Глава 14

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.

In the blink of an eye, they find themselves on top of—

Look out—

A devastating beam of witchcraft streaks across the sky, sending destructive energy through anything it touches.

The airship is reacting fast! It was ready for us!

Just as the beam is about to annihilate its target, Silvery incantations float up, pulling at the great wave of witchcraft.

'All Arts shall follow only the path I assign.'

The destructive energy is deflected, passing through the gaps of the Feranmut's skeleton, leaving behind only a deep scorch mark on bleached bones.

The energy begins to dissipate, the main battery's salvo coming to an end.

The array in the airship has greatly amplified the power of revenant witchcraft. We can't take another hit.

We must close the distance before they fire again.

Countless witchcraft drones and bloodied Witchlings take flight.

They rush toward the skeleton.

They sure shot first without asking questions! And here I thought this pile of bones was precious to them?

Does Theresis plan to vaporize us with it?

A little further, W! Lifebone can't link up with the airship at this distance!

Taking too much fire to make a smooth approach!

We'll have to do it the fun way!

Take this!

A loud boom, and a loud wail.

The massive skeleton smashes into the airship's armor.

Blue and purple nerve bundles stretch out, clinging to anything they touch, winding themselves around the airship. Fragile bone plates shatter and fall from the sky, disappearing amongst the branches and vines.

The revenant roars, raging at the shackles, the audacity, and the impudence.

Every Sarkaz heard the cry of the revenant in their hearts, before they ever set foot on the airship's deck.

Who do you think you are trying to stop?

The revenant never wavers!

Got it! We have the airship!

Start drifting, W.;Take the airship with us.

I don't take orders from you! I know what to do!

Your turn, Bonesy! Move it—