act20side

Right, I'm with ya. I mean, even though a lot of bad things happened on the surface in Avdotya's story, just like we've always heard—

But if all those bad things shaped Avdotya into the kind person that she is, I don't think there's anything to be afraid of.

Besides, I've heard rumors that 'Stranger Things' is still running on the surface!

Gavial, do you know how much time and effort I spent to prepare for this moment?!

What if they decide to stay down here because you had to butt in?!

Hm... but I just took a look around, and all of them seem to be looking forward to it. They're gonna vote for it.

You persuaded them already.

How can you always be so optimistic...?

By the way, Gavial, how is Stitch doing?

He says he's willing to give it a shot.

Hm? Where did he go?

I saw him in the forum. That's why I'm asking.

And looking at him now, it looks like he's really going to do it.

Let me give him a hand, then.

The crowd of the forum is bubbling with talk of going to the surface.

This seems to have nothing to do with him. He should have gone inside with Gavial. He has never been comfortable with situations like this to begin with.

But he stays where he is.

He knows he isn't afraid.

He knows that there is an urge inside of him to say something.

But he has no idea how to begin.

Right, I have a piece of regrettable news I forgot to share.

After he learned of Zeruertza's impending disaster, our design representative, Catch Lightrace, has decided to resign from his position and part ways with us for the moment.

He's going to seek out our previous design representative, Master Finch Canvas, whose whereabouts are unknown.

I understand and respect his decision.

Furthermore, before he left, he appointed Master Finch's disciple, Stitch Canvas to take his position.

And I know better than anyone that Stitch Canvas is a talented architect. Which is why I accepted this request.

Now, let's invite him up here to say a few words.

Stitch, the floor is yours.

I... I'm aware you don't really know who I am... Just that my teacher is the famous Finch Canvas.

M-My style is very different from my teacher's. His is more about resisting materialism, while mine is more leaning toward—

Sorry, that's not what I wanted to say.

I want to talk about the proposal, the one about going to the surface.

I know this isn't an easy decision to make.

But I think it's the safest option available.

And if we choose this plan, we will still have time to dress our doomed city.

There's not much that I can do, but I'm willing to spend the last bit of time we have to come up with a plan to repair the dome.

And, if at all possible, I want to make the dome even sturdier.

Even though it's impossible to keep an active Originium vein from exploding, that should still buy us some time.

So please, everyone. Let's head to the surface. I'm sure my teacher... would've wanted it too.

The audience is silent.

(Quietly) Master Edge, did I say something wrong?

No, you did very well. Good kid. I knew you could do it.

Very well, then. Let's take the votes again for the third proposal.

As though Stitch's speech has unified their opinions, the very next moment, the Durins start raising their hands one by one.

All of them are chanting something different; Stitch is unable to make it out.

But he can just barely hear some of them complimenting him.

He notices that, on a platform high up above in the distance, Catch is faintly waving to seemingly congratulate him.

It feels as though an electric current suddenly surges through him.

For the first time, he realizes just how exhilarating it feels to be acknowledged.