Hysterical shouts pierce above the din of the mad crowd in the streets, punctuated by shattering glass, the sporadic hammering sound of gunfire.
People infected by the Storm Syndrome flood the streets in a hysterical mass. Having lost all sense of reason.
Blood and paint mix together forming a nightmarish masterpiece. The colors hang high in the sky like a mural on the dome of the world.
Semmelweis reaches the street.
In her hand is a note that she found in the pocket of her clothes. On it is Lorelei's location.
At some point—perhaps the very beginning—Valentina had put the note in the pocket of her outfit.
Whatever her true intentions were, they died with her in that hail of gunfire.
Communicator: Beep beep!
Madam Lindsay: Semmelweis, the Timekeeper has issued a 24 hour "Storm" warning.
Madam Lindsay: The closest evacuation point to you is Vienna station. Complete all necessary follow-up procedures and evacuate immediately.
Semmelweis: Understood. Thank you, Madam Lindsay.
Madam Lindsay: It's still somewhat premature, but I have been instructed to inform you of the good news.
Madam Lindsay: The LSCC has finished their analysis of your blood. They believe they will be able to make an inhibiting serum soon.
Madam Lindsay: You know what to do, right?
Madam Lindsay: There isn't any time left to waste. Not for the Foundation, not for yourself either.
Semmelweis: Thank you, Madam Lindsay.
Her only response is the tell-tale fizzle that ends their communication.
Semmelweis: ...
Bella: The Storm Syndrome this time is so much more fun than the previous ones, wouldn't you agree?
Bella appears at Semmelweis' side, she seems so much more real than ever before.
Semmelweis: I wish I could share your perspective. However, uninvited hallucinations are not included in the symptoms of the Storm Syndrome this time.
Bella: If only it were that, no, you can see me precisely because the Beyond's bloodline is already altering your mind.
Bella: It is a change that brings tearing and reorganization. And it seems I am one such part that is being torn out.
Bella: And as a part of you, I believe I have the right to object to your behavior.
Semmelweis: What a shame, the Foundation's laws don't provide for the rights of hallucinations.
Semmelweis: Though as much as I am loath to hear you, I can't stop you from talking.
Bella: I know what you're planning. You want to go find Lorelei and get the means to finish the transformation from her.
Bella: You can't bear the thought that of losing what you've been given. That's always the appeal of weapons, and the danger. Once given, how much harder are they to give up?
Bella: And our new found Arcane Skill is no exception to that rule.
Bella: So, you will do whatever you can to not give up your life nor the Arcane Skill we've wanted for so long. How greedy.
Semmelweis: Valentina is dead. I have no other choice.
Bella: No. The "Storm" is coming. And the Foundation will be monitoring your every move as we speak.
Bella: They will find out if you go looking for Lorelei. Even so, will you still insist on searching for her?
Bella: You don't even know if she really has a cure for you. How easily you fall for the honeyed words of that vampire.
Bella: This could be another of her traps.
Semmelweis: There's still enough time for me to find Lorelei and get back—
Bella: The Foundation will view this as a betrayal, Semmelweis.
Semmelweis: ...
Semmelweis: I have made many choices, some good and some bad. But without exception, everything I have done ...
Semmelweis: Has been to take control of my fate.
Semmelweis: I'm aware that I am not special. With neither the intuitive rationality of humanity, nor the Arcanist's power over arcanum.
Semmelweis: I'm stuck somewhere in the middle.
Semmelweis: The Foundation, Manus Vindictae, Valentina, none of them saw me as valuable, I am only ever a means to an end.
Semmelweis: I will not place my fate in anyone's hands but my own.
Bella: ...
Bella: It seems you've made up your mind.