act12mini

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.

Don't cry, I'll be fine. I'll yield if things aren't looking good, and I'll be back with you safe and sound.

...It's too late for an interview.

Like I said, I'm picking up my son.

One informant was 'unfortunately' lost in the accident, just as planned. No other casualties.

Target has returned to his hotel, accompanied by his bodyguard.

That's unfortunate. It would have given us an edge at the negotiation table if he'd gone off on his own and gotten into an accident at the abandoned district.

But impromptu plans rarely go smoothly.

What about Nearl?

Unknown.

...He must have left with someone familiar with the secret passages.

Also, a letter just arrived.

At this hour?

Yes, sir. For your eyes only.

From the bounty hunters... alright, back to your station.

You know I keep my promises, Toland.

A certain someone says he recently dreamt of us? Come on, you must be so worried that you can't sleep.

I know what you're planning, Czcibor, and I suggest you think twice.

You were always the calmest and most rational of us.

I didn't use force or cause any trouble. All that happened is that someone sent us records of Gale Industries and your knightclub working with each other.

Ha. As if there were another way.

A man who did not wish to be named rescued more than 20 children from the fire in the abandoned district.

Although he declined to talk about his experience and avoided cameras, witnesses report that his cloak was covered in ashes.

You were really cool, Dad.

Ha. Now you think so?

I want to be a knight too.

No.

Why not?

I want to be able to save people, just like you.

That's not how it happened.

You always spend the whole day at home working on this stuff. Why not make me a suit of plastic armor too?

Mom said we didn't use to have so much money. You used to make your own equipment because you had no sponsors.

She told you all that?

Never mind. Starting tomorrow, you don't need to go to school. In fact, you're not allowed to go out at all until I say it's okay.