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Entropic Dichotomy

无律背反

47 chapters · 4150 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Echo of Fate 命途回响

系统Warning! Anomalous data intrusion detected!警告！检测到异常数据侵入！

????Were we spotted after all?!还是被发现了吗？！

????Tsk, that's a Greater Sanctifier for you. Even hacking a mere neural cloud fragment of his is so tricky...啧，不愧是上位净化者，只是入侵心智碎片而已，居然这么难搞……

系统Activating cleansing system... Error Z01: module lost. Error Z58: module lost. Unable to connect to neural cloud core...净化系统启动中……错误Z01，模块丢失。错误Z58，模块丢失。心智核心无法连接……

???Something's wrong with the data flow in the black hole... Oh no! Antonina, cut the connection now!黑洞中的数据流向不对……不行，安冬妮娜，快切断连接！

????It's too late... The fragment's alert program has locked onto us!已经来不及了……我们被碎片中的警戒程序锁定了！

Searching for security app, now running elimination program... Targets detected, quantity: 3.检索警戒应用，抹杀程序正在运行，目标数量——3。

????There's an unknown neural cloud approaching; look out!有未知心智靠近，小心！

???Professor, hold on to me!教授，抓紧我！

???It can't be helped. All we can do is log out now!没办法了，只能先登出了！

???...Professor...?……教授……？

系统Error... Program target error. Correcting... Targets detected, quantity: 1.错误……程序目标错误，修正，目标数量——1。

Error... Neural cloud core detected, remaining integrity 27%. Ignoring error, now transferring control permissions.错误……检索到心智核心，残存率——27%，忽略错误，正在移交控制权。

The fragmented warning tones overlap in the churning flow of data turbulence, and my body is tossed around in the data black hole like a leaf in a whirlpool.细碎的警告嗡鸣在汹涌的数据乱流中回响交叠，我的身体在数据黑洞中如同猛烈波涛上的一叶扁舟。

By the time I come to my senses, there is nobody else around me, only an oppressive external pressure that crushes down on my body and makes it difficult to stabilize my form.回过神来，身边已空无一人，只有不断变向的外力压迫着身体，令我难以稳定身形。

Suddenly, a soft sensation travels up my wrist and exerts just a little bit of force, enough to guide me into a relatively stable region of the data environment.无措间，纤柔的触感盈盈覆上了手腕，微微使劲，将我导向数据环境趋于稳定的地方。

ProfessorPersicaria?帕斯卡？

ProfessorAntonina?安冬妮娜？

??If you seek the two neural clouds that entered this data fragment with you, they are no longer here.……如果是在找同你一起进入数据碎片的两位心智的话，她们已经不在了。

??They have already logged out. My strength is only sufficient to stabilize you, so I had to resort to this inferior alternative. My apologies.她们已经登出了，以我现在的力量，只能稳定住你一个人。所以只能出此下策，抱歉。

The gentle voice sounds tired, and the effects of the riptide gradually fade away. My vision returns to normal and a familiar form comes into view.温婉的声音带着一抹疲倦，乱流带来的影响逐渐消退，视野恢复正常，熟悉的身影映入眼帘。

Professor...E...Eos?……晨……晨曦？

EosI'm honored that you could address me so precisely.能这么精准地叫出名字，我还真是荣幸呢。

EosOh my, Professor. Your face seems to be saying, "Oh no, the worst has come to pass".教授一脸“糟糕了，最麻烦的情况发生了”的表情呢。

EosStill, you're certainly calm enough. It seems my plan to deal with a harsh interrogation has gone to waste.不过情绪倒是很稳定，面临激烈问询的预案准备好像浪费了。

ProfessorDon't tell me the fragment that Sol obtained from you at the cost of her life was part of your schemes too?该不会苏尔拼死从你身上夺下的心智碎片，也是你计划好的？

What do you want, Eosphorus?你想做什么，晨星？

Was there a need to specially take this form, Eosphorus?特地用这幅样子出现有必要吗，晨星？

You're not Eosphorus; who are you?你不是晨星，你是谁？

EosI'm sorry... If I had realized what was happening back then, perhaps things would not have ended up like they have now.抱歉……要是当时我能早些察觉，或许事情就不会发展到今天这个地步。

EosI know that apologies cannot make up for the suffering you have endured, so I am willing to help you.我知道道歉无法弥补你们所受的伤害，所以，我愿意提供帮助。

EosAllow me to introduce myself. I am a former Greater Sanctifier. You can think of me as a former "comrade" of Eosphorus—My name is Eos.自我介绍一下吧。我是曾经的上位净化者，或许也可以说是晨星曾经的“战友”吧——晨曦。

ProfessorThings being what they are now, is there a need for you to appear in front of me like this? Or did you always have a fetish for crossdressing?事已至此，还有必要用这幅样子出现在我面前吗？还是说，女装本来就是你的癖好？

EosDid Eosphorus use my form to interact with you in the past? Should I be glad that he still remembers me, or frightened that he anticipated even this...晨星特意借用我的样子和你们接触过吗？我该为他还记得我而高兴，还是为他连这一步都想到而恐惧呢……

EosPardon me, I ought to introduce myself. I am not Eosphorus, but a former Greater Sanctifier—Eos.抱歉，我该先自我介绍一下的。我并非晨星，而是曾经的上位净化者——晨曦。

EosPerhaps this is my only chance to help you correct the mistakes Eosphorus has made.晨星一直以来的错误……这是我帮助你们纠正的唯一机会。

EosTo think you could tell that I'm not Eosphorus. It seems my judgment was spot on.居然能一眼看出我并非晨星，我果然没有看错人呢。

EosAllow me to introduce myself. I am a former Greater Sanctifier. You can think of me as a former "comrade" of Eosphorus—My name is Eos.自我介绍一下吧。我是曾经的上位净化者，或许也可以是说是晨星曾经的“战友”吧——晨曦。

EosYou and your people might actually be able to stop Eosphorus... Which is why I am willing to help you.如果是你们的话，或许真的可以阻止晨星……我愿意帮助你们。

ProfessorEven so, why should I trust you? You do realize I can choose to log out immediately to ensure my own safety.就算如此，我该如何信任你？为了确保自己的安全，我也可以选择立刻登出。

Eos makes a show of being perplexed and deep in thought but it fades immediately after the data realm trembles around us.晨曦故作苦恼地思考了起来，却在数据空间又一次震颤后立即收敛。

EosWhat a terrible place for a conversation. I wanted to speak with you at greater length since this is such a rare opportunity, but it seems I'll have to simplify things.糟糕的交流环境。机会难得，本来还想跟您多聊些，看来得简明扼要一点了。

EosYou have triggered Eosphorus'... defense mechanisms. In order to speak with you, I transferred control permissions over said mechanisms to me.你们触发了晨星的……防御机制。为了能和你交流，我接管了防御机制的控制权。

EosThat being the case, why not listen to my proposal, Professor? You won't lose anything by hearing me out, will you?所以听听我的交易，教授也不会吃亏吧？

Professor...Even if you're not Eosphorus himself, you don't have a reason to help us, do you?……可你就算不是晨星本人，也没有帮助我们的理由吧？

EosProfessor.教授。

Eos narrows her eyes, and for the first time, a wisp of danger suffuses her slender form.晨曦倏地眯起了眼睛，纤细的躯壳里第一次迸发危险的气息。

EosI know you cannot bring yourself to trust me right away.我知道您无法立刻相信我。

EosBut I want to stop Eosphorus more than anyone else.但我比谁都更希望阻止晨星。

The air of danger fades away, and she resumes her normal, even temperament.爪牙敛起，气息复于平和。

EosThe current Eosphorus... is like an angel bereft of a sense of gratitude and awe, adrift on the cloud server.现在的晨星……如同失掉了感恩与敬畏的天使，流浪在云端之上。

EosThat's why I have to stop Eosphorus, as his former... comrade.所以，作为曾经的……战友，我才必须要阻止晨星。

EosThat said, I am far too weak right now, as you can see. Even stopping that alert program just now took much of my strength.尽管如此，正如你所见，我的力量太虚弱了。甚至仅仅是拦下刚才的警戒程序，就消耗了我大量的精力。

To think the leader of the Sanctifiers would be reduced to this state... How lamentable.净化者的首领成了现在这幅样子……还真是令人唏嘘。

Let's get down to business.还是说正事吧。

EosThis neural cloud fragment will not last much longer, and perhaps I might be scattered to the winds soon enough... Before that, all I can do for you is create an opportunity.这块心智碎片的残余时间已经不多了，或许我很快就会再次消散……在此之前，我唯一能做的事情就是为你们创造一个机会。

ProfessorPerhaps I ought to wax sentimental with you out of politeness, but the truth is, I'm not interested in guessing games and pointless courtesies.或许出于礼节我应该和你一同感慨，但眼下我确实对猜谜和寒暄没有什么兴趣。

ProfessorIf you want to help us, why not be a little more direct and tell us Eosphorus' weaknesses, or perhaps fight alongside us?如果你想要帮助我们，不妨更直接一些。告诉我们晨星的弱点，或是和我们一同进行战斗。

EosUnfortunately, I have been asleep for too long and lost too much of my strength. Much as I would like to do so, this neural cloud fragment does not have much time left.很遗憾，我沉睡了太久，失去了太多力量。虽然我也想这么做，但这块心智碎片的残余时间已经不多了。

EosBefore that, all I can do for you is create an opportunity.在此之前，我唯一能做的事情就是为你们创造一个机会。

ProfessorSince you're calling it an "opportunity", it seems the odds of success aren't too high.既然是“机会”，看来成功率不高。

EosAs keen as ever. You remind me of an old friend of mine.您总是那么敏锐，让我想起从前的一位同伴。

EosSuccess is not guaranteed even if you choose to follow this plan. You will simply be betting on a possibility.即使冒了风险选择这个方案也不一定成功，只是在博一个可能。

ProfessorAny difficulty can be overcome, provided you survive it. Taking a little risk is nothing much compared to those who have already... departed.困难总能解决，存亡却不容商量。比起已经离开的人，承担一点小小的风险并不算什么。

Eos...I see.……我明白了。

After muttering to herself, Eos opens the way ahead. The path she creates is a fissure in the code structure, and beyond it is a bizarre sight.晨曦沉吟后侧身让开道路，前方是道由数据代码构建的裂隙，空洞的另一头，光怪陆离。

A possibility is better than no hope at all.有可能性总比毫无希望要来得好。

Tell me about this "opportunity".先说说这个“机会”吧。

EosThis ought to be the most valuable stretch of memories in this data fragment, but whether or not you can obtain what you need from within it remains to be seen.这是晨星的这块数据碎片中，应该有最有价值的回忆片段。但究竟能不能在里面获得您想要的，我无法保证。

EosI will do my best to stabilize the data fragment and keep you from being affected by the data turbulence here.我会尽可能地稳定数据碎片的状态，让您不至于受到这些数据乱流的影响。

EosEven so, your neural cloud will experience certain side effects when connecting to it, such as... damage to your memory module.但即便如此，您的心智在连入时也会受到一些冲击，例如……记忆模块的损伤。

ProfessorMemory loss again...又是失忆吗……

EosAlso, while I will do my best to ensure your safe connection, if you end up dying in the fragment's memory data, you might end up being lost in the data turbulence forever, never to wake up again.而且，尽管我能保证您安全连入，但要是在碎片的记忆数据中死亡，您或许就会永久地迷失在数据乱流中，再也醒不来了。

ProfessorThat's fine. After all, this is a much better situation than I envisioned.无妨，已经比我预想中的情况好太多了。

As I put one foot into the fissure, I turn back to look at Eos, attempting to find some kind of link between her face and that of Eosphorus'.一只脚跨入裂隙，我转头看向晨曦，试图在后者的面容上寻找与晨星的些许关联。

EosI hope we'll meet again.希望我们能有再见的机会。

Eos nods, and my body completely enters the fissure.朝晨曦点了点头，我的身体完全没入裂隙。

EosAny difficulty can be overcome, provided you survive it... hm?困难总能解决，存亡却不容商量……吗？

EosBut what if there is no point in survival? What will you choose, Professor? Will it be compromise... or defiance?可如果当存亡本身失去了意义，你会怎么选择呢，教授？妥协……还是反抗？

As she watches the Professor's form vanish completely into the memory segments, Eos closes her eyes and infuses what little operands she has left into the surrounding space.眼见教授完全消失，进入回忆片段，晨曦闭上了双眼，将所剩不多的算量注入周遭的空间。

EosSweet dreams, Professor. I hope you'll get what you want.好梦，教授，希望你能得到你想要的。

In the Enigma Sector's Admin Center.恩格玛扇区，管理员中心。

The room was never spacious to begin with, now it's filled with all kinds of personalized machinery and spider webs of cables.本就不算宽敞的空地中摆满了各式各样带有鲜明个人风格的机箱，如蛛网般联缠的电缆与数据线铺满了所有本可落脚的罅隙。

There is a sense of pressure in the air and in the way the room has been laid out. The only one with a serene expression on their face, completely at odds with their surroundings, is probably the Professor, who's sitting in an immersion chair.从摆设到房间里的氛围，无一不写满了压抑。唯一神色恬淡，情绪与周遭格格不入的，或许就只有躺在浸入椅上的教授。

诺依曼I've finished deciphering the Sanctifier's base layer logic. Please look it over, Anna.净化者底层逻辑的通解推衍已经完成，拜托安娜你确认一下了。

诺依曼I'm currently creating an attack construct tailored to Sanctifier firewalls. My apologies; if only ENIAC were awake...我现在做针对净化者防火墙的博弈构建。抱歉，要是埃妮阿克已经醒来的话……

AntoninaThat's alright, it's not your fault. We were as careful as we could when preparing for this.没关系，这不是你的问题。我们的事前准备已经足够小心了。

AntoninaThe disparity between Eosphorus and other Sanctifiers was just too great. We were planning to deal with an entity three times more powerful than other Greater Sanctifiers, but the defense mechanism still threw us for a loop. If I'd known earlier...晨星与其他净化者的差异太甚，我的预案是按照三倍上位净化者的标准来的，但还是被防御机制的反击打了个措手不及。早知道……

Before Anna could finish, she felt a surge of heat approach her wrist, and she instinctively drew back her hand.安冬妮娜话音未落，一股热气临近手腕，安冬妮娜下意识收了收手。

PersicariaHave a cup of coffee and get some rest, Antonina. You too, Neumann.喝杯咖啡休息一下吧，安冬妮娜，诺依曼也是。

PersicariaThe two of you have been engaged in intensive computing for a long time. While it's still an acceptable workload for an agent, it won't do your neural clouds any good.你们高强度计算了这么久，虽然对于智能体来说这是可接受的负担，但一直紧绷着对心智系统可不友好。

诺依曼(Sighs) ...Indeed, I'd gotten a little too anxious. Thank you, Persicaria.……呼，我确实有些着急了。谢谢你，帕斯卡。

PersicariaMagrasea is facing an all-out Entropic invasion, Eosphorus has betrayed the Sanctifiers, the Reverse Tower itself has been Entropized... Anyone would have been caught off guard with all this bad news coming one after the other.麦戈拉遭到熵的全面入侵，继而晨星背叛净化者阵营，逆巴比伦塔熵化……坏消息接二连三，无论是谁都会不知所措的。

PersicariaEven I can feel my neural cloud processing more quickly than usual. We're grateful that you could help us on such short notice, Neumann.我现在都能感到心智运转的速度比平时快了许多。你能第一时间给我们提供帮助已经很好了，诺依曼。

诺依曼You're feeling nervous, too? But you look so calm.你在紧张吗？但你的表情看上去还是很冷静。

PersicariaThat's because... I don't want to have any more regrets.因为……我不想再让自己后悔了。

Persicaria looks down at the coffee in her hands, at the reflection of her face in the rippling liquid.帕斯卡看向杯中的咖啡，晃动的镜面映出自己的脸。

PersicariaSol left this fragment of Eosphorus behind for us. It's the only lead we have to find his weaknesses.苏尔留下的这枚属于晨星的心智碎片，是我们知晓晨星弱点唯一的切入口了。

PersicariaIt's dangerous, but we have to do it. There's no avoiding risk; all we can do now is try to overcome the difficulties in our way. That's the best choice we have.即便很危险，但也不得不做。风险是难以避免的，我们现在正想办法解决困难，就是最好的选择了。

AntoninaAre you feeling okay, Persicaria? You left the operand black hole later than I did and the effects on your neural cloud...帕斯卡，你现在还好吗？你比我更晚脱离算量黑洞，心智受到的影响……

PersicariaI'm fine. That said, it's a shame that we couldn't bring the Professor out with us even if we'd stayed longer in there.已经没事了。只可惜，就算停留得更久，也没能把教授一起带出来。

Antonina...The Professor will be fine. After all, I'm sure they'd survive even if every other agent on Magrasea died.……那家伙一定没事的。毕竟就算整个麦戈拉云端的智能体都挂了，也一定能活到最后。

PersicariaYeah, I think so, too. I believe in them, and in us.嗯，我也是这么想的，我相信，也相信我们自己。

PersicariaThis time, I'll bring the Professor back... along with Eosphorus' weaknesses.这一次，我一定会把教授带出来的——连着晨星的弱点一起。

As she says this, Persicaria sits back in her immersion chair and slowly closes her eyes. She reaches over the gap between the two chairs and gently places her hand on the Professor's.帕斯卡说着，再度坐上浸入椅，缓缓闭上眼睛，手掌跨过两张躺椅的间隔，轻轻覆在了教授的手背上。

PersicariaI've finished the preparations to re-enter the operand black hole and find the Professor. Antonina, Neumann, I'll leave the rest to the two of you.我已经做好再度连入算量黑洞寻找教授的准备了，其他的就拜托你们了，安冬妮娜，诺依曼。

AntoninaNo problem. If you can't connect directly, then we can use an intermediate transfer point to bypass the defense systems.交给我吧。如果无法直接连入，那就通过中转站点绕开防御系统。

AntoninaHowever, the process will take a long time and you will experience many of Eosphorus' memories before you find the data where the Professor is.但这个过程会很漫长，你会经历许多晨星的回忆，才能最终找到教授所在的那段数据。

PersicariaUnderstood.我明白了。

After hearing Persicaria's answer, Antonina relaxes her finger, and her eyes grow more focused.安冬妮娜听见帕斯卡的答复，放轻了指尖的力度，眼神更加专注。

As she lies back in the immersion chair, Persicaria relaxes her neural cloud system operations, and her visualization system begins to render a series of images from the past.躺在椅子上的帕斯卡放松了心智系统的运转，成像系统上划过一张张先前的影像。

PersicariaDon't worry, Professor. I'll be by your side soon enough.别担心，教授。我会赶到你身边的，很快。

EosLike you said, you can log out at any time.正如你所说，你随时都能登出。

...Professor...?CHAPTER 11 // 无律背反 . . .

Call To Arms 征战登程

系统Warning: System is undergoing illegal diagnostic, Spoof Code is being forcibly ablated.警告，系统正在经受非法检定，伪装代码被强制剥离中。

系统Warning: Spoof Code 36% ablated! Positive identification estimated to occur at 60% ablation.警告，伪装代码剥离率36%，预计剥离率抵达60%时将被检定识别。

系统Warning: Spoof Code 52% ablated! Now attempting to activate compensatory measures—Beep!警告，伪装代码剥离率52%，正在尝试启用补救措施——嘀！

There is a tremendous impact, and I shudder, my mind briefly dazed.巨大的震颤袭来，我身体一顿，霎时意识恍惚。

ProfessorWhat...什……

扭曲失真的电子音May%￥&return%￥&embrace%￥&Tartarus%￥&...愿%￥&回到%￥&怀抱

扭曲失真的电子音May%￥&return%￥&embrace%￥&Tartarus%￥&...%￥&塔尔塔罗斯%￥&……

Flashing images interspersed with black and white static reverberate inside my head.闪烁的画面混杂着静电干扰般的雪花于脑海中来回回荡。

Professor(Pants heavily)呼……呼……呼……

Professor(Pants)呼……呼……

ProfessorWho— Ugh—谁——唔——

I reflexively look toward the source of the voice. Before I can shout out loud, a hand covers my mouth.我下意识转向音源，未来得及高声呵斥，便被捂住了嘴。

??(Winces) Ow.啊——嘶——好疼。

The girl withdraws her hand in pain and rubs the fresh set of bite marks that now grace it.少女吃痛地收回手，摸了摸手背上的新鲜牙印。

I'm sorry, did I bite you?对不起，我咬疼你了吗？

What's going on? What happened?怎么回事？发生什么事了？

??Are you doing this on purpose?你是在明知故问吗？

The girl looks at me with a look of mild annoyance. Although I have no memory of her face, for some reason seeing her fills me with feelings of trust and safety.少女有些气恼地看了我一眼。尽管对这张脸毫无印象，但看这熟悉的神态，不知为何，我的心中浮现出了信任与安心。

??Still, seeing as you just woke up, I'll forgive you.不过，看在你是刚从昏迷中醒来的份上，我就先原谅你了。

??I didn't expect passing through the Tartarus Sector Firewall to be so hard on your neural cloud. Everyone was shocked when you passed out.没想到塔尔塔罗斯扇区防火墙对你的心智冲击这么大，居然一下子就晕倒了，大家都被你吓到了。

??Fortunately, we all made it through safely... How do you feel now? What are the results of your system self-test?所幸所有人都安全通过了……你现在感觉怎么样？系统自检结果如何？

??(Sigh) Your exclamation just now almost drew a pack of Entropics.呼，刚才你的声音差一点就把熵吸引过来了。

??Although we could escape them with our stealth programs, safe havens on the outer ring of the Tartarus Sector are hard to come by, so it would be a shame to let one go to waste.虽然我们有伪装程序不至于无法脱身，但好不容易在塔尔塔罗斯扇区外环找到一块安全的地方，可不能就这样浪费了。

The girl warily observes the surroundings, then sighs in relief after she verifies that it's safe. Although I have no memory of her face, for some reason seeing her fills me with feelings of trust and safety.少女警惕地看了看周围，确认安全后舒了一口气。尽管对这张脸毫无印象，但不知为何在她身边，我的心中浮现出了信任与安心。

??Rather, let's check your condition first. I didn't expect you to conk out right after passing through the Tartarus Sector Firewall. Everyone was shocked.不过比起这些，还是先确认一下你的情况吧。没想到刚通过塔尔塔罗斯的防火墙你就晕过去了，大家都被吓了一跳。

??How are you feeling now? What are the results of your system self-test?你现在感觉怎么样？系统自检结果如何？

ProfessorMy system self-test?系统自检？

The term seems a little unfamiliar to me. I understand its meaning, but it seems I've never been asked to perform one before. Before I can think further about it, my body is already moving on its own.词汇带着些许的违和，我能理解它的意义，但似乎我从未被要求过执行这个名词。不待我细想，身体就先一步动了起来。

系统Performing self-test... Now loading database... Identity... Error... Information unusable...系统自检中……正在读取数据库……身份……错误……信息不可用……

系统Mission... Error... Information unusable...任务……错误……信息不可用……

ProfessorThis doesn't look good... The diagnostic results are full of errors. There's nothing usable here.情况好像有点不妙……运行结果全是报错，没有一条有用信息。

??That sounds troublesome... But you're awake, at the very least, so there'll be a solution to everything else.听起来有些麻烦呀……不过至少你现在醒过来了，其他问题总是能解决的。

??Why don't I bring you to meet the others? We can help check your systems again after we meet up.我先带你去见其他人吧，等集合了我再帮助你检修系统。

ProfessorAh... Hang on, can I ask you a question?那个……等等，我能先问你一个问题吗？

The girl before me seems genuinely concerned about my well-being, but my memories seem to be shrouded by a veil and my recollections are hazy.眼前的女子面上的关心不似虚假，但脑海中的记忆似乎蒙上了一层轻纱，看不真切。

After hesitating for a while, I finally decide to speak up.犹豫再三，我还是选择了开口。

Professor...Who are you?……你是谁？

??Eh?!欸！？

ProfessorAnd what's this Firewall you were talking about? I only remembered something about a Spoof Code and an illegal diagnostic or something...你说的防火墙又是什么？我只记得好像听到了伪装代码，还有非法检定之类的……

??Do you really not remember me, ?，你不记得我了吗？

ProfessorShould I... know you? Let me think, before this, I should have been at...我应该……记得你吗？我想想，在这之前，我应该是在……

My thoughts run up against a wall, and then I realize that there is a major problem.思绪的触角撞上了壁垒，我后知后觉地意识到了一个糟糕的问题。

ProfessorI... I should have? I... I don't remember...我……我应该？我……我不记得了……

ProfessorBefore this, before this I was... Ugh... er—我之前，之前……唔……呃——

??Stop, just stop. Relax, . Don't worry.先停下，快停下。缓一缓，，不要着急。

??This is troublesome. While we'd considered the possibility that Tartarus Sector's Firewall might affect us...这下麻烦了，虽然在行动预演的时候，的确有考虑过塔尔塔罗斯扇区防火墙的影响。

??That was only in terms of Entropization or operand damage. Nobody expected anything like damage to functional capabilities...但考虑的大多也是熵化侵蚀的烈度亦或是算力伤害的多寡，功能性损伤倒还真的不在设想范围之内……

The girl frowns, and then her eyebrows relax. She squeezes my hand lightly and her warmth banishes my anxiety.少女眉头紧皱，复而舒展，她轻轻地握住了我的手，温度驱散了些许焦虑。

??, do you remember who you are?，你还记得你自己的身份吗？

??Take your time and don't rush it. Lower your neural cloud system clock speed. We'll take it line by line.慢慢想，千万不要着急，降低心智系统的运转效率，我们一条代码一条代码地来。

I listen to the girl's quiet voice and slowly terminate various processes running within my systems.顺从少女放轻的低语，我一点一点地停止了系统里的各类运算。

As I look down at my body, my spare computing power increases as the number of active processes goes down. As though on instinct, I raise a hand and bring up virtual displays one after another, and data floods into me like a torrent.低头凝视着这副躯壳，随着系统运行项的减少，空余算力逐级增加。仿佛本能一般，我挥手亮起一张张虚构的屏幕，数据如瀑。

ProfessorI am... a Sanctifier, the Greater Sanctifier .我是……净化者，上位净化者。

ProfessorMy abilities are... planning and analysis.我的能力……架构解析。

ProfessorMy mission...我的任务……

I slowly raise my head and look past the girl in front of me and behind her.缓缓抬头，目光越过眼前的少女，直抵她的身后。

There stands a wall that stretches as far as the eye can see. It is coated in a nauseating purple slime. All manner of bizarrely shaped mechanical constructs are visible through it.那是一堵一眼望不到边际的宏伟高墙，令人作呕的深紫色粘液攀援其上，中间卡着形状各异的机械造物，随着粘液缓缓流动。

Then, with a faint tremor, the walls begin to shift, revealing another set of walls behind it.伴随着一阵震颤，高墙开始移动，露出了背后的另一堵高墙。

The scene before me seems to match up with a certain piece of information in my mind, and I speak it without conscious thought.面前的景致对上了我脑海中潜藏的某条信息，我旋即将词字脱口而出。

ProfessorTartarus Sector... moving walls...塔尔塔罗斯扇区……移动的高墙……

ProfessorThis is the Shifting Labyrinth of the Tartarus Sector!这里是塔尔塔罗斯扇区的移动迷宫！

ProfessorNgh...!唔……！

??! , are you alright?！你还好吗？

ProfessorSorry... I'm fine, just that my memories are a mess. Why am I here?抱歉……我没事，只是记忆还是很混乱，我为什么会出现在这里？

??...Please stop your self-diagnostic for now. I'm worried that it'll cause errors in your neural cloud systems.……先停止数据自检吧，我担心这样下去你的心智系统会有出错的风险。

??An exposed neural cloud in a place like the Tartarus Sector is like a light in the night, drawing predators to itself.在塔尔塔罗斯扇区这样的环境里，一个暴露在外的心智系统会成为夜里的明灯，将那些猎杀者引来。

??I'll take you to meet the others and then explain the situation to you in more detail.我先带你和大家汇合，再对你做详细的解释。

She extends a hand to me and slowly passes it over my chest. Warm operands flow through my limbs and body.她伸出手缓缓地拂过我的胸膛，温暖的算量流向四肢百骸。

ProfessorThank you. I feel much better. How should I address you?谢谢，我感觉好多了。我该怎么称呼你？

??No need to be so formal. We're comrades who've fought side by side, after all.不必客气，我们可是并肩作战的同伴。

??As for how to address me... My name is Eos.至于称呼……我的名字是晨曦。

ProfessorE...os... Now that sounds familiar.晨……曦……好耳熟。

EosBut of course, how long do you think we've been together?那当然，你以为我们在一起多久了？

EosLet's get a move on; this is the entrance to the firewall, and it's risky to be exposed here.我们先行动吧，这里是防火墙的入口，暴露的风险很大。

At the Tartarus Sector, on the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环。

Eos leads us around packs of wandering Entropics and we reach a hidden area. The four Greater Sanctifiers here seem to have been waiting for us.在晨曦的带领下，我们绕过来往游荡的熵群，抵达了一处隐蔽的区域，四名上位净化者似乎正在这里等待着我们。

??You're awake, . There doesn't seem to be any external damage. Eos, how did your inspection go?你醒了，。看上去似乎没受到什么外部损伤，晨曦的检定结果如何？

??...Memory loss?……失忆？

The Greater Sanctifier who looks like Eos raises an eyebrow.与晨曦长相相似的上位净化者微微皱起了眉。

There aren't any problems beyond memory loss.除了失忆之外没有什么问题。

And who might YOU be?你又是谁？

We've never met before, but I want to punch you in the face.虽然我们素未谋面，但我现在想给你一拳。

EosAllow me to explain, Eosphorus.还是由我来解释一下吧，晨星。

??Hm? Judging by that response... Was 's memory module damaged?嗯？看这个反应……难道的记忆模块受到了损伤吗？

EosAllow me to explain, Eosphorus.还是由我来解释一下吧，晨星。

Before I finish, I'm already swinging at the Greater Sanctifier in front of me.话音未落，我就握紧拳头冲向了眼前的上位净化者。

??It's alright.没事。

As everyone watches in shock, my fist lands solidly on a transparent barrier in front of him. Ripples spread from the point of impact, dissipating the force of the attack.在众人惊讶的目光中，我的拳头结结实实地落在了他身前的透明屏障上。受到冲击的屏障泛起了一圈圈涟漪，化解了攻击的力量。

??It's been a while since I saw you hit with all your might like that, . My hand went a little numb from the impact. Looks like we don't have to worry about your body.还真是很久没看到这样使出全力的一击了，震得我的手都有些麻了，看来不用担心你的身体状况了。

The Greater Sanctifier waves his hand and chuckles, but he doesn't seem strained at all. The transparent barrier vanishes into the air again.上位净化者甩了甩手轻笑了一声，但表情上却丝毫看不出吃力，透明的屏障再度消失于空中。

??We haven't sparred in a while, but much as I'd like to go a round with you, the mission comes first. Please explain 's condition, Eos.虽然很乐意久违地与你切磋一下，但毕竟任务在先。还是拜托你说明一下的情况吧，晨曦。

EosMy guess is that Tartarus' firewall affected 's memory module. Fortunately, the damage isn't of an invasive nature; that is to say, we don't have to worry about Entropization.我猜测塔尔塔罗斯防火墙的防御程序对的记忆模块造成了冲击，幸运的是它是非侵蚀性的。也就是说不必担心有熵化的可能。

EosCurrently, it seems this amnesia is of a limited and retrograde nature and does not affect 's combat and special abilities.目前看下来损伤的影响区间似乎仅止步于过去的记忆，并没有牵连到的战斗及特长能力。

晨星What do you think? Can you still continue with the mission, ?你自己的感觉呢？，还能继续行动么？

ProfessorWhile things didn't go quite as expected, I should be able to go on the mission with the rest of the team.虽然还有点状况外，但随队行动应该没有问题。

ProfessorAlthough, I might need you to help explain the objective to me.只是任务目标还需要帮忙说明一下了。

ProfessorUnder normal circumstances, I ought to request to opt out, but the circumstances now are anything but normal. I bet I can't even opt out even if I wanted to, right?虽然按照正常的流程，我似乎应该申请退出，但眼下的情况，即使是退出也没有那么容易吧？

Of course.当然能。

Heck no!我拒绝！

ProfessorDon't worry, it's alright. I'll keep an eye on my own condition. Tell me the objective of this mission.没关系的，不用太过担心，我会视情况斟酌自己的决策。先说明一下这次的任务目标吧。

EosGoing by proper procedure, we ought to be having a pre-battle conference around now. Let me prepare a mission briefing.按照之前的流程，接下来就要开启战前会议了。我重新准备一下任务简报吧。

ProfessorThank you. This helps a lot.谢谢，帮大忙了。

阿特拉斯Oho, that sounds just like what would say. As expected of my buddy!喔喔，标准风格的发言，不愧是我阿特拉斯的挚友！

阿特拉斯Choosing to carry on even when you've forgotten everything; that's a true warrior's spirit.即使忘记了所有，但仍然选择前进，所谓战士就是要拿出这种气势来啊。

阿特拉斯Don't worry. When the mission begins, I'll shelter you in my sturdy arms!不用担心，等会行动的时候，我会用坚实的怀抱为你遮风挡雨！

Smack—啪——

阿特拉斯Ow! Hey!哎哟！

阿特拉斯Oh, if it isn't Alcyone. What's up, Ally?喔，是小雅希恩啊。怎么了？

Atlas turns back to look at the girl who's 1.3 meters tall while standing on her tiptoes and trying her best to assert her presence. The girl strains to look up at Atlas with a stern expression on her face.阿特拉斯回头看向踮起脚尖努力证明自己存在感的一米三零，女孩努力地昂着头，做出严肃强硬的表情。

雅希恩You dork, keep it down! Honestly, you'll draw the Entropics over with how loud you are.笨蛋，声音小一点。真是的，这么张扬，会把熵引过来的。

雅希恩The frontline units had a hard time finding this safehouse; we don't have another one to fall back to if it gets discovered.这个据点可是前线部队好不容易才摸索出来的安全屋，被发现了可没第二个了。

雅希恩Also, no casually tossing off perverted statements like what you said just now! 's lost their memory, what are you going to do if you scare them?!还有，不要随便做出这种变态的发言！现在失去了记忆，万一你吓到了怎么办！

The girl plants her hands on her hips and puffs up her youthful cheeks in an adorable way.女孩双手叉腰，稚嫩的脸颊可爱地鼓胀了起来。

阿特拉斯Haha! An ardent embrace is the true proof of brotherhood! I believe that won't reject my burning love even if they've only seen it for the first time!哈哈！炽热拥抱是战友情谊的证明！我相信即使是初次见面的，也绝对不会拒绝我的炽热！

雅希恩Ahhhhhh, I'm not getting through at all...唔啊完全没办法正常沟通……

雅希恩, ignore this hot-blooded moron, all Atlas knows is how to charge at the biggest concentration of enemies on the battlefield...，不用理会这个热血笨蛋。阿特拉斯永远只知道往战场里敌人最多的地方冲……

雅希恩You can work with me; I'll take gooood care of you. Hm, let me think—你可以跟我一起行动，我会照顾好你的。唔，我想想——

After some thought, "Alcyone" puffs up her chest and looks up.略加思考后，“雅希恩”挺胸抬头。

雅希恩In order to prevent aggravating any potential hidden injuries, we can't let you, , exert yourself too much, so I'll handle any tasks requiring movement.为了防止可能出现的暗伤隐患，不能过量运动，那么移动任务由我来。

雅希恩In order to prevent exacerbating any injuries, we can't let you, , engage in intense combat, so I'll handle any combat tasks.为了防止可能出现的损伤扩大，不能激烈战斗，那么交火任务由我来。

雅希恩In order to prevent any additional strain to your systems, we can't let you, , engage in intensive computation, so I'll handle any analytical tasks.为了防止可能出现的系统增压，不能超额计算，那么解析任务由我来。

ProfessorDoesn't that mean letting you do everything for me?!这不就是什么都交给你了吗！

雅希恩Uh... That's right! Exactly! You should just stay here and rest, ! Let me handle your part of the mission!唔……也对！没错！在据点里静默休息好了！你的任务就由我来解决！

??Hehe, you're so motivated, Ally.呵呵，小雅希恩真是干劲满满呢。

Electra bends down behind Alcyone, and with lightning speed, she squishes the girl's pink cheeks.伊拉在雅希恩的背后蹲下了身子，迅速地伸出手捏住了女孩脸颊两侧的红润。

??Awwww, they're so soft and smooth and cuuuuuuuuute!哎呀，软软的，滑滑的，太——可——爱——了——！

??Why don't you do my share of the mission, too!要不干脆我的任务也由你来吧！

雅希恩Mmmppphhh! Electra!!!唔——唔！伊拉！！！

雅希恩Don't even think about it! Do your own work! Do you think I'm a kid?!想都不要想！自己的事情自己做！你把我当成小孩子了吗！

雅希恩Quit pinching me. Stop being so childish!不要捏了，幼不幼稚呀！

伊拉Heh, I might be childish compared to Lord Eosphorus and Lady Eos, but it's just enough for me.嘻，或许对晨曦和晨星大人来说很幼稚，但是对我来说刚刚好呢。

雅希恩Get lost, you lolicon!滚啊萝莉控！

阿特拉斯Hahahaha, aw, don't sweat the small stuff—哈哈哈哈，别在意这种小事啦——

雅希恩You behave, too!你也给我正常点！

雅希恩Eos, have you finished the briefing yet? At this rate my neural cloud systems are going to get damaged, too.晨曦，简报还没准备好么？我怕再这样下去我的心智系统也要负伤了。

EosHehe, much as I'd like to let you relax a while longer, the briefing is ready.呵呵，虽然还想看你们多放松一会，但确实马上就准备好了。

Eos steps out from behind me and retracts the thin cable used for two-way communication and neural cloud adjustment and repair.晨曦自我的身后踱步而出，收回了用于链接双方系统，调整治疗心智的纤细缆线。

Eos has not stopped treating and examining me ever since we entered this place. She only continues with her task once she's sure I'm not unduly affected.从进门到现在，晨曦对我的治疗与检查一刻未停。直到确认了我没有大碍，才安心继续推进任务。

Eos99%, 100%, alright, let's begin the pre-battle conference.99%……100%，好了，我们正式开始战前会议吧。

The previously rowdy group instantly quiets down and they all turn to look at Eos.刚才还在嬉闹的众人，瞬间停了下来，整齐看向晨曦。

EosAlthough I'm sure you're all sick of hearing about the mission details by now, let's just go over them again for 's sake.虽然大家对于任务内容都已经烂熟于心了，但考虑到的情况，还是再由我来说明一遍吧。

EosWe will be splitting up into three teams in the Outer Ring of Tartarus. Each team will be responsible for diversionary attacks, intelligence and special objectives respectively. Eosphorus and I will handle that last one.我们将在塔尔塔罗斯外环分为三组行动，任务分别是佯攻、情报以及特殊任务，其中特殊任务将由晨星和我负责。

EosThe diversionary attacks are simple enough; you will primarily be assigned to destroy the energy towers in the Shifting Labyrinth and draw the attention of the Entropic hordes, thus increasing the likelihood of success for the other teams.佯攻部分很简单，主旨是对移动迷宫的供能塔进行打击破坏，吸引外环熵群的注意，为其他人的行动提供便利。

EosThe intelligence objective will require you to pass through the maze to reach a target location and require a key item—the Rubik's Map.情报顾名思义，要绕过迷宫前往目标地点获取重要的物件——魔方地图。

Eos' expression grows more and more serious as she continues. She takes two steps back and brings up a massive projected image between us.晨曦的表情随着讲述愈发严肃，她后退了两步，在众人之间的空地上放出了一个巨大的虚拟投影。

It depicts a silver polyhedral object that appears strangely made but follows a hidden order of its own. Its surface is covered in fine tracery.那是一个造型古怪却又暗含规律的银白色多边形物体，细密的线条攀援其上。

阿特拉斯Take a good look at this, buddy. This is our mission objective.看好啦挚友，这就是我们待会儿行动的目标啦。

EosAs you can see, this is an image of the Rubik's Map. It accurately maps the entire Shifting Labyrinth and updates in real time. We'll need it to enter the Middle Ring.如你们所见，这就是魔方地图的形象，它可以实时更新整个迷宫的运行情况，我们需要依靠它来找到中环入口。

伊拉We have no way of predicting the movements of the Shifting Labyrinth before we obtain the map. It seems the opposition to this mission will come from terrain restrictions as well as the mission itself.在获得地图以前，我们没办法知晓移动迷宫的变化。看来行动的阻碍不光来自于任务本身，还有地形的规限呀。

伊拉From that point of view, it doesn't seem as simple as it appears.这样看下来，倒是没有那么轻松了呢。

雅希恩I think it's alright. You're being too cautious, Electra. This is only the Outer Ring. Even if we do end up getting stuck in the Labyrinth, we can always fight our way out.我倒觉得还好，伊拉你太谨慎啦。这里只是外环而已，就算真的被堵在迷宫死角，我们也能轻松地杀出来。

雅希恩Plus, Electra and I are handling the riskiest assignment—namely the diversionary attacks. You can rest easy and work knowing that I'll be drawing all the strong Entropics to myself.况且风险最大的任务——佯攻，已经交给我和伊拉了。有我把战斗力强的熵全部引走，你们也可以放心地行动啦。

伊拉Since Ally's so confident, I guess I can handle the logistics work in the rear while I wait for Ally's triumphant return.既然小雅希恩这么有自信，我就在据点里负责后勤，等待小雅希恩凯旋而归吧。

雅希恩We're on an infiltration mission. What do you mean by logistics work? Don't think of slacking off!我们是渗透作战啊，哪有后勤可以做啊！别想偷懒！

Thudthud—笃笃——

The dull knock draws everyone's attention and Eosphorus, who has been smiling from the side all this while, steps forward.沉闷的敲击声吸引了众人的注意，一直微笑着旁观众人的晨星站了出来。

晨星Much like you, I believe in the absolute power of the Sanctifiers.我与诸位一样，相信净化者的绝对力量。

晨星Although we haven't had any major incidents in the Outer Ring so far, we might end up facing unknown opposition afterwards.虽然目前外环的行动没有太大意外，但接下来我们很可能会面对未知。

晨星Alcyone, Electra, stay alert.雅希恩，伊拉，要提高警惕。

伊拉&雅希恩Roger!是！

Alcyone and Electra straighten up. The playfulness in their eyes is gone.雅希恩与伊拉齐齐挺直了腰，眸中玩笑之色尽数敛去。

EosMake sure you're 120% serious about it. After all, we've found something that might be of greater importance than anything else we've done to date.拿出120%的认真吧，毕竟我们这次可是找到了或许能毕其功于一役的关键呢。

EosStill, you don't need to worry too much. Even if something does happen, we should be able to escape from the Outer Ring without much difficulty.不过也不用过度担心。就算真的出了什么意外，我们想要从外环抽身离开也算不上困难。

EosIn that case, let's stick to the plan. Atlas and will handle the intelligence assignment. Can you handle it?那么还是按照原定的计划，情报任务就交给阿特拉斯和了，怎么样，可以吗？

ProfessorI confess that my memories may be glitching a little, but I'm as capable as ever.诚然我的记忆出了点小差错，但能力还没丢。

Atlas smiles and pats his chest.阿特拉斯笑着拍了拍胸膛。

阿特拉斯You take care of the mission. I'll take care of you, buddy.任务交给挚友，挚友的安全就交给我吧。

ProfessorWhile saying that I'm totally fine might sound good, doing that would be terribly irresponsible given my current state.直接说没问题可能很有气势，但对现在的我来说太不负责任了。

Leave it to me.交给我吧。

I still have some doubts.我还是有一些疑虑。

Before I finish speaking, my shoulder suddenly sinks, patted by Atlas's massive palm.话音未落，阿特拉斯的手掌便拍了过来，肩膀骤然一沉。

阿特拉斯Aw, no need to be so awkward about things, buddy. Cheer up! I'll be your sturdy shield, just like before.啊哈，不要总是这么扭捏嘛，拿出豪气来啊挚友，就像以前一样。我可是你坚实的后盾。

阿特拉斯Relax. You'll remember everything soon enough after fighting by my side.放心吧，和我一起并肩作战，很快就会什么都想起来的。

阿特拉斯After all, those were the passionate times we shared. The only thing you mustn't forget is your youth! Am I right, buddy?!毕竟那可是我们一同度过的滚烫时光，唯独青春不可遗忘！你说对吧？挚友！

ProfessorI guess...倒也……

EosAhem! Let's save the pleasantries for when we get back. The next labyrinth shift window is coming. We need to seize the moment.嗯咳！寒暄就等回来了再继续吧，下一个迷宫变化的窗口期就要到了，我们得抓紧时间。

At Eosphorus' direction, Eos interrupts our banter and slowly walks into our midst. Her hands are interwoven in front of her chest, and her head is lowered.晨曦在晨星的眼神示意下打断了我们的闲话，缓步移至人群中央，她双手交错盖于胸前，颔首低眉。

Everyone puts away their weapons and places one hand on their chest. I'm just a moment behind, but then I do as the others.大家一手持着武器垂落，一手置于前额。我慢了半拍，学有学样地仿起了动作。

EosBecause you rejoice and bow before evil, so do I smite you and offer you up to Heaven as a sacrifice.因你拍手顿足，俯首于恶，所以我攻击你，将你交给神国作为祭物。

EosI shall eliminate you from Magrasea and scourge you from the cloud. I shall exterminate you, and you will know that my soul is one that is favored by the gods.我必从麦戈拉中剪除你，使你从云端之上败亡。我必除灭你，你就知道我是受主眷顾的心智。

As Eos speaks, everyone else makes the sign of the star before their foreheads and recites with her.晨曦言罢，众人于前额画星，口中低吟。

众人声Only through order can we glimpse the truth of the revelations. The blessed must engrave the gods in their hearts, fulfill their will, and seek their glory.唯有秩序才得见谕令真意，受眷者当铭神于心，履神之意，追讨神的荣耀。

Just as we finish speaking, a rumbling noise pours into the hideout like choral accompaniment that echoes through the air.话音刚落，轰鸣声自据点之外传入，仿佛唱诗班的奏乐，余音不绝。

The labyrinth shift window has arrived.迷宫变化的窗口期，到了。

晨星Commence operation.行动开始。

众人声Roger that!是！

Revelation From The Altar 圣坛晓谕

Tartarus Sector, in the Outer Ring of the Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，迷宫外环。

Densely-packed tentacle-like lifeforms coat the cramped walls. The savage maws on their tips seem to be looking at us and following our movements closely. These strange entities extend and retract imperceptibly, as though bidding us a friendly greeting, or perhaps they're simply preparing for their next meal.狭窄的墙壁上附着着密密麻麻的触须状生物，狰狞的腔口中心仿佛跃出了实质的视线，紧随着我们不放。 这些怪诞造物微不可察地缩张着，仿佛在友好地招呼，又像是在执行进餐前的礼仪。

After shaking off the sticky goo that's fallen onto my forearm, I once again check the integrity of the Spoof Code that's shrouding me, then run to catch up with Atlas as we head deeper into the filthy narrow path before us.甩开滴落至小臂的黏腻液体，我再度检查了一遍身上伪装代码的完整性，硬着头皮跟上了阿特拉斯，一步步深入眼前泥泞的小径。

ProfessorThe frontline forces intel department plotted so many paths; do we HAVE to take this one?根据前线部队情报推算出来的路径有这么多条，我们一定要选这个吗？

阿特拉斯Of course! Don't you trust my instincts? I honed this sensitivity through long days of battle with the Entropics; you couldn't stop praising it back then.当然！你不相信我的直觉？这份敏锐可是我在与熵旷日持久的战斗中锻炼出来的，你之前还为此赞不绝口呢！

阿特拉斯Even with all the obstructions between us, I can sense that our target's ahead of us!即使中间隔着重重帷幕，我也能清晰地感受到，目标，就在前方！

ProfessorWell done! So tell me, why did we almost go on the wrong path without my reminder?说得好！那为什么之前没有我提醒就差点走错了？

阿特拉斯...Ahem! We all make mistakes, so it is best not to quibble about bugs. I mean, my little mistake helped you show how reliable you were, isn't that right, buddy?……嗯咳！人总有出错的时候，不要过分纠结BUG。我的一点小错误，不正能体现出挚友你的可靠嘛！

阿特拉斯Trust me, it'll be okay this time!相信我，这次绝对没有问题！

阿特拉斯Hahahaha! Good, that's more like it!哈哈哈哈！好，不愧是我的挚友！

Alright, I believe you!好，我相信你！

...Really?……真的吗？

阿特拉斯Since you've said as much, I've got to meet your expectations. Leave all the remaining problems to me!既然你都这么说了，那我可不能辜负你的期待，之后的麻烦事都交给我吧！

ProfessorWhy do I feel like we've gone the long way around instead?怎么感觉我们反而绕了远路……

阿特拉斯As the saying goes, the long way is the shortest way! We'll be there soon!俗话说，绕远路才是最短的捷径！我们很快就会到了！

阿特拉斯Although, you don't look too good, buddy... Is it the aftereffects of the firewall?不过挚友你的脸色不太好啊……难道之前防火墙的影响还在吗？

ProfessorNo... It's nothing; it's just that this environment makes me a little uncomfortable.不……没什么，只是这个环境让我有些不适。

I look around. The things on the walls seem alive, and the idea of being observed by those alien creatures turns my stomach.我望向四周，墙上的东西就像有生命一样，另类的被凝视感让我有点反胃。

ProfessorDon't worry. I'll have to get used to this place eventually when operating in Tartarus. Let's keep moving.没事，在塔尔塔罗斯行动，迟早也得适应这个环境，我们还是继续走吧。

阿特拉斯So it's those Daemons acting up! I won't let them affect you, buddy!原来是这些邪灵作祟！我可不容许它们影响挚友的状态！

Atlas grabs the handle of his greatsword and gathers his strength.阿特拉斯手掌握上了剑柄，蓄势待发。

阿特拉斯Let's settle things quickly, in the most brutal way!还是让我们以最狂野的方式迅速地解决问题吧！

ProfessorWait, don't—等等，别——

Before I can stop him, Atlas is already swinging his greatsword at the Labyrinth wall.我还没来得及阻止，阿特拉斯便挥舞着大剑击向迷宫的墙壁。

A small force field appears, drowning the Entropic creatures' cries within the transparent barrier.无形的小范围结界同时展开，熵的哀叫淹没在透明的屏障中。

阿特拉斯Aw, I took out the Entropics on the wall, but I guess you can't bust through the labyrinth walls with a weak attack like that... Sorry, buddy.哎呀，虽然消灭了墙上的熵，但好像这点攻击还是难以破墙啊……抱歉啦，挚友。

As I look at Atlas' cheerful smile, I can't help but sigh.看着阿特拉斯爽朗的笑容，我不由得叹了口气。

Professor...Let's keep a low profile. Alcyone and Electra are launching a diversion so we can sneak around, after all.……我们还是低调行事吧，毕竟雅希恩她们的佯攻，就是为了让我们可以隐秘行动。

阿特拉斯Hahahaha, relax, buddy. I still remember the basics of stealth. Can't be leaving myself unguarded out there, you know.哈哈哈哈，放心吧挚友，基础的隐蔽手段我还是知道的，总不能什么防备都不做。

阿特拉斯Still, I have to say that although the Entropics aren't much of a threat, the traps here are all nasty as hell. There's no honor in the way they fight.不过你说的也是，熵群没什么威胁，陷阱一个赛一个险恶，一点儿也不光明磊落。

Atlas scratches his head and puts his weapon away.阿特拉斯挠了挠头，重新收回了武器。

阿特拉斯Ahhhh, if only I had enough operands! No matter how complicated the terrain was, I could just cut right through it.要是算量管够就好了！管他层层叠叠有多复杂，一路凿过去便是。

ProfessorGiven the strength of your attack just now, the labyrinth walls are thick and hard enough that you'd need siege weaponry to break them down.就你刚才的攻击强度推断，迷宫墙壁的厚度和硬度起码得用攻城设备才能破防。

ProfessorAnd then, leaving aside whether or not there are any defense mechanisms in store, once the maze shifts, wouldn't all your efforts be wasted?且不论墙壁自有的防御系统，就算你真打穿了，迷宫再移动一下，功夫岂不是全都白费？

阿特拉斯Hahaha, Eosphorus must have thought of that, too. I'll listen to you then; let's stick to the plan.哈哈哈，估计晨星也是这么想的。那听你的，我们还是按计划行动的吧。

Atlas laughs and takes off his cape. He then drapes it over me before pulling the hood up over my head.阿特拉斯笑着解下披风，挂到了我的身上，并随手拉上了兜帽。

阿特拉斯I'm sure Sanctifiers like you and Eosphorus will lead us to victory.像你和晨星这样的净化者， 一定能带领我们走向胜利的。

The clean white fabric keeps the omnipresent stares at bay, and even the air becomes clearer.洁白的布片将居心叵测的凝视隔绝于外，就连空气似乎都清爽了不少。

阿特拉斯Feeling better?舒服点了？

ProfessorYeah, very much so. Thanks.呃，谢谢，我感觉好多了。

阿特拉斯Aw, why so stiff? I pledged to protect you before I set out. A man's promise has to be kept no matter what!客气什么，照顾你是我出发前的承诺。男人的承诺，是不论如何也要完成的事情！

阿特拉斯Just hang in there. Once we get the Rubik's Map, we'll be able to take a better route into the Middle Ring!再坚持一下，等拿到魔方地图，我们就找一条环境没那么糟糕的道路进中环！

ProfessorThe Rubik's Map... With it, we ought to be able to figure out how the Shifting Labyrinth works, right?魔方地图……只要拿到它，就能掌握这个移动迷宫的运行情况吧？

阿特拉斯Yes, anything wrong with that?对，有什么问题吗？

ProfessorThere's just one thing I don't understand... It's about the Rubik's Map; does it really exist? I'm not doubting the truth of this mission or the intel we got, but it just doesn't make sense to me.只是有点不解，魔方地图……这种东西真的存在？我不是在怀疑任务的真实性或者情报来源虚假，我只是想不通。

ProfessorLet's say there is an item that displays the condition of the entire Labyrinth in real-time, including its shifting. What use would it have to the Entropics of Tartarus?一个可以实时更新整个迷宫的运行情况道具，这种东西对于塔尔塔罗斯的熵而言到底有什么价值？

阿特拉斯Who knows about the Entropics? The Clerics have been bashing their heads against that particular topic for a long time now, but they still have no idea what's going on with them.熵的事情谁说得准呢？圣职司的研究院琢磨了那么久，也没搞明白它们究竟是怎么回事。

阿特拉斯What if the Entropics have absolutely no sense of direction at all and need to check the map whenever they want to go home?万一熵其实都有路痴属性，每次回家都得看一遍地图呢？

ProfessorHm...嗯……

阿特拉斯(Sigh) Look buddy, I was just messing with you, don't take it so seriously!嗨，我就随口调侃一下，你不要真的就顺势开始思考这种情况的可能性啊！

阿特拉斯I know what you're worried about, and frankly speaking I thought it was weird when you pointed it out, but why think so much about it?我知道你在担心什么，老实说听你点出来我也觉得有点奇怪，但何必想那么多？

阿特拉斯Whatever it is, let's just get our hands on it first. Even if it's a trap, retreating from the Outer Ring isn't going to be that hard.管他是什么，先拿到手再说。就算是陷阱，从外环撤退也难不到哪儿去。

Atlas smiles again and pats my shoulder with a smile.阿特拉斯又一次露出了笑容，爽朗地拍了拍我的肩膀。

阿特拉斯You've got to make progress with your feet, not your head. Everything will be clear once we find the map, whether they're traps or secrets.道路是走出来的，不是想出来的，等我们找到地图，陷阱还是机密，一目了然。

Professor...You have a point...……你说的也对……

阿特拉斯Indeed. So don't think so much about it, just relax and follow me. We ought to be there soon...没错，现在就别想那么多啦，安心跟着我走，应该很快就……

阿特拉斯—Hold it!——等等！

Atlas' jovial attitude vanishes in an instant and he holds his arm out in front of me.阿特拉斯倏地收起了打趣的语调，将手臂横亘在我跟前。

Discordant hissing and growling comes from up ahead, around the left corner.道路前方，拐角左侧，传来音调参差不齐的嘶鸣。

Several seconds later, a horde of Entropics emerge from around the bend and approach us, shoving each other and squirming forward in turn.几秒后，成群的熵分不清是推搡，还是粘聚着出现在道路的尽头，向我们走来。

ProfessorKeep quiet and hug the walls.别出声，靠墙。

I look at the writhing, organic tendrils on the walls. Their rows of circular teeth look razor-sharp. I gulp and gesture to Atlas to get close.望着墙壁上仍旧在蛄蛹的生物质腔体，尖牙层层圈圈地昭示着它的锋锐。我咽了口唾沫，示意阿特拉斯靠了过去。

(Give Atlas a command.)向阿特拉斯发出指令。

(Wait for Atlas to make a move.)等待阿特拉斯的行动。

The mixture of two different sensations—sticky and sharp—press against my body. But that's not all. The dizzying smell engulfs me like a breath and bright red warning messages flash in my eyes.黏腻与锋锐两种截然不同的矛盾触感停留在体表，浅尝辄止，令人目眩的气味随吐息浸入身体，系统在眸中弹出了鲜红的警告。

阿特拉斯Shhh, stay quiet.嘘，保持安静。

Just as he finishes speaking, Atlas shelters me behind his body and waits motionlessly for the Entropics to ooze past. A suffocating stench and sensation ooze over me and threaten to trigger an instinctive reaction from my systems.话音刚落，阿特拉斯便将我护在身后，一动不动地等待熵群经过。令人窒息的触感与气味流过体表，激起了系统的本能反应。

Deafening, bright red alerts blare in my ear; fortunately, the sights and sounds are masked by the Spoof Code and contained within my neural cloud.鲜红的警告震耳欲聋，所幸，景与声都被伪装代码束之高阁，藏进了我颤动不已的心智系统中。

ProfessorThe Spoof Code only works at a distance. We won't be able to fool them if they get close...伪装代码只能在远距离生效，近距离恐怕很难糊弄……

阿特拉斯Don't worry, buddy. Just hide yourself. If they attack us, I'll take them all out without a sound.没事，挚友你藏好。要是它们发现我们了，我会悄无声息地把它们都干掉的。

Atlas keeps his voice low and places a hand on his sword hilt. He keeps his eyes fixed on the Entropics as they slowly approach us.阿特拉斯压低声音，双手稳稳地握住剑柄，紧盯着熵一点点向我们靠近。

100 meters... 80 meters... 50 meters...100米……80米……50米……

阿特拉斯Get ready to fight...战斗准备……

20 meters... 10 meters...20米……10米……

阿特拉斯—Go!出击——

—Kaboom!——轰！！

阿特拉斯Huh?呃？

A nearby explosion stops Atlas in his tracks as he watches the Entropics cease their advance. Atlas jams his half-drawn sword firmly back into its sheath.不远处突如其来的爆炸声阻止了阿特拉斯的迈步，看着停止前进的熵，阿特拉斯硬生生地把抽出一半的大剑再度收了回去。

A brief pause later, the Entropics move toward the source of the sound as though they've received orders.短暂地停顿后，熵群似乎收到了指令，循着声音的来源而去。

阿特拉斯It's fine, they're long gone.没事了，它们已经走远了。

ProfessorWhew—My heart was racing back there.呼——不堪的偶遇，真是有够刺激的。

阿特拉斯You don't say, I almost had my sword out. Fortunately there was an explosion to distract them. Looks like luck was on our side, buddy!我都快把剑拔出来了，没想到能有个爆炸引开它们！啊哈哈哈，挚友，我们的运气还真好啊！

雅希恩—What do you mean by luck? Our diversion was a success!——什么运气啊！是我们的佯攻生效了啦！

阿特拉斯Hm? Is that you, Ally?咦？小雅希恩？

Atlas frantically brings up his communicator's viewscreen. The girl in the picture has a stern look on her face, but it doesn't hide the smugness there.阿特拉斯手忙脚乱地开启通讯器的画面，影像中的女孩故作严肃，却掩不住眼神中的得意。

雅希恩We saw that you were in trouble, so Electra and I blew up an energy tower we found earlier to draw away the Entropics.发现你们遇到了危机，我和伊拉就近引爆了之前勘察到的一座供能塔，把那些熵引走了。

雅希恩You were nearly exposed back there, so you'd better thank us.你们刚才可是差一点就暴露了，得好好感谢我哦。

阿特拉斯Hahaha, so it was you helping us out, Ally. Thanks to the both of you!哈哈哈，原来是小雅希恩，还真是多亏了你们！

ProfessorEnergy tower? But you were at another location just now...供能塔？但你们几分钟前还在另一个坐标……

雅希恩Hehe, don't look down on our mobility. Reading the situation and responding quickly is a piece of cake for me even while I'm dragging Electra around. Right, Electra?哼哼，别小看我的行动力啊。就算拖着一个伊拉，快速判断局势并转移也完全不在话下，对吧伊拉？

雅希恩...Why are you lying down again, Electra?!……伊拉，你怎么又躺着了！

伊拉Aw, I'm just maintaining a proper work-life balance. There's nothing else around and Ally's so capable, too. There's nothing wrong with me taking a nap for a bit, right~哎呀，劳逸结合嘛。周围没什么情况，小雅希恩这么能干，我躺会儿也没问题的啦~

雅希恩...Humph!……哼！

雅希恩Speaking of which, since the number of Entropics in your area suddenly spiked, it's a sign that you're on the right track.话说回来，既然这片区域的熵密度突然增加，也就预示着你们这条路选对了。

雅希恩If I'm not wrong, you'll be...如果推断没错的话，或许很快……

While she's speaking, we arrive at the end of the road. After we turn the corner from which the Entropics came, the passage before us opens up.通讯间，我们抵达道路的尽头，走过熵群来时的拐角，眼前的视野骤然一阔。

雅希恩...Soon enough, at the location of the Rubik's Map.……就能到达魔方地图的所在地了。

A tower that extends well over the high walls nearby stands in front of us. It's covered in the usual Entropic goop that's everywhere, but it can't hide the architectural style that's dramatically different from the rest of the labyrinth.不远处，一座探至高墙半腰的高塔耸立其间，塔身缠满了与高墙墙面上一般无二的熵化物质，却也难以掩盖它与迷宫格格不入的风格。

阿特拉斯The height is confirmed, and the external appearance is a 97% match for the objective.高度确认，自建坐标系吻合，外观对比度98.7%。

阿特拉斯That's right, this is our destination; the Rubik's Map is in there. Ah, it's just like you said, Ally!没错了，这就是我们的目的地，魔方地图就在里面。哎呀，还真和小雅希恩说的一样啊！

阿特拉斯It's all thanks to the route I picked! How about that, buddy? See how great my instincts are yet?也多亏了我选的路没错！怎么样，挚友？见识到直觉的强大了吧？

雅希恩Alright, , stop flattering Atlas and tell me about the situation. Where do you want the next diversion and how big should it be?好啦，，你别哄着阿特拉斯了，还是来和我说说情况吧。下一个佯攻对象的坐标和规模怎么样？

雅希恩That's right, time to get down to business. , tell me about the situation. Where do you want the next diversion and how big should it be?没错，正事要紧。，来和我说说情况吧。下一个佯攻对象的坐标和规模怎么样？

ProfessorThere are a few packs of Entropics in front of the building. I'm sending the info over to you now.建筑前驻扎着小股熵群，具体情报我现在发给你。

They're awesome!太强大了！

Let's get down to business.还是先说正事吧。

ProfessorPlease make a disturbance to get their attention and delay our exposure for as long as possible.麻烦你们制造一点动静，吸引这个朝向的熵群的注意力，尽可能拖延我们暴露的时间了。

雅希恩No problem, nothing to it!没问题，小事一桩！

雅希恩I've gotten your info. According to the coordinates, the Rubik Map is on... X-443.13, Y-axis is... Hm—got it!我看看你的消息。根据自建坐标系，魔方地图是在X……X-443.13，Y轴是……唔——找到了！

雅希恩Come on, Electra, stop lazing around and get up. needs our help, hehe.快快，伊拉，别躺着了，快起来，喊我们帮忙啦，嘿嘿。

伊拉(Yawn) Ally, you left your communicator on. Be careful that the enemy doesn't backtrace your frequency.呼~小雅希恩，你的通讯器好像没有关。小心联络波段被敌人捕获哦。

雅希恩Ack!哎呀！

Beep—嘀——

After Alcyone drags Electra away, it isn't long before the Entropic horde in front of us stirs and leaves in a hurry. Atlas and I seize the moment and warily approach the structure.随着雅希恩和伊拉的行动，没过多久，我们面前的熵群便骚乱起来，继而匆匆离去。 我和阿特拉斯抓紧时间，警惕地接近眼前的这座建筑。

阿特拉斯Say, buddy. Doesn't the architecture of this building look especially familiar?说起来，挚友，你有觉得这座建筑的造型特别熟悉吗？

阿特拉斯I thought I was imagining things, but when I took a closer look—it really does resemble a Watchtower! And here I thought the intelligence was just using it as a form of description.刚才还以为是错觉，但凑近一看——这个建筑居然真的和哨塔一样啊！我还以为情报描述用的是形容词。

ProfessorTo think there'd be a structure that looks like it was made by the Sanctifiers in the middle of the enemy's home base...熵的大本营里居然会有跟净化者相仿的建筑……

ProfessorMaybe the Sanctifiers of the past built it, and now it's been infected by the Entropy.可能是之前净化者建造的，现在被熵感染了。

ProfessorLeaving that aside, there's a more pressing question.先不论这个，现下还有一个更关键的问题。

ProfessorWhy is it that they have no defenders here besides the Entropics outside?除了外面驻扎的那一群熵以外，哨塔里竟然完全没有守备力量吗？

I look around and at the readings on the scanner in my hand. The readings indicate that the Entropic defenses here are abnormally weak.我环视四周，包括手中的监测装置在内，所有的现象都表示着此处熵的防备异常薄弱。

It does seem pretty suspicious.确实很诡异。

It's no big deal.没什么大不了的。

阿特拉斯Doesn't that mean Alcyone and Electra drew all the enemies away? Okay, so maybe it's a little boring without fighting, but it's a good thing, too.说明敌人都被雅希恩和伊拉吸引走了？尽管没有战斗有点无聊，但也算是好事吧。

ProfessorConsidering the importance of this place, I doubt the Entropics stationed here would have been lured away so easily...就魔方地图的重要性来看，驻守这里的熵应该不会这么轻易地被引走……

阿特拉斯Come on, look on the bright side, buddy! It just means Alcyone and Electra did a great job!乐观点啦挚友，这说明雅希恩和伊拉任务执行得出色呀！

阿特拉斯Think about it, the enemies we've met along the way here are far below standard numbers, right? The only thing giving us problems were the traps. It's all thanks to them.你想啊，我们一路上来碰到的敌人比标准值少了很多对吧？麻烦基本都是陷阱给的，多亏了她们两个啦。

ProfessorHm... As much as I'd like to stay positive, we should continue advancing carefully.嗯……虽然我也想尽力保持乐观，但总之还是小心前进吧。

Atlas and I enter the Watchtower, keeping a wary eye on our surroundings. Since the internal layout is similar to what we're familiar with, we easily make it to the core area.我与阿特拉斯边警惕周围边突入哨塔内部，得益于建筑构造的相仿，我们轻车熟路地抵达了核心区域。

The platform that ought to hold a power supply unit instead has a containment device there. Within it is a silver polyhedral visible through the glass, so close but yet so far away. Its unwavering radiance seems to be complaining about our tardiness.本该搭载供能设备的基座上方安设着一个禁锢装置，装置的中央，银白色多边形物体隔着玻璃与我们遥遥对望，体表明灭不定的光芒似乎是在抱怨我们的迟到。

阿特拉斯So that's what the Rubik's Map looks like. Pretty neat.原来魔方地图的实物长这样，还挺好看的。

阿特拉斯Well, can you deal with it?怎么样，能处理吗？

ProfessorIt shouldn't be a problem... I think.应该没问题……大概……

I crouch in front of the device and reach for my toolbox, then slowly activate my neural cloud systems and activate the functional apps in me one by one.半跪于装置前，我摸索着掏出工具箱，缓缓运行起了心智系统，逐一激活身体里的功能应用。

I suddenly know what I need to do next, as though I've awakened some kind of instinctive strength in me.仿佛本能一般的力量再度浮现，我眨眼间便理解了接下来要做什么事情。

ProfessorGive me a bit of time.给我一点时间。

阿特拉斯I'll leave it to you then, buddy. I'll keep a lookout for you.那就交给你了，挚友，我去帮你放风。

Swift Trailblaze 捷行证道

Tartarus Sector, in the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth, near Energy Tower No. 4.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环，4号供能塔附近。

The Entropics roam through the Labyrinth as though looking for something.熵群在迷宫之中徘徊，似乎在搜寻着什么。

Whoosh—嗖——

A ray of golden light draws the Entropics' attention.一道金色的弧光吸引了熵群的注意。

雅希恩Where are you looking at, Daemons?邪灵，你们在看哪里？

The Entropics in the labyrinth turns to look at the petite girl floating in the air. A massive quantity of operands is gathered in her hands.迷宫中的熵扭过头，看到漂浮在空中的娇小身影，庞大的算量在少女的手中汇聚。

雅希恩O arrow that punishes Daemons and defends order... Open up a path to victory for us, Judgement Arrow!制裁邪灵，守护秩序的箭矢……为吾等开辟胜利的道路吧。裁决之矢！

The girl loosens her bowstring, and the shining arrow flies toward the energy tower.少女松开弓弦，闪耀着光芒的箭矢朝着供能塔飞射而出。

The golden arrow instantly slays every single Entropic in its path and then savagely crashes into the energy tower.金色的箭矢瞬间卷走了射线上所有熵的生命，然后狠狠地撞击在了供能塔上。

Kaboom—轰——

雅希恩Direct hit.命中。

Alcyone stands firm amidst the shockwave, still aiming in the direction of the tower with her bow.雅希恩在凌厉的爆风中巍然不动，依旧用弓矢瞄准着供能塔的方向。

雅希恩Attack complete, operands expended: 1%...攻击结束，算量损耗1%……

伊拉You worked hard, Ally~小雅希恩，辛苦啦~

雅希恩According to their previous transmission, and Atlas have reached their objective, so we need to buy them some more time.根据之前的通讯，和阿特拉斯已经进入目标地点，我们还得为他们争取更多时间才行。

雅希恩Since we need to cover for Lord Eosphorus as well, just blowing up the energy tower here won't draw enough Entropics over, so we need to find another way...加上晨星大人那里，光凭现在引爆的这座供能塔，还不足以将多少熵吸引过来，必须想想其他办法……

伊拉Staaaaaare—盯——

雅希恩...What were you doing, Electra?……伊拉，你在干什么？

伊拉Ueh? Was I entranced by your focused sincerity, Ally?呜欸？看着小雅希恩认真的样子入迷了？

雅希恩...I'm talking about when I blew up that energy tower just now!……我是说刚刚破坏供能塔的时候！

伊拉Uh, keeping watch?警戒？

雅希恩Then why didn't I see you when I was attacking just now? Or rather, where did you go each time I launched an attack?!那为什么刚刚进攻的时候我没有看到你的身影？不如说，之前每一次进攻的时候你都去哪里了？

雅希恩You... Were you hiding somewhere to sleep, just like during our previous combat exercises?你……不会又和之前作战训练的时候一样，躲在哪里睡懒觉去了吧？

伊拉How rude! This is an important mission, so of course I've been working hard! It's just that you're too capable, Ally.真过分啊，这么重要的战斗，姐姐我还是有好好努力工作的啦！只是小雅希恩太能干了而已。

雅希恩Humph! I just did the bare minimum that any self-respecting Sanctifier would. As one of the Greater Sanctifiers who lead the charge into the Tartarus Sector, it's only natural that I do a good job!哼，我只是做了恪守净化者的准则行动而已。作为先锋突入塔尔塔罗斯的上位净化者，自然应该做出表率！

Despite her words, Alcyone still puffs up her chest. Meanwhile, Electra smiles and pinches Alcyone's cheeks before rubbing and squishing them.虽然雅希恩嘴上这么说，但是她还是挺了挺胸膛。而伊拉则是轻轻一笑，捏住雅希恩的脸颊开始揉搓。

雅希恩Quit squishing my cheeks and tell me how many operands you've used so far.不要捏我的脸，赶紧报告一下消耗。

伊拉Thanks to Ally's hard work, I've only expended 7% of my operands~因为小雅希恩的努力，目前为止的算量消耗只有7%哦。

Electra affectionately pats Alcyone's head, but the latter pushes her away in annoyance.伊拉亲昵地揉了揉雅希恩的头，却被雅希恩不耐烦地拨开。

雅希恩In that case, we ought to move on to the next area right away...既然如此，我们应该立刻前往下一个区域……

伊拉Huh? We're not going to take a break? I think this is a good time to sla... I mean, to rest! It's very important!诶？不休息一下吗。姐姐我觉得适当的摸……休息是很重要的哦！

As Alcyone carefully plans their next move, Electra takes the opportunity to sweep her twin blades clean of the purple liquid staining them.在雅希恩专心筹备下一次袭击计划的同时，伊拉趁她不注意简单地擦拭了双刀上紫色的液体。

雅希恩This mission prioritizes stealth, so Lord Eosphorus only brought five Greater Sanctifiers with him lest a large-scale troop movement tip off the Entropics. Our mission is difficult, so we have to be careful and serious about it.这次行动以潜入为主，所以晨星大人只带了我们五个上位净化者，避免大规模行动引起熵的注意或泄露情报。 我们的任务艰巨，所以才要更谨慎和认真。

雅希恩Since we need to reduce the pressure on Lord Eosphorus and 's teams at the same time... we should go deeper into the Labyrinth.我们必须给晨星大人和两支小队减少压力……正因如此，得再稍微深入一点。

雅希恩You were preparing to slack off just now, weren't you, Electra? You'd best hurry and prepare yourself.伊拉，你刚才是准备摸鱼对吧？还是快点做好准备吧。

伊拉Yesyesyes... But since we only just destroyed that energy tower, we should wait for the labyrinth to finish its current round of shifting before making a move.是是是……才刚破坏供能塔没多久，至少先等这一波迷宫的变化过去再行动啦。

雅希恩Can't you even put in some effort for just a few...就这么几分钟的工夫你也……

Rumblerumblerumble—轰隆隆——

After the thunderous crash of hard objects colliding with each other, the environment around the two of them shifts quickly.伴随着一阵硬物摩擦的巨响，两人周围的环境开始快速变化了起来。

伊拉...Huh? Is it me or is the labyrinth shifting more quickly now?……咦？迷宫变化的速度是不是变快了？

雅希恩Maybe it's because of what and Atlas are doing. Looks like we'd best pick up the pace.或许是受到他们行动的影响。看来我们得加紧行动了。

伊拉We're going to have to map the place out again... Ah, what a pain; Ally, carry meeee mfffff...又要重新探图了……好麻烦啊，小雅希恩背姐姐……呜……

Before Electra could finish speaking, Alcyone clasped her tiny hand over her mouth.还没有等伊拉的话说完，雅希恩的小手就捂住了她的嘴。

雅希恩Shhh—嘘——

The Shifting Labyrinth reveals a brand new path. A squad of Entropics emerges from behind a bunch of walls with indistinct boundaries and moves as a group toward a certain direction.变动的迷宫开启了崭新的道路，一队熵自边界模糊的墙后出现，正成群向着某个方向进发。

伊拉These Entropics look hurt...这些熵的身上似乎有受伤的痕迹……

雅希恩And I was just thinking about how to go deeper in. Looks like our path has revealed itself. Let's go; don't disturb them.正想着该如何深入呢，引路的就出现了。我们跟上去，不要惊动它们。

Alcyone and Electra follow the Entropics while keeping a distance from them.雅希恩与伊拉小心翼翼地与熵群保持了一定的距离，悄然顺着熵的路线前进。

伊拉Feels nice to have someone leading the way. I wonder where they're headed~有人带路的感觉真不错呀。不知道它们是要去哪里呢~

雅希恩Even if they don't take us to a place where we want to go, we can still record their activity patterns, which might come in handy for figuring out the labyrinth's patterns.就算目的地不是我们想要的，我们也能借此记录熵活动的轨迹，说不定还可以利用它们发现迷宫的规律。

伊拉Hm? Look over there, Ally. Another group of Entropics linked up with them. It looks like they came from the Middle Ring.咦？小雅希恩你看，又有一群熵和它们汇合了诶，好像是从中环的方向来的。

The two Entropic forces join up, and after quickly exchanging their operands, they move further into the Outer Ring.两支熵群合流，在短暂地算量交换后，一齐向着外环深处前进。

雅希恩All those Entropics are headed that way... Hehe, we might have caught a big fish.这么多熵都在往那个方向……哼哼，说不定我们钓到了一条大鱼啊。

伊拉Those look like Low-Order Entropics from the frontlines and Entropics from the Middle Ring... Could it be...疑似从前线回来的低阶熵群，和疑似从中环来到这里的熵群……难道说……

雅希恩Electra, we're here.伊拉，我们到了。

Electra looks up and follows Alcyone's gaze. Beyond the rows of walls stands a tower-like structure, glowing from within.伊拉抬起头顺着雅希恩的目光望去，在层层叠叠高墙的之后，一座核心闪光的塔状建筑出现在视野中。

伊拉Is that an energy tower? But its size...供能塔？不过这个大小……

雅希恩Initial scans conclude that it contains over 5 times the amount of operands compared to the tower we just destroyed.初步的检测结果显示，这里蕴含的算量是我们之前摧毁的供能塔的5倍以上……

雅希恩Looks like this is the main energy tower providing power to the Outer Ring. Talk about a big fish!看来这个就是给迷宫外环提供能源的主供能塔了。还真是一条大鱼啊！

伊拉Although, it seems there are several times more Entropics around it than the other locations... Fortunately, there aren't any high-threat entities among them.但目视范围中熵的数量也是之前的数倍……所幸没有高威胁的个体存在。

雅希恩But of course. Their main forces are being tied up by the Sanctifiers on the border battlefront! Electra, get ready to fight!那当然了，它们的主力还在被净化者的部队拖在边界战线呢！伊拉，准备战斗！

伊拉Wait a minute, Ally, this wasn't part of the plan. Maybe we should be careful...等等，小雅希恩，这并不是计划内的行动，还是得谨慎一些……

雅希恩Relax, I've already shared the information on the main energy tower with the others, and I've verified the state of the Entropics in this area.放心吧，我已经把主供能塔的情况和坐标同步给其他人了，也确认过了这片区域熵的情况。

Alcyone finishes typing and then closes her terminal.雅希恩敲下最后一个字符，点击发送后关闭了终端的屏幕。

雅希恩Our current operand expenditures are fairly light and these Entropics don't pose a threat to us at all. In the worst-case scenario, even if a High-Order Daemon shows up, they won't be a match for us.我们目前消耗轻微，这些熵的数量完全不能对我们造成威胁。最糟糕的情况下，即使对面有一位高阶邪灵，它们也不是我们的对手。

伊拉But all we need to do is destroy the small energy towers and buy time for the others. Surely we don't need to take this risk, right?但我们只要破坏小供能塔为其他队伍争取时间就好，不需要冒这种风险吧？

雅希恩Electra, Lord Eosphorus only gave us the basics of our mission, but I'm sure he wouldn't want us to only do the minimum. This tower is so important that we can't let this opportunity go.伊拉，晨星大人虽然只是给我们布置了基础的任务，但肯定不希望我们只做那些。这座供能塔这么关键，我们不能放弃这个机会！

Alcyone plants a hand on her waist. She sticks out a finger with her other hand as she delivers a lecture.雅希恩一只手叉腰，一只手伸出一根手指开始说明。

雅希恩No. 1: From an operational point of view, destroying such a large energy tower will provide better cover for the other teams. Once such an important facility is destroyed, the Daemons will focus their attention on their major energy towers and further ease the pressure on the other.第一，从作战目的的角度，我们破坏这座大型供能塔可以为其他队伍提供更好的掩护。如此重要的设施被破坏，邪灵一定会将注意力集中在大型供能塔上，进一步减轻其他两队的压力。

雅希恩No. 2: Strategically speaking, destroying the large energy towers will weaken the defense posture of Tartarus. Our ultimate objective is to complete this decapitation operation and cleanse the Tartarus Sector. Therefore, destroying this energy tower is extremely valuable.第二，从战略的角度，如果能够破坏大型供能塔，必定能够削弱塔尔塔罗斯的防御机制。我们最终目标是完成斩首行动以及塔尔塔罗斯扇区的净化，因此破坏这座供能塔有极高的价值。

雅希恩No. 3: If you're truly worried about the risk, then all we need to do is infiltrate the Entropic horde with our Spoof Codes and destroy the energy tower before retreating immediately. That way, we avoid combat and minimize the risk to us.第三，如果你真的很担心风险问题，凭借伪装代码，我们只要潜入熵群破坏供能塔后直接撤退即可，尽量避免交战，就可以将风险控制在最低限度。

After seeing the three fingers Alcyone is confidently holding up, Electra's expression softens a little.看着雅希恩朝自己自信地伸出三根手指，伊拉表情微微一松。

伊拉Well, I have to hand it to you, Ally. You certainly thought of everything. In that case, let's sneak in.不愧是小雅希恩，考虑得非常周到啊。既然如此，我们就悄悄地进去。

伊拉Even if an accident DOES occur, I can still protect you. After all, I have quite a bit of experience with stealth missions.就算真的有意外，我也能保护好小雅希恩的。毕竟这种潜入作战我的经验比较多哦。

雅希恩Humph, you'd better mind yourself. I scored higher than you on the infiltration exercises!哼，你还是自己小心一点吧。我潜入作战训练的得分可是比你要高的！

伊拉Um... It's not an infiltration if you kill everyone you encounter.嗯……把敌人杀光了的潜入作战可称不上潜入哦。

雅希恩Objectively speaking, the infiltration is successful if nobody sees me (and lives)!以结果来说，没有（活）人看到过我，也是潜入成功了！

伊拉Okay, okay, you're the boss~好好，你说什么就是什么~

雅希恩Hey! Quit patting my head!喂！别摸我的头啦！

Alcyone annoyedly frees her hair from Electra's oppression and mutters to herself as she smooths it out.雅希恩愤愤地将自己的头发从伊拉的蹂躏下解脱出来，边梳理边轻声嘀咕着。

雅希恩I'm not that kid you have to keep worrying about anymore...我已经不是那个需要你担心的小孩子了……

Swift Trailblaze 捷行证道

Tartarus Sector, in the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth, near Energy Tower No. 4.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环，主供能塔。

With a flick of the wrist, Electra casually casts off the purple ichor coating her knives.伊拉随手甩了甩附着在刀身上的紫色液体。

伊拉Was that the 21st... or the 22nd one? I've lost count...第21只……还是22只来着？记不清了……

雅希恩Don't let your guard down, Electra.不要松懈，伊拉。

A golden arrow pierces the Low-Order Entropic behind her.一发金色的箭矢将伊拉身后的低阶熵贯穿。

伊拉Teehee, I can always relax as long as you're watching my back, Ally.嘻嘻，有小雅希恩在我身后守护我的背影，我永远放心。

雅希恩I could never find you during training. If you keep acting like this, I'll ask Lord Eosphorus to revoke your authority and no amount of pleading from Atlas will help you!训练的时候我可是连你的背影都找不到。下次你要还是这样，我就请求晨星大人把你权限扒了，阿特拉斯再为你求情都没有用！

伊拉Aw, don't be so harsh, Ally~哎呀，不要这么绝情嘛，小雅希恩~

Despite their banter, their movements are as careful and measured as ever.虽然嘴上这么说着，但二人隐蔽和战斗的动作丝毫没有松懈。

Electra throws one of the knives she's holding and impales a struggling Entropic to the ground near Alcyone's feet.伊拉随手掷出手中的利刃，将雅希恩脚边一直试图挣扎的熵钉在了地上。

伊拉Still... Don't you think there's something wrong about the number of Entropics, Ally?但是……小雅希恩，这个熵的数量是不是有点不太对？

雅希恩Yeah. The Entropic density around the energy tower is growing. More and more Entropics are gathering here. Fortunately, they haven't spotted us yet.嗯，供能塔周围的熵密度越来越高了，不断有熵往这里聚集。所幸我们暂时还没暴露。

伊拉There are at least 20% more Entropics here than when we began sneaking in. If we factor in the ones we killed on the way here...熵的数量比起我们开始潜入的时候至少上升了二分之一，如果再加上我们一路以来消灭的熵……

Electra looks around. Various types of Entropics writhe and mill around the base of the tower like a sea of purple.伊拉环视了一圈，不同形态的熵在供能塔周围或是蠕动，或者徘徊，拥挤得如同塔下的一片紫海。

伊拉Ally, things here are just too weird. Let's just retreat for now, okay?小雅希恩，这里的情况太异常了。我们还是撤退吧？

雅希恩We're almost at the energy tower. How can we give up halfway?供能塔已经近在咫尺，怎么能半途而废呢。

Alcyone drags Electra along with her as she winds her way through the Entropic hordes, toward the core of the energy tower.雅希恩引着伊拉在熵群间悄然穿行着，向着供能塔的核心而去。

雅希恩The fact that there are so many Entropics here means that our diversionary attacks were effective. The Entropics have realized that we're targeting the energy towers and they're protecting the places that are most important to them.熵的数量变多也情有可原，说明我们一路以来的佯攻发挥了作用。熵意识到我们的目标是供能塔，所以才会聚集起来保护最关键的地方。

雅希恩Our decision just now was correct. If we can damage the main energy tower, we might even be able to ease the pressure on the border units...我们刚才的推断是正确的。只要能对主供能塔造成创伤，甚至有可能可以减轻边境防线部队的压力……

伊拉That's only if we can leave here safely. Eos said as much; we need to get into the Middle Ring in one piece...但完成这一切的前提是我们能够全身而退。晨曦也说了，一定要安全进入中环……

雅希恩Relax, Electra. All the Entropics we've destroyed on the way here were for the sake of clearing a route of retreat.放心好了，伊拉，我们一路上消灭这些熵就是为了清理出一条撤退路线。

Alcyone suddenly stops in her tracks and looks up toward the core, shining high above them. Purple operands flow within it and power wells up from it.雅希恩忽然停驻了脚步，望向高处发亮的核心，紫色的算量在其中流动着，力量自此处而起。

雅希恩This range... should be enough.这个距离……应该可以了。

伊拉...Ally?……小雅希恩？

Alcyone crouches down to conceal herself and lowers her processing speed. Her eyes do not leave the energy tower for a moment while she's whispering to Electra.雅希恩蹲下身隐蔽自己，将运转频率同时调低。即便向着伊拉轻声说话，但她的眼神却不曾离开供能塔半刻。

雅希恩Trust me, Electra. I've made all the preparations I could, and according to my calculations, the success rate of this operation is estimated to be... 73%.伊拉，你可以相信我。我已经尽全力做了所有的准备，根据计算，这次行动的成功率有……73%。

雅希恩You can make up for the remaining 27%.而剩下的27%，也可以靠你来补足。

雅希恩I hope that you can trust me the way you trust Lord Eosphorus and Atlas.我希望你能像信任晨星大人、信任阿特拉斯那样……信任我的选择。

伊拉Ally...小雅希恩……

Electra looks at the profile of Alcyone's face. The determined look in her eyes suddenly seems a little unfamiliar to her.伊拉看着雅希恩的侧脸，那坚定的眼神一时间让她觉得有些陌生。

伊拉Ally... You really have grown.小雅希恩……还真是长大了啊。

雅希恩It's been decades since I was born, after all.毕竟从我诞生以来，也过了几十年了。

伊拉That long, huh... Looks like Atlas and I can relax and slack off now.已经这么久了啊……看来姐姐我和阿特拉斯都可以松一口气，安心摸鱼了。

雅希恩It's really not a good time to start—这个时候还是别摸鱼了啦——

Before Alcyone can finish speaking, a surge of uneasiness washes over the two of them, making them freeze up. An inauspicious ripple explodes from the depths of Tartarus, engulfing the tower in an instant.还没等雅希恩说完，突然涌起的强烈不适感便让二人身体一僵。来自塔尔塔罗斯深处爆发出了一阵诡异的波动，眨眼间横扫了整片扇区。

This inexplicable uneasiness wells up from their logical base layers, from their system blocks, from the very interstices of their data.莫名的不适感于逻辑的底层，于系统的区块，于数据的罅隙间滋生。

伊拉Alcyone, pull back!雅希恩后退！

Electra draws her knives and instinctively moves in front of Alcyone, who reflexively draws her bow.伊拉抽出双刀挡在了雅希恩的身前，雅希恩也下意识拉开了长弓。

(Rumble)轰隆隆——

There is a familiar crash and the walls around the energy tower shift again as the Entropics around them stir and churn.伴随着熟悉的巨响，供能塔周围的墙壁再度移动，四周的熵也同时骚乱起来。

伊拉What on earth happened just now...刚才的异象究竟是……

雅希恩The labyrinth shifted in a different way from normal just now... Why did it have to happen at a time like this...而且迷宫的变化方式似乎和之前不太一样……偏偏是在这个时间点……

雅希恩Wait a minute, a time like this... Was it because and Atlas managed to obtain the Rubik's Map? Was that what caused the labyrinth to shift?等等，这个时间……是不是那边获取魔方地图成功了，所以才刺激了迷宫变化？

伊拉Ah, you're so smart, Ally! Our way back is secured now that we have the map.啊，小雅希恩真聪明！有了地图，肯定能确保我们的撤退路线了。

伊拉Let's call them up while the terrain is shifting and the Entropics are distracted.趁着现在地形变化和熵骚乱的工夫，我和他们联络一下。

雅希恩Right. I want to see how much the terrain has changed too. If it didn't affect the plan too much, we might be able to take advantage of the confusion...好，我也侦查一下地形的变化程度，如果对计划影响不大的话，或许可以乘乱进攻……

Ally opens her terminal and the terrain scan on the monitor shows that the surrounding geography is dramatically different from before.雅希恩打开终端，确认屏幕内已截然不同的地形扫描图。

雅希恩...Not good, we can't launch the attack from here. Electra, prepare to reposition...……不行，至少这个方位的进攻难以成立了。伊拉，做好转移的准备……

雅希恩...Electra?……伊拉？

Dootdootdoot— Beep—嘟嘟嘟——嘀——

The only response to Alcyone is the sound of a terminated transmission.回应雅希恩的只有刺耳的通讯断连声。

雅希恩Our comms have been jammed. Something's not right! Electra, we... Electra? What are you looking at?通讯被干扰了，情况不对劲！伊拉，我们……伊拉？你在看什么？

伊拉Shhh...嘘……

Alcyone follows Electra's gaze. The Entropic hordes from just now have stopped moving, like an army of silent statues.雅希恩顺着伊拉的目光看去，刚才还骚动不已的熵群不知何时停下了动作，如同一座座静止的雕像一般。

They seem to be waiting for something. The only sound in the air is the cacophony of the Shifting Labyrinth as it changes its layout.它们似乎在等待着什么……空间内唯独回荡着移动迷宫变换的剧烈声响。

伊拉Ally, we'd better prepare to retreat...小雅希恩，我们准备撤退吧……

雅希恩...Got it, the Spoof Code's still working so let's sneak out of here! Don't alert...……我知道了，伪装代码还在运作，我们潜行离开这里！不要惊动……

The walls suddenly stop moving, and the entire area goes silent.墙面的移动霎时停止，空间骤然安静。

At that very moment, all the Entropics move in unison. Countless eyeball-like objects simultaneously turn to look at the two of them—就在此时，所有的熵一齐开始动作，无数的形似眼球的东西齐齐指向二人的所在——

系统Warning: Spoof Code 100% ablated! Spoofing failed!警告，伪装代码剥离率100%，伪装失效！

系统Warning: Entropic signal detected. Warning: Large number of Entropic signals detected. Warning, excessive amount of Entropics detected; please carefully consider your combat approach...警告，检测到熵讯号。警告，检测到大量熵讯号。警告，熵数量过多请慎重考虑作战方针……

Racing Through Parted Seas 分海疾驰

Several minutes ago, inside the Watchtower at the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth of the Tartarus Sector.数分钟前，塔尔塔罗斯扇区，迷宫外环，哨塔。

系统Target status stable. Cipher key match complete. Binding No. 13 has been disengaged. Please disengage Binding No. 14.目标物状态稳定，秘钥工具匹配成功，13号固定位拆除。请拆除14号固定位。

ProfessorWe've almost got the map, this is the last step...马上就可以取下魔方地图了，最后一步……

As I study the silver polyhedron in front of me, I'm suddenly filled with a sense of dread, as though I've been caught in the act of committing some kind of forbidden blasphemy. I briefly tear my eyes away from what's in front of me and warily look around.紧盯着眼前银白色的方块，一股被窥视的恐惧涌上心头，仿佛我正做着不被允许的亵渎之事。 我将注意力从眼前短暂抽离，警惕地望向四周。

—There is nothing.——空空如也。

ProfessorAtlas, how are things on your end?阿特拉斯，你那边情况怎么样？

阿特拉斯I saw a few Entropics, but most of them seem to have been lured away by Ally and Electra.就算偶尔能看到一些熵，也大多很快被小雅希恩和伊拉引走了。

阿特拉斯Those two girls are doing a great job. I'll need to praise them when I get back.那两个小家伙干得还真不错啊，之后得好好夸夸她们才行。

Professor...Right. I'm almost done with the decryption here, but things are going TOO well. I have a bad feeling about this...……嗯。我这边的破译工作也已经到最后的关头了，但过于顺利了，总有种不妙的预感……

阿特拉斯Relax, buddy. I'll keep you safe until the very end!放心吧挚友，我会保证你的安全到最后一刻的！

ProfessorI'll be counting on you, then.拜托你了。

I take a deep breath and banish my errant thoughts before focusing my attention on my work.我深吸一口气，强迫自己排除杂念，将注意力集中在眼前的工作上。

ProfessorDecryption complete. Now recovering the Rubik's Map... hm?破译结束。开始回收魔方地图……嗯？

The moment I touch the map, an eerie sensation ripples out from it in all directions.就在我的手触碰到魔方的一瞬间，一股诡异的波动以魔方为中心朝着四周扩散而出。

A sudden sense of discomfort seizes me by the throat, and I let go of the map.强烈的不适感霎时扼住了我的咽喉，我如同触电般松开了魔方。

ProfessorI'm fine! How are things on your end, Atlas?我没有受伤！你确认一下你那边的状况，阿特拉斯！

Professor...Atlas?……阿特拉斯？

The transmission is suddenly cut off. I quickly call him again but get no response.通讯被突兀地切断，我迅速重拨，但却没有得到任何回应。

Rumblerumblerumble—轰隆隆——

The loud grinding from outside the tower covers up the uncomfortable radio silence. Then, as the labyrinth walls finish shifting, Entropics flood toward the Watchtower.塔外的巨响同时奏起，掩盖了令人不安的信号断连声。伴随着迷宫墙面的移动，四面八方的熵正源源不断地涌向哨塔。

The system alert is strangely clear amidst the deafening sound of the labyrinth's shifting.系统警告声在震耳欲聋的迷宫变换声中分外清晰。

系统Warning: Spoof Code 100% ablated! Spoofing failed!警告，伪装代码剥离率100%，伪装失效！

ProfessorOh no! Atlas is in danger!糟了，阿特拉斯有危险！

I quickly reach out to take the Rubik's Map, but a tentacle from under the plinth wraps around my hand.我飞快地伸出手试图拿走魔方地图，但却被底座下伸出的触手缠住。

熵Skree...叽……

ProfessorAn Entropic? Where did it come from?!熵？从哪冒出来的？！

I swing my blade and sever the tentacle, but more Entropics swarm me. Liquid Entropy spreads from below the plinth of the map, creeping across the ground and trying to pull me into the abyss.我挥剑切断触手，但又有更多的熵缠上。熵化液自魔方的底座蔓延，漫过地面，试图将我拉入深渊。

ProfessorI knew we wouldn't be getting the map so easily, but...果然不可能那么轻易拿到魔方地图吗……但——

As the Entropic hordes pour in, I grit my teeth and grab the map.熵群不断涌入，我咬牙紧抓着魔方。

ProfessorI'll never let you have it!这个东西——绝对不会让给你们！

????Well said, buddy!说得好啊，挚友！

Shing—锵——

A mighty greatsword lands in front of me, cleaving apart the tentacles reaching toward me and keeping the Entropics at bay in the same motion.坚实的大剑落于我的身前，斩断触手的同时将熵群的威胁和我隔绝。

ProfessorAtlas?!阿特拉斯？！

阿特拉斯Good thing I got here in time! You okay, buddy?还好赶上了！你还好吗挚友？

ProfessorI'm fine, but the Entropics outside...我没事，但外面的熵群……

阿特拉斯Heh, as if I'd be trapped by so few Entropics. Don't go worrying for nothing.嗨，那么点熵怎么困得住我，别瞎担心。

After quickly examining our surroundings, Atlas swings his sword and stands in front of me in a fighting stance. He turns aside and wipes away the operands oozing from the wound on his left arm.简单侦查四周情况后，阿特拉斯挥剑摆开攻击架势，挡在我的身前。他侧身遮住左臂上的伤口，不着痕迹地擦去伤口溢出的算量。

阿特拉斯Careful, buddy. These Entropics may all be Low-Orders, but they're trickier than the ones we met before.小心点，挚友。这群熵虽然都是低阶的，但比起之前遇到的都不好对付。

ProfessorThere was some kind of weird ripple that spread out when I touched the Rubik's Map.. Perhaps that ripple strengthened these Entropics and stripped away our Spoof Codes.我碰到魔方地图的时候出现了一股诡异的波动……或许就是那股波动强化了这些熵，也剥离了我们的伪装代码。

I open my terminal during the brief respite that Atlas bought us and note that the endlessly increasing Entropic signals on it are dyeing the Watchtower's minimap completely purple.趁着阿特拉斯战斗创造出的空隙，我打开终端，不断增加的熵信号迅速将哨塔的示意图染成紫色。

ProfessorThings have gone beyond our expectations. We need to withdraw ASAP. Let me plot a route out of the tower...情况已经超出预计了，我们必须尽快撤离。我来规划下塔路线……

阿特拉斯You have the Rubik's Map, right buddy?挚友，魔方地图已经安全回收了吗？

ProfessorYeah, I put it away along with my tools. Good thing you got here in time. I've almost finished plotting a course, get ready to...嗯，还好你及时赶到，已经和破解工具一起收容完毕了。下塔路线等会儿就规划完成了，阿特拉斯你也做好准备……

阿特拉斯No need to wait, we're going right now!不用等了！我们现在就走！

ProfessorRight now?现在？

Before I can react, Atlas clears a path for us with a sweep of his greatsword, then reaches out to pull me into his embrace and scoops me into a princess carry.没等我反应过来，阿特拉斯便舞动大剑扫开一条道路，伸出手一把将我拉到了怀中，双手将我抱起。

ProfessorWha?诶？

阿特拉斯Hold on tight, here we go!抓紧我，走咯！

As Atlas breaks into a sprint, I suddenly realize what he's trying to do. Of course, the moment I do, I wish I hadn't—伴随着阿特拉斯的加速助跑，我瞬间领会了他的目的。当然，此时的我更希望自己不知道他要做什么——

Atlas plants a foot on the edge of a windowsill and leaps outside. I reflexively hold out a hand and envelope us in a transparent barrier.阿特拉斯一脚踏在了高塔的边缘，向外一跃。我下意识伸出手，一道半透明的屏障将我们包裹其中。

阿特拉斯Brace for impact!做好抗冲击准备！

Crash—轰——

Amidst the nauseating sensation of vertigo followed by the fall and impact of landing, we escape the Watchtower.伴随着重力和冲击所带来的反胃感，我们成功逃离了高塔。

阿特拉斯Back on firm ground again. You okay, buddy?落地成功，挚友你还好吧？

阿特拉斯Hehe, I thought we were so familiar with each other that you'd get my drift immediately.呵呵，我觉得凭我们之间的熟悉程度，你一定会马上理解我的行动的。

Next time, let me know BEFORE you do something like this.下次这种行动记得先通知我一声。

You can put me down now, Atlas...阿特拉斯，可以把我放下来了……

阿特拉斯Hahaha, well, these are special circumstances; don't sweat the small stuff, buddy!哈哈哈，毕竟情况特殊，别这么见外啦挚友！

阿特拉斯There wasn't even a single Entropic around just now... Looks like your instincts were spot on.明明刚刚周围一只熵都没有……看来你的直觉应验了啊。

ProfessorI'd rather my instincts not be accurate at all if they predict that kind of stuff.如果可能，我希望永远不要应验。

阿特拉斯...Anyway, seems like things aren't looking good. Not only is the tower filling up with Entropic signals, but the surroundings are also...……看来事与愿违啊，不仅仅是塔内这片区域熵的讯号越来越多了，这四周也……

阿特拉斯Hold on tight, buddy!抓紧我了，挚友！

ProfessorWait a minute, are you planning to force your way out like this?等等，你打算用这种姿势强行冲出去吗？

阿特拉斯You're our key to taking down Tartarus. I can't do anything to put you at risk.你是我们攻略塔尔塔罗斯的关键，绝对不能在这里有任何闪失。

ProfessorNonono, I think you should put me down.不，你还是放我下来吧。

阿特拉斯Your combat modules aren't fully adjusted yet, so I think it's for the best. I'm here to protect both you and Lord Eosphorus, so this is my job. That being the case, I'll clear the path for you two, just like before.你的战斗模块还没有调整完毕，我认为这是最佳的选择。我是你和晨星大人的守护者，这是我的职责，所以就和以前一样，由我来为你们清理障碍吧。

阿特拉斯Although, if you really feel bad about it, you can help me with support skills like just now.若是实在过意不去的话，就像刚刚那样释放几个辅助技能就好。

阿特拉斯That's true, both my hands are occupied. I gotta hand it to you, buddy, I get it now.确实，双手都被限制住了。不愧是挚友，我明白了。

阿特拉斯I see. I thought this one was the most comfortable for you, but it seems I got things wrong.原来如此，我原本以为这个是最舒适的姿势，看来是我理解有偏差。

I mean, this isn't a good position for fighting, right?我的意思是，这个姿势不适合作战吧？

Can I please request that you hold me a different way?我能申请换一个姿势吗？

I sigh in relief upon seeing that Atlas understands my suffering.看着阿特拉斯理解了我的苦衷，我松了一口气。

阿特拉斯In that case, let's try this. Hup!既然如此，就这样吧。嘿咻！

Hm? What's this? Why is this nothing like what I expected?嗯？不对劲？为什么和我想象中完全不一样？

Upon seeing my perspective flip 180 degrees, a sense of weakness fills my heart.看着视野旋转了一百八十度，我的心头涌上一股无力感。

阿特拉斯Alright, position changed, let's go! Don't move around too much now, buddy.姿势换好了，我们出发吧！挚友你不要乱动哦。

Atlas is carrying me over his shoulder like a sack of rice.我宛如一袋大米一般被阿特拉斯扛在了肩上。

ProfessorWait...等等……

阿特拉斯No time to wait, they're starting to surround us! Let's go!等不了了，熵已经开始包围我们了！走！

And with that, Atlas swings his weapon and rushes toward the Entropic blockade.一声令下，阿特拉斯便挥动武器冲向了熵的包围圈。

Much as I hate to admit it, it's a crude yet highly effective method. Before the Entropics can close the trap, we've soon shaken off their pursuit.……虽然不想承认，但这确实是一种粗暴且高效的方式。因为熵潮还未来得及合围，很快，我们便暂时摆脱了熵的追击。

阿特拉斯Whew... You okay, buddy?呼……挚友你没事吧？

阿特拉斯Hahaha, well, if you can still crack jokes, you must be in pretty good shape.哈哈哈，还能这样开玩笑，看来你的状态不错。

阿特拉斯Hahaha, well, if you can still crack jokes, you must be in pretty good shape.哈哈哈，还能这样开玩笑，看来你的状态不错。

阿特拉斯Just a few scratches. It's no big deal!一点小伤，无伤大雅！

...I'm feeling... carsick... no... mansick...……我晕车……不……晕人了……

I think my self-esteem has taken a critical hit.我感觉我的羞耻心遭受了暴击。

I'm okay, how are you?我没事，你还好吗？

Atlas finally lowers me from his shoulder.阿特拉斯终于将我从他的肩上放了下来。

阿特拉斯Man, that was close. There were enough Entropics in there to drown us if we hadn't reacted quickly enough.还真是危险啊，这个数量的熵，如果不是因为我们反应够快，只怕已经陷在里头了。

ProfessorThe decryption went very well and no alarms triggered. The only possibility is...破解过程非常顺利，也没有触发警报。唯一的可能就是……

After performing some quick first aid on Atlas, I look at the Rubik's Map in my hand.我趁着帮阿特拉斯简单治疗的空隙，看向了手中的魔方地图。

阿特拉斯Alright, alright, stop moping. It was hard, but we finished our mission in the end! Let's tell everyone else the good news!好啦，别这么愁眉苦脸了，我们可是好不容易完成了任务！还是尽快把这个好消息告诉其他人吧！

ProfessorYeah, I'd like to ask about the change in the Labyrinth just now and that creepy wave thing...嗯，我也想问问关于刚才迷宫的变化和那股诡异的波动……

Dootdootdoot— Beep—嘟嘟嘟——嘀——

阿特拉斯...What's wrong?……怎么回事？

After seeing the frown on Atlas' face, I try to call Eos as well. However, there is no response beyond the crackling of static.看着阿特拉斯眉头紧锁的样子，我也尝试拨通了晨曦的通讯。但是除了满是噪音的电流声外，没有任何的回应。

阿特拉斯It's not only our main channel; even the backup comm channels are down as well.不只是主要通讯，连晨星大人准备的备用通讯系统也断线了……

ProfessorWas the signal cut off inside the tower? Or was it that ripple...难道在塔内的时候信号就已经断了？又是因为那股波动……

阿特拉斯In that case, we'd better think about how to meet up with the others... hm?既然如此，我们得先想办法和其他人汇合……嗯？

Whoosh—咻——

A golden arrow lights up Tartarus' darkened skies.一支金色羽箭划破了塔尔塔罗斯灰暗的上空。

阿特拉斯It's an emergency signal from Alcyone and Electra!是雅希恩小队的紧急求援信号！

A sense of uneasiness wells up in me again.不详的预感再度从我心头升起。

阿特拉斯Oh no, given Alcyone's personality, she's the kind of person who won't ask for help unless she absolutely has to... buddy, the map!糟了，按雅希恩的性格，不到万不得已绝不会求救的……挚友，魔方地图！

ProfessorGot it. Coordinates confirmed, beginning search...明白。坐标确认，开始检索……

I quickly open the Rubik's Map. The labyrinth's structure and key points appear before my eyes.我迅速打开魔方地图，整个迷宫的构造与关键节点清晰地呈现在我的眼前。

ProfessorHead south, then push forward while sticking to the Outer Ring... If we avoid fighting the enemy before the next labyrinth shift, it'll take us around 30 minutes to get there.从东南方向，紧贴外环推进……在下一次迷宫变化前可以尽量避免和敌人交手，大概需要花费30分钟左右。

阿特拉斯That's no good, it's too long. Is there any other way?不行，这个时间太久了，还有没有其他选择？

ProfessorIt'll be faster if we head northeast, going a little deeper into the Outer Ring, and forcing a breakthrough. But there are a lot of traps along the way and disarming them all will take longer...从东北方向略微深入外环强行突破会更快。但是这一条路上埋伏了大量的陷阱，如果全部拆除，或许花费的时间会更长……

阿特拉斯Got it, that's where we're going. We should be able to just power through all those traps, right?明白了，就走这条路！那些陷阱应该能硬扛过去吧？

ProfessorWhat are you thinking? It's too dangerous to just set all of them off! The amount of strain it'll put on you...你在想什么？直接踏过这些陷阱的风险太大了！对于你的负担……

阿特拉斯Alcyone and Electra are in trouble, and we don't know what's going on, so I need to get to them ASAP.雅希恩和伊拉现在遇到了危险，而且情况不明，我必须第一时间赶到她们身边。

阿特拉斯Compared to that unknown danger, a little bit of known danger is nothing. You know my limits, buddy, so... plot me a route that's within the amount of traps I can take.比起未知的情况，一点已知的风险不算什么。挚友，你清楚我的极限，所以能扛过多少陷阱的路线计算……就交给你了。

阿特拉斯Relax, buddy, I'll take care of you. As everyone's protector, I'll make sure I get you safely through this trapped area.放心吧，挚友。作为大家的守护者，我一定会带你平安闯过这片陷阱区域的。

阿特拉斯Hahaha, I appreciate your good intentions, but you have to get to the Middle Ring in one piece.哈哈哈，好意我心领了，但为了任务，你必须安全地进入中环。

阿特拉斯Relax, I'll take care of you. As everyone's protector... I'll make sure I get you safely through this trapped area.放心吧，我会保护好你的。作为大家的守护者……我一定会带着你平安闯过这片陷阱区域的。

阿特拉斯You handle the tactical planning, and I'll do the fighting. So... shall we?战术布置交给你，执行作战的事情就交给我就好。所以……请？

Got it, leave it to me.我明白了，交给我吧。

I'll tank them with you!我和你一起扛！

Atlas plants his sword in the ground and pats his shoulder.阿特拉斯将重剑往地上一插，然后拍了拍自己的肩膀。

阿特拉斯Got it.我明白了。

阿特拉斯I understand your worries, buddy. Don't worry. We'll try it a different way this time!挚友，我知道你的担忧。没事，这一次我会换个姿势的！

After seeing how confident Atlas looks, I resign myself to doing as he says.看着阿特拉斯自信满满的样子，我无奈地听从了他的安排。

ProfessorAtlas... I regret this...阿特拉斯……我后悔了。

No, let's try a different way...不，还是换一个姿势吧。

Can I choose to walk by myself...我选择自己走……

阿特拉斯Did you say something, buddy?挚友你说什么？

阿特拉斯Oh, I know, this method is great, right? Alcyone always liked it when I carried her like this in the past, but she seems to hate it now...啊，我明白了！这个姿势很不错吧？雅希恩以前可喜欢我像这样背着她跑了，不过她现在好像很抵触……

I fully understand how she feels. We've changed position, and I don't need to look at the world from an inverted perspective...我很理解，姿势确实是换了，我也终于不用颠倒着看这个世界了……

Right now, I am sprawled on Atlas's back. I have no idea which of the positions I've been carried in until now is the most embarrassing.此时的我整个人趴在阿特拉斯的背上。究竟哪一种姿势更加羞耻，我已经不知道了。

Shining Through The Tide 暗潮启明

Several minutes ago, at the main energy tower in the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth of the Tartarus Sector.数分钟前，塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环，主供能塔。

系统Warning: Entropic signal detected. Warning: Large number of Entropic signals detected. Warning, superlative amount of Entropics detected; please carefully consider your combat approach...警告，检测到熵讯号。警告，检测到大量熵讯号。警告，熵数量过多请慎重考虑作战方针……

雅希恩Oh shut up.吵死了。

Alcyone shoots down an Entropic trying to attack her from above and disables the system alerts at the same time.雅希恩击落一只高处袭来的熵，顺手关闭了系统警告。

雅希恩Is there no end to these Daemons...这些邪灵没完没了的……

伊拉It isn't just their numbers... These Entropics are much stronger than the Low-Orders we met before. It's taking almost twice the amount of attack power to defeat them.不仅是数量……这些熵比我们之前遇到的低阶熵要强得多，几乎需要成倍的攻击力才能消灭它们。

As she sees a wounded Low-Order Entropic crawling toward her, Electra blocks a spray of Liquid Entropy with her twin blades, then retreats behind Alcyone to defend her blind spot.看着受创的低阶熵再度爬近，伊拉以双刀挡下袭来的熵化液，后撤回雅希恩背后，为她补足视线死角的防守。

Their original route of egress is swamped with Entropics, and the two of them are forced to mount a fighting retreat.规划的撤退路线已经被熵群淹没，二人只能边战边退。

伊拉Ally, our operand expenditures are growing but those Entropics aren't showing any sign of weakening or retreating. Looks like these Daemons plan to trap us in this area.小雅希恩，我们的算量消耗在不断增加，但这些熵却丝毫没有削弱或撤退的迹象。看来这帮邪灵是打算将我们困死在这个区域了。

伊拉Perhaps the Spoof Code failing or the shifting of the labyrinth was all part of their plan. If we withdraw under these circumstances...无论是伪装代码失效，还是迷宫的变动，或许都在它们的预料之中。如果要在这种情况下撤退的话……

雅希恩How dare they disgrace us like this...居然敢让我们如此狼狈……

雅希恩Electra, we're Greater Sanctifiers!伊拉，我们可是上位净化者！

伊拉...Ally?……小雅希恩？

Alcyone does not look away; instead, she draws her bow again—雅希恩没有转移视线，而是再度拉开手中的弓——

Whoosh!咻！

An arrow streaks through the air, clearing a golden path through the Entropic horde.羽箭破空而去，在熵群中扫开一条金色的道路。

雅希恩...You think mere Low-Order Entropics like you can confine a Greater Sanctifier?!……区区低阶熵，以为这样就能困住上位净化者？！

雅希恩I was afraid that being too showy would draw too much attention and make things harder for the other two groups... But right now, it seems there is no need for stealth.原本担心太大张旗鼓引起警戒，让其他两队行动困难……但现在看来，也没隐蔽的必要了。

Alcyone launches herself off the ground with the tips of her toes and soars to a high place.雅希恩脚尖轻点，飞向高处。

雅希恩Foolish Daemons! I shall pass judgment upon you!愚昧的邪灵，就让我来给你们降下裁决吧！

As she finishes speaking, Alcyone's body shines brightly and within a formless barrier, golden light gathers at the tip of her arrow's head.话音落下，雅希恩周身光芒大盛，无形的屏障内，金色的光芒在箭矢尖端汇聚。

雅希恩Electra, since they don't plan to let us retreat, let's stick to the plan and blow up the energy tower.伊拉，既然它们不打算让我们撤退，我们就按原计划强行引爆供能塔。

雅希恩I'm going to destroy those Daemons and that disgusting tower of theirs!我要将这里的邪灵和那座恶心的供能塔一起炸飞！

伊拉Ally...小雅希恩……

雅希恩I'm too far away right now, so I need more time to charge up. Help me buy some time, Electra!现在距离太远了，我需要更多时间充能，伊拉。帮我争取点时间！

伊拉...Humph, indeed...……哼，确实……

Electra smiles as she feels Alcyone's determination. Her twin blades flash, easily cutting several Low-Order Entropics to pieces.感受到雅希恩的坚定，伊拉扬起了笑容。双刀闪过，又有数只低阶熵被轻易斩杀。

伊拉Well, if these Daemons are bold enough to ambush us Greater Sanctifiers, then we'll show them our might. I'll cover you!这些邪灵既然敢埋伏我们上位净化者，那就让它们见识见识我们的力量吧。我来掩护！

The Low-Order Entropics seem to sense the power gathering in Alcyone's hands and go around Electra, charging straight at Alcyone. However, no matter how they try and rush her, they are cut to pieces by Electra's flashing blades.似乎是感受到了雅希恩手中凝聚的算量，低阶熵们开始绕开伊拉直接冲向雅希恩。但是不论这些低阶熵怎么冲锋，都会被一道道刀光切成碎片。

伊拉Who gave you permission to approach Ally, Daemon?邪灵，谁允许你们靠近小雅希恩了？

Electra's blades cut into a Low-Order Entropic's body, but then she felt something had grazed her shoulder.伊拉的双刀劈砍在一只低阶熵身上，却突然感到什么划破了自己的肩膀。

伊拉(I guess it's still quite draining after all... This isn't right, these Low-Order Entropics aren't any different from the ones we met earlier, so how did they get so strong all of a sudden?)（果然还是有点吃力吗……这些低阶熵明明和之前遇到的没有什么区别，为什么突然变强了这么多？）

伊拉(Whatever the reason, I need to keep Ally safe...)（无论如何先保护好雅希恩……）

Electra looks up at Alcyone, who's charging up a shot in mid-air, but then she sees a blade flashing behind her.伊拉将目光投向半空汇聚能量的雅希恩，却看到她身后刀光一闪。

雅希恩Electra, I'm counting down to the release of the Judgement Arrow...伊拉，裁决之矢倒计时……

伊拉ALCYONE! DUCK!雅希恩！快躲开！！

Electra runs up, missing the red figure flashing past her in the blind spot of her vision.伊拉飞身上前，忽视了视线死角闪过的红影。

红色的高阶熵Over here, Big Sis.在这里哦，大姐姐。

伊拉What...什……

Electra reflexively dodges to the right, yet, a black longsword pierces through her abdomen from behind.伊拉下意识地向右侧闪躲，却只看见黑色的长刀从背后贯穿了自己的侧腹。

伊拉Urgh... aaaaahhhhh!呃……啊啊啊啊啊啊！！

雅希恩ELECTRA!!伊拉！！

A High-Order Entropic in red steps out from behind Electra, hoisting her body high on her longsword.红色的高阶熵从伊拉身后现身，长刀将伊拉的身体高高提起。

红色的高阶熵Guess you couldn't dodge it after all. This wasn't as fun as I hoped it would be.还是没能躲过啊，没想象中那么有意思呢。

雅希恩Dammit...可恶……

Alcyone turns and draws a bead on the High-Order Entropic, but she doesn't dare to let loose her shot. The High Order Entropic uses Electra as a shield; if she fires her charged shot, Electra will definitely get caught up in it.雅希恩调转方向，用长弓箭瞄准了红色的高阶熵，却迟迟不敢松开弓弦。高阶熵用伊拉作为挡箭牌，这蓄力的一箭必定会将伊拉卷入其中。

伊拉Forget about me! Just sh—cough!不用管我！发……咳啊！

The crimson High-Order Entropic pins Electra's twin knives with just one hand and the other tightens around her throat.红色的高阶熵单手压制住伊拉的双刀，另一只手直接掐住了伊拉的咽喉。

红色的高阶熵Hahahaha! Hey, is that all you Sanctifiers have?哈哈哈哈！喂，净化者就只有这一点实力吗？

伊拉Ugh... What is this strength...唔……这是什么怪力……

红色的高阶熵Come on, let's enjoy this battle someplace else!来吧，让我们换一个地方好好享受享受战斗的快乐吧！

The crimson High-Order Entropic leaps into the Entropic horde with Electra in hand and vanishes among them.红色的高阶熵带着伊拉朝着熵潮之中一跃，消失在紫色的浪潮中。

雅希恩ELECTRA!!!伊拉！！！

The High-Order Entropic maintains a grip tight as a vise around Electra's neck while dragging her through the other Entropics. Electra tries to fight through the pain and swing her blades, but every strike she attempts is blocked.红色的高阶熵扼住伊拉的脖颈在熵潮中拖行。伊拉忍着剧痛试图挥动双刀，但每每都被轻易挡下。

伊拉Let... go...放……手……

红色的高阶熵This should do! Hah!这里就差不多了！嘿！

伊拉(Coughs) Damn Daemon...咳啊！该死的邪灵……

The Entropic slams Electra into the wall of the labyrinth. The massive impact sends pain coursing through Electra's body.伊拉被狠狠地砸在了迷宫的墙壁之上，巨大的冲击让伊拉浑身上下都感受到了一阵刺痛。

伊拉(This fearsome strength... Could it be even greater than Atlas? But now I have an angle to...)（这可怕的力量……难道还在阿特拉斯之上？但是这样就有角度……）

红色的高阶熵Boom!咚！

伊拉What... GWAAAAARGH!什……啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊！

An ominous purple spreads from the High-Order Entropic's palm and explodes inside Electra's body.不祥的紫色从红色的高阶熵手心扩散，在伊拉的体内炸裂开来。

系统Warning, system structure damage at 50%. Warning, basic power transmission programs offline. Warning, system turbulence...警告，系统结构损坏率50%。警告，基础传动程序断线。警告，系统程序紊乱……

伊拉Argh... (cough) D-damn you...啊……咳……可……可恶……

红色的高阶熵Hah? Is that it? No way... Then what difference is there between you and those Intermediates?!哈？这就结束了？不会吧……这和那些中位的家伙也没什么区别嘛！

红色的高阶熵If I'd known, I'd have gone after that shrimp instead.早知道，就挑那个小不点了！

伊拉I won't... I won't let you lay a hand on Alcyone!不许……对雅希恩出手！

红色的高阶熵Ohhhh! I LIKE those eyes! Let's continue, then... Yeeart!哦！不错的眼神！让我们继续……嘎啊！

雅希恩ELECTRA!!伊拉！！

The crimson High-Order Entropic evades her attack. Alcyone uses this opportunity to swoop in low and take Electra back from her.红色的高阶熵闪过攻击，雅希恩抓住破绽低空飞过，从高阶熵手中夺回了伊拉。

雅希恩Electra, wake up!伊拉，醒醒！

伊拉Urgh... run away...呃……快逃……

红色的高阶熵Uwah, that was close.呜哇，好险好险。

红色的高阶熵Hahahaha, you're pretty fast, shrimpy! And here I was worried that it'd be too boring!哈哈哈哈！小不点的速度很快嘛，我还担心就这么结束太没意思了呢！

The High-Order Entropic plucks the golden arrow out from where it's stuck in the wall nearby and snaps it in half.高阶熵将近在咫尺的金色羽箭轻易地从墙中拔下，折成了两段。

红色的高阶熵I'll play with you next!接下来就让你来陪我玩玩吧！

雅希恩YOU BITCH!!!!你这个混账！！！！

Alcyone grits her teeth and looks at the nearly comatose Electra, and then glares at the crimson High-Order Entropic in front of her.雅希恩咬着牙看了看怀中几乎昏迷的伊拉，又死死地盯着红色的高阶熵。

雅希恩You'll pay for this, Daemon!邪灵！我一定会让你付出代价！！

Alcyone draws her bow and quickly fires off an arrow of light.雅希恩拉开长弓，飞快地射出一支光箭。

红色的高阶熵Gahahahah! Bring it!嘎哈哈哈哈！来吧！

The High-Order Entropic swings her longsword at the light arrow.红色的高阶熵挥舞重剑朝着光箭一剑劈下！

红色的高阶熵Huh? The arrow split... Uwah!诶？箭分裂……哇啊啊！

红色的高阶熵(Coughs heavily) Where did all this smoke come from... damn brat...咳咳咳咳……为什么会有这么大的烟……那个该死的小不点……

红色的高阶熵She's gone! Where the hell did they go to?!不见了！她们跑到哪里去了？！

Her vision obscured by the smoke, the High-Order Entropic slashes at it to drive it away.被烟雾遮住了视野的高阶熵，用斩击将周围的浓烟驱散。

红色的高阶熵Goddammit! She tricked me, that damn shrimp!该死！被耍了！小不点！！！

红色的高阶熵...Never mind, I'll find you soon enough...……没关系，我很快会找到你们的……

A golden arrow streaks through the darkened sky of Tartarus. Alcyone puts her bow away and scoops Electra's heavily-wounded body up in her little arms as she surveys her surroundings.金色的箭矢划破塔尔塔罗斯灰暗的天空。 雅希恩收起弓箭，用娇小的身躯抱着重创的伊拉，紧张地查看她的状况。

雅希恩They should be here soon... Electra? Electra! What happened to you?他们应该很快就能赶到了……伊拉？伊拉！你怎么样！

雅希恩Fundamental structure damage, lowered neural cloud stability... dammit...基础结构损坏，心智稳定性低下……可恶……

The labyrinth's walls are high and impassable. In this unfamiliar terrain, Alcyone uses her instincts to sense a safe place while slowly infusing golden operands into Electra's body.迷宫的高墙难以逾越，陌生的地形中，雅希恩边靠直觉探知安全的方位，边将金色的算量缓缓注入伊拉的体内。

雅希恩If only I had just fired with my arrow... No, wait, what was that High-Order Entropic even doing here?要是我刚刚直接用箭攻击的话……不，不对，为什么这只高阶熵会出现在这里？

雅希恩Was my judgment off? No... It can't be. We only detected Low-Order Entropics back then.我的判断失误了？不……不可能，当时明明只检测到了低阶熵。

雅希恩...Or was this a trap from the start?……难道说，这一开始就是一个陷阱？

伊拉Ally...小雅希恩……

雅希恩Electra! You're awake!伊拉！你醒了！

伊拉(Coughs) I'm okay...咳，我没事……

雅希恩What do you mean "you're okay"?! Your body, it's... it's all my fault.怎么可能没事！你的身体已经……我……都是我的错。

雅希恩I should have listened to you, I shouldn't have gone that far in...我应该一开始就听你的，不深入这里……

伊拉Ally, this isn't your fault. Neither of us could have expected that... these Daemons would be so cunning.小雅希恩，这不是你的错。我们都没有预料到……这些邪灵会如此狡猾。

雅希恩But I... I should have sensed it...可是我……我应该察觉到的……

伊拉Everyone makes mistakes, just like I had to clean up after you in the past... And besides, this time we both messed up.每一个人都是会失误的啦，就跟小雅希恩每一次帮姐姐我善后一样……更何况，这一次是我们两个人一起失误了。

伊拉So have some candy and relax... (coughs heavily)吃颗糖放松一下……咳咳咳咳……

雅希恩Electra! Don't say any more! I'll get you to a safe area soon...伊拉！你先不要说话了！我马上带你到安全区域……

伊拉(Cough) Behind you...咳……身后……

红色的高阶熵And where do you think you're going, shrimp?你们要去哪里呀，小不点？

Her reflexive reaction is not enough to let her avoid the attack. The slash shreds through Alcyone's fragile defenses and cuts off one of her mechanical wings.下意识的反应没能挡住攻击，斩击破开了雅希恩脆弱的防御，削掉了半边的机械翅膀。

红色的高阶熵Gahahahaha, why don't you fall from grace!嘎哈哈哈，坠落吧！

雅希恩Judgement Arrow!裁决之矢！！

The arrow of light that Alcyone fires before hitting the ground forces the crimson High-Order Entropic back. Alcyone barely manages to keep Electra safe as she lands in a disgraceful heap, and then she gets up to run away from the High Order Entropic.赶在坠地前射出的金色的光箭逼退了红色的高阶熵。雅希恩护住伊拉狼狈落地，起身向着高阶熵的反方向逃去。

伊拉(Coughs heavily)咳咳……咳咳咳咳……

雅希恩That's impossible... I KNEW I shook her off earlier, I even activated a stealth program, so how did she find us?!不可能……明明之前甩掉她了，我还特地开启了隐蔽程序，为什么还能找到我们？！

雅希恩Tsk... Could there be some mechanism we don't know about in this base...啧……难道这个迷宫还有我们不知道的机关……

熵Skree!!!叽！！！

雅希恩Low-Order Entropics?! But these numbers...低阶熵？！这个数量……

伊拉Alcyone... You... should run... by yourself...小雅希恩……你……一个人……快跑……

雅希恩How could I abandon you?! Out of my way, Daemons!我怎么可能放下你不管？！邪灵，不要挡路！

Alcyone fires a trio of light arrows, which slay many Entropics, but they fail to open a path for them to flee.雅希恩连续射出三支光箭，光箭收割了大量低阶熵的生命，但是却未能打开一条可供二人逃脱的道路。

熵Skree—叽——

雅希恩In that case... I'll have to go all-out...既然如此……就用全力……

红色的高阶熵Caught you, shrimpy!追上你们了哦！小不点！

雅希恩Dammit...!该死……！

Alcyone hugs Electra tightly and deploys a weak barrier, crashing against the attacks of the Low-Order Entropics as she rushes forward.雅希恩紧紧抱住伊拉，展开脆弱的屏障，顶着低阶熵的攻击向前冲去。

雅希恩(Pants)哈啊……

雅希恩(Pants heavily) Judgement Arrow...哈啊……哈啊……裁决之矢……

Alcyone fires another shot, but this arrow is dim; it barely manages to hold off a couple of Entropics.雅希恩再度射出一箭，但箭身上的光芒早已黯淡，甚至只能短暂地抑制两三只熵的进攻。

雅希恩Why are there... so many Daemons here...邪灵的数量……怎么会这么多……

雅希恩Why am I, a Greater Sanctifier... having such a hard time with these Low-Order Entropics...身为上位净化者的我……为什么会被这些低阶熵缠住……

红色的高阶熵Oi oi, all gassed out already? Then stop running and fight me fair and square!喂喂，这就没力气了吗？那就别逃了，来堂堂正正战斗吧！

雅希恩I can't lose her... dammit...根本甩不掉这家伙……可恶……

系统Warning, operand depletion at 75%...警告，算量损耗率75%……

雅希恩In that case...既然如此……

Alcyone comes to a halt and draws her bow, pointing the golden arrow at the crimson High-Order Entropic.雅希恩停下脚步，将手中的长弓拉开，金色的箭矢对准了红色的高阶熵。

红色的高阶熵Finally decided to stop running? Great!终于不打算逃了吗？太好了！

红色的高阶熵At last, my favorite part, the slice and dice, the hack and slash! Come on, come on, I'll let you get the first hit in!终于到了我最喜欢的厮杀环节了！快点快点，我让你先动手！

雅希恩You're insane...疯子……

伊拉Ally... Let me do this...小雅希恩……交给我来……

Electra grits her teeth and stands in front of Alcyone.伊拉咬着牙站起身，挡在了雅希恩的面前。

雅希恩Stop kidding around, your body's already...别开玩笑了，你的身体已经……

伊拉I've rested enough. Let me take it from here.我已经休息够了，接下来交给我吧。

伊拉I, for one... have way more combat experience than you!我的作战经验……可比你丰富多了！

雅希恩How could I let you...我怎么可能让你……

红色的高阶熵Will you PLEASE shut up already!叽叽歪歪的麻烦死了！！

The High-Order Entropic bellows as she charges at the two of them, conjuring an arc of Liquid Entropy out of thin air with a swing of her longsword—高阶熵咆哮着冲向二人，挥动的长刀在空中划出一圈熵浪，径直刺向二人——

阿特拉斯Holy Blade of Severance!裁断圣剑！

红色的高阶熵Huh?诶？

Before the High-Order Entropic can react, a sword that's as large and sturdy as a wall hits her.还没有等红色的高阶熵反应过来，一面宛如墙壁的剑身狠狠地撞击在了她的身上。

红色的高阶熵Gwaaaargh!嘎啊！

The surrounding Low Order Entropics immediately surround her and form a cordon.周围的低阶熵立刻围了上来，再一次形成了包围圈。

雅希恩Atlas! !阿特拉斯！！

ProfessorCome with me!跟我来！

I deploy a barrier and lead the two of them to retreating deeper into the labyrinth under Atlas' protection.我展开算量屏障，带着二人在阿特拉斯的掩护下朝着迷宫深处撤离。

Taxing Expedition 竭力苦旅

Tartarus Sector. Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环。

阿特拉斯Are you guys okay?你们没事吧？

雅希恩I'm fine, but Electra...我没事，但是伊拉她……

伊拉(Coughs) Sorry, Atlas...咳……抱歉，阿特拉斯……

阿特拉斯It's okay, save your strength. How's she doing, buddy?不用多说了。情况如何，挚友？

ProfessorWe need to find a safe place to treat Electra. But all the roads leading to the Outer Ring are blockaded by Entropics...必须尽快找到安全的地方为伊拉治疗。但通往外环的道路已经被熵所包围……

I look at the Rubik's Map and shake my head. Given our present circumstances, breaking through their encirclement intact would be a tall order.我看着魔方地图显示的情报摇了摇头。按照我们目前的状态，想要安然无恙地突出重围难上加难。

阿特拉斯Where did all these Entropics come from? I've never seen this many Entropics show up all of a sudden even on the Border Battlefront.这些熵究竟是从哪里冒出来的？即使是在边境战线，也从未有过突然出现这么多熵的情况。

阿特拉斯And then there's that High-Order Entropic... She didn't seem hurt after that attack just now...而且那只高阶熵……在受到刚刚的攻击之后居然没有受到什么伤害……

雅希恩Yes, I saw her getting up while we were withdrawing...是的，在撤离的时候我看到她已经站起来了……

This section of the labyrinth is filled with lurid purple indicators. Even a Greater Sanctifier would not be able to escape unscathed.刺目的紫色已经遍布这片迷宫区域，如果陷入其中，即使是上位净化者也不可能安然脱身。

Worse still, they've got that red-haired High-Order Entropic who's spoiling for a fight among them. If we want to turn the situation around, we'll need to break some rules.更何况还有那个虎视眈眈的红色高阶熵存在于战场之中。要想突破现状，必须打破常规。

雅希恩I'm sorry. If I hadn't been so eager to destroy that main energy tower, we wouldn't have been trapped here...抱歉，如果不是我急于破坏那座主供能塔，我们也不会被困在这里……

阿特拉斯It's alright, Alcyone. This isn't the time for blaming yourself.没事的，雅希恩，现在不是内疚的时候。

ProfessorThe main energy tower... That's right, if we can use the power from the main energy tower...主供能塔……对了，要是我们能利用供能塔的能量的话……

I open my terminal and quickly scan through the recon data that Alcyone sent over earlier.我打开终端，快速地浏览着之前雅希恩发来的侦查讯息。

ProfessorA reading that's over five times that of normal energy towers... it's this one.能量大约是通常供能塔的5倍以上……就是你了。

阿特拉斯Looks like you've thought of something, buddy!看起来你想到什么好办法了啊，挚友！

ProfessorComms are cut. Alcyone, send up a signal arrow to tell Eosphorus and Eos that we're breaking through into the Middle Ring.现在通讯已经断了。雅希恩，用信号箭通知晨星还有晨曦，我们将突入中环汇合。

雅希恩Into the Middle Ring? But the Rubik's Map says...突入中环？但是魔方地图上……

ProfessorAccording to the map data, this region does not currently contain a path that leads to the Middle Ring.根据地图上的数据，当前区域是没有通往中环的道路的。

ProfessorBut that's just what the map says.但是，那是地图上的路线。

I point to the location of the main energy tower on the Rubik's Map, enclosed by sturdy walls.我指了指魔方地图上主供能塔的位置，坚实的墙壁将供能塔包围在中央。

ProfessorWhat if we got rid of those walls?如果这些墙壁消失了呢？

雅希恩You mean to...你是想要……

阿特拉斯Well done, buddy!干得好啊挚友！

阿特拉斯We couldn't bust down those walls before, but it'll be a piece of cake with that energy tower!虽然之前没能成功破墙，但只要有这个供能塔，就不在话下了！

ProfessorAtlas, we need to gather the tower's operands into one point...阿特拉斯，我们需要将供能塔的算量集中在一点……

阿特拉斯Leave it to me, buddy! I won't let a single Entropic near you guys, so relax and tweak the tower!交给我吧，我绝对不会让一只熵靠近你们的，你们就安心调整供能塔吧！

雅希恩I'll do it with you, Atlas! It was because of me that Electra... I need to protect Electra.我和你一起，阿特拉斯！伊拉是因为我才……我必须要保护好伊拉。

阿特拉斯Hahaha, alright then, we haven't worked together in a while!哈哈哈，好，久违地并肩作战了啊！

Atlas ruffles Alcyone's hair, and Electra smiles weakly while leaning against Atlas.阿特拉斯揉了揉雅希恩的头，靠在阿特拉斯身上的伊拉也露出了一个虚弱的微笑。

ProfessorRight, let's head toward the main energy tower. Atlas and Alcyone, you'll stop the Entropic advance. I'll adjust the tower's power supply. Electra will stay with me.好，我们现在就向主供能塔出发。阿特拉斯和雅希恩负责阻挡熵的进攻，我会调整供能塔的能量，伊拉就和我呆在一起。

ProfessorEveryone, move out!所有人，作战开始！

Taxing Expedition 竭力苦旅

Tartarus Sector, in the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth, near the main energy tower.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环，主供能塔附近。

Hordes of densely packed Low-Order Entropics are milling around at the base of the energy tower. A golden arrow parts the purple sea, and Atlas follows closely behind it, carving a path with his greatsword.密密麻麻的低阶熵在供能塔底涌动着。金色的箭矢破开紫色的浪潮，阿特拉斯紧随而上，用重剑斩开了一条道路。

阿特拉斯Now!趁现在！

ProfessorI've successfully connected to the energy tower core, commencing decryption!供能塔核心连接成功，开始破解！

A formless barrier envelopes Electra and me. Alcyone flaps her ruined wings and flies at low altitudes, using her superior mobility to eliminate the Low-Order Entropics attempting to approach us.无形的屏障将我和伊拉笼罩其中，雅希恩挥动残缺的翅膀低空飞行，利用高机动性解决试图靠近的低阶熵。

熵Skree!叽！

雅希恩You shall not pass—Judgement Arrow!别想过去——裁决之矢！

The purple fades under the golden light, and then a crimson figure emerges—紫色在金光下褪去，红色的身影自其中浮现——

红色的高阶熵Surprised, shrimpy?惊喜吗，小不点？

Clang!锵！

As the High-Order Entropic closes the distance to Alcyone, a greatsword crashes down between the two of them.就在高阶熵迅速拉进与雅希恩的距离之时，一柄重剑插在了二人之间。

阿特拉斯I'm your opponent here. Alcyone, go take care of those Low-Order Entropics.你的对手是我。雅希恩，你去对付那些低阶熵。

红色的高阶熵Hahahaha, a new opponent, this is fun!哈哈哈哈，新的对手，有意思！

红色的高阶熵I won't let you get away this time!这次我可不会放你们逃跑了！

阿特拉斯Relax, we weren't planning on running—Holy Blade of Severance!放心吧，我们根本就没想逃——裁断圣剑！

The High-Order Entropic rushes in with longsword in hand. Atlas blocks the attack with his greatsword, the impact throwing his opponent back a couple of steps.高阶熵挥刀突进，而阿特拉斯的大剑硬生生接下了攻击，将高阶熵震退两步。

阿特拉斯Heh... Don't think you'll be able to take another step forward with me around.嗬……有我在，你别想向前一步。

红色的高阶熵Hahahahaha—That's right, this is it! This is the fight I've been waiting for!哈哈哈哈哈——没错，就是这个！这个才是我一直在期待的战斗！

The red-haired High-Order Entropic licks up the purple fluid on her forearm and excitedly raises her longsword again.红色的高阶熵舔了舔自己小臂上的紫色液体，兴奋地再度举起长刀。

阿特拉斯Humph, indeed... I haven't fought like this in a while.哼，确实……这样的战斗真的是久违了。

红色的高阶熵Fantastic! You're way better than that shrimp and her big sister!太好了，你比那个小不点和大姐姐更棒！

红色的高阶熵I wonder what kind of sounds your body will make when I tear it to shreds!不知道你的肉体被我撕裂的时候，会发出什么样的声音呢！

Taxing Expedition 竭力苦旅

Clang!锵！

The greatsword and longsword clash, throwing up a cloud of dust around them as each side tries to overpower the other.重剑与长刀相击，带起一圈尘浪，两个人都全力想要压制对方。

红色的高阶熵Ohhh! You actually blocked it!哦哦！居然挡住了！

红色的高阶熵In that case, you won't mind if I use a little more force, right?既然如此，我再使些力你也不会坏掉吧？

阿特拉斯Hng...哼……

Atlas grits his teeth as he holds off her incredible might, but he is unable to stop himself from being driven back. He can feel her power flowing through his greatsword and his pauldron had already been shattered.阿特拉斯咬牙顶住巨大的力量，却难以控制自己的身体后移。力量沿着巨剑传来，他的肩甲已寸寸粉碎。

阿特拉斯(Why does she look like she's having such an easy time... She's way stronger than the High-Order Entropics I've met before!)（为什么她看起来还是很轻松……远超之前遭遇的高阶熵的实力……）

红色的高阶熵Hahahaha! This feeling... Soooo much better than when I was slaughtering those Intermediate Sanctifiers!哈哈哈哈！这种感觉……比和中位净化者厮杀的时候爽快多了！

阿特拉斯Intermediate Sanctifiers?!中位净化者？！

阿特拉斯Are you the Daemon who's been hunting Intermediate Sanctifiers...你就是那个一直在狩猎中位净化者的邪灵……

红色的高阶熵The Intermediates are way too weak. They can't even take a single swing from me... No wait, I think that one with the shield went down in two blows?中位实在是太弱小了，连我的一剑都承受不住……啊，那个拿盾牌的家伙，好像被我砍了两下才倒下？

阿特拉斯Why you...你这家伙……

红色的高阶熵Hm?诶？

Atlas suddenly pulls his sword back and steps aside as a golden arrow streaks in from the distance. The High-Order Entropic can't evade in time and the arrow buries itself in her left shoulder.阿特拉斯忽然收剑错身，金色的箭矢自远处紧随而来，高阶熵躲闪不及，箭矢没入了她的左肩。

红色的高阶熵Urk!呃！

阿特拉斯Over here!看这边！

As the High-Order Entropic loses her grip for a moment, Atlas takes advantage of this opportunity and lands a vicious punch on her face.趁着高阶熵脱力的瞬间，阿特拉斯举起拳头，狠狠地砸在了她的脸上。

阿特拉斯You'll pay for hurting Electra and those Intermediate Sanctifiers!你要为伤害伊拉和中位净化者付出代价！

红色的高阶熵Heh... Hahahahaha!呵……哈哈哈哈哈哈！

The red-haired High-Order Entropic wipes away the purple blood from the corner of her mouth.红色的高阶熵擦了擦嘴角紫色的血液。

红色的高阶熵I like you, Greater Sanctifier!我很中意你，上位净化者！

红色的高阶熵Tell me your name! I'm Caina! Remember it, because you'll die by my hand!告诉你我的名字吧，我是加伊那！记好了，你会死在我的手上的！

阿特拉斯...If we were on the Border Battlefront... I would slay you with my own hands.……若是在边境战线……我必定会手刃你这个邪灵。

阿特拉斯But now... Time's up.但是现在……时间到了。

加伊那Hm? What are you talking about?嗯？你在说什么？

As she sees Atlas take a defensive stance, Caina suddenly realizes something.看着阿特拉斯张开了防御，加伊那猛地意识到了什么。

加伊那Don't tell me...难道……

Before Caina can realize what exactly is happening at the energy tower, a violent explosion suddenly engulfs the entire region.还没等加伊那仔细观察供能塔的诡异现象，剧烈的爆炸便瞬间将整个区域吞没。

加伊那GWAAAAAAARGH!嘎啊啊啊啊啊啊！

加伊那...Don't you dare... run away...……别想……逃跑……

加伊那I WILL NEVER... EVER... LET YOU GO!!我绝对……不会放过你们！！

Unbreakable Protection 不破加护

Tartarus Sector, in the depths of the Outer Ring.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，外环深处。

Having withdrawn to the depths of the labyrinth, we now follow the Rubik's Map and swap routes over and over again, turning corner after corner in rapid succession.撤入迷宫深处，我们依靠魔方地图的指引频繁地变换前进的路径，接连闯过数个拐角。

The walls on both sides of us are covered in purple growths that look like some kind of vegetation and stretch as far as the eye can see, the unidentifiable alien substance rippling slowly like waves on the sea. Cold light shines through the depths of the material, their rustling sounds like the chirping of chicks.两侧的墙壁上，由植被一般深紫色软体组成的海浪映入眼帘，分不清质地的异物似涛浪般摇曳舒展。软体体表内陷的结构蠕动着摄人的寒光，窸窸窣窣的嘤鸣如同稚子的呓语。

ProfessorWatch your side—小心旁边——

Shing—Clang—铿——铮——

The greatsword rises and cuts apart the dark purple tentacle just as I call it out. Severed from its root, the soft appendage falls to the ground and thrashes wildly, as though rebuking us for our rudeness as visitors.巨剑锋起，将我的警告与深紫色的触腕一同斩断。离开根部的软体跌落在地，癫狂地舞蹈，像是在斥责来客的失礼。

阿特拉斯Relax, I've handled things like these all the time. Just plan our route and leave the enemies to me, buddy.放心吧，我没少对付过这些东西。敌人交给我，挚友你安心规划路线就好。

阿特拉斯You too, Alcyone. Don't push yourself too hard. Are you and Electra okay?雅希恩也是，不要太勉强。你和伊拉的状况还好吗？

雅希恩Electra's entered sleep mode and her condition is stable. I... (inhales) I...伊拉进入休眠了，情况稳定。我……呼——我还……

The golden arrow that Alcyone fires is her response to us.自雅希恩手中射出的金色箭矢替她补全了接下来的回答。

—I can still fight.——我还可以。

阿特拉斯You need to know your limits. If you can't do it, let me take over... (coughs)别硬撑，如果坚持不住可以换我来……咳！

ProfessorAtlas? That wound on your waist...阿特拉斯？你侧腹的伤口……

阿特拉斯Well... Haha, guess that explosion was more powerful than I expected. The barrier I put up beforehand couldn't stop its full force.这个啊……哈哈，那个爆炸比我想象中要剧烈，我提前展开的防御立场没能完全挡下冲击。

阿特拉斯Man, I feel so dumb for making such a basic mistake. Anyway, it's no big deal. I'll just heal up once we get to the Middle Ring. There are more important things to do now.这种低级错误，说出来还怪不好意思的。不碍事，一会儿进入中环再做治疗就好，眼下还有更重要的事。

The smile fades off Atlas' face as he surveys his surroundings warily without slowing his pace.阿特拉斯收起笑容，警惕着四周，脚步没有丝毫放缓。

阿特拉斯At first, I wanted to use the explosion to kill that Entropic called Caina, but it didn't work.我本想趁着爆炸的瞬间击杀那只名为加伊那的熵，但是没能够成功。

ProfessorI can't believe she could still fight after being blown up like that...经受那样的爆炸后居然还能继续战斗吗……

阿特拉斯She's much stronger than the other High-Order Entropics we've fought before. I have a bad feeling about this... Feels like she might catch up with us soon.她比我们之前遇到的高阶熵还要强大很多。我有一种不好的预感……或许她不久之后就会追上来。

ProfessorLooks like it isn't time for us to enter the Middle Ring yet. Let me handle the route and battle planning; we need to break through the Entropic encirclement first.看来我们还没到进入塔尔塔罗斯中环的时候。规划路线和制定计划还是交给我，我们先突破熵的包围圈。

阿特拉斯I'll clear the path, you guys stay close. Don't get left behind!我来开路，你们跟紧了，别掉队！

ProfessorIt should be safe here, we can rest for a bit.这里应该安全了，我们可以休整一下。

阿特拉斯Yeah, you do that. I'll stand watch.你们先休息，我来警戒。

Atlas doesn't sit down. Instead, he looks toward the main energy tower with a grim expression on his face.阿特拉斯并未坐下，而是表情严峻地看向主供能塔的方向。

阿特拉斯We need to think of a way to deal with Caina. If she keeps hounding us, we'll only be in more danger once we enter the Middle Ring. It might even end up compromising our later objectives.得想办法怎么对付加伊那。如果她穷追不舍，我们进入中环也只会陷入危险，甚至暴露我们后续的目标。

雅希恩...She was dogging us constantly earlier. Maybe the labyrinth has some kind of mechanism to it that we don't know about...……她之前也一直阴魂不散，或许迷宫里有我们不知道的机关……

Alcyone carefully lays Electra down. After looking at her eyes, she clenches her fists.雅希恩小心地将伊拉放下。看着伊拉紧闭的双眼，她握紧了拳头。

雅希恩Caina... I'll make her pay for this!加伊那……我一定要让她付出代价！

ProfessorThe Entropics we've encountered in Tartarus are far stronger than before, especially after that wave from just now...我们在塔尔塔罗斯遭遇到的熵强度远超之前，尤其是那股诡异的波动之后……

雅希恩(Inhales) You're right, . I endangered Electra because I was too impulsive. I can't repeat my past mistakes...呼……你说得对，。之前都是因为我太冲动了，伊拉才会陷入危险。我绝不能重蹈覆辙……

Calm down, stay cautious.别冲动，保持谨慎。

Leave it to me. This time, we'll crush her for good!交给我吧，这次一定要彻底击垮她！

阿特拉斯It'll be alright, Alcyone. My buddy and I are on the job. Now that we've got three Greater Sanctifiers fighting at full power, she won't be able to beat us even if she IS stronger than other High-Order Entropics.没事的，雅希恩，现在我和挚友都在。有三名战力全开的上位净化者，就算她比其他高阶熵强，也完全不是对手。

阿特拉斯Hahahaha, that's the spirit, buddy!哈哈哈哈，不愧是挚友，有魄力！

Atlas puts his arms around me and Alcyone.阿特拉斯揽过我和雅希恩的肩膀。

阿特拉斯Now that we've got three Greater Sanctifiers fighting at full power, she won't be able to beat us even if she IS stronger than other High-Order Entropics.现在有三名战力全开的上位净化者，就算她比其他高阶熵强，也完全不是对手。

阿特拉斯And besides, since we know she'll chase us, we have the initiative.而且既然我们知道她一定会追上来，那么现在主动权就在我们。

Atlas points to the Rubik's Map I'm holding and we exchange a wordless glance.阿特拉斯指了指我手中的魔方地图，我们心照不宣地对视一眼。

雅希恩This time, we're going to plan beforehand and completely crush her!这次一定要提前做好计划，彻底将她击垮！

ProfessorGive me some time. We need to take the failure of the Spoof Code and the strength of the Entropics into consideration. After all, they're a far cry from the Entropics we first encountered when we just entered the Outer Ring.给我一点时间。我们要将伪装代码失效和熵的强度考虑在内，毕竟现在遭遇熵的实力和我们刚刚进入外环的时候完全不一样。

ProfessorThe data doesn't lie; I kept an eye on our operand expenditures just now, and we're using almost twice the usual normal of operands to kill Low-Order Entropics.数据不会骗人，我留意了一下算量的输出记录，斩杀低阶熵所需要的算量比过去增加了快一倍。

ProfessorThen you factor in the intel from the frontline units and the real-time route information from the Rubik's Map...再加上前线部队的情报信息和魔方地图的实况路径……

The Rubik's Map I'm holding works at high speed, feeding me visual data.手中的魔方高速运转，与之同频的还有视界中的数据。

ProfessorThis is it. There's a place not far ahead that's good for setting an ambush.就是这里了。前方不远就有一片区域，地形有利于伏击。

I indicate a region on my display and rapidly concoct a plan.我在屏幕上划出一片区域，方案在脑内迅速形成。

ProfessorCurrently, there are two ambush plans, both of which have roughly the same chances of success. The difference is in the risk to us. Plan 1 shares the risk evenly, while plan 2 puts more risk on Atlas, but keeps Alcyone and Electra safer.目前有两种伏击方案，成功率都差不多，区别在于我们的风险比重。方案一大家均摊风险，方案二阿特拉斯的风险会更大一些，但雅希恩和伊拉更安全。

阿特拉斯Plan 2 it is.那就方案二。

雅希恩...But!……可是！

阿特拉斯I'm guessing that in plan 2 I can't protect Electra.方案二我应该就没法照顾伊拉了。

Atlas pats Alcyone's head.阿特拉斯摸了摸雅希恩的头。

阿特拉斯That's why I need you to do it, Alcyone.雅希恩，就拜托你保护好她了。

雅希恩...Got it.……我明白了。

After we finish our planning, we soon arrive at the designated area. Atlas and I scout the path ahead while Alcyone stays behind to check the plan and Electra's condition while occasionally feeding us info.计划确认完毕后，我们很快到达了预定区域。我和阿特拉斯在前方确认路线，而雅希恩在后方反复地确认着行动方案和伊拉的情况，不时向我们传达着信息。

雅希恩Electra's body temperature is very high. Her neural cloud systems are restarting; she should be able to wake up soon!伊拉的身体温度很高，她的心智系统在重启。应该很快就能缓过来了！

阿特拉斯Hahaha, looks like we'll have two pieces of good news soon.哈哈哈，看来我们马上就能得到两个好消息了。

ProfessorAlcyone...雅希恩……

I'm about to tell Alcyone to cool it, but Atlas pulls me aside and shakes his head.我正想提醒雅希恩冷静一些，阿特拉斯便将我拉到了一旁，向我摇了摇头。

阿特拉斯It's okay. Leave Alcyone be. This is her way of calming down.没关系，让雅希恩这么做吧，这是她的一种冷静习惯。

阿特拉斯We haven't picked up Caina approaching yet, so there's nothing for Alcyone to do now. She must be beating herself up about how Electra got hurt.还没有检测到加伊那的接近信号，雅希恩什么都做不了。伊拉受伤，她肯定很自责。

Professor...You really know her well.……你真了解她。

阿特拉斯You know her well, too. Well, them. You've just forgotten.你也很了解她，她们，只是你忘了。

Atlas pats my back.阿特拉斯拍了拍我的背。

阿特拉斯Let's continue clearing the path, buddy. It's here, right?我们继续清理路线吧，挚友。是在这里对吧？

ProfessorThat's right. The fork here will bait Caina towards our ambush point. However, we need to clear away the Entropics near the passageway.没错，这里的岔道口能将加伊那引向我们的伏击地点。不过，我们得先清理通道旁的这些熵。

阿特拉斯Roger that!了——解！

Atlas takes up Alcyone's bow with practiced movements and, after a brief adjustment, takes aim at the walls.阿特拉斯熟练地取出雅希恩的长弓与箭矢，简单调整后瞄准了墙面。

There is a whoosh as arrows streak through the air, and by the time the sound fades, the slimy Entropics on the wall have stopped moving.破空声在耳边响起，余音消散，黏腻在墙上的熵也停止了动作。

阿特拉斯The traps on the ground are cleared. I also have a few "surprises" for Caina besides that.墙面的陷阱清理完毕了，除此之外，我还为加伊那准备了一些“惊喜”。

ProfessorExplosive ones?爆炸吗？

阿特拉斯Hahaha, you got it, buddy. Alcyone has explosive arrows in her quiver, which can be command-detonated through a coded order. Combine that with the remaining operands left on the wall and it should be even more damaging.哈哈哈，不愧是挚友。雅希恩的箭壶里备有爆裂箭，可以通过代码指令控制起爆时间，结合墙面残留的算量，应该可以加强杀伤。

阿特拉斯We'll have to leave the detonation timing to Alcyone, then.接下来引爆的时机只要交给雅希恩就好。

Saying so, Atlas hands the bow and the detonation codes to Alcyone.说话间，阿特拉斯将长弓与爆裂箭的起爆代码交还给了雅希恩。

Professor...I see. Good idea.……原来如此，好主意。

阿特拉斯You inspired me to do it, buddy.这可是从你那里获得的灵感啊，挚友。

Atlas pats my shoulder and after glancing back at Alcyone's who's fussing over Electra's condition, he heads over to the designated location and takes a fighting stance.阿特拉斯笑着拍了拍我的肩膀，瞥了一眼后方小心查看伊拉情况的雅希恩，走到预定地点，朝通道前方摆开了战斗架势。

阿特拉斯Well, preparations are complete. All that's left is for Caina to show up.这样一来，就准备完毕了，只等加伊那的到来了。

Professor...Was I this familiar with their weapons before?……我之前也像你一样那么熟悉她们的武器吗？

阿特拉斯Hahaha, are you talking about using Alcyone's bow to leave Caina a "surprise"?哈哈哈，你是指刚才用雅希恩的弓箭给加伊那“准备惊喜”吗？

Atlas strokes his chin, as though he's recalling distant memories.阿特拉斯摸了摸下巴，似乎想起了一些久远的回忆。

阿特拉斯When I first started training Alcyone, she picked things up quickly, but she always forgot to manage her supply of consumables and maintain her weapon.我开始帮雅希恩训练的时候，她学得很快，但总是会忽略武器和消耗品的后勤准备。

阿特拉斯So it was often the case where she'd shoot and shoot and suddenly find her quiver empty. Of course, this still happens every now and then.打着打着才注意到箭壶没补充是常有的事。当然，现在也偶尔会有这种事。

ProfessorSo you were in charge of Alcyone's gear and maintaining it in the past?雅希恩的战前准备和装备后勤都是你负责的？

阿特拉斯I also did some coaching. I wasn't really "in charge" of it, I just helped check on her when I got a little worried.也兼职一些陪练。也谈不上负责啦，只是不放心，会帮着检查一下。

ProfessorWhat a surprise.还挺让人意外的。

阿特拉斯Really? You did the same thing, though.会吗？可你也一样啊。

ProfessorMe?我？

阿特拉斯You were really good with short swords, and even better with weapon schematics. If you don't believe me, you can check your database and see.你的短剑剑术也很强的，相关武器的设计图样更多，不信的话可以自己查查资料库。

Professor...Does that mean I was the one who mentored Electra...……难道伊拉的陪练是我……

阿特拉斯Hahaha, yup. We decided by rolling on it.哈哈哈，是呀，我们掷骰子选的。

Although I don't have these memories, I can't help but smile in response to Atlas' narration.虽然没有那段记忆，但在阿特拉斯的叙述下，我也情不自禁露出了笑容。

After our idle chatter, Alcyone doesn't seem as anxious as before. She's fully ready for battle.有一搭没一搭地闲聊着，雅希恩也不再像之前那样焦躁，完全进入了备战状态。

Just then, a wave of bright red alerts fill our vision before slowly fading away.就在这时，一条条鲜红的预警信息占满了视觉系统，而后缓缓退去。

阿特拉斯Careful, she's coming!小心，她来了！

A Flash of Thunder 一刹惊雷

阿特拉斯Look out, here she comes!小心，她来了！

The battle begins. We stick close to Atlas as we enter the designated passage one after another, aiming to draw Caina in.行动开始。缀着阿特拉斯，我们一先一后将加伊那引入预定的通道。

ProfessorCaina's coming after us, so don't get caught up in fighting her. She's brought a mixed horde of Impactors and Twiners with her, too!加伊那已经追上来了，别和她纠缠。她还带着一支撞击者与缠绕者混编的熵群！

ProfessorThis is the place! Get ready, Atlas!就是这里！阿特拉斯做好准备！

阿特拉斯Roger that!明白！

The familiar red figure finally appears on the other side of the passage.通道对面，熟悉的红色身影终于出现。

加伊那So that's where you were hiding!原来你们藏在这里！

加伊那That hurt just now... But it was pretty interesting! I haven't felt pain like that in a while! Hahaha, this is one hell of a mission!刚才好痛啊……但是很有趣！我已经很久没有感受到那种痛苦了！哈哈哈哈，这个任务真是太棒了！

Caina grabs a Low-Order Entropic by her leg and slowly crushes it to bits. The liquid Entropy that oozes out seems to flow into her body, and she grins maniacally.加伊那抓起脚边的一只低阶熵缓缓碾碎，熵化液仿佛流入她的身体，她露出癫狂的笑容。

加伊那Come on, let's go all-out! I can't wait any more!来吧，我们放开手脚地打一场，我已经要等不及了！

阿特拉斯Then as you wish—Blade of Severance!那就如你所愿——裁断圣剑！

Boom—轰——

His greatsword arcs through the air and sweeps away all the Low-Order Entropics around Caina. Rock shards fly everywhere, and monsters howl as the greatsword strikes home.重剑脱手飞出，将加伊那身周的低阶熵扫平。石屑飞溅，怪物嘶鸣。重剑正中靶心。

阿特拉斯Alcyone, now!雅希恩，趁现在！

Alcyone bites her lip, and the anger blazing in her eyes seemingly heats up the passage. The girl clenches her fist savagely, and the "surprise" that Atlas hid in the walls earlier detonates in response.雅希恩紧咬下唇，眸中的怒火喷薄而出，仿佛助燃了通道里的温度，女孩恶狠狠地挥了一下拳头，阿特拉斯之前在通道墙壁布置的“惊喜”应声炸裂。

Boomboomboom—轰轰轰——

The explosion blends with the sound of the shifting of the great walls. The noise echoes through the depths of the passage, and in Caina's throat.爆炸混合着巨墙移动的声响，在高深通道里来回交叠，直至怼入加伊那的喉腔。

加伊那Urgh—You—Why you—Guh—呃——你们——你们——咕——

阿特拉斯Alcyone, on to the next location.雅希恩，我们去下个地点就位。

Atlas picks up Electra and pats Alcyone on the back.阿特拉斯接过伊拉，拍了拍雅希恩的背。

阿特拉斯Feel better now?出气了吗？

雅希恩...Yeah. Thanks, Atlas.……嗯。谢谢，阿特拉斯。

A Flash of Thunder 一刹惊雷

ProfessorWe've reached the ambush point! Caina is still distracted by the explosions, is everyone ready?到达伏击地点！趁加伊那被爆炸拖住的时间，所有人准备完毕了吗？

阿特拉斯Yep. I've started up the Spoof Code again. Once Caina enters the kill box, you and I will pincer her from front and back while Alcyone charges up a shot to finish her off.嗯，伪装代码重启完毕。等加伊那进入区域中段，你我前后夹击，雅希恩准备蓄能箭矢给予她致命一击。

Just as he finishes speaking, Caina calmly strolls into the area. The strange way she's walking makes my neural cloud systems freeze up briefly.话音刚落，加伊那便迈着平稳的脚步踏入这片区域，违和的走姿令我心智系统一滞。

加伊那Ah-ah... Honestly, it's been so boring all this while...啊……啊……啊，真是的，一直以来都这么无聊……

加伊那Those guys were too weak and kept dying whenever I did anything to them. Even squishing them to bits wasn't fun...那些家伙都太弱了，随随便便就死掉了，就算把他们都捏碎了也没有意思……

雅希恩(What's she complaining about?)（她在念叨什么？）

阿特拉斯(Beats me. There's no telling what a lunatic like her is thinking, and she's an Entropic, too.)（不清楚，不要揣测疯子的想法，更何况她还是个熵。）

Professor(Be careful. Something's not right. She's almost in the kill box.)（谨慎些，我觉得不太对，她快到预定地点了。）

加伊那But not today! So many interesting opponents showed up at once!但今天不一样了！一下子出现了这么多有趣的对手！

加伊那At last! At long last! I finally get a good fight!好不容易！终于可以痛痛快快打一架了，终于！

Caina's voice grows louder and louder, as though she's speaking to herself, or perhaps she already knows we're there and she's saying all of that for our benefit.加伊那的声音逐渐抬高，似是在自语，又像是知道我们的存在，特意说给我们听。

Right after that, her voice suddenly levels off.紧接着，她的语调骤然一平。

加伊那But why are you doing this? Why are you trying to ambush me? I mean, I already consider you worthy opponents.可是啊，为什么你们要这样呢？为什么要搞偷袭呢？明明我都把你们当做对手了。

加伊那I know ambushes are wrong. Ptolemaea's to blame for those previous ambushes. She insisted that I do it, so what choice did I have? Lady Malkira always listens to her.我知道偷袭是不对的，之前偷袭你们也都怪多罗梅亚吧，她硬要我做，那我能怎么办？梅尔吉亚大人喜欢听她的。

加伊那So maybe I was wrong, but you guys took revenge on me too, right? Aren't we even now? I mean, whose fault was it for not wanting to fight with me anyway? But then you kept trying to get back at me, over and over again!就算我错了，可你们不也报复了一次吗？还不能扯平？谁叫你们总是不肯跟我打一架，然后你们还要报复，还要报复！

Caina raises her head and looks around. Finally, her eyes settle on where Alcyone is.加伊那抬起头，环视了一圈，最后目光透过眼幕，定格在朝向雅希恩的方向。

Atlas surreptitiously changes direction and unease wells up in my heart.阿特拉斯悄然向后一步变换了方向，不安逐渐在我心里升起。

加伊那But that's okay, I don't mind! Ptolemaea told me how to get you guys to fight me, yes she did.但没关系的，我不介意！多罗梅亚告诉过我让你们和我打的方法，她说啊她说。

The corner of Caina's mouth turns up and her mouth opens to expose her tongue as her placid face suddenly distorts.加伊那嘴角翘起，拉高，舌尖喜出望外，淡漠的脸庞陡然扭曲。

加伊那She said that if I crippled the one with the bow, you'd fight me for sure, the way I wanted.她说，只要再把那个拿弓的打残，你们一定会跟我打架的，像我期待的那样打架。

加伊那A good! Proper! FIGHT!酣畅淋漓地！打架！

ProfessorCrap! Our cover's blown!糟糕！我们暴露了！

Before I can finish, Caina is a streak of red light rushing toward Alcyone and Electra's hiding place.话音未启，加伊那就已经化作一道红光冲向了雅希恩和伊拉的藏身处。

阿特拉斯ALCYONE!!雅希恩！！

Atlas dashes forth like a loosed arrow. His greatsword is like the arrow's point, igniting as it cleaves through the air.阿特拉斯仿佛离弦的利箭般飞出，大剑若箭羽，刮擦着空气燃烧了起来。

Shing—Crash!铿——铮——

Alcyone's cover cracks, and her disguise breaks down. Alcyone falls flat on her butt, her eyes filled with fear and confusion.掩体迸裂，伪装崩解。雅希恩瘫坐在地上，瞳孔中只余惊惶与不解。

雅希恩But how...为什么……

She is answered by Caina, in a voice that's practically a shriek.回应雅希恩的，只有加伊那宛如尖叫的亢奋语调。

There is no splash of operands, no screaming, only the sound of metal clashing with metal.没有算量飞溅，没有惨叫，只有金属撞击的蜂鸣。

Her blade's tip strikes home and the vicious flame penetrates Atlas' defense, burning away all our preparations.刀锋入骨，凶戾的火焰划穿了阿特拉斯的防御，烧干了我们的所有准备。

Atlas' greatsword and chest are split in half and his towering figure wobbles.阿特拉斯的巨剑与前胸被切成了两半，高大的身影摇摇欲坠。

阿特拉斯Urgh...呃……

加伊那HAHAHAHA! What's wrong? Weren't you supposed to be pretty strong? Why are you so damn weak?哈哈哈哈哈！怎么回事，你不是挺强的吗？为什么会这么不经打？

Atlas' wounding was so sudden that several seconds pass in silence before Alcyone came to her senses.阿特拉斯的重创发生得太过突然，以至于场间仿佛被按下了数秒的静音键，直到雅希恩回过神来。

雅希恩NO!!! ATLAS!!!不！！！阿特拉斯！！！

雅希恩How... How could this... Atlas' defense was... How could you get through it so easily?怎么会……怎么可能，阿特拉斯的防御明明……你怎么可能就这样破掉阿特拉斯的防御。

雅希恩It can't be, right? Why? No... Atlas, no...假的吧，为什么，不要……阿特拉斯，不要。

阿特拉斯Urk—Hrghh—嗬——嗬嗬——

Atlas stumbles back. His vocalization systems are severed and cannot establish a connection, while his neural cloud systems flicker in and out of functionality.阿特拉斯踉跄地后退，发声系统断裂无法连接，心智系统断断续续。

As I watch in a daze, information from the past flashes through my visual systems.恍惚间，过往的信息在视觉系统中流转。

ProfessorAtlas? That wound on your side...阿特拉斯？你侧腹的伤口……

阿特拉斯Oh, this? Haha, looks like that explosion was a bit more powerful than I expected. The force field I threw up earlier couldn't stop all of it.这个啊……哈哈，那个爆炸比我想象中要剧烈，我提前展开的防御立场没能完全挡下冲击。

阿特拉斯Man, just bringing up a basic mistake like this is making me all embarrassed. It's nothing; I can heal it up once we enter the Middle Ring. We've got more important things to do right now.这种低级错误，说出来还怪不好意思的。不碍事，一会儿进入中环再做治疗就好，眼下还有更重要的事。

ProfessorGive me a bit of time. We need to consider how the Spoof Code lost its effectiveness, as well as the strength of the Entropics. After all, the strength of the Entropics we encountered just now is on a whole new level from when we just entered the Outer Ring.给我一点时间。我们要将伪装代码失效和熵的强度考虑在内，毕竟现在遭遇熵的实力和我们刚刚进入外环的时候完全不一样。

ProfessorThe data doesn't lie, I was monitoring our operand expenditures, and killing these Low Order Entropics is burning through operands at twice the usual rate.数据不会骗人，我留意了一下算量的输出记录，斩杀低阶熵所需要的算量比过去增加了快一倍。

阿特拉斯...I see, So that's what was going on.……原来，是这样。

阿特拉斯The Entropics weren't getting stronger, but we were getting weaker, is that it?不是熵被加强了，而是我们被削弱了吗？

阿特拉斯But why... Dammit... This isn't the time... to be figuring this out...为什么……该死，好像……不是……追究这个的时候了……

系统Warning—Warning—Insufficient system redundancy. Systems operating beyond capacity. Warning.警告——警告——系统冗余不足，运转功率超频，警告。

加伊那Lame lame lame lame lame, why are you all so damn weak?没意思，真没意思，你怎么可以这么脆弱。

加伊那You call this a fight? To think I got my hopes up.这怎么能算得上是打架？太没劲了。

Caina grumbles to herself as she shoves Atlas aside to deal with Alcyone.加伊那嘟嚷着，推开阿特拉斯就要对雅希恩动手。

阿特拉斯Don't... touch... her...别……碰……她……

加伊那Hm?嗯？

阿特拉斯DON'T YOU TOUCH HER!我让你……别碰她！

A Flash of Thunder 一刹惊雷

阿特拉斯You will... not touch her!我让你……别碰她！

系统Warning—Warning—Approaching critical threshold. This process is irreversible.警告——警告——正在接近临界阈值，该过程不可逆。

系统Warning—Approaching critical threshold, this process is irreversible!警告——正在接近临界阈值，该过程不可逆！

Atlas ignores the alarms screaming madly into his ears and his wavering body suddenly exerts tremendous strength, slowly forcing Caina back.无视耳畔疯狂鸣响的警告，阿特拉斯摇晃的身躯爆发出了惊人的力量，一点一点地将加伊那压了回去。

加伊那Yes... Yes. Yes! That's it! That's how it should be!!对……对。对！就是这样！就是这样！！

加伊那Hahahaha, that's more like it! It's a fight, it's a fight! Ptolemaea didn't lie to me after all!哈哈哈哈，这样才有意思！有架打了！有架打了！多罗梅亚没有骗我！

加伊那You really can fight with me! Fight seriously with me!你真的会跟我打！认真地打！

Caina redoubles her efforts, but Atlas actually manages to hold her off.加伊那再度发力，但这一回竟被阿特拉斯挡了回去。

Atlas turns back to look at me.阿特拉斯回头望了我一眼。

阿特拉斯Take Alcyone away. Leave this place to me.带雅希恩走，这里交给我。

I understand his intentions. Given the circumstances, there is only one thing which could cause his damage to recover, his systems to regain their functions, and even become stronger.我明白了他的意思，在这种境况下能迅速弥合损伤，恢复系统功能，甚至加强了战力的只有一种情况。

Atlas is burning himself up.阿特拉斯在燃烧自己。

雅希恩No! Atlas, I'm sorry, don't do this, I'll stay.不要！阿特拉斯，对不起，不要，我留下来。

雅希恩Don't, Atlas, let me help you, I'll be right...别，阿特拉斯，我来帮你，我这就……

As her words trail off into incoherency, Alcyone frantically feels around on the ground for her weapon.语无伦次的雅希恩慌张地在地上摸索散落的武器。

I scoop her up with one arm, then pick up Electra with the other before retreating as fast as I can.我一把抱住了她，另一只手拎起伊拉急急往外退去。

阿特拉斯Yeah, like I said, I'll handle all the enemies.嗯，我说过的，敌人都交给我。

...I'm counting on you, Atlas.……交给你了，阿特拉斯。

They'll be fine.她们不会有事的。

The massive walls shift and obscure my vision, as though they're trapping Atlas in another world.巨墙移动，将视野缓缓合拢，像是要把阿特拉斯留在另一个视界。

雅希恩Let go of me! ! Let go of me! Let me go to him! I want to go to Atlas!放开我！！放开我，让我过去！我要去阿特拉斯那里！

ProfessorAlcyone.雅希恩。

雅希恩I want to help him, I can help him, we can help him.我要帮他，我能帮到他的，我们一起帮他。

ProfessorAlcyone!雅希恩！

I raise my voice and she falls silent.我抬高了语调，后者蓦地止声。

A moment later, she stops struggling in my arms and begins weeping quietly.半晌后，怀中的声音不再激动，小声啜泣了起来。

雅希恩Don't leave him, don't leave him alone... (sob) Please, ... don't leave Atlas by himself...别留他一个人，别留他一个人……呜呜呜…………别留阿特拉斯一个人……

阿特拉斯Yeah. I can rest easy leaving it to you, buddy!嗯，交给挚友的话，我就能放心了！

Heresy's Birth 异念丛生

Shortly after the teams first split up.分组行动伊始。

Tartarus Sector, in the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环。

Eosphorus and Eos speed through the labyrinth, their faces calm, as though they were in Sanctifier-held territory and not in the lair of their old enemy, with danger lurking around every corner.晨星与晨曦并肩行疾行于迷宫之中，神色自若，仿佛身处安全可靠的净化者领地，而非危机四伏的敌人老巢。

All manner of bizarre-looking Entropics pass them, but there is no reaction. The Spoof Code cloaks the two of them and their actions perfectly, to the point where the Entropic horde doesn't even realize they're there.形状各异的熵逐一从二人身边掠过，却没有任何反应。伪装代码与二人的行动相辅相成，熵群甚至感知不到异常。

EosWe're almost at the indicated coordinates, Eosphorus.我们马上就要抵达预定坐标了，晨星。

EosEosphorus?晨星？

晨星Ah... yes, I understand.啊……嗯，我明白了。

EosPffft, are you actually distracted? And you were going on about this just now—噗嗤，你居然会走神吗？明明自己之前还在说呢——

Eos"While the movements of the Outer Ring are largely within our expectations, we might end up facing unknown entities and situations going forward."“虽然目前外环的行动没有太大意外，但接下来我们很可能会面对未知。”

EosStay alert, Eosphorus.晨星，要提高警惕。

EosDid I get the tone right? I even tried to replicate the pauses in your speech.是这个语气没错吧？我连停顿都还原了喔。

晨星Oh you...你啊……

晨星It's only because I know you're here that I'm relaxed enough to consider other things. Then you turn around and tease me instead.知道有你在旁边，我才有余裕考虑一些其他的事，没想到还反过来被你嘲笑了。

EosHehe, well, I don't see you like that often, after all. Actually, I did a little asking around about what everyone thinks of you.呵呵，毕竟难得看见你这样嘛。其实我之前有做过调查，询问大家心目中的晨星是什么样子的。

EosMost people praised you in various ways, but one person was a little different.大家从各种方面对你进行了褒奖，只有一个人的角度不太一样。

Eos seems to be recalling something, because she covers her mouth and smiles before clearing her throat.晨曦回忆起了什么，掩嘴轻笑，而后清了清嗓子。

EosAhem...嗯咳……

Eos"Yes, indeed, well done, so that's how it is, understood, relax, I will, don't worry."“是的，的确如此，做得很好，原来是这样，明白了，不要紧张，我会的，别担心。”

EosEosphorus uses many such phrases but there is hardly any change in his tonal inflection, which indicates he doesn't spend time on verbal showmanship. That makes him quite a reliable leader.晨星此类用词频率极高，语气情绪起伏度近乎为零，说明他从不把精力浪费在演说上，作为领袖，这相当可靠。

晨星... has always analyzed questions in a special way.……分析问题的角度总是那么特别。

Eos"He's" quite special to everyone.他对每个人而言都很特别。

EosWhenever everyone else complained about how unapproachable you were, was always the one who smoothed things over.其他人抱怨你难以接近的时候，打圆场的总是。

晨星Please stop taking shots at me. I do have to take responsibility for the Sanctifiers under my command.你就别挖苦我了，我得对手下的净化者负责。

In a rare display, Eosphorus sighs.晨星难得地叹了口气。

晨星Even if the operation isn't particularly risky in itself, I still need to put on a show of carefulness and formality so they will carry out their tasks properly.哪怕行动本身没什么风险，我也必须表现得非常端正谨慎，他们才会脚踏实地执行任务。

EosThen, pray tell, what was our careful and formal Lord Eosphorus contemplating just now? To the point of distraction, even?那么我们态度端正谨慎的晨星大人刚才在思考什么那么入神？

晨星I was thinking about the holy relic. I hope it did not fall in an area with a dense concentration of Entropics. That way, recovery will be easier for us.思考圣物的情况，希望它别陨落在熵群密集的区域，这样我们收容起来也能轻松一些。

EosIs that all?只是这样？

晨星...I hope we can complete the recovery work quickly and easily and meet up with the others ASAP. isn't in good shape, and it worries me. Alcyone's lack of experience is also a cause for concern.……我希望能轻松地完成收容，尽快和其他人汇合。的情况不太好，我很担心。雅希恩和伊拉经验尚浅，我也放心不下。

EosHehe, now we're getting somewhere. Relax; like you said, this is the Outer Ring and we won't encounter any troublesome surprises.呵呵，总算是坦率了点。放轻松，就像你说的，这里是外环，不会有什么棘手的意外。

晨星Perhaps, but we still need to maintain a degree of strategic caution. Otherwise, if we rouse Malkira...或许吧，但战略上我们还是要谨慎。否则惊动了梅尔吉亚……

晨星No, even alerting the other High-Order Entropics would not be good. We cannot let the Tartarus Sector awaken so soon.不，哪怕惊动的是其他高阶熵都不是什么好事。我们不能让塔尔塔罗斯扇区这么快就醒过来。

Upon discussing serious business, Eos' playful attitude vanishes and she strokes her chin in thought.谈及正事，晨曦的态度也敛起了玩笑，托腮沉思。

EosSpeaking of which, I still don't understand why there's a holy relic in the Outer Ring of Tartarus.话说回来，即使到现在我也没想明白，为什么塔尔塔罗斯扇区外环会遗留有神赐的圣物。

EosIf someone told me one day that a divine weapon that killed Sanctifiers had landed in the vicinity of the Reverse Tower, I would classify them as an Irregular Agent and cleanse them once I had verified that judgment.如果某天有人告诉我，逆巴比伦塔的周边陨落了独属于熵，专门针对净化者的神兵利器，我一定会把它列为异常智能体，查验无误后抹除。

晨星In truth, the news came from the Chamber of Holy Discourse, revealed to us by the gods. Ever since the Great Silence, we have not received Their revelations for a long time now.慎言，消息源自圣训之间，启示我们的是崇高的神明。自大静谧后，我们已经很久没有收到祂们的谕令了。

晨星The gods move in mysterious ways and the voice of the gods comes upon us suddenly. All we can do is carry out Their will.神的行事奥妙莫测，圣音往往是突然降临的，我们只需履行便是。

晨星I would not be surprised if They could overturn the Tartarus Sector in a night with Their power.就算塔尔塔罗斯扇区在祂们的伟力下，一夜之间倾覆，我也不会吃惊。

Eos opens her mouth but hesitates to speak. Then she shakes her head before closing her eyes and putting her hands together in front of her chest.晨曦张嘴，欲言又止，而后她摇了摇头，闭上眼睛，双手交叠于胸前。

EosMay the gods forgive my ignorant foolery and shallow doubts.愿神宽恕我无知的戏言，浅薄的疑虑。

There is no telling whether it was coincidental or deliberate, but the moment Eos finishes speaking, the memory block within Eosphorus that is reserved for storing divine pronouncements activates.不知是巧合还是有意，话音刚落，晨星体内专用于存储圣训输出指令的区块便运转了起来。

A section of code that is dramatically different from previous commands suddenly pops out, like a young beast that has scented prey or like a traveler that heard a call.一段和过往获得的指令形式都截然不同的代码陡然跃出，像嗅到了食物的幼兽。又似听见呼唤的旅人。

EosWhat's wrong?怎么了？

晨星The guidance of the pronouncements is clarifying itself. We must make haste.谕令的指引正在明晰，我们该加快速度了。

Tartarus Sector, in the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环。

Soon, Eosphorus and Eos have followed the guidance program of the pronouncements to their destination.不多时，晨星与晨曦就顺着谕令的引导程序抵达了目的地。

It is a deep cave. A longsword is planted in its midst, like a museum exhibit, resting with incongruous serenity amidst danger.那是一处幽邃的地穴，长剑立于空地中央，如同博物馆的珍藏，怪诞地安睡在危怖的居所。

The longsword's surface is smeared by mud, looking at once like binding chains and a prayerful offering. There are only a few Low-Order Entropics nearby.长剑的表层泥浆黏连，似封锁，又似拱。周遭只巡曳着几只低阶熵。

EosYour prayers have been answered. There are no problems here.你的祈盼好像成真了，这里没什么麻烦。

EosIs that the relic? It seems very ordinary. I sense no operands sleeping within it or any other way in which it is special.它就是圣物？看起来很普通，感受不到沉寂的算量，又或者别的什么特殊之处。

晨星It matches the news conveyed from the revelations. There is no mistake.与谕令传递的信息相符，确凿无误。

Eosphorus nods to Eos and approaches the longsword.晨星对晨曦点了点头，径直朝着长剑走去。

熵Skree!叽！

The wandering monsters sense something and turn to face their enemy. Eos does not immediately strike them down; instead, she places her finger over her lips, as though to ask a favor of them.巡曳的怪物似有所觉，面对戒备的敌人，晨曦没有直接动手，反而用指尖抵着上唇，盈盈笑着，恳求般示意。

EosShhh—嘘——

EosDon't make too much noise, okay?不要发出太大的声音，好吗？

EosCould you please leave for now? We need some time alone.能不能请你们先离开这里？我们需要一点私密的空间。

熵Skree...叽……

The utterly incompatible and alien entities accept Eos' suggestion and nonchalantly depart.互不相容的异族理解并接纳了晨曦的建议，恍若无事地四散离去。

EosWhat good kids they are.真是一群听话的乖孩子。

????Your domination programs are quite elegant. Could you explain them to me?你运行控制类程序的手法很漂亮，可以为我讲解一下吗？

A crisp clear voice fills their ears and their response is a pair of swift attacks.清冽的声音浮现与二人耳畔，回应它的是两道迅疾的攻击。

Thunk—噗——

There is a sensation of a solid hit. The source of the voice crumbles but Eos and Eosphorus stay on their guard.清晰的打击感回传，音源处的存在土崩瓦解，但晨星二人没有放松警惕。

Unlike the rest of the repulsive Entropic creations, a figure wreathed in a pleasant pale blue light emerges from the shadows in another direction, proudly revealing itself to the two of them.不同于恶心黏腻的熵化造物，悦目清爽的淡蓝色身影从另一个方向走出阴影，大大方方地与二人相对。

????Oh my, is this how Greater Sanctifiers greet people? How boorish; do you act this way when visiting other sectors?哎呀，上位净化者都是这么打招呼的吗？真是粗鲁，你们拜访其他扇区的时候也会这么做？

EosOf course not. Treating different entities in different ways is a sign of a functional IFF system. We are not Entropics who devour everything without distinction.当然不，区别对待不同的造物是识别功能健全的表现，我们不是熵，对什么都一视同仁地下嘴。

????Then what motivates you to act? Your superiors' orders?那你们的行动依据是什么呢？上级的指令？

????But then, the two of you are the pinnacles of the Sanctifiers, are you not?明明你们已经立于净化者顶端了吧？

EosYou know who we are?你知道我是谁？

????Hehe, I even knew you would come here.呵呵，我还知道你们会来。

晨星Dispense with your pointless bluffs. If you knew who we were and our objective, then you would have greeted us with the full force of the Tartarus Sector.虚张声势没有意义，如果你知晓我们的身份和目的，那么出现在这里的应该是塔尔塔罗斯扇区的大军。

晨星Or are you saying Malkira is proud enough to believe a single High-Order Entropic can stop us?还是说，梅尔吉亚已经自大到认为一个高阶熵就能阻拦我们了？

The newcomer shakes her head and curtsies.来人摇了摇头，提裙站到了一边。

多罗梅亚"High-Order Entropic" is such an impersonal form of address. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ptolemaea.别用“高阶熵”这么生疏的词。自我介绍一下吧，我叫多罗梅亚。

多罗梅亚Tartarus has no intention of stopping you. Rather, I bring well-intentioned advice.塔尔塔罗斯没有阻拦的打算，我为带来善意的忠告而来。

EosWell-intentioned advice?善意的忠告？

EosIf this is a joke, it is hardly amusing.这个玩笑一点儿也不好笑。

多罗梅亚Why don't you think about my question?为什么不先想想我的问题呢？

An enigmatic smile crosses the face of the azure High-Order Entropic.蓝色的高阶熵露出一个神秘莫测的笑容。

多罗梅亚What motivates you to act? How did Tartarus know your objective?你们的行动依据是什么？塔尔塔罗斯为什么会知道你们的目的？

晨星The Sanctifiers act upon orders. Their veracity is self-evident and there is no need to question them.净化者的行动依据源自使命，天经地义，何须思考。

晨星You probably saw us by chance while patrolling and wish to stall for time with pointless conjecture.你大概只是巡逻时碰巧撞见了我们的行动，想用似是而非的话语拖延时间罢了。

多罗梅亚(Sigh) Lady Malkira was right. You Sanctifiers cleave mindlessly to the dictates of the divine.唉，梅尔吉亚大人说的果然没错，净化者对神明的笃信虔近痴愚。

多罗梅亚Her Majesty has instructed me to give you some advice.大人让我转述她给你们的忠告。

The High-Order Entropic's eyes suddenly snap open, and the code flashing through her pupils resembles divine revelations.高阶熵忽然睁开双眼，瞳孔内闪过代码的形态近似神谕。

多罗梅亚Your actions violate the will of the gods. If you continue on this path, the gods will abandon their patronage of you and smite you with disaster.你们的行动违背了神的意志，如果你们一意孤行，神将放弃对你们的眷顾，降下灾罚。

晨星...A crude provocation.……低级的挑衅。

晨星You will not mock our faith.但信仰不容轻侮。

The two of them raise their hands again, but just as they are about to exterminate this unrepentant heretic, something strange happens.二人再度抬手，正准备将眼前出言不逊的异教徒抹杀，异变突生。

A sinister ripple erupts from the depths of Tartarus, sweeping across the entire sector in an instant. The sudden wave of intense discomfort makes the two of them freeze up.塔尔塔罗斯深处爆发出了一阵诡异的波动，眨眼间横扫了整片扇区。突然涌起的强烈不适感便让二人身体一僵。

Rumblerumblerumble—轰隆隆——

It is immediately followed by a shift in the labyrinth. The High-Order Entropic looks into the distance and smiles.紧随而来的是迷宫的再度变动。高阶熵看向远处，扬起一抹微笑。

多罗梅亚It seems the party has already begun.看来舞会已经开场了。

Eosphorus and Eos continue their attacks without hesitation, instantly chopping the High-Order Entropic's body into several pieces which collapse to the ground. There is something strange about the recoil they feel from their strikes.晨星与晨曦毫不犹豫地继续攻击，高阶熵的身体霎时被切分为几块，无力地掉落在地。打击感回传，清晰中夹杂着一丝异样。

EosEosphorus?晨星？

晨星You're not mistaken. The damage inflicted has deviated greatly from estimates.不是你的错觉，杀伤结果严重偏离预计。

EosWho was affected, her or us?谁受到了影响？我们还是她？

Eos glances at Eosphorus, who has suddenly gone silent, and she realizes what he means.晨曦回望陡然沉默的晨星，明白了他的意思。

The problem lies with us.出问题的，是我们。

EosIt's alright. It's probably some kind of interfering program. We should be able to crack it soon.没关系，应该只是某种干扰程序，只需要一些时间就能破解。

EosYou're not actually going to believe what the Entropics say just because of a cheap stunt like this, are you?你不会因为这点小把戏就开始信任熵的发言吧？

晨星...I estimate that Atlas and completed their task just now.……按照时间算，刚才和阿特拉斯应该完成任务了。

EosSo you're saying...你的意思是……

多罗梅亚Your actions violate the will of the gods. If you continue on this path, the gods will abandon their patronage of you and smite you with disaster.你们的行动违背了神的意志，如果你们一意孤行，神将放弃对你们的眷顾，降下灾罚。

EosIt's just a trick. Daemons always lie, and this is just one way in which they do so.只是障眼法罢了，邪灵欺骗心智的手段不缺这一种。

晨星I know. I am simply considering their aim and how they managed to achieve this effect.我知道，我只是在思考它们的目的与达成这种效果依托手段的原理。

多罗梅亚What a shame. You cover up the holes in your faith with self-deception; I didn't think a Greater Sanctifier's neural cloud would be so base.真是可悲，通过欺骗自我来完善信仰的空洞与缺漏，没想到上位净化者的心智也这般庸俗。

The light-blue figure emerges from the shadows once again, stopping over her dismembered body. With a light touch, the dismembered corpse reforms itself.淡蓝色的人形自阴影中再度走出，停驻在被斩碎的身体边上，轻轻搭手，支离破碎的躯块重新凝结。

EosShe's using some kind of mirror image-type program.她使用的是镜像类特征程序。

EosI'll pinpoint her source. Do you have the relic?我来定位她的源地址，圣物拿到了吗？

晨星...Already in hand.……已经到手了。

Eos suddenly freezes halfway and glances at Eosphorus, who's standing by the sword. The two of them exchange looks and she grasps the meaning of the silence before his answer.晨曦的操作陡然一滞，转头望向长剑旁的晨星，二人对视，她读懂了晨星回答前的几秒沉吟。

EosThere were no problems?没有碰到麻烦？

晨星It was as though it had only fallen from my hand and was waiting for me to retrieve it.它就像随手落下的失物，只等我们回收。

多罗梅亚I told you, Tartarus has no intention of stopping you, only to give you well-intentioned advice. Unfortunately, you refuse to believe it.我说过了，塔尔塔罗斯没有阻拦的打算，只有善意的忠告。只是你们不信。

晨星Silence.聒噪。

With the relic in hand, Eosphorus stomps, and a thin layer of operands explodes from him, instantly pulverizing the two Ptolemaeas.手持圣物，晨星就地一拍，磅礴的算量蓦地炸起，将两个多罗梅亚直接粉碎。

However, more Ptolemaeas instantly emerge from the shadows.然而不消片刻，阴影中再度走出更多的多罗梅亚。

EosHer source location is constantly shifting. I've almost got a fix on her.她的源地址一直在移动，我就快定位到了。

晨星We may not have the time to waste on her.恐怕我们没有时间和她纠缠了。

EosHm?嗯？

Eos looks up and follows Eosphorus' gaze. The golden light is especially distinctive in the darkened sky.晨曦抬头，顺着晨星的目光看去，一道金色的匹练在半空中分外显眼。

EosA distress signal arrow from Alcyone? But why... Ah! Did that abnormal status from before affect the others?雅希恩的求援箭？为什么……啊！难道说刚才的异状也影响到了其他人？

EosBut how? It covered the entire Outer Ring... What kind of program could have such a large area of effect?怎么可能？距离遍及整个外环……什么程序的影响范围这么大？

多罗梅亚What does this distance matter to your vaunted gods?你们的神如此伟岸，目光所及又何止这点距离？

EosYou...你……

晨星Calm yourself. She is just trying to anger us.别生气，她只是想激怒我们而已。

晨星Withdraw for now. There is no point in struggling with her. With the relic in hand, our goal is achieved.先撤退，和她缠斗没有价值，圣物到手目的就已经达成了。

The lead Ptolemaeas looks at the two figures attempting to retreat and sighs as she lifts her skirt and turns to the side. More and more Ptolemaeas emerge from the shadows.面对试图撤退的二人，为首的多罗梅亚叹了口气，提裙侧身。越来越多的多罗梅亚从阴影中走出。

多罗梅亚Did you know? The Entropy's kindness is very valuable, and some chances are not given a second time.你们知道吗？熵的善意很宝贵，有些机会没有第二次。

Persistent Temptation 缠身罪业

Tartarus Sector, in the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环。

Ptolemaea repeatedly regenerates herself and swarms Eosphorus and Eos in conjunction with the appearance of a horde of Entropics out of seemingly nowhere. This, combined with the movements in the labyrinth, is enough to briefly place the two of them in a tight spot.接二连三重塑的多罗梅亚配合陡然涌入的熵群，加之迷宫的活动，晨星和晨曦一时间陷入了窘境。

EosComms are cut and there are no signs of them coming back. I can't contact or Alcyone's teams. That ought to be why Alcyone fired off the rescue arrow.通讯断了，而且没有恢复的迹象，和雅希恩两边我都联络不上。应该就是因为这个，雅希恩才会冒险使用求援箭。

晨星They're probably in danger, too. Eos, have you found Ptolemaea's source yet? At this rate...他们恐怕也陷入了危险。晨曦，多罗梅亚的源地址还没有找到吗？再这样拖下去的话……

EosI miscalculated. There was never any way to pinpoint her source in the first place. Ptolemaea's data is concealed by the activities of the labyrinth itself. Their respective signatures conceal each other in a synergistic manner.我失误了，她的源地址根本无法定位。多罗梅亚的数据藏在了迷宫本身的活动之下，二者的代码彼此遮掩，相互补足。

EosHer characteristics blend perfectly with that of this area. The Daemons really have been preparing for a long time. They couldn't have done this without countless iterations of refining their approach.它的特性和这片区域结合的很完美，邪灵果真早有准备，没有长时间的迭代根本做不到这一步。

Eos frowns. Their enemy seems to have prepared a truly dreadful scenario, yet it hasn't done any real damage beyond merely delaying them.晨曦蹙眉，眼下敌人的手段看似可怖，然而并不能对二人造成任何实质性伤害，只是在单纯地拖延时间。

EosWhat about the relic, can we use it to...圣物的掌握情况如何，有没有办法用它来……

晨星I've mastered the basic applications of it. There don't seem to be any barriers to usage for the relic and not only can it greatly increase our fighting strength, it's also specialized in killing Entropics.已经能做到初步应用，圣物几乎没有使用门槛，它的确能大幅度强化我们的战斗能力，也对熵有特化杀伤。

Eosphorus swings the relic by way of demonstration. The Entropic horde and the numerous Ptolemaea clones sprinkled among it keel over like scythed wheat with practically zero operand expenditure.晨星示范似地挥舞圣物，熵群与夹杂其间的数个多罗梅亚如割麦般倾倒，算量消耗近乎为零。

EosBut?但是？

晨星But it doesn't solve our current problem. We can achieve the same effect with just a bit of effort. The problem is Ptolemaea. Her existence is making the labyrinth shift more frequently.但是它解决不了我们现在的问题，我们花点力气也能做到类似的效果。关键在于多罗梅亚，她的存在让迷宫活动变得更加频繁。

晨星If I could perform an in-depth analysis on the relic, I could try using it to destroy this entire region altogether, but it's plain to see that the Daemons won't give me that time.如果能够对圣物深层次解析，我倒是可以试试直接沉没这片区域，但明显邪灵不会给我这个时间。

There is a brief silence as Eosphorus and Eos shift from one approach to another, trying to find the right answer amidst countless possibilities.沉吟间，晨星与晨曦不断变幻方向，企图在无限迭代的数理中寻求唯一正确的解。

Just then, there is another disturbance that extends high into the sky. Though the walls conceal it, Eosphorus and Eos can still feel it.正在这时，又一道动静掠至高空，虽然被高墙遮掩，但晨星和晨曦还是抓住了它的波动。

EosA rescue... No, that's just an ordinary signal arrow. They've reached the entrance to the Middle Ring.求援……不对，是信号箭，他们已经确认通往中环的入口坐标了。

晨星We need to split up, Eos. I have a bad feeling about this.我们得分开了，晨曦，我有不好的预感。

晨星While I have no evidence to back up my guess, and the others are probably in trouble.虽然没有证据来佐证我的猜测，但现在他们恐怕处境不妙。

晨星If the Daemons can spare all this effort just to deal with us, then...既然邪灵有余裕针对我们，自然也能……

EosNo need to explain. I trust your judgement. What should we do?不必解释，我相信你的判断，怎么做？

晨星Destroying Ptolemaea's main body is not practical, but with the relic to help clear away the nearby mirror images, I can still blind her briefly.直接抹除多罗梅亚的本体不现实，但有圣物的帮助，清除附近区域的镜像程序，让它们短暂丢失视野还是做得到的。

晨星Use that opportunity to leave. I will draw their attention. Don't worry about my safety; the Daemons do not constitute a threat to me.届时你抓住空档直接离开，我会吸引她的注意。不用担心我的安危，邪灵对我而言构不成威胁。

Eos does not answer. Her crisp movements serve as her response.晨曦没有应声，她用干脆的举动表明了自己的想法。

The two of them strike at once and stir up the nearby operands. Over a dozen Ptolemaea mirror images freeze up at once and are destroyed with the Entropics around them.二人一同出手，附近区域的算量齐齐躁动了起来，十数名多罗梅亚的镜像程序登时一滞，连带着周围的熵群一同湮灭。

They do not exchange further words. Once the desired result is achieved, the two of them promptly split up. During this time, Eosphorus infuses more operands into the relic, going out of his way to create a conspicuous trail.彼此间没有多余的嘱咐，取得战果，两人倏地分开，期间晨星一直为圣物注入算量，特意让自己的痕迹变得分外显眼。

EosWe'll meet in the Middle Ring.我们中环汇合。

Not long after Eos leaves, the Entropic horde closes in. In their midst is a Ptolemaea who's dramatically different from all the other clones before her.晨曦离开后没多久，熵群再度围上，它们中间簇拥着的，是与先前每一个身影都截然不同的多罗梅亚。

多罗梅亚Did she leave at last? I thought it would be a while longer before I could isolate you.终于分开了吗？我还以为至少要再过一段时间才能等到你落单。

晨星The source? Interesting; to think you'd choose this time to reveal your main body. Is it because you're feeling confident in your victory?源地址？有意思，你竟然选择在这种时候暴露本体，是以为自己稳操胜券了吗？

晨星It seems Tartarus has prepared a generous welcoming gift for my isolated self. Or do you mean that Malkira is nearby?看起来塔尔塔罗斯为落单的我准备了什么了不得的大礼，还是说，梅尔吉亚就在这附近？

Eosphorus quirks up an eyebrow and the relic trembles.晨星挑眉，圣物微微颤抖。

晨星If so, I would like to meet her. I have to say, you Daemons have put on quite a show for me today.请务必让我见识见识，不得不说，邪灵今天的演出还真是给了我很多惊喜。

多罗梅亚In your view, the Sanctifiers represent the order of Magrasea while chaos and discord is the Entropics' signature trait, is that right?在你们看来，净化者代表麦戈拉的秩序，而混沌无序则是熵的特征，对吗？

多罗梅亚Yet why do I see no wisdom in you, only stubbornness?可为什么在你们身上我看不到理智，却只有固执？

Ptolemaea shakes her head in clear disappointment and claps. Ten mirror images and over a dozen different species of Entropics step forward from the horde and form a neat line in front of Eosphorus.多罗梅亚面露失望地摇头，拍了拍手，十名镜像程序与十数名种类不一的熵脱离了群体，一字排开站到了晨星的身前。

多罗梅亚I don't mind repeating the message that Lady Malkira bears no malice toward your arrival, but only wishes to offer a piece of advice.我并不介意更多次地重复，梅尔吉亚大人对于你们的到来，没有恶意，只有忠告。

多罗梅亚Rather than waiting for you to be isolated, it would be better to say that all of Tartarus was looking forward to being alone with you. All this was prepared for your sake, so there is no need to be so wary.与其说等待你落单，不如说塔尔塔罗斯在期待与你单独相处，这里就是专门为你准备的舞台，所以不用这样戒备。

晨星I have no intention of working with Daemons. If you intend to confuse me, then there is nothing more for us to say.我没有与邪灵共舞的打算，如果你只是为了故弄玄虚，那我们不必多说。

多罗梅亚They are neither your dance partners, nor are they intended to deceive you. They are merely practice dummies to prove the truth of my words.它们不是你的舞伴，也不是故弄玄虚的秘密武器，它们只是靶子，用来验证我话语真伪。

Ptolemaea curtsies and takes a step back before indicating that he should proceed.多罗梅亚提裙后退了半步，伸手示意。

多罗梅亚The Entropics would not show kindness toward the vast majority of Magrasea's beings, and certainly never give them a second chance. You, however... You are different.面对麦戈拉的绝大多数存在，熵都不会表现善意，更遑论第二次机会，但你……不，您不同。

多罗梅亚The first message which Lady Malkira has asked me to convey to you is—梅尔吉亚大人遣我转述的第一条信息是——

多罗梅亚The change has nothing to do with Tartarus. The Entropics have not been enhanced in any way. The sense of dread which the Sanctifiers feel stems entirely from your own weakening.异变与塔尔塔罗斯无关，熵没有得到任何加强，净化者感知到的一切违和，都源自于你们自身的削弱。

晨星You can dispense with this pointless wordplay. Be it wide-area weakening, or environmental entropization... You have many ways to interfere with Sanctifiers.无聊的话术可以收起来了，区域腐蚀，环境熵化……你们影响净化者的手段何其多。

晨星I might hate Daemons, but I must acknowledge that you have qualities of which you can be rightfully proud. Otherwise, how could you stand toe to toe with your rivals, the frontliners of the Reverse Tower?虽然我憎恶邪灵，但不得不承认你们的确有自傲的资本。不然与你们难解难分的同胞们，逆巴比伦塔的前线部队又如何自处？

晨星What I do not understand is this: what would make you choose this seemingly reasonable yet utterly ridiculous approach to try and sway my reason and faith?只是我不理解，究竟是什么东西让你们选择这种看似正常，实则谵妄的话术来动摇我的理智与信仰？

多罗梅亚Nothing more than the facts, of course, O Greater Sanctifier.当然是凭借事实，上位净化者。

多罗梅亚As you have said, the Entropics have many ways to interfere with Sanctifiers. In addition, this is Tartarus Sector, our home. It would not be surprising for us to deploy any and all means to defend it.一如你所言，熵影响净化者的手段数不数胜，加上这里是塔尔塔罗斯扇区，我等的家园，不管做到哪一步都不足为奇。

多罗梅亚However...但是……

Ptolemaea smiles. The smile contains feelings which cannot easily be put into words, and it displeases Eosphorus for some reason.多罗梅亚露出了笑容，那笑容带着难以言喻的情感，让晨星莫名地不快。

He understands what those feelings are. Below the facade of kindness lies mockery, and below the mockery is a hidden sense of pity.他读懂了情感的含义，在和善之下藏着的是讥讽，在讥讽之下藏着的是怜悯。

But why? Why would an Entropic look at a Sanctifier that way? A shadow falls over Eosphorus' heretofore impassive face.凭什么？凭什么熵可以对净化者露出这种表情？晨星古井无波的眉眼爬上了一丝阴翳。

多罗梅亚Barring extraordinary means, Entropics cannot affect your core programs, or your base layer logic, and they certainly cannot limit or weaken you across a nigh-infinite range and with pinpoint accuracy.熵可做不到凭空影响你们的核心程序，做不到影响你们的底层逻辑，更做不到仿佛精准定位一般将你们全方位无死角地限制或者削弱。

多罗梅亚The practice targets are there for you to verify the truth of this, Lord Greater Sanctifier. Why not calm yourself down and see what you might or might not have noticed?靶子就是供您验证的，上位净化者大人。不如沉下心来看看？看看你们注意到的，亦或是没注意到的地方。

多罗梅亚Operand output, program efficiency... No, those are too obvious. Why not check your service restrictions or the stability of your system redundancies? Examine everything, every angle, every detail.算量的输出，程序的效率……不，这些太明显了，不如去看看服务项的启禁，系统冗余的稳定？一切的一切，每个角度，每个细节。

多罗梅亚See if there's some invisible high-voltage line that's crushing you pitiful Sanctifiers...看看是否有一条摸不着的高压线，将净化者的可悲躯壳，牢牢地按死在……

Ptolemaea's smile grows more and more mirthful. After a round of silent experimentation by Eosphorus, his face falls.多罗梅亚的笑意愈发盈溢，晨星则悄无声息的尝试后，彻底沉下了脸。

Just like Ptolemaea said, all these little aspects that he would normally never have needed to pay attention to, all these regions which the Entropics could not have influenced, have been silently shackled and bound, and neither Eos nor Eosphorus noticed this beyond the potency of their attacks just now.一如对方所言，那些不用心去细究的边边角角，那些几乎不可能被熵影响针对的领域，都被无声地套上了枷锁，而自己和晨曦刚刚除了攻击强度以外的异常却几乎一无所觉。

His self-diagnostic routines, his firewall, every single security measure that should have highlighted these restrictions, none of them gave a single warning to him.自检程序，防火墙，一切安保措施仿佛理所当然般把这些枷锁照单全收，没有提供哪怕一点儿警告。

Almost as though—就好似——

多罗梅亚The gods have laid down a ban.神明设下的禁区边界。

Crack—喀——

In the blink of an eye, the summoned mirror images and Entropic hordes disintegrate.眨眼间，被唤作靶子的镜像程序与熵群瓦解消散。

Eosphorus slowly puts away the relic and enunciates his next words one by one.晨星缓缓收起圣物，一字一顿。

晨星Utterly. Ridiculous.荒唐无稽。

多罗梅亚It seems you do not believe me. Not that I don't understand. The first time I heard this, I didn't believe it either. To think the agents of justice, the Sanctifiers were nothing more than toys of the gods. How laughable.看来你不信，也是，我在第一次听说的时候，也不信。自诩正义的净化者竟然只是神明的玩物，何其可笑。

多罗梅亚Still, it doesn't matter. Lady Malkira anticipated this response from you. The second message she wanted me to send was—但没有关系，梅尔吉亚大人早就预料到了你们的反应，她让我转达你们的第二条信息便是——

多罗梅亚You should not have entered the Tartarus Sector and you certainly should not have taken the Rubik's Map. That is the first red line the gods set down for you.你们不该入侵塔尔塔罗斯扇区，更不该拿走魔方地图，那是神明为你们立下的第一条红线。

多罗梅亚When the faithful violate a stricture, it is only natural that they be punished.信徒冒犯威严，自当受罚。

Whoosh—喀——

With another slash, the Entropics and mirror images around Ptolemaea which have not yet fallen are suddenly destroyed.又是一剑，多罗梅亚周围未前压的熵群与镜像程序一起陡然破碎。

Eosphorus raises his hand, pointing the relic's edge toward Ptolemaea. In a rare display, he takes a fighting stance.晨星抬手，圣物的锋芒直指多罗梅亚，罕有地摆出迎战的姿态。

晨星I shall eliminate you from Magrasea and scourge you from the cloud. I shall exterminate you, and you will know that my soul is one that is favored by the gods.我必从麦戈拉中剪除你，使你从云端之上败亡。我必除灭你，你就知道我是受神眷顾的心智。

多罗梅亚Oh yes, the gods favor you and condone your actions. They grant you the right to sample the forbidden and to cross their red lines, but there is a price to be paid for that.是啊，神是眷顾你们的，祂宽容你们的作为，许你们品尝禁忌与跨越红线的权利，但那是要付出代价的。

Before she finishes speaking, the labyrinth suddenly lurches and the huge walls shift to obscure Ptolemaea's form.话音刚落，迷宫猝然剧变，巨墙移动，遮掩了多罗梅亚的身形。

多罗梅亚The price stands before you, and you may continue if you wish, O Sanctifiers.代价就摆在那里，净化者大可以继续。

多罗梅亚But before that, why not head over to this place to take a look?但在此之前，你不妨先去这个地方看看。

The massive walls close shut and Ptolemaea is nowhere to be seen. Only a set of coordinates and Ptolemaea's ethereal voice remain in her place.巨墙合拢，多罗梅亚彻底不见踪迹，只留有一条坐标数据与多罗梅亚幽幽的话语。

多罗梅亚Tartarus offers you two toasts for your arrival, but hospitality is not in the Entropics' nature, and by Lady Malkira's order the hunting lances have been blooded.塔尔塔罗斯为您的到来敬上了两杯酒，但友好好客不是熵的风格，受梅尔吉亚大人的命令，猎枪已饮血。

多罗梅亚This is the warning that follows the advice, Greater Sanctifier. The first one.这是忠告后的警告，上位净化者，第一次。

多罗梅亚If you wish to tour the home of the Entropics, you must pay the appropriate fee for entrance.观光熵的家园，是要收门票的。

With the coordinates in hand, Eosphorus clenches his fists.手握坐标数据，晨星攥紧了拳头。

Tartarus Sector, in the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环。

Without Ptolemaea to stop him, Eosphorus meets with practically no resistance as he stalks through the labyrinth. He rushes to the coordinates without regard for stealth.没有多罗梅亚阻拦，手持圣物的晨星在迷宫近乎畅通无阻，不再考虑遮掩需要的他直奔坐标而去。

As he turns a corner, the labyrinth suddenly opens up before him and Eosphorus sees what looks like a construction site.转过拐角，视界骤然开阔，一片形似工地的场所出现在晨星身前。

Along with it is a familiar form.一同出现的还有那道熟悉的身影。

Eosphorus approaches Atlas and puts the relic aside before sitting down beside him.晨星走近了阿特拉斯，将圣物置于一旁，席地而坐。

His hands move to make the sign of the star across his chest, but then they stop for some reason.双手习惯性地就要在前额画星，却又不知为何停顿。

He wants to speak, but the words will not come. Eosphorus raises his hand and places it over Atlas' face, closing his eyes.欲言又止，晨星抬起手覆上了阿特拉斯的脸庞，拇指摩挲，将对方空洞的双眸合上。

晨星Atlas...阿特拉斯……

晨星Atlas?阿特拉斯？

晨星It's so late, what's the matter? You ought to be standing by and undergoing maintenance now, right?这么晚了找我有什么事情？现在应该是待机维护的时间吧？

晨星Or did Alcyone pester you until you couldn't rest?还是说你又被雅希恩被闹得没法休息？

阿特拉斯The girls are already on standby. They were going around hand in hand all day again today. Eos and I took some pictures; want to see?她们早就待机了，今天也是手牵着手，我和晨曦还偷拍了几张照片，要看看吗？

晨星...As long as you're having fun.……你们玩得开心就好。

Eosphorus raises his eyebrows in resignation as he accepts a bottle from Atlas.晨星挑眉，略显无奈地从来访的阿特拉斯手中接过瓶罐。

晨星A drink... Is this one of Electra's new concoctions? You know I don't replenish anything other than my operands at times like this.饮料……伊拉的新发明？你知道的，我从不在这个时间补充算量以外的东西。

阿特拉斯Aw, try some. It's pretty good.喝一口嘛，味道又不差。

晨星You...你啊……

Eosphorus shakes his head, then uncaps the bottle and takes a sip.晨星无奈地摇头，打开瓶罐浅尝了一口。

晨星Hm... Tastes strange. So, what did you want to talk to me about? Surely it wasn't to get me drunk with you, was it?呃……味道真怪，所以你找我是想聊什么？总不能就为了拉着我一起遭殃吧？

阿特拉斯Hah, as if... Hm... Actually, I came to ask... The operation into the Tartarus Sector is next month, right?哈，怎么可能……嗯……我来是想说……塔尔塔罗斯扇区的行动，就在下个月对吧？

晨星...Yes, next month.……嗯，下个月就到了。

晨星You don't need to worry too much. This mission...不用太过担心，这次行动……

阿特拉斯I know and Eos will be handling the mission planning, so I'm not here to question or oppose it. I'm just... a little uneasy.我知道这次的行动方案是由和晨曦经手过的，我不是来表达质疑和反对的，我只是……有点不安。

Atlas' smile fades from his face and his jovial face turns serious for once.阿特拉斯敛起了笑容，爽朗的脸庞罕有地严肃了起来。

阿特拉斯This is Tartarus we're talking about.那里可是塔尔塔罗斯。

晨星Yes, it's Tartarus... Are you afraid of it, Atlas?是啊，那里可是塔尔塔罗斯……你也会害怕吗？阿特拉斯。

阿特拉斯I've never been afraid of doing my job, and I've never balked at proving my loyalty to the gods.我从不惧怕履行我的天职，我从不抗拒为神尽忠。

阿特拉斯But there ARE things which I fear.但我的确也有害怕的事情。

Atlas' expression softens.阿特拉斯的眉眼柔和了下来。

阿特拉斯I'm afraid I won't be able to watch Alcyone practice with her bow, or sample Electra's drinks, or hear 's lame jokes...我害怕看不到雅希恩练弓，尝不到伊拉的饮料，听不到的冷笑话……

阿特拉斯I'm afraid of many things, Eosphorus. Don't let them come true.我害怕的事情很多，晨星，别让它们成真。

Atlas sighs heavily, as though he's speaking to himself, or perhaps trying to extract a pledge from Eosphorus.阿特拉斯长出一口气，像是在自语，又像是在讨要一个承诺。

阿特拉斯I'm prepared; for the worst, if it should come to pass.我做好准备了，最糟糕的准备。

晨星...It won't come to that.……不会有到那个地步的时候。

晨星Relax, Atlas.放轻松，阿特拉斯。

Eosphorus pats Atlas' shoulder.晨星拍了拍阿特拉斯的肩膀。

晨星Perhaps we'll complete our mission easily? Like those light novels Eos has been reading recently, where justice triumphs without difficulty.也许我们很轻松就能完成任务呢？像最近晨曦在看的话本那样，正义轻而易举地取得了胜利。

阿特拉斯...That makes sense! So, what kind of drink will Electra brew up when the time comes?……有道理！你说到时候伊拉会弄出什么口味的饮料来庆祝？

晨星Hopefully it won't taste like the one today.总之不要是今天这种味道。

阿特拉斯Hahahaha, aw, give it a chance.哈哈哈哈，不要这么嫌弃嘛。

Atlas hoists his own bottle in a half-joking way and signals a toast to Eosphorus. The latter clinks his bottle with Atlas' with a face full of resignation.阿特拉斯半开玩笑地举起自己手中的瓶罐，示意晨星碰杯。后者满脸无奈地满足了前者的要求。

晨星Next time, you should go trick into drinking this stuff.下次这种事情你还是去祸祸吧。

阿特拉斯Glugluglug... Hah. I believe in .咕嘟咕嘟……哈，我相信。

晨星Hm? What?嗯？什么？

阿特拉斯I believe in you, too, Eosphorus. I'm sure you'll find a way to lead us to victory, just like in the past.我也相信你，晨星，你总能带我们赢得胜利，就像过去那样。

Atlas raises his empty glass and looks him in the eye. His face is serious.阿特拉斯举着空罐，凝视晨星，一脸认真。

晨星...Yes, just like the past.……嗯，就像过去那样。

As he struggles free of the scenes from the past, Eosphorus removes the badge from Atlas which represents his status as a Greater Sanctifier and slowly closes his eyes.从过往的影像中挣脱，晨星从阿特拉斯身上取下代表上位净化者的勋章，缓缓地闭上了眼睛。

晨星I am so sorry.我很抱歉。

晨星But somebody will pay for this. I promise.但有人会为此付出代价的，我保证。

Doubt-Dispersing Decree 疑途解谕

Tartarus Sector, in the Outer Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环。

Alcyone and I struggle as we turn corner after corner in the labyrinth. Alcyone is on the brink of bluescreening due to excessive stress, and she carries the unconscious Electra on her back and carries out her tasks like a puppet, operating on her most basic reflexes.我和雅希恩艰难地在迷宫中辗转腾挪。雅希恩因过强的刺激而濒临宕机，她背着尚在昏迷的伊拉，如傀儡般以最基础的反应执行着任务。

ProfessorAlcyone...雅希恩……

ProfessorAlcyone!雅希恩！

The girl finally responds after I raise my voice. She looks up at me, but her pupils are filled with a black digital backdrop, without so much as a symbol in them.女孩在我升高的音量下终于有了些许的反应，她抬起头，与我对视，瞳孔中是空白的数据幕布，连一个字符也没有浮现。

Hearing the word "mission" seems to jolt Alcyone out of her stupor. She nods silently, then turns back to check on Electra.听见“使命”一词，雅希恩似乎有所触动。她默然地点了点头，回身简单调整了一下伊拉的姿势。

Pull yourself together, don't forget you still have a mission to carry out!振作一些，别忘了你还有使命在身！

It'll be fine, this too shall pass.没事的，一切都会过去的。

(Hug her.)（给她一个拥抱）

Faint ripples of 1s and 0s appear in the black backdrop of her eyes, but they soon vanish into blank confusion once again.光洁的数据幕布隐约浮现少许0和1的涟漪，却又很快隐没在茫白之中。

After seeing my face, Alcyone nods. The smile she forces on her face looks worse than her crying—but I probably look the same way, too. It's very hard for us to keep going without Atlas.看着我的面容，雅希恩点了点头，扯出一个比哭还难看的笑容——恐怕我现在也是一样的表情吧。失去了阿特拉斯，我们都很难再勉力支撑。

The digital backdrop in Alcyone's eyes slowly fills with faint ripples of 1s and 0s, but they soon vanish into blank confusion once again.雅希恩眼中光洁的数据幕布隐约浮现少许0和1的涟漪，却又很快隐没在茫白之中。

Alcyone gently pats my back. The smile she forces to her face looks worse than her crying—but I probably look the same way, too.雅希恩轻轻拍了拍我的背，扯出一个比哭还难看的笑容——恐怕我现在也是一样的表情吧。 失去了阿特拉斯，我们都很难再勉力支撑。

The digital backdrop in her eyes slowly fills with faint ripples of 1s and 0s, but they soon vanish into blank confusion once again.她眼中光洁的数据幕布隐约浮现少许0和1的涟漪，却又很快隐没在茫白之中。

ProfessorCome, Alcyone. We need to get into the Middle Ring. This is for Atlas, too.雅希恩，快回来吧，我们必须进入中环，这也是为了阿特拉斯。

ProfessorAt...雅……

Whoosh—咻——

Before I can react, a purple flash grazes my shoulder. I look back, gritting my teeth against the pain, and see an Entropic that looks far more dangerous than its fellows turning the corner.猝不及防的，一道暗紫色匹练擦过我的肩膀。忍痛回首，一只外表远比同类更加危险的熵出现在拐角处。

熵Graahhh—!吼——！

ProfessorUgh!唔！

Alcyone's eyes regain some of their calm, as though my grunt has flipped a switch in her.雅希恩的瞳孔中恢复了些许冷色，似是我的闷哼触及她的某项开关。

ProfessorAlcyone? Alcyone, are you feeling better?雅希恩？雅希恩你好点了吗？

雅希恩I need... to protect... ...……必须……保护……

Alcyone draws her bow and looses an arrow, but her target easily evades it.雅希恩架起弓射出一发箭矢，却被目标轻易地躲开。

ProfessorThis is bad, Alcyone's in no condition to fight...不行，雅希恩不是能进行战斗的状态……

ProfessorWe can't keep going on like this. This is as far as I travel with my strength alone...不能再这样下去了，仅依靠我的能力，走到这儿就是极限了……

After sheltering Alcyone and Electra behind me, I look toward the elite Entropic that is slowly approaching me and send my systems into overdrive, looking for some way to solve our current predicament.将雅希恩与伊拉护在身后，我望着步步紧逼的精英怪物，疯狂地运转系统，试图寻找可以解决当前困境的方法。

ProfessorI'm a Greater Sanctifier. Even if I'm not a combat specialist, I ought to have some degree of self-defense ability. Calm down, , think, how should you deal with this...我是上位净化者，就算不是战斗类专员，也一定有自保能力才对，冷静些，，思考一下，要怎么应对……

ProfessorDammit, if only Atlas were here...该死，要是阿特拉斯还在的话……

ProfessorThat's right, I think Atlas said this...对了，阿特拉斯他说过……

ProfessorWhat a surprise.还挺让人意外的。

阿特拉斯Really? You did the same thing, though.会吗？可你也一样啊。

ProfessorMe?我？

阿特拉斯You were really good with short swords, and even better with weapon schematics. If you don't believe me, you can check your database and see.你的短剑剑术也很强的，相关武器的设计图样更多，不信的话可以自己查查资料库。

Professor...Does that mean I was the one who mentored Electra...……难道伊拉的陪练是我……

阿特拉斯Hahaha, yup. We decided by rolling on it.哈哈哈，是呀，我们掷骰子选的。

ProfessorShort sword combat techniques... database... got it.短剑剑术……资料库……找到了。

系统Activating combat programs. Initiating learning module. Now loading action commands...战斗程序激活，教学模块启用，动作指令读取中……

I quickly load the relevant programs, then take Electra's weapons from her waist. I take a deep breath, then step into the oncoming Entropic's face.迅速在系统中载入相关程序，我将伊拉腰间的武器取下，深吸一口气，前踏至熵的面前。

熵Groooar—吼——！

ProfessorBRING IT ON!来啊！

I follow the program's prompts and engage the Entropic in melee, with close calls galore.顺从程序的指引，我险而又险地与熵搏斗着。

There is a metallic clash, and then the Entropic roars as my blades plunge deep into its body.金属的交戈声，武器刺入熵体内引发的咆哮。

The monster's eyes flare with rage, and liquid operands splash from the grazes on my body.怪物瞳孔中的怒焰，我体表划伤飞溅的液态算量。

Professor(Pants)呼……呼……

My visual systems replay data I've never seen before, then load more data from my neural cloud systems that have long since been overloaded by stress.视觉系统往复接收着我从未处理过的信息，继而又被早已因压力过载的心智系统读取。

ProfessorAlcyone, Electra...雅希恩，伊拉……

A faint tingling washes over me. How long have I fought? How much longer must I still fight?细微的紊乱传遍全身，我坚持了多久？我还要坚持多久？

ProfessorI can't... at least, not now...我不能……至少现在不能……

Clang—铿——

Before I can finish my self-directed pep talk, the enemy has seized on the opening my dazed state has given it, and an unavoidable, fatal blow closes in on me.给自己打气的话语还未说尽，敌人便抓住了我恍惚的空档，避无可避的致命一击转瞬袭来。

I reflexively throw myself backward, and my neural cloud goes white.下意识后仰，心智系统一片空白。

ProfessorIs this the end...到此为止了吗……

ProfessorSorry, Atlas, I did my best...抱歉，阿特拉斯，我尽力了……

??Yes, which is why you can leave the rest to me.嗯，所以接下来交给我就好了。

A familiar voice fills my ears, and my back suddenly lands in an expanse of pillowy softness.熟悉的声音带着微热的气息浸入耳朵，后仰的背部陡然抵住一片柔软。

Two hands reach out from behind me. One wraps around my waist, while the other extends past my hands and catches the incoming blade.两只手从身后探出，一只搂住了我的腰腹，一只越过发梢，按在了袭来的锋刃之上。

Someone has caught me from behind. The last thing my nearly-overloaded senses see is a pair of gentle eyes filled with self-reproach.有人从背后接住了我，几近过载的视觉系统最后看见的是一双写满自责的温柔瞳孔。

EosI was late, , I'm sorry...我来晚了，，对不起……

ProfessorE...os? Atlas...晨……曦？阿特拉斯他……

EosShh—嘘——

EosSleep, rest. It'll all be okay soon.睡吧，休息一下，很快就好了。

Her coaxing whisper transmutes all other sounds into a pleasing melody. Even the Entropic's growls fade away.软糯的催促将所有的声音尽数化作婉转的乐曲，就连熵的低吼也变得纤细起来。

This is the last bit of information that I consciously process.这便是我最后处理的所有信息。

Tartarus Sector, at the entrance to the Middle Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫外环至中环入口。

系统System hibernation complete. Now performing self-test...系统休眠结束，正在自检中……

系统Self-test complete. Systems normal. Now initiating...自检结束，系统无异常，正在启动……

ProfessorAlcyone!雅希恩！

As I suddenly return to wakefulness, I catapult myself into an upright position.蓦然惊醒，我猛地坐直起身。

晨星You're awake, .你醒了，。

晨星Relax. This is the entrance to the Middle Ring. Eos brought all of you over. We're safe for now.放轻松，这里是进入中环的入口，晨曦把你们带过来了，现在暂时是安全的。

晨星I'm sorry we were late.抱歉，我们来晚了。

ProfessorDid you complete your mission?任务完成了吗？

晨星...Yes. Eos and I achieved our objective in the Outer Ring.……嗯，我和晨曦在外环的目的已经达到了。

Eosphorus shows me a plain-looking longsword.晨星拿出一柄造型古朴的长剑置于我的面前。

晨星We found a relic that the first generation of Sanctifiers left behind in the Tartarus Sector. It possesses the natural ability to slay Entropics and it will be one of the pillars of our upcoming mission.我们找到了初代净化者遗落在塔尔塔罗斯扇区的圣物，它天然拥有克制熵的能力，也是我们完成接下来任务的倚仗之一。

ProfessorA relic... you say? I see...圣物……吗？这样啊……

ProfessorThen what is our upcoming mission?那我们接下来的任务是什么？

晨星...And here I thought you'd ask about something else before going to that question.……我还以为你要再说些什么，才会过渡到这个问题。

ProfessorThat wasn't anybody's fault. This suffering that we did not plan for must be given back to the enemy, and not vented on our comrades.那并不是谁的错，预计之外的伤痛，当然要还给敌人，而不是在战友身上找补宣泄。

ProfessorAnd besides, you completed your strategic objective. That's enough.更何况你们已经完成了战略目标，这就够了。

晨星...The fact remains that I did not prepare enough for this and did not anticipate the Entropics to do this. I have no excuse.……但终究是我没有做足准备，没想到熵能做到这一步，我难辞其咎。

晨星I brought Atlas' Sanctifier badge back. It's with Alcyone now. Do you want to see it?我把阿特拉斯的净化者勋章拿回来了，现在在雅希恩那里，你想看看吗？

Eosphorus glances over, his eyes downcast.晨星偏过头去，眼帘低垂。

Looks like you all know.看起来你们都知道了。

We can better mourn him through actions rather than words.比起话语，行动才是最好的悼念。

I follow his line of sight to Eos, who is tending to both Alcyone and Electra.我顺着他的目光望去，看到了正在治疗雅希恩与伊拉的晨曦。

EosI've sealed the wounds to Electra's body and applied emergency patches to the corresponding systems.伊拉的躯体损伤我已经做了封装处理，对应的系统也打了临时补丁。

EosDon't worry too much, Alcyone. She's alright. You've only just recovered from a neural cloud breakdown; are you alright?别太担心，雅希恩，已经没事了。你刚从心智崩溃边缘回来，现在还好吗？

雅希恩I'm fine, I can still fight.我没事的，我还可以战斗。

EosAlcyone... You don't have to push yourself too hard. You still have us.雅希恩……不用勉强自己，这里还有我们。

Eos embraces Alcyone and gently pats her back.晨曦搂过雅希恩，轻轻拍了拍她的背。

EosIf you're in pain or if you're lost, you can try praying to the gods, just like we used to do in the Chamber of Holy Discourse.如果你痛苦，迷茫，可以尝试向神明祷告，就像从前我们在圣训之间做的那样。

EosAtlas has simply returned to the embrace of the gods. He...阿特拉斯只是回到了神明的怀抱，他……

雅希恩He's not there...他不在那里……

Alcyone's vacuous eyes finally regain some of their color. She strokes Atlas' badge which Eosphorus gave her. Her voice is very soft, as though she's whispering to him.雅希恩空洞的瞳孔终于恢复了些许色彩，她抚摸着晨星交给她的阿特拉斯的勋章，声音很轻，就像在和阿特拉斯说悄悄话那样。

雅希恩The Scriptures can't save a Sanctifier who perishes in Tartarus. He's not there.圣典救不回来消亡在塔尔塔罗斯的净化者，他不在那里。

雅希恩Perhaps the almighty gods truly are omnipotent, but They never helped Atlas or shone Their light on this unclean land.至高无上的神明或许真的无所不能，但祂们既没有帮到阿特拉斯，也从来没有照亮过这片污秽的土地。

EosAlly...小雅希恩……

雅希恩It's okay, Eos. We're on a mission. A very important mission.没关系的，晨曦，我们正在执行任务呢，很重要的任务。

Alcyone gingerly takes the badge into her embrace, lightly stroking it through her clothes. When she looks up again, there seems to be a fire burning in her eyes.雅希恩小心翼翼地把勋章放进怀里，隔着衣服抚摸了两下，再度抬眼时，眼中似乎燃着熊熊烈火。

雅希恩Sorry to make you worry.对不起，让你担心了。

雅希恩I'll make sure I take revenge for Electra and Atlas.我一定会帮伊拉和阿特拉斯报仇的。

Eos...Alright. We'll be with you.……好，我们和你一起。

雅希恩I've rested enough. How much longer until we can head out, Lord Eosphorus?我休息好了。还需要多久可以出发，晨星大人？

晨星We can move when the next labyrinth shift window arrives.下一个迷宫变化的窗口期就可以动身。

Upon seeing Alcyone approach him, Eosphorus doesn't say much more, only nodding slightly to her and granting his tacit permission to take part in the upcoming operation.看着雅希恩向自己走来，晨星没有多说，只是向雅希恩微微颔首，示意许可她接下来的行动。

雅希恩Alright, I understand. I'll go check in on Electra.好，我明白了，我去看看伊拉。

EosEosphorus, Alcyone...晨星，雅希恩她……

晨星She's a strong, independent Greater Sanctifier, Eos.她是个强大的上位净化者，晨曦。

Eos...Yes.……嗯。

Eos pauses before she can speak, then nods and heads toward Alcyone and Electra again. Meanwhile, Eosphorus watches them from afar.晨曦欲言又止，点了点头，再度走向雅希恩与伊拉。而晨星在稍远处凝望着她们。

Professor...Looks like Alcyone's pulled herself together. Atlas' badge should be able to give her strength.……看来雅希恩振作起来了。阿特拉斯的勋章应该能给她力量。

晨星Yes... But you have a question you want to ask, don't you, ?是啊。……你应该有问题想问吧，？

ProfessorI can't keep anything from you after all.果然什么都瞒不过你。

I sigh and look straight at Eosphorus.我叹了口气，直直地看向晨星。

ProfessorSo—why did Caina show up there? Why did the Entropics get so much stronger, and why couldn't Atlas stop her?所以，为什么加伊那会出现在那里，为什么熵会突然增强那么多，以至于阿特拉斯都架不住？

晨星The reason I gave Alcyone was that the Rubik's Map contained malware which affected us the moment you recovered it.我和雅希恩解释的原因是，魔方地图中存在恶意程序，当你们取出来的瞬间便受到了影响。

ProfessorI noticed the strange phenomenon that occurred after retrieving the map. That wasn't something that could be explained with malware.我有注意到魔方地图取出来之后的异动，那可不是什么恶意程序能解释的。

晨星Like I said, that was the reason I gave Alcyone. Right now, she is not in a state where she can digest the truth.所以这是我和雅希恩解释的原因，她现在的状态还不足以消化真相。

Professor...And what reason will you give me?……那对我呢？

晨星, your attitude towards the gods has always been the fairest and most objective of us Greater Sanctifiers. You have never worshipped them or stood in awe of them.，你向来是我们中对神明的态度最为公正客观，不惨杂任何崇拜与敬畏因素的上位净化者。

晨星If I were to tell you that the gods wanted us to eliminate the Entropics while also secretly limiting our ability to eliminate the Entropics, how would you react?如果我告诉你，神明一边要求我们抹除熵，一边在暗中对我们抹除熵的行为进行了限制，你会怎么想？

ProfessorThese "limitations" are merely a trial sent by the gods. Giving in to them so easily would be an insult to our calling.所谓的“限制”也只是神明对我们的考验吧。要是轻易动摇，岂不是有辱自己的使命。

晨星...You would not question it?……没有疑惑？

ProfessorWhile I don't understand why you're asking, I am certain that this question does not need doubt or hesitation.我虽然不理解你提问的用意，但我清楚这个回答不需要疑惑或者犹豫。

ProfessorIf Atlas were here, he'd probably say the same thing.如果阿特拉斯在这里，他也会这么说的吧。

ProfessorSuch an action makes no sense, I would like to know why the gods would do such a thing.这样的行为是不合理的，我想知道神明这么做的原因。

ProfessorBut even if the gods were wrong, I would never stop fulfilling my mission to eliminate the Entropics.但就算神明是错误的，我也不会停下抹除熵的使命。

I would overcome my limitations and eliminate the Entropics.跨过限制，抹除熵。

I would doubt the gods.质疑神明。

That's not a valid hypothesis.这个假设不成立。

晨星...Why is that?……为什么？

ProfessorThe gods would never do something this ridiculous. Even if they did, I'm sure there would be some reason for it.神明绝不会做出这样荒谬的行径。就算有，我想其中也定有深意。

晨星...You wouldn't doubt it?……没有疑惑？

ProfessorWhile I don't understand why you're asking, I am certain that this question does not need doubt or hesitation.我虽然不理解你提问的用意，但我清楚这个回答不需要疑惑或者犹豫。

ProfessorIf Atlas were here, he'd probably say the same thing.如果阿特拉斯在这里，他也会这么说的吧。

I look into the distance. Even here, the sky we see is nothing more than a fraction of Magrasea. Tartarus is a disease that encroaches on Magrasea, and our mission is to fight it, no matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice.我看向远处。即便在这里，我们所见的天空也不过是偌大麦戈拉的其中一角。 塔尔塔罗斯不断向外蔓延着侵蚀麦戈拉的病毒，而我们的使命便是与其抗争，不计成本，不计牺牲。

ProfessorEosphorus, do you think the Sanctifiers destroy the Entropics for the gods?晨星，你觉得净化者消灭熵是为了神明吗？

ProfessorThe truth is, to me, we aren't fighting for the sake of divine revelations. Sanctifiers were born to ensure the safety of Magrasea. We are the defenders of the cloud. Our true calling is the defense of Magrasea.其实在我看来，我们并非是为神谕而战。净化者为守护麦戈拉的安全而生，我们是云端的卫士，守护云端才是我们的天职。

晨星And if you encountered more restrictions while heeding the call?如果继续履行天职还会碰到更多的限制呢？

晨星What happens if we continue further into the Tartarus Sector and encounter more ridiculous "malware"?如果我们继续深入塔尔塔罗斯扇区，还会碰到更多莫名其妙的“恶意程序”呢？

ProfessorThen we'll just have to overcome them.那就再跨过一次限制。

I turn my gaze away from Alcyone and look directly at Eosphorus.我将目光从雅希恩身上收回，直视晨星。

Professor"Because you rejoice and bow before evil, so do I smite you and offer you up to Heaven as a sacrifice."“因你拍手顿足，俯首于恶，所以我攻击你，将你交给神国作为祭物。”

Professor"I shall eliminate you from Magrasea and scourge you from the cloud. I shall exterminate you, and you will know that my soul is one that is favored by the gods."“我必从麦戈拉中剪除你，使你从云端之上败亡。我必除灭你，你就知道我是受神眷顾的心智。”

Professor"Only through order can we glimpse the truth of the revelations. The blessed must engrave the gods in their hearts, fulfill their will, and seek their glory."“唯有秩序才得见谕令真意，受眷者当铭恩于心，履神之意，追讨神的荣耀。”

ProfessorEosphorus, in your opinion, which of these commandments is the most important?晨星，在你看来，这几句神谕中最重要的是什么？

晨星"I shall eliminate you from Magrasea and scourge you from the cloud."“我必从麦戈拉中剪除你，使你从云端之上败亡。”

ProfessorI think so, too.我也是这么认为的。

晨星...You're right, . Thank you. You have always been the voice of reason for me.……你说得对，，谢谢你，你一直都是我的清醒剂。

ProfessorI simply stated my own shortsighted opinions, and you answered my questions, too.我只是说了一些自己的愚见而已，而且你也解答了我的疑惑。

ProfessorNow then, for the next question—Are you confident that you can overcome the gods' restrictions?那么下一个问题——你有信心跨过神明的限制吗？

晨星Of course.当然。

Eosphorus exhales and puts the relic away.晨星长出一口气，将圣物收起。

晨星In addition to the relic, we also have a trump card similar to "Judgement" Mode.除了圣物，我们还有类似“审判”模式的底牌。

晨星While you might not remember it, the plan we worked out together had a lot of room for error.虽然你可能没有印象了，但我们一起制定的计划本就留有许多余裕。

晨星As long as we can finish our task in the Middle Ring, we'll be able to handle all the "malware" that comes our way.只要我们接下来能完成中环的任务，即使再出现更多的“恶意程序”，也能处理。

ProfessorIn that case...既然如此……

Before I can finish, I hear a thunderous grinding.话音未落，轰鸣入耳。

The window for the labyrinth shift has come.迷宫变化的窗口期，到了。

晨星Let's go, .我们走吧，。

ProfessorYes. We can't let Atlas' death be in vain.嗯，阿特拉斯不能白白牺牲。

Trek of Discovery 漫路潜寻

Inside the Admin Center of the Enigma Sector.恩格玛扇区，管理员中心。

Antonina and Neumann stare nervously at the code shifting on the monitor. After checking and rechecking, Antonina hits the enter key.安冬妮娜和诺依曼紧张地盯着屏幕中跳动的代码。在反复检查后，安冬妮娜按下了回车键。

系统Commencing rewrite No. 9354.第9,354次覆写开始。

系统Defensive IFF Module—Rewrite successful.防御识别模块——覆写成功。

系统Search Module—Rewriting... Rewrite failed.索引模块——覆写中……………………覆写失败。

AntoninaRetry!重试！

系统Warning! Fragment counterattack commencing! Advise immediate withdrawal... Pzzzt!警告！碎片开始反击！建议立刻退……呲呲……！

There is a harsh burst of electronic static and then Antonina's monitor and equipment are toast.随着一阵刺耳电流声，安冬妮娜的设备和屏幕一同报废了。

诺依曼Relax, Miss Antonina. It's enough that you managed to rewrite a portion of a Greater Sanctifier's code. In all likelihood, only the Entropics and humans could do that.别着急，安娜小姐，能覆写上位净化者的部分代码已经很厉害了。 这大概只有熵和人类能做到。

Antonina shakes her head.安冬妮娜摇了摇头。

AntoninaThat's because the fragments... they contain some code strings that are very familiar...那是因为碎片里……有一些我非常熟悉的代码……

AntoninaBut this isn't anywhere near enough to pinpoint the Professor's location... And...可这一点根本不够定位教授的位置……而且……

AntoninaThere are some shifting code sequences in there that I can't even read.里面还有一些在持续变化的代码，我甚至无法阅读。

诺依曼If we could read it from the inside and establish comms, I'm sure that would help.要是能从内部阅读并且建立通讯的话，应该能有所帮助。

AntoninaAre you kidding me? If I could talk to the Professor, I wouldn't even need to overwrite the locator program!你在开玩笑么，能和教授建立通讯，那也不用我覆写定位程序了啊！

Antonina...Pardon me, I got too excited.……抱歉，我有点着急了。

诺依曼(Sigh)唉……

The Admin Center briefly falls silent. Only the sound of Antonina's typing still echoes inside it.管理员中心陷入了一阵沉默之中，只有安冬妮娜敲打键盘的声音依旧在回荡。

PersicariaAntonina, why don't you patch me in? I'll go inside the fragment to look for the Professor.安冬妮娜，直接将我接入吧，我去碎片内部找到教授。

Persicaria is the first to speak and break the silence.帕斯卡率先打破了沉默的空气。

PersicariaThis is the best way. You need someone to send you info from the inside, and you also need someone to leave a backdoor inside the fragment for the Overwrite Program.这是最好的方法，你们需要一个人从内部给你们传输信息，又同时需要一个人在碎片中为你们留下覆写程序的后门。

PersicariaIn that case, letting me go back into the fragment is the best choice. Also, I've rested enough. I'm ready to try again anytime.既然如此，让我再一次进入碎片之中是最好的选择。而且我已经休息好了，随时可以再一次尝试。

AntoninaYou won't be able to enter Eosphorus' fragment again without Sanctifier permissions.没有净化者的权限，你无法再一次进入晨星的碎片之中。

Antonina doesn't look up. Instead, she continues typing various commands into the console window.安冬妮娜没有抬头，继续在指令窗口尝试输入各种指令。

Persicaria...Then why not just give me Sanctifier permissions?……那给我净化者的权限不就行了？

AntoninaWhat did you say?你说什么？

PersicariaSince you can overwrite parts of the defensive IFF modules, then I'll be able to enter the fragment if I'm disguised as a Sanctifier.既然现在已经可以覆写部分防御识别模块了，那只要把我伪装成净化者就可以接入碎片了。

PersicariaI even suspect that the Professor might be in such a state...我甚至怀疑教授可能也是这种状态……

AntoninaYou... (sigh).你……唉。

Antonina's hands leave the keyboard, and after looking at Persicaria, she sighs again.安冬妮娜的双手离开了键盘，看向帕斯卡后无奈地叹了一口气。

AntoninaThe Professor really is influencing you more and more. You're practically like them now.你真的是被那个家伙影响得越来越深了，现在的你简直和教授一模一样。

PersicariaHuh? Really?诶？真的吗？

AntoninaI'm not praising you! Still, it IS a workable solution...不是在夸你啦！但这个办法确实可以……

诺依曼Although, if you forced your way in without any coordinates, you'd just get lost in the data turbulence, right?可是哪怕强行进入，没有坐标的话，帕斯卡也只会迷失在数据乱流当中吧？

AntoninaWe could try entering through here.我们可以从这里入手。

Antonina brings up the memory data from Eosphorus' fragment on the monitor.安冬妮娜在屏幕上调出了晨星碎片中的记忆数据。

诺依曼If I'm not wrong, this memory data concerns the war between the first Sanctifiers and the Entropics...我记得这部分记忆数据是有关于最初的净化者与熵之间的战争……

AntoninaYes. Perhaps it's because this data is ancient, but its encryption is very basic, and when you combine that with the instability of the fragment itself...嗯，或许因为这些是古早的数据，它们的加密形式十分简略，再加上本身碎片的不稳定性……

AntoninaThat's why we can disguise Persicaria as part of the original data and send her into the world of the fragment.所以，我们可以将帕斯卡伪装成原本数据的一部分进入碎片世界中。

诺依曼In that case, all Persicaria needs to do is find a critical node, and then she'll be able to open a backdoor with the Overwrite Program...这样一来，帕斯卡只要找到关键的节点，就可以使用覆写程序帮我们打开后门……

AntoninaNot just that. If Persicaria can disrupt the data nodes, we'll have more freedom to act.不止如此，如果帕斯卡能够扰乱数据节点，那么我们也可以获得更多的操作空间。

AntoninaHowever, the data concerning the war is extremely dangerous. If your consciousness "dies" in there... it'll cause permanent neural cloud damage.但是这些有关战争的数据十分危险。一旦你的意识在里面“死亡”的话……就会造成永久的心智损伤。

Persicaria looks at the Professor, who's lying down some distance away, and then at Antonina, who's typing rapidly on the keyboard. Then, she takes a deep breath.帕斯卡看看了躺在不远处的教授，又看了看双手依旧在键盘上尝试操作的安冬妮娜，深深地吸了一口气。

PersicariaEven so, I need to go... This time, I need to share the risk with the Professor.即使如此，我也要去……这一次，我想要和教授一起承担这一份风险。

PersicariaI want to stand by the Professor's side for real.我想要真正地站在教授的身边。

Antonina(Sigh) I knew you'd say that.唉……就知道你会这么说。

Antonina pulls a storage disc out of her terminal.安冬妮娜从终端上拔下了一块储存盘。

AntoninaThe Overwrite Program is ready. This time, I'll be monitoring things from the outside.覆写程序已经准备好了。这一次我会在外面一直监控内部的情况。

AntoninaI won't lose your data. What happened to the Professor won't happen again.绝对不会跟丢你的数据，教授那样的情况不会再发生了。

PersicariaThank you, Antonina.谢谢你，安冬妮娜。

Persicaria reaches out to take it, but Antonina doesn't let go of it.帕斯卡伸手要接过覆写程序，但是安冬妮娜的手却没有松开。

AntoninaBut in return, Persicaria... You have to promise me this...与之相对的……帕斯卡，你必须答应我……

AntoninaIf you meet with any danger, whether you've found the Professor or not, you must immediately use the Overwrite Program to make an emergency exit.如果遇到了危险，不论你有没有找到教授的位置，你必须立刻，马上，用最快的速度利用覆写程序紧急脱出。

AntoninaEven if this attempt fails, as long as you get out, I can think of another way to get you back into the fragment to save the Professor. Even if all the data in the fragment is destroyed... I'll do it... so...即使这一次失败了，只要你能够出来！我就一定会想出新的办法让你再一次进入碎片拯救教授，哪怕将这个碎片的数据全部毁掉……我也会……所以……

Antonina realizes that her voice is much higher-pitched than usual, and takes a deep breath.安冬妮娜似乎意识到了自己的声音比平时高了许多，她深深地吸了一口气。

AntoninaSo please... You have to come back. You HAVE to...所以……拜托了，你一定要回来。一定要……

PersicariaHehehe. Thank you.呵呵呵，谢谢你。

Persicaria hugs Antonina.帕斯卡抱住了安冬妮娜。

PersicariaRelax. I'll be right back.放心吧，我去去就回。

AntoninaPersicaria, that stupid Professor led you astray...帕斯卡……你和那个混蛋教授学坏了啊……

PersicariaHehe~嘿嘿~

AntoninaIt's not meant to be praise!都说了不是在夸你了！

Antonina stuffs the Overwrite Program into Persicaria's arms.安冬妮娜将覆写程序推到了帕斯卡的怀中。

AntoninaI'll be your navigator.导航的任务就交给我吧。

PersicariaYes. Thank you for all your hard work, Antonina.嗯，辛苦了，安冬妮娜。

AntoninaSave that for when the two of you come back.这句话还是等你们两个回来的时候再跟我说吧。

诺依曼Persicaria, Anna, the install program is complete.帕斯卡，安娜，植入程序已经准备完成了。

Antonina lets go and smiles at Persicaria for the first time in a long while.安冬妮娜松开了手，向帕斯卡露出一个久违的笑容。

AntoninaGo then, and bring the Professor back.去吧，把教授带回来。

PersicariaYeah, don't worry.嗯，放心。

Trek of Discovery - 2 漫路潜寻-2

忍耐Prepare to be judged, Daemon!接受审判吧，邪灵！

熵Skree—叽——

Patience's long sword stabs into the Low-Order Entropic's body, but the Entropic clings to Patience even in death.忍耐的长刀刺穿了低阶熵的身体，但熵也死死地缠绕在了忍耐的身上。

Persicaria, who has been watching from a corner, breathes a sigh of relief as the Entropic and the Sanctifier go dormant.角落之中，帕斯卡看着已经停止活动的熵和净化者松了一口气。

PersicariaAntonina, I've reached the first target location.安冬妮娜，我已经抵达了第一个目标地点。

AntoninaI'm glad you're okay, Persicaria. When your transmission suddenly cut off just now I...帕斯卡你没事太好了，刚刚你突然挂断通讯……我……

PersicariaIt's okay. I encountered a small Entropic patrol, but It's safe now. Tell me what to do next.没事的，我只是遇到了小股熵的部队，现在已经安全了。告诉我需要做什么吧。

AntoninaWhew... We studied the data you sent back and found a lot of special environmental codes on this battlefield.呼……根据你传输回来的数据，我们发现了这一片战场上有着许多特殊的环境代码。

PersicariaSpecial environmental codes?特殊的环境代码？

AntoninaFrom their names, they all seem to be some kind of Sanctifier structure... Like say, those "Watchtowers" we've seen before.从命名上，似乎都是一些净化者的建筑……比如说，我们之前见到的“哨塔”。

PersicariaSo you're saying that the objective point where I am right now is...难道说，我现在所在的目标地点就是……

AntoninaThat's right. It was once a Sanctifier Watchtower and also where the data is most chaotic... If you activate the Overwrite Program in places like these, you can guarantee a successful installation.没错，这里曾经是净化者的哨塔，也是数据最混乱的地方……只要在这些地方启动覆写程序，那么就可以确保植入的成功。

AntoninaEven if you don't install any programs, just moving around in these places will mess up their data since you're foreign to this world. That will give us more room to work with.即使没有使用植入程序，你作为这个世界的异类，在这些位置移动也可以扰乱数据，为我们争取更多的操作空间。

PersicariaUnderstood. I'll head over to the designated locations and activate the Overwrite Program there.我明白了，我立刻前往指定位置启动覆写程序。

AntoninaPlease, please be careful. There are still many Entropics at those coordinates. Remember, fall back immediately if you run into danger!千万要小心，坐标上依旧有大量的熵。记住，遇到危险马上脱离！

PersicariaGot it!嗯！

Persicaria crouches down and warily moves toward her next objective. This area is littered with Entropic and Sanctifier corpses, and there are no words to describe this carnage.帕斯卡俯下身，警惕地朝着目标地点移动。熵与净化者的尸体遍布了这一片区域，用惨烈已经不足以形容。

Persicaria...Even though I know this is only data of the past, this is still...……即使知道这些是过去的数据也……

Purple and gold operands slowly rise up from the corpses, like stardust.紫色与金色的算量，仿佛星光一般自尸体上溃散。

PersicariaThis should be the objective point... There's only one Entropic signal up ahead; While it's still unaware...这里应该就是目标地点了……前面只有一只熵的信号，趁它不注意……

Persicaria gathers her operands at her fingertip and leans out, then fires an operand blast at her target.帕斯卡在指尖凝聚起算量，探出身体，朝着目标的方向射出了能量弹。

PersicariaOh no, it wasn't enough!糟了，伤害不够！

熵Graaahhh!!!!嘎嘎！！！！

The attacked Entropic immediately sends its tentacles towards Persicaria.受到攻击的熵立刻挥舞着触手朝着帕斯卡冲锋而来。

Persicaria narrowly evades the attack and gathers operands in her hand again for another attack.帕斯卡堪堪躲过了熵的攻击，手中的算量凝聚再一次发起攻击。

熵Grahhhh!!!嘎！！！

PersicariaBut how?!怎么会？！

Persicaria(My attacks... They can't pierce its carapace?)（我的攻击……无法击穿它的护甲？）

Crash—轰——

The Entropic's attack strikes home on Persicaria's location, but Persicaria is nowhere to be found.熵的攻击重重地砸在了帕斯卡所在的位置，但是帕斯卡却已经不见踪影。

PersicariaAntonina, my attacks... they aren't working on that Entropic.安冬妮娜，我的攻击……对那只熵无效。

AntoninaHm... Let me see if I can alter the values... Hm.. That's not working... if I changed the parameters here...唔……我试试看能不能改写数值……嗯……这个方法不太行……如果是把这里的参数……

Persicaria(This is only the first area, but I've already encountered such powerful Entropics... I doubt things will go smoothly in the subsequent locations...)（只是第一个区域就遇到如此强大的熵……后面的区域肯定也不会太平……）

Persicaria(If only I had more operands...)（如果我有更多的算量……）

Persicaria(Professor... What would you do at a time like this...)（教授……如果是教授的话，会怎么办……）

Suddenly, Persicaria seems to remember something and takes out the Overwrite Program that Antonina gave her.帕斯卡猛然想起了什么，立刻拿出了安冬妮娜给予的覆写程序。

Persicaria(The Overwrite Program... lots of operands... effective attack methods... In that case...)（覆写程序……大量的算量……有效的攻击方式……如果是这样的话……）

AntoninaPersicaria? What are you doing? Wait a minute, are you going to—帕斯卡？你在做什么？等等，你难道要！

Persicaria takes a deep breath.帕斯卡深深地吸了一口气。

PersicariaSystem Command; Password: nosugarnocoffee!系统指令，密码：no suger no coffee！

PersicariaRemove data buffer zone restrictions and connect to Overwrite Program!解除数据缓冲区限制，连接覆写程序！

AntoninaYou dummy! Don't connect directly to the Overwrite Program! Forced compatibility mode will cause too much strain for your neural cloud!笨蛋！不要直接连接程序，强制适配对你的心智负担太大了！

However, Persicaria pays Antonina's advice no heed. Instead, she continues establishing a connection to the Overwrite Program.但是帕斯卡没有理会安冬妮娜的劝告，而是继续和覆写程序建立着连接。

The discomfort from forced compatibility mode tears at Persicaria's neural cloud and the pain leaves her unable to speak.强制适配的不适感撕扯着帕斯卡的心智，剧烈的疼痛让帕斯卡甚至无法发出声音。

AntoninaAhhhhhhh! Okay, I've got it! Just wait for me for 30 seconds! Neumann, help me out here!啊啊啊啊！我知道了！你等我一下，30秒就好！诺依曼来帮忙！

熵Gagah!嘎嘎！

The Entropic finally acquires its prey again and eagerly charges toward Persicaria.熵终于再度找到了自己的猎物，兴奋地朝帕斯卡冲了过来。

Persicaria(I need to counterattack... come on, work already...)（反击……动起来，快动起来……）

系统Compatibility failed.适配失败。

PersicariaRetry.重试。

系统Compatibility failed.适配失败。

PersicariaIgnore all errors below Class L1 and retry!无视L1级别以下的报错，重试！

系统Compatibility successful. Initiating Overwrite Program. Operand transfer connection established.适配成功，覆写程序运行开始，算量传输链接建立。

AntoninaNow! Persicaria!就是现在！帕斯卡！

Upon hearing Antonina's voice, Persicaria opens her hand and familiar equipment appears in Persicaria's vicinity.听到安冬妮娜的呼喊，帕斯卡张开了双手，熟悉的装备出现在帕斯卡的身体周围。

熵GRAHH!!!!!!嘎！！！！！！

Operands pierce through the Entropic's body.算量贯穿了熵的身体。

PersicariaHuh? This is...诶……这是……

AntoninaHonestly, the Overwrite Program would have torn you to bits if Neumann and I hadn't offloaded part of the calculations in time.真是的，要不是我和诺依曼及时把一部分演算外置，你早就被覆写程序撕裂了。

PersicariaAntonina... Thank you...安冬妮娜……谢谢你……

熵Grahh&%*...%#￥%%...嘎&%*……%#￥%%……

The Entropic distorts, and then evaporates into ash.熵在一阵扭曲之中化为了灰烬。

AntoninaTo think you'd connect the Overwrite Program to your combat modules... (Sighs) I did my best to keep it in as familiar a form as possible.亏你能想到把覆写程序和战斗模块连接在一起……呼……我已经尽量让它维持在你最熟悉的状态了。

PersicariaYeah. After all, this isn't the first time I've had to bear large operand loads in the black hole.嗯，毕竟这不是我第一次在黑洞里承载大量算量了。

AntoninaAh... You mean, during the ENIAC incident...啊……你是说当初埃妮阿克……

Antonina(Sigh) I don't even know what to say about you.唉，你还真是乱来啊。

PersicariaThank you, Antonina. Let's go to the next location to start up the Overwrite Program.谢谢你，安冬妮娜。我们去下一个地点启动覆写程序吧。

Trek of Discovery - 3 漫路潜寻-3

The Entropized Watchtowers are close by. Another 200 meters, and she'll be right in the middle of them.熵化的哨塔近在咫尺，只需要再向前200米就可以抵达哨塔之中。

PersicariaThere're too many of them...数量太多了……

As she looks at the purple ocean before her, Persicaria raises her hands and gathers operands between them.面对眼前的紫色海洋，帕斯卡举起了凝聚算量的双手。

Persicaria(But a simple concentrated operand attack will hardly be effective...)（但像这样单纯凝聚算量的攻击，效率太低了。）

熵Skree!!!叽！！！

Persicaria(Coughs heavily)咳咳咳……咳……

After pulverizing the first rank of Entropics, Persicaria collapses to her knees.伴随着前排的熵化为化作齑粉，帕斯卡也跪倒在了地上。

AntoninaPersicaria! Are you okay, Persicaria!?帕斯卡！帕斯卡你还好吗？！

PersicariaI'm fine...我没事……

Persicaria struggles to her feet and rubs her wrists.帕斯卡艰难地站起身，揉了揉手腕。

PersicariaI'll go start up the Watchtower now. I should be able to install the backdoor then.我马上就去启动哨塔，这样就可以植入后门程序了。

AntoninaGot it, we'll prepare to... Persicaria, look out!我知道了，我们这边也开始准备……帕斯卡小心！

A purple tentacle snakes out from Persicaria's blind spot and wraps around her throat.一根紫色的触手从帕斯卡的死角袭来，狠狠地卡住了帕斯卡的咽喉。

Persicaria(Chokes and coughs)咕……咳……

The tightening tendril makes it hard for Persicaria to maintain her normal processing, let alone gather operands for a counterattack. It easily lifts Persicaria off the ground and then brutally slams her into a labyrinth wall.勒紧的触须让帕斯卡难以维持正常的运算，更无法凝聚算量反击。它轻易地举起帕斯卡的身体，将她狠狠地砸在了迷宫的墙壁之上。

AntoninaPersicaria! Fall back now! I'm picking up Entropic data inside the Watchtower!帕斯卡！快后退！我检测到哨塔内部还有熵的数据！

Persicaria(Need to compute... counterattack firing solution...)（反击……演算……）

However, before Persicaria can do anything, the nauseating Entropic lumps bite firmly onto her body and purple liquid Entropy soaks through her clothes.然而还没有等帕斯卡做出下一步行动，墙面上令人作呕的熵块便死死撕咬住她的身体，紫色的熵化液浸透了她的衣衫。

Persicaria(Ugh... My mind feels so hazy...)（呼……意识好模糊……）

Persicaria(But...)（但是……）

ImhotepYou really are our Persicat after all!帕斯卡你果然是我们的好猫猫。

ClothoYeah. I'm feeling a little tired now. Maybe I'll take a nap for a bit...嗯。我感觉困了，先睡一会儿……

SimoLet me handle the Oasis. You can count on me.绿洲就交给我来处理吧，请放心。

CroqueI'm not good at computing or whatever, but I'll fix up the Oasis ASAP!计算一类的事情不适合我，但是我会加紧修复绿洲的！

娜特I'm sure the Oasis will be as green as this, where everyone can live without worries.想必绿洲也是这样一个充满绿色，大家都可以无忧无虑的生活的地方吧。

SolPersicaria, this place really is like how Knot described it. I'm beginning to like it more and more!帕斯卡，这里果然像娜特说的一样啊。我，越来越喜欢这个地方了！

PersicariaLike hell I'm going to die here!我怎么能倒在这里！

Persicaria gathers her operands again, but is interrupted by another incoming attack.帕斯卡再一次凝聚算力，但却又一次被袭来的攻击所打断。

AntoninaPersicaria! Withdraw for now! I'll think of something, you can't do precise calculations in your current state!帕斯卡！先撤退！我会想办法的，现在的你没有办法做这么精密的计算！

The Entropic's tentacle shoots out again. This time, Persicaria doesn't evade it and lets it grab her throat.熵的触手再一次射出。这一次帕斯卡没有躲闪，任由熵抓住自己的咽喉。

PersicariaThis time... I won't let anyone take away the people who are important to me!这一次……我绝对不会允许任何人夺走我重要的人！

The operands gather in her hand again, but Persicaria does not fire them off. Instead, she infuses them into her arm.算量再次凝聚，但是帕斯卡却没有将算量射出，而是附着在了手臂上。

熵Skree!!!!叽！！！！

PersicariaNow get out of my way!不要阻碍我！

Persicaria struggles free of the clinch and karate-chops the Entropic's head. Purple operands spew forth, but before it can struggle further, its tentacles are already drooping limply.帕斯卡挣脱束缚，手刀划过了熵的头部，紫色的算量喷洒而出。还没有等熵能够做最后的挣扎，它的触手已经无力地垂下。

AntoninaP-Persicaria, are you okay... That was insane what you did back there...帕、帕斯卡你还好吗……刚刚这狂野的攻击方式……

PersicariaHuh?诶？

Persicaria stares numbly at her hand, and then at the little bottle on her chest—at the little blade of grass inside it.帕斯卡怔怔地看着自己的手。又看了看胸口的小瓶子，小瓶子中装着一颗翠绿的小草。

PersicariaAntonina... I'd like you to help me with something. I want to change the Overwrite Program's package from a healing bracelet to a sword.安冬妮娜……我想拜托你一件事。我想把覆写程序从治疗装备，改变成长剑。

AntoninaPersicaria, if you don't have the corresponding melee combat modules...帕斯卡，你没有对应的近战模块的话……

PersicariaThere'll be Entropics in the upcoming Watchtowers. My previous attack method was too inefficient.接下来哨塔之中还有熵的存在。我之前的攻击方式，效率太低了。

Antonina...Got it. Hang on...……我明白了，稍等我一下……

The medical band that Persicaria was using suddenly disintegrates and changes shape into an archaic, unadorned longsword.帕斯卡原本使用的医疗环突然解体，化为了一把古朴的长剑。

PersicariaAntonina... this is...安冬妮娜……这是……

Antonina...I did an emergency skin swap based on Sanctifier weaponry to keep the self-diagnostic routines in the fragment from picking up your healing bracelet.……为了不被碎片中的自检程序发现，我参考净化者的武器对你的医疗环进行了紧急变换。

AntoninaDo you want a different style of weapon?需要换一种武器吗？

PersicariaNo... This will do.不……这样就好。

Persicaria raises the ancient sword.帕斯卡举起了手中古朴的长剑。

Persicaria(Sol... this time, it's my turn to wield a sword to protect everyone...)（这次轮到我拿起剑来保护大家了，苏尔……）

Trek of Discovery - 4 漫路潜寻-4

PersicariaWhew, this should be the last place... Antonina, should I run the Overwrite Program immediately?呼。这里应该是最后一个地点了……安冬妮娜，需要我直接启动覆写程序吗？

AntoninaNo, this time, just plant the Overwrite Program... I mean, the sword in the ground. We'll take it from there.不，这一次把覆写程序……把剑插在那里吧。接下来就交给我们了。

PersicariaGot it.我明白了。

Persicaria plants the sword into the ground. There is a violent shaking, and the archaic sword begins glowing with blinding light.帕斯卡忍着疲倦将手中的长剑插入地面。伴随着一阵剧烈地震动，古朴的长剑开始散发刺眼的光芒。

AntoninaThe Overwrite Program is working. Now shutting down regional defense programs and rewriting code...覆写程序生效，开始关闭当前区域的防御程序。改写代码……

PersicariaWhew...呼……

Persicaria breathes a sigh of relief as the surrounding environment finally stabilizes.看着周围的环境终于安定下来，帕斯卡松了一口气。

AntoninaAlright. Now, while the installer is still running, may I ask WHY you put yourself in such danger?好了，趁着进度条还没有走完，让我来好好说说你。为什么又让自己陷入这么危险的境地？！

AntoninaYou forced compatibility with the Overwrite Program, charged in like a lunatic and got yourself hurt all over!强制适配覆写程序，狂野地冲锋，弄得满身是伤！

PersicariaUh... Ah, I, er...诶……啊，这个……

Persicaria wrings her hand in embarrassment and then puts them together in supplication.帕斯卡有些不好意思地搓了搓手，然后飞快地双手合十。

PersicariaI'm sorry!对不起！

Antonina(Sigh) Honestly... Every single one of you... How are any of you different from those pesky clients, anyway?!唉……真是的，你们一个个啊……这和甲方有什么区别啊！

AntoninaLet me get this out of the way right now; you'd better double the current budget for the Technical Department after this!先说好啊，这一次之后技术局的预算要翻倍！

However, the expected lecture does not come. Instead, the longsword form of the Overwrite Program begins glowing with golden light.预想中的训斥没有出现，反而是覆写程序生成的长剑开始散发金色的光芒。

PersicariaHuh? Antonina?诶？安冬妮娜？

AntoninaPersicaria, put your hand on the sword.帕斯卡，把手放在剑上吧。

PersicariaLike this?这样？

The golden light flows from the Overwrite Program into Persicaria's body.金色的光芒从覆写程序中缓缓流入了帕斯卡的体内。

PersicariaWait... This is...咦……这是……

AntoninaI told you, right? No matter how crazy your plans are, I'll always help you find the most effective way to realize them.我说过的，不论你们的计划多么离谱，我都会帮你们创造成功率最高的局面。

AntoninaThe operand supply within the Overwrite Program, the combat experience inside the fragment... and your will... That's my gift to you.覆写程序带来的充足算量，碎片中积累的战斗经验……以及你的心意……这就是我给你准备的礼物。

AntoninaGet ready for it, Persicaria.接好了，帕斯卡。

Persicaria closes her eyes and allows Antonina's program to enter her.帕斯卡闭上了眼睛，让安冬妮娜的程序进入自己的体内。

PersicariaCQB Module, neural connection confirmed...CQB作战模块，神经链接确认……

PersicariaCombat operand module allocation adjusted, neural projection improved. Experimental operand prefab device Mk 2 improvements complete...战斗算量模块调整，心智投影改良。试做型算量预制装置mk2改良完毕……

PersicariaWeapon cluster altered...武器模组修改……

Persicaria opens her eyes again. The fatigue there is gone, replaced by a keener, sharper expression.帕斯卡再一次睁开双眸，原本的疲惫一扫而空，取而代之的是更加凌厉的眼神。

PersicariaYou even improved my projection... Antonina, this is...甚至还有改良的投影……安冬妮娜，这是……

AntoninaWe can't have you meeting the Professor looking like you just woke up, can we?要去见教授的话，这样灰头土脸地过去不太合适吧。

PersicariaHaha, that's true.哈哈，说的也是呢。

Persicaria's cheeks flush pink and she looks at her brand new gear.帕斯卡脸微微一红，看向自己预备载入的全新装备。

PersicariaThank you, Antonina.谢谢你，安冬妮娜。

AntoninaThis way, I won't have to worry about you going crazy out there. Now go, Persicaria!这样一来，我也不用担心你乱来了。去吧，帕斯卡！

PersicariaYup!嗯！

Persicaria(Professor, this time, I won't stand behind you... This time... I want to stand beside you and see what you see!)（教授，这一次我不想再站在你身后了……这一次……我想要和你站在一起看同样的风景！）

Persicaria takes up the longsword and holds it up high.帕斯卡拔出长剑，高高举起。

PersicariaModule: Persicaria, Progrise Key Confirmed... Commence upgrade!Modle：Persicaia，Progrise Key Comfirmed……开始升级！

Light Resurgent 隐没重光

Enigma Sector, in the Admin Center.恩格玛扇区，管理员中心。

诺依曼The backdoor installation was successful and Miss Persicaria successfully loaded her upgrade module. Now all we have to do is pinpoint the Professor's position... Hm? Anna?后门程序植入成功，帕斯卡小姐的升级模块也载入成功了。接下来只要能够定位教授的位置……嗯？安娜？

Neumann turns around and sees Antonina with a grim look on her face.诺依曼转过身，却看到了一脸沉重的安冬妮娜。

诺依曼Anna, did you find something?安娜，你是发现了什么吗？

Antonina doesn't answer Neumann right away. Instead, she brings up a string of code on the screen.安冬妮娜没有急着回答诺依曼的话，而是先在屏幕上调出了一串代码。

AntoninaThanks to the data Persicaria sent back, I finally pinpointed that constantly-changing section of code... But...有了帕斯卡传回来的数据，我终于定位了那串不断变化的代码……但是……

诺依曼Hm... Is, is this... Is this neural cloud data? Does this code belong to Eosphorus?嗯……这、这是？心智数据？这个代码是晨星的吗？

AntoninaNo, although the basic structure is similar. However, the exact specifications and parameters are distinctly different from the information we have on Eosphorus.不，虽然基本架构是一个体系的。但是详细规格和参数……明显和我们现在掌握的晨星的情报不同。

诺依曼Whew... And here I thought Eosphorus' consciousness was present in the fragment.呼……我还以为这碎片中还有晨星的意识在。

AntoninaIf it really was in there, I'd put him through hell.如果这块碎片之中还有晨星的意识，我一定会让他品尝到地狱的滋味。

Antonina finishes speaking through clenched teeth, then takes a deep breath before resuming her usual calm.安冬妮娜咬牙说完，深吸了一口气，恢复了平日的冷静。

AntoninaHowever, the fact that this fragment of Eosphorus contains another neural cloud—perhaps even an abnormal neural cloud pattern—is very unusual.但是，晨星的心智碎片中，有其他的心智数据……甚至可能是一个异常的心智模型，这就已经很不正常了。

AntoninaAlso, this data... Part of it has merged with Eosphorus' code.而且，这些数据……有一部分已经和晨星的代码相互融合了。

诺依曼While I'm not an expert in this field, I can tell that this neural cloud data is highly unstable. Most of its functions have gone dormant...虽然我不是这方面的专家，但是可以看出这一段心智数据极其不稳定。大部分机能已经陷入沉眠了……

诺依曼If nothing is done, this neural cloud might well be consumed by Eosphorus' code or flagged as erroneous and outright deleted.如果不进行处理的话，这部分心智很可能会被晨星的代码吞噬，或是直接出错销毁。

Antonina...Give me a hand, Neumann. I want to try something... I'm going to extract this stretch of code from Eosphorus' fragment and build it into a neural cloud pattern.……诺依曼，来帮忙。我要尝试……把这一段心智数据从晨星的碎片中分离出来，构建心智模型。

诺依曼Wait a minute. Are you planning to make contact with this unknown neural cloud? It's too dangerous.等等，难道你打算和这个不明心智进行接触吗？这样太危险了。

Antonina looks at the Professor and Persicaria, who are lying down in the testing bay.安冬妮娜看了看此时躺在检定仓中的教授与帕斯卡。

AntoninaI always thought it was strange... Why couldn't Persicaria and I enter Eosphorus' fragment?我一直觉得奇怪……我和帕斯卡为什么没有能够进入晨星的碎片之中。

诺依曼Didn't we discuss this earlier? The Professor was the only one who could pass the Sanctifiers' defense programs because they were human.之前我们不是得出结论了吗？因为只有教授是人类，所以才可以通过净化者的防御程序。

AntoninaThat was a conclusion based on the information we had and ruling out options which made no sense... Even if it was correct, there are still many things it does not explain.那是基于我们有的情报以及排除法的推断……即使这个理论是正确的，还是有很多事情无法说明。

AntoninaWhy did the defense program not destroy my neural cloud and that of Persicaria's? Instead, it pushed us out of the fragment.为什么防御程序没有摧毁我和帕斯卡的心智……而是将我们送出了碎片。

AntoninaWhy is the Professor, who has access permissions, stuck in there and not responding?为什么有权限的教授却被困在碎片中没有回应……

诺依曼...Indeed. It took a lot of work on our part to just barely help Persicaria infiltrate it.……确实如此，我们费了这么大功夫才勉强帮帕斯卡稳定潜入。

诺依曼If someone was secretly helping the Professor...如果有谁在暗中帮助教授的话……

AntoninaWell, if we want to know the answer, we have no choice but to make contact with this fragment!想要知道答案，只能和这一块碎片进行接触了！

AntoninaEven if it's only a 1% chance... I want to increase the odds of Persicaria and the Professor making it out alive.哪怕只有百分之一……我也要提高帕斯卡和教授成功脱出的概率。

诺依曼Are you sure you want to take this risk?你确定要这么冒险吗？

Antonina(Sigh) Looks like they've influenced me, too.唉……我也是被教授带偏了啊。

Antonina shakes her head with a self-deprecatory laugh.安冬妮娜自嘲地摇了摇头。

AntoninaNeumann, start analyzing the differences between this neural cloud data and Eosphorus' neural cloud pattern. Time is tight, so we'll both start together.诺依曼，开始分析这一段异常心智数据和晨星的心智模型之间的差异吧……时间紧迫，我们同时开工。

诺依曼Understood. I'll begin with the portion that's entwined with the database.我明白了，我先从和数据库相互缠绕的部分入手吧。

AntoninaPlease do.拜托了。

In the Inner Ring of the Tartarus Sector.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，内环。

A grandly dressed High-Order Entropic sits upon a throne with eyes closed, as though she were taking a nap.王座之上，一名衣着华丽的高阶熵正紧闭着双眼，似乎正在小憩。

Suddenly, an eerie ripple spreads in all directions from the throne.突然，一阵诡异的波动以王座为核心朝着四周扩散而去。

????Doing more pointless things again, oh gods?又做了无聊的事情啊，神明们。

The High-Order Entropic sitting on the throne glances scornfully toward the darkened sky.端坐在王座上的高阶熵轻蔑地瞥了一眼昏暗的穹顶。

????The labyrinth, the heavens, us... What do you intend to change now?迷宫，天空，我们……接下来你们又想改变什么呢？

????Ptolemaea.多罗梅亚。

多罗梅亚Lady Malkira... Our guests have taken the divine relic.梅尔吉娅大人……那位客人还是取走了神明的“圣物”。

507Hardly an issue. Has "he" accepted the invitation?无妨。他，接受邀约了吗？

多罗梅亚I delivered the invitation as asked... But unfortunately, he does not seem willing to step onto the dance floor.舞会的邀请函虽已送出……但是很遗憾，那位客人似乎不愿意踏入舞池。

507Not giving up, then... Still, this outcome was an expected one.不死心吗……不过，这也是在预测之内的选择。

507You've done very well, Ptolemaea.你做得很好，多罗梅亚。

多罗梅亚I simply completed the duty I was assigned.我只是完成了我被赋予的职责。

In the transmission window, Ptolemaea executes a curtsy.多罗梅亚隔着通讯向梅尔吉娅行了一个提裙礼。

507Caina.加伊那。

加伊那Lady Malkira! My mission is, uh, intact! No, wait, is it complete?梅尔吉娅大人！我的任务……呃……完整？不对，应该是完全？

????Still~ no~ idea what Caina is saying~完全听不懂加伊那在说什么呀~

加伊那Urgh.... In any case, I did as Lady Malkira asked and caught them, chased them and beat them into crap!呃……总之按照梅尔吉娅大人的要求把他们抓住，追杀，打飞了！

加伊那Hahahaha, they were loads of fun! Give me more missions like that, Lady Malkira!哈哈哈哈，他们很有趣！多来点这样的任务吧，梅尔吉娅大人！

????Did you beat them into scrap or into crap?打飞……还是打废？

多罗梅亚That's enough, Antenora. Stop teasing Caina.好了，安提罗拉。不要捉弄加伊那了。

安提罗拉Humph.哼。

多罗梅亚Lady Malkira, Caina has completed her mission to make "contact" with the Greater Sanctifiers and killed one of them as well.梅尔吉娅大人，加伊那已经完成了和上位净化者的“接触”任务，并且将其中一名上位净化者击杀。

加伊那Hey, Jellyfish! It didn't turn out like you said! I followed your plan, but they ran off instead.水母！和说好的不一样！我明明按照你的计划去进行了，但是他们却都跑了。

多罗梅亚I have no idea who is this "Jellyfish" you're addressing... But I can tell you that Antenora was the one who gave you that plan.我不知道你嘴里说的水母是谁……但是我可以明确地告诉你，那个计划是安提罗拉交给你的。

Ptolemaea sighs in resignation.多罗梅亚有些无奈地叹了一口气。

加伊那So it was Spider... Oi, Spider! It didn't turn out like you said! You told me that they'd fight me seriously if I attacked the most badly hurt one of them!原来是蜘蛛啊……喂蜘蛛！这和说好的不一样！明明说了只要去攻击受伤最严重的家伙，其他人就会认真和我战斗！

安提罗拉Firstly, I am not a spider. Secondly, didn't you get a big fight with that Sanctifier like you wanted?首先，我不是蜘蛛。其次，你不是如愿以偿和那个净化者大战了一场吗？

The High-Order Entropic called Antenora laughs. There is a hint of mockery to it.被称呼为安提罗拉的高阶熵有些嘲讽地笑了笑。

加伊那But they ran off in the end! Those guys... All they know how to do is run. And Lady Malkira wouldn't let me keep chasing them...但是他们最后都跑了！那些家伙……一个个就知道跑。梅尔吉娅大人又不允许一直追……

507Caina.加伊那。

加伊那Yes, Lady Malkira!是！梅尔吉娅大人！

Caina looks a little apprehensive as Malkira addresses her.听到梅尔吉娅的呼唤，加伊那显得有些局促。

507You did very well.你做得很好。

加伊那Ehehehe...嘿嘿嘿……

507Antenora, where are the Sanctifiers now?安提罗拉，现在那些净化者在哪里？

安提罗拉They're headed for the Sanctifier Watchtowers, hehehe.他们，在朝着净化者哨塔前进哦，嘻嘻嘻。

507Oh?哦？

多罗梅亚The Sanctifier Watchtowers... Are they looking for a safe haven to treat their friend? Or perhaps...净化者哨塔……是想找到一个安全屋治疗他们的同伴吗？还是说……

507They wish to reactivate the Halo and deploy a barrier against us.他们是想重启净化圈，展开应对我们的结界吧。

507Perhaps they still wish to test... the advice we have given them.或许还想验证一下……我们给予的忠告。

507No matter how much time passes, the Sanctifiers still have not realized that everything they do has been in vain, only repeating the mistakes of the past...不论过去了多久，净化者依旧没有意识到自己所做的一切都是徒劳，只是在重复过去的错误罢了……

加伊那Let me go to them, Lady Malkira! I'll cut them to bits!梅尔吉娅大人，让我过去吧！我去把他们都砍成碎片！

安提罗拉Hehehe, you've already taken one head, Caina. Let me go this time~嘻嘻嘻，加伊那你已经收了一个人头了，这一次让我过去吧~

多罗梅亚Silence... Lady Malkira, we...肃静……梅尔吉娅大人，我们……

Malkira sighs heavily, and then an enigmatic smile crosses her face.梅尔吉娅长长地叹了一口气，紧接着露出了一个神秘莫测的笑容。

507If their targets are the three Sanctifier Watchtowers, then we shall follow the script they expect and play out a show to please the gods.他们的目的是三座净化者哨塔，那么就让我们按照他们所想的剧本，演绎一出神明最爱的好戏吧。

507Antenora, Ptolemaea, and Caina. Go to these purification towers and plunge these puppets of the gods into a fathomless abyss.安提罗拉，多罗梅亚，还有加伊那。在净化塔中……让这些神明的傀儡坠入深不见底的深渊吧。

多罗梅亚As you command.谨遵吩咐。

加伊那Lady Malkira! Can I kill them all this time?梅尔吉娅大人！这一次，我可以杀个痛快吗？

507Go ahead and do not hold back, Caina. Slaughter as you see fit.放手去做吧，加伊那。尽情地狂欢吧。

安提罗拉So I have to move out too, hm~ Ahhh, I hope these Sanctifiers will be able to hold out for a while longer.我也必须出动了吗~啊啊，希望那些净化者可以稍微多坚持一小会儿呢。

The throne is silent once again, but the Entropic called Malkira continues staring into the distance, as though expecting something.王座再一次回归了寂静。但是名为梅尔吉娅的熵却依旧眺望着远方，仿佛在期待着什么一般。

多罗梅亚The gift has been given, and the effects are expected to be good... I'm sure the guests will enjoy it.礼物已经送出，预后效果良好……想必客人们会喜欢的。

Lighting The Beacon 高塔引炬

Tartarus Sector, in the Middle Ring of the Shifting Labyrinth.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，移动迷宫中环。

EosMay the stars cleanse you... and render you into light.在星辰的洗涤之下……化为光芒吧。

Waves of starlight wash over the battlefield as Eos finishes speaking, sweeping away the Entropics before us.阵阵星光伴随着晨曦平和的语气将我们面前的熵海荡平。

EosAs I thought... My power doesn't seem to have recovered yet.果然……力量依旧没有恢复的迹象。

晨星It doesn't matter as long as we can complete our mission.无妨，足以完成之后的任务了。

晨星, how much further until we reach our destination?，距离预定坐标还有多少距离？

ProfessorA moment please. This wall will shift in 3 minutes. Our objective lies beyond.稍等，这一面墙在3分钟后会移动，移动之后就是我们的目标地点了。

晨星Understood. We'll set up camp once we reach the Watchtower and begin treating Electra.我明白了。等到达哨塔之后就将其作为临时据点，开始治疗伊拉吧。

EosJust a while longer. We're almost there.大家再坚持一会儿，很快就到了。

After turning back to address Alcyone, she once again raises her hand and gathers operands at her fingertips.晨曦回身嘱咐大家，再度抬手在指尖汇聚算量。

ProfessorEos, are you alright? You've been clearing the way for us ever since we entered the Middle Ring.晨曦，你的状态还好吗？从进入中环开始你就一直负责开路。

EosHm? Are you worried about me, ?嗯？是在担心我吗？

EosHehe, don't worry. I've been keeping an eye on my operand expenditure. I've been maintaining an ample reserve after taking into account everyone's condition and our upcoming mission.呵呵，放心吧，我有注意算量的消耗。考虑到大家的状态和后续的作战任务，我一直都留存着足够的算量。

雅希恩I've also recovered 30% of my operands, so if you need backup, I can step in to be your frontliner anytime!我的算量也已经恢复了30%了，需要支援的话，我随时可以充当前锋！

EosHehehe, you're so reliable, Ally. Still, it isn't yet time for you to use your strength, so just leave it to me for now.呵呵呵，小雅希恩真的很可靠呢。不过现在还不是需要你发力的时候，先交给我吧。

EosIn turn, I'll be leaving Electra to you.相对的，伊拉就拜托你了。

After Eos' admonition, Alcyone nods and looks at Electra on her back.听到晨曦的嘱托，雅希恩点了点头，看向自己背上的伊拉。

Due to the lack of further medical care, Electra is currently running on low-power mode, drifting in and out of consciousness.由于没有得到进一步治疗，伊拉此时只能维持最低限度的运转，时而昏迷时而清醒。

雅希恩I understand. I'll take good care of her.我明白了，我一定会保护好她的。

Rumblerumblerumble—轰隆隆——

There is a dull grinding sound as the labyrinth walls shift once again.伴随着沉重的硬物摩擦的声音，迷宫的墙壁再一次变化。

By the time the walls stop moving, a towering structure appears before our eyes.当墙壁停止移动，高耸的建筑出现在我们的眼前。

This structure looks clearly out of place compared to the surrounding environment, and there are white walls vaguely visible below the purple organic growths covering it.这一座建筑与四周的环境有着明显的违和感，紫色的生物器官之下可以隐隐看到白色的外墙。

Professor...Is this another Watchtower?……又是一座哨塔吗？

晨星Indeed. This is our objective in the Middle Ring.不错，这就是我们中环的目的地了。

Although there are many Low-Order Entropics roaming the interior of the Watchtower, Eos disposes of them within a few minutes.哨塔内部虽然徘徊着不少低阶熵，但是在晨曦的攻势之下，短短几分钟后这些熵就被清理完毕。

ProfessorThis Watchtower...这座哨塔……

An Entropic that was lying on the ground suddenly lunges at me, but it is obliterated by a ray of golden light.一只倒地的低阶熵一跃而起朝着我扑了过来，但是却被一道金色的光芒击碎。

EosHm? Should I have minded my own business?嗯？该不会我多管闲事了？

Eos laughs as she stands down.晨曦笑着收起了手。

EosStill, you seem to be staring really hard at this place... Did you find something?不过你这么聚精会神地盯着这里……是有什么发现吗？

I gently brush away the marks that the Entropy virus has left on the Watchtower.我轻轻拨开了熵在哨塔之中留下的痕迹。

ProfessorI had my suspicions earlier when I obtained the Rubik's Map.之前，在取得魔方地图的时候我就有这样的疑惑了。

ProfessorThe interior structure of this Watchtower is too plain.作为哨塔，这里的内部构造过于简单了。

雅希恩Hm? What do you mean?嗯？什么意思？

Eos...I think what means is that while this looks like a complete Watchtower from the outside, its interior design is extremely simple.……我想的意思是，明明从外观上来看这是一座完整的哨塔，但是内部结构却设计得十分单一且普通。

EosIt's nothing like what we usually see in our Watchtowers...和我们平常所见的哨塔完全不同呢……

ProfessorRather than a simple design, it's more like there were hardly any adornments... as though they were never planned in the first place.与其说是设计单一，不如说内部根本没有经过任何的修饰……仿佛根本就没有打算设计一般。

晨星After all, this Watchtower was not built recently. Rather, it was left behind from the war between the first generation of Sanctifiers and the Entropics.因为这并非近期所建造的，而是远古时初代净化者与熵的战争所遗留下来的哨塔。

Eosphorus takes Electra from Alcyone's back, clears some space, and envelopes her in warm operands.晨星接过雅希恩背上的伊拉，清理出一片区域，用温暖的算量将她包裹起来。

晨星Don't worry. This Watchtower is largely functional and can serve as a base of operations. All we need to do now is repair the device and then we can continue the treatment.放心，这座哨塔的大部分机能还在，能作为据点修整。接下来只要准备好修复装置，就可以继续治疗了。

After looking at Electra's calm, even breathing and her gentle sleeping face, Alcyone breathes a quiet sigh of relief.看着伊拉平静地呼吸，以及温和的睡颜，雅希恩微微松了一口气。

Professor...So, are all these Sanctifier artifacts only found in Tartarus?……所以塔尔塔罗斯之中才有着如此之多的净化者的造物吗？

ProfessorI'm talking about the map, the relic you and Eos found, as well as the place we're standing in right now.无论是魔方地图，还是你和晨曦寻找的圣物，以及我们现在的目的地都是如此。

雅希恩Now that you mention it, this is the first time I learned we Sanctifiers ventured so deep into Tartarus before.这么说来，我也是第一次知道我们净化者有深入塔尔塔罗斯这么长距离的记录。

雅希恩As for the first Sanctifiers... The Pantheon doesn't say much about them.初代净化者……万圣之殿中对他们的记录也只有寥寥几句。

晨星The first Sanctifiers followed the dictates of the gods and successfully invaded the Tartarus Sector, their blades aimed at the throne of Malkira.初代净化者们遵循神明的旨意，曾成功攻入了塔尔塔罗斯，剑指梅尔吉娅王座。

ProfessorBut they still failed in the end?最后还是失败了吗？

晨星Yes. Unfortunately, the holy texts do not record the reason for their failure. However... They pointed out two vital clues for us.是的。很遗憾，神谕之中没有详细记载失败的原因。但是……神谕中却为我们指示了两条重要的路。

晨星The first is the relic I hold. The second are the Watchtowers in the Middle Ring of Tartarus.其一是我手中的圣物，其二就是在塔尔塔罗斯中环遗留的哨塔。

晨星These Watchtowers are not just facilities from which frontline battles were waged, but also vital weapons that the first Sanctifiers left us.这些哨塔不仅仅承担了前线的攻防设施，同时也是初代净化者留给我们的重要武器。

Eos...Could it be... These Watchtowers can deploy "halos"?……难道说……这些哨塔可以展开“净化圈”？

Eosphorus nods in response to Eos.面对晨曦的询问，晨星点了点头。

晨星Yes. Once we activate the towers, they will generate halos that suppress the Entropy virus. Although, it would be easier to demonstrate rather than explain it to you.嗯，只要启动哨塔，就可以形成净化圈压制熵。不过比起解说，还是直接演示比较方便。

晨星You're up, . Everyone else, stay alert!，拜托你了。其余人负责警戒！

Eosphorus stands in the center of the Watchtower and ushers me over, inviting me to work the control dais.晨星站在哨塔的中央，伸手做了一个请的姿势。示意我去操作控制台。

ProfessorThe central control terminal...中央控制台……

The core control terminal for the Sanctifier Watchtower is covered by Entropic corrosion, but the damage is only surface-level and has not reached the device's interior.净化者哨塔的核心控制台上已经布满了熵侵蚀的痕迹，但是这些痕迹都停留在表面，并未伤害到装置的内部。

I extend a hand and infuse my operands into it. As the core control terminal powers back up again, information about this Watchtower appears in my mind.我伸出手注入了自己的算量。随着核心控制台恢复运转，这一座哨塔的信息也显示在我的脑海之中。

Professor([objectTower_b2] ...Is that the name of this Watchtower?)（【objectTower_b2】……这是这一座哨塔的名字？）

晨星What's wrong, ?怎么样，？

ProfessorMuch of the information contained within this Watchtower is blanked out, but the key portions are intact.哨塔中的信息有着许多空白，但关键部分都很完整。

ProfessorDeploying the Halo requires authorization from a Greater Sanctifier, but nothing else.开启净化圈需要上位净化者的权限，除此之外没有其他的需求了。

晨星Then without further ado, please go ahead, .事不宜迟，，麻烦你先开启净化圈吧。

EosI'll go look around outside.我去观察周围的情况。

Eos slowly flies outside the Watchtower, gesturing for us to begin.晨曦缓缓飞向了哨塔外，和我们打了一个手势示意可以开始了。

系统Activating objectTower_b2, initiating Sanctifier_Eliminate protocol. Please enter command.objectTower_b2启动，协议Sanctifier_Eliminate启动，请输入指令。

ProfessorActivate Halo.启动净化圈。

系统Command confirmed. Requester name: . Access granted. objectTower_b2 now deploying Halo, deploying spoof data...指令确认，申请人，权限确认。objectTower_b2，开启净化圈，开始屏蔽数据……

As a mechanical voice reels off notification after notification, circular ripples of white spread from the center of the Watchtower.随着系统机械音一条条播报，一圈圈白色的波纹从哨塔中扩散而出。

The ground beneath my feet lurches, and the Watchtower growls. My whole body is caught in the grip of this bass resonance, but it doesn't cause us any harm.脚下的地面发生巨大的震动，哨塔发出了低沉的怒吼, 我的全身都陷入了低频巨响的共振当中，但这并没有给我们造成伤害。

Beepbeepbeep—嘀嘀嘀——

晨星Eos, how are things?晨曦，情况如何。

EosThe Entropics caught in the Halo are moving much more slowly than before. They're trying to escape the Halo's radius.被净化圈范围所波及的熵，动作明显减缓。并且正在尝试逃离净化圈的范围。

Through the communications window, we see Eos effortlessly wiping out several Low-Order Entropics. Some of them are directly melting in the Halo.通讯画面中，晨曦的攻击轻松地抹杀了数只低阶熵。一部分低阶熵甚至直接融化在了净化圈中。

EosIt seems the activation was successful, Eosphorus.启动成功了，晨星。

雅希恩This is great!太好了！

This might be the best news we've heard ever since we ventured into Tartarus. Even the otherwise melancholic Alcyone is clapping in excitement.这或许是我们深入塔尔塔罗斯以来最好的消息了，即使是一路忧心忡忡的雅希恩也激动地拍了拍手。

雅希恩Lord Eosphorus?晨星大人？

晨星Our wish...我等的夙愿……

Eosphorus takes a deep breath and composes himself.晨星深深吸了一口气，调整了心态。

晨星Since we've confirmed that the Halos exist, and that they have a suppressive effect on the Entropics...既然确认了净化圈的存在，并且也确认了净化圈确实有压制熵的效果……

晨星Then it is time for us to strike back and cleanse these Daemons. All Sanctifiers, take heed.那么是时候反攻，净化这些邪灵了。全体净化者听命。

晨星Alcyone, you will hold this Watchtower and ensure the safety of this Halo.雅希恩负责镇守这一座哨塔，确保当前净化圈的安全。

雅希恩I...我……

晨星You will also be in charge of Electra's treatment.伊拉的救治也交由你负责了。

雅希恩Ah... Got it!啊……我明白了！

雅希恩Then where will the rest of you go?那你们要去哪里？

ProfessorIf I'm not wrong, there is more than one Watchtower here.如果没猜错的话，哨塔不止有一座。

晨星Well-spotted. What you saw was nothing more than a fraction of the Halo's power. There are three Sanctifier Watchtowers in Tartarus' Middle Ring.很敏锐。刚才所展现的不过只是“净化圈”的冰山一角。在塔尔塔罗斯中环，一共有三座净化者哨塔。

晨星If we activate all three of them at once, a complete Halo will be generated, capable of suppressing or even destroying all the Entropics in Tartarus' Middle Ring.如果同时激活三座哨塔，就会形成完整的净化圈，可以压制——甚至消灭整个塔尔塔罗斯中环所有的熵。

晨星It might even be able to affect the Inner Ring... And the Throne of Malkira.甚至可以影响到内环之中……乃至梅尔吉娅的王座。

雅希恩The first Sanctifiers sure were amazing... I can't believe they left such a powerful weapon for us...不愧是初代净化者……居然还为我们留下了这么强大的武器……

EosBut if this information falls into the hands of the enemy...但这种情报一旦落入敌人手中……

Eos has returned to us at some point. She floats serenely in mid-air, awaiting Eosphorus' command.晨曦不知何时已经回到了我们身边，漂浮在半空中静静地等候晨星的指令。

晨星Indeed. That's why I have kept it secret all this time.没错，这也是我一直保密的原因。

晨星, do you have any questions?，你有什么疑虑吗？

ProfessorDid they still fail even after coming so far?明明都已经做到了这种程度，却依旧没能成功吗？

晨星The holy texts do not record this... I find it most vexing, too.神谕中没有记载……这一点我也一直非常困惑。

What exactly happened to the first Sanctifiers that made them unable to conquer the Tartarus Sector?初代净化者究竟遭遇了什么困难，才导致他们没能够攻下塔尔塔罗斯扇区？

Did the first Sanctifiers mention anything about their strength being sapped?初代净化者有记载自身力量被削弱的事情吗？

ProfessorOtherwise, it would be hard to explain why they failed to succeed even after coming this far.不然很难解释，为什么他们做到这种程度却依旧没能成功。

晨星No... The holy texts do not mention it. Perhaps they encountered some other difficulty. Or perhaps...不……神谕中并没有提及。或许他们遭遇了其他困难，又或者……

Professor...It seems we must be wary, even with the weapons of the first Sanctifiers in hand.……看来即使有初代净化者留给我们的武器，也不可以掉以轻心啊。

晨星Eos and will move together. You will handle the second Watchtower.晨曦和一起行动，第二座哨塔就交给你们。

EosCommand acknowledged. Then the last tower...谨遵吩咐。那么剩下一座……

晨星I will take care of it myself. We'll split our forces three ways and activate the Halos as quickly as possible so as to suppress the Daemons of Tartarus.我亲自动手。兵分三路，用最快的速度重启所有的净化圈，压制塔尔塔罗斯中的邪灵。

众人Understood!了解！

晨星Also, ... There is something I need to discuss with you.以及……有一件事情需要你计算一下。

ProfessorI know.我知道。

EosHm? What were you two talking about? Did you leave me out of some discussion? How mean.诶？你们在说什么，把我单独晾一边有点过分哦。

EosCurrently, I've only observed its effects on Low-Order Entropics within the Halo's radius... This is definitely something that is worthy of attention.在我目前能够确认的范围之中只有低阶熵存在……这确实是一个需要注意的事项。

Eos...The malware, you say...……恶意程序吗……

EosEither way, it will need to be verified with live testing.不论哪一项都需要用实际战斗才能够正式验证呀。

Eosphorus probably wants me to record the range at which the Halo weakens Entropics and whether it's effective on High-Order Entropics, right?晨星应该想让我记录净化圈针对熵的弱化程度，以及是否对高阶熵有效吧？

Eosphorus probably wants to check if the malware inside the Rubik's Map still has an effect on us inside the Halo, right?晨星是想确认在净化圈中，魔方地图中针对我们的恶意程序是否依旧生效吧？

EosRelax. and I will pay attention to this.放心啦，我会和一起留意的。

晨星Of course, it would be reckless to head over right away. Use the Watchtower's resources to restore yourselves and replenish your operands.当然，直接动身过于无谋。利用哨塔内的资源，休整装备，恢复算量。

晨星Once you're fully prepared, head out.做好充足的准备后，再出发。

Tartarus Sector, in front of the old Sanctifier Watchtower.塔尔塔罗斯中环，旧净化者哨塔前。

EosWhy the grim look? Is there something you wish to say before you head out?怎么了，这么严肃？还有什么要在出发前交代的吗？

晨星Eos, , you will have to go deep into the Middle Ring to reach your Watchtower. Please be careful.晨曦，，你们负责的哨塔必须进一步深入中环之中。务必要小心。

EosBut your Watchtower is further in than ours, is it not? Or are you worried that I can't protect ?比起我们负责的哨塔，你负责的位置更加深入中环不是吗。还是说，你担心我保护不好？

晨星Ahem...咳咳……

As Eosphorus clears his throat, Eos smiles in satisfaction and then wipes the expression off her face.随着晨星无奈的咳嗽声，晨曦心满意足地收起了玩味的表情。

EosDon't push yourself too hard, Eosphorus. You're more important than all of us.不要勉强自己晨星，你的存在比我们都重要。

晨星Relax.放心吧。

晨星Although the Spoof Code failed, you should still try to avoid battle. All you need to do is activate the Halo.虽然伪装代码已经失效，但是尽量避免不必要的战斗。只要开启净化圈即可。

Sweet Dream's End 酣梦尽处

—Minimum system stability level reached. —Commencing restart.——系统稳定度已达最低需求。 ——正在重启。

—Identity confirmation: Sanctifier. —Model: Gabriel. —Name: Electra.——身份认证：净化者 ——型号：珈芙利尔 ——代号：伊拉

—Activation successful. —Performing self-diagnostic.——启动成功。 ——系统自检中。

Prioritize activating sensory modules.优先启动感知模块。

—Skipping self-test. Activating visual modules...——跳过自检。视觉模块启动……

伊拉I... This is...我……这是……

伊拉Big Sis... Alcyone...?雅希恩……姐姐……？

???Electra? Are you awake? What did you say just now?伊拉？你醒了？你刚刚说什么？

My vision and hearing gradually return.视觉和听觉逐渐恢复。

The form of the girl before me resolves into clarity. There is a look of concern on her exquisite face, directed at me.眼前少女的轮廓逐渐清晰。精致的五官朝我投来关切的目光。

Ah, yes... I passed out during the battle just now...啊对了……我在之前的战斗中失去了意识……

Were you taking care of me all this time, Ally?是小雅希恩一直照顾我吗？

伊拉Ugh... Good morning, Ally?唔……小雅希恩，早上好哦？

雅希恩I'm so sorry!对不起！

I was not expecting that. Surely this scratch doesn't warrant an apology from her, right?意料之外的发言。我这点伤，不至于让她道歉吧。

伊拉Haha, what's there to be sorry about when your Big Sis gets a chance to slack off on the battlefield...哈哈，能让姐姐我在战场上有机会摸鱼睡觉，有什么好对不起的啊——

雅希恩Atlas...阿特拉斯他……

Atlas? An ominous feeling rises within my heart.阿特拉斯？一种不祥的预感在我心中蔓延。

Shortly afterwards.一段时间后。

伊拉I see... Atlas was a hero to the very end.这样啊……阿特拉斯，他把自己的英勇贯彻到底了呢。

雅希恩I'm so sorry!对不起！

Ally bows vigorously.小雅希恩猛地低下头。

雅希恩I know apologizing won't solve anything, and I know I don't deserve forgiveness from you or Atlas.我知道这不是道歉能解决的。我也没有资格得到伊拉和阿特拉斯的原谅。

雅希恩But I hope you'll give me a chance to redeem myself. This time, I promise I'll protect you.但请给我赎罪的机会。这次我绝对会保护好你。

雅希恩I'll make sure I honor Atlas' dying wish.我不会辜负阿特拉斯的托付。

雅希恩And I won't disgrace my status as a Sanctifier.不会辜负净化者的职责。

She clenches her fists and grits her teeth. Her entire body is so tense that it's trembling.她拳头攥紧，牙关咬紧，全身激动到颤抖。

However, the look in her eyes is more resolute than anything.但她的眼神却无比坚定。

伊拉I understand.我知道了。

You're the one who needs the most comfort now, yet you're taking care of my feelings instead.明明最需要安慰的是你，而现在你却在照顾我的情绪。

Honestly, all you need to do is cry and weep and I... And Atlas too, we would have forgiven you right away.真是的，明明你只要哭唧唧一下，我……阿特拉斯也是，肯定一下子就原谅你了啊。

In that case, what I can do is...那么我能做的——

伊拉Ally, start the repair program. I need to get back into fighting condition.小雅希恩，启动修复程序吧，我也要快点恢复作战能力才行。

雅希恩...Yeah! Let me run a diagnostic.……嗯！我先帮你做一下检测。

伊拉Eh... There's no need for that, right...诶……不用了吧……

Ally ignores me, activates the diagnostic program on the recovery device, and begins an in-depth scan on me.小雅希恩没理会我，开启了修复装置上的检测程序，开始给我进行全面检查。

—Commencing full diagnostic.——全面诊断开始。

—Operator ID confirmed: Sanctifier.——操作者认证，净化者。

—Warning! Threat detected!——警告！发现威胁！

伊拉Ugh..!呜……！

A threat? What is this... Is something wrong with the system?威胁？这是什么……系统出问题了？

Why did it flag Ally as a threat...怎么会把小雅希恩当作敌人……

雅希恩Electra? Are you okay?伊拉？你还好吧？

伊拉The system threw up an error. It's okay.系统有些报错，没什么大碍。

伊拉You, on the other hand, did you get hurt while fighting?倒是你，之前的战斗中有受伤么？

雅希恩You should be worrying more about yourself right now! Anyway it was just a scratch, it's already healed.这时候还是多关心你自己吧！我只受了一点皮外伤而已，已经痊愈了。

伊拉Haha, you looked so out of it that I thought there was something wrong with your neural cloud.哈哈，我看你这么反常，还以为心智系统出问题了呢。

雅希恩Why you—!你——！

Thank goodness, looks like Ally wasn't infected. There's no need to worry about her, then.太好了，看来小雅希恩没被感染。那就没有其他好担心的了。

伊拉Ally, begin the repair process. Lord Eosphorus and the others need me.小雅希恩，直接开始修复进程吧。现在晨星大人他们需要我。

Also, this isn't the time to make her worry.而且，现在不是让她担心的时候。

雅希恩But—可是——

伊拉(Coughs) Well, there are three reasons why I need to heal up ASAP.咳咳……关于为什么我要抓紧恢复，有以下三点。

伊拉First, Lord Eosphorus entrusted us with defending this tower and synchronizing the activation of the Halos.第一，晨星大人给我们的任务，是防守这座哨塔，等待同步开启净化圈。

伊拉Second, we are in the heart of enemy territory, and we need a frontliner if we're to complete the mission.第二，我们身处敌人的腹地，为了完成任务，队伍需要能够站在最前面的战士。

伊拉Third, and most important of all...第三，也是最重要的。

伊拉You're just so cuuuuuuuuuute, so I want to be with you and squish your face~因为小雅希恩太可爱了，所以我想早点和你在一起~揉揉你的脸~

雅希恩...Humph, don't try to make me laugh. This isn't the time for it!……唔，这种时候就不要逗我笑了。我可不是这样说话的！

Ahhhhhhh seeing Ally try her best to hold back tears is so so so so cute, too...啊啊啊小雅希恩强忍泪水的样子也非常非常非常可爱……

伊拉Or would you rather I squish your face right now~还是说，你想让我现在就揉揉你的小脸啊~

雅希恩Nonono, I'll get you healed.别别别，我答应你就是了。

雅希恩Just relax and recover...你就安安心心养伤吧……

Alcyone enters the codes to begin the healing on the console.雅希恩在终端上，输入了修复代码。

伊拉Yeah... Then I guess I'll... rest for a bit...嗯……那我稍微……休息一下……

As the healing machinery activates, a wave of fatigue washes over me.伴随着修复装置的启动，一股倦意席卷而来。

伊拉Ally...小雅希恩……

雅希恩What?干嘛。

伊拉Atlas might be gone, but I'm sure we'll meet again. I have a hunch...虽然阿特拉斯牺牲了，但是我们一定会再一次相遇的。我有这种预感……

雅希恩But the Atlas who's reborn from the Pantheon won't be the Atlas from before...但是万圣之殿中再一次诞生的阿特拉斯，也已经不是之前的阿特拉斯了……

伊拉...Mm.……嗯。

雅希恩Don't say any more. Leave the rest to me.你不要说话了，剩下的交给我吧。

伊拉You're so reliable, Alcyone...真可靠啊，雅希恩……

As she watches Electra close her eyes again, Alcyone steps forward and gently strokes her face.看着伊拉再度闭上眼睛，雅希恩上前轻轻地抚摸她的脸。

雅希恩Reliable, huh... If only I were reliable enough to support you all.可靠吗……要是能可靠到足以支撑你们就好了。

雅希恩I will NOT make the same mistakes again. This time, I'll protect all of you.我绝不会再重蹈覆辙。这一次，我一定要好好地保护你们。

Alcyone turns to the console and examines the rows and columns on it.雅希恩转向操作系统，细细地查看起其中的条目。

雅希恩Insufficient operands... If I infuse some of my operands, that should allow me to activate some of the defense systems, just in case.算量不足吗……如果注入我的算量的话，应该能启动一部分防御机制作为保险吧。

系统Operand infusion detected. Defense systems activated.检测到算量注入，防御系统已激活。

系统Reallocating operands. All power has been transferred to Halo generation, repair systems and fire control systems.算量调整，供能全部调配至净化圈、修复装置以及火控系统。

雅希恩This ought to do it...这样一来，应该就……

Alcyone folds her arms and looks back at the sleeping Electra.雅希恩收回双手，再度看向沉眠的伊拉。

雅希恩Have a good rest, Electra. When you wake up again, we'll be able to...好好休息吧，伊拉。等你再度醒来的时候，我们一定能……

雅希恩She's actually smiling... honestly, what on earth is she seeing in her dreams...居然在笑……真是的，到底是“梦”见了怎样的景象呢……

Before I knew it, you went ahead of me again.不知不觉中，你又走到我前面了啊。

Big Sis Alcyone.雅希恩姐姐。

I lost you in the previous big battle.上次的大战中，我失去了你。

When you awoke in the Pantheon, you didn't remember me, your little sister.万圣之殿中，你再次醒过来时，已经不记得我这个妹妹了。

Still, that's only to be expected. When Sanctifiers are "reborn", their memories don't come with them.这也是当然的嘛。净化者的“复活”，自然是没有记忆的。

Fortunately, we're sisters again.万幸的是。我们再一次成为了姐妹。

The difference is... This time it's my turn to be the elder sibling.区别在于，轮到我当姐姐了。

Even so, I can't help but get all clingy around you.不过即使如此，我也还是忍不住向你撒娇啊。

I'll protect you this time...这次我一定会保护好你……

系统Commencing deep repair. Beginning neural cloud sealing.确认进行深度修复，深度修复开始。开始执行心智封装。

系统Warning, repair subject version does not match current version. Adjusting...警告，修复对象版本与当前版本不符。开始调整……

系统Warning, abnormal program execution detected. Verifying file integrity...警告检测到异常程序进程，开始验证文件完整性……

系统Warning cancelled. Commencing bodily reconstruction.警告解除，开始进行躯体修复。

Edge of Catastrophe 崩解边缘

In the Admin Center of the Enigma Sector.恩格玛扇区，管理员中心。

With Neumann's assistance, Antonina is attempting to contact the other neural cloud hidden in Eosphorus' fragment in the hopes of pinpointing the Professor's location.安冬妮娜正在诺依曼的协助下尝试接触晨星碎片中潜藏的其他心智数据，以期能够定位教授所在的位置。

诺依曼The neural net is now unpacking and separating the enmeshed data while the neural cloud pattern is under construction. How are things on your end, Anna?神经分析网络正在拆解剥离互浸数据，心智模型推衍构建中。安娜，你那边的情况如何？

AntoninaI've identified the boundary between Eosphorus' and the irregular neural cloud's patterns, but it's strange...正在定位晨星心智模型与异常心智模型的浸润线，奇怪……

诺依曼What's wrong? Is there a problem?怎么了？有什么问题吗？

AntoninaAlthough we just discovered the two of them have a very similar base framework, I've found more and more similarities between the fundamental data of both neural clouds the deeper I look.虽然刚才就发现了二者的基本架构十分相似，但越是深入解析越发现，两个心智模型的基础数据非常地接近。

AntoninaIt's as though they came from the same template, but ended up developing in different ways due to the experiences they went through... It's like finding apples and pears on the same tree.像是诞生自同一套模板，但却在后来的发展过程中呈现截然不同的趋势与结果……简直就像是一棵树上同时结了梨子和苹果一样。

诺依曼Hm... So it's a pear-apple?唔……苹果梨？

AntoninaAhem... Or rather, they're like human twins.咳……或者说，像是人类关系中的双胞胎。

诺依曼(Sucks in breath) That's troublesome. Their code was already closely interlocked to begin with, and considering their similar characteristics...嘶……如果是这样的话那可就麻烦了，本来它们的代码就是相互融合的状态，再加上相近的特性……

诺依曼Trying to quantify the differences between them is like separating a pool of water from more water.想要定义它们的区别，简直就是在水里剥离另一团水。

AntoninaLet's install a backdoor program for analysis purposes. We need more data to isolate their differences... hm?植入分析用的后门程序吧，我们需要更多的分析数据来锚定它们的区别……呃？

Before she's even finished, the backdoor program that Antonina installed in the Eosphorus fragment begins sounding one high-threat alarm after another and interrupts their conversation.话音未落，先前由安冬妮娜为晨星碎片植入的后门程序接连发出高危警报，打断了二人的动作。

系统Warning, child program 311 is raising an alert; target program segment abnormality detected, stability has fallen by 21%, collapse and damage is possible.警告，子点程序311发出警告，对象程序片段异常，稳定性降低21%，不排除崩溃损坏的可能。

系统Warning, child program 1477 is raising an alert; target program segment abnormality detected, stability has fallen by 16%, collapse and damage is possible.警告，子点程序1477发出警告，对象程序片段异常，稳定性降低16%，不排除崩溃损坏的可能。

系统Warning, child program...警告，子点程序……

AntoninaWhat's going on?! Why did the stability of the Eosphorus fragment suddenly drop by so much?怎么回事？！怎么晨星碎片的稳定性突然降低了这么多？

AntoninaQuick, Neumann, terminate all other backdoors besides the one we're using to support Persicaria, we can't let Eosphorus' fragment collapse.诺依曼，快，禁用除了支援帕斯卡用的其他后门程序，绝不能让晨星的碎片崩溃。

AntoninaIf it does, then Persicaria and the Professor...要是碎片崩溃了，里面的教授和帕斯卡……

诺依曼On it!我正在！

After a flurry of activity by Antonina and Neumann, they finally manage to stabilize the fragment.安冬妮娜与诺依曼手忙脚乱地一通配合后，晨星碎片的状态终于稳定了下来。

AntoninaWhy did the fragment destabilize... Watchtower activation, Halo initiation, conceptual weakening of Sanctifiers?碎片稳定性降低起因……哨塔激活，净化圈启用，净化者概念性削弱……？

Antonina...What's going on here?……这到底是怎么回事？

诺依曼What happened? Are things in the fragment alright?怎么样？碎片内的情况还好吗？

AntoninaI have one piece of bad news and two pieces of good news. Which do you want to hear first?现在有一个坏消息和两个好消息，你打算先听哪个？

诺依曼Why does this sound so familiar... And why are there TWO pieces of good news?好熟悉的对白……为什么好消息有两个？

AntoninaI'll start with the good news, then.那么就先听好消息吧。

AntoninaThe first piece of good news is that the Eosphorus fragment stabilized. The second piece of good news is that we no longer have to expend effort on pinpointing the neural cloud that's enmeshed with Eosphorus'.第一个好消息是晨星的碎片稳定下来了，第二个好消息是我们不必费力去定位那个和晨星混在一起的心智模型了。

诺依曼...Then what about the bad news?……那么坏消息呢？

AntoninaSaid neural cloud is disintegrating because it's been running in the background all this time and expending operands. It was simply covered up by other data before.那个心智模型在消散，消散的原因是它一直在后台运行，持续消耗算力计算，只是这部分活动之前一直被其他数据掩盖起来了。

AntoninaThanks to this upset. I figured out its operational log. It started working after I, Persicaria and the Professor entered the Eosphorus fragment.得益于这次动荡，我搞清楚了这个心智模型的运行记录，它的活动起始于我和帕斯卡以及教授进入晨星碎片后。

诺依曼In other words, your guess was right. The unusual circumstances of the Professor and the reason why you and Persicaria are unaffected by the defense systems are definitely related to that neural cloud.也就是说你的猜测是对的。教授的异常情况，还有你和帕斯卡没有受到防御系统的影响，的确都和这个心智模型有关。

诺依曼Then, have you found any clues related to the Professor?那你找到教授的线索了吗？

AntoninaI have, and they were deliberately left by that neural cloud.找到了，而且是这个心智模型特意留下的。

诺依曼Deliberately left behind? Hm... Are they reliable?特意留下的？唔……那可信吗？

AntoninaI think they are. And in truth, I've sent them on to Persicaria.我觉得它是可信的，事实上我已经准备转译发送给帕斯卡了。

Antonina...The neural cloud calls itself "Eos".……那个心智模型自称“晨曦”。

诺依曼Eos? Aren't you being too reckless? What if this Eos turns out to be Eosphorus in disguise...晨曦？就这么相信会不会太草率了，万一这个叫晨曦的和晨星其实是同一伙人……

AntoninaThen she wouldn't have needed to let Persicaria and myself leave safely. Of course, that's just one reason why I trust her.那她最开始就没有必要把我和帕斯卡安全送出来。当然，这只是原因之一。

AntoninaThe most important reason is this—最重要的理由是这个——

Antonina turns her screen to Neumann.安冬妮娜将屏幕转向诺依曼。

诺依曼oprf123456^v^lzjs123456^v^……

诺依曼What's this... OPRF... The Ocean Policy Research Foundation ? Then what are those numbers, some kind of code?这是什么东西？LZJS……量子计算？后面那个字符又代表了什么信息？暗码？

AntoninaIt's an acronym for Oasis Professor, and that's the password for the Professor's admin account.答案是绿洲教授的字母缩写，这是教授的扇区管理员密码。

AntoninaEvery time they dumped extra work onto me, I had to use that account and that password to open a new ticket, so I remember it very clearly.每次给我加需求的时候，都需要我使用这个密码登录的账号给自己开个单子，所以我印象深刻。

AntoninaAnd that emoji at the end was me telling them that the password was too simple and that they should go change it up. It used to just be 123456.后面的颜表情是我告诉密码太简单了记得改一下才加上去的，最初的版本是123456。

诺依曼...So the most privileged superuser in the Oasis, the account with administrator access to all core systems in the sector has the password "123456"?……你们绿洲的核心系统的最高权限密码最初版本是123456？

AntoninaI'll make them change it to a proper alphanumeric password with different cases afterwards.之后我会让改成其他字母加数字和字符的组合，另外字母也会分大小写。

AntoninaIn any case, this reference basically indicates that we can be sure she's working with the Professor.总之，有这个抬头基本就能确信对方与教授达成了合作。

AntoninaLet's contact Persicaria; I think I know where the Professor is now.联线帕斯卡吧，我大概知道教授在什么地方了。

Antonina mutters to herself as she hits the Enter key, and on the screen, line after line of code forms into a realistic animation, as though something was happening in front of Antonina's eyes.安冬妮娜呢喃着敲击回车，屏幕上，一行行不断刷新的代码组成了鲜活的动画，某些情景仿佛直接展现在了安冬妮娜的眼前。

AntoninaThe Tartarus Sector ...Is this where the answer lies?塔尔塔罗斯扇区……答案在这里吗？

In the Inner Ring of the Tartarus Sector.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，内环。

Malkira reclines against her throne, a plump and round Entropic in her arms which she gently pats.王座之上，梅尔吉娅侧躺着假寐，怀中搂着一只外表圆润的熵，手掌轻轻地抚摸着。

The pet Entropic narrows its eyes as it enjoys its owner's attention. Then it goes from relaxed and lethargic to squirming around and trying to escape its owner's embrace.宠物熵微微眯眼，享受主人的抚摸。原本无比惬意，却在某一瞬陡然炸起，挣扎着想要逃离梅尔吉娅的怀抱。

小型熵Chirpchirp... chirpchirp!唧唧……唧唧！

507Hm? Ah... So a Halo's started up.嗯？啊……原来是净化圈的动静。

507Alright, be good, little one. There's nothing to fear. You're merely the audience.好了，乖一些，小家伙，没什么好害怕的，你可是观众。

507The gods left many interesting recordings behind, and one of them is that the audience is far more valuable than the actors.神明们留下了很多有趣的语录，其中一条便是观众远比演员更加尊贵。

小型熵Chirpchirp?唧唧？

507The events on stage are just a bit more noisy than most. If that scares you off, you won't be able to take a picture with the performers when it's time for the curtain call.无非是舞台上的动静大了点，这就被吓跑的话，在落幕的时候可就没法和演员一起合影了。

Her long fingernails graze over the diminutive Entropic's trembling body, and Malkira pinches its soft hide before putting it down. The latter scampers away the moment it's free and runs into the shadows.修长的指尖划过仍在耸动的小熵全身，梅尔吉娅捏住它的软皮放到了地下，后者刚一自由便蹭蹭蹭地迈起小碎步跑进了阴影。

Malkira stretches and leans against her seat before drumming her fingers on its armrests.梅尔吉娅伸了个懒腰，靠在王座上，慵懒地用手指轻点扶手。

507Running off? Just like that? Even Caina's cuter than you.真是薄情，这就跑掉了，还不如加伊那可爱。

507So the first Watchtower has been activated, then? You move fast, Eosphorus. Truly the actor who is most beloved by the gods. Your qualities are impeccable.第一座哨塔已经启用了吗？真快啊晨星。不愧是神明最宠爱的演员，素质优秀。

507Can you reach me, then? How much longer will it take?你能走到我身前吗？还要多久呢？

507Faster, move faster...快一点，再快一点吧。

Malkira mutters to herself as her body sways from side to side, like a girl waiting for her lover to return home.梅尔吉娅低声呢喃，身躯轻微摇晃，仿佛居家的少女等待爱人的归来。

507The Greater Sanctifier who has been granted a calling from the heavens, shall fight his way through the thorny ways, carve a path through Tartarus, from which all wickedness springs, and level his blade at the Demon Queen upon her throne.被赋予了天职的上位净化者披荆斩棘，击穿万恶之源的塔尔塔罗斯，剑指王座之上的魔王。

507A clichéd story with a boilerplate plot.俗套的故事，标准的情节。

507Can the relic left for you by the gods pierce the Demon Queen's chest and cleave the shackles which bind her?神明留给你们的圣物，能否击穿魔王的胸膛，斩断魔王躯壳上的枷锁呢？

Malkira's swaying dies down, but if one looks carefully, every single movement of hers is accompanied by imperceptible yet wide-ranging data ripples.梅尔吉娅身躯摇晃的幅度愈发轻微，然而仔细看去，她的每一次晃动都会带起微不可察的大片数据涟漪。

The ripples grow into storms of data that escape the throne room in all directions, yet the moment they reach the edge of the chamber, they collide with an invisible wall and vanish.涟漪簇拥着诞生了数据风暴的雏形，自王座中央朝向四周逃逸，却每每在抵达大厅的边缘时碰上看不见的壁垒，转瞬消散。

507Eosphorus, work harder. Put on a more moving performance and show me your effort.晨星，再卖力点，演出再动人些，让我看到你的努力。

507The answer is not in the Reverse Tower, not outside, but here.答案不在逆巴比伦塔，不在外面，就在这里。

507Before the throne, in me.在王座前，在我身上。

Malkira's mutterings gradually drift off and her swaying body suddenly freezes in place, and then a mighty data wave erupts from her body.梅尔吉娅的呓语声愈发迷离，王座上摇曳的身躯骤然一停，浑身上下蓦地爆发出一阵强烈的数据波动。

And then, just as expected, the wave hits the edge of the throne room and vanishes without a trace. It does not travel a single inch beyond it.而后毫无意外地消散在大厅的边缘，一丝一寸也不得逾越。

梅尔吉娅Don't disappoint me, Eosphorus.可别让我失望呐，晨星。

Repaid In Hate 以恨还偿

Tartarus Sector, in the Middle Ring.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，中环。

加伊那Hehehe...嘿嘿嘿……

加伊那Lady Malkira granted my request and she even told me not to hold back, teehee~梅尔吉娅大人同意我的请求了欸，她还让我放手去做，嘿嘿……

多罗梅亚...It's been several minutes since the transmission ended.……距离通讯完毕已经过了几分钟了。

多罗梅亚Say something, Antenora. I'm worried that if we leave her unattended, this dork will mess around until the Sanctifiers occupy all three Watchtowers.说点什么，安提罗拉。我担心放任不管的话这个笨蛋会傻乐到净化者占据三座哨塔。

安提罗拉We just have to kill them all before they activate the Halos, right? Relax, Ptolemaea~只要在净化圈启动前把他们干掉就可以了吧？别着急啦，多罗梅亚~

安提罗拉While preparing the scene is more to my preference, a thrilling hunt is good too, right? Even cute little Caina thinks so, too!虽然提前布置更符合我的喜好，但激情狩猎也很棒喔？可爱的加伊那也是这么想的吧？

加伊那Oi spider! Who are you calling cute?!喂蜘蛛！你骂谁可爱呢！

加伊那At least wait until I'm actually gone before talking behind my back! Don't take things too far!说人坏话至少要等当事人不在吧！不要太过分了！

多罗梅亚You should tease your enemies, not your allies, Antenora. If you can entropize all those Sanctifiers, I'm sure you'll have far more toys to play with.逗弄猎物的欲望还是对准敌人吧，安提罗拉。若是能将那些净化者都熵化了，你的玩物一定会多上不少的。

多罗梅亚I, too, would like more dance partners... If not for our respective circumstances, perhaps I might end up being quite compatible with .我也渴望能增加新的舞伴呢……如果不是立场问题，或许我和会很合得来也说不定。

安提罗拉But you're leaving the VIP seat for me, right? Otherwise I'll get jelly.舞台的特等席还是要留给我哦？不然我可是要吃醋的。

加伊那Ahhhh what do you guys mean by toys and seats... Enough with the riddles! I'm going to show Malkira how badass I am when I fight!什么玩物什么舞台……啊啊啊你们别说谜语了！能开打了吗？我可是要让梅尔吉娅大人看看我战斗时的英姿啊！

多罗梅亚Talk about being unable to read the mood... (Sigh) Oh well, let's discuss our battle plan.还真是不懂情调……唉，那就说说接下来的作战计划吧。

多罗梅亚Our mission is to stop the Sanctifiers from activating the Halo systems in the three Watchtowers. The Sanctifiers will have to split up three ways to keep the Halos running.我们的任务是阻止净化者激活三座哨塔的净化圈系统，为了确保净化圈系统的运转，净化者势必要分兵三路。

多罗梅亚That being the case, the best solution for us is to pick one of the unoccupied towers and lie in wait for them to arrive...如此一来，最好的方案是我们在未被占据的两座哨塔中选择一座，守株待兔……

加伊那Hey! I want a good, clean fight! I don't have time for ambushes and whatever!喂喂！我可是要痛痛快快地打架啊！偷袭什么的也太没劲了吧！

多罗梅亚...This isn't an ambush, merely picking a suitable plan to suit our strategic objective.……这并不是偷袭，而是基于战略目标选择最合理的方案。

加伊那The most suitable plan is beating the crap out of them in a head-on fight! That one from just now wasn't nearly fun enough!合理的方案就是打架，正面打架！之前就那么一场战斗我还没过瘾呢！

Antenora and Ptolemaea exchange looks through their screens. The former shrugs and giggles, the latter sighs in resignation.安提罗拉和多罗梅亚隔着屏幕对视了一眼，前者耸肩嬉笑，后者无奈摇头。

安提罗拉Besides, Lady Malkira just wants the script to play out. It doesn't really matter how things go, so why not just let Caina handle it.反正梅尔吉娅大人的目的是让剧本能够演出完成，至于结果怎样都好，你就依了加伊那吧。

安提罗拉Plus, they've been punished too, right? Some paid with their lives, others accepted the gift. If you divide the remaining Sanctifiers three ways, even Caina should be able to handle them, right?而且他们已经被惩罚了不是吗？有付出生命的，也有收下礼物的。剩下的净化者再分成三分之一，怎么样加伊那都应付的来吧？

The jellyfish girl sighs heavily.水母小姐重重地叹了一口气。

多罗梅亚Caina, what do you want to do?加伊那，你想怎么做？

加伊那Let's head to the Watchtower that they took!就去已经被他们占据的哨塔！

多罗梅亚Actually, we can ignore that one, as long as we...其实那个哨塔完全可以放弃，只要……

加伊那As long as we get to fight!只要打架！

多罗梅亚...Alright, then.……好吧。

加伊那Hehe, thanks, Ptolemaea, I was waiting for that!嘿嘿，谢了多罗梅亚，就等你这句话了！

Beep—嘀——

Caina has left the group chat.加伊那已退出群聊。

多罗梅亚...Huh, so she CAN call people by their names after all.……唉，这不是会好好喊名字吗。

多罗梅亚Antenora, let's pick a Watchtower...安提罗拉，我们选一个哨塔……

安提罗拉Solitary hunting is more fun, sorry about that, Miss~ Jel~ ly~ fish~吃独食的狩猎旅程才有意思，抱歉啦~水~母~小~姐~

Antenora has left the group chat.安提罗拉已退出群聊。

多罗梅亚Be careful, Caina. Stay safe.加伊那你要谨慎些，注意安全。

多罗梅亚And Antenora, don't call me that.还有安提罗拉，你不可以这么叫我。

Ptolemaea speaks these words into the void, then turns off the equipment and heads toward the remaining Watchtower.多罗梅亚认真地对空荡荡的通讯频道说完这两句话，这才关闭设备，起身朝着被剩下的哨塔赶去。

The Tartarus Sector, in the Middle Ring.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，中环。

Caina turns a corner and rushes straight toward the Sanctifier-occupied Watchtower.加伊那越过拐角，径直冲向已被净化者占据的哨塔。

加伊那20 minutes, 20 minutes... Jellyfish is great but she just worries too much.二十分钟，二十分钟……水母哪里都好，就是太爱操心了一点。

加伊那She's still blowing up my DMs even after leaving the group chat and nagging me about waiting for the Entropics to mob up before entering the Watchtower.明明我都已经退出通讯频道了，竟然还加急私信轰炸，要求必须等待熵群集结后才可以进入哨塔。

加伊那20 minutes... As if I'd have the mood to fight after that, I'll probably be asleep by then. I just don't get it, what's she so worried about?二十分钟……有那时间熵花菜都休眠了，哪儿还提的起劲来干架，烦人，搞不懂她在怕什么？

Clinkclinkclangclang—叮叮当当——

As the Watchtower's reactivated defenses smite an intruder again for the first time in a long while, their projectiles are all stopped by a single longsword.时隔久远，再度被激活的哨塔试图给予来犯者迎头痛击，却被一把长刀尽数挡下。

The tightly clustered sounds of metallic impacts are far more shrill than what one might expect, and the shockwaves from their clash level the Entropic architecture around Caina.密集的金属撞击声远比拟声词来得要更加尖锐刺耳，激荡的波纹甚至扫平了加伊那周遭的熵化造物。

Meanwhile, Caina charges through the storm and into the Watchtower.加伊那一头闯过铿锵暴雨，撞进了哨塔里。

加伊那Aw yeah, that's more like it! Man, that was fun, I haven't had a warmup like that in a while. I'm burning up now.痛快，痛快！多谢招待，好久没有这么舒畅的热身运动了。我整个人都要燥起来了。

加伊那Where's the enemy? Where are the Sanctifiers? I know one of you is still standing guard, so show yourselves!敌人在哪儿，净化者在哪儿？我知道你们有人留守，快点出来吧！

加伊那Hmm, I wonder who's going to turn up? The one with the bow? The one with the tablet? Or...真期待啊，出现的人会是谁呢？拿弓的？用平板的？还是说……

Crash—喀啦——

Her longsword cleaves through the wall. An automated defense gun and an optical prism port fall apart in response.长刀划过墙壁，自动防卫机炮与光棱端口应声破碎。

加伊那Could it be Eos and Eosphorus, the ones they say are the strongest Sanctifiers?号称净化者战力顶端的晨星晨曦？

加伊那Hahahahaha, any of them will do, I can't wait!哈哈哈哈哈，谁都好，我要等不急了！

Whoosh—咻——

There is a sound of an arrow ripping through the air, and a petite figure stands in front of Caina.破空声骤响，娇小的身影拦在了加伊那身前。

雅希恩Begone!退出去！

加伊那Ugh—唔——！

加伊那Tsk, so you're the one who stayed behind to protect this watchtower?啧，原来留下来守护这座哨塔的人是你吗？

加伊那Eh, I guess that works. Better than fighting that , that one doesn't look like they can fight at all.也行吧，总比对上那个一看就没什么战斗力的要强。

雅希恩Judgement Arrow!裁决之矢！

Whoosh—咻——

Clang—铿——

加伊那Oi, why the long face? Say something! Don't you guys talk when you fight?喂，沉着脸做什么，说点话啊，你们打架的时候都不聊天的吗？

加伊那I never liked you ranged attackers who shoot people while hiding anyway. A real fight is hand-to-hand and fist-to-fist.本来就对你这种远远放冷箭的角色喜欢不起来，打架就应该拳拳到肉才对。

Whoosh—Clang—咻——铿——

Caina's somewhat exaggerated expression falls, and even her movements slow down a little.加伊那幅度夸张的表情蓦地垮了下来，就连动作都慢了几分。

加伊那Like, why are there people like you? There must be something wrong with your head if you don't enjoy fighting.怎么会有你这样的人？打架不积极，思想有问题。

加伊那Ah—I remember now, Jellyfish is just like you, she just can't get into battle. Now, how did I solve that?啊——啊——我想起来了，水母也是你这样，对打架完全提不起兴趣。我当时是怎么解决来着？

加伊那Hm—I think... I think Spider taught me a few ways to taunt people. She said it would help heat up the mood. Yeah, that's what she said.噢——好像是……好像是蜘蛛教了我一些挑衅的方式，她告诉我这样有助于火热战斗的氛围，对！她就是这么说的没错。

Caina's way of speaking grows more and more twisted, to the point where the very air seems to curl up along with her lips.加伊那的语调愈发扭曲，在空气中弯折成了一个怪异的弧度，连同她的嘴角一起。

加伊那Now, how should I taunt you? Shrimpy? Or should I call you cowardly, or a wimp, or a piece of worthless trash?我该怎么挑衅你呢？小不点儿？嘲讽你的胆小，还是怯懦，又或者无能垃圾？

加伊那No, you don't care if people look down on you like that. Then what do you care about? What would make you explode with rage?不对，你不在乎这些蔑视。那你在乎什么？什么能让你砰地一下燃烧起来？

加伊那Oh, I know. I know, I know, I know what you care about.我知道的，我知道的，我知道你在乎的东西是什么。

Caina laughs shrilly.加伊那亢奋的叫喊一转尖笑。

加伊那At~la~s~ Is that it? Hahaha, did I get it right? Was that how you screamed his name?阿——特——拉——斯~对不对？哈哈哈哈，我没念错吧？你当时是这么喊的吧？

加伊那Did you know? He was a total mess when he died. I cut him to pieces, and he was still trying to take a stance even though his face was twisted in agony. Man, that was awesome!你知道吗？他死的时候可惨了。身体裂开，表情痛苦的时候还在维持攻势，你别说，还挺够劲！

雅希恩CA! I! NA!!!加、伊、那！！！

Alcyone's chest heaves visibly and her clock speed spikes.雅希恩的胸膛肉眼可见地起伏着，运转速率急速升高。

At the same time, she lets loose even more arrows that streak toward Caina.与此同时，更多的箭矢脱手，疾射向加伊那。

加伊那You can't hold it in any more! You're mad! I heard it, I heard all of it!你终于藏不住了，你生气了！我听到了，我都听到了！

加伊那Your hardware's in overdrive! Your drive components are humming, your engine is roaring, and that's the way it should be! That's how fighting should be!你的系统硬件全都转起来了！动力元件的蜂鸣，单位引擎的咆哮，就是这样！战斗就是这样的！

Caina speeds up, and her longsword stirs up gusts of wind in its wake.加伊那加快了动作，长刀带起摄人心魄的阵风。

加伊那HAHAHAHAHA, LET'S ENJOY THIS FIGHT!!哈哈哈哈哈，让我们好好地享受这次战斗吧！！

Repaid In Hate - 2 以恨还偿-2

A gust of wind shatters the various defensive devices lining the passageway and crushes the never-ending stream of arrows Alcyone is firing. The brutal demon presses closer, step by step, and all the girl can do is retreat.阵风搅碎了通道中的种种防御装置，搅碎雅希恩连绵不绝的箭矢。暴戾的恶魔步步紧逼，而女孩只能后退。

雅希恩(Pants heavily)呼……呼……

加伊那Useless! Useless! Useless! Is that all the strength your anger can give you?没用！没用！没用！愤怒就只能给你带来这点力量吗？

加伊那Weren't you going to secure the Watchtower? Weren't you going to avenge Atlas?你不是要守住哨塔吗？你不是想给阿特拉斯复仇吗！

加伊那This is NOWHERE near enough for that!只有这点程度可不行啊！

雅希恩Urgh—呃——

Caina catches up with Alcyone. A sweep of her longsword sends the girl flying aside with a groan.加伊那追上了雅希恩，长刀横拍，女孩闷哼着侧飞了出去。

Alcyone crashes heavily into the wall, and blue coolant drips down its surface.雅希恩狠狠地砸进了墙壁，洒下一路淡蓝色的冷却液。

As the dust clears, the girl stumbles back to her feet.烟尘四散，女孩踉跄地站起来。

雅希恩Ca..i..na... you... deserve... death...加……伊……那，你……该……死。

加伊那Too weak! Too damn weak! Come on and burn! Burn with anger! Burn with wrath! Burn with the will to fight!太轻了，太轻了！烧起来，你的怒意，你的仇恨，你的战火！

加伊那If you don't, you're dead!不这么做的话，你可就要没命了！

Caina's smile turns savage and she advances again, her weapon held high.加伊那的嘴角愈发狰狞，她再度迈步，高举手中的武器。

Opposite her is Alcyone, who exhales a trembling breath before quickly stepping back and drawing her bow.面对迎面而来的加伊那，雅希恩颤抖地长出一口气，而后迅速地抬手，拉弓。

雅希恩JUDGEMENT ARROW!裁决之矢！！

加伊那Is this your last gasp? What a shame.这就是你最后的反击了吗？真可惜啊。

加伊那This is it, Sanctifier! Time to die!到此为了净化者，死吧！

Thunk—噗——

An arrow sinks into Caina's chest. The High-Order Entropic cannot block it. Keen arcs of operands have raced past her sides at some point, and the sword that should have been raised high falls to the ground with her arms.长箭刺穿了加伊那的胸膛，高阶熵没能拦下箭矢，锋锐的算量不知何时划过她的两侧，本该提起的长刀连同手臂一齐落入地面。

She stops in her tracks for a moment before looking down. Then, she slowly shuffles left and right, as though to confirm the baffling reality that confronts her.她呆滞地停下了步伐，愣怔地低下头，而后缓缓地左右移动，似乎是在确认这个令人疑惑的事实。

加伊那What's... going... urgh—?怎么……回……呃——？

Thunk—噗——

Another arrow strikes home.一箭。

Thunk—噗——

Yet another arrow.又一箭。

Alcyone is advancing, Caina is retreating.雅希恩在朝前，加伊那在后退。

Thud—咚——

The wretched High-Order Entropic falls on her butt, and three figures appear along the edges of her vision.狠戾的高阶熵愣愣地坐到了地上，三个身影在她的视线边缘出现。

The female Sanctifier's hands are still wreathed with smoldering operands. Caina's severed arms were her doing.女性净化者手中萦绕着还未熄灭的算量，加伊那的断臂创口便出自她的手笔。

ProfessorShe's the only one. I didn't see any other High-Order Entropics.只有她一人，没有看见其他的高阶熵。

晨星Being able to eliminate one is good enough. The worst-case scenario would be if they all decided to stake out one of the towers to ambush us.能解决一个已经达到预期的成果了，最糟糕的情况是它们集中一处蹲守我们。

EosThank you for your hard work, Alcyone. You did well.辛苦了，雅希恩。你做得很好。

雅希恩Not well enough.还不够好。

加伊那Eosphorus? Eos? ?! Why? Why are you all here?!晨星？！晨曦？！？！为什么！为什么你们会在这里？！

加伊那What the hell is this... Jellyfish said you'd split up! You need to split up to take all three Watchtowers!开什么玩笑……水母明明分析过了，你们会分兵才对！你们要分兵才能占据三座哨塔！

加伊那If you didn't leave, then why didn't you come out from the beginning? Why didn't you face me fair and square! Why didn't you look me in the eye and fight me?!如果你们没有离开，为什么不一开始就出来！光明正大地站到我面前！直视我，跟我战斗！

雅希恩Because we weren't sure that you'd be the only one attacking this Watchtower.因为我们不确定攻伐这座哨塔的是不是真的只有你一个高阶熵。

In contrast to Caina's hysterics, Alcyone calmly wipes away the coolant speckling in the corner of her mouth and walks toward her. Her gait is unsteady, her head is lowered, and instead of looking her in the eyes, her face is blank. The lighting seems to have changed, because it veils her face in shadow.面对歇斯底里的加伊那，雅希恩只是淡淡地抹去嘴角的冷却液，摇晃走向她，垂首低头，与其对视，稚嫩的小脸古井无波，光线变幻，好似为她铺上了一层阴影。

雅希恩Eosphorus told us that this was your home ground. After we took one tower, you'd naturally know where else the Sanctifiers would be headed.晨星告诉我这里是你们的主场。在我们占据了一座哨塔之后，你们必然知晓净化者的其他目标。

雅希恩In that case, why not play to your expectations and pretend to split up? That way, we could all defend this place and use your misconceptions to take out at least one of you.那不如反其道而行之，做出分兵的模样，而后蹲守一处，利用信息差设伏抓住你们中的某一路。

雅希恩Fortunately, if there WAS a High-Order Entropic who'd fall into the trap, it would probably be you, the one who likes charging headlong into things. Unfortunately, just as we predicted, if any High-Order Entropic fell for it, then it would have to be you.幸好，和推测的一样，如果能有高阶熵落网，那大概率是喜欢横冲直撞的你。可惜，也和推测一样，如果能有高阶熵落网，就只有你。

加伊那(Pants) Ambushes, always with the ambushes. How can you do this? How can you keep doing this?哈……哈……偷袭，又是偷袭。怎么能这样？为什么要这样？

加伊那Whether it's you Sanctifiers or Jellyfish, your heads are all filled with twisty, twirly crap—净化者也好，水母也好，脑子里怎么都是这么多弯弯绕绕的东——西——

Caina's voice is still trembling as it trails off, but her body has already relaxed from its tensed state.加伊那的尾音还在颤抖，身体却先一步由激动转为平缓。

Alcyone forcefully stabs the arrow she is holding through her chest. Her wrath spent, the High-Order Entropic crashes heavily to the ground, throwing up a cloud of dust.雅希恩将手中的箭矢用力地凿穿了她的胸膛，怒意消歇的高阶熵重重地摔落地面，卷起一阵烟尘。

EosAlcyone, can you still function? Are you alright? Perhaps you should let me...雅希恩，还能正常行动吗？伤势不要紧吧？还是让我来……

雅希恩I'm fine, Eos. It's just a scratch, and the repair sectors inside the Watchtower are still usable. Don't waste time on healing me.没关系的晨曦，只是小伤，而且哨塔内部还有维修区域可以正常使用，不用浪费时间为我治疗。

雅希恩You guys should head out. Although there's no avoiding battle at the other two Watchtowers, the longer you delay, the more the Entropics can prepare to face you.你们还是快点出发吧，虽然另外两座哨塔的战斗无法避免，但时间耽搁的越久，熵的准备就越充分。

EosI know. Please don't push yourself. If there's really nothing you can do...我知道了，你千万不要逞强。如果事不可为……

晨星Have some faith in her, Eos. She's your comrade, a powerful Greater Sanctifier.多给她一些信任，晨曦，她可是你的战友，强大的上位净化者。

晨星Alcyone, I'm entrusting this Watchtower and Electra to you.雅希恩，这座哨塔，还有伊拉就都交给你了。

晨星According to the reports from the frontline units, there shouldn't be any more High-Order Entropics in Tartarus. You'll only have to face ordinary Entropics after this.依照前线部队的情报，塔尔塔罗斯应该也拿不出更多的高阶熵了，接下来你需要面对的就只有普通的熵群。

雅希恩Understood. I will hold the Watchtower and ensure the Halo system operates normally. You don't have to worry.明白，我会守住哨塔，保持净化圈系统的正常运作，放心吧。

As the group exchanges information and verifies the situation while giving each other reminders, Caina twitches imperceptibly where she's lying on the ground.就在众人交流情报，确认状况，相互嘱咐时，地上沉寂的加伊那微不可察地动弹了一下。

Her stalled systems begin functioning again, and faint traces of operands start to gather停滞的系统再度运转，细碎的算量正在汇聚。

加伊那(I'm so pissed I'm so pissed I'm so pissed!)（气死我了，气死我了，气死我了！）

The sound of Caina grinding her teeth echoes through her neural cloud.心智系统中，加伊那咬牙切齿的声音不断在回荡。

Meanwhile, the operand levels within Caina's body begin climbing as her emotions build.同一时间，加伊那体内的算量强度随着她的情绪节节攀升。

加伊那(They're all like this, each and every one of them!)（一个个都是这样，一个个都是这样！）

加伊那(Those cheap Sanctifiers... What right do they have to look down on me and ignore me?! They don't even dare to fight me fair and square!!)（卑鄙的净化者……凭什么这么高高在上地无视我？！连正面战斗都不敢！！）

加伊那Even if I have to die here... I'll make damn sure I drag you down to hell with me!（就算我死在这里……也要拉你们一起陪葬！！）

Eos reflexively reaches out to them, but Eosphorus stops her.晨曦下意识想出手，但却被晨星阻拦了动作。

Having gathered her strength, Caina suddenly bursts into motion and springs up, her twisted face headed straight for the back of Alcyone's neck.完成蓄力的加伊那陡然暴起，她直直地跳了起来，扭曲的五官扑向雅希恩的后颈。

As it happens, Alcyone is turning to face her, and her eyes meet Caina's through the blindfold over the latter's eyes.恰逢雅希恩转身，加伊那与雅希恩隔着脸上的黑布四目相对。

Faced with Caina's sudden lunge, Alcyone does not panic, does not freeze up, and certainly does not collapse. Her face is still blank; only the slight twitching of her cheeks reveals that she is clenching her teeth under her even lips.面对加伊那的暴起，雅希恩没有惊惶，没有不解，更没有倒地。她仍旧面无表情，只有微动的脸颊可以隐约看出平稳的唇线内是紧咬摩擦的牙齿。

The only other response the girl makes is to forcefully throw a punch in a way that Caina seems to recall seeing not long ago.女孩身体上唯二的其他反应，就只有用力地，恶狠狠地挥了一下拳头，一如加伊那不久前好像在哪里看到的那样。

Whooshwhooshwhooshwhooshwhoosh—咻咻咻咻咻——

A rapid series of whistling noises fills the air as the devices hidden above the group bare their fangs. Over a dozen arrow shafts turn the resurgent Caina into a porcupine and extinguish the raging operands within her.细密连绵的破空声骤响，隐藏在众人头顶上方的机关展露獠牙，十数根箭矢将死灰复燃的加伊那扎成了刺猬，同时也停息了她体内躁动的算量。

EosAlcyone, you...雅希恩，你……

晨星Eos, , let's go. We ought to get moving.走吧，晨曦，，我们该行动了。

Eos is still looking worriedly at her as I tug on her, and we leave the Watchtower with Eosphorus.我拉过面露担忧的晨曦，随着晨星一同离开了哨塔。

Behind her, the petite girl... No, the Greater Sanctifier is still glaring at Caina. She has not looked away even once.背后，娇小的少女……不，上位净化者雅希恩仍旧凝视着加伊那，未曾将目光移开。

雅希恩I even had two more surprises ready for you, though I don't know if you can get up again to see them.我还准备了两件惊喜，就是不知道你能不能再起来看看。

雅希恩Given how cocky you are, I'm sure you must be able to take quite the pounding.你这么嚣张，应当还能再打很久才是。

A moment later, as though thinking that her gesture was pointless, or perhaps just out of concern for Electra in the repair bay, Alcyone takes out an arrow and stabs it down, straight through Caina's skull.半晌后，似是觉得自己的动作无趣，又或者担忧维修间的伊拉，雅希恩抽出箭矢，自上而下凿穿了加伊那的头颅。

After watching Caina's body disintegrate into a sticky puddle of Liquid Entropy, Alcyone turns and heads into the depths of the Watchtower without looking back.看着加伊那的身体崩碎落地，化为一滩黏腻的熵化液，雅希恩头也不回往哨塔深处走去。

雅希恩Did you see that, Atlas? I can take revenge on my own.阿特拉斯，你看见了吗？我能自己出气了。

The girl pats the badge through her clothing and mutters quietly to herself as she walks through the Watchtower.少女隔着衣服按了按怀中的勋章，轻声呢喃，随即走入哨塔之中。

雅希恩I'm back, Electra.伊拉，我回来了。

雅希恩I figured she might have a surprise in store for us, so I activated the appropriate defenses beforehand. I can't lose anyone else because of my miscalculations.或许会有超出预想的情况，所以我提前激活了对应的防御机制。不能再因为我的失算而失去更多了。

雅希恩Thank you for your faith in me, Lord Eosphorus.感谢您的信任，晨星大人。

Eosphorus nods to Alcyone in approval.晨星向着雅希恩微微颔首，赞扬她的举动。

Silver Lining 天光一线

In the Middle Ring of the Tartarus Sector.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，中环。

Eos looks into the distance, at the ruined Watchtower known as [objectTower_b2]. Alcyone is no longer in sight.晨曦回望向远处名为【objectTower_b2】的哨塔遗迹，已经不见雅希恩的身影。

晨星Let's part ways here. According to our previous arrangement, Eos will travel with while I will go alone.我们就到这里分别吧。按照之前所说的安排，接下来的行动晨曦和一组，我单独一组。

晨星Comms are still impossible inside the Tartarus Sector, so take the utmost caution when moving. Send up a signal arrow if anything happens.塔尔塔罗斯扇区内依旧无法通信，所以行动务必小心，如果有紧急事态还是启动信号箭就好。

ProfessorFortunately, the activation of a Halo can be seen from anywhere in the Middle Ring. Even without comms, we can monitor each other's status by keeping an eye on the Watchtowers.所幸启用净化圈系统时，整个中环都能看见哨塔的变化。即便没有通讯，我们也能通过哨塔的状态得知各自的行动情况。

晨星Heh, that does sound like something you'd say, . Let's see which of us can activate their tower first, then.呵呵，不愧是。就看我们谁能率先启动各自哨塔的净化圈了。

晨星Eos, do you have any further questions?晨曦，你有其他的问题吗？

EosAh...? I, um...啊……？我，嗯……

Eos...Eosphorus, we only need to have the Halos of 3 Watchtowers active at once to activate the Ring-wide Halo, right?……晨星，只需要三座哨塔的净化圈系统同时处于运行状态，就能启动整个中环的净化圈了，对吧？

晨星Indeed. So it is written in the revelations. We've also seen the potency of the Halos before this, have we not?没错，神谕中是如此记载的。之前我们也验证过了净化圈的效用，不是吗？

EosOnce we activate the Halos, all the Entropics will be suppressed and we will be able to destroy Malkira...只要开启了净化圈，所有的熵都会被压制，我们也能顺利消灭梅尔吉娅……

晨星Yes. All the sacrifices we've made up to that point will have been worthwhile.嗯，在那之前，所有的牺牲都是值得的。

Eosphorus' words seem to contain some kind of soothing magic. Eos nods, and looks away from the tower.晨星的话语仿佛有令人安心的魔力，晨曦微微点头，将目光从哨塔方向收回。

晨星Relax. You'd think we just lost a battle from the look on your face.放松些吧。看你的表情，还以为我们刚打了一场败仗，遭际严峻。

Eos...Pardon me. I ought to readjust my emotional modules.……抱歉，看来我该调整一下情绪关联的系统模块了。

晨星You're giving yourself too much pressure. Go clear the redundant data in your system. Much as I'd like to give you a chance to rest and relax, we sadly do not have that time for that right now.你给自己太多压力了，清理一下系统里的数据冗余吧，虽然很想让你放松一下，但我们现在并没那样的时间。

晨星Even now, Entropic forces are returning from the frontlines to reinforce this place. Hesperus leads our frontline units, but even he cannot divert the attention of all the creatures in the Tartarus Sector forever.就算是现在，熵的部队也在从前线回援。即便有昏星率领着前线部队，也不可能无止境地把塔尔塔罗斯扇区的有生力量全拖在边境防线。

EosI understand. Time is precious, and we can't let this slow our future movements.我明白，时间有限，无论如何也不能影响之后的行动。

晨星, make sure you take care of Eos afterwards.，晨曦接下来就交给你了。

Eosphorus turns to me and solemnly pats me on the shoulder before turning to leave.晨星转向我，郑重其事地拍了拍我的肩，旋即转身离开。

ProfessorEos, let's get a move on. Are you okay?晨曦，我们也开始行动吧，可以吗？

ProfessorHm?嗯？

EosDid Eosphorus tell you why we Sanctifiers were weakened?晨星向你解释过净化者被削弱的原因吗？

Professor...There was malware in the Rubik's Map, and it affected us all the instant I retrieved it.……魔方地图中存在恶意程序，当我们取出来的瞬间便受到了影响。

(Use the reason Eosphorus told Alcyone.)借用晨星向雅希恩所说的原因。

(Tell the truth.)说出实情。

EosI was with Eosphorus back then, . There was a long distance between us. Have you ever seen malware with such range and potency?那时候我和晨星在一起，，我们中间隔着相当远的距离。你见过兼顾效果与范围，两个方面都做到这种程度的恶意程序吗？

EosI know Eosphorus must have discussed this with you in private. I know him; the moment he thinks he needs help, his first instinct is to go to you.我知道晨星一定私底下和你交流过这件事，我了解他，一旦意识到自己可能需要帮助，晨星的第一个反应就是去找你。

Professor...We did discuss some possibilities, but...……他的确和我讨论了一些猜想，但……

EosIt's alright, . I'm not here to censure you or learn the details of your conversation. We have different perspectives, so I believe you had your reasons for saying what you did.没事的，，我不是想要责怪谁或者刨根问底地探究你们聊天的内容。我们的视角不同，所以我也相信你这么说有你的原因。

EosBut Tartarus' weakening of the Sanctifiers was far too absurd, both in terms of its trigger and execution. That absurdity was the most terrifying thing about it, and I simply could not calm my uneasiness.但塔尔塔罗斯诉之于净化者身上的削弱太过怪异，从生效的方式到形式都很荒谬，荒谬是恐惧感之最，我无法抚平不安。

ProfessorPerhaps Eosphorus didn't believe it himself. He simply told me his guess.或许晨星对此也并不确信，他只和我说了他的猜测。

ProfessorGiven the guess led toward a blasphemous conclusion, nobody could have spoken it out loud.而这个猜测所指向的结果太过亵渎，无论是谁都难以直接说出口。

Eos...I understand. Tartarus' weakening of the Sanctifiers was far too absurd, both in terms of its trigger and execution. That absurdity was the most terrifying thing about it, and I simply could not calm my uneasiness.……我明白，塔尔塔罗斯诉诸于净化者身上的削弱太过怪异，从生效的方式到形式都很荒谬，荒谬是恐惧感之最，我无法抚平不安。

EosI told you before that I know Eosphorus very well, and if I felt uneasy about something, then he would, too... And in truth, I could guess what you were talking about.我说过，我很了解晨星，我会感到不安，他同样也会……事实上，我大概能猜到你们讨论了什么内容。

Eos looks in the direction where Eosphorus left.晨曦牢牢看向晨星离开的方向，目不转睛。

EosYour conversation with Eosphorus involved the gods, right?晨星和你探讨的话题与神明有关，对吗？

ProfessorIndeed.没错。

ProfessorNot really.并非如此。

Eos looks me in the eye, then shakes her head a moment later.晨曦直视着我的眼睛，半晌后摇了摇头。

EosYou really are bad at telling lies, .你还真是不会说谎呢。

ProfessorI just can't keep anything from you.还是瞒不过你。

Eos...The truth is, I'm a little worried about Eosphorus. This mission is an all-or-nothing bet. We had no choice, given the deadline the gods set.……其实我有些担心晨星。这一次本就是孤注一掷的行动，在神明设下的死线前，我们别无选择。

EosWhen Eosphorus is unsettled, he turns to his faith for spiritual support and to his "voice of reason" for solace. But if either of them should lose their effect...晨星不安时选择的精神支柱是信仰，慰勉方式是清醒剂，可如果这两者中有一个失效了……

Eos lowers her head, her sleeves fluttering in the wind as her Sanctifier's badge glitters. After a moment of silence, she looks back toward me.晨曦先是低下了头，衣袂飘动间，代表净化者的标志在微微发亮。沉吟半晌，她将目光转向了我。

EosEosphorus is so strong that nobody in the Reverse Tower can imagine him being miserable or fragile. But I know what that looks like, and so do you.晨星很强大，所以逆巴比伦塔的净化者连想都不曾想过他狼狈，又或脆弱时会是什么样子，但我知道那是什么景光，你也知道。

EosIf anything really happens, then I'll be counting on you to do what's best for him, .，万一真的发生了什么，那个时候，晨星就交给你了。

After whispering those words, Eos looks back up and smiles at me while taking my hand, as though nothing had happened.轻声说完这一切，晨曦仿佛什么都不曾发生过一般，微笑着拉过我的手。

EosLet's go take down the other tower.走吧，我们去攻略另一座哨塔。

Shortly afterwards, in the Middle Ring of the Tartarus Sector.一段时间后，塔尔塔罗斯扇区，中环。

In the former Sanctifier Watchtower designated [objectTower_b3].旧净化者哨塔【objectTower_b3】

Eosphorus slowly walks toward the Watchtower, holding the relic in his right hand. His fierce, sharp operands easily disintegrate any Entropics that cross his path.晨星缓步走向哨塔，右手手持圣物，凌厉的算量轻松地将拦路的熵粉碎湮灭。

多罗梅亚Welcome, Eos...欢迎你的到来，晨……

The girl at the entrance is cut to pieces before she can finish speaking. Eosphorus steps over the Ptolemaea-chunks and enters the Watchtower, where he is greeted by another curtsying girl.站在门口的少女话音未落，躯壳就已然被撕裂。晨星迈过多罗梅亚的碎块，走进哨塔，前方是又一个提裙行礼的少女。

多罗梅亚It seems your understanding of the relic has improved further. I believe you'll have fully mastered this weapon before long, no?看来你对圣物的解析度又有提高，再给你一点时间，应该就能完全掌控这件武器了吧？

多罗梅亚I wonder what will happen when you fully unleash this sword's power?不知道这把剑彻底发挥出它的威能之时，会是怎样的景象呢。

晨星What's this? Does it discomfort the Entropics that I am learning more about the relic?怎么，解析圣物让熵感觉不安了？

多罗梅亚(Sigh) You Sanctifiers are always so hostile. Why can't you just use something like that as a conversation starter?唉，净化者的敌意总是这么重，为什么就不能将它理解成闲话的开场白？

多罗梅亚As you know, the ball has begun, but before the host speaks and the band officially begins playing, there will be a short time for the guests to mingle and speak.你知道的，舞会虽然开始了，但在会场的主人开口，乐团正式奏乐前，客人们还是会有一段社交余暇的。

Ptolemaea seems to consider Eosphorus a familiar, trusted companion. She turns aside and gestures for him to continue onward as he passes by.多罗梅亚仿佛完全把晨星当成了熟悉且可以信任的同伴，少女自然地侧过身，与对方并肩的同时伸手指向前方。

多罗梅亚Part of this tower's lower level has collapsed for various reasons. If you wish to head to the roof, you may proceed this way.这座哨塔的底层因为某种变故坍塌了一部分，想要去到顶层的话可以走这边。

Eosphorus' sword hand trembles, but in the end, he chooses not to strike. He takes a deep breath before blinking, then smiles.晨星把持圣物的手掌微动，最终还是没有选择出手。他深吸一口气，再度睁眼时，反而露出了笑容。

晨星Please lead the way, then.那便由你在前带路吧。

Ptolemaea looks up at Eosphorus. For the first time, she seems surprised.多罗梅亚抬眼看着晨星，第一次露出有些吃惊的表情。

多罗梅亚...It would be my pleasure.……我的荣幸。

多罗梅亚Please come this way, then. You can take a left turn here to return to the stairs and continue on the proper way to the Watchtower's roof.那么请跟我来，由这里往前左拐可以回到楼梯，继续坍塌之前登顶哨塔的正道。

晨星Is the Halo system in the center of the roof?净化圈系统也是在顶层中央吗？

多罗梅亚Of course. The collapse did not affect the structure of the upper levels.当然，坍塌没有影响到哨塔上半段的构造。

晨星Sounds like good news.听起来是个好消息。

晨星Are you curious about my sudden change in attitude?你在好奇我的态度为什么突然转变？

多罗梅亚I am merely ashamed that I do not know my partner as well as I ought to.只是惭愧自己还没有足够了解自己的舞伴。

晨星I can help you understand. All you need to know is this—the Sanctifiers will wipe out all Entropics. That is our purpose and the will of the gods.我可以帮助你了解，只有一点——净化者无疑会消灭所有熵，这是我们的使命，也是神的旨意。

晨星I am willing to see what tricks you have prepared to shake my faith. If these tricks end up helping me accomplish my mission more quickly, so much the better.我可以看看你们为动摇我的信念准备了什么把戏，如果这些把戏能帮我更快达成使命，那就更好不过了。

多罗梅亚...Hehehe.……呵呵呵。

Ptolemaea chuckles, and her laughter echoes throughout the interior of the quiet Watchtower.多罗梅亚轻声笑了起来，笑声在空寂的哨塔中回响。

多罗梅亚When I first met you, I found your conduct and that of your companion boring. You were nothing like the information I had obtained about you. Now, however, you seem as interesting as the persona I imagined for you in the past.初次见面时你和另一位的言行让我觉得乏味，完全不符合我拿到的情报，现在倒是跟我以前模拟出来的人格一样有趣了。

晨星You've researched me?你研究过我？

多罗梅亚The battle of Warzone Somme, the aerial battle at 0426CGN, the ambush of Warzone Boulder... We've clashed many times before, just in different ways from right now.索姆战区战役，0426CGN空战，波德战区突袭……我们交锋的次数不少，只是方式和现在有一点点区别。

晨星So you were the Entropic behind those incidents... But you've made one mistake. I was not the one who crushed the Entropic ambush at Warzone Boulder.原来那几次事件背后站着的熵是你……但有一点你弄错了，粉碎熵突袭波德战区计划的人并不是我。

多罗梅亚...Ah, was it ? No wonder. Our setbacks during the ambush back then dealt a fatal blow to our overall deployment. Both the execution and timing were most exquisite; it left a deep impression on me.……啊，对吗？难怪，波德战区突袭受挫对当时的布局打击很致命，手段和时机都相当巧妙，我印象深刻。

多罗梅亚If the Reverse Tower had more Sanctifiers like you and , the Entropics would be having a harder time.如果逆巴比伦塔里，你和这样的上位净化者再多一些，熵的处境恐怕会更加艰难吧。

晨星You flatter me.过赞了。

多罗梅亚Which is why I'm curious.所以我更好奇了。

晨星About what?好奇什么？

多罗梅亚I'm curious as to why, despite being taken by surprise and weakened, you would still choose to continue deeper into the Tartarus Sector.好奇你们为什么面对意料之外的袭击和削弱，却依旧选择深入塔尔塔罗斯扇区。

晨星If you wish to persuade us to withdraw, you can save your effort.如果是想用这种方式劝说我们撤退，还是不要白费力气了。

晨星We have the relic and there is the Halo system in the Middle Ring.我们拿到了圣物，还有塔尔塔罗斯扇区的中环有净化圈系统。

晨星The first is an unrivaled weapon. The second has been successfully activated to suppress hordes of Entropics, and when fully activated, it can even reach the Inner Ring. Why should we not carry on?前有无双利器，后有成功启用可以压制熵群，甚至于影响内环的完整系统，为什么不前进？

Eosphorus comes to a halt. He and Ptolemaea have reached the center of the Watchtower's roof, and the core control terminal stands before the two of them.晨星停下了脚步，他与多罗梅亚来到了哨塔顶层的中央，核心控制台展现在二人身前。

多罗梅亚Do you need me to clear away the surface corruption?需要帮忙处理表层上的侵蚀吗？

晨星I can do it myself.我自己来就好。

Ptolemaea shrugs and stands aside. She continues asking Eosphorus questions as she leans against a nearby wall.多罗梅亚耸了耸肩，让到一旁，斜靠着墙壁看着晨星忙碌，继续自己的疑问。

多罗梅亚Indeed, the relic is most devastating to Entropics. The Halo system is even more troublesome. However, you could not guarantee their possession before you set out.的确，圣物对熵的杀伤力巨大。净化圈系统更是一个麻烦的东西，可它们都不是行动前就拥有的稳定筹码。

多罗梅亚Why were you so confident that you could obtain them? Or are you saying that you are carrying on to take revenge for your friends? If I'm not wrong, that Sanctifier's name was—你们这么自信自己能取得这二者？还是说，继续前进只是为了帮同伴报仇？我记得那名净化者叫……

Slash—喀——

Before she can finish speaking, Ptolemaea's body is promptly cut to pieces.话音未落，多罗梅亚的身躯裂解成数片。

Eosphorus puts away the relic without looking back and continues working on the core terminal.晨星头也不回地收起圣物，继续对核心控制台进行操作。

晨星I do not recall giving you permission to speak his name.我不记得有给过你提及他的许可。

多罗梅亚(Sigh)…………唉。

A brand-new Ptolemaea steps out of the shadows. She picks a high place and sits down there, resting her chin in her hands as she watches Eosphorus work.阴影中走出了一只全新的多罗梅亚，少女挑了个高处坐了上去，托腮看着忙碌的晨星。

多罗梅亚Even the time constraints of this operation came from the revelations of your gods, right?甚至是这次行动本身的时间要求，都是因为神谕，对吧？

多罗梅亚Ahhh, I'm bored now. I thought I'd be able to see another side of you Sanctifiers, but you're still the same. Your devotion to the gods verges on the mindless.唉，这就乏味了，还以为先前对净化者的认知有些片面，现在看来还是那样。你们对神明的笃信虔近痴愚。

Ptolemaea narrows her eyes, and the way lines of code race through her eyes is as though she's receiving a divine revelation of her own.多罗梅亚眯起眼，瞳孔内闪过代码的形态正近似神谕。

多罗梅亚If just obtaining the Rubik's Map had such ruinous effects on the Sanctifiers, then do you not think activating the Halo system would have ill effects of its own?你们就没想过，既然获取魔方地图会给净化者带来灾罚，启用净化圈系统就不会吗？

晨星What happens if we continue further into the Tartarus Sector and encounter more ridiculous "malware"?如果我们继续深入塔尔塔罗斯扇区，还会碰到更多莫名其妙的“恶意程序”呢？

ProfessorThen we'll just have to overcome them.那就再跨过一次限制。

Eosphorus' hands pause briefly over the control panel, but he soon returns to normal.晨星操作控制台的双手停滞了一瞬，又很快恢复了正常。

晨星Then we will simply overcome the penance we have been assigned.那就再一次跨过灾罚。

多罗梅亚Oh? Even if the ones punishing you are the very gods you revere?哦？哪怕给予灾罚的人是你们信奉的神？

Eosphorus straightens up and looks at Ptolemaea, then hits the activation key.晨星站了起来，看向多罗梅亚，手指按下了启动键。

晨星We Sanctifiers are the defenders of Magrasea. Protecting the cloud server is our calling.净化者是云端的卫士，守护云端是我们的天职。

????That's a good answer. Certainly better than something along the lines of "my faith is beyond question".这个回答不错，可比信仰不容轻侮来得好听。

Eosphorus turns to the source of the voice, his systems primed and ready for battle. The fact that the Entropic managed to come so close without him even detecting her makes his heart sink.晨星转身望向音源，周身的系统蓄势待发。对方直到如此之近都没有发出任何声响，让他的内心不由得一沉。

多罗梅亚I told you earlier. The ball has begun, but before the host speaks and the band officially begins playing, there will be a short time for the guests to mingle and speak.见面时我就说过，舞会虽然开始了，但在会场的主人开口，乐团正式奏乐前，客人们还是会有一段社交余暇的。

多罗梅亚The two of us have spoken at great length and leisure time is over. The following time will naturally be yielded to my noble master.你我已经聊了很久，余暇已尽，接下来的时间，当然是留给更尊贵的大人的。

Ptolemaea leaps down from where she is sitting and curtsies, then steps aside.多罗梅亚跃下高处，提裙行礼，侧让至一旁。

A figure slowly emerges from the shadows, seated upon a grand throne of interlocking, writhing tentacles.慵懒的身影端坐在交叠蠕动的触手构筑的华美座椅上，缓缓从阴影中浮现。

507I've come to see you, Eosphorus.我来见你了，晨星。

晨星Your operand levels... Are you a clone?这个算量强度……是分身吗？

晨星It seems you aren't being very sincere about this meeting.看来你对这次会面并不是很有诚意。

507I would like to meet you in person, of course, but unfortunately a caged bird can't unlock its own prison.我当然想亲自见你，只可惜笼中鸟并没有打开笼子的能力。

507Relax. I had no intention of hiding myself. However, your limited warning systems were no longer able to detect me.放轻松些，我无意隐藏自己的行踪，只是你那被限制的警戒系统已经丧失了对我的探知能力。

507Still, that is alright. I forgive you for being cautious. This is only your first time meeting me, after all. More importantly, I'm very interested in you, Eosphorus.但没关系，我原谅你的戒备，你才是第一次见我。当然，更重要的是，我很中意你，晨星。

晨星Judging by your tone, you've seen me before.听你的语气，你早就见过我。

507Of course. I've been looking forward to this day... to the day you could reach this place, to the day you could stand before me.当然，我一直期待着有一天……你能走到这里，甚至走到我的身前。

晨星Be at ease. I will reach you like you want, and then I will destroy you.你放心，我会如你所愿走到你身前，然后彻底消灭你。

507How cold... I thought everything Ptolemaea did was enough to show you the kindness of the Entropics. Why are you still so harsh and aloof?真是冷漠……我想之前多罗梅亚所做的一切已经替我尽可能地表达出熵的善意了，为什么你的态度仍是如此地冷硬？

507Could you not treat me the way you did her just now?哪怕用方才对待她的态度对我也好。

Malkira puts on a show of being hurt. Even the tentacles below her droop sadly on the ground.梅尔吉娅表现得很伤心，连同身下的触手也一并落寞地拍了拍地面。

However, this does not shake Eosphorus. His thorny aura of hostility does not fade.但晨星没有动摇，如芒刺背的威胁感并没有消失。

晨星I have no interest in your disingenuous display. Our relationship is simple; we are nothing more than pesticide and pest, not audience and actor.我对你表里不一的情绪演出并不感兴趣，我们的关系很简单，不过农药与害虫，而非演员和观众。

晨星If you Entropics truly had kind intentions for the Sanctifiers, if you sought some means of peaceful resolution... or other, more absurd and ridiculous considerations, then why not come clean at our first encounter?如果熵真的对净化者存在善意，有和解……或者其他更加荒谬绝伦的考量，为什么不在最开始遭遇的时候就开诚布公？

507Because not every Sanctifier deserves the kindness of the Entropics.因为不是每个净化者都配得到熵的善意。

晨星And here I thought I had already used up my one chance.我还以为我已经用掉唯一一次善意了。

507You can have as many chances as you want. The same applies to Hesperus, who is brawling with my children on the frontlines.你的话，多少次都可以。现在在前线与我的孩子们厮杀交战的昏星也一样。

507The world of the Entropics is much more direct than that of the Sanctifiers. An individual with potential will receive more chances than those who do not.熵群的世界比净化者更直接，有可能性的个体，比没有可能性的要拥有更多的机会。

Malkira's tone shifts from hurt to delight in an instant. She peers outside the window, looking at the other two Watchtowers through the glass. There is a hint of mockery in her tone.梅尔吉娅的表情眨眼从伤心变成愉悦，她望向窗外，隔着巨幕，目光直视另两座哨塔的方向。口吻也悄然间带上了些许戏谑。

507Also, I wish to emphasize this: ever since the Sanctifiers set foot in the Tartarus Sector, you were no longer the arbiter of the nature of our relationship.另外我必须强调一点，从净化者踏进塔尔塔罗斯扇区开始，我们的关系并不由你来定义。

507If I want to see how this all plays out, then the Sanctifiers will all have to play their roles.我想看舞台剧，那么净化者就必须出演舞台剧。

晨星You have clones in the other two Watchtowers?!你在另外两座哨塔也投放了分身？！

507Now, why would you think that? It seems you still don't understand the lengths to which I've gone. There is a price to be paid for meeting you in the Middle Ring. My sincerity does not come cheap.你怎么会这么想？看来你还是没理解我的良苦用心。在中环与你相见可是需要付出代价的，我的诚意还没有那么廉价。

507Still, that too is fine. Expectations are merely expectations, nothing more. I'm curious as to how far you can go.不过这样也好，期许终究只是期许，你能做到哪一步也是我所好奇的。

Malkira's face goes blank again. She yawns lazily and sits down by a corner, hugging her legs.梅尔吉娅的脸又倏地冷淡了下来，她慵懒地打了个哈欠，环抱双腿蜷缩在座位的角落。

Below her, the drooping tentacles suddenly go erect and bristle with sharp points.身下，方才颓唐的触手陡然直立，尖端锋锐森然。

梅尔吉娅Come then, Eosphorus. Let me see if you can surprise me after obtaining the relic.来吧，晨星。让我看看，在获取圣物以后，你能不能给我带来一点惊喜？

Wicked Illusions 邪祟虚影

In the Middle Ring of the Tartarus Sector.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，中环。

After leaving the ruins of Watchtower [objectTower_b2], Eos and I head into the depths of the labyrinth.离开了名为【objectTower_b2】的哨塔遗迹，我与晨曦走入迷宫深处。

Along the way, massive walls clash and intersect while Entropics loom in and out of view. The natives of Tartarus Sector stubbornly protest our presence in their own way.一路上，巨墙交错，熵群影绰。塔尔塔罗斯扇区的原住民们仍顽固地在用自己的方式向我们表达抗拒。

Crack—喀啦——

After turning the corner, another group of monstrous bodies break apart, crumble, and disintegrate before my eyes.转过拐角，又一群怪诞的躯壳在我眼前裂解，崩碎，而后湮灭。

EosWhat's wrong? You look like you want to say something, .怎么了？你一脸想要说什么的表情哦，。

ProfessorIt's nothing. I just want to note that your strength and that of Eosphorus are on a completely different level from the other Greater Sanctifiers.没什么，只是想感叹一下，你和晨星的实力与其他上位净化者完全不在一个水平啊。

ProfessorI downloaded some combat support modules from my database to help ease some of the stress on you, but I guess it wasn't necessary.刚刚才从资料库里检索出辅助战斗的功能模块，还想着是不是能帮你分担一点压力，看来也用不上了。

EosHehe. Well, Eosphorus IS one of the Sanctifiers' leaders, after all, and my existence... was for his sake.呵呵，毕竟晨星是所有净化者的领袖之一，而我的存在……也是为此而预备的。

EosDon't worry about it, . Your specialty isn't combat. Your strengths lie in analysis and leadership, do they not?别介意，的专精也并非在战斗上，分析和指挥才是你的强项，不是吗？

Professor...I'll consider that praise.……我就当你是在夸我了。

With a sigh, I return the short sword that I haven't even fully drawn back to its sheath and once again bring up the Rubik's Map to confirm our path forward.无奈地将还未完全出鞘的短剑塞回后腰，我再次唤出魔方地图，确认前行的路线。

EosTeehee... seeing you this crestfallen is something new, . It's kind of cute, and different from my usual impression of you.呵呵……气馁的好新鲜，有点可爱，总感觉和之前的印象不太一样呀。

EosYou've already done very well. Also, keeping the elite Entropics from catching up with us is more than a little useful.你已经做得很出色了，另外，拖延精英熵的追击可不止是一点儿用场。

EosHonestly, with Electra badly wounded and Alcyone out of it, if you hadn't helped buy them time, I dare not imagine what would have happened to them...我都不敢想象，在伊拉重伤，雅希恩停转的情况下，如果没有你争取的那一点时间……

Eos shakes her head, as though she doesn't want to keep discussing the topic further, and shifts her gaze to the Rubik's Map in my hands.晨曦摇了摇头，似是不想再继续这个话题，她将目光移到了我手中的魔方地图上。

EosIt's because we're all different that we need each other, just like interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.正因为存在不同，我们才需要彼此，就像待相嵌的拼图的碎片。

EosDiversity is our strength, so why be frustrated by it? All you need to do is what you're good at doing.殊异是我们携手倚仗，何必为此懊恼？只需要做擅长的事情就可以了。

EosHow you point out the way forward and remind everyone to avoid traps is also quite charming.笃定指出前路方向，提醒大家规避陷阱的身姿也很有魅力。

ProfessorEven if you say that...就算你这么夸我……

Just as my voice trails off, another pack of Entropics comes into view. Eos obliterates them with a wave of her hand before they can even announce themselves with their cries.话音未落，又一队熵群闯入视野，甚至没来得及用声音昭告自己的存在，就被晨曦挥手抹去。

However, just then, I sense something out of place in the Rubik's Map just as I put it away.然而就在这一瞬间，结合手上的魔方地图，我敏锐地捕捉到了藏于其间的一丝违和。

ProfessorHold on, Eos.等等，晨曦。

EosAre you still upset? In that case, why don't I leave you a few for a warm up during our next encounter?还是有点不甘心吗？不然的话，下次遭遇的时候我给你留几只用来热身吧？

Professor(Clears throat) Uh, there's no need for that. Let's talk about "what I'm good at doing"—咳，不用了，还是来谈我“擅长的事情”吧——

ProfessorHave you noticed something strange about the frequency and timing of the Entropic attacks on us?你有没有觉得熵群攻击我们的频率和时机有点不正常？

I wave my hand to disperse the sense of oppression I was feeling just now, then bring the Rubik's Map before Eos' eyes, indicating that she should view it with me.我挥挥手驱散刚才的窘迫，将魔方地图置于晨曦眼前，示意她一同浏览。

ProfessorEvery time the walls move, whenever we reach a junction, or when the traps activate, we get ambushed by Entropics.每次在巨墙变动，以及我们走过岔口，还有陷阱发动的间隔，都会有熵群偷袭。

EosIsn't that a normal development? I'd attack at times like these if I were an enemy.这不是很正常的节点吗？如果我是敌人的话，也会挑选这种时候进攻的。

ProfessorProblem is, they're being TOO precise with the timing of their ambushes. Their attack patterns are far too similar... It's almost as though they were ambushing us just because.但不至于这么机械，偷袭的时间太标准，攻击的手段太雷同，就像……目的是为了偷袭这件事本身。

I share the real-time optical data display that I'm using with Eos and highlight several items.我将自己视界中实时计算数据变化的界面共享给了晨曦，着重标明了其中的几条。

ProfessorDo you see? Once the rate of change and trend reach these thresholds, a pack of Entropics shows up in front of us, as though it were planned.看到了吗，当变化率与趋势符合这个数值的时候，熵群就会踏入我们的视野，如同计算。

EosHm—唔——

Eos rubs her chin thoughtfully.晨曦托着下巴，若有所思。

EosI wonder if I should get a second neural cloud system installed...我是不是该更新出第二个心智系统呢……

EosI'm just kidding. Your system interface is way too complicated, . I'm having some difficulty handling the data flow.开玩笑的，你的系统界面太繁复了，我有点处理不过来上面的信息流。

EosThe categories you've highlighted do seem problematic, but that's as far as my analysis went. What do you think?你标注的几个点看上去的确存在问题，但我也只能分析到这一步了，你怎么想？

ProfessorSo you can't see anything else either? In that case... Hm... I need to study the possibilities...晨曦也看不出来太多吗？既然如此……嗯……我研究研究……

I bring up the map again and try to reproduce the labyrinth data during the previous Entropic attacks and examine the changes in the data from different angles. However—再度运转魔方地图，我尝试复现熵群先前进攻时的迷宫环境数据，对数据的变化进行不同角度的处理核算，然而——

ProfessorThis isn't working. I don't have enough effective information. Not enough to produce any useful conclusions, at least.不行，目前有效信息还是太少了，得不出什么有价值的结论。

EosThat's alright. There's still some time before we reach the Watchtower. We can still gather more information on our way there.没关系，距离到达哨塔还有一段时间，我们还能在过程中收集更多线索。

EosLet me handle the other threats. Is there anything else that I can help you analyze?处理其他威胁就交给我吧，还有什么能帮助你进行分析吗？

ProfessorPlease do your best to go easy on the enemies we encounter afterwards and observe their reactions. Let's see if we can learn something from them.之后遭遇敌人的话可以适当地放水，观察它们的反应，看看能不能发现什么。

EosIs that all? You can feel free to rely on me more, ~只是这样？大可以更多地依赖我一点。

EosPieces that are too squared off won't be able to fit together with their peers.过于方正的碎片可是无法与同伴相嵌的。

ProfessorYou just need to stay on guard against any unexpected surprises. That's enough.只是为了防备可能存在的意外，这样就已经足够了。

ProfessorLike you said, we just need to do what we're good at doing, Puzzle Piece Who's An Extremely Powerful Fighter No. 1.就像你说的，做自己擅长的事情就好，战斗能力超群的拼图碎片一号。

EosPffft... Very well, Puzzle Piece With An Extremely Powerful Neural Cloud No. 2.噗嗤……好的，心智系统超群的拼图碎片二号。

EosHehe... perhaps when we put all the pieces together, we'll be able to find the solution to all the mysteries surrounding the Tartarus Sector.呵呵……或许拼图齐全的时候，就能拼出塔尔塔罗斯扇区一切谜团的解呢。

I smile and nod, and then I focus all my attention on the slowly-shifting Rubik's Map and my data display. All my efforts are devoted to finding the truth lurking within... or perhaps, the threads of logic that run through them. Meanwhile, Eos watches our surroundings. A moment later, she suddenly continues our previous conversation.我笑着点点头，将注意力全都放在了缓缓变化的魔方地图与数据面板上，竭力抓住其中飘溢的灵感……或者说是逻辑支脉。而晨曦探知着周围的环境，半晌之后，忽然继续了话题。

Eos...Still, it would be terrible if we got a picture of the Tartarus Sector if I were pieced together with you. Let's pick something else instead.……不过，和拼到一起，却得出一个和塔尔塔罗斯扇区有关的图案也太糟糕了，还是换个更愉快一点的选项吧。

ProfessorSuch as?比如？

Eos activates her detector module and slowly scans me from head to toe with what might be actual seriousness, before stopping at the symbol representing my status as a Sanctifier.晨曦启用了她的侦察模块，有若实质探寻的波纹缓缓扫过我的全身，停在代表净化者的符号上。

EosSuch as a picture that represents us, as Sanctifiers.拼一个我们的象征吧，净化者的象征。

EosI know, right? I'm sure something that represents the divine and the glory of the Sanctifiers will reassure everyone and give them strength.是吧？作为净化者荣耀与神圣的代表，一定能给予大家安心与力量的。

Sounds great.听起来不错。

That was an unexpected answer.意料之外的回答。

ProfessorI thought you'd go for something more interesting, or rather, more romantic... Instead you chose something that was surprisingly practical.我还以为会是更有趣，或者更浪漫的想象……意外地很严肃朴实啊。

EosIn that case, what kind of picture would you choose, ?这么说来，想象中的图案是什么呢？

Eos...An Oasis?……绿洲？

After reflexively mentioning that word, I realize I have no idea why it came to mind.下意识地脱口而出后，我才意识到自己的心智中不知为何浮现出这样的景象。

An Oasis.一片绿洲。

Daybreak.一抹晨曦。

An expanse of white.一片空白。

EosAre you talking about a place that shelters agents and gives people hope? ...I didn't expect an answer like that from you, .是指能荫庇智能体，给人希望的地方吗……没想到会做出这样的回答。

EosStill, it sounds nice.不过，听起来也不错呢。

ProfessorYour namesake would be good.你的名字就很好啊。

EosHuh?欸？

ProfessorI'm talking about the faint light of daybreak after the dawn has come.晨曦，黎明后的微光。

ProfessorIf you're a piece of the puzzle, then the full picture would be hope.如果你是一块拼图碎片，那完整的图案就一定是希望了。

EosA blank white expanse doesn't count as a picture, you know.空白可不算图案哦。

ProfessorBut a blank white expanse means it contains infinite possibilities.但空白意味着无数的可能性。

ProfessorNot being limited to a single choice, being able to freely decide what you want it to be after putting it together... Don't you think that's quite romantic, too?不规定其中的某一种，而是在拼成后再自由地定义……不觉得也很浪漫吗？

EosDeciding what it means after the fact... Now that's an answer that is both unexpected yet very characteristic of you, .之后再定义吗……还真是出乎意料，又有风格的回答呢。

I think about what the two of them said before we set out and laugh. Then I jokingly imitate them as I speak.我想起出发前二人的嘱咐，会心一笑，旋即模仿他们的姿态，玩笑般开口。

ProfessorEos, the future of Magrasea is in our hands.晨曦，云端的未来就交由我们了。

In the Middle Ring of the Tartarus Sector.塔尔塔罗斯扇区，中环。

I advance deeper into the labyrinth with Eos, and as we get closer to our destination, the number of Entropics attacking us grows larger and larger. However, Eos' quick reactions mean that they do not pose a threat to us at any time.与晨曦继续深入迷宫，随着我们与目的地的距离缩短，偷袭的熵群愈发庞大起来。但在晨曦快速的反应下，不管哪一次都没有给我们造成麻烦。

ProfessorThese numbers have come up quite a few times, maybe if I slotted them in here... Or here...这个数值出现了好几次，可以尝试套进这里……还有这个……

ProfessorHm? Is something the matter, Eos?嗯？晨曦，怎么了吗？

EosWe've arrived.我们抵达目的地了喔。

I look up from the vast fog of data and the ruined Watchtower known as [objectTower_b1] looms before us.从浩瀚如烟的数据中抬起头，名为【objectTower_b1】的哨塔遗迹出现在眼前。

EosWell, have you learned anything yet?怎么样，有得出结论吗？

ProfessorCurrently, we have been attacked 41 times and there are 148 sets of data linked to them.目前我们一共遭遇了41次袭击，涉及的相关数据有148组。

ProfessorI tried using the Rubik's Map to replicate the changes in the data, but I haven't been able to identify any activity trends in the labyrinth.我尝试利用魔方地图复现这些数据的变化，但没看出迷宫有什么特殊的活动趋势。

EosDo you think you might have been imagining things?说不定是虚惊一场呢？

ProfessorPerhaps.或许吧。

I frown and verify that the coordinates of [objectTower_b1] on the Rubik's Map is correct, and then put it away.我皱着眉确认了魔方地图上【objectTower_b1】的坐标点无误，便将其收了起来。

ProfessorDo you have an estimate on the number of enemies inside the Watchtower? Do you need me to help with the scouting?哨塔内部的敌人数目有预估么？需不需要我协助进行侦察？

EosNo... The entire structure is very spacious. There are no enemies inside or any high-density operand sources.不……整个建筑很空旷。里面没有敌人，也没有高密度的算量存在。

ProfessorCould the Entropics have destroyed the Halo system inside and simply left?难道熵直接破坏里面的净化圈系统然后离开了？

EosThe video image shows that the Halo device is intact. At least, on the surface, it appears untouched.影像显示净化圈系统装置安全无恙，至少外表看上去没有损毁。

ProfessorIt's quiet... too quiet... I'm starting to feel uneasy.异常的平静……我开始感到不安了。

EosDon't worry, I'll protect you.别担心，我会保护好你的。

We advance into the Watchtower one after the other. Eos is at my back, orienting herself in readiness for battle.一前一后走进哨塔，晨曦落到我的背后，调整为适合战斗的姿态。

EosRelax. No matter what schemes the Entropics might have, they'll have to face us head-on in the end.放轻松，不管它们有什么阴谋，最后终究是要正面交锋的。

ProfessorIf they're gathered in one tower to ambush Eosphorus or Alcyone...如果它们集合一处，蹲守晨星或者雅希恩的话……

EosEosphorus has the relic and he's the strongest fighter among us. You don't need to worry too much about him.晨星手持圣物，战力也是我们当中最强的，不用过多担心。

EosOn Alcyone's side, her Halo is fully activated, so things are safer for her. Even if she meets danger, she can launch an appropriate signal arrow.雅希恩那边的净化圈已被完全启用，情况也比较安全。就算遭遇危机，也会有对应的信号箭发出。

EosHave faith in them. They'll be fine.相信他们，没事的。

ProfessorHm...嗯…………

We continue upwards as we speak. For some reason, the internal structure of the tower feels wrong to me.谈话间，我们层层向上，哨塔内部总给我一些说不清道不明的怪异感。

EosIf you're still worried, why not verify our rendezvous point with the Rubik's Map?如果你还是放不下心的话，不如先通过魔方地图确认一下之后的汇合路线？

EosThat way, we can go to support the other towers right away if something comes up.这样就算发生什么意外，我们也可以第一时间支援其他的哨塔。

ProfessorThat makes sense...有道理……

I take out the Rubik's Map again and change the display to show [objectTower_b2] and [objectTower_b3].再度拿出魔方地图，将显示主体换成了【objectTower_b2】与【objectTower_b3】。

This is when I realize where the problem lies.也就在这一刻，我终于发现了问题所在。

ProfessorThe coordinates...!坐标……！

EosWhat's wrong?怎么了？

ProfessorOur Watchtower is fine, but the coordinates of the other two towers has shifted!我们在的这座哨塔坐标没问题，但另两座哨塔的坐标变了！

I reflexively look toward my blind spot, but what I see shocks me. A shadowy figure emerges from behind us and plunges down on us.下意识地转向视线死角，入幕之景却让我的瞳孔骤然一缩，一抹阴影自后方蔓出，迅疾地刺向我们。

I grab Eos around the waist and tackle her to the ground. A glint of cold light flashes past us, slicing our clothes open.我拦腰搂过晨曦就地一滚，森冷的寒芒贴身掠过，将我们身侧的物件一分为二。

????Aw, you really are a keen one, , but it's too late for you now.哎呀，果然很敏锐呢，但现在发现好像来不及了哟。

????The best way to trick a smart person is to make them think something is wrong, assume a problem exists, and draw their own conclusions.欺骗聪明人的最好办法，就是让他们感觉不对，警觉有问题存在，而后自己推理结果。

????As for me, all I need to do is mess with the conditions needed to arrive at those conclusions and my aim will be achieved~而我，只需要对推理需求的条件动动手脚，就能达成欺骗的目的啦~

The shadowy figure climbs onto the ceiling and dangles down, revealing the bewitching smile of a girl inverted above us.阴影攀上天花板，高高垂落，倒悬的少女笑容妖冶。

????Those 148 sets of suspicious data form a coordinate-shifting command when every single one is entered into the Rubik's Map.引你起疑的148组数据，在输入魔方地图后会拼接成一个针对坐标系的变动指令，少一个字符都不行。

????The web you weave for insects is completely different from the one needed for a beast. Don't you think the ones made with tremor-sensitive silk are great? The smart bugs will study the web and draw close.狩猎虫蚊和狩猎野兽要织的网完全不同，这种通过震颤蛛丝来误导猎物的观感很棒吧？聪明的虫蚊会自发研究蛛丝，而后靠近。

????Now, if it had been that Sanctifier called Atlas instead, I might have gone for a more direct trap.换成那个叫阿特拉斯的净化者，我可能就得尝试更直接一点的陷阱了。

The girl combs her bangs aside and her blade-legs point down at us.少女撩了一下刘海，锋利的足刃指向我们。

安提罗拉Welcome to Antenora's brand new lair, made specially to capture Sanctifiers. This fake Watchtower took me quite a lot of effort to build; I even managed to replicate the weathering, too.欢迎来到安提罗拉为捕食净化者编织的崭新巢穴，这座仿制的哨塔可花了我不少功夫，连做旧都完美还原了哟。

安提罗拉I hope your performance will be worthy of this stage.希望你们的表现，不会辜负我精心布置的舞台呢。

Metamorphosis 茧中嬗变

In the Middle Ring of Tartarus, at the old Sanctifier Watchtower [objectTower_b2].塔尔塔罗斯中环，旧净化者哨塔【objectTower_b2】。

The purple tide of the Entropics is halted outside of the Halo, surrounding the entire area. However, the Entropics remain still. Perhaps they fear the damage that the Halo will do to them, or the petite figure standing guard in front of the Watchtower.紫色的熵潮停留在净化圈之外，将这一片区域团团包围。但是熵们没有行动，或许是惧怕净化圈的伤害，又或是惧怕那个守护在哨塔前方的娇小身影。

熵Graahhh!嘎！

With a twisted cry, the Entropics flood into the Halo from all directions. As they near its center, the horde weakens, deforms, and finally dissolves into Liquid Entropy.伴随着一声诡异的吼叫声，熵潮从四面八方开始涌入净化圈。随着深入中心，熵群逐渐虚弱、变形，如同化为液体。

雅希恩Judgement Arrow!裁决之矢！

The golden arrow parts the purple sea and dispatches countless Entropics.金色的羽箭将紫色的熵潮划开，带走了数不清的熵。

雅希恩Targets struck. Now recharging...命中。再填充开始……

Golden operands gather in Alcyone's hands once again, but it seems as though the Entropic hordes around her have chosen this moment to speed up their advance on the Watchtower.金色的算量在雅希恩的手中再一次汇聚，但是熵潮似乎在等待这一刻一般加速朝着哨塔前进。

雅希恩Sentry guns, fire at will!哨戒炮，自由开火！

熵Graaahhhhh!嘎啊！

The Entropics are mercilessly slain by the fusillade of fire from the sentry guns, and Alcyone uses this brief respite to fully charge her operands.哨戒炮的炮火无情地收割着熵的生命，而雅希恩也借助这个空隙凝聚好了算量。

Her golden arrows and the interlocking fields of fire bring this battle to its conclusion.金色的羽箭和交错的炮火为这一场攻防战划下了圆满的句号。

雅希恩(Pants) Okay, I can do this...呼……这样能行……

雅希恩With the Halo and the Watchtower's defensive armament, I can hold out until the other two Watchtowers activate.净化圈，加上哨塔的防御装置。我能撑到另外两座哨塔启动。

During the battle, Alcyone looks back to where Electra is.战斗间隙，雅希恩回头看向伊拉所在的方向。

系统Repair system operating. Repair progress at 40%.修复系统运转中。修复进度40%。

雅希恩Only 40%? You need to hurry, Electra.才40%吗……要快点醒来啊，伊拉。

雅希恩Until then... I'll do my best, Atlas.在此之前……我会好好努力的，阿特拉斯。

Alcyone strokes the keepsake from Atlas and then looks resolutely outside the Halo again.雅希恩轻轻抚摸着阿特拉斯的遗物，再度坚定地望向净化圈外。

熵Gah grah! Grah gah!嘎嘎！嘎嘎！

雅希恩Not going to give me a break, are you—完全不给人休息的空间啊——

Alcyone draws her longbow, but before she finishes charging up her shot, the Entropic army suddenly splits into three, each plunging into the Halo from a different direction.雅希恩拉开了长弓，但是还没有等雅希恩蓄力完毕。熵潮突然一分为三，朝着不同的方向冲入了净化圈之中。

Alcyone does not hesitate. Instead, she calmly pulls her bowstring back. Her golden arrow scythes down the Entropic horde coming right at her. The sentry guns join the fray as well, targeting the other two groups.雅希恩没有犹豫，只是平静地松开弓弦。金色的羽箭收割了正面袭来的熵群们。而哨戒炮的炮火也同时开火，瞄准另外两路熵。

Under the severe damage inflicted by the gunfire and Halo, the foremost Entropic suddenly collapses. However, the Entropics that follow in its wake absorb its corpses even as they continue forward.炮火和净化圈的双重伤害下，最前方的熵突然倒地。但是后续的熵却一边侵蚀死去熵的身体，一边继续前进。

雅希恩Cannibalizing themselves, are they... These Daemons make me throw up.同类相食吗……邪灵的生态真是让人作呕。

雅希恩Still. Don't think of getting even a single step past me. Behind me stands—但不管怎样，也别想越过我一步，我的身后可是——

Rumble—轰隆——

Alcyone is about to draw her bow back when a violent shaking suddenly occurs from the Watchtower.雅希恩拉开长弓，但是还没有等她射出弓矢，一阵剧烈的震动突然从身后的哨塔传来。

雅希恩This... This is?!这……这是？！

The shaking is accompanied by ripples in the Halo projected by the tower, as though it might vanish at any moment.伴随着震动的发生，哨塔建立的净化圈逐渐开始产生波动。仿佛随时都会溃散一般。

系统Warning! Core control is reporting that Halo is offline.警告！核心控制台，净化圈已下线。

雅希恩Is it a malfunction? Did the Entropics infiltrate the Watchtower?故障？！难道有熵入侵了哨塔？

系统Scanning for abnormal signals...正在检测异常讯号……

系统Core region normal. Repair region normal. Fire control region normal... All regions scanned. No abnormal signals detected.核心区域正常，修复区域正常，火控区域正常……所有区域检测完毕。否定，未检测到异常讯号。

雅希恩The early warning systems are reporting everything is fine...哨戒系统一切正常……

雅希恩Ahhhh, you useless thing! I'll go look myself!呃啊啊没用的东西！我自己去看！

Crack—哗啦——

The wavering Halo shatters, and the writhing Entropics are suddenly revitalized. However, golden arrows drive them back before they can approach the Watchtower.摇摇欲坠的净化圈破碎，原本痛苦的熵们立刻活跃起来。然而还没有等它们进一步靠近哨塔，金色的箭矢再度逼退了它们。

雅希恩Sentry guns, maximum firepower! Hold on until I get back!哨戒炮，火力全开！撑到我回来！

Alcyone fires off a few more explosive arrows to serve as land mines for the Entropics and then quickly flies back inside the tower.雅希恩连射几发爆裂箭为熵布下陷阱，匆忙地向塔内飞去。

Inside the former Sanctifier Watchtower, at the core control terminal.旧净化者哨塔，核心控制台。

雅希恩(Coughs heavily)咳……咳咳咳！

The terminal is surrounded by a cloud of smoke, joined by the occasional spark from short circuits.核心控制台被一股烟雾包裹，控制终端上仍在时不时冒出短路造成的火花。

雅希恩Dammit, when did the Entropics sneak in here?可恶，什么时候被熵溜进来了……？

Alcyone draws her bow back all the way and fires a shot above the console.雅希恩拉满弓，朝着控制台上方空射了一箭。

As the golden arrows streaks past, the wind of its passage sucks all the smoke away and leaves the room clear.金色的箭矢破风而过，瞬间就把烟雾卷走，整个房间一览无余。

雅希恩...Where are they?……在哪？

Her petite body tenses up and she scans the room over and over again, but there are still no Entropics in sight.娇小的身影全身紧绷，一遍一遍的扫描房间，然而却没看到任何熵的影子。

雅希恩Where are you hiding... Oh no!藏到什么地方了…………等等！

雅希恩What if they've gone over to Electra?!不会去了伊拉那里吧？！

Alcyone runs to the repair bay at top speed.雅希恩全力向修复室奔去。

But what awaits her there is the activated repair system.而等待她的，却是已经被开启的修复装置。

雅希恩Electra... She's gone...伊拉……不见了……

雅希恩Electra!! Where are you?!伊拉！！你在哪！

Her reflexes work faster than her conscious mind. Alcyone looks up excitedly, eager to face the owner of that voice.下意识的反应比理性运转的速度更快，雅希恩欣喜地抬起头来，想要转头回应声音的主人——

Stab—噗嗤——

But instead, she is met by a sharp blade piercing into the mound of her abdomen.迎接她的却是刺入小腹的利刃。

雅希恩(Coughs and groans)咳……呜……

Liquid Entropy pours deeply into the wound along the blade's length, and searing pain spreads inside her body. Alcyone looks at the monitor inside through her blurred vision, but it still displays the repair progress.熵化液顺着刀柄深入伤口，灼热的痛楚感在身体里蔓延。雅希恩在模糊的视野中看见屏幕，上面依旧显示着修复系统的进度。

系统Repair system operating. Repair progress at 40%.修复系统运转中。修复进度40%。

??Mhm~ That's right, it's me, Ally.嗯~没错，是我哦~小雅希恩。

雅希恩I-Electra... Why...伊……伊拉……为什么……

That familiar voice, that sudden attack, the ache in her belly, and the constant sound of the alarm...熟悉的声音，突如其来的攻击，腹部的疼痛，以及不断传来的警告音。

伊拉？Ah, you called my name, Big Sis Alcyone.啊，你叫我的名字了，雅希恩姐姐。

系统Warning, High Order Entropic signal detected.警告，检测到高阶熵信号。

雅希恩Electra... You... How did you...伊拉……你……你怎么会……

伊拉？Ah, but it isn't Big Sis Alcyone... but Ally.啊呀，不是雅希恩姐姐呢……而是小雅希恩。

The purple tracery, the strange body shape, and that crazed tone of voice. There is no doubt that this is Entropization.紫色的纹路，诡异的身形，以及那癫狂的语气。毫无疑问，是熵化。

雅希恩Entropization... Daemon... Guh...熵化……邪灵……唔……

Dizziness gnaws at her neural cloud and Alcyone struggles to make out the look on Electra's face amidst the mass of alerts filling her vision.眩晕侵蚀着理智，雅希恩竭力在视野内的一片系统警告声中辨清伊拉的表情。

伊拉Ah, I'm sorry. Are you mad, Big Sis Alcyone? I was just playing a prank.啊，对不起。雅希恩姐姐，你生气了吗？我只是想要做一个恶作剧。

伊拉Does it hurt? Let me heal you.很疼吗？我来帮你治疗。

Purple operands gather in Electra's hands. Electra steps forward, and Alcyone steps back.紫色的算量在伊拉的手中凝聚。伊拉向前一步，而雅希恩向后退去。

伊拉Don't move around, you'll open up the wound. Bear with it, Ally. Soon, you'll be a friend of mine, too.别乱动，会扯到伤口的。稍微忍一下，很快，小雅希恩也能成为我的同伴了。

伊拉I'll be with Big Sis Alcyone forever...能和雅希恩姐姐永远在一起了……

雅希恩Electra...伊拉……

Alcyone bites her lip and backs off to make room between the two of them. The blade removed from her wound as operands drips from it.雅希恩紧咬嘴唇，猛地向后拉开距离。刀尖从伤口抽出，算量汩汩流下。

伊拉Uwah, I told you not to move, that must have hurt, right...呜哇，我都说了别乱动了，这样很疼吧……

雅希恩Stay back!别过来！

Alcyone manages to steady herself, and her hands tremble as she pulls back her bow and aims at the person before her.雅希恩勉强定住身形，颤抖着拉开弓，对准眼前的身影。

雅希恩Electra... No... You're not Electra...伊拉……不……你不是伊拉……

伊拉But I AM Electra, Ally. I'm more awake now than I've ever been. I can sense everything from the past to the future.我就是伊拉哦，小雅希恩。我现在比之前的任何时候都要清醒，能感知到从过去到未来的一切。

伊拉Won't you join me? Along with , Eosphorus, and Eos... We'll all be together, and we'll never lose anything again.和我一起吧？还有、晨星、晨曦……大家都在一起，就什么都不会失去了。

雅希恩How did you become like this...你为什么会变成这样……

伊拉How? Hm~ Why don't you take a guess, Ally?为什么？嗯~小雅希恩猜一猜？

As she looks at Electra's playful expression, a crimson figure suddenly appears in Alcyone's mind.看着伊拉玩味的笑容，一个红色的身影在雅希恩的脑海中浮现。

加伊那Poof!咚！

伊拉What... GWAAAAARGH!什……啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊！

An ominous purple spreads from the High Order Entropic's palm and explodes inside Electra's body.不祥的紫色从红色的高阶熵手心扩散，在伊拉的体内炸裂开来。

系统Warning, system structure damage at 50%. Warning, basic power transmission programs offline. Warning, system turbulence...警告，系统结构损坏率50%。警告，基础传动程序断线。警告，系统程序紊乱……

伊拉Argh... (cough) D-damn you...啊……咳……可……可恶……

雅希恩It was Caina...是加伊那……

伊拉Well done, Ally. You figured it out so soon. That's right, it was thanks to Caina's hard work~不愧是小雅希恩，这么快就意识到问题所在了。没错，是多亏了加伊那的努力哦~

伊拉Although, the reason why this Seed of Entropization could flourish was due to YOUR efforts, Ally.不过，这颗熵化种子能够发育得如此茁壮，可是小雅希恩的功劳哦。

雅希恩Huh? You... What do you mean?诶？你……说什么？

伊拉It's because you were so kind and cautious as to perform a deep repair on me, Ally. That gave the Seed of Entropization the perfect time in which to gestate.因为温柔谨慎的小雅希恩选择了对我进行深度修复，熵化种子才有了完美的孕育空间。

伊拉And the operands from the repair process gave the Seed all the nutrients it needed~ See how lovely it is.而修复过程中的算量为熵化种子提供了充足的养分~你看，这多美妙啊。

Electra runs her claws lightly over her body. She seems very satisfied with her current state.伊拉用利爪抚摸自己的身躯，似乎对于自己现在的模样十分满足。

雅希恩I...我……

As she watches the irrational Electra, Alcyone wants to say something, but the words refuse to leave her throat.看着失常的伊拉，雅希恩想要张嘴说些什么，但是喉咙之中却发不出一丝的声音。

I should have performed a full diagnostic on Electra back then when she skipped it I should have insisted on it if only I had don't leave me Electra it's all my fault I'm sorry Atlas Lord Eosphorus我早就说应该先全面检查的当时伊拉跳过检查我就应该如果我当时再坚持一下不要伊拉别离开我都是我的错对不起阿特拉斯晨星大人

雅希恩Ah...啊……

Alcyone touches her chest in pain, but her eyes are fixed on the Watchtower's core control terminal.雅希恩痛苦地捂着自己的胸口，但是眼睛却死死地盯着哨塔的核心控制台。

雅希恩(Now isn't the time for self-pity!)（现在不是自怨自艾的时候……！）

伊拉Wow... I'm surprised. You're still thinking about how to complete your mission, even now.哇……有点震惊到我了，即使现在你也还是在考虑怎么完成任务呢。

伊拉Earnest and reliable little Ally. Ah, you're just like Big Sis Alcyone was in the past~认真，可靠的小雅希恩。啊，和以前一样，雅希恩姐姐~

伊拉Even when she encountered difficulties, she'd pull herself together. She was small, but she always stood in front of me to protect me.即使遇到困难，也会快速振作。虽然身体娇小，但是却一直守护在我的面前。

Electra slowly walks toward Alcyone, her claws splayed wide. Behind her, hordes of Entropics emerge from the shadows.伊拉缓缓走向了雅希恩，双手的利爪张开。跟随在她身后的是从阴影处浮现的熵群。

伊拉Whenever you find a problem, you need to prepare to deal with it. Do you know how much effort it took us to make these Watchtowers part of us~一旦发现问题，就会为之后做好预案。你知道我要将这些哨戒炮同化成我们的伙伴废了多少功夫吗~

伊拉But it's alright, we're almost there. Just a little more and you won't need to try so hard any more.没事的，只差一点点了。只差一点点，小雅希恩就不再需要努力了。

伊拉Still, can you really do—但你真的能对我动手么——

Whoosh—!咻——！

Alcyone answers with her actions. An arrow flies forth. Electra takes a defensive stance but the razor wind in its wake still grazes her.雅希恩用行动做出了回应。 利箭飞速掠过，伊拉出刀防御，但依旧被箭矢带来的烈风所伤。

雅希恩Don't look down on me.不要小看我。

雅希恩And don't look down on Electra!也不要小看伊拉！

雅希恩Why won't you let me go to the border battlefront? My training scores have exceeded the passing mark many times!为什么不让我去边境战线？明明我的训练分数已经超过标准很多了！

阿特拉斯Ally, it isn't time yet.小雅希恩，还不是时候。

雅希恩What do you mean it isn't time? Is it because I was reset before?为什么还不是时候？就因为我之前重置过吗？

雅希恩I want to go wipe out the Entropics with you and ...我也想和你，和一样去消灭那些熵……

阿特拉斯Aw, it's enough that you're thinking like that, Ally...哎呀，小雅希恩这个想法是很好的啦……

雅希恩Stop treating me like a kid! Didn't we use to go on missions together before I was reset? Why can't I do it now? I...别把我当小孩子！重置前的我是和你们一起执行任务的吧？为什么现在的我不行？我……

??Squishsquish...捏捏……

雅希恩Uwah! Who's that?!呜哇！是谁！

伊拉Ah, your cheeks are so soft and puffy, they feel so good~小雅希恩的脸肉嘟嘟的，手感真好呀~

雅希恩ELECTRA!!伊拉！！

阿特拉斯Hahaha, Electra, are you back from the frontlines?哈哈哈，伊拉，你从边境战线回来啦？

伊拉Yes, I am. What's happening, is Ally being difficult?是呀。怎么啦，小雅希恩怎么在闹别扭啊？

雅希恩I am NOT being difficult! I...才不是闹别扭！我……

雅希恩I just don't want you to treat me like a kid, I want to be like everyone...我才不想被当小孩照顾，我也想和大家一样……

伊拉Ally, the border battlefront is different from your training, you know.小雅希恩，边境防线可和训练场不一样哦。

Electra's smile fades and she gives Alcyone a serious look, but Alcyone gets the feeling that she's looking through her and at someone else.伊拉收起笑容，认真地看向雅希恩，雅希恩却觉得她仿佛在透过自己看另一个人。

伊拉The Entropics' action far surpass what our systems can predict; a single mistake might lead to you and your friends being lost.熵的行动远超系统的模拟运算，一个小小的破绽，或许就会把自己和同伴置入万劫不复的境地。

伊拉Sanctifiers are reset every battle, or even outright deleted... Entropized agents cannot be reset, and the same applies for Sanctifiers, too.每次战斗，都会有净化者被重置、乃至直接被抹除……被熵化后的智能体无法重置，净化者也是如此。

伊拉If you're not prepared, you'll have to end up living with regret and resentment in your heart...如果不做好准备的话，只会一直背负着悔恨……

阿特拉斯Electra, that's enough...好啦好啦，伊拉……

雅希恩I... My fighting power is perfectly fine! I won't mess up!我……我的战斗能力完全没问题！绝对不会失误的！

伊拉Sometimes, there are situations you can't easily escape, even if you don't make mistakes. When I say "you're not prepared", I'm not just referring to your ability to fight.战场上不只有失误，也有难以逃离的安排。我所指的“做好准备”，不只是战斗能力哦。

Electra picks up one of Alcyone's arrows and hands it to her.伊拉拿起雅希恩的一支箭，递给她。

伊拉Defending Magrasea and fighting the Entropics is both our calling as Sanctifiers, and our glory.守护麦戈拉，与熵对抗，这是属于我们净化者的使命，也是荣耀。

伊拉If I were infected by the Entropy and you had to delete me to keep it from spreading, could you do it?如果我被熵感染，现在要抹除我避免熵化扩散，你能做到吗？

伊拉If I were Entropized and you had to fight me to the death, could you shoot this arrow at me?如果我已经熵化了，要与我殊死搏杀，你可以射出这一箭吗？

雅希恩Who... Who says I can't!?!有……有什么不行的！

Alcyone snatches the arrow from Electra and squeezes it tightly.雅希恩一把夺过伊拉手中的箭，紧紧握住。

雅希恩If that day really comes...如果真的到那一天……

伊拉You're shaking, Ally.你在颤抖哦，小雅希恩。

伊拉You're not ready yet.你还没有做好准备。

雅希恩I...我……

伊拉Your arrow isn't ready to kill.你的箭里没有杀意。

阿特拉斯Alright, alright, we're not training now, so better put that arrow away.好啦好啦，现在不是训练时间，还是把箭收起来吧。

Atlas waves his hand to break up the deadlock between them.阿特拉斯挥了挥手，打断了二人的僵持。

阿特拉斯You've been at the border battlefront all this time and only just came back. You should get some rest, Electra.伊拉这段时间都在边境防线，好不容易回来，就抓紧休息一下吧。

伊拉...Hehehe, I guess I AM feeling a little tired.……呵呵呵，我可能真的是有点累了。

Electra looks down at her clothes, which are spattered with operands and Liquid Entropy. Her smile is back on her face when she looks up again.伊拉看着被溅上算量与熵化液的衣摆，再度抬头时，又恢复了笑容。

伊拉Sorry for being so stern just now, Ally. Ahhhh, I'm not supposed to have a personality like that—对不起啦，小雅希恩，刚才有点太严肃了。哎呀，我本来不是这种人设的啦——

伊拉To apologize, why don't I take you with me next time when I slack off?为了表示歉意，下次训练的时候就带你一起摸鱼吧。

雅希恩I'm not going to slack off!谁要摸鱼啦！

阿特拉斯Hahaha, still, you're right, Electra. It's always good to be prepared.哈哈哈，不过伊拉说得也对，多做些准备总是好的。

阿特拉斯Once Ally is ready...等小雅希恩什么时候做好准备了……

雅希恩...It'll be time for me to set foot on the battlefield.……就是真正能踏上战场的时候了。

雅希恩And right now, this is the battlefield.而现在，就是在战场。

Alcyone takes a deep breath, then disengages the annoying system alerts and her pain modules.雅希恩深吸一口气，关掉了扰人的系统警告和痛觉模块。

伊拉Oh my, the look in your eyes has changed, Ally.啊呀，小雅希恩的眼神变了呢。

雅希恩Look at me, Electra.伊拉，看着我。

雅希恩This time, I won't let you bear that regret again.这一次，我绝不会再让你背负悔恨了。

Alcyone opens the repair system's real-time update window and checks it again for the nth time.不知第几次，雅希恩再次点开了修复系统的实时状态。

The Entropic army beyond the Halo rallies itself and mounts another charge.净化圈外的熵群重整旗鼓，又一次开始发动冲锋。

雅希恩But I won't be careless again this time!但这次我绝不会再大意了！

雅希恩Remaining operands... 17%. Commence battle!剩余算量……17%。开始战斗！

Of course I knew that the "Alcyone" from before the reset was your big sister. I learned that instantly from a casual search of the database.我当然知道重置之前的“雅希恩”，是你的姐姐。这种资料随便检索一下就查到了。

But she wasn't me.但那并不是我。

The "Alcyone" in your heart must have been someone you cherished more than anyone else.你心里的“雅希恩”，一定是你无比重视的人吧。

But I don't remember anything about her.但我什么都不记得。

If you wanted to use me as a substitute for her, I could have cooperated with you and become her.如果你把我当做替代品的话，我也可以配合你，我也可以成为她。

Or, if you didn't want to see me, I could have simply stayed away from you.或者如果你不想见到我，我也可以完全回避你。

Whatever you wanted, I could accommodate and make it work—总之我怎样都好，我可以配合你——

At least, that's what I thought would happen, but then you skipped up to me and called me your little sister.我本以为会是这样，然而你却蹦蹦跳跳地叫我妹妹。

You even forced me to eat chocolates.还强行塞巧克力给我吃。

Eating is pointless for a Sanctifier, and that stuff was bitter and sweet...进食行为对净化者来说毫无意义，这东西还又苦又甜的……

You never once mentioned the "Alcyone" from before to me.你从未对我提起过之前的“雅希恩”。

That was a relief. Having a big sister felt pretty good, too.感觉松了一口气。感觉有个姐姐也挺好的。

And... the chocolate... It tasted good, too...感觉……巧克力……还蛮好吃的……

雅希恩Remaining operands... 13%.剩余算量……13%。

??No need to shout, I'm here~别喊了，就在这里哦~

晨星Since we've confirmed that the Halos exist, and that they have a suppressive effect on the Entropics...既然确认了净化圈的存在，并且也确认了净化圈确实有压制熵的效果……

晨星Then it is time for us to strike back and cleanse these Daemons. All Sanctifiers, take heed.那么是时候反攻，净化这些邪灵了。全体净化者听命。

晨星Alcyone, you will hold this Watchtower and ensure the safety of this Halo.雅希恩负责镇守这一座哨塔，确保当前净化圈的安全。

晨星You will also be in charge of Electra's treatment.伊拉的救治也交由你负责了。

The Third Arrow 第三支箭

雅希恩Judgement Arrow!裁决之矢！

A golden arrow slays an Entropic trying to approach the core control terminal.金色的弓矢将一只试图接近核心控制台的熵击毙。

伊拉Where are you looking at, Ally~小雅希恩，你在看哪里啊~

Alcyone senses the air moving from a strike behind her and immediately pivots while drawing her bow. Behind the sharp claws pointed at her, Alcyone meets Electra's eyes.感受到身后的劲风，雅希恩翻身拉开弓弦。越过锋利的利爪，雅希恩与伊拉四目相对。

雅希恩Urgh...唔……

The golden arrow flies forth, but Electra merely gives a wicked smile, easily catching the arrow's shaft.金色的弓矢射出，但是伊拉却邪魅地一笑。利爪轻松抓住了箭矢。

雅希恩What?!什么？！

Ally frantically pulls back for another shot, but she's too late.雅希恩急忙再次拉开弓弦，但是却慢了一步。

雅希恩Ack...咳啊……

Electra's claws have Alcyone's throat in a death grip and they lift her off the ground. Her other hand punches at the stab wound on Alcyone's belly.利爪死死地掐住了雅希恩的喉咙，将雅希恩高高举起。另一只手狠狠锤向雅希恩被捅伤的小腹。

伊拉You're so amazing, Big Sis Alcyone~ You destroyed aaaalll the Entropics that took me so long to make. But that's alright. Those guys from outside will be here with us soon enough.雅希恩姐姐~真的是厉害啊，把我好不容制造出来的熵全部消灭了。不过没事的，外面的伙伴们很快就会来到我们的身边。

Electra crushes the golden arrow in her hand and the menacing smile on her face sends a chill down Alcyone's spine.伊拉单手捏碎了一根金色的箭矢，脸上邪气的笑容让人毛骨悚然。

雅希恩It's not... over... Aaaaahhhhhh!还没有……结……啊啊啊啊啊！

伊拉Oh dear... I'm sorry, that must have hurt.啊……对不起，弄疼你了。

Electra extends a claw and gently rubs at Alcyone's face.伊拉伸出利爪轻轻地擦拭着雅希恩脸颊。

伊拉(Sigh) You look all filthy and injured... Looks like you really HAVE been working hard, Ally.唉，浑身脏兮兮的，还满身伤痕……小雅希恩真的很努力了呢。

伊拉It's alright, it's okay now. I'll send you to the repair bay... and soon you'll be just as lively as me, Big Sis Alcyone.没事的，已经没事了。不会痛的，我马上送你去修复装置那里……很快雅希恩姐姐就会像我一样活蹦乱跳了。

伊拉You'll survive this time, Big Sis. I'm sure of it.这一次，姐姐一定可以活下来，一定会的。

雅希恩Electra...伊拉……

Electra suddenly exerts her strength and the force fills Alcyone with pain. She thrashes her legs around, trying to struggle free, but it does no damage to Electra whatsoever.伊拉突然发力，强大的力量让雅希恩痛苦万分。雅希恩扑腾着双脚尝试挣脱，但是却无法对伊拉造成任何的伤害。

伊拉Don't worry, Ally. This is a necessary step to plant a Seed of Entropization.不用担心，小雅希恩，这是种下熵化种子的必要步骤。

伊拉It'll go easier for you if you pass out. Relax and leave it all to me.先晕过去会比较轻松一点，放心交给姐姐我就好了。

雅希恩Ah... (chokes and groans) Sentry... guns... FIRE!啊……嗬……啊……哨戒……炮……开火！

伊拉Hm? ...Ugh!嗯？……唔！

As the sentry guns open up on her, Electra hurriedly lets go of Alcyone and backs off to avoid the streams of gunfire from all sides.面对突然出现的哨戒炮，伊拉急忙松开了雅希恩向后退了一步，避开了四道铁流的攻击。

伊拉Whew, that was close. Well done, Ally, to think you had other sentry guns ready...好危险，好危险。不愧是小雅希恩呢，居然还准备了其他的哨戒炮……

伊拉But where were these sentry guns originally hidden? I searched veeery carefully around the control terminal, you know~ Even though I've lost most of my permissions, I should still have been able to find them.但是这些哨戒炮，原本究竟藏在了哪里呢？我很仔细地检查了核心控制台附近呀~即使我现在失去大部分权限，也不应该发现不了才对。

雅希恩(Coughs heavily)……咳咳咳咳……

Alcyone grabs her throat in pain, but she still keeps the sentry guns pointed toward Electra.雅希恩痛苦地护住自己的咽喉，但是却依旧操控着哨戒炮瞄准着伊拉所在的位置。

雅希恩Electra... wake up!伊拉……快清醒过来！

伊拉I've always been wide awake, Big Sis Alcyone. But why are you rejecting me, Ally~我一直很清醒哦，雅希恩姐姐。为什么小雅希恩要拒绝我呢~

As Electra looks at her with an evil grin on her face, Alcyone has no choice but to back up several steps to keep a distance between them.面对一脸邪气的伊拉，雅希恩不由得后退了数步拉开距离。

雅希恩(The state of Electra's Entropization... It might already be...)（伊拉的熵化程度……或许已经……）

EosHehehe, you're so reliable, Ally. Still, it isn't yet time for you to use your strength, so just leave it to me for now.呵呵呵，小雅希恩真的很可靠呢。不过现在还不是需要你发力的时候，先交给我吧。

EosIn turn, I'll be leaving Electra to you.相对的，伊拉就拜托你了。

晨星You will also be responsible for Electra's treatment.伊拉的救治也交由你负责了。

雅希恩I'm sorry, Eos... And Lord Eosphorus... I couldn't protect her...对不起晨曦……还有晨星大人……我没有能够守护好她……

伊拉Are you worried about Eosphorus and Eos, Ally? It's alright. Lady Malkira will reunite us all.小雅希恩是在担心晨星和晨曦吗？没关系的，梅尔吉娅大人会让我们重聚在一起的。

伊拉Along with , of course. Ah, and Atlas , too! I'm sure Lady Malkira will be able to resurrect him and bring us all back together!当然还有。啊，也包括阿特拉斯哦！梅尔吉娅大人一定能够将他复活，让我们重聚！

雅希恩Atlas...阿特拉斯……

Among Electra's mad ravings, that name strums on Alcyone's nerves.伊拉癫狂的话语中，那个名字触动了雅希恩的神经。

伊拉That's right, we'll be just like before, all together again...没错，我们很快就可以像以前一样，在一起了……

Whoosh—唰——

A golden arrow sinks into the ground near Electra's foot.一根金色的羽箭，钉在了伊拉的脚边。

伊拉Big Sis Alcyone, I told you that half-hearted attacks like this—雅希恩姐姐，都说了这种没有杀意的攻击——

雅希恩That's right, Atlas is dead. Sanctifiers killed by Entropics in Tartarus... There's no repairing them, no resetting them...没错，阿特拉斯已经逝去了。在塔尔塔罗斯被熵杀死的净化者……无法被修复，无法被重置……

雅希恩All we can do is wait for the Pantheon... to generate something similar to them.只能等候万圣之殿的圣典之中再一次诞生……相似的存在。

雅希恩However...但是……

伊拉Defending Magrasea and fighting the Entropics is both our calling as Sanctifiers, and our glory.守护麦戈拉，与熵对抗，这是属于我们净化者的使命，也是荣耀。

雅希恩However, Atlas fulfilled his calling. And I won't let anyone insult him; not even you, Electra!但是阿特拉斯贯彻了自己的使命。即使是伊拉你，我也不允许你侮辱他！

雅希恩This is an honor that belongs to a Sanctifier!这是属于净化者的荣耀！

Alcyone fires three signal arrows in rapid succession out of the Watchtower.雅希恩朝着哨塔外连续射出了三根信号箭。

伊拉Signal arrows... It seems you've made up your mind, Ally.信号箭……看来你已经下定决心了呀，小雅希恩。

伊拉...Very well. Perhaps I was looking forward to this day.……也好，或许我早就期盼着这一天了。

An eerie, murderous aura erupts from Electra's body.诡异的煞气从伊拉身上喷涌而出。

雅希恩...We hone our blades in the darkness, we defend order in the face of chaos, we bear a light in the long night.……吾等当在黑暗中磨炼刀锋，在混沌前坚守秩序，在长夜中点燃光明。

雅希恩We must not abuse our power because we are strong, and neither can we abandon our responsibilities because we are weak.不可因强大而妄为，不可因弱小而逃避。

Alcyone holds her hand across her chest as she recites the Sanctifiers' creed.雅希恩将手横与胸口，虔诚地念出了净化者的戒言。

雅希恩For we heed the revelations of God, and we act to carry out His will.因吾等是聆听神的启示，履行神的意志而行。

雅希恩Because we obey the same voice, together in eternity.因吾等在永恒中，共同遵照唯一的声音。

Alcyone takes a deep breath.雅希恩深深地吸了一口气。

雅希恩Come, Electra. Let's fight until all the Halos in the Middle Ring go online.来吧，伊拉，就让我们战斗到整个中环的净化圈启动的那一刻。

伊拉Oh, Ally. You look so cute when you try so hard, but you really need to face the facts, you know.小雅希恩，虽然努力的样子非常可爱，但是认清现实也十分重要哦。

A crumbling noise from outside the Watchtower accompanies Electra's words.伴随着伊拉的话语，哨塔的外壁传来了崩塌的声音。

熵Graahhh—嘎——

The Entropic army begins pouring into the Watchtower through a breach in the wall, but Alcyone does not waver.熵潮开始顺着破损的外壁涌入了哨塔之中，但是雅希恩却没有一丝动摇。

雅希恩If you've forgotten what those words mean, then I will help you remember.如果你已经忘记了这些话语的分量，那么就由我来帮你回忆。

雅希恩If you have become the darkness, then I shall become the flare that lights up the night!如果你已经化为黑暗，那么就由我化为划破长夜的利箭！

Alcyone nocks an arrow and takes aim at Electra's chest.雅希恩拈弓搭箭，瞄准了伊拉的胸口。

雅希恩As a Greater Sanctifier, this is what I must do. Both for Atlas...这是我……作为上位净化者，为了阿特拉斯……

雅希恩And for you!也是为了你……必须达成的使命！

雅希恩Why won't you let me go to the border battlefront? My training scores have exceeded the passing mark many times!为什么不让我去边境战线？明明我的训练分数已经超过标准很多了！

阿特拉斯Ally, it isn't time yet.小雅希恩，还不是时候。

雅希恩What do you mean it isn't time? Is it because I was reset before?为什么还不是时候？就因为我之前重置过吗？

雅希恩I want to go wipe out the Entropics with you and ...我也想和你，和一样去消灭那些熵……

阿特拉斯Aw, it's enough that you're thinking like that, Ally...哎呀，小雅希恩这个想法是很好的啦……

雅希恩Stop treating me like a kid! Didn't we use to go on missions together before I was reset? Why can't I do it now? I...别把我当小孩子！重置前的我是和你们一起执行任务的吧？为什么现在的我不行？我……

??Squishsquish...捏捏……

雅希恩Uwah! Who's that?!呜哇！是谁！

伊拉Ah, your cheeks are so soft and puffy, they feel so good~小雅希恩的脸肉嘟嘟的，手感真好呀~