Main Route - Target: A

Master.

I brought some warm water, would you like some?

I knew it! I figured you'd be parched, so I brought some water.

Don't mention it.

!!

You don't want any? I brought some water 'cause I thought for sure you would.

I guess not.

Don't mention it.

Let's see, I already asked Rapi and Anis...

2B, 9S, what about you two? Either of you want a drink of water?

I'm okay.

Me too.

Okay,

then I'll go ask the others.

...

...

...

...

So...

You're Androids from another world?

That's right.

You're all Nikkes, except for him.

Is he human?

It may be in a different world, but I never thought I would ever meet a real living human.

Is this the first time you've seen a human?

Yes.

How can that be? Didn't you say you were created to serve and save mankind?

That's true,

but we never had a chance to meet any humans.

I see...

...

Anyway, that's not the point.

So, in a nutshell,

you used some kind of transporters from your world, but there was a malfunction.

By the time you came to, you had been transported here.

Right.

Based on what you've told us,

we have that so-called Gatekeeper to thank for bringing us here.

According to current information, that's the most likely hypothesis, yes.

And you were rummaging around the factory

in search of those missing transporters?

Precisely.

Since we came up empty-handed outside the factory,

we surmised it might be inside.

You say invisible barriers of some kind have been placed around the factory's vicinity,

which made travel to any other area impossible for you.

That's when we came into the picture.

Yes, so we had to find out for ourselves

whether you had brought us here,

or if you were mixed up in this just like us.

So you were following us to confirm if the Raptures and the mass-produced Nikkes would act hostile towards us?

From the moment we came to, this entire place has been crawling with them.

Every time we attempted to search for the transporters,

they would attack us.

If it turned out you were on friendly terms with them, it would be safe to assume you were also our enemy.

So the Nikkes and the Raptures have been there ever since you woke up?

Yes. They are omnipresent in this area.

They were being pushed through these doors

that bore a striking resemblance to the transporters that we used.

!!

You're saying that these Raptures and mass-produced Nikkes,

were both being manufactured here?

Yes.

That would mean that all those Nikkes in there are replicants created by the Gatekeeper.

That may well be the case.

Before we escaped from the Central Production Room,

we all saw that one fallen Nikke disintegrate into a mass of light.

!!

Then there's no doubt about it. They're 100% replicants!

...

But then why were they fighting with the Raptures?

If both sides were conjured up by the Gatekeeper, they shouldn't have any reason to fight.

It's impossible to know for sure.

Ugh... this just keeps getting more convoluted.

After scanning the inside of the factory,

we detected an unknown type of energy surrounding the entire facility.

The core of this mysterious energy source was located in the center of the factory.

No.

It's deeper inside.

Only there will you find the door producing these

mass-produced Nikkes and Raptures, as you call them.

We also believe that is where we will find the energy core

as well as the transporters that we used previously.

This energy you're talking about is most likely the D-Wave,

and the "energy core" is most likely...

The Gatekeeper.

I would assume so, yes.

So.

I have a suggestion.

If you plan to go back into the factory,

May we join you?

!!

You want to come with us?

If you go back in there,

those things created by the Gatekeeper will be on the offensive.

In such a situation, it would be advisable for us

to stick together and use our combined strength.

Commander, what do you think?

If the Commander is down, then I'm down.

Also,

it's not like this the first time we've encountered people from another world either.

I agree.

Right now, we need all the help we can get.

I'm glad we are on the same page.

...

Master, it's a disaster!

I went over there and offered them some water,

but no one would accept it!

Wha... in what world would that possibly be considered a disaster?

They probably just aren't thirsty.

But they're all just sitting there staring into space,

or looking blankly at the ground.

They're not talking?

...

...

...

I think what happened inside the factory was more traumatic for them than we thought.

You mean what we saw... or didn't see, rather... inside the head of that one Nikke?

Yes.

That was shocking even for us.

Now imagine how it was for them, since they're the same model.

It must have been scarring to see that.

I can only imagine...

...

Commander, before we go back in the factory,

I think we should do something about them. What do you think?

Whew...

It should be okay in here.

...

!!

What are you doing?!

Time for you to start talking.

What are those things?

Who are you?

Tell me everything you know.

To be honest...

I don't know who I am.

All that I can ever remember is firing my gun at Raptures.

The only thing I know for sure

is that I'm a Nikke.

I was made to serve humans,

and my purpose is to eliminate Raptures.

...

That's how I've lived my life. An endless repetition of taking down Raptures.

All of a sudden, a thought came into my head.

What am I doing?

What would happen if I didn't fire my weapon?

...

Hey, why are you still shooting?

...

Can you hear me?

...

I'll guess I'll try another one.

Hello? Can you hear me?

...

I have something to tell you!

...

What if I sing to you?

...

Caaan Yooou Heeeeaaaar Meeee?

...

Huh...?

Hey, wake up!

It's dangerous sleeping in a place like this.

Who are you?

Reveal your identity.

So I wanted to help you.

No matter where you're from or who you are.

You answered me.

You spoke to me.

So I wanted to help you in any way I could.

Is that the only reason?

Yes!

I had no other intentions.

...

Honestly! You have to trust me on this.

...

...

You're really not able to trust me anymore, are you?

...

I... I see. Understandable.

I said I'd be your guide, and I led you straight into a hornet's nest.

Why would you trust me?

I-I'm sorry... for being so useless.

Keep leading the way.

But...

However,

the moment I sense anything suspicious, I'll cut you down without a second thought.

!!

Are you all right with that?

... Yes, that's good enough for me.

I appreciate you trusting me even that much.

I made a promise to you,

and I intend to keep it.

... Let's go.

Yes!

...

...

...

Huh? Oh, yeah...

Are you thinking about

what we saw in there?

That was just a replica conjured up by the Gatekeeper.

That's why... it was hollow inside.

... I see.

But if they're hollow inside,

who's to say that we aren't as well?

If you look inside of us, maybe there's nothing there.

!!

What are you talking about? You saw the replicated Raptures, didn't you?

They were empty inside too.

The Gatekeeper probably doesn't have to means to properly "fill them out" as it were.

Besides, you know how real Nikkes are made.

Our bodies are formed with a human brain as the foundation.

Do you really believe that?

Those things look exactly like us, and they're completely empty.

Even if we do have something inside of us,

is it really our brains from when we were human?

Maybe it's just a machine made to resemble a brain.

C-1002...

A Nikke without a human brain is just a mindless machine that kills Raptures.

...

...

...

There's no point spending time postulating about things we don't know.

!!

As of this moment,

there is no way for us to get to the bottom of this conundrum,

is that not correct?

Right, but still...

You're merely psyching yourself out.

I'm sure of it.

Rapi...

2B hit the nail on the head. Until we can figure out for certain what's going on,

you might as well go with the assumption that you've got a brain in there.

Surely that'll be more reassuring than assuming otherwise?

I also believe you've got a brain!

... Thank you,

all of you.

Right back at ya.

Let's move forward under this assumption and stay strong.

... Yes... Okay!

... All right.

We are going back into the factory.

You can come with us, or you can stay behind.

The choice is yours.

!!

!!

We'll be fine with whatever decision you make.

So, what'll it be?

...

I want to go back.

?!

C-1002, y-you're going?

Yes.

I want to confirm with my own eyes that the Nikkes we saw were replicas.

...

What about you, 6000-D?

Me?

Yes.

...

I'm going.

Then... Then I'm going too.

I don't want... to be alone.

...

Good, then we'll all go together.

The more the merrier.

That's right!

It'll be like we're on a big ol' joint mission.

No.

While conducting our scan,

we discovered a shorter route.

While you were all having your discussion, we hacked the entrance leading to that route.

We'll guide you there.

Scanning? Cool!

Hacking? Cool!

... Lead the way.

Hehe.

You're certainly a lively bunch. I like that.

9S and I will take the lead.

So dedicated!

Super duper dedicated!

I apologize for the racket these two are making.

It's okay.

Ugh... we must be insane to intentionally come back in this creepy-ass place.

That's my life!

Nevertheless, coming back in was relatively smooth.

True enough.

I was worried that we'd get jumped by those mass-produced Nikkes again.

This path seems to have fewer of them. The same goes for the Raptures.

It almost feels as if we're being supported by an operator.

Totally!

You flatter me.

By the way, you're super strong as well, 2B.

I've been wanting to say that ever since you saved our skins back there.

... Well, I'm not sure about that.

!!

If I didn't know any better, I'd swear I was hearing Rapi.

That response sounds exactly like something she'd say.

...

Come to think of it, 2B and Rapi have similar voices, don't you think?

Yeah, you're right...

I didn't notice it before.

They are pretty similar.

Commander, what do you think?

Right?

Oh come on, they're practically identical!

Maybe their voices are so alike because they have the same personality.

Hey, you could be onto something!

Just ignore them, 2B.

They always get like this whenever they're not occupied with something else.

That's a funny definition of unoccupied!

When we first came into the factory,

we were going on about how easy everything was,

and that's when the crap hit the fan.

Sorry to break it to you...

But I think we might be in for a repeat of that.

!!

Don't tell me...

Raptures, approaching fast! Everyone prepares for battle.

Anis, do me a favor. If you ever feel like something is too easy, just keep your mouth shut.

You're the one who blabbed about it this time!

Let's hurry up and find the transporter, so I can return to my world and have a bath!

Androids don't need to bathe.

As long as you perform regular cleaning and maintenance, bathing is unnecessary.

Yeah, but come on, 2B, it still FEELS good!

You've been fighting non-stop. Aren't you tired?

So far so good.

Well, don't push yourself too hard.

You too.

Hehe.

Hehehe.

??

What are you laughing at?

Nothing. Just thinking about how you two have such a wonderful relationship.

Do you two often work together on missions like we do?

That's right.

We were both assigned to the same mission at the time this incident occurred.

*Sigh*

Strange things are always cropping up. They make our missions last way longer than they should.

What's the first thing you're gonna do when you get back?

Is there something you want to eat or something fun you want to do?

Hmm...

We'll probably resume our fight for mankind.

Yeah, I'd say the same.

No way! You're just gonna go straight back to work?

...

You guys really give it your all in order to protect mankind.

2B is the responsible one.

... It's my duty.

Duty?

Is that why you're working so hard to go back?

To fulfill your duty?

Yes.

Why?

Surely there are others besides you who can accomplish that task?

You two aren't the only Androids out there, are you?

No.

There are many more Androids other than us.

Then what's the big deal if you stay here a while longer?

Couldn't someone else take over for you?

It's not like anyone knows

either of you are here.

You're right.

So why are you so adamant about going back?

You could just keep your mouth shut, not tell anyone,

and hide out here indefinitely.

You wouldn't have to undertake any difficult missions.

Wouldn't have to fight every single day, see your friends die... you could avoid all that pain.

Be that as it may, we have to go back.

Why?

You don't have to.

This is the perfect opportunity to break away from this vicious cycle.

Why aren't you taking it?

...

Whether I choose to get out or not,

I don't want anyone else to influence my thought process

which might result in me making a hasty decision.

!!

I see...

So, as of this moment, there is only one decision I can come to.

To go back to our world.

Once that's done, I'll think about what comes next.

... I see.

Sorry for bringing it up.

Don't worry about it.

...

B-0006, what's wrong?

Nothing, I just...

It's interesting.

I have something I want to ask.

??

A2! Rapture right behind you!

Don't worry about me.

Worry about yourself.

Oh jeez, I didn't even see that one.

Hey, do you see that?

Is it an enemy?

No.

It's a flower blooming!

... Don't get worked up over something so trivial.

How can you call that trivial?

Look how beautiful it is.

I had no idea there was so much beauty

lying outside these windows.

...

Once all this is over, why don't you venture outside?

What?

After we find the transporter, you should go outside.

See what lies beyond these windows.

I guess you're right.

I'll be able to go outside then.

It'll probably be even more beautiful up close.

... Most likely.

Hehe, I can't wait!

We should hurry up and find that transporter for you!

It's getting dark.

Let's make camp here and rest until daylight.

Sure thing.

You sleep first.

I'll stand guard.

What about you, though?

I'm an Android.

I don't need to sleep.

But I'm a Nikke.

We don't need to sleep either.

You were stumbling back there because you were tired.

!!

You saw that?

All you'll do is distract me while I'm on guard.

So just go to sleep.

Well... if you insist.

You're the best, A2.

Give me a break...

This is fun.

Huh?

Exploring the inside of this factory with you,

it feels like I'm out exploring with a friend.

It feels nice, that's all.

So you enjoy being ambushed left and right?

Not at all!

It all feels nice, except for the being attacked part.

It's just that...

talking with someone and working towards the same goal...

Isn't that enough?

... Not sure.

I won't forget this experience

for my entire life.

Of that, I'm certain.

...

Stop blabbering and lead the way.

How much further do we have?

We're almost there.

All we've got to do is go down to the basement.

Very well.

We're nearly finished with our journey,

so let's keep up the pace!

What is that thing? A Rapture?

I'm not sure.

But I feel...

like I've seen it before.

A long time ago.

When was it...?

...

That's it!

It's from when I was first born here.

That's when I saw it.

You were born here?

I guess manufactured would be a more appropriate term.

Like those Nikkes over there.

I walked out that door,

and saw that thing over there, sleeping.

Like it is right now?

Yep.

There was only one order coursing through my mind then.

"Don't awaken."

"The Gatekeeper."

So that thing is called the Gatekeeper?

I believe so.

Even after I was moved to a different location along with my fellow Nikkes,

all I kept muttering was that same phrase:

"Don't awaken the Gatekeeper."

When you look closely,

the Raptures and Nikkes are being produced and coming out in such large numbers.

But they aren't fighting each other, right?

If it were in any other place, they would've fired on sight.

... I see.

They do seem to be careful not to make loud noises.

You think so?

But why did this memory come back to me all of a sudden?

Why were they dormant all this time, and only surfaced now?

Do you think it's because I saw the Gatekeeper again?

Hard to say.

Oh, right!

That thing you described was here as well.

The large box-like thing with a door.

!!

If my memory serves me correctly, it was behind the Gatekeeper.

How do we make sure the teleporter thing is over there?

... We have to wake this thing up.

Man, what a drag.

I know I've said it before,

but the fact that it's pitch black in here makes it much more of a slog.

I'm in favor.

Me too. All this fighting in the dark has got me pooped.

It's understandable.

Then let's rest a bit.

... Okay.

Um... since we have a minute,

I have a few questions.

For us?

Yes.

You said you two were Androids, right?

Correct.

So that means you're not human.

Yes.

Then do you have

a human brain like we do?

I've been curious about that myself.

No.

We don't have that.

Then how do you talk? Or fight, for that matter?

How do you have a sense of self-agency?

We don't have human brains. We have consciousness data instead.

Never heard of it.

Cool!

Hehe, I'm not sure if "cool" is the right word,

but thank you for the compliment.

Don't have human brains...

but you seem so...

human.

Come again?

N-nothing!

It's just...

It's remarkable that even though you don't have a human brain,

you can still be as...

alive as you are.

Aren't you pointing out the obvious?

Of course we're alive.

R-right... heh... yes...

Of course.

...

Just a moment, everyone.

A little further on, we're bound to run into some mass-produced Nikkes.

The assumption is that they will attack us, along with the Raptures, much like they did last time, so exercise caution.

Understood.

Thanks for the heads up.

So,

we'll be seeing those mass-produced Nikkes again...

Seems so.

Those things give me the willies.

Even if they are clones,

it's still unnerving to be killing something that looks so much like you.

Totally.

...

...

...

If you don't feel comfortable, you don't have to engage the mass-produced Nikkes.

I'll take care of them.

No.

We can't let you take on everything.

If anyone, or anything, poses a threat to the Commander,

they'll have to deal with me.

Right!

If they attack us like they did last time,

we'll have no choice

but to take them on.

Right?

Of course.

We can't just stand there and let ourselves get killed.

I agree.

What they said.

Our job is to protect the Commander. We can't sit by twiddling our thumbs.

Yeah!

How caring of you all.

!!

!!

Why are you so surprised?

Well...

I know that you are a human from a different world, but...

It... just feels a bit unusual, that's all.

...

Commander,

how do you feel being protected

by both Nikkes and Androids?

A textbook answer.

Yeah, a bit bland if you ask me.

Whoa, where'd that come from?

You sound like a big flirt, Master.

I think we've all mentally prepared ourselves for what's up ahead, yeah?

Let's give this another go.

Wait a moment.

There's something up ahead.

Hmm...

It's operating just like the barriers we saw outside. They're preventing us from going any further.

I thought these would only be an issue outside, but apparently I was wrong.

Eh?

I think I've seen something similar to this before.

Doesn't this remind you guys of the shield that the Gatekeeper had last time?

Mmm.

...

It's as I thought.

It's distorting the trajectory of any incoming projectiles.

...

Swords don't seem to have any effect either.

It's just like last time. It blocks all physical attacks.

*Sigh* Here we go again.

How did we manage to get through it before?

I believe we woke the Gatekeeper up.

Okay, then where is it?

Good question...

There doesn't seem to be any trace of it anywhere.

...

...

I'll scan the factory again.

I'll see if I can detect anything that could potentially be the Gatekeeper.

In that case, I guess all we can do is kick our feet up and wait it out.

For now, that would be the optimal course of action, yes.

Might as well recharge our firepower before we go.

...

...

...

?!

You guys don't look so hot.

Huh?

Are you okay?

Of course we're okay.

You say that, but you look like death warmed over.

Is it because you're going to have to face the mass-produced Nikkes again?

N-no!

It's like you said:

those Nikkes also vaporized into beams of light, just like the Raptures.

They're replicants.

So there's nothing to worry about.

...

...

Just remember what 2B said before. Don't push yourselves too hard.

It's not easy facing an enemy who's the spitting image of you.

I can't even imagine how tough that must be.

...

You don't have to proceed if you're not up to it.

You can find somewhere safe and hide.

Honestly, I'm fine.

Even if I hadn't followed you all in here,

it wouldn't do anything to assuage the internal strife I'm feeling.

Instead of sitting around in mental torment while doing nothing,

I might as well be doing something.

Right?

...

... B-0006?

Huh? Did you call me?

I... I'm okay. I...

Everything's fine.

We can continue.

...

Let's just be happy that we've got a chance for a breather before moving on.

What is that?!

The ground is shaking!

A massive energy wave is coming!

Everyone, get in formation!

Ahhhhh!

You mean to wake the Gatekeeper?

That's right.

But how?

Like this.

No use.

It's repelling it somehow.

Try shooting it with your gun.

Sure.

!!

What the... I know that my aim was right...

If swords are of no use...

A2...?

Tch.

We can't reach it.

Then what should we do?

If we want to get that transporter...

We'll need to figure out another way to wake this thing up.

Another way...

How about...

Making some noise?

Will that work?

It can't hurt to try.

I'll fire off a few shots.

... Okay.

...

...

It's not waking up.

It must be in a really deep sleep.

...

No response whatsoever.

Barely even an acknowledgment.

Hm... Maybe they don't like bullets bouncing and hitting their bodies?

With this curtain, I doubt it's afraid of bullets...

?!

A2?

Perhaps...

It wants to protect...!

...

!!

The curtain is vibrating!

Did it work?

Intruder.

Exterminate.

Exterminate. Exterminate. Exterminate. Exterminate. Exterminate. Exterminate. Exterminate.

This is why I didn't want to wake them.

A-A2!

We've got Nikkes and Raptures incoming.

I'm going to break these doors.

You intend on destroying all of them?

Every last one.

!!

You go hide upstairs.

I can handle this on my own.

N-no! I can do it too!

I want to help!

... Do as you will.

A2!

That's the last one!

...!!

I'll hold them off however I can. You hurry up and go!

Roger.

Time...

to end this!

Whew...

!!

What the...?!

Is this because we broke all the doors?

I would assume so.

But how come I'm feeling so nervous?

I feel like... something big is coming.

!!

The curtain's down!

!!

!!

What's all that shaking?

It's waking up!

!!

... Is it finally over?

Commander, are you okay?

What was that?

It seems to be some kind of energy field surrounding this entire area.

Most likely what you all have been referring to as D-Wave.

My guess is that this is something being emitted by the Gatekeeper.

The Gatekeeper?

I don't like this.

...?

The barrier that once blocked the path ahead has now disappeared.

I'm not sure what's going on,

but I think this is the perfect chance for us to slip inside.

Agreed.

Let's move.

Roger!

...

B-0006, are you up to it?

Huh?

O-of course...

Let's go.

...

Look at all these doors!

What are they all for?

It's just like 9S said.

It seems the Nikkes and Raptures are both being produced inside these 'doors'.

I wouldn't believe it if I weren't seeing it with my own eyes. How is this even possible?

The more we learn about the Gatekeeper, the more extraordinary things we witness.

That's the door that is producing all these Nikkes...

...

...

Over there.

Underneath the floor where the Nikkes and Raptures are fighting,

a colossal energy wave is pouring out, most likely the D-Wave.

That's where we'll find the energy core we're after.

Are you saying that the Gatekeeper is underground?

I'm not entirely sure.

There does, however, appear to be another floor below this one.

It's emitting an energy-based interference which is preventing me from conducting any scans.

If we want to know for sure, we'll have to dig.

So in other words, if we want to find the Gatekeeper, energy core, or whatever else you wanna call it,

we've gotta take these guys out so we'll have a way through?

That appears to be the case.

You don't think they'll move if we ask nicely, do you?

I doubt it.

Don't think about it too much.

It can't be avoided. We have no choice but to face them.

I think they just noticed us.

!!

Intruder.

Interference.

Exterminate.

Exterminate. Exterminate. Exterminate. Exterminate. Exterminate. Exterminate.

All right,

let's do this!

Let's see if you'll move or not!

Everyone, prepare for battle.

Encounter!

...

...!

*Sob*

*Sob*

Stop!

Stop!!!

Don't kill them!

!!

B-0006! What are you doing?!

Get away from there.

No!

I can't do it!

I don't care if they're replicants or not!

They look just like me.

I don't want to see them die.

That's enough!

B-0006...

How can you kill them without a second thought?

The Androids say that they don't have human brains, but consciousness data.

Doesn't that mean you can live without a brain?

...

Rather than just blowing them all away,

could we not talk to them? Tell them that we're not here to pick a fight?

That we don't mean them any harm?

Get out of the way.

They can just stay inside the factory.

Is that so bad?

They won't harm anyone in there.

I said get out of the way.

You talk too much.

!!

!!

!!

What's going on?!

What have you done?!

NO!

Noooooo!

Am I seeing things,

or is that another Gatekeeper?

!!

The other one is still sleeping right where it was.

How come there are two?

Did it make another one so that it could remain asleep?

It's massive!

...

Do we even stand a chance against this thing?

When that thing disappears...

...

We need to run!

You go.

What?

You took me where I needed to go.

Your mission here is done.

!!

But what about you?

I have to go back,

so I must stay and fight.

Then I'll stay.

No, go.

You're scared.

That doesn't matter!

If you stay, you'll only get in the way.

Just go.

...

... No.

I don't want to go.

What?

I'm not going.

We haven't found your transporter yet.

You said it was behind this creature.

Yes, but we don't know that for sure.

So my role as your guide isn't finished yet.

...

This is my decision.

It's the first decision I've ever made on my own since I was born.

I won't give up.

I won't run away just because I'm scared!

... Do as you will.

But mark my words:

if you get in my way, I will cut you down.

Got it. Hehe.

!!

What's going on?

A2! Over there!

What was that thing?!

Impossible to know now,

but at any rate, it seems weaker than before.

So then this is our opportunity.

Exactly. Before it has a chance to recover,

we have to take it down.

Okay!

Enemy down!

We did it!

!!

It's waking up!

Where'd it go?

I was nervous that we'd have to end up fighting it. Thank goodness it...

Huh?

A2! Over there!

Isn't that the transporter you were after?

!!

That's it.

That's a relief! Now you can go back.

Thank y...?!

!!

What's wrong?!

I knew this would happen.

You what?

We eliminated the very being that created me.

So it seems I'm being erased along with it.

You're disappearing?

It would seem so.

You don't seem surprised at all. Why?

Did you know that this would happen?

Mmm. I think I felt it instinctively.

If Gatekeeper disappears...

I will disappear too.

!!

If you knew, then why did you fight it?

I told you.

I wouldn't run away. This was my choice.

What kind of...!

Ever since I first opened my eyes,

all I've ever done was what others told me.

I let others make my decisions for me, until one day I started questioning it.

Was shooting down Raptures all I was good for?

I escaped that place and came somewhere else,

but I have nothing to do.

It was as if I existed only to eliminate Raptures, and nothing more.

But then I met you.

And for the first time,

I felt I was living a life I had chosen for myself.

Different from the lives led by those who looked exactly like me.

I was leading an independent existence.

It may have been a short life,

but it was one

that I chose.

I can't possibly describe to you the joy I've felt

at living my own life for once.

I'm glad that I met you.

I'm delighted that I was able to go on this journey with you.

... P-12.

So let's part with a smile.

I want this to be a journey that ends joyfully.

Very well.

Goodbye, A2.

Thank you for giving me a name.

And talking to me.

The same goes for me. It was a fun journey.

Goodbye, P-12.

!!

Ah...

I'm so happy.

It was a life filled with joy.

... Thank you.

...

... I'm tired.

I need to rest.

B-0006! B-0006!

H-how is that possible?!

B-0006 was a replicant?

So she was a replicant.

No wonder she always rubbed me the wrong way.

Ha...

You son-of-a...

I can't stand those who look the same as I do.

!!

6000-D! Why?!

Have you gone completely insane? What are you doing?!

You might also be a replicant.

Better safe than sorry.

!!

Do you have any evidence to show that you're not?

You're going to blow them all away just because you suspect they MIGHT be replicas? You've completely lost the plot.

Yeah!

How can you do this? They've been with you all this time!

They're your friends!

Friends?

What friends?

You've never hung around someone who is identical to you in every way.

Each of you is a distinct creation, one-of-a-kind.

Unique beings who don't have to deal with doppelgangers living all around you.

That's why you're able to spew such useless platitudes.

!!

If I were to take off my visor

and begin acting like those Nikkes we've been dropping,

do you think you could tell us apart?

We've got the same armor,

voice,

body,

face...

Even my damn life is the same as theirs!

Do you realize what a sickening realization that is?

...

I'm jealous of you.

Each of you is utterly unique.

Why wasn't my brain good enough?

Why couldn't they have created a unique body just for me?

I want one too...

2B, I'm picking up energy fluctuations in the vicinity!

Whatever that underground energy source is, it's gone into 6000-D!

What?

I've... always wanted...

to be unique.

!!

Everyone, get back!

6000-D!

What is that?!

A Rapture?!

I'm sick and tired of all this.

I will devour everything.

All those in the Ark who have the same face as I!

I will consume them all,

and I will never stop!

Not until I am the only one left, and I will become unique.

Everyone, get in formation!

Prepare for battle!

Now, I shall consume everything.

Then I can finally...

be myself!

Massive Rapture approaching!!

Damn!

Phew...

Did we defeat it?

No. Don't let your guard down.

We're still picking up energy fluctuations.

?!

What is that?

Is that thing actually regenerating?

It must be because of the energy 6000-D absorbed.

The core is what's allowing it to regenerate!

Concentrate your fire on the core!

Roger!

Why won't this thing die?!

Did it stop?

Not yet!

No... don't... break it...

Don't... bre... ak... my... uniqueness!

!!

How is it still regenerating?

There might be more than one energy core.

9S, check if there are any additional energy cores supplying power to this thing!

Okay, I'll try.

We'll try to destroy the Rapture's core again.

We have to keep it from regenerating for as long as possible!

Understood!

Got it!

Don't... bre... ak...

This isn't good! It's regenerating more quickly!

!!

I will... consume... all of...!

I found it!

Where is it?

Directly under it.

There's another underground energy core.

Got it.

Aaarrggghhhhh...!

Hyah!

Now!

Destroy its core!

Roger!

Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Fiiiiirrreeepooowwweeeerrr!

No... this can't be...

Noooo!

2B! Look over there!

The transporters!!

!!

So those were what you two were after this whole time?

Well, looks like we found it!

That's great!

We can finally go back home, 2B.

... Yes. Finally.

Thank you for everything.

Try not to cause any malfunctions this time around when you're using it, okay?

Wouldn't want you getting dumped off somewhere else.

Yeah, make sure you get dropped off where you want. Bon voyage!

Thank you for everything.

... Right.

The end might have been somewhat unpleasant, but all in all, it was an interesting experience.

Take care, everyone.

Wait!

What's wrong?

C-1002...

Wait... just a moment.

I have something I want to ask.

I know that you're both Androids, neither Nikke nor human,

but do you think B-0006's death,

and what happened to 6000-D,

has anything to do with how we were made?

I feel terrible about what's happened,

but is my feeling sad part of my original design?

Is feeling this way, and experiencing these horrible tragedies,

something that we're destined to suffer through?

...

Well.

Even if everything is predetermined,

that to me doesn't negate the value of your individual feelings. Your sadness belongs to you, and you alone.

... I see.

It's just that, it's so...

*Sob*

...

...

...

2B, it's time to...

... Okay.

Farewell, everyone.

I hope you all achieve what you're after.

... They're gone.

...

*Cough cough*

6000-D!

Hehe... seems like everyone's disappeared. My body is the only one that's left.

I guess I was the original.

Hehe... heh. But what's the point?

Even if I'm the original, my life is no different than those replicas.

Even if I live, I'll probably have my memories wiped.

At best, they'll swap out my body for a new one and dust me off.

Then everything will start all over again.

I'll be trapped once again in that endless cycle.

The one I haven't been able to escape since I was born.

Born to kill Raptures. The nauseating vicious cycle, all over again.

Nothing will change.

...

...

...

...

*Cough cough*

Now that all those copycats have disappeared,

I realize something.

All living things have a beginning and an end in this world.

But the same doesn't apply to us.

For us, there is no end.

We die, and are resurrected. Brought back from the dead to once again fight the Raptures, again and again.

A never-ending cycle.

Whether there are beings similar to me is of no importance.

It's about finding that end which was lost.

That is the path to becoming a unique and distinct me.

6000-D...?

Heh, at long last...

I will become my own person.

No!

Another job well done.

All traces of the D-Wave have completely disappeared.

We were able to probe the memories of the mass-produced Nikke you were with.

I believe the sobriquet you all gave her was 6000-D.

In doing that,

we learned the reason behind the sudden reappearance of the D-Wave.

Yes.

A few months ago...

*Huff huff*

?!

What was that?

!!

What the... What is this?

Are they humans? Or Nikkes?

??

!!!

Th-this can't be!

How can there be so many?!

!!

Nikkes...?

Ah!

I can't take it anymore.

Our speculation is that at that moment, she experienced a Mind Switch.

Most likely, yes.

I'm not sure.

We don't have any access to the Gatekeeper's memory.

This is pure speculation,

but I believe it may have purely been because it was intrigued.

Intrigued by the sight of 6000-D desperately fighting the Rapture.

Perhaps the Gatekeeper manufactured the Raptures and the mass-produced Nikkes in order to recreate that scene.

And in order to help make that happen, it attempted to copy the technology harnessed by those Androids from another world.

It called upon them using their own transporters,

thereby bringing 2B and 9S to our world.

It then proceeded to use that transporter to create

the mysterious doors that we saw producing both the Raptures and the Nikkes.

That's all.

Do you have any questions?

...

What am I going to do now?

B-0006... 6000-D... they're all dead.

Do I even deserve to be alive?

I either want a memory wipe,

or I want to die.

Commander.

What should I do?

You're a human, the only one amongst us here.

Since humans are the ones who made Nikkes, I'm asking you...

please decide what I should do with my life.

You...!

What?!

What are you saying?!

How could you ask the Commander such a thing?

Please.

I'm begging you.

Help me.

While I'm still alive...?

Heh... hehe...

Hahaha!

So you want me to live the rest of my life in misery, is that it?

How can you say that?!

The hell it is!

One day...

Yes,

everything might get better.

One day...

*Sob*

6000-D...

B-0006...

*Sob*

...

...

...

All right. I will try.

I'll try to go on.

Maybe I will get better one day.

Thank you for listening... and thank you for helping me come to a decision.

Are you okay?

Oh, her?

...

She... was disposed of.

After coming back from her mission,

not only did she insist on others referring to her as C-1002,

she also filed numerous requests to verify if she had a human brain.

She was showing the initial warning signs of becoming an Irregular.

Given 6000-D's diagnosis of having undergone a Mind Switch,

it didn't take much of a leap for the Central Government to decide that C-1002 was experiencing the same malfunction.

They therefore decided to dispose of her, or so I heard.

Yes... that has to be the best option.

To live holding onto such traumatic memories...

I couldn't bear it.

Thank you for listening... and thank you for helping me come to a decision.

With a memory wipe,

I'll be able to forget everything.

All of what happened here...

...

I was so happy to get my own name.

So happy to have friends who were the same model as me...

Why... why did things have to end like this?

Why?!

*Sob*

6000-D...

B-0006...

*Sob*

*Sob*

...

...

...

Are you okay?

Oh, her?

...

Upon her request, she was granted a memory wipe.

Afterwards, I believe she went back up to the surface.

Yes, to retrieve any and all viable resources that could be used for the war effort.

I don't know if this was the intention of the superiors,

but she indeed was assigned to a remarkably similar mission.

All we can do is hope that she returns safe and unharmed.

Why aren't you saying anything?

Sa-say something.

Please, anything.

Please just say something!

C-1002, what is all of this about?

Hey.

You're a human.

You have no idea of the misery we're subjected to.

C-1002, stop!

Why can't you just say something?

Think of me as any other mass-produced Nikke passing by during a routine mission.

Or as one of those Nikkes who died inside the factory.

Just as long as you say something,

you can give me the smallest shred of guidance.

That-That's all I ask.

Surely you can do that much?

*Sob*

...

...

...

Don't leave me alone with my misery.

Or I'll despise you for as long as I live.

I'm not going back.

I'm abandoning my mission. Kill me if you have to. I understand.

I'm sick and tired of this endlessly repeating cycle that is my life.

Are you okay?

Nothing. We haven't been able to find her.

There haven't been any reports of her returning to the Ark,

nor any sightings of her up on the surface.

However...

...

Near the factory, it appears there were

the remains of a Product 12 model that was beset upon by Raptures.

We haven't confirmed that it's C-1002.

The head was completely destroyed, which made it impossible to search its memory.

All we can do is hope that it wasn't her.

...

I keep feeling like I'm the bearer of bad news,

but is there anything else that you want to ask?

Very well. Then that is all.

Congratulations on another job well done.

... Rapi.

When I saw that

hollowed out head in the factory,

I started wondering if there really was a brain in my head.

I wanted to get a brain scan.

To make sure I still have the same brain from when I was a human.

To make sure that...

that I'm really Anis.

... Anis.

I know, I know. I'm still me.

I love soda.

I'm a lazybones.

Even if the brain I have now isn't the same as I was when I was human,

I'm still me. I'm Anis.

It's as simple as that.

... Right?

...

...

Then do you have

a human brain like we do?

No.

We don't have that.

We don't have human brains. We have consciousness data instead.

Don't have human brains...

but you seem so...

human.

I don't want anyone else to influence my thought process

which might result in me making a hasty decision.

You've been fighting non-stop. Aren't you tired?

So far so good.

Well, don't push yourself too hard.

You too.

Farewell, everyone.

I hope you all achieve what you're after.

Even if everything is predetermined,

that to me doesn't negate the value of your individual feelings. Your sadness belongs to you, and you alone.