Deep Insanity: The Lost Child (ディープインサニティ ザ・ロストチャイルド)

Do you read us, HQ?

We located the Sleeper that went missing yesterday.

Confirm it.

Well?

Results are unclear at the moment.

It's quite possible infection's occurred

and the signs aren't showing yet.

Recover the target.

Roger.

Uh...?

Hm? What's wrong?

Nothing, thought I saw some movement.

Probably imagined it.

Randolph Syndrome confirmed!

Impossible! Becoming a Scarred while still in a coma?

That's never happened before.

We can figure out why later.

Requesting Code 0-1--

Retreat! Retreat!

Madness and never-ending sleep,

known as Randolph Syndrome.

Although little has been discovered of this new disease,

one thing is certain: it's slowly eating away at humanity.

As to where it came from, a deep pit in the South Pole

is believed to be the source.

Within this underground realm are bizarre creatures

unlike any seen on Earth, as well as mysterious resources.

Despite the incredible nature of this discovery,

most people aren't aware yet of this mysterious new world,

the threat it will soon pose to Earth,

or even its name: The Asylum.

Come on. No saving a city when it gets to this point.

People are gonna get Randolph Syndrome.

Not like you can do anything to stop that from happening.

Kinda wish they'd just accept reality.

Lower you voice, Leslie. You're being too loud.

Give me a break, it's hereditary. Can't help it.

Plus, this is my first time out in forever,

and I really wanna cut loose, y'know?

Meanwhile, I've got this crap reminding me of work.

Join the Antarctica Front!

A company looking to the future!

Research and develop new materials for a brand new era!

See? Doesn't matter where we go, we'll always run into something

that reminds us about the mission.

Young comrades thinking of joining,

sign up today!

The Antarctica Front needs Sleepers. Heroes, just like you!

The time to open the pathway is upon us!

We'll be waiting for you!

What's that commercial even about?

It makes us sound like we're a bunch of weird

dreamers or something.

Fabrications, half-truths, and exaggerations.

All in one short commercial.

I'm gonna phone up the government to complain!

Oh, by the way, Vera.

I heard a rumor you issued another request

for more personnel.

Yeah.

Really, though. Aren't you ever going to learn?

My name is Shigure Daniel Kai. Nice to meet you.

So tell me, what made you decide to volunteer for this position?

Honestly, a hero.

What?

I mean I want to be a hero,

and figured becoming a Sleeper was the way to go.

I'm pulling up the next volunteer now.

So this is the famous one.

Famous, you say?

You mean you haven't heard?

He said in the interview his motivation

for joining was to become a hero.

Even by our standard, that's one weird kid.

What we need more than ever are cost-efficient soldiers

who're experienced in combat and can stay alive

longer than their first day.

I understand that, sir, but these days,

we only get applicants like him. It's because of that commercial

and the misunderstanding it creates.

So, how was his aptitude evaluation?

About that. He has a B ranking.

Overall, nothing extraordinary.

But he scored quite well on the practical portions.

Specifically, his concentration.

In terms of time to focus and time spent focused,

he set new records.

Yes, yes, that's impressive and all,

but what unit would want a guy like him?

Beg your pardon.

I'm Commander Vera Rustamova of Platoon Eleven.

You wanted to see me?

Commander Rustamova. If memory serves,

your unit wanted reinforcements, is that correct?

Yes, sir.

Then you'll be happy to hear we have someone for you.

The kid is green, but there is no denying

he has lofty ambitions.

A new kid, you said?

You do know I can't guarantee his survival.

That's fine.

Whether he survives or not is his responsibility.

Not yours, Commander. Want him?

If that is your order.

So, did you hear the latest?

Concerning what?

About the new kid who's joining our platoon.

He's supposed to be showing up today.

Did not.

I didn't hear either, and frankly couldn't care less.

Looks like you're just as cold as ever, huh?

And you expected any different?

Our platoon's had eight kids sent to us in the past

ten months, and out all of those new recruits,

tell me, how many are left?

Zero! It's gotten to a point

you stop thinking about them as people altogether.

Both of you guys are mean. Fine.

I'll give him the welcome he deserves.

You just stand there. He should be here any moment.

Again with this?

You and your little pranks. What's it gonna be this time?

Squad three. Assemble at gate three.

Squad commander. Report to the commissary

immediately for departure preparations.

Anyone there?

Who is it?

It's Shigure Daniel Kai, the new recruit, sir!

I've been assigned to this platoon, starting today.

Yeah, we heard! Come on in!

Thank you very much.

Hello, and welcome to Vera Platoon!

Uh.

Yeah, kinda childish, huh? I wasn't trying to be mean.

Just give you a spirited reception is all!

I don't know what you heard about us,

but I wanted to show you that here in Platoon Eleven,

we're not afraid of having fun!

Oh yeah, the name's Laurence Jackson,

my friends call me Larry.

Larry. Larry.

Can't you see we're having a bonding moment, Kobato?

And I don't mean to interrupt, but in case you haven't noticed,

he's not breathing.

Huh?

We have to do something!

What if his heart stops before the mission even begins.

All right, Larry, what did you do this time?

Wait a minute. Isn't that the new kid?

Do you have to pick on him?

Well, uh, I was just trying to prepare him

for what to expect down in the Asylum?

Uh, yeah, that's it.

And the result was he has no heartbeat.

Good morning.

I must say, I've seen plenty of Sleepers in my time,

but none of them had an introduction that terrible.

It certainly made a strong impression, though.

Uh, who are...?

You can call me Leslie.

The Executive Officer of Platoon Eleven,

your new assignment. Some call us the Vera Platoon,

but regardless of name, glad to have you.

Mm-- Uh, thank you. Happy to be a part of the team.

Believe it or not, you've already set a new record.

A record for what?

For fainting, of course, silly.

You're the weird new kid who became a Sleeper

because you wanted to be some kinda hero, isn't that right?

I, uh... Uh, yeah.

Seriously?

Is it really that strange of a reason?

Hmph. Follow me, recruit.

Oh. Coming.

1-9. I repeat. 1-9, you're clear for entry.

I'm Luca Adriano! I just joined this unit!

Glad to be here, sir!

This may be a stupid question

but you do know what a Sleeper is, don't you?

Yeah, sure. Their main job is to research, investigate,

as well as recover any new resources found

in the recently discovered world under the ice.

That's the official story.

Huh? You mean it's just a cover?

I'll skip the details since you'll find out for yourself

soon enough. Before you go down there,

all you need to remember is this:

Anyone who's got free time to wonder who they want to be

is going to wind up dead in a hurry.

I've seen plenty of recruits go.

Make way! Coming through! Move please!

That guy they brought in was hurt, right?

So how come they weren't going any faster?

The longer you're around,

the quicker you'll be able to figure out

the difference between those who'll survive

and those who won't. Everyone learns.

Remember the rules, you won't end up like him.

Sound good?

Rules?