Mardock Scramble: The Second Combustion (2011)

[bunniefuu]

I don't want to die.

I don't want to die!

I'm sorry, Œufcoque!

I'm so sorry!

Is that how you prove your usefulness, Œufcoque?

Œufcoque, Balot!

Doctor...

Here I am!

Hurry to the Doctor!

Why, Œufcoque?

How is that girl any different from me?

Why did Œufcoque leave me?

It was you who left him!

We developed this place: Flying House Humpty.

I've been granted permission to use it for a limited time.

You're safe now.

Please!

Let me see Œufcoque!

I want to apologize!

I don't want to be here!

Let me go to where he is!

I want... to live.

Hello there, Rune Balot.

They say your Snark abilities have % passed the liminality threshold.

That's amazing.

I talk up here.

I've forgotten how to talk with my mouth, see.

It's tiring to breathe.

My name is Tweedledee.

This is Paradise.

It used to be a military research facility.

Welcome to the land where forbidden technology was given birth...

This makes you and I brother and sister!

Let me see Œufcoque and the Doctor.

Do you need something?

Please, let me see them!

I wonder if the other professors would get angry if someone outside their group went in the lab...

But, you and I are siblings, right?

Oh, I see!

Okay!

Are all the people from outside like you?

What do you mean?

Like Eve, who knows about everything.

I wonder if Adam felt this way when Eve handed him the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge?

I just can't resist!

Why are you here?

Because of my disability.

I would have died if I was raised normally, so I became a resident of Paradise.

The Doctor worked here?

Right. But he volunteered for Scramble , that one of the Three Professors created.

Three Professors?

The top members of Paradise.

Two have left, and only one remains.

Hey there, Dee. Who's the girl?

I'm showing her around.

This is Dr. Easter's client, Rune Balot.

Easter did? That codename hasn't been registered.

The metabolic-metallic fibrous state is quite good.

I'd like to have tea with someone of such high compatibility.

We're sort of in a hurry...

You have to get the biorhythm stabilized.

And we'll be collating that data, thank you very much.

I'd definitely like you to have some tea with us, young lady.

Their "tea parties" last a long time.

They put a bunch of meds in there for their testing.

Is that you, Twee?

That's right, Dr. Easter.

What's wrong?

Balot's here to see you.

I told you to call me when she regained consciousness, Twee!

Where is Œufcoque?

Don't worry...

It's just that I don't think he'd want you to see him the way he is now.

I want to apologize.

Please!

Hey!

She's just going to say hi.

Are they talking?

I'm sorry... It was my failure that caused this to happen...

I love you.

Did Œufcoque say that?

No, she did.

Hey, can I take her to the pool?

You planned for that, right?

After you explain to Balot.

I know, I know.

Eve didn't taste the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge until she was tempted, after all.

What do you think?

Wow...

What about those people?

They've forgotten how to move.

The same way I've forgotten how to breathe.

Come here!

I'll introduce you to my lover.

Lover?

I get such a kind feeling when we're together...

What?

Who's that?

It's someone I don't know!

Rune Balot. She's Œufcoque's lover.

Nice to meet you, Miss.

I'm Tweedledum.

Gonna ride on my back?

I'll make you scream like a little baby!

Is she a girl?

Nope.

You're a human. You shouldn't be trapped by such narrow preconceptions.

I'm male, and his brother, and his lover.

We're h*m* partners!

We do what we can.

Do you know what you're saying?

What's that eye?

Nice, don't you think?

It's an Access Organ.

Access?

You'll understand if you go for a swim.

Take a dip.

It should be good for your muscular rehabilitation.

Understood.

You're going to swim with your clothes on?

I'll take them off if I feel like it.

Hold on tight!

Welcome to a totally different ocean!

What's that?

Those are communication nuclei.

They're connected to terminals around the world.

Can I use this pool, too?

Yup.

If you have something you're looking for, let's search for it together.

There is something Œufcoque and the Doctor are searching for.

I want to find it for them.

You do? What are you searching for?

The past of a certain person, named Shell.

You're going to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge on your own accord?

What'll you do?

Wait a bit.

I'll introduce you to God.

God?

One of the Three Professors.

He's quick to anger, just like God.

Are you friends with Œufcoque?

Yeah.

He's a good guy.

He's convenient to have around, so I think he makes a pretty decent lover!

I don't think he feels that way.

One-sided love, is it?

Well, he is an indecisive fellow.

Give him time. Patience will persevere.

I tried to use him recklessly.

But, he protected me.

So that's why he's here for maintenance.

It's my fault.

He's half-immortal, don't worry.

Immortal? He can't die?

His body is multidimensionally constructed.

Even if he's injured he can regenerate from another dimension.

But he can only live for so long, since he's an organic unit.

For so long? What do you mean?

Hypertrophy.

As long as a mouse lives, it gains weight.

One day, for certain, it will be crushed by its own weight and die.

He's ill?

It's a necessity of life.

As he would put it,

knowing about his own death is what gave rise to the reason he left Paradise.

What's that supposed to mean?

Who knows?

I've never been outside of here, after all.

Don't you ever want to?

And how would I survive?

I have this ocean, and my brother.

Why don't you live here, too?

It's dangerous outside, right?

I've made my decision.

I wonder what the real ocean is like?

Thanks for waiting.

Good day, Rune Balot.

I am the top manager here.

Everyone calls me Professor Faceman.

Manipulate the cage so we can talk.

Okay.

I've taken a look at your data.

My data?

The condition for using this place was for Œufcoque to offer the data he recorded.

Um...

For me, I think of myself as a test subject.

Well, be it research or not, it's just a matter of prolonging my life.

Prolonging your life?

I cut off my body which was being eaten away by cancer.

Actually, I think this form is more suited to me.

Isn't it inconvenient?

It's delightful!

All the functions I need are built into this cage.

I'd even recommend it for you, as well.

Um...

Looking at you, I really get a sense for Dr. Easter's amazing talent.

But that time he, and everything was rejected.

What happened?

Limitations were put on this facility by the government.

Each of we Three Professors who were the top managers thought up our own countermeasures.

One, .

Another created the October Corp. in conflict with them.

Conflict?

Their usefulness to society was different, you see.

The one who created was k*lled,

and only a small bit of the brain of the other one is alive.

And what about you?

As society wishes it, I will remain forever locked away in this place.

I, the wild beast known as the scientist, chose to enter the cage myself;

and visitors here are also placed under the same restrictions.

Understood.

At the point you use it, you will become a suspected criminal.

But, if you can prove your usefulness to society, the suspicion can be lifted.

Understood.

If there's a chance for me to solve the case, then I want to try.

So be it.

As long as I'm allowed access to your data,

we'll do nothing but sit back and watch as a spectator.

Thank you very much.

Hey, Easter.

I appreciate your cooperation, Professor.

It's not my intention to make you a federal criminal.

When you access the communication nuclei, use my name–

Please teach me how you fight!

And so, suddenly, Eve became aware of her own nakedness.

Mistress Octavia. As you can see, she's an airhead.

She's a family secret and daughter of the company director, but I found out their secret.

I'll use her as my bargaining chip.

The marriage registration?

After the contract's signed.

So, what about that job?

I wounded one of the ambulance chasers.

I'll continue to pursue them.

But something is odd.

Everything's odd!

Because a dead woman in my dreams is trying to get in the way of my deals!

The next trial will be another blank slate.

It's possible they're looking for the key behind your deals.

You made a backup of those memories you discarded, didn't you?

Where are you hiding them?

None of your f*cking business!

Shut up!

k*ll her.

k*ll that b*tch who's chasing after me!

Why am I...

Why am I afraid of that girl?

What's scary about women?

Again with women...

Let me off the leash, Boss...

Are you on drugs?

I'm used to handling 'em. Got some here.

This is some high quality Heroic Pill. Want one?

I have no need.

No drugs? sh*t, damn! When do you f*cking sleep?

I have forgotten how to sleep.

I haven't slept for nine years.

No wonder they call you Mr. Ironman.

Anyway, where are we headed?

Paradise.

f*ck yeah!

We got a hit!

The casino tied up with the October Corp., Eggnog Blue!

You've got the basics, now try accessing deeper.

There are a lot of logs about memory disabilities.

Looks like there are traces they've been modified from the outside.

Data's been remotely deleted.

There are holes left where the data was deleted!

Let's chase after them!

Incredible...

The communication nuclei and her ability adapted themselves to each other...

They're dancing. Looks like fun.

We have visitors.

An inspector has demanded an examination through the legal affairs bureau.

Boiled?!

Of course I have no need for her to be disrupted with her data yet incomplete.

Tweedledee.

You're going to use Twee?

I've studied how to come into contact with outside humans.

I'm looking forward to it.

That's a surprising twist!

Go in from the west. All action is approved.

It is a fictional "twist".

Answer my question.

Where are you sheltering Œufcoque and that girl client?

We shelter no one.

All we do is take people in.

What are Œufcoque and the others trying to find out about Shell?

I will not tell one who cannot think of himself as anything more than a m*rder*r!

And what do you know?

A human who builds a far off Paradise, and treats people as mere objects...

It's precisely because I know.

This is the winning battle.

People know in the bottom of their hearts that there is nothing that has actual value.

The g*n that Œufcoque once turned into, yes?

Is that cast-off shell who you are now?

Your pseudo-gravity was developed here.

We here do not know what Œufcoque and the others are looking into.

Why won't your client tell you?

You think Œufcoque will return to your side,

someone who has even thrown away the feeling of trust?

Whoa...

This is what they call a storm!

I've never seen one, but this is what they call a storm!

Why... me?

That's right...

The answer is in Shell's memories!

Look at all the treasure!

What are you doing?

Hello. Who are you?

I see!

I get it now...

You're the one who k*lled my buddies!

Inside your head is also hard...

Stop talking inside my head!

It's been a while since I've felt pain.

Yup, definitely unpleasant.

I'll make your body to suit my taste!

Voice...

It's been so long since... I've breathed...

What the hell are you?

Security's been activated, you see.

Don't blame me for what happens.

Everyone! You can eat him!

The guardian angels of Paradise use pseudo-gravity to render all violence powerless.

Boiled! Save me!

I am no longer one of your test subjects.

I am a beast which escaped Paradise.

You are now just a highly curious shark seeking ever higher level methods of m*rder.

Go now.

Your feet will never again set foot outside of the wilderness.

You're leaving?

Yeah.

Thanks for swimming with me.

Do your best.

I pray Lady Luck be with you.

Make up with Œufcoque, okay?

Now hurry, Balot!

You're leaving.

Don't worry, I'll heal soon.

I'm sorry... It was my fault...

It's okay, as long as I made a friend.

That's right.

I'm glad you made a friend!

Stop it!

That's a violation of federal law...

He shot.

Smiling...

What?

Smiling like you made a friend.

Goodbye, come again.

, feet up in the air, far out in the Pacific.

Aren't you cold?

There's no point to continue with the trial like this.

We've got to checkmate him before he...

Before he what?

Gets married.

Into the October Corp. family...

Shell's getting married?

He's using it to shield himself from the records of his ill*gal dealings.

Strange...

What do you want to do now after the incident?

I don't really know.

When will Œufcoque die?

I did maintenance on him, I didn't euthanize him.

Twee told me that Œufcoque learned of his own death and left Paradise!

His lifespan is an unknown.

The problem is how he lives.

No one knows when they are going to die.

But we all know we're going to die sometime.

I want to be beside him.

Even after the incident?

Is your job meaningful?

I'm satisfied with my life.

Do you think I can be like that?

That's a tough one...

That Boiled person used to be Œufcoque's partner, right?

Yeah, he's strong.

When I faced him before I was no match.

But Boiled went on a rampage.

He just went on a k*lling spree.

And Œufcoque?

Boiled also has metallic fibers transplanted into his hand.

He used them to control Œufcoque.

Œufcoque, used as a tool for a bloodbath, rejected Boiled.

Now they're mutual enemies.

I understand how that Boiled person must feel a little.

You don't want to become a k*lling machine, right?

No! But I understand, because I became like that, and I couldn't quit by myself.

You're different than him.

Will Œufcoque forgive me?

Yes.

You can learn.

By the way, can I ask something?

Sure.

About the memories that Shell hid...

Chips. Some of the ones in Shell's casino.

Inside the million dollar chips.

Chips?

Using the super high value chips at his associated casino as a front?

He's hiding a treasure inside a treasure!

How many chips are there?

in total.

Recording mediums are hidden inside of them.

Robbing the casino's a pain, and if they find out we're searching they'll change the hiding place...

Special investigation...?

No wait, pretending to be normal customers would work best.

Right, Balot!

What?

Ever played around in a casino?

I've only ever stood next to the men.

Right!

Then I'm gonna give you, ambulance chaser in training, some special lessons!

Got it?

Finite games can all be expressed as a standard system.

So then, how do all the players,

who understand the standard system of zero-sum games, choose a strategy?

Call it logic, say, and they grope around for a method to unbalance the game.

What do you think you're doing drilling Balot in economic theory?

Nothing good comes from making your partner feel inferior with your strengths.

Why are you putting up with this, Balot?

Studying the Prisoner's Dilemma?

Heya, Œufcoque.

You woke up a lot faster than I thought.

Guess that upgrade Paradise's tech got really helps.

Could you please explain to me the current situation?

When you consider Balot's criminal suspicion again...

There's got to be another way to find out instead of winning big at a casino.

Isn't that right, Balot?

I'm sorry.

You made a difficult decision, and all I could do was sleep.

Could I get up on your shoulder?

I'll make some coffee.

Can I touch you?

Sure.

I'm sorry, Œufcoque.

I'm fine.

Let's stay together until you fall asleep.

Thank you.

Good night.

This is it! This, truly, is the game of intellect, the art of mankind.

We've thrust a grave decision upon her.

Huh?

We don't know whether her latent feelings for revenge haven't affected her.

So she thirsts for revenge?

No. She thinks to herself, quite humbly, "Just what is 'Resolution'?".

Pretty indecisive, isn't she? So, what do {\b}you{\b} think about her?

I'd like her rational mind, her aspirations, to overcome her fear of losing.

{\b}That{\b} is what her case is about.

We must fight not just to save her life, but so that she may grow.

This, I believe, is the job I've wanted to do.

What's the problem?

Doctor, you think of me as a tool and do not understand my feelings.

I thought I'd never again entrust my life to someone else.

I'm baffled she would voluntarily take the path to becoming a Project supervisor.

Do you know what "marriage blues" are?

What does that mean?

It means, even after you've decided something, you talk about it over and over.

It's a means of resolution?

I look forward to when that time comes.

It's difficult.

It's a problem as old as humanity itself.

Okay?

Yeah.

We're fully ready.

We're gonna win this case.

How much should we win?

We'll turn , dollars into million.

How much money is that?

It's not money. It's called million dollars, but they're just chips.

Play by the rules of the casino, and touch the chips, getting the yolk.

Don't touch the shell or the white.

Got it?

Yes.

If you say I can do it, I think I can.

Now, this is our b*ttlefield!

First, we'll split up and get a sense of the atmosphere.

Feel the waves, like surfing.

Don't underestimate the security.

If you Snark the machines an alert will be issued and you'll be followed by every camera.

That's right. Grab the rhythm.

Perfect.

Wow...

Let's go, we're already being watched.

Gotten the hang of things?

We can't win with those machines?

None of the slot machines would let us win million dollars.

Plus, customers who win too much cause a stir.

So instead we take from those that won't hurt the casino.

You can tell who the cheats are, right?

Yes. They're here, too?

I hacked the data the casino has on its customers.

They come to eat at the casino, but they're actually being fished in.

From now own we'll communicate with characters and wireless.

Don't misread them.

Okay.

I raise.

Call.

Fold.

Call.

Raise.

Fold!

I call.

Fold.

I fold.

Call.

Showdown.

Two pair.

I win!

I think I could win with these.

Fold.

I fold.

Why aren't we competing?

They've got a scheme.

Cheating? The one who's winning?

That's the mark.

He'll lose soon.

The one on the right, the one on the left...

...and the dealer are conspiring.

The dealer?

The man on the right is the role of the player and has three aces.

The Doctor has two pair with s and s.

The mark has three jacks.

And the old man next to him has two pair with s and s.

How can you tell?

I read their smell and signs.

Things like the placement of their chips and the way they arrange the cards are the signs.

Can they manipulate the cards?

They're marked cards.

You can tell the card by the touch of your fingertip.

That's not fair.

The player is going to win.

Let's do it.

Watch carefully how everyone breathes.

Right.

Humans are never more defenseless than when they breathe in or out.

Use that instant to call.

I call.

You've got good luck with clubs.

Raise right up to the limit.

Raise.

I raise.

Call.

It was only a in chance, but...

That's a shame.

We won.

I win.

What the...

A royal straight flush...

When the cheats fail, a whole lot of chips change hands.

There's no going back for them, now.

Things are going to get desperate.

What should I do?

Wipe them out.

Raise.

Call.

I win.

Raise.

I win.

Next, have the Doctor win.

We win.

These are winners, aren't they?

It was a nice game.

Wow, magnificent.

Here's some winnings! Go out and have a ball!

Yes!

Table #, sit anywhere.

She'll let us win.

Start.

She's cool.

According to the data, her name is Bell Wing.

She's the preeminent spinner in the casino world.

No more bets.

black.

She aimed for it?

Yes, to draw in players.

Let's go.

We've got what we came for.

Wait. I want to watch her.

She's not going to have you win again.

I smell something fickle.

I won't use the chips I won. Please?

Don't forget that we're still far off from our goal average.

black.

That was close.

Close? On a roulette tableau, and are on opposite sides.

You've been marked.

You still want to do this?

She let me win at first, so I want to beat her.

I think I can. Is it okay?

I'll back you up to the best of my ability.

I'm showing you data on roulette on the inside of your gloves.

Read carefully, now.

Right.

Sense the angle of the tableau, the angle of inclination of the ball,

the shape and angle of the pins, the tilt of the dome,

and the softness of the cushion.

Then do data analysis on those numbers.

Figure out the average angle the ball will go until it drops.

Calculate the angle between the ball and the tableau when they make contact.

Read the movement of the ball...

Your opponent will purposefully try to break the average pattern.

Use data as the basis, and predict the number she's aiming for.

I'll try.

You're getting close to the target average.

That's what I was trying to do.

Shouldn't I?

No, go on and continue.

Miss, is this your first time playing roulette?

Your eyes are shining.

It's like you enjoy the spinning of the ball.

I think I'm having fun because of you.

Do you have something against this casino?

Why do you think that?

Your chips tell me that.

We spinners can read what's on the customers' minds with just a few bets.

I don't have any intention of causing you trouble.

What was the reason you chose my table?

Because I thought you were wonderful.

red.

I have a duty as a spinner.

And I have pride.

I will stop you.

Your first win was just business.

You still don't want to move to another table?

I'll play here a little while longer.

Even if I say I'll save you?

A game is a game.

I will learn from you.

Learn?

I'm not sure what.

But I feel like I will learn.

Fine then.

If your luck starts spinning counter-clockwise, don't blame me.

Counter-clockwise?

Be careful, I can smell conviction.

But I can't tell what she's convinced about.

I know.

She believes in the spinning of the ball.

I'm convinced the ball is spinning, too, but...

red.

Wow. You could tell it would fall on the opposite side?

black.

She can tell exactly where I will bet.

Yeah.

But your aim is true. Don't back off, Balot.

Right.

red.

The chips are like splinters.

Have you figured out the tendencies of this table?

It's a balanced table.

And thanks to that, luck's gone unbalanced.

To think the ball falls according to probability each time... What's the chance of that?

How difficult it is...

...to cut through luck, and not for anyone's sake.

And yet you refuse to stop defying luck.

I'm the kind of dealer that enjoys seeing their customers being crushed in defeat.

Even among human desires, it's a devilish one.

Why do you work here?

Oh, so that's it.

You have something against the boss here.

I don't care what company I work for.

My husband was sick and I needed the money.

Even after he died, I kept feeling I was spinning counter-clockwise.

I kept spinning the ball, looking for a way to spin clockwise again.

Counter-clockwise?

The ring of fate spins counter-clockwise to sadness, and clockwise to happiness.

My life calls fate to spin counter-clockwise. It's always been that way.

And so it spins left again...

red.

Please spin it clockwise.

I'll win.

What's your name?

Rune Balot.

I am Bell Wing.

If you feel like spinning the ball, any casino will do.

Call yourself the disciple of Bell Wing.

I'll teach you all my techniques.

Okay.

Now then, I'll spin it clockwise.

Rune Balot.

Yes?

Don't forget the effort needed to keep luck spinning clockwise.

I won't.

It's not something difficult.

It's the same as polishing yourself as a woman.

As a woman?

Being in the right place.

Being there at the right time.

Wearing the right clothes.

Saying the right words, and having your hair done up correctly...

It's all the same.

Only the women who do that have luck spin clockwise.

If your winning numbers are spinning clockwise for me, so be it.

black.

I couldn't see it.

I think it was spinning clockwise.

Go. That's all for Bell Wing's table.

She lost repeatedly to you.

Her manager called an inquiry, and she was let go.

She lost her job?

Because of me?

Yes...

But I could smell she didn't care.

She may have been used to this situation.

Well, you sure were the star.

I'm sorry.

No, it's okay. All according to plan.

Or rather, I think I might not be needed.

What do you mean?

You have a right to fire us and hire some other people.

There's money for that, too.

Without you two, I'd be in real trouble!

How could you say that?!

The Doctor feels responsibility for your amazing power.

Responsibility?

If you use your powers for evil intent, he'll have to freeze them.

When Shell is arrested, if your heart stays so soured, there's no point to this all.

It's true, I'm soured all over...

Should we just quit now?

What is your goal?

I want to solve my case, like I said to Twee and the Professor.

So I'll get a hold of Shell's past, and...

And then you'll destroy your opponent.

It'll be cruel?

Yes.

It's not good unless you know how cruel you are.

Like how Bell Wing said she was devilish.

Hey, I'm not trying to put that kind of burden on her.

But I think that's the game Shell's decided to play.

I've chosen it, too.

Because I don't have any other games to play.

So, I want to use these chips and go as far as I can!

She sure is something, Œufcoque.

Balot's decided to challenge her own worth.

You should be a little more honest with yourself.

From my experience.

I'd have it no other way.

From now on, you'll go non-stop.

You'll win, no matter what.

She escaped , feet up?

Are you sh1tting me?

It's a floating house for military use.

But it's on the surface now.

Her dad's making me play at the casino.

I'm defenseless here.

I have to show him I can handle any situation.

I'll do it.

But for that, I'll need to know the key to your deal...

Stop it!

This is my deal!

I'll win, and I'll do it myself!

You, do your job! Right now!

Got it?

I need R&R.

hours is fine. Please.

This drug will make you want to do your duty.

dead. injured.

That's the number of comrades you blew away by accident.

It's the drug... I can't tell the difference between friend and foe...

Choose!

An operation to allow you to never sleep.

Choose!

Have power dwell in your body!

Choose!

An experimental step...

Would you try talking?

C...old...

W...a...rm...

Th...ank you...

Wh...o are y...ou?

Dimsdale-Boiled.

Do...es it h...urt?

Nothing hurts.

You no longer have need for rest!

You have forgotten how to sleep!

I feel nothing.

Your mind and body are operating flawlessly!

I can feel nothing!

It's already going extremely well.

But he's lost all range of emotion.

I have forgotten anger and sadness, as well.

Œufcoque...

If you won't come back to me, then I will eliminate you.

I will make it like you never were.

Technique and strategy are the key to winning battles.

Technique is choosing one's opponents.

Stay.

Hit.

Double down.

Split.

And then, surrender!

Pay the line.

Aces and s pay . times.

And when it's the Jack and Ace of spades, times.

In other words...

Blackjack!

I don't know what trick you've got...

...but those are some nice gloves.