act10mini

And so I decided that I would do everything I could to protect and educate my child, whatever awaits them in the future.

They will grow up to be a better person than I am.

I... I really admire you.

Time to go, Mr. Gareth. Our work here is done.

Got it.

Goodbye, Elba. I thought I'd never see you again. It's been a blessed day.

Live long, Elba!

You too.

Did you want to spend more time with your old friend? You can have it, you know.

It's fine. We've said what we needed to.

Very well then, let's go.

Well, look who's waiting for us. Did you have any unfinished business?

Impressive, by the way, to completely elude my notice.

Do not underestimate Catastrophe Messengers.

Do you remember me, Mr. Cannot?

Of course, Miss Elba.

I remember everyone I've ever met. That said, you've changed so much over the past year that I could barely recognize you.

It is always good to see old friends doing so well.

You call everybody a 'friend'.

Do you really understand how much weight that word carries?

If we're truly 'friends'...

Then I must ask you to answer a question before you leave. And answer truthfully.

As you said yourself, cooperation needs to start from trust.

So I need an answer that will develop that trust.

Certainly. Go ahead.

Why are you helping us?

Don't try to dodge the question, or get around it with sophistry.

I want to hear the truth.

Hahaha...

The man wearing a bucket on his head laughs wryly.

For a moment, he gazes quietly at the Reunion member before him, his eyes cloudy under the heavy helmet.

It was never my intention to play with words.

But not everyone is able to accept the stark, unvarnished truth.

Some truths are better left unspoken, my dear Miss Nine.

Reunion does not need lies and deception.

You have roamed the wastelands, the myriad realms of Terra. What have you seen?

Let me tell you what I've seen.

On the frontiers of Columbia, I saw the both Infected and the poor caught between barren soil and dangerous beasts.

Their human dignity is built upon flesh and blood, but beneath the bodies lies the gold that made the monster that is Columbia.

The people of Victoria cling to history and tradition like their lives depend on it. Their wealth and power serve only those who already have them—the greedy and self-serving noble class.

To them, the Infected might be tools in their political plots, or weapons against their enemies, but never human beings.

The 'most powerful country in Terra', and you could barely call it a civilization.

Two years ago, the Columbians turned a deaf ear to a Sami Snowpriest who prophesied that the End of Days is near.

The Columbians said the Snowpriest was mad, but what do they know?

They know nothing of Sami's long struggle against the frenzied darkness.

Sooner or later, this land... nay, the entire world must face the truth of that madness.

The dark shadow beneath the northern tundra, the great gloom deep in the ocean, not to mention ancient calamity buried under the earth.

Despite all this, the people of the land live on secluded islands, waging wars against each other with sticks and stones.

Time is running out. The world is falling apart, and change must come sooner rather than later!

Is that why you're helping us?

One of the reasons.

I support any group that is trying to change things, be it Rusthammer or Reunion, or even those who merely sense the ship beginning to sink and are trying to save themselves.

Someone needs to do something.

I've provided assistance to many individuals and organizations, from Rusthammer to Reunion, to the Cyclopes of Sami, to the mystics of Sargon...

Unfortunately, no one has been able to come up with a solution.

But at the very least, I can point the way.

For better or for worse, we have to try.

Even if all you say is true, Mr. Cannot, I'm still not convinced.

Saving the world from danger is beyond Reunion's ability. It's not our job.

I understand. But it can be a catalyst. We must start the engine before we discuss which way to go.

You're better off looking to the idealists of Rhodes Island.

Rhodes Island alone is not enough, despite the talent they've gathered.

Have you heard of what they did in Kazimierz?

Of course. I was there.

They made a fine move, but one move will not be enough to bring victory in this great game. No one is more aware of that than themselves.

Even the resplendent fire burning in the Radiant Knight's heart is not enough to drive the dark clouds from the land.

Of course, it is still gratifying to see people like them, in this world of pain and hatred.

'Even as dark clouds gather, the spark of hope glows bright.'