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Dispatch Missive

骐骥踏光时

23 chapters · 2479 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Dispatch Missive 启程的密函

(...Mere hours after Basti's return, the airborne beacon she and the BUGs acquired has already been put into service by the Elmo and the Doll Community.)（……距离贝丝蒂回到艾莫号虽然只有短短几十个小时，但她和B.U.G.s所带来的空中信标，已经开始为艾莫号和人形社区的网络服务。）

(Of all those involved, Dandelion was the most appreciative of this change, as facilitating an untraceable connection between the Elmo and the outside world took up a rather substantial portion of her processing power. Now, she finally gets to lie back and relax while we still have the means to contact others as freely as we desire.)（最高兴的人或许就是丹德莱，为了从艾莫号向外界构筑一条不易追踪的线路，她每个小时都会花费不少算力，如今总算是轻松了不少，我也能更自由地与他人取得联络。）

(More importantly, as the beacon now patrols the sky, areas once marked as dead zones on the map begin lighting up with stable signals, granting our Doll squads greatly expanded operational range.)（更重要的是，随着信标在高空的巡航，原本在地图上显示为盲区的地点，也开始点亮通讯顺畅的符号，这让各小队的活动范围也扩张了不少。）

(As both our sight and reach grow, that intangible sense of being in control has slowly but surely returned to me.)（随着点亮的区域逐步增多，那种对于情报的掌控感也渐渐回到了我的手中。）

(Now, the one who made all this possible, Basti—the Griffin Doll formerly known as Gr Mk23—is currently sitting on my lap with a smug expression. Not daring to make light of her great achievements, I promptly shower her with praise until my throat grows parched.)（建立了这份贡献的贝丝蒂——即原格里芬人形MK23，此刻正带着得意洋洋的表情坐在我的腿上，我也不能怠慢——从刚才开始就说了一大堆赞美之词，直到口干舌燥才停下来。）

(Despite how displeased Makiatto and Helen are with her acting all touchy-feely around me, Mayling and the Doll Community's appreciation of her contributions made it so they have no choice but to tacitly allow her to have her way.)（虽然玛绮朵和海伦她们不太满意，可美玲和人形社区的各位都对这项恩惠给予了高度评价，大家也就任由贝丝蒂对我撒娇。）

BastiHmmmmm~ How do you like your gift, Darling?哼哼哼，怎么样Darling，喜欢这份礼物吗？

Commander"Like" would be an understatement. It's solved the signal interference problem and increased our comms range by over 70%. It's a huge boon for any future operations in the Yellow Zones.嗯，不仅解决了信号干扰问题，而且提升了70%以上的通讯范围，对执行黄区任务有很大帮助。

CommanderThis beacon network is a huge step forward for planning our coming ventures.有了信标网络的协作，我们接下来的行动规划会从容很多。

CommanderAttagirl, Basti.辛苦你了，贝丝蒂。

BastiHehe~ For Darling, I'll do anything~嘿嘿，毕竟是为了Darling嘛，这点小事不算什么~

CommanderOur other collaboration with Connexion Corp is also proceeding smoothly. Miss Lydia just tasked us with a particularly lucrative commission: acting as a protection detail for the construction of beacon stations deep within the Yellow Zones.和链讯集团的其他合作也很顺利，莉迪亚女士送来了报价丰厚的订单，委托我们进行黄区深处信标基站建设的护卫工作。

CommanderI assume that's also thanks to you, huh?这也是贝丝蒂的功劳吧？

BastiAh—ugh, that woman! I told her to keep her grubby paws off my Darling!啊——那个女人，都说了不准她联系Darling了！

BastiEh, whatever. I'm not the sort to be so petty about these 'lil steps over the line anyway! Go ahead and continue doing business with her. Just be careful, Darling! She may look meek, but she's hella sly!不过算了，既然人家这么宽宏大量，Darling，你和她谈生意就谈吧！但你要小心，她可是个奸商哦！

CommanderPort Mica's situation is still rocky. I might need you back there as soon as possible to act as our local liaison until Miss Lydia fully resolves the situation.硅砂港的局势并不稳固，近期可能会需要你回去一趟，充当我们留在当地的联络人，直到莉迪亚女士彻底平息硅砂港的隐患为止。

BastiGotcha~ Acting on your behalf sounds like the kind of thing reserved for the first lady! That makes me super motivated!知道啦~代替不方便出面的Darling谈生意什么的，很有女主人的感觉呢！我可是干劲十足的哦！

BastiWait a minute, isn't Faelynn still in Port Mica?不过，芙铃她不是还留在硅砂港吗？

CommanderZoe said Faelynn left with Dushevnaya and the others.佐伊说芙铃和杜莎妮她们一起离开了。

BastiHuh? With KSVK?诶？和KSVK她们？

CommanderYeah. They took on a delivery request on a trading site. Apparently it's what Dushevnaya and Phaetusa originally set out to do when they left the Doll Community—to bring back a bunch of Doll frames.嗯，她们在交易网站上接下了一单以物换物的委托，说是要贯彻杜莎妮和翡图萨擅自离开社区最开始的目的，带一批人形素体回来。

BastiI was wondering why you'd send those two shopping, so that's why... I should check in with Zoe later.我就想Darling怎么会派她们两个去买东西，原来是这样啊……稍后去联络一下佐伊好了。

(Just as Basti falls into thought, Sakura walks in after finishing moving her luggage onto the Elmo.)（就在贝丝蒂若有所思的时候，刚刚把行李搬上艾莫号的樱花也走了进来。）

(Sakura's face brightens up right as she spots me. She cheerfully runs over, only to be intercepted by Basti, glaring at her like a fluffed-up cat.)（看到我之后，樱花的表情变得明媚灿烂，她高兴地跑了过来，却被贝丝蒂炸毛般瞪住。）

BastiToo close, too close! You're not allowed near Darling!太近了太近了！不准靠近Darling哦！

SakuraEhh?! That's not fair! Commander—Basti's being mean!咦？！怎么这样？！指挥官——贝丝蒂坏心眼！

CommanderQuit messing around, Basti.别闹了，贝丝蒂。

CommanderHello, Sakura. Have things finally been settled?樱花辛苦了，已经安顿好了吗？

SakuraYep! Ehehe... Can't believe I'm officially a member of the Elmo now!嗯！诶嘿嘿，太好啦，从今天起我也是艾莫号的一员了！

SakuraThere was so much work... I barely had time to stay by your side, Commander... Bweeeeh...就是平时的工作太多，根本没有足够的时间待在指挥官身边……呜呜呜……

Basti...E-even so, I'm not giving Darling to you!……就、就算这样，我也不会把Darling让给你的！

BastiThe best I can do is let you sit there! And that's me being generous!最多让你坐在这里，就算是我大发慈悲了！

SakuraThat's not fair! I also worked hard for the Commander! I want to be praised too!哪里够啦！明明我努力工作都是为了指挥官，我也想被夸奖啊！

SakuraIs it because all I do is deliveries... that I don't deserve to be praised...?可是我现在也、也只能送送货……是不是没有资格被夸奖呢……

CommanderYou've worked hard, forging your own path and earning the recognition of those you've helped. That's more than worthy of praise.你能找到自己的道路努力地走下去，并且得到被你帮助过的人的认可，这已经很了不起了。

CommanderThe Elmo will always have your back, just like how you have ours.艾莫号会成为你的后盾，我们也很需要你的帮助。

CommanderWelcome back, Sakura.欢迎回来，樱花。

SakuraCommander~~!指挥官~~！

BastiStop! Don't you get any closer!停下！不准再靠近了！

SakuraB-but— Waaah...怎么这样——呜呜呜……

(After some tomfoolery, I pat Sakura's head and give Basti some snacks, finally calming them both down.)（闹了一阵子后，我摸了摸樱花的头，又喂贝丝蒂吃了点心，总算让两人都消停了下来。）

CommanderRight, Sakura. If you're going to pass by Port Mica at some point, take Basti along with you.对了，樱花，如果你下次还会经过硅砂港，就顺便捎贝丝蒂一起过去吧。

SakuraWhile it's nice to have someone else on the road for some chitchat... why's Basti going back to Port Mica again?有前辈以外的人可以聊天，倒是没什么不好的……不过，贝丝蒂是要去硅砂港吗？

SakuraI thought you'd go find Gr G41 and—ah, I forgot she's called Faelynn now.我还以为你会去找G41她们——啊，现在应该是叫芙铃了吧。

BastiWe've been partners for so many years now, being apart for a few days is no biggie.我们都搭档多少年了，少见几天不会怎么样啦。

BastiActually, do you even know where Faelynn and the others went to?倒是你知道芙铃她们去哪了吗？

SakuraHmm? Didn't they head to Cliffwatch Town?嗯？不是哨崖镇吗？

SakuraIf they followed the right path, they should've arrived by now.如果开对路的话，现在应该快到了吧。

Commander...Cliffwatch Town?……哨崖镇？

CommanderWhat kind of place is that?这是什么地方？

SakuraLet me explain, Commander!我来给指挥官说明一下！

(Clearly excited by the chance to show off, Sakura sits next to me and carefully pulls out her delivery tablet, smiling as she prepares to explain.)（似乎很高兴得到表现的机会，樱花挨着我坐下，小心翼翼地从身后取出她送货用的平板终端，笑眯眯地看着我想要解说。）

(Basti sneers at her audacity, but still leans in anyway as Sakura taps the screen and zooms into a treacherous mountain chain detailed on the map.)（贝丝蒂不爽地轻哼一声，不过还是凑了过来，看着樱花轻点屏幕，将地图聚焦到了一片地形复杂的山路区域上。）

SakuraIt's a settlement located on top of a Yellow Zone mountain road. They often hold open markets.这是一处建立于黄区山路上的聚落型集镇，经常会举办一些开放性市集。

SakuraWhile it's a small fish in the pond unlike Port Mica or Mokosh, it's quite famous among locals and merchants~虽然对比硅砂港和莫科什这样的大型聚落可能不算什么，但在当地的居民和商人之间还挺有人气的哦~

Commander...Alarm bells ring without end when I think of trading at such a remote location.……在这种偏僻的地方进行交易，风险很高。

CommanderEven with our improved signal range, it'll be hard to respond in time if anything goes awry.即便信号增强了，一旦遇到突发状况，我们的支援也很难及时赶到。

BastiFaelynn will be A-OK, Darling. She's survived the Yellow Zones for many years all by herself and overcome plenty of challenges.芙铃是没问题的啦，Darling。这些年，她也独自在黄区生存了很久，克服过很多挑战。

BastiIt's not the best way to put it, but she does have some sort of Doll "intuition" that helps her sniff out unseen dangers and notice suspicious details.虽然这么称呼人形不太严谨，可芙铃有一种奇妙的“直觉”，对危险还有可疑的细节都很敏感。

BastiThat applies to "lies" as well. So even when she can't figure out exactly what's wrong, she can still somehow navigate around deception.对于“谎言”也是，即使不能找到问题，她似乎也有自己的方法可以看透。

BastiIf you're still worried, I can check in with her regularly! After all, we've both waited for your return for so long, Darling!如果你还是担心，我就定期联络一下她确认状况！毕竟她可是陪着我等了Darling那么久呢！

CommanderThat sounds great. Sakura, mind filling me in on Cliffwatch Town and its surrounding areas of interest?这倒是个不错的主意，樱花，哨崖镇周边治安情况如何？

SakuraI've never been there myself given how remote it is, but according to an old company manual... it was a mountain village long-abandoned after forced relocation, rebuilt in recent years by vagrant settlers.因为是比较偏远的地区，我也没去过哦。不过根据公司的手册来看……那个地方原本是被强制迁移废弃的山中村镇，近几年由流民重建而成。

SakuraThe roads leading there aren't the smoothest. You're likely to encounter Collapse storms and roaming bandits...进山的路况比较糟糕，可能会遭遇坍塌风暴和流窜的劫匪……

SakuraAnd on top of it all... there seems to be an ongoing power struggle.而且，在那里似乎有着“权力斗争”。

CommanderA tale as old as time, I'm afraid. But that does beg the question: what's causing it, and how severe is it?权力斗争哪里都有，严重吗？冲突是怎么产生的？

SakuraWell, it hasn't boiled over yet... but it's something you'd best keep your wits about you for.还没有到你死我活的境地……但也是要注意的程度。

SakuraI've not all the details surrounding the conflict, but the two sides involved seem to be an underground broker and... a cavalry squadron?资料上不是很详细，只说了斗争的双方是……暗商和骑兵队？

SakuraThey're fighting over control of the surrounding road network, probably for the right to collect tolls.争夺的是镇子周围道路的管理权和维护权，好像还有过路费之类的呢。

BastiCollect tolls? Sounds like both sides are real pieces of work. I've got an itch saying KSVK and the others are totes going to end up fighting for their lives again.对道路收钱？听起来两边都不是什么好东西，我觉得KSVK她们又要和人打起来了。

(Sakura strains a crease across her face, a part of her not wanting to agree with Basti's statement.)（樱花露出了苦笑，似乎不太赞同贝丝蒂的话。）

SakuraWell, for humans traveling the wasteland without the means to protect themselves, it's a no-brainer to spend money on some hired guns. That's pretty much bread and butter for PMCs and why they're skyrocketing in demand, after all.至少对需要一直在外奔波又没有武力保障的人来说，能安全通行还是值得交钱的啦，P.M.C.就是为此存在的。

SakuraOh, about that cavalry squadron. There are rumors going around that their leader is apparently... a Doll.对了，关于那个骑兵队，有些有意思的传闻，据说他们的领导者……是一个人形。

SakuraWhile opinions of her vary, there's one thing about her that everyone agrees on.而且虽然大家对这个人形的评价褒贬不一，但却有条特征是一致统一的。

SakuraThat being—那就是……

Wilderness Purge 肃清荒径

(...Yellow Zone, outback.)（……黄区，郊外。）

(The truck driven by Dushevnaya struggles forward along a rocky mountain road, bumps and all.)（杜莎妮驾驶的货车正在被乱石覆盖的山路上艰难前进。）

(Wild gales outside kick up rough sand, dust, and dirt, grinding against the windows in a cacophony of percussion with neither rhythm nor melody.)（狂风卷起粗粝的沙尘，如同砂纸一般打磨着车窗，发出窸窸窣窣的声音。）

(Steep cliffs flank either side of the road. Withered vegetation shudders in the wind, a danse macabre proclaiming afore this crevasse: Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.)（从车窗向外望去，道路两侧是陡峭的岩壁，枯黄的植被在风中抖动着，像是在向过往的旅人发出警告。）

PhaetusaMarvelous... how truly marvelous...太感动了，真是太感动了……

(Phaetusa presses herself against the window, excitedly jotting down notes in her journal.)（翡图萨兴奋地贴在车窗上，手中的笔在日记本上不停地记录着。）

Phaetusa5:15 p.m. We drove onto a winding mountain road in the Yellow Zone.下午，5时15分，我们驶入了黄区的一片山路。

PhaetusaWhile the rock formations are heavily eroded by Collapse radiation, one can still make out traces of human activity dating back over a century, when the passage was originally carved out.虽然岩层结构被坍塌辐射侵蚀得很严重，但依然能够辨认得出，这是近百年前人类开凿隧道时留下的痕迹……

PhaetusaWith no heavy machinery at their disposal, they relied on primitive tools and carried debris by hand. The result is this very passageway that can even accommodate vehicles to this day... A true marvel of human ingenuity!在没有重型器械支持的前提下，他们使用古老的工具，只是用箩筐运送土块和岩石，就打通了如今能让车辆通行的道路……真是太厉害了！

Sweeper...What kinda psycho writes and keeps a physical diary in this day and age?! You tryna leave some records for some hapless dimwit in the future to happen upon in some decrepit building or something?!……翡图萨，你够了吧，正经人形谁会用本子写日志啊！

SweeperMoreover, what tactical advantage does noting any of this down give?!而且这些到底有什么被记录的战略价值，这些记录到底有什么用！

PhaetusaDear Nyxie, please think upon it.小黑，你不明白。

PhaetusaEven after all this time, you can feel the determination of those who built this place emanating from all their traces... A true testament to the tenacity of human will.即使过了这么久，依然能感受到人类当初改造自然的决心……这正是人类意志力强大的体现哦。

PhaetusaDon't you all think so too? Right, Faelynn?大家一定也是这么认为的，对吧，芙铃？

FaelynnMmm... I never thought about it that way before.唔唔……我还从来没有从这个角度思考过这种事情。

FaelynnBut when you put it that way, it makes total sense!仔细想一想的话，感觉翡图萨说得很有道理诶！

Sweeper...Are you friggin kidding me?……你是认真的吗？

(Seeing Faelynn's ears perk up, Sweeper is overcome with despair.)（看着耳朵高高竖起的芙铃，清道夫不禁陷入了一阵绝望。）

SweeperThis is getting out of hand, now there are two of them?! Two human-worshipping idiots?! Y'all should know that out of all those wrinkled fleshbags, the only one worth taking note of is that damn Commander!崇拜人类的蠢货只要有一个就够了吧？为什么又来了一个啊？明明只有指挥官是特例，人类本身才没什么了不起的！

SweeperOi, Dushevnaya! How much longer are we driving? I want off this ride!喂，杜莎妮！到底还要开多久？赶紧让我下车！

DushevnayaKukuku~库库库~

(Dushevnaya looks back from her driver's seat.)（坐在驾驶室的杜莎妮应声回过头。）

DushevnayaO great Warmaster, mine ears heed thine aggravation.战帅哟，你的愤怒与不甘我已听到。

DushevnayaBut prithee, these forsaken, jagged lands allow me not to be beside mineself—这条崎岖的道路，可容不得太多分心哦——

SweeperHow far till we reach the end?距离目的地还有多远？

DushevnayaHeh-heh~ By the strings wound by the three goddesses of fate, this Hero shall grasp a worthy end for this quest with thee.哼哼~既然已经签订了命运的契约，勇者就务必会将约定之物送达彼岸。

DushevnayaSteady thine heart, Warmaster. In no time shall our crusade see its end!放心吧，战帅，我们一定很快就能完成使命的！

Sweeper...(Sigh)……唉。

SweeperI've had enough of this.我已经受够这种对话了。

SweeperWe here on a mission or a sightseeing trip?!嘴巴上说着任务什么的，实际却像是来观光的！

(Sweeper snatches the navigation device and gives it a once-over.)（清道夫不耐烦地抢过导航，确认着上面的信息。）

PhaetusaHmm... there's still about twenty kilometers left.嗯……上面显示还有二十多公里。

PhaetusaBut looking at the state of the road, I'd say it'll take us a few more hours.但是因为路况太差，所以至少还需要几个小时。

FaelynnThat's longer than what we estimated.比我们预想的时间要久呢。

FaelynnConsidering the terrain and Collapse storms, it's better to be safe than sorry.不过考虑到山路和坍塌风暴的话，确实还是小心一点比较好。

FaelynnWant me to take over the wheel for a bit, Dushevnaya?杜莎妮，要不要让我来替你驾驶一会儿？

PhaetusaI'd rather we not... Faelynn should learn where the brakes are before touching the wheel.最好还是不要了……芙铃要先学会找到刹车，才可以碰方向盘哦。

Sweeper...Geez. I was against this weird-ass commission from the get-go.……真是的，一开始我就反对接取这种奇怪的委托。

SweeperWhy would they want some ancient fossil from the Mesozoic Era like Phaetusa?运送这种和翡图萨一样古旧的设备到底有什么意义？

PhaetusaMy, how rude! Nyxie, you're a fossil yourself!你这话很伤人！小黑自己也是老古董吧！

FaelynnWell... maybe that's exactly why they want it?这个嘛……大概正是因为这样才会被人收购吧？

FaelynnBasti once said rich people like collecting old stuff out of... out of... uh, whatchamacallit?我之前听贝丝蒂说过，有钱人就是喜欢收集这种旧旧的东西，说是叫……呃，那个词叫什么来着——

PhaetusaNostalgia?情怀？

FaelynnAh yes, nostalgia!啊，是的是的，就是情怀！

FaelynnYou really know humans, eh?翡图萨真的是很了解人类啊~

PhaetusaIf this server contains valuable data from the old world, then it could genuinely be priceless.如果这台服务器储存着旧时代的珍贵数据，那它的价值可是无法用金钱衡量的。

PhaetusaHumans have a habit of attaching emotions to seemingly worthless vessels.人类的情感，总是寄托在这些看似无用的载体上呢。

SweeperThe point of a tool is to be efficient and practical. Things like these are—工具的意义在于好用，高效，像这样的东西……

Sweeper...Huh?……诶？

(As Sweeper places her hand over the server, she suddenly falls silent.)（原本只是为了强调而将手放在了服务器的表面，清道夫却突然沉默下来。）

(Her attention lingers upon its frame. Phaetusa senses a strange emotion rising from within their shared body—a sense of "familiarity".)（她的注意力集中到了那台服务器上，翡图萨感觉到与自己共生的这具素体中，涌起了一种奇妙的感情——那似乎是“亲切感”。）

(Faelynn, noticing the sudden change in atmosphere, softens her tone.)（同样察觉到清道夫的状态有些异样，芙铃不由微微放缓了语调。）

FaelynnI mean... as long as we complete the transaction and get the Doll frames we came here for, that counts as helping Master out, right?那个……总之只要能完成交易，换到大家想要的人形素体，就是帮上了主人的忙吧？

FaelynnAnd again, at least this kind of cargo won't attract unwanted attention.而且换个角度想，起码这种货物不会引起多余的注意呢。

Sweeper...Shut up.……闭嘴。

FaelynnHm? Did you say something?嗯？你刚刚有在说什么吗？

Sweeper...I said shut up and don't jinx it! Wait, that turn looks—……我说你这个乌鸦嘴快闭嘴，前面那个弯道不对劲——

SweeperDushevnaya! Brake!杜莎妮！停车！

DushevnayaGot it!哦！

(The truck spins into a sideways drift as Dushevnaya yanks on the hand brake. With the tires screeching, showing no signs of stopping, she opens the door and slams her reinforced mechanical foot into the ground to assist the braking process amid a shower of sparks.)（随着杜莎妮拉起手刹，货车偏转车头，咬死的轮胎在山路上横移了一段路，杜莎妮旋即打开车门，强化的素体右脚踩住地面，在一阵火星下加快了刹车进程。）

(Sweeper and Faelynn quickly disembark, weapons already drawn.)（清道夫和芙铃则迅速钻出，武器已然在手。）

(A sizable firefight is underway ahead. One side moves about with maneuver units while the other maintains a defensive formation using their distinct Yellow Zone cargo trucks as cover.)（前方正在进行一场规模不小的火力冲突，一方以机动部队迂回包围，另外一方则以几辆黄区特有的重装货车为掩体，训练有素地维持住防御圈，伺机寻找破绽。）

FaelynnVarjagers? Then the one being attacked is... an underground broker?瓦良格帮？那么被袭击的……是暗商吗？

SweeperIgnore them. Ain't our circus, sure as hell ain't our monkeys.当没看到，不管我们的事儿。

PhaetusaNyxie! Innocent souls are in harm's way. We can't just stand on the sidelines! What would the Commander say?小黑！这可是无辜的人在遭遇袭击呢，作为指挥官的人形，不能放任不管。

SweeperGimme a break! You've been picking up hitchhikers, fending off ELIDs, and handing out our spoils to vagrants along the way. Remember, Ullrid said that we'll become tomato fertilizer if we don't get back soon!差不多得了吧！这一路上你们到处载人，免费消灭生骸，还把硅砂港给我们的奖赏都送给了流浪汉，乌尔丽德可是说不尽快回去就要被埋进番茄地里做肥料啊！

Phaetusa...I think she meant having us looking for fertilizer, not becoming it... Your body wouldn't make for ideal compost anyway...我觉得她的意思是要我们收集和制作肥料，不是拿我们做……毕竟你的素体对作物生长也没用啊……

FaelynnEither way, it's too late for your complaints, Nyxie...就算小黑你不愿意也已经晚了……

FaelynnDushevnaya's already charged out, yelling something along the lines of "For the Warmaster! For the Doll Community!"...杜莎妮刚刚就叫着什么为了社区，为了战帅之类的冲出去了。

Sweeper...……

SweeperAAAAAAH—!!!啊啊啊啊——！！！！！

Wilderness Purge 肃清荒径

(Under the Dolls' unrelenting attack, the Varjagers quickly retreat with their tails between their legs.)（在杜莎妮一行人的攻势下，瓦良格帮很快抱头鼠窜，钻回了载具中。）

(Meanwhile, the other party watches in confusion. They see Sweeper, who just struck their foes with the fury of a berserker, now grabbing Dushevnaya by the neck and shaking her hard, and the facepalming Faelynn at her side.)（交战中的另外一伙人惊疑不定，看着不知为何如狂战士般出击，又在结束后抓着杜莎妮的脖子使劲摇晃的清道夫，以及在一旁叹气的芙铃。）

(Before long, a young man who appears to be their leader comes forward and greets the three Dolls.)（直到一名领袖样的年轻人让其他人收起武器，自己走近了三名人形。）

???While it would be unwise to label any action as "out of kindness" in the Yellow Zones... I can't come to any other logical conclusion as to why you would come to our aid. If I may ask, to whom do you pledge service?在黄区擅自称呼他人的举动为“善意”还挺危险的……不过我怎么看，你们的行为都是对我方的救援。请问三位，是归属于何方的战术人形？

DushevnayaAh, spare thine platitudes. The Hero is a friend to all. By the Commander's guiding hand, we work to shape a world of peace!不用客气，勇者是大家的朋友，遵循我等之领袖指挥官的指引，为了创立和平的世界而活跃！

???...…………

???I see, that makes perfect sense. Miss Hero here must be the kind who can't stand by and ignore those in need and thus stepped in to help.原来如此，这就说得通了，勇者大人想必是无法放着需要帮助的人不管，这才挺身而出吧。

FaelynnHe's somehow on the same wavelength as Dushevnaya?!初次见面，就可以和杜莎妮沟通！？

SweeperGreat! More cryptic babble that makes zero sense!意义不明的对话增加了！

DushevnayaRight you are, my compatriot!哼哼，正是如此！

???Alright. Conventional wisdom would dictate that I should return the favor. Though I'm afraid your interference might've been unnecessary to begin with!我明白了，按照套路，这里我应该为勇者的搭救倾囊以谢吧！不过，恐怕这次是你们多管闲事了。

???Even without the assistance from Miss Hero's "party", we could've easily handled those foes.就算没有勇者“大人们”的支援，刚才的情况我们也能取胜。

SweeperHuh? You damn rascal, can't you just say thank you like a normal person? What's that acting tough for? Trying to talk out of paying us?啊？你这家伙，老老实实道谢掏出谢礼就好，在这里嘴硬什么？是想赖账吗？

DushevnayaUwaaaah, settle down, Warmaster! We weren't planning to ask for a reward to begin with!呜哇啊啊，战帅，冷静一点，我们本来也没有说要收报酬什么的！

???I'm simply stating the facts.我只是阐述事实。

(Just as the young man finishes, the Dolls spot a development in the situation and turn around. Unbeknownst to them, countless combat automatons had encircled the hilltops behind them in a pincer movement. The red glares of their visual modules flicker brightly even under the blinding sunlight.)（年轻人说完，突然的状况变化让人形们转过头去，在周围的高地上，不知何时现身了大批战斗用机械体的身影，形成了一个半包围圈，其视觉模块闪烁的红光，即使在日照下依然清晰可见。）

SweeperBackup...? Aren't they... "ours"?这些是……“我们”的……战斗兵器？

FaelynnWhen did they get here? Did you mobilize them during our engagement with the Varjagers?什么时候来的……和瓦良格帮战斗开始时进行的调遣吗？

SweeperAn interesting fella, ain't ya. Planning to settle this with force, hmm?有意思啊，你这家伙，看起来是要用武力来对话吧？

???I told you, I'm simply stating the facts, which means...我说了，自己只是遵循事实，所以……

???You helping us is also a fact.你们帮助了我们也是事实。

???We would've proven victorious without your aid. The only difference would be casualties, since mobilizing the automatons took longer than I expected.如果没有你们的牵制，我的人虽然可以打赢，但也不可能毫无伤亡，毕竟刚刚调遣的速度比我预想的要慢。

???In other words, there's a 90% chance we'd have lost three men without your help.也就是说，如果没有你们的介入，90%的情况下，我这边可能会付出3人程度的伤亡。

SweeperFive.5人。

SweeperI've run the numbers. Your men don't appear well-trained; the probability of erroneous execution of defensive tactics is thus over 100%. The most likely outcome is 5 KIA and 3 WIA.根据我的计算，你的人缺乏足够训练，在防守时根据守备位置不同综合失误几率超过100%，最大可能结果是会有5个人死，另有3人受轻度伤害。

???...You're pretty sharp, huh?……看人真准。

???Name's Pavel, a merchant from Cliffwatch Town. I dabble in PMC jobs on the side as well.我叫做帕维尔，是哨崖镇的商人，也兼职军事承包商的工作。

PavelThis is for saving eight men today. Please, accept it.这是救助8人份的酬劳，请点收。

(Pavel gestures for one of his men to leave a bag of Collapse pieces by Sweeper's feet. The Doll flicks up the bag with the tip of her toe and catches it, weighing it in her hand.)（帕维尔做了一个手势后，一个跟随他的部下把一袋坍塌晶条放在清道夫脚边，人形用脚尖轻踢向半空，接住后确认了重量。）

SweeperHmph, we're even now. Let's move.哼，那就两清了吧，我们走。

PavelHold on. You haven't answered my first question yet. Three Tactical Dolls, one being a "Sangvis Ferri" model. That's not something you see every day even in the Yellow Zones.等一下，你们还没有回答我最开始的问题呢，三个战术人形，其中还有“铁血”的型号，就算是黄区也不常见。

SweeperYou know Sangvis Ferri... I take it you've got a story of your own, huh?你知道铁血……这么说，你的身份也不怎么简单吧？

PavelOf course. As long as you answer my question, I'll answer yours too, unless your identities are some sort of top secret.当然，只要你能回答我的疑问，我也可以回答你的——除非你们的身份，是什么机密？

PhaetusaNyxie, remember that the Commander is a wanted fugitive right now! You can't just give him away here!小黑，指挥官毕竟是被通缉的身份，这里可不要暴露哦！

Sweeper...……

SweeperT-T-T-Tomato...番，番，番，番……

Pavel...Wha—?……啊？

SweeperTomato King!!!!番茄皇帝！！！！

SweeperQUIET! W-we are servants—no, WARRIORS—of the Tomato King! How dare you look at me like that?! Wanna get your head chopped off?!吵死了！我说我们是跟随番茄皇帝的女人……不对！是战士！你那是什么眼神，宰了你啊！？

SweeperGOT A PROBLEM?!?!你们有意见吗！？

(Pavel and his men are startled by Sweeper's sudden burst of rage. Only Faelynn and Dushevnaya's quick reaction prevents it from escalating into further physical altercation.)（看着突然暴怒的清道夫，帕维尔和其部下们吓得向后踉跄一步，芙铃和杜莎妮死死地架住了她，才没有引发冲突。）

PavelHey, I didn't force you to tell us... Hold on, Tomato? King?... Or Tomato Emperor? Ahh, isn't he that one badass who kicked out the former head honcho of Mokosh? You all serve under him?这不是你自己要说的吗……嗯？番茄？皇帝？番茄大王？啊啊，难道是传说中放逐了莫科什第一领袖的狠角色？你们都为那位效力？

SweeperThat's right! A super badass! You get it now?! Don't underestimate him just because of the "tomato" in his title! And more importantly, don't underestimate us!没错！是个超级狠角色！你懂了吧！不要因为番茄就小看他！小看我们！

PhaetusaCalm down, Nyxie. They're not looking down on us. Please, that pain point of yours needs to go.小黑，你冷静点，人家也没小看咱们，这是你自己需要克服的心理问题。

PavelI see how it is. So, what brings you lot here? Finding the next town to overthrow? Cliffwatch's definitely got potential. I'd be happy to sit down with the Tomato Emperor himself and discuss a mutually beneficial partnership.原来如此，那你们来这里干什么？寻找下一个可以颠覆的镇子？哨崖镇的确很有潜力，我有兴趣和番茄大王好好谈谈，开启一段互惠互利的合作。

DushevnayaNay, such treachery shan't come to pass! The Hero is entrusted with a mission! It's all to assist our Commander and to hone our skills!才不是！勇者有光荣的任务在身，那是为了在帮助指挥官的同时磨炼自身！

FaelynnWe're actually here on a delivery task, from Port Mica.其实是来送货的，从硅砂港。

Pavel...Port Mica? And the recipient is...?……硅砂港？收货人是？

FaelynnEhm... whatever, we'll have to ask around anyway—We're looking for one Mr. Smolin. Do you know him?唔，算了，反正也要打听——斯莫林先生？

Pavel Smolin...Well, of course I know him. He's me.……我，就是斯莫林。

DushevnayaWoah! That means you have a large stock of Doll frames at your disposal, right?哇啊！那么说，你刚好有很多人形素体吗！？

Pavel SmolinI do.有的。

FaelynnSo you're our client slash commissioner? Could you please provide us with some sort of proof?那你就是我们这次的交易对象，委托人了？那么，您应该能出示凭证吧？

Pavel SmolinLet me see, hmm... this will do, right?我想想，嗯……是这个吧？对吗？

(Pavel takes out his terminal and sends Faelynn a confirmation message.)（帕维尔拿出个人终端，向芙铃发送了一条确认信息。）

FaelynnIt's actually him!居然是真的！

Pavel Smolin...Heh, what a coincidence. That'll make a great conversation piece later. Let's move, we'll talk back at my place.……呵呵，真是巧合。 这下就有的聊了，走吧，在我那里好好谈谈。

Fork 分叉口

BoyNo! You can't just kick us out of our own home! We didn't do anything wrong!不要！为什么要把我们从自己家里赶出来啊！我们没做错事！

BoyMom! Dad!爸爸，妈妈！

BoyWhat are you doing?! Let go of my mom and dad!你们干什么！放开我爸爸妈妈！

SoldierBehave, kid.别闹了，孩子。

SoldierYour parents have been ruled as anti-URNC dissidents, charged with corruption and negligence of duty. Any illicit proceeds, including all properties and wealth, are now forfeit to the governing authority.你的父母现在被认定为贪污、玩忽职守的反罗联分子，至今为止的非法所得，包括你们的住房和财产都需要被封存。

SoldierConsidering their lack of involvement in full-scale armed rebellions, they should be out of the slammer after a decade of good behavior. Kid, just accept that your father will take the fall just as a real man should.看在他没有直接参与军事行为的份上，只要老老实实服刑个几十年，就还能再出来，你就让他像个男人一样承担自己的责任吧。

BoyMom and Dad would never betray the URNC! We never stole anything! Dad is an amazing scientist! Even that General Carter praised him!我爸爸妈妈才没有背叛罗联！我们家才不会偷钱！爸爸是了不起的技术专家！是那个卡特将军都称赞的人啊！

BoyThis can't be right! You must've got something wrong!你们搞错了！搞错了！

SoldierThat's not up to us to decide, kid. It's up to the military tribunal. But the allegations that your parents falsified multiple projects and embezzled a large sum of R&D funds have all been backed by physical evidence and testimonies.有没有搞错，要交给军事法庭来裁决，可就近期各项物证人证来看，你父母虚构了多个项目，贪污巨额研发资金的指控已经被一致判定为属实了。

ManPavel... you... take care...帕维尔……你要多……保重……

ManLive... well... with...和……一起，好好活下去——

(...)（……）

Pavel...……

PavelYou... Do you know about "Griffin" Dolls?你们……知道“格里芬”的人形吗？

Faelynn...……

DushevnayaOf cour—ugh!?当——唔唔唔！？

(Just as Dushevnaya is about to answer, Sweeper suddenly covers her mouth.)（就在杜莎妮要开口的时候，清道夫一把捂住了她的嘴。）

SweeperYou know I'm from "Sangvis Ferri".你知道我是“铁血”了吧？

SweeperWhich means you know Griffin is our archnemesis. Don't bring that name up in front of me again.对我来说，格里芬是永远的宿敌，最好不要再在我耳边提起这个名字。

Pavel...Pardon me.……我失礼了。

PavelAlright, we're almost there. This is where I usually trade with people.好了，前面就是目的地了，我平常就是在这里和人交易的。

(With Dushevnaya driving the truck, Faelynn and Sweeper remain on the roof to keep watch of the merchant convoy as they head into the mountains.)（于是杜莎妮驾驶货车，芙铃和清道夫两人则在车顶待命，跟随商人的车队驶向山中。）

(A small but well-stocked rest stop appears ahead. Two large cargo containers are already waiting.)（一个规模不大设施齐整的休息站出现在眼前，两个巨大的载货箱子已经被安置在了这里。）

(Dushevnaya nervously opens the container doors. She is utterly baffled by the rows of neatly arranged Doll frames as she checks their condition.)（杜莎妮紧张地打开箱门，惊叹于齐整的人形素体带来的视觉冲击，随后确认着内部素体的状况。）

PavelSome might be a bit dated, but it's all military-grade. Most have brand-new parts. I can personally guarantee their performance.可能有些老旧，不过都是军用货，大部分部件都是全新的，性能方面我可以保证。

Phaetusa...Right, let me handle the inspection. This will take some time.……嗯，我来验收吧，会需要一些时间。

PhaetusaThis is where Miss Mayling comes into play...这里要连接到美玲小姐了呢……

(Following Faelynn unloading the server from their truck, Pavel also sends two technicians of his own for inspection.)（在芙铃把服务器从货车上拖下来后，帕维尔一方也走出两个技术人员进行检验。）

(Despite taking several hours, the transaction is a success, and Dushevnaya and Pavel wrap it all up with a handshake.)（虽然耗费了好几个小时，但是最终，杜莎妮和帕维尔完成了一次握手。）

PavelNo issues on our side.我们这里已经没有问题了。

PavelPlease send my regards to the Tomato Emperor.替我向番茄大王问好。

DushevnayaConsider it done! I have no doubt the Commander will be delighted!嗯，指挥官也会高兴的！

FaelynnMission complete. Can we go back and see Master now? I-I'm so nervous!任务完成了，可以回去见主人了吗？好，好紧张！

PavelRight.对啦。

PavelActually, I've got one more thing to trade with you. Take a look.其实我还有一件东西可以和你们进行交易，看看吧。

(Pavel casually opens a heavily secured crate, inside of which lies an obviously custom-made Doll frame.)（帕维尔漫不经心地打开一组防御明显严密的箱子，在里面放置着一具明显是特制型号的素体。）

(Sweeper's eyes suddenly widen.)（清道夫的眼睛骤然之间睁大了。）

PhaetusaNyxie, this is...小黑，这个是……

SweeperA Sangvis elite Doll frame...铁血的精英型号素体……

PavelYou've really got an eye for this, eh? I picked it up while procuring mobile automatons. I've only seen it once myself.有眼力。这是我之前收购机动兵器时一并得到的，我也只见过这一次。

SweeperHow much is it?多少钱？

PavelYou can't put a number on it. It's a discontinued product after all, at least in today's world.这是无价的限定品，至少在目前的世道是如此。

PavelHowever, I do wish to befriend that famous fella you lot call your "Commander". And since you also just saved my ass... consider this a special offer... as a gesture of our friendship.不过，我想和闻名遐迩的那个人，你们的……“指挥官”交个朋友，再加上你们也帮了我大忙，所以……作为友谊的象征，可以开一个友情的价格。

SweeperI can't make any promises.我不会给出任何承诺。

PavelNo need to. We humans have this thing called diplomatic gifts.你不需要，人类的社会里，是有外交礼物这一说法的。

PavelBesides, I do have another favor to ask. More precisely, I need Miss Sangvis Ferri here to help me with something.此外，我还希望你们能帮我一个小忙，准确地说，我需要这位铁血人形的小姐帮忙。

SweeperWhat is it?小忙？

PavelThis server you just delivered is actually the control module of a military production line, and I have the corresponding encryption key.这台服务器是某条军方武装生产线中的总控模块，我则拥有对应系统的密钥。

PavelBut even as I have access... I still need a Sangvis Doll's processor to decrypt part of its encoding in lieu of the compilation tools that I don't have.不过即使我能进入系统……依旧需要铁血人形的处理器对其中的部分编码进行破译，以替代缺少的那部分编译设备。

PavelThat'll easily reduce my workload more than twenty-fold. Never thought I'd be this lucky to both meet a Sangvis Doll and get the server module at the same time.这可以让我将工时缩短至1/20，说实话，我没想过自己的运气能有那么好，能同时遇到铁血人形和想要的模块组件。

SweeperWhy should I do that for you, human?我为什么要替你一个人类做这种事？

PavelI don't know if you'd like to, but I do know for a fact that while Sangvis frames are a dime a dozen, finding an elite frame on the market is like fishing for a needle in a haystack nowadays. I doubt there are more than a dozen of these left in the entire world.我不能确定你是否愿意，但有一件事我是知道的——铁血人形的素体虽不少见。但精英型号却是万中无一，极少在市场出现，可能全世界也只有几具了。

PavelI'm sure you of all people should know how important backup frames are, don't you?对你们人形来说，备用素体的重要性不言而喻吧？

PavelYou're the only active elite Sangvis Doll I've seen in years, and you just happen to arrive along with what I was looking for.你是我在这些年见过的唯一一个还在活动的精英铁血，和我一直在寻求的东西同时抵达。

PavelDon't you think fate has a hand in this?你不觉得这是一种命运吗？

SweeperNot at all.当然不觉得。

SweeperHowever, what's inside this thing does intrigue me. Fine, I agree.不过，我也对这玩意里面装了什么很有兴趣，好吧，我同意了。

DushevnayaWhoa, Warmaster. You're not coming back with us?!呜哇，战帅，你不和我们一起回去吗！？

SweeperY'all heard me. I've got my own business to deal with. Besides, I was never really part of your group. I'm... the last of Sangvis Ferri.你听到了吧？我有我自己的事，再说，我本来就不是你们的一员，我是……最后的铁血。

SweeperI'm only following the Commander because he's impressive, unlike you lot.只是因为指挥官很厉害才暂时追随他，和你们可不一样。

FaelynnYou're not the last! We've fought alongside other Coalition forces before... the other Sangvis...才不是最后的铁血，我们和“融合势力”也并肩作战过……其他的铁血……

FaelynnMmm, but I don't know where they are now. Probably hiding somewhere.唔，不过我也不知道她们目前在哪里，多半是躲起来了吧！

SweeperI already know that.你说的这些我早问过了。

SweeperAnyway, I've made up my mind.总之，我已经决定了。

DushevnayaThen I shall stay with thee.那我在这里陪你。

SweeperYou idiot... At the end of the day, we're still—你这家伙，我和你们本来就是……

DushevnayaComrades! You're our Warmaster!是伙伴，你是我们的战帅啊！

Sweeper...Whatever floats your boat. Remember, if you miss the planned return time, Ullrid might just twist your head off your neck and plant it separately.……随便你吧，如果耽误了回去的时间，小心乌尔丽德把你的脑袋和身体分开种下去。

PavelIf you're going to stay, Cliffwatch Town on top of that nearby mountain can provide decent lodging.如果你们要等的话，附近山顶的哨崖镇可以提供不错的住宿环境。

PavelMight be more expensive than elsewhere, but it's got charging stations and workshops, pretty convenient for Dolls.费用比别处可能高了一些，但上面有供电设施和相关工作室，对人形很方便。

DushevnayaOhh! A new town? My instincts are tingling~ Come on, let's uncover its secrets together!哦哦！新的城镇吗！这倒挺不错的呢~就去那里玩玩吧！

DushevnayaWe'll head back together once Warmaster wraps up her new adventure!等战帅忙完了手头的事，再一起回去！

DushevnayaTo the town guild we go, Foxmaiden! After that, we'll come back and keep the Warmaster company!狐姬，我们先去打探一下城镇里的公会！之后再回来陪着战帅！

FaelynnGuess that's the plan then. Hope I can find some gifts for Master and Basti, that'd be nice.也只能这样了，要是能找到适合买给主人和贝丝蒂当礼物的东西，也算有收获了。

FaelynnBut Nyxie, are you sure Phaetusa won't get bored?不过，小黑你这样就好，翡图萨会不会觉得无聊？

SweeperHmph, she... she says she's okay with this.哼，那个家伙……说她没有意见。

PavelI've marked an easy route for you. You can get moving now.我把方便上山的路线标给你们，来吧。

FaelynnOkay, thanks a lot.嗯，多谢。

Gunshot Resonance 枪弹共鸣

HelianLiu...刘氏……

HelianI understand how you feel right now, but no matter how much you persist, {}'s departure and Griffin's disbandment are not things you can change. Even with these enormous sums you're investing, this "Griffin" you'll end up keeping afloat will no longer be the Griffin that you remember.我理解你的心情，可是不管你再怎么坚持，{}的离开，以及格里芬的解体都不会改变，即使你付出如此庞大的金额，能维持的也不会是你希望的那个格里芬。

General LiuBut... what if the Commander changes his mind? He needs a place to come home to... At least, let me do my part. Please let me cover all of Griffin's operation costs for the next thirty years, as well as everyone's pay...可是……万一长官改变心意，我觉得他需要有家可归……至少，让我尽一份心意，请让我负担接下来三十年里格里芬所有的运转，还有大家的待遇也一样……

General LiuProtecting Griffin—that has always been the duty the Commander gave me. I want to... see it through to the very end.保护好格里芬，这一直都是长官给我的任务，我想要……做到最后。

HelianI don't think he's ever coming back. If you really intend to respect his orders, then what you should do is decide for yourself freely, because as far as I know, that was his real final wish.我不认为那个人还会回来，如果你想要遵循他的指令，据我所知，让你们自由地决定自己的去留才是他真正的愿望。

HelianIf you still insist on staying at Griffin, I can prepare a position for you. But please, stop bringing up financial support from now on.如果你坚持还要留在格里芬，我可以为你准备可挑选的岗位，但不用再提金钱援助的事了。

HelianI'm sorry, but the Griffin you're familiar with no longer exists.很遗憾，你们熟悉的格里芬，已经不复存在了。

General Liu...It's... over?……已经，结束了？

General LiuOur Griffin... the Commander's... and my home...我们的格里芬，长官，和我的……家……

???Liushih, Liushih—刘莳，刘莳——

???Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey. Something's come up, you'll need to make the call.该起来啦，有情况，需要你做主的时候到了。

Liushih...……

Liushih...Huh, Zhisui?……呼，知穗？

ZhisuiMorning. Did the inspection go smoothly?早啊，检查还顺利吗？

LiushihYeah. My body and neural cloud... everything's fine.没有问题，素体和心智……都很完美。

ZhisuiGood to hear, because we've probably got some overtime on our hands.那就好，今天可能会加班呢。

ZhisuiThat truck from last night left Pavel's turf and is currently heading toward Cliffwatch Town. It looks to be loaded to the brim, seeing as how low the suspensions are sitting.昨晚那辆车从帕维尔的地盘出来了，目前正在前往哨崖镇——看样子装载了十分沉重的货物，车架载重达到了极限。

ZhisuiThe driver's a total rookie as well. They stalled the engine several times along the way.还有驾驶员似乎车技很差劲，路上熄火好几次了。

LiushihHave we ID'd the owner? Maybe it's just a passing merchant.能确认车主的身份吗？或许只是普通的行商呢。

ZhisuiI say there's more than meets the eye. Orlog's got a lot of trucks of that same model. It's very likely they're here to support that bastard Pavel.事情可能没那么简单，那辆车是财团常用的款式，很可能是给帕维尔那厮提供武装支援的。

ZhisuiOur men have also spotted signs of fighting earlier. It's highly likely that the truck's owner is in cahoots with Pavel.之前我们的人也发现了交战的痕迹，那辆车的主人和帕维尔是一伙的可能性很高。

LiushihI see... let's just keep a close eye on them for now then.这样……先加强监视力度吧。

LiushihMaybe Mr. Pavel just wants to do business properly for once? Even though we had disagreements before, wishing for Cliffwatch Town to prosper is a mutual goal.也许帕维尔先生只是想要好好做生意呢？我们之间虽然有些分歧，但希望哨崖镇繁荣昌盛的想法应该并不冲突。

ZhisuiGirl, you're just too nice. Did you forget what that guy has done before? There's definitely something suspicious about this!你呀，就是人太好了，难道你忘记那家伙以前都干过什么吗？这次有鬼的可能性绝对很高哦！

ZhisuiOne more thing, ELIDs were recently sighted on the route that the truck is taking. It's unlikely they'll be able to escape if they run into a horde of those.另外还有一件事，那辆车走的路线，不久前才侦测到有生骸出没，以车况来说，遭遇生骸就绝对逃不了的。

ZhisuiWhich means...照这样下去……

Liushih—Get everyone ready.——让大家做好出发准备。

LiushihNo matter what they're here for, I can't let them be devoured by ELIDs right on our watch.不管那辆车是什么来意，都不能在我们的巡逻范围内被生骸袭击。

Zhisui(Sigh) You...唉……你呀。

ZhisuiI knew you'd say that. Everyone's already waiting, you should hurry and gear up as well.我早料到喽，大家已经在准备了，你也快些就位吧！

LiushihThanks, Zhisui!谢谢你，知穗！

ZhisuiHmph, you're just too kind for this world...哼，烂好人……

(Despite having taken an off-roading crash course, the treacherous mountain road still proves to be quite the steep challenge for Faelynn. She desperately tries to keep the truck under control with 110% of her focus dedicated to guiding the steering wheel.)（虽然紧急学习了驾驶技术，但是面对崎岖的山路，芙铃还是有些力不从心，只能尽量专注地手握方向盘，避免轮胎打滑酿出惨剧。）

(Dushevnaya sits behind with her anti-materiel rifle in hand, casually resting her feet on the seatback.)（杜莎妮端着步枪坐在后座，舒适地把双脚架设在椅背上。）

FaelynnNot having Dushevnaya drive was definitely a blunder. The brakes on this thing are so hard to depress...失策了，应该让杜莎妮来开，这辆车的刹车好难踩……

FaelynnI feel like the truck's barely holding together as well... I wonder if we can patch it up for heavier loads at Cliffwatch Town.而且好像车的状况不太好了……不知道能不能在哨崖镇做些负重改装。

Dushevnaya...We only set out half an hour ago and you're already wrecking our Hellraider?!……狐姬，我们出发才半小时，你已经要把地狱战车撞死了？！

FaelynnNo way! I might have it roll over, but I won't get it wrecked!才没有！我只会翻车，不会撞墙！

FaelynnJust asking, do we have the money to spare? We might need some repairs.就是要问一下，我们有钱吗？可能车要修理一下。

DushevnayaThe fortune Supreme Leader entrusted us with the Doll frame procurement is in the holding chamber under the passenger's seat. Helen said we are to spend them as we deem appropriate, provided they are wise expenditures.乌尔丽德为购买素体准备的资金留在副驾驶的储物格下面，海伦说在不挥霍的前提下能用则用。

FaelynnYou mean storage compartment, right...? Oh, found it. Wow, that's quite the—ehh...储物格储物格……哦，找到了，不少啊，诶……

(With her tail up, Faelynn leans forward to search, but suddenly spots a shadow crawling down from the cliff above.)（撅着尾巴，探身摸索到坍塌晶条的芙铃突然紧张地抬起头，看着正从山崖上方爬向自己的一个影子。）

FaelynnELID?!生骸！？

DushevnayaWhat?!什么！？

(A sharp turn followed by a hard brake allows Faelynn to evade the ELID, but the abrupt maneuver causes her to lose control of the truck as it starts racing down the cliff.)（一个急转弯后快速拉起手刹，芙铃避开了生骸，但货车却因为粗暴的操作而失控，滑向了山崖下。）

FaelynnCrap—!不好——！

FaelynnMaster's Doll frames... no!要交给主人的素体……不可以！

(Faelynn panics, frantically stepping on the gas and yanking the wheel the same way she does in her games, somehow managing to bring the truck back onto the route.)（芙铃手忙脚乱地按照自己玩过的游戏操作踩下油门后猛打方向盘，让车身回到了路上。）

(However, her rough handling is not without consequences—)（这番粗暴的操作很快就引发了后果——）

(Blam—! The truck jolts violently, and its speed suddenly drops.)（轰——！货车猛地一震，速度陡然间慢了下来。）

FaelynnThe engine's blown! We can't accelerate anymore!爆缸了！不能再加速了！

FaelynnWe can't shake them off like this!这样下去甩不开它们！

DushevnayaNow's the Hero's time to shine!勇者，登场！

(Dushevnaya grabs her rifle, leans halfway out the window, and fires a precise shot aimed at one of the approaching creatures, piercing right through its skull.)（杜莎妮抬起步枪，半身探出车窗外，一发精准的子弹贯穿了靠近的生骸，令其扑倒在地上。）

DushevnayaStay away from our Hellraider!不准靠近我们的地狱战车！

Pegasus(Just as she trains her rifle onto another target, a group of quadrupedal "creatures" coming down the winding road above them catches her attention.)（与此同时，就在她准备射击下一个目标之际，上方的蜿蜒山路上，一队四足“生物”引起了她的注意。）

Pegasus(Another pack of ELIDs is what she first thought of it, but upon closer inspection, she realizes it's a group of "jockeys" and their "mounts".)（起初以为是又一群生骸，仔细看去，才发现那是由“骑手”和“坐骑”组成的集团。）

Pegasus(Those "mounts" are an amalgamation of savagery and discipline, galloping freely atop steep cliffs. Blending both might and speed, their form stirs up a memory deep within Dushevnaya.)（那些坐骑是一种混合了野性与从容，在陡峭山崖间自由奔跑的物种，其姿态兼具了力量与速度，触动了杜莎妮内心自己都未曾发觉的记忆。）

DushevnayaThose are... horses? No... they bear resemblance to horses, but are completely mechanical... They're the Warmounts of the Apocalypse!那个是……是……马？不对……虽然外形是马，实际完全是由机械组成的……默示录上的战马！

DushevnayaAnd the ones riding them... must be the Horsemen of the Apocalypse...还有骑在上面的，一定是末日的骑兵……

(This group does not ride on ordinary wheeled vehicles but rather mechanical walkers shaped like horses, allowing them to navigate the difficult terrain and overcome obstacles with ease.)（这支队伍骑乘的并非普通载具，而是一种有着骏马外形的机械式载具，即使在陡峭的山崖上，其也能平稳、高速地奔跑，并且灵活避开障碍。）

FaelynnSomething else showed up?!又有什么过来了吗？

FaelynnI'll help you!我马上来帮你！

DushevnayaNo, they're not enemies—不是敌人——

(Before Dushevnaya can finish, continuous gunshots ring out. The "Horsemen" fire down from the back of their "Warmounts", making short work of the pursuing ELIDs that were inches from reaching the truck.)（杜莎妮话音未落，清晰的枪声连绵不断，骑乘在那些“战马”身上的骑士们端起枪，居高临下地对靠近的生骸射击，并且很快收到了成效，快要追上货车的生骸纷纷倒地。）

(Taking the chance, Faelynn stops the truck and uses it as a firing position. With Dushevnaya, they finish off the straggler ELIDs and those who try to get back up.)（抓住机会，芙铃停下车，以货车作为掩体，与杜莎妮迅速完成了临时阵地的搭建，进一步消灭了倒地后试图爬起来的生骸们。）

(Amid the swirling dust, the fully loaded cavalry ride approaches them along the mountain path.)（在纷扬的尘土中，那支全副武装的骑兵队沿着山路，向她们两人走来。）

FaelynnA specialized walker for mountain combat... that also serves as a vehicle?这是为了山地战环境而特化的机甲，同时也是载具……？

FaelynnI remember Sangvis Ferri having something similar. They were pretty tough to deal with.以前铁血也有类似的敌人，还挺难缠的呢。

(Through the thick smoke, the two Dolls vaguely spot the leader of the ride waving a flag signaling peace. They do not lower their weapons, but also make it clear that they will not shoot first.)（烟尘弥漫之下，两人看到为首的骑士高举起了示以和平的旗帜，她们并没有撤去武装，但也杜绝了先发制人开枪的想法。）

(Riding at the front on the lead horse is a Doll wearing a military cap.)（立于队伍最前方、骑着头马的是一位戴着军帽的人形。）

(Beside her is another graceful Doll holding an assault rifle. She is observing Dushevnaya with cautious vigilance.)（而在她身边的，是一位手持突击步枪、身姿伶俐的人形，此刻正警惕地注视着杜莎妮小队的方向。）

Serious DollHey, the vehicle over there! We are the "Winged Cavaliers" in charge of Cliffwatch Town's security.喂，那边的车辆！我们是与哨崖镇达成防务合作的“翼骑兵”。

Serious DollBeyond this point is territory under our jurisdiction! We'll now conduct an inspection as authorized by the town mayor. You'll be free to go once we confirm you pose no threat.再往前就是警戒区域了！现在开始由哨崖镇长授权的例行检查，确认你们不会造成危害后，就会让你们自由通行。

Serious DollHowever, given our deployment to ensure your safety, a fee shall apply—但是由于我们已经出击，并且在之前已经对你们进行了支援保护，会收取定额费用——

Kind DollHehe... relax, Zhisui. It's okay.呵呵……稍微放松一点也没关系的哦，知穗。

Kind DollLook at their vehicle. They must've run into those ELIDs on their way and barely made it out.看这辆车的状况，她们应该也是在途中遇到了生骸，好不容易才突围的吧？

Kind DollLet's make sure they've not got casualties first.还是先确认一下有没有伤员吧？

DushevnayaAh, feast your eyes upon these fierce Warmounts and Horsemen. Even the brigands are so "civilized", content with just charging a toll rather than pillaging all your possessions. This is truly a battleground of another realm!啊，这凶悍的战马与骑士，还有传说中不直接开抢只收买路费的文明盗贼——此地正是异界的战场！

DushevnayaA great responsibility rests upon us, compatriots. Should the foe strike not first, let not the prospect of peace be shattered.我们是怀着大任前来，只要对方不率先发难，绝对不能打破和平的可能！

Faelynn...……

(Faelynn, who had been staring down the sights, suddenly freezes.)（不知为何，本来正在专注瞄准的芙铃突然有些愣住了。）

FaelynnThose two... and those guns... They look familiar...那两个人形，还有那两支枪的形状……怎么看都很眼熟啊……

FaelynnNo way... I'm not seeing things, am I?怎么办，我应该没有看错吧？

(Faelynn rubs at her ocular receptacles intently.)（芙铃用力地揉了揉眼睛。）

(Two approaching figures become increasingly clear in Faelynn's visual module—)（直到逐渐靠近的两个焦点，在芙铃的视觉模块中变得越来越清晰——）

FaelynnEven the IDs match... Aren't those two...果然……身份识别也对得上，她们两个……

Faelynn...General Liu and Type 56-1?不就是刘氏步枪和56-1式吗？

(The two Dolls on mechanical horses slowly ride toward the smoking truck.)（两位骑乘着机械马的人形缓缓靠近了冒着浓烟的货车。）

(The lead Doll follows protocol and makes a polite inquiry first.)（为首的人形按照安保流程，率先发出了礼节性的询问。）

Kind DollGreetings, travelers. Welcome to Cliffwatch Town. Does anyone need medical assistance?来访者你好，欢迎来到哨崖镇，你们有人需要医疗支援吗？

Kind DollI'm Liushih, leader of the Winged Cavaliers. Our duty is to protect and rescue all who travel to and from the town.我是翼骑兵的队长刘莳，翼骑兵的职责是护卫、救援所有往来于哨崖镇的人们。

LiushihPlease rest assured, we harbor no ill intent. We only want to ensure your safety.请放心，我们绝对没有任何恶意，也希望能够确保你们的安全。

LiushihPlease state your identity and the purpose of your—huh?请务必说明你们的身份以及来访目的……诶？

(Before she can finish, Liushih notices the animal ears and a familiar smile peeking from behind the truck.)（话音未落，刘莳就看到了从货车后方探出的兽耳，还有那张熟悉的笑脸。）

LiushihThose ears... Gr G41? Is that you, Gr G41?这对耳朵……G41？这不是G41吗？

FaelynnWhoa, it's really General Liu and Type 56-1!哇，是刘氏步枪和56-1式——真的是你们！

FaelynnLong time no see!好久不见啦！

(Faelynn leans over and waves excitedly.)（芙铃探出头，向二人兴奋地挥了挥手。）

FaelynnI go by Faelynn now~我现在的名字是芙铃哦~

FaelynnOh, right, despite her body being a little different, the one over here is KSVK. She's called Dushevnaya now!啊，还有，虽然素体有变化，但这是KSVK，她现在的名字是杜莎妮！

Serious DollGood heavens! Running into old comrades here of all places! Looks like everyone's got new names after all these years, huh?老天呐！居然会在这里遇到过去的同伴！看来一段时间不见，大家都有了新名字啊？

ZhisuiLet us introduce ourselves again then. Her new name is Liushih, and mine's Zhisui!那就重新介绍一下吧，现在她是刘莳，我的名字是知穗啦！

DushevnayaAh, great greetings! A fateful reunion between the Hero's old comrades! Though recollections of you two still elude me for now, I shall spare no effort to evoke them once more!哦！勇者又与往日的战友重逢——那个，虽然心智记录目前没有两位的身影，但我会努力回想起来的！

DushevnayaPrithee, allow me to refer to you as the General and the Khan for the time being!就先让我称呼你们为将军和可汗吧！

ZhisuiT-the Khan...?可、可汗……？

ZhisuiEhh... you sure that's really KSVK? Could it just be a random Doll who looks like her...那个，这真的是KSVK吗？会不会是只有脸长得像……

FaelynnI was wondering that as well at first, but once you get used to it, you can tell she's really our KSVK.我最开始也怀疑过，但习惯了之后就会发现，她的确还是原本的KSVK啦。

LiushihHehe... I don't see a problem. A decade's a long time, enough time for people to change. The same ought to apply to Dolls.呵呵……有什么关系呢？十年对于人类来说是一段不短的时间，人形也不该一成不变。

LiushihI just never expected to reunite with you two here. What made you come all the way out here, to a place as remote as Cliffwatch Town?没想到能在这种时候碰到芙铃和杜莎妮，你们为什么会到哨崖镇这样偏远的地方来呢？

LiushihRight, if Griffin Dolls are here, does that mean...对了，既然格里芬的人形伙伴来了，那是不是……

(Liushih dismounts and peeks into the passenger seat with eager anticipation.)（刘莳下马靠近了一些，目光期待地扫向内侧的副驾驶座位。）

Liushih...The Commander... he's not with you?……长官，没有一起来吗？

(Without that familiar figure coming into sight, a trace of disappointment flashes by Liushih's eyes.)（没有见到那个熟悉的身影，刘莳的眼中不由浮现出了微微的失落。）

FaelynnMaster... I mean, the Commander is still on the Elmo.主人……指挥官，现在还在艾莫号上。

FaelynnBut the Agreement has been terminated. We're going back to the Elmo right after this mission!但是，“协议”已经中止了，我们在完成当前任务后，就要回到艾莫号上了！

ZhisuiReally? That means the Commander can have Dolls by his side again, right?什么什么，真的？长官身边又能有人形在了吗！？

LiushihI'm so glad...太好了……

(...)（……）

(While they chat with Faelynn, Dushevnaya curls up in the back seat, dejection written all over her countenance.)（二人和芙铃交谈的时候，杜莎妮有些颓丧地蜷缩进了后座。）

DushevnayaOh, Hero. Even with these magnificent riders at mine side, how could I possibly not recall subjugating the dragons and defeating the demon lord with them? How grave. I must remember! I even remembered back then with Basti!勇者啊，明明是这般威武的骑兵，却无法回忆起一同驾驭飞龙讨伐魔王的样子——这样可不行，快回忆回忆，贝丝蒂那时候不也想起来了吗！

ZhisuiK—Dushevnaya, what's wrong? Are you hungry?K——杜莎妮怎么了，是肚子饿了吗？

ZhisuiYou don't look too well.看起来不是很精神啊。

DushevnayaHuh? Yeah! The Hero never stills their feet for a momentary separation. I'm grateful for your concern... L-L-Liushih!啊？嗯！勇者是不会因为短暂的分别就停滞不前的，谢谢你的关心……刘、刘莳！

FaelynnDushevnaya, that's Zhisui...杜莎妮，她是知穗啦……

Dushevnaya...Ah! Pardon my slip of tongue!……呃！对、对不起！

DushevnayaI'm just... a little unsettled... as my memory has been wiped clean. So... be it the Foxmaiden, the Khan, or the General... none of my recollections tie back to you...我……只是稍微有些难过……因为心智记录受到了清洗，所以……狐姬也好，可汗和将军也好，都没办法回忆起过去的关系。

ZhisuiWIPED?! Who's the asshole that did that?!清洗？！是哪个混蛋干的！

Liushih...While we haven't had the time to talk about what happened throughout the years, I know it must've been hard for everyone.……虽然还没有聊起这段时间的遭遇，但大家一定都非常不容易。

LiushihBeing able to meet again is already a blessing... It's just a shame you won't be able to share your memories with us, Dushevnaya.能够再见面就是万幸，只是没法和杜莎妮畅谈过去，实在有些遗憾呢……

LiushihMaybe I can offer some help? No need to worry about the cost of repairs. I'll do everything I can.能不能让我也出一份力？修复心智的费用方面不用担心，我会尽力帮忙的。

DushevnayaIt's okay! Helen—that's DP-12's new moniker—is already helping me piece them back together. One day, I'll reclaim every recollection of the time I shared with all of you!没事啦！海伦……DP12已经在替我修复了，接下来，我会逐渐恢复和大家在一起的记忆！

DushevnayaBut until it's fully restored, I just can't recall your existence in my head... I apologize...只是在修复前，实在没办法想起你们的事情……对不起……

LiushihNo need to apologize, Dushevnaya. Zhisui and I both know you've always been a steadfast comrade.不用为这种事情道歉哦，我和知穗都知道，杜莎妮是我们一直以来的伙伴。

ZhisuiThat's right! No matter what, you're still our KSVK!就是啊！不管怎么说，你都是我们认识的那个KSVK嘛！

DushevnayaGeneral... Khan...!将军……可汗……！

DushevnayaOn a path strewn with thorns, the Hero gains more comrades from the past... For the Commander, and for everyone's joy, let us gallop on!最终我们的道路还是交汇到了一起，为了指挥官和大家的幸福，现在就让我们奔跑起来吧！

ZhisuiWhassat supposed to mean... Hey, stop running around! We've not fully secured this area yet!所以到底为什么要用这种称呼嘛——还有不要乱跑，这里危机还没解除呢！

(Suddenly, a deep rumbling comes from behind the vehicle.)（突然，从车辆的后方传来了一阵低沉的震动声。）

(The Dolls turn around in unison—)（人形们一齐向后看去——）

(Boom!)（砰！）

(A loud explosion erupts on the distant hillside. Dust and smoke surge like a tidal wave.)（远处的山坡爆发出了一声巨响，滚滚的烟尘如同海啸般涌起。）

(Amidst a sea of yellow, twisted black shadows gradually take form.)（在漫天的黄沙中，几道扭曲的黑影伴随着震动，逐渐显现出了原本的形状。）

LiushihHostile ELIDs, twelve o'clock, five and counting—十二点钟方向，有生骸群接近，数量大概在五只以上——

ZhisuiI knew it. So many of them are crawling around lately... It's as if something or someone is driving them here...我就知道，最近生骸真多啊，简直就像是被什么赶过来一样……

ZhisuiLiushih, give the order!刘莳，下命令吧！

(Liushih quickly exchanges glances with Zhisui.)（刘莳迅速和知穗交换了一个眼神。）

LiushihEveryone, mount up!所有人准备！

LiushihWinged Cavaliers, defensive formation! Protect the vehicle and cargo!翼骑兵队，呈防御阵型散开，保护车辆和货品！

Winged Cavalier MemberRoger!是！

LiushihZhisui, take a squad to the flank. Watch out for ELIDs climbing up from below.知穗，你带一队人去侧翼，防备从山崖下爬上来的生骸。

ZhisuiUnderstood!明白！

(Liushih masterfully commands the Cavaliers with a composure and fluency wholly uncharacteristic of her past timidness.)（刘莳熟练地指挥着队伍，身上再无半点温吞的影子。）

(It's as if she's a completely different Doll now compared to her old Griffin self.)（和格里芬时期的记忆相比，眼前的刘莳几乎完全变成了另一个人形。）

FaelynnIs it just me or Liushih changed a lot during the past ten years...?总觉得，刘莳在这十年之间的变化很大诶……

FaelynnAre these Cavaliers all followers of yours, Liushih?这些骑士都是追随着刘莳的吗？

LiushihYou've also changed, Faelynn... Can't wait to grab a drink together and shoot the breeze with 'ya.芙铃也变了很多呢……真想和大家马上把酒言欢，诉说往昔啊。

LiushihBut now I have to ask—Faelynn, Dushevnaya, are you still in shape to fight?不过还是要冒昧地问一句——芙铃，杜莎妮，大家现在还可以战斗吗？

DushevnayaEven faced with horrifying beasts, the Hero never falters!就算是魔物来袭，勇者的枪火……也绝不会退缩！

LiushihGood! Then—好！那么——

(Click.)（咔哒——）

(Liushih chambers her rifle.)（刘莳将手中的步枪利落上膛。）

LiushihLet's wrap this up!就让我们快速解决吧！

Gunshot Resonance 枪弹共鸣

Sweeper"Pegasus"...?珀伽索——？

PavelThe Neo-Soviet Union's "horse"-inspired tactical mountain walker derived from Sangvis Ferri tech. It doesn't boast much firepower, but is extremely effective as a weapon and reconnaissance vehicle in this sort of terrain.新苏联军方仿生自“马”，采用铁血技术开发的山岳战术机甲，虽然火力不算突出，但是在这一代环境下，它们是极其优秀的载具和武器。

SweeperSo if I understand this correctly, that Griffin T-Doll, that "Liushih", used this "Pegasus" to steal all your business as a PMC, which is why you want to get back at her?也就是说，那个叫做“刘莳”的格里芬人形依靠这样的武器，把你做为军事承包商的生意都抢光了，所以你想报复她？

PavelIt's nothing personal. We've even worked together in the early days of Cliffwatch Town. I respect her character and capabilities.我和她没有私人恩怨，在哨崖镇的发展初期，我和她还彼此合作过几次，她的品格和能力我是认可的。

PavelEven without demands for a hired gun, the town's economy is good enough for me to make a living out of trading. Providing security services for other regions is also on the table when push comes to shove.即使接不到军事订单，但哨崖镇的商业经济还是能让我赚到钱。为其他地区提供军事安保服务，利润更是不错。

PavelThe real problem is that I disagree with her about how the Pegasi are being used. I once offered to purchase them, but given her deep pockets, that's... basically a bid I could never win...唯一的问题，就是我不认同她使用珀伽索的方式。我曾提出向她购买，但她的资金实力，嗯，深不见底……

SweeperI see now. You bought this control module that used to belong to Sangvis Ferri because you want to take them over by force.我明白了，你想要抢下那玩意，才会采购这个曾经属于铁血的总控系统。

Pavel...Can you crack it?……能够破解吗？

(Sweeper sits cross-legged on the ground, her sheathed blade resting across her knees. A data cable connects her head to the old module in front of her.)（清道夫的脑袋上连着与眼前的旧式模块相连的数据线，盘腿坐在地上，出鞘的利刃平放在膝头。）

(Data streams flash before her eyes, packed with information only the Sangvis OGAS system can decode, revealing an unexpected secret.)（在她眼前掠过的无数数据流正是唯有铁血OGAS系统才能解读的信息，而这些信息正对她揭示着一个始料未及的秘密。）

Sweeper(Hey, Phaetusa, come take a look.)（喂，翡图萨，快出来看看。）

SweeperJackpot.中奖了啊。

PhaetusaNyxie... what is this?小黑……这是什么？

Sweeper...Just like he said, it's the control module of a production line. But this one's special; the final product is installed with some sort of rudimentary neural cloud.……如他所说，是生产线的总控模块，可是，这条生产线似乎比较特别，模块里搭载了初级的心智核心。

Sweeper...It's probably there to assist with decision-making, but the data inside hasn't been erased. It's got to be full of Sangvis-related data. I might find what I've been looking for once I crack it open...……应该是为了便于决策，而那些数据并未被清除，里面肯定装满了有关铁血的数据，解开的话说不定就能知道我想知道的事了……

(Sweeper glances at Pavel and nods.)（清道夫扫了一眼帕维尔，微微点了点头。）

SweeperI can crack it. But while I'm working, I can't guarantee what will happen to anyone who disrupts me. Get it?可以，不过在我工作期间，如果有任何人打扰我，后果我不负责，明白吧？

SweeperSo scurry off, you lot. Also, I need a large external power supply. This little puppy will require a lot of energy to break open.全都出去，以及我需要大量的外置电力供应，这小家伙可是很费电的。

(As the gunsmoke clears, the last ELID stops twitching under the steel steed's hooves.)（硝烟渐渐散去，最后一只生骸在机械马的攻击下停止了抽搐。）

(Despite the sudden encounter, under Liushih's command, the battle concludes as if it had been nothing but a rudimentary exercise.)（虽然是临时发生的遭遇战，但在刘莳的指挥下，这场战斗赢得非常干脆。）

ZhisuiAlright, job's done!嘿咻——搞定收工！

ZhisuiEveryone okay? No one injured?怎么样，大家都没有受伤吧？

(After making sure her comrades are safe, Zhisui tidily stows her weapon.)（确认过同伴们的安全后，知穗利落地收起了枪。）

ZhisuiNice teamwork~ Looks like nobody's marksmanship got rusty during these ten years!配合得不错嘛~看来就算是过了十年，各位的枪法也都没有生疏啊！

ZhisuiEspecially Dushevnaya. I don't remember you being this much of a nimble gremlin... It's night and day compared to your combat style back at Griffin.特别是杜莎妮，没想到你居然能这么灵活地移动……这种作战方式，和你在格里芬的时候很不一样呢。

FaelynnYours also changed a lot, Liushih and Zhisui...刘莳和知穗的战斗方式也有了很大的变化诶……

FaelynnIs that how the Winged Cavaliers fight?这是翼骑兵队的战斗方式吗？

LiushihI've seen my fair share of combat in the Yellow Zones over the years. Thanks to this little companion, I'm no longer the General Liu who got the Commander worried all the time.这十年来，我也在黄区经历了不少战斗，托这孩子的福，已经不是过去那个不让长官省心的我了。

Pegasus(Liushih pats the steel steed's head.)（刘莳摸了摸机械马的头。）

Pegasus(The steed lets out a gentle low neigh. Its red eyes slowly shift into a calm blue hue.)（机械马发出一声温顺的低鸣，眼中的红光渐渐转为平缓的蓝光。）

FaelynnAh, I've wanted to ask this earlier. This equipment, your horses... they're not in my database.我从刚刚开始就一直想问了，这件装备——你们的坐骑，在我的记录里不存在。

FaelynnThey look like they're more than just vehicles and also have weapon modules to make them useful in combat...看起来不仅可以作为载具使用，还同时配备了火力模块，具有协助作战的作用……

FaelynnDid you design them yourselves? The way they moved also shows signs of having a neural cloud that's at least on par with basic Dolls. That one specifically even showed emotional responses.是你们为了迎合山地环境自己造出来的山地战专用载具吗？它们的动作，看起来也具有相应的心智，至少也是作战人形的水平——而刚刚看来，这一匹甚至带有情感表现。

LiushihHehe, you've got a keen eye, Faelynn.呵呵，芙铃的战术目光很准确呢。

LiushihYes, I call this one "Dilu". She's a member of the Winged Cavaliers just like us. Like the other steeds, she's also a combat walker specifically designed for operation in this sort of terrain. And yes, they have a rudimentary neural cloud to assist in various tasks.嗯，我叫它“的卢”，是我们翼骑兵队的成员。它和其他孩子一样，都是根据这一带的地形特点改装而成的载具，搭载简易心智，能辅助进行多种工作。

LiushihWhile she may look a little crass, she's a reliable partner.虽然外观看起来有些粗糙，但它可是我们非常依赖的伙伴哦。

DushevnayaSteel Warmounts with wings of iron... galloping across the wasteland. A steed truly befitting of the Hero!钢铁的战马吗——奔驰于荒原之上的钢铁之翼，确实可以称得上是勇者的坐骑！

(Dushevnaya marvels over the majestic steel steed with great green in her eyes, then glances back at the broken-down truck she had been driving.)（杜莎妮看着威风凛凛的机械马，眼中流露出了显而易见的羡慕，然后转头看了看之前乘坐的货车。）

DushevnayaShame... the Hellraider can head no further to deliver its treasures to their destined location...可惜……地狱战车已经耗尽了寿命，无法再将宝物送至约定的终点……

ZhisuiTreasures? So you're here to trade with Cliffwatch Town? No wonder you came in a truck.宝物？原来你们是来哨崖镇做生意的啊，怪不得开了辆大货车过来。

FaelynnMaster and Dushevnaya's group needed Doll frames, so we came here to trade... with someone named Pavel.主人和杜莎妮他们需要素体，所以开来这里交换……和一个叫帕维尔的人换到了。

ZhisuiFrames? Pavel? So that's why... Wait, you came all the way here just for that? The Commander must be having a really tough time...素体？帕维尔？原来你们是因为这个啊……不是，居然会跑到这里来找素体？长官还真辛苦。

ZhisuiCome to think of it, Pavel does have connections with the military, so of course he has access to this many exotic goods. Who knows just how many hoops he jumped through to get them.这么说，帕维尔这个家伙，的确有点军方的门路，能搞到很多货，就是不知道用了什么手段。

FaelynnYou know him?你们认识？

ZhisuiWe do, but we're not exactly on good terms, so to speak. He's ambitious, a little too ambitious. He wants control over the entire Cliffwatch Town. He kept trying to get his hands on Dilu, Ahuang, and the other horses, but it's not like we ever planned to sell them to him.认识，不过关系不好。那家伙野心很大，很想在哨崖镇争权夺利，还总是打的卢和阿黄它们的主意，但我们可不打算卖。

(Zhisui pats her steel steed as she speaks.)（知穗一边说，一边轻轻拍了拍自己所骑乘的机械战马。）

ZhisuiNot to mention, he also holds a grudge against us Winged Cavaliers for taking over the security detail for the town. He kept throwing money at the status quo in an attempt to shake things up, but Liushih consistently shut him out with her own fortune. God knows why he's so obsessed with this place.而且，那小子看不惯我们翼骑兵接下了守护哨崖镇和周边地区的委任这一点，一直在试图用金钱打开局面，结果被刘莳的大手压得死死的，真不知道他执着于这里干什么。

ZhisuiSo far, he's tried almost every method except open conflict...除去正面开打一场外，几乎什么手段都用了哦。

FaelynnSo he's a bad guy!原来是坏人！

DushevnayaThat settles it. We shall now launch a great crusade to liberate the Warmaster and the Strategist!好，决定了，勇者要展开战帅军师救出活动。

LiushihHey hey, he's not necessarily a bad guy. Mr. Pavel is a reputable merchant no matter how you slice it. We've also worked together to repel Varjagers before.帕维尔先生不是坏人，作为商人的信誉还是有保障的，我们也曾合作过对抗瓦良格帮。

LiushihHe's just overly obsessed with militaristic expansions, trying to unite the surrounding settlements under the banner of his own PMC. We want no part in that.只是他有些过度执着于武装扩张，并且一直试图将周围的聚落都整合成更加军事化的团体，并入他自己的P.M.C.公司——我们不希望那样。

LiushihAnyway... enough about that. To our distinguished guests from afar, would you like to visit Cliffwatch Town's market?……好了，不说这些了，杜莎妮和芙铃可是难得来呢，要逛一逛哨崖镇的集市吗？

ZhisuiYeah. We've got all sorts of delicious food and loads of exotic artifacts to offer~嗯嗯，市集上不仅会卖很多好吃的，而且规模还不小哦~

ZhisuiWhich is why the Winged Cavaliers are needed for security in the first place.不然也不需要我们翼骑兵队来做安保了。

FaelynnBut... we can't just leave the frames here...可是……不能把素体丢在这里……

(Looking at the upset Faelynn and Dushevnaya, Liushih smiles gently.)（看着一脸沮丧的芙铃和杜莎妮，刘莳露出了温和的微笑。）

LiushihHehe... feel free to leave both the vehicle's restoration and tonight's lodging to us.呵呵……那么无论是车辆的修复，还是今晚的住宿，就都交给我们吧。

LiushihOur mechanics can easily patch up such things.这种程度的损坏，只要交给我们翼骑兵工坊的话，大概几个小时就可以搞定了。

FaelynnEh?诶？

DushevnayaAre we truly worthy of such generosity...?接受盟友如此慷慨的馈赠……真、真的可以吗？

LiushihOf course. We're all comrades fighting for the Commander after all.当然可以了，我们可是一起为长官而战的伙伴呢。

LiushihIn fact, I was just planning to hold a banquet to celebrate this reunion.正好为了庆祝这次重逢，我想为大家举办一场晚宴。

ZhisuiExactly. Don't be shy with us! Don't you want to try my roasted meat?对啊，跟我们就别客气了吧！难道你们不想尝尝我亲手做的烤肉大餐吗？

ZhisuiNot sure if my cooking will help restore Dushevnaya's memories by reminding you of Griffin's delicacies, but at least the taste is definitely top-tier!虽然不知道能不能唤醒杜莎妮对于格里芬美食的记忆，但是味道绝对是一流的！

LiushihI also bought out all the leftover inventory from Griffin's cafeteria and put it in cold storage. You can taste the past if you ever want to.我也把格里芬食堂当初没用完的所有饮料和食品都买下来低温保存了，要尝尝过去的味道也没问题哦。

FaelynnWow... free repair AND meals? That cold and uncaring Port Mica is no match for the warmth of old Griffin comrades!呜……不仅帮忙修车，还有免费的大餐，和没有人情味的硅砂港比起来，还是格里芬的伙伴让人安心！

FaelynnYou really haven't changed in this regard, Liushih...真是非常符合我之前对刘莳的印象呢……

LiushihHehe, then it's settled.呵呵，那就这么说定了。

(Liushih claps her hands at the Cavaliers behind her.)（刘莳向身后的翼骑兵成员们拍了拍手。）

LiushihYou three, come with me and Zhisui. We'll tow the truck back. Everyone else, head back and get the banquet started. We have guests to host tonight!来三骑和我与知穗一起把车拖上去。 其他人收队，我们今晚要招待贵客！

ZhisuiHOO-RAH!噢——！

(Following her order, the steel steeds tug the truck on a tour like a chariot. Sitting in the driver's seat, Dushevnaya bursts into excited laughter.)（随着刘莳一声令下，机械战马拉着货车开始奔驰，杜莎妮在驾驶座上笑了出来。）

DushevnayaForward, forward~! Ahahaha!前进，前进~！好厉害！

(Unlike her partner, Faelynn is not impressed by the steed's performance. Rather, she rolls down the window and gazes up at the fortifications in the distance.)（芙铃并没有和杜莎妮一样对战马的性能报以惊叹，而是放下车窗，仰望着逐渐浮现于视野之中的防御阵地。）

(Coming into view are precision-engineered, reinforced concrete high walls lined with spotlights, as well as operational surveillance radars and mobile firing platforms.)（眼前是由精密的材料浇筑而成的高墙，上面不仅架设着整齐的探照灯，还能看到正在运作的雷达和移动射击台。）

(To combat ELIDs, even retractable barriers and hidden napalm throwers are engineered into the defensive structures.)（为了防备生骸，还配备了能够弹出的隔离栅栏和喷射凝固汽油的喷口。）

FaelynnSuch perfect fortifications built in THIS environment... Is this all your work as well?居然能在这么恶劣的环境，建立起如此完善的防御工事……这也是刘莳和知穗的成果吗？

FaelynnCan't believe you two achieved all this while Basti and I were running around with kids, smashing people's windows in.我和贝丝蒂在带小孩子砸人家玻璃的同时，你们也太厉害了吧？

ZhisuiIt's the combined effort of all nearby settlements. But then again, Liushih's wealth did help massively.这是我们集合了周围各聚落的力量一起出力才能建成的结果，当然，也多亏了刘莳的财力啦。

(As the horse-drawn truck arrives under the wall, the concrete-reinforced blast door welcomes their arrival by slowly unlocking under the pressure of the massive hydraulic system.)（机械战马将货车拖到高墙下，覆盖着耐热混凝土的防爆大门在液压装置的驱动下缓缓打开，迎接着她们的到来。）

DushevnayaWoah... the gate just hailed us in?哇……门竟然自己开了？

DushevnayaAh, could this very well be the Gate, unsealing itself to behold the Hero the divine light beyond?是大天使感受到勇者的气息，主动开启了觐见之路吗？

ZhisuiNo, we call this an automatic door. Girl, you really need a factory reset.不是，这是自动门啦，姐们儿，你真需要大修了。

LiushihPeople knew we were coming and have been preparing for your arrival.大家知道你们来拜访，早就已经开始准备了。

LiushihLet me once again welcome you, Faelynn, Dushevnaya. For former Griffin comrades to go to such great lengths to arrive here, please allow me to extend my sincerest hospitality.让我再欢迎你们一次，芙铃，杜莎妮，昔日格里芬的伙伴能不辞劳苦远道而来，请让我刘莳略尽地主之谊吧。

LiushihWelcome to Cliffwatch Town.欢迎来到哨崖镇。

Steel Cavalry Dressage 铁骑演练

Type 56-1Hoho~ What's on the menu today, FNC~?哟呵~~~FNC~今天是什么好吃的呀~？

Type 56-1FNC~ FNC~?FNC~FNC~

Type 56-1Oh right, she's gone too.是哦，她也已经走了。

Type 56-1Guess I'll just have to eat it all myself!没办法，只好全被我一个人吃掉啦！

(With tray in hand, Type 56-1 sits down at the empty table in the empty cafeteria. Chewing noises quickly follow.）（56-1式端着餐盘，在空旷的食堂中央坐了下来，咀嚼声很快响起。）

(Unlike before, everything seems so monotonous now. Even the once-vibrant flavors are now but wax. The Doll tilts her head, contemplating her current reality.)（但是和以往比较，显得有些单调，昔日感动的美味如今却如嚼蜡，人形歪了歪头，思索着如今的现状。）

Type 56-1Everyone's really left, huh... Eating all by myself makes even the tastiest food tasteless.大家真的都走了啊……独自吃饭，再好吃的东西，也没有味道。

Type 56-1Come to think of it, why am I the only one with such a big appetite...? Even as the Commander's gone... I kind of hate that. Why do I feel so guilty?说起来，为什么只有我需要吃这么多东西……长官走了，我却还有胃口这件事……有点讨厌啊，是不是不应该这样呢？

Type 56-1Food shared with everyone is the most delicious... that's the truth I've put to heart.可是，和大家一起吃的东西才最美味……这件事，是我自己发现的哦。

Type 56-1Commander, that fried chicken back then... I still want you to treat me to it again.长官，那个时候的炸鸡……还想再让你请我吃一次啊。

General LiuUgh...呜呜……

Type 56-1Ah! Liu, want to have some—啊！刘氏，要不要来吃——

Type 56-1Why are you crying? Is it because you miss the Commander? Now now, don't cry, have some Guo Bao Rou...怎么哭啦？难道想起长官了？不哭不哭，这个锅包肉给你吃……

General Liu56-1... What are we supposed to do from now on? Miss Helian says the Commander will never be back...56-1式……从今往后，我们要怎么办呢？赫丽安小姐说，长官不会回来了……

General LiuThere's no place for us to call home anymore...56小姐，我们已经，没有容身之处了……

Type 56-1...Is that so? So you're feeling lonely as well.……是吗，刘氏也觉得寂寞了啊。

Type 56-1Actually, I was just thinking, why don't we go look for the Commander?那么，我也是刚刚想到的，要不要去找长官呢？

General LiuEh?诶？

Type 56-1I still want to cook for him, and with you around, we'll never have to worry about money.我还想做饭给长官吃，有刘氏在，就不怕饭钱不够了。

Type 56-1Our home is where the Commander is. If he's gone, we'll find him and build a new home where he's now!如果长官离开了，我们的家也不在了，我们就找到长官，建立一个新的家吧！

General LiuCan we... really do that? Then... what should we do first?这样……真的可以吗？那，首先，应该做什么？

Type 56-1Ehm, I haven't figured that out yet. But first, what we need to do now is to—这个嘛，我还没想好，但是，眼下我知道有什么事需要做，那就是……

Type 56-1Dig in!干饭！

Type 56-1Here, have some of this. I'll go get you some of that if it's not enough!来，这个给你吃，不够再添！

General LiuI'm not hungry—mmph! Wait, I'll eat myself—Stop stuffing it into my bowl. I'm good—Mmph—!!我没有胃口——唔唔唔！等等我自己吃——不要再给我塞牛肉了，我不吃——唔——！！

(...Yellow Zone, Winged Cavaliers' camp, at night.)（……黄区，翼骑兵队营地，夜晚。）

(The campfire crackles in the night wind, filling the air with the aroma of delicacies.)（篝火在夜风中噼啪作响，空气中弥漫着食物的香味。）

(With tables laden with roasted meat, towers of canned food, and all manners of drinks, Dolls and people alike feast to their hearts' content.)（桌子上摆放着香气扑鼻的烤肉、堆成小山的罐头塔，以及各式各样的饮料，人形们正在大快朵颐。）

DushevnayaMmm... such must be the temptations of Chaos... A feast, so decadent to even corrupt the Hero...唔唔……这就是来自深渊的诱惑吗？简直是足以让勇者堕落的盛宴啊……

DushevnayaWe should leave some for the Strategist and the Warmaster too. They'd love it too!应该给军师和战帅也准备一点，她们应该也会很高兴吧！

FaelynnEverything tastes so good! Zhisui's cooking is just as good as before! Hard to believe we're in the middle of the Yellow Zones with all these amazing ingredients you've got...真的每一样都很美味呢！知穗的手艺还是一样好，可这么丰富的食材，让人惊叹这真的是在黄区吗……

Dushevnaya(That said, they don't have much in the way of fresh veggies... The Commander would definitely want to make a market of our tomatoes here... 'Tis up to the Hero to investigate said business opportunities!)（不过果然就算在这里也没有什么新鲜的蔬菜啊，指挥官大概会想把番茄卖到这里来吧……勇者，要调查市价！）

(Liushih smiles and raises her glass at Dushevnaya and Faelynn.)（刘莳微笑着，向杜莎妮和芙铃举起了酒杯。）

LiushihHehe... there has been a slight uptick in traffic congestion recently, many supplies got stuck on the road.呵呵……最近不巧赶上年货时间，有很多物资在路上被耽搁了。

LiushihSo tonight's menu might be a little light. My sincere apologies.所以今晚的安排稍微简单了一点，请大家多多包涵。

DushevnayaThis is light—?简、单——？

(Dushevnaya turns, gazing at the table piled high with food.)（杜莎妮低头看了看摆放得满满当当的桌子。）

Dushevnaya...Hey, Foxmaiden. Was she really a T-Doll like us in the before days? Or does Griffin have some infinite money glitch, the memory of which has escaped me?!……呃！狐姬，以前她真的和我们一样是人形吗？还是格里芬有什么我忘记的赚钱秘籍！

DushevnayaGah—! Can't believe I've lost access to the most important memory of all...!唔咕——！我居然丢失了最重要的那部分记忆啊……

FaelynnNo-no-no, there's no such thing! Liushih had simply been incredibly lucky with money even back then! She'll somehow make a ton of money no matter what she does... Master used to receive expensive gifts from her all the time.不不不，哪有这样的秘籍啊！？刘莳从那时候起就有可怕的金钱方面的运气！不管做什么都会赚大钱……主人那时候经常被送昂贵的礼物。

FaelynnThough, truthfully she was also a bit clueless when it came to putting the money to good use... Not like she's changed by the looks of it...只不过刘莳那个时候还很迷糊，完全不知道钱该怎么用……不过，现在她好像也……

FaelynnDespite all this wealth, you're still spending your days in the Yellow Zone, huh? Never change, Liushih, never change.明明是大富翁，却还是在黄区工作……刘莳，还是老样子呢。

LiushihEh? Is there something about my arrangements you're unhappy with?诶？大家是对我的安排有什么不满意的地方吗？

LiushihIf you don't mind waiting for a bit, we have frozen seafood from the White Zones and—虽然准备会比较花时间，但是在仓库里还有脱水保存的海鲜制品和白区的……

FaelynnNo no no, that's not what we meant! We aren't here to be freeloaders!没有没有，我们没有这个意思啦，我们又不是专程来蹭饭的！

FaelynnI'm just lamenting at the fact that while Basti and I were still messing around with Miss Lydia, you managed to build such an impressive stronghold in the middle of the Yellow Zones... Just look at how much of a reliable leader you've become.我只是在感叹，就在我和贝丝蒂跟莉迪亚女士搞恶作剧的时候，刘莳居然在黄区建立起了这么厉害的据点，而且已经完全是一副靠谱领袖的样子了。

FaelynnI can't help but feel like only a Doll like you can go back to Master with your head held high...总觉得，只有这样的人形才能抬头挺胸地回去对主人汇报……

LiushihA leader, huh? All I'm doing is providing financial and tactical support. The Winged Cavaliers is the brainchild of all those who wish to protect Cliffwatch Town, not me alone.领袖吗？我只是在战术方面和资金方面提供了支持而已，翼骑兵是有志于保护哨崖镇的大伙一起组建的。

LiushihCompared to what you've just told me about the Commander, what I did is almost too trivial to even mention.比起刚刚听到你们说起长官的事情，我这边实在是有些微不足道。

LiushihAfter all... he saved an entire city.毕竟……那个人可是拯救了一座城市啊。

(As Liushih reminisces about that familiar face, her gaze becomes gentle and nostalgic.)（想起那个熟悉的身影，刘莳的眼神渐渐变得柔和而怀念。）

Liushih"Doll Community"... that's what it's called, right? So that's where the Commander and everyone else have gathered now.“人形社区”……是叫这个名字吧？原来长官和大家现在正聚集在那样一个地方啊。

LiushihA community built on top of ruins and founded on mutual aid, developing agriculture to unite and help those in need... Truly a hopeful prospect.依靠废墟中的设施建立起互帮互助的社区，同时发展社区中的农业，再以此团结周围的人民……真是一个充满希望的想法呢。

LiushihI'm so glad... even a decade's time had not worn down his resolve...一想到就算是十年的光阴也不曾消磨他的斗志……真是太好了。

FaelynnYeah! Even though I have yet to reunite with Master as well, Dushevnaya told me that he's gathered many like-minded companions, all sharing the ideal of changing the Yellow Zones!嗯！虽然我还没有来得及和主人见面，但我听杜莎妮说过，主人已经召集了很多志同道合的伙伴，要改变黄区哦！

DushevnayaThe Commander, the Supreme Leader, Helen, and everyone else—they're all striving to achieve a brighter future!为了迎接光明的未来，指挥官、首领大人，还有海伦她们——大家都很努力！

DushevnayaWhich is why I, together with the Foxmaiden and the Warmaster, must likewise devote our utmost effort to fulfilling our mandated purpose.所以我和战帅，狐姬和军师也要努力完成任务。

LiushihThe Commander's mission... Ah, I'm so jealous. It's been a decade since I last experienced that sense of fulfillment.长官的任务……真是让我羡慕啊，已经有十年没有得到过这样的幸福了。

LiushihBut... I'm really glad he's safe and sound. And that he once again chose to become the anchor everyone could hold onto... He really still is the person we once admired and vowed to follow...太好了，长官现在不仅平安无事，而且再次成为了大家的依靠……他果然还是那个被我们所爱戴，誓言追随的人啊……

(Liushih raises her hand and gently wipes the corner of her eye.)（刘莳抬起手，轻轻擦拭了一下眼角。）

LiushihEver since the Commander left Griffin, my heart has never found peace.自从长官离开格里芬以后，我的心就一直无法放下。

LiushihBecause he always took everything on by himself...毕竟那个人，总是喜欢一个人独自背负起一切呢……

ZhisuiAh, you girls are talking about Griffin?啊，你们是在聊格里芬的事情吗？

(Hearing that familiar name, Zhisui barges into the conversation.)（听到了熟悉的名字，知穗也凑了过来。）

ZhisuiDid she tell you about this yet? When Griffin almost went under, Liushih took all of her savings and went up to Helian, saying she could help fund Griffin through the crisis!你们还不知道吧？当初格里芬重组的时候，刘莳可是直接拿着全部身家去找赫丽安，说要帮助格里芬渡过难关哦！

DushevnayaD-donating everything in your treasure trove?! That's truly generous of you, General~!直、直接奉上自己的全部吗？真不愧是慷慨的将军小姐啊~！

FaelynnAll of Liushih's savings... must be quite a hefty sum, I imagine.刘莳的存款……那一定是一笔不小的数目吧？

LiushihI don't really remember the numbers... I just wanted to help everyone to the best of my ability.我对数字什么的不太清楚……我只是想在自己力所能及的范围内，尽可能地帮上大家而已。

LiushihMiss Helian said she understood where I was coming from, but Griffin was faced with a systemic crisis that could not be resolved through monetary means, regardless of how wealthy I am.赫丽安小姐说，她虽然能理解我的用意，但是格里芬面临的是系统性的调整，并不是单纯的资金援助就能解决的，就算有再多钱也无法解决问题。

LiushihAnd with the Commander's departure, I knew the Griffin I came to know no longer existed.随着长官的离开，我所知道的格里芬，就这样无可避免地结束了。

FaelynnUhm... indeed, Griffin without Master... is not a place us Dolls would miss.呜……确实呢，没有主人的格里芬……人形们肯定不会留恋的。

LiushihAfter gaining my "freedom", I spent a long time wandering, confused, lost...得到了“自由”的我，在彼时其实度过了一段迷茫的时间……

LiushihIf I can't bring Griffin back, what else can I use my money for? Zhisui was the one who pulled me to my feet, saying, "If our old home's gone, let's just find a new one."既然不能帮助格里芬，那我还能用钱来做些什么呢？这个时候，是知穗鼓励了我，如果家已经不在原来的地方了，就要找到新家的所在。

ZhisuiWhich is how and why our "fortune lady" and I left Griffin to find the Commander!然后嘛，我和富婆就一起出来寻找长官啦！

ZhisuiThen an intel broker we frequented told us that apparently a powerful bounty hunter was roaming around the Yellow Zones in an MCV...我从经常去同一家店里的情报商那里打听到，有一位很厉害的赏金猎人开着基地车，在黄区展开了活动……

ZhisuiI knew that must've been the Commander the moment I heard that!一听他们的描述，我就知道那个人肯定是长官啦！

ZhisuiSince Liushih had the money but nowhere to spend it, and I had the energy but nowhere to take it out on, we just decided to move to the Yellow Zones together.反正刘莳有钱没处花，我有力气没地方用，我们就决定一起跑过来黄区看看。

ZhisuiOne thing led to another, and we ended up here, in Cliffwatch Town.结果一来二去，在哨崖镇这里落脚了。

ZhisuiThis place was crawling with ELIDs back then. I believe the Commander would've done the same as we did.当时这边也饱受生骸的困扰，我们想长官也不会坐视不理吧？

LiushihRight... we initially just wanted to set up a small camp, have a place to trade with the locals, then continue searching for the Commander.嗯……起初我和知穗只是想在这里搭个营地，为当地的居民建立一个能够交流物资的地方，就继续去寻找长官的。

LiushihBut following the camp's establishment, more and more people flocked here, forcing us to expand it into a full-blown outpost, which attracted a lot of unwanted attention.但是，随着营地建成，越来越多的人都流向了这里，为了收容就不得不再开辟新的地域，危机也就随之增加了。

LiushihSo then we thought—while the Agreement prohibits direct contact with the Commander, it says nothing about preparing for things that may help him out in the future.这时候我们想——虽然因为协议的关系，我们没法直接接触到长官，但是我们可以做一些在将来能够帮得上他的事情。

LiushihSay, a stronghold in the middle of the Yellow Zones for resupply and to fall back on, or manpower to call upon in time of need... Nobody knows when the Commander will need those, so I have to have everything ready for him.比如一个能够提供补给和退守的据点，以及能够在关键时刻产生作用的人力……说不定长官会有需要人力和武装的时候，要为那个人全准备好。

LiushihAnd so, I invested all my money into this place.所以，我就把全部资金投入到了这里的建设。

ZhisuiHehe. As you know about Liushih, she doesn't even bat an eye when she spends.嘿嘿，毕竟刘莳的出手你们也都知道，她是真的很大方啊！

ZhisuiWith more and more resources being poured in every year, the population grew as well, which led to today's Winged Cavaliers.这些年来，随着大量资源的注入，来这里定居的人越来越多，也就有了现在的翼骑兵队。

DushevnayaQuick question!我有问题！

DushevnayaWhere did those Warmounts of the Apocalypse come from?!那么这些地狱的战马是从哪里来的呢！

ZhisuiWhy're you calling them "Warmounts of the Apocalypse"? ...Well, we built them ourselves.不是，什么地狱的战马……那是我们自己改装的啦。

ZhisuiThis area used to be an NSU exclusion zone. You can find abandoned equipment under every rock. At one point, we came across several rolled-over transports buried in a canyon, probably as a result of some kind of accident.哨崖镇这一带曾是新苏联的军事区域，经常能见到一些零件什么的，有次我们找到几辆被埋在峡谷里的运输车，似乎是发生事故翻覆的。

ZhisuiLuckily, their cargo was mostly intact, which is how we got our hands on the prototype unit that eventually became Liushih's "Dilu", as well as enough spare parts to assemble thirty more units.好在货箱没有完全被毁，但我们在里面找到了刘莳现在骑乘的这台“的卢”原型机和大约可以组装出三十匹量产型的各色备件。

ZhisuiWe happened to be planning a basic machine shop at the time, so Miss Fortune here shelled out for all the necessary machinery and got them all fixed up.刚好那个时候我们也在采购各种设备建立一个简易的工坊，就请刘莳小姐豪掷千金，买了大量材料把它们给修好了。

FaelynnThere's a workshop too? Can we see it?!还有工厂吗？可以去看看吗！

ZhisuiYeah, of course! But first, has everyone enjoyed their meal?哦~当然啦！怎么样，大家都吃饱喝足了没有？

ZhisuiIf so, let me take you on a tour!走吧走吧，带你们去工坊看看！

(The Dolls leave the encampment and arrive at an open space behind it.)（人形们离开了营地，来到了后方的一处开阔地带。）

(Welders, machine tools, stamping presses line the wall of the shed, all rare finds in the middle of the Yellow Zones. At the same time, customized two-wheelers and weaponized 4x4s are parked just outside.)（在黄区十分罕见的焊机、机床与冲压机安置在金属棚户下，外部停放着各式各样的载具，有经过改装的双轮车，还有加装了火力模块的四轮车。）

(Several mechanics can be seen attending to said vehicles.)（几名技工正在对这些载具进行维护。）

DushevnayaWoah... not only are the Warmounts of the Apocalypse birthed here, it's also where you forge your own Hellraiders!唔……原来不止有天启的战马，还有很多的圆轮式坐骑啊……

DushevnayaWeapons as well?!连武器也有在制作！

ZhisuiHaha, Liushih and I gathered these from all over after some considerable effort and money spent. Now we finally have a somewhat functional production line.哈哈，这些是我和刘莳花费了大量的时间和资金从各地搜集来的，总算是拼凑出一条能够运转的生产线了。

DushevnayaIt would be even more fantastic if this foundry were capable of forging a Wyvernmount!如果能做出飞龙坐骑的话，那就更好了！

FaelynnThat's certainly a cool idea... but questionable as hell.我觉得杜莎妮的想法虽然浪漫，但是太不切实际了……

LiushihHehe, we've experimented with many designs, but on mountainous terrain, mobility and ability to overcome vertical obstacles are king.呵呵，我们的确尝试过很多种不同类型的载具，但毕竟是山地，大部分环境都要求更强的机动性和越障能力。

LiushihWhich is why Dilu and her kin remain the pride of the Winged Cavaliers.所以我们最倚仗的，也是翼骑兵的象征——还是的卢它们哦。

(Liushih points to a corner of the field, where a herd of visually identical steel steeds is being adjusted by the starting line.)（刘莳指向场地的另一侧，一群造型相仿的机械马正在起跑线上做着调试。）

(Dushevnaya's eyes light up instantly.)（杜莎妮的眼睛瞬间亮了起来。）

DushevnayaWoah! Warmounts... Warmounts of the Apocalypse surround mine sight!唔哇！是战马……我被天启的战马包围了！

ZhisuiAll of these are of the current mass production model~这些就是目前全部的量产型号咯~

ZhisuiThey may look indistinguishable from one another, but each has a special trait to perform various tasks in combat—gradeability, jumping height, etc.虽然外观没有显著差异，但其实它们的性能侧重点不太一样，有的爬坡能力比较强，有的跳跃能力比较强，在实战中可以执行不同的任务。

LiushihDilu was military-grade to begin with, so they all have high-end specs. They're even equipped with bio-sensors, radiation detectors, and ELID warning receivers. They are truly our most indispensable partners.的卢它们是军用级别的机甲，各方面参数都很高，而且还搭载了能检测人类生命体征、探测生骸以及辐射的雷达机能，是我们离不开的最好伙伴呢。

???Big Sis Zhisui, Big Sis Liushih, you're back?知穗姐姐，刘莳姐姐，你们回来啦？

???Ah... we have guests?啊……有客人吗？

(Hearing the commotion, a petite girl holding a wrench hurries over from behind the shed, followed by two older members of the Cavaliers.)（听到响动，一位拿着扳手，身材娇小的女孩从后面匆匆忙忙地跑过来，在她身后，跟着两名年长一些的翼骑兵。）

(Faelynn's ears twitch upon taking in the sight; the girl's stature and manner seem out of place for someone presumably raised in the harsh conditions of the Yellow Zones. If anything, she has way more in common with Zoe, as in someone who was raised in a town with quasi-Green Zone-level living conditions and then ran away from it.)（芙铃的耳朵动了动，因为她注意到女孩的身材和谈吐并不像是在环境恶劣的黄区长大的样子，不如说和自己熟悉的佐伊一样，像是从至少有着准绿区环境的城镇里跑出来的。）

ViolaI-I'm Viola... m-member of the Winged Cavaliers...我、我是翼骑兵队的成员，我叫薇拉……

ViolaI was calibrating Dilu and Ahuang... I didn't notice...正准备对的卢和阿黄它们的部件进行校准……所以，没有注意到……

FaelynnViola, right? That's amazing! You already know how to work these machines at such a young age? Who taught you?薇拉吗？好厉害，这么小的年纪就开始学习机械改造了吗？是谁教给你的？

(As Faelynn presses up against her with curiosity, Viola's face grows increasingly red.)（面对好奇凑过来的芙铃，薇拉的脸变得越来越红了。）

ViolaI like to tinker with machines... My father... and older brother, taught me...……我很喜欢摆弄机械，这些技术，是我的爸爸，还有哥哥教给我的……

FaelynnYour brother?你哥哥？

ViolaYes... He's kind and gentle, always puts others first... much like Big Sis Liushih...嗯……我哥哥和刘莳姐姐一样，是个温柔、善良、非常会为别人着想的人……

ViolaBut he's already... gone. Big Sis Liushih and Zhisui took me in...但是他已经……不在了，是刘莳和知穗姐姐们收留了我……

ViolaSo I want to be helpful to them...所以，我希望自己能帮上刘莳姐姐的忙……

LiushihViola may look young, but she's our trump card.别看薇拉年纪小，她可是我们这里的王牌小技工哦。

DushevnayaU-unbelievable!好厉害、好厉害！

DushevnayaWith tiny hands, you repair such big machines! Ah, how marvelous!小小的手居然能修理这么大的机器，真了不起！

FaelynnYeah, you're really impressive. I have a friend who's about your age and is just as talented. I'd love to introduce you two!是啊，真的很了不起哦——我有个朋友和你年龄差不多，也是个充满才能的孩子，真想介绍你们认识一下呢！

(Dushevnaya and Faelynn both pat Viola's head, then look at the duo behind them.)（杜莎妮和芙铃忍不住摸了摸薇拉的头，然后看向了她身后的两个人。）

Winged CavalierYou two are Dolls from "Griffin", right? Boss brings you up all the time.你们都是过去和老大一起在“格里芬”那个地方的人形吧？老大经常说起你们呢。

Winged CavalierHe's Luka, and I'm Ivana. We're both among the first Cavaliers to fight alongside Boss, though these days we spend most of our time doing maintenance. After all, we can't let Viola do all the hard work for us.他是卢卡，我是伊凡娜，我们都是最早跟随老大的翼骑兵，不过目前干维护的工作会多一些，毕竟不能全都交给薇拉嘛。

Winged CavalierBy the way, Boss Zhisui, everything's set. We're going to win big today!对了，知穗老大，已经准备好了，今天一定要赢一把大的！

ZhisuiPerfect! I can't wait!好嘞，等不及啦！

DushevnayaWhat? What is it? Something entertaining is about to unfold?什么什么，有什么好玩的事情吗？

ZhisuiWe've got the horses and a field, what do you think?有马有场地，还用说嘛？

(Zhisui claps her hands, and several mechanics immediately pick out three fully-tuned candidates.)（知穗拍了拍手，几名技工立刻选出了三匹整备完成的机械马。）

ZhisuiIt's the Winged Cavaliers' signature event—horse racing!这是我们翼骑兵的保留项目——赛马！

ZhisuiIt serves both as a performance evaluation for the horses and as a form of entertainment for everyone~既能测试机械马的性能，也是我们翼骑兵作为娱乐项目的一种~

ZhisuiWhatcha think? Wanna bet on which one will take the gold? First come, first served~怎么样？大家要不要也来下个注玩一下？先选先得哦~

DushevnayaA clash determined by the Goddess of Victory herself! I shall bestow my blessing upon the steed the General rode, as guided by the Hero's intuition!既然是命运的角逐，那我就选之前将军骑乘的这匹吧——这是勇者的直觉！

FaelynnI'll pick the one on the left then. Her ears look beautiful!啊，那我就选左边那个好了，它的耳朵看起来比较漂亮！

ZhisuiHmph~ That's it then! All bets are final. No takebacks!哼哼~那就这样！买定离手，不许反悔咯！

Steel Cavalry Dressage 铁骑演练

DushevnayaForward, trusty steed! To victory, Warmount of the Apocalypse!天启的战马——冲啊！

(At the last possible moment, the horse chosen by Dushevnaya charges forward with astonishing speed and crosses the finish line with half a length's margin.)（就在最后一刻，杜莎妮所选中的战马爆发出惊人的速度，以半个身位的优势抢先冲过了终点线。）

DushevnayaYay! The bond of the Hero and her trusty steed prevails! Looking forward to exploring the world together, partner!好耶！这就是勇者和爱马的羁绊！以后也请多多关照了，拍档！

ZhisuiHold up. Who said we're giving it to you? That's Liushih's steed! Don't get any funny ideas!不对谁说要给你了？这可是刘莳的坐骑啊！主意打到老板身上去了！

FaelynnYeesh... Not only did I bet on the wrong one, but she didn't even come close to winning...呜哇……结果不仅输了，而且输得非常彻底呢……

ZhisuiHaha, you win some, you lose some—that's just how things are! Though, good on you for picking Dilu, Dushevnaya. You definitely have an eye for this.啊哈哈，没办法，愿赌服输！不过杜莎妮选择的卢，观察力也不错呢。

DushevnayaI just assumed the General's Warmount must be the best of the best!将军的坐骑肯定是最强的吧！

FaelynnI wouldn't say so... I noticed during the combat earlier today that Dilu looked more battered than the others. As the prototype, her performance should be inferior to the brand-new one I picked...其实不是啦……刚刚作战中我就注意到，的卢比其他的马都要老旧一些，虽然是原型机，但性能应该是不如我选择的……

FaelynnNow I wonder what the key to her victory really is.胜利的关键是什么呢？

LiushihFufu, Faelynn's got sharp eyes.呵呵，芙铃的观察力果然很厉害呢。

LiushihHere, everyone. Look.大家请看。

Pegasus(Liushih walks up and pats Dilu on her back.)（刘莳走上前，轻轻拍了拍的卢的后背。）

Pegasus(Dilu gently lowers her head, exposing her previously obscured designation stencil.)（的卢温顺地低下头，露出了额头上被遮挡的识别编码。）

Dushevnaya...Pegasus... "Mk I"?……珀伽索——“Ⅰ型”？

LiushihYes. Dilu's designated a Pegasus Mk I, meaning she's not only the prototype of all other walkers, but she can also access, supervise, and manage the neural clouds of others.没错，的卢的编号是“珀伽索Ⅰ型”，代表它是所有机械马的原型机，同时也能够获取它们的心智并进行管理。

LiushihWhich means Dilu knows exactly how to startle the other steeds into late starts, how to chase the pace, and when to go for the last spurt.所以它很清楚怎么对抗其他的战马，知道如何调整脚步，以及在何时发力追赶。

LiushihDilu may not be the best at running sprints or miles, but she always comes up on top during long races.短途可能还有悬念，长程赛里的卢的赢面通常是最高的。

FaelynnWow, such considerations never crossed my mind, even though similar strategies are a thing in a certain game I've played... Well, should've paid more attention.还有这样的讲究，玩过的游戏里确实也有类似的说法……唔咕，是我大意了。

FaelynnAnyway, so Dilu is actually THAT special? I thought she was simply the first to roll off the production line.但是，原来的卢是这么特别的吗？我还以为它只是原型机而已呢。

LiushihDilu's situational awareness in the field is without match. She's even more efficient at commanding her kin than we are at controlling our own Dummy Links. Our battalion of thirty steeds has barely begun to scratch the surface of her capabilities.的卢能够很清楚地理解战术意图，在指挥其他机械马时，甚至比我们人形操控“傀儡”时更有效率，三十匹战马根本还未到达它的能力上限。

LiushihUnfortunately, while our mechanics are great at working with hardware, we fall short when it comes to software... That's why we've only managed to decompile a fraction of Dilu's code. The majority of her capabilities remain beyond us.不过，因为翼骑兵的技工们虽然很擅长硬件改装，但对软件方面实在是不太拿手……所以直到现在，我们也只能解开的卢它们的一部分技能，还有大量的信息存在于未知的领域。

DushevnayaLeave it to Helen and Dandelion to solve this mystery! And Miss Mayling too!可以让海伦和丹德莱来看看！还有美玲哦！

LiushihMiss Dandelion is also at the Commander's side? Well, well... Let's talk some more about the Elmo and the Commander, shall we?丹德莱小姐也在长官身边吗？这可真是……我们再继续聊聊艾莫号和长官的事吧。

LiushihIs Miss Mayling... a comrade from Griffin?关于美玲小姐，是以前格里芬的同伴吗？

DushevnayaMayling is the Commander's current adjutant. There's also Ullrid and Suomi, and Helen, the Commander's right-hand Doll, and let's not forget Springfield and—美玲是指挥官现在的副官，还有乌尔丽德和索米，还有海伦也是指挥官的左右手，啊，绝对不能忘记的人还有春田和——

ZhisuiSo Kalina's no longer the Commander's adjutant? Hold on, who's this "Ullrid" again? Do we know her? Why does Helen look so different now? And what do you mean by "Voymastina, Elmo's No. 1 cook"? Who the hell is Voymastina?长官怎么找副官不找格琳娜啊？不对，乌尔丽德又是谁啊，以前有这样一号人吗？海伦怎么变化这么大啊？什么叫威玛西娜负责在艾莫号上做饭，威玛西娜是谁啊？

(Just as Dushevnaya, Liushih, and Zhisui are engaged in a heated conversation, Faelynn turns her attention toward Viola.)（就在杜莎妮和刘莳与知穗热切交谈的时候，芙铃却将目光投向了薇拉。）

(Owning to the years spent living alongside young human girls, Faelynn has developed a heightened sensitivity to their emotional states compared to other Dolls. In this moment, the air of profound sadness radiating from Viola is most apparent to Faelynn.)（或许是因为和人类的少女共同生活的时间已经很久了，芙铃对她们的情绪有了比其他人形更敏锐的了解，而此时在薇拉身上，不知为何洋溢着一种悲伤的气氛。）

(Without a second thought, she walks over to Viola as the latter is looking up at Dilu and gently stroking the horse's knee joint.)（下意识地，芙铃走了过去，薇拉正抬起头凝视着的卢，轻轻抚摸战马的膝盖。）

FaelynnWhat's wrong, Viola?怎么了吗，薇拉？

ViolaAh, Big Sis Faelynn. It's fine... I'm just checking on Dilu... I don't really like it when they make her compete, it's bad for her joints...啊，芙铃姐姐，没事啦……我只是在检查……其实我不太支持让的卢竞赛，对它的关节不好。

Viola...Did you know that real horses have an average lifespan of about 20-30 years? ...Dilu's even older than me. I guess that makes her a grandma, right?……你知道吗？实际活着的马可以有20到30多岁的寿命……的卢的年纪，比我还大呢。如果在活着的马匹中，它已经是老爷爷了吧。

(Noticing the Doll's puzzled expression, Viola blushes again.)（注意到人形不解的眼神，薇拉的脸又红了起来。）

ViolaSorry... That must've been a strange thing to say to a Doll.对不起，和人形说这些话……很奇怪吧？

FaelynnNot at all. You're just worried that Dilu's getting too old for this and are worried for her. That much I can understand.没有这回事，薇拉是觉得的卢年龄已经很大了，在替它担心，这我当然能懂。

FaelynnWe Dolls are equally troubled by this. In theory, we can survive indefinitely as long as we keep maintaining and upgrading our frames, but the reality is no one knows how long our neural cloud will last.人形也有一样的困扰，理论上只要能更新素体就能不断升级换代地活下去，但我们事实上也不知道自己的心智能运作多久。

FaelynnIf Dilu is sentient just like us, then she must be able to tell what she likes and what she doesn't like.可是，如果的卢像刘莳所说的那样，也有智能的话，它一定也能分辨出自己喜欢做什么和不喜欢做什么。

FaelynnI'm sure she's proud to be able to fight alongside everyone in the Winged Cavaliers!能和翼骑兵的大家一起战斗，我想它也会高兴的吧！

ViolaIs that so...是吗……

ViolaI guess... Maybe you're right.说不定，是这样，呢。

(Looking at Faelynn, Viola smiles, seemingly relieved. She reaches for the pendant hanging from her neck and holds it tightly.)（看向了芙铃，薇拉似乎释怀般笑了起来，她伸出手，握住了胸口的一个吊坠。）

(But to Faelynn, it's clear that the sadness overwhelming her hasn't subsided in the slightest, and is in fact now tinged with darker dregs of emotion.)（可是在芙铃眼中，总觉得她的悲伤并没有减少，甚至还混入了某种更加负面，不便言说的情感。）

Faelynn...What am I even thinking?……啊，我在想什么呀。

FaelynnViola is Liushih and Zhisui's comrade. I need to focus on Master's gifts!薇拉可是刘莳和知穗的伙伴，我应该优先计划给主人买礼物的事情！

FaelynnLiushih, Zhisui! What should I get for Master?刘莳，知穗！我应该买什么东西给主人？

LiushihFor the Commander? Ah, allow me to help!给长官的吗？务必让我一起想！

ZhisuiI want to open a restaurant in the White Zone with the Commander! That'll do for me!人家想要和长官一起在白区开餐厅的门面！就送那个！

LiushihOkay!好的！

FaelynnWait, why'd this become about you?!怎么变成送给你了！

Viola...……

ViolaI've never seen Big Sis Liushih and Zhisui this overjoyed...原来知穗姐姐和刘莳姐姐，可以像今天这么高兴啊……

(Watching Faelynn and the other Dolls break into a hearty laughter together, Viola sighs. A complicated feeling wells up from within her.)（凝视着芙铃跑过去后笑成一团的人形们，薇拉有些感慨地说。）

LukaYeah, it'll be troublesome if this keeps up...是啊，这样下去就麻烦了……

ViolaAh!啊！

(Hearing the voice behind her, Viola instinctively flinches and recoils to the side.)（听到身后的声音，薇拉反射性地缩紧肩膀，退到了一旁。）

LukaOopsies, my bad.哦，抱歉，抱歉。

IvannaHow many times do I have to remind you? Viola hates it when people sneak up on her!都这么久了你还记不住，薇拉很讨厌别人靠近自己的！

LukaHahaha, I just wanted to take a good look at Boss and ended up too close.哈哈哈因为我也想找个好位置远眺长官她们，就和薇拉站得太近了。

ViolaSorry... It's been almost two years, but I still...对不起，都已经快要两年了，我还……

IvannaNo need to apologize.为什么要道歉？

IvannaEveryone here has had their share of hardships. If it weren't for the Bosses taking us in, Luka and I would've worked ourselves to death in some godforsaken mine by now.在这里的大家都没少吃苦，如果不是两位老大收留，我和卢卡都要被丢进矿坑工作到死了。

LukaNot just us, but all the Cavaliers and everyone in Cliffwatch Town. We all owe it to Boss' generosity.不只是我们，翼骑兵、哨崖镇的每个人，可以说都受到老大的恩惠。

LukaWho else in their right mind would keep supplying impoverished villages with that much food and medicine while putting herself in danger to clear out bandits and ELIDs roaming around, all without asking for any compensation?哪里会有人持续给饥寒交迫的村子送去那么多食物和药品，还经常无偿涉险，帮大家清理周围的生骸和盗匪。

LukaFrom a tomb for those who had no way out, to the home she managed to turn it into.最初哨崖镇就是一群走投无路之人选择的坟墓，她们却把这里变成了家园。

LukaAt this point, if the Bosses really decide to leave, all we can really do is wish them well.事到如今，如果老大她们要离开的话，我们只能祝福了吧。

Viola...Leave?……离开？

IvannaUs older Cavaliers know this very well... Sooner or later, the Bosses will return to their beloved Commander. Now with these two Dolls' arrival, I think that day might just be today.全体翼骑兵都有这样的认识……老大们迟早有一天会回到心爱的长官身边。这两个人形来了以后，我觉得可能“就是现在”。

IvannaBut hey, I think we can stand on our own two feet now, don't you think so, Viola?不过那样也没办法，我们已经独当一面了，对吧，薇拉！

ViolaAh... eh? Erm...啊，咦？嗯……

ViolaEven though it's hard to let them go, if that means Big Sis will be happy, then... I guess that's okay...虽然舍不得，但是如果姐姐们会幸福的话，也，也好吧……

(Seeing her comrades' mixed reactions, Viola quietly looks away.)（看到喜忧参半的同伴，薇拉静静地移开了视线。）

Blind Spot 盲区之下

ViolaPlease, please. I need medicine! My brother's dying! He's the only family I have left!求求你，求求你，请给我一些药吧！我的哥哥快死了，我只有一个亲人了！

(Clinging to the underground broker's leg, Viola begs desperately.)（抓着暗商的裤腿，薇拉拼命乞求着。）

(But the broker merely glances at her with disdain, then coldly shakes her frail arms off.)（但是对方只是嫌弃地看了她一眼，便轻松甩开了她瘦弱的手臂。）

Underground BrokerWith those pretty dresses, you must've been born in a Green Zone or somewhere even richer. Right, young lady? No wonder you don't understand the rules around here.这位小姐，看你的衣服，你是绿区或者更富有的地方出生的吧？所以难怪你不懂这些常识呢。

Underground BrokerGo ahead and play that sympathy card all you want—it's not like it's worth a damn.同情和怜悯可以随意施舍，要多少有多少。

Underground BrokerBut meds, oh precious meds, those cost money. Don't tell me you don't have a clue what money does, young lady?但药品是需要费用的，还是你这个大小姐连这点常识都没有。

ViolaB-but we don't have any money left... I-I can do anything you want, please let me work for you!我，我们没有钱了……可是，什么事我都愿意做，请让我为您工作吧！

Underground BrokerUnfortunately, at your age, it costs more to keep you alive than what you can offer in return, unless... you happen to be some kind of tech prodigy.很遗憾，你这个年纪，喂养你的成本比让你工作要高不少呢……你该不会恰好是什么技术神童吧？

ViolaI-I've interned at an institute of technology, though I haven't archived anything yet... I've published papers... and I can cook! Mom taught me that... I can also—我，我在物理技术研究所实习过，虽然没有实绩……我有发表过论文……还有我会做饭，是妈妈教我的，我……

Underground BrokerSounds like you've got some background. Usually, no one would want to have ties to a kid with a past like yours. However...一听就是有背景的家世啊，你这样有隐情的孩子，没人想和你扯上关系，除非……

(The broker extends a finger to lift the pendant hanging around the girl's neck. She flinches first, but ultimately does not resist the act.)（暗商伸出一根手指，将女孩颈间戴着的链坠挑起，她瑟缩了一下，但最后没有抵抗对方的行为。）

Underground BrokerThat's an NSU standard encryption key... How did you get your hands on it?这是新苏联制式的信息密钥……你怎么会有这个东西的？

ViolaAh! It's what Mom and Dad left us... the last thing they gave us... It's my mom's keepsake... Anything but that...这是！是爸爸妈妈，留给我们的……最后的东西，是我妈妈的遗物……请您不要拿走它……

Underground BrokerI'm not here to mug a little girl, but if you want medicine, you've got to hand me something valuable.我不会抢劫你，但你如果想要药品，就自己把它拿给我。

Underground BrokerThe URNC's the top dog now. Nobody wants NSU tech anymore, aside from those who'd pay to collect antiques like this.如今已是罗联的天下了，新苏联技术不吃香，不过说不定有人会出钱收藏这些稀罕的物品呢。

Viola...……

Viola...Okay...…………好……

(The girl shivers as she closes her eyes. She reaches for her pendant. In that moment, she feels as if her fate has been sealed.)（女孩颤抖着闭上眼睛，颤抖着将手伸向链坠，在这一刻，她觉得自己的命运理所当然地被做好了安排。）

(Abandoned, forayed, struggling until she's helplessly squashed like a bug. She seems to have accepted such an ending.)（被抛弃，被掠夺，挣扎到最后像是虫子一样无力地死去，她似乎接受了这样的结局。）

(That is, until one hand grabs the broker's wrist while another stops Viola from removing the pendant.)（然后，一只手握住了暗商的手腕，另外一只，按住了她正要去解开链坠的手。）

???Wait.等一下。

???Just give her the medicine, I'll pay.只管把药拿给她吧，老板，我来付钱。

Underground Broker...I don't do business with Dolls. You think I'm that desperate?……我不和人形做交易的，可别小看我。

Underground BrokerReputation comes first in the Yellow Zones. Tell your master to come personally if they want a deal. Besides, with the recent price fluctuations, only regulars get—在黄区经营，信誉第一，你们要买东西，就让你背后的主人来，何况以最近药品的价格波动，我只会卖给老主顾——

???Will this amount be... enough?这些……够吗？

Underground Broker—Whoa, damn. Sorry, I meant to say I LOOOOOOVE doing business with Dolls. You lot don't pull any of that two-faced bullshit.——哎哟我去。 我最喜欢和人形交易了，就因为你们特别爽快。

Underground BrokerYou're in luck today, young lady.大小姐，你的运气不错。

(The broker reluctantly lets go of the girl's pendant and grabs the Collapse pieces right in front of him.)（暗商有些恋恋不舍地放开了女孩的链坠，选择了近在眼前的晶条。）

(The girl hugs the medicine box, blankly staring at the two Dolls bickering in front of her.)（女孩呆然地抱着药品箱子，看着眼前正在交谈的那两个人形。）

ZhisuiThis again? Liushih!刘莳！你又做这种事了——

LiushihSorry, Zhisui. But I can't stand watching a little girl suffer.对不起，知穗，因为这孩子太可怜了。

ZhisuiThat's not the point! Pay for the girl all you want, but at least ask for change!我不是说帮助别人不对，但你要拿找零啊！

Zhisui(Sigh) Forget it. God knows how you got this rich anyway...哎，算了，你到底为啥这么有钱呢……

LiushihWell, it's because a friend left her fortune to me... but enough about that, let's check on the girl.是我的友人留给我的……不过比起这些，还是看看这孩子吧。

(The gentle Doll walks up to the girl and softly strokes her hair, while the outspoken Doll stuffs lots of food into her hands.)（那个温柔的人形走近了女孩，轻轻抚摸她的头发，而直爽的人形则是往她的手里塞了很多食物。）

(Before even realizing it, the girl has already dropped to the ground and started devouring the food without a care for delicacy. She doesn't even register exactly what she's stuffing into her mouth, only that it tastes incredibly delicious.)（在意识到自己做了什么以前，女孩已经不顾仪态地坐在地上，大嚼起来，连吃下去的是什么都没有注意到，只是觉得，十分的美味。）

(The Dolls watch her as she goes, smiling—a pure, altruistic, and untainted smile.)（人形们注视着她，微笑着——这是全然善意、利他、无垢的笑容。）

(She looks at the Dolls through tearful eyes, her heart filled with words of gratitude. But in the next instant, a thought that shouldn't exist interrupts all that.)（她泪眼婆娑地望向人形们，心中满是被拯救的感动之词，可是——在瞬间，一个本不应该有的念头划过了她的脑海。）

("Viola... you must remember, the Dolls... they took everything from us.")（“薇拉……你要记住，我们的一切，都是被人形夺走的。”）

("Don't be deceived by their appearance. They have no hearts. All their beauty and marvel exist only to deceive and manipulate humans.")（“不可以被人形美丽的外表所欺骗，她们根本不具有心灵，所有美好的那一面都是为了更方便欺骗、利用人类而已。”）

("Dolls are tools, nothing more, and they too treat humans as just another piece of equipment. They can never understand true human emotions.")（“人形自身即是工具，也只把和人类的交往看做另外一件工具，她们根本无法理解感情本身。”）

(The "voice" hits Viola like a bucket of ice water, promptly emptying her mind while leaving a sharp, lingering sting.)（这个“声音”像是一桶冰水，让她的意识瞬间空明剔透，又刺痛不已地留下了长久的后遗症。）

ViolaAh... ugh... n-name...啊……唔……名，名字……

LiushihHmm? What's wrong?嗯？怎么了吗？

LiushihYou've got a sick brother, right? Now you can go back home with medicine.你有亲人在生病吧？快拿着药回去吧。

ViolaMy name is Viola... Thank you, both of you.我的名字，叫做薇拉……谢谢，你们。

LiushihNice to meet you, Viola. I'm Liushih.幸会哦，薇拉小姐，我是刘莳。

ZhisuiAnd I'm Zhisui. Need us to escort you back?我是知穗啦，需不需要我们护送你回去？

(The girl shakes her head and turns to face away from them. Hearing the two Dolls' names, a strange feeling rises in her heart.)（女孩用力摇摇头，转过身，背向了她们。听到了两个人形的名字，心中泛起一阵奇妙的感慨。）

(Those are such pleasant, beautiful names.)（真是十分动听，美丽的名字。）

(How could machines manufactured just to be tools... be so radiant and warm?)（明明只是，被制造出来的工具……为什么，如此耀眼和温暖呢？）

(She silently berates her own ungrateful, wicked self. Tears she didn't even shed while begging at the broker now roll down her cheeks as she runs away.)（她一边责骂着如此不知感恩的，阴暗的自己。一边任凭着央求暗商时都不曾淌下的泪水滑过脸庞，大步向前跑着。）

(Sweeper realizes she has hit her limit.)（清道夫意识到了自己的极限。）

(As a Sangvis Doll, her OGAS protocol should've easily allowed her to process the code within the control module, but the astronomical volume of data and lack of proper support modules made the decompiling process extremely difficult.)（虽然身为铁血人形，使用OGAS协议能够快速理解从硅砂港运来的总控模块内的编码，但数据量过于庞大，对没有相应支持模块的她来说，处理如此庞大的数据十分吃力。）

(Fortunately, Phaetusa, the data processing expert is around to help her shoulder a large portion of the computational load.)（好在翡图萨作为大数据专家，用自己的心智算力帮助她分担了一大部分压力。）

(Which is also why she is now plugged in to an external battery, as running two overclocked neural clouds simultaneously is a particularly power-intensive process.)（但是也因此，她必须保持着连接电源，维持两个心智并行超载的状况来进行破译作业。）

(While Dushevnaya and Faelynn are celebrating with their Griffin comrades, Sweeper is working tirelessly, coming close to fatally overheating on several occasions.)（就在杜莎妮和芙铃与格里芬的伙伴一同欢聚的时刻，清道夫的素体却在几次过热而濒危的情况下持续着工作。）

(However, she feels nothing but immense joy.)（但是，她感到十分的喜悦。）

(Simply decoding and acquiring data related to Sangvis Ferri from the control module is enough to satisfy her.)（从总控模块中得到了大量和铁血有关的编码和算法，只是理解就感到满足。）

SweeperIt's obvious, ain't it. Sangvis science is the best in the world!果然，铁血的技术，是世界第一！

SweeperMmm—got it!唔——有了！

SweeperThis one's ready to be booted up now, Phaetusa—这家伙的心智可以被激活了，翡图萨——

PhaetusaGot it, let me get the firewall in place to filter redundant data. Don't get too carried away!知道了，我来打开防火墙屏蔽冗余信息——不要大意！

SweeperNo worries, this thing simply borrowed Sangvis tech. Its neural cloud should be very barebones...不用你担心，这家伙只是运用了铁血技术的生产机关而已，心智应该只具有基本的功能性……

(—Alone.)（——孤独。）

SweeperHuh?诶？

(—Unable to detect "Mastermind", no command update since: 89,212 hours.)（——无法检测到“主脑”，无指令时间89212小时。）

(—This unit... abandoned, question?)（——本机，是否，已遭废弃？）

SweeperThis thing... even unfinished, is actually somewhat sentient.这家伙……虽然不完整，但也已经具备思考能力了呢。

SweeperHey, accept my command.喂，接受我的指令。

(—Command, authentication failed, no clearance.)（——指令，验证失败，不具有指导权限。）

(—Available access: 1) Production list; 2) Production inventory; 3) Supply orders.)（——可开放权限如下：1. 生产列表调用；2. 生产机关点算；3. 物资订购清单。）

PhaetusaOnly the basic clearance... Is it because this one's not actually a Sangvis module... or because you're too low-ranking, Nyxie?只有最低的权限呢，果然，这孩子并不是完全的铁血模块……还是小黑你身份太低了？

SweeperShut up!你找死吗！

Sweeper—Someone's coming.——有人来了。

(As footsteps tick, Sweeper sees Pavel enter the room along with several combat automatons and armed personnel.)（随着脚步声响起，清道夫看到帕维尔带着众多战斗兵器和武装人员走了进来。）

SweeperQuick on the uptake, huh?来得很快呢。

SweeperThough I'm afraid your efforts will be going down the drain. This module requires higher military-level clearance to access. You sure your "key" just so happens to have that?不过，你怕是要白费力气了，这台模块需要军方的高级权限才能使用——你的那个“密钥”有这么刚好吗？

PavelYou've done well, Miss Sweeper. The frame's yours now.你做得很好，清道夫小姐，素体是你的了。

(Pavel snaps his fingers, and two men deposit the box containing the Sangvis elite frame in front of Sweeper.)（帕维尔打了一个响指，两人将装载了铁血精英素体的箱子放在了清道夫的眼前。）

PavelNow, why don't you go play with your Doll friends?你为什么不去找你的人形朋友们玩呢？

(Sweeper suddenly shoots up into the ceiling at a speed human eyes can barely follow. Dashing forward with her blade drawn, she cleaves through the combat automaton standing in her way before landing in front of Pavel.)（清道夫突然从原地弹起，在人类的肉眼反应过来之前踩在天花板上，人形振起佩刀卷起两道光幕，劈断挡路的战斗机甲后，站在帕维尔的面前。）

(Pavel's automatons promptly react and open fire at once. As Sweeper is poised to make short work of them, a notification appears before her eyes.)（但是，守护在帕维尔身边的护卫火力全开，清道夫正欲扫荡它们，眼前却出现了一道提示讯息。）

(Her gaze freezes before backing off, gradually being forced into a corner.)（她眼神一滞，向后退去，逐渐被逼入了死角。）

SweeperYou slimy bastard, making this a fair arrangement was never part of your playbook, was it?你这家伙，一开始就不打算好好做生意吧？

PavelOr maybe you're the one unwilling to honor your side of the bargain. Unfortunately, I'm quite acquainted with you Sangvis Ferri Dolls.是你不愿意和我善始善终吧？很可惜，我对铁血人形可是很熟悉的。

PavelAll that hard work just drained your battery. You've got what, 11% left at most?刚刚的破译工程让你耗费了大量的电力，现在最多还只有11%吧？

Sweeper—Oh? I was wondering why your batteries were so shit. You were purposefully messing with my power supply.——哦？难怪我说你家的电表特别不给力，是在故意在控制我的电量吗？

PavelI told you, I'm quite acquainted with you Sangvis Ferri Dolls.我说了，我对铁血人形是很熟悉的。

PavelBecause all these years, I've been studying, reevaluating, and thinking about one thing—因为这些年我一直都在研究，检讨，同时也一直都在思索一件事。

Pavel—Why couldn't you defeat Griffin back then?——当初你们为什么无法战胜格里芬呢？

SweeperThat's none of your damn business!关你什么事！

(Sweeper backs into a corridor, only to find the exit has already been sealed off. She paces about in the building, waiting for any opening to fatally strike Pavel, but the young merchant surrounded by guards gives her no opportunity to do so. Instead, he merely explains to her in an almost nostalgic tone.)（清道夫试着退入走廊，但是那里的道路已经被封锁，她游走着伺机对帕维尔展开致命一击，但被大量护卫守住的年轻商人只是用追忆般的口吻向她叙旧。）

PavelAll the doors are locked down. You won't be getting out of here even if I die.周围的门都已经放下封锁了，如果我死在这里，你也出不去。

PavelTime to surrender, Miss Sweeper. Don't worry, I share the same view as your master—that Tomato Emperor. Order, security, and development are in higher and higher demand by the people of the Yellow Zones, and only those with power can provide that.束手就擒吧，清道夫小姐，你放心，我和你们的那个主人——番茄大王的意见一致。如今的黄区人民，正越来越趋向寻求秩序、保障、发展，而唯有手握军事能力的人可以提供这一切。

PavelI wish to join your Tomato Emperor's cause and invest in his own currency forged through steel and fire—his exceptional battlefield talent. What you just did was to help me obtain said currency.我希望能够加入番茄大王的事业，投资那个人出色的战场才能——用铁与火铸造的货币。而你刚刚的行为，正是在帮我取得那些货币。

PavelI won't damage your frame nor your neural cloud, I just need to make sure you stay out of the way when I do my job.我不会破坏你的素体和你的心智，只是想要你在我工作期间不要碍事。

SweeperWhat job? A totally real job just like those "horses" you bragged about that don't even exist in the records?什么工作？还是关于那些你吹嘘出来的，根本不在列表里的马？

(At Sweeper's words, Pavel's face twitches.)（听到清道夫的话，帕维尔的唇角抽搐了一下。）

Pavel...They're not made up.……那不是，吹嘘。

Pavel"Pegasus" is... a weapon system developed by Dr. Smolin. It had undergone three combat trials with excellent results. Whether paired with humans or Dolls, it wouldn't be outdated even by today's standards.“珀伽索”是……由斯莫林博士所研发的战斗兵器，经历过三次实战测试，效果良好，无论是和人类还是人形配合，哪怕在如今都不会落伍。

PavelAside from proving his worth in a truly glorious war, Dr. Smolin accomplished everything that was asked of him.除了缺少一场足够辉煌的战争来验证他的理念，斯莫林博士什么都做到了。

SweeperI don't know how well those "horses" performed, but a couple of wonder weapons won't affect the outcome of a war.虽然不知道你所说的那玩意实际的性能，但就算当时多两件有效的兵器，对战争走向也不会有丝毫的影响。

PavelNo, they can't. But they can affect me.没错，但是对我有影响。

PavelIf only the Pegasus can be proven to be a reliable weapon... then all its development will be genuine and meaningful, and the URNC will finally take another look at—如果能证明珀伽索是可靠的兵器……围绕它的一系列研发都真实而有意义，那么罗联就会重审……

SweeperAnother look at what?重审什么？

PavelUnfortunately, that's all I can reveal for now, unless you would kindly surrender and make this easier for both of us—很遗憾，这里不能再透露了，除非你愿意束手就擒，让我少费一些力气——

(Before Pavel even finishes, Sweeper's blade is already darting toward him, impaling the wrist of an automaton shielding him as it nearly pierces his eye.)（帕维尔的话没有说完，清道夫的佩刀已经飞了过来，刺穿了及时挡在他身前的机甲的手腕，差点就将他的眼睛一同贯穿。）

(A chill runs down Pavel's spine as he sweats profusely. Meanwhile, Sweeper snatches an Aegis' shield and dashes out of the room.)（恶寒之下，帕维尔流下一滴冷汗，清道夫夺取了一台“圣盾”型护卫的盾牌冲出了工作室。）

(Sweeper breaks through multiple combat automatons before her battery is drained. She collapses against the final sealed door, helplessly watching as Pavel approaches.)（在闯过多台战斗机器人的拦截后，清道夫失去了仅存的电力，徒劳地斜倚在没能打开的大门前，看着走向自己的帕维尔。）

PavelDon't forget to put in a good word for me in front of the Tomato Emperor when you wake up!等你再次启动，可要替我在番茄大王面前说几句好话哦！

SweeperTsk—啧——

(Her frame shuts down completely, and Sweeper's consciousness sinks into darkness.)（素体关闭，清道夫的心智沉入了一片黑暗。）

(At the final moment, she thinks indignantly—)（在最后一刻，她愤愤不平地想着——）

SweeperCan't believe you called it... Damn it.全让你说中了啊，讨厌。

PhaetusaNo, you were right, Nyxie.不对，是让你说中了，小黑。

PhaetusaAside from the Commander and those human juveniles, plenty of humans aren't kind.果然指挥官和人类幼崽之外，有很多人类并不那么善良呢。

PhaetusaExternal communication is jammed too... Looks like Mr. Pavel really thought this through. This'll take some time.对外界的联络也被屏蔽……看起来帕维尔先生在事前准备这一块很有心思，要花点时间了呢。

(Pavel looks at the Sangvis Doll lying on the ground, then at the pile of combat automatons she dismantled all by herself, letting out a sigh. Had she been at full power, she could've easily broken out.)（帕维尔看着躺倒在地上的铁血人形和被她独立拆卸的巨量战斗机甲残骸，叹了一口气，如果对方是在能源充足的状况下，或许真能冲出去吧。）

(Not destroying her while not letting her destroy him is the only way to leave room for future cooperation with the Tomato Emperor. Though Pavel doesn't know his exact identity, he wisely deduced that he's most likely the very terrorist behind the Lviv incident, the "Commander" with a bounty in the millions to his name.)（不摧毁这个铁血人形，也不让她摧毁自己，日后才能和番茄大王有合作的余地，虽然帕维尔不了解对方具体的情况，但其很可能就是最近通缉悬赏最高的，酿成利沃夫事件的“指挥官”。）

(Unless absolutely necessary, Pavel doesn't want to make an enemy of someone with such threatening potential.)（除非万不得已，帕维尔不想和这么具有潜力和威胁的对象为敌。）

PavelLock her up. Make sure to treat Miss POW here well before we send her back for negotiations with her master.把她锁起来，我们得在和她主人交涉时完好地把俘虏转让过去。

(Having said that, Pavel retrieves an encryption key from under his collar and inserts it into the control module Sweeper unlocked earlier.)（这样说完，帕维尔从自己的衣领下取出了一枚密钥，插入了之前由清道夫解锁的总控模块中。）

(Sweeper could've easily decimated this module during the chaos earlier, but either out of her sympathy as a fellow Sangvis creation or some other reason, she did not. For that alone, Pavel is grateful to her.)（刚刚发生的战斗中，清道夫本可以将其破坏，但或许是同为铁血产物的相惜之情，她没有动手，冲着这一点，帕维尔就十分感谢对方。）

(—Command verified: administrative clearance confirmed, external hardware recognized.)（——指令，验证成功：管理权限认证通过，确认外接硬件信息。）

(As if his blood is rekindled by the pleasant tune, Pavel realizes his fingers are trembling. The moment of truth has arrived. He silently inputs a command string as the module hums to a mechanical rhythm, typical of old hardware protesting its lack of calibration and maintenance.)（让人愉悦的电子音点燃了他的血液，帕维尔意识到自己的指尖在颤抖，决定一切的时间来到了，他默默地输入了命令，总控模块以古旧电脑特有的，规律的机械音呢喃着旧日硬件缺乏磨合的抗议。）

(Ultimately, the sea of formless data materializes in the shape of the "Pegasus" Quadrupedal Carrier, along with all commands and functions pertaining to its neural cloud.)（但是密钥最终成功将名为“珀伽索”的机械马以精悍外形呈现，并且列出了所有基于其心智与功能所能采取的指令。）

Pavel...You were right, old man.……你就是对的，老头子。

(As if he had been rehearsing this his whole life, another set of commands long in the making has been executed by Pavel. The module now displays "In Progress".)（仿佛预习了一生那样，帕维尔快速输入了准备已久的指令，看着总控模块宣布其为“正在执行”。）

(Following that, he pulls out his communicator.)（随后，他打开了通讯器。）

Viola...Hello?……喂？

ViolaAlready? Alright, I got it. Don't worry. Of course everything's ready—这么快吗？好，好，我知道了，别担心，当然准备好了——

ViolaThis day has finally come...终于到这一天了呢。

Viola..."Big Brother".“哥哥”。

(Climbing out of her bed, Viola quietly puts on her coat, grabs the backpack prepared in advance, and heads toward the area where Pegasi are stationed.)（从自己的床上钻出来，薇拉用最大限度的安静穿上外套，拿起早就准备好的背包，走向了停靠珀伽索的区域。）

Pegasus(The horses stand silently. She walks up to Dilu, rises to her toes, and inserts a key into the back of her head after some considerable effort.)（战马们安静地站立着，她走到“的卢”的旁边，踮起脚尖，费力地将密钥从对方头部后侧插了进去。）

Pegasus(The horse turns in confusion toward her everyday friend and mechanic. Red and blue glares flicker in her eyes before finally settling into a conspicuous deep crimson.)（战马有些疑惑地转向了平日里维护自己的薇拉，红色与蓝色的光芒在它眼中交替闪烁，最后固定为显眼的红色。）

Pegasus(Dilu's final struggle pains Viola. Dilu shakes her head violently as if stricken by an ailment until her head finally droops, letting the spasms fade into an eerie stillness.)（的卢最后的挣扎有些让薇拉心疼，它就像是得了病一样拼命甩头，想要将什么东西甩开——但最后还是无力地垂下脑袋，任凭抽搐与颤抖慢慢止息。）

ViolaI'm sorry... but I can't let you fall into the Dolls' hands...对不起……可是，不能让重要的你们落在人形手里……

(Viola spreads her arms and hugs Dilu's head, as if to soothe her.)（薇拉张开双臂，抱住了的卢的头颅，似乎安抚着机械马一般。）

ViolaAlright, it's done.好，做完了。

ViolaNow I just need to get on it.接下来，只要爬上去就好。

(She reaches for the saddle and starts climbing. Liushih isn't a particularly tall Doll, so this shouldn't be a hard task.)（她来到的卢的鞍具边，伸出手攀附上去——刘莳并不是什么高大的人形，所以这件事本来不应该很难。）

(Yet somehow, when Liushih and Zhisui rode on the Pegasi, they always appeared so reliable... so towering...)（可是，骑在的卢上的她和知穗总是显得那么可靠，那么高大……）

Viola...……

(Viola instinctively checks the direction of the barracks, only for a pair of heterochromic irises to greet her. Fear instantly makes her legs go numb.)（薇拉下意识地看向了营房的方向，却和一双蓝红交织的双眸对峙，吓得她顿时脚软下来。）

???—Viola?——薇拉？

FaelynnIt's me~是我啦~

FaelynnI thought someone snuck in—还以为有人潜入呢——

ViolaS-sorry?!对，对不起！？

FaelynnWhy are you apologizing?薇拉有什么需要道歉的地方吗？

ViolaAh, ehhhm... I got worried about Dilu's condition, so I came to check on her... The commotion must've woken you up.啊，那个，因为有些担心的卢的状态，所以出来维护这孩子，刚刚是吵到芙铃姐姐你了吧？

FaelynnNo? Not really.吵到？没有哦。

FaelynnI stayed up to keep watch, since enemies can show up at any time.因为不知道什么时候会有敌人，所以我不睡觉的哟。

FaelynnSpeaking of, something happened to Dilu?不过，的卢出了什么事嘛？

(As Faelynn walks past her toward Dilu, Viola realizes this is her only chance.)（看着芙铃绕过自己，走向了的卢，薇拉确信除去眼前的机会外，再也没有其他的机会。）

(If she so much as attempts to escape while riding on Dilu, the Dolls will definitely catch up to her or simply shoot her dead on the spot.)（如果自己乘着的卢离开，人形一定会把她抓回来，甚至将她直接射杀。）

FaelynnUgh—?!唔——！？

(The sudden realization that something's up halts Faelynn. She turns around and pounces Viola aside, narrowly dodging Dilu's devastating back kick.)（突然的异样感冻结了芙铃的脚步，她转身搂住薇拉，疾跳着避开的卢威力恐怖的一次后方侧踢。）

(Having missed her strike, the steel steed bolts forward, sprinting toward the gate, leaping across rooftops, and finally vaulting over the wall.)（战马一击不中，发足狂奔，冲向了大门，奋力腾跃，交替踏着营地的屋顶，直接从墙壁翻了出去。）

(Yet even with Dilu's lightning fast speed, Faelynn is somehow faster. She manages to hold onto the reins and follows her over the wall like a jockey trying to tame a mustang. A loud thud echoes from outside the gate.)（然而即使是迅如雷霆的动作，芙铃却更快地抓住了机械战马的缰绳，如同驯服飞马的骑手一般跟着它翻过了围墙，在墙后传来落地的巨响。）

Viola...……

(Horrified, Viola lies on the floor. By now, the others have woken up and rush out of their barracks.)（脚软的薇拉惊恐地坐倒在地上，不过此时，其他人也自然被惊醒，冲了出来。）

LiushihViola?! Are you okay?薇拉！？你没事吧！

(The Doll immediately rushes to her and pulls her into an embrace.)（人形第一时间冲向了薇拉，将她抱了起来。）

(Viola stares into those eyes filled with worry and concern. She bites into her lip until the taste of blood and rust finds her.)（薇拉凝视着那对闪烁着焦虑与关切的双眼，下意识地咬住了嘴唇，直至品尝到鲜血的铁锈味。）

ViolaD-Dilu suddenly went berserk and ran off... and Big Sis Faelynn followed after her...的，的卢突然就发狂地冲了出去，芙铃姐姐，去追它……

DushevnayaWaaah, w-what's going on?! Hath the Warmaster's old legion attacked us?!哇啊啊，怎么了怎么了，战帅老家打过来了！？

ZhisuiLiushih, don't leave Viola out there. Come hide her!刘莳，不要让薇拉暴露在外面，快过来！

LiushihWake everyone up.把大家都喊起来。

LiushihWe've got an emergency!紧急情况！

(Atop the night mountain road, sounds of steel hooves tear through the tranquility.)（本该静谧安宁的夜晚山路上，钢铁战马的蹄声撕裂了一切。）

(A petite Doll with beast ears clings to the steed, desperately trying to rein in the one-ton beast.)（身材娇小玲珑的兽耳人形挂在马背上，竭力试图将这一吨多重的巨兽拉停。）

FaelynnWoah, Dilu, what's gotten into you? Slow down, slow down!呜哇，的卢，你怎么了——慢下来慢下来！

Faelynn...Could it be some kind of EW attack?……难道是被电子战入侵吗？

(Faelynn grips the reins tightly, trying to slow the beast down in vain as simply keeping herself from falling off is already taking up most of her strength.)（芙铃牢牢抓住缰绳，试着让战马慢下来，但这却是绝对的徒劳，光是不让身体从机械战马身上滑下去，她就已经用尽了全力。）

(Yet, as Dilu heads straight toward the cliff, Faelynn instinctively lets go of the horse and jumps backwards, watching Dilu plunge into the abyss—)（但当的卢直接从路边跳出去时，芙铃反射性放开缰绳，朝反方向跳了出去——随后眼睁睁看着的卢跃向了深渊——）

(Only for a pair of flaming wings to shoot out of the steel steed's sides, much like her mythical counterpart. Her free fall is slowed into a gentle glide as she descends into the valley below, disappearing from sight.)（机械战马身侧喷出火翼，宛如神话中的龙马一般在半空止住坠势，滑翔着落入下方的深谷，在芙铃眼前消失了踪影。）

FaelynnHuff, huff... a jump pack...?呼，呼……跳跃背包……？

FaelynnThat's a feature too? Liushih's really got some crazy over-the-top pet... If Basti finds out about this, there's no way she'll settle for anything less than a Cerberus she can bring back to the Elmo.还有这招啊，刘莳真是弄了个好夸张的宠物……要是让贝丝蒂知道，她肯定要去抓更大的……最后骑着魔犬上艾莫号。

FaelynnBut then again, what the hell is going on...?不过，这到底是怎么回事啊……？

Behind Enemy Lines 深入敌阵

PavelIt's an honor to meet you, Miss Liushih.很荣幸能见到您，刘莳女士

PavelName's Pavel Smolin, one of the many merchants who greatly benefited from your efforts to protect Cliffwatch Town.我是帕维尔·斯莫林，因为您和您的伙伴们对哨崖镇的保护而得益的商人之一。

PavelThe reason for my visit today is none other than to acquire your Quadrupedal Carriers for my PMC's business needs.今日登门拜访不为他事，只是出于我们军事承包商事业的需要，想要向您购买那组机械战马。

LiushihI'm sorry, Mr. Pavel.很遗憾呢，帕维尔先生。

LiushihAs Cliffwatch Town's co-founder, I would very much like to meet your needs, but Dilu—and the other steeds as well—are already like family to us Winged Cavaliers.作为一同建设哨崖镇的伙伴，我很想满足您的愿望，但的卢——那些机械战马它们已经是翼骑兵的家人一样的存在了。

PavelFamily? Heh, a Doll talking about family...? Don't make me laugh.感情论吗？人形谈起感情……还真是让人类想要发笑。

ZhisuiHey, you done talking? Leave if you don't have anything worthwhile to add.喂，你的话说完了嘛？说完就请回吧。

PavelPlease tell me you can at least compute just how wasteful your actions are, right?至少你应该能计算得出自己做了多浪费的事吧？

PavelThose are weapons, they're meant for the battlefield. Yet you're using them as nothing more than delivery bikes and rescue dogs.它们本应是能够在战场上活跃的武器，结果却被用来当做快递摩托和救难犬来使用。

PavelThis is more than simply squandering the potential of a new technology. What you're doing is spitting in the face of its creator.这不仅仅是对技术的浪费，对于原本制造它的人来说，甚至可以称得上是一种亵渎。

PavelDon't you feel ashamed of that?难道你们没有这个自觉吗？

LiushihTo some extent, maybe you're right, Mr. Pavel.就某种程度上来说，也许您是对的，帕维尔先生。

LiushihBut even those menial tasks you look down on still need to be done by someone. With Dilu's help, we Winged Cavaliers can respond to crises and carry out various rescue missions flexibly.可即使是那种您看不起的、琐碎的小事，也需要人去做，在的卢的帮助下，翼骑兵可以最快抵达现场，并且根据情况灵活地完成各种救援任务。

LiushihThere are simply no walkers more efficient or stable than the steeds in mountainous terrain, so I'm afraid I cannot grant you your request.在山岳地形下，没有比的卢它们更高效，更稳定的代步机甲了，所以请原谅，恕我无法满足您的要求。

PavelThen how about this—I can provide the Winged Cavaliers with helicopters in exchange for temporarily leasing just the one prototype unit.那么，这样吧，我可以为翼骑兵提供武装直升机，以此换取其中一台原型机的临时租用权，你意下如何?

LiushihWe may be Dolls, but we wouldn't trade our family for anything either.我们虽然是人形，但不会用家人做交换。

Pavel...……

PavelMiss Liushih, Dolls are usually pretty good with numbers. I assume that applies to you as well.刘莳小姐，既然你是人形，至少你对数字应该很敏感吧？

Zhisui(Pfft.)（噗嗤）

LiushihSorry, but I might be the one exception who's bad with math...对不起，我的数学，真的不太行……

PavelThen, what about this figure...那么，这个数字……

Liushih...You consider this a good offer?……这是个数字吗？

Pavel...……

ZhisuiPwhahahahaha. I can't. You should really take your leave, Mr. Pavel. You won't get what you want from either of us. This isn't about money. We don't have any monetary issues now, and we won't in the future.啊哈哈哈哈哈，我不行了。你还是请回吧，刘莳和我都不会出卖的卢它们的，这不是金额的问题，我们目前没有资金问题，而且以后也不会有。

PavelPegasus.珀伽索。

ZhisuiHmm? What did you say?嗯，你说什么？

PavelI said those steeds are called Pegasus... Anyway, I get it. I'll come back with more funds for my next visit.我说那些战马叫做珀伽索……是这样啊，我知道了，下次我会准备好更多的资金来拜访的。

PavelYou're really good at doing business, Miss Liushih. Goodbye.你很会谈生意呢，刘莳小姐，告辞了。

LiushihGood at doing business? Me? I feel like I just made Mr. Pavel even angrier.会谈生意，我吗？遗憾的是，我好像只是让帕维尔先生变得更生气了。

ZhisuiHe just can't take no for an answer. Don't take it to heart—他就只是不服输而已吧？别往心里去了——

(Riding on ATVs assembled by the Winged Cavaliers' mechanics, Dushevnaya and Liushih catch up to Faelynn by sunrise.)（驾驶着从翼骑兵营地组建的全地形车，杜莎妮和刘莳在黎明时分追上了芙铃。）

(The latter had already scaled down the cliff, scanning for traces left by Dilu.)（后者已经设法爬到了悬崖下，扫描寻找的卢留下的线索。）

DushevnayaFoxmaiden, I've lost contact with the Warmaster and the Strategist! I don't know if the signal is jammed or something else happened!狐姬，我没法联络上战帅和军师了！不知道是通讯被屏蔽还是发生了什么！

Faelynn...Maybe that Mr. Pavel was really up to something?……难道那个帕维尔先生真的有问题？

FaelynnDushevnaya, Liushih, I've marked all the tracks Dilu left along the way!杜莎妮，刘莳，我把的卢沿途留下的痕迹标示出来了！

LiushihThank you so much, Faelynn.太感谢你了，芙铃。

LiushihThis heading... does lead to Mr. Pavel's area of activity.这条路线……确实会通向帕维尔先生势力的活动范围。

LiushihLet's hope it's just a coincidence.希望一切只是巧合吧。

(Following the Pegasus' hoof tracks, the group veers into an inconspicuous fork in the path.)（顺着珀伽索足印的指引，刘莳小队拐入了一条不起眼的岔路。）

(Before long, the Dolls discover a small base hidden on the mountain path.)（不久后，人形们就发现了一处隐藏在山路中的小型据点。）

DushevnayaUwah... could this be the Demon King's fortress?唔呃……这里就是魔王的堡垒吗？

DushevnayaIt appears there's movement by the entrance...门口好像有什么东西在动……

FaelynnLet me see—让我看看——

(Faelynn raises her zoom level and focuses on the writhing shapes in the shadows.)（芙铃举起望远镜，将视线对准了阴影处蠕动的轮廓。）

FaelynnThey've got lots of patrol units in front of the base—Scouts, Dinergates, the whole nine yards...据点前安放了很多巡逻单位，有侦察者，还有兵蚁什么的……

FaelynnSeems to be all Sangvis Ferri machines, similar to what Mr. Pavel had earlier.好像都是一些铁血的机械，和帕维尔先生之前准备的型号类似。

FaelynnAs Basti would say, "He's acting real suspicious right now!"用贝丝蒂的话说，他的嫌疑直线升高了！

LiushihI wonder why Mr. Pavel is so obsessed with Dilu if he can get his hands on so many combat automatons.帕维尔先生能弄到这么多战斗机甲，为什么还要对的卢这么执着呢？

LiushihAnd how was he able to remotely control her...而且，他又是怎么做到远程控制的卢的……

Dushevnaya...Foxmaiden, you believe this can be traced back to that server we handed over? Or perhaps something the Warmaster did?……狐姬，会不会是我们运来的那台服务器，和战帅干的？

FaelynnI think so. Everything just adds up. It makes less sense if this is all a coincidence.我刚刚开始也在这么想，一切都太巧合了，要说没有联系反而概率更低。

FaelynnLiushih, all those combat automatons that Mr. Pavel has... While they are numerous, they are also pretty common.刘莳，虽然帕维尔已经有很多战斗兵器了，但那些都是可以在市场上交易买到的产品。

FaelynnMeanwhile, not even Griffin's database has any info on Dilu and her kin. As a one-of-a-kind prototype, she must be extremely valuable.的卢它们可是连格里芬的数据库都不存在的武器，的卢还是原型机，价值是很高的。

FaelynnSince he was willing to trade a dozen military-grade Doll frames just for that server, he must've been expecting profit.帕维尔先生愿意为那个服务器支付几十具军用素体的价格，可见他一定有利可图。

LiushihProfit...有利可图吗……

LiushihMr. Pavel offered me higher and higher quotes back then, but I didn't believe he was doing all that just for profit.那个时候帕维尔先生也对我许诺过更高的出价，可我并不觉得他是出于利润的目的才想要购买的卢的。

DushevnayaSimple! We simply apprehend him, make him surrender the Warmaster and the Strategist, then beat the truth out of him!只要抓住他，让他交出战帅和军师，再逼问出真相就可以了！

LiushihRight, this "Warmaster" and "Strategist" Dushevnaya keeps mentioning, are they also our Griffin comrades?对了，杜莎妮一直挂在嘴上的“战帅”和“军师”，也是过去格里芬的同伴吗？

FaelynnThey are a Sangvis Doll found by Master—I mean the Commander. They weren't active back during the Griffin days... and they are actually two minds inside the same body, but neither of them is a bad person.是主人……指挥官找到的铁血人形，在格里芬时期还没有启动……体内还寄宿着两个心智，不过都不是坏人啦。

LiushihA Sangvis Ferri Doll... Indeed, Dilu's design contains lots of Sangvis tech... Now that I think about it, why did we even find Dilu here in Cliffwatch Town...铁血……的确，的卢的设计有不少铁血的成分……这么说起来，为什么我们能在哨崖镇捡到的卢……

(Just as Liushih dives into thought, Faelynn suddenly raises a hand, signaling for the two to drop to the ground.)（就在刘莳若有所思之际，芙铃突然举起一只手，示意两个人形和自己一起卧倒。）

(Their sensors return several proximity mines that the Dolls are far too familiar with. Faelynn quickly marks their positions and those of additional turrets and surveillance cameras.)（前方扫描出了金属反应，正是人形们并不陌生的感应式地雷。随后，芙铃迅速为杜莎妮和刘莳一一标示出了炮台、监视摄像头的位置。）

DushevnayaGoing the long way will consume much time. Ah, Foxmaiden, General, beware of the things that go bump in the night!要绕过去还挺费时间的，啊，狐姬，将军，留意阴影之中蠢动的暗影！

(With Dushevnaya's heads-up, the two Dolls also lock onto the patrolling Scouts and Dinergates.)（在杜莎妮的提示下，另外两个人形也锁定了巡逻用的侦察者与兵蚁。）

FaelynnThe security level's really high, it's almost air-tight.守备很严密，属于重度级别。

LiushihAnd judging by his forces' deployment, they've got heavy weapons set up on high ground and reserve units held in positions... Such a meticulous defense can only mean Mr. Pavel's got some military expertise.而且从他的布防来看，既有高处的重型火力，也有游走的突袭单位……如此严谨的布防逻辑，帕维尔先生这边的军事素养绝对不差。

DushevnayaThe Hero's suspicions have been proven—aye, that Demon King and those brigands are truly in leagues!看来勇者们的猜测没有错——那个大魔王和匪帮，果然是一丘之貉啊！

(Liushih nods, acknowledging Dushevnaya's speculation.)（刘莳点点头，肯定了杜莎妮的猜测。）

LiushihAnyway, let's update Zhisui and the Winged Cavaliers with the coordinates first—Hmm? This area seems to be jammed as well.总之，还是先把坐标信息同步给知穗还有翼骑兵队的大家吧——嗯？这里似乎……是信号遭到屏蔽的地区。

(As Liushih operates her terminal, several dark muzzles protrude from the position above, aimed directly at her head.)（就在刘莳操作终端的同时，从据点上方伸出数根漆黑的枪管，瞄中了刘莳的头顶。）

(Bang!)（砰！）

(Flashes erupt with crimson glare, all directed at the Dolls.)（枪口对准刘莳的方向，喷出了赤红色的火舌。）

Dushevnaya...Ugh!……唔！

DushevnayaWatch out, General!将军小心！

Liushih!！

(Startled, Liushih stares at Dushevnaya. The latter calmly shoulders her rifle, clearly used to situations like this.)（刘莳吃了一惊，意外地看着把自己拉开的杜莎妮，后者正不紧不慢地从背后解下武器，看起来早就习惯了应对这样的场面。）

FaelynnLiushih, are you hurt?刘莳，你没有受伤吧？

LiushihHmm... I'm fine!嗯……我没事！

LiushihWatch out and get ready to return fire!大家注意安全，准备反击！

Behind Enemy Lines 深入敌阵

(After a round of exchanged fire, Liushih's group successfully destroys all automatons at the forefront.)（经过一轮交火，刘莳小队成功将位于前排的机械单位全部击毁。）

(However, more and more firepower pours out from the positions above. The suppressive barrage forces the Dolls to repeatedly fall back, ultimately retreating behind cover.)（然而，据点上方涌现出了越来越多的火力，密集的子弹压得人形们频频后退，撤回了掩体后面。）

FaelynnUwah! Is there no end to this?!呜哇！这些家伙怎么打不完啊！

FaelynnThe worst part is we don't even know what's inside the base. We might be walking straight into a trap if we blindly rush in.最主要的是，我们不知道里面是什么情况，如果就这么硬闯过去……搞不好一头就撞进了陷阱里了。

DushevnayaE-Even though the Hero fears naught, adapting to our foes 'fore our mana is all consumed is of utmost prudence!虽、虽然勇者无所畏惧，但在魔力耗尽之前，改变战术也是战略的一环！

DushevnayaGeneral, now is the time to take action!将军哟，必须要尽快做出决断了！

LiushihIt's alright, we already achieved what we're here for.没关系，正好这次的侦查目标也已经完成了。

LiushihI noticed during the engagement earlier that all their reinforcements came from the rear of the right flank...刚刚在交火的时候，我注意到增援单位都是从右后侧的方向跑出来的……

LiushihThat area looks to be the most heavily defended.看起来，敌人对于这一块的防守最为严密。

DushevnayaThere, General?将军说的是这里，没错吧？

(Dushevnaya quickly marks a spot on the terminal.)（杜莎妮迅速在终端上做出了一个标记。）

LiushihYes, that's probably where their warehouse is.嗯，这里大概就是仓库的位置了。

LiushihEven though I'd very much like to take Dilu back now, a frontal assault with just the three of us is not ideal...就算很想现在就夺回来，但凭借我们三个的火力，正面突破好像有些危险呢……

LiushihLooks like we need to draw something up before we go in.看来，我们也要稍微制定一下战术了。

(While Liushih, Faelynn, and Dushevnaya are attempting to infiltrate Pavel's base, a group of men is on their way toward the Winged Cavaliers outpost.)（就在刘莳，芙铃与杜莎妮侵入帕维尔据点的同时，通往翼骑兵营地的山路上，一队人马正在前进。）

(Their leader is none other than Pavel, followed by his subordinates driving vehicles towing mortars and other heavy weapons.)（为首的正是帕维尔，而其部下与运载着迫击炮等重火力的自走车辆紧随其后。）

Pavel's SubordinateDidn't expect you to be this amazing of a strategist, boss.没想到你的战术水平这么高啊，老板。

PavelI just took some notes from the Tomato Empress' impressive records in Mokosh.不过是研读了一下番茄大王在莫科什的战争报告而已。

PavelHide your true strength, lure the enemy in, then strike them where it hurts the most—it's indeed very effective.把真正的力量藏在幕后，引诱敌人扑上来后再对其露出的要害施加痛击，很有效的战术。

Pavel's SubordinateBut by doing so... won't our base be destroyed?可是这样一来，咱们的基地就……不会被毁掉吗？

PavelWe can't trap Dolls like Liushih forever.以刘莳和那几个人形的力量，大概是困不住她们的吧？

PavelWe can, however, distract them for... let's say, 17 to 23 hours.可是足够让她们分心17到23个小时。

PavelAnd that's plenty enough time. As for our base, don't you worry. A bigger, better base, even more weapons, and a grand stage will soon be ours.那就足够了，至于据点，你不用担心，我们很快会有一个更大的据点，更多武器，更奢华的舞台。

Pavel's SubordinateFollowing you around sure was the best choice I've ever made, boss. As expected from an heir of the White Zone! A real intellectual!跟着你这老板就是爽啊——不愧是白区的少爷！知识分子啊！

Pavel...……

Pavel's SubordinateHehehe, I even heard you got some big corpos' backing. Why mingle with Yellow Zone peasants like us if that's the case?嘿嘿嘿，听说您背后还有财团的老爷撑腰，不知道为什么要和我们这种人在黄区胡混？

PavelDon't you think you're speaking out of turn for someone who supposedly knows as much as you do?既然知道我背后有人撑腰，你说话是不是太放肆了？

Pavel's SubordinateUgh, m-my bad...呃，不，不好意思啊……

Pavel's SubordinateBut those Dolls and the Winged Cavaliers aren't pushovers either. Can we really take over their outpost in such a short time?不过，那几个人形和翼骑兵并不好惹，我们真的能在这点时间里，把那个营地打下来吗？

PavelA fortress like that will be a tough nut to crack even with superior numbers and firepower.虽然人数和装备占优，那个要塞一样的营地也不好打。

PavelHowever, historically, many so-called impregnable defenses have been unraveled from within. You should really pick up a book.你应该多看看书，历史上号称牢不可破的守备，从内部瓦解的比比皆是。

PavelJust do your job and watch as a new chapter in Cliffwatch's history unfolds—做好你们的工作，等着见证哨崖镇全新的一页历史吧——

(While Liushih, Faelynn, and Dushevnaya are planning their infiltration, the Winged Cavaliers are also gearing up for the fight.)（就在刘莳、芙铃与杜莎妮试着潜入据点的同时，翼骑兵也做好了战斗的准备。）

(Out of safety concerns, Zhisui has shut down all their steel steeds to prevent what happened to Dilu from repeating.)（出于安全考虑，知穗将所有战马全部关机，以避免被掌控的的卢对其他战马造成影响。）

(Fortunately, thanks to their rigorous training and various vehicles and weapons crafted by their workshop, the Winged Cavaliers are confident in the battle to come.)（好在工坊平时也建造了多种载具和武器，加上日常的严格训练，翼骑兵有信心击败任何敌人。）

ZhisuiCan't reach Liushih... Is this Pavel's doing as well...?怎么联络不上刘莳，果然又是帕维尔的手笔吗……

LukaI knew that rascal was up to something lately. Now he's finally gotten his way.那个家伙，这段时间一直在搞见不得人的动作，这次终于让他得逞了。

LukaBoss Zhisui, let's storm them directly! Our big guns haven't got a chance to shine. It's the perfect opportunity to put up a big fireworks show!知穗老大，我们直接攻过去吧，最近的重型火力一直没机会用，这次就放个够大的烟花！

ZhisuiNo. Liushih told us not to act impulsively.不行，刘莳要我们不要轻举妄动。

ZhisuiOur task is to defend the outpost while they're out there scouting. We've only lost Dilu so far, it's not enough to affect our overall effectiveness.我们最大的责任，就是在刘莳她们行动期间守护好我们的营地，目前只是走丢了的卢而已，不会影响到总体战力。

ZhisuiEveryone, get ready to—大家做好准——

(As Zhisui is about to issue orders, a message comes from the lookouts: a unit has bypassed their defenses and is now right under their perimeter.)（就在知穗对其他人吩咐安排的时候，哨所也传来信号，有一支部队似乎绕过了布防，侵入到了翼骑兵的守备范围。）

(An alarm blares, signaling the highest level of readiness. The Winged Cavaliers immediately leap up and rush to their respective defensive positions.)（最高危机的警笛大作，翼骑兵们立即从位置上跳起，奔向了平时演练布防的岗位。）

Zhisui—Engage!——迎战！

ZhisuiArm yourselves!全部武装起来。

(A sense of unease rapidly devours Zhisui's mind. Liushih, Faelynn, and Dushevnaya being so far out of reach now seems like the result of a deliberate trick to lure them away.)（不安的感觉在知穗的心智中迅速扩散——刘莳、芙铃和杜莎妮此刻身在远方，看起来简直就像是刻意被计策调走了一样。）

(Compared to her situation, Zhisui is actually more worried about Liushih. She fears that she won't be able to help her partner out now that she's held up defending the base.)（比起正遭到袭击的自己，知穗真正担心的还是刘莳，她害怕自己被拖住的时候，无法对搭档进行有效支援。）

(Of course, that's not the only thing bugging her.)（当然，知穗担心的事，也绝对不止一件。）

(The Winged Cavaliers never let their guards down against Pavel. Drones, radars, and various other sensors have all been purchased by Liushih and meticulously maintained to Griffin standards just to keep an eye on him.)（翼骑兵并不会对帕维尔疏忽大意，无人机、雷达以及各种侦测设备，都是刘莳重金购入，以格里芬规格保养的。）

(By all accounts, they should've seen this invasion coming from a mile away...)（照理来说，她们早就应该发现这次入侵了……）

ZhisuiCommander...长官……

ZhisuiWhat should I do in a situation like this?这种时候，应该怎么做比较好？

(A bone-chilling sensation crawls up from the depths of Zhisui's mind.)（知穗感到一种无法言喻的寒意从自己的心智底层蔓延上来。）

(She doesn't want to think about it, doesn't want to acknowledge it, but as Liushih's second-in-command and the outpost's sole defender now, she can't dismiss the possibility that...)（她不愿意去想，不愿意思考，然而身为刘莳助手、营地守护者的职责，不容许她逃避这个念头。）

(Someone orchestrated all of this from within...)（有人在内部引导了这一切……）

Hollow Echo 空洞的回响

(Rousing rhythms accompany the steady hoofbeats of the steel steeds. In Cliffwatch Town, people know that hope is right around the corner whenever they hear the "Hymn of the Winged Cavaliers".)（激昂的歌声伴随着机械战马悠扬的蹄声，在哨崖镇的人民只要听到《翼骑兵之歌》，就知道希望就在不远处。）

(Whether faced with the Varjagers, ELIDs, or any other threat, the Winged Cavaliers will always come down from the mountainside and trample everything standing in their way like a tide of fire and steel under that fearless Doll's lead.)（无论是瓦良格帮、生骸或其他威胁，总是从高处向下冲锋的翼骑兵，还有为首的那个勇敢人形，都能以钢铁的奔流将之摧毁。）

(Yet at the same time, they are an army of kindness. No matter how humble their standing may be, the Winged Cavaliers will always charge headfirst into enemy lines to protect the weak and innocent.)（而与此同时，这又是黄区最温柔的军队，因为不管是多么微不足道的人，翼骑兵队总会不顾一切地冲垮敌人，将他们保护在其中。）

(Viola witnessed all that with her own two eyes not long after arriving in Cliffwatch Town. She also immediately recognized the two Dolls leading the charge—the same ones who once came to her aid without hesitation.)（抵达哨崖镇不久，薇拉就目击了这番景象，同时她也认出骑乘在队伍前方的那两个人形——正是曾无私地对她给予帮助的两人。）

(And undoubtedly, they too remember her.)（而无疑，她们也记得自己。）

(Viola reaches out to them, and the two Dolls immediately take notice of her as well.)（在薇拉向她们探寻地伸出手去，两个人形也立即留意到了她。）

ViolaBig Sis Liushih... Big Sis Zhisui...刘莳姐姐，知穗姐姐……

ZhisuiIsn't this Viola...? What are you doing here? How's your brother?这不是薇拉吗……为什么跑到这么远的地方，你的亲人还好吗？

(Viola shakes her head sorrowfully. Zhisui's expression dims as she dismounts and gently pulls her into an embrace.)（看到薇拉难过地摇了摇头，知穗也神色黯然，她跳下马，小心翼翼地抱住了薇拉。）

ZhisuiYou must've been through a lot...辛苦你了……

LiushihIf you have nowhere else to go, stay here with us.薇拉，如果没有其他地方可以去的话，就留在这里吧。

ViolaBut... but I...可是，可是我……

LiushihNo need to worry about anything.什么都不用担心。

LiushihWe'll take care of you. We have many amazing comrades, they'll teach you everything you need to survive in the Yellow Zones.我们会照顾好你的，这里有很多厉害的伙伴，他们会教你在黄区生存必备的技能。

LiushihAnd you can leave whenever you feel ready to do so... to freely pursue what you truly want.在薇拉你准备好之后，任何时候，你都可以自由地离开，去做你真正想做的事。

(The Dolls understand better than anyone the harsh nature of the Yellow Zones, and that it's nigh impossible for a child to survive on her own.)（人形们比谁都明白黄区的艰苦，也知道孤独的小孩子是绝无可能独自生存的。）

(So Viola knows... they can't and won't abandon her.)（所以薇拉很清楚，她们不会丢下自己不管。）

(This is the naivete of Dolls. Their world is simple—a person's a person, a life's a life. They act exactly as they're told, no questions asked.)（这就是人形的天真之处，在她们眼中的世界是如此简单——人就是人，生命就是生命，被如何告知，就如何行事。）

(But Liushih and Zhisui are different from those Viola is familiar with... because they no longer follow anyone's orders.)（可是，刘莳和知穗与薇拉所知的其他人形不同，因为她们——已经不再需要从任何人那里接收指令了。）

ViolaTo freely... do what I want? So you founded this outpost, took people in, formed the Cavaliers... all just because...自由……的权限？也就是说刘莳姐姐和知穗姐姐，你们搭建营地，收留大家，组织骑兵队，这一切都只是因为……

LiushihYeah. Because we wanted to.是的，因为我们想要这样做。

LiushihBecause doing so fills us with joy.因为这样做，我们会觉得快乐。

LiushihAnd hopefully what we're doing can eventually be of help to the Commander... even if all he ever wanted was for us to be happy.希望在将来，现在所做的一切可以帮上长官的忙……即使长官，只是想让我们幸福。

Viola...……

Viola(Ah, here we go again... Disgusting. Repugnant. Sickening. You clueless machines, talking about happiness...)（啊啊，又来了……真是让人厌恶啊，天真的人形，谈什么快乐……）

Viola(You've never suffered like us. All you're doing is just imitating that "Commander" of yours.)（什么苦都没有吃过的你们，不过是在模仿你们的那个‘长官’而已吧。）

Viola(Stop... don't keep being so kind to me... Just show your true colors already...)（不要……别再继续这样温柔地对待我，快点，快点露出你们本来的模样啊！）

Viola(Stop making me look even uglier than I already am!)（不要再把我变得更加的丑陋了！）

(Despite their superior numbers, the attacking automatons cannot break through the Winged Cavaliers' defenses.)（虽然战斗机甲数量占优，但要攻破翼骑兵的防线依然是徒劳的。）

(Zhisui moves along the walls, inspiring each member while providing them with fire support.)（知穗在墙头奔走，大声鼓励每个成员，并且对他们提供掩护。）

(Even drones high above cannot escape the Doll's sharpshooting. None of them gets to release their bombs above the outpost before they're shot down.)（高空战力也被人形精良的火控系统完全捕捉，一发炸弹都没能投放到营地内侧。）

LukaEven with Boss Liushih absent, we've still got Boss Zhisui.果然，就算刘莳老大不在，知穗老大也是最靠谱的。

IvannaShe just eats too much!就是吃得有点太多了！

ZhisuiOi?! I heard that! You can't fight on an empty stomach, can you?! Let's feast after all this is over!诶？！你们说的我可都听见了，吃饱了才有力气好好打仗嘛！打完这边，大家再一起好好地吃一顿吧！

(The Cavaliers erupt in cheers and once again start humming their battle hymn.)（翼骑兵们发出呐喊声，他们再度唱起了属于自己的《翼骑兵之歌》。）

(The counterattack has begun.)（反击开始了。）

(As for Pavel, this outcome just retroactively made him realize how wise a decision it was not to act against the Winged Cavaliers in the past.)（而对于帕维尔来说，则是总算认识到自己过去没有对翼骑兵动手的策略是多么的明智。）

(Even with superior firepower, numbers, and prior knowledge of their deployment and personnel...)（火力、人数全部占优，也事先知道了翼骑兵的所有布置甚至人员情况。）

(They still failed to achieve anything due to Zhisui's leadership and the defenders' high morale.)（在知穗的活跃和高昂的士气下，他们依然无法取得任何战果。）

Pavel's SubordinateBoss! This Doll's a monster, man! We're running out of time. If Liushih gets back—老板！这人形太像是怪物了！作战时间要超了，如果刘莳她们回来……

PavelThey got a single Doll. That's enough to make you piss your pants?区区一个人形，你害怕什么？

Pavel's SubordinateI've bagged hundreds of these clankers already, but I've never seen one like her before! Aren't command modules banned?!我也拆过成千上百个人形了，从来没有见过这种发号施令的，指挥模块不是禁用品吗！？

PavelThat's not a command module.那不是指挥模块的效果。

PavelThat's a power they themselves earned.那是她们自己的力量。

PavelFortunately... I've got mine as well.还好，我也有我的。

Hollow Echo 空洞的回响

(Under Zhisui's leadership, the Winged Cavaliers successfully repel the attack on their outpost. All the mortars and heavy weapons meant to tear down their walls are destroyed by their own drones, leaving only smoldering wreckages.)（在知穗的带领和翼骑兵娴熟的配合下，进攻的部队被彻底打退，用来破坏城墙的迫击炮和人形阵地也被无人机炸弹摧毁，只留下一地残骸。）

(Watching the attackers flee with their tails between their legs, the defenders do not pursue. Instead they shout and cheer, accompanied by people humming the "Hymn of the Winged Cavaliers".)（看着残余的部队撤退，翼骑兵们并未追击，而是一起发出了欢呼声，零星的《翼骑兵之歌》的调子在各处响起。）

LukaHahaha. Говна наверните, ублюдки! Now you know not to fuck with us!哈哈哈，吃屎去吧混账！知道厉害了吧！

ZhisuiStay vigilant! Scan the perimeter for any stragglers and get the wounded to the infirmary!不要大意，迅速确认残余的敌人，把伤员送到医务室！

IvannaRoger!是！

(After wrapping up her commanding duties, Zhisui hops off the wall position and exchanges a high-five with the Cavalier coming to rotate her out.)（完成了岗位上的工作，知穗和来交换的翼骑兵击掌，跃下了墙头。）

(As a Doll, her reaction speed and perception are far above that of humans. As such, the celebratory atmosphere around does not distract her from analyzing the situation.)（作为人形，她的反应速度和观察力远在人类之上，正因如此，周围欢庆胜利的气氛并未影响到人形的判断力。）

(During the skirmish that just concluded, a feeling that something is "off" kept gnawing at Zhisui's mind, siphoning her processing power away.)（在刚才的战场上，知穗始终感觉到某种“违和感”压在自己的心智中，分走了她一部分用于思考的算力——）

(Now that the bullets have ceased flying, even just for a moment, she immediately realizes what exactly is "off".)（因此在战斗暂时告一段落的空隙，知穗才能最快意识到一个不妙的变化。）

ZhisuiWho's opening the gate?!谁在打开大门！？

IvannaWhat—?!诶——！？

Pegasus(The sudden interjection puts everyone back on edge. Worse thing is, as the gate's opening grows wider, a familiar figure—one that the Winged Cavaliers followed with devotion and admiration—charges in.)（突如其来的消息令众人的神经一紧，而更坏的是在大门打开缝隙之余，一个凶狠的身影从门后冲了进来——那正是翼骑兵们往日倾心追随的身影。）

LukaIt's Dilu! Don't shoot!是的卢，不要开枪！

ZhisuiNo! Take her out!不对！干掉它！

(The conflicting orders plunge the Cavaliers into disarray, making many miss what would've been an easy shot. The steel steed rampages through the defense positions while a swarm of hostile Sangvis automatons follow in her steps and flood through the gate.)（截然不同的命令让翼骑兵们陷入混乱，但就算要开枪也很难击中。机械马狂怒般掀翻了掩体，而一部分铁血部队正跟在它的后方侵入营地内部。）

(Zhisui starts regretting not calling Liushih, Faelynn, and Dushevnaya to retreat. She still attempts to maintain control over the situation, ordering the Cavaliers to fall back to the buildings, until—)（知穗开始后悔没有呼叫刘莳和芙铃与杜莎妮回来，但她仍旧试着控制局势，指挥翼骑兵们退回室内，而就在此时——）

???Enough. Time to stop this nonsense!够了，都停火吧！

(She turns toward the voice instinctively—)（知穗反射性看向了声音传来的方向——）

(The sight greeting Zhisui makes her pupils dilate in shock before narrowing into a furious glare.)（在看到那里的景象后，她的眼睛瞬间慌乱地睁大，随后又因为愤怒而瞪视着前方。）

Zhisui—!——！

Zhisui...Luka's right... you really are a shit-eating scum.……卢卡说的没错，你们确实是混账。

PavelI don't have time to argue with you.我无暇争辩这种小事。

(Pavel stands before Zhisui, and held within his arms is none other than the girl named Viola.)（出现在知穗眼前的，是曾和自己与刘莳数次对峙的帕维尔，而在他的双臂之间，是薇拉。）

(The girl keeps her head bowed, not daring to look at Zhisui in the eyes.)（少女低着头，不敢和知穗对视。）

ZhisuiLet go of her!放开她！

LukaViola?! How... you animal!薇拉！怎么会……这个畜生！

IvannaHow did he get in?!他是怎么进来的……！

(The Cavaliers all raise their weapons, but none dares to act rashly under the fear of hurting the shivering young girl.)（翼骑兵纷纷举起武器对准帕维尔，可是颤抖的薇拉让人不敢轻举妄动。）

(As instructed by Pavel, the mercs and automatons who followed him in also hold their fire. A tense standoff ensues.)（而在帕维尔的授意下，跟随他进来的佣兵与战斗兵器也没有开火，双方保持着紧张的对峙。）

(Zhisui has no choice but to acknowledge Pavel's composure bordering on madness. Though armed with a pistol, he doesn't point it at Viola. Zhisui looks at the latter, hoping that she could create some opportunities for herself.)（知穗不得不认可帕维尔的镇定，也可以说是疯狂——年轻的商人手上虽然握着枪，却没有指向薇拉，知穗看向薇拉，希望她给自己制造一点机会。）

(Yet, Viola is still avoidant of her gaze.)（薇拉避开了她的目光。）

Zhisui...!……！

(No matter how much she doesn't want to accept it, that chilling sensation spreading through her body forces Zhisui to come to terms with reality.)（就算是再不情愿，席卷全身的寒意似乎也让知穗了解到了最糟糕的现实。）

PavelMiss Zhisui, eh? Got yourself a sizable facility out there, didn't you? I admire it. Dolls nowadays are making warlords of themselves and live a comfy life while actual humans are stuck withering in the wasteland, surviving by digging through trash... Ridiculous, don't you think?知穗小姐是吧，你们的营地环境不错啊，人形在山寨里当起了山大王，人类却在黄区颠沛流离，过着倒卖零件的生活……还真是可笑啊。

LukaCut the bullcrap. Let go of Viola, then we'll consider letting you walk away with your head attached to your neck.你说什么废话呢，把薇拉放下，今天或许还能让你活着出去！

PavelRelax, I'm not so pathetic as to use her as a hostage. I never meant for it to get this awkward, but I'm in fact here to make a deal.不用担心，我还没有低级到挟持她做人质这种地步，虽然情况有些尴尬，但我是来和你们谈一笔交易的。

Zhisui...A deal?……交易？

PavelThat's right, a deal. The terms are simple: I'll let you live. You don't even need to drop your weapons, just leave the outpost as you are. I will not hunt you down.没错，交易，内容是：我让你们活下去，你们也不必放下手中的武器，就这么离开这个营地，我的人和机甲都不会追击。

IvannaIn your dreams! You're just a thief who only has the balls to show up when Boss Liushih isn't here!休想！你不过是趁刘莳老大不在时才敢冒出来的小偷而已！

PavelSure, but right now this "thief" has the firepower to back up his words. We can go back to the shooting, and I'll maybe lose at most a tenth of my men and thirty percent of my mechs.是啊，可这个小偷现在的火力比你们更占优势，如果现在我们继续开火，那我方至多损失一成人手和三成的机甲。

PavelBut you, on the other hand, will all be wiped out. So let's not do this.而你们则一定会全灭的，我并不希望见到那样的景象。

ZhisuiWhy? Other than Cliffwatch Town's security contract, I don't believe there's any bad blood between you and us.你为什么要这么做？除去哨崖镇的安保工作的归属外，翼骑兵和你没有任何冲突吧？

PavelThat's true. Although, it's not that I wanted to profit from that either.的确如此，不过我并不看重安保部队的利润。

PavelI simply hate how you and that Liushih just love sticking your noses into everything. I get it, it's all out of altruism, but your mimicry of human behavior? That just pisses me off...你和刘莳太喜欢多管闲事了，虽然我认同你们的行为之中没有私欲，但对人类的那种模仿看得挺令人心烦的……

(The next instant, Pavel's smile vanishes, his gaze turning cold and sinister.)（下一秒，帕维尔的笑意戛然而止，眼神变得阴鸷而冰冷。）

PavelI only have two terms: disband the Winged Cavaliers and hand over all Pegasus units.我寻求的东西只有两样——翼骑兵的解散，以及回收所有珀伽索。

ZhisuiYou're saying... we're mimicking humans? That's your reason for attacking us?你说……我们在模仿……人类？这就是你要对我们动手的理由？

PavelForming the Cavaliers, building the walkers... you're just carrying out someone else's orders at the end of the day.组织人类建立翼骑兵、制造机械载具……说到底，不过是在执行某些人的指令吧？

PavelNo matter how convincing you make yourselves look, you can never understand why we humans do such things.不管你做得多么像一回事，你们都不能理解这些行为本身的意义。

ZhisuiThat's not true!才不是！

ZhisuiMe and Liushih... we—我，我和刘莳，我们……

LukaWhat do you even know, уёбище! Before the Bosses showed up, people of Cliffwatch Town were getting raided by bandits or devoured by ELIDs all the time!你这混蛋东西！在老大们来以前，哨崖镇的人不是被土匪抢劫、就是被生骸吃掉。

LukaIt's the Bosses who brought us food, clothes, medicine. It's them who gave us weapons and taught us to stand up for ourselves.是老大们给我们找来食物和衣物，还有宝贵的药品、给我们武器，还教我们怎么才能保护好自己。

LukaWe would never betray them! We'd all give our lives if the Bosses told us to!翼骑兵怎么可能有人背叛！我们都愿意为了老大的命令牺牲自己！

PavelHow pathetic. Look at how they turned you into their little puppets with the tiniest bit of kindness.真可悲啊，作为人类居然被人形的小恩小惠变成了傀儡。

IvannaWe're not puppets! And neither are our Bosses!我们才不是傀儡，老大也不是！

Pavel...……

IvannaThey could've stayed in the Green Zones, enjoying a life of comfort and luxury, yet they came all the way out here for the sake of their beloved Commander. When they saw our hardships, they didn't hesitate to spend their money helping us. How are the Bosses any less human than you?!明明可以身在绿区享用财产，却为了深爱的长官跑到黄区来，见到我们的困境后不惜把钱都用来帮助我们，这样的老大们哪里不比你像人了！

IvannaNo one ever ordered them to do anything. They've always followed their own hearts! Can you say the same about yourself?没有人给老大下命令，她们都是遵循自己的心意在活动，那你呢！

IvannaDo you dare say you're doing all this of your own free will?!你也敢说你是靠着自己的心意在做这些事吗！？

(The surrounding Cavaliers all resonate with Ivana's words. But Pavel simply fires a shot into the air to shut them up.)（周围的翼骑兵们此起彼伏地响应着伊凡娜，帕维尔只能向天空鸣了一枪。）

PavelYou lot are really hung up on these Dolls, huh? Guess that's what happens when you're just a Yellow Zone bumpkin with no clue of what a Doll is capable of.看起来你们对人形十分的迷信呢，毕竟是黄区的土包子，没有见过世面，对人形也不了解吧？

PavelSure, Dolls can be more efficient, their assessments more accurate.的确，人形比人类更有效率，判断也更准确。

PavelBut so what?可那又如何？

PavelAs a leader, if there's one thing they need to fully understand, it's betrayal.作为领导者，有件事是无论如何都不能不了解的，那就是背叛。

PavelIf they can't foresee it, can't understand why it happened, then they are a failure.无法预见到背叛，无法理解背叛，这样的领袖就是灾难！

Zhisui—!——！

Viola...……

PavelViola, why don't you tell them yourself?薇拉，你要自己说吗？

Viola...Right.……嗯。

LukaW-what do you mean...?怎，怎么一回事……

ViolaThe one who opened the gates... was me.实际上，是我打开了营地的大门。

Zhisui...Is that so?……是吗。

ViolaThe one who installed the receiver on Dilu and tampered with her control authorities... was also me.给的卢装上了接收器，篡改了的卢主从权限的也是我。

ViolaAnd... I installed receivers on all the steeds, so Dilu can now control all of them at will.而且……给所有的战马都装上了这些接收器后，的卢连它们的关机和开机都能控制了。

(Viola snaps her fingers, and the Cavaliers gasp in horror, some nearly collapsing in despair.)（薇拉打了一个响指，让翼骑兵们惊呼出声，甚至悲伤得摇摇欲坠的景象出现在他们眼前。）

(The steel steeds that should be powered down and stored away now glow red-eyed. They trot onto the open field and gather around Dilu, silently threatening their former partners.)（本应被停机，收藏在仓库中的机械战马们和的卢一样眼中闪烁着红光，漫步走向了战场，簇拥在的卢身边，向着昔日的搭档与伙伴施加着不言自明的恐吓。）

IvannaNo... no, this can't be real...不，不要，这不是真的……

PavelLooks like both humans and Dolls have learned a valuable lesson about "betrayal" today—我认为人类和人形今天都上到了关于“背叛”的宝贵的一课——

PavelAll it takes is a little fiddling for your so-called free will and trust to turn on you... Dolls reduced to slaves of their own programming. Much like this horse, your loyalty is nothing when faced with a higher-authority command.只需稍微动一点点手脚，人形那由人所造的意志和心意，就会立刻崩塌……化作指令的奴隶。就像这匹马一样，只要有更高级的指令，它就会毫不犹豫地背叛你们。

PavelBut humans... Miss Zhisui, do you really understand a human's betrayal? You and Liushih recruited Viola yourselves. How did you convince yourselves she's worthy of your trust?而人类……知穗小姐，你能理解人类的背叛吗？薇拉是你和刘莳亲手招募的，那你们是如何确认自己可以相信她呢？

ZhisuiI...我……

PavelYou know, much like you, the human mind is also built upon countless choices. But no matter how many 1s and 0s are in that noggin of yours, you'll never truly understand what makes us the way we are.就和你们人形一样，人类的思维也是由无数个抉择堆砌起来的，可是你们掌握再多数据也无法了解人类的心。

PavelYou will never be human, and, naturally, you will never be able to lead humans. Honestly, I would say even getting too close is ill-advised for both sides.你们不可能变成人类，自然也就无法领导人类，实际上，就是和人类过度地亲近，我都不推荐，这是为了双方好。

LukaYou piece of shit—混账东西——

(A notification from her sensors alerts Zhisui to a new development—In the corner of her visual module, a young Cavalier is taking aim at Pavel.)（视觉模块发出警讯，知穗的目光转向了角落——在那里，一名年轻的翼骑兵正在其他人的掩护下，瞄准了帕维尔。）

(But just as Pavel warned, the combat automatons have been keeping track of their movement all this time.)（然而就如同帕维尔警告的那样，警戒的战斗机甲早就捕捉到了那名翼骑兵的行动。）

(Before he could fully raise his rifle, the automatons' weapons are already pointed at him.)（就在他举枪的同时，战斗机甲已经将枪口转向了他。）

ZhisuiDon't!别动！

(Despite Zhisui's plea, the young Cavalier adjusts his aim and pulls the trigger with a determined expression.)（虽然听到了知穗的警告，那名年轻的翼骑兵脸上却挂着坚定的表情，他调整枪口，扣下扳机。）

(In response, the automatons behind Pavel answer with a hail of gunfire.)（而帕维尔身后的战斗机甲也在同时向他做出了扫射。）

(Despite the T-Doll's split-second reaction allowing her to spring into action before the bullets go flying, Zhisui barely manages to put herself between the two parties.)（知穗只来得及抢在数毫秒之前开始动，而即使以人形的速度，她也只来得及将自己置于两方灼热的枪口之间。）

Zhisui—Back off!——退开！

(By the time Pavel and Luka stop both sides from escalating further, Zhisui is already riddled with bullet wounds.)（现场没有其他人能够做出反应，在帕维尔和卢卡同时阻止双方扩大冲突后，挡住了双方弹道的知穗，素体上已经出现了多个弹孔。）

ViolaBig Sis Zhisui!知穗姐姐！

ZhisuiIt's fine. I'm tougher than I look.没关系，我可是很结实的。

ZhisuiStop moving, Viola. You're now a target as well.别动，薇拉，你现在也是大家的目标了。

(Viola freezes, gazing in fear at the Cavaliers who had been with her through thick and thin. The contempt and hatred in their eyes send a shiver down her spine.)（薇拉身体一滞，有些恐慌地抬头望向不久之前还同进同出的翼骑兵，他们眼中的鄙夷和仇恨让她止不住地颤抖起来。）

PavelWith how hard you're still trying to defuse the situation, I'll take that as an acknowledgment of my terms.既然你如此坚持让双方保持克制，我可以理解为，这一次你会接受我的提议吧？

Viola...……

ZhisuiEveryone, abandon the outpost.大家，放弃营地。

ZhisuiLeave, and go find Liushih.撤退，去找刘莳。

Viola—!——！

LukaBoss?!老大！？

IvannaNo! W-we can still fight!不可以啊！我，我们还可以继续战斗的！

IvannaAnd we'll win!我们一定会赢的！

ZhisuiOf course we will, but that victory will be nothing but a pyrrhic one.当然会赢啦，可是，那样没有意义。

ZhisuiNo one needs to die for this. Do as I say—Take what's important and abandon the outpost.不需要有人死，听我的话，带上必要的东西，放弃营地。

ZhisuiAnd that vehicle Faelynn drove here too. Gifts for the Commander are onboard. Make sure to return it to them.还有那边的车是芙铃她们开来的，里面是带给长官的礼物，务必交还给她们。

(Ignoring the sparks pouring from her injuries, the Doll slowly holds up her arm, staring straight at Pavel with a completely expressionless face.)（无视素体不断冒出的火花，缓缓抱起手臂，人形美丽的脸上没有一丝表情，只是正面凝视着帕维尔。）

(Pavel seems slightly shaken under her sharp, scrutinizing gaze. After a pause, he slowly nods.)（帕维尔似乎也在人形凌厉的注视下有些畏缩，他迟疑了片刻后，慢慢点了点头。）

(Paying no mind to the Cavaliers' protests, Zhisui orders the unharmed to help carry the wounded and supplies out of the gate.)（无视翼骑兵们的抗辩，知穗让健康的翼骑兵们扶起伤员，拿起平日执行任务的补给包，然后相互扶持着走出大门。）

(Meanwhile, she herself remains where she stands, unwavering, still facing off with Pavel and Viola.)（而她本人站在原地，一动不动地与同样没有移动的帕维尔和薇拉对峙着。）

LukaBoss Zhisui! You need repairs ASAP—知穗老大！你需要赶紧维护……

ZhisuiDon't worry about me. You and Ivana take Faelynn and Dushevnaya's truck back to them. Tell them that—没关系，你和伊凡娜把芙铃和杜莎妮的东西带给她们，告诉她们——

Zhisui—Those are Cliffwatch Town's specialty caramel pies. I bet the Commander's gonna love them.哨崖镇特制的焦糖派，长官一定会喜欢的。

IvannaBoss?!老大！？

ZhisuiNot gonna follow my orders? Are you still Winged Cavaliers or not?你们，不听我的话了吗？这样子，也还能叫做翼骑兵？

ZhisuiDon't worry, I'm not planning to do anything stupid. I haven't had the chance to see the Commander again after all.放心吧，我不打算做自暴自弃的事，毕竟还没见到长官嘛。

Ivanna...……

IvannaW-we copy...我，我们知道了……

(After making Luka and Ivana leave, Zhisui finally moves.)（在坚定地让卢卡和伊凡娜离开后，知穗动了起来。）

(Yet, she doesn't head for the gate herself. Instead, she slowly and calmly wanders deeper into the camp despite countless muzzles being pointed at her.)（她没有走向大门，而是慢慢地向着营地内侧移动，在无数武器的瞄准下，她镇定自若。）

ZhisuiViola...?薇拉……？

Viola...Yes?……我在。

ZhisuiYou once said you had a sick brother. That person...你曾说过你有个患病的亲人，那个亲人……

ViolaYes... that was Big Brother Pavel.就是……帕维尔哥哥。

ViolaHe was suffering from a serious lung disease back then. I was only able to afford those medicines thanks to you and Big Sis Liushih's help.当时帕维尔哥哥罹患了严重的肺病，多亏了知穗姐姐和刘莳姐姐你们替我买下了那些药。

PavelWait. Those meds back then—什么，那个时候的药是——

Viola...Yes, they were from Big Sis Zhisui and Liushih.……是刘莳姐姐和知穗姐姐给的。

ViolaI just knew... the big brother who hates Dolls would definitely overthink things if he got wind of that fact... so I never told you about this.因为我觉得……讨厌人形的哥哥，知道这样的事会胡思乱想，就没有告诉哥哥。

ZhisuiIs that so...? Ah... So you weren't lying back then.是吗？是这样啊……所以那个时候的你没有说谎吗？

ViolaI—I...我，我……

(Hearing that, Viola jolts as if she's been electrocuted, covering her face in shame, unable to meet anyone's eyes.)（听到知穗的话，薇拉宛如遭到电击般抬起头，仿佛无法面对自己脸上的羞愧一般，她捂住了自己的脸，摇了摇头。）

ZhisuiI see.这样啊。

ZhisuiThat's great, Viola. I'm happy for you.真好，薇拉，我为你高兴。

ViolaEh...?诶……？

(Viola looks at Zhisui. The smile blooming on Zhisui's face is the same as when they first met—pure, bright, impossibly dazzling. At the same time, more cracks seem to spread from those wounds on her body.)（薇拉看向了知穗，人形脸上露出的笑容就如同她们最初邂逅时那样，纯洁而耀眼的善意让她不敢直视，然而于此同时，知穗的素体上的弹孔，似乎撕裂出了更多的裂缝。）

ZhisuiLiushih and I have always worried about you. Being alone in this world, without a family... is bound to be a painful experience.我和刘莳一直都很为你担心，一个人在世界上，没有亲人一定会十分痛苦。

ZhisuiWhile everyone wishes a found family like the Winged Cavaliers could help soothe that pain, nothing compares to real blood ties, right?虽然大家都希望翼骑兵这个大家庭能够治愈你的伤痛，但血亲之间的牵绊肯定是无可比拟的吧？

ZhisuiThe fact that you still have someone in this world... makes me feel truly happy for you.好在你在这个世界上依然还有亲人在……我真的，为你感到开心。

ViolaBig Sis Zhisui... you're always like this...知穗姐姐，你总是这样……

ZhisuiCan't help with that. I'm a Doll, after all.没办法，我是人形嘛。

(Zhisui lets out a self-deprecating chuckle and shakes her head.)（仿佛在做出自嘲的苦笑，知穗微微摇了摇头。）

(Viola gazes at Pavel with a pleading look, but he simply holds onto her shoulder and orders his subordinates to head to the workshop behind the camp.)（薇拉祈求地看着帕维尔，但他依旧抓着薇拉的肩膀，只是对其他随从下令，让其前往营地后方的工房。）

(The large quantity of weapons and valuable machinery stored there are what Pavel came for.)（在那里依旧存放着大量的武器与兵装，以及许多在帕维尔看来极其具有价值的设备。）

PavelYour frame needs repair, or you'll suffer a critical failure soon.你的素体需要紧急维修，否则会发生严重事故的。

PavelWhy didn't you retreat along with the others?你为什么不和其他翼骑兵一起撤退呢？

ZhisuiBecause I still have questions for you.那当然是因为，我还有话要问你。

PavelAnd I have the right to not answer.我没有回答的义务。

ZhisuiOh? Not planning to spare us that luxury, Mr. "Winner"?哦？就算是作为“胜利者”，也不肯履行这份义务么？

PavelAs long as Liushih is still around, I don't consider this a "victory". Plus, it's not like I need something that hollow from you. I'm just here to achieve my original goal, simple as.既然刘莳还在，我不觉得这是一场胜利，我也不需要从你们这里取得这样的东西——只要达成我本来的目标就好。

ZhisuiYour original goal...本来的目标……

PavelI need the Pegasus.我需要珀伽索。

ZhisuiSo Dilu... You really wanna die on this hill, huh?的卢吗……你还真是……执着呢。

ViolaBecause the Pegasus was our father's creation... but because no records of it could be found in the URNC's archives, our parents were prosecuted...因为珀伽索，是我们父亲设计的……可是，因为在罗联的档案库中找不到，爸爸和妈妈被指控……

ZhisuiHuh?哎？

ZhisuiIf that's indeed the case... why would you assume Liushih and I would've refused to help you out?如果是这样的事情，你觉得……我和刘莳还会拒绝帮忙吗？

ViolaWould you still do the same if I told you that my parents worked for Griffin's enemies?现在我知道，刘莳姐姐和知穗姐姐，你们一定会的，可是……即使知道我的爸爸和妈妈，是为格里芬的敌人工作的也会吗？

ZhisuiThe war's over.战争结束了。

(Zhisui gently shakes her head.)（在薇拉眼前，知穗轻柔地摇了摇头。）

(She then steps forward, but her once steady steps now falter.)（她向前跨出一步，但往昔轻盈稳定的步伐，此刻却有些晃动。）

ZhisuiWe always sought coexistence, even with our former enemies. Not to mention... Griffin is no more...格里芬，一直都能与过去的敌人寻求共存，更何况……现在也已经，没有格里芬了。

ZhisuiLiushih and I... are just two Dolls without an owner, searching for our Commander.我和刘莳……只是寻找着长官的，两个无主人形而已。

ZhisuiSo, I refuse to believe that's your real motivation. At least, not entirely.所以，不是这个原因吧？至少，这不是全部。

Pavel—!——！

ZhisuiI trust what Viola just told me was the truth, but Pavel—you've got other goals besides saving your father, don't you?虽然我相信薇拉这次说了真话，但是比起你们的父亲，你也有其他想要达成的目标吧？帕维尔。

PavelPrecisely! My ambition lies further beyond! Turn Cliffwatch Town into a second Mokosh! No, something even greater than that excuse of a town run by nothing but Cecht FABN's proxies!是啊！我想要做出伟大的功业，把哨崖镇打造成第二个莫科什，甚至超越那个被赛诺菲与法本集团吞吃太多的莫科什……

PavelIf it weren't for your meddling, I would've achieved that long ago!如果不是你与刘莳和我捣鬼，如果不是你们一直在干预我，这个目标早就达成了！

ZhisuiYou... You're not even cut out to be a good villain.你啊，连个坏蛋也做不好。

PavelWha—?!什——！？

PavelY-you're making fun of me?! You damn clank—你，小看我？你这区区人形……

ZhisuiWe've fought REAL villains under the Commander.我们跟随长官，和真正的坏蛋战斗过。

ZhisuiSo we can tell real villains from wannabes. If you really were one...所以我和刘莳，至少懂得分辨谁是坏蛋，而如果你真是那样的人……

ZhisuiI wouldn't have... told everyone to just leave.我就不会……让翼骑兵的大家撤退了。

Pavel———

(Pavel stares at the Doll in shock. With her power draining and body damaged, her eyes are losing focus and her speech module is barely holding up.)（帕维尔惊疑地看着眼前的人形，她的眼神已经开始涣散，显然伴随着电量的流失和素体损伤扩大，她已经很难维持语言模块的运作）

(And yet, even in this state, her likeness still sends a primal chill down Pavel's spine, as if he were a prey meeting its predator.)（可就是这样的一台人形，让帕维尔感到本能的恶寒，就像是看到了远古基因中的天敌那样。）

ZhisuiIf you really were one... I'd have stopped you... even if that meant putting everyone's lives on the line and sacrificing both me and Liushih... Because I can't and won't let the Commander face another enemy like that.就算大家都牺牲，我和刘莳从此不复存在，我也会解决你，因为，我不能让长官再遇到一个那样的敌人。

ZhisuiSo it's a good thing you're not, don't you think?不是坏蛋真是太好了，对不对？

ZhisuiBut, you're never becoming a hero like the Commander either. You're... you'll simply be Viola's big brother, and that's enough, right?可是，你也不会是指挥官那样的英雄，你是……嗯，你是薇拉的哥哥，这样，不就很好吗？

ViolaBig Sis Zhisui... stop, let me check—知穗姐姐……不要说了，让我，让我替你检查……

(Zhisui gently sways her body, as if Viola's words went completely over her head.)（知穗似乎完全没有听见薇拉的话，她只是摇晃了一下身体。）

(Then, like a broken marionette, she drops to her knees.)（接着，像是坏掉的娃娃，从膝盖开始崩坏般跪倒在地。）

(Even so, she looks up at Viola and Pavel, her lips curled up in a faint, almost mocking manner.)（即使如此，她也抬起头看着薇拉与帕维尔，往日明媚热情的嘴角牵起一抹嘲笑般的弧度。）

ZhisuiHaving a family... isn't that enough? With your little sister... you won't become a bad person. Isn't that great?拥有家人……这样不就很好吗？因为有妹妹在，所以……不会变成坏人，不是很好吗？

ZhisuiBecause no matter how hard you try...就算你再怎么拼命去努力……

Zhisui...This path you're on will only make you puppets of damnation...……最多，这样下去，只会变成傀儡而已啦。

Pavel—!——！

(Those words seem to have struck a nerve deep within Pavel. With a groan, he furiously draws his gun.)（知穗的话似乎刺激到了帕维尔内心隐藏最深的痛楚，他低吼一声，拔出腰间的配枪。）

(But before he can pull the trigger, Zhisui collapses entirely.)（但是在那之前，知穗已经倒了下去。）

(The last spark flickers across her body. The light in her eyes fades, dimming like the setting sun.)（最后一道电火花在素体上闪过，知穗的双眼逐渐失去了神采，像是夕阳般逐渐暗淡。）

Drawn Steel 利刃出鞘

(As Pavel walks into the hall, he contemplates for a second over whether or not to step onto the fancy carpet.)（帕维尔走进大厅时，为要不要踩上那华丽的地毯踌躇了一秒。）

(For how accustomed he has become to the Yellow Zones, he almost forgot what the air in the Green Zones even smells like, and has thus developed a fear bordering on disgust toward all this lavishness.)（在黄区逗留的时间太久，他已经有些忘记了绿区空气的味道，而对所有的奢华，也都有了一种近乎于恐惧的厌恶。）

(But ultimately, he puts his foot forward and walks toward the ridiculously large conference table placed in the middle of the carpet.)（但是他最终还是迈出脚步，向着名贵地毯中间那大得夸张的会议桌走去。）

(Seated at the head of the table is the very man who holds Pavel's fate in his hands. The man gawks at the table full of delight like a ravenous lion, only to be struck with a great annoyance: decision paralysis.)（在主位坐着的那个男人，正是只手操持着他命运的那个人，他看上去像是一头贪婪的狮子，明明面对自助餐般的盛宴，却为自己该先吃哪道菜而生着闷气。）

Rurik GirardOh, here you are. Please tell me you've showered.来啦，有好好洗过澡吧？

PavelIt is an honor to be received by you in person, sir.很荣幸能得到您的亲自接见，阁下。

Pavel—I had completed a thorough personal hygiene routine.——我已经做了万全的个人清洁。

Rurik GirardYeah yeah, good. Come sit closer then. Yeah, right there.好的好的，那你可以坐近一点，对对对，就这里就好。

Rurik GirardBy the way, I've got some good news and bad news for ya. The bad news is, your mother died in prison last month.有个坏消息啊，你母亲上个月死在牢里了。

Pavel...!……！

(Pavel braces himself against such earth-shattering revelation and stares at the man who just delivered the news with such nonchalance. There is neither malice nor sympathy in Rurik's voice. Nothing but the kind of impatience reserved for trivial, time-wasting matters.)（帕维尔忍住天旋地转的冲击，看着眼前轻描淡写给出这个消息的男人，留里克的语气中并没有恶意或善意，有的只是一种对待无关紧要之事的不耐烦。）

(The burly and rude man shifts to a more comfortable position and looks at Pavel.)（这个壮实而粗鲁的男子换了个舒服的坐姿，看向了帕维尔。）

Rurik GirardThe good news is, your father's still kicking. Guess it all comes down to how tough you are.好消息是你父亲还活着，这种事还是看体质强不强啊。

Pavel...I-is that so...……是，是吗。

Rurik GirardAs R&D officers of the Neo Soviet Union, your parents had their heyday. Shame that the world today doesn't really treat people like them kindly, isn't it?作为新苏联的技术军官，他们也曾有过光辉往事，可惜这个时代不怎么对得起他们，没错吧？

PavelThat's not something someone like me ought to comment on.这不是，我这种人可以评价的事。

PavelHowever, my parents were just following orders... They opposed the peace agreement and the restoration of diplomatic relations because my father believed it was nothing but a blatant betrayal of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the war—a sugar-coated lie.但我的父母只是按照命令……他们反对和平建交，是因为我的父亲觉得，那是对牺牲者的背叛，是一场裹着蜜糖的骗局。

Rurik GirardSure, but that's all in the past now. No need to waste my time on all that rhetoric. I've got another meeting to attend.都旧事了，不用提起来浪费时间，我还有下一个会要开。

Rurik GirardI called you over because I heard you've been putting in the good work in the Yellow Zones, pulling strings everywhere, trying to clear your father's name, right?找你来是因为听说你最近在黄区混得不错，所以到处托关系给你父亲翻案，是吧。

PavelYou flatter me.您过奖了。

PavelMy parents... my father... the allegations against him... were completely baseless.我的父母……父亲，他……他被指控的罪行里，有许多都是无端的冤案。

PavelClaims like embezzling research funds or supporting terrorism... those allegations only persist because the NSU archives are still classified, and since my father worked at—像是关于他贪污研发经费，资助恐怖活动，实际上……那只是因为新苏联的保密档案未被解密，我父亲曾工作的工厂是……

Rurik Girard"OKB Smolin", right?“斯瓦洛格兵工厂”，对吧？

Pavel...You know about it?……您知道？

Rurik GirardLook, kid. Stop bribing URNC officials, it's pointless.如今事情是这样的，你不用再给罗联的官员塞钱了，没用。

Rurik GirardYou'll never prove your father's innocence to the URNC, or the "New Order", or that Griffin Lyons motherfucker, for god's sake. There are simply too many fall guys like your old man, all crying foul play, all trying to clear their names.因为你永远无法证明你父亲不曾想过对抗罗联，或者反对“新秩序”，甚至忤逆格里芬·莱恩的意思，这样的人太多了。

Rurik GirardBut if you can somehow prove OKB Smolin actually existed, and that his projects weren't some made-up fantasy, then perhaps Girard's influence can help him regain his freedom sooner rather than later.但如果你能证明“斯瓦洛格兵工厂”确实存在，而他负责的项目也不是虚构的，那就有可能借助吉拉尔的力量让他提前出狱。

PavelI understand... thank you so much.我明白了……太感谢您了。

PavelH-how can I repay you?我，我该如何报答您呢？

Rurik GirardEverything.当然是全部。

Rurik GirardThat facility, all the equipment and research data in it—we'll take everything.那家工厂，连带里面所有的设备和研究数据，我们都会接收。

Rurik GirardAlso, I know you've had a hand in arms trafficking. Here's a list of who you can, can't, and must sell to. No more guesswork from now on.还有，我知道你在从事武器的转卖工作，我会给你一份清单，能卖给谁和不能卖给谁——以及必须卖给谁，对你来说就不再是混沌的了。

Rurik GirardAs some might say, the Yellow Zones need some rules.黄区需要一些规矩。

PavelUnderstood. I'll do my best.我明白了，我会尽力做好的。

(Faced with Rurik's outrageous demands, Pavel only bows his head.)（听到留里克狮子大开口的要求，帕维尔低下了头。）

(He knows he stands no chance in the moment. No matter how crass Rurik looks, he could easily crush Pavel and the innocent Viola with a mere twitch of his finger.)（他当然无能与这样庞大的势力对抗，留里克再粗鄙，他只要动动手指，就可以把帕维尔——还有无辜的薇拉一起碾碎。）

Rurik GirardHere's some advice: start looking for your father's research. There's got to be something unless he really was just an inept, corrupt official.给你个忠告，从你父亲做过的研究开始查，除非他真的是个一事无成的贪污犯。

Rurik GirardGirard will give you some startup funds, plus surplus equipment seized by the URNC.吉拉尔会给你一笔启动资金，还有罗联收缴来的现成装备。

Rurik GirardThat said, it would be a mistake to treat this as an investment. Think of it more as the time your father has left. Should you fail to bring back what I want in due course... I'm afraid you'll really end up an orphan.不过，不要把这当成是投资，当做是你父亲余下的生命，如果在一定时间里你没成功，那你这次就真的变成孤儿了。

Pavel...I won't disappoint you, sir.……我不会让您失望的，阁下。

Rurik GirardAlright, you can go now.嗯好，那你走吧。

LiushihLet me quickly go over the plan.我来简单说明一下方案。

LiushihI'll draw the enemy's attention from the front. Use this chance to circle around and infiltrate the warehouse.由我在正面吸引敌人的火力，你们趁机绕到仓库的位置潜入内部。

LiushihAll these Sangvis units must have a central control server acting as the root of their management system. Destroy that, and they'll be done for.既然这些都是铁血单位，一定有一个总控的信息中枢作为树状管理体系的主干，摧毁那个就能让铁血瘫痪。

DushevnayaWe also need to seek out Warmaster and Strategist's whereabouts. The Warmaster is no doubt in grave shape... but the Strategist undoubtedly has a plan! So long as a sliver of hope remains, the Hero shall never give up on their compatriots!还要找到战帅和军师，虽然感觉战帅已经凶多吉少了……但军师肯定会想办法的！只要还有一线希望，勇者就绝对不会放弃伙伴。

FaelynnLastly, whatever's inside that server we brought, blowing it up now will surely save us a lot of trouble.最后是那台我们送来的服务器，不管里面是什么，现在把它炸掉肯定能减少一大堆麻烦。

LiushihAlthough I'd still appreciate an opportunity to speak with Mr. Pavel, rescuing Dilu and your comrades comes first. Let's move.虽然我想和帕维尔先生再聊一聊，但当务之急是夺回的卢和你们的伙伴，我们开始行动吧。

(Bang! Bang! Bang!)（砰！砰！砰！）

(Liushih knocks out several Goliaths moving along their programmed patrol path, triggering a chain reaction.)（刘莳精准地击中了几台路径相近的歌利亚，引发了一连串的爆炸。）

(Taking advantage of when the automatons' visions are obscured by dust kicked aloft, Dushevnaya and Faelynn slip into the base while Liushih plans how to further draw the enemy's attention.)（趁着机械单位的视线被扬起的沙尘遮蔽，杜莎妮和芙铃借机闯入了据点内部，而刘莳也在同时设法吸引了所有注意。）

LiushihDushevnaya, Faelynn! Everything proceeding as planned?杜莎妮，芙铃！怎么样，情况还顺利吗？

DushevnayaWe're in, General~我们进来啦~将军！

FaelynnYes, we're heading toward the warehouse.按照之前说好的那样，我和杜莎妮会去仓库的位置完成任务。

FaelynnNow it's up to you to keep their attention off of us, Liushih!那么接下来，就要拜托刘莳继续吸引火力了！

LiushihGot it!好的！

(Liushih takes a deep breath and pops out of cover.)（刘莳深吸一口气，将枪口探出了掩体。）

LiushihHey, everyone—look over here!这边的大家——请看这里！

(Bang, bang!)（砰、砰！）

(Following rapid trigger pulls, several light automatons go down instantly.)（随着刘莳再次扣动扳机，几台小型机械被迅速击毁。）

(The alerted sentries all direct their guns toward Liushih and immediately start shelling her position.)（被触发防御机制的机械纷纷调转枪口，开始向着刘莳所在的位置倾泻火力。）

(...At the same time, Dushevnaya and Faelynn proceed rapidly toward the warehouse's coordinates.)（……此刻的据点内部，杜莎妮和芙铃正在向仓库的坐标快速行进。）

(In order to remain concealed, they move through a narrow corridor formed by containers.)（为了遮掩行踪，二人选择了一条由集装箱组成的狭窄通道。）

FaelynnHmm? I think I just heard something...唔呣？我好像听到了一种很奇怪的声音……

(Faelynn stops abruptly.)（芙铃敏锐地停下了脚步。）

FaelynnDushevnaya, watch out above!杜莎妮，小心头顶！

Dushevnaya...Uwah!……唔！

(Almost as soon as Faelynn shouts out, Dushevnaya raises her rifle and fires.)（几乎是在芙铃发出声音的同时，杜莎妮的子弹已经疾射而出。）

(Bang!)（砰！）

(The bullet punches through the core of the automaton hidden on top of the container before it has the time to alert others.）（隐藏在集装箱顶部的机械还没有来得及发出警报，就已经被子弹击穿了核心。）

DushevnayaWhew... that was close...呼……好险……

DushevnayaTrue to the keen senses of yours, Foxmaiden, thoust saw the malice mired in shadows nigh!不愧是灵敏的狐姬，竟然能够察觉到来自天空的恶意呢！

FaelynnUwah... my frame doesn't have that kind of feature...呃，我的素体并没有那种奇怪的设定啦……

FaelynnBut—不过——

(Faelynn flicks her ears, perplexed.)（芙铃有些疑惑地抖了抖耳朵。）

FaelynnIt IS kinda strange.确实有点反常诶。

FaelynnEven with Liushih drawing their attention, there are far too few sentries near the warehouse.就算刘莳在正面吸引了很多火力，仓库这边的防御单位未免也太少了吧？

DushevnayaHehe, who's to say the Demon King's minions shan't find themselves wanting of ammunition?哼哼，大概是魔王的手下也快要弹尽粮绝了吧！

DushevnayaLook, the treasured treasury of the Demon King stands before us!看，大魔王的宝库已经近在眼前了！

(Coming into view is a warehouse looming in shadows.)（映入二人视线尽头的，是一座矗立在阴影中的仓库。）

(The two pick up their pace and reach its entrance under the cover of smoke.)（二人加快脚步，借着烟雾的掩护，一口气冲到了仓库门前。）

(The electronic lock of the door is flashing red.)（门上悬挂的电子锁正闪烁着红光。）

FaelynnIt's locked?上锁了吗？

DushevnayaFoxmaiden, step back!狐姬，退后！

(Dushevnaya raises her gun and fires at the lock's control panel.)（杜莎妮后退半步，将枪口对准了电子锁的控制面板。）

(Bang!)（轰！）

(As the lock is wrecked, the heavy door creaks ajar.)（随着电子锁被破坏，沉重的大门发出哀鸣，缓缓滑开了一道缝隙。）

(Followed by the Dolls kicking it wide open.)（杜莎妮和芙铃一齐踹开了大门。）

FaelynnDon't move!不许动！

FaelynnHand over our stuff!把我们的东西交出来！

DushevnayaAs well as the Warmaster and the Warmount!还有战帅和天启战马！

Faelynn...Ehh?……诶？

(Faelynn sweeps across the warehouse, but the scene of the Pegasus towing the server and a panicking Pavel she envisioned is but a fleeting illusion.)（芙铃的枪口扫过整个仓库，预想中牵引着服务器的珀伽索、以及惊慌失措的帕维尔并没有出现。）

(Instead, sunlight pours in through the ceiling vents, illuminating drifting dust. Only silence greets them.)（阳光透过高处的排气窗倾泻而下，照亮了飞舞的尘埃，迎接她们的只有一片沉寂。）

(Dushevnaya freezes awkwardly in place with her gun held in a weird pose.)（杜莎妮保持着端枪的姿势僵在了原地。）

DushevnayaI-it's empty?!空、空的？

FaelynnOh no—!不好——！

(Despite their lightning-fast reaction, the heavy blast door still slams shut behind them, sealing their way out. Dushevnaya immediately aims at the vent, blasting open an exit with a few shots.)（虽然及时做出了警告，但两人还是被身后落下的重型防护门堵死了退路。杜莎妮当机立断，用手中的狙击枪指向排气扇，连开数枪轰出了一个洞。）

(At the same time, explosions go off beneath their feet. Dushevnaya grabs Faelynn and throws her at the vent.)（而就在同时，脚下传来了爆破声，杜莎妮丢下枪，一把提起芙铃，将她扔向排气扇口。）

(Just in time before the floor collapses.)（刚好在立足的地板被爆破之前完成了这个动作。）

DushevnayaFoxmaiden, I leave the rest to thee—!狐姬，后面交给你了——！

FaelynnWait—!等等——！

(Before she could finish, Faelynn sees Dushevnaya fall into a swarm of combat automatons empty-handed. Still, Dushevnaya cracks the head unit of one trying to backstab her wide open with her elbow, while sending another one trying to tackle her flying with a kick.)（话音刚落，芙铃就看见两手空空的杜莎妮落入一拥而上的作战人形之中，她一肘砸碎试图背刺自己的人形的头颅，又把爬上来的前锋型机甲踢了出去。）

(Even with her covering fire, Faelynn cannot stop Dushevnaya from being overwhelmed and dragged away. She then escapes through the blown-open vent onto the roof.)（尽管芙铃在杜莎妮勇猛抵抗之余，尽量以射击进行支援，但依旧无法阻止杜莎妮被敌人拖下去。芙铃只能钻出被杜莎妮轰出的口子，爬到了屋顶上。）

(Taking advantage of the distraction, she drops the few automatons giving chase to Liushih and waves at her.)（趁着刘莳吸引守卫注意力的同时，芙铃射击了几台追击刘莳的兵器，对她奋力招手。）

FaelynnIt was a trap! They got Dushevnaya!这是陷阱……杜莎妮被抓走了！

LiushihI'm coming!我马上就来！

(Liushih slings her rifle and leans into a sprint. Using a disabled Sangvis Doll as a springboard, she hops onto the roof and grabs Faelynn's hand.)（刘莳背上步枪，压低身体向前冲刺，踩着一台被芙铃放倒的机甲向上跳起，抓住了她的手。）

(Together they land back in the warehouse and make short work of a few stragglers.)（芙铃拉着刘莳落回仓库，两人迅速清理掉周围的敌人。）

Liushih...We're low on ammo. Let's rescue Dushevnaya and pull out.……我们携带的弹药存量不多了，救出杜莎妮就撤退吧。

FaelynnYeah... we can't lose her as well. I'll take point, you cover me!嗯……至少不能让杜莎妮也在这里被弄丢，我先进去，你掩护！

(After a fierce resistance, Dushevnaya's frame starts to shower sparks from the damage and her joints are overheating.)（随着不断奋力抵抗，杜莎妮的素体多处冒出火星，关节部件也出现了过载提示。）

(Her skill and specs have kept her going thus far, but the overwhelming odds are bound to prevail eventually.)（性能和战斗经验是她能坚持至今的关键，但数量的劣势却无法依靠这些战斗技巧来弥补。）

(The short-haired Doll bites her teeth, looking for the opportunity for a last hail mary. Just as her arm is about to be torn off, an Aegis Deadeye, developed using Sangvis Ferri technology, suddenly fires. The scorching energy beam instantly vaporizes several of its allies' cores.)（短发人形咬紧牙关，竭力从挣扎中寻找破局的机会，就在她的一条手臂快被拆下来之际——一台以铁血工造技术开发的作战人形“准星”突然开火，以灼热的光束将试图压制她的几台机甲全数击倒。）

(On the opposite side, two Claymores turn their blades on their allies, impaling the Bulwark that was tearing Dushevnaya apart, freeing the latter.)（而在另外一边，两台“刀锋”也将利刃转向友军，捅穿了抓住杜莎妮的铁壁型机甲的动力核心，让她落到了地上。）

(The unexpected development feels strangely familiar, and Dushevnaya excitedly utters that fondly given nickname—)（眼前出人意料的景象却似曾相识，杜莎妮开口说出了那个自己喜爱的称号——）

DushevnayaStrategist...?!军师……？！

(The Sangvis Dolls do not respond, only gesture for her to follow.)（作战人形没有应答，只是对杜莎妮做了一个手势。）

DushevnayaYou wish for me to follow thee? Lead the way, 'O Strategist!是要我跟着你走吗？带路吧，军师！

(Under the automatons' lead, they fight through several blast doors, ultimately reaching a large open space where Sweeper is being held. Her joints have been disabled, and she is chained down like a caged beast.)（在作战人形的指引下，杜莎妮打穿了一扇扇门，最终来到了一个宽敞的空间，在这里她看见了清道夫的素体——被卸除了关节部件，像是危险的猛兽一样被锁链拴在地面。）

DushevnayaWarmaster—! NOOOOOO—!!战帅——！不————！！

(Dushevnaya moans and bawls as she drops to her knees, slamming her fist into the ground.)（伴随着一声哭喊，杜莎妮跪坐在清道夫身边，双手重重捶向了地面。）

(But the automatons following her simply walk up, pull out their power cords and plug them into Sweeper's body.)（而跟随在她身边的作战人形则是拉出了体内的能源线，接在了清道夫的素体上。）

(Moments later, the elite Sangvis Ferri Doll's eyes light up once more, and she immediately throws Dushevnaya a sharp look despite her frail state.)（几十秒后，铁血精英人形的双眼重新被点亮，以有些微弱的气息对杜莎妮狠狠一瞥。）

Sweeper(Cough, cough) ...I'm not dead yet...咳咳……我还没死呢……

SweeperGet me outta here!快带我出去！

DushevnayaWhoa. Could this very well be... the great spell of resurrection?!哦哦！医学奇迹！

SweeperIt's called recharging! These units don't have much juice left... I need to get myself back to—只是紧急充电了而已！这些作战人形的电量太低了……先让我补充到——

(A hail of bullets rains down on their position. The friendly automatons jump in to shield the two and are instantly shredded to pieces.)（密集的弹雨袭来，被控制的作战人形们迅速挡在了杜莎妮和清道夫面前，随后被扫射得支离破碎。）

(Dushevnaya reacts right away, despite not even recognizing the source of inspiration for her next actions. Perhaps such instinctual impulse once came to her in a dream, or rather somewhere deeper than her Level II.)（杜莎妮下意识地反应过来，而连她自己都无法解释为什么会有接下来的行动——或许是因为她在某些比二级平层更深的地方曾有过这样的冲动。）

(She picks up Sweeper's frame by her legs, using the blade protruding from her forehead to impale an enemy automaton's core.)（杜莎妮一把提起清道夫的素体，用她头顶的利刃刺穿了一台敌方人形的核心。）

SweeperH'wat in tarnat—?!喂——！？

(With her limbs locked in place, Sweeper turns her head around and sees her body being swung around like a sword by Dushevnaya.)（无力活动的清道夫费力地扭过头，看着自己被杜莎妮高高举起，像是一把利刃般挥了下去。）

(One after another, enemies are cleaved in half through their combined "effort".)（又一台人形在她们眼前被劈开。）

DushevnayaDon't worry, Warmaster.放心吧，战帅。

DushevnayaWe'll fight as one.我们一心同体。

SweeperWho wants to fight "as one" with you?!谁和你一心同体！？

Drawn Steel 利刃出鞘

(Despite their Griffin days being ages ago, Liushih and Faelynn advance with flawless coordination.)（虽然格里芬已经是遥远的过去，但刘莳和芙铃的配合却发挥出了绝佳的默契。）

(Covering one another, they press forward with maximum efficiency, searching for Dushevnaya's whereabouts.)（两人交替掩护彼此，以最高效率推进着，寻找杜莎妮的下落。）

(Their effort is soon rewarded as Dushevnaya can be seen breaking through the automatons while swinging Sweeper around, now heading toward their direction.)（很快这份坚持收到了回报，杜莎妮挥动着清道夫，朝向她们所在的方向杀出了一条通路。）

DushevnayaGeneral! Foxmaiden! I found the Warmaster!将军，狐姬！找到战帅了！

SweeperD-don't swing me around like that—GYAAAAAAAAAA!别，别转……太快了——咿呀！

Liushih...Is she swinging... someone?……刚刚她是不是挥动着……谁？

FaelynnIt's a long story, but she's our comrade. Now, do we retreat or do we keep searching for Dilu and the control module?是我们的伙伴，说来话长，我们是要撤退，还是继续寻找的卢和铁血的管理中枢呢？

FaelynnRight, Nyxie, where's the server we brought?对了，小黑，我们运来的那台服务器在哪里？

SweeperPhaetusa's working on it, but without Pavel's key, taking over a few units is our absolute limit.现在翡图萨正在里面摆弄，但没有帕维尔那家伙的密钥，短时间里操控部分铁血人形就是极限了。

LiushihThere's nothing we can do then. Let's retreat.那就无计可施了，我们撤退吧。

LiushihI have a bad feeling about this... as if this were all part of Pavel's scheme to lure us in...现在我有很不好的感觉，像是被帕维尔先生引入陷阱中一样……

DushevnayaWarmaster, Warmaster! Is the Strategist still inside you?!战帅，战帅，军师还在你的里面吗？！

SweeperDon't worry about that idiot—and can you put me down first?!不用担心那家伙，话说你先把我放下！

(After a hard-fought breakthrough, three Dolls and one "sword" finally escape, making their way back to their ATVs.)（经过一番苦战，三人加一刀终于成功突围，撤离到了货车所停靠的安全地带。）

FaelynnHah... We made it...呼……总算是跑出来了……

DushevnayaAh, this many skirmishes in one day may prove too much... even for the Hero!连、连续发生这么多场战斗，就连勇者也开始有些吃力了！

DushevnayaI can barely fathom the battles the General and the Khan normally endure... Could it be because this is THE Demon King's Lair?!很难想象将军和可汗平时都是在和什么样的人打交道啊……此地莫非就是魔窟！

LiushihWe've clashed with Pavel before, but I had no idea he had this many Sangvis machines... I wonder if he received outside help... or worse.以前虽然和帕维尔先生有冲突，但从不知道他有这么多铁血的战斗兵器——不知道是从外部得到了支援还是什么其他原因。

(As they converse, Sweeper regains control of her full body with Liushih's help and slowly sits up.)（人形们说话间，使用刘莳携带的后备电源稍微恢复了动力的清道夫缓缓坐起身。）

SweeperDushevnaya... I shall never forget that humiliation I just suffered...杜莎妮……刚刚的耻辱，我不会忘记的。

DushevnayaW-Warmaster...?战，战帅……？

DushevnayaWe can still talk this through...有话好好说……

FaelynnQuit messing around. What did you do for Pavel, Nyxie?别整蛊了，小黑，你到底帮帕维尔做了什么？

SweeperI reactivated that control module for him, that's it. His encryption key mentioned something called a "Pegasus", a mechanical walker. It's a decent machine, but nothing to write home about... I think he's after what's inside the prototype's storage—logs, data, coordinates, whatever.我只是让那个总控模块正常启动而已，他身上携带的密钥里记录了一种叫做“珀伽索”的战斗机甲，虽然机甲性能不错，但也没什么特别的……我想他的目标，应该是原型机中记录的资讯，像是密文或者坐标之类线索。

LiushihEven though we've come this far.... I still can't believe that your friend is a Sangvis Doll... Last time we fought alongside them was still under the Commander...虽然事情已经发展到了这个地步……但没想到芙铃和杜莎妮的伙伴是铁血人形呢，上一次和铁血并肩作战还是在长官麾下……

PhaetusaHey, please don't forget about me! Nice to meet you, Miss Liushih. I'm Phaetusa, the Commander's favorite—as well as Nyxie's manager~还有我哦！初次见面，刘莳小姐，我是指挥官最近宠爱的翡图萨，还是小黑——清道夫的管理者。

SweeperStop. Popping. Out. Randomly! You done with your job or what?!你别擅自出来！活干完了吗！？

PhaetusaGive me some time, okay? I need to greet our new friend first~这不还要一点时间嘛，和新朋友打招呼的空隙总要给我啊！

LiushihNice to meet you, Miss Phaetusa...你好，翡图萨小姐……

DushevnayaStrategist, what have you been up to?军师，你刚刚一直在做什么啊？

PhaetusaHelping you. Remember those automatons that I took control of?我不是操控那些铁血的作战人形帮了你吗？

PhaetusaI also recorded the entirety of that glorious "combination bayonet maneuver" of yours~顺便用它们的摄像机把你用小黑使出融合刺刀术的英姿拍了下来。

PhaetusaAhem... Anyway, we need to regroup, fast. I saw in Pavel's plan that his forces are gathering around Miss Liushih's outpost.咳咳，总之，我们必须尽快完成修整，我从帕维尔先生的作战计划里看到……他调集军队前往的方向就是刘莳小姐的营地。

(Only now, Liushih remembers to check her communicator that had been jammed while they were in Pavel's base.)（翡图萨话音刚落，刘莳这才看向之前因为帕维尔据点的信号屏蔽而无法运作的通讯器。）

LiushihA message from Zhisui...是知穗的留言……

LiushihWinged Cavaliers outpost... has been attacked?!翼骑兵的据点……遭到了袭击！？

DushevnayaBlast it, we must return at once!糟糕，得马上赶回去！

Touchstone 试金石

(In the kitchen. Zhisui is full of energy, busy cooking one dish after another—)（原本在厨房里兴致满满，将一道道菜肴烹饪得热火朝天——）

(Yet all of a sudden, she feels as if she's lost all motivation.)（知穗却突然觉得自己提不起干劲了。）

(She unties her apron and steps outside. Standing by the doorway, she closes her eyes and enjoys the breeze.)（她解开围裙，推门走出厨房，站在门边感受着风的流动，惬意地闭上了眼睛。）

(Winds blowing by seem to whisper memories of the past. FNC and SPAS-12 argue over who should rule the cafeteria, someone jokingly shouts "AK-15 is the true master chef", and everyone bursts into laughter.)（风的声音里，似乎混杂了些许过往的声响，FNC和SPAS-12又来挑战自己在食堂中的地位，不知道谁喊了一句“AK-15才是真正的食神”，于是大家都开始笑了。）

(Zhisui smiles too.)（知穗也笑了起来。）

LiushihZhisui?知穗？

LiushihWhat's wrong, feeling tired?怎么了，是觉得累了吗？

ZhisuiNot at all... So, have you made up your mind?没有这回事……话说，你决定了嘛？

ZhisuiDo we leave and keep looking for the Commander, or do we stick around to make sure everyone here can at least survive?是要继续寻找长官，还是留在这里，确保所有人过上最低保障的生活——

ZhisuiIf it's the latter, we'll need at least two years to build this place up. We won't be able to focus on finding the Commander then.如果选择后者，那么至少需要两年的时间来建设，我们就无法分心到寻找长官的任务上了。

LiushihI... is it really okay to leave that decision up to me?我……交给我决定，真的好吗？

ZhisuiIt's your money, of course it's your call. Or were you planning to leave it to me?你的钱当然你做决定，难道要交给我啊？

LiushihI... I want to see the Commander...我……我想见长官……

LiushihI really do... but whenever I think about what would happen once we left... that these people won't be able to fend off the ELIDs... that whatever little supplies they could scavenge will be plundered by bandits... I just can't bring myself to leave.明明很想见长官，可光是想到我们离开后，这里的人们无法抵抗生骸……稍微获得一点点物资就会被夺走，我就没法下定决心。

LiushihI'm sorry, Zhisui... but I must stay, at least until the people of Cliffwatch Town can look after themselves.对不起，知穗……我想留下来，直到让哨崖镇的人可以保护自己为止。

ZhisuiThat's a great call. I'm all for it.那不是很好吗？我支持你。

LiushihBut weren't you just reminiscing about Griffin earlier...?可知穗刚刚还在回忆格里芬时候的事情……不是吗？

ZhisuiIt's not as if we'll never be able to see everyone again. We're just delaying that day a little longer.又不是见不到大家了，只是稍微停留一下而已。

ZhisuiPlus, we'll even earn the Commander's approval if we help more people out. It's just the right thing to do.帮助了别人，长官也会夸奖我，我觉得很好啊。

LiushihI... can I really handle this? I'm far from competent... unlike Miss Springfield or 416, who were of such great aid to the Commander...我……我真的能做好吗？我不够能干，也不像春田和416那样，能帮上长官那么多忙……

ZhisuiThen start learning today! Install every management plugin and operations module you can find!那就从今天开始学起来吧，把能买到的管理、运营学模块都装一下！

LiushihBut we're still just Dolls...可我们终究只是人形……

LiushihWhile people are willing to bear with us now, do you think they'll continue to accept our leadership in the long run?大家现在或许会觉得还好，时间久了，真的还会愿意接受我们的领导吗？

ZhisuiIf they don't, we'll just leave and go find the Commander like we planned from the beginning!如果他们不接受，那我们就去找长官好啦！

LiushihZhisui... you're amazing. It's like nothing fazes you.知穗……你真的好厉害，好像什么事都难不倒你的样子。

ZhisuiNot at all! I just believe that... as long as people can still sit at the same table and eat together, no conflict is too great to resolve.没有啦！我只是觉得……只要大家还能在一张桌子上吃饭，就不会有什么无法解决的矛盾。

ZhisuiThe dining table is a place of warmth. The more people are seated, the warmer it is, provided there's enough food for everyone to feast on.饭桌是温暖的地方，而且人越多，就会越温暖——只要食物够的话。

ZhisuiLet's work hard, starting right now, Liushih!我们就从现在开始努力吧，刘莳！

ZhisuiFirst we need a big enough table, then we'll fill it with everyone's favorite dishes.首先要有一张很大的饭桌，然后要在上面摆满大家爱吃的东西。

ZhisuiIf something sad, upsetting, or unbearable happens, we'll smile and settle it at the table—together, as one family!如果有什么不甘心、不能忍受的事情，就在饭桌上——大家一起开开心心地解决！

ZhisuiAhh, I really miss those meals with the Commander around... I'm going to cook up a feast and stuff him full once we find him!啊啊，好想和长官一起吃饭，我要做很多很多好吃的东西，把长官的肚子撑得鼓鼓的！

(Even after some time, Pavel has yet to recover from the anxiety induced by the situation, alarmingly staring at the Doll on the ground.)（帕维尔还未从过度紧张的情绪中恢复过来，甚至有些惊恐地看着眼前的人形。）

(For his past self... Dolls were nothing more than high-performance machines. No matter how human they act, imitations are what they'll be forever known as.)（对过去的他来说……始终认为人形是一种高性能的机器，表现得再像人类，也只是一种仿制品。）

(But just a moment ago, in those brief moments before she shut down, this Doll evoked in him a sense of dread that not even that Rurik Girard managed. A true sense of dread that encompassed his existence; that what that mere Doll might be... was his better.)（但是刚才的人形，在停机之前短暂的几秒内，却带给了他连那个留里克·吉拉尔都不曾带来的压迫感，仿佛她才是高高在上的物种。）

(Now, that T-Doll who evoked that emotion, that inferiority he undoubtedly felt, lies motionless, her working fluid pouring out like blood and slowly seeping into the ground.)（如今，战术人形毫无动静地躺在地上，组织液像是血般渗入地面。）

PavelYou've got to be fucking kidding me...开什么，玩笑……

(Pavel shivers uncontrollably. Fear and anger mix into the adrenaline driving his muscles forward as he raises his gun and makes a beeline toward Zhisui.)（帕维尔的身体不可抑制地颤抖起来，恐惧和愤怒催化出的肾上腺素煽动着他亢奋的情绪，他举枪走向知穗。）

ViolaEnough, Big Brother.哥哥，已经够了。

PavelMove aside, Viola.让开，薇拉。

ViolaCan't you see?! She's already out of order! I won't forgive you if you keep hurting her. Even if you're my brother!没看到吗！她已经停机了！如果你继续伤害她！就算是哥哥我也不原谅！

Pavel...You've gotten attached to a Doll?……你对人形产生感情了？

PavelHave you forgotten? Griffin has always been part of those who dashed Mom and Dad's dream.你没忘记吧？阻止老爸老妈实现理想的罪魁祸首中，就有格里芬的人形部队。

PavelThese two... might've very well served as their henchmen back when.这两个人形，很有可能就曾是其中之一。

ViolaBut they also saved your life.可她们也是救了你一命的人形。

Pavel...Tsk.……啧。

PavelSo now you want to be friends with them again? Even Dolls aren't that naive, Viola. There are consequences for betrayal, y'know. It's something you'll never outrun for the rest of your life.事到如今你还想和她们做朋友？就算是人形也不会那么滥好人，薇拉，背叛是有代价的，你不可能逃避。

PavelSince I owe the success of this operation to you, I'll let it slide this time. But I hope you can remember what all our efforts have been for.看在这次能够成功，你的功劳很大的份上，这次就依你。只不过，我希望你能记得我们努力至今是为了什么。

Viola...I know.……我知道了。

PavelGo get some rest. We've got a lot on our plates next.你去好好休息一下吧，接下来还有很多事要忙。

PavelI already found the coordinates of OKB Smolin inside Pegasus Mk I's database. It's not far from here.我已经从“珀伽索-I型”身上找到了斯瓦洛格兵工厂的坐标，离这里并不太远。

PavelOnce we find the facility and get in touch with the Conglomerate... Dad will finally be free.只要找到这个工厂，再联络财团……老爸就能自由了。

ViolaBut brother... that obnoxious old geezer from Girard... that Rurik... Isn't he already dead?可是哥哥，吉拉尔的那个讨厌的男人……留里克阁下不是已经死了吗？

ViolaWill the Conglomerate still need us?财团还会需要我们吗？

PavelOf course not, nor would they want a crumbling facility in the middle of the Yellow Zones, unless it's really hiding something extremely valuable, like secret blueprints or equipment of some sort.财团当然不需要我们，也不需要一家老旧的工厂——除非里面真的保存着什么出色的秘密蓝图或者设备。

PavelHowever, before he died, all the data the OKB had to offer really piqued Mr. Rurik's interest. A number of high-ranking URNC officials once held a position there, which means the Conglomerate must be looking for leverage they could use to blackmail them.但是，留里克生前对斯瓦洛格内部保存的大量数据感兴趣，有几名现今罗联的高官曾在那里任职，财团一定能从这些记录里找出他们过去的把柄。

PavelAnd if that's not enough... I've got other plans that do not rely on the Conglomerate.如果这样还不够的话……即使不依靠财团，我也有其他办法。

Viola...Brother, did you make deals with someone else as well?……哥哥，你不会还和其他人也做了交易吧？

PavelHah. With a spoiled rich kid, yes, but at least he's somewhat reasonable. As long as I can prove myself useful... getting Dad's conviction overturned is a piece of cake with his connections.哼，那是个养尊处优的公子哥，但是并非不明事理，只要我能证明自己对他有用……以他的关系，要让老爸的案子被重审还是很简单的事。

PavelOf course, nothing comes without a price tag. For that, I need enough influence to be seen as worthwhile in the eyes of the Conglomerate.当然，这种事不可能毫无代价，为此我必须要具备足够的影响力，对财团足够有用。

PavelGiven how fast the NSU fell apart, the production lines and manufacturing tools in the OKB must still be intact.以当时新苏联倒台的速度，斯瓦洛格内肯定还保存着当时的设备和生产线。

PavelOnce I take control of those... I won't be some random nobody anymore... As long as everything goes according to plan... Cliffwatch will be the first step toward my future empire!一旦掌握了那个……我就不是普通的小P.M.C.了……只要一切顺利……我可以在哨崖镇建立自己的军队！

PavelAnd then, I'll stop being a pawn, and finally become a player... When that day comes, I'll get to free Dad on my own terms!到那时候，我就可以从棋子，变成棋手……届时肯定也能通过其他途径把老爸放出来！

PavelThat's right... I'm a player, not a pawn. I just lack the power now... Only the powerless become puppets...没错……我是棋手，不是棋子，我只是缺少力量……没有力量的人，才会是傀儡……

(Viola looks at her brother with a heavy heart. It's clear that he's trying to convince himself more than his sister.)（薇拉心痛地看着自己的哥哥，帕维尔的话与其说是在说服她，不如说只是为了说服自己。）

PavelYou get it now? I've planned everything out. Just listen to your big brother... and we can get our home back.知道了吧？我已经做好了万全的安排，你只要听哥哥的话……我们还能找回过去的家。

Viola...Okay, brother. I'll listen to you...……嗯，哥哥，我会听的……

ViolaI'll do whatever you say...全听……你的。

(Sweeper, Dushevnaya, Faelynn, and Liushih manage to commandeer an off-road vehicle. Driven by Dushevnaya, and with the "encouraging" Sweeper perched on her shoulders, they head toward the Winged Cavaliers outpost.)（清道夫、杜莎妮、芙铃和刘莳夺取了一辆越野车，由被清道夫骑在脖子上威胁的杜莎妮驾驶，向着翼骑兵的营地驶去。）

(The terrain quickly proves more challenging to traverse than expected for such a vehicle, especially when compared to the steel steed's mobility. Soon, the four ditch the car and continue on foot.)（和的卢等机械战马比较起来，任何载具都不能胜任那些糟糕的路况，很快四名人形就抛下了车，开始徒步。）

(The prolonged journey makes Liushih increasingly anxious. She repeatedly attempts to reach Zhisui until the moment a "Contact Offline" alert pops up.)（被延长的路程让刘莳越来越焦虑，她不断试图联系知穗，直到接收到“目标离线”的消息。）

Liushih...!……！

(Liushih, who was leading the group, stumbles and drops to her knees. Faelynn and Dushevnaya rush to help her up.)（原本走在最前头的刘莳脚下不稳，踉跄着跪倒在地，芙铃和杜莎妮赶紧扶起了她。）

Liushih...Zhisui's signal... is gone.……知穗的信号，消失了。

Faelynn—Damn it!——可恶！

FaelynnD-does she have backups...?有，有做备份吗……

LiushihYes... But we've been so busy lately... Zhisui took care of a lot of things in my stead... It's been a while since she last backed up...有的，可是……因为最近都很忙，知穗代我处理了很多事情……已经很久没有备份了。

LiushihIf her core got destroyed... she'll lose a lot... a lot of memories...所以假如她的心智核心真的被摧毁了，她会失去很长，很长的记忆……

LiushihIf only I had stayed at the outpost...如果我还留在营地的话……

FaelynnStop, Liushih!停下，刘莳！

Liushih...……

FaelynnBasti taught me this before—the moment you start thinking in "what ifs", there'll never be an end to it.以前贝丝蒂教过我，事情发生之后，一旦开始说起“如果”，那就没完没了了！

FaelynnSo let's leave that until everything's over!等到一切结束之后再说吧！

LiushihFaelynn...芙铃……

(Liushih looks at the Doll even smaller than her and nods.)（刘莳看着眼前比自己更娇小的人形，点了点头。）

(Noticing her shivering, Faelynn gently holds her hand.)（芙铃注意到了人形的颤抖，她轻轻握住了刘莳的手。）

(Dushevnaya instead turns around and gives Liushih a motherly embrace. Even with the metallic arms' overwhelming force triggering her pain sensors, Liushih accepts this warmth.)（杜莎妮则是转过身，像是母亲般直接拥抱住了刘莳，虽然金属的手臂让刘莳的痛觉模块有些反应，但她接受了这份安慰。）

LiushihThank you... everyone...谢谢大家……

PhaetusaWhat a touching moment. Let's join them, Nyxie!小黑，好感人的场面，我们也过去嘛！

SweeperShut up! As if it wasn't your fault that things went up shit creek in the first place!吵死了！还不是你没有把事情办好！

PhaetusaHey, don't blame me for all this mess! Or I'll send that footage of you being used as a "Corrosion Dollblade+25" to the Commander!不要把工作都丢给人家！我要把你变成兵器人形的影像发给指挥官看啦！

SweeperDon't you dare!你敢！

PhaetusaAnyway, with our current circumstances, we don't have enough firepower to retake the outpost.总之，以我们目前的状况，要夺回翼骑兵的营地，战力不足。

PhaetusaThe Commander said we could call for Elmo backups when needed. I think it's the right time to do that.指挥官曾说过，必要的时候我们可以向艾莫号求援，我认为如今就是那个时候。

SweeperAsking a human for help? That's an utter disgrace! Don't you have any pride?向人类求助，简直是耻辱，你一点自尊都没有吗！

SweeperIn the current situation even one or two more Dolls is all it takes to turn things around. Get us Voymastina and she can handle them all.不过现在这样的情况，稍微来一两个人形就能改变局势，比如把威玛西娜派来。

PhaetusaWe can't rely on Voymastina every time! Besides, she's on a mission of her own! Let's call Klukai over!不能一遇到什么事就想着威玛西娜！而且人家在出差！让可露凯她们来就好了！

PhaetusaOh, and as long as we keep the Commander in the dark about this, it doesn't count as asking him for help, does it?对了，瞒着不让指挥官知道的话，就不算我们求援过！

SweeperT-That works... I guess?还、还能这样……？

(While the Dolls argued, Liushih's communicator suddenly beeps again.)（就在人形们彼此讨论的时候，刘莳的通讯器再度发出了提示。）

LiushihHmm?嗯？

LiushihThat's... a Winged Cavaliers distress signal...?这是翼骑兵的……求救信号……？

(Liushih pulls herself through the pain of losing Zhisui and responds to the signal.)（从失去知穗的痛苦中勉强挣扎回来，她接起了通讯。）

LukaDammit, this truck is such a pain to drive!可恶！这车也太难开了！

IvannaShut up, shut up! Keep driving or we'll end up down there!你少废话，要被追上了呀呀呀！

DushevnayaAh, it's our Hellraider.啊，是我们的地狱战车！

(Racing at full speed through the mountain road, they see the truck full of Doll frames driven by the two Winged Cavaliers mechanics being chased by a horde of ELIDs.)（以最高速全力奔跑到山路上的杜莎妮与刘莳一行，看到的是装满了人形素体的货车和正在驾驶它的两名翼骑兵技工，以及被之前的战斗冲突吸引过来的大群生骸。）

LiushihLuka! Ivana!卢卡，伊凡娜！

IvannaIt's the Boss! Thank god, we're saved!是老大！太好了，我们有救了！

(Liushih doesn't hesitate and charges straight at the enemies. Faelynn and Dushevnaya immediately follow suit.)（注意到自己的伙伴，刘莳没有犹豫，径直向生骸迎击，芙铃和杜莎妮随后跟上。）

FaelynnI'm all out. Sweeper, you're up!我已经没有弹匣了，清道夫，交给你了！

SweeperHah, perfect timing. I've been itching to do this.哼，正好憋了一肚子火。

SweeperLeave them all to me!我全包了！

Touchstone 试金石

LukaW-we're saved... as expected of the Boss and her comrades...得，得救了……真不愧是老大和朋友们。

DushevnayaWahhh, Hellraider! I've missed you!哇啊，地狱战车！我好想你！

SweeperStop giving the truck nicknames, you dork. Now you'll get upset if it gets blown up.不要给车起名字啊笨蛋，炸掉的话你又该哭了。

LiushihLuka, Ivana, are you alright? Where's everyone else?卢卡，伊凡娜，你们还好吧？翼骑兵的大家呢？

(Realizing there are only two of them, Liushih clenches her fists. With anxiety and fear crawling onto her face, she dreads the worst-case response she's about to hear.)（注意到只有两个人出现，刘莳的脸上洋溢着让人担忧的不安，她握住拳头，既焦虑又恐慌于可能出现的答案。）

LukaEveryone's fine...大家都没事……

LiushihReally?! Whew... we need to regroup quickly then. Where are they now?真的！？太好了……得尽快把他们召集起来，其他成员现在驻扎在哪里？

Luka...But they all... left.大家……都已经走了。

Liushih...Left?……走了？

FaelynnThey abandoned you and Zhisui...?!难道，他们丢下了刘莳和知穗……！？

IvannaNo! Of course not...不是！当然不是……

IvannaWe didn't want to end up like this either... but when Luka and I proposed we should go find you, someone said there's no way we could win. Without our weapons or steeds...我们当然不希望是这样……可是，当我和卢卡想和大家一起去找刘莳老大的时候，有人说这样肯定赢不了，不但没有武器，也没有了马……

IvannaMany others agreed... No one wanted to take any further risks... so they just... disbanded.有很多人附和他，大家都说不愿意再等着老大，随后就……解散了。

LiushihI... I see...……是，是吗。

SweeperSee. That's human nature for y'all. When things get tough, they only think of themselves and will always run away and hide.哼，这就是人类的本性，遇到困难就只会想到自己，第一时间选择逃避。

SweeperAll the more so if it's for the sake of a Doll!而且，更不要说是为了人形了！

Liushih...! I—I—……！我，我……

LukaСлышь, ты! The one with a blade stuck in your skull! Keep your mouth shut if you ain't got anything nice to say! Every Winged Cavalier has the utmost respect for our Bosses!头尖尖的你不要乱说话！翼骑兵上下都很尊敬两位老大！

LukaT-they were just shaken, afraid... Besides, Ivana and I are still here! As long as we're around, the Winged Cavaliers stand!最，最多只是有些打击而已……而且，我和伊凡娜没有跑啊！既然我们还在，翼骑兵就还在。

LukaOnce we regroup with Boss Zhisui, everything will work out in the end!接下来只要和知穗老大会合的话，一切就还是能解决的！

SweeperWho are you calling a knifehead?!你说谁是人形太刀！？

FaelynnCalm down. He didn't say that!冷静一点，他没有说啦！

Liushih...Zhisui...……知穗……

(Liushih closes her eyes, reminiscing about the partner who had always stood by her side.)（刘莳闭起眼睛，回忆起那个总是和自己并肩作战的伙伴。）

(She feels as if she has regressed to her old Griffin self, unable to do anything without relying on the Commander and others.)（她发现自己似乎又变成了那个在格里芬里，只能依靠着长官和伙伴的人形。）

LiushihIt'll take a lot of time to buy weapons now... Maybe hire a PMC then? Better yet, let's hire all of them! Right, we need to fix Zhisui first. We'll use the best frame available this time—去买武器的话……需要时间。那么，直接雇佣P.M.C.……全部都雇佣吧！对了，首先要把知穗复原，这次用最好的素体……

FaelynnLiushih...?刘莳……？

IvannaB-Boss, are you okay?老，老大，你没事吧？

LiushihI'm fine. I-I can do this. Even without everyone, I can still do this... because... I'm not alone anymore!我没事哟。我，我……我可以的，就算大家都离开，我也还是可以的……因为，因为我已经不是独自一个人了！

LiushihNot... alone, huh...?不是……一个人……吗？

DushevnayaOf course, General!那是当然了，将军！

Liushih?!！？

(Seeing her panic, Dushevnaya grabs Liushih's shoulders and forces her to lock eyes.)（看着刘莳的慌乱，杜莎妮忍无可忍一般，抓住了她的肩膀，迫使刘莳看向自己。）

DushevnayaYou've still got us!你还有我们！

DushevnayaWe're all the Commander's Dolls!! The Hero shan't ever abandon their comrades, General! We fight as one!我们都是指挥官的人形啊！勇者不会放弃将军，我们会一起战斗的！

LiushihCommander's... Dolls...长官的……人形……

LiushihRight... The Commander didn't fight for our freedom just for us to wallow in self-pity.是的，长官给予我们的这份自由，不是用来自怨自艾的呢。

(Liushih closes her eyes again, takes a deep breath, then exhales.)（刘莳闭上眼睛，轻柔地吸了一口气，随后慢慢吐出。）

(Dolls have no need to breathe, but her mind naturally imitates the method a certain someone uses to find his composure.)（人形并不真的需要呼吸，但是，她的心智无比自然地模仿着某个人调整情绪时的行为。）

LiushihLet's head back first. We need to confirm Zhisui's condition and the outpost's situation.先回去吧，要先确认知穗和营地的状况。

LiushihWe'll see what we've got, then decide what to do next.点算手中的资源后，再决定下一步。

Clarion 号角

Cliffwatch Town MayorAhem... s-so—咳咳，那，那么——

Cliffwatch Town MayorThe Winged Cavaliers and Mr. Pavel's PMC. I invited you over today because both of you recently proposed your own arrangements regarding Cliffwatch Town's future.翼骑兵和P.M.C.帕维尔先生，这次请两位来，是因为恰好你们双方都在近期对哨崖镇的未来提出了一些愿景。

Cliffwatch Town MayorAs your contributions to the town speak for themselves, I hope we can set aside our differences and work together, reaching an ideal consensus here today.两边都是对哨崖镇厥功至伟的重量级人物，还是希望双方能够搁置争议，通力合作，因此我希望能在这次会议上达成共识。

PavelMiss Liushih. While the resources and capital at your disposal are impressive, you seem rather inexperienced in matters of management. Your Winged Cavaliers have failed to expand at the same rate as the town's growth. I'm afraid this will only lead to your inability to keep up with increasing security demands in the near future.刘莳小姐——虽然你背后的资金源头也很强大，但你似乎并不擅长经营，你的翼骑兵一直都无法扩充规模，随着哨崖镇的发展，顾此失彼的地方也会越来越多。

PavelMy PMC, on the other hand, can adapt as needed and form a stable, mutually beneficial relationship with Cliffwatch Town.而我的组织规模却可以伴随哨崖镇一块成长，并且互惠互利。

LiushihWhat you're saying is that you want to recruit the town's residents into your PMC, right?你的意思，是让哨崖镇的居民也加入到自己的P.M.C.中去，是吗？

PavelNo, I'm talking about a comprehensive partnership agreement. Land rights, authority to conduct military operations, economic privileges, and so on.我希望和哨崖镇签订全面的合作条款，获得这里的土地使用权，并且获得这里的军事、经济管理权。

Cliffwatch Town MayorI see, I see... My, that's quite ambitious for someone of your age, Mr. Pavel. But how exactly would that benefit Cliffwatch Town?原来如此，帕维尔先生的确年少有为啊……不过，你觉得这两项任命会为哨崖镇带来什么呢？

PavelChoice. I don't think I need to remind you how rare it is to be able to choose for yourself in the Yellow Zones. Mokosh people spend their days slaving away at the factory. Veles people fish corpses from beneath the ice sheets to survive... and so far, Cliffwatch has survived solely on its old mining industry and scavenging scraps.选择。在黄区，选择是稀罕物，莫科什人在生产线上做螺丝钉，维列斯人靠挖开冰层从水下捞尸体，至今为止哨崖镇的产业结构依旧逃不开古老的矿业和废品回收。

PavelI have the necessary connections to bring major corporate backing. Building new production lines suited to this place is something the Orlog Conglomerate has been planning for a long time; they're just waiting for the right opportunity.以我的关系，可以为这里引入庞大的财团支持，开拓适合哨崖镇的生产线，而财团也已经准备好为这里注资了。

PavelWhen the time comes, I plan to invest in arsenals, military academies, and training centers. In return, everyone gets a job, and everyone gets to fill their stomach. What do you say, Mayor?届时，我计划投资搭建兵工厂、军官学校和训练基地，而我对哨崖镇的报答，就是每个人都能找到工作，填饱肚子，怎么样，镇长？

Cliffwatch Town MayorHmm... that sounds really appealing... Cliffwatch could really use—嗯，这条件确实不错……哨崖镇，很需要……

LiushihNo, it doesn't. Mr. Pavel.不需要，帕维尔先生。

PavelWhat?什么？

Cliffwatch Town MayorWhat?什么？

LiushihI'll fund Cliffwatch Town.我会为哨崖镇注入资金。

LiushihWe'll build schools, hospitals, repair roads, and ensure safe passage for all.开设学校、医院，修缮道路，并且保证道路的安全。

LiushihWe all know this place has abundant mineral resources. The refineries from the NSU era only fell out of use because they've been ravaged by ELIDs and vandalized by bandits.确实，哨崖镇拥有相当不错的矿业条件，过去在这里也曾有过新苏联修缮的冶炼设施，只是被生骸和盗匪破坏得无法利用而已。

LiushihI'll restore all of them, secure trade deals with other regions, and bring in more diverse industries. More importantly, all of this will be in the hands of Cliffwatch Town itself. No outsider will have management authority or be able to meddle with any of it.我会把这些重新建设起来，购买其他地区的贸易许可证，同时为哨崖镇引入更多样化的生产设备——但这一切只属于哨崖镇自己，不会有任何人介入其中加以控制。

PavelIs this some kind of joke? Do you have any idea how long it'll take for that kind of investment to break even?你开什么玩笑，这种投入……你知道要多少年才能回本吗？

Cliffwatch Town MayorY-yeah, Miss Liushih... What kind of return do you expect from doing that?是、是啊，刘莳小姐……你这样做，需要的回报是……

LiushihI don't expect anything in return.我不需要回报。

Cliffwatch Town MayorY-you don't need... anything?不，不需要……回报？

Cliffwatch Town MayorOh, I see, so money isn't what you're after. Then perhaps you're looking for something more political... say, special privileges?我知道了，是经济方面您看不上对吧，那么政治方面上，您是不是想要些什么……比如说，特权？

LiushihThe only "privilege" I want is for you to respect the Winged Cavaliers' autonomy. We're here to ensure safe passage through the mountain roads; we don't need anything else.请尊重翼骑兵的自主权，让我们承担守护道路的责任，不需要其他条件。

LiushihWe will not force conscription either. Anyone who genuinely wants to join is free to come whenever they want.翼骑兵不会强制征集成员，只要是真心渴望成为我们同伴的人，都可以加入。

LiushihAs well as leave whenever they want.同时，也随时可以自由地离开。

Pavel...……

Cliffwatch Town MayorWell then. Miss Liushih, let's take a short break first!那么，刘莳女士，我们暂时休会，大家休息一下吧！

LiushihSure... Okay.这样……好的。

(Liushih nods calmly, completely unsuspecting of any schemes at play while the Mayor and Pavel step outside.)（刘莳微微颔首，完全不疑有他。镇长和帕维尔走出了会议室。）

(The moment they leave the room, the Mayor turns to Pavel with a bitter expression.)（一到外面，他就露出凄苦而无奈的表情看着帕维尔。）

Cliffwatch Town MayorMr. Pavel, while I'd REALLY love to support the Conglomerate... no offer, no matter how good it is, can compete with something that's literally free!帕维尔先生，我也想为吉拉尔集团效力，但再怎么好的条件……和她这种白送的好处相比，镇民都不可能考虑啊！

PavelIf money can't change your people's minds, what about fear?如果金钱不能打动你，恐惧怎么样，镇长先生？

Cliffwatch Town MayorThen it would have to be something so petrifying that it would paralyze even the bravest of us. I doubt you can achieve that. Miss Liushih has done so much for the people of Cliffwatch these past two years that we trust her almost unconditionally.你需要吓得住所有人的恐惧，而我对这一点很怀疑，刘莳小姐这两年来做了太多事了，镇民相信她会和自己面对一切。

Cliffwatch Town MayorShe knows every resident by name, and she personally helped every one of them.她叫得出哨崖镇每个居民的名字，而每个居民都从她那里得到过恩惠。

Cliffwatch Town MayorAnd no, it's not all about her wealth. She would attend every single one of our weddings, funerals... would laugh and cry with us. Most of us have already forgotten she's even a Doll.虽然其中大部分都是因为她的财富，但她不只是撒钱，她出现在每场婚礼、每场葬礼上，她和我们一起哭泣，一起欢笑，我们很多人早就忘记她是个人形了。

PavelWhy don't you just say what you want to say, Mr. Mayor?你不妨有话直说，镇长先生。

Cliffwatch Town MayorI'm afraid our choice will disappoint the Conglomerate, and Cliffwatch Town will miss this opportunity for "prosperity".我只怕这次会让吉拉尔集团失望，哨崖镇不能跟你走上兴旺之道了。

PavelWhat a foolish choice. Maybe she still has money now, but her purse will eventually run dry. Have you ever considered what to do then?多么错的决定，也许那个人形现在还有钱，但她的财富迟早会用完的，那个时候哨崖镇怎么办呢？

Cliffwatch Town Mayor...Well...……这……

PavelJust follow me, Mr. Mayor. You need to think rationally for the sake of the town. Get it? RA-TION-ALLY. That's why the URNC appointed you, don't you think?跟我来吧，镇长先生，一切都为了哨崖镇，你要理性一点。理性，这可是罗联委派你的原因哦。

(Back inside, Liushih sits neatly, smiling at the two men's return.)（刘莳端庄地坐在桌边，对回来的两人点头微笑。）

PavelMiss Liushih, we've definitely seen what you're capable of... but may I ask you one thing: why are you doing all this?刘莳小姐，这段时间，我们确实看到了你的实力……不过，我可以冒昧询问一句……你这么做的原因是什么吗？

LiushihTo free this place from poverty.为了让这里摆脱贫困。

LiushihI'm content as long as Cliffwatch Town becomes a wonderful place for people to call home.哨崖镇能成为一个美好的家园，我就心满意足了。

PavelA home?家园？

PavelThat's it?就这样？

LiushihThat's it.就这样。

PavelHah... hahahahahaha!!!哼，哈哈哈，哈哈哈哈哈哈哈！！！

Liushih...?……？

PavelI don't know where your luck or money came from, but you're a complete joke!我不知道你是哪里来的幸运人偶，身上带着多少资金，但你就是一个笑话！

LiushihWhat makes you say that, Mr. Pavel?何出此言呢，帕维尔先生？

PavelYou think humans are just like dogs? Feed them, and they'll become loyal, see you as their friend, their idol, their hero!你觉得人和狗一样吧？只要投喂他们食物，他们就会对你忠诚，就会视你为朋友、为偶像、为英雄！

LiushihI've never once thought that way. I already have a hero. No one can replace him.我没有这么想过，在我们心中已经有一个英雄了，谁也比不上他。

PavelThat's because you know jack shit about humans! You're just keeping them hooked with food, water, and shelter. The moment you fail to deliver on any of that, they'll turn their backs and leave you behind!你还不了解人类！你只是在以不断供给钓住他们，但如果有一天你断绝了供给，所有人都会离你而去。

PavelNo matter how much you've done for them, no matter how grateful they seem now, eventually their own interests will become their priority, and all they'll think about is how you haven't given them enough!不管你曾给予他们多少恩惠，不管在施恩的当下他们对你如何感激涕零！只要时间一过去，他们就会只想着自己，只想着你给他们的东西不够多！能不能继续给！

PavelAt that point, a little temptation, a little coercion... is all it takes for them to betray you, backstab you, leaving you with nothing!最后只要一点点利诱，一点点……一点点的威胁，他们就会出卖你，离弃你，让你一无所有！

Liushih...……

LiushihIf that happens, I'll quietly take my leave. After all, I never considered this as where my journey ends.如果发生那样的事，我会安静地离开，毕竟，我从不觉得自己的终点是在这里。

PavelMayor, you said she laughed and cried alongside you, but that's just her programmed "responses"; she never truly felt those emotions. See how she can just walk away and leave everything behind, despite seemingly having poured her heart and soul into it? Because it's all meaningless to her at the end of the day.镇长，你说她和你们一起哭泣和欢笑，但那只是她的“反应”而已，她并不真能共感那些感情。即使她投入了自己的一切，那本来也是她觉得无足轻重的东西，她随时都会走。

PavelAnd when you lose everything, Miss Liushih, I bet you won't feel a thing either. I doubt you will ever understand what "home" truly means, no matter how much you wax lyrical about it.而刘莳小姐，等你失去一切，身边一个人都没有的时候——你也不会有丝毫的感觉吧？虽然你把“家园”挂在嘴上，但我并不认为你能理解其中的意思。

PavelMayor, I'll be going now.镇长，告辞了。

Cliffwatch Town MayorAh... o-okay... Take care...啊，好，好的，请慢走……

Liushih...……

(Jumping onto the truck, the group returns to the Winged Cavaliers' outpost.)（乘上了货车，一行人驶回了翼骑兵们的营地。）

(To their surprise, Pavel is nowhere to be found. He merely stripped the outpost of all the turrets, equipment, and weapons in the arsenal, leaving behind a barren and empty base.)（让她们惊讶的是，帕维尔并没有留在这里，他几乎拆下了翼骑兵们的所有炮台与雷达，也搬走了武器库中的所有武器，径直离开了这里，只留下门户大开、空荡荡的要塞。）

(So certain that no one would bother to stick around afterwards, or thinking that the remaining Cavaliers posed so little threat without their trusted steeds, Pavel simply left with all of his men.)（似乎确定不会有人留下，或是不在意翼骑兵在失去机械战马后仍然能够进行追击，帕维尔就这么带着大群部下扬长而去。）

LukaDamn it... they even took everything from the workshop... Those vultures!可，可恶……连工坊的设备都拆走了，这帮蝗虫！

IvannaAll those years of hard work...这是老大和我们几年的心血……

Faelynn...Where's Liushih?……刘莳呢？

LukaShe's in the command room. But she's not letting anyone in... because of Boss Zhisui.在指挥室里，不过，刘莳老大说不让我们进去，因为……知穗老大的事情嘛。

LukaThose bastards...那群混蛋……

IvannaI will never forgive Viola, or that bastard Pavel...我绝对不会放过薇拉！还有那个帕维尔……

Faelynn...……

(Faelynn hesitates for a moment before pulling out her communicator and dialing a familiar contact.)（迟疑了片刻后，芙铃拿出了自己的通讯器，默默地按下了联系人。）

Faelynn(...Sorry, Liushih, and everyone. I'll have to make the call for us all.)（……对不起，刘莳，还有大家，我来帮你们做决定吧。）

Faelynn(Even if that embarrasses us in front of Master... I can't let Liushih suffer like this.)（哪怕在主人面前丢脸，也不能让刘莳再难过下去了。）

Basti...Nya? Faelynn?……喵？芙铃？

BastiWhat's up?怎么啦？

FaelynnBasti, I have to tell Master something—贝丝蒂，有件事无论如何我都要和主人说！是关于……

BastiIs it about Liushih and that scummy PMC guy?是关于刘氏步枪的骑兵队和下三滥P.M.C.的争端吗？

FaelynnYeah yeah yeah, it's about Liushih and that scummy—Wait, you already know?对对对，是刘莳和下三滥P.M.C.的……你都知道了？

BastiDushevnaya and Phaetusa were on call with Darling for the last hour and a half. I heard them asking for permission to send out DEFY and 404 to level the entire town of Cliffwatch or something... Where have you been?杜莎妮和翡图萨已经和Darling开了一个半小时的会了，要求派出忤逆和404对哨崖镇进行轰炸什么的……你怎么才来？

Faelynn...……

(After receiving the data transmitted by Dushevnaya and Phaetusa, I tasked Loreley, Leva, and Helen with digging up more intel on the matter.)（在翡图萨和杜莎妮将收集到的情报传递过来后，我就委托罗蕾莱、莱娅和海伦动用了各种门路进行调查。）

(With the data obtained by Phaetusa and Sweeper to support our findings, Leva achieved a breakthrough.)（多亏了翡图萨和清道夫取得的数据佐证，最终从莱娅那里得到了突破。）

CommanderProject "Pegasus", one of the many NSU military R&D programs that was eventually scrapped after its merger with the URNC. Enough units to equip 11 platoons were produced, all low-rate initial production models. Each "troop" has one "leader" paired with 32 "dummies". Of the 11 "troops", 10 were written off or already disposed of; only one's whereabouts are currently unknown.“珀伽索”计划，的确是新苏联军方在并入罗联后废止的计划之一，该项计划共生产了11组以1台“头马”为中枢，搭配32台傀儡机的原型机，其中十组被耗损与销毁，最终只有一组去向不明。

CommanderThe project was entirely led by OKB Smolin, a covert facility not listed in any official NSU registries. Out of its numerous products—including but not limited to various models of mechanical walkers like the Pegasus, armored vehicles, and helicopters—none have any recorded combat history.该计划是在黄区的斯瓦洛格兵工厂进行的，这个兵工厂在新苏联名册上没有登记，其研究与产出的军火，包括珀伽索系列在内的多款机甲、战车和直升机，也没有具体的记录。

CommanderAs for the lead designer of OKB Smolin... his name is Dr. Nikolai Smolin. He was a strong advocate for incorporating Sangvis Ferri technology into the NSU military. His wife helped him complete the research on many of his programs, including the "Pegasus".而斯瓦洛格的技术负责人……是尼古拉·斯莫林博士，他推动了不少合并铁血技术的开发方案，并且与妻子一同完成了“珀伽索”等系列的开发计划。

CommanderBut ultimately, the NSU became part of the URNC before any fruits of his labor ever saw service. Everything related to OKB Smolin was erased from the archives, including the facility's location.不过最终新苏联还是与罗联完成了合并，斯瓦洛格的一切信息都被抹除，甚至连地点坐标都陷入了未知。

CommanderMr. and Mrs. Smolin were later arrested on charges of political corruption.斯莫林博士夫妻也以政治犯的身份被捕。

LevaOn the surface, he's a dissident who conspired against the government, embezzled research funds, and misappropriated state property.表面的原因呢，是这位博士密谋反对合并，并且贪污、亏空巨额资产。

LevaBut these are all, of course, trumped-up charges based solely on testimony and with little to no evidence to back them up. Dr. Smolin was merely a scapegoat for those powerful figures who had taken the wrong side during the internal political strife of the time. They used him to erase any ties they had with the old Soviet military.但这些都是莫须有的罪名，只有证词，没有多少证据，斯莫林博士其实是为站错队的大人物背锅，被用来抹除那些大人物与兵工厂瓜葛的经历。

LevaAfter his arrest, all his property was made forfeit, and his children seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. While serving his sentence, numerous testimonies from his former students and colleagues led to repeated extensions of his term.他的两个孩子在父母被捕后去向不明，家产被充公。斯莫林博士开始服刑后，陆续又受到过去学生和同事的大量举报，刑期延长过多次。

Phaetusa...So Pavel and Viola... are Mr. Smolin's...那两个孩子，难道就是帕维尔先生……

DushevnayaViola as well...和薇拉吗……

LevaAin't it obvious?答案已经呼之欲出了吧？

LevaPavel Smolin, a mere PMC operator and an underground broker, couldn't have rapidly risen to such prominence in this region of the Yellow Zones without the ample support from Girard Group.帕维尔·斯莫林这个在黄区近期崛起的P.M.C.和暗商，曾取得过吉拉尔财团的资助，也得到了不少武装。

LevaOf course, he reciprocated the Conglomerate's "favor" by playing a major role in expanding its influence in the region.当然，他也投桃报李，在财团于黄区的版图扩张期多有投献。

LevaHe's been on quite a roll going around the Yellow Zones; the fact that he's so utterly obsessed with Cliffwatch Town and Liushih's ponies could only mean one thing~这些年来，他在其他地方的生意做得也不错，非要执着于哨崖镇，还有刘莳的小马……指挥官，我怎么想都只有一个原因呢~

CommanderCliffwatch Town was originally most likely a closed city, housing administrative and research facilities of OKB Smolin.哨崖镇的前身，应该就是配套斯瓦洛格兵工厂的秘密行政区。

CommanderWhich explains why Liushih found the Pegasus in its vicinity. And located inside the Pegasus' data storage are...所以刘莳才能在这里找到珀伽索，而在珀伽索的数据库内……

Helen...Coordinates for the main production facility of OKB Smolin.应该搭载着斯瓦洛格兵工厂的坐标位置。

PhaetusaYou're saying that Pavel did all this to clear his father's name...? Then why is he picking on Liushih and the others?这么说，帕维尔是为了让自己的父亲脱罪才要抢夺的卢？可为什么他要和刘莳她们过不去呢？

HelenIt's not hard to see why. Liushih and her Winged Cavaliers are a force of justice and righteousness. Do you think she would allow the Conglomerate to sully the town she's done everything to protect?这不难想到原因，刘莳的翼骑兵是公正的力量，你觉得她会让财团染指她守护至今的哨崖镇吗？

PhaetusaWell... I definitely wouldn't.唔……是我的话，肯定不会愿意。

HelenBesides, even if he can't save his father right away, Pavel is most definitely planning to take advantage of the machinery and equipment left in the facility to build an even more powerful army to rule over the Yellow Zones.而且如果没能成功解救父亲，帕维尔一定也会想利用兵工厂内封存的设备与军火，为自己在黄区打下更大的空间，积累更强的实力。

HelenAt that point, he would have no choice but to strengthen his ties with the Conglomerate, just like George from Mokosh. Liushih is an obstacle he will have to face sooner or later.届时，他只能选择与财团进一步深度绑定合作，就和莫科什的乔治一样，刘莳是他迟早要面对的阻碍。

FaelynnRight! Master...对了！主人……

FaelynnCan you give Liushih some comforting...? She's been through a lot...能不能请你好好安慰一下刘莳呢，她受到了很多打击……

Basti...……

BastiDarling's "comforting" can be really dangerous. If Liushih's neural cloud gets bricked, the fault will lie with you, Faelynn.Darling的安慰是很恐怖的，万一刘莳的心智爆炸了，芙铃你要负责哦。

CommanderHey, could we stop with the melodrama...?喂喂，不要危言耸听好不好……

CommanderBut indeed, it's not yet time for me to get involved.不过我暂时还不能和刘莳交谈。

CommanderIf she were still a member of Griffin, a subordinate of mine, I'd make sure to reassure her right away.如果她还是格里芬的成员，我的部下，我一定第一时间去安抚她的情绪。

MakiattoNo need to be in such a hurry, is there?也不需要那么急吧？

KlukaiOh, you bet some are going to get the wrong idea if the Commander starts being too kind to one specific Doll.如果指挥官太温柔，大家可是很容易会产生多余的想法的。

CommanderShe's a leader herself now. She should rely on her own subordinates, rather than me in times like these.如今她自己成为了领袖，比起依赖我，我觉得她在这种时候，应该更多地依赖那些跟随自己的人。

FaelynnBut everyone's already left... only Zhisui, Luka, and Ivana are still here...可是，大家都跑光了……只有知穗和卢卡、伊凡娜还在了……

FaelynnYou mean, it should be us to comfort her instead?主人的意思，是不是我们应该去安慰刘莳？

Commander...Call me naive or whatever, but I still have faith in those people. Let's wait a little longer.……也许是我太天真了些，可是，我依然对某些人抱有期望，再等等吧。

CommanderDushevnaya, I'll have Mayling on call to assist with Zhisui's repairs; the operation is in your capable hands.杜莎妮，我会让美玲对知穗的素体修复进行技术援助，你来实地操作。

DushevnayaGotcha! The Hero will surely bring the Khan back to the pink of health!哦！勇者会把可汗治好的！

MakiattoThe Khan...?可汗……？

CommanderPhaetusa, the airborne beacon will soon be in range to support you, ETA 12 hours. You may contact the BUGs to adjust the signal.翡图萨，空中信标会在12小时后到达你们那里的最佳支援点，你可以联络B.U.G.s调整信号加强的位置。

PhaetusaOkie dokie. That means we can chat with 'lil Zoe too!好的，可以和小佐伊聊天了呢！

CommanderFaelynn, I'll leave Liushih to you. If the situation becomes too much to handle, the closest backup you can call on is H.I.D.E. 404 Team B.芙铃，刘莳就交给你了，如果战况超出你的预计，目前距离你们所在地最近的是404二队，可以呼叫支援。

FaelynnYes, Master!是，主人！

(With help from Phaetusa, Dushevnaya works on Zhisui's injuries.)（在翡图萨和杜莎妮的帮助下，知穗的素体得到了更新。）

(According to this engineer called "Mayling", someone hastily patched up Zhisui's body after she was critically damaged, preventing her core from suffering irreversible degradation.)（根据叫做“美玲”的工程师的说法，有人在知穗被破坏后为她做了出色的应急处置，保护了心智核心不受破坏。）

(Liushih can only think of one person who could've and would've done that.)（这样的人，刘莳只能想到一个。）

(Despite both Faelynn and Dushevnaya wanting to comfort her, Liushih still requests that she and Zhisui be left alone until the latter wakes up.)（虽然芙铃和杜莎妮都想要安慰自己，刘莳还是请求她们让自己和知穗独处，直到她醒过来为止。）

LiushihWhew... Zhisui... It's just you and I again.……呼，知穗，现在又变成只有你和我两个人了呢。

LiushihJust like when Griffin dissolved... or when I left the "Liu's"...就和格里芬解散……还有，我从“刘小姐”家里离开时那样……

LiushihI've always wanted a home... but, what even is a home, exactly...?我总是想要寻找一个家，可是，家是什么呢？

(She closes her eyes and holds her partner's hand.)（刘莳闭上了眼睛，握住了同伴的手。）

(Over the years, she had long buried her old, vulnerable self and carried on with a sense of duty strong enough to bear the weight of everyone's lives. But even after everything they'd been through, this... was still far too excruciating for her to bear.)（这些年来，她已经忘记了软弱的自己，而以一个肩负所有人生命的姿态活跃着，可是，这终是困难了一些。）

(So when Zhisui, someone who had always supported and encouraged her unconditionally, was around, she felt as if she could indulge in some of the lackadaisical whimsy she had ten years ago.)（面对眼前总是无条件支持着、鼓励着自己的知穗，她觉得，自己或许可以找回一些十年前的任性。）

LiushihAfter Miss Liu passed... her inheritance was bequeathed to me... But living alone in that huge mansion got very lonely... So, I hired other Dolls to keep me company despite being a Doll myself. Ridiculous, just ridiculous...刘小姐死后……给我留下了全部的遗产，和很大的房子……可是，只有我一个人形生活的豪宅，很寂寞，身为人形却雇佣其他人来陪着自己，也是一件很可笑的事……

LiushihThat's how I ended up joining Griffin, fighting alongside the Commander and our comrades, and even joining Squad Puzzle... Even though there was no shortage of painful and frightening experiences, every day I spent there was happy and fulfilling.于是我来到格里芬，和长官在一起、和大家并肩作战，还加入了拼图小队……虽然有很多痛苦可怕的事情，但是，每天都很快乐……

LiushihAnd then... everyone was gone, and the empty Griffin became terrifying... The bright halls once filled with laughter and joy became dark and somber. Only my footsteps echoed through them... It was scary...后来……大家都不在的格里芬，好可怕……以往充满欢声笑语的明亮厅堂变得一片黑暗，只有我一个人的脚步声……好可怕……

LiushihIt was to escape that fear, that unease, that I came to the Yellow Zone...为了逃避那份恐惧，那份不安，我才会来到黄区……

LiushihI thought I found others just like me—people who were also afraid of loneliness and longed for a "home"...我以为自己看到了，和我一样害怕寂寞、想要得到“家”的人……

(A single crystal-clear droplet falls onto Zhisui's hand, and Liushih, holding back her sobs, murmurs sorrowfully.)（一滴晶莹的水珠落在了知穗的手背上，刘莳忍着呜咽，吐露着哀伤的呢喃。）

LiushihI never wanted any gratitude...我从没有想要得到任何感谢……

LiushihI never thought I needed the Commander's praise either...我也从不觉得自己需要得到长官的夸奖……

LiushihWhat hero, what great deeds... It's all so surreal to me...什么英雄，什么伟大的事情，听起来都好奇怪……

LiushihI'm simply passing on what I was given... to those that are in need... Isn't that the right thing to do?我只是把别人送给我的东西，转送给有需要的人，这不是理所当然的事吗？

LiushihBut, but... Zhisui...可是、可是——知穗……

LiushihAt least... Please... don't leave me!至少，请不要……丢下我啊！

LiushihPlease don't betray me... don't lie to me...请不要……背叛我……不要欺骗我……

LiushihDon't leave me alone... in the dark...请不要……让我一个人，留在黑暗之中……

ZhisuiYou really are such a crybaby, Liushih...你还真是，爱哭鬼呀……刘莳。

LiushihZhisui!知穗！

(The sudden response startles Liushih. She looks up to see Zhisui wearing a resigned smile.)（突然传来的声音让刘莳吓了一跳，她抬起头，看着一脸无奈的知穗。）

LiushihYou're fine now!你没事了！

ZhisuiYeah, it's getting a little noisy for naps. Man, you guys just won't give me a break.是啊，太吵了……所以就醒了，这些家伙真是不消停啊。

LiushihNoisy...?吵……？

ZhisuiCan't you hear it?你没听见吗？

ZhisuiIf not, listen more closely. Surely you can hear it.那么，再仔细听一听，一定可以听得见吧？

Liushih...?……？

(Following Zhisui's words, Liushih quietly closes her eyes. Perhaps because she had been so deeply focused earlier, her auditory module had filtered out all external sounds.)（按照知穗的话，刘莳默默闭上了双眼——或许之前太过专注，听觉模块过滤掉了外部的声音。）

(But now, Liushih hears it. A faint hum.)（而今她确实听到了，一阵微弱的歌声……）

(It's the Hymn of the Winged Cavaliers.)（是他们在出击时总会哼唱的，《翼骑兵之歌》。）

("~See the Winged Cavaliers arrive~ ~Coming down the mountain side~")（“~看那翼骑兵降临~沿山脊奔袭而下，天空响彻他们的号角~”）

("~Shining armor and wings~ ~Death from above make their enemy kneel~")（“~看那翼骑兵降临~闪耀的铠甲与羽翼，铁骑蹄声轰响，刀锋的洪流奔腾直下~”）

LiushihEveryone's... back?大家……回来了？

LiushihBut why... are there so many more voices...可是，声音怎么会这么多……

ZhisuiWhy don't you take a look yourself?看看不就知道了？

(Liushih helps Zhisui's newly repaired body up to her feet. Together, they step outside.)（知穗活动着刚刚维护好的素体，刘莳扶起她，两个人一同打开门。）

(Greeting the Dolls is an unprecedented scene of the night illuminated by flashlights and torches.)（出现在人形们眼前的，是前所未有的，由手电和火把照亮的夜晚。）

(Hundreds of people, carrying large quantities of weapons, munitions, and supplies, are converging on the Winged Cavaliers' outpost.)（数以百计的人群正背负着大量的武器、弹药和补给，汇聚到翼骑兵们的营地之中。）

LiushihW-w-what's this...?这、这是，怎么回事……

DushevnayaOhhh! General, Khan! You've awakened from your long slumber!哦哦哦！将军，可汗！你们总算出来了！

DushevnayaThe commonfolk hath grasped their right to bear arms, joining the Hero's great army!从刚刚起就不断有人加入勇者的大军！

LukaBoss, it's all our comrades. They didn't run away...老大，是之前解散的同伴们，原来大家并没有逃走……

LukaThey realized we didn't stand a chance against Pavel outnumbered 15 to one back then, so they went around the neighboring towns, delivering speeches and gathered as many like-minded folks as they could.大家只是意识到以我们的人数没法战胜帕维尔，所以就去附近奔走、演说——尽可能地找来了援兵。

LukaBe it guards from Cliffwatch Town or merchants who had received the Cavaliers' help, they all came after hearing what happened to boss Zhisui!不管是哨崖镇的守卫，还是平日通行得到翼骑兵保护的商人，在听到知穗老大的事后都马上赶了过来！

IvannaWe've got over 140 people now, and more yet to follow!现在已经有一百四十多人了，而且还在增加……

IvannaEven the Mayor has come! T-they all said the Cavaliers had always looked after the people of Cliffwatch. Naturally, they couldn't just stand by and watch us disband.连哨崖镇的镇长先生都过来了——大家，大家都说平日里得到了翼骑兵的关照，所以绝对不能坐视我们被解散。

IvannaThey even brought all the weapons, supplies, and vehicles they could find.他们把所有能找到的武器，补给还有载具也都一起带来了！

Liushih...……

LiushihEhhhh?!诶诶？！

LiushihT-this many...?这、这么多吗？

ZhisuiYeah, how am I supposed to cook for all of them...是啊，做饭怎么做得过来……

(Liushih staggers from shock and slumps to the ground alongside Zhisui.)（刘莳的身体晃了一晃，和知穗一起坐倒在了地上。）

(Before their eyes lies a scene with great hustle and bustle, not unlike a night market. People from not just Cliffwatch, but also various surrounding settlements, camps, and villages have also gathered here.)（在她们眼前，是宛如“夜市”一样喧闹的现场——不只是哨崖镇，周围诸多聚落、营地和村子的人们都聚集了过来。）

ZhisuiY'know what they say about Yellow Zone residents—"They always be packing something, whether a gun, or a whole rocket launcher."俗话说……黄区家家有件宝，不是火箭筒，就是迫击炮。

ZhisuiI always thought that was just a Cliffwatch thing, but it turns out it's like that everywhere.原来是真的，我还以为哨崖镇特别民风淳朴呢。

(Equipment, supplies, and ammo pile into a small hill in the middle of the outpost. Despite most of it being obsolete, it still serves to hint at Cliffwatch's past as a military facility.)（装备、补给和弹药在营地的中庭堆积成了小山，虽然大部分都是平庸的武器，但或许哨崖镇过去确实曾是军事基地。）

(The Cavaliers can thus change into their new gear and new weapons.)（翼骑兵更新了手中的装备，也换上了各式各样的护甲。）

LukaThere are 30 men with combat experience wishing to fight alongside us.有三十名具有战斗经验的，说希望和你们一起作战。

LiushihBut... to put everyone in danger because of me...可是，为了我们的事把大家置于险境……

Cliffwatch Town MayorMiss Liushih, this isn't just your fight anymore....这已经不是你们的事啦，刘莳小姐。

LiushihMr. Mayor...镇长先生……

Cliffwatch Town MayorIf Pavel takes over, he'll surely forge closer ties with the Conglomerate. Considering its relations with the settlements have only deteriorated after the Mokosh incident, it won't be long before violence becomes the only way to settle things.帕维尔掌权的话，会铁了心和财团越走越近，而在莫科什事件后，财团和黄区各个聚落的关系只会越发恶化，到时候什么事都会以暴力来解决。

Cliffwatch Town MayorCliffwatch Town isn't exactly the most well-off settlement out there, but thanks to you, it has enjoyed a relatively peaceful time these past years. We've come to appreciate and value that peace more and more.哨崖镇并不富有，但至少这些时间以来比较安泰，托你的福，我们越来越懂得这份安泰的可贵。

Cliffwatch Town MayorMiss Liushih, you once said you wish for this place to become a beautiful home, but you also said you'll leave sooner or later.刘莳小姐，你曾说过，希望这里成为一个美好的家园。你也说过，自己迟早会离开。

Liushih...Indeed, Mr. Mayor...……是的，镇长先生。

Cliffwatch Town MayorWell, then, Miss Liushih. Do you know what "home" means?那么刘莳小姐，你知道“家”是什么意思吗？

LiushihIt means...是……

Cliffwatch Town MayorIt means a place you can always return to. At any time, for any reason.家的意思，就是离开之后，依然可以回来的地方。任何时候，回家都不需要理由。

Liushih—!——！

Liushih...I understand now. Thank you.……我明白了，谢谢您。

FaelynnZhisui, Liushih!知穗，刘莳！

FaelynnMaster told me to update you on Pavel and Viola's info.主人要我把帕维尔和薇拉的身份与目的同步给你们。

LiushihThe Commander... He's found out what's going on here?长官……长官知道了这里的事吗？

FaelynnYeah! Master said he trusts you to know what to do, and that you'll definitely come out on top.嗯！主人说，他相信刘莳你一定会知道该怎么做，一定可以赢的。

LiushihIs that so? If that's what the Commander said...是吗？长官，是这样说的……

(Upon hearing Faelynn's news, a complex expression crosses Liushih's face. She pauses to reflect, then nods to Zhisui. After asking Dushevnaya to help prop up her comrade, she walks into the crowd.)（听到芙铃的话，刘莳脸上露出了复杂的神情，她微作沉吟，接着对知穗点点头，让杜莎妮继续扶着她后，走到了人群之中。）

LiushihEveryone!大家！

LiushihThank you for risking your lives to stand with us in our darkest hour!很感谢能够在这样困难的时候，不顾自身安危地支援我们！

LiushihThe Winged Cavaliers were never about waging wars. The dream we longed for had always been riding our steeds freely, not worrying about warfare, and meeting new friends on the hilltops of Cliffwatch.翼骑兵并不是为了战斗而成立的组织，我们最大的心愿，就是有一天可以不用携带武器，只是骑乘着自己的马儿，在哨崖镇的山路上，认识素未谋面的朋友。

LiushihWe want prosperity for all, not just ourselves. Wealth for one is wealth for none. Hence why we've always shared with our friends, our comrades, our families, so that happiness may find us all.我们渴望和哨崖镇一起变得富足，但如果只有自己富足，并不会有丝毫的幸福可言。我们决定分享，为的是身边的每个朋友，都能和自己一同幸福起来。

LiushihWe do not take from others, but if someone tries to plunder what belongs to us, or to our companions—我们不喜欢掠夺，我们也不会去掠夺——但是，如果有人掠夺属于我们，和我们的朋友的事物。

LiushihWe will fight back, but not because we want to become as greedy, selfish, and unscrupulous as they are, nor because that is the only way to survive.有人对我们说，改变吧，变得和他一样贪婪，和他一样自私，和他一样不择手段，否则就不容许我们的存在——而我们，选择战斗。

LiushihAnd now, I've made the call to attack Mr. Pavel's forces! To thwart his plans! And to keep our home safe from anyone who dares try to lay their hands on it!接下来，我决定进攻帕维尔先生的部队，阻止他的计划，不让任何人染指属于我们的家园！

(The crowd erupts in cheers. Liushih organizes the original Cavalier members and the veteran volunteers into corresponding squads while distributing the equipment and supplies as needed.)（人群之中爆发出一阵欢呼，刘莳让原本翼骑兵的成员们与具有战斗能力的志愿者分成对应的小队，点算装备与补给，并按需进行分配。）

LukaBoss Zhisui! It's meal o'clock!知穗老大！该吃饭了吧！

ZhisuiWhat?! You want a freshly discharged patient to cook for you?!什么！？居然让还在适应新素体的我做饭吗！？

IvannaIf not you, who else? They even took all we had in the freezer!如果知穗老大不做，我们吃什么！他们把储备的食物也都带走了！

IvannaThe only thing left is what Boss Liushih made last night...只有昨晚刘莳老大做的饭还留着……

LiushihHey! How dare they! I only messed up that one dish!诶诶诶！？太过分了！？我只失败了这一次而已！？

LiushihA-anyway, do your best to get some rest, we'll head out in one hour!总、总之，尽最大可能调整好状态，我们一个小时之后出发！

(Hearing the thunderous cheers, Liushih smiles and wipes the tears off the corner of her eyes.)（听到如同雷鸣般响起的欢呼声，刘莳露出了一丝微笑，擦了擦眼角。）

(She turns around and notices Zhisui arguing with Dushevnaya about which ingredients to use for cooking, then suddenly asks her.)（她转过身，注意到正和杜莎妮争论应该用哪些食材做饭的知穗，突然向她问道。）

LiushihZhisui... do you remember who patched you up?知穗……你还记得，是谁替你做紧急维护的吗？

Zhisui...It was Viola, and I think I heard her say something to me.……是薇拉，而且，虽然不能肯定，但我似乎听到了她对我说的话。

LiushihWhat did she say?什么？

ZhisuiShe said that we can't win.她说我们赢不了。

LiushihI suppose she meant well. She can't exactly betray her brother, but didn't want us to get hurt either, however...薇拉应该也是出于好意，她既不能背叛自己的哥哥，也不希望我们被摧毁，可是……

LiushihHow will we ever know unless we try?这种事，不试试，怎么知道呢？

Encirclement 重围

(Using the coordinates extracted from Dilu, Pavel and Viola lead all their subordinates, a massive force of Sangvis automatons and various automated bots, deep into the darkness of an abandoned mining tunnel on horseback.)（按照的卢的引导，帕维尔载着薇拉，带着全部部下和庞大的铁血作战人形与自动武器，沿着一条废弃的矿业隧道深入黑暗。）

(Although they encountered ELIDs along their way, all were torn to shreds the instant they poked their heads out of their wretched holes. Those feeble creatures stood no chance against such a massive force.)（沿途虽然也有生骸受到侵扰而试图袭击，但在如此庞大的部队前，生骸几乎没有什么反应的机会就会被撕碎。）

(Pavel is, however, quite pleased by the presence of ELIDs. Since no world exists wherein these creatures could coexist with humanity, the presence of such a horde alone indicates that his objective had likely never been discovered by someone else.)（帕维尔反而很满意生骸的存在，毕竟这些生物是绝对不会放过任何人类通过的，它们的数量越多，他的目标就越不会被人发现。）

PavelI see... An abandoned mining tunnel marked as hazardous... That would certainly keep but the most suicidal idiots from wandering into here.原来如此……看起来是被废弃并且标注为危险的矿洞，这样的确不会有什么自寻死路的家伙随便过来。

Pavel's SubordinateEy, Boss, these horses are incredible. They even come with built-in radiation sensors and emergency evasion systems!老板，这些马真不错啊，还自带辐射度雷达和紧急回避机能呢！

PavelThey were designed as frontline military hardware. Features like those are a given.它们原本就具有成为主力军用载具的潜力，这种程度是理所当然的。

Viola...No.……不是这样的。

ViolaBrother, those features were specifically added by Big Sis Liushih because she worried about everyone's safety.哥哥，这些机能是刘莳姐姐担心翼骑兵队的大家，特地改装后的人形用模块。

ViolaEven as Dad's magnum opus, they only became such gentle steeds because everyone in the Cavaliers kept testing and improving upon what Dad started.虽然珀伽索是爸爸的杰作，但它们能变成这么温柔的坐骑，是翼骑兵大伙们一起测试、钻研的结果。

PavelViola, I understand that you value loyalty and friendship, but it's time for you to let go of those Dolls and the Winged Cavaliers.薇拉，我理解你是个重情的孩子，但你还是忘记那对人形和翼骑兵比较好。

PavelEven if we did nothing, those two wouldn't last long in today's world, not with that naivete. There are only two things you can put your trust in—family and power.就算我不对她们动手，那种天真也不可能在如今的世界通行，只有家人和力量才是可信的。

(While Pavel is lecturing Viola, the recon team reports back with an update: several Dolls leading a crowd are rapidly approaching from 6 o'clock.)（就在帕维尔对薇拉进行劝说的时候，他身后的侦察者传来了警讯——几个人形正带领着人群从很后方迫近。）

(Pavel is baffled. He didn't expect Liushih and Zhisui to allow these men to charge into what effectively is certain death... After quickly weighing his options, he gives a hand signal.)（帕维尔有些惊讶，那些翼骑兵应该知道不存在取胜的机会，而刘莳和知穗居然也当真放任他们来送死……他迅速权衡了一番，做了一个手势。）

PavelSet up an ambush along the outer perimeter. Wipe them out, don't let anyone inside.在外部设置好伏击点，解决他们，别让他们进来。

Pavel's SubordinatePiece of cake, boss. Just don't forget about the overtime pay.小事一桩啊老板，记得给加班费。

PavelOf course. I'll triple the bonus.当然，三倍。

Pavel's SubordinateHooooo, I'd have shot the president for that kind of money. Now getcha asses going, rookies!那我杀总统都没问题，来，跟上了！

PavelThese Sangvis automatons will take your orders from now on. But if combat losses exceed 30%, as per our contract, you'll be liable for compensation.这些铁血人形会接受你们的调度，不过如果战损率高于30%，根据合同就只能请你们赔偿了。

PavelSo don't expect any bonuses if that happens.到时候就不要指望还有奖金了。

Pavel's SubordinateEh, it's just a dozen Winged Cavaliers without their steeds. Relax, we won't get your toys damaged!区区几十个失去坐骑的翼骑兵而已，放心吧，赔不了！

Pavel(Indeed, Miss Liushih, you may hold more wealth than I'd ever have.)（或许你比我更加富有，刘莳小姐。）

Pavel(But you don't understand how to use humans. More importantly, you don't know when it's time to discard them... and to do so without hesitation.)（但你根本不懂怎么驾驭人类，最重要的是，你不知道在应该放弃他们的时候，就要果断地放弃这个道理。）

FaelynnThey're here—!来了——

LiushihEveryone, fall back behind cover!大家退到掩体后方！

LiushihDushevnaya, Faelynn, Zhisui, I'm counting on you.杜莎妮，芙铃，知穗，拜托你们了。

ZhisuiNo problem. You focus on commanding.没问题，你安心指挥吧。

DushevnayaThe forces of Chaos may outnumber us, but the power of courage and friendship are on our side! Hark, for victory shall prevail for the forces of good!地狱军团人多势众，但我们有勇气和友情的羁绊，所以勇者必胜！

PhaetusaEven if we stand to win... the casualties will be severe. The enemy still holds an overwhelming numerical advantage despite reinforcements from Cliffwatch Town.这样下去……就算可以赢，也会付出很多伤亡的代价，就算有哨崖镇的大家的帮助，对方数量依旧占据绝对优势。

PhaetusaMiss Liushih, as discussed earlier, we need to hold position until the airborne beacon arrives. Until then, preventing them from retreating back into the tunnel is all you need to do.刘莳小姐，就如同我们刚刚说好的，我们需要等到空中信标抵达，在那之前，只要不让他们逃回矿洞就足够了。

PhaetusaPlease try drawing as many of Mr. Pavel's men and mechanical units into the open as possible. Especially the Sangvis machines, the more the better.希望您和大家能持续将帕维尔先生的部下和铁血兵器们引到户外，特别是铁血的人形和机甲，越多越好。

LiushihUnderstood. Observing the Commander's stratagems had always been a hobby of mine. Now the time has come for me to employ the very same tactics.我知道了，观察长官，原本就是我最喜欢做的事情，过去长官曾使用过的战术，我也来试试看。

LiushihBefore Zhisui and I left Griffin, Professor Persica once told me, "A certain 'possibility' is blooming within the neural clouds of Dolls who once served under the Commander like you." Now, it's time to put that "possibility" to the test.在我和知穗离开格里芬时，帕斯卡教授曾对我说过——我们这些跟随过长官的人形心智中蕴藏着某种“可能性”，现在就让我来验证那种可能吧。

PhaetusaMmm! I'm sure everyone can do it!嗯！我相信大家一定能做到的！

Encirclement 重围

(Bang! Bang!)（砰！砰！）

(Intense gunfire tears through the silent night, muzzle flashes illuminating the dark mountain road with dim crimson glows.)（激烈的交火声撕裂了寂静的夜空，火光将漆黑的山路染出一片昏红。）

(Despite their bolstered numbers and high morale, the lack of heavy weaponry and the absence of their steel steeds place the Cavaliers in a difficult spot.)（虽然补充了人数，士气也正高昂。但大部分的重型武装都被帕维尔所夺走，加上失去了战马的支援，翼骑兵们陷入了苦战。）

(It's only thanks to Dushevnaya's pinpoint marksmanship, Faelynn's high-risk hit-and-run maneuvers, and Liushih's deliberate positioning of the humans toward the rear that the frontline even manages to hold.)（多亏了杜莎妮精准的狙击、芙铃冒险的游击骚扰，以及刘莳将人类部署在后方等等，战线才能在人形们的奋战下得以维持。）

ZhisuiThese idiots! Get off the horse if you can't ride! What are you even doing?!笨蛋，不会骑就不要骑啊，这是在干什么！

FaelynnNow's not the time to rant! There are too many Sangvis units on the flank. We can't hold on any longer!现在不是说这些的时候，铁血兵装太多了，侧面要撑不住了！

FaelynnDon't let them encircle us!绝不能让它们绕到后方！

DushevnayaThe General is under fire! Go lend her a hand, Khan! Leave this to us!将军的阵地太危险了，可汗你去增援，这里交给我们！

(Zhisui nods and looks at Liushih's squad, currently enduring heavy bombardment from the front.)（知穗点点头，将注意力转移到正面承受大量重火力轰炸的刘莳所在的部队。）

(In that moment, Liushih is still trying to draw enemy fire while covering her comrades, using precise shots to pick off approaching hostiles whenever the opportunity presents.)（此时的刘莳顽强吸引着众多火力，在掩护战友的同时，正以精准的射击伺机击倒逼近的敌方单位。）

ZhisuiUnderstood! You two hold the line!知道了，你们撑住啊！

DushevnayaThe Hero would never fall to such paltry fo—Hah? Strategist, what are you doing?勇者绝对不会倒在战场上——诶？军师，你在干嘛呢？

DushevnayaT-that's the number 3 on the "Commander's Most Adorable Poses Tier List" as ranked by Dolls onboard the Elmo—!这、这不是艾莫号大家所说的“指挥官最惹人怜爱的姿势”排行No.3的那个——

(Perhaps for the first time ever, Dushevnaya stares at someone else with a look of utter confusion that is usually reserved for when others look at her. Phaetusa stands fully upright and gazes at the canopy above. Her feet together, both arms raised sky high at an angle.)（或许是第一次，杜莎妮用怪异的眼神注视着他人的举止——翡图萨正双脚立正，高举双手，仰望着夜空。）

(Dushevnaya watches blankly until a bullet knocks Phaetusa to the ground, snapping the Doll back to her senses with a squeal.)（杜莎妮呆呆地看着她，直到一发子弹把她击倒在地上，少女人形这才随着痛呼恢复了清醒。）

SweeperPhaetusa, what are you doing?!翡图萨你在干什么！？

PhaetusaTesting the signal~ The beacon should be here any second now—测试信号呀，信标差不多要到了——

PhaetusaDear Nyxie, cease the distractions.小黑，不要打扰我哦。

PhaetusaDidn't I tell you before that you couldn't control those Sangvis machines because your clearance level was too low?之前在帕维尔的据点，我不是说过，因为你身份不够高，所以没法控制现在的铁血单位吗！

SweeperWhy're you bringing that up now?! Put me in the pilot seat already, little foxy there is about to get overrun!你现在说这个干嘛，快让我出去，小狐狸要被围杀了！

PhaetusaFaelynn's doing fine~ You should start trusting your comrades more, you know? You're the odd one here... Nyxie.芙铃不会有问题的，你也应该开始相信同伴了吧？重点是你哦……小黑。

PhaetusaAfter I took over several Sangvis machines myself, I realized that the problem wasn't that your clearance level is too low, but rather the designation of "Sweeper" simply does not exist in their database. In other words, they saw you as just another machine running the OGAS protocol, nothing more.当我彻底接管了几台铁血人形之后，我发现并不是你的身份不够，而是在它们的数据库里，并不存在“清道夫”这个代号，只能识别出你拥有铁血同款的OGAS协议而已。

PhaetusaSo, strictly speaking, you were never officially part of Sangvis Ferri!所以，你严格来说——还没有被铁血编制认可！

Sweeper...W-what?!……什，什么！

PhaetusaOh my, Nyxie. Always rambling about Sangvis this and Sangvis that. My, how could we let such fervent proclamations be fictitious?小黑你明明整天把铁血这样、铁血那样的挂在嘴边，这样怎么行呢！

PhaetusaSo up next, I'm going to directly inject the existence of "Sweeper" into their mind!所以接下来，我要在它们的意识里写入“清道夫”这个存在！

SweeperY-You can do that?!做、做得到吗？

PhaetusaWith the beacon's massive bandwidth and everyone aboard the Elmo helping out, yes! Don't believe me? Just watch!有信标的强大带宽支持和艾莫号各位的辅助，看我的！

(Having completed her overclocking instantly, Phaetusa sends a powerful pulse that every Doll present could sense rippling across the battlefield.)（瞬间完成超频的翡图萨，释放出一道在场人形都有所感应的信号脉冲，在战场绽放出一道波纹。）

(Suddenly, all machines utilizing Sangvis technology freeze in place. Scouts fall out of the sky, while Aegides laying down suppressive fire suddenly stop moving.)（所有使用铁血技术的机械动作都发生了停滞，侦察者坠向地面，正在持续扫射的铁血人形们则停止了手上的动作。）

(Following several seconds of uncanny silence, they slowly turn toward Phaetusa. In that very moment, Phaetusa hands control of the body over to Sweeper.)（几秒的空白时间后，它们茫然地转向了翡图萨所在的方向，而在这一瞬，翡图萨将素体交给了清道夫。）

PhaetusaNow, my dear Nyxie. It's showtime.交给你啦，小黑。

Sweeper...……

(She lifts her head and sees the Sangvis automatons kneeling reverently like subjects before a monarch. Even one of Pavel's mercenaries being sent tumbling from his steed by taking a shot to the knee doesn't elicit a reaction in them.)（她抬起头，看见铁血人形宛如面对君王一般，虔诚地屈膝下跪，完全无视身边的人类佣兵被知穗命中膝盖后从马上滚落到地面。）

(Sweeper steps forward, glances over the kneeling Sangvis subjects, and flashes a cryptic smile.)（清道夫上前一步，看了跪倒的铁血人形们一眼，露出了含义复杂的微笑。）

SweeperPhaetusa... you truly know what pleases my heart so.翡图萨，你这家伙……还是知道我的喜好嘛。

Pavel's SubordinateFuck! What's wrong with that Sangvis Ferri garbage?! Figures, shouldn't have trusted outdated junk to begin with!可恶！这些铁血的垃圾，到底怎么回事……果然是十几年前的玩意，根本靠不住！

Pavel's SubordinateAnd these horses—why's their performance so shit?!还有，这些马——性能怎么这样差劲！

SweeperWhat good is performance if you can't use it well?你自己不会打仗，还说什么性能？

Pavel's SubordinateGah?!噫！？

(The mercenary hastily draws his pistol, only to be kicked flying in an instant after Sweeper easily closed the distance. The Doll moves like a waltz dancer, effortlessly weaving through the hail of bullets as she knocks the mercenaries off their steeds one after another.)（被清道夫轻松靠近的佣兵以飞快的动作拔枪，却被清道夫一脚踢飞，人形犹如跳着即兴的舞步，轻盈地避开周围的弹道，旋即将佣兵一一从马上扫落。）

(Just as the other mercs attempt to rush in to support, they suddenly find themselves like fish in a barrel, as the entire Sangvis Ferri force has turned their weapons on their former allies.)（就在其他佣兵想要赶来支援的时候，他们已经动弹不得——战场上所有铁血人形都举起了武器，瞄准了不久前的战友。）

SweeperI've got good news and bad news. The bad news is, your heads will be rolling immediately should you not surrender.有一个好消息和一个坏消息，坏消息是，你们如果再不投降，我就让你们立即人头落地。

Pavel's SubordinateA-and the good news...?好，好消息呢……

(Sweeper tilts her head and smiles innocently.)（清道夫歪了歪头，无邪地笑了。）

SweeperThe good news is, the horsies are pretty cute, so they'll be spared.好消息是马儿还挺可爱的，不会有事。

Hunter's Cage 猎手囚笼

(After capturing Pavel's subordinates and shutting down most of Sangvis automatons against Sweeper's will, the Dolls proceed deeper into the mine, flanked by only two Aegis units.)（俘虏了帕维尔的部下，并且顶着清道夫的抗议将大部分铁血兵装关机后，人形们朝着洞穴内部深入，随行的只有两台圣盾。）

(According to the POWs, Pavel has barely any guards with him, but there's no telling what trouble he might still stir up inside OKB.)（根据俘虏的说法，帕维尔身边的护卫不多，但在斯瓦洛格兵工厂内，很难说他还能找到什么麻烦的东西。）

DushevnayaAh, one may so easily lose their heads in such a treasonous maze; for that, I say: follow in the Hero's steps and turn right at every crossroad—!黑暗的迷宫，着实容易迷路，跟随勇者的脚步吧，遇到拐弯的地方就向右转——！

FaelynnNo need for that. I'll keep track.不用啦，我来追踪就好。

FaelynnLiushih, permission to open fire the moment we make contact?刘莳，遭遇后第一时间开火可以吗？

Liushih...Open fire...……开火……

FaelynnThey're our enemy now. They also did terrible things to Zhisui, didn't they?那是敌人吧？而且，对知穗做了很过分的事情，不是吗？

LiushihYes...是的……

DushevnayaUhh... General... Liushih, what's wrong?呃……将军……刘莳，你怎么了？

FaelynnI think she's keeping something to herself... Is it Viola?总觉得刘莳一副有所顾虑的样子呢……是因为薇拉吗？

DushevnayaTo face a former comrade on the battlefield... to have to make the order for their lives... is a choice none ordinary folk can make. However, heed this well: no matter what you choose, Foxmaiden and I will have your back!要对往昔的同伴扣下扳机的确并非易事，这样吧……无论刘莳做出了怎样的决策，我和狐姬都会相信你的！

DushevnayaSay, throw Pavel to the umpire and let justice be his arbiter!比如把帕维尔丢去法庭，好好接受正义的审判！

ZhisuiJustice? There's no such thing in the Yellow Zones.——正义的审判什么的，在黄区哪里有啊？

ZhisuiWhile I do despise betrayal, had Viola not stepped in, I would've lost all the precious memories I shared with everyone.虽然我也讨厌背叛，但没有薇拉出手的话，我就要失去和大家一起的宝贵记忆了。

ZhisuiSo, as long as we can stop them from making further mistakes and get Dilu back, there's no need to worry about my feelings on the matter, Liushih.所以，只要阻止他们犯下错误，再把的卢抢回来就行了，其他的事刘莳你不必顾虑我。

SweeperHmph. That's how you weaklings get trampled over... Someone like that will only come back and backstab you if they're spared. You need to rip out the problem completely, roots and all, if you wish to protect those who follow you.哼，你们就是这么软弱的家伙……这种人如果活着，以后还会对你们持续构成威胁，必须要斩草除根才能保护跟随你的成员。

LiushihYeah... I really need to consider how to deal with Mr. Pavel and Viola...是啊，必须要考虑，如何对待帕维尔先生和薇拉了……

(Liushih ponders. In the past, whenever bandits were caught, she usually handed them over to the local leader. Punishments differ from place to place, and the Yellow Zones as a whole have neither time nor resources to waste on humanitarian considerations. Thus, hard labor or execution usually awaits the convicted criminals.)（刘莳陷入了沉思，在过去抓住匪徒，基本都是交给镇长处置。不同的地方，刑罚的标准也不同，但黄区没有资源用在人道主义上，罪犯基本都是以苦役或处刑收场。）

(But the actions that Pavel took against the Winged Cavaliers will be a difficult arbitration for the mayor, given both sides' military strength is far greater than that of Cliffwatch Town.)（可是帕维尔对翼骑兵的攻击，在某种程度上很难由镇长裁决——毕竟双方都有着超越哨崖镇本身的军事实力。）

(Of course, the Winged Cavaliers are undoubtedly the victims. Be it to get back at him, or to rid herself of a potential threat, Liushih has every right to shoot Pavel dead on the spot.)（当然，翼骑兵是纯粹的受害者，为了夺回自己的东西，维护自己的生命，刘莳有对帕维尔开枪的权利。）

(But could that really be considered justice? Just as Zhisui told Dushevnaya, justice is an obsolete concept in the Yellow Zones. There is no agreed upon definition of what justice is, only one's own beliefs.)（可这算得上公正吗？就如同知穗对杜莎妮说的那样——在黄区，公正从来没有标准，往往是由自己的心来决定。）

Liushih...Can I really make the call?……我真的，可以做出决策吗？

LiushihHad Dushevnaya, Faelynn, and I not chased after Dilu recklessly, maybe the outpost wouldn't have fallen.如果我没有和杜莎妮，芙铃一起贸然追着的卢，营地或许就不会沦陷。

FaelynnHow's that even your fault?!那种事怎么能怪你呢！

LiushihPavel was right.帕维尔说得没有错。

LiushihI was never trained to be a leader, nor am I too bright when it comes to schemes and myriad manipulations... I've only made it this far through sheer luck and imitating what the Commander did...我没有受过指挥训练，也不擅长那些复杂的博弈……这十年来，我是凭借着运气，还有模仿长官才走到了今天……

LiushihDo I... really have the right to determine someone else's fate?我……真的有资格决定他人的命运吗？

DushevnayaLiushih...刘莳……

LiushihSorry for spouting such discouraging words at a time like this.对不起，都到了这个时候了，我却还在说一些丧气话。

(Liushih shakes her head, signaling to everyone that she's made up her mind.)（刘莳摇摇头，向众人表示自己已经做好了决定。）

(At the very least, she understands that she shouldn't shake everyone else's resolve at a time like this.)（在这种时候自己绝对不能动摇他人的信心，至少这一点刘莳十分清楚。）

(But the bewilderment that renders her heart asunder stays her feet, and before she realizes, Liushih has fallen behind the group.)（只是，疑惑的思绪终究是绊住了自己的脚步，不知不觉，刘莳落在了队伍的最后。）

(Suddenly, one of the two Aegis units turns toward her and poses a question filled with concern.)（就在这一刻，两台圣盾机器人中的一台转向了她，问出了关心的问题。）

???Feeling lost?迷茫吗？

LiushihYeah.嗯。

(Liushih answers with her eyes glued to the floor. Ah, who was she even speaking to? She hadn't the mind.)（没有留意到对方是谁，刘莳只是一味地低着头。）

(For some reason, she felt herself unravel upon hearing that voice. Words, feelings, thoughts that she couldn't even muster the courage to speak aloud to her long-time partner Zhisui—they all left her lips.)（即使是和亲密相伴的知穗在一起也无法吐露的心声，不知为何，却在这个声音响起的那一刻自然地流淌而出。）

LiushihI was... never a remarkable Doll to begin with.我……从最开始就不是什么了不起的人形。

LiushihI only came to Cliffwatch Town in search of the Commander, and only assumed leadership following memories of how he led us back in Griffin...只是为了寻找长官才来到了哨崖镇，也只是遵循着长官在格里芬领导我们的记忆，担任起了翼骑兵队的领袖……

???But haven't you done an excellent job so far?可是，你不是做得很好吗？

LiushihNothing I achieved was particularly special. All I've done this whole time was merely chasing his shadow...我其实也没有做什么特别的事情，只不过是在一直追寻着他的影子而已……

LiushihWhenever I ran into trouble, I always thought to myself, "What would he have done if he were here?"...每次遇到困难的时候，我就会想，如果长官在的话会怎么做……

LiushihThat's how I've made it this far.我就是依靠着这样的方式走到了今天。

Liushih...But I'm not him after all.……可我终究不是长官。

LiushihI lack his composure when faced with despair, so... I'll probably never escape my own cowardice.我没有在绝境中从容不迫的魄力，所以……我大概永远也摆脱不了软弱的一面了。

???Upsetting, isn't it?很苦恼吧？

LiushihHehe... Yeah. Very, very upsetting.呵呵，是的……十分地，苦恼。

LiushihWhen I still had the Commander to rely on, I never imagined... that I would one day struggle with something like this.在以前有长官可以依靠的时候，我从没有想过……自己会有这样的苦恼。

(Liushih turns her gaze to the Aegis beside her, revealing a rare expression of vulnerability.)（刘莳看向身旁和自己一起奔跑的圣盾机器人，露出了有些示弱的表情。）

(She seems to have completely forgotten this model of Aegis is not even equipped with a neural cloud capable of conversation.)（她似乎完全忘记了，圣盾这个型号的人形根本就不具备可以对话的心智。）

(Which means someone was obviously remote-controlling it in order to speak through it.)（必然是有谁在远处操控了它，才能借助它来发出自己的声音。）

(She was beside herself with hesitation, without the mind to even consider such a notion. Indeed, it was insignificance incarnate in the face of the enthralling comfort she felt reverberating within her neural cloud then and there. So what did it matter?)（刘莳没有意识到这一点，是因为对于她来说，这样的对话过于安心，已然是铭刻在心智底层中的“理所当然”。）

???There's no person on earth who doesn't struggle with such things.没有这种苦恼的人是不存在的。

???The more one shoulders, the stronger that fear becomes.背负得越多，这种恐怖感就会越强烈。

???It's the same for everyone.谁都是一样。

LiushihEven the Commander?长官也一样吗？

(Liushih sounds a little disgruntled. She doesn't want to hear anything negative about him. Even objective words feel a thousand times more offensive than insults directed at herself.)（刘莳有些不满，她不想听到任何对他不利的话语，哪怕是客观的言辞，也会比自己受到冒犯要严重千倍。）

(She stares at the Aegis and gradually registers the unease she should've felt from the get-go.)（她凝视着圣盾，然后，逐渐地意识到了——最开始就应该意识到的违和感。）

LiushihEh? Ah... Y-you're...?诶？啊……你、你是？

???There's no such thing as a decision that's one hundred percent correct.从来就不存在百分百正确的决策。

???A decision made means unenumerable unmade. Terrifying, no?做出某个选择，也就意味着杀死了其他全部的可能性，这种事怎么可能不让人恐惧呢？

???In such times, finding the right path requires you to rely on others. Be it your companions, the information you hold, or even your faith in yourself.这种时候，就要寻找依靠了，从自己的伙伴，从已知的情报——以及，从对自己的信念里，寻找正确的道路。

???Say, imagine you do not fight back against Pavel... Then this place, the Cliffwatch Town, will become nothing but a factory producing Sangvis war machines.比如说，你不妨想想，如果你不去和帕维尔战斗的话……靠近哨崖镇的这里就会成为铁血军武的生产基地。

???Here, consider another possibility. Kill Pavel. Will that solve the problem? Or will the Conglomerate send someone even worse?再比如说，你也不妨想想，如果只是杀死帕维尔，是否真的能解决问题，财团会不会派来更糟糕的敌人呢？

LiushihI guess you're right, Commander.真的是，长官。

(Finally, Liushih can feel warm tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.)（确认之后，刘莳感到自己的眼角溢出了温暖的水珠。）

(That title had always been a deeply buried anchor securing her neural cloud; a shining beacon that guided her through countless cold nights.)（这个称呼，是她心智深处最温暖的锚点，是在无数个漫长的夜晚里支撑着她，令她不会迷失方向的信标。）

LiushihIt's really you... right? I'm not dreaming, right?长官……真的是您吗？

CommanderYeah. It's me.嗯，是我。

CommanderLong time no see.好久不见。

Liushih...I-I'm sorry! Commander.……不、不好意思！长官。

LiushihAfter all this time apart, I wanted you to see that I've become a Doll capable of standing on her own...这么久不见，本来是想让您看到，我已经成为能够独当一面的人形的……

LiushihBut now, I'm...可是，现在的我却……

Commander...No need to apologize, Liushih.……刘莳，你不需要道歉。

CommanderListen to me first, alright?先听我说，好吗？

Liushih...……

CommanderI've read a lot about Cliffwatch Town, as well as the Winged Cavaliers' every deed.这段时间里，我看了不少与哨崖镇有关的报告——以及翼骑兵和你所做的一切。

CommanderYou figured out the proper way to help people of the Yellow Zones before me...比我更早的……你理解了要如何在黄区帮助他人的方法。

CommanderYou weren't imitating anyone. You found the right path through your own means. That's honestly incredible.你没有模仿任何人，用自己的方法摸索出了正确的道路，真是让人惊叹啊。

LiushihCommander?! T-that's not the case...长官？！才、才不是这样的……

LiushihI-I still doubt myself all the time...我、我还是经常会优柔寡断……

CommanderTo be without doubt is folly. It would never be a sign of weakness; in fact, it only goes to show how deeply you treasure your companions.会感到犹豫，并不是软弱的表现，只是证明你有多么珍视同伴。

CommanderRegrettably, such struggles will always exist.可惜的是，这样的苦恼，永远都会存在。

Liushih...Commander, have you also struggled with these things?……长官，真的也会苦恼吗？

CommanderDon't tell me that you think you're the only one who ever questioned whether you hold the right to dictate the others' fate.你该不会认为，只有你会质疑自己有没有资格背负别人的命运吧？

LiushihSo, when you struggled in the past...……在长官苦恼的时候。

LiushihHave I ever... served as a source of strength for you?我也曾……作为依靠，带给长官力量吗？

CommanderMm. I can't even begin to count how many times I drew strength from all of you. It's entirely why I'm still moving forward today.嗯，不知道有多少次，我从你们那里得到了力量，支撑着我前行至今。

LiushihThen... can I count on you to be my strength now?那么，如今的我，可以把长官当作自己的力量吗？

CommanderI will do everything I can.我会支持你的。

(Liushih takes a deep breath. By the time her head is raised again, the confusion that plagued her eyes has all but dissipated, replaced by an unwavering determination.)（刘莳深深地吸了一口气，再抬起头时，眼中的迷茫已经沉淀为清澈的决意。）

(The person who gave her guidance ten years ago will once more give her a reason not to falter.)（那个人曾在十年前指引过自己，十年后，他依然能够给予自己不会动摇的理由。）

LiushihThat's all I needed to hear...这，就已经足够了。

LiushihI'll believe in myself, just as I believe in what my Commander said—我会相信自己，就如相信着我的长官所说——

LiushihDespite doubt and fear, determined we press on!苦恼但坚定地走下去！

(Right after the Dolls break through a door that Pavel went through earlier, the surrounding space suddenly brightens up.)（冲入被帕维尔打开的漆黑大门后不久，周围的空间骤然间出现了光亮。）

(Evidently, Pavel has just restored the power.)（显然，是帕维尔恢复了电力。）

(The Dolls gaze upon the vast interior of the former NSU secret facility. Scattered throughout are enormous industrial pieces of equipment along with the wreckages of sentry robots.)（人形们看着昔日新苏联秘密工厂内部广阔的空间，里面零星散布着防御机器人的残骸，布满了庞大、繁复的巨型工业设备。）

FaelynnMaster was right. Most of the machinery here was sealed away before it could be relocated.主人说的没错，这里的很多设备都来不及撤离就被封存了。

SweeperHmph. This is child's play compared to real Sangvis Ferri forges, but I guess it's better than whatever the Doll Community's got.哼，和铁血工造的厂房比起来根本不算什么，不过比人形社区还是齐全多了。

LiushihMr. Pavel went through all that trouble to seize Dilu just to find this place...帕维尔先生费尽心机夺取的卢，就是为了找到这里吗……

ZhisuiIt's only 40 klicks out from Cliffwatch Town. Strange I'd never heard anyone mention this place.这里距离哨崖镇只有四十公里左右的路程，但从没听任何人提起过啊。

Phaetusa...The NSU built a dozen secret sites exactly like this one after WW3. They were to be centralized and protected shelters for operation, R&D, and medical personnel. Those who worked in this one most likely lived in Cliffwatch Town.……在战后，新苏联实际上设置了几十个这样的秘密地点，以军工、科研和医药为集中攻坚的目的，在这里工作的人以前应该就住在哨崖镇里。

PhaetusaAfter this site got abandoned and its original staff reassigned, the empty buildings above were discovered and occupied by vagrant squatters... though I doubt anybody even knew about this site by then.然而工厂封存之后，这些人也都被调走，荒废的、空荡荡的哨崖镇在之后被黄区的流民发现、占据……不过那时候也没人知道这些工厂的事了吧？

ZhisuiLiushih and I were baffled when we first arrived in Cliffwatch Town as well. Everyone living there had migrated from elsewhere. No one knew about the town's origins...我和刘莳刚到哨崖镇的时候也很惊讶，大家都是从四面八方移居到那里的，几乎没有人知道哨崖镇原本的历史……

ZhisuiWe just thought the original residents were all killed by ELIDs or bandits. Turns out they just moved out.原本我们还以为是因为原住民被生骸或者匪徒都杀害了，原来是撤走了啊。

FaelynnLiushih, I found Dilu's hoofprints. They lead further in.刘莳，我找到的卢的蹄迹了，在更深处。

LiushihAlright... stay vigilant, everyone. Mr. Pavel is a formidable opponent.好的……大家，谨慎些，帕维尔先生非常难缠。

LiushihSo don't let your guard down!不要大意了！

(News of all his subordinates being taken prisoner and the complete destruction of his corpo-backed Sangvis formation reaches Pavel.)（部下被全部逮捕，财团留给自己的铁血人形全灭的信息已经传达给了帕维尔。）

(Such an overwhelming sense of defeat leaves a searing mark deep in his heart as if he had been branded.)（无法压抑的败北感，清晰地在他胸中刻下灼热的烙印。）

(Fortunately, he still has the intoxicating dream of the imminent, promised victory to dull the burning pain from that whiplash.)（好在还有醉人的胜利感充当麻醉剂，冲淡了挫败的炙痛。）

(Pavel turns his attention back to the terminal before him. After multiple long-winded restart attempts, he and Viola finally succeed in awakening a decade-old machine from its slumber, restoring most of the factory's functions.)（帕维尔看向眼前的终端，经历了漫长的重启尝试后，他和薇拉总算让它恢复了停滞十年的工作，也因此恢复了工厂大部分的机能。）

(During their hasty evacuation, the Soviets left more in OKB Smolin than just the Pegasus and the machinery. There are also several combat mechs that were never completed or couldn't be relocated.)（匆匆撤离的新苏联人，在斯瓦洛格留下的不仅仅是珀伽索和这些设备，还有多台来不及转移，或者未能完全竣工的战斗机械。）

(Though putting those to use would normally require an operator, Pavel has his own ways of harnessing their power.)（虽然它们大多需要驾驶员，但帕维尔依旧有办法发挥其力量。）

(As such, when Dolls' encroaching footsteps echo in the distance, Pavel mounts Dilu with an almost delighted smile. He turns to his younger sister and removes the pendant hanging from his neck.)（因此，当远处传来人形的脚步声时，他几乎是带着欣喜的笑容跨上了的卢，随后看向妹妹，解下了自己戴着的链坠。）

PavelViola, take this.薇拉，你把这个拿着。

PavelI just transferred all the valuable data into the key.就在刚刚，我已经把有价值的资料都存入密钥的储存区里了。

ViolaBig Brother... This is...哥哥……这是……

PavelI will win this. But if something happens to me, hand this key over to "that person". He'll ensure your safety on account of the intel inside it.我一定会赢，可一旦有个万一，你就把这密钥交给“那个人”，看在里面情报的份上，他会庇护你的。

ViolaBig Brother?!哥哥！？

ViolaL-let's just leave, brother... What could be more important than saving Dad?!我们，我们一起走吧……只要救出爸爸，其他的一切都不重要吧！？

PavelIt's not that simple, Viola. That Rurik Girard with whom I struck a deal is already dead. No one can guarantee that the Conglomerate will still honor his promises.没有这么简单的事情，薇拉，和我约定的留里克·吉拉尔已经死了。没有人能保证财团还会守信。

PavelAnd no one can guarantee the data can really buy our old man his freedom either.也没有人能保证，这些资料真的就能让老头子得到自由。

ViolaB-but we've worked so hard for this...可，可是，我们努力了这么久……

PavelThat is exactly why we cannot let all our efforts go to waste. OKB Smolin is in much better shape than I expected. This place holds enormous potential.所以就更不能白费了，斯瓦洛格比我想象中保存得更完美，这里有着巨大的潜力。

PavelI can easily build the most formidable private military in the Yellow Zones within five years if I can control this place.只要支配这里，不用五年，我就可以掌握黄区中首屈一指的私人武装力量。

PavelWhen that time comes, I'll have the right to bargain with anyone I choose. Didn't I say I wanted to be a player, not a pawn? What I'm doing is to seize the dice with my own hands, while leaving you with our last lifeline!届时不管是谁，我都能与之谈判，我不是说过自己要成为棋手吗？你依然可以保留最后的机会，但我要试着把骰子握在自己手中！

ViolaBut that means fighting Big Sis Liushih and Zhisui until the bitter end!可是，那样要和刘莳姐姐、知穗姐姐她们战斗到最后啊！

PavelThen they have only themselves to blame! I already spared their lives once, yet they refused to back down and even chased us all the way here!那就只能怪她们运气不好了！说到底，我已经留了她们所有人的命了，她们却还要一路追赶着我们来到这里！

PavelSame story with Griffin a decade ago! That Griffin Lyons used Dad and others as stepping stones to the heights he enjoys today! The only thing left to us is this factory right in front of our eyes!十年前的格里芬也是一样！格里芬·莱恩利用了包括老爸在内的那一群人，踩着他们走上了如今的巅峰！唯一留给我们的，就只有眼前的这座工厂了！

PavelI will NEVER let Griffin Dolls, our enemies, take this place from me! Dad would've agreed with me!我绝不会把这里留给格里芬的人形，留给我们的敌人！老爸肯定也会同意的！

PavelI checked earlier, the self-destruct system is still in working order, but there's only one way out—using our key. You must survive, Viola. You're the only person who cannot die today.我刚刚检查过了，这里依然可以自毁，不过有一条路可以安全地脱离——用我们的钥匙，你必须活着，只有你不能死。

ViolaYou can't either, brother! Why... why does it have to come to this...? Big Sis Liushih and Zhisui are good people...哥哥也不能死！为什么，为什么一定要这样呢……刘莳姐姐，知穗姐姐都是好人……

PavelI know you like them, Viola. You're too kind for this world. You won't last long in the Yellow Zones like that. We've already saved enough money. Go live in a Green Zone after this.我知道你喜欢她们，薇拉，你太温柔了，这样没法在黄区活下去，我们的钱已经攒够了，之后，你就去绿区生活吧。

ViolaI-I don't... like those Dolls. I just can't live without you!我，我并没有，喜欢上人形，我只是不能没有哥哥！

PavelDon't worry. I'm only saying this so you can understand my resolve, Viola. I'm not going to lose in the very first place.你放心吧，说这么多，只是为了让你明白我的决心，薇拉，我本来就不会输的。

PavelBecause not even Miss Liushih knows the true power of this Pegasus.因为刘莳小姐也不知道，这匹珀伽索真正的力量。

(Pavel tilts his head and stares at the approaching Dolls.)（帕维尔转过头，看着向自己走来的人形们。）

(Dilu steps forward, shielding Viola behind her. The girl glances at Zhisui apologetically before lowering her head.)（的卢向前一步，让薇拉退到了后方，少女胆怯地看了知穗一眼，低下头。）

PavelYou know, when I was just a kid, I knew jack about my parents' identities or ideals. But I loved playing games and dreamed of becoming a hero.小的时候，我并不知道我父母的身份和理想，我很喜欢游戏，渴望成为英雄。

PavelI got obsessed for a while with becoming a "military contractor". I thought it was the coolest job ever. It's all about freedom, justice, helping people out, and playing with guns whenever you want.有段时间，我很沉迷于成为“军事承包商”，我觉得这是自由的、公正的，能够帮助他人，还能随便玩枪的超酷工作。

PhaetusaSounds like that last part was what mattered most.听起来最后一条最重要。

PavelIt was then that I learned about Griffin. Funnily enough, I always saw you as heroes. Even though Griffin's most outstanding units consisted entirely of Dolls and their Commander, I still found it completely fascinating.那个时候我知道了“格里芬”，有意思的是，我一直都把你们视作英雄——虽然格里芬战绩最出挑的部队，是由人形和她们的指挥官组成的，我却依然很热衷。

PavelThat admiration lasted so long that, even after learning about you driving General Carter to his downfall, I never developed much hatred toward Griffin. Even despite my parents being his subordinates.这份热爱持续了太久——以至于当我知道父母所追随的卡特少将是怎么被你们打得步步败退直至倒台，我也没有对格里芬产生太多的恨意。

PavelIt's just, I never expected the one standing in my way... to still be that same Griffin.只是……没想到如今挡在我面前的，依然是昔日的格里芬。

PavelAre there really no more "heroes" left in this world?这个世界没有其他“勇者”了吗？

LiushihThere's still room for talk between us, Mr. Pavel. I can help you save your father!帕维尔先生，我们还存在可以交涉的余地，我可以帮助您解救您的父亲！

PavelNo, there isn't. I must hand everything over to the Conglomerate. Only when they start using the tech discovered in OKB Smolin will my father get his appeal and eventually be released.没有了，我必须把这个工厂里的一切交给财团——而财团只有在用斯瓦洛格中发现的这些东西时，才会让我的父亲作为证人出庭，并且最终获释。

PavelBesides, while I don't hate your kind, I despise you specifically, Liushih.而且，我虽然不恨你们，但我真的很讨厌你，刘莳。

LiushihMe...?我……？

ZhisuiThis man ain't normal. Who the hell would hate a generous sugar mommy?你不正常，这个世界上怎么会有人讨厌慷慨的富婆？

PavelBecause despite possessing all the wealth a man could ever desire, this Doll still pursues ideals humanity has long since abandoned.因为她明明作为人形，已经拥有连人类都羡慕的财富，却还要寻求连人类自身都已经放弃了的理想。

PavelIt's as if she's screaming into my ears that the world itself isn't hopeless and doomed, but rather it is I who became scarred, rotten to the core.就仿佛在告诉我，并不是这个世界绝望而残酷，而是我自己堕落肮脏了一样。

PavelIf you truly wish to help us, then please just turn around and leave.如果你真的要帮助我们，那你就转过身，带着所有的人形和人离开吧。

PavelCan you do that, Miss Liushih? I could even beg you—please let me choose my own path!你做得到吗？刘莳小姐，我甚至可以哀求你，让我选择自己的道路吧！

LiushihUnfortunately, Mr. Pavel, I can't go along with that this time. Your path would only bring misfortune to Cliffwatch Town and make life in the Yellow Zones even more agonizing.很遗憾，帕维尔先生，我这次依然不能答应你，因为你的选择，可能会让哨崖镇彻底落入他人手中，或者让黄区的人民生活得更加痛苦。

LiushihIf you alone had chosen to walk that path, I would've gladly let you see what awaited at its end. However, there are others with you, and as the Commander's T-Doll, I can't just stand by and watch.如果这只是您自己的道路，我可以选择让您走到最后，但这条道路上的人不只有您，作为“指挥官”的战术人形，我不能当做没看见。

PavelHah... Of course... Of course you'd say that... No matter how many times, people like you will always say that.啊啊，当然，你当然会这么说……不管多少次，我想，你们都会这么说。

LiushihI will defeat you and put a stop to your plan, Mr. Pavel.我会阻止你，打倒你，帕维尔先生。

LiushihBut that doesn't mean I hate you.但我不打算恨你。

LiushihThere'll be many more like you standing before me and the Commander, enemies with their own bitter grievances. I'll defeat every single one of you and keep moving forward, feeling neither hatred nor regret while doing so.从今往后还会有很多像你一样，怀有苦衷的敌人出现在我和长官的眼前，我会全部打倒他们，踏过他们继续前进，但我不会憎恨，也不会抱歉。

LiushihBecause I won't let people like you dictate who I am.因为，我不会让你们来改变我。

(Pavel stares in disbelief at the Doll before him. She has become a completely different person than before.)（帕维尔动摇地看着眼前的人形，她已经和之前判若两人了。）

(Realizing he can no longer shake her resolve, Pavel switches to his other approach.)（意识到自己在精神上丝毫撼动不了对方，他选择了另外一个方案。）

PavelPegasus—珀伽索——

(The steel steed's eyes glow blood red. Almost simultaneously, the surrounding mechs spring back to life, raising their barrels at the Dolls.)（战马的双眼闪烁着红光，几乎同一时间，周围的机动单位也纷纷重新动弹了起来，将炮口指向了人形们。）

DushevnayaAn aura befitting of the final boss! I'm so hyped!这就是最终boss的压迫感吗！我好兴奋！

ZhisuiIt's not time! Give us cover!不准兴奋！给我好好掩护！

PhaetusaI didn't expect... Dilu can control more than just the steel steeds.没想到……的卢能控制的，不仅仅是那些战马。

PhaetusaDid the military manage to reverse-engineer the Sangvis hive network?军方在它身上复现了铁血的蜂巢管理网络吗？

PavelI told you, the Pegasus isn't your average walker.我早就说过，珀伽索不是单纯的仿生载具。

PavelIt's got everything a command platform would need, designed to be issued to elite Dolls with full-on command modules, a true force multiplier on the battlefield.它具备指挥平台的一切设施，预计配发给具有指挥模块的精锐人形，以让其在战场上能够进一步发挥其能力。

PavelEvery weapon still operational in this factory is under its command now, and there are quite a few of them.这个工厂里还能动的武器全部都在它的指挥范围内——而我刚刚已经点算过这些数字。

PavelWith the Pegasus, I don't need anyone by my side to wage a war!只要有它，我身边不需要任何一个人在，也能掀起战争！

LiushihJust a little longer, Dilu.的卢，再等一下。

LiushihAnd we'll bring you home.我们马上就带你回家。

FaelynnThose machines may be relics now, but they were still built for warfare. Don't get ahead of yourselves, everyone!——虽然是老古董了，但都是战时标准的武装，大家不要大意。

DushevnayaDon't you worry! Warmaster and I will simply unleash another combination attack to put an end to all this!没关系，必要的时候我会再度使出和战帅的合体技结束一切的！

LiushihMr. Pavel is taking direct control of all the mechs through Pegasus...帕维尔先生正在利用珀伽索，调用所有单位的火控系统……

LiushihTheir firepower will be overwhelming. Please be careful!接下来的火力覆盖会非常危险，请大家小心！

Hunter's Cage 猎手囚笼

(Full-on combat mechs and armored vehicles aren't something rifle bullets can stop.)（巨大的战斗机甲和战车，都不是步枪子弹可以阻止的。）

(Although they aren't fully stocked with ammunition, a single hit with their main armament is enough to tear any Doll's frame into pieces.)（虽然它们也没有装填足够的弹药，但仅仅是几发导弹，就足以让人形们的素体变得破破烂烂。）

(Despite this being Pavel's first time commanding through Dilu, he's clearly undergone extensive prior training, and his control over her is far from clumsy.)（帕维尔虽然是初次和的卢配合，却显然经过相当长期的预先训练，因此操控并不生疏。）

(Unfortunately, Pavel himself remains the weakest link in his plan despite his efforts.)（可惜即便如此，帕维尔自身也是眼下最大的弱点。）

(The Dolls' movement is simply too fast for the human eyesight, reflexes, and input speed, all of which are unquestionably holding Dilu back.)（人形们的移动速度太快，以人类的肉眼视力、反射神经，还有输入速度，都无疑拖慢了的卢的脚步。）

(Sweeper is the first to seize the opportunity. She dodges Dilu's suppressive fire, closes in on Pavel before bringing down her blade.)（清道夫最先抓住破绽，她避开的卢的扫射，侵入到帕维尔身边，对他挥下了佩刀。）

(Although the energy shield briefly blocks her strike, the residual force still tears open Pavel's sleeve, making Viola scream in panic.)（虽然护罩短暂隔绝了她的斩击，却依旧撕开了帕维尔的衣袖，让薇拉尖叫了一声。）

SweeperAs you said, this thing was designed for Dolls, us elite Sangvis Ferri Dolls specifically!如你所说，这是给人形使用的——准确来说，是我们铁血的精英人形！

SweeperYour meatbag processing speed is nothing but dead weight.你的处理速度就是个包袱。

SweeperShould I teach you how modern warfare works?真想让你学习怎么打现代战争呀。

PhaetusaOh come on, Nyxie. Don't remind him!哎呀小黑你不要提醒他嘛！

PavelOh, so you're telling me to let Pegasus handle all this.原来如此，你是要我把一切都交给的卢吗？

PavelDon't even think about it... I'm more than enough to deal with the likes of you!休想得逞……只靠我就足够解决你们了！

SweeperMore like you don't trust those machines not to hurt your little sister in auto mode, eh?是因为下达自动战斗指令的话，你就没法保护好妹妹了吧？

Pavel—!——！

SweeperThat's right. Autonomous bots don't give a shit about her safety. One stray bullet and she's D-E-A-D dead!没错，自动战斗的机器人可不会刻意避开薇拉——一发流弹就能要她的命！

SweeperWhat's this, Pavel? Afraid that might happen? Terrified? Aghast, even?哈哈哈，所以你怕了吧！？

PavelTsk...可恶……

ZhisuiThis girl is definitely reliable, but why does she sound so... Sangvis Ferri?这孩子虽然很可靠，就是说话怎么……这么铁血呢？

(Zhisui climbs atop a Hydra mech and continuously fires into its vulnerable joints, rendering it immobile.)（知穗爬到了一台九头蛇机甲的顶上，对其脆弱的部分持续进行射击，破坏了主要的连接关节。）

(Dushevnaya then rips off its main cannon and fires at the autonomous AFV pursuing Liushih, with herself thrown flying by the recoil.)（杜莎妮抬起剥落下来的主炮，以其火力击毁了追击着刘莳的自动战车，自己也被后坐力掀翻在地。）

DushevnayaOw ow ow. At last, we've secured a weapon with real stopping power! Uwah?!痛痛痛，终于得到有效的武器了！呜啊！？

DushevnayaWarmaster... my legs! I can't feel them anymore!战帅……我感觉不到我的腿了！

SweeperYeah? Just know if you dare to use my body as a sword again, you won't even find them attached to your body...嗯，下次你再随意把我的素体当武器用，你的腿一定会掉在更远的地方……

Sweeper—They just got stuck under some rock. Get yourself outta there by yourself!——只是被压住了而已，自己爬出来！

(Taking advantage of Pavel's inattention while controlling the mechs, Liushih grabs Dilu's reins. However, a Doll's strength is no match for a machine renowned for her power, resulting in her being dragged along.)（趁着帕维尔操控机甲的空隙，刘莳一把拉住了的卢的缰绳，然而人形的力量比不过这台特制的机甲，只能被它拖拽着行动。）

LiushihMr. Pavel, stop being so stubborn!帕维尔先生，不要再固执了！

LiushihYou still have a chance to take Viola's hand!你还有机会重新牵起薇拉的手啊！

PavelIt's not over yet!还没完！

PavelAs long... as long as you're gone...!只要，只要你不在的话……！

(As if realizing something, Pavel redirects all remaining firepower under his control at Liushih.)（似乎是顷刻间理解了什么，帕维尔将所有他所控制的机甲的目标，全部指向了刘莳。）

(Ironically, this act also exposes the weird sense of trust Pavel has in her.)（讽刺的是，这其中也包含着某种微妙的信赖。）

(Because no matter what it came down to, the idea that Liushih is going to rope Viola into this has never once crossed his mind. In fact, he's almost certain that she will do everything in her power to draw the danger away from his little sister.)（如果是刘莳，即使遇到再大的危机，也不会连累到薇拉——她一定会将危险从薇拉身边最大限度地引开。）

(It's only after inputting the command that this dawns on Pavel: his trust in this "enemy" has far surpassed his trust in himself.)（在输入指令后的刹那，帕维尔惊觉——他对这个“敌人”的信赖，已经远远超过了自己。）

LiushihDilu! Halt!的卢！停下！

(Out of ammunition, but still a machine of pure destruction nonetheless, the steel steed lunges forward, sending Liushih's body flying some twenty odd meters.)（钢铁战马向前猛冲，不具备火力的它只是纯粹的破坏兵器，刘莳的素体被撞飞了二十余米。）

(Sweeper tries to hold onto the reins as well, only to be thrown aside. Dilu charges recklessly at Liushih and lifts her front hooves high into the air—)（清道夫试图牵住缰绳，也被甩了出去，的卢不顾一切地冲向刘莳，高高地扬起了前蹄——）

(Staring at Liushih on the ground from the horseback, Pavel lets out a victorious roar.)（看着倒地不起的刘莳，帕维尔发出了胜利的咆哮。）

ViolaBrother, no!!!!哥哥，不要啊！！！！

ZhisuiLiushih!!刘莳！！

(Zhisui rushes toward Liushih, but the scene that follows leaves everyone stunned. The steel steed suddenly freezes as though it has crashed. Her iron hooves suspend above Liushih without ever falling.)（知穗拼命冲向刘莳，但是，所有人都被眼前的一幕所震惊——机械马就像是停机一样突然僵直，沉重的铁蹄高悬在刘莳上方，始终没有落下。）

(Dilu's eyes flicker between red and blue, reflecting the struggle in her "heart".)（的卢的双眼交替闪烁着红色与蓝色的光芒，反映出它“内心”的挣扎。）

LiushihDilu... you still recognize me?的卢……你，还认得我？

PavelPegasus! Impossible... I have access to its base layer. My authority should be absolute!珀伽索！不可能……我拥有触及最深层的权限，而且那是绝对的！

LiushihDilu isn't just your weapon of war. She's our companion and family too!的卢不仅仅是你作战的兵器，它也是我们的伙伴！

(Liushih slowly props herself back up. But acting under Pavel's persistent commands, Dilu ultimately stomps on the now-standing Doll.)（刘莳慢慢支撑着身体站起，而的卢在帕维尔的反复催促下，向着站起来的刘莳踏了下去。）

(Liushih could've easily avoided the fall thanks to a Doll's reaction speed, yet she merely raises her hands to meet the steed's iron hooves.)（以人形的反应速度，刘莳完全可以躲避，但她却只是抬起手，迎向了战马的铁蹄。）

DushevnayaWe're here, General!将军，我们来了！

ZhisuiLiushih, hold on!刘莳，稳住！

LiushihOkay!好的！

(A thunderous thud, but not from Liushih's body being crushed under.)（一声巨响，却不是刘莳的素体被践踏粉碎的声音。）

(Her raised arms catch Dilu's legs while Dushevnaya, Faelynn, and Zhisui join in to stop the steed's trample.)（她高举双手抓住的卢的前蹄，而杜莎妮、芙铃和知穗合力站在刘莳身边，一起挡住了的卢的践踏。）

(Pavel notices Dilu's turning blue for longer than usual, all the while his control over the remaining combat mechs grows increasingly sluggish.)（帕维尔注意到的卢的眼睛呈现蓝色的时间越来越久，而对其他战斗机甲和兵器的操控也越发低效。）

PavelViola! You need to leave, NOW!薇拉！你该走了！

(Realizing that his defeat is imminent, Pavel only orders Dilu to break free from the entanglement, sending Sweeper thirty meters up into the ceiling with a powerful kick from the hind legs.)（意识到自己即将败北的事实，帕维尔只能勉强支撑，让的卢脱离了人形们的钳制，再以刚猛的后踢将清道夫踹到了三十米高的天顶上。）

(With more and more mechs down or destroyed, Liushih clings to Dilu's neck tightly. Pavel points his gun at Liushih, only for Dilu to defy him, constantly keeping herself in line and refusing to give him a clear shot.)（被人形们破坏或关停的机甲越来越多，而刘莳死死抱住了的卢的脖子，帕维尔举枪指向人形，但的卢却抵抗着，不愿意将能够击中刘莳的位置让给他。）

(In the middle of all the chaos, Pavel glances at Viola to check whether she escaped this mess, only to see her running toward the factory terminal and inserting both encryption keys at once.)（乱战之际，帕维尔将目光转向薇拉，担忧她能否跑出这片危险的战区，但薇拉却来到工厂的终端，一口气将两道密钥全部插了进去。）

ViolaStop... all of this... now!给我……全都……停下！

(With the interface showing seven mechs still connected to Pegasus Mk I, Viola practically screams as she slams her fist onto the controls—)（眼前出现了珀伽索-I型的个体，与其他剩余七台重型战斗兵器联结的界面，薇拉几乎是吼叫着用拳头砸了下去——）

(Almost immediately, the rampaging combat mechs cease their activity.)（数秒后，那些蠢动的战斗机甲，逐渐停止了动作。）

PavelViola! What are you doing?!薇拉！你在做什么！

ViolaI-I'm...我，我在……

ViolaI'm saving my stupid brother!我在救自己的笨蛋哥哥！

SweeperHmph. Don't think I won't spank you later just because of this.哼，别以为这样我就不会打你的屁股。

Liushih...Enough, Miss Sweeper. It's alright.……可以了，清道夫小姐，可以了。

(She gently strokes Dilu's forehead before lifting her gaze at Pavel.)（她轻轻抚摸了一下的卢的额头，抬起视线凝视着帕维尔。）

LiushihMr. Pavel, you have neither lost nor won.帕维尔先生，你没有输，也没有赢。

LiushihBut your war... is over.但你的战争，已经结束了。

Pavel...……

PavelSure looks like it. Whether it's by the ideals we followed, the students and successors we fostered, or even the masterpieces we poured our hearts and souls into creating, the Smolin family is destined to be betrayed.看起来是这样呢，不仅是被追随的理想，还是亲手栽培的学生与后进，亦或者是自己倾注心血所打造的杰作——斯莫林家，注定会被这一切背叛。

PavelEven my own little sister... had to let me taste what it's like to be betrayed by family.就连我的妹妹，看起来也认为我错了……在最后一刻，让我再受到亲人的背叛。

(Pavel lets out a deep sigh as he looks around.)（环顾周围，帕维尔叹了一口气。）

(Surrounded from every direction by Dolls. He can no longer put up any meaningful resistance.)（每一个方向都被人形所包围，他已经无法做出任何抵抗。）

PavelYou've won.赢的是你们。

PavelBut I'll have you know that, even as the winner... You can't win everything.但是，刘莳小姐，即使你总是赢家……也不会总能赢得一切的。

(The bewilderment in Pavel's eyes twists into a desperate resolve stripped of all hope in an instant.)（帕维尔眼中的迷茫，逐渐扭曲成了一种万念俱灰的决意。）

(He rapidly inputs a command into his terminal.)（他向终端飞快地敲下了一道指令。）

Liushih...!……！

Zhisui...What again?……怎么回事？

ZhisuiWhat's that bastard trying to do now?那家伙还要干嘛？

ViolaBrother—?!哥哥——！？

PavelDon't worry. It's just the Pegasus Mk I's self-destruct protocol. At the very least, that command is engraved into its base layer. A last-ditch failsafe that can never be altered or overruled.不用担心，这只是珀伽索-I型的自毁程序而已，至少这条指令是写在它心智底层之中的，是绝对无法磨灭的安全措施。

PavelThe Smolin family has been crossed way too many times throughout my life... If even my own little sister is going to sell me out, then my father's creation will at least retain its dignity until the very end.在我这一生中，背叛我家的东西实在太多了……连薇拉也背叛的现在，至少让我父亲的造物，保持体面到最后吧？

ViolaNo! But Pegasus is... Dilu is... Big Sis Liushih's and my friend!不要！珀伽索……的卢是……刘莳姐姐和我的朋友啊！

(Beep—)（滴——）

(Following the command's input, Dilu's core starts emitting a blinding red light, and a piercing alarm echoes throughout.)（随着帕维尔的指令输入完成，的卢的核心爆发出刺眼的红光，刺耳的警报声响彻了整个山谷。）

PavelNow move aside!好了，都给我让开！

(Now that he's decided to end it all, Pavel no longer intends to harm anyone else. He rides Dilu forward, then slides off her back while the horse continues forward, allowing him to be captured.)（既然已经决定结束，帕维尔不打算再伤害到谁，他驱策着的卢向前走，自己则从马背上滑下，任凭人形们俘虏了自己。）

LiushihZhisui, take Viola and Pavel out of here!知穗，你们带薇拉和帕维尔离开！

PavelWhat are you doing?你想干什么？

ZhisuiLiushih?!刘莳！？

(Amid everyone's shocked gasps and cries, Liushih shows no intention of letting Dilu go.)（在众人的惊呼声中，刘莳并没有逃离的打算。）

(She charges at Dilu galloping away and, with all her strength, grabs the reins and leaps onto her back.)（她冲向为了远离众人而奔向无人地区的的卢，用尽全力握住缰绳，翻到它的背上。）

ZhisuiLiushih!!!刘莳！！！

(Zhisui shouts, intent on stopping Liushih, but it's already too late.)（知穗大喊着，想要把刘莳带回来，但是已经来不及了。）

(A blinding white light engulfs everyone's visual sensors, and the Dolls can only watch as Liushih is swallowed whole by the radiance...)（一片刺眼的白光覆盖了视觉模块，人形们只能看着刘莳的背影被光芒吞没……）

LiushihDilu...的卢啊……

LiushihDo you still remember who your master is?你还记得谁是你的主人吗？

(Liushih's whisper is completely devoid of her usual gentleness. The commanding authority in it feels so imposing that even Zhisui finds it uncanny.)（刘莳的低语，和她往日温柔的声线完全不同——其中凛然的威势，甚至让知穗都感到了陌生。）

(Amidst the blinding radiance, Zhisui realizes that something within Liushih has just changed.)（在这片耀眼的光芒之下，知穗意识到——刘莳心智中的某个部分，从刚刚起，发生了变化。）

(She's still Zhisui's best friend and the leader of the Winged Cavaliers, but at the same time... she's no longer the Liushih that she used to be.)（她还是自己最好的朋友和翼骑兵的领袖，只是，和以往不再完全一样。）

(By the time everyone finally reopens their eyes, they see Dilu turned around, docilely carrying Liushih back. And they see Pavel, wearing an expression of utter shock.)（当众人能够睁开眼的时候，只看见乖巧地载着刘莳，回到众人面前的卢，和同样震惊得无以复加的帕维尔。）

(Viola cries out and rushes to her brother, already kicked to his knees by Sweeper. He dazedly spreads his arms open for an embrace, only to be slapped across his face before being kicked in the chin and knocked to the ground by his little sister.)（薇拉大叫一声，冲向了被清道夫踢跪的哥哥，他迷糊地张开双臂，却被妹妹重重地扇了一巴掌，随后被一脚踢中下巴倒在地上。）

ZhisuiAhahaha, looks like she's had enough of you for a long time.啊哈哈哈，看起来妹妹忍受这个哥哥很久了。

LiushihWhile I understand where Mr. Pavel came from, Dilu is already a member of our family. Even as her creator's son, I can't allow you to harm her.虽然我理解帕维尔先生的心情，但是的卢已经是我们家族的一员了，很遗憾，即使是创造它的主人之子，我也不会容许谁伤害它。

(Hearing that familiar chuckle, Zhisui glances at Liushih again.)（听到熟悉的温和笑声，知穗又看了刘莳一眼。）

(Does her best friend even realize what just happened?)（这个自己最好的朋友，是否又知道，刚刚发生了什么呢？）

(Seeing the genuine relief and gentle smile on Liushih's face after all the burden has been lifted from her shoulders, Zhisui decides she'll ask another time.)（看着刘莳由衷卸下重担的，安心而温柔的笑容，知穗决定，还是下次再问她吧。）

(At least for now, the Winged Cavaliers have overcome another obstacle, and it's finally time for everyone to take a good break.)（至少眼下，翼骑兵再度战胜了困境——是时候让大家好好放松，休息一下了。）

Linking the Fire 薪火的延续

(...And just like that, the incident comes to a rather unexpected conclusion.)（……事件就这样以一种意想不到的方式结束了。）

(Although they've just fought a battle of life and death, everyone once again finds hope for the coming future on this festive evening.)（虽然刚刚经历过一场争斗，但在这个特殊的夜晚，每个人都重新拾起了对于新的一年的期盼。）

(Now decorated with lanterns and lights, the Winged Cavaliers' outpost is warmed by a bonfire burning at its center, driving away the chill of the winter night.)（此时的翼骑兵营地张灯结彩，广场中央燃起温暖的篝火，驱散了冬夜的寒意。）

(In a corner far from the crowd sits a lonely figure completely out of place for the lively atmosphere.)（而在远离人群的角落，坐着一个与热闹氛围格格不入的身影。）

Pavel...……

ViolaBrother, does it hurt here?哥哥，这里会痛吗？

PavelI'm fine. Knowing my little sister can actually hit that hard actually makes me feel relieved.没关系，知道自己的妹妹如此大力，以后我也可以放心了。

(Viola sits beside Pavel, carefully tending to the wounds on his head.)（薇拉坐在帕维尔的身边，小心翼翼地替他处理着头部的伤口。）

(Like he said, most of these injuries were Viola's handiwork.)（正如帕维尔所说，大部分都是薇拉本人的杰作。）

(Enraged by her brother's stubbornness, Viola completely lost herself while beating him up. Even Sweeper stepped in to stop her in the end.)（因为对哥哥坚持不肯和解的固执太过愤怒，薇拉忘情地殴打了下去，结果，连清道夫也劝了架。）

(It's said that to thank everyone who came to help, Liushih bought every last bit of food and alcohol she could find for this feast.)（据说，为了感谢前来支援自己的人们，刘莳采购了所有能买到的食物和酒水，准备了这场盛宴。）

PavelWhat a bunch of weirdos...真是古怪的人形啊……

ViolaBrother, you really need to take a good look at yourself. We'd be dead a dozen times over if it weren't for their mercy.哥哥，你还不反省吗？如果她们不是这么仁慈的话，我们死很多次都不够哦！

DushevnayaTo point fingers at the victor's kindness will have you see karma's wrath one day!作为失败者却对胜利者的宽容指指点点，可是会遭到报应的！

LukaThat's right, you ungrateful prick. I'm still itching to send you to your maker, you know!没错，你这家伙，我可是至今还想揍你一顿呢！

IvannaAnd don't think we're over just yet! You even tried to kill our adorable little Dilu after causing all this trouble!可别觉得一切就这么结束了！搞出这么多事，最后还想杀死可爱的的卢！

Viola...Ah, everyone.……啊，大家。

(Approaching the siblings are Viola's former companions along with the Dolls who helped resolve the incident.)（来到兄妹身边的，是薇拉昔日翼骑兵的伙伴，和这一次解决了所有事件的人形们。）

(The girl shamefully lowers her head under the two Cavaliers' scrutinizing gaze.)（少女看着翼骑兵们的目光，胆怯而羞愧地低下了头。）

Ivanna...……

IvannaWell, count yourself lucky, because the Boss said—但是，老大们也说了。

IvannaAt least for tonight, she hopes everyone can share a meal happily together.至少今晚，哪怕仅限于今晚，希望大家能够一起吃饭。

(Viola looks gratefully toward Luka and Ivana. She understands perfectly well that she can never return to the Winged Cavaliers again.)（薇拉感激地看着卢卡和伊凡娜，她很清楚地明白，自己再也不可能回到翼骑兵当中。）

(But the fact that they're willing to tolerate her presence at all is overwhelmingly redemptive to her. She covers her eyes and lets tears roll down her face.)（但是，对方至少容忍了她的存在，仅仅是这样，薇拉就感到无比的救赎，她捂住了自己的眼睛，任凭泪水从指缝落下。）

(Looking at her crying sister, Pavel slowly raises a hand, only to helplessly drop it in the end.)（帕维尔看着哭泣的妹妹，轻轻抬起了手，最终却又无奈地放下。）

(He then looks at the Cavaliers whom he once saw as enemies, many with injuries far worse than his. This whole day, Pavel has been waiting in the same spot... waiting to see whether someone would come and beat him up, perhaps even end his life.)（他看向曾被自己当做敌人的翼骑兵，有些人的伤势远比他要重，从今天开始，帕维尔就一直在一个地方等待着……是否有人会走近自己，殴打自己，或者了结自己的生命——）

(But all that waiting was for nothing.)（他白等了。）

PavelThanks—谢……

(In that moment, a steaming bowl of dumplings is suddenly held before him.)（就在这时，一碗热气腾腾的饺子突然递到了他的面前。）

DushevnayaHere you go, 'O Demon King. Ye who was lost and now found!迷途知返的大魔王，给！

Pavel...Huh?……啊？

PavelWhat's this?这是什么？

DushevnayaHehe. A magical sustenance said to restore friendship once consumed!哼哼，这是一种吃下就能和好如初的神奇食物！

DushevnayaFollowing ancient eastern legends, it bestows one with might to drive away the chill and mend broken bonds...在古老的东方传说中，它拥有驱散寒冷、修补羁绊的魔力……

DushevnayaEven fallen souls who succumbed to darkness may find a lingering trace of warmth in its deliciousness.哪怕是堕入黑暗的灵魂，也能在它的美味中找回一丝温暖。

DushevnayaSo—please enjoy!所以——请放心享用吧！

PavelWhat. Who set your dialogue difficulty so high.不对，你这次把对话难度设置得也太高了。

ViolaHave some, brother.哥哥，吃一点吧。

ViolaBig Sis Liushih saved these for us.这是刘莳姐姐特意留给我们的。

PavelAfter everything I did?在我做出那些事之后？

ViolaShe said... no matter which side someone's on, nobody deserves to greet the future on an empty stomach.刘莳姐姐说……无论立场如何，在这个日子里，没有人应该饿着肚子迎接新的一年。

ViolaReflections, admitting fault, accepting punishment... all of that can wait until after you've eaten. That's the "human" way of handling things.反省也好，认错也好，受罚也好，一切都……等饱了再说，那就是“人类”处理事务的正确方式。

PavelI tried to do terrible things, and failed. I tried to give up on everything, and failed too.我试图做坏事，然后失败了。自暴自弃，也失败了。

PavelI'm just a loser. You don't need to veil my failure with goodwill.我是一个失败者，这里并没有什么可供躲避的暧昧空间。

PavelBut...只是……

(Pavel awkwardly accepts the bowl and stares at the dumplings.)（帕维尔有些局促地接过了饺子，凝视着这些食物。）

(Viola gently rests her head against his shoulder.)（薇拉轻轻将头靠在了他的肩膀上。）

ViolaBut I don't think wanting to save Dad is wrong... Brother.可是，哥哥想要救出爸爸的想法……我觉得并没有错。

ViolaBig Sis Liushih said the human she admires and respects the most once told her, "No wrong method could ever lead to the right path."刘莳姐姐说过，她最喜欢、最尊敬的人类曾经说过——不能以错误的方法，来得出正确的结果。

ViolaLet's start over, Brother.这一次，我们重新来过吧，哥哥。

ViolaLet's find a way to save Dad that everyone can be proud of... and, let's make our lives a little happier, alright?用能够堂堂正正面对大家的方法，把爸爸救出来……然后，我们一起，试着，稍微变得更加幸福吧？

PavelIs that...那种事……

Pavel...Even possible?……可能吗？

(Faced with his sister's innocence, Pavel can't help but laugh bitterly.)（面对妹妹的天真，帕维尔不禁哑然失笑。）

(People like Liushih and Zhisui are far and few between in this world.)（这个世界上，像刘莳和知穗这样的人，本就是凤毛麟角的。）

(No one understands better than him just how much darkness and cruelty lurks in parts of the world that Viola has never seen. He also knows all too well that he himself is part of that cruel world.)（在薇拉所未知的世界里盘踞着何等的阴暗与残酷，他比谁都清楚，而自己也是这个残酷世界的一部分这点，更是心知肚明。）

(But in this very moment, he can't help but ask himself: just how many more excuses is he going to make?)（可在这一刻，他也不禁质疑起来——自己还要寻找多少借口呢？）

(Having come this far, do he and Viola still have what it takes to walk the right path? Would they even be allowed to tread it? Would they be accepted?)（事到如今，自己和薇拉依旧会有通往正确方向的道路吗？会被允许吗？会被接纳吗？）

(Suddenly, Pavel realizes what he's feeling is hope.)（帕维尔发现自己居然怀抱着期望。）

(A sensation so unbelievably real, just like the tormentous flames spreading in his mouth right now.)（就如口腔中的灼热，无比的真实。）

ViolaB-Brother... a-are you okay?哥，哥哥……你，你没事吧？

Pavel...Someone added something to these dumplings.……有人在饺子里，加了料。

ViolaMust be Dushevnaya's 5,000,000 SHU capsaicin capsules! She said whoever gets those are in for a bright future! Congratulations, Brother!那是杜莎妮姐姐加的500倍辣椒素胶囊！说吃到的人有福了！恭喜哥哥！

Viola...Ah, why are you crying? Are you okay? W-wait, don't wipe all your tears and snot on me!……啊，哥哥你怎么哭了？没事吧？诶诶，不要把鼻涕眼泪都擦上来啊，哥哥！

Viola...Hehe.……呵呵。

ViolaAlright, alright, I get it, Brother.好了，好了，我知道了，哥哥。

ViolaYou've worked hard all this time...到现在为止，辛苦你了……

ViolaLet's start over from the beginning.我们，从头再来吧。

(Watching the scene in the distance unfold, Phaetusa opens to a fresh page in her diary.)（看着不远处发生的这一幕，翡图萨翻开了日记本新的一页。）

PhaetusaDespite all the conflict and struggle, humans and Dolls, enemies and friends, can still sit together and share food...在矛盾与争斗过后，人类与人形，敌人与朋友，竟然还可以围坐在一起分享美食……

PhaetusaIs this what reconciliation means to humans?这就是新年对于人类的意义吗？

PhaetusaAbsolutely fascinating...实在是太令人着迷了……

SweeperHah? By "fascinating", you mean letting two high-risk subjects freeroam the outpost?哈？你的“着迷”是指放了两个危险分子进来吗？

SweeperI'd have those two locked up ages ago.如果是我的话，早就把那两个家伙关起来了。

ZhisuiMmm... though I don't really want to admit it, I kind of agree with Sweeper on this.嗯……虽然不太想承认，但我确实也有点同意清道夫的看法。

ZhisuiLiushih, is this really okay?刘莳，这样真的好吗？

ZhisuiEven if Pavel is behaving himself now, what if he tries to use Dilu to cause a scene again in the future?就算帕维尔现在老实了，万一以后他又想利用的卢搞破坏怎么办？

LiushihHehe... It's alright, Zhisui.呵呵……没关系的，知穗。

LiushihI believe that Dilu is no longer a tool for anyone to control at will.我想，现在的的卢已经不是任何人可以随意控制的工具了。

ZhisuiWhy?为什么？

LiushihBecause Dilu managed to disobey her base layer self-destruct command... A decision born from memories, one she somehow made on her own.的卢选择违抗最高权限的自毁指令……这是它基于记忆自己做出的判断。

LiushihFor the past ten years, she lived alongside everyone and safeguarded us on our journey. Those memories have since turned into her own will.在这十年里，它陪伴着大家生活，保护着大家前行，这些记忆已经代表了它的意志。

LiushihJust like how the Commander granted us freedom through the Agreement... which allowed us to break free of the confines imposed on Dolls and let us create values beyond our design.正如同长官通过协议给予我们自由……让我们可以突破人形的桎梏，创造出超越设计极限的价值。

LiushihI believe that, if Mr. Pavel sticks around Dilu a little longer, he'll eventually understand... why Dilu changed the way she did.我相信只要帕维尔先生留在这里，再和的卢相处一段时间，他应该就能够理解……为什么的卢会做出那样的改变了。

ZhisuiBut Liushih... You must've done something to help Dilu break her chains, right?可是，刘莳……当时你是做了些什么，才帮助的卢突破了底层限制吧？

LiushihMe? No way. Zhisui, you must be seeing things...我？不会吧，知穗，你是不是看错了……？

ZhisuiNo, no. I saw it with my own two eyes. You clearly—我可没看错，你明明——

(Zhisui suddenly cuts herself off after noticing the siblings walking over.)（知穗突然止住了话头，注意到走来的那对兄妹。）

(Seeing Liushih rise to her feet, she lets out a quiet sigh and walks up with her.)（眼看着刘莳站起身，她轻轻一叹，和她一同迎了上去。）

LiushihMr. Pavel, Viola, did you have a good time?帕维尔先生，薇拉，还尽兴吗？

LiushihIf there's anything you want to taste, Zhisui will try her best to cook it.有什么想吃的，知穗都会尽量做出来的。

PavelInstead of that, I heard you're not planning to punish us?比起那个，我听说，你们不打算处置我们？

LiushihPunish? By punishment, Mr. Pavel, do you mean proper disciplinary actions through legal proceedings and sentencing?处置？帕维尔先生所说的处置，指的是经过法律程序的审判、定罪和处分吗？

PavelYou know what I mean.你知道我就是那个意思。

LiushihSince the incident was entirely between you and the Winged Cavaliers, the Mayor gave me the authority to judge.这一次的事件，局限于翼骑兵和您之间，所以镇长把处分的权力交给了我。

LiushihI've discussed this with Zhisui. At the end of the day, we're Tactical Dolls, not Lawyer Dolls with legal modules, and we're not planning to install any in the near future either.我和知穗商量过了，我们是战术人形，并没有安装庭审与法律援助相关的模块，也不打算安装。

LiushihSo, we don't intend to do anything.所以，我们不打算做任何事。

PavelThat's just an excuse. Even if the two of you have reconciled, your Cavaliers still have grievances of their own.那只是借口而已，就算你们是这样，那些翼骑兵们也有自己的怨恨。

LiushihAlthough we're the ones making the decision, we never told everyone else what they should or shouldn't feel or do.我们虽然做出了这样的决定，但是，也没有限制过大家该做什么，或是不该做什么。

ViolaEveryone...大家……

LiushihBut they've all accepted this arrangement nonetheless.所以，大家都接受了这个安排。

LiushihAt least that's the energy I got from them.至少我是这么理解的。

LiushihMr. Pavel, you and Viola deceived the Winged Cavaliers out of self-interest, causing major losses and many injuries. That much is fact.帕维尔先生，你和薇拉因为自己的事而欺骗了翼骑兵，并且造成了大量的损失和很多人受伤，这是事实。

LiushihBut we've also learned about the hardships you and Viola endured, and up to this point, no Cavalier has lost their life due to your actions... so, everyone has decided not to seek revenge for their grievances against you... for now.可大家也知道了薇拉和你的苦衷，而到目前为止，还没有翼骑兵的同伴死去……所以……大家决定暂时先不对你们施加报复。

LiushihThis is your second chance at life. Please, grasp it well.这是你的第二次机会，请好好对自己的人生负起责任吧。

ViolaBig Sis Liushih... Big Sis Zhisui...刘莳姐姐，知穗姐姐……

ViolaI'm sorry.对不起。

(Viola bows her head down before the two Dolls and starts weeping uncontrollably.)（薇拉面对着两位人形，哭泣着低下了头。）

ViolaI... I always envied you, resented you, even though I knew it wasn't right... I still took out my pain on you. Everyone in the Cavaliers cared so much about me from the very beginning, yet I... I...我……一直嫉妒，怨恨着姐姐们，明明知道这是不对的事……我却因为自己的痛苦迁怒你们，翼骑兵的大家，从最开始就那么关心着我，我，我却……

(Seeing Viola like this, Zhisui reaches out and gently pats her on the head.)（看到薇拉的样子，知穗伸出手，轻轻拍了拍她的头。）

ZhisuiThen make sure to apologize to everyone too, m'kay?要对大家都道歉哦。

ViolaY-yes... I definitely will... I'll do my best to redeem myself...是，嗯……我一定会的……我会努力赎罪的……

(Watching his sister with a convoluted expression, Pavel realizes the Dolls' gazes have shifted toward him.)（带着复杂的神情看着妹妹，帕维尔意识到了，人形们的视线集中到了自己的身上。）

(He smiles awkwardly, then nods at the two Dolls.)（他尴尬地笑了笑，随后向两个人形点了点头。）

PavelI... I hope to go back with Viola after accepting your arrangement.我……在接受完你们的处置后，希望能和薇拉回去。

PavelEven without the Conglomerate's help, recovering materials related to my father from OKB Smolin could still result in potent evidence.即使不依靠财团，从斯瓦洛格那里整理出来的，可能与我父亲有关的资料，还是有力的证据。

PavelI'll find a way to fight for our father's exoneration.我会设法争取，让我们的父亲早日出狱。

PavelThen we'll move somewhere quiet and live the rest of our days peacefully.然后，一家人去安静的地方生活。

LiushihThat sounds like a good plan.这样很好。

(As she goes on, Liushih passes a black bundle to Pavel.)（说话间，刘莳抬起手，将一个黑色的包裹交给了帕维尔。）

PavelThis is...这是……

LiushihTravel expenses, as well as documents prepared for you by our acquaintance from Griffin.是路费，还有，这是请我们在格里芬的熟人准备的相关文件。

LiushihAccording to the Commander's brilliant and beautiful friend currently vacationing aboard the Elmo, Dr. Smolin's case involved five high-ranking officials within the URNC.据长官的一位在艾莫号上度假的天才美貌的朋友说，斯莫林博士的案件，涉及了五名罗联内部的高级官员。

LiushihOKB Smolin... was but one small, inconvenient chapter of their pasts for three of them. A past that they'd rather keep hidden.斯瓦洛格……对他们中至少三人来说，只是众多不便公开的一小段经历而已。

PavelWha—I know you're incredibly rich, but how could you possibly gain access to intel of the upper ranks of the URNC?!什……就算你是大富豪，怎么可能接触得到这种罗联高层的信息？！

ZhisuiThat's just the extent of our Commander's influence.这就是我们的长官的大手哦。

PavelHow terrifying this individual known as the Tomato Emperor must be...番茄大王……到底是多恐怖的一个人啊。

LiushihBesides that, there's also a business card inside the package.此外，包裹里还有一张名片。

LiushihAmong our former comrades, one has become an extremely successful lawyer. That card belongs to her. She has yet to lose a single case to this day.在我们过去的伙伴里，有一位如今成为了十分成功的大律师，至今经手的官司还未尝失败。

LiushihYou can go find her if you need any help.你们可以去找她。

PavelA former Griffin Doll... who gained freedom... became a lawyer?得到自由的……前格里芬人形……做律师吗？

PavelHard to believe that Commander of yours was willing to let such a competent Doll go free.没想到那个指挥官舍得放手，让这么能干的人形得到自由啊。

ZhisuiThat's the Commander's charm. Not something you people could ever imitate.这就是长官的魅力所在，你们是学不来的啦。

PavelWhile I don't plan to continue as an underground broker, I also don't like owing too many favors.虽然我不打算再做暗商，但是我也不喜欢欠下过量的人情债。

(Pavel retrieves two intertwined pendants from his pocket and hands them to Zhisui.)（帕维尔从自己的口袋里取出两枚缠绕在一起的链坠，交给了知穗。）

PavelOur parents left these for Viola and me, each representing their respective access authorities. Together, they unlock everything within OKB Smolin.这是父亲和母亲留给我和薇拉的，分别代表他们两人的权限，能够解锁斯瓦洛格兵工厂内所有区域。

PavelYou can retrieve all the data you need with them, including activation codes for the production lines.可以调取你们需要的所有记录，包括生产设备的启动口令。

PavelConsider this my repayment for your referral and travel funds, I guess.就把这个作为你们中介和路费的谢礼吧。

Zhisui...Are you sure? Aren't these what Viola treasured the most?……这样好吗？这是薇拉唯一看重的东西吧？

ViolaThat's exactly why I want to entrust them to you, Big Sis.正是因为这样，我才要把它们交给姐姐。

ViolaBrother and I have already decided to start over. Even without these, family is still family.我和哥哥已经决定要重新开始了，就算没有这个，家人也还是家人。

ViolaIf they could make the Winged Cavaliers' lives just a little easier, I'd feel better about myself too.如果能够为翼骑兵团带来些许便利，我也会觉得心里好过一些。

PavelOh, there's this too.然后，还有这个。

(Pavel hands another item to Liushih—a booklet. The Doll frowns after receiving it.)（帕维尔将另外一件东西交给了刘莳，人形接过后，却皱起了眉头。）

LiushihThese numbers are...?这些数字是……？

PavelAll intel and ledgers that I've amassed over the years in the Yellow Zones. Included inside are details on the Conglomerate's spooks embedded throughout various settlements, as well as hidden weapons cache locations.我在黄区经营至今的情报资讯和账本，其中也包含财团在各个黄区聚落中安排的特务的相关信息，以及一些军火的藏匿点。

PavelEverything that I've accomplished as an underground broker, along with all the plans and secrets currently being carried out by the Conglomerate.我作为暗商积累至今的一切，还有我所能接触到的，财团在黄区的各处正在推行的计划，与消失的秘密。

ZhisuiWait a minute, aren't these extremely sensitive materials?!等等，这不是十分紧要的文件吗？！

PavelI initially kept it for Viola in case the Conglomerate no longer needed me, hoping they'd be wary about the information inside getting leaked. But now... please hand this over to the Tomato Emperor for me.这本来是在财团不需要我以后为薇拉留的保险，希望他们届时会忌惮上面的信息。而如今……请你们把它交给那个番茄大王吧。

PavelThis should help him understand how the Conglomerate controls the Yellow Zone.这应该可以帮助那个人了解到，财团是如何控制黄区的。

ZhisuiCommander...指挥官……

PavelI don't know what he's really trying to accomplish, nor whether he'll succeed, but many of the things recorded in this booklet will easily get people killed.我不知道他真正想做的事到底是什么，也不知道他能否成功，不过这个本子里的很多资讯，只要说出来一条，就会惹来杀身之祸。

PavelIf you don't like the sound of that, feel free to discard it.如果你们不喜欢，只管烧掉它吧。

LiushihUnderstood. Then, on behalf of the Commander, I shall thank you for providing him with invaluable information and supplies.我明白了，对于向长官提供资讯和物资一事，我也代替他向你致以感谢。

LiushihBut, couldn't you hand it to him personally?可是，你也可以亲手交给那个人吧？

PavelI would definitely pay him a visit if I were to keep operating as a broker, but right now, I need to take care of my father first. Once everything's settled, I'll find time to do that.如果我还在黄区做暗商，肯定会去拜访，但如今我要先处理父亲的事，等一切尘埃落定后，我再去拜访吧。

PavelAlright. That marks the end of my business here in the Yellow Zones.好，我在黄区的一切，就到此告一段落了。

(Pavel bows his head at the two Dolls.)（帕维尔向两个人形低下了头。）

(Unlike when facing the mighty head honcho of the Girard Group, this scene makes him feel at ease and almost too comfortable.)（和面对吉拉尔集团的大人物时不同，这是令他放松，甚至有些舒适、充满解脱感的场景。）

(But after lifting his head again, he makes another request that leaves Liushih slightly troubled.)（而在他抬起头后，他却提出了另外一个让刘莳有些为难的请求。）

PavelPegasus was the name my late mother gave her. Although Dilu sounds nice too... would you mind calling her by that name as well, if only occasionally?珀伽索是我去世母亲所取的名字，虽然的卢很好听……但能不能偶尔也用这个名字来称呼它？

Liushih...O-okay.……好，好的。

ZhisuiAnd then... Liushih's jaw dropped right there and then! She said she spent three whole nights coming up with that name!然后啊然后啊，刘莳的脸就一下子拉得很长了！因为她说自己是想了三天三夜才想出这个名字！

LiushihThat's nonsense! I did not!!胡说！我哪有啊！！

(It is well past midnight, and most others are fast asleep.)（已经到了后半夜，有些人已经陷入了沉眠。）

(But for some reason, the two leaders of the Winged Cavaliers are gathered around the bonfire, wearing radiant smiles, together with an Aegis that doesn't even have a neural cloud.)（但翼骑兵团的两位首领，却不知为何，在篝火旁围坐在一台本不应该具有心智的“圣盾”人形身边，露出灿烂的笑靥。）

ZhisuiHow sly of you, Commander! Using a body like this to infiltrate our party.长官真是狡猾啊，居然用这样的身体偷偷混入宴会！

CommanderHey, I was just using it to make video calls. I should've logged out by now... but Dandelion insisted she wanted to see the good food you lot were having...不，我只是借用信标把它当作可视电话用而已，原本我已经该下线了……是丹德莱说想看看你们吃什么……

LiushihSo you're abandoning us?! Uwaaah... Don't go, Commander! I'll buy you anything you want!!长官又要丢下我们了？呜呜……长官不要走，不管是什么我都给您买嘛！！

CommanderErm... That's not what I meant. Also, I think Liushih's drunk. Please take care of her for me, Zhisui...我不是那个意思，还有刘莳喝醉了，知穗，请照顾她一下……

ZhisuiEh, it was a big day! Come drink with us, would ya?! We've even got dumplings! Here, say ahh~今天高兴嘛！长官来和人家一起喝吧！还有饺子哦！来，吃一口！

CommanderI just told you it's just a video call—Wait, you got drunk too...? (Sigh) Ahh—我都说了现在这是可视电话——啊，你也醉了嘛？……唉，啊呜。

CommanderMmm, delicious.嗯嗯，很好吃。

CommanderYou've both worked hard this time.这次你们都辛苦了。

LiushihHehehe. If we want to stand on the same battlefield as you, we can't remain as our old selves.嘿嘿嘿，要想和长官站在一个战场上，如果我们还和过去一样是不可能的。

LiushihFor the past ten years, Zhisui and I have always dreamed of the day when we could fight alongside you again... and that feeling hasn't changed in the slightest.在这十年来，我和知穗一直都梦想着能够回到和您并肩而战的日子……这个想法，直到如今也没有丝毫的改变。

ZhisuiHmm-hmm! Commander, we worked super hard! Praise us all you want! Don't hold back!就是就是！长官，我们很努力了！应夸尽夸啊！别客气！

ZhisuiEspecially Liushih. She's changed a lot! She's got to be the Griffin Doll who's grown the most over the years!特别是刘莳，她改变了很多哦！我觉得，她肯定是这十年来进步最大的原格里芬人形！

LiushihZhisui too. She's my one and only best friend.知穗也是，是我无可替代的，最好的朋友。

LiushihEven though we'd very much like to join you on board the Elmo immediately, the Winged Cavaliers and Cliffwatch Town still need us around, if only for a while longer.虽然很想马上飞奔回到艾莫号，可是长官，如今的翼骑兵和哨崖镇，还会占据我们一点时间。

(I look at the Dolls around "me" and tilt the machine's camera up and down as a substitute for nodding.)（我看着左右两边的人形们，让作战人形的摄像头上下移动了几下，作为点头的表示。）

CommanderThere's no need to rush. We're walking the same path, so sooner or later, we will meet again.不用那么焦急，我们走的道路是一样的，迟早会在某个地方交汇。

CommanderUntil then, you can come aboard the Elmo anytime you want... and we'll make up for the ten years we weren't able to spend together.在那之前，你们永远都可以回到艾莫号上……我会好好补偿十年来没能和你们共度的时间。

Liushih...Being able to share such a moment with you is already the greatest reward I could've asked for.……能与您有这般心有灵犀的时刻，便是对我这十年来最大的褒奖。

LiushihAnd, Commander... there's one more thing we would like to seek your guidance on.长官……还有一件事，我们要征询您的指示。

(A solemn expression suddenly appears on Liushih's otherwise gentle and slightly dazed face, and I immediately catch on to the true intention behind this call.)（在温柔却有些迷糊的刘莳脸上，突然浮现出十分认真的表情，我理解了她这次通讯的真正目的。）

Commander...OKB Smolin, right?……斯瓦洛格兵工厂，是吗？

LiushihYeah. We've had some internal disagreements. Some want to seal it away for good immediately, while others think we should investigate it first before planning our next steps.嗯，我们内部有了一些分歧，有些人希望直接将之重新封存，但是也有人觉得可以先探究一下它内部实际的情况，再做打算。

LiushihHow do you think we should proceed, Commander?长官觉得，我们应该如何处置呢？

Commander...I see.……是吗。

(I do not answer immediately, given I've already pondered that myself. A fully preserved and operational arms manufacturing plant of this scale shouldn't exist in a Yellow Zone.)（我没有马上给出回答，我自然也考虑过——这样规模不小，又保存完整的兵工厂，其实本不应在黄区存在。）

(If the URNC catches wind of someone holding such arms manufacturing capabilities, Cliffwatch Town and Liushih's Winged Cavaliers will be embroiled in major turmoil. So sealing it away would certainly be the best course of action.)（让罗联知道有人占据这种程度的军火制造能力的话，哨崖镇，还有刘莳的翼骑兵团，都可能惹上很大的麻烦，因此封存自然是最轻松的对策。）

(On the other hand, the Yellow Zones' future does not look very optimistic. Even without Pavel's "whistleblowing", Dandelion and Leva's intel has already shed light on the many meticulously planned conspiracies the Conglomerate has been orchestrating from within the URNC.)（可是如今黄区的局势并不乐观，哪怕我还没看到帕维尔收集的情报，从丹德莱和莱娅那里，我也能知道财团正在罗联内部串联谋划着某些巨大的阴谋。）

(Thus, there may come a time... when people of the Yellow Zones will need the hidden potential buried within OKB Smolin.)（因此或许在某个时间点……整个黄区的人民，都会有需要斯瓦洛格中隐藏的潜力的时候。）

CommanderLet me read through Pavel's notes first. I don't want to make a decision before I've put together what he has to offer with my own understanding of the Yellow Zones' status quo.我想先看过帕维尔留下的笔记，结合我所掌握的黄区现状再做决定。

CommanderHowever, that facility is indeed extremely critical. Do everything in your power to maintain secrecy. At the same time, try investigating it thoroughly to ensure there are no hidden risks.不过，这个地方的确十分关键，尽可能做好保密措施，同时……还是尽量调查清楚，避免存在任何潜在的风险吧。

LiushihUnderstood.遵命。

(At that moment, the Cavaliers' cheers suddenly erupt from the distant plaza.)（就在这时，不远处的广场传来了翼骑兵成员们的呼喊声。）

LukaBosses!老大们！

LukaYou've got ten seconds before the fireworks show starts!还有最后十秒钟就是放烟花的时间了！

IvannaIt's Winged Cavaliers' custom fireworks! Look, everyone!这是翼骑兵队特制的烟花——大家请看！

DushevnayaGeneral! Khan! What are you doing over there~!将军！可汗！你们在做什么呀~！

DushevnayaIt's more fun with everyone around!大家要一起才好吧！

FaelynnIf only Master was here too, that would be wonderful, haaahhh—要是主人也在的话就太幸福了，哈啊啊啊——

PhaetusaHmm? That Sangvis machine... isn't that...嗯？那个铁血人形，难道是……

ZhisuiAh! Here we go, here we go! Commander, Liushih, let's move!啊！开始了开始了！长官，刘莳，我们走吧！

LiushihRight! Commander, come with us!嗯！长官，来！

Commander...Ahh.……啊啊。

CommanderI appreciate the effort.有劳了。

(I let the two Dolls whom I finally reunited with lift "me" and carry "me" toward the crowd.)（我任凭两个久别重逢的人形把自己抬了起来，走向人群。）

(After the countdown ends, Luka and Ivana light the fuses together.)（在倒计时的声音过后，卢卡和伊凡娜一齐点燃了引线。）

(Fwoosh—Bang!)（咻——啪！）

(The fireworks scream into the night sky before exploding brilliantly above Cliffwatch Town.)（烟花呼啸着升上夜空，在哨崖镇的上方轰然炸裂。）

(The multicolored bursts illuminate the entire valley, casting a radiant glow across every upturned face.)（五彩斑斓的光芒瞬间照亮了整个山谷，也将众人仰望的脸庞映照得熠熠生辉。）

(...)（……）

(Beneath the dazzling fireworks, the girls all firmly believe that reunion is just around the corner.)（绚烂的烟花下，少女们都坚信，重逢的时刻一定很快就会到来。）

(And when that day comes, it'll surely be a beautiful day filled with warm sunlight.)（再会的那天，一定是个春光明媚的好日子。）

(...)（……）

(...)（…………）

(Beep—)（滴——）

AlvaTask Force DEFY, communication #7889. Requesting connection.忤逆小队，第7889次联络，请求接通。

??...Go ahead.……请讲。

AlvaRegarding the upcoming Red Zone surveillance mission, Voymastina and I have confirmed the proceedings.关于本次前往红区监测的任务内容，我和威玛西娜已确认完毕。

AlvaWhile we have no objections to the mission details, our current hardware may limit operational efficiency.虽然内容方面没有异议，但凭借我们目前的配置，效率可能会有所受限。

AlvaIs backup authorized?……能否请求支援？

??Who would you like to request?你想申请谁？

AlvaHer infiltration operation is nearing its conclusion.那个人的潜入行动已经接近尾声。

AlvaFeasibility of her withdrawing early and prioritizing this mission instead?能否让她提前撤离，优先支援这边的任务？

??Sorry, request denied.很遗憾，请求驳回哦。

Alva...Reason being?……理由是？

??We can't pull her out now precisely because the operation is entering its final stage.正因为是收网阶段，才更不能在这个时候把她抽调出来。

??You understand her better than I do.你们比我更了解那个人的性格。

??Should the mission fail because of this, she'd become extremely troublesome to deal with, wouldn't she?如果任务不巧因此而失败，她大概会变得非常麻烦吧？

Alva...……

AlvaIndeed.确实。

??However, I do have another suitable candidate.不过，我倒是有另外一个合适的人选。

??Ah, she also happens to be an old friend of yours.啊，这个人也是你们的老朋友哦。

??No need to worry about her combat capability. You should be able to work great together.所以战力方面不需要担心，你们配合起来应该会很顺手。

Alva...If that's the arrangement, then I have no objections.……既然是组织的安排，那我没有意见。

??Additionally, arriving along with the backup personnel will be a shipment of supplies.另外，这次随支援人员一同抵达的，还有组织投放的一批补给物资。

Alva...Supplies?……补给物资？

AlvaIs it protective equipment for the Red Zones?是针对红区污染的防护设备吗？

??Not entirely.也不全是。

??Considering the protracted tracking nature of this mission, a batch of lightweight wear has been prepared for emergencies.考虑到这次任务的追踪路线比较长，为了应备不时之需，组织额外准备了一批轻量化服装。

Alva...Lightweight wear?……轻量化服装？

??Mmm-hmm.嗯。

??Although the reduced fabric coverage means they provide less protection than tactical suits, they become far more practical when infiltration into certain sensitive environments is necessary.虽然削减了面料的覆盖程度，防护程度比不上战术服……但在需要潜入特殊场合的时候，它们要比战术服的实用价值更高。

??Alas, violence can't solve every problem...毕竟暴力也不能解决一切问题呢……

??In any case, you'll understand once you get your hands on them.总之，等你们拿到物资箱就会明白了。

Alva...Sure.……好吧。

AlvaThe style of the clothing doesn't matter.服装的样式并不重要。

AlvaAs long as it ensures the mission smoothly proceeds, I won't object.只要能确保任务顺利进行，我就不会反对。

??Hehe, Alva really is as pragmatic as ever.呵呵，埃芙还真是一如既往地务实呢。

??Please remain on standby. I'll connect you to your new comrade next—那么接下来，请保持待机，我会把通讯转接给你的新同伴——

??Best of luck with the operation.祝你们行动顺利。

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.