Liberi Reader

Why should I help you, Sarkaz?

Do you think you saved me? I didn't die, though that doesn't even matter—this shell is merely a plaything I abandoned long ago.

Besides, aren't the Sarkaz the ones hunting me down?

How much history have you seen?

All that I have experienced.

Rumors say that you will divulge a piece of truth, or hint at an omen.

You tiny little creatures treat my drifting ripples as hallucinations while indulging in them, and yet you harbor resent?

After I was divided up by those lunatics... there's even a fallen angel carrying a part of me around, and what I've seen and heard since has actually gotten more interesting.

On the contrary, what makes me feel absolute boredom are these so-called... bulky histories and profound topics.

Absolute boredom... you're not wrong on that.

History always repeats itself on this land. Looking at the past is now a means of looking towards the future.

And so, I have actually become a prophet! In this life of mine—if you can still count my current form as the same life as before—I've never thought of having such an identity.

Then... are you looking for a 'new conclusion'?

Just how old do you think I am? You little rascal.

There won't be any new conclusions to draw, with the way all of you look like now.

Yes, something strange has happened to these decrepit bones of mine. A rabbit wears a Sarkaz's crown, and she together with a male Banshee are fighting a Vampire on top of my head.

Of course, there's that sheep playing with shadows who hangs out with you too.

Are these new to me? A little, perhaps.

But you can't win.

You seem so sure.

Do we also belong to the history you've seen, that has comes full circle time and time again?

There's never been a shortage of those who resist on this great land, but they always fall into the same trap.

Besides, I understand that Vampire's tricks. He was the one who peeled off my skin back then.

Let's have a wager, Feranmut.

This strange bunch of people—Cautus, Caprinae, Banshee, Sarkaz; they'll triumph over the Vampire that tried to hunt you.

Are you trying to win my favor? Do you think I'll look at you differently for helping me?

I couldn't care any less about that. But what are you putting on the table?

If we win, you'll lend us your help, and bring us back to where we came from.

And if you lose?

We'll all be dead by that point.

You're making an empty offer, little thing.

I accept.

You really are easy to talk over.

No, it's because I know that all you have are just the waves I toss up, that will calm to a still in the blink of an eye.

So I might as well spare a little effort and raise my eyelids a little.

......

Three hours and fourteen minutes.

You should trust them.

It's all we can do.

We're done with our combat mission too.

Our losses aren't light. Their forces here are indeed well-trained.

Most of the Sarkaz chose to fight to the end, but a small number also chose to surrender.

But I refuse to let them die so simply just like that.

Perhaps it's difficult to put them on trial during wartime.

It's definitely a difficult task to judge just how much blood is on the hands of every terror-stricken Sarkaz who laid down their arms.

But if we act just like they do, then we'll be no different than them.

Vina, I'd like to take on the responsibility of investigating the crimes committed by these Sarkaz prisoners of war.

......

I have a professional covert intelligence background too, so I'm well versed in the ways to get them to talk.

I know what you're worried about, I...

No, I'm not.

I'll leave it to you.

...Alright.

I won't let a single drop of blood go unaccounted for.

Prepare for battle. The Feranmut will be back soon.

Mon3tr, standby.

There's no way we can be sure who'll be on this return trip.

Mon3tr!

Hey! Let go of me, you damn—

Ugh. Seems like that old hag's awake. Think you got her backing you up now?

That's my last grenade, so bite onto it tight, you little freak!

(Angry howling)

...Put her down, Mon3tr.

Shitty luck today.

*sigh* I just wanted to give myself a ceremonial salute to announce my return—

Didn't think I'd see an old hag with a scowl on her face once the skeleton stopped.

W, don't forget we have to repair any structures you blow up here after taking over the place.

Anything destroyed will be fixed by the same hand.

Huh? What makes you think I'd even know how to fix this kinda thing?!

Kal'tsit, Doctor.

We've captured the Feranmut's skeleton, as well as Commander Ulšulah.

The rest of the skeleton garrison have been eliminated.

......

So you're the Dame Kal'tsit?

I've heard so much about you.

You're one of the Scar Market's people.

...You know every little thing that's happening in Kazdel clearly, even from somewhere as far as Victoria.

Seems like those old guys weren't lying.

I'll have a talk with those 'old guys', as you call them, through you when we're done with business here.

They are the ones who stayed behind to watch over Kazdel, and the Lich have already contacted the Military Commission that currently governs the place.

They'll be making their decision soon.

Doctor!

I'm fine. The blood... it was the Vampire's.

Amiya.

Your rings... you used them.

Yeah.

Let me see your hands.

I... had to use it against him. I'm sorry.

...You've become more skilled with using emotions and memories.

No, Doctor. Don't worry.

I'm just... kind of tired.

The ring on your right index remains broken. Fortunately, that's just an effect of exerting yourself.

You were burning from rage again.

Me.. angry?

I thought I'd be angry at the Sanguinarch of Vampires for slaughtering so many people.

But what I felt was not just that.

There was also... sadness.

These rings are meant to help you adapt to the Lord of Fiends' power, and the surge of emotions that come with it.

Another ring has cracked.

Perhaps... we can do nothing but to witness these wounds open again and again.

Please don't worry, Dr. Kal'tsit. No matter who I've faced, or who I will face next...

I won't fall before they do.

the Sanguinarch of Vampires fell into someplace we don't know about.

His court still remains, but no longer poses a threat to us.

However, we failed to prevent the curse from being cast.

It's coming from Londinium... what's happening over there?

The Self-Salvation Corps originally believed that cutting off this supply line would be a way to end the war.

But things have changed. This 'war' will not last for much longer.

We need to hurry over. This skeleton might be able to become a new stronghold, or an unprecedented means of transport.

Hopefully it can be put to good use.

The decisive battle is right before us.

Mhm. The Sarkaz cannot be the culprits of the next calamity.

Also...

Dr. Kal'tsit. The Vampire's obsession, his hopes, and what he called a curse, is 'Originium'.

...Yes.

The oldest Kazdel came into contact with 'Originium' before any other civilization did.

It was not the remnants of a Catastrophe, or a mineral silently buried within rock formations. It was a hunk of 'Originium' from antiquity.

And it birthed the oldest witchcraft, and the most ancient of... Infected.

If the Vampire really knew of this fact, and developed his obsession from that, thinking it could grant him power...

Then it won't just be Londinium's fate that will be determined next.

Back here again.

Londinium.

Yeah, after all we've been through... we're finally in Victoria's capital.

A pity it's now completely surrounded by the Sarkaz and the Dukes' armies.

Guard, quickly arrange...

......

......

Percival, arrange another Oripathy screening for our members. I know some of them are still deteriorating.

Non-combatants will be stationed in this forest. Percival, take good care of them and keep in touch with us.

...Are we really going in there?

The Infected will be everywhere throughout the city, no matter how the war ends.

Sarkaz or Victorian, soldiers or nobles, and even farmers, workers, traders. They won't be able to judge their own identity so quickly.

Perhaps they won't even realize it until peace returns and they're once again marginalized, and then it hits them.

I was reminded of this... because of what happened to Guard.

......

But, no matter.

We have to let every Infected on this land know that our flag flies high once again.

And more importantly, what it stands for.

Once day, when they become prisoners again, they will think of our flag as they realize the justice on this land must be won through struggle.

What's the plan?

We'll split up. It won't happen overnight.

Other people can handle the task of eradicating the disease, while we'll make sure oppression will no longer be tolerated. We'll need to directly demonstrate this with our strength.

In Victoria, we need to at the very least—

——Nine.

There's fire on the other side of the hill, a hundred or two hundred meters away at most.

It's glowing an unnatural hue.

...Percival.

How long has it been since the scouting team last replied us?

Huh? Let me go check...

...Yeah, it's been longer than our estimations. But this isn't the first time, our comms equipment are just junk after all.

I'll go ask Red...

I didn't know Your Highness would be here in person.

This is only a trifling swarm of Infected with weapons. Weak and pitiable people forced to unite and fight.

...Heh. Even if there is a surviving Draco among them?

We'll confirm her identity and handle everything on your behalf.

I'm not blaming you, of course.

Hmm... have the scouts located the target?

Yes. It's consistent with our intel.

However, with all due respect—why do we have to be so concerned about her this much?

Even if she has the red dragon's blood—her 'identity' will only pose a slight detriment to your claim.

But if our intel is accurate, her current identity is that of an 'Infected'.

So what does she mean to...

An Infected, hm?

Don't we know another Infected Draco as well?

......

My sister will soon return to my side.

Just think of it as eliminating some unnecessary variables to nourish the soil between us.

We can—

A Draco.

Hehe... I've never come into contact with a Draco outside of family before.

......

All of you, wait here.

I shall take a look myself.

Ah—

Careful.

......Thank you.

This swamp is miserable to wade through.

Yeah.

Our supplies are low, and people aren't getting enough to eat. We haven't been able to get any decent medication either.

Do you need my help?

No, no thank you.

I walked all the way from Ursus, and this isn't so different from back then.

......

What is it?

Nine.

Can you release these... restraints? And your Arts too.

You should be well aware you're not allowed to use your Originium Arts. These are your yoke and fetters.

You're 'Talulah, the Hero' only when before our Victorian compatriots.

I'm not a hero, or anything like that.

I just don't want history to repeat itself because of m—

Wh-What's going on?!

Where did this fire come from?!

All units on alert!

What is that—

...'Reunion'. Infected.

Another group of pitiable people, fighting against their pitiable fate. Tenacious, powerful, magnificent.

And yet completely unaware they're involved in another lamentable conspiracy. Draco and Aslan, red dragon and lion.

You people, who rose up from Ursus, were actually lead to where you stand today by a descendant of the red dragon.

Who will ultimately bring about your demise.

'Talulah Artorius'. What sort of woman are you, Draco?

If you're deserving of my attention, then come forth from death.

Flowers?

To think there would even be... flowers that can withstand my flames?

Nine.

I'm fine.

These flames are special.

Yes.

She came for me, so I'll handle her.

......

Many of us here aren't combat-ready.

You have to keep them all safe.

Reunion will pull on your chain.

You haven't been judged, so don't die just yet.

......

Talulah Artorius, daughter of Edward, and legitimate heir to the Victorian throne.

This is—

Your true self.

......

That's enough hiding. Come out already.

It's only going to become more humid after night falls, and you won't be able to light the firewood you got.

Who... are you?

...You're Infected.

Doesn't matter, I'm the same. I won't harm you or anything.

......

There's no need to be so wary. I'm not lying, I really am Infected.

You're... not a Victorian?

I'm from Yan.

What's a Yanese doing here?

......

My family came here for business and got caught up in the war. I was going to evacuate with them, but I accidentally contracted Oripathy.

So they left me behind.

Hmph. Everyone's unfair to the Infected everywhere. Your luck sure sucks.

But we can't help you either.

I can tell.

You don't even have a way to start a fire, so you're probably no Arts users.

Don't seem to be hunters either, so you won't live more than a few days.

Getting captured by the military as an Infected, or by the Sarkaz as a Victorian, either way is a terrible way to go, right?

So?

I can help you get a fire going at least.

Watch.

Woah! It's really burning! It was that easy?

Thank you so, so much, Yanese lady.

What about you? Do you need us for anything?

The sky's getting dark. Can I rest here for the night?

I'll leave at first light tomorrow.

How's a foreign refugee like you this calm and unruffled?

And your sword... even I can tell it ain't some ordinary blade.

You're right... I'm what they call a zoubiao in Yan, like the Messengers here.

I'm pretty skilled, and not a stranger to traversing adverse conditions either. Surviving in the wild isn't that difficult for me.

You helped us start a fire... I'll leave it at that.

*sigh*...I'll admit what we did, even if it's the soldiers who find out. As long as the Sarkaz don't catch us.

It's not like they'll reward you with a feast.

Is that worth discussing when we don't even have a crumb to eat right now?

Those Reunion crazies... they're the reason why it's so dire for us now...

Reunion?

You haven't heard? Well, you've only been recently Infected, after all.

...Mm.

They're a band of Infected, and we were all counting on them to be our saviors.

You fought over something?

Bah.

We robbed a Sarkaz, but they were of the opinion that we killed one of their Infected 'countrymen'.

Sarkaz? Countrymen? My daughter's dead because of them!

My daughter... my girl... *sigh* Oh!

......

Do they have a leader...?

'Nine'.

Yeah. She's the one who chased us away.

......

There was another one they called Guard, but he's dead.

...Grr. I really want to roast something for dinner.

I don't know what Reunion is exactly, but the group we encountered were a bunch of hypocrites who belong in a dumpster.

What? Heh, you want me to shake hands with the Sarkaz and make peace? I'll beat the next one I see to death.

......

Right, remember the rumors we always heard? From the Ursus tundra?

——Talulah?

......

'Hero of the Infected'? She didn't seem much at all to me.

I remember she was always trailing behind Nine, and never said anything more than a few words.

The hearsay from those old Infected weren't worth shite. Nine might have been the actual decision maker all along.

...*sigh*. This is all just useless banter. It's too late for you to join them, Yanese fella.

Where did they go?

And how would I know?

Back then I left in a huff with this guy in tow. I remember there being a Messenger station in this direction about a dozen kilometers from here.

An early rest for us today then.

We have to get back on the road tomorrow.

...Nothing unusual to report.

Did you hear? The dukes seemed to have bumped into each other.

Duke Windermere sacrificed herself, and the other lords can no longer sit still either.

*sigh* The madam's legendary tale is still in my mobile terminal...

Legends are useless now.

But... do you know who was keeping watch here at Chetleigh before we took command? I thought the Sarkaz seized this place long ago.

Could they have been stragglers from some army? Maybe it's the Londinium Citizens' Self-Salvation Corps. Rumors abound that they're still active.

That's ace. They managed to stand up to the Sarkaz even though there's no decent equipment to be found here.

Yeah. They're definitely veterans roaming about the country who can take on a hundred alone.

Right? No way they're just some local thugs or worker riffraff.

The scouts sent their intel.

Basically it was pretty much what the commander predicted... which was 'impossible to predict'.

Meh. Send it to the tent, I can't make heads or tails of it either. The Sarkaz army's methods are just too unconventional.

Sure.

...Wait.

The scouts say they detected a strange squad identification code.

Want to report it together?

......

'The Exemplars'?

Isn't that name from the War of the Four Nations...?

......

What am I supposed to tell them? Our scouts saw a specter?

...'The Exemplars'.

Know anythin' about them?

No... I'm from the Duke of Fife's 4th infantry battalion...um. That's no longer important.

Aye, you're just an Infected now, and I'm basically a deserter...

Haha, we're both in a wee bit of a pickle, aren't we? Didn't think I'd have to be so overcautious here in Chetleigh.

Bagpipe... I can't find this funny at all.

Chetleigh's now under the army's jurisdiction, so are we...

...Sigh.

I'm sure you have no clue how enchantin' the hay piles are this time of year. I want to celebrate with me army chums back home too.

But I can't expose myself so easily like that. They treat deserters no better than fowlbeasts on the chopping block for dinner.

You're a good one, miss. I'm sure you can sort this misunderstanding out...

Tell me that a year back and I might have believed ye.

'The Exemplars'...

...Ain't that the Tempest Platoon's former name?

Still following me?

Uhm.

You seem strong... and we haven' eaten at all the past two days...

We're all fellow Infected, aren't we?

We'll travel together for a while more.

You might be able to see the station you mentioned after this hillside.

Or maybe it's been smashed to bits... wait.

Look, over there. People, right?

Right.

Stay calm. Their numbers are limited, at the very least.

Wait, hold on! They're Victorians! I can see them!

Are they a squad of refugees? I can see some soldier guards too!

What do we do?

This is much better than running into Sarkaz, but we're Infected... are we going to be...

......

The Infected already abandoned us, so we might as well ask them for food than starve to death out here.

B-besides, think about it. How many people are going to emerge from this war with Oripathy? Surely they'll let us live somehow?

Of course. Definitely. For sure, I'm sure they will.

I'll go take a look.

Hey!

......

Heavens! What's going to happen if the soldiers do turn hostile?

And, um, you're a Yanese... what if...

...I think you can ease up on the anxiety.

Look. They seem to be getting along well.

Huh?

I-it really does look like it. He's waving, I'll go over.

......

Yanese lady!

I talked with them, we can travel together—

Huh. Where'd she go?

'You beat a Sarkaz to death? Hell yeah, you're our heroes!'

......

Hmph.

You finally replied to my invitation, Duke Gododdin.

It seems that even you realize now how serious the situation is.

Yes, it's gotten so serious that our cautious Duke Caster has actually left her territory to grace the front lines in person.

A Victorian Duke has died on the battlefield... how many years has it been since something like this has happened?

Quite a few of our fellow nobles suspect you behind your back, you know. After all, everyone knows you never got along with the Duke of Windermere.

That stubborn Windermere would never support your little plot to take over Londinium.

......

But I know it wouldn't be you.

You welcome any loss she suffers, even if they were major. But now... your problems have only increased with her death.

In fact, all of us here have attracted a big problem.

There are rumors from outside that the young Duke Gododdin today is obsessed with notions of romance and lacks the wisdom and wits of his house.

It seems that our country has become so weak that we've exhausted our ability to understand people.

Don't flatter me, I'm only disinclined to care about other matters, yours included.

Alas. Why does this war compel us to face our responsibilities? All I can do is to walk out the winery and throw myself down at the table of today.

And for this end I've even brought a friend.

It was not easy to bring him off his high-speed battleship.

......

......

To think the Duke of Wellington would grace us with his presence.

My time grows short.

I hear you met with some troubles on the frontline. The Nachzehrer King is not an easy enemy to deal with.

...Hmph.

No more than just a Sarkaz.

You must take care of yourself. After all, you're already...

I'm not at the age where I need you to tell me how old I am.

The stalemate on the frontline will soon end, and Windermere's defeat will have a... minimal impact on the war situation.

We will be able to retake the frontlines in no time.

Your valiant march onwards has caused the ducal armies to clash with the Sarkaz military on all fronts.

It's not enough.

We must execute an effective offensive than continue defending our fragmented defenses to win this war.

Our counterattack must begin.

...I agree.

A rare sight to see the two of you in agreement.

Londinium is now officially declared to be under the Sarkaz's occupation. This means they no longer have a need to hide.

This does not bode well for us at all.

My follow-up units will assemble in three days.

We suffered some losses in the previous war, but Wellington's battleships will still be the first to rush into the storm.

I will participate as well. And see to it that the Dukes of Normandy and Fife join our efforts.

Abercorn and Ashworth will of course, also be reasonable people—

What an unprecedented sight to behold. The dukes speeding to Londinium on their battleships to shell the city walls.

Hmph, I hope there won't be a second time.

Inform your troops that I will take command in this battle.

Naturally.

Well then, if you will excuse me. There are many matters waiting for me to handle on the front line.

And just like that. Truly a swift and decisive man.

I grew up listening to the tales of 'The Empire's Death Knell', but I didn't think his hair would actually turn completely white.

*sigh* Forming a military alliance with other dukes used to be an earth-shaking affair, but look at us now; we can't even have a presentable meeting.

......

Judging from his words, he's become a stubborn old man unwilling to admit his setbacks.

Duke Caster, I know nothing about war, but looking at old Wellington's condition, I fear we won't be able to completely trust him...

Caster?

Indeed... trust.

No, it's nothing. I merely recalled some past events from my youth.

Old Wellington... he conceals his impatience, his unease, and even his shortcomings. He is getting older as well.

But he can't fool me. It's all fake.

You've known him for a long time.

For far too many years... even from when I was just a little girl with no experience.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

The look in his eyes as he spoke of the Nachzehrer was exactly the same as it used to be in his youth.

Be it friend or foe, he is like a beast thirsting to tear the other to feast on their blood.

To rip out their entrails, chew their bones, and swallow them.

Hunt, devour, grow. He has always been this sort of warrior.

The old man's appetite has always been good.

Who was already in Duke Wellington's belly, when you met him?

Ivan Evgenevich.

Herkunftshorn.

As well as Corsica I.

...I see.

You were really... quite young back then.

There used to be a saying in the among the nobles in Caster territory, regarded as an ominous symbol.

'Victoria only has one true Duke after the War of the Four Nations.'

For we restricted and weakened him after that fort more than sixty years. The people forget about heroes in peacetime, and the nobles repel the death knell in their fear.

He revealed his fatigue earlier.

But I think of, and I've always been thinking of something—the smile on his face when we were both young, flashed towards the endless expanse of the battlefront...

He stood side by side with the Emperor of Ursus, he witnessed the Witch King's arts, he saw the greatest of monarchs and dismantled the largest modern cities to exist then.

How can someone like him willingly throw himself to the slaughter?

Hmm...

So you're telling me, our man who has had no choice but to swallow his pride for decades and might be still Victoria's strongest general, has divulged his true feelings?

Heheh, you're the one who invited him to the table. You know he has a trump card up his sleeve.

I'm feeling a little chilly. The wind outside tonight is rather strong.

Chilly? Be sure not to catch a cold, Duke Gododdin.

Ahaha, of course not. Please be at ease.

Despite what everyone says about me, I really am lazy and would much rather stay in my lovely estate appreciating the countryside view than to be on a battleship.

But I do like winter.

Ah! I got it!

You tinkering with the radio equipment again?

Didn't I already tell you multiple times, Closure?

Our recent patrols haven't gone far enough to pick up any signals coming from inside Londinium.

And I already told you so many times, I'm a Rhodes Island engineer!

Look, my equipment specially made for Rhodes Island communications can now receive signals from other channels after my many modifications!

Let's see—

Commander Clovisia! I knew she and the others were fine!

We need to hurry and tell everyone about this.

Great, they're all right and I'm done debugging this tool in my hand.

Wait, there's another message from the Rhodes Island channel.

It can't be... what happened to Blaze and the rest with her, and what's with all the regular Infected...

So many books here, but not even a vegetable stem to be found.

The number of books won't matter if we don't find any stems.

Are you sure we can find something edible here?

If we don't, then we can just kick down some house door after.

Won't they put up a fight?

We already took them all away.

(yawn) Man, I'm beat.

Life was so much simpler before.

Swing our sword, cut someone down, swing again, cut down another, and then boom. Money.

But now? We can't even find a single stem to eat.

Is Londinium still considered Victoria's now?

I mean, we occupied it, so does it count as a new city of ours now? Or is it still Victoria's?

I don't know.

All I know is the clouds have been gathering lately. The top of that building... is extremely unusual.

What's there to worry? That's where the regent is.

Do you hear a... strange noise?

Huh? Nah.

That's so strange...

......

......

......

Your Highness, what are you looking at?

Dark clouds.

The Shard's energy is gathered. According to the Confessarii research, a device like this able to manipulate Originium's reactions will also be able to control that piece of 'Originium'.

The dukes have begun mobilizing their forces, and in a few days...

No, I don't mean the clouds here.

What's about to happen in Londinium is set in stone.

......

Manfred, you were born in Kazdel. What does it look like in your memories?

It was already the hub unit of your nomadic city while I was growing up.

My memories of the place... the sky was always overcast. Even worse than Victoria's skies, to be honest. There was always a pungent stench of industrial waste in the air.

Would you call that place... 'home'?

......

I would.

Really.

I was thinking how we Sarkaz always travel within a haze.

We are determined to tear the clouds apart...

But, when everything is finally revealed—

The true calamity will follow.

Will we make it in time?

......

I hope the light I've been looking at can still shine then.

Even if I'm already in the depths of the darkness.