Previous Chapter: Varied Intentions | Masoukishin II Chapter List | Next Chapter: Terrorist Suppression
Hringhorni – Rec Area Masoukishin II
Masaki: …..
Gaen: …..
Masaki: …..
Gaen: …..
Masaki: …Hey.
Gaen: …..
Masaki: You could at least answer me, Gaen!
Gaen: …What is it?
Masaki: Do you always wear that getup?
Gaen: Yes.
Masaki: Don’t you have any other clothes?
Gaen: I have a dozen other identical outfits.
Masaki: All your clothes are the same!?
Gaen: Why the shock? You wear the same thing every day.
Masaki: Gee, like I haven’t heard that before…
Masaki: But that’s not the point!! The point is you need to think more about what you wear!
Gaen: I fail to see how this is a problem.
Masaki: Give me a break! The heat must be unbearable with those jet-black garments!
Gaen: Your personal opinions mean nothing to me.
Masaki: Quiet, you! Go get some proper clothes! That’s an order!
Gaen: An order? If that’s the case, I will obey.
Masaki: …Wait, seriously? If I phrase it as an order, you just go along with it?
Gaen: Of course. I obey orders without question. That’s basic discipline.
Masaki: …You’re something else…
Lune: Hey, we could hear you out in the hallway. What are you guys fighting about?
Wendy: Whatever it is, please stop.
Precia: Bro, why are you always instigating?
Masaki: No, we weren’t fighting…we were having a professional disagreement about his wardrobe.
Lune: Wardrobe? Now that you mention it, he does always wear the same thing.
Gaen: Are you going to start in on me, too?
Masaki: This conversation is over! We’re going clothes shopping, and that’s that!
Wendy: Going to buy clothes…for Gaen?
Masaki: Yeah, that’s right.
Lune: The two of you?
Masaki: That’s the idea. He’s bound to buy the same kind of clothes if he picks them himself.
Wendy: So you’re going to pick them, Masaki?
Lune: I don’t think that’s a good idea…
Precia: I agree.
Masaki: W-Why not?
Lune: Because, Masaki, you have no sense of style.
Wendy: It’s true.
Precia: Don’t try and deny it.
Masaki: Tch…like you have a better fashion sense!
Wendy: Women are more discerning than men when it comes to that.
Lune: That’s right. We dress like this because it allows ease of movement for work and recreation.
Wendy: We have all kinds of clothes for everyday use.
Precia: Do you have a problem with the way I dress, bro?
Masaki: N-No, that’s not what…
Lune: Besides, Masaki, can you even find your way to a clothing shop in the first place?
Masaki: Oh, uh…fine, I get it. You guys can come along. I’ll leave the selection process to you.
Gaen: …My opinion was irrelevant from the outset, wasn’t it?
Shopping District Masoukishin II
Lune: Hey, that bakery’s selling something that looks delicious. What is it?
Precia: It’s called a padig, and it’s, uhh, sort of like…
Precia: Oh yeah. It’s like those crepes you have on the surface.
Wendy: These ones are kashmint flavored. Sounds divine.
Masaki: Hey guys, we aren’t on a field trip here.
Lune: Oh, right. We came here to buy clothes.
Masaki: So, are there any clothing stores around here?
Wendy: Yes, right over this way.
????: Greetings, Masaki. And to you as well, Precia.
Masaki: Eh? Who’re you?
Gaen: Masaki…keep your distance.
Masaki: What is it? Something wrong, Gaen?
Gaen: …Can’t you feel it? This man…is no ordinary person.
????: My, aren’t we the vigilant ones? As I recall, you’re…Gaen, the former assassin for the Volkruss Cult.
Gaen: …And you are?
My name is Elan Xenosakis
Elan: My name is Elan Xenosakis
Precia: Huh? Xenosakis…
Elan: I am indeed related to you, Precia. Though our lineage diverged some 2,000 years ago.
Precia: I-Is that so? Nice to meet you, then.
Elan: …Hmm.
Precia: “Hmm”? I-Is something the matter?
Elan: No, don’t worry about it. It’s nothing.
Elan: Masaki, I have a question for you.
Masaki: …What’s the question?
Elan: Which one did you choose?
Masaki: …What are you talking about?
Elan: Is it the lady with the bachelor’s degree in alchemy, or the girl that hails from the surface?
Wendy: A bachelor’s in alchemy…is that me?
Lune: The girl from the surface must be me.
Masaki: I really don’t know what you’re talking about.
Elan: Dear me, you really are thick-skulled. I’m asking which one is your girlfriend.
Masaki: Say what!?
Wendy: Eh…
Lune: Ah…
Masaki: W-What the heck!? Stop goggling at me, both of you!
Masaki: Elan, was it!? What in the world possessed you to ask that!?
Elan: I have to know which girl to take hostage.
Masaki: Take…take hostage!? What are you even…
Elan: I want a duel against you. I would’ve asked you directly, but I though it likely you would have refused me.
Masaki: Well, duh! Why do you even want to fight with me?
Elan: I must. If I am to master the Infinite Shinto style.
Gaen: …I could tell from how you carried yourself that you knew Infinite Shinto.
Elan: Oh, by the way, Gaen. I have no use for you. People of your skill level I can sweep aside with ease.
Gaen: …..
Masaki: Infinite Shinto…that’s the style of swordsmanship that Zeolute used.
Elan: You can use it, yes?
Masaki: Well, I was never officially trained…
Elan: …Is that a fact?
Masaki: You think I’m lying or something?
Elan: Heh…interesting. So you subconsciously learned it through mere observation?
Elan: I suppose it is unlike most swordfighting styles.
Masaki: I still have no idea what you’re yammering about! If you’ve said your piece, then beat it!
Elan: I’m afraid I can’t do that. Now that I’ve heard your, I feel even more compelled to cross blades with you.
Elan: Besides, I have something I want to show you…
Masaki: …What’s your game here!?
Elan: I suggest you call Cybuster as fast as possible. You’ll need it for what I have to show you.
Masaki: You really think I’m going to summon a Masouki in the middle of a crowded city!?
Elan: How bothersome. However, I’m not restrained by such details. Come! Zelvoid!
Zelvoid
Masaki: What…in the name of…
Wendy: Ah…
Lune: A black…Cybuster?
Elan: It’s name is Zelvoid. And it is the ‘original’ Cybuster.
Masaki: You…what are you gonna do with that thing!?
Elan: Did you not understand me? I want to duel you. To see how your Masouki compares to its original.
Elan: So, call out Cybuster already. I’ll even allow your allies to participate. If you don’t hurry, I’ll have no choice…but to level this city.
Masaki: Wh…What!
Elan: Heh, your demeanor has shifted. Looks like this was the most effective method of getting you in an agreeable mood.
Masaki: I don’t know what’s going on in your sick head, but I’m not letting you attack this city!!
Elan: Oh my. Are you finally ready? I’ll wait until you’re fully prepared.
Masaki: Tch! Hringhorni, do you read!? This is Masaki!
Masaki: Deploy Cybuster to the outskirts of this city! And the mechs for Lune, Precia, and Gaen after that!!
Wendy: I-I’ll hurry back to the Hringhorni…
Masaki: Hold it, Wendy! That Masouki…there’s something off about it.
Masaki: You’ll be safer in Cybuster’s sub-seat.
Wendy: Right…okay.
Chapter 16: Elan Xenosakis
*Zelvoid, Cybuster, Valsione R, Diablo, and Duraxyll are at a stand-off*
Elan: You’re finally here. Now, let me explain the rules. If you can withstand my assault for 30 minutes, Masaki, you win.
Elan: If you lose, I’ll destroy the city.
Masaki: Rules!? We’re not playing a game!!
Elan: It’s a necessary measure. Otherwise you clearly won’t take this seriously.
Masaki: You little…!! You think you can beat us four-to-one!?
Elan: Of course. Take a good look. This is the true power…of Zelvoid and I!
Zelvoid, Possession!
Masaki: No…th-that can’t be…
Wendy: He really…entered Possession!?
Elan: Yes, this is the power of the original. I heard you only invoked it once…but then again, yours is only a copy.
Masaki: You keep saying original and copy…are you saying Cybuster is a fake!?
Elan: It’s the truth, so why call them otherwise?
Masaki: I’ll make you eat those words!!
*Conditions shown, Battle Starts*
Masaki VS Elan
Click to open
Elan: Now, let’s see what you can do.
Masaki: Quit belittling me! Who the heck do you think you are, anyway!?
Elan: My my…for someone who inherited the name of Randoll, you certainly are vulgar.
Masaki: …You sound exactly like he does, and that really ticks me off!
Lune VS Elan
Click to open
Lune: You know, you could’ve pushed a little harder than that!
Elan: ? What are you talking about?
Lune: You know what! About which one of us was his favorite!
Elan: …Ah! That?
Elan: I don’t think so. He strikes me as the type who can’t make up his mind on such matters.
Gaen VS Elan
Click to open
Gaen: I’ll show you my skills with the Infinite Shinto style.
Elan: Don’t make me laugh. It’s impossible for you to master the Infinite Shinto.
Gaen: …What?
Elan: Because you’re missing something very important.
Gaen: Something missing? Just what is that!?
Elan: It’s not so simple to explain with . I’m sure you’ll figure it out someday.
Precia VS Elan
Click to open
Precia: I’m not gonna let you destroy that city!
Elan: …I see. It looks like you have the basics down.
Precia: Huh? Wh-What?
Elan: I commend your skill, daughter of Zeolute.
Precia: Oh? Ah, th-thank you.
Elan: …If Zeolute were still alive, my goal would be far more easily attained.
Turn 2 Enemy Phase, reduce Elan’s HP below 50% having fought him with Masaki
Click to open
Elan: I see…you certainly have quite the talent with the sword. With some further refinement, I’m certain…
Masaki: Enough with the doubletalk! You saying I’m not good enough!?
Elan: That will do for now. I suppose my actions were a little premature.
Masaki: What do you mean by that!?
Elan: Hahaha, well, I’ll save the fun for next time. Later.
*Zelvoid retreats*
Masaki: Ah!? Get back here!!
*A horde of Masouki appear*
????: What the heck, man! They pulled out the Masoukishin! What’s the plan now, Deming?
Deming: Indeed, we might have been too rash in taking this job. But now that we’re contracted, we’re obligated to see it through.
????: I guess…
Deming: Don’t be caught unawares, Digo
Masaki: Who in the world are you?
Deming: Ah yes, my name is Zheng Deming, a mercenary for hire. And it just so happens I’ve been hired to kill you and your companions.
Masaki: Oh…well, you’re pretty honest for hired killers.
Deming: I make it a point of being polite no matter the circumstance.
Masaki: Whatever, we aren’t losing to you guys!
Turn 2 Enemy Phase, reduce Elan’s HP below 50% without fighting him with Masaki
Click to open
Elan: Oh dear, were the stories about you overexaggerated? Or are you just afraid to fight me, Masaki?
Masaki: Shut up! I’m just getting started here!
Elan: That will do for now. I suppose my actions were a little premature.
Masaki: What do you mean by that!?
Elan: Hahaha, well, I’ll save the fun for next time. Later.
*Zelvoid retreats*
Masaki: Ah!? Get back here!!
*A horde of Masouki appear*
????: What the heck, man! They pulled out the Masoukishin! What’s the plan now, Deming?
Deming: Indeed, we might have been too rash in taking this job. But now that we’re contracted, we’re obligated to see it through.
????: I guess…
Deming: Don’t be caught unawares, Digo
Masaki: Who in the world are you?
Deming: Ah yes, my name is Zheng Deming, a mercenary for hire. And it just so happens I’ve been hired to kill you and your companions.
Masaki: Oh…well, you’re pretty honest for hired killers.
Deming: I make it a point of being polite no matter the circumstance.
Masaki: Whatever, we aren’t losing to you guys!
Turn 2 Enemy Phase, Elan’s HP is between 50% and 80%
Click to open
Elan: Heh…you’ve made a little headway. But it’s still not good enough.
*A horde of Masouki appear*
????: Well well, this is a curious turn of events.
????: Hey, Deming! Did you forget about our assassination plan!?
Deming: I hadn’t, but considering they’ve boarded their Masouki, I see little choice but to alter said plan.
Deming: Unless you have a better idea, Digo?
Digo: Uh…
Masaki: Who’re those guys…?
Elan: Ah yes, the mercenaries that were after your heads.
Masaki: The who?
Elan: What? You didn’t notice? They were stalking you since you arrived in that city.
Masaki: Um…
Elan: Well, they’re inconsequential to me, so I’ll let them do as they please.
Turn 2 Enemy Phase, Elan’s HP is between 80% and 100%
Click to open
Elan: Hmm…is this all you’re capable of? Hahaha, keep it up.
*A horde of Masouki appear*
????: Well well, this is a curious turn of events.
????: Hey, Deming! Did you forget about our assassination plan!?
Deming: I hadn’t, but considering they’ve boarded their Masouki, I see little choice but to alter said plan.
Deming: Unless you have a better idea, Digo?
Digo: Uh…
Masaki: Who’re those guys…?
Elan: Ah yes, the mercenaries that were after your heads.
Masaki: The who?
Elan: What? You didn’t notice? They were stalking you since you arrived in that city.
Masaki: Um…
Elan: Well, they’re inconsequential to me, so I’ll let them do as they please.
Turn 2 Enemy Phase, Elan’s HP is 100%
Click to open
Elan: Weak…too weak. If you can’t fight properly, you should just give up.
*A horde of Masouki appear*
????: Well well, this is a curious turn of events.
????: Hey, Deming! Did you forget about our assassination plan!?
Deming: I hadn’t, but considering they’ve boarded their Masouki, I see little choice but to alter said plan.
Deming: Unless you have a better idea, Digo?
Digo: Uh…
Masaki: Who’re those guys…?
Elan: Ah yes, the mercenaries that were after your heads.
Masaki: The who?
Elan: What? You didn’t notice? They were stalking you since you arrived in that city.
Masaki: Um…
Elan: Well, they’re inconsequential to me, so I’ll let them do as they please.
Turn 3 Player Phase, Hringhorni arrives, if Elan is present
Click to open
Xenia: No way! It really DOES look like Cybuster!
Mio: Not only that…it’s using Possession!?
Simone: This looks like a tough foe…
Masaki: Yeah, so don’t let your guard down!
*With or without the previous dialogue, Units deploy and Hringhorni retreats*
Xenia VS Elan
Click to open
Xenia: The specs are different, but the shape is almost the same…I’ll have to take notes.
Tytti VS Elan
Click to open
Tytti: Possession…how can that be…
Elan: Tytti Norbäck, yes? If you wish to communicate with Gadd, you might want to learn how to swim first.
Tytti: !? Where did you…
Tytti: That’s none of your business!
Mio VS Elan
Click to open
Mio: So this is Possession…I can feel an enormous pressure!
Elan: You must be Mio Sasuga.
Mio: Eh? You know who I am? Am I some sort of celebrity?
Elan: In more ways than one. For instance, you’re a very interesting sample. After all, you’re the only…
Mio: Huh? The only what?
Elan: …Never mind. There’s no point in bringing that up now.
Mio: Whoa, that’s some serious foreshadowing! Talk about a deeper meaning behind what you say!
Xenia VS Digo
Click to open
Digo: What’s this? Aren’t you that Langranian princess?
Xenia: So what if I am?
Digo: Perfect. I’ve wanted to crush you for a long time now!
Xenia: …Yeah, well, now the feeling’s mutual!
At any point, reduce Elan’s HP below 50% having fought him with Masaki
Click to open
Elan: I see…you certainly have quite the talent with the sword. With some further refinement, I’m certain…
Masaki: Enough with the doubletalk! You saying I’m not good enough!?
Elan: That will do for now. I suppose my actions were a little premature.
Masaki: What do you mean by that!?
Elan: Hahaha, well, I’ll save the fun for next time. Later.
*Zelvoid retreats*
Masaki: Ah!? Get back here!!
At any point, reduce Elan’s HP below 50% without fighting him with Masaki
Click to open
Elan: Oh dear, were the stories about you overexaggerated? Or are you just afraid to fight me, Masaki?
Masaki: Shut up! I’m just getting started here!
Elan: That will do for now. I suppose my actions were a little premature.
Masaki: What do you mean by that!?
Elan: Hahaha, well, I’ll save the fun for next time. Later.
*Zelvoid retreats*
Masaki: Ah!? Get back here!!
Turn 4 Player Phase, a new Masouki arrives
Dinflail has arrived!
Guido: Did I keep you waiting?
Masaki: A new Masouki? Who’s piloting it?
Guido: We haven’t seen each other in a while, Masaki. Not since the banquet.
Masaki: Huh? Oh yeah…you’re Guido. Guido…something.
Guido: Seehoffer. Guido Seehoffer.
Guido: I was assigned to the Antiras Saquad today, along with Dinflail here.
Masaki: You actually volunteered for the Antiras Squad…
Xenia: Dinflail! Well, considering what happened to Dinforce, it makes sense for it to be moved to active duty.
Guido: Just like me, earning its position due to the passing of another.
Xenia: Hmm, you’re certainly humble.
Guido: Not at all, I’m simply aware that I haven’t fully earned my position.
Masaki: Can you at least hold your own in a fight?
Guido: I’ve been taking my retraining very seriously. I’m certain that I’ll be an asset to you.
Masaki: Well, you can talk the talk. Let’s see you walk the walk.
Turn 4 Enemy Phase, if Elan is Present
Elan: Hmm…is this all you’re capable of? Hahaha, keep it up.
Turn 5 Enemy Phase, if Elan is Present
Elan: I thought you could do better. Have I sorely overestimated you?
Turn 6 Enemy Phase, if Elan is Present
Elan: Too weak…far too weak. If you can’t fight properly, you should just give up.
Turn 7 Player Phase, if Elan is Present
Elan: Hmm…good enough. I suppose the rules I set were tipped in your favor.
Elan: The fact is that you’ve withstood my attack, so I’ll just admit my defeat.
Masaki: You’re not admitting defeat, you’re just mocking us!
Elan: Well, I got what I wanted, and a promise is a promise. I hope you’ll pardon my discourtesy.
*Zelvoid retreats*
Masaki: Tch, now he decides to get lost?
Defeat all enemies, Battle ends
Hringhorni – Briefing Room Masoukishin II
Wagner: Allow me to give a formal introduction. This is the herald for our the Masouki Dinflail, Guido Seehoffer.
Guido: Nice to meet you. I heard that the Hringhorni was full of beautiful women, and it does indeed seem to be a paradise.
Masaki: Once again, he only has eyes for women.
Simone: I’d never have guessed this straight-faced German would be a cheap playboy.
Guido: You’re a Frenchwoman, yes? Famous for their beauty. A pleasure, frauline.
Simone: Simone Curian. Just so you know, I’m not looking to make friends.
Guido: Oh, is there something wrong?
Simone: I don’t like Germans.
Guido: Might I ask why?
Simone: It’s nothing. Just a personal experience I had.
Guido: In that case, would you give me the chance to overturn that prejudice?
Simone: …You can try.
Xenia: Guido, weren’t you formerly enlisted in the MAD?
Masaki: What’s the MAD?
Mio: Scandinavian EFA forces…more specifically, a Military Counterintelligence Service formerly under the now-defunct Wehrmacht.
Mio: It’s not as well known as the BND, which is in the same vein as the Gehlen Organization, but it’s a highly efficient branch in it’s own right.
Guido: …You’re certainly knowledgeable.
Mio: Heh.
Xenia: Anyway, which department were you in?
Guido: I served in both the 2nd Counterterrorism division, and the 3rd Counterintelligence division.
Xenia: Ooh! An expert! Hey, hey, can you help me with my own Intelligence Bureau?
Guido: I’d be happy to.
Xenia: Yes! Additional personal acquired!
Masaki: The Intelligence Bureau…AKA, Xenia’s passion project.
Xenia: Of course I’m passionate! Information is the lifeblood of an independent military unit like ours!
Masaki: I know, I know. No need to get all huffy.
Ahmad: Excellent, now I can leave the squad with a clear conscience.
Masaki: Huh? Ahmad, what’re you talking about?
Ahmad: I’m leaving the Antiras Squad.
Masaki: Whoa, whoa, wait! You can’t just resign out of nowhere!
Ahmad: This isn’t ‘out of nowhere’. I’ve been talking to the other members about this for some time.
Masaki: You never said anything to me!
Ahmad: That’s correct. I didn’t want you weighing in.
Masaki: What’s that supposed to mean!?
Ahmad: I’m not saying that you should forcedly suppress your emotions, but they get the better of you in these situations.
Ahmad: Please calm yourself.
Masaki: Nhg…did our Representative know this?
Wagner: I was consulted. But in the end, the decision was made by the herald.
Masaki: …Tell my why you want this, Ahmad.
Ahmad: It’s simple. As it stands, the Antiras Squad has a fatal flaw in being an autonomous unit.
Ahmad: There has been a near total lack of cooperation from Bagonia and Shutedonias.
Ahmad: It’s possible that this was inevitable since the squad was established in Langran, but we cannot leave the situation as it is.
Ahmad: That’s where I come in; by leaving the squad, I can collect information independently, and build a communications network for us. Fortunately, I’ve already built several connections over the years.
Ahmad: By doing so, we can deepen our ties with other nations and get more accurate information faster. That is the role I aim to take on.
Masaki: …So you’ll be working behind the scenes?
Ahmad: Yes, it suits me better. I have no intention of abandoning my duty as a Masouki Herald.
Ahmad: However, I’m leaving Solgady behind. It’s a well-made machine. The Antiras Squad will need it.
Masaki: …If you’re that determined, there’s nothing I can do to stop you.
Masaki: But if you’re still gonna act as a Masouki Herald, shouldn’t you keep Solgady?
Ahmad: No, I’ve already decided to let Gaen pilot it. He has the proper aptitude.
Ahmad: I’ll be taking a spare Gadifol.
Masaki: …Decided all that without telling me, huh?
Ahmad: If I had spoken to you first, we would have had a long conversation, only to arrive at the same result. Do you understand?
Masaki: I understand, but I’m still not convinced. To be honest, it’s bothering me that our senior members are dropping off one by one.
Ahmad: Hm…are you getting lonesome? How sentimental of you.
Masaki: Oh be quiet! I already said I’m not stopping you!
Masaki: But if you’re going to leave, I have one condition. We’re holding a farewell party.
Ahmad: I’m…not a big fan of festivities.
Masaki: I’ll make sukiyaki just like at that one party. Sound good?
Ahmad: …That’s true. That was definitely…fun.
Masaki: Well, that’s settled then. We’ll combine it with Guido’s welcoming party.
Hringhorni – Mess Hall – After the party Masoukishin II
Masaki: …So he’s gone.
Wendy: Ahmad?
Masaki: Yeah…as unsociable as he was, I’ll miss him…
Wendy: Hmhm…you’re getting sentimental on me, Masaki.
Masaki: Is that bad?
Wendy: No, Masaki, it’s not bad at all.
Masaki: Uh…
Masaki: So, about that thing earlier today…
Wendy: Hm?
Wendy: Ah…you mean…Zelvoid?
Masaki: Yeah. That Elan guy kept calling Cybuster a fake…
Wendy: …..
Masaki: Huh? What’s wrong? You upset about something, Wendy?
Wendy: Actually…there’s something that’s unsettling me.
Masaki: Unsettling you…how?
Wendy: You know how Cybuster’s design concept is completely different from the other Masoukishin?
Masaki: Well, yeah. It can transform, and it has a tail. Though the tail is probably just aesthetic.
Wendy: The truth is my memories of designing Cybuster are a little fuzzy.
Masaki: Fuzzy?
Wendy: Yes…perhaps…my sister was involved…
Masaki: Tudy? But wait, didn’t Tudy only start surfacing after the royal capital was destroyed?
Masaki: Cybuster was designed way before that. There’s no way Tudy could’ve been involved.
Wendy: I’m not so sure about that…my sister and I share a few memories, but not all of them.
Wendy: I have a few gaps in my memory from before that incident.
Masaki: So you’re saying Tudy might have had a hand in Cybuster’s creation?
Wendy: …It’s possible. Maybe my sister encountered Zelvoid somewhere, even learned how it was constructed…
Wendy: And if I designed Cybuster while under her control…maybe that’s why they look so much alike…
Masaki: But you’re just making assumptions, there’s no real proof that that’s what happened. Cybuster is your masterpiece, Wendy. Be confident in yourself.
Wendy: R-Right…thanks, Masaki.
Hringhorni – Hangar Masoukishin II
Gaen: So this is Solgady…a very well-made machine.
Xenia: Your compatibility isn’t bad. Well, even Ahmad was accepted, so Solgady must be very open-minded.
Gaen: You speak as though you mistrust me.
Xenia: It’s not so easy to trust a former Volkruss cultist.
Xenia: But don’t worry, I’ve seen you fight with conviction, so I don’t completely mistrust you.
Gaen: What about Duraxyll?
Xenia: The mech still isn’t perfected. I have to improve it further.
Xenia: Though it does bring back unpleasant memories…
Gaen: Imperfect…I suppose I was unable to draw out its full strength.
Xenia: As an alchemist, I want to avoid sending out an incomplete product when it has that much power.
Gaen: The secretive Alchemist Society…I wonder just how much technology they keep to themselves.
Xenia: Don’t say that like it’s a bad thing. Technology containing power that’s difficult to control is dangerous in and of itself.
Xenia: I could name several countries that were ruined because they let those technologies get out of control.
Gaen: Langran included?
Xenia: Of course. Such history needs to be viewed from a macro-perspective.
Gaen: It’s fine to learn from the past, but if you become bound by it, you’ll only end up limiting your own potential.
Xenia: I don’t mean to offend, but doesn’t that line of thinking come from the Volkruss Cult? Essentially, use whatever means necessary to gain more power? Give me a break.
Gaen: I have no intention of starting an argument, but…doesn’t the Antiras Squad rely on that kind of power?
Xenia: That’s…well, a lot of our members were summoned from the surface, so that’s true to some extent.
Gaen: And with the creation of the Masoukishin, the same could be said of the Academy.
Xenia: That was a necessity. They were created in response to the prophecy about the evil god.
Gaen: And when their duty is done, you’ll just cast them aside, because they’re so powerful?
Xenia: The Masoukishin are a rare balance of high power with great control. If we rely on them, the Antiras Squad will be fine.
Gaen: Do the contracts with the major spirits provide that much assurance?
Xenia: Each Masoukishin chooses its herald. In other words, if the pilot acts against the will of the spirit, the Masoukishin will reject them.
Xenia: So far, there’s been no precedent for that.
Gaen: Seems to me that you put too much faith in the spirits’ power.
Xenia: Spirits are born from the collective will of humanity, formed over the course of millennia into their current state. It’s no exaggeration to say that they can be considered the cumulative wisdom of mankind.
Xenia: At the very least, it’s more reliable than someone who’s focus is limited to the present time.
Gaen: A common Langran mentality.
Xenia: Is that a bad thing?
Gaen: I can’t say…I try to refrain from making subjective judgements about if such things are ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
Gaen: Regardless, I agree to be transferred to Solgady.
Xenia: I’m not trying to impose our values on you, but try to understand what a spirit actually is.
Gaen: Very well, I’ll keep that in mind.
Elan Xenosakis End
Previous Chapter: Varied Intentions | Masoukishin II Chapter List | Next Chapter: Terrorist Suppression
