Глава 15

The rhombus-shaped eye is collapsing.

Theresis raises his head and looks up at the golden sea above. The platform's 'descent' is slowing, but it will still eventually crash into the ocean.

As he steps onto the platform, the sky and the ground, up and down, instantly reverse themselves.

In this barren void, without any rules, what does 'destruction' even mean?

Just what should he do now? Theresis isn't sure.

You will vanish, 'Ascalon'.

I've severed the connection between you and a certain 'will'.

Master, I've just seen a great many images flash by.

They were all images of me, but why do I feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience? Why do I feel like I'm so far away?

That's just my memory of you.

Of me?

You aren't a false phantasm, but you're not the real Ascalon either.

They're mocking me, and you as well.

I will put an end to this farce myself.

Master, does this mean you are going to die?

What difference would it make?

I'm sorry. I wasn't able to save you.

No. You did well. You did plenty well enough.

Theresis swings his sword with all his might, cleaving the memory construct, and the already broken platform, in two.

'Ascalon' begins to shatter into pieces. Her shards, along with the other debris, 'fall into' the golden sea, transforming into more chaotic information.

Go.

At least take a few of my memories when you go. Catch up to Theresa and the myriad souls on their journey.

He can no longer hear Theresa or the myriad souls, but he still has a slight sense of familiarity with the information scattered around him.

Everywhere, although it's vanishing quickly—

She's fighting against it, as are the myriad souls.

The tower has completely collapsed.

Everything has returned to the sea of data. And the sea is slowly calming down.

Theresis is also falling into the vast, golden ocean. He is silent, and miniscule—

This is by no means the end, but do we have enough time left?

'Theresis, our blades will not be enough to destroy the gods. However, we may manage to destroy them with their own methods.'

'But I can't promise you this will work.'

'I have no reason to doubt your judgment, Theresa.'

'Tell me what I must do.'

'Face the gods, directly.'

Theresis turns around and, without any hesitation, swims for deeper waters, disappearing fully into the black abyss of data.

After a moment, the surface of the sea begins to stir and boil again.

Then, the sea splits open, as if sliced by a sharp blade—chaotic streams of information surge endlessly into the abyss.

(Unknown language) Connection... unstable.

(Unknown language) —It's you?

She opens her eyes and sees the small, frail creature.

Then all the violent scenes come to a screeching halt.

<p=1>Throne Room, Palace of Westhaleg</> <p=2>Autumn 1098</>

(Angry low moan)

Ascalon does not need your help.

(Disapproving roar)

This is not the proper stage for your fair fight.;Theresis does not have much time left for us.

Ascalon, how are your wounds healing up?;Ascalon, what intel have you received?

Don't worry.

With Entelechia's help, I'm recovering quite well.

I was still a step too slow.

Theresis is not here. The only one I've encountered is Manfred.

According to Ascalon's reports, Theresis really has returned from the Command Center.

Nezzsalem surely chose the Palace of Westhaleg as the site for the final battle with an eye towards protecting Theresis.

However, currently, Theresis and Theresa are still concealing their true motives from the other members of the Military Commission.

This includes Manfred, the nominal leader of the Military Commission.

Manfred stands alone in front of the empty throne, facing you down.

Ascalon is fully locked onto him, leaving him no room for any reckless moves.

The standing water from his earlier battle with Ascalon has soaked Manfred's cloak, leaving him slightly disheveled.

Theresa must have already captured Amnannam and handed it over to Theresis. But Theresis is not here, and Manfred seems unaware of his whereabouts...

Doctor, do you think he went there too...

To the Assimilated Universe.;The sea of data within the first Originium.

Theresa has been moving too aggressively. If Theresis reasserts himself yet again, the damage could be irreparable.

Terra, as it stands now, is woefully unprepared, regardless of the outcome.

Kal'tsit, what are their chances of success?;Kal'tsit, are we prepared to deal with any and all potential outcomes?

Judging by our own past experiences, we can say that Theresa has a full understanding of the rules that govern the Assimilated Universe.

Analyze the rules, rebuild the order, and work with Theresis to seize the first Originium... I believe, with Theresa's abilities, this is far from a pipe dream.

I don't have detailed information on the first Originium either, so naturally, I'm unable to propose any concrete countermeasures.

In other words, with how things have developed so far, it's become very difficult to rely on our past experience and knowledge to analyze the current situation.

Dr. Kal'tsit, do you mean we are helpless to do anything?

Not at all. If their plan succeeds, what Theresis and Theresa are seeking still falls within the bounds of our understanding, and we may not face the worst case scenario.

But if they fail...

Kal'tsit looks at you, her eyes filled with worry.

Dr. {@nickname}, we must return to the Rhodes Island landship as quickly as possible.

We might still have one last chance to buy Terra a brief moment of respite.

First, we must get Manfred under control.;Instead of worrying about things that have not yet happened, we should eliminate those variables that already exist.

(Excited cry)

I will protect the Doctor and restrict Manfred's movements as much as possible.

Settle this quickly. Be wary of the Teekazwurtzen that he's carrying.

Just as the Teekazwurtzen in Manfred's hand begins to glow red, the King of Sarkaz's Arts and Ascalon's blade descend upon him.

This must end.

—Move!

Ascalon instantly dissolves into purple mist, scattering amidst the flash of the blade, before reforming again.

The barrier woven by Amiya protects you and Kal'tsit, but it begins to falter against the blade flash.

(Furious howl)

(Shields with all its might)

The blade's master slowly emerges from the darkness. He looks even more terrifying under the faint light.

You've put yourself in this predicament.

...Your Highness... you...

It looks like Nezzsalem is fulfilling his end of the bargain.

You've come here to see me. Very good.

You see a man standing calmly before the throne—Theresis.

He looks nothing like the man you once knew. He's tightly gripping a vivid, gleaming crystal.

Amnannam...;You've succeeded.

You seem surprised.

You too have set foot in the void. You too have witnessed her departure.

You know full well the heavy price the Sarkaz paid for this.

And yet, you never believed the Sarkaz had any rightful claim to it.

Isn't that right, Dame Kal'tsit?

At least for now, we rejoice in your success.

I thought you would rejoice in my death, Dame.