Masoukishin II Chapter List

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Hringhorni – Briefing Room

Masaki: Wait, are you serious?

Xenia: Very serious. They’ve been harassing us about our lack of manpower for some time now.

Masaki: To blazes with their harassing, the guy’s a criminal!

Xenia: They said that upon his transferal to the Antiras Squad, his charges will be dropped. Sort of like a plea bargain.

Masaki: I’m not going to debate this!

Simone: What’s got you so riled up? I could hear you clear out in the hallway.

Demeksa: Please, calm down.

Masaki: Ah…perfect timing. Let’s get everyone together and hear their opinions.

Xenia: Way ahead of you. They’re on their way here as we speak.

Masaki: Still thinking two steps ahead, I see.

Simone: So what do you need all of us for?

Xenia: I could tell you, but you’ll probably erupt just like Masaki, so let’s wait until we’re all gathered.

Demeksa: Hoo boy, this is going to be an interesting discussion.

*Some time later…*

Wagner: Looks like all of our key members are present.

Mio: What about Tsurein and Mefil?

Wagner: Well, they’re out on patrol, so they won’t be present for this meeting.

Becky: Okay, so what’s up? Must be pretty important.

Wagner: Since Xenia is at the forefront of this, I’ll let her explain the situation.

Xenia: So, we have a new member joining the Antiras Squad.

Tytti: Um, isn’t that a good thing?

Masaki: The problem is the person himself.

Tytti: The person? Do you know him?

Masaki: Yeah, most of the people here know him.

Mio: Who is it? Who?

Xenia: …It’s Gaen.

Becky: Gaen? Gaen, Gaen…

Becky: Huhwha!? THAT Gaen!?

Xenia: Yes. The former assassin of the Volkruss Cult who turned himself over to us…

Xenia: That Gaen.

Simone: Hold the phone! He’s a criminal, isn’t he!?

Masaki: Haha, that’s just what I said.

Simone: This is NOT a laughing matter!

Masaki: …Sorry.

Wagner: Pardon me, but could you refrain from interrupting? Xenia will explain the details.

Simone: Oh…my apologies.

Xenia: To make a long story short, it’s a request from the Langran government.

Xenia: They want us to take custody of Gaen in exchange for additional funds and Masouki.

Ahmad: Hmm…so Langran wants to shift this problem from their hands to ours.

Becky: Well, this isn’t the first time they’ve foisted an unreasonable request on us.

Xenia: However, according to the evaluation data, Gaen’s abilities are top-notch. He’s got natural aptitude both as a herald and a mechanic.

Simone: So then the problem lies in his personality?

Xenia: The psychological evaluation showed no problems. He’s somewhat uncooperative, but there’s no intracerebral abnormalities.

Mio: I don’t know much about him, but…is he really that much of a problem child?

Becky: Don’t you remember, Mio? Gaen is…he was an ally of Katekis and Wulf.

Mio: Wuh!? Tian’s killers…

Mio: No way! There’s just no way we can let him join our team!!

Becky: My point exactly.

Demeksa: Er, may I say something?

Xenia: Go ahead.

Demeksa: First of all, can you lay out the advantages and disadvantages of bringing this Gaen onboard?

Xenia: Ah, of course…well then, I’ll leave out the emotional points and focus on the practical ones.

Xenia: The main point in favor of this is the addition to our forces. It would be nice to have another herald and more Masouki. There’s also the money on offer.

Simone: Of course they try and entice us with money.

Xenia: The main point against it is that we’ll be taking on someone on who we can’t fully trust. And the possible repercussions of doing that can easily be guessed.

Demeksa: That’s true, but…

Becky: You still want to meet him yourself.

Demeksa: Yes, I do. I don’t mean to brush off what you’ve been saying, but I’d like to see this Gaen for myself before rendering judgement.

Ahmad: Hm…we should at least give him a trial run.

Simone: You guys…are you insane!?

Wagner: Very well. It looks like we have a split in opinions. We’ll decide this matter by a vote.

Wagner: Those opposed, please raise your hands.

Simone: Of course not.

Mio: I don’t like it either.

Becky: Same here.

Masaki: I’m against.

Precia: Um, me too…

Wagner: That’s five people. Those in favor, please raise your hands.

Demeksa: We should at least give him a chance.

Ahmad: I’ll judge with my own eyes.

Tytti: I can’t fully commit to a decision at the present…but, I won’t oppose it. I’m willing to wait and see. So, passive agreement.

Lune: …..

Masaki: Lune!? You agree with them?

Lune: I can’t oppose this unsparingly. But I also can’t fully agree.

Xenia: So, are you against it? Or are you for it?

Lune: Umm…I’m sorry. I’m remaining neutral.

Xenia: So that five people against, four people in favor, and one person abstaining.

Gennady: I’m also for.

Xenia: Ah! S-Sorry! I forgot about Gennady. That makes it five in favor…

Masaki: Huh? One, two, three…you’re in favor of this, Xenia?

Xenia: Yeah, I thought that was obvious.

Masaki: Why?

Xenia: I can see a lot of ways that he can be useful to us. And if worse comes to worse, we can kill him.

Masaki: …You can be pretty cutthroat sometimes.

Wagner: So that’s five for, five against, and one neutral. An even split.

Masaki: Were you counting on a majority vote?

Wagner: I don’t make decisions of this magnitude using rough methods such as majority rule.

Masaki: Then how do we resolve this?

Wagner: Masaki, Tytti, Mio. You three will decide.

Masaki: You’re leaving the decision to the Masoukishin heralds?

Wagner: Yes. You are the highest authorities in the Antiras Squad.

Masaki: What about your position as Representative? And is it okay to leave Yang Long out of this?

Wagner: My decisions are made as a separate body from you all. And I can only enforce those decisions under certain circumstances, such as forced execution.

Wagner: The internal rules for the Antiras Squad are still being worked out, so in this case it’s best if you make this decision.

Wagner: As for Yang Long, we’ll have to exclude him due to his absence.

Masaki: Can’t we get in touch with him?

Wagner: Hmm, not at this moment.

Masaki: Tch…can’t be helped.

Tytti: I can’t be certain, but I think Yang Long would vote for.

Masaki: …Yeah, probably. He’s practical to a fault.

Mio: …You make the final call, Masaki.

Masaki: …Personally, I’m against it.

Wagner: Then…

Masaki: But now that I’ve heard everyone’s opinions, I can’t just shut them down out of hand.

Masaki: So, I’ll give the situation the benefit of the doubt. For the time being, we’ll enlist him on a trial basis.

Tytti: You’re sure?

Masaki: Yeah, we need to make sure we know what we’re dealing with. Is that okay, Mio?

Mio: Yes. If that’s your decision, Masaki, I won’t argue.

Masaki: Guess if anything goes wrong, it’ll be on my head.

Wagner: Then, I’ll officially recognize Gaen’s enlistment into the Antiras Squad.

Masaki: Trial enlistment.

Mio: Man, you’re really stressing that point.

Xenia: Alright, let’s contact the Bureaus of Security and Legal Affairs.

Masaki: I wonder how Tsurein and Mefil will take this.

Tsurein and Mefil on patrol

Tsurein: Hachoo!!

Mefil: Have you caught a cold?

Tsurein: No. *sniff* I think I’ve got my AC too low…

Mefil: *giggle*

Tsurein: …What’s with the creepy laughter?

Mefil: Because. It’s been so long since we’ve gone out on a date, Tsuery.

Tsurein: I told you not to call me that! And this isn’t a date! It’s a patrol! Pa-trol!

Mefil: You say it’s a patrol, but who are we patrolling for, again?

Tsurein: Those terrorist organizations! The Expanding Cell, the Dawn Brigade, the Volkruss Cult…

Mefil: Okay, but until they actually show up, can’t we just forget about them for now?

Tsurein: No! We’re on a mission, so we can’t let our guard down!

Mefil: You know, you’re already too serious without being a worrywart, Tsurey.

Tsurein: For the last time, quit with the Tsurey…
　
Tsurein: !? A distress signal!?

Mefil: Eh? Oh, you’re right. From the Pizen Biochemical Research Institiution?

Tsurein: Monsters are out of control…heading for the city…
　
Tsurein: Oh god! We’ve gotta hurry!

Mefil: Right!

Chapter 15: Varied Intentions

Langran – Pizen Biochemical Research Institute

*Leogeira and Dergiran arrive on the scene*

Tsurein: Yikes! That thing’s HUGE…how can it even move itself?

Mefil: The mass reduction and inertia control must be amazing.

Tsurein: Such advanced engineering can only be the work of the Kingdom of Erial…

Mefil: Oooh, brilliant deduction, Tsurey.

Tsurein: Elementary! And I’ll say it again! No more Tsurey!

Mefil: Eh~?

Tsurein: This is your first time riding the Dergiran, right? Don’t overdo it.

Mefil: I’m fine.♪ Ms. Ellis took good care of it, and I haven’t picked up on anything strange.

*One of the Kaiju starts moving*

Tsurein: !! That’s not good, they’re moving in the direction of the city!

Mefil: We’ll have to use ourselves as a shield.

Tsurein: Yeah, let’s hurry and get in front of them!!

Mefil: *Giggle*♪

Tsurein: Wh-What is it now?

Mefil: This reminds me of that incident that happened back at the military academy.

Tsurein: Huh? Oh, that’s right. The runaway Demon Nereids, right?

Mefil: This is our first battle since then where its just the two of us.

Tsurein: That’s true, the circumstances are similar. But this time, our enemies are bio-engineered monsters. Don’t loose focus!

Mefil: You got it.♪

*Conditions Shown, Battle Starts*

*Turn 3 Player Phase, a Duraxyll arrives*

Gaen aboard the Duraxyll

Gaen: …Sloppy.

Tsurein: !? You…Gaen!? How did you…

Mefil: Isn’t he piloting…the Duraxyll?

Gaen: Let me be the first to speak. I’m here as an ally.

Tsurein: An ally!? What kind of fools do you take us for!

Gaen: Check my identification tag. And this insignia.

Mefil: The ID signal reads…Antiras Squad…

Tsurein: And that badge is…the real thing!? Why are you…

Gaen: It doesn’t matter why. Just accept it as fact. I’m on your side.

Tsurein: You’ve got to be kidding me! On OUR side!?

Mefil: Tsurey, now’s not the time to argue with him. We still need to stop these monsters…

Gaen: Hm, at least you have greater composure, Mefil. Leave this to me, I’ll stop them.

Mefil: Are you sure? Then, if you would.

Tsurein: Mefil! You can’t just let him…
　
Tsurein: Blast, this really isn’t the time to argue…
　
Tsurein: Fine then! You’d better not backstab us, Gaen!

Gaen: I have no intention of doing so.

*Turn 5 Player Phase, Cybuster arrives*

Masaki: Alright, made it in time! Let’s send these Kaiju packing!

*Stage ends when all enemies are defeated*

Hringhorni – Briefing Room

Masaki: So I take it we never had any choice?

Gaen: No. If you change your minds, I’ll simply go back to prison.

Masaki: Back to prison, huh…out of curiosity, how long was your sentence?

Gaen: In total, 348 years and three months.

Xenia: A de facto life sentence.

Masaki: So then, are you okay with this deal?

Gaen: Let me ask you something. What would you do if you were in my position?

Masaki: Well, of course I would…!
　
Masaki: …Not know how to answer.

Mio: Be honest, there’s no way you’d be okay with it, Masaki.

Lune: Pretty much.

Masaki: Shut up! This isn’t about me, it’s about him! All that matters is what he thinks!

Gaen: What if I said that I wished to refuse?

Masaki: …Is that what you really think?

Gaen: There’s only one way for you to discern my thoughts. By observing my expression, tone, and other forms of body language.

Masaki: Well, I guess, but…

Gaen: In other words, you should have disregarded everything I’ve said from the start.

Masaki: Quit with the cut-and-dry stuff! It comes off as demeaning, and it’s getting on my nerves!

Gaen: My apologies. If I speak in such a manner, I do so unconsciously.

Masaki: …This guy’s gonna be a joy to work with.

Wendy: But why was he piloting the Duraxyll?

Xenia: Uhhh…that was my doing.

Xenia: I’ll be taking charge of Duraxyll’s parts, including its black box.

Wendy: …Xenia, that can be considered as arms smuggling.

Xenia: I know…but Duraxyll is my creation! I couldn’t stand leaving it in someone else’s possession!

Wendy: Well, I understand how you feel, but…was this the whole reason you were in favor of Gaen’s recruitment?

Xenia: …Yes. Oh, there was one other thing.

Wendy: You had another reason?

Xenia: The truth is, I had Gaen do some maintenance tests while he was in prison, and he came up with some interesting ideas.

Wendy: Interesting ideas?

Xenia: You know the Parc Circuit in the Prana Converter? We used fullerene evaporation to cover it with nanocarbons…

Wendy: What? But won’t that overload the system and actually lower efficiency?

Xenia: Surprisingly, it increased efficiency. At its peak, by a factor of 1.2!

Wendy: Amazing…that’s something worthy of the Tesla Prize.

Xenia: Yep, and I’ve even secretly patented it. In the name of the Antiras Squad, of course.

Wendy: Xenia, that’s corporate embezzlement…

Xenia: Well, no one noticed except me. So it’s all good.

Wagner: …Except I am now aware of it.

Xenia: You understand though, right Uncle?

Wagner: Well…I suppose it’s water under the bridge.

Masaki: Hey, I’m completely in the dark here!

Xenia: In short, Gaen is a pretty good mechanic and designer for Masouki.

Masaki: Xenia, the only reason that Gaen was transferred to us was because you wanted it, am I right?

Xenia: I’m not the only one who wanted it. My interests just happened to align with the Langran Government, who were happy to get him off their hands.

Masaki: Well, that’s one way to put it. Still, I’ll admit this guy’s good. I’m willing to keep him around for awhile.
　
Masaki: Tytti, Mio, you good with that?

Tytti: I suppose…so long as we don’t allow him access to classified information.

Mio: One condition. I want some kind of GPS attached to this guy. Something that can’t be easily removed. If you can swing that, I’m OK.

Wagner: Is that okay with you, Gaen?

Gaen: No need to ask. I will comply.

Xenia: Alright. We’ll head to the infirmary later.

Gaen: Understood.

Wendy: So, Xenia. What are you going to do with Duraxyll?

Xenia: I’ll leave it in Gaen’s hands for the time being. There are still some functional problems, so I’d advise against making any alterations.

Wendy: Very well.

Tytti: By the way, you did well today, Tsurein, Mefil.

Tsurein: Thank you very much!

Masaki: No, thank you for your hard work.

Xenia: Thanks to you, we got an additional reward from the government. I’ll add it to our general funds, so it can be used for remodeling and the like.

*If Mefil has at least 5 kills*

Mefil: By the way, I noticed that Dergiran burns through its ammo kinda quick.

Xenia: Ah, well, that’s just a characteristic of the machine, I guess.

Mefil: Can we increase the maximum ammunition?

Xenia: That’s easier said than done.

Mefil: There must be a way to store more in the same space.

Masaki: Don’t ask me, I’m not even good at housekeeping

Mefil: Housekeeping…oh, that’s it!

Masaki: Huh? What’s it?

Mefil: Yes, somehow I’ve figured out the secret.

Masaki: Secret?

Xenia: Of how to increase the ammo count?

Mefil: Uh~huh.

Masaki: Hey, that’s handy. How do you do it?

Mefil: Well…it’s kind of hard to put into words…

Xenia: It’s something like an innate ability. You can’t just pick it up after it’s explained to you.

Masaki: I see…too bad.

Masaki: Anyway, since you’re piloting Dergiran, I know that’ll come in handy. Use it well.

Mefil: You got it.♪

*Regardless…*

Tytti: So, what caused those…things to run amok?

Mefil: There were signs that someone had tampered with the facility’s computers.

Xenia: Tampered? With computers from the Kingdom of Erial? The only other person who could have done that besides me would be…

Xenia: Ah! Chaos!?

Mefil: Ummm…I think I’ve heard that name before…who is that?

Xenia: They’re a highly skilled computer cracker. Real name’s unknown. The Intelligence Bureau’s been after them several times for cyberterrorism.

Wendy: If I’m not mistaken…you consider them to be something of a rival, Xenia.

Xenia: They aren’t my rival!

Xenia: …Although, they’ve been able to beat me once or twice.

Simone: They outsmarted Xenia in the field of computers? That’s one heck of an opponent you’ve got there.

Xenia: Mefil, can you search though the data from here?

Mefil: Um, yes. We can, but wouldn’t it be faster to use Dukakis?

Xenia: Oh, yeah…let’s head to the computer room.

Hringhorni – Computer Area

Xenia: …As I thought.

Mefil: Yes. These are traces of unauthorized alteration, right?

Xenia: They are, but this particular program is the master control program for those creature’s emotional state.

Xenia: How could they have planted a virus in such a fundamental program?

Mefil: Could it have been inserted when the program was initially created?

Xenia: Yes, the kingdom of Erial could have planned this from the beginning…we can’t discount that possibility.

Mefil: But didn’t you say that this was done by that Chaos person, Xenia?

Xenia: That I did. So the idea that Erial and Chaos are working together in the shadows…isn’t outside the realm of possibilities.

Mefil: The Merchants of Death working with a master cracker? That’s a pretty serious allegation.

Xenia: I’ll need to do more investigating to figure out the details…but it could be just as big a problem as the division of Shutedonias.

Mefil: Anyway, when I submit my report to the government I’ll request that they check all the components made in Erial.

Xenia: Well, that’s probably impossible. There’s just too many of them.

Xenia: Besides, when you think of it, even the Hringhorni has parts that are from the Kingdom of Erial.

Mefil: That’s true…

Xenia: These traces of tampering aren’t enough to prove anything. We need solid evidence that Erial is involved.

Hringhorni – Bridge

Forche: Now that my duties are finished, I’ll be disembarking.

Wagner: Thank you for your time. Might I ask what your overall evaluation is?

Forche: I can’t tell you the specifics, but let’s just say it’s not bad.

Wagner: That’s good to hear.

Forche: However, I’d recommend that you do something about the number of troublemakers in your crew.

Wagner: Hmm, I think that all the enthusiasm is rather a good thing.

Forche: Mr. Chairman…pardon my frankness, but I consider that to be rather irresponsible.

Wagner: Please, I am no chairman. I’m merely a representative.

Forche: …Mr. Representative. I advise you to exert a tighter level of control.

Wagner: I shall do what I deem best moving forward.

Forche: Hm…I don’t expect much from that. Farewell.

Wagner: Yes, goodbye.

Varied Intentions End

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Masoukishin II Chapter List