act18mini

I won't die. I can't die. Besides, we're already taking too long.

How is the Lifebone's recovery going?

It'll make it to Kazdel... provided no one 'accidentally' damages it again.

Oh, was that meant for me?

Guess YOUR recovery's going just fine.

How are things looking outside, W?

I'll let you off the hook about the name <i>this time</i>, Ines.

Even better. How are things looking outside, W?

The Victorians made a big push right after the fire on the walls. The Nachzehrer lines collapsed right away.

What about the Nachzehrer King?

Still kicking, but he retreated into the city—

I—Is there any news about the General, Miss Wiš'adel?

Nope. Could be dead for all I know.

Manfred wouldn't die so easily.

But the chaos outside is a problem.

Based on intel my guys collected, Nezzsalem is still sitting cozy, even though the Military Commission screwed this battle up big time.

And while I'd <i>love</i> to blow Theresis to smithereens, I gotta admit...

He's a cunning enough bastard that there's no way his forces would back down that easy.

I'm thinking your plan needs to be moved up, Hoederer.

The Lifebone is ready.

Whatever the Regent is scheming, we should prepare to leave with the ones who've been dragged into this mess... before the Sarkaz purge begins.

I doubt the Victorians would let them go so easily.

I know, but...

Since when did we need the Victorians' permission to do anything?

I've got an idea.

But first, we'll need to capture the Commission's command center. Say, in the name of Babel.

You guys just wait here for my orders—

An idea isn't a plan, W, but you seem confident.

Fine, let's go. I've spent enough time underground.

Er, doesn't Hoederer need someone to take care of him?

I have it on good authority that he won't die.

...Yes, that's what I said.

Whatever the Regent and Nachzehrer are planning at the Palace of Westhaleg, the fate of the survivors is probably not their priority.

We can't just sit back and watch. You can tell us about your idea on the way.

Hmph. Two dunces.

What about you, Yarnball?

I'll go with you! The General might be at the command center. I have so much to ask him!

But do we just leave the Lifebone here?

I could blow it to pieces if you want. If you're volunteering to carry everyone on your back instead.

W...

It's WIŠ'ADEL!

Don't worry, Yarnball, no one'll ever guess it's here. And if anyone dares get close, my guys will take care of them.

Wiš'adel surveys the resting place of kings, now barely-recognizable rubble.

Besides, what better place to hide a pile of bones than a graveyard?

<p=1>Outside the Military Commission Command Center</>

Found a way in yet?

The ducal alliance's army is surrounding the place, but they don't seem to have any intention of attacking.

What are they doing, then? Out for a picnic?

Defending this place was so important to the General. How could...

The General? You mean that devil by the name of Manfred? I'm afraid he fled with his tail between his legs, abandoning all of you.

Her Grace was right. The Military Commission's spies do come through here.

Who the hell are you calling Commission spies?

We are not your enemies. We've come to end this war.

I've read your file, Sarkaz. 'The Right-Hand of Manfred'. Your word can hardly be taken at face value.

Then maybe you've also read how I <i>escaped</i> from Manfred.

I'm afraid I lacked the patience to read through the files of every insignificant devil.

We've surrounded the place, sir.

Eliminate these Sarkaz spies.

Search their bodies for intel on the command center. I've had enough of the Sarkaz's tricks.

Hah! So you're not attacking 'cause you're too scared of what's inside?!

Well, if you don't have the guts, we'll do it for you.

Are you sure you want to pick a fight now, W? I can ensure a safe retreat, at least.

(Pulls weapon) I'm with her. The Sarkaz cannot afford to wait.

Protect Paprika, Ines. We're forcing our way through.

If you say so.

Shadows spread from Ines's feet, locking on to every Victorian soldier present.

Then, she senses a different kind of shadow.

...Delphine?

Let them through, <i>sir</i>.

And here I was thinking you finally made up your mind to kill us.

I am not under the command of the Exemplars, my lady. Nor do I want to be put on 'mandatory leave' like Bellingham. I am simply executing the Duke's orders—

'Wipe out the Sarkaz.' No more, no less.

These Sarkaz share our strategic objective.

They aren't a monolith.

You're here to kill the Nachzehrer, aren't you, Hoederer?

The Nachzehrer King holds great significance to the Sarkaz, but he cannot be allowed to live.

Only the swift and complete defeat of his forces will convince the ones sitting on the fence to willingly withdraw with us.

...You want to flee with the devils?

Got a problem with that, punk?

You do understand the crimes they committed, do you not?

...I can't deny them.

But I also understand what will happen if large numbers of leaderless Sarkaz mercenaries are left scattered across the countryside.

Mercenaries who've tasted blood in war.

You want to protect them.

And prevent further chaos.

Can you give your guarantee?

No. But she can. Babel can.

Hoederer points towards Wiš'adel.

This war has long since lost its last justification for taking lives. It's time to bring it to an end. This has nothing to do with who I was, or who I am now.

Very well. You can go in.

If Rhodes Island trusts you, then—

You should be careful, Lady Delphine. What you are doing may constitute treason.

I don't need your advice.

Lieutenant Shearer, instruct the Exemplars units to escort this Sarkaz team into the command center.

Inform all alliance units that this order comes directly from Delphine Windermere.

Understood, Lady Windermere.

I hope you will be able to answer for yourself when the Dukes hear about this.

I have even more reason to hate the Sarkaz than most of you, but I don't let it blind myself to the current situation.

Londinium has bled enough.

Thank you for your help.