act25side

You can't die just yet.

So, you failed to stop Kristen? I already know what happened up there.

I almost forgot we came here to stop her...;......;Too many things have happened, my head is hurting a little.

I'm very sorry about that.

I need to formally enter negotiations with the Maylander Foundation. I'll explain later.

I'm also very curious to know what exactly has happened in Trimounts.

We're almost there. Remember, Dame Kal'tsit, the moment we arrive at the S.H.A.F.T., we are no longer simple collaborators.

If you do not cooperate with us, I will have to resort to force.

(Sullen crowing)

As you wish.

What's with all the tension? If I kill this tin can again, I'll still learn a little something.

——! When did you...? Shouldn't the other agents have caught you by now?

That's not important.

But I think it's best for none us to act rashly now. Don't mess this situation up.

What are you up to?;......;You're not exactly breathing deeply either.

I'm real curious, Doctor.

The lineage of the Elders, the K'uk'ulkan's source of power, are these things even considered secrets to you and Kal'tsit?

No comment.;......;Don't bother me.

Aha... how cold.

There is something I want to understand. The entire course of my quest has been invaluable, and yet after finding the answer, people only know to sing its praises.

If, after resolutely trampling on a dry and dull answer, if I wish to continue searching for the future...

Can I come find you people?

You should first face the charges from the Maylander Foundation.;......;Figure out how to deal with your boss first.

Of course, I won't show up empty handed.

You won't be able to guess what I retrieved from hell.

Your staff...?

What have you done?

Your unusual Arts... can store memories, could it be that you...?

Perhaps I rescued a 'God' that almost succumbed to dementia, but in the end, is not even considered a living being, and it's too difficult for me alone to help it recover.

So perhaps you can help me, since you might not want these things to fall into the Columbians' hands.

You want to drive a wedge between us and the Maylander Foundation?;Is it appropriate to say this, right in front of the Tin Man?

I've already brought it out into the open, and the Tin Man has seen it too. Do you even still have a choice to make?

And, no matter what you think of it, Dame Kal'tsit's face already looks like she agrees, hmm?

Kal'tsit?

My guess is—

—You don't have the right to call the shots here, Tin Man.

Oh?

The reason why you haven't looked into the underground at all yet, is because someone above you has already made the decision for you.

For that person has enough foresight to guess everything that has happened here.

Even if the power to make decisions isn't with me right now, I still think killing Ho'olheyak to retrieve his legacy is the more reasonable thing to do.

About that. Your boss should also know just which party has the capabilities to restore him.

Snatching Ho'olheyak's Arts Unit will only add to the gigantic pile of the Maylander Historical Association's archaeological discoveries.

That one will not allow Maylander to act against Rhodes Island.

Your coercing efforts also fall flat, Ho'olheyak. You can only hand it over to me, or, I will hand you over to the Tin Man.

(Taunting growl)

Such a horrid, oppressive feeling... so you've even been keeping this strange thing by your side.

It's meaningless to fight here, so let's all return to Trimounts first.

After that, we can negotiate in the open.

It's right in front of us, we can go up from here.

Sure is relieving to leave that place.

Wait, that thing in the sky—

A clear view of the torn sky can be seen through the tunnel leading to the S.H.A.F.T.

...Kristen...

Humanity will reach this step sooner or later.

Kristen...I hope you don't bring us disaster in Terra's name.

More or less...

...I see. Then...

Your guess was right, Madame. I will take my leave for the moment. I'll be outside waiting.

Ho'olheyak.

What? You're leaving already?

I didn't expect that bargaining chip in your hand, but this is also your final chance.

Hand over the thing you got from below.

I'm so very sorry, Mr. Tin Can, but I've lost all interest in the Maylander Historical Association's history.

Now then, Doctor.

An Arts Unit...!;......;Why did you give it to me now?!

Remember the choice you've made.

We're not on equal standing, Madame. An openly honest negotiation may not be in the cards.

Why did the Tin Man leave early?

Contact Rosmontis ASAP. We need to be wary of any other surprises.

Ho'olheyak, I'm grateful for your choice, but I need you to try and find a different escape route from the direction the Tin Man left.

What? I'm not so sure I'll be able to defeat this black plaything of yours.

I'm not being wary of you, but rather...

I want to make sure there's another way out.

Gosh, I didn't even sign an employment contract, but I have to start work already?

Rhodes Island couldn't possibly leave you alone to your own devices the moment you handed over the data to us in front of the Tin Man, could we?

What's up ahead?

I'm sure you can guess.

I suppose I can. I'll find another way up. Do make sure that when we leave here, we're not greeted by an armored division.

It's quiet.

In the aftermath of those unfathomable energy waves tearing through the skies, the facility that should be full of scientists, soldiers and workers is now completely empty.

You and Kal'tsit travel between these structures without exchanging a single word.

There's so much information to go through... and so much history.

Perhaps only after seeing the smiles of Ifrit and Rosmontis, and hearing some firm words from Saria again will you only feel at ease.

But a discomforting feeling lingers in your mind.

Light flashes across the edges of your peripheral vision.

Wait, Kal'tsit!

What is this, on the screens...

Nice to meet you two, Doctor of Rhodes Island, Dame Kal'tsit.

We have taken over this facility. Every screen and all surveillance equipment will expose your whereabouts.

So please do not attempt escape. On the behalf of the Columbian government, I hope to hold an... ad-hoc private meeting with the both of you.

This might have happened earlier than you expected, but I just want to get on with it.

I won't wait any longer.

In the dimly lit building, the lights of a large screen flickers a few times.

And then, a familiar figure appears.

The second-in-command of the fledgling country's leader is in no hurry to speak. He only faces you with that iconic smile of his.

You start wondering. You feel some kind of pressure.

Soon after, you cannot help yourself from turning your attention onto the... 'pet' perched on his shoulder all along.

You sneak a glance at Kal'tsit. There's an obvious, somewhat gloomy expression on her face.

...Mr. President.

The Vice President does not react.