Глава 14

I've been wondering when you'd come to see me, Kal'tsit.

You came too late, and you missed the most beautiful moment.

The first flower that budded died last night, but look at it now.

It's full of vigor still.

I see no difference compared to before.

Exactly.

It was born from the withering, and in an instant it became so healthy and strong.

*sigh*, if only you were able to witness for yourself this miracle born on top of Originium.

This garden, built on top of Originium, is the fruit of Theresa's painstaking labor.

Aside from war, the other path that Theresa found for the Sarkaz is close at hand.

But what kind of future does this path lead to?

Ever since you brought the Doctor here, you've been spending more time in the garden.

Babel still has a lot that needs you, our chairman, to handle, but on top of that, you were absent from today's general meeting.

Not only do we have you, we also have the Doctor here now to help us. It's not much of a problem if I take it easy once in a while, isn't it?

I know you, Theresa. You were never one to joke around when it came to important business.

Kal'tsit...

Hm?

Do you know what the Doctor thinks?

No, I'm not sure what you've heard, but my guess is you do not have our mutual friend's full support.

I won't give up, Kal'tsit.

If this is how we're supposed to resolve the predicament that the Sarkaz is facing now, I'll go talk to Theresis.

I will show this path to all the Sarkaz, so that they know we aren't fated to live a vicious cycle of hatred.

Theresa—

Kal'tsit, please hear me out first.

I know very well that this could be risky, but I trust you.

If you find me walking toward an uncontrollable future while I'm on this path, please pull me back.

I know you can do this, even though you always keep your opinions to yourself on many things.

If you want that future you're hoping for to actually come true, we'll still have to earn the Doctor's support.

When it comes to Originium utilization, the Doctor is... irreplaceable.

But regardless of what awaits us at the end...

...I promise you: when the time comes, I will be there by your side.

(Menacing growl)

I got the Doctor. Stop growling.

Heh, relax. I won't let go.

The wind roars in your ears. Through the shattered porthole, you can see The Shard and the devastated battlefield below.

The ceaseless barrage of intense explosions could fling you outside at any moment, and right now, the one who is holding onto your hand... is W.

You don't often see W acting this serious.

(Anxious growl)

I'm trying to think through something actually important, Mon3tr, so quit bothering me.

You never really know the old hag, but she'd never take her chances with you.

Since she insisted on bringing you along on such a dangerous boarding mission—

We'll definitely need you if we want to see Her Highness and stop this stinking ship.

*Sarkaz expletive*. I've got no choice but to save you now.

Come on up.

...Thank you.;Back then—

Nothing happened back then.

Where do we go now?

I can still hear the bombs ticking on my back.

That's for positioning. You can think of the explosion as, like, a bonus function.

If you got swept away, I would've had to find you—

Shit, that reminds me. I should've given the old hag one, too.

(Disapproving growl)

It'd be a waste on you, you little freak.

Now figure out which way we gotta go, you empty tin can.

We don't have much time. This stinking ship's about to crash into that weird thing out there...

If I have to die, it's gotta be after I meet Her Highness.

You've been pretty antsy ever since we got on this ship.

Oh? I saved your ass. You don't think that's me being more emotionally stable than usual?

Is it because you're about to meet Theresa?;Is it because you're worried about Hoederer and Ines?;Is it because this is our first date without a third wheel?

I gotta babysit for that old hag <i>and</i> figure out how to bump off that core right now.

I don't have time for a Q&A.

Gah, why would I be worried about <i>those two?</i>

Ines knows how to bring back the dead like it's doing laundry.

She'll take care of it.

...Don't you even dare to try provoking me.

If it wasn't a moment like this, I swear you wouldn't have had the chance to ask that question.

So stop trying to annoy me with your dumb, self-righteous interrogation—

The shadows emerge from the metal. They are everywhere.

The revenant is anywhere and everywhere.

It has already made it in front of W.

You are a Sarkaz, too! Are you turning a deaf ear to the myriad souls' anger and squall?!

You shouldn't—

Oops, my hand slipped.

Right, you were saying?

Hold on, I bet you're here to tell me where Her Highness is, aren't you?

The sound of the metal being torn apart continues. The entire airship is howling.

(Nervously hooks onto your clothes)

The airship... is angry?;The revenant... is angry?

Hm, looks like it's not really all that rational of a fella...

It's a good chance. Can you find out what's the place with the most energy fluctuation on this ship right now?

That should be where its core is.

...;...I don't know how to.

(Looks at W with a mocking expression)

Hold on. I still have an idea.

Maybe I can figure out which spot shows the highest change in Originium concentration!

Well, then get on it! This asshole's even more impatient than I expected!

Doesn't look like it'll wait till you're done...

Ergh...

Hey, shadow freak, you know how guests are supposed to bring their hosts a gift when they visit?

Catch!

Little freak, you better keep this dipshit safe, or you're gonna get yourself grounded by the old hag.

(High-pitched howl)

This way! But the wall's so thick, the bombs won't blow—

You forgot about this guy, huh?

Based on my tests before, it's got more than just a thick skin.

Hold on tight to it, Doctor! I'll give you two a huge fireworks show!

The moment it goes off, let it shield you from the impact and take you to the other side!

You got that, little freak?

(Excited howling)

Get ready, then. Three, two, one!