Глава 15

You—!

You told us that we would only have one chance to strike.

You really have slowed down a lot...

Theresis struggles to lower his head and sees the blade that has pierced his heart, as well as Ascalon, with a determined look on her face and tears in her eyes.

The figure steps out of the smoke and pins Theresis to the throne with all her strength.

Amnannam and his sword fall to the ground, lying in the shallow water reflecting the dim light.

Master... this is the end.

Theresis raises his hand.

Careful, do not let him touch it again.

Theresis clutches Ascalon's assassin blade and uses all his strength to slowly draw it from his chest.

There is no blood. There is no warmth. All that's left are a few shattered crystal shards.

Well done. You've finally found your conviction.

...Your heart...

It stopped beating a while ago.

I've repaid my debt.

Take it...

Theresis, straining, shifts his gaze towards Amnannam laying on the ground.

Find Manfred...

And Kazdel... go home...

You—

Ascalon feels herself being pushed away by a very weak hand.

I will stay here.

I cannot let the Sarkaz know... my fate...

He hears faint cheers from above, the cheers of the Victorians.

The Nachzehrer King is gone.;You missed Logos's elegy for the Nachzehrer.

His war ended just before mine.

I only regret that I was unable to completely defeat.... you.

Kal'tsit?

Assuming he speaks the truth, he may have bought Terra a moment's respite.

Regardless, we must continue our preparations, Doctor.

Then, Theresis...

He will remain here. I'll ensure that no one disturbs him, and no one finds him.

She holds up Amnannam, and Theresis's sword.

Doctor, Dr. Kal'tsit, Amnannam belongs to Kazdel.

It must return to Kazdel.

We must consider this matter carefully.

The damage the Sarkaz inflicted on Londinium is bound to stir a new wave of hatred—and without proper guidance, it could lead to an even darker nightmare.

This war must end, but Kazdel must also take measures to protect itself. We can go to Kazdel together and watch how they use Amnannam.

This really is the best move, Kal'tsit.

There are many things we need to discuss, but not here.

First, we must use Amnannam to leave this place. Give it a try, Doctor.

Strange... it's not responding to me.

Let me try. I can feel... a faint connection. I think it's responding to me.

The sealed passage reopens yet again.

Is it assaulting my thoughts?

Enough. We can't just keep using this thing haphazardly. We need to do more research on both its uses and its potential dangers.

Ascalon looks at the figure on the throne. In the darkness, she cannot make out his face.

Her eyes are a bit blurry.

I'll go with you.

I will respect his wishes. I don't need to witness his end.

Ascalon...

The Cautus hugs Ascalon tightly. Ascalon suddenly realizes that the frail Cautus she once found in the wilderness has grown up.

Let's go home together.

...Doctor?

You all go ahead. I'll catch up.

I'll stay here to protect you—

Mon3tr is staying here, and it should be sufficient. Theresis is no longer a threat.

We'll wait for you outside.

It's very quiet. All you can hear is dripping water. You silently creep closer to the man on the throne.

You do not fear death, {@nickname}?

You can't kill me.;You don't think that way.

Yes, that is assuredly true.

That is why you remain here and mock me?

Haha——*cough* Haha...

Such a prideful stance.

His voice is hoarse.

You're forcing yourself to speak with me.

You have won my respect, {@nickname}.

You're more determined than I thought.

But you are on... a suicide mission.

I never imagined you could seize Amnannam.

You are heroes, in the eyes of the Sarkaz, but—

*cough* Hahaha...

Why are you laughing?

I'm laughing at you, {@nickname}.

You... know nothing.

What did you find in the Assimilated Universe?

That is my secret. You have no right to ask.

I have no desire to belittle Rhodes Island's yearning to heal the wounds caused by Originium.

Yet it is still so ironic, hahaha—

In the end, if you find that the real monster… is you—

Then what will you do, {@nickname}?

—?!;What have you learned?

*cough* Alas, I will not live to see that day. You and I never really did get along.

It was so then, as it is now.

He grabs at his clothing. It seems like he's trying to find something.

There are deep cuts on his breastplate, wounds left by Ascalon.

He finally finds what he's looking for—the stone blade he always carries.

(Warning roar)

Calm down... monster of Kal'tsit.

He's just trying to throw you the blade.

It's Ascalon's.

Leave.

You are not worthy of witnessing my end.

Directly below the Palace of Westhaleg throne room, on the lowest throne in Terra, the Regent of the Sarkaz accepts his fate, alone.

This first Victorian throne, which has been eroded by time and bears little resemblance to its original form, was moved here intact when this nomadic city was first built and became part of the foundation of the Palace of Westhaleg.

The king who built Londinium said, 'This symbolizes that Victoria's royal authority is everlasting, from beginning to end.'

According to official Victorian records, the Sarkaz mercenaries, led by an organization called Babel, withdrew from Londinium in October 1098.

However, the leader who ultimately directed all of this, Theresis, 'vanished without a trace.'

<p=1>Throne Room, Palace of Westhaleg</> <p=2>The End of Kazdel's 'Heroic Age'</>