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But we're almost 200 kilometers out from Taba. What do you plan to do with that rickety corpse of yours?

Or, have you been dragging yourself around like this for months, all alone...?

It wasn't that hard. But I guess there is a lot of stuff that's a pain in the ass to do by myself.

Like if you're rushing to patch yourself up, you could suddenly find your infection getting a lot worse?

It's whatever, as long as I don't die. And I don't die easy.

But that tower... looks familiar. Where are we?

Here? We're on the western battlezone. The coordinates are—

—Oh, right. This is where 'W' died.

And where you joined us.

...This place has been blasted into ruins.

What, were you feeling nostalgic?

Do I look like the nostalgic type? My last target just happened to run over here.

I know you two came for a reason. Just like last time, let's cut to the chase.

...The Regent has united all of Kazdel's armed forces.

The remaining mercenaries will also be united to form a real standing army, to be sent to all throughout Terra.

What a busybody.

It's understandable.

Unless the big shots in Victoria and Laterano are useless pieces of shit with butter for brains, nobody is just going to sit back and let Kazdel rebuild after reunification.

Maybe we can borrow a few of the folks here and stir up some unrest again.

Bad idea, even if you're trying to get revenge.

Don't forget how many of our people with us now fought side-by-side with Theresa.

Sarkaz mercenaries like us never really had a dog in the fight. Most people don't like thinking. They just need someone to give them orders.

So if all the Sarkaz will listen to the Regent, then he's won.

—Ines, did it hurt when you carved your horns to look all Sarkazy? Did they bleed?

...No.

Then your little disguise isn't even skin deep. Keep playing the Sarkaz and you're gonna get yourself killed.

Thanks for the concern. I can hardly contain my bile.

I'm just not in the mood to hear you calling yourself a 'Sarkaz' right now.

I decided to go down this path, and it's the only one I can follow at this point.

W, since Her Majesty Theresa disappeared, Kazdel has changed a lot, completely turned on its head.

Most Sarkaz don't have a choice. Not to mention, it's also a tempting proposition for many others.

...So let me guess, because you didn't have time to make it out, you accepted the murderer's proposal?

We'd be a bunch of icy stiffs if we didn't.

Looks like I'm not gonna be able to change your mind.

I'm not as cruel as you used to be. Why don't we let our swords do the talking... for old time's sake?

Slow up a minute... You might be interested in what I have to say next.

...We're not going back to Kazdel. We're headed to Ursus.

—Now that's a surprise. You should've said that earlier. I was this close to killing you.

But you've got my attention. Let's talk, Captain Hoederer.

Just outside Kazdel, there are some... Infected uprisings.

They're paying top dollar for mercs, and the Regent is looking to manipulate some of the Infected for his own goals...

...the power of the Infected?

But most of their forces are still up in the frozen land of Ursus.

And the Regent's not interested in the dilapidated, vacant throne of Kazdel anymore. He's got his eye on someplace else.

The so-called 'Reunion Movement' is gathering the oppressed and downtrodden of all races. It's a fine piece to put in play for the next required step.

So nobody would get suspicious if we joined this Reunion Movement and left Kazdel far, far behind.

And then what?

...We'll take things one step at a time, W.

You already know what I want. And I also might know what you want.

You're right. That does seem like a better move.

Mm. I am after a real monster here, after all.

And the old woman disappeared too... Maybe there really is no more reason to stay in Kazdel...

...But I'm not letting you two run the show this time. There's things I want to do, choices I want to make for myself. That cool with you?

The Regent will send someone to muster the mercenary army. If it's just between our little group here... that's fine.

We will help you.

Don't worry. I've always been good at 'coping' with my boss.

...All right then.

Welcome back, 'W.'

...Getting away from Kazdel, huh.

W has changed a lot. She should have her own ideas now.

I pushed Ines down this path too, but she's stronger than I expected.

...As for me?

Occasionally, if you climb up somewhere high and look down, you can see the plumes of smoke rising from Kazdel.

Kazdel.

Maybe I'm the one who wants to escape from this place the most.