act13side

I hope you understand that one shot just now, but the Armorless Union isn't begging on bended knee—

There are three 'Darksteels.'

How many of their arrows can you dodge?

Stop right there!

The Armorless Union members' figures disappear into the gap between the neon signs and the moonlight.

All that remains is the reverberating jazz music.

'Darksteel...' a metal with an obsidian-like luster. Very heavy.

It came falling down from the dark night sky... just as the name implies.

From the... night sky?

The night sky...

The Radiant Knight looks up again.

There are twinkling stars everywhere, seemingly ready to strike down and ambush them at any moment.

This arrow... They must have shot it from far away. It was the high slope of the trajectory that made it seem like it fell from the sky.

That makes no sense.

The Armorless Union... and 'Darksteel.' If everything's just like the smooth-tongued guy said, they were the origins of the term 'Armorless Union.'

These assassins might have their eyes on our heads right this moment.

You're right. We need to be more alert. This is Kazimierz, after all.

It's the fortress of their crimes.

Malkiewicz...

What's the matter, Mr. McKee?

It seems like you've lightened up a lot the past couple days. Did something happen?

No... I just figured out what it is I should be doing.

Oh yes?

I heard you have a close relationship with Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals, and that you even arranged for their leader to meet with a few other corporations the other day?

That's true... Is there a problem?

I'm sure you know, but public opinion on the Infected has been getting out of hand. We'll have to do something sooner or later.

Rhodes Island is one of the few foreign companies that operate in Area 0, but they have the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi's support nonetheless.

We must treat this Rhodes Island seriously. Actually, a few of the executives have already made clear that they want us to investigate... and make sure they're dealt with.

Dealt with... huh?

There are certain secrets about Area 0 that we can't let an outsider uncover.

We're deploying the Armorless Union here, and the responsible party will again be given the Platinum's command.

The Armorless Union?!

However... I also proposed to the Board that they put you in charge of this.

Mr. McKee! Thank you!

Don't mention it.

I'm hoping your relationship with Rhodes Island will keep things simple. When you do business in Kazimierz, you have to play by Kazimierz's rules.

I understand.

Another thing... Please make sure word doesn't get out on this whole affair, lest things turn dangerous. Even though Platinum and most of the Armorless Union are still under control.

There remains a problem with the Armorless Union's internal affairs. A huge problem.

...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...?