Глава 5

(I can see a red aura congealing around her. She's about to use her Arts.)

(Mephisto, according to the plan, if I shoot her now, she'll have to stop her casting or she'll die in the explosion.)

But wouldn't this be the best opportunity to break her spirit? Hold your fire, and just watch her first.

We will miss our opportunity.

Broader strategic goals are more important than the specific tactics used to get there, Faust.

Come with me! Don't stay here anymore!

Do you not want to leave here? Let's get far, far away from these people, and this place!

Do you really not know? He's the reason why all the adults treat us like this! It's all his fault!

I hate this accursed city. I hate him. Don't make me hate you too.

Chi Xiao—

—Unsheathe!

Guards, form a line! Stop her!

EEEEAAAAAARRRGHH!!

Ugh...!

(N-no! I lost control of Chi Xiao? Why now of all times?!)

Her Arts paused. Her casting failed.

Faust, now.

Command, fire.

Damn it... Scatter!

What a terrifying weapon.

Just the dispersion of your Arts was powerful enough to block all the bolts, as well disable three of my guards.

But you were still hit by the blast, weren't you?

Ugh... Gahh...

(One rib, no, two are broken? I can endure it. But this firepower... There's no way I can take another...)

It's just like our leader said.

Madam, it's not that you don't want to kill me. You cannot unsheathe that sword.

What did you say? Who told you that?

You should know this name, Madam Ch'en. As you said, this sword was not to be meant to be used against someone like me. Your recklessness disrupted its intended mechanism.

If we seized the opportunity to attack you while you were defenseless, you would have already been turned into dust. She already knows all your weaknesses.

You waste your breath.

We will destroy this world as it currently is.

If we allow the rampant corruption to grow, the entire world will rot away.

Only by cutting it all away can these rusted cities break free from their chains and be born anew.

GRAAAAAAGHHH!!

Out of my way.

Come, Madam Ch'en. Aren't you also very disappointed in Lungmen?

Our leader is waiting for you. There's no reason why you need to bow your head to Lungmen, is there?

I have my duties.

That has nothing to do with which side you take. While you keep talking about these mundane 'duties,' you know just how our fellow peoples are being treated.

Just give me a sign, then I'll call off the attack immediately. Come, join us. Let us work towards the greater good together.

*Spits*. This mouthful of blood is the only sign I have for you.

What kind of noble goals could Reunion possibly have if they hire a lowlife like you? Spare me your nonsense!

So, that's how it's going to be. If you don't believe me, then that's your loss.

You can spend your last moments squirming all you want. My guardian and his bolts will show you the true power of the Infected.

You are all alone, while we are united and strong. Your death will be fitting.

Save those rotten words until after you're dead.

Or, you could forcefully activate the Originium Arts imbued in that sword. Something terrible will happen, right? I'll let you decide your own fate.

Do you think you'll get a hero's death?

Listen, brat. When one dies, nothing is left behind.

If I have to sacrifice myself to kill you...

I'll do it, even though it's not worth it.

Hmph.

We have nothing more to talk about then. Goodbye, Madam Ch'en. Faust.

Command, f—

Tch...

You don't need to go that far, Madam Ch'en!

What's that?

A helicopter? No, that doesn't look like one. It's...

Blaze, jump!

Mind your landing posture! Don't leave my heat flow!

What's that? Someone's jumping down?!

'As terror rises, her eyes become blind...'

Damn, Rhodes Island? From above?!

These black lines... Wait, is that you...

'...As the tears dry, she weeps silently.'

...Nghh...

...Nngh, uuughhh...

Ughh.... Aaaargh! Ugh!

What's going on here? Why are my guards screaming as if they're grieving?

My Arts should have wiped all their emotions, so why? What's going on?!

Is that you?!! Damn you!!

The Rabbit of Rhodes Island!!

I temporarily restricted their movement, but it'll only last for about ten seconds!

That's more than enough time for me to make a safe zone!

Let's do it, Blaze!

Are we ready to go all out?

Yes, now!

We're about to land - your bottom might get a little sore!

Don't drop me!

Of course!

Command, fire!

Don't underestimate us!

...My bolts were diverted by the wind? How could this...

Cut the roof apart from underneath those Reunion troops!

Sure thing, but make sure to hold on tight! I can only do this once every few months!

Uh... Urgh?

Aaaaaaaghh!!

She cut a huge crack through the roof of the building!

I know. Watch out for falling debris!

What's going on here? How'd she do that? What happened?!

Woah, a lot of Reunion's forces fell onto this level!

Forget them, hold on tight!

Hello, hello?

You don't need to be in such a hurry to get yourself killed.

We're in the middle of a crisis. What are you doing on this channel?

Oh, I just wanted to tell you that I'm done with my mission.

Rhodes Island has something really powerful, and they'll be here with it soon.

They're already here. What was this mission of yours anyway?

Coordinating with Rhodes Island.

Safe landing!