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She aims at her scars, at her ghosts, at this display of her sins.

And pulls the trigger—

Nice shot~ Though, just a bit off the mark.

Reed's shot completely missed the mark, only leaving a black dot in the upper-left corner of the target paper.

Thank you...

Reed sets the gun down.

Not gonna give it another try?

I think that's enough...

The moment she fired the bullet, the gun responded with a powerful recoil.

It was a Sankta weapon. To squeeze the trigger is to make a declaration. And at the same time, to accept the consequences.

Outcast was fully aware of how heavy each shot she fired was, yet she... most likely never hesitated.

I'll continue with my training then.

After the test is over, I should probably make a trip to the reliquary and report the results to the instructor.

Reliquary?

Yup, the reliquary.

It's a place where Rhodes Island stores the belongings of excellent instructors that've since left us.

Where is this... reliquary?

Reliquary Entrance

After entering the Integrated Bioprocessing Unit, continue around the corner and you'll reach the door to the reliquary. Perhaps the lengthy corridor leading up to it is in consideration of the special nature of the room.

Reed planned to head straight inside, but a conversation between two operators in the corner catches her attention.

Because of a name they brought up–

(Outcast...)

The two operators seem to have been members of her team.

So she also takes a spot in the corner, as if waiting for someone.

She wants to hear what they have to say about Outcast.

So do you regret it now? Not going with her?

I already saw the report. What happened at County Hillock spun completely out of control.

Even so, she could have easily made it back alive, if she really wanted to.

This is Outcast we're talking about.

...Misery brought her gun chamber back. At the very end, she fired all six rounds.

Do you think she had any regrets?

Reed holds her breath.

Never.

So, I'll bring the question back around. What about you?

Reed looks away. She can almost envision what is about to be said.

Anger, hatred. These things are all too familiar to her.

I don't regret a thing either.

(Huh?)

She's never hesitated to ask for our help before. Since she decided to go solo this time, I'm sure she'd already thought things through.

The evacuees from County Hillock brought back someone seriously wounded.

An Infected?

An Infected.

If there's any outcome that would satisfy her, that'd be it.

Then, let's not disturb her rest any longer. She's been so busy for so long, she really ought to get some sleep.

Goodnight, our dear old friend. May you still remember a few of us in your dreams.

We'll come see you again next time.

Her life being saved must have been a coincidence.

But one thing is for certain.

As long as she meets Outcast, she will find salvation.

No matter how much the situation changes, the outcome remains the same.

Reed looks down the corridor to the entrance of the reliquary.

There, Outcast is awaiting her arrival.

Originally, these artifacts were stacked in a warehouse in the Integrated Bioprocessing Unit, along with other unclaimed items.

But everyone knows that some things will never be claimed, and only gather dust in the warehouse. Precious artifacts, fated to be eroded by time.

So they were placed into custom-made storage containers, and housed in a small room at the end of the warehouse.

It is a cemetery, made for the operators who have given their lives for the cause.

But there are neither flowers nor tombstones here.

Everyone keeps their voices down, for fear of disturbing the slumber of the deceased.

The same goes for Reed. She restrains her fire, trying not to allow the dancing flames to disturb the solemn atmosphere.

In front of each artifact compartment is a plume of light, and Reed follows the lights to identify the person sleeping there.

Scout......Whitesmith......

Outcast.

Her artifacts are here.

Just as Reed approaches, someone else happens to be turning around to leave.

(Quietly) Doctor...

(Nod)

Here, silence is the most effective means of communication.

After a simple exchange of courtesies, the two pass each other by.

It is then that Reed sees the code name of the one the Doctor was mourning–

Ace.

Perhaps, it tells the story of another savior. Perhaps one day, someone will tell that story to her.

But not today.

She walks in front of Outcast's artifact compartment, bows slightly, then reflects upon the legacy she left behind on this land.

In the compartment lies a damaged gun chamber, and next to it lies a eulogy someone wrote for her–

('She never capitulated, even after enduring countless trials and tribulations. Her muzzle belched tongues of flame that burned like an angry sun, and the glow above her head was brighter than the daylight itself.')

('Buried here is Outcast, our friend.')

*sniffle*...

(Hello, Outcast.)

(I've come here to thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance.)

(My name is... Reed. The reason I came here... is to find answers.)

(I want to know... what kind of person saved my life.)

(Now, I understand.)

(I always doubted whether you saving me served any purpose.)

(I was mistaken. In your eyes, all life is equally precious.)

(Thank you...)

(I was once my sister's puppet, and did so many unspeakable things. I once thought this land held nothing but darkness.)

(But now, you've showed me, taught me that light still shines upon this land.)

(Not the fires of disaster, but something... warmer, more brilliant...)

(Should I become a light like you? Am I even able to?)

The light shining on Outcast's artifact compartment also casts its rays upon Reed, drawing a shadow behind her that blends into the environment.

(I am... a weak person. I can't stand up to my sister, let alone put my life on the line to realize my ideals like you...)

(But even so... I will try... This is the only way I have to repay you...)

(I still need more time... I need to understand what I must do to be worthy of you, to be worthy of this life you saved.)

(The firelight always casts a shadow... But this time, I want to try letting it bring life and hope.)

(...Goodbye, Outcast.)

Reed turns around, and walks from the glowing light into the darkness.

The path leading out of the room is long and dark, swallowing her up entirely, leaving nothing but the flame at the tip of her tail.

But her flame remains steady and unyielding, radiating light and warmth, steadfastly and persistently drifting towards the exit.

At that moment, for the first time in its life, the scarred red dragon roars.

And a glimmer of light flashes across a withered, dusky hillock.