Moriarty the Timeless Girl
Though physically close, their hearts remained distant, and she still couldn't stand beside the man who now shared her world.
On one occasion, El Dust, a discerning observer, noted a few flaws in Moriarty's behavior that troubled him. She was too reserved and not possessive enough to fully embrace every aspect of her beloved.
She was too hesitant and half-hearted in pursuing what she desired. This was something El Dust disliked, for when he wanted something, he would go to any lengths to make it happen.
Thus, to give the timeless girl some space (and also to amuse himself), El Dust kept his distance from her. After all, while he understood Moriarty's feelings, El Dust had no interest in something as heart-melting as love.
Love is a source of strength that can transcend everything. Throughout history and experience, this idea has been proven time and again. Moreover, love is a powerful form of a bond.
He's the persona who hated yet also knows how powerful the miracle of a Bond is. Therefore, even though he didn't help, El Dust is sure that something will eventually happen to prove his belief.
—————————————————
As the guardian and a maiden in love.
Gazing upon the blue planet born of the Fool's memories and experiences, Moriarty now waits for the three of them on the bright side of the moon. Like a dried leaf with hair dyed in frozen white, she watches and continues to wait, just as she always has.
Having witnessed events that have occurred, are occurring, and will occur in that world, her perception, increasingly unified with the Will of the World, makes her seem capable of seeing everything.
She's basically the guardian of that World, after all.
[What are they... doing?]
So it's not surprising that she knows where El Dust is now.
[Are they... suffocating?] Indeed, those ill-prepared astronauts are now experiencing the feeling of being in a space. [T-That's not good... but, do I need to help them-] And just as she spoke, Moriarty was about to aid them, ready to come to their rescue.
However... the title of Guardian is certainly not merely an empty title.
Moriarty has a duty to protect the World from various threats, although not all of them.
From the beginning, most of these threats have been the responsibility of the World Initiators to handle. For example, like Kiana, who has been destined for something great in the future.
Just as the role assigned by the Will of the World in their scenario, they will bring about impacts that move the world forward. But just like the Guardian role which has been assigned to her, Moriarty will too do her own thing.
[...This is?]
One of her roles will soon prove crucial, where sometimes threats arise within the created world that the World Initiators cannot handle.
Whether these threats arise due to the Will of the World manifesting them or are provoked to emerge from a "Different Spectrum," they surpass even Avenger-level threats and possess the potential to obliterate anything.
And it's now crawling from the darks side of the moon.
[...Behind the moon?]
It was a figure cloaked in darkness, its depths like the abyss, capable of swallowing light without a trace. A spectral presence that haunted those who could dream, a harbinger of destruction ready to extinguish their hope.
Its form mirrored the bleak expanse of the moon's shadowed side, ethereal yet capable of unsettling movement, as if defying physical laws.
Whether it manifested as a beast, a man, or a monstrous aberration was unclear, for it appeared differently to each conscious observer. But one undeniable truth loomed...
[You... what are you...]
It was a being not of this World.
...
....
.....
Switching gears from Moriarty and her affairs, let's turn our attention to the suffocating trio of amateur astronauts.
"!!!" Higokumaru flailed her tiny arms as she gripped the man's hair.
"!?!?" Yae Rin attempted to draw a breath, only to feel a searing sensation in her lungs instead.
Meanwhile, "~~~" El Dust himself could be seen deep in musing(?), as usual. Somehow, he appeared to be relishing the scene unfolding before him, where these two were slowly fading.
First and foremost, thanks to the smooth launch from one of humanity's protective Monoliths, El Dust has now confirmed that outer space is indeed the same vacuum where no beings can breathe.
He awaited eagerly for any changes in outer space, perhaps bodies floating or something similar, but unfortunately, he was disappointed to find no surprises of that nature.
"!!!" Higokumaru keep giving a fit at him.
Most of the time, El Dust manages fine due to Zeimachi's well-trained body. However, the same cannot be said for the other two, especially Yae Rin, who has a more fragile constitution than the average human.
With both her hands and waist still bound by The Rope since liftoff, Yae Rin appeared increasingly weak and in pain. Tears streamed down her face, revealing her emotional turmoil.
For some reason, this caught El Dust's interest—whether it was the emotions displayed by the girl or the inadequate protection provided by The Rope that failed to safeguard her.
"Hi...ru..." 「Yae Rin」
She reached out toward her friend, the short distance feels agonizingly long.
"...Uuu," but unfortunately, perhaps due to Higokumaru being a spirit bound to Yae Shrine, "Rin..." her strength and consciousness slowly began to fade.
Like a remote-controlled car too far from its remote, Higokumaru stopped moving and floated until she finally reached the girl's side. Fortunately, just as Yae Rin's breaths grew weaker, she managed to grasp her finger, which she would never let go.
"Got... you..." with a smile, Yae Rin slowly closed her eyes as her last sight being the face of that man who had brought her to this serene yet deadly moment.
They had just been sharing stories and enjoying each other's company, yet to think that the person she considered kind had now brought this horrific event upon her.
She felt a twinge of heartbreak.
But strangely, during this phase, Yae Rin seemed to be in a pleasant mood nonetheless. Even while gazing at the moon, now glowing with a white bask, her face remained calm and at peace.
It was as if she was always ready to embrace moments like this.
'...Thank...you...' 「Yae Rin」
Though her voice could not be heard, El Dust was certain those were her final words. A silent expression of gratitude, spoken just as her life was about to completely fade away.
It was a scene of profound beauty, yet also one of deep sorrow.
Seeing this, El Dust can't be helped but began to muse himself again, 'Indeed, moments like these show the true beauty of a Bond, kukuku,' he thought.
He understood. He knew well why Yae Rin thanked him for sending her to a death she couldn't have imagined. Because in once upon a time, he too had a dead-weight brother just like her after all.
'You only realize how important something is right when it's about to come. But even knowing it's all climax now, you try your hardest to keep going, huhu...' he mused internally, while gently touching Yae Rin's small arm.
In a time long forgotten, where truths were forsaken, there existed a period when his brother lived and perished. He wasn't the brightest soul, much like this girl now.
Furthermore unlike the sisterhood between Yae Sakura and Yae Rin, his brotherhood was fraught with conflict, often leading them to try and beat each other senseless.
They were far from the ideal pair of brothers just like oil and fire, but they've also decided one thing in this relationship of theirs. And that is once a brother, always a brother.
'Don't say thanks or sorry so frivolously, Yae Rin. People have different tastes in accepting them,' with a smile in his thoughts, El Dust took a closer look at the girl's face as she slowly entered a deep slumber.
Although El Dust was not particularly knowledgeable about space, he understood that ordinary humans could survive in the vacuum for only a very brief period—perhaps just a few seconds.
As he touched her cheek, soft like that of any girl her age, a cold sensation spread to his palm. This confirmed that her time was nearly up in this oxygen-less void.
'Cold... you're just like him when he died,' El Dust murmured with the same smile on his face. He gently covered the girl's eyes to shield her from what was about to happen. "And with you here, we really can't relax at all, huhuhu."
With those mysterious words, the rope binding Yae Rin and Higokumaru split into two strands. One strand began moving round and round, circling and circling, trying to form something by creating a loop.
'Huhu, I'm not sure if you need my help but... just in case,' El Dust mused while the other strand of The Rope began to float and fly towards the moon where Moriarty was.
El Dust knew enough about the creature that had infiltrated this world, making him feel obliged to get involved. Meanwhile, on the other side, once the not-so-ordinary circle was complete...
It seemed El Dust was attempting to do the same thing he had done at the Monolith: creating a zone capable of protecting himself, Yae Rin, and Higokumaru. "Done and done, kukuku."
The effect was immediate. "Haah!?" Yae Rin realized the pain in her chest had vanished, and now she could speak in her hoarse voice, "...I, I'm still alive?"
It's unclear what exactly the power of The Rope is, but it seems that when used correctly, El Dust can create miracles like this one.
"Sadly— I mean unfortunately you can't die that easy, little one." 「El Dust」
Panic mixed with confusion, Yae Rin attempted to "walk" towards the man. "Onii-san! Just what—what, wha-wha?! I'm floating!" But of course, Yae Rin couldn't move as she intended.
The phenomenon of zero gravity was to be expected, especially in space. El Dust just sighed, "Yare-Yare," in front of the girl who was still upset by what she had just experienced.
"How's your inside?" 「El Dust」
"Inside?! ...I think I feel okay. Hmm? Actually, I feel better? Onii-san! What did you just do?" It didn't take long for the girl to recall what she had just experienced.
"Kuku, are you an idiot? Did you really think I'm taking you here just to send you die? I'm not that bored." 「El Dust」
"But... I think you're doing all of this for..." Yae Rin hesitated.
"For you? Huhuhu, I think we need to have a little chat, little Rin." 「El Dust」
From there, Yae Rin began to express her feelings once more.
As she recounted fragments of her story, memories of her family flooded back. She felt that with her departure, she wouldn't be a burden to her older sister, Yae Sakura.
Though she still harbored regrets about not experiencing the life she had desired, Yae Rin found moments of her recent experiences surprisingly enjoyable. She expressed that she didn't need much time to feel alive.
She simply wanted to feel truly grateful for existing in this world. And she had experienced those moments just a short while ago.
"Especially... when I look at the moon. It was so... beautiful," Yae Rin continued, her words flowing as she held Higokumaru tightly.
"Kuku, don't you ever dream of becoming such moon as well?" 「El Dust」
"...Me? I don't think I could ever do it. Compared to Sakura nee-chan, I'm neither beautiful nor brilliant. All I've ever done is be a burden to her. How could a girl like me become something so beautiful? Hehe, aren't you the idiot here, onii-san?" Yae Rin replied with a self-deprecating laugh.
"Huhuhu! You dare speak to me in that tone of voice? Maybe I really should have turned you into a freezing mannequin after all," El Dust mused in his usual manner, eliciting an awkward chuckle from Yae Rin.
But of course, it was just a joke. "Don't be so serious, huhu. Despite your disbelief, I'm sure there are others who see you as their moon in their hearts. My instincts as a big brother, I'll bet on it, kukuku."
With little time to spare, for reasons unknown, El Dust now began to take Yae Rin on a brief tour around outer space. This naturally left Yae Rin increasingly amazed and surprised by the man's abilities.
Especially now that they found themselves in a position very far from the planet she called home.
"Onii-san, just what is these rope?" 「Yae Rin」
"They're just... my lovely-lovely DEAR!" sadly, she couldn't get a clear answer from him.
Sometimes, the girl also caught glimpses of strange shadows coming from the direction of the moon. She felt the shimmer and radiance exhibited by the giant natural satellite were not something ordinary.
It was as if someone or something was dancing on it.
However, their time for sightseeing had come to an end. It was time to return, considering Higokumaru's connection to the planet and the place where she was sealed. In those moments, Yae Rin then got an idea that crossed her mind.
"Onii-san, do you want to meet my sister? I'll introduce you as my friend to her." 「Yae Rin」
"Isn't that too hasty? Why would you even introduce me to your family, huhu," mused El Dust when he come to realizes if that girl had grabbed the hem of his shirt.
"Sakura nee-chan know if it's hard for me to have one, friend I mean. So at least I want to let her know if you're mine," Yae Rin spoke in her earnest heart, but as if trying to tease her, El Dust began to misinterpret the girl's words.
"That's hot, to think you're bold enough to claim ownership over someone." 「El Dust」
"I-It's friend! I mean just as friend! Jeez, what're you misunderstanding for... and, you're my friend... right? I mean, after talking with each other that much..." Yae Rin stuttered nervously.
However El Dust didn't answer the girl's question, letting her nervousness and uncertainty swallow her heart. It was just another one of his antics, teasing and poking fun at those close to him
"Onii-san! You're my friend right?!" 「Yae Rin」
The persona let out a smug smile.
Now that he remembered, there was another persona who often referred to Zeimachi as his friend. Unlike El Dust, who considered Zeimachi a brother, this persona treated him simply as a good old friend.
"Hmm, well, I've had enough fun. So maybe it's time to switch," El Dust said, looking at Yae Rin who appeared confused by his expression.
"What's wrong? Wanna carry Higokumaru?" 「Yae Rin」
Honestly, El Dust's desire was fulfilled when he could witness the dying face of that girl. She bore a striking resemblance to his real brother (in personality wise), so seeing her final moments felt akin to recalling his own brother's last moments.
And although he couldn't do much BDSM in this World, that particular moment had become one bite of fulfillment for him. Well he do want to try binding The Rope against Bianca, Kiana and Sirin since they're his siblings in this world, but once he thinks about it...
"Hmm... huhuhu. I'm sure you're pretty tired now, my dear. Let's take a rest," once he thinks about it, there should be time and place for such thing.
And just like that, the man's body suddenly went limp as if his consciousness had left him. Yae Rin quickly grabbed onto his body, and thanks to the zero gravity zone, she was able to keep him safe.
However, with El Dust's departure, the tool he had been using also vanished with him, which meant, "Oh no... the circle! What's going on?" Yae Rin soon found herself facing the same suffocating sensation she had experienced earlier.
But worry not, for as El Dust left and returned to the "waiting room," a new persona arrived to occupy his body immediately dispelling the girl's fear.
"Cover us." 「Nanekluh ref Rednialsig」
Following his words, a black ball of star appeared. It's the same Sphere that Zeimachi had once used at Azur Lane Academy. A tool capable of granting the wishes of its user, more or less the same just like The Rope and the The Scissor.
From the sphere, specks of light spun and shimmered before manifesting the construct the persona desired.
[Commencing construction based on preferences and condition adjustments... success.]
[Summoning Millennium Falcon x1]
The darkness and emptiness around Yae Rin slowly transformed, replaced by the sparkling and shimmering assembly of atoms summoned through the Sphere.
Points of light appeared one by one, forming intricate lines that converged into shapes. Each shape created spaces that either separated or connected them, weaving a complex structure.
"Eh... EH?! W-What is this?! Is this something like a space car?" 「Yae Rin」
Colors began to materialize before her eyes, and textures became tangible under her feet as she touched the surface of the spacecraft. The entire construction coalesced into a magnificent form, the Millenium Falcon, brought to life by the intrinsic power of the Sphere.
"Spaceship should be more adequate. All systems green and on standby, standard safety protocols are running smoothly. I think there should be an oxygen mask in here... there, found it." Nanekluh ref Rednialsig said as he moved swiftly.
Without wasting any time, he searched for something that could aid Yae Rin. Upon finding the oxygen mask, he promptly secured it over her face.
"Oxygen... mask?" Yae Rin asked, still processing the sudden change in environment.
"If you still have some trouble breathing." 「Nanekluh ref Rednialsig」
"I don't think I need it, but yeah... just in case, right?" she nodded at him with a smile. However, just when she was about to ask him more questions, she noticed something strange. "O-Onii-san?! Why are you kneeling like that?"
Just as she was about to inquire about their surroundings, the man suddenly crouched down on both knees, bowing his head deeply towards her in a clear gesture of apology.
"I apologize." 「Nanekluh ref Rednialsig」
Taken aback by his sudden action, Yae Rin repeatedly insisted that he needn't worry about what had happened before. However, this persona remained firm in his stance, feeling a strong sense of responsibility for the actions of the other persona that had put the girl in such a predicament.
"Knifes." 「Nanekluh ref Rednialsig」
[Knifes. All sizes x5. Constructing...Success.]
"Katana." 「Nanekluh ref Rednialsig」
[Katana, Shirayasa x1. Constructing... success.]
As a further act of apology, he intended to commit seppuku, the traditional samurai ritual of cutting open the abdomen to regain honor. Handing her the freshly constructed katana, he spoke once again, "You can chop my head with this blade."
Her eyes widening in shock, stared at the sharp, curved blade that had appeared out of thin air. The gravity of his request weighed heavily upon her. Would she really comply with such a grim request?
"Of course yes." (Cera)
Definitely no.
Rather than ending the man's life, Yae Rin chose to gently flick the forehead of her kidnapper with her finger, by also not forgetting to deliver her own words of wisdom.
"Onii-san... you know I'm very weak, right? Why did you even think I could swing this blade even once? Even if I could, there's no way I could swing it as fast as Onee-chan— Ah! Sakura Onee-chan is really good with a sword. Just so you know!" 「Yae Rin」
"That could be arranged, but I take it you're going to decapitate my head, right?" Nanekluh ref Rednialsig said loudly to Yae Rin, but of course, she didn't agree.
"...Onii-san, you feel... different? Why aren't you saying 'Kuku...' or 'Huhu...' anymore when you talk?" Yae Rin asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
The persona fell silent. It was no wonder the girl noticed such a conspicuous change, considering he had just switched places with El Dust. Particularly noticeable was the absence of El Dust's usual manner of speaking.
However, as if trying to hide it, "I'm sorry, I'll do anything to atone for such mistake, k-kuku," he continued while still bowing his head.
"Uhm... you don't need to do this much... but, you're saying you'll do anything, right?" 「Yae Rin」
Now, lifting his head to meet her gaze, the persona nodded affirmatively, signaling his sincerity with her request.
"You're not just saying that, are you?!" Yae Rin sought another nod from the kneeling man before her. He had already prepared his katana, adjusting its handguard and sheath meticulously. "I won't do it! So put away that dangerous weapon!"
"...Will you do anything for me?" 「Yae Rin」
"As long you're not hurting others beside me." 「Nanekluh ref Rednialsig」
For a moment, Yae Rin's heart skipped a beat as she observed his determined expression. He seemed like a completely different person from the one who spoke in a quirky manner. However, she refused to be swept away by it and steadied herself as best as she could.
"T-Then... will you... umm! First! You need to stop hurting others like you have done!" Yae Rin spoke, her face blushing as she hid it behind her hands. But since he remained silent without giving any response, she pressed, "What's your answer?!"
"Okay," he said okay.
"Next, you have to apologize to Higokumaru and me properly without these traditional methods!" Yae Rin exclaimed, tossing the dangerous object to the other side of the spaceship.
She quickly grabbed a piece of paper and a marker she found in the cockpit and hastily wrote "BANNED" across the sharp objects.
"Next answers?!" 「Yae Rin」
"Okay," another okay answer.
"Third! You need to explain about yourself! Okay?!" 「Yae Rin」
"Okay," and yet he gave okay again.
"...Then, promise me. You will not repeat this mistake ever again!" 「Yae Rin」
"Okay," alright, another one.
"Don't just okay-ing and promise me!" 「Yae Rin」
Having enough with okayish answer, "I promise," he switched his answer, and to seal the deal, Yae Rin then extended her pinky finger, making her intentions clear. "This is how friends make up, right?"
Looking at the persona's expression, he seemed somewhat unsure about this. Yet, he realized Yae Rin was still a young girl, so it wasn't unusual for her to want to do something childish like this.
"If you lie, you'll have to eat a hundred pieces of fried tofu!" 「Yae Rin」
"Is that... how it works?" 「Nanekluh ref Rednialsig」
Putting things short after being asked to stand up again, the man then explained a little about where they were now, albeit keeping some of his secrets hidden. Whether it's about the spaceship, or about how they could walked in there.
Seems like this persona are not really secretive with other people.
"The fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy? But... doesn't this space ship seems amazing? I bet no one have ever built something like this from where I came from. Ah wait, doesn't that mean I'm the first passenger!?" 「Yae Rin」
With a bright expression, the girl who no longer needed the oxygen mask stood up in delight. Unfortunately, despite mentioning the spaceship's capability to travel to other galaxies, the persona showed no intention of doing so.
For the moment, he opted to move the spaceship to entertain Yae Rin before descending to their home planet, where urgent matters awaited them.
"Onii-san, do you know what happen with Higokumaru?" 「Yae Rin」
"She's been disconnected from her consciousness. As far as I know, she's a bound spirit, right? Spirits like her can't stay disconnected for long from where they're bound," Nanekluh ref Rednialsig explained as he prepared the ship.
Hearing this news worried Yae Rin deeply. "T-Then we need to hurry!" Whether out of concern or simply her growing closeness to him, she implored, "Onii-san? Let's go?" and settled onto the lap of the spaceship's controller.
"We will, but... please take your seat over there. It's too dangerous like this" 「Nanekluh ref Rednialsig」
"Oh, I'm sorry," Yae Rin apologized as she moved to the co-pilot's seat. After the spaceship trembled from the engines firing up, they began their descent with moderate speed.
Downwards to the planet they belong.
Yet unbeknownst to them, as they made their descent, another entity noticed his presence from the moon. Her eyes gazed to the distant, where that ship carried its passenger.
[...I want to ride on that too.]
It was none other than the timeless girl who had just completed her duty.
——————————————
「OMAKE(?)」
This is the OMAKE section, the part which supposedly doesn't really mean anything important.
"Kaboom?" Cera who just like usual suddenly appear during this section, but fortunately in this peculiar chance, this Omake section will not feature her. "Aww... no kaboom..." thus she left deject fully just like a leaf carried by the wind.
.....
....
...
This incident is related to the report from the operator, who noticed an anomaly in Watchtower Series 18, while also uncovering some small details behind the grand scheme.
「Watchtower Series 18」
Located approximately four kilometers from the preceding and succeeding towers, Tower Number 18 stands vigilant. Like the other towers, its purpose is to monitor the Monolith of Series 18.
Within the tower are two guards diligently performing their duties, equipped with advanced tools and technology, and, of course, two glasses of drinks they are currently sipping.
There is not much difference between the conditions of Tower 18 and Tower 17. Both towers are situated in an abandoned urban district, and their Monoliths and Veil Sectors are almost identical.
For simplicity sake, let's just call them as Guard Uno the senior one, and Guard Zwei the junior.
Well... not like it'll be much matters because this'll be their first and last debut.
"That's pretty quick. Where did you got these? " 「Guard Uno」
"Doctor Mobius tasked us to test this out. It contains some serums that could help our assimilation as MANTIS soldiers. But the weird thing is... uh? Wait, what was I going to say again?" Guard Zwei replied, looking confused.
"You good? Whatever, let's just test it and send our report. I'm not keen on getting in touch with that person any longer. And... what is this Gundam Toy for?" Guard Uno eyeing the toy suspiciously, "I don't think that Doctor likes Arahato and its franchise. Is this also part of the experiment?"
"That robot... I'm not really sure, but I think someone told us it'll come in handy later," but strangely it was very hard for him to remember more about it," But... why can't I remember who, I wonder. Hmm."
There were so many strange things running through the junior guard's mind, but since he couldn't recall the details, he decided to focus on the task at hand. The more pressing matter was dealing with the stack of serums in front of them.
"Blughrh cough-cough... what the?! Is this water-water?" 「Guard Uno」
Wiping some juice off his face, Guard Zwei looked equally horrified. "That's water water! Ughh, it even got into my mouth. Just what is wrong with omae!" Both guards were in shock as they realized what they had just consumed.
The taste was so disgusting that even their own failures brought more sweetness to their tongues. It was an utterly revolting experience for their taste buds. Moreover, at the same time, they began to notice some changes occurring in their bodies.
Starting from their tongues.
"Omae? Di che diavolo stai parlando?" 「Guard Uno」
("Omae? What the hell are you talking about?")
"Parland? Poland? Senior, wovon redest du auch?" 「Guard Zwei」
("Parland? Poland? Senior, what are you talking about?")
"Non riesco a capire di cosa stai parlando!" 「Guard Uno」
("I can't understand what you're talking about!")
"Was zum Teufel hast du gerade über Polen gesagt?!" 「Guard Zwei」
("What the hell did you just say about Poland?!")
Initially, the symptoms that appeared were just a numbness of the tongue or difficulty in speaking one language consistently, but what they had initially brushed off had now become severe.
It was as if they had undergone a factory reset, compelling them to use their own mother tongues. Consequently, upon realizing the oddity, Guard Uno immediately searched for something that could help in the box full of serums.
When he found a small clue, he quickly grabbed another bottle, and both Guard Zwei and he drank it. However, it did not alleviate the symptoms. Instead, the effects seemed to intensify.
"My tongue... nani happening with the way I talk?!"「Guard Uno」
"Senior! Nani nani is wrong I dunno." 「Guard Zwei」
"...Watashi mo shirimasen, nen'notame itte okimasuga, watashi no haha ni tsuite... nani ka itte imasen yo ne?" 「Guard Uno」
"Nani? Watashi... Wǒ ài nǐ?" 「Guard Zwei」
Despite the situation being somewhat under control, the problem was far from resolved.
They continued to follow the directions written in the instructions, drinking one serum after another and experiencing various peculiarities and oddities along the way.
Their tongues felt like they were going to fall off from consuming so many serums. Moreover, one of them noticed the appearance of three strangers climbing their neighboring Monolith from a distance.
"Are wa?!" 「Guard Uno」
"Run they without kit safety?! Monolith running dazo!" 「Guard Zwei」
"...Omae, your tongue got weird motto and motto." 「Guard Uno」
There was no need to elaborate further, the trio are none other than the combi of El Dust, Higokumaru, and Yae Rin, who had not yet landed and were still climbing Monolith 17.
Perhaps it was a minor detail, but the two guards managed to spot them from such a great distance. This was quite a feat in itself which differs them from common people. Moving on, Guard Uno attempted to report the incident to their operator. Unfortunately...
Unfortunately upon hearing the response from the comms, he smashed the device in frustration.
"Augma destroy why you?" 「Guard Zwei」
"Jamming aru mitai da! Call them I can't!" 「Guard Uno」
His efforts proved futile; when he tried to contact the central command, he was only met with static from his communication device. It might have been jamming, but there were other possibilities for why a series of strange events had befallen them.
Shortly after, he remembered the conspicuous robot included in the box.
Guard Uno asked Guard Zwei where he had gotten the robot, but unfortunately, the junior guard's memory seemed to be buried under a fog. Examining the toy more closely, the senior guard sternly reprimanded his junior.
"Nani!? Omae honto said it ka?! You diot really?! Suspicious mono take, nande?!" 「Guard Uno」
"...Wakannai! Remember it I can't." 「Guard Zwei」
They attempted to find a way or manual about the origin of the object, exploring every aspect of the robot itself and even the box containing the serums. Eventually, they discovered something.
"Yahari kore ka!" 「Guard Uno」
On the back, which appeared to be openable, the toy robot revealed itself not just as an ordinary toy, but simultaneously as a device with unknown purpose.
Quickly the guard destroyed the toy robot since he thought it must be the source of problem, but even after it was destroyed, their communication channel remained unrepaired.
"Senpai..." 「Guard Zwei」
When frustration and word of curses(profanity ) escaped their lips, they realized that the communication device still connected to the toy robot was still on and functioning.
Of course, they had no idea what the consequences of using that device might be.
There was also the possibility that someone with ill intentions had orchestrated this entire situation. Therefore, they cautiously used the communication device within the robot, which, interestingly, could only dial one number.
PuruPuruPuruPuru
And when the call connected...
["Hello, you're talking with an agent from Soukai City. Code name: Silver Wing."]
The voice answering their call belonged to a woman, sounding both soft and cold. Much like the snowy tundra of the northern region, it was harsh and frigid but calm in the most unexpected moments.
"Silba..." 「Guard Uno」
"...Wingusu." 「Guard Zwei」
["...What can I do for you?"]
Her voice was reminiscent of an office lady who could easily be a CEO or even the captain of a combat squad—who knew?
"Silba wingusu?! Ano legendary Silver Wings?! But boss, this agent not from Fire Moth!" 「Guard Zwei」
"I understando, careful we go." 「Guard Uno」
To cut to the chase, Guard Uno tried to ask why the agent was on the other side of the number. Despite his reluctance, he also requested that Soukai City keep this incident confidential and provide some assistance.
The two guards felt their sanity gradually slipping away, and as a result, they grew increasingly desperate to find a vial or bottle that could somehow alleviate their pain.
["No... I don't think any more of that will..."] the agent's voice rang out, though it fell on deaf ears.
Frequent arguments between Guard Uno and Guard Zwei reached the agent, conveyed in various languages. Shortly after, everything fell silent, punctuated only by the names they uttered.
"Hello? Anyone there?" 「Agent Silver Wings」
["...Dr.Mobius."] 「Guard Uno」
["Nande..."] 「Guard Zwei」
["Ufufu, looks like you've received another present aside from my magical water? Is it from Schicksal? What a naughty rat, trying to pick a fight with MOTH~"]
Soon after the woman's voice, which had not been present before, only static remained. Realizing that this was all the information she could gather, the agent put down her communication device as well.
"Seems like that's all I can get. But why did the Overseer direct them to contact me..." 「Agent Silver Wings」
Now, shifting away from Watchtower Series 18, we find ourselves in a new location.
Within her abode, a mature woman dressed in her work attire is seated in an expensive-looking chair. In this space, more accurately her office, she commands and owns the room which exudes a casual and soft blue ambiance.
As the owner of the office, it wouldn't be unusual for her to conduct some of her work here.
One of her tasks involves using one of her Human Interface Devices to send sensitive information to the person she mentioned. There are several things she wants to know, and perhaps the answers can be obtained from that individual.
["Good work, and that's much faster than I expected. So that man is indeed around the Monolith area, correct?"] Overseer Otto
"Indeed." 「Agent Silver Wings」
["My efforts to infiltrate spies there have paid off. Now I'm going to give you another task. Since you've known him for a while, you should know how to win him over, am I right?"] 「Overseer Otto」
The agent responded in her own way.
["That's good to hear. Despite how much I dislike him, I don't want to see Theresa sad. I'll leave this to you, Agent Bronya."] 「Overseer Otto」
Having said what he needed to, the blonde man disappeared from the screen, restoring the tranquil ambiance of the office. And from how it seemed... apparently the woman didn't particularly like to talk with the Overseer.
Finishing her report, she tossed the communication device aside and let her body slump against the back of her chair. With her eyes closed, her chest rose and fell with each deep breath she took. Creating a jiggle physics that's quite heavenly.
"Long time from seeing each other, and when it's already the time... now he's in big trouble. Typical of him." 「Agent Bronya」
She voiced her frustrations openly, before as she opened her beautiful eyes her gaze shifted to a photo album on her desk. One that particularly hidden from the other, a white album with a bunch of yellow mascot stickers along the edges.
In the photo, there're two figures who stood next to each other. One of them was her, and the other was a little girl who bore a striking resemblance to her who could barely reach her hip.
"Hmm... I wonder if Bronie still remembers this. She's still young in this photo." 「Agent Bronya」
The little girl appeared to be sulking, as if she didn't like being photographed. This caused the younger Bronya who're dressed casually in the picture, to smile awkwardly at the camera as a result.
"...Those three girls, I suppose they should be in high school by now." 「Agent Bronya」
Using the valuable item to shield her eyes from the glare of the lamp, she tilted the album and looked at the back of the old memory, where three different styles of handwriting could be seen.
"...It's been a few months, hasn't it? Since his failed engagement." 「Agent Bronya」
The name 'Bronya' was neatly written there, alongside 'Bronie', which appeared in a somewhat messy art-style that belonged to that very little girl. Beneath their names, another was written but obscured by a coffee stain, fading as if swallowed by time and memory.
Yet the woman could still remember it.
"But I suppose Theresa herself isn't too bothered by it, so... maybe this could be my chance? Hmm, no. It might be better if I see it in person." 「Agent Bronya」
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