()||9<黑屏1>0,10: ()||22<黑屏2>:... ()||:【72 hours until the mermaid squad deploys.】 Type88(0)QJY-88||:Don't panic, QJY-88. +I still have 72 hours, it's going to be fine. +It's just putting together an anti-drowning device, right? That's simple enough... Type88(0)QJY-88||<黑点1>:If only if I had some inspiration... ()||<黑点2>8:Two hours ago. ()Commander||GF_Cafe:...Right, that's all the intelligence we have regarding this mission. +Break into your assigned groups and get to know each other. +Dismissed. Type88(0)QJY-88||:Rescue team... +But I don't know how to swim... SPS(0)Serdyukov||:Hello, QJY-88. +I'm Serdyukov. Type88(0)QJY-88||:Hello... nice to meet you! SPS(0)Serdyukov||:The Commander has informed me of your situation. +This mission isn't particularly challenging, and I'll give you some training beforehand. +So there's no reason to worry at all~ Type88(0)QJY-88||<黑点1>:Okay, thank you... Type88(0)QJY-88||<黑点2>9<黑点1>:She did say that, but I feel bad for relying too much on Serdyukov... +I should still prepare some kind of contraption for myself in case of an emergency... ()||<黑点2>22BGM_Empty:【48 hours until the mermaid squad deploys.】 Type88(0)QJY-88||BGM_Hello:I can't go on anymore. I haven't slept for an entire day. +I need to rest and clear my cache... Type88(0)QJY-88||:But I haven't even come up with the blueprint... Type88(0)QJY-88||:... +Guess I'll just hang on for a little longer. ()||:【36 hours until the mermaid squad deploys.】 Type88(0)QJY-88||:ZzzZzzz... ()||:QJY-88 dozes off with her chin resting on her hand. Her elbow starts sliding outwards... Type88(0)QJY-88||:Whoa! +When did I fall asleep...? Type88(0)QJY-88||:Oh crap, I only have 36 hours left! +Now I'm REALLY short on time! Type88(0)QJY-88||:Time to wake up! Gotta finish this design already! ()||:【18 hours until the mermaid squad deploys.】 Type88(0)QJY-88||:Phew... +Finally, some progress... +Let me make a prototype following this design. Type88(0)QJY-88||:Only 18 hours left... Don't think I'll have time to optimize or even test it... +I'll just do whatever I can. ()||:【6 hours until the mermaid squad deploys.】 Type88(0)QJY-88||:The anti-drowning device prototype is finally complete. Time to install it and see if it works. ()||:The exhausted QJY-88 climbs onto the workbench and lies down. She picks up the equipment and studies it carefully. Type88(0)QJY-88||:Hmm, at least the installation port fits perfectly... ()||:Her fingers slip and the equipment falls smack onto her face. Type88(0)QJY-88||:Oww... That hurt... +I hope I didn't break it... ()||:【0 hours until the mermaid squad deploys.】 ()Commander||:QJY-88, are you there? +We're setting off! Type88(0)QJY-88||:ZzzzZzz... ()Commander||:Q...QJY-88? +Wake up, QJY-88! Type88(0)QJY-88||<黑屏1>:...Hmm? +Commander! Is it time to go?! +I'll be right there... ()||162<黑屏2>BGM_Empty:... ()Commander||GF_Memorial:...Now go and change into your battle gear. +After that, just head straight to the designated location and start your mission. +I'll join you later to check on your progress. Type88(4)QJY-88||:Serdyukov can probably do the job even without me. +Actually, she might actually have an easier time doing it without me... ()||<黑屏1>:QJY-88 peers at Serdyukov, who's getting ready, and sighs softly. Then she wanders off in the other direction alone... +She finds a remote corner and hides inside a large, unused crate. ()||<黑屏2>9:From there, she takes out her anti-drowning device. Type88(4)QJY-88||:... +I have no idea if you're going to work... +I wonder if I should even hope that you'll come in useful... ()||:She installs the equipment onto herself. ()||:【Anti-drowning device successfully installed.】+【Synchronizing...】+【...30%...50%...75%...】+【99%】+【...】 +【.......】+【Synchronization complete.】 Type88(4)QJY-88||:It's installed! +Maybe it's really going to work! ()||:QJY-88's eyes brighten, but the glimmer goes out pretty soon. Type88(4)QJY-88||:I think I'd just stay here after all. +Swimming is scary, and so is the sea... +If I really have to rescue somebody, this incomplete anti-drowning device is my only hope. +If it doesn't work, I'll surely become a laughing stock... Type88(4)QJY-88||:Ugh...I don't want to be laughed at... +I just want to be a part of them... ()Commander||:QJY-88? Are you there? Type88(4)QJY-88||:Is the Commander...looking for me? +I'm really touched...that it didn't take the Commander long to realize I was missing. +Still, I'd better stay hidden. +If I'm found, I'll definitely get scolded. Type88(4)QJY-88||:If they never manage to find me, will the Commander just leave me behind...? ()Commander||<黑点1>BGM_Empty:There you are. Type88(4)QJY-88||<黑点2>162:Commander, I... ()Commander||:What are you doing alone in that big crate? Type88(4)QJY-88||BGM_Moon:I don't want to drag Serdyukov down... +It'll be easier for her if she carries out the mission on her own... ()Commander||:Have you talked to Serdyukov about this? Type88(4)QJY-88||:I... ()Commander||:She was the first one to notice you were gone. +She's looking for you everywhere even as we speak. +She has even designed a life-saving course tailored specially for you. Type88(4)QJY-88||:... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:QJY-88, there you are. ()Commander||:I'll leave her to you then. ()||:The Commander claps QJY-88 on the shoulder in encouragement, then heads off to check on another team. Type88(4)QJY-88||:I'm sorry, Serdyukov... +I was such a pig-headed... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:It's okay, QJY-88. +I didn't consider how you'd feel about your first mission in the sea. +I only focused on physical training and neglected to provide emotional support. Type88(4)QJY-88||:You've already given a lot of thought about me as your new partner. +Thank you... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:I was just as flustered as you the first time I went on a maritime mission. +But you're better than me for being brave enough to show your fear and anxiety. +Back then, I put on a calm face but was actually scared to death. SPS(2)Serdyukov||:But instead of having a problem with me, my team leader had a lot of faith in me. +If it hadn't been for her, I would've failed that mission, and I probably wouldn't have gone on any more maritime missions. +Which is why I want to pass on the faith she had in me to you. Type88(4)QJY-88||:But I can't swim at all... +And don't even start on life-saving skills... +I'm no good... Type88(4)QJY-88||:I was planning to build an anti-drowning device. +But I didn't have enough time. +And it's still incomplete... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:The fact that you tried to make it already proves that you want to accomplish this mission, isn't that right? +That's a good start, even though it may not have worked out perfectly. +Still, my life-saving training might just give you what you need! ()||BGM_Empty:Serdyukov drags QJY-88 over to the seaside. Type88(4)QJY-88||<黑点1>:...NOOO!!! ()||9<黑点2>:... ()Serdyukov||:QJY-88, open your eyes. ()QJY-88||:Are we getting close to the sea? +The air smells salty... ()Serdyukov||:That's right, I'll be giving you your first experience of the ocean. +Come, take a step forward. Can you feel the cool seawater? ()QJY-88||:What?! +Whoaaa! It's scary! ()||<黑屏1>:QJY-88 brushes off Serdyukov's hand and runs off with her eyes squeezed shut in fear. +Dashing about blindly, QJY-88 steps onto an inflatable ball left on the beach and falls flat on her face. SPS(2)Serdyukov||<睁眼>162:QJY-88! +Are you alright? Type88(5)QJY-88||m_avg_casual:This... +...is what beach sand feels like? +It's so soft... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:That's right. +Even the ocean has a gentle side if you just open yourself to it. ()||:Serdyukov extends her hand again to QJY-88. After a moment of hesitation, QJY-88 takes it gingerly. +Serdyukov's hand is even softer than the sand on the beach. SPS(2)Serdyukov||:Let's try it again, okay? Type88(4)QJY-88||:Okay... ()||:Serdyukov gently leads QJY-88 by the hand to the beach where the waves wash ashore. +The cool water laps up the soft sand, rushing happily over their feet, then retreats just as happily back into the sea. +QJY-88 stares at Serdyukov in mild surprise, and the two exchange a smile. SPS(2)Serdyukov||:Let's start our life-saving training right here! Type88(4)QJY-88||<黑点1>:Okay! ()||<黑点2>:An hour later. SPS(2)Serdyukov||:So that's pretty much it regarding basic life-saving technique. +Now we should start patrolling to make sure everyone is safe! Type88(4)QJY-88||:I have accumulated a lot of knowledge about life-saving, but somehow I have a feeling that... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:Don't worry, let's revise everything as we make our rounds! Type88(4)QJY-88||:I'll try to put everything into practice just to make sure I have it all down. +Phew... Let me refresh my memory... +First...we need to warm up? +Then... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:Are you very anxious? +That's natural. It also means you take your companions' safety seriously. +With this anxiety, you'll be extra cautious in the face of potential hazards. Type88(4)QJY-88||:You mean... +Being anxious makes me more perceptive of hidden problems? +Hmm...that does make sense... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:What I mean is that if you can't stop yourself from being anxious... +Then simply don't consider your anxiety as a kind of hindrance. Make it your strength instead. Type88(4)QJY-88||:Make anxiety...my strength? SPS(2)Serdyukov||:That's right. For example, you were super anxious when you accepted this mission, worrying how you wouldn't be up to the task. +This anxiety drove you to create the anti-drowning device. +As I said before, that's a very good start. Type88(4)QJY-88||:Actually, this anti-drowning device is just an external storage module installed onto a swim ring... +But I did put a lot of thought into minimizing the size of the swim ring without compromising its durability... +And how to inflate it instantly when it's activated... +This is just the very first prototype attempting to solve these problems. +Which means...I never got around to actually⁠— ()||BGM_Empty:QJY-88 faintly hears a shrill scream coming from the sea. +AHHHHHH— Type88(4)QJY-88||m_avg_tension:Did you hear that, Serdyukov? SPS(2)Serdyukov||:Hear what? Type88(4)QJY-88||:I think someone's shouting for help over there... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:You think so? But the sea looks very calm to me... +Let me check with my binoculars. ()||<黑点1>:Serdyukov jogs back to where she placed her bag for her binoculars. ()||<黑点2>9:QJY-88 stares at the sea in a daze. Type88(4)QJY-88||:Am I so nervous that my auditory system malfunctioned? +But that scream sounded so real... Type88(4)QJY-88||:If I didn't mishear it, the only ones operating at sea right now could only be the investigation team. +Lewis is fishing by the sea right now, so that only leaves R93. Type88(4)QJY-88||:R93's physical traits are⁠— ()||:QJY-88 keeps a close eye on the surface of the sea as she accesses her neural cloud. Type88(4)QJY-88||:Oh right, pink hair like that over there! +Wait... is that R93's head?! Type88(4)QJY-88||:What should I do?! +Should I head over to save her? Type88(4)QJY-88||:Serdyukov said... +I'm carrying everyone's faith... Type88(4)QJY-88||:...Deep breaths. ()||<黑屏1>:QJY-88 closes her eyes. In that instant, the air grows still, the waves settle down, even the squawking seabirds fall silent. ()||<黑屏2>162:... ()||:QJY-88 opens her eyes and dashes into the ocean fearlessly. Type88(4)QJY-88||:R93! +Hang in there! I'm coming to save you! ()||:QJY-88 runs on with the salty air blowing against her face and the cool seawater curling around her feet. Even the chattering seabirds seem to be cheering for her. ()||:She keeps running without a second thought, but her body suddenly starts feeling heavy, and every stride takes immense effort. +By the time she realizes something isn't right, the water already comes up to her chest. +The sudden wave of panic causes her knees to buckle. Type88(4)QJY-88||BGM_Empty:Whoa... +Calm down, QJY-88! ()||:【Anti-drowning device activating.】+【Warning – anti-drowning device activation failed.】 Type88(4)QJY-88||:How come...? +...No... ()||:【Anti-drowning device reactivating.】+【Warning: anti-drowning device reactivation failed.】 Type88(4)QJY-88||:Help! Cough, cough! +I...(gurgles)...can't swim! Type88(4)QJY-88||GF_Memorial:(Ugh... Is this all I can do...?) +(Even though Serdyukov put so much effort in training me...) +(But I still...can't do it...) +(I...must be a huge disappointment to her...) ()Serdyukov||:QJY-88! I'm coming to help you! Type88(4)QJY-88||:(Ugh...Serdyukov!) +(She's coming to save me...) Type88(4)QJY-88||:Serdyukov! +I...(gurgles)...here! ()Serdyukov||:I'll be right there! Type88(4)QJY-88||:(Is that what a professionally trained lifeguard looks like?) +(She's swimming so hard just to save me...) Type88(4)QJY-88||:(Huh? That's...a crow?) +(Why is the crow carrying Serdyukov's bag and throwing stuff at her?) +(Serdyukov seems to be struggling...) ()Serdyukov||:Argh! (Gurgles) My... +...leg...is malfunctioning... (Gurgles) Type88(4)QJY-88||:(Serdyukov!) +(...No!) Type88(4)QJY-88||<黑点1>:(What should I do?) +(The things Serdyukov taught me in her life-saving training...) +(Remember! Hurry up and remember them, QJY-88!) SPS(2)Serdyukov||<黑点2><回忆>:I was just as flustered as you the first time I went on a maritime mission. +But you're better than me for being brave enough to show your fear and anxiety. +Back then, I put on a calm face but was actually scared to death. SPS(2)Serdyukov||:But instead of having a problem with me, my team leader had a lot of faith in me. +If it hadn't been for her, I would've failed that mission, and I probably wouldn't have gone on any more maritime missions. +Which is why I want to pass on the faith she had in me to you. ()||:... SPS(2)Serdyukov||<黑点1>:If you can't stop yourself from being anxious... +Then simply don't consider your anxiety as a kind of hindrance. Make it your strength instead. Type88(4)QJY-88||<黑点2><关闭蒙版>:(Exhales) Type88(4)QJY-88||:First, keep calm. Don't struggle or flail around, find my own balance. +Then try to keep my nose out of the water. Exhale softly, inhale deeply. +Now go around the drowning person and hold her from behind. Type88(4)QJY-88||:Right, I'm holding Serdyukov. +Now go to the surface again to catch my breath... ()||:All this while, QJY-88 can sense the feeling of trust and security from Serdyukov as they slowly approach the surface of the sea. ()||:During this process, QJY-88 comes to a sudden realization. Type88(4)QJY-88||BGM_Empty:Hold on a second? ()||:She stands up straight abruptly and the glittering seawater comes up to just below her chest. Type88(4)QJY-88||:... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:... ()||:The two flustered girls make their way awkwardly to the shore. ()||:The moment their feet reach the soft and dry sand, they slump heavily onto the beach. SPS(2)Serdyukov||:... Type88(4)QJY-88||:... SPS(2)Serdyukov||m_avg_casual:Pff-Hahahahaha... Type88(4)QJY-88||:Hahahahahaha... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:That must've been... +One of the top ten ordeals I've ever had in my career, hahaha... Type88(4)QJY-88||:No, it was all my fault... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:If you hadn't come and saved me, we'd both be lying in the repair bay. +I knew I was right to have faith in you~ Type88(4)QJY-88||:Ugh... Thank you, Serdyukov. +If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be cowering in the big crate. +I would definitely not have the courage to run out to sea... +Though we could both have... SPS(2)Serdyukov||:...I won't tell a soul. +In return, don't mention my malfunction just now... Type88(4)QJY-88||:Serdyukov... Haven't we forgotten something...? SPS(2)Serdyukov||:... +R93 is still... +We've got to tell the Commander right now! ()||<黑屏1>:On the beach bathed in warm sunlight, the two flustered girls set off running hand-in-hand.