In Episode 18, the story shifts from its usual dark tone to a lighter, more introspective narrative style. A2 awakens in Pascal's pacifist village of machine lifeforms and instinctively reaches for her katana, but quickly realizes that the machine lifeforms (MLs) are not her enemies. Despite her aversion to the MLs, she is bound by 2B's final command to Pod 042 to protect A2, even though she refuses to take orders from the pod.

Meanwhile, 9S recovers in the resistance camp under the care of Devola and Popola, who play a larger role in this episode. The experienced voice actress Shiraishi Ryouko lends both characters a distinct charm, with Devola's bluntness contrasting Popola's gentleness.

A2, ignoring the Pod's warnings about her damaged systems, attempts to leave the village but collapses due to a system failure. When she regains consciousness, she is surrounded by Pascal's curious but well-meaning nieces and nephews, who, in their innocent albeit misguided way, try to help her. Despite her frustration, A2 reluctantly allows the ML children to care for her and even earns the affectionate nickname "Onee-chan."

Lily, whom A2 believed to be dead, unexpectedly appears and takes A2 to the resistance camp, where Devola and Popola nurse her back to health. Lily observes that A2 has grown wilder and sharper since her last battles, but her core nature remains unchanged. A2's inner conflict is evident as she struggles between her hatred for the MLs and her need to ensure the safety of her allies.

On the other hand, 9S is consumed by vengeful thoughts, believing he witnessed A2 murder 2B. His thirst for revenge clashes with what 2B would have wanted—peace between A2 and 9S instead of further violence. The episode sets the stage for an inevitable confrontation between A2 and 9S, forcing both to reconsider their paths.