Глава 14

All hands, you are not to change your route without authorization. Pass through the Gastrell's covering bombardment area posthaste.

Cover the General's return to the ship!

Shells rain down on both sides of the mobile force that is moving at full speed. Smoke obscures their whereabouts, and withering artillery fire crushes the Sarkaz troops collapsing upon them.

Wait, two hundred meters ahead – I found something strange belonging to those Nachzehrers!

The aura emanating from that throne... seems to be letting those damn devils to replenish their ranks faster.

They're closing in fast... They're trying to intercept us!

General, do we need the flank guard to continue the diversion–

No.

Commander, we're––

Run them over. *cough*...

Yessir!

(Labored gasps)

Amidst the smoke, silent figures in white robes raise their longswords, sundering the artillery fire falling upon them.

They disappear into the plumes of smoke and dust kicked up by the explosions.

Prepare to intercept the enemy. Five, four, three, two––

Don't disappoint me––

One!

The skies... are raining fire––

Not all death is alike, Sarkaz.

Purple flames wreathe the Duke of Wellington's entire mobile unit, and a rising pillar of flames carves out a completely safe domain on the battlefield—

A sanctuary brought by the flames of death.

You've more than proven your trustworthiness, Lady Eblana.

And I, too, admire your duel against death.

However, your injuries are still severe, and the Nachzehrer's deathly aura still eats away at your body.

Your uniform may hide your injuries, but not from me.

Take my hand, Your Grace. You should not be riding these rickety vehicles.

Allow me to personally escort you back to the Gastrell.

It's just a flesh wound.

The Duke who overcame death ignores the Draco's outstretched hand, his body remaining upright with the help of his cane.

Pain?

Little more than that.

Lady Eblana, your flames still burn a bit too hot.

Make an opening in this wall of flame, and I will lead the way.

Don't worry. This cane has accompanied me through more dreadful battlefields.

I will stand atop the Gastrell's bow and await Victoria's call for help.

As you wish, my ever-faithful lord.

If your body can no longer sustain your ambition, then I shall rekindle your heart with flames.

Even death shall be no obstacle for your march forward.

We are Tara. We shall stand upon the most glorious place in this land––

Together, we shall set this battlefield alight.

'Warning, warning––'

'Damage to the hull is in excess of sixty-five percent. Navigation system offline. Propulsion system offline...'

'Activate backup power supply.'

'The engine room has been damaged, and there's a serious leakage of Originium fuel.'

'At 2:34, the Frederick was struck by three witchcraft shells simultaneously, paralyzing its propulsion system.'

'The combat zone is heavily contaminated by witchcraft. The three supporting frigates are unable to approach, and currently dispatching infantry––'

'The second defensive line has incurred a fierce assault! The 9th Battalion Armored Corps is currently holding back the Nachzehrer infantry. Lieutenant Colonel Blake and Major Mourning have been slain. Captain Seymour is currently in command.'

'The Excelsior has discovered an approaching squad of Nachzehrer casters! We've lost contact with the Intrepid, with no specific coordinates identified...'

'Duke Gododdin's three dreadnoughts are approaching full-speed to provide support. Duke Abercorn and Duke Ashworth's assault battlegroups are also responding to the call for help!'

'Originium activity is so rampant that it's off the charts! What the hell is that? Is the Originium eating our ship?!'

Your Grace, the situation is changing extremely quickly.

The surviving Trilby Ashers have already been sent out, and the news they've brought back has been compiled here.

Our men are dying out there, and the Nachzehrers are turning the entire battlefield into a meat grinder.

*cough*... How many of us are still left?

Less than a third.

Your Grace should retreat.

Our flagship still retains its defensive capabilities. Even in this condition, it should at least be able to clear a way back for you.

I can't leave.

Aileen, spread the word that I will be staying on the Glory. Use whatever means you have at your disposal.

If I abandon the front line, the defensive line will inevitably be routed. Victory will be yet another step further away from Victoria.

What would the other soldiers think of us? That yet another duke has abandoned them?

When this battle is over, our soldiers must also remember – what price I paid for this victory.

I will continue to draw the Nachzehrers' fire. The other dukes will surely come to my aid.

They understand exactly what is and is not important at this current moment.

Besides, my elite forces are all here. You are all the support I need.

Nothing more needs to be said–

Watch out, Your Grace!

Hmph. We'll start by clearing out this cabin.

Our march towards victory begins from this stronghold.

Your Grace...

*sigh* As you command. Then, we must get our hands on the Sighs of Kings.

The Stone of the Sword is still here, undamaged. That is our best opportunity for a counterattack.

Is the Trilby Asher who's been in contact with our lovely Vina still alive?

Our communication channels are back online now.

Excellent. Get in touch with him.

I have new orders for him.

'There's no end to them...'

'Shells... Where are the shells? Clark!'

'...Dead. They're all dead––'

'Vina, I've rescued another soldier!'

'The enemy line up ahead is going to be hard to handle. Are you sure you want to keep pushing forward?'

'Activating the Realmblade is the best option we have for turning the tides of this battle. We've already come this far – and this is something only we can do!'

'Who... are you?'

'We're the Exemplars.'

*cough* *cough*... The Exemplars?

Use your head, soldier. Don't charge right up to the enemy.

So much blood... Oripathy. And the suppressants... Damn it, we ran out a while ago.

Hang in there a bit longer, and don't move. There's a chance the Originium crystals puncture your lungs.

It doesn't matter anymore.

What?

Doctor... Sir, just about all our men are dead.

Clark was the second to last one. See that hand over there by your feet? That's all that's left of him.

What can I do?

...Your name.

Patel. Richard Patel.

Private Patel, from your badge, I see you were assigned to the 9th Battalion Armored Corps and your commanding officer is Lieutenant Colonel Blake.

If I recall correctly, your company's mission is to protect Duke Caster's flagship.

Who are you? Which unit are you from?

Delphine. From the Exemplars.

I'm just like you... I despise those enemies. They took everything from me.