Semmelweis: Here we are, Lorelei.
Lorelei: ...
Lorelei doesn't answer. She's gazing absently at a spot in the sky, as if there's something intriguing there.
Lorelei: I see beautiful moonlight flowing down like white silk. I should sing for it.
She raises the conch to her lips.
She takes a deep breath and starts to sing.
But no one can hear the song. The silent melody drifts across the empty square.
The mirror in Semmelweis's pocket flashes like a gleam of light caught in the spray of a flowing river.
Then, the song crosses the barrier into reality and reaches Semmelweis's ears.
Semmelweis: This is ... the song I heard in the mountains!
Semmelweis: No, something's different ...
This song sounds clearer. More distinct.
It falls like a stone into water, creating the ripples of a hallucination.
Semmelweis: I see red everywhere ... the white peaks of snowy mountains ... distant boating songs ... What is this?
The once-commonplace hallucination now carries a different meaning.
Semmelweis: The red is ... starting to melt? Wait, I get it! I understand!
In a matter of moments, the drawer of hallucinations opens before Semmelweis.
She sees. She sees the truth that lurks behind the song.
An immense joy washes over her. It's almost overwhelming. But soon, all this joy transforms into peaceful relief.
Her long-cherished wish has been fulfilled. This is the moment of success. It's true ...
Semmelweis: Silence.
Lorelei isn't lying. The way to cure the Beyond Disease and survive the transformation is hidden in her song.
The song itself has no meaning, but it contains a truth that cannot be conveyed through words.
For a mixed-blood arcanist who lacks the gift of arcanum, this truth is not easily understood.
Semmelweis: The world's spirit is growing restless. The "Storm" is coming.
Semmelweis: It must be, else I wouldn't have understood the truth in the song.
Semmelweis's thin arcanist bloodline does not allow her to understand this truth until the "Storm" is near.
Semmelweis: "Expand" the boundaries of spirituality; "embrace" the new arcanist bloodline.
Semmelweis: I never thought the answer would be so simple.
Lorelei: The true answer is always simple, my dear.
Lorelei: Countless threads can be woven into a beautiful dress, but this doesn't mean the threads themselves are complex ...
Lorelei pauses mid-sentence, a rare look of surprise on her face.
Lorelei: Oh my, what's this? How odd!
Semmelweis: What happened?
Lorelei: Something on you is resonating with my song ...
As soon as Lorelei says this, Semmelweis feels the song in her ears beginning to change.
A surge of spirituality pours into her, expanding the boundaries of her spirit.
Semmelweis: Is the transformation ... speeding up?
Semmelweis: Could it be ...? Is it working?
Semmelweis: It seems to be amplifying the effects of your arcane skill.
Semmelweis: Good. At this rate, I'll complete the transformation in no time.
Semmelweis: ...
Semmelweis seems to remember something. After a moment of silence, she shakes her head with a wry smile.
Semmelweis: Really, this is very unlike me to do.
Semmelweis takes out the item and passes it to Lorelei.
Lorelei: Hmm? What is it, little musical note? Is this a gift for me?
Lorelei: Oh, I don't need gifts anymore! I'll be gone soon. You need this cute little thing much more than I do!
Semmelweis: You want to help all these people who've been driven mad by the Storm Syndrome, don't you?
Lorelei: Of course. I want to help everyone. Them and you.
Semmelweis: Then take it. It'll amplify your arcane skill—let you help more people.
Lorelei: Oh, I see! You're amazing, little musical note. I hadn't even thought about that!
Lorelei: But is this the treasure you found? Mama and Papa told me not to accept overly expensive gifts.
Semmelweis: You helped me. This is just a small token of my thanks.
Their conversation is broken by a commotion arising on the street corner.
Team Member I: Captain, the intel was wrong. The item isn't here!
Team Member II: These deranged soldiers have us surrounded! We can't initiate the teleport ritual!
The two lead figures are wearing Foundation uniforms. One of them is carrying another Foundation member on his back.
The Foundation member on his back has his eyes closed. His face twists and distorts as it begins the transformation into a vivid oil painting.
Behind the pair is a squad of soldiers. In the frenzy caused by the Storm Syndrome, they instinctively attack every living thing they see.
Team Member I: Damn it! Angelo's Storm Syndrome's getting worse. He'll lose his mind before long.
Team Member II: Go, Captain. Leave us.
Razor: No! Just hang on. I'll get you out of this!
Lorelei: Sounds like someone needs our help, little musical note.
Semmelweis: Wait, Lorelei. We don't know what's going on—
Lorelei: I have to help them.
Before Semmelweis can object, Lorelei closes her eyes and softly hums a song.
Now that it's amplified, the calming power of her song is even stronger.
Team Member I: Is that ... singing? How can someone sing at a time like this? Are they insane?!
Team Member II: Hey, wait ... look at Angelo ...
Team Member I: His mania. It's ... lessened.
Even the soldiers fervently pursuing the "Razor" squad gradually grow quiet at the sound of Lorelei's song.
Razor: Wait, are you ... Investigator Semmelweis?
Semmelweis: Are you "Razor?"
Razor: Thanks to you, my team survived the follow-up attack.
Semmelweis: What are you still doing here, "Razor?" The Timekeeper issued a "Storm" warning quite some time ago.
"Razor" hesitates. At last, he shakes his head.
Razor: Since we already failed the mission, I suppose it doesn't matter if I tell you.
Razor: We were ordered to retrieve a stolen treasure formerly held by the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Razor: But the intel we received was wrong. Not only was the treasure already gone, but a group of soldiers were there looking for it too.
Razor: We clashed with them ... and then we ended up here.
Razor: No matter what, I'll be sure to report your help to the Foundation truthfully, Semmelweis.
Semmelweis: ... I see.
Madam Lindsay: That won't be necessary, "Razor."
Madam Lindsay's cold voice cuts through the air.
Madam Lindsay: Semmelweis has defected. Eliminate her immediately.
Razor: What's she talking about, Semmelweis?
Semmelweis: The situation's a little complicated, but we aren't enemies, "Razor."
Semmelweis: If I were, why would I let Lorelei help your men?
"Razor" glances at Angelo lying on the ground. He quickly makes a decision.
Razor: Madam Lindsay, you're not my boss. You have no authority over me.
Razor: If Semmelweis really needs to be eliminated, you'll have to submit an application to my boss before I execute the order.
Razor: Until that time, she's still a member of the Foundation.
Madam Lindsay: "Razor," by shielding her, you're creating additional risks for the Foundation.
Madam Lindsay: But I'll have to file a complaint against your irrational behavior later. First, I need to solve the current problem.
Razor: Wait, what's that?!
"Razor's" expression suddenly changes.
The sound of footsteps and horses neighing hits Semmelweis's ears. She turns to see a group of soldiers pushing a cannon on the other side of the street.
The cannon ruthlessly rolls over the soldiers lying on the ground, crushing them into scattered blobs of paint.
Razor: Are those the soldiers from earlier?
Madam Lindsay: A heavy howitzer ... how did that get here?!
"Razor" looks at the pursuers, then at the members of his team who have lost the ability to fight.
Finally, his gaze falls on Semmelweis. It takes only a moment for him to make up his mind.
Razor: Madam Lindsay, I'm sorry, but we need Semmelweis's strength right now.
Razor: Without her combat abilities, we will surely suffer significant casualties.
Madam Lindsay: ...
Madam Lindsay: I understand. Now is not the time to deal with Semmelweis.
Madam Lindsay: You and your subordinates have done nothing wrong. I cannot abandon innocent Foundation members.
Razor: Thank you, Madam Lindsay.
Razor: Semmelweis, I think you heard our conversation.
Razor: I'll appeal to the Foundation on your behalf to reduce your charges. But in return, you must help me defeat these soldiers.
Semmelweis looks at Lorelei, who is sitting idle.
Lorelei turns and smiles at her.
Semmelweis: A wise decision, "Razor." I accept your proposal. I don't want to see our colleagues die under this monster's cannon fire either.
Lorelei: Alright, alright. Let me help you!
COMBAT
Razor: Phew ... Ugh ...
Razor: Nicely done, Semmelweis.
Lorelei: Oh, my friends! I'm so happy for you! You did it!
Razor: Although it's clear you were holding back. Still, I couldn't have done it without you.
Semmelweis: Forgive me, I need to save some energy in case I have to deal with the "Scorching Heart" arcane skill.
Madam Lindsay: I won't do that. That would be tantamount to abandoning my colleagues in their time of need.
Semmelweis: Actually, I'd prefer to take matters into my own hands, Madam Lindsay.
Semmelweis: Need I remind you how you used the Field Agent Squads?
Madam Lindsay: That was a necessary tactic.
Madam Lindsay: Either way, you should be grateful.
Madam Lindsay: I just received an order from the higher-ups at the Foundation.
Madam Lindsay: The order states that I'm to take you and the arcanist called Lorelei back to the Foundation.
Madam Lindsay: Wasn't that your goal, Semmelweis?
Semmelweis: I simply demonstrated my and Lorelei's worth to the Foundation—a living Infected and an arcanist with a unique arcane skill ...
Semmelweis: The Foundation would never give up such outstanding research subjects.
Madam Lindsay: You were in the right place at the right time. Helping the "Razor" Squad has absolved you of some of your guilt. This order wouldn't have been made otherwise.
Semmelweis: Then, may I consider myself reconciled with the Foundation, Madam Lindsay?
Madam Lindsay: Of course.
Lorelei: Oh, this is wonderful, little musical note! You've got your friends back!
Lorelei: I have all kinds of friends, too. Even now, they're all around me!
Lorelei: But I'm very sorry. I know you're trying to help me, but I can't go to the Foundation.
Lorelei: There are still things I must do. Right, Mama and Papa?
Semmelweis: Don't worry, Lorelei.
Semmelweis pulls an item out of Lorelei's pocket.
Razor: What ...?! What's that doing here?!
Semmelweis: So this IS the treasure you were looking for?
Semmelweis: "Razor," I offer you a trade.
Semmelweis: I'll give you this.
Semmelweis: But in return, "Razor" Squad must give asylum to the members of my Field Agent Squad and as many civilians as possible.
Madam Lindsay: What an unwise decision. If you hand that over to the Foundation without fuss, all your previous wrongdoings will be forgiven.
Madam Lindsay: When did you become so soft?
Semmelweis: ... I never really cared about these people.
Lorelei: But you do now, right? Well done, my dear. You must've realized what a joy it is to help others!
Semmelweis: No. I'm afraid I've never found an ounce of pleasure in helping anyone.
Semmelweis: I'm just a selfish person.
Lorelei: But you ARE helping them! You shouldn't put yourself down like that.
Semmelweis: I'm only helping them because that's what you want.
Semmelweis: To me, they're just pawns—to ensure I get you.
Semmelweis: If you don't come to the Foundation with me, I'll change my mind and leave these people to fend for themselves.
Semmelweis: And, yes, that's a threat.
Lorelei: Oh, so that's your plan!
Lorelei tilts her head, thinking carefully.
Lorelei: Mama, Papa, what do you think I should do?
She looks off into the empty space before her, earnestly asking for her hallucinations' advice.
Lorelei: But if I leave here with the little musical note, I'll never see you again.
Lorelei: The "Flood" will wash away all traces of our lives, and the world I face will be totally different.
Lorelei: ...
Lorelei: Hmm, I suppose that makes sense ...
Lorelei: But Mama's right. You'll always be with me in my hallucinations.
Lorelei: If that's the case, I shouldn't stay in this valley, right?
Lorelei's question isn't directed at her hallucinations but at the silent Semmelweis beside her.
Semmelweis: ...
Semmelweis: Right. Only by surviving will you have the chance to see a more beautiful and memorable valley, Lorelei.
Lorelei: Alright. I'll go with you, my dear!
Lorelei: Goodbye, Mama! Goodbye, Papa!
Thanks to Lorelei's arcane skill, the previously crazed members of the "Razor" Squad are calmed. They fall into a deep sleep.
A familiar voice echoes from the communication device.
Madam Lindsay: Semmelweis, do you have a moment to talk?
Semmelweis: Of course, Madam Lindsay.
Madam Lindsay: I'm sorry for lying to you about Laplace.
Madam Lindsay: But I have no regrets. As a member of the Foundation, I must do everything I can to preserve its strength.
Semmelweis: I understand your motives, Madam Lindsay.
Semmelweis: You hid the truth of the situation from me, just as I hid my true intentions from you.
Semmelweis: In that regard, we're even.
Madam Lindsay: In any case, I should congratulate you for surviving.
Semmelweis: As my superior?
Madam Lindsay: No, on a personal level. As a member of the Foundation, I have no comment on the matter.
Madam Lindsay: I also want to congratulate you on saving that little girl and those humans ... That wasn't like you.
Semmelweis: People change all the time, Madam Lindsay.
Semmelweis: Honestly, when Lorelei made the decision, I was relieved.
Semmelweis: I really had no clue which way she would go ... Ha, you never can know what an arcanist lunatic is thinking.
Madam Lindsay: You're not much different.
Madam Lindsay: Oh, and I suppose one last round of congratulations is in order. You are now a true arcanist—an arcanist I cannot understand.
Semmelweis: ...
Semmelweis: Thank you.