The Safe (before battle)
<... What is that?>
He has left something behind.
It appears to be a... safe.
...!
Ryōshū hurried toward the safe left behind by the Index Nursefather.
She kneeled before the locked safe, and placed her trembling hands over it...
... before reaching out to its door with such tenderness that she seemed completely different from the person who'd just made a mad dash toward it a few seconds ago.
Her hand was bumpy with old, rough, but distinct scars.
And some of those scars that never fully healed were...
... were numbers - numbers that made her eyes flit desperately between the skin where they were etched and the safe. Trembling, Ryōshū opens the rusty door.
The tiny space inside, where a child was supposed to be waiting for her mother's return...
... was empty, as though someone had carved out a piece of reality from the world.
Strength seemed to drain out of Ryōshū's hand as the fingers that tightly gripped around the door's handle fell limp.
As though the sheer weight of the emptiness spread from the tip of her fingers into every part of her body.
Araya.
<... Ryōshū!>
We...
We all heard the name that slipped between Ryōshū's lips like a dying whisper.
It was the name of the child whom she was supposed to find in there.
But before we could ask her more about Araya...
... Ryōshū fell to the ground, unconscious.
Is this my name?
Yeah. A-ra-ya. That's how you read it.
It's too hard to read...
Hope it's not something as random as Saru!
How do you write your name, Mommy?
…….
Go on, read it.
Uh... Ryō... shū...?
No... That's not how you read those letters...
"Yoshihide." That's how you say it.
"Ryō-shū!"
It's prettier and easier!
The facility has been restored. Of course, ... would take time, but the LCC...
... and Pilot have...
... immediately been put under recovery procedures... Ampules... not enough.
... Year, month, and date... 9570404. Yeah, 7 digits. It worked.
... aust told us, so we managed to disable those stakes. Is Ryōshū still...?
It's only been 4 days since the meeting where they laid down all those warnings to keep me from intervening...
... and now, it may as well never have happened.
The preparations are complete.
Manager, how is Sinner #4?
<... Still a bit dazed, but she's recovered.>
... Dante says it shouldn't be a problem.
The clock is not a cure-all, Dante.
<I think she's in shock. And that's... not the kind of wound I can rewind.>
The LCB is prepared to take part in this mission.
Lady team leader has expressed that the LCD sees no reason not to participate.
All ready for deployment... on our end, too.
LCA Vanguard Team 1, Udjat. Radio check.
... Reading you loud and clear. LCA Team 1 ready for assault.
Our objective remains the same. The LCA's primary purpose will be to remove any and all post-infiltration obstacles.
... One question remains, however... are we absolutely certain about this formation?
Is there a problem? Direct any of your misgivings regarding the plan to me, and I, Outis, shall answer them.
<... We landed on this after much discussion with everyone. But the problem - >
- is nonexistent. In consideration of Limbus Company's current roster, this is as optimal as our current division of power can be.
Recalling your pathetic performance back at the HQ, you really are -
The special operations unit wasn't built for that kind of mission. Don't blame them.
Besides, that incident's left a nasty bruise on our pride - and we're not letting it slide.
…….
Are we going to sip tea and chat all day, or are we going to get a move on?
We're just about ready. Backdoor connection... established.
Are you sure you should be out and about so soon...? You best sit back and focus on recovery until they get a prosthetic arm attached...
... I'm okay. Bleeding's stopped.
I'll open the door after counting down from five.
5...
Boss. Are you... sure about taking that gear?
No need to worry on my account. The tests, limited as they were, have proven that I am more than capable of using it.
... Are you certain about taking that gear to battle?
There's no other - agh. No other E.G.O gear I'm more familiar with than this one.
Keep an eye on your Attunement levels. And do watch out for the Abnormality's voices.
This is my request to you. Don't take it lightly.
4...
*sigh* I still don't like this. Even with backup plans upon backup plans prepared, walking straight into the enemy's stronghold is...
At least we won't be the ones getting taken unawares this time, Team Leader!
This is our chance to get back at 'em for what they've done. Right, Junior?
... Ah, t-truly so. Though I cannot be a part of this endeavor...
Eh? Not you, Miss Aeng-du. I'm talking about the team junior right there, our very own baby bee. You just sit tight and think about what style ya want for your new arms~
I... don't see any reason why I should be called the "junior" around here...
... when Miss Aeng-du and Bamboo Hatted Kim have joined us.
Didn't ya know the unspoken rule? Once a junior, always a junior!
…….
... Ezra, Vespa. Save your strength for our actual enemies.
3...
I hope you've all drilled the plan into your heads, men.
Verily, I have taken the plan to heart! We shall strike down the wicked with furious justice!
.......
Guys, check your pockets again for ampules. Make sure you have all of them, okay?
Most people can't even dream of getting their hands on these top-of-the-line ampules. Keep them close and tight 'cause we're gonna need them if we're separated from the manager.
2...
Reporting. LCA, LCB, LCD, LCE assault team mission preparations complete.
... Final authorization from the HQ received and confirmed.
<Let's finish this.>
<And it goes without saying, but... we'll make sure they get theirs.>
You can say that again.
1…
<We'll be there soon, Ryōshū.>
<The place where those people raised you...>
<The House of Spiders.>
Mhm! I'll be fine. I'll be waiting for you here, Mommy!
Operation Spider Pyre. Commence Mission.
…!