act46side

They have no insights into the Catastrophe. As expected.

Our people demonstrated enough restraint. There weren't any real attempts at violence. Most satisfied themselves with reciting the <i>Kjeragandr</i> as they held hands.

But I noticed that there were a few people at the front who shouted the loudest, only to disappear into the crowd when they saw the soldiers.

Are you concerned?

I'm concerned that this may only be the first incident.

The observation station is not the only place where conflict is happening. There have been protests and rallies in the domains of the other two clans. Strikes at our factories as well—I'm dealing with it.

Someone understands that they can use this Catastrophe as a weapon. They know the power of the people's will.

A trick that you've deployed before. But the weapon is not in your hand this time.

Hm...

You skipped the part where someone threw snow in your face.

...Is that important?

It's the only thing that's <i>unexpected.</i>

Did you expect Columbia and Victoria to sit you down for a game of good cop/bad cop?

Yes and no.

The Columbians' attitude is aggressive, but at the end of the day, it's continued cooperation that they want. The most important thing, for them, is that the observation station delivers results.

As for the Victorians... they're more anxious than we thought.

I saw Harold's caravan. I'm sure he's wandering about the streets, telling neighborly stories with his 'old friends'.

His wandering should take him to Karlan Trade headquarters in another twenty minutes.

I suppose you've already signed and received the goods. And I don't suppose we had a choice.

The Paleroches and Browntails will find out soon. As for how they'll take it... let's just say you should be prepared for the Tri-Clan Council.

Getting cold feet?

I'm used to it.

This nonchalant attitude of yours is why people hate you so much.

Thank you for the compliment.

At the end of the day, however, none of us expected this Catastrophe to happen.

You can act as unflappable as you like, but don't tell me this disaster hasn't actually fazed you.

I don't think you're actually that thick.

...I know.

With risk, however, comes opportunity... it's the first Catastrophe that Kjerag has seen in a thousand years. Perhaps it's time for certain things that have lasted a thousand years to change.

Enciodes looks out the window. It has started snowing again, covering the land of Kjerag in white.

The mountain winds continue to blow. They call it the breath of Kjeragandr, Her messenger.

It walks every inch of Kjerag, bringing all its sounds back to Her ears.

She will tell right from wrong, good from evil, friend from foe, piety from falsehood, medicine from poison, and mirth from tears.

She will pass judgment.

There's one other thing that you should know.

The avalanche caused by the Catastrophe destroyed the train station at the foot of the mountain. Strangely, and fortunately, there were fewer people inside the station than expected.

It was only in later interviews that we learned that someone had shouted about a bomb in the station, causing the crowd to flee.

Who?

We don't know, yet.

But the researcher who disappeared from Rhine Lab remains unaccounted for.

If they are one and the same, then she had not cleared the borders of Kjerag when the Catastrophe occurred. She should still be somewhere in the realm.

I see.

You're the only one I can count on for this, Gnosis.

Find this woman, without triggering a response from Rhine Lab.

You're finally starting to look serious... should I ask why?

You'll learn soon enough.

But ideally, one should not have to rely on trick plays in the game of chess.