()||9<黑屏1>0,10BGM_Empty: ()||<黑屏2>8: ()||BGM_23S_Crossroads_Warrior:...In the command room of the Griffin base.+The Major and Batou observe the Commander, who is lying on the augmented reality equipment, seemingly fast asleep. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:These simulations must be a lot for the human brain to handle. The Commander is still stuck in the process of logging out. NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:The Commander is a human without any prosthetics, let alone a cyberbrain. Just imagine how much strain this puts on them. ()||AVG_lifttable:Thunk!+The side table in the corner suddenly topples over. ()???||:Oops... NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:Tachikoma? NPC-Motoko(1)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:You're finally here. ()||AVG_Power_Down:The blue combat vehicle turns off its optical camouflage, revealing its large frame. NPC-Tachikoma(0)0,150Tachikoma||:Major! Batou!+I started tracing the connection the moment I received your order, but it was really difficult to get here... NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:How did the investigation go? NPC-Tachikoma(0)0,150Tachikoma||:Oh, I've finished compiling the Commander's profile!+I've even figured out their type! ()||AVG_2023Slow_Keyboard_Correct:The Major and Batou read through the data shared by the Tachikoma. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:...Major, what's the plan now? NPC-Batou(0);NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:We're only here to support Esaki. Griffin's business has nothing to do with us.+It's entirely up to the Commander. NPC-Batou(0)Batou;NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130||:Sure, of course. NPC-Batou(0);NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:If you have something to say, out with it. NPC-Batou(0)Batou;NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130||:The Commander is still conflicted... Under these circumstances, they may end up making bad decisions out of frustration and self-pity.+I think the Commander could use some help. NPC-Batou(0);NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:No matter what decision they make, it is up to them and Griffin to bear the consequences. It's not our place to interfere.+Whether the Commander eventually chooses to give up their Dolls or take them back, we just have to do our part. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:... ()||AVG_Walk:The Major makes for the door of the command room. NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||Stop_AVG_loop:Tachikoma, send me a copy of the supply inventory of this base. NPC-Tachikoma(0)0,150Tachikoma||:Okie! ()||AVG_BaseDoor_Close:The Major's footsteps fade beyond the command room. NPC-Tachikoma(0)0,150Tachikoma||:Batou, are we really just gonna leave the Commander? NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:You've known the Major for a pretty long time, and you still don't understand what she's getting at? NPC-Tachikoma(0)0,150Tachikoma||:...Huh? NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:Her point is we can give the Commander a hand, but it is ultimately the Commander's call. NPC-Tachikoma(0)0,150Tachikoma||:Oh, I see! ()||AVG_File_Put:Batou slaps the Tachikoma on the back. NPC-Batou(2)Batou||:Now activate your optical camouflage and stand by outside. The Commander's gonna wake up soon.+Stay hidden. Don't let the post-humans spot you. NPC-Tachikoma(0)0,150Tachikoma||:Alright, alright! ()||<黑点1>BGM_Empty: ()||<睁眼>: ()||:A few minutes later. ()||AVG_BaseDoor_OpenBGM_23S_Expedition_Story:At last, the Commander sits up on the AR chair. They rub their forehead groggily. ()Commander||:Where... am I? NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:The Griffin base. Your home turf. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:Here. ()||:Batou hands the Commander a bottle. NPC-Batou(2)Batou||AVG_va_addingredient:This base looks pretty empty, but you've got quite a stash. NPC-Batou(2)<同时置暗>Commander||:... NPC-Batou(2)Batou||:Now don't be stingy. We did you a huge favor, ya know? ()Commander||:Oh, you misunderstand.+I just suddenly remembered these drinks were originally procured for tomorrow evening. NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:What's the occasion? ()Commander||:It's the foundation day of the base in Area S09—the abandoned one... NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:Oh, I get it now. That's where you went with our prosthetics before, no?+I checked the operation logs on this prosthetic. That base looked like it got nuked to high heaven! NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:Batou. NPC-Batou(2)Batou||:Sorry for running my mouth.+Commander, cheers. ()||AVG_20Winter_Cheers:Clink!+The crisp sound of clinking glasses cuts through the silence at the base. NPC-Batou(2)Batou||:Hm... Pretty decent booze. ()Commander||Rope:If only the girls were here... NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:... ()||:The Major stares pensively into the night from her lonely perch by the window.+In the quiet room, Batou and Commander sit down across each other. NPC-Batou(2)Batou||:What are you planning to do? NPC-Batou(2)<同时置暗>Commander||:We must go back and get Boys out of there.. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:What about the other Dolls? ()Commander||:... ()||ClothingUp:The Commander runs their fingers over the bottle label. The Dolls' faces in the group photo on the table look distorted through the glass and the clear liquid it contains. ()Commander||:I don't know what they want.+If you ask me, I want them to come home immediately.+But if— NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:Don't tell me you're gonna say...+If they are happy in Sector 2Z64, you'll just let them go? ()Commander||:Why not? If happiness is right there in front of you... NPC-Motoko(2)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:... ()||AVG_tableware:Batou puts down his glass silently. NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:Batou, this is the Commander's business. We have no right to interfere. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:I know that, of course...+But letting go just like that is way too selfish. NPC-Batou(0)<同时置暗>Commander||:Selfish? NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:You're making the decision for your subordinates without even bothering to find out what they want. NPC-Batou(1)Batou||:Do you actually know what it is that they want? ()Commander||:If there's a chance for them to have a happy life, why shouldn't I... NPC-Motoko(2)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:It is self-indulgent of you to think you have the right to define what happiness means to someone else. ()Commander||:... NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:I've looked you up. In just two years after joining this PMC, your resume has already become far more compelling than what most old veterans can ever hope to achieve.+You know better than anyone else what you've gone through, so my question is—+Have you stayed in your job all this time just because it makes you happy? NPC-Batou(0)<同时置暗>Commander||:...No. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:Then why are you still here? ()Commander||:I have unfinished business and unfulfilled promises...+Things are immensely difficult, but I like it here. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:You know full well... NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:The Dolls can also feel the same way, but you're just ignoring that possibility and making the decision for them? ()Commander||:...I don't want them to suffer so much. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:I get that.+I know a kid who had it really rough. Luckily she's really smart, and she got a PhD at MIT when she was just 19.+She could have done anything with her life, but she gave it all up and chose to go down the darkest, hardest path... NPC-Batou(0)<同时置暗>Commander||:... NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:I also wanted her to live a happy and carefree life, but that's not what she wanted. ()||:Batou shakes his head and chuckles helplessly as he recalls the girl's stubbornness. ()||AVG_20Winter_Drink_Tea:The Commander downs the remaining contents in their glass and feels the burn in their throat. ()Commander||:I understand... how that feels... NPC-Batou(2)Batou||:It's natural to want happiness for those you care about. NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:But sometimes, we make decisions not necessarily because they will lead us to happiness but simply because that's what we genuinely want.+Even if it means causing pain and suffering to ourselves. ()Commander||:You're right... ()||:The two share another drink in silence. The silence once again fills the room. ()||:Kusanagi walks over from the window, picks up the bottle on the table and drains its contents. NPC-Motoko(0)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:So, Commander, what are you planning to do? ()Commander||:...+I'm going to rescue Boys...+Then I'll proceed with the original plan and restore the Dolls' memories.+...I'll let them tell me what they want. ()||<黑屏1>BGM_Empty: ()||<黑屏2>418: ()||:...The next day.+In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64. ()||AVG_whitenoiseGF_EV9_Story:At the agreed time, the Commander logs into the virtual world to meet up with the Major. NPC-HK433(0)<通讯框>No. 390||AVG_tele_connect:Good morning, Commander.+Please instruct on the operational plans for today. NPC-HK433(0)<通讯框><同时置暗>Commander||:Let's close the shop for the day. NPC-HK433(4)<通讯框>No. 390||:Resting on the day after your grand opening... Are you sure about this? NPC-HK433(4)<通讯框><同时置暗>Commander||:That'll give you some time to do some market research and study how the other shops are run.+I'm also a bit tired. I want to take it easy today and have a stroll in the neighborhood. NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:Understood. I will submit a comprehensive report. ()||AVG_tele_disconnect:After ending the call, the Commander heads toward their destination. NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||AVG_Cloak_Whoosh:Morning, Commander! ()Commander||:... ()||:Purin's sudden appearance behind the Commander makes them gasp. ()Commander||:Purin, what are you doing here? NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:I was just passing by, so I thought I'd drop by and see how your new shop is doing.+I overheard your conversation with No. 390. Looks like you're planning on take a break today. ()Commander||:Yeah. Purin, I've decided to— NPC-Motoko(0)<通讯框>Motoko Kusanagi||:Commander, if your intention is to let Esaki into the plan, you might want to reconsider. ()Commander||:... NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:What have you decided? NPC-Purin(0)-50,50<同时置暗>Commander||:I've decided... to do my job properly. NPC-Purin(2)-50,50Purin Esaki||:You mean... you've made up your mind to run your shop in earnest?! NPC-Purin(2)-50,50<同时置暗>Commander||:Yeah... NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:That's wonderful! ()||Rope:Purin grasps the Commander's hands in excitement. NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:You've finally decided to stay in Sector 2Z64 and be with us forever and ever! ()Commander||:How about some pudding to celebrate this? NPC-Purin(1)-50,50Purin Esaki||:Pudding? Why pudding? NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:Let's have some shredded potato stir-fry at the canteen instead! NPC-Purin(0)-50,50<同时置暗>Commander||:... NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:I've still got some urgent work to do today. We'll celebrate later! ()Commander||:Okay. ()||:Purin skips along, but then she suddenly turns around. NPC-Purin(1)-50,50Purin Esaki||:Oh right, Commander. Have Batou and the Major still not connected to their prosthetics? NPC-Purin(1)-50,50<同时置暗>Commander||:Hm? NPC-Purin(1)-50,50Purin Esaki||:Well, apparently someone spotted a big, muscular man and a nimble woman sneaking into the Ministry of Love last night.+I was just wondering if it was them... ()Commander||:... ()||:The Commander hesitates for a moment. ()Commander||:They still haven't made the connection.+But even if they could, I wouldn't know where their prosthetics have gone... NPC-Purin(1)-50,50Purin Esaki||:I see... My job today is to investigate the two suspicious intruders.+I don't know what they're after; I just hope they're not here to disturb the peace. NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:After all, the residents here have finally found a quiet sanctuary where they can live simple and ordinary lives.+Anyone who tries to destroy such a world will surely be loathed. ()Commander||:...+Purin, do you still remember your life before coming here? NPC-Purin(1)-50,50Purin Esaki||:Hm... It wasn't actually that long ago, but somehow it felt like another lifetime... NPC-Purin(1)-50,50<同时置暗>Commander||:What about the first time we met? NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:Of course I remember! I came running out of the Persica's lab after Shimamura and Mizukane. It must've been really scary for you! ()Commander||:No, I mean that time when we really got to know each other and had a chat about the future.+Back then, you came with your "key to victory"— NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:You won't get anywhere if you keep clinging to the past, Commander. ()Commander||:...+Purin, what really happened... NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:Anyhow, just be careful, alright? If you come across anything suspicious... NPC-Purin(0)-50,50<同时置暗>||:Purin leans closer to the Commander and smiles up at them. NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:You'll let me know, right? ()Commander||:...+You'd better get going. NPC-Purin(0)-50,50Purin Esaki||:You're right. Then I'll see you later~! ()||<黑点1>:At the Commander's repeated urging, Purin finally leaves with reluctance. ()||AVG_footsteps_caveBGM_Empty<黑点2>:After double-checking there is no one behind them, the Commander goes on their way to meet up with the Major and Batou. ()Commander||Stop_AVG_loop:...Major, are you suspecting Purin? NPC-Motoko(0)<通讯框>Motoko Kusanagi||:Doesn't hurt to be cautious before we find out what is causing her abnormal behavior. NPC-Motoko(0)<通讯框><同时置暗>Commander||:Right.+I'm almost at the rendezvous point. NPC-Motoko(2)<通讯框>Motoko Kusanagi||GF_21winter_avg_pathfinder:You're bringing your little tail along? NPC-Motoko(2)<通讯框><同时置暗>Commander||:... NPC-Motoko(2)<通讯框>Motoko Kusanagi||:7 o'clock, behind the white jeep. NPC-Motoko(0)<通讯框>Motoko Kusanagi||:Sort that out before you come. ()Commander||AVG_tele_disconnect:...+...Mizukane? Or is it Purin? ()||AVG_footsteps_cave:The Commander stops in their tracks, then doubles back as if they'd gone the wrong way. ()||Stop_AVG_loop:As they approach the jeep, they spot the familiar long white tresses. NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:... ()Commander||:...Why are you following me? Didn't I ask you to— ()||AVG_2023Slow_Keyboard_Correct:Ping—it is a file transfer request from No. 390.+30G Market Research Compressed Folder. ()Commander||:... NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:I'm sorry for not doing this with your consent, but I need to monitor your bio signs.+You are currently logging into Sector 2Z64 via a simulated cyberbrain, which is still in the testing phase. Miss Mizukane says that your connection with Sector 2Z64 will gradually deteriorate.+That's why I must monitor your sensory data regularly every day. ()||<黑点1>: ()||<黑点2><回忆>9: ()Suzuka Mizukane||:...What you experience with the simulated cyberbrain may feel very realistic, but as time goes by, your sensory input will deteriorate.+With a cyberbrain, you won't have this problem. ()||<黑点1>: ()||<黑点2><关闭蒙版>418: ()Commander||:...+What symptoms will I experience when the connection deteriorates? NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:According to the previous experiment reports, it begins with vision loss. Your vision will become blurry, like you're losing pixels.+Then you will experience hearing loss. Sounds will gradually become more and more distorted until they sound like compressed sharp ringing.+Finally, the last to go will be your sense of touch, though by the time you reach this stage, your connection will no longer be able to sustain your activities in Sector 2Z64. ()Commander||:... ()||:The Commander gazes at the cherry blossoms dancing in the air. Even though they know full well that they are nothing but simulated illusions, they still can't help but be moved when their fingertips touch the delicate petals. ()Commander||:How long do I have until I start developing these symptoms? NPC-HK433(2)0,130No. 390||:The deterioration process has already begun from the very moment you first got here. NPC-HK433(2)0,130<同时置暗>Commander||:... NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:Don't worry, I'll stay by your side and keep a close eye on your physical condition. NPC-HK433(0)0,130<同时置暗>Commander||:You don't have to follow me around. I'd like to be alone for a while. NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:... NPC-HK433(3)0,130No. 390||:Is there nothing else I could do for you? ()Commander||:You've done a brilliant job completing your mission. If I need something, I'll— ()||:The Commander is just about to turn down No. 390's offer to help, but they change their mind when they meet her eyes. ()||<黑点1>: ()||<黑点2>BGM_Empty<回忆>9: ()||:...Restore the Dolls' memories.+...Let them tell me what they want. ()||<黑点1>: ()||<黑点2><关闭蒙版>418: ()Commander||GF_2022_Summer_AVG_2:Actually, a question has been nagging me for a while now. I'd like to hear your answer. NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:Please go ahead. ()Commander||:If you were given the chance to choose between living in a ruthless reality and an ideal virtual world, which would you choose? NPC-HK433(4)0,130No. 390||:A ruthless... reality? ()||:No. 390 looks around at the clean and peaceful street in perplexity. ()Commander||:Uh... Imagine if you were living in a chaotic world filled with danger and conspiracy. NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:Right, I was born and grew up in a dark and dangerous world... ()Commander||:Then a new world opened its doors to you. It was a peaceful and lovely place, just like Sector 2Z64, except it was a virtual world.+Now, you're given a choice—you could either continue to stay in the dark reality, or you could enter the beautiful virtual world.+Which would you choose? NPC-HK433(2)0,130No. 390||:... NPC-HK433(2)0,130<同时置暗>||:No. 390 ponders the question earnestly. She remains silent for a long time. NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:I cannot answer this question. NPC-HK433(0)0,130<同时置暗>Commander||:Why not? NPC-HK433(0)0,130No. 390||:It would depend on what my life was like in the real world.+Whether I had what I wanted; if I was happy...+And whether the virtual world could give me what I really wanted. NPC-HK433(0)0,130<同时置暗>Commander||:Then what is it that you really want? NPC-HK433(2)0,130No. 390||:... NPC-HK433(2)0,130<同时置暗>Commander||:Or rather, what is your purpose in life? NPC-HK433(2)0,130No. 390||:... NPC-HK433(2)0,130<同时置暗>Commander||:What's wrong? You don't look very well all of a sudden... NPC-HK433(3)0,130No. 390||:...+Commander... ()Commander||:I'm here! What's happening to you?! ()||:No. 390 just keeps staring through the Commander at something far away. ()||AVG_Team_RunningBGM_Empty:The Major and Batou, who have been waiting to regroup with the Commander, emerge from their hiding place. ()Commander||:What's going on...? NPC-Motoko(2)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:She's not responding to any commands. ()Commander||:Major, why is she suddenly like this? NPC-Batou(0)Batou||:Her neural cloud has crashed. NPC-Motoko(2)-40,130Motoko Kusanagi||:I'm going in. ()||<黑屏1>: