I'm over here!
No!
Help me... Onii-chan!
I won't let any bad guys live!
It's hot, Onii-chan!
I just wanted to save someone in trouble.
One of these days, I'm sure we'll stop caring about all that stuff.
What... was that?
Oh no...
Quon...
Quon-sama...
I...
I saw Quon consumed with rage.
No. No!
I have to... protect everyone!
So you are Insania!
Quon, did you kill people?
Yes, I did.
Chapter Four 「Crimson Anxiety」
The truth is always cruel.
He's an enemy, yet he's one of us.
Your condition is unstable.
How's Epsilon doing?
His adrenaline and dopamine levels are fluctuating.
He's in a very unstable condition.
What happened to him?
We're not sure.
Are you analyzing his data?
We are.
It's an easy task to analyze visual and aural data,
but this time, it's a cerebral problem.
So you're saying you're not familiar with emotional problems?
Epsilon's unstable.
We should format him.
I've told you before: that would be boring.
Formatting him would be a simple task,
but this is the perfect chance to gain data about emotional struggles.
Who knows how this might benefit future technology?
Fine.
You can use him as your toy for a while.
But when I give the order...
format him immediately.
Hey, make sure to wipe him clean.
Hey!
You liar!
Stop, you two!
Ryo-san.
Rule number 2!
No fighting.
I know!
But he said that Quon killed people!
I saw it.
That's all a lie!
I saw it too.
Me too.
I don't know anything about it.
Does anyone know the truth?
I saw it, but I won't believe it.
Are you okay?
It's dangerous if you run off like that.
Murderer...
Quon, you killed people, didn't you?
I'm sorry.
That was only meant for me,
but you happened to see it.
If you could, I'd like you to forget about it.
No, I want you to remember it,
so that you won't become like me.
Will I become a monster too one day?
No, you won't.
Just remember what you saw and never become like that.
I did kill people,
but that's why I'll protect you and do everything I can.
I thought you didn't like these things.
Sometimes I have an unstoppable urge to eat them.
Boy, that was good!
Thank you.
Thank goodness.
Quon, you've been living forever, right?
Yeah.
You've lived a long time, yet you still regret what you did in the distant past.
When I realized that you don't have all the answers, even at your age,
I felt good about being human.
Still, doesn't that mean you can fall in love again, despite having lived for a millennium?
Was that so funny?
Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh.
That just came out of nowhere.
Thanks.
I read your report.
Is their organization's headquarters really in Zero Area B?
Yes, though that's just a hypothesis.
Over the years, we've found these Zero Areas, which don't emit any larva signals,
and we've confirmed that there are three of them in the capital.
Furthermore, when Insania captures larvae, they can no longer be traced or detected.
It's possible they have a force field of some sort that erases larva signals.
Do any of them exhibit force fields?
No.
We don't know why these Zero Areas emerge,
but it would require a vast amount of energy to create a force field large enough to thwart our radar.
It would be impossible to create a force field in all three locations.
Then the other day, case C73 happened.
Canceling format!
I've identified a wave pattern belonging to a third person.
We've been unable to pinpoint where the interference wave originated,
but we can make estimations using probability.
And Zero Area B is very close to the most probable origins we've calculated.
So the headquarters of an organization aiding Insania is somewhere in this area?
Yes.
Quon-sama...
Millennium Tree...
you've been watching him all these years.
Please, tell me his pains.
Quon-sama?
Watch it!
Jerk.
No one helps when it really comes down to it.
I need to save them.
Who made you the king?
Yeah, right, you can do it.
Just don't even try.
That's the least I can do... for all the sins I've committed.
Quon-sama, where are you?
Can you hear my voice?
Why do you close your heart even to me?
Hey, missy. Who you looking for?
Should we help you?
No, thank you.
We're saying we'll help.
Please let me go.
Hey, isn't this cute.
Stop!
Tei!
Larva signal.
Level red detected.
She's a new target.
Can your toy move?
I think Epsilon will be okay.
Send out the Cyborg Unit.
What's the big deal?
It's just a hair pin.
If you want it back, then play with us.
Get away from me!
What, you don't want it?
No...
You're in danger.
What are you saying, anyway?
Hey! How the hell do you know about my girlfriend's body?
What?
Hey, what are you saying?
Didn't you hear him?
He said she looks like my girlfriend!
That she has the same curves!
What?
What do you mean by "Work something out, dumbass"?
Why would you say that?
I didn't say anything!
Wait.
Let's calm down.
Something's wrong.
Did you hear voices?
Please stop!
Don't look at me!
If you look at me,
you'll be looking into your own hearts.
You'll see your ugliest thoughts.
Huh?
I actually never liked you from the start!
Fucking Dad. I'll never forgive him!
Please don't send your hatred to me.
I'll only strengthen your feelings.
This is your fault?
Extermination of the infecteds, complete.
Proceed immediately to formation 05.
Will you be okay?
I can do this.
N-No...
Stay back.
Quon-sama!
Insania.
Proceed to formation 27.
Quon-sama!
Onii...
Onii-chan.
Quon-sama.
Stop!
Tei is not your sister!
No! No! No!
I didn't kill my sister!
Larva signal level yellow detected.
I-It's...
What? Is it a new target?
It's Epsilon.
We've detected a larva signal from Epsilon.
What?
Should we disconnect him?
Wait!
That's not what you would do.
We should get raw data from the larva.
Shun!
Signals have reached level red.
Destroy Epsilon.
Roger.
Relaying to WTOC.
Destroy Epsilon imme—
Wait!
If we disconnect him right now, we'll lose a larva we could monitor.
Tell them again.
Cyborg team, destroy Epsilon immediately.
Roger, we'll destroy Epsilon.
Delta, what's wrong?
Oh, nothing.
Fire.
Activate infrared sensor.
It's not working. They've jammed the signal.
Damn.
You okay?
Get it together.
But Quon-sama...
Wh-What are you doing?
He's also one of us.
We have to save him.
He's our enemy.
No! Not right now!
Goodness.
Insania and three other larvae are on the move.
We'll pursue.
No. Though they're injured, four's a big number.
We'll have to think of a new strategy.
Return to base.
Isn't it optimal to hit them when they're weakened?
Return!
Roger.
This is ridiculous.
His nervous system is expanding and eroding his mechanical tissues.
I can't handle this.
Midori-kun, it's all yours.
Okay, I'll give it a try.
Why in the world did you bring him here?
We didn't have a choice.
Considering the circumstances—
Don't use big words!
You always do as you please.
Couldn't you have talked with us before you brought him back?
I'm sorry. I should have, but he was hurt.
You should've just left him there!
He's one of us!
Still!
Be quiet!
We're in the middle of emergency surgery!
Not like you need to save him.
Look, I'm a doctor!
A doctor treats everyone, enemies and allies alike.
They're all patients, understand?
Do you guys know the phrase, "The lion spares the suppliant"?
And I've heard that the Bedouin, a desert tribe,
welcome anyone who enters their tents as guests, even a person who had killed their parents.
Still...
If we throw him out of here, he'll lose his place in this world.
You, most of all, should know how painful that is.
So, how was he able to pass all of our tests?
About case SR23Q, where his family was killed...
We looked into it.
However, there was little evidence because everything had been burned...
so we had to trust Epsilon's testimony.
I never thought he had altered his memories.
You didn't investigate?
We did.
We investigated carefully using all types of scanning tests.
However, we didn't find anything wrong.
We're currently strengthening the scan tests and will retest Alpha through Delta.
That's a given.
But why did he become a monster now?
We believe the reason is the EEG interference incident.
Our guess is that the interference caused his forgotten memories to resurface.
His ability must have resurfaced along with the memories.
I see.
In any case, your team is fully responsible for this failure.
Do you understand?
Y-Yes.
Where am I?
Oh, you're awake?
You've been unconscious for three days.
Don't try to get up yet.
I don't know why, but your biological and mechanical tissues are fusing together.
So don't try to move.
Where am I?
Well...
This is the Fantasium Garden.
It's you!
We met in the dream.
This is the hideout of the supernaturals that Custos is looking for.
Quon! Are you sure you should be telling him?
I know, but he's like us.
No, you don't!
Not everyone's agreed on saving him, you know?
Kazami Shun, we will welcome you as a comrade.
Quon!
Are you sure?
I might report this to headquarters.
Well, with trust comes the risk of being betrayed.
Are you... saying you'll trust me?
Can I be alone?
Sure.
You still haven't located Epsilon?
He's completely disconnected.
We believe there's some sort of jamming in effect.
Isn't it the operators' jobs to find him anyway?
Who gave you permission?
Commander...
A cyborg needs permission to enter here.
Who gave you permission?
Go back.
I'll overlook this just once.
Is Epsilon still missing?
Even if he was found, I'm not obligated to tell you.
Excuse me.
A doll should know its place.
And a doll should be useful to people.
Like how Epsilon was.
What are we going to do?
That's what we need to discuss!
We shouldn't have saved him.
It's all your fault, Quon.
Do you understand?
He caught our friends,
and even killed them!
You remember how it felt when they were killed in front of you!
Is that now all in the past because he's awakened to his power?
Then I shouldn't be forgiven as well.
That was a long time ago!
But it's still the same sin as I've committed.
Maybe we should give him a chance too.
Why?
He should be killed!
Isn't that right?
Then will you condemn him?
Will you condemn him and tell him he's to be executed?
None of us can condemn him, so we should give him a chance.
A chance for him to admit to his sins and repent.
You're so kind, Tei,
but kindness isn't always right.
Kindness sometimes corners a person.
Will the songs I sing be about...
What did you try to do to me?
It sounded like you were in pain.
Is this your ability?
I had a full system maintenance just the other day.
Well, we can never be too cautious.
The data in my body parts is always linked to the data center.
What's there to be cautious about?
True.
The fact is, you might go looking for him by yourself if I don't keep you here.
Even if I go out to look for him, I'll be monitored constantly,
and you should be able to locate me at all times.
Yet look at our situation with Epsilon.
You're really worried about him, aren't you?
It's the natural thing to do for a comrade.
So people lie even as cyborgs.
Your adrenaline level is rising.
If you had a heart, I'm sure your heart rate would be increasing.
Hey!
Come and get me!
Give it back!
Hey, come back here—
That's enough playing for today.
It's time for dinner.
What are we having today?
Curry?
They're just kids.
I...
We also have the right to live.
We just want to live. That's all we want.
But your existence threatens order.
Order?
Is that more important than people's lives?
Can you feel it?
It's warm.
Maybe it's different from normal people,
but we're human.
You aren't human.
Then what are you?
Your hand is so cold.
I'm...
...a monster.
If we're monsters...
But we're human.
And so are you.
You're just a little different from normal people.
What are you doing?
It's a chip for security.
If you keep this on, they won't find you. It will also restrain your ability.
May I?
Thank you.
I don't understand.
Understand what?
Why did you give the order to destroy Epsilon?
You probably wouldn't understand,
but it was all for order.
Order?
Is that more important than people's lives?
It's delicious!
We just want to live. That's all we want.
I'm...
...a monster.
Are you feeling better now?
Yeah, that Kiri girl sang for me.
Why did you come get me?
I'm sure it's suffocating being inside the room all day,
and there aren't many people out and about after the park closes.
It's been so long since I last saw the moon...
or even just cared about the night sky.
He's headed your way!
Watch my back, Epsilon!
She's practicing.
Practicing?
Yes.
We're all afraid of our powers.
What do you mean?
Like trees, for example.
Just as tall trees root deep into ground,
we need to be as strong as our powers, or we'll fall.
That's why they practice to learn how to control their powers.
Otherwise, their powers will devour them.
Larva burst...
Hm?
Oh, um, it was nothing.
I see.
They were just fearful of their own powers and panicked.
I was trying to grow taller without rooting myself in the ground.
No, I wasn't trying. They made me.
Are you okay?
Stop that!
Why did you stop me?
He... He killed Yuriko-chan!
Like she was some kind of an animal!
You can't do this.
I hate you, Tei!
I hated all of you.
I always believed that one of you killed my sister.
That's why I volunteered for Custos.
Their mission was to hunt people like you.
But...
The one who killed my sister was...
I can't say that I understand you.
You'll have to carry this darkness yourself.
Just like how Quon-sama has his own darkness.
I was supposed to be fighting monsters, but I can't believe I was one of them.
And I've become a much uglier monster.
Don't move.
I can't stay here.
Still, where can I go?
I can't go back there.
But I can't stay here.
He's leaving.
Oh, well.
He chose this path himself.
Won't they find out about this place?
I altered all his network-related programs when we healed him, so we should be fine.
We've received Epsilon's location data.
Just as planned.
Switch his control over to the main system.
Roger.
This is odd.
His location transmitting program isn't running.
How are we catching this?
We have multiple programs on him.
Even if one program is altered, a different program gets executed.
You knew?
Did you think they'd accept a thing like Epsilon?
He's a monster above all monsters.
Is that why you purposely allowed Insania to take him away?
There's no better use for a traitor than as bait.
We've gained control of him.
Access his visual and aural data.
Figure out where he's been.
Roger.
Put the cyborg team on standby.
Make sure they can leave as soon as we find something.
Cyborg units Alpha through Delta, to standby.
We've accessed Epsilon's data, and we're just about done analyzing.
We have his current location.
He's at a green park in Shinjuku.
There's a facility called Fantasium Garden nearby.
Cyborg team, move out!
Now, let's have Epsilon launch the first blow.
By himself?
Insania would be there too.
It's a very risky mission.
This isn't a mission.
It's a hunt to kill every single one of them!
Stop. Stop!
Please stop!
Don't worry. Come with me.
We've lost Epsilon.
Their jamming shield is blocking transmissions.
We're fine.
I altered his program.
He should destroy the shield program on his own.
Don't... Don't make me do this!
Please!
Wait!
Stop, Shun!
Shun!
Shun, please stop.
Shun!
Insania detected.
We have Epsilon back on radar.
It seems we've successfully destroyed their shield.
That makes it easier for the cyborg team to move.
Display Epsilon's visual data.
A kid like that was Insania?
This Insania thing is very intriguing.
Stop, Shun!
I'm not doing this!
My body's moving on its own!
What?
They're trying to make us fight!
Everyone, hurry up and get away!
Where's my bear? Where's my bear?
We'll find him later.
Please stop!
I don't want to do this either!
Kill me!
Kill me, or I'll even attack the children!
I can't do that!
If you don't, people will die!
Good job, Epsilon.
Don't call me by some symbol! My name is Kazami Shun!
You are Epsilon.
Proceeding to exterminate Insania.
Run, Quon!
They're equipped to kill you!
I can't run away.
I have to protect the kids.
That got my ribs.
Focus on Insania.
This won't proceed like it usually does.
Quon!
As if I'd fall for the same trick twice.
Here. I'll break more of your ribs.
When did these get here?
I knew I should've killed you back then!
Run!
Or I'll end up killing you!
Larva burst confirmed.
We've lost control of Epsilon.
That's ridiculous!
It's impossible for him to cut off our controls on his own!
It's impossible for a larva to be one of our cyborgs.
There's no change in orders.
Destroy the traitor cyborg.
Tei, take him and run.
What about you?
I'm going to fight the people I should be fighting.
Damn it.
Shun!
Oh, no. I'm your opponent.
Not bad.
Quon!
Insania exterminated.
Really?
Retreat.
Sir, there are numerous supernaturals here.
We should capture them.
I said retreat.
Roger.
That was easier than I thought.
We're not going to hunt them?
I've changed by mind.
Quon...
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
A scream of my burning soul that seems to burst out of my chest
mune no oku hajike sou na atsui tamashii no sakebi wo
Burst on the fire
I was struck by thunderstorm, suddenly awakening my instinct
raiu ni utare totsuzen mezameta honnou
It burns on, pushing aside my sensibility
risei wo oshinokete moetagiru no sa
The truth is written on the walls of memory
kioku no kabe ni kakikomareta shinjitsu wa
No one can violate it
dare ni mo okasenai
We have no questions; we just want to break the structure of this world with our hands
gimon nante nai kono sekai no shikumi wo buchikowashichimae so no te de
Clear up the fate that befalls me, and then run to the future! Get on!
furikakaru sadame kirihiraki ima mirai e kakenukero! Get on!
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
With an unknown power second to none, I will change the direction of the wind
dare ni mo makenai michi no chikara de kazemuki wo kaero
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
We will face everything before us in our time
me no mae no subete ni tachimukai oretachi no jidai e
Burst on the fire
Reality has been assembled like a nightmare
akumu no you na kumikomareta genjitsu ni
Even if we lose our place, and it's filled with shit
yukiba ushinatte funtsumattemo
If we never lose the courage to get hurt
kizutsuku yuuki itsudemo nakusanai nara
Our answers will not change
kotae wa kawaranai
We have no plans; we just want to break inconsistencies in this world
dasannante nai konosekai no mujun wo buchikowashitai soredake
Passing through the darkness, release that closed-off future! Get on!
kurayami wo nukete tozasareta mama no asu wo tokihanate! Get on!
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
Hate, love, and the power of will changes everything
nikushimi ga ai ga ishi no chikara ga subete wo kaeru
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
A scream of my burning soul seems to burst out of my chest
mune no oku hajike sou na atsui tamashii no sakebi wo
Burst on the fire
The two of us are like stardust; even our words have been stolen
hoshikuzu you sa futari kotoba sae ubaware
It's a gray world, a strange reality; there's no hope here, but...
haiiro no sekai kimyou na genjitsu kibou nado koko ni wa arya shinai dakedo
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
With an unknown power second to none, I will change the direction of the wind
dare ni mo makenai michi no chikara de kazemuki wo kaero
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
We will face everything before us in our time
me no mae no subete ni tachimukai oretachi no jidai e
Get on!
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
Hate, love, and the power of will changes everything
nikushimi ga ai ga ishi no chikara ga subete wo kaeru
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
A scream of my burning soul seems to burst out of my chest
mune no oku hajike sou na atsui tamashii no sakebi wo
Burst on the fire
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
on the fire
Feel Rock emotion! Burning Rock emotion!
The Ordo will not incur debts to anyone.
Quon can't die.
I want to go home for now.
If Quon's really not coming back anymore, then I'll make a place like the garden.
I've been given orders to capture you.
Quon, no...
The period of mourning is too heavy for you.
Why didn't you tell me?
Don't let him trick you!
Towa no Quon, Chapter five,
Chapter Five 「A Heroic Return」
"A Heroic Return"