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Image number <color=#FF4200>(0018_admin)</color>.

Activating recorder... Beginning video record.

While I slept, the ruins of our homeland nurtured new life.

Originium is what guides their development, reshaping the lifeforms from Talos-II to have a similar appearance to us.

I am rather fortunate. I have been able to leap across the millennia to communicate with them. I have even considered myself one of the people of this land for a time, experiencing their past and future.

But in the end, I am not of here. I have even begun to feel... uneasy about Theresa's efforts.

If the Originium Project ends in failure, no, even if it is merely postponed for some time... Theresa, Kal'tsit, even the future that I promised to Amiya...

The inhabitants of this planet, some of the few lifeforms known to us, are but illusions that will break at the slightest touch.

I have been lying to them and to myself for a very long time now. But... how will I explain it to Kal'tsit? Or to Theresa, or Amiya?

Am I supposed to tell them that all the pain they have been through is the key to their salvation, and they must stop fighting?

That all of Terran civilization is a fleeting dream, and only by being assimilated into Originium will we have the opportunity to avert our fate?

Seeing the lives of those they call the Infected dissipate like smoke brings pain to my heart.

It has long been a common sight on Terra, but it always marks the end of life—sorrowful and cruel.

It has been too long since I've heard a voice full of life. I can't just see them as unexpected sparks.

But what I see cannot be called a warrior's death.

Rather, they have given in to the Originium's assimilation, passing through death to join the Assimilated Universe, a chance where life can break through the deepest darkness.

Should I bow in silence at their deaths...? Or should I quietly rejoice at the smooth progression of the project?

It is for this reason that Theresa dedicates herself to her research. Kal'tsit, our AMa-10, has also chosen to believe in the potential of Terra, chosen to resist Originium and put an end to war...

But what about me?

The Originium Project was built upon the efforts of countless generations, and in that time, billions of our compatriots have died, all in exchange for a mere ten thousand years that I have spent waiting and waiting.

And now, the flint and tinder are in my hands. After all the long years. How could I abandon it?

Because Terra has left me pleasantly surprised in a few short years? Because of the choices that Theresa and Kal'tsit made?

Even if Amiya has moved me to compassion, would I not have been the selfish one all along?

They... awakened me to be their salvation, but in truth, I am destined to bring them to annihilation.

They awakened me, their destroyer, as if I were their savior...

(Chokes back tears)

Amiya... Kal'tsit...

What should I do?

Priestess... What should I do?

Perhaps I should reveal everything to Kal'tsit and Theresa.

Originium has led them down roughly the correct path. Arrogant though it may be, this has been sufficient for these souls to perform a new kind of miracle.

<color=#000000>Perhaps I must re-examine Theresa and Kal'tsit's plan.</color>

<color=#000000>Babel's research has proceeded faster than expected, but Terra's political structure is rather primitive, and Babel does not yet have the ability to transcend the barriers of race and nation so that it may represent Terra as a whole.</color>

Believe in Terra. Believe in the people to build their own future.

<color=#000000>Carry on with the project. At least the vestiges of those who came before can live on within Originium.</color>

Believe in her.

<color=#000000>Stop her.</color>

Well, how could I ever blame you?

I understand your dilemma. Our debates are far beyond what those little lifeforms known as <i>humans</i> could participate in.

But this is the only way. You and I both know that much.

If, perhaps, we still have time before Its return, we can envision things together, achieve them together. Describe anything and everything within the boundaries of the universe together.

I hope that in those fragile moments, you will always stand by my side.

You will, won't you?

And that concludes my report, Your Highness.

The Military Commission seems to be certain we will retake region C8-10's village and supplies, but by building an outpost there, they have already fallen into a trap.

There are, however, some officers who have begun to use tactics completely different from Manfred's. This is highly irregular.

Our spies have reported seeing Nachzehrers entering the troops' camp.

Nezzsalem...

What does the Doctor make of it?

The Doctor believes that no matter how the Sarkaz God of War intends to participate in this conflict, our arrangements will be thrown into complete disarray.

What about you?

Everyone is well aware that many members of the Royal Court have always favored the Military Commission, which advocates for reprisals and violence.

But on account of certain restrictions—ones that you might even call rules of convention—none of them are willing to participate in the civil war.

If the sovereigns were to decide to wage war upon us in Kazdel, those Sarkaz who have not yet returned would once more be unable to find Babel on the map.

Practically speaking, if the Court sides against us, the military gap will be concerning. Plus those that support us are, for the most part, not warriors or soldiers.

For many of our troops, this is the first time they have ever held a weapon.

This is why I must speak my mind. No matter how you look at the facts, our situation is changing dramatically.

I understand.

Keep monitoring the Nachzehrer Court.

If Nezzsalem is no longer holding back, then Duq'arael is likely to act as well.

For three weeks in a row, 'the Rose Riverside has no Canoes.'

The Rose Riverside is a most excellent spy network. They are able to deceive anyone they so wish, except for their sovereign lord.

Tell them to pull out immediately. Leave Kazdel if they must. Lie low in other lands.

It will be done.

I'll take my leave then, Highness.

The Royal Court. They possess the most direct capacity to use force. Nezzsalem only agreed to hand over command because he was promised a war that would reshape the land.

Although rather troublesome, it is a challenge that we would have had to face sooner or later, if we were to achieve all that we hope for.

Babel does not blindly reject violence. It is clear to us all that if necessary, we must use force to defend our beliefs.

But this also means that the Sarkaz will further devour themselves, venting the hate they hold for the land by setting themselves ablaze.

It will mean the end of us.

Defeating the Military Commission will not solve all our problems. We must give closure to those Sarkaz who have grown up knowing only hatred and suffering, in other regards as well.

As for Oripathy and Originium, we—

Please, enter.

Your Highness.

Your wounds have not yet fully healed, Ascalon. There is no need for you to make your report in person.

I've recovered. Besides, this is top priority. Hoederer's team has successfully intercepted a witchcraft decoder.

The Doctor has already begun deciphering our enemy's codes. I believe we should see results soon.

Is that so...?

Ines. W.

You have done very well.

Thank you, Your Highness. I hope we'll crack our enemy's comms as quickly as possible, so we can plan our next ops.

Where is your captain, by the way?

Hoederer took a few flesh wounds, nothing too serious. He's getting treated in the infirmary right now.

If that is the case, then I will not waste your time. Go to him.

Of course. Thank you kindly, Highness.

W.

Eh? What?

Go to Hoederer.

Oh. I...

Alright, got it.

Guess he still ain't dead...

If that is all, Your Highness, I have other business—

That reminds me...

I still haven't thought of a real name for the girl, have I?

1093, Winter

Weather/Rainy

Kazdel Border, Kazdel

The Doctor listens to the pitter-patter of the rain on the leaves, eyes closed.

Drip. Drop.