Глава 10

Rockrock, we can't get any closer to the train.

The bombardment hasn't stopped... Can the people down below still hold out? How much time do we have left?

There's been no word from the commander's end...

I... I believe in my family.

That's the one and only reason I've kept on this far.

Bloody hell, I can't get these things off me!

That's not it... You saw how fast they were a moment ago?

He's slowing them on purpose, like he's... just watching how long we can run for...

What kind of sicko is he?

Mmm... listen to the sound of your breaths, your pulses. Are you finally tired out?

Is this... the honor of the Sarkaz?

This isn't fit to be called a battle.

...Battle?

You seem to have the wrong idea.

The 'King of Sarkaz' isn't here, so I'm left with no matching opponent at all.

Would you converse with a meatbeast about glory or honor? When you know full well that hunting them serves to do nothing but excite your senses, that their only ultimate service is as an entrée on your dinner table?

You treat us... as prey?

You may be a Sarkaz, but slaughtering like this out of pure personal taste is still far too barbaric.

Do not appraise me by your understanding of culture. It would be the most hideous kind of slander to me.

Try and resist me, before the filthy rubble pummels you into mincemeat here.

I will borrow your blood to record your feelings at death's door... all your fear, unwillingness, anger... Let them burst forth upon me to your heart's content!

Vina, get over here—

No.

Vina!

Morgan, you fall back too.

Urgh...

You're going to stand in front of all of us, and resist him?

Yes.

You're no match for him.

I know.

And you're not planning to turn and flee, even if you'll be shredded in an instant, have your flesh leave the dullest stain in this whole tunnel?

Only if... you can all run faster than I can.

Why?

Because...

There is no because. I just want to do this.

When the city above us falls towards us, I want to be the first to embrace it in that instant.

If that's so...

The signal light in the passage seems to glow brighter.

Are her eyes failing her? Why is there starlight in Londinium's underground? No... how long have they gone without seeing the stars behind the clouds, even on the surface?

Siege blinks.

She suddenly realizes that is no star.

It is a button.

The detritus that caked it has been shaken off, and now it is shining, and she has the exact fortune to know what it does.

She was first brought underneath the palace at three years of age.

Her mentor carried her upon his back, using a tremendous paw to guide her in pushing this button.

Londinium's subterranean sprawled about its own muscle and bone, exposing to the future liege its veins and arteries, filled with life.

Over twenty years later—

She has found it for the second time.

Bombs mounted at all nodes!

Doctor, I've got our retreat ready!

Move it, they're in here, stop them—

Urgh...

Amiya! Dammit, how are they coming so thick and fast... did Misery leave too late? Did they not stall Manfred?

I'll hold them off! All of you, go!

Doctor, give the detonator to me—

No.

You won't have a chance to retreat unless I lock down these enemies!

Once you've successfully withdrawn, I'll blow up this control room straight away—

No.

Doctor, we can't wait any longer! Think of the Self-Salvation Corps' fighters, Victoria's soldiers, Lady Heidi and Siege's team...

And every single Victorian being bombarded right now! None of us can hold on anymore!

Amiya, take my hand.

Tell me—when to push the detonator.

Doctor...!

*cough* *cough*... These black lines are everywhere... I can't see anything!

Now!

Doctor, why are you... in front of me?

Because I want to be.

I'm not... not the weak child I was anymore...

I won't drag you down anymore. I can withstand these Arts, and these flames.

I know.

You're so powerful now. Far more powerful than I am, probably.

But no matter how many opportunities you give me to choose...

No matter if we're confronted with a Draco's flames, or the fiery light of these explosions...

This is what I want to do.

Doctor...

Oof... caught you!

Wondered why you asked me for those six ziplines, Doctor. This is what it was for?

It'll be hard to move about, but... oh well, not as if you run fast ordinarily...

Fly, my drones!

How's that for a surprise, Doctor? In response to your demands, I've tinkered on my drones and finally developed—a people-towing glider function!

There's a cap on its long-term use, but at least it'll get us safely on the ground—

Now's the time to dial up the explosions.

The control room—!

They... did it...

Urgh...

How... How long ago did you tire out? You can't even brandish your sword now...

You really were doing nothing but... making a stand with all you had.

Anyone else with your wounds would be in a coma ten times over by now!

Now you realize? Slow, aren't you.

General, the explosion in the control room has affected the cannons. The batteries and the minor section of the wall structure here have all been severely damaged—

If we hang around here any longer, we'll fall!

Notify all hands, retreat!

What about this soldier?

I've defeated her already, but toppling her would require spending more effort still.

And it's not worth spending the time here any longer.

Ha... haha...

White Wolf of Victoria, you are a worthy opponent.

Should you live to descend this city wall—

Then next time we meet, by my sword... I will send you to a death befittingly heroic.