()||9<黑屏1>0,10BGM_Empty: ()||BGM_TK_loadingAVG_20Winter_Door_Open<黑屏2>2760.5: ()||:Night falls. The Commander quietly slips into Lawrence's residence. ()||:Out of respect, the room has been left untouched since Lawrence's death, awaiting hospital staff to come and sort through the deceased's belongings. ()Commander||:What a mess... ()||ClothingUp:Carefully navigating through the cluttered room filled with documents and miscellaneous items, the Commander searches for anything that might serve as a clue. ()Commander||AVG_20Winter_Book:Medical records... ()Commander||:Medical textbooks... ()Commander||AVG_20Winter_Book:Procurement orders? ... Heh, he really didn't hold back... Wait, something's off... ()||:Holding a stack of procurement orders, the Commander quickly flips through the listed figures. ()Commander||0.5:3.4 million, 5.7 million, 2.15 million... Even accounting for embezzlement, why would Evita have invested so much money here? ()Commander||:Is being a contractor that profitable? ()||:Recalling their last meeting with Evita in Marulos, the Commander suddenly feels they should've haggled harder. ()Commander||:Well, maybe this is a secret I shouldn't be poking my nose into. ()||ClothingUp:They place the procurement orders back on the desk and pick up the picture frame lying next to them. ()Commander||:It's her? ()||AVG_2022Saros_buttonBGM_Empty:Click. A faint sound comes from the direction of the bedroom. ()||ClothingUp:The Commander shows no reaction, pretending not to have heard, and instead restores the desk to its original state before continuing to search through the drawers, inching closer to the bedroom. ()||AVG_20Winter_Knife_WhooshBGM_stage13:As they step one foot across the doorway, a gust of wind rushes toward the back of their head—an ambush! ()||<震屏3>AVG_Punch_Hit:Prepared for the attack, the Commander shifts sideways, causing the assailant's weapon to miss. They retaliate with a sweeping kick, sending the attacker crashing to the ground. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:Ugh! ()||:It's the woman who had given them directions earlier that day. ()||AVG_Punch<震屏3>:As she struggles to get up, the Commander swiftly kicks the knife from her hand and ties up her hands with an IV tube that they've brought from the ward. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:Who are you? NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||Rope:You killed Dr. Lawrence, didn't you? NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:How do you know? ()Commander||:I guessed. ()Commander||:Don't ask so many questions. I'm not here to avenge him. NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||:There's a photo of you two together on the desk. Intimate. So—what's going on? NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:Why should I tell you anything? ()||ClothingUp:The Commander pulls a small tape recorder from their pocket, its reel slowly turning. ()Commander||:I've already recorded your confession. You just admitted to murder yourself. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:...You vile prick! NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||:I need some way to protect myself. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:Turn it off first. ()Commander||:...Fine. ()||AVG_Button_Click0.5: ()||:Once the Commander switches off the recorder, the woman slumps against the doorframe with a sigh. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:It's true. Lawrence and I were lovers. NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||:Why did you kill him? NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:I assume you already know he was skimming off the top of the procurement funds? ()||ClothingUp:Seeing the Commander nod, she raises her bound hands. A shiny gold ring gleams on her left middle finger. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:Life was pretty good with him. But two weeks ago, he suddenly said he wanted to leave the medical outpost. I asked to go with him, but he refused. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:If he left, where would the money come from? NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||:Two weeks ago, again... NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||:So you killed him over that? NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:That wasn't the plan. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:His sudden decision to leave raised some red flags. You know how profitable this place was for him. Something must've made him abandon all that. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:So I pretended to see him off. Got him drunk and tried to get the truth out. NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||:What did he say? NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:He'd gotten hold of a secret document. He was using it to blackmail someone into smuggling him out of Kamona. NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||:A document? What kind of document? NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:I don't know. It had something to do with someone's identity. He was too drunk and kept rambling on about "fakes", "covert", "operative". NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:We were walking near the pond. I asked again if he would take me with him. He cursed me instead. NPC-AH400(2)Woman||ClothingUp:I just... snapped. He... he brought it on himself! NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||:Where's that document now? NPC-AH400(2)Woman||:I came here today to look for it. No idea why the place was already ransacked. I couldn't find it. NPC-AH400(2)Commander<同时置暗>||:What does it look like? NPC-AH400(2)Woman||0.5:It's in a red envelope with some wine stain—he spilled red wine on it by accident. ()||<黑点1>: ()||803<回忆><黑点2>: NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:I've got other things to do. You get some rest. I'll be back before it's time to change your bandages. ()Commander||:Wait! ()||:The Commander points to a red envelope that's fallen to the floor, stained with dark, brownish smudges. ()Commander||:You dropped this. NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:Oh! Thank you! I'm off now. Shout for me if you need anything. ()||0.5AVG_20Winter_Book:Susan picks up the red envelope and tucks it into the messy pile of papers, then hurries out of the ward. ()||<黑屏1>: ()||<关闭蒙版><黑屏2>9: ()||<黑屏1>: ()||<黑屏2>2760.5: ()Commander||:Just go. Let's pretend you never saw me tonight. ()||Rope:The Commander unties the IV tube from the woman's wrists. She scrambles to her feet and stumbles toward the door. ()Commander||0.5:Also, forget about the envelope. For your own good. ()||<黑屏1>: ()||BGM_Empty<黑屏2>90.3: ()||<黑屏1>: ()||<黑屏2>ClothingUp0.5803: ()||:The Commander quietly opens the door. The ward is pitch dark; no lights are on. ()||:They feel their way to the bedside—only to see a shadow sitting there. NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:You snuck out again! ()Commander||:! ()||:Susan is sitting on the Commander's bed, her legs swinging off the edge. ()Commander||:Shhh... quiet. Let's talk outside. ()||<黑点1>: ()||<黑点2>0.5168: ()||BGM_carmona:Worried about waking the other patients, the Commander follows Susan outside the clinic. ()Commander||:So... I was thinking. I really feel fine now. Maybe we should give my bed to someone else? NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:That's what I came to tell you. The doctor says you're clear to be discharged tomorrow. NPC-Sanaya(1)Commander<同时置暗>||:Wonderful! NPC-Sanaya(1)Commander<同时置暗>||:By the way, when I first got here yesterday, I saw you carrying a bunch of documents. What were those? NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:Just old records from the archives. They've been destroyed. NPC-Sanaya(0)Commander<同时置暗>||:Destroyed? NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:Yeah, mostly backup medical files—duplicates. NPC-Sanaya(0)Commander<同时置暗>||:I remember... you dropped a red envelope back then? NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:Why are you asking? ()||:The Commander's question puts Susan on alert. She tilts her head and looks up at them, puzzled. ()Commander||:I just remembered—it might've been mine. NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:Huh? But I already burned it. NPC-Sanaya(1)Commander<同时置暗>||:Did you open it? What was inside? NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:No, I didn't... Was it something important? I didn't mess anything up, did I? NPC-Sanaya(1)Commander<同时置暗>||:No, nothing important. Just a letter from a friend. NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:Oh no... I'm so sorry. I should've checked before burning it! ()||ClothingUp:Susan stomps her foot in frustration. The Commander gently pats her head in reassurance. ()Commander||:It's not your fault. I'd just woken up; my mind was foggy. I forgot about the letter myself. NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||ClothingUp:Don't pat my head. I'm a grown-up now. NPC-Sanaya(1)Commander<同时置暗>||:Oh? NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:Remember I told you I applied for a medical internship in Marulos? NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:I just got the news—it's been approved! And I'm allowed to bring my sister too! NPC-Sanaya(0)Commander<同时置暗>||:Congratulations. Looks like your wish is coming true. NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:Thanks! I'm so excited! I'll be heading out next month. NPC-Sanaya(2)Susan||:I finally have a chance to become the person I want to be. I just don't know if I'll get to see Dr. Evita at the hospital... ()Commander||:... ()Commander||:You'll see her. NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:Yeah! I will! I've even prepared a gift for her! ()||ClothingUp:Susan pulls out a string of colorful, glimmering beads from her pocket. NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:Don't they look like candy? NPC-Sanaya(0)Commander<同时置暗>||:...Kind of. NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:I strung them myself. Took me ages to collect enough pretty ones... ()||:Under the light, she excitedly shows the Commander the fruits of her labor and explains the story behind each bead, utterly oblivious to the Commander's distracted silence. NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:...Anyway, I'll make sure to hand it to Dr. Evita myself. NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:It's getting late. I won't keep you. I'll visit again tomorrow. ()||ClothingUp:Carefully packing the beads into a small cloth pouch, Susan tucks it away and waves goodbye, running off down the footpath. ()Commander||:Hey! NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:Hm? ()||:She stops and turns back. The flickering street lamp overhead casts a wavering shadow across her face. ()Commander||:Don't mention that envelope to anyone. I feel... embarrassed about the silly mix-up. NPC-Sanaya(0)Susan||:Hahaha... okay, no problem. ()Commander||:Not even to Evita! ()||ClothingUp0.5:Susan waves to show she understands. The Commander watches her run off into the night until she's completely out of sight. ()||<黑屏1>: ()||<黑屏2>9: ()||<黑屏1>: ()||<黑屏2>2620.5: ()||BGM_Empty:At night, the pond is even quieter than it was during the day. The Commander arrives at a clearing, carefully ensuring there's no place for anyone to hide nearby. ()Commander||AVG_tele_connect:Hello? NPC-Evita_AB(0)Evita<通讯框>||:How did it go? NPC-Evita_AB(0)Commander<通讯框>||GF_EV9_Story:It's all confirmed. Doctor Lawrence was indeed murdered. NPC-Evita_AB(0)Commander<通讯框>||:He had been using his procurement privileges here to make money for himself, and his mistress took a decent cut of that too. NPC-Evita_AB(0)Commander<通讯框>||:Not long ago, he announced that he was leaving but didn't plan to take her with him. Out of resentment, she got him drunk and pushed him into the pond. NPC-Evita_AB(0)Evita<通讯框>||:Is that all? NPC-Evita_AB(0)Commander<通讯框>||:If I remember correctly, my job was to investigate the cause of Lawrence's death. Beyond that, I didn't dig further. NPC-Evita_AB(0)Evita<通讯框>||:Did Lawrence leave behind anything? NPC-Evita_AB(0)Commander<通讯框>||:As far as I know, all of his belongings are still in his home, waiting for your team to come sort them. NPC-Evita_AB(0)Evita<通讯框>||:Anything else? NPC-Evita_AB(0)Commander<通讯框>||0.5:What do you mean? NPC-Evita_AB(0)Evita<通讯框>||:Never mind. NPC-Evita_AB(0)Evita<通讯框>||:You did well. You'll receive the promised payment. NPC-Evita_AB(0)Commander<通讯框>||:Thanks. NPC-Evita_AB(0)Evita<通讯框>||:One more thing—I heard there was a recent raid on the clinic. A lot of supplies were stolen. NPC-Evita_AB(0)Evita<通讯框>||:I'm sending you the coordinates of the raiders' hideout. I hope you can go "check in" on them tomorrow. ()Commander||0.5:No problem. My pleasure. ()||<黑点1>: ()||<黑点2>90.3BGM_Empty: ()||<黑点1>: ()||<黑点2>1680.5<关闭蒙版>: ()||:The next day. ()Commander||:After two days of bed rest, the Commander finally gets to stretch their limbs again. ()||ClothingUp:Carrying the spoils recovered from the raiders' hideout, they return to the town. ()Commander||:With this, I should be able to repay everyone for their help these past few days. ()Passer-by||:Hurry! The fire's getting worse! ()||:Someone rushes past the Commander, hauling a bucket of water. ()Commander||:! ()||AVG_Crowd_RunBGM_arenabreakout_battle2:The Commander immediately follows the man. They're headed straight for the medical outpost. ()||<黑点1>: ()||AVG_20Winter_Burnfire_Loop<黑点2>4740.5: ()Commander||:What happened...? ()||:Turning the corner, the Commander sees thick black smoke billowing from the clinic's windows. The man with the bucket dashes inside. ()Passer-by||:There are still people in there! ()||AVG_Cloak_Whoosh:The Commander strips off their coat, soaks it in a water bucket nearby, throws it over their head, and rushes into the building. ()||<黑点1>: ()||<黑点2><震屏3>AVG_Door_Hit:The fire originated in the archives. The Commander kicks open the jammed door. ()||:Someone lies motionless on the floor. Shelves have been knocked over, papers scattered everywhere—some already reduced to ash. ()||:It's the same woman from last night. ()||RunStep:Without hesitation, the Commander scoops up the unconscious woman and bolts for the exit. ()||<黑点1>: ()||168<黑点2>0.5Stop_AVG_loop: ()||:Is anyone still inside? ()||:No, everyone's been rescued. ()||:What about the two girls?! ()Commander||:What?! ()||RunStep:The Commander turns to rush back inside, but is restrained by those around them. ()||:The fire's too intense! Do you have a death wish?! ()Commander||:Let go of me! ()Commander||:They didn't... even open it... NPC-Lilyan(0)Tess||:Don't scare me... (Sobs) ()||ClothingUp:A tiny hand tugs at the Commander's coat—it's Tess and Susan, both with tear-streaked faces. NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:The fire was so big... I-I was scared... ()||Rope:The girls throw themselves at the Commander from both sides. They can feel their small bodies trembling as they tighten their arms around them. ()Commander||:Don't be afraid... It's okay now... It's over... NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:We... didn't go to the clinic today... What happened? ()||:Around them, people scramble to extinguish the remaining flames. A doctor continues CPR on the woman for over ten minutes before finally shaking his head in exhaustion and closing her eyes. ()||ClothingUp:Handing the girls over to a nearby nurse, the Commander walks over and checks the woman's nostrils. ()Commander||:No soot... ()||:"The cause of the fire was identified—chemicals spilled in the dispensary. When two compounds mixed, they ignited and set the curtains ablaze. It then spread to the archives..." ()Commander||:Did anyone come here today? ()Doctor||:No. ()Commander||:Not even Evita? ()Doctor||:Evita? No, she's been busy over in Marulos, arranging a donation of new equipment for us. Fire safety systems, in fact... ()Doctor||:If only they'd arrived a little sooner... ()||:The doctor trails off, unable to finish the sentence. NPC-Lilyan(0)Tess||:Big sis... It's not— NPC-Sanaya(1)Susan||:Hush! We promised. ()||ClothingUp:Susan interrupts her little sister's soft protest. Her right hand subconsciously reaches into her pocket, but the pouch containing the chain of beads is now empty. ()Doctor||:It was an accident... ()Commander||:...An accident, you say? ()||:"Hold on. Wasn't there one more patient here? That new one from a few days ago." ()||:"Oh right! Where has he gone? I remember him—his right arm was covered in burn scars..." ()Commander||:... ()||<黑屏1>: ()||<黑屏2>9: ()||<黑屏1>: ()||168<黑屏2>0.5: ()Commander||:Take good care of yourselves, you two. ()||ClothingUp:The Commander pats the two girls' heads one last time and turns to leave. ()Doctor||:Where are you going? ()Commander||:...Now that you ask me, I don't really know either. ()||:The open flames at the medical outpost have finally been extinguished. No one is crying, and no one expresses sorrow over the losses. ()||:Everyone just goes about their tasks—salvaging what can be saved, tending to the injured—as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened... ()||:After all, they've all grown used to it. Used to sudden, irreversible partings. ()||ClothingUp:The Commander waves their hand in farewell. ()Commander||0.5:But I know this for certain—such "accidents" must stop happening in Kamona. ()||<黑点1>: