Liberi Reader

The auditorium is...

You're back too?

The auditorium is this way. Follow me!

I came back as soon as I got word from the Messenger.

So many people... it's like everybody's back...

The internal layout is being continuously improved, but people still get lost all the time.

We're going to put some signs up.

I couldn't believe it when I first heard that HQ was being moved to a nomadic plate... didn't have the access level to find out what exactly happened in the incident.

All I heard is something about Originium, and that the ship was abandoned and everyone was evacuated.

No need to worry. Like the Doctor said, we'll dig the old ship out.

Uh-huh... I saw Amiya on my way here. I asked about Dr. Kal'tsit.

She didn't go into details, only told me not to worry—

Before I got the chance to comfort her.

......

Uh... Dr. Warfarin? I thought it was the Doctor's presentation.

No need to look so nervous.

I'm simply here to give a talk on a paper. Medical Department's routine.

Dr. {@nickname} is currently busy with something else, and there is no one more suited than I.

This paper was co-authored by one of my patients, by the name of Chloe.

In the recent incident on Rhodes Island, she helped us complete a critical piece of Oripathy research.

Not only did this research turn the tides at the time, it also provides guidance for every medical worker with an interest in Oripathy moving forward.

Usually, this is the time when I talk about the authors, their biographies, their achievements...

When it comes to Chloe, however, I'm not sure where to start.

Her resume is largely a blank sheet. To be honest, I hardly took any interest in her past in the three years that I cared for her.

I left only a few comments in her file—

Oripathy patient from Victoria. Not always diligent about following doctor's instructions. Makes atrocious noises in the ward with her handmade clocks...

She was the one who proposed the key hypothesis of the experiment, and the one who provided a precious sample.

The sample was herself.

She asked me to harm her, in order to obtain more accurate data from the objective changes that occurred to her.

As her doctor, I could not approve of her choice.

As a member of Rhodes Island, however, I am indebted to her courage—

I-I've made my choice.

You want to go back to the land that belonged to you?

Yes.

You know what this means. You will face death once again.

Death has always been the conclusion to life.

In this place, I've seen so many 'gods' that I could not even fathom, and learned so much from them.

I want to go back and tell my people...

The end may be destined, but they need not live in fear of death and disintegration.

Perhaps I can soothe the fear that Originium brings them.

Is this all you want?

Yes.

Come with me, then.

I will take you home.

......

Is there anything here that you will miss?

Will I ever see you again?

I'm not a prophet. I can't see your future.

...?

You're gone...

I can't believe there's someone else in this forsaken place—

...seek help from her... she looks even weaker than us...

I know it hurts... I'll find help... wait for me... hang in there...

H-Hello, could you contact the nearest hospital—no, it would be too late—

Would you happen to have any suppressants? It looks like you're Infected too...

......

Is there any trouble? You can take me there.

Maybe I can help.

Thank you! Thank you so much!

My brother's over there!

What... is that?

We found a new vein here, and we wanted to give it a try before we registered it...

I mean, look at how rich the color is! Besides, there might be something even more valuable within...

But listen, there's something not right with this place! It's like someone's watching us, and my brother got infected from a wound he picked up in an accident—

(Screams in pain)

It looks really bad. You know as well as I do that he's about to disintegrate... there's nothing that can be done.

I-I can't just leave him here. We have thirteen siblings waiting for us at home—

Listen to me. Run, as far away as possible.

B-But...

Don't look back. Run.

I've dealt with this before. Leave it to me.

(Mumbles with great difficulty) Go...

......

I understand your pain. I know the terror that overtakes us when the light fades from our eyes...

I've been there.

(Mutters in shock)

All I can do is walk with you to the end.

May your pain be eased, even just a little.

My pain... it-it's gone!

...?!

H-How did you do that?!

They don't hurt any more. Why...?

I feel myself recovering. This is amazing...

H-Have I been freed from death?

—Did you grant my wish? Or is it...

......

—This paper means a lot to me personally.

Chloe's efforts reminded me why Rhodes Island exists, and why Kal'tsit is committed to our path.

Unlike any period in its history, Rhodes Island today is not only a pharmaceutical company that fights the pain brought about by Oripathy—

It must deal with the Originium problem at the source too.

We brought hope to those who had lost it. In turn, they repay us with hope.

This paper is Rhodes Island's salute to Chloe, and a promise on our part—

—A promise to Kal'tsit.

You look happy. Are you done on your end?

Yes, Dr. Warfarin.

With Mon3tr's help, we managed to identify some key pieces of information in the vast amounts of data that Dr. Kal'tsit left behind.

You mean...?!

Dr. Warfarin! I found a way!

My connection to her was severed, but her bio-identification signals and neuron data are still stored inside my brain.

Plus the neural network I had shared with her, in theory, all we'll need is a life support device powerful enough to—

Slow down, slow down! What exactly are you getting at?

What I mean is, although it's a purely theoretical possibility...

By using the power of the Sarcophagus...

We can bring Kal'tsit back!

I knew Kal'tsit wouldn't go so easily...

But the Sarcophagus? The one that was on Rhodes Island?

It's like we've come full circle.

This will not be easy. Ursus remains a dangerous place for Rhodes Island.

But Kal'tsit has planned ahead and made arrangements at all our branches across Terra. Our first priority should be to restore communications with them.

We'll need their help for what we're trying to do.

The rate of Originium propagation is far below expected values, and AMa-10 has been a significant hindrance.

The project must be accelerated. Time is short.

The evolution of this planet is taking place too slowly.

More radical means are called for—

...Looks like connection by PRTS won't be possible for now.

Perhaps—

You've led us on a long walk, Sankta.

Have you decided to become a bounty hunter too?

You talk too much, Sarkaz.

Your fate was sealed the moment you decided to attack that innocent Siracusan caravan.

But it was too close to the Kazdelian border. His Holiness has encouraged upholding justice through proper means, to maintain peace on the surface, and it was not my place to go against the rules.

This place will do.

You're too far from home, mercenary.

You should have stayed in Kazdel, and never came out of that pit of yours.

Hmph.

...?

...You missed?

You—you—

My hand should not be trembling.

Yes, you should fear me, Sarkaz. It's over.

Wait! Wait—

M-Monster! What are you?!