act13side

...Doctor.

Spacing out again? Are you bored?

Lately, a lot of people here in the Grand Knight Territory are boycotting the Infected knights.

If it weren't for that... Hehe... I would've loved to take a stroll around town with you.

Amiya is under a lot more pressure.

Well... but of course.

I find myself wondering... what is your company trying to do here in Kazimierz?

Closure's always complaining that we're in the red. We had to think of something.

Nearl also told us there are a lot of people here in Kazimierz who need help.

I asked her what her plan was.

I decided to give her my full support, and so did Amiya.

That's why we're here.

That's a pretty unsurprising answer.

Though, in the past, I would've thought it an excuse... I guess the Radiant Knight has pretty high standing at Rhodes Island?

I can't say I've given anyone's 'standing' that much thought.;I respect Nearl, and that's got nothing to do with standing.;Margaret Nearl is one of our operators. I've never thought of her as the Radiant Knight.

Kazimierz companies these days like to boast about having flat management structures, but it's actually a ploy to get the bottom-rung workers to let their guard down.

But if that's what you say, Doctor... then let's go with that.

Does this mean that if I come work part time at Rhodes Island right now, we'll be... on equal footing?

My, I'm so jealous.

You turned a blind eye to the Radiant Knight's title and status, treating her only as a person... and you still respect her nonetheless?

What about everyone else at Rhodes Island? Do they have your respect too? If so... I think I'm a little curious about this place now.

There are a lot of knights who respect the Radiant Knight, though it's always for the same two reasons.

It's either because she is a 'Nearl' or that she's 'the Radiant Knight.'

As a knight of Kazimierz, it's interesting to be given a different answer.

...Doctor.

I was sold as a slave to Kazimierz. Ever since, my master taught me to be ready to give my life for others.

Even now, I'm ready to die for you, you know? Hehe.

Because you were tasked to be my bodyguard?;Because that's an order from the Adeptus?

That's how campaign knights are trained.

That's why the Radiant Knight's actions feel somewhat distant to me.

Do you think it's a noble thing to give your life for somebody else's ideals?

Of course.;Yes.

What if that person's ideal is to give their own life for somebody else? What would that get us in the end?

A better world.

As long as it's something better, I'd call that a win.

That's a naive way of thinking. It's nothing like how sharp you were when dealing with the K.G.C.C.

Say, Gravel?

What is it?

If you don't think I'm worthy of your sacrifice, then don't make it.

How could you say that? You're doubting my loyal—

If you think I'm worthy of your sacrifice, then live on for us.

You're a brilliant knight, and you're a partner of Rhodes Island.

You're free.

What's on your mind?

Nothing, it's just... it's been a while since I last saw Darksteel make a move.

When was it?

You weren't a Lazurite yet... It was when we took care of the last Platinum.

That Platinum was Centaurea's master... or something like that, I guess?

It was raining that day. The time was 4:47 P.M., and I was just about to go on a business trip to another city.

I was the only Lazurite at the time, and I got a call all of a sudden. They told me that 'Platinum' betrayed us, and I had to take him out immediately.

So...? Did you kill your coworker with your own two hands?

Nope. If I'd done that, I'm not sure I'd ever get a decent night's sleep again.

Actually, by the time we made it there... Haha... It was an unfinished building.

The whole third floor was wrecked, and the traitor... was nailed to the wall high above the ground with one of Darksteel's heavy arrows pierced straight through his chest.

Now, I may be an amateur when it comes to on-site investigation, but I could tell that 'Platinum' tried to run away, only to get shot through the chest by the arrow mid-air, and pinned to the wall like that.

I was standing right under the wall, and the poor guy who fell in love with his target and tried to betray us was nailed right there above me.

I can still see it in my mind. I'd never seen a wall as white as that, and he looked like he really suffered.

Only an idiot would be fooled by somebody spouting freedom and platitudes. They don't understand what it actually means to survive.

It's me.

Hm... Are they finally making their move?

Pinus Sylvestris, huh...?

Right, they're very cautious... but... they couldn't hold back any longer.

I mean, we've had those Infected boycott protests the last two days. It's ironic. I'm not even sure who's the victim here anymore.

*Sigh*, another phone call? Does it ever stop?

Hello—

Why didn't you position yourself at the specified coordinates?

The Confessarius and the Radiant Knight wouldn't have blocked that arrow.

You had them face north, and they saw my arrow in time.

I could've killed the Sarkaz sitting on the chair at least.

Ahaha, I'm not sure what you're talking about—I can't just laugh this one off, eh?

That was my quick thinking, Boss. The Radiant Knight's a stubborn one. If you kill one of her friends, you'll just end up provoking her.

If she'd lose her cool, I don't see why we shouldn't have.

That would've been too dangerous, Boss. Sorry for only cluing you in after the fact, but I think the threat level we're at is just right. Let's not overdo it.

Trust me. The Radiant Knight won't get in your way... By the way, may I ask how things are going right now?

The Board will figure this out soon... but no matter. When the city is paralyzed by the Infected...

I will end the last of the insiders, personally.

And then no one alive will know the identities of the Armorless Union's highest ranking members.

In position.

Loud and clear.

All ready.

Yeah! We can do this!

Sona... The backup power's kicking in way too fast. They might have improved their emergency measures.

Please... Please be careful.

Hah, so you're saying I should put on an even bigger show?

That's right, Wild Mane! Bash those Armorless Union bastards' brains in!

Of course! I'm ready, anytime!

Iwona will ambush the Armorless Union's patrol head on.

After half an hour, Ashley will ambush the supply sector. If we don't run into any surprises, the Adeptus's guards will be 'sent away' at that point.

I'll infiltrate the K.G.C.C. and take what we need. Easy peasy.

Okay... Let's get this started.

I can help you sneak into the building...

But that's all I can do for you. You'll also need somebody to keep your escape route clear.

That's more than enough. Thanks, Toland.

Don't forget what I said. What you folks are doing means much more than you can ever imagine.

Now, let everyone see this city cry its eyes out.