level_main_15-01_end

The rhombus-shaped eye is collapsing.

Theresis raises his head and looks up at the golden sea above. The platform's 'descent' is slowing, but it will still eventually crash into the ocean.

As he steps onto the platform, the sky and the ground, up and down, instantly reverse themselves.

In this barren void, without any rules, what does 'destruction' even mean?

Just what should he do now? Theresis isn't sure.

You will vanish, 'Ascalon'.

I've severed the connection between you and a certain 'will'.

Master, I've just seen a great many images flash by.

They were all images of me, but why do I feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience? Why do I feel like I'm so far away?

That's just my memory of you.

Of me?

You aren't a false phantasm, but you're not the real Ascalon either.

They're mocking me, and you as well.

I will put an end to this farce myself.

Master, does this mean you are going to die?

What difference would it make?

I'm sorry. I wasn't able to save you.

No. You did well. You did plenty well enough.

Theresis swings his sword with all his might, cleaving the memory construct, and the already broken platform, in two.

'Ascalon' begins to shatter into pieces. Her shards, along with the other debris, 'fall into' the golden sea, transforming into more chaotic information.

Go.

At least take a few of my memories when you go. Catch up to Theresa and the myriad souls on their journey.

He can no longer hear Theresa or the myriad souls, but he still has a slight sense of familiarity with the information scattered around him.

Everywhere, although it's vanishing quickly—

She's fighting against it, as are the myriad souls.

The tower has completely collapsed.

Everything has returned to the sea of data. And the sea is slowly calming down.

Theresis is also falling into the vast, golden ocean. He is silent, and miniscule—

This is by no means the end, but do we have enough time left?

'Theresis, our blades will not be enough to destroy the gods. However, we may manage to destroy them with their own methods.'

'But I can't promise you this will work.'

'I have no reason to doubt your judgment, Theresa.'

'Tell me what I must do.'

'Face the gods, directly.'

Theresis turns around and, without any hesitation, swims for deeper waters, disappearing fully into the black abyss of data.

After a moment, the surface of the sea begins to stir and boil again.

Then, the sea splits open, as if sliced by a sharp blade—chaotic streams of information surge endlessly into the abyss.

(Unknown language) Connection... unstable.

(Unknown language) —It's you?

She opens her eyes and sees the small, frail creature.

Then all the violent scenes come to a screeching halt.

<p=1>Throne Room, Palace of Westhaleg</> <p=2>Autumn 1098</>

(Angry low moan)

Ascalon does not need your help.

(Disapproving roar)

This is not the proper stage for your fair fight.;Theresis does not have much time left for us.

Ascalon, how are your wounds healing up?;Ascalon, what intel have you received?

Don't worry.

With Entelechia's help, I'm recovering quite well.

I was still a step too slow.

Theresis is not here. The only one I've encountered is Manfred.

According to Ascalon's reports, Theresis really has returned from the Command Center.

Nezzsalem surely chose the Palace of Westhaleg as the site for the final battle with an eye towards protecting Theresis.

However, currently, Theresis and Theresa are still concealing their true motives from the other members of the Military Commission.

This includes Manfred, the nominal leader of the Military Commission.

Manfred stands alone in front of the empty throne, facing you down.

Ascalon is fully locked onto him, leaving him no room for any reckless moves.

The standing water from his earlier battle with Ascalon has soaked Manfred's cloak, leaving him slightly disheveled.

Theresa must have already captured Amnannam and handed it over to Theresis. But Theresis is not here, and Manfred seems unaware of his whereabouts...

Doctor, do you think he went there too...

To the Assimilated Universe.;The sea of data within the first Originium.

Theresa has been moving too aggressively. If Theresis reasserts himself yet again, the damage could be irreparable.

Terra, as it stands now, is woefully unprepared, regardless of the outcome.

Kal'tsit, what are their chances of success?;Kal'tsit, are we prepared to deal with any and all potential outcomes?

Judging by our own past experiences, we can say that Theresa has a full understanding of the rules that govern the Assimilated Universe.

Analyze the rules, rebuild the order, and work with Theresis to seize the first Originium... I believe, with Theresa's abilities, this is far from a pipe dream.

I don't have detailed information on the first Originium either, so naturally, I'm unable to propose any concrete countermeasures.

In other words, with how things have developed so far, it's become very difficult to rely on our past experience and knowledge to analyze the current situation.

Dr. Kal'tsit, do you mean we are helpless to do anything?

Not at all. If their plan succeeds, what Theresis and Theresa are seeking still falls within the bounds of our understanding, and we may not face the worst case scenario.

But if they fail...

Kal'tsit looks at you, her eyes filled with worry.

Dr. {@nickname}, we must return to the Rhodes Island landship as quickly as possible.

We might still have one last chance to buy Terra a brief moment of respite.

First, we must get Manfred under control.;Instead of worrying about things that have not yet happened, we should eliminate those variables that already exist.

(Excited cry)

I will protect the Doctor and restrict Manfred's movements as much as possible.

Settle this quickly. Be wary of the Teekazwurtzen that he's carrying.

Just as the Teekazwurtzen in Manfred's hand begins to glow red, the King of Sarkaz's Arts and Ascalon's blade descend upon him.

This must end.

—Move!

Ascalon instantly dissolves into purple mist, scattering amidst the flash of the blade, before reforming again.

The barrier woven by Amiya protects you and Kal'tsit, but it begins to falter against the blade flash.

(Furious howl)

(Shields with all its might)

The blade's master slowly emerges from the darkness. He looks even more terrifying under the faint light.

You've put yourself in this predicament.

...Your Highness... you...

It looks like Nezzsalem is fulfilling his end of the bargain.

You've come here to see me. Very good.

You see a man standing calmly before the throne—Theresis.

He looks nothing like the man you once knew. He's tightly gripping a vivid, gleaming crystal.

Amnannam...;You've succeeded.

You seem surprised.

You too have set foot in the void. You too have witnessed her departure.

You know full well the heavy price the Sarkaz paid for this.

And yet, you never believed the Sarkaz had any rightful claim to it.

Isn't that right, Dame Kal'tsit?

At least for now, we rejoice in your success.

I thought you would rejoice in my death, Dame.

His Originium infection level...;Just what has he been through?

I don't know what he's encountered, but needless to say, the Assimilated Universe's chaotic information continues to rapidly corrupt his will.

It will carry on this way until his entire body is fully recoded in another format.

Originium...

How much longer can he hold out?

Frankly, I'm stunned that he's managed to survive this long.

Your Highness, I shall escort you out. Maybe we can still find a way to—

Londinium does not need me anymore.

Please handle the remaining tasks.

I must do one last thing for the Sarkaz, while my mind is still clear.

Rhodes Island, the equality you seek may be a noble goal for all of Terra—but we Sarkaz will not be there to greet its arrival.

Such bitter irony—you and I brought about that outcome with our own hands, {@nickname}, and now you're walking the very path she once laid out for me.

Amnannam is responding to Theresis's call.

The entire underground throne room begins to shift. The path by which you entered is now gone.

The hole sealed in the lower layer of Londinium is being filled—at a pace visible to the naked eye.

Stop him!

The surging Originium assimilates Amiya's Arts, something she has never experienced before.

It's not working! Why?

But Theresis still shows the same, rarely seen, pained look on his face.

Cautus, you... are much like her.

Something's not right.;The Originium assimilated Amiya's attack!

He is currently adapting to, and studying, Amnannam. But the more he is exposed to it, the more the chaotic data streams will impact him.

The first Originium, having had its authority seized by force, can't possibly compare to the state it was in when first created—we still have a chance.

We don't have to attack head-on!;Stall! He can't hold out for long.

I need to get closer to him, and Amnannam!

Just trust me!;I won't forget!

You'll never forget how you felt in that moment. You nearly lost Amiya.

However... you feel a torrent of jumbled information rushing through your mind—

Time is slowing down, but you can feel the Originium, the Originium you control.

Maybe, just maybe, you still have a chance, so long as you can remember everything that happened.

If you can do that, you'll be able to stop the Originium.

I will do my best to carve a path for you, Dr. {@nickname}!

Mon3tr, do not worry about me. Protect the Doctor.

The Doctor is the only person, out of everyone here, who can stop Amnannam.

(Hesitant roar)

Trust me.

(Opens claws to protect you)

The surging Originium activates the pool of dead water that has lain still on the surface for ages. Mist clinging to your mask makes it hard to see the road ahead.

However, you feel a silken thread wrap around your waist, gently guiding you forward.

...Amiya?

Keep going!

I told you before; this conflict ended long ago.

However, Ascalon, Manfred... your future does not lie here either.

Originium creeps up Manfred and Ascalon's bodies, pushing them toward the edge, to the end of the battlefield.

Leave. Go to a safe place and wait there.

Remember to take Amnannam back to Kazdel.

—Wait, Your Highness—

Manfred's voice vanishes within the underground throne room. Theresis has already scuttled him off to a safe place.

You don't get to make decisions for me anymore.

Ascalon dissolves into a purple mist, slipping through the cracks in the Originium and remaining in the throne room.

She is everywhere all at once, just waiting for an opportunity.

Folly...

Amnannam is still flashing, but his movements are becoming increasingly difficult.

The Originium is restricting his arms, his eyes, and even his thoughts.

But still, he forces himself to remember one goal——to bury everything here.

He needs to hold on to his last shred of sanity so he can leave Amnannam with Manfred, who is finally safe.

He struggles to lift up his sword, as he once did when he served at the side of the King of Sarkaz.

He raises his sword for the Sarkaz one final time.

Have you ever... looked up at the sky?

Beyond that sky, far beyond the twin moons, there is a place that we would once return to, where we would sleep peacefully.

But I am the only one left, here speaking with you. In the course of the Sarkaz's eternal search for the remains of dead gods to fend off your enemies, have you ever wondered...?

Why did those gods die?

'In the sea filled with both truth and the unknown, I saw...

'A fleeting vision of the gods before they died, and root of the pain you bear.'

'I now understand you, though you have already passed away. Now I'm the only one left, and I'm speaking to you.'

'Before I retire to my eternal slumber, I will destroy you. I shall build a ladder for the Sarkaz.'

'No longer will anyone toy with the fate of the Sarkaz. We shall reclaim our own destiny, {@nickname}.'

Theresis swings his sword.

A beam of light stings your eyes, and you wrack your brain, trying to recall how to stop Amnannam.

Amiya's barrier breaks, layer by layer, amidst the gleam of the sword. You think you see Mon3tr's huge frame blocking your view.

STOP!

You suddenly remember everything about the moment you almost lost Amiya. You remember how you stopped it all.

<color=#000000>You did it, Dr. {@nickname}.</color>

You remembered—

(...Priestess...);(Priestess!)

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'</>

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?'

(Unknown language) It has been a long time since this place has seen a new visitor.

(Unknown language) Or are you the last survivor of the ruined planet?

'I remember... my consciousness was shattering...'

'And then... disintegration... death... but, why?'

(Unknown language) In any case, welcome.

(Unknown language) Come. Seek me.

...I remember, a hand reached out to me, before I died.

This place—

The Cautus, who should have perished and returned to Terran soil, looks around in confusion.

She has never seen a place like this before. Light falls upon her, and she feels warm.

Where are we?

The land beyond death… the home of the gods?