UNBREAKABLE SPHERE II

I remember when I first opened my eyes and found myself here.

An infinite black void.

All that stared back at me was cold seawater and endless bits and bobs from the surface which Gluttony had swallowed,

as well as a red core.

At first, I used my abilities to try every possible method of escape.

I tried shooting bubbles at the core.

I tried using my Kotodama.

None of it worked.

Gluttony was different than ordinary Raptures.

It was moving by primal instinct alone.

The result was that my Kotodama had no effect on it.

Gluttony seemed to prioritize its urge to consume above all other instincts.

When I'd exhausted all possible means of escape,

I started to become afraid.

Was I going to die in this place?

Once I was digested, what kind of attack would Gluttony unleash on the outside world?

What would happen if Gluttony found out about the nature of my bubbles?

Was I doomed to fail once again, without achieving anything?

It was at that moment that I remembered a promise I'd once made to a few friends.

She told me that from now on, our story was no longer one of failure, but a fairy tale.

One with a happy ending.

I became determined not to give up.

My friends were surely out there trying their best in order to keep that promise too.

I couldn't give up. I had to struggle with all my might.

In order to keep myself alive, I had to create more bubbles.

I expanded the protective bubble around myself in order not to be detected by Gluttony's core.

I gathered surrounding remnants from the surface and created a space where I could live.

I crafted a tree out of bubbles, fabricated a bubble workshop,

and built all the places where I lived with you guys.

I also made dolls that resembled my friends

and launched them up to the surface.

I hoped that someday, perhaps my friends would encounter these doppelgangers

and come looking for me.

I continued making the bubbles and launching them up to the surface.

Again and again, I did this.

I waited for a long time.

At times, the loneliness was excruciating.

I considered giving up more than once.

But even in the deepest depths of my despair, my longing to see my friends trumped all else.

I wanted to uphold the promise I made on that day.

And so I strengthened my resolve countless times, and pushed on.

Then you guys came, swallowed whole by Gluttony.

I was terribly worried for you all,

but paradoxically, I was also ecstatic to finally have company.

During my time alone, I had learned how to control my Kotodama,

and being able to talk, laugh, and live with you all filled me with ineffable joy.

That's how much you all mean to me.

Your presence here was a gift.

I'm so glad I was able to meet you all.

... I'm not afraid of the end anymore.

I'm no longer scared.

I'm no longer lonely.

So don't blame yourselves,

and live well.

Siren!!

What...

Are you awake?

...!

Who...?

Nice to meet you.

I'm Mana of the M.M.R. Squad.

Are you Mori from the Incubator Squad?

... Yes.

I see.

Where am I?

This is Reclamation Site 01.

It's the first area on the surface that we've successfully reclaimed.

Have you heard of it?

I have, but what am I doing here?

Once we were out of danger,

Wardress brought you back here.

Are Mihara and Yuni...

They're outside.

Would you like to go meet them?

... Yes.

Mori!

Mihara...

What happened to Gluttony?

Where's Siren?

... Gluttony left.

No...

Is there any way we can follow it?

We need to go save Siren!

It's possible for us to track it, but...

Then let's go!

We have to hurry, before it gets too far!

We can't do that.

What?

We can't go.

!!

Do you hear what you're saying?!

Don't you want to save Siren?

Of course I do.

But tracking Gluttony is impossible.

Why not?!

Mori, do you know what kind of Rapture Gluttony is?

No, I don't! And I don't care!

Besides...

No, this is something you need to know.

Siren risked her life

to save your own.

I can't let you go rushing headlong into danger without knowing anything, even if it's because you want to save her.

If you end up throwing your life away recklessly,

all of Siren's sacrifices will be in vain.

!!

Gluttony appeared during the First Rapture Invasion.

A Tyrant-class Rapture.

After humanity went into the Ark, it rarely showed up,

and so the only information we have on it is from old records.

It consumed an ICBM intended to destroy the Lift,

then expelled all that energy back at the launch site and utterly decimated it.

From that point on, humanity stopped using large-scale armaments against Rapture facilities.

That's probably why Siren insisted on staying behind.

If Gluttony digests the AA Pillar, and the energy contained within it,

this entire region would be wiped off the map.

Is it really that dangerous?

Yes, it is.

It's a miracle that we were able to get out of that thing alive.

And here you are, wanting to rush back towards it.

...!

Are you sure you can do that?

You're afraid of fighting run-of-the-mill ordinary Raptures.

When you stand in front of Gluttony,

are you sure you won't lose your nerve?

I-I...

Besides, this isn't a problem which can be solved with willpower alone.

Even if you are willing to risk your life, you most likely won't be able to make a dent in that beast.

You'd be throwing your life away.

...

I understand that it's a bitter pill to swallow,

but there are some things which we are powerless to change.

This is one of them.

You can't do this, Mori. You must give it up.

...

The best thing for us to do now is rest.

In the meantime, we can take our time to mull this over.

Let's go, Yu...

I'm not stupid.

I know that.

I know that if I go out there, I'm signing my own death warrant.

That I might die without being able to do anything.

Especially since we're talking about me, someone who's afraid of even regular Raptures.

I realize I'd be powerless against something like Gluttony.

You're right.

The right thing for a weak Nikke from the Incubator Squad to do is give up.

But I can't.

I can't get it out of my head.

I can't abandon her.

She was the first person who told me she was glad I was alive.

...

Even if I get chewed up, melted into a puddle, whatever it is,

I want to go save her.

I can't live knowing that

she gave up her life for mine.

So...

!!

Mori!

Please.

Just this once, could you help me?

...

I know what I did to you is unforgivable.

I know how shameless this request is.

I'm perfectly aware that I should be asking for forgiveness instead of a favor.

So I'll do anything.

If you go with me, I will do anything.

I put my life entirely in your hands.

If you tell me to submit a false report, I'll do it.

I will give you anything and everything I have.

You give the order, any order, and I'll obey.

If you want me to die in your place, I'm willing to do it anytime.

So, please...

Help me. Just this once.

I don't have any special skills or connections.

All I can do is beg.

So here I am,

on my knees,

begging you to help me chase after Gluttony.

Please.

...

*Sigh*... I knew this would happen.

Once someone has been shown love, they'll never give up.

Such affection. Such sorrow.

Coo?

I suppose we don't have much choice, do we?

If you're that determined, Mori,

let's go save Siren.

Mihara...!

Cooo?

But we can't rush in without a plan.

Before we make our move, we need to find a clue as to how to take down Gluttony.

If we don't do that, then this isn't a rescue operation,

but a suicide mission.

Understand?

I-I understand!

All right then. Let's go see what we can find out.

So that's why you came to see me?

Yes. We came seeking whatever knowledge you have on Gluttony.

I already provided you with all the basic information about Gluttony.

Indeed, and we thank you for that.

So what more do you need to know?

Are you aware of there being any way

to take it down?

Gluttony, you mean?

Yeah.

I figured with you being the way you are, you'd have considered potential ways to eliminate it.

Me?

Why would you think that?

When we were swallowed by Gluttony,

I heard you say to us,

"Get away from there immediately!"

Isn't that because you were in the middle of dropping the AA Pillar?

How did you know that?

We saw the AA Pillar inside Gluttony's stomach.

The AA Pillar is still inside Gluttony?

Yes.

In order to prevent that energy from being absorbed,

a Nikke who saved our lives is still inside Gluttony.

!!

So, in order to rescue her,

we need a way to subdue Gluttony, even if it's only momentarily.

Is there any way to make that happen?

The fact that you all came back alive after being consumed by Gluttony is surprising enough.

Now I'm being told there's still someone inside.

...

Is she a Pilgrim?

We're not sure, but most likely, yes.

That at least increases our chances of a successful rescue.

We're conducting joint research into this incident along with the Central Government,

so I'm not at liberty to act on my own and divulge information.

... I see.

What I can do for you is introduce you to someone else who could help.

Would that be all right?

Who would that be?

Hello! Since this is my first operation with Wardress, allow me to introduce myself.

I'm Shifty, an operator from the Central Government's intelligence division.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too, Shifty.

I'm seeing a few faces that don't belong to Wardress, at least according to the database...

...

...

Since you mentioned this operation involves a few secret agents, I won't ask any questions.

That's very considerate of you.

Mana briefed me on the situation.

You all escaped from inside Gluttony,

and now you're planning to track it down in order to rescue the Pilgrim that's still inside. Is that correct?

Yeah, that's correct.

Is there any way we could receive support from the Central Government?

That...

would be somewhat difficult.

Unless Gluttony poses a direct threat to the Central Government,

they have decided not to actively pursue it.

!!

So you mean they're just leaving it alone?

I figured that's the conclusion they'd reach.

...

May I ask why they decided on that course of action?

Probably because they haven't found a way to eliminate it yet.

You think so?

Of course.

After it swallowed the AA Pillar like it was nothing,

we've been at a loss as to how to take it down as well.

We haven't come up with any definite way to destroy Gluttony.

... At least not at the moment.

We did think of attempting an extermination operation

by deploying an elite combat squad from the Ark, the Counters Squad.

However, given that the Ark has recently suffered a large-scale attack,

it was decided that reinforcing the Ark's defenses was our top priority.

As far as I know, our current strategy is to refrain from proactive engagement.

... I see.

I suppose that means we don't know of any way to restrain Gluttony either?

Siren...

Actually, that's not entirely true.

It's far from exact, but...

There's a way?

Well...

We have found a way to damage it.

The only thing is that the method is rather extreme... and it requires a big sacrifice.

As such, we've designated it as unviable.

When you say sacrifice, what do you mean?

Yeah, what kind of sacrifice?

Someone has to enter through Gluttony's mouth,

and plant this onto its core.

Are those crystals?

E2 Crystals, to be precise. Harvested from the Crystal Region.

They have a unique property where they absorb electrical energy upon contact. They then continue to expand until all energy is depleted.

They are dangerous to Nikkes as well as Raptures.

Unless sealed within glass like so, it will instantly consume anything it touches.

!!

If we're able to plant that onto Gluttony's core...

Yes.

No matter how adept that creature is at absorbing and discharging energy,

there would be no way for it to counteract a parasitic organism attached directly to its own core.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'm positive this could take it down.

Then what are we waiting for?

Gluttony isn't simply going to sit still and let us plant this on it.

...

That's why this method was deemed infeasible.

Precisely.

There had never been a recorded case of anyone escaping from Gluttony after being consumed by it.

But then you guys showed up.

You all came shooting back up out of Gluttony like some kind of miracle.

But that's all it is. A miraculous fluke, yes, but a fluke nonetheless.

If you were to go back inside, the chances of coming out alive...

are still close to zero.

Even with that Pilgrim still being inside the beast,

if something were to go wrong during your attempted entry,

we would have no safeguards in place to respond to such a situation.

Right.

If its mouth closes before you're all the way inside,

or if the silver liquid touches you, you'd melt instantly.

... I'll do it.

This isn't a decision you should make lightly.

I'm not making it lightly!

I told you.

It doesn't matter what happens to me.

I want to save her.

So I'll do it.

Mori...

I can do it.

... All right.

In that case, there are two remaining uncertainties.

A method to lure Gluttony,

and a way to keep its mouth open and hold it in place.

If we can find answers to those two quandaries,

it'd go a long way to ensuring the operation is successful.

A way to hold it in place...

You don't have any ideas at all?

No. We haven't come up with a solution for that yet.

That's another reason why this operation was never attempted.

I see.

...

Okay, that should be enough information to go on.

Does that mean...?

Yes. Let's go save Siren.

Cooo?

Thank you both for your help.

We will think of the rest ourselves.

... Understood.

...

How in the world can we hold Gluttony in place...?

Mori, I've been thinking.

Yeah?

Remember how you told us

you were willing to do anything?

!!

Yes.

I'll do anything you tell me to. Just say the word.

Then, could you perhaps...

...

Lend me your phone for a moment?

Huh?

My phone?

Yeah.

I need it.

That's it? Why'd you make it sound so serious?

I was bracing myself for something big.

Hehe, sorry.

You seemed awfully tense, so I wanted to lighten the mood.

Don't you feel a bit more relaxed now?

Yeah, sure. I'm positively stress-free!

Anyway, here.

What do you need it for, anyway?

I really don't know anyone who could help us.

There's someone.

Someone...

very powerful.

I know someone like that?

You certainly do.

She sent you to us.

!!

Hold on, are you...!

I'm going to contact her.

Is that okay?

... Yes, it's okay.

You don't have to keep asking for my permission.

I told you. I'm willing to go through anything and everything.

So hurry up and do it.

Thanks, Mori.

I'll be right back.

You're not doing it here?

I think I'll need a little privacy for our conversation.

Yuni, will you stay with Mori for a moment?

Coo?

It won't take long.

... Coo.

Hmm? What's wrong, Yuni?

Do you not want me to go?

Coo.

I'm sorry...

but I really must go.

I have something to discuss with this individual.

I think they may have a solution to our problem.

Coo coo?

They should know a way for us to keep Gluttony momentarily in check.

Or in other words...

A perfect way for me to utilize my power.

Coo?

So, please, could you stay with Mori for a moment?

I'll be right back.

Cooo!

... Cooo.

... Are you okay, Yuni?

...

...

... Yuni?

...

Maybe contacting this person isn't the right choice...

*Sigh*... No.

I need to settle this once and for all, even if only for Yuni's sake.

I can't keep living in the dark, constantly under threat.

I can't protect anyone like this.

I can't save anyone.

I can't achieve anything.

It'll end up just like before.

I'll only end up full of sorrow.

I need power. I need to get stronger.

... Let's do this.

!!

A message...

...

...

Well hello there. Can you hear me?

Yes. I can hear you.

I believe we haven't had the pleasure.

That's right. Nice to meet you.

...

...

Wow, you really don't remember?

I guess your last memory wipe was the one that finally stuck.

Oh? Is that so?

I figured since you were hanging out with Yuni with an explosive collar of your own strapped on,

you must have retained some of your old memories, but apparently not.

What a shame.

Yes. It would have been nice if I remembered.

Then I would have known about you much earlier.

Aww, how nice of you.

However...

I don't see Mori?

You didn't off her, did you?

She's such a nice kid. How could I kill her?

She's somewhere safe, resting.

Ah, I see.

If she isn't dead, how come she isn't the one contacting me?

Apparently she's not as afraid of being disposed of as I thought.

What'd you say?

Didn't she tell you?

If she doesn't report back with her findings on my little experiment, she's headed for the scrap heap.

!!

I assumed you knew everything, since you're contacting me on her phone.

Looks like I was wrong again.

... This is my first time hearing all this.

Well then, this is quite a pickle. I'm rather curious to hear about the outcome of the experiment.

Perhaps I should ask you how it went?

If I tell you, what's in it for me?

Look at the little negotiator!

You're a cheeky one.

What do you want?

It's a big ask. Is that okay?

Hearing you out doesn't cost me anything.

All right, then I'll get to it.

Stop this calling signal experiment on Yuni.

I'd rather not.

Stop meddling in Mori's life and spare her.

Hmm... I'll consider it.

And one more thing.

More? Aren't you the greedy one.

Help me become stronger.

That's everything.

Oooh, now that's an interesting proposal.

But it's a rather steep price to pay simply to satisfy my own curiosity.

...

I could cherry pick any test subject I wanted from the ones up for disposal.

Why should I go through all this trouble of dealing with you instead?

How about this?

I'll be the one to undergo the experiment,

not Yuni.

...

Does that sweeten the deal?

Do you even know what kind of experiments I'm conducting?

You're inserting a Rapture core inside a Nikke. Isn't that it?

!!

What'd you say?

Ah uh.

There are two cores inside Yuni.

!!

Two cores? What are you talking about?

How do you know that?

When you were all falling,

do you remember how I caught you with my bubbles?

Yes...

When someone enters my bubble, I can learn a lot about them.

That's how I found out.

Yuni was used as a test subject and fused with a Rapture.

She now carries two cores inside her.

And are you saying one of those cores is...

Yes. I believe it belonged to a Rapture.

!!

A Rapture core...?

Ooh uh.

So that's why she reacted the way she did to the calling signal...

I believe that is the reason why, yes.

Right now, at least, the Nikke core is dominant. That allows for Yuni's consciousness to maintain control over her body.

But hearing the calling signal seems to activate the Rapture core.

Continual exposure to it could cause the Rapture instincts to take her over completely.

For someone like Yuni, whose external body has been fused with a Rapture, her identity as a Nikke could become even more unstable.

You must be careful.

... I'll keep that in mind.

Judging by your expression, I'd say I'm on the mark.

...

Haha.

You're something else, you know that?

...

How did you know?

Sorry, it's a secret.

Come now, give me just a little tease.

Do we have a deal or what?

Well... it's an enticing proposal.

All my previous test subjects were Nikkes about to be scrapped.

With you,

I'd have a chance to implant a Rapture core into someone special:

A Nikke who was handcrafted by my adorable little sister, piece by piece.

...

Yuni's external body had already been fused with Rapture parts, so it was already an alternative experiment in many ways.

When the Matis Squad was corrupted, I wondered if I could potentially find a use for them.

But then, much to my disappointment, they were healed.

After Yuni, I didn't expect another opportunity like this to come along.

... I'm glad that you're satisfied.

I certainly am!

I had no idea such interesting Nikkes existed. I feel like I've been missing out.

If I'd known about you earlier, I would've taken you in back when you got shot in the head.

Hehe, if you'd done that, then this moment wouldn't be possible, would it?

Fair point.

...

...

So what is that you're really after? Why are you so willing to subject your body to my experiments?

You had three requests. Is that really everything?

Yes, that's everything.

Now that I think about it, your requests seem rather modest.

Why do you want to become stronger?

Do you find you're somehow lacking when it comes to eliminating Raptures?

I want to take down Gluttony.

Ah, Gluttony!

Yes, that would be an impossible task in your current state.

It's officially classified as a Tyrant-class, but in actuality, it's far beyond that.

There's a reason it's named after a cardinal sin.

But...

didn't you receive a new body recently?

Yes, but I lack the ability to fully utilize its power.

In other words, you lack talent.

I figured if anyone would have a solution, it would be you.

You figured right.

If you undergo the same experiment Yuni did, you will definitely become stronger.

So that problem will resolve itself automatically.

However, that means one of your wishes would have been granted without any real input from me.

In that case, we'll say that I owe you one. You can come to me with a request later, and I'll grant it.

Thank you!

No need to thank me.

You of all people should know that implanting a Rapture core onto a living Nikke

is akin to a death sentence.

If you want to back out,

now's your last chance.

I've already gone through two memory wipes,

and I'm walking around with a bomb strapped to my neck.

I'm getting used to living life on the edge.

That may be so, but carrying two cores around is a different kind of thrill altogether.

It's no different from the pain I've had to endure up to this point.

All right, fine. If that's what you really want.

I'll stop playing around with the calling signal.

I'll also give you what you want when it comes to that Incubator friend of yours.

As for the strength you desire, I will put it within your grasp.

Thank you.

But I get something in return.

You're now my test subject for life.

I get to do whatever I want to you, and you're expected to grin and bear it.

Got that?

Yes. Understood.

Good.

I think you're officially fit for my experimenting table.

Er, Yuni?

...

S-stay back, Yuni!

Urgh!

Urgh... Yuni...!

I'm... Sorry...

!!!

I know... you won't forgive me...

I know I... don't deserve forgiveness...

But you have... have to let me... save Siren.

Once I've saved her... then you can... urgh...

Then you can kill me!

!!!

Please... I'm begging you.

*Cough*! *Cough*!

... Cooo.

*Cough*... Yuni...

... I'm sorry.

Sorry for putting you through this.

For putting you and Mihara in harm's way again.

I still want to save her.

She's the first person to ever be kind to me... and I loved it.

I don't want to lose her or that feeling, no matter what.

I know that you feel the same way about Mihara.

And yes, despite me knowing that, I'm still making you go out and put yourselves in danger.

*Sob*... I'm sorry.

I'm sorry for being so selfish, but I want to save her!

I'm sorry!

Yuni...

... Cooo.

I'm sorry...

... Cooo.

Sorry to keep you guys waiting.

Mihara!

Coo...?

... Coo coo ooh.

Huh?

Coo.

What's wrong? Is something on your mind?

...

Hmm?

What are those marks on Mori's neck?

Huh? Oh, n-nothing!

I just bumped into a wall.

Isn't that right, Yuni?

... Coo?

Isn't that right?!

... Coo!

Well...

I think something happened,

but whatever it was, it seems like you two have resolved it...

So I won't press.

... I appreciate it.

Anyways, what took you so long?

Did something happen?

No, nothing happened.

I just... found a way to become stronger, that's all.

What do you mean by that?

Excuse me.

Oh wow, we were about to make our way over to you.

I appreciate you coming to us.

I think we can skip the small talk.

Here.

These are the E2 Crystals for the operation.

Ah, okay.

As I mentioned, they absorb electrical energy and are incredibly dangerous.

For Nikkes, even the slightest physical contact with these crystals will cause the body to be corrupted.

Do not ever take them out of the jar under any circumstances.

If, by any chance, you do accidentally come into contact with the crystals,

you must immediately shut down the power to that area of your body to prevent it from spreading.

Understood?

Got it.

... Mihara.

Yes?

Everything is riding on this. Failure isn't an option.

I owe you, Mana.

If you want to repay me, come back alive.

All of you.

I'll be waiting.

We'll come back.

No matter what.

... Ah uh.

The core!

I've been discovered.

Gluttony knows I've been hiding the AA Pillar from it.

The bubble barrier is thinner than before... probably because I condensed some of the bubbles around the AA Pillar.

That must have made it easier to detect.

You really want to eat this, don't you?

Well, you can't have it.

I don't care how much you glare at me. I'm not handing it over.

I won't let you have it.

My bubbles will dissolve the energy,

and it will disappear.

*Cough*!

I'm reaching my limit, and I'm starting to feel the side effects from the bubbles...

Before long, my entire body will be turned into liquid metal.

Whew...

No, not yet.

I can't stop now. Not until all this energy is depleted.

I'm not seeing a trail anymore.

Gluttony must be close.

We finally found her!

There's a beach here.

Yes, this should work nicely.

Is Gluttony here?

Yeah. It should be underground, within a 10km radius.

10 kilometers?

How are we supposed to find it?

How do you think? We need to lure it out.

But how?

By using the beach, for starters.

Setting up here will allow us to minimize the amount of Raptures that could swarm us.

Then what?

Since Gluttony reacts to strong energy sources,

I'd say it stands to reason that's what we have to use to lure it, don't you?

Do we have something that's capable of producing that much energy?

... We do.

Both of you, listen to me carefully.

I'll lure out Gluttony.

Yuni, once I get it to stop,

you need to make sure it doesn't close its mouth.

You need to hold it open for as long as you can, however you can, until Mori and Siren are out of there.

There's a chance they might not be able to escape through Gluttony's breathing hole.

Coo!

While Yuni's doing that, Mori,

you need to take the E2 Crystals and hop inside its mouth.

... Okay.

The main reason Siren refuses to come out is that

she intends on sacrificing herself in order to eliminate the energy inside the AA Pillar.

In other words,

If we can't convince Siren to leave of her own accord, we can't save her.

That's why your role is the most crucial, Mori.

Not only do you have to go back inside Gluttony and plant the E2 Crystals onto its core,

you also have to meet up with Siren

and convince her to come out.

...

You can do it.

No, you need to do it.

We came here to save a life, not lose our own.

... You're right.

I have to do it.

I have to save her, no matter what. That's why I asked for your help.

You both are risking your lives for my sake. I won't fail you.

Coo!

Hehe, you've become a real trustworthy ally, Mori.

Don't make fun of me when I'm being serious!

All right, all right. Anyway, shall we get started?

Cooo!

Yes, Yuni?

... Coo coo.

Yuni...

Cooo...

...

It's okay.

I would never leave you behind.

We promised each other that

we would truly see each other, that we would feel each other's pain,

and that we would atone for our sins together.

... Coo.

I haven't forgotten that promise, and I intend to keep it.

Trust me, and wait.

Failure is not an option.

...

Coo!

Thank you, Yuni.

I'll be back.

Code release.

Activate all cores to their limit.

Initiate fusion.

Recognition complete.

Activate all cores in body to their limit.

ERROR.

Reaction error, fusion unsuccess...

*Bzzz* *Bzzzzzz*

UNLOCK CODE: D.E.E.P.

Activate all cores in body to their limit.

Initiating fusion.

Urgh!

Mihara!

Arrrgghhh!

Cooo!

What did you just say?

Put what where?

Mana.

You did receive what I sent, didn't you?

I believe so.

Are you talking about this?

That's it. Looks like it arrived safely.

I was worried because the elevator wasn't working properly.

I suppose sending something small doesn't pose any issues.

I would like you to insert this into my body.

Excuse me?

It's a special gift I prepared for Mihara,

to get her stronger much more quickly.

Tuck it safe and sound beside her Nikke core, if you would.

I would have loved to handle it myself, what with this being the first experiment and all,

but as you know, I don't exactly have freedom of movement right now.

I'm still not following.

Mihara was the one who contacted me,

quite eagerly, I must say.

She told me she requires additional strength in order to fight Gluttony.

Given that she couldn't utilize her current body's ability to its fullest, she wanted my help.

And to that end, she agreed to become my test subject.

Mihara!

...

That's why I prepared this little doohickey for her.

It's quite risky, to be sure, but if you want to enhance a Nikke's abilities in one go,

it's the best option available.

So it's meant to enhance a Nikke's abilities,

yet you're having me insert it beside her core separately.

!!

Is this a Rapture core?!

You're familiar with the ins and outs of Nikke bodies.

I'm sure you can insert it next to her current core easily enough, right?

This is incredibly dangerous! If I insert this inside her, the Nikke core could...

Do you remember your promise from long ago?

You said you would help me the next time I wanted to do something good.

Well, now's that time.

I can't leave the Ark at the moment,

and Mihara needs to fortify her strength straight away.

That leaves us with you, Mana. You're the only one who can do this.

You call inserting this inside a Nikke a good thing?

Of course. I'm giving a Nikke who wants to be stronger the power she deserves.

What's more benevolent than that?

But a Nikke and Rapture core can't exist together.

You of all people should know that a Nikke's core...

Yes yes, I know.

Nikke cores have a barrier which prevents them from reacting with other cores.

But what if you could break past that barrier?

What? Are you telling me you figured out a way? How?

Hehe, that's my little secret.

If I told you, you might have to get sent somewhere awfully dangerous.

You don't want that, do you?

... No.

Now then, be a good girl, would you?

Don't let your curiosity get the best of you. Don't peek inside the box, and just put it inside her, okay?

... Understood.

What's this "barrier" you're both talking about?

Nikke cores have a safety mechanism

which makes it so they can't react with other cores.

Even if it's two Nikke cores in one body, it prevents them from interacting.

It would also prevent Rapture cores from devouring the Nikke core,

and vice versa.

You mean Nikke and Rapture cores can consume each other?

Yes. A clear example of that is Core Dust.

!!

It can distill a Rapture core down to its essence and use that to stimulate growth within a Nikke's own core.

Jien!

Oh dear, there I go again, running my mouth.

If you knew any more about this, Mihara, you'd never be allowed up on the surface again. So I'll stop there.

On the other hand, it's nice knowing the stakes, don't you think?

... Of course. It's important to know these things.

Now then, Mihara, once that core is implanted into your body,

all the abilities you previously couldn't draw out from your body will fully awaken.

If there are no changes after the surgery, then it means your body itself is defective.

However, I can quite confidently say that

my sister is the best of the best when it comes to building Nikkes,

so I'm sure you'll become much stronger, Mihara.

That is, if you can endure the pain.

...

Every prior test subject has died because they couldn't withstand the pain.

You, however, said you'd be willing to do anything,

so I'm sure you'll be able to endure it, won't you?

... Of course.

Hehe, I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Warning. System error.

Warning. Core response error.

Warning. Core resonance activation. Connecting code *bzz* error.

Warning. Core type... *bzz* match... *bzzz* error.

Warning. Barrier... *bzz* reactivation required...

I know... you're not used to a core like this...

but you've got to accept it!

Warning. Barrier... *bzz* reactivation required...

Warning. Barrier... *bzz* reactivation required...

Urggghh!

If this continues... my body will...!

*Gasp*!

Cooo!!!

Cooo!!!

Cooo!!!

Mihara!

!!!

Cooo!

Yu... ni...!

Cooo...!

Don't worry.

I'll accept it all.

The pain. The sorrow.

The desperation. All of it.

I'll take it all in.

... Cooo.

I will never abandon you.

This time, no matter what, I will bring you back on the right path.

If we die, we die together, and if we live, we live together!

I will claim this power as my own in order to protect our bond, no matter how great the pain.

I'll do this so that no one will ever take you away from me again!

Mihara...?

!!!

Such power!

My arms could be ripped off. My entire body could be smashed to a pulp,

And I would enjoy it.

There's no limit to the pain that I can now endure.

How thrilling! Oh, the fun I'm going to have!

In order to establish a connection with these chains...

All I have to do is stab the enemy with this?

Hehe, Syuen was right.

If this is the kind of ability she originally envisioned,

then the sensory exchange I was capable of before could only be considered a failure.

Cooo...

Are you okay?

Yes. I'm fine.

I've never felt this powerful in my life. Almost omnipotent.

And considering how much energy I just released,

it's bound to come calling.

Gah!

Everyone, back up!

Gluttony!

Now that our guest has accepted my invitation,

let's go, Yuni.

Let the hunt begin.

Heh, sorry to tell you this,

but you're not going anywhere!

Darn, it's good at sensing danger.

Maybe it knows instinctively that a hit from this is bad news.

Mihara! Watch out for the tentacles!

!!

Coo... coo!

Yuni!

!!

Everyone, duck!

Gaaaaah!

Wow... your shooting has really improved, Mori.

I still missed a few, so don't get too comfortable.

Hehe, thankfully, it's too busy digesting something

to spew out that silver liquid.

In that case... we've got a chance!

Now then...

Now that our chains are connected,

why don't we swap our senses?

Ahh... I can feel it.

So this is what you're feeling?

Hehe, you really do have so much inside you.

Then, you've never felt...

the sensation of your own cheek being bitten down on, have you?

Hehe, would you like me to show you?

Let's enjoy this pain together!

Hehe, you're so spirited now!

Why don't we enjoy a little more?

My goodness, I didn't expect the pain to be so bad that you'd try to close your mouth.

We can't have that, otherwise Mori won't be able to pass through.

Cooo!!

Yuni?

Yuni!

Coo... Coo ooh... Coo...!

No, your body can't handle the stress!

... Cooo!!

... You're incredible, Yuni.

Coo coo!

Yuni...

Mori!

You have exactly 30 minutes. Not a second more.

After that, my sensory exchange will be severed.

You've got to convince Siren before then.

30 minutes?! That's all I have?

Can you do it?

... Yes. I can do this!

Then, go.

Go and rescue Siren!

Okay!

Coo coo!

Coo coo!

!!

I can't believe it. Did she just wish you good luck?

... I think so.

Thank you, Yuni.

I'll rescue Siren if it's the last thing I do!

Ahhhh!!

Huh?

!!

No...

N-no...!

Nooo!

Gaaaaah!

Siren!

?!

That sound...

Gluttony...

is shaking?

It's as if it's fighting against something...

... But what?

Something is hurting it...

Someone's running this way?

Siren!

!!!

Ahhhhh!!

Mori!

I need to save her!

Mori!

*Pwah*

*Gasp*! I... I really thought I was going to die!

What are you doing here again?

H-hold on!

Thank goodness...

I got it through safely!

Mori?

Siren!

Let's get out of here!

... Ooh?

Let's get out of this place, Siren!

Mihara and Yuni are waiting for us outside.

They're keeping Gluttony from moving.

We need to leave at once!

I can't.

I must ensure the AA Pillar's energy is completely depleted.

You can do that outside.

You just need to take it with you so that Gluttony can't consume it.

That's impossible.

Gluttony is instinctively drawn to substantial energy sources.

Even if we take it outside, Gluttony won't stop chasing it until it's consumed once more.

If it does swallow it, and ends up digesting it,

there'll be no going back.

Then we have to take out Gluttony.

I'm sorry...

I can't go up against Gluttony now, not with my powers weakened as they are.

Look.

We can use this!

What is that?

This thing absorbs electrical energy.

If we can lodge it into Gluttony's core,

we might be able to stop it.

!!!

How does it work?

Uh, I-I honestly don't really understand the mechanics, but

Mana, a researcher from M.M.R.,

said that if this comes into contact with Gluttony's core,

it will expand and absorb all of Gluttony's energy until it ceases to be.

But doesn't that mean it would also be dangerous for us Nikkes?

Yes, but Mana said it'll be fine as long as it's contained somehow, like in this glass bottle.

They were originally intending to use the AA Pillar to eliminate the crystals, but then Gluttony swallowed it and threw a wrench in the works.

So that's what the AA pillar was doing here in the first place...

I don't pretend to know all the details,

but if we inject this into Gluttony's core, we can stop it.

So let's be done with this, and get the hell out of here!

...

... Siren?

Mori.

Yes?

You came back to this hellish place to give me this?

Y... Yes...

Thank you, Mori.

And... I'm sorry.

But I'm not leaving this place.

What?

I will use this to defeat Gluttony.

But first, you must leave.

... No.

I'm not leaving without you!

I might not be able to hit Gluttony's core on the first try.

Even if I do manage to insert it into the core, it might not have the effect that we expect.

Someone has to stay behind and watch it.

Then we'll both stay.

We don't know how dangerous these crystals are, or what effect they will have on the bubbles or Nikkes.

If things go wrong, we could both end up dead.

Then we'll die together!

Mori...

Don't even think about using your Kotodama on me.

No matter how many times you send me out, I'll find a way to crawl back in!

Mori, don't do this.

No, you stop this!

Don't throw your life away just because there's a tiny chance things might not go as planned.

If there's even the slightest possibility, you need to cling to it.

Stay alive!

Mori...

I know that

I can't be of any help here.

I'm not a Goddess of Victory like you,

and even getting Gluttony to swallow me was a struggle.

I can't even shoot well enough to block all the debris flying at me and my friends.

There's no way I can lodge these crystals into Gluttony's core either, not with my pathetic strength.

I'm just a useless Nikke with nothing but this body.

An incompetent member of the Incubator Squad who's about to be scrapped.

I can't make a single impact in this filthy, cruel world!

I know that! *Sob*... I know that... but!

I want to save you.

I want to do that much,

at least.

You told me to live,

that you were glad I was born.

You saved my life.

I want to see a world where you can be happy,

so live.

Show me that it's possible.

Prove to me that

the world is a kind and beautiful place.

That as long as you keep living, someday, happiness will come!

Mori...

Prove to me that kindness should be repaid with kindness.

That this is how we can find happiness.

That good people will be rewarded someday!

You're the only person who's ever celebrated my existence.

You're the one and only true Goddess of Victory.

Goddess... of Victory...

I don't want to live in a world where you're not around.

I'll lose all semblance of hope.

How could I go on living in a world

where no one celebrates my being there?

So live for me.

Even if there's one small chance at survival,

cling to it, and seize victory.

Stay alive... and keep surviving!

Save me.

My Goddess of Victory!

!!

But the story isn't over yet.

I must continue writing it,

not just for myself, but for all of you as well.

I promise that

the story we'll write from now on,

won't be one of failure, but one with a happy ending.

Come.

Let's write our story.

...

You're right.

I can't give up.

If there's even the slightest chance of us being able to rewrite our story...

I have to take it!

I will survive.

I will become the indomitable Goddess of Victory.

Yes, that's it!

Together, we'll survive and forge our own happy ending.

Yes!

Heh, looks like you've finally calmed down a bit.

Even a big ol' Rapture like you has its limits when it comes to pain, huh?

Yuni.

Coo?

It's exerting a lot of force, isn't it?

Coo... coo...

Shall I help you lift this?

Coo coo.

You can handle it?

Coo.

You're incredible, Yuni.

I know it must be tough, but you're holding up well.

... Coo.

Coo coo...

...

Yuni.

Coo?!

It's okay.

You're not alone.

I'm here to bear the burden with you.

That's why I gained this strength.

... Cooo.

So, let's save them.

Let's rescue those who see our presence as a gift,

the ones who consider us friends.

If we keep saving them all, one by one,

maybe someday...

we'll be able to find the path to redemption.

... Coo.

I'll be right there with you, Yuni, until we reach the end of that path.

So don't be afraid.

Coo!

Whew... Anyway.

I wonder if Mori managed to convince Siren.

Hmm?

What's with all this shaking?

Coo?

Bubbles?

Yuni! Mihara!

Siren?

Get back!

Yuni!!

Coo!

!!

Wow!

Ahhhhhh!

Yuni! Get down!

Don't worry.

!!!

I won't let anything hurt you, ever.

Siren...!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Uh... Siren...

Ooh?

Do I really have to fire this thing?

Ah uh!

...

Let me make sure I've got this right:

the bubble bullet containing the crystals is loaded in here,

and once I pull the trigger, it'll fly straight towards the core, right?

Ah uh!

And while you do that, I'll send this entire space up to the surface.

That way, we can protect ourselves from any unforeseen dangers the crystals might pose.

You're going to bring up this entire area?!

That's why I need your help.

The moment I make this space float, that's when you fire that gun.

That way, the bullet will hit the core at the same time we surface.

But what if I mess up? What if I miss the core?

It's okay.

The bullet will find its mark.

I guarantee it.

... In other words, even if I miss, you'll use your Kotodama to make sure it lands where it should.

Ah uh!

... All right then.

Whew...

... I'm ready. Let me know when I need to shoot.

Ah uh!

All right then.

All together now.

Let's rise to the surface!

Mori, now!

!!

Here goes nothing!

Siren!!

Hit your mark!

Phew...

I thought I was gonna die back there...

What about the crystals?

We made sure it hit Gluttony's core.

We saw it start to expand.

I guess that wasn't quite enough to do the trick.

Yes, but...

it doesn't look like it had no effect.

Hehe, looks like it chowed down on those crystals, all right.

Ah uh.

We must eliminate Gluttony once and for all before the silver liquid completely dissolves the crystals.

So, I'd like to ask...

will you fight by my side?

Ha, as if you had to ask.

Ooh?

Of course, we're with you!

That's why we came here.

Coo coo!

Yeah, don't be silly and ask such an obvious question!

I already told you; we're all coming back alive.

You're right.

We're all making it out of here alive. Let's win this together.

All right!

Encounter!

Doesn't this thing ever get tired?

It's taken one heck of a beating, yet it's still making such intense vibrations!

The core is certainly holding up better than we expected... It isn't breaking apart like we thought it would.

Coo coo!!

Maybe the core has gotten weak and there's not enough energy reaching the crystals?

If only we could throw some kind of bait to make the core expand and the crystals grow larger...

Bait...

Ah!

I've got just the thing!

What?

Oh, you mean the AA Pillar!

Oh right! I totally forgot about that thing.

Since it's already been melted by the silver liquid, it should be absorbed quickly.

If we feed that to the core, the crystals should grow much larger.

Ah uh!

Well then, let's get this thing to open wide

so you can feed it a little treat!

Coo!

Let's go!

Coo coo ooh!

Nice going, Yuni!

!!

Watch out!

Spread out.

Don't you dare go around spewing such dangerous stuff!

Shall we have another go at it together?

Siren!!!

Ooh!

You want this pillar so badly? Come and get it!

Everyone, step back!

Coo coo!

Okay!

All right!

You want food?

Then chew on this!

Break apart!

Whew... It's finally o...

!!

What's that?

I think it's... Gluttony's main body.

Wait, you're telling me there's more to this thing?!

No wonder I sensed something more when I exchanged senses with it...

That must have been the connection to its main body.

You're right. When I was inside its throat, I used the bubbles to investigate.

Gluttony consists of one massive main body, with multiple mouths attached to it.

The place where I was staying was inside the throat of one of those mouth organs.

So, the core we just destroyed is the core of that mouth?

... I'm afraid so.

So that's why you kept saying

we were inside its throat, and not its stomach.

Ah uh!

Hehe, that's some Rapture.

How can you still laugh at a time like this?!

What are we gonna do if that thing comes back?

It won't.

Judging by how faint those sounds are,

it seems to have run away.

So it severed one of its mouths and fled?

Ah uh.

It most likely ran away because its main body was about to be swallowed by the crystal.

Heh, nice to know we had it against the ropes.

Considering how it ran off with its tail tucked between its legs, I doubt it'll be back anytime soon.

It knows that this place is filled with its worst nightmare.

Hehe. Ah uh!

So what then?

Did we... win?

Yes, we did.

We won.

W-we won...!

We won!

Coo coo...

Hehe. Good job, everyone.

Siren.

How does it feel to be back in the great outdoors after so long?

!!

Well...

Oh yeah, that's a good point.

I guess it has been a long time for you.

Yeah...

It's been a really long time...

Wow, the sun is rising!

Yeah, it's so beautiful.

It's breathtaking...

The world is so...

beautiful.

Hehe, you bet it is.

... Mihara.

Yuni.

Mori.

Thank you for saving me.

!!

Siren...

What are you crying for?

... Because I'm so thankful.

I never thought I'd be able to see the sun again.

To be able to set my feet on solid ground, breathe in fresh air...

I didn't even dare dream of it.

Siren...

Thank you for saving me.

For not giving up on me.

For extending your hands out to me.

Oh man... don't you cry...

If you do... I'll... *sob*... I'll start crying too!

Oooh?!

*Sob* *Sob sob*

D-don't cry, Mori...

Hehe...

D-don't you start laughing!

Do you have any idea how worried I was?

Don't you ever do that again!

No more heroic sacrifices or any of that nonsense!

Never again, you hear me?!

... Yes, okay.

...

...

Yuni.

Coo?

How are you feeling?

Coo coo?

How does it feel saving someone for the first time?

Coo...

...

Coo coo.

Feels good?

Coo!

Haha, if you feel good, then so do I.

You did great, Yuni.

Coo!

All right, you two. That's enough moving around now...

Hm?

That girl... isn't that one of your bubbles, Siren?

Ooh?

!!

Those are the bubbles I sent to find Cinderella!

What's she doing here?

Siren, over there!

Look!

Ooh?

It's beautiful.

Is this a place you created?

Ah!

Ahhh...

Amazing.

Wow, I never thought I'd be able to visit the ocean depths...

It's certainly easier on the eyes

than inside Gluttony's throat.

Coo!

Is this all made from bubbles?

Ohh!

It's because of Abe that I'm capable of all this.

The past me?

Ooh!

I wonder how it was made.

Do you mind if I look into it?

Ooh!

I'll tell you everything I know. Conduct as much research as you like.

Thank you.

Do you want to visit the bubble workshop?

Or would you rather go back to the bubbles?

No, it's okay.

Hehe, they're both so beautiful.

...

Look at her. She can't even conceal her joy.

How could she have thought of dying inside Gluttony without meeting anyone, when she's that happy?

Are you jealous?

That's not it!

Coo.

Yuni also thinks you're jealous.

I said no!

It's just...

It's nice to see her happy.

That's all.

Wow, Mori. I've never heard you speak so frankly.

Coo...!

Huh? What are you talking about?

I know how to say things like this, you know!

Of course I know.

Good grief...

I'm right there with you, Mori.

I'm glad that Siren is happy too.

Hmm...

Anyway,

how long are you guys going to be staying here?

Until we have a chance to catch our breath, I suppose.

And how long is that?

I'd say a week at most.

I contacted Mana and told her everything was resolved,

but I still need to meet with her and give a full report on what we learned here.

... And there's also someone else I have to report to about my body.

... I see.

I guess that's when I'll head out as well.

Hmm? Where'll you go?

Where else, you goof?

The Ark.

Ah, that reminds me.

I have you to thank for me not getting scrapped.

Thank you, Mihara.

You heard about that?

Yes. I got a message from a certain someone.

She congratulated me on the mission being a resounding success.

... Jien.

You've done me a huge favor, Mihara.

I'll be sure to pay you back someday.

At any rate, I'll be stuck in the Ark doing whatever comes my way,

but I'll find a way... somehow, to pay you back.

I appreciate the thought, Mori,

but I don't think you're going to be at the Ark.

What?

Hehe, never mind.

Now then,

what do you say we start properly enjoying our vacation?

Coo!

Good point. Who knows when we'll get another chance like this?

We need to take it all in.

We mustn't forget that beautiful places like this exist.

I suppose

it's time for us to all part ways.

Mihara. Yuni.

Thank you for everything.

If there ever comes a day when you need help,

I'll come running.

Hehe, we should be the ones thanking you.

I hope we can see each other again someday.

I'm sure we will.

So long as we want to see each other,

I know that

we'll meet once again.

Definitely.

Yes.

Let's meet again someday.

Coo!

Yes!

Hey, what's the big idea?

Why do you keep leaving me out of your goodbyes?

It's kinda hard not to take it personally...

Ah uh?

I'm leaving too.

From now on, don't ever part from your friends.

Live together with them, and be well.

Don't foolishly try to throw your life away to save someone.

Not everyone is like you.

Be a little more cautious, okay?

...?

Don't just stand there! Say something!

... Where are you going?

The Ark, where else?

Why?

What do you mean by "why"? It's the only place I have left to go.

Weren't you coming with me?

... What?

You said it while we were both trapped inside Gluttony.

That we'd both make it out of there alive, and write a happy ending together.

!!

Don't you remember?

I-I remember!

I just thought we were talking about getting out of that Rapture...

You don't want to stay with me anymore?

What? No! Of course I want to stay with you!

Are you sure that'd be okay?

Ooh?

You've seen for yourself how useless I am in battle.

All I'm good for is

digging holes in the ground...

It's okay.

I barely have any survival skills either.

I don't really have anything that I'm good at.

I'm fine with that.

I don't know the first thing about what it means to travel on the surface.

I'll only drag you down.

Are you sure you're okay with that?

Aooh!

You might be okay with it, but what about your friends?

It doesn't matter.

As far as I'm concerned,

you became one of us the moment you risked your life to save Siren.

If Cinderella is okay with it, so am I.

You guys...

It's okay, Mori, really.

I've gotten to know you quite well.

You're thoughtful, smart, brave...

And you're also my friend.

I...

So, I'll take your advice to heart.

From now on, I won't live recklessly and put my life in jeopardy.

I'll make sure my story has a happy ending.

Mori, will you stay with me?

...

I... I will. I'd love to!

I'd be honored to go with you guys.

Are you really sure that's okay?

Of course.

You're part of the team. Let's go together.

Ooh!

... Thank you.

Hehe, well, that worked out quite nicely, Mori.

Coo coo!

Mihara, Yuni...

I told you that you wouldn't be going back to the Ark, didn't I?

Guess you were right.

Well, put 'er there.

??

Hehe, I don't mind shaking your hand,

but I meant to ask you for your phone again.

My phone? Why?

You're not going back to the Ark, and choosing instead to travel with the Pilgrims.

In other words, you're deserting the Ark.

!!

You need to get rid of anything that could be used to track your location.

Ah, you're right.

... Thank you, Mihara.

Don't mention it.

Take care of yourself, and make sure you're getting along with Siren out there.

We'll meet again.

Coo oooh!

Yes, we will. I'm sure of it.

Well, we ought to get going as well.

Before we go back to Prince, I'd like to meet up with Hansel and Gretel if possible.

Siren.

Ooh?

Do you know where Hansel and Gretel are?

Well...

...

What's wrong?

Did something happen to them?

...

If you're intent on fighting alongside Hansel and Gretel,

then perhaps... it might be better not to go looking for them.

What? Whatever do you mean?

Hansel and Gretel...

are no longer on humanity's side.