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Right? Blaze, you're putting in so much work not to become something. It's actually the opposite. It's because you are who you are that we think you are the right person for the job...

And everyone trusts you already, don't they?

Everyone who came back from the mission in Siracusa told me this—

'It's all thanks to Blaze.'

'If it wasn't for her cutting open that wall, we couldn't have finished the mission.'

T-That doesn't say anything about me. It's all thanks to what Mechanist gave me...

But no one else could've used such massive equipment as well as you did.

Uhh...

If it wasn't for you, Ace might've gone with a safer plan.

See? Everyone trusts you, and you are an inseparable part of the team now. This is the most important thing.

Amiya...

I'm just trying to say—We aren't giving you the title so that you can take the job.

It's your own actions that decided all of this, Blaze. You chose to become a certain kind of person, and you have chosen to take on that responsibility.

If all we wanted was combat capability, we could've asked somebody else. If we wanted a big pile of muscle, we didn't have to ask you.

Does that mean what I think it means?

Uh, no, probably not...

I-I'm just trying to say that strength isn't the only thing Rhodes Island is looking for!

You should believe in yourself, Blaze, and believe in us!

If you've made your decision, I'm ready to go with you.

Okay, okay... Sheesh, my whole face is going red.

Enough, little rabbit. I know what you're trying to say.

You're right. Jeez, you really have a way with words.

Ehehe...

Okay, it's almost time. I gotta pull it together and go to my meeting now.

I've never once thought of running away, you know?

Oh, I-I'll come with you!

Great! Let's take a relaxing walk together. How come you look like you're more nervous than I am?

D-Do I...?

Yep. Smile! That frown ruins your cute little face.

Nn... hehe.

There we go.

Trust me. I won't disappoint you.

Blaze walks down the long, dim hallway. The light above her head gently sways as the landship continues its march forward, causing her shadow on the ground to waver side to side as well.

Amiya has accompanied her on the entire journey to this door.

Then she swings it open.

The staircase leading down is long and dark, as though truly bottomless. Blaze takes a deep breath and begins her descent, leaving Amiya behind.

She must walk the rest of the way by herself.

At the bottom of the staircase, Blaze can make out a long table in a room that structurally seems cold as ice, with a warm, yellow light casting upon its steel beams.

A few familiar figures, some less so, stand under the lamplight.

From the shadows, a person that Blaze is all too familiar with steps forward, just as she expected her to.

Here you are.

I expected this to be a formal event, but this is quite the party...

Both Ace and Mechanist. Uh... and this is... Logos?

We're not exchanging cards...

Now I feel so much more relaxed with you guys here. I was pretty scared when I opened the door.

I recommended you for the job, so of course I'm here.

Ha, I didn't know you were such a coward.

Easy for you to say from that side of the table!

Okay, enough. Let's get down to business, and once this is done, come with me to the workshop. I want to tune that guy for you a little more.

Okay, I got a present for you, too.

Come on, stop interrupting.

Let's get started.

To brass tacks, then.

I'm listening.

Rhodes Island Frontline Combat Squad, Team Ace, Blaze.

With everyone in this room as witnesses, I need to know how you feel, and what your decision is.

Operator Blaze, will you become one of Rhodes Island's elite operators?