Reverse:1999 Main Story Summary
This is Tomorrow
1966
⠀
0-01 | Rock 'n' Roll Radio
⠀⠀⠀Vertin mentions that it is raining but corrects herself: the “Storm” is coming. Regulus, a radio host, is talking about her love for freedom, while demanding that the two captured people on her ship tell her their names. Regulus & APPle’s ship comes under fire by a large ship. Regulus is in disbelief and APPle sees the icon of Manus Vindictae. As another bomb hits the ship, they prepare to abandon it. Regulus dispels the mute incantation on her prisoners and begs them to stop the attack, to save her records. They respond that they don’t know the attackers, and are investigators from the Foundation.
⠀
0-02 | King's Trail
⠀⠀⠀Sonetto informs the Timekeeper that Regulus’ ship was sunk, but that they landed safely. Sonetto tells her that 2 days ago, Regulus resisted when being registered, and also took their teammates; now, Manus Vindictae is onto her. They must rescue their teammates, complete the mission before the “Storm”, and return to the research center. Vertin asks her classmate why her, since she hasn’t been trained for arcanum battles, but Sonetto tells her she is the exceptionally perceptive to arcanum and just needs her by her side. They have 50 minutes left until the “Storm”. They use a floppy disk for the arcane skill “Teleport” to reach their destination faster. On the other street, the investigators are struggling to break a way through, while Regulus wails about her ship and devices. When Sonetto and Vertin arrives, Sonetto quickly strikes down the Manus Disciples. Regulus hides her records behind a stone before joining the fight.
⠀
0-03 | Teleport
⠀⠀⠀The team plan to use the last floppy disk to leave immediately, and Sonetto says Regulus will join them. She explains that they are investigators from St. Pavlov Foundation, and that Regulus has not registered for the arcanum licence. Use of arcanum without one violates the Public Security Law, so Sonetto urges Regulus to cooperate and go back to the research center with them. Regulus is shown the floppy disk which she admires when they are ambushed by more Manus Believers. Sonetto is surprised there are so many Manus even though they have been silent for some time now. After the chaos of the fight, the team realise that Regulus took the last floppy disk to escape and left her records behind. One of the investigators urges Sonetto, the captain, to give up on Regulus, but she tells them to walk back without her. Sonetto reminds Vertin that the Timekeeper is the only one who can move freely during the “Storm.” Vertin asks the investigators where Regulus is usually seen, learns her arcane skill controls light, and resolves to go to Kingly Court with Sonetto, for her “own mission”.
⠀
0-04 | Invisible Pirate
⠀⠀⠀A newsboy shouting headlines is interrupted by a woman asking where Regulus is. He asks her whether shes listened to the radio, where he heard her ship had sunk. Vertin approaches him to ask where she is, showing him the records, and he points to a cafe. Sonetto reads a newspaper as they go, so Vertin asks her whether she likes the outside world. She becomes flustered and tells her she is just curious. When they enter the cafe, they hear Regulus’ voice and see a floating piece of bread. Sonetto casts a skill and spills tea on her, making her partially visible. Regulus again insists on refusing to register and exposing her location.
⠀
0-05 | The Storm Overture
⠀⠀⠀Regulus falls onto the ground, seemingly in great pain. Vertin crouches and hands her a Misty Bubble Ball while instructing Regulus to push her and then meet her at a bookstore. Sonetto is determined to find Regulus and searches stores, while Vertin slips into a store where she finds her (note: not the bookstore they agreed to meet at). Vertin tells her she will not hand her over to the Foundation, but to brave the “Storm” with her. When Sonetto arrives, Vertin shakes her head; Sonetto is disheartened and pales upon seeing coloured rain dissolve buildings, and asks when the “Storm” will begin. Vertin tells her she has 10 minutes. She thanks the Timekeeper and runs back, while Regulus notices the upside-down rain. She says it is weird nobody else is reacting, but Vertin says this proves Regulus is the one she’s looking for. Vertin pushes her into her suitcase, and reminds her she is there to protect her.
⠀
1929
⠀
0-06 | The Living Past
⠀⠀⠀Regulus is disorientated and Vertin tells her its the end of an era which she survived. Regulus is still confused, and Vertin has her recite an incantation to enter the suitcase. It is a safe place to sail the “Storm”. When they arrive, Vertin introduces herself as from the St Pavlov Foundation, with her position being Timekeeper, who keeps track of time in the outside world. She records the beginnings and ends of eras. Regulus approaches a wall of photos, and Vertin tells her the stories behind a few of them – some not having taken place yet. She tells her that the photos date forward to 1999, her time. At the countdown of the millennium, time was reversed. Vertin also reveals that before Regulus, she had done many experiments, before discovering her suitcase can cut the “Storm” out. In this way, she preserved many items, but failed to save her friends from the last era. It doesn’t work for ordinary people. She considers how perhaps she should be a silent, emotionless observer (as the Foundation has instructed her to). Vertin discloses that Regulus had noticed a full moon, despite it being the first of the month, and realised that someone saw what she saw in this world. She resolved to try to save someone again, for the last time. The surroundings shake and as she is leaving, Regulus asks whether the Foundation knows about this. Vertin tells her this is her own will, and that she wants to find out the truth. Regulus asks for time to think about what she has been told.
⠀
⠀
In Our Time
1929
⠀
1ST - 01 | Wretched Brats
⠀⠀⠀Vertin and APPle meet two children who find the suitcase and are shaking it. The suitcase is then hidden in a tree hole and turned invisible. Vertin spins a mysterious spinning wheel she finds in the fog of the suitcase and Sonetto appears. Regulus is asleep nearby and Sonetto blacks out as well.
⠀
1ST - 02 | Dr. Papper
⠀⠀⠀APPle tells Vertin that Regulus and Sonetto are having a standoff. Sonetto tells Regulus she must go to the Foundation and the Scientific Computing Center to register with the Foundation. Regulus at first protests but agrees when Vertin tells her Sonetto will find a way to get her Dr Papper.
⠀
1ST - 03 | To The New World
⠀⠀⠀APPle observes that the Foundation doesn't seem to fully trust Vertin, and vice versa. He asks her to tell them about the past. Vertin tells them that the Foundation finds children all over the world. She says that when the first “Storm” in 1999 came, she seemed to see her mother. All their memories of 1999 are blurred, and when she asks staff about her mother they say "no such person”. She wants to find out the truth about 1999. Vertin tells Regulus she can help her leave, but she responds that she likely won't be able to escape the Foundation, so she will join Vertin. APPle cautions Regulus that they used to be wanted pirates, so to be careful on her trip.
⠀
1ST - 04 | Chicago Rescue
⠀⠀⠀Sonetto is surprised that the suitcase is so large inside. She was promoted to chief assistant of the Timekeeper, and tells Vertin that her responsibilities have increased to be in charge of all the investigations on the "Storm" and Manus Vindictae. Their first mission is to rescue the victims of the arcanist massacre on February 14th, in Chicago, before the human gangsters arrive. Vertin smells oranges in the air.
⠀
1ST - 05 | Sharpodonty and Black Wine
⠀⠀⠀The cast (minus Regulus) go to the location by bus, and meet two human drunks. They are stunned and hidden under a car, but APPle notices arcanist currencies in their pocket. APPle restates that racism is prevalent in 1929. Gunshots are heard 30 minutes before the arcanists were meant to arrive.
⠀
1ST - 06 | The Rosa Killer
⠀⠀⠀The cast find a woman in a red dress and black jacket shooting humans. When confronted, she says it's because they wanted to kill the arcanists and asks if they are not also there for that. The cast rescue the last human, who shoots himself after discovering the cast are arcanists. Vertin asks if the woman is taking the arcanists to Manus Vindictae. The woman says they just want more people before “the Storm” and, in that way, their destinies are tightly connected. The woman leaves goods behind for them, which have the address of The Walden on them. Vertin resolves to go there.
⠀
1ST - 07 | Scorched Woods
⠀⠀⠀A mysterious man is on the phone thanking somebody for their help in inventing a new potion before the National Prohibition Act was enacted. He reassures them that Congress won't be a problem. He observes the weather is ideal for a "Storm". At the manor hall, Sotheby is excited to watch a jazz band perform at the Walden. Mr Karson lists what she must do and not do at the Walden, and Sotheby rushes to leave. In the borderlands, Sonetto notes that the trees look charred, after which Vertin tells a ghost story about the victims of a forest fire haunting the area. It becomes noisy and they are forced to fight unknown creatures.
⠀
1ST - 08 | Druvis III
The group is overwhelmed by critters and Sonetto forms an escape plan for Vertin and APPle. As they are escaping, they prepare to fight. A heel lands in Vertin's arm and a woman atop a tree branch asks Vertin to pass it back to her. She lands and destroys hundreds of critters with a single move. APPle comments that the arcane circle she casts is rather old.
⠀
1ST - 09 | Security Carnival
⠀⠀⠀Druvis tells Vertin she "sees" Sonetto get rid of the creatures and exit in a dark green Bentley, and that the woods know where visitors go. Vertin mentions that the exit is close to The Walden. Druvis seems to realise they are there for the "Storm Gathering" tonight, attended by elite arcanists, celebrities and bar frequenters. She says there will be a duel, banquet and good news. She doesn't know what the news is, but offers her invitation as well as her stock coupon (required for entry). Druvis also tells them how stock and housing prices have reached permanent highs and how easy arcanum has made stock exchange. Druvis says she doesn't want to leave the woods and so Vertin signs her own name on the coupon. At The Walden, the lady in red brings back the men unharmed to Forget Me Not. She asks him whether non-pureblood arcanists are worthless to him, and tells him she cares about brotherhood. He responds that the Manus make exceptions for the "special ones" and that they are searching for her sister. FMN mentions how touched her human stepsister must be for being so valued by Schneider, who is adopted. Schneider responds that, regardless, they are family, but doesn't remember mentioning which of her sisters was missing. She goes to her mother and tells her to prepare to leave tonight.
⠀
1ST - 10 | The Origin Butterfly
⠀⠀⠀Vertin asks to talk to Madam Z of the St Pavlov Foundation Committee, from whom she asks for historical intelligence regarding the Wall Street stock market crash of 1929 and the involvement of arcanum in stock exchange. She also asks for backup in casual wear. Z responds no arcane forces were involved and Vertin concludes the Manus are changing history. Z tells her not to make a move before she finds out the reason and sends backup, of which she gives Vertin the highest command. Regulus is introduced to X, the Foundation’s mechanical scientist, since she has an interest in human technology. X gives her a tour of the office of the Scientific Computing Centre, stating that is the only part affiliated with the Foundation. X asks whether she wants to know the truth of the "Storm" and tells her he's from a secret institution in the Scientific Computing Center: Institutum Lorentz. He invites her to see their base, because they need more talented collaborators.
⠀
1ST - 11 | Charge Baby, Charge!
⠀⠀⠀After hearing that they are still half an hour from the Walden, Sotheby feeds her driver a “Bravery Charging Hopping Potion", leading to their car being driven into the back wall of The Walden. When Sonetto and Sotheby attempt to leave, they come face to face with a group of carbuncles which they fight. Sonetto tells Sotheby to lead the way while she carries the driver, and hears a murmuring voice asking for Schneider. She notices blood, vomit, and truth serum flowing out of the wall. She notes to herself to report a human imprisoned by arcanum here to the Timekeeper.
⠀
1ST - 12 | Appetizers
⠀⠀⠀The Special Action Team Captain informs Vertin of the positions of the backup team. He also tells her about risky bets on the duel taking place tonight. Meanwhile, FMN welcomes a diverse group of people, of opposing identities. He notes everyone is watching the charts but reassures them of magnificent returns. APPle comments on how busy it is, and how it does not seem illegal. the captain tells him that it has never been given a shakedown and it is said that fmn can make a drink that becomes alcoholic only when it is drunk. Additionally, they were unable to find FMN’s relationship to Manus Vindictae. The first fighter of the duel is revealed, the lady in red. The spotlight chooses the second, and it happens to be Vertin. FMN introduces her as the Timekeeper from the St Pavlov Foundation, and the captain panics upon seeing that they have intel on the team. During the duel, Schneider mocks the Foundation's so-called justice, and tells Vertin about how her family was turned away from safety there. The scent of oranges fill the air and Schneider laments how there is no shelter for her, and all she can do is complete tasks for her lord. Schneider commends Vertin for her fighting and Vertin asks her if she went to the Foundation. Schneider says it is because they want to live, wherever they take shelter. Vertin proposes she could give her shelter, and Schneider points the pistol at her. She tells her the person who told her that last is sitting behind them watching.
⠀
1ST - 13 | The Rattenfanger
⠀⠀⠀Sotheby and Sonetto reach a dead end but hear cheers and the Timekeeper's voice on the other side of the wall. Sotheby suggests using a corrosive potion to help get through. The mood in the speakeasy dampens as the market drops (ahead of the expected time, according to Vertin). Schneider shoots her arm to get the attention of the crowd, but they aren't paying attention. They become panicked seeing how much money they are losing, and Schneider shoots attendees. She focuses on Vertin and states that they won't be able to leave unless she kills her, and raises her pistol to point at Vertin. Before she can shoot, they are blinded by a spotlight and Sonetto rushes in when she sees Vertin bleeding. Behind FMN, a group of Manus men surrounding a blue-haired woman clap their hands. FMN starts to tell the attendees about how the decade is seeing its "finale" and the rooms falls silent. He tells them about the absurd effects preceding “Storms” in past decades, and how only those who weren't sifted out have the "right" to "Reverse". He tells them this information was hidden from the public, and turns to Vertin to confirm the countdown has begun.
⠀
1ST - 14 | The Eye of the Storm
⠀⠀⠀At the Institutum Lorentz branch, X wraps up his debrief by informing Regulus that their instititum finds events that may cause a “Storm”, ahead of time. These are called Chaotic Energy, the first of which was the "Original Butterfly" in ancient time (of which there is no record). Someone took advantage of its instability and created the "Storm". Regulus notices a mark on the map, denoting Chicago, flashing red. X tells her that is the eye of the “Storm”. At the walden, FMN offers the attendees salvation from the “Storm”. He rhetorically asks them what time they should return to and answers himself with the "past" of the "right order". He guarantees the safety of those who wear the Manus mask, and orders them to take down the Foundation members. Sotheby's bodyguards come forth to protect her while Vertins reminds her team to focus on the Manus.
⠀
1ST - 15 | Underground Labyrinth
⠀⠀⠀Some guests become panicked and attempt to leave, but FMN tells them its too dangerous without the masks. Vertin tells Sonetto that the exits are blocked but they cannot keep fighting. Sotheby remembers the way she entered and leads the crowd there. FMN mocks them, asking why they would go underground. When they arrive there they find a labyrinth, but Sonetto reveals she had drawn a map earlier and they may be able to break through. Schneider tells someone to follow the light, and that she will find Marian. Vertin can sense she is nearby.
⠀
1 - 16 | Heaven Apostles
⠀⠀⠀Sonetto tells Vertin about the trapped person in the speakeasy, and leads the way there. They find Schneider carrying her sister, attempting to comfort her. Sonetto casts a skill against Schneider in anger. Marian, Schneider's sister, murmurs about not wanting to drink anymore. After Sonetto realises Schneider is her sister, she offers to conduct first aid. Vines approach them through the corridors and APPle instructs everyone to start pushing the Auto Island out of the wall. A group of men in black appear and take instructions from Schneider. Vertin uses the blast device given to her by the captain to knock the car away. Sonetto and the now conscious Marian are pushed out of the exit by Schneider and Vertin before the wall collapses. They ready themselves to fight together, and come face to face with Druvis III.
⠀
Tender is the Night
1929
2ND - 01 | Courtesy
⠀⠀⠀Outside of the wall, the captain insists that the Timekeeper should be rescued now. However, the masked Manus are still chasing them, and the team is still feeling the effects of the enemy incantations. Sonetto takes command as the chief assistant and says they should leave. The captain is shocked, but Sonetto tells him to trust the Timekeeper. The Manus will likely not harm her as they will want to know why she is immune to the storm. APPle asks Sotheby if the Auto Island still works, and the captain finds that it does but the engine needs a moment. After the engine starts, Sonetto asks Sotheby if they may stay in her house. Sotheby is excited but says that it is unlikely Mr Karson would agree. She reassures them that she will convince him. As they pass through the woods, Sotheby recounts the events of the day. She realises Sonetto is crying. Elsewhere, Druvis III has brought two caged people back to Forget Me Not. Druvis is unsure whether this is the right thing to do. A mysterious woman asks whether they should go to meet Vertin “as equals” at the conference table.
2ND - 02 | Manus Vindictae
⠀⠀⠀Arcana, the leader of Manus Vindictae, introduces herself to Vertin and offers that she join Manus Vindictae. When Vertin asks why, she responds that she admires her emotionless in each storm, and also that, if only a fraction, of her flesh and blood belongs to them. Vertin asks if she has the right to say no, and she responds “absolutely”, but also asks that she answers 3 questions. Arcana pulls slime from her temple, and it becomes a wand. Her first question is “What is the ultimate purpose for the Foundation to create the “Storm”?” Vertin is shocked, due to her belief that the “Storm” was created by the Manus. Arcana expected a better answer, and hurts Schneider's right hand. The second question is “The Foundation experiments on the orphans of arcanists. Is that true?” Vertin confirms it is and states that they are looking for an arcane antibody immune to the “Storm”. She is the only successful subject. Arcana asks what the name of the antibody is and Vertin says it is Asymmetric Immune Protein G. Schneider is hurt again. Arcana's last question is “As the only one who braves the “Storm” easily, how are the arcanists you have met?” Vertin relents and says she will join her and Arcana ignores her to say that they likely aren't well. Vertin tells her she rarely meets them, and many are deserted. Arcana concludes that they have been deserted by the principles of the world, and Vertin’s eyes have not been blinded. She welcomes her home.
2ND - 03 | Green Oranges
⠀⠀⠀Both Schneider’s right hand and left leg are injured. Arcana approaches and asks what Vertin thinks of her gun, telling her it was improved by the wandmaker Druvis III. She commands her to take it, and end Schneider's life. Vertin is shocked, since she already agreed to join them and answered the 3 questions. Arcana concurs and tells her this is a new mission, and that she has no right to refuse. Yet, if she does not like it, she doesn't have to do it. Saying this, Arcana offers her an orange. Vertin is now in a cartoonish orchard, being accused of theft by a child Schneider. Vertin questions how she became so young, and Schneider recognises her as the friend who will help her pick oranges. Vertin is disoriented, asking where she is, but finds the surroundings so real and familiar. In reality, Schneider pleads with Vertin to stop shooting her, saying that she is seriously injured, and begs her to come to her senses. Vertin sees Schneider pokes fun at her for struggling to pick the oranges and tries even harder. The real Schneider says it's not over yet, and shoots Vertin. She sees that she doesn't react to the pain and questions what Arcana could be showing her. Vertin sees Schneider ask why her back is bleeding as they talk. She asks if Schneider is an arcanist and Schneider hesitates. She sees her offer an orange but declines it, asking whether Schneider also finds it bitter. In reality, Schneider is confused as to why Vertin stopped shooting, asking whether she doesn't deserve a fast death or if God has let her stay alive. Vertin seems to come to her senses and asks why she’s covered in blood, and tells her not to come closer. She runs to Vertin while Vertin shoots, and the bullet goes through her heart. As Druvis goes to leave, Arcana asks what to do with the body. She says to send it to where it belongs, so they know Vertin’s choice.
2ND - 04 | Antidote
⠀⠀⠀In the woods, those in the car run into a Manus believer, and Sonetto orders them to fight so the Manus does not know their destination. APPle passes out after making contact with their slime. Sotheby says not to worry because there are many potion materials at her house. When they finally arrive, she finds no one at the manor. Marian becomes fearful when she sees the arcane creatures in Sotheby's house, and even Sonetto seems surprised. Sotheby goes to search for the antidote to APPle’s fungus, but misheard “mancozeb”, according to Marian. Sotheby is confused, unable to find the fungicide, when she hears a clanging. When she investigates, she finds Mr Karson in front of a vault.
2ND - 05 | City's Gastrosis
⠀⠀⠀Mr Karson tells her he is checking inventory and fusses over her clothes. Sotheby asks him whether the Manus were involved in the servants’ disappearance. Mr Karson doesn't seem to understand and tells her the servants have gastrointestinal inflammation. He checked the food, and puts it down to incorrect preservation. Sotheby is soothed hearing the Manus weren't involved, but is attacked by critters. Coincidentally, she finds the fungicide and returns to the rest. Marian had already found it and applied it though, so Sotheby asks why they still seem so serious. Sonetto tells her there is a disease outbreak at the city center. The radio host talks about thousands of respiratory deaths, as well as inflammation cases across multiple regions. The source of the disease is unidentified. Sonetto is angry, but reports to headquarters for further instruction. Mr Karson comes in to tell them dinner is ready, and introduces each of the dishes. Sotheby, after a bout of confusion, corrects him; the “food” in front of them is actually gold and money.
2ND - 06 | End of Immortal
⠀⠀⠀Forget Me Not observes that Vertin doesn't seem to want to eat. She asks if these are are the symptoms for the Storm Syndrome. Druvis III asks how the humans ate these, and FMN responds that humans fashioned tools to. She says the milk was mostly dumped. Vertin comments on the burnt rowan branch at the centre of the table which has a name meaning “stay alive”. She goes on to say people, like this branch, just want to live and not go back in time. FMN interrupts her to tell her to watch her mouth. Druvis asks why going back in time isn't real life and Vertin asks if the branch is really alive, since arcanum was used to keep it at the moment it was burnt. FMN is angry and has Vertin fight, during which the rowan branch falls. Druvis tells her to take it away and FMN asks if its alright to give up a treasure of hers like that. Druvis asks him why she was asked to stay and FMN tells her it is because “the Guiding One” has a new plan.
2ND - 07 | The Good News
⠀⠀⠀FMN tells her they have negotiated with the local government, and would like to use the woods to house patients for healing rituals. He reminds her she is welcome to join the Manus, and Druvis asks if they will reject the government for her if she joins them. FMN tells her the main relief shelter will be in the woods, bringing resources straight to Manus Vindicate. Druvis asks what will happen to the refugees, and FMN says only those not sifted out by the “Storm” will become refugees. He guarantees that she will not, however. He hopes she will come as the owner of the woods on the day, and she says she no longer owns it. FMN says he will transfer ownership to her as she needs, but will take care of them until “Relief Day”. As Vertin and Schenider are fighting side by side, Vertin says Druvis wants to catch and trap them. Schneider gives in and says they are caught, and Druvis tells them its over. Schneider questions whether Vertin is pureblooded, but Vertin is unsure. Schneider laughs, and says she is just like her, worlds apart from those like Druvis. She asks her to kill her, when it's time. Schneider tells Vertin she is much more important than herself; if she wants to survive, she has no choice. Vertin points out that Druvis has heard all of this, and Schneider confirms that their destiny is her choice.
2ND - 08 | Popular Literature
⠀⠀⠀Vertin is reviewing the rooms where Schneider is likely to be kept. She comments on how the Manus masks block their sight, both sheltering and blinding them. As someone approaches, the rowan branch seems to pull her over to them. Manus followers are grieving their loved ones’ deaths, when one reveals they are fighting the government tomorrow. Their safety is not guaranteed with just the masks, but they need to go to the "Sanctuary". He then transforms into a monster, and Vertin questions whether this is due to the mask or Arcana. After stunning him, she follows the directions the branch grows in. Finally, she finds Schneider in a hidden room, with a weak pulse. Vertin feeds her food, but she still has no energy. She asks what Druvis’ last choice was and Vertin shows her a note in the branch from Druvis, suspecting that Druvis shares their dream.
2ND - 09 | Pearl and Bullet Hole
⠀⠀⠀Sotheby is conducting experiments, and asks what each person is tasting. Their answers are various nonedible items, and she asks for more time to improve her potion. Sonetto tells Sotheby that the patrol team has informed her that there are Manus followers around the manor. Outside, a Manus follower is carrying somebody on a stretcher. Marian recognises her as Schneider and asks what happened. The follower laughs and informs her that she died, and that it was Vertin's decision. Sonetto takes offence on their behalf, and fights them. Schneider is touched that Sonetto fought fiercely for her. She passes out and is taken inside for medical attention.
2ND - 10 | The Chew-Chew Potion
⠀⠀⠀As Sotheby works on her potion, Sonetto receives a transmission from Z. Z tells her that their priority is to stop the supplies from reaching the Manus, and also that she will meet the Timekeeper when the mission is complete. The team are entering the woods, and see it very different from how it used to be. There are many people, trying to stay calm. In the center is a crucible. A Commissioned Corps Officer asks to see Forget Me Not’s licence, and he tells him he is an arcanist. The officer mocks him (calling him a con artist) and questions what his chiefs are thinking. A lady who seems familiar with FMN appears, asking whether he will treat those in the white tent first. This leads Druvis to ask who is outside of it, and the lady says it is just tramps and vendors. The officer is incensed and tried to hurry FMN, who asks him to keep silent while he is making potions. FMN tells Vertin to enjoy the peace before the storm.
2ND - 11 | Polypotion
⠀⠀⠀Vertin muses on how the potions FMN is brewing are not harmful, but doubts that he truly wants to treat the patients. A tramp breaks through and attempts to find medicine, but instead finds relief supplies. Vertin realises this peace before the “Storm” is a cover for supply transportation. She resolves to meet Sonetto before ten. Druvis intercepts her as she tries to leave, and asks if she is still moving forward despite serious crises ahead. Vertin responds yes, until she sees “tomorrow” for herself. Druvis “sees” her friends on the way and talks about how their enemies are increasing. As the “Storm” approaches, she accepts her invitation. She gives Vertin a formal farewell and goes to see her woods one last time. Meanwhile, Sonetto's team has seized several transport trucks by now. Schneider asks Sotheby to test her potions on her, but Sotheby says they will have no effect because she doesn't want to eat money. Schneider mentions how she is the one who knows most what death tastes like, having escaped Druvis III. Sotheby asks who that is, and Sonetto answers that she is stepdaughter of Washington State Forestry Tycoon. Mr Karson recognises her as a Weyerhaeuser, and says the family suffered bankruptcy. He says fate cant be tested. Mr Karson then hesitates, saying that he shouldn't needle in private affairs. A protective fog rises near the Relief Shelter, and Sonetto warns everyone to move with caution.
2ND - 12 | About the New Era
⠀⠀⠀Druvis returns, having finished distributing potions. The press arrives, and FMN explains to Druvis he wanted to have a banquet before the storm since this era has no value to the Manus. The officer tastes the potion and yells out, asking where they got beer which is prohibited. FMN accuses him of being a hypocrite, asking how he would know how beer tastes, since it has been 10 years since prohibition. The officer falls as people begin to explode. Vertin is shocked, seeing that he used the potions as fuel for the explosions. Journalists attempt to run, but FMN tells him he won't kill them. He tells them to faithfully record how an “inferior” takes everything he was denied. Druvis tells him there is no reason for more bloodshed, but FMN says they have accomplished their missions and everything here “should be doomed”. Druvis tells him the “Storm” is only the “Storm”, not destiny. The lady from earlier recognises Druvis as a Weyerhaeuser, and journalists bombard her with questions and accusations. According to one, the Weyerhaeusers burned themselves after bankruptcy. Another corrected him to say the daughter who studied dark magic burned them. Druvis denies involvement in their death, despite being at the scene of the crime. She claims she wanted to show them a new “arcane skill”. In response to doubt, she says she will find the truth. She begins to cry, and Vertin tells her to leave with them. She also tells FMN his hatred will destroy him, and he agrees. A disciple appears and tells FMN the foundation is preparing to attack. He realises Vertin was trying to meet them.
2ND - 13 | Documentary
⠀⠀⠀Sonetto is confused that the fog can't be cleared, and APPle explains the arcane skill on it is more powerful and thus countering theirs. X appears to say that it is good to learn from human experience. He explains that humans are good at logical deduction, which is rejected by arcanists (who rely on intuition). He intends to interrupt the caster by using a pipe to boil water in the distance. Regulus comes to understand that a Goldberg Machine, which has many meaningless steps, is counterintuitive. Meanwhile, FMN challenges Vertin, asking how she will deal with so many of his allies. Realising Vertin will not yield, he tells Druvis he knows the arcanist responsible for the arson, if she keeps her promise to stay. She says it's not important but he pulls forward a tramp, telling Druvis it was a firefighter who lost his job and thought putting out a fire would win it back. Druvis thanks FMN for his compassion and help in the past, but tells him her woods will live with scars but continue to live. She bids him farewell. It's raining and boiling water is poured on him, but he stays still. As forget me not’s bloom on the ground, the Foundation team arrives, having dispelled the incantation, but FMN walks to the piano on the stage. Sonetto is relieved that Vertin is not hurt, but apologises profusely for being unable to save her. Vertin tells her to calm down, and that she did nothing wrong.
2ND - 14 | Puppet
⠀⠀⠀As they are fighting the Manus, Arcana arrives and mentions that they are all hurt. She asks Vertin if she is leaving, and Vertin says yes, and that one day she will come back to defeat her personally. Arcana raises her hand and calls forth more disciples, while other Manus members run towards her as they fade in the rain. After they defeat the shadows, Sonetto orders those uninjured to take inventory and gather refugees. Vertin says there are 6 hours left before the storm, and questions how to spend them. Schneider suggests listening to everybody's wishes. Sonetto gives Vertin intel on the Manus, including that Arcana and the others robbed supplies from Washington. Sonetto asks what the next mission is, and Vertin says she wants to listen to everybody's wishes.
2ND - 15 | Empty Wardrobe
⠀⠀⠀Sotheby finds the crucible FMN was using, and notes something down. She is ecstatic, claiming she's found the right answer. Marian’s wish is to eat dinner with her family, Sonetto has none but asks what Vertin’s is, X would like a cup of espresso, and Mr Karson is embarrassed he failed to prepare dinner for Sotheby. Vertin addresses him, telling them that Sotheby is preparing a dinner. Schneider is knelt outside of the tent, praying. Vertin asks her what her wish is, and she requests that Vertin doesn't forget her. Sotheby's potion finally works, and the refugees get to feel they are eating real food. Sotheby reminds them that they must believe what they see. Mr Karson coughs, and reminisces with Sotheby about her past failed dinners. He hands her a book of manor transactions and dealings, but half of the book is a compilation of menus for her. He tells her to get in touch with her father and Miss Moissan after everything. As Sotheby asks why he couldn't give it to him in person, the rain hammers outside. Sotheby calls out to Mr Karson to see, but he is no longer there. Marian fearfully prays, and Schneider tells her to not be afraid and to take her hand. As Marian disappears, Vertin apologises to Schneider about her family. Schneider runs into Vertin’s arms, apologizing. She tells her she is not a real arcanist and always wanted to be lucky. Vertin is shocked that she tolerated the Storm Syndrome this whole time. Schneider reminds Vertin not to forget her.