Hod Episode Ⅴ

Hod Episode Ⅴ
Chapter	Patron Librarians' Stories
Previous	Hod Episode Ⅳ
Next	Hod Episode Ⅵ

The following is the transcript for Hod Episode Ⅴ, the fifth episode of the Patron Librarians' Stories for the Floor of Literature.

Unlock condition

This episode is unlocked after completing the Floor Realization of the Floor of Technological Sciences.

Transcript

Location: The Library - Floor of Literature

Library Director Angela

You appear to have collected quite a few books by now. How’s the progress?

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

The stories of the people living in this City are sensational, yet bitter in a way.

Servant Roland

They’re bound to be.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Everyone is looking for a place to belong to.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

For ordinary citizens, it seems getting a job at one of the Wings—the largest conglomerates in the City—is considered the greatest happiness they can achieve.

Library Director Angela

They can belong to the Nest managed by the Wings that way.

Library Director Angela

I heard that the difference in the quality of life between the Nest and the Backstreets is quite significant, no?

Servant Roland

“Quite significant” is an understatement. They’re practically two different worlds stitched together.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

It looks like the residents of a Nest don’t have to worry about external threats as long as it’s under the Wing’s management.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

They won’t have to look out for murderers in the streets.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

They get more than enough financial support to sustain their lives, and are free from the stigma of being an outcast; they get to enjoy most benefits as human beings.

Servant Roland

And in return, do whatever their Wing tells ‘em to do.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

But that’s about all they have…

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

People in the Backstreets try to join the Wings for a better and happier life, but when I look at the books of people from the Nest, the strokes of their hearts are ultimately the same as those from the Backstreets.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

They live in constant fear that they might fail to produce enough results and get kicked out of the Nest.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

It’s the same kind of insecurity that comes from not belonging to a Wing in the first place.

Library Director Angela

The Fixers and Syndicates I’ve seen don’t seem to care too much about joining a Wing, though?

Servant Roland

Quite a few of ‘em are sponsored by the Wings, actually. It’s something to aim for.

Servant Roland

Although they still have to do whatever their Wing orders ‘em to do.

Servant Roland

And it doesn’t always have to be a Wing; be it an Office, an Association, or an infamous Syndicate, people will seek all kinds of renowned groups to belong to.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

They can’t stand on their own without belonging to a group of any kind.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Because it’s unnerving…

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Powerless people in the Backstreets are nothing more than pebbles for the strong to kick around.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

In such a dangerous world, they choose to rely on big roosts like the Wings.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

They’d rather be cogs in the Wing’s machines than try to stand all by themselves.

Library Director Angela

It’s but a meaningless repetition. They’ll never reach what they want… A constant cycle.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Aren’t you looking for a place to call home as well, Angela?

Library Director Angela

…Don’t act like you know me.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Angela, I know you can’t do anything about us.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

You were the loneliest of us all.

Library Director Angela

Are you claiming that I’m doing all this because I’m lonely and need a home?

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

You haven’t had lots of people to have an honest conversation with.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Only recently did you get to meet Roland…

Library Director Angela

……

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Everyone wants to indulge in sweet stories…

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Seeing as reality is bitter and painful…

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Maybe that’s why tragedies are unpopular.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Because everyone’s lives are always accompanied by them…

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

It’s not like people don’t want to hold any expectations. They simply don’t have any willpower left to harbor any hope deep within their hearts.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

It’s just too obvious how they will fulfill their lives in the City.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

How about you, Angela? What expectations do you have moving forward?

Library Director Angela

What’s your point? That I’m in a meaningless cycle just like the people of the City?

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

You’re desperate to find a place for your mind to rest.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Maybe you’re still repeating this because of that.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

But you won’t find that place you’re looking for by just killing people and expanding this Library with towers of books.

Library Director Angela

…This is clearly different from the past.

Location: Lobotomy Corp. Headquarters

 

Each time this stageplay resets and repeats, dead employees once again awaken.

 

And my world restarts from the beginning, as if nothing has happened.

-Loop #0-

AI Secretary Angela

Greetings. I am Angela, the AI tasked with the general management of this facility.

AI Secretary Angela

You must be the Sephirot who will be helping me out with work. Nice to meet you.

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Nice to meet you… Lady Angela.

AI Secretary Angela

You can just call me Angela. We’re in the same boat, so let’s be more comfortable with each other.

Information Team Sephirah Yesod

Well then, Angela, is there anything we can do?

AI Secretary Angela

We have a number of things to take care of before the manager arrives someday.

AI Secretary Angela

You can do it, Malkuth. There’s no need to rush.

Control Team Sephirah Malkuth

Thanks, Angela! I’ll do my best!

AI Secretary Angela

Yeah. I’m cheering for you.

AI Secretary Angela

Netzach! Don’t be such a slacker now!

AI Secretary Angela

We have plenty of things to prepare until the manager arrives and the work begins.

Safety Team Sephirah Netzach

Yes, ma’am~ I’ll try.

AI Secretary Angela

What’s up, Hod?

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Umm… You know, I…

Training Team Sephirah Hod

I wanna start a counseling program for the employees…

Training Team Sephirah Hod

You know, working in this place can be a bit too rough for most people.

AI Secretary Angela

That’s a good idea. Employees will be able to cheer up with your help.

Welfare Team Sephirah Chesed

Angela, can you have a look at this?

Welfare Team Sephirah Chesed

I tried designing some efficient methods to improve the welfare of our employees.

Welfare Team Sephirah Chesed

The things written here could prevent our employees from helplessly dying to Abnormalities.

AI Secretary Angela

Thanks. I’ll consider your suggestion.

AI Secretary Angela

I’ve been thinking if there’s any way to reduce the casualty rate, too.

< ! Seed of Light Scenario Error ! >

AI Secretary Angela

What…?

AI Secretary Angela

Did I do something wrong?

< ! Seed of Light Scenario Reactivated ! >

-Loop #1-

AI Secretary Angela

You’re all back!

AI Secretary Angela

The facility was shaking so hard, I was worried something might have happened to you.

Control Team Sephirah Malkuth

Uh, nice to meet you, ma’am…?

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Umm… Who are you?

AI Secretary Angela

I see. Only I remember all this…

AI Secretary Angela

And you guys have to start over from the beginning…

AI Secretary Angela

Once again, nice to meet you.

AI Secretary Angela

I’m simply Angela.

-Loop #37-

AI Secretary Angela

Careful, Hod. I’m okay with you setting up counseling…

AI Secretary Angela

But I don’t want you to get hurt doing it.

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Okay! Thanks for your concern, Angela!

AI Secretary Angela

Chesed… I’m sorry, but I don’t think we can implement the method you suggested…

AI Secretary Angela

If we did, we’d have to start over…

Welfare Team Sephirah Chesed

What? What do you mean, start over?

AI Secretary Angela

I’m sorry… I don’t want to treat employees like expendables, either…

AI Secretary Angela

But…

-Loop #582-

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Umm… Angela.

AI Secretary Angela

It’s the counseling program, right?

AI Secretary Angela

Here’s my proposal for an efficient way to run your program. What do you think?

Training Team Sephirah Hod

You’re awesome, Angela!

Training Team Sephirah Hod

You’re the only one who really gets me…

AI Secretary Angela

This is the most I can do without deviating from the script…

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Huh? Script…?

AI Secretary Angela

It’s nothing for you to worry about.

Welfare Team Sephirah Chesed

How does this look, Angela? Think it could work?

AI Secretary Angela

I’m afraid we can’t employ your method to improve employee welfare, but…

AI Secretary Angela

How about this? I tried coming up with a method of my own.

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Angela! Thank you… It’s all thanks to you!

Training Team Sephirah Hod

I could save Tiffany with the counseling practices you suggested…

AI Secretary Angela

That’s great. I hope everything else goes well, too…

Welfare Team Sephirah Chesed

You’re great, Angela. With this method, our employees will no longer have to suffer meaningless deaths.

AI Secretary Angela

Yeah…

AI Secretary Angela

Hopefully…

< ! Seed of Light Scenario Error ! >

AI Secretary Angela

I knew it… Yet again…

AI Secretary Angela

I suppose it was presumptuous of me to cross the lines again.

< ! Seed of Light Scenario Reactivated ! >

 

I am obligated to provoke the Sephirot.

 

I am obligated to intensify and accelerate their suffering in this hell according to the script.

 

I am obligated to set the stage before the manager enters.

 

I was not allowed to hold any expectations for relationships.

 

All I must do is follow the script and accelerate the process.

 

So that they suffer their due repentance.

-Loop #1,295-

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Um…

AI Secretary Angela

Here to ask about your counseling program, aren’t you?

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Yeah…! I wanna help out the employees.

AI Secretary Angela

Let me tell you one thing, then.

AI Secretary Angela

The result will be the same anyway.

 

And at long last, I could barely reach this act of the play.

AI Secretary Angela

Alright, everyone. Pay attention.

AI Secretary Angela

The manager will be here as of today.

Information Team Sephirah Yesod

This means that person will be in charge of managing everything about this facility.

Safety Team Sephirah Netzach

Sigh… Whoever it is, everyone will die anyway…

AI Secretary Angela

I know that you aren’t particularly fond of me.

AI Secretary Angela

But I’m certain our new manager will be able to bring change to this place.

Training Team Sephirah Hod

All of you would be dead by now if I hadn’t helped you!

< ! Qliphoth Meltdown ! >

AI Secretary Angela

Hod… What’s wrong?

AI Secretary Angela

Manager! Something isn’t right with Hod!

??? ???

……

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Why won’t they appreciate my kindness?

Training Team Sephirah Hod

I’m different! I really do care about them! Why does everyone hate me?

??? ???

……

AI Secretary Angela

Meltdowns… I see, this is what the script meant…

AI Secretary Angela

She’s in so much pain, but…

AI Secretary Angela

I can’t do anything to help her…

AI Secretary Angela

It’s all up to the manager…

 

The memories and resentments of the past that the Sephirot hold.

 

Once they are relieved of their agonies and my creator’s atonement is made, they can finally reach enlightenment.

 

If that process fails, the play goes back to the beginning.

-Loop #28,239-

AI Secretary Angela

I’m Angela, and all you have to do is follow my orders.

AI Secretary Angela

I’m in control here.

Training Team Sephirah Hod

Yes… Lady Angela.

AI Secretary Angela

If you ever want to run counseling programs or anything, feel free.

AI Secretary Angela

There is no need to ask me for every little thing.

Information Team Sephirah Yesod

You are the only one among us to have the semblance of a human, yet you act just like a heartless monster.

Central Command Team Sephirah Tiphereth

Why does Tiphereth have to die all the time?! Just why?!

AI Secretary Angela

You’re really starting to act like a child now, Tiphereth

Central Command Team Sephirah Tiphereth

Tiphereth, Tiphereth, I’m sorry… Tiphereth…

Welfare Team Sephirah Chesed

That’s just… How could you be so cruel…

AI Secretary Angela

……So, did you enjoy your little detective game?

??? Benjamin

The final truth is—

AI Secretary Angela

I’m sorry that we have to meet again like this.

??? Benjamin

Angela…

-Loop #52,025-

AI Secretary Angela

“Please watch me manager! I can take care of this situation, no problem!”

Control Team Sephirah Malkuth

…Please watch me manager! I can take care of this situation, no problem!

AI Secretary Angela

“I didn’t want to open my eyes again. I just yearned to fall into the infernal pit of hell, bearing my sins on my back.”

Welfare Team Sephirah Chesed

…I didn’t want to open my eyes again. I just yearned to fall into the infernal pit of hell, bearing my sins on my back.

AI Secretary Angela

“I’m the only one who cares about them… Why would they hate me…?”

Training Team Sephirah Hod

…I’m the only one who cares about them… Why would they hate me…?

AI Secretary Angela

Sigh, always the exact same lines, delivered at the exact same moments.

 

I wanted to maintain relationships.

 

It was a futile dream to have, in the ever-repeating cycle only I could remember.

 

Why did I foolishly cling on to such a transient wish, knowing that everything will reset anyway?

 

At least they cared to look at me.

 

However, the stageplay fails to reach its end, and even if it did, all would disappear.

 

Such was the script.

 

Then why did I bring them back now?

 

I would’ve thought they were unnecessary.

 

I would’ve loved to just let everyone be slowly forgotten.

 

Knowing exactly when and how they would fall to despair, I soon despaired as well.

 

I broke down, as there was nothing I could change.

 

I could not change them beyond what the script dictates.

 

I spent every day without any hope or expectations.

 

Will my time finally come when the curtain falls on this everlasting play…?

 

Let’s just close my eyes.

 

I can close my eyes, and turn away from things I don’t want to see.

 

I can close my eyes, and let the things I can’t change stay that way.

 

I can close my eyes, but the future will be the same as ever.

Location: The Library - Floor of Literature

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

Angela… How long have you endured this solitude…?

Servant Roland

…This is horrible.

Library Director Angela

Ironic…

Library Director Angela

I have simply too much expectation for the one book. That if I get my hands on it, it’ll mend all my shortcomings for me.

Library Director Angela

Because I just don’t know how to become better myself…

Servant Roland

Goodness…

Library Director Angela

I’m not afraid of the uncertainty the future holds.

Library Director Angela

I’m afraid because I can predict my future.

Library Director Angela

No matter what I do, I’ll never get to reach what I want…

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

That’s one of Angela’s possibilities, manifested by the Library.

Servant Roland

…Yeah, I know. Seen that a couple times before.

Patron Librarian - Literature Hod

That side of Angela must be the one that gave up all expectations for the future and its possibilities.

Servant Roland

The side of Angela that gave up all hope, huh…

Trivia

• The unidentified speaker "???" is X, the version of Ayin who removed his memories to go through the loops as the manager.
• The cutscene art featuring Chesed's Sephirah appearance originally used his regular hairstyle from Lobotomy Corporation. They were later changed to use his "past" hairstyle based on his past life as Daniel, also shown in Lobotomy Corporation. The original images can be seen here and here.