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— Sands, Episode 17 | ||
Episode 17 is the seventeenth chapter of the Code Adam (WEBTOON) series by Atterozen. It was released on October 6, 2019.
Synopsis
Sands discovers that his communicator earpiece is dead and tosses it aside. Before he can exit the parking garage to return to the gala, though, the pile of fallen concrete shifts.
Meanwhile, Atlas finishes informing Sita of his intention of aiding the T-2s in their mission to locate all eight Originals in order to complete the Cure. Sita admits that she was unaware of a Cure and says that all she can do is tell them what she knows of the other Originals. Surprised that she hasn't met any of the other Originals given her publicity, Atlas questions her further. Sita acknowledges that it would have been simple for her to locate them, but not vice versa. She informs Atlas and Nine that her choker necklace is instrumental in using her ability, essentially the vessel by which she is able to speak.
Returning to the subject of the remaining Originals, Sita mentions that the others are highly interested in Atlas, but advises against drawing their attention. When Atlas asks her about this, Sita cryptically replies that "they're not the same people you once knew".
Having been silent during the conversation, Nine suddenly interrupts by pointing out that Sita is speaking as if she knows him and Atlas. He asks her whether they know one another. Sita begins to respond, but is silenced by an icy glare from Atlas. Hesitating, she diverts the question by saying that she is merely mentioning this information as a fellow Original. She adds that Hiru, Viis, and Sete have remained in the city, but the other three Originals had reportedly volunteered themselves as killers for the military.
Back in the parking garage, Deus emerges from beneath the rubble. Sands quickly attempts to use his ability to manipulate the piercings in Deus' ear, the metal glowing golden. However, the golden glow suddenly changes to red and Sands loses control over the metal piercings. Deus seems unfazed by Sands' surprise, pointing out that Sands has likely never seen a red glow before unless he'd fought with someone with the same ability. The Original explains that it's an "override", meaning that though he and Sands possess the same ability, Deus has stronger control over the metal.
Using his ability, Deus attacks Sands again by hurling sheets of metal at the T-2. One slams directly into Sands' stomach while another slashes his shoulder, sending him flying backward across the room. A metal spike impales his arm and pins him to the wall, rendering him unable to move.
Deus stalks closer, saying that as a T-2, Sands is too weak to stop him. He admits that he understands the feeling of having to rely on other people to save oneself, a comment that brings a scoff from Sands. Sands retorts that Deus is the one who doesn't understand. T-2s' bodies are too weak to effectively contain the power of the abilities they possess - powers that end up destroying them. And they can never hope that their abilities could ever be a match for a true Original, regardless of how hard they train. However, a mere fraction of Deus' power can have a devastating effect without ever causing any physical harm to his body. Sands bites out that the only way an Original could be weak would be by their own choice. At this, Deus has a flashback of himself as a child, clutching Nora's coat in fear. Gritting his teeth, Deus commands Sands to be quiet and that he doesn't know anything. Sands shouts back that "there's no such thing as a helpless Original," and that Deus was nothing but a coward.
Shaking with rage, Deus roars for Sands to shut up and sends several metal spikes flying through the air towards him. A look of resignation crosses Sands' face as he braces himself for the final blow. Before the spikes find their mark, however, Iantis, Lato, and Hinalea burst into the parking garage, shielding Sands and knocking the spikes aside.