Глава 16

We trust you because you're Rankin. You're the hero that united us. No matter what end awaits us—

Rankin halts those words by raising a hand. He looks down, takes a deep breath, then looks up again at the crowd, his eyes resolute.

Have you ever seen spring in Ursus?

Silence.

I have, when I was a soldier with the border guard.

When the snow melts, green grass grows from the soil again, and the migratory fowlbeasts come back.

Sometimes, the sun is out all day, so bright it almost drives you mad, and you can only sleep by pulling your blanket over your head.

The sun, the grass, the fowlbeasts, the wind... none of those exist in the mines.

But it's not because we don't deserve it!

It's not too much to ask. These are things that you and I, your children, all of us, deserve as human beings!

Rankin's words echo in the dark mine, and in the hearts of all who are listening.

It will be dangerous. I won't lie to you, nor will I force anyone to join us.

But sacrifices are a part of any struggle. There will always be those who fall by the wayside, or leave of their own accord.

Whether they fell or left on their own, whether they were brave or timid, remember those who are around you, and remember that you once stood together and shared the same pain.

We will always be comrades.

Some may fall tonight, and some may live. Those who live will pave the path to tomorrow for the rest.

We shall raise a torch upon the outpost to remember the fallen, that survivors may remember, and the oppressor will see.

Before we leave, I want to tell you how I feel.

I hope you will join me and contribute your strength.

Only by taking this step can we go back to the surface, bathe in the sunlight, and become human again!

Rankin's chest rises and falls. He feels hot blood flow through his veins, and his strength return to him, and he raises his arms as he speaks.

More and more people come over to him, as they did when he first made his rallying cry in the mine shafts of the Central Mining District.

Brothers, sisters, remember the inhuman lives that we once led.

We were herded into the mines like beckbeasts, using our lives to dig for Originium to warm the bed of others. This is not the law; it is murder.

Yes, murder. They tried to shut our mouths, keep us captive until we die, stop us from thinking and make us numb, until we are no different from animals.

But we did not forget how to struggle. Deep underground, we connected the mines, and broke through our prison of death.

But that's not enough. We can't just keep running away. We must face our foe head-on.

Someone might ask, 'What do we do, Rankin?'

It's difficult, but it is also easy. The first thing to do is take the first step.

Tonight's battle will be the first step. More people will learn who we are, and all those who are oppressed like we are will know that they're not alone!

Do not fear. There's no need to fear. Those who are high above are not strong. We are strong!

We have nothing to lose except our lives... if they won't give us our right, then we'll fight for it with our lives!

Ask me. Ask me, 'What do we do?' 'What will become of us?'

History has shown us time and again that it doesn't forgive oppressors. If punishment has not yet come, it's only because it still needs time, and anger that will set everything on fire.

Igor Velikiy ripped the wings off the high-and-mighty Hippogryphs. If his descendants are doing the same things the Hippogryphs once did, then we will drag them down from their thrones!

Our weapons will once again force Deity Grypherburg's golden gates open. Our pickaxes will dig a hole in this land, and tear its ugly, greedy face to pieces!

All of Ursus will see us, fear us, recognize us.

Then, we will have a bright future.

You know...

I rather like Bresk this time of year.

The sun no longer rises and falls, there is no distinction between day and night... and there is no need to pretend that anything is under the light anymore.

The Marshal calls it 'The Autumn of Troubles'.

Time is of the essence, Your Imperial Highness. The situation grows more tense as we speak, as I enjoy your hospitality and your tea.

The Marshal awaits your reply.

I see even Marshal Evgeny is flustered. It seems there is truly great trouble in Ursus.

You are correct.

The mellow response from Deity Grypherburg is unacceptable—The Marshal is not the only one who thinks so.

I expect he has realized how wisely his father acted in that insurrection. The Fourth Army could have had a worse outcome than being sent to the border.

So, has young Evgeny made up his mind to be at the forefront?

The Marshal is simply performing the duty of a soldier of Ursus, to protect her by standing where the danger is the greatest.

Our only problem lies with you, Your Imperial Highness.

The Marshal needs to know that you are willing to continue to cooperate.

Is this his notice to me?

A request made of a friend.

The Marshal values your friendship and trusts your wisdom. He believes that, even at a time like this, the interests of Bresk and the Fourth Army are closely aligned.

Besides, he is not asking you to do anything other than give the nod.

He seems to think it is an easy thing.

Does he think the Tsar a fool? Does he think Chairman Witte an idiot?

There is no middle ground... just as the sun cannot coexist with the night.

The Marshal understands your situation. He is happy to share in your burden.

In any case, there is considerable room for interpretation for the fall of an Emperor's Blade. The Marshal is glad to make the interpretation for you.

'The Fourth Army assisted Bresk in suppressing a rebellion in the Far North.' As long as you are willing to cooperate, that will be the only sentence in the Fourth Army's report to Grypherburg.

You do not even need to nod. The Marshal will accept silence.

No, that's not it... if the Marshal truly understands me, he should know that it was never Deity Grypherburg's inquiry I was concerned about...

The people who live upon my land, the people of Ursus... they are my only concern.

The Marshal understands your benevolence and vows that no one shall cross the line you have drawn.

Young, impatient Evgeny... I would not wish to see my dear friend put himself in danger.

Even if I do keep silent as he wishes, it would simply be one fewer pebble in his path. How does he intend to handle the mighty boulders?

That is not something you need concern yourself with. Be it boulders or anything else, the Marshal is confident he will overcome all foes that stand in the way of Ursine glory.

Do I take it that I have your response?

Field Marshal Evgeny sends his regards.

For the glory of Ursus.

For the glory of Ursus...

Are you alright, Ksenia? I can carry both of you, if necessary!

N-No, I'm fine...

I just don't understand... why do we have to be in such a hurry?

I have a theory...

If the government has already learned about the ore vein incident...;There is only one explanation for the widespread silence in the Far North—

Ursus will not allow news of the vein exhaustion to get out.

Look at the sky, Doctor!

Was it like this when we came in?

No... Am I seeing things?

Why that color... again?

Conspicuously red, the color of warning. You do not even need to look up to see it.

It begins to cover the gray skies, and everything below them.

...The army.;The warning light of the Ursine armies.

They're here.

Why...?

Why would the army come to the Far North at a time like this? They shouldn't be here!

Doctor. High-energy Originium reaction on a large scale, five kilometers to the northwest. Someone is approaching, fast.

We need to get back to the lab, now.;We need to let Amiya know at once.

Are you alright, Ksenia? We're speeding up!

Yes, the lab...

We need to get back to the lab.

This way!

The emergency communications equipment is on the top-floor observation deck. The key is in the director's office—

Follow me!

(Whisper) Those footsteps didn't come from any of us.

(Whisper) Is there someone else here?

There aren't many of them.