act12mini

To be honest, I came here because I envy the cities of Kazimierz.

...The modern Kazimierz?

Yes, where nobles, entrepreneurs, and commoners can all walk on the same street without anyone having to give way to one another.

Where the goods in the shops are made for everyone, whether they can use Originium Arts or not, whether they appreciate music or not.

Here, people can pursue any lifestyle they want, as long as they have money, and there is plenty of opportunity for that.

I only wish the people in my fief had the same energy, and that more of them could live better lives...

Opportunity? A better life? Don't tell me someone of your position and experience could be blinded by superficial appearances?

Of course I understand that I'm only being shown the best side. I've seen more than enough gold and jewels in the brief time that I've been here.

Which is exactly why I wanted to come to where the poor live, to see the people whom your rules have cast aside.

Thus, I will learn from them and improve upon the system.

No, I don't want to die! I can't walk yet... please...

A secondary explosion...

It must be due to the high temperatures.

It's dangerous here... Are we really going to look for the person you mentioned? What if they've already fled?

I can't have you getting hurt helping me.

...I have my own business here.

If you truly are acting in good faith, Leithanian, you will open a path here.

There may yet be hope, if we head there immediately.

The voice came from behind the wall.

The door's warped... I'll try to clear a way with my Arts.

...It'll take some time though.

Go ahead. If I'd meant to harm you, I would've done so by now.

Very well...

*cough*... The fire's spreading.

I was caught in a fire once, many years ago.

Someone tried to set the count's tower ablaze, the day the Witch King's light faded from Leithanien.

The arsonist was never found. Perhaps many who had been slaves to fear threw kindling upon the flames all at once, the moment they could breathe again.

The fire itself didn't cause too much damage. My father's casters quickly brought it under control.

Treasures could be replaced, as could servants.

But I couldn't help but think... that the fact that I continue to live in comfort and luxury is perhaps the reason they lit that fire.

And what of you? Why do you stand in the flames with no fear on your face? Even if you deny it, you look like one who has seen the burning fires of war up close.

—Done.

The voice becomes increasingly discernable as the dust clears.

The faint light of Originium Arts illuminates a room that looks like it has been turned over. Furniture is scattered across the ground, and any signs of life are long gone from the body buried beneath the rubble.

The only sound comes from a radio on the ground.

Here are the assignments for squads around Dzwonek for the new equipment test.

Intel obtained from the captured Leithanian spy indicates that Leithanien has developed multiple Arts Units designed to penetrate Kazimierz knight armor.

In preparation for the war with Leithanien—

A hand snatches up the radio and smashes it on the ground.

The Leithanian noble grows pale as he processes what he just heard.

Dzwonek, an important military outpost, still has 'the bones of sentry towers and turrets hidden in the corners.'

This was what he told the Kazimierz knight standing before him, the day before.

The great steel eye remains focused on Leithanien, on him.

I... I didn't hear anything...

I don't know...

His eyes land on the caster rapidly approaching his counterpart from behind.

Aloisia! Kill him!

Yes, sir.

We'll be trapped by the fire if you don't turn back.

You've rescued everyone who could be rescued along the way. Doesn't look like anyone else is breathing down here.

Neither of us found what we were looking for, but... one less piece of intel doesn't make a huge difference.

As for you, I'm sure you have dozens of sons waiting for you on the main street by now.

Someone's fighting? Here?

Let go of my wand, Infected!

No.

You'd better be prepared to get Infected blood on you, if you want to harm my savior.

...Out of the way, Zeno.

Huh?

An arrow whistles past the young Infected's cheek, just as he is pushed away.

Blasted Infected! I remember your face! You're the culprit behind the riots!

And you, Młynar Nearl! I knew someone was backing them.

What are you plotting? What are you doing here? House Nearl just can't help but side with the Infected, can it?

Who are you to question House Nearl—

Why are you dragging us into trouble, this far away from the Grand Knight Territory?

Let's go, Aloisia!

...You let the Leithanians get away.

Answer me! What are you planning? Where's my son?

Enough. Do you really believe everything the press reports? Don't tell me you're still as foolish as the day you first lost in that ridiculous competition, and drowned yourself in wine.

You—

...I saw a boy with purple hair.

If he has the slightest sense of responsibility, he'll have accompanied his friend to the hospital.

Alright, I'll believe you for now.

But there will be hell to pay if he's not there.

And you, Weaver.

Oh, you're...

You're looking for them?

We want to talk to the bounty hunters. Now.

This should be far enough... He didn't come after us. He must have been delayed.

How are your injuries, Aloisia?

Just a scratch I took on the counter.

You won't be doing anything so dangerous when we're back in Leithanien. You'll have plenty of time to recover.

Yes, sir. I apologize.

Anybody watching us?

No, sir.

The reporters at the exit to the street are busy interviewing someone. They won't be paying attention.

Then let's go.

We must leave Kazimierz, now.

What about tomorrow's ceremony?

...It's a shame.

You saved the lives of 22 children! What is your name and occupation? Are you an experienced rescuer?

How many of the children do you know? What made you decide to help so many people whom you've never met?

Where did you find them? We saw an injured child being sent to the hospital. What did you feel as you rescued him?

Out of the way, out of the way.

I need to find my son.

Your outfit is similar to the so-called 'Plastic Knight,' who hasn't been seen for a while. Are you a fan of his? Did he inspire you to this valorous deed?

Plastic armor's good enough. I'm an archer, and I don't let the opponent get near me.

It may have been fun and games, but it's also true that nobody's come close to matching me.

And think about it: there will be no ads printed on this armor.

When I'm interviewed as the winner, I'll let the world know that I made it myself.

It'll be a slap in the face for those big companies, for taking away our livelihoods with inferior mass-produced goods.