The Formation of MAVE:

Episode 28. Returning Memory

"Found them!"

In the dim light of early dawn, AG241 received a report from an AG agent that the four girls' location had been discovered. Now, all that remained was to apprehend the girls and transfer them to the Security Center. It seemed straightforward. The longed-for peace of mind was within reach.

Yet, a strange feeling crept over AG241. An indescribable unease.

What could possibly be wrong at this critical moment? Is there a malfunction in the brain chip?

But the brain chip was functioning normally. Precautionary inspections had been conducted, but no issues were found. AG241 shook his head vigorously.

Then suddenly, a headache struck, causing a throbbing sensation. While such unease had been felt before, this symptom was entirely new.

AG241 reported his abnormal condition and voluntarily went to the Re-education Center for a brain chip reset.

As his mind cleared, only one thing remained.

I will protect IDYPIA.

Countless times, from the day he entered IDYPIA until now, AG241 had made this vow. His loyalty was unmatched, surpassing even that of any citizen of IDYPIA, any AG Agent or AG Number, or even the founders of IDYPIA like AG or SAI. He believed he could not be surpassed by anyone in his dedication to IDYPIA.

As these thoughts ran through his mind, AG241 realized the source of their inexplicable unease.

Why isn't everyone striving for the sake of IDYPIA?

Identity. In IDYPIA, individual effort was deemed unnecessary as long as certain predetermined conditions were met. Thus, everyone remained in their current state, with no one questioning it.

When he met M, following her instructions seemed like it would solve everything. She was a deity, after all. So, AG241 waited. However, after encountering M498, he discovered something lingering within his like stubborn residue. It was something he couldn't deny or escape from.

"What if nobody really cares about IDYPIA's peace?"

It was an unthinkable notion, yet a possibility. Just the thought alone made him dizzy. In truth, questioning this was a sign of his lack of trust in AG and, further, his disbelief in the SAIs.

But still. AG241 couldn't shake off the fact that he had let the girls slip through his fingers. Since then, he had been on constant alert, analyzing and pondering the situation endlessly. It made AG241's nerves sharper and more finely tuned.

'What does M want... What does M truly desire?'

AG241 examined the map provided by AG agents once again. He could see the tightening noose. It wouldn't be long before they could capture all of them alive.

But what if re-education doesn't work on them?

Without a moment's hesitation, AG241 armed himself with a gun and proceeded alone towards the target destination.

***

Some of Zena's dummy data got caught in traps while others led to dead ends.

Hurry, hurry...

Zena smiled at her friends as she spoke, but the situation was dire. Her brain chip processed the dummy data faster as Zena anxiously awaited the outcome. Siu decided to act as bait to distract the security agents and protect the others. Zena clenched her fists, ready for whatever may come.

If I can save my friends, I don't care if my mind burns out right now.

Suddenly, a short gunshot rang out beside her. Zena turned to see AG241 brandishing a gun.