Глава 7

But sometimes, we must use lethal force in order to accomplish our goals. Some loss of life is inevitable.

You still look disturbed. Is this all beyond your ability to accept?

I can't accept this.;......;It doesn't make sense.

You might not be able to accept the truth either.

Her terrifying Originium Arts and incredible perception are not the only reasons why Rosmontis is an elite operator.

—Rosmontis demonstrates these qualities because she became an elite operator.

We made our judgment not on whether to send her to battle, but how disastrous the consequences might be if we didn't let her become a fighter like this.

What kind of consequences?

Worst case scenario, her Arts leak out from her body and push her to kill, subconsciously or otherwise.

Humans killing each other has become the normal state of things. Even so, most people still hold their weapons and staves themselves.

Whether or not someone who has lost her sense of self can still be called a person is another topic I'm not interested in discussing. But humanity grapples with the extent and manifestation of this problem.

'When you deprive a human being of her sentience, what is left? What is created?'

'When that creation deprives us of our lives, who is at fault?'

The one who created the weapon, the one who used the weapon, or the one we treat as a weapon?

Another riddle?;......;I'll figure it out myself.

As we move on to the next battle, I may be able to teach you more.

By the way, on the issue of her age...

Amiya puts on an air of maturity that may have you fooled. Maybe, maybe not.

A young creature known as a deadly weapon won't be seen as an ordinary child just because she looks young.

—Not to mention all that they've been through.

...Take what you need. It's time to head to the surface.

What about Amiya? Is she a weapon too?

You can ask her yourself.

This is something you should hear from her.

Kal'tsit! Stop right there!

Warfarin, I was just leaving. Whatever it is, make it quick.

You know the prophecy, don't you? Yes, there's nothing you don't know.

Prophecy?

Is that not why you allowed Amiya to go?

Amiya is the commander of this operation, as well as the one who suggested it.

But as young as Amiya is, how can she command—

Warfarin, how long has it been since we left Kazdel?

Be precise, or I'm leaving.

...Two months?

Warfarin... stop joking around.

I know what you mean. She's grown up.

Yes, Warfarin. Time flies.

Age progression in Cautuses and Vampires is radically different. It has been three years since we left Kazdel.

It may feel like a short time for you, but Amiya has matured a lot.

Answer my first question. The prophecy.

...'The last Wendigo will die at the hands of the Lord of Fiends?'

Correct. I'm familiar with that guerilla group, and their leader. I'm certain it's him.

The original phrasing of the prophecy was 'The son of Hor-Tekrz, traitor to Sarkaz and disreputable end of the bloodline, will be executed by the Lord of Sarkaz.'

Some prophecy. Whether or not there's any extension of their 'bloodline,' there are still many Wendigos living their lives in Columbia and Ursus.

...That is, if a few dozen can be called 'many.'

And, considering the context of the time, you should view it as a threat. Many people did not want to see the Wendigos leave Kazdel.

It wasn't either of us who said it. And since you still remember it, you must have found it important. No?

Are you getting old? Since when do you believe in 'prophecies' and Sarkaz witchcraft?

—Old? M-Me?!

I contracted Oripathy. Death is always here with me, waiting for the right time to strike. Warfarin, my life is no doubt much shorter than you think.

Hey!

Must we be so morbid? I'm not your little girl Closure. I won't let you keep skirting the topic.

The issue you raised is quite morbid.

...Never mind.

Hear me, Kal'tsit, the others may not say as much to you, but I will.

He is one of the very few left among us. I am no bleeding heart, no goodly busybody, but... we are Sarkaz.

I am a Vampire, and the old man is a Wendigo, but we are the same.

This world is a tough place for Sarkaz. I hope he can return to Kazdel, if possible. Or come with us.

I'm not, Warfarin. I'm not Sarkaz.

So you refuse?

No...

I'll do what I can.

...Even I remember him, Warfarin.

Your promise is stronger than anything.

Don't get your hopes up that this will be easy.

But this time, you'll be there. As long as Dr. Kal'tsit makes her best effort, I'll accept the outcome.

Maybe you haven't heard, but your proposal came too late. Some things have already unfolded, and rather unfortunately.

Some time ago, an Infected clinic in Chernobog called 'Azazel' traded information with us. I learned some more information about the Wendigo in Reunion's service.

What's more, and you should know this well, anyone who stands against the most brutal blade in Ursus will soon learn whether it tastes of salt or rust.

Nobody should knowingly place our operators in danger.

Some patients' days are numbered, but that number depends on the doctor treating them. It's all up to us.

...It's all up to us.

And I told you before... You may have forgotten.

I won't discipline you for it, but I may do something to put an end to it once and for all.

You are not to say I'm frightening, Warfarin. We've been over this.

Do not, under any circumstances, even at Rhodes Island, speak of 'the Lord of Fiends.'

Ever.

Wait.

All hands, at ease!

Rosmontis... am I getting this right?

Hm. Yes. I felt it too.

Dr. {@nickname}, something unexpected here.

What is it?

I'm not totally sure, but...

The core city might be... slowing down?