Opening | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Episode 9 | Episode 10
Episode 11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episode 14 | Episode 15 | Episode 16 | Episode 17 | Episode 18 | Episode 19 | Episode 20
Episode 21 | Episode 22 | Episode 23 | Episode 24 | Episode 25 | Episode 26 | Episode 27 | Episode 28 | Episode 29 | Episode 30
The end of the 20th century. After a nuclear war that cost 1.5 billion lives—
*the scene flickers, distorted, with a palace in the background*
*footsteps can be heard*
The world was under the rule of the “World Emperor”, who imposed his oppressive regime through the use of overwhelming military might.
While the possession of weapons was prohibited, those who dare to challenge the Empire appeared armed with Antique guns left as works of art.
*the flickering scene changes to a town*
Through the power of summoned guns known as “Musketeers”, the Resistance emerged victorious in the Revolutionary War and restored peace to the world. However...
*the scene, now clear, changes to a dark castle in the rain*
Now, a new threat is drawing near—
Queen: Eliminate this obstruction, my knight.
*a gun is cocked*
Soldier: Eek! P-Please, don’t do it... Your Majesty...!
Brown Bess: ......
*gunshot*
Soldier: Ggah!! Uu..., wh...y...
Queen: ...ahh, splendid. That was magnificent. Now come, Brown Bess, my knight.
Brown Bess: As you wish, Your Majesty.
*scene starts in town*
Marks: ...Master, we’ve received information about Outragers appearing on second street. It’s a call for reinforcements.
Master:
• Let’s go, everyone.
• Is everything ready?
Civilian: Waaaagh! Wh-Who are these guys!?
Russell: Please, stay calm! Here, the World Union’s forces will shield you without fail. Therefore, citizens, please follow our instruction—
Outrager: ...Kill...Destroy...!
*gunshot*
Russell: Gah!
Russell: Ggh...! This is our limit...! Like this, the citizens will...!
Master:
• Professor Russell!
• Sorry for the wait!
Russell: (Player Name)-kun!
Marks: —we’ve confirmed the conditions of the battle. Direct me, Master!
Like Two: As usual, all you can talk about is Master. You’re pathetic if you can’t do anything without orders.
Marks: Hah? Master’s words are final, obviously. Shut your mouth and withdraw, Like Two.
Like Two: ...oi, Marks. Just who do you think you’re ordering around?
Marks: Is there anyone here but you? Y’know, if Master wants it, I’ll kill anyone. Of course, that includes you.
Like Two: Ahh...!?
Jitte: Calm down, you two! Let’s get ahold of ourselves for now. The first thing we need to do is deal with these Outragers.
Like Two: Shut up, Jitte, you old man. You’re useless in battle, so back off!
Jitte: Huh...!
George: ......
George: Hey! I’m your opponent, so get ready!
*gunshot*
Outrager: ...gah!
George: Whoah!? My first hit in a month! I really can do it! Yeah!
*white smoke fills the scene*
George: ...*cough*. So much smoke! Huh, did I use too much gunpowder? Now I can’t see anything!
Marks: Hey, George! Cut that out! You’ll get in the way of my sniping!
Like Two: You’re a slow-firing Antique, but you’re still taking the first shot!
George: Ah~, sorry, sorry! Haha.☆
Marks & Like Two: Sorry doesn’t cut it!
Russell: This is not the time for arguments! You Musketeers are the only ones capable of taking down the Outragers, so please, get to it!
*more Outragers appear*
Outrager: Ggh...ah...
Outrager: AaaaAAaa....! Kill...!
Jitte: Uwah...! This is bad, there are townspeople over there. Hey, you Outagers— this way, this way!
George: Jitte...! Yeah, we’re not the kind of Musketeers who’ll just hide in the back! I’ll help out too!
Outrager: ...kill!
Marks: Master! ...I’ll suppress the target from here on. The Outragers will be completely subdued.
Master:
• Please, do!
• Begin the fight!
Marks: Target neutralization confirmed. ...this is a victory for me and Master. The only proper result.
Marks: Master, the battle is done. You aren’t damaged, are you?
Master:
• I’d be injured, not damaged.
• Nope, I’m all good.
Civilian 1: Whew... I thought I was done for! Thank you so much for saving me. Just what I’d expect from a cadet of the World Union’s forces.
Civilian 1: I never thought I’d get to see a battle of Noble Musketeers with my own eyes... That’s the miraculous power that won the Revolutionary War, alright! I’m truly impressed!
Marks: Of course. It’s because my Master is the best.
Jitte: Aren’t you being praised as well?
Russell: (Player Name)-kun, you also saved my life. Thank you.
Russell: ...well, as the instructor in charge of you, I should get some credit! We’ll report back to the military immediately...
Russell: ...wait, are you alright, (Player Name)-kun?
Like Two: Russell, get out of the way! ...(Player Name), let me see the rose scar.
Jitte: That’s... the rose scar has spread. George, shouldn’t you be treating this?
George: Oh, it’s my turn! Leave it to me.
*George uses Absolute Nobility*
George: There we go, all better!
Master:
• Thank you, as always.
• I feel much better.
Marks: Master...
Like Two: ...hmph. Since the mission’s over, let’s hurry up and go home. My clothes are filthy, so I want to get a shower soon.
George: Sounds good. I’m getting hungry, too. I wanna eat a burger from the cafeteria!
Russell: That’s right. Everyone must be looking forward to your return, (Player Name). —well then, let’s return to the military academy!
*scene starts outside the school*
—three years earlier, at Philcrevert Military Academy’s entrance ceremony.
Chairman Sid: I am Sid Copel, the Board Chairman of this school. —I welcome you all wholeheartedly in your entry.
Chairman Sid: Philcrevert Allied Forces Military Academy is the sole institution in England that trains military officers. Starting today, you all will become cadets of the World Union.
Chairman Sid: ...sudden as it may be, here is your first order from me. Take up your guns.
New Students: Yes, sir!
Master:
• Yes, sir!
Beside you is a sniper rifle; the UL96A1. As directed by the Chairman, you raise the gun’s barrel.
Chairman Sid: From here on, your guns will be your valued partners. —however, you won’t survive on the battlefield with guns alone! There will be situations in which you must fight by any means necessary.
Chairman Sid: Do not rely solely on the power of your guns; train yourselves as well. Starting today, your physical strength, intelligence, and force of will— all of it is for the sake of becoming the world’s weapon and shield.
Chairman Sid: “Be Noble, Be Truthful, and to Overcome”!1
Chairman Sid: With this motto in your hearts, I hope that you all will be able to overcome the rigorous training that awaits you.
New Students: Yes, sir!
*scene changes to a hallway*
As expected, the atmosphere of the military academy’s entrance ceremony was intense. While wondering if they’ll be able to handle this place, a faint flash of anxiety crosses (Player Name)’s mind.
Master:
• (...no, I have to do it.)
• (...honestly, it’s disheartening...)
Senior Student: Hey, new student over there! Are you heading to the dorms now?
Senior Student: Perfect timing. Could you take these supplies there?
The amount of baggage that the senior student forces upon you seems utterly impossible for just one person to carry.
Master:
• H-Heavy...!
Senior Student: Hey, hey, can you seriously not handle that much? The World Union’s standard equipment weighs thirty kilos, you know.
Master:
• Yes, sir...!
*scene changes to outside*
The dorm that you’re moving into, marked by the pomegranate tree near its entrance, is commonly known as the “pomegranate building”. Right now, an instructor with a gentle smile is standing near that entrance.
Russell: Oh, did you carry that much by yourself...! Carrying it all without giving up shows a lot of potential, I’d say.
Russell: I’m Russell Bluesmile, the instructor in charge of your grade. You’re... (Player Name), aren’t you? Your room is Room 221, up on the second floor.
Russell: The rooms in this dorm have alternating numbers on each side of the hall. Take care not to get the wrong one, alright?
*scene changes to a dorm hallway*
• You make your way to your dorm room— but just before you reach it, you hear a scream from behind you.
Vivian: Ohhh... oh no, oh no! You there, get out of the way—! It’s danger... waaah—!
—THUD, THUD, THUD!!
Vivian: Owww... H-Help me...!
When you open your eyes, you see a female student buried under a pile of baggage. ...shockingly, it seems that she was carrying nearly twice the amount you did earlier.
Master:
• I’ve got it!
• I’ll help!
Vivian: Phew... thank you for helping me...! And I’m sorry for bumping into you. You’re also a new student... right?
Vivian: Thank goodness. I thought I was going to get into an argument with an upperclassman again! That’s really not how a first day of school should go...
Master:
• Again?
• An argument with an upperclassman?
Vivian: I mean, on my way to the dorm here, an upperclassman stopped me and made me carry this crazy amount of stuff.
Vivian: “Can you seriously not handle that much? The World Union’s standard equipment weighs thirty kilos, you know—”
Vivian: When he said that, I was like, “Then I’ll carry twice that much!”. I wound up being way too stubborn...
Vivian: He told me to give it a try if I thought I could handle it, and I somehow made it this far, but... I’m really sorry for running into you!
Vivian: Wait, you had to carry a bunch of stuff too!? You look so nonchalant, I didn’t even notice. ...are you the expressionless type?
Vivian: ...hehe, ahahaha! I’m the same, but you’re really stubborn too!
Vivian: I’m Vivian Lintonlodge, a first-year student at Philcrevert Allied Forces Military Academy. It’s nice to meet you. Umm...
Master:
• (Player Name)
Vivian: Got it! Hey, what room are you in? I’m in room 220, myself...
Master:
• Huh!?
• I’m right across the hall.
Vivian: That means you’re in 221!? Wow! This has to be fate, or something! Let’s get along from here on, (Player Name!)
Master:
• Same to you!
*scene fades to white*
And so, these strict yet fulfilling days began. You and Vivian would end up relying on each other, helping each other grow, and developing a close friendship. And so—
Notes:
1The school’s motto is said in English.
*scene starts at the training field*
—Two years later.
Instructor: And the winner of Philcrevert Military Academy’s marksmanship competition is... (Player Name)!
Vivian: Yay—! Congrats (Player Name)! That’s awesome, super awesome! I can’t believe you won!
Russell: Congratulations! To think that you won against senior students, even...! You never cease to surprise me, (Player Name)-kun.
Master:
• It’s all thanks to the UL96A1.
Vivian: Your favorite gun... or I guess, it’s more like your partner by now. You take such great care of it, it’s no wonder it helped you here.
Russell: That may be true, but... it may become an issue if you treasure it too much. It was last year, wasn’t it? If I recall, you let yourself fall into a river during training while trying to protect that gun.
Vivian: Ahaha, I remember that! You know, (Player Name), if you cherish it that much, maybe the day when the UL96A1 will awaken as a Noble Musketeer isn’t too far away!
Master:
• A Noble Musketeer? That’s...
Vivian: Yeah, yeah! Just a bit ago, it was in the news that Her Majesty the Queen awakened Brown Bess as a Noble Musketeer.
Vivian: Musketeers sound so cool...! Right now, they’re basically celebrities, but they were the key figures in leading the Revolutionary War to victory.
Vivian: If it wasn’t for the effort of the Resistance’s Master and their Musketeers, we’d still be living in a world ruled by the World Empire, right? Seriously, just thinking about it—
Vivian: ...it seriously freaks me out.
Russell: ...how about you two go back to your dorm and rest? You want to take care of your beloved gun’s maintenance right away, don’t you, (Player Name)-kun?
Vivian: Ah... that’s right! Sorry about that, (Player Name). I should follow your example and take care of my gun too!
*scene changes to the dorm room*
The two of them return to their dorm and perform their guns’ maintenance in Vivian’s room. Right away, (Player Name) takes the UL96A1 out of its case.
(Player Name) silently begins the process of dismantling and cleaning, but... as their hands move, they notice that Vivian isn’t making much progress.
Vivian: ......
Master:
• Vivian?
• Do you not feel well?
Vivian: Huh? Ah— ...sorry, I’m fine. I was just spacing out a bit!
Vivian: ......
Vivian: ...hey, um.
Vivian: To be honest, I’m... about my gun... this UL85A2, I don’t like it very much.
Vivian: The UL85A2 is my favorite type of gun, and it’s a wonderfully versatile assault rifle, but... this one was supposedly used by the World Empire.
Vivian: It’s weird, it’s it? In the future, it will be the mission of us cadets to protect people as the world’s weapon and shield.
Master:
• You’ll do just fine.
Vivian: Thank you. When you tell me it’s okay, somehow, it always seems true.
Vivian: ...hey, so there’s this envelope.
Vivian takes a single envelope from her desk. It’s tightly sealed, and there doesn’t seem to be an address or sender written anywhere on it.
Vivian: It’s kind of odd, but can I ask you to do something? I want you to have this letter, (Player Name).
Vivian: In case... just in case, okay?
Vivian: If it ever happens that I... if I ever end up dead, I want you to open this envelope.
Vivian: This is the only thing I’m asking of you, (Player Name). Would you please...
Master:
• That sounds ominous.
• What makes you bring this up?
Vivian: ...huh? ...ah, haha, yeah, good points~☆
Vivian: I’m just kidding, really! Sorry for saying something weird, (Player Name)!
Vivian: ...wait. Sorry, I just realized that I forgot something back at the training field! I’m going to go get it!
Saying that, Vivian hurries out of the room.
Master:
• Vivian was acting strange.
• ...I’m worried about her.
*scene changes to outside the school, at night*
As you chase after Vivian through the school’s grounds, you notice people near the training field. It seems that they’re talking in private.
You’ve heard one of their voices before.
—...it’s Vivian.
Vivian: ...yes. I understand. ...yeah. Then, I’ll......the crystal.
Vivian: I’ll do it... something like that. Yes, then... at the Eastern gate, ...leave it to me.
—who is she talking to, and what is the conversation about? What does “crystal” mean?
Besides that, the Eastern gate is a restricted area. The cadets aren’t allowed to go there—
Vivian: Alright, goodbye for now.
Master:
• (Sh-She’s coming this way!)
Vivian: ...wah! Oh, it’s just you (Player Name). You startled me~!
Vivian: ...what’s wrong? You’re making a weird face.
Master:
• Who were you talking to...?
• What were you doing here?
Vivian: ...it’s nothing, really. I just came out here to get something I’d forgotten. Did you think it was something else?
Vivian: Anyway, I have some big news! There’s going to be a party in the cafeteria soon, to celebrate your victory in the marksmanship competition!
Vivian: C’mon, let’s get going! It can’t start without the star of the show, y’know. You won’t be getting any sleep tonight, that’s for sure~☆
—that night, the victory party ended on a merry note. After lights-out, everyone had gone to sleep.
*scene starts in the dorm room, at night*
(Player Name) is awakened to the faint sound of a door opening.
If they heard it right— that sound came from Vivian’s room across the hall.
Master:
• (Vivian...?)
• (What is she doing this late at night?)
*scene changes to the hallway*
They knock, but there’s no answer. Upon opening the door, there’s no sign of Vivian inside. In addition, the UL85A2 is gone.
(Player Name) has a bad feeling about this. After quickly getting dressed, they grab the UL96A1 and head for the no-entry zone of the Eastern gate.
*scene changes to a large, castle-like gate*
Master:
• Going past this gate is prohibited...
(FLASHBACK) Vivian: ...yes. I understand. ...yeah. Then, I’ll......the crystal.
(FLASHBACK) Vivian: I’ll do it... something like that. Yes, then... at the Eastern gate, ...leave it to me.
Master:
• This is most likely where Vivian went.
Philcrevert Military Academy was made by appropriating the former facilities of the World Empire, which had previously reigned over the world with its overwhelming might.
Rumor has it that some of the ruins have been left untouched beyond this gate.
The gate is usually kept securely locked, so that students can’t enter the area past it on their own, and yet—
—(Player Name) tries giving it a light push, and it opens with a creaking sound. Someone... or rather, Vivian must have passed through here.
Master:
• ...I’ll go through it.
*scene changes to the forest*
While staying alert of their surroundings, (Player Name) enters the restricted area.
And at that very moment—
—BANG!!
*Vivian is shot*
Vivian: Uu...!
A single gunshot rings out, and a familiar figure— Vivian— collapses to the ground before (Player Name)’s eyes.
Master:
• Vivian!
Vivian: (Player Name)...? Why are you here....? Ggh! *cough*...!
Vivian: Please, this box... give this box to Instructor Russell...!
Vivian: ...nnh...
As if it takes all of her strength, Vivian passes a small, wooden box into (Player Name)’s hand. Immediately after, she goes limp and doesn’t move again.
Master:
• N-No...
—there’s no saving her. Somehow, you understand that.
Master:
• This can’t...!
• Vivian, why...!?
While they’re still in shock, footsteps draw closer. The dully glowing muzzle of a gun is pointed in their direction.
Gas-Masked Men: Kill... kill...!
Gas-Masked Men: AAAaaAAAa!
Master:
• I have to run...!
• I have to get this box to Instructor Russell!
(Player Name) takes off at a full-speed run. —get away, get away!
If they catch you, you’ll be killed—!
Hold on tightly to the box that Vivian entrusted to you. No matter what it takes, you must deliver it to Instructor Russell—
—perhaps because of your terror and confusion, you trip on nothing.
Due to the impact of the fall, the wooden box slips out of your grasp. As it hits the ground, the lid opens— and a small, red crystal tumbles out.
Gas-Masked Men: Kill... kill...!
Don’t let them take it. With that sudden instinct, your hand instantly snaps out to grasp the crystal, and then—
*a shattering sound is heard*
Master:
• ...nh!
*the screen goes red for a moment*
Intense pain bursts through the right hand that had grasped the crystal. The agony strikes the rest of your body, and a resentment-filled voice echoes in your mind.
You feel hot blood running down your right hand. When you look at it, you see a vivid red scar in the shape of a rose carved into your skin.
Gas-Masked Man: Ki..ll...!
The gun pointed at you will shoot to kill. As soon as that thought registers, your body moves on its own.
Master:
• (I absolutely can’t die here...!)
Your body remembers its training— you know you must fight back. Your hand quickly reaches for the gun carried with you.
*the screen goes white*
—the moment you touch the UL96A1’s barrel, your beloved gun emits a dazzling light.
Master:
• ...nh!?
*Marks appears*
—a silver-haired man stands before you.
Marks: ......
Marks: Hey, you bastard. Don’t you dare point a gun at my Master.
Marks: I’m... my Master’s gun. The sniper rifle, the UL96A1.
Marks: ...I’ll neutralize every one of my Master’s enemies!
Marks: —Absolute Ruthlessness!
Gas-Masked Men: GaAAah...!
*the Outragers are defeated and disappear*
Mysterious Figure: ...tch...
Master:
• They’re defeated...!
• I’m saved...?
Marks: Can you stand, Master? It’s dangerous here; we should evacuate.
Marks: ...nh! There’s someone approaching.
*Russell appears*
Russell: What were those gunshots? You all, what are you doing!?
Master:
• Instructor Russell!
Russell: You’re... (Player Name)-kun!? What’s going on here?
Russell: And beyond that, who’s this man? ...he doesn’t look like one of our cadets.
Master:
• She needs help...!
• Vivian is...!
(Player Name) quickly brings Russell to where Vivian is. After checking her breathing and pulse, he slowly shakes his head.
Russell: Vivian-kun is... already...
Russell: ...I can’t believe this...! A cadet with a future ahead of her... I can’t believe one of my students could end up like this...!
Master:
• No...
• It can’t be...
(Player Name) rushes to Vivian’s side and pulls her body into their arms. No matter how many times they call her name, there’s no response.
They hold her body tightly, tightly, as it slowly grows colder.
Then, suddenly, their fingertips brush against something cold.
In contrast to Vivian’s still-warm body, this thing is inorganically cold. ...it’s Vivian’s gun, the UL86A2.
The moment they touch the gun, their hand moving as if being guided by something unknown, (Player Name) clutches their head.
Master:
• Gh... what is this...!?
• Something is flowing into my head...!
Marks: Master!? What’s wrong? Are you okay...!?
From the fingertips touching the gun’s barrel, something comes flowing into your mind.
*the screen flashes red*
In an endless rush, like a flashback, someone’s memories flood your mind.
Little by little, your consciousness fades away—
Marks: Master, hang in there! ...Master!
*the scene goes white, then changes to a darkened office*
???: How could this have—
???: Such a failure...! You lost it!?
???: This loss is far too great. Even our lives won’t be enough to compensate for this. Do you understand this!?
???: Hahh...! ...however, I suppose it’s too soon to come to conclusions.
???: ...what’s that?
???: —so you say you have a way to turn this situation around.
???: I see... Alright, then. Tell me.
*the scene goes dark and distorted*
......
You hear a voice... A cold, contemptuous voice—
*the scene changes to outdoors*
???: Ashley compelled you to awaken, and this is the reward?
???: ...you are no longer needed, ...i...Two.
*gunshot*
*the scene switches back to the forest, still distorted*
Vivian: Please, this box... give this box to Instructor Russell...!
Master:
• Vivian...!
*the scene goes black*
The voice of a boy you don’t know and a place you don’t recognize. The all-too-vivid memory of your best friend’s body going cold—
Your memories blend with those of another—!
*the scene starts in Master’s dorm room*
Marks: ...ster. ...hey, Master! Are you alright?
Marks: You’re awake? It looked like you were having some awful dream... does your body hurt anywhere?
Master:
• This place is...
Sitting up, (Player Name) looks around. Somehow, they’ve ended up back at their familiar room in the Pomegranate Dorm, with the silver-haired man staring at them anxiously.
When they ask what happened to Vivian, he silently shakes his head.
Marks: ...she stopped functioning. The man from earlier said he’d come and explain it to us.
Master:
• That can’t be...
• ...!
Marks: ......
Marks: ...Master, I’ll kill anyone if it’ll make you happy again. Who would be good?
Master:
• ...!?
Marks: ...no, um... That’s not right. So... there was water leaking from my eyes. Earlier, when you were still asleep...
Marks: I haven’t been summoned for very long yet, but I know that when humans are in bad condition, water comes out of their eyes. That’s right, isn’t it?
Marks: I’ve felt it several times before. Sometimes, Master gets out of bed in the middle of the night to do my maintenance.
Marks: You had water leaking out of your eyes then, right? I remember it. I could feel your pain.
Marks: Still, you were always so careful with how you handled me, and, how do I say it... you treated me like I was precious.
Marks: Even that one time!
Marks: I was shocked when you fell into the river to protect me, but more than that... I was happy.
Marks: But now, I’m a Musketeer. If you fall into the water again, I can save you! That’s why...
Master:
• ...you really are my UL96A1, aren’t you?
Marks: ...hm? Yeah, that’s right.
Marks: That’s what I’ve been saying this whole time. I’m the UL96A1— my Master’s gun.
Though he’s clumsy with his words, it seems like the UL96A1 is trying to communicate something.
Marks: Though... I feel awful. I couldn’t save your friend.
Marks: Even though I’m your gun, I was no use at all.
Master:
• ...that’s not true at all.
• You saved me.
Marks: ...Master, I failed today. But I’m never going to let anything like this happen again.
Marks: I’ll protect my Master no matter what happens. I’ll shoot through every one of your enemies.
Marks: Wait, well... I don’t mean I’m going to shoot at random. Only the people that Master orders I do. But that, um... anyway... that’s why!
Marks: ...I want to become your strength, Master.
The UL96A1’s words are clearly spoken from the heart. —strangely enough, they make you feel more at ease.
Master:
• Thank you.
• How kind of you.
Marks: ...!? Somehow, when you said that, I got a weird feeling in my chest.
Marks: Anyway, it looks like you’ve calmed down a bit.
Marks: ...um, Master. There’s something I’ve always wanted to ask you.
Marks: When I was still just a gun...
Russell: I’m coming in.
Russell: ...thank goodness, you’re awake!
Master:
• Instructor Russell...!
• Yes, somehow...
Russell: I see... What happened with Vivian-kun was... truly unfortunate.
Russell: That’s why... I’m sorry for how sudden this is, but both of you are going to quietly come with me.
Master:
• Huh?
*the screen goes black*
Marks: Hey, what do you think you’re doing!?
A piece of cloth is wrapped around your head. A blindfold. While the suddenness of it leaves you at a loss for words, you hear your instructor’s deeply regretful voice.
Russell: (Player Name)-kun, this is an order from your superior. Listen to me and start walking, please. The two of you will be—
Russell: —taken to the World Union’s secret organization.
*the scene opens in a white meeting room*
Marks: Are you okay, Master!? We had to walk an awfully long way.
Master:
• Where are we...?
• I’ve never seen this place before.
Marks: Hey, you all. Dragging us around to weird places, all out of nowhere... apologize to Master.
Chairman Sid: Oh... How brave of you, young man.
Chairman Sid: Our apologies for the rough handling. Since the existence of this place is of utmost secrecy, you had to be blindfolded.
Master:
• The Chairman...!?
Chairman Sid: Indeed. I am Sid Coper, the Board Chairman of Philcrevert Military Academy and a Lieutenant General in the World Union’s forces.
Chairman Sid: This is the first time we’ve spoken personally, Cadet (Player Name). Your performance in the marksmanship competition was truly impressive.
Chairman Sid: ...it’s unfortunate that we had to meet under circumstances such as these.
Chairman Sid: —Vivian Lintonlodge. The tragedy of losing a treasured member of our school, an irreplaceable cadet, is beyond measure.
Chairman Sid: I heard that you were a close friend of hers... I understand your situation all too well.
Chairman Sid: However, what I’m about to tell you is vital and top-secret information. Please, listen carefully.
Marks: ...?
Chairman Sid: This is Kathariste. A secret research group of the World Union.
Chairman Sid: Knowledge of this location’s existence is restricted to a select few people within the World Union.
Chairman Sid: —let’s get straight to the point. Do you recognize this red stone?
As he spoke, the chairman took a photograph out of his breast pocket; a picture of a small, translucent, red crystal.
Master:
• ...I remember that.
• It was in the box that Vivian gave me...
Chairman Sid: —this is called an “Alinomium Crystal”. Among Kathariste’s subjects of research, this is the most significant.
Chairman Sid: It may look like a gem, but... these crystals have extraordinary political and military value, and are traded worldwide at staggering prices.
Chairman Sid: —it’s valued at about ten billion.
Master:
• Huh!?
• Ten billion...!?
Chairman Sid: As it is, Noble Musketeers, the heroes and symbols of their countries—
Chairman Sid: You’re likely already aware of the people known as “Masters”, who create Noble Musketeers and wield their power.
Chairman Sid: Masters don’t start out with this power, however. Yes— by touching one of these crystals, they can obtain it.
Russell: Cadet (Player Name), present your right hand.
Russell: Mr. Board Chairman. This is a Rose Scar, for certain.
Master:
• Rose Scar...?
Chairman Sid: Hm... I see…
Chairman Sid: ...it’s said that if a human touches an Alinomium crystal, they gain rose-like wounds and “power” with immense pain in return.
Chairman Sid: And you, young man. You are a Noble Musketeer summoned by Cadet (Player Name)... is that correct?
Marks: Yeah, of course.
Chairman Sid: ...I see what happened, now. Cadet Lintonlodge broke into the laboratory here, stole the crystal, and gave it to you.
Chairman Sid: Then, you gained the power to be a Master and summoned this Noble Musketeer... that’s how it is.
Master:
• I’m a Master...
• But, why would Vivian...
Chairman Sid: ...there are many questions as it stands.
Chairman Sid: How did Vivian Lintonlodge come to know about Kathariste’s existence?
Chairman Sid: How did she manage to steal an Alinomium crystal when they’re kept under strict security?
Chairman Sid: And beyond that, how did Outragers get onto school grounds...?
Master:
• Outragers?
Russell: The people who attacked Cadet Lintonlodge are known as Outragers.
Russell: Since they first appeared in France six months ago, they’ve been wreaking havoc all over the map.
Russell: Though they attack with guns, perhaps due to some unique form of ammunition, their power is incomparable to normal bullets.
Russell: They’re also difficult to injure with conventional firearms, so the World Union’s forces have been struggling to deal with them. However, when they receive enough damage, they just... disappear.
Russell: —leaving only their guns behind.
Master:
• That’s...
Chairman Sid: Mmh. It’s a phenomenon formerly seen in Noble Musketeers. Based on that trait, the current assumption is that they’re somehow related to Musketeers, and they are thus under investigation by Kathariste.
*a man in a white coat enters*
White-Coat Man: ...excuse my intrusion.
White-Coat Man: We’ve gathered Vivian Lintonlodge’s belongings...
White-Coat Man: Everything that was on her person at the time of her death is in this box.
Chairman Sid: Yes, thank you.
Russell: Almost all of it is school-assigned equipment. The only exceptions are her gun, a watch, and this... hair accessory? —oh, this envelope seems to have a letter inside.
(FLASHBACK) Vivian: In case... just in case, okay?
(FLASHBACK) Vivian: If it ever happens that I... if I ever end up dead, I want you to open this envelope.
Master:
• That’s right, the promise...
• Please, give me that envelope!
Russell: Hold on a moment.
Russell: Unfortunately, Cadet Lintonlodge’s actions were a threat to Kathariste.
Russell: There’s a possibility that this letter may also contain classified information. My apologies, but we’ll have to look over it first.
Russell: —Mr. Chairman, may I examine the contents myself?
Chairman Sid: I’ll allow it.
Russell: Thank you, sir.
Russell: Oh, there are two things inside. This is...
Russell: A letter addressed to her parents, and— a letter addressed to Cadet (Player Name)?
Russell: ...... Nothing is particularly confidential. Mostly, it’s what you’d expect from a last will.
Russell: (Player Name)-kun, here’s the one addressed to you.
You look over the letter meant for you.
Written on it are words of gratitude and memories of the days spent together at the military academy.
As well as... a request to have her body buried in the cemetery on the school’s grounds, along with the UL85A2.
Master:
• (With the UL85A2...?)
• (I thought she didn’t like that gun...)
Marks: Master...?
Chairman Sid: Hmm, the cemetery here... There is indeed a monument intended for graduates, instructors, and such who were killed in the line of duty, but...
Wanting to understand Vivian’s wishes, you stare at the UL85A2 among her belongings.
*the screen flashes red repeatedly*
Just then—
A sudden, intense impulse hits you at the same time that pain shoots through your head.
Marks: Are you okay, Master!? Does your head hurt?
Master:
• What is the UL85A2 trying to tell me...?
• Maybe a Musketeer could help us understand...?
Russell: Ah!
Russell: Don’t tell me, you want to summon that gun as a Musketeer?
Russell: I-I can’t allow it! Besides, you read her letter, didn’t you?
Russell: Vivian wanted to be buried with that gun.
Marks: Master, are you sure?
You can sense a strong presence from the UL85A2. Something intense, as if it’s trying to get your attention.
The matter of her will is indeed a concern. However, your intuition tells you that this gun needs to be awakened as a Noble Musketeer.
Marks: I don’t know about that guy— but I believe in Master. If Master thinks that’s what needs to be done, then I believe they’re correct.
Chairman Sid: ....very well.
Chairman Sid: Give it a go, Cadet (Player Name).
Russell: Chairman!? But...!
Chairman Sid: Do you have some input to offer, Sergeant Bluesmile?
Russell: ....... No, sir. My apologies.
With their right hand that bears the rose scar, (Player Name) cautiously touches the UL85A2’s barrel.
Then, just like when the UL96A1 was summoned, a dazzling light burst forth.
*the screen goes white*
Russell: This light is...!?
Like Two: ......
Russell: ......!
Like Two: ...... *sigh*
Like Two: And what do you losers think you’re doing?
Marks & Russell: Huh!?