act11d0

九尾狐活动 4下

Mama? Mama, where are you going?

To the highlands? The flowery highlands?

But that's where the bad man who hurt Papa is? Are you going to punish him?

Will that bring Papa back?

No?

Then... I don't want you to go.

You have to go? But I don't want you to go back to Ursus... The bread there is so hard. And winter is so cold.

Mama?

Mama...

Mama never came back either.

I used the money she left me to continue my studies in Ursus, and to live.

Alone.

I waited alone for years. I lived alone for years.

Until Dr. Kal'tsit appeared before me. She said she was the head of a research institute, and she came to get me.

Dr. Kal'tsit was tired then. Even more tired than she is now. I later learned she had just returned from some faraway place when she found me.

After that, I joined Rhodes Island.

I asked Dr. Kal'tsit where Mama went. She didn't say much, just that Mama and Papa were together, buried deep inside Ursus.

She is my most respected teacher, my most honored leader. She guided me, educated me, not only with her words, but also through what she and her countless operators did for the Infected.

But the one thing Dr. Kal'tsit never did... was answer my simplest question...

On whom, or what, do I take my revenge?

Lisa, you don't have to come with me.

I'm worried.

You shouldn't be. I'm just going to look around and see if maybe there are some clues about that armed Infected group.

Do you think they're behind it?

I'm not sure. That's the obvious answer, since we have no evidence.

But with the town as it is, they're the most likely suspects, aren't they?

And 'Winterwisp.' Severin wouldn't say much about it, so I can't be sure exactly what it means. But since they're in cahoots with the militia group, they're at the top of the list too.

The mountain range near here is called the Winterwisp Mountains. It's a barren place, covered with ice and snow year round... could that have to do with anything?

I really don't know. All I can say for sure is I have to find our murderer, and then pull my answers out of them.

Folinic, you've been really... scary. Since yesterday.

I'm sorry, Lisa.

Not everyone is so easily calmed.

This is the second time I've had to say goodbye to someone like that. And this time, I'm not leaving with regrets.

Hm...

Come out. I won't hurt you.

Aww. I like to think I'm pretty good at hiding. How did you see me?

Hmm... Intuition? Let's call it that...

Who are you?

(Oof. This guy seems like a pain in the ass.)

(Then stop talking to him.)

I've gone through some of Rhodes Island's battle records. You're no ordinary Infected.

Rhodes Island? So you are Rhodes Island Operators...?

What do we do? Fight?

GreyThroat isn't back yet... We have to stall him, at least.

Calm down. Don't attack him. Click!

Don't do anything stupid!

Gah! I- I'm sorry!

Hm...? Did I see your pupils flash red for a moment? Is that some kind of stress reaction?

Did I scare you? Sorry. I just wanted you two to know, you can't fight me.

If you are from Wolumonde, you'd better leave. It's dangerous. If angry Winterwisps or Infected found you... You'd be in mortal danger.

Thanks for the warning.

But why are you here?

I just came to lay some flowers. And then I'll leave.

Is that an ordinary wildflower you're holding there?

It's cold here in the fall. I dream a lot... I dream of these flowers. They're like the children of that snowy mountain... icy cold.

Rest in peace.

(Did he really just come to pray? He wouldn't just be using this as a cover for some kind of Originium Arts, would he?)

(With his face hidden, I can't tell whether he's lying or not. But...)

(He does seem genuinely sad.)

Don't move. Don't turn around. Put your hands up.

GreyThroat!

When did you get here? You're pretty smooth...

Whatever. Your bolts can't hurt me, Rhodes Island crossbowman.

I said don't move. I just want to ask you something.

A conversation doesn't reveal your strength... what's the point?

Don't say I didn't warn you!

Look. I've caught your bolt. You can't put a scratch on me.

He blocked her shot with a rock?!

N- no! It's Arts! He actually 'caught' the bolt! With mud!

Oh?

No.

At least you didn't shoot without warning. I hate sneak attacks. You're not so bad.

And... Hm, if you wound up that second bolt... what would've happened?

That depends on whether or not you have time to protect your neck with your Arts.

Hm... Even if I don't, I do have a very thick suit of armor...

Doesn't matter. Since you have no intention of fighting to the death, I've had enough.

Can I go?

Sorry, but no.

...As expected. *Sigh*.

So many Leithanians have joined us, and our ranks have grown bountiful and diverse...

But... You, a crossbowman, you would not have missed this symbol. This is a symbol that once belonged to the Infected.

Reunion lit the fire that was, is, and will always be burning across all corners of Terra.

But, Reunion does not represent all Infected.

So, what about you? Are you from Leithanien yourself? Or are you an exile who wandered here, weighed down by sin and intrigue?

Me...? Hm... I guess so. Our aimless journey began in Kazdel. And we've been on the run ever since.

Wolumonde is a mess. And I'm sure you had something to do with it.

Right. There's no way we wouldn't.

But I... am not Reunion either. Not anymore. I'm just the captain of Mudrock Squad. A... mercenary? No, let's say I'm just an Infected.

(Why does it seems like he's always talking to himself? What kind of Reunion guy thinks like that?)

(Please be quiet while the team leader negotiates. If you really have nothing better to do, you can record it.)

(Oh yeah! Fire up the camera...)

But, really... What am I? I'm not a mercenary. I'm not Reunion. As things are now, I'm...

Oh.

What?

My Arts dirtied the flowers... They're so hard to find, this time of year.

If you want to fight, can we do it somewhere else?

You have a way with words... But no.

Click, Ayerscarpe, keep your guard up. But don't attack him. Stay clear.

Phew...