Echoes of Silver (II)

A short while later—

Belle: Anby, are you going out?

Anby: Yeah. Is there anything you'd like me to bring back? Juice, burgers, milk, burgers, or anything?
I might pass by a store on the way back from the Hollow.

Wise: Off to the Hollows again, just like that?

Anby: I made an agreement with someone.
Rest assured, I've already prepared the Carrot. I won't need to bother you this time, Proxy.

Belle: We don't need milk or burgers. We just want you to return safe and sound.

Anby: Don't worry, I will. In that case...

I'll be off. (Enter combat)

(Start Glory of the Past)

Wait a minute.

(Exit dialogue)

(Talk to Trigger)

Trigger: You're very punctual.

Anby: Back then... I used to make soldiers who were late do push-ups.

Trigger: Soldier 11 is the same. As long as I've known her, she's never missed an appointment, nor has she even been out of contact...

Trigger: ...

Anby: We'll find her, Trigger. Can I call you Trigger?

Trigger: Please do. I don't have any nicer-sounding names.

Anby: This time, leave the fighting to me. All you need to do is carefully observe my movements.

Trigger: Don't worry, I'll cover you. When I deem it necessary.

(After the conversation)

Trigger: Let me take a good "look" at your movements.

(Defeat the first group of enemies)

Anby: Unfortunately, the enemy is too weak. I won't be able to show you my full combat abilities.

Trigger: You don't strike me as the type of person who'd say something like that.

(Defeat the second group of enemies)

Silver Memories

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Silver Memories

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Video Summary: The darkness of the past is slowly eroding the edges of the present reality.

Story Description: The purpose behind Silver Company's research is mass production of replica soldiers — Anby, a former captain of Silver Company shared this classified information.

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Trigger: I see now. There's no mistaking it, you really are that "Anby"...

Trigger: A person's fighting style is a raw response in life-and-death situations. It can't be easily faked like a resume or some other physical token.

Trigger: You and Soldier 11... The way you fight and use Ether... it's nearly identical. Incredible, you're...

Anby: We're sisters... Assuming that "sisters" means "replicas from the same blueprint," that is.

Trigger: So, the rumors circulating in the military about Silver Company... they're really true?!

Anby: How much have you heard?

Trigger: Only that Silver Company no longer exists. But, biologically creating soldiers in mass quantities... How could that even be possible?

Anby: From what I know, besides Intelligent Constructs, everyone is born biologically.
Delivered by storks, so they say.

Anby: So, making one isn't much different from making a hundred.

Trigger: ...Was that supposed to be a joke?

Anby: Yeah... My jokes never really hit the mark. Sorry about that.

Trigger: No, I'm the one who should be saying sorry... I was just astonished. I never thought the military had this level of technology...

Trigger: If they could mass-produce soldiers, then why would they still...

Anby: — I understand. If they could use replicas as cannon fodder, then why still risk human lives? That's what you're thinking, right?

Trigger: I was trying to say it in a more... diplomatic way.

Anby: It's okay, I won't take offense. Not over this.

Anby: They'd probably say the reason is because replicas are simply too expensive.

Anby: While a Silver Company soldier could change the game, it costs nearly as much as training a top-tier general and paying their fees and pension for their family.

Anby: The real cost isn't in creating the mind or body, but in replicating the subject's unique physical abilities, mental aptitude, and reflexes.

Anby: And what's even more costly is that, for reasons that were not fully understood when the research was halted, these unique qualities couldn't be fully replicated in mass production.

Anby: As for the "inferior" ones... they were deemed as disposable.

Trigger: Anby... That's not what I meant.

Anby: Yeah, I'm sure you didn't... but there's always someone who does mean that.

Anby: There's always someone with an agenda, trying to use us. Maybe that's why the Silver Company fell.

Anby: I won't forgive those people, any of them. However, the downfall itself isn't entirely a bad thing.

Anby: With Silver Company gone, their evil technology was lost with it.

Anby: Or so I thought...
Until now.

Trigger: Silver's revival... So, you're saying someone has resurrected that technology?

Trigger: Soldier 11's abduction seems linked to this... I have to admit, your theory has some merit.

Trigger: But as far as I know, all the data from that time was erased. Could it be the Defense Force...

Trigger: Hold on... Something doesn't add up.

Anby: What are you thinking about?

Trigger: If they truly wanted to secretly revive this technology, they wouldn't need to take Soldier 11 at all.

Trigger: I know my squadmate. All it would take is an order from up top and she'd put herself on the operating table without a peep.

Anby: ...Really? So that's how she is now.

Trigger: She's the model example of a loyal soldier. Isn't that how you remember Soldier 11?

Anby: No... I never knew a "Soldier 11" in the past, only...

(Ethereals howl nearby)

Trigger: How could this be happening...? There shouldn't be so many Ethereals here.

Anby: I recognize this formation. We once used it to battle Ethereals.

Trigger: What?

Anby: ...It's another legacy of Silver Company. Back then, we had a brilliant sister who excelled in strategy over combat.

Anby: Let's handle this. The person we're after must be behind it.

(After the cutscene)

Anby: TW-CA Type III...

Trigger: Is that the name of that formation?

(While fighting the Dullahan)

Anby: This feels familiar. I don't like it.

Trigger: Not one for nostalgia? I'm starting to understand you more now.

(Defeat the Dullahan)

(Someone watches from a distance, before leaving through a fissure)

Trigger: Anby, what is that...?

Anby: ...That's the old Silver Squad uniform.

Trigger: I see. Let's give chase.

(Enter the fissure)

Twiggy

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Twiggy

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Video Summary: The darkness of the past is slowly eroding the edges of the present reality.

Story Description: It was Twiggy, a former member of Silver Company, who captured Soldier 11.

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Inside a lab tucked away in a building somewhere...

One-Eyed Girl: Huff... Huff... As expected of Captain... Her skills... They're still as sharp as ever...

One-Eyed Girl: Truly remarkable. I feel honored just being her "defect." Silver Squad can't be without its captain...

One-Eyed Girl: Ugh, ouch... Get me some meds, A.

Girl A: ...

One-Eyed Girl: Ouch! You're the worst of any defect! I know you can't talk, but is there something wrong with your nerves too?! Be gentle!

Girl A: ...

One-Eyed Girl: Seriously, I have fewer and fewer parts of my original body, and yet I feel more and more pain. I'm curious why that is...

Girl A: ...

Twiggy: But you wouldn't understand such a complex question, would you? Because you're an idiot.

Girl A: ...

Twiggy: Enough. Stop making that miserable noise. Now, about our "subject"... she's still alive, right?

Girl A: ...

Looking Back in Despair

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Looking Back in Despair

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Video Summary: The darkness of the past is slowly eroding the edges of the present reality.

Story Description: Twiggy lost her limbs in a past accident. She brought Soldier 11 here intending to harvest her biological tissue for research.

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Twiggy: Ah... There you are. So, they call you "Soldier 11" now, right? Heh, what a hideous name.

Twiggy: But looking at you now... you do have a pretty face. Pretty... and pitiful... This face is the only thing we left have [sic] in common.

Soldier 11: ...

Twiggy: Aside from that, I'm nothing like you. I've lost all my limbs. I'm no longer a "complete" member of Silver Squad.

Twiggy: And I need a complete body for the experiment... Which is why... I need you.

Twiggy: What? You're asking me what happened? But you should know what happened that day. It was... the day you weren't there.

Twiggy: Captain Anby traded herself for you. Even with her incredible strength... she could only save one of us.

Twiggy: But why did it have to be you? Why not me? Why not Twiggy? Tell me, why?

Twiggy: They were all... dead. Heaps and heaps of corpses, crushing me...

Twiggy: When they found me, my limbs were severely corrupted... I couldn't move! I couldn't fight back! I used to be a soldier, ready to defend this city, but that day, I was...

Eavesdropping

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Eavesdropping

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Video Summary: The darkness of the past is slowly eroding the edges of the present reality.

Story Description: After tracking down the location, Anby learns about the situation.

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Girl A: ...

Twiggy: Hey! What do you think you're doing?! You startled me!

Girl A: ...

Twiggy: Alright, fine. You're just here to remind me, right? They're here to pick up today's shipment.

Twiggy: I'll go handle it. After that... I'll come back and tell you the rest of today's story.

Meanwhile, outside the lab.
Anby and Trigger press their ears against the frosty steel door, listening closely for any sounds inside.

Trigger: It seems Soldier 11 is being held captive here. So, what's the plan?

Anby: The plan...?

Trigger: Shhh. Let's discuss it over there.

Trigger: Anby, what's the current plan?

Anby: It's very simple. I don't even need a map to explain it.

Anby: "Infiltrate the place and rescue Soldier 11."

Trigger: Go on, I'm listening.

Anby: That's it.

Trigger: That's the whole plan?

Anby: Yup. Please provide support from outside.

Trigger: ...

Trigger: ...

Anby: This is something I have to settle alone. If anyone can do it, it's me.

Trigger: ...Is this how Silver Squad always operates?

Anby: I'm the captain, and so that's how it's always been done. However, back then, there was usually a backup plan.

Anby: Twiggy... was always in charge of the backup plans.

Trigger: Twiggy. If I'm not mistaken, she's the enemy we're facing now, right?

Anby: ...I don't know... why she's become like this.

Trigger: Her backup plans... What's her style?

Anby: First, feign weakness, before turning the tables with unorthodox tactics. For her, no cost is too great to regain the upper hand.

Trigger: That does sound like a proper backup plan.
After all, it's a plan that would only be utilized when every other option has been exhausted.

Trigger: I'll keep in contact with you through the headset. Don't try to be a hero, Anby. If anything happens to you—

Anby: You won't be able to save Soldier 11 on your own, right? I understand, and I'll be careful.

Trigger: ...I was going to try to be supportive, but since you don't need it, never mind then...

Infiltrate the Lab

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Infiltrate the Lab

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Video Summary: In order to rescue, or to alter.

Story Description: Anby sneaks into the lab, seemingly undetected by Twiggy.

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Anby sneaks into the lab through an unguarded air duct.
The metal ducts are freezing cold, stinging her skin...

Anby: This place is... cold.

Trigger: I sensed the frigid air from outside. It carries a strange scent, too.

Twiggy: ♪~

Anby: !!!

Trigger: Someone's entering... Are you hidden?

Anby: ...Don't worry. It's dark here and the machines are pretty noisy, they won't detect me.

---

Twiggy: Aha! Soldier 11, wakey-wakey! Hmmm, that's odd... I know I've taken quite a few samples from you and injected some meds, but you'll tough it out, won't you? Won't you~?

Twiggy: Do you enjoy being pampered... because you're the youngest sister? Oh, that won't do. Get up and play with me.

Soldier 11: ...

Twiggy: Good, that's my girl. Now, let's continue our story. Where was I?

Twiggy: Ah yes, about how some kind scavengers found me without limbs... Hehe, such kindhearted folks...

Twiggy: They... sold me. And, unfortunately, my ignorant new owner couldn't see any use for a limbless worm like me, so I was sold off again.

Twiggy: I was treated like merchandise on the black market, sold alongside gangster stuff and modded Bangboo.

Twiggy: That's when I realized we Silver Company soldiers weren't any different from Bangboo, just made of flesh and blood. The only real distinction is... we feel more pain.

Twiggy: And that's when I met her.

The Dark Past

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 The Dark Past

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Video Summary: In order to rescue, or to alter.

Story Description: Twiggy revealed her attempt to restart the Silver Company research had received financial backing from an unknown organization.

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Twiggy: She bought me as a "trophy girl," cut me open, and operated on me... checking my internal organs by hand. Anesthesia doesn't work on us. You know that, right? Heh, so it hurt... it hurt like hell.

Twiggy: Then, out of the blue, she smiled at me... Looking back now, I think she must've noticed something unusual about my body.

Twiggy: She told me that she was once a military doctor, but was discharged, and now worked as a rogue doctor. She was familiar with everything about Silver Company and... was willing to "help" me.

Twiggy: So, I underwent surgery and received mechanical prosthetics. Nothing too fancy, I don't think I'll ever use them for combat, but they serve their purpose, helping me stand and do calculations.

Twiggy: My true value... lies in my memory. You see, my brain is the only thing that has remained intact.

Twiggy: Thus, I remember everything.

Twiggy: I remember our home and the times spent with our sisters. I remember that as long as we fought alongside our captain, we were considered the most powerful fighting force.

Twiggy: I remember assisting in their research and using my own two hands to welcome new sisters into this world.

Twiggy: That rogue doctor used her connections to get me some incomplete research data. Using my fragmented memories combined with that data, I was able to piece things together... and now, I've nearly revived the technology of Silver Company.

Twiggy: Fortunately, I've remembered... I've survived and can recall our past. And now, reforming Silver Squad is my mission.

Twiggy: Because this is my home. Our home.

Imminent Battle

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Imminent Battle

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Video Summary: In order to rescue, or to alter.

Story Description: Anby has been spotted. Get ready to face off with Twiggy.

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Twiggy: So? Do you like my plan... Captain Anby?

Anby: ...When did you notice me?

Girl A: ...!

Twiggy: My little puppy spotted you a while ago and I instructed her to raise the alarm.

Anby: ...

Twiggy: You know, Captain... I'm actually glad you're here. I've been thinking that we need to talk.

Anby: Give her back, and then we'll talk.

Twiggy: If you want her, come get her yourself.

Anby rushes out of the lab and reunites with Trigger...

(After the cutscene)

Anby: Trigger!

Trigger: Say no more. I've got it.

(Defeat all enemies)

Now and Then

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Now and Then

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Video Summary: We could once gaze at the same spot.

Story Description: Seeing Twiggy's predicament, Anby hoped to atone together, but Twiggy rejected the offer. She gave Soldier 11 back to Anby, seemingly with another plan in mind.

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Twiggy: That's the Captain Anby I know. Cleaning your knives with the filthy blood of this scum suits you.

Girl A: ...?

Twiggy: Don't give me that, idiot. Now you're worried about whose side I'm on... Our side, of course!

Twiggy: I created you, so you never saw Captain Anby in her prime. After everything I've been through... I thought I would have forgotten, but I still remember.

Twiggy: So, have you ditched the uniform, Captain?

Anby: Twiggy...

Twiggy: I'd keep it as pajamas if I were you. It's nice to reminisce about the days of glory and agony, isn't it?

Anby: I never knew you were still alive, Twiggy.

Twiggy: Yeah, I was always the worst at fighting, but I survived... It's only natural for you not to expect that, Captain.

Anby: You're not as terrible a fighter as you think. Your sharp mind makes up for it.

Twiggy: Yes. You said something similar before. I'll never forget that.
You persuaded them to keep me and you encouraged me to... acknowledge my true value.

Twiggy: You're right, I am valuable, I understand that all too well now. Trash may perish easily, but not me. I'm valuable... precious, even... There's always someone who sees value in me, just like you did before.

Twiggy: Sometimes I wonder... If I were just an ordinary citizen in New Eridu and not part of Silver Squad, maybe I could have become a researcher at the White Star Institute, studying deep topics like, "Three Forms of Etheric Manifestation in Specific Hollows."

Twiggy: Sure, I might be sharp, but there are different kinds of smart... Growing up in Silver Squad, I had no street smarts... competing for profit, seeing through lies, and striving for a better life with limited resources.

Twiggy: These I had to learn the hard way... year after year.

Anby: You've been through a lot. Is that why you're doing this now?

Twiggy: I don't need a reason, at least not one to convince you. The only person I've needed to convince is my backer.

Anby: You know better than anyone... Silver Company was an evil undertaking. That technology should never resurface.

Twiggy: Evil? Are you suggesting that you, I, and our sisters were all evil?

Anby: We are evil incarnate.

Twiggy: So, we should all just be destroyed?

Anby: No. But we should not continue in our evil.

Twiggy: Oh, I see. That's very enlightening, Captain.

Twiggy: We should be eating burgers, watching movies, working a job, and going on dates... Instead of being maimed, sold, tortured, and struggling to survive.

Twiggy: You know I care for you, Captain Anby. Whatever you do, I won't hold it against you, but that doesn't mean you can stand here and say these things so lightly to my face...

Anby: You know where I am, don't you?

Twiggy: ...

Anby: You know where I live, what burgers I like, what movies I watch, and who I spend time with.

Anby: Since you know... You're welcome to visit me anytime, Twiggy.

Twiggy: ...!

Anby: I'm your captain. I'll personally deliver the punishment you deserve, and then... seek redemption with you together.

Twiggy: Captain...

Anby: We can still make things right before you make a greater mistake.

Twiggy: ... ...

Anby: Fortunately, I found you before things got any worse. I have so much to tell you, but maybe another time. For now, we should...

The conversation is interrupted. Anby is stunned to see a body tossed in front of her...

It's Soldier 11. She's pale, but there are still signs of life in her and she's breathing faintly.

Twiggy: Alright, I'm returning your favorite girl. Now we're even, Anby.

Anby: Twiggy?

Twiggy: I said we're even. From now on, you can stop acting like a captain... and save this foolish talk.

Twiggy kicks the limp Soldier 11 on the ground. Anby quickly lifts her up and hands her to Trigger.

Trigger: Soldier 11! Wake up, Soldier 11...!
Anby, she doesn't look good. We need to get out of this Hollow ASAP.

Anby: ...I see how it is.

Anby: Twiggy... I'll be back. I won't just abandon you.

Twiggy: You sicken me. Like I said, just save the foolish talk. I can't stand to hear that kind of mush from someone who looks exactly like me.

Anby: It's not mush... And I hope you'll get used to it.

Anby: Let's go, Trigger.

Twiggy stands and watches as Anby leaves.

Twiggy: Hey.
Go contact "you know who."

Girl A: ...!

Twiggy: Ugh, cut the crap. You think I don't realize I shouldn't cut the middleman and contact the client directly...?
But look at the mess we're in! The junk she's brought won't fix this!

Girl A: ...

Twiggy: Our best shot is exploiting Anby's inner weakness.

Twiggy: She's let go of her most lethal weapon – her daring and ruthless fighting style.
Now she's like a hired gun with a family to feed, focused on surviving to get the paycheck.

Twiggy: I can handle her if we exploit that.
But I need to keep everything in check... or else... all my efforts so far will have been...

Deep Male Voice: ...You've been diligent, little Twiggy.

Twiggy: Stop calling me that.

Deep Male Voice: As you know, your research is crucial. You're just like me... We're here to foster hope, our work is the only cause worth fighting for in this world.

Deep Male Voice: Of course, I understand. Sometimes, when hope is scarce, certain issues can only be resolved with sheer violence.

Deep Male Voice: The stuff I mentioned last time is ready. Send some of your people to retrieve it.
It's not exactly "New" Eridu tech, so use it carefully.

Trigger: Anby... Are you okay?

Anby: ...

Trigger: It's fine. I understand if you don't feel like talking right now.

Anby: How is her— How is Soldier 11's condition?

Trigger: ...The answer will only make you feel worse.

Trigger: She still hasn't regained consciousness. As you requested, I left her at the Random Play video store. The kind siblings working there are taking care of her as we speak.

Trigger: It's been so long, but the shop has barely changed... Ah! Now's not the time to be talking about that.

Trigger: You must be anxious to see her. Come with me.

Anby follows Trigger to the video store—

Wise: Anby, you're back. Looks like whatever you got mixed up in this time was pretty serious.

Belle: Anything you want to know?

Anby: Soldier 11... How is her condition?

Wise: Stable. That's all I can say.

Wise: Her body temperature, heart rate, and pulse are all remaining stable.
Honestly, given her current state, that's actually quite abnormal...

Wise: Moreover, she hasn't regained consciousness.

Belle: Would you like to see her?

(Interact with Soldier 11)

Anby approaches Soldier 11—

—And softly calls out a name.

Soldier 11: ...

Soldier 11: ...

Anby: ...Looks like it didn't work.

Anby lowers her hand sadly, and prepares to leave...

Memory Loss

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Memory Loss

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Video Summary: People rely on memories to understand their own existence.

Story Description: Severely wounded, Soldier 11 experiences memory problems.

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Soldier 11: ... ...
What is... this place?

Soldier 11: And who am I...?

Anby: You're awake, Harin!

Trigger: Great, you're awake... I've been worried about you, Soldier 11.

Soldier 11: Soldier 11? Is that my name? It sounds odd and could easily get confused with another number like "Soldier 161051." Only a fool would call herself that.

Trigger: I can see you're doing much better now, but I won't let you talk about yourself like that.

Anby: Her memories seem jumbled... The injuries might be more serious than they appear.
When a Silver Company replica is severely wounded, their memories are often the first thing to fail.

Anby: Even me all those years ago... there was a time when I couldn't remember anything.

Trigger: Is that so? Then what about your combat skills? Were they affected?

Anby: Would the Defense Force abandon her if she couldn't fight anymore?

Belle: Well, I know we wouldn't do that.

Anby: Proxy...

Wise: Yeah, having one more mouth to feed won't hurt. It's nothing compared to our monthly electricity bill.

Belle: Plus, our little black cat needs another playmate. He's already getting bored of us.

Wise: You know how short-handed we are, right, Charon?... Oops, I mean, Trigger.

Anby: Charon...?

Trigger: Hah, there you go trying to be funny again... Guess that's your unique charm, Manager.
Jokes aside... I can't vouch for the Defense Force, but I can promise that Obol Squad won't abandon her.

Wise: I see. Well, we know how resilient she is so we're confident she'll bounce back.

Belle: It seems you and Soldier 11 go way back, Anby. Could you share more about her? And maybe how we can help her recover faster? We're here to help!

Anby: Are you sure it won't be too much trouble for you?

Wise: Don't worry. Nicole's caused a lot more trouble for us... Besides, Soldier 11 is our friend, too.

Anby: I see. In that case... what she needs now is nothing too out of the ordinary.

Anby: Warmth, comfort, safety, and relaxation. Also, some familiar faces as well as her favorite foods...

Anby: Ah, right. I should get her some burgers for an energy boost. I'll be right back...

Belle: Not so fast, Anby. Burgers aren't exactly Soldier 11's favorite.

Anby: Oh, they're not? What does she like then?

Wise: It seems Trigger already left to get it.

Belle: You'll probably find her near Waterfall Soup. By the way, General Chop is concerned about Soldier 11 as well... Be sure to let him know that she's improving!

Wise: Yeah, don't worry. She's in good hands with us here.

(Talk to Wise, optional)

Wise: Should you still be here talking with us? I remember you were planning to meet with Trigger at the noodle shop.

(Talk to General Chop, optional)

General Chop: Ah... ah. Oh? It's you, Anby.

General Chop: It's unusual for you to come get ramen at this hour. What flavor will it be today?

Grilled mackerel ramen.

Anby: One grilled mackerel ramen to go.

General Chop: Sure! Coming right up.
You know, I only added this ramen dish to the menu because a customer who was particularly passionate about mackerel just kept requesting it, over and over.

General Chop: Now that I finally did, it's sold way better than I ever imagined! The quality is amazing for the price, so it's a real bargain.

General Chop: Cheap protein and plenty of carbs — some people come here for precisely those reasons.

Hamburger rice bowl with dumplings ramen combo.

Anby: Please give me a hamburger rice bowl with dumplings ramen combo, to go.

General Chop: You may look like Anby, but you're spouting devilish nonsense... I don't sell anything like that here.

Anby: Very well. In that case, just a simple hamburger ramen will do...

General Chop: I don't sell that either! You know what, I'll just make you your usual order, okay?

Three-to-thirty times ultra spicy ramen.

Anby: I'll take this one, please... the three-to-thirty times ultra spicy ramen, to go.

General Chop: Now that's a surprise! I didn't think you'd order that.

General Chop: I just added it to the menu today. ...Haha, all because I remembered a customer who hasn't shown up in a long time...

Anby takes the takeout ramen from General Chop. The noodles are still steaming hot.

Anby: General Chop...

Anby: Please rest assured. She is now... safe and sound.

General Chop: Huh?! Wait, this "she" you're talking about, is it...

Anby: The young lady who somewhat resembles me.

General Chop: Ah, so it is her. She's safe... That's a relief. Such a relief.

General Chop: Anby, please tell her that she's the reason my shop is always open late at night. No pressure or rush, she can just come after finishing up her work! General Chop will be here!

Anby: ...I will. Thank you.

General Chop: Haha, hearing great news like that, today's ramen is on the house! Be sure to pass on my message!

(Talk to Trigger)

New Comrade

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 New Comrade

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Video Summary: You've created new memories... somewhere I don't know.

Story Description: Anby wanted Trigger to prove that Soldier 11's new comrade can take good care of her.

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Trigger: I got Soldier 11's favorite spicy noodles from that enthusiastic chef.

Trigger: I couldn't see if the noodles looked spicy, but just the steam from the chili peppers alone is making me cry.

Anby: So, spicy noodles is her thing... I had no idea.

Trigger: Well, that's the Soldier 11 I know. She would come to Sixth Street whenever she had free time. Maybe she feels more at home here than back in the barracks.

Trigger: She rarely talked about anything other than training, combat, and promotions. But when she did, she'd usually mention super spicy noodles, the video store owners, the arcade, and cats...

Anby: Did she ever... talk about me?

Trigger: You might not like the answer.

Trigger: Soldier 11 has never brought you up, but she seems fixated on a certain betrayal.

Trigger: Apparently, someone very important to her that she admired greatly vanished without a trace, leaving her to deal with that awful situation by herself.

Trigger: The person left without so much as an explanation. In the military, such actions are seen as desertion... and eventually, such deserters are marked as K.I.A by detached and indifferent officers.

Trigger: Does any of that ring a bell?

Anby: I have nothing to say. Even if she resents me, she has the right to do so.

Trigger: That's pretty cold, even for me. May I suggest something?

Anby: What's that?

Trigger: If you want to mend things with Soldier 11, don't say anything like that to her. Trust me, don't.

Anby: But that's the truth... I have no excuses for that.

Anby: I... I lost my memory when I left the army.
Once it returned, I wanted to contact Soldier 11, so I asked Nicole to check on her.

Anby: Then I learned that she was doing well... That she had joined Obol Squad, and that she's an exemplary soldier who recently got promoted.

Anby: She had a new captain and new comrades, so I felt her troubled past in Silver Squad might only weigh her down.

Anby: I had no reason to show up again.

Anby: Trigger...

Trigger: ...What?

Anby: Tell me. If you were me, you would have made the same call, right?

Trigger: If I were you... Yes, I might have.

Anby: That's what I thought. So, even if she hates me, I deserve it...

Trigger: But I'm not you, Anby. That's the point.

Anby: ...

Trigger: If I were in your shoes, I would let Soldier 11 know she was never betrayed or abandoned.

Trigger: I'd let her know that her comrades would search to the ends of the earth for her and that they'd never forget her.

Anby: Trigger...

Anby: You're really amazing.

Trigger: ...That's all you have to say?

Anby: Yeah, I'm really impressed. It must be nice to have you as a comrade.

Trigger: I'm not so sure about that, but we have more pressing matters to discuss now.

Trigger: What are you planning to do next?

Anby: I'm heading back into the Hollow to put an end to everything with Twiggy.

Anby: That evil tech must never resurface again.

Anby: But before that... I want to apologize to Soldier 11.

Trigger: Apologize? But given the current state of her memory, she might not remember it afterward...

Anby: That's the idea.

Trigger: Wait, really...?

Anby: Yeah, that's the best choice for my cowardly side.

Trigger: Seems like it's really weighing on your mind. Alright, if there's anything I can do, just say the word...

Anby: In that case... I need you to prove something to me.

Trigger: Prove something? Like what?

Anby: Prove that you can take good care of Soldier 11. That's the only way I can hand her over to her new comrades without worrying.

Trigger: Alleviating all your worries might not be a good thing either, but I understand.

Trigger: I'll prove that I can take care of her.

Trigger: Now then, let's head back. After all, we don't want to show up with a bowl of soggy noodles for our patient...

(Talk to Belle and Wise)

Anby: Looks like I've been causing a lot of trouble for you...

Wise: That's right, so we're billing it all on the Cunning Hares' account.

Anby: No!

Wise: Oh?

Anby: As of right now, I am not Anby of the Cunning Hares.

Belle: But you walk, talk, and look like Anby of the Cunning Hares. So you must be Anby of Cunning Hares.

Anby: ...

Belle: Whoa. How can we possibly keep teasing you when you're making a face like that?

Belle: Geez, look at you, you're absolutely exhausted. What you need most right now is some sleep!

Belle: How about it? Wanna sleep on my bed? It's really soft, you know~

Wise: It is objectively very soft. Anby, I also think it's best if you go get some rest now.

Anby: Tomorrow...

Wise: Worry about tomorrow's problems tomorrow. That's what we do when we receive an enormous electric bill, anyway...

Belle: Or maybe you're not ready to sleep just yet? If you'd rather watch a movie to relax, I don't mind keeping you company~

Anby: ...

Anby: ...

Anby: ...Any new arrivals worth watching recently?

Wise: Wow, I didn't think you'd actually be up for it.

Wise: Still, I'm just glad you have the energy.

Anby: After all, I won't be able to finish what's coming next if I don't... pull myself together.

Belle: Oh? What is it? Is it a fight?

Anby: Pretty much. It's a date.

Belle: A DATE?!?!?!

Anby: Mm. Good night.