level_act18mini_st02

Here's the files on Chernobog, chief. They're on your desk.

Hope you can find the info you wanted somewhere in those dusty papers.

Thanks for sorting them out, Zhenya.

The assistant closes the door as he leaves, as usual. It scrapes against the uneven flooring, letting out a shrieking sound.

The editor sits up straight, lights a cigarette, and pushes through the discomfort as he flips through the stack of old newspapers.

'The Third Army's Dereliction of Duty in the Chernobog Incident...'

Tch... Same old, same old. 'Chernobog Closes Mine—a Heavy Blow to Ursus's Originium Industry'.

...'Novochernobog—The Infected Lives a Blessed Life Under His Majesty's Glory'.

Utter drivel.

No, this isn't what I want... These trashy tabloids are barely scratching the surface.

...None of these reports are anywhere close to the truth.

The editor pushes up his glasses and flicks away some stray cigarette ash, but accidentally sends sparks flying onto the paper.

He rushes to extinguish the sudden fire, but the newspaper already bears a freshly burnt hole.

Through the hole the editor sees an ensemble of letters—'Reunion'.

A name he has never heard of before.

In the last few days, a stream of Infected have been showing up wanting to join Reunion.

I told them we'll be leaving Londinium in one month's time, heading for the Duke of Gododdin's territory.

Are they willing to follow us there?

They neither agreed nor refused. They couldn't come up with an answer.

...I'll prepare for bringing them along. They have nowhere else to go.

Gododdin. I hear the Duke's issued more than a few decrees benefiting the Infected, so it's worth checking out.

Decrees and reality are not the same thing.

Obviously. Which is why we need to see for ourselves.

From a corner comes a rustling sound as Ch'en turns a newspaper page.

Nothing to say even after listening in for so long, Ch'en?

Everything you've talked about is internal business.

As an outsider, I have no right to comment. I've been focusing on the news anyway.

You weren't this quiet with many of the others in private.

We need your thoughts, Hui-chieh.

When I let you tag along with us, it wasn't just to show you how different we are from the other organizations.

Don't go getting the idea that you'd have to take responsibility for either of us.

Given our current situation, anyone's input is welcome, as long as we can help these people out. So speak your mind.

You're planning to take in people with nowhere else to go?

Why not?

They'll bring new vitality to our group.

Or new conflicts.

This group you've gathered under the banner of what you're calling 'Reunion' is as rag-tag as they come.

Is this what you promised me when you left?

Not to mention <i>her</i>.

Ch'en looks toward the indifferent Talulah.

You're bound to attract more eyes in future.

So if you ask me, I suggest staying in Londinium for a while, and restructuring yourselves—

You mean letting someone more suitable handle it?

I won't deny that.

Just look at the people you have here. Criminals, Infected, deserters... Do you have a clue where you're taking them?

We're not going to stay here forever, at the very least.

What is it? What's the hurry?

Nine, Red just came back with some urgent news. Ugh—

He shoots a glance at Ch'en.

Ever since the stranger called Ch'en showed up, his companions have been behaving strangely.

She rarely leaves Talulah and Nine alone, but has never once commented on Reunion's actions either.

Go on. She's one of us.

Troops from the ducal alliance are approaching the factory. Should we get them to leave?

Ducal troops? They can't be coming for us, but... I'll head there myself and see what's going on.

Talulah... keep everyone else hidden.

Alright.

So, you agree with Nine's methods?

...Not exactly. But this group is nothing like the original group I traveled with on the tundra.

Unfortunately, oppressed peoples are treated the same way no matter where they are.

No one cares where we go, Hui-chieh, only where we decide to stop. And then they'll figure out how to drive us away.

'Reunion'. It's a mistake I've made myself...

Nine has no intention of wiping my slate clean, but if she needs me to come up with a new meaning—

I have no right to refuse.

And her conscience is crystal clear.

Nine... and myself, we know very well what we're doing.

But you, Hui-chieh. You chased me—or rather, Reunion—all the way here.

Why are you still delaying what you decided long ago?

Talulah leaves. Ch'en doesn't catch up with her.

Keep moving, you beasts. Don't stop!

Tch... Bloody bastards!

Get up! Now!

Look at these disgusting sick freaks. Wish I could just get rid of them here and now.

The Exemplars' territory is just ahead. Are you considering dumping our rubbish right on their doorstep?

I say we stay out of trouble. They've already set up garbage disposal stations, so no littering.

Garbage disposal...?

I won't ask when or where you got your orders, soldier.

But this is no place for an execution.

Ah, the Infected hiding in the factory.

You should be thankful that we're busy catching these devils instead of—

The air grows warm. Nine casts a quick glance toward a corner shrouded in darkness.

Within it, a fire ignites, then slowly dims.

You... Did you just feel a tingling on your skin, like—

Like I got burned by fire.

...Itching for a fight, huh?

This factory area is under the Exemplars' protection.

So why don't you go ask your superiors if they'd mind an idiotic subordinate stirring up conflict here and smashing this hard-won peace to pieces?

I think you'll know how to speak to us after that.

But suppose our allies, our 'friends', were to show inappropriate sympathy and compassion towards our common enemy—

I imagine my superiors would be humming a different tune.

Move, Infected.

...They don't sound like they came from Kazdel.

Devils are freakishly good at disguises.

There's no way we're letting a devil merc slide past us.

Get moving, you damned devils!

Ugh...

The squad escorting the Sarkaz slowly trudge through the long street, though both captors and captives look exhausted and numb.

Nine watches as they leave, and spots a few teenagers stumbling at the end of the downcast parade of prisoners.

Bastards...

Here's the place, sir. The blaze lasted for three days and left basically nothing behind.

Did the fire spread anywhere other than the Patrol Unit's outpost?

No... but many miners seized the chance to escape. Everyone was so scared... Didn't know when the Patrol Unit would arrive...

But seems like you got here first. You said you're a reporter? But who's to say for sure?

...Let's not get into that. So, if the management here has always been hard on everyone, how did the miners carry out the arson?

The miners?

No, no. The village had an old noble from the city, good heart, that man... but a bit too kindhearted, if you ask me.

Couldn't stand what was happening in the mines, always talking about rescuing the miners. We thought it was all talk, but in the end...

He really went and did it.

Oh? Then where is he now?

Must've died in the blaze with the Patrol Unit.

Hah. A noble who bravely sacrificed his life to help the suffering Infected miners.

That would make a pretty good headline.

The reporter gazes at the scorched land. Nearby buildings have been reduced to rubble, and in place of the once lush forest stands unsightly tree stumps.

Suddenly, a scorch mark draws his attention. It looks unusual, almost aesthetically pleasing.

Do you... know who left this mark here?

That's just from the fire.

I'm not buying that. It looks like a 'symbol' to me.

So—who left it here?

Uh... no clue. It was just here after the fire.

So you're saying it was a deliberate act, an attempt to send out a signal: 'Salvation'.

A-Am I?

(Laughs) Didn't you just explain the real history behind it for me?

No need to rush. Get in line, everyone will get some.

How much longer do we have to stay here, Miss Ch'en?

When will the next squad leave the city...?

Don't worry. You're safe here.

I've reached out through many different channels to get everyone out of here.

I-I heard the Sarkaz-hunting soldiers have found this place.

If they find out you're sheltering us...

Sheltering? Why speak as if you're fugitives on the run?

You're citizens of Londinium, victims of this war.

We were already unwelcome long before the Sarkaz troops entered the city.

Believe me, it's more than just soldiers on that team.

Being a Sarkaz is already a <i>crime</i>, the worst one you can commit. Doesn't matter if you took part in the war or not.

...I know.

Anyways... Thanks for taking us in.

I ironed it out with the others. We'll wait three days for a chance to leave the city. If we don't get one, we'll go by ourselves.

It's not the best time to leave. The soldiers have been even more active recently.

All the more reason to get out as soon as we can. Every day we put it off will only worsen the situation.

...If you insist, we'll help you out.

Appreciate the generosity. I suggest you guys do the same.

Who do you think they'll target next, once the city's out of Sarkaz?

Most of you are Infected. You should know how their nobles treat you guys.

Today's paper, sir.

Hmm... I can't be bothered to read it, Alyosha. Anything noteworthy?

New tax policies, some literary works, a few scandals, and...

And?

Revolts. All over the country.

Let me see.

Finally, some real reporting. I thought those Deity Grypherburg reporters only knew how to run tabloids.

'Infected have been striking at factories and outposts across the country. Some regions are experiencing a surge of uprisings, as Infected have brazenly attacked outposts and government agencies, causing serious losses...'

'It is said that they are inspired by an Infected organization known as Reunion...'

Oh, look, they even left some symbols...

...Do you wish to end your convalescence now?

Of course not. Do you even realize how hard it is for me to get a vacation?

But your colleagues from the propaganda department have visited you many times already.

Oh, my dear Alyoshenka, our dear nation has been suffering from a chronic disease for quite some time, and there are many who wish to heal her.

But to do so, these rotten old wounds must first see the light of day.

I've had enough of my colleagues patching them up, over and over.

How should I reply then?

Tell them any discussion must wait until my vacation is over.

Did they ransack the streets again for another batch of prisoners? Here's your soup, Talulah.

Thanks.

Too bland? Well—I had to ransack our stash to get the last of the salt.

It's fine. Good, even.

Heh. 'Ransack'? That's a good word.

Only a week ago they wouldn't have come here, let alone taken any children among the prisoners.

But we just saw both happen.

They've been dead set on wiping out any trace of the Sarkaz for the past two weeks.

At first, it was just Sarkaz soldiers who couldn't evacuate in time. Next, it was any Sarkaz civilian who had any dealings with the army. Now? Even Londinium-born Sarkaz aren't being spared.

I thought you'd make a move, Hui-chieh.

...That would only complicate things. We're in Victoria, so I have to act more cautiously.

That'll only cost us more time.

A few days ago I saw a group of kids harassing a poor woman... all she did was to marry a Sarkaz and raise their children together.

This is how they treated the Infected before the war, and now it's the Sarkaz's turn. Eventually, every Londinium citizen will face this.

Time is what these mistreated people lack most.

Nine pauses to glance at Talulah right beside her.

However, she seems unusually calm, as if the sudden temperature increase earlier was just a hallucination.

I thought you'd make a move on the Victorians earlier.

It was only a warning. It'd only bring us more trouble if we pestered them any further. Hui-chieh has a point—We should keep a low profile until we're forced to show ourselves.

Attacking ducal alliance troops on the factory streets certainly won't do anything to improve the lives of the workers here.

So you weren't angry.

What you're experiencing, I have too, long ago. But at least Sarkaz blood isn't contagious like Oripathy.

I've long since learned to control my rage. At the very least, I won't waste it on clueless underlings like the soldiers from before.

This war has turned the oppressed into oppressors. It's not their fault.

Then who should the innocent Sarkaz vent their anger on?

Remember that Sarkaz merchant with the motorbike who helped us get supplies...? The Infected killed him out of fear.

Now, that fear is spreading unchecked as the Sarkaz are gradually retreating.

Infected, soldiers, nobles... heh, even civilians who've never seen war. Everyone thinks they're in the right.

So you're correct, Talulah. Sarkaz blood isn't contagious like Oripathy... but hatred and fear are.

You've decided then?

To save the Sarkaz? I see no need to hesitate. They're no different from us.

I'm just not sure how to minimize the fallout, so I need your help.

Keep the people at camp safe, as well as the workers.

...If you need my flames to burn for them, I won't hesitate.

Red, let the workers know our plan. Those willing to join us can stay; anyone too afraid to escape, bring them to the Exemplars' camp.

Got it.

Ch'en.

You can try to stop us, or you can leave and pretend nothing happened.

Saving those Sarkaz means you'll have to change everything you've planned.

And if you go with them, none of the Dukes will let you stay long in their domain, Nine.

They won't let us stay long anyway, even without those people.

We're Infected, Ch'en. Maybe your time at Rhodes Island has made you forget how we're actually treated.

Then where will you go next?

So you agree with our plan?

Even prisoners shouldn't be executed so hastily. They don't even have an official order.

Hui-chieh, the issue isn't where Nine and the others <i>want</i> to go, but where they're needed.

We'll find a place that truly needs us, Ch'en.

Not just the Infected... Anyone enslaved or deprived of their right to a fair chance at survival.

A place with no discrimination or oppression.

...You know as well as the rest of us that that'll be difficult, if not impossible, Nine.

Of course. But this is the path a man we all knew left us before he died.

Guard...

Someone has to see it through, Hui-chieh.

This new Reunion makes their own medicine and strives to help anyone in need, without asking for anything tangible in return.

Change is happening, but it's too fragile.

They need something to believe in, an objective. That's the only way they can push forward.

I don't completely agree with Nine's way of doing things, but I see no reason to refuse to cooperate either.

She's always admired the 'fairness' you seek, Hui-chieh.

So why not take a look at what <i>she</i> seeks?

On the tundra ignored by the Emperor's edict, rebel activity has intensified, with thousands of Infected banding together to break their shackles and regain their freedom.

We've achieved what used to be unthinkable.

Ever since that first fire ignited by that anonymous noble, many of us have been communicating in hushed tones: Is there someone leading us? To be honest, I'm not too sure myself.

What I do know is that our call to rise up has not been silenced, and is even now trying to escape from the tundra and its army of trees blocking the way.

Our proof is that unique symbol everyone's curious about, the symbol scorched by flame.

The hoarse voice on the radio smashes the countryside's peace apart.

People open their doors or climb onto their windowsills, listening quietly.

The broadcast excites them, their palms feeling hot even though they live in a place with temperatures far below zero.

Then, they light up torches in the center of the village. The light illuminates their eyes, and warms the bodies underneath their thin layers of clothing.

Soon, nearby villages spot the firelight and start bonfires one after the other.

On the dark tundra, countless fires light up the night sky.

We gather on this inhospitable tundra, following in their footsteps to take root here.

Everyone has heard of the group that disappeared into Chernobog to fight for the Infected: 'Reunion'.

Have they heard our call?

Have they finally returned—

Alrighty, you dregs! Turn around!

Sir... please... spare my life, please...

I was born here!

I-I'm different from the rest, sir, please!

I said, shut it!

S-Sir, please...

Kid, he doesn't give a damn who you are. He just wants to kill every Sarkaz he sees.

Shut up!

The boy suddenly smells a strange scent. It makes him recall his mother's perfume as she hugged him.

Countless flowers bloom on the bloodstained floors, and the scent grows stronger.

The executioner suddenly coughs violently until he throws up a cluster of bloody flower buds.

Ugh... *cough* *cough*...

Y-You...

Get them out of here. Our people will know what to do.

You lot... don't... *cough*...

Nine! Stop your Originium Arts!

You already saved the Sarkaz! Killing them... is a step too far.

Couldn't you have just kept silent as usual, Ch'en?

Stop making more enemies everywhere you go, unless you want the Dukes chasing after Reunion once you leave the city.

Talulah can make sure that it looks like an accidental blaze.

No. They'll only put the blame on the Sarkaz, calling it an act of revenge.

And then what? Who will the Dukes turn their gaze to? More innocent Sarkaz.

Or, say, an Infected group wandering around Victoria with who-knows-how-many Sarkaz in tow.

Letting them go will only make things worse.

Tell me, Ch'en. When we finally come face to face with the ducal alliance with no chance at escape, how will you keep the Infected and innocent Sarkaz there safe?

Ugh...

Enough! There're still other ways!

The tip of Ch'en's sword touches Nine's throat.

I've imagined this happening countless times.

In fact, I'm shocked it didn't happen sooner.

I went to school with many of their superior officers. I can talk to them.

As what? As a former senior inspector of the L.G.D.? As Operator Ch'en of Rhodes Island? Or, what... an old classmate, reminiscing about the good old days?

...I can guarantee these Sarkaz will be safe, at least.

Of course, I trust you'll keep that promise.

But you're missing my point, Ch'en.

There are limits to one person's power. Even you can't help the people you can't see.

I know your capabilities all too well, and that's exactly why I'm even more sure that your momentary kindness won't change a thing. It can't.

What I need is people willing to follow us, to see with their own eyes what we have to do.

Spare me the sophistry, Nine.

I'm only looking at the facts.

'Sophistry', huh?

Maybe we're all seeking 'fairness', but our interpretations of it are different.

...This is why I've long since given up hope of you coming to understand me and the future I'm looking forward to.

You can most certainly try to arrest me, Officer Ch'en.

Chi Xiao stays in place, and Nine's gaze remains on Ch'en.

A flaming sword shakes Chi Xiao away.

This isn't the place to wax nostalgic about your old days on the force.

Talulah stabs her longsword into the ground, separating the all-tensed-up two.

I didn't call for your help, Talulah. Don't act like you know everything better.

Nine, there is nothing wrong with Hui-chieh's idea.

The Dukes would be overjoyed at someone volunteering to remove every last Sarkaz from Londinium, and they might not make any moves on us.

But more importantly, there are still eyes on the both of you.

They only care about one thing: where should they go now?

The rescued Sarkaz and the Reunion members following Nine are both terrified. They have no idea what to do next.

Many of them can't understand exactly what it is you want, Nine. They just want to live.

They need time. It might take a while to show them the future you see.

Of course I know that.

I have the patience to wait for my 'sophistry' to bloom into a concrete plan of action.

And will you achieve that with even more sacrifices? How do you decide who?

ENOUGH!

I'm not here to determine which of you is right or wrong. It's not my place to.

But for now, just take them away from here. Take everyone who's willing to leave the city with us.

Hui-chieh might manage to prevent the Victorians from harassing us in the short term, but we'll still have to prepare for the worst.

Are you giving me an order, Talulah?

No, I'm offering my opinion.

But where can you go?

Your identities are too conspicuous.

Is this where you say we should go to Rhodes Island?

Yes. I have to see the both of you judged.

But not right now. Many Infected are still relying on you, and I can't just leave them in the dust.

Hah... Classic Officer Ch'en.

Want my opinion?

Whenever Talulah proactively offers her thoughts to Nine, it often leaves the Phidia with even more doubts towards her.

But Talulah has never fallen behind.

She always walks silently in the center of their group, so inconspicuous that people forget she exists.

Reunion's leader, Kashchey's adopted daughter, and the manipulative mastermind behind the Chernobog disaster.

Talulah, regarded as a hero by Infected who do not know the truth.

Her sword begins to burn, and its flames spread across the floor. They jump and fall, outlining a symbol.

The firelight reflects in the trio's eyes, but their faces still bear some gloom—the mark once represented a dark past.

Within it hides all sorts of crimes and injustices, certain to sting if revealed for all to see.

Ursus.

We can go back to Ursus.

...That's a terrible idea.

What, thinking about your unfinished business over there?

No, I want to right my wrongs.

I've received news from Ursus. The Infected are breaking their shackles and congregating on the tundra again.

They claim to be answering the call of Reunion, and have decided to stand up and fight for the rights and freedoms the Infected and other oppressed deserve.

They were inspired by a lie, but their determination to fight back is certainly real.

So they gave you the courage to recall the good old days?

...It's not only Infected over there. There are students, exiled officers and soldiers, guilt-ridden nobles...

It's exactly the strength you need.

Strength that ignores the differences in race or identity and crushes the fear of disease, united by a common goal.

Besides, it'll take time to leave with this many people... and I think that should be long enough for you to explain Guard's precious dream to those still willing to follow you.

...You don't want to restore Reunion's reputation?

No. I never expected it to hold such a large influence even today.

Even if the Ursus Empire has long since covered up what happened at Chernobog.

The voices craving resistance are like water. They might be burnt and dry up, but they'll eventually return to the land as rain.

Returning to Ursus is easier said than done. There are too many factors involved, and more things for me to confirm.

That's your problem. Not ours.

Talulah...

Even if Reunion can turn a new leaf, representing once again freedom and happiness...

What about you, Talulah? Your sins can't be washed away. Your existence is Reunion's darkest history.

How can you face the pure-white tundra as you are?

I know that I stand here today no longer as a leader, but as a symbol, a flag, or even... a weapon to be wielded.

But I'll take it. I'll accept the shackles you place on me. I've had many different identities—Draco, noble, leader, Infected... None of these matter anymore.

Today I remain only someone who once scattered the seeds of sin.

The wrongs I committed in Ursus, I will repay in Ursus.

Repay... you make it sound so simple.

I will not act as just a flag this time.

Then how?

I'll throw myself into a true blaze and let it all burn, until even the tundra's chill melts away.

I'll go back to Ursus... to truly face my own trial.

And you can be there to witness it, Nine.

Witness the end of Reunion, and the birth of something new from its corpse. That's what you truly want, is it not?

You really don't mind?

The Reunion of my heart died long ago on the tundra... along with my companions.

I'll go with you.

Scared I'll harm more innocents?

Both you <i>and</i> Nine.

After following Reunion for a while, I can confirm that the group has changed somewhat.

For good or bad... I can't say.

I don't want to miss your trial, but I also don't want to jump to any hasty conclusions about whether the path Nine insists on is correct.

From now on, I'll keep an eye on you as Rhodes Island Operator Ch'en.

I need to keep Rhodes Island informed, no matter what happens in Ursus.

Talulah, Nine... I'm responsible for you both.

...Whatever.

Now, you should probably get going. Leave the soldiers to me. I'll catch up after I make sure they're okay.

We didn't say we'd wait for you.

Have you ever? I've always had to catch up on my own.

Hmph.

Onwards to Ursus then.

Onwards to Ursus.

The flames continue to spread slowly from the tip of the blade.

Hot flames lick the bodies piled up in a corner, gently enveloping them.

Amid the light crackling of the fire, Talulah silently prays for the flames to bring them to a brighter and warmer place.