Observatory

*Sigh*

*Heavy sigh*

Have you seen the other squad buildings? They've had guests over. It's so lively.

While we... well,

there's a gap between us and other Nikkes.

...

Signal, you can go out and have some fun if you are bored.

No, it's not that! I'm not saying that I'm bored...

Excuse me... is anyone inside?

A... a guest!

Please come in!

I was told I could see the surface from a high up place like this. Like an eagle in the sky.

Is that true?

Sky? Eagle? What are you...

Yes, yes! You are right. This is the place to see the surface.

So... how can we help you?

Ah, well...

I lost something important while I was traveling on the surface following the guidance of music.

I'm here to see if I can find it.

I think you got it wrong. This is not a lost and found office.

Ah, I see. Sorry, I came to the wrong place.

How... how did you lose it?

... Signal.

S-sorry.

But... maybe we can find it for her.

Could you please tell us what you lost?

... Fine.

So what's this important thing?

I lost... my soul.

!!

Y-your soul?

Yes, that's what I lost.

B-but we can't observe souls...

What should we do?

Well... While I was in front of the Surface Elevator, just before I made up my mind to see Conductor,

it was in my hands.

In your hands?

This "soul" you are talking about, is it an object?

Yes, it's a music sheet with my soul in it.

Ah. A music sheet! That's a relief.

I don't think so...

Our observation device can't search for things like that.

B-but...

I won't stop you if you want to search for that, Signal.

But count me out. I don't want to waste my time on something impossible.

Ah... I'm so sorry.

So what will you do, Signal?

I... I want to try. Even if it's just for a bit.

After all, it's the request of our guest who came to our Observatory.

... All right then.

Do what you want. I have a mission to go to.

Ah, okay! Take care!

Well, I will try to find it from here first!

Maybe I can see the music sheet.

Ah... thank you.

Are... Are your eyes hurting?

Just leave it. It's okay if you can't find it.

No! Let me try a little longer.

I think I should go find it myself...

W-wait! Just a little longer!

...

Excuse me... are you all right?

... Sorry, I can't find it.

I was so stubborn and I just wasted your time. I'm so sorry.

It's okay. Don't worry.

Your hospitality is so touching and it warms my heart.

You worked so hard and for that, I'm very grateful.

...

I guess I will return to the surface...

Is this the music sheet you are looking for?

!!

... Delta?

Yes, that's exactly it!

Where did you...

On my way to the mission, I found it when I took the Surface Elevator.

Ah... that makes sense.

While I was coming down here,

I met Counters and played new music for them.

That must be when I lost my soul.

Thank you so much! How can I repay you for this...

I just found it accidentally.

It's no big deal.

Oh... my savior, your generosity is as wide as the ocean on the surface.

I swear, one day I will play a song for you two

that is as warm and generous as your hearts.

I'm really, really grateful.

Thank you, Delta!

I thought I would never find it. You saved the day for me!

It was nothing.

As I said, I found it by accident.

Even so, what you did still deserves a big thank you!

...

Whatever you say.

I'm out for the next mission.

Okay! Safe travels!

C-Commander!

Can I help you with anything?

Oh, okay!

I-I wasn't watching TV shows because I was bored...!

Well, usually I'm here on my own, and...

I had some free time, so I was taking a break.

Do you want to come here and sit?

Let me check the weather for you.

One moment!

The weather is very clear at the moment, but I see some dark clouds off in the distance.

Looks like it might rain in a few hours.

Are you going up to the surface?

Hopefully you can wrap up your mission before it rains.

I've noticed you head up to the surface at the same time every week. Is this an ongoing mission?

I-I didn't mean to pry!

I just happen to notice it, that's all. This is an observatory, after all...

Well, actually, it wasn't all just a coincidence...

Hello everyone.

Hi, Commander.

Hey, Mary.

We're counting on you today, Signal.

Got it!

Commander, you've been going out on a mission at the same time every week, haven't you?

Do you remember the day you came to the hospital when Anis had a few minor injuries?

Thanks to the Scouts, we knew you'd be coming,

and were able to treat you both right away.

The Scouts can point out who is coming back, and also let us know who is injured.

Very much so. This way, patients in critical condition can be sent back to the Ark without delay.

It also allows us to make preparations in advance for simpler treatments.

I came here to ask for a favor, but I didn't expect you to be here.

You're heading up to the surface soon, aren't you?

Then I'll head to the hospital and get everything ready.

Get in touch with me later.

Will do!

Okay.

Phew.

I feel I can relax now that she's gone...

Th-thank you!

Delta was the one who spotted you returning from a mission.

Yeah, but everything else was Signal's idea.

Then our squad did it!

...

Hey there!

How have you been?

*Gasp*

Another visitor already?

Signal, you can just take a seat.

Uh, okay...

What is the matter?

So this is the observatory.

Is it true that the villains can be easily spotted from here?

By villains, do you mean Raptures?

If so, then yes, you can see nearby Raptures from here.

Amazing!

I can first confirm the villains whereabouts, then set out!

Any tasks worthy of a hero that need doing?

Let me check.

...

Laplace, I can officially confirm it...

Yes, where shall I set off to?

You can just head back.

I don't see a single Rapture.

You don't?!

Well then! It seems peace reigns once again!

No doubt due to my heroic efforts.

If you do happen upon a Rapture, please contact me!

I'm off, then!

Hero, out!

...

There sure are a lot of visitors today.

Ah, look at the time!

Commander, shouldn't you be heading up to the surface soon?!

I hope we didn't keep you too long.

You won't be late, will you?

If you say so.

The next time you drop by, it may be better to come in the evening.

You can use the observer to see the night sky on the surface. On a clear evening, the stars are incredible!

Yeah, she's right.

W-why are you laughing like that?

Did I say something weird?

I-I didn't expect any compliments!

Th-thank you?

Be careful up there.

Why isn't it working?

Huh? That voice...

Commander?

You're just in time. Can you help me out?

I heard you can find lots of Raptures near here.

But I don't know how to see them.

I think I should be using this machine...

Raptures are elusive little critters.

They're not easy to find... or get away from once you find them.

So, I always follow up on every possible new opening.

I'm open to any method that could help me in locating them.

I have to find them before they murder any more people.

Say, do you know how to use this thing?

I've tried everything, but I'm not getting anything.

Maybe this button?

Nope.

Thanks, you're a lifesaver!

So all I have to do is look through here, right?

The left screen?

Oh, I see! There are lots of red dots.

Gotcha...

Make sure you get them all!

So I just press this button, right?

Wow, it's so clear!

There are hordes of Raptures all flocking together.

Got it.

So all these red dots are Raptures then.

No, I think I've got a good handle on it now.

I should be able to operate it by myself next time.

This thing is pretty nifty!

Now I'll be able to track Raptures with more precision.

Thank you, Commander.

I could come here and check on the Raptures' whereabouts whenever I've got spare time. Do you think that'd be all right?

I'll obviously try not to disturb the Nikkes running this place.

Perfect!

Well, now that I've got the coordinates for those Raptures, I shouldn't be dilly-dallying.

Gotta go.

Signal, are you finished with the observation log?

Erm...

The log has to be kept up to date,

to the very second.

S-sorry. I'll do it now.

Please do.

I have to be. Especially it comes to observation logs.

Even the tiniest sliver of incorrect information could spell disaster.

Sure I could, and I could do it more efficiently.

But then there would be problems whenever I wasn't around. I just wish Signal could keep up with me.

As the head of the Outpost, you should be learning how to keep an observation log as well, Commander.

It's not that difficult. All you need is some basic military knowledge.

Argh!!!

!!

Signal, what happened?

That..!!! There...!

...!!

... Did I do anything wrong?

Is... is that Noise? Am I dreaming?

I-I'm a huge fan! Would it be possible to get your autograph?

Signal, calm down.

My mic cable is broken. I came to find a new one.

I figured the observatory would have a sound system.

I-I-I'm your...!

We do, but it may not be exactly what you're looking for.

Everything here is for military use, so your voice may not come out too clearly.

No biggie. I just need it for practice.

All right, just a second. I'll bring one over.

In exchange, may I make a request?

...?

Please give Signal an autograph.

I-I-I'm your...!

No problem.

Wow, this isn't as bad as I thought it'd be.

I brought you a new one.

Thanks. Now, for the autograph...

I-I-I'm your...!

...

Delta, do you guys have any other audio equipment here?

Sure we do.

Can I use it for a second?

Of course you can, but why?

I want to sing a song for my superfan, and to thank you for your kindness.

Wh-what!?

Is that okay, Producer?

Any requests?

Could you please sing a military song?

That... may be a little difficult.

Commander, you're here!

Do you still need me to survey the ground for you today?

All right. Please take a seat!

... Huh?

What's this?

Commander, there is a suspicious signal.

Signals with unknown sources are labeled with a question mark.

But I have never seen one before...

This is a bit scary.

Huh...?

Hello, Signal.

You're still as petite and cute as ever.

H-hello, Rosanna!

Mister, you're also here.

This is perfect.

May I use the observer for a while?

I want to confirm something.

Sure, but...

I discovered a suspicious signal, so I might have to confirm it first.

Wow.

May I take a look at it?

It might be related to what I want to confirm.

T-then...

Thank you.

...

Aha. So he's there.

OK, I'm done.

Do you know what that signal is?

Of course.

It's the signal of Hedonia's traitor.

There's such a signal?

I... I never knew.

Oh, it didn't always exist.

I planted a tracker on him because I was suspicious.

But the signal was suddenly gone today.

I should receive an error report if the tracker malfunctions or is damaged, but I didn't.

Then I found out he seems to have gone to the surface, so I came here to check.

Turns out he really went to the surface.

Oh...

It's funny, isn't it?

He doesn't even dare to face me,

yet he dares to betray me.

...!

Anyway. Mister,

I hope you don't report this signal.

You're asking the obvious.

If they find out, things will be troublesome.

That's what I like about you. You're generous.

But... Is this signal

still moving?

Yes.

It's moving slowly though...

Huh?

I-it was moving just now...

Is it making a short stop? Or...

Hmm.

It's fine.

He doesn't have the guts to return, anyway. His fate has long been determined.

Thank you for your help.

Um...

... Rosanna, you're so cool!

What do you mean?

In shows, people who are betrayed always look hurt...

But you don't look bothered at all.

Wait, no. I should say it makes you look more daring!

Yeah. I'll look cooler if I tell you I'm unbothered, but that's not true.

It's just unnecessary to feel hurt every time there's a traitor.

I'm very busy.

Wow...

I'm really busy. I'll be off now.

Mister, Signal, please take care.

Be careful on your way.

...

... Commander.

I want to be like Rosanna!

Hello Captain.

I'm looking for something I lost.

Mast said this was the most likely place where I could find it,

but there isn't anyone here, and I'm not picking up anything on my radar.

She's so full of it.

...

My precious...

Ow...

Oh!

Hey, you two!

Oh, er...

That's obvious, huh?

*Sigh*

There's this bracelet I've been wearing a lot recently.

It was an amulet that I made using some gifts that the animals at the shelter gave me. It was truly one-of-a-kind.

I was so afraid of losing it, that I brought it to the workshop and had them make some special modifications to it.

And after all that, I lost it anyway...

Yes!

It's connected to my cellphone, so if I were to lose it, it emits the sound of Max whining.

Pretty nifty, huh?

You should have seen it, it was spectacular*sob*

I've gone over the Outpost and the Ark with a fine-tooth comb, but I haven't heard a single peep.

So I figured I might as well give the Observatory a shot.

If it's connected to your cellphone,

I should be able to pick up the signal.

One second.

Whoa!

Yes, but it's a much different feeling than usual.

It's like I'm sensing everything that the detector is picking up.

I should be able to find your bracelet no problem.

Re-really?!

Yeah.

Hold on, wait.

...

There you are.

Found it.

The signal is quite faint.

It's directly in front of the elevator that connects to the Outpost.

Sometimes I impress even myself.

Yahoo!

I can't thank you enough, Anchor.

You have no idea how much that bracelet means to me.

You're welcome.

Ah...

I did.

My precious starfish has gone missing,

and my radar hasn't been any help in finding it.

I don't know what to do...

Ah!

Did you say starfish?

Does it by any chance have a really unctuous fishy smell?

!!

I'd assume it would, yes.

I've never given it a proper whiff myself.

I think I might know where it is.

It's in Trainer's room.

Yep.

You know how I ran into you earlier today?

Well, when I did, I thought it was a bit strange, because I was picking up a weird odor that isn't normally there.

I thought maybe you'd left something under the bed, but either way, it was enough to curl your nose hairs.

Oh, dear...

It must have escaped when I was talking to Captain.

I didn't even think to check there.

Thanks, Biscuit.

No, thank you!

...

...

Well...

Exia?

Hmm...

Um...

You look kinda serious. What are you listening to?

Is there something wrong with my headset?

Sssh.

Silence, if you will. I'm not ready to give a review yet.

Oh, okay...

Hey, Commander!

Noob,

you won't believe what I just found out.

I've realized...

Elysion's equipment is way better than Missilis'.

Ever since she got her hands on my headset,

she can't stop going on about how great our gear is.

Yeah.

I honestly never gave it that much thought until now.

But one time,

Novel came over and also said that Elysion's headsets were the best.

Because when Signal and I were both wearing headsets, she could hear more clearly.

I dismissed it at the time because it was coming from someone who couldn't tell a headset from a hole in the ground.

Who is clueless about cell phones and runs around with paper and pen all day.

... Aren't you and Novel from the same squad?

However,

although I hate to admit it,

she was totally right.

I tried Signal's headset,

and it's a thousand times better than

the MISY-0756WS I bought last week.

There absolutely is.

Do you want to have a listen?

This is the MISY-0756WS, which only launched last week.

All right, now Signal's.

What do you think?

You don't think there's a difference?

Such a typical answer from you.

I knew you'd notice the nuances!

From now on, I'll call you Noob the Audiophile!

Anyway, Elysion's military equipment is the best.

Missilis can stick to missiles. Tetra, however, should quit the audio business altogether.

Um... thanks, I guess.

No. I won't let this stand.

I won't let Novel have the last word here.

Although I must say it's a joy to experience such quality.

It's enough to warm the cockles of my heart.

Well... I'm glad you enjoyed it.

The showdown will have to wait for later.

What did she mean by that?

All right, Signal!

It's time for the final showdown!

Huh?

Final showdown?

That's right!

I won't lose again.

I've armed myself with the finest Elysion products:

headset, hoodie, and bag.

I've turned my back on Tetra and gone to the dark side.

My heart now belongs to Elysion.

So that's all Elysion gear?

Pretty cool... Are those game symbols? All these products are new to me.

That's because it's a personalized outfit. The standard issue one doesn't look so great.

Oh, so you customized this outfit yourself?

It took a lot of effort, I'll tell you that much.

Come on, let's fight.

We'll see

whose sound quality is superior this time.

Uh...

we can just declare you the winner.

No!

I've got to win fair and square.

Where do you think you're going, Noob?

You're going to be the referee!

You can't leave!

*Sigh*

Hmm...

C-C-C-Commander?

Oh, hello.

I'm watching a TV series with Signal...

Signal, will there be anyone else joining us?

Ah, no. Commander must have come here...

for work... r-right...?

What are the coordinates of the place you wish to observe?

Please wait here for a moment, Diana.

What? Are you talking to me?

(Call me Diana in front of Signal.)

(What are you talking about?)

(You just heard me.)

(We're watching a TV series.)

(What's that look supposed to mean?)

...

(OK, you may join us as well.)

(That should answer your question.)

C-Commander...

Ah, here's... the information you wanted...

Uh, uh...

Heh-heh. Signal, if you're done with work, shall we get back to our TV series?

By the way, this gentleman wants to join us. Is that all right?

H-huh?!

S-sure... Please have a seat.

H-how do you like it?

And you, Diana?

I liked it.

The main conflict in this series is

the wife finding out she's been cheated on, right?

I... guess...?

But her reaction was a bit off,

don't you think?

If it were me, I'd slap the man first.

That's true! She's been cheated on, after all...

She seems too calm, so I found it a little frustrating too...

I think she should be like...

Whew, let's wrap up today's viewing party?

Sure, I had a great time.

Wait, I almost forgot... Commander is here.

S-sorry, we left you out...

You did? Brilliant!

Shall we go, then?

Now, you know why

I wanted to have a viewing party with Signal?

...

Acting is a necessity for some missions.

That's why I often study the characters while watching TV series.

I also thought of gathering others' opinions,

so I have viewing parties with Signal regularly.

That's when we talk about the characters.

Anyway, now you know...

So, please don't come to the next one.

...

Signal can't focus with you around.

Hmm...

Seems like no one's here.

Didn't you say Signal would be here?

Hmm...

Okay.

Not really.

If we had to run around all the time collecting overdue library books in person, it'd be a real hassle.

This is a special case.

Because...

*Sob*

What a touching story...

Gah!

C-Commander?

Phantom?

When did you two get here?

Just now.

Uh... I...

J-just went to the bathroom.

Why does it look like

you've been crying?

...!

I, um...

I was just looking at something, and...

Anyway, what are you two doing here?

Ahem!

We have come on a very important matter.

The book you borrowed has been overdue for nearly 5 hours.

Oh my gosh!

It's due today?

I'm so sorry.

I'll return it immediately.

It's all right.

I came here to let you know we've granted you an extension.

You have?

However, there is a condition.

Have you finished reading it?

Oh, yes...

I just finished it.

!!

I... I got so caught up in it, that I didn't realize how much time had passed.

S-sorry...

What do you think...

about the book, that is.

Wh-what do I think?

That's right.

That book you borrowed is

none other than Confessions of a Phantom Thief, a true masterpiece!

One can hardly blame you for losing all sense of time while immersed in its pages.

So tell me, which part did you find most captivating?

Let me see...

I liked the final scene the best.

It really struck a chord with me.

Oh!

I second that!

It's so thrilling and nerve-wracking, isn't it?

T-totally!

I thought my heart was going to burst from my chest!

Me too!

The part where the phantom thief raids that final location is incredible!

The part where the phantom thief reveals their identity and confesses everything is remarkable!

Huh?

Huh?

Are we talking about the same book?

I... think so?

The scene I was talking about was after the phantom thief made his move at the final location.

... Was that in the book?

I've read it over ten times, but I don't remember any scene like that...

Really?

But the finale is the most exciting part of the entire book though.

Ah...

I recently saw a web drama that I really enjoyed, called I'll Steal Your Heart.

It's apparently based on this book, and since I was curious,

I decided to give it a read.

Although they made a lot of changes while adapting it for the screen,

the finale was the same in both.

It was so beautiful that it brought me to tears.

!!

Hold on.

So you're saying... it wasn't the phantom thief that drew you in?

...

Anyway, if you like this book,

I recommend that you check out the show.

No!

Give me that book back now!

??

O-okay. Here.

Let's see here.

...

What the...

Confessions of a Phantom Thief isn't a romance novel!

Uh...

Did I say something I shouldn't have, Commander?

A-about time you showed up!

Do you know how long I've been wait...!

Gah!

C-Commander?

It's just that we were waiting for someone else,

that's all.

D-Delta!

You can't tell him that!

Hello! ★

Oh my! Captain!

I'm sorry for being late, Signal. ★

I got held up at work.

C-come on in...!

We've been waiting for you, Sora...

That's who we were waiting for.

Yes, you can tell just by her expression.

Hehe.

I didn't keep you waiting too long, did I?★

I brought a bunch of stuff that you're gonna love!

R-really?!

You betcha! Feast your eyes on this! ♥

Whoaaaaaa!

Oh my gosh! Heart Pounding Memories! This show's a classic!

It must have been incredibly difficult to get your hands on this.

And then this... Only You, My Love! Another masterpiece!

And this one...! And then this...!

Haha, easy there, tiger. ★

They're not gonna grow legs and run off. Take your time browsing.

Oh, and I've got a present for you as well, Delta.

For me?

That's right. ★

Here it is!

Oh, these are...

Multipurpose military goggles and the latest model at that. ♥

The moment I saw them, I thought of you.

I went through a lot of trouble to get these for you. ★

I didn't expect to receive a gift as well.

I will make good use of these.

Unfortunately, I didn't know you'd be here, Captain,

so I didn't prepare anything for you. ★

...☆

Tell you what. Here's what I'll do.

Signal. I lost something on the surface not too long ago. ★

I was wondering if I could use your observation device for a bit?

O-oh, sure! Go right ahead.

Oh, but of course I do. ★

A way into your heart, hehe. ♥

...☆

Geez, you really never let anything slide, do you?★

Fiiine, fine!

Heehee, this is just between us, okay, Captain?♥

I'm just observing the surface.

Checking how things are looking up there—

how many Raptures are in the area,

which areas are dangerous,

which ones are safe, that kind of thing. ♥

I really do love the surface, you know?★

And while I'm at it, I've picked up a little hobby too.

Ta-da! ★

Hehe, yep! ♥

I check the weather very carefully. ★

It's actually pretty fun comparing the weather on the surface with that of the Ark every day.

So, no matter how busy I get,

I always try to stop by

at least once every two weeks. ★

And while I'm at it, I bring back gifts that I know Signal and Delta will love. ♥

Next time, I'll be sure to bring something for you too, Captain, just in case. ★

Oh, wait, scratch that.

I've already shared my secret with you, so it's all good. ♥

But promise me you'll keep it just between us, okay?♥