Глава 13

Why should I help you, Sarkaz?

Do you think you saved me? I didn't die, though that doesn't even matter—this shell is merely a plaything I abandoned long ago.

Besides, aren't the Sarkaz the ones hunting me down?

How much history have you seen?

All that I have experienced.

Rumors say that you will divulge a piece of truth, or hint at an omen.

You tiny little creatures treat my drifting ripples as hallucinations while indulging in them, and yet you harbor resent?

After I was divided up by those lunatics... there's even a fallen angel carrying a part of me around, and what I've seen and heard since has actually gotten more interesting.

On the contrary, what makes me feel absolute boredom are these so-called... bulky histories and profound topics.

Absolute boredom... you're not wrong on that.

History always repeats itself on this land. Looking at the past is now a means of looking towards the future.

And so, I have actually become a prophet! In this life of mine—if you can still count my current form as the same life as before—I've never thought of having such an identity.

Then... are you looking for a 'new conclusion'?

Just how old do you think I am? You little rascal.

There won't be any new conclusions to draw, with the way all of you look like now.

Yes, something strange has happened to these decrepit bones of mine. A rabbit wears a Sarkaz's crown, and she together with a male Banshee are fighting a Vampire on top of my head.

Of course, there's that sheep playing with shadows who hangs out with you too.

Are these new to me? A little, perhaps.

But you can't win.

You seem so sure.

Do we also belong to the history you've seen, that has comes full circle time and time again?

There's never been a shortage of those who resist on this great land, but they always fall into the same trap.

Besides, I understand that Vampire's tricks. He was the one who peeled off my skin back then.

Let's have a wager, Feranmut.

This strange bunch of people—Cautus, Caprinae, Banshee, Sarkaz; they'll triumph over the Vampire that tried to hunt you.

Are you trying to win my favor? Do you think I'll look at you differently for helping me?

I couldn't care any less about that. But what are you putting on the table?

If we win, you'll lend us your help, and bring us back to where we came from.

And if you lose?

We'll all be dead by that point.

You're making an empty offer, little thing.

I accept.

You really are easy to talk over.

No, it's because I know that all you have are just the waves I toss up, that will calm to a still in the blink of an eye.

So I might as well spare a little effort and raise my eyelids a little.

You have indeed won, by a miniscule move. But the bet is far from over.

Did you really win? Did you triumph over the enmity, slaughter, and blood that Vampire represents?

Why don't we expand our wager by a little?

I'll bring all of you back.

And then continue to waiting for you in the cycles of history.

How long have they been gone?

Three hours and fourteen minutes.

I'm really worried about them.;......;Even a Sanguinarch can bleed and die, right?

You should trust them.

It's all we can do.

We're done with our combat mission too.

Our losses aren't light. Their forces here are indeed well-trained.

Most of the Sarkaz chose to fight to the end, but a small number also chose to surrender.

You can hand them over to W's mercenary squad.;......;Will you execute them?

No, I'm not doing that.

It seems like you want me to make my own decision.

That's how I wish to do so, and so does the rest.

But I refuse to let them die so simply just like that.

Perhaps it's difficult to put them on trial during wartime.

It's definitely a difficult task to judge just how much blood is on the hands of every terror-stricken Sarkaz who laid down their arms.

But if we act just like they do, then we'll be no different than them.

Vina, I'd like to take on the responsibility of investigating the crimes committed by these Sarkaz prisoners of war.

I have a professional covert intelligence background too, so I'm well versed in the ways to get them to talk.

I know what you're worried about, I...

No, I'm not.

I'll leave it to you.

...Alright.

I won't let a single drop of blood go unaccounted for.

Prepare for battle. The Feranmut will be back soon.

Mon3tr, standby.

There's no way we can be sure who'll be on this return trip.

The gigantic skeleton finally reappears.

The torrents of time seem to have washed away any trace of battle, and it hovers in the air, no different than it was at any other point of time.

Mon3tr!

Hey! Let go of me, you damn—

Ugh. Seems like that old hag's awake. Think you got her backing you up now?

That's my last grenade, so bite onto it tight, you little freak!

(Angry howling)

...Put her down, Mon3tr.

Shitty luck today.

*sigh* I just wanted to give myself a ceremonial salute to announce my return—

Didn't think I'd see an old hag with a scowl on her face once the skeleton stopped.

W, don't forget we have to repair any structures you blow up here after taking over the place.

Anything destroyed will be fixed by the same hand.

Huh? What makes you think I'd even know how to fix this kinda thing?!

Kal'tsit, Doctor.

We've captured the Feranmut's skeleton, as well as Commander Ulšulah.

The rest of the skeleton garrison have been eliminated.

So you're <i>the </i> Dame Kal'tsit?

I've heard so much about you.

You're one of the Scar Market's people.

...You know every little thing that's happening in Kazdel clearly, even from somewhere as far as Victoria.

Seems like those old guys weren't lying.

I'll have a talk with those 'old guys', as you call them, through you when we're done with business here.

They are the ones who stayed behind to watch over Kazdel, and the Lich have already contacted the Military Commission that currently governs the place.

They'll be making their decision soon.

Where's Amiya and Logos?

Doctor!

Amiya.

The little Cautus crashes into your arms.

Welcome back.;......;There's blood all over you. Are you hurt?

I'm fine. The blood... it was the Vampire's.

Amiya.

Your rings... you used them.

Yeah.