Elmo Library › Girls' Frontline 少女前线 › Main story

EP 15.8 Virtual Pair

EP 15.8 虚粒子对

10 chapters · 1087 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Ashen Heaven 灰烬天堂

"The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must."“强者行其所能为，弱者忍其所必受。”

—Thucydides, The History of the Peloponnesian War.——《伯罗奔尼撒战争史》修昔底德。

"Terminus" Laboratory, Stasi Building Underground, Frankfurt, White Zone.法兰克福 白区 斯塔西大楼地下 “终点”实验室

Inside the cramped operating room, a young man stands before the surgical table. His hands are clasped together. With slow, measured breaths, he steadies the restless pounding of his heart in a state of feigned rest.狭小的手术室内，年轻的男人站立在手术台前，双手交握，在假寐中用深呼吸平复着悸动的心跳。

White NytoFather... the instruments have been counted. Please double check them.父亲大人…… 用具已经清点好了，请您确认。

He opens his eyes. Facing the deferential white-clad Nyto, William does something unprecedented—he smiles. At this moment, his spirits have risen to their highest point in years. Even the trash before him seems almost tolerable.睁开双眼。 面对毕恭毕敬的白涅托，威廉破天荒地露出了笑容——此刻心境跃升至多年来的最高点，即便是眼前的垃圾，看起来也顺眼了不少。

The instruments are correct.用具无误。

William...Wonderful.……很好。

Vital signs are stable. Anesthetic metabolism is estimated to complete in seven minutes. We're close now. Success is within reach.体征平稳，麻醉代谢预计还有7分钟。 快了，大功告成，近在眼前。

White NytoFather...父亲大人……

BOOM!!!轰——！！！

White Nyto...My sisters report that Griffin's forces are almost here.……姐姐们发来汇报，格里芬的人快到了。

WilliamYou're not needed here anymore. Get out.这里没你的事了，出去。

White NytoYes, Father.是。

Another explosion detonates above after the Nyto departs, and even the operating room trembles.轰—— 在涅托离去之后，他的头顶再度发生了一次爆炸，连带着手术室都在摇晃起来。

The roar of battle draws closer and closer. Five minutes remain.咆哮的战声逐步逼近，而时间还剩下五分钟。

Ignoring the relentless blasts and violent shaking, William takes a seat. He reaches out and takes Lunasia's hand—the hand of the one he loves most. Amid a world boiling in chaos, she is his final salvation.无视此起彼伏的巨响与震动，威廉坐了下来，握住了露尼西亚——他最爱之人的手。 沸腾骚乱的世界之中，她是他最后的救赎。

It is enough. He has done it. Everything is complete. Now all that remains is to wait.可以了，他做到了，一切都已圆满，而后只需等待。

While he waits, he is suddenly struck by a curious question—when was the last time he had experienced such exhilaration, such buoyant elation that even the ugliness of the world seemed diminished? The memory is hazy. But without question, these days in Frankfurt have been the happiest of his life.等待的间隙，一丝好奇涌上心头——这般心胸舒畅，扬升的快意让一切都变得不那么丑恶，上一次是什么时候？ 记忆有些模糊，但毫无疑问的是，在法兰克福的这几天，是他人生当中最快乐的时光。

William...The great Oberstein—that severe, ambitious overlord—has suffered a fate as pitiful as a stray dog dying by the roadside. And this is far from over. I will tear down everything he built, piece by piece. What he once inflicted upon you will return upon all that he held dear—tenfold, a hundredfold...……伟大的奥贝斯坦，那位严苛而雄心勃勃的至尊……如今的下场就像路边暴死的野犬。 而这还远不是结局，我会一点一点，将他建立的一切都化成乌有。 他当年加诸于你的，如今会报应在他所重视的所有……而且十倍、百倍之剧……

WilliamAnd that nagging, self-righteous old hag—that pathetic creature, forever chasing the shadow of the dead. Did she truly believe she could control you and lecture me? It's like an insect presuming to teach an eagle how to soar...还有那个喋喋不休，自以为是的老太婆，一辈子都在追逐亡灵背影的可怜虫。 她真的以为，她能掌控你，教育我，就像飞虫妄图告诉苍鹰该怎么去翱翔……

William...We have come such a long way, haven't we, Sister?……我们真是，走了好远的路啊，姐姐。

Lunasia's eyelids twitch. But even the smallest sign does not escape William's notice.露尼西亚的眼睑跳动了一下。 这微小的迹象显然逃不脱威廉的目光。

A sign that she's awakening.这是苏醒的前兆。

WilliamI swore I would bring us back together. I swore that the real you would return to this world. In the new world beyond the shore, we will remain together forever... as family.我发过誓，我一定会让我们重逢，让真正的你重回人间。 在彼岸的新世界，我们永远都在一起……成为最重要的家人。

The explosions grow nearer, the thunder of destruction deafening even through the sealed operating room.爆炸声渐近，隔着手术室传来的声音震耳欲聋。

A stone pillar crashes down beside him, shattering against the floor, but he seems utterly unfazed. He does not even spare it a glance.一根石柱轰然砸在他身旁的地板上，然而他不为所动，甚至不屑于看一眼。

All of his attention is fixed on his sister. Her breathing grows steadier. The movement of her eyes becomes more frequent.他的目光中倾尽了全部注意，集中在姐姐身上。 她的呼吸节奏愈发平稳、眼球震颤愈发频繁。

The future he has long envisioned now lies within his grasp.那个他憧憬已久的未来，如今已唾手可得。

The goddess is about to descend upon this old world, steeped in suffering.女神，即将降临在这充斥着苦难的旧世界。

Five... Gunfire erupts again.5 枪声再起。

Four... Trash clashes with trash; the ringing of metal against metal forms a savage rhythm.4 垃圾与垃圾们短兵相接，金属交击的声响像是某种节拍。

Three... Flames roar, like sacred fire burning away decay to herald rebirth.3 火焰熊熊燃烧，宛若烧却腐朽、迎接新生的圣焰。

Two... The pounding of a heart is clear as thunder; the overturning of reality is but an instant away.2 心脏搏动的声音清晰可闻，现实的倾覆只在瞬息之间。

One...1——

—BOOM!!!——轰！！！

The explosion detonates at point-blank range. He does not waver in the slightest. His gaze is captured by those holy eyes. Nothing else matters anymore.爆炸就在近在咫尺的距离，而他没有丝毫动摇。 他的目光，被那对圣洁的眼眸吸引，眼中再容不得他物。

In that instant, the world comes to a halt.世界就在这一瞬戛然而止。

...The future is here.……未来已至。

Birth of the Devil 魔鬼的初诞

XX/XX/2049, Oberstein Ancestral Estate, Berlin.2049年 X月X日 柏林 奥贝斯坦祖宅

It is a bitter afternoon of unending rain. In his memory, the weather remained dreadful throughout those final days.那是个苦雨不歇的下午，在他的记忆里，最后的那几天，天气一直很糟糕。

He no longer remembers how long he had stood at the bedside. At first, he seemed to be sitting beside the bed. But at some point, he found himself standing close to the heart monitor, staring at the wavering line of life as it gradually flattened... until there was not the slightest ripple left.他不大记得，自己在病床前站了多久，最开始，他似乎坐在床边，但从某个时间起，他已贴在那心电图的边缘，就只是这么看着那起伏的生命线，逐渐平滑低落，终无一丝波澜。

Death has ultimately delivered its malice with its own hands.死亡最终还是亲手奉上了它的恶意。

ButlerYoung Master, it's over. Let them proceed.少爷，结束了，让他们做事吧。

The people in white are not angels. They are not even doctors. Faced with a life fading in their hands, they show no reverence, nor do they offer the customary condolences or assurances of having done their best.那些穿着白衣的人并不是天使，他们甚至都不是医生，面对手中消逝的生命，他们毫无尊敬，也不会像一般的从业者那样，对家属表达遗憾和尽力。

Medical StaffSir, it's been confirmed that the test subject lost all vital signs. We may need to rethink the project's subsequent experimental direction...先生，实验体已确认无生命体征，项目后续的实验方向可能需要重新规划……

ObersteinI understand. As for the sect... a new candidate must be selected as soon as possible. Have them arrange it immediately.我知道了。 教派那边……需要尽快选出新的人选，立即吩咐他们安排。

Ballard...Would you trust me with that, Father?……可以交给我吗？父亲。

ObersteinBallard?巴拉德？

As if only just noticing his youngest son standing to the side, Oberstein looks down and fixes his aged yet piercing eyes on the boy. The young boy turns toward him with a confident and respectful smile.就像刚刚才注意到自己的小儿子站在一侧一般，奥贝斯坦那已见老态，却丝毫不浑浊的眼睛低垂了下去。 那个稚嫩的少年只是转过了身，面上是自信的微笑与恭敬。

BallardWhile my sister was still alive, I observed much of Paradeus' operations. I understand all the procedures. Being the Holy Maiden's younger brother has its conveniences. At present, only I possess that advantage. And... recently I have been conducting some research myself. I am far from Professor Laplace's level, of course, but I can certainly assist you, Father.帕拉蒂斯的运作，姐姐还活着的时候，我就观摩了许多，各项流程我都清楚。 “圣女”的弟弟是个很方便的身份，目前只有我具备这项优势。 而且……最近我也在做些研究，虽然还远远赶不上拉普拉斯老师，但一定能帮上父亲的忙。

ObersteinOh...?嚯……

Oberstein studies him as though seeing him for the first time.奥贝斯坦像是第一天认识自己的这个小儿子，目光中带着些许审视。

ObersteinEnough of this clumsy grown-up masquerade, Ballard. You are only a child. Perhaps your sister's death has struck you too hard. But as things stand...拙劣的模仿大人就到此为止吧，巴拉德，你只是个孩子。 也许是你姐姐的死，给你带来了太大的打击，但事到如今……

BallardI am serious, Father. You know that I am serious, and you even believe it is feasible. Otherwise, you would not waste time speaking with me. You simply paid too little attention to me before to know whether I truly possess this capability.我是认真的，父亲。 您知道我是认真的，而且确实觉得这样可行，否则不会浪费时间同我讲话。 只是，您从前对我的关注太少，不了解我是不是真的有这样的能力。

ObersteinGo on.说下去。

BallardAs I said, Father, you need someone trustworthy to manage Paradeus. The most suitable candidate would be Professor Laplace, but she cares only about her research. If you hand the sect to her, she will let it wither on its own. That is not an outcome you desire. I admit I am too young to command obedience, but I can begin as her assistant, just as my sister once did. I will do better than she did. I am more intelligent, and I know when to bow my head.就像我说的，父亲，您需要一个值得信赖的人掌管帕拉蒂斯。 其实最合适的人选是拉普拉斯老师，但她只在乎自己的研究，将教派交到她手上，她也只会任其自生自灭，那样的结果不是您愿意见到的。 我承认，我的年纪还不足以服众，但我可以先从辅佐老师做起，就像姐姐从前做的那样。 我会做得比她更好，因为我更聪明，而且知道该对谁低下头。

Oberstein...A child your age should be weeping beside his sister's body, Ballard.……像你这个年纪的孩子，巴拉德，这个时候应该在你姐姐身旁哭泣。

BallardMost people my age do not even comprehend the concept of death, Father.像我这个年纪的人，大多数还不理解死亡是什么意思，父亲。

ObersteinUntil an appropriate candidate is found, I will indulge your horseplay for a time. But there are limits.在找到恰当的人选之前，我可以容许你胡闹片刻，但这是有限度的。

BallardThank you. I will not disappoint you... Father.谢谢，我不会让您失望的……父亲。

The man gives a slight nod. After one final assessing glance at the cold corpse on the bed, he turns and leaves the room.男人只是略微颔首，审视的目光最后一次停留在病床上那具冰冷的尸体上，便转身离开了房间。

Medical StaffAs for the subsequent handling of the test subject...关于实验体后续的处理……

Ballard...I will handle it. Naturally, before handing her over to Professor Laplace, a... thorough inspection is required. And as the daughter of the Oberstein family, my sister deserves a grand funeral and memorial service. You would not wish to tarnish our household's name, would you?……我会处理，当然，在交给拉普拉斯老师之前，需要……彻底的检查。 而且作为奥贝斯坦家的千金，姐姐需要举办隆重的葬礼和告别会，你不想在我们家的门扉上抹黑，对吧？

Medical StaffOf course not!当，当然！

Butler...Young Master!……少爷！

The elderly butler cries out and drops to his knees, anxiously lifting Ballard's hand.年老的管家发出惊呼的声音，跪下身去，慌张地捧起巴拉德的手。

Ballard lowers his head, staring silently and expressionlessly at his own palm.他低下头，沉默着，面无表情地看着自己的手。

ButlerGood heavens... fetch bandages! You fools! How did you injure yourself, Young Master?天哪……快拿绷带来！你们这群蠢猪！ 您这是在哪搞的……

Ballard...Probably on the lab equipment. Those things are... very sharp.……大概是实验器材，那些东西……都很，锋利。

He closes his hand again, allowing blood to stream along the lines of his palm. ...Only fools weep meaningless tears.他将手重新握住，任由鲜血顺着掌纹淌下。 ……只有蠢蛋，才会无意义的嚎哭。

Garden, Oberstein Estate.奥贝斯坦宅邸 花园

BallardOw...嘶——

LunasiaI'm sorry... gravel and splinters are embedded in the flesh. I need to clean the wound before I can bandage it—抱歉……砂砾和木屑嵌入肉里面了，我得先清污，之后才能包扎——

With a small pair of tweezers, Lunasia carefully picks debris from his wound bit by bit. Even with the lightest touch, the pain is unavoidable.露尼西亚拿起小镊子，一点一点地从他的伤口当中挑出杂质。 然而血肉牵连，露尼西亚下手再轻，也无法规避痛楚。

Though he endures as best he can, a cry escapes him.尽管他努力忍耐，但还是不可避免地叫出声来。

BallardUgh...呜……

LunasiaI'm sorry, that still hurt, didn't it? You're bearing it very bravely. But this pain is necessary. If you avoid it because you're afraid, the wound will never heal.抱歉，还是弄疼你了。你忍得很辛苦吧？ 但这是必要的痛楚。不能因为怕痛就逃避，否则伤口无法恢复。

Her eyes are filled with concern, though her seriousness resembles that of a real nurse. Soon, however, her bright gaze softens further, and she extends her hand toward him.她的眼中满含关切，但那份严肃的样子也是认真的，就像一个真正的护士。 不过很快，她那对明亮的眼睛再度染上关切，并向自己伸出手来。

LunasiaIf it's too painful, then squeeze my hand.但如果你实在很痛的话，就握紧我的手吧。

LunasiaIf pain cannot be avoided, then at least let me share it with you.如果痛苦无法回避，至少让我为你分担。

Without waiting for Ballard's consent, she takes his hand.随后，她不经巴拉德同意，主动握住他的手。

He stares blankly at her face for a moment. She has already resumed her work, scraping once more across raw nerves. A piercing pain shoots straight to his skull.巴拉德怔怔地望着她的脸，一时之间没有反应过来。 然而很快，她继续手上的动作，又一次刮过伤口中的神经，钻心的痛意直达颅顶。

BallardUgh... Argh!呜……啊！

Almost reflexively, Ballard clenches his fist, squeezing Lunasia's hand hard.几乎如反射条件一般，巴拉德下意识捏紧了他的拳头——以及露尼西亚的手。

Her expression does not change. She continues her careful movements. When he loosens his grip slightly, he notices her fair hand is now red and swollen.然而，露尼西亚的表情不为所动，仍仔细而小心地维持着手上的动作。 巴拉德微微松开她的手，发现那只白皙的手被自己握的红肿起来。

But she says nothing.但她什么也没说。

Soon, the cleaning is complete. When Lunasia straightens up, he realizes—很快，清污工作完成了。 露尼西亚直起身子之后，他才发现——

To treat his wound more easily, she has been kneeling on the garden's gravel path the entire time. Beneath her skirt, her knees are already marked with deep red abrasions.原来为了更方便地处理自己的伤口，露尼西亚的双膝一直跪在花园的碎石路上。 裙摆下的膝盖，早已遍布殷红的硌痕。

After she fetches gauze and antiseptic, Ballard's gaze cannot leave her knees, which are no better off than his own.等她拿来纱布和碘伏之后，巴拉德的目光始终无法从那比自己好不了多少的膝盖上移开。

LunasiaHow did you get beaten up so badly?怎么被打成这样？

BallardAt first there were only two of them. I could handle it. But more kept coming, and I was knocked down.一开始只有两个人，还能应付得了。 但是后面人越来越多，我就被打趴下了。

Ballard speaks softly, avoiding his sister's eyes for some reason.巴拉德轻声说道，因为某种原因避开了姐姐的视线。

BallardIn the end, several of them pinned me to the ground and made a fat boy ride a bicycle over me...最后，几个人把我扣在地上，让一个胖子骑自行车从我的身上压过去……

LunasiaThey did something like that?! Tell me who they are! They must pay for what they've done and apologize properly!居然做出这样的事！？告诉姐姐，是谁这样做！？ 必须要让他们为自己的暴行付出代价，然后好好对你道歉才行。

Lunasia immediately rises, fire blazing in her eyes. It is the first time he has seen anger on her face.露尼西亚立刻起身，她的目光当中燃起了熊熊烈火。 这是自己第一次见她的脸上露出愤怒的神色。

BallardThere's no point. It'll be hard to track them down. They're not my classmates, just a group of local thugs.没用的，很难找到的。他们不是我的同学，只是一群混迹周边的小混混。

LunasiaEven if it's difficult, we can't let people like that do as they please. What was it about? Were they trying to extort you?即使困难，也不能放任这样的人为所欲为。 到底是因为什么事，他们想勒索你吗？

Ballard...No. A stray dog started following me after school. I fed it a little, then those two came over. They pushed me aside and forcibly took the dog. It was terrified, barking the whole time. I tried to reason with them, but they said it was their entertainment for the day. If I wanted to stop them, I would have to provide some alternative amusement for them. I tried to argue... and they hit me.……不是的，有条小狗从我离开学校后一直跟着我，我就喂了它点东西，然后有两个人凑了上来。 他们先是推开我，然后强行抢走狗。小狗很害怕，一只汪汪叫。 我试图和这些家伙沟通，但他们说这是他们今天的娱乐，如果我要阻止他们的话，就要成为他们替代的乐子。 我稍微纠正了一下他们，就被揍了。

Tears stream uncontrollably. He turns his head away, unwilling to let Lunasia see his disgrace. After finishing the bandage, she reaches out and gently wipes his tears.眼泪不争气地汩汩流下，他偏过头去，不想让露尼西亚看见自己的丑态。 然而，露尼西亚在为少年包扎好伤口之后，伸出手来擦干他的泪水。

BallardAnyway... they pinned the dog down and rode over it the same way they rode over me... Then they beat me up again before leaving...嗯，总之嘛……他们把狗按在地上，用碾我的方式碾了那条狗…… 临走前又把我打了一顿……

By the time he finishes, Lunasia's face is like frost.听罢，露尼西亚已面若寒霜。

LunasiaStarting tomorrow, we'll go to and from school together. With me there, no one will bully you, Bill.从明天开始，我们一起上下学。 有我在，没有人能欺负比尔。

BallardI just... don't understand. I can't make sense of it...我只是……不懂，我不明白，我想不清楚……

Ballard grabs his hair, tugging at it as though that might ease something inside him.巴拉德抓着自己的头发，他不停地撕扯，仿佛这样才能让他好受一点。

BallardWhy would they do that...? It's irrational, isn't it...?这究竟是为什么呢……很不合理吧……？

His eyes are red as he rubs and pulls at his hair, strands falling loose. Maxims, philosophies, and laws concerning the rights of all beings taught to him by prestigious academics tumble inside his mind...巴拉德双眼通红，不停地揉搓、撕扯，细碎的头发接连散落…… 此时他的脑海里，充斥着的，是地位崇高的学院讲师们娓娓道来的世间至理、哲学、法律，有关存在和万物的权益……

Yet none of that education explains his situation.然而，这一系列的优良教育，无法解答他的处境。

BallardAren't humans the only creatures endowed with reason? Then why do people like that exist? Even knowing they'll eventually face punishment or meet someone stronger than themselves, why be so foolish? Is this kind of irrationality permitted? Why would whatever created humanity allow such thoughts to arise in our minds? Just because they have greater numbers, they think they can wield violence freely and beat those weaker than themselves without hesitation.人不是万物之中唯一拥有理性的吗？为什么会有这样的人存在呢？即使明知道总有一天会遭到处罚，终会遇到比他们更强的人的报复，为什么这么愚蠢呢？ 这种不合理的事情也是被允许的吗？ 创造了人类的东西，为什么会允许这种不合理的行为在我们的脑海里产生呢？ 只是人数多一点就觉得自己可以挥洒暴力，毫不犹豫的去殴打比自己弱的。

BallardIs everyone like this? Or only them?是所有人都这样，还是只有他们呢？

The more he speaks, the more agitated he becomes. Tears fall again. He tries to wipe them away, but grief and indignation flood like a dam has burst.巴拉德越说越激动，被露尼西亚拭去的泪水再次流下。 他想要用自己的手擦干泪水，然而悲伤和不甘就像洪水泛滥。

Suddenly, Lunasia draws his head into her arms. A gentle fragrance envelops him—only much later does he learn that it is the scent of jasmine. A steady, peaceful warmth surrounds him. His sorrow dissolves, replaced by a spreading warmth.忽然，露尼西亚的臂弯拢住了巴拉德的头，他的嗅觉被一阵怡人的香味俘获，许久以后他才知道，那是茉莉的香味。 一种安定、祥和的力量环绕着巴拉德，心中悲伤顷刻间消解，取而代之的是洋溢的温暖。

Ballard...Sister?……姐姐？

LunasiaIt's not just them. Everyone is the same, Bill. It's simply what the world is like... Cold. Cruel. Hungry. Everywhere there is soil that breeds sin. Everywhere there is senseless predation of the strong upon the weak. But as long as we remain by each other's side, none of that will matter. I can protect you. Will you trust me, Bill?不只是他们，大家都是一样的，比尔，这个世界就是这样的…… 冷漠，残酷，饥渴……到处都是孕育着罪恶的土壤，到处都是不讲道理的弱肉强食…… 不过，只要我们守在彼此的身旁，这些就都不成问题。 我能够保护好比尔。比尔愿意相信我吗？

He cannot see her expression. All he can think of is the abrasions on her knees.巴拉德看不见露尼西亚的表情，他脑海中充斥着露尼西亚双膝的伤痕。

Ballard...Why?……为什么？

LunasiaWhy what?什么为什么？

BallardWhy are you so gentle with me?为什么对我这么温柔？

LunasiaIsn't it obvious? Because you are my baby brother, and I am your big sister. A big sister is meant to protect her younger brother. You're still so small... One day, when you grow up and gain more strength, it will be your turn to protect your sister.还能因为什么……因为比尔是我的弟弟，我是比尔的姐姐。 姐姐天生就该保护弟弟呀，毕竟你还这么小…… 等有朝一日你长大了，拥有了更多的力量，就该由你来保护姐姐了。

LunasiaNow then, let's go settle the score with those brats who bullied you...那么，现在，我们就去找那些欺负你的孩子算账……

It is on that rainy day that Ballard understands, for the first time, what the word "sister" truly means— It is a word that smells like jasmine.也正是那个雨天，巴拉德头一次领会“姐姐”这两个字的真正含义—— 那是一个有着茉莉馨香的词汇。

Garden, Oberstein Ancestral Estate.奥贝斯坦住宅内 花园

The next day, a funeral is held in the garden of the historic Oberstein family estate. Ballard has never seen so many people before. The vast mansion is packed with mourners who have come to pay their respects.次日，在奥贝斯坦历史悠久的祖宅花园内，举办了一场葬礼。 巴拉德从来没有见过这么多人，巨大的宅邸之中，挤满了前来凭吊的人。

They all wear black formal attire, each holding a white chrysanthemum as they step forward to mourn before the enormous coffin.他们统一穿着黑色的礼服出席葬礼，每个人都捧着白菊花，到那具巨大的棺椁面前悼念。

...What a ridiculous charade.……真是滑稽的演出。

As he moves through the crowd toward the coffin, Ballard finds himself recalling his childhood. From the moment he was born, there has been no memory of a mother in his life.穿行于人群、靠近棺椁的途中，巴拉德想起了自己的童年生活。 他从出生伊始，便没有母亲的记忆。

His father is always either busy with work or wholly absorbed in his research, never sparing him even a fragment of attention. His endless childhood has been shrouded in gloom and desolation.父亲平素不是忙于工作，就是将自己全身心投入研究，未曾分给自己一丁点的注意力。 在他没有尽头的童年之中，一切笼罩在阴暗与惨淡之中。

Only his sister was different. She was a beam of light that brought color, illuminating the few corners of the world that still held a trace of warmth.唯有姐姐，是一束带来色彩的光，照亮了世界中那些还有些许暖意的角落。

Before he knows it, Ballard has already passed through the crowd and arrived by the coffin. After the initial round of mourning ends, the centerpiece of the funeral draws no more real attention.不知不觉间，巴拉德已经穿过人群，来到棺椁旁边。 作为葬礼的中心，在最初的悼念环节结束后，这里便再无人关心。

To them, this is merely another gathering for conversation.他们只是把这里当做另一个可供交谈的聚会。

BallardThis will not be the last time we meet... ...Sister.这不会是最后一面的…… ……姐姐。

He lifts a hand and signals to the attendants at his side to carry the coffin away.他挥了挥手，示意身旁的侍从将棺椁抬走。

Butler...Here? Are you certain, Young Master? Lord Oberstein instructed us to deliver it to the research institute...……放在这里？你确定吗？少爷？ 奥贝斯坦先生让我们把它送到研究所去……

BallardDo you believe you understand my father better than I do?你认为比起我，是你更了解我的父亲？

ButlerNo... that's not what I meant!不……我不是这个意思！

The butler hurriedly directs the workers to set the coffin down, then steps back.管家慌忙招呼着工作人员们将棺椁放下，随即退到一旁。

Ballard...This will do. You may leave now. Someone else will take over from here.……好了，你们可以走了。 这里之后会有其他人接手。

StaffTh-that... very well.这……好吧。

StaffThen we'll be—那我们就先……

Bang.呯！

As the workers turn to leave, the expressionless Ballard pulls the trigger behind them. Even though he has modified the handgun to minimize recoil, the repeated shots still leave his hand stinging.在几名工作人员转身准备离开的时候，面无表情的巴拉德在他们身后叩响了扳机。 尽管经过他的改装，这柄手枪的后坐力已经减到了最小，但连续的击发依然震得他的手有些生疼。

ButlerW-what are you doing, Young Master?!你，你在做什么！？少爷！

Ballard...I'm sorry, Grandpa Caine. But no one can know about this.……抱歉，凯恩爷爷。 但这件事不能让任何人知道。

ButlerWe can pay them off! Lord Oberstein surely wouldn't—我们可以给他们一笔钱！老爷肯定不——

Ballard does not lower the gun. Coldly, he turns the barrel toward the old man in front of him.巴拉德并没有放下枪口，而是冷漠地将它转向了眼前的老人。

ButlerY-Young Master...?少……少爷……？

BallardI said "no one", Grandpa Caine.我说的是“任何人”，凯恩爷爷。

Bang! With another gunshot, the old man's shocked gaze gradually turns dull.呯！ 随着又一声枪响，老人震惊的目光逐渐浑浊。

Clap. Clap. Clap.啪啪啪。

Ballard...!……！

Oberstein...You surprise me, Ballard.……你让我感到惊喜，巴拉德。

Ballard...Father?!……父亲！？

Slow, rhythmic applause echoes alongside that warm, gentle voice, yet it sends a chill crawling down Ballard's spine. The previously quiet alley is instantly sealed off by black-clad bodyguards blocking every exit.伴随着缓慢而有节奏的掌声，那温厚的声音一并响起，却只让巴拉德感到一阵毛骨悚然。 原本寂静的巷子，瞬间便被身着黑服的保镖堵住了出入口。

BallardHow did you—?!你是怎么……！？

ObersteinI admit I have neglected you somewhat, Ballard. I never imagined that, without my knowledge, my son would grow to be so capable.我的确有些缺乏对你的关注，巴拉德，没想到……在我不知道的时候，我的儿子竟然已经变得如此优秀。

ObersteinBut attempting to oppose me is clearly the first sprout of foolishness.但妄图与我对抗，则显然是愚蠢萌芽的前兆。

Ballard...Enough! Father! Sister is already dead! What more do you want?! She was your daughter! Is letting her rest in peace too much to ask?!……够了！父亲！姐姐已经死了！你还想怎么样！ 她是你的女儿！让她入土为安是什么罪过吗！

Oberstein...I love your sister, and I love you as well, Ballard. You are still too young to understand the immense value of the sacrifice your sister has made.……我爱你的姐姐，同样也爱你，巴拉德。 你还太小，不理解你姐姐做出的牺牲有多么大的价值。

BallardI won't... I will never let you lay a hand on her...我不会……绝对不会让你对姐姐下手……

Oberstein...You are my son, Ballard. So I forgive you for pointing a gun at me. But there will not be a next time.……你是我的儿子，巴拉德。 所以我原谅你用枪口指着我。 但是，下不为例。

BallardNo, wait... Don't touch me!不，等等……别动我！

At Oberstein's signal, several black-clad guards immediately seize Ballard and drag him away.在奥贝斯坦的授意下，几名黑衣保安立刻来到巴拉德身边，把他架出场地。

He has no chance to resist. A heavy blow to the back of his head plunges his consciousness into darkness.巴拉德来不及反抗，后脑上沉重的一击将他送入了黑暗。

Oberstein Research Institute.奥贝斯坦研究所

In the dead of night, a small figure appears outside the research institute. Ballard checks the location again and again on the data terminal in his hand.夜深人静之际，一道矮小的身影出现在研究所外侧。 巴拉德手上拿着信息终端，反复确认着位置。

Oberstein has locked him inside the house and ordered the servants to watch him. But for his sister's sake, he is calmer, more resolute and agile than ever.奥贝斯坦把他关在了家里，并要求仆人监视。 但为了姐姐，他比任何时候都更加冷静，坚韧与敏捷。

Even without a weapon, those foolish servants cannot keep him contained.即便没有武器，也不是那些愚蠢的仆人关得住的。

BallardThis is the place...就是这里……

Security around the institute is tight. The main gates are reinforced and sealed. But due to safety protocols, several windows are built into the structure, designed to open at any time.研究所守备森严，大门坚固。 但由于安全章程的规定，楼体本身设有几扇可以随时开关的窗户。

For Ballard, this is an opportunity. He is small and slender; slipping through a window poses no difficulty at all.这对巴拉德来说正是机会——他身材瘦小，翻进窗户内毫无障碍。

Thunk! The instant he climbs through, he loses his balance. His right knee slams hard against the sill, and with an awful crash, he tumbles to the floor.吭！ 翻入窗户的瞬间，巴拉德失去了平衡，右膝沉重地磕上窗台，在凄惨的巨响中栽倒在地。

BallardTsk...!啧……！

A sharp pain shoots through the inside of his knee. He thinks a bone may have snapped.内侧膝盖传来刀切般的剧痛，他觉得或许是某根骨头被折断了。

Dammit... dammit... dammit... Goddammit!该死的……该死的……该死的…… 该死的！！！

Five minutes later, he draws a deep breath and drags himself upright, hauling his injured leg with him.五分钟后，他深呼吸了一口气，拖着伤腿慢慢地直起身来。

No one has heard the noise. The uneven echo of Ballard's limping footsteps reverberates in the dark corridor.没有人听到他发出的动静。 黑暗的走廊里，回荡着巴拉德一瘸一拐的脚步声。

Enduring the agony in his knee, he carefully memorizes the twists and turns he is taking through the facility.他仔细地辨认着方向，忍耐着膝盖的痛楚。

BallardWhat an idiot... Such an idiot.真蠢……太蠢了。

He pushes open a door. The room inside is empty.他推开了一扇门，里面空无一人。

Another door. Still nothing.又推开一扇门，还是没有。

In the darkness, Ballard mechanically pushes open one door after another. His knee hurts more and more, but the person who used to share his pain is waiting in some pitch-black corner for him to fulfill his duty as a younger brother.黑暗之中，巴拉德机械地推开一扇又一扇的门。 他的膝盖越发疼痛，但那个愿意为他分担痛苦的人，正在某个漆黑的角落里，等着他履行弟弟的职责。

BallardWait for me, Sister. I'm coming...……等着我，姐姐。 我马上就来……

BallardI've failed you as a brother. But at least... at least I won't let you stay here all alone...我是个失职的弟弟。 但至少……至少不会让你一个人在这里……

Even so, the boundless darkness swallows everything around him, and doubt begins to gnaw at his heart. Is he truly a savior here to bring his sister home, or merely a weak little brother begging her for warmth?话虽如此，但无边的黑暗笼罩着周围一切，令他的内心产生了自我怀疑。 他分不清自己到底是带姐姐回家的救星，还是一个向姐姐乞讨温存的软弱弟弟？

At a time like this, what is he still asking of her? He does not dare to think about it, yet he cannot avoid it either... He only knows how desperately he longs for the moment when, after opening one of these doors, the sister he yearns for stands before him and tells him that all of this is nothing but a terrible joke.事到如今了，自己还在向她索求什么吗？他不敢想，也不敢回避…… 他只知道，自己是如此地期待在某次推门之后，满心憧憬的姐姐就站在自己面前，告诉这一切都只是一个天大的玩笑。

Then they will go home and spend one drizzling day after another, accompanied by the scent of jasmine...然后他们回家，度过一个又一个有茉莉薰香作伴的淅沥雨天……

BallardSister...姐姐……

His murmured whisper drifts through the air as he limps through the darkness, alone with the twin agonies of body and soul.喃喃的低语回荡在空气之中，他拖着残腿行走在黑暗之中，独自消化着身体和心灵上的双重痛楚。

???If pain cannot be avoided, then at least let me share it with you.如果痛苦无法回避，至少让我为你分担。

Her words echo in his ears. Ballard sinks into a corner and slowly collapses to the floor.耳畔回响起姐姐昔日的话语，巴拉德靠在墙角，慢慢地跌落在地。

BallardYou... You bunch of devils! Bastards! Vermin! Beasts! Give my sister back!你们这群—— 恶魔！ 混蛋！ 害虫！ 畜生！ 把姐姐还给我！！

His fury spills over, so much so that he forgets he has snuck into the institute. He begins cursing Oberstein, cursing everything inside this research facility.巴拉德的愤怒溢于言表，甚至让他忘记了自己是潜入研究所的。 他开始咒骂奥贝斯坦，咒骂这所研究所里的一切……

He pounds the floor, kicks at the wall, trying to use rage to smother his own helplessness...他捶打地板，脚踢墙面，试图用狂怒掩盖自己的无能……

BallardDammit... dammit...可恶……可恶……

He slumps limply to the floor and covers his face, sobbing.他无力地瘫软下去，掩面而泣。

BallardSister... if you were here right now, I could hold back my tears, couldn't I?姐姐……如果现在你在的话，我就能忍住不哭了吧？

He begins to fantasize—if she were beside him at this very moment, he would not be so weak. That tiny fantasy becomes the beginning of everything, the starting point of an endless chain of thought—if he can change the outcome of her death, then his happiness will not have been shattered.他开始幻想——如果此时此刻姐姐陪在自己身边，自己就不会这么软弱了。 这小小的幻想，便是一切的起始，一个让他陷入无尽思考的开端：如果能改变姐姐逝去的结果，自己的幸福就不会破碎。

He can forever remain little Bill, and his sister will forever be the gentle Lunasia. No—even if he cannot change her death, there must be another way. As long as he can retrieve her body, there is still a chance to set things right...他可以永远做回小比尔，而姐姐永远都是那个温柔的露尼西亚。 不，即使他无法改变姐姐的死，也有其他的办法——只要能找回姐姐的身体，一切仍有挽回的余地……

???Bill...比尔……

A familiar voice echoes beside his ear again.耳畔再次回响起熟悉的声音。

BallardWho?!谁？！

He jolts to his feet and scans his surroundings. There is no one there.他条件反射地站了起来，张望周围，但这里一个人都没有。

BallardI heard it... I definitely heard it!我听见了……我明明听见了！

The voice comes from ahead. He pushes himself forward.声音是从前方传来的。 他爬起身来，向前探去。

Ballard...What is that?……那是？

At the end of the corridor stands a pitch-black iron door. It blends into its surroundings in the darkness, nearly impossible to discern without getting close.忽然，巴拉德看见走廊的尽头有一扇黑漆漆的铁门。 在黑暗中，这扇铁门与周围融为一体，不凑近细看的话很难辨认。

BallardSister... Sister! Are you inside?……姐姐……姐姐！ 姐姐你在里面吗？

Almost immediately, Ballard straightens up and rushes toward it. The iron door is not locked. He is certain her voice came from within, that she is calling for his help.巴拉德几乎是立刻直起身子冲了过去。 看着那扇并未上锁的铁门，巴拉德认为姐姐的声音就是从里面传来的，她正在向自己呼救。

He pushes it open at once.他立刻推开了门。

The room inside is completely dark. Ballard gropes along the walls.室内一片漆黑，巴拉德在周围的墙壁摸索着。

BallardShe must be here... There's no mistake. She's calling me!姐姐一定在这里…… 不会错，她在呼唤我！

Suddenly his fingers brush against a hard device—the unmistakable feel of a switch.忽然，他的手指摸到一个坚硬的装置，那是开关的触感。

He flicks it. The lights slowly flicker on.按下开关按钮，室内的灯慢慢地亮了起来。

Ballard's heart swells with anticipation. She must be waiting for him...巴拉德满心期盼着姐姐的身影，她一定在等待着自己……

But what awaits him is not a sleeping sister. It is a vision of Hell.然而，等待着巴拉德的不是一个沉睡着的姐姐，而是一副地狱图景。

Ballard...Ah... ah... ...……啊…… 啊…… ……

As the ceiling lights come on, he finds himself face-to-face with the sister of his dreams. The outline of those eyes, that slightly pale face—it is her. It is Lunasia.在天花板上的灯光亮起之后，他与自己梦寐以求的姐姐四目相对。 那眼睛的轮廓，那稍显苍白的面容，那是她，是露尼西亚。

But... It is only a solitary head, severed cleanly at the neck...但是…… 那是一颗孤零零的头颅，脖颈下面有一道光洁的切面……

Submerged in formalin, sealed inside a cylindrical container.她被泡在福尔马林当中，装在一个柱形容器里……

BallardSis—姐……

His reason ceases to function. He becomes incapable of comprehending the obvious reality before him. The higher centers of his brain fail to process the information transmitted by his eyes.理性停止了运作，于是他变得无法理解这显而易见的一切。 作为高级中枢的大脑，无法解析来自眼球的信息。

When his emotional faculties collapse, his cognitive faculties collapse with them.他的认知功能在情感功能的崩溃之后，连带着也崩溃了。

BallardNo... this isn't real...不……这不是真的……

The lights within the other cylindrical containers flicker on more slowly than the ceiling lights above, but they switch on in sequence. First, he sees Lunasia's limbs—柱形容器内的灯光亮得比吊灯来得晚一些，但还是按照特定的顺序接连亮起。 首先，他看见了露尼西亚的四肢——

Thighs, calves, ankles, elbows,大腿、小腿、脚踝、肘部、

Upper arms, forearms, ring fingers...大臂、小臂、无名指……

Next, her organs—其次，是脏器——

Stomach, intestines, liver...胃、肠子、肝脏、

Left kidney, pancreas, right lung, blood vessels...左肾、胰腺、右肺、血管……

Finally, slices of her brain, fully intact, preserved carefully, and neatly arranged.最后，是排列整齐的脑切片，被小心而完整地保存好。

BallardUrgh...!唔……哕……

With his higher functions disabled, primitive reflexes seize control of his body.低级中枢主导的生理反应，在高级中枢失能的时候接管了身体的权限。

Ballard drops to his knees and vomits. His body issues only one command—empty the stomach.巴拉德瞬间跪在地上呕吐，他的身体只给他下达了一个指令——将胃排空。

But there is nothing inside but water. He kneels there, his stomach convulsing violently.然而除了水，他什么也吐不出来。 他跪在地上，胃不住地痉挛。

Even after it is emptied, the retching does not stop. The torment continues for more than 20 minutes before it finally eases.尽管胃里的东西早已排空，然而呕吐本身并未停止。 这种痛苦持续了二十多分钟，他终于有所缓解。

BallardNo... impossible... This isn't my sister... No, it can't be... There's no way... What I saw... No, I didn't see anything at all... This must be a hallucination, just a...不……绝对不可能…… 这才不是姐姐……不是的，不可能，不可能的…… 我看到的……不对，我什么都没有看到……什么都……这肯定只是幻觉，只是……

He desperately restrains the urge to lift his head. He cannot bear to meet those hollow eyes again.他拼命地克制住自己想要抬头的冲动，他不敢与那空洞的眼睛继续对视下去。

His desperate screams have deprived his brain of oxygen and filled his ears with ringing.拼命的呐喊让他大脑再次缺氧，嗡鸣声不绝于耳。

The repeated vomiting and emotional shock blur his vision.接连的呕吐和激动情绪让他视物不清。

???Bill...比尔……

Suddenly, that familiar voice sounds again beside him.忽然，他的耳边响起一个熟悉的声音。

BallardSister...?姐姐……？

???Bill... it's me... What's wrong?比尔……是我…… 你怎么了？

BallardSister!!姐姐！！

He jerks his head up. The containers filled with formalin are still there... But through the hazy distortion of his vision, he now sees a rough outline overlaying them.猛然抬起头来，他再次看见那些泡着福尔马林的容器， 然而此时，他隔着朦胧的幻影，看到一层粗糙的轮廓。

That outline slowly merges together, gradually forming a clear figure...然后，那粗糙的轮廓正慢慢地合而为一，渐渐地凝成一个清晰的像……

BallardSister!姐姐！

The familiar face from his memories appears once more. Tears pour down Ballard's cheeks. He reaches out and clasps hands with the sister floating before him.记忆中，那张熟悉的脸再度浮现，巴拉德泪如雨下。 他伸出手来，与那凭空漂浮的姐姐十指相握。

Lunasia (?)Did you have a nightmare, my dear little Bill? You look terrible...是不是做噩梦了？我亲爱的小比尔。 你的脸色很糟糕……

Lunasia (?)Don't be afraid. It's all right. Sister is right here beside you. It's all over now... I finally woke you from your nightmare, Bill...不怕，没关系的，姐姐在你的身旁，一切都过去了…… 总算把你从噩梦中唤醒了呢，比尔……

Lunasia (?)Oberstein will never tear us apart again...奥贝斯坦，已经无法再分开我们了……

Truth 真相

Main River Embankment, White Zone, Frankfurt.法兰克福 白区 美因河堤

Dusk settles over the city. The setting sun pours down like molten gold, staining the clouds in shades of crimson and amber. Yet Ballard and Lunasia have no mind to admire the beauty before them. They are clutching a dying Maltese, running from place to place in search of a hospital that can save him.此时暮色四合，夕阳如鎏金披泄，云朵染上一层金红。 巴拉德和露尼西亚却全无兴致欣赏这番美景，他们正抱着一只奄奄一息的马尔济斯犬，四处寻找能够救治小狗的医院。

Fortunately, this is the same little dog that Ballard once fed. By sheer luck, he survived being run over by a car. Unfortunately, he now teeters on the brink of death. If they cannot find a vet soon, he will not survive.幸运的是，这就是先前那只被巴拉德投喂的小狗，它在车轮的碾压下侥幸活了下来。 不幸的是，如今它危在旦夕，迟迟找不到能救助它的医生的话，它还是免不了一死。

Doctor ASorry, this is a hospital for people. We don't treat animals. Try somewhere else.抱歉，我们这里是救人的医院，没有兽医。 另寻高明吧。

Doctor BIt's just a cheap dog. Buy another one. We're very busy. Please leave and don't block the other patients.这条狗很廉价的，再买一条吧，我们忙得很。 请你们离开，不要阻挡其他患者。

They are rejected by nearly every doctor in the city. No one is willing to treat a dying dog for two underage children.然而，他们几乎被全城的医生拒绝，没有人愿意给两个未成年的孩子治疗一只濒死的狗。

BallardDamn it... this is the last clinic on this street. The nearest hospital is ten kilometers away...可恶……这已经是这条街里的最后一家了。 最近的医院……在十公里外……

LunasiaBut the poor pup won't last that long. Look, he's barely moving...但它快撑不住了，你看它已经开始不动了……

BallardWhat do we do... what do we do...怎么办……怎么办……

When people are young, no matter their nature, they still possess a measure of compassion. That is why Ballard fed him in the first place.在人年幼之际，无论本性如何，都尚存恻隐之心。 所以这也是巴拉德一开始喂养它的理由。

But the cruel reality is that no one wants to take in the dog. No one wants to answer the siblings' prayers.但残酷的现实是，没有人愿意接手这只小狗，也没有人愿意回应他们姐弟的期望。

Lunasia...Bill, help me.……比尔，来帮我吧。

BallardWhat?什么？

Ballard turns toward his sister. Her face is flushed from running, her breath ragged. Yet her expression is utterly serious.巴拉德转过头望向身旁的姐姐，她的脸因长跑而涨红，气喘吁吁。 然而她的表情却无比认真……

She seems to be observing something.而且，似乎在观察着什么。

LunasiaHe's breathing blood bubbles, and there are clear signs of pneumothorax. We need to find a way to let him breathe again...呼吸都是血泡，而且有明显气胸症状， 我们得想个办法让它重新呼吸……

BallardS-sister, just the two of us...?姐，姐姐，只有我们两个吗……

LunasiaBesides us, who else will save him? Who else CAN save him?除了我们，还有谁想要救它？ 还有谁能救它？

Ballard...Sister, can we really do this? Even if you've assisted doctors before, I...…… 姐姐，我们真的可以吗……？ 就，就算姐姐你给医生帮过忙，我也……

LunasiaTrust me, Bill. If you truly can't bring yourself to do it, then leave it all to me. I won't blame you. After all, it is an elder sister's duty to support her baby brother until he grows up.相信我，比尔。 如果比尔实在下不了这个手，那就全交给我。 我不会怪你。 毕竟，姐姐的任务，就是在弟弟长大成人之前成为弟弟的依靠。

Her gaze is unwavering, almost inspiring. The moment their eyes meet, Ballard feels courage drive away the chill of fear.姐姐的眼神坚定无比，而且颇有感召力。 仅仅是与她对上一眼，巴拉德就感觉勇气驱散了恐惧的阴冷。

Lunasia has the kind of will that can give even a coward the strength to face reality.那是一种连胆小鬼也能鼓起勇气面对现实的意志。

Ballard...I'll help.……我会帮忙的。

LunasiaGood. I'll buy the equipment and disinfectant. Bill, carry the little one somewhere quiet, where no one will disturb us. Move steadily and calmly. He's very frightened right now. If he struggles, hold him firmly. Don't let him hurt himself, alright?很好，我去买器材和消毒水，比尔，你把这孩子抱到安静的，没人打扰的地方，要稳稳的，冷静的移动。 现在这个孩子十分害怕，如果它乱动，你要牢牢抱住它，不能让它弄伤自己，好吗？

Her instructions are calm and clear. Ballard absorbs every word. Though he hesitates, if Sister says so...姐姐的命令冷静而清晰，巴拉德听得一字不差。 尽管他心存犹豫，但既然姐姐这么说的话……

BallardI understand.我明白了。

LunasiaBill, we did it!比尔，我们成功了！

Ballard... We actually... we actually saved him...…… 真的……我们真的救活了它……

LunasiaIt seems I was right... The external trauma caused hemopneumothorax. A tube had to be inserted to drain the blood. At least he can breathe now... But this is only a temporary measure. We still have to find a way to get him to a vet.看起来我没有弄错……因为外创造成血气胸的迹象，必须要插入导管引流，至少让它可以呼吸的话…… 可是，这也只是临时的举措，接下来要想办法送它到兽医那里去。

The weight hanging over Ballard's heart finally lifts. He never expected that the two of them—still children—could actually save a dying dog.巴拉德悬着的心终于放下了，他没想到他们两个未成年，居然真的救活了一只奄奄一息的小狗！

Lunasia takes his hand and presses it against the Maltese's chest.露尼西亚抓起巴拉德的手，然后按到马尔济斯犬的心脏之上。

LunasiaListen. That's the sound of life beating. This little one is trying very hard, and... it's because of you, Bill. He trusts you, because you protected him. That's why even though he's in pain, he didn't struggle.你听，这是生命跳动的声音。 这个孩子很努力，而且……这都是因为你，比尔。 它相信你，相信庇护了自己的比尔，所以即使很痛苦，也没有挣扎。

BallardThat's wonderful...太好了……

At that moment, he believes from the bottom of his heart that no matter how great the difficulty, as long as his sister is by his side, every problem will be solved.此时，他发自内心地感觉——哪怕是天大的困难，只要有姐姐陪在身边，那么所有问题都会迎刃而解。

He turns, wanting to share his joy, but sees the solemn look on her face.他回过头去，正想将这种喜悦分享给姐姐，却看见她凝重的脸。

Rays from the setting sun slant across her features.半边夕阳晒在她的脸上，斜斜地。

LunasiaBill, we saved him. He's our dog now. Should we give him a name?比尔，我们救下了它，它就是我们的小狗了。 要不要给它取个名字？

BallardA name... What should we call him?取名字……取什么好呢？

Ballard has never been good at naming things. Naturally, the task falls to his sister.巴拉德不擅长取名，自然而然地，这件事落在了姐姐的身上。

LunasiaLet's call it Bill!就叫比尔吧！

BallardHuh? But that's my name...啊？比尔是我的名字啊……？

LunasiaNot quite~ You'll grow up someday and become Ballard.不对哦~ 比尔终究会长大成人，会从比尔成为巴拉德。

LunasiaBut this little Bill can remain Bill forever.但它这个小比尔，永远都可以只是比尔。

Her smile fades slightly, touched by sudden sorrow.随后，露尼西亚脸上的笑容收敛了一分……那神色忽然染上忧伤。

LunasiaAn elder sister's duty is to protect her baby brother and wait for the day he grows into a man. But as myself... I have a selfish wish I can hardly say aloud... I hope Bill will always just be Bill... not Ballard... or Oberstein...姐姐的任务，就是守护着弟弟，等待弟弟长大成人的那一刻。 但作为我自己……其实有着一个很难说出口的私心…… 我希望比尔永远都只是比尔……不是什么巴拉德，也不要变成奥贝斯坦……

Her hand cups his cheek. Her eyes seem wet, like she's smiling through tears.姐姐的手抚摸着巴拉德的脸颊，她似乎眼中含泪，又似乎泪中带笑。

LunasiaIf you could stay this small forever, I could protect you forever... But if you must have your own life, if you are destined to rise to great heights... Then at least let this little Bill stay with me...要是你永远只有这么大就好了，姐姐可以永远保护比尔…… 但如果你一定要有自己的人生，注定会顶天立地的话—— 那至少有这个小小的比尔陪着我也好……

Ballard stands there blankly, unable to speak.巴拉德呆呆地，他什么话也说不出来。

BallardSister... why would you think that? I will always be your little brother. When I'm with you, I can always just be little Bill.姐姐……为什么会这么想？ 我永远都可以是姐姐的弟弟啊……在姐姐面前，我永远都可以只是小比尔。

LunasiaNo, it is your mission to change this world, Bill.不，比尔的任务，是去改变这个世界。

BallardWhat?什么？

He cannot quite follow. He watches as her sorrow recedes and she lifts her gaze toward the distance.巴拉德有点摸不着头脑，他看着姐姐逐渐收敛神伤，看着她抬头看向远方。

LunasiaBill, do you remember the question you once asked me?比尔，还记得你之前问我的问题吗？

BallardWhat?什么？

LunasiaIs this world truly right? The grown-ups who refuse to save a life. The battlefields riddled with wounds. A selfish society... And those bastards who subscribe to the law of the jungle and beat you up...这个世界，真的对吗？ 见死不救的大人、千疮百孔的战场、自私自利的社会…… 以及那些信奉着弱肉强食的道理，并将你打伤的混蛋们……

For some reason, whenever she brings up what happened that day, a cold anger seems to gather around her.不知道为什么，仿佛只要提到那天的事情，总会有一股冷彻的怒意围绕在姐姐的身边。

BallardIt isn't right...不对……

LunasiaDon't you think it's wrong, Bill? Don't you want to do something? To... change the course of this world, so everything moves in the right direction?那么比尔不觉得这一切是错的吗？ 你，不想做什么吗？ 比如……改变世界的走向，让一切事情按照正确的方向前进。

BallardI...我……

He has thought about these things before. But lately, staying by her side, he has grown greedy for her warmth. Her presence is so comforting that he forgets his own reflections.巴拉德不是没想过姐姐说的问题，只是近些日子在姐姐身边呆久了，他的心开始贪恋姐姐的温度。 姐姐的身边太过温暖，以至于他耽溺许久，忘记了自己的思量。

LunasiaI say this because I know you are someone who keeps pondering such questions. Even when you were little, you were different. I've always noticed... This world is so cruel that even a tiny dog cannot escape violence, and there are countless people who are in suffering.我之所以这么说，是因为我知道比尔就是会反复思考这些问题的人。 小的时候，比尔就和别人不一样。姐姐一直都看在眼里…… 这世界残酷到连这么小小的狗都无法从暴力下幸免，承受着苦痛的人更是要多少有多少。

BallardIf that's how you see it... then let's do it! Whether it's changing the old world or creating a new one... I can do it! As long as... as long as I have you, I feel like there's nothing we can't accomplish.既然姐姐你这么说……那么就做吧！ 无论是改变旧世界，还是再造一个新世界……我都可以的！ 只要……只要有姐姐，我觉得没有什么是我们做不到的。

Lunasia turns in surprise, then chuckles softly at the determination on his face.听闻此言，露尼西亚惊讶地转过头来，随后看到巴拉德笃定的脸，她轻笑出声。

LunasiaHaha... you've grown so much in just a few days, Bill... But you're right. I feel the same— As long as I have you by my side, I can do anything...呵呵……短短几天，比尔也有所长进呢…… 不过，你说得对，我也有一种感觉—— 好像只要有比尔这个弟弟陪在我身边，我就是无所不能的姐姐……

LunasiaA new world... perhaps that's not so bad. If we walk hand in hand, maybe we really can carve out a brand-new world... A place without exploitation or persecution, where everyone can play freely upon green grass. We'll build a true paradise there...新世界吗……或许也好。 只要和比尔手拉着手，没准我们真的能开拓一个崭新的世界呢…… 在那里，没有剥削、没有迫害，所有人都能平等地在绿草如茵的大地上嬉戏、游乐。 届时，我们建立起一个真正的天堂……

Ballard stares at Lunasia's face. A breeze lifts her hair, revealing her smooth forehead. Sunlight shines upon her features, and in that instant, he sees the goddess of his destiny extending her hand, inviting him toward a new world.巴拉德怔怔地看着露尼西亚的脸，一阵风吹起，她光洁的额头暴露在空气当中。 阳光洒在她的脸上，在那一刻他看到了自己命运之中的女神，在向他伸出手，邀他前往一个崭新的世界。

He carves every glimmer of that day deep into his mind.巴拉德把那一天的每一个光点，都刻在了自己的大脑深处里。

My dear baby brother, Bill. We will venture into a new world. Life there is beckoning to us—我亲爱的弟弟，比尔。 我们要去向一个新的世界，那里的生命在向我们招手——

That is the Promised Land. A vision of bliss. A divine gift. Supreme resurrection.那里才是应许之地。 那里是至福的图景， 是神启的恩赐， 是至高无上的新生，

A pure paradise for all living beings.是属于芸芸众生的纯净乐园。

From that moment, a long plan quietly etches an inconspicuous mark upon the axis of time. Years later, Ballard will grow into a man whose name becomes William.由此，一个漫长的计划，悄悄地在时间的坐标之上刻下了一个不起眼的标头。 若干年之后，巴拉德将会成长成人如其名的威廉。

All because he is utterly captivated by his sister's pure and earnest face... And it is at that moment when he silently vows that he will carry out her will.不为别的，只为他在那时，看着姐姐纯净的面庞着了迷…… 也正是那个时候，他在心里遵从姐姐的意愿发了誓。

Ballard...Through me you pass into the city of woe,……由我进入愁苦之城，

LunasiaThrough me you pass into eternal pain,……由我进入极乐之塔，

BallardThrough me among the people lost for aye.……由我进入万劫不复的人群之中。

Lunasia...Justice the founder of my fabric mov'd,……正义推动了崇高的造物主，

BallardTo rear me was the task of power divine, supremest wisdom, and primeval love.它以神圣的力量、最高的智慧、发自本原的爱，在此间创造了我们。

LunasiaBefore me things create were none, save things eternal, and eternal I endure.在我以前未有造物，而我也将永世长存。

Ballard...We shall be together, in neither Heaven nor Hell, neither cursed nor redeemed. I did not die, nor yet remained alive.……我们会在一起，既不是天堂也不是地狱，既不是被诅咒也不是被拯救，我没有死，我也没有活着。

Lunasia & Ballard...Love led us to one life. ...Love led us to one death.……爱引导我们同生。 ……爱引导我们同死。

It feels as though he has been dreaming a very long dream. In that dream, the two of them promised each other they would venture into a brand-new world...自己好像做了一场漫长的梦。 在梦里，他们姐弟约定好，要前往一个崭新的世界……

After all these years, it is time to fulfill that promise...这么多年过去了，这个约定是时候兑现了……

"Terminus" Laboratory, Stasi Building Underground, Frankfurt.法兰克福 斯塔西大楼下 “终点”实验室

He awakens from a haze of confusion. Before him stands an empty operating table. Lunasia is gone.他从一片茫然中醒来。 眼前是空荡荡的手术台，露尼西亚消失不见了。

WilliamSister...? Did we... succeed? Is this... our new world...?姐姐……？我们……成功了吗？ 这里……这里就是我们的新世界……吗？

Dragging his heavy body upright, he looks around. ...She is not with him.拖着昏沉的身体，他起了身。 ……姐姐并不在他身边。

William...Sister? Sister!……姐姐？ 姐姐！

He calls out twice. Nobody answers. ...How much time has passed?他大喊两声，没有人理他。 ……时间过去了多久？

He cannot remember. His last memory is of a bomb detonating behind him, the shockwave knocking him unconscious. But he clearly recalls that in that instant, he saw his sister's eyes open.他想不起来，脑海中最后的记忆，是一枚炸弹在身后爆炸，他被冲击波震晕了过去。 但他清楚地记得，那个瞬间，他分明看见了姐姐睁开的眼。

William reaches for the pocket watch on his person. When he pulls it from his coat, he finds it has long since stopped ticking.威廉摸了摸身上的怀表，然而将它从怀兜里掏出来的时候，却发现它早已失去了机能。

WilliamTsk...啧……

He steps out of the operating room and nudges a corpse on the ground with the tip of his shoe. He can tell it's the torso of a black Nyto. Beside it lies the severed arm of a T-Doll.走出手术室，威廉用鞋尖踢了踢地上的尸体。 他辨认出这是一只黑涅托的躯干，而她身旁是一只人形的手臂。

WilliamThis pile of trash...这帮垃圾……

William...What are these doing here? Is this still... the old world? Sister... where is she?……为什么还存在？ 这里还是……原本的世界？ 姐姐……姐姐呢？

The building is filled with the wreckage left behind by fierce combat. Ruined walls, shattered debris—none of this belongs in the new world that he and his sister envisioned. Since that day long ago, this is the first time he feels true panic.大楼内满是激战过后留下来的残垣断壁，这些不该出现在新世界当中，这不是他和姐姐规划中的图景。 自那一天以来，这是他头一次感到惊慌。

Everything that was meant to unfold smoothly—the promised future, the divine revelation—now bares its fangs at him in a single instant.本应顺遂推进的一切、应许的未来图景与神启的允诺——霎那间却向他露出了狰狞的獠牙。

He passes more deactivated T-Dolls and kicks aside more Nyto body parts. He climbs over collapsed rubble and ascends a cold steel ladder. Then he emerges into daylight and beholds a desolate Frankfurt White Zone.他路过一个又一个宕机的人形，踢开一个又一个涅托的躯干，翻过坍塌的土方，爬上冰冷的长梯。 随后，他重见天日，见识到一片灰败的法兰克福白区。

SoldierDon't move!——不许动！

No sooner does he steady himself than soldiers surround him on all sides.然而，他刚刚站稳脚跟，便被军队团团围住。

The crowd parts. That man—Griffin Lyons—walks slowly toward him.人群当中辟出一条道路，那个男人……格里芬·莱恩缓缓走到了他的面前。

William...You did this?……是你做的？

EarlYour question surprises me.你的质问令我感到意外。

WilliamWhere is she? You know who I mean.她人呢？你知道我说的是谁。

At William's question, the gentleman falls silent. The silence is objectively quite brief, yet for William, it seems to stretch endlessly.听到威廉的问题，爵士沉默了一会。 这份沉默在物理意义上的时间并未持续多长时间，但对于威廉来说，可谓是旷日持久。

EarlShe has already left Frankfurt with the Commander.她已经和指挥官离开了法兰克福。

William... ...You had better not be joking.………… …………你最好不是在说笑。

EarlI wish it were a joke.我也希望这是一句玩笑。

As a politician, Griffin Lyons is an exemplary liar—but he never lies without purpose. ...What does that mean, then?作为政客，格里芬·莱恩最擅长的就是说谎——但他们不会说无意义的谎。 ……那，这又是什么意思？

Who left with whom?谁，和谁？

Until now, he has never spared a glance for some human commander of a PMC. That person's interference has merely been an inevitable obstacle along the course of his plan. In other words, if not them, then some other PMC's commander—or some other nuisance—would have emerged to disrupt the situation.在此之前，他从未将一家PMC的人类指挥官放在眼里，只当这个人给自己添的麻烦，都是计划途中必然经历的部分。 换句话说，即便没有格里芬的指挥官，也会有其他PMC的指挥官——或者是其他什么乱七八糟的人出来破坏局势。

Even now, he does not care about that commander. What he cannot accept is Lunasia's decision.哪怕是事到如今，他也没有在乎那个什么指挥官。 他感到无法接受的，是露尼西亚的决定。

WilliamWhy... would Lunasia leave with a mere commander?为什么……露尼西亚会和一个小小的指挥官离开了？

William clenches his fists. How desperately he wishes for that familiar voice to sound in his ear again, to answer his questions. He waits. And waits. But nothing happens. He hears nothing.威廉捏紧了拳头，他多么期望耳畔的声音再次响起，过来解答他的疑惑。 然而他等待良久，终究什么也没有发生，他什么也没有听见。

The Earl steps forward and pats him on the shoulder.格里芬爵士走上前来，拍了拍他的肩膀。

EarlThe URNC welcomes you, Mr. William.欢迎你加入罗联，威廉先生。

With that, the Earl turns and departs, withdrawing his troops from the Stasi building. Only a small contingent remains behind, assigned to William.随后，爵士转身离开，带着他的军队撤离了斯塔西大楼。 只剩下一小部分人被爵士指派给威廉。

He knows the battle for Frankfurt has concluded. He has been accepted by the new URNC. Still...他知道法兰克福的战役已经落下帷幕，而他也已经被新罗联所接纳。 但……

He cannot accept Lunasia's choice.他无法接受露尼西亚的选择。

He peers into the horizon. Only heavy gray clouds stretch across the sky, the weather bleak and overcast.再次抬头望向天边，远空之上只有一片乌灰的云，天气一片阴沉。

William lowers his gaze and follows the men beside him away from the ruins.威廉低下头，跟随身边的人离开这片废墟。

William...No. Impossible...……不，绝无可能……

Escort OfficerHm? Mr. William, did you say something?嗯……？威廉先生，您有何吩咐？

WilliamNothing... Nothing... Haha, nothing at all...没有…… 没有……呵呵，没有……

William turns and gives the questioning officer a look he will never forget. It can hardly be called a smile.威廉转过头来，朝发问的军官露出了一个他此生难忘的表情。 那或许不该称之为笑容。

How could Sister ever break her promise? She is right here. She hasn't gone anywhere...姐姐怎么可能言而无信？ 她就在这里，她哪也没去……

Goddess' Reply 女神的回声

A forested area in the White Zone of Frankfurt.法兰克福 白区 某处林地

BallardHuff... huff...呼……呼……

In the darkness, Ballard runs without stopping. His heartbeat pounds like war drums, yet his legs feel as though they are filled with lead.黑暗之中，巴拉德一路狂奔。 心跳如同激烈的鼓点，双腿却像灌了铅。

His lungs burn in protest of the strain with every breath. Not to mention...每一次呼吸，他的双肺都在用火灼般的痛楚向他抗议过度的压榨。 更别提……

The case strapped to his back is square and heavy. Carrying it over long distances is already testing the limits of his endurance, and now pursuers are closing in behind him.他背后的箱子又方又沉。 背着这东西长途奔袭已是极限，更别提身后还有追兵抓捕。

But Ballard doesn't have the mental bandwidth to complain. At this moment, his mind is focused entirely on two things. One is to run. Run like his life depends on it. Run with all his might. Run as far as possible.然而巴拉德顾不上这些，他大脑空空。如今的他，只记得两件事。 一件是跑，拼命地跑，全力地跑，能跑多远跑多远。

The second is to glance back and gauge the distance of those chasing him.至于第二件，则是回头确认追兵的距离。

Ballard(...Tsk.)（……啧。）

Flashes of light burst repeatedly behind him, several times nearly illuminating his back. The pursuers are like a patient hunter, unconcerned that the prey might escape the encirclement, pressing forward step by step.身后的亮光仍频频闪起，有好几次差点照中他的后背。 追兵就像一个充满耐心的猎人，丝毫不担心猎物跑出包围圈，只是步步紧逼。

Ballard clicks his tongue in irritation, but being powerless to fight back, he can only move his legs and resume his sprint. ...His strength is still too weak. He is not suited to handling matters personally.猛啐一口过后，无力反抗的巴拉德只能抬起步子，疯狂地向前狂奔。 ……他的力量还是太弱了，他不适合事力亲为。

But now there is no one he and his sister can trust. He must complete this himself.但现在，不存在他和姐姐能信任的对象，他必须自己完成。

Lunasia (?)Bill... we're out of time. They're catching up.比尔……我们没时间了，他们要追上来了。

BallardSister...姐姐……

Lunasia (?)Run, Bill. Keep running. There's no time left for you to catch your breath.跑起来，比尔，跑起来。 还没有时间留给你喘息。

Her face hangs in the air before him, stern and resolute. Ballard swallows. Following her gaze, he sees that the beams of tactical flashlights are indeed drawing near.半空中，姐姐的面容凛然，令巴拉德咽了咽口水。 巴拉德顺着她的指引看过去，果然如她所说，战术手电筒的光芒已近在咫尺。

SoldierFootprints ahead! Direction confirmed! Move!脚印就在前面！ 方向正确，我们追！

The lights come closer and closer. In the dimness, he can already make out silhouettes.灯光越来越近。 隐约之间，巴拉德已经能看到人影了。

???Awoo...汪呜……

Just as Ballard grits his teeth and charges forward, he suddenly hears a faint whimper behind him. He stops instinctively at the sound.然而就在巴拉德咬着牙向前狂奔之际，他忽然听到身后传来一声呜咽。 听到这个声音，巴拉德本能地止住步伐。

Glancing back, he sees Little Bill—the Maltese. His hind leg is tangled in thorny vines, barbs hooked deep. He cannot move.他回头瞥去，发现小比尔——那只马尔济斯犬，它的后腿被带有钩刺的藤蔓缠住，动弹不得。

BallardDon't be afraid. I'm here...别怕，我来了……

Suppressing the nausea from his long sprint and forcing down the urge to retch, Ballard pries the small dog free from the vines.巴拉德忍住长途奔袭的恶心感，他强行吞下干呕冲动，将小比尔从藤蔓当中拔了出来。

Maltese(Whimpers)呜~呜……

The little creature rubs against him in his arms. His strength is nearly gone as well. A toy breed like this cannot match the stamina of a working dog or a hound. Ballard knows that perfectly well.小家伙在巴拉德的怀里蹭着，显然它的体力也濒临极限。 作为玩赏犬，它的体力自然不如工作犬、猎狼犬，而巴拉德对此也心知肚明。

BallardIt's alright. Sister didn't abandon you... and neither will I. We're family, aren't we, little one?没关系的，姐姐没有抛弃你……我也不会…… 我们是一家人，对吧，小家伙？

MalteseWoof!呜……呜！

As if to answer him, the small snow-white dog nuzzles Ballard's cheek.就像是回应他一样，怀里这只雪白讨喜的小狗也用自己的鼻吻蹭着巴拉德的脸颊。

Flash! He has barely had a moment of respite when a blinding beam of white light slams into him.唰！ 还不等他歇息片刻，一阵刺眼的白光打在他的身上。

SoldierDon't move! Hands up!不许动！举起双手！

Judging by the voices, they are still some distance away. He has no intention of surrendering just like that. With one arm clutching the dog, the other securing a canister, he bolts forward again.从声音上判断，巴拉德认为那些人离他还有点距离。既然如此他自然不会坐以待毙。 他一只胳膊夹起小狗，另外一只胳膊则夹紧了一个罐子，然后迈开双腿疯狂地向前跑去。

Bang! A gunshot shatters the silence of night in the forest.啪！ 一声枪响划破了夜间林地的寂静。

As a steel bullet pierces his body, the last of Ballard's illusions collapses. He has considered everything, yet misjudged one point—without experiencing it himself, he could never truly grasp how cold-blooded his father can be.随着钢铁铸就的子弹打穿他的身躯，巴拉德心中最后的幻想彻底破灭。 他千算万算，始终算错一点——未经亲身体验，他永远不知道父亲能冷血到什么程度。

That filthy old man is capable of dissecting his daughter's corpse. Of course he can hunt down his son's life as well. Footsteps draw closer. As Ballard falls to the ground, he feels blood pouring out, his consciousness fading.那个肮脏的老头，可以对女儿的尸体动刀，当然也可以猎杀儿子的性命。 士兵的脚步声渐近，跌落在地的巴拉德只觉得血流如注，意识渐渐涣散。

I won't be able to hear Sister's voice anymore... As his eyes close, that is the only thought filling his mind.要听不见姐姐的声音了…… 临合眼前，他满脑子都是这个想法。

In the study of the Oberstein Residence, White Zone, Frankfurt. Half an hour earlier.法兰克福 白区 奥贝斯坦宅邸 书房 半小时前。

ObersteinIf I heard correctly, Lunasia's brain slices are indispensable? As I understand it, only one-fifth of the slices were stolen. That should not impact localized experiments. I require a reasonable explanation, Laplace.如果我没听错，你是说露尼西亚留下来的脑切片缺一不可？ 据我所知，只是五分之一的脑切片失窃，不应对局部实验造成影响。 我需要得到合理的解释，拉普拉斯。

On the other end of the comms line, Laplace remains utterly unfazed, her expression calm as still water.通讯那端，拉普拉斯的身影毫无动摇，她面如止水。

LaplaceYour understanding is broadly correct, sir. However, in specific experimental contexts, details matter. The tissue Ballard stole consists of continuous coronal sections from the frontal association cortex to the medial temporal lobe. This region spans the prefrontal cortex to the hippocampal memory encoding circuit—responsible for cognition and thought. Without these sections, subsequent experiments will be nearly impossible to advance. But my concern does not end there.阁下，您的理解基本正确，但是落入具体实验当中，则需要具体讨论。 巴拉德偷走的脑组织，是从前联合皮层到内侧颞叶的连续冠状面切片。 这恰好是贯穿了前额叶到海马记忆编码环路的部分，负责人脑当中的认知与思考功能。 缺少这部分切片组织，接下来的实验会寸步难行。 但我的担忧不止于此。

ObersteinSpeak plainly.有话直说。

LaplaceIn addition to the brain slices, Ballard also took an automated device. It's a device that can generate a surgical environment within ten minutes. Though still in prototype stage, it meets minimum operational requirements. The technology was originally intended for battlefield medics.巴拉德带走的，除了脑切片，还有一套自动化装置。 这套装置，可以在十分钟内生成一套外科手术环境。虽然这装置仍处原型阶段，但已经可以达成最低的手术要求了。 这项技术，原本是打算给军方的战地医生使用的。

ObersteinIf nothing had been stolen, how many days would it take for you to complete our plan?假设这些东西没有丢失，你需要几天完成我们的计划？

LaplaceThree.三天。

Oberstein considers this. A military officer is standing behind him.奥贝斯坦思考了片刻。 他的身后站着一名军官。

ObersteinYour priority is to recover the target. Restrictions lifted. You are authorized to use live ammunition.优先寻回目标。 禁令解除，允许你们荷装实弹。

ColonelYes, sir. And the capture standard for the target...?是。 请问，“目标”的捕获标准……

ObersteinI have recently discovered that my inconspicuous youngest son possesses talents exceeding my expectations. A son rebelling against his father is quite natural. I myself got into all sorts of trouble at his age. If he survives this, I will gladly cultivate him as my successor. If he doesn't, then it only proves he falls far short of his sister.我最近才发觉到，我这个不起眼的小儿子似乎拥有超出我预想的才能。 儿子反抗父亲是很正当的，我在他的年纪，也曾做过一些不那么恰当的行为。 倘若他能够度过这一关，我很乐意培养他成为我的接班人。 如果不能，那只能说明，我的儿子远远及不上他的姐姐。

ColonelSo...?所以……？

ObersteinHis own fate is up to him. You have 12 hours. No delays.让他自己决定他的命运。 我只给你12小时，不得延误。

ColonelUnderstood.遵命。

In a forest cabin in the White Zone of Frankfurt.法兰克福 白区 林地小屋

It is like waking from a boundless nightmare.就像做了一个无边的噩梦。

BallardSister!姐姐！

Ballard jolts awake, but not to a hospital ceiling or the concrete cage of captivity. Instead, he finds himself inside a wooden cabin, lying before a warm campfire.巴拉德挣扎着醒来，然而他并未看到医院的天花板，也没有看到钢铁混凝土铸就的囚笼。 相反，他意识到这是一座小木屋，而他睡在一团温暖的篝火前。

The Maltese notices first. He hears the patter of paws on the floor.马尔济斯犬率先意识到自己的醒来，他听见了小狗四爪着地的声音。

Then the Maltese leaps onto him, licking his face with a damp tongue.随后，它扑了上来，用湿漉漉的舌头舔舐着他的脸。

BallardLittle Bill... Wait... I'm not dead? What happened?小比尔…… 等下……我没死？ 发生了什么？

???Cottonball, get down~ Your master just woke up. Don't make trouble~棉花球，快下来~ 你的主人刚刚苏醒，可不能乱来喔~

Following the voice, Ballard looks up. The instant his eyes meet the owner of that bright, chime-like voice, his heart nearly stops.循着声音，巴拉德看了过去。 然而与那银铃般的声音对上视线的一瞬间，巴拉德差点心肺骤停。

BallardSis... Sister...姐……姐姐……

He reaches out, desperate to confirm whether what he sees is real. The urgency overwhelms him so completely that he loses his balance.他伸出手，想要确认眼前所见是否真实。 那迫切的心情是如此强烈，以至于他甚至没有关心自己的肢体平衡。

Girl Who Looks Like SisterHuh...?诶……？

The girl—his "sister"—startles and instinctively steps back. With nothing left to grasp, Ballard falls to the floor.“姐姐”也被他吓了一跳，她下意识地向后躲去。 这样一来，巴拉德失去能抓到的一切，不由得跌落在地。

Half an hour later, after repeatedly scrutinizing her, he must accept this small genetic joke. The girl before him is named Nita. At first glance, she resembles his sister, but in truth she is an entirely different person.过了半小时之后，在巴拉德的反复端详和打量当中，他不得不接受这个基因学的小小玩笑。 眼前的少女名为妮塔。只是乍一看和姐姐很像，但实际上完全不是一个人。

Ballard...That wasn't very appropriate. I'm sorry.……我好像失礼了，真不好意思。

Once he has figured out the situation, Ballard surveys the room. Everything he had with him is still there. The automated surgical environment case sits unopened beside the bed.理清情况之后，巴拉德打量了一下屋内，发现自己随身携带的东西都在。 那套自动化手术环境配置箱，好好地摆在床边，没有任何开封过的痕迹。

The brain slice container rests atop it.而脑切片装置也摆在上面。

NitaDon't sweat it. You were shot in the shoulder, and you hit your head when you fell. I don't blame you for mistaking me for someone else.没关系啦，你肩膀中枪，摔倒的时候又撞到了脑袋，一时之间认错人也很正常。

Nita's voice pulls him from his thoughts.妮塔的声音将他从想象中拽了出来。

BallardSo... you saved me?所以……是你救了我？

She brings him a bowl of hot soup. When he reaches for it, the gunshot wound in his shoulder makes him wince. Only now does he realize both his head and shoulder have been carefully bandaged.眼前的少女为他端来一碗热汤，巴拉德想要伸手，然而肩膀的枪伤让他龇牙咧嘴。 也正是这时，他发现自己的头和自己的肩膀都被仔细包扎好了。

NitaYou were badly hurt, so I brought you back. When I found you, that little cottonball was guarding you and wouldn't let me move you~我看你伤得很重，就带你回来了。 发现你的时候，这团小棉花球一直护着你不让我动你呢~

Nita lifts Little Bill. Somehow they have already grown close.妮塔抱起小比尔，她们不知何时变得亲密无间，一人一狗其乐融融。

BallardYou have my sincere gratitude. But I am curious. How did you evade the pursuers?对你帮助，我深表谢意，但我很好奇。 你是怎么躲开追兵的？

NitaHehe~ My family has hunted in this forest for generations. I know this place like the back of my hand. As for those men, I led them in circles until they lost the trail~哼哼~ 我们家族世代在这座林地当中打猎维生，这附近我再熟不过。 至于你说的那些人，我带他们在林子里转了几圈之后他们就跟丢啦~

BallardRadiation levels here are not low. From what I know, most hunters have relocated.这附近的污染浓度可不低，据我所知，大多数猎户都已经搬离了。

NitaSeems that way. But I'm not very sensitive to radiation, so I've stayed.好像是这样，不过我对辐射不怎么敏感，就一直住在这了。

Ballard...And how did you carry me back?……那你是怎么带我回来的？

NitaDon't underestimate me just because I'm a girl. I'm quite strong. A small boy like you is nothing. I could carry a wild boar home if I had to.别看我是个女生，我力气可不小。 别说你这种小男孩，就算是搬一头野猪回家都没问题。

BallardDid it not occur to you that I might be a criminal?你完全没有考虑过，我是个罪犯的可能？

NitaWhat kind of criminal could a kid like you be? And even if you were bad, could you beat me?你这样的小孩子能是什么罪犯？ 而且，就算你真是坏人，你打得过我吗？

NitaThe moment I saw you, I knew you were exhausted. You're so young, yet your brows are always tightly furrowed. Even unconscious, your body was tense. And look at those dark circles... From your clothes and speech, you're not poor. Why live so miserably? You're just a little brat. You should be in school.不过，从见到你的那瞬间，我就知道你一定很累了。 你年纪这么小，眉头就拧得这么紧，昏迷的时候身体也紧张得不行。 仔细看看，黑眼圈也格外明显…… 看你的衣着打扮和谈吐，也不像穷苦人家，怎么活得这么苦？ 你还是个小弟弟呐，这个时候应该上学读书才对吧？

Lunasia (?)Bill, look over there...比尔，看那边……

Following Lunasia's voice, he notices a television playing in the room.顺着姐姐的话，比尔这才注意到房间里还有一台电视开着。

TV Subtitles...Special police units armed with live ammunition are conducting a search for a smuggling ring in the forested area of Frankfurt's White Zone. Citizens with information are urged to contact the following number...……法兰克福白区林地，特警队员荷枪实弹，正在缉查走私团伙。 请知情人员拨打以下号码提供相关资讯……

On the screen, military helicopters sweep over the forest, poised as if hunting a dangerous syndicate.画面中，几辆军用直升机在扫视着林区周遭，严阵以待的架势，俨然真的在寻找着那危险至极的走私团伙。

NitaGoodness... how frightening. Could those have been the people chasing you?天呐……真可怕，难道就是刚才那些人？

Lunasia (?)You know our father. Arrogant. Stubborn to the extreme. In his eyes, you cannot escape his grasp. This is his way of telling you so.你了解我们的父亲，他刚愎自用，自负到了极点。 在他眼中，你是逃不出他的掌心的，他这是……在告诉你这一点。

Ballard...Perhaps.……也许吧。

Ballard mutters with narrowed eyes, though it is unclear to whom he replies.巴拉德轻轻地说着，眯着眼睛，却不知究竟是在回应谁的声音。

He lowers his head in contemplation.他低下了头，仿佛在盘算着什么。

Later that night, in the forest cabin.法兰克福 白区 林地小屋

Nita keeps watch, knitting to pass the time. Little Bill is sleeping curled up beside her.妮塔负责守夜，而她打算用织毛衣消磨时间。小比尔依偎在妮塔的身旁，已经睡熟。

Lunasia (?)He will not let us go, Bill. You'll be discovered sooner or later if you stay here. ...He doesn't mind being challenged. Bite a piece from him and he may even praise you. But if you do nothing, he won't care whether you live or die.他不会放过我们的，比尔。 躲在这里迟早会被人发现。 ……他不介意被你挑战，也许你咬下他的一块肉，他反倒会表示赞许。 但如果你什么都不做，他就连你的生死都不会在乎。

Lunasia's voice murmurs in his ear.姐姐的声音在耳畔响起。

Lunasia (?)...Bill, you know it. The only way to save us.……比尔，你知道的。 ……那个唯一能救我们于绝境之中的办法。

Her hand points to the container of brain slices in his arms, then to the campfire.露尼西亚的手，指了指巴拉德抱在怀里的脑切片容器，然后又指向篝火处。

Ballard...She resembles you, Sister.……她很像你，姐姐。

Lunasia (?)That means she is a suitable candidate.那说明她一定很合适。

Lunasia (?)You and I both know what Oberstein needs. As long as you prove you have that capability... Prove you have value worth exploiting. Only then will you live. As you are now, you cannot topple him. Use his arrogance. Devour him piece by piece. ...Avenge me.你我都知道，奥贝斯坦需要什么。 只要你能向他证明你有那个能力。 证明你有被利用的价值，你才能活下去。 仅凭现在的你，是扳不倒他的，你要利用他的自负，一点一点去蚕食他的血肉。 ……为我报仇。

Lunasia (?)Oberstein's people will come sooner or later. When they do, neither you nor I will be spared. Will you watch them kill me a second time?奥贝斯坦的人迟早会找上门来。 届时不光是你，就连我也难以幸免于难。 你要看着他们，杀死我第二次吗？

Ballard... No...…… 不……

Behind him, the fire crackles. Flames consume what little reason he has left.身后的篝火响起燃烧的噼啪声，火焰吞噬着巴拉德仅存的理智。

BallardNever.绝不。

His hand reaches for the black case by the bed. His finger presses the button.他的手摸向床边的黑色箱子，手指按向按钮。

Intricate mechanical sounds begin to hum within the case.很快，那箱子内部发出了精密的机械声响。

And with that, the last fragment of conscience within Ballard disappears.在那声音的夹杂下，巴拉德内心中最后一点良知，也随之磨平消湮。

"...My mother has killed me," "My father is eating me."“……My mother has killed me, My father is eating me,

"My brothers and sisters sit under the table," "Picking up my bones,"My brothers and sisters sit under the table, Picking up my bones,

"And they bury them," "Under the cold marble stones. ♪"And they bury them under the cold marble stones♪”

In a forest cabin in the White Zone of Frankfurt.法兰克福 白区 林地小屋

Bang!嘭！

Military SoldierBallard von Oberstein! You are— ...huh?!巴拉德·冯·奥贝斯坦！你被……呃！？

Military Soldier...What in the name of God... ugh...!! (Vomits)……见鬼，呜……呕……！！

Ballard...You arrived right on time.……你们来得很准时。

Ballard turns around, facing the two soldiers whose faces are deathly pale, who have even forgotten to raise their guns.巴拉德转过了身，面朝着脸色惨白，连枪口都忘记要抬起的两名军人。

BallardWelcome, welcome... Ah, Father, you are watching the live feed, aren't you? My apologies. I may have spoiled your appetite for dinner.欢迎，欢迎……啊，您应该正看着现场画面吧，父亲？ 很抱歉，我好像影响到了您享用晚餐的胃口。

Even the well-trained soldiers cannot suppress their terror at the horrific scene before them.——即便是训练有素的士兵，也不禁为眼前的惨状而感到畏惧。

On the walls, across the floor, along the corridors and passageways—墙上、地上、走廊里、过道处……

Blood and severed limbs cover everything like paint flung wildly across a coarse canvas. And in the midst of this hellish tableau, the boy standing there with an innocent smile is practically the devil incarnate.遍地的鲜血和残肢就像一副图画，被肆意地涂抹在粗糙的画布上。 而在这地狱般的景象当中，那个一脸无辜，甚至还面带笑容的男孩，此时此刻，就宛若魔鬼的化身。

Blood stains his wan smile, soaking into the hair at his forehead, giving him an eerie appearance.他惨淡的笑脸上，沾染的鲜血甚至濡湿了他的额发，显得格外诡谲。

Military SoldierD-don't move! Ballard, you are under arrest!不、不许动！巴拉德，你被捕了！

Only belatedly do the soldiers snap back to their senses. Facing the dark muzzles pointed at him, Ballard's lips remain curled in that pale smile as he slowly raises his hands.后知后觉地，军人才从当前的状况中醒悟过来。 面对着黑漆漆的枪口，巴拉德的嘴角依然咧着惨淡的笑容，双手缓缓地举起。

There is not the slightest trace of panic in him.他没有丝毫慌张。

From the shadows of the room, another shadowy figure drags itself forward. The being looks... almost human.而从房间的阴影中，另一个影子缓缓地拖曳着身体，移动到了他们面前。 那存在，看起来，就“像”是个人类。

Military SoldierYou! Don't move! Hands up!你！不许动！举起双手！

Nita (?)...Hostile threat confirmed.……敌对威胁确认。

Whoosh— The soldier swings his gun toward it. Before entering the building, they had already received the briefing—besides the target, there is also a local hunter inside.咻—— 士兵转动枪口，在进入建筑物之前，他们就已经收到调查结果，除了目标以外，这里还有一个本地猎户。

Though the sight before them has unsettled them for a moment, intelligence reports and the weapons in their hands do not lie.尽管眼前的情景令他们一时慌了手脚，但情报和手中的武器不会欺骗他们。

So when he turns his gun—and suddenly tastes iron in his throat—he looks down to see a hole pierced clean through his chest, without understanding what has happened.——所以，当他转动枪口，却感到喉头一甜，低头看去，只见自己的胸口被刺穿了一个窟窿的时候，他根本不明白发生了什么。

The next second, his neck is severed in a clean stroke. Blood erupts.下一秒，他的脖子被利落地斩断，鲜血喷涌而出。

Within a single breath, the soldier collapses.一息之间，士兵应声倒地。

Ballard...A dog that bites without permission is worthless.……没有得到准许就随便咬人的狗，就只是垃圾。

With narrowed eyes, Ballard gives a slight nod and snaps his fingers lightly. At the crisp sound, the monster halts all movement instantly.巴拉德眯着眼睛，微微颔首，轻轻打了个响指。 随着这轻巧的响动，那只“怪物”立刻便停下了所有动作。

BallardDo you like this gift, Father?你喜欢这件礼物吗？父亲？

The officer leading the squad does not lower his gun, but Ballard calmly watches his face twist with rage.领头的军人并没有放下枪的意思，但巴拉德十分坦然地看着他的脸因愤怒而逐渐扭曲。

Colonel...Are you certain?……您确定吗？

Colonel...I understand.……我明白了。

He glances at Ballard, then at the being standing before him. A moment later, Ballard sees Oberstein's face appear through the comms feed.他看了看巴拉德，又看了看巴拉德身前的“人”。 随后，巴拉德从通讯中看见了奥贝斯坦的脸。

ObersteinWhat is this?这是什么？

BallardI call her a "Nyto". As you can see, they are absolutely reliable tools.我称呼她为“涅托”。 如您所见，她们是绝对值得信赖的道具。

Oberstein...Though your teacher dismisses it with disdain, I will acknowledge it. But I still require a concrete answer— What can it bring me?……虽然你的老师对此嗤之以鼻，不过我要对此表达我的肯定。 但我还是要你给我一个具体的答案—— 它能为我带来什么？

BallardEverything you desire. I only wish to prove that I can make better use of my sister's legacy. Rather than allowing fools and trash to profane it, I will handle it personally. As you see, even under such circumstances, I can complete a prototype. If you are willing to grant me an opportunity—and sufficient resources— I can deliver to you an empire entirely under your control.您想要的一切。 我只是想要证明，我可以更好的利用姐姐的遗产。 比起让那些蠢货和垃圾玷污，倒不如由我来亲自动手。 如您所见，即便是在这样的场合下，我依然能够完成一件试验品。 只要您肯给我机会——还有足够的资源。 我可以交给您一个任由您控制的帝国。

Oberstein...Very interesting, Ballard. Are you implying that your teacher lacks such ability?……很有意思，巴拉德。 你在暗指你的老师不具备这个能力？

BallardI do not doubt Professor Laplace's capability in the slightest. But I am your son, Father... Only I will truly act in your interests.我丝毫不怀疑拉普拉斯老师的能力。 但是，我才是您的儿子，父亲……只有我，才会真正地替您着想。

Oberstein...Bring your prototype—and the slices—back. We will discuss the matter in detail, in a more appropriate setting.……把你的试验品，还有切片都带回来。 我们可以仔细地谈一谈，在更恰当的场合。

Ballard...As you command, Father.……遵命，父亲大人。

ObersteinDo not forget to clean up, Ballard. You are no longer a child.别忘了打扫卫生，巴拉德。 你已经不是孩子了。

Click. The call ends.滴。 通讯挂断。

Ballard looks at the Nyto before him and nods.巴拉德看向身前的涅托，朝它点了点头。

Ballard...You heard him. Clean it up.……你听见了。 打扫干净。

The Nyto nods impassively.涅托空洞地点了点头。

The next second, her figure vanishes from where she stands.下一秒，她的身形在原地消失。

ColonelWha—什——

The colonel closest to Ballard loses his head first. Ballard takes the communicator from his hand.离巴拉德最近的上校率先丢掉了脑袋，巴拉德从他的手里取走了通讯器。

He then walks into the bedroom and closes the door, shutting out the gunfire in the living room—and the one-sided slaughter unfolding there.随后，他走到卧室，关上了门，隔绝了客厅里的枪声——以及正在上演的单方面屠杀。

Lunasia (?)...What is it, Bill?……怎么了？比尔？

William...Nothing. Just remembering some old memories.……没什么，只是想起了一些往事。

Over the course of his long and meticulous plans, he has "used" many prototypes. Few have ever managed to hold William's patience. ...But Immune Subject 10876 is one of them.在漫长而缜密的计划之中，他“使用”过不少原型体。 这其中，能让威廉耐住性子的并不多。……但10876号免疫体就算是其中之一。

Like that experimental subject from years ago, she bears many similarities to his sister.她和当年那个实验体一样，和他的姐姐有着很多相似之处。

WilliamHow is the situation in Bohnsdorf?伯恩村的情况怎么样了？

White NytoFather, everything has been carried out according to your instructions. Today's log has been sent to you for review. As per the plan... please allow a little more time. Subject 10876 has not yet matured.父亲大人，一切都按照您的要求落实了，今天的记录日志已经发送给您了，请您查阅。 只是按照计划……还要请您等候片刻，10876号尚未成熟。

William...That's fine.……无妨。

William takes the log from the Nyto and carefully reviews the data. Once he confirms that today's figures show no anomalies, he retrieves a classified dataset and compares the two sets line by line.接过涅托递来日志之后，威廉仔细地核对着上面的各项数据。 在确认今天的数据也并无异样之后，威廉调出了一份绝密数据，然后将两份数据一一对比。

WilliamImmunity metrics, psychological data, mental state... Heh. Even among trash, she is the finest specimen.免疫能力、人格数据、精神状态…… 呵……即便是一介垃圾，也是垃圾中最好的一个了。

At this moment, he is comparing 10876's data to the original body's data. Watching the nearly overlapping lines on the graph, even someone as exacting as William must admit there is nothing more he can fault in 10876. Perhaps that is why he tolerates many of the things she does. He is happy to overlook the behaviors that seem utterly meaningless to him.此时，他正在用10876号的数据比对本体的数据。看着折线图上那几乎吻合的线条，苛刻如威廉也不得不承认，自己对10876号没有更多能挑剔的。 或许也正是因此，自己能容忍她的诸多行为。那些在他看来毫无意义的举止，威廉可以做到睁一只眼闭一只眼。

Such treatment is not something trash deserves.这不是垃圾该享配的待遇。

LunasiaSuperior data alone would not move you to this extent. Bill, there must be another reason... I can tell.只是数据上的优越，不会让你做到这份上。 比尔，你一定还有其他的原因……我都知道。

William... You are right.…… 让你说中了。

His sister's voice echoes by his ear again, sweet enough to intoxicate him.耳畔再次回响起姐姐的声音，那声音甜美得令他生醉。

WilliamNo matter how excellent the data, it is still merely quality trash... Still trash, at the end of the day. But...数据再优秀，也只是垃圾中的良品而已…… 终究只是垃圾。 但……

William pauses. His eyes drift to a corner of the room, where only he can see Lunasia's figure.威廉顿了一下，他的眼睛看向房间当中的一角空间——在那里，只有他看得见露尼西亚的身影。

He reaches out, but is unable to touch her. His fingers rest upon her hair, though it is without substance.他伸出手来，却无法触碰到她的实体，手指只能虚有其表地搭在她的发丝上，毫无任何实感。

Even so, the sight is precious beyond measure.但即便如此，这番景象，也足以令他视若珍宝。

WilliamPerhaps because she resembles you in some ways, my dear sister, Lunasia. As part of the plan, this trash has its value... Subject 10876 will bring you back to my side... Give me a little more time. Your baby brother has grown into a man. He now possesses the strength to protect his sister...或许是因为她与你有几分相似吧，我亲爱的姐姐，露尼西亚。 作为计划的一部分，这垃圾有它的价值…… 10876号，一定会让你重回我的身边……请再给我一点时间…… 你的弟弟已经长大成人，拥有保护姐姐的能力了……

Lunasia's figure flickers, then moves beside William, offering him a warm embrace. He breathes in her scent in rapture and shudders in pleasure...露尼西亚的身影闪动了一瞬，随后来到威廉身边，留给他一个温暖的怀抱。 威廉陶醉地嗅吸着姐姐身上的味道，只觉得大脑一阵颤抖……

Moments later, her image fades away, disappearing as before. Only then does William open his eyes and see the Nyto trembling violently.片刻过去，露尼西亚的身影渐渐淡去，直到不见踪形，一如从前…… 威廉这才睁开眼睛，看见抖如筛糠的涅托。

WilliamWhat did you see?你看见什么了？

White NytoN-nothing at all... Father...什、什么、什么都没看见…… 父亲大人……

WilliamHeh... As it should be. Trash is trash because they don't see the bigger picture.呵……那就对了。 垃圾之所以垃圾，在于视野同样狭隘。

He snaps his fingers.随后，空气中传来一个响指的声音。

At the sound, the White Nyto collapses, her life extinguished.紧接着，刚才的白涅托在那响指声后断绝生机，跌倒在地。

Unconcerned with the fate of trash, William activates the Bee Sting System and connects to real-time surveillance. On the screen is Bohnsdorf.无暇顾及垃圾的处境，威廉打开“蜂针”系统，连接上了实时监控。 监控内容之中，是伯恩村的画面。

Rich Man 1My Lady! Take a picture with me!圣女！请你来跟我合个影吧！

Rich Man 2My Lady, please autograph my body! Anywhere will do!圣女姐姐，请在我的身上签名！哪里都可以！

Subject 10876There's...There's too many people... Please... Let me go!人，人太多了，求求你们……让我离开——

William...Revolting.……令人作呕。

He intended to check on Subject 10876's status today, only to be met with this vulgar spectacle.他本想看看10876号今天的情况，谁知道撞上这般恶俗的情景。

William's eyelids twitch as he shuts off the feed in irritation.威廉眼皮直跳，不耐烦地关闭了画面。

WilliamVulgar, stupid, deficient, crude—a pack of fools who happened to catch a favorable wind. After grasping power, has their life's purpose been reduced to hollow breeding instincts? A herd of pigs with degenerated cortices...庸俗、低能、匮乏、拙劣，一群撞上风口的废物。 司掌权力后，人生目标只剩下空洞的繁殖欲望了吗？ 一群脑皮层退化的猪猡……

He opens a recording from yesterday.随后，他又打开一段昨天的录像。

At the center of the image, Subject 10876 is quietly diagnosing a patient. Then she traces a mysterious sigil over a refugee's wound. After completing the ritual, she slowly rises.而身处画面中心的10876号一言不发，静静地诊断着。 随后，她在难民的创口上比划着什么神秘的图腾，在进行完一系列仪式后，10876号缓缓站了起来。

Refugee(Groans) What am I doing here?唔……我怎么在这里？

Subject 10876You're fine. You just need to rest for a while.没事了，休息一会就好了。

The dazed refugee sits up groggily, and the Saint in white prepares to leave.昏厥的难民迷惑地坐起身来，身着白衣的圣女已准备离去。

RefugeesIt's the Saint! It's the Saint! Praise be to God!圣女！圣女！感谢神！

EliaBlessed be the mercy of God, for the Holy Maiden walks among us!谢主垂怜，果然降下圣女！

William...To show mercy without discernment is to breed vermin. Subject 10876, is the power I granted you... to be squandered on trash? Or do you truly believe trash can stand equal to humans? If you love trash so much, then die with them.……不加辨别的仁慈，与害虫无异。 10876号，我赐予你的能力……就是让你浪费在垃圾身上的？ 还是你发自内心觉得，垃圾能与人相提并论？ 这么喜欢垃圾的话，就和垃圾一起去死吧。

After pausing the footage, William rubs his brow. Undeniably, Subject 10876 closely resembles his sister even in temperament.暂停画面之后，威廉只觉得眉心发胀。 无可否认的是，10876号在性格上几乎也与姐姐有着极为相似的地方。

He recalls her words.他想起姐姐的话。

LunasiaMy dear baby brother, Bill. We will venture into a new world. Life there is beckoning to us—that is the Promised Land. A vision of bliss. A divine gift. Supreme resurrection. A pure paradise for all living beings.我亲爱的弟弟，比尔。 我们要去向一个新的世界，那里的生命在向我们招手——那里才是应许之地。 那里是至福的图景， 是神启的恩赐， 是至高无上的新生， 是属于芸芸众生的纯净乐园。

WilliamNo... Sister, not everyone deserves a ticket to paradise. We were foolish as children—foolish enough to believe every person was worth saving. We forgot that some trash and waste belong in the dark gutters where they should die.不……姐姐，不是所有人都够资格拥有乐园的门票。 小时候的我们太愚蠢了，愚蠢到以为每一个人都是值得拯救的存在。 但我们全然不记得，有些垃圾和废物，就该死在阴暗的沟渠里。

He glances again at Subject 10876 and the refugees surrounding her on the screen, nausea rising in him.他又看了一眼屏幕当中的10876号和围绕在她身边的难民，心里一阵作呕。

WilliamParadise is meant only for the two of us.乐园里面，只有我们就好。

At that moment, the laboratory door opens automatically. He hears slow, heavy pawsteps.这时，实验室的门自动开启，他听见缓慢而沉重的、爪子着地的声音。

WilliamAh, Little Bill... it is you.啊，小比尔……居然是你。

From around the corner, an elderly white Maltese limps toward him, whining softly. It is the very dog that he and his sister rescued fifteen years ago.拐角处，一只年老的白色小型犬一瘸一拐地向他走来，并持续地发出呜咽的声音。 这正是十五年前，他和姐姐亲手拯救的那只马尔济斯犬。

Time has dulled the luster of his fur. One of his small once-strong hind legs has completely atrophied.它的毛发在时间蹉跎之中已然变得黯然无光，原本小而有力的四只爪子，已经有一只后脚完全萎缩。

William lifts the dog and gazes at it with affection.威廉将它抱起，用怜爱的眼光看着它。

WilliamOh, sweet pupper, look at you. You are too old—too old to reunite with the real Lunasia.噢，亲爱的狗狗，看看你，你太老了，老到无法和真正的姐姐重逢……

As if proving him right, the Maltese in his arms—a dog that shares his name—grows weaker. His breathing grows more ragged. Soon its heart falters. He can no longer inhale, only exhale...像是回应威廉似的，那只和他共享名字的马尔济斯犬在威廉的怀里愈发病弱，它的呼吸越来越急促。 很快，它的心脏愈发迟钝，变得只能呼气，难以吸气了……

WilliamI don't blame you, my dear. 15 years is the limit of a small dog's lifespan. You have done your best.我不会怪你，亲爱的，十五年是小型犬寿命的极限，你已经很努力了。

William turns toward the Bee Sting monitor again. Watching Subject 10876 baptize refugees, he smiles meaningfully.随后，威廉转过头，看向蜂针系统的画面。 他朝着10876号为难民施洗的画面，露出了一个意味深长的笑容。

WilliamSubject 10876... allow me to teach you who is permitted to enter the new world, and who is more deserving... You will not die. As a creation once graced by Sister, you will receive a ticket to the new world... You should be grateful. You are already more fortunate than most of this world.10876号……让我来告诉你谁能被允许前往新世界，谁又是更加值得的存在…… 你不会死，你会作为姐姐垂怜过的造物，拿到去往新世界的船票…… 你该为此庆幸，你已经比这个世界上的绝大多数人都要来得幸运。

The Maltese finally breathes its last, but William does not seem to care. He carefully shaves his fur, lays him neatly upon the operating table, and straps him down. Beside it rests another surgical bed, upon which lies the already-dead White Nyto.随后，马尔济斯犬彻底断了气，不过威廉没有在意，而是把它小心地剃毛之后，平稳地放到手术台上，将它固定好。 在它旁边同样有一张手术床，而躺在上面的，则是早已死亡的白涅托。

WilliamGood thing I did not go too far just now. Only brain death. If cardiopulmonary death had occurred, it would have been troublesome...还好刚才没下死手，只是脑死亡而已。 要是心肺死亡就麻烦了……

He selects surgical tools with care—a no. 7 handle and a no. 10 blade. Soon the blade becomes an extension of his fingers, reaching toward two hearts with vastly different fates...威廉拿来手术刀具，仔细地挑选了一把7号刀柄和一枚10号刀片。 很快，刀锋成为了他手指的延伸，伸向了两颗命运迥然的心脏……

WilliamSweet pupper, consider it fortunate that I'm personally performing this operation... Few are granted such honor...亲爱的狗狗，该庆幸这是我主刀……太多人无此福分……

WilliamAfter the surgery, you will be given new life and a long lifespan—long enough to await your true master's return...手术完成之后，你将成为全新的生命，将拥有漫长的生命，足以等到你真正的主人重返人间……

The Maltese's heart is removed first. William cradles it, kissing its surface in rapture, inhaling its scent deeply...很快，马尔济斯犬的心脏被率先取了出来，威廉捧着它，陶醉地亲吻着脏器表面，贪婪地嗅吸着它的气味……

His nostrils twitch, but what fills them is not the metallic scent of blood.他的鼻尖抽动了一下，然而充盈鼻腔的并非血液的腥气……

It is the fragrance of jasmine.那是，那是茉莉的馨香……

WilliamDo not be afraid, little one... My duty is to bring back the master you long to see. Before that, you must awaken first...不要怕，小家伙……我的任务就是让你想见的主人再度出现。 在此之前，你得率先醒来才行……

Maltese(Whimpers)呜呜呜……

Soon, the Maltese's whine echoes once more in the operating room.不消片刻，马尔济斯犬的呜咽声再次回荡在手术室内。

WilliamThat sound... 15 years ago, when Sister cut open your trachea, you made the same beautiful sound...就是这个声音…… 十五年前，姐姐切开你气管的时候，你也发出了这样动听的呜咽声……

WilliamNot enough, my dear. You deserve better...远远不够，亲爱的，你值得更好的……

Maltese(Whines)呜呜呜！！

William cuts, sutures, cuts, sutures in intoxicated rhythm—as though surgery has ceased to be precise medicine and become instead a waltz of life dancing between fingers and blade. He pays no heed to the dog convulsing in agony on the table.威廉陶醉地切开、缝合、切开、缝合……仿佛手术已经不是精密的医学工程，而是游走于指尖与刀锋的生命华尔兹。 丝毫不顾台上的马尔济斯犬痛苦到抽搐的身体。

William is utterly immersed in his art, unable to extricate himself...而威廉，他已经完全沉醉于自己的艺术当中，无法自拔……

The operation is over, but the Maltese will take some time to awaken.手术结束之后，马尔济斯犬还要一阵子才能醒来。

Having scrubbed his hands, William stands before the bed, gazing at his creation.威廉刷手过后，站在病床前凝望着他的造物。

His eyes bore into the dog—and beyond.他的眼睛像是看着狗狗，又像是看向远方。

WilliamMy dear sister, I can finally fulfill my duty... Next... it will be you...我亲爱的姐姐，我终于能履行我的职责了…… 下一个……就是你了……

Beep-beep-beep! Just as he murmurs to himself, a sharp urgent alert shatters the rare silence.滴滴滴—— 就在威廉喃喃自语之际，一声紧促的的尖锐提示音，打消了室内难得的寂静。

William frowns and immediately accesses the information.威廉皱起眉头，立刻操作设备查阅情报。

William...Before entering the new world, we need to purge the old one of vermin.……在前往新世界之前，确实有必要扫除旧世界的害虫。

He leaves the laboratory expressionlessly. On the unattended screen is a message—威廉面不改色地离开了实验室。 而他未关闭的屏幕上显示着一条消息——

Five minutes ago, an armed unit of T-Dolls invaded Bohnsdorf, led by a human commander. This individual took Subject 10876 away. The intelligence transmitted by a Nyto includes a blurred image. It is too indistinct, and not every pest merits registry in his memory. Yet after a moment, he recognizes this particular pest.五分钟前，一支人形武装部队入侵了伯恩村，带头的是个人类指挥官，此人带走了10876号。 涅托回传的情报当中还附了一张模糊的图片，由于实在是过于模糊，外加不是每只害虫都有资格进入他的记忆——但过了一会，他还是认出来了这只特殊的害虫。

Just as Subject 10876 is unique among trash, this Griffin Commander stands out among pests as the one who has caused him the most trouble.正如10876号在垃圾之中是独一无二的存在，这位格里芬的指挥官在一众害虫当中，亦是带给他最多麻烦的一个。

Accolade 荣勋

In a backstage waiting room in an auditorium, Frankfurt.法兰克福 礼堂 后台等候室

William sits behind the curtain, quietly waiting for the investiture ceremony to begin. It is arranged by that pretentious Earl.威廉坐在幕后，静静地等待着授勋仪式的开始。 这是那个装模作样的爵士安排的。

Although he has already been accepted by those old geezers as a member of the URNC, formalism has endured throughout human civilization for a reason. It serves a purpose. So William understands why he must waste time sitting here. Only through this ritual does he become, in the truest sense, one of them.尽管他已经作为新罗联的一员被那群老头子接纳了，但形式主义之所以能源远流长地在人类文明中占据地位，正是因为有其必要。 所以，威廉能理解为什么他需要浪费时间坐在这里，因为只有这样，他才算是真正意义上的“自己人”。

Yet in William's eyes, the true recipients of this decoration ceremony are the organizers themselves. He feels more like the trophy displayed upon the podium.只是，在威廉看来，他们搞出来的授勋仪式，实际上的领奖人是他们自己。 自己更像是领奖台上的奖品。

Thus, this investiture, which is not part of his original plans, inevitably makes him restless. In his design, such trivialities have no place.因此，这起不在预定计划内的授勋仪式，还是无可避免地令他感到有些坐立难安。 毕竟，原本的计划当中，这些琐事都不该存在。

...At the very least, he should not need to appear in person. He has as many doubles as he wishes. Still, there is no need to slight the Earl over something so minor.……至少他不应该亲自来，替身要多少有多少。 不过，倒也不需要为了这点事拂了爵士的面子。

A knock sounds at the door. William knows the ceremony is about to begin.一道敲门声响起，威廉知道授勋仪式即将举行。

He rises, adjusts his appearance before the mirror, and follows the staff to the rear of the stage for the final preparations.他站起身子，对着镜子整理了一下仪表，跟随工作人员的安排来到礼堂幕后，做最后的准备。

HostNow, please welcome our comrade from the Union of Rossartrism Nations Coalition—Lord Ballard von Oberstein—to the stage for his investiture.那么，接下来有请罗克萨特主义联盟的战友——巴拉德·冯·奥贝斯坦爵士登台授勋。

As the host concludes the introduction, William walks forward slowly.伴随着主持人的铺垫，威廉缓缓走上台前。

Countless camera flashes erupt against his face. Thunderous applause rolls from the audience below.无数镁光灯对准他的面容闪烁，台下是雷鸣般的喝彩。

He looks out at the fervent crowd and recognizes the expressions on their faces. Once upon a time, that obsequious, fawning devotion belonged solely to Rudolf von Oberstein of the German Democratic Republic.看向台下狂热的人群，他认得他们脸上的表情—— 曾几何时，这卑躬屈膝的谄媚姿态仅属于民主德国的鲁道夫·冯·奥贝斯坦。

Now Oberstein is nothing more than roadside grass, ignored and trampled upon, while he—not only unified the inner and outer identity of the name "William", but also stands as the most distinguished heir of the Oberstein family's glory. The honor that once belonged to his biological father has wisely transferred itself to him—as it should.现在，奥贝斯坦已经已经变成了路边的一簇野草，无人问津——而他，不仅统合了“威廉”之名的表里，亦是集成奥贝斯坦家族荣光的杰出后代。 原本属于他生物学意义上的父亲的荣光，全部识相地转向了他——理所应当。

Only today does he truly feel what it means to "seek revenge on Rudolf". Not merely biological eradication, but total social replacement. Complete revenge.直到今天，他才对“向鲁道夫复仇”这件事，有了真正意义上的实感，不仅是生理上的铲除，更是社会层面上的完全替代，实现了全面复仇。

Not to mention... he has already purged every last vestige of his father's influence.更别提……他已然铲除了父亲的全部势力。

Once more, he pushes open that pitch-black door. Facing the rows of kneeling figures, he again recalls the sight from 15 years ago—the moment after endless darkness when he first saw his sister dismembered. After walking out of that warehouse, he resolved to take revenge on Oberstein.再次推开那扇黑漆漆的门，面对跪成一排的各类人等，威廉又一次地想起十五年前他在无边的黑暗之后见识姐姐被分尸的惨状。 从那间仓库出来之后，他下定决心要报复奥贝斯坦。

For that purpose, he has endured for years in silence. When Morridow dissected him in the same manner, William smiled in satisfaction. Then he gave the Nyto one last order—every individual who has directly served Oberstein over the last 20 years is to be brought to this warehouse.为此他不惜隐忍多年。 当默莉朵将他按照同样方式切分过后，威廉心满意足地笑了，随后他对涅托下达了最后的命令——以二十年为跨度，在此期间所有直接服从过奥贝斯坦命令的人，全要抓到这件仓库之中。

Including their immediate family members.包括他们的直系亲属。

Lunasia (?)My dear little brother, you have finally done it... I am truly happy for you.我亲爱的弟弟，你终于做到了…… 我真是发自内心地替你感到高兴。

His sister's voice drifts down, lingering beside his ear.姐姐的声音垂了下来，萦绕耳边，久久未散。

WilliamSister...姐姐……

Lunasia (?)Go... Do everything you wish to do... I will always stay with you. It's alright...去吧……去做你想做的一切吧…… 姐姐会一直陪着你的…… 都没关系的……

Lunasia's voice gradually fades. William lifts his head to extract himself from the tide of emotion.露尼西亚的声音渐渐远去，威廉从个人情绪的浸润当中抬起头来。

He walks to a man and gives him a tentative kick. The Nyto understands immediately and removes the blindfold tied around the man's head.随后，他走到一人面前，试探性地踢了一脚。随后涅托心领神会地把系在他脑袋上的眼罩拿掉。

BodyguardYoung Master! Have mercy! I never spoke a single word to Lord Oberstein!呜！少爷！您开恩啊！我从来没有跟奥贝斯坦老爷说过一句话啊！

A blatant lie.这是实打实的谎言。

WilliamHa. Big man, do you know what my greatest strength is?呵，大个子，你知道我这人最大的优点是什么吗？

BodyguardM-mercy and kindness?仁、仁慈友善？

William laughs aloud.听到这话，威廉笑出了声。

WilliamIt is my excellent memory.是我记性特别好。

The bodyguard's face turns ashen. He trembles on his knees.听到这话保镖的脸立刻面如死灰，他跪在地上不停颤抖。

WilliamI recognize your face. I remember every word you ever said. You were the captain who held me down and threw me into that room 15 years ago.我认得你的脸，记得你说过的每一句话。 十五年前，你就是那个把我架起来扔到房间里的保镖队长。

He raises his head and points toward a woman in a white lab coat several rows back.随后他抬起头来，指向人群当中一个穿白大褂的女人。

WilliamThird row behind you, to the right. Her name is Karin. She gave the order to dissect Luci. Later, when Oberstein placed me in confinement, I memorized the roster of every staff member at the research institute. Your faces, your duties—I can recite them all...你后面三排靠右一位的，叫卡琳，当时下令切分露西的就是她。 后来奥贝斯坦罚我禁闭的时候，登记在花名册上的每个研究所人员我都记得，无论是你们的脸还是你们的工作，我全都报得上来……

ResearcherYoung Master, spare us! We were only following Lord Oberstein's orders! We had no choice!少爷您饶命啊！我们真的只是服从老爷的命令而已啊！ 我们也是被逼无奈啊！

WilliamBegging for mercy, eh? I suppose you're not at fault. As you said, you were merely following orders. You never formed the will to oppose me... In other words, you are innocent.求饶？不，你们没有错。 正如你们所言，你们只是执行命令而已，你们并没有产生与我对抗的意志……换句话说，你们都是无辜的……

The researcher who spoke moments ago brightens at these words.听到这话，刚才说话的研究人员喜上眉梢。

ResearcherThen we're spared? You'll let us go? My wife and child—那我们得救了？您放过我们了？我的孩子和老婆……

WilliamSir, I have not finished speaking.这位先生，我的话还没说完。

William raises his hand, displaying his fingernails.威廉伸出手来，亮出他的指甲。

WilliamDo you know what a fingernail leaves behind when it scratches skin?各位，你们知道指甲在肌肤上划过，会留下什么吗？

He drags a nail across his right hand. There is no visible change on his skin.威廉划了一下他的右手，然而什么也没有变化。

WilliamThe answer is nothing—on the macroscopic level. But on the microscopic level, whenever two objects make contact, no matter how slight, a minute scratch remains...答案是什么也不会留下——但这只是宏观层面。 微观层面上，只要物体与物体之间有所接触，无论多么轻微，都会留下一道细小的划痕……

Someone in the crowd senses danger and tries to speak, only to have their throat seized by the Nyto the next instant.人群中有人觉察到情况不对，那人正想说些什么，下一秒就被涅托扼住了咽喉。

WilliamThough you never directly defied my will, just like that tiny scratch... Your actions truly took place. And not only do I possess an excellent memory, my eyes are crystal clear.虽然你们没有直接忤逆过我的意志，但正如这细小的划痕一样。 你们的所作所为，是真实发生过的。 而我不光记忆力很好，我的眼睛擦得雪亮。

His words flood the warehouse with despair. The captives shout, weep, and scream.此言一出，研究所内的所有人面如死灰，他们叫嚷着、哭喊着，一时间整个研究所内充斥了绝望的氛围。

WilliamI will let your families rot in this warehouse for generations, until the particles composing your bodies endure endless half-lives and meet the universe's heat death. Regrettably, you have not obtained a ticket to the new world. Instead, you will serve a life sentence in the old one.我要让你们家族的世世代代都烂在这个仓库里，直到组成你们身体的粒子在无穷无尽的全衰期里迎来宇宙的热寂。 很遗憾，你们不仅没有获得前往新世界的船票，还将在旧世界的服完穷极一生的无期徒刑。

With that, William leaves the warehouse. The Nyto shuts the door behind him.留下这么一句话后，威廉离开了仓库，涅托关上了大门。

In the office of the research institute, he opens a box. Inside sits a potted plant.走到研究室办公室，他打开一个箱子，里面装着的，是一株盆栽。

Yet instead of green leaves, it grows raw, blood-soaked flesh... At its crown rests the shattered but unmistakable human head of Oberstein.只是那盆栽生长的并非是绿叶，而是血淋淋的血肉组织…… 最顶端的树冠，被一颗四分五裂的头颅替代，而那毫无疑问，是奥贝斯坦的头。

WilliamAnd you, Oberstein... Death would be mercy for you...还有你，奥贝斯坦…… 死亡对你来说未免是种仁慈……

WilliamDo not worry. Being torn apart is nothing. I will stitch you back together flawlessly... I will not spare a single neuron... I will ensure you are put to full use... the same way you treated Sister.你放心，区区大卸八块而已，我一定会把你缝得天衣无缝的……每一条神经元都不会放过…… 就像你对待姐姐一样，我待你一定物尽其用。

WilliamBut first, I must perform surgery on her. As for you, your immediate duty is to look pretty as a potted plant...不过，在此之前，我还得给姐姐做手术。 而你的当务之急，是做好一株盆栽……

Recalling Oberstein's face again fills William with clarity and exhilaration. He smiles and waves to the audience below, responding to their fervent gaze. He knows this is necessary to secure his place in the new world.再度回想起奥贝斯坦的模样，威廉感到一阵神清气爽，他笑着向台下挥了挥手，回应他们的心意，回应他们的目光。 他知道，这是在新世界的位置中占有一席的必要之举。

At this moment, he indeed possesses enough composure to smile at this rabble.而此时他确实也有朝这帮渣滓露出笑容的余裕。

Representatives from various sectors then come forward to shake his hand. William stands waiting. Though his composure does not extend to genuine comfort in touching this filth, it is part of the ritual. He has no choice.接下来是各界代表上台握手的时间，威廉站在旁边等着。 尽管他的余裕并没有多到可以让他毫无芥蒂地与这帮渣滓握手，但这也是形式的一部分，现在他没得选。

Trade & Industry RepresentativeCongratulations, Lord Oberstein. We look forward to future cooperation.祝贺您，奥贝斯坦爵士，期待未来与您的合作。

WilliamLikewise.您也是。

One handshake follows another. William grows impatient, but he lowers his head and subtly readjusts his expression.与他握手的人一个接一个，威廉有点不耐烦了。 但他还是低下头来，在旁人觉察不到的空隙里调整着自己的表情。

Then, from within the noisy, chaotic mass of mediocrity, a sharp, piercing gaze strikes him. He is not a battle-hardened soldier, but his instincts remain keen.——就在这时，自吵闹的，嘈杂的，乌合之众们的集合之中，一道锐利的，尖利的，仿若存在实体的视线，直勾勾地投向了他。 他并非身经百战的战士，但同样拥有敏锐的直觉。

His practiced smile freezes. His eyes cut through the crowd and meet those hidden beneath a hood. ...Her again.他那做作的笑容凝固在了脸上，目光穿越人群，与那双掩盖在兜帽下的眼睛对视。 ……又是她。

WilliamYou never learn, do you, filthy idiot.……还真是一点都学不乖啊，肮脏的蠢蛋。

Environmental Protection RepresentativeW-what...?什……什么？

???...I return from the borderlands to deliver your death. Until you reach your end, I will not close my eyes.……我自交界之地归来，就是为了把你的死亡送到。 你不至终焉，我不闭双眼。

Security GuardUnauthorized T-Doll detected! The target is armed! Protect the VIP! Repeat—protect the VIP!发现无授权人形！对方持有武装！ 掩护VIP！重复！掩护VIP！

BelugaTime to pay your dues, "William"!——拿命来吧，“威廉”！

Bloodstained Venus 血污维纳斯

At an observation point some distance away from the award ceremony, several Dolls concealed in the shadows thoughtfully contemplate what has just unfolded.在距离授勋仪式仍有相当一段距离的观察点，几名人形将自己的身影隐藏在阴影之下，若有所思地审视着刚才发生的一幕。

AN-94...Is this also part of his plan?……这也是那位的安排？

AK-12That old man would never make a move that spooks the enemy. Not to mention the success rate is practically zero—even M16A1, who returned from that place, managed to take only one of his arms. And even if it had truly succeeded, there would still be no way to confirm that the target himself had been present.那老头才不会做这种打草惊蛇的安排。 且不说成功率基本为0——连从“那个地方”归来的M16A1都只能拿下一只手。 就算真的成功，也不能确定那就是目标本人。

AK-15...If I join in as well, we might pull it off.……如果我也一起动手，可以成功。

AK-12That is precisely the other problem. She insists on fighting alone and refuses to share intelligence with us. It's almost as if she's possessed. But perhaps this is for the best. Now, whether she likes it or not, whatever her misgivings may be, she will have to follow our plan.这就是另一个问题了。 这家伙像魔怔了一样，非要单打独斗不说，还不跟我们做情报交流。 不过这样也好，现在这样，她就算再不愿意，再有什么苦衷，也得按我们的方案行动了。

AK-12Otherwise, she can sit quietly in the audience and watch. Judging by the obsession she has shown, that is not a path she will choose.否则，就乖乖在观众席看着。 以她表现出来的执念，大概不会选这条路。

AN-94...I am tracking Beluga's evacuation route. I will establish a comms channel with her later.……我在追踪白烨戈的撤离路线。 之后会和她建立通讯频道。

AK-12Good. Then the pieces on the board are almost assembled. For now... let's get the Commander back on their feet. Then, we find a way to pull the wool over that Brit's eyes.很好，那棋子就差不多凑齐了。 现在就……先让指挥官振作起来。 然后，就是想办法骗过那个英国佬的眼睛。

AK-12We've got our work cut out for us... comrades.我们还忙得很呢……同志们。

King vs King 王对王

His severed arm still throbs with pain at the stump.断臂处，他的伤口依然还在刺痛着。

WilliamCommander...指挥官……

He does not hate the Doll who took his arm. In fact, a mere Doll is not even worth his hatred. Things are not supposed to turn out like this.他并不憎恨那个夺去了他手臂的人形——或者说，一个人形还不至于入了他的眼。 事情不该是这样的。

It is not just a single arm... He is not supposed to be here at all. He should not be here.不是区区一只手臂……他现在就不该在这。 他不该在这。

To hell with the Earl. To hell with the URNC. To hell with that damned investiture ceremony... None of these nuisances have any place in his life.什么爵士，什么罗联，什么该死的授勋仪式…… 这些麻烦和问题都不应该再出现在他的生活当中。

He is meant... to become the Adam of the new world.他本该……成为新世界的亚当才对。

Three days earlier.三天前。

Stasi AgentMr. William, the Earl has left a message for you.威廉先生，爵士有给你的留言。

He has only just collected himself after the emergency treatment of his severed limb when the Earl's letter arrives. He can already guess its contents, yet he still takes it at the agent's urging.彼时，他刚从断肢的紧急处理当中缓过神，爵士的信件就随之而来。 他大概猜得到信件的内容，但还是在特工的授意下接过信件。

With difficulty, he tears it open using one hand. At that moment, he suddenly realizes—he will have to live with only one hand for the rest of his life. Clearly, this, too, was never part of his design.他吃力地单手拆开信件。 也正是由此，他忽然意识到——从此之后的生活，他只剩一只手了，显然，这件事也不在他的预定计划之中。

WilliamTsk...啧……

He unfolds the letter with effort. It is handwritten by the Earl himself, weighty despite its brevity.他费力地展开信件，这是一封爵士的亲笔信，看来颇有分量。

Venus has been recovered. —Earl“金星”已寻回。——爵士

William's thumb creases the fine paper as he narrows his eyes at the short line written across its expensive surface. Having read the message, he looks up at the Stasi agent.威廉的拇指压皱了信纸，眯着眼，看着高级的纸张上略显简短的话语。 阅罢信件，威廉抬起头，眼睛看向斯塔西特工。

William...Has the assassin been captured?……刺客抓到了吗？

Stasi AgentLatest intelligence indicates that M16, under coordinated pursuit, climbed to the rooftop of the auditorium and lept from a height of over 300 meters while surrounded. According to analysts, even a Doll could not survive such a fall. Stasi operatives are conducting a full sweep. There should be news soon.最新消息，M16在多方围剿之下，爬上礼堂顶楼，随后在重重包围中一跃而下。 根据情报专员推测，从三百多米的高楼一跃而下，即便是人形也不可能存活。 斯塔西的各路专员正在地毯式搜索，相信很快就能有消息。

WilliamSo it escaped.那就是让它逃了。

Stasi AgentImpossible. Our calculations—绝无可能，我们的人计算过——

William...Did the Earl send you here to argue with me?……爵士派你跟我来顶嘴的？

WilliamI have dealt with these vermin for years. Do I need a lecture on the combat capabilities of Griffin Dolls from you?我跟这帮害虫打过这么久交道，需要你来告诉我格里芬人形的作战素质吗？

William raises a brow and fixes the agent with a direct stare. The man swallows under that gaze.威廉眉头抬起，双眼直视斯塔西特工。 对方被他盯得吞了吞喉咙。

Stasi AgentTh-the Earl has also tasked me to return with your verbal response...爵、爵士还派我给您捎了个口信，他想得到您的口头答复……

William closes his eyes and thinks. The Earl's intentions are not difficult to grasp—if anything, it would've been more unusual if he had not done this.威廉闭上眼睛，他在思考。 爵士的意思不难理解，倒不如说他不这么做反而让他感到奇怪。

But after such a long and bitter conflict, suddenly speaking of reconciling him with the Commander... William cannot help but feel repulsed by the idea. Vermin are vermin, no matter how strong. How could he ever stand alongside them? Over the years, the Commander has ruined far too many of his plans.只是，在这样漫长而激烈的对抗下，突然间说要弥合他和指挥官的关系……威廉对此深有芥蒂。 害虫多么强大也只是害虫，他怎么可能与害虫为伍？这么多年下来，指挥官坏了自己太多的事情。

Even Lunasia...甚至露尼西亚……

At the thought, Lunasia's voice echoes faintly in his ears.想到这里，耳畔再次回响起露尼西亚的声音。

When he opens his eyes, she stands before him, smiling gently.睁开眼，露尼西亚站在他的面前，微笑地看着他。

Then she nods.随后，她点点头。

The vision fades again. His sister's meaning is clear.虚像再次消散。 姐姐的意思，已经很明确了。

WilliamTell the Earl I will abide by his arrangements. I am willing to make every effort toward reconciliation, should the Earl require it.请你转告爵士，我会按照他的意思出面，服从他的安排。 我本人愿意为和解做出一切努力，只要爵士需要。

He does not look at the agent as he speaks, instead gazing toward a corner of the fireplace—the place where Lunasia vanished. His tone is cold, stripped of all emotion.威廉并未直视特工，而是看向壁炉一角——那正是露尼西亚消失的方向。 他冷冷地说道，声音之中不夹任何感情。

His remaining hand crushes the letter until it is wrinkled and nearly torn apart.而那只安然无恙的手，将信纸攥得皱皱巴巴，几近破裂。

The agent does not notice any of that. With one final nod, he bows and departs.然而斯塔西特工并未注意到这一点，他点了点头，鞠了个躬就此离开。

Beep-beep. A sharp tone from the communicator pulls William back to the present. He tilts his head toward it; the gloom on his face is swiftly replaced by a smile.滴滴。 通讯的响声将威廉从思绪中唤醒，他偏头看向了通讯器，阴沉的脸很快便被微笑取代。

The call connects.通讯接通。

William...This is Ballard von Oberstein. I am proceeding to the meeting point as arranged. I must say, for someone of your stature to attend to such a trivial matter personally... You must be having quite some downtime with your URNC duties... or does that person really mean that much to you?……这里是巴拉德·冯·奥贝斯坦。 现在正按照您的安排前往会面地点。 您这样的大人物居然会为这种小事亲自出马。 看来联盟的工作并不忙碌……亦或是，那个人就真的这么得你欢心？

EarlThe meeting with the Commander is indeed important. But I require your progress report on the research, and on the acquisition of Ms. Martha Meitner's legacy.与指挥官的会面的确重要。 但我需要你汇报研究的进度，以及对玛莎·迈特纳女士遗产接收的情况。

WilliamProduction lines are recovering well. The losses of the Lake and the Towers will not be repaired in a year or two. But the projects you requested can be brought back on track within a few months. As for the remnants of Paradeus... I had not anticipated the need to reclaim them, so it is somewhat troublesome.生产线恢复进度良好。 “湖”和“塔”的损失不是一两年能够挽回的。 不过你要求的那些项目，我只需要几个月就可以推上正轨。 至于帕拉蒂斯的残余势力……我事前没考虑过还要进行回收，所以稍微有些麻烦。

EarlI expect you to accelerate the process. Continue to honor your promise, Mr. Ballard. Our arrangement may proceed smoothly—or be terminated at any time.我希望你能加快进度。 继续遵守承诺，巴拉德先生。 我们的交易可以顺利推行，也可以随时中止。

William...Understood.……我知道。

Click. The call ends.滴。 通讯挂断。

The moment the connection severs, his expression darkens again. ...Damn it.通讯挂断的瞬间，他的脸色便再一次地阴沉下去。 ……该死的。

It should not be like this. He has never prepared to gather the remnants of Paradeus... never imagined he would still be entangled in these mundane affairs.……不该是这样的。 他当然从未做过还需要收拢残部的准备……他从未想过，自己还要被这些世俗的琐事纠缠。

All because of that pest... that damned... It's all...都怪那个人……那个该死的…… 全都是……

William...This is all your fault, Commander.……全都是你的错，指挥官。

In a luxury hotel suite, White Zone, Frankfurt.法兰克福 白区 高级酒店套间内

When William enters, he sees the Commander standing before the window, back to the door, gazing out at Frankfurt's skyline. The lavish interior comes into view next, but the windows and doors are sealed shut—a feature that seems utterly at odds with the elegance of the décor.一进门，威廉便看见指挥官站在窗前，背对房门，凝视着窗外法兰克福的风景。 随后，酒店的豪华内饰映入眼帘。但其中的窗户、门扉，都严丝合缝地封闭起来，表现出一股与精致的布景格格不入的样式。

Rather than a luxury hotel in the White Zone beyond ordinary dreams, it resembles an exquisite cage—one that imprisons the Commander like a captive bird.与其说这里是普通人做梦都不敢奢望的白区豪华酒店，不如说这里是一只精致的笼子，关押着指挥官这只囚鸟。

Now that William thinks about it, this is their first face-to-face meeting. Whether he admits it or not, their conflict has lasted a long time. The Commander has grown from an insignificant figure unworthy of notice into a thorn in his side.威廉回想起来，这似乎还是他第一次跟这个人面对面。 不论他愿不愿意承认，他和这位指挥官的交手都已经持续了很长一段时间，这个人也从最开始那个难以入他法眼的小人物，变成了如今的眼中钉肉中刺。

...How similar to his own past.……与他的过往多么相似啊。

If Oberstein had not underestimated him so completely, would he have come this far? And yet he's made the same mistake.倘若奥贝斯坦不是如此地轻视他，他又是怎么能走到今天的呢？ 而如今，他竟然重复了同样的错误。

That same filthy blood flows within him, after all.他的体内，仍旧是淌着那肮脏的血。

WilliamGood evening, Commander. A pleasure to meet you at last. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ballard von Oberstein. You may also call me... William.晚上好，指挥官，初次见面。 自我介绍一下，我是巴拉德·冯·奥贝斯坦。 你也可以叫我……“威廉”。

WilliamHe truly values you, doesn't he? Even though you no longer hold any practical value, he still grants you patience—and the finest accommodations. Not only Frankfurt, but half the world awaits his salvation, yet he ensures you reside in the best hotel.他真的很看重你，是不是？ 即便你已经没有任何利用价值，他还是肯给你耐心，还有最好的待遇。 现在，不止是法兰克福，半个世界都在等着他拯救，但他还是肯安排你住在最好的酒店里。

William takes a bottle from the rack.威廉拿起了放在酒架上的一瓶酒。

WilliamA 1928 Glenlivet. A century-old vintage—far beyond what this hotel could ever supply. It is from the Earl's personal collection. He placed it here for you, but you have not even glanced at it.1928年的格兰威特，百年的陈酿，就算是这家酒店也供应不起。 这是爵士的珍藏，他特意放在这里的，可你连看都没看过一眼。

He pours two glasses. The rich aroma fills the room instantly. With a faint, ambiguous smile, he swirls his glass and nudges the other toward the Commander.威廉倒了两杯酒，香醇的酒香迅速在房间内弥漫。 他似笑非笑地摇晃着酒杯，将另一个杯子往指挥官的方向推了推。

WilliamFine liquor stirs the heart. It also makes one more inclined... to speak the truth.美酒动人心，还会让人更愿意……说些“真话”。

CommanderI don't take drinks poured by others. Especially not by you.我不喝别人倒的酒，尤其是你倒的酒。

The Commander turns and studies the young man sitting at the table. Then they walk over, pull out a chair, and sit across from him.指挥官转过了身，看着坐在位置上，面容还显得有些青涩的少年，缓缓走近，拉过椅子，坐到了他的对首。

WilliamCaution is a virtue. But in a room without surveillance, without eavesdropping, and with your enemy sitting right before you... Such caution seems excessive, don't you think? Or are you afraid that I've poisoned the Scotch? Between us, I doubt we have to resort to such clichéd methods.谨慎是美德。 但在一个没有窃听、没有监视，并且“敌人”就在你眼前的房间里的情况下…… 这种谨慎就显得有些多余了，不是吗？ 还是说，你怕我在酒里下毒？指挥官，我们之间，恐怕不需要这么古典的手段。

William produces a small box from his coat and sets it on the table. He opens it and turns it toward the Commander. A medal lies inside.威廉从怀中取出了一个盒子，轻轻放到桌子上，将其打开，随即转向了指挥官。 盒子内，静静地躺着一枚勋章。

WilliamTake it. Congratulations. Parasite beneath my radiance though you are, you have finally earned a fragment of honor for yourself.拿着吧，祝贺你，寄生在我的光辉之下，终于为自己赢得的一点点荣誉和成绩。

The Commander peers at the gleaming medal, then lowers their head and lets out a soft, relieved chuckle.指挥官看着那枚闪烁着刺目光芒的勋章，忽然低下头，发出释然的笑声。

CommanderI once thought I was unworthy of this medal. But now that I've met you, I believe the medal is unworthy of me.过去，我觉得我配不上这枚勋章。 但在见过你之后，我觉得是这枚勋章配不上我。

WilliamYou think you are the one moving the pieces. In truth, you are not the king, nor the rook, but merely a pawn pushed to the front on the Earl's board. Learn to stop while you are ahead, Commander. Know what you may take, and what... ...You should never even touch.你以为你是拿棋的人，但实际上，你不是王，不是车，只是……爵士棋盘上，被推到阵前的兵。 学会见好就收，指挥官，你要搞清楚，什么是你能拿的，什么…… ……是你碰都不该碰的。

CommanderYou sound as though you believe you are any different.听起来，你就像是在暗示，你与我有什么不同。

The faint mockery in the Commander's smile frays William's already fragile nerves.指挥官的笑容面带讥讽，令威廉本就脆弱的神经越发受到挑动。

CommanderIf I am a piece on the Earl's board, then so are you. He wishes for us to "make peace" so that we may remain obedient within the squares he has drawn.假如我是爵士棋盘上的一颗子，那你也一样。 他想让我们“和解”，然后乖乖待在他画好的格子里。

The Commander lifts the glass William has poured. The bright liquor sways within, reflecting in their eyes.指挥官伸出手，拇指捏住了威廉倒的那杯酒。 澄澈的酒液在杯中摇晃，与指挥官的眼眸交相辉映。

CommanderNeither of us wishes to be an obedient piece. So we discard him—and set up a new board.我们都不想做那枚乖乖听话的棋子。 那就只有抛开他，然后另开一盘棋。

WilliamThat's your aim, then? I hear your return was rather pitiful. Stripped of all support, like a bird with broken wings. I am curious—what sustains you? What makes you believe you can... fly back into this cage you destroyed?这就是你的目的？ ……我听说你回来得很狼狈。 失去所有后援，像一只折断了翅膀的鸟。 我很好奇，是什么支撑着你，让你觉得能飞回这个……你亲手毁掉的鸟笼里？

WilliamFor your hatred? For this arm?就为了你的仇恨？为了我这只手？

William grips the sleeve where his other arm once was.威廉用手握住了自己另一侧的袖管。

WilliamFrankly, the price is too small. So small it makes your hatred seem... cheap.坦白说，这代价太小了，小到……让我觉得你的仇恨，有些廉价。

CommanderAn arm is indeed cheap. But we both know you have lost far more. You're only sitting here talking to me because what you truly care about, what you truly want to know, is... something else, no?一只手，确实很廉价。 但我们都很清楚，你失去的远不止这些。 你现在坐在这里，同我讲这些，关心的，想知道的，不就是……别的事吗？

William...I don't know what you mean, Commander. Such insinuations are neither wise nor polite.……我听不懂你在说什么，指挥官。 你这样的暗示，可既不明智，也不大礼貌。

CommanderI have seen her.我见过“她”。

The Commander's soft and nonchalant words make the very air in the room freeze over. William's expression does not change, but the knuckles around his glass whiten.指挥官平静无波的声音只是轻轻开口，好像只是说了一句闲话，房间内的空气便像是凝固了。 威廉的表情没有变，但他握着酒杯的手指，关节微微泛白。

William"Her"... That's rather vague. We both know many "hers".“她”……是个很宽泛的词。 我们认识的“她”可是不少。

CommanderThe one who makes you willing to set aside the indignation of losing an arm and come to probe me. The one who drove you to commit all those unforgivable atrocities. The one for whom you would give everything—and more—yet could never keep. There is only one such "her".能让你甘愿放下一只手的仇恨，在这里试探我的。 能让你做出迄今为止，那许许多多不可饶恕的罪行的。 能让你付出所有，甚至更多……但却留不住的“她”，大概只有那一个。

Thunk! William sets his glass down sharply.咚！ 威廉将刚刚举起的酒杯重重放下，发出一声闷响。

He stares at the Commander, then suddenly smiles again, as if nothing has happened.他死死地盯着指挥官，但旋即又笑了，像是什么都没发生。

WilliamAre you trying to provoke me? Using a runaway creation to test my limits? That's unlike you. I expected more directness... but this is vulgar—and pointless.你这是在向我炫耀吗，指挥官？用一个……失控的造物，来刺探我的底线？ 这很不像你的风格，我以为你会更直接……这样很下作，还没有任何意义。

CommanderI simply think you would want to know what kind of scenery a meteor you ignited with your own hands saw before it fell. ...Oh yes. She asked me to deliver a message.我只是觉得，你应该很想知道，一颗你亲手点燃的流星，在坠落前……看到了怎样的风景。 ……对了，她还托我给你带句话。

William leans forward. His remaining hand clenches into a fist.威廉的身体前倾，仅剩的那只手攥成了拳。

William...Go on.……说。

CommanderShe says... she wants to go home.她说……她想回家。

William's pupils constrict violently.威廉的瞳孔剧烈收缩。

William...Home? She was born from me! I created her! We are the only family she has! We agreed—I am her—……家？她就是从我这里诞生的！我创造了她！ 我们是唯一的家人！我们说好了，我就是她的——

CommanderShe says she has seen countless paths. On each path stands a Ballard von Oberstein. Some become devils. Some scoundrels. Some nobodies. But on none of those paths is there a you... who is the Little Bill she seeks.她说，她看到了无数条路。 每一条路上，都有一个巴拉德·冯·奥贝斯坦。 有的成了魔鬼，有的成了恶棍，有的默默无闻。 但没有一条路上的你……是她要找的那个“小比尔”。

The Commander's tone remains even, like they're simply stating a fact.指挥官的语气始终没有任何波澜，像是在陈述一个既定事实。

CommanderSo she is going somewhere... without you. That is her home.所以，她要去一个……没有你的地方。 那才是她的家。

Bam! William's fist slams the table. The composure vanishes, replaced by rage and malice.嘭！ 威廉仅剩的手猛地锤在桌面上，这一次，他脸上的从容彻底消失，取而代之的是一种暴怒与阴鸷。

His breath quickens. He glares at the Commander, his voice rising uncontrollably.威廉的呼吸急促，他死死地盯着指挥官，声音开始不受控制地拔高。

WilliamLies! All lies! What do you understand?! A worthless pawn, a coward hiding behind others! You know nothing of the greatness of my sister's and my design!谎言！全是谎言！你懂什么？！ 一个连棋子都算不上的废物，一个只会躲在别人身后的懦夫！ 你根本不明白我和姐姐的计划有多么伟大！

The Commander remains seated as they calmly look up at the agitated William.指挥官依旧坐着，平静地仰视着失态的威廉。

CommanderYou're right, I don't understand it.我确实不明白。

The words pierce like a blade. William circles around the table, closing the distance, his features twisted with rage.这句话像是利刃刺穿了威廉，他绕过桌子，逼近指挥官，面容因愤怒而扭曲。

WilliamWe're creating a new world! A perfect and absolute order! I gave her form! I gave her will! Together we will purge this rotten world! You, the Earl, all remnants of the old era... you belong in the garbage heap of history!我们在创造一个新的世界！一个绝对完美、绝对正确的秩序！ 是我！是我给了她形态，是我给了她意志！是我和她一起，要将这个腐朽的世界彻底净化！ 你、爵士、所有旧时代的残渣……你们都该被扫进历史的垃圾堆！

WilliamOnly I remain! I am the one who wins!剩下的是我，是我才对！是我赢了！

He stops before the Commander, chest heaving. He looks them up and down with unhinged eyes. Suddenly struck by a thought, he shouts accusingly.威廉停在指挥官面前，胸口剧烈起伏，眼神混乱地扫视着对方。 他突然像是想到了什么，用一种质问的语气嘶吼道。

WilliamYou... you planned this meeting from the start! Why are you here?! Not for peace. Not for revenge. So what do you want?! To mock me? To savor my failure?! Or do you seek something from me?你……你一开始就设想了这次会面！你究竟是来做什么的？！ 你不是来和谈的，也不是来寻仇的！你出现在这里，到底是为了什么？！ 看我的笑话吗？欣赏我的失败吗？！还是说，你也想从我这里得到些什么？！

The Commander stands slowly and looks William in the eye. Their gaze holds no triumph, no mockery, only cold pity.面对威廉的咆哮，指挥官缓缓站起身，与威廉对视。 眼神里没有胜利的喜悦，没有讥讽，只有一种近乎怜悯的冰冷。

The Commander's reply is soft and level, but it is clearly audible over William's ragged breath.指挥官缓缓开口，声音不大，却清晰地盖过了威廉的喘息。

CommanderI came to confirm something.我来，是为了确认一件事。

William freezes.威廉的表情凝固了。

CommanderTo confirm... whether you are still that "William".确认你……究竟还是不是那个‘威廉’。

The Commander pauses, as if they are about to pronounce the final verdict.指挥官顿了顿，仿佛下了最终的判决。

CommanderNow I have my answer. You are. And you are... a lunatic beyond saving.现在，我确认了。 你是。 而且还是一个……不可救药的疯子。

William's face twitches. A low laugh escapes. The chuckle then swells into manic, hysterical peals that echo with pain and ecstasy.威廉脸上的肌肉开始抽搐，眼神涣散，随即，一阵低沉的笑声从他喉咙里发出。 笑声越来越大，越来越癫狂，最后变成了混杂着痛苦与狂喜的尖锐大笑。

WilliamHaha...哈哈……

WilliamHahahahahahaha!哈哈哈哈哈哈哈哈！

He doubles over laughing, like he's just heard the funniest joke in the world. Then he abruptly stops.他笑得前仰后合，笑得弯下了腰，仿佛听到了世界上最好笑的笑话。 然而，就在笑声最癫狂的瞬间，他却毫无征兆地停了下来。

Silence.房间里死一般寂静。

He straightens up meticulously, smoothing the folds of his collar. The frenzy vanishes, replaced by an icy calm that seems to see through everything. His gaze returns to the Commander, filled with pity and scorn.威廉缓缓地、一丝不苟地直起身，他伸手抚平了自己衣领上的褶皱，脸上的狂躁消失得无影无踪，取而代之的是一种极度冰冷、仿佛能看透一切的平静。 他重新将目光投向指挥官，那眼神里充满了怜悯与嘲弄。

William...Is that your trump card, Commander?……这就是你的王牌吗，指挥官？

WilliamInventing a story that she left me just to watch me break? I admit—your performance was quite convincing. I almost believed you.编造一个“她离开了我”的故事，就想看我崩溃的样子？ 哦，我承认，你演得很逼真，我差点就信了。

WilliamHow pitiful. That must've taken a lot of effort. But you chose the wrong weapon from the start. Because what you told me is an obvious lie.真是可怜。 你一定费了很大的力气吧？ 可惜，从一开始你就用错了武器。 因为你说的，是一个显而易见的谎言。

The Commander says nothing and simply fixes William with a cold, somber gaze.指挥官沉默地看着他，眼神冰冷而凝重。

William ignores the gaze. He turns to empty air beside him and speaks softly.威廉没有理会指挥官的目光，他再次转向身边的空处，柔声说道。

WilliamSister, look at this laughable fool. They just don't understand—you have never left. Not for a single second.姐姐，你看，这家伙多可笑。 这家伙根本不知道，你从来都没有离开过我。 一秒钟都没有。

His lips curl into a satisfied smile. He walks toward the door.他心满意足地微笑起来，转过身走向门口。

WilliamThis farce is over. Commander, enjoy the cage that the Earl has prepared for you. I have more important matters to attend to—with my sister.闹剧结束了。 指挥官，你就在这里，好好享受爵士为你准备的笼子吧。 而我，还有更重要的事情，要和姐姐一起去完成。

He pauses at the door without turning back.他停在门口，手搭在门把上，却没有回头。

WilliamBy the way, it's been interesting to meet you in person, rather than hearing about you through others. Unfortunately...对了，能亲眼见到你，而不是只从别人口中听说，还是挺有意思的。 只可惜……

He opens the door. Light outlines his silhouette.他拉开门，门外的光线勾勒出他的轮廓。

William...You will likely not live to see another day.……你恐怕已经没有明天了。

He leaves without another glance. The door closes with a soft click. The room is empty save for the Commander—and the untouched glass of Glenlivet, quietly glowing amber beneath the lights.说完，威廉头也不回地离开了房间，门被轻轻地带上，发出“咔”的一声轻响。 房间里，只剩下指挥官一人，以及那杯从始至终都未曾动过的格兰威特，在灯光下静静地泛着琥珀色的光。

Late at night, William is reading a research paper.深夜之中，威廉正在看论文。

Beep—the communicator rings.滴——联络通讯响起。

He sighs, then answers the call.他叹了口气，随后接起通讯。

WilliamIf you are about to repeat that nightmare about you going to war with a pile of scrap metal again, I am hanging up immediately.如果你又要重复那个你和一堆破铜烂铁上战场的噩梦，我现在就会挂断。

Lunasia...No, Bill. I am contacting you because I want to talk about something from our childhood...……不是的，比尔。 我来和你联络，是想和你谈谈小时候的事……

William's expression softens slightly.威廉的神态缓和了一些。

LunasiaI just had a dream. In it, we were only an ordinary brother and sister... No mansion, no servants. We worked every day just to have enough to eat... And yet, for some reason, when I woke up, I felt envious. Sometimes I imagine that we could live a simple life together like normal people. Not thinking about distant things like M4, Elisa, or Dandelion, and just focusing on how to survive, how to find a little more happiness...我刚才做了一个梦，梦见我们只是一对普通的姐弟…… 没有豪宅也没有仆人，为了果腹每天都要努力工作…… 但是不知道为什么，醒来之后我却感到十分羡慕。 我偶尔也在幻想，幻想我们可以像正常人那样，度过平凡的一生。 不去思考M4，伊莱莎，或者丹德莱这些遥远的事，只想着怎样活下去，怎样获得更多的幸福……

WilliamTo dream of such things is weak, but undeniably sweet. Just you and I...?这样的梦，虽然有些软弱，但的确很甜美，姐姐和我吗……

LunasiaBill, it's not too late...所以，比尔，现在还来得及……

William...What are you trying to say?……你想说什么。

LunasiaCan you give me an ordinary body? If you are willing, I can let everything go and leave with you. We could go somewhere remote, live quietly without anyone disturbing us... Stop causing death and destruction, alright?你能给我一具普通的身体吗？ 如果你愿意的话，我可以放下一切，只跟你走。 我们去一个偏远的乡下，过没有其他人打扰的生活…… 不要再制造死亡了，好吗？

WilliamWe will, Luci. I promised you long ago that in the new world, we would live exactly as you wished.我们会的，露西。 很早之前我答应过你，在新世界里，我们就按你说的那样去做。

LunasiaBill, you know that's not what I mean...比尔，你明知道我说的不是这个意思……

William's face darkens.威廉的脸色阴了下去。

WilliamYou should sleep.你该睡了。

He is about to end the call when Lunasia's voice stops him.威廉正要挂断通讯，然而露尼西亚的声音打断了他。

LunasiaBill—比尔——

WilliamIt seems the previous surgery was not enough to stabilize your condition, Sister. You still don't fully remember who you are. But it doesn't matter. The next procedure is soon. When that time comes, you will understand whose wish it is that I've been trying to fulfill.看来之前的手术还不够稳定姐姐的状况呢，你还是不能完整的记起自己是谁。 不过没关系，下一次手术的日子已经很近了，到时候你就能想明白，我迄今为止做的这一切到底是为了达成谁的心愿。

LunasiaBill, whether you're trying to fulfill my wish or keep our promise... I know you must have suffered greatly when I was gone. Those days without me are what turned you into this. That was my failure as your sister. But now I am back. Your goal is achieved. It is time for us to pick up where we've left off when we were children. You can be Little Bill again and I can be the elder sister who always protected you... As long as you stop doing things that hurt others—and yourself. Please?比尔，心愿也好，约定也好…… 我知道，我离开之后你一定吃了很多苦。是那些我不在的日子把你变成这样的。这是姐姐的失职。 但现在我回来了，你的目的也达成了，现在是时候让我们回到小时候了。 你还可以当回那个小比尔，我还可以做回那个总是保护着你的姐姐…… 只要你，只要你不再做那些伤害别人，也伤害你自己的事，好吗？

WilliamSister... Since childhood, you have always been gentle and kind, but also so very naïve. The beauty of those days existed only because of ignorance—an illusion built upon the privilege of being children. Even the cruelty and bitterness, the foolishness and madness we witnessed, were preserved like fruit soaked in honey. People grow up.姐姐……儿提时代起，你就一直都温柔而善良，可是，却也那么天真。 因为那时的美好只是因为无知懵懂的幻象，是被身为“儿童”的特权所堆砌的虚假理想——即使我们眼中所看到的残忍与苦涩，愚昧与疯狂，都已是在蜜糖中浸泡过的腌渍品。 人是会成长的。

LunasiaBut at what cost, Bill...?但是代价是什么？比尔……

WilliamDo not call me by that name! You have lost that right!你不许用那个名字叫我！ 如今的姐姐已经没有那样的资格了！

Lunasia recoils at the sudden fury in his voice.露尼西亚被比尔突如其来的怒吼吓得瑟缩起来。

LunasiaDo not be like this... You... You're scaring me...别这样……你现在的样子让我…… 让我害怕……

WilliamIt doesn't matter. You have merely forgotten certain important things. It's alright. Your little brother remembers... He remembers what it feels like to be run over by a bicycle. He remembers the sister who would protect her family at any cost. That is why your little brother is the one who truly understands your wish.没关系，你只是想不起来一些很重要的事情罢了。 没关系，弟弟还记得……弟弟还记得被人用自行车碾压的滋味。 弟弟还记得那个不计代价地保护家人的姐姐。 所以，弟弟才是那个真的了解姐姐的愿望的人。

LunasiaBill, that's not what I meant back then... You misunderstand—比尔，我当初一定不是那个意思…… 你理解——

WilliamEnough!够了！

William cuts her off sharply.露尼西亚的话未能说完，便被威廉一举打断。

WilliamSo many years have passed. I have grown into a brother capable of protecting you. I have fulfilled that duty with everything I have. I have worked so hard... And yet you, Sister, now refuse to stand with the one who loves you most. You are worse than when you were still a child. Learning to accept your little brother's protection is also a sister's responsibility—those were your own words.这么多年过去了，我已经成长成可以保护姐姐的弟弟了，而且我一直都有好好在履行弟这份职责，我那么努力…… 可是你呢，姐姐，事到如今你反而不再向着最爱你的我，甚至比还是孩子的你都不如了。 学会接受弟弟的保护也应该是姐姐的职责——这句话明明是你亲口说的。

His voice is low now, hovering between laughter and rage, unreadable. He stares at Lunasia's face and speaks each word with deliberate clarity.此时的威廉嗓音低沉，他似笑非笑、将怒未怒，让人分辨不清他的神态。 他盯着露尼西亚的脸，一字一句地说着。

Her pupils dilate suddenly.露尼西亚瞳孔霎时放大。

WilliamI will protect you. I will protect our ideal... as well as our promise...我来保护姐姐，保护好我们的理想，还有，我们的约定……

Reichenbach's Symphony Ⅰ 莱辛巴赫交响曲Ⅰ

William's return to the family estate that once belonged to Rudolf von Oberstein signifies his inheritance of yet another piece of Rudolf's legacy. The fortune left behind by the former Minister of Industry and Construction of the German Democratic Republic is an astronomical sum.当威廉重新回到那座本属于鲁道夫·冯·奥贝斯坦的家族宅邸之时，就意味鲁道夫留下来的遗产，又被他继承了一项。 要知道，这位民主德国工业与建设部部长所留下来的遗产，多如满天繁星。

Endless resources are about to fall into his hands.无数的资源，即将为他所用。

And yet he feels no joy. Tactically, he has succeeded; strategically, he has failed.但他并没有感到任何愉快。 如今的他可谓是战术上成功，战略上失败。

Stasi AgentMr. William, the estate has been fully secured. No threats detected. You may reside here without concern.威廉先生，您的宅邸我们已经清点完毕，没有任何威胁，您可以安心住宿。

After M16's assault three days ago, the URNC government has assigned him close protection. William finds it unnecessary, but he knows it is the Earl's decision, so he does not object.三天前M16那次突袭过后，罗联政府为他安排了紧密的护卫，尽管威廉觉得这实在是没什么必要，但他知道这是爵士的意思，所以也没有反对。

WilliamUnderstood.我知道了。

He has no time to dwell on it. Accompanied by his security detail, he steps into the Oberstein estate.此时他更是无心计较这些。 随后，威廉与随行的保镖队伍，一起进入了奥贝斯坦宅邸。

As he walks toward the main entrance, he glances back at the guards and notices Dolls affiliated with the Stasi among them.走在通往正门的路上，威廉回头看了一眼自己的保镖队伍，发现其中还有隶属于斯塔西的人形。

William... How have I fallen so low as to be guarded by such things...…… 我怎么会被这种东西护卫……

He passes through the foyer and enters the house. Returning to this estate stirs no nostalgia in him.绕过玄关，步入室内。 重返这座宅邸，他没有什么心情重温旧时回忆。

He goes straight up to the second floor and into his room.只是一路走上二楼，回到自己的房间当中。

Seated before the desk in his study, he gazes at his own reflection.他坐在书房前的椅子上，凝视着自己的面庞。

WilliamAfter all these years... what have I truly been fighting for?这么多年下来……我到底是为了什么？

The Nytos were nearly annihilated. The long years of careful planning have crumbled into dust. Though he has gained everything Rudolf possessed and become Oberstein, in any real sense he now stands alone...涅托几乎全灭，自己多年以来的布局悉数化为尘土。 他虽然得到了鲁道夫的一切，成为了奥贝斯坦，但是除此之外，他已经是事实意义上的孤家寡人……

Pitter-patter... He hears the sound of four paws on the floor, drawing closer.啪嗒啪嗒…… 他听见四爪着地的声音，由远及近。

Soon, something soft brushes against his leg.很快，一只毛茸茸的东西，蹭上他的腿。

WilliamIt's you, my sweet pup... Have you been waiting long?是你，我亲爱的狗狗…… 等我很久了吗？

He lifts the Maltese into his arms. He can feel his strong, steady heartbeat, like the beat of a drum. The little creature has grown larger than before. After receiving his new heart, he seems to have entered a second stage of growth.威廉将那只马尔济斯犬抱在怀里，他能感受到它那强而有力的心跳，如同鼓点一般。 这小家伙比从前大了一圈，换上新的心脏之后，它似乎进入了二度发育。

Old teeth fall out as new ones emerge. Worn fur sheds and gives way to a fresh coat. It is, in every sense, a newly made being.旧牙脱落之后萌生新齿，陈毛褪去之后披上新鬃。 已然是活脱脱的新造物了。

WilliamI'm so glad to see you so full of life. While I was away, were you lonely here all by yourself? Do you still wait for your other master before every meal...? When you're tired, do you wish someone would speak to you...? A dog spends more than half its life guarding an empty house, waiting for its master to return...看你这么有精神，实在是太好了。 我不在家的日子里，你自己一条狗是不是很孤单？ 会不会在吃饭之前下意识地等待另一个人……？ 会不会在很累很疲惫的时候想要听人说说话……？ 犬的一生里，有一大半的时间都在守候空房，等待主人回家……

His voice grows softer. The Maltese continues to wag his tail, licking his face with a damp tongue as he sinks into quiet desolation. At last he stands and sets the dog gently on the floor, stroking his head.他的声音渐渐低下，而马尔济斯犬依然摇着尾巴，用湿润的舌头舔舐着陷入失落的威廉。 随后他站起身来，将它放在地上，摸了摸它的脑袋。

WilliamI'm sure you're that kind of good dog as well, Little Bill...你一定也是一条这样的好狗狗，小比尔……

Rustle... Rustle...沙沙…… 沙沙……

Suddenly, the faint rustle of fabric stirs the air. The Maltese reacts before he does.忽然，空气当中传来了一丝衣料摩擦的声音。 马尔济斯犬比他先反应过来！

MalteseWoof!!汪呜！！

Following his gaze, William sees the source of the sound—a second figure lurking in the darkness. In the corner of the night stands a Doll, concealed until now.顺着它的声音看去，他发现那衣物的摩擦声来自于黑暗当中的另外一人。 黑夜之中的角落里，不知何时潜伏着一个人形。

Realizing that she has been spotted, she drops all pretense, raising the dagger in her hand and lunging toward him at full speed. He does not even have time to call for the guards.对方也察觉到他的注视，索性不再伪装，连连忙抄起手中的匕首飞速向他刺去。 而他甚至没有呼喊保镖的空当。

The Maltese senses the danger and his instinct to protect his master awakens. Before William can react, he leaps forward bravely.察觉到异样的马尔济斯犬，立刻觉醒护主的基因。 在威廉来不及反应的空当里，它勇猛地扑了上去！

Bang!啪！

A gunshot cracks through the darkness, striking the dog.黑暗之中，对方开枪射中了它。

But the Maltese William has modified is no longer what he once was. His combat prowess and vitality are on an entirely different level.然而经过威廉改造的马尔济斯犬，其战斗力和生命力早就不可同日而语了。

He stumbles to his feet again and clamps his jaws around the Doll's gun hand.它颤颤巍巍地再次站了起来，然后一把咬住人形持枪的手。

William finally comes back to his senses.此时威廉也反应了过来。

A strange smile spreads across his lips.他的嘴角咧开了一个诡异的笑容。

Whum...嗡——

Doll—!!!——！！！

The Doll seems to realize something. She raises her dagger and dashes toward William. In a flash, the blade gleams as it closes in.仿佛意识到了什么，那人形提起匕首，飞速朝威廉的方向奔来！ 兔起鹘落之间，犹如某种乐器的嗡鸣声中，寒光逼近！

William...Heh.……呵。

William feels the icy edge at his throat, but he does not even bother to evade it.威廉的脖子感受到了那近在咫尺的冰寒，但他连侧步的动作都未曾有过。

Whum...嗡——

The blade barely breaks the surface of his skin before it shatters into pieces.刚刚划开肌肤表层的刀刃顷刻碎裂。

A silver shadow arcs once through the air, and with effortless precision, severs the Doll's arm.那道银色的影子扬起一刀，轻松地斩落了那名人形的手臂。

William wipes his neck with his thumb. Warm blood stains his fingerprint a vivid red.威廉用拇指擦拭了一下脖颈，温热的血迹将他的指纹浸得鲜明。

MonaHuff... huff...……哈，哈……

The attacker is a Stasi Doll agent. Her eyes are dull and vacant. He may not be a Doll expert, but even he can tell she got hacked.那是斯塔西的人形特工。 她的眼睛呆板而缺乏神色，即便并非人形专家，威廉也能轻易看出，她正处于某种被黑入的状态。

Hearing the commotion, the guards rush in and pin her to the ground.听到威廉房间里的动静，保镖迅速涌进，将其压制在地上。

Disgust wells up inside him—toward these filthy, incompetent fools, toward this insolent Doll... toward the trash that dares place him in danger.一种厌恶感油然而生，对这些肮脏无能的蠢蛋，对这胆大妄为的人形……对那让他置身险地的垃圾。

Soon, a Stasi operative approaches to offer an apology.过了一会，斯塔西的特工走了过来，对他表达歉意。

William presses a hand to his neck. Someone has draped a blanket over his shoulders to calm his nerves. His gaze remains fixed on the blood pooled on the floor. The Maltese that had been nuzzling his leg moments ago now lies lifeless.威廉捂着脖子，身上披着不知谁递来的，防惊吓的毯子，目光集中在地上的那摊血迹。 那只刚才还用头蹭着他小腿的马尔济斯犬，如今已经一命呜呼。

William... My sweet pup... you've done well. I am unharmed... You are a faithful and devoted good dog... Far more useful than those trash.…… 亲爱的狗狗……你做得很好了，我什么事都没有…… 你是一个尽职尽责的好狗狗……比那些垃圾有用得多。

The guards take in the scene and quietly withdraw.一旁的保镖看着房间内的景象，自觉地离开了房间。

William gathers the dog into his arms, offering him some final warmth as his life fades away.威廉将狗狗抱在怀里，用自己最后的体温送别了它的生命。

WilliamGood boy. Death is merely a temporary mercy. This filthy world does not deserve you. In the new world, I'll be with a new you and a new Sister. We'll be together again as a family. Sleep now... just a little longer... and it will be alright.好孩子，死亡只是暂时的仁慈。 这个肮脏的世界不配拥有你。 在新世界当中，新的姐姐和新的你，都会让我们重新成为新的一家人。 睡吧……只要再睡一会……就好了。

After a while, the silver figure who shielded him during the crisis steps forward.过了一会，刚才那个在紧急情况之中护卫住威廉的银色身影，慢慢地走到了威廉的面前。

Her eyes are hollow, devoid of emotion—like a machine with no consciousness.只见她眼神空洞，情绪全无，一如抽离意识的机械。

William rises slowly and hands her the Maltese's body.威廉慢慢站了起来，把马尔济斯犬的尸体交给了她。

WilliamTake good care of it.好好待它。

Grig...Understood.……是。

The Nyto before him moves mechanically, eyes empty, but William is certain his repairs were flawless. If given a choice, he would never have selected her. Even among garbage, she ranks among the most incompetent.眼前的涅托眼神空洞，行为机械，但威廉确信他的维修并没有出现失误。 倘若有得选，他一定不会选择她，即便在垃圾当中，她也是最无能的那一批。

He turns toward empty space. His sister's figure has appeared there some time ago.威廉转过身来，面向虚空的虚像。 不知何时，姐姐的身影已经伫立于此。

Lunasia (?)I am sorry, Bill... But it's alright, I'm right here beside you. Everything is over... It was all... just an endless nightmare.我很抱歉，比尔…… 不过没关系的，姐姐在你的身旁，一切都过去了…… 一切都只是……一个醒不来的噩梦罢了。

Flames ignite in William's eyes.威廉的眼睛之中，已燃烧起熊熊的火焰。

WilliamEven a nightmare can go on for too long.就算是噩梦，做得也太多了些。

A message alert sounds. It is from a Stasi operative.忽然，一则短讯响起，是斯塔西的特工发来的。

AgentWe apologize. SP9 shows signs of being hacked. All remaining Doll squads have been recalled for neural cloud inspection. Veteran human agents will assume responsibility for your protection. We will work to identify the perpetrator and provide you with an explanation.抱歉，SP9有被骇入的痕迹。接下来的人形小队全部被我们送回检查心智，将由身经百战的人类特工队伍护卫您的安全。 我们一定会调查清楚犯人的身份，给您一个交代。

William... Ha, who else could the perpetrator be...…… 呵，犯人还能有谁……

After closing the message, William walks up to his "sister".关闭短讯后，威廉走到“姐姐”身前。

WilliamIt seems our Commander is not satisfied with petty tricks. They refuse to concede... They desire the same thing I do—I understand it all too well.看来我们的指挥官毫不满足小打小闹的把戏，完全不肯认输…… 这个人，渴求着同样的事物——我全都清楚。

The mirage of his sister gazes at him with sympathy. Then her eyes sharpen like flames.姐姐的虚像凭空而立，她怜悯地看着威廉，随后目光如炬。

Lunasia (?)Whatever Bill wants to do, we will do. Nothing else matters but your wish...比尔想做什么，我们就做什么。 比尔的愿望才是最重要的……

William smiles. He lowers his hand from his neck. The palm is stained crimson with blood.威廉笑了笑，他捂住脖子的手放了下来，上面满是殷红的血液。

WilliamCommander... you are full of lies... To think I almost believed them... My dear sister has never gone anywhere. She stands right before me... Our blood debt could have been settled and erased... But you insist on stirring new trouble...指挥官……你谎话连篇……差点就让我信了你的一面之词…… 我的好姐姐哪里都没去，她就在我的面前…… 我们的血债本可以一笔勾销…… 但如今是你多生事端……

WilliamIf it's war you want...既然你想要战争……

Lunasia (?) & WilliamThen we'll give you war.那我们就给你战争。

Reichenbach's Symphony Ⅱ 莱辛巴赫交响曲Ⅱ

Several hours earlier, inside a hotel suite.数小时前，酒店套房内。

By the window, through the thick pane of glass, the Commander's gaze locks onto William's figure. William steps out of the hotel and walks toward the motorcade waiting for him. As if sensing the stare, he turns and looks directly toward the Commander's position. After a brief pause, he gets into the car.窗边，透过厚实的玻璃，指挥官的目光紧紧锁住威廉的身影——对方正从酒店出来，走向等待着他的车队。 似乎感受到了指挥官的视线，威廉也回头看向其所在的位置，片刻，才转身上了车。

The convoy starts up and disappears into the city lights. The Commander picks up the communicator on the table and presses a contact to dial—看着车队缓缓启动，消失在灯火之中，指挥官拿起桌上的通讯器，在其中一条联系方式上按下了拨通键——

Click!噔——！

All the lights in the room suddenly go out. The abrupt darkness swallows their vision.忽然间，室内的灯光被全部关闭，骤然消失的光线指挥官的视觉暂时陷入黑暗。

Commander...!……！

The Commander then hears a faint sound stir behind them.紧跟着，指挥官敏锐地察觉到身后传来的细微响动。

Slash!唰——！

A flash of cold steel cuts through the dark. The Commander rolls aside at once, narrowly avoiding the blade.一道寒光袭来，指挥官立刻翻滚躲闪，避开它的锋芒。

The shadow gripping the weapon presses the attack without hesitation. The knife plunges into the Commander's left shoulder.但掌握它的黑影却在偷袭落空之后迅速跟上，冰冷的刀刃随即刺中了指挥官的左肩。

CommanderUgh...!唔……！

The instant the cold metal pulls free, searing pain surges through their body like wildfire. The Commander tenses their muscles and slams their weight into the attacker before the blade can strike again, forcing them back.冰冷的金属从肩上拔出的瞬间，如烈火烧灼般的剧痛立刻传遍全身。 指挥官肌肉绷紧，在刀刃即将再度刺来之前，使出全力撞开了对方。

CommanderHuff... huff...呼哧……呼哧……

Cold sweat beads on their forehead. The pain in their left shoulder makes every breath excruciating. Darkness obstructs their sight like a thick veil, but they can hear the attacker's heavy breathing.冷汗从额头冒出，左肩的痛感让指挥官的每次呼吸都变得异常艰难。 黑暗如同在眼前蒙上了一层厚厚的纱，但指挥官同样能听到对方粗重的喘息声。

There is no time to think. The attacker charges again.来不及思考更多，来者再度发起攻击。

The Commander rolls sideways. The blade whistles past, grazing the back of their neck and slicing through their collar.指挥官立刻向侧边翻滚，锐利的锋芒几乎贴着自己的后颈掠过，割破了自己的衣领。

The shriek of steel cutting cloth makes their scalp prickle. Their injured shoulder slams against the carpet mid-roll, fresh agony causing their eyes to water.刀锋切割布料的尖啸令指挥官头皮发麻。 随着翻滚，受伤的左肩撞在地摊上，进一步剧痛激得指挥官眼冒金星。

Commander...!……！

Instinct overrides pain. Relying on memory of the room's layout, they duck behind the sofa.直觉让指挥官强忍剧痛，凭着对室内布置的记忆，顺势躲入了沙发后面。

Almost simultaneously, the dagger buries itself into the upholstery with a dull thud.几乎就在同时，匕首狠狠扎进沙发的声音响起。

CommanderThat's my chance...!好机会……！

As the attacker wrenches the knife free, the Commander lunges up and sweeps their right leg toward the sound.就在对方拔刀的瞬间，指挥官撑起身子，用右腿狠狠扫向声音来源。

A solid impact. Their kick connects with the attacker's neck.一声结实的撞击，指挥官确信踢到了对方的脖颈。

???...Ugh!……呃！

The muffled cry reveals something unexpected—this attacker is a woman.——令指挥官感到意外的是，从对方发出的一声闷哼来看，这竟然是一位女性。

CommanderBastard...这家伙……

Even so, her strength is formidable, and her assault grows more frenzied.但是，即便如此，她的力量依然了得，攻势也变得更加疯狂。

The blade carves wildly through the dark, narrowly skimming their ribs and waist.刀锋在黑暗中毫无章法地挥舞，险之又险地擦过指挥官的肋下和腰侧。

The Commander can only take advantage of nearby furniture to block and counter. Each exertion tears at the wound in their shoulder, causing blood to gush steadily.指挥官只能利用周边的陈设来抵挡和反击，而左肩的伤口在每一次发力的时候也像被重新撕裂一般，鲜血不断涌出。

CommanderHuff... huff...呼……呼……

They're reaching their limit. Their movements slow. Her attacks only grow sharper. Blow by blow, they're driven into the corner of the room.快到极限了，指挥官的速度慢了下来。 而对方的攻势则更加迅猛，在一次次的来回当中，指挥官渐渐被逼到了房间的角落当中。

The Commander is not oblivious to their predicament.只是，在一次次的招架当中，指挥官也感觉到自己正被逼到房间的角落当中。

Thud!砰！

When their back slams against the wall, they know that they've run out of room to retreat.当自己的后背重重撞在墙上时，指挥官知道，自己已经没有退路了。

Commander...Ugh.……呃。

Sweat has soaked their clothes. The blood loss is making the world spin. Even standing upright becomes difficult.汗水已经浸湿了衣衫，血液的流失也让大脑感到严重眩晕，此时的指挥官连保持平衡也变得困难起来。

She senses the opening. The knife point whistles forward through the darkness.对手似乎也捕捉到了破绽，那锐利的刀尖带着风声立刻从黑暗中捣来。

CommanderCrap...!糟了……！

Clang!铮——！

Steel strikes something impossibly hard, sending bright sparks flying in the dark. In that split-second glow, the Commander glimpses a tall figure.黑暗中，刀刃似乎与什么坚硬无比的东西发生碰撞，以至于擦出明亮的火花。 在那瞬间的微光中，指挥官隐约看到一个高大的身影。

???...Hnng!!!……唔呃！！！

The attacker only realizes someone else is also in the suite when a hand clamps around her throat. She hacks at the arm restraining her, but her ferocious attacks don't seem to present any threat against the newcomer.直到自己的喉咙被单手紧紧钳住，来袭者才意识到房间里出现了其他人。 她立刻用刀砍向对方的手臂，然而先前迅猛的攻击在这一刻却没有对那身影造成任何威胁。

Each strike hits as though against solid iron, throwing up sparks again and again—illuminating a familiar face.每次攻击，刀锋都好像在与钢铁碰撞，激起阵阵的火花——而那身影也被火花照亮了面容。

CommanderAK-15...!AK15……！

The sparks fade. The blade wavers. AK-15 moves.火花消散，刀锋卷刃。 AK-15动了。

Her fingers tighten, and the attacker's throat feels as if crushed by a hydraulic press.她的手掌稍稍用力，对方的喉咙便感觉到如液压机碾压一般的力量。

???Cough... Ack!咳——呃！

Overwhelmed by absolute strength, the woman drops her knife and claws at AK-15's grip, futilely trying to pry free.在绝对的力量面前，那人终于丢下刀刃，转而试图用双手掰开AK-15的指节，然而这也只是徒劳。

AK-15 raises her arm, lifting the attacker like a toy, legs kicking uselessly in midair.AK-15手臂缓缓抬起，直到对方被她像玩具一样拎起来，任她的双腿在半空中摇摆。

???Ro...bin...罗……宾……

Commander—!!——！！

The Commander's pupils constrict violently.那一瞬间，指挥官的瞳孔剧烈地收缩。

AK-15Hmph.哼。

AK-15 gives the attacker no chance for further struggle. She pivots and hurls her across the room.但——AK-15没有给对方任何挣扎的机会，她一个转身，就借力将对方摔投出去。

Thunk!砰！

Her body slams into the wall.随着一声闷响，对方的身体撞在墙面。

Before she falls to the floor, AK-15 closes in and drives a kick like a cannon shot straight into her throat—她甚至来不及落地，AK-15便带着破空之声逼近，单腿踢出炮弹般的一脚，直击咽喉——

Crack!!!咔！！！

In the silent room, the sound of bone snapping is unmistakable. The attacker who had moments ago assaulted the Commander so fiercely is now pinned to the wall by AK-15's single leg, motionless.寂静的房间中，指挥官清楚地听到了骨骼断裂的声音。 刚刚还在疯狂攻击自己的袭击者，就这样被AK-15单脚牢牢钉在了墙上，不再动弹。

With the danger passed, the Commander's legs give out.瞬间的放松，让指挥官双腿再难支撑身体。

As they collapse, another pair of arms catches them gently.就在脱力倒下的时候，自己又被另一个人轻轻揽入怀中。

The Commander can tell that they're being administered swift first-aid treatment. Long, soft hair brushes across their face, carrying a faint fragrance.指挥官能感觉到怀抱自己的人正迅速对自己采取急救，动静之间，柔软的长发飘过自己的面庞，带着一丝不易察觉的清香。

They raise a hand weakly, but grasp only empty air—until the person guides it softly to her cheek.指挥官缓缓伸出手，没能在空气中触碰到任何东西，但很快，那人轻轻扶着指挥官的手，贴在了她面颊上。

The curtains are drawn open again.窗帘被重新拉开。

The Commander gets a good look at her.指挥官也看清了她的模样。

AN-94Commander...!指挥官……！

Commander94...94……

Wasting no further words, AN-94 focuses on treating their wound, then helps them over to the sofa.没有多言，紧急处理伤口之后，AN-94将指挥官搀到沙发旁坐下。

Across the room, AK-15 lowers her foot. The corpse of the hotel attendant drops halfway, then halts midair.另一边，AK-15收脚，服务生的尸体掉落到一半，突然停在半空。

AK-12 deactivates her invisibility and gently sets the body down.AK-12解除隐身状态，将尸体轻轻放在了地上。

The lights come back on. The Commander finally sees the attacker's true face.室内的灯被重新点亮，指挥官终于看清了来袭者的真容——

AK-12Tsk...啧……

Even AK-12 finds herself momentarily speechless.即便是AK-12，在这种场合也着实有些无话可说。

AK-12I've never met her in person, but this doesn't look like the Morridow I know... I gather this must be...?虽然我没见过本人，但这幅样子，应该不是我知道的那个默莉朵…… 她是……？

Commander...She's no one.……谁也不是。

CommanderJust a Nyto.只是个涅托罢了。

The Commander stares wordlessly at that familiar face. Once life fades completely, the features lose coherence, dissolving until they become unrecognizable.指挥官看着那张熟悉的脸，什么也没说。 在彻底丧失生机之后，那副面孔也像是失去了能量一般，逐渐消融下去，很快，便再也无法辨认。

CommanderInstead of killing me, he wants to see me consumed by rage, frantic and hysterical. The same way he lost his composure in front of me.比起杀了我，他更想看我怒火攻心，急得跳脚的样子。 就像我对他做的一样。

AK-15 retrieves the communicator from the floor.AK-15将地上的通讯器重新捡了起来。

AK-15Your communicator.您的通讯器。

CommanderThank you. Good thing you were here. You ended it in an instant.谢谢，幸亏有你，一瞬间就解决掉了这个麻烦的家伙。

AK-15...It could have been even faster.……还可以更快。

CommanderWhat do you mean by that?为什么这么说？

AK-12Nele found an interesting blueprint among Doctor Shaw's legacy—a fully wearable combat exoskeleton. If 15 had that suit, this opponent would've been completely vaporized. Unfortunately, at this stage it's still only a design on paper, so it obviously didn't turn out that way.奈乐在博士的遗产里找到了一张很有趣的设计图纸，是一套全穿戴式战斗机甲。 按照设计性能来讲，让15用这套机甲应对眼前这家伙，只怕这家伙连渣都不会剩下。 可惜，现在还只是一张设计图，所以这种事情并不会发生。

AK-15...It would be useful.……一定很有用。

CommanderI see.这样啊。

AK-12Even Nele thinks it would be extremely difficult to realize the design. It's probably just one of the Doctor's usual flights of fancy. She had them quite often.就连奈乐也觉得那张设计图要实现非常困难。 我想大概只是博士的狂想而已，她常干这事~

Knock, knock, knock.咚咚咚。

Agent Stationed OutsideCommander, was there a disturbance in your suite?指挥官，刚才房间里是不是有什么动静？

CommanderNo, I just popped open a bottle of red wine.没什么，只是开了瓶红酒。

Agent Stationed Outside...Understood.……了解了。

Agent Stationed OutsideIf you require assistance, please let us know.如果需要什么帮助，就请告知我们。

CommanderSure.好。

Only after silence settles outside does AK-15 lower her weapon from the door.外面不再有动静，AK-15的枪口才从门的方向挪开。

CommanderHow is it?怎么样？

AK-12The body has all but dissolved. No clue what lab results would say about the residual tissue... But it likely won't serve as evidence against anyone. As you said, this was premeditated.融干净了，不知道这些残余的组织拿去化验会是什么结果。 但恐怕没法作为证据指证任何人，您说得对，这是早就准备好的。

AN-94Are you really alright?您真的没事吗？

AN-94 sounds concerned, but the Commander simply shrugs.AN94有些担忧的样子，但指挥官只是摇了摇头。

CommanderMachlian is dead. I buried her myself. But her spirit lives on in my memory and will not be replaced by any imitation. If William thinks this will shake me, then he underestimates me.玛赫莲已经死了，我亲手埋葬了她。 但她的灵魂会活在我的记忆里，不会被任何伪物替代。 威廉如果以为这样就会让我动摇，那他就太小瞧我了。

AK-12Was it really necessary to provoke him to this extent? As I said, we confirmed it was definitely him earlier. We could've struck directly.我们真的有必要把他激怒成这个样子吗？ 要我说，既然刚才能确定那是本人，直接下手就好了。

CommanderNo.不。

The Commander shakes their head.指挥官摇了摇头。

CommanderKilling William may satisfy our desire for revenge, but it achieves nothing more. Nele killed Capita, yet William still inherited her research. What we must destroy is not a man named William, but the force he represents. That force stands under the protection of the Earl. So we must first uncover it.……光是杀掉威廉除了满足我们的复仇欲以外，没有任何意义。 就像奈乐杀了死罪，但依然有威廉可以继承她的那些研究一样。 我们要毁掉的不是名为威廉的一个人，而是他代表的一个势力。 现在，这个势力处在爵士的庇佑之下，那我们就要先把它找到。

CommanderThe more mistakes William makes, the better our chances of digging out his foundation... ...He has begun to slip, but it is far from enough.威廉的破绽越多，我们挖出他根基的机会就越大…… ……现在，他已经开始犯错，但还远远不够。

CommanderI will kill him—to avenge Ange, Machlian, and the countless innocent lives he has ruined. But I must also completely eliminate the possibility of the Earl—or anyone else—exploiting this heinous research.我会杀了他，为安洁，为玛赫莲，为千千万被他荼毒的无辜生命复仇。 但我也要彻底断绝爵士——或者其他任何人妄图利用他那些肮脏研究的可能。

AK-12Mm, that's the spirit.嗯~就是这个气势。

AK-15Just give the word.只需您一声令下。

AN-94Whatever decision you make, Task Force DEFY will follow.无论指挥官做什么决定，忤逆小队都会追随您的步伐。

Commander...Thank you.……谢谢你们。

AN-94Still... you should've contacted us sooner. Then you wouldn't have been hurt so badly...只是……您应该更早一些联系我们的，不然就不会受这么重的伤……

CommanderHe was probing me, just as I was probing him. I had to accept the risk that came with it. At least now I can be certain that we have come to a consensus on one point...这是他的试探，同时也是我的，承受风险也是必要的一环。 至少现在，我能确定，他跟我在一件事上达成了默契……

CommanderWe both want the other dead. And to achieve that, neither of us wants the Earl to interfere. From here on, unless absolutely necessary, our actions cannot violate that principle. Otherwise, we lose all opportunities. That is why I came here. And why I needed... external assistance.我们都想要彼此的性命，而想要达成这一目的，那么，我们就都不希望爵士介入其中。 之后的行动，在非必要的情况下，都不能违背这一点，否则，我们将会失去所有机会。 这就是为什么，我要来到这里。 这也是为什么，我也需要……外部的协助。

AK-12Speaking of which, Beluga's last attempt failed. So she has decided to try your method... What are your thoughts? Personally, I think she's a ticking time bomb.说到这个，白烨戈说她的最后一次尝试也失败了。 所以，她决定试试你的方案……怎么说？我可觉得她就是颗定时炸弹。

CommanderIt's fine. That was accounted for. Just pass on my request.没关系，这也在计划之中。 把我的要求传达给她就行。

AK-12I knew you had another card up your sleeve, Commander.我就知道，指挥官肯定还有后手。

The Commander lowers their head and falls silent for a moment. Then they shake their head with a wan smile.指挥官低下了头，陷入沉默，随即苦笑着摇了摇头。

CommanderI did not expect Tokarev, C14, Six12, and CZ-805 to be dragged into this... I hope my friend has retrieved their neural cores as agreed.只是……没想到会牵扯到托卡列夫、C14、 CPS-12、CZ-805…… 希望我的那位朋友按照约定，已经回收了她们的心智核心。

AN-94Your friend... Then the one who contacted us is...?您这么说……那联系我们的是……？

AK-12Hmph... Who else could it be?哼……还能是谁？

The Commander says nothing further. They glance at the clock, then at the communicator on the table.指挥官什么也没说，看了看墙上的时间，随后将目光投送到桌面的通讯器上。

Beep-beep!嘀嘀——！

Two minutes later, it rings.两分钟后，通讯器突然响起。

Seeing the confusion on 94's and 15's faces, the Commander answers.看着94和15茫然的表情，指挥官接起了通讯。

???How could you ever doubt my efficiency, Commander...? You wound me~没想到指挥官居然会怀疑我办事的效率……抽泣抽泣~

???Of course I retrieved their neural cores. Sheesh, I can't believe that old man let them in. If he had detained them at the door, there would have been no need for this extra trouble. Once those autonomous Dolls activate, there's no stopping them.心智核心我当然回收啦，真是的，没想到老头子居然放她们进去了。 要是在门口就把她们扣住，就不需要多此一举了，那些自律人形启动之后可没法停下。

The voice on the other end is unmistakably familiar. The Commander cannot help but shake their head.通讯里，传来的是自己无比熟悉的声线。 指挥官忍不住摇了摇头。

CommanderEnough theatrics. It is time to move on to the next stage...别耍宝了，该推进计划到下一步了——

CommanderDandelion.丹德莱。

Player 棋手

Time unknown. Somewhere in a basement.时间未知。 某处地下室。

A ventilation fan turns slowly on the wall, giving off a low mechanical hum. The workbench in the room is covered with confiscated weapons, some still speckled with dried blood.通风扇在墙上缓缓转动，发出低沉的嗡嗡声。 室内的桌台上摆满了缴获来的，还沾着些许血点的武器。

Their rounds are removed and redistributed, eventually consolidated into five fully loaded magazines. They are slipped into the tactical shoulder bag at a young woman's waist.它们的子弹被取出来重新分配，最后集中成五个满装填的弹匣，塞进了少女侧腰的战术挎包当中。

The temperature in the basement is not particularly high, yet after fleeing from the URNC pursuers alongside Squad 404, she can still feel the lingering heat clinging to her skin.地下室的温度不算太高，但此前与404小队一同面对罗联部队的追击，少女依然能感觉到皮肤上的燥热还未散去。

Creak...吱呀——

The basement door opens. UMP9 walks in, her face a little smudged with grime, but still wearing her usual bright smile.地下室的门被打开，UMP9走进来，稍稍有些脏污的脸蛋上却挂着笑容。

UMP9I'm back, 45~! Confirmed—that was the last URNC patrol team. It's safe here for the time being~!我回来了，45姐~！ 已经确认，刚才是罗联最后的一支巡逻队，目前这里暂时安全了~！

UMP45That's good. Thanks, 9.那就好。 辛苦了，9。

KalinaIt's not good at all!并不好！

Kalina turns around, brows tightly furrowed as she looks at the ever-smiling sisters.格琳娜转过身来，紧锁着眉头看向眼前的始终微笑着的姐妹。

UMP9Kalin?格琳小姐？

KalinaYou still haven't answered my questions!你们到现在还没有回答我的问题呢！

UMP45Ask anything you like, Kalin. I will tell you everything I know.有什么问题只管问，格琳小姐，我一定知无不言。

Hearing UMP45's assurance, Kalina closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.听到45的承诺，格琳娜闭上眼睛，深吸了一口气。

KalinaWhat... What exactly happened?! Why has the Commander been acting alone this whole time? Why would the Commander willingly let those people take them away? Why did you appear afterward? And why have you brought me here instead of helping me rescue them?!到底…… 到底发生了什么！？ 为什么指挥官一直在独自活动？ 为什么指挥官会心甘情愿被那些家伙带走？ 为什么在那之后你们会出现？ 为什么你们不是帮我营救指挥官，而是把我带到这里来！？

UMP9Whoa...呜哇……

After Kalina unleashes her barrage of questions, UMP9 looks toward UMP45. UMP45 narrows her eyes slightly.听完格琳娜抛出的一连串问题，9的视线转向45，而45则眯了眯眼。

UMP45Ah, come to think of it, we might have forgotten to explain what's going on~哎呀，说起来，好像是忘了告诉你到底怎么回事了呢~！

KalinaHey!喂！

UMP45Chill, chill. Just kidding.好啦好啦，我只是开个玩笑。

Despite what she just said, UMP45's smile fades a little.嘴上这么说着，UMP45却稍稍收起了笑容。

UMP45Please rest assured, Miss Kalina. You have been by the Commander's side longer than anyone. You know better than most that the Commander never accepts defeat. Even when the scales of victory tip toward the enemy and they find themself cornered, they will seize any possible hope to turn the tide. And we are one of those hopes.请放心，格琳娜小姐。 您是陪伴在指挥官身边最久的人，您自然了解，指挥官是从不会接受“输”这一结局的人。 因此，即便胜利的天平已经倒向敌人，自身又陷入绝境当中，指挥官也能够抓住一切可能的希望，把局势扳回来。 而我们，就是指挥官的“希望”之一。

At those words, Kalina straightens slightly.听到这话，格琳娜的身子挺直了一些。

KalinaHope... You mean...?希望…… 你的意思是……？

UMP45Simply put, whether it was you searching for the Commander, or the Commander willingly going with them—everything was part of the plan. And the reason we're here is to help them carry it out.简单来说，不论是您去寻找指挥官，还是指挥官甘愿被那些人带走，所有的一切，都在指挥官的计划之中。 而我们之所以来到这里，也是为了配合指挥官完成这个计划。

KalinaThe Commander's plan... But what does bringing me into this basement have to do with it?指挥官的计划…… 可是，你们带着我来到这个地下室，和计划又有什么关系？

The smile returns to UMP45's face.UMP45的脸上重新露出笑容。

UMP45Well...这个嘛——

She glances at UMP9. UMP9 snaps to attention in acknowledgment and heads toward the back of the room. Only now, distracted as she has been, does Kalina notice the tightly shut door there.UMP45看向UMP9，UMP9则立正敬礼，表示收到命令，转身走向房间深处。 由于一直心烦意乱，格琳娜此时才注意到，那里还有一扇紧闭着的大门。

Clang—哐啷——

The heavy door slowly opens. Light from the basement spills through the widening gap, illuminating the space within bit by bit. A familiar figure comes into view.大门缓缓打开，地下室的光也顺着门缝把里面一点点照亮。 一道熟悉的身影出现在了格琳娜眼前。

KalinaWait... you...?!等等……你……！？

It is someone she has known for a long time—someone whose absence she, the Commander, and many Dolls have felt deeply...那是一个她同样认识很久的，一个她和指挥官，还有许多人形朝思暮想的人形——

M16A1Long time no see, Kalin. Kept you waiting, huh?好久不见，格琳。 想我了吗？

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.