Глава 14

The Sarkaz with short white hair is again alone in the Shard.

This is not quite the front, but the sounds of war pass through valley and walls, through crystalline storms and blood-drenched fields, and into his ears.

Originium guns bring a rain of death, the military casters recite incantations, the tanks run over tides of crystals, swords clash and break against each other until they sink into mud.

He has heard this din for centuries. It has never changed.

But this time, he has brought it to the one-time oppressors.

The Emperor of Ursus refused to meet our envoy. They continue to see Kazdel as an independent, hostile regime.

No response yet from the envoy to Sargon. The Leithanian Kurfürst that we reached out to is receptive to further communication...

The dukes clearly intend to attack, following the appearance of the golden light. Our lines are falling back...

The voice on the terminal continues to report the latest developments on each front to the orchestrator of the war.

Those who refuse to yield stand upon the scales of war, tipping them from side to side.

Theresis's back remains straight at all times. It has been a long time since he allowed himself the luxury of fatigue.

But the past does not go away so easy, be it lives taken or lives saved.

He has never forgotten the burden upon his shoulders, especially as it grows increasingly heavy.

Your Highness, news from the front... the Realmblade of Victoria has been activated. They have suppressed Amnannam. We are under pressure.

General Manfred was unable to retake Lifebone.

Who controls the skeleton now? Where was it last spotted?

A mercenary squad. Confessarius reports say that the core members of Rhodes Island are on it.

Rhodes Island... then that one must also be there.

Lifebone's next course of action is uncertain. It represents a threat to both the airship and the Shard.

It is no concern. Trust in Theresa.

If they dare approach the Shard...

My sword will render the judgment that I promised.

The sky of Londinium burns red. The ever-present dark clouds are no more. Supported by countless branches, the massive crystal looks like newly-borne fruit.

All is ready.

But now, and only now, he does not want to think about the future.

The airship's long orbiting and searching is coming to an end. The massive structure of witchcraft once again passes over above the Shard.

He knows this will be the last time.

The Sarkaz with the long white hair stands alone in the halls of the airship.

She finally averts her gaze from the Shard. She no longer sees the figure.

Theresa casts her eyes toward the shadow of the airship, toward the land that she has seen so many times.

Sorrow and despair continues to spread. Has anything changed from when she left Kazdel?

A deep voice echoes around her. It is the master of the ship.

I sense it, Theresa. The 'King' continues to pursue us.

They've never given up easily.

...Hah.

The revenant speaks no more. The airship accelerates one last time.

<i>Origin</i> is close at hand.

But an intangible wave strikes, space and time roiling around the airship.

They come—

The spark will burn for us until there is nothing left to burn.

Let's see how far they can go.

Is that really how you drive this pile of bones?

Did Hoederer seriously convince Bonesy here to help us? For real?

You'll have to ask him.

Ask him? He can barely speak right now.

Then trust him.

Ugh. Hope he didn't mess up the steps.

Say, now that we have Bonesy back, is it time to put Plan A into action?

Fill this big guy with explosives and bomb the Shard and Theresis all the way back to Kazdel.

There's something more important right now.

What's the status of Amnannam?

Outside the windows, the storm has stopped, but the sky remains an ominous red.

Amnannam floats directly above the Shard, like a gaping wound in the sky.

The airship is headed toward the ancient ruins that should never have existed, toward the greatest secret of Terra.

It is headed for Amnannam.;Theresis never used it in battle.

There's only one explanation.

Its mission is more important than that of a weapon.

Does he intend to ram that piece of 'Originium' with the airship?

What's inside Amnannam?

She means that we need to deal with the airship before we kill Theresis.

Am I right, old hag?

Yes.

Then we'll take it down.

Who's flying the airship?;Who would Theresis trust it with?

...Huh?

I can feel it...

She... Theresa is there, isn't she?

...Yes.

We'll undoubtedly have to face her, if we pursue the airship.

We must be ready to—

Hah.

What were you about to say? We must be ready to kill her?

...If necessary.

Clap clap.

I thought you two got along.

Are you always weighing things like this, Kal'tsit? You would kill anyone for civilization and, for <i>this great land.</i>

Even Theresa.

Hmph.

I'm not like you, though.

I'll save her from the myriad souls and end it all. If you won't do it, I will.

Just wait and see.

There isn't gonna be another betrayal.

Doctor, I believe you're in the best position to keep a cool head here.

Will you take command of the operation?

Yes.;Leave it to me.

Talk is cheap. How do we take the airship? This pile of bones doesn't have nearly enough firepower.

We'll 'take' it in the literal sense.;By transporting the entire airship with Lifebone.

Really? The airship looks like it's about the same size as Bonesy here.

Since when did you get so radical?

We don't have the luxury of playing it safe.;This is our last chance.

Worth a try. It's the only way.

I'll cover for the skeleton against the airship's guns.

Bring the skeleton into contact with the airship, and we have a chance.

I trust the Doctor. I can help Logos.

If everyone agrees...

Bring Lifebone just above the airship, W.

Hah... You think I'd be scared?

Wake up, Bonesy, we're leaving!

Hang on!

The illusions vanish, and the ripples cease.