ALONE SURVIVOR

Temperatures up on the surface have plummeted,

especially in the northernmost regions where the Unlimited Squad is stationed,

with winter temperatures reaching staggering lows of negative 65 degrees.

The conditions in these areas are so frigid that if you throw hot water into the air,

it will evaporate and proceed to freeze instantaneously.

To survive in an environment like that,

you must never forget the four things that I'm about to tell you.

... Water, food, fire, and shelter.

In cold environments, constant movement is imperative.

The moment you stop, your body will begin to seize up, and items will freeze.

As you can see here,

my gun is stuck to my hand.

If I were to encounter a Rapture in this situation,

our squad would be wiped out before we even knew what hit us.

In order to extricate the gun from my hand, what you want to do is...

Use warm urine.

You're lost and adrift in a snowy plain, and you're low on water.

Surely you could simply take a few handfuls of snow and use them to hydrate?

One might mistakenly think it's that easy,

but if you were to make this mistake, the inside of your mouth would hurt.

It also won't help with maintaining your body temperature.

So, what should you do?

Take the snow, pack it into a bottle, and warm it up using your body's thermal heat before drinking it.

Well, that should do it.

This is the tenth time I've watched this recording.

I've read all the survival books back to front as well.

At this point, I should be beyond prepared to

participate in a rescue operation.

...

Still...

Maybe I should do a final check, just in case.

Hmm...

...

What about grasshoppers?

They're an excellent source of protein.

Can't forget about grubs, either.

You've just got to be sure to remove the heads before eating them.

Reindeer hides can be stretched

over wooden boards and made into a makeshift sled.

Then you've got moss.

After squeezing out the moisture, you can use it as a cushion!

...

...

Okay. Perfect!

I can't possibly be any more prepared than I already am.

I've got all the knowledge I could possibly need right up here.

All that's left to do is put it into practice.

But then what if I come off as too much of a try-hard to the others?

It might be better if I try and maintain some modesty throughout this process.

My Queen,

Rabbity is here!

Hello, Servant.

I've been waiting for you.

Alice and Neve went to call on you quite some time ago.

You came later than I expected.

Did something happen on your way here?

We had to wait forever and a day for the polar bears to fall asleep.

*Yawwn* It could be because it's winter,

but we were spoiled for choice when it came to ice caves.

We figured there might be a polar bear inside one of them, so we burrowed our way in.

We didn't find anything, so I ended up falling asleep hugging Burly Bear.

... Well,

as long as no one was hurt, I suppose it's fine.

Sorry to make you come out all this way, Servant.

Come here and sit by the fire.

??

Did you not receive instructions from the Ark?

... I see.

...

Then I'll try explain quickly.

Sometime ago, we received an extraction request from the Ark.

A detachment of mass-produced Nikkes were sent out to conduct a search.

It's now been 28 days since they went MIA.

Despite the extremely low concentration of Alva Particles in the north,

we've been unable to establish contact with them, and haven't received any reports.

Their last known coordinates place them near the mountains in the north,

and just near Glitter Mountain which is 3000 meters of elevation.

It was there that their signal was cut off.

Glitter Mountain?

That's not good.

Even I try to avoid that place if at all possible.

It's super duper dangerous.

It's an incredibly hostile environment up there,

and it's swarming with Raptures.

If you falter there for even a second, you're likely to freeze to death.

And it only gets worse the higher you go.

Nikkes are more resistant to the cold than humans,

but if they're exposed to extreme conditions for prolonged periods of time,

their bodies and minds will be pushed to their limits.

If they exist in that state for too long...

Correct.

That's where you come in.

I believe in your ability to look after your mental well-being.

And... there may be certain situations that dictate that you make a judgment call.

But...

Are we even sure

if a human can withstand the cold up there?

...

I shared the same concern.

That's why I was considering assigning the newbie as an additional support.

Her name is Tove. A Nikke produced by Missilis.

She's been assigned to this area because she is an avid survivalist.

She's somewhat eccentric,

but I'm sure she will be of help when it comes to your safety.

If I were to guess,

I would say she's probably pacing nervously

in the hallway just outside that door.

If you went out and greeted her, I'm sure she'd be thrilled.

A fine idea.

If I know Tove, and I believe I do, I'd say she's out in the hallway, pacing nervously.

How about you go out and say hi to her?

Considering that she'll be responsible for your survival,

she was keen to meet you.

...

...

Huh? Oh, er... well...

Did Ludmilla not mention me?

Good grief!

We've only just met, and you're already teasing me?

Actually, the fact that you can be so casual even in a harsh environment like this is encouraging.

In order to survive the merciless winters up here,

you've got to be made of tough stuff mentally.

Yes!

I'm a survival expert who will be exploring the wilderness with you starting today.

I'm looking forward to it!

Well,

as you already know, in the harsh conditions of the north,

even a simple jaunt outdoors can become a life-or-death struggle

of man versus nature.

To be asked to carry out a mission in this kind of environment

is no small feat.

However,

there's no need to fear!

I'm both a member of the Unlimited Squad and a survival expert.

So as long as you stick close to me, you won't have to worry about being unfamiliar with this place.

I'll ensure your safety, guaranteed.

Good!

Then should we start preparing?

To ascend those snowy mountain peaks,

you'll need more than just a few extra layers.

You'll need thermal gear, gloves, hats, wool socks,

and goggles to protect your eyes.

All of these are indispensable.

I'll bring those out of storage for you.

All my prep is already done,

but then again, I barely had to do anything to begin with.

That's 'cause 90% of the equipment I need is out there in nature, waiting for me.

Well.

You'll find out when we head out.

You're gonna love it, hehe.

My goodness,

would you look at all that snow?

I bet if I rolled around in it long enough, I'd end up becoming a snowman.

The rescue operation is of paramount importance, so please refrain from such activities.

Fine...

...

I mean, if you did become a snowman, you might melt, and we can't have that.

Eep!

Hmm...

There's definitely heavier snowfall than usual.

With all this snow,

it would be perfect to dig a nice little cave to sleep in.

As much as I'd like to, no.

I know that I can't, at least not now.

First things first: we need to find those Nikkes, and then you and I can cozy up in our den and hibernate.

Until then, you and I will just have to wait, hehe.

...

You all seem so relaxed.

Of course, it's not like I'm nervous or anything.

I mean, sure, this is my first mission,

and we may end up being too late with our rescue efforts...

Don't worry. It's understandable to have such reservations.

There's not one among us who hasn't gone through the same self-doubt.

But you've said it yourself countless times before.

In extreme situations, strong mental fortitude is what will help you survive.

We don't want to drag our feet, and it's good to show initiative,

but these rescue missions can last anywhere from a few days to an entire month.

If we spent that entire time being high-strung,

it might cloud our judgment when we need it the most, which would jeopardize the mission.

...

Pssh, don't be ridiculous.

I haven't had a negative thought cross my mind once this entire time.

Glad to hear it.

If that's the case, keep it up.

You know it.

...

Do you trust me, Survivalist?

I think Ludmilla is a bit nervous since this is my first time on a proper mission.

Considering that you're entrusting me with your life,

I just want to make sure that you realize

how thoroughly prepared I am.

Ah... Ah...

Ah-choo!

Of course I'm okay!

Do you have any idea how warm this suit is? It keeps the heat in like nobody's business.

Oh, that? Well... *sniff*

It's because I raised my temperature sensitivity to the max.

Maintaining one's body temperature is crucial for survival in snowy environments.

Sure, I could get around that by decreasing my sensitivity,

but what a cop-out that would be! Where's the fun in that?

You can stop giving me the stink eye.

This isn't just about me, you know.

By doing this, I can also get a better sense of how you're feeling out here in the cold.

So just put your trust in me and fol...

Ah...

Ah-choo!

*Sniff*

Sorry. What was I saying?

...

Fine, fine. You don't have to tell me.

I'll decrease my sensitivity, okay?

This is where

the last signal from the stranded Nikkes was detected.

...

Their company consisted of six people.

There should be traces of their camp or food that they left behind.

Let's split up. Search your surroundings and share anything that you find.

Yes, Queen!

*Yawwwn* Sure thing.

...

Um, Ludmilla... What about Survivalist and me?

Oh, right...

...

Both of you have had a tough go of it, trying to keep up with us.

Why don't you sit tight and take a rest until we're finished with our search?

Eh?

I feel like I'm getting brushed off here...

Not at all.

You have the most important responsibility of all.

You must ensure that Servant remains in good health and that he returns safely.

How would you say Servant is faring at the moment?

...

Oh no!

Your hand is freezing!

The heck you are!

If you don't warm up your hands pronto,

you could end up getting frostbite, and I'll have to amputate them.

Dang it, I knew I shouldn't have lowered my temperature sensitivity so much.

...

Well, I can see that you have your hands full.

I'll proceed with my search and leave Servant to you.

Sure thing. You can trust me!

Wait here just a moment.

I'll make us a nice warm fire.

First, I've got to gather some dry branches or bundles of dried-up grass for kindling,

then I've gotta find something that I could use as flint. Let's see...

...

Found it.

Take a good look at this rock here.

You see that slightly red hue? That means there's been iron oxidation.

If you've got that, you can use any type of metal object that's lying around...

Like this pipe here.

You take that, create some friction...

Then you won't even need a lighter to make fire.

...

What gives? Why isn't anything happening?

In all the videos I saw, they just did this a couple times and they had a blazing fire in no time.

What in the world?

Survivalist...

Ah-ha! So this really does work! Fascinating...

Oh, er... that's not what I meant.

It's just that there's a slight difference between reading about something and actually doing it.

O-of course!

I wasn't assigned to the Northern Base for nothing.

...

Sure, this may not have exactly been my finest hour,

but your true survival skills shine when you

successfully rescue those who are in need.

Just cast aside any doubts lingering in your mind,

and I promise that I'll show you what I'm made of in due time.

...

Anyhoo, we better move this spark over to the kindling.

This position right... here should be perfect. Everywhere else seems to be too damp.

Even if you manage to gather dry kindling,

your fire won't go anywhere if the ground is too wet.

...

... How is it?

You feeling any warmer?

Good.

I was all worried about nothing. Turns out this is where my skills truly lie.

I think we've searched enough.

Everyone, report on your findings.

I found...

a necklace that one of the princesses was wearing!

These production numbers line up with the missing mass-produced Nikkes.

Alice, where did you find this?

Right there, below that big bridge.

The ancient-looking one?

It seems they camped below it and used it as a roof...

Excellent work, Alice.

My pleasure, Queen!

*Yawn* My turn.

I started from the camping site that Alice found,

and followed the footprints, much like I would track a polar bear.

What footprints? Wouldn't they all be covered in snow by now?

Not entirely. There were still some shallow divots that I could make out.

Analyzing those is my specialty.

Anyway, judging from the footprints that I found,

all six of them

were heading towards the dense pine forest.

That's the path towards Glitter Mountain, isn't it?

Not sure yet.

It could be related to the mission they were on,

or they could have been fleeing Raptures that were in pursuit.

Either way, it's clear which path we have to take from here.

Well done, Neve.

Don't mention it.

So...

Is it my turn now?

Do you have something to report?

Not really...

!!

Oh, right! I did!

I also vowed to impress him and show my real survivalist side going forward.

Okay, very nice.

I'm looking forward to seeing that side of you as well.

Hehe!

All right, let's move out before it gets dark.

Hmm?

Our radio is picking up some kind of signal.

From which direction?

8 o'clock, from the mountain ridge.

Judging by how weak the signal is, I'd say it's coming from a fair distance away.

I'd say darn near a certainty.

If there had been any other squad dispatched up north,

the Ark would have notified us of it when they sent in an extraction request.

No.

There is a deep valley that way.

There's a steep downhill curve up ahead. If we rush headlong into it, there could be a serious accident.

Can't we just use it like a big slide?

If it were just us, we could.

However, Servant is bound to get injured trying such a maneuver.

Then let's make a sled and have Rabbity ride on it!

... And how,

pray tell, do you intend on making a sled here of all places, with no materials?

I can do it!

??

I can make a sled no problem.

We'll scrounge up the sturdiest wood we can find to make a frame,

and attach some animal hide to it.

With my know-how, I should be able to find an animal no problem.

We'll also have the help of Neve, who's an animal expert.

Give me one hour, and I'll have something workable.

...

One hour. That's all I ask.

I may be green, but I'm still a member of Unlimited.

This is my time to shine, I can feel it.

On top of that, those lost Nikkes are waiting for us, and things may be getting desperate.

Trust me, it pains me to delay their rescue even for a single hour.

*Sigh*

Fine.

I understand you've spent a lot of time researching this sort of thing.

You seem confident, so knock yourself out.

!!

Really? It's okay?

I'll give it everything I've got!

I'll whip up a warp-speed sled that'll get us where we need to go in no time!

Can you help me out, Neve?

How?

The main thing is that we've got to find a suitable animal hide to stretch over the sled. Then...

Hey, I wanna come too!

I wanna see how you make the sled.

High morale is a good thing.

Even better if it translates into good results.

It's nice of you to say that. They're counting on me to believe in them.

Tah-dah!

My super-duper survival sled is now complete!

It's a true wilderness sled made of wood and fresh reindeer hide.

With this, we can go down any slope with ease! Hehehe.

...

Unfortunately, we didn't have a whole lot of hide to go around, so we could only make one.

Sorry about that.

It's okay.

Servant can use the sled. The rest of us will have another way to get down.

More importantly, have you taken this sled for a test drive of any kind?

Um... no. Not yet.

Why don't you go and try it out on a small hill, then?

Hmm... good idea.

If we want to ensure his safety, we have to be thorough.

How about it, Survivalist?

I made it so that one human and one Nikke can get on.

First things first, I'll want to check if it can handle the weight.

Phew...

The inaugural ride of the first sled I've ever made.

This is quite an experience.

That's what I thought too.

I've been dying to do stuff like this for ages.

That's why I read all those books. More than I can count.

There's a saying.

Although knowledge and practice can differ,

you can reach a point where you acquire so much knowledge that you can overcome real-life experience.

I wouldn't be surprised. I created it.

Phew...

You ready to do this thing?

Of course there are.

First off, you've got your safety belt here.

Then you've got the backup safety belt:

Me.

Just hold on tight,

and I'll do everything I can to make sure you're safe, okay?

Just don't let go.

Good answer. All right then,

off we go!

Whoaaaa...

Ahhhhhhhh!!

I-I don't know!

It just looked like a tiny slope from the top,

but I don't see our landing spot anymore, and the sled... Agh!

Ugh...

Hold up, do you see that behind us?

Looks like a snowstorm is brewing... and it's coming right for us...

Agh! I've gotta turn!

Ugh...

Are you okay?

I didn't lose you, did I?

Heh, well, that's good.

We've gotta get out of here.

If we stay where we are, there might be a second avalanche.

Don't worry.

I'll pull you to safety,

sled and all.

...

Uh oh... What should we do?

We're so screwed!

Oh, right!

I totally forgot!

Thank goodness for modern technology.

You can call from just about anywhere, so it's nearly impossible to get stranded.

...

Uh oh. No signal.

I don't have any measuring instruments, so I'm not sure,

but I doubt the Alva Particles are the problem.

Alva Particles tend to be scarce up north.

Then again, in remote mountainous areas like this, there are times when the signal is unable to go through.

I... gave mine to Neve.

I thought about bringing one, but my luggage was too heavy as is.

I figured if we needed to, we could just build a fire beacon.

Okay!

Let's see, what can we use as a flint here...

... I'm not seeing anything. No worries. I can just use the spare battery and wires I've got in my pack...

... Where'd they go?! Oh jeez, we are so screwed!

...

You still have that much confidence in me?

You're a really nice person.

Usually, they'll have the host pretend that they're stranded somewhere,

and reaching a road, village, or some other place with traces of civilization is the goal.

...

Actually,

when you think about it, it's not too different from our current situation.

!!

I think you're right.

We can think about it as us being two survival show TV hosts,

who have just parachuted out of a helicopter.

...

It's hard to explain,

but I feel... somehow reinvigorated.

I'm not exactly sure how, but I think we're gonna survive this.

The important thing is strong mental resilience and perseverance!

... And keeping ourselves properly fed.

Let's go.

I'll find something to get you fueled up.

When you're out in the cold, food is key to survival.

For example, this tree here is a species that only grows in extreme cold,

but it's rich in nutrients and moisture, so...

It serves as a shelter for numerous small critters.

If we're lucky, we'll rustle up a squirrel or a bird.

We could also turn up some beetles, ants, and other excellent sources of protein.

Ha, you don't have to pretend to be tough around me.

Most people can't stand creepy crawlies.

But if you just close your eyes and swallow, it really isn't that bad.

All right,

let's see what this tree has in store for us.

It's sad, but if we want to survive out here in this wilderness,

it's something we have to do.

There's no room for mercy in this unforgiving environment.

Let's see.

I think something's coming out now.

Hmm? Did you see that?

Something just whizzed past.

No way.

A worm wouldn't be living that deep inside a tree.

And besides, it wouldn't be that fast...

Gah!

I-it's a centipede!

Ohmygoshohmygosh, it's a centipede!

Just look at all those legs! There's gotta be over a hundred of 'em!

No, don't! It could be dangerous!

It could bite you and kill you!

Eeep!

Is it dead? Are you sure you got it?

Are you sure? It looks like it's still moving.

Okay...

Listen, even I have my limits.

On top of that, centipedes are venomous.

Eeep!

It fell down! Oh jeez!

It might climb up my leg! I hate this!

...

... Okay.

!!

Oh, sorry. I didn't realize...

I was too busy thinking about that centipede.

All I wanted was to get away from it and climb up to a safe place.

Turns out you were the closest thing available to climb... sorry.

...

Can we stay like this for just a little longer, though?

I'm still a bit uneasy. It's my first time seeing a centipede in person.

*Sigh*

I wasn't myself back there.

I don't usually get startled like that.

I didn't realize we'd be up against such a formidable foe like a centipede.

Yes, well...

I got startled, but I guess it wasn't that bad.

You don't have to worry about me too much, hehe.

...

In a way though, there's a silver lining to all of this.

Amidst all the chaos, I did manage to scrounge up a decent energy source.

This is a juvenile Northern Longhorn moth.

As you can see it's nice and plump and creep... delicious, I mean.

Like most insects,

this little fella is packed full of protein.

...

Well, bon appetit.

...

...

I was just thinking.

Since it's a delicacy and all,

it's only fair that you get to try it first.

After all, I'm a Nikke and you're a human.

You need the nutrients way more than I do.

That's not true!

Not one bit!

I'm doing it out of pure generosity, honestly.

How'd it taste?

Wow, really?

Wow, really?

...

Er...

Look, I'm sorry that I tried to trick you into eating them all.

My bad.

I know how desperate our situation is.

It's just that, I thought I'd be mentally prepared after watching all those videos and reading all those books.

I figured I'd be able to close my eyes and pop these down the hatch.

But now that they're here in front of me... I don't think I can do it...

It's already getting dark.

I can feel the temperature dropping by the second.

We haven't found any proper food sources yet, and we don't have a fire either...

First things first, I think we should hide from the wind.

Is there anywhere we can use as shelter...?

...

Yeesh, there's really nothing. We're in the middle of a field.

However, where there's a will, there's a way.

We can dig a makeshift cave in the snow. Like how when polar bears hibernate.

The only problem is that we don't have anything to use as a shovel...

This should do the trick,

... so long as it doesn't accidentally fire.

Hmm...

Could you maybe find a decent stick

and help me dig?

That should do it.

Let's find a good place to dig.

This may sound obvious,

but it'd be better if we could dig into a slope rather than flat ground.

Let me check which direction the wind is blowing...

This spot seems ideal. I don't think we'll get as much wind here.

Hyah!

Survivalist,

I'll dig a hollow where we can both lie down.

Can you dig an opening below that? Think of it as the lower part of a bunk bed.

I read this in an old book once:

Apparently, when you dig out a lower part as well, the cool air goes down and

causes the warmer air to circulate upwards.

We finally did it!

Let's huddle in here and get away from this darn wind.

A rescue team, or some errant Raptures, might come by,

so I'll stay up and keep watch.

For the sake of your health, you should get some sleep.

No.

I'll do it.

I've got to live up to my role as a proud member of Unlimited.

Exploring the unfamiliar and rescuing those

stranded is my job.

That's what I'm meant to do.

Yes, I may have shown you a side of me that I'm not proud of,

but I still believe my determination is second to none.

So trust me when I say you can depend on me now.

Besides, I feel better knowing that I'm doing something.

Rest well.

...

If you're cold, you can scoot closer to me.

...

... Oosh!

It's nice to be outta there.

I thought we were gonna be buried alive under all that snow.

Anyway, what a lovely morning!

!?

You okay, Survivalist?

What?

Don't tell me that you've got hypothermia?!

I stuck close to you all night so that I could share my body temperature!

...

Oh boy...

Wait just a moment, let me give you a once-over.

Phew, that's a relief.

All you've got is a small cold. Don't scare me like that!

I was really thinking the worst.

I thought for sure that you had hypothermia.

Point taken.

If we can find a cave or building where we can at least warm up,

then we'd be able to continue moving after you recover...

...

What the...

Can't you see?

Over there. It's faint, but there's a light on the mountain.

If it's bright enough to notice even in the daytime, it might be a streetlight in front of a building.

You see some every once in a while.

Sure, the prospect of providing electricity all the way up here is tough,

but you can just set up some solar panels.

You see some every once in a while.

Old mountaineering clubs, cafés, or cabins meant to be used as shelter.

You can find all sorts of different structures in far-flung areas.

Not only that, but unless I'm mistaken,

that's the location we were told about during our mission briefing.

Wait...

No, it couldn't be.

Could the Nikkes we're looking for be in there?

No way!

Things are suddenly looking up!

We should be able to reach there in half a day.

We can check if there are any survivors staying there,

and we can warm you up while we're at it.

It sounds like you're getting worse...

What was it that people always say in moments like these...?

No matter how tired you feel, don't close your eyes!

You say that, but you don't look so good.

You say that, but you don't look so good.

Here, let me carry you.

We've got a fair distance to cover until we get to that building.

If you hang onto my back, I'll be able to warm you up somewhat.

It's okay.

I relied on you way more than I would have liked,

so now it's my turn to step up.

...

I know I talk a big game, but I promised to keep you alive, and I intend to keep that promise.

So don't you give up on me.

The most important thing when it comes to survival is never giving up.

You hear me?

*Huff huff*

Once we pass this hill,

we should reach the place where we saw that streetlight.

There's a high chance we'll run into those missing Nikkes.

They'll be the first people that I've ever rescued!

But before we head out with our survivors in tow,

I'll have to ask them for some heat packs or warm water. Something to get you warmed up.

Phew... here we are.

I think we're in the right place, though.

There, you see the sign on that building? "Mountain Rescue Base".

I think that's where the survivors could be camping out.

Hmm?

How come your voice is so weak?

Let's hurry and get inside to warm you up.

Is anyone here?

I'm Tove from the Unlimited Squad.

We came looking for a missing Nikke squad.

Could anyone help us?

You're right about that.

...

Maybe they're all taking a nap.

Let's take a look further inside.

Ah! I think I know what this is.

This must be the radio that sent the distress signal.

That would mean the owners of this radio have to be around here somewhere.

Should we open it?

...!

Oh my gosh...

I.. I think...

These are the ones we were looking for.

They're in pretty rough shape...

Yes, but given the extent of this damage,

they won't be alive for long unless we do something.

Given their current state, their bodies will soon be unable to supply oxygen to the brain.

Before that happens, we need to remove their brains and place them in a protective device.

Something we call a Brain Shelter.

Which is exactly what those are!

However, it looks like their battery level is awfully low.

On top of that, they each already have a brain inside of them.

That tells me that whoever these brains originally belonged to are in dire shape.

...

Aw man...

What do we do?

I know that, but...

I'm not skilled enough to perform emergency treatment on someone who's suffered such extensive damage.

All I have is basic survival knowledge!

The only thing I can do for them is

gather whatever materials I can find nearby and create some kind of distress signal.

Then the rest of Unlimited will come and do what's necessary.

...

Wait a sec...

I... I guess so!

...

Hold on just a minute.

I'm a survival expert. I'm a survival expert, dang it!

I will save these people.

...

Okay. Let's go.

It's sink or swim. Whether it's a beacon fire or something else, we've gotta get it burning nice and bright

so that everyone here can be rescued in time.

The sheer vastness of Glitter Mountain is mind-boggling.

If we want anyone to see our signal,

we'll have to make the fire as big as possible, with a whole lotta smoke.

The best type of wood for that would be pine.

The resin is highly flammable, and it has a tendency to burn exceedingly well.

Fortunately, there are plenty of pine trees around here, so we'll be able to secure what we need quickly enough.

Check it out!

I cut down the biggest, sturdiest-looking trees that I could find...

Eeeek! Get it off!

...

No, on second thought, don't.

All bugs are good sources of protein.

I can handle this.

Ugh... disgusting...

Next, we need a shield of some kind

to protect the fire beacon from the wind and snow.

By the same token, we don't want to diminish the visibility of our fire,

so we'll need to use material that's both transparent and heat-resistant.

You'll see.

If we take the plastic sheets like so,

and secure them on top of the wood using this wire...

...

Hnrrrgh...

What the heck? Why isn't it securing in place?

No.

I can't have you doing this when you're sick.

I'll figure it out.

Tah-dah! The shield is now complete!

It may not be much to look at,

but as long as it does its job, then it doesn't matter.

All that's left to do is

come up with something that will make our distress signal really pop.

Oh, these aren't mine. They're from the other Nikkes.

They're all busted, so they can't be fired.

I'm only using them for the gunpowder that's inside.

I had what I think may have been a stroke of genius.

I'm gonna use the gunpowder that's in these bullets to amplify our distress signal.

I understand there's inherently a bit of risk in doing that,

but it should create a mini-explosion that'll shoot up at least a few meters high.

...

...

Hmm... this isn't exactly going as planned.

I've got to be careful with them, so I can't brute force them open.

No.

You and those other Nikkes are depending on me.

It's time for me to step up to the plate.

I've got to do this on my own, even if it is hard.

...

Yahoo! It worked!

Did you see that?

Do you see that frame over there? The one that's about to collapse.

I'm willing to bet that used to be an observation tower. That's why it's so tall.

I'm gonna scurry up there

and ignite these two fuses.

Hopefully, then the rest of Unlimited will be able to see our signal,

regardless of wherever they are on Glitter Mountain.

Survivalist, please.

You've asked me that a million times already.

I won't need any flint, 'cause I've got this.

Hehe.

I found it in one of the garbage cans inside the rescue base.

It may not exactly count as a primitive tool, but improvisation is an integral part of survival.

My thoughts exactly.

Let's do this!

Yikes!

Ow, hot! Hot!

Arggghh!

No...

I can't.

I said that I would protect them. I promised.

I can't come this far just to give up.

It's okay.

I can do it.

I can withstand this!

Hmm?

Queen, look over there.

What a beautiful flame! And so bright.

That flame is coming from...

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

I believe so.

Find us the shortest route possible. Proceed at max speed.

They're calling for our aid,

and it's our duty to respond in kind and with the utmost haste.

Survivalist!

Can you hear me?

That's no snowstorm.

We did it!

They've come for us!

Hehe, what a warm welcome!

I'd say that made sliding down this slope without any equipment worth it.

*Yawn* I guess, but it was still a long way down.

If I had tied a rope to my body and rappelled down, it would have been faster.

Or we could have used a rabbit hole to warp down!

You all came! You actually came!

You performed admirably, Tove.

Thank you for calling this place to our attention.

...

But... what happened to your arms?

Oh, this?

Nothing major.

I was holding the signal flares I'd made and got a bit carried away... agh, that stings!

You were reckless. Your arms are torched.

I'm sorry...

I was just so desperate, and this was the only thing I could think of.

But it worked, didn't it? So I have no regrets.

This way, more lives will be saved,

least of all the Survivalist's, hehe.

For me, that makes it all worthwhile.

...

Well then,

it's up to us to ensure your sacrifice wasn't made in vain.

Let's head inside. We've got no time to waste.

Three critically injured, three with only their brains preserved...

Alice.

Yes!

Inspect the damaged Nikkes... I mean, check on the princesses who are sleeping.

The wounds inflicted by the Queen of Hearts will be deep,

so we must ensure we take all necessary precautions before transporting them to the castle.

Yes, Queen!

And Neve.

Yes?

The Brain Shelter seems to be low on power.

Switch to backup power and prepare to transport it back to base.

*Yawwwn* Roger that.

What about me?

You should take care of

those injuries you've sustained.

Our rescue effort has only just begun.

First off,

we will file a request with the Big Three for new bodies.

Each and every one of these Nikkes

will be requiring new replacements.

We can't afford to dilly-dally in getting these ladies back to the Ark.

The problem, however, is what comes after we get them back.

You, of all people, know what kind of place the Ark is.

A concrete jungle where humanity is lost

in the pursuit of ever greater efficiency.

None of the Big Three will want to bother with replacing the bodies of mass-produced Nikkes.

...!!

But that doesn't mean that we should throw up our hands and give up hope.

Many Nikkes, ourselves included, have ventured out into these extreme conditions

all in the name of ensuring humanity can live on.

We can't let these Nikkes die a meaningless death out here without a chance to live on themselves.

That's why we're exhausting every last option at our disposal.

For those with severe injuries,

we will transplant spare parts from the same model.

In this situation, the only viable transplants would be arms and legs. Appendages are fairly disconnected from the central nervous system.

Even then, their body may reject the new parts.

They may feel as if a foreign object has been stuck to their body,

and this could result in a mental breakdown.

However, if it means that there is a chance that they will survive,

no matter how small, we have to try.

It will.

But if we were to give up now,

we would be doing a disservice to the sacrifices these Nikkes have made for us.

There were six members in the squad in total.

Now we have three grievously injured Nikkes, and three with their brains inside the Brain Shelter.

That tells me that each one of them took care of their comrades as they fell one by one.

They held on until their own body broke down,

and they struggled all the way into this building.

...

... Still.

Seeing all that they've managed to achieve...

Witnessing their noble struggle to remain alive, their desperate struggle for survival...

It's overwhelming.

A feeling that you can't put into words.

What do you think, Tove?

Do you think you're cut out for this business?

!!

...

I...

...

Survivalist,

do you think

we can really save them?

Alice has been working around the clock, but she's been unable to repair their lower bodies.

We're going to have to use spare parts from the base.

...

I'm worried sick.

Alice and I have been taking care of them these past few days, but

I don't know if it's enough. Maybe we've missed something...

If you're that worried, why don't you go and see for yourself?

Ludmilla is there, helping them with rehabilitation.

I-is it okay if we go inside?

Sure, why not?

You have been busting your humps taking care of them.

Why shouldn't you be able to see the fruits of your labor?

Okay...

...

Is there any chance you could come with me?

I'm really nervous.

Sorry to bother you,

but I came to check on them and see how they're doing.

Can we go inside?

Of course. Come right in.

You came at just the right time.

Hmm?

Urgh...

He... Hello.

?!

You can walk now?

Have there been no issues with their mental state?

Not yet, no.

Time will tell.

Their mental status is still fairly unstable.

Given all that's transpired,

it's still possible for trauma to develop, and there are also symptoms of aphasia.

But she is alive. That's enough.

As long as she's alive, there's always the chance for improvement.

...

To... ve?

!!

That's right! I'm Tove!

When you were still in the capsule,

Alice and I looked after you.

Th...

Hmm?

Tha...

Thank... you...

...

Thank you...

...

No, thank you.

Thank you for getting better.

For surviving.

But can I ask you one last favor?

Keep fighting.

Get better, and return home safely.

I can't think of anything else I'd want more of.