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Hringhorni – Computer Room
Xenia: OK, we’re all set and ready to go.
Yuno: Just so we’re clear, only do what is necessary.
Xenia: I know, I know. I couldn’t do it with the way you’re watching me, anyway.
Yuno: Then I will relate the password: ○△×〒￥＄？＆◎□…
Masaki: Wow. She can talk really fast.
Mio: No kidding. It sounds like a bunch of random symbols to me.
Xenia: Quiet!
Yuno: ……×〒￥△×？＆□. That is all.
Xenia: OK! Input completed! I’m now logged in with administrator privileges!
Masaki: You look way too happy about this. Don’t do any more than you have to.
Xenia: Sheesh, Masaki, you too? Have a little faith in me.
Masaki: If you say so…
Xenia: Aha! Right there! They tried to completely erase it, but there’s still a fragment of data!
Mefil: Booting up the repair tool.
Xenia: OK, I’ll leave that to you. I’ll use the tracking and distribution tools to make sure the servers stay in sync.
Mefil: Full restoration will take approximately three minutes.
Xenia: It’ll take me a little over four minutes to create an alternate path. Now we wait.
Mefil: Okay.
Masaki: Huh? You were firing on all cylinders just a second ago…now you’re just gonna watch and wait?
Xenia: The success or failure of a hacking job comes down to the tools. It’s important to have a wide array of them at the ready.
Xenia: Of course, you may have to make emergency adjustments to the program, but it’s basically all about the tools you have on hand.
Masaki: Hmmm, is that how it is?
Xenia: Essentially. If I had to code all the programming myself, we’d be here forever, literally.
Mio: Couldn’t you just enter cyberspace with a digital avatar proxy or something?
Xenia: Oh yeah, that kind of thing was popular a long time ago. It’s obsolete nowadays because of all the processing it needed.
Mio: I was joking.
Mefil: Restoration completed.
Xenia: Roger that. Starting up the analysis tool. Hmmm, encryption was a given…but this is beyond elaborate.
Mefil: Yes. These signs undoubtedly point to…
Xenia: Chaos. Now I’m gonna pay you back with interest!
Masaki: And she’s off again…
Xenia: You bet I am! He outwitted me in the past! I won’t let it stand!
Masaki: …Fine, you do you.
Xenia: Okay, parsing complete. Main computer disconnected, external connections and reroutes are secure.
Xenia: This is where we’ll start. Performing an external search for information on their traces. Our goal is to break into the enemy’s core.
Xenia: All right, let’s get to work. All set, Mefil?
Mefil: Ready anytime.
Xenia: Then, as per our plan, start up the tools. Anti-detection traps OK?
Mefil: We’ve got 745 different types of dummies, ready to go.
Xenia: There’s 28 layers of protective barriers…that should be enough.
Mefil: I think I’ve got a trace.
Xenia: Confirmed. Check nodes 18 through 241.
Mefil: No virus.
Xenia: Run it through my special cleaning tool, just to be sure.
Mefil: Oh…it found a delayed virus!
Xenia: I thought so. They thought I’d fall for the same trick twice. Can it be removed?
Mefil: Ummm…which tool should I use?
Xenia: If it’s the same type as last time, No. 88-2…but just to be on the safe side, use No. 88-3
Mefil: Understood.
Xenia: Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on…
Mefil: Uh-oh!
Xenia: What happened!?
Mefil: It’s a pseudo-virus! We’ve been inverse-infected!
Xenia: No way! Chaos predicted my actions!?
Mefil: I’ll delete the node!
Xenia: Don’t! This may give us a lead…
Mefil: But…
Xenia: One minute! 88-3 is resistant to viruses, it can hold out that long! What other tools can we use…
Mefil: Oh!
Xenia: You have something?
Mefil: Eh, uh…
Mefil: Ah, yes. I thought something like this might happen, so I brought something along.
Xenia: A vaccine?
Mefil: Yep. I’ll give it a shot.
Xenia: Please do.
Mefil: Here goes.
Xenia: …Well? Is it working?
Mefil: Umm…
Mefil: Yay! Success!
Xenia: Phew…good. Now we’ve got this in the bag.
Mefil: Yep! Data search complete.
Xenia: We did it…we beat the virus. Can we expand it to work on any virus, from the most basic to the latest?
Mefil: Um…complete eradication confirmed.
Xenia: You saved us just now. When did you make that vaccine?
Mefil: To tell you the truth…I made it while you were instructing me on
Xenia: Oh, I see. So you made a version that further supports No. 88-3.
Mefil: That was actually a coincidence.
Xenia: But you just said that you thought something like this might happen.
Mefil: *giggle* I just wanted to say that.
Xenia: Well, it all worked out in the end. Well played, Chaos.
Mefil: Maybe you’re too well-known, Xenia. You publicize a lot of your findings, so it’s easy to plagiarize your techniques.
Xenia: Hmm…you may have a point. There are drawbacks to being a famous hacker.
Mefil: I think it might be best if you were less of a braggart in the future.
Xenia: Ugh…I didn’t think you’d start with that too.
Mefil: *giggle*
Xenia: Anyway, that should take care of our problems.
Xenia: Hey Masaki! WAKE UP!
Masaki: Hngk?
Xenia: All right everyone, rise and shine! Yuno, that means you too!
Yuno: I’m still awake.
Xenia: …I thought you were asleep with your eyes open, since you didn’t respond at first.
Mio: *yawn* What? Is it over yet?
Xenia: Good grief, you people! Mefil and I are pouring our blood, sweat and tears into this, and you all decide to take a nap!?
Masaki: You say that, but it’s like watching someone playing a video game instead of playing it yourself.
Mio: Bingo. I also didn’t understand a word of what you said.
Xenia: You’re all a bunch of laymen…
Mio: Hey, ‘Computer Otaku’ isn’t one of my character attributes.
Masaki: I’d call it more of an ‘obsession’ than an ‘attribute’.
Mefil: Well, I respect your skill, Xenia.
Xenia: Thank you, Mefil. That’s sweet of you to say. Keep up the good work yourself!
Mefil: Of course.
Xenia: We should brainstorm countermeasures to prevent this kind of thing from happening again.
Masaki: Never pictured you two as close friends.
Xenia: It’s like I’ve been telling you. You missed out on some exciting action. There’s no challenge that Mefil and I can’t overcome.
Masaki: Well, whatever. Did you get anything?
Xenia: Of course we did! There’s a lot of dummy data, so it’ll take an hour or so to analyze, but we got the data.
Masaki: Alright, let’s meet back in the briefing room in one hour.
Hringhorni – Briefing Room
Xenia: …And so, Chaos’ hideout is located within this ten Zekgortz radius.
Raikou: That’s…a completely uninhabited area.
Xenia: Do you see this relay point? That’s where we’ll start.
Masaki: That’s a lot of ground to cover, don’t you think?
Xenia: Don’t worry about it. I can trace their signal once we’re close enough.
Becky: If they’re still around, right?
Xenia: That’s also won’t be a problem. I’ve done enough tampering to ensure that they stay put.
Xenia: Well…at least for the next twenty-four hours.
Wagner: Lieutenant Zefenbar, what is the intention of Erial’s prosecutor’s office?
Raikou: They have been informed that the person responsible for the data tampering has been found, and have decided to entrust the Antiras Squad with the task of securing them.
Raikou: …Truthfully, I think that the prosecutor’s office and the local law feel that a cracker as skilled as Chaos is out of their league.
Wagner: Then you have no objections to us acting on your behalf?
Raikou: This person is an internationally wanted criminal.
Wagner: Very good, we’ll depart as soon as we are able.
*Travel from Opa Base to the Rimp Plateau*
Hringhorni – Bridge
Holly: Visual confirmation of the target structure!
Masaki: That’s it? Looks like just a shack to me…
Xenia: I’m sure of it. That’s the source of the signal.
Wagner: That’s all the evidence we need. I authorize the
Masaki: Okay, let’s get out there!
Chapter 20: Hacker VS Cracker
The Rimp Plateau
Mio: That’s the place, right?
Raikou: It appears to be an old guardhouse for forest rangers…
Tytti: That’s suspicious no matter how you look at it.
*Enemy units appear*
Digo: Crud, how’d they find this place!?
Demin: Looks like you fell down on this one, Chaos.
Digo: You! Don’t call me by that name! You’re the one who said that Chaos is only as good as his anonymity!
Demin: Oh, did I now?
Xenia: Huh? No way…you were Chaos all along, Digo!?
Digo: Tch, too late to do anything about it now…
Digo: Yeah, that’s right. I’m Chaos.
Xenia: You…I finally get to make you pay for all the times you outfoxed me!
Digo: Right back at you. I’ve lost count all the times you messed up my plans!
Demin: Oh my, the two of you appear to be irreconcilable enemies.
Digo: Now’s the time to settle our scores!
*Cybuster, Svend Nidam and other allies deploy, Conditions Shown, Battle Starts*
{Masaki VS Demin}
Demin: I’m afraid the time has come for you to die, sir.
Masaki: What!?
Demin: There happens to be a rather large bounty on your head. And I need some way to put food on my plate.
Masaki: Just try and kill me!
{Xenia VS Digo}
Xenia: Were you the one responsible for the Information Bureau’s hacking incident two years ago!?
Digo: Heh…how’d you figure that out? I didn’t even go by ‘Chaos’ back then.
Xenia: I knew it!
Digo: Which means you were the one who foiled my efforts.
Xenia: You got that right!
Digo: Haha, you’re something else. We’ve been rivals for way longer than I thought!
{Defeat Digo With Xenia}
Xenia: Well! How’d you like that!?
Digo: Tch, if this was a battle of hacking I’d have won! See ya!
{Defeat Digo with anyone else}
Digo: Tch, piloting a Masouki isn’t as easy as hacking a system! I won’t forget this!
*Either way, he retreats*
Turn 3 Enemy Phase or defeat all initial enemies
*Zelvoid appears*
Masaki: !? It’s you…Elan!!
Elan: I hope you had a good time yesterday, Masaki.
Masaki: Oh shut up! All you ever do is stir up trouble!
Elan: I’m going to need to cause you a little more trouble. It’s no fun if everything went smoothly for you.
Masaki: What the heck’s your game here!?
Elan: I need you to grow stronger. To the point where I can consider you my rival.
Masaki: What?
Elan: Right now I can’t even consider you a stepping stone.
Masaki: Stepping stone…that does it! I’ll make you eat those words!
Elan: I see that you’re still all bark and no bite. Have you forgotten? I still have this.
Zelvoid, Possession!
Masaki: Tch…Possession!
Elan: Perhaps you could learn from my example. You still haven’t mastered the use of Possession yourself, have you?
Masaki: You…
Elan: Then let us begin.
Masaki VS Elan
Masaki: Just who are you!?
Elan: Well, that’s quite the loaded question. Can you tell me exactly who you are?
Masaki: Ngh…I-I’m…
Elan: See what I mean? It’s not so easy for someone to define who they are.
Masaki: Tch…
Lune VS Elan
Lune: Don’t you even touch Masaki!
Elan: Oh, come to think of it, you like Masaki, don’t you?
Lune: Of course I do!
Elan: To be honest, I don’t get what you see in that simpleton.
Lune: He’s much better than a sarcastic guy like you!
Elan: Hahaha, I see you’re also very simple-minded. The two of you would make a good couple.
Lune: Eh? Couple? You think so?
Elan: …What are you so happy about?
Defeat Zelvoid
Elan: …I’m surprised. I didn’t think you’d be this strong.
Elan: But don’t misunderstand me. You still haven’t brought out Cybuster’s true power.
Elan: I’ll leave you with this piece of information. Investigate the underground caverns here. I think you’ll find something interesting.
Masaki: Underground caverns?
Elan: Exactly. Well, you’ll have to see for yourself. I’ll be taking my leave now.
*Zelvoid retreats*
Or Turn 5 Enemy Phase
Elan: This is pointless. Is that all you can muster, Masaki?
Masaki: …..
Elan: I suppose you simply need more training.
Elan: Ah yes, I have one more thing to tell you. Investigate the underground caverns here. I think you’ll find something interesting.
Masaki: What?
Elan: Hahaha, do your best to get stronger. Until next time.
*Zelvoid retreats*
Masaki: Wait!
Masaki: …Blast, he’s gone.
*Defeat all enemies, stage ends*
Hringhorni – Briefing Room
Raikou: The government of the Kingdom of Erial expresses its gratitude for the resolution of this case.
Xenia: In the end, Chaos, or Digo, managed to get away…
Raikou: Nevertheless, you have been recognized for solving the issues with our modified beasts and driving out the terrorists responsible.
Lune: Do we get a reward?
Raikou: Regrettably, no. But we have been given permission to resupply you.
Lune: …The Kingdom of Erial’s pretty stingy.
Raikou: That sort of thing has been happening a lot in our country as of late. Even our defense budget has been subject to cuts.
Lune: Is your economy that bad?
Raikou: No, not really, but our current cabinet is focused on boosting welfare.
Xenia: Ever heard of the saying “National defense is the best welfare”?
Raikou: You don’t need to tell me that.
Wagner: In light of the actions of the Antiras Squad, it seems that the Kingdom of Erial is prepared to sign the Union’s resolution.
Tytti: So, we’ll be free to act within Erial going forward?
Wagner: Only if we’re given permission by their government, so it’s not complete freedom of action.
Yang Long: Still…I’m curious as to what Elan said about investigating underground.
Wendy: I did a quick survey, but didn’t see anything unusual.
Wendy: A deeper search might reveal something, though…
Wagner: Well, it’s getting late, so it’s probably best to postpone this until tomorrow. That will be all, dismissed.
Hringhorni – Rec area
Masaki: …..
Lune: What’s the matter, Masaki? Are you thinking about what happened earlier?
Masaki: Huh? O-Oh…Lune. Need something?
Lune: I thought you might have been hung up over what happened earlier today.
Masaki: …It’s fine.
Lune: I see…just as I thought.
Masaki: Huh? Did you say something?
Lune: No, nothing. I’m gonna go head to my room.
Masaki: Oh man, it’s that late already. Good night.
Lune: Yeah, good night. But I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight. Maybe I’ll just stay up all night.
Masaki: What? What are you…
Lune: Never mind. Just talking out loud to myself.
Lune: I have a lot on my mind. *sigh* Maybe if I had someone to talk to, I’d feel better.
Masaki: …Go to sleep.
Lune: …Masaki?
Masaki: Don’t worry about me. One of our duty as heralds is to get proper sleep.
Lune: Okay.
Hringhorni – Masaki’s Room
Masaki: …Phew.
Masaki: …That creep Elan can use Possession at will…But I…
Lune: I knew it.
Masaki: !? Whoa!? What’re you doing in my room!?
Wendy: Because…you were acting strange, Masaki, and we were worried…
Masaki: Wendy too!?
Lune: I brought her along. You don’t seem to be doing well, Masaki.
Masaki: And so you decided to ambush me in my room?
Lune: We want you to talk to us about what’s eating you instead of keeping it bottled up.
Wendy: Exactly.
Masaki: …Is that right?
Wendy: You’re still thinking about what Elan said, aren’t you. About how you can’t use Possession.
Masaki: …Sort of.
Lune: I’m not a Masoukishin herald, so I wouldn’t really know…but is it really that big a deal?
Masaki: Well…I was only able to pull it off once…but it was an unforgettable experience.
Masaki: I felt united with the elemental spirits, and the power it gave Cybuster.
Masaki: I thought at the time, “This is what it means to be chosen as a Masoukishin herald”.
Masaki: But that guy…Elan just does it so easily.
Masaki: Meanwhile I still can’t even hear the spirits’ voices properly.
Lune: Masaki…
Masaki: I’m…I’m a Masoukishin herald, but I’m nowhere near close to his level.
Wendy: That’s not true! You’ve fulfilled your role as a Masoukishin herald admirably, Masaki!
Lune: That’s right, Masaki!
Masaki: …I hope you’re right.
Lune: Don’t go overthinking this.
Wendy: Your inability to use Possession may be my fault. If my designs were flawed…
Lune: Whoa, hold on, Wendy! We don’t need you getting depressed too!
Masaki: Y-Yeah, Wendy. This isn’t your fault.
Wendy: Oh…yes, I’m sorry. We came here to comfort you, and you end up having to comfort me.
Masaki: …I’m sorry. It’s no use keeping my concerns to myself.
Masaki: I didn’t even think about how you were feeling, Wendy…I was too focused on my own worries.
Lune: I’m sure everything will turn out okay. I’m sure you’ll be able to master Possession, Masaki.
Masaki: Thanks, Lune. Even if you’re just saying that, hearing it does make me feel better.
Lune: I’m not just saying that to make you feel better. But I’m glad that you are anyway.
Lune: I was actually thinking of inviting Mio and holding a comedy contest.
Masaki: Uh, yeah, thanks for not doing that. Her jokes are always hit-or-miss. And when they miss, I swear the temperature drops a few degrees.
Lune: Haha, I know, right?
Wendy: Hehe…that’s a bit harsh, even if it is true.
Lune: Well, I think our work here is done, Wendy.
Wendy: Yes, I believe it is. Well, good night, Masaki.
Lune: Good night!
Masaki: Yeah, good night.
Masaki: …And thanks, you two.
Hacker VS Cracker End
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