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We need to develop new drugs... I need time and resources.

Babel's are yours to use, Doctor. We're happy to share our research on Oripathy with you.

What can I help you and Kal'tsit with in exchange?

This is not a transaction. It's one of the core missions of Babel, to do everything in our power to help everyone suffering from Oripathy.

Since the day that Kal'tsit woke you up, I was convinced that you would help with all of this, just as you helped Amiya.

Thank you.

Now, perhaps, I have a chance to ask you this question, Doctor.

How do you view this land, Terra?

I don't think it's my place to judge.

There's no such thing as superior or inferior civilizations. It took a long and hard journey for Terra to evolve to where it is today.

Add to that the sick joke that Originium has played on life...

You said that Originium did not develop the way you expected.

It wasn't supposed to bring such suffering.

(Mumbles in her dream)

I sense that you are keeping secrets, but there's nothing false about the sorrow coming from deep within your heart, the sorrow that I can't understand.

I want to fix this mistake, but I'm powerless to do so...

At the end of the day, civilizations largely progress in similar ways. It all comes to an inevitable endpoint, however bright its light shines at its peak.

But Kal'tsit said you didn't give up hope, even in your final days.

I had many friends, even in those last days, who faced difficulties far greater than you can imagine, with courage and hope that is every bit your equal.

But they failed and faded away, without exception.

We haven't known each other that long, Theresa. I want to know: Why do you do all this?

What is the end that Babel seeks in compromising with the Military Commission?

There's something I want to show you, Doctor.

We had to ask you about Originium, sooner or later. That's why Kal'tsit woke you up.

Please, come and see the results of my... brief time at work.

We're almost there...

This place is barren, even by the standards of a Catastrophe-heavy region. But Closure has spent time and effort to maintain this dangerous little trail...

A forked trail in the midst of Originium formations. You're not keeping any fewer secrets than I am, Theresa.

A King of Sarkaz has to have a few secrets, right?

Don't tell anyone what you see here.

A long trek through the Originium-filled wasteland leads to a small garden.

In the heart of a Catastrophe, amidst the ruins, on a nameless plain that neither night nor the stars can find.

Tiny white specks mark this little sanctuary, isolated from the rest of the world, and the wild lands around it. Even the winds seem softer here.

It is a forgotten greenhouse that harkens back to a time in the distant past, when the land was still pure and untainted.

Like when man stole fire from up above and lit up a corner of the night sky.

Theresa picks up a white flower.

This place represents the cutting edge of Babel's and my research into Originium.

Flowers...?

No. Originium.

I'm sure you understand it's not Originium Arts that made these flowers bloom.

The information inherent in Originium, the reversal of the Assimilated Universe...

You've already come this far? When did...?

No race understands Originium better than the Sarkaz. Still, what we know is merely the tip of the iceberg compared to the entirety of Originium.

Even with Kal'tsit helping us understand the nature of Originium, the furthest we have gone is transforming a palm-sized piece of active Originium into this...

Garden.

Hope.

This little flower is my small contribution. I need your help, Doctor.

I want to see the day when flowers cover the cliffs and valleys of Kazdel, and all the lands beyond.

It's a future worth taking risks for.

You've seen how Kazdel has been mired in war for its entire history, Doctor.

Right now, at least, I want to use the power of Originium to create a home for Kazdel where people can live in peace, safe from war and invasion.

In the more distant future... if we're able to fully harness it, we'll be able to change the entire face of Terra.

If Catastrophes don't bring rain of Originium, but soft fluffy clouds...

If the Infected no longer suffer the pain of rocks growing out of them...

I don't suppose there's anyone who would have such an absurd dream.

You're different from other Sarkaz, Theresa.

Flowers that cover the entire land...

What a picture of life that would be.

Doctor?

Why... why this flower?

Oh... there's no particular reason. I just happened to come across it outside the valley when I was looking for a good place for my experiments.

A pure coincidence.

Kal'tsit said it had a name. 'Snow-in-summer'.

But it's adapted to changes over the years. Perhaps we could give it a new name.

What do you think, Doctor?

I...

A new path is opening up.

<color=#000000>A path to self-destruction.</color>

Can you hear me, Theresa?

I'm listening. I was giving the Doctor a tour of our...

Urgent news from Kazdel.

It concerns Victoria.

Your Highness Theresis, Regent of Kazdel, Commanding General of the Military Commission,

Wandering scholars have brought back tales of a new nomadic city on the rise in the distant desert.

The fires of the ancient furnace continue to burn, and the once-scattered mercenaries have flocked to one banner, to the city walls that grow taller by the day.

Your strength and reputation have caught the attention of the Duke of Cavendish.

You have changed the way we view the Sarkaz tribes. Perhaps now is the time to set prejudices aside, and engage in sincere sharing and cooperation that would be beneficial to us both.

I, the Duke of Cavendish, hereby invite you to visit my demesne, where we may sit and parley.

Our venerable empire has use for you and your brave warriors.

Winter 1091

One more time... I have to do this...

No point talking about curing Oripathy, if I can't do something so simple...

Argh—

Still no good... *pant* *pant*

Excuse me, why don't you put that medkit down? Leave this stuff to us.

A-Alright...

Some time in the gym would do you good, once you've recovered.

At present, there is no way for you to match the physical prowess of a Terran through training.

Your talents are better employed outside of manual labor.

I know. It's just that, you know, I have my pride too...

You've looked on edge since that day.

I'm thinking about... Theresa.

Traveling alone to a city under enemy control isn't the most logical course of action for a leader.

The warriors with her may be outstanding, but they're not enough to protect her in the face of an entire army.

The King of Sarkaz enjoys unimaginable status in Sarkaz tradition, and Theresa's own achievements are well-recognized. The Military Commission would not act rashly.

But Victoria's invitation to Kazdel cannot be taken as a sign of goodwill. It means that Terra's powers have once again set their sights on Kazdel.

Theresa needs to go to Kazdel and make it clear that she will not permit Kazdel to become embroiled in another war.

Even if I know how the Military Commission and Babel came into being...

In my understanding, the Sarkaz can hardly afford an internal conflict that could drain them of what little resources they have left. They have enough to deal with as it is.

They have a complicated history, and that brings different attitudes towards outsiders.