S-stop...>

Dante, Dante! Greg's not looking so good... Can ya ask how he's doing?

Ask him yourself, why don't you?

Ah, ya know~ I know we're not like, strangers anymore, but y'know... know what I mean? That funny feeling where when ya bite into one of those special chocolates with something in 'em, but ya don't really know what that something is or where that something is, so ya can't help but feel slightly iffy about giving it a full bite...? I think? Does that make sense?

Fellas... let's stop being so crass for a sec here.

<Make it stop...>

Hey, manager bud... yeah. Welp, somehow, this happened. I haven't a clue as to what's going on, either.

Woke up from a nap and... saw myself over there, looking at my own arm with that same glum look.

That's...

Look, I'm... a seawoman, alright?

And... insect parts just don't... mesh well with the sea, right...?

Yeah~ you'll get used to it. Man, this takes me back. I nearly threw up when I saw that in the mirror the first time.

Not the same thing... And like, I was trying to be roundabout about it, okay? Didn't have to just say that outright, making things awkward as hell...

You utter, useless imbeciles! How could any of you let this minor issue of switched bodies bring you all to such disarray?!

A-apologies, all... the voice and the appearance are mine indeed, yet the words are not...

<…….>

So, Faust. What do you believe is the cause of this phenomenon?

Hm…

Agh, 'tis quite the bashful occasion! To have so many eyes gaze upon me! Ha ha...

Dammit, I wasn't talking to you! Fine, then... Don Quixote...

Aha! Hast thou summoned me?!

You little...!

Ha. It's a real dog's dinner, innit.

<Everyone, one at a time. Please... I think I might actually go insane if I hear more than three of you talking at once.>

... There is a possible explanation for this.

A meteor which was speculated to shoot over the City on day 250401, dubbed 'W15H', has crossed the City skylines last night.

And there is a rumor that... making a wish upon this particular meteor has a slim chance of bringing it to reality.

Uh... I had no idea that was even a thing...?

Wow! That's some impressive coincidence, isn't it? How so romantic~

No. Just a cliché.

Listen up, culprit, whoever you are! I will give you a chance to give yourself up.

What kind of brainless moron among you made such a ludicrous wish?!

I must apologize for this unideal display...

Give yourself up now, and I will let you off with a light sentencing of three consecutive executions.

<Uh...>

<So um... I think I'm the one who made the wish, Yi Sang... I mean, I Outis.>

…….

Executive Manager? I-it was you?!

<I kinda muttered to myself about how I wished you guys would learn how to be in each other's shoes because... everyone just refused to listen to me during our last hunt...>

Pfft...

What now, Outis? Are you going to cut off your Executive Manager's head?

Nah~ She wouldn't, right? Besides, what's to say that there's not some other reason out there?

Anyways, manager bud... got any bright ideas?

Huh? Excuse me, Gregor! Don't smoke that! You're in my body!

I'm not gonna light it, okay…? I just need to hold something between my teeth to calm down.

Hehe, what's happened's happened. I think it could be pretty nice to just live on like thi -

Oi, no way, nope. I ain't living in some sheltered lad's scrawny body.

But... I've been working out...

... Whatever!

... Too bad.

Let's K.E and turn the clock.

Hey. My sword. Now. Phoo...

<How are you so comfortable with chainsmoking in someone else's body...?>

Hehe, I don't mind. But huh... this sword is kinda hard to unsheathe.

If you're unsheathing it... better prepare for consequences.

Mm~ I'll go with Ryōshū.

I have a feeling I know the answer to this already, but... which one?

The one who's Ryōshū right now, 'course~ Can't we just stay like this for a little longer? Kinda feels like a breath of fresh air, don't it...?

... Huh, weird. I thought I had her figured out.

That suggestion requires a mutually collaborative understanding and consent with the switched individual.

Huh? What, don'tcha like my body, Meur?

Ooh~ Or do I call ya Rodya? Gosh, this is so much fun!

... This discussion is not a matter of whether it is 'fun'. It is simply a matter of inappropriate -

Yeah, whatevs. Is it fun~ or is it not~?

<How come I'm the only one who's taking this seriously...?>

Dante.

The best course of action for this moment seems to be to consult Vergilius on this matter.

<... Ah. I guess he's still back there.>

If the meteor is indeed the cause of this phenomenon, despite the extremely narrow possibility of it being true, it may be... that even your ability cannot restore the Sinners to their respective bodies.

<What...? So you're all just stuck like that forever?>

It was entirely unnecessary of you to repeat this horrible hypothesis as though its veracity is definite, Dante.

First, I am unable to access Faust... Gesellschaft in my current form.

<... Oh! So that's what Don Quixote meant with "Access Denied" earlier.>

Indeed. Thus, using the current occupant of my body to receive information is not an option.

... I can already imagine their ridicule. This incident will become a subject of repeated discussions even decades past its occurrence.

And I... would very much like to refuse the fate of becoming their laughingstock for decades.

So it would be most appropriate of you to abide by my judgment for the sake of rapid resolution to this unfortunate circumstance.

<So you're primarily motivated by not wanting to get teased to all hell?>

<Okay, fine... but... I guess that's the only solution. Can you come with me to help translate - >

... Find someone else, Dante.

<W-well, then. Hong Lu, can you...>

No, C.H. You're asking the wrong person.

<Ah, sorry. I'm still all mixed up. I meant this Hong Lu.>

Okay~

<Uh, yeah... Let's go.>

…….

<Uh... Vergilius. I don't know if you're aware, but... I'll be real and to the point. Something really bad's happened. It's, uh... man, it's a real mess out here, it's really, really, bad...>

Mm, Dante says that they'll be real, to the point, something really bad's happened, it's a real mess out here, and it's really, really, bad. That's a lot of reals, so it must be really urgent! Fuhu.

<Y-you see what I'm talking about, right?! Just listen to the weird way Ryōshū's speaking! Like, she's smiling! When there aren't any dead bodies around!>

Dante asks if you see what they're talking about. Oh, also - am I speaking in a weird way?

…….

<So, uh, where to begin... I-it's kinda my fault, maybe, kind of. In a fit of frustration, I thought some stupid wish, or... said some wish, it doesn't matter. And uh... a W-something... uh, a meteor fell and, the meteor was two-hundred-fifty-thousand...something... and, uhm...>

... Um~

Sorry, Dante. I really couldn't understand a word of that...

…….

Can...

Candy... when?

<Oh.>

<No. No, no, no. No. Why are you doing this to me? Don't do this to me.>

Dante...?

Bus driver needs sweets.

No vroom-vroom without candy.

Dante...

What the hell kind of ridiculous wish did you make on the star to put us in this mess…?

Ohhh~ So that's what happened.

Did you bring some candies, Cha... sorry, Vergilius?

Ooh, they're back up again. Oi, get any visions during your beauty sleep? Find a way to put us back?

Dante~ Gosh, Hong Lu kept insisting that we employ the 'D.R.D.R.' method, so it took us some effort to hold 'em back~

Heh. This polearm'll do. Can't promise O.H.K.O, though.

Manager Esquire!!! Behold this mane as white as snow; dost thou recall mine ill-fortuned Princess of the North Snow Plains cosplay attempt?! Verily, 'tis an opportunity most apt for a second attempt at a high qually-tee cosplay!

Denied.

No, no! Still so weak! Puff out your chest and be bold! Push the voice out straight from your gut, go!

Y-you pathetic wimps...!

LOUDER!

Y-you pathet... I... can no longer...

Really? You're gonna do this... now?

Oh, Dante. What'd Vergilius say anyway? I didn't hear the conversation thanks to all the ruckus.

I'm gonna guess he said something about making a report to the higher-ups and asking them to resolve this asap, right?

<…….>

That does not appear to be a feasible solution.

Huh? Why? Bud, you gotta elaborate -

L-look...

Vergilius is... hugging something...

Ah... Kkomi.

... Charon's favorite plush. She really treasures it.

…….

<Does that... explain things?>

Kkomi won't stand no candy. Kkomi said so.

What the hell does that even mean? Won't stand no candy...?

Miss Outis... it seems hardly wise to practice such an inquisition toward miss Charon at the moment...

Pray tell, who is this "Kkomi"?! A villain, from a book?!

Oh, you're not gonna stand it, huh? Oi, don't talk to us like that!

If you ain't gonna stand it, what are you gonna do, huh?

S-stop antagonizing her! We might have to fight V-v-v-Vergilius at this rate...!

Lad! I hear three more stutters, and I'll bash my head in!

Heeugh...!

M-Manager Esquire, 'twould be most wise to avoid battling a Color Fixer...!

The main components comprising Kkomi are 7% cotton fiber, 3% synthetic fiber, and 90% cotton wool. However, considering the force behind it, its physical damage is non-negligible.

The existence of several stitch marks indicate serious combat experience.

My my my~ Verg! You're so cute like this~

K.E.E.L.A.

... Translate.

Kill Everyone, Everyone Lucid Again... she says.

FIEEEE ONNNN THEEEE!!! Wherefore art thou tearing off mine most precious badges?!

... They are distractions.

Hoyday, a most ridiculous notion...! P-prithee, take care, for they mustn't be scratched...!

<Ha ha.>

<Holy shit.>

Wow! Did everyone just hear that? I don't think Dante's ever said anything like - >

Dante, are you well...?

... No candy?

Dammit...! Looks like she's getting ready to engage us in battle!

<... What can we do...?>

... Haaah. D-Dante asks if there... is anything we can do...

Ver...gilius.

... As you must be aware...

... Charon does not know how to utilize the gladius. She has zero fighting knowledge or experience.

This will be the greatest advantage you have, even if you must contend with my body.

It will not be easy... but not impossible.

However, if I ever hear even a toot of any foolishness like...

... "I beat the Red Gaze" anywhere within this bus...

I will make you pay for every letter of every word in your witless boast.

... Damn.

... Kkomi's mad.

Bus driver's going on strike.

W-wait. Why are we even fighting a Color right now?! We have zero reason to believe that this'll change anything...!

Fellas... it doesn't seem to me that we have much in the way of options...!

All of you...

Off. The. Bus.

<HEEEAAAAAAHHHH!!!>

What's wrong, Clockhead? What, is your head turning into a grill again?

<Heathcliff...!>

<Heathcliff... it's you, right?!>

Agh...! The hell, mate?! Get off me! Gah!

<He is Heathcliff...!>

M-manager, you're up! You were out cold for a while, so we were all pretty worried.

Hmph. A.L.A.T.C.T.

"As long as the clock turns", she says...

Much worries were had by all afore miss Faust informed us of your safety, Dante...

Yeah, same! I thought you wouldn't ever wake up again or something~

Uh... looks like your hour hand's trembling, Dante! Are you alright?

Should we call Hohenheim to run some tests on Dante?

Faust has already taken all necessary measures. This does not appear to be something that requires his assistance.

Manager Esquire... 'twas all mine wrongdoing... I had failed to expect that thou wert still within the range of shrapnels... Sob... 'twas my carelessness...

Extending the distance between the manager and the battlefield in future battles would be an effective means of minimizing certain risk factors.

Yeah, manager bud. I appreciate the fervor, but don't try so hard that you'll hurt yourself. Take it easy, alright?

Dammit... I, Outis, shall take responsibility for this incident. Allow me to bow before you in hopes of seeking -

<Guys...>

<I think... I like us... exactly as we are right now...>

... Hm.

Going by the tick-tocking noises you're making... you sound moved, Dante.

I, for one, am also glad that I wouldn't have to remove your clock hands. It would not have been pleasant.

<…….>

Twinkle, twinkle, stars.

Mephi, twinkle-twinkle like stars.

<Charon...>

... Charon told you so.

Careful with wishes. No take backsies.

<... Huh?>

<Huh, we can get stuff other than meat from them?>

Of course. Bongy have a habit of collecting and storing ingredients near their home in their lower bodies.

*sigh* Guys...

Hey, Greg~ Don't touch that! Yucky, yucky.

<"Yucky"? You're about to make food from that, you know...?>

Huh? Uh, uhm... Bongy looks fat and juicy, but...

... after you get all the meat off, it looks like... ewie, looks like a buggy! Yuck!

Bwehhh!!!

<Rodya! You're being mean! Apologize to Gregor, now!>

Huhh? B-but what'd I do...?

*sob* Appl - apowogize!

Ugh. Okay, okay... sowwy. I'm sowwy, 'kay?

Sowwy about calling your big, meaty claws "buggy," 'kay~? So quit cryin' -

Waaaaaah!!! It's n-not b-*hic*bug, It's n-not buggy...!

Sheesh... why won't he quit crying...? Y-you hungry or something? Wan tasty food?

<Do you really not understand why...?>

Principal.

<Y-yes, sir?>

Down here.

<Oh. Hey, Meursault.>

That is me. The meal is now prepared. I have come to fetch you, Principal.

<That's uh, ha ha. You've got a pretty baritone voice for a kid...>

Thank you for the compliment.

<.......>

I will lead the Perky Penguins to the venue. Seat yourself at the chaperone's chair in the kitchen and oversee the proceedings.

Sinnerling Outis, the Class Captain, is already at the venue.

<O-okay... Thanks.>

<The kitchen's a real mess, huh...>

A mess?! Executive Teach, errything is where it outta be!

<Ahem. So... what kind of dish are you preparing, class?>

We have prepared a Bongy Fwit.

<Wait, but Rodya and Gregor just got here, didn't they? Weren't they a part of your team, too? I guess Gregor might be a bit too young to start cooking, but...>

Allow me to explain, Principal. Sinnerling Rodya was intentionally excluded from the cooking process under suspicion of causing a repeated loss of ingredients.

Whaa?! Whaddaya take me fow?!

Big Teach! Kick Merr's butt!

She has just consumed another one of the Bongy drumsticks.

Teach 'er a lesson, Executive Teach!

<... That's it. Rodya, go sit in the corner there. It's the time-out chair for you.>

Whaa?! Why?! But... but if dere's food, I gotta get it into my mauth, or... they'll be all gone! And I'm gonna starve and die!

<Too bad, but I can't let it slide when I just saw you sneaking away with a drumstick. Off to the corner, now.>

Hnnngh... But I gave away cwookies! I was a good girl!!!

Is the diwect orders from the Executive Teach! To the corner now, you-you embawassed the Perky Penguins!

Ha ha. Kids'll be kids, huh? All part of the learning process.

Okay, then... Meursault? Will you do the honors of explaining this dish to us?

Yes. As today's ordorbrr...

Okay~ Thank you so much for explaining it, everyone!

Now, Miss Yuri will try a bite -

Hm? Oh, looks like there's something you haven't explained yet, Meursault.

What is this... thing, on top of your dish?

Now... Heh... They won't be fowgetted.

<It's a lower limb of a Bongybug - >

<M-Meursault!?>

Executive Teach! I-I can explain thith! Issa, uhh - !

Sinnerling Meursault! Expwain! Was this desucctive perfornance part of this gasronomical experrance?

Speak! What is the name of this dish!?

Le Plat-doo-joor.

... Mashy Fried Bongy.

<…….>

<It's the time-out chair for all of you, too! Go sit!>

<Phewie...>

<Oh hi, Yi Sang.>

Yesh, it is I, Yi Sang. Dante. Big Teesh.

<... Right. Still getting used to calling me by my title, huh?>

Issat odd?

<Nah... it's okay. What's up?>

Cheery Chickies is reddy for da hans-on class. Will you help, Dante? Uh, Big Teesh?

Hee hee hee! Issa leggy billy! Hee hee hee!

Big T! Big T! Heathcliff - Heathcliff's - ! Eeeep! Hey, quit swinging! You're spraying chicken juice evewywhere!

Bwo! Cap! Ishmael and Heathcliff are fighting again!

<... They are ready, right?>

... This ish as ideal as it gets, Big Teesh Dante.

Ah! It's the Bongyguards from District 10!

<Just what the hell are these things...? Why do they explode into a bunch of what looks like... casino chips?>

Ooh... Did you pick any of them up?

Yesh! Thiiiiis much chips!

Ooooh... Shiny!

Did I do good, Miss Yuri? Capain din't even get half of half of me!

Mmhm... I am... ashamed, Yur - Miss Yuri.

Yah? Yah?

So I'm da reeal Cheery Chickies captain material then him, right~?

Right right? Sinclair, agree wif me.

Uh... Thas... Huh?!

Heh heh! Is mine!

Huh!? Hey, staaahp!

... Still... ashamed, Dant - Big Teesh.

<Don't be, you're doing your best...>

<Speaking of which, what's the point of collecting all these chips? They're not ingredients, are they?>

Oh, you don't know? See, once we unwrap these chips...

Whoa! Whoaaa!

Bwo, you know this befo?

Ha ha. Indeed. I mean, yah.

You did so good, Cheery Chickies! You know all about the District 10 Bongys, huh?

Hmm... Looks like you only have two teammates left to cook. Is that gonna be okay?

Trul - Uh, yah.

'Cuz I have a super top secret recipeh.

Lil' Youth, first, the Bongy is to be...

Ah, it is done... zo.

... Phewie!

<This is...?>

Diwwide up Bongy, add water, mix in carrots, potates... gronions and garlic...

Gawnish wib lotsa caseeno chips - then iss ready for eats.

Heh. Behol - lookie, "Whole Bongy Stew."

<Are you sure this is edible?>

Uhh... Is it... unideal...?

<N-no, it's... I mean...>

Mmm~ This looks so yummy, Yi Sang!

Twuly...?

Oh yeah. The broth looks so thick and flavorful, and all the ingredients are perfectly simmered down!

It can't have been easy to do with just the two of you, but you've done such a wonderful job!

Heh... Hehe...

Iss ideal...

Principal Dante, what really matters is that these kids managed to work together toward a goal, not the flavor of the dish.

Honestly, I'm just relieved and happy that they did so without getting hurt.

<Wow, I hadn't thought about it like that... I've still got a lot to learn.>

Of course, Bongy so thoroughly infused with chocolate can't not be delicious!

<Oh, okay.>

As they say, everything tastes better smothered deep in chocolate. Even shoe leather would, I bet.

<I've heard that one, but pretty sure it was something about deep-frying...>

Hey! Stop runnin'!

Hehehe! *giggle*

Ugh... I said staaahp!

…….

... Oh.

Heheh! Missed! Missed!

... Big Teesh Dante...

*huff* *huff* You... Huuh...?!

Nuh-uh... this... is not ideal...!

... That wasn nice at all, Ishmael!

Bwo and I did lotsa work on this! Lots and lots...

... Plis... scold her...

Ahaha...

<Time-out chair!>

<Do you still want to continue this cooking contest?>

<The other classes are practically finished. And I don't mean that in a good way. At this point, honestly, you'd win even if you served raw, unseasoned chicken just like that.>

Paus thinks Big Teach's comment is far fwom appropriate.

This is an important moment of core ability development for childre -

... Um, kids... havta gwow... gwow up better, and...

<... Sorry, but why are you suddenly changing the way you talk?>

Paus has realized that Paus's diction is rather too sofisticated to make conversation with those who - as in, other peeple.

<W-well, I like to think I can still get what you're saying... so... just be your usual self.>

Out of the question. Paus is the Class Captain of Early Elephants.

The Class Captain is responsible for ensuring that every registered membe - um, kids...

... can smoothly absorb every given piece of information and receive an experience-based education without obstacl - uh...

<You mean you wanna use simpler words so other kids can have an easier time understanding you?>

That is a cowect summary.

<... Right. Glad to know Early Elephants' Class Captain is so mature and dependable.>

Hmm.

Sorry. Charon is late.

<Hello, Miss Charon.>

<Are the Terror T-rexes not joining today's class?>

No. External learning program for T-rexes today.

I'm just back from dropping the class off.

<Always got a lot on your plate, I see.>

No need to worry, Principal.

T-rex is super-duper strong.

<Oh, you're right. Dinosaurs are really strong.>

Hey, Captin.

D.A.Y.S. Those District-11 fings are swaming in.

Hmm. You did well.

Wowzers! That's weally cool, Captain~ Gwanny said Bongy Secuwity Agents never move fwom their spot, not even a step!

That should have been the case, yes.

But Paus knows it all.

Paus knows the one and only modus that would spur dem into action.

What's M.O.D.U.S., Captin?

I don't think it's an acwonym, Ryōshū~

... "the one and only way."

Don't make me ask W.Y.M. in the first place, Captin.

<... And what's that?>

... Break a Tab - no, um...

... Bweak promises by doing mean things.

<Ah. You mean break a Taboo.>

<But... are Taboos even meant to be broken in the first place...?>

No. Ubless you a S.I.

Ryōshū. You shouldn't speak to the principal that way. Twy again.

... *sigh* No, Pwincipal.

<D-don't mind me, I'm fine...>

<A-anyway... So how do you think we should break a Taboo...?>

Come here, Big Teach.

<Huh...?>

<Oh. I think I get it now.>

Jussis!!!

Tearing away the tent that serves as the Bongy habita - as in, the tent where they live, would be a Tab... uh, a mean thing to do.

Don Quixote, Paus new you could do it.

Jussis!! Jussis!!

<Good grief...>

All of the Bongy Secuwity Agents have been dealt with, as Paus planned.

<... So I see.>

…….

<... W-what?>

Big Teach! That's the face Capain makes when she wants praise!

<R-right! Excellent job, Faust! You did good!>

Yes. Paus is always excellent.

<And the rest of you too...>

Thank you, Big Teach!

I'm gonna tell my lil sister all about today's "Learning by Doing!"

Heh.

Ryōshū.

... T.Y.

No acronyms.

... Thank... you... khh...!

<And you too, Don Quixot - wait a minute... where is she?>

Jussis! Jussis!

Ah~ Don Quixote! You can't sit on the ground, it's dirty! Here, lemme put down a silk cloth first...

Oh, there's blood on your mouth...

...!

Uhm...

Do not touch my mouth.

... A feast of this kind... it has been far too long.

<... What the heck was that?>

<Could it be... that Don Quixote's just pretending to be a child...?>

Just leave them to it, Principal. That how kids grow - all running feet and playing out there.

The radio said don't bother people when they're eating.

<There you are, Miss Yuri, Miss Charon! Shouldn't you be at the cafeteria?>

I came out myself because the Early Elephants were taking too long!

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to taste the other two classes' cooking...

But I'll be happy enough to get a taste of yours at least.

.......

All right, Faust. What do we have here?

.......

Faust?

Nuthin'.

Pardon?

Paus only wanted the Extension-type Model III Baton dat Bongy Secuwity Agents keep wif dem.

Paus can make new toys by disassembling dem.

There are a lot now. It's a success.

What do you mean...?

Paus wonders:

Wif adequate nutwition, the human body can sustain life. Acts of sustenance, such as cooking, become inefficient when pefowmed by those who must consume food rather than by those who must pwoduce it. Why must we do dis "Learning by Doing" study session, then?

<Hmm...?>

Uh... Haha... I'm sorry, Faust, you were speaking a bit too fast for me to follow. Can you repeat that? Maybe a bit clearer, this time?

Oh, sure.

Um... Paus is not intewested in cooking.

... She said it.

<M-Miss Charon...?>

Charon never told kids to say these things. Not responsible.

Scooty-scoot.

…….

Paus thinks... Energy-boost Jelly is the more efficient means.

<... W-what about the others? Ryōshū? Hong Lu?>

Meal times are better shotened, too. Pwincipal.

Um... I think I like the cooking back home better!

<Ah...>

Jussis! Jussis!

<Drop it, Don Quixote. You've already exposed yourself.>

... Ahem.

... Fine.

I wanted our students to be happy, to grow up healthy and strong. That's what this cooking activity was for.

I have an eye issue right now - I've been feeling really unwell lately. Still, I let myself work late nights, using what little time I had to make room for planning this activity, all the while managing not one, but two classes...

It was all... for the kids.

And this is what I get in return... in the end.

<M-Miss Yuri...!>

I didn't want to work overtime.

None of us wanted to work overtime.

<Come now, Miss Yuri. Let's not make it sound as if something terrible's gonna happen...>

What was I supposed to do?! Is it so wrong that I chose this career path?

... No, never mind.

If nobody here can learn not to waste food...

<Don Quixote.>

Jussis?

<... I said drop the act. Go get the kids sitting in the time-out chairs.>

... Very well.

Then... then I'll just have to force-feed you!

<... Hurry up!>

<Gaah!>

Huh. You keep getting these nightmare cycles on the Bus, Manager Bud.

<Hah. Figures...>

<Ngh... Thanks, Gregor... You saying it was a nightmare snapped me out of it.>

Hey, no problem. Or if you really wanna thank me... We could use a hand with that.

*sigh* Again with where to go for the team dinner. They each want what they think is the best since it's been a while.

Well, Manager Bud... I'm sure you oughta have a wise way to shush them quick. Right?

<Uh, well... To the time-out chair, everyone!>

<... Sorry, that came out weird. What I mean to say is...>

<Huh?>

<W-what's going on, guys...?>

Everyone... Please keep quiet... The Terror T-rexes will come if you're noisy in the time-out chair...

I'm so, so scared... Heard the Terror T-rexes gobble up bad kids in a single bite...

There's even a rumor saying... that they always go on external learning... so they can catch any children who misbehave...

Big Teesh Danteeehh....

The otha fwiends are being noisy again...

Eeek...! It's the Red Theropod, Terror T-rex's Class Captain!

When do I get... uppies fwom you...?

<W-w-what on earth are you saying...?! S-stay back...!>

Uppies...? Uppies...? Uppies...?

<Nooo!!!!>

<*huff* *huff* *choke*>

<That was such a weird-ass dream... *sigh*>

<Dang it! Forgot I got a clock for a head. Fine, then the thigh... and one on the arm too!>

Apologies for coming in without knocking, Dante, but there is an urgent matter to discuss -

<…….>

Have you developed a sudden urge for self-harm? No such phenomenon has ever been reported before...

<No, no, Faust. Wait. Hear me out first.>

You may require immediate medical examination. First...

Oookay, sooo...

Sooo, that one punched thaaat one! Ok?

<Uh-huh... So kids, why don't we try doing this one by one? Do you want to go first?>

W-we said we'll neva tattle! Are ya a tattler? Areyagonna tattle?

Am not!

Heh. It's totes F.U.

Uhh-ohh...! But Big Teach said no bad worrs!

Ya, ya! Big Teach, kick her butt, too!

<Riiight... I'm the principal of a kindergarten...>

*sigh* You've got your work cut out for you, Principal.

Kids, total messes. Charon, super disappointed.

<Ah! Miss Yuri, Miss Charon.>

Can't be easy chaperoning 12 kids with wildly different temperaments, huh?

<Oh, I can't complain. It's not like I'm doing this all on my own, right? Especially with the two of you handling two classrooms each, too...>

One of the two's out all day. Charon's got it easy-peasy.

Ahahaha... I guess Miss Charon's teaching style's a bit laissez-faire.

And Early Elephants're quiet kids. Not hyper like other kids. Nope.

Ha ha...

<W-wait, I need to talk to you two about something! Listen, the kids've stirred up some more trouble today.>

Trouble? Hehe.

I initially planned this hands-on class to be a collective experience where we'd all work on the same dish, but...

... I'm sure cooking various different recipes will be a very educational experience for the kids, too!

With just the right dose of competitive spirit, I'm sure this'll be a nice opportunity for the kids to learn what it feels like to experience a sense of accomplishment!

Lissen up, Early Elephants!! We Perky Penguins'll totally destwoy you and win the Executive Teach's favor!!!

... Heh. G'luck.

Oh, and in the process of working together to win, they'll have to put their heads together and learn the ways of co-operation.

Heya, can ya help me move stuff for Learning by Doing today...?

I must stwategize. Find some other Sinnerling fow help.

Not to mention the physical workout they'll get from procuring the ingredients!

<Are you saying that the kids'll be... out collecting their own ingredients?>

Oh, yes.

Look over there - the Perky Penguins are already ready to head out!

<Ready, huh...?>

Technology these days, huh?

These safety models are made for hands-on classes, so even kids can handle them without accidentally hurting themselves.

Ah! They're Bongybugs from District 4! Those things have crunchy skin, which makes them perfect for grilling and deep-frying.

Executive Teach! Reporring pogress!

<O-Outis, hello.>

Yes, Executive Teach! Da four cadets of Perky Penguins, reporring ready for hands-on class!

<Sounds good. Then shall we?>

March fort! We look forwad to your guidace!

Tsk, irritating little tricks...

Oi, remember what you said earlier? Might be the time to put that to use.

But... I'm sorry, doesn't that use too much time?

It drains too much time from all of us!

Shush, my friends...

Letting this drag on for any longer will cost us more in the long term.

This attack will surely eliminate them.

Think of how much time we will save by taking care of them here and now. We shall share this burden of time together.

N-no, this doesn't make sense! That had to work...! More tricks, is it...?!

Oi, wait up. You took five hours from me earlier. What's up with you taking another three hours from me? You only took two from that sod.

We will settle that as soon as we deal with this present threat. Focus on the battle for now.

Deal with this present threat when?! In three hours? Four? This fight's been goin' on for too bloody long!

I understand. That is why we must all sacrifice our collective time to -

Nope. I ain't givin' you more than an hour of my time. Take more from the rest. I got the short end of the stick last time when the numbers didn't evenly divide by twel -

Shut up about the 'last time'! You're just an uneducated fool who doesn't even understand basic additions and subtractions...

Oi, what the hell was that? Who said that?! It's the new one, innit?

<They're starting to fight each other.>

Ah, I get it. You're saying that now is our chance, right?

Bloody hell, this is really gettin' on my nerves. Oi!

Quit hidin' us, yeah? Give us a proper view!

Dammit... I hoped that I wouldn't have to show them my true form...

…!

Aagh...

Unbelievable... I make myself my first-ever Kindred, without authorization at that, and... it's this bumbling fool...?

I pray for your forgiveness... Father...

... Begone from my sight. At least thou hast brought me Bloodbags for sustenance...

Yet, it must be the responsibility of a parent to clean up the mess of his child...

What a load of shit.

Haah... Oh, abundance... what an unfamiliar sensation you'd become...

... It appears that he has empowered himself by reaping their blood.

Though my power is yet to fully return... This magnificent armor is quite befitting of this risen king's Parade... Wouldst thou agree? Yessir, yes you do! 'Course you do!

Challenge me now, O rebels! Challenge thy king!

I must…

I have to be the Mother... to all of them... the Family's thirst, it's...

No, my lady. You needn't be the Mother of anyone here. Here...

... you are a Sinner, nothing more.

Unhh?!

Hah... finally.

Thanks to the merry chase you've led me on, I have slid ever so slightly further into the world of the bristly.

Let's see. Title 2, Section 11... ah, Row C. The punishment for those who dare to flee from the Middle's retribution begins by tearing their legs apart from the groin.

I will make sure you suffer for all of my time you wasted.

W-what the fuck is that blighter doin' here?!

The hell's wrong with you?! You've been stalkin' us all along?!

Since when is chasing after a thief conflated with stalking? I'll have you know that I'm still banished from the world of the luscious thanks to you who dared to pinch my hair coupons...!

W-what the hell? Where'd they come from?!

... You guys are just pissing people off left and right, aren't you...?!

Zilu, take 'em out!

... What an utterly insular fool.

What did you say?!

Do you not know? That man...

What's the Middle doing here?!

<Faust... don't tell me I have to get ready for that again...>

... No. Not yet.

According to the evaluation data at the LCE, the Sinners' powers had grown since their time at the Great Lake.

Our chance of victory against this individual has risen to a meaningful degree to forfeit the battle before it even begins.

B-by how much...?

... Enough to put our faith in the... uncertainties.

Alrighty then... enough with the background noise.

I don't know what your business is with these thieves, but...

... I've personally traveled all the way to the eastern part of the City because I simply must exact my vengeance against him with my two hands.

I could've simply informed my Brothers in the East and let them handle this, but… that just wouldn't do. I was determined to see this through to the end myself... even if it meant asking a Great Brother of the east for a favor.

So you there, half-pint and his cute mini entourage... get the hell outta my sight. The Middle's Book of Vengeance comes first.

Half-pint?! HAH! Keep babbling that fat lip of yours, minion of the Fingers! You don't scare me at all with your cheap hairdo and that garish as hell, botched dye job! You're in the H Corp. turf now! I-I am -

…….

... Wow. Just wow. Bloody hell, mate. That's messed up.

He's far too absorbed in his own foolishness to see he's walking into his own demise.

Whew... impressive. You... you just set a new record.

You are the current record-holder for 'how fast can I get written up in Ricardo's Book of Vengeance?' challenge, boy. You did it in 15 seconds.

Unfortunately, your audacity is... terminal. I will rip your jaws apart myself as punishment.

Boys! Make sure that this little band of thieves won't get away while I deal with this pipsqueak!

W-what the hell is this asshole talking about?! Hey, Zilu!

Haaaah...

Who the f... actually, I don't care. Stop me if you can.

Effective immediately, the punishment for all involved parties and bystanders at the site of your crimes... shall be complete and total extermination!

I-I think we can slip away unnoticed in this mess...?

<Uh... I don't think we've got much of a chance there...>

Ready your weapons, everyone. Payback time for what happened at the Great Lake. Let's do this.

Besides... I've got a score to settle with that son of a bitch.

<…!>

I heard that the Heishou of the east were a tough bunch... but that lady was something else.

... So why'd a woman like that suddenly split from a fight...?

Not my problem, I guess.... tsk, she's getting written down in the book, too.

Time to take care of what I really came here for… Get ready for a beatdown, coupon thieves!

Wave 2 complete. Wave 3... incoming.

Big Bro... we messed up. We never should've put you through this trouble in the first place...

Don't worry about it, kid. You've taken a Brother who came all the way from the south and guided him safely through the labyrinth that is H Corp. I'd say you've done more than enough.

No one could've expected that we'd be fighting... the Sweepers, of all things.

Ngh...

Man... we would've been long swept away by the horde if we were still new at this.

Haah... whew... can we even handle the third wave at this rate?

There is no choice but to withstand it.

I'll... carry out your sentences as soon as we survive the third wave...!

Even when we're all basically in the same boat… that guy just can't help but have it out for us, huh?

Why would I ever - Gaaah!?

Wha - !? Hold on, what's going on?

T-the buildings are shifting!

<What's happening!?>

... I remember asking all of you guys to read the damn pamphlets.

Buildings inside H Corp. shift every once in a while. I... didn't know it would be like this, but still.

Hnh. Fortunately, it doesn't seem that the building we're in is shifting by much, Executive Manager.

Damn you...! MARK MY WORDS, THIS IS ALSO GOING IN THE BOOKS!!!

BIG BROOOOOOO!!!!!

<W-what is happening...?>

The movement of the buildings has significantly reduced the enemy population in this area, Dante. This is an opportunity.

Hah, now that those irritating bastards are off our backs...

I-I think this is definitely more doable now.

<C'mon, let's do this. We've done this kind of fight a thousand times.>

She's not as powerful as I recall - yet weighed down by the Brand, I am not so far ahead or behind.

I don't know... I think you're doing pretty well.

Verily, they appear evenly matched. Yet...

*puff* He's wielding that sword like he's trying to get himself killed.

That bladework is far beneath him... Seeking the end here, is he?

Can you afford to look away in a duel?!

...!

... What are you doing? You'd rather lock your sword with mine than parry it away?

Can't have a proper sword fight without a blade lock though, huh?

The duel between the mentor of a Syndicate and a Military Commissioner of S Corp. is neck-to-neck - clash after clash, the two warriors eventually lock their blades in a contest of might before it comes to a close in a final, fatal bout... When the dust settles, the mentor lies in the sand, dead.

... If that is what you want, I will grant it.

... Good. Let's finish this...

*sigh*

Agh...! Aeng-du?!

Are you really so ashamed that you would choose death over life, Mentor?

Are you so scared to live that you would rather die?

......

... Yes, I am. I am scared. I am terrified of my own audacity to live my days as though I hadn't failed everything and everyone who had the misfortune of placing their faith in me - my mission, my honor, my fellows - as though my path isn't haunted by ghosts, as though I can stand shamelessly before the watching eyes of the heavens.

What have I even done with the life that was given to me? Blind to the realities of my homeland, I served a master who chose politics over loyalty and justice. I cut down my very fellows who chose to trust a fool like me.

I walked my entire life as the flow carried me, and when I finally had the mind to look back, all I saw were blood-red traces everywhere I had gone. Isn't it about time I admitted that this game cannot be won, that -

Mentor. The weakness in your strength has failed your mission.

.......

The weakness in your position has failed your honor. And the weakness in your heart had become the fiendish blade that cut down your fellows.

... Aeng-du? I thought you were here to talk me into keep on living. Yet your words pain me so.

What weakness of yours is it this time, that you would cast away your own creed and life?

What other weakness will you use as an excuse today?

Stop trying to bear responsibilities asked not of you. The Blade Lineage was never about responsibility, nor was it about you, Mentor. Or does your overbearing guilt help you overestimate your importance?

What was that saying again, "fellow travelers in the same boat will aid one another"? Not a single soul demanded that of you.

T-talk about kicking a man when he's down...

And I have had enough of that flippant larking of yours! We all have! Do you truly believe that not a single one of us had picked up on the fact that all your levity was a means of relieving yourself of the burden you had cast upon your own shoulders?

None of us ever demanded some impossible feat from you. What was it that you've always said to describe yourself?

That you are "but a butchering blade that wields not itself, a tool wielded by willing hands."

Why, Mentor, I know not what kind of shame or responsibilities a mere tool has, do you? Because I fail to see any.

.......

If the shame does not subside still...

... then shroud your face with that bamboo hat of yours, and live on.

Live on, so that you may repay your debts.

.......

... "Out of blades, out of arrows." (刀折矢盡)

Even the heart that sought death lies defeated at your feet; there is no stone left for my next gambit.

There is... nothing more.

*sigh...*

Indeed. Perhaps there was some merit in your words - that I must retreat from this silly game of stones and become a fiend of blades.

Mentor...? That is... not what I said...

... Interesting. Whence did you hear that poem?

Yes, when inverted, a bamboo hat is like an unladen ship.

<It's the voice...>

But your last move was not a good one. Indeed, I did wish to become a blade - and what did you do? Forged me into an indiscriminate one that cleaves blindly into friend and foe both. It seems that, in your excitement, you have cornered yourself with that last move.

Well, as it seems that I have had an opportunity to retrace our past moves, allow me to try something different this time.

Ah, be not so vexed by this round - as you say, we never know what the next game shall bring.

I appreciate and will treasure the other bits of your advice.

But... let us play by my rules for tonight's game.

... Somethin's different this time, innit?

He ain't Distorting. I think that's...

... An efflorescence, perhaps.

Nothing is for certain, indeed... Yet I trust that the words of my last remaining follower have also reached your ears, hm?

I am but a tool wielded by willing hands. Nothing in my life has ever been certain.

I know not whether this move is what cements my defeat, but I desire it to be a victorious stone nonetheless.

... Thank you. I will take what encouragement I can.

......

... A bit embarrassing to change my stance now, but...

... now, I fight to live.

And I suppose you will be okay with that?

... Of course.

To hide from heaven's gaze this hat I wore;

An empty boat, it bore my friends along.

In bamboo veiled, we drift from shore to shore;

With wine, I don my hat to watch blooms throng,

In mirth, I doff that shroud to moon adore.

So with this bamboo hat to veil my brow,

Though winds and rain may rage, I shall not throe.

.......

Hie to me, bamboo-hatted one; speak your name, for I find your outfit dubious of character.

I am he who has mentored the lineage of blades to its premature end;

I am he who has sought to bring salvation to the downtrodden, to no avail.

What to call a man who has failed to disburden himself of the world? How to name a man who has failed to bear the weight of the world? There is none...

So call me... Bamboo-hatted Kim.

Bamboo-hatted Kim, the treasonous wretch.

All remaining enemies have retreated to the sea. Good work, everyone.

Phew… didn't think I'd have to deal with anything remotely like this outside the Great Lake.

You can say that again. It would've taken us the whole day if that Skadi character didn't occupy the other half while Miss rabbit helped us from a distance.

… Strange people… who transform.

And a head of clock?

… I guess they're both technically true.

While it's nothing more than a theory at this point… I think they have a lot to do with the dimensional door we're supposed to be investigating.

<N-nice to meet you, I guess?>

… I only hear a ticking clock.

Ooh~ That's because only us Sinners can hear Dante's voice -

Huh?

Mm? What's up?

Ah, no, I'm just wondering how Miss Amiya can seemingly understand Dante.

Uh... yeah. What's going on here?

<Huh... Yeah, it completely flew over my head that I didn't even question how weird this is.>

Their voice sounds like a ticking clock to me, too. But… I don't know, it's almost like I can sense what they're trying to say, what kind of emotion they're trying to convey…

<Well… I don't think it's a bad thing.>

That's true. It's been a bit of a hassle to always need Faust or Hong Lu to translate for you, Dante.

I'd like to know exactly how she can understand Dante, but... I don't think we've got the luxury of time to sit down and figure this out.

So, are we heading back?

Sounds like a plan. It's not like we know anywhere else to go, right? Oh, and Miss rabbit here'll be tagging along, too.

<She said she'd help us find our way back.>

I'm glad to be working with you two also, Miss Ishmael. Mister Yi Sang.

Took the words right out of my mouth. You've already helped us plenty, and you clearly know a lot more about this place than we do.

Mm, the journey is long - perhaps embarking on it ere the sun's fall would be wise.

How long's the journey?

No idea, it's not like we have a clock with us… I do know that it's not very far, though. We just need to walk along the coastline for a bit.

…….

Oh, Dante can't tell us the time because they're not on time~

… Then why the clock head?

<I didn't exactly choose to get myself a clock-shaped head...>

The coasts of Iberia are… hardly good places for people to live.

Those things can go anywhere in this world, but… they thrive at places that meet the ocean.

So how did people manage to build a village... at a place like this?

The monsters are called Seaborns... or Sea Terrors, yes? While it is true that they posed certain difficulties, they were hardly the kind of monsters with the strength to bring scourge and drive out the local populace...

Don't judge them based on that brief skirmish.

She's just telling us to be on our guard… right?

... Skadi can be a bit curt, but she's not a bad person.

I don't think she said anything wrong. Nothing rules out the existence of stronger variants of these creatures being out there.

…….

<I was... >

<Exploring a Lobotomy Corporation branch when…>

<... when we ran into an Abnormality.>

<But... but Saude told us that Hongyuan's Lobotomy Corp. branch...>

<... should be free of any... Abnormalities... >

<…!>

<Just how long am I going to be adrift...?>

... te?

Are you… Dante?

<…?>

<Yes… I am.>

Ah...! What a relief...

Gregor! I think Dante has come to!

<So who are - >

<Agh... nngh...>

<... So where...?>

We're standing by the Iberian coastline. How are you feeling?

<A little out of it, but I'm okay otherwise. Iberia, huh?>

Yes. We're in Iberia.

I radioed your colleagues when you briefly woke up earlier. They'll be here any minute.

<I see… >

<…….>

<Wait, my colleagues?! You must've run into the Sinners, then?>

Sinners…?

... I think so. I ran into them earlier - they were looking all over the place for someone with a clock for their head.

It was a pretty unique description, so... I could tell right away that you were the person they were looking for.

<So this clock head does come in handy…>

Guhh, huhh, gasp... ah! Manager Bud!

Dante~!

<Gregor! Hong Lu!>

Miss rabbit here told me she found you unconscious by the ocean, and, phew... I came as fast as I could, and I, oh boy... I was worried that something bad might've happened... Glad to see you're doing fine.

Were you lost at sea?

<I... don't know...>

<Well, I do think I'm fine, though. I guess not having any way to drink water's finally come in handy.>

You should go get that checked out just in case. Wait, your head's... waterproof, right?

<So... what happened? Where are we...?>

Do you remember entering that Lobotomy Corp. branch Xichun told us about?

<Ah... yeah.>

<Yeah, we ran into a new Abnormality, and...>

And got sucked into it before we even had the chance to do anything.

Puff... Man, I really thought that was it for us. Especially with you getting sucked in there too, Manager Bud.

But when we came to, despite waking up with our faces down in some ditch, we were all fine without a scratch. Though there was quite the mess when we realized that you'd gone missing.

<…….>

We wanted to search for you immediately, but... it took a while before we got a better bearing of where we were.

<Uh... so we're not at U Corp.'s Great Lake?>

Hm... some of us considered that to be a distinct possibility, but it's unlikely. Ishmael was really certain that we were not in District 21.

She did concede that we might be in an unknown area within the Great Lake of the Outskirts, but... that doesn't seem likely either, given what the rabbit-eared lady there said.

The Outskirts region of the Great Lake… I've met all kinds of people from all over Terra, but I've never met anyone who referred to the Iberian sea that way.

<Terra? Iberia?>

<S-speaking of which, who are you?>

Huh? Really? You fellas haven't introduced yourselves to each other yet?

<It's just that - It's all just a lot to take in...>

Fuhu, it's understandable. You did just wake up from a pretty harrowing experience. She is - ah, actually... would you like to do the honors yourself?

I'm Amiya, the leader of Rhodes Island. Please, just call me Amiya.

<I'm Dante, Manager at Limbus Company. I know I'm late, but... thanks for saving my bacon.>

It seems that this Rodeo Island is a pretty big pharmaceutical corporation. But...

... This young lady with the rabbit-ears doesn't know what the Head is, at all.

As far as I know, there aren't any organizations in Terra with the same characteristics as the one Mister Gregor explained... at least not with a name like "The Head".

Also... Sorry, it's... "Rhodes" Island, not "Rodeo".

<Sorry, Gregor's kind of bad with names.>

<So... what you're saying is that we're not in the City anymore?>

It'd be weird for any higher-up at these huge corporations to know less about the Head than we do, let alone be completely clueless about it.

Well, maybe we've tumbled into a previously-undiscovered zone of the Outskirts or the Ruins. Probably.

Or... maybe we've really found ourselves in a completely different world.

<…….>

I think I can draw a connection to something else that's happening here.

<Rea-really!?>

Yes. Recently, anomalous signs and events have been occurring in Iberia, ever since a mysterious dimensional door appeared at sea.

And it's been said that this dimensional door is connected to something very, very distant, to something that we've never observed before. So…

<Seems reasonable to theorize that the dimensional door is how we managed to cross over to this world.>

A bit late on the uptake to be gawking around for the other Sinners now, don't you think?

They're at a settlement near here, where they're all helping out with various odds and ends of the village. While taking turns searching for Dante, of course~

You know, I never thought about how difficult it would be to search for someone when we're like fish out of water, too. Man... barely got even a wink of sleep since yesterday.

<Everyone's got to be really tired, then... So, it's just you two out here for now?>

No, Ishmael and Yi Sang are the other half of the search party, and we just happened to be the last group in the rotation. They must be searching elsewhere to find you, Manager Bud.

Fuhu... We got the news early thanks to Amiya's comms gear, but the other team didn't.

Yeah, we got lucky. The other team, well... we don't have any way to get in touch with them, so they'll probably continue their search until their shift is done.

Oh, are we talking about that village you mentioned earlier?

Uh-huh. Right, you've not been there yet, huh? I guess it's a bit off the beaten path.

<Well, we're going to have to rendezvous with the other Sinners anyway, so... let's head to the village for now.>

…….

I would like to accompany you there.

Sure, I don't see why not. You helped us find Manager Bud, and… more importantly, you seem to know a lot more about this place than we do.

Ha ha… I don't actually know Iberia that well either, but I should be able to be of some help.

They've closed their borders and have practically locked out any foreign influences from affecting them, but... I did get a briefing before the mission.

Closed borders, huh... Then how did you get in, Miss Amiya?

We followed Dr. Kal'tsit's directions and illegally crossed the country border -

<I-illegally!?>

Oh? Does that mean you crossed the border without obtaining any permission, Amiya?

We had to cross the border somehow in order to investigate how and why the dimensional door came to be.

<Huh, is it normal for pharmaceutical companies to be doing that?>

Large pharmaceutical companies often dispatch their agents for missions.

Yes. Rhodes Island is, in its essence, a pharmaceutical company researching treatments for people infected with Oripathy - but we also work to prevent and assist in the management of various situations that can occur in high-risk areas.

<High-risk areas, huh…>

Hm? Wait, what about your companions? I doubt you came all the way here on your own.

That's, uh… we were forced to split up due to certain forces that were in pursuit - Wait, stop!

... There!

<What are we supposed to... Huh?>

Again, move. You're in the way.

You needn't worry as you do.

We have had ample experience battling monsters who are much like them...

…….

Listen, I'm not worried. It's…

C'mon, better to have three fighters than one, right?

Besides, you're the first person we ran into out here, so… we've got a lot of questions to ask.

<Yi Sang! Ishmael!>

Dante...! You are unharmed.

And here I was, getting ready for a three-days-long search...

What a relief... We were all really worried that we might never be able to find you.

Fuhu, we managed to find them thanks to help from Miss Amiya here.

Amiya?

Hm? Are you two acquainted?

... Not a good time for a reunion. It can wait... until after we take out the sea monsters.

Skadi, are those organisms… the 'Seaborns' Dr. Kal'tsit mentioned?

They're 'Sea Terrors', to be specific. The less sophisticated ones among them.

And they're probably here for me.

<Sea Terrors?>

<…….>

I was almost certain we weren't at the Great Lake, but... I'm not so sure anymore.

<Do you think those creatures could be Whales or... Mermaids?>

I don't know. The Great Lake and the Outskirts are full of unexplored mysteries, after all.

Hm... Dante, what do your senses say?

<It's unclear. I'd say the closest comparison I could make is with the Whales, but... even that's not conclusive.>

Huh...

More enemies on the horizon! We should prepare for battle…!

<Doesn't seem like we can talk things out with them, though.>

<So… let's take them out!>

<This hardly looks like a village… It's more like the ruins of one, isn't it?>

It doesn't seem like they've done any proper upkeep to the place… not in a while, at least.

... They're really here, living together.

We don't see these kinds of abandoned-looking ruins often in the City, either.

Well, yeah. There's always someone or something out there waiting to capitalize on that free real estate, be it a Syndicate or a corporation, and fix it up. Better than this, at least.

<So, where are the Sinners?>

Ahh~ There's a clearing down there, where -

We were entrapped betwixt a twain of great ships, narrowing, winds against our sail...!

Ooooh...!

And that is when young Ishmael boomed, her command most resonant!

<... Say no more.>

ANSWERS, YE DOGS!! OARSMEN!!! 'Tis the moment I, Ishmael, the first mate of vessel Mephistopheles, shall navi - aaaugh!

Stop! Hold - hold on! Just what do you think you're doing!?

Mmphh! Young Ishmael! Unhand my mouth, for I was just about to regale them with the most fantastic tale of adventures at the Great La - gasp! Manager Esquire!!

Verily, thou hast return'd with Manager Esquire safely in tow!

Wha!? They found Clockhead?

A burning c-clock for a head…?!

When I was a child, I heard a story about a legendary Sarkaz with a flaming head...

Why would someone like that visit our humble village...?

Mm. While their exterior may carry elements that inspire fear in some, there is no cause for alarm.

Y-yeah. They might look like that, but they're Dante, our manager. And the rest are…

…….

Oh, hello.

I-I'm sorry, who are you two!?

They're two very nice people who helped us find Dante. This is Miss Amiya, leader of Rhodes Island,

and this is Miss Skadi, their Operator. They'll be coming along with us for a little while~

Eh? With us?

We believe that the dimensional door, which we at Rhodes Island are investigating, has something to do with why you suddenly woke up here in Iberia…

Ahh...

Ah… you are friends of our saviors.

Saviors?

Verily, 'tis quite the grand title; yet that is indeed the word by which we addressed!

To be more precise, by 'saviors', they are referring only to Faust and Outis.

<So… I'm guessing something did happen.>

They were quite mistrustful upon our initial arrival.

What business do outsiders have here?

W-what if they're from the Inquisition?

Oh, oh no, what do we do? After all we went through to get here…

Calm yourselves, everyone. None of them are carrying what appears to be their scriptures or lamps... let's first try to see who they are.

Man, I don't think they're gonna trust us anytime soon.

They're all old curmudgeons. Let's S.T.N.C. Then P.T.S.D.

You can't do that, Ryōshū! We can't pillage their storage depots… it looks like they already have it hard enough as it is…

I don't think S.T.N.C is a good way to get started, either.

Should we just find help elsewhere? Just look at how thin their arms are.

I don't think they're in any shape to help us out.

Perhaps we could inquire as to our whereabouts ere we are to decide our lodging.

While the landscape is certainly reminiscent of U Corp.'s…

But I don't recall seeing or learning about any place that looks like this, though I can't say I've been to every corner of U Corp.

I ask again. What business do outsiders have here?

Their fingers are tightening around the grips of their weapons. Prolonged silence will most likely turn this into a hostile encounter.

We can't have that! H-hi, we're from Limbus Company. We're -

FIXERS OF JUSTICE!!!

Yeah, that. Fixers of Ju - Oi, don't you know when to keep it down?!

Fixers…?

…….

That over there - it's a ship blueprint, isn't it? Are you looking to repair a vessel, by any chance? All these construction materials seem to suggest so.

Chief...!

… This does not concern you. It's not something a mere outsider can understand -

Curious, I've never seen an energy source like this before. Have you run the tests to rule out any stability issues?

It seems to power the heat exchanger via some method comparable to the utilization of fusion energy. Have you any thoughts on this, Miss Faust?

The general design structure is somewhat old-fashioned, but there certainly are inspired parts to this design, particularly with the usage of the core energy source. While its stability would need to be further studied... this technology seems to be incredibly energy-efficient.

…!

Y-you identified all that merely by glancing at this blueprint?

… You must be the village chief, then?

If so, I have a proposition for you.

In return for assisting in their ship repair, we were promised a ride on their vessel. Miss Faust has theorized that perhaps, by going out to sea, we may be able to find a way to return to whence we came.

<...! Does that mean we can find a way back somewhere out there in the sea?>

Nothing is certain yet, Dante.

At this moment, we are working based on... a hunch.

<A hunch?>

... No issues were encountered in the repair process.

My connection to Gesellschaft is currently operating at a suboptimal level, Dante.

<So, it's still... connected, at least?>

Indeed, it is. However, even exchanges of simple information are taking up to dozens of hours by current calculation.

<Is this a WARP train situation? Because we're in a different dimension?>

The cause should be identical. We have been connected to an unidentified, unpredictable dimension.

However, Faust is aware that the pathway to our original dimension is yet to close this time, unlike the situation back aboard the WARP train.

<So, to get back to where we came from…>

Indeed. Traveling through the 'pathway' is the most feasible solution.

<And from that, you came up with the whole plan to repair the ship and sail out to the sea?>

Yes, well. I am also a genius, after all.

<Amiya conjectured that we probably came through a dimensional door of sorts… Looks like that dimensional door might be what Faust is looking for.>

With high likelihood, yes.

<Oh! Speaking of which, when do you think you can wrap up the repair job?>

As fortune should have it, a majority of the most time-consuming parts of the repair have already been completed by the locals.

It shouldn't take us more than a day or two to get its core parts shipshape again, Executive Manager.

<We'll be staying here a few more days, then… How did you manage last night?>

Well... like I said earlier, we've been keeping ourselves busy looking for you this whole time. We took turns helping with the repairs and resting, but... I doubt any of us got a proper night's rest.

Still... we weren't cold, thanks to the villagers who kept the fire going for us all night.

Not to mention how they helped us a ton with that local map they drew us. Oh, also - chief handed us this earlier, what's it for?

Ah... looks like a sack to collect water. Give it here, I know how to get that installed.

It must be to repay Miss Faust and Miss Outis's efforts at repairing their ship, yet... the service they provide us is certainly quite generous, even when taking the transactional nature into account.

<They're really giving us the best treatment they can, huh...>

As for food, we managed to fill ourselves with some cookies and bread Rodya keeps in her pockets. Didn't want to eat into their food supply when they're already pretty tight, you know…?

They did offer us some nosh, those dried fish-things, but... we refused. I ain't about takin' food from the needy.

…….

No need to concern yourselves so much with our hospitality.

You have done more than enough to earn your keep.

There you are, chief. Is there a place for us to stay the night?

Mm… we do have places to shelter from the misty humidity, at the very least.

There is an empty building there, so feel free to occupy it for the night.

Ooh… are you sure? I mean, I don't mind sleeping in the streets myself.

Hey, speak for yourself! I've been looking forward to sleeping with a roof over my head since like, yesterday.

You'll catch a cold sleeping in the elements in this environment. Which is fine by me for the rest of you, but we cannot afford to have the Executive Manager or our honored guests suffer that fate.

H-honored guests!?

Heh. I heard what happened from the four who left in search of the Executive Manager.

First, I would like to begin by imparting my infinite gratitude to you for finding and rescuing the Executive Manager.

I hear that you are a leader at a pharmaceutical company - this acquaintance shall certainly come in handy, in case our stay becomes significantly prolonged, ha ha!

I'm just surprised by her boldness to say something so materialistic when they're standing right there...

…….

Can I stay in your village too, chief?

... Welcome to Faro Muerto. You are welcome to stay for as long as you want.

And please, do let me know if you find yourselves without food. Our food supply may be tight indeed, but we have enough to share with those who helped repair the vessel.

Ooh... ya better not go back on your word later! Heh heh... I wonder what kind of local delicacies await... Dried fish like they were eating earlier, maybe?

Hey, chief.

What is it?

Just how are you surviving out here, by the sea?

Mm… perhaps the question of 'how' we are surviving may be somewhat misdirected.

For we are only pursuing every possible avenue 'because' we must survive.

…….

I'm going. Can't learn much more from here.

Huh? You going somewhere at this hour?

…….

<Skadi, does this have something to do with the coast…?>

<I remember what you said before we got to the village. Something about how coasts are hardly good places to live in.>

Dante wants to know if… this has something to do with the coast?

… You.

Do you understand the Ægir language?

<Ægir language…? Uh… no…?>

Dante. Skadi just spoke in Ægirian.

I couldn't understand a word of Skadi and the chief's conversation because I don't speak Ægirian.

... It may only be that there were enough lexical similarity between one of the City's languages and the language Skadi spoke in for them to comprehend the meaning.

… Weird coincidence.

Anyway, I have some things to look into. Something you're all too slow to see.

... You still have to tell us about it later.

Please remember you're not on a solo mission, Skadi. This is a team effort from Rhodes Island.

… Will do.

<I'm kinda worried…>

She's not the best with people, but… she's also pretty thoughtful. She'll be okay.

Ah! Should we head inside? The sun's starting to set already.

<O-oh, yeah. We can probably just pick an unlit building and stay the night there, right?>

Okay... now we're ready. With the curtains on the window removed, the smoke has an exit.

Woah! I thought we were doomed to shudder ourselves to sleep with the soaking wet firewood and all... I had no idea that'd work.

We just have to get a small fire going underneath it until the wood dries up and catches fire. The downside being all this smoke...

It's clear that she has some field experience. Unlike some... fools I know.

I shan't sit here and let her carry the burden of labor alone! Bequeath upon me thine ingredients, young Rodion! For I shall conjure thee a pot of special Fixer Soup!

You're… making soup with cookies and jelly…?

Noooo! No! No! You are not getting anywhere near the kitchen again, not after what you cooked up last time!

While I must admit to a certain level of interest...

... as many of our fellows' viscera are oft wracked with intense agony upon ingesting dishes of your making, perhaps it would be wiser that we save the occasion for a safer environment...

R-right~ Don'tcha remember? We agreed to leave cooking to Meur or Outi if we're ever in a situation like this, remember?

<Did we?>

See, I think it's become sort of an unspoken rule after... everything that happened.

Remember? Back during last year's cooking contest at K Corp., they were the only two people who managed to get remotely positive reviews.

Ooh... Does that mean we'll get to try Outis's cooking once agai -

Denied. We still have plenty of high-calorie foods like cookies and jellies here; I find no reason to do something so inefficient.

I'm glad to see that everyone's still energetic, given the circumstances. It can't be easy to suddenly wake up in an unfamiliar environment.

<Well, we're all quite used to getting thrown into unfamiliar places.>

<Speaking of which, did you manage to reach your colleagues, Amiya?>

They might've lost their comms devices... or maybe they ran into some other trouble...

<Could they be in danger?>

I don't know, but… I'm sure they're okay. The Doctor… Dr. Kal'tsit… they're both more than capable enough to look after themselves.

Mm... long have this curiosity lingered within me; thus, allow me to inquire.

Corporations are, by their nature, organizations in pursuit of profit.

Yet, the activities of your 'corporation' resemble those of charity organizations, as opposed to a pharmaceutical company. Is there aught that might explicate this blurred distinction?

Aha! I wanted to know, too.

How come a pharmaceutical company like Rhodes Island's helping people?

There are many in Terra... who are suffering from a disease.

The disease crystallizes you; it spreads deeper and deeper into the Infected's internal organs, eventually culminating in their death.

It's called Oripathy.

It's a terrible, painful disease, but… there haven't been any recorded cases of full recovery.

But… there's an even worse problem.

Pray tell, what could possibly be worse than an incurable, deadly disease?

While it varies region by region… discrimination against the Infected is widespread across Terra.

Those who suffer from it must face unfair treatment.

Some are quarantined in places with terrible, inhumane conditions… and there have been massacres, too.

… I don't mean to be callous, but is this 'Oripathy' highly contagious?

No. There have not been any recorded cases of infection by contact, as long as the subjects are alive.

But... when the infected dies, the crystal growths on their body decay and turn to dust, scattering... which is what spreads the plague.

Then, barring environments like active battlefields where casualties are to be expected, staying within close proximity of the Infected in daily life seems to pose hardly any risk.

Uh… so what's the problem, then?

… They're already past the point of caring about what the "problem" is.

Once people start feeling iffy... all logic goes out the window.

<Then Rhodes Island's goal has to be…>

Yes, it is important to develop a cure for Oripathy. But…

… I think what really matters is that we change the circumstances for the better for the Infected.

That's not going to be an easy endeavor. Though... that is what gives your effort more meaning.

... I hope you can achieve that goal, Amiya. I really do.

Sob, sob... for truth...

... The City... this world... we both live in worlds full of surprises, don't we?

What kind of world did you come from… This 'City'?

The kind of place where good deeds rarely ever go unpunished. Where sympathy's a good attitude to have if you like getting stabbed in the back. Nothing good ever works out there.

It's a shitehole.

… It's an irrational place, full of absurdities.

Absurdity is an omnipresence.

Therefore, it is not a subject by which one should be aggrieved.

We can at least grouse about them, though. I mean, it's the only thing we can do.

It would be more correct to experience more and acclimatize oneself to it instead of complaining.

You did say something like that last time...

Mm.

Verily, nary a day goeth by untarnished by villains and their fell deeds.

Yet worry thee not! For, where evil riseth, so doth Fixers of Justice to - !

Don Quixote, watch out!

W-wohah!

…?

…….

…….

H-how farest thou?

Farest thy foot! Ya gotta apologize first!

Sigh… lass seemed a tad too hyper today.

Nngh! A-apologies, for I hardly expected the wall to crumble with such ease -

Art thou unhurt? Any injuries…?

…….

To?

T-to? Pray tell, to what?

Forget the apology. I just wanna know what happens next. The Fixers of justice rose up to... do what?

Ooh...

Oooooo!!! Hast! Hast thou come to me to hear the tale of Fixers!?

I-I don't know about coming to us, given how Miss Don Quixote was the one who punched the wall down...?

... Ahem.

Oh, is it too late an hour? I don't mind waiting 'til morning if you wanna sleep -

NAY! Not at all! 'Tis quite early an hour for tales, in fact! Prithee, seat thyself here!

You ungovernable fool… calm down! We don't even know who she is.

And don't you forget to share those Fixer tales over there in the corner to not disturb our sleep.

Thou makest a request most untenable… these tales deserve to be announced to the world with great gusto, from the center…

Yeah, that's the best way to hear those kinds of stories. But we should probably introduce ourselves to each other first.

Name's Mayors. I'm… hm… how should I put this…

Ah! Did you meet the village chief earlier during the day? He's my gramps.

Oh, that nice guy? So he had a granddaughter.

Yet… I have not seen you once, Miss Mayors, under the sun.

Oh my, you're right. I thought the village was completely dried of any young blood~

You're telling me. Gramps was worrying over nothing and told me to stay put inside.

Going on and on about the dangers that the outsiders pose and everything.

It seems that they do not give full faith to their 'saviors'.

There are things you cannot share even with whom you trust with your life. Though… I would like to know why.

My, my. So there are a bunch of other kids who are stuck indoors in this village?

... No. There isn't anyone around my age in the village, at all.

If that's the case... I guess I can understand why he'd be overprotective.

Anyways, it's our turn! We are -

Ah, I'm good. I heard enough to get an idea.

You… did…?

Hoh? Pray, how didst thou hear us? Via a listening device most secret upon our chamber?!

Bad soundproofing. I could hear pretty much everything uh… Don Quixote, right? Everything Don Quixote practically sang during the day.

Eheh, heh heh... v-verily, I see!

I think you could really do with some sense of embarrassment for once...

Well, I guess that's good enough for self-introductions, so…

Care to regale me with the tale of Fixers who bring justice to the evils of the City?

Heh heh heh... Indubitably! Then… aha, this shall do! I shall regale thee with the tale in which the legendary Fixer, the archmagnificence herself, the Red Mist, hath -

Tsk… I 'spose that killed any hope for a good night's kip.

But… uh, don't you usually pass out within a minute of your back hitting the hay no matter how noisy things are?

What...? Do you take me for some kind of hibernatin' bear or something? Look, even I have trouble sleepin' when there's noise all over -

Snnnrk…

Sigh… I'd say "bear in hibernation" is a pretty apt descriptor.

For all that grumbling and moaning… he dozed off before any of us did.

Meanwhile! The Fixer of the Zwei Association's first Section -

Ooh...

This 'City' Miss Don Quixote speaks of… seems to be teeming with Fixers of justice and exhilarating tales of adventures.

Did you actually experience all of them yourselves?

No, of course not. Don Quixote's stories are usually those of other famous people.

But she's telling it with such vigor that it almost sounds like she was there herself...

… Well, I guess… if you really want to get into it, some of them might be retellings of Don Quixote's personal experiences.

Well...

I think all those stories, even though they're only partially true, just go to show what a ridiculous place it can be.

We wouldn't need "Fixers of justice" to begin with if we really lived in a just world, right? A really good place to live would be quiet and peaceful without someone having to force it.

Ha ha, that's true.

I hope… there'll come a day when Rhodes Island can be a normal pharmaceutical company in the future.

…….

Hm?

<Something wrong?>

No, I… just thought Miss Mayors and I made eye contact.

Whoa... What happened then?

Thus spake Lady Outis, boldly before the soldiers who stood in our path!

"Thou presumest to stand in our path, servants of a master most unworthy?! I, Outis, shall educate ye on how manner maketh - "

Dammit, what kind of nonsense are you feeding her…? I never said anything like that!

Ahem... verily, certain aspects of this retelling may have been exaggerated...

Ahaha, that's tales of adventures for you. Things are bound to get a bit dry when a story is told too realistically and as-is, right?

You know, nothing… not even anything resembling a proper record or a book remained once The Profound Silence swept through this village.

So I've always had a craving for these kinds of stories.

But Iberia doesn't stop Iberians from emigrating, contrary to their tight immigration control.

Have you ever… thought about leaving this place…?

It's still a challenge to cross the border… Especially since we're going to have to pass through larger cities that are managed by the Inquisition.

You don't seem particularly fond of this 'Inquisition'. Why is that?

That's because this village was… formed by people who grew tired of living under the Inquisition's rule and fled.

Sorry, but what kind of organization is this... Inquisition?

According to Dr. Kal'tsit, the Inquisition is what filled the power vacuum once Iberia fell into chaos.

That its Inquisitors are the rapier and lamp-wielding protectors of Iberia's cities from lawlessness.

Uhm… that alone kinda makes them sound like good people, though.

Yeah, they are. But...

There's the Church of the Deep.

The Inquisition will go to whatever lengths to deal with incidents related to the Church that worships Seaborns.

Fie! An organization that worships those monsters!?

It seems that cultish fanaticism is a plague wherever we go.

I feel like people with all kinds of wrong faiths and beliefs are... so common.

See, the Seaborns are the ones that messed Iberia up. So, following their logic, apparently it's okay for them to arrest anyone who seems even remotely connected to them.

Are you saying that Iberia is like this because of the… Seaborns?

Those things from earlier…? I guess they were kinda troublesome to deal with, but… they didn't seem that strong.

… Anyways, it's just what I heard from gramps, but… the Inquisition executed many innocent people too in their crusade against the Church of the Deep.

For those who proclaim to be on the side of justice, they seem quite fond of committing such villainy…!

It seems like a reasonable policy decision to me.

But… it must pose a clear danger to the daily lives of civilians.

Yeah. I heard I was the only survivor. Everyone in my family died.

You must've had to endure such a long period of pain...

... to be able to say something like that with such composure.

…….

For Iberia, they are… heroes who will bring the land back to its glory days. But to gramps, they were just oppressors making his life difficult.

That's why we've all come here. Fleeing from the Inquisition's gaze.

… Y-yet, wherefore hast thou decided to settle at a… place that is so… um…

Run-down?

Indeed…

Yeah, I know. But it's not so bad once you get used to it. Besides, we managed to find a new path thanks to you guys.

<A new path…?>

... Well, it's getting late. Will you be repairing the ship tomorrow, too?

<This place really has no soundproofing at all, huh…>

Good talk, everyone. Hope we'll get another chance to do this tomorrow, too!

<It's so... big!>

Amazing… I didn't know there were remaining vessels of this class in Iberia.

Aha, I espy her name here! 'Tis called by the name Rebelión de las Masas.

Rebelión de las Masas… "Revolt of the Masses", is it? A name very much mired in peculiarity, indeed.

<I thought it was going to be somewhere around Mephi's size, at most… Are you sure you can get this ship fixed in a day or two?>

As I briefed you yesterday, the great majority of the time-consuming repairs had already been completed by the villagers.

The extent of our repair efforts only concerns a few components within the vessel that the villagers could not repair, which shouldn't take us much time.

Unless parts that are unfamiliar to Faust are also malfunctioning, such as the core engine, remaining repairs should be sufficiently managed by Faust.

<Still, please be thorough about it, just in case.>

<I'd rather not sit on a sinking ship again… the experience at the Great Lake was enough.>

Do not worry, Dante.

Unlike Mephistopheles, most functions of this vessel - buoyancy gear, propellers, steering gear - are all in operational capacity. This repair should be much easier than the case with Mephistopheles.

They seem confident enough... it should be safe this time around, right?

Are we taking that rope to climb up to the ship?

No, there's a lift-like apparatus down here. It should take us up to the ship.

Its stability was verified yesterday. Let us board the lift.

<You're one-hundred-per-cent certain, right...?>

The boat is afloat right now, Dante. I don't think it'll be sinking anytime soon.

<Wouldn't that be nice.>

Oi, are you two just going to faff about down here? We're headin' up now.

<N-no, we're going with you.>

T-this isn't real gold, is it? Sure is shiny as heck in here… I've got butterflies in my stomach.

Hm… A.S.

"Aesthetically Satisfying," she says…

But too ostentatious. Not quite my style.

Our young Mephi is also quite the excellent vessel, yet… Imagine the adventures we could embark on aboard this vessel most lavishly decorated...!

This must've been an investigative or research vessel of sorts… but it does seem a bit extravagant for one of those, though.

Look, coordinates. Updating in real-time, it seems…

The coordinates seem to have been set to somewhere out in the middle of the ocean. Maybe it points to a small islet?

Nope, no islet there.

Waagh!

B-blimey, lass. You sure know how to sneak up on people.

<Mayors!?>

Ha ha, what? Did I actually surprise you? I did ask if you guys were gonna come fix the boat today.

Still, I didn't know you'd be here…

Hmm… Why are the coordinates set to this location?

There are several undersea cities beneath those coordinates. Collectively known as Ægir.

Gramps' home.

… I see. Understood.

Hm? What was understood, if I may ask?

It is now understood why the promise to repair this ship was sufficient to earn their trust and the title of 'saviors'.

What's she on about? Someone get translatin'.

… Consolidating and cross-referencing the observed particular circumstances of the village and the statements from the village chief, alongside information garnered from the exchange with Mayors, it is possible to gauge the significance this ship's repair has to the local populace.

Of course, while this may constitute a sequence of logical connections that poses a certain challenge for Heathcliff to comprehend,

to employ any degree of effort to attempt to explain it in more digestible language would constitute a pursuit of inefficiency.

…….

L-lower the baton, I implore you! I shall explain it in full.

Haah… I was wondering when Miss smartarse would start gabbing like that again. So, what's she on about?

A brief observation of the village seemed to suggest that their subsistence situation was quite dire; much of their daily sustenance consisted of dried food, most of them made for long-term storage purposes.

Considering what Skadi said about how the coastal areas are full of danger… maybe those dried seafood aren't from around here, either.

Maybe it's food they packed when they first came to Faro Muerto?

<Some villagers were armed, yeah, and those "Sea Terrors" weren't exactly that formidable, but...>

<... given the state the villagers are in, I doubt they'd have an easy time repelling those monsters.>

Indeed. And that brings us to the question of sustenance...

Right, I get what's goin' on here.

The lass and her granddad are 'bout to visit their hometown, and they're tryin' to get some food supplies from there to feed the villagers, and to convince 'em, they're planning to use the fact they're from the same neck 'o the woods. Or sea, I guess.

Ohh, so we're not just repairing their ship, we're repairing their food supply plan, too!

Huh? What's wrong?

<It's uh…>

… What's with them annoyin' looks? Wait. Oh, you sods…!

You don't think I'm that dimwitted, do you?

Heh. Top-notch intuition.

<It's just that… It's been a while since you've shown this side of yourself.>

Y-you know, when you really think about it, it's kind of your fault for - aah!?

I've been too soft on you lately, haven't I? Oi! Get back here!

Ahem... Now, with those fools out of the conversation… Was he correct?

Honestly, I'm surprised. He was on point.

Yeah. Food's been running low in the village. At this rate, we won't last another year...

But the Ægir will… I'm sure they'll welcome us with open arms.

… I don't want to come off like I'm overly worried, but… do you think they'll welcome the others, too?

Unlike Mayors or chief, they're… not Ægir.

I believe they will.

Iberia suspects and hates the Ægir for no other reason than that we're from the sea, but…

Our home cannot have fallen so low as to abandon a group of starving land-dwellers.

…….

P-prithee, might thou explain to us who… the Ægir are…?

... I had initially thought it to be a reference to a region, yet it also seems to refer to an affiliation of sorts.

Maybe they're something like Nest dwellers? Though I don't think I've heard of a Nest that accepts Backstreets people with open arms.

Or maybe… they used to be some rich folk?

If they call them Nest toffs Ægir here, then does that make the rabbit-eared lass Ægir, too?

…….

Wait, in the world you came from… do they not distinguish between races?

That is not entirely true. Delineation between races is a concept that does exist.

However, as a general rule, it can be said that humans are - excuse me, humans should be the only intelligent lifeforms in the City.

The people of Terra... have slightly varying appearances depending on their race. Like my... Cautus ears.

And I've got pointed ears, because I'm an Ægir. Though it's not a characteristic every Ægir shares…

The closest idea to what they are discussing appeareth to be… umm, uhm...

By context clues and the manner of word usage, including the means of classification, the closest example in our world would be Bloodfiends. Similar external appearances to humans, different natures, comparable sapience.

'Tis of my belief that Bloodfiends are ostracized due to their nature that maketh coexistence with humans difficult. It may be that the Ægir are also…

I'm sure some of them do possess qualities that make coexistence with others difficult, but… they're probably rare.

Then wherefore are they made subjects of suspicion and hatred…?

That's...

Well... the language is new, but the idea itself is pretty familiar to the City folks like us.

Think of feathers of fallen Wings. Kids born in the Backstreets. People who replaced their body parts with prosthetics.

The form differs, yet in its essence we find the thread.

…….

Ahem. The point is, you guys are doing us a real solid by fixing up the ship.

Let's move on from these gloomy conversations, okay? I wanna show you the cooler parts of this ship. This way -

… The ship tour may have to wait.

The repairs are almost completed, but an issue has arisen.

Issue...?

W-wow, that's not reassuring at all…

…!

Multiple lifeforms identified ahead! Assumed to be a Sea Terror horde!

The ship's radar system seems to suggest that the vessel is surrounded.

<They're the same monsters from yesterday!>

Executive Manager! Please order us to prepare for battle!

Dammit... Are they the 'Sea Terrors' you encountered?

They look a bit different, but… yeah, probably.

There's a lot of them, but… if our last experience tells us anything, we should be able to handle this.

<Amiya, please support us in battle like you did yesterday!>

Canst thou fight, young Mayors?

I... feel like I'm just gonna get in your way…

<Then... Guys, find a place to keep Mayors as far as possible from the battle.>

<Then let's hurry down there. We don't want them damaging the ship any further.>

The remaining entities have all returned to sea. Is everyone okay?

We're doing peachy, but... what about the ship? Fau, is the ship okay?

Minor damages to the hull, but nothing that will impede the ship's operational capabilities.

<Phew...>

So... I noticed during the battle - I might be wrong, of course, but...

I think I noticed how, around the end of the battle, those monsters were starting to go after the manager...?

You're probably... right, actually.

I noticed, too. At some point during our battle, those monsters realized that it's the manager who's commanding the rest of us.

I sensed the very same. Their movements were fluid and adaptive, as though they were learning our behavior.

Why does the Church of the Deep worship… monsters like them?

That ain't much of a question, innit? They must've all gone mental.

I'm sure they have many reasons, but…

Seaborns are beings of infinite potential. So much so that there's no superlative big enough to properly convey the scale.

As organisms, they can endlessly evolve and adapt. Every time they encounter a new environment or a new element, they transform themselves and other Seaborns.

Maybe... maybe that's their draw.

That fascination may be an attitude most befitting a researcher - yet, the transformation of fascination into idolatry is... If I may be frank, not entirely positive.

I find them pretty uncomfortable. They just remind me of Whales.

Hmm~ Then, can they adapt to learn a language to communicate with us?

<Wh-what?>

Going by everything we heard, I think they sound really smart.