Paranoia Activity

*Pant, pant, huff, huff!*

Ugh... Urrrgh...

H-How is this happening?! Is this even possible?!

These blasted eggs... I'm sure they're from the monsters that inhabit Galactic Sector A113N...!

Y-Yikes... They're hatching! I can't just stand here!

If I leave these things alone, the unsuspecting denizens of Eliash will be in danger!

What were the countermeasures again? Think! Remember what the manual said, Haley!

Fire...!

That's right... I have to set them on fire! That's their only weakness!

Urgh... Why does my lighter have to fail me now—

Gragh... Graaaaagh!!

Ahhhhh!! It's a queen! I can't believe there's even a queen! Is Eliash doomed?!

Kragh, kragh!! Kraaagh!!

Eeeek! Don't come near me! I refuse to become an alien host!!

...ley! Haley!!

This world... This world is in danger!

Please stay still, Haley! Snap out of it!

You're in a safe place!

H-Huh? This is...

Okay, now, Haley... take it slow and try to remember.

You came to the Sprite Kingdom's commemoration event this morning, remember?

Ahh... Yes... That's right. I remember. It was some celebration called Seedster.

It was similar to the human festival, Easter.

Everyone was having fun looking for seed-shaped chocolates, right?

Ah... That's right...

I was having an enjoyable social gathering with the denizens of Eliash.

A diplomatic activity I attended at Mayor Elena's request...

And when you saw all the chocolate eggs everyone had gathered, you screamed and shot at the Queen, remember?

Umm... That's right! I fired at the queen creature. I did it to save this world!

I had to stop it before it was too late!

You jerk! You're bragging about firing at me and hitting me three times!

Please calm down, Your Majesty! I already explained to you that Haley is suffering from an unusual condition!

Do you know how much that stung?!

If you're back to your senses now, you should at least apologize!

Those shots... only "stung" you?

You accursed monster!! You're just pretending to be the Sprite Queen! I'm sure of it!! We must capture her and burn her immediately!!!

Aaaah! Will you get away from me?! Fire is hot, and it makes me all sweaty!

Haley, it's completely natural for her to be unharmed!

I told you! Things work differently in Elias!

Ugh... Urgh... My head is spinning...!

I'm not sure what to believe! Tell me, Medical Officer... What's real?

What in the world is happening to me?!

*Sigh*... I'll give you a sedative for now.

Get some rest and let's think through this later.

Urgh... Nngh... Protect... Eliash...

Hey Doc, what's wrong with her? Why the heck is she like this?

Why does she keep calling Elias "Eliash"?

I never used to get confused about it, but now that I've heard it, I'm starting to get confused too!

Eliash...? Hmm.

Perhaps... She mistakes Elias for some mash-up of "Ally" and "Earth," Ally-Earth...

Haley is under the impression that Master's home planet is an allied nation.

It is also highly probable that she is unaware that Earth and Elias are completely different worlds.

It is a sort of... paranoia brought on by her PTSD.

Geez... She attacked me, but I guess I feel somewhat sorry for her, too.

What in the world happened to her to make her like this?

I believe it has to do with the defeat she experienced in the past, and the pressure she feels from that.

She convinced herself that we were never defeated. That it was a win-win outcome where we forged an alliance with the humans.

She indulged in that delusional coping mechanism once, and it just kept spiraling until it turned into this.

If we had recognized the symptoms early on, things might have turned out better...

But we were in no position to provide any sort of treatment back then.

Aw, poor thing. She's worse off than I am...

Doc, take good care of her.

I'll send some baked goods to the hospital for her to snack on later.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Mmmph!!!

Mmph! Mph! Mmmmmph!

*Gasp! Huff, huff* What in the world happened?

I'm pretty sure Medical Officer Hilde was looking after me...

Hmm? Wait... now that I think about it, she injected me with something, didn't she?

I don't remember getting gagged with anything... This is strange!

Did... she betray me? Was she planning on experimenting on me?!

And here I was thinking she was a nice, kind elf!

I knew it... The ironclad rule that one must never trust a fellow elf remains absolute.

Argh! I'll remember this act of treachery, Hilde!

I will see to it that you are brought to stand trial and have you answer for your crimes.

Hmm, anyway... Is this... the Monatium General Hospital?

What an eerie place. It almost feels like something will pop out at me.

Let me get out of here as soon as—

.........

Hoo...

What's got me so scared?

First Vanguard Officer Haley of the Elven Invasion Forces!

Are you really going to run in fear from some doctor who conducts biological experiments?!

Get yourself together!!!!

For the sake of our allied nation, Eliash, I will track down and apprehend that traitorous, maniacal Doctor Hilde immediately!

My determination to instill in my kind the honesty and sense of justice the humans taught me...

I can't give that up now!

One of these days, even elves like Elena and Amelia will be inspired by me!

Hoo... I can do this! I got this!

Haley, you are the hope of Eliash! No need to be scared!

Alright. From this moment onward, I will track down the corrupted Hilde and restrain her!

The Medical Officer is usually on duty at this time...

Uuuuurgh...!

Aaaaaah! Wh-What the heck?!

Uuurgh... uuuuuurgh!

A zombie! It's an epidemic! Once contracted, it reduces your intelligence to that of a beast, turning you into a ruthless monster that devours its own kind...

A zombie in Eliash...? This will lead to irreversible consequences!

Huuuh? Whaaat are youuu taaalking—

G-Get away!!

Aaaargh! It huuurts!

You can't fool me, you monster!!

You're just pretending to be down, aren't you?! Later you're slowly going to creep back up and attack me from behind, right?!

Huh? What the...? I always keep this gun fully loaded... Why is it already out?

Tch, anyway, I've shot enough bullets into that monster, so it'll be—

Yeeeow!! Stop shooooting! I'm not a monster! Look! Can't you tell?!

Wh-What? You're... not a monster?

Urgh... That hurt like hell... I'm Lethe.

Le...the? I've never heard of you before...

Are you a patient here at the hospital?

A patient? Er... yeah, sure.

So you really aren't a monster? At first, you kept making strange noises and coming at me, so I thought you were a zombie.

What? Zombie? What's that?

That's what we call monsters that don't die, rise again, and crave flesh.

Don't... what? You're talking weird.

It was originally discovered in some remote corner of the galaxy... Planet Z03813...

It's a highly contagious and deadly disease. At this rate, Eliash is in danger!!

That just sounded like some flawed logic just now, but whatever you say.

Ugh, I hate thinking about such complicated things!

Not to mention, it still hurts where you hit me... That's it! I'm gonna forget about all of this!

Hm?

Painful memorieees, allll gooone... heeheehee...

Whoa! What the heck are you doing?! Get yourself together!

Wanna giiive it a tryyy? It feeeels gooood...

I wondered what brought her here as a patient... I suppose it's because of this, huh?

One flash of this will completely clear your miiind!

No need to hold onto painful memories! Heehee!

Um, sure... I understand what you are saying, but I need to get out of here first.

There may be no zombies here right now, but there's no telling what that maniacal Doctor Hilde has done in this hospital.

I have a duty to escape this place as fast as possible and arrest Hilde!

Huuuh? Whaaat? You're not gonna try this? Huh?

Those memories that clutter and torture your mind...

You can completely get rid of them! What do you say?

U-Uh...

Ugh, this isn't the time for that, Haley! You have to keep it together!

I'm sorry, but no thanks! Besides, if you don't want to end up trapped here as a test subject, you'd better follow me out of here right now!

Here's what we'll do now. We'll escape this place as fast as possible and hunt down Hilde!

Good. Luckily, everything I need is already set up.

*Crackle* Testing, testing!

This is Haley, Vanguard Officer of the Invasion Forces. I have commandeered this frequency to make an emergency broadcast.

Medical Officer Hilde has betrayed our kind!

I repeat. Medical Officer Hilde has betrayed her fellow elves and attempted to harm me. Everyone, remain alert and on guard!

That concludes this emergency broadcast. Glory to the elves and Eliash! Over.

*Pffft!!*

.........

What the heck? What's she saying?

Y-You were a traitor?!

*Sigh*

Do you honestly believe that?

Wh-What? Doesn't "betrayed" mean you're a traitor? I know that much!

You heard her before, so you must know. Haley must be having another one of her delusional episodes.

Look around.

Huh? Look around?

Did you hear that? What did she just say?

Yeah, I caught a bit of it, but don't pay her any mind. She's always hijacking the PA system to rant like that.

Geez, seriously? She does this all the time?

See? None of the elves are paying any real attention to it.

There have been plenty of instances in the past where Haley hijacked the frequency that broadcasts all across Monatium like that.

Hmm... Well, if you say so. I'll believe you for now!

There's really no need for that "for now"... *Sigh*

I invited her over to offer her some tea as an apology... but maybe I left the hospital unattended for nothing.

It's a little concerning. Haley seems to be worse off than usual... I should make a quick call.

Phew. Now that I've made that broadcast about how dangerous Hilde is...

It's finally time to escape this place for real.

Heeheehee. Heeheeheehee...

Um... I guess I'd better bring her along even though she doesn't seem quite right...

It's not like I can leave her alone in this dangerous place, either.

Let's first head out into the hallway.

This truly is a sinister place. I have a strong feeling there are all sorts of dangerous things lurking here that we don't know anything about!

Keep your guard up and stay close behind me, understood?

...Huh? What, me too?

Of course! Don't tell me you were planning on staying?!

If you stay here, you will surely fall victim to that mad, maniacal Doctor Hilde!

Ummm... Heeheehee... Well, okay.

Let's get out of there, then.

Wonderful. I'll head out first and scout out front. You stay here!

Yeah, sure. Will do.

Hmm... I normally just observe from a distance...

But maybe I'll tag along and see what happens this time. Heeheehee!

Urgh...

Is it this way...? Wait, maybe that way...?

Hm?

Wait, who are you?

Yikes! You startled me! Me?

My name is Rohne. And who might you be...?

How did you get in here?

Uh... I-I haven't been f-feeling well, so I've been here since yesterday...

I'm d-definitely not faking it! Not one bit! I r-really was lying here because I wasn't feeling well.

But then I suddenly got a call to look for Haley. That she should be here at the hospital...

Excuse me?

Th-That's what I was doing... Looking—

Yeeeow...!! My eyesss!

Phew... That could have been a real headache.

You just stay like that for a bit.

Things were just getting interesting. I can't let her ruin everything. Heehee!

Hey, are you still there? It seems there's nothing to worry about out h—

Hm? Wh-What in the world?! Who the heck is that behind you?!

Uuurgh... Haaaaaaleeeeeeeeey?

It's here! It finally showed up!

Huh? What do you mean all of a sudden...?

A zombie! That's a real zombie! I'm sure of it!

That crazy, mad, maniacal Doctor Hilde! She really did carry out her dark experiments and create a zombie in Eliash after all!!

Zombie? That thing you mentioned earlier?

It's dangerous! Get away from that thing right now!

Oh no...! I forgot I didn't have any bullets left!

At this rate, that zombie is going to get us all!

Huuuuh? I-I'm Roooooohne...

Argh... Oh well! Be brave, Haley! Are you really going to stand by and watch while others are in danger?

If I can't use my gun, I'll catch it with my bare hands!

Uhhhh... Huuuuuuh...?

Hyaaaaa!!

Yikes! You scared me! How could you lunge at me like that all of a sudden?!

Quick! Get somewhere safe! I'll hold back this zombie!

I may not be able to defeat it with my bare hands, but I'm more than capable of restraining it so it can't move!

Uhhhh... Eeeeek...!

Huh? Hold on... I think I've seen this sturdy armor before somewhere...

Wait! This zombie is Rohne of the Elven Defensive Forces, is it not?!

How terrifying! I can't believe that an honorable soldier such as Rohne was used in such an experiment and turned into a zombie!

Do not worry, Soldier Rohne! I swear I will find a way to turn you back into an elf!!

Eeeeeeeek...!

According to the "Conquest Manual" from our home planet, even diseases can be conquered.

There must be a cure for a zombie virus!

Especially now, since this zombie was created in the hospital's experimental lab. Doctor Hilde is bound to have a cure!

.........

Is... that why you've been dragging her along like this?

Exactly! I will find Hilde, get the cure, and turn Rohne back into an elf!

Huuuuh... Eeeh?

It's okay, Rohne! Just put your faith in me!

I, Vanguard Officer Haley of the Elven Army, have survived and returned from the clutches of zombies, untold perils, and monsters of all types!

I shall find that cure, no matter what!

Urrrrgh!!! *Cough, cough!*

Get a hold of yourself, Rohne! Suppress that craving for flesh with your elven pride!!

I should resume my search of the hospital for now.

Hilde might have left the cure she's been researching around here somewhere.

Okay, then. I'll start over here.

Hmm...?

Wh-What's that? Another elf?

What? What's wrong n—Huh?

What the heck? What is she still doing over there?

Tch. Looks like she found an interesting dream or something...

Hey, you! Can you hear me?

H-Huh? Wh-What? Who's that?

Damn... It was just getting good, too!

*Gasp!* A m-monster!

Huh? Me?

A masked monster! It's a white-masked monster indiscriminately attacking everything nearby!

...What are you going on about? This mask is basically my true form!

Hey, Lethe! You said you'd go find something fun, and you come back with these weirdos?

Did you use your ability or something?

...Hey! Shhh!

Why the heck would you say that here?

What did I say?

Ohh... That you have the ability to erase memories—

...Oh, that's it!

Yooooou meeeaaan...? Uuuuurgh...

Wh-What? What did you do just now?

After getting hit by the light of that laser pointer... that monster turned strange!

Yeah... It's like she turned into a zombie!

What exactly is that laser pointer you're holding?

Tch, Espi... That idiot... I got caught because I was in such a hurry!

H-Heeheehee... Oh, this thing? Um... It's nothing!

Nothing...?

Wait... come to think of it, I'm sure you flashed that at yourself the first time we met, too.

I think you acted a bit off for a short while when that happened... Is there something going on with that device?

Could it be that you are not an experimental subject who was trapped in this hospital and nearly sacrificed... but a partner of that super-crazy, mad, maniacal Doctor Hilde?!

Ugh, what are you talking about?! It's nothing like that!

You saw her, too, didn't you?! That jerk was lurking around, watching for a chance to attack the sleeping patient in that bed!

She was already in that... whatchamacallit... zombie state you were talking about to begin with!

U-Um... Yeah?

It certainly was glaring down at them like a predator watching its prey.

Then it really was a zombie from the beginning?

Urgh... Ungh...

...Ugh. It seems the situation is more serious than I thought.

This won't do. I must inform the others of this as soon as possible!

Testing, testing! Invasion Forces Vanguard Officer Haley here. The situation is dire, so I shall skip the formalities.

I have confirmed the existence of zombies at Monatium Hospital!

This is undoubtedly a grave crime that could bring about the destruction of Eliash!

I, Haley, hold Medical Officer Hilde responsible for this!

I believe that Medical Officer Hilde must surely have a cure capable of resolving this crisis.

Therefore... *Crackle, crackle!*

Emergency! We have an emergency! We have to run! Quickly!

Your Majesty...

She says it's the destruction of Elias! We're doomed! We're all gonna end up at the Weekend Farm!!

Oh, by the way... What's a zombie?

Ugh.........

How in the world am I supposed to explain Haley's condition to Her Majesty?

I suppose the only option is to show her firsthand again...

I just hope Haley doesn't call Her Majesty an alien and open fire on her again like last time...

Let's go, Your Majesty. This way.

Hm? Where are we going?

To Monatium Hospital.

Going there and seeing it with your own two eyes will be much faster.

Alright, we're almost there! Hang in there for just a little longer!

I can finally see the way out!

Urgh... *cough, cough*

Ugh... uhhh.

Heh, fortunately, we encountered no further threats or crises!

Now, all I need to do is go out there and capture that ultra, super-crazy, mad, maniacal Doctor Hilde, and get the cure to turn these guys back...

Then, I, Haley, will finally become the heroic elf who protected the peace of Eliash...!

Hm? What was that?

I thought I just heard something coming from the direction of that front door.

Gosh, what the heck?! This is locked!

That's strange. I did step away for a bit, but I didn't lock the door...

Then someone locked it from the inside?

Please wait a moment. There should be a key around here somewhere...

Ugh, what a pain! I'm just gonna break it down, okay?

Excuse me?

Something's trying to get in...!!

Lethe! Take these two poor zombie patients and get as far away from here as possible!

Aww, are you trying to protect us like some sort of hero?

Of course!

I, First Vanguard Officer Haley, will risk my life to protect our allies!

Heeheehee! Ah, this is as fun as I thought it would be! You're so cool! Good luck! I'll watch on from a distance!

Hehe! No door can stand before this mighty head of mine—

OW... my head! It didn't hurt when I headbutted it, but the pain came a few seconds later!

Geez... you really are reckless, Your Majesty. I'll put a bit of antiseptic or something on it for you later.

Anyway, what is it you wanted me to see with my own two eyes?

Oh!

There you are, Medical Officer Hilde!

Huh?

Wait, she's the one who shot at me at the festival earlier, isn't she?

Did you come out to greet me at the entrance because you really wanted to have the baked goods I said I'd send you last time?

Doctor Hilde! What is that monster next to you?

I saw it clearly! It brutishly smashed straight through that thick hospital door with its bare head!

What? Wait, was she just talking about me?

Argh! What, you want a taste of this brutish head of mine?! Huh?!

Ugh, I don't know what it's saying, but just look at how savage and ferocious it is!

There's no question! It must be a zombie queen that was secretly developed in the basement here!

Wh-What?

I don't know what you're babbling about, but I don't like it!

Argh...! Come at me, Zombie Queen! I, Haley, will never back down when the peace of Eliash is at stake!

Y-You want to fight? Hmph, you think that'll scare me?!

This time, I'll really teach you a lesson!!

W-Wait a moment! Everyone, calm—

M-My hospital...!

Please stop! Please!

This is all just a big misunderstanding! That's all!

Huff, huff...

*Huff, huff*...

I think it's time you surrendered!

Ugh... how humiliating! I can't believe a mere zombie got the best of me...!

I refuse to get infected and attack my fellow elves! Ugh, KILL ME!!

Like I've been asking, what have you been babbling about this whole time?! Stop being weird and say something that makes sense already!

If you're going to keep talking nonsense, I have ways to deal with you too, you know? Got it?

Wanna spend an entire month in prison eating nothing but bean logs before you finally come to your senses?

Ugh... Huh?

Wh-Where am I? What was I doing again?

I'm pretty sure I got a call... and came out of my room to go look for Haley...

Wh-What's with this rope?!

*Cough, cough* Ughhh...!

Eeek!

Urgh... Something's weird! I should get out of here for n—

Huh? What the... A shelf?

Eeeek! I-I-I didn't do that!!

Huh? What was that?

That sounds like Ner running after me when she's mad—Gah!

Oh, Your Majesty!! Are you okay?!

Hngh...! I cannot move this shelf by myself!

I think there is a car jack in the storage room! Just a moment!

Wh-What's this?! Where did these shelves—

Oh, there you are, Haley!

Haley! Over here! Can she not hear me?

Heh, heh... No can do.

...Huh?

This is way too much fun, I can't let it end now! Heehee!

I'm gonna need you to lose your memories for a little longer.

And...

Just in case, I'd better use my power on Espi again before she gets her memories back again, too. Hehehe...!

Sigh...

I don't know why those shelves fell over all of a sudden, but they saved me.

I almost met a terrifying end at the hands of that vicious zombie queen...

It may be that it's not time for me to fall yet...

After all, I still have a duty to protect the peace of Eliash...!

Hm? What's that sound...?

H-Hold it!

What do you think you're doing right now?!

Heehee... H-Huh?

If you get that close to a zombie, you are going to get bitten!

Step back right now, and—Hm?

Wh-What's that?

Were you shooting light from that device again?!

I knew there was something going on with that laser pointer! What exactly are you doing?!

...Tch.

I guess you finally caught me. I was having so much fun that I wanted to watch some more...

W-What?

Are you telling me that device actually does turn perfectly fine denizens into zombies, then?!

Huh? What are you talking about?

My ability just makes you forget your memories for a short time, that's all.

And you made it so much better after you mistook it for this zombie thing or whatever. It was so much fun! This time, especially. Hehe!

...What? And what do you mean by that? What do you mean, "this time, especially"?

What do you think it means? Yeah, it would be a shame to let things end like this.

I've done this over and over a few times now, and I just love seeing how you react differently every time.

Wait... Don't tell me... Have you been using that laser pointer on me...?!

Yep. And just like before, you figure it out right away. Heehee!

Now, then...

Do you think I'll let you?!

Heh, heh. I knew you'd run over like that. Just how many times do you think we've been doing this?

All I need to do is flash this laser into your eyes. You'll lose your memories all over again, and I'll be able to see more of your hilarious reactions!

Like... THIS!

Urgh...

Hnnnnnnnggggghhhhh!!

A-Ahhhh! What the heck?!

Something just popped up from under the shelves!!!

Ugh, it was so cramped under there! Damn, that was heavy!

Now's my chance! Heeya!

Huh? W-Wait! Hold on...!

Urrrrrgh!!

Enemy subdued! Initiating disarmament protocols!

M-My laser pointer! Give it back!

I think not. Just stay right where you are!

Looking back, there have been plenty of things that didn't add up.

Like how my gun didn't have any more bullets left... And the fact that the hospital was so creepy...

It turns out it wasn't Hilde who was using me as a test subject... it was you.

You rebel scum! How dare you threaten the alliance forged through unshakable faith?! You will be detained immediately and brought to justice!

Urrrgh...

It hurts... I don't like this... I want to forget this as soon as possible...

...Hm? What's going on? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?

Urgh... my head hurts... this isn't the memory I want... I have to erase it...!

Where... is my laser pointer... where... urrrgh...!

.........!

I... don't like this... I must erase it... I hate it...!

This behavior... It's just like...

...what I saw so often in my soldiers on the battlefield.

No, not just them. In fact, that might be—

Ugh, forget it! There's no time to think about that now. Get your head together, Haley!

Just think about helping the patient in front of you!

Are you okay? Take slow, deep breaths.

Gah... N-No... No...

Snap out of it! Do not let the confusion consume you!

*Huff, huff, huff*...

Good. Calm breaths. Keep your eyes on me.

Do you feel a bit better now?

Ungh... Hooo...

That's it, just keep breathing slowly like that.

Clear your mind and focus only on the here and now.

Oof, I think I'm okay now.

Whew... Looks like I failed this time. I'd been successful so many times before.

I found someone interesting to hang around with again after such a long time, but then some weirdo suddenly popped up out of nowhere and—

Yeow! Why are you slapping me all of a sudden?!

Using innocent citizens for your own amusement is wrong!

Wh-What's wrong with that?!

How is it that you don't understand?!

You're the one who said you'd get zapped in the eyes with my laser in the first place!

What...?

I told you I could erase painful memories, and after hesitating for a bit, you said you'd try it once!

Th-That can't be! I am First Vanguard Officer Haley!

I would never say something so weak-willed!

Everyone has painful memories... but yours are about as severe as severe gets!

Is that why I've been doubting myself all this time?

Urgh... *Sniff!*

I am a failure! I must be punished under the military law of our home planet!

Hehehe... Do you finally understand everything now?

All right, then... Why don't you take a look at this laser pointer once more now?

Whoa! Hey, don't hit it that hard! You're gonna break it!

I, Haley, will no longer be broken!

I am confiscating your laser pointer!

Argh! Nooo! Give it back! I need that!

I will confess to all my crimes and apologize before my comrades!

Sure, you go do that! But leave me out of it!

Oh, Queen Erpin! You've managed to make it out! Are you okay?

Huh? Me? Of course I'm fine!

Something just fell over behind me and startled me for a second. That's all!

Whew. That's good to hear.

Geez... When are we ever going to get all this cleaned up?

S-Sorry, Medical Officer! I accidentally knocked over the shelves!

Huh? Yikes! What the heck? Where'd you come from?

Agent Rohne? Why aren't you in bed? Why are you walking around like this?

Oh... I got some orders and was looking for Haley at the hospital when... um...

Er... My memory from that point on is a bit fuzzy.

I think I vaguely remember being attacked by Haley, who then tied me up and dragged me around...

But that's just crazy! I'm sure my memories got mixed up or something!

Er... Then, do you happen to know who that is, too?

Wh-What the...? Where am I? Why am I here?

No. I'm not sure.

I reacted the same way when I came to my senses just now.

Something smells fishy here! What exactly happened at this hospital?!

Medical Officer Hilde!

Yikes! Haley?! I didn't make any zombies or whatever, so don't attack me!

I am aware!

Excuse me?

I succumbed to this individual's manipulation, lost my memories, and went wild.

Aaargh... Let go! Give me back my laser pointer, too...!

The memories are flooding back! I am starting to remember my embarrassing past!

I am ashamed of myself. I apologize for the mess made at the hospital!

You lost your memories?

It seems that's what happens when you get hit by the light from this device.

Haley! You're safe!

Oh, Agent Rohne?!

Just one moment! If you get hit by this light again, your memory might return!

Huh? Wait a second, I'm already back to nor—

Ughh... Urrrrrgh... Hngggh!

Is there no way to reverse it? I-I'm sorry.

Hmm... I believe I have a rough idea of what happened.

I'll have to hand this over to the Elven Suppression Unit. I'll contact them right away—

...Wait, Medical Officer Hilde.

Yes? What is it?

Lethe is a patient.

What do you mean?

Look at her closely.

Ughhh... I don't want to remember this! I need a hit of the laser now!

She seems to be addicted to losing her memories.

What someone with a troubled mind needs is treatment, not punishment.

I'll take responsibility for the damage to the hospital, so please take this patient in and care for her.

Haley...! You really do have a wonderful personality for an elf.

However... there are others who suffered from this, like Queen Erpin and Rohne.

Huh? Oh, yeah! You called me a Jumbo Queen or Zombie Queen or something earlier!

That was all because of that phantom jerk, too, wasn't it?!

...Er, yeah. Are you serious about this? You're going to take on all the blame yourself?

Who even does that?

Yes! That's what I'll do! I, First Vanguard Officer Haley, am an elf of honor!

...What?

Wh-Why would you do that for me?

Heh. It's simple...

...Huh?

I saw myself in you.

Trapped in the past, hurting and suffering—I saw a part of myself in that.

I understand what kind of pain you're living through. So, stay with the Medical Officer and get treated!

.........

...You mean that, Haley?

Heh. Once I give my word, I never take it back.

Whoa! The phantom got away!

Stop her before she fires the laser!

Whoa! Don't come any closer! I'll fire this and turn you all into idiots!

Everyone, calm down!

Lethe?

Wh-What?!

If you are going to fire it, fire it at me!

My mind has been broken countless times already. A little more wouldn't change anything.

Ugh...!

Ughhh...! I... can't. She's... just too kind...! It's making me feel guilty!

Hmm... Strange.

Haley seems quite normal...

I don't even remember how long it's been since she's had such a clear mind for so long...

Hey, phantom... How many times did you use that laser on Haley?

I-I don't know... around 30 times, maybe?

.........

.........

Wow, that's quite a lot. I guess she was a lot of fun for you, Lethe?

Okay, got it. I think I get the gist of the effect it's had.

It seems Haley's symptoms improved from being hit by that memory-erasing laser.

After being hit repeatedly, some of those memories seem to have faded naturally...

It could actually prove useful...

You think?

Yes. However...

As punishment for the incident you caused today, Lethe, you'll have to work at my hospital for a while.

H-Huh? Me? Work?

Yes. Now that I know your ability can actually help treat Haley...

You can make amends by using that ability to do some good... For Haley and the other patients here.

We elves have many patients suffering from chronic PTSD, you know.

So, what do you say? This is the best offer I can make.

Urgh... I-It sounds kind of annoying.

Then I'll have no choice but to contact the Elven Suppression Unit again.

If you get taken in, I'm sure Elena will take great interest in that ability of yours...

*Cough* F-Fine, I'll do it! I'll do it, okay?!

Very good. Alright, then...

Why don't you start by cleaning up the mess you made here at the hospital?

I am glad this has been resolved. Thank you for your leniency, Medical Officer Hilde.

If there is something we can both gain from this, it is the least I can do. By the way...

Aren't you going to help clean up, Haley? You helped make this mess, didn't you?

A-Ahem...! I-I'll go get a broom.

Okay, then. Let's start with today's treatment.

Haley? How are you feeling today?

Hehe, not bad at all! It is another day of peace and harmony in Eliash, after all.

Although... I have the feeling that something strange is going on somewhere in this hospital. Almost as if some kind of monster is about to appear.

Medical Officer Hilde, you would not happen to be conducting some kind of illegal experiment in this hospital, would you?

As expected, she's the same as ever today...

Not that I thought Lethe's ability would be a permanent fix...

Even so, she does seem to be improving bit by bit. I suppose we must continue the treatment.

Okay, Lethe... What are you doing over there? You need to start with today's treatment.

I-I'm going!

Okay... Go away, painful memories... Go away, hurtful memories... Heeheehee...!

...Huh? Wh-Where am I?

W-Wait! Hilde! What kind of experiment are you trying to perform on me?!

Lethe, do it again quickly before Haley goes out of control!

O-Okay. Here goes...!

Ugh, uh... Huh?

Huh? That's strange...

What is?

It was so hot today that I wanted to enjoy the air conditioning in the hospital lobby...

So why am I here in the exam room?

Hm? I didn't know you were here too, Lethe!

Oh, very good! If we can keep her focused on these ordinary memories...

And gradually suppress the painful memories and delusions one by one, there will come a day when she shows significant improvement.

Hmm...

Did I make some kind of mistake?

Not at all! You didn't make any mistakes, so don't worry.

Thank you, Lethe.

Er... s-sure.

Are... you sure I'm actually helping?

Of course. Just look at Haley. She is not suffering over memories of monsters or war, is she?

It is a beautiful day. I think I will buy myself an ice cream from the PX.

Lethe, would you care to join me?

Y-Yeah, sure!

If it's alright, I'd like one too. Bring me a Meluna when you get back!

Hey, Haley! Where are you going right now? The convenience store's that way!

That's not what's important now, Lethe!

Excuse me?

I heard a rumor that a human appeared at the Order.

To prevent future conflict, we must begin peace negotiations with the human as soon as possible!

Hmm... I guess she's not going off to fight somewhere... That means I don't need to take her back to the hospital, do I?

It is the duty of a First Vanguard Officer to forge a human-elf alliance in Eliash!

Officer Haley of the Elven Army, moving out!!