──In gratitude to the goddess who remains on the ground to continue the civilization of humanity and fights until the end.
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Input and registration into the device were accompanied by an emotionless automated voice that echoed across all frequency bands.
When did the meaning of gratitude truly change? Broadcasting a voice input devoid of emotion to a machine hardly seems fitting for expressing gratitude.
"──Gratitude... is it only for the young ladies?"
"──It seems like we've been completely overlooked from the start."
Wearing worn-out combat uniforms, dozens of soldiers with stubbled faces snorted in disdain, expressing sarcasm towards the automated voice emanating from a portable radio someone had brought.
"──Don't say that. It's undeniable that they are the main force of this operation. We won't be the only disposable shields. After all, we're all in the same boat."
The central government, a unified organization, had been established for quite some time. The military forces of various countries had suffered devastating defeats, and the remnants—those who clung to survival by wielding a variety of makeshift firearms and wearing assorted military uniforms—were now deployed in this operation.
Their purpose was to buy time and serve as shields for the main force, the girls.
"──Besides, we're not human."
"Oh, right, I forgot about that. We're just expendable."
"I hadn't forgotten. That's why we're being treated like this."
The patches sewn onto their sleeves, displaying the letters M, E, F, were frayed, barely recognizable due to the wear and tear.
Various ethnicities, races, and ages were represented in the demoralized and nearly disintegrating remnants of soldiers. Despite differences in scale, the only cohesive groups amidst the chaotic formations were those who didn't bother hiding their foul language.
"...But really, after fighting those damn Damn Scraps for so many years, to end up like this in the same squad, it's..."
"──Didn't you ever think about it in your dreams?"
"No, Captain Dick. I had confidence that I could die with a smile, no matter where it happened... I just don't know if there's any meaning in dying."
"──Don't talk nonsense, Sergeant. There is meaning in dying."
The insignia of a Second Lieutenant──A young man with a sturdy appearance for a new Second Lieutenant, gritted his jaw. He pointed to the well-groomed faces of young women and girls waiting near the rubble of a collapsed building.
"──To die for a woman. As a man, I can't think of a more worthy death than that."
"...Hah, it sure is!"
Though their ranks differed, the two seemed to share a comfortable relationship.
Lighting cigarettes almost in unison, they each ignited the flame of their oil lighters.
Exhaling purple smoke, they shared a few minutes of smoking together.
──This will likely be the last time we meet in this lifetime.
They seemed to sense this. The Lieutenant and Sergeant, for a brief moment, did nothing but let the smoke from their beloved cigarettes linger, not exchanging a single word.
Eventually, the Lieutenant finished smoking first. Demonstrating smoker's etiquette even in such a dire situation, he disposed of the cigarette butt into a portable ashtray. The young man, who had pulled out the ashtray, sighed deeply.
"...It's time to go."
"...Understood."
Walking towards the girls, the Lieutenant carried an assault rifle hanging from a sling belt over his shoulder, passing by the Sergeant.
The Sergeant, watching his back as he headed towards the clean-looking girls, suddenly called out.
"──Captain."
It wasn't a nickname or a term of endearment used only among comrades but a rare address by rank. The young man, addressed by his position rather than informal terms, stopped in his tracks and turned back over his shoulder.
"...What is it?"
There might not be a need to say it again, but the Sergeant exhaled the purple smoke, discarded the last cigarette that tasted unpleasant due to moisture onto the asphalt, crushed it with his boot, and faced the young man.
──I take pride in having fought alongside my brothers. Let's die with honor.
Continuing to fight as the vanguard, facing this outcome after numerous sacrifices is indeed difficult to accept, but acceptance is unavoidable. They know their own value more than anyone else.
Having decided this as their place of death, they will die here.
They will never take a step back.
Not a single one of them.
Until the last soldier.
Until the sword breaks and the arrows run out.
"Yeah. For the sake of the GODDESS. It's my pride to be able to die on the same day. Let's fight and die in our own way. ── Farewell, comrades and brothers in arms."
Returning a nod to the Lieutenant, the young Sergeant flashes a gallant smile and turns on his heel. Acknowledging that, the Lieutenant also starts moving forward.
"──Captain Dick! Give those damn Scraps a roaring farewell!"
"──Feel free to beat the hell out of them over there too!"
This damp farewell is not what they desire. Therefore, facing away from each other, they shout like wolves roaring.
Their departing figures, moving away from each other, will never cross paths again.
Suddenly, the Lieutenant stops and looks up at the sky.
The weather, while not ideal for a fitting day to die, is a bit disappointing with its overcast sky. However, even so, it's not bad.
To the extent that he can feel the world's beauty. Perhaps because there is still some human sensibility left in him to perceive it, the Lieutenant felt an inexplicable sense of relief.
Temporary as it may be, he has entrusted and abandoned everything—his future, peace, freedom—to those who boarded the ark.
With this thought, the tension in his shoulders eased somewhat.
Commander, and the clean-looking girls call out to the Lieutenant one after another.
"──Go that way."
It was a shitty life and a fucking war. Yet, being here, and fighting and dying somehow felt like supreme happiness to him.
However, to say there is no anxiety or lingering regret would be a lie.
"...Have I left something behind?"
He lets out a small sigh.
In the distant future, if humanity has not faced extinction as a race due to cannibalism, how will he, his comrades, and above all, the girls, be remembered?
Is it worth dying for the sake of humanity?
Anxiety sprouts, making his feet heavy as he attempts to move forward.
However, this is his determination.
As a soldier, as a human being, or as a man, he vowed to himself, planting an unyielding flag in the territory of his heart that others could never invade.
With that determination alone, he can die with a smile.
Exposing his body shamelessly in this field of sacrifice, achieving no results is fine.
From somewhere, the roar of engines rises as tanks (MBT) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), having loaded the last ammunition and fuel, shake the atmosphere with the roar of their engines.
Soon, it will be time.
──Now, let's go.
"──I'll make a last futile effort. Don't underestimate me, humans."
For the final operation, the last mission, a man stepped forward without hesitation to fulfill the role assigned to himself.
-----
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────GODDESS...?
"Don't you know about GODDESS!? How can you not know such common knowledge... What on earth are they teaching you at the officer school!"
After enduring the aftermath of the battle and sitting on a fallen tree that had broken and fallen onto the snow-covered ground, Moore muttered a word squeezed from the depths of his throat. Luckily, he had his hand on his forehead, as if enduring the intensifying headache.
Anis, who scolds Moore for his lack of common sense, seems not to have noticed his abnormality and concludes that Moore simply doesn't know. Moore, having the same brand of cigarette as GODDESS, can't retort sarcastically.
"──Do you really not know, Master!? They were the first Nikkes created by humanity, the first Nikke squad! At the time of the initial invasion, they brought the first victory against the Rapture in battle, and until the defense wall of the Ark was built, they were the last line of defense that prevented the invasion of the Rapture! The strongest combat force! The strongest firepower! They are heroes who will remain in human history forever!"
──Well, it's mostly accurate, but...
While Neon's excited voice vibrates his eardrums, another voice echoes in his mind with a wry smile.
"...Huh? Oh? But, I heard that during the time when the Ark was built, everyone became casualties defending the defense wall. Wasn't that true?"
There is a discrepancy between the information he possesses and what he hears. Neon, having noticed the presence of the golden saint before her, tilts her head in confusion. However, whether she reached a conclusion or thought of something, she smiles and declares.
"Looks like firepower indeed won't die!"
Rapunzel can't help but hide a wry smile at her words, but honestly, she doesn't feel too bad about it. Some discrepancies in information are unavoidable, especially given the circumstances.
"Were we really addressed with such a lovely name?"
"──No, no! That's not important right now!"
This disjointed response might be due to the influence of wandering on the surface for many years, Anis thinks, while at the same time recalling a similar person. No need to hide it, it's Moore. He too occasionally responds with strange words. Perhaps that's why she felt a sense of déjà vu.
Leaving that aside...
"GODDESS's commander is quite a famous person! Why don't you try looking for them in the Ark?"
"Hehe... the commander is still famous, huh?"
"That's why it's not the time to say such things──no, we'll look for them."
While Rapunzel wears a calm smile, Moore, sitting on the fallen trunk of a needle-leaf tree, smokes purple smoke, furrowing his forehead with deep vertical wrinkles.
Despite the glimmer of hope, what is he doing? Anise feels a bit irritated when she sees Moore in her peripheral vision, but that can wait.
"...At least... we should know what kind of life they lived... and, well, we should know the location of their graves, right?"
Anise is neurotic to an unhealthy degree, but she also possesses more consideration than the average person. However, she seems to limit the recipients of her concern.
Thinking about Rapunzel and, in turn, the pilgrims, Anis expresses concern as she tries to investigate the whereabouts and information about the former commander. In response, the golden saint gently shook her head from side to side while maintaining a calm smile.
"No, Anise. I'm sorry... but please, stop investigating."
She also senses the concern from Anis. Refusing that is somewhat painful for her conscience. However, Rapunzel insists she doesn't want Anis to do it, not just for Anis' sake but also for her own.
"If I know about that person's whereabouts... surely... I'll want to see him so badly, it'll be unbearable."
With each recollection of the past, her feelings intensify, at least for one more chance.
Simultaneously, with a deep pain in her chest, the golden saint has wandered the surface until today, fulfilling the mission she imposed on herself.
"Surely... I'll want to go to the Ark. ...But, I still don't want to. I haven't accomplished anything yet."
One reason is that they haven't fulfilled the promised agreement.
But the most fundamental reason is fear.
To be forcibly confronted with the death of the commander. They no longer exist in this world. The possibility of facing that irrefutable and cruel reality cannot be ignored, and it is terrifying.
That's──undeniably frightening.
"Could it be... it's because you haven't reclaimed the surface for humanity yet? Is that the reason?"
"...Yes. That might be one of the reasons. But it's not just that..."
"What nonsense...! Don't tell me you're thinking it's your fault that the surface was taken away!?"
Anis stands up, misunderstanding to an extreme degree. Being able to get angry for the sake of others is her virtue. Rapunzel, capturing that admirable sight with her bright eyes, shakes her head with a wry smile.
"I'm not thinking anything grand like apologizing to all of humanity. Just... we, who were──"
She closes her forget-me-not-colored eyes once. The figures of those people appear and disappear inside her eyelids──and when she opens her eyes, her gaze captures the figure of a young man who strangely resembles him.
"──Crying and laughing together in that war... We made a promise. Because we couldn't keep that promise, there's something we have to do for atonement."
The monologue spun by the golden saint──was not just to convince Anis and them but also sounded like a declaration to herself.
"...That's why... I still don't want to go to the Ark."
"...You guys are really complicated."
Anis' honest impression slips out. Rapunzel can't help but wear a wry smile once again. From a third person's perspective, it seems to be true.
"Hehe. That's our charm, you know?"
Words are just words.
After releasing a series of wry smiles, the golden saint eventually withdraws it and──lets out a deep sigh, her eyes reflecting the figure of the young man.
He looks very similar.
The way he smokes, his atmosphere, his way of speaking, and his appearance.
But it's not him. It can't be him.
For her, their own commander is nothing but a ghost. It would be extremely rude to superimpose the illusion of such an existent phantom. The golden saint silently apologizes in her heart, asking for forgiveness.
"...But... I'm happy."
The monologuing golden saint looks up at the sky and lets out a small sigh.
"It's nice that both the name GODDESS and the commander are remembered without being forgotten."
Unfortunately, it seems their existence hasn't been discussed.
So human-like, kind, and brave, these people──.
But perhaps it's okay like this, the golden saint thinks.
Certainly, they probably wouldn't want to be idolized as heroes. If that were to happen, they would likely react with a complex expression, unsure of how to respond.
The figures of those who once made up the squad from the past surfaced and disappeared.
"...I'm glad... truly glad."
Once again, Rapunzel captures his figure in the forget-me-not-colored eyes.
Ah... he looks very similar.
However, it must be different. It cannot be him.
And that's precisely why, while feeling a bit disappointed, she is even more relieved.
Her field of vision distorts. The tip of her nose stings.
"...Just knowing that makes me happy enough."
Unintentionally, a sob escapes.
If that were the case... it would be too cruel.
...
Half a day has long passed since they continued walking.
Surprisingly, the nearest elevator, as Rapunzel called it, seemed to be close by.
However, how many years has it been since it was last used?
"...If you go straight ahead, there's an elevator that connects to the Ark."
Staring at the direction pointed out by the finger, Rapi turns to Rapunzel, bowing her head in gratitude.
"Thank you for guiding us this far."
"You're welcome. I also had a fun journey after a long time. Right, Brother?"
After receiving the expressed gratitude, Rapunzel turns her gaze to the young man who commands the squad.
However, he remains unresponsive, deep wrinkles forming on his forehead as he appears lost in thought.
Despite being so close to the road that leads to their former home, he wears an expression that does not seem cheerful.
"...Brother, are you worried about returning to the Ark?"
"...To be honest... just a little."
"Are you concerned about what Snow White said?"
...
----From the moment you learned about that method, your enemies will no longer be just Rapture.
It's like an idealistic dream. Depending on how humanity and Nikke perceive it, the world might sway in a direction different from what you're thinking.
Your enemies and even your name may change.
Don't forget that you have the power to stir up such a huge wave.
...
To say otherwise would be a lie.
As they approach the Ark, Moore's mind echoes the warning Snow White shared multiple times.
"...Are you afraid that the choice might be wrong?"
The incident with Marian flashes through his mind. And the aftermath as well.
He doesn't care about himself. But the problem is──
"...Brother."
Suddenly, he realizes the figure of the golden saint before him.
She stretches out both hands, envelops Moore's cheeks, and while guiding his gaze to face hers, she asks,
"Brother, for what purpose did you come up to the surface? I know you don't like to lose. However, that should be the essence of Brother, not the goal or objective, right?"
"Why are you asking something like that all of a sudden?"
In a situation like this, it would be easy to brush off the saint's hands that cradle his cheeks. However, something in him prevents him from doing so.
Looking up at the one-eyed face where forget-me-not-colored eyes meet deep brown, she inquires,
"During this chaotic time, coming up to this chaotic surface, getting hurt so much, what are you fighting for?"
It takes him a few seconds to respond to the question posed to him. Perhaps he wanted to organize his answer in his own way.
"My subordinates, no... my comrades, so that they can live as individuals..."
The moment those words are spoken from his dry lips, the golden saint smiles.
"Hehe... yes, that's right. It's truly a wonderful goal. It's a wonderful beacon."
After reigning in her smile, Rapunzel puts a bit more strength into the hands cradling his cheeks and pulling him closer.
Naturally, Moore's upper body bends, and their foreheads touch, bringing them so close that they can feel each other's breath.
"In the long journey called life, the world will try to hurt Brother, to make you despair. People walking different paths may scold Brother, saying your path is wrong, or tempt you by saying their path is the right one. But there is no correct answer in a journey. So as long as Brother doesn't lose sight of the beacon in your heart, no matter when, where, or what choices he makes──that path is the right path for Brother. So, there's nothing to worry about."
It's as if Rapunzel is saying, "You've done this before, right?" as she pushes his back.
In the end, it's nothing more than her selfishness. But that, precisely, is the path she has believed in and risked her life for. She has come this far.
There are regrets. In fact, there are only regrets.
If only I had done that back then──if one were to say there hasn't been a night without such thoughts, it would be a lie.
However, no matter how much she thought about it, she realized that he would have chosen the same path in the end.
Time doesn't turn back. The future is unknown. Therefore, based on the current situation and the limited information, he has no choice but to make choices that he won't be ashamed of later.
It's okay to have regrets.
But──he cannot be ashamed of himself. That's the kind of person he is.
"...I quite like Brother's beacon."
"...Rapunzel, have you found it? The path only you can walk, the beacon?"
"Yes, a long time ago."
While their foreheads are still together, the golden saint nods. The fine strands of soft golden hair feel pleasant.
"I found that beacon when I fought alongside those nostalgic people. I've been walking diligently following that beacon."
"...That's ingrained in you. It's something I can't do."
Seemingly mixed with sarcasm and self-deprecation, he replies, and Rapunzel lets out a wry smile.
"...Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Gratitude is expressed. Accepting it firmly, she wraps the hands that cradled his cheeks around Moore's neck and pulls him into a light embrace.
Strangely, an explosion of heartbeats didn't occur. Instead, her heart was filled.
"Now, it's truly time to say goodbye."
Regretfully, only thoughts of leaving lingered, tugging at her heart. Before such emotions could intensify further, Rapunzel untangled her arms from around him.
To be honest, even if she felt differently, she wanted to walk with him, to be with him. She didn't want to part ways.
"It was fun to have a lively journey after a long time."
It felt as if she had returned to those days.
Lilith was there, with Snow White by her side, Scarlet, Red Hood, Dorothy, and──him, and their comrades.
It was lively, beyond what one would expect during the midst of a war for the survival of humanity.
She can still vividly recall it. No matter how much time passes, those memories from that time are a privilege she alone preserves.
If clinging to the past is to be condemned, then what's wrong with that?
If footprints left behind are memories, then stopping, looking back, and returning to the origin of the journey's path is──surely something everyone does at some point in their long journey.
So, this is a brief rest time that will continue in the long journey to come.
"I pray that everyone's lives will be as enjoyable as this journey."
With a deep bow, the saint turns her back to him and others.
The golden saint's figure, as she turns on her heels, stands out in the silver world.
However, as she unmistakably distances herself, Moore, in the midst of seeing her off, takes out a cigarette and lights it.
-----
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"...She's gone."
"...Indeed, she has."
Watching her departing figure, Anis and Neon sigh mixed with emotions.
While watching her walk away with an unhurried pace, Rapi looks up at Moore, who hasn't lit the cigarette he's holding, with a concerned expression.
"...Commander, are you okay?"
"...I'm okay, but... are you guys okay?"
"...Huh?"
When asked in return, Rapi unintentionally narrows her crimson eyes. Whether she was asked about her condition or the state of her body, she wonders, but──it seemed more like a worried tone.
"...From now on... the path you've chosen might make a lot of people your enemies. You might become an existence akin to terrorists. If you want to transfer now, I won't refuse. I want you to honestly declare it."
The tall man directs his dark brown monocular eye towards Rapi, and then towards Anis and Neon, prompting them to declare.
In fact, it sounds more like he is recommending it.
For a moment, Anis and Neon showed a stunned expression, but breaking the silence, Anis burst into laughter, holding her stomach.
"Haha! What are you saying now? It's too late. We've been on the same boat for a long time. Why now, after so many near-death experiences?"
"──Haha, that's true."
With a loud smack, Anis slapped Moore's right arm with the palm of her hand. It's the right arm that she dislocated and reset. The pain has long subsided, but it still hurts. Nevertheless, pain is pain. Apparently, she hit it without much hesitation, and wrinkles formed on his forehead in response.
In the midst of this, Neon, with an indignant expression, puckers her lips and sympathizes with Anis.
"──If you're going to ask such things, then please tell me to run away before I joined the squad!"
"Huh? When you were assigned to the squad, weren't you ordered by the president to spy on us?"
By the way, this was a conversation that took place on the day of the mission when she was entrusted with investigating the coastal city's power plant. At that time, Moore, who hadn't met Neon before, found it somewhat of an outrageous accusation and couldn't help but give a faint wry smile.
"──Commander."
As Rapi approaches him, she extends both hands to his flesh and blood right hand and envelops it. With her crimson eyes, she gazes up at Moore's dark brown monocular eye positioned a head's height higher.
"Please don't worry about us. We've already said it. We will hand over the command."
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──Commander recognition code, access.
──Change of command for Squad 04-F completed.
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The clear and slightly rigid voice resonates, bringing back vivid memories.
"I was prepared to be together since that time."
"...Marian was pissed off at you."
Simultaneously, Moore, who unnecessarily unearthed memories, lets out a faint reminiscent laugh. The sound tickled Lappy's auditory sensors, and she instinctively averts her crimson eyes.
"...I apologized properly at that time."
"Yeah, that's right. I remember it well."
While biting the unlit cigarette, Moore, nodding, looks up at him again. With a narrowed monocular eye, he appears to have a nostalgic expression.
"Haha, that's right! ──The newcomer commander who came to replace the commander who died during the operation. What were you thinking back then?"
"──Exactly."
"──Anis...! Even the commander...!"
Unexpectedly, down to every word and tone, and even to Anis, with her long association, it's a reproduction, to the extent that Anis imitates Rapi's voice.
Agreeing with that, when Moore returned the same words as "that time" with a nod, Rapi tried to restrain both of them, but it was too late.
"──Rapi... Did you really say that to the Commander...!?"
"Yeah, she said it. Straightforwardly. If you're going to gossip, you should have said it in a slightly smaller voice. It was refreshing to be so bold."
"Commander...!"
Did she dig her own grave? In the midst of blushing with shame, Anis, watching the squad's reaction, bursts into laughter, holding her stomach.
"Well, I can understand Rapi's feelings to some extent. But ──I really didn't think that I would be with a rookie commander for so long... without realizing it, we've gained so much experience..."
"...Almost died multiple times, huh?"
You know it, don't you? With a smile on her face, Anis, acknowledging Moore's unsurpassed number of near-death experiences, nods towards him.
The redness on Rapi's cheeks has subsided, and she lets out a small cough.
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──Please proceed towards your wishes. I want to witness it. How the steps you take will bring about changes in this world.
──If your feelings do not change at the center of those changes, if your thinking, observing and judging everything from your own perspective, does not change──then, Anise, Neon, and I will protect you until the end.
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At that time, the words spoken to him in the commander's office resurfaced in Rapi's mind as she rummaged through the pockets of her synthetic leather jacket.
Eventually, she pulled out a turbo lighter with her slender hand and held it in front of him.
"──Commander, please give your orders. I will go anywhere with you."
"...Thank you."
Rapi's hand holding the shaded turbo lighter was covered by his large right hand.
Acknowledging the windbreak, when she pressed the button, a small blue flame spurted out.
With the tip charred, and eventually, as the purple smoke lingered, Moore felt──for the first time in a while──that the cigarette tasted good.
"──Let's go back to the Ark."
"──Yes."
"──OK!"
"──Yes!"
Various responses were uttered. Each was answered with a nod.
While walking towards the elevator, in the midst of following behind them──he stopped once and looked back over his shoulder at the path he had walked so far.
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──Absolutely do not die.
"I'm gonna die someday."
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He spun out the words that he couldn't return to Snow White.
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──I pray that everyone's lives will be as enjoyable as this journey.
"So don't need to pray for me."
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.
he uttered the words that should have been directed to Rapunzel.
Soon, a blizzard was approaching. The sky was becoming ominous.
In order to reach the elevator early, he continued to look at the backs of his subordinates moving forward, and soon took a step forward.
------
AUthor's note: Is it okay when the full picture of the Ark Guardian Operation is still not understood...? (Is it too late for that?)
──In gratitude to the goddess who remains on the ground to continue the civilization of humanity and fights until the end.
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Input and registration into the device were accompanied by an emotionless automated voice that echoed across all frequency bands.
When did the meaning of gratitude truly change? Broadcasting a voice input devoid of emotion to a machine hardly seems fitting for expressing gratitude.
"──Gratitude... is it only for the young ladies?"
"──It seems like we've been completely overlooked from the start."
Wearing worn-out combat uniforms, dozens of soldiers with stubbled faces snorted in disdain, expressing sarcasm towards the automated voice emanating from a portable radio someone had brought.
"──Don't say that. It's undeniable that they are the main force of this operation. We won't be the only disposable shields. After all, we're all in the same boat."
The central government, a unified organization, had been established for quite some time. The military forces of various countries had suffered devastating defeats, and the remnants—those who clung to survival by wielding a variety of makeshift firearms and wearing assorted military uniforms—were now deployed in this operation.
Their purpose was to buy time and serve as shields for the main force, the girls.
"──Besides, we're not human."
"Oh, right, I forgot about that. We're just expendable."
"I hadn't forgotten. That's why we're being treated like this."
The patches sewn onto their sleeves, displaying the letters M, E, F, were frayed, barely recognizable due to the wear and tear.
Various ethnicities, races, and ages were represented in the demoralized and nearly disintegrating remnants of soldiers. Despite differences in scale, the only cohesive groups amidst the chaotic formations were those who didn't bother hiding their foul language.
"...But really, after fighting those damn Damn Scraps for so many years, to end up like this in the same squad, it's..."
"──Didn't you ever think about it in your dreams?"
"No, Captain Dick. I had confidence that I could die with a smile, no matter where it happened... I just don't know if there's any meaning in dying."
"──Don't talk nonsense, Sergeant. There is meaning in dying."
The insignia of a Second Lieutenant──A young man with a sturdy appearance for a new Second Lieutenant, gritted his jaw. He pointed to the well-groomed faces of young women and girls waiting near the rubble of a collapsed building.
"──To die for a woman. As a man, I can't think of a more worthy death than that."
"...Hah, it sure is!"
Though their ranks differed, the two seemed to share a comfortable relationship.
Lighting cigarettes almost in unison, they each ignited the flame of their oil lighters.
Exhaling purple smoke, they shared a few minutes of smoking together.
──This will likely be the last time we meet in this lifetime.
They seemed to sense this. The Lieutenant and Sergeant, for a brief moment, did nothing but let the smoke from their beloved cigarettes linger, not exchanging a single word.
Eventually, the Lieutenant finished smoking first. Demonstrating smoker's etiquette even in such a dire situation, he disposed of the cigarette butt into a portable ashtray. The young man, who had pulled out the ashtray, sighed deeply.
"...It's time to go."
"...Understood."
Walking towards the girls, the Lieutenant carried an assault rifle hanging from a sling belt over his shoulder, passing by the Sergeant.
The Sergeant, watching his back as he headed towards the clean-looking girls, suddenly called out.
"──Captain."
It wasn't a nickname or a term of endearment used only among comrades but a rare address by rank. The young man, addressed by his position rather than informal terms, stopped in his tracks and turned back over his shoulder.
"...What is it?"
There might not be a need to say it again, but the Sergeant exhaled the purple smoke, discarded the last cigarette that tasted unpleasant due to moisture onto the asphalt, crushed it with his boot, and faced the young man.
──I take pride in having fought alongside my brothers. Let's die with honor.
Continuing to fight as the vanguard, facing this outcome after numerous sacrifices is indeed difficult to accept, but acceptance is unavoidable. They know their own value more than anyone else.
Having decided this as their place of death, they will die here.
They will never take a step back.
Not a single one of them.
Until the last soldier.
Until the sword breaks and the arrows run out.
"Yeah. For the sake of the GODDESS. It's my pride to be able to die on the same day. Let's fight and die in our own way. ── Farewell, comrades and brothers in arms."
Returning a nod to the Lieutenant, the young Sergeant flashes a gallant smile and turns on his heel. Acknowledging that, the Lieutenant also starts moving forward.
"──Captain Dick! Give those damn Scraps a roaring farewell!"
"──Feel free to beat the hell out of them over there too!"
This damp farewell is not what they desire. Therefore, facing away from each other, they shout like wolves roaring.
Their departing figures, moving away from each other, will never cross paths again.
Suddenly, the Lieutenant stops and looks up at the sky.
The weather, while not ideal for a fitting day to die, is a bit disappointing with its overcast sky. However, even so, it's not bad.
To the extent that he can feel the world's beauty. Perhaps because there is still some human sensibility left in him to perceive it, the Lieutenant felt an inexplicable sense of relief.
Temporary as it may be, he has entrusted and abandoned everything—his future, peace, freedom—to those who boarded the ark.
With this thought, the tension in his shoulders eased somewhat.
Commander, and the clean-looking girls call out to the Lieutenant one after another.
"──Go that way."
It was a shitty life and a fucking war. Yet, being here, and fighting and dying somehow felt like supreme happiness to him.
However, to say there is no anxiety or lingering regret would be a lie.
"...Have I left something behind?"
He lets out a small sigh.
In the distant future, if humanity has not faced extinction as a race due to cannibalism, how will he, his comrades, and above all, the girls, be remembered?
Is it worth dying for the sake of humanity?
Anxiety sprouts, making his feet heavy as he attempts to move forward.
However, this is his determination.
As a soldier, as a human being, or as a man, he vowed to himself, planting an unyielding flag in the territory of his heart that others could never invade.
With that determination alone, he can die with a smile.
Exposing his body shamelessly in this field of sacrifice, achieving no results is fine.
From somewhere, the roar of engines rises as tanks (MBT) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), having loaded the last ammunition and fuel, shake the atmosphere with the roar of their engines.
Soon, it will be time.
──Now, let's go.
"──I'll make a last futile effort. Don't underestimate me, humans."
For the final operation, the last mission, a man stepped forward without hesitation to fulfill the role assigned to himself.
-----
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────GODDESS...?
"Don't you know about GODDESS!? How can you not know such common knowledge... What on earth are they teaching you at the officer school!"
After enduring the aftermath of the battle and sitting on a fallen tree that had broken and fallen onto the snow-covered ground, Moore muttered a word squeezed from the depths of his throat. Luckily, he had his hand on his forehead, as if enduring the intensifying headache.
Anis, who scolds Moore for his lack of common sense, seems not to have noticed his abnormality and concludes that Moore simply doesn't know. Moore, having the same brand of cigarette as GODDESS, can't retort sarcastically.
"──Do you really not know, Master!? They were the first Nikkes created by humanity, the first Nikke squad! At the time of the initial invasion, they brought the first victory against the Rapture in battle, and until the defense wall of the Ark was built, they were the last line of defense that prevented the invasion of the Rapture! The strongest combat force! The strongest firepower! They are heroes who will remain in human history forever!"
──Well, it's mostly accurate, but...
While Neon's excited voice vibrates his eardrums, another voice echoes in his mind with a wry smile.
"...Huh? Oh? But, I heard that during the time when the Ark was built, everyone became casualties defending the defense wall. Wasn't that true?"
There is a discrepancy between the information he possesses and what he hears. Neon, having noticed the presence of the golden saint before her, tilts her head in confusion. However, whether she reached a conclusion or thought of something, she smiles and declares.
"Looks like firepower indeed won't die!"
Rapunzel can't help but hide a wry smile at her words, but honestly, she doesn't feel too bad about it. Some discrepancies in information are unavoidable, especially given the circumstances.
"Were we really addressed with such a lovely name?"
"──No, no! That's not important right now!"
This disjointed response might be due to the influence of wandering on the surface for many years, Anis thinks, while at the same time recalling a similar person. No need to hide it, it's Moore. He too occasionally responds with strange words. Perhaps that's why she felt a sense of déjà vu.
Leaving that aside...
"GODDESS's commander is quite a famous person! Why don't you try looking for them in the Ark?"
"Hehe... the commander is still famous, huh?"
"That's why it's not the time to say such things──no, we'll look for them."
While Rapunzel wears a calm smile, Moore, sitting on the fallen trunk of a needle-leaf tree, smokes purple smoke, furrowing his forehead with deep vertical wrinkles.
Despite the glimmer of hope, what is he doing? Anise feels a bit irritated when she sees Moore in her peripheral vision, but that can wait.
"...At least... we should know what kind of life they lived... and, well, we should know the location of their graves, right?"
Anise is neurotic to an unhealthy degree, but she also possesses more consideration than the average person. However, she seems to limit the recipients of her concern.
Thinking about Rapunzel and, in turn, the pilgrims, Anis expresses concern as she tries to investigate the whereabouts and information about the former commander. In response, the golden saint gently shook her head from side to side while maintaining a calm smile.
"No, Anise. I'm sorry... but please, stop investigating."
She also senses the concern from Anis. Refusing that is somewhat painful for her conscience. However, Rapunzel insists she doesn't want Anis to do it, not just for Anis' sake but also for her own.
"If I know about that person's whereabouts... surely... I'll want to see him so badly, it'll be unbearable."
With each recollection of the past, her feelings intensify, at least for one more chance.
Simultaneously, with a deep pain in her chest, the golden saint has wandered the surface until today, fulfilling the mission she imposed on herself.
"Surely... I'll want to go to the Ark. ...But, I still don't want to. I haven't accomplished anything yet."
One reason is that they haven't fulfilled the promised agreement.
But the most fundamental reason is fear.
To be forcibly confronted with the death of the commander. They no longer exist in this world. The possibility of facing that irrefutable and cruel reality cannot be ignored, and it is terrifying.
That's──undeniably frightening.
"Could it be... it's because you haven't reclaimed the surface for humanity yet? Is that the reason?"
"...Yes. That might be one of the reasons. But it's not just that..."
"What nonsense...! Don't tell me you're thinking it's your fault that the surface was taken away!?"
Anis stands up, misunderstanding to an extreme degree. Being able to get angry for the sake of others is her virtue. Rapunzel, capturing that admirable sight with her bright eyes, shakes her head with a wry smile.
"I'm not thinking anything grand like apologizing to all of humanity. Just... we, who were──"
She closes her forget-me-not-colored eyes once. The figures of those people appear and disappear inside her eyelids──and when she opens her eyes, her gaze captures the figure of a young man who strangely resembles him.
"──Crying and laughing together in that war... We made a promise. Because we couldn't keep that promise, there's something we have to do for atonement."
The monologue spun by the golden saint──was not just to convince Anis and them but also sounded like a declaration to herself.
"...That's why... I still don't want to go to the Ark."
"...You guys are really complicated."
Anis' honest impression slips out. Rapunzel can't help but wear a wry smile once again. From a third person's perspective, it seems to be true.
"Hehe. That's our charm, you know?"
Words are just words.
After releasing a series of wry smiles, the golden saint eventually withdraws it and──lets out a deep sigh, her eyes reflecting the figure of the young man.
He looks very similar.
The way he smokes, his atmosphere, his way of speaking, and his appearance.
But it's not him. It can't be him.
For her, their own commander is nothing but a ghost. It would be extremely rude to superimpose the illusion of such an existent phantom. The golden saint silently apologizes in her heart, asking for forgiveness.
"...But... I'm happy."
The monologuing golden saint looks up at the sky and lets out a small sigh.
"It's nice that both the name GODDESS and the commander are remembered without being forgotten."
Unfortunately, it seems their existence hasn't been discussed.
So human-like, kind, and brave, these people──.
But perhaps it's okay like this, the golden saint thinks.
Certainly, they probably wouldn't want to be idolized as heroes. If that were to happen, they would likely react with a complex expression, unsure of how to respond.
The figures of those who once made up the squad from the past surfaced and disappeared.
"...I'm glad... truly glad."
Once again, Rapunzel captures his figure in the forget-me-not-colored eyes.
Ah... he looks very similar.
However, it must be different. It cannot be him.
And that's precisely why, while feeling a bit disappointed, she is even more relieved.
Her field of vision distorts. The tip of her nose stings.
"...Just knowing that makes me happy enough."
Unintentionally, a sob escapes.
If that were the case... it would be too cruel.
...
Half a day has long passed since they continued walking.
Surprisingly, the nearest elevator, as Rapunzel called it, seemed to be close by.
However, how many years has it been since it was last used?
"...If you go straight ahead, there's an elevator that connects to the Ark."
Staring at the direction pointed out by the finger, Rapi turns to Rapunzel, bowing her head in gratitude.
"Thank you for guiding us this far."
"You're welcome. I also had a fun journey after a long time. Right, Brother?"
After receiving the expressed gratitude, Rapunzel turns her gaze to the young man who commands the squad.
However, he remains unresponsive, deep wrinkles forming on his forehead as he appears lost in thought.
Despite being so close to the road that leads to their former home, he wears an expression that does not seem cheerful.
"...Brother, are you worried about returning to the Ark?"
"...To be honest... just a little."
"Are you concerned about what Snow White said?"
...
----From the moment you learned about that method, your enemies will no longer be just Rapture.
It's like an idealistic dream. Depending on how humanity and Nikke perceive it, the world might sway in a direction different from what you're thinking.
Your enemies and even your name may change.
Don't forget that you have the power to stir up such a huge wave.
...
To say otherwise would be a lie.
As they approach the Ark, Moore's mind echoes the warning Snow White shared multiple times.
"...Are you afraid that the choice might be wrong?"
The incident with Marian flashes through his mind. And the aftermath as well.
He doesn't care about himself. But the problem is──
"...Brother."
Suddenly, he realizes the figure of the golden saint before him.
She stretches out both hands, envelops Moore's cheeks, and while guiding his gaze to face hers, she asks,
"Brother, for what purpose did you come up to the surface? I know you don't like to lose. However, that should be the essence of Brother, not the goal or objective, right?"
"Why are you asking something like that all of a sudden?"
In a situation like this, it would be easy to brush off the saint's hands that cradle his cheeks. However, something in him prevents him from doing so.
Looking up at the one-eyed face where forget-me-not-colored eyes meet deep brown, she inquires,
"During this chaotic time, coming up to this chaotic surface, getting hurt so much, what are you fighting for?"
It takes him a few seconds to respond to the question posed to him. Perhaps he wanted to organize his answer in his own way.
"My subordinates, no... my comrades, so that they can live as individuals..."
The moment those words are spoken from his dry lips, the golden saint smiles.
"Hehe... yes, that's right. It's truly a wonderful goal. It's a wonderful beacon."
After reigning in her smile, Rapunzel puts a bit more strength into the hands cradling his cheeks and pulling him closer.
Naturally, Moore's upper body bends, and their foreheads touch, bringing them so close that they can feel each other's breath.
"In the long journey called life, the world will try to hurt Brother, to make you despair. People walking different paths may scold Brother, saying your path is wrong, or tempt you by saying their path is the right one. But there is no correct answer in a journey. So as long as Brother doesn't lose sight of the beacon in your heart, no matter when, where, or what choices he makes──that path is the right path for Brother. So, there's nothing to worry about."
It's as if Rapunzel is saying, "You've done this before, right?" as she pushes his back.
In the end, it's nothing more than her selfishness. But that, precisely, is the path she has believed in and risked her life for. She has come this far.
There are regrets. In fact, there are only regrets.
If only I had done that back then──if one were to say there hasn't been a night without such thoughts, it would be a lie.
However, no matter how much she thought about it, she realized that he would have chosen the same path in the end.
Time doesn't turn back. The future is unknown. Therefore, based on the current situation and the limited information, he has no choice but to make choices that he won't be ashamed of later.
It's okay to have regrets.
But──he cannot be ashamed of himself. That's the kind of person he is.
"...I quite like Brother's beacon."
"...Rapunzel, have you found it? The path only you can walk, the beacon?"
"Yes, a long time ago."
While their foreheads are still together, the golden saint nods. The fine strands of soft golden hair feel pleasant.
"I found that beacon when I fought alongside those nostalgic people. I've been walking diligently following that beacon."
"...That's ingrained in you. It's something I can't do."
Seemingly mixed with sarcasm and self-deprecation, he replies, and Rapunzel lets out a wry smile.
"...Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Gratitude is expressed. Accepting it firmly, she wraps the hands that cradled his cheeks around Moore's neck and pulls him into a light embrace.
Strangely, an explosion of heartbeats didn't occur. Instead, her heart was filled.
"Now, it's truly time to say goodbye."
Regretfully, only thoughts of leaving lingered, tugging at her heart. Before such emotions could intensify further, Rapunzel untangled her arms from around him.
To be honest, even if she felt differently, she wanted to walk with him, to be with him. She didn't want to part ways.
"It was fun to have a lively journey after a long time."
It felt as if she had returned to those days.
Lilith was there, with Snow White by her side, Scarlet, Red Hood, Dorothy, and──him, and their comrades.
It was lively, beyond what one would expect during the midst of a war for the survival of humanity.
She can still vividly recall it. No matter how much time passes, those memories from that time are a privilege she alone preserves.
If clinging to the past is to be condemned, then what's wrong with that?
If footprints left behind are memories, then stopping, looking back, and returning to the origin of the journey's path is──surely something everyone does at some point in their long journey.
So, this is a brief rest time that will continue in the long journey to come.
"I pray that everyone's lives will be as enjoyable as this journey."
With a deep bow, the saint turns her back to him and others.
The golden saint's figure, as she turns on her heels, stands out in the silver world.
However, as she unmistakably distances herself, Moore, in the midst of seeing her off, takes out a cigarette and lights it.
-----
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"...She's gone."
"...Indeed, she has."
Watching her departing figure, Anis and Neon sigh mixed with emotions.
While watching her walk away with an unhurried pace, Rapi looks up at Moore, who hasn't lit the cigarette he's holding, with a concerned expression.
"...Commander, are you okay?"
"...I'm okay, but... are you guys okay?"
"...Huh?"
When asked in return, Rapi unintentionally narrows her crimson eyes. Whether she was asked about her condition or the state of her body, she wonders, but──it seemed more like a worried tone.
"...From now on... the path you've chosen might make a lot of people your enemies. You might become an existence akin to terrorists. If you want to transfer now, I won't refuse. I want you to honestly declare it."
The tall man directs his dark brown monocular eye towards Rapi, and then towards Anis and Neon, prompting them to declare.
In fact, it sounds more like he is recommending it.
For a moment, Anis and Neon showed a stunned expression, but breaking the silence, Anis burst into laughter, holding her stomach.
"Haha! What are you saying now? It's too late. We've been on the same boat for a long time. Why now, after so many near-death experiences?"
"──Haha, that's true."
With a loud smack, Anis slapped Moore's right arm with the palm of her hand. It's the right arm that she dislocated and reset. The pain has long subsided, but it still hurts. Nevertheless, pain is pain. Apparently, she hit it without much hesitation, and wrinkles formed on his forehead in response.
In the midst of this, Neon, with an indignant expression, puckers her lips and sympathizes with Anis.
"──If you're going to ask such things, then please tell me to run away before I joined the squad!"
"Huh? When you were assigned to the squad, weren't you ordered by the president to spy on us?"
By the way, this was a conversation that took place on the day of the mission when she was entrusted with investigating the coastal city's power plant. At that time, Moore, who hadn't met Neon before, found it somewhat of an outrageous accusation and couldn't help but give a faint wry smile.
"──Commander."
As Rapi approaches him, she extends both hands to his flesh and blood right hand and envelops it. With her crimson eyes, she gazes up at Moore's dark brown monocular eye positioned a head's height higher.
"Please don't worry about us. We've already said it. We will hand over the command."
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──Commander recognition code, access.
──Change of command for Squad 04-F completed.
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The clear and slightly rigid voice resonates, bringing back vivid memories.
"I was prepared to be together since that time."
"...Marian was pissed off at you."
Simultaneously, Moore, who unnecessarily unearthed memories, lets out a faint reminiscent laugh. The sound tickled Lappy's auditory sensors, and she instinctively averts her crimson eyes.
"...I apologized properly at that time."
"Yeah, that's right. I remember it well."
While biting the unlit cigarette, Moore, nodding, looks up at him again. With a narrowed monocular eye, he appears to have a nostalgic expression.
"Haha, that's right! ──The newcomer commander who came to replace the commander who died during the operation. What were you thinking back then?"
"──Exactly."
"──Anis...! Even the commander...!"
Unexpectedly, down to every word and tone, and even to Anis, with her long association, it's a reproduction, to the extent that Anis imitates Rapi's voice.
Agreeing with that, when Moore returned the same words as "that time" with a nod, Rapi tried to restrain both of them, but it was too late.
"──Rapi... Did you really say that to the Commander...!?"
"Yeah, she said it. Straightforwardly. If you're going to gossip, you should have said it in a slightly smaller voice. It was refreshing to be so bold."
"Commander...!"
Did she dig her own grave? In the midst of blushing with shame, Anis, watching the squad's reaction, bursts into laughter, holding her stomach.
"Well, I can understand Rapi's feelings to some extent. But ──I really didn't think that I would be with a rookie commander for so long... without realizing it, we've gained so much experience..."
"...Almost died multiple times, huh?"
You know it, don't you? With a smile on her face, Anis, acknowledging Moore's unsurpassed number of near-death experiences, nods towards him.
The redness on Rapi's cheeks has subsided, and she lets out a small cough.
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──Please proceed towards your wishes. I want to witness it. How the steps you take will bring about changes in this world.
──If your feelings do not change at the center of those changes, if your thinking, observing and judging everything from your own perspective, does not change──then, Anise, Neon, and I will protect you until the end.
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At that time, the words spoken to him in the commander's office resurfaced in Rapi's mind as she rummaged through the pockets of her synthetic leather jacket.
Eventually, she pulled out a turbo lighter with her slender hand and held it in front of him.
"──Commander, please give your orders. I will go anywhere with you."
"...Thank you."
Rapi's hand holding the shaded turbo lighter was covered by his large right hand.
Acknowledging the windbreak, when she pressed the button, a small blue flame spurted out.
With the tip charred, and eventually, as the purple smoke lingered, Moore felt──for the first time in a while──that the cigarette tasted good.
"──Let's go back to the Ark."
"──Yes."
"──OK!"
"──Yes!"
Various responses were uttered. Each was answered with a nod.
While walking towards the elevator, in the midst of following behind them──he stopped once and looked back over his shoulder at the path he had walked so far.
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──Absolutely do not die.
"I'm gonna die someday."
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He spun out the words that he couldn't return to Snow White.
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──I pray that everyone's lives will be as enjoyable as this journey.
"So don't need to pray for me."
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he uttered the words that should have been directed to Rapunzel.
Soon, a blizzard was approaching. The sky was becoming ominous.
In order to reach the elevator early, he continued to look at the backs of his subordinates moving forward, and soon took a step forward.
------
AUthor's note: Is it okay when the full picture of the Ark Guardian Operation is still not understood...? (Is it too late for that?)
