Prologue: Selva Oscura

Do you see now? You can't run from us.

<You dare… interrupt me just as I was engraving the ■■■■■■… You must be out of your…>

Ah~ Technically speaking, I can tell you that our master's plan doesn't really break any of the City's Taboos.

It's just the kind of thing that… no one has ever dared to even consider attempting, you catch my drift?

Huh, would you look at that…

You managed to get a different head in so fast. Are people like you always prepared for anything?

<Kngh… Just wait 'til I get the ■■■■■■… The likes of you will be no match for…>

Haha, I guess that new noggin doesn't come with a mouth, huh?

Yep, all I can hear is the clock ticking. You think they're screaming on the inside?

<Ghaagh…!>

Hmm. The ticking's gotten faster, so I guess they can still feel pain.

Huh, they've gone quiet already. Let's get this over with.

No one ever comes here, Wolf. There are no eyes on us. So what's the hurry?

We must follow her teachings. No wasting time.

Yeah, but… *sigh* can't we just savor the moment? We're not going to get another chance to off someone of this caliber.

You have a tendency to grow far too emotional on a job, Lion. Don't mix business with pleasure.

*scoff*

Shame - I so wanted to have a look at your face. I reckon you won't tell us where your star is, yes?

<Like hell I am. I'm taking ■■■'s location to the grave with…>

<……>

… Right. No mouth.

Meaning... this one can't tell us how to find it.

Can I end them now?

Sure… Hm?

Hey, what's that noise? You let yourself get tailed, Panther?!

No, there wasn't anyone who could've tracked me. Just a wild animal, perhaps?

That doesn't sound like any animal I can think of. That's...

A bus…?

How did it even end up here?

Must've taken a wrong turn?

Hoo, they're about to pay quite the hefty price for that wrong turn...

…!

… Did Lion just get pushed back?

…!

……

If my eyes are still right, then you will not fail to reach the port of glory.

<Who… are you? That nameplate… says… Faust?>

You've lost your way in a dark forest.

<W-wha...?>

Yet you were not overcome with fear. Why was that?

<That's…>

<Because I could simply… lift my head to find the star.>

That's right.

Now, keep revisiting that image and let your heart speak these words aloud.

Follow your star.

<Follow… your star.>

<Guh… Hrrk - Aaargh!!!>

Please don't worry. Your heart is still functional, though it may feel otherwise.

With this, the pact is sealed.

Dante, from this day forth, we are bound to your time.

The beating of our hearts now depends on where your hands fall.

I hope you'll make a fine leader.

Is that really everything?

A single apple has fallen.

… This guy's still not making any sense.

Geeeez~ The wait was killing me! Are we finally getting some action?

Well, a little warm-up wouldn't hurt.

What's that miserable thing writhing on the ground? Are they to be the newest addition to this squad?

Uh… You might wanna watch your language… I heard that's our soon-to-be boss…

It must've been an instant ambush - yet you still managed to hide your head.

We are the heralds of justice who have come to aid you, and this is the magical bus that can take us wherever we wish to go.

Is that not what you wanted to hear? You will feel more at ease that way.

We're racing against time, and the situation isn't in our favor, so let me explain this once.

Correct. So long as you give them the right orders.

Calm down. It is only natural that this new head would have adverse effects on your memory.

Focus on the struggle at hand, Dante.

Clo… Ahem. I'm not sure how I should address you.

Would "Commander Clock" suffice…? In any case, we await your orders!

Eh, do we really need orders? Seems like going one-on-one is the only way.

Huh?! H-Hey!

You lot, quit your prattlin'! We just need to crush 'em all!

… Please do your best, Dante.

I don't get it. These nobodies managed to take Lion down?

W-Whoa, hang on!

I know this is kinda weird coming from someone you were just fighting, but I'm pretty sure we can talk this ou -

……!

This…

… is not ideal.

*sigh* I knew it was a ridiculous idea to put up a fight against them.

……

You getting off your ass anytime soon, Lion? We don't have time for this.

… You know, you're right. No need to make this longer than it has to be.

Are y'all kidding? I haven't even started…

……

We never promised to win said fights.

And, it seems that I'm the only survivor.

Not… necessarily an ace, no. This is simply about...

... following the star.

Is this supposed to be a mass suicide or something? It's a rather unpleasant display.

Aah~ Sure took my sweet time. Let's finish this for real!

Deliver this message to the Serpent, false lion.

This is a flow that cannot be stopped.

Grh… GAAAH!!

The Red...? But why?

Argh…

Do you know why I only had those two dismembered?

Because one of you needs to be intact to carry the rest and scram pell-mell out of here.

And you're the only one left to offer them any help.

… The Red Gaze.

Don't glare at me like that. This is nothing compared to what you did.

With wounds like those, I'm sure your boss will recognize the effort you put in. Consider them a badge of honor.

Unless…

You want to meet your end here.

……

I am not late for anything, Dante.

We only need...

... a little time to rewind.

You're in for one hell of a painful ride from here on out, Dante.

They're being itchy-twitchy. Are they up?

Awake at last. I would've been a tad bit disappointed if you croaked on us.

Refreshing morning. This is Charon the Bus Driver.

It's not morning, but I suppose it could be refreshing. How do you feel, Dante?

Tick-tocking like a clock… *sigh* this language barrier will be quite a hassle.

You may call me Vergilius. If you can hear me, Dante, give me a sign.

Good. At least your hearing is functional. Time to drive, Charon.

Now departing. Vroom-vroom.

Do you remember who you were?

I suppose you want your memory back, don't you?

Smooth as it gets. What's to stop the rest of you from adopting this gesture-based communication?

What do you think, Miss Faust?

Faust will respectfully decline.

I find it unlikely that the situations ahead will permit us the physical liberty for "smooth" gesture-based communication.

Dante.

Dante is your name. The amnesia must be affecting you rather severely.

You'll get used to it in time.

Faust can hear what you intend to speak.

Assumptions of yesteryear must be one of the side effects that came with your head replacement.

It's anachronistic to think that vocal organs such as the cords or tongue are necessary for one to communicate.

… You can limit the recipient of your words to one person, or choose to speak to everyone at once.

Ah, a little clarification: the scope of "everyone" is limited to the Sinners.

The people seated behind you…

The very same who fought in your stead until mere moments ago.

Oooh! So thou art the final piece that completes our journey's cast! How I have yearned for this moment!

Say, pal, where'd you sell your old cranium off?

So it was you. Thanks for putting my spine back into one piece. Were you a surgeon or something in the Nest?

Keep your mouths shut. Nothing is more unpleasant than hearing a cacophony of noises.

Now, a brief introduction is in order.

I'll give you time to make yourselves known, starting with the one seated at the very front. Speak.

Why is it always the ones in front that go first…? I'm sick of taking the lead.

I heard you were gonna be our boss, or… yeah, our manager.

<Manager?>

Yep, which is why I was real curious to meet you, and…

Uh… Hmm, tsk. It's always tough work to choose the right words.

Dunno what you did with your old head, but I guess everyone's got a story to tell.

I'm Gregor. We're in this together, Manager Bud.

Greg! They aren't just your "bud" or "pal"~ You're talking to the person who'll make us filthy rich!

Greg…?

<Rich? What's that about?>

Let's see what's better to call you… Dante! Hope ya don't mind us being on first-name basis. You can call me Rodya, too~

I think there's a... well, a good reason you became our manager.

I'm sure you used to be a big shot back in the Nest, right? When your old habits start coming back, we'll be that much closer to rolling in the dough… Fuhu…

Oh gosh, look at me keeping on. Hey, kid! You're up next!

Hello...

Aw, boring~ That's it?

Oh! Sinclair... That's my name.

… I - Is there anything else I need to say? This is my first corporate job…

Well, you'll learn the ropes in the coming days.

'Kay then, how about you next, nerdy pal!

I am Yi Sang.

<… That's it?>

Mhm. No smoke and mirrors.

*sigh* I can't believe you people. Aren't proper introductions the first step to fitting in the society?

Call me Ishmael, if you please.

I heard you glued our bodies back together from pieces. I look forward to working with you.

Sorry to disappoint, 'cause I don't care too much for fitting in.

Name's Heathcliff. Used to be a professional wrecker - for property and people alike.

Not under anyone's orders, mind you. I only did it to buggers that got on my nerves.

So watch it, you.

I'm deathly allergic to cocky gaffers who think they can boss me around.

'Tis my turn to speak, at long last! I am Don Quixote!

I am a Fixer who shall sprint for the dream side by side with thee. 'Tis a pleasure.

<A Fixer…? That definitely feels like a term I used to know…>

Dost thou wish to know what a Fixer is? I can answer thy question! Fixers are protectors of the City!

Ah! Perchance thou mayst struggle to remember the City! 'Tis -

I believe I said this was for brief introductions.

Ngh…

Don't make me say it twice. Next.

My name's Hong Lu. I hope we can get along well.

Wow, and look at you! Isn't that a fascinating head you've got there? A popular model these days, I suppose?

<No, this isn't that kind of…>

It's not my cup of tea, though.

... The hell's wrong with your attitude?

Ryōshū.

Shūre's nice to meet ya.

... Pfft.

Meursault. Please refer to me as such.

<You're polite.>

This isn't anything special. I'm simply behaving normally.

<I'm almost touched. Thanks.>

Yes.

……

I…

Please, I would never make my manager stoop before me.

My name is Outis. I would like to apologize for my rudeness earlier.

<Rudeness…?>

Haha, oh, please. Your magnanimity humbles me.

I knew at first glance that you had what it takes to lead us.

<Uh... What?>

While most humans cause noise and friction as a result of confrontation...

... some are able to reap mutual benefit from coming head-to-head.

Just as one might seek out firm whetstones to best sharpen their blade.

And my blade is yours to wield, Executive Manager. I shall serve you with unrivaled devotion.

<Th-that's reassuring… Thanks.>

I'm amazed at your ability to bootlick with such passion so soon after calling them a "miserable thing."

It seems I am the last. Faust is the name.

A genius with whom you're lucky to cross paths even once in your life.

<Mmh…>

Your reaction suggests that you're not convinced, Dante.

Well, it's fine. You'll come to learn, all in due time.

<Learn what…?>

That Faust is indeed a rare and brilliant mind.

When a proverbial tree falls, its impact on the ground is a given fact. The observer's failure to perceive it has nothing to do with the truth of the matter.

<Okay…>

That's enough greetings.

Dante, let me explain your job scope.

<You mean… as the manager?>

They're asking if you're about to explain the job description of a manager.

That's correct, Executive Manager Dante. You will embark on a trip to the Inferno with the 12 Sinners who've just introduced themselves.

<The Inferno…? Why should I go to hell?>

They're asking why they need to travel to the Inferno.

Hmm… Because treasure awaits at the end of the road. Would that suffice?

<I don't… You mean I used to be a treasure hunter or something?>

They can't seem to understand you at all.

I did not ask for your understanding, Dante. Nor was this a question of your consent.

You'll have to listen to me if you want to reclaim your memories and original head.

<I mean… I do want them back, but…>

They're hesitant.

Miss Faust, what will we do if Dante keeps on refusing to cooperate? This was not a scenario we anticipated.

Preposterous. Faust anticipates every possibility.

Dante, once you've completed all your missions…

You'll be able to engrave the Aspect.

I can promise you that.

See? They're nodding now.

Good. Then we can continue.

By the way, Charon, why isn't the bus moving? Were you dozing off?

A bus driver only snoozes at rest spots, Verg.

Weirdos were hanging around in front of Mephi.

I told you, Charon. If anything happens with the bus, you've got to let me know right away.

<Mephi? Who's that?>

Mephistopheles. The name of this bus and the engine that runs it.

… and Faust's magnum opus cordis.

A most fitting ferryboat to bear us across the Inferno.

Wouldn't you agree, Dante?

Looks like they're just another pack of dirty Rats living in the Backstreets.

This is just the right time, Dante. They should make perfect targets for practicing your command.

Dante, I skipped over many details during our first battle.

We were short on time, after all.

However, without improvements to your strategic prowess, only defeat and slaughter lie in our path.

And in turn, you'll have to endure pointless pain over and over again to revive us.

<Pain… to revive you? You mean, what happened earlier was…>

Yes, we were brought back to life because you "turned back the clock."

That exposition doesn't seem to be of any immediate urgency, Miss Faust.

Save the chatter for later. Sinners, off the bus.

… Allow me to elaborate on the elements of combat.

You're looking much more useful than before, Dante.

<They all got away save for one, though. Shouldn't we go after them?>

They're worried over the foes we lost.

No need for concern… That's the direction we were heading anyway. Charon?

Pedal to the metal. Up for an exciting ride.

Give me a second.

What is it?

I joined this company because I was told that I'll be able to move forward without being held back.

But right now… we're stuck in meaningless violence, like we're Rats or something.

'Tis not without meaning! We are vanquishing evildoers who attacked us!

Please, just - be quiet for a moment.

... Anyway, if all we'll be doing is beating people up like some hired thugs, I might have to reconsider my employment here in the near future.

Haven't you read your contract?

... Resignation is not permitted.

... Do you really think our contract has any sway at this point, given that it's based on lies?

Of course it does.

Because there were no lies to begin with.

... Huh?

You didn't think Mephistopheles was built to be a mere means of transportation, did you?

Mephi is always hungry. It keeps crying.

<The bus gets hungry?>

When the engine "ingests" fuel, it yields a byproduct…

Using that, you can grow more powerful.

I'm sure Yi Sang knows this well. When all possibilities are drawn from the mirror…

There is no limit to one's growth.

Is the self in the mirror my reflection, or another being entirely?

<Possibilities…? What exactly are you drawing out?>

I see… So this is what that was about.

There's no need to get impatient, Ishmael. As the bus makes its journey, you'll naturally…

You'll naturally start taking on more important tasks than beating the life out of random crooks.

I know you're eager to achieve your goals… but at least try to have some patience.

... Tch.

Since this works by whisking out one of our limitless possibilities from the mirror worlds, it'll have overwritten a part of our memories.

You'll get used to it in no time.

Whoa, hang on… That sounds a bit dangerous, don't it?

What if I'm no longer my old self by the end? Heheh.

……

Don't mistake yourselves for the Ship of Theseus.

While it is true that you borrow the Identities and their memories, the system is designed to ensure that you retain control over your own existence.

Different though your reflection may be, it is bound to vanish once you walk away from the mirror.

... How our capability grows ultimately depends on you, Manager Dante.

It will be up to you to decide which figment of possibility fits each situation best.

I believe that's what you call a metamorphosis.

Yes, I suppose one could say that it is a form of renascence and transformation.

Golly, where'd you learn big words like that?

I picked it up. My prior profession required meeting people from various walks of life.

Transformation, huh…

Done chatting?

First, we make way for the bus. You'll spend more time together than you'd ever ask for, so table that discussion for later.

Road's clear. But Verg, Mephi could've just run them over and pushed through just fine.

<... Huh?>

<What was the point of putting me through all that fighting, then?>

Calm yourself, Dante.

It's not right to ask a toddler to run when it has yet to take its first steps.

Best take every opportunity there is to walk on your own feet before you're made to run.

Furthermore… Dante.

As the manager… your job is to "manage" your staff.

And I… am the guide. I decide the "where" and the "how" of our journey.

Am I understood?

Don't argue with me.

<... How am I supposed to not question a stranger who can't even hear me?>

……

I heard ticking. What did they say, Miss Faust?

Nothing much.

A little too verbose to be an affirmation. A nod should suffice going forward, Dante.

Now, Mephi, off we go. Woohoo.

How're you feeling, Charon?

Extreme. Excitement. About to walk on air, reports Charon.

... Good.

<So, where are we going?>

Vergilius, they'd like to know the destination.

*sigh* What did I just tell you, Dante?

<But just where are we going?>