Глава 14

The altar's power has weakened... I can work through its influence now—

The altar's upper layer is breaking apart. Amiya, focus your attacks on the Blood of Teekaz.

Right.

Hmm... Yes.

You...

The King of Sarkaz has already sentenced me to death.

But this is nothing new to me.

You're clearly... in pain.

You revere Qui'sartuštaj, but he left you behind like nothing. He treats you just like how you treat those Chimeras... exactly the same.

Don't waste your breath, <i>King of Sarkaz.</i>

My feelings are nothing special.

The Confessarii are of the Leader's blood. Though some are born more perfect than others... like Qui'saršinnag. Still others like myself were never in the running to be chosen at all.

But I've never envied her.

We only stand in the spot befitting us best.

We were supposed to be inseparable. We are all limbs... of the same one body.

There is no other group able to perform unprecedented miracles like we Confessarii can.

You sure are dedicated.;...How stubborn.

I am curious.

Is there nothing you're strongly attached to?

<i>Doctor...</i> Would you not make the same choice as I have, for your life's work, for those dear to you, and the ones who have fought by your side this whole time?

Whether it be under some control or influence... it does not matter.

To reach our origin, and create a completely new future.

That's all I want.

I can't... let you get close to the Blood of Teekaz.

Hah... Oh.

A black line pierces through Salus's body once again and strikes the altar's core at the same time.

The Blood of Teekaz stills.

I'm so close... ngh.

Amiya, stop her!

She's going to ignite—

It's fine, it's fine...

My body... is just like a monster's...

She stretches out her broken hand towards that drop of blood.

A curse known only to the Confessarii, inflicted upon the soul, upon all blood and flesh—

It will probably be a complete death this time.

Before the Leader, before Qui'saršinnag, and before all my family...

I'll take the first step... into the future I yearn for.

Salus smiles and throws herself onto the still heart.

The Blood of Teekaz boils.

A giant crimson vortex appears from the altar's core—

In that moment, Amiya feels as if she's being watched.

By Qui'sartuštaj, by the crowned without names, by the howling myriad souls... and the one she is most familiar with.

Theresa...?

Amnannam.

Salus used her own blood to complete the Confessarius ceremony.

Quick, get away from the altar!