Afterglow/Story

https://exvius.gamepedia.com/Category:Stories

|Story Cutscenes in YouTube

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Videos

|Edward Thatch | Story Cutscenes | |YouTube

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Background Story

Before the war 700 years ago... before Hess's fight for independence... before the chaos and destructions... A story take place in a magitek research laboratory somewhere in Paladia...

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Current Story

Heliarc

Pertira

Eclipsa

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Prodigious Scientist

The magitek Heart

On this sunny day, ??? is on her way to work. A voice call out of nowhere...

???

Heliarc! Good morning.

Heliarc

Good morning, Pertira. Your voice is lively as ever.

Pertira

Hey, I can be quiet when I want to be. It's just that sometimes you get so lost in thoughts that you can't even hear me!

You're almost done with the magitek heart, so I figured you'd have so much on your mind, it'd all drown me out!

(joy / smiley face)

The pair begin to walk together.

Heliarc

Come now, don't be so rude. Though I am indeed deep in thought. The heart... is not yet complete.

Petira

It's basically finished! There weren't any issues after inserting the crystal, right?

Heliarc

I did not think so, and yet... I remain hesitant.

Heliarc walk ahead of Petira, deep in thought.

Petira

Oh, not this again. What's the hold up, huh?

Everything's been going smoothly!

Heliarc turn to face Petira.

Heliarc

A little too smoothly...

Petira

Huh?

Heliarc

The crystal has been running properly at the most unexpected of times. How is this possible? None of my hypotheses can explain it.

The magitek heart may look finished, but getting to the bottom of the cystal's mysteries will take some time.

Petira

Well, it didn't do anything when I tried touching it on my own...

Confuse

Heliarc

Hahaha! Quite the riddle, isn't it?

Petira jumps up and down.

Petira

it's really bugging me! It was just once... But why? Is it not right for me?

Heliarc

Well, Pertira, we have come this far. It is our job to answer that and all other questions that may arise.

Heliarc starts walking.

Let's hurry back to the laboratory. There's still so much I want to look into.

Pertira chase after her.

Petira

H-hang on a second! We're going to the same place, aren't we? Don't run off without me!

Road to the Laboratory

Petira

I hope there's progress on teleportation research soon.

Heliarc

Me too. We researchers have to fend for ourselves while traveling to these remote locations.

Petira

But today'll be a cinch with you around.

Heliarc

You think so? I do suppose I can handle monsters like these myself.

The Magic Touch

Petira

Professor Yuraisha was saying that you're really powerful.

Heliarc Hmm... Maybe not in brute strength, but magically, I suppose.

Petira

What if they try to make you to go back to the military...?

Heliarc

That's... probably nothing to worry about. I'm a full time researcher now.

This is where I plan to make my living.

For the People

Heliarc

I hate fighting in the first place. I don't plan on using my powers.

Petira

Huh. It sounds like it'd be kinda fun to blast enemies with a huge spell...

But you'd rather save sick or injured people, right?

Heliarc

Right. Fighting back against monsters that attack us is all the power I need.

The Researchers

Inside the Laboratory

Yuraisha

Hello, Heliarc.

Heliarc

Welcome, Professor Yuraisha. Thank you for your help the other day.

Yuraisha

How are you feeling?

Heliarc

I don't have any symptoms that concern me. I think I've truly gained... immortality.

Yuraisha

Immortality is not something one can fully grasp immediately. Nonetheless, it is good to hear that nothing abnormal has developed yet.

Petira

Body modifications for immortality, huh? Professor, do you have to be chosen by the country?

Yuraisha ...

Heliarc ...

Petira (sweat)

Yuraisha

Yes. It is necessary to be selected. Yet suppose it were the case that anyone could undergo the operation...

Those who did elect to have the operation would live an endless number of days.

Such an individual could not truly be called immortal, as grievous wounds or illnesses will still take their life. And yet...

There might be some who would come to regret agreeing to such longevity.

It's not an operation that should be undergone lightly. Perhaps that is a strange thing for me to say, but it is how I feel.

Petira

R-right! Wait, that's not what I meant. I was just thinking that I'd be the only one getting old around here. Hahaha...

Heliarc !

Heliarc

Professor. There's something I want to talk to you about.

Yuraisha

With me? Is it about the magitek heart? Has something happened?

---

Yuraisha

I see. The heart is functioning in a manner different to what was intended.

Heliarc I am unsure about testing it on a living being in this state. Although it is little more than a bad felling right now...

Yuraisha

So you need a little more time. I understand. I'll apply for an extension.

Be sure to approach the issue from ever angle. This research could save many lives. We cannot allow it to turn into something dangerous.

Heliarc

I will! Thank you very much!

Yuraisha

I'll be taking my leave now. If anything else concerns you, know that you can contact me at any time.

Yuraisha leaves the lab.

Petira ...

Petira

You said all that, but the heart has mostly never stopped working. How about testing it out on me? You know, the heart transplant.

Heliarc

Don't joke about such things. You know my bad feelings have a knack for coming true. (Is she precog?)

Petira

Yeah, year. So what are we gonna do now?

Heliarc We'll do as the professor said. We'll investigate. We have to uncover any flaws the heart may have.

---

Fellow Researcher

An Unexpected Visitor

A few weeks later...

Heliarc is busy working in the lab.

Heliarc ?

Heliarc

Come on in.

???

It's been a while, Heliarc. Do you... remember me?

Heliarc !

Heliarc

Of course I remember you, Eclipsa. We entered at the same time, didn't we?

Although, I was made to work as a soldier for a brief spell.

So I suppose it'd be better to call you my upperclassman.

Eclipsa

Hah, stop it. Upperclassman to the brilliant professor who was chosen for body modification?

Eclipsa takes a step away and look around the lab.

Whereas I am but a humble researcher.

Heliarc

A bit too humble. I'm surprised you heard about my operation, though.

Eclipsa'

Everybody is talking about it. They say you're the next great scientist of our generation and the one to succeed Professor Yuraisha.

Heliarc

Is that so? I suppose I appreciate the recognition. What exactly brings you here today, anyway?

Eclipsa

I have a favor to ask of you.

Heliarc

A favor?

Eclipsa

I've been asked to... develop a new energy generator.

It will eventually be used to power airships, but...

I wanted advice from the developer of the magitek heart.

Heliarc

Mine? Well, I don't mind, but human hearts and airships... Are they related?

Eclipsa

More than you would think. Will the heart be completed soon?

Heliarc

It is nearing completion, but there's a slight problem.

Eclipsa

A... problem, you say?

Heliarc

THe problem itself remains unclear. So perhaps it is I who may ask a favor of you.

Eclipsa

I don't mind at all. It would be an honor to work with you. Let us help one another.

I simply wanted to exchange greetings today, but it seems that this is the beginning of quite the partnership. Until next we meet.

Eclipsa left the lab.

Pertira enters the lab and came up behind Heliarc.

Pertira

She's one of the developers of Babel, isn't she?

Heliarc

Yes... Wait. Babel? So that's the name of the energy generator project.

Pertira rush up to Heliarc. (For a split second, she was way too close, and inside Heliarc's personal space.)

Pertira

You should take an interest in things beside your own work. The Babel researchers are made up of the cream of the crop. Meaning she must be incredible too.

Heliarc

Yes, she's certainly top-notch. I think I'll end up being the one consulting her.

Heliarc slowly walk back to the work station.

Heliarc

I'm sure there's much we could stand to learn from her. I'm looking forward to picking her mind.

---

Trudging Along

Heliarc

A summons from the laboratory chief, huh...?

I wish I didn't have to...

It'd be much easier to explain if everything wasn't going well...

The Mystery of the Crystal

Heliarc

Magitek has been utilized since olden times, but there are still many mysteries surrounding crystals.

Putting something so unknown into a human body is quite a scary thought.

And it seems like they've found out the status of my project. I hope I can talk my way out of this...

Fateful Decision

Inside the office

Heliarc

As I said before, we still have to... ensure the safety of it all...

Head Researcher turn around to face Heliarc from behind the desk.

Head Researcher

You said yourself that you have been testing a variety of methods. We have given you more than enough time.

The defects in the heart occur in only extremely rare cases. We don't know if they will even occur again.

Let me ask you something. How much further must you test before you are satisfied?

Heliarc

There are quite a few things that still need to be checked...

Head Researcher turn his back to Heliarc and look out the window.

Heliarc

We are augmenting people's bodies. We can't use something we know so little about for that purpose. The danger of doing such a thing...

Head Researcher turn around to face Heliarc and walk toward the desk.

Head Researcher

If you're so worried about people...

He turn his back to Heliarc once again.

Then capture some monsters and experiment on them. There are plenty of them prowling around.

Heliarc takes a step forward.

Heliarc

Monsters? This has nothing to do with monsters. I just need more time to investigate...

Head Researcher turn around and slam into the desk.

Head Researcher

Your investigation is making no progress! You haven't made a single bit of progress since you announced the prototype!

Head Researcher walk around the desk toward Heliarc as he speaks.

I would even venture to say that you've been putting off reporting your progress.

Heliarc

...

Head Researcher took a couple steps closer.

Head Researcher

hmph. But as an immortal, you have lots of time to spare, don't you?

Head Researcher is now face to face with Heliarc. (Workplace harassment?)

In any case, you have my apology, but I have no other choice. If you don't show some results soon, you'll be removed from this project!

Heliarc steps forward and into Head Researcher's face.

Heliarc

R-removed!? But there's no one who could...

Head Researcher

All that's required is further testing. Anyone else will do!

Head Researcher push Heliarc back.

If you can't bring yourself to do it, then resign. Return to the life of a soldier. Perhaps you can make some use of your laten magical talents there.

Heliarc

...

Head Researcher

I'll send a monster of the appropriate size to your lab later. Delays, cancellations, or false reports will not be tolerated.

If you insist it cannot be done, I'll entrust someone else with the research. So, what do you intend to do?

Can you do it?

Heliarc

...

Head Researcher

Or will you refuse?

Heliarc

...I will do it. It's my responsibility.

Head Researcher turn his back toward Heliarc and fold his hands.

Head Researcher

Good. I expect a promising report.

Heliarc exist with a feeling of dejection.

---

Failure

Report

Heliarc

...

If my suspicions are correct...

it will be a fate far too cruel.

(Deep in thoughts)

Pertira enters the lab.

Pertira

Morning, Heliarc. you look so worn out, it's hard to believe it's only been a day since I last saw you.

Heliarc

Do I?

Pertira You look like you haven't slept a wink. Do you need some help with your report?

Heliarc

I'll be fine. Thank you. Good morning to you too, Pertira.

The report is ready. I've written the truth. The magitek heart... we have to get it up and running.

Pertira

Right...

Heliarc

It was working at first, but then its heartbeat diminished little by little... until it stopped altogether.

Upon removing the heart, however, it began beating again. The heart's conductivity might have something to do with the crystal.

An explanation is beyond me for now. I may never be able to explain it...

Pertira ... walks up to Heliarc.

Pertira

C'mon, Heliarc. There's no time for you to sit around moping.

I've gotta tell you something. it's about the last monster we tested. It's... taken a sudden turn for the worse.

Heliarc

A sudden turn for the worse? I see.

Pertira

We might have to put the monster down. We're the ones who changed it, after all.

Heliarc

... Yeah...

Seeing how depress Heliarc become, Pertira run up to Heliarc and jump up and down in excitement.

Pertira

Hey! Heliarc! You still have a bunch of stuff to do! Get back to work before you fall into a funk!

Heliarc R-right, Pertira...

Pertira

I'll head over to the lab first. You get some rest and then catch up, okay?

Pertira leaves in a hurry.

Lawless Laboratory

Heliarc

This is madness. Monsters inside the facility? Did they come from outside?

The locks aren't working...? What is going on here...!?

Pertira! Are you alright!?

Savage Beast

Heliarc

This monster... (Level 11 Pygmy Dragon)

This is the one we put the magitek heart in...!

Uncontrollable Power

The lab is in a mess. Paper and flask are all over the floor.

Pertira

I had to give it medicine to put it down before you came... I'm so sorry...

It didn't look too good yesterday, and then this morning it suddenly got worse.. Until finally, it started acting violently.

Heliarc

Violently, you say? I've done something horrible. Even a monster doesn't deserve all that.

Pertira

Why won't the magitek heart keep beating?

Heliarc

I don't know. Thinking about the nature of the crystal brings a few ideas to mind, though.

Pertira

The nature of ... the crystal?

Heliarc

I've heard that the crystal is imbued with people's thoughts.

I didn't think such talk had anything to do with us using it as a source of energy, but...

Being imbued with people's memories gives it the ability to absorb a certain amount of power from those people.

So if it was to be implanted directly into one's body...

Pertira

You're saying it could drain the energy of its host?

Heliarc

But that doesn't explain how it operates normally even after being removed from the body.

Ahhh, I truly don't understand it.

The magitek heart has no practical use in its current form.

It is best that we suspend research for now and start over from the beginning. The lab chief won't be happy.

Pertira

Hey, Heliarc.

Heliarc Hm?

Pertira

Why don't we work together next time? We could do something to help people. I think we'd be a great success.

Heliarc Thank you. We'll make it work next time, Pertira.

---

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Power of the Crystal

---

Plan Aborted

Heliarc is walking along in the city.

Eclipsa spots her (!) and came over for a chat.

Eclipsa

Heliarc. Ah... Shouldn't you be reporting to the lab chief about the magitek heart?

Heliarc

Of course. I apologize for being so busy of late. I haven't been able to find the time to communicate with anyone.

Eclipsa

The tests seem to be anything but easy, and I've heard that they aren't going very well. What will become of your research?

Heliarc

I guess it's going to come to an end. I think I'll need to start over from the beginning. Including my research regarding the use of magitek.

Eclipsa

Is that so? How unfortunate. your research has been of great use to me.

Heliarc

I'm happy to hear that. But I'm afraid I haven't been able to explain anything whatsoever about the crystal.

Eclipsa. There's something you should be aware of should you decide to use the crystal in your research of Babel.

It appears that the crystal exhibits some property that allows it to drain life energy from living things.

Not only is it imbued with memories, but it also has the ability to drain energy as it pleases.

Thought it sound like fantasy, it is anything but.

Eclipsa

Anything but fantasy, you say?

Heliarc

I'll be off now. I have to submit my report. Both the research and the tests were a great failure.

Eclipsa

you look disappointed. But hopefully the lab chief agrees to abandon the research.

Heliarc

He is quite persistent. Just in case, I'll go back and dispose of both the magitek heart and its files.

Best not to cling to things of little use. If I'm going to start over, i will do so from square one.

Eclipsa

It seems like a waste to me, but it's for the best.

Heliarc

Take care, Eclipsa.

Heliarc exits.

Eclipsa ...

Eclipsa

Fantasy... I've already reached the same conclusion.

But I won't be discarding the magitek.

---

The Way Home

Heliarc

He was really upset, but I'm glad he finally gave up.

I was hoping to move away from using crystals, but...

Aldore is completely reliant on crystal-based magitek...

New Objective

Heliarc

It's possible that other problems could arise from overusing crystals.

It would be best to research more into crystals themselves.

And it might just pave the way to saving people's lives...

Apprehension

Pertira (!) spots Heliarc enters as she pace around the lab.

Pertira

Ahhhhh! Heliarc!

Heliarc Hm? What is it, Pertira?

Pertira rush over to Heliarc

Pertira

Welcome back, Heliarc! Thank goodness they let you go!

Heliarc (?)

Heliarc

What are you talking about?

Pertira

Didn't they detain you because they didn't want to stop the research?

Heliarc Detained? What are you saying? I told them quite clearly that I was going to stop the research! Who told you I'd been detained!?

Pertira & Heliarc (...)

Pertira

Huh? What do you mean, Heliarc?

Heliarc

Was I not the one asking questions?

Pertira (!)

Pertira

Are you saying she lied to me!?

Heliarc

Who is "She?"

Pertira

That Babel researcher! Eclipsa! She was just here!

Heliarc

Eclipsa? I ran into her in town this morning, but...

Pertira

She told me to hand over the research files and the completed magitek heart so that she could help you!

Heliarc

What's going on? Why would she...?

Pertira

She had to be lying. Right? I can't believe this...

She tricked me into giving up your research and the magitek heart!

Heliarc

I think you're overreacting...

Pertira

No, I'm not! You might not think so, but I've got a bad felling about all of this.

She must need the magitek heart for something, and that's why she talked to us in the first place.

She has been planning on taking it all along.

Heliarc

I'm sure she was just worried because I said I'd be disposing of the magitek heart.

Perhaps she just wanted another look at it before it was discarded.

Pertira

Show can you be so trusting? Maybe she did want to look at it, but that was our research in the first place!

Heliarc

Let me go and speak with her. I'll ask her what she plans to do with our research.

Pertira

Isn't it a bit dangerous for you to go and see her?

Heliarc

Don't worry about me. Should anything happen, I'll do everything I can to run away.

Heliarc (Happy Emoji) :)

Heliarc

But I don't believe it will come to that.

Pertira

Heliarc. Make sure you come back. Please.

Heliarc

I will. I'll get going now.

Ambition

Life on the Line

Eclipsa

Yes? Come in.

Heliarc

Hello, Eclipsa.

I believe you came to my laboratory a little while ago and took some files and samples.

Why? You could have come and spoken to me about the nature of my research.

Eclipsa

I apologize for my odd behavior. I wanted to conduct my own investigation before your research was disposed of.

With this magitek heart... You've outdone yourself. You've sustained the subjects for days by using it in tests.

Heliarc

And only for a few days. It may look complete, but it is nothing less than a failure.

Eclipsa

Heliarc. Would you grant me the magitek heart?

Heliarc

For what purpose?

Eclipsa

Something preventing Babel from working. Even when it begins to work it runs through its power reserve in little to no time at all.

Which is why... I want to introduce this energy-producing heart to Babel.

Heliarc

...That is quite the novel idea. Alas, the magitek heart cannot fulfil its role. Did you not read the contents of my files?

First of all, Babel is not a living creature. Its functions will grind to a complete halt without an energy source.

Eclipsa

I understand that.

You don't need to explain everything to me as if I were a novice.

Do not misunderstand me. I'm not talking about the magitek heart.

I intend to insert something with an actual life force into Babel... My own heart.

Heliarc (!)

Eclipsa

And then I will take the magitek heart for my own.

Heliarc

What!? Don't be ridiculous!

Have you thought nothing of the consequences!?

Neither you nor Babel would last more than a few days. Would you so needlessly throw away your life?

Eclipsa

I take no issue with that. So long as Babel works, my research will be complete.

My body may die, but the research will live on in my name.

Heliarc

Eclipsa. I can't let you do such a thing. My research was not done to take lives!

Eclipsa

Don't try to stop me. All will soon be complete.

Please let this go, Heliarc.

Heliarc slowly backs away.

Heliarc

I will not!

Eclipsa

...That is so very like you to say. Try and stop me by force then.

Drive him away!

Aldore security force enter. Heliarc (...)

---

Excessive Power

Heliarc

I can hardly fend them off...!

But if I use any more power than this... they'll die!

What can I do...!?

True Objective

After going easy on the sentries, Heliarc was force into a defensive stand. When his protective barrier went down, Heliarc counter with an overpowering attack, knocking out all the sentries.

Heliarc

No! I didn't mean to...!

Heliarc went to check on the fallen soldiers, as he feel devastated and distracted by the harm he had just inflicted. Another soldier sneak up from behind, and knock him out. All the while, Eclipsa is watching from the sideline.

Heliarc

Ugh!

Heliarc let out a moan as he hit the floor.

Eclipse (...)

Eclipsa

That was a close shave. Though if he had showed us what he was truly made of, we would all surely have perished.

Still, if he dies now, then my plans will never come to fruition.

Two researcher dress in white lab coat comes in, as Eclipse check on Heliarc.

He lives. Take him to the operating room.

---

Eclipsa

The magitek heart has been prepared, correct?

Coldhearted Researcher

It has.

Eclipsa

Call the doctor. We will begin at once.

remove Heliarc's heart, and replace it with the magitek heart.

(Editor's note ... I feel the chill...)

It should be functioning, but even should his condition change abruptly... proceed with the operation.

Coldhearted Researcher

Understood.

Eclipsa (...)

Eclipsa

Heliarc. I thank you for this precious resource... Your heart.

Your heart, having been augmented, should continue operating for years on end.

The crystal will be given an endless supply of life energy, and its power will flow into infinity.

The fruit of Aldore's research: the birth of the Heart of Babel...

---

The Heart of Babel

Where the Heart Is

Heliarc lies in bed in an unfamiliar room.

Heliarc (...)

Heliarc

...Where am I?

Heliarc got up and walk around (!)

Heliarc

My chest... Am I wounded?

(!)

That ... faint sound... Could it be?

The magitek heart... It's inside me. So then my heart must be...

Eclipsa. It was her.

Eclipsa! What has she done!?

---

The enrage heliarc is starting to destroy the area. Researcher are fleeing in panic.

Heliarc

Send for Eclipsa at once.

Tell her to come immediately. I wish to speak with her.

Heliarc (!)

Eclipsa

I'm right here, Heliarc... If you keep moving around like that, you'll reopen your wounds.

Heliarc

Eclipsa. What have you done? Why is the magitek heart embedded within me?

Eclipsa

That was... unavoidable. your chest wound seemed to be life-threatening.

Heliarc

Then...

you said you'd use a living hear. What will become of Babel?

Eclipsa (...)

Eclipsa

The research has been discontinued. The magitek heart now resides within you.

Heliarc

Won't you show me Babel?

Eclipsa

I can't show it to those unrelated to the research.

Heliarc start charging up her spell

Heliarc

Show me. I want to know what is within.

Eclipsa

S-stop! What are you doing!? Magic should not be used within the facility!

Heliarc start charging up again.

Eclipsa

I told you to stop!

Eclipsa runs away.

Heliarc

Show it to me.

I want to know what lies within.

---

Steadfast Resolve

Heliarc

Where is Babel?

people are going to get more than injured if you don't tell me.

I'm not going to hold back unless I get some answers.

(Editor's note: Go Heliarc!)

A Miscalculation

Heliarc has corner Eclipsa in the lab.

Eclipsa (!)

Eclipsa

If you wish to see it, then look. This is Babel.

Heliarc

...

Heliarc (...)

It's running... Using my heart.

If this is found out, you'll lose everything.

Eclipsa (...)

Eclipsa

No one will ever know about it. No one can even open it without destroying its contents.

There is no way for anyone to ever know what lies within.

Heliarc

No one... can open it...

Eclipsa slip away and start dual casting black magic behind Heliarc.

Eclipsa

I wish I hadn't done such a poor job in transplanting the heart.

None of the other test subjects lasted more than a few days after the operation. It's unusual that you're alive.

Augmentation simply prevents the degradation of the body. The magitek heart isn't enough to sustain you. Having your heart removed should have killed you.

Heliarc (...)

Heliarc

You intend to finish me off, then?

Eclipsa

Letting you live brings its own host of problems.

Heliarc

You, a researcher held in such high regard... Why? What were you thinking?

Eclipsa

Such dull, expository banter.

I have neither an eternity, nor magic powers at my disposal. Unlike you.

Heliarc

...

Heliarc start charging up his power.

Eclipsa

Heliarc

I'll have you return what's mine.

Give me back my heart.

Wounded Scientist

kids running and playing in the town. as p walks by. Pertira (!) as she pass by the lab. Pertira (...) runs into the lab.

---

Heliarc silently staring outside the window.

Pertira

Heliarc!

Pertira rushes in.

I'm so glad you're back! I haven't seen you in days! I was starting to get worried.

Heliarc

Pertira... I... I've...

Pertira

What's wrong, Heliarc? Has something happened? Are you ill?

Heliarc

Where do I even begin...?

Pertira (?)

Pertira

Huh? What happened?

Heliarc

Listen, but contain your surprise. The magitek heart... now resides within me.

Pertira (!)

Pertira

Why!? How did that happen!?

Heliarc

My actual heart... is in this box. No matter what I do, it won't open.

Pertira

What... is this?

Heliarc

It's the Babel engine developed by Eclipsa.

I brought it from Eclipsa's research facility. My heart is in here.

Pertira

You... brought it? Heliarc, your hand! It's covered in wounds... What happened?

Heliarc

The magic is to blame. I used more power than I was accustomed to...

Petria (...)

Heliarc

I wonder if... I'm going to die... Whether I'm immortal or not, if my heart is extracted, I'll...

Pertira

Heliarc, don't worry. Just relax. You're still alive.

I, um... I want to hear about everything that happened. But I don't think this is the right place to talk.

We should get away from here. We can go back to my hometown.

Heliarc

...

Pertira

Hold onto Babel!@ We're going to do something about your heart!

Heliarc

Pertira...

Pertira

We can talk more later. For now, let's just get outta here. That okay with you?

Heliarc

... Yes.

Pertira

Then let's get going! Come on!

the two left the lab.

---

Abnormality

At a Remote Village

Pertira

Gotten used to it a little? The village, I mean, Great, isn't it?

Heliarc

It's not too hot, and the living is easy.

Pertira

Beautiful views, clean air.. Quiet and easygoing. I bet you think it's kinda boring, don't you?

Heliarc

it's fine.

Pertira Right!? You always said you wanted to spend your time in the peaceful countryside.

Heliarc (...)

Heliarc

Yes... I suppose I did.

Pertira

How's your heart, Heliarc?

Pertira

Every monster we tested it on eventually grew ill. I thought something might happen to you soon.

Heliarc

No sign of anything abnormal yet.

it's running quite smoothly.

Pertira

Well... That's good. I'm glad you're still with us.

Yuraisha

Heliarc. Pertira.

Pertira (!)

Pertira

Professor Yuraisha! What are you doing here?

Yuraisha

I've been looking for the two of you. I'm glad to have finally found you.

I know what happened. Babel... It's here right now, isn't it?

Pertira

...

Yuraisha

The military is going to be coming after you and Babel soon.

while you would certainly be safer in the hands of the military...

The world's state of affairs has changed since you left Aldore.

Heliarc

State of affairs? What do you mean?

Yuraisha

It seems that the people of Hess are enduring rather unjust treatment.

Pertira

the people of Hess? You mean those of Hess blood, like you and Heliarc?

Yurisha

Both Heliarc and I are known to have interfered with the research into Babel and the magitek heart.

Heliarc & Pertira (!)

Pertira

Interfered!? Wh-what are you talking about!?

Yuraisha

I have decided to leave Aldore.

i've been recruiting people of Hess to form an organization that would protect us.

You are the ones connected with the disappearance of Babel. I know not what would become of you should you be captured. Yet you are defenseless if you remain here, and that is dangerous enough.

It looks as if the magitek heart is stable for now, but we cannot be certain that it will remain so.

Heliarc

...

Yuraisha

Heliarc. Allow me to watch over you.

Pertira

Watch over him?

Yuraisha

I would do more than simply shelter you, of course. I would also monitor the development of your augmentations and otherwise do all I could to keep your condition in check.

Further, for general self-defense and so as to prepare you for Aldore aggression, I would also instruct you on how to harness your immense magical powers and use them for combat.

Heliarc

...

Yuraisha

Returning to town is risky. Yet they will find you sooner or later if you remain here.

Well, Heliarc? What is your decision?

Heliarc

....

Pertira

Heliarc...

Heliarc

I understand. Please take me with you, Professor Yuraisha.

Pertria (!)

Pertira

H-hey! Don't forget about me! I'd like to go too.

Heliarc

Pertira. Considering the circumstances, it's far too dangerous for you to come with me.

Pertira

But I...!

Heliarc

The magitek heart is functioning normally. I won't be dying any time soon. I'm sure that we will meet again.

Pertira

heliarc...

---

Parting

Yuraisha

Pertira looked very worried about you.

Heliarc

She'll be fine.

Yuraisha

Do you really believe so?

Heliarc

She's always been strong.

For Better or Worse

'Yuraisha

Your magitek heart seems to be working without issue.

Heliarc

There seems to be none of the instability that was shown during our tests.

Yuraisha

for better or worse, I'm glad you're still alive.

Persecution

Yuraisha

I've prepared a base for the people of Hess.

Though our numbers are still small... they will grow in due time.

The policies against those with the blood of Hess are.. cruel, to say the least.

Heliarc

I see...

A Change of Heart

Yuraisha

It seems you have no problem using magic. Now you need only to learn how to control it precisely.

You already had the makings of a mage to start with, so it shouldn't come as a surprise.

Heliarc

I also no longer have any hesitation to use it...

A Waning Heart

Yuraisha

I'm sorry to have to drag you away from the village you spent so much time in.

How is your heart?

Heliarc

It's fine. No problems.

Yuraisha

That's good to hear. But you must be tired, right?

Heliaarc (...) Heliarc

Something seems ... different.

Yuraisha

have you noticed something?

Heliarc

Noticed something? I'm not quite sure.

How did I used to think about things? How did I used to interact with people?

Everything within me has been so muddled since I received the magitek heart.

Y & H(!)

P (!)

Pertira

H-Helliarc!

Pertira rush over to Heliarc.

Pertira

Helliarc...?

I'm sorry! I've been trying to catch up with you since you left!

Heliarc jumps in to protect Pertira from a monster wolf.

Heliarc

Catch up with me? Why?

Pertira

I'm ... worried.

Heliarc

...

Pertira

Professor, Please. there's got to be something I can do. Please take me to the base with you.

Yuraisha Pertira.. Pertira I might be a citizen of Aldore, but there are plenty of people from hess who I care about! You know I'm not going to go around making enemies.

I really want to go.

I can't help but think I'll never see you again if we split up right now.

H & Y (!)

Pertira

The magitek heart might be working, but you've been slowly changing ever since the operation.

I know why. It might be because... No. it's definitely because....

You said that people's thoughts are embedded in the crystal.

Well, I bet the the crystal has started draining your mind, to use your life as its energy source.

Yuraisha

his mind...?

Pertira

If it keeps going, it's going to suck your mind dry!

You don't have much more time.

Once that happens... you'll die.

With that magitek heart beating in place of your own, you might even end up becoming a different person altogether.... Regardless, I know that I won't be able to see the man I know as Heliarc ever again.

Heliarc

...

Pertira

But I want to be by his side until that happens. That's all I want. Once I've seen it all unfold... I'll return to the village.

yuraisha

Pertira...

Pertira

please.

Pertira (bows)

Heliarc comes over

Heliarc

Just as you said... something within me is changing.

I don't know how long the Heliarc you know will survive.

Should you come along, yI don't know that I'll be able to meet your expectation. do you understand?

P (...)

Pertia

Yes...

But what do you mean by expectations, huh? I'm not expecting anything!

Have you ever lived up to my expectations? It's always been about your expectations, hasn' tit!?

H (...)

eliarc

is that how it's been? hmm....

P(confuse)

Yuraisha

Wouldn't you transition be easier with Pertira by your side?

I'm all for it. You may join us, Pertira. The people of Hess elcome you.

Pertira (!)

Pertira (bows)

Thank you!

P & Y leaves together

Heliarc

(My mind is going to wither...)

(The reason why I helped Pertira at a moment's notice... Was it because I wanted to help her?)

(Or... Was it because I just happened to be there when she need me? My mind if fraying... I just don't know.)

(I should have smiled, but it's as if it's someone else's life...)

(If my mind is to wholly disappear, will that mean my death? Or will I simply become someone new? Someone else altogether?)

---

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