Branch K-02, part 2 (after battle)
I heard that familiar yet ominous sound of a nail being dragged across the floor from not too far away.
…Manager. If I may be forward, I would suggest soon including steps in your combat protocol to confirm that our foes are dead.
The thought of his return makes what hair I have stand on end.
Ye Heretics… must be exterminated.
<How long have you been…>
Guido approaches at a slower gait than before, but his gaze is firmly fixed on me.
And… the rest… shall be purified.
I needed to rewind the clock.
Most of the Sinners were either dead or gravely injured.
There was no way an effectively non-combatant manager and someone barely holding on to her life could take him.
Please stop…
Just then, Saude pulled out a gun.
She pointed the barrel at me.
I need you… to keep still…
The moment you try to turn that clock, my gun… will blow off your head…
<Saude…?>
Don't look at me… like that… I can't hear you. But, I can tell you this.
They promised… to let Effie go… if I helped to get rid of you…
I let too much time pass.
Guido comes to me and grabs me by the neck.
<Kahk, ghhng…>
Then, he grips my head tightly with his other hand as if to crush it.
<Nngh…>
Creaks, cracks, and rattles ring inside my head.
His fingers being inches away from shattering my head terrifies me.
Is this it? Is this how I die?
Could this… have turned out differently if I was a better manager?
I remember Heathcliff menacingly asking if there was a way to open up my head so he could see what's inside.
Tough luck, Heathcliff.
You'll be missing out on a good show…
Thwack
I heard a sound.
It was the sound of something breaking.
Fortunately for me…
Ngh…
It didn't come from my head.
Huff, hoogh… Hahk.
Guido staggers.
A nail was lodged in his back, and Sinclair was gasping for air behind him.
He was nearly unconscious, lying still until moments ago - it's a miracle that he managed to get up and do this.
I could escape Guido's grasp thanks to him…
But Guido stood firm despite Sinclair's desperate attack; he collected his breath and slowly turned around.
…I see.
You, too, are a filthy heretic…
You're… all insane… out of your minds…
The One Who Grips had once said…
That you could have become the One as well.
What a shame…
You grip with the wrong direction.
<Sinclair… run away… I can't… help you…>
No… I'm not running anymore.
…I like that answer, Sinclair.
Gunfire filled my ears.
But the bullet struck Guido's head.
……
You, who bring ruination upon yourselves…
The Hammer shall continue to pursue you…
With those words…
Guido fell to the floor, motionless.
And in that hush…
I heard her handgun drop to the floor.
<…Saude.>
Effie, he's… he's dead, isn't he?
You're all terrible liars. At least try to make it somewhat believable.
…C'mon Saude, let's get out of here. You'll be okay… Just gotta stop the bleeding, and… get you patched up.
Right. I'll get a tourniquet…
Don't be stupid. I can hardly lift a finger.
Besides, those Inquisitors will keep on coming, won't they? You guys need to keep moving down.
I'll hold them off here. You should go.
You can't - You can't do that…
You said yourself that you can hardly lift a finger. I can't let you watch our backs when you're in such a mess… Please?
You know… in moments like this… you're supposed to just nod at me and be on your way.
Why do you care so much about the one who volunteered to stay behind?
You can't… You can't just…
Aw… You're making this pretty awkward, you know that? Here I thought I could have a cool farewell.
Faust, please take these absolute dorks out of here.
I'll make sure to give Vergilius your regards.
No need.
…Just tell him to come visit and say hello someday. You know what I mean?
……
Of course.
We headed for the next area, leaving Saude to die.
We all stayed silent for a long while.