act18side

Why are you apologizing... What do you have to be sorry for?!

The way I look now... must be truly hideous, right?

I've torn up the clothes you had made for me, haven't I? Those nice, expensive clothes...

Don't worry about that! I'll buy as many suits as you want!

I'm sorry––

You...

You liar...

I'm furious with you now, Kreide.

I'm really, really mad!

Kreide is too weak to lift his head, but he can hear Ebenholz's sobbing.

What's going on? What the hell just happened?

No idea... But Herr Czerny said the concert's on hold, and that Hibiscus girl was desperately urging us to evacuate.

It'll be fine though. Nothing's going to happen to us.

But the sky suddenly went dark... Do you think some disaster might actually be coming?

Think about what that prophecy said... Fades Finale's Ensemble...

Don't worry, it'll be fine. That prophecy also called Hibiscus a 'Fiend.'

It's starting to rain?

See, there's nothing to be scared of. It's just a bit of rain.

We're here.

Feel any better?

I don't think so...

I only... managed to forcibly suppress that sensation.

What do I need to do now? Hurry and tell me––

I want to... ask you a few questions.

Go ahead! Ask me anything you want!

Ebenholz, do you think... that your fate is tragic?

Is my fate... tragic?

I used to think so.

But after I met you, I realized that the past me was just crying bloody murder over nothing.

That's not your fault.

They shackled you, stole your freedom, blindfolded your eyes, and plugged your ears... That's not your fault.

Then, do you think my fate is tragic?

The first time I heard your life story, it really did come as a huge shock to me.

But I've gradually learned that your life isn't tragic. In fact, it seems very... fulfilling.

Haha, that's great to hear.

*cough*, ourgh...

Kreide, you...

I can't hold it back any longer. But, let me finish, Ebenholz.

The Voice of Mundane's completed melody swirls around in my head, and the Witch King's residual power howls from within me. Cruel thoughts are tearing at my chest, forcing me to bow down to fate.

They're forcing me to say that our stories were painful, our reunion was misfortune, and that our fates are tragic.

But!

But, Ebenholz!

I will rebuke them!

Do you understand, Ebenholz?

I won't deny that the Voice of Mundane has caused us untold suffering.

I won't deny that your life as a Graf, filled with humiliation and scorn, was a misfortune.

I won't deny that my experiences living an unstable life of wandering have been tragic.

But I will deny... I will always deny... the suggestion that my life is defined by those words.

My grandpa carried a burden like me around for over ten years. During those years, I lived in abject poverty, denied a relationship with anyone but Grandpa.

But as long as I give kindness to others, I can feel their kindness in return.

I even met a teacher who was willing to teach me how to play the cello.

Most importantly – after more than ten years, I met you again.

Ebenholz, don't ever forget. We are both subjects of that cruel, inhumane experiment. And we survived.

When we feel like cursing our own fates, we cannot afford to forget that!

We met each other again, became friends again, and delivered a perfect performance on stage together!

Are we not lucky?

We've already been blessed... Actually, is there anyone out there luckier than us? No, and there never will be!

I understand. I get it.

No, you still don't get it!

Kreide's voice is already laced with a deep rumbling. The growl of a monster.

But to Ebenholz, even those words are gentle, like words of advice from an older brother to his younger sibling before a long trip.

If you really get it, then please don't weep for me. Ebenholz, my dearest brother.

We were supposed to die together here, to bury everyone in the entire concert hall along with us.

But we fought it!

To others, this resistance might seem insignificant. But it was a chance for us to give everything for each other.

This was a sacrifice that both of us were willing to make. It just happened to be me who did it in the end, that's all!

What a wonderful opportunity. To give everything for each other, asking nothing in return!

We walk the path of rebellion against fate, just like Herr Czerny did when he poured his life into composing this piece for us––

So, stand up and hold your head high, Ebenholz.

There's still one last thing for you to do, and that is––

To use everything you have to defeat me. To keep me from destroying everything here. Do you understand?

...I do.

I really... like that look in your eyes.

Kreide unsteadily shambles to the center of the plaza.

With each step he takes, Originium crystals erupt from his body, his flesh and blood beginning to churn.

A strange melody lingers over the plaza.

The crystals rapidly envelop Kreide's body, transforming into armor, transforming into instruments.

In a heartbeat, the being once known as Kreide is swallowed up, and in his place stands a monstrosity.

Anyone who sees this monster has three words flash into his mind––

The Witch King.

We stand at a critical juncture, my exalted Damen und Herren, my dear Infected brothers and sisters.

And you too, Ebenholz!

Harken! Listen well to my final piece!

Castigate me. Lament for me. Cry for me. Sing for me.

Because today, I shall die, and you––

Will be reborn!

Stupid, foolish boy...

You didn't have to do this.

Why would you go so far for a world that owes you so much?

Sir?!

You must leave now! Originium activity is rising rapidly in this area!

I want to see my grandson one last time.

Only a little further, Hibiscus. Distract him...

Kreide, grandpa's here.

You...

Kreide, my boy.

Vent whatever anger you have on me.

Come to me, before you do any more harm!

I've deceived you for so many years... I thought about dying for your sake, but I never thought you would come to an end like this.

If your choice is to let the others live, why not let me come with you in my last days?