Intervallo IV: Timekilling Time

Heh. Heh. Heh. Heh.

Ohoh, ohohoho...!

<Okay, Don Quixote. Fine... What is it?>

Hooah... Manager Esquire, dost thou know that the City's upstart companies, such as one Limbus Company, must always pay close heed to the ever-changing world around us?

Hie thee hither! Read thy newspapers, Manager Esquire, and do keep thyself up-to-date on the events of the City! As Meursault and I, Don Quixote, do ere every morrow!

Bud, just go along with it, why don't ya? I'm pretty sure she's talking about Meursault and one of his morning routines. Y'know, the... the one with the newspapers?

<Aha, the newspaper routine. Where he wakes up before the crack of dawn, parks himself on a chair, folds one leg over the other at an exact 90-degree 'figure-four-leg-lock' position, and peruses the morning newspaper?>

Uh-huh, that. I guess it left an impression on her. Betcha she'll be back to her usual self in a week or so.

Hearken unto me! Art thou paying attention?!?!

<Uh... yep, totally. So what's new? What, did an article mention us or something?>

Oho! How didst thou know?

<Wait, really?>

Forsooth, forsooth! Feast thy eyes on page-three! Though 'tis quite regrettable that we were robbed of the chance to be on the front page...

Huhh?! Page three?! We're really starting to put our names out there, huh?

Ahem, ahem… A Dramatic Conclusion to the Mysterious Disappearances at T Corp.!

SHOCKING! The perpetrators to this mysterious case has been revealed to be none other than the prestigious Edgar Family, appalling the general public -

…….

<W-well, I don't think we need to hear that part. What else does it say?>

Khm... With small assistance from some wandering bystanders who happened to be lost in the area, and with the most admirable heroics of the T Corp. Class 3 Collection Staff on the scene -

Mm, 'wandering bystanders', is it...? Perchance that particular denomination refers to us?

... 'Bystanders'? They're treating us like we were barely there.

They didn't even mention our company name...

Aw, come on! Those Time Collectors weren't even there!

This is within the expected range of behavior for the news media.

W-well, there may be those who seek to interview us after reading this very article, mayhaps...?

Yeah, I'm sure they'll have a grand old time looking for 'wandering bystanders' for an interview. Very descriptive.

<I doubt anyone will pay us much attention, Don Quixote. Better not set yourself up for disappointment, and - >

Excuse me. Are you Limbus Company employees, by any chance?

... You fellas are...?

I'm sure you are already aware of the reason for our visit.

Ooho! I welcome thee here! Long and hard have I awaited thy arrival!

Now, now! From whence shall we begin?

Woah, is she actually here to interview us?

<No way... Don Quixote wasn't just losing her mind at nothing...?>

I was not told that any... interview... would be taking place...

My, where'd Verg go at a time like this~? Now, where'd I put that leftover hair gel from Heath's makeover...?

Ahem, ahem... Thou may commence.

Alright, then...

Verily, I shan't rightly take aaalllll the credit for what we have accomplished there! Will you be making your tax payment in installments?

Hm?

Huh?

We are Tax Collectors from T Corp.'s Time Collections Agency, currently on a mission to collect your overdue Time Tax.

Those ilks are never bringers of good tidings, indeed...

Wait, Time Tax...? No, that doesn't make any sense...

We already paid our Time Tax in full when we went through the T Corp. Nest immigration process. Vergilius said -

Are you sure we don't need to pick up a timepiece for each of us to carry?

You probably know this already, but in T Corp….

... everyone must carry a timepiece, yes. I know the rules.

But for every rule, there's always room for an alternative that offers a bit more flexibility. Of course, I don't suppose it's listed anywhere on that pamphlet.

Outsiders seeking a short-term stay at T Corp. can pay the appropriate Time Tax for the length of their stay to be exempt from the relevant obligations, instead of going out of their way to abide by T Corp.'s rules.

As you may have expected, anyone born outside District 20 must go through numerous hoops before they can be issued a timepiece.

So we elected to pay thirty days' worth of Time Tax on the spot before entering T Corp.'s borders.

Impressive... It can't have been cheap.

Ah, yet I wished to wear a watch as well... like Lady Outis does...

Haven't I already made it clear that it is not a fashion item?!

As I have said so in the past, the company has no budgetary concerns. It is a given that they would be taking care of such expenses.

Hm... We're finally starting to operate like a real, professional company now, huh?

<Yeah. There must've been a minor miscalculation or something. Maybe we fell slightly short of the amount we had to pay?>

It hasn't even been thirty days since we arrived here, though.

Well… I'm sure we can pawn away their stuff to fix what probably amounts to a roundin' error. Easy-peasy.

Mmm... if it'll help pay for the Time Tax, then sure...

Oh, maybe? I didn't pack much when I left, though...

Well, let's hear the damage. How much 'Time Tax' do we owe ya?

... Khm.

Currently, you are...

... 10,040,000,000 Ahn behind in Time Tax payments.

<WHAT?!>

Ah, ha ha ha... Did my hearing get worse or something? I heard uh, a ten... a forty... and the rest just kinda flew right over my head?

For that much money... Oh, we might have to make a brief stop at my place first!

What other options do we have, if we don't... I mean, if we can't pay the tax?

'Can't pay the tax' is not an option. Your only options are the following: make your payment with time or money. With interest, of course.

What the hell does 'making payment with time' even mean...?

<Yi Sang? Heathcliff? Know anything about this...?>

Hm...

I have not once failed to make my payments during my residency at this Nest...

Thus, I know not what transpires on an occasion in which one fails to pay the Time Tax.

I've never been involved in messy businesses like taxes at the manor, either. And in my Backstreets days, Boss dealt with complicated shite like that for the rest of us. I did see a few poor sods gettin' dragged away 'cuz they failed to cough it up, though.

<Well, then...>

This is completely unreasonable. What kind of shoddy calculation led to this nonsensical figure?

Tax calculations in T Corp. are always exceptionally reasonable.

The clock's ticking. Would I be correct to assume that you lack both the capability and the will to make your fair payments?

Wait, wait... we don't have to escalate this. Can we get a time-out?

Your choice of words may be quite... unwise...

Cry and whine all you want about not wanting to escalate things when you've got ten billion Ahn in your pockets. I won't recognize your opinion as anything of worth otherwise.

No? Then shut up and stay out of our way while we deal with this obstacle that dares to stand in our path.

How exciting. A ten-billion-Ahn death...

... Ten-billion-and-forty-million Ahn, to be exact.

…….

Is this one their ringleader?

He may be of a higher rank, but he is but an employee of T Corp. all the same.

Which is to say that our insistence on meeting their demands with hostility may lead to a direct confrontation against the full force of T Corp...

Lay down your weapons, now.

Should you refuse to cooperate, all of you present may be considered hostile individuals by T Corp., and we will use force to...

Heh heh... I like that. How thrilling.

Ah... this is bad...

<This seems like a great time for Vergilius with his intimidating, glowing eyes to - >

- appear.

Man, weren't things much better between us and the guide bud only a few days ago? Feels like it's been forever since then.

C'mon, don't glare at us like that. We had our reasons, 'kay? They showed up outta nowhere and tried to extort a whole ten billion Ahn -

Ten-billion-and-forty-million Ahn, to be exact.

You really like saying that, don't ya? Geez...

Yeah, yeah. The point is, there's no way we owe 'em that much money! We're kind, law-abiding citizens...

Who art brimming with a sense of Justice!

Hear, hear~!

Yes, I agree that ten billion Ahn in taxes does seem unreasonable. However...

... It is a mystery to me how no one stopped to think for a second about the troubles you might spark by starting a meaningless scuffle like this. In the middle of the street, no less.

Mmm...

Haaah...

... We find it regrettable that this incident has led to bloodshed.

However, ten billion Ahn in Time Tax... is unacceptable.

I'm sure you know full well that ten billion Ahn's worth of tax isn't the kind of money that we can simply fork over in the middle of the street.

I believe that it would have been more appropriate if you had provided us with some context as to how this number came to be, instead of immediately marching up to us and demanding that we pay the Time Tax.

... I admit that such absurd amount of Time Tax levied upon your group is... almost unprecedented. We have been summoned to an emergency meeting in a relevant office to address the severity of this incident.

I see your point. Why don't we move this conversation to the Collections Office in the relevant jurisdiction area for now to discuss possible solutions?

About a week ago, a large-scale, unauthorized temporal leakage phenomenon was observed at the 'Wuthering Heights' manor... which shot you up several stages in the progressive Time use Tax bracket due to the immense amount of time leak.

A temporal leakage phenomenon?

It refers to a deceleration in the flow of time within a certain physical field. In your case, it wasn't even a static deceleration field... it moved all over the manor for a good while, too. We measured about four hours' worth of time in the process.

... What the bloody hell is she blatherin' about?

A deceleration in the flow of time within a certain... Ah.

She must be referring to the moment during which Dante granted us celerity as we were in pursuit of that man at the manor.

Impossible. The manager's ability was activated for less than thirty minutes. It is most likely that your four-hour measurement is a calculation error.

…….

Ah, no. Considering the odd sensation we had experienced as we departed the manor... it is most probable that no error had occurred in their calculations.

Do you recall, Dante? As we left behind the manor...

... Mm.

Aha! Meursault, is there aught wrong with thy daily rou-tine?

…….

I have identified an anomaly.

…?

We should have been issued the morning newspaper, not the evening newspaper. This is inconsistent with the amount of time we spent at the manor.

Hm? Perchance 'twas an innocent mistake?

As long as I have been a passenger of this bus, morning papers have always been delivered during designated morning hours, and evening papers have always been delivered during designated evening hours.

The possibility that they have made a mistake cannot be completely ruled out. However, the likelihood of that is minuscule.

Oh, now that I'm looking at it... that's a sunset, not a sunrise. I couldn't tell because of the lack of color.

This cannot be! This must be the early hours of the morrow, is it not...?!

Ah, I may have an idea as to how this inconsistency came to be.

... Right. The TT4 Protocol.

<... What's that?>

Temporal Velocity Synchronization Device... or something like that.

I've seen an advert for it once. "A luxury solution to all your time synchronization needs. Enjoy equally leisurely hours together."... or some shite like that.

Ooho...? 'Tis quite unlike thee, Sir Heathcliff, to use so many complicated words in a sentence! Pray, shall someone explain it in plainer language?

... Haaaaaah...

It is an apparatus for equalizing the velocity of time for all those affected individuals under the Tee... TT4 Protocol's influence.

Aha...! Forsooth, I thought it quite odd how someone so affluent in time was moving and speaking at the same speed as the rest of us!

Hm. Then, with this information, it can be concluded that the time we have experienced within the manor was flowing at a faster rate than the world outside.

That is a coherent explanation as to why the evening newspaper, instead of the morning newspaper, was issued.

Good. Now that your curiosity is sated, I don't suppose anyone has any issues with tackling a new job?

The LCA has sent us a new request to track down a Distortion. As for more detailed information -

<... So activating my ability within the TT4 Protocol caused...>

Mm... Yes, indeed. It was akin to tampering with an already-accelerated flow of time; from an outsider's point of view, it would have appeared as though more time than what was actually spent was 'leaked'.

This bloke knows what he's talking about. Also, you didn't just manipulate time on a personal scale. Like I said earlier, you affected the flow of time within a physical space.

Let me remind you that it wasn't even a static field. It moved all over that manor. Honestly, this situation is completely unprecedented.

Right... They used to activate it only on special occasions like when we had plenty of guests over for a visit... because it was so bloody pricey.

So... the Time Tax for your inflated tax bracket, multiplied by the surtax-per-volume from the physical space covered by that temporal manipulation... yeah, no wonder it all adds up to this insane number.

It's ain't like we knew something like this would happen...

Well, anyway. You have two payment options to settle this Time Tax debt.

Oi, options? What options...? It ain't like bags of ten billion Ahn grow from a tree, innit?

Option one: cash payment. Option two: time payment.

Yeah, about that. What's that supposed to mean, anyway? "Paying with time"?

It means... oh.

... Understood.

I just got a call that they're ready to hold the emergency meeting regarding this incident. Limbus Company may send two individuals to the meeting to represent your company.

<Ah...>

No need to tick-tock and fuss, Dante. Dealing with complicated matters like this meeting is one of my responsibilities.

I will be joining them to discuss the possible solutions to this incident, so please keep the Sinners under control. Except you, Miss Faust. You're with me.

Understood.

Make another mess while I'm gone, and...

... only Ryōshū will enjoy what comes next. Keep that in mind as you wait.

Oho...

<…….>

Well, off they go, I guess...? Didn't even give us the chance to ask them more questions.

They're just leaving us here like this...? But isn't this whole mess basically about what'll happen to us?

So... this isn't anything serious, but...

What's Meursault doing on the gallows?

<What?>

<Meursault, what are you doing up there?!>

I was told to stand here, so I have done so.

Who told you to do... that?

I did, I did! Just trying to be helpful with you and your friends' little Time Tax problem.

<I thought all employees were supposed to be at the emergency meeting?>

Woah, a clock with legs! How fascinating. If someone were to submit you for consideration at the upcoming expo, you might even be worth a participation trophy!

You remind me of the time when some hapless soul submitted a timepiece that doubled as a compass that had a rather tragic and critical design flaw: you could tell the time or find your path, but never both at once! Tell directions, or tell time? It was only one thing or the other, leaving you lost in time and stranded in the streets! That was no good, not at all. That's no better than a clock taped to a compass at the end of the day, is it?

Uhm...

Oh, right! TT5-2 Protocol is operating at an experimental capacity within this office space, so don't you forget! Anyone not synced with the Daily Standard Time might find this a little disorienting, so keep that in mind as well.

Whu-what...?

Now that's a look of someone who has never once heard of the TT5-2 Protocol, eh? TT5-2 Protocol, as its name suggests, is an invention to address the temporal efficiency problem present in the TT4 Protocol. It's doing test-runs in only a few select T Corp. offices, so if you do ever feel the urge to leave your impressions of this new shiny thing, feel free to jot down a few words on that bulletin - wait a minute, who wrote that 3-star review?

Anyways, if you're ready... let's get crackin'!

I am ready.

<Wait, I don't know if it's really a good idea to be ready for something that looks like - >

I… is this what it means to pay our Time Tax with time? Getting hanged from the gallows…?

Please call it by its precise and given name: Temporal Scale Gallows. It measures the exact amount of time you owe, and sucks that time right out of you. That wasn't the original name, mind you; there was simply too much hubbub and hullabaloo about its 'excessively long name', which was at approximately fifty-eight words. Or letters.

<… Can someone ask him what'll happen to Meursault?>

…….

… Is that thing going to kill Meursault?!

Kill him? Nonsense! She's a very gentle machine! That is simply preposterous. However...

A 'however', spoken in such manner... oft portends that events of even greater ill-fortune shall befall us...

... I'm not so sure as to what might happen, actually. I suppose it'll suck ten billion Ahn's worth of time out of your friend?

Stop being obtuse. What is that even supposed to mean?

... Is he going to be stuck like that for ten billion hours or something...?

Whuh?!

Well, not exactly. Let me tell you about T Corp.'s particularly generous system called the four-hour daily minimum time guarantee policy! How generous, hm? Even when worst comes to worst comes to worst, every citizen is entitled to the right to enjoy a minimum of four-hour days. According to the T Corp. Public Welfare Council, four hours is the absolute minimum number of hours in a day to guarantee human survival. 'Survive' being the key word here.

<…….>

My, my, my! Sucking ten billion and forty million Ahn's worth of time from your friend was too much, I suppose. Look, it says "measurement error". That rarely ever happens.

... Wait, you pulled the lever when you didn't even know what was going to happen? Just out of curiosity?

Hm? Of course! Ten billion Ahn of Time Tax debt is a historically unprecedented amount of debt, so I had to see what would happen. You could land first place in a lottery and you still wouldn't even come close to making ten billion Ahn, and that's before taxes. I'd say you all belong in a museum of history, if I'm being honest!

Besides, I haven't seen anyone with more than 150 hours in Time Tax debt willingly step up the gallows before. Anyone beyond that usually chooses to run and digs themselves into an even deeper debt hole. The point is, I scarcely expected someone in a ten billion Ahn Time Tax hole to just walk up there like that!

<What is wrong with this guy?>

Awaken, Meursault! Prithee, surrender not to such machinery!

…….

Hoaugh?! T-thou art unharmed?

Mm. I am all right.

Why uh, why don't ya get down from the gallows for now, Meursault?

…….

…….

<Okay... I can clearly see that you are both accusing me of letting the Sinners run wild again, but we had our reasons - >

... We have reached an agreement.

And? You explained things to them, right? Please tell me that the agreement doesn't involve us collectively dangling from that stupid gallows.

Ten billion Ahn... is certainly an absurd amount of money. But that doesn't change the fact that we are still responsible for it. We did benefit from the extra time it granted us, and its use was something that wasn't mutually agreed upon before our unilateral activation.

Because it was an unexpected event, no countermeasures could be put in place either.

<Yeah, but we didn't exactly have a whole lot of time to debate whether I was allowed to slow down time or not.>

If you plan to sacrifice one of us to settle the debt, I request that you evaluate our worth based on individual merit.

I have prepared performance evaluation sheets for each Sinner precisely for one such occasion. On the last pages of those evaluation sheets are extra opinions, that -

... I don't plan on leaving any of you behind to take the fall for the group. Besides, ten billion Ahn isn't the kind of money that you can settle with a sacrifice of one individual.

<…….>

But we did eventually find a reasonable compromise while you were wasting your time horsing around in front of the gallows.

<And that compromise is...?>

We have been contracted to deal with a Distortion.

Huh... I guess we're really starting to put our names out there if they specifically sought us out to deal with this Distortion.

They have sought out other Fixers and companies to deal with this issue first. We were their sixth choice after the first five failed to produce a meaningful result.

Ahm, hm... gotcha...

Well, the stories are starting to circulate via word of mouth. I will not deny that.

<So what kind of Distortion are we dealing with this time?>

This is a request regarding a series of similar, unsolved cases within T Corp.'s borders. Some call it...

... 'The Case of Timekilling Time'. Several people have already fallen victim to the perpetrator.

<The Case of Timekilling Time...>

It is exactly what it says on the tin.

A Distortion is running wild, killing our time.

'Time' is an asset here at T Corp. It is not so difficult for us to track down the occasional time robberies by tracing them, but in the Case of Timekilling Time, the killer does not leave any traces. It is simply gone, completely removed, and untraceable. No such thing has ever happened here before; thus, the significance of this case cannot be emphasized enough.

That is why we formally request that you solve this case for us. In return, we will exempt you from your Time Tax debt.

Hooah... thus arriveth once again, my time to shine.

According to a book I have perused in recent days, any and all detectives working to solve cases of Urban Nightmare or beyond are issued this 'Special Investigator Badge' during the course of their employment! 'Tis a badge that may as well be a universal pass to command all kinds of aid regarding the investi -

Detectives?

FIXERS!!

... We plan to issue you those badges, yes.

WAHOO! Much have I longed to add one such badge to my collection! Perchance thou shalt allow us to keep the badges once this case is dealt with? Nay, I demand that I be awarded at least three badges; one for my private collection, one for display, and one for business, so that -

Shut it, lass! Right, what are we waiting for? Let's crack on, whack this Distortion, and get the hell out of 'ere. I hate dealin' with money problems.

…….

I value your enthusiasm. But I would also appreciate it if you could allow others to finish their sentences before cutting them off and going on a long tangent of your own.

The problem is... that they don't want all thirteen of you running amok in an effort to solve the case.

Indeed. I can't have your entire group run wild in the streets and potentially waste the precious time of our residents.

Also, the 'Special Investigator Badge' isn't something that T Corp. hands out like candy. We can't give away a whole box of badges for all thirteen of them.

Mm, I concur. To a degree.

We should have done something like this a long time ago. What use is there in hauling around these dead weights?

We will leave the useless pawns behind to wait in the bus while the elite team of high-performing individuals takes care of business.

You seem rather confident that you'd be a part of that 'elite team of high-performing individuals', Outis.

It's ridiculous to even suggest otherwise -

All right, all right, enough with your nonsense. So... how many of us are allowed to work on this case anyway?

Hm...

They have decided that three... no, four individuals, including the Manager, is an appropriate amount of people allowed to partake in this investigation.

That's not a lot...

Accept it. We barely managed to get the authorization for four after much debate.

Hmph. Then you have wasted your breath. A tag-team of the Executive Manager and I will be more than enough to handily complete this mission.

<Right... so it all comes down to my choice, huh. Three Sinners...>

Looks like the manager is deep in thought. ... But pointlessly agonizing over something like this is a waste of time.

I'm taking volunteers first, so let's see some hands. Quickly, now.

FORSOOTH, I SHAN'T HESITATE BEFORE SUCH EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY!

Hm, maybe it's finally my time to shine?

Oi, don't even need to ask me, alright? Let's get on with it!

Mm...

Oh, nah. That wasn't... I'm not raising my hand. I'm just cleaning my glasses.

What a mess... haah.

It would be too much trouble for me to list and debate all the arbitrary limitations they set, so allow me to make the choices for you this time, Dante.

Dante? Are you listening? I just said that I will be the one to choose your companions.

The Sinners who will accompany Dante to solve this case are...

<Dammit, I've got it! I choose Faust, Meursault, and Yi Sang!>

... Rodion, Ryōshū, and Hong Lu.

<…?>

Dante has selected me, Meursault, and Yi Sang.

Haven't you been listening, Dante?

I have certain things to discuss with Miss Faust regarding our upcoming journey, so she was not an option. Yi Sang was immediately ruled out even before the meeting adjourned due to his history of developing an unauthorized invention at T Corp.

Meursault did not volunteer.

There was no reason to volunteer.

Though I may have been disallowed from joining this investigation, I am truly grateful for your appreciation, Dante. I shan't soon forget this.

<W-wait. That's, uh...>

…….

<H-hey, Outis... you know that's not at all what I meant. I just thought that maybe we needed someone skilled and experienced like you to effectively manage the remaining Sinners while we're - >

Uh, um. Okay.

Woah, just the three of us, huh? A trio's such an eye-catching number, isn't it~?

<Rodya I get, but... why'd the two of you volunteer...?>

Thought it sounded F.A.H.

The greater the quantity and diversity of experience, the better it is.

Gyah!

I have naught else to blame but my slightly lower vertical placement in this world... Indeed, that must be why Sir Vergilius hath failed to catch mine impassioned hand...

Hup... 'Tis my final legacy I bestow upon thee...

What's all this? A book, a magnifying glass, and... are these clothes?

'Tis my treasure, my colección... Prithee, be gentle with them...

Ooh~ But why are you carrying three sets of clothing?

One for my private collection, one for display, and one for business, verily. Is that not obvious to thee...?

'Records of Investigation: Solutions to the Thirteen Problems' by Agatha... Huh, somebody's autographed it.

So who's this Agatha?

Fie! How art ye all so ignorant in the lore of Fixers? Once, she was a Grade 1 Fixer who was so prolific that she may as well have been the face of the Seven Association... Truly, no one?

Most people don't know those... lore, Don Quixote...

Cumbersome clothes.

How wilt thou call thyself an ace detective when not dressed appropriately for the occasion?!!! Hear, hear! 'Tis only right that the leading ace detective adorn her countenance with this special mustache!

Look, Lady Agatha says in the forward to this book that any self-respecting ace detective must always dress themselves in impeccable fashion.

Don Quixote, just... just let go...

So... I mean, I'm sure everyone has their reasons, but how come you didn't get picked for this, Ishmael?

Didn't get picked? I never volunteered.

Hey, it's not every day you get a legitimate chance to get some free paid time off without breaking company rules. And I wasn't about to let that chance slip.

I... guess I did have some last-minute regrets when I saw who Vergilius picked, but... I'll just relax for a bit and jump in to help 'em out when needed.

Well, good luck. While the...

Heh, call us 'The Elite Four'! ... How's that?

... while 'The Self-proclaimed Elite Four' runs around T Corp., why don't we find a place to take the edge off and unwind?

How unfortunate.

T Corp. did not authorize the rest of the Sinners to run abound unmonitored.

You must understand that we simply cannot let individuals responsible for ten billion Ahn's worth of Time Tax roam free without proper collateral.

... Looks like they have temporary lodgings for those who have failed to pay their Time Tax.

…….

... Are you certain that's the 'lodging', Guide?

I... they're going to... I'm going to jail...?

Yep... as living collaterals, apparently...

It'll be fun! Hey, betcha you'll look fondly back at this memory when it's all said and done, 'kay? We'll be right back, so be nice and stay put~

Nice, this jail cell at least has some heating. ... Wait.

What happens if they just... leave and don't come back?

We'll be seeing 'em again after ten billion Ahn's worth of time passes, I guess...

... WHAT?!?!?!

Hey! Wait, get back here! That's more than enough time to finish weaving on the loom!

<Calm down, alright? We'll be back before you even - >

THOU SHALT RETURN TRIUMPHANTLY AS A GLORIOUS BAND OF ACE DETECTIVES! MARK MY WORDS!!!!!

All right! Looks like everyone's ready, then. Let's get a move on and have a little chat with the third victim! Let's see... the case records say that... aha, there it is. It's just a stone's throw away.

... Huh?

Huh? What do you mean 'huh'? Look at the record; it clearly states that neither of the first two victims is in a communicative state. Mm, how unfortunate.

No, I mean... why are you coming along with us? I'm sorry, but we're not taking sidekick applications right now. Go away, shoo.

Incorrect. One of us will be joining your team.

We were going to send an employee with you so that we can receive immediate updates regarding your investigation progress.

Pull that stick out of your ass.

... We planned to send a Class 2 Staff member with you. But you're...

Me? Class 5. See the badge?

... I-Apologies for failing to recognize you, sir. I scarcely expected to see a Class 5 Auditor all the way down here.

That guy's a Class 5 Staff...? Really?

Class 5... is the highest rank one could reach as a Wing employee, right?

Um... Yeah, as far as I know.

Well~ don't be so sure. It depends on which Wing you're talking about. Who knows, maybe there are Class 12, or even Class 20 employees out there!

Get it? Got it? Good. Then let's get a move on!

Isn't it absolutely brilliant? The very concept of 'killing time'. They're not slowing down or speeding up time; they're eliminating it completely, just yanking it out of circulation.

So uh, your name is...

Mai?

Relax and call me however you want~ Names are such unimportant things, aren't they?

No. Names matter.

<Really? You never call anyone by their names, though.>

Relax and call you however we want? But you're obviously here to be our handler.

Hm, that's true. That does make things a tad awkward, doesn't it? Let me think.

Aha, I've got it! You're all dressed like detectives; why don't you consider me your ever-helpful assistant who tags along to your adventures?

Okay, but... still...

Assistant. Lead us.

Right away, ma'am!

Hmm, what's the difference between an 'assistant' and a 'servant'? You know, my family used to employ...

<They sure warmed up to him fast...>

Let's see... the third victim of this case is this watch factory's...

Hold up...!

The obviously gaudy and expensive suit... the meticulously trimmed and shaped mustache... the third victim must be the owner of this factory. Assistant, confirm my deductions!

You're right on the money, detective.

We're off to a great start!

Fuhu.

Ahem, ahem! We are detectives working on the 'Case of Timekilling Time'. My name is -

#@$@$#(*&$^&*#&*^@!!@@$#@$?

Whuh - what's going on?

Ryōshū. Detective.

He sure is a fast talker. He's talking way faster than Meursault did when he reviewed those chickens.

#@$@$#!%!#%#@!@#$#%^!#$@#@#!@$#@$!!!

He's someone who has a lot of time.

What's that supposed to mean?

An average T Corp. citizen has about 20 to 28 hours in a day, but you might also run into someone like him: people with plenty of time to spare. Because they have so much surplus time, they can afford to condense 40, 50 hours into a single day. And to people with fewer hours in a day... it'll look as though he's moving two, three times faster than them. Someone with that much time could pick their nose in the blink of an eye before anyone even has the chance to catch them in the act.

Ew...

#@$@(*%(*#^@))$&*^@%<@$!!!

…….

Um, would ya mind slowing down a bit? I'm just worried that... you're at a serious risk of becoming a victim of a completely different, slightly more fatal crime.

Pleased to make your acquaintance-uh. My name's Bumble, a proud proprietor of this watch factory-ah.

Apologies for this awkward method of communication-uh.

You see, my days are fifty-two hours long-uh. I used to live 100 hour-days in my heyday, but the things have taken a turn for the worse at the factory in the recent years-ah.

Fif-fifty two hours?!

To me, it looks as though you are all talking very, very, very slowly-uh. I must say-ah, it's quite frustrating... but I am willing to suffer this annoyance as long as you can solve this case-uh.

You have fifty-two whole hours to spend in a single day? Gee, I can't even imagine what that'd be like.

Oh, I can tell you if you're that curious-uh. It's a very, very full life, I must say-ah. Having more time to spend in a day means that I can get more things done in a day-uh. Like sleeping ten or more hours a night and having more than forty hours left to spend-uh. Good sleep really is the key to keeping your skin moist and fresh, indeed-ah. I'll let you touch it, if you want-uh.

I.D.C. Get to the point.

It was one late evening-ah.

Let's see-uh. Like always, I was busily walking down the street-ah. I had a very, very important meeting to attend to, you know-uh.

And all of a sudden...!

An attack?!

No-ah. I just happened to recall that I'd left the bacon on the kitchen counter at home-uh! I should've left it covered with District 23's purple salt-ah~!

Aha, my second-oldest-aunt used to sprinkle that salt all the time.

The. Point.

Well, so I stopped briefly, looking up at the Clock Tower and wondering if I should head back home to salt that bacon-uh...

... and that's when the Time Ripper struck-ah!

The Clock Tower?

Each one of the twelve zones at T Corp. has a Clock Tower that displays A Corp.'s standard time scale. Because everyone has different hours to spend in a day, their watches sync with their respective time scales as well. So, to tell the 'real', objective time, one would have to check the Clock Tower.

Oho...

That's pretty neat~

All right, you two. Let's focus on stuff that's actually important. Let's see... um... ah, how about we start with a physical description?

Hmm... a fine, tailored suit...

Huh... a tailored suit? A bit fancy for someone called the 'Time Ripper', don'tcha think?

It must've cost me about fifty-eight-million Ahn-uh. Of course, since it was tailor-made, its comfort was beyond human imagination-ah.

Wait, what...?

Oh, and how could I forget-uh? This impressive yet keenly shaped moustache-ah.

Hey, I wasn't talking about your own physical description...

One more chance until I S.Y.N.C.

Ohh~ you mean the murderer's appearance-uh! Well, let me think-ah...

... I don't recall anything-uh. It just happened so, so fast that...

How did it feel to have your own time killed? Was it painful?

<Can you not ask something like that with such a big grin on your face?>

Nope-uh. It was just...

Mm, a hundred hours was gone in the blink of an eye-ah! I missed my very important appointment thanks to that, I'll have you know-uh! I suffered so much damages-ah!

Gah! A hundred hours? So you lost a whole week in the blink of an eye?

Huh? Nope-uh. A hundred hours for me is just two days or so-ah. Still, you have no idea how much I lost because of those two days-uh!

Ripping away time, huh? An invention that enables something like that would certainly win the 'Inventor of the Year' award and the loads of prize money that comes with it. T Corp. really values and supports its inventors, you know?

Some people say that, once upon a time, T Corp.'s Chief Executive Director himself showed up to bestow the awards. I guess once an inventor is always an inventor; I say that he probably wanted others to carry on his inquisitive spirit. I've seen the ceremony once, and he was giving away autographs!

Hm... Then maybe we're looking for an inventor who received an award for that tech? Assistant?

But every invention at T Corp. needs to be registered at the Technology Administration Agency, though it is not without a few exceptions. There once was a time when a rogue group of inventors called 'The League of Nine Littérateurs' made some inventions that they neglected to register. And wow, what a mess that was! Every single corner of T Corp. was up in arms! Everyone dashing about in a panic, making arrests, holding important meetings, while I -

It was that big of a deal...? I can't even imagine how hard it must've been for Yi Sang...

Alright, alright. So? Is there anything like that registered in T Corp.'s Tech Agency?

Nope. First time I've heard anything like it.

Haah... Ya coulda started there, y'know.

<What if this is a power granted by the Distortion...?>

No killer, no corpses.

<Well, yeah... No one's actually dead, and we don't know where the killer is.>

Who could it be, I wonder?

Someone who took a liking to my very expensive suit, I say-uh!

Disagree. Your suit's shit.

Aw...

Besides, if I really wanted to kill you...

... M-me-ah? Why would you -

... I'd have to be able to move as fast as you do.

I won't be able to get a good aim at your vitals otherwise.

Gah!

... Just like this.

<…!>

Woah... I thought she was actually about to beat the crap out of him with that scabbard...

That'd be case closed then, hm? All we'd have to do is to arrest Ryōshū~

Y-you scared the heck out of me-uh!

Well... I suppose that villain didn't really stab me in my vitals, or whatever-ah...

But he did appear all of a sudden, just like you did-uh.

I see. So the killer isn't just running around ripping time away from random people left and right.

Yes. The killer was going specifically for that A.S.S.

<…….>

... I meant that 'Annoying, Stupid Stache'. Tsk, not having that kid here is frustrating.

No way-uh... Can you think of a single person who'd hate someone like me-ah...?

<I can think of more than a few...>

I say that it must have been the work of some bandit who wanted to try on my tailored suit-uh!

Oh, what about your employees?

Lady Agatha's book says that... to find the culprit, we must first look at the victim's immediate circle!

Yeah, that works...!

Then, the culprit!

... has to be an employee who hates the owner so, so much, enough to try to take his time!

Nuh-uh. That seems quite implausible-ah. As you can see...

Wh-what...? The laborers at this factory...

... They're all working so slowly like... they're moving through molasses...

Oh, most factory laborers like them usually live rather short ten-hour-days. Most of which they spend at their factory jobs anyway.

... What did you say?

Listen up, everyone-ah! Our output gain saw only 13% growth compared to last month's growth-uh! Have I not impressed upon you how important this is-ah? We'll be falling behind profit margin projections at this rate-uh!

B...o...s...s… It...'s… I...m...p...o...s...s...i...b...l...e… T...o… W...o...r...k… A...n...y… F...a...s...t...e...r... T...h...a...n...

Whew, how bothersome-ah! Less complaining, more assembling-uh! Use your times effectively-ah! Chop chop-uh!

$#%%><*()(&*&^(&%*(&$#^$^%!

You have no idea how frustrating it has been for me as of late-ah! Did you even know that the next batch of cogs have stopped all of a sudden-uh?

$#%#$^$#^$$#(&*^%$&^*(&&><%#^!

Hey. Mister Bumble.

You're talking way too fast for them to understand, you know that? How do you expect them to understand a thing you're saying?

So-ah? It's not me who's too fast; it's them who are too slow-uh. Only hustlers and busy-bees like myself who make the best of their time can rise above the rest in this chaotic, bustling City-ah!

I… what? You know that's a load of bull.

How are they supposed to 'hustle' or 'make the best of their times' when they're practically nailed to the floor? And with what time?

<Rodya, hey...>

<I don't think someone like him will ever understand what you're talking about. He was born and raised in T Corp., after all.>

…….

Hey, Assistant. You're a Class 5 employee, right? Aren't you supposed to be a big shot? Do you seriously think there's anything normal about all of this?

'Normal'?

Dear detectives. Do you happen to be returning from a round-trip across every single Nest in the City, all the way from A to Z? Can you confidently say that you have seen all there is to see?

Not... really, but...

Then give this idea a thought, why don't you? That the notion of what is 'normal' is just a mirage conjured by the downtrodden and the suffering?

That is to say... that suffering is just a part of life in the City, regardless of which Nest you're in.

Hah. I don't see any suffering in that mug of Mister fifty-hour-days right here.

Such harsh words-uh! I have my share of pain, I'll have you know-ah!

I've been waiting for something to get finished for a while-uh. Do you know how much of a pain it is to wait for something but also have too much time in your day-ah? It's so so so tedious!

Maybe we can flip the script on our line of thought.

What kind of people, Rodya, do you think hate rich people?

Well... except for their families. If I do ever get murdered under mysterious circumstances, I'm willing to bet that it's one of my family members who did me in. Or Heathcliff, fuhu.

<... That's a pretty dark joke.>

The culprit went straight for Bumble... but his employees literally can't move fast enough to have done that. None of them look like Distortions, either.

Yes. If the culprit's hiding among those slowpokes, Clock would've noticed it.

Then that narrows the culprit down to... someone unrelated to this factory, someone without much time. Someone who's got a bone to pick against the time-rich.

Or it could be someone who's unhappy about the state of affairs in the T Corp. Nest.

Also... while Dante could be right, that this power was granted by a Distortion, nothing rules out the possibility that they may be using an unregistered invention.

There may be more than a single 'culprit', then.

More than a single culprit, huh... Wait. I think I know an organization that might fit that exact description.

... Nah, no way. I doubt it. They don't ever take drastic actions like these anymore. Even back at J Corp....

Wow, that's some coincidence, isn't it? I happen to know of a group of people just like them.

A group of people unhappy with the state of affairs in the Nest...?

Perhaps you are looking for the Yurodiviye?

…!

Ah, that rings a bell! Isn't your friend the founder of that organization, Rodya?

The Yurodiviye...

Here...?

Do you know something about that organization?

I did hear that they've been spreading through the Nests as of late. Though it hasn't been long since they started poppin' up within T Corp.'s borders.

So direct T Corp. employees like myself have been stationed all over the Nest to question any suspicious individuals.

Methinks it's a real bother. Standing guard here, all this stop-and-search... So tedious.

So... what are the Yurodiviye up to 'round here?

All kinds of stuff that petty thieves get up to. Stealing things like time or money.

Well, I did hear that they also do some pro bono detective work for people who can't afford the time or money to hire people, and -

Wait, stop right there, you! What are you looking around all shifty for? It's a stop-and-search!

Wha - Hey, I'm just trying to walk away from that lady with the cig and that creepy glare...!

…….

... Where can we find them? The Yurodiviye.

Well, quite easily, in fact. Let's see, they're -

<Hong Lu!!!>

Speak of the devil... Maybe I should've activated their badges earlier.

<Activate our badges...?>

Whew... Starting off with a bang, huh? Good luck, Dante...

Let's bring him back.

<Gotcha. Turning the clock now.>

Wait, you can bring him back?

There! The explosion came from that way!

Damn watch chains of T Corp...! Here to collect your filthy dues, eh?!

Mmkay, no time to explain, right? Then let's talk about that later.

Tsk, retreat!

Hey, participation trophy.

<Participation... trophy...? Is he talking to me?>

How on earth did you do that earlier? Tick-tock tick-tock and voilà, it seemed to me that you rewound the time and un-wounded your friends. I've never seen a tech that could rewind time like that.

<Well, that's...>

Trade secret. Ask and you shall receive... pain.

Fascinating... Aren't you terrified of 'time'?

As far as I am aware, there is practically no way to 'rewind' time for a singular entity that exists in an open, unenclosed area. Either that, or my study didn't reach as far as I thought it did. Wait, no. That's actually a very serious problem, then. I was very desperate, you know. It's very unlikely that I missed anything.

Ya know what else is a serious problem? The fact that we're wasting our time chatting about inane stuff while they're all getting away! C'mon, Dante!

Hold on, 'inane stuff'? This is extremely serious! Its importance is absolutely incomparable to what amounts to arresting a few small-fry revolutionaries. Mm... if it were a true resurrection, then the Head would've been after your heads already, so I doubt that's what this is. Then it must have something to do with time manipulation, I'm certain of it...

Maybe it works with the same mechanisms as the TT2 Protocol under the hood - nope, that works only within an isolated enclosure; it can't rewind the time of a singular individual.

Perhaps they are drawing time from elsewhere to inject it into their timestreams? Mm... ah, that seems a tad more plausible. If you're actually 'rewinding' their time, then the visual elements of that process would manifest in a vastly different manner. I suppose this means that you can't really 'rewind' or 'skip' time either, am I right?

<You can't just say all that gibberish and expect me to be able to - >

The process also seemed to involve a great degree of pain... Oh well. It seems to be in bad taste to say that it's good news, but I suppose I can say that what I'm about to tell you is somewhat auspicious. I was going to get into the nitty-gritty only if we had to venture into one of the more dangerous places like the Backstreets, but here we go. Check the other side of your badges; there should be a small clockwork knob attached to your badges in there. Mind rotating it for me?

Not all Fixers specializing in investigations are strong enough to defend themselves in emergencies. That is why these Special Investigator Badges are all equipped with the same special function that goes into suits that higher-ranking staff members of T Corp wear.

It's called 'Golden Time'. If you keep the clockwork wound, it will automatically speed up the body's natural regeneration process as soon as it detects that its wearer is at risk of death. It's nothing compared to what you're capable of... but it's quite something, isn't it?

<So... I don't actually have to turn the clock myself?>

Of course, it takes some time for it to refill once its charge is spent. If you ever run out of its uses, then... I suppose it all comes down to you, participation trophy! You'll have to take one for the team and bring them all back yourself.

You're willing to do that, but not willing to help us before we get torn to shreds, huh?

I... prefer that. Good. Hoo.

Ready? Let's go after them, then!

<Haah, haah... Where... did they run off to...?>

I'm pretty sure they came this way...

Tsk, no more tracks. We wasted too much time on his boring lectures.

Heya, Assistant. Are you sure it's okay for you to just... saunter behind us like you're out on a picnic?

Why would I run? I hate running.

It's literally your job to arrest the Yurodiviye, isn't it?

Is it, though? But my job at this precise moment is to keep my eyes on you and your investigation regarding the Case of Timekilling Time, not making Yurodiviye arrests.

But you're a T Corp. employee!

Okay, fine. Let's say that I decided to run instead of walk and helped you capture those Yurodiviye rascals. What then? Will T Corp. suddenly stop having problems just because they're gone? Will this place suddenly transform into some kind of humanitarian paradise? Not to mention that, as long as their leader runs free, they'll be back before you know it.

Excuses. Then K.T.A.

If we do kill them all, that only opens up room for a worse Syndicate to take their place. If that happens... that Collector friend from earlier might end up suffering from something much, much worse than having to stop-and-search random passers-by. Not to mention that I'll be getting muscle cramps from all the running.

That's...

Besides, isn't your friend one of them? Weird, I thought you wouldn't want me to arrest them.

Right? I thought Rodya would be a bit happier to be reunited with the Yurodiviye.

<W-well, since it looks like the trail's gone cold, let's go back to the stop-and-search lady and ask if she noticed anything suspicious since we left.>

... Fine.

Poor woman! I can't believe she's still on duty at such a late hour.

Such is the life of a laborer.

... No.

They got her. I can't even hear her breathing.

That's the Time Ripper's M.O.!

<The Time Ripper got to her that fast...?>

She's in a state of absolute stillness.

A deathlike state achieved without a thimble of blood on their hands.

What a mysophobic art.

Though she may be in a state of stasis to those of us watching from the outside...

... for her, this must be as brief as a blink of an eye.

What do you think the culprit's trying to do with all that time?

<Guys, this is a crime scene. Let's try to not touch the body... I mean, the victim...>

Woah, look! There must be some sort of spatio-temporal displacement superposition phenomenon going on here. She is entirely incorporeal.

Is this seriously the time to -

<Rodya, there! Up ahead!>

You, stop!

<Ryōshū, think you can catch up?>

I'm not your hunting dog... but sure. I'll entertain you, just this once.

Ooh, she's pretty fast.

Ryōshū sure moves fast when she finds something interesting.

It's been a while since I've seen people like you - the kind who sprint forward with their eyes fixed on the horizon.

Here, everyone only ever looks down, their necks bent and gaze locked to the ground. Watching their own feet take their halting steps.

I suppose they only ever look up to check the time on the Clock Towers.

But there must have been a time when everyone walked tall...

I think I know why that is.

It's because they all learned helplessness.

Because they realized that, even if they ran 'till their lungs burst... nothing will change. That it doesn't matter.

Yeah, not everyone can run like Meursault. Learning to maintain a stable breathing rhythm is not easy!

Aha ha ha... That's not what I'm talking about.

<Wait, take a closer look at her face.>

<Remember? It's the same face she was making earlier when she shouted "It's a stop-and-search!">

Yeah... maybe she saw someone suspicious, approached them for a stop-and-search, and got ambushed... We should ask her when she recovers.

But we don't know when she'll... recover.

Catch.

…….

<... Are you sure you captured him alive?>

Hey, Ryōshū, doesn't he kinda look...

... a bit different from the mysterious person that got away? He's clearly wearing something different.

Besides, he's one of the Yurodiviye we already ran into.

Clothes are just husks that can be cast off at any moment.

He started running as soon as our eyes met.

Hey. Rise and shine.

U...ugh… How am I the suspicious one…? Anyone would run if someone like you started sprinting after them… with that big sword in your hands…

Haah... I have many, many ways to crush the truth out of you.

First.

<No dismembering.>

... Hm.

This is the Yurodiviye's turf. You'll soon regret dragging me down here.

Heh... I prepared this secret weapon just for this occasion...

<W-watch out!>

<... What was that?>

One of the five greatest inventions of the Yurodiviye T Corp. Branch, the PortableAdjustableFrequencyPeriodicalLightingApparatusAttachmentSoundwave Generator! This will call every single Yurodivy in its range to this exact location!

There, see what I mean? You see the problem prevalent amongst inventors: they never know when to stop when it comes to naming their inventions.

You'll pay dearly for smacking me in the back of my noggin!

You've finally managed to track us down, haven't you... Filthy watch chains of T Corp.! And you... you clock!

<"'You clock", he says...>

It's only elementary. Because I am... an ace detective.

Yep, we're all ace detectives.

Tsk... I'll admit, we shouldn't have let you track us down. ... But you don't look too strong.

It is a foolish move to fight a lion in his den... I hope you've prepared yourselves.

Don'tcha worry about our butts. We've got a Class 5 with us, y'know!

Hm, I can deduce a few things about you. One. That man's outfit... that aloof look on his face... I see. It's likely that you're not lying that he really is a Class 5 Staff member.

Two. You are absolutely shameless for bringing a Class 5 watch chain to a run-down hideout like this.

Why does this have anything to do with shame...?

I don't know about shame, but this place sure is run-down.

Right, how about this? I'll sit this one out just for the sake of fairness.

It'll be like cheating if I were to take part in this fight, yeah?

That is... a fair proposal. Fine, I accept your offer.

<Do we not get a say in any of this...?>

Gah...!

Surrender and confess.

Starting to run low on patience. Might kill you soon.

<Ah, no... Looks like Ryōshū's getting tired of playing detective...>

We've surrendered already. Not sure what you want us to confess, either. What, would you like for us to confess that we're the Yurodiviye or something?

Right, questioning time! You've always hated this Nest's state of affairs, am I right?

… Must you really ask?

You like inventing stuff and not registering them to the Tech Agency, don'tcha?

Again... must you really inquire about something you could discern simply by looking around?

Ooh, mind if I take a gander at these inventions?

Wait, don't just go around touching -

Hm, I see. This hedgehog toy is a time bomb disguised as a stuffie. It scans the palm as soon as it enters within a certain proximity range, and if it doesn't recognize the palm as an authorized individual's, it'll shoot out its spines to penetrate the intruder.

But you've screwed the parts too tightly down here. You'll do well to remember that mechanical engineering isn't all about tightening the screws as hard as you can; sometimes you need a slightly loose screw or two to make things fit better. And another thing: if I were you, I would've made the spine holes hexagon-shaped, not circular.

... You could tell all that from a quick look? You are certainly no common employee.

Either way, most of those are experiments, incomplete products. In truth...

... In truth, ya like making more dangerous, destructive inventions too, right?

You really are a persistent one, aren't you? What are you getting at?

And I'm sure these violent inventions eventually led to something that can completely rip someone's time away.

Wait, I'm... what?

The culprit behind 'The Case of Timekilling Time'...

... it's you guys, right?

It's what you do, isn't it? Ya see something that rubs ya the wrong way, so you go ahead and smash it to bits.

That's a bit of a logical leap, isn't it? Who do you think we Yurodiviye are?

Sounds like this pal of yours in the Yurodiviye really messed up big time in the past, hmm? Did he do something drastically violent?

No, Sonya... he...

He always knew how to say the right things. Things to get people to agree with him, to convince them to join his cause.

His words filled me with this... confidence. That we could really change the world, that it really was as effortless as letting candy slowly melt away in my mouth.

But... what could he possibly do to change the world? He doesn't even do anything, not like these guys. I bet the T Corp. Yurodiviye are nothing more than knockoffs who just found themselves inspired by stories coming out of J Corp. Or -

It's absolutely baffling how you failed to correctly deduce a single thing. No, we're not 'knockoffs'. Besides, the Saint has already brought many changes to this world. Changes that you mere detectives can't even dream of.

The Saint...?

Indeed. Saint Sonya was the one who really sparked the fire of the Yurodiviye in every Nest. Well, that isn't the only reason they call him the Saint, but that's besides the point.

Yurodiviye... in every Nest...? Sonya did that?

…….

Since you claim to be Saint Sonya's friend, allow me to say it in no uncertain terms. The Yurodiviye has nothing to do with your case.

Sonya... he...

Hah, are we supposed to take you at your word?

First, we don't have this 'time killing' technology. We can steal time or timepieces, but it's practically impossible to kill time. Making something so absurd would surely catch the Tech Agency's attention.

And that is trouble that I am not willing to invite.

Why? You've certainly been causing a ruckus here. Isn't that what the Yurodiviye wants? Chaos?

Please, don't compare us to the likes of Backstreets gangs. Though there are those among us who want that chaos, of course.

One of our former members insisted that we must take the abundance of time in T Corp. for ourselves and have our comrades divide it equally among us.

But such drastic action would also hurt the have-nots, those who do not deserve such pain. So we must adhere to the Saint's teachings. To truly tear out the throats of the rich, we must wait for the right moment.

The right moment... haah, so it really was Sonya...

… So, I've been wondering. Are you really the Saint's friend?

Of course she is~ He even invited her to join his journey!

<Why don't we leave for now? We can always come back here once we uncover more evidence.>

Dante says "let's leave for now".

Hm? Are we not arresting them? Didn't one of you give me a whole lecture about how it's my job to arrest them?

…….

Wait. If you really are a friend of the Saint, then I can't let you leave without giving you some advice as the more experienced detective. I was able to establish a few things from this conversation, so allow me to share them with you.

Ohh~ Right! You dabble in detective work from time to time as well, yes? Is this a common thing that you Yurodiviye get up to?

No, only the Yurodiviye branch in District 20 do. Anyway, if I were you... I would start by looking for a common thread that ties all victims together. Find out what they have in common.

... Why?

The T Corp. Collections Agency knows everything about time. Where it comes from, where it goes. But not with this case.

But... if they know everything about comings and goings of time, how are you avoiding their eyes?

... Not all of us do. I can't tell you more, however. Just know that we have an ace up our sleeve that lets us continue our guerilla activities in this Nest.

Anyways... does it not strike you as odd that, for someone with such impressive technology that can quite literally rip away time without a trace, the killer seems unusually passive?

This tells me that there is a condition they must first meet to use their powers. Another possibility is that they have a certain creed, or a belief system that they follow... but ideologically motivated culprits usually leave behind more obvious evidence that points to their beliefs.

Ooh... I think that adds up nicely! Wanna join our squad of ace detectives?

... Who the hell hired this bumbling team of amateur detective wannabes?

Haah... never mind. Now, would you kindly leave this place?

<Well, we now know where the Yurodiviye are. We can always come back here if we ever need anything else.>

Well, then! The Yurodiviye's swearing up and down that they've got nothing to do with the case, and the Time Ripper is still at large. What now, ace detectives?

But... we don't have any other leads. The one we talked to just left the hideout, so why don't we follow him?

<... You want to tail that Yurodivy?>

Well, looks like not arresting them may pay off after all! I think it's a fair suggestion.

Waste of time. We should torture them one by one until someone breaks.

According to page 155 of Lady Agatha's book, an ace detective must always remain vigilant and not shy away from stakeouts.

<You're already on page 155?>

Don Quixote gave us this book so that we can all become ace detectives, fuhu. I've been reading it whenever I can.

…….

The Yurodiviye's petty time thievery won't change the world.

Is that why you're letting them go? Because it doesn't matter?

Huh? No, not at all. It's the opposite, in fact.

I want to see things... change.

Change...?

It is said that the Yurodiviye started from a small group of nobodies.

But they kept at it, slowly but surely... spreading through the City. I hear that they've been causing some real trouble in some Nests. That they find it difficult to get rid of them.

Do you know what people have been saying here at T Corp.? "Running low on time, but burning full of frustration? Then come join the Yurodiviye".

Unlike most people, who accept injustices and move on, they don't. They refuse to turn a blind eye, confident and determined that they will one day bring real changes to the City.

It's only natural that I find them extremely fascinating. To witness... to what end do their desperate desires and aspirations lead?

…….

Nothing but impotent squirmings.

Haah...

I'm sorry, do any of you even give a damn about solving the case?

This case...

... has a certain destructive aesthetic to it. I like it.

I'm following my family elders' words: to see and experience as much of the world as I can before I return. Because their words better be followed.

... Sounds excruciatingly bothersome.

So many things in this world presume that they deserve to call themselves 'family'.

Hehe, I've never heard you talk like that, Ryōshū.

What will you ever accomplish...

... with such halfheartedness?

Don't worry about it.

Most people live on with that very halfheartedness. It's been eons since I really desired something with all my heart, you know.

No, I'm...

... I'm not 'most people'.

I'm...

<I knew it, the culprit was a Yurodivy...!>

Gah!!

... They're here. Won't give them the slip this time.

Okay, let's go! Maybe you'll catch them this time if you learn to breathe like Meursault, Ryōshū~

<Rodya, let's - >

Dante. Do you think it would've been any different if I...

... followed Sonya, back at the casino?

<... Why do you ask?>

I mean, it's just...

Watching Sonya's goals actually start to take shape while I stagnated, unchanging, I'm... it's making me feel...

Odd.

You're late, Clock.

We'll go ahead and draw their attention! We should be able to corner them in this direction.

<Since Ryōshū and Hong Lu are out there to draw the culprit here... we just have to do our part and capture them.>

Yeah...

<What's wrong, Rodya?>

Just... every time I think about Sonya...

... I remember all the things that I couldn't do. That's all.

<Rodya...>

Argh, nope! Not gonna let this drag me down. I just gotta do what I can at this moment, right? Wouldn't it be so nice if the culprit showed up right now so I can get my hands on 'em and get this over with?

Ugh, all this waiting around is getting so tedious. Hopefully I'll look real badass when I arrest 'em.

You certainly recover quick. Now that's a good attitude to have.

Well, you know~ Ain't that how emotions are supposed to be? Constantly changing with time, y'know?

Is it now? I don't quite agree. Emotions don't change with time.

I'd say that the changing emotions are what drive the flow of time.

Hmm~ That's some complicated stuff.

I just can't wait to hear all the praises they'll sing of me once I snag this Yurodivy rascal, that's all~

Y'know, I wanna be... an ace detective.

Then you shall have your chance.

…!

A chance for you to be the center of attention. A subject of praise.

<…!>

That long coat... that hat...

You're...

Rodya~ Dante~ The culprit ran that way!

You're... The Time Ripper.

Correct.

…!

<This isn't good... It'll take a while for Hong Lu and Ryōshū to get here...!>

But before we get down to business, allow me to make a few corrections.

One. I am no longer bound to an organization like the Yurodiviye.

In fact, I found their hypocrisy detestable. Did you know that even the Yurodiviye do not use their hours equally amongst one another? That is why I have chosen action.

Two. I am not 'killing time'. You will not compare my crusade to something so hollow.

I merely reap the dying hours... to share it among those who need it most.

You may call me the Time Saint instead.

What... the hell are you talking about? Shut up and -

All this is flying over your head, isn't it? You poor little thing, starved for even a morsel of praise...

This is both a correction of your ignorance, and our final warning.

If you wish to capture me... no, us... then you must be prepared to pay the price in time.

Was that an attempt at a threat? Ha, do you seriously think you can scare me like that?

Sure, you're the big, scary 'Time Ripper', but I've got ya all figured out. I know your patterns. There's something staying your hand, isn't there? Whether it's your creed, some kind of a design flaw in your tech... you can't touch my time.

How'd ya like this ace detective's deductions, huh? Fuhu.

Half right. But you have given me two more corrections to make.

One. I am not the one killing time. It's you, and everyone like you who's killing time.

Two. Indeed, we cannot rip time away from just anyone, no. But... I can take yours.

Because you, at this very moment...

... are mired in tedium.

… What?

Just biding the time, aren't you? Waiting for something to happen. Killing time.

We are merely taking back the time that you would have killed anyway.

Hah, ha... haha...

Swing that axe and you might carve a small chunk of our flesh. But...

... We... will rip a chunk out of your existence.

You will stir awake when the clock strikes four, in fifty-years' time; having done nothing, having lived through nothing, all in the blink of an eye.

That's when it shall dawn on you, that despair. It'll all come rushing in like a flood; that disparity, the unfamiliarity... of all the time you killed.

... Every pain a reminder of every single second you've killed, thinking about how tedious it all is.

…….

You look scared. I - we - like that look in your eyes.

The culprit. Where are they?

I... I thought I could take them on. But... when I came face-to-face with the Ripper, I...

Tsk, how could you give them the slip?

<They threatened her. That they were going to rip away her time...>

Oh no...

And the Ripper knew. They knew how... how I felt so...

... Never mind.

Pathetic.

Unlike you, Ryōshū, my time… is important.

I'm not here just to make those stupid, pointless observations about the case. I didn't volunteer out of some weird obligation either, okay? I volunteered because I genuinely wanted to solve the case. I'm not like you. Either of you.

… How banal.

Rodya, I...

Sorry. I think I'm just getting tired of wearing a silly smile.

…….

<Huh, looks like the culprit got him in the middle of something.>

He knew the Ripper.

<How could you tell?>

By looking at his eyes. Isn't it obvious?

That look in his eyes... it's the kind of look that people have in their eyes when getting killed by a rat they know.

<He's not exactly dead, you know...>

Hm, this dead body looks kinda different from the last one we saw, though.

<Not a dead body either, but what is it?>

The culprit tore a bit off his scarf.

Maybe they really disagreed with his fashion choices?

The Yurodiviye must live like fools in the eyes of others. So that we may see a path invisible to them.

<... Rodya?>

It's something Sonya once said. Told me that the scarf was a yoke to hide the great ambition, that those with such dreams must remain bound.

But I don't see you wearing that scarf.

Ha ha... it's just not my style.

Then chopping the scarf in half would mean that...

... that the killer is a former member of the Yurodiviye. We should go back to their hideout and ask around.

Dammit... The Ripper got our boss...?!

Huh? Are you asking if anyone quit recently?

Well, it's not like they formally 'quit' or anything, but there were some who went completely off the grid.

Someone who wanted to steal the surplus time at T Corp. to share it equally among everyone...?

Yeah, I remember a lad who said something like that. When his younger brother died, he became a... bit weird.

Did anyone want to go along with that plan?

I'm sure there are some, but we shouldn't. We're the Yurodiviye; we must bide our time until the Saint gives us the word.

... Is that so?

Where is he?

No idea. Last I heard, he said something like "I'll always be watching you". Creepy, innit? But I suppose that means that he's still hangin' about somewhere within T Corp. borders.

... Uh, our bossman's gonna be back to normal, right?

<He'll always be watching, huh...>

Haah...

Clock.

<Hm?>

I always burn a cig after a kill.

<But you're always smoking.>

Because it takes about four minutes for the cig to burn all the way through...

I get to watch as the light of life slowly burns out in their dying eyes. It really enhances the flavor.

Four minutes. I know that it takes exactly four minutes for this cigarette to burn away.

But only two minutes have passed on that Clock Tower.

Huh? That doesn't make sense.

How could... how come no one noticed that the Clock Tower was broken?

This isn't a new development, by the way.

From the moment our little game of detectives started to this precise moment, the Clock Tower always measured only two minutes by the time I finished smoking.

Hm, didn't someone say that it's because people have learned to be helpless?

I've been waiting for something to get finished for a while-uh. Do you know how much of a pain it is to wait for something but also have too much time in your day-ah? It's so so so tedious-uh!

Methinks it's a real bother. Standing guard here, all this stop-and-search... So tedious.

Hey, Assistant... What were the first two victims doing when the Ripper struck?

Let's see... one of them was attacked while purchasing a thirteen-flavoured lollipop candy, and the other was reading a comic book starring a T Corp. inventor as its protagonist. I'd say it's a pretty fun read.

Are there are lot of... Clock Towers in T Corp.?

A total of twelve in the entirety of T Corp. But just one in this general area.

The Time Ripper struck only near this Clock Tower, didn't they...?

Right on, detective.

What if they slowed down the Clock Tower...

... and made everyone in the area feel that sense of extreme tedium...?

Tedium... I see. So that's what it was. He can rip time only from people who are bored.

The Clock Tower.

It should give me a nice view to blow smoke at.

Oh, here's something I forgot to mention. You know that you need actual evidence to make an arrest, right? Detectives?

Huh?

You have to catch them in the act. Can't go around arresting people just because you feel like it, hmm?

What, do we have to let them attack us or something? Just so we can catch them in the act?

Don't you know? He can literally rip the time out of you.

One small mistake and you might wake up weeks, months, or even... years later.

We don't even know if that's the kind of thing that Dante can... rewind.

Yes, it's all very tragic. But it's still a part of your responsibilities.

You... do you even care about catching the culprit?

Or is learning how he rips time all you care about?

Right on again, ace detective.

Haah... I once thought that there were no inventions in T Corp. that I didn't know their ins-and-outs about.

You see, I have the intricate knowledge of the mechanisms of every single machinery in existence within T Corp.

I even know about the bizarre contraption your friend back at the jail cell invented while he was here.

I didn't want that invention to be beholden to the T Corp. Patents Agency, no. I wanted to watch as it spread throughout the City. Which is why I didn't try very hard to stop him as he escaped through the Backstreets. It wasn't because I was lazy, mind!

So, to answer your question - no. Like in the case of the League of Nine Littérateurs, I don't care whether we catch the culprit or not. I'm just curious about the exact mechanism behind how he rips time. It's the nature of being an inventor.

Agreed.

How am I supposed to even get anything done with people like...

Excuse me, Mister Assistant?

I have something I'd like to ask you.

Back when Meursault stood on the Temporal Scale Gallows... didn't the machine beep very loudly?

Oh, that reticent friend? Yes, it did.

If you have the intricate knowledge of the mechanisms of every single machinery in existence within T Corp... then do you also know why it malfunctioned?

Mhm, of course.

Why wasn't the gallows able to take ten billion Ahn's worth of time from Meursault? Was it really because it was broken?

What are you talking about? It is statistically impossible for the machines of my design to have any faults. Usually.

Then the source of that error must be Meursault... or all of us, right? Not the machine...?

<…?>

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! You're not only looking the part, but also acting the part of an ace detective. Could've fooled me!

All credits go to Lady Agatha. She did say that one of the qualities of an ace detective is a mind of bottomless inquisitiveness, after all. Fuhu.

I'm not saying that I won't cooperate, of course. I may have even devised a plan for you, though it may be somewhat simple.

Now, listen close...

<So...>

<Will this really work?>

<I guess it's barely a plan, and more like something we came up with in the last 10 minutes, but still...>

Tsk. Annoying.

... Shh, let's hide.

…….

Hiya. I've been waiting for you.

<…….>

... Did he just say 'Hiya' to the Ripper...?

How interesting... Not only did you know that I'd be coming here, but you also had the manners to extend your greetings?

I see. You've been tailing us this whole time.

Hehe, of course. You were right under our noses all this time, weren't you?

You're one of those fools playing pretend as a detective, aren't you? Killing time...

You're right. Say, can you teach me how to make the most of my time?

Give us your time and we might tell you.

What, thirty hours? What is this, a bloody joke? That ain't enough.

Just think about all those hours we've lost fleeing from these sods! We could've spent that time ripping more hours from others. I say that it's only fair that we take 300 hours from him.

Agreed. He's one of the Nest's lackeys... working with those filthy watch chains of T Corp... He deserves it. If we let him go, he'll only bring further trouble. Let's show them what happens to those that oppose us.

Seconded. Let's try to extract the exact amount of hours that evenly splits into twelve pieces.

Sod it, let's stab as deep as we can go! We don't want the repeat of the fat cat at the factory, do we? We're aiming straight for the center. We're not letting this bastard slip away with just a gash of a hundred hours!

Silence. I will decide the time. We will stab as deep as we can and rip a thousand hours from him. That should be more than enough time for us to happily share.

Well, I suppose we'll be losing our sense of taste for the next thousand hours. If we divide the burden of thousand hours equally amongst one 'nother... yeah, I can roll with that.

<Huh... it's almost like there are multiple personalities in there, all taking turns to speak...>

A thousand hours...

Will a thousand hours have passed in the blink of an eye?

Yes. And there will be no pain. Only the despair that awaits you upon your awakening.

Then... I like that.

Rip my time away.

<…!>

He... he didn't mean that, did he?

A time-tearing razor, is it?

So that is the core of the power that extracts time. Though it was no invention at all, but a Distortion...

My, this is still highly fascinating! So this is the kind of power that a Distortion can grant? Powers that only one could have dreamt of...

…!

…….

Why... can't we rip away your time?

I see. Everything went according to plan. It's all... so same.

I blinked, but the world is just as familiar and changeless as ever.

Wh-what...?!

We've walked right into a trap, you daft idiots! Don't you understand?!

Detectives. A.O.T.S.

<Phew... that's a relief. Had me worried for a moment there...>

Like I said earlier... the Temporal Scale Gallows isn't broken. This error was caused by you.

Your time - and this applies to all twelve of you - was already bound to someone else's time.

<Someone else's time...? Me?>

... This caused a multi-reference error in the Temporal Scale Gallows, which was supposed to 'hang' your time.

So what you're saying is... because we are living within Dante's time... the gallows couldn't 'hang' our time?

<I had no idea...>

Well, if all that is news to us...

... then there's really no way for the Time Ripper to know that, either.

So, once the Time Ripper arrives and tries to rip my time away from me...

... that's when Rodya and Ryōshū can swoop in like the awesome people you are and arrest the culprit.

<But what if... and really, what if...>

<... what if the Time Ripper manages to rip Hong Lu's time away?>

Don't worry, Dante.

It's all going to be okay.

Haah... I wonder how long the racket would last once the news of a malfunctioning Clock Tower breaks?

Wouldn't it be so entertaining to watch as people's trust in the institution, of the supposedly unerring Clock Tower, crumbles? It's going to be such a fun show.

<... I'll try my best not to malfunction.>

Tick tock... tick tock...

Hey, participation trophy. I used to really hate the sound of clocks.

I don't know when it started, but I started associating its noise with the perpetual cycle of pain. Like it's some... premonition that a clock hand-shaped blade will one day cleave clean through me. A blade of time, if you will.

But your noise...? It's a bit different. It's the kind of noise that makes me dream up something new, something different. And it's not... pain.

Well, that's why I wanted to extend my gratitude.

<Not sure what he's extending his gratitude for... but can someone ask him to do something for me?>

Dante has a request.

Right, request away.

<I think I've had enough experience to intuit when a big fight's about to break out... and I'm getting that exact feeling that something's about to happen.>

<So it's time for you to return the other Sinners to us.>

I can't believe they actually kept us imprisoned the whole time, only to let us out right before they caught the culprit...

So how was it, manager? Adventuring with just three Sinners. Was it nice?

I trust that you have learned your lesson, and that my absence was... deeply felt.

Agh, I'm aching all over just from sitting inside that jail cell. I don't ever want to go back to a place like that...

Right, so is that sod the Time Ripper or somethin'?

A Distortion we must defeat.

Have you ever wept in such deep longing for that extra minute, that extra second you let slip through your fingers?

Where you wished that your heart would forever sleep, for its every beat was but a painful reminder of the merciless march of time?

I don't suppose you have... Because you all have plenty of time to spare...

A Mirror Dungeon of the Fathoms. It appears to be the same kind as the one we have seen before.

…….

Hey, Dante... I've got a question. It just occurred to me for the first time.

Where do all the time that we use... that you use...

... where do they come from?

<Well, that's...>

W.C.

... Yeah. Who cares, I guess.

A Mirror Dungeon of the Fathoms...

... Let's go.

<So this is the culprit's Fathoms...>

Isn't it about time you quit that Yurodiviye thing, brother?

We barely have enough time to scrape by. Wasting our time building unregistered inventions just to annoy some Time Collectors doesn't do anything! C'mon, brother! Dream like you used to, please? You always wanted to work for the T Corp. Patents Agency, didn't you?

But you don't even know when that 'moment' is. What if that moment comes after we're dead? Why would any of that matter if we're not here to see it?

Take the Grade 1 Inventor certificate exam or something. Make a submission to the Inventions Expo. There's a pretty hefty cash prize for receiving the Inventor of the Year award, y'know.

Did you know that... in other Nests, everyone enjoys an equal twenty-four hours?

Just imagine for a second. What if we saved up a ton of money and moved to a different Nest? Then maybe... maybe we'll get to live twenty-four hours a day, too.

I could get a full night's rest and I'd still have half the day to spend. Wouldn't that be so wonderful?

I'll lend you all but two hours of my time. That'll give you more than enough time to complete the exam.

It ends around 2PM, right? I'll meet you in front of the Clock Tower then. You can give me back the time you borrowed there.

Mm... if only I could taste every flavour of this lollipop sooner.

Man, I can't wait to read what happens next. Won't somebody knock me out and wake me up when the next volume's out?

I can't wait for them to finally complete my portrait-uh~ I hope they captured the little upward flick at the tip of my moustache-ah... It's supposed to look like a bird's wings, yes-uh...? Ugh, it's so tedious, waiting for it to be finished-ah!

Yaaaawn... Still 3 in the afternoon? This is one long shift... When'll this tedious busywork end...?

Our time will come, just like the Saint said. I know it's tedious, but everyone feels the same way. Stop pestering me about it, yeah? You think I'm happy with this small-time stuff? I'm just as tired as you are of punching those bloody Collectors and running away!

Though a clock may look as though it turns evenly on the outside... the cogs that make up the clockwork within each turn at disparate rates.

Some living forty-four hour days. Some living four hour days.

I - we - are not like the Yurodiviye. We know that we must take action.

…….

So that's... what you've turned yourself into?

Within me is a place where all may live in equal hours. Our nest.

A place for all who have felt the very same pain.

Your explanations fail to justify your 'timekilling'.

Yet I am not the Timekiller.

It is the people of the City who have been slaughtering time!

No one even took a moment to doubt that the Clock Tower may have been broken. Instead, they stopped at merely complaining that it was a 'slow day' and that they should just 'pass the time'!

... Killing... time...

I saved the dying times from their wasteful clutches. Will you still claim that I am... in the wrong?

…….

"If only I had 10 more minutes...! No, a minute, a few more seconds, even...!"

"I could've changed so much more if only I had the time...!"

... Or so I thought, once upon a time.

S...o...

What... did you do...? Did you... even try to change... anything...?

Believe it or not...

I am the creator of every change you see around you.

…….

I know, I know. I know what the burning question is. "What changes?!", right? Because, at the end of the day, this place became no different from the other horrible, horrible Nests. There's so much pain here... just like any other place in the City.

So... listen up, and listen close. Because there's only one way to truly be free from suffering.

Stopping time.

<Stop time...?>

My, I am so happy that you finally caught the perpetrator-uh~

Aha, behold-ah! My portrait is finally complete-uh~ Isn't it so wonderful-ah?

So slow, everyone-uh! Let's stop being lazy and get to work, yes-ah? Chop chop-uh~

Why did you... volunteer to be the bait for the Ripper, Hong Lu?

I-I'll be honest. I was scared as hell. The moment I began thinking about how my own time could just... get ripped away from me, I...

I... just wanted to understand.

Because, to me, the world was full of things I couldn't understand.

In truth, I still understand so little of it. Why do people hang on so desperately to something like time? Something so... ephemeral?

... Yeah?

But... I know one thing.

You understood the culprit, Rodya. It wasn't just fear that held you back.

While there was fear, a different side of you felt like you could understand him. That's what stayed your hand.

How... how do you know that?

Watching you, Rodya, reminded me why I did not resist when my siblings tried to kill me for the first time.

I wasn't just scared.

I felt as though I could... understand them.

When fear grows so extreme that it circles back to its origin...

That moment is so precious and so... beautiful.

All right, lads and lasses. Gather 'roud!

Hooh... Oooohhhh....!

We'll be runnin' a special feature on the people who played the biggest role in solvin' the 'Case of Timekilling Time'. And for that, we'd like to get a little group photo. Would that be alright with you ace detectives?

Wh-what an auspicious day this is!

…….

<What's up with the long face, Rodya? Everything okay?>

Ha ha... I don't know if I even deserve to be in the picture.

I didn't really get anything done out there, did I?

But Rodya, we eventually captured the culprit, didn't we~? It was possible only because we all worked together!

<I'd say everyone did a great job out there. Rodya, Hong Lu, Ryōshū, all three of you... good work.>

You mean Hong Lu and Ryōshū. I just cowered as soon as I came face-to-face with the culprit... I was ridiculous.

Well, it is said that all great detectives are flanked by great assistants.

Hah, that's funny. Is that what this 'Lady Agatha' said?

No, I said it. Just now.

…….

I'm the only one who's allowed to make that L.F.

Smile, detective.

Ha... Ha ha...

Right, can we huddle a little close together?

... What right did I have to stop those struggling to change things, no matter how small...

... when I haven't done anything?

Right, then! One... two...

Hold, Hoooold!

Chief Executive Director, it's time.

Ah, Mai. Thank you for letting me borrow your clothes. I made sure to not get even a speck of dust on it, so don't you worry about having to run it through a washer.

<Chief Executive Director...? When did he...>

It's been so long since I had a day this exciting. Thanks, participation trophy.

I just like to experience how it's like outside the company building from time to time, you know?

<Shouldn't he be thanking us for solving the case, not... you know...?>

Mm~ Let's see. Considering your rather competent command of the battlefield, and that special ability of yours, maybe you could even snag the 'exceptional' awar - Hm... actually, no. Perhaps you'd receive the 'distinctive' award instead since you can't explain the mechanism of your own powers. Your clock does seem quite special, but the time that flows through you doesn't seem very different from the concept of time I'm used to.

Well, I don't have any prize money to hand out, but... allow me to impart a little tip instead. Remember. Using the power of time comes with a cost. Always. It's something that's been a thorn in my side as well.

Oh, and another thing I should thank you for.

My dream began to flow once again.

On the day I ventured out to the edge and wished upon a star, I thought my dream to have ceased there, never to flow again.

I would have wished for something completely different had I had the chance to wish again, but... I believed my only chance spent.

I used to think that the star could never be linked again, that I could never turn back time. Vile men like myself know when their dreams come to an end. When there is no path left for the dream to go.

But I was wrong. There it was, something rewinding time right before my eyes in a way that I could not fathom. Well, it is my current hypothesis that you're not actually *rewinding* time, but a potential is a potential still.

And that Distortion that rips time... is another proof that I do not know all there is to know about time, not yet.

So my dream, once still as a lake, has become wild as a rushing river once again.

Your indifferent, unafraid attitude toward time? It also left me an impression.

I think day after day about how uncaring the nature of time is; that it will continue to drift on and on and on even after my death. And I think about how that's so, so...

... terrifying.

I'm afraid of death, yes. But I'm not interested in researching immortality. The flow of time is equivalent to constant change; those who dare tread upon the road of elusion from death and annihilation shall soon find themselves before another wall of what they had sought to flee from in the first place.

What must one do to stem the change when the nature of perpetual change itself is tied to an immutable thing like the flow of time? One must stop time itself, of course.

Yes, indeed. Therein lies the conundrum. Until time itself ceases to move, all change eventually becomes a great flow.

<I'm having trouble following your train of thought...>

Dante says that they are having trouble following your train of thought.

Hm? Oh, ahh, apologies! I must've been thinking out loud. You must understand how someone might forget who they're talking to when the listener has nothing to say in response but intermittent ticks and tocks. I suppose all that was probably too much for a manager of an upstart business to understand, yes?

Does this conclude the business of the ten billion Ahn Time Tax?

Mhm, you're all exempt. Can you imagine what would've happened if a case like this for you to solve didn't exist? Can you believe that you almost had to live the rest of your lives stretching a measly four hours over an entire day? Unbelievable. A little nap and you'd wake up two whole days later. Well, that is, if the four-hour daily minimum time policy even applied to you.

Yes, that is difficult to believe, but I understand. Then...

Oh, almost slipped my mind. Remember that purchase catalogue Limbus Company handed me? That 'Monolith' in there... really caught my eye. I'd like to purchase them. As many as you have in stock.

…….

Cheers, that's a sale made. It was really pricey, too. Who knows, maybe this will get you that commendation or whatever it is.

... Understood. Your intent to purchase will be relayed.

The Monolith...? What are you planning to do with -

It's a secret. Things yet to be realised must remain shrouded in hearts under this starless sky.

Let's go, Mai.

Yes, Director Herbert.

This company is growing increasingly bizarre, Miss Faust.

Not only are we providing Distortion management service, but also dipping our feet into the sales of artifacts like the Monolith?

…….

I don't believe that the Monoliths should be so easily bought or sold. I see them as something we must retrieve, not put up for sale.

You do understand the... ramifications of selling artifacts that could force a Distortion, I trust?

The world is aplenty with technology capable of maiming or slaughtering a fellow human.

Not all of those have started with intent to do harm. In fact, most of them have begun as an altruistic project for the betterment of mankind.

In other words... it depends.

Do you really believe this to be a matter that you can just brush aside with -

Vergilius.

…….

You know my place. Yours, as well.

You are aware that we are not provided the luxury of choice.

Haah.

We will both reach what each of us desire. That is a guarantee.

... Fine.

... Oooh~ You're framing it already?!

Quite... quite...! Aha! Thus this achievement has been memorialized for all eternity to come!

Aha, do you intend to put it up for display?

Hm hm~ Much do I desire to hang it here for all to see, but this doth carry great meaning, indeed, as my very first accomplishment! Thus shall I place it in my chamber for safekeeping!

Boy, you're really stoked about a shaky picture of yourself, huh?

Aw, don't be a buzzkill, darling~ Chiquita's happy about it and that's what matters, right~?

It matters not, for this is a signifier of our achievements!

Yeah~ O-our... achievement! Ha ha...

<…….>

<... Faust, can you ask Vergilius where we're headed next?>

Vergilius, Dante asks -

Yes, yes. I've come to realize that it is about time the manager asked me for some information regarding our next destination.

Our next destination...

... is to a WARP train, Dante.