?P?roduct?12?

*Huff huff*

...

*Inhale*

*Pheeeeew*

!!

... 9... Wake...

... 9S...?

... Agh.

9S. Wake up.

2B?

Where...

Where is this place?

I'm not sure.

The environment is completely different from what we know, from the architecture down to the atmosphere itself.

Weren't we trying to return to the Bunker using the transporters?

Correct. I remember everything up to the point we got on the transporters.

After that, some kind of error occurred inside, and there was this calamitous explosion.

Next thing I knew, I woke up in this place.

Where are the transporters?

I'm not sure. When I opened my eyes, they were already gone.

And my pod is...

This is a code red.

We must request help from Command.

I tried, but there was no response.

Let me try.

This is 9S. Please respond.

...

!!

I can't reach them either.

Wait.

There might be another transporter around here. Let me scan the area.

?!!

I think the scan will have to wait.

Is that... a Machine Lifeform?

It's unlike any I've seen before. Could it be a new type?

Hard to say.

Whatever it is, let's take care of it.

Welcome.

Come now, what's with that attitude?

People might overhear and think that I only call on you when there's trouble afoot.

Do you remember the D-Wave?

Good.

Then I can keep this brief.

Another D-Wave has been caused by a special entity known as the Gatekeeper.

I suppose you have been through a lot since the last occurrence.

Very well, I'll explain it again.

We previously discovered a unique entity called the Gatekeeper.

This entity emitted energy waves that matched the frequency of the D-Wave.

There were also disturbances occurring in the form of unwanted visitors: humans from other worlds.

Our research determined that these extraterrestrial visitors also emitted D-Wave frequencies.

We came to the conclusion that they shared a deep connection with the Gatekeeper.

Continued research on both the D-Wave and the Gatekeeper

allowed us to decipher the Gatekeeper's database.

Inside the database, there were records of all manner of objects. These ranged from what we've seen in our own world, like Raptures,

all the way to fantastical concepts like wizards, warriors, dragons, time-freezing devices, soul synthesizers, and interstellar ballistic missiles.

Things that you would only see in works of fiction.

However, we discovered that whatever was recorded in the Gatekeeper's database,

be it fantastical in nature or not,

could be manifested in our world.

More or less.

Another way to put it is that anything the Gatekeeper is familiar with can be replicated in our reality.

Those people from another world were also recorded in the Gatekeeper's database.

Our current hypothesis is that

the Gatekeeper brought these people into our world.

We have spared no effort in researching whether the D-Wave can genuinely create a living creature from scratch.

It came to light that the frequency of the D-Wave is an identical match with sleep waves.

That leads us to believe that the D-Wave is a type of energy emitted by the Gatekeeper while it is asleep.

All of these organisms which have manifested,

be they living organisms, inorganic machines, fantastical or not,

have been conjured up from the Gatekeeper's dreams.

Right.

I'm glad you understand.

And now, we've been picking up another D-Wave.

Unlike last time,

it appears to be confined to a specific building.

That's right.

Since it's confined in such a constricted space,

the concentration of the D-Wave is off the charts. Much more potent than before.

Correct.

Make sure you're well prepared before you head out.

What?

A D-Wave picked up from the factory again?

This doesn't feel right.

Factories are a staple of horror movies. We're gonna go there and ghosts are gonna pop out at us.

Right!

It might even be zombies or something!

Pull yourselves together.

There's nothing to worry about, Commander.

Still...

Even if we don't bump into zombies and stuff, we might encounter some other grotesque creature like we did last time.

That is a high possibility.

Do you think we'll see that thing again?

The one that looked like a great big ball. What was its name again?

The Gatekeeper.

Yeah, that's the one!

I would say the chances of a reunion are high,

along with us running into beings from another world.

I wonder what type of people it'll be this time?

What makes you so sure they'll be human?

What else would they be?

... They're not gonna be zombies, are they?!

Rather than sitting here making wild guesses, let's get a move on.

Is this the factory?

I think so.

Just like last time, communications with the Ark are down.

I would presume so.

Communication is down even though the Alva particle concentration is at 0%, just like last time.

Oh jeez, I'm nervous. I hope nothing crazy happens this t...

!!

Careful.

Someone's over there.

??

Is...

that a Nikke?

Hey!

There's someone over there!

Over here!

Wait, are they actually Nikkes after all?

Are they in distress?

What should we do?

We haven't gotten any reports of a unit being separated.

Who are you?

What?

Our mission blew up in our faces, and we had to escape.

Once we figured out this area didn't have any Raptures,

we decided to stay put until someone came.

So you abandoned your mission?

It's rather unusual to have a squad composed entirely of the same model.

Unless the mission in question is rather unique.

Interesting.

Oh, well...

Actually, we're not on the same squad. We just met here.

Here?

Yep!

All three of you, of your own volition, separately aborted your missions,

and without any prior knowledge, found out that this area was devoid of Raptures.

You all then proceeded to, by complete chance, meet up here.

And it just so happens that you're all the same model.

Um... yeah. Hehe.

That's one whopper of a coincidence.

You better start explaining, or else you're gonna start looking really suspicious.

W-well,

I'm a mass-produced Nikke from the reconnaissance squad, Product 12.

These two here are Product 12 models as well.

They told me that they were also sent here to conduct recon.

The first to come up was Product 12 over there, followed by Product 12 here.

Come again?

And last but not least, me, another Product 12.

Yes?

!!

!!

Um...

Did you say... our names?

Totally.

It's next to impossible telling you all apart.

Besides, if we say, "Hey, Product 12", all three of you would turn around.

Yes, let's give you all names before we continue.

Perhaps we could use our serial numbers?

No way, those are waaaaay too long. No one here will be able to remember those.

Hmm... how about...

I saw a spy movie a few days ago,

and everyone in it was

calling each other code names.

Like...

Combinations of numbers and letters.

So,

should we try it?

I like it.

...

Sure, why not?

Hmmm... What would be good...

Hmmm...

...

I've got it!

I'll be C-1002.

We're all Product 12 models, so the number 12 is kinda special to me.

Why not just use 12 then? Why stuff two zeroes in between?

Just using 12 on its own is kinda lame, don't you think?

... I guess?

I'm not too fond of the number 12 myself,

so I'll be 6000-D.

And I'll be B-0006.

I like the number 6, and it looks nice with some zeroes in front.

That settles it then! We've all got new names.

A unique designation that applies only to me...

It's nice.

Yeah.

I'm... happy.

Well,

if I'm starting at the very beginning, 6000-D was the first to come here.

After being knocked unconscious, B-0006 came to and then ran off, ending up here.

As for me, I aborted my mission once I encountered a Rapture,

and ran all the way here.

That's how I ended up meeting these two.

I was on a patrol mission near the factory to secure the power supply,

when I heard strange noises coming from inside.

I figured it was something I wouldn't be able to handle on my own,

so I decided to stay outside and keep my exploration to the surrounding area.

I... When I opened my eyes, I was inside the factory. I had no idea how I had got there.

Then there was this loud noise. It sounded like fighting... and I, uh...

so I ran out...

Once I got out, 6000-D was already here, and C-1002 came shortly after.

Yes. Gunshots.

We all heard them, right?

... Yes.

We didn't see anyone,

but this complex is massive.

We weren't able to keep track of all the exits.

If what you're saying is true, then there's something inside this factory, no?

And it's still putting up a fight.

Commander.

It seems we have to enter the factory.

Would it be too much to ask you to direct us while we're inside?

U-us?

Yes.

You know the layout of this place better than we do.

Er... I guess that's okay...

What about you guys?

If it's an order...

I'll go if you all go. I don't want to be alone.

Then we'll all go in together.

All right.

2B, do you see that?

They're on the move.

Are they going into the factory?

Looks like it.

...

These are the first people we've seen since we arrived here.

They might have something to do with this factory.

There's no way to know for sure.

For the time being, at least.

How'd the trip go?

It was the same result as when I went in the other direction.

There's some kind of

invisible barrier blocking the way.

So we're surrounded by transparent walls of some kind?

Apparently.

We're completely hemmed in. There's no escape.

And at a time like this, someone happens to come over...

...

Those people out there could be the ones who made this place.

They could also have been brought here like we have.

We should go find out for ourselves.

Yes, we should. Let's follow them.

What the heck?

Why's it so dark in here?

The power seems to have been out for who knows how long,

and there aren't many windows.

!!

I don't want to be a downer,

but don't you all think getting into this factory was a bit too easy?

The last time,

there was a defensive barrier set up by the Gatekeeper,

and Raptures to boot.

This time around, we just waltzed right in.

Huh?

Isn't that a good thing?

Why question it?

Fair enough.

Could it be that the Gatekeeper isn't here?

You think so? That's not good.

Huh? I thought you'd consider that another positive.

Not at all. That means there'd be another reason for what's going on here.

Wouldn't it be better if all these problems are from a pre-existing threat

that we're already familiar with?

Holy crap.

Since when did you get so smart?

You're not a replicant created by the Gatekeeper, are you?

A replicant?! Don't insult me.

I've always been smart as a whip!

!!

!!

Rapture detected ahead!

!!

R-Rapture?!

Oh gosh... oh jeez...

Good grief, pull yourselves together!

Prepare for combat.

Encounter!

Phew...

That batch caught me off guard.

So there are Raptures inside the factory...

Maybe that's the sound we heard from outside.

...

To think that I was lying in here unconscious...

gives me goosebumps.

...

What's wrong?

Is something wrong?

Those Raptures were different from usual.

How so?

Wait.

!!

Commander.

You better come and take a look at this.

These Raptures... they're empty inside.

!!

!!

What the...?!

How is that even possible?

I haven't a clue.

I've never seen anything like this before.

Does this mean...

there are new types of Raptures being developed?

... It's hard to say.

Personally, I think they resemble empty tin cans

more than a new Rapture breed.

...

!!

Watch out!

Commander, stay back!

Wha...?!

Th-they're gone!

...

I don't think this is a new type of Rapture.

I never heard of a dead Rapture disappearing like this.

The only way something this bizarre makes any sense...

... Is that it was conjured up by the Gatekeeper.

Exactly.

Commander.

We should proceed carefully.

There might be more of these things in the vicinity.

Oh boy... And here I was thinking it'd be easier this time around.

Couldn't be further from that.

You don't like things when they're easy anyway.

Since when have I ever said that?

?!

...

I sense something.

... Never mind.

Let's go.

Hey, wake up!

It's dangerous sleeping in a place like this.

Ugh... Where am I...?

About time you woke up.

What... is this place?

That's a good question.

I'm not so sure about it myself.

All I remember is seeing an error message pop up

after I entered the transporter.

I don't see any trace of the transporter,

and my body is covered in dust.

I must have been unconscious for a while...

Hey...

The architectural style of the buildings and the general atmosphere feel somewhat different than usual.

It's difficult to ascertain where exactly this place is.

Um...

Are you okay?

!!

Don't come near me.

Who are you?

What do you mean?

Oh, I understand. Well... I'm a Nikke.

Nikke?

I'm not asking for your name.

Reveal your identity.

I... but Nikke isn't my name...

Oh, are you curious about my model number?

I'm a mass-produced Nikke, Product 12 model.

What the...?

What are these terms you're using? Are they different from an Android or a Machine Lifeform?

Huh?

You're not making sense. Do you not know about Nikkes?

Nikkes are...

?!

!!

Is this some kind of new Machine Lifeform?

It's a Rapture.

Rapture?

Yeah.

Nikkes like me were built to fight against Raptures and defend humanity.

Defend humanity...?

So I'll protect you no matter what happens!

Whew... that should be the last of them.

...

It's funny. I said I would protect you,

but you ended up doing most of the heavy lifting.

It's kinda embarrassing, actually.

... So it really isn't a Machine lifeform...

Nope. I told you, it's a Rapture.

And you're a Nikke, created to take down these creatures?

Yep!

For mankind's salvation, in order to reclaim the surface.

... I see.

It appears I really have landed in a strange land that's unfamiliar to me.

Huh?

Hey.

Have you seen any transporters around here?

Transporter?

Um... I'm not entirely sure what that is.

It's a large box-like contraption, with a big door affixed to it.

There wasn't anything around here when I found you.

You were just lying there alone.

This is too bad.

Big door... Large box...

Oh!

It's not near here,

but I'm pretty sure I've seen something similar to that.

!!

Where?

I'm no good at drawing maps,

but I've got a general idea of the directions.

Hmm...

If you're okay with it, I can take you there.

You can?

Sure!

I don't have anything going on anyway.

I don't understand.

Why are you being so kind to someone you just met?

I dunno.

I just feel like it, I guess.

...

Hehehe.

... Very well. Since there appears to be no other option at the moment,

take me where you saw this device.

Sure thing!

I'm warning you though.

Don't get any funny ideas, or I'll make sure you'll regret it.

... Okie-dokie!

Commander, should we rest?

Yeah, let's take a breather.

We've been fighting and walking for a while.

Add this dreary darkness on top of everything, and it's mentally draining.

About time!

I'll check the perimeter.

I'll come too. It's scary moving around alone in a place like this.

... Okay.

We will.

Be right back, Master!

Nice, we can leave the scouting to those two.

As for the rest of us, let's plop down and get some well-deserved rest.

Okay!

Have a seat, everyone.

... All right.

Now that we've got a spare moment,

there was a question I wanted to ask you, 6000-D.

Me?

When I first met you, you were really giving me a solid stare-down.

To be honest, it made me kinda nervous.

... Really?

Totally! Your eyes were practically boring into me. It was kinda freaky.

I even asked if you were okay.

Once I did that, you didn't seem so scary.

Hmm... Perhaps you're right.

Do you know how scared I was?

I was already wound tight from my narrow escape from those Raptures.

I have to ask: What made you look at me like that?

It...

It was because you looked so similar to me.

Ha!

Isn't that obvious? We're all the same model.

Yeah!

We're all wearing the same outfit and the same helmet.

It would stand to reason that we'd share a resemblance.

I'm sorry.

I somehow overlooked something that was painfully obvious.

It's all good.

Seeing you slip up a little helps lighten the mood. I feel closer to you.

I've already heard that Nikkes tend not to get along with others of the same model,

but that doesn't apply to you two at all.

Sure, I thought it was a bit awkward at first with how similar you two looked,

but the more I look at you both, I feel a certain kind of kinship.

I... I feel it too. Kinship.

S-so... I like you... both.

You really feel that way?

Kinship... yes. I feel it.

Nice, so you both were thinking the same thing.

I'm glad. I thought I was the only one.

Anyway, you're okay in my book, 6000-D.

Same.

You seemed a bit cold in the beginning, but not anymore.

See? B-0006 thinks so, too!

Is that supposed to be a compliment?

Absolutely!

...

This is rather unexpected.

Come again?

Oh, that.

I just find it unusual that they're getting so close.

Definitely not what I would expect.

!!

Gah! You scared me! You could at least make some noise when you approach.

Fortunately, no.

There aren't any signs of Raptures in this area.

This will be a fine place to rest.

I don't mean to beat a dead horse,

but I really have never seen mass-produced Nikkes of the same model get along so swimmingly.

Neither have I.

The best I've seen is mere indifference instead of active hostility.

Not at all.

It's just that Nikkes tend not to get along with their fellow models.

As a result, they tend to keep a healthy distance from each other from the outset.

Kind of a natural instinct, if you will.

Nikkes of the same model will look physically identical,

so perhaps that makes them feel a bit uneasy?

At best, you'll have instances where they merely tolerate each other. More often, they actively dislike each other.

What you're seeing here is rare.

Exceedingly so.

Apparently, there are cases where they can build a sense of kinship amongst one another, despite looking the same.

...

Kinship, you say...?

This seems to be the central part of the factory.

!!

!!

That sound... I think it's coming from the other side of that door.

Whatever's going on in there, it sounds like a real fracas.

Agreed.

Hmm...

I don't think we should assume that it's simply a Rapture.

We can't forget about the Gatekeeper.

I knew it.

That's the same sound that we heard when we were outside.

It's a very... peculiar sound, don't you think?

There seems to be some sort of pattern to it.

Listen.

That sound...

It keeps stopping...

and then picking back up again.

At regular intervals.

Again and again.

Yep.

How interesting, it's like everyone inside is waiting until they count to three to shoot.

Yeah.

It's totally bizarre.

Who does that in the middle of a firefight?

I say we find out for ourselves.

Are you saying we should open the door?

I am.

And go in there?

Isn't that a bit dangerous?

If you're scared, you can wait here.

... It'd be even worse being left alone.

I'll go with you.

I think it'd be better if we stick together anyway.

Commander,

based on the sounds we're hearing, there's most likely a confrontation of some sort going on inside.

Keep low and stay behind u...

...

It's just like before...

... It's nothing.

...

Anis. Neon.

Yeah?

Yes?

You two take the lead.

I'll take the rear.

Okay,

if you say so.

Roger!

Commander, stick behind Anis and stay low.

Let's move.

Going in.

...

...

They were here. Of that, there is no doubt.

Let's first assess the situation before moving on.

Understood.

Wha... are these all Nikkes?

Why are there so many?

Are those Raptures?

That they are.

These are all Product 12 Nikkes.

H-how...

How can there be so many gathered in one space?

...

They're all loading and shooting in unison.

This is freaky.

Forget about the synchronized shooting,

just having this many Nikkes in one place is already weird to begin with.

It's not as if they're all part of some large-scale mission.

And unless this is a Nikke production factory,

there's no reason

there should be this many of them in one location.

Definitely not.

Nikke production factories only exist in the Ark.

As far as I know, that's correct.

Then how is this...

Could it have been a factory that was built before the exodus to the Ark?

But if that's true, surely it wouldn't still be operational?

I highly doubt it.

There is no way a facility capable of producing so many mass-produced Nikkes would still be on the surface.

The humans would have retrieved it before moving to the Ark.

Barring that, they would have destroyed it so that it wouldn't fall into the hands of Raptures.

Right...

Yeah. We're not going to get anywhere sitting here pontificating all day.

I'll go first.

Hey. What are you all up to?

...

What are you all gathered here for?

...

Helllooo? Can you hear me?

...

Apparently not.

I see.

Maybe you need to be louder?

It could be all that firepower.

What does the volume of my voice have to do with firepower?

All that gunfire could have made her hard of hearing.

Why don't you try shouting?

Show them our firepower!

Wouldn't that be a bit dangerous?

You see all those Raptures over there. What if we end up drawing attention to ourselves?

Are you sure, Commander?

I know, but...

Fine, I'll do it.

I won't let some other firepower get the better of me!

What should I shout out to them, Master?

Ha!

A fine answer!

You've gotta fight fire with fire.

All right then...

FIREPOOOOOWWWEEERRR!

Huh?

Not 'firepower'?

Then again, I do have to get their attention.

Might as well go with that.

All right then...

ATTENTTTIOOONNN!

Agh! My poor eardrums!

Hehe, thanks!

Surely that'll be enough to get their attention.

!!

!!

...

Absolutely nothing? Not even from that mighty bellow?

Maybe my firepower wasn't up to par?

I don't think that was the case.

Definitely not.

I don't think they can hear anything. It's as if they're possessed.

They're like mindless machines.

It's disturbing.

It's not as if we don't exist to them.

They simply can't see us, that's all.

They seem to be utterly immersed in their mission.

What is this? Why are they acting like that?

This is starting to feel like some cheap horror flick.

...

In any case, I think the goal of these Nikkes is to defeat those Raptures.

I say we take out those Raptures and end this stalemate.

That way, the Nikkes will have to pay us some attention.

Good call.

I'd to see them try and ignore us then!

Now that I think about it, I don't even know your name.

My name?

Yeah.

What should I call you?

... A2.

A2?

That's a cool name.

... And you?

Sorry?

Oh, I'm a Product 12 model.

Is 'Product 12' your name?

Well...

I actually don't have my own unique name.

...

All of us of the same model are just called Product 12.

That's what everyone calls me anyway,

so I suppose you could say it's my name in a sense.

So you can just call me that.

... P-12.

Come again?

Product 12 is a bit long.

I much prefer P-12.

Oh...

P-12...

So that's my name...

Hehe, I like it!

Thanks, A2!

All right, just be quiet and lead the way.

You got it! I'll do my best.

Let's go!

...

So, are you a human?

What makes you ask?

Nothing, I just figured that if you don't know what a Nikke is,

you probably aren't a Nikke.

So my second guess would be that you're a human.

Are those the only two potential possibilities in your mind?

Well, there is one more.

That you're a Rapture.

I'm none of those things.

Then what are you?

I'm an Android.

An Android?

What's th...

Don't ask.

Just consider it something similar to what you are.

A humanoid weapon made to save mankind.

Oh...

Do Androids have human brains too?

...?

You have a human brain inside you?

Sure do!

All Nikkes do.

All of us have the same brain we had when we were human.

Are Androids the same?

No.

We only have consciousness data.

Consciousness data... So cool!

If you ask me, the fact that your entire body is pretty nifty and lifelike,

is pretty neat.

I don't appreciate this subject being made light of.

I'm going.

Hey, wait for me!

Everyone...

Is it just me, or do more of these so-called Raptures keep appearing from the back row?

They certainly don't seem to be decreasing, which I thought was strange.

I think you're right.

You said more of them are coming from the back?

No wonder we haven't even made a dent, even though we're dropping them like flies.

It's not by much, but their numbers are decreasing.

You say that, but the same goes for the mass-produced Nikkes. And that's with us helping them out as much as we have.

Who are, may I remind you, still giving us the silent treatment.

*Sigh*

What possible reason could there be?

This is all because we're sorely lacking in firepower,

and the opposition knows it.

They aren't even looking at us.

Again with the firepower?

Do all of life's ills stem from a lack of firepower?

If we put our backs into it and really show them what our firepower is made of,

they're sure to notice us!

So let's give them something to look at!

Hyyyyaaaaahhhhhh!!!

Sometimes I wish my life wasn't so hard.

Fine. It's not like we have a choice, do we?

Let's do it!

Ugh... I think I'm finally seeing an improvement.

There are definitely less than there were before!

Surely this is enough?

It's not bad. It should be enough to make them notice us.

What the...?

What's going on?

They all just stopped.

Okay, what the hell is going on? I'm seriously starting to freak out.

... Anis. Come back.

Coming!

Interference.

What?

Terminate.

Don't kill them all.

Then we won't be of any use.

Interference.

What did you just—

Exterminate.

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

!!

Commander, this way!

Everyone take cover!

What is going on?!

Why are they turning on us?

Is this some kind of mass corruption?

I don't see any red in their eyes, so it doesn't seem like corruption.

Then how do you explain this?!

You got me.

The most important thing right now is that we get out of here.

Easy for you to say! How do you plan on getting past these guys?

Are you going to have to kill them all?

If need be, yes.

At this point, it's kill or be killed.

They'll all die...

Every last one.

6000-D?

What's wrong?

If we stay here,

we're all going to die!

Ahhhhhhhh!!

6000-D!

!!

!!

!!

...!!

Ahhhhhhhh!!

!！

What's going on here?

Why did you bring me here?

What are you doing?

What do you mean?

You say you're going to lead the way, and then you lead me straight into the enemy stronghold?

Oh, don't worry. None of these guys will shoot at us.

All we've gotta do is walk behind the Nikkes,

and leave out that door on the other side.

How can I trust you?

I-it's true...

...

If you're worried about them, don't be. It's okay, honest!

They're so focused on fighting each other

that they won't pay us any mind if we scoot behind them.

You expect me to believe that?

Okay then, what do you need me to do to convince you?

Here, watch. I'm gonna shout at the top of my lungs.

What? Wait...!

Yoooooooooo!

!!

...

What is this...?!

You see? Not even the slightest reaction.

It's like we're not even here.

All they're focused on is firing their weapons at each other.

Beats me as to why.

It doesn't matter how close you get,

or how much you talk to them.

It's like none of it even registers for them.

Well, that works in our favor.

Exactly! Thanks to that, we can easily work our way over to the door on the other side.

I'll go first.

...

See? They couldn't care less.

... Apparently so.

I get that it's a bit creepy, but all we've got to do is go down a little further and...

Interference.

Huh?

They stopped?

Terminate.

Don't kill them all.

Then we won't be of any use.

Interference.

Why are they talking all of a sudden...!

Exterminate.

!!

!!

How...?

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

Run!

Ye-yes!

What are those things?

I thought you said they didn't care about us?

I-I don't know what happened.

They've never done this before.

What are they all doing in there? And how come they look exactly like you?

I don't know that either...

Is this supposed to be some kind of trap?

N-no!

They're right outside the door.

They keep following us.

This door won't hold for long.

I know a safe place!

If we go a little further along this hallway,

there's a place where we can hide.

We don't have a choice. We're going to have to fight.

A2, I'm telling you the truth.

This wasn't meant to be a trap!

We'll talk about that later.

We've got to move forward. Follow me, and I'll take care of these.

Let's go!

... Yes!

Uahh... Uaahhhhh!

I-it's empty! How? How?!

There's nothing...

Shouldn't there be a human brain inside the head?

Where's the brain?

Rapi! Anis! Am I seeing things, or...

I don't know what that thing is.

Everyone calm down!

!!

!!

Oh god... what's going on...

We have to focus on getting out of here.

O-okay. We can think about this once we're out of harm's way.

... Okay.

Anis, together with B-0006, C-1002 and 6000-D, open the door and secure an escape route.

Let's do this.

Neon, you and I will cover the rear.

Roger!

Commander.

Are you able to run?

Roger.

When I give the signal, you and Anis will both run to the door.

I'll cover you.

When I count to three, you run.

One.

Two.

Three!

What? Where's the exit?!

If only we could communicate with the Ark.

Did we go the wrong way? Should we head back?

We can't go back. Not with the mass-produced Nikkes on our tail.

We have to keep moving forward.

All right, let's go then.

Bad news, everyone!

Raptures, straight ahead!

!!

Come on, not now!

We've got Raptures in front of us, and the Nikkes behind us.

Is it just me,

or are we really in a pickle right now?

Do you think we can really defeat them all?

Do you think we can make it?

Exterminate.

!!

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

They just won't give up!

What do we do?!

Fall back.

Enemy down.

!!

She defeated all those Raptures in one fell swoop!

All of you!

This way!

Should we follow them?

Yes.

It's the only choice we have.

Let's go.

Fine by me. Let's go!

Finally, we're back outside!

Phew...

I've never ran so much in my life.

*Huff*

I don't think the Nikkes or the Raptures

followed us outside the building.

You did good keeping up.

Don't mention it.

!!

...

Rapi?!

What are you doing?!

Were you following us in the factory?

What are you talking about, Rapi?

There we were, stuck between a rock and a hard place, and you just so happen to show up at the last moment.

Awfully convenient, don't you think? Too convenient.

Almost as if you'd been watching the whole time.

!!

Isn't that right?

...

Fine. We were following you.

Why?

We wanted to confirm if you all were the ones who built this factory,

or just innocent bystanders.

?

Honestly.

We had no other intentions.

If we meant you harm, why would we have intervened?

Why would we have helped you get out?

... Very well.

Now that we're on the same page, any chance you can get that gun out of my face?

...

... Yes, Commander.

My apologies.

Don't worry about it.

We should apologize as well.

I only have one more question.

Were you sent by the Ark?

Ark?

Never heard of it before.

What?

...

Are you Nikkes?

Or human?

I don't know what a Nikke is,

and we're definitely not human.

How can you not know what a Nikke is?!

Wait... don't tell me you two are...?!

Let me rephrase the question.

Is there anything in this world that you recognize at all?

To be perfectly honest...

no.

We've scanned this entire area, including the factory.

Our scans indicated that the composition of the terrain, as well as other materials, was completely unrecognizable from our world's. Even the atmospheric conditions differ wildly.

Based on those findings,

we believe that we may have arrived in a different world.

I knew it.

If you're not humans from another world,

what are you, exactly?

We were...

created to serve in combat.

We are called Androids.

What?

Android...?