act18side

Herr Czerny, the situation outside has gone to hell in a handbasket!

Swarms of noxious Originium slugs started coming up from the sewers, and a lot of people have already been poisoned. It's total chaos out in the streets now!

They're saying this is part of the prophecy, and panic is spreading through the Afterglow!

How did this all happen?

We can't do much about people panicking right now, but how about those who were poisoned?

They're not looking too good... Especially those whose Oripathy started getting better recently. They're having even more violent reactions.

We've already contacted the hospital, but the medical staff on the line didn't seem very motivated when they heard that we're in the Afterglow...

Not motivated?!

I'll go negotiate with the hospital then.

It's too dangerous outside, you'd better just call!

If they didn't care when you made the call, it won't make a difference if I'm the one on the line. This is something I'll have to take care of in person.

But tomorrow's the day of the concert, and if you get poisoned...

If these inexplicable events result in deaths, do you think people will be in any mood to enjoy the music, even if the concert continues as planned?

I don't want things to reach that point, nor do I want to pretend as if nothing is happening. I'd rather not play a single note than lie to myself!

Why are there so many slugs?!

It reeks! What is this stench...?

I'll help you, let's get out of here!

Looks like... the prophecy is coming true...

Damn pests, stay away!

Krause, Krause! Get up–– *cough*, *cough*...

Help us! Someone, anyone!

Is someone playing the cello...? All the slugs are going in the direction of the music?

Thank you!

Krause, stand up. Here, hold on to my shoulder...

Hold on tight. Let's go, now!

(Whispers) You're welcome.

With Kreide at the epicenter, the tones of the cello spread out across the narrow streets and alleys of the Afterglow.

Wherever the cello's notes travel, the Originium slugs turn around one after another.

Those who had been surrounded think the crisis is over, that the poison-exhaling insects will soon retreat to the dark sewers under the guidance of the cello's tune.

But they are wrong.

Both where they can and cannot see, Originium slugs make their way towards Kreide.

Huff, *pant*, *pant*...

Finally... made it...

Now what... Do I just blow all these slugs up with Arts?

––Something's not right here.

Now what is it, my good spy?

The Originium slugs are all congregating in one place––

A cello...?!

Kreide, what are you doing? Stop that right now–– *cough*, *cough* *cough*!

No yelling. It won't do any good and will only mess up your lungs.

Help me get through!

I told you, stop shouting.

He won't stop playing just because you're shouting, and I won't stand aside just because you aren't.

Then, let's combine forces and clear a path to Kreide!

I don't think so. I'll head in the opposite direction.

Are you going back to your coffee shop?

Yes. We worked together to create an opening. Now, we will part ways.

I'm sure you can't wait to head back to your shop and study those torn documents you retrieved from the lab, right?

I'm so glad the research notes about the Voice of Mundane are so much more interesting than the lives of the Infected.

Kreide's situation is your own damned fault, so you can solve it yourself.

Also, if I find out that even a single word in those notes and plans was written by you, just you wait.

I'll be waiting, sure enough.

That's the end of our chat.

We're going, on the count of three!