<clear>
<bgm src="M12" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
<background src="B_pH_J02">
<wipe effect="fade" time="20">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//wlVxU艺낷T_̉
//ւƔэ񂾂ƂŁA<R ALT="^I["></R>͈ꙋ߂A
//ɉ􂳂ꂽ<R ALT="C["></R>̘rɒӂB<k>

//ׂr͔ނ̎ł~܂܊ɂłȂB
//̃^C~OłȂΐU藎ƂĂ܂C͂ȂB<k>

//mMۂA<R ALT="^I["></R>͔ޏ̑̏dxĂrA
//<R ALT="񂱂񂢂Ă">ꝱ</R>̟悹Ďd̈ꌂĂB<k>
  As he ducks under a blow from the Monk with Four Vices's wolf-tooth staff and darts inside his range, Taoluo directs his attention for a split second to Ruili's arms wrapped around his neck.

  Her slender limbs are still wound tightly around him. With this timing, he needn't worry about throwing her off.

  The instant he confirms this, Taoluo lets go of her waist with his left hand and unleashes the Lightning Palm, staking everything on this one burst of <I>qi</I>.

<se src="d" mode="on" option="single">
<WHITEOUT time="1">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uOK@@@b!!v<k>
"Gwahhhhhhh!!"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//\Ȃvłɑg点A

//𗬂鉘̒ւƔ򖗂グē|ꍞގlVB
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͍Ă<R ALT="C["></R>̍Ƃ߂A
//ɘ`\ĎȂ鑊ɔcc
//ł悤₭ÎɋCtB<k>
  His entire body paralyzed by the unexpected deathblow, <se src="_052_ɓ|" mode="on" option="single">the Monk with Four Vices crashes with tremendous splash into the dirty water flowing around their feet. Taoluo immediately renews his hold on Ruili and prepares his blade to defend against the next foe...... and there realizes that the battlefield has gone silent.

<bgm src="M12" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
//Ȏѓd̂悤ɁAӂʂɒl߂ĂECA
//͂ȂB<k>

//`܂܉E̐ŁAzڂɗꍞތ@B
//i̎E߂Ă݂ƁA
//܂ł̈Â<R ALT="傤"></R>Ȏ삪R̂悤B<k>
  An aura of bloodlust had saturated the area like the static charge before a lightning strike, and now it's gone.

  Still gripping his sword, Taoluo uses his right sleeve to wipe away the blood dripping into his eyes from his forehead. With his vision restored, the dark, narrow view from moments ago seems like a dream.

<clear>
<se src="_01_rain01" mode="on" option="single">
<background src="B_pH_J01">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//Jɂ<R ALT=""></R>𑝂Ȃ܂H̒ɁA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͕G܂ŉɐZȂ痧ĂB
//ɖv邠܂AǂǂH
//ȏꏊɂ܂œ̂AƂȂĂ͋LRƂȂB
//Ԃ̌o܂قǂɁA킢͒ɂ߂B<k>

//ƂA|GŌɁAǌ҂̎p͌ȂB<k>
  The torrential rain has sped and strengthened the flow through the aqueduct, where Taoluo finds himself standing knee-deep in filthy water.

  He was so focused on the struggle that he can hardly remember how he managed to end up at the bottom of this channel. He has even lost track of how much time has passed, so intense and drawn out was the battle.

  In any case, the enemy he just defeated appears to be the last of his pursuers.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//gTcĉHh<k>
(I've lost them......?)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//\l̐퓬TC{[O𑊎A͂̕EƂ́cc
//܂ɊՂɓF􂾂B<k>

//\f͋ȂB
//ׂĂ̒ǂ؂蕚Ȃ瓦тĂ킯ł͂ȂB
//唼͗̍Œ<R ALT="^I["></R>Ƃ̂ƂB<k>

//Ă΁Aɂ܂⑫邾낤B
//̂ɈS܂œт邵ȂB<k>
  To face more than twenty combat cyborgs and escape from their clutches...... his luck is nothing short of miraculous.

  He must not lower his guard, however. He didn't make his escape by cutting down all of his attackers. Most of them merely lost sight of Taoluo amid the chaos.

  If he dithers here, he will likely soon be found again. He has to get to a safe place while he has the chance.

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J02">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//ݏoƂƂŁcc
//˔@AxD􂭂悤ȌɂɌA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͂̂߂悤ɂLB<k>
  He takes a step...... and falls to his knees as a sudden tearing pain rips through his lungs.

<se src="SE_J̒]" mode="on" option="single">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//gcch<k>
(Kuh......!)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ĂȂ̓ucc
//AɓnċgĂd̃_[WA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̖܂łɗݐς炵B<k>
  The pain of his internal injuries is worse than ever before. It seems that the damage from his repeated uses of Electromagnetic Discharge has finally built up to the point where his life is in immediate jeopardy.

<bgm src="M02" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
//cc<R ALT="^I["></R>͋̓Ŏ݂B<k>
  Taoluo curses in silent frustration. It's too soon.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//gƓlcc<R ALT="E"></R><R ALT="r">k</R>ccza˂΁Ałɂcch<k>
(Still two left...... Liu and Bin...... I'll never be able to rest until I kill them.)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//H̑ǂɔwaāA
//G̏΂orhĎxȂA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͋C𐮂ē̒ɂ݂𕕂߂悤ƂB<k>
  He leans back against the wall of the aqueduct, barely supporting himself on his trembling legs, and tries to suppress the pain by bringing his breathing under control.

<clear>
<background src="ev_t10">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u邵́H@ɂ܁v<k>
"Brother, are you hurting?" Ruili asks timidly from the cradle of his arm.

//<BOX TYPE=0>
//rɕ<R ALT="C["></R>AׂŖ₤ĂB<k>

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccvccv<k>
"No...... I'm fine."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//̕sȐɌȂ̋`voA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͋󌳋CUiċC𑕂B<k>
  Reminded of his duty by her anxious voice, Taoluo summons up all of his strength to present a reassuring facade.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uvccŁcc
//xeł邩ccv<k>
"I'm fine. I just need to...... rest a little......"

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u邵̂ˁAƂĂv<k>
"You're hurting bad. I can tell."

<clear>
<background src="ev_r07">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ܜɂ<R ALT="^I["></R>̖jɁA
//ׂ炩ŏ_炩GB
//<R ALT="C["></R>̖jB<k>
  Something soft and smooth presses against the side of Taoluo's sunken, hollow face - Ruili's cheek.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u܂񂵂ȂŁB
//̂A邵̂A
//݂ȃCɂ傤v<k>
"Don't pretend," she whispers in her brother's ear. "Give me all your pain and suffering."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//҂Ɩj񂹂܂܁A<R ALT="C["></R>͌Z̎ɚB<k>

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uāAƂĂB
//炠ɂ܁AȂĂB
//킪ĂBC傾v<k>
"I'll take them away, just like this. So it's okay to cry. It's okay to be scared. I'm here for you."

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u<R ALT="C["></R>ccv<k>
"Ruili......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//܂ŕقĂȂޏA
//ł̌CȌt̐^͖{B
//ɂƂ͈قȂM̂A<R ALT="^I["></R>̋ɍݏグB<k>
  She clearly does not understand the situation, but the earnestness of her words is nonetheless real. Taoluo feels something hot rise in his chest, something different from his pain.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//gŁcc܂邩cch<k>

//g͂AƂ肶Ȃcc
//<R ALT="C["></R>Ƃɂ͂Ȃcc
//āccA񂾁BlŁcch<k>
(I won't die here......)

(I'm...... not alone anymore. I'll never fail Ruili again. We'll make it back alive...... Together......)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ԋ߂ɔOɂāA܂ɂB
//łȂ΁A<R ALT="^I["></R>͕GxĂȂB
//̈ݏoɂȂB<k>
  With death staring him in the face, his oath is terribly empty. Without it, however, Taoluo would not have been able to take a single step.

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J01">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//̗ɋtĐHA
//悤₭̏ɂ^bvɒH蒅B
//`̕əA󂢂Eňiڂɒ͂܂ƂŁA
//͂<R ALT="^I["></R>͓~߂B<k>
  Wading up the aqueduct against the flow, he finally reaches a ladder to ground level. He sets his <I>wo dao</I> between his teeth to free up his right hand for the first rung - and freezes just as he grabs it.

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ْ@<R ALT="C["></R>܂A킸ɐłB<k>

//Ăј`̕Eɒ͂ݒāA<R ALT="^I["></R>͌zɔwMB
//EC̎́AccHΊ݂̒̏ɓ񂾁A
//ʂ̂悤ɗގpB<k>
  The stiffness in Ruili's voice shows that she has sensed her brother's tension.

  Taoluo restores his grip on his blade and looks back over his shoulder at the source of the killing intent he sensed behind and above him. There, on the opposite lip of the aqueduct, stand two men who could be mirror images of each other.

<clear>
<background src="ev_tw09">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=1>
//u<R ALT="ۂ">ۂ</R>A<R ALT="d">d</R>v<k>
"Know when to give up, Lightning Palm."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//lɔ鐺A
//܂<R ALT=""></R>ɔ悤ɏdȂĎɓ͂B<k>
  Their voices join in harmony, as though echoing inside a great cathedral.

<BOX TYPE=1>
//u<R ALT="猳ZɔwȂ">猳ZɔwȂ</R>A
//<R ALT="Ȃē鏊">Ȃē鏊</R>Hv<k>
"Do you think that you can escape alive with the Yuen brothers at your back?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//҂Ƃʎdl̏dTC{[OB
//ƂɗɈ΂̕gA̓ႷB<k>

//<R ALT="ケ"></R>ĴZ<R ALT="EJ[C">Ɖp</R>A<R ALT="ӂւ">ʉ</R>ĝ<R ALT="E\[C">p</R>B
//^I[炵Ă݂΁A
//̏ł͒NȂlłB<k>
  Both are heavy cyborgs sharing exactly the same design. Only the paired weapons in each's hands are different.

  The elder brother, Yuen Ka Ying, wields twin hook swords, while the younger brother Yuen Sheung Ying has chosen <I>guai</I> sticks.

  Taoluo would have rather faced any foe than these two.

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J01">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[g" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccɍs񂾁B<R ALT="C["></R>v<k>
"......Go on ahead, Ruili."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//o̎pfȂ̋ɑA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͍ɕĂ<R ALT="C["></R>^bvɒ͂܂点B<k>
  Without taking his eyes off the Twin Heroes, Taoluo makes Ruili grab hold of the ladder.

<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>
//uCAɂ܂Ƃɂccv<k>
"But I want to stay with you......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
  Ruili gazes pleadingly at her brother.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[g" face="ڕ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uʖڂv<k>
"You can't."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//x΂<R ALT="^I["></R>AɊÂ]T͂ȂB
//̑oq̋낵͏[ɐSĂB
//<R ALT="C["></R>݂Ȃ킦鑊ł͂ȂB<k>
  For once, indulging his sister is not an option. Taoluo knows full well the threat posed by the twins. He cannot fight them while protecting Ruili.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u̒qoő҂Ă񂾁B
//ɍsv<k>
"Wait for me at the top of this ladder. I'll catch up soon."

<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>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//؂Ȃői<R ALT="C["></R>AZ̉炩ؔCẑAŌɂ͜RB<k>
  Perhaps reading the gravity in Taoluo's profile, she at last nods mournfully.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[Ў藖ˉ" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uɂ܁Accv<k>
"Brother, here......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="C["></R>̓^bvɒ͂܂ȂA
//тɋł_<R ALT="^I["></R>ɎnB
//̊C݂ŏEpĩ`[uB
//ޏyVтɎg<R ALT="΂"></R>B<k>
  Keeping one hand on the ladder, Ruili withdraws a metal tube from her belt and hands it to Taoluo. It's the broken tube she picked up on the beach at Wusong, the one she used as a makeshift baton in her dance.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u܂Ȃ́BĂāv<k>
"For good luck. Take it."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[g" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ucc킩B肪Ƃv<k>
"......Alright. Thank you."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//߂ĔޏS悤<R ALT="^I["></R>͏Ί𑕂āA
//󂯎`[ǔ̃xgɋށB<k>
  Wanting to at least set her mind at ease, Taoluo puts on a smile and sticks the tube in his belt at the small of his back.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uAsv<k>
"Now hurry."

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

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//Aꂽ^bvԂ̋͐lŁA<R ALT="C["></R>̏Ȕwł
//ĝ𐸈tɐL΂ȂΎ̒i͂߂ȂB<k>
  The ladder's rungs are spaced for an adult, forcing Ruili to stretch her tiny body to its full length to reach the next one.

<se src="SE_052_^bv" mode="on" option="single">
<bustup name="st^I[g" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//ł悤悤ւƓoĂ<R ALT="C["></R>͂ĂA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͐ĝƑΊ݂ւƌB<k>
  Even so, she makes her way gradually to the top. Once Ruili has disappeared over the lip, Taoluo turns his whole body to face the opposite side.

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J02">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//<R ALT="^I["></R>ɉ悤ɁA
//o܂ygȂŐH̒ւƐg点B<k>
  Responding to his readiness, the Twin Yuen Heroes leap nimbly into the waterway.

<se src="SE_Hn" mode="on" option="single">
//̋}̒ւƒnlA
//̐򖗂͂͂ŐT܂B
//ꂾ̓łz̏p̌MmB<k>
  Their entrance into the rapid, murky flow is quiet, with barely any splash. This alone is testament enough to their superlative mastery of movement.


<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stZU" face="ւ̂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uMl{̈ӖŁA
//}JI琶ċAĂꂽȂcc
//AS犅тł̂ȁv<k>
"If you had truly returned alive from Macao...... we would have welcomed you with open arms."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stU" face="ւ̂" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u̒m<R ALT="RE^I[">E</R>́A
//ً͂ɂĉʂĂ炵B
//MĺA̔kv<k>
"But it seems that the Kong Taoluo we knew died in that foreign land after all. You are nothing but an empty husk."

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

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stZU" face="ւ̂" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uˎ₻̈hƂ̊ԂɁA
//ǂm̂͒mʁv<k>
"We know not what feud exists between you and the <I>fu-zhaizhu</I>'s faction."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stU" face="ւ̂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uȗRɂcc
//ւ̒`܂ŌR낤v<k>
"But no matter your reasons...... there can be no excuse for abandoning your loyalty to the Society."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[g" face="ڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//g`Ah<k>
(Loyalty......?)

<bustup name="st^I[g" face="Ζڕ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//utccv<k>
"Heh......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ĊOɑgŕ΁AȂƋt낤B<k>

//<R ALT="C["></R>SĂB
//ޏSĂĂꂽB
//̏dẤAׂĎゾB<k>

//`BFB
//Ȃ̂ɈӖȂAȂ<R ALT="C["></R>͂ȖڂɂH<k>
  How hollow that word sounds, now that he has fallen from grace.

  <I>Ruili</I> was everything. She alone gave Taoluo peace. Only after losing her did he realize how utterly irreplaceable she was to him. 

  Righteousness? Loyalty? If such things had meaning, then why did Ruili suffer so?

<bustup name="st^I[g" face="cȏ΂" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uĔ\΂肪B҂ȁB
//OƂ̂X́v<k>
"As always, you <I>waijia</I> masters are nothing but talk."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ׂɌ΂ݘc߂ȂA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͂Ă̕F𑞁XB<k>
  With a twisted, demonic grin, Taoluo maliciously taunts his old comrades.

<bustup name="st^I[g" face="Ǝcȏ΂" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uÂAB
//Ȃڂ<R ALT="񂰂"></R>Ƃ̂ȂA
//ЂƂ肨Ȃv<k>
"I've had enough of your prattle. If there's any substance to your ideals, I'd very much like a demonstration."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stZU" face="ւ̂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uMĺccv<k>
"You fiend......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//{CɎEӂ܂āAo͐g\ɂB<k>
  Taking their stances, the Twin Heroes inch closer with murderous rage in their eyes.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stU" face="ւ̂" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u`ƒF͋҂̍B
//̍MĺA
//͂␶S҂Rv<k>
"Righteousness and loyalty are the soul of the hero. Without them, you are only a walking corpse."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stZU" face="ւ̂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uS҂ׂ͍݂֊҂B
//A炪Vn̑Oɓ|ꕚׂv<k>
"The dead must return to where they belong. Come, and fall before our divine judgment!"

<bgm src="M02" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J02">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//N瓥ݏoƂȂcc
//O҂݂͌ɉQ`悤ɂāA
//̉𓥂ݎU炵ړn߂B<k>

//荞݁A荞܂A˂ɎO҂̂ꂩlœ_ɁA
//clQ`čEɒyB
//̏ォ猩낹΁A͊ȑg~ƌȂB<k>
  The three leap into motion as one, scattering dirty water about their feet as they dance circles around each other.

  Though ever shifting, the spiral is always centered on one of the three, with the other two dashing to his sides. From above, it might appear as a bizarre three-person waltz.

<bgm src="M10" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
<clear>
<background src="ev_tw03">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//Ă̌Z͕قɂԂɊ̉e󂯁A
//ǧqĝŐꗎƂB
//̑唼L𓾂AߊςĂZ킾Aȗcl~̂́A悤₭y̒͂߂TColeBNXZpłB<k>

//܂ȂɂĔg̋@B^ÂA
//ƂɃTColOƌmƂĂ̐lI񂾌ZB
//Ȕނ炪̐U₵ĂOƂ̌Ƃ́A
//ꎅʐ▭̃Rrl[VE@B<k>
  It is said that these twins were exposed to environmental pollutants while still in the womb, which caused them to be born with half of their bodies conjoined.

  Forced to share most of their internal organs, the young brothers would have had a short and hopeless life if not for the salvation of cybernetics, which had finally begun to gain widespread acceptance.

  Fated from birth to become half-machine, the Yuen brothers chose to walk the path of the <I>waijia</I> warrior together. After training in external kung fu their entire lives, they have perfected the art of lethal combinations executed in flawless harmony.

<clear>
<background src="ev_t01">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=2>
//gċݍ܂ʂ悤A
//˂ɗ҂𓯎ɎEɎ߂ׂcch<k>


//g΁A
//̖^͐sh<k>
(I must keep both in my sight at all times, lest I be caught between them.)

(If I allow a pincer attack, it's all over.)

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J02">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͔ނ̐pmĂB
//oƂ̐킢́A˂Ɋԍ̓ǂݍłB
//΂͉RBނcӎāA
//ʂ։荞܂̂˂΂ȂȂB<k>

//ɓxْ̋ꂽ܂܂́AG̎̃XebvB
//Ă邾łڂῂޗLl<R ALT="^I["></R>ɂƂẮA
//ɋC͂RoĂ̂悤B<k>
  Taoluo knows their strategy. Battle with the Twin Heroes is a constant game of position and timing. An attack by one is a feint. He must focus on the other instead, or else risk being flanked.

  The dance of death continues, each moment bursting with explosive tension. Merely standing is enough to make Taoluo dizzy, and it feels as though energy is seeping out of his legs with each step.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[퓬" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//gvɏ@͂Ȃcch<k>
(I can't win a battle of attrition.)

<se src="_00_blade01" mode="on" option="single">
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<background src="#ffffff">
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<background src="ev_t03">
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<BOX TYPE=0>
//f<R ALT="^I["></R>́A
//U悤ɊĂ肩ނƌđ𓥂݊A
//v̌h˂ꂽB<k>
  With split-second judgment, Taoluo pretends to fall back before his enemy's inviting approach, then shifts feet and unleashes a lightning-fast thrust.

<se src="_042_łȂ" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
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<background src="B_pH_J02">
<bustup name="stZU" face="ւ̂" align="right">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//΂͌Z<R ALT="ケ"></R>gA<R ALT="EJ[C">Ɖp</R>B
//ʂȂE̘̓pȂꕔŘ`̐؂dA
//<R ALT="ケ"></R>̌啔Ŏa荞łB<k>

//Uĥ|Ƃ<R ALT="ケ"></R>́Aʂ𕢂悤ɔzꂽƌ֑̞ōU߂邩Aᑤɑ傫˂oő̓𗍂ߎj󂷂@\BE΂ŌJΌʂ͔{Bdאg̘`ŗɂ́Ar^ɂłB<k>
  Unfooled, his current opponent, the elder brother Yuen Ka Ying, traps the tip of his <I>wo dao</I> with the curved hook of his right sword, simultaneously slashing at Taoluo with the crescent blade of his left.

  The hook sword is a versatile weapon. Its wielder can attack with the crescent blade covering his knuckles or the spike protruding from the base of his fist, while also using the large curved hook to trap and destroy his enemy's weapon. With one sword in each hand, their effectiveness is doubled.

  Few foes could be harder to face with the rigid and slender <I>wo dao</I>.

<se src="_052_꓁ݍ" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_pH_J02">
<bustup name="st^I[퓬" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͍Eɘ`DȂ悤@qɓg|A
//łԒfȂU߂B
//Ɋ@ł͑ł<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>݂̂Ȃ炸A
//̌ɍTE<R ALT="\[C">p</R>ēȂB<k>

//ZƌU炷<R ALT="^I["></R>̑ʂɁA荞Ƃ<R ALT="\[C">p</R>́AɔΑւƐg点ēꑱB<k>
  Even while darting his blade nimbly out of the grasp of the paired hook swords, Taoluo never lets up his attack. At the same time, he keeps not only Ka Ying, but Sheung Ying behind him in sight at all times.

  As Sheung Ying tries persistently to flank the enemy matching swords with his brother, Taoluo ever slides his body to the opposite side, using Ka Ying as a shield while keeping him pinned under a flurry of thrusts.

<se src="_052_꓁ݍ" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
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<wait time="1">

<background src="B_pH_J02">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">

//đ̎h˂𗁂т<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>𑫎~߂ȂA
//̑̋Օɂ<R ALT="\[C">p</R>gBcc
//̒̉~́A<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>𒆐S<R ALT="^I["></R><R ALT="\[C">p</R>`ƂȂB<k>
  The waltz continues amid the rushing water, now revolving with Ka Ying as its axis.

<se src="_00_blade01" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_pH_J02">
<bustup name="stZU" face="ւ̂" align="right">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//<R ALT="^I["></R>`̌A
//Ȃ悤ƘAU<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>A
//ƂɋU<R ALT="ケ"></R>EɊJB<k>
  Taoluo pulls back from a strike and Ka Ying follows, boldly essaying to catch the <I>wo dao</I> between both hook swords. But his attempt fails, and his weapons end up in empty air to both sides, leaving him wide open.

<se src="_00_blade01" mode="on" option="single">
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<background src="#ffffff">
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<background src="ev_t03">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//D̔̃`XB
//Ƃ΂<R ALT="^I["></R>͑ՓVwьvẍ˂ŏB<k>
  Seizing this rare chance for victory, Taoluo counters with the thrust Lightning Bolt Shatters Sky.

<se src="_022_}" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
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<background src="ev_tw01">
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//͗UB
//܂܂<R ALT="^I["></R>ނ<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>͔w]ő傫ւƐg|ẢႢɐ荞ނ悤ɂāAwɍTĂ<R ALT="\[C">p</R>ʂꂷ̐r<R ALT="^I["></R>̕GɏPB<k>
  But it was a trap. Having lured Taoluo into attacking, Ka Ying leaps into a flying backward somersault. As he sails through the air, Sheung Ying immediately takes his place, sliding beneath him to unleash a brutal whirlwind kick against Taoluo's legs.

<se src="_00_wɒ" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_pH_J02">
<bustup name="stU" face="ւ̂" align="left">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//QĂĔёނ<R ALT="^I["></R>ɁAƂ͐]̐EA
//̂܂ܓƊŷ悤ɉȂ<R ALT="ӂւ">ʉ</R>̘AUd|ĂB
//՗ȐɉAx<R ALT="^I["></R>hɗ`ƂȂB<k>
  Taoluo hastily jumps back, to which Sheung Ying responds by transferring the momentum of his kick into his weapons, spinning like a murderous top while his <I>guai</I> rain blows down upon his foe.<se src="_00_04" mode="on" option="single"> Forced back by the brutal assault, now Taoluo has no choice but to concentrate on defense.

<se src="_052_꓁ݍ" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_pH_J02">
<bustup name="st^I[퓬" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//gقÁcc!!h<k>
(Damn! This is......!!)

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J01">
<bustup name="stZU" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//ɑRƂȂɂ͂xB
//ƂƓႢ<R ALT="^I["></R>̐n瓦ꂽ<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>́A
//ՁX<R ALT="^I["></R>̔wɉ荞łB<k>

//iށAɋ܂B<k>
  The terrifying revelation comes too late. After escaping Taoluo's range by switching places with Sheung Ying, Ka Ying has easily taken Taoluo's rear.

  There's nowhere left to run.

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J02">
<bustup name="stU" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//Z̘Ag̐_KE`wݕŐwxcc
//EĂɏPoAo̓AUB<k>

//̘AłɖoE邩A<R ALT="ケ"></R>̌<R ALT="Ȃ܂"></R>ɍ܂邩B
//ɂl̊Ԃɋ܂ꂽl҂󂯂̂́A
//悤̂Ȃ̂݁B
//l̋킩Jo{̘ÁA
//̈꓁ŗ̂ł͂ȂB<k>
  This simultaneous attack from two sides, employing both pairs of weapons, is the brothers' ultimate technique and the supreme expression of their unity - the Formation of Harmonious Annihilation.

  Whether beaten to a pulp by Sheung Ying's <I>guai</I> or torn to shreds by Ka Ying's hook swords, only an inescapable death awaits the prey trapped between the Twin Heroes. The furious onslaught of the four weapons cannot be borne by a single blade alone.

<se src="_00_d" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="ev_x16">
<wipe effect="fade" time="3">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="ev_x17">
<wipe effect="fade" time="3">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="ev_x18">
<wipe effect="fade" time="3">

<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="fade" time="3">
<background src="ev_tw08">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//ɎNꂽ<R ALT="^I["></R>ÂƂlɎL΂̂́cc
//<R ALT="C["></R>nĂgh<R ALT="΂"></R>B
//ޏgĂ`[uB<k>
  The jaws of death close around him, but moments before they snap shut, Taoluo reaches out...... and seizes the baton that Ruili gave him for luck, the metal tube she never went anywhere without.

<se src="a_̑ł" mode="on" option="random">
//xgSڑɏƂ<R ALT="ӂւ">ʉ</R>hA
//E̘`ł͉pƂɉB
//dĂ̓񓁗ŁA<R ALT="^I["></R>͑o̕Őw}B<k>
  Ripping it from his belt and brandishing it like a steel whip, he blocks Sheung Ying's <I>guai</I> while answering Ka Ying's hooks with his <I>wo dao</I>. With this improvised twin-sword style, Taoluo meets the Twin Heroes' Formation of Annihilation.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uȂAdv<k>
"Masterful, Lightning Palm."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//؂ڂȂ̌Ao<R ALT=""></R>鐺͂B<k>
  From beyond the ceaseless clanging of steel, he can hear the taunting voices of the Heroes.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u̕vA܂ŕۂȁccv<k>
"But how long can such vigor last?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//`́ccƂ͂Ȃ̋ƕB
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̎ɂςݏd˂ĂB
//݂̔dڏpA
//ēɒbꂽ킯łȂp̃`[uł́A
//Bl̋ZƓn荇ɂׂ͉B<k>

//Ƃ͊ԍ̏肪ႤA
//S̊ǂɂ͎掟㟂Aj̒ĂB
//KA<R ALT="^I["></R><R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>̍U߂~߂ȂA
//<R ALT="\[C">p</R>ɂ͂킶ƓB<k>
  Though nameless, his <I>wo dao</I> is a weapon of worth, and Taoluo's skill with it is the product of much training. The steel whip technique, however, is unfamiliar to him, and moreover, the discarded tube is hardly designed to withstand much abuse. He cannot expect to withstand a master's attacks with such a weapon.

  Not only is its range shorter than that of a sword, the ever-widening cracks in the steel tube speak to its impending destruction. Even as he holds Ka Ying's hook swords at bay, Taoluo is powerless to keep Sheung Ying from gradually closing the distance. Soon his breathing begins to grow labored.

<BOX TYPE=1>
//g邩cch<k>
(Can I pull through!?)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//オ͂߂<R ALT="^I["></R>́AꂩA
//U߂鏮Ƃ̊O<R ALT="^I["></R>̓R[g̐U蕥B
//˔@ڂ̑OŖ|zn<R ALT="\[C">p</R>񂾌āA
//N񐶂̑Zw痴xB<k>
  Staking everything on a risky gamble, Taoluo whips his coat in front of Sheung Ying's eyes. When his enemy flinches at the sudden intrusion, he slams a desperate Crouching Dragon Tail kick into the opening.

<se src="_00_񂵏R" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_pH_J02">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//͑̊ʂ𑨂A
//ݍ݂̐󂢑Z͙͂肸[ȈЗ͂ɎȂB
//łsӑł̈ꌂ<R ALT="\[C">p</R>̓ՂA
//Őw̘Aɒ]тB<k>

//Ƃ΂<R ALT="^I["></R>͉̒ɐg]āA
//őԂ瓦oB<k>

//d؂蒼ɂA܂͋cc
//Ăѕ͂Ȃ̊ԍ҂̂挈B
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͌y̋rJŖ킸obNXebvɈڂB<k>

//ĉ܂ܓːiĒǂoB
//ƂɈ֒y΂Ȃ獶E̋ɂ͎߂܂B<k>

//ccg<R ALT="^I["></R>̗\fA
//o͂܂Ag̑̋Zŗ؂B<k>
  His heel smashes into the cyborg's face, but without a firm step-in it lacks the power to do sufficient damage. Nevertheless, the unexpected blow briefly halts Sheung Ying's movements and opens a hole in the Formation.

  Seizing the opportunity, Taoluo immediately throws himself into the water and rolls out of the Heroes' pincer.

  Range is everything. Before he can counterattack, he needs to gain enough distance to avoid being surrounded again. Using <I>qinggong</I>, he continues to backpedal away from the brothers.

  They dash after him, one behind the other. As long as they're running on the same line, there's no chance of being trapped between them.

  And yet, the Heroes' teamwork foils Taoluo's optimism once again.

<se src="R" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="ev_tw06">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//㑱<R ALT="\[C">p</R>傫nRāA
//sċ삯<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>̌ւƔяA
//𑫏ɂɍXƒɐg点B
//ccނ<R ALT="^I["></R>̓щzāB<k>
  Sheung Ying, the rearmost of the two, suddenly leaps onto his brother's shoulders, then vaults from them high into the air...... carrying him over the retreating Taoluo's head.

<BOX TYPE=0>
//́AȂɂEd|΂ł͂ȂB<k>
  Nowhere is it written that a pincer attack must come from the sides.

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J02">
<bustup name="st^I[퓬" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<BOX TYPE=3>
//gcc!!h<k>
(!!)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͎ɋl܂B
//獶Eɓ悤ɂ̉^тԂɍȂB<k>

//ނ΂<R ALT="\[C">p</R>̗_BʂƓォ̓UɎNB
//Ƃē<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>}Ă΁A
//wɒn<R ALT="\[C">p</R>ɂčĂыݍ܂`ɂȂB<k>
  Taoluo has no response. He can't shift his momentum fast enough to flee to the left or right.

  If he continues to fall back, he'll end up beneath Sheung Ying and be exposed to attacks from the front and above. If, however, he stops and engages Ka Ying, Sheung Ying will land behind him and trap Taoluo between them once again.

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J02">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//Ώ̏p𑦒f̂<R ALT="^I["></R>̈ӎłȂA
//Ë꓁ƍ̓Sځcc
//g꓁@Ӂh̋nɎ蒆̓̂̂B<k>
  It is not Taoluo's mind that sparks the answer, but his weapons themselves - the sword and whip that are avatars of his will.

<se src="_022_}" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_pH_J01">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//܂͎΂ߌ<R ALT="\[C">p</R>B
//ɌĎ̐ŗOǂ݂ƂȂA
//̗Oɍ̋`[u<R ALT="Ȃ"></R>B
//ɁÂ܂ܔgɂȂȂE{Ř`̓g
//ɐQAł<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>̑o𓯎Ɏ󂯎~߂B<k>
  First is Sheung Ying, now behind and above him. Taoluo hurls the metal tube in his left hand into the cyborg's arc of descent, extrapolating it solely from the strength of the jump he witnessed moments ago.

  Keeping his body turned slightly to the side, he then holds the <I>wo dao</I> in his right hand parallel to the water and blocks both of Ka Ying's paired hook swords.

<se src="_00_]" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_pH_J02">
<bustup name="st^I[퓬" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">

//ÃbƔw؂tł悤ȑāA
//`Ɗݍ{B
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̂́Acc
//򗈂`[ułƂ̉̉B<k>
  The hooks catch his blade with an ear-splitting screech, but Taoluo is listening behind him...... and catches the sound of Sheung Ying deflecting the tube with his <I>guai</I>.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//gcch<k>
(Got you......)

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stZU" face="ւ̂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//G̓𑨂<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>́A̖{̗pr̂܂܂ɁA
//`̔gӂ܂ׂ͂𒍂܂cc
//ŁAtɘ`ɉg`œːiւƒ݂グꂽB<k>
  Ka Ying's hooks bear down on Taoluo's <I>wo dao</I>, trying to shatter its slender blade as they are designed to do. But when Taoluo's sword unexpectedly pulls back, that power is suddenly yanked forward.

<se src="a_΂" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="ev_tw07">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u!?v<k>
"Muh!?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͊ĉA
//ːiĂ<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>̏̂^ւƓ̂łB
//̂܂ܐɓ|ꂽ<R ALT="^I["></R>́A`̕ۂA
//̂߂pő傫j<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>̋
//ڗ͂̌ɏRグB<k>

//܂܂Ɣb̗v̂œ΂ꂽ<R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R>̐ɂ́A
//܂ɒO<R ALT="\[C">p</R>̐ĝB
//ɃtFCgœꂽ`[uɉĂ܂Ƃɂ́A
//lɑΉ悤ɂԂɍȂB<k>
  Taoluo has deliberately buckled his legs, allowing Ka Ying's inertia to carry his upper body above him. Taoluo falls backward into the water, releasing his sword at the same instant that he plants his foot into Ka Ying's stomach with all the power he can muster.

  With this perfectly executed circle throw, Ka Ying is sent flying into Sheung Ying just as he is about to land in the stream. Having just reacted to the feint of the metal tube, Sheung Ying is unable to respond in time.

<se src="_052_ɓ|" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_pH_J01">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//󒆂ŏՓ˂óA
//ꍇ悤ɂĐʂɗhȐ򖗂グB<k>
  The Twin Heroes collide in midair and crash into the water with a tremendous splash.

<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J02">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ub!!v<k>
"Ohhhhh!!"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ԔꂸˋN<R ALT="^I["></R>́ASʂ̑ŗYтグȂA
//lN̂ɐ񂶂Ė肩B
//⍶EƂɋƂȂ͂ƂɏŁcc
//͂Čĕod̍\B<k>
  Taoluo leaps up instantly, roaring with terrible fury. He charges the brothers before they can untangle themselves, his hands both pulled back for palm strikes, his entire store of <I>qi</I> devoted to unleashing the Twin Lightning Palm.

<bgm src="M11" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
//{<R ALT="ケ"></R>܂ܒł`A
//҃Xs[hŐ񂵂Ȃ痎ĐʂтA
//̃whɓ˂hB
  The <I>wo dao</I> whirls rapidly through the air, taking the two hook swords with it, then plunges through the water and drives itself deep into the sludge.<K>
<se src="_022_ۓV" mode="on" option="single">
//ݍO̐nURƂ񂴂߂cc
//Ď͖B<k>
  The three blades ring out in harmony...... and thus the fierce battle comes to a close.

<se src="_01_rain01" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="B_pH_J01">
<wipe effect="fade" time="20">

//rƓSƑ΂̋낪A
//tɉ^ыȂ璾łB
//Ƃ萶c<R ALT="^I["></R>ɂ́A
//FɂɐZ]TȂB
//ꂩGk킹ȂAC̓ɈӎB<k>
  The two bodies, half corpse, half wreckage, sink into the water and are carried away by the flow. The sole survivor, Taoluo, alas has no time to feel sorrow or guilt over having killed his former comrades. As his legs threaten to give out beneath him, he focuses his entire being on controlling his breathing.

<bgm src="M05" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
//܋C𗐂AI肾B
//̋ɂ݂ɂĝɕڑłāA
//Ȃd̑ZĝłB
//ق̋͂łCɂ߂A
//ǂɔxĎǂ􂯔j悤B<k>
  If the flow is disrupted now, it's all over. He pushed his fatigued body to the limit, and even wielded the most powerful technique of Electromagnetic Discharge. Even the slightest lapse will cause the immediate rupture of every blood vessel in his lungs.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//g܂cc܂cch<k>
(Not yet...... Not yet......!)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ȁHcc<R ALT="イƂ"></R><R ALT="ӂ">s</R>A<R ALT="₭"></R>ւƟ^сA
//<R ALT="񂦂">t</R>̊Ԃ߂ďzB
//X𓥂ނ悤ɐTdɋC点A
//<R ALT="^I["></R><R ALT="J[C">Ɖp</R><R ALT="ケ"></R>𕥂ƂĘ`A
//ƗnđǂɒH蒅B<k>
  He channels his <I>qi</I> through the meridians needed to heal internal wounds - from <I>zhongdu</I> to <I>fengshi</I> and <I>huanti</I>, then back by way of
<I>yuanye</I>. While maintaining this cycle with the caution of a man walking on thin ice, Taoluo retrieves his <I>wo dao</I> from the clutches of Ka Ying's hook swords and wades slowly through the water to the wall.

<clear>
<background src="B_pH^bv">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//^bvɂ́A
//Ȃ̑̏dx邩낤قǂɐkĂB
//̒qo؂΁A<R ALT="C["></R>҂ĂB
//B
//ȎpĂ肽B<k>

//wჂBڂށB
//^bvolɗ͂ȂB
//ƉioΒ̏Ȃ̂AꂳȂB<k>

//̈iŁAƒB
//܂<R ALT="C["></R>ƍĉłB
//FAȂɌA
//Ɏv锽^JԂB<k>

//̎qƈSAق̏ꏏɋxB
//́A̎̎̑OɁB<k>
  His hands tremble as they grasp the rungs, such that he fears they will not support his own weight. But at the top of this ladder, Ruili is waiting. He wants to see her face as soon as possible, to let her know that he's alright.

  He can't feel his fingers, and his vision is blurry. His limbs are like lead as he forces them to climb. Even his distance from the top is a mystery to him.

  Surely the next rung will be the last. He'll be able to see Ruili again.
  Repeating those words like a prayer, he keeps climbing for what seems an eternity.

  After he has reassured her, then they can rest a little while. And then it will be time for the next battle, and the next.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//ǵccȂȂh<k>

//g<R ALT="C["></R>xĂB
//Q̐͂܂ɂB܂cch<k>
(I won't die......)

(Ruili will support me. My oath of vengeance is still strong. I'm not finished yet......)

<se src="_01_rain01" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="B_S[Xg^E_J03">
<wipe effect="fade" time="20">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//~肩J̐AƔwɂ̂B
//̏dɑςāA
//_JɐI܂ϐFRN[g̕\ʂ߂Ȃcc
//C<R ALT="^I["></R>͒̏Ŏl񔇂ɂȂA
//rfĂB<k>

//óAłɏÎB<k>
  The rain hammers against his back. Enduring its weight, Taoluo realizes that he is on his hands and knees at the lip of the ladder, breathing hard as he stares at concrete pockmarked by the acid rain.

  The climb is already over.

<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܁Hv<k>
"Brother?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ă΂鐺Ɋグ΁A<R ALT="C["></R>͂ڂ̑OɁB
//ɂ܂<R ALT="^I["></R>̈ӎA̃YB<k>
  At the sound of her call, Taoluo looks up to see Ruili right before his eyes. Overwhelmed by emotion, he forgets for an instant to maintain his breathing rhythm.

<se src="SE_fO" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ff0000">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">
<LAYER SRC="#ff0000" TRANSPARENT="50">
<background src="B_S[Xg^E_J03">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">

//̓r[AA삵f瞂B<k>
  At once, a fountain of blood erupts from his throat.

<se src="_00_f" mode="on" option="single">
//󎀂xȆgDƂfoꂽNA
//RN[g̏œŁX򖗂̉ԕق܂U炷B
//|̂KɊA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͐₦ԂȂ<R ALT="">\</R>ЂɑςB<k>

//̂܂܈ӎ΁AxƖڊo߂邱Ƃ͂Ȃcc
//͖{\IɎ@B<k>

//ǧɓMxԂAzƂȂB
//ȁAIƂmʐӂߋꂪB<k>
  Fresh blood splatters across the concrete like a lurid painting, blackened here and there by chunks of decayed lung tissue. Fighting desperately to stay conscious, Taoluo can only keep vomiting blood and hope to make it through.

  If he passes out here, he realizes instinctively, he will never awaken again.

  It feels as though he is drowning, unable even to breathe for choking on his own blood. The torment continues, with no end in sight.

<clear>
<background src="#000000">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<clear>
<background src="B_S[Xg^E_J03">
<wipe effect="fade" time="20">

//悤₭A킸Ȃ󂢋zC߂ɂ́cc
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͒̏ɋ炵ANC͂ĂB
//葫dBoB܂ŉ䂪ĝ̂Ƃ͎vȂB<k>

//łA܂Ă͂B
//芸̂Ƃ́A_̗Uނ炵B<k>

//dRN[g̊GAӂɂӂƗꂽB<k>
  When he is finally able to breathe a little again, Taoluo finds himself on his back at the edge of the aqueduct, too exhausted to even lift his head. His limbs are dead weights, and everything seems distant and ephemeral, like his body is no longer his own.

  And yet he is still alive. It would seem that he has cheated death, for now at least.

  The sensation of hard concrete pressing against his head unexpectedly vanishes, as though his head has become weightless.

<clear>
<background src="ev_r08">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//<R ALT="C["></R>B
//ׂrœVȂ<R ALT="^I["></R>̓グA
//ԋ߂Ɋ񂹂ĂB
//CȘr͂ł̕i͂ɂ낤XA
//ł<R ALT="^I["></R>͉_̏ɏ悤Ȉ炬oĂB<k>
  It's Ruili.<K> Struggling with her tiny arms, she cradles Taoluo's head and brings her face close to his. Despite her noble effort, her embrace is weak and frail. Nevertheless, Taoluo feels at peace, as if floating among the clouds.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uˁBɂ܁A邵ˁv<k>

//ułA傤Ԃˁccv<k>
"I know it hurts, brother. I know it hurts bad."

"But it's all okay now."

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u<R ALT="C["></R>ccv<k>
"Ruili......"

<clear>
<background src="#000000">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ł̎_f߂ĔJɁA
//_炩FGB<k>
  Something soft and sensual presses down on his half-open mouth.

<bgm src="M05" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
//<R ALT="C["></R>̐OB̗DGɓRƂācc
//ʈa<R ALT="^I["></R>̈ӎ}ɐ߂B
//܂Ȕނ̎̌ԂA
//₨fI忂Ȑオ荞݁A
//oƈꏄĂB<k>

//gウĒR悤ɂA
//̔ނɂ<R ALT="C["></R>̘rUقǂ͂cĂȂB<k>
  Ruili's lips. Just as Taoluo begins to lose himself in the soothing sensation, an indescribable sense of wrongness instantly snaps him out of his stupor. At the same time, her little pink tongue slips between his teeth without warning, wriggling lasciviously as it plunders the inside of his mouth.

  He struggles against her kiss, but lacks the strength to even shake her embrace.

<bgm src="M06" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
<clear>
<background src="ev_r23">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uɂ܂́Av<k>
"It tastes like you, brother."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//RƏ΂<R ALT="C["></R>̐OẢłƔ`A
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̌̐Fɐ܂GĂB
//܂ŐFN₩Ȍg}̂悤ɁB<k>
  When Ruili pulls away, smiling seductively, her lips and tongue are wet with his blood, as if it were a glamorous new shade of lipstick.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u<R ALT="C["></R>Accv<k>
"Ruili, what are you doing......?"

<BOX TYPE=2>
//úBȂƁv<k>

//uC͂AẮB
//ǂƂƁA炭ɂȂ邩v<k>
"I've remembered all sorts of stuff."

"Now I know how to make you feel better."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ȂB
//ȏ΂<R ALT="C["></R>͒mȂB
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̒m閅́ccȊŏ΂肵ȂB<k>

//ނ悤<R ALT="^I["></R>̊`݂ȂA
//<R ALT="C["></R>͉ō̏ɂ悶oAn̎pɂȂB<k>
  What is this?<K>
  Ruili has never smiled like this before. Her expression...... is not that of the sister he knows.

  Gazing lovingly into Taoluo's eyes, Ruili wriggles her lower body atop him, straddling his waist.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uC͂ˁAȂЂƂ̃I`́B݂ȁAĂA킪Ăv<k>

//uł̂ЂƂ́AĈƁA߂A킵肵āÂ悭āA킹ɂȂꂽ́Bv<k>
"I was a toy to lots and lots of people, you know. They were always mad and scared."

"But whenever they hurt me and broke me, they felt good and happy, just a little bit."

<BOX TYPE=3>
//ucc܂ccv<k>
"You......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//gvohƁAޏ͌B
//ccL蓾Ȃbł͂ȂB
//<R ALT="W"></R>̏ɂ̂A<R ALT="`E"></R>̏ɂ̂Aɂ<R ALT="C["></R>Ȃ̂B<k>
  "I've remembered," she said.
  Of course...... It's not hard to imagine. Zhang and Zhu's Ruilis are both part of this Ruili, after all.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uAɂ܂Cׂ΂́B炫悭āA炭ɂȂ́v<k>
"So you should eat me too, brother. It'll make you feel all better."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Vc̐Eэ񂾎wƏA
//d<R ALT="^I["></R>̕𔇂B
//ȕɐG邱ƂɂėY̐ĝǂȔԂ̂A
//ύ׏mĂ邩̂悤ɁB<k>
  Her hands slide under his shirt, fingers and palms playing bewitchingly across his stomach and chest, as though she knows exactly how the male body reacts to such ministrations.

<se src="SE_01_02" mode="on" option="single">
//JccƁAޏ̘rւ̗邪B
//Âd悤ɁB<k>
  Her bracelet rings softly, whispering in sweet temptation.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//ucc߁Accv<k>
"No...... stop......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ȂƂ͋߂ĂȂB
//ċ͂ȂB<k>
  He doesn't want this. To do so would be unforgivable.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//ǵccOȖڂɑ킹z炪ȂāÁcch<k>
(I...... I wanted to punish the ones who did those things to you......)

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uĂˁAĂˁAC͂
//ȂЂƂɂׂȂA
//ɂ܂̂ƁAĂ񂾂v<k>

//uɂ܂A
//ȂӂɃCׂĂꂽȂA
//킹ɂĂꂽ̂Ȃāv<k>
"I mean, I was eaten by lots and lots of people, you know? But I was always thinking of you."

"If you ate me too, I knew I'd be able to make you happy."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//̎wɓ<R ALT="">M</R>A܂قǂɉߕqȊGB
//<R ALT="C["></R>́A͉̎ցcc
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̃xg̃obNւƐLтB<k>
  Taoluo's sister whispers in his ear, her fingertips tweaking his horrifyingly-sensitive nipples. Her other hand moves lower...... reaching for his belt buckle.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uˁH@ɂ܁v<k>
"So...... Okay, brother?"

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccbIv<k>
"......!"

<clear>
<background src="B_S[Xg^E_J03">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//EŕccBƂ𕷂B
//CtۂA<R ALT="^I["></R>͕킳<R ALT="C["></R>̍Ɏ񂵁A
//~̌Eɂ銴XCb`łB<k>

//qقǕCȂA
//<R ALT="C["></R>͂ƒE͂蓮ȂȂB<k>
  His right arm...... moves. It responds to his call.<K>
  At once, Taoluo reaches up, around Ruili's neck, and desperately presses the switch at the base of her skull.

  Ruili goes limp immediately, the sudden change startling him.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccccv<k>
"......Ah......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//̎֐߂ƌXA
//ޏ͂܂ŉꂽߋ̂悤ɖɁA
//炷<R ALT="^I["></R>̏ォ]B
//Jꂽ́A܂ł̋PR̂悤ɏA
//̓KXʂ̂悤ɋȌ򂪎c邾B<k>

//͂؂Ă܂΁Aޏ͂܂Ől`B
//ΊāAŌ炤Ƃ́A
//Ȃ炭׍HB<k>

//xXCb`΁Aޏ݂͂₩ɍċN邾낤B
//Ȃ邱ƂȂA̗L@̓e
//܂ĐB
//͐O<R ALT="C["></R>́A܂Ȃ̈ꕔ̔cc<k>
  Her waifish body lists to the side and rolls easily off Taoluo's waist. Her wide, empty eyes only reflect the light like balls of glass, with no trace of the gleam that shone in them moments ago.

  Once her power is cut, she is nothing more than a doll, a lifeless wind-up toy that can show a familiar smile and speak with a familiar voice.

  If he presses the switch again, she will probably reactivate in the blink of an eye. Her organic memory will be perfectly intact, its contents an unmistakable piece of the living Ruili's soul......

<BOX TYPE=3>
//gccȂ̂Hh<k>
(......But is it really?)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ăѐl`̍ɎwuAƐ~wނ̂ƂŁA<R ALT="^I["></R>͓ȂȂB<k>

//<R ALT="^I["></R>͂̎qɁAgSoƐB
//ƂLĂĂAt낤ĂA
//ł<R ALT="^I["></R>͊mMĂB
//ɈZ炱{IȕŁAޏ͂܂Ȃ
//<R ALT="C["></R>B^킹钛ȂǉȂB<k>
  Taoluo freezes with his finger on the doll's switch, scant millimeters away from turning her back on.

  He has sworn to sacrifice his body and soul for her. Her memories are fragmented, and her speech is unsteady, but Taoluo has nevertheless been certain that, on some fundamental level that only siblings raised together can perceive, she is beyond question his sister Ruili. He has never had the slightest reason to doubt.

<clear>
<LAYER SRC="#999966" TRANSPARENT="50">
<background src="ev_r23">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//Â͉̂H<k>

//Ȃɂd<R ALT="^I["></R>UfAƂƂB
//țZԂ́Af<R ALT="C["></R>̂̂ł͂ȂB
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̒m閅́AƗDiŁAqmȂB<k>
  But what was that just now?

  Who was the siren who tried to seduce Taoluo, to lead him into depravity moments ago? Ruili could never be so wanton. The sister he knew was gentle and chaste, a maiden of the utmost purity.

<clear>
<background src="B_S[Xg^E_J03">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//ŁccǂԈ̂H<k>

//̐l`ɏhĂ̂́A{<R ALT="C["></R>Ȃ̂H
//Ƃޏ̂ӂĂ鉽ʂ̂̂Ȃ̂H<k>

//B
//słȂǂƁcĉǂ̒Nۏ؂Ăꂽ̂H<k>
  What is this......? What could have gone wrong?

  Is it truly Ruili's soul residing within this doll? Or is it something
<I>other</I> wearing his sister's persona as a disguise?

  Of course.<K> No one ever promised that the soul is immutable, did they?

<clear>
<LAYER SRC="#999966" TRANSPARENT="50">
<background src="B_fÏ02">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//v΂̍qłAŌ܂Ō͂ȂB<k>
  Even the Profane Scalpel himself refused to make any guarantees.

<bustup name="stcF" face="ɂ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uv<k>

//u낤H@ƁB
//_͂ꂩov<k>
"I don't know."

"I said this was an experiment, didn't I? The conclusion is yet to be written."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//cc̒j͂PɁA
//ʂɑ΂ĖӔCȗ\ɉ߂ȂB<k>
  That's right...... The doctor only made some irresponsible predictions.

<clear>
<background src="B_S[Xg^E_J03">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

//͍̍܂ŁA
//ЂǂՂMĂł͂Ȃ̂H<k>

//JȂ₽FAȂ<R ALT="^I["></R>̔]ɐݓnĂB<k>

//ƂΓjEAڕʂĐ؂蕪ꂽ̓A
//ӂшꓪW߂ƂB
///ŋԂ邩Ƃ΁ccہAB
//͂̎r̎RłȂB<k>

//ɗʎqꂽ́A
//ƂƂɕꂽ茇肷̂ł͂ȂB
//͏ʂƂĂ̒K͍낤B<k>

//Ƃ́AƐ_ŖmȂ̂ł͂Ȃ̂H
//̃R[h̗ƓɈ̂Ȃ̂H<k>

//C[̍́A
//܂ꎝ̂疳ɈėʎqA
//fꂽ܂܈N̂uĂB<k>

//̉ےŉ̕ώȂƂȂ悤H
//ɂȂĖɌqčĐȂǂƁA
//ɂȖ]݂̂H<k>

//܂ł̐킢A
//܂̈Ӗ킹ȂkJƂcc<k>
  Has Taoluo been chasing a foolish, empty dream until now?

  Realization, colder than even the rain, creeps soundlessly into his mind.

  Assume that a cow is slaughtered, weighed, and cut into pieces, then those pieces are reassembled with no loss of mass. Will the cow come back to life? Of course not. It will be naught but a pile of dead flesh.

  Indeed quantized data does not rot or degrade over time. Extracted in its entirety, it will contain the same amount of information as was originally stored.

  But is the soul not more sacred, more unknowable? Can it really be treated the same as lines of code?

  Ruili's soul was ripped brutally from her natural body, digitized, and has spent an entire year in separate pieces.

  Who can say that it has not changed over that time? What basis is there to hope that she will emerge perfect and whole?

  If all his suffering, all this bloodshed was for nothing......

<bustup name="st^I[g" face="ϖ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uႤccv<k>
"No......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ƃ߂ǂȂ]߂Ă͋]A<R ALT="^I["></R>͐̌ɔے肷B<k>
  A flood of despair assaults his mind, and Taoluo cries out in denial of it.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uႤI@fĈႤb!!v<k>
"No! It can't be!!"

<clear>
<LAYER SRC="#999966" TRANSPARENT="50">
<background src="ev_r05">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//ޏ<R ALT="^I["></R>̖ĂłꂽB
//Ί𓊂Ar؂r؂̎voĂꂽB<k>

//v̂͂̋LB
//ق̙߂AԂ߂̊GB<k>
  She called his name! She smiled at him as she spoke haltingly of their life together.

  He clings to those memories. That taste of peace, ever so brief, is all that he has.

<clear>
<background src="B_S[Xg^E_J03">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u<R ALT="C["></R>ccv<k>
"Ruili......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//͂ȂȂA<R ALT="^I["></R>͐l`̖ȖjŕݍށB<k>

//ޏ͂ɕςĂB
//ĉ̃KCmCh獰鮂Ă΁cc̓sxA
//<R ALT="C["></R>͐Vȑʂ߂AgɂĂƂ낤B
//͂āAޏ̈ꕔł̂̂Ȃ̂B<k>

//ׂĂ̕ω𐋂ĊSȂ鍰ƂȂAޏ́cc
//ނ̈ŋĂ̂H<k>
  With a pitiful moan, Taoluo cups the doll's expressionless face in his palm.

  She will change even more. Two soul fragments remain to be retrieved, and with each, Ruili will regain a new facet of her persona. They were once pieces of her, after all.

  But with all that it has been through...... will her reconstituted soul truly be that of his beloved sister?

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u肢cc肢A<R ALT="C["></R>ccv<k>
"Please...... I beg you, Ruili......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Vӂ_ނA
//牽vA肦΂΂̂B
//ꂷ炸<R ALT="^I["></R>͂jɐk킹邵ȂB<k>
  To what shall he pray, now that he has turned his back on Heaven and the gods? With no salvation in sight, he can only plead in tearful sorrow.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//ucc߂ĂB̂OɁcc
//̒mĂ<R ALT="C["></R>Ɂccv<k>
"Come back to me. Be yourself again...... Be the Ruili I know......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//y~̉J̒ANɕ͂邱ƂȂA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͂B<k>
  Amid the pouring rain, there are none to hear Taoluo's cries.

<bgm src="M06" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
<clear>
<background src="#000000">
<wipe effect="fade" time="30">

<clear>
<bgm src="m08a" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="fade" time="20">

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u悤؁v<k>
"Welcome, Advisor."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="E"></R>͐Ȃ𗧂Aʂl`<R ALT="C["></R>Ɏނʔt
//ȂA<R ALT="r">k</R>Ɍ}ꂽB
//オǂÅ҂悾Ȃ̂́A
//Ȑ𒮂ΊĎ@܂łȂB<k>
  Liu beckons Bin into his room, not even rising from his chair as he sips from a cup filled by his ever-obedient Ruili. His words may be courteous, but one need only hear the distracted tone of his voice to know that they are merely a formality.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//ucc܂đkv<k>
"......I have a matter of great import to discuss."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uӂށHv<k>
"Hm?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="st[X" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//悤₭<R ALT="E"></R>͊グcc̎<R ALT="r">k</R>fʂ肵A
//ނ̖TɎKCmChւƒB
//<R ALT="REC[">E</R>荰鮓]ʂ<R ALT="r">k</R>ւƑꂽ́ccw[XxłB<k>
  Liu finally looks up at this...... but his gaze passes over Bin and alights on the gynoid standing beside him - Lasya, one of the five gynoids that received Kong Ruili's soul data.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uOl`Ƃ͂ȁB
//Ƃ̂v<k>
"You brought your doll with you? Hell must be rather cold today."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//lȂ<R ALT="E"></R>̑ԓxɂ՗\ɏoA
//<R ALT="r">k</R>͕Â𑕂Đ؂oB<k>
  Despite Liu's infuriating flippancy, Bin maintains his veneer of calm and gets straight to the point.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u<R ALT="^I["></R>̎nɔ􂪂v<k>
"I have a foolproof plan to finish Taoluo once and for all."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uققv<k>
"Oh?"

<bustup name="stEʏ" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//uɒfȂ̊OƌmnɒǂĂȂAɂĔƂBccXBfȂv<k>
"You mobilized the Society without my permission and sent many <I>waijia</I> warriors to their deaths, and now you have a foolproof plan......"

"Very well. Let's hear it."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//܂őcĂ<R ALT="E"></R>ɑ΂A
//<R ALT="r">k</R>͈ؕ|ɋ^OA
//<R ALT="">S</R>邱ƂłȂB܂͖{肪挈B<k>
  Bin feels more suspicion than fear at the uncanny speed with which Liu learned of his movements, but this is neither the time nor the place for such concerns.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//úw[Xxgv<k>

//u<R ALT=""></R>肾B̃KCmCĥ𕐑AzɂԂv<k>
"We'll use this Lasya."

"Just as Ng attempted last night, we'll arm the gynoid itself and force him to fight it."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ucc̑蕨A
//ƑeɈĂȁv<k>
"......That's a fine way to treat my gift to you."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ă̒A߂悤<R ALT="E"></R>̐B\̓łB
//<R ALT="E"></R>̔鑠̃KCmChɊ񂹂鎷m΂A
//<R ALT="r">k</R>͂ȒĂôB<k>
  Liu responds reproachfully, exactly as Bin expected. He proposed this plan precisely because he knows how attached Liu is to these priceless dolls.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//ɂ͋Cʂ悤A
//<R ALT="r">k</R>͍|ɖߍ񂾑@\`^惂[hɐ؂ւA
//׎ɍTĂtl։摜Ɖ𑗐Mn߂B<k>

//蔤͖A\킹ĂB
//ꂩ<R ALT="r">k</R><R ALT="E"></R>킷b̓éA
//]̃lbg[NւƔzM̂B<k>
  Taking care not to let on what he is doing, Bin switches his multipurpose left eye implant to recording mode and begins transmitting audio and video to his underling waiting in the next room.

  It has all been planned out ahead of time. Everything that transpires between Liu and Bin from hereout will be broadcast on the Society network.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u<R ALT="R">E</R>̖ړĂ͂̃̒gB
//^󂷂ƂłA
//ꂾŌ݂v<k>

//uʂƂ<R ALT=""></R>̐l`͔sꂽA
//􂻂͈̂̂Ȃv<k>
"Kong is after this doll's memory. He can't risk destroying it, and that will slow his blade."

"Ng's doll was defeated in the end, but the plan itself is not a bad one."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ڗȎiƚ}҂Ɍ悤ȂB
//łɘrɊô҂͑o<R ALT="R">E</R>ɒ݂łB<k>
  He knows that none will cry out in contempt for this most cowardly of methods. After all, the Society's strongest fighters have already attacked Taoluo in force of numbers.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//ux͎OɂāAΐlnς܂悤Bɓ̂𓯎ɂ΁ccm<R ALT="^I["></R>Ev<k>
"This time, we'll add antipersonnel mines and have her self-destruct. If we send two against him at the same time...... there will be no chance of Taoluo's survival."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//úAƁHv<k>
"Two, you say?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uB񂽂̐l`؂󂯂v<k>

//uP̂Ő킹Ă
//<R ALT=""></R>̂Ƃ̓̕ɂȂ肩˂B
//͑厖ėՂ݂v<k>
"Yes, I want to make use of your doll."

"If we use only one, we risk repeating Ng's failure. We must be prepared for the worst."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//{Ă̂AĂ̂cc
//؂̔ʂ܂܁A
//<R ALT="E"></R>͂܂<R ALT="C["></R>ɋʔtoğ𒍂B<k>
  Liu shows no anger or surprise, indeed shows no emotion at all as he once again holds out his cup for Ruili to fill.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="j" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//gAǂoH@Slh<k>
(Now then, Demon-Eyed Adonis. Your move.)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="E"></R>ɂƂĂ͂̂Ȃl͂KCmChB
//ˎ̎ôȂA̒Ă͌Ēf܂B
//SOꕪbA<R ALT="EEz[W">R</R>̏΂҂ւƕςĂB<k>
  To Liu, his gynoid is a copy of his most beloved. If, however, he has any sense of responsibility toward the duties of the <I>fu-zhaizhu</I>, he cannot possibly deny Bin's proposal. Liu Haojun's position in the Society will grow weaker with each and every second that he hesitates.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u邾낤<R ALT="z[W">R</R>B
//ߋЂƂ<R ALT="">S</R>ĂꍇȂ񂾁v<k>
"Surely you understand, Haojun. This is no time to be fixated on a mere toy."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//^Ȍ꒲𑕂ď݂A<R ALT="r">k</R>͋̓ŚoB
//XԂ炷BFĂB
//ŒÑgbvɑmn낤Ƃ̂B<k>
  Though his tone is grave and his expression solemn, Bin's heart is filled with cruel joy.<K>
  Show your true colors, Liu. Everyone is watching. Now they'll know just who is fit to lead the Society.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ufv<k>
"I refuse."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="E"></R>̕ԓ͒ZAđ₩B
//܂̂Ƃ<R ALT="r">k</R>{^C~O킵Ă邤ɁA
//፷₩Ȕv͂GXƌtd˂B<k>
  Liu's answer is short and swift, so much so that Bin even loses the timing with which he had intended to roar in furious reprobation. His eyes cold and clear, the Adonis continues in as casual a tone as ever.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u݂݂󂷂ƉĂ΁A
//̐l`Oɂ͗aĂȁB<R ALT="C\">̐M</R>v<k>
"Now that I know you're going to destroy her, I can't let you have that doll either, Weixin."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//úw[XxԂĂ炨B
//učsv<k>
"You will return Lasya to me. Leave her and go."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u񂽂́ccv<k>
"You......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//͂≉ołłȂA{̓{῝򂳂oȂA
//<R ALT="r">k</R>͌toB<k>
  Bin's voice is choked with fury, his dizzying rage no longer an act.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u񂽂͛Ɛl`ƁA
//̂ǂ厖Ȃ!?v<k>
"Which is more important to you!? The Society, or the doll!?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uǂ̊ߋv<k>
"They are both my toys."

<bustup name="stEʏ" face="cȏ΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//uǂ󂷂̂̏肾B
//Mľo͋v<k>
"I will destroy either as I please. You have no right to object."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Rƌ<R ALT="E"></R>̐ɂ́A̎׋CCȂB<k>
  Despite the utter arrogance of his words, there is no malice or self-consciousness in Liu's voice. He might as well have merely stated an empirical fact of the universe.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccH@<R ALT="z[W">R</R>v<k>
"......Have you gone mad, Haojun?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uCƂłvĂ̂H
//܂Łv<k>

//u<R ALT="ɂÂ">V</R>Mlɗ֊A
//܂Ɉ􂢂ĔzjB
//ȓzCƂłHv<k>
"Did you think that I was sane before?"

"I let you gang rape my wife and had her split into five pieces. Is that something a sane man would do?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccb!!v<k>
"......!"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="D΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//\ĂȂȂ<R ALT="r">k</R>ɁA<R ALT="E"></R>͂ɏ΂B<k>
  Bin trembles in expressionless fury, but Liu only smiles wider.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uǂ<R ALT="C\">̐M</R>H@܂SƁA
//ӂ̈Ê킪ႦȂv<k>
"What's wrong, Weixin? Such indignation will dull the bite of your famed assassin's weapons."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccōႦȂ΁A
//ǂƂ񂾁Hv<k>
"......And so what if it does?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u<R ALT="">z</R>𗎂Ƃv<k>
"You won't be able to take my head."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="j" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uقȁccv<k>
"Nonsense......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="E"></R>́ȀɉĂُ͈ƌN炩Ȕ΂OɂāA
//<R ALT="r">k</R>܂΂݂𕂂ׂB<k>
  Liu's cheerful smile is quite abnormal under these circumstances, but Bin answers it with a twisted grin of his own.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uMl̂̕nȃ{fBׂxA
//{ČܕKv͂Ȃv<k>
"I won't need half my strength to destroy your feeble body."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uقHv<k>
"Oh?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="j" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u͂߂B
//Ml̃|eV͏mĂv<k>

//u<R ALT=""></R>̃p[\if[^B
//ɁA񂽂̃{fB
//dlccv<k>

//u΂킹BMl̋`̃XybN͐g}VƂ́AR̐\Ȃv<k>
"Enough posturing. I know your potential."

"We recovered Ng's personal data. The blueprints for your body were on it."

"I laughed when I saw them. Your augmented specs are worthless, only slightly better than a flesh body."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//]ƐҒňȊO͑ƌĂ<R ALT="z[W">R</R>̋`̂A
//̓e͐MقǕnȂ̂B
//p[c\ɁA؂̓dqfoCXA
//i܂܂ĂȂ̂B<k>

//^_o̍|ĂȂ΋@B쓮̊֐߂ȂB
//ĩZ~bNƋؓ@ۂ̕⋭A
//Ƃ͓ɑσVbN\gݍ񂾂cc
//ł͂ɂ퓬pTC{[OƂ͌ȂB<k>
  Liu may be a full cyborg with all but his brain and spinal column replaced by synthetic parts, but his body is unbelievably weak and fragile, without a single electronic device or metal part.

  His nerves are not high-speed wire, nor are his joints mechanically actuated. He merely has a ceramic skeleton, reinforced muscle fibers, and organs hardened against shock - hardly enough to call him a combat cyborg.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uMlg̐݌vcc
//̃{fB̍\A<R ALT="R">E</R>Ă̂ƂHv<k>
"I heard that you designed it yourself. Did you build it that way for fear of Kong?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ûƂHv<k>
"What do you mean?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uƂڂȁBǋMĺAƂ̎n܂肩<R ALT="R">E</R>Ƃ̑ΌzĂ񂾂낤v<k>

//u񂽂}JI<R ALT="R">E</R>ɂƂǂ߂hƂ̂́cćARȁHv<k>
"Don't play the fool. You knew all along that you would have to face him."

"When you said that you finished him in Macao...... you lied, didn't you?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u܂Aȁv<k>
"Well, yes."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ނ悤Ɏj<R ALT="E"></R>B<k>
  Liu's gaze wanders toward the ceiling, as though recalling a fond memory.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uƂA̒x̂ƂŎʓzƂ
//vĂȂv<k>
"Of course, I never expected him to die so easily."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="j" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uȓzccv<k>

//uzEȂ΂ɁAQ؂āA
//EMP̉e󂯂Ȃp[c
//{fBgݏグ킯v<k>

//ucčʂ͂ǂH<k>

//u̔Őne邩H
//ō|Sӂ邩H
//ŋ@ł悤ȑHv<k>
"I pity you......"

"You failed to kill him, so, fearing revenge, you made a body entirely out of parts immune to EMP."

"But at what cost?"

"Can your skin deflect blades? Your fists shatter steel? Your legs carry you at near-supersonic speeds?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccv<k>
"How trite......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ʂĂƌ΂ɋ΂āAj<R ALT="E"></R>B<k>
  Liu rests his cheek in his palm, with a wry smirk to show his total exasperation.

<bustup name="stEʏ" face="cȏ΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u񌾖ڂɂ͑̍d́cc
//MlOƂ̘ÁA
//ǂĂPזEȂ񂾁Hv<k>

//ű@\SĂȂA̐ɂ
//cȂ낤Ɂv<k>
"All you can talk about is speed and power...... Why are you <I>waijia</I> always such single-minded creatures?"

"If physical strength were everything, this planet would still be ruled by the dinosaurs."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="j" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//sGɂ܂邻ȗ]TA
//<R ALT="r">k</R>̊ɂ͂͂ВƂfȂB
//Ă陋߂ɂArɓ[U[U<R ALT="イ"></R>
//u<R ALT="E"></R><R ALT="Ԃ"></R>Ɏd߂邾낤B<k>

//ɂĂ̂Ȃ̂́A<R ALT="r">k</R>܂<R ALT="E"></R>Ƃjɑ΂
//ȂȂ̉cĂ炾B
//_@ɂ܂ō̂͒mȂAĂ
//̌Ђɂׂɒmd点głB<k>
  Even such utter fearlessness is no more than empty posturing in Bin's eyes. At this very moment, the laser-guided throwing darts inside his arms could fill Liu with holes in the blink of an eye.

  That he does not do so immediately is because of the meager pity that he feels for Liu. Bin knows not what has triggered this insanity, but he still remembers how they once joined their intelligence and knowledge to climb to the top of the Society.

<bustup name="str" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uꂪŌゾA<R ALT="z[W">R</R>ccv<k>

//u̐l`悱B
//ŋMl͎Ȃɍςށv<k>
"This is your last chance, Haojun......"

"Hand over the doll, and I'll let you live."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//E<R ALT="r">k</R>̌tɁA
//<R ALT="E"></R>͏ökł悤Ȕŋ΂B<k>
  In response to Bin's grave warning, Liu merely scoffs with a perfectly straight face, as though at a bad joke.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u]AÊ͋C炵ȁv<k>
"You seem rather reluctant to kill me."

<se src="SE_㒅E" mode="on" option="single">
<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//ɋʔtuƁA痧ĒEB
//`̂̈ӏ́ASɐl̂̂͂̂B
//͈̋؂ȂB<k>
  Liu sets his cup down impatiently, then stands and sheds his
<I>changshan</I>. His cyborg body is modeled after the human form in every detail, without a single metal augmentation.

<bustup name="stECi[" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//oF_T[v킹A
//אg̑̋ɍœKʂ̋ؓZv|[VB
//ꌩł͔̃{fBX[cɐg񂾂́A
//g̐lԂƂvȂB<k>
  His proportions resemble those of a ballet dancer, with precisely the optimal amount of muscle on his slender frame. At a glance, he is indistinguishable from a flesh human wearing a thin bodysuit.

<bustup name="stECi[" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u悵AႠ悤B̏
//ˎ̍q悤Ȃv<k>
"Alright, how about this? The winner of this duel gets to be the next <I>zhaizhu</I>."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//usꌾ𔲂ȃb!!v<k>
"Don't be absurd!!"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stECi[" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//usꌾȂ̂B
//O͑Oˎ̋wʂ񂾁B
//FĔ[邳v<k>
"I'm being perfectly serious. You will be avenging the old <I>zhaizhu</I>'s death. Everyone will support you."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccccƁHv<k>
"What...... did you say?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stECi[" face="D΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//ẗӖ}肩˂<R ALT="r">k</R>ɁA<R ALT="E"></R>͋Ȃ΂B<k>
  As Bin struggles to grasp the import of his words, Liu just smiles jovially.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//u<R ALT="C"></R>ˎÊ͉v<k>
"It was I who killed Li <I>zhaizhu</I>."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uȁcc!?v<k>
"Wha......!?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="E"></R>́Aꂪł闧ɂB
//<R ALT="r">k</R>͛̏󋵂mA<R ALT="E"></R>Ƃjςm邾ɁA
//܂Ŕn\ȂǑzɂȂB<k>

//Vˎ͎ɕmAđ҂ł͎̍ɓB
//}ĈÎEȂǂƂXL[ȎiɑiȂ
//̍łȂB<k>
  True, Liu was in a position to do so. But Bin, who knew both the Society's situation and Liu's cleverness well, never imagined for a second that he would do something so foolish.

  The aged <I>zhaizhu</I> was on his death bed. Liu had only to wait for the position to fall into his lap. To risk everything on a hasty assassination would have been the height of stupidity.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uMĺccv<k>
"You......!"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//L蓾Ȃccے肵Ă̂́A
//<R ALT="E"></R>̗^ĂȂ<R ALT="r">k</R>B
//Ĕނ̍Ԃڂ̓ɂŁA
//MƂ̂H<k>
  It's unthinkable...... Or it would have been when Bin still trusted Liu's reason. Now faced with this deranged Liu, just what is he supposed to believe?

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="j" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//ȕ̉b́A
//]OɔzMĂv<k>

//uFB<R ALT="z[W">R</R>B̋Mľtȁv<k>
"This entire conversation is being broadcast outside."

"Everyone heard what you just said, Haojun."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stECi[" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uƂ܂ȂƂv<k>
"How troublesome."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ԂU<R ALT="E"></R>̒Q́A
//̊ɋył䂪gQ̂Ƃ͒B
//ނ܂<R ALT="r">k</R>̐g𓯏邩̂悤B<k>
  Liu shakes his head and sighs, though clearly not in dismay at his own dire situation. Rather, he seems to be pitying Bin.

<bustup name="stECi[" face="cȏ΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uꂶႨOȀŉE
//Ɏ񂶂Ȃv<k>
"Now you have no choice but to kill me. You can't set an example for the Society otherwise."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="j" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uA̒ʂccv<k>
"Just so......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//܂łȂB<R ALT="r">k</R>΂Ă̂́ÂɂA
//ˎE܂Ŏ@łB
//ł̒jnĉ̍傩B̋qB<k>
  Nothing more need be said. Liu is an irredeemable traitor who has not only scorned the Society, but has even admitted to the murder of its leader. If Bin fails to punish him here, how can he call himself a righteous hero?

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uāA
//ԂȎ]񂾂cc
//Am肽Ƃvv<k>

//u΂AFB
//߂Ďỏԓ͏Ă낤v<k>
"I don't know what madness has driven you to seek such an ignominious end...... and nor do I want to."

"Farewell, comrade. I'll at least grant you a fitting death."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stECi[" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u͐Ȍv炢v<k>
"How gentlemanly of you."

<bgm src="m08a" mode="off" option="Loop">
<se src="QÊU" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="ev_b02">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//΂Ȃ<R ALT="r">k</R>ڕ̑甲́A
//lłꎋFłȂ낤B
//ɂČ_́Â݂Ȃ炸ȈÊUB<k>
  Bin's arms leap from the sleeves of his gown before he has even dropped his smile. Surely no man on Earth could follow their movement, so godlike are the speed and precision of his assassin's art.

<bgm src="M12" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
//ꂽ{<R ALT="Ă"></R>́Aܘȗ<R ALT="E"></R>̈ʒû݂Ȃ炸A
//\z̖ʒu܂Ŏc炸WIɑĂB
//̒e͋`ႩƎ˂郌[U[TCgɓA
//邱Ƃ͖ɈL蓾ȂB<k>
  The eight throwing darts loosed from his arms target not only the standing Liu, but also each of the future locations to which he might conceivably evade. Guided as they are by the laser beam emitted from Bin's cybereye, there is absolutely no chance that the darts will miss.

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

//͂<R ALT="E"></R>͓ȂB
//<R ALT="">ĎRq</R>̂悤ɖ_̂܂܁ẢJɐgNB<k>

//ʁÂl̐؂悪ԁAASƔx𓯎ɝPcc
//߂Ȃ锤̝AŐł悤ɂďłB<k>

//ЂƂ<R ALT="r">k</R>A̎l{̍s͂B<k>

//Ȃ҂󂯂Ăł̂悤ɁA
//߂̏Ə_ɍグꂽ<R ALT="E"></R>̗cc
//KEK̎l{͂̎̒ɁA
//ʂz܂悤ɂĎ܂Ă܂̂B<k>
  Liu makes no attempt to evade. He merely stands, motionless as a scarecrow, as the hail of darts bears down on him.

  Of the eight projectiles, four thus streak simultaneously towards his forehead, throat, heart, and pulmonary artery...... and vanish into thin air moments before they should have torn into his body.

  Only Bin saw what happened to the four darts.

  Liu's hands suddenly rose into the paths of the darts as though they had been waiting there all along, and seemed to literally suck each of the four deadly weapons into their grasp.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stECi[" face="ΖڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uӂ́weDTxB
//ȂقǑ哹|ƂĂ͌Ȃ̂v<k>
"So your first move is your specialty, Eight Trigrams Shadow Stitch. Yes, a fine technique indeed - for a street performer."

<bustup name="stECi[" face="" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//uAE̋ZƂĂ͂ǂȂ񂾁H
//lɔ{܂Ƃ̂́v<k>
"But tell me. Do you really need eight darts to kill one man?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="r">k</R>͒Ɏ݂ƂȂ΁AǌȂB
//s̎Ԃ̐𗐂ĂA
//Řf킳ΑoxB
//ȂʈÊg<R ALT="r">k</R>gSSłB<k>
  Bin does not pay heed to Liu's taunts, nor does he hesitate in pressing his attack. Even if the flow of battle is disrupted by the unexpected, you must remain focused lest you sacrifice the initiative. As a master of the assassin's art, Bin knows this better than anyone.

<se src="QÊU" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="ev_b02">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//|IDʂ^ʂ܂܁A<R ALT="r">k</R>͑ĈỂVB
//OiKɕςȂZ<R ALT="">j</R>𓊂A
//ɂ̒e̍ԂD悤ɘpȂOŎO<R ALT="΂"></R>΂B<k>

//݂ǂAA
//ݍ悤ɂďP|Q̓ÊB
//藐ꂽ̒e͌؂낤ƒقǂɁA
//tɌfĉB<k>

//ꂼwSxKÉwehxB
//]킷͂납؂܂cc<k>
  Still convinced that the advantage is overwhelmingly his, Bin unleashes his next barrage of weapons. He first casts six darts at three different initial velocities, then sends three flying axes whirling in unpredictable arcs through the spaces between them.

  The projectiles dart and weave around each other, constantly shifting position in the swarm as they descend upon their target. The harder one struggles to see through the feints and discern their flight paths, the more easily he will be deceived into misjudging his evasive timing.

  This is the Tangled Web of Murderous Illusion, one of the Hundred-Handed Weaver's deadliest techniques. None can see through it, much less evade it.

<se src="_042_ZoUD03" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//̊mMAđɋx苿Ŗ؂[oɍӂB
//<R ALT="E"></R>͗̒ɂU蕥A
//SĂ̈Ê̈łƂ̂łB<k>
  And yet his faith is dashed to pieces by the sound of metal striking metal nine times in rapid succession. With only the throwing darts in his hands, Liu has struck down each and every one of Bin's weapons.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uȁccv<k>
"Wha......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//xȂ炸jx܂ł`𕕂A
//<R ALT="r">k</R>䂪ڂ^킴𓾂ȂȂB<k>
  With not one, but two of his strongest techniques defeated, even Bin cannot help but gape in shock.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//gL蓾ȂccH@̓!?h<k>
(Impossible...... How could he move like that!?)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//fČB
//<R ALT="r">k</R>̓Ê̒ɈƂĐqȂ̂͂ȂB
//ZT[̗ނĂȂ<R ALT="E"></R>A
//̎͂ő͂ȂB<k>

//悵Ε⑫łƂĂA
//z̉^_oł͔ǂ܂B<k>

//܂<R ALT="r">k</R>̓Ê̐XA
//Xs[hނɎ܂ŁA
//ׂė\ߌzĂ̂悤ȁB<k>
  Bin knows beyond a doubt that each of his projectiles was loosed with superhuman speed and skill. It would have been impossible for Liu, lacking any sensory upgrades, to perceive their flight by the naked eye alone.

  And even if he had somehow done so, his unaugmented nerves could not possibly have reacted in time.

  It's as though he knew the speed, angle, and even type of each of Bin's weapons before Bin even threw them.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//g܂cch<k>
(It can't be......)

<BOX TYPE=0>
//\Ƃ̂́ABcc
//<R ALT="r">k</R>̏C߂Oƌ@Ƃ͖{IɎvz̈قȂA
//ЂƂ̕p̌nB<k>
  Only one thing can make that possible - the style of martial arts that is fundamentally different from Bin's <I>waijia</I> kung fu.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stECi[" face="ڕ" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ű`̂̎dlAƌȁv<k>
"You saw the plans for my body, didn't you?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//̒ɎcƔwɓ̂ĂȂA
//<R ALT="E"></R>̌͂܂Œݘbɋ邩̂悤ɂCȂB<k>
  Liu's voice is the epitome of nonchalance as he unceremoniously tosses the throwing darts behind him. He might as well be making small talk over tea.

<bustup name="stECi[" face="cȏ΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uȂA^ɊȂ̂H
//̃{fB̊JmĂ͂v<k>

//u|_o@BȂB
//ȃ{fB̈̂ǂɁA
//ꂾ̔p̂v<k>
"Then you must know how much its development cost. Didn't it strike you as strange?"

"Without nerve enhancement or mechanical augmentation, just where in the world did all that money go?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccv<k>
"......"

<clear>
<LAYER SRC="#999966" TRANSPARENT="50">
<background src="B_̂̐Q">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="r">k</R>̔]߂̂́A
//<R ALT="C"></R>ˎ̏]ɂĒoꂽ񍐂̓eB<k>

//g͂ȊOɂS炸Aɂ͉œIȔjB
//͓ƌ@̋Cpɂ̂Ɛ肳cch<k>

//<R ALT="E"></R>͞ˎE̔G߂<R ALT="R">E</R>ɒB
//̏؋flɁAʂ炵₂邾낤B
//CpɂEȂǁATC{[Oɂ͕s\B<k>

//{ɁA
//<R ALT="E"></R>̎ɂˎ̎ɂ̂Ƃcc<k>
  Bin recalls the autopsy report that was turned in by Li <I>zhaizhu</I>'s doctor.

  "Despite negligible external injury, the internal organs suffered catastrophic damage. The cause of death is believed to be a <I>qigong</I> technique of <I>neijia</I> kung fu."

  To pin the <I>zhaizhu</I>'s murder on Kong, Liu might very well have tampered with the autopsy result as well as with the security camera footage. After all, it is impossible for a cyborg to kill someone with
<I>qigong</I>.

  But if it is true that the <I>zhaizhu</I> died by internal injury at Liu's hands......

<clear>
<background src="B_B">
<bustup name="str" face="{" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//unȁccv<k>
"Impossible......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//L蓾ȂB
//ȊOɂ̉͐ȂB<k>
  It boggles the mind, but there is no other explanation.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uMlccJĂ̂!?v<k>
"You...... You're using <I>neigong</I>!?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stECi[" face="cȏ΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u̒ʂv<k>

//ũ{fBAMlOƂ̃uLl`Ƃ
//\Ăȁv<k>
"Precisely."

"This body is rather different from those of you <I>waijia</I> tin soldiers."

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ђ̒m<R ALT="r">k</R>́A܂ɓ{\ɏ]B<k>

//ƌ@cc
//ƒm΁A͂؂͖̉pB
//͂sċwGɌ̂݁B<k>
  Upon realizing the nature of the threat, Bin's fighting instinct overwhelms his surprise.

  Now that he knows he faces <I>neijia</I> kung fu, he can hold nothing back. His only hope is to bring all his power to bear against his foe.

<se src="_022_02" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="ev_b03">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">

//<R ALT="r">k</R>͍E̋`rŌ̕ӂB
//<R ALT="Ђ"></R><R ALT="Ђɂ傤">^</R>cc
//|S̊b܁Asɖ₢^̐nłB
//`r̃[JoPqimC[ŘAAU񂹂Όׂ̂Ă𔪂􂫂ɐ؂荏ށB<k>
  Bin looses his final two weapons, one from each arm. From the left comes a flying steel claw, and from the right a razor-sharp spinning crescent. Connected to his arms by spooling nanowire, the weapons tear apart everything within range at his command.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uюUĉʂĂA<R ALT="EEz[W">R</R>b!!v<k>
"Become dust, Liu Haojun!!"

<se src="_022_01" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_B">
<bustup name="stECi[" face="D΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ґRƑC炵AN鋥n̗B
//̉QɁA<R ALT="E"></R>͂܂ŏ]eƑ𓥂ݓB
//܂ŏt̓̉ԉ@B<k>

//̓gȂAȂ痧T̈B
//ьn̊NɁA
//鉌̂悤ɗIgƐgP̂𗬂cc<k>
  The blades form a murderous tornado of steel, howling in fury as they churn the air - and Liu steps into its embrace as though strolling leisurely though a park on a fine spring day.

  His motions are those of a column of rising smoke, dancing and twisting effortlessly on the wind swept up by the whirling blades.

<se src="_022_}" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">

<bgm src="M12" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
//ꂾ̑̎JɂāAXグn̐́A
//ƂƂނ̐gɐG邱ƂȂB<k>
  Yet by those minimal shifts of position alone, the howling storm of death is rendered powerless to touch his body.

<clear>
<background src="ev_b04">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uȁccv<k>
"Wha......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//傷<R ALT="r">k</R>̗ɁA<R ALT="E"></R>̗肪悹B
//J˂炤悤Ȃ̑̐ǍĂB
//܂^AȖԍŌJo镐ł͂ȂB
//ʂ̓Ɏւcc
//ȉɂȂǗ^Ȃ͉̂΂薾炩B<k>
  Liu rests his hands on the speechless Bin's shoulders as though thanking him for his efforts, this gesture the clearest signal of all that the battle is over. Bin's flying blades cannot be wielded at such close range, and it is blindingly obvious that Liu will not give him the time to change weapons.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uĂ񂾁H@<R ALT="r">k</R>v<k>

//uȂɈӊOH@̉ɕ̂v<k>
"Why so surprised, Bin?"

"Is defeat at my hands really such a shock?"

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccb!!v<k>
"......!!"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ׂĂ𒴂ĂB
//̂ǂŎĔskɎ̂AꂷȂB
//̗SxJԂĂASxƂʂɏI邱Ƃ낤B<k>

//ɑRƗ␂<R ALT="r">k</R>A
//<R ALT="E"></R>͏_炩񂹂āA҂悤ɔw@B<k>
  This is all beyond Bin's understanding. He cannot even comprehend what miscalculation led to his downfall. Should this battle be repeated one hundred times over, it would surely end in one hundred defeats for Bin.

  As Bin stands stupefied, Liu embraces him gently and pats him warmly on the back.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uy̓yYBЂƂĂ݂邪B
//ꂪՓVCpE`ccv<k>
"As my final gift, allow me to give you a taste of Daitian <I>qigong</I>. This is the secret technique......"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//͔̐ߎł悤ɁAO񂹂ĚB<k>
  Drawing his lips close to Bin's ear, he finishes in a conspiratorial whisper.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//gccdAh<k>
"......the Lightning Palm."

<se src="d" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//C𑀂TC{[OB
//݂̑łȂ̂ƓlɁA
//<R ALT="r">k</R>͑gĂɂ̒\悤ȂB<k>
  A <I>qigong</I>-capable cyborg...... Just as he could not fathom such a being's existence, nor could Bin predict the hellish agony that surges through his body.

<bgm src="m04melody" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
<clear>
<background src="#000000">
<wipe effect="fade" time="30">

<clear>
<bgm src="M01" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="fade" time="20">

<se src="SE_01_01" mode="on" option="single">
<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcFC[^[薳" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//̎܂鍠vāA<R ALT="cFEC[^[">ӈB</R><R ALT="E"></R>̎KꂽB<k>
  Once the commotion has died down, Xie Yida enters Liu's bedroom.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//̂悤Ɉ֎qɐg낪ˎ́A
//܂ŉȂ̂悤ɋʔt̟ĂB<k>
  The <I>fu-zhaizhu</I> is lounging in his chair once again, drinking wine as though nothing has happened.

<bustup name="stEʏ" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uɂ͒NȂ̂Hv<k>
"Is no one else coming?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="cF"></R>ɖ₤꒲ɂAC𓥂񂾗]C͂ȂB<k>
  His tone is hardly that of a man who just committed brutal murder.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//û̕Ƃ͑SA
//Oɓ`Ă񂾂낤Hv<k>
"Wasn't everything that happened here broadcast outside?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcF" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uŐ_ɐsƂÁA
//݂<R ALT="RE^I[">E</R>ǂďoĂv<k>

//ucAɁA
//Nɏ|˂Ƃz͂B
//ccɁAȐ킢ꂽł͂ȁv<k>
"All the men willing to give their lives for the Qingyun Society are out chasing Kong Taoluo."

"None of the others will stand against you...... especially after that display."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//utccv<k>
"Hmph......"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcFC[^[薳" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="cF"></R>͕؂āAЋŐkĂKCmChɕ݊B
//<R ALT="rEC\">k̐M</R>ĘAĂގL̃KCmChA
//[X́A̖Hڂ̓ɂċQ̒ɂB<k>

//Ȕޏ݂A
//<R ALT="cF"></R>͐ƂȂł̖͂ȓImŎL΂ƁA
//蓮͂𗎂ƂĒقB<k>
  Xie walks over to the gynoid huddled trembling in the far corner of the room - Lasya, Bin Weixin's doll, still dumbstruck with terror by the sight of her master's death.

  Pitiless, Xie reaches out with a doctor's cold precision and switches Lasya's power off.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//ủ~ɂ͂NȂBNƎv<k>
"There's no one in this mansion but you and me."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//ủ䍜܂zƁA
//ˎEzɖv<k>

//u`Ǝuΐl̗ւ͊xłSBcc_͂I肾ȁv<k>
"So the man who cut the Society's legs out from under it and the man who killed its leader are both free and clear."

"Wherever there is a common purpose, people will gather again and again...... but the Qingyun Society, at least, is finished."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcFC[^[薳" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uꂾ̂Ƃb͂ˁHv<k>
"Was it all worth it?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u[ɁBcc܂dオĂ͂Ȃȁv<k>
"It was...... though my work is not yet complete."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcFC[^[薳" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//ꂽ悤ɕ@炷ƁA<R ALT="cF"></R>̓[X̎̂\t@ɉA
//oPDAڑă`FbNJnB
//ƌ<R ALT="E"></R>Ƃ̉bɌ܂܁A
//ڂƎw悾œImɍƂi߂ĂB<k>
  Xie replies with a derisive snort, then lays Lasya out on the sofa and begins to run a diagnostic using the PDA he pulls from his pocket.<se src="SE_01_PDA01" mode="on" option="single"> While he continues his conversation with Liu, his eyes and hands keep working with professional care.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uȂAN҂̂Hv<k>
"Why did you wait a whole year?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uNōς񂾂ƌׂB
//ܔN낤Ə\N낤ƁA
//͂̋A҂Ăv<k>

//uz̖ڂB
//ޏ̂߂ɋ̂A𗬂̂A
//ׂēz̋`BȂ񂾁v<k>
"One year was nothing. If he had taken five years or even ten, I would have awaited his return."

"It was his purpose to go mad for her, to shed his blood for her. His duty, not mine."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcFC[^[薳" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uԂ吨񂾂ȁv<k>
"You've certainly taken a lot of people with you."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u\͂񂳁Bׂ<R ALT="C["></R>ւ̕v<k>
"No matter. Everything is for Ruili."

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ƂIėオ<R ALT="cF"></R>́A
//ꌾȖʎŋ`ɂȂ낷B
//Ȏd<R ALT="E"></R>̎΂𔃂B<k>
  Now finished with his work, Xie glances suggestively at his prosthetic left leg. Liu merely smirks at this.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//űrAlт؍Ȃ낤H@qA񂽂܂Ɠ҂̈l낤v<k>
"Surely you don't expect me to apologize for that leg. You're as much a player in this as I am, Profane Scalpel."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcF" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u؏̂͌NB
//HɃCgẮA
//Ȃ񂼂ɏoԂ͂Ȃv<k>
"You're the one who changed the script. There's no place for me on such a blood-soaked stage."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//[X̃`FbNɈA
//<R ALT="cF"></R><R ALT="E"></R>̃KCmChɂ_n߂B
//͓͂𗎂ƂȂB
//<R ALT="`CihX"></R>̐l`܂AlJX<R ALT="cF"></R>̍ƂɐgCĂB<k>
  Having completed his check of Lasya, Xie begins the same test on Liu's gynoid. There is no need to power her down. The doll in the white <I>qipao</I> submits obediently to Xie's ministrations.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uȂBǂłA
//񂽂̎͐Av<k>

//ȗ͎̌̂߂ɕ̂ƎvĂ΂v<k>
"Don't complain. Either way, your experiment will be complete."

"Just think of that leg as a sacrifice for the sake of science."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcFC[^[薳" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccD茾āv<k>
"......Like you give a damn."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//RƂꂫȂA<R ALT="cF"></R>PDA̕\͂ĖB<k>
  Muttering discontentedly, Xie nevertheless finishes his check and gives a satisfied nod when he sees the readout.

<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccȂB
//N̐l`̓]ʃvOĂv<k>

//uʃhCuƐڑA
//̏\̂FA
//Iɓ]ʂn߂邾낤v<k>
"......All green. Your doll's transfer program is still active."

"If you connect it to another drive that has the same data structure, it'll automatically begin the transfer."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u\v<k>
"Very good."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stlC[l`" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="REC[">E</R>Ƃ܂ɋݕA
//߂ĂЂƂ̕rɏW߂cc
//Áhrh̖ʂ̂́A<R ALT="E"></R>̃KCmCh̔B<k>

//<R ALT="E"></R>͂݁Aʂ̃ViI<R ALT="cF"></R>ɎB
//񋟂̂<R ALT="E"></R>łB
//<R ALT="cF"></R>ƂĂ͏]ɂȂB<k>
  The experiment was to split Kong Ruili's soul into five pieces and then reconstitute them in a new vessel. Originally, Liu's gynoid was supposed to be that vessel.

  But Liu rejected that plan, and instead proposed a different scenario. With Liu providing the stage for his experiment, Xie had no choice but to go along.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccɕς̂H@̎q́v<k>
"......Will she change much?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcFC[^[薳" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ufГ<R ALT="REC[">E</R>Ƃ́A
//Ă񂾂낤Hv<k>
"You've already met a Kong Ruili with two fragments, haven't you?"

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uBB
//cĉƂ͖OoĂȂv<k>
"Yes, she was adorable...... though she could only remember my name."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="RE^I[">E</R>ɓnKCmChɂ́A
//̋Ȃ悤M킪dłB
//M@<R ALT="E"></R>aĂB
//̋CɂȂΔނ͂łA
//<R ALT="C["></R>̕ЊɉɍsƂłB<k>
  Hidden inside the body of Kong Taoluo's gynoid is a transmitter, enabling Liu to track her wherever she is. If he so pleased, he could have gone to visit the other Ruili at any time.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcF" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uē̌ʂƂāA
//ꗥɓω𐋂Ƃ͌Ȃv<k>

//u̓̂畔Đ<R ALT="REC[">E</R>vốA܂L̒fЂ낤v<k>
"Not every recombination will produce exactly the same changes."

"The Kong Ruili who is reconstituted from these two will likely regain different fragments of her persona."

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//}Ƃ⛌ƂʊFA<R ALT="E"></R>̑oƂ𗩂߉߂B<k>
  Something cold passes through Liu's eyes - perhaps self-derision or loneliness, perhaps neither.

<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//u^ɑĥ́A
//𑞂ł<R ALT="C["></R>Ȃ񂾂ȁv<k>
"Maybe the first thing she remembers will be her hatred of me."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="stcFC[^[薳" face="j" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//u蓾񂱂Ƃł͂ȂB
//ꂪzłȂv<k>
"It's possible, if that was a strong emotion."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="\" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccŁB<R ALT="C["></R>v<k>
"......Come here, Ruili."

<BOX TYPE=0>
Liu beckons the gynoid to his side.

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="E"></R>͖T̃KCmCh菵ƁADjɎw𔇂킹ȂA
//̊`񂾁B
//܂ō̕ʂ邩̂悤ɁB<k>
  Running his fingers softly along her cheek, he gazes into her face as though savoring a final farewell.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//úccOƉ߂āAKv<k>

//uق̈ꌇЂȂOA
//ނ낻ŉɂ͏[v<k>

//uccO͉YāA
//ĂĂꂽB
//̂Ƃv<k>
"I was...... happy with you."

"There was only a tiny fragment of you, but that was enough for me."

"......You forgot everything, and at last you looked at me. Only at me."

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="E"></R>̎䩑RƎ󂯎~߂l`̖ʎɂ́A
//̌t𗝉ĂCzȂǌЂȂB<k>

//ē悤ȋlɁA
//<R ALT="RE^I[">E</R>ߒQ̗܂𗎂ƂƂA<R ALT="EEz[W">R</R>͒mRȂB
//mΕ@ŚoĂ낤B<k>
  Needless to say, the doll's blank expression shows no sign of comprehension at her master's words.

  Liu Haojun does not know that Kong Taoluo, too, indulged in such vain soliloquy, and shed bitter tears for it. If he did know, however, he would no doubt laugh in scorn.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ΖڐO" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//Ď󂯓ȂǊ҂ȂAȉb̐^A
//<R ALT="E"></R>͈NɓnČJԂcc
//ĐS̈Ԃ߂𓾂Ă̂B
//ނ͕sȂǉȂB
//^ꂽ̂ŖĂB<k>
  Liu has repeated these mock conversations countless times over the past year, never once expecting a response, for his soul found comfort in them. He never felt cheated, but was satisfied with what little had been given him.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//u悤ȂA<R ALT="C["></R>B
//cc܂ÂOɊ҂邪v<k>
"Farewell, my Ruili...... The time has come to take one step closer to the old you."

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ʂĐl`ƁA<R ALT="E"></R><R ALT="cF"></R>ɌB<k>
  Having said his goodbyes, Liu removes his hand, then turns to Xie and nods.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stEʏ" face="ڕ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=2>
//uccn߂Ăv<k>
"......Begin the transfer."

<bgm src="M01" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
<clear>
<background src="#000000">
<wipe effect="fade" time="30">

<clear>
<bgm src="M09" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
<background src="B_B̌">
<wipe effect="fade" time="20">

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="EEz[W">R</R>@̕~nɐN<R ALT="^I["></R>o}̂́AٗlȐÎ₾B<k>

//Cɖ߂A
//dx̂ŌċߊȂ<R ALT="E"></R>̎@B
//܂sďC`iP킴𓾂ȂɁA
//̌xɂ͌ȂB<k>

//łA
//܂<R ALT="^I["></R>͉䂪gɎcꂽԂ̒ZmĂB
//͂IɍĂɂ͂ȂB
//߂<R ALT="E"></R>͍ႦĂłd߂悤ƁA
//mł܂ŗĂ݂΁cc<k>
  When Taoluo sneaks into Liu Haojun's manor, he is greeted by an unnerving silence.

  Upon returning to Shanghai, Taoluo found Liu's security too heavy to even think about approaching the manor. It was so impenetrable that he had no choice but to attack Shanghai Cybernetics first.

  Now, however, Taoluo knows just how little time he has left. He no longer has the luxury of careful planning. He was prepared to slay Liu no matter the risk, even if it cost him his own life, but......

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[g" face="ڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//gccHh<k>
(......What happened here?)

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ŏ]<R ALT="C["></R>̎AEɂ͔g̘`\܂܁A
//̈ł蔲B<k>

//傾q̖ʁXA
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̎p߂ďCɎUĂ̂ƂĂA
//̎蔖͐ȂB
//܂œ@ɒNlƂċ킹Ȃ̂悤ȒقԂłB<k>

//㩂ƂȂ΁cc
//̐܂<R ALT="C["></R>AĂ̂͊낤B<k>
  Taoluo slips swiftly through the dark backyard, holding his drawn <I>wo dao</I> in his right hand and pulling the silent Ruili along with his left.

  Even if most of the Society's warriors are still scouring Shanghai for him, that alone cannot explain the lack of security here. This stillness makes the manor seem as empty as a tomb.

  If this is some sort of trap......
  He can't risk taking Ruili any farther.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[g" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//ucc<R ALT="C["></R>AɉBđ҂Ă񂾁v<k>
"......Ruili, hide here and wait for me."

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="right" mode="off">
<bustup name="stC[ʏ" face="ӂ" align="left">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//ĂƂA<R ALT="C["></R>ԂB<k>
  He tries to let go of her hand, but Ruili grabs hold of him again.

<BOX TYPE=2>
//uCAɂ܂Ƃɂv<k>
"I want to stay with you."

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ĂыNĈȗA<R ALT="C["></R>͂ƂƂ<R ALT="^I["></R>̎ƂȂB
//{ȂɔEэޒiŌɎcĂׂƂA
//܂܂ɂȏꏊ܂ŘAĂĂ܂ƂI舂Ȃ̂B<k>
  Ever since he reactivated her, Ruili has refused to let go of him for even an instant. But it was careless enough of Taoluo to allow her to accompany him this far, when he should have left her outside before making his stealthy entry.

<clear>
<background src="B_B̌">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//@ɂ܂œݍނƂȂ΁Aof͋ȂB
//̐サԂŁAȂʂ<R ALT="EEz[W">R</R>Ɠn荇mʂ̂B
//Ȃ<R ALT="C["></R>݂]TȂǂ낤ȂB<k>

//ǂĂޏAĂ킯ɂ͂Ȃcc
//ӂ<R ALT="^I["></R>̎肪Am炸<R ALT="C["></R>̌ɏB<k>

//ق̏w点΁Ãp[XCb`ɂ͂͂B
//ccȔzӂƔ]𗩂߂̂ƂA
//}<R ALT="C["></R>ЎL΂Ȁɂ<R ALT="^I["></R>̎B<k>
  Once he sets foot inside the manor house itself, he won't be able to afford even the tiniest distraction. In his weakened state, he can hardly protect Ruili while doing battle with Liu Haojun.

  No matter what, he must not take her with him. Thus decided, Taoluo finds himself resting his hand on Ruili's shoulder.

  If he moves his fingers a tiny bit, he'll reach the power switch at the base of her skull...... but just as the thought enters his mind, Ruili suddenly reaches up and puts her hand over his.

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

<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>
//uł܂Ă΂̂ˁAɂ܁v<k>
"I'll wait right here, okay?"

<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="C["></R>̏Ί́Aʂo̎׋CȂB
//ޏɎꂽ^C~ŐC܂A
//<R ALT="^I["></R>̐S𑛂B<k>

//̙߁Aޏɑ΂́cc邢͕s`ƌȂĂdȂ̂ȂB
//}ɑԓx߂<R ALT="C["></R>܂Ƃ͎v܂łȔނ̐SĂ̂悤ŁA<R ALT="^I["></R>͋ɓ̂̒mȂsށB<k>
  As always, there is no trace of guile in Ruili's affable smile, but the awkward timing with which she held his hand unsettles Taoluo immensely.

  The momentary emotion he felt toward her just now could very well be taken for betrayal, and Ruili's sudden change of attitude is almost as if she read his mind. Surely it can't be so, but the thought alone fills Taoluo with a vague unease.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[g" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccɖ߂v<k>
"......I'll be back soon."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ZꂢāAؕ|ɂof؂<R ALT="^I["></R>́A
//Ȃyē@ւƓݍ񂾁B<k>
  Shaking his head to clear it of something resembling awe, Taoluo steps soundlessly into the building.

<bgm src="M09" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
<clear>
<background src="#000000">
<wipe effect="fade" time="30">

<clear> 
<background src="B_B̘L">
<wipe effect="fade" time="20">

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//@̉[ɂ܂œݍލɂ́A<R ALT="^I["></R>mMł߂B<k>

//R͂ǂA܂ԈႢȂ̊ق͊SɖlB
//㩂ǂbA
//ُ󎖑ԂƍlׂȂB<k>
  By the time he reaches the inner sanctum of the manor, Taoluo's premonition has become a certainty.

  For whatever reason, the house is clearly empty. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to wonder what went wrong rather than fear a trap.

<clear>
<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//fȂ\܂܁A<R ALT="^I["></R>͑E΂ē@cc
//₪ĉƎ̎ƂڂꏊɒH蒅B<k>
  Without lowering his guard, Taoluo creeps through the abandoned house...... and eventually makes his way to what appears to be the master bedroom.

<bgm src="m07" mode="fadein" time="5" option="Loop">
//̎炵āA炭<R ALT="E"></R>̎B
//ɂĂ悤₭A炩Ȉُ̍ՂB
//ccႦ悤Ȃ̐ՁB<k>

//ɎUA邢͕ǂVɓ˂h˕̐XB
//AAjcc
//Êg<R ALT="rEC\">k̐M</R>Ƃ̂΂B<k>

//́wSxAŐ킢̂낤B<k>
  Judging by the decor, this is likely Liu's bedroom. Here, at last, Taoluo finds a clue as to what happened here - the unmistakable aftermath of a fierce battle.

  Throwing weapons are strewn across the floor, with more stuck into the ceiling and wall. Darts and flying axes...... all the assassin's tools used by Bin Weixin.

  The Hundred-Handed Weaver must have done battle here.

<bustup name="st^I[g" face="ڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//gANƁHh<k>
(But against whom?)

<clear>
<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//LnA܂ŏɖڂɗ܂ʐq́Al`B
//͈[Ƃc[ƌĂԂ̂낤B<k>

//̃KCmCh́A<R ALT="^I["></R>ǂ߂ẮB
//<R ALT="C["></R>̍鮂𕕂<R ALT="r">k</R>̎ɓn̂̂B
//sRɐg𝀂pŃ\t@ɉĺA
//炩ɓ͂ĂB<k>

//̓̌ƂA
//St̂̂oďɂ܂ŗĂB
//񕦓tL@A
//Ro܂ܗ₦ċÌł̂B<k>

//܂ł<R ALT="^I["></R>xƂȂڂɂĂA<R ALT="CXo[">ER</R>̎ccc
//̐l`̃́AłɋzoꂽゾB<k>
  Casting his gaze about the wide bedchamber, the first thing that catches his eye is a motionless doll - or rather, the remains of one.

  The gynoid is one of the two that Taoluo seeks, the one that was in Bin's possession. From the unnatural way it is sprawled out on the sofa, it is clear that its power has been cut.

  A sticky substance is oozing from every orifice in the doll's skull, some of it dripping to the floor. The melted remains of her organic memory must have hardened again after being exposed to the air.

  These are the traces of wraith burn, which Taoluo himself has seen several times before. This doll's memory has already been drained.

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

<BOX TYPE=0>
//Ɏ͂Ɏ点<R ALT="^I["></R>́AȂfXN̕I|֎qA
//sRɂǌɔ]Ă̂ɋCB<k>
  Looking around some more, Taoluo realizes that the room's desk chair is facing the wall for some reason.

<clear>
<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
//fȂ荞݁Ä֎qɍl߂B<k>

//<R ALT="rEC\">k̐M</R>͂ɂB
//󂭍ꂽ͋ł邩̂悤Ɂcc
//Jꂽق̊Ԃ́Aዅ߂ĂB<k>

//ƂO炵̂͂ȂB<k>
//ccj[ň쓮AێVXě̏A
//ɂ扽炩̍Ղ͎cB<k>

//d󂯂TC{[OA܂ŉ̊OcɎ炵߂@Ƃ΁ccЂƂvȂB
//Ȃ<R ALT="^I["></R>ANnmiB<k>
  Slowly and carefully, he circles the chair and examines the person sitting in it.

  It's Bin Weixin. His head dangles limply as though he is taking a nap, but his wide-open eye is staring blankly off into the void.

  He appears to have no external injuries, but if he died by neural malfunction or a failure of his life support system, it would have left some sort of trace.

  Taoluo can think of only one thing that could kill a heavily-modified cyborg with this little visible damage, the method that he himself knows better than anyone.

<bustup name="st^I[g" face="\" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//gdccHh<k>
(Electromagnetic Discharge......?)

<clear>
<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//ȈӊOɂ̔ZC߂lƂ΁A
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͈lS肪ȂB
//̒jgȂǁAƂȂĂ͗L蓾ȂB<k>

//<R ALT="r">k</R>ÊA
//ނ̃KCmCh烁̓e𔲂̂A
//炭͓l̎dƂ낤B<k>

//ẮAɋ킹锤l̒jcc
//̎̕ɑȂȂƁAl̂B<k>
  He knows of only one other who has mastered that secret technique. It should be impossible, however, for that man to use <I>neigong</I> now.

  But the man who killed Bin and the man who drained the memory of his gynoid are likely one and the same.

  And it is only natural to suspect the only other person who could be expected to be here - the master of this bedroom.

<bustup name="st^I[g" face="ڐO" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//g<R ALT="E"></R>ccȂ̂Hh<k>
(Is this...... Liu's doing?)

<clear>
<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//^Oɕ<R ALT="^I["></R>̖ڂAӂƊȂ̂𑨂B
//<R ALT="r">k</R>̎Ǎł񂾌AȔF`ĂB<k>
  As Taoluo frowns in confusion, something strange catches his eye. Something small and pink is poking out from Bin's death-twisted lips.

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

<clear>
<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=0>
//<R ALT="^I["></R>͍L΂`̐؂<R ALT="r">k</R>̌ɂ˂ŁA
//TdɂJB
//͂ƈꖇڂꗎЂ́A炩ȓ̉ԕفB
//ꂪ<R ALT="r">k</R>̌oɁAtɋlߍ܂ĂB<k>
  Using the tip of his sword, Taoluo carefully pries open Bin's mouth. Now free, the single peach blossom flutters to the floor. Taoluo can see that the dry cavity is packed full of the flowers.

<bustup name="U摜" face="U\" align="left" mode="off">
<bustup name="st^I[g" face="cȏ΂" align="right">
<wipe effect="fade" time="7">
<BOX TYPE=3>
//uccv<k>
"......Have it your way."

<BOX TYPE=0>
//ꂾ<R ALT="^I["></R>́A
//<R ALT="r">k</R>̊[̏Ɏcl̃bZ[W]ƂȂ󂯎B<k>

//̏ꏊɗp͂ȂB<k>
  That is all Taoluo needs to fully understand the message that was left by whoever killed Bin.

  He has no more business here.

<se src="_00_blade03" mode="on" option="single">
<clear>
<background src="#ffffff">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
<wait time="1">

<background src="B_B">
<wipe effect="noize" time="0">
//<R ALT="^I["></R>́A̎ŋw𓢂՗𕴂킷̂悤ɁA
//񂴂ɘ`MB<k>

//<R ALT="r">k</R>̎[̏{オa΂A
//A܂ŋl܂ẲԂĂɕɎTU炳ꂽB
//тԕقXƕオA
//Hт̂悤ɗgXƕY邻̗ĺA
//Ȃ疞J̓Ԃ̉Ŗ]ތiv킹B<k>

//юUԕق̍Ō̂ЂƂЂ炪Aɏ܂ŗ鍠cc
//łɕ́Aӂю҂̋ԂɂȂĂB<k>
  Perhaps expelling his anger at having failed to claim revenge by his own hand, Taoluo sweeps his blade once through the air.

  Bin's head pops free of his corpse, sending the peach blossoms inside his throat flying through the room. The sight of the flowers billowing about like a storm of pink feathers is reminiscent of a peach garden in full bloom.

  By the time the last petal has alighted upon the floor, the room is once again empty, save for the dead.

<bgm src="M07" mode="fadeout" time="5" option="Loop">
<clear>
<background src="#000000">
<wipe effect="fade" time="30">
<wait time="30">

<a href="r{6">
