Prologue: Selva Oscura/Story Episodes
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I stood in the middle of a black forest,
my reasons and past all lost to me.
All I had was a clock that replaced my head,
and a bus that emerged from the woods.
my reasons and past all lost to me.
All I had was a clock that replaced my head,
and a bus that emerged from the woods.
0-1: The Panther, Lion, and Wolf
Pre-Battle
| Speaker | Dialogue | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Wolf |
Do you see now? You can't run from us. |
 |
Me |
<You dare...interrupt me just as I was engraving the ■■■■■■...You must be out of your...> |
 |
Lion |
Ah~ Technically speaking, I can tell you that our master's plan doesn't really break any of the City's Taboos. |
|
|
Lion |
It's just the kind of thing that... no one has ever dared to even consider attempting, you catch my drift? |
|
|
Lion |
Huh, would you look at that... |
 |
Panther |
You managed to get a different head in so fast. Are people like you always prepared for anything? |
|
|
Me |
<Kngh… Just wait ‘til I get the ■■■■■■… The likes of you will be no match for…> |
|
|
Lion |
Haha, I guess that new noggin doesn’t come with a mouth, huh? |
|
|
Wolf |
Yep, all I can hear is the clock ticking. You think they’re screaming on the inside? |
|
|
Me |
<Ghaagh...!> |
|
|
Wolf |
Hmm. The ticking's gotten faster, so I guess they can still feel pain. |
|
|
Wolf |
Huh, they’ve gone quiet already. Let’s get this over with. |
|
|
Lion |
No one ever comes here, Wolf. There are no eyes on us. So what's the hurry? |
|
|
Wolf |
We must follow her teachings. No wasting time. |
|
|
Lion |
Yeah, but… *sigh* can't we just savor the moment? We're not going to get another chance to off someone of this caliber. |
|
|
Panther |
You have a tendency to grow far too emotional on a job, Lion. Don't mix business with pleasure. |
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|
Lion |
*scoff* |
|
|
Panther |
Shame—I so wanted to have a look at your face. I reckon you won’t tell us where your star is, yes? |
|
|
Me |
<Like hell I am. I’m taking ■■■’s location to the grave with…> |
|
|
Me |
<……> |
|
|
Panther |
… Right. No mouth. |
|
|
Panther |
Meaning... this one can't tell us how to find it. |
 | ||
|
|
Wolf |
Can I end them now? |
|
|
Panther |
Sure… Hm? |
|
|
Lion |
Hey, what’s that noise? You let yourself get tailed, Panther?! |
|
|
Panther |
No, there wasn't anyone who could've tracked me. Just a wild animal, perhaps? |
|
|
Wolf |
That doesn't sound like any animal I can think of. That's... |
 | ||
|
|
Wolf |
A bus…? |
|
|
Panther |
How did it even end up here? |
|
|
lion |
Must've taken a wrong turn? |
 | ||
|
|
Lion |
Hoo, they're about to pay quite the hefty price for that wrong turn... |
.png) | ||
|
|
Lion |
…! |
|
|
Wolf |
… Did Lion just get pushed back? |
|
|
Panther |
…! |
 |
??? |
…… |
|
|
???* |
If my eyes are still right, then you will not fail to reach the port of glory. |
|
|
Me |
<Who… are you? That nameplate… says… Faust?> |
 |
Faust |
You’ve lost your way in a dark forest. |
|
|
Me |
<W-wha...?> |
|
|
Faust |
Yet you were not overcome with fear. Why was that? |
|
|
Me |
<That's…> |
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|
Me |
<Because I could simply… lift my head to find the star.> |
|
|
Faust |
That's right. |
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|
Faust |
Now, keep revisiting that image and let your heart speak these words aloud. |
|
|
Faust |
Follow your star. |
|
|
Me |
<Follow… your star.> |
 | ||
|
|
Me |
<Guh… Hrrk— Aaargh!!!> |
|
|
Faust |
Please don't worry. Your heart is still functional, though it may feel otherwise. |
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|
Faust |
With this, the pact is sealed. |
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|
Faust |
Dante, from this day forth, we are bound to your time. |
|
|
Dante |
<What do you…?> |
|
|
Faust |
The beating of our hearts now depends on where your hands fall. |
|
|
Faust |
I hope you’ll make a fine leader. |
|
|
Dante |
<"Our"…?> |
 |
Ishmael |
Is that really everything? |
 |
Yi Sang |
A single apple has fallen. |
|
|
Ishmael |
… This guy’s still not making any sense. |
 |
Rodion |
Geeeez~ The wait was killing me! Are we finally getting some action? |
 |
Gregor |
Well, a little warm-up wouldn't hurt. |
 |
Outis |
What's that miserable thing writhing on the ground? Are they to be the newest addition to this squad? |
|
|
Gregor |
Uh… You might wanna watch your language… I heard that’s our soon-to-be boss… |
|
|
Faust |
It must've been an instant ambush—yet you still managed to hide your head. |
|
|
Dante |
<Who are you people? And what’s up with this bus?> |
|
|
Faust |
We are the heralds of justice who have come to aid you, and this is the magical bus that can take us wherever we wish to go. |
|
|
Dante |
<Justice? Bus? I don’t…> |
|
|
Faust |
Is that not what you wanted to hear? You will feel more at ease that way. |
|
|
Faust |
We’re racing against time, and the situation isn’t in our favor, so let me explain this once. |
|
|
Dante |
<So... Let me get this right. As long as I do as you say, those complete strangers, who I've never even met before, will fight in my stead?> |
|
|
Faust |
Correct. So long as you give them the right orders. |
|
|
Dante |
<Right, then. Let's slaughter these shitheads,> |
|
|
Dante |
<go back to where I was…> |
|
|
Dante |
<To where I was, and…> |
|
|
Dante |
<……> |
|
|
Dante |
<What was I doing? Where am I even supposed to go back to?> |
|
|
Dante |
<I was right on the cusp of an extremely important moment. Something I was never supposed to forget...> |
|
|
Faust |
Calm down. It is only natural that this new head would have adverse effects on your memory. |
|
|
Faust |
Focus on the struggle at hand, Dante. |
|
|
Outis |
Clo… Ahem. I’m not sure how I should address you. |
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|
Outis |
Would "Commander Clock" suffice…? In any case, we await your orders! |
|
|
Gregor |
Eh, do we really need orders? Seems like going one-on-one is the only way. |
|
|
Ishmael |
Huh?! H-Hey! |
 |
Heathcliff |
You lot, quit your prattlin'! We just need to crush 'em all! |
|
|
Faust |
… Please do your best, Dante. |
|
|
Dante |
<… I guess I don't have any other choice.> |
Post-Battle
| Speaker | Dialogue | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Panther |
I don’t get it. These nobodies managed to take Lion down? |
.png) | ||
|
|
GREGOR |
W-Whoa, hang on! |
|
|
GREGOR |
I know this is kinda weird coming from someone you were just fighting, but I’m pretty sure we can talk this ou— |
.png) | ||
|
|
GREGOR |
……! |
 | ||
|
|
YI SANG |
This… |
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|
YI SANG |
…is not ideal. |
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|
ISHMAEL |
*sigh* I knew it was a ridiculous idea to put up a fight against them. |
 | ||
|
|
ISHMAEL |
…… |
 | ||
|
|
RODION |
Are y’all kidding? I haven’t even started… |
 | ||
|
|
RODION |
…… |
|
|
Dante |
<What the hell? You said you'd fight in my stead!> |
 | ||
|
|
FAUST |
We never promised to win said fights. |
|
|
Dante |
<What…> |
|
|
FAUST |
And, it seems that I’m the only survivor. |
|
|
Dante |
<O-okay. So you meant for this to happen?> |
|
|
Dante |
<You've got an ace up your sleeve, haven't you?> |
|
|
FAUST |
Not… necessarily an ace, no. This is simply about... |
 | ||
|
|
FAUST |
... following the star. |
|
|
Panther |
Is this supposed to be a mass suicide or something? It's a rather unpleasant display. |
|
|
Dante |
<What… what am I supposed to do?> |
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|
Dante |
<Arriving with all that fanfare, only to die like flies…> |
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|
Dante |
<Gah… I can’t remember a thing about the past since I repeated what she said.> |
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|
Dante |
<Is this… how I die?> |
|
|
??? |
Deliver this message to the Serpent, false lion. |
 | ||
 |
Man with Red Eyes |
This is a flow that cannot be stopped. |
 | ||
|
|
Lion |
Grh… GAAAH!! |
|
|
Wolf |
The Red...? But why? |
 | ||
|
|
Wolf |
Argh… |
|
|
Man with Red Eyes |
Do you know why I only had those two dismembered? |
|
|
Man with Red Eyes |
Because one of you needs to be intact to carry the rest and scram pell-mell out of here. |
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|
Man with Red Eyes |
And you’re the only one left to offer them any help. |
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|
Panther |
… The Red Gaze. |
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|
Man with Red Eyes |
Don’t glare at me like that. This is nothing compared to what you did. |
|
|
Man with Red Eyes |
With wounds like those, I’m sure your boss will recognize the effort you put in. Consider them a badge of honor. |
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|
Man with Red Eyes |
Unless… |
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|
Man with Red Eyes |
You want to meet your end here. |
|
|
Panther |
…… |
|
|
Dante |
<Who are… Are you one of them?> |
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|
Dante |
<You’re too late. They’re already…> |
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|
Man with Red Eyes |
I am not late for anything, Dante. |
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|
Man with Red Eyes |
We only need... |
|
|
Man with Red Eyes |
... a little time to rewind. |
|
|
Dante |
<…!> |
I’m suddenly overwhelmed by an excruciating stab of pain in my chest, as though my heart were being torn asunder.
| ||
Followed by flashes in the ribs, intestines, stomach, and lungs.
| ||
|
|
Dante |
<GAAAAAAGH!!!> |
|
|
Dante |
<You… Grgh…> |
 | ||
|
|
Man with Red Eyes |
You're in for one hell of a painful ride from here on out, Dante. |
0-2: Introductions
Pre-Battle
| Speaker | Dialogue | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
??? |
They’re being itchy-twitchy. Are they up? |
|
|
??? |
Awake at last. I would’ve been a tad bit disappointed if you croaked on us. |
 |
Charon |
Refreshing morning. This is Charon the Bus Driver. |
|
|
Man with Red Eyes |
It’s not morning, but I suppose it could be refreshing. How do you feel, Dante? |
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|
Dante |
<Well, I…> |
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|
Man with Red Eyes |
Tick-tocking like a clock… *sigh* this language barrier will be quite a hassle. |
|
|
Vergilius |
You may call me Vergilius. If you can hear me, Dante, give me a sign. |
|
|
Vergilius |
Good. At least your hearing is functional. Time to drive, Charon. |
|
|
Charon |
Now departing. Vroom-vroom. |
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|
Vergilius |
Do you remember who you were? |
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|
Vergilius |
I suppose you want your memory back, don't you? |
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|
Vergilius |
Smooth as it gets. What’s to stop the rest of you from adopting this gesture-based communication? |
|
|
Vergilius |
What do you think, Miss Faust? |
|
|
FAUST |
Faust will respectfully decline. |
|
|
FAUST |
I find it unlikely that the situations ahead will permit us the physical liberty for "smooth" gesture-based communication. |
|
|
FAUST |
Dante. |
|
|
Dante |
<Dante?> |
|
|
FAUST |
Dante is your name. The amnesia must be affecting you rather severely. |
|
|
Dante |
<Sure looks like it… That doesn’t sound familiar at all.> |
|
|
FAUST |
You’ll get used to it in time. |
|
|
Dante |
<Wait… You can understand me?> |
|
|
Dante |
<The group that attacked me earlier—and that Vergie or whatever he was called—seemed to hear nothing but ticking from me.> |
|
|
FAUST |
Faust can hear what you intend to speak. |
|
|
Dante |
<You actually can! But how? I don’t even have a real mouth.> |
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|
FAUST |
Assumptions of yesteryear must be one of the side effects that came with your head replacement. |
|
|
FAUST |
It’s anachronistic to think that vocal organs such as the cords or tongue are necessary for one to communicate. |
|
|
Dante |
<Anachronistic… Right. Never considered that.> |
|
|
FAUST |
… You can limit the recipient of your words to one person, or choose to speak to everyone at once. |
|
|
FAUST |
Ah, a little clarification: the scope of “everyone” is limited to the Sinners. |
|
|
Dante |
<Sinners?> |
|
|
FAUST |
The people seated behind you… |
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|
FAUST |
The very same who fought in your stead until mere moments ago. |
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|
??? |
Oooh! So thou art the final piece that completes our journey’s cast! How I have yearned for this moment! |
|
|
??? |
Say, pal, where’d you sell your old cranium off? |
|
|
??? |
So it was you. Thanks for putting my spine back into one piece. Were you a surgeon or something in the Nest? |
|
|
Vergilius |
Keep your mouths shut. Nothing is more unpleasant than hearing a cacophony of noises. |
|
|
Vergilius |
Now, a brief introduction is in order. |
|
|
Vergilius |
I’ll give you time to make yourselves known, starting with the one seated at the very front. Speak. |
|
|
GREGOR |
Why is it always the ones in front that go first…? I'm sick of taking the lead. |
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|
GREGOR |
I heard you were gonna be our boss, or… yeah, our manager. |
|
|
DANTE |
<Manager?> |
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GREGOR |
Yep, which is why I was real curious to meet you, and… |
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|
GREGOR |
Uh… Hmm, tsk. It's always tough work to choose the right words. |
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GREGOR |
Dunno what you did with your old head, but I guess everyone's got a story to tell. |
|
|
GREGOR |
I’m Gregor. We’re in this together, Manager Bud. |
 | ||
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RODION |
Greg! They aren’t just your “bud” or “pal”~ You’re talking to the person who’ll make us filthy rich! |
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|
GREGOR |
Greg…? |
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DANTE |
<Rich? What’s that about?> |
|
|
RODION |
Let’s see what's better to call you… Dante! Hope ya don't mind us being on first-name basis. You can call me Rodya, too~ |
 | ||
|
|
RODION |
I think there’s a... well, a good reason you became our manager. |
|
|
RODION |
I’m sure you used to be a big shot back in the Nest, right? When your old habits start coming back, we’ll be that much closer to rolling in the dough… Fuhu… |
|
|
RODION |
Oh gosh, look at me keeping on. Hey, kid! You're up next! |
 |
SINCLAIR |
Hello... |
|
|
RODION |
Aw, boring~ That’s it? |
|
|
SINCLAIR |
Oh! Sinclair... That's my name. |
 | ||
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|
SINCLAIR |
… I—Is there anything else I need to say? This is my first corporate job… |
|
|
RODION |
Well, you’ll learn the ropes in the coming days. |
|
|
RODION |
‘Kay then, how about you next, nerdy pal! |
|
|
YI SANG |
I am Yi Sang. |
 | ||
|
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DANTE |
<… That’s it?> |
|
|
YI SANG |
Mhm. No smoke and mirrors. |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
*sigh* I can’t believe you people. Aren’t proper introductions the first step to fitting in the society? |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
Call me Ishmael, if you please. |
 | ||
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|
ISHMAEL |
I heard you glued our bodies back together from pieces. I look forward to working with you. |
|
|
HEATHCLIFF |
Sorry to disappoint, ‘cause I don’t care too much for fitting in. |
|
|
HEATHCLIFF |
Name’s Heathcliff. Used to be a professional wrecker—for property and people alike. |
 | ||
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|
HEATHCLIFF |
Not under anyone’s orders, mind you. I only did it to buggers that got on my nerves. |
|
|
HEATHCLIFF |
So watch it, you. |
|
|
HEATHCLIFF |
I’m deathly allergic to cocky gaffers who think they can boss me around. |
 |
DON QUIXOTE |
‘Tis my turn to speak, at long last! I am Don Quixote! |
 | ||
|
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DON QUIXOTE |
I am a Fixer who shall sprint for the dream side by side with thee. 'Tis a pleasure. |
|
|
DANTE |
<A Fixer…? That definitely feels like a term I used to know…> |
|
|
DON QUIXOTE |
Dost thou wish to know what a Fixer is? I can answer thy question! Fixers are protectors of the City! |
|
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DON QUIXOTE |
Ah! Perchance thou mayst struggle to remember the City! ‘Tis— |
|
|
Vergilius |
I believe I said this was for brief introductions. |
|
|
DON QUIXOTE |
Ngh… |
|
|
Vergilius |
Don’t make me say it twice. Next. |
 |
HONG LU |
My name’s Hong Lu. I hope we can get along well. |
 | ||
|
|
HONG LU |
Wow, and look at you! Isn’t that a fascinating head you've got there? A popular model these days, I suppose? |
|
|
DANTE |
<No, this isn’t that kind of…> |
|
|
HONG LU |
It’s not my cup of tea, though. |
|
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HEATHCLIFF |
... The hell’s wrong with your attitude? |
 |
RYŌSHŪ |
Ryōshū. |
 | ||
|
|
RYŌSHŪ |
Shūre’s nice to meet ya. |
|
|
RYŌSHŪ |
... Pfft. |
 |
MEURSAULT |
Meursault. Please refer to me as such. |
 | ||
|
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DANTE |
<You’re polite.> |
|
|
MEURSAULT |
This isn’t anything special. I’m simply behaving normally. |
|
|
DANTE |
<I’m almost touched. Thanks.> |
|
|
MEURSAULT |
Yes. |
|
|
OUTIS |
…… |
|
|
OUTIS |
I… |
|
|
OUTIS |
Please, I would never make my manager stoop before me. |
|
|
OUTIS |
My name is Outis. I would like to apologize for my rudeness earlier. |
 | ||
|
|
DANTE |
<Rudeness…?> |
|
|
OUTIS |
Haha, oh, please. Your magnanimity humbles me. |
|
|
OUTIS |
I knew at first glance that you had what it takes to lead us. |
|
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DANTE |
<Uh... What?> |
|
|
OUTIS |
While most humans cause noise and friction as a result of confrontation... |
|
|
OUTIS |
... some are able to reap mutual benefit from coming head-to-head. |
|
|
OUTIS |
Just as one might seek out firm whetstones to best sharpen their blade. |
|
|
OUTIS |
And my blade is yours to wield, Executive Manager. I shall serve you with unrivaled devotion. |
|
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DANTE |
<Th-that’s reassuring… Thanks.> |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
I’m amazed at your ability to bootlick with such passion so soon after calling them a “miserable thing.” |
|
|
FAUST |
It seems I am the last. Faust is the name. |
 | ||
|
|
FAUST |
A genius with whom you’re lucky to cross paths even once in your life. |
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DANTE |
<Mmh…> |
|
|
FAUST |
Your reaction suggests that you're not convinced, Dante. |
|
|
FAUST |
Well, it’s fine. You’ll come to learn, all in due time. |
|
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DANTE |
<Learn what…?> |
|
|
FAUST |
That Faust is indeed a rare and brilliant mind. |
|
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FAUST |
When a proverbial tree falls, its impact on the ground is a given fact. The observer's failure to perceive it has nothing to do with the truth of the matter. |
|
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DANTE |
<Okay…> |
|
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Vergilius |
That’s enough greetings. |
|
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Vergilius |
Dante, let me explain your job scope. |
|
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DANTE |
<You mean… as the manager?> |
|
|
FAUST |
They’re asking if you’re about to explain the job description of a manager. |
|
|
Vergilius |
That’s correct, Executive Manager Dante. You will embark on a trip to the Inferno with the 12 Sinners who’ve just introduced themselves. |
|
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DANTE |
<The Inferno…? Why should I go to hell?> |
|
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FAUST |
They’re asking why they need to travel to the Inferno. |
|
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Vergilius |
Hmm… Because treasure awaits at the end of the road. Would that suffice? |
|
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DANTE |
<I don’t… You mean I used to be a treasure hunter or something?> |
|
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FAUST |
They can’t seem to understand you at all. |
|
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Vergilius |
I did not ask for your understanding, Dante. Nor was this a question of your consent. |
|
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Vergilius |
You’ll have to listen to me if you want to reclaim your memories and original head. |
|
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DANTE |
<I mean… I do want them back, but…> |
|
|
FAUST |
They’re hesitant. |
|
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Vergilius |
Miss Faust, what will we do if Dante keeps on refusing to cooperate? This was not a scenario we anticipated. |
|
|
FAUST |
Preposterous. Faust anticipates every possibility. |
|
|
FAUST |
Dante, once you’ve completed all your missions… |
|
|
FAUST |
You’ll be able to engrave the Aspect. |
|
|
FAUST |
I can promise you that. |
|
|
FAUST |
See? They’re nodding now. |
|
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Vergilius |
Good. Then we can continue. |
|
|
Vergilius |
By the way, Charon, why isn’t the bus moving? Were you dozing off? |
|
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Charon |
A bus driver only snoozes at rest spots, Verg. |
|
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Charon |
Weirdos were hanging around in front of Mephi. |
|
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Vergilius |
I told you, Charon. If anything happens with the bus, you’ve got to let me know right away. |
|
|
DANTE |
<Mephi? Who’s that?> |
|
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FAUST |
Mephistopheles. The name of this bus and the engine that runs it. |
|
|
FAUST |
… and Faust’s magnum opus cordis. |
|
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Vergilius |
A most fitting ferryboat to bear us across the Inferno. |
|
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Vergilius |
Wouldn’t you agree, Dante? |
|
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Vergilius |
Looks like they’re just another pack of dirty Rats living in the Backstreets. |
|
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Vergilius |
This is just the right time, Dante. They should make perfect targets for practicing your command. |
|
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FAUST |
Dante, I skipped over many details during our first battle. |
|
|
FAUST |
We were short on time, after all. |
|
|
FAUST |
However, without improvements to your strategic prowess, only defeat and slaughter lie in our path. |
|
|
FAUST |
And in turn, you’ll have to endure pointless pain over and over again to revive us. |
|
|
DANTE |
<Pain… to revive you? You mean, what happened earlier was…> |
|
|
FAUST |
Yes, we were brought back to life because you “turned back the clock.” |
|
|
Vergilius |
That exposition doesn't seem to be of any immediate urgency, Miss Faust. |
|
|
Vergilius |
Save the chatter for later. Sinners, off the bus. |
|
|
FAUST |
… Allow me to elaborate on the elements of combat. |
0-3: Hit the Road
Pre-Battle
| Speaker | Dialogue | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Vergilius |
You’re looking much more useful than before, Dante. |
|
|
DANTE |
<They all got away save for one, though. Shouldn’t we go after them?> |
|
|
FAUST |
They’re worried over the foes we lost. |
|
|
Vergilius |
No need for concern… That’s the direction we were heading anyway. Charon? |
|
|
Charon |
Pedal to the metal. Up for an exciting ride. |
Post-Battle
| Speaker | Dialogue | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
ISHMAEL |
Give me a second. |
|
|
FAUST |
What is it? |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
I joined this company because I was told that I’ll be able to move forward without being held back. |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
But right now… we're stuck in meaningless violence, like we’re Rats or something. |
|
|
DON QUIXOTE |
'Tis not without meaning! We are vanquishing evildoers who attacked us! |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
Please, just—be quiet for a moment. |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
... Anyway, if all we'll be doing is beating people up like some hired thugs, I might have to reconsider my employment here in the near future. |
|
|
FAUST |
Haven’t you read your contract? |
|
|
FAUST |
... Resignation is not permitted. |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
... Do you really think our contract has any sway at this point, given that it's based on lies? |
|
|
FAUST |
Of course it does. |
|
|
FAUST |
Because there were no lies to begin with. |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
... Huh? |
|
|
FAUST |
You didn’t think Mephistopheles was built to be a mere means of transportation, did you? |
|
|
Charon |
Mephi is always hungry. It keeps crying. |
|
|
DANTE |
<The bus gets hungry?> |
|
|
FAUST |
When the engine “ingests” fuel, it yields a byproduct… |
|
|
FAUST |
Using that, you can grow more powerful. |
|
|
FAUST |
I’m sure Yi Sang knows this well. When all possibilities are drawn from the mirror… |
|
|
YI SANG |
There is no limit to one’s growth. |
|
|
YI SANG |
Is the self in the mirror my reflection, or another being entirely? |
|
|
DANTE |
<Possibilities…? What exactly are you drawing out?> |
0-4: Possibilities
Pre-Battle
| Speaker | Dialogue | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
ISHMAEL |
I see… So this is what that was about. |
|
|
FAUST |
There’s no need to get impatient, Ishmael. As the bus makes its journey, you’ll naturally… |
|
|
Vergilius |
You’ll naturally start taking on more important tasks than beating the life out of random crooks. |
|
|
Vergilius |
I know you’re eager to achieve your goals… but at least try to have some patience. |
|
|
ISHMAEL |
... Tch. |
|
|
FAUST |
Since this works by whisking out one of our limitless possibilities from the mirror worlds, it’ll have overwritten a part of our memories. |
|
|
FAUST |
You'll get used to it in no time. |
|
|
RODION |
Whoa, hang on… That sounds a bit dangerous, don’t it? |
|
|
RODION |
What if I’m no longer my old self by the end? Heheh. |
|
|
Vergilius |
…… |
|
|
FAUST |
Don’t mistake yourselves for the Ship of Theseus. |
|
|
FAUST |
While it is true that you borrow the Identities and their memories, the system is designed to ensure that you retain control over your own existence. |
|
|
YI SANG |
Different though your reflection may be, it is bound to vanish once you walk away from the mirror. |
|
|
FAUST |
... How our capability grows ultimately depends on you, Manager Dante. |
|
|
FAUST |
It will be up to you to decide which figment of possibility fits each situation best. |
|
|
OUTIS |
I believe that’s what you call a metamorphosis. |
|
|
FAUST |
Yes, I suppose one could say that it is a form of renascence and transformation. |
|
|
RODION |
Golly, where’d you learn big words like that? |
|
|
OUTIS |
I picked it up. My prior profession required meeting people from various walks of life. |
|
|
GREGOR |
Transformation, huh… |
|
|
Vergilius |
Done chatting? |
|
|
Vergilius |
First, we make way for the bus. You’ll spend more time together than you’d ever ask for, so table that discussion for later. |
Post-Battle
| Speaker | Dialogue | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Charon |
Road’s clear. But Verg, Mephi could’ve just run them over and pushed through just fine. |
|
|
DANTE |
<... Huh?> |
|
|
DANTE |
<What was the point of putting me through all that fighting, then?> |
|
|
Vergilius |
Calm yourself, Dante. |
|
|
Vergilius |
It’s not right to ask a toddler to run when it has yet to take its first steps. |
|
|
Vergilius |
Best take every opportunity there is to walk on your own feet before you’re made to run. |
|
|
Vergilius |
Furthermore… Dante. |
|
|
Vergilius |
As the manager… your job is to “manage” your staff. |
|
|
Vergilius |
And I… am the guide. I decide the "where" and the "how" of our journey. |
|
|
Vergilius |
Am I understood? |
|
|
Vergilius |
Don’t argue with me. |
|
|
DANTE |
<... How am I supposed to not question a stranger who can’t even hear me?> |
|
|
FAUST |
…… |
|
|
Vergilius |
I heard ticking. What did they say, Miss Faust? |
|
|
FAUST |
Nothing much. |
|
|
Vergilius |
A little too verbose to be an affirmation. A nod should suffice going forward, Dante. |
|
|
Charon |
Now, Mephi, off we go. Woohoo. |
|
|
Vergilius |
How’re you feeling, Charon? |
|
|
Charon |
Extreme. Excitement. About to walk on air, reports Charon. |
|
|
Vergilius |
... Good. |
|
|
DANTE |
<So, where are we going?> |
|
|
FAUST |
Vergilius, they’d like to know the destination. |
|
|
Vergilius |
*sigh* What did I just tell you, Dante? |
|
|
DANTE |
<But just where are we going?> |