Far East Border — A Few Weeks Ago
Cocolia: "…"
Cocolia stood alone on the rooftop of a skyscraper, overlooking the sprawling urban nightscape below.
The city glittered beneath her, but her attention remained fixed on the entrance behind her.
The meeting should have started ten minutes ago.
Yet he was still not here.
Cocolia: "…"
She remained patient.
A soldier understood the importance of patience. The battlefield was not always about striking first. Sometimes, victory came from waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Then—
The rooftop door suddenly opened.
A figure stepped through the doorway.
???: "I'm glad you're here."
Cocolia slowly turned toward him.
Cocolia: "You're late, Gray Serpent. You owe me an explanation."
Gray Serpent: "Forgive me, Cocolia. I was… delayed by some personal matters."
The man approached, his expression hidden beneath the mask.
Gray Serpent: "The Serpent has a message for you."
Cocolia narrowed her eyes.
Cocolia: "What does the Serpent demand?"
Gray Serpent: "Open the Eye of the Deep. I know you can bring The Deep under your control."
Cocolia: "…"
The Deep.
It was a classified secret of her organization—something that very few people outside her inner circle should even know existed.
The fact that Gray Serpent knew about it surprised her.
But Cocolia refused to let that surprise show.
She maintained her composure and continued negotiating.
Cocolia: "The Eye? What are you planning?"
Gray Serpent: "Open the way to the Sea of Quanta and free our kin."
Cocolia's expression remained cold.
Cocolia: "I can deploy my forces to The Deep, but the Eye is beyond my power."
Cocolia: "Only the Sovereign and his most trusted retainers know how to open that portal."
Gray Serpent tilted his head slightly.
Gray Serpent: "I heard that Einstein performed a secret experiment on the Eye a year ago."
Gray Serpent: "And I trust you to figure out what exactly happened."
Cocolia remained silent for a moment before answering.
Cocolia: "Understood."
Her eyes narrowed.
Cocolia: "One thing though. Einstein has no love for me. I may need your help when the time comes."
Gray Serpent: "With pleasure."
A brief silence followed.
Then Gray Serpent continued.
Gray Serpent: "And I need to borrow something from you."
Cocolia's expression immediately hardened.
Cocolia: "What?"
Gray Serpent: "The Gem of Desire."
Cocolia's eyes sharpened.
Cocolia: "That doesn't come cheap, mind you."
Gray Serpent calmly reached into his coat.
Gray Serpent: "I didn't come empty-handed. You'll have the promised payment after it's done."
He paused.
Gray Serpent: "Your precious… Seele Vollerei."
Cocolia: "…"
For a brief moment, Cocolia's composure cracked.
Though years had passed, her heart still missed a beat whenever she heard that name.
Every syllable struck her like a merciless blow.
Seele Vollerei.
Someone she had believed lost forever.
Gray Serpent noticed the reaction but said nothing.
Gray Serpent: "Yes, she's still around. The X-10 Project simply sent her to a dimension we can't reach."
His voice remained calm.
Gray Serpent: "Scratch our back, and we'll scratch yours."
Sea of Quanta — Present Moment
The boundary between reality and the Sea of Quanta shimmered around Bronya.
The barrier created by Welt was rapidly weakening.
Bronya rode Project Bunny deeper into the endless sea, surrounded by countless floating fragments of bubble universes.
Bronya: "The barrier created by Welt is fading away. The Bronya has entered the Sea of Quanta."
She looked into the endless darkness ahead.
Bronya: "The Bronya must find Seele and the Gem before the Serpent does."
Then—
A strange voice echoed through the Sea.
???: "Bronya…"
Bronya immediately stopped.
The voice was strangely familiar.
She looked around, searching for its source.
But there was no one.
Then Bronya noticed something.
The voice was coming from the glowing Core of Reason embedded within her chest.
Bronya: "Identify yourself."
The core glowed softly.
Then the familiar voice answered.
Welt: "Well done. The Core of Reason has accepted you."
Bronya's eyes widened slightly.
Bronya: "Mr. Welt. The Bronya is pleased that you are alright."
Welt: "Not exactly alright. This is the most I can do right now."
His voice sounded distant, almost as if it were coming from another world.
Welt: "I can only talk to you because you've become one with the Core."
Bronya examined the glowing core.
Bronya: "Try to maintain this form. Dr. Einstein may have a solution to solve this."
Welt's expression became serious.
Welt: "The situation in the Sea of Quanta has grown worse. I sense the barrier disintegrating."
The surrounding space trembled.
Fragments of bubble universes flickered in and out of existence.
Welt: "It's the Gem of Desire. Its powers are breaking the barrier apart."
Welt: "The Serpent also desires the Gem. We won't be able to stop it if it succeeds."
Welt: "We must act now."
Bronya looked toward the endless Sea.
Bronya: "The Serpent is still hiding. This means it has yet to take the Gem."
Welt: "Go, Bronya. My powers are scattered in a myriad of bubble universes. Gather them to enhance the Core."
Welt: "The odds are against us, but we have no other choice."
Bronya lowered her head slightly.
Her thoughts immediately turned toward Seele.
Bronya: 'The Serpent desires the Gem. The Bronya might meet Seele being held prisoner by the Serpent.'
Her grip tightened around Project Bunny's controls.
Bronya: 'The Bronya shall free Seele from these bubble universes…'
Project Bunny's engines roared.
The mechanical rabbit accelerated forward.
Bronya rode Project Bunny through the Sea of Quanta in its USAGI Kinetik form.
The motorcycle weaved through floating fragments of shattered worlds, passing through strange landscapes that existed for only a few seconds before dissolving into the darkness.
Some bubble universes contained cities.
Others contained oceans.
Some were nothing more than broken fragments of memories.
But Bronya continued forward.
She refused to stop.
Bronya: "Seele…"
The blue glow of the Core of Reason reflected across her determined eyes.
Bronya: "The Bronya will take you home!"
Somewhere Within the Sea of Quanta
A young girl slowly opened her eyes.
She found herself lying on the floor of a strange room.
The walls were unfamiliar.
There were no windows.
No doors she could immediately see.
Only a faint light illuminating the mysterious chamber.
Seele: "Where… am I?"
Seele slowly stirred.
Her body ached as she tried to push herself up from the cold floor. The surface beneath her was hard and unfamiliar, sending a chill through her hands.
Seele: "Hngh… where am I?"
A voice suddenly came from behind her.
???: "You can talk."
Seele froze.
She quickly turned around and saw a woman standing a short distance away.
She was tall and fair-skinned, with long pink hair reminiscent of cherry blossoms. Two long, thin fox ears rose from the top of her head. A blue hair accessory rested among her hair, while she wore a blue and navy jacket over a white T-shirt. White socks, black shorts, a black-and-blue glove, and a pair of high blue boots completed her outfit.
Seele stared at the strange woman warily.
Seele: "Who… who are you?"
SAKURA: "I'm SAKURA, and you are? Can you remember your name?"
Seele hesitated.
Seele: "…I'm Seele."
SAKURA: "Seele?"
SAKURA softened her expression.
SAKURA: "It's alright, I won't hurt you. I just have a question. Have you seen the girl in this hologram?"
SAKURA reached for the pendant around her neck and removed it.
The pendant immediately emitted a soft blue light, projecting a holographic image into the air.
Two girls appeared within the projection.
One of them was SAKURA herself.
The other girl looked remarkably similar to her, both in appearance and age. She was young, with pale skin, pink hair streaked with red highlights, and bright blue eyes.
Seele stared at the hologram for a moment before shaking her head.
Seele: "I… I've never seen her before."
SAKURA's expression changed.
SAKURA: "You've never seen her? That makes no sense. She should be locked up here as well."
She lowered the pendant slightly.
SAKURA: "Can you remember if anyone recently arrived or was taken away from this place?"
Her voice became more urgent.
SAKURA: "Please, I must find her."
Seele's breathing became unsteady. The questions were coming too quickly, and she had no answers to give.
Seele: "Seele has no idea where she is or why she's here…"
Overwhelmed, the little girl curled up on herself, trembling in fright.
SAKURA immediately noticed.
Her expression softened with regret. She realized that her desperate questioning had only frightened Seele further.
She crouched down, lowering herself to Seele's level, and spoke in a much gentler voice.
SAKURA: "Don't be afraid. I mean no harm. You…"
SAKURA looked at the cell around them, her eyes filled with anger and concern.
SAKURA: "What have they done to you? How many innocent children have they taken?"
She fell silent for a moment.
SAKURA: "…"
Her anger faded, replaced by remorse.
SAKURA: "Sorry, Seele. I shouldn't keep asking you like this."
SAKURA slowly extended her hand.
SAKURA: "Come with me. I'll help you leave this place."
Seele stared at the offered hand.
SAKURA waited patiently, making no sudden movements.
Eventually, Seele reached out and took it.
SAKURA carefully helped her to her feet, then guided her out of the cell.
As they stepped into the corridor, Seele looked around.
Seele: "This is…"
She examined the unfamiliar surroundings.
Seele: 'The structure and layout seem familiar.'
Her eyes moved across the walls, machinery, and corridors.
Seele: 'Is this a prison? No, it's a base.'
A familiar voice suddenly echoed inside her mind.
"Seele": "Oh, you finally woke up."
Seele's eyes widened.
Seele: "What happened? Why are we here?"
"Seele": "You know what happened. Your defiance cost us the Core."
Seele clenched her fists.
Seele: "You were trying to hurt Bronya! I won't let you!"
A faint, almost amused voice answered her.
"Seele": "Alright, my dear host. You'll take the lead."
"Seele": "But what's your plan? We can't escape the Sea of Quanta without the Serpent's help."
Seele glanced down the corridor.
Something about this place bothered her.
Seele: "This feels… strange."
"Seele": "What do you mean?"
Seele: "We were drifting in the void before we met her. This place feels different."
She looked around again, trying to understand the sensation.
Seele: "It's like the worlds we traveled through with Bronya. It's like a… bubble universe."
The other Seele became quiet for a moment.
"Seele": "You're right. We didn't drown in the Sea. Instead, we ended up in yet another bubble universe."
"Seele": "Which means there has to be a way out. Bronya did manage to escape…"
Seele's expression became determined.
Seele: "Bronya must be looking for me right now."
Seele: "We can't just wait here. I need to find Bronya."
She looked toward the corridor ahead.
Seele: "Anyway, we need to figure out what this bubble is."
Seele carefully stepped farther into the corridor.
But then she stopped.
Someone was hiding around the corner.
Seele slowly approached, only to recognize the familiar pink-haired woman crouched nearby.
Seele: "S-SAKURA?"
SAKURA immediately raised a finger to her lips.
SAKURA: "Shh…"
She signaled for Seele to remain quiet.
SAKURA stood close to the corner and carefully observed the patrol route of several mechanical guards moving through the corridor.
After studying their movements, she whispered:
SAKURA: "Not now. We wait here."
Seele watched the guards.
Seele: 'She's watching the guards. She's definitely not from this base. Did she sneak in?'
Seele leaned closer and whispered.
Seele: "Where are we going?"
SAKURA kept her eyes on the patrol.
SAKURA: "Around the guards to the elevator so we can enter the archives. I need to look into something."
A few seconds passed.
The patrol began moving away.
SAKURA: "…They're moving. Let's go."
SAKURA slipped away from the corner and motioned for Seele to follow.
SAKURA: "Follow me closely and stay in the shadows."
Seele: "O-Okay, I'll be careful."
The two quietly moved along the corridor, keeping to the darker areas while the mechanical guards continued their patrol.
SAKURA stopped briefly and pointed ahead.
SAKURA: "The elevator is on the other side. We should steer clear of the guards."
Seele glanced toward a nearby staircase.
Seele: "Stairs… I should be able to get a full view from there."
SAKURA looked back toward the corridor they had crossed.
No guards were following them.
SAKURA: "Looks like no one saw us. Let's go upstairs."
Seele: "Okay, SAKURA."
As they climbed the stairs, the voice inside Seele's mind returned.
"Seele": "Hoho. You found a new sister pretty fast."
Seele frowned slightly.
"Seele": "Why trust her? Just look at those ears. Is she even human?"
Seele glanced at SAKURA for a moment before continuing upward.
Seele: "We'll just figure out what happened in this bubble universe to get our answers."
She looked toward the upper floor.
Seele: "We should head to the archive, too. It might tell us something about this place."
SAKURA led Seele through the corridors until they reached another floor of the facility.
She stopped at the end of the passage and carefully observed the area ahead.
SAKURA: "The archive is on this floor. Wait here and don't move around."
SAKURA peeked around the corner.
Her expression immediately became more serious.
SAKURA: "…The way is guarded. There's no way to avoid them."
Seele looked toward the patrol route.
Seele: "What do we do?"
SAKURA thought for a moment before turning toward Seele.
SAKURA: "I have an idea. Stay low and follow me."
The two cautiously approached the guarded entrance.
One of the patrol mechs immediately detected them.
Patrol Mech: "Warning. Restricted area. Authorised personnel only."
Seele froze.
Seele: "…"
SAKURA calmly stepped forward.
SAKURA: "SAKURA. ID No. CM-004."
The mech scanned her.
Patrol Mech: "Verifying…"
A brief pause followed.
Patrol Mech: "Clearance Granted. Good evening, MOTH."
Seele blinked.
Seele: "(MOTH?)"
SAKURA placed a hand on Seele's shoulder.
SAKURA: "We captured an escaped test subject."
SAKURA patted Seele on the shoulder. Understanding what she was doing, the young girl lowered her head and pretended to be frightened.
SAKURA: "She wouldn't talk. Dr. MEI told me to check the archives to locate her floor and cell."
The patrol mech processed the request.
Patrol Mech: "Access DENIED. You have no archive access privileges."
SAKURA's expression went blank.
SAKURA: "Plan B then."
A sudden flash of movement—
Swoosh!
SAKURA drew her weapon and delivered a lightning-fast slash.
The mech was cleaved cleanly in half.
Its two halves crashed onto the floor with a metallic clang.
SAKURA immediately turned toward the remaining patrols.
SAKURA: "Time to do this the hard way. Get behind me, Seele."
Seele tightened her grip.
Seele: "I can fight too!"
A flash of blue energy surrounded her hand.
Her scythe materialized into her grasp.
The remaining mechs rushed toward them.
SAKURA stepped forward and met the first wave head-on, her movements precise and incredibly fast.
Seele followed close behind, swinging her scythe through the mechanical enemies and knocking them back.
The corridor erupted into a chaotic battle of sparks, steel, and flashing weapons.
SAKURA glanced toward Seele between attacks.
SAKURA: "These enemies look dangerous. Stay away from them."
Seele nodded, but she continued fighting alongside her.
One mech lunged at her.
Seele sidestepped its attack and brought her scythe down, sending it crashing into the floor.
Another came from behind.
SAKURA intercepted it with a swift strike.
Within moments, the final mech collapsed.
Silence returned to the corridor.
Seele leaned against her scythe, breathing heavily.
Seele: "Huff, huff…"
SAKURA turned toward her.
She studied Seele carefully, particularly the strange power that had surrounded her during the battle.
SAKURA: "Your power, Seele… is it a Stigmata?"
Seele looked surprised.
Seele: "Stigmata? You know about them?"
SAKURA paused.
SAKURA: "Ah… excuse me. I'm just a bit surprised."
She gave Seele a reassuring smile.
SAKURA: "Don't worry. You have amazing power."
SAKURA: "You did nothing wrong. No one should lock you up here."
Inside Seele's mind, the other voice quietly observed the exchange.
"Seele": "She seemed surprised when she mentioned Stigmata."
"Seele": "Hmm, interesting…"
SAKURA looked toward the archive entrance.
SAKURA: "We made it."
She approached the terminal and began examining the security system.
SAKURA: "The system is checking personnel traffic."
The terminal continued processing.
SAKURA: "This might take a while."
SAKURA stepped back.
SAKURA: "We'll have to wait."
Seele looked around the enormous archive.
Rows upon rows of terminals and data storage systems filled the room.
Seele: "That's… a lot of files."
The other Seele spoke inside her mind.
"Seele": "Do you know how to operate these terminals?"
Seele cautiously approached one of the terminals.
Seele: "Er… I think it's like reading a book, right?"
"Seele": "Well… let's hope you won't mess up, my dear host."
Seele smiled nervously.
Seele: "I'll do my best!"
She began operating the terminal.
Lines of data rapidly appeared across the screen.
SYSTEM: "▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉"
SYSTEM: "▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉"
SYSTEM: "MOTH-MA-HS-1104."
Seele's eyes widened.
Seele: "It worked. I accessed a log file!"
A recorded voice began playing through the terminal.
Researcher: "The 11th Herrscher proved to be far more destructive than we expected."
Researcher: "The Moth Who Chases the Flames suffered grievous losses."
Researcher: "We lost too many MANTISes and couldn't maintain our combat formations anymore."
Researcher: "Surviving MANTISes were deployed to various MOTH squads until we could get new recruits."
Researcher: "Hopefully the MANTISes will blend in with the non-augmented soldiers."
Researcher: "Humanity's worst enemy is at our gates but we're still bickering with each other. How ironic."
Researcher: "Fortunately, most people accepted the proposal."
Researcher: "The new recruits are doing great and will be ready for combat soon enough."
Researcher: "I trust that the new MANTISes will lead us to victory."
The recording ended.
SYSTEM: "▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉"
Seele stared at the screen.
Seele: "The Moth Who Chases the Flames… I remember the mechs mentioning this name."
"Seele": "They called SAKURA a "MOTH". Shouldn't they be on the same side?"
"Seele": "Why would she break in?"
Seele looked toward the archive's records.
Seele: "Looks like this world suffered even more from the Honkai."
She glanced toward SAKURA.
Seele: "SAKURA must have her reasons. It might have something to do with the girl she's looking for."
Seele's expression became thoughtful.
Seele: "We should just ask her."
Before she could leave the terminal, another file appeared.
SYSTEM: "▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉"
SYSTEM: "MOTH-ST-PC-2."
The terminal displayed another archived report.
SYSTEM: "In previous testing, subjects were only injected with genes from a single donor."
SYSTEM: "Project Chimera is a breakthrough since we can now use materials from multiple donors."
SYSTEM: "In other words, a single subject can exhibit biological traits from multiple donors."
SYSTEM: "Chimera Tech will make multi-gene inserts a reality."
SYSTEM: "A pilot trial has been formally initiated."
SYSTEM: "Codename: Tlaloc."
The screen returned to its previous state.
SYSTEM: "▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉"
SYSTEM: "▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉"
Another file appeared.
SYSTEM: "MOTH-ST-PA-14."
SYSTEM: "3 prototype PRI-ARMs have been issued to the respective MANTISes. Field trials will start soon."
SYSTEM: "If everything goes to plan, the tech can soon be used to equip MOTH forces on a larger scale."
SYSTEM: "The older models could no longer cope with the Honkai war. Humanity needs greater power."
SYSTEM: "We have to make it happen at any cost."
SYSTEM: "▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉"
Seele stepped away from the terminal.
She returned to SAKURA, only to find the woman quietly staring at the sakura pendant in her hand.
SAKURA noticed Seele's gaze and looked up.
SAKURA: "What is it, Seele?"
Seele: "Nothing. It seems that you know this place inside out."
SAKURA looked down at the pendant again.
SAKURA: "Are you worried? Don't be. I was a MOTH, but they're now my enemies."
She looked directly at Seele.
SAKURA: "I won't harm you, and I won't bring you back to that place."
Seele hesitated before asking the question that had been on her mind.
Seele: "The girl you're looking for… is she family?"
SAKURA's expression softened.
SAKURA: "She is my younger sister and my only family."
She gently held the pendant.
SAKURA: "Her name is RIN. Like you, she was imprisoned here."
SAKURA: "The MOTHs locked her up, but she's innocent."
Seele understood.
Seele: "That's why you're here."
SAKURA nodded.
SAKURA: "She was supposed to be in the same cell as you, but you were the only one there."
She looked at Seele curiously.
SAKURA: "I should have asked earlier, but what's your story?"
SAKURA: "Let's try to learn about each other. While you were passed out, you kept mumbling a name."
SAKURA: ""Bronya", right? Who is she?"
Seele fell silent.
Seele: "…"
After a moment, she answered.
Seele: "Bronya is my sister and my family too. She's the most important one to me."
Her expression softened as she thought about Bronya.
Seele: "She's strong and sweet like you. She cared for me and always stood up for me."
Seele: "I'll forget my troubles when she's around."
SAKURA listened carefully.
SAKURA: "Where is she now?"
Seele: "We were separated. Bronya is outside."
Seele: "She's definitely worried about me right now."
Seele lowered her head.
Seele: "I can't just wait here. I must get out of here and find her."
She clenched her hands.
Seele: "Bronya has always protected me."
Her voice became quieter.
Seele: "But I don't want to be a burden anymore."
SAKURA immediately reacted strongly to those words.
SAKURA: "She will never treat you like one. You're definitely not a burden."
SAKURA stood up and looked directly at Seele.
She carefully pinned the sakura pendant against her chest. The pendant glistened brightly under the archive's lights.
SAKURA: "I will help you leave this place, Seele."
Her voice carried a quiet determination.
SAKURA: "The MOTHs have imprisoned too many innocent children like you and RIN. You're supposed to be free."
SAKURA took a breath before continuing.
SAKURA: "It's dangerous outside. Once we get out, I'll take you to our home. Then we can find Bronya together."
She spoke carefully, hoping to gain Seele's trust.
Then her expression brightened slightly.
SAKURA: "Oh, and sakura flowers… Have you seen a sakura tree before?"
Seele shook her head.
Seele: "Sakura? I've only read about them."
SAKURA smiled faintly.
SAKURA: "There are sakura trees in the town square near my home. They bloom in spring and shower the place with pink petals."
Her smile faded as she looked around the cold facility.
SAKURA: "This suffering world hardly has any heart-warming sights anymore."
She looked back at Seele.
SAKURA: "RIN really loves those sakura trees. I believe you'll like them too."
SAKURA extended her hand once again.
SAKURA: "So let's escape together, alright?"
Seele looked at her hand.
After a moment, she nodded.
Seele: "Mhm…"
The two stood together in the archive.
For the first time since waking up in this strange bubble universe, Seele felt that she might actually have someone she could trust.
Then—
SYSTEM: "▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉ ▉"
The terminal suddenly produced a new result.
SAKURA immediately turned toward it.
SAKURA: "The results are out. RIN was transferred to the 33rd floor underground. We should go."
Seele followed her toward the exit.
As she watched SAKURA walk ahead, she couldn't help but think about her.
Seele: 'SAKURA looks cold and detached, but I can feel her kind and gentle heart.'
A small smile appeared on Seele's face.
Seele: 'She's almost like Bronya…'
SAKURA suddenly stopped.
Her ears twitched.
SAKURA: "…!"
She looked sharply toward the corridor.
SAKURA: "Wait for me, Seele…"
SAKURA's hand moved toward her weapon.
Her expression became tense.
SAKURA: "Not good. Trouble has found us."
A heavy presence emerged from the darkness.
Footsteps echoed through the corridor.
A mysterious man stepped out from the shadows, carrying a massive weapon that appeared to be the Cleaver of Shamash.
The weapon's enormous blade caught the dim light as he slowly raised it.
Seele instinctively summoned her scythe.
SAKURA stepped in front of her, shielding her from the approaching figure.
The mysterious man stared directly at SAKURA.
???: "Give up now, SAKURA."