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The assembled crew turns to look at the balcony on the top floor of the art gallery. The fires have already been extinguished, and all that remains visible is the Captain's limp arm, dangling precariously in the air.

Looks like the guy's luck ran out.

Before Doc can finish speaking, the arm suddenly springs to life, fingers curling as they claw at the air, seemingly being dragged away by something.

I take it back. He didn't fall off the edge, didn't die in the conflagration, and even managed to get saved by the police in the end. The guy's got the devil's luck.

Ela, the Dossoles PD want you to take Reynell over. I think they want to give you a special thank-you letter and put you on TV or something.

I have to be seen on TV... with Reynell? Forget it.

Yeah, that's what Ernesto said too.

He also said, don't get too cozy with the government here unless you plan on settling down in Dossoles. If you catch Ms. Candela's eye, things are only gonna get extra tricky for you.

Well, have them take Reynell away themselves.

That works. They don't seem like they have much else on their hands right now anyway.

Alright, let's head out and take a look around. This city might be all about the glitz and glamor, but it's not without its flashes of real brilliance.

It's not bad. When you stop by Rhodes Island to resupply, we'll show you around.

Speaking of Rhodes Island... Doc, when you visit, I'll need you to put on a few extra pieces of clothes, plus a hood.

Then I'll take you to HR to ask for a bigger budget for our team, and you just nod along with whatever I say. Act natural, especially when I call you by your name.

Huh?

The people who had arrived on Terra previously, as well as Catapult, were stunned for a few moments before all breaking out in laughter.

See, there's this Rhodes Islander who–

C'mon now, Cohen, where's the fun in spilling the beans this early?

(*smiles wryly*) Fair enough.

In any case, it's great seeing all of you again.

Sure.

It really makes me realize... just how long it's been.

The sky is clear, and a gentle breeze blows in from the artificial sea. Though the draft is hot and humid, it is somehow also quite refreshing.

A warm, friendly din comes from Galería Krysztauowa behind her.

Where am I...?

You're finally awake.

What are you doing in my house?! Oh, wait, this isn't my house, it's...

Shit! G-Give me a hand! We need to evacuate everyone! There are bombs in the building!

You've been out cold this entire time. Both the Capitán and Reynell have been arrested, the bombs have been defused, and it's time to celebrate.

Huh?!

Other dazed locals also began sitting up, one by one, looking around in confusion.

The exhibition hall has become a lively carnival for artists.

Most conspicuous of all is the center of the hall, now converted into a dance floor where people are romping and reveling.

And all around the dance floor without borders, graffiti on self-extending canvas, sprawling cables laid out for rock 'n roll, popcorn movie reels...

Even the food carts are available to all. Artists, hostages, and even the police officers who are here to handle the case stop by.

Broooo, you've gotta try this extra-deep dish demon pepper pizza, fresh out of the oven! They aren't even charging for it!

Don't just stand there all stone-faced – this food's so good it's gonna make you cry! ...Hey, I'm doing you a favor here and you're still giving me that stink eye. What, you from Siracusa or something?

What does being Siracusan or not have to do with anything? I just realized, you're the little shit who spraypainted my police car!

Huh... Now that you mention it...

Meh, what's the big deal anyway? Here, try a bite of this pizza first!

Hmph. If you didn't do a good job getting everyone evacuated, I would drag you down to the station.

The police officer takes a big bite of the pizza, and remarkably, a streak of tears actually flows down his cheeks.

It's just the pure spice that makes you cry, isn't it?!

Where are you flying, tired fowlbeast♪

Towards tomorrow's wind♪

I thought you were just another greedy jerk, but it turns out, you can rock out after a couple glasses of wine, huh?

What are you on about...? I was the lead singer in my alma mater's rock band! If only the folks back home didn't put so much pressure on me... You think I like nodding along and kissing ass?

The old fart's not around, right? Lemme tell you straight-up, that guy loves surprise inspections more than anything else, peeking at what you're doing on your terminal. If you're not working, he takes it straight out of your salary!

Last time, I shut off my terminal just as he was coming by. He got mad and started demanding that I turn it back on. But lo and behold, it was nothing but pages and pages of work! He was so mad, he tried to kick my chair! Hah!

The hell did you just say?!

Huh? You tell me. That's the whole truth right there.

Here you go, boss!

The drunk man pops open a bottle of beer with his ear, an act that wins him raucous applause, and pours it all over the livid old man.

We really struck the jackpot this time! We not only got to see Reynell's announcement, but also visited the Galería, and now we even got to participate in a pop-up street artist festival!

(*whispers*) This is probably a bit of an exaggeration, but we might not have had the same luck without Mateo–

Are you serious, amigo?

N-N-No, of course not! I was just making an off-handed remark!

We're all adults here, so watch what you say.

G-Got it! Let's head over to the dance floor!

Papá, why are you sitting over here instead of joining in the celebrations?

Because I'm getting old, and already had my share of excitement this morning. Wouldn't want to get in the way of the youths.

I'll go do my own thing then?

Go ahead. Have a good time with the others.

Tecno shrugs and heads towards the dancefloor, her small frame quickly disappearing into the crowd.

The old firefighter squints his inebriated eyes, involuntarily tapping along to the rhythm of the music as he watches the never-ending parade of people on the dance floor.

That is, until a man approaches him from the other end of the exhibition hall, exuding an aura completely incongruous with the gaiety and joyousness of the event.

Hey, Diaz. Congratulations, you got to hold your party at my place after all.

Got a problem with that?

I'm not so stingy. Plus, I'm not going to let a little provocation get to me.

Sounds nice. Wanna take the dance floor for a song or two?

...I'll pass.

Oh, your 'dance partner' isn't here. He doesn't seem to want to dance with you anymore.

Nonsense.

What about you, then? Why are you out here drinking by yourself? Where's your dance partner?

You're asking the wrong guy.

If I wanted to dance, I'd have my pick of anyone in this hall right now. Anyone, except for you.

We've arrived at Magnethill No. 2. Repeat, we've arrived at Magnethill No. 2.

Doc, how are things over on your side?

Exterior clear.

Considering the unique properties of Magnethill No. 2, I suggest we meet up.

Agreed.

Drone recon report, Iana.

Almost no different from the way we left it. Readings are virtually the same, and there is no sign of activity from any other party.

Looks like the quarantine on Magnethill No. 2 has been pretty well enforced.

Which is to say, there's nobody here.

And that's not good news, because we're here to look for the missing Ash squad.

Keep your eyes open. We'll proceed to Levi's main lab once we rendezvous.

Here we are.

Are you sure?

This is where Levi's main lab was, according to the map.

We were only one step behind Cohen. There were tremors, then...

I don't know if it was that madman Levi, or something wrong with the equipment, but the whole lab disappeared into thin air.

Into thin air? Are you sure?

I'd say that in my expert opinion, it's the most fitting description of the events.

That just doesn't seem possible.

No explosion can wipe out all evidence that a lab ever existed. It wouldn't have left a big hole like this, sending only a few tremors through those outside.

Earthquake? Or is it like you said...

It's not an earthquake!

The tremors might well be linked to the disappearance.

Find cover and wait for the tremors to pass!