Intervallo VII: Twining Threads

... Am I doing this right?

Expressing respect is the primary purpose. Hand placement and gesture are unimportant if that objective can be accomplished.

Hey, where do I put this?

Mm. Beneath the third pillar to the right...

Can't any of you quit chattering for one second? Have you all forgotten the instruction to carry yourselves with solemn propriety that befits the occasion?

Cut me some slack. I haven't been to funerals all that much.

I mean, I did tell you to read the manual. I even underlined all the important parts for you...

*groan* Sorry, Ishy. The wall of text was just too much for me. My focus started fizzling out from page 30 onwards...

Hadn't every Sinner here attended a funeral before... back when we set foot in that grim manor in T Corp.?

Ah! Thou speakest of the funeral held in Young Heathcliff's manor, dost thou not? The one bereft of the dead.

Bereft of the dead? I mean, someone had to have died, because there wouldn't have been a property dispute big enough to involve the Öufi Association's notarization otherwise... I've said this time and again, but it was just an intentional anonymity to prevent family strife.

Intentional anonymity, is it...

If the situation was indeed as thou sayest, then there was no helping it, forsooth... Yet, 'tis a pity that the dead wasn't named at their own funeral...

... The name of the deceased... was...

<... It was Catherine's funeral. She was very dear to Heathcliff.>

I have thoroughly reviewed the past 5 years' worth of local newspapers pertaining to the matter, yet no such name relevant to the case was identified, Manager.

.......

It's fine, Clockhead. At least you remember - that's good enough, innit.

The point is, how should I put this... The circumstances of that funeral didn't exactly leave us much room to properly express our condolences back then.

Between Heathcliff running on a rampage and that Hindley guy bent on interfering with the execution of the will... *sigh*

<I assumed that sort of impediment was pretty common stuff for funerals, but apparently not, huh?>

No, well... I think it's actually rare to see a place that follows proper funeral procedures. I've traveled around quite a bit myself, but I can't confidently say that I've ever been to a legitimate "funeral."

The one at Wuthering Heights was one of the more proper funerals, if only for pretending to have a process. They at least prepared a coffin and even had a formal reading of the will.

Funerals are considered a rather extravagant practice here as well.

Corporations are not eager to grant time-offs just because an irrelevant someone has died, and the price of real estate seldom makes it viable to buy land and erect memorial houses on it.

<Then... what other options do people usually have?>

We used to just... leave them where they died. And after one night's sleep... the bodies were gone, just like that.

Better than paying loads of money to bury 'em somewhere just to have that stir up a load of daft rumours, eh?

<Rumors?>

You know - rumours about there bein' valuables buried with the bodies, or an arm being some fancy prosthesis... all that rot.

Better to let the dead go in peace than to bury them in a grave just for some sods to later desecrate it.

In Hongyuan... People tend to set up graves if they have enough room to spare. Of course, there wasn't a guarantee they wouldn't lose the burial room by the next Restructuring Day.

Otiose foolishness, all of it.

Comforting the soul of the departed? Another mendacity.

All those funds so carelessly squandered, all for the purpose of furnishing the living with a fragile excuse to cling on.

So... I suppose you'll be leaving now?

<Oh.>

<... We're staying until Gregor's stable enough to travel.>

Dante says we'll remain here until Gregor's condition settles.

Ah...

So you won't be leaving just yet. Good to know.

Then I assume you'll be okay with us borrowing Sinclair for a while?

<Hmm?>

M-me...?

Yes, you. The LCE wants to look into the Sign you manifested, Sinclair.

The higher-ups didn't waste a second green-lighting the project. Which means what I'm telling you is more a notice of investigation than a request for permission...

Huh...? W-what investigation? What are you -

It's just a rather rudimentary instance of human experimentation. Calm yourself.

Human experimentation?!

Did you really have to put it like that, Boss...? Not to worry, Sinclair. A swipe or two on your skin and maybe some talk therapy - that's all there is to it.

Of course, if we had your consent, the avenues of research could be vastly -

No, I'm not giving you my consent!

For your reference, the other departments have also submitted some quite enthusiastic requests for research and observational purposes.

Oh, you have no idea. We had to get Boss to fend off the LCA's Mirror World Observatorium Department and their hissy fits. They wanted to be the first ones to get their hands on you and spearhead the research, you see. Haha...

And had we allowed them, they'd have kept you for a good few months before letting you go. So the least you could do to thank us is be a good boy and cooperate - Ah! Just in time. Our researchers are here.

W-wait! I'm... I'm perfectly capable of walking there on my own, so just... just don't run any painful tests on me...!

Of course, of course.

<Stay strong, Sinclair...>

What about you? You not goin' with them?

Oh, it's back to the long-term recovery ward for me.

I always thought scientific research was the one thing that flamed my passion, but with the recent events having introduced me to the merits of paid sick leave... I realized that time off beats research projects in my book. Marginally.

Enjoy it while it lasts. I highly suspect that every request for PTO submitted by our department will be rejected for the rest of the year.

Well, it's true your average corporation doesn't give more than a week off a year.

All right... we should get going too.

<Oh, do you all have somewhere else to be?>

Well~ I thought I'd go visit Gregor. I'm worried about him.

Got something I said I'd help with - gotta be there for it.

I'm going with Sinclair to get some rest. Also to keep an eye on the researchers and stop them if they try anything fishy with the experiments.

Let me know later if you need anything, Dante.

<Everyone's busy with their own thing...>

*puff*

You seem to have some time to spare, Manager.

This makes things rather convenient. There is something I had intended to discuss with you and Sinner Ryōshū - a matter that requires your assistance.

<What kind of assistance?>

W.K.O.A.? says C.H.

... There is, I must admit, a certain novelty in witnessing the reconstitution of that which requires interpretation into yet another linguistic form equally demanding of it.

It would seem we are in need of more manpower.

Who else, pray, might know where he is if thou knowest not?! Now listen closely! The one I seek is a bearer of hair fashioned in the likeness of a bowl...

You there. Why don't you join us too?

Hmm? Eh... Dost thou speak of me?

Indeed. There is a task that requires your assistance.

B-but I have yet more words to trade with the most noble Yellow Harpoon...

You seek to emulate the virtue of chivalry. Does that entail turning down the earnest plea of those in need?

Aah...! I... I...

Hmm... For the sake of clarity and distinction, it would be prudent to assign you a different identifier from that of my assistant. You are to be "Number 2" - that is, Assistant no. 2.

... I have not yet concluded mine exchange with the Yellow Harpoon, but no true knight would abandon those who call for aid! Pray, speak thy quest! How may I be of service to thee?

Delegating the interpretation of the Manager's speech to Sinner #4 has proven to be counterproductive. As such, your task will be to report to me what the Manager says.

Oho! That is indeed a simple task!

However, this "W.K.O.A." eludeth mine understanding as well! Prithee, allow me but a liiittle time to uncover its mystery!

... Relay the Manager's words, not Sinner Ryōshū's.

.......

They are asking you what kind of assistance you need.

The request for interpretation was not directed to you, but I cannot deny that your meddling, in the present circumstance, is a welcome one.

It was simply that the irrationality and inefficiency of your suboptimal staffing choice and workflow have become sufficiently unbearable.

Faust hopes this was not some guileful scheme devised to elicit Faust's cooperation.

... Hah. In any case, Manager, this request of mine concerns an investigation into the "Backdoors" located in the House of Spiders.

I deemed that the two of you should be the ones most familiar with the structure and layout of the House. After all, you were the one monitoring the entirety of the five-pronged assault operation, and Sinner #4's familiarity does not bear repeating.

<Do we go to the House of Spiders right away?>

H.O.S.R.A.?

... You have assisted enough.

Perhaps you could... help, Faust.

... Sure.

Not immediately, no. There is one more member you should bring along.

<One more member?>

The Apprentice who was captured alive in the House of Spiders...

Kira. She has regained consciousness.

<This place looks well-equipped.>

Probably a direct order from upper management.

Although technologies to restore lost body parts are common enough in the City, a facility of this kind is required to preserve the original form of her lower body in the reconstruction process while keeping the cost reasonable.

<"Reasonable," huh. Do I want to ask how expensive the other options are if this counts as "reasonable"?>

.......

She was captured alive for the extraction of information, yes? How far along is the progress of the extraction?

Ah. It hasn't yet begun, actually. We are waiting until the lines of information that warrant questioning can be isolated.

So far, all available personnel have been fully engaged in analyzing the documents and items discovered in the House of Spiders.

Then whatcha even doing here?

There is work to be done contingent upon information obtainable only from a recent inhabitant of the House of Spiders,

and following a discussion with the upper management, I have decided to put you to use as the company had originally intended.

No TV, no comic books... Just a super-prickly glare and a cold shoulder whenever I ask for something to pass the time.

And now you suddenly need my help, huh? Gimme one reason I should cooperate.

I didn't ask for your help. "Put you to use," I believe, is what I said.

Wha...?

Your survival is not incidental - it is the result of a calculation. The company anticipates a potential profit by keeping you alive. "Expected gain," as the term goes.

Without such a forecast on the company's part, you would have already been disposed of. The upper management consists of people who would be disinclined to tolerate the daily maintenance and depreciation costs of this room, even at half their current numbers.

Which brings us to our next point: Should you insist on maintaining this uncooperative attitude, the company may decide to convene a meeting to reassess your worth, or shall we say, lack thereof, in its projected income statement.

Well... suffice to say that such a reassessment would skew heavily against your favor. The outcome would be a recommendation for immediate disposal.

... I'm dead meat as soon as my usefulness runs out, anyway.

It's not like you're gonna let me live, not after I killed a bazillion of your guys.

.......

Ah, so you anticipated some form of a corporate-level retaliatory response against your person. That is indeed a curious line of reasoning.

Then I must tell you that, unlike your typical Backstreet Syndicate such as the Middle, corporate entities of the City tend to avoid choices that may incur losses.

The value of the information that could be extracted from an Apprentice of the Middle, and the combat prowess honed under the tutelage of a Great Brother of the Middle - these two considerations are likely what increased your value in the eyes of the company.

Hah! Y'all got zero self-respect, huh?

... You should consider yourself fortunate.

... Huh? The heck are ya on about?

Other companies would not solicit your cooperation by means of a verbal exchange. Your interrogator would simply open your cranium, harvest your brain, and extract any and all necessary information without going through intermediary steps such as this.

Even without resorting to such methods, the range of available means to compel the disclosure of information is practically limitless - truth serums, hypnotic suggestions, electrical shocks and stimulations, and of course, procedures utilizing Distortions and Abnormalities.

That being said... the LCE Department prefers to distance itself from such uncivilized approaches that may entail complications and aftereffects.

.......

I do hope that we share a similar predilection.

You're so frickin' annoying, you know that, Mister?

... The feeling is entirely mutual.

... Give her some push and bring her along.

I don't quite seem to be myself today... No, disregard that. That too was a rather foolish thing to say.

I will defer this matter to you, Manager. Work of this sort likely falls more within your capabilities than my own.

<What should I even say to persuade her?>

*puff*

Yoshihide...?

You. Heard you got stabbed in the back by Matthias.

.......

That's... not true.

... Papa wasn't landing a fatal blow unless he cut through me too. That's why he did exactly that... to aim for the enemy's head.

Besides... he made the right choice. A little sacrifice ain't a thing in a family.

Hah. "Family," coming from him - a Middle mutt thrown out of his kennel.

Doesn't it sound ridiculous even to you?

That's...

<Thrown out?>

That fucker Matthias... was a G.B. only by technicality.

He fucked up badly. He was still family by name, but underneath it, everyone hoped he'd disappear quietly on his own. He was that family member nobody wanted around.

Same treatment for me, being his brat. Not surprising it's the S.T. for the bowl-cut too.

Same... Tastes...? Hoh! Young Ryōshū, could it be that thou also dost harbor a passionate zeal for Fix - mmph!

... So what exactly is your point?

The point is you're taking too long. If you can't decide whether you want to live or die, I can shorten the hesitation.

C.Q., or I'll S.Y.N.C. right this instant.

Uh... What does that mean?

Cooperate quietly, or I'll snap your neck completely right this instant.

S.Y.N.C. isn't such a bad way to go if you're keen on taking that loyalty act straight to the grave.

... Hah. This is so crappy.

Whatever. I get it, okay? I'll talk if that's what you want so bad.

<... That actually worked?>

... Fixers who go out in a blaze of glory aren't actually the strong ones.

It's the ones who survive... the ones who live to see another day and keep getting stronger.

Anyway, Yoshihide... what's up with you talking in weird-ass abbreviations?

.......

Like, "S.Y.N.C."? That's so random. Who even says that...?

<But is this really the right call? To her, we're probably people she needs to settle the score with.>

As if.

Half her tattoos are gone, Clock. They even confiscated her Book. You think the Middle's sorry excuse for "loyalty" means so much for this stray that she'd bite us?

Besides... *puff* no, better hear it from her instead.

Hey. Tell me why Matthias kicked the bucket.

That's 'cuz...

Well, 'cuz papa was weaker than y'all.

<.......>

Hah.

Yeah, you're the jerk's brat all right.

I assume the prisoner was successfully persuaded.

Come. You will find your weapon on the table - you may use it in the event of an emergency.

... What the hell? I can't even unsheathe it!

Ah. You won't be able to use it without authorization. The code has been slightly adjusted.

.......

Now then, let us head to the House of Spiders at once. The Backdoor is up and waiting for us.

Prithee, who might those people thither be?

.......

Looks like some shady bastards moved in already.

It seems introductions are in order for both sides.

... This is Team Leader Alan from Wayfarer Company, who will be working with us on the investigation into the House's Backdoors.

<Wayfarer Company?>

A corporate entity partnered with Limbus Company, responsible for providing portal technology. It has, on prior occasion, been referred to as the "new" or "aspirant" W Corp. - though the name is an unofficial one.

Our employees also have taken to calling you the "new L Corp." Something we have in common, given that we're both chasing after the same horizon.

<Ah...! I remember. That company vying to take W Corp.'s place, right?>

And these are the Manager and the Sinners of the LCB Department, our field operations unit. Frequently deployed to deal with on-site matters firsthand.

They have more personnel, but the rest are tied up with other duties elsewhere. Only a handful will be joining this investigation effort.

I understand. Field operations units are almost always understaffed, anyway. The support you've provided is more than sufficient.

Pleased to make your acquaintance. The name's Alan, Leader of Doorbreach Team 4.

<L-likewise...>

I've heard great things about you, Manager Dante of Limbus Company, and the Bus Team's performance.

You capitalized on the suppression of Distortions at T Corp. as leverage to push your products... and the profits were nothing short of staggering, I heard...

<Oh yeah, we're supposed to be Distortion-resolving specialists to the public... But what's that "product" part about?>

... The Manager says it was merely a matter of luck. They also look forward to working with you on this task.

Oh, are you the interpreter? In that case, I'll be sure to consult the manager only when both of you are available.

... Sure.

He is referring to the Monolith sales project. The credit was attributed to the LCB, at the express request of Mister Herbert, T Corp.'s Executive Director.

<Oh... So that's how the rumor spread, huh.>

We've reviewed the agreements. Now, I understand you'll be assisting in verifying what lies beyond the Backdoors.

I'd appreciate it if you could share any prior knowledge you have about where these Backdoors connect - as detailed as you can make them, if you don't mind.

Honestly, I've got pretty much nothing if it's about robo-unc and his room.

I mean, I've seen Albina hit up that door and the other one over there when she was popping out to farm stuff, but...

"Farm"...?

Oh, it's, uh... gathering material.

I see. What kind of material?

Human guts and all that. She'd come back hauling piles of 'em.

So they're prolly connected to some Backstreets area.

The Backstreets... Hmm. Any more details?

Can you stop prying? You're lowkey pissin' me off.

.......

What? That's literally all I've got, for real.

Ungh!

D-did you just hit me...?

What the hell's wrong with -

... Thou. What manner of discourtesy is this?

... Ah.

With all that whining, I thought the brat could use a lesson to remind her of her place.

I had no intention of damaging your company asset, of course. I simply assumed the level of warning would not be inappropriate in this case.

.......

Team Leader Alan.

That sort of conduct may not be an issue in your organization, but it is here.

Should it happen again...

Do understand that we may choose to terminate today's joint engagement without delay.

My apologies. I will keep that in mind going forward.

He gets to sock me in the face and walk off scot free?

So frickin' annoying...

<That punch just now, though... What was that?>

... It exhibited a behavior that defied the standard laws of physics.

Presumably a form of technology utilized by Wayfarer Company.

... Let us resume the task at hand.

Sinner Ryōshū. Give Team Leader Alan whatever information you have.

*puff*

That door... should lead to one of the Ring-protected turfs.

The other two on the left... I remember they were marked with an X painted with blood...

... but I H.N.I. where they actually lead. It's all blurry. Tsk.

It seems that's all the information we can provide. Will that suffice?

We now know that the doors likely connect to a perceivable area. That's already a big improvement in terms of intel for Wayfarer Company's Backdoor mapping progress.

Which means there's less chance of us encountering a space beyond human perception past those doors.

All right, then... I'll proceed with connection verification. Which door shall we test first?

.......

We'll start with the one Sinner Ryōshū mentioned.

Hah! Ya don't trust me at all, huh?

Then why even bring me along?

Shall we?

Art thou joining us as well, Young Hohenheim?

Just this once. There are procedures for handing over field operations.

<Okay. Let's see what's in there.>

.......

<What the... Is this some kind of wildlife exhibit...?>

Holy shit... The scale is just insane! Th-that's the Whale from "Eight Association: Great Lake" special issue!

Man, seeing it in real life sure hits different... And the Indigo Elder solo one-shots these monsters with that harpoon of his, huh?

<... It's a Great Lake Whale. Doesn't look like the one we've encountered, though.>

Organisms of various sources can be identified here - Singularity-modified, Outskirts-born...

<Th-they look almost alive... They're not, right?>

No, they're not alive, but -

Duh. Though robo-unc did say that the Ring has these zoos where they put monsters on display alive...

Man, this would've been way more fun if we could see the moving ones. Everything here's dead... meh. Still looks crazy sick, though. The vibe really hits.

.......

<Don Quixote?>

The eye of a Second Kindred... of House Tepes. What is it doing here...?

It's a Gallery...

... of the School of Fauvism. Probably a Main Studio, at that... which comes with a Maestro's atelier and an auction house.

... Alan.

We will be making our exit shortly. Prepare to initiate lockdown sequence.

.......

That presence... it's kinda like papa's...

Ain't no way... That's not a raid boss we can clear at our level! We gotta get out of here!

... It's not that simple. Retreating is not a viable solution here.

This door is connected to the House of Spiders. Escaping without installing a security system will invite pursuit.

We must stall them until Alan is ready to initiate the lockdown sequence.

You came through that door...

Then the House's fall... wasn't just a baseless rumor.

A stray little spiderling, fallen from her parents' web. How many years has it been?

.......

You... Who are you?

Ah, right... It makes sense that you would fail to recognize me. I used to wear a different mask back when I used to visit as your tutor, didn't I? A wolf, if memory serves right.

Yes, that must've been when I was quite captivated by the sensation of tearing into the raw, still-thrashing flesh of living prey... and the predator's ferocious yet cavernously resonant howling.

... Rings a bell.

You're that Maestro whose whole lesson was a 3-hour sermon praising the intensity of primary colors and the strength of living creatures. Benoît, was it?

That's right - Émile Benoît. And they say you can't hatch a phoenix from a chicken's egg... Doesn't always apply, I see.

Looks like that mind of yours is still sly as a raven... unlike your Nursefather's.

Tch. Don't presume.

I only remember you because the tactility of hides and guts... made for a passable A.W.

<That lockdown sequence thing, how much longer 'til it's ready?>

Young Hohenheim, the lockdown sequence...

... I'm afraid the progress and speed of the lockdown sequence lies in Alan's hands, not mine. It is, by its nature, a time-consuming work - we cannot expect haste.

Perhaps... that does make this a suitable juncture to trial Plan A.

<Plan A...?>

... Any suggestions that involve Don Quixote removing her shoes will not be dignified with a serious discussion.

Instead...

Faith in potentiality is not something I dislike.

As for this, however... This seems more like grasping at straws.

Hmph. I was going to try using it anyway.

I've long wanted to see if a Maestro's death is any different.

<Telling her that we were just leaving... won't work, will it?>

No, it won't. Every individual present here would be quite the fascinating specimen to the artists of the Ring.

We are practically a windfall of inspiration and material that has so conveniently been delivered to them. Is it improbable that they will allow us to return unharmed.

<... Are you sure about this, Ryōshū?>

Doesn't matter if I'm S.A.T. or not, Clock.

... Think of that woman as Lei Heng, and do as you did in H.C.'s mansion.

I'll take care of the rest.

<... Right. That's probably our best shot.>

This floor of the exhibit only houses submissions from Students and Docents...

But if you look closely enough, there are some passable ones that show the promise of excellence.

And above all, this is the gallery of the School of Fauvism...

... and mine. The gallery of Émile Benoît.

... Which is why I would've preferred to take you without an unnecessary fight, if possible. A shame.

Still, we're talking about a unique Relic here, a masterless one at that. Acquiring the Arayashiki makes it worth the cost.

*puff* If you want a taste...

.......

...?

<What's the matter?>

How...?

The lock the House of Spiders used to bind the Arayashiki no longer exists. So why...

... why can't I draw the blade?

... Now that's unexpected.

So the rumors of you mastering that Relic... were they false?

...!

... Tch. Noticed, did you?

I had my doubts from the moment I saw you today.

Was the House of Spiders a success... or a failure?

Tell me, Yoshihide. What do you think a serpent's defining strength is?

What are you on about now?

Ask any Student, and they'll give the same, predictable answers: the deadly venom, the sleek scales... Why, it's lamentably disappointing.

I, for one, have a particular liking for the jaw and the spine.

The flexibility of the spine, linked like a chain; and the jaw, bound not by bone but by ligaments that allow the animal to swallow its prey whole... Perhaps I should've said that I admire their structural refinement.

<W-what the hell is that?!>

Which brings me to ask... What better way to claim this delivery of promising material with a single bite than a work of art fashioned from a snake?

Consider it a privilege.

This is the first time this piece has ever been exhibited to an outsider.

Hohenheim. Is the lockdown sequence still not ready?

1 minute to go! Step aside!

Hah... Shit.

<K-Kira?!>

Shit shit shit... This wasn't the plan at all...

The Middle, hmm? ... For someone who doesn't seem to be a proper member, you've inked quite the quantity of tattoos onto yourself...

Aha, you must be the new kit Matthias took in.

Why do you stand in my way?

Fucked if I know... I'm already regretting it, alright?

Damn it... They're defo gonna ditch me here... Why did I even...

Heh. Must be instinct taking over. Couldn't fully shake off the opponent's killing intent, so the body chose to clash head-on.

So the behavioral facet of the psyche can be controlled with suitable training. Unexpected data, but useful to be sure.

Nnghh...! Shut it, Mister! Quit yapping and let me use my blades!

Authorized and ready. Lifting locks... Now!

Huh...?

'Tis a foul injustice to strike against an unprepared opponent in a duel!

Behold, for I shall allow thee a glimpse of the badass form that only the most renowned of Fixers have displayed through the ages...!

Ready to initiate lockdown sequence. I will seal the door immediately upon your exit.

Everyone to the door! Faust, retrieve the... organic remnants of Sinner #3!

Haha... called it for real. This is exactly why I didn't wanna get involved...

I'm such a dumbass... What was I thinking, divin' in like that?

You! Don't just stand there! Get over here now!

Huh? B-but... these guys're gonna come floodin' in if I...

You T.T.M. Want to get cleaved in half again?

... You pin this on me later, you're gonna pay.

Lockdown sequence complete. All Backdoor links have been cut.

*puff* ... Bowl cut. Think you can still use your arms?

... Am fine.

So she says.

<Guys. I assume you're all available right now?>

Huh? Uh... I guess so?

Ready for your order, Executive Manager! I, Outis, am prepared to answer your call whenever and wherever -

Eh?! H-hang on, I just need to finish this bite...!

<Everyone to me.>

It's only the first door, and the impediments are already beyond expected levels.

I swear, I thought that was it for me back there...

Events of this nature... *sigh* won't be frequent. We were merely beset by ill luck.

If you'd just listened to me and picked another door, we wouldn't have gotten cooked like that in the first place.

Like, why even drag me into this if you weren't gonna trust me? Weirdos...

We would've opened them all at the end of the day. S.D.

S.D.? What's that?

Same difference.

Again, why shorten it like that? Just say "duh" or something. Or just spell it out and say it was anticipated.

That's "W.A."

...?

Good work, everyone. Wayfarer does have a team dedicated to this sort of task... but the mortality rate is quite high. Honestly, I was bracing myself for the worst.

The odds of completing the first door of an expedition without any casualties are under 15%. This, by all measures, counts as a flawless expedition.

<Those Fauvists won't be able to cross over anymore with the door completely locked down, right?>

That... cannot be asserted with certainty.

<... Are you saying more might come?>

The Corridors and Backdoors have always been the Ring's turf, Clock.

And those Fauvist beasts... have endured as a long-standing faction within the Ring.

If they've got that much history...

They must know many Backdoors - both the origin and destination points.

Yes. Compared to them, we lack sufficient knowledge of alternate routes, which makes it difficult to prevent infiltration.

Hm. No need to concern yourselves overmuch.

Even if that were the case, it is unlikely they would move on the House of Spiders so soon.

Eh? They could always rush for a surprise attack, though.

Even that Fauvist Maestro seemed to lack clear intel on the event that took place at the House of Spiders.

If so, it follows that they will need time to assess and deliberate about the situation.

The situation...?

The logical scope of their concerns will be identifying the organization that has secured the House of Spiders, the possibility of additional traps beyond the Backdoors, and the like.

Once all Backdoor-related procedures tied to the House of Spiders are completed, the resulting security framework should be able to preempt and block any infiltration attempts.

<This operation is more important than I thought...>

*puff*

That aside, why couldn't I draw the blade?

Is it the new scabbard's fault?

Th-that quivering most faint... 'Twas seen by all, indeed...?

Damn, I saw it too... Is it possessed or something?

…….

<Ryōshū... Do you - >

Is it an S.S.?

A demon edge? An enchanted blade? Which is it?

<…….>

<It's... probably neither of those. Nor is it a sentient sword.>

Hmm. This presents a fine opportunity to conduct another examination of the sword. Excuse us for a moment, Team Leader Alan.

Please feel free to go ahead. The attack just now damaged some devices, so we're going to have to perform some maintenance before continuing. There's plenty of other work for me to do while you're away, too.

Are we to return to the Headquarters Research Facility, then?

No, that won't be necessary. There is a facility here that should prove more than adequate.

<I didn't know there was a place like this in the House of Spiders...>

This is a forward base constructed by Limbus Company following Operation Spider Pyre. It did not exist prior to the House's fall.

It is intended for additional Backdoor investigation and research into irregular phenomena observed during the operation.

<Irregular phenomena?>

... An example:

Research subjects such as "A Spatial Analysis of the Correlation between the Emergence of Sinner #11's Sign and the Manifestation of Possible Future."

<Oh...>

Hohenheim. How long will the examination take?

Hmm. With Sinclair's biometric assessment concluded, the analyzer device should be available for the Relic now.

Which means that it should be finished in... an hour from now, at the latest.

It's moving again.

Come along, Ryōshū. I expect you will want to witness the procedure.

Fine.

<Time to get to Sinclair, then... Wait.>

<"Snack... thief"?>

Ah. Manager.

... Charon's snacks. Mister String Bean ate up all of them.

... Sorry, but I think there's been some misunderstanding...

Verg. Kick his ass.

*sigh*

... Not only is this matter not worth pointing fingers over, but Charon also shares some of the responsibility for leaving them out on the table unattended.

Still, I would prefer you exercise more care next time... Or you'll put me in a tough spot.

... Understood.

... Charon.

Charon, Super Sulky Mode engaged. Not talking for half a day.

Deploying "Super Pass Bitter Candy."

... Beep, beep. Mode disabled.

Mm... I'm not sure if this is an appropriate request, but may I remove the paper from my back now...? It's a little... inconvenient for me.

Charon forgives this time. Next time, no mercy.

... Best make sure she doesn't listen to that radio channel again.

Make sure to remember this... so I don't have to think I'm burning through what little candy chance I have left on such trivial nonsense.

... Thank you.

W-wait a minute... I was saving that for later!

... I assumed you were being picky.

Well, now you know! Yet I still see you gobbling up my share!

Ugh...! He took my snack, too, Verg! Kick his ass!

... Rodion. Rodion Romanovich.

I am aware that half of the total snack budget allocated to each Sinner is being funneled into your snacking expenses... And now you're raiding the LCE's supplies as well?

Chill~ That's totes been agreed upon, mmkay~?

Besides, that's that, and this is this!

*sigh*

<... Did we learn anything about Sinclair's Sign?>

Dante is inquiring about the outcome of the research on the Sign.

I've heard from the researchers... but nothing of particular significance came out of it.

Observation of the Sign has so far been limited to two individuals: the Manager and Sinclair. Due to the limited accessibility to the phenomenon, the only verifiable information has so far been its existence.

Researching that which cannot be observed is bound to be difficult.

If there were more individuals bearing Signs, there would be a wider pool for a comparative analysis of statistical samples to narrow down the scope...

However, records indicate no suitable references exist. At present, the research effort is limited to reducing variables such as whether or not the irregular phenomena are tied to the location where the battle took place.

<By "individuals bearing Signs"... Do you mean people like Demian and Sansón?>

Wait, then could those guys do what Sinclair did? Pull in some superpowered future self and just wreck everything?

Even Sonya...?

<I don't think so. From what Ishmael and Faust reported back then...>

Right. Sinclair from the future said each Sign carries a different power, I think.

Maybe, you know... those layers of light rings Demian used to finish off Kromer, or Sansón dragging us into his "story"... those could be it.

... Aye, that doth seem plausible.

<So none of that is information we can confirm yet.>

Correct. As you have stated, any discussion of this subject would not venture beyond the realm of wild speculation. Nothing has been proven yet - ergo, fear would be an unnecessary response at present.

Hmm...

This is, at best, grounded in supposition, but it would seem that the researchers are coaxing forth a hypothesis from the vestiges left in the wake of Sinclair's future self.

Oh, that... That bit about the Sign maybe being some Singularity or whatever, yeah?

The precise position of the hypothesis was that the fundamental principles of the Sign's working may be equivalent to those of Singularities or Relics.

But as no actionable evidence was obtained from Sinclair, there is presently no means by which this hypothesis may be validated.

<I see... Then nothing came out of them dragging Sinclair off for that research.>

Oh, you also thought I was being "dragged off," but still let it happen anyway...?

<Ah...! No, I mean...>

Haha... I'm kidding. Just thought I'd try going along with the mood.

<So... Did anything happen that we should worry about?>

I stuck close to him just in case. Nothing serious came up.

Just took some blood, a small skin sample... Oh, and they were also checking if the Sign reacts to electrical stimulation.

Yeah. And, um... ah! I had to fill out some questionnaires too.

Things like "Please describe what you remember from the battle exactly as it happened" or "List the sensations you felt when you regained consciousness."

And... your memories of that moment have yet to return?

No... I don't know if they'll ever come back, actually. Faust said they only exist with my future self, so...

Wait, but for my future self to even have those memories... shouldn't I carry them in the first place? Um... which comes first?

A paradox, it would seem. Hm... in such a case...

That Sinclair is merely one branch among many possible futures.

If the future unfurls into boundless branches by means of ceaseless bifurcation... then the body of information that constitutes a certain future would scatter into grains more fleeting than dust, too diminished to ever reverse their course and trace their path back to the self that now exists... Is that the theory suggested?

Not a certainty, but a plausible interpretation.

Here you go again, more of that nonsense only you lot understand...

Oi. Memory or not, that future guy still came outta him, didn't he?

Then some part of him's got to be left in there somewhere, yeah? Like muscle memory or whatever, perhaps he can still pull off some of those tricks from back then...

Tricks from back then...?

Heard you kicked off proper out there. Even pulled out that trick you picked up from that... plastered old geezer, right?

Not just that. He was using that "Mang (望)" technique quite effortlessly, too.

Wha?! That glowin' ring thing?!

Yup, the glowing ring thing. He had two of them coiled around his weapon.

I used the glowing ring thing?!

<.......>

... Th-this is the first time I'm hearing anything about it...

... All right, so what exactly is that glowing ring thing? Anyone?

Uh... Maybe some technique that enhances physical capability?

I mean, I guess that flashy aura that makes ya real tough's one part of it. But there's gotta be more, right...?

Dunno... could be a secret Finger thing they pass down to their members. Technique, gear... somethin' like that.

Look at it - that black coney leader, that Lei Heng prick... and the Nursefathers we fought. Whole lot of 'em's Finger, ain't they?

Hm... the notion seems to unravel... for even among the LCD, there were those who came to wield it.

And Vergilius too.

Hm... so what, only the proper hard bastards can use it? Some posh top-end trick, is it?

Hm...

I only learned to wield it from my team leader, too. I have a sensory understanding of Shin (心), but I can claim nothing too profound.

However, what I can spare are some rumors, though they are all without proper sources.

Rumors...?

They circulated among elite Fixers and Association leadership.

That there exists a power called Shin - capable of enhancing the body without having to pay expensive upkeep costs.

A rumor among Fixers, sayest thou?

Yes. Even the technique to manifest it - how-to tips, really - spread through hearsay.

Oh yeah, that tracks. That Super Rookie Column in the latest mag bonus vid? Bro was really poppin' off with it - straight up aurafarmed with a shiny Mang wrapped around the weapon!

Hm? It must be that mine eyes are yet to be privy to seeing such a marvel in a video...

Wait, you serious? It's in the latest issue. Literally on the videotape in the back. Maybe you missed it?

Video... "tape"? Uh...

Alas, uh... For many a week have I been stranded from Mephi, reaving me of a chance to read not only the prior chronicle, but the latest one as well...

Khh... Woe is me...! When I return, I shall feast through the night upon those noble exploits of adventuring Fixers...!

... From what I recall, the mantle of Shin grants its users a high degree of physical enhancement.

There is no such thing as reinforcement without supplies. No power of that magnitude comes without an equivalent cost to wield it.

That power...

... relies on emotion and will for manifestation. Its output is not consistent like prosthesis and augmentation.

And depending on how it is used, the "consequence" it demands can reach levels comparable to the E.G.O you use.

... You mean to say that it exacts a toll upon the mind.

I can walk you through the fundamentals if you'd like.

... From what I observed, it appeared to be a technique reserved for those of considerable strength. At our current level... is it not unreasonable to assume we could make use of it?

Regarding that... our Team Leader has been conducting intensive research,

and according to her, physical strength itself has little bearing on one's ability to learn and wield Shin.

.......

As the Yellow Harpoon says,

it is, in essence, a power that can be learned by almost anyone, provided they know the proper method of training.

.......

If I were to exaggerate, even Sinner Yi Sang's pre-contract self could manage to learn it.

... W-why must this self of mine be chosen as the point of comparison?

Well... 'cause you're the... wimpiest one here.

Don't let it get to you...

Ahhh...

Even so, it would be a mistake to assume it's a power anyone can grasp with ease.

As long as you are bound by contract as "Sinners"... your ability to wield it will be severely limited,

unless you rely on particular Identities or come upon an extraordinary circumstance.

Tch… Shame that. Would've been useful.

... Hey, then what about me? Can I learn it too?

Papa never taught me how to use it... He always said I could get stronger without a stupid crutch like that.

Hah! It wasn't that he didn't teach you. He couldn't.

He was a man who probably had never once reflected upon his own sins. A piece of trash like him would be incapable of even comprehending such a power in the first place.

.......

If you want to reduce it to a yes-or-no... then yes. You will be able to learn it with the odds in your favor.

That is, assuming that the company decides to tolerate your... continued existence.

... I already said I get it.

As it stands, you're nothing more than a pending case of disposal. Closer to a threat than you are to an ally, strictly speaking.

Don't get comfortable because the Manager and the Sinners treat you with lenience. Step out of line, and you will be the one who pays the price.

The examination is concluded.

I suppose it won't be an issue to let you hear the results together.

To present the conclusion first - no, the notion of the sword being a sentient one is incorrect.

The locus of the will is not the blade, but the scabbard.

An E.G.O forged in a rather paradoxical nature... yes, that would be the most appropriate description.

.......

Tch. Not a sentient sword, huh.

<If the scabbard has its own will... does that mean the owner of that will can be resurrected?>

It is too premature to deliberate on the matter. The state of existence under question is not one that may be defined as death at the moment.

I assume they asked whether it can be "revived" or "brought back to life," so to speak.

Even supposing that "survival" is a fixed variable, and that the reconstitution of the original corporeal body falls within the realm of theoretical possibility... The probability approaches zero given the limits of today's technology and conditions.

We researchers are inclined to entertain even infinitesimal chances, but in the terminology of the laypeople like yourself... such a prospect would be labeled impossible, wouldn't it?

<.......>

There is no need to fixate on the impossibilities of the present, Manager Dante. Such matters are reserved for us scientists to hold onto.

<... Right.>

Ah, but we may have uncovered a thread - something that could lead to restoring Sinner Ryōshū's memories. Though, again, that too is merely a possibility.

A far more practical avenue for you to pursue at the moment, nevertheless.

And to that end... hm... yes. Further analysis on the scabbard itself would be necessary.

Coordinate with Alan for your next duty. He should still be in the Ring Nursefather's quarters. That will be all.

<All right, then. Before we go...>

<Anyone wanna tag along?>

Where are we to go...?

<Ah - right. Sorry. Forgot the rest of you weren't there with us earlier...>

<Faust, Don Quixote, Ryōshū, and I have been checking where each Backdoor leads.>

.......

<Oh, and Kira too.>

The prisoner of war, Executive Manager...?

We talkin' about me?

Um, yeah, I guess... I'm working with them too, yeah.

Hm. Best remember to tread carefully. Should you cause even the slightest harm to the Executive Manager, you will be held accountable without exception.

Yeah sure, whatevs~

<Anyway, I think it'd be better if we had a few more people, just to be safe.>

<One of the doors we went into earlier led straight to the Ring's Corridor... That was a close call.>

I would very much like to accompany you, Executive Manager!

<I knew I could rely on you, Outis.>

Heh. Your recognition of my loyalty honors me, Executive Manager! I, Outis, understand better than anyone your concern about the peril of working with a prisoner of war so liable to betray.

To have your indispensable self proceed with only a handful of soldiers under your command - this cannot stand! I'm afraid I won't be able to focus on other duties without personally seeing to your safety...

<I... I get it, Outis. You've made your point clear enough.>

Not keen on how I just keel over the moment you summon me. Feels a bit dodgy, that. Better I stick by your side an' scrap it out myself.

You probably don't need me to come along, then. I guess you can just summon the rest of us like you did earlier if shit hits the fan.

A research yet unfinished holds my efforts. I shall join you once it has found closure.

Haha... I don't think I can be much help wherever you're going.... I'll pass~

I will follow if that is your order, Manager.

<N-no, it's fine. Just get some rest.>

Ah, you've arrived. I was waiting for you.

We sifted through and isolated the doors with the highest probability of leading into the Ring's gallery.

The next step would be to enter the alternate door you mentioned, but...

Hold up a sec.

... I was actually gatekeeping more stuff.

<Huh...?>

"Gatekeeping"...? Are you saying you have more to tell about gates - doors?

Yup.

That door over there? Pretty sure it connects to N Corp.'s Nest. I saw Albina going in, all hyped about some canned... whatever it was.

And that wooden door with bandages wrapped around the handle... Papa'd go in there to cross out Vengeances. From what the Book said, it's probably a turf "protected" by a Thumb subsidiary or something.

Hm... She's far more cooperative than anticipated. Even after that Alan character roughed her up, from what I hear.

<Yeah... You'd think she'd clam up out of spite... I wonder if she changed her mind about cooperating with us.>

Nevertheless, we mustn't let our guard down, Executive Manager. There's no telling when she'll turn on us...

Frickin'... I can literally hear everything you're saying, y'know?

All right, then. Based on the intel... please proceed by investigating the safest doors first.

As for the high-risk ones... I'll continue checking and let you know which ones you need to enter.

<Where do you guys wanna go first?>

They all look about the same. Just start with the closest one.

This door... it feels familiar.

<...! You recognize that door?>

I think I passed through it a few times when I was little...

Sorry... it hurt a lot, didn't it?

I... I should've finished my homework faster.

Oh, I know! Let's go for a walk!

*puff* But I don't recall much about it.

<Let's start with that door.>

Okay... This one, yeah?

Here we go.

<And this place is...?>

Judging by its state, it seems to be a welfare facility located within a Nest. Most likely a park.

Every sod walkin' here's dragging some animal along - means they've got money to burn. Proper rich lot, this place.

<Did you ever come here... with a puppy named Saru?>

... Yeah. I remember that.

Not a puppy, though.

Saru was... a bit bigger by then.

Sorry... it hurt a lot, didn't it?

I... I should've finished my homework faster.

*whine*

Why isn't she getting any better...? I gave her lots to eat...

Oh, I know! Wanna go for walkies? You love walkies, don't you, Saru?

*bark*

There's this Workshop dad always visits - the door there's connected to a park.

We can go right now!

*pant* *pant*

... That was her as a kid?!

Verily... such gentleness doth seem most unlike thee, Young Ryōshū.

.......

Hey, Clock. Who said you could show them my memories willy-nilly?

<No, I... Come on. You know it's not something I can control...>

Tsk... G.G.

Why are y'all staring at me? That's so random, what the hell.

... Did you not see that just now?

See what? You guys zoning out together?

<Guess it doesn't apply to Kira.>

Was that adorable hound thy companion of old, Young Ryōshū?

Indeed. My one and only best friend.

And because of that, Saru...

*puff* would be locked away in the Vault every time I had to depart on an assignment. With a Spiral driven through her.

... The first-ever leash. Looking back, it might've been a kinder fate had she died sooner.

To inflict such cruelty upon a voiceless animal... How can such wickedness be borne...?

<What happened to Saru... in the end?>

*puff* ... She died before her time.

I don't recall why, but there was this day when Saru wouldn't stop whimpering in pain. And I... shut myself in my room, crying.

You were? Not someone else...?

Who else? O.C. it was me.

And while I was grieving... Callisto offered a solution. Said he would give me a gift the next day.

And what I received was...

Something he called the Beastbone Blade. A tanto that would whine and yelp in Saru's voice with every swing.

Ew - no way.

... I always knew there was something creepy with robo-unc... So that's how he killed your dog, huh?

No. He didn't kill Saru. That tanto was alive.

<Did you just say alive?>

Bloody hell... A right nutter, that psycho...

Her eyes were embedded in it like adornments, and they'd stare at me in accusation. The tiny heart beat as though it was quaking with fear.

It was a horrible sight. And I felt "pity."

*puff* So I shortened what remained of her time... with my own hands.

Got me thinkin' after hearing all that... Why do you still mess with that "art" thing, then? Let's be honest - after seeing somethin' like that, you'd wanna steer well clear, yeah?

Right? Those things he called "artworks" were all so cursed. Straight-up nightmare fuel.

Like, I haven't really checked out other Ring artworks outside Albina and her Nursefather's... so maybe I'm just a noob when it comes to all that, but yeah, their stuff never gave me any art vibes, for real.

I thought the same.

Well, I was terrified at first. Yet as I learned more, there were some facets that suited my taste.

Thou findest appeal.. in those grotesque creations...?

From what you've told me about Callisto, it looks like he failed to stick to his own advice...

But there's something he always used to say.

"Art is wholly subjective, and thus one must never expect the understanding of others."

*puff* The uncanny, the horrible... There's a beauty that lies in the grotesqueness of it all.

... Can't say I quite get it, but if you say so...

Nah, but bloody hell. How do you end up gettin' used to that kinda thing?

Why do you need to understand? You're not an artist.

I got used to it, but that bastard Callisto's installation artworks caused night terrors and nightmares for -

.......

Night terrors... crying from nightmares... in the House of Spiders...?

There was actually someone who got scared of Ring stuff back in your day?

.......

I need to check something. We've seen enough here - let's go back.

<Yeah, let's. Nothing else worth checking around here anyway.>

Right here. There used to be a huge artwork displayed here.

... I don't know what kind of impulse struck him, but the bastard went about fussing, saying he needed practice so he wouldn't lose his touch.

*sniffle* Mommy...

... What's wrong?

O-over there...

... Thought I told you to keep the exhibition in your room.

Ah, you've returned, Yoshihide.

I decided to attempt installation art of a somewhat larger scale this time, but I ran out of space in my gallery.

M-Mommy... people were screaming...

Dearest Yoshihide, Araya has reached an age where she may be introduced into the world of aesthetics. Surely this wouldn't be a problem?

It would.

... You liking it and me acquiring the taste doesn't mean Araya will.

Waaaah! *sniffle*

... Let's get you back to our room.

... I was hugging something in my arms. It was crying.

Saru...? No. Too big to be Saru.

... I see. This hollow void... this must be "Araya."

<All right. Time to check out the next door.>

Pretty much nothing here. I think we're don - hmm?

Wh-what the... How'd they get in here?

<Those Ring assailants from before...?>

Didst thou not say thou hast sealed that door earlier? How then do these villains come to stand before us once more?!

They probably infiltrated via an entirely separate route. Another Backdoor.

As you can see... their objective appears to be the retrieval of the Ring Nursefather's artworks.

Get on with it!

We need to move as many pieces as we can before we pull out!

Wait, but I thought robo-unc was washed? He's got so many fanboys and fangirls here!

... Hah. Does his artwork possess value in and of itself,

or is it just a case of posthumous premium of "death effect?" Think about it.

Some of the pieces have already been taken.

Of course, they are of little value to both our companies...

Watching them sweating and struggling to drag those mediocre pieces with them... Pretty funny.

But imagining how those pieces will be labeled with some pathetic notion of "heritage" connected to my name on their description plaques...? Pretty unsavory.

They may be occupied with transporting those objects for now, but they will likely soon find cause to harm the Wayfarer and LCE personnel stationed here, Executive Manager.

It would be prudent to eliminate them without delay, considering the Ring's reputation.

<Outis is right. Better to wipe them out before they try anything stupid.>

<... Guys, looks like we've got another job to do. Lend me a hand.>

With this, the last of the Ring's infiltrators have been eradicated.

Is that all of them?

Right, but where the hell were those lot comin' from, anyway? Weren't just the first wave - had more of the sods leggin' it in from the back like they'd been lurkin' somewhere else.

According to the tracking logs recorded by the surveillance devices installed here... they appear to have crossed over from another Corridor.

<Another Corridor?>

What precisely does the designation "Another Corridor" refer to?

The room resembling a shopping mall - the one filled with batches of toys on display. Your company, if I recall correctly, designated it as... the Corridor of the Middle Nursefather.

Oh...

I suggest we relocate there. Your assigned tasks here have been wrapped up.

Oh, and before we set off... do you have any information to share in advance?

We are planning to compile a comprehensive encyclopedia cataloging the notable characteristics of these Corridors and all of their connection loci. Your cooperation will be most appreciated.

Sure. I got stuff to tell you. Like, hella stuff.

Some parts are kinda fuzzy, not gonna lie. But I can still recall like 20 places clear enough.

I mean... it was home for me and papa, so.

*puff*

I got nothing. I never once regarded that fucker's room as a "home"... and my memories of it are all fragments at best.

... The heck, they swiped everything that wasn't nailed down, huh?

Fret not! I espy thither half of thy worldly possessions! Articulated Fixer figurines, videogame cartridges -

I'm not talking about my toy box, 'kay? I had hella many of 'em anyway.

... My TV's gone. The couch, too.

Oh, those? LCE Researchers hauled them away. From the sound of it, they're going to set them up in their staff lounge.

As for the leather and the ornaments - they said they'll be selling them off.

... Yeah?

Who knows? With sufficient cooperation, perhaps they'd become more receptive to the idea of returning those items.

... Assuming much? I never said I wanted 'em back.

Anyway, I'll tell ya all about what I know, so come this way if ya want in.

These two doors here made from paper and wood - they connect to S Corp.

And that one reinforced with steel, that one leads to V Corp. Backstreets, where...

Hm... Good work. All data seems to match - thank you for your cooperation.

I know this isn't anything new, but I've gotta say, these Backdoors are just too bloody convenient. Them portals, too.

It ain't doin' anything shady like the WARP trains either, is it? Yours is as simple as turning the knob and enterin'. Seems to me you'll outpace your business rival in no time.

I'm a bit hard-pressed to agree with the "too convenient" sentiment when it comes to using Backdoors and portals, but...

... since your intent was to claim Wayfarer's superiority over the current W Corp., I'll take that as a compliment.

... Did I say somethin' wrong?

Every technology comes with a cost, Heathcliff.

Aptly said. While this has been a workday relatively free of casualties thanks to the quality information you have provided,

do understand that Wayfarer Company's primary services include pathfinding, path security, and path maintenance.

Each of those services is fraught with life-threatening dangers for our employees. Some never return after embarking on a pathfinding journey, some are killed while battling monstrous entities - whose exact natures haven't even been confirmed yet - that appear in the liminal space between paths...

It also costs a pretty penny to keep the secured path, well, secure.

I'd say our operating cost is on the rather steep side, especially considering that we are also trying to prevent our rivals from taking this corner of the market.

Still, our work's gotten considerably easier for this job thanks to the help from everyone here. Honestly, this partnership is working much better than I'd expected.

Very well then, let's take a look at the last door.

Ah, it's the door Papa used to walk through all the time.

This one connects to somewhere in the general Great Lake area, it seems.

Welcome to U Corp.'s Giant Stingray Portship.

<Stingray, huh... Why does that ring a bell...?>

Hang on a minute, it's that... It's that place, innit? That Portship that has Salon du Moelleux... the private hair salon.

Ooooh! Doth it signify then, that we shall finally be made audience to Young Heathcliff and his hairdo most luscious?!

Ugh... Quit it with that luscious nonsense, lass. Why encourage me now when you were so cavalier about blastin' my "villainous" arse back at the Lake?

Hmm, indeed... Alas, 'tis true that punishment wrought upon our merry band hath severely outweighed the crime; wouldst thou not agree, Young Heathcliff, that to put the coupons to use would remedy thy pain a smidge...?

Ah, bugger it.

... I ain't even got anyone to spruce up for anymore.

Sweet, then can I use 'em?

We were regulars at that Moelleux place, papa and me.

Papa would ask the Middle fam for a favor, and he'd bring loads of coupons back home. They give away a hair coupon every 10 visits, y'see, so I -

... Ugh. What am I even yapping about all excited?

Looking back, I guess papa did... did hella care for me, so why...

... But it's also true these guys went out of their way to get me outta there even though they didn't know me so well...

Ugh, why's it gotta be so complicated?

Matthias gave you that unaesthetic B.C.?

The heck's a B.C.?

"Bowl Cut."

Bro, listen... Like I said, that's not how you shorten these things.

*puff*

<I'm not sure why, but...>

<... something tells me that she might be making her acronyms ridiculously incomprehensible on purpose.>

If your conjecture is correct, Executive Manager, she has one tasteless sense of humor.

From what I recall, the toys and games he was into were pretty retro.

Must've been annoying to play along.

... At first. But the more I played along, the more I got into it.

Still corny and juvenile as shit, though.

I know aught of that conflict within thee.

Trifling and apocryphal they may be, yet we are all compelled to peer hindwards at the interests of the family.

... Yeah. I wanted to know what papa was into, to really "get" what he was talkin' about. Besides, I needed to know these things if I wanted to chat him up and talk about a mutual subject, so...

*puff*

He'd tell me about you all the time, Yoshihide. Proud shit.

Not a day went by without him sayin' stuff like "Yoshihide learned this in 2 days" or "Yo, this was Yoshihide's fave," y'know?

Too bad I wasn't here to tell you that his words weren't worth shit.

I once thought of him the same as you do now - a good man, at least among the Nursefathers... Caring enough to bring me gifts.

But one day, I realized that he'd never understand the things I really cared about, even if his life had depended on it.

One day, thou sayest? Pray tell, was there aught that had changed thy perception of that man?

That... I don't remember when or why. Just that it happened.

Wait, I might know this. Wasn't it something that happened at school?

Papa told me that things started getting awkward between you and him ever since you quit school.

... Bullshit. I've never been to school.

I'd never even thought of wanting to go to school.

Matthias must've been talking out of his ass again -

Huh? No way, bro. I even saw a clip of it.

What...?

Papa showed me that video when he was teaching me how to use these doors. I even saw baby you goin' "I'm off to school, Dad!" in that video, so I'm pretty dang sure!

But I don't -

Very well, Yoshihide. I will register you in an institution that is... not entirely dissimilar from school.

There is an ■■■■■■■ ■■ ■■■, a subsidiary of the Ring.

<... Academy.>

<You sure it was a school? Not like an art academy or something like it?>

Perchance it be an academy, not a school?

Wait, that kinda makes more sense, yeah! Musta been an academy, not a school.

.......

Academy of art.

Hah.

Clock.

You deserve a smack.

<...? Aaugh!?>

<Wh-what was that for?!>

This memory sucks, Clock. I would've been just fine without it.

But at least I got to remember the incident that changed my perspective on Matthias.

Dad, how do I go to... a school?

... School, Yoshihide? Well, I don't see why you would wish, let alone need, to go to such an institution when we Nursefathers are here to provide you with all the education you require.

You would later find our unique style of homeschooling to have been much more enlightening than trudging through any of the Nests' formulaic educational systems.

But, but, Dad... I saw 'em in a picture book.

And... I dun have any friends here...

Oh, Rien and his pointless -

Hm. But it is true that there are qualities that can be learned only through group erudition that engenders competition.

Very well, Yoshihide. I will register you in an institution that is... not entirely dissimilar from school.

Really...?

I intend to send Yoshihide to an academy as part of my educational curriculum.

There is an academy of art, a subsidiary of the Ring. Companionship with other talented children of approximately her age will nourish the spirit of inspiration that will guide Yoshihide's growth.

.......

The Prescript approves.

But Callisto, I'll tell you now that you might be making a mistake.

Hm. And how are you so certain of that?

Do elaborate if you can, hand-puppet of the Prescripts by whom every aspect of existence is articulated... What do you even know of choice? Of what is right or wrong?

And off they went.

Perhaps a little more situational awareness would've... prevented what is to come.

Callisto had found me a rather decent academy.

The "artworks" that used to scare me when I was alone weren't so bad when I was with other kids.

No, that's not quite it... It'd be more accurate to say that I started to understand people's perspective on "beauty."

Of course I would, when all we ever did was nod along to the lecturers and spout purple prose, all the while making pincushions out of people's bodies like it was nothing.

Our lesson today will focus on Corporist techniques.

Now, take a good look at the diagram here, then the manikins before you. Weave the blood vessels in the same pattern as the diagram, and...

I dunno why we're even learning about Corporist stuff in this day and age.

Right? I don't get what the point of this slog is, tying and shaping blood vessels to make a color that a drop of ink can do better. I read that in a book.

.......

*sigh* I'm more excited to learn about Cubist technique than this crap...

Honestly, why's this washed-up movement even a part of the curriculum? It's just boring, shallow gore stuff -

No. It's... Ya, it's gory, but... It's boring and shallow only because you guys are bad at it.

What? Aw, you mad 'cuz your daddy's a lame Corporist?

Oh, is he? No wonder her stuff is just as - o-ow!

... I was taught that people who say bad things about my family deserve to get their butt kicked.

... Them badmouthing Callisto wasn't actually what set me off.

I didn't have any special reverence or attachment to "family" like Matthias did, either.

It's just what I was taught to dislike, that's all.

Just one of those tantrums kids of that age have. Kids'll be kids, and all that.

I'm home, Dad.

Hey, Buddy! You're home early! Oh man, must've been playing rough today, huh? You've got dust all over -

Got into a fight.

A fight?

Yeah. They kept saying dumb things about class stuff, so I smacked 'em.

... What about you? They didn't hit you anywhere, did they, Buddy?

On my cheek, but it's ok. 'cuz I punched them thiiiis many more times. Did I do good?

... That's my girl.

Dad?

Where are you going?

Oh, ya know. Just got some business to take care of.

Why don'tcha sit tight and work on a coloring book? Daddy'll be home 'fore you know it.

Mhm... Mmkay. Is it Bro business?

No, it's...

... Family business.

I ain't seein' what's so bad about taking care of your own. Them snotty sods don't learn respect 'less you beat it into 'em.

... Hah.

If only he'd been a simple-minded fool like you... then the story would've ended right there with a pat on my head.

What?

... Papa - I mean, the Middle doesn't stop there. It never does.

You hurt a member of the family... That automatically gets you written up in the Book.

Yeah. And he did what he did in the end.

Huh...?

Ha ha, there you are, Yoshihide! Is class startin' already? My diligent little girl - wonder who she takes after.

D-dad...?

I know, I know. I said I'll be back before ya know it, but I got a bit lost tryna find my way through the Ring bastards' tricky mazes. Y'know how they are.

Oh yeah, and there are so, so many snivellin' brats here.

Well, as for their crimes... they slapped my buddy's face hard enough to leave a mark. That's an arm for ya.

As for the instructors... well, anyone'd agree that they did one sorry job of keeping these tykes under control.

In that case, pursuant to Title 2, Section 52 of the Book... "execution by beheading." They clearly don't got much use for what sits on their shoulders, eh?

Ah... ahh...

How do ya like it, buddy? Papa's the best, ain't he?

How dare he...! Such senseless, barbaric violence...!

Uncultured, uncivilized animal...!

*sob*

Do not be discouraged, dearest Yoshihide. I have eyed out yet another academy worthy of your talents - it is a much more significant and prestigious institution this time.

I assure you, even an intemperate berserker like Matthias won't dare force his way into such a place as he did the previous academy.

... dun wanna.

Yoshihide...?

I don't wanna go to an academy. I don't wanna go...

I don't... need friends anyway...

For all his posturing, nothing that was ever important to me held any significance to Matthias.

He took a lot away from me just to feel good about himself.

*puff*

So I hoped he, more than anyone, would never find out about the things I held dear, because I was afraid he would take them away from me like he did the others.

But... he'd always catch on faster than he had any right to.

... Every contract that took me away from the House of Spiders made me tremble in anxiety.

Because I was worried about - I don't remember what. But I do know that I could never stop thinking about my room.

So... whatever occupied the room in my absence must've been the most precious thing to me in the world.

... It's doing that thing again.

.......

From everything we know, the Ring Nursefather seems to have been the... least awful parental figure in your childhood.

Huh, yeah. Didn't know that robo-unc was such a radical guy. He sent you to an academy like you wanted and even got angry on your behalf?

Oh.

Hazy memories. Almost forgot to mention.

A few days after that... Callisto left a "snowman" by my pillow as a gift. It was made of heads.

... Heads?

Yes. Decapitated heads from the incident at the academy, threaded together into a sculpture.

Tsk. Thinking back, it was one sorry excuse for an art. He's sorely mistaken if he thought some low-effort bullshit like that could make me feel better.

Um...

... Ugh. Could've spared us the details, lass.

<Well, with that covered, do you guys wanna head back?>

... Hang on.

Whassup? Gonna get that luscious treatment before heading back?

Shut it, you! That ain't it! Look there, those blokes walkin' out of the salon -

.......

Fauvists, ain't they? They've found us.

It would not be odd to find a field branch of the Ring's art movement in different Districts of the City, especially that of the Fauvists' scale. However...

... various evidence, such as their masks and the fact that our group has immediately drawn their attention, suggests that they are in the same pack as the one making regular incursions into the House of Spiders.

This is LCB, speaking to Team Leader Alan. Requesting immediate commencement of lockdown sequence.

Copy that.

<Then why don't we - >

Holy shit, guys! Stop!

Bloody hell! What?!

Don't you know where you are? You're... smack-dab in the Middle-protected turf.

Cause a scene, and Bros and Sisters of the Middle'll be here any second.

<Oh yeah... That's gonna be a problem.>

Sounds like you've got a G.I.

Talk.

Ever played whack-a-mole?

Like, why give ourselves a countdown? Just head back through the door now and beat up whoever thinks it's a great idea to walk in through the door.

She puts forth a sound strategy, Executive Manager. As long as there's no high-ranking Officer among them, it would be to our benefit.

<Well, then... Let's do as Kira says.>

...? That was quick.

... Due to newly emergent complications past the door, we have concluded that this location is the optimal point to intercept and engage the infiltrators from the Ring.

This location, you say?

Ah, wait. That door leads to a zone under a Syndicate or a Wing's protection, doesn't it? Better idea to fight here, then.

... Happy to work with someone quick on the uptake.

<I didn't want to summon them while they're relaxing, but... Welp, it can't be helped.>

Okay! And that about wraps up the Middle's Corridor.

Thanks to you folks, we managed to cut the door cataloging workload by 80%! I really appreciate everyone going the extra mile to check each and every door, too. Made my life a whole lot easier.

It's all thanks to the Manager's excellent strategization.

Next up, the Thumb's Corridor. ... But we actually found a lot of intel lying around there, so we just need you to check some of the doors in its basement.

<Intel...?>

The manager expresses interest in the aforementioned "intel."

Ah, that. In the Thumb's Corridor, we came across a bundle of papers detailing the comings and goings of the Thumb's members and the orders they were carrying. Whoever wrote the logs has been diligently keeping them updated - the last entry was written not so long ago.

While the contents of the notes weren't all that interesting, they helped us get an idea of where each door in that Corridor leads to.

... Valencina's shitty scrap papers.

She'd been keeping up with that useless shit this whole time? Hah.

<Useless shit?>

*puff* Remnants of her desperate search for a thread to cling to.

You found one of her "backup ticket" hoards.

I've marked any doors that need work with a drone - there should be about three or four of them. While you guys do that, I've got some leftover work to take care of over here, so...

Understood. We will explore the areas past the marked doors and return here.

Thanks a ton. Well, then...

<Hey, there's someone in there. More of the Ring, maybe...?>

Going by their silhouettes, they're unlikely to be members of the Ring.

C'mon, lady. Get outta my way so I can see.

Uh... It's the Detective, some stubbly guy I don't know, and... that annoyingly airy dude.

You okay, fella? You bumped your head earlier.

Ha ha... Fine as a fiddle! It was just a minor fall.

... This is the third time it's occurred.

We ought to discuss this issue with the manager once this consultation is over.

Anyway, you know what to do, right? If, at any moment, you see signs of -

Don't worry, Gregor.

You made it through the explanation and the footage both. You're going to be fine again - I believe in you.

Look at you now. We're right where it happened, but your arm is stable. See?

*puff* Ironically, fear tends to grow most unmitigated when it is distant and unseen.

I understand what you might be worried about, but... I don't see even the earliest portents of it.

So don't hesitate to share the unfiltered thoughts that arise while you're in here.

.......

I know what I saw in the footage, but I'm still having a hard time believing it. Or, I don't know - maybe I'm just avoiding the truth when it's staring me right in the face.

My case is nothing like Don Quixote's. She just needs to keep her shoes on, and it's all good and dandy for her, isn't it? Things don't work out that way... for me.

... Whatever they're talkin' about sounds hella deep, guys.

Ya sure about eavesdropping on him like this?

<Uhm...>

... That geezer's always weirdly cagey about himself. Maybe now's our chance to... learn more about 'im.

He's sharing such an I.S. about himself for once. Why walk away?

<... Okay. Let's keep listening, then.>

Outis was right. Dammit, she was right all along.

The War isn't over. It never was. And it can't ever be over as long as this... fucking joke of a gift stays attached to my arm.

... Barbed words.

Now, let's revisit a question you couldn't answer while the footage was playing... Hopefully, it's become easier to answer now. You've been using that arm to fight just fine so far. How?

*puff*

... I don't mind fighting hostiles or enemies. I'm... not the kind of person who worries about people trying to kill me.

But killing my comrades, that's - that changes things, doesn't it? I can't even control it. There's nothing I can do to even brace for it. It's... unstoppable. Like... some kind of time bomb counting down to unleash a disease you never know when its symptoms'll set off.

…….

No matter what lurks in the pasts of us Sinners...

Even if they have killed hundreds, thousands - no, tens of thousands of innocent people? Will you still... embrace them?

I see. You're afraid you'll end up hurting us.

Well, that's... At first, I thought I couldn't give a hoot whether or not I accidentally murdered some of you.

It's a bit... saddening to hear that.

You know how it is, Hong Lu. We - the bus team - didn't exactly get off to a rocking good start.

But through our journey, I've begun to think of you all as my comrades. And I was okay with that because...

Because I had too much faith in my own weakness.

When I realized that I'd grown so weak that I couldn't even take down some Backstreets thug with this arm, I was... relieved.

Imagine that. The same arm - my arm. A weapon that stabbed the heart out of countless people during the Smoke War.

I'll be honest, when that Hohenheim fella said that I was an "exception," the thought alone made me hope.

"Exception." A potential to be harmless, weaker than even a noncombatant like Yi Sang. It made me hope for a life that... didn't sound so bad.

We all know how that went though, don't we? Blew up in the worst possible way.

And after all that... I just couldn't bring myself to fight again. Because I no longer know when this fear would eat me up again - because I'm constantly afraid of this damn "gift" manifesting again.

.......

The same fear you've carried all this time.

How did you endure it before?

.......

Badly. Barely. Holding on to the idea that the living's gotta live on, and nothing else.

Hah. This really brings me back years. The memories are so clear that it's like they all happened yesterday.

... *sigh* Best you kick me off the bus before push comes to -

That can't be the answer, Gregor.

You can walk away, but the danger of our journey won't leave with you. Dante and the rest of us will still be facing an endless repeat of peril.

And it's not like leaving the bus will bring peace to your heart.

Our deaths can be reversed should an accident occur... even if it comes at the cost of Dante's suffering. The same can't be said for most people in the City.

.......

*chuckle* Now that's something I never expected to hear from you.

I guess you're right. If we're seeing this through to any kind of end, this would be the place to do so. Not many places in the City have some warmth to them like this one does.

Boy, this consultation thing's pretty embarrassing.

I mean, it's not like I was forced to go through something as traumatizing as yours, Hong Lu.

Truth be told... I'm not some special case. Everyone who participated in that war must've gone through more or less the same experience - Miss Moses, Outis, and even Valencina, that piece of work.

We can't attach a number to our misfortunes as if they're something to be measured.

When I fled from my past, I tried my hardest to avert my eyes from it. But you, Gregor... you're not like me. Every few steps that distanced you from the past, you'd come to a pause to spare a look toward the path you had walked.

All those years I let slip by, all those that slipped you by are dotted with fathoms of suffering that are both ineffable and beyond measure.

*puff* Different experiences, different pain.

Still, if there's one thing common to everyone, it's that trauma leaves aftereffects that linger for a long time.

... What're yours?

I... dislike loud noises and people who talk too much.

They sound too much like the cacophony of the War, like screaming comrades who resented me even as they lay dying - and the wounds they left in my heart bled me dry.

Mmm... But I thought you were fond of Miss Ezra, Miss Moses?

... I've talked too much.

That aside...

Haven't you heard your fill? Might as well come out from that corner you're hiding in.

Aw man, they knew we've been dropping eaves this whole time?

<Uhh... I was actually waiting for just the right time to come out and say a few words, but I couldn't find an appropriate moment to - >

Ah, well... I would've had to share this with Manager Bud or the rest of you fellas sooner or later, so I don't really mind. But...

What's she doing here...?

T.A.

Hmm... Temporary... Ally?

No. Temporary Accompaniment.

Don't be an asshole. I'm working my ass off to help you guys.

Fuhu... Pleased to make your acquaintance.

*puff* You're right on time.

I've been working on a theory, but I don't have all the clues to be absolutely certain. A word from someone in the know may immensely improve my confidence in the theory.

Kira. Do you know which "door" the Thumb's Nursefather was most attached to?

Huh? No. Duh.

... "Duh?" That supposed to be obvious?

Didn't you guys all see her? Ya think I'd just chat up a scary lady like that?

Dude, she was beating the everloving shit out of Lucio every time I saw them together.

Oh yeah, he went down fighting you guys to the end, huh?

*sigh*

Yeah. Said stuff about her generosity and all that and fought 'til he died.

Damn, that's unexpected.

Being real for a sec here, I thought he was totally gonna swap sides.

Really? That lad?

And why is that?

Y'know, the vibes. You guys don't know 'cuz you haven't seen him long without the scary lady always looming over him.

.......

What's up? Gonna stab 'er right in the spine?

...! You...

Look, I think you might be training wrong 'cuz, like, you're not improving as much as you should from all that grind. Lemme show ya what I learned 'bout sword swings from this comic book -

That is not how my master has instructed me.

The Textbook cannot be permitted to have even a single deviation if it means to repay the debt it owes her.

Why're you so obsessed with all that crap anyway? Ya don't even like that old lady.

.......

But... you're not so different from me in that regard, are you?

B-bro, the heck ya talkin' about? I love my papa.

Seriously, I thought things were gonna crash and burn before Yoshihide even came home.

Hah. Suppose "Textbook" and I had that in common.

Hm. If this one doesn't know, let me redirect that question toward you, Sinner Ryōshū.

Hopefully this touches upon one of your more intact memories. Do you know which of these "doors" the Thumb Nursefather showed particular attachment to? Or the door she used most often?

Why ask me?

... Fine. Yes, I do remember. Don't even need Clock's help to piece it back together.

It's that one.

The door with metal pieces dangling from it.

Holy shit, I almost died out there...

Son of a bitch, a fucking fly... Where did those G Corp. fucks even drag those gross pests from?

M-Mom...? Are you okay...?

Do I look okay to you, Ticket?

N-no, not really...

Ha... I'm fine. You know I don't break easy.

You should've been there to see me tear the head off that G Corp. vermin, Ticket.

But Mom, you're... your leg's bleeding a lot...

*tzzt*

Here comes another mission. Boy, they really can't do shit without me, huh? So much for a break.

The fuck is this?

B-bandages... for you...

... Is this kid serious? They've got truckloads of expensive treatments on the ready to patch me up the moment I get back to the fiel - Well, okay. Never mind that.

Hey, this works.

Mom...?

Sit tight and don't start any trouble. I'll teach you some sword techniques once I'm back.

... Must've been her years in the Smoke War.

Yeah. Fighting in the War took a lot out of her and left her perpetually exhausted.

But she marched to every battle with a smile. Stopped drinking. Stopped beating me, too.

Like a blissful idiot who forgot that she was still neck-deep in the inescapable pit called the House of Spiders.

<.......>

Well, the ironic peace didn't last.

Some time after the War ended, someone she called the "Consigliere" of the Thumb visited the House of Spiders as a tutor.

And that's when she went right back to drinking herself into a shit-faced stupor day after day.

The beatings returned, and so did the edge in her profanities.

It was pathetic.

Hold on... Why, though? Sure, I was on the losing side...

... but wasn't Valencina on the winning side? A war hero, at that.

.......

Ever heard of the regulation that prevents Smoke War participants from moving into I Corp. and K Corp. Nests?

.......

The common thread between these post-war rules is that they make the lives of veterans difficult. Dubious rules that don't discriminate between winners and losers.

<I see... There must've been things going on behind the scenes there, too.>

But... doesn't that mean that Backdoor'll drop us into a trench they dug during the War?

Yes, and Gregor will be the one to open it.

Wait, me?

Yes. Others can do it for you, but what would be the point?

... You sure this won't just end up giving him more nightmares? I don't see how this helps him in any way.

We do not have any means to treat whatever it is that slumbers within his arm.

However, I would surmise that the underlying cause of his sudden transformation wasn't the arm itself.

Then... what?

It's trauma. His arm took control after his psyche was crushed by the weight of the unspeakable memories coming back to haunt him.

It's not because the arm went berserk that he started reliving his painful past - it's the other way around. Isn't that so?

If you can come to understand that the War is really over, and that what others say, no matter how closely they echo the past, is not necessarily aimed at you...

... then you may be able to loosen your grip on the fear and anxiety that your arm could metamorphose at any moment.

.......

While her suggestion may seem blunt, it is one of the basic treatment principles of M Corp.'s psychotherapy centers.

*puff* Fine. Then...

... guess I'll open it up.

Why are you running? You should be taking the lead on the front lines with our G Corp. banner held high!

I-I don't wanna die!

*chuckle* It's nice to have a place to go back to.

Oh, right. Happy 15th birthday!

But you can't possibly have the cheek to call me cruel.

You G Corp. pests were far more messed up than I ever was! Ripping people apart, cannibalizing them - you were nothing but a swarm of fucked-up monsters!

I thought I'd woken up from the dream,

but I was still...

.......

This place...

Eh? It's just a boring ol' office. I was kinda ready to be shook, thinking we were about to walk into a warzone or something.

<You recognize this place?>

Hah, 'course I do.

My last job before Limbus Company.

... And my desk was... over there.

Here's a tip, fellas. When you're working in an office like this, always get a corner desk facing the wall if you can help it. Lets you hide from the bossman.

Out of sight, out of mind, you know? You can do whatever you want that way. Work, chill, or even freak out in terror at the slightest sound of metal clinking... Nobody will catch you - nobody will think you're a bother to other people.

The only downside of this desk arrangement being... people walking up behind me to get my attention.

Higher-ups just had to holler "Hey, Vet Hire!" and I'd scuttle right up to them, but others can't do that.

So whenever people walked up to me from behind, I'd get afraid that I might... cause an accident.

"Vet Hire"... must be about the Post-war Veteran Special Employment.

Right, but I couldn't possibly complain. Wouldn't have gotten that job without it, you know? Not everyone was lucky enough to be considered for that.

I was better off than most -

Gregor?

Hm?! Head Manager - Ted?!

.......

It really is you, Gregor!

And - I see some new faces with you...

Oh, wait. Oh! You folks must be the account that the guys on the other team asked us to leave the meeting room open for.

Landed a new job, huh? I see you've got a new employee card right there.

W-well, um... So... How have you been doing?

Me? Same old, same old - well enough. It's not like I've got anywhere else to go, right?

Aha, ha ha...

I'm not surprised you found new work so soon. You were always a dependable guy.

Is the pay good? How's life, man? Oh yeah, you were gonna sell that uh, commemorative coin? Some kinda medal, right? Hope you got paid good money for that.

.......

Look at me. Asking "how's life" to a fellow Citizen. Can't imagine anybody would have anything good to say to that, huh?

Tsk. Moving on... Hope no one's hounding you with "Vet Hire" shit over there.

No, not at all. There's none of that here...

Hey, that's good to hear, man~ Glad you don't have to deal with that dang jackass of an Exec VP messing with you like he was a war veteran himself.

Y'know how many years I had to hear that geezer bragging about how he profiteered from the war, pulling himself up by his bootstraps, about how in every peril is an opportunity waiting to be found, blah blah blah - I'm preaching to the choir, aren't I?

Hah, ha ha.

... That guy, huh. Is he still taking his "sauna breaks" during work hours?

Haha, what do ya think? His seat misses his ass every day.

Hahaha...

Oh, and get this. Remember how he used to call you special employment fellas "Nepo Force"? A few days ago, his name showed up in the HR report. Guess what it said.

Turns out he was lining his pockets with kickbacks when we were choosing the Fixer Office for a partnership project. Heh, there's about to be a vacancy in the office real soon.

Really? Isn't he... you know, an actual nepo? Thought he's the president's family.

Yeah, man. It's that bad. It's what anyone ever talks about by the water cooler.

If there's anything I learned here, it's that people obsessed with "back in my days" are all kinda like him.

They hate how their glory days are behind 'em. Kinda like, a distraction from how pathetic they are now.

...!

And hey, a Backstreets kid like myself don't have "glory days" to look back on and yearn for, right?

I look back, and it's all doom and gloom. Y'know, if you've ever hit rock bottom, you also know the only way left to go is up.

You've said something like that before, yeah.

Bwahahaha, yeah? Guess it's my own brand of bullshit philosophy!

Oh boy, look at me, runnin' my mouth in front of our customers. Sorry about that, folks.

<O-oh, don't worry about it.>

Eh? That's a pretty unique prosthesis you've got there...

... No worries. But it seemed that you were on your way to submit those proposals?

Gee golly, I'm late...! Thank you for snapping me out of it. I'm gonna get one heck of a scolding...

Anyway, Gregor! Hit me up sometime, eh? Let's go out and catch up over a drink or something.

... Sure, if I get the chance.

Fuhu, I can see a little bit of him in the way you talk, Gregor~

C'mon, I don't sound as old as he does, do I?

*puff*

Many of us who returned from the War seem to suffer from a certain misconception.

When we are told to remember, it does not mean we are bidden to live through the nightmare of the past over and over again.

We are not being cursed to relive the pain and suffer in it.

Both Ezra and I, we're... we are both still trying to be free of the misconception we inflicted on ourselves.

... It's not like I remember because I want to.

Well, if you can't bring yourself to forget them...

... might as well include in your memory the fact that the War has indeed ended.

.......

... Fine.

You're not wrong there.

... Manager Bud.

Can't say I can give you any reassurance, but... just going on with my life seems to be the best answer for now.

I want to ask if you're okay with that, though. I'll manage, but it's you who's going to have to deal with the aftermath.

<Don't you worry. I'll be fine.>

<Huh? Were you here the entire time?>

... Yes. I was told by that Alan figure that someone has to stay behind and watch the door during these operations.

So I stayed, and...

.......

Aw man...! It's those asshats again!

... Weird. The Corridor's not a place for those newbies to be roaming around on their own.

... as you can see, a few uninvited guests have decided to visit us through a different door.

<Well, we can't just let them through, can we?>

<Kill them all.>

<Huh...? Don't you guys have today off?>

Yeah, but... I thought I might as well come along.

It's... you know... You keep summoning us while we're in the middle of something, so I decided that it might actually be more convenient for us to be with you in person.

Your summoning occurred at the most... unideal moment.

Now, I know you weren't doing it on purpose, but all three times you summoned me, I was leaning over snacks topped with buncha whipped cream.

Today I learned that blacking out and waking up to a me-shaped indent in a cake I was about to chow down doesn't make for a very relaxing break, ha ha.

<S-sorry about that...>

<I should've checked in with you guys before summoning, but... I'm still getting used to it.>

Okay, now you're being too sorry. No hard feelings here, you know.

I'm tagging along 'cause I need some exercise, that's all.

I appreciate the additional employee assignments. Now, if you could share any information you know about yet another Corridor?

I hung out here all the time, so I know this place a lil.

There was this super clingy, annoying little...

Uh... No, that wasn't the masked dude. There was this other... um...

.......

Is there something you don't remember?

<Oh, right... Kira probably doesn't remember Sora.>

Sora...? I don't think that name rings any bells for us either.

Is that someone who used to live here?

<Yeah. Well, Sora was the Index Apprentice, so she probably lived here.>

Forsooth, the Index Apprentice... Hooh... Pray tell, wherefore is it that the Middle, the Thumb, and the Ring each have Apprentices, yet the Index and the Pinky lack them?

Hm... It would indeed be quite odd if a mere three of the five Fingers kept an Apprentice each.

Retrace I might my recollections, yet I find it like following a trail of odorless air - invisible and unreal.

... No, no. There was someone. But I can't -

The representations of the Pinky and the Index's Apprentices are... missing. No - to be more precise, a merciless blade has shredded and reduced them to intangible formlessness.

*puff* How refreshing to hear that same impression from someone else rather than myself for once.

Huh... She doesn't sound like a very forgettable character...

<Well, the Arayashiki cut her into ribbons.>

That would explain why it feels as though I'm recalling a sequence of events... with a critical part missing in between.

I can almost imagine her... giggling to herself like a creepy loner, and... she probably wears glasses too, right? Like one of those gloomy introverts from anime.

... I see. So that's why it feels like I'm tearing through each strand of a weave.

<Ryōshū?>

Let's say the world's made of strings or threads, Clock.

With every slash, this blade would be cutting through the flow of strands that twine to compose one's existence.

When an object is severed forever beyond repair, you'd think neither trace nor shape would be left of it...

But now that you've pieced some of it together, it's almost...

... Damn, that totally breaks the meta. I had a vague idea of how it works, but this is the first time I'm hearing the deets.

Papa had to go through four ramp-up stages and remove seals to like, even make full use of his sword... Honestly, yours needs a trade-off. Your sword totally powercreeps papa's!

*puff* T.O.? There's plenty already.

Ohhh, so true. Guess slicing your memories away is one helluva trade-off, sorry.

Okay, so... I'm guessing you don't have anything to contribute for this Corridor -

Ah, I've got one.

I dunno where it leads, but... the Index guy used it all the time.

Hopefully it doesn't drop us into an army of Indexes.

T.P.U. They rarely gather in big groups.

She said "That's Pretty Unlikely."

.......

O-ow! What was that for, Ryōshū?! Wait, did you just hit me with that sword handle?!

...? I didn't do anything.

I won't S.T.S. I'll S.Y.L.C. until you can barely walk.

I-I swear, this isn't a "slander" or whatever! Look, you poked me so hard it left a mark on my arm, here!

<... Araya?>

D-Dante, you saw that too, right?

<Uh...>

<Ryōshū didn't do anything.>

Wait, really...? It really wasn't her...?

<Nope...>

Heh... then it's decided.

Damn, you guys bully him a lot, huh?

Well... The lad's been long overdue for a little smack upside his noggin.

<We should head inside. Let's not keep Alan waiting.>

<I think this leads to a basement...>

Whenever the masked unc's beeper rang, he'd walk through this door.

So... who are they?

The Index...

…….

Signs of life... There were people living down here, up until just a few hours ago.

Why are you here, Paper Slips?

We were only executing the Prescript.

I've had it with these Prescripts. Though at least yours don't make annoying beeps.

... It is likely that this dungeon was used to imprison individuals of varying features that may be required to complete a Prescript.

Seriously?

This room seems to have been used for something worse than simple incarceration. Among Faust's conjectures is that the captives were... "conditioned" in body and mind in various ways to match the Prescript's liking.

Ugh... Sounds like that guy was just as crazy as the rest of 'em.

Wait, wait. That staircase right there leads up.

Let's check out what's -

.......

... Friggin' annoying, man. The heck are you doing?

You cannot enter through this door.

Oh, I see. Another griefer bodyblocking in the doorway.

... Move. I need to see something.

The Will of the Prescript forbids you.

You cannot enter through this door.

<What do we do?>

Um... Is it worth forcing our way in there? They seem pretty adamant about not letting us in.

... I'd prefer if we stayed as far as possible from anything that has to do with the gods - I mean, Prescripts, but... nothing in this basement gives me any indication as to where the door connects to.

Outis is right. We're gonna have to get upstairs somehow if we wanna get an idea of where this door leads.

If Rien's been using this basement, then...

... I'd like to see what's upstairs.

<Alright, then. Let's push through.>

Executing your command, Executive Manager!

The Will of the Prescript is absolute.

<... Is it, though?>

What's... up there?

... You may speak to me casually, Araya. But...

... in the presence of other Apprentices, perhaps you should find it preferable to mimic the tone of the Dihui Star.

... C'mon. It's not like I wanted to be Dihui Star. Just lemme do whatever I want while I'm here.

Certainly. You have a point.

So what's there... up the stairs?

Hm. I'm not sure myself.

I've never been upstairs.

Aren't you even a lil curious?

... Why bother peeling back the heavens to see what is beyond?

Those wanting of yearning needn't raise their heads skyward.

<Am I seeing... Araya's memories?>

Clock, what did you see?

<I'm not sure. But...>

<... now we've got another reason to check what's upstairs.>

Kind of a letdown when they were bodyblocking the door like there was some big secret behind it.

Right? Looks just like any other average family home.

*cough* Oh man, I get cleaning up's a chore, but peeps should at least dust their home once in a while!

Whichever family lived here must've had a child.

Look, there are drawings... and dolls, too - though it seems like the place has been abandoned for quite a long time.

Could something bad have happened in here?

Yeah, something musta happened in here that caused the family to flee. And they never got to return.

Yeah, lots of evidence suggestin' that. The open door, the single shoe just lyin' around...

So someone fled from home for some reason, never to return...

I don't know, it's kinda hard to narrow down the cause - it really could've been anything.

<Are you searching for something in particular, Ryōshū?>

... Yes. But it doesn't seem to be here.

Every framed photo is singed beyond recognition, and whatever documents there were have been torn to shreds.

*puff* Kinda like my memories.

So this wasn't where he escaped to, huh...

This is...

<Do you recognize this drawing?>

... No.

I don't.

Great work. Now that leaves just the Pinky Nursefather's Corridor...

... But that room didn't have any Backdoors for us to explore. There were countless more in the adjacent Corridor, but our guideline makes it a bit difficult to delve into each and every one of them right away.

Which means that our work here is done. Thank you for your assistance, Dante.

<Ah, okay... Glad we could help.>

Dante replies they're happy to have been of assistance.

Well, then. It's been a pleasure.

<Wanna take a look around here anyway?>

... Sure.

There are some small design differences between each room that help to tell them apart, but... it's difficult to tell which is which unless we look really hard at every detail.

<Where are we now?>

The kitchen?

...? How do you know that?

I've been here before. Someone ghosted me after promising to watch Fixer clips together, so I thought I'd come visit.

It's someone y'all have met too, I think, uh...

It was... uhm...

Must be another one who was severed by the Arayashiki.

Damn... You might be right.

<His name was Ren. The Pinky Apprentice.>

So, when you said back at K Corp. that you'd cooked before... you were talking about this, huh?

*puff* Yep.

I used to perform intense culinary artistry here.

<... Um, your scabbard's shaking.>

The reviews were glowing. One of them was Y.U.M., meaning "Yeah, Unbelievably Mouthwatering!"

Tsk... I'm having a hard time believing her, if you ask me.

What did you usually make?

... Boxed lunch.

Boxed lunch that... kids might bring to grade school. With sausages cut like octopuses and tamagoyaki.

A bit simple to be "intense culinary artistry," don't you think?

I.F.

Didn't you know? There's nothing like a school lunchbox rivalry.

So I want octopus sausages, tamagoyaki, and...

... Why are we making sausages out of an octopus?

No no, I mean sausages cut like octopuses!

And why are we... cutting sausages into octopus shapes?

Cuz it's adorbs, that's why!

…….

... Something like this?

Wha... what's that...?

Sausage carved into an octopus shape. Didn't miss a single suction cup.

C'mon... I didn't mean like, a real-life octopus! It's gotta be adorbs, 'kay?

... Isn't it all the S.D. once it goes down the gullet...? Why's this so important?

But... Mommy, there's nothing like a school lunchbox rivalry.

... I.D.U.

... Huh? You're doing your weird acronyms again, aren't you?

It means "I Don't Understand."

*sigh* That's when you say "IDK," Mom! SMH!

<Do you wanna check out what's upstairs, too?>

... Wait.

Hang on, Clockhead. Don't open the door just yet.

This way, Manager.

So, there was someone guiding those whelps. Figures they'd send more than fodder to the House of Spiders.

*puff* Stinks of wet dog.

.......

<Wolf mask...?>

It really is as Maestro Émile Benoît said - this place is already occupied.

If you would be so kind as to help me with directions...

... Is this where Master Callisto's art is located?

Sure you're at the right address, lady?

Robo-unc's, uh, stuff... ain't in this part of the House. Find a different Corridor.

Hm... Yes, I am aware.

But I'm not here looking for his creations, which are easily mistaken for mass-produced garbage.

<... We let them observe us too freely.>

What? What does that -

<The Fauvists got to confirm a lot of important intel - including the fact that the House of Spiders has fallen, and that Ryōshū currently has possession of the Arayashiki.>

<... They want Ryōshū for themselves, whether she's "completed" or not - Ryōshū as she is now.>

*puff* Isn't that...

... intriguing. For once.

My name is Rufo.

Yoshihide, the blade coveted by the Five Fingers, Master Callisto's final and posthumous masterpiece...

As a Docent of Fauvism, please allow me the honor of escorting you to our gallery.

*puff* ... Do I want to?

Don't see the point in hanging out with people in those unaesthetic A.M.

Then... I'm afraid my only remaining option is to rely on our usual method of ushering.

<... How are our odds?>

I dunno, she's prolly tougher than me at my maxed-out stats.

Really?

... The shape of her ring suggests that she is a Docent of the School of Fauvism. Her position is comparable to that of a Capo of the Thumb or a Big Sibling of the Middle.

Verily, that maketh her a foe who may surpass even Ricardo's might, or... with a stroke of ill fortune, even Lei Heng...

Doubt she's anywhere near as strong as Lei Heng.

... our chances are H.O.H.O.M.

Half, Or Half Or More? I like those odds.

Half Of Half Or More.

Dude, really?

*puff*

"Outmoded," "has-been."

Why seek out the art of a "has-been" after all this time?

It was a decision met with much confusion from the outset.

To entrust such a momentous project in the hands of one such as Callisto... Why, everyone agrees that it is no less foolish than casting a pearl before swine.

And they were quite on-point with that assessment. His oeuvre, recovered from the House, were more tools than art - the sort that the likes of Workshop Meisters might assemble.

No self-respecting Maestro would create such mundanities and call them "art."

Now, I must ask for your forgiveness for presuming that you would be no different from the rest of his work...

But what I observed above this room completely changed my perspective.

The scorched Corridor, the ferity with which you've scarred the walls and the floor, as though a frenzied beast had torn through them...

There is but one tool that could possibly have left such marks behind.

At least you've got a passable eye for art.

Yoshihide, I ask you: Have you ever considered pursuing art of a further elevated beauty?

It will be an experience that departs from the dilapidated remnant that dubs itself "Corporism" - a movement so constrained by its obsession over the human corpus that, once it had depleted all meaning it had to offer, it began piling on empty definitions onto itself.

Fauvism is a movement that has broken from the traditional mold. Unfettered like a beast that roams free, we dare ourselves to ask questions that challenge the mind: What is "man"? What are "things"? What does it mean to trace the origin? How do we define that which we call "<ruby=wild beast>le Fauve</ruby>"? These are the subject matters that have led us Fauves into the field of fertile creativity.

Should you, a wielder of that Relic, enter the fold of our movement... it will layer your work with such an unrelenting spectrum of colors that it will be destined to leave an unforgettable impression in the annals of history.

In other words, what we can offer you will be of much greater worth than what you may have learned from a teacher like Callisto.

*puff* Never considered him my teacher. Not a real one, anyway.

Finding beauty among the carnage of blood and flesh is a lesson I learned on my own.

And yes, I know enough about your movement.

Maybe I considered some of the works created by your School acceptable, at least among the Ring's art... or not. I can't remember.

Then, will you...?

But I don't know.

I don't know what makes your art more "elevated" than the one I pursue.

The one you... pursue?

Didn't the sight you claimed to have seen clue you in?

Oh, it did. I do understand.

Your art may appear to be no more than unchecked chaos at a glance, but upon closer observation, it reveals a fierce, dominant force that threads the entire scene together with its keenness as the connecting suture.

Your bladework, too, shows such multilayeredness. Mere keenness often entails mundanity, yet you have transcended such a limit by scorching the tail-end of each slash - truly, a unique aesthetic sense.

I believe I've sufficiently understood the full extent of the artistic merit imbued in that scene -

*puff*

No, you didn't.

Lesser painters like you are such mediocrities that they fail to recognize the beauty that lies in the grotesque.

They do little beyond painting the hell reflected in their eyes and call that shallowness hell's beauty.

The sorrow condensed into a cry held in an instant, wrath unbound from the yoke of reason, the fading gleam of despair in the hewn...

You give no thought to what each of those emotions signifies, instead obsessing over the cursory qualities of what is beheld. Let me teach you otherwise.

Pay attention, because I won't afford you another long-winded lesson.

Pointillists, Fauvists, Suprematists, Blaue-Reiters, Cubists...

I've visited my share of the Ring's galleries, heard their commentaries.

But none of them were to my liking.

Your art is an overcomplicated pile of definitions buried under symbols, caked in patchworks of empty shells.

You and your art both talk too damn much.

Just like Callisto's. Kept trying to take from other movements, forcing meaning where there was none.

Excess is easy. Anyone can do it.

What's beyond most... is making it succinct - the art of abbreviation.

Alas, if all is one by one abbreviated away, nothing remains in its absence...

... making the void left behind completely bereft of meaning.

No. The void is what remains.

And it holds things that can't be found anywhere else.

What is this, a... Minimalist manifesto?

No, my aesthetics go beyond the pursuit of simplicity.

I pursue the natural germination of artistic immaculacy - a state of perfection wherein further abbreviation is an impossibility.

S.A.N.G.R.I.A.

.......

A bit abstract, isn't it? Too removed, too plain, with a distinct lack of any meaningful, striking qualities.

What exactly is it, that elevates your art above that of Fauvism?

*puff* Painters.

We're the stubborn sort that mere words can't convince.

Indeed, there is no discipline more subjective than that of art.

Discourse concerning its nature may extend for days on end, but it will not change the fact that unseen arts are meaningless, pretentious illusions at the end of the day.

Then I suppose I'll have to carve it right into your eyes.

Please do, though I'm afraid it may be overshadowed by the sheer vibrancy of my aesthetics.

I, a Docent of Le Fauvisme, shall personally welcome you to my critique session.

Gah...

See? You're already looking much better with those superfluous animal parts removed.

You're... serious about founding your own movement...!

I already answered that.

... But you'll need time. Under the Fauvists' wing, at least until you can fully cultivate your movement, perhaps -

... I don't suppose words have any meaning now.

All I can do is... buy time... for...

... Dead.

And here I thought at least her last words were going to be succinct.

Ah. Thus we are made foes with yet another Finger, the Ring...

Let's not doom and gloom already, fellas. We beat an officer of the Fingers all on our own for the first time, didn't we? I see this as a pretty definite win.

... All on your own, huh?

C'mon, bro. I was fighting my ass off out here.

Herr Gregor has a point. The outcome of this battle would not have changed by a significant margin even if you had not been here, Kira.

This is more like it. Won't have to freak out over a mere B.B. anymore 'long as we're with Clock.

Ha! Don't start congratulating yourselves for achieving the bare minimum. Those who celebrate over so small an occasion don't deserve to stand beside the Executive Manag -

Well... I guess this isn't impressive at all to people who used to be much stronger, like Outis or Don Quixote.

Prithee, speak not such folly, for the joy of my compatriots is mine own!

Have you any inkling as to why she might have, in her final moments, elected to demolish the door?

Right? It's not like we've a shortage of doors in here.

Are we really debating the logical thought process of someone who was 2 seconds away from dropping dead? C'mon, let's get outta here so we can bring everyone else up to date.

Uh... Didn't I just leave this room?

Oh shit, where'd the exit go?!

Don't tell me the exit changes every time someone walks through it...!

... No. Can't be that easy.

I am... barred from enjoying the fresh air of the world outside,

no longer free to travel the mountains and cliffs as my feet would carry me... as the other members of the Pinky are.

I wish to no avail that I should be allowed to weave the delineations of Wings and Backstreets.

Hah.

So this is what she meant.

The Backdoor through which we traversed is a passage to the Corridor of the one called the Index Nursefather.

Cross the broken door we might, however, it avails us but a brief jaunt to the Pinky Nursefather's azure Corridor afore it returns us to this room...

... Room's now locked in a loop without a starting point. Won't matter what door we open.

<Is there anything we can do?>

... A rescue team will arrive in time.

As this location adheres to the regular flow of time, unlike the WARP trains... it will be approximately between a week or two from the present before we can return.

<That's pretty long...>

Well, the first problem we're going to have to deal with is food. As far as I'm aware, we should be good to go for at least 3 days - thanks, Rodya - so let's -

Uh, I didn't bring any snacks.

It's not like we were about to walk into one of the L Corp. branches or a dungeon, so...

Yeah... makes sense. Looks like we're going to have to give this room a thorough search, then.

*puff*

No need.

If there's no exit... we cut open our own.

What about the part where it... cuts into your memories, too? Deal with that yet?

No. The sword, it... still cleaves my memories with every slash.

Don't know what memory it'll slice away this time, but it'll be something recent... or one I hold dear.

Oi...! Wait! Don't be so bloody rash about it!

... What?

Didn't you hear? Them nerds'll be here in a week or two to get us out.

Why don't we just... keep that sword nicely in that scabbard and wait it out?

The radio... doesn't work.

What if we went up to the rooftop and entered one of those doors up there? There are thousands of them.

Out of the question. By doing so, we will be putting ourselves at a greater risk - that of casting ourselves into the endless maze that is the Corridor.

Okay, but we're dead meat if that brick wall of a Maestro wanders right into this room. That wolf lady's last words, man... I'm seeing the flags!

It's a hella risky move, yeah, but... I think Yoshihide and her OP sword is our best bet.

Right, but what if we got lucky and they find us in a day or two -

Quit freaking out, H.C.

It will only be forgotten, not lost.

Well.

Good memories don't tend to last very long.

It's been a fun excursion, Clock.

Ah, welcome back.

... Question.

What exactly was the point of verifying every Backdoor within the House of Spiders?

Oh, Hohenheim didn't fill you in?

Any information regarding these doors holds an enormous value for us. Not to mention the higher-ups requesting us to reorganize the House of Spiders into a base of operations as soon as possible, even if we had to rush our work a little.

Only speculating here, but I'm quite convinced that they're preparing for a conflict of sorts. These little pockets of absolute safety are extremely valuable during these "operations," as you already know -

... Wait, stop right there. What? What conflict? What operation? Are you saying that your bosses are preparing for a war or something?

I just feel like there isn't enough alarm in his voice, considering the... considering what he's saying. Preparing for what...?

Not even trying to hide it anymore, huh.

Hm? Did I say something wrong?

... Must you ask to know?

Aha... I thought everyone already knew. I mean, it's an open secret, at this point.

L Corp. has already fallen. W Corp. is teetering on the brink of collapse.

You call us the "aspirant W Corp." We call Limbus Company the "aspirant L Corp." Meaning, we have a shared goal.

.......

But unlike the dead-and-gone L Corp., the current W Corp.'s still kicking, despite its rapid decline in recent years.

And as we all know, companies in the City aren't worth much unless they've got the military force to back them, right?

It's only natural that a business conflict would lead to a physical one as well.

This is just a mere team leader speaking, though. Who knows what the higher-ups in our companies are thinking?

Either way, much fruitful collaboration was had today. This'll reflect pretty well in our performance metrics, and we didn't even suffer that many losses.

I can safely say that you should expect a positive review from us regarding this collaboration.

... Oi, Hohenheim. Results out yet?

Not yet, Assistant. I clearly remember telling you 3 minutes ago that it would take about 20 more minutes. Have you forgotten already?

He talks too much.

*cough* This room might be more smoke than oxygen at this point... Mind slowing down a tad? You're practically fumigating the room with cigarette smoke.

Then speed up, Glasses. Gonna bounce as soon as I hear the results.

... Both of you need to learn to respect that things take time. Yes, "time" is indeed relative, but the fact that I have managed to complete an in-depth analysis of an item of such mystery in a single day is an incredibly fast turnaround and therefore deserves your appreciation.

I have been attempting to rein in the more self-indulgent part of myself as of late, but I believe this achievement deserves to be elaborated upon; it is an evident truth that such a result could not have been replicable had it not been for my genius brain. Go out to the hallways and grab any passing researcher and tell them about my incredible turnaround time, and you will hear them say, "Whoa, done already?" And to that, I will answer -

S.T.F.U.

Whoa, done already?!

Yes, there are times when test results are extracted earlier than the predicted timeframe. Many of those instances are easily attributable to my genius at work.

... Then why aren't you saying anything? Gimme the T.R., now.

You did tell me to "shut the fuck up," so I am attempting to observe the exact merits of doing precisely that.

…….

Ha! Ya think Yoshihide would ever use known acronyms straight?

What if it's something like, uhm. "Sheesh, That's a Full-day. Unwind after work, though"?

... And your verdict on her interpretation?

*puff* ... That is exactly what I meant. She's better than M.T.L. in some ways.

<... How she lies as she breathes.>

Very well, then I'll get right into it. First, the memory of the time she was complimented for her cooking has been erased.

Huh? That's it?!

Hardly.

Second... a name has been erased from her memory.

Do you recall the name of the man who works with Manager Saude?

... Effie?

I would have asked in the past tense, had it been him whom I was referring to.

Glad Miss Saude wasn't here for that...

... That kid. Right, I don't remember his name.

<She forgot... Pilot's name?>

Among other miscellaneously deleted memories are 172 hours of Don Quixote's tales of adventures and the types of food she fed to a seagull.

F-fie upon it! Dost thou say that the memories most precious to young Ryōshū and me... have been thrown into utter destruction...?

Look, Donqui, I'm not tryna be mean here, but...

... that seems pretty acceptable, doesn't it...? For the price of unsheathing a sword like that...

If we're going by sheer volume, I wouldn't quite say its mileage is "acceptable." It erased several days' worth of memories just for a single swing, didn't it?

I mean, yeah. But they kinda sound like inconsequential memories, don't they? Greg and Heath forget stuff all the time, how's this any different?

The seemingly "inconsequential" nature of these particular memories weren't achieved by sheer luck.

... In fact, it seems to have been impacted by the scabbard of the Arayashiki - or, to be more precise, the power of Araya's E.G.O.

... That so.

While it takes a rather significant amount of time, the scabbard seems to be... yes, capable of selecting which of Sinner Ryōshū's memories are to be erased as a cost of using Arayashiki.

Sounds like... I should be grateful, then.

Ooh, so it's got like, a cooldown timer? She can use it whenevs as long as she gives it time to select the trivial memories?

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss them as "trivial." The memory of the time when you were complimented for your cooking - it was quite a precious memory, wasn't it?

... You've performed an inverse calculation of the Relic's cost.

Yes. According to our measurements, the sword seems to factor in the "weight" of each memory when calculating the cost of wielding it.

It's become rather clear that it takes more than "light" memories to properly wield it.

So, have her memories been restored?

As presumed, attempts to recall the erased being's existence have resulted in... failure.

That is... quite discouraging.

<... But not all is lost.>

<Simply by knowing that something used to be in that negative space...>

<... many things can still be reminisced upon.>

<Like Ryōshū said. Forgotten but not lost.>

…….

... Clock.

You've just stepped foot into the world of S.A.N.G.R.I.A.

... Collecting the G.B. will restore it.

What used to be here, in the pockets of void in my heart. My one and only...

<Kinda feels like... we're home again.>

Hah~! Bus sweet bus! The chair could use a little more cushioning, but there isn't anything like it out there! Hnh!

Damn, this is your ride? Hella badass...

…….

Heh.

I asked Team Leader Alan to set the coordinates somewhere as close as possible to the Nest. Keep driving through the door, and it will bring you right to an empty spot on a highway.

Don't hesitate or hit the brakes, because if by any chance there is a car driving behind you, it will crash into the bus.

Nods.

So what're you two doin' here on the bus? Decided to join the better team, did ya?

I must admit to a certain degree of interest in hearing of your exploits, but to accompany you through them is an entirely different matter, isn't it? I'm only here to adjust your coordinates.

... Speaking of which, just how did you manage to escape your confinement?

I told 'em I had some stuff to help ya with, and they let me out after making me scribble over some docs.

Solitary confinement's hella boring, so I thought I might get some air. Might as well say goodbye too while I'm out and about, right?

... I see. You exploited the fact that the new hires don't have any grudges against you.

I thought I'd told them to impress upon the new hires that prisoners are to be treated as exceptions to the - ah, right. The person in charge of that training is currently checked into the long-term recovery ward. More problems stemming from the shortage of manpower - I'd best include this in the report.

<Sounds like they're both here to see us go.>

Well, then... time for a valediction, I suppose.

Hm. Perhaps I've grown far too used to seeing your faces - saying goodbye doesn't come out as easily as I expected it to.

Another day of reunion must await in the future.

I would appreciate it if such a reunion had a low probability of occurring.

While I am not very partial to mathematical statistics like the probability theory, I hope your prediction is dead right.

Well, then.

... Hey, Yoshihide.