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<LAYER SRC="newsab_51" TRANSPARENT="100">
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<wait time="1000">

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<BOX TYPE=0>
//U铍̉Ԃ̉ŁA܂<R ALT="C["></R>͋ՂeĂB<k>

//<R ALT="傤傤">]X</R>ƋՂ炷́A
//܂ŏI䂭̋G߂QĂ邩̂悤əRcc
//Ȃ̂ɕi̐ȕ낪ȂB<k>

//ǂ낤AŜs񂾉t́A
//e肪S鋹𗥂ĂȂ炾낤B
//܂Ŏv̏ɂԂ邩̂悤ɁA
//߂ĂȂAЂЂƒ҂ɓ`ĂB<k>
  Again, Ruili is playing the <I>guzheng</I> under the dancing peach blossoms.

  The lingering melody is sorrowful and fleeting, as though mourning the season of peach blossoms as it comes to an end...... yet it lacks its usual serene elegance.

  There is something unsteady in it, something disquieting, perhaps a reflection of the player's uncontrolled heart. As though she is putting her entire soul into the strings, the notes carry her veiled yet intense emotions to their listeners with painful clarity.

<background src="B__03">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="ڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//gɂ܂vł̉t𒮂ȂA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͉ꂽl疅̎pĂB
//ql莟Ɩl̐ɂAԎԂ΂肾B<k>
  Taoluo watches his sister from a gazebo some distance away, his heart aching as he listens to her performance. He barely acknowledges the servant who comes to announce his guest's arrival.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uȂ炾ȁv<k>
"You seem troubled."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//قǂȂʂꂽq́AJԁAɂwEB
//c݂m荇Zq̊ԕɁA
//ɂȂB<k>
  When he arrives shortly thereafter, the first word out of the visitor's mouth is that blunt observation. There is no need for restraint between these two men, brother disciples since childhood.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="ڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u<R ALT="C["></R>ȁB܂𗘂ĂȂȂv<k>
"It's Ruili. She's stopped speaking to me again."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//焈Ղƙꂭ<R ALT="^I["></R>܂Aނ̑Oł͎UƂȂB
//[QȂAނʎ<R ALT="z[W">R</R>ɌB<k>
  Taoluo winces, but answers just as frankly. With a heavy sigh, he turns his tired expression towards Haojun.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uOnł̖߂ƂȂƁA܂ĂꂾB
//̒ɂ͏oĂ̂ɁA܂
//ccǂĂȂ񂾂v<k>
"This always happens when a mission takes me out of the city. I leave tomorrow morning, and she still hasn't...... Why does she never listen?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uOA
//ǂ܂M_ɐ؂o񂾂낤H
//ƎOɘbĂ΂̂v<k>
"I bet you just broke the news to her, didn't you? I keep telling you to give her more warning."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="^I["></R><R ALT="ς"></R>]ɁA<R ALT="z[W">R</R>̐͂܂ŘN炩B
//̌Zy͂OقǂɌĂB<k>
  Despite Taoluo's obvious exhaustion, Haojun's tone is as blithe as ever. He has witnessed enough fights between these siblings to fill two lifetimes.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="fR" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//udȂ񂾁BA̎d̘bɂȂƂb炷v<k>
"I never got the chance. Whenever I talk about work, she always changes the topic."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ufɎӂĂB
//<R ALT="킾"></R>c܂ܔ肩Hv<k>
"Just apologize to her already. Are you going to leave without making up?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="ڕ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uA\B
//܂ɂ͗ǂɂȂ邩v<k>
"That's exactly what I'm going to do. It might be good medicine for her once in a while."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//RƂĚĂAԂU<R ALT="^I["></R>B<k>
  Taoluo shakes his head in discouragement.

<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="ڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u͂ǂA
//Z̉ɊÂĂ邫炢
//ccsSzv<k>
"She's grown too dependent on me, her brother. I worry about her future."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u͌ĂA
//XłȂ񂾂낤BOāv<k>
"You say that, but I know you really like it."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u͂ƂA
//܂@Ă΂肶A
//Wjv<k>
"It's not about me. The man who marries her will end up in tears if he has to worry about her moods all the time."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u͑ςv<k>
"We wouldn't want that."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="f" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccAlȂ낤v<k>
"......Hey, don't talk like it has nothing to do with you."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//CƂ<R ALT="z[W">R</R>A<R ALT="^I["></R>͐^ɖ߂|߂B<k>
  Taoluo responds to Haojun's carefree comment in a reproachful tone, his expression now serious.

<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uꂩ炠xĂ̂́A
//ȂBύׂ񂽂Ɉ󂯂
//ȂȂȂ񂾁v<k>
"I won't be the one supporting her from now on. You have to take over from me."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="D΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uSĂ邳BZҁv<k>
"I'm well aware, brother."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="z[W">R</R>͒Ӓn̈΂݂𕂂ׂāA@B<k>
  Haojun smiles teasingly and kowtows with perfect courtesy.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="ڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u߂Ăccv<k>
"Stop that......"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uȂH
//̍ȂɂȂ鏗̌ZNȂ񂾁B
//<R ALT="͂">q</R>̂R낤v<k>
"Why should I? You're the elder brother of the woman who is to be my wife. It's only proper for me to show you respect."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="fR" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//unȂB
//ՓV剺ቴ͂񂽂́ccv<k>
"Don't be absurd. In the Daitian School, you're my......"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="ڕ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u͂Ȃ񑩂낤v<k>
"We agreed not to speak of that anymore."

<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//bɎƌ܂Ă悤ɁA
//<R ALT="z[W">R</R>͍ɈڐAڑvOւƁAꌩ悪ɎwB<k>
  As he always does when their conversations reach this point, Haojun points to the terminal plug at the nape of his neck.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uЂƂ𖄂ߍނŁA
//4ჂB
//̓͂ȑO̎OɂȂv<k>
"By putting in this one implant, four of my <I>jingxue</I> were paralyzed. My internal energy is now barely a third of what it was."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="fR" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<clear>
<background src="B__03">
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<BOX TYPE=0>
//x񉻂࣏nƂlbg[NE\[V̐isɂA
//Љ̂ǖʂɂāA
//Ŋ􂷂lނɂ͕K{ƂȂ_CNgC^[tFCXB<k>

//͍ЉɂĂςȂB
//|łȂA̗ނȏ𔃂čɔFꂽ<R ALT="EEz[W">R</R>A͓ɁATColeBNXƂ̒ɐgC邱ƂӖĂB<k>
  With the evolution of networking technology, perhaps the greatest fruit born of advanced informatization, direct link interfaces have become a requirement for anyone wanting to succeed on the cutting-edge of society.

  The underworld is no different. Liu Haojun was chosen to be an officer not only for his martial skill, but also for his unparalleled leadership ability. However, his rise to power meant that he had no choice but to ride the tides of the cybernetics age.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="ڕ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uߍ́A
//OƂ̘AU󂯂ĂĂȁv<k>
"I've recently received several invitations to join <I>waijia</I> schools, you know."

<bustup name="st̃E" face="ڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//u͋`̗ނɂoB
//ȂΉ͙̂̂āA
//炷Ƃ犐ȂȂv<k>
"I might even get cybernetic limbs eventually. If I do, I'll lose my meridians entirely. I won't even be able to channel <I>qi</I> anymore."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u<R ALT="z[W">R</R>ccv<k>
"Haojun......"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uOƖƂ̌ɁAȂƌΉRɂȂ邪ccɐg𓊂̂́AeZƐ_ɐs߂v<k>

//ưAɕłȂmd߂̂Ȃ琥ȂB̓͒߂邳v<k>
"I'd be lying if I said I don't regret forsaking the <I>neijia</I> techniques we trained in together......"

"But it was originally to serve my sworn family in the Qingyun Society that I devoted myself to the martial arts."

"If the Society demands knowledge and leadership, not martial skill, from me, then so be it. I will abandon the way of the sword."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="ڕ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ɍ<R ALT="z[W">R</R>OɂāA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͓SAxvւȂB<k>
  Taoluo cannot help but feel ashamed of himself as he listens to Haojun speak of his fate as if it were nothing.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uKAȂ񂼂ȂĂA
//ՓV͂OƂp҂Ɍb܂ꂽv<k>
"Fortunately, even without me, the Daitian School is blessed with you as its successor."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="fQ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//úccv<k>
"But I......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̌Ղďo錾t͂A
//ƂȂĂ͂܂ɑFB<k>
  Taoluo holds back what he was about to say, realizing that it would be meaningless.

<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="ڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//g{Ȃcc
//ƋF`͂񂽂ׂh<k>

//g񂽂^̌vB
//ȂċyтȂ̂Ɂcch<k>
(If not for this...... you would have rightly inherited the school, not me.)

(Yours was the true kung fu. I can never compare......)

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="D΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u<R ALT="Ƃ"></R>ł<R ALT="^I["></R>B́Ałv<k>
"Congratulate me, Taoluo. I am happy."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ă̒qɔ߂銋A
//<R ALT="z[W">R</R>܂@Ă̂낤B
//̏Ί͏Ĥ悤ɑȂB<k>
  Perhaps Haojun has sensed the discord in the heart of the man who was his younger disciple. His smile is as clear and cool as the autumn sky.

<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ugoȂB
//Ƃ킯ȂgƂȂ΁Aȁv<k>

//uЂƂeił݂邳B
//̌qȂ񂼂A<R ALT="C["></R>ɂ
//]炵Ă邾낤v<k>
"There's nothing wrong with climbing society's ranks. Especially as one about to be married."

"Just watch as I conquer the world. I'll be able to give Ruili a better life than any anachronistic swordsman could."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="ڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//łcc
//<R ALT="z[W">R</R>΂ȂA
//͉ԈႢ̂ȂƂȂ̂ȂB<k>
  I'm happy......
  If Haojun can say such words with a smile, then maybe there is nothing to regret after all.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="Ζڕ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//͂ƋCt΋崂Ă鎩ɁA<R ALT="^I["></R>͋΂B
//ȕɌ炤̐SȂĂ܂e͂A
//̂炱̒jɂ͂B<k>
  Taoluo smiles wryly, realizing with surprise that his worries are already dissipating. Haojun has always had the ability to deflect others' cares.

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//<R ALT="EEz[W">R</R>Ƃj̕svcȊ፷B
//҂ɂĂ̊́AƂ͗₩ȏHɁA
//܂Ƃ͕XnɕςB<k>

//ނ؂ꕔ̎荇wSlxȂǂƟӖĂ̂A
//Ȃbł͂ȂB
//Gɉ􂹂΂قǋЂƂȂjȂ낤B<k>
  There is something mysterious about his gaze. Some see in it the light of the cool autumn sky, while others see the gleam of a frozen blade.

  It is not difficult to understand why those who fear him call him the Demon-Eyed Adonis. Surely no man could be more terrifying to have as an enemy.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uƂɂȂOɁA
//<R ALT="C["></R>ɂ͈ꌾlтĂv<k>

//uĂ̎q̏ΊĂB
//O̗璆A
//ƒ񂾊łĂ͊v<k>
"Anyway, make sure you apologize to her before you leave tomorrow."

"I want to see her smile too, you know. It'll be awful if she's crying the whole time you're away."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st̃^I[" face="" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uȁccv<k>
"I suppose you're right."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//̒jƂ䂪g̍KB
//āA₪Ă̒jւƉł<R ALT="C["></R>̍KB
//s˂̌U鋥̐gɂȂA
//قǍKEɐācc<R ALT="^I["></R>͍߂̈ӎĂ܂B<k>
  He is blessed to call this man his friend, just as Ruili will be blessed to have him as her husband. For an assassin who wields the killing sword to live amid such blessings...... Taoluo cannot help but feel that he is committing a sin.

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<bgm src="M03" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
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//cȎuĂŁA<R ALT="^I["></R>͖ڂo܂B<k>

//ʂĂ֒_̒A꓁܂܏ɕāA
//ǂقǖÂĂ̂낤B
//O͏d̂悤ȉJA_̋CłB<k>
  Taoluo awakens in the future, far across the cruel expanse of time.

  How long has he been sleeping here, on the floor of the ruined temple with his sword cradled in his arms? The chamber echoes with the heavy drumming of the rain outside.

<bgm src="M01" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
//͖ƒNB
//Ȃ΍<R ALT="^I["></R>ʂ錻A
//͉̔ނԂ̉鴂Ă鈫Ȃ̂낤B<k>

//ƂĂA<R ALT="^I["></R>ɋ~͂ȂB
//łɕQ̌SƂȂʂĂނ́AƂɈ̈ꕔłB
//̂܂܈̈ꕔȂA
//̏I܂Ő킢邵ɂȂB<k>
  A man once said that reality is but a dream. Is the reality facing Taoluo now, then, only a nightmare he is having while he dozes beneath the peach trees in those days long gone?

  Even if it is, there is no salvation for him now. He has already become a part of the nightmare, a demon of vengeance bound to the sword. He has no choice but to play that role out, to keep fighting until the dream comes to an end.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="ڕ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//gccnnh<k>
(......Nonsense.)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͂Ȃꊅĉ߂B<k>

//̂肪A𖲂Ɍقǐ[QĂ܂ȂǁA
//xӖłB
//soĊPΖɂȂĂ낤B<k>
  Taoluo rebukes himself fiercely.

  What should have been a short rest turned into a sleep deep enough for sentimental dreams. How could he be so careless? If enemies had attacked while he was insensate, he would already be dead.

<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="ڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//gccꂪ܂Hh<k>
(Has my exhaustion caught up with me?)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//AAx݂ȂɗՂł<R ALT="^I["></R>A
//킯Ă̐킢͂ĂȂŁcc
//Ƃ킯]B<k>
  These several days have been a constant series of deadly battles, but last night's raid was the most violent yet...... and the most costly.

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//X`Otɐт̌`ōoC`Ђɂ́A
//[Vtg̏]ƈ吨낤B<k>
  The Shanghai Cybernetics building, which he gave to Stugrev in sacrifice, was likely filled with employees working late.

<background src="ev_sve">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//ɂ̗UOŊYHʎԁB
//̖wǂ<R ALT=""></R>̕ӂ\ʍUɂ̂A
//<R ALT="^I["></R>g܂wx̕˂ňSVƂĂB<k>
  Add to that the civilian vehicles that got mixed up in the battle on the skyway. Most of them were destroyed by Ng's indiscriminate attacks, but Taoluo himself used the Thunderbolt technique to send one SV crashing from the sky.

<background src="B_uq01">
<bustup name="st" face="T" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//ɁAcc̎ŎEBŌ܂x܂܁B<k>

//ӂɂʁAvĂB
//ɁA̎ɌĂԂ́A<R ALT="Ⴍ"></R>ȂB<k>
  And then there was Ran, whom Taoluo killed with his own hands. He had deceived Ran to the end.

  Such casualties didn't matter to him, he thought, and indeed, he had not felt the slightest hesitation while his sword was in hand.

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//ccĎS̏𗣂ꂽɂ́A
//ނڂɏĂtnXB
//c<R ALT="r">k</R><R ALT="E"></R>|ɂ́A
//ǂقǎr̎RςݏオĂ邱ƂB<k>
  And yet...... now that the slaughter is behind him, the hellish scenes burned into his eyes seem somehow more vivid. When he has defeated Bin and Liu, how high will the mountain of corpses have grown?

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<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="ϖ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>

//gcclȁh<k>

//gȂ<R ALT="傤"></R>BȂ͏CB
//v߂Ă낤cch<k>
(......Enough.)

(I am a monster. A demon. Have I not made my decision already?)

<clear>
<background src="B_֒__J">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ގvU蕥ƈӎOɌAł悤₭<R ALT="^I["></R>́A
//v̂قÂȕ_̋CɋCB
//ŋ߂<R ALT="C["></R>ȂɂĐU܂ĂCA
//͂ȂB<k>

//QĂĎ点΁A
//ޏ͍鎝Ayg[VJ̎AR<R ALT="Ă">M</R>łB<k>

//ّRƑzɒ^邻̉́A
//̗cp<R ALT="C["></R>ɂ͎킸A
//ނ뉓̂܂܂̔ޏ̕Jȉv킹ācc
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̑l܂点B<k>
  Taoluo turns his attention outward to clear his mind of these depressing thoughts, and there finally realizes that the air in the temple is unexpectedly still. This morning, there is no trace of the vitality that Ruili has been radiating constantly of late.

  When he looks around the room in a panic, he finds her fiddling idly with the head of Petrouchka that he brought back last night.

  Her silent, thoughtful profile is ill-suited to her current childish features. Rather, it calls to mind the melancholy expression Ruili wore long ago...... The resemblance is so strong that Taoluo's breath catches in his throat.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="lтd΂Q" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//<R ALT="C["></R>͌Z̎ɋCtƁAÂɔ΂񂾁B<k>
  Ruili smiles softly upon noticing her brother's gaze.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u߂߂Hv<k>
"You're awake?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//㑫炸Ȍ͂̂܂܂ɁAXɐT񂾎dɂ́A
//ŋC𔲂قǂ̑lтB<k>

//邱̕_ɖ߂ĂɁA
//yg[VJ̍鮃f[^ޏւƓ]ʂB
//ʂ́ccUʂƂ悤B<R ALT="C["></R>͂܂炩ɕςB
//́At𔭂悤ɂȂAZ̊FƂAڂɌĉ₷ωł͂ȂB<k>

//<R ALT="C["></R>͖׋Cɂ͂Ⴎ悤ȂƂȂȂB
//ČȂAޏ́cc
//vƂłׂ̂߂̂낤B<k>
  Although her speech is still childish, there is now a measured modesty in her behavior that makes her seem startlingly mature.

  Upon returning to the temple last night, he immediately transferred the soul data from Petrouchka into Ruili. It would be fair to say that the results were...... striking.

  Ruili has clearly changed once again. This change, however, was not as immediately obvious as when she started speaking or learned to recognize her brother's face.

  She has ceased her innocent frolicking. If he had to put a word to it, he would say...... that she has regained her sense of "discretion."


<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="lтd΂Q" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uɂ܂̂˂A킹v<k>

//û߂A݂ẮHv<k>
"You looked so happy sleeping."

"Did you have a good dream?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="ڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccccv<k>
"......No......"

<clear>
<LAYER SRC="#999966" TRANSPARENT="50">
<background src="B__03">
<bustup name="st̃E" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<clear>
<background src="B_֒__J">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="ϖ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//Rł͂ȂBɗDł낤ƁA
//߂Ă݂΋ɂ߂̈B
//̓ɌqߋɁAȏiȂǁcc
//vołDςԂB<k>
  He is not lying. No matter how pleasant the dream might be, it becomes a horrifying nightmare upon awakening. To think that such warm scenes of the past connect to this present...... it makes his guts boil.

<clear>
<background src="B_֒__J">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//݂̍ݏ߂Ƃ͕KĂ悤ɁA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̓Vc̕znzɋ̏ՂTB<k>

//΂߂ɉ؂ꕶ̓B
//U|̈ꑾ𗁂т<R ALT="^I["></R>͑D痎B
//̂Ƃ<R ALT="z[W">R</R>cc΂ĂB̎׋CȂN炩ɁB<k>
  As he always does when needing to recall his hate, Taoluo feels through his shirt for the scar on his chest.

  It is a jagged diagonal scar from a single slash. He had taken the full swing of the sword, then fallen from the ship into the sea. Haojun had been smiling then, too...... as friendly and cheerful as ever.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="ɂ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u킽ˁÂA߂݂́v<k>
"I had a dream yesterday too."

<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="lтd΂Q" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//uɂ܂̂ȂAЂƂڂ̂Ƃcc
//߂̂ȂŁAzIWƂv<k>
"When you were gone and I was all by myself...... I met Haojun in a dream."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="fR" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ȃ̈ꌂA<R ALT="^I["></R>̐Sł̂߂B<k>
  Like an invisible hammer, her words strike Taoluo a mighty blow.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccvôH@v<k>
"......You remember him?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="lтd΂Q" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uv<k>

//uɂ܂zIWB
//ƂĂA킢ȂЂƁv<k>
"Yeah."

"Brother's best friend, Haojun. He looked so sad."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="f" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//׋ĈȂ<R ALT="C["></R>̈ꌾꌾA
//܂őɓޗ̌JĂ̂悤B<k>
  Each guileless word seems to throw wider the mouth of hell gaping beneath his feet.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//ucc!?v<k>
"What happened!?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ꂽŎȂA<R ALT="^I["></R><R ALT="C["></R>̏Ȍ͂ށB<k>
  Taoluo seizes Ruili's tiny shoulders, his voice hoarse as he demands answers from her.

<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="{" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uȂ<R ALT="z[W">R</R>͂OȕɂH
//ǂāccĂA<R ALT="C["></R>!!v<k>
"Why did Haojun do this to you? Why...... Please tell me, Ruili!!"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="fQ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uɂ܁ccccv<k>
"Brother...... that hurts......"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="f" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//Rc̐ɁAQĂĎ𗣂<R ALT="^I["></R>B<k>
  Taoluo hurriedly releases her in response to her protests.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="lтd΂Q" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//ȘTZ̗lA
//ȂɂsvcȂ̂ł߂邩̂悤ɁA
//<R ALT="C["></R>͂ɕ\a炰ăNXƏ΂B<k>
  Ruili promptly softens her expression and giggles softly, looking curiously at her distressed brother.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uɂ܁A킢v<k>

//uzIŴƁAẮHv<k>
"Brother, you look so stern."

"Are you mad about Haojun?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="fR" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ȂːJĎEjɂāA׋Cɖ₢邱ƂȂ
//ł͂Ȃ낤B
//Ƃ<R ALT="C["></R>́A܂<R ALT="z[W">R</R>ɂ
//SĂvo킯ł͂ȂccƂƂB<k>
  Surely no one could ask so innocently about the man who raped and killed her. Which means...... that Ruili must not have regained all her memories about Haojun.

<clear>
<LAYER SRC="#999966" TRANSPARENT="50">
<background src="B_̏CVOΊ">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//߂ɐg߁A邩ɏCɖ߂Zi邤A
//N̍Ό͔Ԃ悤ɉ߂B
//̊ԁA<R ALT="^I["></R>Ղݑ^͂ЂƂB
//cćA<R ALT="z[W">R</R>͔ނâH<k>

//ǂȗRłȎdł󂯂̂A
//<R ALT="^I["></R>ɂ͊FڌȂB
//܂āA<R ALT="z[W">R</R>̍ȂƂȂĂ<R ALT="C["></R>ɂ܂ŗ݂yڂȂǁA
//zł͂ȂB<k>

//ƉĂ΁AȏȂǍ\킸ɏC֖߂ׂ̂B
//xB<k>

//q̌<R ALT="C["></R>̖H𕷂o<R ALT="^I["></R>́A
//ꂫ莖̎₤Ƃ߂B<k>

//Ɏĉ́A₽Eӂ̂݁B<k>

//͂◝RȂǖł͂ȂB
//ǂȖ󂪂A
//cȎiŖ̖D<R ALT="z[W">R</R>Ƃ̈hcc
//fċ͂ȂB<k>
  One year had flown by in hiding, while Taoluo tended his wounds and planned for his secret return to Shanghai. During that time, one question constantly tortured him...... Why had Haojun cut him down?

  Taoluo hadn't the slightest idea what could have led to such betrayal. He could never have imagined that harm would come even to Ruili, already Haojun's wife.

  If only he had known, no mere wound would have stopped him from returning to Shanghai. Alas, everything was too late.

  When he heard from the Profane Scalpel what had happened to Ruili, Taoluo had stopped his inquiry then and there.

  All that remained was the frozen crystal of his malice.

  The reasons are no longer important. Whatever their motives, he has utterly no intention of forgiving Haojun and his men for taking his sister's life with such cruelty.

<clear>
<background src="B_֒__J">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="ڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uBz̘b͂߂悤v<k>
"Enough. Let's not talk about him."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="ɂ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uւȂɂ܁v<k>
"Weird brother."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//t<R ALT="^I["></R>ɁA<R ALT="C["></R>͂܂ŎqL炩悤
//тȂΊŒǂB<k>
  Taoluo tries to avoid the topic, but Ruili gets in one last hit, smiling shamelessly like a child teasing a kitten.

<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="lтd΂Q" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uzIWƂ񂩂́H
//ȂɁAȂ悵̂Ɂv<k>
"Did you and Haojun fight? You were such good friends, too......"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="fR" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//̂<R ALT="C["></R>́ÄYS𔭊ĊxƂȂZ<R ALT="Ă">M</R>łB
//ȕɁA΂䂢fւƒǂ܂ĂoA
//Lɂ邪܂܂<R ALT="C["></R>Ƃ̉bł͂ȂB<k>
  Ever since they were children, Ruili's mischievousness was a constant source of trouble for her brother. This feeling of being driven into a not-unpleasant confusion - is this not exactly how he remembers their conversations being?

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="lтd΂Q" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//IȏΊɂ<R ALT="񂺂">`R</R>Ƃ̂B
//܂Řb̓eAɌ˘f<R ALT="^I["></R>̗lď΂Ă邩̂悤ȁcc
//Ȁ΂B܂Ȃ̂܂܂<R ALT="C["></R>B<k>

//Ȃɗ܂łȂ̂ɁB
//Ȃ̂ɁcćA͂ƂȂs͉낤B<k>
  He even feels something bewitching in her smile. It is as though she is amused less by the conversation itself than by watching Taoluo get flustered...... Yes, this smile is undoubtedly the same as it was in the old days.

  The nostalgia should be enough to bring tears to his eyes. And yet...... what is this vague unease he feels?

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="fQ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//߂<R ALT="C["></R>̑ԓxɐSf킳邤ɁA
//܂ňӎ炵Ȃ^₪A^I[̒ɗNオB<k>
  As he wonders at Ruili's mysterious attitude, Taoluo finds himself asking a question that had never even crossed his mind before.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//gccʂĉA
//<R ALT="C["></R>̉mĂƂ̂Hh<k>
(......How much do I know about Ruili, really?)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ޏɖ߂ccSɐB
//qƂ}ȂAꂪ<R ALT="^I["></R>ɂƂčŌ̎OB<k>

//̊̐Śg<R ALT="C["></R>hɂāA
//ʂĎ͂ǂ̒x̂ƂmĂ̂낤H<k>
  To return her to her original self - that is the oath he swore in his soul. It has become his final obsession, his only purpose remaining in life, for which he would gladly risk even death.

  But how much does he really know about the ultimate goal of his quest, the "original" Ruili?

<clear>
<LAYER SRC="#999966" TRANSPARENT="50">
<background src="ev_r06">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//yAZz߂ĊÂŁA
//Ƃ͔jqAڂӕ̒Dȁcc<k>

//̒x̂Ƃ<R ALT="C["></R>ׂ̂ĂȂ̂Ɩ΁A
//_Ȕ͂ȂB<k>
  She loved Tang-style dance, was a little too fond of and dependent on her brother, always wore white satin, and preferred northern tribal clothing to <I>qipao</I>......

  But of course, that cannot be all that there was to Ruili.

<background src="ev_r04">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//A<R ALT="C["></R>͓䂾B
//ЂȂƂ{A΂cc
//̖ڂ܂邵ωł΂ŁA
//U񂳂Ă<R ALT="^I["></R>ɂ́A
//ޏ̐S̓ǂ݂łƂȂǈxƂĂ͂ȂB<k>
  She was ever a mystery, he remembers. The strangest things would make her laugh or get angry. Always fascinated by her dazzling changes of mood, Taoluo could only go along with her flow. Never once had he successfully predicted the movements of her heart.

<background src="B_ň01">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//炽߂čň̊뜜cc
//āwqx̐fÏŉ̂ƓA
//ĒȂ^OėB<k>

//5̂̃KCmCh炷ׂĂ̍鮂ĂA
//S<R ALT="C["></R>̂܂܂̔ޏƁcc
//m߂p̂H<k>
  The terrible fear he experienced at the Profane Doctor's clinic has returned, the doubt he never wanted to face again.

  Even if he retrieves the soul fragments from all five gynoids and reconstitutes Ruili...... how will he be sure that that she is her old self?

<clear>
<background src="B_֒__J">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="f" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>

//u<R ALT="C["></R>AÓccv<k>
"Ruili, are you......"

<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="fQ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//_炩炩Ȗjɏ𔇂킹ȂA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͂Ōtɋl܂B<k>
  Taoluo brushes his hand against her soft, smooth cheek, but there he refrains from continuing his words.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//g{<R ALT="REC[">E</R>Ȃ̂Hh
//g̖̉Ȃ̂Hh<k>
(Are you really Kong Ruili? Are you really my sister?)

<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="ϖ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//₦͂ȂB
//₦͂ȂB<k>

//^Ă܂A
//܂<R ALT="傤"></R>ɐg<R ALT=""></R>ČĂ<R ALT="^I["></R>́A
//茸Ăƈɐ킢ĂӖ́A
//ׂ̂ĂĂ܂B<k>
  He does not ask. How could he?

  If he doubts that now, then the sword that he sacrificed his humanity to wield, the battles that he won at the cost of his life - everything will lose its meaning, like dust before the wind.


<bgm src="M01" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="fQ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uÓccv<k>
"You......"

<se src="_01_rain03" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="B_֒__J">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT=""></R>Sa瀂ɑςȂȂ<R ALT="^I["></R>A
//̂ƂAmƂĂ̊o~ςB<k>

//ɒ͂񂾏̒Ag̗C킶ƟݏoA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>ܑ̌̂ɐZĂB<k>

//CƓxɗ₦ӎ̒ŁAcc
//dɂ˂Eӂ̋CzB<k>

//_̊OɒNB
//x@̎d|͍쓮ĂȂB
//AƂĒbグl̊oɋ^̗]n͂ȂB<k>

//̊OŋCB
//TbJ[{[̋`̂̂A
//cɒ˂Ȃ_ւƓ]荞łB
//񂾎҂̏ɎEC͂ȂB
//芸Ђ̑Ώۂł͂ȂBcc<k>
  Just as the conflict raging within Taoluo's heart becomes unbearable, his swordsman's senses grant salvation.

  Cold energy emanates from the sheathed blade in his left hand, penetrating every fiber of his body.

  With his consciousness as sharp and clear as his steel, he feels them...... multiple auras of malice gathered together.

  There are people outside the temple. His alarms have not been triggered, but that is no reason whatsoever to doubt his finely-honed warrior's senses.

  The air moves just beyond the entrance, and then a roundish, lopsided object about the size of a soccer ball comes rolling in. Taoluo sensed no killing intent from whoever threw it, meaning that it at least poses no threat. However......

<bgm src="m08a" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
//܂œ]ĂA<R ALT="^I["></R>͒ܐŉĎ~߂B
//ôj̑oƂA
//ƂȂ<R ALT="^I["></R>ɂݏグĂB<k>

//ƂɏC`iPA~nCEX`OtB
//␶ƐʂẮA
//ނOɂAĂ̂낤B
//i炭Cɍ𒣂VAE}tBA̋A
//ɂĖ^s炵B<k>
  As it rolls to his feet, Taoluo stops it with his toes. The dead, fishlike eyes of a man he recognizes stare up at him.

  The head belongs to Mikhail Stugrev, the man with whom Taoluo assaulted Shanghai Cybernetics just last night. It doesn't take much imagination to guess that the men outside are responsible for his head being separated from his body.

  After years building a place for himself in Shanghai, it seems that luck has finally run out for the dog of the Russian Mafia.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ȃ̂]ɃKXOl[hł߂
//悤̂A܂OɋԎEČQ́A
//݂̑BƂȂB<k>


//ނɂƂĂ͈ՂŒȏYA
//܂͕_ɗĂ<R ALT="^I["></R>ؕ|߂邱Ƃ̗vȂ̂낤B
//ꂾ̑݁Aꂾ̓{cc
//邾̗R킹҂B<k>
  Instead of this thing, they could have just thrown in a gas canister or hand grenade. Moreover, the men waiting outside are not even trying to conceal their bloodlust.

  They don't want a swift and sure execution. Their first goal is likely to strike fear and awe into Taoluo while he hides inside the temple.

  Such is their hate, their rage. These men have a reason for their malice.

<bustup name="st^I[⍞" face="ڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u<R ALT="C["></R>Aɂ܂v<k>
"Ruili, grab hold of me."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//Z̍d꒲ɁAVтł͂ȂƂ̂낤B
//<R ALT="C["></R><R ALT="傤傤">JX</R>Ə]B
//ЕGċ<R ALT="^I["></R>̎ɗrtȀdaB<k>
  Ruili must have discerned from her brother's harsh tone that this is no game. He kneels next to her and she obeys silently, winding her arms around his neck and letting him take her weight.

<clear>
<background src="B_֒__J">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//󂢂Eɏ⍞߂̘`gāA
//<R ALT="^I["></R><R ALT="C["></R>܂܁Aƕ_̓OɏoB<k>
  Taoluo takes up the sheathed <I>wo dao</I> in his empty right hand, then walks unhurriedly out of the temple with Ruili supported by his other arm.

<clear>
<background src="#000000">
<wipe effect="fade" time="30">

<se src="_01_rain01" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="ev_x15">
<wipe effect="fade" time="20">

//~肵_J̒̒AEӂ̌Q͐l^ĘȂłB<k>

//n20l͂悤B
//őf̉JSOȂNgɂ́A
//ɍ|S̋PB<k>

//ʃTColOƌ̎g肽B
//RȂeɂ҂͂ȂB
//̎Ɍgۂ͖̂pAT_ASA{cc
//q<R ALT="񂳂">r</R>̉ʂĂɁAɂ͂̓̑ɓĉ䂪ĝ̂܂ŉAĝ̐SB<k>
  The bloodthirsty auras resolve into distinct humanoid shapes, visible through the sheet of acid rain pouring from the sky.

  As far as he can tell, there appear to be no more than 20 of them. The glitter of steel covers their bodies, fearlessly exposed to the poison rain.

  They are all cyborg warriors, each a <I>waijia</I> master in his own right. Needless to say, not one of them is carrying a firearm.

  Their hands are filled instead with sabers and staves, steel fans and clawed battle-axes...... the weapons that, after decades of grueling training, they at last modified their bodies to better wield. They are demons of battle, one with their tools of murder.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stVʏ" face="\" align="left">
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<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccvȁBwdxv<k>
"......Long time no see, Lightning Palm."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ŏɌĴ́A_U[̒ڂɕ
//dTC{[Occw{x<R ALT="EHE`g">i</R>B
//ٖ̌ƂȂd80kg̕VA
//ƂyXƌɒSłB<k>
  The first to speak is a heavy cyborg, his towering bulk shrouded in a leather <I>changpao</I>. He is Huang Jingdong the Maelstrom Halberd, and resting lightly on his shoulder is the 80 kilogram <I>fangtian ji</I> from which he derives his martial name.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uw@xjƂ\̓dA
//Јw쎒肽A
//琄Qv<k>
"Having heard rumors of the Electromagnetic Discharge that slew the Demon Empress, we have come to humbly beg a demonstration of its use."

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<BOX TYPE=0>
//ܑ̂<R ALT="EH"></R>̌ɁAԌm΂R炷B
//n܂킢IȎECɏI邱Ƃ
//N̖ڂɂ炩BgwhĕB<k>

//<R ALT="^I["></R>ł]𓾂ȂA
//͑sXʎq݂̑B
//wlVx<R ALT="N[E`s">Ï</R>Awmx<R ALT="VIEcD[">V@</R>AwLqx<R ALT="X[EzEFC">G</R>cc
//Ă<R ALT="^I["></R>Ƃǂ_ɖA˂qB<k>

//xɎ̂́A
//ɛX<R ALT="^I["></R>Eɓ炵B<k>
  The gathered fighters laugh derisively at the exaggerated formality of Huang's words. It is obvious to all that this battle can end in nothing but one-sided slaughter. They've hardly come to "beg a demonstration."

  Even Taoluo cannot hope to defeat such a force of veteran warriors. Gu Zhongping the Monk with Four Vices, Shao Zeru the Hook-Wielding Martyr, Shu Hongwei the Shark-Toothed Child...... all heroes who served together with him in the Qingyun Society.

  They took their time about it, but it seems that at last the Society has decided to eliminate Taoluo itself.

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<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccɂ܁Hv<k>
"......Brother?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//g<R ALT="^I["></R>̐SƑ̉A̋]ǂ݂Ƃ̂낤B
//₢ɌZ̊M<R ALT="C["></R>̖ʎ͐_B<k>

//<R ALT="^I["></R>́AގgɂӊOȂقǗ܂ܔ΂B<k>
  Ruili looks up at Taoluo with uncharacteristic concern, perhaps reading his thoughts from his heart rate and body temperature that she can sense through her skin.

  Taoluo meets her apprehensive gaze with a gentle smile, himself surprised by his own calm.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u͂܂Ă񂾁B
//ccSz͂Ȃv<k>
"Hold on tight. There's nothing to worry about."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ɏꏊɂ킯ɂ͂ȂB@
//܂<R ALT="r">k</R><R ALT="E"></R>ĂB<R ALT="C["></R>̍͂Ɠ̒fЂcĂB
//ŏI点킯ɂ͂ȂBꂪł낤Ƃcc<k>
  He must not die here. Bin and Liu are still alive, and there remain two fragments of Ruili's soul to retrieve.<K>
  He must not let it end here - even if this is a nightmare.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u΂ɗɁccڂ܂܂łB
//΁Aɍςށv<k>
"Keep your eyes closed, and whatever you do, don't let go. It'll all be over soon."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ĉA̘r̒ɂ܂A˂΂ȂȂ̂B<k>
  And above all, he must protect this life now cradled in his arms.

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//G͂BlB
//Ջ荇Ƃŉ瓾Ƃ͂ȂB
//͓̈ɐsB<k>

//ߎƂȂ鎇dAxɌĂ͓Ăɂ͂ȂȂB
//߂łJoɂA̎Jɋył́A
//<R ALT="C["></R>̍xĂ邾ōǂB
//ÉcchɓOƂȂ΂Ȃ̂ƁA
//`킯ɂ͂ȂB<k>

//̋nɂĂȂA<R ALT="^I["></R>̐S͌yB
//ہAnȂ΂AƌׂB<k>
  His opponents are masters all, and nothing can come of engaging them head-on. His only option is to run.

  For this battle alone, he cannot even depend on his decisive Lightning Palm. During the violent maneuvers he will be performing, the need to keep hold of Ruili with his left hand will prevent him from unleashing a <I>qi</I>-charged palm strike.

  And if he intends to focus on defense, he cannot afford to let go of his <I>wo dao</I> to use his right hand.

  Yet Taoluo's heart is light as a feather, even in these dire straits - or perhaps because of them.

<se src="_00_blade01" mode="on" option="single">
//`̉āAE{ŏ₩甲B
//JɎNꂽg痧錕CAjɗ₦₦ƐSn悢B<k>

//ЂƂьɎ΁A
//捏܂ŉՂ܂ẮA̋LӒɂȂB<k>

//SB
//<R ALT="C["></R>̂߂̌SB
//ŉ䂪g͋~BB<k>

//̓ō炩ɏȂA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͎UďTɕ̂ĂƁA
//ԌQT͂̒̕ɁAÂɈ𓥂ݏoB<k>
  Taking his <I>wo dao</I>'s cord in his teeth, he draws the sword from its sheath with his right hand only. The cold energy emanating from the blade as it meets the rain feels good against his skin.

  Now that he has drawn his sword, the crushing doubt from moments ago has vanished. Even its memory has ceased to exist for him.

  Become the demon, the sword demon that exists for Ruili alone. Therein lies salvation. Therein lies absolute freedom.

  Reciting these words like a mighty prayer in his heart, he tosses his sheath aside with a twist of his head and steps calmly into the wolfpack's embrace.

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<BOX TYPE=2>
//u<R ALT="EH"></R><R ALT="^I["></R>Ƃ̌ɓ͗lłv<k>
"Huang and the others have engaged Taoluo."

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccv<k>
"......I see."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//SVW̌㕔ȂŐg낪ȂA
//<R ALT="rEC\">k̐M</R>͉^]肩̕񍐂B<k>
  Reclining in the backseat of his SV limo, Bin Weixin listens to the driver's report.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//ȕɏW܂͉̂lHv<k>
"How many are gathered there?"

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uw{xAwLx<R ALT="X["></R>ق18B
//ɌoƏcc̖ʁX
//݌Ă܂v<k>
"The Maelstrom Halberd, Shark-Toothed Shu, and 18 others. The Twin Yuen Heroes and the warriors of the Ghostslayer Squad are also on their way as we speak."

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uށccv<k>
"Hm......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//_񂪗iTCol@Ƃ̂A
//ꗬǂƖڂg͂قڑSoB<k>

//<R ALT="E"></R>̎xz̐ɕsÎQ̛̒ɂ́A
//ނ<R ALT="R">E</R>ɗ^銴҂ȂȂA
//܂ł̘błB<k>

//<R ALT="R">E</R>̎ɂC`ȉPA
//ĂɌJꂽ<R ALT="C"></R>ˎEQ̏؋fɂāA
//q݂̑͑B
//<R ALT="RE^I[">E</R>ɓ񂹂҂͈lȂB<k>

//ŏ炱Ă΁cc
//vсA
//̒jɂĂ炳ꂽ̑傫܂B<k>
  Nearly every reputable cyber-warrior in the Qingyun Society has joined the hunt.

  Among the old Society members who were dissatisfied with Liu's rule, no small number had harbored sympathies for Kong. However, that all ended last night.

  The attack on Shanghai Cybernetics carried out by his accomplices, coupled with the finally-released video proving his hand in Li <I>zhaizhu</I>'s assassination, has brought every hero under the same banner. Now there is no one who will show mercy towards Kong Taoluo.

  If only we had done this sooner......
  Each time that thought passes through his mind, Bin regrets anew the enormity of the damage Kong has wrought.

//ȂƂA
//܂ł̐^<R ALT="R">E</R>Ă̂Ƃ<R ALT="r">k</R>\zȂB
//肭̈CƕĂ͔̂ۂ߂ȂB<k>

//̌ʂꂾB
//C`i͍ċNs\B͂_
//TColeBNXsꂩ̓Pނ]VȂꂽB
//̋@ɏ悶ăVA}tBA̓VFAƐ肷邱Ƃ낤B
//n񕜂̖]݂͂ȂB<k>

//<R ALT="R">E</R>ւ̓{邱ƂȂA
//܂ł̈ÖĂˎɑ΂sR̐A
//RȂオĂB
//<R ALT="E"></R>ɂ͂A
//Ă̂悤ɐlSČЂU邤Ƃ͖]߂܂B<k>

//̂܂ܛ̒ɋA
//p[Q[̊mł葱悤ƂȂ΁cc
//ȏA<R ALT="E"></R>SłĂb͂ȂB
//ނA
//ނ𕛞ˎ̍ǂĂ邮炢̕ÂłB<k>

//<R ALT="C"></R>ˎ̎\AOƌm𓮂̂A
//<R ALT="E"></R>̗tł͂ȂB
//ׂĂ<R ALT="r">k</R>̓ƒfB<k>
  In all honesty, even Bin never imagined that Kong would go to such extraordinary lengths, and succeed. He cannot deny that he looked down on Kong as a mere assassin gone feral.

  And this is the result. Shanghai Cybernetics has been crippled. The Qingyun Society will have no choice now but to pull out of the illegal cybernetics industry, and the Russian Mafia will undoubtedly jump on the chance to monopolize the market. There will be no hope of recovery.

  In addition to the rage owed Kong, there have of course been voices raised in suspicion of the <I>fu-zhaizhu</I> for allowing him to carry out his schemes until now. Liu will no longer be able to wield the charisma and authority that he used to.

  If Bin intends to remain at the center of the Society and keep playing these power games...... it will do him no good to support Liu any further. In fact, he had better start working towards ousting him from his position as <I>fu-zhaizhu</I>.

  Indeed the decision to announce Li <I>zhaizhu</I>'s death and mobilize the <I>waijia</I> forces was not made with Liu's consent. All was Bin's doing.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//gŏ[AƁAvcch<k>
(I'd like to think this will be enough, but......)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ߎƂɂ͎シB
//<R ALT="R">E</R>͗ł͐ʂȂB
//L蓾ȂƎvnłA܂܂Ɛ؂蔲Ă̂jłB
//cc͂▂őƎvĂB<k>
  This is too soft for a decisive blow. Kong can no longer be judged logically. He has fought his way out of the inescapable jaws of death before, has he not? 

  ......He must be treated as the demonic entity he has become.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//g͂莟P̍􂪂B
//mɓz𑒂邽߂Ɂcch<k>
(There is still the next-best plan, one that will assure his end......)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="r">k</R>ɔ߂ɁA<R ALT="E"></R>͊ԈႢȂF낤B
//ĉʂB
//łď߂āA
//܂ł̓l̗͊֌W𕢂[͂߂̂B<k>

//Ґkɋ炷<R ALT="r">k</R>悹āAW͈HA
//<R ALT="EEz[W">R</R>̎@ւƒyB<k>
  Liu will surely disapprove of the plan now forming in Bin's mind. Even so, Bin will see it done. Only then can he take the first step towards overturning the balance of power that has persisted between them until today.

  As Bin shivers in anticipation of battle, his limousine races towards the estate of Liu Haojun.

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//rɕl`ɂĕKȄł𔛂ꂽ<R ALT="^I["></R>́A
//E̘`{œn荇ɂȂB<k>

//bꂽ{fB͐q̎aȂǎ󂯕tA
//悵Γ߂꓁ƂǁAꂪvłɂȂۏ؂ȂB
//g̐lԂƈČ܂؂_ȂAɊo킹Ȃ
//TC{[Oł́AI舂ɕKE_Ƃŋt
//ɍ̃JE^[Ԃꂩ˂ȂB<k>

//BAmȋ}͔]ccoƐSĂ邾ɁA
//_U͂Ă܂B<k>

//KAU߂˂ĖhɓOHڂɂȂB
//Ă铹ȂǗL蓾ȂB<k>

//ɂAS炸cc
//̍<R ALT="r">k</R>ԒɂĊ뜜ĂʂA
//܂<R ALT="RE^I[">E</R>̕v͖̈܂ŎĂB<k>

//lłG̊Ԃ삯ȂA
//̍UƂƂ]킵A\A󂯗A
//<R ALT=""></R>ɂčU߂Oƌm̔@̎J
//|MB<k>
  With his decisive palm strike sealed by the doll cradled in his left arm, Taoluo has no choice but to do battle with only his <I>wo dao</I>.

  Armored cyborg bodies are immune to normal slashes, however, and even a strike with internal energy behind it cannot guarantee a fatal wound. Against cyborgs, who unlike flesh men have none of the conventional weak points and feel no pain, any careless attempt at a certain kill could end in a painful counter.

  The only definite weak point is the brain, but with both sides well aware of that, attacks to the head are the first to be seen through.

  With all avenues of attack blocked, the unaugmented warrior must necessarily fall back on defense alone. There can be no hope of victory.

  And yet...... just as Bin feared, Kong Taoluo fights with a demonic fury.

  He dashes through the gaps between his foes, dodging, misdirecting, and deflecting the attacks coming upon him from all sides. As the <I>waijia</I> warriors try to bear him down by the weight of their numbers, he dances circles around them with the speed and unpredictability of a storm.


//ɓÔ݂Ȃ炸A
//Θ`̎a̓TC{[O̓WPB
//ނނa邱Ƃ͂ȂĂAĩK[hÜ꓁́A
//]đ_xւƕωB<k>

//lA܂lƋra藎Ƃ҂oA
//ꂪꍏƈʒuς邤ɕ̗͂ւ]тĂB<k>

//łA`͑ȂB
//xċ삯̌mXƒǂA
//E҂ɎđĂB<k>

//J̒AʂĂƂmʎ𑱂<R ALT="^I["></R>̌`́A
//܂ɏĈꂾB
//󂭗߉߂n➙ɊƂmʏ𕉂A
//̔wɍ~򖗂J𔖍gFɐ߂ȂA
//Ȃ̔@ڗ͂AU肩nȂB<k>
  Nor does he only run, but strikes at the heads of the cyborgs wherever he sees an opportunity. Although his enemies are not so weak as to fall to such attacks, their high guards give his sword the chance to suddenly slip low for a slash to the legs.

  The battlefield shifts position moment by moment, and as one fighter after another has his legs cut out from under him, holes appear in the net surrounding Taoluo.

  But even so, the balance does not change. Society warriors late to the battle keep charging in to take the places of those who fall behind.

  Fighting a desperate battle in the rain with no end in sight, Taoluo's visage is none other than that of a demon of war.

  He already bears countless shallow wounds from blades and spikes that grazed his skin, yet even as the rain sluicing from his back is stained crimson, the whirlwind-like power of his legs and the speed of his slashing sword do not falter.

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//ȌiA
//<R ALT="E"></R>͎ł났ȂXN[zɒ߂ĂB<k>
  Liu watches it all through a screen in the comfort of his own home.

<background src="B_B">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="right">
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<BOX TYPE=3>
//u邩H@<R ALT="C["></R>BǑZ̐킢Ԃ肪v<k>
"Look, Ruili. Do you see how your brother fights?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stlC[l`" face="\" align="left">
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<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//̉摜̈ӖƂĂ̂ۂA
//<R ALT="E"></R>̕G̏̃KCmCh́A
//RƋCӂȊ፷XN[ɒłB<k>
  The gynoid sitting on Liu's lap stares blankly at the screen, giving no hint to whether she understands the import of the image.

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//摜͐ꡂ700m̔ޕ猩
//@h[瑗ĂB
//NlƂāA̔`ɋCt҂͂ȂB<k>
  The video is being sent from a surveillance drone situated 700 meters away from the battlefield. None involved in the brutal struggle are aware of its peering lens.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//ŵ܂܂ł́A
//<R ALT="RE^I[">E</R>͕͂˔jĂ܂܂x<k>
"At this rate, Kong Taoluo will break out of the encirclement."

<background src="B_B">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڐO" align="right">
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<BOX TYPE=3>
//u̗lqȁv<k>
"It looks that way."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//h[̑vł悱񍐂ɁA<R ALT="E"></R><R ALT="悤">g</R>ɑƂłB<k>
  Liu responds nonchalantly to the report from the drone's operator.

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<BOX TYPE=2>
//wccX̂łH
//X片ł܂x<k>
"......Shouldn't we provide backup?"

<background src="B_B">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="right">
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<BOX TYPE=3>
//uɂ͋y΂v<k>
"No need."

<bustup name="stEʏ" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//u<R ALT="^I["></R>EAAB
//NɂCt悤ɂȁv<k>
"When Taoluo escapes, withdraw. And make sure you aren't noticed."

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<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ȃw߂Ė؂ƁAĂ<R ALT="E"></R>͐l`̌񂹁A
//̎ɚB<k>
  With those curt orders, Liu cuts the transmission and puts his arms once more around the doll's shoulders, whispering into her ear.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="right">
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<BOX TYPE=3>
//uƖڂɏĂtĂB
//̕A
//ׂĂOl߂Ă̂Ƃv<k>
"Burn this sight into your eyes. His ferocity, his perseverance. He struggles only to get closer to you."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stlC[l`" face="\" align="left">
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<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
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<BOX TYPE=3>
//u͂܂悾Ȃcc
//͂ԋ߂猩Ăv<k>

//ûƂ́Az̋т𕷂ĂB
//܂̖r߂Ăv<k>
"It is only a distant image now...... but soon you will see it firsthand."

"When that time comes, listen to his screams. Taste his tears."

<bustup name="stEʏ" face="cȏ΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//uz̗̈HH܂łcc<R ALT="C["></R>A
//ׂĂÔ̂Ȃ񂾁v<k>
"Every last drop of his blood, Ruili...... All of it belongs to you."

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<a href="r{5_2">
