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I bet that even if Rhine Lab gets blasted to rubble, he'll walk out without a scratch.

They've entered Rhine HQ.

Recon team, prepare to intercept.

Let's slow down a little.

It's you...

I saw you fight Saria, and I'm pretty intrigued by your equipment.

Mind if I took a look?

Is this how you always greet your enemies before engaging, Rhodes Island elite operator?

Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not talking as a Rhodes Island elite operator there.

As a mechanist, I respect all exceptional technology and its innovators—

Which is why I wanted to ask how you'd feel before I took that special-looking staff of yours.

You're a funny one, Mr. Mechanist.

I was only going to meet with Saria, but you and your boss... that Doctor certainly gave me a bigger surprise.

You know my name?

You've looked into me too, haven't you?

It's the habit of our kind to gather up as much information as we can before a fight.

Your name is in Rhine HQ's database, Ms. Ho'olheyak.

But I don't buy that Ferdinand would hire a history scholar to hunt his coworkers down. That'd be silly, even for the impossible world of Columbian academia.

It's my side gig.

You research history for a side gig?

Wrong.

I'm a historian. I'm just here to see a millennium-old prophecy come true.

Likewise, I believe our future is heading in a direction that'll lead us to certain hidden historical secrets—

Just like you, I seek the truth.

We're here.

Do you know how to find your scumbag boss, researcher?

He should be in the control room right now.

There's a vent around the corner. If you can get inside it, that's your quickest route to the control room.

You'll want to hurry, though.

We're about to have company.

...Officer.

I knew you were on their side. You're weak-willed. You can't put your past with this criminal behind you.

He's not a criminal yet, punk. You people don't have the power to convict. Not yet anyway.

You're heading past the point of no return.

But why? You're all so exceptional. Why destroy your future? Why... didn't she take my advice?

This is about someone else, isn't it?

I can say this to you for her, again.

Ugh—

Because we know what we're fighting for.

To protect certain people... To protect certain rules from being trampled by people like that scumbag director. We don't hesitate. Ever.

We aren't like you...

Probing all the sides before you pick one—

And even going so far as to ask that dumb question before a fight!

Urgh...!

Did you find out which way you're going?

I think so...

Hop to it, then.

What about you?

I have a crossbow. You don't. Worry about yourself, not me.

Thanks.

Take care of yourself.

Why aren't you going with her? I thought you came all this way to settle your score with him, too.

I've got my own weapon.

Hm?

It's been a long time since we fought side-by-side.

What are you talking about...? You mean back when we used to play those games?

Besides, I was the one always dragging you out to play.

Haha... thanks for that.

I really miss those days... I mean it.

The elevator up ahead will take us straight to Control's office.

It's safer if we take the fire exit in the back.

I know, but aren't we in a hurry?

It'll be faster if we head straight there, and run into less armed personnel along the way.

Wait, don't go over there—

Huh?

Whoopsie. I forgot this area's monitored...

Doctor, it's time for plan B.

Intruders spotted!

Here! Over here!

Grab the intrud—Wait, Director?!

Hello, Reggie.

What are you doing here...? No, you don't have clearance anymore. I can't let you go any further...

When facing an intruder, hesitating only gives a chance for your enemy to strike.

Do you need me to teach you this all over again?

Shields up!

Prepare to stun! Target the intruder—Saria!

You pass, just barely.

Have the latest data been recorded?

Yes, they have.

Note the drones' positions.

Do not let the test subject's actions influence firsthand data collection.

Don't worry, Boss.

The firsthand data you want are right here in front of you.

Elena.

I'm glad you're safe.

I've worked under you for so many years now. Reading the slightest change in your expression has become part of my job—

Your left eyebrow twitched ever so slightly. You're surprised.

Well, you are full of surprises.

It's a relief to have you back—Those stupid new hires really need a fine researcher like you to discipline them.

You want me to be a team leader?

No, not a team leader.

You see that key on the desk? Take it.

You've more than proven your abilities. You don't need to be anyone's assistant anymore—Not mine, and not Dorothy's.

I want you to handle the next project as overseer.

This key is a present I prepared for you. It's an all new... spacious laboratory. Your laboratory.

No matter what kind of experiments you want to run, both Rhine Lab and I will fully support you.

Wonderful.

Have you considered letting me take over as Energy Director?

That is not out of the question.

You don't seem... particularly happy about my surprise.