Глава 15

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'</>

His ears can no longer hear anything, but the sound of the ocean waves floods his brain, just as it did before. This is the voice of the Assimilated Universe.

An endless stream of information crashes into his consciousness. It is frenzied and unclear; it is beyond his understanding.

Theresis has very little time left to think. His final shred of consciousness surrenders to the vast sea of data.

His consciousness comes to rest beside a lonely monster.

The ugly Teekaz, wearing a black crown on his head, walks out from the silvery mountains. He looks up at the vast starry sky.

The eternal starry sky. The wild, primal continent. From every corner of existence, countless lives look beyond the earth and stars—they all gaze up at the same universe.

He's not lonely. He feels more calm and peaceful than he's ever felt in his life.

At last, I see the past, as you once saw it...

As well as the future.

He wants to say something more, to call that name one last time, but he can no longer speak.

He's totally exhausted, but as he prepares to close his eyes, a faint white ray emerges from the darkness.

We insist that you know the parting words she left for you.

As Theresa left with the myriad souls… she heard your voice among the many who called out to her.

'Our time has finally come to an end.'

'Goodbye, Theresis.'

He strains to open his eyes. His field of vision grows ever darker.

But he recognized the figure in white some time ago, as soon as it first appeared.

'Goodbye, Theresa.'

He doesn't need to hold on any longer.

He flashes a slight smile and allows his last wisp of consciousness to dissipate.

The light dispels the darkness.

The light brings forth the darkness.

When the light pours into his eyes once more, time seems to have gone backwards, back to the moment before the collapse.

(Unknown language) You are lost.

'Who speaks to me?'