mantra

They didn't even lower their voices. It appears Ursus's patience has run out.

But I cannot be 'disappeared.' I cannot meet the same fate as all those who sat in this chair before me. I cannot end up like the woman whose voice echoed from the speaker.

I'm more familiar with this place than I am with my sixty chervontsy a week studio apartment. I know how to leave this place without going through the front door.

—Sullivan Smirnov.

About that report you submitted today... we need you to tell us—

Whoever comes will only hear a sound that cuts off abruptly.

I'm running madly through the streets.

I don't even realize that it's gotten dark out. Our office has no windows, only a narrow row of ventilation shafts, but they're wide enough for an adult male to crawl through.

I land in the alley, but I don't know where to go next. I'm sure that coffin—I mean—studio apartment, has already been locked up. I can run for a bit, but I'll be captured. If I don't run, I'll also be captured.

But so what? Why is she telling me about this? Does this mean she knew she was being listened to, being watched, the entire time, just like that paranoid woman who visited her?

Also, who is this voice speaking to me?

With these questions in mind, I rush to the address that's burned into my memory.

Phew—

Phew...

Forget this. I should run. The Gendarmerie are already—

The dilapidated apartment, which was once filled with sound, is now silent, save for the echo of my words.

The doctor has already made it across the Leithanian border.

She single-handedly moved nearly a hundred Infected out of Ursus and provided shelter for those who couldn't leave. She's quite impressive.

By the time we arrived there, Ursus had already turned its attention to her.

It seems like we intervened just in time.

Yes.

Ursus was a special case, but the methods she used to help the Infected are still instructive for our future operations.

The report is on your desk, Madam.

Thank you for all your hard work, Mantra.

(Nods humbly)

You must be tired after spending so much time undercover.

Dr. Kal'tsit helped me before. Now I wish to repay her kindness.

Besides, I was just 'listening' to her. I did not really have to go undercover.

This is your story. I understand. However, I hope that one day you can call Babel your home.

Madam—

Ah. I've gone off topic again.

Go, take a rest, Mantra. I'm sorry that we can't give you even more time to recover.

There are still voices all over the world that we need to listen to.

I'm sure you've also heard the cries for help.

(Nods)

Yes. I've heard them.