Глава 16

*huff*... *huff*...

It hurts... the rocks are piercing the flesh... I can almost hear them growing. Why am I still alive?

I'm exhausted. I can't feel my limbs... Run! Run to the east!

Death awaits in the south. Death awaits in the north. In the west... the mines there are a dead end, just like those in the Far North.

I can run from the Far North... but how do I run from pain?

<p=1>Far North Border, Ursus</>

Urgh...

I can't... run... anymore...

This is it...

Is someone there?

I'll take a look—

No, please let me...

I can sense that it's only a poor soul who has suffered much.

Exhausted, dehydrated, starved...

You're Infected too.

*cough* *cough*!

He's one of us, comrades!

Please, save him, just as you saved all of us—

Perform your miracle!

It's not a miracle...

Oripathy is not the main reason for his pain. I can only stop his illness from tormenting him, but I cannot give him food, clean water, or a safe place to sleep.

I can't perform miracles. I'm not all-powerful. I simply... believe.

You're always so humble. We understand.

...Can you hear me, sir?

I'll hold your hand...

'Believe. Believe in our life.'

'Believe in our body and mind, believe every beat of our heart, believe every inhale and exhale.'

'Believe that we are the source of all strength.'

No longer will you live in fear of death.

The pain brought about by the rapid growth of Originium in his body begins to fade.

He can still hear the voices, but he is no longer writhing in pain.

Wh-Who are you?

You saved me...

*cough* *cough*—

What can I do to repay you?

You can call me Hierda, like everyone else here.

A miracle—

Hierda has once again saved our comrade!

She saved all of us! With her motherly caress, she takes away our pain!

Hierda!

Hierda.

Hierda!

Hierda... Hierda.

Yes, that is my name.

What do you look like? I can't see you clearly, or any of the others...

Your head is wounded. Did you fall and hurt yourself?

Maybe a mild brain hemorrhage is affecting your vision. Don't worry, we can help you walk...

Where are you going?

I don't know...

Then come with us, for now.

You're taking us to a place without pain, right?

Yes, as long as you're willing to come with me...

As long as we believe.