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You hear all that noise out there? They're here for me. This is where it all ends!

You won't die. I know you didn't kill anyone. I won't stand aside if the punishment you're given is unfair. I'll help you.

Easy for you to say! Look at this! How are you going to get me out this?

You're literally standing between me and my only way out!

I'll find a way.

Trust me. I won't let you die.

No one should be given punishment disproportionate to what they have done. If anyone thinks otherwise, they are wrong.

That's why I'll right that wrong, starting right here.

This is the only thing I can do right now.

I've always wondered how I should go about this.

In the beginning, I used to think that Rhodes Island's ideals were too immature and naive. Not exactly bad, but very difficult to accomplish.

But looking back, I've come to realize that I'm not actually all that different compared to you people.

Amiya, you told me no one can ever show me the way. I think you were right. I realized that long ago, and I prepared myself for it.

That said... if all I can ever rely on is my strength, my enthusiasm, and my sword, then can I only ever change that which is within reach of my sword?

Wei said it again and again: no regrets.

Whether it was my trip to the core city or my decision to leave Lungmen...

I never regretted making those decisions.

Perhaps the path that Wei had arranged for me was the best option, but I didn't want to go down that route. I couldn't have. It would only torment me.

I'm nervous.

Someone out there had told her—with actions, not words—that there are some ideals that won't ever come true even if you spend an entire lifetime working toward them. Yet even though they will never be realized, you must still work toward them.

She's right. She's gone ahead and done it, too.

I, too, will do the things that I have to do. I said this before. This isn't an ideal; it's just my job. It's something that I have a responsibility to see through.

Ever since that incident, I've always wondered just what it is I'm supposed to do. I still don't have the answer. I can only do what I can, but...

I'm very glad that Rhodes Island is walking this path with me.

Okay, all done.

You guys always finish your missions so quickly...! It hasn't even been a week this time, but you're all done already!

There's a deadline on the contract; just trying to get it over with as soon as possible.

That's amazing!

Here's your mission lists, one for each person.

Thanks.

And right, we've got a new hire on our team. Here's his application form. Think you can issue the credentials for him?

Hm? New blood on the team?

It was a sudden decision, so I wasn't able to let you know ahead of time. Sorry, this is my fault.

Oh, it's no problem. Give me a minute. I need to get a new form.

Oh, could you pass on some good news to Amiya for me?

What is it?

The prophylactics you guys promoted last time got some really good feedback. If you can manage to keep the price low enough, I think it'll find a decent footing in the market.

If you guys can do that, I'm sure we'll send sales through the roof!

That does sound like good news. I'm sure Amiya will be happy to hear that.

If the sales volume gets any bigger, though, we'll need to deliver the medicine here straight from Rhodes Island... Hm, I'll let Amiya know right away.

Haha, that sounds wonderful. I haven't seen Amiya in so long!

Are you two... acquainted?

We know each other pretty well! I study medicine, and I used to intern on the ship. I really missed home, though, so I talked to Dr. Kal'tsit about it, and I came back here.

It's not bad. Once I make a little more money, I'll have saved up enough to start a clinic with my friends.

Good luck to you.

Thanks. Don't forget, if any operators get hurt during their missions, just come to me for help. I'll patch them right up!

Alright, I guess I'll head home.

Sure, I'll walk you back.

Oh, don't worry yourself about me. I'll be alright. You be careful on the road, Ms. Ch'en!

There was that murder that happened the other day. That was super creepy, wasn't it...? By the way, I'm not sure if you've heard, but there's actually a pretty interesting followup to the whole thing.

Oh?

Everyone's talking about it. I heard they'd caught someone from the Infected zone at first, but somehow the actual killer turned himself in to the cops not even two days after that, so they ended up letting the first guy go.

I don't buy it, though. That's definitely not the entire story.

Why is that?

Well... this stays right here, Ms. Ch'en. Don't let anyone else know!

Alright, I'll keep it a secret.

I have a relative who works at the police station, so this is insider information. I heard the actual killer didn't turn himself in. A mysterious person had caught him and left him in front of the station with evidence!

Can you imagine that? Something like that happening in this day and age?

Haha, that does sound really bizarre.

Right?! I even heard the tabloids are going to give this man of mystery a name!

The Bad Samaritan! The Punisher Outside the System! The Hero of Poetic Justice! There's so many of them, and they all sound so cool!

Cool? I'm not sure I agree.

Oh?

If the local police didn't catch the wrong guy, they wouldn't have needed someone else to come out and do their job.

I'd rather society have no place for these vigilantes.

I guess you're right...

I've got everything packed up. Let's get going.

Roger that.

Is that all you're bringing with you? You may not be able to bring everything, but you can still take a few souvenirs.

I'm good.

I don't have much to commemorate here.

It's better if I start all over...

Alright.

Let's go, then.

Amiya, I know there will be lots of difficulties on the way there, and I am bound to be disappointed in all sorts of things.

But I also know that I won't stop. I will keep charging down my path.