The Temporal Scale

H-Hello?

Hannah? Good, you're still home. Where are Mama and Papa?

They're here, with me. Something's wrong, Ida.

Strange things keep happening, one after another. People aren't acting like themselves. And the rain ...

Hannah, listen to me. Lock yourselves in. Do not leave the house. And whatever you do, don't touch the rain.

You know something, don't you? That Foundation you work for—what did they say? Is the world ...

The world didn't end that night. It only rained.

But almost everyone on Earth dissolved in it. None of my family survived.

Time rewound to 1996. It doesn't sound that far back, but it changed everything.

Recorded anomalies include mass illusions and inverted rainfall, subsequently leading to spatial and temporal reversion. At present, no viable method has been identified to restore our previous time-space continuity.

For brevity and clarity, this phenomenon will hereinafter be referred to as the "Temporal Anomaly."

Preliminary data suggests Manus Vindictae may be involved, although their methods remain unknown.

However, this meeting is not concerned with their intentions or their methods.

Our focus will be on the LSCC's current progress in mitigating the anomaly and preventing a second occurrence.

That woman on stage—Madam Lucy. You ever heard of her before?

Yeah, a little. She was the head of Laplace Third Branch in New York before they transferred her back to headquarters and made her the lead of the Temporal Anomaly investigation. I heard their new director's drowning in problems—probably why they put her on stage instead.

Ah, so she's one of those. Guess Laplace has gone the same way as us. Whoever survives gets the promotion.

At least they found someone to fill the role. They've got some departments that were completely wiped out.

That's enough, Finn.

This is a serious occasion. Every piece of information could be crucial. I want your full attention.

Crucial how? Does any of this even matter—

When this rain could just come again and wipe us all out?

Listen first. Whine later.

Alright.

Based on Admiral Igor's report from the front and the Kirlian images we have gathered ...

We speculate that there are additional locations immune to the anomaly's effects.

...

Immune to the anomaly?

It is currently unclear whether the Temporal Anomaly always results in time reversal. Until we have a more comprehensive understanding of the sites in question, they will be collectively referred to as "Points Irreversible."

Our utmost priority must now be to establish common ground for future collaboration and operations.

So, I will put aside the mathematical deductions and proceed to our conclusion.

In summary, our results have identified the following points marked here by blue lights.

Each one is analyzed to be potentially protected against the recent anomaly.

So, they're safe zones? Then, that means ...

We can relocate our data center, biobank, and armaments to these places. We'd be able to preserve our critical assets.

This is about more than just storage sites.

Pardon the interruption. Before we proceed further, I'd like to bring another possibility to the table.

My name is Kenna. I'm a recent transfer to the Engineering Department at headquarters. I was previously at our Glasgow office.

I have been acting as the primary point of contact between Laplace and the Engineering Department as we study the feasibility of mitigating and preventing further instances of this Temporal Anomaly.

Madam Lucy and I agree. Our primary concern is not the cause of the anomaly but what measures we can take to withstand or stop it.

If these Points Irreversible prove reliable, they could offer more than just a safe zone for a Foundation database or arsenal.

They could become something more permanent. An office, say, or even a full branch site.

Sounds nice, sure, but isn't it too soon to start talking about branching out? Headquarters is still all kinds of lopsided.

It would be a significant step forward.

It is only a possibility for now, but one we're pursuing seriously. The establishment of a new office is top of our agenda, with Mr. Irinei as its chief director. I will be working alongside him from this day forward.

The Engineering Department will provide a comprehensive plan, from field exploration and site selection to a full safety evaluation.

...

As we speak, our team is assessing all potential factors that could impact this project. In the meantime, we will continue to deploy field agents to investigate the areas in question.

That is correct.

After much deliberation, and with the approval of the president, the first location we've selected for investigation is—

Nowa Miedź, our best candidate for a Point Irreversible in Eastern Europe.

Nowa Miedź ...

A small city, known for its factories, canals, and vodka.

Ms. Bkornblume is currently operating in the area and has already made progress. As per her request, we are planning to assign a small team of architectural specialists to join her in the field.

So that's why we're here.

Sorry, ma'am, could you clarify the role architecture is playing in this investigation?

It may sound a bit far-fetched, but according to Ms. Bkornblume—

The immunity zone in Nowa Miedź appears to have a close connection with a particular building.

A building?

Correct. Unfortunately, no credible records of its construction date or architect remain, and what little information we have left in the headquarters' archive hasn't given us anything of use.

Furthermore, Ms. Bkornblume has reported multiple irregularities within the structure itself.

We believe these irregularities may be tied to the building's immunity.

Grundriss.

Mr. Irinei.

You don't look too pleased about your assignment.

That building in Nowa Miedź?

With respect, no.

The prevailing theory in the office is that the Temporal Anomaly wasn't just a bizarre act of nature. It was the work of Manus Vindictae.

If that's true, then we're looking in the wrong direction. The anomaly isn't the priority. Its creator is.

What we need are countermeasures, intelligence, weapons, not architects and land surveyors.

We could search every inch of the world and find a hundred safe zones or more, but it'll mean nothing if no one stops Manus Vindictae from coming after us.

In that we're agreed.

But Kenna sees things differently. As she put it, "It's not about the building itself. It's about what it could mean for us."

She believes we must preserve and bolster what we have left. To her, that means securing these Points Irreversible, gathering intelligence, and even establishing more observatories and regional branches.

I do see her reasoning. But I'm also worried we might not last long enough to even set those facilities up.

We've seen what this storm can do—three years gone in a moment. Who knows what could happen if it strikes again?

What good is gathering intelligence from the world as it is now if we're all going to be wiped out again?

Pardon the negativity, sir. I'm frustrated. We all are. We've lost friends, family, our entire lives to this anomaly.

But, grumble as I might, I will do my job.

I never doubted you. Look on the bright side. You'll be partnering with Cornerstone. You've worked together before, if I recall.

Nowa Miedź is her hometown. Perhaps she'll make the place feel a little less strange for you.

Cornerstone ...

I need not remind you, sir. Our last collaboration ended in a quite public argument over the facade material for the London branch. You were there.

But then you've also delivered many successful projects together, haven't you?

That's all just part of the job.

Of course, sir.

You aren't expected to figure this all out yourself.

If there's one thing our teams are aligned on, it's that we need information.

This investigation could be the first step toward forming concrete plans, for the next anomaly, or even to strike back at Manus Vindictae.

That said, we have our own agendas. You are answerable only to me, not her.

You've been assigned as Cornerstone's assistant, yes, but in title only.

Understood.

Before you go, there's something I'd prefer not to say in front of the others.

You heard what Kenna said about those "irregularities."

I did. But what kind of irregularities? What risk level are we dealing with? Could they pose a threat?

Here. This is Ms. Bkornblume's latest report. It's best to find your answers there.

Appreciated, sir. In all the years I've known her, Bkornblume has never steered me wrong.

Ah, found it. "Irregularities Overview."

Missing persons ...

Reports of unusual sounds ... puppets ...

And a ghost-like female figure?

...

I'm afraid I'll need more than witness accounts and hearsay to properly prepare, sir.

Bkornblume will brief you in detail when you arrive.

It's time. Go to this Point Irreversible, evaluate it for construction, and report back to me.

Stick to the job. No getting involved in unnecessary trouble.

You've always had a good head on your shoulders. I trust you'll follow it for this task, too.

The plan was to meet Cornerstone at this station so you could give us both the route to the building.

But, of course, someone didn't show. Shall we go ahead without her?

Certainly. Now, if you head north on Górnicza Street and turn east ...

Uh, first, you are able to use cardinal directions, are you not? Not to imply any negative assumptions. It's just easier if I can direct you that way.

My apologies. Reception is unstable here. I suspect due to the building's structure—

Hello? Grundriss? Can you hear me?

...

Oh! That's not good.

Bkornblume?

Well then.

And, of course, the file didn't include exact coordinates. I can't just be expected to wander the streets blindly.

Looks like I'll have to rely on Cornerstone, assuming she knows the way. Did anyone even check in on her? She's probably collapsed in some office in Brussels after working herself to the bone again.

*exhale*

I think this is your drink, sir.

Thanks.

You know it is nine in the morning, right?

Nine? Already?

Nine in the morning, nine at night—what's the difference? As long as there's Żubrówka and a ballroom or two open.

...

Nine in the morning. Right, time to go home.

Yet another charming addition to this city.

Huh?

Drizzling. Just like that day. Or at least, that's what I thought.

Ida ...

Is the world ... going to end tonight?

Hannah ...

Hmm? Wait. Is that ...?

Cornerstone?

It's been a while, Grundriss.

Don't stand in the rain. You'll catch—

Ah—Achoo! A cold.

Haha. The Materials Department have outdone themselves with this defective shipment. Reliably unreliable as ever.

...

Insufficient surface tension, poor choice of connection points, the vaguest idea of a drainage slope rather than anything useful ...

Mmm. I agree with every word you said. You know how fiberglass is. We have to work within its limitations.

I just didn't expect it to fail quite so quickly.

I was almost worried you'd changed, Ms. Cornerstone.

But frankly, it's elegant, like a stork on the wing.

I knew you'd like it.

Rain's letting up. Shall we?

Good to know you still remember the way.

At the very least, I used to know. I've been there before, but it was a long time ago.

One of those notorious "haunted" spots—I'm sure you grew up with them too. We played hide-and-seek there when we were little. Scared ourselves for fun.

I haven't been able to reach Ms. Bkornblume. But lucky for us, I brought my own map.

You always manage to pack half your life into that suitcase, don't you?

Hah. There it is!

Look.

Ah, ignore the scribble on the side. Sorry, it was a spur-of-the-moment idea.

Just try focusing on the blue lines.

What are you doing?

It's just coffee, though it might as well be my blood for as much as I drink.

I'm sure you already know that, before this, I was heading up the renovations to the Foundation's headquarters. They're planning to relocate the Committee Building to a cleaner area.

I haven't slept in 48 hours, or at least, it feels that way.

Tragic. I don't imagine the Foundation will be cutting you any slack now that you're the only architect left.

Your life isn't exactly a walk in the park either, being the only supervising engineer about. I suppose that makes us quite the team, don't you think?

That's one way to put it.

Where did you even find that coffee?

There's a cafe along the way, run by a local woman and her three lovely girls. They have a dog named Leika. We bonded quickly.

So that's what those doodles were about.

Hahaha. Well, I couldn't just pass the place by, now could I? I mean it. If someone ran my blood right now, it'd be twenty percent cappuccino, thirty percent Americano, and the rest cold brew.

...

It'll be the end of you one day, just like you'll be the end of me.

Lovely route illustration, by the way.

You always manage to rekindle the last vestiges of my faith just before I give up on you entirely.

It's to the northeast of the old factory district. As for the exact location ...

...!

There's a structure I can't see through. That has to be it.

Perfect timing! Just finished my last sip.

Hah. I'm thoroughly recharged and ready for a walk! Northeast, you said?

I believe so.

I studied the map beforehand. So, I've got a general sense of where we're headed.

Fantastic. You may already know the place better than I do.

I moved overseas with my family when I was eight. My knowledge of things here after that is ...

Limited, at best.

That explains the accent. Is there anyone you still—

Ah, I don't mind the question. I checked Ms. Bkornblume's list of survivors. I didn't recognize any of them.

It seems as though all the people I once knew here are gone, or "temporarily out of contact," if we prefer to be optimistic.

I'm sorry.

Hey, don't. It's not your fault.

We all know who's responsible, and they'll answer for it. Right?

Good, enough heavy talk. Let's get moving, partner.

If you're interested, I can tell you a few childhood stories on the way.

I think the building is just up ahead.

Do you remember what it looked like?

...

Silence.

Silence? In what way?

I couldn't say exactly. That's just the closest to the feeling that I can get. There was a song, though.

What kind of song? Do you remember the lyrics?

...

Sorry, it was too long ago.

I only remember it the way I remember this city. Blurred childhood impressions, light and shadow. Nothing solid.

The streets feel familiar, the faces too. But when I look closer, I don't recognize anything.

Here I am, standing right in the middle of it. And yet, it's never felt further away.

I get that.

This is the building I saw.

Architecture is more than just finding a harmony between beauty and utility.

Buildings are what ground us—remind us that we're not just a bunch of abstract thoughts bouncing around in our own heads. In the spaces they create, we become aware of our own existence. But here, I feel exclusion.

Let's go in first, shall we?

'Twas night, and three puppets sang.

Hmm. Breathy-wheezy, Honza hears breathing.

Everecho! Come and look-see.

Take note of these shapes. Triangles, rectangles, circles ... used everywhere. Interesting choice.

Are you familiar with Platonic Forms, Grundriss?

Not really. Not interested, either.

The reception here is hopeless. Still no connection to Bkornblume.

One, two, three, shadows slip into the mortuary!

Four, five, six, who will shut their eyes and lie there fixed?

Bkorn ... Bkornblume ...

I know her.

A hunk of iron would pick up more signal than this thing.

*sigh* I was hoping to gather the data inside a week and then catch the earliest flight out of here.

Take a breath, partner. It's not so bad.

Meeting with Bkornblume wasn't our main goal anyway. We're here to investigate the Point Irreversible.

And if you think about it, haven't we already begun?

Strange. The purpose of this building is rather obscure.

Was it meant to be residential? But the circulation and lighting don't seem to match. A church? I don't see any ceremonial features. And the layout is hardly efficient enough to be a workplace.

If this place had been built entirely at random and served no practical purpose, there wouldn't be any clear architectural form or function. By all rights, it should've been a nightmare to build.

But I don't see any construction-related issues either.

You don't? There are cracks and corrosion everywhere. This building must have been abandoned for at least 30 years.

Maybe it's not obvious to you, but I see danger. We'd better not stay long.

Do you hear that? Something's buzzing, like there's a fly.

Mm? A little.

Take a look at this texture. It looks like raw concrete, but if you reach out ...

It's warm to the touch, as if it's been soaked in sunlight.

Ah! There they are, the "rats" in the wall.

...!

That voice ... That's ...

What is it? I've never seen you look so shook-up. What did you hear?

I can't say. I don't know. It doesn't make sense. Maybe I'm starting to feel that lack of sleep.

Who's there? Show yourself!

'Twas eve■■■■■ came the four-eye looters.

Agorged and guzzl■■■ ■■neath our ■■■f.

Beware the ghost-a-glimmer, greeders!

The burn-song flaming; the ouch-tear's oof.

♫ The sighing song murmurs sure ♫

Raise your flappers, flip ■■■■ floppers!

One step!

♫ To trace the steps my mother trod ♫

Two!

♫ I wander every distant sod ♫

Three steps we go!

♫ Till an echo comes from the distant sun ♫

So soft, so d■■■, these co■■■■ chambers ...

So nice to ■■■■ thee, head and hands in tow—

But down ■■■■■ our grand-roof, aho!

No, our stage is falling down!

Run, Everecho!

Hmm?

You've been shot, Everecho. Start bleeding already. You'll be bloody-red and deathly-dead.

Oh! No. I don't want to die.

I don't like blood.

Blood, blood, blood-burning bullets—bolt, bounce, and blast.

Wait! Stop!

Don't bother. She can't be killed. That shot was only meant to drive them away.

Huh? Wait. Is that ...

Good afternoon, ladies.

Bkornblume! Finally!

Grundriss. It's been a while. You've changed even more than I expected.

Ms. Cornerstone, it's a pleasure finally meeting you in person. I'm Bkornblume, your point of contact in Nowa Miedź.

I know you must have many questions, but please, come with me first.

Hm? The signal's been restored.

Because I drove that girl away. Wherever she goes, our signals get jammed.

Huh. She's not some kind of radio tower, is she? I didn't notice any antenna popping out of her head.

My working theory is that she has some sort of attraction to high-energy zones, and her presence interferes with electromagnetic fields.

This building has its quirks. It may take you some time to learn your way around it.

It consists of two main areas. We were just in the west wing, which is where those creatures often appear.

"Creatures"?

The locals call them "Shades." But the girl you just saw is a little different than the rest.

She seems to have a physical body. But she can use an arcane skill to become intangible like the others.

Creatures like them are rare. Even arcanists seldom encounter them. Seeing so many in one place is even rarer. This building must have something to do with it.

You'll likely hear noises. Some come from the Shades, yes, but others seem to come from the building itself.

Or to be more precise, some of its bricks. Locals call them "Echo Stones."

That's a fitting name.

As for how these Shades come to be and why they are gathering here, I haven't found a clear answer.

These creatures are such vivid images of who they once were that, at times, it feels like they're still alive. In fact, many have made that very mistake.

But there's no need for concern. They won't interfere with our work so long as we leave them undisturbed.

Do you figure these Shades could have something to do with the building's immunity?

I was just coming to that.

This way, please.

I recognize this corridor.

Stasia! Hurry up!

Wait, Emil, Róża!

That light ... It's almost like the building is breathing.

Like magic, isn't it?

But you can only see it when things are totally silent.

...

...

We have some of the survivors of the Temporal Anomaly that took refuge here.

They might have some idea what this place is and why it was immune.

—!

I figured there would be people living here, but I didn't expect so many.

It's alright, everyone. Please, step into the light.

These two ladies are the friends I mentioned earlier. They also survived that strange rain.

They mean you no harm. You have my word. They're only here for a field survey.

Yes, once we fill out our forms, we'll be out of here in a flash.

We meet again, miss.

You're the one from the station, "nine o'clock."

Or you can call me Jasio. Welcome. This is our home.

Hopefully not for long.

They'd been taking shelter here when the Temporal Anomaly occurred. As you can imagine, it has only worsened their situation. Most of them are hoping for a chance to start again, with a job, for instance.

I already explained to them who we are and what we'll be doing.

As long as we don't add to their troubles, they won't pay any mind to our investigation.

Very thoughtful of you, Ms. Bkornblume.

Happy to help. This should be all the setup you need. I'll let you get on with it.

I'll be in my monitoring station. There have been a few scavenger "visits" lately, so it's best I keep an eye on the equipment.

She seems a little cold. Did I say something wrong?

I've found she needs time to warm up to new people. You'll know she feels comfortable around you when she starts giving you flowers. I suppose she just prefers actions over words.

They're gone. Didn't seem all that interested in our work here.

Don't stick your nose into other people's business. That's the number-one rule around here.

But this isn't just "our business." It involves all of you. If this place really is a safe zone against that strange rain ...

It could save many more people if it happens again.

Lady, take a good look around you. We all survived that rain. Do you think any of us feel lucky?

Bkornblume said you went through the rain, too. So tell me honestly: do you feel grateful to have survived?

...

Then why are you still here? Why not walk away like the others and live your own life?

Heh, yeah, been wondering the same thing myself.

Got nowhere to go and nothing better to do. Maybe it's as simple as that.

...

This place is completely different from what I remember.

All the same. Let's get started, shall we?

First question: Where were you on the 31st of December, 1999?

Right there, where you're standing now.

Look up.

There used to be a dome up there. We were all under it when the rain fell.

When it stopped, the dome came crashing down.

Hmm.

Grundriss, can you make out those concrete remnants around the drum wall? The arrangement is very particular.

Given their size, it has to have been supporting a larger structure. One, two ...

Three sets. Each pair opening up at an angle of ...

60 degrees.

An equilateral triangle—the most stable structure. Once it broke, collapse was inevitable.

Ah, speaking of which ...

What happened after it fell? Are the pieces still around?

They're over here.

Heh. That's a relief! For a moment, I was worried you'd sold them or something.

Not all of them. These are just what was left.

Some strange arcanists came and bought the others. They told us the stones were the work of devils.

Ah, well, on the bright side, at least you've all been trying to improve your lives instead of just sitting around and moping.

...

...

Similar shade of gray and these whispers ... They must be the Echo Stones Ms. Bkornblume mentioned.

Do you know anything about the whispers coming from these stones?

Whispers? It's just random noise.

Wait. That sound ... Stay away from that stone!

...?

...?

—!!

Didn't see that coming.

Critters like to hang out around the Echo Stones.

That was impressive. I didn't realize you were real arcanists. I thought you were the types that doodle on paper and never solve anything.

Things change. These days, an architect has to know more than how to draft a good plan if they want to be taken seriously.

Wouldn't you agree, Ms. Grundriss?

Same goes for site supervisors. We need more than just some math and engineering to push back against our architect's grand flights of fancy.

Well said. You know, that is exactly why I like working with you.

If the dome was built with Echo Stones, then ...

Hm. Alright. We appreciate your help, gentlemen. That's all I need for now.

The rest of the building and its materials seem ordinary enough. So far, the only notable things are the dome and these Echo Stones.

If there's a secret behind this building's immunity, my bet is it's in them.

Bad news for you, uh? It's just a bunch of rubble now.

Unfortunate, yes, but not unexpected.

I'll start drafting our report. Then, we can book our flight and—

What if we rebuilt it?

Sorry, what?

This building holds a very special message.

In almost every open, sunlit area, the main hall especially, you can see an emphasis put on basic shapes.

Circles, rectangles, triangles ...

These shapes are repeated and combined to form new structures: straight-lined vaults, rectangular rooms symmetrical along a central axis, floor slabs divided into equilateral triangles ...

Whoever designed this place clearly took a liking to them. Now, based on how those concrete beams are arranged and the shape of the opening in the roof ...

I think it's safe to assume that the dome was circular on top, with a triangular section supporting it beneath.

I don't disagree. But let me remind you, Master Architect.

We're here to investigate the building's immunity, not repair a broken roof.

But what if we can replicate the immunity by fixing the dome? Wouldn't that help us understand how it came to be?

Imagine it: we recreate the original plans, rebuild the dome, and in the process solve the mystery at the heart of this place. Exciting, don't you think?

"We"?

You mean the three of us here? Even with our arcane skills put together, there's no chance we could rebuild that thing by ourselves.

You do know the Foundation's entire construction department was wiped out in the rain, don't you? And we can't even hire local labor. Confidentiality protocol strictly forbids it.

Ah, true.

Then, what about the people here? They've already seen the anomaly. Hiring them wouldn't break any rules, would it?

The dome isn't large. With the geometry and structure worked out, leading the construction wouldn't be too tricky. I mean, it isn't too hard to imagine—the people here used to be able to put up an apartment in under ten days.

Ms. Bkornblume did mention that the survivors were eager for work.

Take this gentleman here. You wouldn't pass up a job, would you?

...?

You can't be serious. We don't have any contacts in this city. How would we even go about sourcing the materials? How many of these people do you think have ever even stepped foot on a construction site?

Eh, I worked in a packing plant before. Can't be too different, right?

I've hauled heaving slabs of pork around. At least, these bricks won't stink.

This is precisely what I mean.

Alright, discussion over. No more pointless dreaming over impractical and implausible goals.

According to the Foundation's mission procedures, we're already overdue for our first field report.

If you really feel the need to, go ahead and include this grand reconstruction plan you've dreamed up. Who knows? They might fall for it.

This must be a new record. A whole three days and fifteen hours before the first major argument. You two are finally starting to get along.

Actually, ma'am, we only met up earlier today. We didn't even last three hours.

Either way, I appreciate your efforts. Grundriss has already delivered a comprehensive report.

But with the dome gone, whether the building remains immune has become an open question.

If we were to repair it ...

Took you long enough. I take it you've managed to persuade your commissioner to your side once again?

She wants us to mobilize the residents first and see how many laborers we can gather. That way, she'll have some leverage in the meeting room.

As for the rest of our conversation, I'd really love to talk it through with you, if you're interested.

I know you have your doubts about the reconstruction, perhaps even about the entire investigation.

But before we get to that, I need to speak to the leader of the survivors here, alright?

Heh. What are you up to now?

You mean Grundriss and me? Well, we're—

We've had visitors from the West before, you know.

You come in all tall with your noses up in the air and your fancy cameras and briefcases and sit around in meetings, saying you'll bring "improvements" and a "better future" for this place.

And after a few days or months, once your money's all gone, you'll leave, like we never even existed.

You'll just throw us away, like we're some ... some ...

I understand. I really do.

Like I said, we'll talk to your leader first. If all you want is to be left alone, we'll be gone by tomorrow.

But I also want you to understand what you might be giving up. If we can figure out how the dome contributes to this building's immunity ...

Everyone here will stand a better chance if the rain comes again.

The chances aren't high, if I'm being honest. But if we do nothing and leave, it's possible no one will survive next time. It's as simple as that. Now, what do you say?

...

Sorry. I shouldn't blame you for what others did. My mom would never forgive me for being so rude.

Still, maybe you have your reasons to want to rebuild it right now. But you could just as easily change your mind later.

I won't. I won't give up. Not on this.

Because giving up halfway means I started with doubt, that I didn't have faith in the project.

It would be a betrayal of my firmest convictions.

To me, once a project is begun, it must be finished or else never started at all. There's no in-between.

...

I can respect that.

If you want to tell everyone about your plans, I'll take you to where we eat. Olga should be there. If we have anything like a leader, it'd be her.

Oh, that sounds perfect. Please, lead the way, uh ...

Lucjan. You can call me Lucjan, miss.

Lucjan?

Ah, could you give us a moment before we head off? We'd better fetch Ms. Bkornblume first.

Oh, I'm already getting excited. It's been ages since I had proper hometown food. And if Olga's there—

It'll certainly be a night to remember.

—!!

Bad news! News most badly-bad! I listened-heard it all! The enemy's "dexclamation" of war!

They were out-loud plotting about—the naughty plots they have! Plans for concrete, structures, and something finished!

Plans to gather the people here; here together they'll plan—

*gasp* No. Then it has finally come to this.

I have had many nightmares about this day. But I never imagined the devil to be this-this ...

Never-ever imagined it to be a four-eyed devil, neither.

...

Hm, I don't know. The way she spends all day and night in that dim-looking station she's set up—it's all a bit unsettling.

You've known her for years, haven't you? You must know about what she's monitoring or who her supervisor is. Do you think she can hear us right now?

Hah. I think we've stayed friends all these years because I know exactly when to ask and when to keep my mouth shut.

Four-eyes incoming! Eyes-four come-inning! Hide away, find a way!

I've been here for almost a week now, but I've never once met this Olga.

She just got back. People say she owns a big house outside the city, and she has more than enough money to leave anytime she wants. But she chooses to stay here.

I don't care if she's rich or poor like the rest of us. She's kind. That's all that matters to me.

Is that music?

Yeah. We used to have a group of young musicians with us. But then ...

They left a few things here. People complained about the "mess" at first, not so much these days.

Here we are, ladies. Welcome to the Old Oak.

I'd say those musicians did a decent job with the place—somehow crammed a bar and a stereo system into this tiny room, even a mic. No idea where they dug that up.

This is the Nowa Miedź I know. We may not have all the answers, but as long as there's vodka on the table, we'll muddle through.

Didn't you leave when you were eight? Seems a little young to form a sentimental attachment to vodka.

I just spoke to O—the bartender. She said Olga will be here in a minute. In the meantime, you're welcome to have a drink.

If there's one thing we're not short on around here, it's vodka. Żubrówka, Wyborowa, Chopin ...

Oh! I've always wanted to try Żubrówka.

Look at this place. I have to say I'm very impressed with how you've put this all together.

It bolsters my confidence in our upcoming project.

Those long tables pushed together over there ... That's the bar, is it?

Come on. Let's find out how well they handle their own liquor.

Evening, young ladies.

Good evening. Are you the—

The bartender? Think of me as the stand-in for now.

I call this one Apple Pie. Please, enjoy.

I like apples. I like cocktails. I love this already.

Mm! Amazing! It tastes exactly like apple pie!

"Stand-in"? My left foot! Normally, I'd be craving a java refill by now, but this liquid dessert's woken me right up. You're the real thing, ma'am.

Oh, hahaha. Thank you very much, dear. There's no higher praise for a bartender than a customer's smile.

I do hope you enjoy your stay here in Nowa Miedź.

A building full of mysteries, a strange puppet, and a grandmotherly old lady slinging the best cocktail I've ever had ... It all feels so unreal.

But no. This is reality. It's just that I haven't seen much outside the Foundation since the anomaly changed everything.

Since we're waiting for Olga, let's make good use of our time.

I have some questions for you. Now, to be blunt, these might not be easy to answer.

But it'll help us and the Foundation get a better understanding of what we're dealing with.

Of course, you are under no obligation to respond to any question you're uncomfortable with.

Now, would each of you be able to give me an account of what you experienced during the anomaly?

I'm not expecting anything formal. Just tell me what you felt, what you noticed.

...

It was unsettling.

Everything looks more or less the same but feels completely different.

Same old streets, same old shops, but the people passing by? Total strangers. Heck, even the stray dogs don't look the same.

It wasn't long after that I realized that I'd lost everything: money, connections, my past, maybe even my future too.

People assume I'm new around here, but I know every corner of this city like the back of my hand.

I had a job, I had benefits, a life here—all of it melted away like a puddle under the sun.

And I'm left stuck in this "new" world.

But I've been changed too. Now I'm just a drunk, clinging to useless memories of a long-gone future.

It's like the city's moved on without you, isn't it? Like you don't belong anymore.

...

I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one who felt that way.

They said we survived the rain, but we were wiped away too. We're just the ones that remember the world that abandoned us.

So you've lost your homes too? I thought big organizations like yours would take care of that.

Even the Foundation couldn't have anticipated a disaster of this scale.

I haven't had a chance to check on my apartment in Zurich. I hope it's still there. You've no idea the hoops I had to jump through to get those Corbusian windows installed.

Ms. Bkornblume told us you're an architect. You must've designed all kinds of houses.

I did, actually. Before joining the Foundation, I was a residential architect.

Could you maybe design a house for me? Just a small one would be enough.

That way, when my parents come back, we can have a real home together.

I-I don't have any money right now, but I'll make some, enough to pay for everything.

...

Usually I don't take commissions from children. Forgive me, you don't make the most reliable clients. But—

Maybe this is a chance to give back to the city that raised me.

Go ahead. Tell me what you want. I think we still have some time to sketch something out before Olga arrives.

Mmm.

My mom really likes nature. So, the house should be near the woods.

And I always like watching water run down from the hills. Maybe it could have some big windows overlooking a stream.

No, wait! We could build the house right over it. That way, I can look down and see the water running underneath my feet.

There it is. Let your client list out their demands, and there's no holding back their imagination.

Hmm, but I like that. In fact, this design of yours reminds me of an architect famous for bringing nature into his buildings.

I've got just the idea.

There it is, your very own "Fallingwater"!

Wow!

I based the design on the work of a famous architect, a man called Frank Lloyd Wright. But yours is a little smaller, and I adjusted the cantilevers a bit.

That way, we can make better use of the hilly terrain for support.

It's less extravagant but more durable and, above all, cheaper to maintain!

Ah, it's beautiful, like a little palace. You really are amazing!

But I bet it'll take forever to save enough for a house like that.

You'll get there. And when you do, just let me know.

I might even give you a discount on my usual fees. But let's be clear. I call all the shots.

So? What do you say? It's a dream for both of us. You get your house, and I get to see my design approved without any client revisions for once.

Yes, ma'am. That's a promise.

Would you look at that! I've never seen such a nice house! Could you draw one for me, too?

All white and facing the sea.

I just want a small place with a garden, maybe a few trees.

I've been thinking about getting a new safe house, hidden, secure, maybe with a small patch for growing cornflower.

Then we'll open up a window and let some light in.

Listen. I'll do my best to design what you want. But remember, it's only a draft. Don't you go building it without talking to an engineer first!

No pushing now! One at a time!

*snore*

Build me ... Irinei's office ...

There you are again, Plato's triangles.

When joined together, you can support the entire structure above us, forgoing the need for pillars.

Even better, you provide an excellent way for designers to hide lighting and ventilation systems from view.

But how did you manage to support that dome?

Your coffee, Stasia.

Thank you. Mm! Perfect acidity. Naturally processed beans, I take it?

You've got excellent taste.

Hahah. How does it feel to be back in your hometown after so many years?

...

It's like designing a building.

You think you know everything already until you're there. That's when you find all the things you didn't know that you didn't know.

But, as you go deeper, familiarity resurfaces, and you start to accommodate what's real with what you only imagined.

But you still swing between the two extremes—reality and imagination. Sometimes, it seems like they can't be reconciled.

Hold on. You said "Stasia." How did you know to call me that?

It's getting late, dear. Get some sleep. Leave the rest of your designs for tomorrow.

I can't go. I'm still expecting someone, a woman named Olga.

Olga? Why would you want to talk to her?

I need to ...

I need to talk her into rebuilding the dome. I need her help to bring people together.

Silly girl. You've spent the whole evening designing houses for almost everyone here.

You don't need Olga to win their hearts. You already have.

Ah! It's you! You're Olga.

I'm just a stand-in bartender. Sometimes, people call me "boss."

But, if you like, yes, you can call me Olga.

Did you hear? Turns out the Point Irreversible in Nowa Miedź really is immune, and they think it's because of a building.

With a few more of these immune locations, even if the anomaly happens again ...

Our joint project has already proved quite fruitful, Ms. Kenna.

I think we all needed this—some good news to lift our spirits.

However, we do have one small problem.

At this point, we still can't say for certain which part of the building generated its immunity.

Rebuilding the dome could risk damaging its original structure. We may end up jeopardizing the very immunity we're trying to retain.

We know too little to push for a project of this size. If we're to do this safely and responsibly, we should wait until we have a better understanding of the building, or better yet, of the anomaly itself.

Let me assure you, your investigators' discovery already speaks well of your abilities. There's no need to rush things to prove yourself within the department.

Respectfully, I didn't advocate for this project for my own benefit, Mr. Irinei. Think about how much this anomaly has wiped out. We need to make up for what we once had and who we've lost.

Zeno is barely holding on with what they've managed to pull together, and Laplace is overwhelmed by the sheer surge of anomalous data. This location of Nowa Miedź may sow the seeds of our recovery, but we need a permanent presence there.

How can we "get a better understanding of the anomaly itself" when we don't even have a safe place to work?

And what if the Temporal Anomaly happens again? Where do we run next time?

I'm suggesting patience, not stagnation. The two are not to be conflated, Ms. Kenna.

I have to say, it is remarkable how many locals they've managed to recruit for this construction on such short notice.

They are indeed full of surprises. I wasn't entirely confident they'd find anything at all.

But looking at the progress we've made now, I'd say luck is finally on our side.

It'd be a shame to stop now, don't you think?

And I'm certain I don't need to spell out the edge this building will give us over our enemy if we turn it into another safe zone against the anomaly.

I believe you both may be overestimating the gulf between your positions.

The rational course forward is to break the project into smaller phases, allowing for necessary reassessments before we proceed with each step.

First, we must determine the viability of building a new dome. In the meantime, Laplace will perform tests on the stone samples to identify the origin and nature of its immunity.

Then we move to the second phase, sourcing the resources necessary for accurate reconstruction.

This should ensure we minimize risk and put our limited supplies to their most efficient use without stagnation.

Point well made, Madam Lucy. I agree entirely.

And you, Mr. Irinei? Any thoughts?

...

Six months.

Take it phase by phase, like Madam Lucy said. If at any point there appears to be a risk to the structure's immunity, then the entire project will be terminated immediately.

Additionally, after six months, regardless of whether the anomaly happens again or not, we move the architect on to another project. Her talents are needed elsewhere.

How did it go, Ms. Cornerstone? Did you get an answer?

Shh.

Mr. Irinei asked me to pass on his congratulations and his personal thanks for your efforts.

We've reviewed your proposal to repair the dome.

It's been approved. You have the green light, ladies.

Of course, we'll need to discuss some additional details later. But for now ...

You'd best get started. Let's not assume we have time to waste, eh?

She did it! She convinced them!

But the Engineering Department doesn't have any extra hands to spare. It's all on us now. Six months. Not a second to lose!

First things first, materials. We need all the usable Echo Stones we can salvage. As for the ones still in the walls, we'll have to mark them and—

No. I'll need the plans first. We'll go through them line by line before anything else. We can't leave any room for error.

Try to stay calm while I do my job. Though I doubt very much that you will.

Just don't make this any more challenging than it already is. These "workers" of ours ...

I'm not even sure I can expect them to even show up on time, let alone do the work.

Then start thinking now. How do you get them off their bad habits and back into a proper routine?

Damn it, Cornerstone. I'm an engineer, not a psychiatrist.

I'll be there. I'm always up early, and I'm not even old enough to drink.

That dome was like nothing else in the world.

When the sun came out, the light poured through it like a glittering waterfall.

A waterfall? That would take an awful lot of natural light. But from what remains of the roof, it doesn't seem possible.

Olga!

Now, now, Lucjan, we've talked about this before. You're in no position to do this kind of heavy work.

Right. You're right, boss.

*sigh* The poor child was separated from his parents during the deportations.

Deportations?

It was a few years ago. Soldiers came and forced many people from their homes, thousands put on a train and shipped across the border.

Many children were separated from their families along the way. Lucjan was one of them.

He still hopes that they will return for him. That is why he wants to help with the dome so that they can find their way back.

I see.

Yesterday, I heard a woman's voice speaking from one of the Echo Stones. It sounded like—

I should get going. I promised Mr. Jasio I'd go help him out at the market today. I'll need the money if I want to eat tomorrow.

See you later, Olga, Ms. Cornerstone.

Lucjan ...

He's always been a strong boy, but there are some things he needs time to process.

I don't blame him. Honestly, I've seen grown adults who couldn't cope half as well as he does.

Ma'am, I asked to meet because I wanted to talk about hiring the residents.

Yes, dear, I've already told them about the salary and the other things you brought up the other day. So far, they all seem rather bright-eyed about it.

I think most of them will do anything for a stable job.

I owe you a great deal for all your help, ma'am.

Hush, now. I'm just glad to be of help. You know, I think Róża would be simply overjoyed if she learned about all of this.

—!

Róża? You know her? She was my best friend growing up here.

I did. I knew almost every child that came through the building. Their parents would ask me to look after them while they worked.

You'd already moved abroad by the time I met her. Never stopped talking about you, that one.

She told me over and over how you were going to be a great architect, that you aced all your exams, and how you were the prettiest girl in the class. She was very proud to have you as a friend.

She also told me she always knew you would inevitably leave this city behind.

I always thought it was the other way around. I've admired her my whole life for all the things she knew back then.

Emil, Andrzej, and I ... we never would have explored so many places if it weren't for her.

I remember how the light shifted as it scattered over the rooftops. We came back to sketch them at different times, in different seasons.

Róża, wait!

Wait for me!

You were exceptional children, and you became exceptional adults, too great for these dull streets.

I always believed you'd wind up somewhere bigger and brighter, where your talents could really be seen. Hm. And just look at what you've achieved.

And Róża? Is she ...

...

She's gone. The rain took her. I could never find Andrzej or Emil either.

I'm sorry, Stasia. It would have swelled my heart with joy to see the two of you meet again after all these years.

That said, perhaps you wouldn't even be here if not for that rain.

...

I heard her in an Echo Stone yesterday. Róża, I mean.

It almost gave me hope that she might still be alive.

I've heard her in those stones too.

It's as if this building remembers those who once stood here—their voices, their shapes.

While we laugh and cry or just chatter on about nothing, the stones listen.

Moments in life we all believe to be lost, like dew under the sun—they're captured in here.

I like to think this is why people are drawn to this place and why it has become a home for so many.

Hm. So that's what it is.

All those lives and the traces they leave behind, Róża, Lucjan's mother, even you and me—

This building holds them all, like a vessel.

And that's why I want to restore this place.

This will be the most important project of my career.

♫ You knew it true, it's me, my dear ♫

Hmm. There's nobody here. Then I ...

Good afternoon! I am Everecho, the cosmonaut.

I wish everyone ...

A very happy new year!

No time for playing space girl, Everecho! Come now and see, girl.

So long we dreamed and dreamed we longed of this, didn't we? It's—

A mushroom.

...

No, silly-wig! It's our dome!

Our dome?

But ...

It's nothing like the one we had before.

Right, everything's set. We're off to a smooth start!

You can do this, Grundriss. It's just a job like any other.

The workers aren't as skilled as the professionals in the Foundation, but they'll do fine.

As long as I stay calm and focused ...

Oh, where is everybody?

Did I get the time wrong?

Morning, miss.

Far from it, Mr. Jasio. It's 12:34. You're late, and so is everyone else.

Your manuals had clear instructions that work starts at 8 AM sharp.

*burp* What manual?

No need to get all riled up, Ms. Grundriss. We can work till midnight to make up for lost time. Eh, how's that?

Stay calm now. No good shouting on the first day.

I'll let it slide this time. But going forward, if you're even one minute late, you'll be penalized.

And no drinking or card games on site. Helmets stay on. That's nonnegotiable.

Huh? We didn't sign up for all these extra rules.

Let's just stick to the book, miss.

We are sticking to the book, every word of it. You'd know that if you'd bothered to open your manual.

...

Alright. Let's not waste any more time.

Before we start, allow me to give you a quick rundown of our goals here.

A project like this typically follows the following phases: pre-design evaluation, design, pre-construction and construction, handover, and operation.

The design phase is where the architect makes and refines the plan and builds a model of what we aim to achieve.

Pre-construction and construction—the phases most pertinent to you—involve material acquisition, site preparation, foundation construction, structural works, and so on.

Right now, we are at the very start of our project. So, our primary focus will be on design and site preparation.

Since we're on a tight schedule, the two phases will be carried out simultaneously.

Our architect and her team will be developing a feasible plan and model for the dome.

While we, the construction team, procure the key building material: the Echo Stones.

The Echo Stones? We've got plenty of those lying around all over the place, don't we?

We'll need more. The loose ones are only about enough for a millstone and a few cutting boards, but we've got an entire dome to build.

And for that, we'll need the ones that are still in the walls, too. It will be a two-step process. First, we mark the stones we need; then, we take down the walls.

Is everyone keeping up so far?

Ehhh. Break down the walls. Got it.

That's right. Good.

Now, I'll show you how to tell the Echo Stones apart from regular bricks.

Eh, we'll save you the trouble. Everyone knows the noisy ones are the Echo Stones.

Not quite. Sometimes they're quiet, but I found a way to ensure we don't miss any.

Hear that? The bricks that make the sound are the Echo Stones.

And look closely. They each have a faint tint of steely green compared to regular concrete.

Just mark them first. Then I'll make the arrangements for demolition.

Next, there are a few safety rules to follow. Refusal to comply with any one of them—

Will result in a penalty deducted directly from your salary.

I'm not repeating this for a fourth time: Secure those scaffolds before getting on!

We did! See? Standing just fine!

It's deflecting by more than 30 cm! I don't even need my arcane skills to see it.

Hey! You over there! Get down this instant!

Don't you know that's a load-bearing beam?

This thing? Oh, okay. I'm coming down.

Hey, who's pulling me? Stop it!

Long day, Ms. Grundriss?

Don't get me started. These people ... Half the time I'm not even sure they're listening. At this rate, there's no way we'll finish on schedule. And I hear Cornerstone is struggling with her plans as well.

They all seemed so motivated, until they actually got down to doing the work. I even hoped we might finish a month early. How stupid of me.

If things go on like this, I'll be forced to send another report back to the Foundation.

...

I've worked with people like them.

They're not the most ideal for your work. It's true. But they're far from the least. Just ordinary people. Nothing more.

You're under a lot of pressure, I know. But you're expecting them to put their lives and all their bad habits aside to match your vision.

That's not realistic. This isn't a fairy tale, and they're not perfect heroes.

I'm not asking them to be heroes. But don't they understand this might be their only chance to survive another anomaly?

They know. But it's not present to them; it's an abstract threat that feels too distant to fear.

You can't think about something so large when you're just surviving the day-to-day. You know the man who was struggling to put up that scaffold? He works a second job as a bouncer at a nightclub.

And the one sitting on the ground there has a permanent injury he sustained working in an oil refinery some years ago.

And the one with the hammer—his child is sick at home with a fever.

I had no idea. Maybe I have been too hard on them.

Oh, sorry. I just made that all up.

...

But you understand my point, don't you?

They're struggling. Maybe they've made things harder for you, but they're not your enemy. You should spend more time with them, like you did with me all those years ago.

That might be the best way to reach them. It's worth a shot, at least.

...

Yeah, worth a shot.

I'm afraid it's bad news, Lucjan.

I've checked and double-checked my calculations, but my conclusion remains the same.

Even taking down all the walls we can from the west wing, there won't be enough material to rebuild the dome using only Echo Stones.

I-I never finished fifth grade, miss. I don't think I can help much with your calculations.

Math was always my worst subject, too. I barely passed my last exam by just a few points.

Don't worry about it. Sometimes just having someone to talk about the problem with is enough.

*sigh* I'll just have to do what I can. Finish the model first, then tell Grundriss to disband the workers once they've gathered all the Echo Stones in the west wing.

Could we make up the difference by tearing down the east wing too? Ah!

*glug*

Ah. Much better.

What's that smell? Have you been drinking?

Bkornblume suggested I get to know the workers. So, I did.

I didn't drink, but Marcin, goodness, that man is a walking liquor bottle.

There's a bunch of them I need to speak to still. I feel like I'm spending more time fixing people's heads than managing these demolitions. Anyway, I should get back to it.

Oh, and I overheard you just now. Not the smartest idea—if these workers are dismissed, it'll be almost impossible to find them again.

And I wouldn't expect them to remember much of what they've learned once they leave.

So, what do you suggest?

We'll need to tear down the walls in the residential wing.

Then, where will they live? Have you asked Olga about it?

Seems like you've got some work to do. Come on, project director, time to play your part.

...

I'm glad to see you're finally feeling motivated.

Well, it's too late to back out now, isn't it?

I warned you that we'd be getting ourselves in deep with this. Now we have to deal with the consequences. Sink or swim.

Speaking of, how's the design coming? Any progress?

Practically none.

...?

Go on. Explain it all to "Dr. Grundriss." Just another problem to fix.

It's the lighting. Something about it has me totally stumped.

Everyone talks about the light pouring down like a waterfall on sunny days. But that's impossible. The triangular structure here would block it.

What's more ...

I think someone here doesn't want me to finish my work.

Paper, pencils, rulers ... all my stationery's been disappearing.

Really? Any idea who it was? I'll talk to them.

Shh.

Don't worry. I've already hatched a plan.

...

Light ... shadow ...

...

Heh heh. Find it. Found it.

How are things going in Nowa Miedź?

Less than ideal. They're really feeling the lack of experienced workers on site.

Nothing surprising there.

We're under no obligation to help. But still, if they're struggling, a little nudge wouldn't hurt.

Understood.

Maybe just a few hints? I know we shouldn't meddle too much.

Mm?

Sorry, I'd better take a look.

Well done. Now, remember which group you're in?

Szymon, Marcin—Group A. Move the bricks and clear a path. Watch out for the cables on the ground.

Group B—yes, Jasio. Come with me.

Got it, boss. And after we're done with the bricks?

Pick out the Echo Stones we marked and bring them to the atrium.

Marcin! Where's your helmet?

My head was feeling stuffy, so I took it off and left it, ehh, somewhere.

Go find your helmet and put it on. Now.

Group C, keep working on dismantling those walls. There's still one more to go before your break. You were all late today, so I don't want to hear any complaints.

...

If I may, I'd like to adjust my report.

Despite a little early friction, things seem to be on the right track now.

I don't think they need any further help from me.

Alright, climb over here. Let's find those marked stones.

Give me a hand, huh?

Not bad, everyone.

Ah, I'm just in time. You all must be worn out. I've brought pierogi.

Pierogi for dinner? Hah. I must be dreaming! I'll have ten!

...

You're back! They didn't see you, did they?

Not me, no. Of course not. This is for you.

The architect's wacky-bob, her secretly-secret weapon! She was playing pick-up-put-down with it when she did-do her work.

Secret weapon? If we could make it disappear ...

Urh. It tastes awful.

No! Don't eat it, no! It'll only go splodey-crack or turn you green and blue! Out with it! Spit it out!

*cough*

Poison true, greeny-green and bluey-blue ...

No, no ...

...

*cough*

Feeling better now?

*pant* Yes ... yes ... Thank ... Ah! You! When did you—

When you tried to destroy my secret weapon, of course.

Heh-heh, nah-nah, you can't catch us!

...

You're right. I can't catch her. You, on the other hand—

...?!

Put me down! Let me go! Go on with the downing! Or I ... I'll jump!

Cheatery-cheating devil four-eyes, you'll regret this.

Sorry about this. I really don't mean to do things the hard way.

But there's only so much disappearing stationery I can take before resorting to desperate measures, so I lured you out.

I think there's been a misunderstanding. Let's talk things through, shall we?

Of course, if you're not willing, I'll be happy to hand this little puppet over to our site supervisor.

She's got a heart of stone, you know.

Don't! Don't hurt Honza!

It was me! I told him to steal from you.

This is the thief? This little dear?

And she did it all right under my nose. I must admit, I'm impressed.

...

Not just her. She has an accomplice.

This noisy little ragamuffin I caught.

I'll get you for this, &)%*@#!

That voice ... It's the same puppet from before.

Ms. Everecho, is there a reason why you're obstructing our work?

...

I-I do not like what you're doing.

I have seen your drawings. You don't understand this place ... Mistakes, all over.

And the people ... they are uneasy. I feel it.

Uneasy? Why do you think that?

What should not be forgotten—the past, not the present ... voices ... writings ...

And what has been asleep in this building ...

Oh, no. The Echo Stones are resonating with each other!

The building could collapse at any minute! Watch your heads for falling debris!

You should not have come here.

Your designs are wrong. They will ruin this place.

Then we'll just have to find the right plan! That way, we'll be fixing it, not ruining it, right?

...

Can you do that?

You seem to know this building better than anyone we've spoken to.

If you help me find the right design, then of course I can fix it.

You can also keep an eye on us. No more hiding in the corners. Just stick around and make sure we're being fully honest with you.

What do you say?

...

Then, will you free Honza?

He doesn't like to be left alone.

Certainly, but on one condition: you can't steal any more of my things or impede our work here.

I-I promise!

...

I didn't realize how much was missing.

And your secret weapon, eraser.

Here!

...

Actually, you can keep it. I've got a new one.

48, 49, 50 ...

That's the last of them. Finally, we have all the materials gathered. All that's left is for Cornerstone to fix the lighting issue.

And get a model together, then construction will be officially underway!

I'm sorry that we had to move you out of the residential wing, ma'am. We were hoping to keep the construction's impact on everyone to a minimum.

Oh, not to worry, dear. Personally, I think we'll all sleep a little easier without those Echo Stones in the walls.

And, as we agreed, you'll replace them with ordinary bricks, yes?

Right, of course.

Still, I appreciate your support. I thought you'd never agree to this, or at least that you'd want more compensation.

Ah, we would never.

Even if we don't say it much, everyone here wants to see that dome rebuilt.

Some of them were reluctant at first, but after spending time working on the project, they've come around to it. That's just how people are.

...

For us, it's just another project. But for you, this is your home being turned upside down.

I should have appreciated that sooner.

But you've chatted with almost all of us now, haven't you? That's far more than any other engineer ever bothered to do before.

Thank you for understanding. I promise I'll build you a better, quieter wall at the end of all this.

Now, you'll have to excuse me. I have a few things to go over with Cornerstone.

You're heading the wrong way, dear.

She's in the residential quarters, the temporary one.

There's a small problem with the lighting there, so we asked her to give it a quick lookover.

I thought this place might be in need of some more natural light.

But this-this is much worse than I imagined, hardly livable at all.

We're only staying here while construction's underway, but we didn't dare tear an opening in the wall without checking with you first.

Oh, that glowing girl you caught is in there, too.

I know. Lucjan volunteered to watch her. But I think he just wanted something to do besides hovering by the coffee pot all day.

Is that a television?

Hm?

Having fun "watching the prisoner," are we, Lucjan?

Mhm. Just watching her watch TV.

Actually, she chose a good show.

Heheh. That was funny.

Oh, I wish Honza were here. He would get all sorts of great ideas from this.

I think you're already quite talented enough in scaring people. No need to learn any new tricks.

Besides, I'm not sure he'd react all that well to a prank that begins with giving him a craniotomy.

Crani-on-tony? What is that?

Your chatty little friend isn't with me right now. But he's safe. You have my word.

I'll free him once the design's complete, like we agreed.

Hmm. Seems like this used to be a kitchen.

We had a similar place when I was little. I remember my family would crowd together to watch TV or do some reading. We had all kinds of books.

I'd have thought an architect would hate to be stuck in a cramped place like this.

Hate? Not at all. I quite like it, actually.

It's in spaces like this that you see people's resilience most clearly.

To do your best with so little, that takes real willpower and courage.

Now, about that natural light, I have an idea.

Oh, that's much brighter.

I lived in an apartment block when I was little. I remember the ceiling hung so low over our heads I thought it might just squeeze us into nothing.

Every day, I'd make a little time to go downstairs and sit on the swing, just to feel the daylight on my skin.

I remember thinking, "What if I could just lift the roof up and let the light pour in ..."

So everyone at home could feel the sunlight?

This is so pretty, like that Hagia Sophia place we saw in the magazine.

I don't like it. It's too bright! I feel safer in a dark room.

I know. I'll get rid of these windows.

But-But I wanna see the stars at night!

Alright. Then, I'll add a roof you can see through.

Something as simple as a bit of light can make a room come alive.

I almost forgot I played with this very same idea as a child.

I was younger and bolder then. I raised the ceiling and placed ribbon windows all around.

Like the windowed dome in the Hagia Sophia.

...

What is it?

I can't believe I didn't see it before.

If we lift the dome and extend the drum, we can let the light come in from where it meets the ceiling.

And the room will be evenly lit.

Mmm. The components align perfectly.

Let's try installing the glass panels.

There it is!

Whoa! The light's pouring down just like a waterfall!

The light was never coming in from above. It was coming from windows along the sides!

Now, if we were to add it to the dome, it would look something like ...

Ms. Everecho, would you take a look? Is this the kind of light you used to see?

...

Ah, the flowing light ...

It's back.

...

Light ...

U-Us ...

You ... Me ...

Daisy ... Daisy ...

Sleep ...

Day and night ...

No more gray skies.

Wait for me.

Hmm? Who's talking?

Stasia, shhhh. Listen.

Wow! A golden light!

It's the whisper of silence.

Sounds like these can only be heard if we're as quiet as a whisper.

It's like they've been waiting a long, long time to be found.

...

Just one final touch.

That's the sun?

No, the daisies. Don't you remember them?

There used to be so many daisies here.

Today marks the 42nd day of the project.

We've procured enough Echo Stones, and the design for the dome is all but complete. Now comes the real challenge: building the model.

Looking back, this is our first real breakthrough since the project began.

Hmm, structure's unstable.

I'll just add another piece here for support and ... beautiful!

Looks like all there is left to do is put the triangular prism in place. We've certainly come a long way.

But there are parts I still don't fully get. Could you walk me through your design again?

With pleasure.

...!

Goodness, you're bleeding!

Oh!

I'll be fine.

This little thing won't cause a dangerous drop in total blood volume. There's no risk of impairment, so I'll just patch it up for now.

But, ma'am, you're an architect. You need your hands to work.

Even if we don't manage to fix the dome, you still need to build all our houses, remember?

I appreciate your concern.

But let's be clear: we're nowhere close to abandoning this repair.

*sigh* This is the truth of architecture: the blueprints can be flawless, but construction, like our lives ...

... rarely goes as planned. Still, we must keep on keeping on.

Mr. Jasio, I need you to gather some hands and move all the fallen Echo Stones to the safe zone.

Grundriss, please retrieve the model. We'll need to reassess some key features, especially the joints.

Everyone else, get some rest.

I'll reevaluate and revise the sketch once the site's cleared.

We have four months until Mr. Irinei's deadline.

Can we really afford to "reevaluate and revise" this late?

We have to. I'm certain of it.

...

Why? Why are you so hell-bent on this?

Why? I don't know.

Maybe I want to defend my pitiful pride? Maybe it's an obsession for my craft? Maybe the rain warped my mind in some way.

Or maybe I still believe it can be done. Which do you think it is?

*sigh* Stubborn as a mule. It's almost amazing, but I should know better.

If only Tatlin had you to help build his Tower all those years ago, I bet it would've become one of the great wonders of the world.

Eh, pardon the interruption.

Laplace has asked to speak with you, something they want to relay directly.

Got a feeling that this isn't good news.

Well, I'm about as used to bad news as I am to caffeine by now.

Just sip slowly. This one might hit like a double espresso.

"Chaotic Energy"?

Yes. According to the letter we received from Institutum Lorentz, the energy detected in the stones you found appears almost identical to Chaotic Energy. One could even say they're simply different forms of the same thing.

Well, that conclusion does seem to be right in line with their particularly mysterious field of research.

Indeed. The letter also noted the Echo Stones and the building they belong to are highly and likely inherently interrelated.

When physically damaged or moved, the stones' latent energy becomes disturbed. This may be how their "echoes" are produced.

If this interrelationship is severed, the building's resistant properties will be lost forever, even if you create an exact replica.

...

Are you still there, Ms. Cornerstone?

Yes, yes. I was just processing what you said.

Please continue, Ms. Simone.

Very well.

In fact, we theorize that the displacement of these Echo Stones risks triggering a volatile chain reaction.

That's exactly what happened, Ms. Simone! When we were assembling the model, the stones released some kind of violent energy fluctuations and attacked us!

Ah. Yes, well, then you have your own evidence to add weight to Lorentz's theory.

Hey, get your own communicator!

...

Allow me to finish, Ms. Simone. I'll be brief!

I would suggest that these attacks from the Echo Stones may well be a sign that we're on the right path.

This relationship that's been identified might not, in itself, be an obstacle. It only means we need to learn how to manage their energy.

The Echo Stones' defense mechanisms activate in reaction to specific types of disturbance, right? Which means their behavior must be in some way controllable.

All we have to do is find the right energy distribution to maintain the Echo Stones in a balanced and usable state.

You aren't alone in that hypothesis. But our conclusion was that the process would carry unpredictable levels of risk and require a lengthy experimentation period.

And that was just considering the model. Were we to expand the scale by the hundreds of times necessary, the potential consequences would multiply exponentially.

As per their usual practice, the Institutum's letter offered no conclusion regarding the safety factors. Therefore, after careful deliberation, the LSCC's official instruction is ...

All efforts to repair the dome should be terminated immediately.

"Under the joint command of the Foundation and Zeno, I led troops to hunt down Manus Vindictae across Central Asia following the Temporal Anomaly."

"With our intelligence network rendered deaf and blind by the enemy, we have had to rely solely on scattered scout reports. Over the past week, my troops have been ambushed three times."

"Three of my soldiers were killed. Thirteen others now require long-term medical care."

"For most of the operation, we've been flying blind, with no means to gauge enemy numbers, track their positions, or even tell whether we were still engaged."

What I've just read is a report from Admiral Igor. He's engaged in fighting with Manus Vindictae as we speak.

Can you imagine, Ms. Kenna? The chaos and blindness ...

This is the reality we are now facing. And do you know what makes it worse?

He isn't the only one. All the latest reports show that this has become the new normal.

...

I think we can all agree that under these circumstances we need to adapt.

And to compromise. Shame as it may be, your little wonder did not pass the first stage of validation.

There's no reason to keep investing in a project we've already determined to be an unacceptable risk.

I see.

The Committee intends to redirect its funding towards surveillance and fortification against Manus Vindictae.

As our only active architect, Cornerstone will play a key role in the task, as will Grundriss.

I can't help but feel for them. To fail so close to success ...

No need to be discouraged, Ms. Kenna. The New Office Construction Project won't be scrapped entirely.

You may still have the chance to return to Nowa Miedź in the future. But for now ...

The building will be placed under the Foundation's control, as per procedure. We can't afford to let it fall into the hands of Manus Vindictae.

The Foundation taking control—that much I get. But why are they forcing everyone else out?

With all due respect, Mr. Irinei, I don't see how that aligns with your "safe and responsible" approach.

You have to understand the recklessness of our enemy. Manus has been launching suicidal attacks across the globe.

In times like these, leniency is a luxury. We can't allow for any unnecessary security risks.

...

But what are we going to do to relocate the residents?

We're negotiating a plan with the local government. The details are still pending, of course, but we expect promising results before long.

Squatting in an unstable building is no way for them to live anyway. It is an imposition, but we'll do everything in our power to accommodate them.

But sir, I don't know how I'm going to break this to them.

Just yesterday, Olga told me we should all have tea together beneath the dome once it's repaired.

I sympathize, Grundriss. I do.

But we must continue our work. Look at the bigger picture. Think of those we've lost.

...

They're going to kick us out, aren't they?

We heard you talking with that cold-hearted boss of yours.

I ...

I'm so sorry.

So, the dome will be broken forever.

It won't protect anyone when this Temporal Anomaly thing happens again. We'll all disappear, just like Mama and Tata.

That jerk!

I'm the real big boss here! Why am I the last to hear about all of this?

...

So they are going to take everything away?

But I love it here. I love watching TV with Lucjan and the others.

And we're only halfway through Jabberwocky.

Can't they leave us be?

Or can they at least leave the TV?

...

Cornerstone, shouldn't you say something? Hm? What are you ...

...

The exposed concrete here in this corner ... it's quite different from the perfectionistic style found in the rest of the building.

But it feels more like a deliberate choice than a result of budget constraints.

You've been waiting for me as well, haven't you?

Alright, alright, enough with the long faces. This isn't your fault.

We're all long used to wandering anyway. We wandered from our deserted homes to factory dorms and freezing warehouses, then, at last, to here.

Whenever we start to feel we've "found home," something will cause us to pack up and leave again. That's just the way it goes.

Take it from experience, you two: nothing in this land truly belongs to us.

...?

That's quite enough of that blasé attitude of yours. Pull yourself together.

Tell me, Grundriss, how long will it take for Irinei's relocation policy to be implemented?

A month at most. Why? What are you planning?

Nothing. It's just that relocation work is something completely outside my area of expertise.

So, rather than doing a disservice to the work, my time would probably be better spent resting. That's allowed, right? Catching up with old neighbors, sketching up "unimplementable" designs, things like that?

You still haven't given up, have you? Do you see something I don't?

Just a hunch. No guarantee it'll work, to be honest.

There's one thing I need to confirm.

What are you doing?

Stop!

No, you can't do that!

She's gone bing-bang-bonkers! Bonkers she's gone! Those dark circles were an illy-billy-bad sign, I told you! Told you, Honza did!

Tch, argh. Come on now, almost there!

Alright, "ritual" complete.

Ahem. I know you all must have questions, but please listen first.

Hear that? Even after the Echo Stone is shattered into pieces, you can still hear its sound.

Which is to say, it isn't the form that matters.

What's really sustaining these sounds ...

... is this building itself, or in a more underlying sense, the law of "energy"—or Order—that flows within it.

Hmph. I've heard of mad scientists but never mad architects. I guess not even the end of the world could stop you from finishing this project, huh?

Oh, I wouldn't say there's anything stopping me. Nature does nothing in vain.

Rubble gets recycled, time moves forward, life goes on—that is the law of nature. All I've done is stood back and attempted to understand it.

Law of nature?

All the same ...

The Foundation hasn't decided where they'll send us next.

So I still have the freedom to use my pencil as I please, don't I? Even if only for a day or an hour.

Today marks the 7th day since the project was officially terminated.

No more construction personnel on site. No safety inspections. No routine checks either.

...

I knew I'd find you here.

They said you'd been poking around here over the last few days to check the walls and the warning signs.

Just doing my job.

You're waiting for Ms. Cornerstone's final verdict, aren't you?

You still believe she'll find something to sway the higher-ups.

It's possible. But nothing's certain at this point.

She's out on a "field trip" with some of the residents as we speak. Hopefully, she'll find some inspiration.

It's funny. Even when I'm the one asking the questions, you somehow manage to make me feel like I'm a student being grilled by their teacher.

I imagine this hasn't been easy for you, partnering with Ms. Cornerstone again.

You're half right.

I'm used to working with people like her. In fact, her sort of whimsical passion reminds me a lot of my grandfather.

Hm. You've never mentioned him before. Was he an architect too?

Almost. He was part of the last generation of Bauhaus students.

Ah, the famous Bauhaus! They're legendary in Berlin.

Legendary indeed. In their early years, they tried to dissolve the boundaries between disciplines. Artists, craftsmen, designers—they studied side by side. Fine arts, crafts, even architecture ...

It was an era of brilliant minds, led by giants like Kandinsky and Paul Klee, driven by ideas that were as passionate as they were bewildering.

To many, they were outsiders, too radical, too unorthodox. But at their heart, they were young souls burning with ideals.

But the times they were living in turned against what they represented. The world around them changed to one of immense suffering.

But despite pressure from the government and the public, they pressed on, expanding the boundaries of expression and art to their fullest.

Until the school was closed. That was 1933, I believe. I'm sure you know already.

Before it was officially dissolved, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the school's final director, gathered the teachers and some students for a meeting. He cracked open a bottle of champagne, and they shared a solemn drink as a toast to their parting.

And that's where Bauhaus and my grandfather's artistic journey ended.

I grew up listening to this story. If there's one thing I learned from it, I suppose it's to not take anything for granted.

Of course, you could say that's just an excuse for why I'm so uptight. Either way, it doesn't really matter.

I miss them a great deal. Mama, Papa, Hannah, and my dear Grandpa.

The days I spent with him were always full of surprises.

He'd pop up out of the blue just to say the funniest things: "We'll be covered in mold if we stay curled up in our shells any longer!"

"This is going to be the next big thing. Let's give it a whirl!"

"The next big thing." Every now and then, I find myself wondering what he really meant by that.

"Next big thing" ...

In those days, an expression like that might have been viewed as a sign of subversive disorder.

Humanity has never been short on revolutionary ideas, but they rarely last long. Rockets soaring deep in space, tanks rolling through streets, books torn from libraries and burned en masse ...

*sigh* Nothing lasts. And we're left to live among the ruins.

Hmm, but I don't think it's the buildings or things we made that collapsed—

It's something deep within us, buried in silence.

Somewhere in that silence, people stopped believing, machines began to rust, and signals started to distort.

But from that same silence, new ideas, new "big things," are born.

Those very distorted frequencies were where I heard the first faint breaths of a new world.

*panting* I can't ... catch my ... breath ...

P-Please ... slow down ...

We're almost there, dear. Just hold on a little longer.

Ugh, sluggy slow-poke! Leave her behind, and leave we should. Even granny-goggleface hikes faster.

...

...!

Ah! We'll just play sit-and-wait right here, then wait and wait. Heh heh.

Ahahaha, no need for that. We've already arrived. Oh, whatever is that creature there?

—!!

Hey, why is it wearing Mr. Marcin's helmet?

You followed us all the way up here? You are hard little workers, aren't you?

Phew, I'm exhausted!

I've been away for so long. I hardly recognize the city anymore.

Ms. Bkornblume said you went to Switzerland. Or was it Sweden?

Switzerland. But not just there. Every time I started to feel at home in one place, my parents up and took us somewhere else.

Oh, boo-hoo and hoo-boo! "I've moved so-so much; who knows how many times?!"

Six. Six times.

I kept track.

Amazing, six times? I've never even left home once.

Well, it's all in the past now.

Hm. I think it was good for me, as an architect, anyway. I learned to observe the world from a distance. It gave my designs a clearer sense of objectivity.

Alright, I'm full of energy again! Time to get down to the heart of the problem.

Olga, ma'am, can you tell me what you know about the history between the city and that building?

I've asked around town about it, but it seems like no one knows much of anything about it. It's as if it's always been there, or at least as long as anyone can remember.

But it's here, in this particular city. I have to believe there's more to this.

Heh heh, very well. I'm an old woman, and the city is older. So where should we start? Before the war, or after?

Hmm, we should start with the post-war period.

Alright, let's see.

The biggest change was when the military engineering corps arrived. This was a few years after the war. Then, soon enough, the city was flooded with waves and waves of trucks, engineers, and workers.

I used to come watch them as they unloaded building materials and raised scaffolding. I remember how the concrete dust would cake their arms, clinging to their sweat under the sun.

The steel mill near the railway was the first to go up, followed by the boiler house, the power station, and then the water pipes.

Oh, I know! Then the apartment buildings a little way off from the mill were built. They even had those trolleybuses, though they only ran to and from the factory district.

I knocked out two of my front teeth there. Turns out I wasn't as good on a bike as I was with a pencil.

Hehe, me and my friends loved to bike everywhere. Not even the wind could catch us.

And more and more people came, and the buildings got bigger and bigger, and we got schools and buses.

There was a polyclinic around every corner for if you needed asthma medicine or something like that.

Things were easier back then. It was like we could race across the entire world, and all I needed was my bike and my friends by my side.

...

I miss those days and my old friends.

...

There they are.

The veins of the city.

A linear layout. The main roads form the skeleton, with these clusters of light like organs distributed along it.

Until they reach their deliberate ends in each direction.

It all makes sense now.

Back then, the engineering corps worked to shape the city according to an inherent order.

They understood something essential about the reconstruction of a city.

First, you restore the city's ability to sustain itself, then you make it accessible, then habitable, and only then can it become truly livable again.

It follows a natural sequence, each piece laying the foundation for the next.

They restrained themselves, allowed the city to remain aligned with the natural topography, rather than forcing it into an artificial sprawl. Little by little, they restored its vitality.

That's what it means to find a city's "Order."

"Order"?

...

Yes, you might think of it like a law of nature. Living cities grow in the same way forests do, following paths that may seem random but in truth follow predictable patterns.

An architect's duty is to recognize those patterns, find their hidden order, and, through that, grant them form without impeding function.

And I'm beginning to suspect that the Echo Stones follow that same principle.

What is it that you want to be, brick?

...!

That's ...!

Oh! Perhaps I've been of some help, after all?

Far, far more than that. You and Lucjan have saved this entire project!

To think that after nearly three decades, today is the first time I've truly seen my hometown in its entirety.

It was always there, right before my eyes. I just never saw it for what it was.

This is incredible. I haven't a second to waste! I need to get started while this inspiration is still fresh in my mind.

Easy now, dear. Oh, you forgot your pot!

...

They never really meant to lock you up, Everecho. You're free to go.

You can go wherever you want, do whatever you want.

You don't have to stay here watching TV with me. Really, I can manage on my own.

No.

I do not want to go outside. There are too many new rules, new words. They are confusing and a little scary.

I want to stay and watch over the building and the voices. The Shades ... Someone has to ...

They would be so sad if I left them behind.

But I thought you were alright with Ms. Cornerstone's plan.

...

I-I don't know. Everyone has been working so hard, a-and ...

No, don't do that. You knew your answer already.

You can't help but stand by them. I feel the same way. Because when you're with them, all that sadness and darkness fades away.

Like you're finally under the sun again.

When we first arrived, we talked about the building's geometry. Do you recall what I said then?

It's a little hazy. Did you remember to re-bandage your hand today?

Of course, of course. Don't worry. I wouldn't dare give you something else to nag me about.

That's the spirit. But you were telling me something about the building's geometry. What is it?

Ahem. Well, as we discussed, the geometric layout here doesn't simply seem to be pursuing any clear function according to the principles of modern design.

There's something about it that's more classical or perhaps even primordial.

These aren't forms made to suit a design. I think these forms existed a priori to them.

They're self-contained, symmetrical. Can you feel the cadence of their lines?

It gives a sense of order, a harmony as natural as gentle breathing.

You can spare me the poetics, professor. Just get to the nuts and bolts.

Right, right, completely see what you mean. Let me bring it down to earth a little.

Sorry, indulge me. What I'm suggesting is that what we see here are only "shadows" of the ideal, a secondary reflection of a "higher reality."

So, in a sense, we aren't merely stacking bricks and stones.

We're guiding them back into the light of their ideal forms.

I get it now. I am part of this place, just like all of you.

I was meant to protect you, but I failed.

Honza?!

The Great Pyramid wants to drown us all! Drown us all in the false hope of tomorrow!

Then everything will be gone forever!

Gone forever!

Forever!

Ah! No!

...

Can you believe it? A Shade haunted by nightmares!

You're all here.

The model is holding together now. You did something, didn't you?

We heard a commotion, so we came back to check, and voilà!

The model was glowing with the most beautiful light I've ever seen. It feels like something entirely out of this world!

I've examined the Echo Stones in the building with my arcane skill. They're all exhibiting signs of significant change.

I can even see the glow flowing through them.

...

Lucjan ...

Hmm? Yes, where is that boy? You two have been practically joined at the hip these days.

Lucjan. He-He was just like me, a ... a ...

A Shade, yes. But he never had any trouble spending time with us.

Seems like you're not the sharpest Shade in the shed, hah. I was beginning to think you'd never recognize your own kind.

No. Not just that.

He ...

Oh, Lucjan, you foolish, selfless soul.

He always said he wanted to be the first one to see the light fall through the dome again.

Such a patient, hopeful young man. How sad that he never got to see what he'd waited so long for.

No, he is still with us.

I can still feel him here. He's in the light now.

You're saying he turned into the light? Sounds a bit too much like a fairy tale to me.

...

He returned to the sea of light, the Sanctuary of Memories.

Today marks the 23rd day since the project was officially halted.

We lost Lucjan, the tender young man that loved watching television.

At the same time, the model and some other Echo Stones have reawakened. How exactly, we don't fully understand. There is still a lot we have to learn.

But irrespective of that, we're going to keep moving forward.

One horizontal, the other vertical, intersect at the center, and ...

Done! Perfectly packaged!

Impressive. You've done any factory work before?

Just a trick I picked up from my last job. It'll keep the model's shape stable during transport.

You sure about this?

From what Everecho said, we can infer that she shares the same origin as the Echo Stones and Shades in this place.

Which means the energy the stones need to reawaken comes from the Shades themselves. I should've realized it sooner.

So that's why Lucjan—

Maybe it sounds like a fairy tale, but it's the best explanation we have.

Fortunately, most of the Echo Stones have already reawakened. We shouldn't need any more Shades to ... do what he did.

Though I fear the repaired dome may not be able to shelter a large number of people, it's still a start.

From there, we can look for other ways to expand and improve it—widen its protection to even more people.

First things first, someone needs to deliver our findings to the Foundation. Fingers crossed the higher-ups will agree to restart our project.

Is that everything? If so, I'll take the model and head straight to the airport.

Godspeed, Ms. Bkornblume!

I'll do my best to persuade Madam Constantine. Between our completed model and the video we prepared, I'm confident in our prospects.

Don't worry, ladies. I should be back in contact within the week!

...

This is goodbye, Everecho.

Honza is not needed anymore. Now his heart is broken, just like his face.

Honza? No, I-I didn't mean to.

Everecho, do you want to watch TV together?

I feel so cold, trapped in the stone.

Lucjan!

There's no TV here. No Old Oak. Only cold.

Help me, Everecho.

La la la-la-la, la-la-la la la. Stone is tomorrow; tomorrow is stone.

I kicked tomorrow yesterday, upsy-down and oopsy-ways. And when I came upon it today, dead-■■ing on the ground it stayed!

Dead still it stays! Still stays it dead!

Ha■■hahaha!

—!

A new round of economic policy adjustments has just been announced,

proving that marketization has become an unstoppable force. And while concerns over unemployment and social welfare continue to rise,

we won't hesitate to keep forging ahead on the right path.

The "right path" ...

...

Is this truly what you want, Honza?

There you are.

Olga's made her signature bigos again. I intend to enjoy it with a nice, crisp beer. Care to join us?

...

The local food and hospitality sectors are facing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

As new international fast food chains continue to open their doors in the city, they are quickly becoming a hit with young consumers.

Everecho?

What's up, not a fan of hamburgers?

Huh?

No, there is something else. I feel so worn down lately. My memories seem to be slipping away from me.

1999—the world before the rain—do you remember what it was like?

...

1999 ... Let me think.

Modernism was still the dominant force in architecture. More and more of those great big boxes of glass and aluminum alloys rose up in every city.

As for everything else, there was the internet, 3D video games, MP3 players ...

Oh, and even more fast food chains, just like in the news.

But it's scary, don't you think?

I feel as though we've started to forget the future.

We all just go on as if nothing is wrong, even though we're now living in a world where time flows backward.

We lived through that time, but it doesn't feel real anymore. It has been left to gather dust in a corner, like old hamburgers.

One day we might even forget Lucjan.

We won't, Everecho. We can't forget the past, nor the future.

Because they still exist, even if just in their ideal form. Like this building, even if we use new materials and new techniques to rebuild, its heart—the Echo Stones—remains.

No matter what changes come, big or small, the past will continue to have been and will always be with us. And that means Lucjan will always be a part of this place.

Now, lift that chin up. I know he wouldn't want to see you looking so sad.

...

Lucjan ... He is in the light.

In the leaves of the trees, in every warm cup of coffee.

And right here, too.

Yes, forever.

I see it now, Stasia.

Thank you.

Come in. Ah, Ms. Kenna, it's been a while.

Is this about the progress of the New Office Construction Project? I thought I instructed that the engineering department was to report to Commissioner Irinei now.

Not quite, ma'am. I'm actually here about the LSCC's preliminary survey report on the origin site of the Temporal Anomaly.

Despite the site itself being affected by the anomaly, Laplace's researchers detected residual energy at its "eye"—the point identified by Admiral Igor.

Following that, they set up Kirlian cameras at various points around the world and captured some unusual images.

Analysis suggests that currently unidentifiable substances were present in the observed environments, substances they think are likely linked to the Temporal Anomaly itself.

Whether they are the cause or a consequence of it remains to be confirmed, but one conclusion is already clear ...

Everything suggests the Temporal Anomaly may happen again.

The exact timing cannot yet be determined. The LSCC will continue monitoring and provide real-time updates.

I see.

Ms. Simone is presently reviewing the documents ahead of the upcoming meeting.

As a project leader on the defense against the Temporal Anomaly, I was given privileged access to this development ahead of any formal announcement. But I thought you should know too.

How thoughtful of you, Ms. Kenna. Of course, you already know that I would be apprised of important matters like this long before they reach anyone else's ears.

There's something else you wish to discuss with me, I presume?

Sharp as ever, ma'am.

Allow me to introduce Ms. Bkornblume, our field investigator sent to examine the Point Irreversible in Nowa Miedź.

Good afternoon, Madam Constantine.

It's been 15 hours since I delivered the dome model from Nowa Miedź.

May I ask if you've had a chance to review it? I also have a supplementary report regarding—

I have. You've successfully reawakened the Echo Stones, a considerable achievement. But I'm afraid that alone won't be enough to overturn the Committee's decision at this stage.

But ma'am, the team put in tremendous effort and sacrifice to get this far, and now it's finally working.

Could you perhaps consider revisiting this project with the Committee and—

I'm sorry, but we've already determined that the project is neither safe nor stable. It's simply nonessential when compared to the immediate, unpredictable threats posed by Manus Vindictae.

...

In my opinion, it is precisely because it is "nonessential" that the project carries significant weight.

Oh? Do elaborate.

Funding, manpower, equipment ... We're currently funneling all of our available resources into these "essential" countermeasures.

But, with all due respect, ma'am, our long-term success can't rely solely on what is deemed "essential."

You're accusing the Foundation of being too conservative.

I wouldn't call it an accusation, just a concern.

The Foundation decided to make survival our top priority, but survival isn't a goal; it's a prerequisite.

...

I haven't come here intending to challenge the Committee's decision, Madam Constantine. I only want to bypass the usual formalities and speak with you directly.

Thank you for your time.

...

"The project carries significant weight precisely because it's nonessential"? Hmph, pure sophistry.

...

Day three in Nowa Miedź.

The river, the roads, the fog ... Maybe it's only a reflection of my mood, but this whole place seems grim.

Could I have a word with you, Bkornblume?

Certainly.

Why is it that I've heard that you went straight to Laplace upon your return, then ran around headquarters requesting all kinds of meetings with Committee members, including Madam Constantine?

Didn't I tell you to remain neutral throughout this mission? You were supposed to observe, not get involved.

Ma'am, what is the purpose of my maintaining neutrality?

To prevent division within the Foundation.

Don't tell me you haven't noticed it. The cracks are already there, still faint for now.

But if we allow them to deepen, it could spell disaster. We can't afford disunity, not now, especially not at a time like this.

Forgive me, ma'am, but I would say my outreach was within those mission parameters. Yes, only a few young Committee members currently support the project, but still ...

This could be a call to unity, not division.

A fleeting call.

A fragile and potentially false hope.

It's simply naive to expect it to last.

But even if it doesn't last long, that doesn't mean it isn't worth fighting for.

And if real divisions do arise in the future, we'll be able to remember the moments where we stood side by side for the same goal.

For me, that's enough.

Excuse me, Ms. Bkornblume.

Thank goodness you haven't gone too far.

Please return to Madam Constantine's office. She wishes to discuss the Nowa Miedź project with you.

...!

I'll be there right away.

1. July 1996.

Partly Cloudy.

With thanks to Madam Constantine, we've finally received approval to resume our project.

Unfortunately, if Laplace's latest report is accurate, the Temporal Anomaly could strike again at any moment, meaning that we need to work as if we have no moments to spare.

Ugh, if only we had more manpower. We could really use about a thousand more hands!

Like it or not, those are the facts.

Your budget was already stretched thin. Whatever little you've received only came through thanks to Ms. Kenna's pleading with multiple departments.

Tch, how much could a few posters possibly cost?!

Don't tell me we're so broke we can't even afford to print a few papers!

I'm afraid so, Ms. Cornerstone. Your request for more workers, which, I should add, wasn't fully compliant, may have miraculously been approved. But that doesn't mean money will just keep rolling in.

More hands or more handbills—you can have one, not both.

...

We could take to the streets with megaphones? That would save on posters, at least.

Uh, what are you doing?

Grundriss and the others already have the recruitment stalls ready. The only thing missing is the posters.

Now we just have to show that same strength we showed in our video!

Wait, surely you're not going to ...

Yes. I'll draw the posters myself.

Someone give me a pour-over, would you?

Took you long enough.

You were supposed to have those posters ready by nine. And look at the time now. It's—ah, 8:59.

A minute early. Not bad.

Hey, if it weren't for Ms. Cornerstone, I'd have been here even earlier, maybe even had a tipple while I waited.

Apparently, we don't even have the cash to print a few posters, so she decided to draw them herself.

She what? How is that even possible? She only had a few hours.

Wow!

These aren't even posters anymore. They're ...

Art, yeah. True art. Not that I understand any of it.

...

So she stayed up all night just to paint these decorative borders?

Well, according to her, they're "essential elements for visual impact."

I shouldn't have asked.

Anyway, they'll definitely grab some attention.

Mmm.

Should we try our luck in the city center instead? If this place even has a proper city center, that is.

City center or not, true art or not, no poster is more appealing than a train ticket out of here.

With the factories shutting down one after another, there isn't much point in sticking around.

They'll be going to Warsaw or Gdańsk, maybe even Germany, if they have the chance.

The ones who stay here are either too young, too old, or simply too afraid to leave.

I think I get it.

So, which one are you?

Me? Probably the third kind. I don't know where else to go, so I stay put.

*sigh*

Looks like we won't be seeing any results today.

Let's just pack it in and go.

Afternoon, everyone!

...?

Look what I found collecting dust in the back of the Old Oak! Returned to its former glory, thanks to yours truly.

Didn't you just pull an all-nighter drawing those fancy posters? You should be in bed already!

Architects don't need sleep. Haven't I already told you that?

...

Wait, there are no cables attached. How is it glowing?

Hello, Ms. Grundriss.

...

Where's Honza? Aren't you two always together?

He's ...

He's caught a cold, so he is staying away from people for now.

Hm? I didn't know puppets could catch colds.

Given a "cold" usually refers to an infection in a living organism with some form of respiratory system, immune response, fluid circulation, and—

Read between the lines, silly. Now quit prying into the girl's private matters and come give me a hand.

Alright, everyone, let the recruiting begin!

This a long-term gig?

Do I need a license or anything?

Is the pay daily or monthly?

Ahem, please form a line and wait for your turn! One at a time!

Excuse me, miss! We're from the TV program Public Voices. We'd like to request an on-camera interview!

What's going on? Why are you all crammed into this tiny room?

Our girl's on TV. That's why!

TV?

Perhaps you've heard trucks passing along the old railway at night or seen lights flickering back on at construction sites. Yes, after years of decline, it appears Nowa Miedź is finally springing back to life!

But, this time, it's not a new highway or a new mall. What we've managed to gather so far is that it's a top-secret, top-priority project. A true Nowa Miedź mystery.

Lucky for us, we have an anonymous representative for this mysterious project right here with us! Any hints as to what you're working on?

I'm sorry, but our confidentiality agreement won't allow us to disclose any specifics. All I can say is ...

This unprecedented project may forever change how we think about energy usage and public safety!

If you have a passionate, earnest heart and want to help build a future worth fighting for, please join our construction team!

Pick up your phone now and dial 41123.

Pfft! "Unprecedented project"? "A future worth fighting for"? Is she serious?

She's not wrong, in a way. If they actually pull this off, there's no doubt it will be an unprecedented achievement.

...

Hahah. She did complain about how hard it was to find workers last time we spoke.

Looks like she found a solution to her problem. A bit of publicity might just work wonders.

Oh! What fun have I missed this time?

It's the Nowa Miedź project. They're actively recruiting from the civilian population.

Is that so? I suppose that is a clever workaround for their tight budget.

But recruiting from the locals? That's quite the bold move, one that I'm sure doesn't strictly comply with our confidentiality protocols.

...

That's just the start of our worries. Training new workers under these circumstances carries dozens of other potential risks.

I can't even begin to imagine how they'll understand and follow our unique construction needs and safety protocols.

All valid concerns, Mr. Irinei. But rest assured, the investment is limited. This won't affect our broader operations.

I look at this project as a kind of seed.

You'll never know what it might grow into until you've put it in the ground. Isn't that so?

Last and most important rule: don't be late.

Work starts at 8 AM sharp. Even one minute later, and you'll be penalized.

No exceptions. No excuses.

Hmm? What's that falling from up there?

Move! You down there, move it! Quick!

Clear everyone from under the dome! We need to check the joints!

See that? How the concrete follows the texture of the Echo Stones? How it fills every crevice?

They're becoming one, slowly, steadily. A true unification.

Hold it steady! Let the concrete set at its own pace.

Strip it on one! Three, two, one!

Go!

We did it! Haha! Oh, I could just kiss you all!

I love walking around the city at dawn.

It is so quiet I can hear the streets, the houses, and even the paving stones beneath my feet.

Not out loud, but their silence whispers something to me.

Just like Honza. Always with me, no matter what.

Maybe that's why I do not want to leave this city. It speaks to me in its own voice.

...

They say the dome will be completed today.

We wouldn't want to miss this new beginning, hm? Let's go.

Ms. Bkornblume, about the equipment you brought back from Laplace, eh, have you finished the installation?

I have, yes.

It's right over there. I've already calibrated the position. It should be free from any external electromagnetic interference.

Also, our anonymous researcher from Lorentz assured me that the equipment will continuously detect any abnormal energy fluctuations in the environment, no matter how subtle.

So, if anything does go wrong, we'll receive an alert right away.

Good. That's a weight off of my mind.

Let's just make sure everything goes off without a hitch at the ceremony.

Hmm, I'd expected a much bigger crowd.

That's just the way of things. Most of the work here is done, so people need to move on somewhere else to earn their bread—factories, railways, wherever they can find jobs.

Still, at least they left behind something meaningful, something worth remembering.

Here, everyone pitched in to make this together. Just something made from gathered pine branches from the river and old ribbons.

It's called a "wiecha," isn't it?

Yes. It's tradition to hang it at the top of a new building to celebrate its completion.

It might not be perfect, but we made sure it was clean and tidy.

It's perfectly imperfect and beautiful. Thank you.

The building will remember.

It will remember every soul who labored to build it.

This Echo Stone hasn't awakened yet.

It may not offer true shelter like the others, but it's more than enough to serve as the finishing touch to our roof.

Let me place it.

It is so lovely. I can hardly bear to see it go.

I dreamed about this ceremony last night. Everyone was sipping tea under the dome. Only I was drinking mead. Julian was telling stories from the war, and I think Olga was knitting a sweater.

Don't sound so sad, dear boy. Just because the dome is finished doesn't mean we will never visit again.

See that spot over there? We'll put a big table there, so the whole neighborhood can sip on cold beer together in summer and soak up the warm sunlight in winter.

If we're all still around by then, that is.

I'll put some pots of geraniums under the eaves so when it rains, everyone will hear the drops tapping on their petals.

Rain or storm, we'll be safe here, where we truly belong, where there's no need to run or hide.

Alright, it's time.

Time to restore the silence this building deserves.

Huh? What's happening?

Everyone, stay calm! Move away from the dome. We'll handle this.

Grundriss, any alerts from the equipment?

Not good, I'm reading skyrocketing fluctuations!

Honza?!

...

Come back, Everecho! It's too dangerous!

Honza!

Urhm!

What?

Lucjan and all my friends ...

You have been watching over me, is that right?

...

You can talk to me.

I have seen you in the golden ocean.

But if you leave, where am I supposed to go?

...

Everecho ...

...!

I-I'm here!

Everecho ...

This ... Is it ...?

Yes, just like last time.

Simone, notify all personnel immediately.

Good news! The dome repair was a success! We can now advance to the next.

Stage ...

We've just received news.

There's been an outbreak, a systemic vascular disease that seems to have appeared all at once worldwide. Laplace has declared a high-level state of emergency.