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Neural Match

忒弥斯棋局

23 chapters · 2827 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Neural Match 心智对弈

(207X, satellite city MAS-02.)（207X年，MAS-02卫星城。）

Righteous BrokerWhen did she go missing?她是什么时候失踪的？

BoyIt's been more than ten days already. Big sis hasn't come home since she stepped out that day.已经有十几天了，我的姐姐那天出门后就再也没有回来过。

(Under the blazing sun, dust infused with the stink of oil obscures her vision.)（烈日下，混杂着油污味的尘土阻碍着视线。）

(Surrounding her are dilapidated shacks of similar design. They stretch all the way to the quarantine wall at the city limits, making this Righteous Broker feel as if she is actually in the Yellow Zone.)（周围是清一色的破败棚屋，它们一直延续到城市边界的隔离墙，让这位义商有种身处黄区的错觉。）

Righteous BrokerAre there any others? Anyone else who's gone missing like your big sis?还有其他人吗？和你姐姐一样，下落不明的人。

BoyI don't know. We've been having lots of disappearances lately. Some must have left, while some others... probably died.我不知道，最近一直有人失踪。有些人应该是离开了，而有些人……大概是死了。

Righteous BrokerLet me ask this another way. Do you know of anyone else around your sister's age who lived near here and went missing?那我换个说法吧。你还知道有和你姐姐差不多年纪的，住在这附近的人下落不明吗？

Boy...I heard from my neighbor that a big bro who often played street football went missing too.……听邻居说有一位经常在街上踢球的大哥哥也不见了。

Righteous BrokerI see. I'll go ask about his case. As for your big sis... I'll come and tell you if I hear any news.知道了，我会再去问问那个人相关的情况。而关于你姐姐的下落……如果有了消息我也会来告诉你。

(The Righteous Broker smiles and pats the boy's head before heading deeper into the slums.)（义商露出笑容摸了摸少年的头，随后便朝着这片贫民窟的更深处离开了。）

(She has been in this satellite city for a month now. Bizarre disappearances have grown more and more frequent during that time.)（她已经来到这座卫星城有一个月，而这期间，一系列怪异的失踪案件正变得越来越频繁。）

PassersbyShe's that underground broker who came here from the Yellow Zone, right? What was her name again?那个人就是之前从黄区来的暗商吧？她叫什么名字来着。

ResidentI don't know. Everyone just calls her the "Righteous Broker." After all... She often gives out goods to people without asking for payment in return.不知道，大家总是用“义商”这个名字来称呼她。毕竟……她经常向人们发放一些商品，不收取任何费用。

(The boy has met other underground brokers back in the Yellow Zone before, but this "Righteous Broker" seems to be different. She rarely tries to sell him anything, and she's constantly asking questions.)（还在黄区的时候，少年曾经见过其他暗商。但这位“义商”和他们似乎不太一样。她很少向自己售卖东西，却总是在问问题。）

("Are you guys experiencing any trouble?" she would ask. "Is there anything you urgently need?" And... "Do you know where the missing individuals went?")（例如，你们有什么困难？有没有什么急需的物资？以及……那些失踪者去了哪里？）

(Strangely, the boy feels that he really might be able to reunite with his missing sister after talking with her.)（神奇的是，在和她对话之后，少年在一瞬间竟然真的感觉可以再次和失踪的姐姐重逢。）

(...)（……）

(After hours of gathering information on where some missing individuals have been spotted, the Righteous Broker locates an underground storage facility.)（几个小时后，她根据多位失踪者出没过的地点，找到了一处位于地下的仓库。）

(A number of suspicious, gray-robed individuals occupy the facility. The "Righteous Broker" takes down the guards by surprise before exploring further down the passageway.)（这里被一些身披灰袍的可疑分子占据。“义商”趁其不备击倒了看守，沿着通道往前探索。）

Righteous BrokerTheir outfits kind of remind me... of the religion that's been popping up around the Yellow Zone lately.这些人的打扮，有点像是最近在黄区的宗教？

Righteous BrokerDidn't expect to find such an underground facility right at the edges of the satellite city.真没想到，在卫星城的边缘处，会隐藏有这样的地下设施。

Righteous BrokerThose who went missing in the old city district and the Yellow Zone must have been brought here... I really hope that they're still alive.旧城区、还有黄区失踪者们应该就是被带到了这里……真希望他们还活着。

(...)（……）

(Multiple rooms branch from the dimly lit underground passageway. As she ventures further in, she gradually realizes that this isn't just a simple storage facility.)（昏暗的地下通道内有许多房间，而随着她越发深入，她渐渐发现这里并不只是一间仓库。）

Righteous BrokerMedical equipment? Is this... a lab?医疗设备？这里是……实验室吗？

Righteous BrokerThen what's that sitting in the glass tanks...? Ugh—!那这些玻璃仓里面的东西是……唔——！

(She tries to open the glass tanks for a closer look, but the moment she does, the stench of blood assaults her senses.)（义商尝试打开玻璃箱仔细查看，瞬间，一股浓烈的血腥味扑面而来。）

Righteous BrokerT-This is...!这、这是！

(The transparent tanks are filled to the brim with bright-red liquid. Bloated human torsos float and sway among each other, like bizarre aquatic decorations.)（透明的箱体中盛满了鲜红的液体，几具人类的躯干则已经被泡得浮肿，像是某种怪异的水草一样，漂浮在液体中。）

(The Righteous Broker forces down the nausea churning in her guts, holding off fear through fury.)（义商强忍住胃部翻腾的恶心感，用愤怒的情绪压制住了恐惧的本能。）

(Because countless glass tanks, like the ones she just saw, make up one entire side of this storage facility.)（因为就在这同一间仓库里，类似的玻璃箱几乎堆满了一面墙壁。）

Righteous BrokerAre they all... the people who went missing?这些……难道都是那些失踪者吗？

(She suddenly senses a presence approaching from behind.)（就在这时，她察觉到了从身后靠近的气息。）

(An individual draped in a dark cloak makes no sound as it walks toward her.)（一个身披黑色斗篷的人在走近她时竟然没有发出任何脚步声。）

ShadowPray tell... Are you, too, a heretic who stands in the way of Father's ideals?试问……你也是，会阻碍父亲理想的异端吗？

(The "Righteous Broker" had survived countless Yellow Zone dangers. She even once delved into a Varjager base alone.)（“义商”在黄区经历过许多危险，也曾只身闯入瓦良格帮的巢穴。）

(She narrowly evades a fatal blow, relying on instincts honed through countless close encounters.)（她依靠着在关键时刻锻炼出来的直觉，勉强躲过了致命一击。）

???I never expected a rat to barge in while Teacher is away.真没想到，在老师出门的时候，会有老鼠闯进来。

(Right then, another voice rings out from the direction of the entrance. She realizes that her retreat has been cut off.)（紧接着，另一个声音从入口的方向响起。她意识到撤退的路已经被对方堵死了。）

???Get rid of it quickly. We have many experiments to conduct today as well.赶快处理掉吧，今天也还有很多实验要做。

ShadowUnderstood. Purge the heretic and purify the old city district... This is indeed the "destiny" bestowed upon me by Father.明白，肃清异端，实现旧城区的净化……正是父亲给予我的“天命”。

Righteous Broker...What did you lot mean by "experiments"?……你们说实验是什么意思？

Righteous BrokerThe people in the tanks... Are they the ones you kidnapped from the Yellow Zones and other locations?那些箱子里的，就是被你们从黄区，还有各种地方拐来的人吗？

???You do not need to ask so many questions, for you will soon join them...不必问那么多，你也会很快成为他们的一员。

???...As part of the undying "destiny".成为不死的，“天命”的一部分。

(The underground lab hidden in the wilds has attracted a group of intruders.)（隐藏在荒野中的地下实验室迎来了一群闯入者。）

(404 Team B breaks through the outer defenses and is met with bloody carnage inside.)（404二队突破了外围防御，面对的是内部血淋淋的惨状。）

(The researchers appear to have retreated in a hurry, and the experimental subjects they abandoned have been disposed of in the simplest way possible.)（研究人员撤退得很匆忙，那些被他们抛弃的实验体只能以最简单的方式进行处理。）

(Vector checks the bodies atop the lab workbenches. They are still warm, but have already lost all vital signs.)（维克托检查了实验台上的遗体，虽然体温尚存，但所有人都已经失去了生命体征。）

Vector...Unfortunately, there are no survivors.……很遗憾，已经没有幸存者了。

WelrodHarpsy, any information left in the instruments?哈卜茜，实验设备里的资料怎么样？

HarpsyThere's still some left! They were in a real hurry to get away, so they weren't able to erase it all.还保留着一些！他们撤离得很匆忙，没有完全清理干净。

WelrodDoes it match up with Rodrigo's testimony?能够和罗德里格的证词相互印证吗？

HarpsyIt... It does. The data matches what was in our intel perfectly!是……是的，这些数据，和情报里提到的一样！

(To recap how this operation began, Welrod plays a recording on her terminal. It's an interrogation record that one of Leva's moles secretly leaked from inside NOMFA.)（为了回顾此次行动的开端，维尔德打开了终端内的一段录音。那是莱娅的线人偷偷从非军事管理局内部流出的审问记录。）

Interrogator: Who commissioned you to engage in smuggling and human trafficking?审问官：委托你进行非法运输与人口买卖的上游是谁？

Rodrigo: "Shepherd". I don't know her real name, nor have I ever met her.罗德里格：“牧羊人”，我不知道她真正的名字，也没有见过面。

Interrogator: How did you two communicate?审问官：你们是怎么联系的？

Rodrigo: Single-channel contact. She set up a dedicated line, and the records were wiped after every contact or data transfer.罗德里格：单线联络，她准备了一条专用线路，每次联络或传输资料后记录会被清空。

Rodrigo: I managed to back up some of it when she wasn't paying attention. I've handed all of that to you guys now. I'd reckon that's a huge contribution, yes?罗德里格：我趁她不注意时特意备份了一些，都交给你们了，这算是大功一件吧？

Interrogator: Are you aware that a good deal of the material you backed up is connected to a religious group called Paradeus?审问官：你知道在你备份的这些资料里，有不少内容与一个叫做帕拉蒂斯的宗教团体有关吗？

Rodrigo: A religious group? No... I don't know anything about that at all. "Shepherd" was extremely cautious—she rarely leaked info about herself.罗德里格：宗教团体？不……我什么都不知道。“牧羊人”很谨慎，很少暴露自己的信息。

Rodrigo: Still... "Shepherd" has been keeping her eyes on the progress of that case for many years now.罗德里格：不过……多年来，“牧羊人”一直在关注一起案件的动向。

Interrogator: What case?审问官：什么案件？

Rodrigo: ...The serial murders in MAS-02. Case codename "Bloody Angel".罗德里格：……发生在MAS-02的连续凶杀案件，案件代号“血色天使”。

(Satellite city MAS-02. The place where Welrod once lived. A sense of confusion strikes her upon hearing the name of that case.)（卫星城MAS-02，那是维尔德以前居住的地方。因而在听到了这个案件名称的时候，她感到十分疑惑。）

Welrod"Bloody Angel"? How odd. There shouldn't be any cases in MAS-02 that I haven't heard about... Could it be a case from long ago?“血色天使”？真奇怪，照理说在MAS-02应该不存在我没有听过的案件才对……难道是在很久以前发生的吗？

WelrodWhatever the case, Leva's info turned out to be right. This lab does belong to that mysterious "Shepherd".但不管怎么说，莱娅提供的信息是准确的，这个实验室属于那位神秘的“牧羊人”。

WelrodStill... This all feels rather strange. I felt a sense of déjà vu when I heard that name, but I'm certain that my neural cloud contains no information related to it.不过……真奇怪，在听到这个名字的时候，我突然有一些既视感，但却可以肯定，心智中并没有与之相关的资料。

VectorThis case has some connection to us. You guys still remember Rodrigo, right?这个案件，和我们404二队有一些渊源，你们应该还记得那个罗德里格吧？

HarpsyT-that guy totally screwed us over. Good thing we ended up getting help from Klukai...那……那个人，把我们害惨了。幸好最后有可露凯的帮助……

WelrodThat's right. He's a scoundrel full of lies. Hope you guys didn't forget that we've got some history with him.没错，一位满嘴谎话的小人。忘了吗？这家伙还和我们有点过节呢。

(Rodrigo is a Yellow Zone bounty hunter who often smuggled people and contraband into Green Zone cities.)（罗德里格是黄区的一位赏金猎人，曾多次非法向绿区城市运送人员与违禁品。）

(Just after arriving in the Yellow Zone, 404 Team B took on a mission he arranged about a year ago.)（在大概一年前，404二队的一行人刚到黄区的时候接手过他安排的任务。）

(They ended up getting betrayed by Rodrigo mid-mission and nearly met their end at the hands of Varjagers.)（结果她们在途中遭到罗德里格的背叛，差点栽在了瓦良格帮的手里。）

WelrodNOMFA arrested him just a few days ago. Leva learned part of the interrogation through a mole she planted inside, and that's how she found this lab.就在几天前，他被非军事管理局的人抓捕。莱娅通过安置在内部的眼线，得知了其中的部分审讯内容，才找到了此处实验室。

RucheyHmph! He totally deserved it! Guess he did receive his just deserts!哼，活该，那也算是恶有恶报了吧！

RucheyBut Welrod, haven't you been investigating him ever since your time in the satellite city, if I remember correctly?不过维尔德，我记得你以前在卫星城的时候好像就一直在调查他了？

WelrodHe's tied to the illegal drug experiment case in the Green Zone. Harpsy and I have been chasing it for a long time.他与绿区发生的非法药物实验案件有关，我和哈卜茜追查了很久。

WelrodBut I've never really heard of this... "Shepherd".但这个“牧羊人”……我竟然从来没听说过。

VectorGoing by the information Rodrigo provided, she is very likely connected to Paradeus.从罗德里格提供的资料来看，这个人很可能与帕拉蒂斯有关系。

HarpsyBut... But the equipment here is too basic. The models of the instruments used are also different from what we usually encounter in Paradeus facilities...但……但是，这里的设施有点太简陋了，实验设备的型号也和以前见过的帕拉蒂斯设施里的不太一样……

RucheyMaybe the better equipment has already been moved out?是不是好的设备都已经被撤走了呢？

VectorIt's strange. If they had time to move the equipment out, then they should have had time to clean up these experimental subjects too.确实有点奇怪，如果有时间搬运设备，那这些实验体也应该会被清理掉的。

WelrodI'm sorry to see you all so flustered. Don't panic. Some discrepancies in the intel are perfectly normal.我很遗憾看到诸位这副慌张的样子，别急，情报有些出入很正常。

WelrodAlso, I suggest investigating these bodies further. Pay special attention to their wounds.另外，我建议再调查一下那些遗体，特别是他们伤口的部分。

HarpsyW-Wounds? Are you saying... the bodies could be hiding something?伤……伤口？难道……遗体里面会藏着什么吗？

(Following Welrod's hint, Vector begins searching the pitiful bodies and soon finds a memory chip inside one of them.)（维克托按照维尔德的提示，开始搜索那些凄惨的遗体，很快从里面找到了一块记录芯片。）

Vector...The wound is fresh. It looks like someone hid it in there not long ago. Can you help me analyze the contents, Harpsy?……伤口很新，像是刚刚被人藏进去的。哈卜茜，你能分析一下内容吗？

HarpsyO-Okay!好……好的！

RucheyThat's our Welrod! It's amazing you could find information hidden in a place like this~!不愧是维尔德！竟然能找到藏在这种地方的资料～！

WelrodHmph. It's nothing to be surprised about. I can roughly reconstruct how the researchers fled from the footprints here and the scrap paper scattered on the floor...哼，这并不值得惊讶。根据现场足迹，与散落在地上的废纸，我能大致还原出研究员撤离时的景象——

WelrodThey deliberately moved the bodies to make them less obvious to a passing glance.他们刻意挪动受害者遗体，想让它们看起来不那么显眼。

WelrodMore importantly... this victim has been dead for a long time, yet only the wound on the arm looks freshly stitched.更重要的是……这名受害者已经死亡多时了，但只有手臂上的伤口像是刚刚被人缝合起来。

HarpsyYour observation skills are way too amazing, Welrod!维尔德的观察力真是太强了！

VectorIf I remember correctly, that's the scene reconstruction module you installed to solve cases back during your detective days, right? It can virtually recreate the events at a crime scene.要是我没记错，这是你以前做侦探时，为了破案安装的情景还原模块对吧？它可以在罪案现场虚拟出案发时的情景。

WelrodIt's not all down to the module. What matters more is a detective's ingenuity...不只是模块的功劳，更重要的是依靠侦探的智谋……

WelrodHow's your progress, Harpsy? Anything important in that chip?怎么样，哈卜茜？这枚芯片里面包含有重要的资料吗？

HarpsyHmm... the contents are a bit weird. I'm sending them to everyone now.嗯……内容相当奇怪，我现在发给大家。

(Harpsy sends her team some of the extracted documents.)（哈卜茜提取出部分文件，发送给其他人。）

RucheyEh? What is this? The project name listed in this document is—"Project Eternal Oracle"?诶？这是什么？文件上记载的项目名称是——“永恒神谕计划”？

Ruchey"Prosthetic modification can raise the tolerance of biological tissue to Collapse radiation, thereby achieving partial immunity and showing better adaptability during the cultivation process..."『义体的改造能提升生物组织对坍塌辐射的耐受程度，从而达到部分免疫效果，在培育过程中体现出更好的适应性……』

RucheyW-What does this all mean, Vivi?Vivi，这……这是什么意思啊？

VectorCombined with the experimental data Harpsy just found, the experiments being done here look a lot like the creation of Nytos.结合哈卜茜刚才发现的实验数据，这里进行的实验，有点像是制造涅托。

HarpsyN-Nytos? Are they those weird modded humans we fought back in our Griffin days?涅、涅托？是以前在格里芬的时候，和我们战斗过的那些奇怪的改造人吗？

Welrod"Eternal Oracle"...“永恒神谕”……

VectorDid something come to mind, Welrod?维尔德，你想到了什么吗？

WelrodJust like the name "Shepherd", I can't shake the feeling that I've come across this information somewhere before... but I can't remember where.和听到“牧羊人”名字的时候一样，我总感觉这些情报在哪里接触过，但是……想不起来。

WelrodIn any case, it's definitely connected to Paradeus, even if this place looks far shabbier than their other labs.总之，虽然这里看起来比帕拉蒂斯的其他实验室穷酸不少，但可以肯定和他们有关。

WelrodAny other findings, Harpsy?哈卜茜，还有其他的发现吗？

HarpsyThere's also an encrypted file directory in the chip. It's locked behind multiple layers of restrictions.芯片里还有一个加密的文件目录，被施加了多重限制。

VectorThen let us enter Level II and try to decrypt it.那就进入二级平层破解试试吧。

(The team prepares for battle, then dives into Level II to crack the file that may hold key information.)（众人于是做好了战斗准备，潜入二级平层对可能记载着关键信息的文件进行破解。）

Neural Match 心智对弈

Welrod...Hang on.……等等。

(The peaceful lakeside scenery draws Welrod's attention. She was cracking the encrypted file on Level II with her teammates mere moments ago.)（一幕和谐的湖边风景吸引了维尔德的注意力，就在刚才，她还和队友们一起在二级平层中破解着加密文件。）

(But Welrod now finds herself in the midst of an unusually gorgeous vista all of a sudden.)（然而转眼间，维尔德就发现自己身处一片异常优美的风光中。）

(A gentle breeze drifts in from the lake. A few white waterbirds skim across the water, casting shadows in the mellow sunshine.)（徐徐微风从湖面吹来，几只白色的水鸟正飞掠水面，在和煦的阳光里投下影子。）

WelrodWhat is this place?……这里是？

(Welrod is taken aback by the sound of birdsong and running water.)（听着耳旁的鸟鸣和流水声，维尔德感到错愕。）

(This unspoiled scenery resembles neither the carefully landscaped parks of the White Zone nor the boundless wilds of the Yellow Zone.)（眼前原生态的自然景色既不像是有着雕琢痕迹的白区公园，也不是一望无际的黄区荒野。）

WelrodAbnormal coordinates, and my comms are cut off from the rest...坐标定位异常，通讯中断……

WelrodRight. I was attacked by an enemy on Level II just now. Could this be... erroneous data in my neural cloud?对了，我刚才在二级平层里遭到了敌人的攻击。这难道是……心智中出现的错误数据？

(Welrod tries to exit Level II but it quickly fails, so she tries to contact her teammates instead.)（维尔德尝试从二级平层切出，但很快失败了，于是便试着联络队友。）

WelrodHarpsy, can you hear me?哈卜茜，听得到我的联络吗？

WelrodVector? Ruchey?维克托？乌琪？

Welrod...……

WelrodLooks like I'll have to figure this out on my own.只能我自己想办法了。

(Welrod looks around. The sun has just slipped behind the clouds, and with the glare gone, her gaze can reach much farther.)（维尔德环顾周围，太阳刚好被云层遮挡，没有了刺眼阳光的阻碍，她的视线可以接触到更远的地方。）

(Welrod remains wary of the sudden appearance of this scenery, but she can't help but inwardly marvel at how beautiful the pure nature appears to be.)（维尔德依然对这突然出现的风景感到警惕，但也不得不在心里感叹，纯净的自然风光原来是如此美丽。）

WelrodThere seems to be a village across the lake?湖的对岸好像有个村子？

Welrod...It's worth investigating.……有调查的价值。

(Welrod suppresses her growing sense of unease and heads toward the village.)（维尔德压抑着心中的异常感，朝着村子前进。）

(The houses that surround her are built in a rustic style. Each dwelling sits beside gardens and farmland, and it all blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature.)（周围的房屋样式古朴，每一栋都紧邻着农田与花园，与自然融为一体。）

(Welrod gradually notices more and more oddities. Not a single road leads to this village. There aren't even any electrical facilities or signal towers around.)（维尔德渐渐察觉到了异样，在村子周围，不仅没有供车辆通行的公路，甚至也看不到电力设施或信号塔。）

WelrodSomething's wrong...不太对劲……

(The village before her shows almost no trace of modernization. It looks like it came straight out of the "Age of Peace" described in books—an idyllic, pastoral era without pollution or strife.)（眼前的村庄几乎没有现代化的痕迹，它像是来自书中记载的“和平时代”——那个没有污染，没有纷争的田园牧歌岁月。）

(This makes no sense at all. Just as Welrod starts to worry that something is wrong with her neural cloud, a figure appears before her.)（这太不合理了，维尔德担心是自己心智出了什么问题，就在这时，眼前出现了一个人影。）

???...……

(Welrod doesn't notice the figure's footsteps at all. By the time she snaps out of it, the one in the eerie bird mask is already standing right in front of her.)（维尔德并没有注意到她的脚步声，回过神来，戴着诡异鸟脸面具的人便已经来到了她的面前。）

Welrod...Who's that?……谁？

???...Are you here to seek the truth yet again, detective?……你又想要寻找真相了吗？侦探。

???What a pity. As long as I am here, you cannot possibly succeed.很可惜，只要有我在这里，你就不可能做得到。

(Welrod raises her gun, but the strange masked figure doesn't come any closer. Instead, they turn and walk toward the village.)（维尔德举起了枪，但奇怪的面具人没有继续靠近，反而转过了身，朝着村子的方向走去。）

(A sudden gust sweeps in off the lake, but Welrod doesn't dare take her eyes off the figure, continuing to watch warily.)（湖面的风突然吹拂而过，维尔德不敢移开视线，警惕地看着对方。）

WelrodDid you come from the village? Or are you... a part of the illusion?是那个村子的人吗？ 或者……是幻想的一部分？

(More questions well up one after another. The village is terrifyingly quiet and doesn't seem to be inhabited.)（更多的疑问接连涌出，这个村子安静得可怕，并不像是有人居住。）

(Welrod hesitates over whether to keep following and get to the bottom of it when she suddenly feels a chill.)（她犹豫着是否要继续跟过去，一探究竟，却在这时感觉到一股寒意。）

WelrodIt's... getting foggy?这是……起雾了？

(Fog envelops the entire village, but the masked figure doesn't slow down and quickly vanishes from Welrod's sight.)（雾气包裹住整个村子，面具人却没有放慢脚步，很快消失在维尔德视线里。）

Welrod(That's weird. The weather was so clear just moments ago...)（好奇怪，这周围刚才还很晴朗……）

(The white fog grows thicker by the second, shrouding fields and houses.)（白色的雾气越来越浓，周围的田野、屋舍也被隐藏在其中。）

(Welrod feels that something is amiss; she can't even see the ground now.)（维尔德感觉不太寻常，因为她很快发现连自己所站立的地面也看不见了。）

(It's as if she is floating in the air, amidst a fog named "unknown"...)（她像是飘在了空中，被一阵名为“未知”的迷雾包裹……）

(Welrod experiences a brief loss of consciousness.)（维尔德经历了短暂的意识中断。）

(When she awakens, she finds herself lying inside a capsule-style repair pod.)（而当她再次苏醒，发现自己正躺在一个胶囊式的维修舱室里面。）

WelrodThis doesn't look like one of 404's bases.这里好像不是404的据点？

(Just as she is growing confused, a door opens nearby, revealing a man she knows all too well.)（正感到疑惑时，不远处的门打开了，眼前出现的是她无比熟悉的身影。）

CommanderHow are you feeling, Welrod?维尔德，你感觉怎么样？

(Still somewhat dazed, she stares at him for a good while before finally saying the familiar title aloud.)（维尔德有些恍惚，盯着他看了好一会儿，才叫出了那个熟悉的称呼。）

WelrodC-Commander?指……指挥官？

(She has been away on missions lately and hasn't returned to the Elmo in a long time.)（她最近一直在外面执行任务，已经很久没有返回艾莫号了。）

(Her contact with the Commander is mostly through remote comms, so chances to meet face-to-face like this are rare.)（与指挥官的交流也都是通过远程通讯，像这样直接见面的机会并不太多。）

CommanderHow do you feel?你感觉怎么样？

Welrod...Could the hallucination still not be over? Is the Commander really standing in front of me right now?……我竟然会看到指挥官出现在面前，难道幻觉还没有结束？

RucheyHehe~ You're not hallucinating at all! We're already aboard the Elmo.嘿嘿～这可不是幻觉哦，我们已经来到艾莫号上了。

HarpsyW-Welrod, are you alright?!维、维尔德，你没事吧！

HarpsyUuuu... It's all my fault. I didn't realize that those programs would have a special effect on Welrod.呜呜……都是我的错，没发现那些程序会对维尔德产生特殊的效果。

WelrodYou guys are here too?怎么你们也在？

VectorDo you remember? While we were cracking that encrypted file on Level II together, you were hit by a fierce attack on your neural cloud and crashed...你还记得吧？在一起潜入二级平层破解加密文件的过程中，你遭到了猛烈的心智攻击，然后陷入了宕机状态……

WelrodI remember a bit of it... When we came into contact with those programs... some strange data suddenly appeared in my neural cloud.我有点印象……在接触到那些程序的时候，我的心智……突然出现了一些奇怪的数据。

CommanderKlukai contacted me. She said it was an emergency and getting back to 404 Team B's base would take a lot of time, so you've all been brought aboard the Elmo for the time being.是可露凯联系的我，她说情况紧急，返回404二队的据点要花很多时间，所以临时将你们接到了艾莫号上。

KlukaiA simple investigation mission, yet it ended up like this... You all need to reflect carefully on this blunder.一次简单的调查任务竟然变成这种情况，你们得好好反省这次的失误。

VectorI'm sorry. It's all because I failed to lead everyone well as the leader...对不起，都是我这个队长没有带领好大家……

WelrodStill... a chance to rest up back on the Elmo isn't a bad thing. Long time no see, Commander.不过……有机会返回艾莫号休整，也不算坏事。好久不见，指挥官。

(Welrod's eyes regain their sparkle.)（维尔德眼神中恢复了一些光彩。）

(Only then does she seem to realize she's lying in a repair pod. She tries to stand up, but the wires plugged into her body hold her back.)（紧接着，她像是才反应过来自己躺在维修舱里，想站起来却被插在身上的线路限制了。）

WelrodWait a minute. I've finally got a chance to see the Commander again, so why am I in this state?等等，好不容易和指挥官见面，我怎么会是这副样子？

MaylingP-Please don't thrash around! We're currently trying to repair your neural cloud!请、请别乱动，我们正在为你进行心智的修复！

LevaDone with the reminiscing? We're dealing with something rather troublesome, so I'll get straight to the point.叙旧结束了吗？现在情况比较复杂，我就直接说重点了。

WelrodLeva? Why are you also here?莱娅？你怎么也在。

LevaI'm the one who commissioned your mission, after all. Now that something's gone wrong, I ought to find out why.毕竟是我委托的任务，现在出了问题，自然要查清楚原因。

LevaWelrod, part of your neural cloud data has been locked down, and it may take a while to recover.维尔德，你的心智中有一部分数据遭到了封锁，可能需要较长时间才能恢复。

Welrod...Is this some kind of bad joke? I'm feeling quite fine at the moment. Though I did experience some strange hallucinations just now.……这是什么恶劣的玩笑吗？我现在总体感觉上还好。 虽然在刚才，看到了一些奇怪的幻觉。

HarpsyThose... hallucinations are likely your locked data. Welrod... calm down and listen to me.那……那些幻觉应该就是遭到封锁的数据，维尔德……你冷静听我说。

HarpsyIt's possible that this program has been in your neural cloud for a long time. It... It's been locking specific sectors within your memory...或许是从很早以前开始，你的心智里一直有个程序，它……它在对你特定的记忆扇区进行封锁……

WelrodWhat do you mean? Isn't my current condition because of the attack in Level II?什么意思？我现在的异常，不是因为在二级平层里遭到攻击的缘故吗？

LevaYes and no.是、也不是。

LevaThe attack served as a trigger. It led your neural cloud's diagnostic system to discover a malicious program that had been hidden for a long time.这次的攻击是个诱因，它让你的心智检测系统，发现了一个被长期隐藏的恶意程序。

LevaThink of it in terms of the human immune system—this virus slipped past your immune surveillance and has gone undetected all this time.用人类的免疫来比喻的话，这个病毒躲开了免疫监视，一直没有被发现。

LevaBut a similar attack finally let your neural cloud pick it up this time.但这次遭到了类似的攻击，它终于被你的心智系统察觉了出来。

WelrodAre you saying... part of my memory has been locked away by someone? For all this time?你是说……我有一段记忆一直被人封锁？很久之前就是这样？

LevaThat's right. You're sharp, so you've grasped the point quickly.是的，你很聪明，很快就抓住了事情的重点。

WelrodCan we determine roughly how long it's been there?能确定大概有多久吗？

MaylingI've checked. The locked sectors are data from at least two years ago.我检测过，那些被封锁的扇区，至少都是两年前的数据了。

(Mayling makes a brief list of timestamps and hands it over to Welrod.)（美玲列出了一个简短的时间戳目录，交给维尔德。）

WelrodThese timestamps... they're from when I was in the satellite city? I remember a lot of incidents happening back then... Ugh!这些时间点，是我在卫星城里的时候？我还记得，那个时候发生了不少事件……唔！

Dyla(...)（……）

Poludnitsa(...)（……）

达莉娅(...)（……）

(...)（……）

CommanderWelrod!维尔德！

MaylingYou can't force yourself to remember! We still need more time for data recovery!你不可以强行回想！修复数据还需要时间！

LevaYou should just have a good rest and leave this investigation to the rest of 404. Besides, I believe a certain eager Commander will be more than happy to help.你还是好好休息吧，这个任务先交给404的其他人调查，而且，我想某位热心的指挥官也会义不容辞地帮忙的。

WelrodI've remembered something... The locked memories are connected to this "Shepherd" we're investigating!我想起来了一些……被封锁的记忆和这次的调查对象那个“牧羊人”有关！

LevaSo that really is the case? The neural attack you ran into in the lab shares characteristics with the virus that's long lain dormant in your neural cloud, and that's what activated it.果然是这样吗？你们在实验室里遇到的心智攻击，与你心智中长期存在的病毒程序有着相似的特征，所以才会导致它被激活。

LevaClearly, the two came from the same person.很明显，这二者是出自于同一个人之手。

WelrodThat's right... I once investigated her back in the satellite city! And she's part of Paradeus!没错……我曾经在卫星城里调查过她！而且，她还是帕拉蒂斯的人！

KlukaiJudging by the research files Harpsy managed to copy, "Project Oracle" seems to be some sort of technology for making or replicating Nytos.从哈卜茜拷贝回来的研究资料来看，“神谕计划”应该是某种制造或者仿制涅托的技术。

Welrod...There should be more clues in my memory, but I can't recall them.……记忆里应该还有更多线索，我却想不起来。

WelrodHarpsy, how long will the memory restoration take?哈卜茜，修复这些记忆需要多少时间？

HarpsyEh? W-well... memory restoration comes with uncertainties, so we can't say how long it will take right now, unless...诶？这、这个……记忆修复存在不确定性，时间现在不清楚，除非……

MaylingIt definitely can't be done in a few days! Fragments of the attack program are still lodged in your neural cloud data, and we need to identify and delete them one by one.几天内肯定不行！攻击程序还残留在你的心智数据中，我们需要先将其逐一识别并删除。

WelrodThat's too slow. "Shepherd" isn't going to sit around leisurely sipping tea and wait for us.太慢了，“牧羊人”可不会悠哉地喝着红茶在原地等我们。

KlukaiMayling's right. If you force yourself to join the operation and suddenly crash on the battlefield, what then?美玲是对的，你要是勉强加入行动，在战场上突然宕机怎么办？

KlukaiThe wounded should prioritize recovery. Don't tell me you've forgotten such a basic principle.伤员就应该好好休养，不会连这种事还需要我提醒吧？

RucheyShe's right. Rest well, Welrod. We'll definitely avenge you!没错的，你先好好休息吧，维尔德，我们一定会帮你报仇的！

(Welrod is unwilling to accept it, but Klukai's words leave her with no way to argue back.)（维尔德不太甘心，但可露凯的话让她无法反驳。）

CommanderDon't worry, Welrod. 404 and I will help you nab "Shepherd".别担心，维尔德，我会和404一起抓住“牧羊人”的。

CommanderJust have a good rest. If you remember anything, feel free to tell us anytime.你先好好休息，如果想起了什么，可以随时告诉我们。

Welrod...I understand.……我明白了。

(...)（……）

(The Elmo's hangar is silent at midnight, with only the faint hum of distant machinery still echoing through the air.)（深夜，艾莫号的机库内一片寂静，只有远处设备运转的微弱嗡鸣声回荡。）

(After finishing the last checks for the day, Mayling has also returned to her dorm.)（在进行完当天的最后一次检查后，美玲也返回了宿舍。）

(The indicator lights on Welrod's repair pod silently flicker.)（维尔德所在的维修舱上，指示灯静静地闪烁着。）

(The hangar door opens. A tiny figure enters.)（这时，随着机库门被打开，一个小小的身影走了进来。）

HarpsyI'm here, Welrod.维尔德，我来了。

(Harpsy walks up to the repair pod. Welrod slowly opens her eyes.)（哈卜茜走到了维修舱面前，维尔德缓缓睁开眼睛。）

WelrodSorry for calling you here so late, Harpsy.抱歉哈卜茜，这么晚叫你过来。

HarpsyI-It's alright. Klukai hasn't assigned Team B any new field missions yet, so I'm still on standby... perfect time for a chat with you.没、没关系啦，可露凯暂时没给二队安排外出的任务，我正在待机准备中……正好可以和你说会儿话。

HarpsyAre you feeling any discomfort? Mayling said you might see hallucinations during memory restoration because your neural cloud data is in disarray.你会不会很难受啊？美玲说在记忆修复过程中，你可能会因为心智数据紊乱看到幻觉。

WelrodHallucinations? Hmph. I've seen plenty of them already. I saw a strange village and someone wearing a mask...幻觉？哼，刚才就已经看到过不少了，一个奇怪的村子，还有戴着面具的人……

WelrodI have no idea whether that was an experience forced by the virus, or part of my damaged memory.不知道那是被强行输入的病毒体验，还是我受损记忆的一部分。

HarpsyD-Don't worry! Everything will go back to normal once your neural cloud data is restored!你……你别担心！只要等心智数据修好，一切都会恢复正常！

HarpsyStill... How much do you still remember about your time in the satellite city, Welrod?不过维尔德……有关卫星城的事你还记得多少？

HarpsyY-You couldn't have forgotten... that you rescued me from the underground research lab, have you?该……该不会，连把我从地下研究所里救出来的事你也忘了吧？

Welrod...You mean that time a certain highly skilled hacker lacked so much common sense that she nearly got used by a criminal syndicate? How could I forget that?……某位技术高超的骇客缺乏社会常识，差点被犯罪集团利用的事吗？这怎么可能忘记。

HarpsyC-Come on, I've reflected on it countless times already... But I'm glad you remember.我、我已经反省很多次啦……不过，你记得就好。

WelrodBased on the timestamps Mayling gave me, the memory block began before I met you. Which means "Shepherd" and I had already met back then...从美玲帮我整理的时间戳来看，我的记忆被封锁是在和你相遇之前。这也就是说，我和牧羊人早在那时就见过面……

WelrodHarpsy, I want your full honesty. Is there a quicker way for me to restore my memory?哈卜茜，你实话告诉我，是不是还有能更快帮我修复心智的方法？

WelrodWhen I asked you earlier today, your reaction gave everything away.我白天问你这个问题时，你的态度已经暴露了一切。

HarpsyY-You noticed?你、你注意到了吗？

WelrodHmph. I wouldn't have chosen to be a detective if I couldn't even notice something like that.哼，如果连这都注意不到，我就不会选择当侦探了。

WelrodI said it before, didn't I? I have a scene reconstruction module in my neural cloud, so anything I've seen can be replayed in my mind.我不是说过吗，我的心智中有情景还原模块，只要是看过的事情就能在心智中再现。

WelrodSo do you have a quicker way, Harpsy?所以哈卜茜，你有办法吗？

HarpsyI-I do... but I've discussed that option with the others already. We chose not to use it because it has risks.有、有的啦……但这个方案我和大家讨论过，因为有风险，所以没有被采纳。

WelrodCan you tell me about it?能不能告诉我？

WelrodYou and I hunted Rodrigo together, so you know how much I hate criminals. Not to mention, the "Shepherd" we're after this time is very likely a member of Paradeus.你和我一起追捕过罗德里格，应该知道我是如何痛恨罪犯。更不用说，这次要抓捕的“牧羊人”很可能是帕拉蒂斯成员。

WelrodIf there are leads hiding within my neural cloud, I must find a way to uncover them!而如果线索就在我的心智中，那我一定要想办法把它挖出来！

HarpsyUm... My method actually has something to do with your scene reconstruction module.唔……我的方法，其实和维尔德你的情景还原模块有关。

HarpsyBy "reconstructing" the scenes from before and after those memories in Level II, we replay what you experienced at the time...通过在二级平层“重建”记忆前后的场景，回放维尔德你当时的体验……

HarpsyT-That should probably activate your memory sectors and help identify the virus... while quickly repairing the damaged data.这、这样大概就能激活记忆扇区，一边识别病毒……一边快速修复受损的数据。

WelrodReplay those memories? Isn't that data still locked?回放当时记忆？那些数据不是还被封锁着吗？

HarpsyThat's a misunderstanding. Doll neural clouds are really complex, so encryption programs can't directly interfere with memories.这里有个误解，人形的心智是很复杂的，封锁程序并不能直接干涉记忆。

HarpsyHer program simply messes up your memory tags to prevent you from remembering key details.她只是把记忆的标签打乱，阻止你回忆起关键的细节。

HarpsyScene reconstruction, on the other hand... is meant to help you rebuild the sequence of your memories...而情景还原……目的就是帮助你重建记忆序列……

WelrodI think I get it. The plan is for me to relive past events inside my neural cloud, right?我大概明白了，情景还原……就是要在心智空间中，重新体验一遍过去的事情，对吧？

HarpsyY-Yeah... But still, this is different from normal memory recollection.是、是的……不过，这和一般的回忆不同。

HarpsySince you've already forgotten what happened, you likely won't realize that you're in Level II during scene reconstruction.由于维尔德你已经忘记了当初的事，所以在情景还原时，你大概不会意识到自己身处二级平层。

HarpsyIt's actually a protective mechanism. You must become your past self to experience the past again.这也是一种保护机制，你必须变成当初的你，重新经历过去的时光。

HarpsyBut that's also where the danger lies... that virus is still in there, so you might make different decisions and diverge from your own past due to its influence.但危险也在这里……那个病毒程序还没有清除掉，由于它的干扰，你可能会采取和以前不同的行动。

HarpsyThat could mess up your memories further, and it might even damage data that was originally intact.这会导致更严重的记忆混乱，甚至损坏原本完好的数据。

HarpsyMiss Mayling was worried about that, which was why we didn't pick this option.美玲小姐就是担心这个，所以没有采用这个方案。

HarpsyWelrod, I-I think you should just trust the Commander. Everyone has already started investigating "Shepherd"!维尔德，你、你还是相信指挥官吧，大家已经开始调查“牧羊人”了！

WelrodOf course I trust the Commander. I have no doubt that he can definitely catch "Shepherd".我当然相信指挥官，我甚至可以肯定他一定能抓到“牧羊人”。

HarpsyThen why do you still want to...那你为什么还要……

WelrodBecause... I don't want to look lame...因为，那不是显得我很逊吗……

HarpsyHuh?诶？

WelrodAhem! I, Welrod, am a detective. It is my duty to identify criminals.咳！我，维尔德，一名侦探，查明犯人的身份是我的天职。

WelrodNot to mention, the criminal we're after this time is tied to Paradeus, so I have to pull my weight for the Commander.更别说，这次的犯人还和帕拉蒂斯有关，我必须为指挥官出力。

WelrodYet, now that I finally got to see the Commander again, all I can do is lie in a repair pod and sleep all day... Nothing is more agonizing than that.然而好不容易和指挥官重新见面，我却只能待在维修舱睡大觉……没有比这更让人难受的了。

Harpsy...Pfft!……噗！

WelrodWhat are you laughing at?你笑什么？

HarpsyS-Sorry! I just thought... t-this really fits your competitive streak, Welrod.对、对不起啦！我只是觉得……这、这很符合维尔德好强的性格。

WelrodPlease call it confidence. It comes from the results I've achieved on missions so far. By whatever method, I'm confident I can find "Shepherd".请把它称作信心，它来自至今我在任务中取得的成绩，不管是用什么方法，我有信心找到“牧羊人”。

WelrodStill... I'd like to hear your thoughts on the scene reconstruction again.不过……关于这次的情景还原，我想再听听你的意见。

HarpsyY-you mean me?我、我吗？

WelrodI'm afraid I'm being overconfident again... and might walk into Shepherd's trap. Harpsy, do you think this method of restoring my memory is actually viable?我怕我又自信过头……掉进牧羊人的陷阱。 哈卜茜，用这个方法来恢复记忆，你觉得可行吗？

(Harpsy hesitates for a while. Then, she meets Welrod's gaze and finally nods.)（哈卜茜犹豫了一会儿，面对着维尔德的注视，她最终点了头。）

HarpsyI... just thought of a way to improve the plan. Maybe we could add a support character to guide your actions inside those memories.我刚才……想到一个改进的方案，或许可以通过加入辅助角色，来引导你在记忆里的行动。

HarpsyI'll take that role and guide you towards the right decisions!这个角色就由我来操作吧，我会引导你做出正确的选择的！

WelrodVery well. With your help, I believe I can do it.很好，有了你的帮助，那我相信自己能够做到。

WelrodLet's begin. If we can, I hope not to disturb the Commander and the others during the night.开始吧，可以的话，我不想在夜晚惊动指挥官他们。

(With their plan set, Harpsy deftly starts working the repair pod's control panel, adjusting Welrod's neural connection port.)（两人商定方案后，哈卜茜便熟练地在维修舱的面板上操作起来，调整维尔德的心智连接端口。）

(Deep scene reconstruction requires entering a dormant state. When the forced hibernation function activates, Welrod's perception of the real world is cut off as well.)（深度的情景还原需要进入休眠状态，当强制休眠的功能启动时，维尔德对现实世界的感知也中断了。）

HarpsyAlright, Welrod! Let's uphold justice together in your memories and catch the bad guys!好！维尔德，让我们一起在你的记忆中维护正义，抓住那些坏人吧。

Welrod...……

(As the neural connection is fully established, Welrod's consciousness is pulled by an invisible force and instantly plunges into the depths of a Level II built from her own memories.)（随着心智连接的彻底建立，维尔德的意识仿佛被一股无形的力量牵引，瞬间坠入由她自身记忆构建的二级平层深处。）

Old City Phantom 旧城谜影

(207X, satellite city MAS-02.)（207X年，MAS-02卫星城。）

(Sunlight filters through tiny gaps between towering skyscrapers, struggling to reach the crowded streets below.)（阳光透过高耸的摩天大楼缝隙，勉强洒落在下方拥挤的街道上。）

(Located in the bustling downtown, the detective agency sees a constant stream of passersby, yet the interior remains as deserted as ever.)（位于闹市区的侦探事务所，门前人流不断，但事务所内却一如既往地冷清。）

Welrod...……

(Since she has no clients, Welrod, is idly flipping through a well-worn novel while on duty.)（由于没有客人，正在值班的维尔德拿着一本磨损的旧小说，随意翻动着。）

(The assistant bot rolls past her, displaying an impatient line on its face panel.)（助手机器人则从她的身旁驶过，在表情面板上显示出不耐烦的文字。）

???I say, partner, you're supposed to be a detective, yet you're just lazing around? It gives me a headache just watching you.『我说搭档，你身为侦探竟懒成这副样子，我看着都头疼。』

(This detective agency may bear Welrod's name, but its registered owner is a former wage slave who found new work after being laid off.)（这家侦探事务所虽然冠以维尔德的名字，但注册的老板是一位下岗后再就业的社畜。）

(A few years ago, when he was laid off by his company and felt lost about his future, Welrod found him and asked whether he'd be interested in running a detective agency.)（几年前，当他被公司裁员，对人生前途感到迷茫时，维尔德找到他并询问是否对经营侦探所有兴趣。）

(A Doll obviously has more trouble registering a business in a satellite city than a human, which is why Welrod found a "boss" to help her handle all sorts of paperwork.)（以人形的身份在卫星城注册企业显然不太方便，维尔德因此找了这样一位“老板”，来帮她办理各种手续。）

???Even though you're the assistant in name, you're actually this agency's detective. If a client walked in and saw you like this, wouldn't they be completely let down?『你虽然名义上是助手，但实则就是这家事务所的侦探，要是现在有客人来看到你这样子，还不得失望透顶啊？』

Poludnitsa...Pardon the intrusion. I noticed that the door wasn't locked. Are you open today?……失礼了，我看到门没锁，今天是在营业吗？

???Hey, hey, hey! A real sucker actually showed up at the door! I swear, I give up on you... Aren't you gonna get up already?『喂喂喂！真的有冤大头上门了，我真服了你，还不快起来？』

(The boss is usually away, and the Doll on duty always acts high and mighty. For clients familiar with this agency, this is old news—business as usual.)（“老板”通常不在，值班的人形永远是一副高高在上的样子。对于熟悉这家事务所的客户来说，这早已是见怪不怪的正常状况。）

(However, this client is a first-time visitor. Rather than walking straight in, she stands at the door and asks if she may enter.)（然而，这位委托人是初次上门，她没有直接走进来，而是站在门口询问是否可以入内。）

(Welrod calmly closes her novel before adjusting her glasses, projecting composure in every move.)（维尔德不慌不忙地合上书本，将鼻梁上的眼镜往上推了推，动作间透着从容。）

WelrodMIMimiMISuki, as an assistant bot, do you know which type of client is the hardest to communicate with?MIMimiMISuki，你身为一名助手机器人，知道哪种委托人是最难沟通的吗？

MIMimiMISukiSpit it out and stop messing around! What do you think this is, some detective movie?『有话就说，有屁就放，你以为你在拍侦探电影呢！』

WelrodIt's kind who won't reveal their identity and lures a dozen or so people to an island with letters. They're usually the true culprits behind the scenes.是那种不愿透露身份，只用邮件就把十几人骗到小岛上去的委托人，他们通常都是幕后的真凶。

PoludnitsaMy name is Poludnitsa. As for my occupation... I guess I'm a trader.我叫做佩妮泽，职业的话……算是一个商人。

WelrodPlease don't take offense, Miss Poludnitsa. What I just said was a plot point from the novel I was reading.请别介意，佩妮泽小姐，我刚才说的，是刚才小说里的情节。

(Welrod slowly rises from her seat, but as always, she doesn't rush to her client's side.)（维尔德缓缓地站起身，却依旧没有立刻前往委托人身边。）

(She simply gestures for the client to come in, then walks over to the water dispenser and takes a box of tea bags from the messy file cabinet.)（她只是伸手示意请进，然后走到了饮水机旁边，从杂乱的档案柜里拿出一盒茶包。）

(Welrod begins making tea. She slowly pours the hot water, waiting for the leaves to release their rich aroma before carrying two cups over to the sofa, unhurried in every move.)（维尔德开始泡茶，当热水缓缓流入，与茶叶一起散发出美妙的香气后，她才拿着两杯红茶，不紧不慢地坐到沙发上。）

WelrodPlease help yourself. And state the purpose of your visit, quickly and precisely.请用。 然后迅速、准确地说明你的来意。

Poludnitsa...This tea's quite good.……这茶挺不错的。

WelrodOf course it is. I only bring it out when I'm hosting valued visitors.那当然，我只有在接待贵客时才会拿出来分享。

(Poludnitsa slowly stirs her tea with a spoon. She savors a good few sips before finally speaking in a relaxed tone.)（佩妮泽拿起勺子缓缓搅动茶杯，在品味了好几口之后，终于不紧不慢地开口。）

PoludnitsaI heard that this detective agency is the only place in the satellite city that takes commissions related to the old city district.我听说这家侦探事务所，是卫星城内唯一承接旧城区相关委托的地方。

WelrodThe old city district?旧城区？

MIMimiMISukiMAS-02's old city district? Isn't that the garbage heap left over from the NSU era? A huge crime-ridden slum, the kind of place even dogs won't wander.『MAS-02旧城区？那不就是个新苏联时期的垃圾堆吗？犯罪猖獗的大型贫民窟，狗都不去的地方。』

PoludnitsaThat's right. Your assistant bot sure has quite the personality.没错，您的助手机器人还真是有性格。

WelrodI can now say for certain that her personality module is running into some problems today.我已经可以确定她的性格模块今天出了一些问题了。

Welrod...Let's get to the point. What do you want to commission me for?……直说吧，你要委托我做什么？

PoludnitsaA friend of mine has gone missing there. I'd like to get someone familiar with the district to search for her.我有一个朋友在那片地区失踪了，想要找一个对那里熟悉的人帮我进行搜索。

PoludnitsaThis is her photo. Her name is... Haha, she doesn't usually use her real name when operating in the Green Zone, but she has a title—the "Righteous Broker".这是她的照片，名字是……呵呵，她在绿区行动的时候一般不用真名，但有一个称号——“义商”。

(Welrod picks up the photo and examines it for a while before tossing it back onto the table.)（维尔德拿起照片端详了一会儿，又很快把它扔到了桌子上。）

WelrodFirst, I need to ask why Yellow Zone underground brokers like you come to the Green Zone at all.我需要先问一下，像你们这样的黄区暗商为什么会来绿区？

MIMimiMISukiThat lass in the photo is an underground broker? For real?『暗商？就照片上的这货？』

WelrodDon't make a fuss. You can tell from the outfit. Both our client and the person she's looking for are underground brokers.别大惊小怪，看装束就明白了吧。 这位委托人，还有她要找的人都是暗商。

PoludnitsaYou're right... underground brokers do business in the Green Zone, too. Not to mention, this friend of mine is a very naive person.你说得对……暗商也是会做绿区的生意的，更不用说，我的这位朋友，她是个很天真的家伙。

PoludnitsaJust worrying about one's own livelihood is hard enough, yet she loves meddling in other people's business...明明光是顾虑自己的生活就很不容易了，但她偏爱多管闲事……

PoludnitsaWhen our "Righteous Broker" found out that quite a few Yellow Zone residents had suddenly gone missing and been sold to this satellite city, she decided to come here and look into it.这位“义商”，在发现有不少黄区居民突然失踪，并且被卖到这座卫星城之后，就决定来这边调查一番。

PoludnitsaWe stayed in touch until a month ago... when I suddenly lost all contact from her.这期间，我们保持着联络，直到一个月前……我突然失去了她的音信。

Welrod...Sounds like she's gotten caught up in the crimes.……听起来像是被卷入了犯罪中。

(Welrod pushes up her glasses. Only her assistant bot, who knows her very well, can tell that her tone softens a little upon hearing that the missing woman loves to meddle.)（维尔德推了推眼镜，只有非常了解她的助手机器人能看出来，在听到对方爱管闲事后，她语气稍微温和了一些。）

WelrodSecurity in the old city district has been getting worse lately.旧城区最近的治安，变得比之前更加恶劣了。

WelrodMiss Poludnitsa, if you've investigated over there, then you should know that something terrible is happening.佩妮泽小姐，如果你有去那边调查过，就应该知道，可怕的事件正在发生。

(Welrod shifts her posture, picks up a tablet from beside her, and pulls up a news story that just appeared this morning—)（维尔德换了一个坐姿，从旁边拿起了平板，翻开了一则今天早上刚刚出现的新闻——）

("MAS-02 old city district—25th victim found in the grisly serial murders. The victim's limbs were soaked in blood for an extended period, and the muscle tissue has swollen beyond human recognition.")（『MAS-02旧城区，猎奇杀人案发现第二十五位死者，死者的肢体被血液长时间浸泡，肌肉组织肿胀，不成人形。』）

WelrodSecurity is in chaos there. A single street could be home to several different gangs, and the largest of them right now is called the Daggers.那里的治安很混乱，一条街上就能有好几个帮派，目前最大的那个叫做匕首帮。

PoludnitsaYou know the situation well. Name your price.你果然很了解，开个价吧。

Welrod...For cases in the old city district, I usually collect the fee only after the job is done.……对于旧城区的案子，我一般会在完成之后再收取委托费。

WelrodMIMi, get ready to head out. We've got work to do.MIMi，准备好出门，要干活了。

MIMimiMISukiNo cutting corners! Address me by my full name!『不许随便省略，称呼我全名！』

WelrodThis'll do. Your full ID is too much of a mouthful.就这样吧，你这ID也太难念了。

(...)（……）

(Over half an hour later, the taxi Welrod is riding in is traveling along the wide roads of satellite city MAS-02.)（半个多小时后，维尔德乘坐的出租车，正在MAS-02卫星城内宽阔的道路上行驶。）

(Even though Welrod said no deposit was needed, Poludnitsa still left behind a credit card that's usable in the surrounding Green Zone for her to employ during the investigation.)（虽然她说不用给定金，但佩妮泽还是留下了一张可以在周边绿区使用的信用卡，让她在调查中使用。）

MIMiNot bad, partner! This client's more generous than the previous ones. We don't have to trek to the scene on foot anymore.『行啊搭档，这个委托人比以前的那些大方，我们不用徒步前往现场了。』

WelrodDon't celebrate too early. Remember, we're heading to the old city district.现在高兴还太早，别忘了，那里可是旧城区。

WelrodCome to think of it, why is your name so bizarre? MIMimiMISuki... did I really give you that name?说起来，你的名字为什么会这么奇怪？MIMimiMISuki……这是我起的吗？

MIMiObviously! I'm your bot, damn it. Do you think my name just fell from the sky?『废话！老子是你的机器人，名字还能是天上掉下来的？』

WelrodUnbelievable. I actually have taste this terrible... Hm?难以置信，我竟然会有如此糟糕的品味……嗯？

(A call suddenly comes in.)（此时突然有通讯打了过来。）

MIMiThis number is... It's our 'boss'! Tsk, capitalists are all the same. He must have noticed you're not at your desk and called to hold you accountable!『这个号码是，“老板”！切，资本家都是这样，一定是发现你不在工位上，来问责了！』

WelrodYou've got it wrong. Actually... I'm the real boss.你搞错了，实际上……我才是老板。

BossW-Welrod? My apologies for calling you now. I'm not interrupting anything, am I?维……维尔德吗？抱歉给你打电话，没有打扰你吧？

(Welrod takes the call. Her "boss" sounds rather meek and earnest.)（维尔德接了通讯，对话中的“老板”显得非常卑微，语气恳切。）

BossUm... A friend of mine wishes to commission you. Do you happen to be free right now?那个……我这里有个朋友，想要委托你办一件事。不知道你现在有没有空？

WelrodI already have a commission on my hands. I'm heading to the old city district next.我现在手里已经有委托了，接下来要去旧城区。

BossThe old city district? Perfect! This new commission also has links to that place!旧城区？那正好啊！这个委托也和旧城区有关！

BossThe client is the daughter of a White Zone CEO. She wants to find a friend from the past. Her name is Janina, apparently an old playmate of hers.委托人是白区公司总裁的女儿，她要在那里找一个过去的朋友，名字叫做雅妮娜，好像是她过去的玩伴。

WelrodSo you're telling me... that a young mistress from the White Zone has a playmate in the old city district? Boss, are you sure your head's on straight today?你是说……白区的大小姐在旧城区有玩伴？ “老板”，你确定你的脑子没有出问题？

BossI'm just telling you what I heard from her... I'll forward you the email with all the commission details. Go ahead and take a good look yourself—她就是这么说的……我把委托的邮件发给你，你再详细看看吧。

(Welrod hangs up before her "boss" can even finish his sentence. That's exactly how casual and carefree her workplace is.)（维尔德没等“老板”说完就挂掉了电话，她的职场就是如此潇洒惬意。）

MIMiWelrod... what do I do? I'm kinda pissed off. Back in the Green Zone, I couldn't even find one proper job, and then I got sold off to criminals and almost...『维尔德……我有点火大怎么办？老子以前在绿区的时候连一份正经的工作都找不到，还被人卖给罪犯，差点就……』

Welrod...What kind of strange backstory are you making up for yourself this time? Enough chatter. Get ready to get out of the taxi.……你又给自己做了什么奇怪的设定，别废话了，准备下车吧。

MIMiWait a minute, aren't we still some distance away from the old city district?『等会儿，好像还没到旧城区吧？』

WelrodSee that checkpoint up front? That's the end of the taxi's service area.看到前面的关卡了吗？出租车的运营区域就到这里。

(After getting out of the taxi, Welrod passes through a checkpoint manned by PMCs.)（从出租车下来后，维尔德通过了由P.M.C.值守的关卡。）

(In MAS-02, government-hired personnel are often found guarding the paths that link the new and old city districts.)（在MAS-02，新旧城区之间通常会有受到政府雇佣的人，把守各条道路。）

Welrod...We're finally through.……总算是通过关卡了。

MIMiTsk. We went through all that hassle just to end up walking anyway? That stupid checkpoint deserves to get bombed. What a waste of time.『啧，折腾半天还是要自己走，这破关卡干脆炸了算了，浪费时间。』

(...)（……）

(The tidy face of the city vanishes the moment they pass the checkpoint. Decrepit concrete buildings and illegal structures jumble together and line both sides of the alley, looking even cheaper than a garbage heap.)（通过关卡后，原本整洁的城市样貌便消失了。小巷两边，老旧的水泥楼和违规建筑混在一起，看上去比垃圾堆还要廉价。）

Welrod...This place is still the same as ever.……这里还是和以前一样。

WelrodNo, I'd say it's gotten even quieter. There's not a soul in sight on the streets. Is it because of the serial murders?不，应该说更加冷清了，道路上看不到一个人，是连环杀人案的影响吗？

(Welrod suddenly stops in her tracks, and MIMimiMISuki, rolling along the ground, nearly bumps into her heel and beeps out an alarm.)（突然，维尔德停下了脚步，在地上行驶的MIMimiMISuki差点撞到她的脚，发出“滴”的一声警报。）

MIMiGah! Are you blind?『靠！你没长眼啊？』

WelrodQuiet. Someone's coming... looks like some local gang members.别废话，有人来了……是当地的黑帮。

(Just as MIMi is about to give Welrod an earful for her carelessness, a group of figures appear atop the building ahead.)（而正当她打算对维尔德的冒失好好嘴炮一番时，前方的建筑上面，出现了一群人影。）

MIMiHeh, looks like somebody's sick of living and wants to pick a fight with you. Don't embarrass me, Welrod!『嘿，看来有人活腻了想找你干架，维尔德，别给我丢脸啊！』

WelrodPerfect. I wanted to ask them about the Righteous Broker anyway. Let's have these people bring us to the boss of this street.正好，我也想找他们问问义商的事情，就让这些人带我们去见这条街上的老大吧。

Old City Phantom 旧城谜影

(The dimly lit underground bar has no windows. Even its sole exit to the surface is blocked by a thick iron door.)（光线昏暗的地下酒吧不仅没有窗户，连唯一通往地面的出入口处，也被一道厚重的铁门封死了。）

(As a place of entertainment, this room should be echoing with noisy music, but right now every gang member is holding a weapon, and a tense atmosphere fills every corner.)（作为娱乐场所，这里原本应该回荡着嘈杂的音乐，但此时，每位黑帮成员都手持武器，紧张的氛围充斥着每一个角落。）

(After entering the bar, Welrod walks straight to the largest table under their watchful gazes.)（在十几双眼睛的注视下，刚进入酒吧的维尔德走到了那张最大的桌子面前。）

???Welcome, Master Detective. It appears that my subordinates have been careless for failing to recognize you.欢迎啊，大侦探，是我手下的疏忽，竟然没有认出你来。

(A man in an outdated KCCO uniform, his face covered in tattoos, rises from his seat and picks up a glass.)（一个身着KCCO旧式军服，脸上带着纹身的男人起身拿起桌上的酒。）

???Let this drink serve as my apology to you.这杯酒，就当作是我对你的道歉。

WelrodA fine drink. You should save it for your injured thugs. They'll probably need a few weeks to recover.不错的酒。你可以留给那些受伤的打手，他们可能要好几周才能痊愈。

(Realizing that Welrod has no intention of humoring him, the tattooed man has no choice but to set down the cup. His nickname is Vityaz, boss of the Daggers—the most powerful gang in the old city district.)（见维尔德没有应酬的打算，纹身男只好放下杯子。他的绰号是维季亚兹，旧城区里最有实力的帮派匕首帮的老大。）

VityazI still remember the last time you came to investigate a case, Master Detective. We also had a little misunderstanding back then.我还记得大侦探你之前来查案的时候，那个时候也有点小误会。

VityazBut in the end, we managed to reach a partnership. I hope it'll be the same this time.但我们最后还是达成了合作，希望这次也能一样。

WelrodThen have your men put down their weapons first. Don't say I didn't warn you—if a fight breaks out, you'll be the only one who loses, even if it's your own turf.那就先让你的手下把家伙都放下。别怪我没提醒你，就算是在你的地方，真要是打起来，吃亏的只会是你。

VityazHeh, don't worry. These weren't prepared for you...呵呵，别担心，这些东西，不是为了你准备的……

VityazHey, all of you, put your weapons down. Don't scare our guest.喂，都把武器放下吧，别吓到了客人。

WelrodJudging by how tense you all are, are the mighty Daggers somehow wary of someone?看你们紧张的样子，堂堂匕首帮难道是在害怕什么人？

VityazHmph. You should know that there's been some trouble in the old city district lately. One of our guys got taken out just this morning.哼，你应该知道，最近在旧城区发生了一些麻烦。就在今天早上，我们的人也被干掉了。

WelrodThis morning? Could it be the one in the news—今天早上？难道是新闻里的——

VityazThe serial murder cases, the 25th victim!连续杀人案，第25位牺牲者！

VityazHmph. That number's not even right. Several people have gone missing on this street alone, but since their bodies were never found, they aren't counted in the death toll.哼，实际上这数字根本不对，光是这条街上，就有好几个人失踪，只不过一直没找到遗体，不算在死亡人数里罢了。

WelrodYou mean that grisly killer?那位猎奇杀人魔吗？

VityazThe reason my men opened fire on you was that they mistook you for the culprit.我的手下之所以对你开枪，也是因为把你当成了凶手的人。

VityazThere. All misunderstandings cleared up, right? Then let's talk business.好了，误会都解开了？那就谈谈合作吧。

VityazI know you have some connections in the Public Security Administration, Master Detective. If you manage to help us find the culprit, the Daggers will repay you well.大侦探，我知道你在治安管理局里有人脉，如果你能帮我们找出是谁干了这些事，匕首帮一定好好谢你。

(The moment he finishes speaking, an underling pulls a leather suitcase from under the table and sets it in front of Welrod.)（话音刚落，一名小弟立刻从桌子下面拿出了皮箱，放在了维尔德面前。）

WelrodWhat's going on today? Everyone's in such a rush to give me money. Unfortunately, I don't accept money of an unknown origin.今天这是怎么了，谁都赶着给我送钱。很可惜，来路不明的钱我是不会收的。

VityazIf money's not what you need, the Daggers can pay in other ways.要是不缺钱，匕首帮也可以用其他方式来支付。

VityazYou wouldn't come to the old city district for no reason. So be straight with me. What are you investigating this time?你不会无缘无故来旧城区，说吧，你这次是要调查什么？

WelrodI have to say, I can't stand the crimes you commit in the old city district, but I do rather appreciate this practical way of doing business.不得不说，虽然我看不惯你们在旧城区的那些犯罪勾当，但这种务实的做事方法，我还是挺欣赏的。

WelrodI'm looking for someone called the "Righteous Broker". She came to the old city district about a month ago. You know the area well, so I'd like you to help me find out where she is.我在找一个被称作“义商”的人，她在一个月前来过旧城区，我想让熟悉旧城区的你们来帮忙调查她的下落。

VityazThe "Righteous Broker"? Hahaha. Then you've come to the right guy. I did hear of someone like that.“义商”？哈哈哈，那你找对人了，我确实听过有这么个人。

VityazThere was some talk of that person among the district's residents about a month ago, I think...大概是一个月前吧，旧城区的居民之间好像流传过这个人的事情……

VityazSure, I'll look into it for you in detail. What about you? Anything you can share with us?行，我帮你详细调查一下，那你呢？能给我们透露些什么吗？

WelrodWait, I'm not done. I'm working on more than one commission.等等，我还没说完呢，我手上可不止一件委托。

WelrodI'm looking for one more person. Her name is Janina, likely a resident of the old city district.还有一个人，她叫做雅妮娜，应该是旧城区的居民。

VityazJanina? Never heard of her, but if she's a long-term resident, all I have to do is ask around. That should be much quicker than investigating the "Righteous Broker".雅妮娜？虽然没有听过，但如果是长期住在这里的居民，我只要打听一下就能知道，应该会比调查“义商”快得多。

VityazStill, asking for that much intel at once... You'll be able to afford the "payment", right?不过，一次性要那么多情报，你能支付得起“报酬”吧？

(Welrod takes out a tablet, pulls up a picture, and pushes it in front of Vityaz.)（维尔德拿出平板，调出一张图片，推到了维季亚兹面前。）

WelrodThe PSA's surveillance happened to capture the serial killer's appearance a few days ago.治安管理局那边的监控，刚好在几天前拍摄到这位连环杀人犯的模样。

VityazDamn! Where'd you get your hands on this?我去！这东西你是哪里弄到的？

WelrodNot your concern. How I obtain info isn't part of the "payment".那你就别管了，获得情报的途径不是“报酬”的一部分。

米希亚(The screenshot shows a figure in a black cloak. The person hurries through an alley in the old city district, face obscured by an oddly shaped ornament.)（视频截图中，一个身披黑色斗篷的人影正匆忙从旧城区的小巷穿过，其面部则被一种形状奇特的装饰物遮挡。）

VityazStill, it's kind of blurry. This person... seems to be wearing a mask, no?不过看不太清呢，这家伙……还戴着面具吧？

WelrodThey say that's how the killer looks every time they commit a crime.据说它每次作案的时候都是这副样子。

WelrodThat's why the PSA gave them a name—the Harbinger. The bird that heralds death.治安部门还因此给它起了个名字——告死鸟。

(...)（……）

(Welrod leaves the bar. The assistant bot, who has been hiding on a nearby power box, immediately hops down beside her feet.)（维尔德离开了酒吧，躲在一旁供电箱上的助手机器人立刻跳到了她的脚边。）

MIMiYou're back? Hmph, I was keeping watch right here. Knew those good-for-nothings wouldn't have the guts to touch you.『回来啦？哼，老子就在这儿看着，谅那帮废物也没那个胆子动你。』

(Before entering the gang's base, Welrod had arranged for her to stand guard outside. If a conflict broke out within, MIMimiMISuki would immediately cut the power to cover Welrod's retreat.)（在进入黑帮的据点前，维尔德安排她守在外面，如果内部发生冲突，MIMimiMISuki将立刻切断电源，掩护维尔德撤退。）

MIMiSo? Dug up anything?『怎么样？有打探到什么吗？』

WelrodThe Daggers will look into the "Righteous Broker" for us. They said they'll show us their findings by tonight.“义商”的事情，匕首帮会替我们调查，说是到了晚上会给我们结论。

MIMiHey, hey, your brain didn't short-circuit, did it? Can these guys even be trusted? What if they come up with nothing in the end?!『喂喂，你脑子没短路吧？这些人靠得住吗？别到时候什么都查不出来！』

WelrodDon't worry. Vityaz may be scum, but he keeps his word when his own interests are involved.别担心，维季亚兹虽然是个人渣，但在涉及自己的利益时，是个会遵守约定的人。

WelrodThe Daggers are investigating the serial killer, so I agreed to provide them with some intel.匕首帮在调查连环杀人魔，我答应给他们提供一些情报。

MIMiFine then. So what do we do next?『行吧，那接下来咱们干嘛？』

WelrodI also found out where Janina lives. Let's settle the boss' commission first.我还打听了雅妮娜的住所，先去解决“老板”那边的委托吧。

MIMiHelping a young mistress from the White Zone find a playmate? Hmph, people with way too much time on their hands.『帮白区的大小姐找玩伴？哼，真是闲的。』

MIMiBut as it happens, that little mistress heard from the boss that you're going to investigate for her, and she personally stuffed an email into your inbox. Want to read it now?『不过刚好，那大小姐从“老板”那里得知你要帮她进行调查，亲自塞了封邮件给你。现在要看吗？』

WelrodAs expected of a young mistress of the White Zone—so polite. Open it. I'll read it now.不愧是白区的大小姐，真是懂礼貌。打开吧，我现在来看看。

Dear all at the detective agency, Forgive me for skipping the introductions. This is an identity-verified email account, so you only have to check the account details to learn my name and contact information. My request to all of you is to find a special friend, with whom I shared only a single encounter. Many years ago, when I was still a naive student, I once ran away from home on impulse after a quarrel with my parents. I fled to the satellite city, then wandered into the old city district of MAS-02 by mistake. Everyone knows how bad the security is there, and I found myself in danger several times... Fortunately, a girl named Janina helped me. She was the same age as me, with short gray hair and an incredibly warm smile. Janina took me to the place where she lived and showed me so much kindness. Her home looked rather special, as it was built out of numerous shipping containers. Simple, yet incredibly interesting.你们好，侦探事务所的各位： 请恕我略过自我介绍，这是我实名认证的邮箱，只要查阅账号资料，就可得知我的姓名与联系方式。 我想拜托诸位的，是寻找那位与我只有一面之缘的特别友人。 好多年前，还是一位懵懂学生的我，曾由于和父母吵架，冲动地离家出走。我逃到了卫星城，随后误入了MAS-02的旧城区，所有人都知道，那里的治安情况很不好，我几度身陷险境…… 幸而，一位名叫雅妮娜的女孩帮助了我。她和我同年，有一头灰色的短发，笑起来十分亲切。雅妮娜将我带到了她居住的地方，给了我很多照顾。她的家很特别，有很多用集装箱搭建的房屋，虽然简陋，但十分有趣。

Under Janina's guidance, we made a simple stew together. It wasn't delicious, but I had so much fun cooking with her. We played some games, including with the glass marbles that were so popular among local children, a memory that has stayed with me ever since. That evening, Janina even took me to a unique-looking church, with a vivid cross, a spotless altar, and worshippers coming and going in white robes... Afterward, I somehow fell asleep. I don't know the reason for it. But when I woke up, I found myself back home. I asked my parents about Janina, but they said they knew nothing. It's as if I had never gone out at all... As if I had simply fallen asleep and had a strange dream. That wasn't the end of all the strangeness. From that point on, the butler forbade me to go out on my own. My parents hated it whenever I mentioned Janina's name, which was even more strange. They even told me it was all a dream. I never believed it, and in my father's credit account I found records of an enormous transfer. The date of the transfer was the day after I ran away, and the recipient was an underground financial institution in the old city district. That's how I realized that there was more to this than met the eye. Years have passed, and I have finally become independent, able to reinvestigate this old affair without my parents' interference. I need a reliable detective familiar with the area to help me find Janina and uncover what happened back then. I heard that your agency has handled many cases related to the old city district, which is why I've come to commission you. As a token of my sincerity, I have already deposited an advance into your account...雅妮娜带着我一起制作了简单的炖菜，虽然不太好吃，但做饭的过程很有趣。我们玩了一些游戏，旧城区孩子间流行的玻璃弹珠给我留下了印象。到了晚上，雅妮娜还带着我去了一座独特的教堂，那里有鲜艳的十字架、洁白的祭坛，来往的信徒们穿着白衣…… 后来，我不知道是如何睡着了，再次醒来后，竟然发现自己回到了家中。我向父母问起雅妮娜的事，他们都说不知道，好像我根本没有出门，而是睡着了，做了一场奇异的梦。 怪异的事不止这些，自那以后，管家不允许我私自出门，父母则异常讨厌我提起雅妮娜的名字，甚至告诉我那就是一个梦而已。我一直不相信，并在父亲的信用账户里，发现了一条巨额转账记录。汇款时间是在我离家出走的第二天，汇款对象则是旧城区的地下金融机构，我察觉到事情的背后并不简单。 多年过去，我终于独立了，可以不被父母限制，重新调查这件往事。我需要一位熟悉当地的可靠的侦探，帮我找到雅妮娜，弄清楚当年的事情。我听说你们接受过很多旧城区的案件，因此特来委托。为表诚意，我已在您的账户里打入一笔定金……

(Welrod quickly finishes reading the letter.)（维尔德很快读完了信件。）

Welrod...The account in this letter is bizarre. If it isn't made up, there may be some deeper hidden story.……信件里的描述很离奇，如果不是编造的，或许还有一些更深入的隐情。

(For Welrod, finding the Righteous Broker is the commission she wants to finish first.)（对于维尔德来说，寻找义商才是她想优先完成的委托。）

(But after reading this young mistress' commission letter, she grows a little interested in the case as well.)（但在读了这位白区大小姐的委托信后，她又稍微对案件有了一些兴趣。）

No-One's House 无人之家

(Janina's home is situated along a row of houses built from shipping containers, and it looks especially dilapidated even by old city district standards.)（雅妮娜的家是一排由集装箱搭建而成的房屋，即便是在旧城区，也显得特别破败。）

Welrod...I asked some of her neighbors. She's been missing for years.……我问了周围的邻居，这个雅妮娜已经失踪好几年了。

MIMiSee? I knew those racketeering imbeciles couldn't be trusted!『看见没？我就说那帮收保护费的脑残靠不住！』

WelrodBut if you think about it, it does make sense. That young mistress wouldn't need to hire a detective if Janina were still living in her old place.但想想倒也合理，如果雅妮娜还住在原来的地方，白区大小姐也不至于需要委托侦探。

MIMiAny idea where this Janina went?『知道这个雅妮娜是去哪里了吗？』

WelrodNo clue. This is the old city district, after all. Anyone could get caught up in crime here anytime.不清楚，毕竟是在旧城区，什么时候被卷入犯罪都不奇怪。

MIMiHmph. So her whereabouts are unknown? Then she's probably dead.『哼，生死不明吗？那估计就是死了。』

WelrodShe went missing when she was around 15, so if she's still alive, she'd be an adult by now...她失踪的时候大概15岁，要是现在还活着，估计也已经成年了……

WelrodThat said, the Daggers mentioned that Janina has a huge scar on her left cheek. That should make her easy to identify if we come across her.不过，匕首帮的人有提到，雅妮娜的左脸上有一片大块疤痕，如果能找到她，应该可以辨认出来。

WelrodThere's one more lead—Janina often brought different people here to stay, men and women alike.还有一条线索，这位雅妮娜经常会带不同人来这里居住，男的、女的都有。

MIMiWhat's that supposed to mean? Was her place actually some kind of big rental flat?『几个意思？这地方难道还是个大型群租房？』

(Welrod turns her gaze toward the strange building before her. The stacked containers are mottled with rust, suggesting that they've been abandoned for a long time.)（维尔德的视线看向了眼前那座奇怪建筑，堆积的集装箱锈迹斑斑，似乎已经废弃了很久。）

WelrodThere are signs that people lived in these containers. Combined with the lead about Janina bringing people here to stay... I surmise that this was originally a container hotel.这些集装箱内，有人生活过的痕迹，再结合雅妮娜会带人来这里居住的线索……我推测，这里原本是一家集装箱旅馆。

MIMiA hotel?『旅馆？』

WelrodCorrect. Simple lodgings for those with nowhere to go.没错，为那些无家可归之人准备的简易住所。

MIMiFine, this dump is crawling with vagrants and illegal residents, so why was this Janina so kind? Is she some kind of saint?『好吧，这破地方到处是流浪汉和非法黑户，但这雅妮娜为什么这么善良？圣母吗？』

WelrodKind? Hmph, you're overthinking it... Kindness is the thing the old city district lacks most.善良？哼，那你想多了……善良可是旧城区里最缺的东西。

WelrodMy deduction is that—it was her profession.我的推测是——这是她的职业。

WelrodThis is a container hotel. The conditions may be mediocre, but they're more than enough to draw in vagrants, criminals, and illegal border-crossers who smuggled themselves from the Yellow Zone into the satellite city.这是一家集装箱旅馆，虽然居住条件一般，但也足以吸引流浪汉、犯罪者，或者从黄区偷渡到卫星城的非法入境人员了。

(The interior of the container house is cramped and cluttered.)（集装箱屋的内部，空间狭小而杂乱。）

(The assistant bot drives nimbly back and forth across the floor, sensors flickering constantly to scan every inch of the residence in detail.)（助手机器人灵活地在地板上来回行驶，它的传感器不断闪烁，细致地扫描着每一个角落。）

WelrodJust as I thought. Every container here shows signs of having been lived in.果然没错，这里的每一个集装箱内都有人生活过的痕迹。

WelrodThough this place has been abandoned for years, my scene reconstruction module can still roughly simulate how things were back then.虽然这里已经废弃好几年，但我的情景再现模块，依然能够大致模拟出当时的状况。

WelrodThe small containers are guest rooms, and this largest one is where Janina lived.小的集装箱是客房，这间最大的则是雅妮娜居住的地方。

(Welrod notices a potted plant on the windowsill. Its dense foliage pushes out new shoots, looking quite resilient under the sunlight.)（维尔德注意到窗台上的一盆植物，茂密的枝叶抽出新芽，在阳光下显得格外健壮。）

WelrodBut this potted flower is strange. It hasn't withered at all. Could it be that... someone comes to water it?但这盆花有些奇怪，竟然没有枯萎，难道……会有人来浇水？

WelrodMIMi, help me check the trash in every container. I want to confirm again whether anyone's still living in this house.MIMi，帮我检查一下各个集装箱里的生活垃圾，我想再确定一下这栋屋子到底还有没有人居住。

(Over ten minutes later.)（十几分钟后。）

MIMiDone. Just like I predicted, this place has been dead for ages. Every trace in here was left years ago.『搞定，跟老子预判的一样，这屋子早就废了，屋子里的所有痕迹，都是几年前留下来的。』

WelrodThen how did this flower survive...? Is it because it gets rained on?那这盆花能活下来……只是因为能淋到雨水吗？

MIMiIn any case, I only managed to gather two sets of DNA from this house. One belongs to Janina, the other to that young mistress from the White Zone.『反正这屋里我就采集到了两份生物信息。一份是那个雅妮娜的，另一份是那个白区大小姐的。』

WelrodWhat about the other guest rooms?其他客房里呢？

MIMiThey're covered in all sorts of jumbled genetic traces. God knows which guests left those.『各种杂乱的基因到处乱飞，天知道是哪些客人留下的。』

MIMiStill, I managed to dig up a scrap of paper from the wastepaper pile. Some of the writing is still legible.『不过，我在废纸堆里扒拉出一张烂纸，上面有部分字迹可以辨认。』

MIMiAfter comparing it with other notes, I can confirm it's handwriting from Janina, the owner of this house.『在和其他笔记进行对比后，确定是这间房子的主人雅妮娜的字。』

(The advanced criminal investigation robot, MIMimiMISuki, places the note into a transparent sealed bag.)（作为先进的刑事调查机器人，MIMimiMISuki将纸条放入了透明的密封袋中。）

(Welrod takes the evidence and examines the writing carefully.)（维尔德接过证物，仔细查看上面的内容。）

WelrodLooks like some names and numbers.好像写的是姓名和数字。

MIMiBound to be info on those lodgers.『肯定是那帮住客的信息。』

WelrodNo, the numbers after them are far too high... Those are not room prices.不，后面的数字太高昂……这不是房费的价格。

WelrodPhotograph it in full, then write an email stating that we want to investigate the names on this note.你把它完整拍照，然后写一封邮件，在内容里说明要调查纸条上的这些名字。

MIMiWho's this email going to?『邮件要发给谁？』

WelrodTo our boss, of course. He's the one who took the commission, after all. Have him check the missing persons reports from the past few years, and see if any of these people are on the list.当然是“老板”，毕竟是他接的委托。 让他查一下这几年失踪人员的通报，看名单上是否有这些人。

MIMiSent. Heh! I added a note saying that it MUST be done today! Let him get a taste of what it's like suffering as a wage slave!『已发送，哈哈！我特意加了一段必须今天完成的备注！让他也尝尝打工人的怨愤！』

WelrodDon't slack off either. Help me check if there are any old tools in the house. There's something I want to take apart.你也别闲着，帮我找找看屋子里有没有废旧的工具，我要拆一样东西。

MIMiTake apart? Take what apart?『拆东西？拆什么？』

Welrod...You.……你。

MIMiWh-wh-what kind of joke is that?! Go on, try touching me! Unauthorized disassembly and modification of an assistant bot violates the user agreement!『开开开……开什么玩笑！你敢动一下我试试？对助手机器人的私自拆机改造是违反用户协议的！』

WelrodYou've got too much attitude for a robot. Maybe a modification would make you act a little more normal?你这机器人说话太嚣张了，或许改造后会变得正常一点？

MIMiEh? Are... are you really going to take me apart? I'm sorry, Welrod, a... actually, I...『诶？真……真拆啊？对不起维尔德，我……我其实……』

Welrod...I'm joking. What I actually want to take apart is that old terminal.……开玩笑的，我要拆的是那台旧终端。

WelrodJudging by the crude damage, someone must have done it deliberately.从粗糙的破坏痕迹来看，应该是有人刻意为之。

WelrodUnfortunately for them, they weren't professional enough. Some data might still be recoverable.很可惜，对方不够专业，部分数据存在被修复的可能。

MIMiYou scared me on purpose?! What happened to a detective's professional ethics?『你故意吓我？作为侦探的职业道德呢？』

WelrodA detective's professional ethics are to expose every truth that's been covered up.侦探的职业道德就是揭露一切被掩盖的真相。

WelrodTake the strange way you talk, for example... I don't remember you being like this before.例如你这种奇怪的说话方式……我怎么不记得你以前是这样的？

MIMiTh-This is the latest version of 'personalized interaction', okay? Don't you get it?『这……这是最新版的“个性化交互”，懂不懂啊。』

WelrodNever mind... It does sound a bit annoying, but for some reason, it also feels oddly familiar.算了……虽然听起来有点烦人，但不知为什么，也让我感到有些亲切。

WelrodAnd I have to admit, as an assistant bot, you've saved me a lot of trouble.另外我必须承认，作为机器人助手，你帮我省了不少的事。

MIMiHeh... Now you know how amazing I am, huh?『呵……现在知道老子的厉害了？』

WelrodLet's find the tools first. I believe there should be some in the junk piles nearby.先找一下工具吧，我想附近的杂物里面应该会有。

(...)（……）

(Welrod quickly finds the old tools in the house together with MIMimiMISuki. She begins dismantling the damaged terminal with practiced hands.)（维尔德很快和MIMimiMISuki一起在屋子里找到了废旧工具，她熟练地操作着，开始拆解那台损坏的终端。）

MIMiGot a reply from the boss. Email subject: "I'm at the park with my kid. I'll handle it while working overtime tonight. Is that alright?"『收到了来自“老板”的回复，邮件标题：《正在陪孩子逛公园，我晚上加班处理，可以吗？》』

MIMiWelrod, just tell him, "If you won't do it, plenty of others will!"『维尔德，你就直接回他“不干有的是人干”！』

Welrod...……

(Welrod doesn't answer the assistant's joke. She has already restored some of the data to her own device and is intently examining the contents.)（维尔德没有回答助手的玩笑，她已经将一部分数据还原到自己的设备上，正在专注地查看内容。）

MIMiWelrod? Welrod, did you freeze?『维尔德？维尔德你系统卡了？』

(Assistant bots usually move on wheels, but they can also jump.)（助手机器人通常靠轮子移动，但也有跳跃的功能。）

(MIMimiMISuki leaps up to Welrod's shoulder using the spring-loaded rod at the center of her body. Now she can see what Welrod's looking at on the screen.)（靠着身体中间的弹簧杆，MIMimiMISuki从地板上跃起，落到维尔德的肩膀上。这样一来，她也能看到设备上的画面了。）

(It's a video full of snowy static, its background this very room. The girl in the video faces the camera with a bright smile.)（那是一段满是雪花噪点的视频，视频背景是这个房间，画面中的少女用开朗的微笑面对着镜头。）

JaninaToday is an important day! It's the day the Vagrants' Hotel opens for business!今天是流浪者旅馆开业的重要日子！

JaninaFrom today onward, the old city district will have a place where those with no home can rest easy!从今天开始，旧城区将出现一个，让无家可归的人们能安心休息的地方！

(The visuals are blurry, but a scar can be seen on the girl's left cheek. She must be Janina.)（画面模糊不清，但少女的左脸上可以看到疤痕，她应该就是雅妮娜。）

CameramanHere, this is a gift I've prepared for you.给你，这是我准备的礼物。

JaninaWhat a beautiful flower! Thank you...好漂亮的花，谢谢你……

JaninaThis flower is so lovely. What was it called again?这花真好看，它是叫什么来着？

CameramanIt's a white dahlia... It means...是白色大丽花……它的含义是……

(Only the video-taker's voice comes through, clearly belonging to another young woman.)（拍摄者只有声音出现，能听出也是一位年轻的女子。）

(Because of data corruption, the video loops back to the start before it ends. Welrod plays it again and again, watching it repeatedly.)（由于数据损坏，视频没有播完就回到了开头。维尔德反复播放，看了很多遍。）

MIMiThis is a record from opening day. Looks like the potted flower by the window... was the gift in the video.『这是开业那天的记录，看来这窗户旁的盆花就是视频里的礼物。』

WelrodDo we even need to deduce that? What you just said is as obvious as breadcrumbs scattered on a dinner table.还用推测吗？你说的这些，就跟洒在餐桌上的面包屑一样显而易见。

MIMiI'm starting to think this "Janina" is actually pretty decent. Doesn't seem like a bad person.『我现在觉得这雅妮娜挺好的，不像是坏人。』

Welrod...If you could tell whether someone is good or bad from a few words, the world wouldn't need detectives.……要是能靠几句话就辨别出人的好坏，这世上也就不需要侦探了。

MIMiAlright, just stop trying to act deep here. I know why you kept staring at it.『行了，别在这儿装深沉，我知道你为什么要盯着看那么多遍。』

MIMiIt reminded you of something sad, didn't it?『是不是想起了一些伤感的事啊？』

WelrodSad? Interesting. I have to admire your imagination. Go on, then. What did you come up with?伤感？有趣，我不得不佩服你的想象力，说说看吧，你都联想到了什么？

MIMiRight now, your neural cloud must be vividly showing you the celebrations you experienced back in Griffin.『此时此刻，在格里芬时期参加过的庆典，一定在你的心智里鲜明地浮现。』

MIMiI get it, partner, I get it. You act like you don't care, but you actually miss those old comrades terribly.『我懂的，搭档，我懂。表面上装作无所谓，实际上你非常想念那些老伙计。』

(MIMimiMISuki swings her spring-loaded rod around and pats Welrod's shoulder with it like a hand, as if comforting a good buddy.)（MIMimiMISuki转动她的弹簧杆，像是手一样拍打在维尔德肩膀上，像是在安慰自己的好兄弟。）

MIMiThings will get better. You'll definitely be reunited with the Commander.『会好起来的，你一定可以和指挥官重逢。』

MIMiYou'll see your old friends again too, like the one named TMP. She's a good sort, and you'll meet her again soon.『还有以前的伙计也是，那个叫做TMP的，她可是个好家伙，你们很快就会相遇了。』

(Welrod stays silent for a while before she suddenly points at something in the video's background.)（维尔德沉默了一会儿，突然指向了视频背景中的某样东西。）

WelrodDone talking? Look closely at this box. Can you identify what it is?说够了吗？你注意看这个盒子，能识别出它是什么吗？

MIMiWhat else would it be? It's just a perfectly ordinary box. It doesn't have any markings on it either.『还能是什么？一个完好的盒子呗，上面又没有标识。』

WelrodThen let me tell you. This is a banned drug circulating in the old city district, a strong hallucinogen. People keep it in a metal box to hide it from security scans.那我告诉你，这是一种在旧城区流通的违禁药物，有很强的致幻性，装在金属盒子里则是为了逃避安检的扫描。

WelrodIt appears in the video. What do you think that means?它出现在视频里，你认为代表了什么？

MIMi...Hah? Does that mean this saintly hotel was actually stashing hallucinogens? Tsk. As expected, there's not a single clean institution here.『……哈？这圣母旅馆居然还藏着致幻剂？啧，果然这地方就没一个干净的。』

MIMiBut was that what you were staring at just now? And here I thought...『不过维尔德，你刚才是在观察这个？我还以为……』

WelrodIf reminiscing about the past would help me complete this commission, I'd write a whole essay right now to say just how much I miss my former companions.如果怀念过去有助于完成手上委托，那我现在一定会写一封小作文，用来思念我曾经的伙伴。

WelrodThe Commander would be first, of course. As for the others... Right, let's start with that Doll you mentioned before, the one called TMP.指挥官当然是第一位，至于其他人…… 对了，就从你刚才提到的，那个叫TMP的家伙开始吧。

MIMiEh? You mean, TMP... is also a companion you value deeply?!『诶？意思是，TMP……也是你非常重视的伙伴？！』

WelrodBecause she worries me most of all.因为我对那家伙最不放心。

MIMi...Sh-She might be a bit of a coward, but she's competent when the situation calls for it... right?『……她、她虽然怂了点，但关键时刻也没那么拉胯吧！』

(Welrod makes her grand declarations as she switches off the video.)（维尔德一边说着豪言壮语，一边关掉了视频。）

(But the assistant bot notices that, at the mention of her former companions—the Commander in particular—a trace of sorrow crosses Welrod's expression.)（但是助手机器人注意到了，在提到过去的伙伴，特别是指挥官的时候，维尔德表情中有一些难过。）

(...)（……）

WelrodCheck the inbox. Any word from Vityaz?检查一下邮箱，维季亚兹那边有消息了吗？

MIMiNothing yet from that gang boss. Probably still picking his feet in some back alley.『黑帮老大那边还没动静，估计还在哪个地缝里抠脚呢。』

MIMiOur boss, on the other hand, sent a message an hour ago, saying that he's already doing overtime. I'll give him credit for knowing his place~『倒是“老板”一小时前发信息说已经在加班了，算他识相～』

(By the time the investigation of Janina's home wraps up, night has quietly fallen over the old city district.)（结束了对雅妮娜家的调查时，夜幕已悄然降临旧城区。）

(Welrod stands at the entrance of the container hotel, seemingly sorting through the info gathered so far in her neural cloud.)（维尔德站在集装箱旅馆的门口，像是在心智中对至今为止的调查进行着梳理。）

WelrodEverything does still feel kind of strange.果然还是有点奇怪。

MIMiStrange? When is this old city district ever not strange?『奇怪？这旧城区哪一秒钟不奇怪？』

WelrodYou said earlier that only two sets of DNA were found where Janina lived, right?你之前不是说，雅妮娜居住的地方只检测到了两种生物信息吗？

WelrodThen why was there nothing from the video-taker?那这里面，为什么没有那部视频的拍摄者？

MIMiDamn... you're right!『我去……对啊！』

WelrodI trust your capabilities as an assistant bot. As long as the biological traces haven't been wiped, you can detect them.我相信你作为助手机器人的性能，只要生物痕迹没有被抹除，你就可以查出来。

WelrodSo why did the video-taker leave nothing behind at all?那为什么，拍摄者什么都没有留下？

MIMiWhat if our client was there taking selfies?『该不会是那个委托的大小姐在那儿玩自拍吧？』

WelrodShe didn't mention this in her letter, and besides... the video is dated before the day she mentioned. It doesn't line up at all.她没在信件中提过这件事，而且……视频日期也在她所说的日子之前，根本对不上。

WelrodThe video shows that the video-taker had good relations with Janina, someone who could celebrate the hotel's opening with her.从视频中看来，拍摄者和雅妮娜的关系不浅，是能够和她一起庆祝旅馆开业的人。

(Welrod adjusts her glasses, pondering for some time.)（维尔德扶着眼镜，像是思索了好一会儿。）

WelrodNever mind. Let's set this case aside for now.算了，这起案件之后再说吧。

MIMiYeah! Let's put the boss' commission aside. Let's go find that "Righteous Broker" first!『就是，“老板”的委托先放一边，我们还是先去找那个“义商”！』

WelrodBut it's really late, and the nights here aren't safe. Perhaps we ought to wait till tomorrow...不过时间很晚了，旧城区的夜晚并不安全，或许应该等到明天……

(Welrod is thinking about her next steps when she sees a figure at the dim entrance of the alley, walking slowly toward her.)（维尔德在考虑接下来的行动，就在这时，她看到昏暗的巷口处，有一个人影正缓缓地向她走近。）

WelrodHmm?嗯？

MIMiWhat? Did you see a ghost?『干嘛？你看见鬼了？』

(Welrod definitely sees a "ghost". The "person" seems to drift through the hazy night, steps so soft they make almost no sound.)（维尔德确实看见了“鬼”。那个人，就像是游荡在朦胧的夜色中，步伐轻柔得几乎没有声音。）

WelrodThere's a weird person there...那里好像有个奇怪的人……

(Facing the alley entrance's only streetlight head-on, Welrod's vision is disrupted, and for a moment she can't make out the person's appearance.)（由于正对着巷口处唯一的路灯，维尔德的视觉遭到干扰，一时间看不清她具体的模样。）

???...……

(Until... that person suddenly appears right in front of her. Their eerie form is finally revealed—the woman before her wears a strange mask, just like the Harbinger's.)（直到……那个人突然来到眼前，诡异的样貌终于显现——眼前的女子，戴着如同告死鸟一样的奇特面具。）

Welrod...!……！

???...We thank the Lord for the food He gives us.……感谢神赐予我们食物。

???...We thank the Lord for giving us homes.……感谢神赐予我们庄园。

(A chill runs down Welrod's spine. She instinctively draws her gun. A woman wandering the district in so strange a costume is definitely not here for a simple stroll.)（维尔德感到背脊发凉，本能地拔出了枪。这人以如此奇怪的装束在旧城区游荡，绝不只是为了散步那么简单。）

(She hears distant bells again, breaking the silence of the old city district.)（她又听到一阵悠远的钟声，打破了旧城区的寂静。）

WelrodWhat's that sound? MIMimiMI...这是什么声音？MIMimiMI……

(She hurriedly calls for the assistant bot, only to find the space at her feet empty. At some point, only Welrod and the eerie "Harbinger" have been left on this street.)（她连忙呼叫助手机器人，却发现脚边空空如也。不知从什么时候开始，这片街道上只剩下维尔德和诡异的“告死鸟”。）

(Thick fog begins to spread soon after. The "Harbinger's" prayer-like voice comes from deep within the fog.)（紧接着，浓雾开始弥漫。“告死鸟”像是祈祷的声音从雾气的另一头传来。）

???All who believe in the Lord shall receive happiness and peace.凡是信奉神的，都将获得幸福与安宁。

???All who defy Him shall suffer disaster and judgment.凡是违背神的，都将遭受灾难与审判。

(The fog, thick enough to swallow everything, completely robs Welrod of her sight.)（足以遮蔽一切的雾完全夺走了维尔德的视野。）

(By the time she regains her faculties, she realizes that she's standing right in the middle of a strange village.)（等她再次回过神来，她发现自己正站在一个奇异的村子中央。）

WelrodWh-Where is this?这、这里是？

Harbinger...……

(The masked figure walks in front of her, then turns to look at Welrod, as if waiting for her to approach.)（面具人走到了她前面，转身看着维尔德，像是在等她过去。）

(The bells ring out again. Right behind the "Harbinger" stands a rustic old church.)（钟声再次响起，就在“告死鸟”的身后，矗立着一座古朴的教堂。）

(Welrod keeps feeling that she has seen this scene somewhere before.)（维尔德总感觉，这幅景象她似曾相识。）

ResidentSing the praises of our Lord! All who believe in false gods shall be punished by the Lord!请歌颂我们的神吧！信仰邪神者，则必定受到天罚！

(...Especially when she sees a "steward" standing at the church entrance, passing out little booklets to people.)（特别是，当她看到那位站在教堂门口的“主理人”，正在向人们传递那一本小册子时。）

(Welrod notices that the booklet's cover bears a symbol she hasn't seen in a long time, but it's something she could never erase from her neural cloud.)（维尔德注意到，册子的封面上画着一个她已经很久没有见过，却在心智中永远忘不掉的图案。）

WelrodA compass and a rhombus? This symbol is... Paradeus?圆规与菱形？这个图案是……帕拉蒂斯？

(Paradeus promotional booklets are being handed out in an endless stream to everyone lining up at the church entrance.)（帕拉蒂斯的宣传册，正源源不断地被发给在教堂门口排队的每个人。）

Bloody Purification 血色净化

MIMi...Welrod!……维尔德！

???So "Shepherd's" encryption program really is still lodged in her neural cloud!“牧羊人”的封锁程序果然还在她的心智里！

MIMi(Sob)... I'm sorry... this is all my fault!呜呜……对不起……都是我害了她！

MIMiWelrod, please be alright!维尔德，你不要有事啊！

???Thankfully, even though her condition is unstable, the scene reconstruction can still continue.好在虽然状态不稳定，但情景还原还能继续进行。

???Harpsy, keep guiding her. I'll find a way to help you.哈卜茜，你继续引导她，我会想办法帮你的。

MIMiO-okay!好、好的！

(When Welrod opens her eyes again, the derelict Vagrants' Hotel still stands before her.)（当维尔德重新睁开双眼时，面前依旧是破败的流浪者旅馆。）

(The night is deep, and the air is thick with the old city district's signature reek of decay, as if everything a moment ago was just a fleeting dream.)（夜色深沉，空气中弥漫着旧城区特有的腐朽气息，仿佛刚才的一切只是短暂的幻梦。）

MIMiWe... Welrod? Are you alright?!『维……维尔德？你没事吧！』

Welrod...Were you the one who called out to me just now?……刚才是你在叫我吗？

MIMiTsk... you went still all of a sudden, partner. I thought you were about to croak on me right here.『啧……搭档，我看你突然不动，还以为你要在这里噶屁了呢。』

WelrodAre you the only one here? But the voice I heard just now sounded like...只有你在这里吗？但刚才的声音好像……

(Welrod's heart lurches for an instant. She feels as though she has just heard a very familiar voice, one she has missed dearly.)（有一瞬间，维尔德的心头猛地一颤，她感觉刚才听到了一个非常熟悉、非常怀念的声音。）

(A voice that crosses time and space to reach directly into the depths of her neural cloud.)（那声音能穿透时空，直抵她的心智深处。）

WelrodThe Commander? No... there's no way he could be here.指挥官？不对……他不可能会在这里。

(Welrod gradually snaps out of that wave of longing and regret, then looks again toward the dim alley entrance ahead. There's no one there.)（维尔德从这份怀念与遗憾中渐渐回过神，随后重新看向前方昏暗的巷口，那里一个人都没有。）

WelrodWas it a hallucination after all? It looks like I should run some checks on my neural cloud.果然是幻觉吗？看来我应该对自己的心智进行一些检查。

MIMiHey, quit contemplating the meaning of life over there! That goddamn suspicious creep just slipped away right under your nose. Aren't you going to chase her?『喂喂，别在那儿思考人生了！刚才那个可疑得要死的家伙在你眼皮子底下溜了，还不赶紧去追？』

WelrodThe one from just now?刚才的人？

MIMiThe woman in the blasted bird beak mask! She was heading right this way, but then immediately bolted like she'd seen a ghost!『就那个戴着个破鸟嘴面具的！她原本奔着这边来的，结果突然跟见了鬼似的跑了！』

WelrodHold on, you can see her? Wasn't she a hallucination from my neural cloud?等等，你能看到她？那不是我心智中的幻觉吗？

MIMiWhat nonsense are you spewing? She just left a moment ago. And I can't shake the feeling that I've seen her somewhere before...『你在说什么梦话？那家伙才刚走。而且，我总觉得好像在哪里和她见过……』

(So that figure wasn't a hallucination? Welrod grasps what her bot means and quickly recalls the video screenshot she showed Vityaz earlier in the day.)（那个人影不是幻觉？维尔德理解到了助手机器人的意思，并很快想起了白天给维季亚兹看过的视频截图。）

WelrodA gray cloak, a beak-shaped mask... could she be that bizarre serial killer?灰色的斗篷，鸟嘴形状的面具，难道……是那个猎奇杀人犯？

MIMiIt's all coming back to me as well. Isn't she the Harbinger that Vityaz is hunting for?!『我也想起来了，这不是维季亚兹在找的那个告死鸟吗！』

(Welrod takes out her communicator right away. She tries to call Vityaz.)（维尔德立刻拿出通讯器，试图联络维季亚兹。）

Welrod...No good. He isn't picking up.……不行，他没有接。

MIMi"What the hell? Where the hell did that gang boss fuck off to?!"『搞什么飞机？那混混头子死哪儿去了！』

MIMiSo what do we do next? Chase her down? Or contact the PSA first?『接下来要怎么办？追上去？还是先联络治安部门？』

WelrodDon't forget that we're in the old city district. Unless it's a major crime that threatens other areas, the PSA won't make it here anytime soon.别忘了这里是旧城区，除非是危及到其他区域的重大犯罪，否则治安部门一时半会儿来不了。

(Welrod still tries the PSA's emergency line, even though she thinks the odds are slim.)（维尔德仍然尝试拨通了治安部门的报警电话，尽管她觉得希望渺茫。）

PSA Dispatch CenterHello, this is the MAS-02 Public Security Dispatch Center. How may I help you?你好，这里是MAS-02治安调度中心，有什么可以帮助您的吗？

WelrodI've spotted the serial killer wanted by the Public Security Administration. The coordinates are...我发现了被治安管理局通缉的连续杀人犯，坐标在……

PSA Dispatch Center...Your report has been received. Given the area you're in, we can't dispatch personnel right away, and we'll need to report this to a superior.……已收到您所反映的情况，鉴于您所处的区域，我们无法立刻派遣人员，需要向上级汇报。

(As expected, they can't send backup right away.)（果然，对方无法立刻增援。）

WelrodSee, that's what you get! A bunch of ostriches with their heads in the sand—they won't grab a bucket until the fire's burning down their own door!这就是结果了，这群鸵鸟，他们必须等邻居的火烧到自己家里了，才愿意拿出水管来！

(After hanging up, Welrod immediately starts checking her weapon and ammunition. She seems to have stopped placing her hopes in anyone else.)（挂掉了通讯后，维尔德立刻开始检查武器弹药，她似乎不再寄希望于其他人。）

MIMiIf you're low on ammo for that stupid gun of yours, we gotta go back to the agency first.『要是你那把破枪弹药不够，咱们就先回事务所。』

MIMiDon't push yourself, partner. Chasing down that murderer isn't even part of our commission.『别硬撑啊搭档，追捕杀人魔这差事又不是我们的委托。』

WelrodThe situation has changed. During that hallucination just now... I saw the Harbinger appear with Paradeus.情况变了，刚才的幻觉中……我看到了告死鸟和帕拉蒂斯一同出现。

MIMiParadeus? Is... is that for real?『帕拉蒂斯？这、这是……真的吗？』

MIMiWhat did you see?『你看到了些什么？』

WelrodThe Harbinger was standing before a church, and someone else there was handing out Paradeus booklets to the residents.告死鸟站在一座教堂前面，有人在那里向居民们发放帕拉蒂斯的宣传册。

WelrodOf course, maybe it was just a hallucination. The Commander wiped them out, after all. But something's still making me uneasy...当然，或许那只是幻觉，毕竟帕拉蒂斯应该是被指挥官消灭了，但我总有些不安……

WelrodMIMi, do you know why I chose to come to the satellite city and become a detective in the first place?MIMi，你知道我当初为什么要选择来卫星城成为侦探吗？

MIMiEh? You've always liked showing off... don't tell me you actually have another reason?『诶？你一直挺喜欢耍帅的……难道还有其他理由？』

WelrodI wanted to inherit and uphold the Commander's justice, to take his place and keep fighting the Green Zone's evils. That's why I chose this satellite city that's deeply steeped in crime.我想要继承指挥官的正义，替代他继续与绿区的邪恶抗争，所以才会选择这座充满犯罪的卫星城。

MIMi...Welrod, your instinct's right. Paradeus wasn't completely wiped out.『……维尔德，你的直觉是对的。帕拉蒂斯并没有完全被消灭。』

WelrodIn any case, I need to verify what I saw in that hallucination.总之，我需要去求证在幻觉中看到的那些景象。

WelrodI have to find out for certain whether these grisly serial murders in the old city district are really tied to Paradeus' remnants.必须要调查清楚，旧城区连续猎奇杀人，是不是真的和帕拉蒂斯的残党有关联。

(...)（……）

(Welrod tracks the direction the Harbinger left in, and she arrives near the bar she visited earlier today.)（维尔德循着告死鸟离开的方向追踪，不久后来到了白天待过的酒吧附近。）

MIMiWelrod! Gunshots. Sounds like they're coming from... the bar!『维尔德！有枪声，方向好像是……酒吧那边！』

WelrodCareful. I smell blood. Let's get closer and assess the situation first!小心一点，我闻到了一股血腥味，先靠近观察下情况再说！

(Welrod slips into the building shadows like a cat, moving quickly while keeping out of sight.)（维尔德像猫一样躲入了建筑阴影中，尽量不露身形地迅速移动。）

(She soon reaches the street in front of the bar, and the scene there is even crueler than she imagined.)（很快，她来到了酒吧入口所在的街道上，而这里的情景比她想象中的更加残酷。）

(Numerous bodies lie scattered across the street, blood smeared like careless paint on the ground.)（街道外面散落着好几具遗体，血迹像是颜料一样涂满了地面。）

MIMiDid that bird beak do all this? That's disgusting as hell! Welrod, let's yank her out right now!『这都是那鸟嘴干的？真特么恶心！维尔德，我们赶快把她揪出来！』

WelrodDon't be hasty... The gunshots have stopped. Is the fighting already over?别急……枪声已经停止了，是战斗结束了吗？

MIMiHm? Looks like someone's coming outta the bar!『嗯？好像有人从酒吧里出来了！』

(Welrod quickly hides behind a billboard upon hearing her bot's warning.)（听到助手机器人的提醒，维尔德立刻躲在广告牌后面。）

???...……

(Armed figures in black robes emerge soon after. They escort a group of wounded people, passing through the street ahead.)（紧接着，她就看到了那些手持武器，身穿黑色长袍的人。他们押送着一些伤员，从前方的街道上走过。）

(Ominous images stir in her memory at once, because their attire closely resembles that of the cult Welrod knows.)（记忆中那些不祥的景象立刻被唤醒，因为这些人的装扮，和维尔德所知的那个教团十分相似。）

WelrodThese people... they don't seem to be Nytos. Are they Paradeus cultists?这些家伙……好像不是涅托，帕拉蒂斯的信徒吗？

MIMiStill, there's no sign of that Harbinger anywhere.『不过，没有看到那位告死鸟的踪迹。』

MIMiWait, aren't those the Daggers who were swaggering around just hours ago? Why are they being dragged around like dead dogs?『等等，那不是白天那群耀武扬威的匕首帮吗？现在怎么跟死狗一样被人拽着走？』

(Welrod suppresses the urge to rush out and seize them. She keeps watching from the shadows.)（维尔德压制住上去抓住他们的冲动，继续藏在阴影处观察。）

(Not far away, escorted by these suspicious figures, the surviving Daggers and some wounded who look like bar patrons walk slowly toward a truck at the street corner.)（不远处，匕首帮的幸存者，还有一些像是酒吧客人的伤员在这些可疑分子的押送下，正缓缓走向街角处的卡车。）

Cult Leader...Is this the cargo for tonight?……这就是今晚的货物吗？

CultistYes. We've already screened them once, as instructed.是的，我们已经按照要求筛选了一遍。

(The person in front of the truck who looks like the leader stops one of them and studies his face closely.)（站在卡车前面像是头领的人在此时拦住了其中的一个人，像是在仔细打量他的面容。）

ManWh-Who are you people? Where're you trying to take us?你、你们到底是谁，想要把我们抓去哪里？

Cult Leader...This one's too old. He's useless.……这个人太老了，没有用。

(The cultist suddenly opens fire on the man, who becomes just another corpse on the street before he can even grasp what happened.)（教徒突然对男子开枪了，而后者还未明白发生了什么，便已经成为了街道上尸体中的一具。）

(The dozen or so people being escorted scream in terror. Some try to flee, only to be knocked down by the rifle butts of other cultists standing guard.)（被教徒押送的十几人发出恐惧的尖叫，有人试图逃跑，但被守在旁边的其他教徒用枪托打倒在地。）

MIMiShit! I can't just stay here watching them! Welrod, if you don't make a move, I'll take those scumbags apart myself!『靠，老子看不下去了！维尔德，你再不上的话，我就亲自废了这帮人渣！』

WelrodThere's no choice. I can't let the death toll keep climbing... Let's save those people for starters!没办法，不能继续增加牺牲者了……先把那些人救下来！

Bloody Purification 血色净化

(Seizing the advantage of a preemptive strike from hiding, Welrod takes out the cultists near the truck one after another, rescuing the hostages inside.)（利用躲在暗处先发制人的优势，维尔德接二连三地消灭了货车附近的敌人，并救下了里面的人质。）

Daggers MemberAre... Are you the Doll who met with Boss Vityaz earlier in the day?你、你是，白天和维季亚兹老大见过面的人形？

WelrodWhere's Vityaz? Where did he go?维季亚兹呢？他去哪里了？

Daggers MemberThe Boss got away under the cover of a few of his officers. The enemy's out searching for them, and I don't know how it's going.老大他在几名干部的掩护下逃走了，敌人正在搜索他们，不知道情况怎么样。

WelrodHmph. And this is somehow the district's biggest gang? How unimpressive.哼，这就是旧城区最大的黑帮吗？真不靠谱。

WelrodHurry and run while the cultists elsewhere haven't noticed you yet.快走吧，趁着其他地方的敌人还没有发现你们。

(Welrod sends the rescued toward a neighboring street. She notices that it isn't just Daggers among them—there are also quite a few residents who live nearby.)（维尔德让获救人员撤往了邻近街道。她发现这其中不只有匕首帮成员，还有不少住在附近的居民。）

Welrod(Looks like they aren't just targeting the gangs. They're kidnapping people who meet certain conditions...)（看来这伙人的目标并非只针对帮派，他们是在挑选旧城区符合条件的人，想把他们掳走……）

MIMiWelrod, look out!『维尔德，小心！』

(Just then, an icy flash grazes Welrod's cheek, carrying a razor-sharp killing intent.)（就在这时，一道寒光擦着维尔德的脸颊划过，带着凌厉的杀意。）

(Thanks to MIMimiMISuki's sudden warning, she instinctively twists away from this abrupt attack at the last possible instant.)（多亏MIMimiMISuki突然发出警报，让她在千钧一发之际，本能地侧身躲开了这次突如其来的袭击。）

Harbinger...Little rat who defiles the purification rite, do you have any last words before you receive judgment?……冒犯净化仪式的老鼠，在接受裁决之前，你可有什么话想说？

MIMiIt's that damned crow from before! I knew it. She really is one of those cultists!『是刚才那个该死的乌鸦！我就知道，她果然和那些教徒是一伙的！』

WelrodI didn't see her weapon. Is it hidden beneath her robe?我没有看到她的武器，是藏在袍子下面了吗？

(Realizing that her opponent attacks with a bladed weapon, Welrod quickly moves back to create distance.)（意识到对方是依靠锐器攻击，维尔德迅速向后拉开距离。）

HarbingerYou are not a purification target. By rights, you should thank the destiny, and not waste this grace bestowed upon you.你并非净化的目标，原本应该感谢天命，不负这份恩赐。

HarbingerHowever, should you dare to step over the line, their sin will taint you as well.然而，若你妄图逾越那道界线，他们的罪恶也会沾染到你的身上。

MIMiDon't let your guard down. There are other cultists nearby!『别大意，附近还有其他的教徒！』

(But the Harbinger's companions have already closed in around Welrod. With no way to withdraw, she can only fall back behind sturdy cover and maintain a standoff.)（然而，告死鸟的同伴们却已经包围了过来。见没法撤退，维尔德只能退守到一处坚固的掩体后，与对方保持着对峙。）

HarbingerThe old city district declined because it teemed with gangs and criminals.旧城区之所以堕落，是因为有大量的黑帮和犯罪者。

HarbingerThe Daggers are the root of all evil. Thus, I shall answer the wishes of the faithful and eradicate them.匕首帮则是万恶之首。因此，我将回应信徒的愿望，将他们全部铲除。

HarbingerDetective who champions justice in the satellite city! For what reason do you obstruct my destiny?!在卫星城主张正义的侦探，你为何要妨碍我的天命！

WelrodI didn't expect you to recognize me.没想到你还认得我？

HarbingerYou're the only detective in the satellite city who takes on commissions in the old city district... I've heard rumors of you.卫星城内唯一接受旧城区委托的侦探……我听说过你的传闻。

HarbingerI always regarded you as someone as rational as myself—a force that drives the old city district toward purification.我一直把你当作和我有着同样理性的，推动旧城区净化的力量。

WelrodHmph. I have to say, I'm a little surprised. I never expected the former "Paradeus" to turn so "righteous"—you're actually helping to crack down on the gangs here?哼，不得不说，我有点意外。没想到曾经的“帕拉蒂斯”竟然会变得这么“正义”，竟然在帮忙打击这里的黑帮？

WelrodThen why not tell me about your results? How is Vityaz doing now?那不妨说说你们的战果，维季亚兹现在怎么样了？

Harbinger...Vityaz still evades judgment, but it is only a matter of time.……维季亚兹此人尚在逃避审判，但也只是迟早的问题。

WelrodSo you haven't caught him yet. That guy's not easy prey... He used to be a soldier, someone who crawled out from under mountains of corpses and crossed rivers of blood on the battlefield.看来你们还没有抓到他，那家伙可不好对付，他以前是个士兵，从战场的尸山血海中活了下来。

WelrodLet's say the Daggers are guilty of terrible crimes and deserve to be hunted down by you. Then what was that just now—executing prisoners and seizing residents?我就当匕首帮罪大恶极，活该被你们追杀。那刚才处决俘虏，抓捕居民的行为又是怎么回事？

HarbingerThey are accomplices too—lackeys who transported weapons and built bases for the Daggers!他们也是帮凶，替匕首帮运输武器、建设据点的爪牙！

Welrod...By that logic, I'm afraid everyone in the entire old city district is guilty. Plenty of people here are driven to crime out of necessity. They have no choice but to work for the gangs to stay alive.……按你这逻辑，恐怕整个旧城区的人都有罪。在这里，有许多人走上犯罪道路是迫不得已，他们为了活下去，必须替黑帮干活。

WelrodOf course, I understand your thinking. Rather than go to the trouble of judging them one by one, you'd sooner do a big cleanup... After all, I've also thought the same myself.当然，我很理解你的想法，与其费工夫一个个审判，不如来场大扫除……毕竟，我也这么想过。

MIMiDamn it, have you short-circuited? Sympathizing with a murderer here? You're nothing like her, okay?!『我靠，你是不是芯片短路了？在这里和杀人犯产生共鸣？你和她不一样！好吧！』

WelrodAh, but no matter how much I loathe evil, there's a line I won't cross.啊，即便再怎么嫉恶如仇，我也会坚守心中的底线。

WelrodBecause... my sense of justice was inherited from the Commander.因为……这是我从指挥官那里继承而来的正义观。

WelrodThere are many ways to improve the state of the old city district. But no matter the means... Paradeus is a tumor that MUST be excised!要改变旧城区的现状，有各种不同方式，但无论采取什么手段……帕拉蒂斯，都是必须要铲除的毒瘤！

HarbingerParadeus... Their faith is nothing but a facade, the surface the world sees.帕拉蒂斯……他们的信仰，不过是世人所见的表象。

HarbingerThe faction they created is filth to be washed away, while what I carry out is true revelation. Destiny is pure and flawless. Only under the right guidance can this crude world be saved.他们模造的派系是应被冲去的秽物，而我所代行的乃真正的天启。天命纯粹无瑕，唯有在正确的引导下，这个粗劣的世界才可得救。

HarbingerCarve this into your mind—"Bloody Angels" is our true name.记住吧，“血色天使”乃是我等的真名。

(Welrod studies the group before her. Their attire is somewhat similar to Paradeus', but it clearly lacks any sense of technology, and their weapons are crude.)（维尔德观察着眼前的这群人。他们的服饰虽然和帕拉蒂斯有些相似，却明显缺乏科技感，所持的武器也比较粗糙。）

(They all seem to be real humans, which also differentiates them from the Paradeus of old.)（他们似乎都是真正的人类，这一点也和以前的帕拉蒂斯并不一样。）

Welrod...Your forms may have changed, yet the madness at heart remains the same.……就算你们改变了形态，疯狂的本质也都是相似的。

(The enemy outnumbers her. Welrod might be no match for them in a head-on fight.)（敌方人数众多，正面战斗的话，维尔德可能不是对手。）

(While Welrod is weighing her strategy, a piercing siren sounds a short distance away.)（就在她思考策略的时候，不远处传来了刺耳的警笛声。）

MIMiA PSA vehicle!是治安部门的车辆！

HarbingerDetective... this is my final warning. Put away your pallid sense of justice.侦探……这是最后的忠告，收起你苍白的正义感。

HarbingerA justice unsanctioned by destiny will only be swallowed by the dark abyss of this old city district, and fade into nothingness.不被天命所认可的正义，在这旧城区的深渊中，只会被黑暗吞噬，化作虚无。

(The "Harbinger" is clearly startled by the sudden siren. She swiftly gives the order to retreat.)（“告死鸟”显然被这突如其来的警笛声惊扰，她迅速下达了撤退的指令。）

(Covered closely by her group, she and her followers retreat like a receding tide.)（在其他成员的严密掩护下，她和她的追随者们如同潮水般迅速退去。）

(The PSA's personnel close in, while the "Harbinger" flies into the night.)（治安部门的人围了上来，“告死鸟”飞入了夜色中。）

(The bullet holes and bodies left on the street become the final curtains that close on this tragedy.)（而街道上留下的弹痕以及十几具遗体，则成为了这场惨剧最终落下的帷幕。）

Law Enforcement OfficerFreeze! Drop your weapon!不许动，放下武器！

(Welrod has no choice but to raise her hands. She knows that explaining the whole story to these PSA officers won't be an easy thing either.)（维尔德无奈地举起双手，她知道，接下来要向这些治安人员解释清楚缘由，也不是一件容易的事情。）

Y's Reasoning Y的推理

(By the time Welrod finally gets free of the PSA officers' long, tedious questioning, the next morning is already beaming through outside the window. She hasn't slept all night, and even a Doll feels a little weary.)（当维尔德终于摆脱了治安人员冗长而繁琐的询问时，窗外已是第二天清晨。她一夜没有休眠，即使是人形也会感到有些倦怠。）

(During that drawn-out interrogation, MIMimiMISuki was confiscated by the PSA as a crucial "piece of physical evidence" and taken from Welrod for some time.)（而在这漫长的询问期间，MIMimiMISuki作为重要的“物证”，被治安部门收缴，暂时离开了维尔德身边。）

MIMiBooting up... Welcome to your Scanner Robot model investigation bot. ID: MIMimiMISuki. Running system self-check...『正在启动……欢迎您使用Scanner Robot调查助手机器人。ID：MIMimiMISuki。正在进行系统自检……』

(Welrod retrieves MIMimiMISuki from the evidence locker. She powers her back on after confirming she's undamaged.)（维尔德将MIMimiMISuki从证物保管处领了回来，在确认完好无损后，重新进行了开机操作。）

(The PSA has been even "considerate" enough to charge MIMimiMISuki, the only service in the whole interrogation that could be called "humane".)（治安部门倒是“贴心”地给MIMimiMISuki充了电，这算是整个审问过程中，唯一能称得上“人性化”的服务。）

MIMiAll data loaded... Launching personalization module...『所有数据加载完成……正在启动个性化模块……』

MIMiTsk, finally crawled out of that junk PSA gateway. Say, partner, were they questioning you this whole time?『啧，老子总算从那帮治安队的烂网关里爬出来了。我说搭档，难道你一直在被他们问话吗？』

WelrodWhat do you think? They had me watch a puppet show all night, the same bureaucratic routines over and over.你猜呢？他们让我看了一晚上的傀儡戏，来来回回就是那些官样文章。

WelrodBut... it wasn't a complete waste of time.不过……也不是完全没有收获。

WelrodIn the interrogation room, I ran into that Dagger member we rescued. He happened to be the one investigating the "Righteous Broker", and told me a few things about her.我在问询室里见到了那个被我们救出来的匕首帮成员，刚好是负责调查“义商”的人，他告诉了我一些关于“义商”的事。

MIMiHeh, finally something worth hearing.『呵，总算听到点人话。』

MIMiWhat did he say?『他说了什么？』

WelrodBy his account, she was investigating a case in the old city district before she went missing.根据他的说法，那个人失踪前一直在旧城区追查一起案件。

MIMiInvestigating a case? Don't tell me...『追查案件？难道……』

WelrodThat's right. Starting a few months ago, large numbers of people kept going missing in the old city district, which is thought to be the beginning of the series of grisly murders that followed.没错，从几个月前起，旧城区内不断有大量人员失踪，这被认为是之后一系列猎奇杀人的开端。

WelrodAnd this "Righteous Broker" disappeared while investigating that case.而“义商”正是在调查这起案件的过程中失踪的。

MIMiSo you're saying... the one we're looking for happens to be tied to Paradeus? Damn it! We really should've grabbed the Harbinger earlier!『所以意思是……我们要找的人，刚好与帕拉蒂斯有关系？该死！之前真该把告死鸟给抓起来！』

WelrodThe Harbinger is currently the Public Security Administration's prime suspect in the serial murders... And as for Paradeus, they call themselves the "Bloody Angels".告死鸟目前是治安管理局怀疑的连续杀人事件的主犯……而帕拉蒂斯，她们自称是“血色天使”。

WelrodThe truth is, I still don't want to believe that they rose again after the Commander wiped them out.实际上，我仍然不太愿意相信，被指挥官消灭的帕拉蒂斯会再次复活。

WelrodIf only I could contact him. It's exactly at times like this that I realize just how reassuring it would be to have him here.如果能联络上他就好了。偏偏是这种时候，我才意识到有指挥官在的话，会有多么安心。

MIMi...『……』

MIMiDon't... don't worry, Welrod. This is the Commander we're talking about. He must have realized long ago that Paradeus is still alive!『别……别担心，维尔德。那可是指挥官，他一定也早发现帕拉蒂斯还活着了！』

(Welrod sinks into her longing for the Commander, but the communicator's call tone chimes at the most inopportune moment.)（维尔德陷入了对指挥官的思念中，而通讯器的联络音却不合时宜地响了起来。）

MIMiWho's calling at a time like this? Can't you read the mood?!『谁啊？这么不看气氛，这种时候打过来！』

MIMiAh, it's our boss. Come to think of it, he sent a message earlier saying he pulled an all-nighter to finish his work.『啊，是“老板”。说起来他之前有发来信件，说自己通宵完成了工作。』

MIMiYou remember, right? The commission about helping that young mistress find her childhood playmate in the old city district.『记得吧，是那起帮大小姐在黄区寻找儿时玩伴的委托。』

WelrodOf course I remember...我当然记得……

(Welrod composes herself. She takes the call.)（维尔德平复了一下心情，打开了通讯器。）

BossGood morning, Welrod... So, I've looked into everything you asked me to.早上好啊，维尔德……那个，你让我调查的事情我都查清楚了。

WelrodHow is it? Are those names connected to the missing persons?怎么样，那些人名和失踪者有关吗？

BossIt's just as you expected! Half of the people on that list went missing around the outskirts of the satellite city in the past few years.和你预料的一样！那个名单上的人，有一半都是前几年在卫星城周边的失踪人员。

BossI've sent you the specific disappearance dates and rough locations by email... But there's one more thing.具体的失踪日期和大致失踪地点，我在邮件里发你了……不过，还有一件事。

BossIt's the client. She suddenly contacted me this morning, saying she hopes you can find time to speak with her in person...是委托人那边，她早上突然联络我，说希望你能抽时间和她亲自通话……

WelrodYour tone makes it sound like there's more to it than you let on.听你的口气，好像事情不止这么简单。

BossYes, the client... she wants to cancel this investigation. She says some people have been threatening her.是的，委托人……她想要取消这次委托的调查，说是受到了一些人的威胁。

(...)（……）

(The headquarters of the Public Security Administration sits in the satellite city's bustling commercial district, with all sorts of restaurants and cafes nearby.)（治安部门的总部位于卫星城繁华的商业区，附近有各式餐厅与咖啡馆。）

(Welrod steps into the nearest one and orders a cup of black tea at a corner seat, trying to lift her spirits with its familiar bitterness.)（维尔德走进了距离最近的一家，在角落的位置要了一杯红茶，试图用这份熟悉的苦涩来提振精神。）

(Morning sunlight streams through the full-height windows. The string of events in the old city district last night seems to have had no effect on these orderly streets, as if it were a story from another world.)（清晨的阳光照进了落地窗，街道上井然有序，昨晚发生在旧城区的一连串事件对这里似乎没有任何影响，仿佛那只是另一个世界的故事。）

MIMiSay, partner, what's so good about this black tea anyway?『我说搭档，这红茶到底有什么好喝的？』

WelrodWhen your thoughts are trapped in the maze of a case, a cup of black tea is the finest drink there is.当思维被困在案件的迷宫里时，一杯红茶是最好的饮料。

MIMiI get what you mean now! That's how it always goes in detective dramas!『明白明白，很多侦探剧里都是这么演！』

WelrodHmph... don't steal my thunder. Every master detective has their own distinctive habits. Some play the violin, some groom a mustache, while others drink hot chocolate.哼……别拆我台。名侦探就都会有一些独特的嗜好，像是拉小提琴、保养胡子或者喝热巧克力。

MIMiFine, I'll admit you look the part holding that cup. I guess this kind of self-presentation is indispensable for a detective as confident as Welrod.『行吧，承认你端着杯子的时候还算有点样子。对于充满自信的侦探维尔德来说，这样的自我表现也是必不可少的吧。』

WelrodThat isn't blind confidence. It comes from the results I've achieved on missions so far... Hm?这可不是盲目的自信，而是来自至今我在任务中取得的成绩……嗯？

WelrodI feel like I said something like that recently.这句话我是不是在最近说过？

MIMi...I don't recall you ever saying anything like that.『……我可不记得你说过这样的话。』

Welrod...I keep getting these strange flashes of déjà vu lately. Seems to me I'll need some rest after this commission is done.……我最近总是出现一些奇怪的既视感，看来在完成这份委托之后，需要一些休息。

(After downing the last of her black tea, Welrod opens the client's email that the boss forwarded.)（将杯中已经见底的红茶一饮而尽后，维尔德打开了刚才由“老板”转发的委托人邮件。）

(In sharp contrast to the email's brief subject line, the body is a long, apology-filled explanation with just one simple message—call off the investigation.)（与邮件简短的标题形成鲜明对比的是，正文里是一段冗长而充满歉意的解释，但主旨只有一个——调查终止。）

MIMiOur client's super weird, you know?! She made us spend so much time on her case, and now she wants us to stop!『话说，这人真是奇怪！让人查了半天，结果现在要终止！』

WelrodThere's nothing weird about it. This is a case about the old city district, after all.没什么好奇怪，这毕竟也是旧城区的案件。

(Welrod doesn't explain any further. She immediately calls the client.)（维尔德没有继续解释，她随即拨通了委托人的联络电话。）

Client...Hello, are you Detective Welrod?……你好，请问是维尔德侦探吗？

WelrodThis is Welrod, in charge of investigating your case. I understand the situation you explained in your email.我是维尔德，负责此案的调查，有关您在邮件里阐述的情况，我已经了解了。

ClientI'm truly sorry. If I caused the agency any losses, I'm willing to pay the cancellation fee.真的很抱歉，如果给事务所造成了损失，我愿意支付相应的违约金。

(Unexpectedly, the voice from the call belongs to a gentle, somewhat apologetic young lady.)（出人意料的是，通讯中传来了一位态度温和、略带歉意的年轻女性的声音。）

(After noting her appearance, Welrod quickly builds a profile of her in her neural cloud—a young mistress from an elite family, under 25, highly educated, but without much social experience.)（在看到她外貌后，维尔德很快在心智中建立起她的形象特征——精英家庭的大小姐，不到25岁，接受过高等教育，但没有太多社会经验。）

WelrodIt's alright. My boss already explained why.没关系，我已经听“老板”说明了缘由。

WelrodYou seem to be under some sort of pressure, which is why you have to cancel the commission, right?你好像是受到了一些压力，所以不得不取消委托，对吧？

ClientYes. So you already know.是的，您都知道了。

WelrodIf you're okay with it, could you tell me who's threatening you?要是方便的话，能告诉我，是谁在威胁你吗？

Client...The ones threatening me are the satellite city's Public Security Administration.……向我施压的是卫星城的治安部门。

WelrodThe Public Security Administration?治安部门？

(Welrod starts turning things over in her neural cloud. She knows that when investigating a case in MAS-02, things never go too smoothly once the old city district is involved.)（维尔德在心智中思索起来，她知道在MAS-02查案，一旦涉及到旧城区，调查就不会太顺利。）

(And this isn't merely because the old city district falls outside their jurisdiction. The main culprits are the "backers" of those gangs.)（而这不仅是由于那里不受治安管辖。更多的原因，是来自于那些帮派背后的“金主”。）

(Take the Daggers, for example. Vityaz has more than one White Zone company behind him, providing long-term financial support.)（以匕首帮为例，维季亚兹的背后有不止一家白区公司，为他长期提供资金支持。）

(They do all this for profit. The old city district's chaotic security is not only good for smuggling—it is also a "paradise" for the kinds of crime that corporate growth requires.)（而这一切都是为了利益，旧城区那混乱的治安不仅有利于走私，对企业发展所需要的某些犯罪行为而言，也是一片“乐土”。）

ClientThey said Janina's affairs are entangled with political matters, that if I hired a detective to investigate it without permission, I might face retaliation.他们说雅妮娜的事涉及到了一些政治问题，如果我雇佣侦探擅自调查，可能遭到报复。

(Welrod had originally thought that Janina's case would be less tangled than the commission to find the underground broker.)（维尔德原本觉得，相比于寻找暗商的委托，雅妮娜这起案件应该不会有太多牵扯。）

(But now it seems that if even the PSA is swayed by the forces behind them, it proves the undercurrents here are far more turbulent than imagined.)（但现在看来，如果连治安部门都被背后的势力左右，证明其暗流的汹涌远超想象。）

WelrodI understand. I'll terminate the investigation for your safety.我明白了，为了您的安全，我会终止接下来的调查。

WelrodStill, I'd rather not leave it like this. With the clues I have so far, I already have a rough hypothesis.不过，我也并不希望就这样结束，凭借目前掌握的线索，我已经有了一个大致推测。

WelrodIf you're willing to listen, I can tell you the conclusions I have so far. There's no fee for this part.如果您愿意的话，我可以告诉您至今为止的调查结论，这部分不收取任何费用。

ClientYou're too kind. It's fine even if it's just conjecture. I really do care about what happened back then.您太客气了，只是猜想也没关系，我确实很在意当年的事情。

ClientWhat exactly happened that day? Where is the church I saw? And Janina... who is she really?那天到底发生了什么？我看到的教堂在哪里？还有雅妮娜……她到底是谁？

ClientDetective Welrod, if you already know the truth, then please tell me.维尔德侦探，如果你已经知道了真相的话，请务必告诉我。

WelrodConsider it a warm-up. Before I carry on investigating the underground broker, let's wrap up this commission first.就当是热身运动，在继续调查暗商的事件前，先把这起委托收尾吧。

WelrodThe case began with the client's letter.案件的开端，是委托人的信。

WelrodYears ago, she met Janina in the old city district, where the two became friends.多年前，她在旧城区遇到雅妮娜，两人成为了朋友。

WelrodYet when she woke the next day, she found herself back home, as if it had all been a dream.然而当第二天醒来，她却发现自己回到了家中，一切宛如一场梦。

WelrodWhat I need to confirm first is this: was that memory a real experience?我首先需要确认的是：那段记忆是真实的经历吗？

Was the client's memory just a dream?委托人的记忆是否只是一个梦？

Janina doesn't exist雅妮娜不存在

The client's experience was a dream委托人的经历是梦境

Most of it is fact大部分都是事实

WelrodNo, I'm afraid that account is wrong.不，这个说法恐怕不对。

WelrodIn the course of our investigation, we've already found many clues about Janina.在调查过程中，我们已经找到了有关雅妮娜的许多线索。

WelrodThat person, without question, is real.这个人无疑是真实存在的。

WelrodThe client was able to describe the Vagrants' Hotel, which proves she really went there. The dream explanation shouldn't be right.委托人能描述出流浪旅馆，证明她确实去过那里，梦境的说法应该不对。

WelrodBut there's something strange here too. Two sets of DNA were found at the scene, presumed to belong to Janina and the client.但也有疑点，从现场查验出的生物信息有两种，推测属于雅妮娜和委托人。

WelrodAnd what about the person who filmed that video? She remains a mystery even now...而那位视频拍摄者呢？有关她的信息，至今还是个谜……

WelrodIn any case, it's wrong to conclude that it was all a dream. Let's think in another direction.总之，认为这是梦境的结论是错误的，从其他方向思考吧。

WelrodThere should be no doubt about the reality of the client's experience.委托人经历的真实性应该毋庸置疑。

WelrodJanina really did exist in the old city district, and the Vagrants' Hotel's appearance matches our client's description too. This is all solid evidence.雅妮娜确实在旧城区存在过，流浪旅馆的外观也与委托人的描述相符，这都是切实的证据。

WelrodHowever, the client's parents wanted to conceal what happened. There must be some unknown reason for that.然而，委托人的父母却想要隐瞒这段经历，这背后应该有一些隐情。

Why did the client's parents want to hide the truth?委托人的父母为什么要隐瞒事实？

To tighten their control over the client加强对委托人的控制

They sensed danger感觉到了危险

WelrodTighten control to keep her from running away again?加强控制，为了防止她再次离家出走？

WelrodThe client's upbringing was indeed strict, and after she came back from the district, her parents restricted her movements even further.委托人的家教确实很严厉，从旧城区回来之后，她的父母更是进一步加强了看管。

WelrodBut if it was just about tightening control, was it really necessary to pretend the whole thing never happened?但是，只是加强管束的话，真的有必要装作整件事情没有发生过吗？

Welrod...That reason isn't convincing enough. Let's think of another answer.……这个理由不够充分，想想其他答案吧。

WelrodThe client described in her letter that after she returned from the old city district, her parents tightened their watch over her.委托人在信里描述过，从旧城区回来后，父母加强了对她的看管。

WelrodBut merely restricting her freedom wasn't enough. They also wanted the client to forget it entirely, to completely give up going to the old city district.但只是限制自由还不够，他们还想让委托人彻底忘记这件事，彻底打消她前往旧城区的念头。

WelrodIt's obvious. The client's parents were afraid. They wanted to protect their daughter and themselves. They didn't want to be entangled with Janina or the old city district.很明显，委托人的父母在害怕，为了保护女儿，也为了他们自己，不希望和雅妮娜、旧城区扯上任何关系。

WelrodJanina's parents were trying to cover something up. There should be signs that prove it.雅妮娜的父母在试图掩盖些什么，应该有迹象能证明这点。

They struck a deal with someone和人达成了交易

WelrodThat transfer to the old city district mentioned in the letter is incredibly suspicious.在信件中提到的那笔汇往旧城区的转账非常可疑。

WelrodThe client's parents once struck a deal with someone, or some faction. They didn't want it known, so they pretended nothing ever happened.委托人的父母曾和某人、或某个势力达成交易。他们不希望这件事被知道，所以假装一切都没有发生过。

WelrodThough I still don't know where that money went, judging by the timing of that transfer, it must be related to Janina...虽然还不知道那笔钱去了哪里，但从转账的时间推测，一定和雅妮娜有关……

WelrodMaybe if we uncover Janina's identity, we'll know the purpose of the transfer.或许，可以通过揭开雅妮娜的身份，来理解这笔钱的用处。

What's the key evidence pointing to Janina's identity?指向雅妮娜身份的关键证据是？

The damaged video recording破损的录像

The banned drug违禁药物

The torn ledger page账目残页

WelrodThe video did reveal some information, but it doesn't seem to have much relation to this case.录像里虽然揭示了一些信息，但好像与此案并没有太多关联。

WelrodThough I'm quite curious about the person who filmed it. Why did she leave no DNA behind?虽然我很在意那位视频的拍摄者，她的生物信息为什么没有留下来？

Welrod...Better to determine Janina's identity first.……还是先确定雅妮娜的身份吧。

WelrodNot good enough. The existence of the banned drug proves that Janina was involved in illegal activity, but it doesn't point to her identity.还不够，违禁药物的存在能证明雅妮娜与违法行为有关，但并不能直接指向她的身份。

WelrodWe need some more direct evidence of her crime.需要一些更直接的罪证。

WelrodThat's right. That strange lodging ledger is the key. Judging by the amounts on it, something is clearly off.没错，是那份奇怪的旅店账目，从上面的金额来看，明显不对劲。

WelrodIn fact, it's not a hotel's check-in record at all, because quite a few of the people on it appear on the missing persons list.事实上，那根本不是旅馆的入住记录，因为上面的人，有相当一部分出现在了失踪名单里。

WelrodAn obvious conclusion. It's a human trafficking list, and Janina is without doubt one of the criminals.结论显而易见，那是一张人口贩卖的名单，而雅妮娜无疑是犯罪者之一。

WelrodThe hotel she ran was never a safe harbor for the homeless, but a trap hiding murderous intent...她所经营的旅馆并非无家可归者的避风港，而是暗藏杀机的陷阱……

WelrodThe client was, without doubt, one of the targets too. But since she was a White Zone elite, she ended up getting rescued.毫无疑问，委托人也是目标之一，但她毕竟是白区的精英，因而在最后被救了出来。

WelrodAnd the price was that large transfer—it was the ransom paid by the client's parents.而代价则是那笔大额的转账——那是委托人父母所支付的赎金。

WelrodThat's roughly all we can deduce from the clues gathered so far.根据目前的线索，大概能推测出这么多。

WelrodIt's certain now... that so-called beautiful memory was, in fact, a kidnapping.可以确定……所谓美好的记忆，实际上是一起绑架行为。

WelrodLet's tell the client the truth.把这些真相告诉委托人吧。

(...)（……）

ClientJanina is a criminal?雅妮娜是个罪犯？

WelrodIndeed. Just as I deduced, all the signs point toward her being part of a human trafficking ring.是的，正如我推理的那样，各种迹象显示，她是人口贩卖集团的一员。

WelrodThe so-called Vagrants' Hotel was in fact a criminal tool, used to lure in vagrants and refugees who entered illegally.所谓的流浪者旅店，实际上也是犯罪工具，用以吸引流浪汉和非法入境的难民。

ClientThen what about the church I saw? Why did Janina take me there?那我所看到的那个教堂呢？雅妮娜为什么带我去那儿？

WelrodI did investigate that to some degree. There's no church in the area where Janina lived.我有大致调查过，在雅妮娜所居住的那片区域里并没有教堂。

WelrodSo what you saw... might not have been entirely real. Perhaps it was simply the effect of a hallucinogenic drug.所以你看到的景象……可能并不是完全真实的。或许，那只是致幻药物所致。

ClientA hallucinogenic drug?致幻药物？

WelrodA stimulant that is circulating widely in the old city district. It appeared in one of the videos Janina recorded.一种在旧城区大量流通的兴奋剂，它出现在了雅妮娜录制的一段视频中。

WelrodJanina was only a frail young woman, but she could easily subdue adults stronger than herself with this drug.雅妮娜只是个弱女子，但有了这种药物，她就能轻易制伏比她强壮的成年人。

Client...……

WelrodYou might've been taken to a place linked to human trafficking, and mistaken it for a church.你可能被她带去了某个与人口买卖相关的地点，并把那里误认成了教堂。

WelrodYou must have sensed it too. That encounter wasn't normal.你应该也感觉到了吧，那场邂逅并不正常。

WelrodIn the old city district, no one helps another without reason. They do all this to survive... that's just how they are.在旧城区，没有人会无缘无故地帮助他人，为了生存，他们普遍如此。

(Just as Welrod expected, faced with the cruel truth laid bare, the client falls into a long silence.)（和维尔德预料的一样，面对她揭示的残酷结论，通讯另一端的委托人陷入了长时间的沉默。）

Client...Thank you.……谢谢你。

(But in the end, Welrod does hear a solemn word of thanks from the other end of the call.)（但最终，她听到对面传来了一声郑重的道谢。）

(The client seems to have chosen to accept this painful truth after some thought.)（委托人似乎是在思索之后，选择接受了这个令她痛苦的真相。）

ClientI don't know why, but even though it hurts, I've also come to understand a few things.不知为什么，我虽然很难受，但也看明白了一些事情。

ClientI've lived in the White Zone since childhood, with no real sense of crime in the satellite city.我从小生活在白区，对于卫星城的犯罪并没有实感。

ClientRecently, I took over my father's company, and I've gradually come to see the evil hidden behind Mozyr's prosperity.最近，我接手了父亲的公司，逐渐看到了在莫济里繁荣背后所隐藏的邪恶。

ClientI believe I now understand what that evil is.我现在好像知道这种邪恶是什么了。

WelrodYou're quite perceptive. That deserves praise.你很有洞察力，值得夸奖。

(Welrod updates her impression of the client in her neural cloud—this White Zone young mistress is naive, but also upright.)（维尔德更新了心智中对她的印象——这位白区大小姐很天真，但也很正直。）

ClientThe old city district must change. Perhaps someday I'll be able to do something...旧城区的状况需要一些改变，或许总有一天我能够做些什么……

ClientOh, by the way, Detective Welrod. About Janina's crime ring that you just mentioned, I have another clue about them.对了，维尔德侦探。关于你刚才提到的雅妮娜犯罪组织，我还有一些线索。

ClientI'm not trying to commission you here. I just think that this clue might help you catch those criminals.这不算是委托，只是我觉得这条线索或许有助于你去抓捕那些罪犯。

WelrodIs it information you didn't mention in your commission letter?是你之前没有在委托信函里交代的信息吗？

ClientIndeed. Because at the time, I didn't believe that what I experienced was connected to any crime.因为那个时候，我还不相信那段经历和犯罪有关。

ClientBut actually, I already sensed something. Because... when Janina took me to that "church," I secretly brought something back.但其实，我已经感觉到了。因为……在被雅妮娜带到那个“教堂”的时候，我偷偷带回来一样东西。

(The client steps out of the camera's range, seemingly searching her room for something.)（通讯中，委托人离开了摄像头范围，似乎是在自己房间中寻找着什么。）

(She returns to her seat before long, holding a rust-covered white badge in her hand.)（她没过多久便回到了座位上，而手上则拿着一个锈迹斑斑的白色徽章。）

ClientWhen Janina took me to the church, I felt really happy.在被雅妮娜带去教堂的时候，我感觉特别开心。

ClientIn my excitement, I accidentally pried loose a badge that was decorating the altar... and afraid of getting caught, I hid it up my sleeve.结果一兴奋，不小心把祭坛上装饰的徽章给拔了下来……因为害怕被发现，就藏在了衣服的袖子里面。

MIMiWait, this badge is...『等等，这个徽章是……』

(Welrod looks at the badge in surprise, comparing it over and over against the image in her neural cloud memory—)（维尔德惊讶地看向那个徽章，反复对比自己心智记忆里的图像——）

(It's a white icon formed from a compass and rhombus, seemingly symbolizing some kind of order.)（那是由圆规和菱形组合而成的白色图案，似乎象征着某种秩序。）

(But Welrod knows too well that every time it appears, it brings nothing but death and suffering to the innocent.)（然而，维尔德非常清楚，它的每一次出现都只会带来无辜者的死亡与痛苦。）

Welrod...A totem of Paradeus?……帕拉蒂斯的图腾？

Melting Into The Mist 溶于雾中

Detective Welrod, Because of the communication lines on the Intercontinental Railway, I can't reach you in real time, so I can only use this email to arrange our next meeting. I trust you haven't forgotten. Three years ago, I commissioned you to investigate the death of my brother, Bohdan. He was killed by a member of the criminal organization, the "Daggers", and though the culprit was caught quickly, the case left behind plenty of unanswered questions. First, the suspect's mysterious death in prison. Second, my niece Olena, Bohdan's only daughter, who had long been barred from visits by the Public Security Administration in the name of witness protection... I haven't heard news of her in a long time...维尔德侦探 由于洲际列车上通讯线路的原因，我无法实时联络上您，只能用这封邮件来向您预约接下来的行程。 我想您应该没有忘记，三年前，我曾找您调查我的哥哥博赫丹死亡的委托。他是被犯罪组织匕首帮的成员所杀，虽然凶手很快被抓捕，却留下了诸多谜团。 首先是嫌疑人在监狱里的神秘死亡；其次，我的侄女奥列娜，她作为博赫丹的独生女，长期被治安管理部门以保护证人为名禁止探望，我已经很久没有得到她的消息了……

But just recently, I've come across some new leads. As I suspected, the Daggers' leader, Vityaz, is closely connected to this case! I've already turned up a few clues that might help me pin down his whereabouts. And that's why, Master Detective, I urgently hope to discuss this with you further! I'll arrive in your satellite city this evening—please forgive the intrusion. If it's convenient, please contact me at any time! While I'm staying in MAS-02, I'll be living at this address... I look forward to your visit!然而就在最近，我掌握到了一些新的线索。和我猜测的一样，匕首帮的首领维季亚兹和此案有着密切的关联！我已经发现了一些线索，或许能掌握到他的下落。 所以大侦探，我急切地希望和您进行进一步的商议！ 我将在今天晚上抵达您所在的卫星城，请原谅我的打扰。如果方便的话，还请随时联络我！驻留MAS-02期间，我将居住在这个地址…… 等候您的莅临！

(207X, roughly two weeks after the previous case ended.)（207X年，上一起案件结束后约两周。）

(The faint aroma of black tea drifts through the air, as it always does inside the detective agency of satellite city MAS-02.)（MAS-02卫星城，侦探事务所内，一如既往地弥漫着淡淡的红茶香气。）

(Welrod sets down her teacup upon finding that email in her inbox.)（当维尔德发现这封躺在信箱里的电子邮件时，她立刻放下了手中的茶杯。）

WelrodThat email was sent... yesterday?寄信的时间是在昨天？

(Busy chasing the Righteous Broker and "Bloody Angels" cases, Welrod had handed all her other commissions to her boss. As a result, she hadn't noticed this email, which contains important information, in time.)（由于忙于追查义商与“血色天使”的案件，她把其他委托都交给了“老板”。因此并没有及时注意到这封包含有重要信息的信件。）

(Welrod immediately tries to call the sender, but there is no answer.)（维尔德立刻试图联络寄信人，但对方却没有接听。）

Welrod...Is it too early in the day?……是时间太早了吗？

(The clock on the wall has only just passed six in the morning. Once again, the detective Doll has gone a whole night without rest.)（房间里的时钟才刚过凌晨6点，侦探人形又一晚没有休息。）

(Welrod isn't immune to fatigue either. She sinks into the sofa, takes off her glasses, and rubs her face.)（维尔德也并非不知疲惫，她让自己陷入沙发中，脱下了眼镜，揉了揉脸。）

WelrodSergei... I remember him.谢尔盖……我对这个人有印象。

(As the letter recounts, not long after Welrod arrived in the satellite city three years ago, Sergei commissioned her to look into a murder connected to the Daggers.)（正如信件中所回顾的，三年前，在维尔德刚来卫星城不久的时候，谢尔盖曾委托她追查一起与匕首帮有关的命案。）

(Welrod did some investigating at the time, but in the end the PSA resolved the case very quickly and the commission was cut short.)（维尔德当时有进行过一些调查。但最终，治安部门很快就将案件解决，委托也仓促地终止了。）

WelrodHe says he knows where Vityaz is... looks like I'll have to go there myself.他说知道维季亚兹的下落……看来，我需要亲自去一趟了。

(The sky is still dark, but she can make out a layer of leaden clouds hanging low over the city.)（天色尚暗，但能看到有一片铅灰色的云层低压着城市。）

(Welrod decides to head straight for the address in Sergei's letter. But from her experience, she knows that gloomy, oppressive days like this usually don't bode well.)（维尔德决定要直接前往谢尔盖信件中所说的地址，但按照她以往的经验，这种阴郁而沉闷的日子，通常不会发生什么好事。）

WelrodLook at that sky... is it about to rain? MIMi, check the weather forecast for me.看这天色……像是要下雨？MIMi，帮我查一下天气预报。

WelrodMIMi? Are you still in sleep mode?MIMi？你还在休眠吗？

(A good while passes without a response from the assistant bot. Welrod rises from the sofa. The agency is as quiet as ever, with no one here but her.)（过了好一会儿，助手机器人都没有回应，维尔德从沙发上起身，事务所内一如往常地安静，除了她之外并没有其他人。）

???She noticed... the two of us... need to be more careful when we talk...她注意到……我们俩……说话的时候要小心……

(From a dark corner at the very back of the room comes a wisp of faint conversation, like fragmented whispers.)（然而，就在房间最深处的昏暗角落里，却传来一阵细微的对话声，如同耳语般，断断续续。）

???...Time jumps around here... right now is... the second blocked segment of memory...……这里的时间会跳跃……现在是……被封锁的第二段记忆……

(Someone is talking inside the agency? Welrod's nerves go taut in an instant. She treads lightly and silently moves toward the source of the sound.)（有谁在事务所里说话？维尔德的神经瞬间紧绷，她放轻脚步，悄无声息地朝着声音传来的方向靠近。）

???The investigation into "Project Oracle" has hit a wall too. Right now, the most useful lead is still... the Harbinger.“神谕计划”的调查也陷入了瓶颈，目前最有效的线索还是……告死鸟。

???That's right. There must be information about "Shepherd" in it.没错，其中一定有“牧羊人”的信息。

(But when Welrod cautiously approaches that corner, there's no one there, nothing at all.)（然而，当维尔德小心翼翼地靠近那个角落时，那里却空无一人，什么也没有。）

(That thread of faint conversation cuts off abruptly, as if it had never been there.)（那阵细微的对话声也戛然而止，仿佛从未出现过一般。）

Welrod"Project Oracle"... "Shepherd"?“神谕计划”……“牧羊人”？

(Welrod falls into a brief daze. She remembers having hallucinations during an earlier investigation, yet a full check of her neural cloud afterward showed everything was normal, which only made her more uneasy.)（维尔德陷入了短暂的恍惚，她想起自己在之前的调查中曾出现过幻觉，但事后心智的全面检查结果却显示一切正常，这反而让她感到很不安。）

(Just then, her assistant bot suddenly pops out from under the sofa, breaking the silence.)（就在这个时候，助手机器人突然从沙发底下钻了出来，打破了事务所内的寂静。）

MIMiUgh, I know I'm just an assistant bot, but don't I at least deserve a bed?『唉，就算我是助手机器人，也不至于连张床都没有吧？』

Welrod...MIMi, was that you talking just now?……MIMi，刚才是你在说话吗？

MIMiI didn't say anything. Maybe you should get your ears checked?『我没说啊，你要不要去看看耳科？』

Welrod...……

MIMiI'm the only one here, so who would I be talking to? Right?『这里只有我一个，要和谁说话呢？对不？』

WelrodI've been having hallucinations a lot lately. Like how I crashed briefly in the old city district "yesterday".我最近经常会出现幻觉，像“昨天”在旧城区，也有短暂的宕机状态。

MIMiWait, wait! What yesterday? You ran into the Harbinger two weeks ago!『等等、等等，什么昨天！遇到告死鸟已经是两周前的事了！』

Welrod...Right. What's going on? I keep feeling like that whole business happened not long ago.……对啊，怎么回事，我总感觉那件事情还没过去多久。

WelrodBack then, I saw a strange scene in the hallucination. A village by a lake, with almost no trace of modern society.我那时在幻觉中看到了奇怪的景象，一座湖边的村庄，几乎没有现代社会的痕迹。

MIMiThere's a place like that? That's rare! Outside the Green Zone it's just pollution everywhere.『还有那种地方？真稀奇！绿区外面几乎到处都是污染。』

WelrodAnd in reality... the missing broker, the Paradeus members who showed up in the old city district, and... a girl named Janina were all proven to be connected to this case.而在现实中……失踪的商人、出现在旧城区的帕拉蒂斯，还有……叫雅妮娜的少女也被证明和这起案件有关。

WelrodMaybe too much happened all at once, and it has left my mind a little muddled.或许是一口气发生了太多事，让我有点混乱了吧。

Welrod...Never mind. Enough of this topic. Get ready, it's time for us to move out.……算了，这个话题到此为止，做好准备，我们该出门了。

(Before leaving, Welrod deliberately checks the satellite city's weather again. It isn't going to rain today.)（维尔德在出门前特意确认了卫星城的天气，今天并不会下雨。）

(But because the White Zone has carried out artificial rainmaking, the whole of MAS-02 is blanketed in dense fog.)（然而，由于白区进行了人工降雨，整个MAS-02卫星城都被浓密的雾气所笼罩。）

(Visibility is extremely low. Welrod feels as though she's standing in the middle of a fog bank.)（周围的能见度极低，维尔德就好像置身于一片迷雾之中。）

MIMiTsk, where are we even going? Even an early morning training session doesn't start this early.『啧，我们这是要去哪里？早八的训练也没见这么早的。』

WelrodWe're finding a client named Sergei. He seems to know where Vityaz is.找一个叫做谢尔盖的委托人，他好像知道了维季亚兹的下落。

MIMiVityaz? What do you want with him?『维季亚兹？你找他干嘛。』

Welrod...It's an unnecessary explanation, but I'll grudgingly clear it up for you.……虽然是多余的解释，但我还是勉为其难地为你答疑吧。

WelrodTo track down the Righteous Broker, we have to find the leader of the "Bloody Angels", the Harbinger.为了调查“义商”的下落，我们要找到“血色天使”的首领，告死鸟。

MIMiI know that much. So?『这我知道，所以呢？』

WelrodWe've searched the old city district for two weeks and found no trace of them, so direct searches are useless.我们已经在旧城区找了两周，却没发现这伙人的踪迹，所以直接找是没有用的。

WelrodThink about it. The Harbinger wants to carry out her so-called "purification"; that is, to root out the district's evil... And the Daggers are her main target.回想一下吧，告死鸟要进行所谓的“净化”，也就是铲除旧城区的罪恶。匕首帮则是她的首要目标。

MIMiAlright, I get it. You want to use that wimp as a stepping stone to reach the Harbinger, right?『行了，我听懂了，你是想拿那怂货当跳板，找到告死鸟对吧？』

MIMiNot a bad approach. Beats sitting around doing nothing.『办法还行，总比我们什么都不做要强。』

Welrod...Hang on.……等等。

MIMiWhy'd you stop all of a sudden again! You did that in the old city district yesterday too.『你怎么又突然停下来！昨天在旧城区也是这样。』

WelrodNot yesterday. That was two weeks ago...不是昨天，那已经是两周前了……

MIMiEh? R-Right. Didn't expect that I'd get it wrong too.『诶？对、对哦，没想到我也会搞错。』

MIMiSo what now? What did you spot this time?『那现在呢？你又发现了什么？』

Welrod...Someone's taking aim at us.……有人在瞄准我们。

MIMiNonsense. The fog's so thick that you can't see a thing.『胡说八道，雾这么大，什么都看不清好吧？』

WelrodThere are plenty of signs that give it away even if you can't see anything. For instance... the red light refracting in the fog.就算看不到，也有很多迹象可以发现端倪，例如……在雾中折射的红光。

(Without any change in her expression, Welrod directs her assistant to look at the dark alley on the left.)（维尔德不动声色，指引助手查看左侧那条昏暗的小巷。）

MIMiThat's... a laser sight?!『那是……镭射瞄准器！？』

WelrodBy the looks of it, they'll attack the moment we set foot in the alley...看这样子，只要我们走进巷子里面，这些人就会发起攻击……

MIMiThen bring it on. Let's see who's tougher!『那就来呗，看看谁厉害！』

WelrodHmph... I was actually considering whether or not to take a detour, but your reaction makes me feel that I was overthinking it.哼……本来还在考虑要不要绕路，但你的反应让我觉得是自己想得太多了。

WelrodAlright then. Let's feel out just what kind of people they are.好吧，那就来试探一下这是一伙怎样的人吧。

Melting Into The Mist 溶于雾中

MIMiWelrod, get down!『维尔德，趴下！』

(Fighting in the thick fog is unexpectedly hard. With no line of sight at first, Welrod is pinned behind cover for some time.)（在浓雾中战斗，意外的艰难。维尔德在一开始没有视野，一度被对方压制在了掩体后面。）

MIMi30 degrees elevation, your 11 o'clock! There's a coward hiding behind the window, thinking I can't see him!『仰角30度，你的11点方向！有个怂货躲在窗户后面以为我看不见？』

(But once MIMimiMISuki takes control of the street's infrared-capable surveillance cameras, the tide of battle turns.)（然而，随着MIMimiMISuki掌握了街道上具备红外模式的监控探头，战局立刻发生了反转。）

MIMiTrying to flank us from behind? That's it? They might as well be running naked under my surveillance!『背后还想玩包抄？就这？在老子的监控下，他们跟裸奔有什么区别！』

(With the one-way intel advantage made total, the battle that follows holds no suspense at all.)（而在做到了情报单向透明后，接下来的战斗根本没有悬念。）

MIMiHa! See that?! This is what a professional hacker can do!『哈！看到没！这就是专业黑客的实力！』

(Realizing that they're no match, the enemies hiding in the fog choose to retreat.)（意识到自己不是对手后，躲在浓雾中的敌人选择了撤退。）

WelrodThey were from the Daggers.那些是匕首帮的人。

MIMiHuh? How do you know that?『啊？你又是怎么知道的？』

WelrodI've clashed with them plenty of times. I can tell who they are from their general getup, even through fog.我和他们交手过很多次了，就算隔着一层雾，也能从大致的装扮上辨别出来。

MIMiSo what are these punks blocking the way for? Didn't Vityaz already have a truce with you?『那这帮孙子在这儿挡什么道？维季亚兹不是已经和你停战了吗？』

WelrodI don't know. But I feel like... they just don't want me getting near that area.不知道，但我的感觉是……他们只是不希望我靠近前面那片区域。

MIMiTrue, they didn't shoot first. But why, though... Could they be hiding something they don't want seen on that street ahead?『确实，他们一开始并没有开枪。但为什么呢……难道前面那条街上藏了些见不得人的东西？』

Welrod...Let's go find Sergei first. I don't want to waste time here.……先去找谢尔盖吧，我不想在这里耽误时间了。

(Welrod hesitates for a moment, but in the end she decides not to pursue it any further.)（维尔德犹豫了一会儿，最终还是决定不再深追。）

(...)（……）

MIMiCome to think of it, who is this Sergei guy? Why would he know where Vityaz is?『说起来，那个叫谢尔盖的是什么人？他怎么会知道维季亚兹的下落？』

WelrodHe's something of a public figure online. He's been active on Mozyr's local social media for the past few years.他算是网络上的公众人物，这几年来一直活跃于莫济里当地的社交媒体上。

WelrodSergei once spoke out bluntly on a program, accusing White Zone companies of colluding with the old city district's criminal forces, which made him well known among the satellite city's lower classes.谢尔盖曾在节目里直言不讳，指责白区的公司与旧城区的恶势力有勾结，因此在卫星城的底层民众中的知名度很高。

WelrodSo he really might have learned some things from his audience that I have no way of knowing.因此，他确实可能从自己的观众那里知道一些我掌握不到的信息。

MIMiHeh~ Sounds like he's a net whiz too. Still nowhere near me, of course.『嘿～听起来他也是个网络高手，当然比我还是差远了。』

WelrodCome to think of it... how were you able to hack that camera just now?说起来……你刚才，为什么能黑入摄像头？

WelrodMIMi, you're becoming more and more of a mystery. You're a bot meant to assist with investigations, so why would you have a hacking module installed?MIMi，你身上谜题越来越多了。作为调查辅助用的机器人，为什么会安装有黑客模块？

MIMiEh? That's... something I learned on my own. Is that not allowed?『诶？那是……我自己学会的，不可以吗？』

WelrodYou think I'd be fooled by an answer like that?你觉得我会被这种说法糊弄过去？

MIMiUgh... so annoying. Does this have anything to do with the case? Can you drop the questions?『唔……烦死了，这件事和你现在要调查的事有关系吗？能不能别细问了？』

MIMiHere's an idea. I'll explain it all in detail once the case is over.『这样吧，等这次的事件结束之后，我会仔细解释给你听。』

Welrod...……

(Welrod says nothing more. She clearly hasn't accepted MIMimiMISuki's strange behavior, but she also knows that this isn't the right time.)（维尔德不再说话，她明显没有接受MIMimiMISuki的怪异行为，但也知道不该在这里深究。）

(Lost in thought, Welrod arrives at the area where Sergei lives.)（就在思考之际，维尔德已经来到了谢尔盖所居住的区域。）

(It sits at the edge between the new and old city districts, where the streets are narrow and the facilities badly dated.)（这里位于新旧城区的边缘地带，街道狭窄，设施也十分老旧。）

(Welrod walks into an alley. Under the cover of thick fog, the passersby's faces fade in and out of sight, like ghosts wandering the streets.)（维尔德走进了一条小巷中，在浓雾的遮挡下，路人的样貌时隐时现，像是徘徊在街道上的幽灵。）

MIMiHm? Why is there a street sign here? It's all rusted over!『嗯？这里怎么还有个路牌啊，都生锈了！』

WelrodDoes it say anything?上面写了什么吗？

MIMiBohdan's Home. An orphanage? A run-down place like this actually has a charity?『博赫丹之家，孤儿院？这种破地方竟然有慈善设施？』

WelrodBohdan? Wait, isn't that name...博赫丹？等等，这个名字不是……

(Suddenly, Welrod notices some PSA personnel rushing in the same direction as her.)（这时，维尔德发现其中有好几名治安部门的人员，正朝着和自己相同的方向赶去。）

MIMiWait, what's going on? Why are there so many people from the PSA? Did something happen nearby again?『等等，什么情况，怎么有那么多治安人员？这附近又发生什么事了吗？』

(Soon, deep in the thick fog, a flickering red glow catches Welrod's attention—it's a flashing police light, a sign that some sudden incident has happened up ahead.)（很快，在浓雾的深处，一抹忽明忽暗的红色光芒吸引了维尔德的注意——那是正在闪烁的警灯，预示着前方发生了某种突发事件。）

PSA CaptainSorry, no entry past this point!对不起，这前面不能进入！

(Several fully armed PSA officers have gathered at the entrance of an old apartment building, their expressions grave.)（几名全副武装的治安人员围在了一栋老旧公寓的入口处，神情严肃。）

(Yellow warning tape has already been set up on both sides of the road, sealing the scene off from the outside. The mood here feels unusually tense.)（道路两旁已经拉起了黄色的警戒线，将现场与外界隔离开来，气氛显得异常紧张。）

WelrodHello, may I ask what happened here?你好，请允许我询问一下这里发生了什么？

(Welrod takes out a business card from her pocket and hands it to the officer in front, who looks like the captain.)（维尔德从口袋里掏出一张名片，递给了最前面那位看起来像是队长的治安官。）

WelrodI'm a detective. I've come to discuss a commission with Mr. Sergei who lives on the third floor of this apartment building.我是侦探，此行是为了与公寓三楼的谢尔盖先生讨论委托事宜。

(The officer takes the card, freezes for a moment, then pulls down the brim of his cap, a flicker of complicated emotion crossing his eyes.)（治安官接过名片，愣了一下，随即压低了帽檐，眼神中闪过一丝复杂的情绪。）

(He hesitates and stammers, but in the end, he does manage to say the following—)（他吞吞吐吐地，最终还是说出了下面的话——）

PSA Captain...Mr. Sergei was found dead in his apartment. He's been murdered.……谢尔盖先生被发现死在了公寓里，他被人谋杀了。

Chains And Magic 链条与魔法

(8:00 a.m., Room 301 on the third floor of the apartment building.)（早上8:00，公寓三楼，301号房内。）

(The light of dawn is hidden by heavy cloud cover, leaving the room dim.)（清晨的阳光被厚重的云层遮蔽，使得房间内光线昏暗。）

(Like a living hand, the thick fog outside the window silently seeps into the room through the gaps. It brings a bone-piercing chill that slips beneath the uniform of every officer on the case, enough to make one shudder.)（窗外浓重的雾气如同一只具有生命的手，从缝隙处悄无声息地渗入了房间。它带来一阵刺骨的寒意，钻进每一位办案人员的制服下面，让人不寒而栗。）

PSA CaptainThe victim is from the White Zone. He entered the satellite city on an intercity train the night before last, and has been living alone in Room 301 of this building since.死者来自白区，前天晚上乘坐城际列车进入卫星城，随后独自居住在公寓的301号房。

PSA CaptainTime of death is estimated to be between late last night and dawn. The building's landlord was the first to discover the scene.死亡时间推测是在今天深夜到黎明前的数小时，这座公寓的房东为案件的第一发现人。

(The moment Welrod is allowed onto the scene, she catches the sickening stench of blood filling the room.)（维尔德刚获准进入现场，就闻到房间内弥漫着一股浓郁得令人作呕的血腥味。）

(Despite her wealth of investigative experience, she's still shaken by the sight before her.)（尽管有着丰富的办案经验，她还是被眼前的景象惊到了。）

(In this small apartment, the floor, walls, and even the ceiling are covered in horrifying blood splatters.)（在这间不大的公寓套房内，地板、墙壁表面，甚至天花板上，到处是触目惊心的飞溅血迹。）

Welrod...Another victim of the bizarre serial murders?……猎奇连环杀人？

(The body has already been removed, but when Welrod sees the victim's position marked on the floor by white tape, she immediately recalls the case that shook the old city district.)（现场的遗体已经被运走，但当维尔德看到地板上用白色胶带标识出的死者的位置时，还是立刻想起了那件轰动旧城区的案件。）

(The body was right in the middle of the room, and the massive blood loss around it had formed a pool that bathed the whole room in gory crimson.)（遗体刚好位于房间中央，在它周围，巨大的出血量形成了一滩血泊，把整个房间映得通红。）

(To avoid stepping in all that blood, the PSA's forensics staff can only examine the scene gingerly, covering their noses as they go.)（为了不踩到这些血液，治安部门的鉴识人员只能一边捂住鼻子，一边小心翼翼地勘察。）

PSA CaptainThe landlord and the victim are niece and uncle. According to the niece, Sergei came to the satellite city to visit her. The two hadn't seen each other in several years...公寓房东和受害者是叔侄关系，据她声称，谢尔盖来卫星城是为了探望她，两人已经有好几年没有见过面了……

WelrodIn what state was the body found?尸体被发现的时候是什么状态？

PSA CaptainThe body lay face down on the floor, with knife wounds at the neck and wrists that ruptured several arteries, which caused all that bleeding.尸体呈匍匐状倒在地板上，脖颈处、手腕处，都有刀伤，导致了多处动脉破裂以及出血。

WelrodIs all this blood the victim's?这些血液全都是属于受害者的？

PSA CaptainYes. The medical examiner tested it. There's no blood from anyone else.是的，法医进行了检测，没有其他人的血液。

PSA CaptainNormally, not even severed arteries would produce this much blood. We think someone deliberately pumped his blood out of his body.虽然一般来说，即使是割破了动脉，也不会造成这么大量的出血。推测是有人特意将他的血液抽出了体外。

Welrod...How was the body discovered?……发现是遗体的过程是什么样的？

PSA CaptainAt 7 a.m. this morning, the landlord got up to bring the victim breakfast and found the door chain-locked from inside.是在早上七点，房东起床后来给死者送早饭，发现房门被链条锁从内侧锁上了。

WelrodA chain lock? Let me confirm. Do you mean the kind of chain lock that shows up all the time in detective dramas, the kind that can only be locked from the inside?链条锁？我确认一下，你是指在侦探剧中经常出现的，只能从内侧上锁的那种链条锁吗？

PSA CaptainYes. Since this building is really old, the electronic locks were added post-construction. Still, they kept the traditional chain lock.是的，这栋公寓由于年代久远，电子门锁是后期加装的，但传统的链条锁仍被保留了下来。

PSA CaptainWith the chain lock engaged, the door could only be opened a crack. No one could get in.在链条锁上锁的情况下，房门只能打开一条缝，人员无法进入。

PSA CaptainBut since the room was covered in blood, the landlord spotted the bloodstains through the gap in the door, immediately went downstairs, and fetched a PSA officer who was patrolling across the street.然而，由于房间内到处都是血，房东通过门缝发现了血迹，于是立刻下楼，找来了在街道对面巡逻的治安人员。

(Welrod walks to the doorway. She finds the chain lock broken.)（维尔德走到门口前，发现链条锁已经断裂。）

PSA CaptainThat was broken with tools by the first PSA officer to arrive.那是第一个到达现场的治安人员，用工具破坏掉的。

PSA CaptainHey! You there, newbie, come over here.喂！那个新来的，你过来一下。

Rookie PSA OfficerY-yes!是、是！

PSA CaptainHere, I'll introduce you. This is a self-owned Doll with full autonomy, Detective Welrod. She has solved many major crimes to date, and she's currently tracking down the "Bloody Angels."给你介绍一下，这位是有着自主权限的人形，侦探维尔德。她至今解决过多起重大犯罪，目前正在追查那伙“血色天使”。

PSA CaptainThe investigation team has given her permission to assist us in cracking the case.调查组已经决定给予授权，让她协助我们一起侦破这起命案。

PSA CaptainYou were the first PSA officer to arrive on scene. Tell her what things were like back then.你是治安人员中最先到达现场的，说说当时的情况吧。

Rookie PSA OfficerRight! So... um, the landlord and I opened the chain lock w-with a tool...好的！那……那个，我和房东一起，用、用工具打开了链条锁……

WelrodWhy did the landlord look for you after spotting the blood? Do you two know each other?为什么房东发现血迹后会去找你，你们认识吗？

Rookie PSA OfficerEh? Y-Yeah. I patrol right across the street, and lately we've been... chatting together...诶？是、是的，我就在街道对面巡逻，最近经常……会一起闲聊……

(The rookie PSA officer is tall and well built, but he looks terribly nervous at the moment.)（新人治安员身材高大，体格健壮，然而此刻却显得十分怯场。）

(As he stammers out answers to Welrod's questions, he can't help but avoid her gaze, eyes darting about to betray his unease.)（他一边结结巴巴地回答着维尔德的问题，一边却不由自主地回避她的视线，眼神闪烁，透露出不安。）

Welrod...Are you afraid of Dolls, or of the blood on the floor?……你是害怕人形，还是在害怕地上的血？

Rookie PSA OfficerHuh?诶？

WelrodYou have avoided looking this way ever since you entered the room.从进入房间开始，你的视线就回避看向这边。

WelrodIf it isn't because I'm too stern, then it can only be that the bloodstains on the floor are making you uncomfortable. Am I wrong?如果不是因为我过于严厉，那就只可能是地上的血迹让你感到不适了。我说错了吗？

Rookie PSA OfficerUhh... well, I am indeed a little afraid of blood...唔……那个，我确实对血迹有点害怕……

PSA Captain(Sigh) This guy's a new hire... guess I should give you the explanation instead, Detective Welrod.唉，这家伙才刚入职没多久……维尔德侦探，还是让我来给你说明情况吧。

PSA CaptainAfter the report was made, this new guy and the landlord went back to the crime scene. Together they cut the chain lock with a tool, and then found the victim's body. Correct?接到报案后，这个新来的就和房东一起返回了现场，他们一起用工具切断链条锁，然后就发现了受害人的遗体，对吧？

Rookie PSA OfficerY-Yeah... um, we did search the room...是、是的……那个，我们有检查过房间……

WelrodAren't you afraid of blood? How were you able to stay calm at a scene so gruesome?你不是怕血吗？看到这么惨烈的现场，你还能保持冷静？

PSA CaptainThe landlord was the one who reminded him to search. After all, the door was locked from the inside, and it would be terrible if the killer was still hiding in there.是房东提醒他检查的，毕竟房门从内侧反锁，万一凶手还躲里面就糟糕了。

WelrodSo where did you two search?那你们检查了哪些地方？

Rookie PSA OfficerPlaces like... the wardrobe, outside the window... we also went into the bedroom, checked under the bed and all the storage cabinets...像是……确认衣柜、窗外，还进入了卧室，检查了床下和各种储物柜……

Rookie PSA OfficerWe didn't find anything suspicious.我们没有发现任何可疑的地方。

PSA CaptainThis guy was so frightened that he even forgot to turn on his bodycam. He only reported to the command center after searching the room, and that was because the landlord reminded him. Right?这家伙被吓得不轻，连视频记录都忘了开。就连要向指挥中心报告，也是在检查完房间后，被房东提醒的，对吧？

Rookie PSA OfficerY-Yeah... um... I'm sorry.是……是的，那个……对不起。

PSA CaptainLess than ten minutes after that, the others arrived on scene... and removed the body once the preliminary survey was done.这之后不到十分钟吧，其他人就赶到了现场……并在完成初步的勘查后运走了尸体。

WelrodI imagine you all must have realized it. With blood loss this massive and unnatural... the features of this crime scene match the murders in the old city district from the past few months.我想你们应该也注意到了吧。如此大量、不自然的出血……此处案发现场的特征，与最近几个月在旧城区发生的杀人案特征相符。

PSA CaptainThe mysterious organization in the old city district, the "Bloody Angels", and the serial murders they've been carrying out, right?旧城区的神秘组织“血色天使”，以及他们进行的连续杀人，对吧？

PSA CaptainI hear you came looking for Sergei today because of something related to that case as well.听说你今天来找谢尔盖，也和此案有关。

WelrodIndeed, so I believe this organization is the prime suspect at this moment.是的，所以我目前认为，这个组织有着重大的嫌疑。

WelrodBut there IS some oddity to that... The earlier victims were all discovered by accident, a long time after they went missing. Those bodies had all been soaked for a long time, leaving them rotten and bloated, unlike Sergei's condition.但也有疑点……那就是之前的死者，都是在失踪后过了很长时间才被人意外发现的。 遗体也都遭遇过长时间的浸泡而变得腐烂和浮肿，和谢尔盖的特征并不一样。

PSA CaptainHmm... Could it be that some unexpected situation kept the perpetrator from taking the body? After all, the killer didn't undo the chain lock. Maybe they found people in the hallway and had no choice but to flee through the window.嗯……会不会是因为一些意外情况，没能带走尸体呢？毕竟，凶手没有打开内侧的链条锁，他或许是发现走廊上有人，才不得不从窗户逃走。

(The PSA captain leads Welrod over to the window. The moment he pushes it open, cold fog rushes into their faces.)（治安队长带着维尔德来到窗边，当他推开窗户的那刻，寒冷的雾气立刻扑面而来。）

(Welrod looks down. Right outside the window is a remote, narrow path. The window is several meters above the ground, and slick mud and weeds lies below.)（维尔德往下看去，窗外紧邻一条偏僻而狭窄的小路，距离地面有好几米高，下方是湿滑的泥土和杂草。）

PSA CaptainThe doorway wasn't an option, so the killer must have left from here. But as you can see, there's nothing to climb on outside the window.门口出不去，凶手一定就是从这里离开的，但可以看到，窗外没有可供攀爬的地方。

PSA CaptainJumping straight down would definitely leave tracks in the mud, since the ground there isn't hard road.直接跳下去的话，则一定会在泥土上留下痕迹，毕竟楼下并非是坚硬的道路。

WelrodThe building opposite doesn't seem very far away.对面建筑的距离好像不是很远。

PSA CaptainThat's right. The building opposite is a bit lower than this one. If the killer was agile, or had assistive prosthetics installed, they could have jumped across.没错，对面的建筑高度比这里矮一些，如果凶手身手矫健，或者安装了辅助义肢，完全可以跳过去。

(Welrod sees that there are PSA personnel surveying the rooftop opposite as well.)（维尔德看到，对面的屋顶上也有治安部门的人正在进行勘测。）

WelrodThe rooftop is hard stone brick, so the killer might not have left a mark. Have you found anything so far?楼顶上倒是坚硬的石砖，不太容易留下痕迹，目前有发现什么吗？

PSA CaptainNot yet. We're arranging for more precise detection equipment in preparation for a detailed search of the surrounding area.暂时还没有，我们正在调配更精密的检测设备，准备对周围的区域进行详细检查。

PSA CaptainWe also considered the possibility of a long-range sniper shot, or the use of a drone to commit the crime, but that doesn't quite match the state of the scene...另外，我们也考虑远距离狙杀，或是使用无人机进行作案的可能，但这与现场的状况不太对得上……

WelrodWith a body in that condition, it's hard to see this being done from a distance. The killer must have been at the scene in person.那样的尸体状态，很难做到远程杀人。这位凶手一定有出现在现场。

PSA CaptainYes, I completely agree with you... As expected of a Doll made for solving cases, your logic is meticulous, far better than the average investigator.是的，我完全同意你的说法……不愧是专门侦破案件的人形，你的逻辑很缜密，比一般的调查人员强多了。

WelrodYour account is rather well presented too. I can tell you have rich investigation experience.你的讲述也很清晰，可以看得出来有着丰富的侦查经验。

WelrodAllow me to ask a bold question. With qualifications like yours, you should be back at HQ directing personnel. How did you end up being sent out to a crime scene?让我冒昧地问一句，以你这样的资历，应该留在指挥部负责人员调遣吧，怎么会被派来现场呢？

(Welrod points to the ID on the PSA captain's chest. She's dealt with the satellite city's PSA officers before, so she can tell at a glance that he's highly experienced and has earned many honors.)（维尔德指了指治安队长胸前的工作证，她与卫星城治安人员接触过，所以一眼就能看出，这位治安队长有着丰富的经验，还获得过很多荣誉。）

PSA CaptainHaha... nothing strange about that. That's just how the PSA is in MAS-02.哈哈……这没什么好奇怪的，MAS-02的治安部门就是这样。

PSA CaptainIf you don't have a White Zone background, you hit a ceiling quickly...如果没有白区背景，晋升很快就会到头……

Forensics StaffCaptain, please come here for a moment!队长，请来一下！

PSA CaptainAnyway, I'm in charge of this crime scene at the moment. If you have questions, come ask me anytime.总之，现场目前由我指挥，你有问题可以随时来找我。

(The captain turns around and walks to the forensics team. Welrod's gaze follows him as she thinks over her next move.)（治安队长转身前往鉴识人员身边，维尔德的视线则跟随着他，同时思考着下一步的行动。）

(She can sense that the captain is carrying a lot of pent-up resentment. Perhaps she can use that to open up a breakthrough in the investigation...)（她能感觉到，治安队长的心中积压了不少怨气，或许能利用这点，为调查打开突破口……）

Forensics StaffCaptain, we found a portrait.队长，我们发现了这幅肖像画。

PSA CaptainWhat does this have to do with the case?这和案件有什么关系吗？

Forensics StaffNone so far. It was locked in this cabinet and probably hasn't been touched in a long time. Should we seize it as evidence?目前没有，它被锁在这个柜子里，应该很久没被动过了，要作为证物扣押吗？

PSA CaptainMake a record of it. Otherwise, if anything goes wrong, the higher-ups will blame the on-site staff for dereliction again.做个记录吧，不然出了什么岔子，上面又会说是我们现场人员的失职。

(Welrod also sees the portrait mentioned as she listens to their conversation—it's a portrait of a robed angel, her face serene yet solemn. A pair of pure white wings spreads behind her.)（听着他们的谈话，维尔德也看到了鉴识人员所说的画作——那是一幅天使的肖像，画中的少女身着长袍，面容宁静而深邃，一双洁白羽翼正在身后展开。）

WelrodHmm?嗯？

(Welrod stares at it, a little entranced, when suddenly the woman in the portrait seems to move.)（维尔德看得有些出神，然而突然间，画像中的女子也仿佛动了起来。）

(Blood blurs the woman's face. Startled, Welrod tries to call out to the people beside her but finds she can't move.)（血液模糊了她的面容，维尔德在惊愕中想要呼叫旁边的人，但却发现自己无法动弹。）

Welrod(This feeling... is it that same kind of hallucination from before?)（这个感觉……是之前的那种幻觉？）

(Right after, all other information in her visual module is stripped away. Only the angel in the portrait remains, and it meets her gaze.)（紧接着，视觉模块中的其他信息被夺走，只有画像中的天使依然在和她对视。）

(Project Oracle, Shepherd—those strange words she heard this morning surface in her mind as well. Welrod feels her frame lose its balance, as if she's been thrown into the air.)（神谕计划、牧羊人——在早上听到过的那些奇怪的词语也浮现在她的脑海中。维尔德感觉素体失去了平衡，仿佛被人抛到了空中。）

(Right after that, she finds herself in that village by the lake once again.)（紧接着，她发现自己再次置身于那个湖边的村庄里。）

Welrod...Neural cloud self-check... no anomalies. Frame function check... no anomalies.……心智自检……无异常，素体机能确认……无异常。

WelrodNothing wrong at all? Then why... am I seeing all this?什么问题都没有？那我到底……为什么会看到这些？

(Welrod suppresses her shock. Having been through this before, she is much calmer now and quickly begins observing her surroundings.)（维尔德努力压制住惊愕，有了之前的经验，她变得冷静了很多，并很快开始观察周围的环境。）

(It's the same village and the same church. The lake still flows slowly, while the solemn bells above the church echo urgently in the wind.)（还是那座村庄，还是那座教堂，湖水依旧在缓缓流淌，教堂上方庄严的钟声则在风中急促地回响着。）

(Welrod notices firelight. Unlike the peaceful atmosphere from before, something seems to have happened in the village.)（维尔德注意到了火光，与之前宁静的氛围不同，村子里似乎发生了一些事件。）

(A blast suddenly rings out, and Welrod sees pale yellow smoke spreading across the clear sky.)（一阵爆炸声突然传来，维尔德看到浅黄色的烟雾在清澈的天空中弥漫开。）

(As she heads toward the smoke, she hears mad laughter in the distance, mixed in with agonized groans.)（她朝着烟雾的地方前进，远远就听到了夹杂在痛苦呻吟中的疯狂笑声。）

ResidentMiracle... what a miracle! Ah... please, grant us salvation!神迹……这就是神迹啊！啊……请赐给我们救赎！

WelrodTheir exposed skin is showing signs of festering? Could this smoke be... Collapse particles!他们暴露在空气中的皮肤出现了溃烂迹象？难道这些烟雾是……坍塌粒子！

WelrodWhat on earth happened here?这里究竟发生了什么？

HarbingerSalvation... shall soon begin.救赎……要开始了。

WelrodIt's you again, Harbinger! Are you the one making me see these visions?又是你，告死鸟！是你让我看到这些景象的吗？

WelrodCould it be... that during our last fight, you launched an attack on my neural cloud?难道……上次战斗的时候，你对我的心智进行了攻击？

(The Harbinger doesn't answer. She raises her hand, pointing to an open patch of ground. A dust-covered girl stands there.)（告死鸟没有回答，她抬起手，指向了一处空地。那里站着一位沾满了尘埃的少女。）

Girl...Salvation... I also, want to... receive salvation... with everyone!……救赎……我也要和大家一起……获得……救赎！

WelrodYou're... Janina?你是……雅妮娜？

(Welrod recognizes her. It's the girl who appeared in the video at the container hotel.)（维尔德认出了她，那正是在集装箱旅馆的视频中出现过的女孩。）

JaninaBig sis Elijah said... just press the button, and salvation... will come...以利亚姐姐说……只要按下按钮，救赎……会到来……

(Janina holds a crude explosive. Trembling, she reaches out to touch that dangerous switch.)（雅妮娜拿着一个简易的爆炸物，她正颤抖地伸出手，去触碰那个危险开关。）

(Boom—an explosion rings out nearby. The villagers have already detonated their bombs. Flesh and blood fly across the village clearing.)（轰——不远处有爆炸声传来，附近的村民已经引爆了炸弹，村庄的空地上血肉横飞。）

JaninaI-I should go with the others too... to the other world, to be at the Saint's side!我、我也应该和其他人一起……去另一世界陪伴圣女大人！

WelrodNo! Stop!不行，快住手！

(Welrod rushes forward and tries to snatch the girl's bomb away, only to find that her body passes straight through with no resistance.)（维尔德快步上前，她想夺走少女的炸弹，却发现身体毫无阻碍地穿了过去。）

WelrodIt's just as I thought... this isn't reality. It's just an illusion in my neural cloud.果然……这里不是现实，而是我心智中的幻象。

WelrodAnswer me. Are you the director of this dull little play? Do you think you can shake my will with something like this?回答我，你是这出无聊剧目的导演吗？不会觉得能用这种东西扰乱我的意志吧？

Harbinger...No one escapes their destiny.……没有人可以逃脱天命。

(Ceaseless explosions across the grounds spread the Collapse-particle-laden yellow smoke even faster.)（空地上，不断发生的爆炸，让包含坍塌粒子的黄色烟雾更快地扩散开来。）

JaninaPress it... and I'll be freed... I'll receive salvation...按下去……就能解脱……就能得到救赎……

(Signs of infection appear on Janina's face too, the fear in her eyes growing stronger and stronger.)（雅妮娜的脸上也出现了感染的迹象，眼神中的恐惧感越来越强。）

JaninaNo! I don't want to die! I'm scared! I want to live!不！我不要死！我害怕！我想要活下去！

JaninaI'm sorry, big sis Elijah...! I'm sorry, Saint!对不起！以利亚姐姐……对不起！圣女大人！

(At last, the girl throws the switch away and begins desperately dragging herself out of the village.)（终于，少女扔掉了手里的开关，她开始拖着绝望的脚步朝着村子外面逃离。）

Welrod...So that's how Janina survived, and then later went to the old city district of MAS-02?……所以雅妮娜才幸存了下来，并在后来前往了MAS-02的旧城区吗？

(Welrod breathes a slight sigh of relief, but the scene immediately changes again.)（维尔德稍微松了口气，但紧接着眼前的景色又突然发生了改变。）

CultistBeg god for release.向神明乞求解脱吧。

Cult LeaderYou who refuse salvation, confess your sins before god.拒绝救赎者，向神明忏悔罪孽吧。

JaninaI confess... I shouldn't have refused god, I shouldn't have refused salvation!我忏悔……我不该拒绝神明，不该拒绝救赎！

(This is satellite city MAS-02. Janina is in the ruins of the old city district, looking much taller than she was a moment ago.)（这里是MAS-02卫星城，雅妮娜身处旧城区的废墟中，她看上去比刚才长高了不少。）

(Even more conspicuous is the scar on her left cheek, which was caused by Collapse radiation.)（而更为显眼的，是她左脸上那道，受坍塌辐射影响所造成的伤痕。）

(It's the permanent mark left on her by the tragedy in her village.)（那是她在村庄经历那场惨剧后，所留下的无法抹去的痕迹。）

JaninaPlease let me go! Please forgive my sins!请放过我，请饶恕我的罪孽！

(Janina looks small and anguished as she's enveloped by the black-robed cultists.)（在那些身披黑袍的教徒的包围下，雅妮娜的身影显得渺小而绝望。）

(She still can't break free from Paradeus even though she left the village.)（虽然离开了村庄，她似乎还是没能摆脱帕拉蒂斯的纠缠。）

(Welrod seems to have understood why the Harbinger wants her to see all this.)（而维尔德似乎也明白了告死鸟为何要给自己看到这一切。）

WelrodThose who refuse salvation carry sins that cannot be cleansed...拒绝救赎的人，其罪孽将无法得到洗清……

Harbinger...……

WelrodIs that what you want to tell me?这就是你想告诉我的吗？

(...)（……）

(When Welrod's consciousness returns to the crime scene, the sights before her instantly switch from the illusory old city district back to the apartment.)（当维尔德的意识再次回到命案现场时，眼前的景象也瞬间从虚幻的旧城区切换回公寓的房间中。）

(MIMimiMISuki happens to roll up to her feet, interrupting her brief daze.)（MIMimiMISuki恰好行驶到她的脚下，打破了她短暂的恍惚。）

MIMiHmph, the security on the PSA's database is completely useless. I've already hacked into it, and guess what I found?『哼，治安人员资料库的安全措施也完全不能打嘛。我已经黑进去了，你猜发现了什么？』

Welrod...……

MIMiHuh? Partner? Why do you look so worn out?『嗯？搭档？你怎么好像很疲惫的样子？』

WelrodI'm fine...我没事……

(Welrod closes her eyes, working to pull herself from the aftereffects of her hallucination.)（维尔德闭上眼睛，努力从刚才的幻觉中摆脱出来。）

MIMiReally? Want me to use this powerful mech arm to give you a good, hard massage?『真的没事？要不要我用这有力的机械臂，狠狠帮你按摩一下？』

Welrod...No need. Go on, what did you find in the database?……不必，说吧，你在资料库里发现了什么？

(MIMimiMISuki circles Welrod twice, somewhat worried, as if trying to make sure she really is all right.)（MIMimiMISuki有些担心地在维尔德身边绕了两圈，像是在确认她确实没有大碍。）

MIMiFine, let's take care of business first.『好吧，我们先办正事。』

MIMiLook at this floor plan. It marks every point of concern the forensics team has found so far.『看这张平面图，上面标注了鉴识人员目前所发现的所有疑点。』

MIMiThe first one is here. The forensics team found some of the victim's blood in the hallway.『第一个疑点是在这里，鉴识组在走廊上发现了一些属于受害人的血迹。』

WelrodIn the hallway? It sprayed out when the victim was killed, didn't it? Was the door not shut when the crime happened?走廊上？是在受害人遇害的时候喷溅出来的吧，难道案发时房门没有关？

MIMiNo, no. The blood is a fair distance from the doorway. It's unlikely to have been left during the killing.『不不不，血迹距离门口有一定的距离，不太可能是行凶时留下的。』

MIMiThe forensics staff's opinion is that the first to discover the scene contaminated it by going in and out of the room, tracking blood into the hallway.『鉴识人员的看法是，第一发现者在进出房间时不慎污染了现场，将血液带到了走廊上。』

WelrodThat timid PSA officer and the landlord? It's not impossible.那个胆小的治安员和房东吗？也不是没可能。

MIMiThe second point of concern is that they found DNA from someone else in the pool of blood around the body.『第二个疑点是，在尸体所在的那片血泊中，发现了另一个人的生物信息。』

MIMiIt doesn't belong to the PSA officers investigating the scene, nor to either of the two first discoverers.『它既不属于现场参与调查的治安官，也不属于两位第一发现人。』

Welrod...Wait, didn't they say earlier that all the blood was the victim's?……等等，不是之前说血液都是属于受害者的吗？

MIMiBlood is blood, but this info came from hair. Some other person's hair was mixed into the pool of blood.『血液是血液，但这份信息来自于毛发。有其他人的头发混在了血泊里。』

WelrodAnd it doesn't belong to the investigators or the people who discovered the crime...? Then it very likely belongs to the killer.既不属于现场的调查员，也不属于第一发现人……那这个生物信息属于凶手的可能性很高。

MIMiThat's what I thought. But the PSA people compared it against the satellite city's identity database and apparently, they found nothing.『我也这么觉得。不过治安人员与卫星城的身份数据进行了对比，好像没有发现。』

MIMiCould it be that the killer isn't a resident of the satellite city?『难道他不是卫星城的居民？』

WelrodNot necessarily. Someone who entered illegally, or... someone from the old city district might not leave an identity record.也不一定，非法入境，或者……是旧城区的人，可能不会留下身份记录。

WelrodAnything else?还有其他的吗？

MIMiClue three. A coin was found in a hallway corner, with the victim's blood and fingerprints on it.『线索3，在走廊的角落上，发现了一枚硬币，上面有死者的血迹和指纹。』

WelrodThe hallway again... Why would things that should be at the crime scene turn up there?又在走廊……为什么本该在案发现场的东西会在那里出现？

MIMiI'd like to know that too. It's a commemorative shilling issued many years ago. It's out of circulation now and only used in certain special places.『我也想知道。这是一种在多年前发行的纪念先令，目前已经停止流通，只在一些特殊的场所会使用。』

WelrodPerhaps the victim was fond of collecting antiques?难道受害人是喜欢收藏古玩？

MIMiI couldn't find signs of Sergei having such a hobby, but since his fingerprints are on it, it must've been something he held while alive.『没有查到谢尔盖有这样的兴趣，不过既然有他的指纹，应该能证明是他生前持有的物品吧。』

Welrod...I see. That's all for now?……我知道了，暂时就这些了吧？

MIMiClue four!『线索4！』

WelrodThere's still more?! Just say it all in one go!怎么还有！你一口气说完好不好！

MIMiHow impatient. Easy, easy, this is the last one. And by my logic module's judgment, it's the strangest point of concern.『真急躁啊，别急别急，这是最后的了。并且，根据我的逻辑模块判断，这也是最奇怪的疑点。』

WelrodDon't keep me in suspense. I don't like playing guessing games with stuff like this.别卖关子，我不喜欢在这种事情上猜谜。

MIMiIt's this—the body was once moved over a long distance.『那就是——尸体曾经被长距离地移动过。』

WelrodMoved? How did you reach that conclusion?移动？怎么得出这个结论的？

MIMiThe forensics staff analyzed the blood distribution in the room and concluded that the victim either crawled, or was moved a long distance after death.『鉴识人员对房间内的血液分布进行了分析，最终得出受害者曾有过爬行，或是在死后被人长距离移动过的结论。』

MIMiAnd the direction of movement was from the hallway into the room.『而移动的方向则是从走廊到房间』

WelrodThe hallway? Wasn't the door locked when the crime happened?走廊？案发时房门不是被锁上了吗？

MIMiYes, which is exactly why the conclusion is so strange. The other investigators are baffled by it too.『是的，所以说这个结论才很奇怪，其他调查员目前也感到很疑惑。』

(Welrod sinks into thought. No matter how careless the forensics staff might be, they surely wouldn't get such an obvious conclusion wrong.)（维尔德陷入沉思，鉴识人员就算再马虎，应该也不会在这么明显的结论上出错。）

(Blood and a coin in the hallway, a body that has been moved, and even the direction of movement is from the hallway into the room... A bold idea suddenly strikes Welrod.)（血迹、硬币出现在走廊上，遗体还遭到过移动，甚至方向还是从走廊进入房间……维尔德突然有了一个大胆的想法。）

WelrodWhat if... this isn't the crime scene?难道……案发现场不在这里？

MIMiEh? That can't be, right? Sure, the body can be carried, but what about the blood?『诶？这不可能吧，就算尸体能搬运，血迹呢？』

WelrodWasn't the blood pumped out? They could have just carried it over in a container.血迹不是被抽出来的吗？用容器转移过来就好了。

MIMiIsn't that a bit of a stretch? Then where's the actual crime scene?『这有点牵强吧？那真的案发现场在哪里？』

WelrodI don't know yet... It looks like I'll need to ask about the circumstances when the body was found in more detail.我还不知道……看起来，需要再仔细询问一下发现尸体时的情况。

(Welrod finds the captain assigning tasks at the doorway and asks to question the person who first discovered the body.)（维尔德找到了正在门口布置任务的治安队长，提出要对尸体的第一发现者进行询问。）

PSA CaptainIf you're looking for Miss Olena, she's in Room 302 next door.你要找奥列娜小姐的话，她就在隔壁的302号室。

Welrod...Miss Olena?……奥列娜小姐？

WelrodWait... You're saying that the person who first discovered the body in this case, the one who is also this building's landlord, is named Olena?等等……你是说，本案的第一发现者，同时也是这栋公寓的房东，叫做奥列娜吗？

PSA CaptainYes. Didn't I tell you? Miss Olena is the victim's niece. She agreed to stay in Room 302, so she's available for questioning anytime.是的，我没有告诉过你吗？奥列娜小姐是受害者的侄女，她答应会留在302室，随时接受问询。

PSA Captain(Sigh) This isn't her first time getting caught up in a murder case, so she seems pretty calm. Maybe she's used to it by now.唉，她不是第一次被卷入命案了，所以显得很镇定，或许是已经习惯了吧。

(Welrod instantly recalls Sergei's letter from this morning, and the case she investigated three years ago comes back to her.)（维尔德立刻想起了谢尔盖早上的信，三年前调查过的那起案件在她的记忆中复苏。）

WelrodThe artist killed in Mozyr, and his missing daughter, Olena...在莫济里被杀死的画家，以及他下落不明的女儿，奥列娜……

WelrodLet me ask just in case. This landlord you mentioned... is her father named Bohdan?以防万一我再问下，你说的房东……她的父亲是不是叫博赫丹？

PSA CaptainEh? Yeah. Miss Olena's father was killed by a band of robbers a few years ago.诶？是的。奥列娜小姐的父亲，在几年前被一伙强盗杀害了。

PSA CaptainBut that case was already solved, and the culprit died in prison too... It shouldn't have anything to do with the current case, right?但那起案件已经破获，凶手也死在了监狱里……和现在的案子应该没有关系吧？

Welrod...Sergei asked me here today to talk about that very case.……谢尔盖今天找我来，原本就是为了说这起案件的事。

WelrodAnd now he's suddenly dead in this apartment, while the key witness, Olena, has turned up at the scene too.而现在，他突然死在了公寓里，而关键证人奥列娜竟然也出现在了现场。

PSA Captain...What do you mean?你的意思是？

WelrodI don't think this is a coincidence. Bohdan's death and Sergei's murder... these two cases are years apart, but they must be connected somehow!我不觉得这是巧合，博赫丹之死与谢尔盖的谋杀，这两起时隔数年的案件，一定有某种关联！

Masked Tenant 面具房客

(The day of the incident, 11:10 a.m., in front of the apartment building.)（案发当日，上午11:10，公寓门前。）

(The thick morning fog has thinned a little, but the air is still heavy with an uncomfortable dampness.)（早上的浓雾虽然稍微消散了些，但空气中依然弥漫着令人不适的潮湿感。）

(Welrod questions Olena amid the lingering mist a short while ago.)（不久前，就在这迷雾未尽的氤氲中，维尔德对奥列娜进行了询问。）

(However, the key witness is evasive in her answers throughout the process, and the results for Welrod don't prove satisfactory.)（然而，这位关键证人在回答中一直闪烁其词，其结果并不能让维尔德满意。）

(Therefore, Welrod decides to find the captain in charge of the scene after the questioning.)（于是在结束询问后，维尔德决定再次找到负责现场的治安队长。）

PSA CaptainTreating me to coffee all of a sudden? I didn't expect a Doll to be so well-versed in social niceties.突然要请我喝咖啡？没想到人形也会这么懂人情世故。

WelrodI need to know more about the murder of Bohdan, especially anything involving Olena.博赫丹遇害一案，我现在需要知道更多的细节，特别是有关奥列娜的事。

PSA CaptainDidn't you just question her yourself?你刚才不是自己问她了吗？

WelrodShe's only willing to answer things related to the current case. She refuses to say anything about Bohdan's death.她只愿意回答和这起案件有关的事情，对于博赫丹的死，则拒不透露。

(Welrod buys a can of coffee at the vending machine downstairs, and hands it to the captain standing beside her.)（维尔德在公寓楼下的贩卖机前买了一罐咖啡，递给了身旁的治安队长。）

(Then she takes out a can of black tea for herself.)（随后，她又拿出一罐红茶，留在自己手里。）

WelrodMy instinct tells me that these two cases must be connected.我的直觉告诉我，这两起案件一定有关联。

WelrodBohdan was the victim Sergei's elder brother, and the person who first discovered the body in this case is his daughter.博赫丹是死者谢尔盖的亲哥哥，而本案的第一发现者则是他的女儿。

WelrodThis family has been dragged into two murders years apart. There has to be some secret behind it.这一家人被卷入到了横跨数年的两起命案中，其中一定有什么秘密。

PSA CaptainI see. You went out of your way to treat me to coffee because you want to use me to dig up the PSA's internal files on the case.我听明白了，你特地请我出来喝咖啡，是想通过我，打听治安部门对此案调查的内部资料。

WelrodI looked into Bohdan's death before, but I never went very deep. Now that I'm reinvestigating the case, the PSA's files are indispensable.我以前对博赫丹的死进行过搜查，但并未太过深入。现在要重新调查这起案件，治安管理的资料必不可少。

PSA CaptainUnfortunately, I don't have the authority to disclose them on my own. I probably need approval from a superior first.很遗憾，我没有权限擅自透露，可能需要先向上级申请。

WelrodYou know that means a mountain of approval paperwork, and the golden window for solving a murder is only 72 hours...你明白的，那会多出一大堆的审批手续，而命案侦破的黄金时间只有72小时……

WelrodBe a little flexible. That way you can carry out your duties better.你可以灵活一点，这样才能更好地履行职责。

PSA Captain...What are you getting at?……你的意思是？

WelrodWe can work together. You give me some intel, and I'll give you all the credit for solving the case.我们可以合作，你帮我提供一些情报，我则把破案的功劳都给你。

Welrod...Don't you need connections in the Public Security Administration? I can provide that.……你不是需要治安管理局内的背景吗？我可以给你提供。

(Welrod pops open her own can, raising it toward the captain in a toasting gesture.)（维尔德打开了易拉罐，做出干杯的手势举到治安队长面前。）

PSA Captain...Trying to bribe an experienced investigator with a mere can of coffee? You're the first Doll I've ever known to do such things.……仅凭一罐咖啡就想贿赂一名经验丰富的调查人员，我还是第一次见到你这样的人形。

WelrodThis isn't just a can of coffee. It holds your future and your ideals.这不单是一罐咖啡，还包含了你的前程和理想。

WelrodI promise I'll never make you do anything against your conscience, and you're free to back out at any time.我保证绝不会让你做任何违背良知的事，你也可以选择随时退出。

(The captain hesitates for a moment, his eyes darting between Welrod's resolute gaze and the coffee in his hand.)（治安队长犹豫了一会儿，目光在维尔德坚定的眼神和手中的咖啡间来回游移。）

(Finally, he lifts his can and taps it lightly against Welrod's.)（最终，他举起咖啡，轻轻碰了一下维尔德的易拉罐。）

WelrodCongratulations on making the right choice. A pleasure working with you.恭喜你做出了正确的选择，合作愉快。

PSA CaptainI don't know too much... but Olena is Bohdan's daughter. The two of them once lived together in the White Zone.我掌握的也不多……奥列娜是博赫丹的女儿，他们两人曾一起住在白区。

PSA CaptainHis wife died young, so Bohdan doted on his daughter. But Olena was in poor health, to the point that she couldn't even obtain residency in the White Zone.由于妻子早逝，博赫丹非常爱他的女儿，但奥列娜的身体不好，甚至因此无法获得白区的居住权。

PSA CaptainBohdan had no choice but to hide her at home and seek out doctors to treat her.博赫丹只能把她藏在家里，寻找医生给她治病。

WelrodI looked into it. Olena was staying in the White Zone illegally, and the PSA there never registered her information.我有调查过，奥列娜在白区算是非法驻留，那里的治安部门并没有登记她的信息。

PSA CaptainYes, but it seems that her illness has since been cured through Bohdan's efforts.是的，但现在看来，她的疾病在博赫丹的努力下已经痊愈。

PSA CaptainThat said, there are some rumors... Some claim to have seen Olena's medical records and say it was terminal and impossible to cure.不过，也有一些传闻……有人称见过奥列娜的病历，说那是绝症，不可能治好。

WelrodA terminal illness? That landlord doesn't look like she's dying of anything to me.绝症？那位房东看起来不像有这样的问题。

PSA CaptainRight, I think it's nonsense too...对，我也认为是无稽之谈……

PSA CaptainLet's get back to Bohdan. He was a philanthropist who made a fortune selling paintings and holding art exhibitions, and he used part of it to set up a charitable foundation.还是先说回博赫丹吧，他是个慈善家，靠着卖画和举办画展，赚了不少钱，并用其中的一部分成立了慈善基金。

PSA CaptainHe had great sympathy for the poor, especially the homeless orphans of the old city district, and set up "Bohdan's Home" specifically to take them in.他对穷人充满了同情，特别对旧城区无家可归的孤儿，曾专门设立了这家“博赫丹之家”来收容他们。

WelrodBohdan's Home? Wait, you mean that rusted sign at the intersection?博赫丹之家？等等，你是说路口处那块生锈的牌子吗？

PSA CaptainYou didn't know? This apartment building was once a charitable institution. It was the very place I just mentioned, where Bohdan took in those orphans.原来你不知道吗？这栋公寓曾经是一所慈善机构，就是我刚才所说的博赫丹用来收留那些孤儿的地方。

PSA Captain(Sigh)... It's a pity. After Bohdan was killed three years ago, the orphanage couldn't keep running, and now it's just an ordinary apartment building registered under Miss Olena's name.唉……可惜在三年前，博赫丹遇害之后，孤儿院的运营也无法维持，现在只是一所产权在奥列娜小姐名下的普通公寓了。

Welrod...It seems Bohdan's connection to this case runs deeper than I'd imagined.……看来，博赫丹与此案的牵扯，比我想象的要深。

PSA CaptainExactly. When you said this case was connected to Bohdan, I couldn't help but agree.没错，当你说这次的案件与博赫丹有关的时候，我也不得不认同。

PSA CaptainThe truth is, I wanted to investigate what happened back then as well, but I never got approval from my superiors...其实，我也想调查当年的事，但并没有得到上级的批准……

WelrodWhat about Sergei? How was his relationship with Bohdan?谢尔盖呢，他和博赫丹的关系怎么样？

PSA CaptainSergei was active on social media, constantly speaking up for the lower classes. He was probably influenced by Bohdan.谢尔盖活跃于社交媒体，不断地为底层民众发声，这应该也是受到了博赫丹的影响。

PSA CaptainThe irony is that Bohdan died at the hands of the very "masses" he always cared about...讽刺的是，博赫丹偏偏死于他一直挂念的旧城区“民众”之手……

WelrodI looked into that... In the murder of Bohdan, the police arrested two members of the Daggers. Was there anything suspicious about it?我有调查过……在博赫丹死亡一案中，警方逮捕了两名匕首帮的成员，这其中有疑点吗？

PSA CaptainI've seen some of the files. The chain of evidence was complete, so there's no doubt they killed Bohdan.我看过一些资料，证据链很齐全，可以确信是他们杀死了博赫丹。

PSA CaptainBut some things didn't add up. For instance, the crime scene was a White Zone residence, where the security systems should have been highly reliable.但也有不对劲的地方，例如案发地点是白区住宅，那里的安保系统本该十分可靠。

PSA CaptainYet the surveillance equipment and security bots on site all malfunctioned at the same time, and the patrol staff even gave the criminals an opening with a shift change.然而，现场的监控设备和安保机器人居然同时发生了故障，甚至巡逻人员也因为换班而给犯罪者留下了可乘之机。

WelrodThe security system and the patrol staff both had problems? That's a lead I never had back then. Did anything turn up?安保系统和巡逻人员同时出问题？这是我当初没有掌握到的线索，有查出什么吗？

PSA CaptainNo. Even if there was something to find, our satellite city's PSA couldn't investigate it.没有，就算有也不是我们卫星城的治安部门能调查的。

PSA CaptainBut it's easy to guess that someone tampered with it, someone with access to the White Zone's security system.不过想也知道，有人在背后动了手脚，而且是能接触白区安保系统的家伙。

WelrodKilled by an old city district gang, but orchestrated by a White Zone bigwig? He was a philanthropist, yet so hated by others...被旧城区的黑帮杀死，但背后是白区大人物的操控吗？明明是慈善家，却如此受人憎恨……

PSA CaptainIn any case, Bohdan's death was ultimately pinned on two petty thieves, and the courts rushed the trial through.总之，博赫丹的死最后被认为是两名小贼所致，审判流程进行得很快。

PSA CaptainThe criminals were sentenced for robbery and murder, and later died in prison. Hmph, they were probably silenced.罪犯因抢劫杀人被判刑，后来死在了监狱中。哼，估计也是被灭口了吧。

Welrod...I also want to know what Olena went through during that case.……我还想要知道，奥列娜在这起案件里的经历。

PSA CaptainOlena was at the scene when it happened. She hid in a concealed corner when the robbers broke in, so she escaped with her life, but she watched her father get killed right before her eyes.案发时奥列娜就在现场，她在强盗闯入的时候躲进了一个隐蔽的角落，虽然逃过一劫，但亲眼看到了父亲遇害。

PSA CaptainLater, the PSA's people arrived at the scene and found her in the room.后来治安部门的人赶到现场，在房间里找到了她。

WelrodThat's all? But in the letter Sergei sent me, he said he didn't know where Olena was.只是这样？但谢尔盖在给我的来信中，说他不知道奥列娜的下落。

PSA CaptainAs a key witness, Olena was placed under protection by the White Zone's PSA.奥列娜作为重要的证人，被白区的治安部门保护起来了。

PSA CaptainShe was sent away from Mozyr, only returning to MAS-02 recently to take over this building.她被安排离开了莫济里州，直到最近才回到MAS-02，住进了这栋公寓。

PSA CaptainWait, are you asking all this because you suspect her?等等，你问这些，是在怀疑她吗？

WelrodI did notice a number of suspicious points about her. For instance, Sergei, who was killed in this incident, came here precisely to find Olena.我确实发现她的身上有不少疑点，例如，在这次事件中遇害的谢尔盖，他是为了找奥列娜才来到这里的。

PSA CaptainHe was Bohdan's brother, after all, and Olena's only remaining family. Isn't it perfectly normal for them to visit each other every now and then?他毕竟是博赫丹的弟弟，奥列娜仅存的亲人，偶尔互相走动不是很正常？

WelrodBut according to what you just told me, Olena was frail and sickly from childhood and rarely left home, and she left for another city right after Bohdan was killed. She doesn't seem to have had any contact with her uncle at all.但按照你刚才提供的信息，奥列娜从小体弱多病、很少出门，在博赫丹遇害后又立刻去了其他城市，完全不像与这位叔叔有什么来往的样子。

WelrodAlso, it's unnatural that the White Zone's PSA gave her such a high level of protection.另外，白区治安部门对她的保护等级这么高，也显得很不自然。

PSA CaptainWhat does that prove?这能说明什么？

WelrodIt means the meeting between Sergei and Olena was no ordinary one...说明谢尔盖和奥列娜这次会面并不寻常……

(Welrod is about to explain her reasoning further when the captain's communicator suddenly lets out an urgent signal, cutting their conversation short.)（维尔德打算进一步解释自己的推论，然而，治安队长的通讯器却突然传来一阵急促的联络声，打断了两人的对话。）

Rookie PSA OfficerC-Captain, we have a problem! The case's investigation details have been leaked online.队、队长，不好啦，案件的调查信息被人泄露到了网络上。

PSA CaptainWhat's going on?怎么回事？

Rookie PSA OfficerSomeone posted news of Sergei's death on the social media platform he was active on, and even mentioned that the "Bloody Angels" were seen near the crime scene!有人在谢尔盖活跃的社交媒体上发布了他的死讯，还提到“血色天使”曾经在案发现场附近出没！

Welrod...The Bloody Angels?……血色天使？

PSA CaptainWait, didn't we lock down the information on this case? The Bloody Angels sighting is even more classified! How could it leak out?!等等，案件信息我们不是有封锁消息吗？“血色天使”出没的事情更是机密，怎么会泄露的！？

Rookie PSA OfficerI don't know what's going on either, but the higher-ups think the problem lies with us...我也不知道，但上级认为问题出在我们现场……

PSA CaptainTypical, always dumping the blame on us! Hold on, I'm coming over right now!就知道把责任扔给我这边！你等等，我现在就过来！

(The captain hangs up angrily and tosses his half-finished coffee straight into the trash.)（治安官生气地挂掉通信，还没喝完的半罐咖啡被他直接扔进了垃圾桶。）

PSA CaptainThe investigation was leaked!调查信息泄露了！

WelrodI heard... I only have one question. Did you just say the Bloody Angels were sighted nearby?听到了……我只有一个问题，你们刚才说血色天使在附近出没？

PSA CaptainSorry, that's classified. I didn't tell you before.抱歉，这是机密内容，之前没有告诉你。

PSA CaptainIn fact, someone spotted those cultists on a nearby street this very morning.实际上，就在今天早上，有人在附近的街道发现了那些教徒。

PSA CaptainWe were assigned to investigate their movements, only to receive a report about Sergei's murder...我们被安排调查他们的行踪，却收到了谢尔盖命案的通报……

WelrodI see... With info like that in the open, social media must be in an uproar.原来如此……这样的信息一旦泄露，想必社交媒体上已经炸锅了。

PSA CaptainSergei had tens of thousands of followers. Now they're all condemning the PSA's corruption and demanding a thorough investigation of the cultists. The public pressure is enormous.谢尔盖拥有数万名的关注者，所有人都在斥责治安部门的腐败，要求彻查教徒，舆论压力很大。

PSA CaptainI have to get back to the scene now. What do you plan to do?我现在必须回现场了，你打算怎么办？

WelrodI'm going to find those cultists. Whether or not they're the killers, I'm certain they're connected to Sergei's death.去找那些教徒，无论他们是否是凶手，但我觉得一定与谢尔盖的死有关。

PSA CaptainUnderstood. I'll tell you where we spotted them earlier. Contact us anytime if you find anything.明白了，我会告诉你之前发现他们的位置，你要是有发现，随时联络我们。

WelrodOne more thing. Could you get two people to help me investigate that commemorative shilling?还有一件事，你能安排两个人去帮我调查那枚纪念先令吗？

PSA CaptainThe commemorative shilling?纪念先令？

WelrodThe coin found at the crime scene. The one with the victim's blood and fingerprints on it.在现场找到的硬币，上面有受害人的血迹和指纹。

WelrodSergei wasn't the type to collect coins. It must have had a special purpose if he had something like that.谢尔盖不是会主动收集硬币的人，他持有这样东西一定是有什么特殊的用处。

WelrodMy instincts say it might be linked to the reason he came looking for Olena...我的直觉是，或许和他来找奥列娜的原因有关……

PSA CaptainI see. I'll get some people to look into it.我明白了，我会派人去调查这件事的。

(The day of the incident, 01:21 p.m.)（案发当日，13:21。）

(In the border zone between the new and old city districts, sunlight is blocked by towering abandoned factories and unfinished buildings.)（在新旧城区的交汇地带，阳光被高大的废弃厂房和烂尾楼所遮蔽。）

(Derelict industrial buildings are scattered in the area like huge scars on the city, exuding an air of decay and desolation.)（这里多是一些被遗弃的工业建筑，如同城市的巨大伤疤，透露着衰败与荒凉。）

MIMiHey, partner! This doesn't look like the place the captain mentioned, does it? Did we take a wrong turn?『喂，搭档！这里好像不是治安队长说的地方吧？我们是不是走错了？』

WelrodHush!嘘！

(Welrod is moving through the deathly silent ruins when two silhouettes emerging from an abandoned building catch her attention.)（维尔德正穿行在这片死寂的废墟内，没过多久，从废弃建筑中出现的两个人影引起了她的注意。）

Cultist...……

MIMiThe Bloody Angels? Are you a genius? How did you know they were here?『血色天使？太神了吧，你怎么知道他们在这里？』

Welrod...Looks like the visions the Harbinger showed me were all real.……看来，那个告死鸟给我看到的幻象都是真的。

MIMiVisions? Oh, you mean when you suddenly spaced out like you'd crashed?『幻象？啊，是你之前突然发呆，像是宕机一样的时候吗？』

WelrodYeah. I still don't know why it happened, but among the jumbled info in my neural cloud... I saw Paradeus leading Janina through this area.啊，虽然还不知道是什么原因，但在心智中的那些错乱信息里……我看到了帕拉蒂斯带着雅妮娜经过这片区域的画面。

MIMiJanina? Wait, why don't I know any of this? Have you been investigating behind my back?『雅妮娜？等等，我怎么不知道有这些情况？你在背着我进行调查吗？』

WelrodI told you, it was a vision in my neural cloud.都说了，那是心智中的幻象。

WelrodI'll tell you the specifics later. Follow them for now.具体内容我之后告诉你，先跟上去。

MIMiHow much longer are we going to follow them? What a hassle. Why don't we just arrest them?!『还要跟多久啊？这么麻烦，要不直接把他们抓住算了！』

WelrodWait a little longer. I get the feeling... that their base is somewhere near here.再等等，我总觉得……这附近会有他们的据点。

(Her outstanding tailing skills allow Welrod to follow them all the way into the depths of an abandoned building complex.)（凭借着出色的跟踪技巧，维尔德一路尾随，逐渐进入到废弃的建筑群深处。）

(Along the way, the Bloody Angels stop several times to check their surroundings, but never find Welrod.)（期间，对方好几次停下来警戒周围，但都没有发现维尔德。）

MIMiThey've stopped again. Hurry and hide.『他们又停下来了，快躲起来。』

(Just like before, she manages to hide in time. Welrod curls her petite frame into a ball, tucking herself behind a heap of abandoned rubble.)（她这次也及时藏了起来，娇小的素体几乎缩成了一个球，躲藏在废弃的瓦砾堆后面。）

WelrodHow's it going? Have they left?怎么样？他们离开了吗？

MIMiHuh? Damn it! They disappeared all of a sudden!『嗯？见鬼！那些人突然不见了！』

WelrodThey disappeared?不见了？

MIMiYeah, not even a shadow's left. It's like they just evaporated!『对啊，连影子都不剩一个，像是突然蒸发了一样！』

(Welrod quickly stands up and finds that the cultists who were right in front of her just moments ago have vanished like the wind.)（维尔德连忙起身，发现刚刚还在前面的教徒们，此时就像风一样消失了踪影。）

Welrod...People can't vanish for no reason. Scan the surroundings and see if they left any traces.……人类不可能无缘无故消失，你观察一下周围，看看有没有他们留下的痕迹。

MIMiOn it. Hmm... found some leftover blood at your two o'clock, up ahead.『在做了，嗯……前方2点钟方向，找到了一处血迹的残留。』

WelrodBlood... is it theirs? Was someone hurt?血迹……是刚才那些人的吗？难道有人受伤了？

WelrodAren't you an assistant bot? Hurry up and analyze it.你不是助手机器人嘛，赶快分析一下。

MIMiThe blood's already dried. I don't need an analysis to know it ain't theirs.『这血都干了，不用我分析也知道不是他们的。』

MIMiHmm? Holy crap, we've got something big, Welrod! The DNA in this blood matches the unknown trace from the crime scene!『嗯？我去，大发现啊！维尔德！这条血迹的生物信息竟然和命案现场发现的未知对象一致！』

WelrodPardon?你说什么？

MIMiThis unknown individual was at the crime scene before! They're very likely the killer!『就是这个人，他曾经出现在命案现场！很可能就是凶手！』

MIMiSure enough, the one who killed Sergei is a member of the Bloody Angels!『果然没错，杀死谢尔盖的人是血色天使的成员！』

(Welrod finds the trail of blood, then carefully examines the ground.)（维尔德找到那条血迹，随后仔细勘察地面。）

(The blood trail leads up to an abandoned wall before abruptly disappearing.)（血迹延伸到了废弃的墙垣前面，随后突然就消失了。）

WelrodThe color's still fresh. It was left here today, at the latest.颜色还很新，至少是今天才留下来的。

(She carefully searches the nearby rubble. Finally, a hidden passage comes into view behind a gap in the abandoned brickwork.)（她仔细搜寻附近的瓦砾。终于，在废弃的砖缝后面，一条隐秘的通道出现在了视野中。）

MIMiThey have a secret passageway? They must be hiding here!『还有秘密通道？这一定是他们藏身的地方！』

MIMiWelrod, wanna just call the PSA to raid it right now?!『维尔德，要不直接叫治安部门的人来端了它！』

WelrodSend them the location and tell them we've found the Bloody Angels' lair.把位置发给他们，就说是找到血色天使的老巢了。

MIMiSent. Righteous judgment shall soon arrive.『已发送，正义制裁即将到来。』

Welrod...No need to just sit around waiting for them. Let's go in and take a look first.……我们也不用干等着，先进去看看吧。

(...)（……）

Welrod...I didn't expect such a huge space inside.……这里面竟然有这么大的空间？

(After a short walk through the narrow secret passage, a wide underground corridor opens up before Welrod.)（在狭窄的密道里前进了不一会儿，呈现在维尔德面前的是一条宽阔的地下通道。

(Many rooms line both sides of the corridor. Their interiors look like warehouses, with empty cargo crates stacked inside.)（通道的两侧有许多房间，其内部像是仓库一样，堆放着已经空荡荡的货物箱。）

MIMiThe hell is this? Why are there names on the cargo records?『我靠，这是什么？货物记录上面怎么还有人名？』

(MIMimiMISuki finds some strange data after hacking into a terminal in the room.)（MIMimiMISuki通过黑入房间内的终端找到了一些奇怪的数据。）

WelrodIt looks a lot like the note we found in Janina's home... Name: Yuri Grigorievich. Cargo source: old city district. Amount... intercepted?好像和在雅妮娜家里找到的纸条有些相似……姓名：尤里·格里戈里耶维奇，货源：旧城区。金额……截获？

WelrodThis is... a human trafficking list?这是……是人口买卖的名单？

WelrodI get it now. The "Bloody Angels" loaded those hostages onto the truck to bring them to this warehouse!我知道了，“血色天使”之前把人质押送上货车，是为了把他们带到这间仓库里！

MIMiShit, they used to lure prey to a hotel, but now they're just snatching them right out in the open! They aren't even pretending anymore!『我去，以前抓猪仔还要先骗到旅馆，现在直接开抢吗？真是演都不演了！』

MIMiWhere are the people they took? Let's go rescue them all!『被抓走的人呢？我们干脆把他们都救出来！』

WelrodThey're probably not here anymore. Their latest "stock intake" was two months ago, so no wonder the crates are all empty.大概已经不在这里了，最近一次的“进货日期”是两个月前，难怪箱子里面都是空的。

(Welrod suddenly lowers her voice. She senses some kind of movement ahead.)（就在这时，维尔德突然放轻了声音，她感觉到前方好像有什么动静。）

WelrodWait, I hear someone talking. This time it isn't an auditory hallucination, right?等等，我听到有人说话，这次应该不是幻听吧？

MIMiThis is no hallucination. I heard it too.『哪那么多幻听，我也听到了。』

(The voices come from the far end of the corridor. Welrod swiftly draws her weapon and creeps forward without a sound.)（声音是从通道深处传来，维尔德迅速拿出武器，然后悄无声息地向前摸去。）

???...The purification of the Daggers is almost complete.……对匕首帮的净化，就快完成了。

???Oh my~ Was he still unable to escape your clutches after all...? Poor Vityaz.哎呀～没想到他还是没有逃脱你的魔爪啊……可怜的维季亚兹。

(The room at the end of the corridor is lit. The door isn't shut tight, so the voices carry down the empty corridor.)（通道尽头处的房间亮着灯光，由于门没有关紧，声音沿着空旷的走廊传递出来。）

(Welrod notices a change in the rooms along the corridor. At first the warehouses hold nothing, just as she surmised. The goods and people seem to have already been moved out.)（维尔德注意到了走廊两侧房间的变化。刚开始，仓库里什么都没有，和她之前推测的一样，货物和人员似乎都已经被转移。）

(But gradually, in rooms that look like laboratories, medical equipment that has clearly been smashed begins to appear.)（但渐渐地，一些明显是被破坏的医疗器械出现在一些像是实验室的房间中。）

MIMiHey, look over here. Bullet holes on the wall. Did someone fight those cultists here?『喂喂，你快看，墙壁上有弹痕，难道有人在这里和那些教徒发生过战斗？』

WelrodThe bullet holes are really old... My guess is that whoever it was infiltrated this place just like us.弹痕已经很旧了……我推测那个人和我们一样，潜入到了这里。

WelrodThese medical devices probably got wrecked when that happened.这些医疗设备大概也是在那个时候被破坏的。

MIMiHeh, someone as fearless as us actually exists? Daring to come to a hellhole like this?『嘿，居然还有人和我们一样不怕死，敢来这种鬼地方？』

WelrodDon't forget, the "Righteous Broker" disappeared a little over a month ago, which lines up with the last "stock intake".别忘了，“义商”就是在一个多月前失踪的，和这座仓库最后进货日期一致。

MIMiShe came here too? If she really pulled that off, I've got to hand it to her...『她也来过这里？要真是那样，老子认同她是个人物……』

MIMiWhoa! What's this now? See, Welrod! The further we go, the stranger things get!『我去！这又是什么？维尔德你看，这越到后面，出现的东西越奇怪！』

Welrod—!——！

(Welrod passes another room. At her assistant bot's prompting, she looks inside and sees several huge glass tanks filled with blood.)（维尔德又经过一个房间，在助手机器人的提醒下，她看到了几个内部装满了血液的巨大玻璃罐。）

(The equipment connected to them has stopped running, but the dim light is still enough to make out what is inside the tanks.)（连接着它们的设施已经停止运行，但依旧能借着微弱的灯光看清罐子之中的物体。）

(Welrod wishes she hadn't seen it, because what is soaking in these pools of blood is human... or more precisely, what used to be human.)（维尔德宁愿没有看到这些，因为在这些血池中浸泡的竟然是人类……准确地说，是曾经的人类。）

(Now, they have become unrecognizable in the blood-red liquid, turned into dozens of hideous corpses.)（而现在，他们在血红色的液体中变得面目全非，化为了数十具狰狞的尸骸。）

Welrod...I understand now. This is the truth behind the grotesque murders. The Bloody Angels? So that's why they have that name!……我明白了，这就是猎奇杀人的真相。血色天使？所以他们才会叫这个名字！

WelrodDamn it, how could I forget? This is Paradeus. Even if they change their name, their methods are exactly the same as before!该死，我怎么会忘了，这可是帕拉蒂斯，就算改变了名字，其行为也和以前一模一样！

(Welrod fights down her nausea. Even she, long used to the crimes of the old city district, can't bear to look directly at these poor victims.)（维尔德强忍住恶心，即便是看惯了旧城区犯罪的她，也不忍直视这些可怜的受害者。）

(The only comfort is that, with the equipment destroyed, the experiment has ceased, and the people in the tanks can finally rest in peace.)（唯一值得安慰的，是由于设备遭受破坏，实验也已经终止。因而罐子里的人们也得以安息。）

MIMiDamn it! Can't we just smash all these garbage tanks to pieces?『我呸！能不能直接把这些烂罐子全部物理粉碎掉啊！』

WelrodOf course. We'll plant bombs on them and detonate them all together in a bit.当然，我们把炸弹装上去，一会儿一起引爆掉。

WelrodI've brought enough weapons and ammo this time, compared to when we encountered them in the old city district.和上次在旧城区不同，我这次有携带足够的火力。

MIMiAlright. I'll take over the room's surveillance first, then plant bombs next to all these tanks!『好，我把房间的监控权限先夺过来，这些罐子旁边则都放上炸弹！』

(Welrod finishes her preparations, intent on destroying this place completely. Just then, voices can be heard again from the room down the corridor.)（维尔德做好了准备，打算彻底毁掉这里。与此同时，走廊深处的房间内再一次传来声音。）

???But Lady Angel, you don't have to work so hard anymore~不过天使大人，你已经可以不用努力啦～

???The equipment here is too badly damaged, so we plan to shut down all our bases in MAS-02 for the time being.这里的设备损坏得太多，所有MAS-02内的据点我们打算暂时关闭掉。

???As the sect's steward, I've come here today especially to welcome you!作为教团的主理人，我今天是特意来迎接你的！

(Welrod arrives at the door of that room. Even from the outside, it looks different from the other doors. It seems to lead to a place of worship rather than a laboratory.)（维尔德来到了那座房间门口。仅从外观上看，这扇房门便和其他地方不太一样，它不像是通往一处实验室，而更像是某处宗教场所。）

(The light spilling through the gap in the door is like a stairway to heaven, illuminating the dim corridor. Welrod leans in and sees what is inside.)（门缝里透出的光线像是通往天堂的阶梯，照亮了昏暗的通道，维尔德凑近过去，看到了里面的景色。）

(It's a distinctive church, with a vivid cross and a pure white altar.)（那是一间独特的教堂，有着鲜艳的十字架，洁白的祭坛。）

(Although it lies underground, it looks surprisingly bright under the lights.)（虽然位于地下，却在灯光照耀下显得非常明亮。）

(Several cultists in white robes are gathered around a beak-masked leader. They kneel on one knee, heads bowed piously with eyes closed, as if soaking in the sacred atmosphere.)（几位信徒正穿着白衣，围绕着那位戴着鸟嘴面具的首领。他们半跪在地，虔诚地低着头，所有人都闭着眼，像是在感受着神圣的氛围。）

HarbingerNot enough... We are far from cleansing the filth from this land!还不够……这片土地上的污秽，还远未被清除！

(The "Harbinger" stands before the cross. A fresh corpse lies on the altar before her.)（“告死鸟”站在十字架前面，而在她前方的祭坛上，放着一具新鲜的尸体。）

(Faced with such a terrifying, grotesque scene, Welrod finds herself strangely calm.)（面对这恐怖又怪异的一幕，维尔德却感觉自己心智冷静得出奇。）

Welrod(Is this the old church mentioned in the Janina incident?)（这里是雅妮娜事件中提到过的那间旧教堂？）

StewardThat's enough already! You made such a huge scene in the old city district that you've drawn the Public Security Administration's attention~!已经可以啦！你在旧城区闹得那么大，结果引起了治安管理局的注意～！

StewardIf this keeps up, even I won't be able to keep a lid on it entirely!再这样下去，就算是我也没办法把事情完全压下去哦！

Harbinger"Purification" cannot be abandoned halfway. The old city district, the satellite city... and even within the sect itself. Everyone must submit to judgment!“净化”不可以半途而废，旧城区，卫星城……甚至是教团的内部。所有人都必须接受审判！

StewardYou seem a bit too extreme~ I modified you so you could carry on your "father's" ideals, but maybe I went too far...你貌似有点太极端咯，我是为了让你能继承你那位“父亲”的理想，才帮你做了一些改造，但好像太过火了……

(The one talking with the Harbinger isn't a cultist kneeling nearby, but someone on the other end of a communicator.)（和告死鸟对话的人不是跪在旁边的信徒，而是通讯器另一端的某人。）

(Judging by the other party's tone, their standing in the sect seems to be no lower than the "Harbinger's.")（从对方的语气判断，其在教团中地位似乎不在“告死鸟”之下。）

MIMiWelrod, look at that dead body... it's Vityaz!『维尔德，你看那个死者……是维季亚兹！』

Welrod...He's covered in wounds. Looks like he fought these cultists before he died.……他的身上都是伤痕，看来是在死之前和这些人战斗过。

StewardAnyway, just listen to me. Even though "Project Oracle" was abandoned by Teacher, I've always wanted to produce some results to make her see me in a new light!总之，你还是听我的吧，虽然“神谕计划”是被老师抛弃的项目了，但我一直想做出点成果让她刮目相看呢！

StewardAnd you're the key to this project, so could you be a little more presentable?而你是这个计划的关键，再稍微像样点好不好？

Harbinger"The Oracle" isn't important... Destiny and purification must be carried out... That is Father's wish!“神谕”并不重要……天命与净化，必须实行……那才是父亲的愿望！

(The Harbinger seems to be quarreling with her caller.)（告死鸟似乎与通讯器对面的人爆发了争吵。）

(This unsettles the guards nearby too. They don't dare raise their heads, so none of them notices Welrod at the entrance.)（这导致身旁的护卫们也变得很不安，他们不敢抬头，因而完全没人注意到入口处的维尔德。）

(After confirming there is no one else in the room, Welrod raises her gun, ready to act.)（在确认房间里再没有其他人后，维尔德举起了手里的枪，准备开始行动。）

MIMiGood, are we finally making our move? I'll back you up with electronic warfare!『很好，终于要动手了吗？我用电子战配合你！』

WelrodThe enemies are few and unguarded. This is a good chance.敌人的数量不多，没有防备，这是个好机会。

WelrodThose cultists have cybernetic prosthetics. Find a way to stop them from moving as soon as I open fire.那些教徒的身上有义体，一会儿我一开枪，你就想办法阻止他们的行动。

MIMiI've seen enough of this garbage. I've wanted to wipe them all out with one click for ages!『我已经看够了这些垃圾，早就想把它们一键清空了！』

(Welrod seizes this rare opportunity. She swiftly pulls back the bolt and takes aim at the "Harbinger's" head.)（维尔德抓住这难得的机会，迅速拉动枪栓，将准星对准了“告死鸟”的头部。）

Welrod...I can hit her at this range.这个距离……可以命中。

(The rounds she has have been loaded with extra powder. It would be more than lethal at this range.)（她已经加大了子弹的装药，普通人要是被击中，那绝无生还的可能。）

Steward(Sigh)... That so-called father of yours has caused us a lot of trouble.唉……你的那个什么父亲，真的是给我们添了不少麻烦呢。

StewardThat strange "Righteous Broker" was the same, somehow managing to sneak into our base. Really, you people never give us a moment's peace...之前那个奇怪的“义商”也是，竟然摸到了基地里来，真是一点都不让人省心……

StewardOr is your loss of control a side effect of the modifications I made to you before?还是说，你的失控，是我之前对你进行改造所产生的副作用吗？

(But just before she fires, the steward's words give Welrod a bad feeling.)（然而在开枪前一刻，主理人的话让维尔德感到了不妙。）

(But it's too late. She's already pulled the trigger.)（但来不及了，她已经扣动了扳机。）

MIMiHa! That shot was a direct hit!『哈！这一枪准爆了！』

StewardOh my~? No way, no way... did another rat sneak in?哎呀呀？不会吧不会吧，难道又有老鼠摸进来了吗？

Cultist AA-An enemy! Quick, protect Lady Angel!有、有敌人！快保护天使大人！

Harbinger...……

米希亚(Welrod's single shot cripples half of the Harbinger's body, and the mask on her head falls away with the impact.)（维尔德一枪直接瘫痪了告死鸟的半边身体，她头上的面具也应声脱落。）

米希亚(Yet she staggers back to her feet like a puppet that feels no pain. This is definitely not how a normal human reacts.)（然而，此时的她却像一个没有痛觉的傀儡般，摇摇晃晃地重新站了起来，这绝不是普通人类的反应。）

MIMiWait, she's still alive!『等等，她还活着！』

WelrodThe steward just mentioned modifying her? The Harbinger... she's a Nyto!主理人刚才说进行了改造？告死鸟……她是个涅托！

Masked Tenant 面具房客

(Welrod fights her way out of the cultists' encirclement and leaves the lab. Meanwhile, MIMimiMISuki sets off the explosives planted earlier.)（维尔德从教徒的包围中杀出了实验室，同时MIMimiMISuki也引爆了之前设置的炸药。）

(The ground trembles in the aftermath of the blast, and the cultists who couldn't escape are buried in the earth along with their sinful test subjects.)（地面在爆炸的余波下颤动，那些没能逃出来的教徒随着他们罪恶的实验体一起，被埋葬在泥土中。）

StewardOh my~ She's still chasing us!哎呀呀～怎么还追过来了啊！

(But the fight isn't over. The wounded Harbinger escapes under the covered of cultists who disregard their own lives.)（然而，战斗还没有结束，受伤的告死鸟在教徒们不计伤亡的掩护下逃了出来。）

(Welrod gives chase from behind. Suddenly, autonomous bots charge out from somewhere and block her way.)（维尔德在身后追赶。突然，不知从哪里冲出来的自律机器人开始阻拦她的脚步。）

MIMiDon't be scared, Welrod. I'll cover you!『别怕维尔德，我会掩护你！』

(Welrod doesn't slow down, because with MIMimiMISuki running electronic interference, these bots can scarcely fight at all.)（然而，维尔德没有放慢速度，因为这些机器在MIMimiMISuki的电子干扰下，几乎形成不了什么战斗力。）

Harbinger...Urgh!……呃！

StewardOh no, it looks like our Lady Angel can't hold on any longer.糟糕，我们的天使大人好像支撑不住了。

MIMiNow's your chance! Your shot from earlier hit her at a critical spot!『趁现在！你刚才的那一枪对她的关键部位造成了损伤！』

(At last, only a single autonomous weapon is left standing between Welrod and the Harbinger. Judging by how nimbly it's moving, the steward must be the one operating it.)（终于，挡在维尔德与告死鸟之间的，只剩一台自律兵器，从它的敏捷动作来看，其背后应该是那位主理人在操作。）

StewardHeh heh~ This machine of mine is custom-made, so it won't be so easy for you to take over!哼哼～我这台机器是特制的，没那么容易被你们夺走哦！

(Welrod suddenly throws out a parasol right as the autonomous weapon opens fire.)（自律兵器开火了，然而在那之前，维尔德突然抛出了一把雨伞。）

StewardOh? Is that... optical camouflage?哎呀？这是……光学迷彩？

(Welrod vanishes from the steward's sight. When she reappears, she has already rushed up to the badly wounded "Harbinger" and pins her firmly to the ground.)（维尔德的身影从主理人的视线中消失了，而当她再次现身时，她已经冲到了重伤的“告死鸟”面前，将她死死按在地上。）

WelrodDon't move! Unless you want a hole in this Angel's head.别动！除非你想让天使的脑袋开个洞。

StewardW-Wait a minute! Don't shoot. I'll stop, okay?等、等一下啊！别开枪，我停手还不行嘛。

(The autonomous weapon stops, and Welrod quietly lets out a sigh of relief. She isn't sure whether taking a Nyto hostage can threaten the other side, but for now, at least, the move works.)（自律兵器停了下来，维尔德暗自松了口气。她并不确定将涅托作为人质是否能威胁到对方，但至少目前看来，这一招是奏效的。）

HarbingerThe heretic must be removed! Purify this insolent detective at once!异端必须铲除！立刻将这个冒犯的侦探净化掉！

(The "Harbinger" doesn't care about her own safety, but with half her body out of control and barely able to move, she can only struggle in vain.)（“告死鸟”并不在乎自己的安危，然而她半边身体失控，几乎动弹不得，只能徒劳地挣扎。）

WelrodI should have thought of it sooner... Since the "Bloody Angels" are a Paradeus organization, you're bound to try to create Nytos too.我早该想到的……“血色天使”，既然是帕拉蒂斯的组织，那你们也一定会尝试制造涅托。

WelrodThe serial murders in the old city district, the missing people whose whereabouts are unknown, and those corpses rotting in blood... They were all experiments you conducted for that purpose!旧城区的连续杀人案，下落不明的失踪者，还有那些在血液中泡烂的尸体，都是你们为此所进行的实验！

(Still holding the "Harbinger" hostage, Welrod looks toward the autonomous weapon nearby that has paused its attack.)（维尔德维持着对“告死鸟”的挟持，看向不远处那台暂停了攻击的自律兵器。）

WelrodWhat's your goal? Where did you take the missing people who are still alive? And that "Righteous Broker," did you kill her, just like the others?!你们的目的是什么？还活着的失踪者被带去了哪里？还有那个“义商”，是不是也被你们杀害了！

StewardOh, come on! Don't ask so many questions at once. How am I supposed to answer them all?哎呀，不要一口气问那么多嘛，这我怎么回答得过来？

StewardStill, you do know quite a lot... and you even know about the "Righteous Broker"?不过，你倒是知道得很多呢，连“义商”的事情都知道？

StewardWe're looking for her too! What a lucky one, getting away in one piece after destroying our experimental equipment.我们也在找她呢！那可真是个命大的家伙，在破坏了我们的实验器材后竟然还能全身而退。

StewardWe sent plenty of people to catch her, yet she still slipped away.我们派了很多人去抓她，结果还是让她跑了。

WelrodShe's still alive?她还活着？

StewardProbably. Anyway, she's not in the satellite city, or we'd definitely have found her.大概吧，反正她不在卫星城内，不然一定会被我们发现的。

StewardThere~ I've answered your question. Could you let our little Angel go first?好啦～我已经回答你的问题了，能不能先把我们的小天使放开呢？

WelrodYou're in no position to bargain with me.你没有资格和我谈条件。

(Welrod presses her gun muzzle to the Harbinger's head, stepping up the threat.)（维尔德将枪口抵住告死鸟的头，进一步地威胁。）

(She already has it worked out—as long as she can hold out until the PSA's reinforcements arrive, she can definitely bring the Harbinger back alive.)（她已经盘算好了，只要能坚持到治安部门的支援到达，就一定能把这个告死鸟活着带回去。）

StewardHow unreasonable... Fine, tell me, then. What will it take for you to let her go?真是不讲道理……那你说吧，要怎么做才能让你放过她呢？

StewardI'll be honest with you—this little Angel is still very important to me right now!我也不怕告诉你，这个小天使目前对我还是很重要的！

HarbingerDoll detective... you've fought the evil of the old city district too, so don't you understand? Leading people out of the swamp of sin and desire is our mission!人形侦探……你也曾与旧城区的邪恶进行战斗，难道不明白？引领人们从罪恶与欲望的泥沼中解脱，才是我们的使命！

HarbingerYou should have become a disciple of the Angel and fought side by side with us!你明明应该成为天使的门徒，和我们并肩作战才对！

MIMiShut the hell up, criminal scum! I'm so disgusted that I could throw up!『闭嘴啊！你这人渣罪犯，我已经恶心得快吐了！』

WelrodFoolish ravings like that aren't worth rebutting. You kill people all over the old city district and seize them for horrific experiments. You're nothing but a pack of lunatics!如此的愚蠢妄语简直不值一驳，你们到处在旧城区杀人，抓他们进行恐怖的实验，不过是一群疯子！

HarbingerKilling? That is the sacrifice required for sacred purification and destiny!杀人？那是为了神圣净化与天命所必需的献祭！

HarbingerLook at this city, at the old city district! It's been rotten to the marrow long ago!看看这个城市，这旧城区，早已腐烂至骨髓！

HarbingerTo cleanse the filth, slaughter is purification too. This is salvation from the Angel!为了涤荡污秽，杀戮亦是净化，这是来自天使的救赎！

WelrodKilling for an ideal? You'd sin to stop sin?为了理想所以杀人？为了制止罪恶，所以制造罪恶？

WelrodDo you think killing evildoers will make crime stop? Do you think destroying the old city district will make the city better?你以为杀死作恶的人，犯罪就会停止吗？ 你以为只要毁掉旧城区，城市就会变得更好吗？

WelrodSadly, as long as the soil that breeds crime remains, new evil will surely be born, and right now all you're doing is feeding that soil full of sin!很遗憾，滋生犯罪的土壤没有消失，新的罪恶就一定会诞生，而现在的你，不过是在给罪恶的土壤继续增加养分！

Harbinger...Insolence! Blasphemy! You dare defile my destiny!……无礼！冒渎！你竟敢亵渎我的天命！

HarbingerI am the god who leads lost lambs to paradise! My existence is supreme justice!我，是引领迷途羔羊走向净土的神明！ 我的存在，更是至高无上的正义！

WelrodYou're the worst kind of criminal, one who does evil in the name of justice.你是那种以正义之名作恶的，最邪恶的犯罪者。

WelrodThe medicine piled up in the warehouse, the cargo lists with people's names, and the monsters in those glass tanks... Do you know what they were for?在仓库里堆放的那些药品，记载了人名的货物单，还有那些玻璃罐里的怪物……你知道那是用来做什么的吗？

HarbingerThose were all... steps toward achieving sacred purification!那都是……为了实现神圣净化的步骤！

WelrodCome on! Steward, you tell her! What is the purpose of the experiments? What exactly is "Project Oracle"?来！主理人，你告诉她，实验的目的，“神谕计划”到底是什么？

WelrodAnd I won't let you keep hiding behind the comms. Show yourself!还有，我不许你再藏在通讯后面了，给我出来！

StewardOh? Is your debate over? What a pity. I was hoping to listen a little longer.哎呀？你们的辩论结束了吗？真可惜，我还想多听一会儿呢。

WelrodI heard everything you said in the church. Things would get troublesome for you if I scrapped the Harbinger, right?你们在教堂里的对话我都听到了，要是告死鸟报废，应该会很麻烦吧？

WelrodIf you don't show yourself, I'll blow this Nyto's head apart!如果你不现身，我就把这个涅托的脑袋打烂！

StewardEh? Wait a second! Don't be so hasty! We can talk things through!诶？等等、等等，你别那么激动，我们有话好说嘛！

(Welrod pulls the trigger pulls the trigger as soon as she finishes speaking. The bullet grazes the Harbinger's face and buries itself in the ground. Of course, she has no intention of killing her here, but she must show firm resolve to force the steward out.)（维尔德说完便按下了扳机，子弹擦过告死鸟的脸射入地面。她当然没打算在这里杀掉她，但必须以坚决的态度来逼迫主理人现身。）

StewardOkay, okay! I'm coming out! I'm coming out! Is that good enough?好好好！我出来了，出来了还不行吗？

StewardHonestly, you're terrible for making a lady show herself in full like this...真是的，你们也太坏了，非要把人家看光光……

MIMiEh?『诶？』

MIMi...!『……！』

StewardThat should do, right? Don't shoot, or I won't let you see my lovely face~这样可以了吧，别开枪哦，不然就不让你看我美丽的面容了。

WelrodYou...you're...你……你是？

StewardOh my? Why the sudden shock? Don't tell me you've fallen for me?哎呀？怎么突然愣住了，不会是爱上我了吧？

(On the screen, the woman in the white lab coat still speaks in her light, breezy tone, saying things that are completely out of place.)（图像中，那位身着白大褂的女性依然用她轻快的语气，说着不合时宜的话。）

(She doesn't mind having her true face revealed in the least, as if she's absolutely confident that Welrod won't catch her.)（对于真身暴露，她也完全无所谓，似乎有着绝对自信不会被维尔德抓到。）

(Welrod is hit by a strong sense of déjà vu the instant she sees the "steward's" face.)（而维尔德，当她看到“主理人”的面貌的一瞬间，心智中出现了一股强烈的既视感。）

Welrod(This woman... I've definitely seen her somewhere before, but...)（这个人……我确实有在哪里见过的，但是……）

MIMiThis is bad. Welrod! Watch your head!『糟糕，维尔德，小心头顶！』

(Welrod's neural cloud briefly falls into confusion. Several small drones suddenly shoot out from the building's shadows at this moment.)（维尔德心智陷入短暂的混乱，就在此时，好几架小型无人机突然从大楼的阴影处钻了出来。）

(Welrod manages to dodge quickly thanks to the assistant bot's warning, but the autonomous bot the steward is controlling takes this chance to snatch the "Harbinger" away.)（多亏助手机器人提醒，维尔德迅速躲避。但趁着这个时候，由主理人操纵的自动机器人却将“告死鸟”抢走了。）

StewardFinally! Honestly, my useless disciple made me wait so long. I'll have to give her a good talking-to when we get back...终于来啦！真是的，我的不肖弟子，竟然让我等了那么久，回去得好好说说她……

(Welrod wants to give chase, but more drones appear and surround her.)（维尔德想要追赶，却出现了更多的无人机将她包围。）

MIMiThere are so many. I can't wipe them all out with electronic warfare!『数量好多，我没法用电子战全部消灭掉！』

WelrodDamn it, and I was so close!可恶，就差一点了！

MIMiRetreat for now, Welrod. There's no way you can handle this many enemies on your own!『先撤退吧，维尔德，凭你一个人没法对付这么多敌人！』

(Welrod can only watch helplessly as the steward flees into the maze-like terrain of the old city district while carrying the Harbinger's ruined body.)（维尔德只能眼睁睁看着这一切。主理人带着告死鸟的残躯，逃入了地形复杂的旧城区内。）

(The day of the incident, 03:06 p.m.)（案发当日，下午15:06。）

(Welrod withdraws to the vicinity of a Green Zone street. The drone swarm doesn't pursue her any further, perhaps not wanting to cause a bigger commotion.)（维尔德撤退到了绿区街道附近，或许是不想引起更大的骚动，无人机群并没有继续追过来。）

(After confirming that the area is safe for now, Welrod suddenly slumps against the wall, her energy totally drained. The string of intense battles has left her a little weary.)（在确认周围暂时安全后，维尔德突然脱力靠在了墙边。一连串的激烈战斗，让她感到有些疲惫。）

MIMiAre you alright, Welrod? Are you hurt anywhere?『没事吧？维尔德，你有没有受伤？』

Welrod...I'm fine. I was too careless. I should have just destroyed the Nyto when I had the chance.……没事，是我太大意了。早知道就应该直接消灭涅托的。

MIMiYou did nothing wrong. It was better to gain intel than to destroy the enemy in that situation.『你的做法没有问题，在那种情况下，获得情报比消灭敌人更有价值。』

WelrodI could have done both, but for some reason... the instant I saw the steward's face, I suddenly had an unreal feeling.我本来可以两者都做到，但不知为何……在看到那个主理人样貌的一瞬间，我突然产生了一种不太真实的感觉。

MIMi...What did you feel?『……你感觉到了什么？』

WelrodI've seen that person in the Commander's combat records... not from the past, but from the more distant future.我在指挥官的作战记录中见过那个人……不是在过去，而是在更远的未来。

MIMi...『……』

(Welrod's communicator rings with an urgent call tone.)（这时，维尔德身上的通讯器传来一阵急促的联络提示音。）

PSA CaptainHey! Are you alright? You sent a message just now, but there was no response when I tried to reach you.喂！你还好吧，你刚才发来了信息，我想联络你却没有反应。

WelrodI'm fine. More importantly, did you find the underground base I told you about?我没事，比起这个，你们找到我说的地下基地了吗？

WelrodThere's plenty of evidence in there related to the true nature of the "Bloody Angels" entrenched in this city.那里面有不少证物，与盘踞在这个城市里的“血色天使”的真面目有关。

PSA CaptainI was about to ask you about that. Most of the equipment and files in the underground base were blown up. That wasn't you, was it?我还想问你呢，地下基地里大部分设施、还有资料都被炸毁了。那不是你做的吧？

MIMiHey, don't go making things up. I didn't plant that many bombs!『喂喂，可别乱说，我可没有放那么多的炸弹！』

Welrod...The steward left that as a contingency. She mentioned a "disciple" at the end, so the Bloody Angels have other executives.……是那个主理人留的后手。她在最后提到了“弟子”，血色天使还有其他的干部。

PSA Captain(Sigh)... Even though the key evidence was destroyed, don't get too discouraged. We still found some bodies, and they can prove the grotesque murders were their doing.唉……虽然重要的证据都被销毁了，但别太泄气了。我们还是找到了一些遗体，可以证明猎奇杀人案是他们做的。

PSA CaptainAlso, the coin you had me look into turned up some leads, though the situation is a bit strange...还有，你让我调查的硬币也有了一些线索，虽然情况有点蹊跷……

(After agreeing to meet back at the crime scene, Welrod ends the call.)（在约定好回现场碰头后，维尔德结束了通话。）

(Failing to get key evidence against Paradeus is another setback, and MIMimiMISuki looks a little worried off to one side.)（没能获得帕拉蒂斯的关键证据，这又是一次失败，一旁的MIMimiMISuki显得有些担心。）

MIMiIt's fine! Even if they got away this time, we'll definitely get another chance next time!『没事！就算这次被她们逃掉了，下次也一定还有机会的！』

WelrodLet's go back to the crime scene first... The apartment murder already has an outcome.先回案发现场吧……公寓的命案已经有结论了。

MIMiYou know who the killer is?『你知道凶手是谁了吗？』

WelrodThis case isn't complicated on its own, but it's entangled with secrets no one knows about.只是这起案件的话并不复杂，但它牵扯了一些无人知晓的秘密。

Welrod...And speaking of secrets, MIMi, you have no shortage of them yourself.……而说到秘密，MIMi，你身上的秘密只多不少。

MIMi...『……』

WelrodBefore we go back, you have to answer a few questions. First, you're not an ordinary assistant bot, are you?在回去之前，你必须回答我几个问题。首先，你应该不是普通的助手机器人，对吧？

WelrodI've felt for a long time that something was off. You're far too intelligent, and you know lots of things that I don't.我很早就觉得不对劲了，你太过智能，甚至知道很多我不知道的信息。

WelrodYou're only an assistant bot for criminal investigations, the same model the PSA uses. Yet you can conduct electronic warfare, and in the fight to catch the Harbinger just now, you even directed me in battle.你只是辅助刑侦调查的助手机器人，和治安部门所使用的同一型号，然而却能进行电子战，甚至在刚才追捕告死鸟的战斗中，指挥了我进行战斗。

WelrodA possibility occurred to me after watching the steward operate her bots just now.而就在刚才，看到主理人操作机器人的时候，我想到了一种可能性。

WelrodMIMi, there are people operating you from behind the scenes, and it's more than one of them, right?MIMi，你的背后也有人在操作你，而且不止一个，对吧？

MIMiW-Well...『这、这是……』

WelrodThe two of you clearly speak differently. One is a foul-mouthed type who starts cursing the moment something annoys them...你们两人的语气明显不同，其中一个人是个喷子，遇到不爽的事就会开喷。

WelrodAnd the other... always shows up at a critical moment, helping me clear up doubts and get out of danger.还有一个人……总是在关键的时候出现，帮我解答疑惑，摆脱危险。

WelrodThe two of you even talk to each other every now and then. I think that explains the voices I heard in the morning.你们偶尔还会互相对话，我想这就是我早上听到的那些声音的真相。

WelrodThese conclusions were too outlandish, so I never thought them through. But now I have a strange feeling that this place...这些结论太过离奇了，所以我一直没有细想，但现在，我有种奇怪的感觉，那就是这个地方……

MIMiListen to me, Welrod. It's best you don't think about these things right now.『你听我说维尔德，你现在最好不需要思考这些。』

WelrodYou want me not to think? That's an outrageous thing to ask of a detective.你要我不去思考？这对于侦探来说，是一个很过分的要求。

MIMiBecause it has nothing to do with the predicament you're facing, and we aren't your enemies.『因为这和你目前面临的困境无关，我们也并不是你的敌人。』

Welrod...I can tell you two mean no harm, but that only leaves me more confused.……我确实能感觉到你们没有恶意，但这反而让我感到迷茫。

WelrodA case that feels like a riddle, repeated hallucinations, and a strange bot secretly helping me. Everything feels so unreal.谜一样的案件，反复看到的幻觉，还有在暗中帮我的奇怪机器人，一切都是那么的不真实。

WelrodSo, MIMi, I do hope I can get some kind of explanation from you... Since the Commander's not here, you're the one I trust most right now.所以MIMi，我很希望能从你这里得到一些解释……指挥官不在身边，你现在就是我最信任的人。

MIMi...『……』

WelrodEven a little would do. Can you help ease my doubts?只要一点就好，能不能帮我解除疑虑？

(Welrod looks toward MIMimiMISuki with a sincere look, hoping that it can give her an answer that unravels the mystery.)（维尔德看向MIMimiMISuki，目光中带着信任，她期待着它能给自己一个解开谜团的回答。）

MIMiI can't explain yet, Welrod... but your instincts are right.『我现在还不能说……维尔德，但你的感觉是正确的。』

WelrodMy instincts?感觉是？

MIMiThis is a journey to find the truth. You'll understand everything in the end, but it's still too early right now.『这是一段寻找真相的旅程，你将会在最后了解一切，但现在还太早。』

Welrod...……

MIMiI hope you'll trust us. We're also searching for the truth behind this string of cases alongside you.『希望你相信我们，我们也在和你一起继续寻找这一连串案件的真相。』

(Welrod stares hard at MIMimiMISuki, frustration and doubt still lingering in her mind.)（维尔德紧盯着MIMimiMISuki，心中的不甘和疑惑仍然存在。）

(But in the end, she decides to set aside the urge to press further and trust her assistant.)（但最终，她决定暂且放下追问的冲动，去相信自己的助手。）

WelrodA detective's duty is to uncover the truth, not to be told to wait.侦探的职责是揭露真相，而不是被告知时候未到。

WelrodBut as strange as it sounds, what you just said made me feel that I can trust you.但不可思议，你刚才的话却给我一种值得信赖的感觉。

WelrodAlright. I trust you both, but I hope you'll promise me... that someday you'll reveal everything to me.明白了，我相信你们，但也希望你们答应我……总有一天会告诉我真相。

MIMiOf course, Welrod. And I think... that day isn't far away.『那当然，维尔德。并且我认为……那一天已经不远了。』

X's Reasoning X的推理

(The day of the incident, 04:30 p.m., apartment Room 301.)（案发当日，16:30，公寓301号房。）

(The moment Welrod returns to the crime scene, she hears the captain's furious shout.)（维尔德刚回到案发现场，就听到了治安队长的怒吼。）

PSA CaptainYou're telling us to terminate the investigation?你说要终止调查？

PSA CaptainAre you kidding me?! We've already tracked down the Bloody Angels' base! If we stop now, what are we supposed to do about the outcry online?开什么玩笑！我们已经查到血色天使的据点了！现在终止的话，网上的舆论声讨要怎么办？

PSA CaptainYou say this is an order from even higher up? Someone else is taking over? I don't accept it! You people pull this same line every time!你说这是来自更上面的命令？有其他人接手？我不接受！你们每次都是这套说辞！

Welrod...Just as I thought. Seeking protection from White Zone bigwigs is their usual tactic.……果然，在白区寻找上层人物庇护，是他们的一贯手段。

(The situation is just as Welrod expected. The Bloody Angels—or rather, they can simply be called Paradeus now.)（眼前的状况和维尔德料想的一样，血色天使——或者可以直接称它为帕拉蒂斯。）

(There are likely political forces backing them in the satellite city, powerful enough to pressure even a PSA investigation.)（其在卫星城的背后可能还牵扯了政治势力，甚至可以对治安部门的调查进行施压。）

PSA CaptainIt's all over. Another cold case, and everyone's efforts wasted... Халера!都结束了，这又是一起悬案，所有人的努力都白费了……可恶！

(The PSA captain hangs up the phone, looking unusually dejected, as if all his strength has drained away in an instant.)（治安队长挂掉电话，整个人显得异常沮丧，仿佛瞬间失去了所有的力气。）

WelrodQuit whining like a stray dog. First, tell me how the coin investigation went.收起丧家犬一样的叫声吧，先告诉我硬币的调查是什么情况。

PSA CaptainDoes that even matter at this point?事到如今，这种事情还重要吗？

PSA Captain(Sigh)... Fine, I'll tell you. The commemorative shilling came from a cemetery for interring illegal immigrants on the edge of the satellite city. Sergei went there two days ago to visit a grave and bought this as a memorial offering.唉……告诉你吧，纪念先令来自卫星城边缘的一座安置非法移民的墓地。谢尔盖两天前去那里扫墓，购买了这种祭奠品。

WelrodHe visited a grave? Whose grave was he paying his respects to?扫墓？他要祭奠谁？

PSA CaptainThat's the part I said was odd over the comms. On the headstone... was Miss Olena's name.这正是我在通讯里说觉得很蹊跷的地方，墓碑上面……是奥列娜小姐的名字。

WelrodI see... So Olena's grave is in a place like that.原来如此……奥列娜的墓地在那种地方。

WelrodGather everyone involved. It's time to reveal the truth.请把所有相关人员都召集过来，接下来，该揭晓真相了。

PSA CaptainWait, what are you trying to do now? We just received instructions...等等，你还想做什么？我们刚才已经收到指示……

WelrodInstructions to stop investigating the Bloody Angels? Don't worry, you won't be breaking that order.是停止对血色天使进行调查的指示吗？别担心，你不会违反命令的。

WelrodBecause they aren't the culprit in this case.因为这次事件的犯人不是他们。

(...)（……）

(Everyone is summoned to the apartment, including the PSA officers who took part in the investigation, the rookie who's afraid of blood, and the landlord Olena.)（众人被召集到了公寓中，包括参与调查的治安人员、怕血的新人，还有房东奥列娜。）

(Welrod's sharp gaze sweeps over everyone present. She notices that the landlord, Olena, looks the most uneasy of all.)（维尔德的目光锐利地扫视在场的每一个人，她注意到，房东奥列娜显得最为不安。）

(Having just lived through the second murder investigation of her life, her anxiety appears to be the natural reaction of an unfortunate victim—leaving no reason for anyone to suspect her.)（她刚经历了生命中的第二次命案，在大多数人看来，这无疑是遭遇不幸后的正常表现，没有人会对此产生怀疑。）

Rookie PSA OfficerIf the killer isn't the Bloody Angels cult, then who is it?凶手不是血色天使教的话，那会是谁？

PSA CaptainI don't know either. The grotesque murders really were their doing, after all. Let's hear what the detective has to say.我也不知道，毕竟猎奇杀人案确实是他们所为。听听侦探怎么说吧。

Field InvestigatorWhoever it is, they must have escaped through the window!不管是谁，他必然是从窗户逃走的！

Welrod...The killer's escape route is indeed the core of this case, so let's begin there.……犯人的逃跑路线，确实是这起案件的核心，那就先从这件事开始说起。

WelrodThe murder of Sergei took place in apartment Room 301. At the time, the chain lock on the door was locked from the inside.谢尔盖被杀一案发生在公寓的301号房，案发时，房间的链条锁被人从内侧锁上了。

WelrodThe only way in or out is that hard-to-climb window. So did the killer enter and leave through there?唯一出入口只有那扇难以攀爬的窗户，那凶手是通过窗户出入命案现场的吗？

How did the killer get in and out of the crime scene?凶手是如何出入现场的？

Through the front door从正门出入

In and out through the window从窗户出入

In through the door, out through the window从门进入，从窗户逃走

WelrodWhen you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.排除掉所有可能性后，剩下的答案再不可思议，那也是真相。

WelrodSo far there's no evidence at all showing that someone left through the window.目前没有任何线索显示有人能从窗户离开。

WelrodFirst, there's nothing to climb on outside the window. Second, forensics found nothing on the building opposite.首先，窗外并无可攀爬的地方。其次，在对面的建筑上，鉴识人员什么都没有发现。

WelrodRuling those out, we can only conclude the killer came and went through the front door.排除这些后，我们只能认为，凶手是从正门出入的。

WelrodOn top of that, we found bloodstains in the hallway.再加上，我们在走廊上发现了血迹。

WelrodThe killer would have tracked blood into the hallway only if they fled through the front door.只有当行凶之后，凶手从正门逃走，血迹才会被带到走廊。

PSA CaptainBut what about the chain lock? If the killer left through the front door, there's no explaining why it was locked from the inside.但链条锁呢？凶手如果是从正门离开的，就没法解释它为什么会从内侧上锁。

PSA CaptainOr are you saying they used some special trick to lock the chain from outside?还是说，他用了某种特殊的手段，可以从外面锁上链条锁？

How did the killer engage the chain lock?凶手是如何锁上链条锁的？

They used tape用了胶带

They used fishing line用了鱼线

They used no tricks at all没有用任何手法

WelrodThe trick of locking a door from the outside shows up in some mystery dramas.从外侧上锁的手法，在一些推理剧中出现过。

WelrodFor instance, the chain lock is cut beforehand, then taped back together to fake a locked room.例如，链条锁在一开始就被切断了，再使用胶带粘在一起，伪造出一个密室。

WelrodHowever, no similar traces were found in this case... Stop getting lost in fantasy and think of other possibilities.然而在这起事件里，没有发现类似的痕迹……不要沉浸在幻想中了，想想其他的可能性吧。

WelrodThe trick of locking a door from the outside shows up in some mystery dramas.从外侧上锁的手法，在一些推理剧中出现过。

WelrodFor instance, someone could run fishing line through the gap in the door and cleverly drag the chain into the slot from outside.例如用鱼线穿过门缝，从门外巧妙地把锁链拖拽到锁孔中。

WelrodHowever, no similar traces were found in this case... Stop getting lost in fantasy and think of other possibilities.然而在这起事件里，没有发现类似的痕迹……不要沉浸在幻想中了，想想其他的可能性吧。

WelrodNo trick was needed. The chain lock was engaged from the inside.不需要任何手法，链条锁是被人从内侧锁上的。

WelrodOf course, that means the killer couldn't leave the room.当然，这代表着凶手将无法离开房间。

WelrodThey could only flee once someone discovered the body and cut the chain from outside.必须等到有人发现尸体，从外侧切断链条后，他才能逃离现场。

PSA CaptainWait, are you saying the killer was hiding at the crime scene?等等，你的意思是凶手躲在了案发现场吗？

PSA CaptainThe first discoverers searched the room and found nothing unusual. How do you overturn that premise?第一发现者曾经对房间进行过检查，没有发现异样，你要怎么推翻这个前提？

WelrodThe search missed something, of course.当然是检查遗漏了。

WelrodThe search by the two first discoverers sounds thorough, yet it never mentioned the most important place... and the killer in this case was hiding in exactly that location.两位第一发现人的检查听起来很仔细，却偏偏没有提到那个最重要的地方……而本案的凶手恰恰就躲在那里。

Where was the killer hiding?凶手躲藏在哪里？

The living room客厅

The bedroom卧室

Outside the window窗外

WelrodThe answer is the living room, at the white outline on the floor, where the body lay.答案是在客厅，地板上的白线处，尸体所在的地方。

WelrodAfter the murder, the killer disguised themselves as the victim's corpse. They stayed at the scene, waiting for someone to break the chain lock from outside and enter the room.行凶之后，凶手假扮成了受害者的尸体。他留在现场，等待有人从外侧破坏链条锁进入房间。

WelrodAnd the first discoverers to enter didn't examine the body carefully.而最先进入房间的第一发现者们，并没有对尸体进行仔细辨认。

WelrodYou all know why. There was a huge amount of blood at the scene, on par with the serial grotesque murders in the old city district, and the first officer to arrive was afraid of blood.其中的原因各位也知道，现场有大量的血迹，堪比旧城区的连续猎奇杀人，而最早到达现场的治安员怕血。

Field InvestigatorWait, are you saying... this case wasn't one of the Bloody Angels' grotesque murders?等等，你刚才的意思是……这起案件不是血色天使进行的猎奇杀人？

WelrodOf course. This case was the work of a copycat.当然，这次的案件是模仿犯所为。

WelrodThe most important step was creating a large amount of blood at the scene to shift suspicion onto the "Bloody Angels."其中最重要的一步，就是在现场制造大量血迹，把嫌疑推给“血色天使”。

WelrodThe killer's plan worked. Faced with a room full of blood, the first officer to arrive was thrown into a panic. He didn't even think to check the bedroom, and only searched it after the landlord reminded him.犯人的计划很成功，面对满屋子的血液，最先赶到的治安员确实十分慌张。他甚至没想到要去检查卧室，还是在房东的提醒下，才进行了搜索。

WelrodAt the same time, the killer posing as a corpse in the living room was waiting for their moment. Once the first discoverers went into the bedroom, the living room became a blind spot.与此同时，在客厅中假扮尸体的凶手，也在等待时机。当第一发现人进入卧室后，客厅便进入了他们的视野盲区。

WelrodAt that point, the killer rose from the pool of blood and left the room through the front door.此时，伪装成尸体的凶手从血泊中起身，从正门离开了房间。

Rookie PSA OfficerThe body I saw when I first came in was actually the killer in disguise? That... That's hard to believe.我第一次进来时看到的尸体，其实是凶手假扮的？这……难以置信。

PSA CaptainThat's absurd. Then where did the real body go? When we arrived at the scene afterward, we definitely found Sergei's body in the living room!这太荒谬了，那真正的尸体去了哪里？毕竟我们后来赶到现场时，确实发现谢尔盖的遗体就在客厅中！

Where was the real body hidden?真正的尸体被藏在哪里？

The crime scene: Room 301案发现场：301室

The room next door: Room 302隔壁房间：302室

Outside the apartment公寓外面

WelrodNo. The rookie PSA officer may not have found the killer disguised as the corpse, but he did search the room carefully when he first entered.不对，新人治安员虽然没有发现假扮遗体的凶手，但在初次进入这里时，曾经对现场房间进行过仔细的检查。

WelrodThere was already a fake corpse lying in a pool of blood in the living room. If the real body had been hidden here too, it would definitely have been found.已经有假遗体躺在客厅的血泊中了，如果还把真正的尸体藏在这边，一定会被发现。

WelrodIt must have been hidden somewhere else.它应该是被藏在了其他地方。

WelrodThe room next door, Room 302. A body hidden there would be easy to carry back.隔壁的房间，302室，尸体藏在这个位置可以很方便地进行搬运。

WelrodThis also explains the dropped coin.这还可以进一步地解释那枚掉落的硬币。

WelrodThe coin had the victim's blood and fingerprints on it. It's undoubtedly something he had on him when he was killed.硬币上有受害者的血迹和指纹，无疑是他遇害时带在身上的物品。

WelrodThe coin could have fallen by accident only when the killer was moving the body through the hallway.只有当凶手搬运尸体经过走廊时，硬币才可能意外掉落。

PSA CaptainI-It's hard to believe. Who on earth was capable enough to do all that?难、难以置信，到底是谁能够做到这些？

PSA CaptainDetective Welrod, you already know the killer's identity, don't you?维尔德侦探，你应该已经知道凶手的身份了吧？

Name the killer指出凶手

Harbinger告死鸟

Olena奥列娜

Vityaz维季亚兹

WelrodThe Harbinger may have the ability to commit the crime, but there's no sign she was ever here.告死鸟或许有作案的能力，但并没有迹象显示她来过这里。

WelrodThis case was the work of a copycat. The killer is someone else.这起案件是模仿犯所为，凶手另有其人。

WelrodThe landlord, Olena, is suspicious, but as the first person to discover the body, she couldn't have searched the bedroom while also pretending to be the body.房东奥列娜很可疑，但她作为第一发现者，不可能在检查卧室的同时再假扮尸体。

WelrodThe killer is someone else.凶手另有其人。

WelrodIt's Vityaz.是维季亚兹。

WelrodRemember the other sample of DNA found in the victim's blood?还记得在受害人血液中发现的另一个生物信息吗？

WelrodThat was the DNA left by the killer when he lay in the pool of blood, pretending to be the body.那是凶手假扮尸体、躺在血泊中的时候留在现场的痕迹。

WelrodAnd that sample of DNA matches the bloodstain found at the entrance of the Bloody Angels' laboratory.而这份生物信息的特征，与血色天使教实验室入口处发现的血迹一致。

WelrodVityaz was taken there by the Harbinger and brutally killed. That blood was most likely left behind when he was wounded.维季亚兹被“告死鸟”挟持到那里惨遭杀害，那很可能是他受伤时遗留的血液。

(Instructed by Welrod, MIMimiMISuki quickly tests Vityaz's blood sample in front of everyone and puts the results up on the screen.)（在维尔德的指示下，MIMimiMISuki当着所有人的面，迅速对维季亚兹的血液样本进行了化验，并将结果呈现在屏幕上。）

PSA CaptainA perfect match... Vityaz was at the murder scene!完全一致……维季亚兹来过命案现场！

Rookie PSA OfficerThen the deduction just now... was all true?那刚才的推理……都是真的？

WelrodThe rest is just plain, obvious truth, but let me reconstruct the crime in more detail so that you can all follow my thinking.剩下的不过是显而易见的真相，但为了让你们能跟上我的思维，我还是进一步还原具体的案发过程吧。

WelrodVityaz came to the apartment in the dead of night and killed Sergei. Then, to imitate the grotesque murders, he drained the blood from the body and scattered it around the area.维季亚兹在半夜来到了公寓，杀死了谢尔盖，随后模仿猎奇杀人，抽出他的血液，布置在案发现场。

WelrodAfterward, he hid the body in Room 302 and returned to Room 301, where he lay in the pool of blood, posing as the corpse, and waited quietly.随后，他将尸体藏到302室，自己则回到301室，躺在血泊中假扮尸体，静静地等待。

WelrodVityaz was a soldier who had survived the battlefield. Hiding among piles of corpses was not an uncommon occurrence, so this was no challenge for him at all.维季亚兹是从战场上生还的士兵，连藏匿在尸体堆中的事情都做过，这对他构不成任何挑战。

WelrodSoon, the landlord brought the officer who's afraid of blood to the scene. To search the bedroom, they broke the chain lock and opened the locked room.很快，房东便带着怕血的治安员来到了现场，为了进入卧室搜查，他们破坏了链条锁，打开了密室。

WelrodThe officer was stunned by the grisly sight before him. He didn't examine the body in detail, but went to the bedroom to search for the killer.治安员被眼前的惨状吓呆了，他没有对尸体进行详细检查，而是前往卧室搜索可能躲藏凶手的地方。

WelrodVityaz took that opportunity to go to Room 302 and carry the body back to the scene.维季亚兹趁这时前往302室，把尸体搬回了现场。

WelrodEvery second counted, so he inevitably left traces behind, such as marks from dragging the body, blood, and the coin. That also misled me into thinking, for a while, that this wasn't the crime scene.期间需要分秒必争，因此不可避免地留下了尸体拖拽、血液、硬币等痕迹。也因此误导了我，让我一度认为这里不是案发现场。

WelrodVityaz left the scene after putting the body back in place.在把尸体复位后，维季亚兹离开了现场。

WelrodHe meant to slip away under the cover of thick fog, but two unexpected things happened.他是想趁着大雾，神不知鬼不觉地逃走，却发生了两个意外。

WelrodFirst, he never expected the Bloody Angels to find him and kill him.第一，他没想到会被血色天使的人发现，最终被杀死。

WelrodSecond, on my way to the apartment to find Sergei... I ran into members of the Daggers.第二，是我来公寓找谢尔盖的路上……曾遭遇过匕首帮的人。

WelrodThey were stationed in a secluded alley as if covering for someone. Looking back, that must have been when Vityaz withdrew from the scene.他们守在一条偏僻的巷子内，像是在掩护谁，现在看来，维季亚兹就是在那个时候撤离现场的。

PSA CaptainBut... wait, I've thought of something rather strange!但是……等一下，我想到了一个很奇怪的地方！

PSA CaptainFor the corpse-disguise trick to work, they had to ensure the first officer on the scene didn't examine it carefully... How did Vityaz make sure of that?要让假扮尸体的诡计能够成功，必须以到达现场的治安员不仔细检查为前提……维季亚兹怎么确保这一点？

Rookie PSA OfficerY-Yeah, how did he know that Miss Olena would call me first? If it had been any other officer who wasn't afraid of blood, they'd have seen through this trick right away!是……是啊，他怎么会知道奥列娜小姐会第一个叫我？如果是其他不怕血的治安人员，这种障眼法一下子就会被看穿！

WelrodHe knew, because... Miss Olena is his accomplice.他可以的，因为……奥列娜小姐是他的同伙。

WelrodShe took on the role of bringing you to the scene first, as the one who discovered the body.她承担了带着你第一个来到现场，作为尸体发现者的职责。

Olena...……

(Olena is far calmer than the others despite being faced with Welrod's accusation.)（面对维尔德的指认，奥列娜反而比其他人冷静很多。）

Rookie PSA OfficerMiss Olena is an accomplice? I-Impossible!奥列娜女士是同伙？这、这不可能！

PSA CaptainNo, think about it carefully... This is the logical conclusion. If the body had been hidden in Room 302, that wouldn't have worked without the landlord's help.不，仔细想想……这才是合理的，尸体被藏到了302号房，没有房东的帮助便不会成功。

PSA CaptainBut what was their motive? Why did they have to kill Sergei?但是，作案的动机是什么，他们为什么要杀谢尔盖？

WelrodThe motive... isn't in this case. It's tied to the one that happened three years ago.动机……不在这起案件中，而是和三年前的那起案件有关。

PSA CaptainThree years ago? You mean the murder of Bohdan, who was Sergei's older brother?三年前？谢尔盖的哥哥，博赫丹被杀的案件吗？

WelrodMiss Olena, perhaps I should call you—a member of the Daggers who took part in Bohdan's murder three years ago.奥列娜小姐，或许我应该叫你——三年前参与了博赫丹谋杀案的匕首帮成员。

Olena?...Looks like you already know everything.……看来你什么都知道了。

(The landlord seems to have seen this coming. Even now, with the officers on site suspecting her, she shows no sign of panic.)（房东似乎在刚才就预料到了结果，此时遭到现场治安人员的怀疑，她一点都没有惊慌。）

PSA CaptainLandlord Olena is a member of the Daggers? How is that possible? They killed her father, Bohdan!房东奥列娜是匕首帮的人？这怎么可能？那个组织可是杀害了她的父亲博赫丹啊！

WelrodThat's only a false identity. The real Olena had a terminal illness and died long before Bohdan was killed.那只是个假身份，真正的奥列娜身患绝症，早在博赫丹遇害前就已经死了。

WelrodHowever, since she had no legal White Zone residency, she could only be buried in the immigrant cemetery, and no record of her death was kept.然而，由于没有合法的白区居住身份，她只能被安置在移民墓地里，其死亡记录也没有留下来。

PSA CaptainC-Could it be...难、难道说……

WelrodYes. That headstone you found, the one Sergei went to pay his respects at... the real Olena is buried there.是的，谢尔盖前去祭奠的人，你们找到的墓碑，那里埋着真正的奥列娜。

WelrodThe woman before us is a criminal who was found at the crime scene by PSA officers.而眼前的这位，是在犯罪现场被治安人员发现的犯罪者。

WelrodDo you agree with my account, Miss Landlord?你认同我的说法吗？房东小姐。

Landlord...I confess. Vityaz and I are indeed the culprits for this case.……我认罪，这起案件，确实是我和维季亚兹做的。

Rookie PSA OfficerMiss Olena...奥列娜小姐……

LandlordThe detective is right. A few years ago, I took part in the operation to kill Bohdan. Greedy for his valuables, I didn't retreat with my companions in time and was found by the PSA officers who rushed in.侦探说得对，几年前，我参加了杀死博赫丹的行动，由于贪恋财物，没来得及和同伴们一起撤退，被赶来的治安人员发现了。

LandlordBut then, the identity information Vityaz forged for me proved unexpectedly useful...然而，维季亚兹替我伪造的身份信息，却在这时发挥了意想不到的作用……

WelrodThe security authentication data from the crime scene, wasn't it?是案发现场的安保认证信息吧？

WelrodTo let you all get into Bohdan's residence smoothly, Vityaz obtained the dead Olena's biometric verification.为了让你们能顺利进入博赫丹的住处，维季亚兹弄到了已经死去的奥列娜的生物验证。

LandlordYes. That was originally meant to fool the surveillance systems and security bots... But when the PSA officers saw my info matching the security authentication, they actually took me for Olena, who was already dead.是的，这些验证原本是用来对付监控和安保机器人的……治安人员在看到我的信息与安保认证一致时，竟相信了我是死去的奥列娜。

LandlordVityaz also bribed a doctor to forge medical records so I could play this role. Bohdan left behind a considerable inheritance, and he wanted to get that money through me.维季亚兹还买通了医生，伪造了医疗记录，帮我扮演这个身份。博赫丹有不少遗产，他想通过我得到这笔钱。

LandlordAnd for me... I had no other choice if I wanted to escape punishment.而对我来说……为了逃脱罪责，也没有其他选择。

WelrodI want to know why you two had to kill Bohdan.我想知道，你们为什么要杀死博赫丹？

LandlordWhen Vityaz gave us the job, he told us... that the man was hated by all.维季亚兹在给我们任务的时候说过……这个人遭到了所有人的憎恨。

PSA CaptainBut Bohdan was a philanthropist! He helped so many old city district residents like you!博赫丹可是个慈善家，他帮了很多像你们这样的旧城区的居民！

Welrod...Bohdan wanted to make the old city district better, but for many people, the only way to profit is to keep this place in chaos.……博赫丹想要让旧城区变得更好，但是对很多人来说，只有让这里保持混乱，他们才有利可图。

WelrodGang criminals, corrupt officials in the White Zone, and those in your security administration who took bribes... they all see anyone who wants to change the status quo as a thorn in their side.黑帮的罪犯、白区的贪官，还有你们治安部门中那些收受了贿赂的人员……他们都会把所有想要改变现状的人视为眼中钉。

PSA CaptainNo way... Then who else planned the case, besides Vityaz?怎么会……那除了维季亚兹还有谁策划了这起案件？

LandlordUnfortunately, I'm not high enough to know their names, and Vityaz is already dead...很遗憾，以我的身份，并不知道那些人的名字，维季亚兹也已经死了……

LandlordAfterward, I left Mozyr under the protection of the White Zone's PSA.我后来在白区治安部门的保护下，离开了莫济里。

LandlordI thought no one would ever look into this again... but to my surprise, I received a message from Sergei last month.本想着这件事再也不会有人追查……却没想到，我在上个月收到了谢尔盖的联络。

WelrodDid you meet with Sergei?你有和谢尔盖见过面吗？

LandlordI met him once, at Bohdan's funeral.见过一次，是在博赫丹葬礼的时候。

LandlordSergei and Bohdan rarely kept in touch. He also didn't know that Olena was already dead, so he never suspected me.谢尔盖和博赫丹很少来往，他也不知道奥列娜已经死了，因此没有怀疑我。

LandlordBut not long ago, Sergei found that headstone.但不久前，谢尔盖找到了那个墓碑。

LandlordI thought I'd be exposed at once, but to my surprise, he only asked me to come back to MAS-02, saying he wanted to talk in person.我本以为会被立刻拆穿，却没想到他只是让我回到MAS-02，说想当面谈。

LandlordI moved into the apartment Bohdan left behind and waited to meet him, but Vityaz found out about it and came up with the plan you all saw.我住进了这栋由博赫丹留下的公寓，等待和他见面，但维季亚兹知道了这件事，并制定了这样一个计划。

PSA CaptainWhat was Vityaz's goal? If he only wanted to cover up the truth, why use such a convoluted method and imitate the Bloody Angels' grotesque murders?维季亚兹的目的是什么？如果只是想要掩盖真相，为什么用这么复杂的方式，模仿血色天使教的猎奇杀人？

WelrodTo pin the crime on the Bloody Angels, of course.当然为了把罪行甩到血色天使的头上。

WelrodSergei had some influence online. Vityaz probably thought that since he was going to get rid of Sergei anyway, he might as well use the opportunity to frame the cultists and use the power of public opinion and the PSA to weaken them.谢尔盖有一定的网络影响力。维季亚兹或许是想着既然要除掉他，不如利用这个机会，嫁祸给那些教徒，借舆论和治安部门的力量来削弱他们。

WelrodThe two of you were also the ones who leaked the case online, right?我想，把案件的信息泄露到网络上的，也是你们，对吧？

LandlordThat's right.是的。

WelrodI have to say... Vityaz's plan succeeded. The PSA's investigation into the Bloody Angels will only get tighter.不得不说……维季亚兹的计划成功了。治安部门对血色天使的调查会越来越紧。

WelrodI also blew up their base, so I doubt those people will be able to operate openly in the old city district for a while.我还炸了他们的基地，恐怕短时间内，那些人都无法在旧城区明目张胆地活动。

(The PSA captain sighs in resignation and proceeds to cuff "Olena." The truth behind the case has finally been revealed.)（治安队长无奈地叹了口气，随后给“奥列娜”戴上了手铐。这起案件终于真相大白。）

PSA Captain...Good work, Welrod. Leave the rest to us.……辛苦了，维尔德，接下来交给我们吧。

PSA CaptainI must thank you. Without your help, the PSA would have never uncovered those hidden details.我必须向你道谢，没有你的话，治安部门破获不了这些内情。

WelrodThere's more to this than that... I still have questions.内情不只是这些……我还有疑问。

WelrodSince the real Olena was already dead, the PSA should have been able to tell from the state of the rooms that Bohdan lived alone when they investigated his residence.既然真正的奥列娜已死，那治安部门在调查博赫丹住宅的时候，应该能通过房间的状况，发现他是一个人居住的。

WelrodSo my guess is that after Olena died, someone other than Bohdan was still living in that home.所以我的猜想是，在奥列娜死后，那个房间里还住着除了博赫丹之外的另一个人。

LandlordHeh, I'm quite amazed... that you even worked that out.呵呵，我真的很吃惊……你连这点都发现了。

LandlordIt's true. On the night we committed the crime, there was another orphan Bohdan had taken in, still living in his home.确实，在我们作案的那天晚上，博赫丹的家里还有他收养的另一位孤儿。

WelrodAn orphan? A child from Bohdan's Home?孤儿？是博赫丹之家的孩子吗？

LandlordProbably. But unlike the other children, Bohdan had already decided to formally adopt her as his daughter.大概是吧，不过和其他的孩子不同，博赫丹已经打算正式收她作为养女。

LandlordI found out from the letters Bohdan left behind. After his real daughter died, this girl became Bohdan's emotional anchor.我是，通过阅读博赫丹留下的信件得知，在真正的女儿死后，这个人就成了博赫丹的情感寄托。

LandlordBy the way, Bohdan even painted a portrait of her, and left it in the room of this apartment where she once lived.对了，博赫丹还帮她画过一幅肖像画，放在了这栋公寓她曾经住过的房间里。

PSA CaptainA portrait? Could it be that piece of evidence we kept?肖像？难道说是那个证物？

(The captain gestures for a subordinate to bring out the evidence. Soon, the angel in the portrait appears before everyone once again.)（治安队长示意属下将证物拿出来，很快，肖像画中的天使再次出现在众人面前。）

(The angelic woman in the portrait is as serene as ever, as if conveying a sacred decree from heaven to the world.)（画面中，天使模样的女子依旧安详，如同正在向世人传达来自天堂的神圣旨意。）

Angel"We can create a new Saint, a new god."“我们可以创造新的圣女，新的神明。”

(Even though she's seeing the painting a second time, Welrod feels as though the hallucinations have returned.)（即便是第二次看到画作，维尔德却仿佛又产生了幻听。）

(She fixes her gaze on the angel's face and feels the angel looking back at her, wearing a meaningful smile.)（她的目光聚焦在天使的脸上，却感觉她也看向了自己，并露出了一个意味深长的微笑。）

WelrodHuh? Wait, this person...嗯？等等，这个人好像……

(Welrod never studied it closely before, but now she suddenly notices that the girl in the portrait looks remarkably like the "Harbinger".)（维尔德之前并没有仔细打量过它，然而现在，她突然注意到，肖像中少女的长相，竟然像极了那位“告死鸟”。）

WelrodThe girl Bohdan took in... was a Nyto?!博赫丹收养的……是个涅托？！

(The murder case that began at dawn has just come to a close, but even bigger questions follow close behind.)（这起发生在黎明的谋杀案刚刚落幕，但更大的疑问却接踵而来。）

WelrodHiding the body outside the apartment would indeed avoid discovery, but it would make moving it back far too difficult.把尸体藏在公寓外面确实不会被发现，但想要搬回来可就麻烦了。

WelrodThe killer had limited time. They had to finish moving the body while the PSA was searching the bedroom.凶手的时间有限，他必须在治安人员检查卧室期间完成尸体的搬运。

WelrodIt must have been hidden somewhere closer. Outside the apartment is impossible.应该是藏在更近的地方，公寓外面是不可能的。

WelrodThere's a lot of clutter in the bedroom. It would definitely make a good hiding place.卧室里的杂物很多，确实适合躲藏。

WelrodBut after the body was found, the rookie PSA officer and Olena searched it together carefully.但在发现尸体后，新人治安员和奥列娜一起仔细检查过。

WelrodIf the killer was hiding in the bedroom, they'd surely be found.要是凶手躲在卧室，一定会被发现的。

WelrodThat possibility was ruled out earlier.这个可能性之前就排除掉了。

WelrodThere was nothing to climb on outside the window, no place to even stand. This isn't the truth.窗户外没有可以攀爬的地方，更没有站立点，这不是真相。

WelrodThrough the window? Unfortunately, there's nothing to climb on outside it. An ordinary person can't break in from there.从窗户？很遗憾，窗户外面没有能攀爬的地方，普通人要想从那里闯进来是不可能的。

WelrodAs for jumping across to the building opposite... unfortunately, forensics has found nothing so far.至于跳到对面的建筑上……很遗憾，鉴识人员目前什么都没有发现。

WelrodEnter through the front, lock the door after the crime, then flee through the window... It does look plausible at first glance.从正面进入，在作案后锁上房门，再从窗户逃走……乍看之下，这个说法有一定的合理性。

WelrodBut there's nothing to climb on outside the window, and no marks on the building opposite, so this idea doesn't hold up.然而，窗户外面无法攀爬，对面的建筑上也没有任何痕迹，因此，从窗户离开的设想是站不住脚的。

WelrodThis isn't the right answer.这不是正确的答案。

Void Offering 虚无供品

(207X, a month after the apartment murder case came to a close.)（207X年，在公寓杀人案结束后又过了一个月。）

(At the cafe Welrod frequents, the detective agency's boss sits talking with a man named Ivan.)（在维尔德经常来的那家咖啡馆内，侦探事务所的老板正在和一位叫做伊万的男子交谈。）

BossWhen I lost my son, I felt as if a part of my heart was torn out...失去了儿子之后，我感觉自己的心好像被人挖走了一部分……

BossIronically, the company has done even better over the last few years... but no matter how successful the business is, it can't make up for the pain of losing my own flesh and blood.讽刺的是，公司这几年还比以前发展得更好了……但无论事业多么成功，都弥补不了我失去至亲的痛。

(The boss of the detective agency looks very different from usual today.)（这天的“老板”看上去却和以往有着很大的不同。）

(He is wearing a crisp suit, and the expensive gold watch on his wrist gleams in the light. Even his black leather shoes are spotless.)（他穿着一身笔挺的西装，手腕上高档的金表熠熠生辉，脚下黑色的皮鞋表面也在灯光映照下一尘不染。）

IvanIn this world, only people with experiences similar to ours can understand each other...在这个世上，只有像我们这样有着相似经历的人才可能互相理解……

(However, this entire disguise was prepared specifically to approach the man before him, Ivan.)（然而，以上所有的伪装，都是为了与眼前这位叫做伊万的男子见面而准备的。）

IvanThe tragedy that befell your son was caused by crime in the old city district.你儿子所遭遇的悲剧，正是由于旧城区的犯罪所致。

IvanJust like my wife and my son... your son also died because of the evil in this city.他和我的妻子，还有我的儿子一样……都是死于这座城市中的罪恶。

(Ivan is a name that carries real weight in Mozyr's business world, yet today he's dressed rather plainly.)（伊万在莫济里商业圈中有着响当当的名号，此时的打扮却显得朴素得多。）

(As the president of Jibril, the satellite city's leading medical company, Ivan hasn't even taken his luxury car today. He comes to the restaurant on foot.)（作为卫星城内首屈一指的医疗公司，吉布利尔的总裁。伊万今天甚至没有乘坐自己的豪车，而是徒步来到了这家餐厅。）

BossMr. Ivan, I hear you were acquainted with Bohdan. Is that right?伊万先生，我听说您好像也认识博赫丹，对吧？

BossCome to think of it... I once followed his example and did some charity for the poor in the old city district.说起来……我以前还效仿过他，给旧城区的穷人们做过慈善。

BossBut now... whenever I think of the last time I saw my son before he left, I... I can't suppress my hatred for those people—!但现在……一想起我儿子告别前的最后一面，我就……无法抑制住对那些人的仇恨——！

(Welrod's boss has fully immersed himself in the role. He loses control of his emotions more than once, bowing his head while letting out anguished sobs.)（“老板”完全沉浸在了角色中，他不止一次情绪失控，埋着头发出痛苦的呜咽声。）

(He plays a successful tycoon whose only son eventually passed away after getting hooked on the old city district's drugs.)（他所扮演的是一位事业成功的大老板，但唯一的儿子却因染上了旧城区的药物而最终离开了人世。）

IvanCharity is useless. Only faith can civilize beasts.慈善是没有用的，对于野兽，只有信仰才能教化。

IvanWhat a pity... that Bohdan, my old friend, never managed to understand this before he died.很遗憾……那位博赫丹，我曾经的好友，他直到死前都没有理解到这件事。

BossI've read his interview transcripts. Mr. Bohdan said crime can only be eradicated by ending poverty in the old city district.我看过他的采访记录，博赫丹先生说只有改变旧城区的贫穷，犯罪才能得到根除。

IvanIt's no use. Without faith, no amount of money can buy salvation! Let alone something as lofty as the purification of all sin.没有用的，没有信仰，再多的金钱也无法换来拯救！更别说要让罪恶得到净化，这种崇高的事情。

IvanYou should have come to our gathering last time. There are many people there who share the same ideals as you and me.你上次应该来参加我们的集会的，那里有很多和你我抱有相同理想的人。

BossIs it the religious organization you mentioned before?是你之前所说的宗教组织吗？

IvanIt's not a religion. You mustn't think of it as one. It's a path toward inner peace, a path to salvation.那不是宗教，你不能把它当成宗教。那是一条寻求内心安宁的道路，获得拯救的道路。

Boss...I'd like to think it over some more. After all, I still have to care for my wife. She's more devastated than I am.……我想再考虑一下，毕竟我还要照顾妻子，她受到的打击比我更大。

IvanYou can bring your wife along. You're fortunate, unlike me. I lost everything long ago.你可以带你的妻子一起来。你是幸运的，不像我，早已经失去了一切。

BossPerhaps... we could look at it another way. My wife once asked me if we should consider adopting an orphan.或许……我们也可以换一种思考方式，妻子之前问过我要不要考虑收养一位孤儿。

BossThat reminds me, Bohdan took in a good number of orphans when he was still alive, didn't he? What became of them?对了，博赫丹以前好像也收养过很多孤儿吧，那些人现在怎么样了呢？

Ivan...……

IvanI don't know either. But they're from the old city district, and with no place to live, they probably just had to go back to the streets.我也不知道，但毕竟是旧城区人，没有住处，也就只能回去了吧。

IvanIt's about time. All in all, it was a pleasant meal. Thank you for inviting me today.时间也差不多了，总体而言，这是愉快的一餐。感谢你今天的邀请。

(Ivan seems to have put up his guard a little, or perhaps he saw that the boss isn't yet desperate enough to need to join his organization.)（伊万似乎是有了一点防备，又或许他是看出了“老板”内心还并没有绝望到需要加入他的组织。）

(And so, after another lengthy round of pleasantries, the two businessmen part at the restaurant entrance.)（于是，在又进行了一番漫长的寒暄之后，两位大老板在餐厅的门口告别。）

(Ivan gets into a taxi and disappears into the satellite city's crowded streets.)（伊万坐上了一辆出租车，消失在了卫星城人来人往的街道上。）

Boss...Phew.……呼。

(Once he confirms that Ivan won't return, the weary boss loosens his tie and lets out a long sigh of relief.)（直到确认对方不会再回来，老板才疲惫地解开领带，长长地舒了口气。）

(The communicator on him rings right after. The boss seems startled by the sound and picks up the call in a hurry.)（他身上的通讯器立刻响了起来。老板似乎被这声音吓了一跳，连忙接通了联络。）

BossUm, I've planted a tracker on him...那个，我已经在他身上装上了跟踪器……

MIMiConfirmed, the tracker's running fine! Nice work, kid. I never expected you to have talent in such things!『确认了，跟踪器正常运行！你小子牛啊，真没想到还有这种天赋！』

MIMiThat knack for telling people exactly what they want to hear? You can't pick that up unless you've been a wage slave for a few years!『像这种见鬼说鬼话的本领，要是没当过几年牛马恐怕还真练不出来！』

WelrodWell done. I must admit that this is a job only you can handle.辛苦了，我必须承认，这是一件只有你可以胜任的工作。

(Welrod appears on the communicator screen. While her boss was talking with Ivan, she has been watching how things developed nearby the whole time.)（维尔德出现在了通讯画面中，当老板与伊万对话时，她一直在附近观察事态的发展。）

(After investigating many sides over the past month, she has confirmed that Ivan, a good friend of Bohdan's, has been in close contact with a suspicious religious group for years.)（这一个月以来，她经过多方调查，确认了这位博赫丹的生前好友伊万，从多年前开始就与可疑的宗教团伙来往密切。）

BossI-I'm glad I could help. But...能……能够帮到你们就行，不过……

WelrodIs there something else? You'll get a special bonus for completing this job. You can clock off now.还有什么事吗？这次的任务会给你特别津贴，你可以下班了。

BossUm, I just wanted to ask... About Ivan's wife and son, did they really die from crime?那个，我就是想问问……伊万的妻儿，真的是因为犯罪而去世的吗？

WelrodAccording to the PSA's records, the car accident that killed them was indeed caused by a gang shootout.根据治安部门的记录，导致他们丧生的那场车祸，确实是由于帮派间的火并所致。

BossNo wonder he hates criminals so much...怪不得他会那么憎恨犯罪者……

BossWelrod... may I ask you to please solve this case, no matter what?维尔德……我可不可以拜托你，请一定要解决这起案件？

BossI have a daughter too, so I can understand how he feels.我也有女儿，所以能理解他的感受。

Welrod...Rest assured. Whatever happens, I will see the investigation through to the end.……放心吧，不管是遇到什么样的情况，我都一定会追查下去的。

(The taxi carrying Ivan heads west along a main road in the Green Zone.)（伊万乘坐的出租车，正沿着绿区主干道向西驶去。）

(Welrod and the assistant bot follow at a distance in a rented car.)（维尔德则与助手机器人乘坐着临时租来的车辆，跟踪在不远处。）

WelrodThis route... he doesn't seem to be going back to his company.这个路线……好像不是要回他的公司？

MIMiGet a little closer! I can hack that taxi directly!『你再开近点！老子可以直接黑了那辆租车！』

Welrod...No need. Since we know this guy is likely connected to the "Bloody Angels", we shouldn't tip them off.……不用，既然知道这家伙大概率与“血色天使”有关，就不要打草惊蛇。

MIMiFine, we'll do it your way, partner! After all, it was your judgment that let us hook this big fish!『行吧，听你的！毕竟能揪出这条大鱼，也是靠搭档你的判断力！』

MIMiI really never expected Bohdan to be so badly tangled up with Paradeus.『真没想到啊，那个博赫丹竟然和帕拉蒂斯有这么多牵连。』

(Welrod recalls the case from a month ago. The portrait of the Harbinger painted by Bohdan, which they found, became the breakthrough for a whole chain of investigations.)（维尔德又想起一个月前的那起案件。他们所发现的那幅由博赫丹绘制的告死鸟画像，成为了一连串调查的突破口。）

Welrod...Bohdan himself was probably not part of Paradeus. Every sign points toward him being a true philanthropist.……博赫丹自己应该不是帕拉蒂斯的人，各种迹象显示，他是位真正的慈善家。

WelrodFour years ago, he opened that orphanage. But just one year later, he died at the hands of the Daggers.四年前，他开设了那家孤儿院。仅仅一年后，便丧生于匕首帮之手。

MIMiBut the one behind it was someone else.『但背后的指使者另有其人。』

WelrodExactly. The Harbinger is Bohdan's adopted daughter, and for some reason she once stayed in that charitable institution too.没错。告死鸟就是博赫丹的养女，不知为什么，她也曾住进过那间慈善机构。

WelrodDo you both remember what the steward said in the church?你们还记得主理人在教堂中所说过的话吗？

Welrod"—That so-called Father of yours has caused us a lot of trouble."“——你的那个什么父亲，真的是给我们添了不少麻烦。”

MIMiImpressive, you remember it so clearly, partner! This Father is Bohdan, right?『厉害啊搭档，记得这么清楚！这个父亲就是博赫丹，对吧？』

WelrodThat's right. So I believe the one behind Bohdan's death was very likely the steward.是的。所以我认为，博赫丹的死，其背后的推动者很可能就是那位主理人。

WelrodThe Harbinger mentioned Bohdan in conversation too. She said, "Destiny and purification must be carried out. That is Father's wish."另外，告死鸟也在对话中提到了博赫丹，她说：“天命与净化，必须实行，那才是父亲的愿望”。

WelrodI think this is also the origin of the series of killings the Harbinger has carried out in the old city district. The "purification" and "destiny" she wants to realize evolved from Bohdan's ideals.我想这也是告死鸟在旧城区进行一系列杀戮行为的源头。告死鸟想要实现的“净化”与“天命”，是从博赫丹的理想演变而来的。

MIMiWait, really? Bohdan helped people for real, but who the hell does this Harbinger think she is? Does she even deserve to say she inherited her father's ideals?『等等，这对吗？博赫丹是真的帮助了人们诶，而告死鸟又是什么东西？她也配说继承了父亲的理想？』

WelrodIt was the steward who twisted all of it. She said so herself. To let the Harbinger "carry on" Bohdan's ideals, she gave her some "modifications".是那位主理人扭曲了这一切，她亲口说过，为了让告死鸟能“继承”博赫丹的理想，她帮告死鸟做了一些“改造”。

MIMiYou mean the Harbinger wasn't this crazy from the start?『你的意思是，告死鸟并非在一开始就这么疯狂？』

WelrodYes. At least in that angel portrait, the Harbinger looks like a completely different person from who she is now...是的，至少在那张天使画像中，告死鸟与现在的她就像是两个人……

WelrodI still don't know how she became Bohdan's adopted daughter three years ago, but I think it must have been an unexpected development for the "Bloody Angels".虽然还不知道她是如何在三年前成为博赫丹养女的，但我想这对于“血色天使”来说，一定是个意外情况。

WelrodIt obstructed the steward's so-called "Project Oracle," which is why Bohdan was killed, and why that "ideal" was twisted after the Harbinger was retrieved.这阻碍了主理人实现所谓的“神谕计划”，所以才会杀了博赫丹，并在随后回收告死鸟后，对这份“理想”进行扭曲。

MIMiProject Oracle... that's the purpose behind this whole series of experiments. Looks like they're trying to create Nytos.『神谕计划……那是他们进行这一系列实验的目的。看起来，应该是想制造涅托。』

WelrodCorrect. She also mentioned the source of this project, her "Teacher." Sadly, it seems this person hasn't appeared at all...是的，她还提到了这个项目的来源，她的“老师”。可惜这个人，好像并没有出现过……

MIMiNot just a teacher, she mentioned a disciple too! This trash just keeps multiplying like maggots in shit!『何止老师，她提到了弟子呢！这些垃圾简直像屎里的蛆一样生生不息！』

WelrodExactly. I think the "Shepherd" you're looking for is probably among them too.没错，我想你们要找到那位“牧羊人”大概也是在他们之中。

MIMiShep... Shepherd? I didn't mention anyone like that, did I?『牧……牧羊人，我没有说过这样的话吧？』

WelrodHmph... I heard it all back then. "Project Oracle", "Shepherd", those were all keywords you two mentioned.哼……我当时都听到了，“神谕计划”“牧羊人”，这都是你们提到过的关键词。

WelrodI still don't know what they specifically mean, but every sign points toward them being closely tied to the string of cases in the old city district.虽然我还不知道具体的含义，但各种迹象显示，这和旧城区的一系列案件有着密切关联。

MIMiWelrod, there's something I'd like to confirm with you. About the village that appeared in your hallucination... what was its name?『维尔德，我有个问题想确认。你之前所提到的……在幻象中见到的那个村庄叫什么名字？』

WelrodThe place with no trace of the modern world?那个没有现代痕迹的地方吗？

MIMiThat's the place. Were there any street signs, or markers like mailboxes, with an address written on them?『是的，有没有一些路牌，或者邮箱之类的标志物，上面写有地址？』

WelrodI think I saw some... Hmm, that part of my memory data feels quite messed up. I can't seem to recall it at the moment.好像有见过……唔，那部分的数据特别混乱，我一时间竟然想不起来。

MIMiHey! I think Ivan's car stopped! Save your convo for later!『喂！等等，伊万的车好像停下来了！有什么话之后再说！』

(...)（……）

(Ivan enters a shopping mall soon after. Following his signal, Welrod tails him all the way to the lobby of a counseling center.)（不久后，伊万进入了一家综合商场。维尔德跟着信号，一路尾随，最终来到了一家心理咨询机构的大厅内。）

NurseHello, we don't allow pets here. Please leave it in the storage room.您好，我们这里不允许带宠物，还请您把它留在保管室里。

MIMiHuh? What's this woman talking about? I'm not a pet, I'm the famous MIMi...『啊？这女人在说什么？我不是宠物，而是大名鼎鼎的MIMi……』

NurseOkay, Mimi~ We count robot pets as pets too, you know.好的咪咪～机器人宠物我们也一并认定为宠物哦。

MIMiI already said I'm not a pet!『都说老子不是宠物了！』

Welrod...I think it's better if you stay here. Contact me right away if anything happens.……你还是留在这里吧，有什么情况立刻联系我。

(Welrod disguises herself as a patient and enters the treatment area alone. The numerous surveillance cameras here, along with the confiscation of her assistant bot a moment ago, make her suspicious.)（维尔德假扮成病人，独自进入了诊疗区。这里的监控探头很多，加之刚才助手机器人被收缴，这让她产生了一丝疑惑。）

(...Why would a counseling center need so many cameras?)（心理咨询机构……为什么会有这么多监控？）

???Oh dear, are you lost?哎呀？你是迷路了吗？

(Because of the complex layout, Welrod wanders about the lobby, trying to figure out where Ivan went.)（由于室内的布局有些复杂，维尔德徘徊在大厅里，打算弄清楚伊万前往的地方。）

(Just then, a voice comes from beside her.)（就在这个时候，一个声音从她旁边传来。）

???Is it your first time here? Our facilities are all new, and we've been running deep discounts lately.还是说，你是第一次来？这里的设施都是最新的，而且最近还有很大的优惠力度。

Welrod...Thank you. I'd like to look around first.……谢谢，我想先看看这里的环境。

???I might sound like I'm blowing my own trumpet, but as a counselor who works here, I'd still recommend that you buy a trial package and try it out~虽然这么说有自夸的嫌疑，但作为在这里工作的心理咨询师，我还是推荐您购买一份体验套餐试试看哦。

(Welrod is a little anxious. With the counselor pitching to her, she can't pin down Ivan's location for the moment.)（维尔德有点焦急，由于这位心理咨询师上来推销，她一时间无法确定伊万的定位。）

WelrodUm... A companion of mine just went into that room. Sorry, I need to hurry and catch up with him.那个……我还有一位同伴，刚才往那个房间进去了，不好意思，我得赶快追上他。

???That room? Do you mean... Mr. Ivan?那个房间？你是说……伊万先生吗？

Welrod...Do you know him?……你认识他？

达莉娅Ah, it appears I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Dahlia, Mr. Ivan's counselor.啊，还没有进行自我介绍吧，我是达莉娅，伊万先生的心理咨询师。

达莉娅But Mr. Ivan only stayed a few minutes. He said something urgent had come up and left in a hurry.不过，伊万先生只停留了几分钟，他突然说有急事就匆匆离开了。

WelrodHe left?他离开了？

(Paying no mind to Dahlia, who is still standing beside her, Welrod checks the location of the tracker planted on Ivan.)（维尔德顾不上达莉娅还在旁边，立刻确认伊万身上的发信器位置。）

(Just then, a call from the assistant bot comes through.)（而就在这个时候，助手机器人的联络也传了过来。）

MIMiDammit! Partner, we've been tricked!『我靠！搭档，我们被骗了！』

MIMiI saw on a nearby camera that Ivan just left the mall. He got into another car!『我在附近监控中看到伊万在刚才离开了商场，他上了另一辆车！』

WelrodPardon?你说什么？

MIMiHe found the tracker! He's trying to shake us!『他发现了跟踪器，想要摆脱我们！』

(...)（……）

MIMiDamn it! That guy got on the expressway. Looks like he's planning to leave the city.『见鬼！那家伙上了高速，看样子是打算出城。』

WelrodIs there a way to take control of his car?现在有办法夺取他车辆的操控权吗？

MIMiI'd have to be in range first. Thirty meters, no, fifty! Just get within that distance and I can stop it!『那也得够得到才行，30米，不，50米！你只要追到这个距离内，老子就能让它停下！』

WelrodGot it. Then hold on tight!明白了，那你坐稳！

(Welrod floors the accelerator before the assistant bot can react. The car shoots forward as she rapidly upshifts.)（没等助手机器人反应过来，维尔德突然踩死了油门，并将汽车切换到Boost档。）

MIMiThat's freakin' cool, partner! Why didn't I know you had such driving skills?『牛逼啊搭档，我怎么不知道你真会开车？』

Welrod...Unfortunately, I don't have a license.……很遗憾，我没有驾照。

MIMiEh?『诶？』

(Paying no mind at all to traffic rules, Welrod drives the car straight through a red light.)（维尔德完全不管交通规则，她直接驾驶着汽车冲过了红灯的路口。）

MIMiHoly shit! You're no detective of justice! You're a straight-up outlaw!『我去！你这哪是什么正义侦探啊！根本就是法外狂徒！』

WelrodIf it's to punish real criminals, what does a small thing like this matter?为了惩戒真正的罪犯，这点小事算什么？

(Finally, the chase comes to an end when Ivan drives to an abandoned construction site on the satellite city's outskirts.)（最终，这场追逐在伊万行驶到卫星城边缘的一处废弃工地时迎来了结局。）

MIMiAlright! Control GET! Eat my cyber iron fist!『好嘞！操控权GET！吃老子一记赛博铁拳！』

Ivan...……

(Realizing the car can't go any further, Ivan leaps out and flees down the road on foot.)（在发现车辆无法继续行驶后，伊万下车后便沿着道路继续逃跑。）

(Welrod leaps out to chase him right away, but...)（维尔德也立刻跳下车追赶他，但就在这时……）

MIMiWait... I'm reading a heat source in the buildings nearby!『等等……附近的建筑内有热源反应！』

MIMiThere's autonomous weapons and Bloody Angels cultists too! Damn, they've got so many people lying in ambush!『是自动兵器，还有血色天使教的人，我去，埋伏了这么多人！』

WelrodI knew it... he really is a member of the "Bloody Angels"!果然……他就是“血色天使”的成员！

WelrodBut how exactly did Ivan realize that we were tailing him?不过，伊万到底是怎么发现我们在跟踪他？

MIMiWelrod, I'll go on ahead and leave Paradeus to you!『维尔德，我先追上去，帕拉蒂斯的人就交给你了！』

WelrodCopy.明白。

Void Offering 虚无供品

(The cultists lying in ambush are numerous, but none are professional soldiers.)（负责埋伏的教徒虽然人数不少，但都不是专业的士兵。）

(Welrod's precise, efficient attacks quickly tip the battle in her favor.)（在维尔德精准而高效的攻击下，他们很快便在战斗中处于下风。）

WelrodSurrender. Your fighting strength is a far cry from the old Paradeus.投降吧，你们的战斗力，和以前帕拉蒂斯差远了。

Cultist"G... God is dead..."“神……神明已死……”

(They don't put down their weapons when Welrod tells them to surrender. Instead, they pull out a strange device from their robes.)（然而面对维尔德的劝降，这些人却并没有放下武器，反而是从长袍中拿出了一个奇怪的装置。）

(Welrod immediately stops advancing. Her experience tells her that what is in front of her could be dangerous.)（维尔德立刻停止了靠近，经验告诉她，眼前的东西可能很危险。）

Cult Leader"Let the blood of heretics water the earth!"“浇灌吾等异端之血！”

MIMiWelrod, look out!『维尔德，小心！』

(MIMimiMISuki has returned to the battlefield at some point, and at its warning, Welrod quickly dives behind the nearest obstacle.)（MIMimiMISuki不知何时返回了战场，在它的提醒下，维尔德迅速卧倒在了最近的障碍物后。）

(A small bomb explodes almost at the same moment, lighting up the road with a blinding burst of sparks as the shockwave scatters rubble in every direction.)（几乎就在同时，小型炸弹爆炸，在公路上燃起一团刺眼的火花，冲击波带着碎石四散飞溅。）

CultistI am a disciple of the Angel!吾乃天使的门徒！

(Following the first suicide bomber's example, the fanatical cultists detonate their bombs one after another. Balls of flame engulf their bodies, spreading firelight through the remote street.)（紧接着，更多的狂信徒开始效仿第一个自杀者，他们连续引爆了炸弹，一团团火焰吞噬了他们的身躯，火光在偏僻的街道上蔓延。）

WelrodDamn it! They're weak fighters, but they're exactly like the old Paradeus when they go mad!可恶，这些人战斗力不行，疯狂起来却和以前帕拉蒂斯一模一样！

MIMiParadeus never changes, no matter what form they take!『无论变成什么模样，帕拉蒂斯从来没有变过！』

(The smoke from the blasts slowly clears, leaving the smell of scorching in the air. Welrod sees one more survivor. His explosive device seems to have malfunctioned and not gone off properly.)（爆炸产生的烟雾渐渐散去，空气中弥漫着焦糊的味道。维尔德看到还有一位幸存者，他的爆炸装置似乎出了故障，没有正常启动。）

CultistP-Please, grant us salvation!请、请给予我们救赎！

(But before Welrod can approach, the crazed cultist, seemingly driven by some command, suddenly snatches up a gun and jams it under his own jaw without any hesitation.)（然而，还没等维尔德走过去，狂热的信徒便如同被某种指令驱使，猛地拿起枪，毫不犹豫地对准了自己的下颚。）

(A gunshot rings out, and the last survivor falls to the ground too.)（枪声过后，最后一位幸存者也倒在了地上。）

(The believers' cries vanish completely. Only the lingering heat of flames remains in the air.)（信徒们的叫喊声彻底消失了，空气中只剩下火焰燃烧的余温。）

Welrod...MIMi, why did you come back? What about that president?……MIMi，你为什么回来，那个建筑商呢？

MIMiCouldn't get in. He fled to the intercontinental railway station, and there's security screening there.『进不去了，他逃到了洲际车站，那里有安检。』

MIMiDon't worry, partner! I hacked into the ticket machine. Ivan's destination is the purification zone nearby! That train only goes to that one place!『别担心，搭档！我黑入了购票机，伊万的目的地是附近的净化区！那列车只到那一个地方！』

WelrodThe purification zone? Do they have another base?净化区？难道他们还有别的据点？

MIMiThat's possible. Paradeus may be trying to move whatever supplies and people they have left.『有这个可能，帕拉蒂斯或许是想把剩余的物资和人员都转移出去。』

Welrod...So the people who killed themselves here were loose ends they abandoned?……那这些自杀的人，是被他们抛弃的尾巴吗？

(Welrod looks toward the battlefield with a trace of sorrow. Machine fragments lie scattered among the dead, and the heavy metallic stench in the air makes it hard to tell whether it comes from the smoke or blood.)（维尔德有些悲哀地看向前方的战场，机械碎片与牺牲者的遗体混在一起，空气中的铁锈味甚至让人分不清是来自爆炸的烟雾还是血液。）

MIMiWe've got to hit them hard! We can't just let them get away!『得出重拳啊！不能就这样放跑他们！』

WelrodWe still don't know how Ivan discovered us. Chasing after him recklessly could get us into another ambush.我们还不知道伊万是怎么发现我们的。轻率地追过去，可能会再遇到埋伏。

MIMiThen what do we do? I'm going out of my mind here!『那怎么办？我要急死了！』

Welrod...I'll send someone suitable to scout the purification zone.……净化区那边，我派个合适的人过去侦查一下。

WelrodAs for us, let's stay in the satellite city for now... That counseling center from earlier seems pretty suspicious.至于我们，先留在卫星城吧……我很在意刚才那家心理咨询诊所。

Double Absence 双重不在场

WelrodHow did it go? What's in the basement?怎么样？地下室里有什么？

MIMiApart from being kinda dim, there's nothing eye-catching here... Say, partner, is this really a Paradeus base?『除了昏暗一点，这里好像没什么特别的……我说搭档，这里真的是帕拉蒂斯的基地吗？』

(Welrod returns to the counseling center, and this time she doesn't send the assistant bot to the storage room.)（维尔德再次来到了那家心理咨询诊所，而这一次，她没有再把助手机器人送往保管室。）

(MIMimiMISuki slips smoothly into the center's work area by hacking the surveillance systems.)（通过黑掉监控设施，MIMimiMISuki顺利潜入了这家机构的工作区域。）

MIMiWhoa! W-What's that?『我靠！这……这个是？』

WelrodFound something?找到什么了？

MIMiDecorative cat ears in every color! Holy crap, that's depraved! Why would a counseling center have this stuff?!『各种颜色的装饰猫耳！我了个去，丧尽天良！心理咨询机构为什么有这种东西！』

Welrod...Maybe they're toys they keep to help clients relax.……我猜是他们为了让客人放松下来准备的玩具吧。

MIMiRelax how? What are they going to do? There are cat tails here too! Lots of styles even I don't have...『什么放松？怎样放松？这里还有猫尾巴！好多都是老子没有的款式……』

Welrod...……

(Welrod feels a little defeated, because neither the warehouse nor the basement has turned up any leads on Paradeus.)（维尔德稍微有点泄气，因为无论是在陈旧的物资仓库还是地下室中，她都没有发现任何与帕拉蒂斯有关的线索。）

(She also asked the management staff why there are so many surveillance devices here, and they said it's because a theft case happened here before.)（她也问了这里的管理人员，说监控设备较多，是因为这里发生过盗窃案件。）

Welrod(But this was definitely where Ivan discovered we were tailing him...)（但伊万确实是在这里发现我们在跟踪他的……）

达莉娅Oh my? You came back.哎呀？你又来了吗？

WelrodYou're... Dr. Dahlia?你是……达莉娅医生？

(...)（……）

达莉娅Welcome, please have a seat first, Miss Welrod. Is there anything you'd like to drink?欢迎，请先坐吧，维尔德小姐，有什么想要喝的吗？

(Ten or so minutes later, Welrod, posing as an ordinary patient, arrives at Dahlia's consultation room.)（十几分钟后，维尔德以普通患者的身份，来到了达莉娅的咨询室。）

WelrodThank you... black tea, please.谢谢……请给我红茶。

Welrod(I remember she mentioned being Ivan's counselor... Let me ask and see what she knows.)（我记得她说过，她是伊万的心理咨询师……问问看她知道些什么吧。）

(Welrod steps into the room, where she is greeted by a cozy ambience. The place feels more like a private cafe than a consultation room.)（一进入房间，维尔德就感觉到，这里的氛围很温馨，与其说这里是诊室，倒不如说更像一间私密的咖啡馆。）

(The doctor named Dahlia sits at the tea table with a warm smile. She isn't wearing a white coat, and her gentle manner is like a cafe server's.)（名为达莉娅的医生正坐在茶几前，露出亲切的微笑。她没有穿白大褂，温和的态度如同咖啡馆的服务生。）

达莉娅No need to be so tense, Miss Welrod. We can start with some small talk.不用紧张，维尔德小姐，我们可以先从闲聊开始。

达莉娅I'm glad you're willing to let me be your counselor. You can confide in me about any problem.我很高兴你愿意让我来为你进行心理咨询，有任何的问题都可以向我倾诉。

WelrodActually... I was referred here by Mr. Ivan.其实……我是伊万先生介绍过来的。

达莉娅Ivan? He didn't mention referring a patient to me.伊万？他好像没有提到要给我介绍病人。

WelrodHe and I are fellow patients who met online... We're not that close, so he probably didn't tell you.我和他是网上认识的病友……也没有很熟，所以他可能没有告诉你。

达莉娅...I see. So what would you like to talk about?……原来是这样，那你想咨询什么呢？

WelrodWe share similar troubles. Well... I've had family pass away too.我们有着相似的烦恼，那个……我也有家人去世了。

WelrodHe said the counseling sessions here work well, so I came over to see for myself yesterday.他说在你这里咨询的效果不错，所以我昨天才会特意过来看看。

达莉娅You had family pass away...? Heheh~家人去世……吗？呵呵～

达莉娅Miss Welrod, the thing is, building trust between doctor and patient is the first step of treatment in counseling.维尔德小姐，其实对于心理咨询来说，建立起医患间的信赖是治疗的第一步。

达莉娅So I hope you can let down your guard and show me your true self... Forgive me for being blunt, Miss Welrod, but you don't seem to be human. So how could you have a family?所以，我希望你能放下戒心，把你真实的一面表现出来……请恕我直言，维尔德小姐，你好像不是人类吧？又何来的家人呢？

Welrod...……

达莉娅You wore makeup yesterday and today as well. You've concealed you appearance flawlessly, but you must be a Doll, if I'm not mistaken.昨天、还有现在，你都化了妆，外表伪装得没有破绽。但要是我没看错的话，你应该是一名人形。

(Welrod is silently shocked, puzzled as to how she was found out.)（维尔德在心里感到吃惊，她很疑惑是怎么被发现的。）

(As if she had seen through Welrod's thoughts, Dr. Dahlia points to her own eye.)（像是看穿了她的想法，达莉娅医生指向了自己的眼睛。）

达莉娅This is a prosthetic eye, fitted with infrared sensors. The thermal signature of a Doll frame differs from that of a human's.这是一只义眼，搭载有识别红外线的功能，而人形素体的热学特征与人类是不同的。

(Welrod looks closely, and only now does she notice a mote of light flickering in Dahlia's left eye, a telltale sign of a prosthetic eye trying to process information.)（维尔德仔细观察，这才发现达莉娅左眼中有一个光点在闪烁，那是义眼读取信息时的特征。）

Welrod...Aren't patients put off by a counselor having something like that?……心理医生配备这种东西，不会引起患者的反感吗？

达莉娅On the contrary, it helps me do my job better, whether it's recording patient information or picking up on shifts in their emotions.正相反，它能帮我更好地服务于我的职业，不管是记录患者的信息，还是辅助识别他们的情绪波动。

达莉娅After all, many people are unwilling to speak of their troubles directly, just like you, Miss Welrod.毕竟，有很多人是不愿意直接说出他们的事情的，就像维尔德小姐你一样。

(Welrod sighs helplessly. She has no choice but to change her plan on the spot and take out her electronic business card.)（维尔德无奈地叹了口气，她只能临时修改计划，拿出了自己的电子名片。）

达莉娅You work as... a detective?您的职业是……侦探？

达莉娅And it's my first time seeing a Doll who actually holds authority over herself.而且我还是第一次见到，作为一名人形，你竟然拥有自己的权限。

WelrodIt's a gift from the person most important to me... Because of that, I can take responsibility for everything I do.这是我最重要的人给予的礼物…… 基于此，我可以对自己的一切行动负责。

WelrodDr. Dahlia, I need you to tell me about Mr. Ivan's condition, his past, and his social connections.达莉娅医生，我需要你告诉我伊万先生的状况，他过去的经历，还有社交关系。

达莉娅I see. So you were also here yesterday to investigate Mr. Ivan, weren't you?原来是这样，看来昨天你也是来调查伊万先生的，对吧？

达莉娅I'm sorry. As his counselor, I have a duty to protect my patient's privacy.但很遗憾，作为他的心理医生，我有义务为患者保守秘密。

WelrodYou must have heard that there's a cult group in the satellite city called the "Bloody Angels". They've caused heavy casualties everywhere, and Mr. Ivan is very likely connected to them.你应该已经听说了，卫星城内有一个“血色天使”的教徒团伙，他们在各处造成了大量伤亡，而伊万先生也很可能与其有关。

达莉娅Ah, I saw that in the news. An internet celebrity was killed, which sparked a lot of public outcry against the government.啊，这个事件我在新闻中看过，有一个网络名人被杀了，引发了很多人对政府的声讨。

WelrodYou must mean Sergei. He got caught up in a conflict tied to that cult...你说的应该是谢尔盖，他被卷入了与这个教团有关的纷争中……

WelrodThe PSA is still investigating the case. If you need it, I can apply for a search warrant.治安部门正在持续对此案进行调查，如果你需要，我也可以申请搜查令。

(Welrod is bluffing. She has no official backing in truth, but Dahlia can't know that.)（维尔德在虚张声势，实际上她并无官方背景，但达莉娅不会知道这件事。）

达莉娅...I understand. If crime is involved, I'm willing to tell you what I know.……我明白了，如果是牵扯到犯罪，我愿意把知道的事情告诉你们。

达莉娅The "Bloody Angels," right? Mr. Ivan does bring up matters of faith sometimes. He once said his god is an... angel.“血色天使”吗？伊万先生确实会提到一些信仰相关的事情，他曾说他的神明是一位……天使。

WelrodAn angel... did he never mention the Bloody Angels organization?天使……他没提到血色天使这个组织吗？

达莉娅That's not how he put it, or I wouldn't have dared to counsel him. Wait, I have his session records here...他不是这么说的，否则我也不敢帮他咨询。等等，我这边有他的咨询记录……

(Dahlia sits down at a desktop terminal to search for his records. She keeps up her conversation with Welrod throughout the search, perhaps out of professional habit.)（达莉娅坐到台式终端前搜寻资料，或许是出于心理医生的职业习惯，她依然维持和维尔德的交谈。）

达莉娅Mr. Ivan once had a happy family, but one day his wife and child died in a traffic accident.伊万先生曾经有一个幸福的家庭，但某一天，他的妻子和孩子却因交通事故，不幸丧生。

WelrodI did find that out.我有调查到这件事。

达莉娅Then do you know the accident was caused by a criminal organization from the old city district?那你知道这起事故是由旧城区的犯罪组织引发的吗？

达莉娅It was a gang shootout in the district, and Mr. Ivan's family was unfortunately caught up in it.是旧城区的帮派火并，伊万先生的亲人不幸被卷入了其中。

达莉娅It threw Mr. Ivan into extreme grief and rage. He hates the very existence of the district and anyone connected to crime.伊万先生为此陷入了极度的悲愤，他憎恨旧城区的存在，以及所有与犯罪有关的人。

达莉娅He once confided to me that he wants to blow the place to smithereens and kill everyone there.他曾经向我倾诉，想要把那里炸成废墟，把那里的人全部杀死。

Welrod...Hatred and massacres won't solve the district's crime.……憎恨和杀戮解决不了旧城区的犯罪。

达莉娅That's what I told him too, but it didn't do much. After all... no matter what he does, his dead wife and child won't come back.我也是这么劝他，不过作用不大。毕竟……无论怎么做，他死去的妻儿都不会回来。

达莉娅Miss Welrod, you seem to have someone you treasure too. Would you be able to stay calm if that person were killed one day?维尔德小姐，你好像也有珍视的人吧？如果某一天那个人被谁所杀，你能保持冷静吗？

Welrod...……

达莉娅Unlike Dolls, once a human life is lost, it can never be brought back.和你们人形不同，人类的生命一旦失去了就再也找不回来。

达莉娅Unless one day... they could be revived too. Like Dolls, who can be reborn from saved neural cloud data even if their bodies turn to dust.除非某一天……他们也能复活。就像人形那样，即便身体化为尘埃，也能依靠保存的心智数据获得新生。

WelrodI heard it was you who got Ivan back on his feet?我听说是你让伊万振作了起来？

达莉娅Unfortunately, that's a bit of a misunderstanding. As I said, Ivan came to believe in an angel.很可惜，这其中有一些误会。我刚才说了，伊万信仰了一位天使。

达莉娅During consultations, he'd smile and tell me of the "destiny" his angel conveyed to him, and the salvation she would bring.那期间，他会笑着和我说天使所传达的“天命”，以及她会带来的救赎。

达莉娅I didn't quite understand what it meant, but Ivan's mental state did keep improving...我不太理解那是什么意思，但伊万的状态确实变得越来越好……

达莉娅For a while I even thought he was making a full recovery, because Ivan didn't come back for several months.我也一度以为他要痊愈了，因为这期间伊万有好几个月都没有来过我这里。

WelrodWait, then why did he come to you for a session yesterday?等等，那他昨天为什么还要来找你咨询？

达莉娅I don't know. Ivan came to me again a month ago, and he didn't tell me the details.我不知道，伊万是在一个月前重新找到我的，他并没有告诉我具体的情况。

达莉娅But going by my experience... something must have happened that shook his faith.但根据我的经验推断……应该是发生了某些事，让他的信仰遭到了动摇。

达莉娅He was in great pain. He said, "Someone killed my angel."他感到非常痛苦，他说：“有人杀死了他的天使。”

Welrod...Killed his angel?……杀死天使？

达莉娅Ah, I've found his file.啊，我找到他的资料了。

(Dahlia suddenly swivels around in her chair. Welrod has been fully immersed in Dahlia's narrated inner journey of Ivan just prior.)（达莉娅突然从椅子上转过身来，而在此之前，维尔德已经完全陷入了她所描述的伊万的心路历程中。）

(She really think it over. What would she do if the Commander met with tragedy one day?)（她确实有进行思考，如果指挥官真的在某天成为牺牲者，那自己会做出什么呢？）

达莉娅Since you're investigating for the PSA, feel free to take it with you.既然你是替治安部门查案，可以直接把它带走。

(Dahlia holds out a chip that looks perfectly ordinary. Without thinking much of it, Welrod reaches out and takes it...)（达莉娅向维尔德递过来一块看上去再寻常不过的芯片。维尔德没有多想，伸手接过了它……）

(But in the very next instant, the scene in her visual module begins to warp.)（但就在下一瞬间，她视觉模块中的景象开始扭曲。）

(As abnormal data streams through her neural cloud, the scene before her eyes morphs from the consultation room to some other location.)（随着心智中出现的异常数据流动，眼前的场景转眼间已经从咨询室变为了其他地方。）

(A vivid red cross, a pure white altar, and a Paradeus totem hanging beside a statue—it's the underground church.)（鲜红的十字、洁白的祭坛，还有悬挂在雕像旁的帕拉蒂斯图腾——是那座位于地下的教堂。）

Janina...O God, please accept my confession.……神啊，还请接受我的忏悔。

(Welrod stands on the altar and sees that the person confessing below is Janina.)（维尔德站在祭坛上面，看到正在下面忏悔的人，是雅妮娜。）

(She kneels alone before the statue. Her neck, arms, and whole body are covered in wounds, as if she had just been savagely beaten by the cultists.)（她正孤零零地跪在神像前，脖子、手臂，浑身都是伤痕，似乎是刚刚遭到过教徒的毒打。）

(Even more terrifying is the old wound on her left cheek from a radiation bomb... the symptoms of mild E.L.I.D. are spreading.)（更为可怕的，是她左脸上那片被辐射弹造成的旧伤……轻度E.L.I.D.的症状正在蔓延。）

JaninaThis must be my punishment. I refused salvation and fled my homeland... so I can't receive god's forgiveness!这一定是对我的惩罚，我拒绝了救赎，逃离了家乡……所以才无法得到神明的饶恕！

JaninaI've already repented! I won't resist anymore! I beg you, god... show this helpless lamb the way! I'll do anything for you!我已经悔过了，我不会再反抗了！求求你，神啊……请为无助的羔羊，指明道路！我愿意为您做任何事！

(Her eyes brim with tears, as if she is deeply reflecting on herself.)（她的眼中噙满泪水，像是在进行深刻的反省。）

(Except Welrod can sense the suppressed emotion in her gaze—nothing but fear.)（然而，维尔德却能感受到她目光中被压抑的感情——除了恐惧以外别无他物。）

(Janina is only doing this because she doesn't want another beating. She's afraid of losing her precious life, so she does not dare resist Paradeus anymore.)（雅妮娜只是不想再遭到其他人的毒打，她害怕失去自己最宝贵的生命，因而不敢再反抗帕拉蒂斯。）

JaninaWho is it?是谁？

(The girl suddenly lifts her head, turning her gaze to Welrod.)（这时，少女突然抬起头，视线投向维尔德。）

WelrodCan she see me?她看得到我？

(No. Welrod quickly realizes that the girl is looking past her.)（不对，维尔德很快意识到，少女是在看向自己的身后。）

(She turns to look. A silhouette passes through Welrod's body and walks up to the girl.)（她转身看去，一个人影从维尔德的身体中穿过，走到了那位少女面前。）

Harbinger...……

WelrodThe Harbinger? You were hiding in the shadows while she was praying?告死鸟？她祈祷的时候，你一直躲在阴影中？

(The "Harbinger" has appeared in every earlier hallucination, so Welrod expected her to show up.)（在之前的每一次幻觉中，“告死鸟”都有登场，因而她的出现也在维尔德的预料中。）

JaninaL-Lady Angel!天……天使大人！

JaninaI'm so sorry! Have I disturbed you? Please don't punish me. I'll leave right away...对不起！我是惊扰到您了吗？请不要惩罚我，我这就离开……

HarbingerWait.等等。

(But Welrod gradually realizes that this Harbinger is not the same "being" as the one in her earlier hallucinations.)（然而，维尔德却渐渐发现，眼前的告死鸟，和之前出现在她幻觉中的并非是一个“存在”。）

Harbinger...I've heard your confession... and felt your pain too.……你的忏悔我听到了……你的痛苦我也感受到了。

JaninaHuh?诶？

HarbingerYou said that you'd do anything to obtain salvation, didn't you?你刚才说，愿意为了获得救赎，做任何事对吗？

(She can't see Welrod. She's a character within the hallucination, the same as Janina.)（她看不到维尔德，她是和雅妮娜相同的，幻觉中的人物。）

(She isn't wearing the mask either, and she seems much more approachable with her mask gone.)（她也没有戴面具，在直接露出面容时显得亲切了不少。）

(But the greatest difference lies in the compassion and gentleness expressed in her voice.)（然而更大的区别，则是从她话语中所表达出的怜悯与温柔。）

(She isn't obsessed with "destiny" or "purification." Instead, she genuinely sees Janina as a fellow human being who needs help.)（她没有执着于“天命”与“净化”，而是真的像在看一位需要帮助的人类一样，看着眼前的雅妮娜。）

Welrod(...Is this how the Harbinger was before the steward modified her?)（……这个告死鸟是，被主理人改造之前的她？）

HarbingerThen flee with me. I can feel the fear in your heart, and the true salvation you long for.那就和我一起逃离吧。我能感觉到你心中的恐惧，还有你所渴望的真正的救赎。

Janina...Eh? You mean...?……诶？您是说？

HarbingerDon't alert anyone. Let the two of us... flee Paradeus.不要惊动任何人，就我们两个一起……逃离帕拉蒂斯。

(More than ten minutes earlier, in the purification zone around MAS-02.)（十几分钟前，MAS-02周边净化区。）

(At a long-abandoned factory, ruined so badly that even the midday sun cannot hide it.)（一座废弃已久的工厂，即便是在正午的阳光下也难掩破败。）

(Rust creeps over the walls inside the building, and the window glass has long since been shattered, leaving pitch-black, hollow openings like rows of empty eyes.)（建筑内，墙壁上爬满了锈迹，窗玻璃也早已碎裂，如同一双双漆黑且空洞的眼睛。）

(Yet amidst this deathly silence, a group of robed figures has gathered to hold an eerie assembly.)（然而，在这片死寂之中，一群身披长袍的人影正聚集在一起，进行着一场诡异的集会。）

Cult Leader...God is dead!……神明已死！

CultistLet the blood of heretics... water the earth!浇灌吾等……异端之血！

(Ivan is among them. He and the cultists huddle in a circle, as if kowtowing to a nonexistent god in the flowerbed.)（伊万也在其中，他和教徒们围在一起，组成了一个圆形阵列，像是在对着花坛中不存在的神明叩拜。）

PSA OfficerIs that the "Bloody Angels"? What a creepy sight!那就是“血色天使”吗？太诡异了！

(On the other side of the building, two PSA officers acting on Welrod's instructions are hiding in the shadows, quietly recording the sight before them.)（在建筑的另一边，两名受维尔德所托的治安人员正隐藏在暗处，悄悄地记录下眼前的景象。）

PSA CaptainCareful, don't get spotted. The guy named Ivan is exactly the man Welrod wanted us to tail!小心一点，别被发现了，维尔德让我们跟踪的就是那位叫做伊万的人！

PSA OfficerB-But why do we have to do something so risky?但、但是……我们为什么要做这么冒险的事啊？

PSA CaptainWhat a stupid question! Don't you want to know the truth behind this whole string of cases?废话！你难道不想知道这一连串案件的真相吗？

PSA CaptainWe're the PSA officers of this satellite city! How can we hand the whole crime investigation over to someone else?!我们才是卫星城的治安人员，怎么可以把犯罪的调查都交给别人！

Cult LeaderThe hour of salvation draws near, lost lambs! Let us return together to Lady Angel's side!救赎的时刻快到了，迷途的羊羔们，让我们一起回归天使大人的身边！

(After the prayer has gone on for a while, the PSA captain notices the lead cultist starting to hand something out to the others.)（祈祷持续了一段时间后，治安队长观察到为首的信徒开始给其他人分发某个物品。）

Cult LeaderThis is the key to paradise. Please hold it securely.这是通往乐园的钥匙，请拿好。

PSA CaptainThat looks like some kind of homemade device...?那好像是某种自制的装置？

PSA OfficerC-Captain! Our radiation detector is showing abnormal readings!队、队长！我们携带的辐射探查装置出现了异常数值！

Cult LeaderMr. Ivan, this is your key. Please hold on to it.伊万先生，这是您的钥匙，请拿好。

Ivan...What exactly are we going to do?我们……到底是要做什么？

Cult LeaderOf course we're preparing to go and reunite with your wife and child, Mr. Ivan... Haven't you always said you wanted to see them?当然是准备前往和你的妻儿团聚，伊万先生……你不是一直都说很想见到他们吗？

IvanI have! That's why I joined the Bloody Angels, because you all said you'd purify the old city district and carry out our "destiny"...是的！所以我才加入了血色天使，因为你们说过会净化旧城区，并且实现“天命”……

IvanBut that doesn't seem... to have anything to do with what we're doing right now...但这好像……和我们现在所做的事情，没有关系……

Cult Leader...Mr. Ivan, there's nothing to fear. Have you forgotten the salvation our Angel told us of?……伊万先生，这没什么好怕的。你忘了吗？天使所告知我们的救赎。

Cult LeaderWe'll bring the Angel back to life through this ritual, and once she awakens... all of the dead will return as well...我们将通过这场仪式，让天使复活，而只要她苏醒过来……一切死者也都将得以回归……

Cult LeaderYour wife and child too. You'll be reunited with them, never to part again.你的妻儿也是，你将和他们团聚，再也不会分开。

Ivan...I understand.……我明白了。

Cult LeaderVery well! Then rejoice, everyone! Revel, everyone!很好！那就庆贺吧各位！狂欢吧各位！

Cult LeaderThe ritual of salvation will begin at noon. Let us await that moment together!救赎的仪式将在正午时开始，让我们一起等待那个时刻的到来！

(The PSA captain watching from the perimeter adjusts the camera's lens carefully. Finally, he sees the suspicious item clearly.)（此时，在外围监视的治安队长仔细调整摄像机的镜头，随后，他终于看清了那个可疑的物品。）

(It's the explosive device Welrod mentioned in her intel, and one of the devices is connected to a glass tube filled with dark green liquid.)（那正是维尔德在情报里提到的爆炸装置，而其中一枚连接着装满墨绿色液体的玻璃管。）

PSA CaptainAren't those... Collapse particles?! Damn it! Are they planning to detonate it here?那难道是……坍塌粒子！ 见鬼！他们难道要在这里引爆它！

CultistHuh? Who's there?!嗯？谁在那里！

(Out of shock, he fails to keep his voice down. The lead cultists immediately notice the commotion and move to surround their position, weapons in hand.)（由于太过惊愕，他一时间没能控制住声音。为首的几名教徒立刻发现了这边的动静，拿着武器朝他们所在的地方包围了过来。）

PSA CaptainThis is bad! Hurry! We need to move!糟了！快……快走！

PSA OfficerCaptain! My... my legs have gone weak!队长！我……我腿软！

(Perhaps from sheer fright, the inexperienced officer trembles, unable to move.)（或许是由于受到了过度惊吓，缺乏经验的治安人员颤抖着动弹不得。）

???Quick! This way!快！从这边走！

PSA CaptainEh? W-Who are you...?诶？你、你是？

(Just then, a woman dressed like a Yellow Zone broker suddenly emerges from an abandoned building nearby.)（而在此时，突然从旁边废弃建筑中出现的，是一位黄区商人打扮的女子。）

Righteous BrokerYou two call for backup. I'll draw them away!你们去呼叫支援，我来引开他们！

(A few minutes later, the two PSA officers leave the area occupied by the cultists under the cover of the underground broker.)（几分钟后，两名治安人员在那位暗商的掩护下，离开了被教徒占据的场所。）

PSA CaptainHello? Hey! Pick up the phone, Detective!喂、喂！快接电话啊，侦探！

(After contacting the satellite city's PSA headquarters, the officers on site don't forget to dial the number Welrod left them.)（在联络了卫星城的治安总部后，现场的治安人员没有忘记拨打维尔德留给他们的号码。）

MIMiWho the hell is this, yelling hello, hello like that? So rude! Welrod's not here, so say what you've got to say!『谁啊，喂喂喂的，这么没礼貌！维尔德不在，有话直接说！』

PSA CaptainWe've got an emergency! We found a radiation bomb, and those cultists are planning to detonate it!有紧急情况！这边发现了辐射弹，那些信徒们正打算引爆它！

MIMiA radiation bomb? Eh? OH—!『辐射弹？诶？诶——！』

MIMiSo you're the PSA officers Welrod commissioned... Got it, evacuate the scene right away. I'll find a way to notify the nearby garrison.『你们是维尔德委托的治安人员……明白了，马上撤离现场，我会想办法通知附近的驻军。』

(On the other end of the line, the intelligent bot suddenly sounds extremely reliable, like a battle-hardened commander.)（通讯对面，智能机器人突然变得十分可靠，像是一位久经沙场的指挥官。）

PSA CaptainB-By the way! Besides those cultists, there's a broker in the area too. She just saved us...对、对了！除了那些教徒，还有位商人也在这片区域，她刚才救了我们……

MIMiA broker? Got it... In any case, get out of there right away.『商人？我知道了……总之，你们立刻离开。』

MIMiOnce the radiation bomb goes off, those cultists may turn into ELIDs. The further away, the better.『辐射弹爆炸之后，那些教徒也可能会生骸化，离得越远越好。』

PSA CaptainO-Okay.好、好吧。

MIMiWelrod and I will arrive ASAP.『我和维尔德会尽快赶到。』

Double Absence 双重不在场

(After getting word, Welrod rushes at top speed to the purification zone the officers were monitoring.)（在得到消息后，维尔德以最快速度来到了治安人员监视的那片净化区。）

(Unfortunately, the radiation bomb has already detonated, and the cultists, now turned into ELIDs, have taken over the building where they used to gather.)（然而，辐射弹已经爆炸了，那些生骸化的教徒，占据了他们之前集会的建筑。）

ELID—!——！

WelrodTime is 03:21 p.m. The ELIDs at the bomb's epicenter have been eliminated.时间1521，辐射弹中心处的生骸威胁已解除。

MIMiThe PSA officers who came to back us up are almost done fighting too. Welrod, let's check for survivors first!『那些赶来支援的治安人员也快结束战斗了，维尔德，我们先确认还有没有幸存者！』

(Welrod is the first to charge into the site of the radiation bomb blast under the cover of the purification zone's garrison, reaching the flowerbed where the cultists prayed.)（维尔德在净化区驻军的掩护下，第一个冲入了辐射弹爆炸的地方，赶到了那些教徒祈祷的花坛前面。）

(Several mangled corpses lie before her. Some have died of acute E.L.I.D., while others are a bloody mess, apparently feasted on by ELIDs.)（眼前，是几具残破的遗体，其中部分死于急性E.L.I.D.，另一些则血肉模糊，疑似是遭到了生骸的啃食。）

Welrod...A pity. Guess their so-called god wasn't watching over them after all.……很遗憾，看来所谓的神明并没有眷顾他们。

MIMiHmph, what were they thinking? Even if they wanted to die, they should have picked a better place.『哼，这帮人是怎么想的，要死也不找个好点的地方。』

WelrodThey wanted to reunite with their families...他们想和家人团聚……

WelrodI've already read the counseling records Dahlia gave me. Ivan's mental state suddenly became unstable starting a month ago.我已经看了达莉娅给我的咨询记录，从一个月前开始，伊万的精神状态突然变得不稳定。

WelrodHe kept asking the same question again and again—why hasn't his family come back?他在反复咨询一个问题，为什么他的家人还没有回来？

MIMiIsn't Ivan's family already dead?『伊万的家人，不是已经去世了吗？』

WelrodYes, but according to the records, Ivan was convinced that someone could bring the dead back to life.是的，但在咨询记录中，伊万却坚信，有人可以让死去的人复活。

WelrodThat's right, it's the Harbinger. The salvation she preached to the cultists has two layers of meaning. "Purification" means wiping out the criminals of the old city district, and "destiny"...没错，是告死鸟，她向信徒们宣扬的救赎有两层含义，其中“净化”是将旧城区的罪犯铲除干净，而“天命”……

MIMi...Reviving the dead? Does anyone actually believe that crap?『……让死人回档？这特么居然还有人信？』

WelrodExactly... Paradeus is still adept at manipulating people. It's extremely effective on people like Ivan.没错……帕拉蒂斯还是那么擅长操纵人心，对于伊万这样的人非常有效。

WelrodAs long as they believe the lie that they can come back to life even if they die, they'll press the bomb in their hands without hesitation!只要相信即使死了也能复活的谎言，他们就可以毫不犹豫地按下手中的炸弹！

(Welrod grips her gun tightly. Looking at these people who met such gruesome deaths, she feels both anger and a sense of powerlessness... She wonders whether she could have saved some of them if she had arrived a little sooner.)（维尔德紧紧握着手中的枪，她看着眼前这些惨死的人，在愤怒的同时也感到有些无力……她在想，如果自己来得再快一点，能否救下其中的一些人。）

MIMiHuh? Wait, Welrod, isn't the number of corpses here kind of low?『嗯？等等，维尔德，这里的遗体是不是太少了点？』

WelrodThe number of corpses?数量？

MIMiAh! Command... ahem, that's exactly what I'm talking about! Even if we count the ELIDs, the number of dead bodies here just doesn't add up!『啊！指挥……咳，老子说的没错！就算是加上刚才的生骸数量，这里的死者也对不上！』

MIMiJudging by the video shot by those two PSA officers, there were at least twenty-something cultists here.『从那两个治安人员拍摄的视频来看，围在这边祈祷的教徒至少有二十几个。』

WelrodCould it be... like Janina, some of them fled at the last moment from fear of death?难道是……和雅妮娜一样，有人怕死所以在最后逃走了？

WelrodBut the others would have stopped anyone fleeing. They were armed, so they were unlikely to tolerate their companions escaping.但是，其他的人应该会阻拦逃亡者，他们持有武器，不太可能容忍同伴逃离。

???You're right about that. It really took a ton of effort to get even those few out.你说的没错哦，要把那几个人救出来，确实费了我不少功夫呢。

(Just then, a woman's voice comes from behind Welrod. She never expected anyone else to be here, and in her shock she even forgets to raise her gun.)（就在这时，维尔德身后传来了一个女性的声音。或许是由于没料到这里还有其他人，太过吃惊的她一时间甚至忘了持枪警戒。）

Righteous BrokerGood thing no one knows the Yellow Zone better than a broker... Oh, wait, this is already a purification zone. Eh, never mind that.好在没有人比商人更加了解黄区……啊，不对，这里已经是净化区。唉，这种事无所谓啦。

Righteous BrokerAnyway, I took all the people who repented at the last minute and tried to run down to the basement of this building. They're injured, but at least they're still alive~总之，那些在最后悔悟想要逃走的人，都被我带到这栋建筑的地下室里了，虽然受了些伤，但都还活着哦。

(Having seen how Welrod fought a moment ago, the radiation-suited underground broker walks over with a smile, with no wariness toward her at all.)（或许是看到了维尔德刚才战斗的样子，带着防辐射装备的暗商，也完全没有警惕她，带着笑意就走了过来。）

Righteous BrokerYou're Detective Welrod, aren't you? I heard rumors about you while I was investigating this cult.你就是侦探维尔德吧？在调查这伙教徒的时候，我也听到了你的传闻。

WelrodYou're... the Righteous Broker?你难道……是那个义商？

Righteous BrokerOh? So you know about me as well... What, am I that famous in the Yellow Zone?哎呀？原来你也认识我，怎么……我也在黄区这么有名吗？

(Welrod is so surprised she can't speak. She never expected to suddenly run into the very person she has been searching for here.)（维尔德惊讶得说不出话来，她没想到会在这里突然遇到一直在搜寻的对象。）

(The steward said the Righteous Broker had left the satellite city, but judging from her own tone just now, she hasn't gone far and is still persisting in her investigation of the Bloody Angels.)（主理人说义商离开了卫星城，而从她自己刚才的口吻来看，义商并没有走远，并且依然在坚持调查血色天使的事。）

MIMiI get it now. The PSA officers mentioned they ran into a broker. That must be her.『我知道了，那两个负责的治安人员说碰到了商人，应该就是这家伙。』

Righteous BrokerPSA officers? So they were people you sent?治安人员？原来那是你们派来的人吗？

Righteous BrokerWhat a close call. They startled the cultists, but luckily for them, I was lying in wait nearby.好险啊，他们当时惊动了教徒，还好我就埋伏在旁边。

MIMi...Welrod, shouldn't you tell her about Poludnitsa?『……维尔德，你要不要告诉她佩妮泽的事情。』

WelrodYou're right... I lost my thoughts for a second.你说得对……我竟然一时间慌了神。

WelrodYou're the Righteous Broker, aren't you? We took on a commission from Poludnitsa, and we've been looking for you.你就是义商吧？我们接受了佩妮泽的委托，一直在找你。

Righteous BrokerPoludnitsa? Yeah, I feel like I haven't talked to her in ages.佩妮泽？对啊，我好像很久没和她联系过。

Righteous BrokerEh~ Even an incredible broker like her worries about me?诶～她也会担心我吗？那位神通广大的代理人。

Righteous BrokerGot it. I'll find a way to let her know of my safety ASAP. But for now... I still have to track down that "steward."知道了，我会尽快想办法向她报平安的。不过现在……我还得去追查那位“主理人”。

Righteous BrokerDo you know that she left MAS-02 already? It looks like she's heading somewhere else.知道吗？那家伙也已经离开了MAS-02，看起来是要往其他地方去。

Righteous BrokerLeave tracking her down to me, since I know the Yellow Zone well. As for you guys... take this.她的行踪就交给熟悉黄区的我来调查吧，而你们……拿着这个。

(The Righteous Broker suddenly tosses over an e-card. Welrod reflexively catches it just in time.)（义商突然扔来一张电子卡，维尔德下意识伸手刚好把它接到手中。）

WelrodWhat's this?这是？

Righteous BrokerThe survivors I locked in the basement... I'll leave it to you to take them back to the satellite city.那些被我关在地下室里的幸存者，由你来带他们回卫星城吧。

Righteous BrokerSince the "dead" can't be brought back... we, who are among the living, should think about how to ensure the survivors can live on with hope...既然“亡者”无法复活……那如何让幸存者拥有希望地活下去，是我们所有生者需要思考的问题……

Righteous BrokerSo I'll trouble you to counsel them properly~就麻烦你好好开导一下他们吧～

(Welrod looks at the key card in her hand. A helpless, wry smile creeps up her face.)（维尔德看着手里的钥匙卡，露出了无奈的苦笑。）

(Those cultists went mad long ago. Even if instinct made them flee martyrdom for the moment, they won't be so easily persuaded.)（那些教徒早就已经癫狂，就算在本能驱使下暂时逃避了殉教，但也绝不是那么容易说服的。）

(Still, there's no denying that the mere fact that some lives were saved is enough to bring comfort to the justice she has always fought for.)（但无可否认的是，光是能有生命得到拯救这点，便足以让她对一直以来为之奋斗的正义得到宽慰。）

WelrodI think I understand Poludnitsa's assessment of you now. Always meddling... and naive, too...我似乎理解佩妮泽对你的评价了。爱多管闲事……还很天真……

Righteous BrokerOh? Was that how she described me? Haha~ She's quite perceptive, isn't she!诶？她是这么评价我的吗？哈哈～她看得挺准的嘛！

MIMiThe heck? This broker actually thinks you're praising her? She really is something else.『我靠，这商人居然以为你在夸她？我真是服了这种极品。』

(Not wanting the PSA officers to find out she slipped into the purification zone, the Righteous Broker soon bids Welrod farewell and leaves the scene of the incident.)（由于不想被治安人员发现自己潜入了净化区，义商随后便告别维尔德，离开了事件现场。）

(As soon as she vanishes from their sight, specks of blue light begin floating up from the ground.)（而就在她身影消失在众人视线中的同时，净化区的土地上开始漂浮起星星点点的蓝色光粒。）

MIMiHuh? What are those lights? Don't tell me... my vision driver's also glitching out?!『咦？这些光是什么？难道……视觉驱动也出Bug了！』

(At first, Welrod assumes she's hallucinating again, until she notices that the assistant bot beside her has reacted too.)（维尔德一开始以为又是自己看到了幻觉，直到她发现一旁的助手机器人也做出了反应。）

(The blue specks rise slowly through the air like fireflies, gathering together.)（蓝色的光粒如同萤火虫，在空气中缓缓升腾，汇聚。）

(Welrod's electronic pupils flicker faintly. She feels a vast flood of data pour into her neural cloud.)（维尔德的电子瞳孔微微闪烁，她感觉到自己的心智中涌入了一股庞大的数据。）

Welrod—!——！

Vector(...)(……）

Klukai(...)(……）

Harpsy(...)(……）

(It's the conversation she had with Harpsy in the repair pod, just before she came "here".)（那正是她来到“这里”前，在维修舱中与哈卜茜的对话。）

(Visions of the "future", sealed away for this operation, return in her neural cloud.)（为了此次行动而被封锁的，属于“未来”的景象，在她的心智中复苏了。）

WelrodI see... So this is where the journey ends.原来如此……看来，这就是这段旅程的终点了。

MIMiWelrod?『维尔德？』

WelrodLet me tell you what happened afterward: after this whole string of events, the "Harbinger" disappeared and never appeared again.让我来告诉你们后续吧：在这一系列事件之后，“告死鸟”便消失了，她再也没有出现过。

WelrodThe "Bloody Angels" vanished from the world after that too. The PSA concluded that they were all wiped out in this mass suicide...“血色天使”也自此人间蒸发。治安部门断言他们在这次集体自杀中全部覆灭……

MIMiWait, you're talking about... things that happened years in the future?『等等，你说的……是这之后几年的事？』

WelrodAs for me, because of Shepherd's memory lock, I gradually forgot this whole series of events... until we investigated that lab together.而我，则由于牧羊人的记忆封锁，逐渐忘记了这一连串事件……直到和你们一起调查到的那间实验室。

(The blue specks grow denser and denser, circling Welrod like stars.)（蓝色的光粒越来越密集，如同星辰般环绕着维尔德。）

(She stands at the center of the light, not feeling much surprise.)（她站在光芒的中心，并没有感到太过吃惊。）

(The mystery has been sitting right before her all along. In fact, this series of cases has been merely scenes in her neural cloud, and the assistant bot that has always been at her side is Welrod's most important partner.)（谜题其实早已呼之欲出：这一系列的案件只是心智中的场景，而一直陪伴在她身边的助手机器人则是维尔德最重要的伙伴。）

MIMiDon't tell me the scene reconstruction already...『难道说，情景重现已经……』

WelrodYes, the scene reconstruction is over. These blue specks of light are my neural cloud data reorganizing themselves.是的，情景重现结束了。这些蓝色光点就是我的心智数据，它们正在进行重组。

WelrodThank you for staying by my side all this time, Harpsy... and you too, Commander.感谢你们一直陪在我的身边，哈卜茜……还有，指挥官。

MIMiWelrod!『维尔德！』

(The assistant bot leaps at her, and Welrod catches it deftly.)（助手机器人一个跳跃扑了过去，被维尔德稳稳接住。）

HarpsyAwesome! Welrod's memory has finally been repaired, and all the damaged data has been recovered!太好了，维尔德的记忆终于得到修复，破损的数据都找回来了！

WelrodIndeed, and it's all thanks to both of you.是的，这是你们的功劳。

HarpsyW-Welrod actually praised me, heehee~!竟、竟然被维尔德夸奖了，嘿嘿～！

WelrodBy the way, what's with the cocky tone you had as an assistant bot? Were you trying to look reliable to me on purpose?不过，在扮演助手机器人时，你那种嚣张的语气是怎么回事？是想故意在我面前表现得可靠吗？

HarpsyEh? That... that was... we're on an investigation, after all, so I figured we needed a tough, fearless assistant... D-Did I mess it up?诶？那……那个是……毕竟是在查案，我觉得需要一个不怕事的硬汉助手……难、难道，我搞砸了？

WelrodNo... Your antics did lift my spirits.没有……你的活跃确实鼓舞了我。

WelrodBut didn't I mention that we should keep it from the Commander?不过，我不是说了最好不要告诉指挥官吗？

WelrodI wanted to recover my memories with my own strength and surprise him, but... in the end, I only managed to accomplish all of this with help from both of you.我本想靠自己的力量找回记忆，给他一个惊喜，结果……反而是靠你们的帮助才完成了这一切。

CommanderI'm the one who asked Harpsy to do it. I saw her in the repair bay not long after you dove into your neural space. Harpsy isn't good at hiding things, so she told me the truth quite soon.是我拜托哈卜茜的，在你潜入心智空间后不久，我就在维修室看到她。哈卜茜不擅长隐瞒，很快就告诉了我实情。

CommanderWelrod, I'd never let you face danger alone.维尔德，我不可能放任你独自面对危险。

WelrodThat's truly your modus operandi, Commander... you're the same as ever.这正是你的行事风格，指挥官……你一直都和以前一样。

(Welrod can see the Commander directly through the comms screen. She's unable to hide her excitement.)（透过通信画面，维尔德直接看到了指挥官，难掩心中的激动。）

(Although she has long sensed that he was always watching over her, she is still overjoyed beyond words when the truth is finally revealed, as if a long wait had finally reached a perfect ending.)（虽然她早就察觉到那个人一直守在自己身边，但当真相终于揭晓时，她还是无比喜悦，仿佛一场漫长的等待终于获得了圆满的结局。）

Welrod...It all felt like a dream, a dream that went from parting to reunion.……这一切就像是做了一场梦，一场从分别到重逢的梦。

CommanderI owe you an apology. I had no choice but to hide the truth from you to make sure the scene reconstruction went smoothly.我得向你道歉，为了情景还原的顺利进行，我不得不向你隐瞒真相。

WelrodYou made the right choice, because the end of this case could've only been reached by a flummoxed me. It was an unsolved case—a scar that stayed in my neural cloud since...你的选择是正确的，因为这起案件的终点，只有身处迷茫中的我才能够抵达，它是一起悬案，也是一直留在我心智中的伤痕……

WelrodHowever, perhaps because the two of you joined in, this reconstruction differed in some ways from what I actually experienced, and it gave me some different clues.然而，或许是由于你们二位的加入，这次的情景还原，和我实际经历过的现实出现了一些差别，也让我得到了一些不同的线索。

WelrodFirst, those visions. In reality, I didn't know what Janina had been through.首先，就是那些幻象，现实中的我并不清楚雅妮娜的经历。

WelrodSecond, Sergei's murder. I hadn't grasped its connection to the Bohdan case, and I wasn't too clear on the meaning of the "destiny" and "purification" the Harbinger inherited.其次，就是谢尔盖的谋杀案，我没有洞悉到它与博赫丹案的关系，也不太清楚告死鸟所继承的“天命”与“净化”的含义。

WelrodLastly, the Righteous Broker. In reality, I did find out where she was, but we didn't talk nearly as much.最后是义商，在现实中我虽然也找到了她的下落，但并没有那么多的交谈。

CommanderYou two never met again after that?你们后面没有见过面？

WelrodNo, but Poludnitsa contacted me later to say she had confirmed the broker was safe, and the commission ended successfully.没有，但佩妮泽后来联系了我，说已经确认了她平安，委托也圆满结束了。

WelrodCome to think of it, the "Bloody Angels" were hunting her this whole time... and that's also why I could sneak into their base so easily before.说起来，“血色天使”一直在追杀她……而这也是我之前潜入他们基地的时候，能如此顺利的原因。

CommanderThat Righteous Broker... seems to be someone worth trusting.那位义商……是个值得信赖的人。

WelrodRight, but... judging from your later battle in Lviv, Commander, she probably never found Chiloveig.没错，不过……从指挥官你后来在利沃夫的战斗来看，她应该没有找到奇洛薇格。

HarpsyD-Didn't the Commander destroy Chiloveig already...?奇……奇洛薇格，已经被指挥官消灭了……对吧？

HarpsyWhat about "Shepherd"? Who is she? Welrod... you already know, don't you?那“牧羊人”呢？她是谁？维尔德……你应该也已经知道了吧？

Welrod...I do have someone in mind, because only that person had the chance to plant a program in my neural cloud.……我已经有人选了，因为只有那个人有机会在我的心智中植入程序。

WelrodUnfortunately, I have no evidence on hand right now, and I'm not completely sure of her motive...但很遗憾，我现在手里没有证据，也不能完全确定她的动机……

HarpsyHuh? The comms screen suddenly got a bit blurry...咦？通信画面突然变得有些模糊了……

HarpsyR-Right! Now that the memory repair is complete, the scene reconstruction will be terminated automatically!对……对了！由于记忆修复完成，那情景还原也会自动解除！

(The repair data turns into blue particles, fills the entire space, and surges like a tide, signaling that the neural connection with the outside world is about to be cut off.)（化作蓝色粒子的修复数据已经充满整个空间，它们如潮水般涌动，预示着与外界心智连接即将中断。）

WelrodIt seems we'll still have to endure a momentary parting.看来，我们还不得不忍受一次短暂的分别。

WelrodCommander, I'd like to have a good talk with you once everything is over.指挥官，等这起事件结束后，我希望和你好好聊聊。

CommanderOkay. I'll be waiting.嗯，我等你。

(The blue particles recede swiftly like the tide, and the whole space returns to normal.)（蓝色的粒子如同潮水般迅速消退，整个空间恢复了原状。）

(Her assistant bot is still there, but Welrod can feel that it has turned back into an ordinary smart assistant.)（眼前的助手机器人还在，但维尔德能感觉到，它已经变回原本的智能助手了。）

Welrod...There's still a little time before hibernation starts. And I'm holding a lot of clues right now.……距离休眠状态的开启还有些时间。而现在，我手中掌握了大量的线索。

WelrodCommander, Harpsy, thank you for helping me recover these important memories. Now, it's up to me to uncover the truth behind everything.指挥官、哈卜茜，谢谢你们帮我找回了重要的记忆，接下来，就由我来挖掘出背后的真相吧。

WelrodFrom what I can tell, my sealed memories can be roughly divided into three points in time.现在看来，我被封锁的记忆大致可以分为三个时间点。

WelrodThe investigation of the old city district, the apartment murder, and the tailing of Ivan.分别是对旧城区的调查、公寓的谋杀案，以及追踪伊万。

WelrodSome of the common threads running through it all were the search for the "Righteous Broker" and the effort to capture the Harbinger, a key figure of the "Bloody Angels."而贯穿其中的，则是搜寻“义商”的下落，以及抓捕“血色天使”的关键人物，告死鸟。

WelrodSpeaking of the Harbinger, there's something quite different in the third memory section compared to my previous two...说起告死鸟，在这第三起案件中，有一点和前面的两段记忆有很大不同……

What makes the third event special compared to the other two?相比前面的回忆，第三起事件的特别之处是？

Dahlia appeared达莉娅的登场

The cultists' suicide教徒的自杀

The Harbinger didn't appear没有出现告死鸟

WelrodDahlia... It's not a coincidence that this counselor appeared in my blocked memory.达莉娅……那位心理医生出现在我被封锁的记忆中，并不是巧合。

WelrodShe's someone worth noting, but there's still no clear evidence that she's the Shepherd...她是个值得注意的人物，但现在还没有直接的证据表明她就是牧羊人……

WelrodPerhaps I need to start with the people "around" her to understand her better.或许，要进一步地了解她，需要先从她“身边”的人开始。

WelrodThe cultists went mad, and in counseling, Ivan mentioned that "someone killed his Angel."教徒们陷入了疯狂，伊万在心理咨询中提到，“有人杀死了他的天使”。

WelrodThis is a point worth paying attention to, but Paradeus' madness isn't only reflected in the third memory.这是一个需要在意的点，但帕拉蒂斯的疯狂，并不是只在第三段回忆中才得到体现的。

WelrodThere's something else I should focus on right now...现在应该在意的是另一件事……

WelrodThat's right, the Harbinger! She didn't appear in this case where I was chasing Ivan.没错，是告死鸟！她没有在追捕伊万的这起案件中出现。

WelrodI wounded her in battle a month ago. Even if she was still under repair, there should have been at least some news of her.一个月前，她在战斗中被我击伤，即便还在维修，也不应该一点消息也没有。

WelrodAfter all, since she's a Nyto of the Bloody Angels cult and the key sample that Chiloveig mentioned, she's a pretty important figure.毕竟，作为“血色天使教”的涅托，奇洛薇格所提到的关键样本，她是个很重要的角色。

Where did the "Harbinger" appear in the third memory?“告死鸟”在第三段记忆中的哪里出现过？

In the church教堂中

On the street街道上

The elegy悼词

WelrodI have to review this last event carefully and confirm whether there's any news tied to the Harbinger.我必须仔细回顾这起最后的事件，确认是否有和告死鸟相关的消息。

WelrodThat strange church? The "Harbinger" did appear there.那个奇怪的教堂吗？“告死鸟”确实有出现。

WelrodBut that was a hallucination caused by the neural cloud encryption program, not part of my past memory.但那是心智封锁程序所造成的幻觉，并不是我过去记忆的一部分。

WelrodWhat's more, she looked a little strange in that scene. Not like the mad Nyto I know, but more like a version of her from an earlier point in time...而且，在那段景象里，她的模样有些古怪。那不像我认识的那个疯狂的涅托，而更像是更早之前的她……

WelrodThere may be a better answer.或许还有更好的答案。

WelrodThe street? Was there any trace of the Harbinger there?街道？那里有告死鸟的踪影吗？

Welrod...Looks like my speculation has reached a dead end. I'll have to backtrack.……看来猜想走进了死胡同，只能先原路返回。

WelrodThat's it! The cultists in the purification zone recited an elegy like this:对了！那些教徒们在净化区里说过这样的悼词：

Welrod"God is dead. Let the blood of heretics water the earth." The god mentioned in the elegy is undoubtedly the "Harbinger"!“神明已死，浇灌吾等异端之血”，悼词中提到的神明，毫无疑问是在指“告死鸟”！

WelrodCome to think of it, Ivan said something similar in counseling. He said, "Someone killed his Angel."说起来，在心理咨询时，伊万也曾说过类似的话，他说：“有人杀死了他的天使”。

WelrodThe "Harbinger" is dead? Did she die from the wounds I caused her?“告死鸟”死了？难道是我对她造成的伤势所致吗？

WelrodThis conclusion matters a great deal. Is there any way to conclusively prove the "Harbinger's" death?这条结论关系重大，有没有办法切实证明“告死鸟”的死亡？

Where's the evidence that can prove the "Harbinger" is dead?能证明“告死鸟”死亡的证据在哪里？

The evidence is in the old city district证据在旧城区

The evidence is in the hallucination证据在幻觉中

The evidence is in the purification zone证据在净化区

Welrod...No, I can't think of anything there that could prove the Harbinger is dead.……不对，我想不到那里有能证明告死鸟死亡的东西。

Welrod...No, I can't think of anything there that could prove the Harbinger is dead.……不对，我想不到那里有能证明告死鸟死亡的东西。

WelrodThe purification zone... What happened here is indeed worth thinking about.净化区……这里发生的事情确实让人在意。

WelrodWhen the cultists killed themselves, they gathered around the flowerbed, seeking salvation.信徒自杀时，他们纷纷围着花坛，寻求救赎。

WelrodThey chanted the prayer "God is dead"... as they gathered around the flowerbed.他们念着“神明已死”的祈祷词……围绕着花坛。

Welrod...The flowerbed?……花坛？

WelrodCould it be...难道……

WelrodIt's no coincidence that the cultists gathered here to kill themselves! There's something under the flowerbed, something buried there!信徒们围在这里自杀不是偶然！花坛下面有东西，那里埋着些什么！

WelrodThat's it—her remains! The "Harbinger" really did die, but as a Nyto and the god of the Bloody Angels cult, her body would surely be handled with great care!对了，是遗骸！“告死鸟”真的死了，但她作为涅托，并且作为血色天使教的神明，其遗体一定会被谨慎对待！

WelrodPlease, Harpsy, I'll tell you my conclusion right now. Tell the Commander at once... to go to the purification zone and find the buried "angel's remains"!拜托了哈卜茜，我现在就把结论告诉你，请立刻告诉指挥官……去净化区，找到被埋葬的“天使残骸”！

(Welrod doesn't know if Harpsy can still hear her. She just wants to pass her clues on as quickly as she can.)（维尔德并不知道哈卜茜还能不能听到她的呼叫，她只想尽快把线索传递出去。）

Remnant Dream 遗骸之梦

(The neural space, now fully repaired, is undergoing final reorganization.)（已经完成修复的心智空间在进行最后的整理。）

(During this process, Welrod's consciousness recedes like a tide, and many fragments of past memories resurface, clear and deep.)（在这过程中，维尔德的意识如同潮汐般回溯，许多过去的记忆碎片重新浮现，清晰而深刻。）

(At Griffin, she met the Commander.)（在格里芬，她遇到了指挥官。）

(Unlike everyone else, the Commander didn't treat Dolls as tools or weapons, but as companions and comrades in arms.)（和所有人都不同，指挥官没有把人形当成工具或武器，而是伙伴和战友。）

(Dolls there were allowed thoughts of their own and time to themselves, and that was how Welrod came to love detective films.)（人形们被允许有自己的思考，自己的时间，维尔德就是在这时喜欢上侦探片的。）

(There are many kinds of detective films, but Welrod distills them down to three elements: a wicked criminal, pitiable human nature, and a cruel reality.)（侦探片有很多种，但维尔德将其总结为三个要素：邪恶的罪犯，可悲的人性，悲惨的现实。）

(Against such heavy backdrops, the detectives stay composed and sharp. They uncover the truth, their sense of justice never wavering.)（在沉重的故事背景之下，侦探们却从容帅气，他们洞悉真相，对心中的正义毫不动摇。）

(At the end, the truth comes to light, and the criminal is brought to justice.)（最终，真相被揭露，罪犯伏法。）

(Perhaps the darkness of human nature will never be eliminated, but justice will never be absent either.)（或许人性的黑暗不会被消灭，但正义也永远不会缺席。）

(Welrod longed to become a Doll who brought justice. During her brief yet eventful time at Griffin, she fought evil, time and time again.)（维尔德憧憬成为带来正义的人，在格里芬那短暂而漫长的时光中，她一次次地与邪恶斗争。）

(Yet peace never came upon their final victory.)（然而，当他们的战斗获得最终的胜利后，和平却没有到来。）

(Welrod lost her Commander, while her old companions scattered, each wandering the city, adrift.)（维尔德失去了她的指挥官，曾经的同伴们也各自分离，在都市中迷茫地徘徊着。）

(She felt disheartened at times too, but she soon made up her mind—)（她也曾有过气馁，却很快下定了决心——）

(She will inherit his justice.)（她要继承那个人的正义。）

(That is why Welrod came to the satellite city. As the Commander's "disciple", she swore to pass on the belief in justice as a detective.)（这就是维尔德来到卫星城的理由，她发誓作为指挥官的“门徒”，以侦探的身份，将正义的信念传递下去。）

Blocking ProgramMemory lock failed... The target's neural cloud has not been swallowed by the shadows of the past.记忆封锁失败……对象心智并未被过去的阴影所吞噬。

Blocking ProgramThe encryption program has been intercepted and can no longer carry out its task.封锁程序已遭到拦截，无法继续执行任务。

WelrodI knew you'd show up again. Maybe we can have a proper talk this time?我就知道你还会再出现的，这一次，我们或许可以好好谈谈了？

Welrod"Harbinger," or should I call you Angel?“告死鸟”，还是说我应该叫你天使？

(In the neural space, the "Harbinger" who appears in the form of a hallucination takes off her mask at this moment.)（心智空间，以幻觉形式出现的“告死鸟”，在此刻摘下了面具。）

(She appears perfectly calm, like a statue with no personality of its own.)（她显得十分平静，就像是一尊没有人格的塑像。）

Blocking ProgramHarbinger... Angel... No, that isn't my name.告死鸟……天使……不，那不是我的名字。

WelrodTo be precise, you're the encryption program the "Shepherd" planted in my neural cloud.准确来说，你是被“牧羊人”植入我心智的封锁程序。

WelrodBut I think the reason you look like this is that the "Shepherd" drew on some of her data when making you.但我想，你之所以会是这副模样，大概是因为牧羊人在制作你时，参考了她的部分数据信息。

WelrodA Doll's neural cloud can't be sealed that easily, let alone over such a long time... unless some conscious entity had been monitoring me all along.人形的心智没有那么容易封锁，更别说是在这样漫长的时光中……除非这期间，一直有一个意识体在对我进行监视。

Blocking Program...I don't know the background you're talking about, but the destiny I bear really is "surveillance" and "blocking".……我不知道你说的这些背景，但我所背负的天命确实是“监视”与“封锁”。

WelrodShe overlooked one thing—quite a few "impurities" still remain in your data.她还漏算了一点，那就是在你的数据中，还残留着不少“杂质”。

WelrodThose are your past neural records that she should have deleted completely... and they're also the "visions" I saw.那是她本该完全删除的，属于你过去的心智记录……同时也是我所看到的那些“幻象”。

WelrodObjectively speaking, those things helped me, and they also made the content of the scene reconstruction differ from reality.客观来说，这些东西帮到了我，也导致情景还原的内容，变得与现实中不同。

Blocking ProgramI never helped you of my own accord. Those hallucinations were a form of neural cloud interference.我未曾主动帮助你。那些幻觉，是心智干扰的一种方式。

Blocking ProgramEverything I did was to complete my task—to defeat you on the chessboard of your neural cloud.我所做的一切，都是为了完成任务——在心智的棋盘上，战胜你。

WelrodI see. So it wasn't a conscious decision from you.原来如此，那并非是你主动的意识。

WelrodBut even so, in those visions I saw... the true ideals Bohdan entrusted to you.但我依旧从那些幻象中看到了……博赫丹所托付给你的真正的理想。

Blocking Program...Bohdan.……博赫丹。

Blocking ProgramI can recall a few hazy pieces of data about that name.对于这个名字，我能想起一些模糊的事。

Blocking ProgramMy original body, a Paradeus Nyto, was a useless unfinished product.我的本体，帕拉蒂斯的涅托，是个毫无用处的半成品。

Blocking ProgramShe was meant for preaching, but because of a design flaw, she would feel a believer's pain as her own.她原本被计划用于传教，却因为设计缺陷，会对信徒的痛苦感同身受。

Welrod...So she ran away. After feeling Janina's pain, she fled together with her.……所以她逃走了，在感受到雅妮娜的痛苦后，带着她一起逃走。

WelrodWithout legal identities, they could only wander the old city district, but it so happened that... a charitable institution there took in people like them.由于没有合法的身份，她们只能在旧城区徘徊，但刚好那个时候……有一所慈善机构会收容她们这样的人。

WelrodThat's right, it was Bohdan's Home. They lived there for a year.没错，是博赫丹之家，她们在那里住了一年。

Blocking ProgramBohdan was a philanthropist. He devoted himself to improving the district residents' living conditions.博赫丹是一位慈善家，他一直致力于改变旧城区居民们的处境。

Blocking ProgramThe Angel's heart finally found a moment of peace beside such a kind person...在这样善良的人身边，那位天使的内心终于可以获得片刻宁静……

Blocking Program...She spent a brief but precious time living together with Janina.她也和雅妮娜一起……度过了短暂而珍贵的时光。

WelrodBut Bohdan was killed a year later, and the ones who ordered the Daggers to do it were the "Bloody Angels".但博赫丹在一年后就被杀死了，而在背后指使匕首帮的正是“血色天使”。

WelrodJanina ended up wandering back to the old city district with the Harbinger, but they probably hadn't initially abandoned Bohdan's ideals yet...雅妮娜也和告死鸟一起重新流落到旧城区，但刚开始，她们应该还没有抛弃博赫丹的理想……

Blocking ProgramI don't have any information beyond that... Also, we don't have much time left to talk.后面的信息我并未掌握……另外，交谈的时间不多了。

(The Harbinger begins to fade.)（此时，告死鸟的身影开始变得稀薄。）

(She was anomalous data to begin with. As Welrod's neural cloud repairs itself, every trace of her will be wiped out like a virus.)（她原本就是异常的数据，随着维尔德心智的修复，一切痕迹都将作为病毒被清理。）

WelrodThen let me confirm the most crucial question.那让我确认那个最关键的问题吧。

WelrodThe protagonist of the visions you kept showing me... Janina. She's the "Shepherd," isn't she?你一直为我展示的幻象中的那位主角……雅妮娜，她就是“牧羊人”，对吗？

Blocking Program...On the chessboard, justice and evil, light and dark, will forever be locked in battle...……棋盘上，正义与邪恶，光明与黑暗，将永远进行厮杀……

(Her figure wavers, then takes shape again, as if struggling against her impending dissolution.)（她的身影飘忽了一下，随后又再度显形，仿佛在与即将到来的消散抗争。）

Blocking ProgramAnd no matter who wins, it's merely the prologue to the next game.而无论谁获胜，都不过是下一局的序章。

Blocking ProgramDetective... let her meet the ending that belongs to her.侦探……让她迎来属于自己的终局吧。

(The "revenant" vanishes, but Welrod remains where she is, alone before the vista of the Yellow Zone.)（“亡灵”消失了，但维尔德还站在原地，独自面对着眼前的黄区景象。）

(This scene won't last much longer. She hears a familiar voice calling her. Her frame is about to start up, and soon she'll wake from hibernation.)（这一幕不会持续多久，她听到了熟悉的声音在呼唤自己，素体即将启动，她会从休眠状态中醒来。）

Welrod...I accept your commission.……你的委托我接受了。

(Welrod gently adjusts her glasses. Then she turns around and, as if bidding the past farewell, leaves this desolate space without looking back.)（维尔德轻轻扶了扶眼镜。随后便转过身，像是和过去告别一般，头也不回地离开了这片荒芜的空间。）

(Mozyr region, about 15 kilometers from satellite city MAS-02.)（莫济里地区，距离卫星城MAS-02约15公里。）

(No one has been here in a long time. Not since construction on this purification zone stopped two years ago.)（自从这片净化区在两年前停止施工之后，已经很久没有人来过了。）

BelkaBig Sis Klukai! The soil on this side is fairly soft. Do you think what we're looking for is hidden here?可露凯姐姐！这边的土质比较松软，你说我们要找的东西是不是就藏在这里？

KlukaiIt's only soft because there's been no ground hardening treatment nearby. We can't be certain the target is right underneath.会松软只是因为那附近没有进行过地面硬化处理，无法确定目标就在下面。

(Today, several Dolls suddenly drive up in a vehicle and begin digging furiously with shovels.)（而这天，几名人形突然驱车来到这里，随后拿起铲子就是一阵猛挖。）

MechtyHelp... don't tell me we have to dig up this whole place?救命啊……我们该不会把这里全都挖一遍？

MechtyEven the miners in "Lode Runner" can't dig that fast...就算是《淘金者》里面的矿工，也挖不了这么快的……

Klukai...You're a slacker, but you're not wrong this time.……虽然你是个懒虫，但这次说得倒是没错。

KlukaiWhat do we do, Harpsy? The area's so big that there's no way to find where the flowerbed was back then.怎么办哈卜茜？这么大片区域，早就找不到当年的花坛在哪里了。

KlukaiI think we'd be better off going straight to the satellite city and investigating the Jibril company and that clinic.我觉得还不如直接去卫星城，调查清楚吉布利尔公司和那家诊所。

HarpsyUuuu... Welrod said at the end that there's an important clue here. I don't think she'd be mistaken.呜呜……维尔德在最后说这里有重要的线索，我不觉得她会弄错。

KlukaiBut we can't just dig blindly like this. Couldn't she give us a more specific location...? Hm?那也不能就这样瞎挖吧，就不能提供更具体的位置吗……嗯？

(Klukai's gaze suddenly settles on a row of wooden frames out in the distant wasteland.)（可露凯的视线，突然停留在远处荒野上的一排木头架子上面。）

HarpsyW-What are you talking about?怎、怎么了？

Klukai...Harpsy, in Welrod's scene reconstruction, was there a headstone in the purification zone?……哈卜茜，在维尔德的情景再现里面，净化区里有墓碑吗？

HarpsyA... A headstone? No... I don't think so... There was only an abandoned flowerbed there...墓……墓碑？没有……没有吧……那里只有一处废弃的花坛……

KlukaiWhat about survivors? Did anyone live through that mass suicide in the end?那幸存者呢，那起自杀事件最后有没有人活了下来？

HarpsyEh? There were some... But what do you mean...诶？那倒是有……什么意思……

KlukaiBelka! Stop digging with the shovel. Contact Andoris and have her drive the excavator over.比悠卡！别在那里用铲子挖了，联络安朵丝，让她把挖掘装置开过来。

BelkaEh? The excavator? Didn't you say that it breaks down a lot, so we should pin down the exact spot before using it?诶？挖掘装置，不是说那台机器经常故障，所以要先确认好具体的位置后再用吗？

MechtyI get it... Klukai's as irritated as I am and wants to gamble on luck... right?我知道……可露凯和我一样烦躁，是想要赌一赌运气了……对吧？

KlukaiHmph. I'd never stake my chances on luck. I just found a key marker.哼，我才不会把胜算放在运气上面，只不过是找到了关键标志而已。

Klukai...The dead from the past will guide us to that angel's location.……来自过去的亡者，会帮我们指引出那位天使的位置。

(...)（……）

(Once all the cables attached to her frame are removed, Welrod's tightly shut eyes begin to tremble.)（当素体上的连接线被全部取下后，我看到维尔德紧闭的双眼开始颤动。）

(Then those familiar eyes slowly open. At first her gaze is hazy with the confusion of waking, but it soon regains its clarity.)（随后，那双熟悉的眼睛缓缓睁开，眼神在一开始带着初醒的迷茫，但很快便恢复了清明。）

HarpsyWelrod... (Sobs)! You're finally awake!维尔德……呜呜！你总算是醒来了！

(Harpsy, who has been waiting with me before the repair pod, throws herself at her in excitement.)（和我一起等候在维修舱前的哈卜茜激动地扑到了她的身上。）

Welrod...Wait, don't hug me too tightly. First tell me what's going on now.……等等，你不要抱得那么近，先告诉我现在是什么情况？

CommanderDuring the final stage of clearing the attack program, a strange piece of data suddenly hijacked your neural cloud signal, but thankfully it was a close call.在清理攻击程序的最后阶段，有个奇怪的数据突然劫持了你的心智信号，但好在有惊无险。

WelrodC-Commander, have you been here the whole time?指、指挥官，你们一直在这里吗？

CommanderI came over once the assistant bot's neural cloud link to you broke.当助手机器人与你的心智连接中断后，我就过来了。

Welrod...I really made you worry this time, Commander.……这次真的是让你担心了，指挥官。

WelrodHarpsy, thank you all for doing so much for me this time.哈卜茜，谢谢你们这次为我做了这么多。

Harpsy(Sobs) It looks like Welrod is finally alright!呜呜呜，维尔德好像终于没事了！

(Welrod strokes Harpsy's head, soothing her until she calms down.)（维尔德抚摸着哈卜茜的头，安抚她平静下来。）

VectorCommander, we can come in now, right?指挥官，我们应该也可以进来了吧？

RucheyDon't be so tense, Vivi. The Commander's the one who called us here!别紧张啦Vivi，我们就是被指挥官叫来的哦！

WelrodYou're here too...? My apologies. I must reflect once more on the trouble I caused everyone this time.你们也来了……抱歉，我必须再次反省这一次给大家造成的麻烦。

RucheyIt wasn't any trouble, really. We've just been worried about you the whole time.麻烦倒是没有，就是一直很担心你。

RucheyTake Vivi, for example. She stayed in the ops room all night, keeping an eye on your condition.像是Vivi，她一整晚都守在指挥室，随时关注着你的状况。

WelrodIs that so...? I made you worry, Leader.是嘛……我让你担心了，队长。

VectorIt's my duty, and I bear some responsibility for putting you in this state. Klukai has already scolded me for it... It was truly miserable.这是我该做的事，而且让你陷入这种状况本来也有我的责任，可露凯已经对我进行了批评……实在是太惨了。

WelrodWe all share the responsibility, but now isn't the time to dwell on it, is it, Commander?我们都有责任，但现在还不是慢慢反省的时候，对吧，指挥官？

CommanderKlukai told me your squad had some friction before, but you seem pretty united now.我有听可露凯说过，你们队内曾经有过一些纷争，但现在看起来好像挺团结的。

CommanderIn that case, I can rest easy entrusting you with the next mission.这样的话，接下来的任务也可以放心地交给你们了。

WelrodThe next mission? Could it be...接下来的任务？难道是……

HarpsyWelrod, I... I received the last intel you sent! That purification zone... Klukai has already taken 404 to investigate.维尔德，我……我收到你最后传来的情报了！那片净化区……可露凯已经带着404进行了调查。

CommanderYes, that area happens to be close to where 404 is. They found it while you were doing your final neural cloud reorganization.是的，那片区域刚好距离404小队所在的地方不远。就在你进行最后的心智整理的这期间，她们找到了那件东西。

(I pick up the tablet displaying the footage and hand it to Welrod.)（我拿起桌子旁边的平板设备，屏幕上播放着一段现场视频，我将其递给维尔德。）

CommanderYou were right. A Nyto's frame was buried beneath the flowerbed...和你想得一样，花坛下面埋藏着涅托的素体……

Welrod...……

(Welrod's expression turns grave. She stares at the rusted frame in the video, watching it over and over again.)（维尔德表情凝重，盯着视频中锈蚀的素体残骸来回看了好几遍。）

CommanderI've already had Nemesis help confirm it. It really is a Nyto that Paradeus made in the Yellow Zone a long time ago.我已经让纳美西丝帮忙确认过了，这确实是帕拉蒂斯很早前在黄区制作的涅托。

WelrodWait, the mechanical wings on the frame's back look kind of strange!等等，这素体背后的机械翼好像有点奇怪？

RucheyWow, Welrod spotted it right away?! It took me ages to notice!哇，维尔德居然一下子就注意到了！我当时可是看了好半天呢！

CommanderThe mechanical wings were added later. Unlike the frame, they weren't made by Paradeus.那对机械翼是后来加上去的配件，和素体不同，不是帕拉蒂斯制造的东西。

Harpsy...Were they trying to imitate an angel's wings?看起来……他们是想模仿天使的羽翼？

WelrodThe wings' model seems rather unusual. Can we check where it was made?这种机械翼的型号很特别，能查出是哪里生产的吗？

VectorIt was easy since the production number is still there.由于上面的生产编号还在，所以很容易就查到了。

VectorThey came from a medical prosthetics factory under Jibril Medical.那是一家隶属于吉布利尔医疗旗下的医用义体工厂。

WelrodJibril? You mean Ivan's company?吉布利尔，伊万的那家公司吗？

CommanderYes. Jibril Medical Group is a local MAS-02 enterprise that originally ran community clinics for the most part. Many of its factory production lines depend on the old city district's illegal trade.是的，吉布利尔医疗集团是MAS-02的本土企业，最早主营社区诊所。它有许多工厂的生产线需要依靠旧城区的非法贸易。

CommanderNotably, the company expanded rapidly right as the macabre murders began occurring in the old city district.值得注意的是，这个公司开始快速扩张的时期，正是旧城区发生猎奇杀人的时候。

WelrodI knew it. That company is Paradeus' base in the satellite city!果然，这个公司就是帕拉蒂斯在卫星城内建立的据点！

CommanderWelrod, 404 Team A is preparing to enter the satellite city. They'll head into Jibril's headquarters and investigate Shepherd.维尔德，404一队正在准备进入卫星城，他将进入吉布利尔的总部，调查那位牧羊人。

CommanderTell me your theory. Who is she? What kind of evidence should we look for?告诉我你的猜想吧，她是谁？我们应该寻找怎样的证据？

Welrod...Commander, during the scene reconstruction, you asked me through the assistant bot what the village I saw in the hallucination was called.……指挥官，在情景还原的时候，你通过助手机器人问过我一个问题，在幻觉里看到的那个村子叫什么。

WelrodI can answer you now—it's Bohnsdorf Village.我现在可以回答你了——那里是伯恩村。

Commander...Are you sure?……你能确定吗？

WelrodI am. Because "Shepherd", AKA Janina, is a survivor from that village.是的，因为“牧羊人”雅妮娜就是那个村子的幸存者。

HarpsyJa... Janina? Eh? The girl from the old city district... from the first case?雅……雅妮娜，诶？第一起案件中……那个旧城区的少女吗？

WelrodShe was controlled by Paradeus twice. She tried to resist, but in the end, she drowned in Chiloveig's madness.她曾两度被帕拉蒂斯所控制，虽然也尝试过抗争，但最终还是被奇洛薇格的疯狂所浸染。

WelrodShe has a new name and a new appearance... so what we need to find is evidence that points to her current identity.她已经改变了原本的模样，并且有了新的名字……因而我们现在要寻找的，是可以指向当前她身份的证据。

Commander...Understood. I'll have Klukai and the others prioritize finding the relevant records.……明白了，我会让可露凯她们优先寻找相关的资料。

CommanderTeam B should get ready too. Head to the satellite city and link up with her.你们二队也做好准备，前往卫星城与她汇合吧。

Endgame Backtrace 追溯残局

(To reach the satellite city ASAP, 404 Team B boards an intercontinental train arranged by the Commander.)（为了以最快的速度赶往卫星城，404二队在指挥官的协调下乘坐上了洲际列车。）

(The Commander can't easily go to the Green Zone, but he directs the actions on both sides in real time via comms, keeping an eye on how things develop.)（指挥官不便前往绿区，但却以联络的方式，实时指挥着两边的行动，关注着事态的发展。）

CommanderWelrod, your guess was right. Her records really were in Jibril's prosthetic modification archive.维尔德，你猜得没错，那个人的资料，果然存在于吉布利尔的义体改造库里。

CommanderThis is her surgical report. It records her biological information, which matches the key features of the Janina you described.这是她的手术报告，其中记录了生物信息，和你所提供的雅妮娜的关键特征相同。

WelrodThe procedure was: removal of facial silicification crystals caused by Collapse radiation.手术内容是：对坍塌辐射造成的面部硅化结晶进行祛除。

WelrodThank you, Commander. That's the vital piece of evidence I've been looking for!谢谢你指挥官，这就是我要找的关键证据！

CommanderGo thank Klukai once the operation's over. This is intelligence 404 Team A obtained at Jibril headquarters.等行动结束后去感谢可露凯吧，这是404一队在吉布利尔总部所获得的情报。

WelrodAlright... whether it was being wounded before or this current operation, I've relied on their help a great deal.好的……无论是之前负伤，还是现在行动，我都受了她们不少的帮助。

WelrodI'm a member of 404 Team B. I won't let Leader Klukai down again.作为404二队的一员，我不会再辜负可露凯队长的期待了。

VectorCan we confirm the location of "Shepherd" now?“牧羊人”的位置现在能确认了吗？

WelrodI contacted an informant in the PSA and had her help check the entry records. Shepherd should have been in the satellite city the whole time.我联络了治安部门的线人，请她协助查阅了出入记录，牧羊人应该一直停留在卫星城内。

WelrodBut... we'll still need to find her exact location.不过……具体的位置还需要调查。

VectorMaybe she's in that underground base from before?会不会是曾经的那处地下基地？

WelrodUnlikely. That place is still under PSA surveillance.可能性很低，那里至今还处于治安部门的监控下。

CommanderMaybe they've set up a new stronghold... I'll have Klukai's side look into it. You focus on finding Shepherd's whereabouts.或许他们已经建立了新的据点……我会让可露凯那边进行调查，你们优先寻找牧羊人的下落。

WelrodCopy.明白。

Nemesis...Radiance across skies, ringed by stars, the wheel of fate turns...……天际的耀光，群星环绕，命运的轮环……

Nemesis...The Commander asked me to help. It concerns Paradeus, so I can't just stand by.……指挥官让我来帮忙，事关帕拉蒂斯，不能不管。

CommanderZucchero Squad will take time to get here, so I've temporarily transferred Nemesis to Team B to act with you, in case of surprises.方糖那边赶来需要时间，所以我抽调了纳美西丝临时加入2队和你们一起行动，以应对意外情况。

CommanderSorry. I wanted to go with all of you, but sneaking into the Green Zone can be quite difficult for me right now.很抱歉，我本来也想去的，但现在要潜入绿区比较麻烦。

HarpsyUm... Commander, may I ask what the "Bohnsdorf Village" you and Welrod mentioned earlier has to do with this case?那个……指挥官，我想问一下，你和维尔德之前提到的“伯恩村”，和这次事件有什么关系吗？

Commander...……

RucheyShh—! Harpsy, the Commander probably doesn't like bringing up this topic.嘘——！哈卜茜，指挥官好像不想说起这个话题。

HarpsyEh? I-I'm so sorry! Uuu... I didn't mean to!诶？对、对不起！呜呜……我不是故意的！

CommanderIt's alright. It does have to do with this mission, so I really should explain.没关系的，毕竟和这次的任务有关，我确实应该说明一下。

Welrod...Let me be the one to tell them, Commander.……让我来告诉她们吧，指挥官。

WelrodAfter all, I'm the one who first found the link between Bohnsdorf Village and this case.毕竟，伯恩村与这起案件的关联，是我先发现的。

CommanderSure. You're the better pick for an explanation.明白了，由你来说会比较合适。

WelrodBack when we were still in Griffin, the Commander found a village while investigating Paradeus.还在格里芬的时候，指挥官在调查帕拉蒂斯时发现了一个村子。

WelrodThat was Bohnsdorf Village, on the outskirts of Berlin. It was a settlement that was designed with a pre-modern aesthetic as part of an ecological engineeering project. As a result, it turned to be home to a group of people who rejected technology and longed for a life closer to nature.那就是伯恩村，它位于柏林近郊，是作为生态工程打造出来的前现代风貌村庄，因而聚集了一批拒绝科技、向往自然生活的人。

WelrodBut that image was a front... In reality, the place had long been under the influence of Paradeus.然而实际上……那里很早就受到了帕拉蒂斯教义的影响。

VectorI think I've heard Cheyanne mention this.这些我好像听夏安她说起过。

CommanderCheyanne, Liushih, and the others have seen the deaths from Bohnsdorf Village...夏安，还有刘莳她们都见过当时伯恩村的牺牲者……

CommanderI'll skip the details. In short, Paradeus ended up abandoning the village, and the fanatics coerced the villagers into a mass suicide.过程我就省略了，总之帕拉蒂斯最后遗弃了村子，致使狂信者们裹挟着村民进行了一场集体自杀。

HarpsyThe cultists made everyone kill themselves? Wait... wait a second, isn't that exactly what happened in Welrod's memory?教徒带着大家自杀？等……等等啊，这不就是维尔德记忆里发生的事情吗？

WelrodYes, and it's no coincidence. In fact, "Shepherd" was from that village too.是的，这不是巧合，事实上“牧羊人”也是那个村子里的人。

WelrodBefore we set out, I found records of Bohnsdorf Village's survivors in the Commander's old mission logs, and her name was in them.在出发前，我从指挥官保留的任务记录里，找到了伯恩村幸存者的资料，里面有她的名字。

CommanderIt was an important mission. I kept the records, but I never expected them to be tied to this case...那是一次重要的任务，我一直保留着资料，真没想到，会和这起事件扯上关系……

CommanderHm? A call's coming in from Klukai. Let me put this line on hold for a moment.嗯？可露凯那边的联络过来了，我先中断一下这边的通讯。

Ruchey...The Commander sounded kind of pained just now.指挥官刚才……好像有点难受。

HarpsyI-It's all my fault... I brought it up out of nowhere.都、都怪我……是我突然提起了这件事。

VectorWe have to resolve this case ASAP, even if it's just for the Commander's sake.我们就算是为了指挥官，也必须尽快解决这起事件。

Nemesis...End the cycle of sin.……终结这罪恶的循环。

(Not long after the call with the Commander, she gets a call from Klukai.)（与指挥官的通信刚结束没多久，可露凯的联络也打了过来。）

KlukaiTeam B, the Commander asked me to contact you directly. There's been a change to the plan for what comes next.二队，指挥官让我直接联系你们，关于接下来的行动计划，有一些改变。

KlukaiWe hacked into Jibril's database. Turns out the records here were cleared recently, including most of the information that might have linked to "Shepherd" and Paradeus.我们骇入了吉布利尔的数据库，结果发现这里的资料在不久前被清理过，包括可能与“牧羊人”以及帕拉蒂斯有关的大部分信息。

RucheyHuh? Does that mean... they knew we're coming?诶？意思是……对方知道我们来了吗？

WelrodThe intel on "Shepherd" originally came from NOMFA. If it's an info leak...有关“牧羊人”的情报最早是来自非军事管理局，如果是信息泄露的话……

VectorIs Jibril capable of getting information from within NOMFA?吉布利尔能获得非军事管理局内部的信息吗？

Klukai...Not surprising, considering it involves Paradeus. I've already told Leva to look into how it leaked.……既然和帕拉蒂斯有关，那这种情况并不意外，具体的泄露途径，我已经让莱娅去调查了。

RucheyThen should we link up first? MAS-02 isn't that big. I think we'll definitely find "Shepherd" faster with more of us!那接下来我们要先汇合吗？MAS-02不算太大，我想人多的话应该能更快找到“牧羊人”的下落！

KlukaiNo need. We found a facility of Jibril's in the Yellow Zone. Team A will head there first.不，我们找到了吉布利尔建立在黄区的设施，一队将优先前往那里。

KlukaiCapturing "Shepherd" will be left entirely to you. And the key to it... Welrod, I heard from the Commander that you still don't know Shepherd's exact location?抓捕“牧羊人”的行动将全部交给你们。而行动的关键……维尔德，我听指挥官说你还不知道牧羊人的具体位置？

WelrodThat is true. I only know that our target is in the satellite city at the moment.是的，现在只知道目标是在卫星城。

KlukaiI have one more piece of intel. A few days ago, Jibril ordered a batch of weapons and equipment to be delivered to MAS-02.我这边还有一条情报，几天前，吉布利尔曾订购了一批武器装备，送到了MAS-02。

KlukaiThere's a lot of equipment, and it includes a large mech. I think this is what Shepherd prepared in order to resist capture after finding out Rodrigo was caught.装备的数量很多，而且包含大型机甲，我想，这应该是发现罗德里格被捕后，牧羊人为抗拒抓捕所做的准备。

WelrodWait, moving heavy weapons into the satellite city? The PSA didn't tell me about this. Didn't they register it?等等，把大型兵器运进卫星城？治安部门那边没有告诉我这件事，他们没有登记吗？

(Welrod's gaze turns sharp in an instant. A forgotten location surfaces in her memory.)（维尔德的眼神瞬间变得锐利，随即在脑海中浮现出一个被遗忘的角落。）

(She remembers that there's an area in MAS-02 where crime runs rampant and illegal trade is more brazen than anywhere else, a place that rarely draws the PSA's notice.)（她想了起来，在MAS-02中有这么一个区域，那里犯罪横行，违法贸易也比其他地方更加猖獗，很难引起治安部门的注意。）

KlukaiJudging by the look on your face, you seem to have remembered something?看你的样子，应该是想到了什么？

WelrodSo it was actually that simple... I might know where Shepherd is hiding now.居然会这么简单……我可能知道牧羊人的藏身之处了。

Frozen Game 封盘

(The old city district's streets are narrow. After a group of cultists blocked their way, 404 Team B decided to split up before moving forward.)（旧城区道路狭窄，在遭到一群教徒的阻拦后，404二队决定分散前进。）

(Welrod knows the terrain best, so she's first to reach the target location.)（维尔德最熟悉地形，因而也最快地来到了目标地点。）

(She pushes open the battered wooden door and steps into the house.)（她推开破旧的木门，走进了屋子。）

(The air inside is thick with old dust and a faint, indescribable smell of decay.)（屋内的空气中弥漫着陈旧的灰尘和一丝难以言喻的腐朽气息。）

(Moonlight, the sole source of illumination, streams in through the window. It outlines the room's layout and draws the silhouettes of its furniture.)（没有照明，只有从窗外透进来的月光，勾勒出了大致的家具轮廓和空间布局。）

Welrod...Commander, I'm in position.……指挥官，我已经就位了。

CommanderGo look for the target first. We'll be there soon. Remember to be careful.你先寻找目标，我们会很快到达，切记要小心。

(Welrod only had a vague recollection of this place in her real memory.)（在真实的记忆中，维尔德对这里的印象原本很模糊。）

(Given that the first commission, at first glance, didn't seem connected to the cases that followed, Welrod had long since tucked the relevant data away in a corner of her neural cloud.)（因为那起最初的委托，乍看之下与后续的案情毫无关联，相关信息也早已被维尔德放到了心智的角落里。）

(The flowers on the windowsill have withered away completely by now, and the dust on the floor is much thicker than before, as if time has stopped here long ago.)（窗台上的花卉如今已彻底干枯凋零，地面上的尘土更是比之前厚了许多，仿佛时间在这里停滞了很久。）

(Welrod stands where she once discussed the case with her assistant bot. But that too, was exclusive to the scene reconstruction. In reality, she had to tackle all these cases by herself.)（维尔德站在曾经和助手机器人一起讨论案情的地方——那是情景还原里的经历，而在真实的回忆中，她始终是独自面对着这些案件。）

WelrodStop hiding. I know you're here.别躲了，我知道你在这里。

???...……

(A gust of night wind blows through the window, stirring up the sleeping dust.)（一阵夜风从窗口吹了进来，卷起地面的灰尘。）

(A new set of footsteps is soon heard. The individual hidden in the corner slowly steps out of the shadows, bathed in the cold moonlight.)（另一个脚步声响起，那个藏在角落处的人缓缓从阴影中走出，沐浴在清冷的月光之下。）

(The mastermind behind the whole string of cases, which began with the disappearance of that "Righteous Broker," is now right before her. To find her, Welrod was once lost in the Yellow Zone, then returned from it to here.)（从那位“义商”的失踪开始，一连串案件的幕后真凶，此刻就在眼前。为了找到她，维尔德一度迷失在黄区，又从黄区回到了这里。）

达莉娅...……

WelrodDr. Dahlia... Long time no see.达莉娅医生……好久不见。

达莉娅What's your name? Ah... I remember now. Miss Welrod. You're a patient who once came to me for counseling.你是？啊……我想起来了，维尔德小姐，曾经来找我咨询过的病人。

(Dahlia smiles and brings up the one brief meeting the two of them had, which was when Welrod obtained Ivan's counseling records from her.)（达莉娅面带笑容，提起了两人的一面之缘，也就是在那个时候，维尔德从她的手里拿到了伊万的心理咨询记录。）

WelrodStill going to play dumb to the end? It's useless. You're surrounded, and your men nearby will soon be wiped out by my teammates.想装傻到底吗？没用的，你已经被包围了。附近的手下也很快就会被我的同伴们消灭。

(Welrod draws her gun, aiming it straight at Dahlia. No one else is in the room. If her intent is to subdue her, this is a good opportunity.)（维尔德拔出了枪，枪口直指达莉娅。房间里没有其他人，这或许是制服她的好时机。）

达莉娅Oh my, how dangerous.哎呀，真是危险。

WelrodYour name never came up in this case from beginning to end, and for a while I took you for an ordinary counselor.你的名字自始至终没有在这起案件中出现过，我也一度把你当成了普通的心理医生。

WelrodSo when you handed me that data card for a direct connection, I didn't feel the slightest suspicion.因此，当你拿出数据卡让我直连的时候，我甚至没有产生一丝怀疑。

WelrodMiss Dahlia, you planted the memory encryption program made from a Nyto's virtual cognition image into my neural cloud back then, didn't you?达莉娅小姐，利用涅托心智所制造的记忆封锁程序，就是你在那个时候植入到我的心智里的，对吧？

达莉娅...What are you talking about? I have no idea.……你在说什么，我完全不知道呢。

WelrodThe reason you didn't destroy me outright was probably that you were worried I had other neural cloud backups. So you used a method I wouldn't notice to seal off this stretch of memory.你们之所以没有直接将我摧毁，大概是担心我有其他心智备份。所以采用了不让我察觉到的方式，来封锁这段记忆。

WelrodUsing a Nyto's residual cognition data to create a neural cloud-sealing virus is no simple technique... but your teacher Chiloveig had remarkable talent in that area.利用涅托的残留数据来制造心智封锁病毒，这不是简单的技术……但你的老师奇洛薇格在这方面有着出色的才能。

达莉娅I don't know the person that you're talking about. I just came to see a patient in the area and lost my way till I ended up here by accident.我不认识你说的这个人，我只是来附近给病人看病，不小心迷路到了这里。

达莉娅Miss Welrod, don't tell me you're investigating for the PSA again?维尔德小姐，难道你又在替治安部门查案吗？

达莉娅Come to think of it, I only found out later that the PSA closed its investigation into the Sergei case long ago. You lied to me back then.说起来，我后来才知道，治安部门对谢尔盖案的调查很早就结束了，你当时对我说了谎。

达莉娅Impersonating the PSA to work a case is against the law, you know.假冒治安部门办案可是违法的哦。

(Welrod hesitates for a few seconds. In the end, she doesn't open fire.)（维尔德迟疑了数秒，最终并没有开枪。）

(Dahlia is prepared, but perhaps because she doesn't know how many comrades Welrod brought, she doesn't dare act rashly.)（达莉娅有所准备，但或许是并不知道维尔德带来了多少人，因此不敢轻举妄动。）

(Like Welrod, she's feeling things out. And that works in Welrod's favor too, since she needs to wait for her teammates to get into position.)（和维尔德一样，她也在进行试探。而这对于需要等待队友就位的维尔德来说，同样有利。）

WelrodThat's alright. Then let me help jog your memory.没关系，那就让我来帮你回忆一下吧。

WelrodRodrigo's employer, a member of the Bloody Angels cult, and the successor to Project Oracle known as "Shepherd"—Dahlia.罗德里格背后的雇主、血色天使教的成员，以及被称为“牧羊人”的神谕计划的继承者——达莉娅。

Welrod(Since I need to buy time, I'll lay out Dahlia's crimes right here.)（既然要争取时间，那就在这里指明达莉娅的罪行吧。）

Welrod(The key to this accusation is proving that she is "Shepherd.")（指认的关键，是证明她就是“牧羊人”。）

Welrod(Through the visions the Harbinger showed in the memory playback, I've confirmed that "Shepherd" is a survivor of Bohnsdorf Village.)（通过告死鸟在记忆回溯中展现的幻象，我已经确定“牧羊人”就是伯恩村的幸存者。）

Welrod(Thus her name is—)（而她的名字是——）

What was Shepherd's original name?牧羊人最初的名字是？

Chiloveig奇洛薇格

Janina雅妮娜

Dahlia达莉娅

WelrodNo, Chiloveig is not Shepherd.不，奇洛薇格并非牧羊人。

WelrodShe was involved in the Bloody Angels cult incident, but she was later taken out by the Commander.她虽然参与了血色天使教的事件，但后来已经被指挥官干掉了。

WelrodThe real Shepherd was still dealing with Rodrigo until very recently. She used to live in this very house, and I know her name.真正的牧羊人一直到最近还与罗德里格有过交易，她曾经就住在这间屋子内，而我知道她的名字。

WelrodJanina—the girl who went missing in the old city district, and the only person on the Bohnsdorf Village survivor list I found who is closely connected to this case.雅妮娜——那位在旧城区失踪的少女，也是我在伯恩村幸存者名单中找到的，唯一与这起事件密切相关的人。

WelrodMiss Dahlia, you chose to hide here because you're confident that no one knows your past.达莉娅小姐，你选择藏在这里，是因为自信于没有人知道你的过去。

WelrodYou are Janina, and this used to be your home.你就是雅妮娜，这里是你曾经的家。

达莉娅I already told you, I wandered in here by accident after losing my way.我刚才说了，我是迷路后不小心来到这里的。

达莉娅I rarely come to the old city district, and of course I don't know who's this Janina you keep mentioning.我很少到旧城区，当然也不认识你所说的雅妮娜。

达莉娅From the way you put it, she must be a local here, right?听你的说法，她应该是这里的居民吧？

达莉娅Yet I'm a counselor living in the White Zone.而我却是一名生活在白区的心理咨询师。

达莉娅If we really were the same person, wouldn't a change that drastic be a bit much?如果我们真的是同一个人，这样的转变是不是太大了点？

WelrodYou're right. Going from a pauper in the old city district to a therapist in just a few short years would be impossible without some stroke of fortune.你说得对，短短几年间，从旧城区的贫民转变为心理咨询师，若没有奇遇，是很难成功的。

WelrodBut she really did encounter such a stroke of fortune.但对雅妮娜来说，这样的奇遇刚好发生了。

What stroke of fortune did Janina have?雅妮娜遇到的奇遇是？

Struck it rich得到了一笔横财

Gained a benefactor's support得到了贵人支持

Received help from the "Angel"得到了“天使”的帮助

Welrod(No. Even with her involvement in the Bloody Angels cult's crimes, Janina shouldn't have had much money.)（不，即便参与了血色天使教的犯罪，雅妮娜也应该没什么钱。）

Welrod(Judging from the past the Harbinger showed me, her life in the cult was utterly miserable. Using the container motel to traffic people may also have been something she was forced into.)（从告死鸟所展现的她过去来看，她在教团里过得非常凄惨，利用集装箱旅馆贩卖人口或许也是不得已为之。）

Welrod(But that isn't the key to her transformation... because an even more important encounter happened at her side.)（不过，这并不是导致她发生转变的关键……因为还有一次更重要的邂逅，出现在了她的身边。）

WelrodA benefactor? That is true in a sense, but it's not quite an accurate way to put it.贵人？从某些角度来说确实如此，但这种说法不够准确。

WelrodBecause in Janina's eyes, the individual was no mere benefactor, but someone far more important.因为在雅妮娜看来，对方绝非什么贵人，而是更加重要的存在。

WelrodJanina met the "Angel", that is, the god of the Bloody Angels, the Harbinger.雅妮娜遇到了“天使”，也就是血色天使的神明，那位告死鸟。

WelrodShe may have left Bohnsdorf Village, but here in this satellite city, she had the misfortune of falling under Paradeus' control once again.她虽然离开了伯恩村，却在这座卫星城内，再一次不幸地被帕拉蒂斯所控制。

WelrodThe two of you met in Paradeus' church.你们便是在帕拉蒂斯的教堂里见面的。

达莉娅A church? I've never heard of anything like that in the old city district.教堂？我可没有听说过旧城区有那种地方。

WelrodThat was Paradeus' underground base, and also the place you abducted the young mistress to.那是帕拉蒂斯地下基地，也是你将白区的大小姐绑架过去的地方。

WelrodWhen you were praying that day, the Angel stood behind the altar. She made a request to leave the place with you.那天你正在祈祷，而天使就站在祭坛后面，她向你提出了要求——一起离开。

达莉娅...From where... did you even hear stories like that?……你……是从哪里听到的这些故事？

达莉娅Miss Welrod, I must applaud your imagination.维尔德小姐，我不得不佩服你的想象力。

达莉娅But if you want to prove I'm Janina, you should bring more concrete evidence than just these guesses that sound like a fantasy story.但你要证明我是雅妮娜，应该拿出更加切实的证据，而不只是这些如同奇幻故事一样的猜想。

Produce solid proof that she is Janina拿出证明她是雅妮娜的切实证据

The flowers by the window窗边的花

The scar on her face脸上的伤痕

Dahlia's eyes达莉娅的眼睛

达莉娅What does that pot of withered flowers have to do with me?那盆枯萎的花和我有什么关系吗？

达莉娅I'm not in the habit of tending plants.我并没有照顾植物的习惯。

Welrod...Not this.……不是这个。

达莉娅A scar? My face is perfectly fine, you know.伤痕？我的脸上很干净哦。

达莉娅Ah, if you're saying that Janina was once injured to the point of scarring, then I do pity her.啊，如果你是指雅妮娜曾经受过伤的话，那她还真是可怜。

Welrod...Not this piece of evidence.……不是这个证据。

Welrod...Miss Dahlia, why did you replace your eye with a prosthetic?……达莉娅小姐，你为什么要更换义眼？

达莉娅I've explained it before. It helps me with my job.这个问题我以前有解释过，为了更好地完成我的工作。

WelrodBut what you replaced was far more than your eye, because the left side of your face...但你更换的根本不只是义眼，因为在你的左脸上……

WelrodThere ought to be a large area of scarring left from your time in Bohnsdorf Village.原本应该残留着在伯恩村留下的大片伤痕。

达莉娅...……

WelrodIt was caused by Collapse radiation. It can't heal on its own, so the only option was cosmetic surgery.那是坍塌辐射造成的，无法自然痊愈，所以只能通过整形手术治疗。

WelrodGetting a prosthetic made repairs to the surrounding skin more thorough.更换义眼则是为了让周围的皮肤被修补得更为彻底。

WelrodMiss Dahlia, I have here a surgical report for "removal of facial silicification crystals" and "treatment for mild radiation sickness". The patient's name is yours.达莉娅小姐，我这里有一份“面部硅化结晶祛除”，以及“轻度辐射病治疗”的手术报告，患者名字正是你。

WelrodBut it's strange. Why would your biological features be an exact match for the owner of this record—a girl named Janina?但太奇怪了，你的生物信息特征，为什么会与这件物资的主人，那位叫做雅妮娜的女孩一模一样？

(Welrod produces the surgical record Klukai found, dealing the final blow to the suspect.)（维尔德拿出了可露凯找到的那份手术记录，对眼前的嫌疑人完成了最后一击。）

Welrod(Dahlia is visibly shaken. That is a past she doesn't want to face.)（达莉娅明显动摇了，那是她不愿意面对的往事。）

Welrod(But for me, this is a breakthrough that exposes her past, something that forces her to confess her crimes.)（而对我来说，这是一个突破口，揭示出她的过去，逼她承认自己的罪行。）

WelrodBohnsdorf Village was once under Paradeus' influence, but it was later abandoned, and the villagers committed mass suicide after their faith collapsed.伯恩村曾经受到帕拉蒂斯的影响，但后来却遭到抛弃，在信仰崩塌后村民集体自杀。

WelrodYou're a survivor of that village. When the others detonated the radiation bomb, you fled in fear, and in the end you survived.你是那个村子的幸存者，在其他人引爆辐射弹的时候，你因为害怕而逃走，并最终得以幸存。

达莉娅...……

WelrodBut surviving one catastrophe doesn't mean smooth sailing from then on.但渡过了一次劫难，并不代表今后就能一帆风顺。

WelrodPerhaps because your face had been exposed to radiation, you couldn't live a normal life... and after drifting to the old city district of this satellite city, you unexpectedly ran into those people once again.或许是由于面部遭受了辐射，你无法过上正常的生活……辗转到了这座卫星城的旧城区后，竟然又一次遇到了那些人。

WelrodPerhaps they wanted to keep you quiet, or perhaps because you made an ideal test subject, Paradeus set their sights on you once more.帕拉蒂斯为了让你保守秘密，又或许是因为你是绝佳的实验体，他们再次盯上了你。

WelrodUnder their abuse, you even came to regret your decision to flee the village, and longed for "salvation" all over again.在他们的虐待下，你甚至后悔当初逃出村子的决定，渴望重新获得“救赎”。

WelrodBut the Angel, the Nyto seen as a failure yet able to feel the pain of others as her own, understood your fear.而天使，那位被视为失败品，却能对他人痛苦感同身受的涅托，理解了你的恐惧。

WelrodShe took you away, and then you both met that kind man, Bohdan. You must have moved into Bohdan's Home together with her, didn't you?她带走了你，随后遇到了那位善良的博赫丹。你应该也和她一起住进了博赫丹之家，对吧？

达莉娅Bohdan...? I don't know anyone by that name!博赫丹……我不认识这个人！

WelrodEven if you deny it, that doesn't change the influence he had on the two of you.就算你否认，也改变不了他所给你们造成的影响。

WelrodThe container hotel was originally conceived to carry out his ideals too, wasn't it?那座集装箱旅馆，在一开始也是为了完成他的理想而建设的，不是吗？

WelrodThis place wasn't a den of human trafficking from the get go. The change began after you abducted that young mistress from the White Zone and became Paradeus' pawn once more!这里并非在一开始就是买卖人口罪恶巢穴，变化是在你绑架了那位白区大小姐，重新成为帕拉蒂斯的爪牙后开始的！

达莉娅Heh, how absurd. None of what you're saying holds water. Why would we go back if we escaped?呵呵，真可笑，你说的这些根本不符合逻辑，如果我们是逃出来的，又为什么还要回去？

WelrodIt was only a guess, but it's easy to explain.虽然只是猜想，但这很好解释。

WelrodYour old wound on the left side of your face kept worsening, until it even formed silicification crystals.在你的左脸上，那处因坍塌辐射造成的旧伤一直在恶化，甚至产生了硅化结晶。

WelrodChiloveig tracked you down. Under her threats and enticements, you chose to accept her terms.奇洛薇格找到了你的行踪，在她的威逼利诱下，你选择接受了她的条件。

WelrodYou even became her disciple and inherited her wicked plan.你还成为了她的弟子，继承了她那邪恶的计划。

达莉娅...What do you mean?……什么意思？

WelrodIt means that in order to save your own skin, you betrayed the Harbinger, and even turned around and helped Chiloveig control her!意思是，你为了自己能活下去，出卖了告死鸟，甚至反过来帮助奇洛薇格控制她！

达莉娅You... you're making this up! None of what you're saying is true!你……你在瞎编！你说的这些根本不符合事实！

(Dahlia's voice suddenly rises. She grows agitated, the composure from a moment ago gone from her eyes.)（达莉娅的声音陡然拔高，她变得很急躁，眼神中已经没有了刚才的冷静。）

(For some reason, she's furious at Welrod's accusation that she betrayed the Harbinger.)（不知为什么，对于维尔德所质疑的她对告死鸟的背叛，她感到十分愤怒。）

达莉娅Lady Angel's frame needs regular maintenance. Her return to the sect is essential for her continued survival!天使大人的素体需要定期维护，只有回归教团，她才能活下去！

达莉娅I never betrayed her. Not when we fled Paradeus, not when I chose to become Teacher Chiloveig's disciple... everything I did, I did for Lady Angel!我从来没有背叛过她，无论是当初从帕拉蒂斯逃离，还是后来选择成为奇洛薇格老师的弟子……我做的这一切，都是为了天使大人！

Welrod...Looks like you're admitting to your crimes, then.……看来你是承认自己的罪行了。

达莉娅Crimes? You're the guilty one! You killed our god and obstructed the implementation of the "purification" and the "destiny"!罪行？有罪的是你！你害死了我们的神明，阻挠了“净化”与“天命”的实施！

达莉娅Because of that, Teacher Chiloveig gave up on the experiments, and the "Bloody Angels" almost got wiped out!这导致奇洛薇格老师也放弃了实验，“血色天使”一度濒临毁灭！

达莉娅I'll keep the plan alive. I'll complete "Project Oracle" in her place!我会把这一切继续下去，我将替她完成“神谕计划”！

(As Dahlia roars, Welrod hears the sound of machinery starting up outside.)（伴随着达莉娅的怒吼，维尔德听到屋外传来机械的启动声。）

(She reacts quickly, dodging backward as the cramped container gets "baptized" by a hail of bullets. Welrod lies flat on the floor and, amidst the shower of glass shards, forces her head up.)（她于是敏锐地向后躲闪，狭小的集装箱遭到了子弹的洗礼。维尔德趴在地上，在四溅的玻璃渣中艰难地抬起头。）

Welrod14.5mm MG rounds. So the heavy weapons Klukai mentioned really were hidden here!14.5毫米的机枪弹，可露凯所说的重型兵器果然藏在这里！

(Welrod is glad she took the Commander's advice to stall for time. Otherwise, she might have had to fight these weapons on her own.)（维尔德庆幸有按照指挥官的建议拖延时间，否则她可能不得不独自面对这些武装兵器。）

(But now, she hears a call come in over the comm. It's her teammates from 404 Team B.)（但现在，她听到通讯里传来了联络，是404二队的伙伴们。）

HarpsyWelrod, are you alright? We've reached our battle positions!维尔德，你没事吧？我们抵达战斗位置了！

VectorEnemy units sighted. Ready to move on your order.已发现敌方单位，随时可以行动。

Nemesis...The dead... should return to darkness...……死者，就应还于黑暗中……

CommanderSorry to keep you waiting, Welrod. Let's make the arrest.让你久等了维尔德，开始抓捕吧。

达莉娅Meddlesome detective! Now I truly regret my initial caution. I should have torn you apart the first time I saw you!碍眼的侦探！我真是后悔当初的谨慎，就该在你第一次出现在我面前时，亲手撕碎你！

WelrodIt's over, Dahlia. Or should I call you "Shepherd"?一切都结束了，达莉娅，不，“牧羊人”。

WelrodDahlia is "Shepherd's" current name.达莉娅是“牧羊人”现在的名字。

WelrodShe may have thrown away her own past, but I should know what she's been through and who she is.她虽然抛弃了自己的过去，但我应该清楚她经历过什么，当然也知道她是谁。

Frozen Game 封盘

达莉娅Agh—!呃——！

RucheyVivi, the cultists have all been shot down! The machines they were operating have all lost their combat capability too!Vivi，教徒已经全部被击毙！他们操作的机械也都失去了战斗力！

VectorUnderstood. Keep watch on the perimeter and prevent enemy reinforcements from joining.知道了，继续警戒周边，防止敌人的增援。

VectorWelrod, are you all right?维尔德，你没事吧？

WelrodYou should worry about our suspect instead. I might have been a little rough when I disarmed her.你应该关心的是嫌疑人。解除她武装的时候，我可能出手重了点。

HarpsyTh-This is bad! The fighting kicked up too much noise, and the PSA forces are massing on the road leading into the old city district!不……不好了！战斗的动静闹得太大，治安部门的武装正在通往旧城区的道路上集结！

CommanderFall back. Take Dahlia with us and make her give up Paradeus' intelligence in her own words.撤退吧，把达莉娅带走，让她亲口交代帕拉蒂斯的情报。

(Welrod walks toward Dahlia, who has slumped against the wall. After the fight just now, she has lost her weapon and looks to have no strength left to resist.)（维尔德朝瘫倒在墙边的达莉娅走去，经过刚才的战斗，后者失去了武器，看上去已经无力反抗了。）

达莉娅...Heh.……呵呵。

(But the moment Welrod comes near her, an unsettling smile crawls up her face.)（然而，就在维尔德靠近的瞬间，她的嘴角却勾起一抹诡异的笑容。）

(A crisp mechanical click echoes from Dahlia's right wrist as the casing splits open, exposing the internal machinery.)（紧接着，达莉娅的右手腕部发出一声机械契合的“咔哒”声，外壳向两侧裂开，露出了内部的机械结构。）

VectorA prosthetic? So the body modifications weren't just limited to her left eye.是义肢？她对身体的改造不只是左眼。

(Right after, mechanical devices spring out of her left leg and even the right side of her chest, starting emergency treatment for the damage she took in the fight.)（紧接着，左腿，甚至是右侧的胸腔也弹出了机械装置，开始为她刚才在战斗中遭受的损伤进行紧急治疗。）

RucheyOh my! She's fitted herself with so many prosthetics that she's practically half a Nyto!天哪！她竟然给自己安装了那么多义肢，简直像是半个涅托！

(404 Team B raises their guns at Dahlia again, only to realize that her prosthetics carry no weaponry. However, one carries a cylindrical object within its cavity.)（404二队再次朝达莉娅举起枪口，却发现她的义肢上并没有武装，但在内部藏着一个圆柱形的物体。）

(Dahlia raises it high above her head, allowing it to catch an ominous sheen in the moonlight.)（达莉娅把它高高地举过了头顶，在月光下反射出不祥的光泽。）

达莉娅Stop. If you come any closer, I'll blow this whole place up!停下，再靠近的话，我就把这里都炸掉！

(It's an explosive device that once appeared in Welrod's memory, now connected to a large, dark green canister.)（那是曾在维尔德记忆中出现过的爆炸装置，此刻正与一个相当大的墨绿色罐子相连。）

WelrodIs that... a radiation bomb?那是，辐射弹？

达莉娅That's right. It's the thing you once saw in the purification zone. But this one is several times more powerful. It could wipe out the entire old city district!没错，是你曾经在净化区见过的东西。但这枚的威力比那些大好几倍，可以毁掉整个旧城区！

(Welrod wants to fire, but Dahlia holds the explosive in front of her, so Welrod dares not shoot rashly.)（维尔德想要开枪，但达莉娅却把爆炸物挡在身前，让她不敢贸然射击。）

CommanderHold your fire for now. There are still residents nearby!先别攻击，这附近还有居民！

达莉娅Put down your weapons and get out of here. All of you. Now!放下武器，然后所有人离开这里，立刻！

HarpsyWh-What do we do? Should we do what she says for the moment?怎……怎么办？我们是不是应该先按照她说的做？

WelrodTsk... We have no choice. Like the crazed version of the Harbinger, Dahlia had always hated the old city district.啧……我们没有选择，达莉娅和失控后的告死鸟一样，一直憎恨着旧城区。

WelrodShe'll definitely set off the bomb if she's cornered.要是被逼到绝境，她一定会引爆那枚炸弹。

Vector...Then we should at least get the people out.……那至少，我们应该把人员撤离出去。

WelrodIt can't be done. The district's population is too diverse and complicated to evacuate everyone in a short time.做不到的，旧城区的人员构成太复杂，短时间内没法全部撤离。

达莉娅Why are you all just standing there? Do as I said!为什么站着不动了？都按照我说的做！

CommanderWe'll have to find a way to seize the bomb... Welrod, find a way to keep her calm. Everyone else, wait for my signal!只能想办法夺下炸弹了……维尔德，你想办法稳住她，其他人，等待我的信号！

(Faced with Dahlia's threat, the Commander has no choice but to order everyone on site to lower their weapons first.)（面对达莉娅的威胁，指挥官不得不让现场的众人先放下武器。）

达莉娅Throw your gun over here!把枪扔过来！

Welrod...……

(Welrod tosses her gun to Dahlia, the metal frame clinking against the floor.)（维尔德将枪扔到达莉娅的脚边，金属枪身在地面上发出清脆的声响。）

(But to everyone's surprise, the instant Dahlia takes the gun, she aims it at Welrod.)（然而，出乎意料的是，达莉娅在拿到枪后，立刻抬起了枪口，对准了维尔德。）

VectorWelrod!维尔德！

(Dahlia fires. The bullet strikes Welrod's frame, throwing her off balance. She drops to one knee.)（达莉娅开枪了，子弹击中维尔德的素体，让她失去平衡单膝跪倒在了地上。）

达莉娅The rest of you, back off! Or we all go down together!其他人给我后退，不然大家一起完蛋！

Welrod...Do as she says.……按她说的做。

HarpsyB-But!但、但是！

Commander...Trust Welrod. Fall back for now.……相信维尔德，先撤退。

VectorCopy.明白。

(Vector leads the others away from the container hotel, reluctant and worried.)（维克托带着其他人，在不甘和担忧中离开了集装箱旅馆周边。）

(Seeing that only Welrod is left before her, Dahlia grows reckless. She approaches, aiming at her while holding the bomb with another hand, looking down on the detective before her.)（在看到面前只剩下维尔德一个人后，达莉娅更加肆无忌惮。她一步步靠近，一手拿枪对着维尔德，一手举着炸弹，居高临下地俯视着眼前的侦探。）

达莉娅Stop pretending. I know you can still move. Get up!别装了，我知道你还能动，给我站起来！

Welrod...What an honor. You sent everyone else away, but kept me behind.……真荣幸啊，你让其他所有人都离开了，却单独留下我。

达莉娅You're different, Miss Detective. I already told you, you're the one who killed my god.你不一样，侦探小姐。我说了，是你害死我的神明。

达莉娅The stalling of "Project Oracle" and the endless delay of the "destiny" are all because of your arrogant justice!“神谕计划”的停滞，以及“天命”迟迟无法实现，这一切都是因你傲慢的正义所致！

WelrodArrogant justice... I don't mind that phrase. This world has no order to begin with, and only the arrogant would ever try to establish one.傲慢的正义……我并不讨厌这个说法，这个世界本来没有秩序，只有傲慢的人才会想要去建立它。

达莉娅(Laughs) But the one to develop order won't be you! I will, with the knowledge I inherited from my teacher!哈哈哈，但是建立这个秩序的不会是你！而是我从老师那里继承的知识！

Welrod...Isn't your "Project Oracle" about making Nytos? Don't tell me there's some other purpose.……你们的“神谕计划”不是制造涅托吗？难道还有其他目的？

达莉娅Nytos were just the goal Teacher Chiloveig had at the beginning.涅托只是奇洛薇格老师在一开始设定的目标。

达莉娅I'm different. I'm going to realize Lady Angel's "destiny"!我不一样，我要实现天使大人的“天命”！

WelrodDestiny? Don't tell me...天命？难道……

达莉娅In Bohnsdorf Village I refused salvation out of fear, and in the old city district church I longed for death out of fear!我曾在伯恩村的时候因恐惧而拒绝了救赎，也曾在旧城区教堂因恐惧而渴望死亡！

达莉娅Do you know what lies at the root of all this fear?你知道这一切恐惧的根源是什么吗？

达莉娅Because humans are too fragile! Their lives are lost so easily.因为人类太脆弱了！总是会轻而易举地失去生命。

达莉娅But you Dolls, and Nytos, are different. Even if you die... you can come back to life!但你们人形，还有涅托却不一样，就算死了……也可以复活！

达莉娅My "Project Oracle" is meant to make all of this a reality for humans!我的“神谕计划”就是要在人类身上实现这一切！

达莉娅The dead of Bohnsdorf Village, the people murdered by criminals in the old city district, and my Lady Angel... all of the dead will be reborn!伯恩村的逝者、旧城区被罪犯杀死的人，还有我的天使大人……死者将获得重生！

WelrodThis is... the "destiny" you preached to your followers. You actually intend to realize it, seriously?这是……你们向信徒所宣扬的“天命”，竟然认真地想实现它？

达莉娅Of course. What I'm going to realize is a world where no one gets hurt!那当然，我要实现的，是不会有任何人受伤的世界！

达莉娅So you must atone, arrogant detective. Because you dragged the great plan into a slump!所以你必须赎罪，傲慢的侦探。因为你让伟大计划一度陷入低谷！

达莉娅Do you know how Lady Angel died? It's you, Welrod! You killed her!你知道天使大人怎么死的吗？是你害死了她！

达莉娅That bullet of yours, and that poison-laced heresy of yours, drove Lady Angel into complete madness until she could no longer be repaired and met her destruction!你的那颗子弹，还有你那充满毒素的歪理邪说，致使天使大人彻底陷入疯狂，终于无法维修，走向了毁灭！

达莉娅Teacher gave up on the plan too. No matter how I begged, she wouldn't stay.我的老师也放弃了计划，无论我如何恳求，她都不肯留下来。

达莉娅You, and that "Righteous Broker" who once got in our way—your sabotage is why "Project Oracle" has been delayed until today!你，还有那个曾经阻挠过我们的“义商”，都是你们的破坏，导致“神谕计划”拖延至今！

(Dahlia's deranged howling makes Welrod begin to pity her.)（听着达莉娅疯狂的咆哮，维尔德突然觉得她十分可怜。）

(The ideal the Harbinger received from Bohdan was distorted after Chiloveig modified her.)（告死鸟从博赫丹那里得来的理想，在被奇洛薇格改造后遭到了扭曲。）

(And now the angel's friend and most devoted follower, the Shepherd, has made that noble ideal even more insane.)（而现在，那位天使的朋友，最忠实的信徒——牧羊人，则将那份崇高的理想变得更加疯狂。）

(Her pity slowly burns into anger. To Welrod, those kind and righteous convictions—so similar to the Commander's own ideals—must never be twisted in such a manner!)（这份怜悯渐渐燃烧成愤怒，因为在维尔德看来，那些与指挥官的理想相似的、善良且正义的信念，绝不可以遭到如此的曲解！）

达莉娅One day... we will bring our god back to life and at last fulfill our destiny and salvation!终有一天……我们会重新复活自己的神，最终实现天命与救赎！

达莉娅And the one to make it happen will be me, Chiloveig's disciple, the Shepherd of the Bloody Angels!由我，奇洛薇格的门徒，血色天使的牧羊人来实现！

Welrod...……

达莉娅Let's end this pleasant conversation here. Our time together ends now, detective!愉快的谈话就到这里吧，我们的缘分该结束了，侦探！

(Dahlia presses the barrel against Welrod's head, as if she wants to make sure she won't miss. Her eyes carry an excited, deranged killing intent.)（达莉娅将枪口抵住维尔德的头，似乎是要确保不会打偏。她的眼中带着兴奋而疯狂的杀意。）

(Welrod knows her opponent has every reason to hate her, and that she will pull the trigger without hesitation.)（维尔德知道，这个人确实有理由憎恨自己，她一定会按下扳机。）

Tablet—Today is an important day! It's the day the Vagrants' Hotel opens for business!——今天是流浪者旅馆开业的重要日子！

达莉娅Hmm?嗯？

(But suddenly, a burst of laughter erupts beneath Welrod, coming from a tablet left behind on the floor.)（但就在这时，维尔德的脚下响起了一阵笑声，那是从一个被遗落在地上的平板中传出来的。）

Tablet—What a beautiful flower, thank you...——好漂亮的花，谢谢你！

(A while ago, when Dahlia shot her, Welrod quietly let the tablet drop. Shielding it with her body, Welrod kept her from noticing it.)（不久前，在被达莉娅击中的时候，维尔德悄悄让平板掉落下来，并靠着身体的遮挡没有让她发现。）

(In the video that suddenly began playing, a girl laughs joyfully as she faces whoever was filming.)（现在，突然开始播放的视频中，少女正带着欢快的笑声面对着视频中的拍摄者。）

达莉娅This footage... where is it from?这个影像……是从哪里？

(—This flower is so lovely. What was it called again?)（——这花真好看，它是叫什么来着？）

(It's a piece of evidence Welrod recorded, found in the container hotel, an object that preserved the memories that Dahlia and the Harbinger once shared.)（那是维尔德所记录的证物，她在集装箱旅馆中找到的，承载了达莉娅与告死鸟过去时光的物品。）

Welrod...Has it come back to you yet? The girl in the footage is you, and the one filming is the Angel you looked up to, the Harbinger herself.……想起来了吗？里面的那个女孩是你，而拍摄者，则是你所憧憬的天使，那位告死鸟。

(When Dahlia sees herself in the video, she visibly wavers.)（当达莉娅看到视频中的自己时，她表现出了明显的动摇。）

WelrodThis was the salvation the two of you wanted all along, escaping Chiloveig, escaping Paradeus... That was the "destiny" the Harbinger wanted to help you reach once she felt your fear.这是你们本来想要的救赎，逃离奇洛薇格，逃离帕拉蒂斯……那是告死鸟在感受到你的恐惧后，所想要帮你实现的“天命”。

(—It's called the white dahlia... "Dahlia". It means purity and new life!)（——白色的大丽花……“达莉娅”，它的含义是纯洁与新生！）

Welrod"Shepherd"! You twisted her wish and carried out slaughter in the name of salvation. How much longer do you mean to stay lost in this delusion?!“牧羊人”！你扭曲了她的愿望，以救赎之名实施杀戮，还打算执迷不悟到什么时候？！

达莉娅...No, no. That's not right.……不、不对。

达莉娅It's not like that! The destiny Lady Angel longed for is resurrection, the resurrection of all those who are dead!不是这样！天使大人渴望的天命是复活，是所有死者的复活！

(Shaken, Dahlia loses her composure. Fully focused on silencing the detective, she seems to have forgotten the bomb in her other hand.)（达莉娅在动摇中失去了冷静，她似乎已经忘了另一只手上的炸弹，只顾着让眼前的侦探闭嘴。）

(But before she can pull the trigger, a gunshot pierces the night sky. Her left hand, along with that dangerous bomb, is blown clear into the distance.)（然而在她按下扳机前，一记枪声响彻夜空，她的左手连同那危险的炸弹一起被轰飞到了远处。）

NemesisTarget hit, Commander.目标已命中……指挥官。

CommanderWelrod, secure the radiation bomb!维尔德，稳住辐射弹！

(Paying no mind to the wounds on her frame, Welrod catches the radiation bomb before it can hit the ground.)（维尔德顾不上素体上的伤口，赶在辐射弹掉落前将它接住了。）

(At the same moment, muzzles spit flame not far off as 404 Team B, long lying in ambush, fire a dense hail of bullets and tear Dahlia's prosthetic body apart in an instant.)（与此同时，不远处的枪口喷出火舌，埋伏已久的404二队射出密集的子弹，将达莉娅的义体瞬间撕碎。）

WelrodLeave her alive. We still have questions for her.留她一条命，我们还有话要问。

HarpsyW-Welrod, are you alright?!维、维尔德，你没事吧！

Welrod...Nothing serious, but my frame will need some repairs again.……没有大碍，只不过素体又要维修了。

(Welrod rises again despite her injuries, her steps a little unsteady, but firm.)（维尔德带着伤势重新站起，步伐虽然有些踉跄，但依旧坚定。）

(Dahlia lies on the floor, her body in ruins, still conscious.)（达莉娅则躺在地上，身体残破，但似乎还有意识。）

(Welrod's words seem to have dealt a blow to her spirit. Dahlia's eyes are fixed on the pot of withered flowers on the windowsill not far away.)（维尔德的那番话似乎对她的精神造成了打击。达莉娅的双眼正看着不远处窗台上那盆枯萎的花。）

Welrod...When I came here to investigate in the past, it was still in full bloom.……我以前来这里调查时，它还很茂盛。

WelrodThat was when I first saw the Harbinger. Perhaps she came to water the flowers.那时我第一次见到了告死鸟，她或许是来给花浇水的。

WelrodShe even went out of her way to avoid me. She probably didn't want a fight to happen in a place tied to her old memories.她还刻意避开了我，大概是不想在这个有着她回忆的地方，爆发战斗。

达莉娅...……

WelrodEven after all her modifications, the Harbinger still remembered the peaceful days she shared with you.就算经历了改造，告死鸟也依旧记得和你度过那段宁静的时光。

(But in the fight just now, the flowerpot was hit by a bullet, and it has now shattered into a heap of broken shards and soil.)（然而，就在刚才的战斗中，花盆被子弹击中，此时已碎成了一地残破的瓦砾与泥土。）

(Dahlia stares at the pile of fragments, her eyes hollow. No one knows what flashed through her mind in the last moments before she lost consciousness.)（达莉娅看着那堆碎屑，眼神空洞，没有人知道她在失去意识前的最后一刻，脑海中究竟闪过了怎样的画面。）

(Only the white petals, now soiled with dirt, still sway in the wind, as if blooming one last time.)（只有那一片片已经被泥土弄脏的白色花瓣，依然随风摇曳着，像是在进行最后的绽放。）

Detective's Final Bow 侦探谢幕

HostThanks for tuning in to Mozyr's Local News.欢迎收看莫济里州的本地新闻。

HostToday's special report will give you a full breakdown of the major crimes that recently took place in MAS-02.今天的特别报道，将向您全面解析最近发生在MAS-02的重大犯罪。

HostFor that purpose, we've invited a special guest to come on stage today... Good day to you, Miss...!为此，我们邀请了特约嘉宾……小姐。

GuestHello, everyone. Good day to you, host.大家好，主持人好。

HostThis criminal organization, which has now been uprooted, had entrenched itself in MAS-02 for many years. May I ask what you think of this?这次被连根拔起的犯罪组织已经在MAS-02盘踞了很多年，请问您对此有什么看法？

GuestI said long ago that the old city district of MAS-02 is an enormous hotbed of crime, and the state government must resolve to improve the living conditions of the residents there...我很早以前就说过，MAS-02的旧城区是个巨大的犯罪隐患，州政府必须痛下决心改善当地居民的生活状况……

(In the Elmo's ops room. Welrod is connected to a frequency currently broadcasting Mozyr's local news.)（艾莫号指挥室，在维尔德连接的广播频段中，此时正在播放莫济里州的本地新闻。）

(But the airwaves are unstable in the Yellow Zone, and even with Mayling helping to tune them, we only get an intermittent audio signal.)（然而黄区的电波不稳定，即便有美玲帮忙试调，我们也只获得了断断续续的音频信号。）

HostThe affair has stirred up a strong public response, and some groups have even organized marches.此次事件已在当地引发了强烈的民意反响，甚至有团体组织了游行。

GuestThat's the voice of the people. The White Zone elites have always turned a deaf ear to it, probably thinking that the old city district's crime can never affect them.这是人民的心声，白区精英们总是对此置若罔闻，大概是觉得旧城区的犯罪影响不了自己。

GuestThat line of thinking is a mistake, because as a child, I nearly fell into the hands of criminals from the district. A detective helped me uncover the truth...这么想就错了，因为我小时候就差点落入旧城区的犯罪分子之手。但有一位侦探，帮我查出了真相……

CommanderWelrod, have the injuries to your frame been repaired?维尔德，你的素体损伤修好了吗？

WelrodThey have. They weren't anything serious, and besides, it happened because I lacked sufficient preparation.修好了，那不是什么严重的伤势，况且之所以面临那种情况，也怪我自己准备不足。

CommanderIt wasn't your fault. Dahlia's radiation bomb was left to her by "Chiloveig" too. That's someone who acts without regard for the consequences. Perhaps from the very start she wanted to see her own disciple go to ruin...这不是你的错，达莉娅的辐射弹也是“奇洛薇格”留给她的。那是个做事不顾后果的人，或许在一开始就想看到自己的弟子走向毁灭……

(We questioned Dahlia in detail before handing her back to the PSA, and the mystery surrounding the "Shepherd" has finally come to a close.)（在把达莉娅交还给治安部门之前，我们对她进行了细致的审问，与“牧羊人”相关的谜团也总算是有了个了结。）

(First is her connection to Paradeus. It can now be confirmed that she didn't belong to Paradeus directly. Aside from Chiloveig, she never contacted any of its other members.)（首先是她与帕拉蒂斯的关联，现在可以确定，她并非直接属于帕拉蒂斯。除了奇洛薇格以外，她没有与任何成员联络过。）

(Next is her motive. She seems to have truly believed that "Project Oracle" could bring the dead back to life. But in reality, that technology is only good for making some low-grade Nytos.)（其次是动机，她似乎真的相信“神谕计划”能够让死者复活。但实际上，那个技术只适用于制造一些低级涅托。）

WelrodBy Dahlia's account, Paradeus made the Harbinger very early on, but they soon abandoned that line of development.按照达莉娅的说法，帕拉蒂斯很早就制造了告死鸟，但随后便抛弃了这一技术路线。

WelrodAfter all, the later appearance of Niter had already fully achieved what "Project Oracle" set out to do at the start.毕竟后来妮特的出现，已经完全实现了“神谕计划”在一开始的目的。

WelrodChiloveig, however, took the "Project Oracle" data and that Nyto with her to the Green Zone to continue the experiments. That's the origin of the "Bloody Angels" organization.奇洛薇格却带走了“神谕计划”的资料与那位涅托，来到绿区继续进行实验。这就是“血色天使”这个组织的来源。

CommanderWhat she said was probably all true... Nemesis corroborated it. Paradeus did carry out research along these lines.她说的应该都是事实……纳美西丝佐证了这些情报，帕拉蒂斯确实有进行过相关的研究。

WelrodEstablishing the "Bloody Angels" in the satellite city, abducting experimental material, and committing the sensational grisly murders were all Chiloveig's doing.在卫星城建立“血色天使”，绑架实验材料，并制造了轰动一时的猎奇杀人案，都是奇洛薇格所为。

WelrodBut the Harbinger later couldn't be repaired, so she gave up the experiments and handed all the material and equipment to Dahlia. That's how the "Shepherd" came to be.不过，告死鸟后来无法被修复，她也放弃了相关实验，把所有材料和设备都交给了达莉娅。这才有了“牧羊人”。

WelrodDahlia, for her part, took herself to be Chiloveig's disciple and carried on the "Project Oracle" research.达莉娅则自认为是奇洛薇格的门徒，继续进行“神谕计划”的研究。

(In complete contrast to her frenzy in the fight, Dahlia was remarkably cooperative under questioning after her capture.)（与战斗中疯狂的样子完全相反，被抓捕后达莉娅在面对审问时显得非常配合。）

(She disclosed all the material Chiloveig gave her, along with everything she had researched.)（她交代了奇洛薇格给她的全部资料，以及自己目前的研究进度。）

WelrodWhat a pity. Even after "sacrificing" so many people, she was still a long way from truly building a Nyto or from the technology to resurrect the dead.有些可悲的是，即便牺牲了那么多人，距离她真正造出涅托，实现死者复活的技术，还差得很远。

WelrodAlso... Dahlia mentioned something that stayed on my mind, which is that after Chiloveig left the satellite city, she contacted her once.另外……达莉娅也说了一件让人在意的事情，那就是奇洛薇格离开卫星城后，联系过她一次。

WelrodWhen that happened, she brought up that there's another individual carrying out related research... Commander, the Nyto making incidents aren't fully over yet.而那个时候，她提起还有另一个人在进行相关的研究……指挥官，这起和制造涅托有关的事件，依旧没有结束。

Commander...I'll keep watching this affair. But either way, Paradeus' presence in MAS-02 can be considered rooted out.……我会继续关注这起事件的，但不管怎么样，MAS-02的帕拉蒂斯势力算是被根除了。

(I turn my attention back to the TV. The screen is still full of static, but that guest's longing for truth and justice comes through in her voice.)（我将注意力重新转移到电视上，屏幕上依然是雪花点，但那位嘉宾对真相与正义的渴望，却通过她的声音传达了出来。）

HostI hear you're planning to run in the state council elections soon?我听说您最近打算参加州议会的选举？

GuestI am. My campaign slogan is—"Confront injustice, crush evil! The light of justice can never be extinguished!" I do hope you'll all lend your support!是的，我的竞选口号是——『直面不公，粉碎罪恶！正义的光芒永不熄灭！』还请大家多多支持！

(For some reason, her voice strikes me as familiar, as if I've heard it somewhere before.)（不知为什么，这个声音让我觉得有些熟悉，总感觉在哪里听到过。）

CommanderThe old city district of MAS-02 might not change in the short term...MAS-02的旧城区，或许在短期内依然不会有改变……

CommanderBut I can feel it... the residents there have started to take a harsher stance on crime.但我能感觉到……那里的居民已经开始认真看待发生在身边的罪恶了。

CommanderWelrod, I think this is the result of all your crime fighting efforts.维尔德，我想这是你一直以来努力与犯罪进行斗争的结果。

Welrod..."Even after the heroes are gone, their sense of justice gets inherited by those who come after". A world like that has always been what I wanted.……英雄即使离开，正义也会被更多的人继承，正是我一直以来的目标。

WelrodBut Commander, don't forget that this conviction of mine comes from my "teacher" too.不过指挥官，别忘了我的这份信念，也是来自于我的“老师”。

CommanderYour teacher? Welrod, are you someone's disciple too?老师？维尔德你也是谁的门徒吗？

WelrodOf course. That would be... you, Commander... Don't make me spell things out like that.那当然是……指挥官你啊，这种事情，不要让我说的那么明白。

CommanderHeh, sorry. I did that on purpose.抱歉，我确实故意开了个玩笑。

CommanderHmm... come to think of it, during the scene reconstruction, you said more than once that you'd carry on my ideals.嗯……说起来在情景还原的时候，你好像不止一次说过要继承我的信念呢。

CommanderI assumed that was supposed to be your show-stopping line as a detective. So you actually meant it literally?我还以为那是你作为侦探的决胜台词，居然真的就是字面上的意思？

WelrodA show-stopping line? A proper detective would never have something like that...决胜台词？正经的侦探才不会有那种东西……

WelrodIt is true, though, that MAS-02 really is like a den of monsters. Once, after seeing those brutal crimes happen right in front of me, I came to hate evil so much that I wanted to gun down every last villain!说实话，MAS-02确实像个魔窟，在亲眼目睹那些残酷的犯罪后，我也一度变得嫉恶如仇，恨不得把坏人全部毙了！

CommanderReally? You sound just like Harpsy in her assistant bot state.是嘛，简直就和机器人状态的哈卜茜一样呢。

WelrodBut whenever I think back on what we once went through together, it steadies the convictions I started with.然而，每当回想起和指挥官当初经历过的那些事，又会让我坚定原本的信念。

WelrodThe sight of you fighting Paradeus in our Griffin days, that unyielding conviction, is the root of my sense of justice.您在格里芬时期与帕拉蒂斯战斗的身影，那绝不妥协的信念，才是我正义的根源。

(Welrod's words turn rather formal, but her voice grows softer and softer. I never imagined that someone so calm and composed could turn bashful at a time like this.)（维尔德说着一些过于书面的文字，但声音越来越小。没想到总是沉着冷静的她，会在这种时候变得害羞。）

CommanderThank you, Welrod. I'm glad to hear that you are fighting for the convictions we both share.谢谢你维尔德，我很高兴听到你说是为了我们共同的信念在进行战斗。

CommanderDuring the scene reconstruction, I lived through part of your old city district memories with you. The spirit and resolve you showed have truly moved me.在情景还原中，我也和你一起经历了一部分旧城区的时光，你所展现出的精神确实触动了我。

CommanderI believe our convictions will definitely reach more people.我想这份信念，也一定可以影响到更多的人。

WelrodThank you for the recognition, Commander. This is more precious to me than any honor... or medal.谢谢你的认可，指挥官，这是比任何荣誉都更珍贵的……勋章。

WelrodBut if it's alright, I'd like to ask for a little reward as well...但是如果可以的话，我还想向你索要一点奖励……

CommanderA reward?奖励是？

(Welrod leans in close. She tries hard to maintain the composed countenance that befits a detective, but the blush slowly spreading through her cheeks gives her away.)（维尔德主动朝我靠了过来，她虽然想努力保持作为侦探的从容姿态，但逐渐开始泛红的脸颊还是出卖了她。）

WelrodShall we hug? Surely this is an expected and ordinary gesture between partners who are reunited after a long time apart.索要一个拥抱？这应该是，久别重逢的搭档间再正常不过的礼仪吧？

(She presses against my chest, no longer able to hold on to her calm demeanor.)（她贴到了我的胸前，冷静的模样也无法再维持。）

(Welrod's eyes dart about, restless. Seeing her so tense, I smile, tell her to relax, and gather her into my arms.)（维尔德眼神闪烁，显得有些不安。看到她如此紧张，我便笑着让她放松，随后将她揽到了怀里。）

CommanderLong time no see, Welrod. We're together again.好久不见，维尔德，我们又在一起了。

Welrod...Thank you, Commander.……谢谢你，指挥官。

WelrodOver these ten years, I thought that the justice I upheld was destined to be lonely, that I could only swim against the current alone.这十年间，我曾以为，我所坚守的正义注定是孤独的，只能独自逆流而上。

WelrodBut later, I found that so long as I have my memories of you, I'll never lose my way.但后来我发现了，只要有和你的回忆在，我就永远不会迷失方向。

WelrodEven when we are far apart, Commander... you still remain a source of my willpower.即便是不在我的身边的时候，指挥官……你依然可以成为我的力量。

(Welrod's frame is unexpectedly petite. She stays nestled in my arms for a while, sharing the feelings she normally couldn't bring herself to express.)（维尔德的素体意外地娇小，她在我怀里趴了好一会儿，倾诉着平时无法说出口的感受。）

(Her smile is so bright and alive under the window-filtered sunlight. I hold her hand tightly in return and look out at the morning mist, slowly lifting over the wasteland.)（在窗外阳光照射下，她的笑容显得是那么鲜活。我紧紧回握住她的手，望向荒野上渐渐散去的晨雾。）

(The schemes and crimes that once shrouded the satellite city are now dispersing, and it was Welrod's unwavering pursuit of justice and truth that stripped them of their disguise.)（那些一度笼罩在卫星城的阴谋与罪恶正在消散，正是维尔德对正义和真相的执着追寻揭开了它们的伪装。）

WelrodOnce again, thank you, Commander...再次向你道谢，指挥官……

WelrodFrom now on I'll stay aboard the Elmo more often with 404 Team B, by your side, using my keen judgment to help you find the enemies hiding in the dark.我今后会更多地和404二队一起留在艾莫号上，待在你的身边，用我出色的判断力，帮你寻找那些藏在暗处的敌人。

WelrodI think being able to help you with this ability may be the most important meaning of my path as a detective.我想，能够靠这份能力帮到你，或许才是这条侦探之路最重要的意义。

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.