Глава 10

Will killing me satisfy you?

If that doesn't give you the satisfaction you need, I could give you a second, if not third name.

You're telling me that, aside from you, there is more than one Black Snake within Ursus's borders.

You could also think that I'm trying to deceive you to live longer.

Your new body is... fragile.

It wouldn't take any more work to kill you than it took to kill that old Phidia.

What are you waiting for, then? Quick, turn my body to ash, and scatter it all across this dark hallway!

'Terrifying Infected Murderer Reemerges in College Campus' —That's the headline that will don the front pages tomorrow.

You wouldn't mind having that on your reputation.

I should point out that I'm not afraid of the patrol unit who will be here in three minutes, either.

But... your new old friends who are waiting outside the city... They don't stand a chance against the Royal Guards.

Even if they begrudgingly allowed you to return to Ursus because of those in control... They wouldn't tolerate murdering anyone on Ursus land.

Kashchey.

If the Royal Guards found out that the immortal monster—the mastermind behind the Chernobog incident was right here, do you think they would try to take me in or turn their attention and blades to you?

So, why haven't you killed me yet?

It's almost time.

She's not back yet? Nine, you're mistaken about her, aren't you?

If she doesn't show up when it's time, all of you will evacuate as planned.

And you?

She's wearing my handcuffs, and that makes her my prisoner. I will take her in myself.

Sounds like I saved you the trouble, then.

—Talulah.

You're back. Not a minute late either. Is your business done?

More or less.

So?

You want to know what I got out of her? I was going to spare your ears my long-winded grumblings.

Good. You seem to have lightened up. Even found yourself a sense of humor.

So, what about the evil god? Did you slay him?

She said that's not who she is anymore.

And you bought it?

No, but I also am not the old Talulah who would think that killing her would solve all our problems.

I won't let her out of my sight, and when the time comes, I will kill her myself.

But I have a weird feeling about this...

A weird feeling?

An immortal evil god... will die eventually, but I won't be the one to kill her.

—Ursus will kill her.

Even now, she thinks she can bend human will. We will prove to her, though—

One day, the people will awaken and abandon the ignorant conqueror.

And on that day, there will be no more Black Snakes in Ursus.

What about now, then?

Now, before we come back here for the last time, we need to visit Victoria.

So you've decided to come with us?

I'm your prisoner. I have nowhere to go except with you.

Besides, you said it yourself... The Infected there are waiting for us.