REVERSE: 1999 STORY LOGS

2ND - 01 | Courtesy

Sonetto: Timekeeper ... Ahh ... Haahh …

Special Team Captain: We can't leave Timekeeper inside alone! If we break the wall now, we can still …

APPLe: No, we cannot get in touch with Vertin yet. Without her location, they may get hurt from the blast.

Special Team Member I: The black smoke...! Watch out! Uggh, uggh!

Special Team Member II: Captain, we needa stay away from the wall! It's too dangerous inside, some of us are affected by enemy's incantation!

Special Team Captain: Then find the nearest window and get in... we may surround the enemy! Timekeeper must not be caught by the Manus!

Schneider's Man: Look, bring all your weapons. Yeah, we break out together, with them.

Sotheby: Aha? A group of masked men at the main entrance are rushing over. Oh no! they... they will see us!

Sonetto: We should go.

Special Team Captain: ...What?!

Sonetto: When Timekeeper is absent, chief assistant Sonetto will be the first-in-command. Going back now is like lambs to the slaughter. It will only ruin the last chance to rescue the Timekeeper. The enemy is after us. We are still in danger. It will only cost us more if we act on impulse.

Special Team Member: But ...!

Sonetto: Please trust the Timekeeper. She will do her best not to put herself in danger. And the Manus will also want to know why the Timekeeper is immune to the "Storm". We need to make a rescue plan as soon as we are safe and get her out!

Special Team Captain: Copy that!

The Manus Rioter: Found them!!

APPLe: The rioters are here! Miss Sotheby, the car once hit by the "Heaven Apostle", is it still working?

Sotheby: Hm... I have no idea... It's also my first time taking the "Auto Island"... I used to travel with Hippogriff Rogero…

Special Team Captain: It still works! But the engine needs a moment!

The Manus Rioter: This is all because of you! Stop!

Sonetto: Everybody, get ready to fight!

…

Special Action Team Captain: Come on, come on, we are all counting on you buddy! Just a little bit... The engine's... on!

Sotheby: Wow, is this also the great arcanum? Next time, please teach me how to master it!

Sonetto: Everybody get in the car! I'm afraid the noise will get us new company. Miss Sotheby, could we... stay at your house for the moment?

Sotheby: Stay? Really? That's awesome! I always plan to invite a friend to my place. Everything is ready. Just... just need a friend... Mr. Karson would certainly not agree, but I will convince him! Please believe me!

…

Special Action Team Captain: Everyone get on board, don't get left behind. Miss Sotheby, please lead the way.

Sotheby: Sure! No problem! Oops, Miss reeling, you stepped on my skirt. ...Well, I have a lot of potions hidden here, umm... If they're broken, I'm over.

Marian: ...Sorry. *cough*

APPLe: Whew! Thank goodness this APPLe doesn't take much space.

Special Action Team Captain: They are behind us! Hmm, the rear view mirror is really something. Let's move! Everyone sit tight, grab everything in your reach!

…

Sotheby: These are the woods we passed before. Mr. Karson said there are many terrible things hiding here... Miss Sonetto was chased by a group of ghost-like monsters! Oh, I seem to have read about them in The Guide to Monsters with Good Temper. Yes! Right under this tree, after we drove away the scoundrels, Miss Sonetto joined us. This is where the friendship between Sotheby and Miss Sonetto begins! Am I right, Miss Sonetto? ...Miss Sonetto?

Sonetto: ...Wah…

Sotheby: Are you... crying? Oh...

…

Druvis III: …

Forget Me Not: You're back, Miss Druvis.

He looks at the cage made of thorns. Two people are locked inside, wordless.

Forget Me Not: What you brought back is as satisfying as expected, Miss Druvis.

Druvis III: ...Is that right?

Forget Me Not: What do you mean by right? They are not good people, Miss Druvis. One is a traitor, and the other, a bureaucrat. You've done it right for all the blinded ones.

Druvis III: ...

Druvis III: ...I don't care whether they are good or not. I just want to know... ...Is it really the right thing to do?

???: Of course not. Shall we meet Lady Vertin as equals at the conference table? Better treatment she deserveth.

2ND - 02 | Manus Vindictae

???: I have been seeking a chance to talk to you from an equal position. The name is Arcana.

Vertin: Hello. … The leader behind Manus Vindictae.

Arcana: Thou art acquainted with us. How wonderful. I am pleased. Lady Vertin, here is an official offer that you joinest Manus Vindictae.

Forget Me Not: …?! Ms. Arcana …

Vertin: Why?

Arcana: Why? It’s simple. I simply adore thy visage, emotionless in each “Storm”. I adore that which shineth in gold, nestled in thy cranium. Thy flesh and blood belongen to us, if only a fraction of an ounce.

Vertin: Do I have the right to say no?

Arcana: Absolutely. As I said, we are in an equal position. I ask that thou answer three questions. Answer me, then thou shalt leave … lest I … Indulge in why suffering.

Schneider: Heh … You can’t. Don’t waste your time.

Forget Me Not: Ms. Schneider, it is you who betrayed us first.

Schneider: Is that so, Mr. Forget Me Not? It seems … we have never reached an agreement …

Forget Me Not: After all, your promise was a lie from the very beginning, Ms. Schneider. You should’ve known what was coming for you.

Schneider: Heh heh …

…

Vertin: So, what are the three questions? And how do you indulge in my suffering?

Arcana: Content thee, my child. The answer will be revealed for both of us.

She pulls out countless black lines of slime from her temple. The slime turns into a wand.

Arcana: The first question: What is the ultimate purpose for the Foundation to create the “Storm”?

Vertin: …!! Wha-what? The Foundation … Isn’t the “Storm” created by you …

Arcana: Time is up. I was expecting a better answer. Start with her right hand. Her gesture with a gun bothereth me.

Schneider: Uggh!

Vertin: Schneider!!

Arcana: Shh. This is too much for her with a broken hand. Then, the second question. The Foundation experiments on the orphans of arcanists. Is that true?

Vertin: Yes. We are looking for the arcane antibody immune to the “Storm” … And I am the only successful subject.

Arcana: And the name of that antibody is?

Vertin: Asymmetric … Immune Protein G …

Schneider: … Vaffanculo, vaffanculo …!

Arcana: A story in an inappropriate time, people call it a lie. Thou shalt not be misled by an abominable worm, Lady Vertin. Or her limbs are not my next target. The last question. As the only one who bravest the “Storm” easily, I wonder … the arcanists thou hast met. How are they?

Vertin: … … … I will join you …

Arcana: They are not very well, are they?

Vertin: …

Vertin: … I rarely meet them. Most of them are deserted. In the mental hospital, in the correctional institution, the abandoned orphanage, and the streets that no one sets foot on.

Arcana: We have been deserted by the principles of this world. As though we were born to be so … eccentric … and marginalized. Thine eyes are not blinded, Lady Vertin.

Arcana: Bonvenon hejmen.

2ND - 03 | Green Oranges

Schneider: … Fanculo. … It hurts …

Forget Me Not: Can you stand up, Miss Schneider? Both your right hand and left leg are injured.

Arcana walks to Schneider.

Schneider: Sparisci. Don’t touch my gun! Rotten roots, croaking toads. … Che minchione!

Arcana: Lady Vertin, what do you think of her pistol?

Vertin: … A great one.

Arcana: Exactly. Which was improved by our finest wandmaker–Druvis III. Take this.

Vertin: I don’t need it!

Arcana: And end her life.

Vertin: …! Why? I’ve decided to join you! The three questions are all done. It’s already … already enough!

Arcana: Hmm, indeed. It is a mission, a new mission showing our welcome to thee. Thou hast no right to refuse. Complying is thy only choice. Yet, Lady Vertin liketh not this. Then nay it is.

Arcana: Have an orange.

Vertin: … Orange? Why oranges here …?

…

Schneider: Stop running! You orange thief!

Vertin: Schneider? How did you become … so young …?

Schneider: Huh? Your clothes. … Are you from the downtown? Ah … I see. You are the friend that mia sorella said helping us pick oranges. Come with me. We have to hurry up. Uncle Cannavale is going to transport the oranges to town tonight!

Vertin: Where … where am I?

Schneider: Don’t be afraid. You can cut the oranges when you climb there. I’ll grab you tight!

Vertin: The orange tree feels so real–the warm breeze, the familiar scent … … I’m here to pick oranges. Eh hey.

…

Schneider: Uggh … uggh … huh … huh … My lord, it’s not fair. You’re shooting someone seriously injured … Oh … Wake up! Come to your senses!

…

Vertin: Ah, thank you for wiping the mud off my face.

Schneider: Are you really here to help us pick oranges? You don’t look very skilled. Or is all the city people like that?

Vertin: Who says I’m not skilled? Observe. Let me pick up that big orange at the top for you. Just climb up here, take a small jump … then I’ll get it … … Hey! I got it!

…

Schneider: Uggh … Huh … So it feels like this … to be shot by my own bullet. It’s not over yet … my lord. Then … don’t blame me for giving no mercy …

Pap! Pap! Pap!

Vertin: …

Schneider: Your back is bloody red … Don’t you feel the pain? Figlio di puttana! What the hell did she show you?

Arcana: Vertin’s back … such a huge scar on her back … How? Interesting. Interesting. Lines. The moon, The eye. What is it?

…

Schneider: How did you fall from the tree? Your back is bleeding.

Vertin: I … I think I just saw a critter … Didn’t watch my step when driving it away.

Schneider: Critter … ahh, I know it. That’s the little animal that didn’t take the ark, right? I often find them in the bushes!

Vertin: You often see strange creatures … Are you also an arcanist?

Schneider: I’m … umm …

Critters: *appear*

Vertin: Ah, the critters are making trouble now! Wait a minute. I will deal with them soon.

…

Schneider: Here you are. It’s the big orange. Thank you for helping us. Let’s have it together! I want to hear the story about the world outside!

Vertin: In the future … will you also come to town, Schneider?

Schneider: I … I have no idea. I’ve never left here. But my uncles have gone to the United States many years ago. My family would also like to go. I heard that … it’s completely different from here. It’s the real new world. There are wonders. Full measure of the blessing will be given. Sins will be forgiven. The god there … loves the world.

Schneider: Umm? Why don’t you eat, Miss Vertin?

Vertin: … I don’t feel like it. I’ve been wondering … don’t you think this orange … tastes bitter?

Schneider: Why not shoot? My lord … huh … just one last shot. … Why did you stop! Why! Don’t I deserve the right to … die fast?!

…

Schneider: Or did God finally forgive me. … He allowed me … to stay alive!!

Vertin: Schneider?! Why are you covered in blood … The pistol … No, no no! Don’t come over!

…

This is the final chance. One shall fall, one shall stand. Schneider dashes to Vertin, her chest bumping into the quivering pistol.

Pap!

Vertin: Schneider?! Why …!

Schneider: My lord … … Not now.

Vertin: I’m sorry. … … …

Forget Me Not: Oops, right in the heart. Accidentally, though, our new member is quite the sharpshooter.

Druvis III: …

Forget Me Not: Where are you going? Miss Druvis.

Druvis III: To where I go.

Arcana: This body, thou hast any idea? Miss Druvis.

Druvis III: … Send her back to where she belongs. So that they know Vertin’s choice.

2ND - 04 | Antidote

Special Action Team Captain: How long before we get to the manor? Miss Sotheby, we’ve been driving for more than 40 minutes.

Sotheby: Soon around the corner ahead and we’re out, then … huh! Hah? What’s that shadow? It’s moving! And there’s water on it …

APPLe: Waffle, that’s the Manus Vindictae’s believer! Get around now, don’t let them see us!

Special Action Team Captain: No! We can’t turn around now.

Sotheby: No! They found us!

The Manus Believer: *roars*

Sonetto: Let’s fight. Put and end to all that’s happening in this ridiculous forest. We must not let the Manus know where we are going.

Special Action Team Captain: Copy. Let’s make it fast!

…

Sonetto: There should be no other enemies. Are you alright? Is anybody hurt?

APPLe: Uggh …

Sonetto: Are you okay, Mr. APPLe?

APPLe: I got accidentally splashed by their slime. It must contain a high concentration of toxins … *cough*

Sotheby: Whoa … you are going mouldy! You need the antidote made from leeches, glass lizard blood, black fern root and at least two phoenix heart nerves!

Sotheby: They are very hard to find, but fortunately, I have them all!

APPLe: Thank you. But this APPLe might need a little bit of … Mancozeb.

Sotheby: “Mango Cub”? What’s that?

APPLe: Ahh … ahem …

Sotheby: Huh! Mr. APPLe passed out! Don’t worry, don’t worry! I’ve got all kinds of potion materials at my house. I’ll get them when we’re back!

After the “auto island” passing through ten different gardens, they finally get to the gate of the manor.

Sotheby: Phew! Finally got home! Hmm? That’s weird. Where is everybody? Anyone there! Someone needs an antidote!

Sonetto: …! Is that … a unicorn on the wall? Ah, it turned around … I thought it was a statue, but it is still alive?

Sotheby: It’s not a statue. It is the Quiet Ravenheart.

Marian: The sorcerer and heretic … oh God, forgive me, Sweet Mary mother of Jesus … Ahhh! What has flown over! God bless us!

Sotheby: Oh, don’t be afraid! Hahaha … that’s my dearest Sasana! You are here to welcome me!

Sonetto: Sasana? Well, this is the first time I have seen so many arcane creatures and plants for real …

Sotheby: Heh heh, it’s a mini Schnellgeiste. My father found it near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Braddock Heights. Don’t worry. It no longer sucks human blood. It’s my good friend now, and will welcome me home every time!

Sotheby: Speaking of which … It’s so weird. Where are all the servants at the door today? Mr. Karson would never allow this … Mr. Karson! Sotheby is back! Mr. Karson?

Sonetto: It seems there’s no one else but us here.

Sotheby: Well, it’s really weird. Forget it. Leave Mr. Karson alone. I have to find the “Mango Carrot” quickly! I will be back soon! Hold on in there, Mr. APPLe!

Special Action Team Captain: Hmm … what MR. APPLe just mentioned, is it really “Mango Carrot”?

Sonetto: I am so sorry. I did not hear it clearly either. I made a small cut on his leaf to release venom. Hopefully the toxic will take effect slower …

Marian: Umm … I think what he said was “Mancozeb”, an organometallic fungicide humans apply on plants.

Sonetto: …

…

Sotheby: Ma … Mea … Mon … Huh! Not in the index starting with “M”. So, Co .. Coe .. Cost .. Nothing! How could it be possible! We … we should have all the potion materials in our warehouse. Is that .. in Latin? What can I do … huh! I promised to cure Mr. APPLe …

Clang.

Sotheby: Umm? Did I hear something?

Clang. Clang.

Sotheby: Someone is here! What happened? This floor is a private storage area. Servants are strictly forbidden … And I never met any servant along the way … Phew … around this corner … I’m just gonna sneak a peek, making no sound …

…

Sotheby: M-Mr. Karson?!

Mr. Karson: Miss Sotheby, you’re back.

Sotheby: You … Why are you standing in front of our No. 18 vault?

2ND - 05 | City's Gastrosis

Mr. Karson: I am doing the weekly inventory check. I apologise for not welcoming you in time. Umm, however, what happened to your outfit, my lady? Look at the dust on your cheek, and where is the bow on your left arm? Why do you look like you just crawled out of the trenches? This … is terribly bad manners. I hope that Mr. Forget Me Not and the high society you met today will not think that the Sothebys are a group of savages.

Sotheby: Mr. Karson …! You’re all right. That’s great!

…

Sotheby: I haven’t found you. And the servants are all … Is there something wrong with our manor? Did the Manus make any trouble?

Mr. Karson: The Manus? I don’t understand, my lady. I assure you that the manor has not been disturbed by anyone. However, after dinner, all servants somehow got acute gastrointestinal inflammation. Your favorite gardener, Nick, is in hospital now.

Sotheby: What! How could that happen? … And you …

Mr. Karson: I was waiting for Master’s phone call while they were having dinner. Don’t worry, my lady. I have double checked the food. I assume that it’s just because of the inappropriate preservation.

Sotheby: Hah! If it’s not those bad guys, the Manus, then I have nothing to worry about! That’s it for now, Mr. Karson. I need to find the “Coco Carrot”!

Mr. Karson: “Coco Carrot”?

Sotheby: Yes, that remedy will save my friend’s life! They are all waiting for me in the lobby. It’s a close call!

Mr. Karson: …

Mr. Karson: … I see. But please be at ease, and a decent meal will be prepared for your friends.

Sotheby: Thank you! My greatest Mr. Karson!

…

Sotheby: Where will the “Coco Banana” be stored?

Sotheby: Ohhh! ohh … it hurts so much. How come there are so many green balls running around in the corridor!

???: Grrrrrr Meow!!

Sotheby: Grrrrrr Meow …? Isn’t it the Cactus Cat? You actually sneaked out while Anna was sick! So, did you come out to steal cactus juice again? I will get you drunk right now, or the manor will be messed up again!

…

Sotheby: Little devils, I gotcha! Ha ha, I’m quite good! Huh? What’s this little bottle next to the barrel? Manco …

…

Sotheby: Ah! Here is the magic “Mancozeb” that can cure all! The kind alchemist Sotheby will not give up any patients!

Sonetto: Thank you, alchemist Sotheby. Mr. APPLe has applied the medicine just now, and Miss Marian found the medicine outside the garden storeroom.

Sotheby: Ah … there are still many arcanists who are better than me. But why do you look so serious? This is …?

Sonetto: Come here, Miss Sotheby.

…

Sonetto: The Manus has taken action. There is a large scale disease outbreak in the city center. The news is on the radio.

Radio Host: According to the Public Health Service, by 8 p.m. today, 13,469 cases of asphyxiation deaths, 2,283 confirmed cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome and 181,002 confirmed cases related to gastrointestinal inflammation were reported in 45 regions. Patients with the new disease have had such primary symptoms as swallowing difficulties, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal inflammation. The disease is likely to spread in the areas of residence where the patients live.

Radio Host: It has not yet been confirmed as highly infectious. PHS Commissioned Corps has intervened in food supply control and will report its findings as soon as possible. The east side of Michigan Avenue in the Loup District, the Gold Coast block in the Near North Side, and the River North neighborhood are the most affected areas. We have also received reports from Evanston and Oak Park.

Radio Host: Until the source of the disease is identified, we ask that general public refrain from eating at restaurants, cafes, bars and any public places. If not necessary, please do not visit major public hospitals in urban areas.

Sotheby: More than 100,000 people are sick? Oh my gosh. You look so angry, Miss Sonetto. Are you okay?

…

Sonetto: … I am fine. The casualties are staggering. How did the Manus do that? These are obviously exogenous diseases.

Sotheby: Could it be … poison?! Miss Singing Box said that people who are sick would all have stomach pains … gastrointestinal inflammation, right?

APPLe: But even the hypertoxic ash of Peridexion Tree can’t cause such a mass casualty … And this APPLe’s symptom doesn’t include gastrointestinal inflammation.

Sonetto: I have recorded the broadcast and … the Timekeeper’s situation, and will report it to the headquarters now. Whether it is the solution to the “Storm”, or the plan to rescue the Timekeeper, we all need the instructions at a higher level.

Mr. Karson: Apologies for interrupting.

Sotheby: Mr. Karson? Ha! Is it time for dinner?

Mr. Karson: Yes. Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is ready. Please follow me to the dining room.

Sonetto: That’s great. Thank you.

Sotheby: Do we have Haggis with plum sauce today? I want everyone to try the delicacy my father brought back from Scotland!

…

Mr: Karson: Of course my lady. Your favorite lekvar haggis will be served soon. These dishes are made with the latest seasonal ingredients from the manor. May this wonderful night wash away our distinguished guests’ weariness.

Sotheby: …

Sotheby: Mr. Karson? What … what … what are these?

Mr. Karson: These are the appetizers.

Mr. Karson: Or would you like me to introduce them, my lady?

Mr. Karson: The 1919 botrytised sweet wine, Moulis en Medoc from Chateau Chasse-Spleen, Creamy Orange Caramels with Toffee Pudding, Puffapod in Herring Soup. Cream of Watercress Soup, Oysters with Mignonette Sauce, and Dill Barometz.

Sotheby: No. That’s not what I mean … Are you making a joke? But … this is not who you are, Mr. Karson … I don’t understand …

Sonetto: Huh … So … is that … What do you say is in the bowl in front of you, Mr. Karson? What is it?

Mr. Karson: Cream of Watercress Soup made of wasabi, blue cheese, watercress, fresh shellfish.

Sotheby: Gosh! Mr. Karson, can’t you … can’t you see it?!

Mr. Karson: If there is anything wrong with the cuisine, please let me know, my lady.

Sotheby: I don’t know what’s wrong with you, Mr. Karson … but these are not for dinner, not even food at all!

Sotheby: These … these … are gold and money!!

2ND - 06 | End of Immortal

Forget Me Not: Ms. Vertin doesn’t seem to have any appetite. Or, do you too, wonder how gold bar steak with wine and boiled silver coin tastes?

Druvis III: How did they eat those gold bars? It is not easy to cut them off.

…

Forget Me Not: Of course not. Gold is no meat or vegetable. But humans, yes, they are impressive. They had somehow worked out a brand new set of tools dealing with the new “food”.

Forget Me Not: A parer that can pare the rough surface of the gold like a potato; a spray gun that can melt bullion within seconds; a cutting board that can prevent cash from scattering all over the place … There are even cold drinks made from melted Statue of Liberty, only for 50 cents … Haha, I can’t help laughing.

Druvis III: But the milk … was mostly dumped.

Forget Me Not: It’s not food anymore. I can’t experience the lives of people who were sifted out by the “Storm”, but I wonder, for them … What do they do for eating? For paying? In the “Storm”, the thing that dominates their lives is still money. How could it be more ridiculous for the time!

Vertin: Why do you blame them? In the “Storm,” there is no life.

Druvis III: No life … You look very sad, Miss Vertin. I do not understand.

…

Vertin: This burnt branch … should have come from a rowan tree, right? I have seen this tree in Ireland and southwest England. It is often called “Quickbeam,” derived from Old German … means “stay alive.”

Vertin: Rowan is full of vitality. Even if it is transplanted from Europe to North America, it grows vigorously and stretches into a vast forest. In the most dangerous days in the Celtic calendar, people would wear garlands and berries of rowan to pray for its blessing for vitality.

Vertin: However, an unexpected fire destroyed all of them. Just like the “Storm.” It’s there for no reason.

…

Forget Me Not: I suggest you stop talking.

Vertin: People, like this branch, whose life was brutally terminated, they worked out new tools, they tried to eat the softened gold bars, and sold the food that’s no longer valuable … People worked so hard to understand life with their own logic … because they just want to live as much as possible, but not go back in time.

…

Forget Me Not: Watch your mouth, Vertin!

Druvis III: But … going back in time … why isn’t it real life?

Vertin: Is this little rowan branch really alive, Ms. Druvis? You used arcanum to keep it at the moment when it was burned.

Druvis III: …!

Vertin: Once you dispel the arcanum, it would not be what it is now. I think you are clear, Ms. Druvis, that … Every tree lives for tomorrow.

Forget Me Not: Enough! How abominable … This is not where you can give your speeches and such clichés. Since you are still being such a bureaucrat … Why not let our believers help you get used to the Manus’ manners.

…

Vertin: Uggh …

Forget Me Not: Ugh …! How dare you!

The vase shatters into pieces during the chaos. The deadwood falls out, and surprisingly shows a touch of green as if the incantation has been dispelled.

Forget Me Not: You should not touch other’s belongings. Look what you’ve done!

Druvis III: … I heard that … rowan was often planted next to the Welsh cemeteries, because it would guide the deceased to the next life, so as not to stay in the world and haunt the living. But I was hoping …

Druvis III: Never mind. The arcanum is dispelled. I don’t like things being touched by others. Take it away.

Vertin: …Alright.

…

Only two are left at the large dining table.

Forget Me Not: That branch, you’ve treasured it for a long time. Is it alright to just give that to her?

Druvis III: … You asked me to stay. Is there anything you would like me to know?

Forget Me Not: … Yes. I’ve received an instruction from the Guiding One. Our next plan concerns you.

Forget Me Not: Follow me.

2ND - 07 | The Good News

Druvis III: It’s a nice view here.

Forget Me Not: Indeed. Where your woods can just be seen.

Druvis III: … Are you here to ask about my decision?

Forget Me Not: We have negotiated with the local government. They are very interested in your woods. Because of the “Storm”, the medical supplies cannot meet the needs of the surging number of patients. They need places to house the patients and refugees.

Forget Me Not: Your woods … are the best choice, for its abundant space and adaptability to cast the healing rituals.

Forget Me Not: So, have you made up your mind, Miss Druvis? You are always welcome to join us Manus.

Druvis III: If I join you, will you reject the government because of me?

Forget Me Not: We have a better plan. In the woods, they are going to build the only major relief shelter in the city. Arcanum will be used as the main treatment here, which means … Food. Resource. Money. And everything necessary to build Manus Vindictae.

Forget Me Not: We’ve reached a consensus. Nobody can offer a better assistance in the field of arcanum than us.

Druvis III: … What about those refugees?

Forget Me Not: … Only those who are sifted out by the “Storm” will become refugees. You will not. You have my word. We hope that on the “Relief Day”, you’ll show up as the owner of the woods, and offer your help.

Druvis III: I am no longer the owner of the woods …

Forget Me Not: For as long as you need, I will transfer the ownership to you at anytime. Not to mention that the one and only owner of the woods is you, from the beginning to the end.

Druvis III: …

Forget Me Not: I know how you feel. What you once had … is what I should have. I will look after the woods for you, till the moment we start the “Relief Day” plan.

Druvis III: Thank you.

…

Forget Me Not has been away for a long time. She looks out the window.

Those trees … shall sprout?

Druvis III: For tomorrow …

…

Endless vines. Restless slimes. The enemies are approaching.

And there is no way out.

Schneider: F**k! Not enough bullets. Cover me, my lord!

Vertin: Your wound hasn’t healed. Can’t get hurt anymore. Stay behind me! This is a cage. She wants to catch us! The exit at two is our last chance! Breakthrough!

Schneider: No, my lord … it’s too late …

Vertin: Uggh … It hurts … The slime on the thorns will make your body stiff. Be careful!

Schneider: All retreats are blocked. We are caught.

Vertin: … No. We can’t be trapped here. Let me try again!

Druvis III: Give it up.

Vertin: Flamo Flicker! Ugh!! … It bounced back … How? How is the thorn cage so tough?!

Druvis III: It’s over.

Vertin: Aferoj Away! Umm … Damn it! Why!

Schneider: You are not pure blood, right? …My lord.

Vertin: …I’m not sure.

Schneider: Heh heh, you are like me─crappy guys not good at arcanum. Don’t you see it? The pure-blood arcanists and we … are worlds apart. We can’t beat Druvis. You know it. When you push out the old woman in white, you should have figured it out. No matter how we struggle, it makes no difference. We will be sent to Arcana.

Vertin: …There must be a way. It just takes time.

Schneider: You are braver than most people I’ve ever met, my lord. But it’s not enough. Far from enough …

Schneider: When it’s time, please kill me.

Vertin: What are you talking about?!

Schneider: Left of my chest. The Manus will not let us go. Killing each other … has always been their favourite. You are much more important than me, my lord. Cherish your value.

Vertin: …I don’t understand …

Schneider: Remember. Left of my chest. Do it quick.

Vertin: It’s too risky, and …

Schneider: If you want to survive … we have no choice. Trust me, my lord. I cherish my life more than anyone … ahem ahem …

Vertin: But what you said … She … She heard it all.

Druvis III: …

Schneider: Heh, heh, you are right, my lord. Our destiny … is her choice.

2ND - 08 | Popular Literature

Vertin: The second, the first, and the underground—altogether three chambers in the speakeasy. There are mainly material rooms, and corridor on the second floor. Cross out. The most likely place to park Schneider … should be in one of the rooms on the other two floors. It’s a pity that the patrolmen could not be confirmed. I’m afraid a battle will be inevitable. Bring the healing potion, other potions, medical equipment, food, masks if the Manus, and … The rowan branch sprouted. The symbol of protection and blessing … I’ll take it. Go.

…

Follow the map, avoid the minions and search the rooms. The Manus’s masks blocks their sight. It both shelters and blinds them. No obstacles of the followers and disciples along the way, since a salute will save all the troubles. The tunnel to the underground floor is right ahead. It’s a fork in the road.

Vertin: It’s weird. It was a straight path when investigating. Hm? Someone’s coming. I should hide from them. …? Why … The rowan branch seems to be pulling me? Does it want me to choose the path where they are? OK, then I’ll wait for them to go over.

The Manus Follower I: I saw my grandma in the entrance of the hospital. She choked on cash, and was carried on a stretcher … She can’t even recognize me.

The Manus follower II: It’s nothing, Mr. Thomas. My son Robert’s dead. I heard it on the radio. They are just sifted out by the “Storm,” not as lucky as we are.

The Manus Follower I: I don’t understand … 3 hours before you were still … crying …

The Manus Follower II: We have to accept all this, accept that the dream of our new age is broken … and the fact that we have to fight against the government tomorrow.

The Manus Follower I: Fight against the government?!

The Manus Follower II: Yes. Mr. Forget Me Not told me so. We need to deliver tons of goods to the real “Sanctuary” of Manus Vindictae. Our safety is not fully guaranteed even with the masks. Only the “Sanctuary” can we hide from the influence of the “Storm” … And then we set sail anew to the new age, to the new life!!! Just like Miss Vertin, our *roar* …

The Manus Follower I: What are you talking about? Mr. Robert, y-y-your hand, what the black slime?

The Manus Follower II: *roars*

…

The Manus Follower I: Wha-wha-whats this! You’re like one of those monsters?! Huh! I’ll go find somebody …

Vertin: Both his appearance and voice have changed, just like the believers who can’t talk … Is it because of the mask? Or Arcana? No, I can’t stay any longer. I need to pass through here and go to the underground before anyone else comes.

The Manus Follower II: *roar*

Vertin: “Mine hands, thine order.” I am Vertin, a follower like you. Please let me pass.

The Manus follower II: *attacks*

Vertin: He can’t be talked into sense … Is he moving just by instinct? I can only stun you first! Sorry … Mr. Robert.

…

Vertin: Footsteps. At least five or six people. I should go downstairs quickly. The underground … another turnoff!

The sprout is growing at an unbelievable speed. It seems to be leading the way.

Vertin: Are you really showing me the way? Then … I’ll go left. So close. Just avoided another group of guards … It’s a wine room. Schneider is not here. Next … This is … a floating staircase going down?! Is there another fourth space?

… The sprout is already a finger’s length. There is even a small bud on it. It points downstairs.

…

Vertin: Fine. Last bet. I’ll go down. I found you … Schneider!

She is barely breathing. Black bloodstains and feathers congeal into a silent figure.

Vertin: Weak pulse … How come? We should have time for first aid …

Schneider: My lord …

Vertin: Schneider!

Schneider: Did I see illusions? … Or Are you missing me … just as I’m missing you? … *cough* … Holding me … so tight …

Vertin: Thank goodness you’re fine. Drink these.

Schneider: Umm uggh … Too rough, my lord! We just met … *cough* it tastes awful … Umm … Is it the special healing potion?

Vertin: And this. Eat. You must have been hungry for so long.

Schneider: … What’s this, my lord?

Vertin: It’s the leftover cake from dinner. I can’t bring too much with me. Hang in for a while. They will send you out here tonight. I just don’t know … How did you do that? When you bumped me … The bullet did hit your chest.

Schneider: … I don’t have much energy to talk, my lord … I just want to know … Druvis’s last choice. Vertin: I didn’t have the chance to talk to her alone, But I think, since I can meet you now, maybe …

Schneider: Ahh. It’s blooming.

Vertin: Maybe she shares the same dream with us. Schneider. Now you need to save your strength. Don’t open your eyes until you meet Sonetto. I’ll see you in the relief shelter.

2ND - 09 | Pearl and Bullet Hole

Sotheby: Okay, it’s time to publish the lab results of the 42nd trial of the Chew-Chew Hallucinogen III! Tell me about what you saw?

Man In Black: The Madonna, dagger, Portland cement blocks … ahh yuck! It tastes like cement too.

Marian: Wool, twine and scissors, pineapple cherry tomato pizza … Oh no no no no how sacreligious, My lord!

Mr. Karson: Glenn Miller’s trombone collection, medals … and … Why is that here— the body of my dog in the trench?

Sotheby: … Gosh! Really sorry, Mr. Karson … Still need to improve, improve! It’s alright. Give me more time. Thirty minutes are enough!

APPLe: Turns out the “Storm Syndrome” can distort all the senses about foods … Working up an appetite with hallucinogen is harder than I thought. Miss Sotheby, we have to hurry up. The longer they can’t eat, the weaker they get.

Sotheby: I know. I will make it … I’ve already learnt so many formulas … and bought so many of the best ingredients … I … Hey! Stop it Anna! Don’t eat those banknotes! Stop her, Ms. Sonetto!

…

Sonetto: Stono Swift!

Anna: …

Sonetto: Sorry. For the humans who have temporarily lost their minds, this is the only way to go. I received the message from the patrol team. Followers are around the manor.

Sotheby: What?! They must be doing something bad! Stop them. Don’t let them in!

…

[Edge, Manor]

The rolling wind is not usual tonight.

APPLe: Miss Sonetto, have you heard from the Foundation?

Sonetto: Not yet … If the instructions are delayed, I am afraid I will implement the backup plan. To rescue the Timekeeper is the primary goal.

Follower: I’m afraid that reality fails you, ladies.

Say a bunch of people carrying a stretcher. The person on the stretcher is tightly covered with a white cloth. Only one arm with the feather decoration hangs down.

Sotheby: Who are you! The masks … You are the trouble maker, Followers? Carrying a small white bed. What’s that?

Marian: That black suit … the feathers … Schneider?! That’s my sister Schneider! What happened … the blood everywhere …

Follower: What happened? Death, of course. There are many bodies, she’s the only one to go home. Just for you to know. It’s our Ms. Vertin’s decision.

Sonetto: … Nonsense!

APPLe: Let me check. The scar on her chest has no sign of slime …

Follower: Ms. Vertin’s already one of us. We share the same blood. That’s an incredible gunfight, greater than any you’ve ever seen last night. Believe it or not, check the scars on her body. They’re like sparkling pearls on the beach.

Marian: Oh … enough. Enough!!

Sonetto: Unforgivable! How could there be someone who spoke such rude words and … insulted the deceased and the Timekeeper like this … May the peace be with us.

…

Sonetto: … The enemies are cleared.

Schneider: Good fight, old woman.

Sonetto: … Huh!

Schneider: You venge me so fiercely. … *cough* … Even my stone heart will be moved …

Marian: Mia sorella?! You’re alive … Thank god … Jesus and Sweet Mary! Huh! What is going on? How did you get these bad injuries?

Sonetto: Where is the Timekeeper? What happened to you? Is …

…

Schneider: Huh emm … These are not important. In your heart … there has been an irrevocable answer for long. Look at this flower. Look at every word on it … we got it at the expense of … our lives … … I’m so glad … I can see the starry night.

…

APPLe: She passed out! Take her inside for emergency medical attention!

2ND - 10 | The Chew-Chew Potion

Sotheby: *yawns* … So sleepy … The Chew-Chew Hallucinogen IX is almost there … What on earth is missing … Oops!

Mr. Karson: Please mind your step and don’t forget your manners, my lady. Ms. Sonetto is at work. Do not disturb her.

Sonetto: Yes. Sonetto received. We are on our way to the Relief Shelter, close to the woods.

Z: Long story short. Our agents in Washington reported that all the relief supplies are being delivered to Chicago. What the Manus wants are those supplies. So you need to adjust your plan. Our first priority is to stop them from grabbing the supplies and to rescue the refugees. There may well be a tough battle today. Just in case, we will send you some fresh crews.

Sonetto: Then what about the Timekeeper? She …

Z: She knows what she is doing. You will meet when the mission is completed, Sonetto.

Sonetto: … Understood. I will do my best.

Z:Thank you for what you have done for the well-being of mankind. Looking forward to the good news.

The letter from the Foundation: *shoot*

An arrow dripping with slime pierces the letter.

Follower: Woods are locked! Go back if you’re not transport staff!

Disciple: *roar*

Sonetto: Of course we are the transport staff, though the direction we’re going is different from yours.

Sotheby: Hmm? Now they arrived. I feel a lot more awake!

Sonetto: Everyone, please lend me your strength.

…

Although only half a day has passed, the woods are no longer the same as it was. People sit around the base camp tent, stretchers, and temporary stoves, trying to smile in a pale face. In the center, next to the huge crucible, there is a high wooden platform as required for a press conference with a Steinway piano.

Commissioned Corps Officer: Hmm let me see, umm Mr. Forget Me Not. So you are the man who’s gonna work with us?

Forget Me Not: Exactly.

Commissioned Corps Officer: Show me your physician’s license. Are you good at clinical diagnosis? How many patients have you seen?

Forget Me Not: Sir, I’m an arcanist.

Commissioned Corps Officer: Oh, A.K.A con artist, right?

Forget Me Not: I was invited. You’ve already prepared the crucible and materials I need, why bother asking me?

Commissioned Corps Officer: *tut* … What are those numskull chiefs thinking! … What can this freak do? Playing house with some rotten roots and toad?

Mrs. Durant: Isn’t this Mr. Forget Me Not! Fabulous, such a relief that you’re here … *cough* We haven’t had any food for a whole night. We’re starving, and can’t stop thinking about eating … I don’t know. They say it’s cash.

Forget Me Not: Don’t worry, I promise everything will be ok, Mrs. Durant.

Mrs. Durant: *cough* I know … but you will definitely treat people in the white tent zone first, right? For the love of all the great party times we had! We couldn’t take any more of these.

Druvis III: So … there are other zones here.Then … who is living outside the white tent zone?

Mrs. Durant: Only god knows. I heard that it’s a bunch tramps and vendors, I’ve never seen them before! However, distinguished lady, you look very familiar. Have we meet somewhere before?

Druvis III: I am afraid you made a mistake, madam.

The military officer gets angry as more and more people gather around here.

Commissioned Corps Officer: Stop dawdling! Since you’re here to save lives, hurry up then! Thousands of people are waiting!

Forget Me Not: Keep silent when I’m making potions, sir.

Commissioned Corps Officer: Yeah, pretentious … I’ll check 30 mins later, to see what the hell you’re up to!

Forget Me Not: …

Forget Me Not: Enjoy the peace before “the Storm”.

2ND - 11 | Polypotion

Vertin: These powders are not poisonous. Also the potion he’s brewing doesn’t do any obvious harm. This smells nice. Even like … Why? Does he really want to treat the patients? Impossible.

Tramp: Move! Get outta my way!

Vertin: …!

Tramp: Where did they hide the medicine? Tear it, *coughs* tear it apart! What are these boxes!

Patient: *coughs* You can’t take these … These are the relief supplies of the service corps!

Tramp: Cotton … cotton … Ah! It’s the quilt! Who wants this shit!

Vertin: Relief supplies?! So that’s it … Lots of reserved food and oil, medical supplies, emergency supplies, and temporary infrastructure tools … Without official support, Manus Vindictae needs supplies to gain a foothold in different eras. The so-called peace before the “Storm” is to cover up the transport of supplies! No. Ten is too late. I must meet Sonetto before that!

Tramp: Hey! You wanna steal the potion? Gimme the potion!

Vertin: It’s a misunderstanding. I don’t have the potion. It will be delivered very soon.

Can’t be talked into sense, the tramp utters a cry.

Tramp: No! You can’t fool me …! You’re afraid of me … you’re afraid of getting burned! … Gimme that …!

Vertin: Crap. Other people will be attracted here! I need to take him down …

…

Vertin: … Sorry. Take a rest. You can no longer waste your energy like this.

An unguarded trail hides behind the bushes. A smell of stale, burnt gasoline lingers.

Druvis III: Are you running away?

Vertin: Ms. Druvis … No. I’m picking them up.

Druvis III: Then you should not pick this way. Are you still as lost as you were at the beginning? It is heavily guarded in the front. There are more serious crises than just now. Even so, are you still moving forward?

Vertin: … Yes. Until we see “tomorrow” with our own eyes. Will you come with me, Druvis?

Druvis III: … Your friends are on the way. I “see” … the huge engines are roaring towards here. What “we” desire is being removed; what “we” despise is being rescued. But “our” enemies are still increasing. From north to south. From east to west. The “Storm” is coming … I accept your invitation. But this is a formal farewell. I need to see my woods one last time and engrave it in my mind.

She fiddles with her hair, walking towards the shelter.

…

Sonetto: Good? This should be the third transport truck we seized. In order to avoid attention, the Manus reduced the number of guards for the supply transport. They must have never expected our attack. Captain, lead the team to escort the three vehicles back to the manor. You and the others, follow me to the Relief Shelter.

Team Members: Copy that!

…

Schneider: Have you made the latest hallucinogen, my lady? If you are confident, you can pour it into my mouth …

Sotheby: Thank you for being my experimental subject! But even if it’s successful, you won’t have any reaction. You don’t want to eat gold bars …

Schneider: Humph? Is someone questioning my contribution? I am willing to try it for my family first … Isn’t that okay? My lady is really hard to understand. After all, I am the woman who escaped from Druvis III. … Compared to any of you … I know what death … tastes like …

Sotheby: Ms. Druvis, who’s that? You mention her a lot. Is it only me who does not know her?

Sonetto: I have read her investigation report. She is the stepdaughter of Washington State Forestry Tycoon.

Mr. Karson: You mean the Weyerhaeuser? Master once dealt with them. However, the family suffered a great deal of misfortune. It was even in The Times. The Soviet Union artificially lowered wood prices and that led to their bankruptcy. Fate can’t be tested. Let alone … no, never mind.

Sotheby: Why did you hesitate, Mr. Karson?

Mr. Karson: Nothing, I assume that Ms. Druvis will prefer not to bring up such an old story again. It is also not my place to meddle in private affairs. Please don’t take it to heart.

Sonetto: Be careful, everyone. We have entered the area of the Relief Shelter.

Sotheby: Wow … the fog has risen in the woods! *cough* … What’s the funny smell? I can’t control myself. *cough* … And I’m a little dizzy … Whoa … whoa …

Sonetto: Come here! Hold your breath. The white fog should be a protective incantation to hide the Relief Shelter. It is now 35 minutes to ten. The refugees nearby are not well, and the guards are doubled. From now on, everyone please proceed with caution. Ensure that you are not disturbed by the fog.

Sotheby: Yes. *cough* No problem! Move as much as possible before we met Miss Vertin!

Sonetto: Good. Repeat. Transfer supplies. Rescue refugees! Let’s move!

2ND - 12 | About the New Era

President Michel: Oh, thank you, I’ve been starving for so long. Hmm … not bad! Give me another potion.

Forget Me Not: Of course, suit yourself please. Oh. Ms. Druvis, you’re back. Have you finished potion distribution?

Druvis III: Yes. Patients in the stretcher zone have also taken the potion. They are feeling a bit better.

Commissioned Corpst: What’s that smell? You just gave it out before we sample them? The press is here in no time! You have to be fully responsible for any accident!

Druvis III: The press?

Commissioned Corpst: Aren’t you the ones who wanted a press conference? Just to show off what the arcanists do in the relief! Hey! Gimme some potion! These toad freaks …

He is too late. Following the believer, the journalists pack into the square with cameras on their shoulders, looking around the place.

Druvis III: I didn’t know there will be press today.

Forget Me Not: Forgive me for that I want to hold a banquet before the “Storm”, Miss Druvis. After all, for us Manus Vindictae, this era is no longer of any value.

Commissioned Corpst: The potion … tastes so familiar … the smell … *spitting* This is beer?! This is prohibited? Where did you get it?! I knew it, I knew we can’t trust these insane people! Get them all!

Forget Me Not: Insane? No, we can’t be more sane.

Forget Me Not turns to him, with a weird, excited smile on his face. He has waited so long just for this moment to show his true self.

Forget Me Not: We are neither insane, nor ever hysterical. Not to mention practicing hypocrisy, screwing money through all the ridiculous and absurd decrees. The prohibition has lasted for almost 10 years, how could you know it’s beer right away? What a hypocritical wretch!

Commissioned Corps: Uggh … ahh!!

As Forget Me Not raises his hands, people start to explode one after another. The rude officer falls down, with a broken stomach and guts all over the place.

Vertin: What?! He used the potion as fuel for explosion?

Forget Me Not: Distress cometh upon those not of me. Present me thy flesh, soul and abhorring.

Broke Celebrity: Why!!! Arrgh!!!

Forget Me Not: I give you death, rejoice, may the wine in Heaven be without measure.

President Michel: Don’t … don’t kill me … Arrgh!

Journalist: Help! … Run! Run!

Forget Me Not: I will not kill you. I demand you vultures faithfully record everything that happened.I demand you see with your own eyes─how does an inferior take everything he has been deprived of. Just! Like! This!

Mrs. Durant: No! … Help me!

Druvis III: Mr. Forget Me Not. The fall has gone. No need for more blood.

Forget Me Not: What makes you doubt, Miss Druvis? “The Storm” is coming, we have accomplished our missions. And everything here should be doomed!

Druvis III: …The “Storm” is only the “Storm”. It is not destiny.

Mrs. Durant: *cry* Miss, please help … No! You … you are … I’ve met you! You are the daughter of the late Weyerhaeuser?!

Druvis III: …

Journalist I: Those Weyerhaeusers! They burned themselves after bankruptcy …

Journalist II: No, not self-burned! Their daughter who studied dark magic burned them alive!

Journalist I: Worth it if I take a photo of her before I die! Move! Let me take one!

Druvis III: … No. Don’t do this!

…

Flash lights, questions after questions. Nothing different.

Druvis III: I have not studied dark magic.

Journalist: Did your parents’ death have nothing to do with you? I heard they were always against you learning dark magic.

Druvis III: I have not studied dark magic. I was born an arcanist.

Journalist: Which means you decided to burn them alive because of their disapproval.

Druvis III: I did not burn them alive. The fire was caused by gasoline. They told me … it’s twenty barrels of gasoline.

Journalist: It is not possible that 20 barrels of gasoline can cause such a fire. It is dark magic, Miss. It is said that you always objected to their plans of cutting the trees and selling the woods. So they did it at midnight to avoid you. However, you were at the scene of their death.

Druvis III: …I wanted to tell them I have just learned a new “arcane skill” … I do hear the sound of trees. I know there is a way … to make us all survive. No need to sell the woods. No need to level up trees. No need to file for bankruptcy … We can go back to the life we had … the kind of life they expected.

Journalist: So you chose to escape the debt by burning down the woods.

Druvis III: … I will find out the truth. I will find the arsonist. I will find the answer I never knew.

Vertin: Druvis! Druvis …!

…

Druvis III: I will not let the woods grow. I will defend everything about them. I will … *cry*

Vertin: Enough! Don’t live in the past!

Vertin: Your blessing … once brought me fortune and hope. Now I will give this blessing to you. I will share my “tomorrow” with you. Watch your steps. Leave with me!

Druvis III: ...! Vertin … My tomorrow …

…

Vertin: Leave the flashlight. Get up. I’ll carry you and jump out!

Druvis III: …Thank you.

Forget Me Not: Are you being officious, or just revealing your sting?

Vertin: Forget Me Not, sooner or later, you will be destroyed by your own hatred.

Forget Me Not: I know, but I’m sorry that you’ll never live to see that day.

He gets out his wand and a disciple appears behind him.

Manus Messenger: *roaring* <We were attacked.> <The Foundation has hijacked our supplies and is still breaking the outermost protective spell, intends to attack!>

Forget Me Not: …

Vertin: …

Forget Me Not: So, you left in such a hurry just to get your accomplice, bumblebee. It’s time to clean the garden, my disciples!

Manus Believer: *roars*

2ND - 13 | Documentary

Sonetto: Why … why can’t the fog be cleared? … How can we get in? I’ve already heard the Timekeeper’s voice. She is close to us. She needs help!

APPLe: The arcane skill on the fog is far more powerful than ours. It’s countering us.

Sonetto: I can’t wait any longer. I don’t want it to be … like the last time … There must be a way to focus all of our arcanum simultaneously. As long as we’re more powerful, even just for a second! … As long as there’s a breach …

???: Sometimes, things can be fixed without arcanum.

Sonetto: Huh …!

X: It is also a good way … to learn from human experience.

Sonetto: Mr. X, and … Regulus! So the reinforcements sent by the Foundation are you guys. Excellent!

Regulus: Phew! Finally we catch up. I’m cream crackered! No worries, Sonetto! We will rush in and meet Vertin!

Sonetto: What did you just say, Mr. X? Is there another way?

X: The essence of arcane power … lies in the intuitive insight into everything. And our human friends are good at logical deduction based on awareness, which is rejected by the arcanists. Since we can’t beat the Manus in terms of arcanum, then …

He knocks at the weird-shaped pipe hiding under his coat.

X: Why not try to use a counter-intuitive logic experiment to open the door of this protective incantation? Anyway, as long as the caster can be interrupted, anything is fine.

Sonetto: Hmm, are you going to avoid the surveillance of the fog, and go directly in to break the incantation? What counter-intuitive experiment will you do?

X: Heh heh, check it out. The next experiment is: within three minutes, use this copper pipe to boil a pot of water in the distance!

Sonetto: A Goldberg Machine! That explains it. Now I understand!

Regulus: How did you get it? Uhh, I think people at the Foundation are more or less freaks. But well, the kind of machine designed to be meaningless at every step is indeed counter-intuitive. Maybe it really will release us from the control of arcanum. Haha! It’s a gas!

Sonetto: So, please start the experiment soon! We do not have much time. Please hold on, Timekeeper. Reinforcements are coming right away.

…

[Clinic, Scorched Woods]

Forget Me Not: There are so many of us. How many rounds can you make it through?

Vertin: Your good luck won’t last long. Despite the coming “Storm,” or the Foundation’s reinforcements, there is only one ending to your story.

Forget Me Not: Ha ha! I don’t care about the words of a dying man. Miss Druvis, I’ve found the truth for you. The culprit to blame, the arsonist, is right here in the shelter. As long as you keep your promise to stay.

Druvis III: No … It’s not important anymore …

Forget Me Not: Not important?! He ruined everything with just 20 barrels of gasoline! That’s him. Do you know who he is?

Tramp: Arrgh … Uggh …

Forget Me Not: A firefighter who lost his job because of the depression! Thought that putting out a fire could win him his job back! Look at those hands, they set the fire, burned your families alive, burned your woods into ashes! How could you … how could you even forget such pain like that? Druvis!

Druvis III: … Thank you, Mr. Forget Me Not. For your help in the flames in the past. For your compassion for someone you’ve never met. Today is just the same as before. In the past, I tried everything to protect something. But before I knew it, I already stood on the opposite side of myself in the past. My woods will not perish. They will live with scars, and new shoots in spring. They will look haggard, but at the same time they will stand upright. They will continue to grow, recording everything about their own history, territory, residents, and an anecdote of a reckless firefighter in the 1920s. They will keep growing upwards, until they cross the millennium. Huh … please allow me to bid you farewell, Mr. Forget Me Not.

Forget Me Not: … I don’t understand … I can’t understand …

Vertin: We belong to the future, Forget Me Not.

It’s raining. What comes after the rain, is a bottle of boiled water pouring down on him.

But he stands still.

Forget Me Not: … It’s still February. But for you, isn’t the spring already here?

Druvis III: I think I should go back to where I belong.

Flowers. More flowers. Without being noticed, they are sprouting on the scorched earth and become flower fields.

Journalist: The forget-me-not flower field?! I wrote about the place … in Rainier … Urrgh!!!

Forget Me Not: ─ ─

That journalist falls down in a puddle of her own blood. Footsteps are getting closer. The incantation has dispelled, and people who dispelled it are running towards here. These seem nothing to Forget Me Not, as he just turns around and walks to the piano.

Forget Me Not: Next time you see a wounded snake, don’t save it no more. Crush it to pieces. Smear its tongue with the ashes of despair.

People are coming here. This time, they are our companions.

X: Wow. What is that man going to do? What a terrible arcanum fluctuation …! If I knew it I wouldn’t have come in!

Regulus: Ahh hah? Are you having a quarrel? Looks like it poured at a bad time?

Sonetto: Timekeeper!

Vertin: Sonetto … Regulus …?

Sonetto: You’re not hurt! That’s great! I am sorry. You protected me when the wall fell … But I could not save you … and even let you confront the Manus alone. … I am sorry …

Vertin: Your hands are trembling, Sonetto … Calm down. You did nothing wrong. We are together now, aren’t we? There are more challenges for us to take. It’s not the time to catch up.

Sonetto: … You … you are right. We are late, but not too late … Timekeeper, I-I am so glad that you are safe and sound! What comes next is the final battle! This time, please let me protect you.

2ND - 14 | Puppet

Sotheby: Oh …! It really hurts! I got hit!

Mr. Karson: My Lady! Stand behind me!

The piano keeps playing.

Sonetto: Urrgh …! The battle is intense. The number of the injured on both sides is still increasing … We have assembled so many combatants … But if that’s the Manus’s power, I will then need … much more training …

Arcana: You are all bleeding.

Sonetto: Huh! You are …

X: Whoa, here comes a trickier guy?!

Arcana: Heh heh …

Vertin: We’re in trouble …! Everybody, keep 50 feet away from her!

Arcana: Vertin, my lovely puppet, art thou leaving?

Vertin: Correct. And one day … I will be back and beat you personally.

Arcana: Heh heh, how wonderful. Lady Vertin … Thou lead them, from vanity to reality, from the past to the present. Thou seek the light, sacrifice thy body, conduct forth carrying sorrows. Vertin, the saviour that people follow. Blessings be unto you, whose people shall be no more in hours. Mayst thou be in peace … When the rain falls into the sky. As always.

Vertin: …

As she raises her hand, black slime gathers and becomes the disciples.

Arcana: Arise.

The disciples follow her order, walking towards Vertin.

Arcana: Be gone.

Vertin: The enemy is coming! Everybody protect yourselves!

Other members of Manus Vindictae run to Arcana. They fade in the rain.

Arcana: It’s raining. Home we shall be.

It’s hard to understand her smile.

Arcana: Leave no regrets in these final hours … Adiaǔ.

Sonetto: … They ran away!

Vertin: We can’t relax yet. Defeat the shadows first! Please everybody hold on!

Vertin: Finally …

…

Vertin: …

Sotheby: Amazing! Amazing! We finally defeated the Manus scoundrels!

X: Oops, it’s really thrilling! … I don’t think I’m good for the field work.

Sonetto: Those who are not injured, please take charge of the inventory, and gather all the refugees.

Vertin: Whose people shall be no more …? … There are … six hours left … In the following time … symptoms will get worse … The influence scope of the Storm Syndrome will be further expanded … How shall we spend … the last hours? And what can I do?

…

Schneider: Let’s hear everyone’s wishes. How about that?

Vertin: Schneider …

Schneider: My lord, you’re actually lying here defenceless … Heh Heh. We, have been with you for a long time. No reward? No way …

Vertin: …?!

…

Sonetto: Schneider, what are you doing! Don’t suddenly get so close to her!

Vertin: Sonetto …

Sonetto: Timekeeper, the supplies have been counted, and are being transported to the headquarters. The refugees are also being settled. I just received the news that here is not the main target for the Manus. This morning, Arcana led other members and robbed a large amount of supplies from Washington.

Vertin: …

Sonetto: What is … the next mission for us? The “Storm” … it should be coming soon …

Vertin: Yes. Sonetto … This time, I want to hear everyone’s wishes.

2ND - 15 | Empty Wardrobe

Sotheby searches all over the place, and stops before the crucible.

Sotheby: Wow …! How could there be such a big crucible! Amazing! The potion here is … beer? No. The formula is very similar to my hallucinogen! But it’s alcoholic! Oh my gosh. How did he make it! What is the most crucial material?

She dips her finger in the potion and puts it in her mouth. Soon she writes something down on the paper hastily.

Sotheby: Eh … Ah …! That’s it. I got it? I got it!! I finally got the right answer!!

Regulus: … Who is that alive and kicking young lady over there?

Sonetto: She is the heir to an auction house in London, England, and helped us a lot this time.

Regulus: Oh! ✰ Hi! Ms. Sotheby! We’re taking notes of everyone’s wishes. I’d say, would you like to come and have a look?

Sotheby: Hah? Take notes of wishes? I have many wishes! I am coming!!

Regulus: Come here. Just register with Vertin!

…

Marian: My wish?

Vertin: Yes. … If this was the last moment in your life … what wish would you want to make?

Marian: My lord, are we gonna die?

Vertin: …

Marian: We are starving for too long, my lord … I want to have dinner with my family. For us Italians, that’s the best moment of life.

…

Sonetto: Mine? I have no wish … What is your wish? May I realize it for you?

…

X: A few refugees have already passed out from hunger. Needless to say, you know what they need, right? For me, a cup of espresso would be great.

…

Sotheby: I already knew the right formula for the hallucinogen! I want to realize everyone’s wishes! I will prepare a delicious meal!

…

Mr. Karson: Hmm, wishes … *sighs* … Failure to prepare a decent meal for Miss Sotheby is a stain on my butler career …

Vertin: I think … there is a way to address your problems, Mr. Karson. Enjoy the dinner Ms. Sotheby prepares for everyone tonight.

Mr. Karson: Huh!!!

…

[Depths, Scorched Woods]

The sun goes down. The water on the ground has reached the ankle. Out of the tent, a diminutive figure kneels on the ground. She seems to be murmuring.

Vertin: … I didn’t know you prayed.

Schneider: …

Vertin: You’re the last one to tell me your wish. … Although you won’t go, I still want to know.

Schneider: … Do you want to hear my wish, my lord? Then my wish is … don’t forget me.

Vertin: Well …

…

It’s raining again. The buildings outside the suitcase start to melt, but no one mentions it. Sotheby’s Chew-Chew Hallucinogen XII works. The refugees finally get to have real food. “Desire,” as she said, is the symbol of the most important ingredient.

Sotheby: Ahh …! I’m exhausted! How tiring it is to cook! Finally we delivered the meals to all the refugees, but our soup became cold. Aww!

X: Oh? Thanks to your hallucinogen, what I see happens to be a parfait … *chewing* It also tastes the same …

Druvis III: I had the souffle. Miss Sotheby, thank you for the meal.

Man In Black: Fi-fillet steak! Sorry I gotta have some more … Ptooey!!!

Sotheby: What happened? What’s wrong?

Man In Black: Whoa … what is that tast … It tastes like corned beef, dust and baseball gloves someone just wearing it … oh …

Everyone: *laughters*

Sotheby: Sir, you have to believe what you see! If you don’t believe it from the bottom of your heart, even the hallucinogen won’t help! Don’t be fooled by the “Storm”. What I prepared for you is definitely the best food in the world!

Mr. Karson: *cough*

Sotheby: Mr. Karson! What happened to you? Is there something that doesn’t suit your appetite?

Karson: No, it tastes amazing, my lady.

Sotheby: What did you eat, Mr. Karson?

Mr. Karson: A burnt Welsh rabbit.

Sotheby: … Ah! That’s … that’s my …

Mr. Karson: The first cheese you made when you were eight. And you burnt the tulips in the Chelsea Flower Shop. … That’s a relief to me, my lady. Please take this.

Sotheby: What’s this thick book …?

Mr. Karson: The records of all the important transactions and dealings of our manor, some secret lists, and the location of the treasury. These are Master and Madam’s favourite wine and weekly schedules.

Sotheby: Okay. But … the second half seems to be all about …

Mr. Karson: All of your favourite menus. You want different dishes every day, and new preferences every time … Hah, one is barely enough. My lady, please take good care of yourself. Try to get in touch with Master and Miss Moissan after everything ends. You will be a fair lady, Ms. Sotheby.

Sotheby: I will do my best! … But why didn’t you hand it to father in person?

Enormous sounds of rain comes from outside the suitcase.

Sotheby: Whoa …

…

Sotheby: What a heavy rain outside … The rain turned upside down! Oh my … Come and see! Mr. Karson, quick! … Hmm? Mr. Karson … where are you?

Vertin: … The “Storm” is here.

Marian: Thanks for your treat …

Man In Black: I-I can have one … more …

Marian: Holy Mary pray for us … Holy Mary pray for us … Look after us … Have compassion on us …

Schneider: Don’t be afraid, mia sorella. Take my hand. Close your eyes … Just like when we were born … Everything will be fine …

Vertin: … Goodbye.

…

Schneider: *cough* … My lord …

Vertin: Schneider … I’m sorry. Your family …

Schneider: No, my lord.

…

She stands on her feet, runs towards Vertin and falls into her embrace gently. Now, once again, she looks like a pale pigeon.

…

Schneider: Hold me.

Vertin: …!

Schneider: I am sorry. I’m not a real arcanist.

Vertin: What do you mean? I-I don’t understand …

Schneider: I always wanted to be lucky, but … I think I should say addio now.

Vertin: Addio?! You mean the “Storm” will also … No!!! Why? … You’ve never eaten the gold bars in front of us!! Are you always tolerating it?!

Schneider: Heh heh … Now it’s coming, my lord … Don’t forget me. Don’t forget my heartbeat on the right.