Liberi Reader

We weren't imagining it!

Do not be distracted by any changes in the rules of the Assimilated Universe.

Mortals were never made to set foot in this place. There is no point in trying to judge the line between the real and unreal based on our conceptions.

Look up at the sky.

The golden ocean that Rhodes Island sailed... it's hanging above our heads?!

Dr. Kal'tsit, I see Rhodes Island... and the churning tides.

The myriad souls call to me. They're trying to pour down and drown me—

Logos is still fighting the myriad souls...

I don't care how above and below change. Tell me...

Where's Her Highness? Doesn't seem like she's here at all.

Damn, this place makes me feel comfortable — that disturbing kind—

But the voice that called to me...

That was Theresa's voice.

...The myriad souls.

She's here. We have already found her.

Enough riddles, hag!

Look with your own eyes. Other than those weird pillars, do you see any—

Those white pillars...

They're Theresa's will. She's trying to stabilize the tower.

She's been watching us.

...

Time does not flow in the Assimilated Universe, but this miracle continues to grow.

It's even trying to penetrate the 'sky' that we're standing on.

...

If she could break through the limits here, that means—

...

...

Why are you looking at me like that?

I had to make sure this thing we're standing on is solid enough, right?

Don't want to get it pulled out from beneath my feet when we finally get to see Her Highness.

But this 'sky' is more than what it looks.

My bombs didn't even leave a mark...

...

It's impossible to damage this place by any physical means.

The 'limits' of this place are set by rules beyond the comprehension of Terra and incredible amounts of information.

It permits neither change nor challenge.

Could've fooled me.

You're hiding something. Hood was right. This tower has broken through whatever 'limits' you're talking about.

...

I know you have secrets that not even Hood and Bunny know about.

You've never been here, but you're strangely familiar with many things here.

You hide it well on your face, but you can't fool me.

W, don't—

We can't afford to waste any more time.

If Her Highness has fallen asleep while waiting for us, someone has to put new batteries in the alarm clock.

Hah.

Give me a hand, bunny. There's something I need to make sure...

I was wondering. Why would there be shadows in this hellhole, when there's no sun and no moon?

...

Over there, Amiya! That shadow that won't go away!

He's here too...

...

I don't sense any hostility. It's like...

He doesn't even notice us.

Wanna do it, bunny? I've got a score to settle with him.

He must know something about this godforsaken place!

Wait, W!

This is strange... he's not like the other myriad souls we've seen, lingering here rather than leaving...

If he's here, does it mean he's dead too?

No. He's fine... in fact, he's never been better.

He's fully at peace. I can feel it. A peace filled with sorrow.

What did Her Highness do to him?

Theresa saved him, retaining the last bit of consciousness that the revenant had left.

Not only that, she has brought clarity to his chaotic mind.

She cured his madness? She can do that now?

I don't know what Theresa's state is right now.

Can you communicate with the revenant, Amiya?

He may hold the key to the truth.

I can try...

You...

So, it is you who arrived here after all, in the end.

It is no coincidence that you are here, Revenant.

Theresa saved me, preserving the fragment of soul that should have disappeared.

I merely followed her to this place... to witness the turning point of Sarkaz destiny.

Where did you say Theresa... Her Highness is?

She has departed to retrieve the seed from the very beginning.

The seed... Amnannam?

Isn't Amnannam already under Sarkaz control? What else is Theresa trying to do?

...

Originium created everything in this land.

It has been utilized in many ways, but no one has truly mastered it.

Except.. Her Highness.

She said she would steal the fire from the source of all suffering. Our curse will become the weapon that reshapes our lives.

An immaculate garden for the Sarkaz...

After all we've been through, I think you know what this means, Doctor.

The vision of Theresa and Theresis goes beyond the limits of all knowledge on Terra.

So you can talk normally, after all, not just all that crap about suffering.

...

I was human, once.

...Hmph.

I had raged against many things in my long existence.

The invasion of the Ancients, the betrayal of the Sankta, the fall of Kazdel... and my rejection by the myriad souls.

Until I came here, and learned the true nature of the myriad souls.

All I feel now is sorrow.

And you've stopped making sense again.

Did you not see the myriad souls on the golden ocean?

All Sarkaz struggle against the injustice of fate their entire lives. There is no release, even in death.

The myriad souls are only broken fragments of information that linger in this space, imprisoned in another manner by another will...

But Her Highness said she would purge purgatory and bring salvation to all Sarkaz...

You seem to be able to communicate with this old guy, Kal'tsit. Why don't you translate what he's saying?

Is Theresa already able to modify the information within Originium?

This was her promise. Theresa keeps her promises...

Ah, finally... Theresa.

What did you say? Where is she?

—!

Damn. The battlefield... it's changing again!

Vina, the ground... it's rumbling.

Stay at your post, Hannah! Don't get distracted!

That thing above the Shard just released some strange form of energy.

If the Sighs of Kings fails—

Remain alert! Allied command is reporting at least seven coordinates where sudden changes in terrain have occurred!

Three assault ships belonging to the Duke of Abercorn reported destroyed. Communications were lost with two force recon units under the Duke of Ashworth—

Order all units to stop attacking Hill C-9.

Scatter to the sides, or we'll be swallowed by the waves of Originium.

Got it! Everyone's moving!

And we've got another really bad news.

Looks like someone's sitting on that empty throne in the Nachzehrer camp...

The Nachzehrer King is back...

The fog... it's getting thicker. The Sarkaz are striking back!

Horn, you and Bagpipe coordinate operations with allied command.

You're more familiar with the army's commands. The other units will support us.

Lose this pass, and we'll lose all the ground that we took.

Roger!

I'll help. I'm gettin' used to dealin' with this stuff.

Captain, look... the Gloriana. It's crystalizing quickly. The Sarkaz are besieging it!

The Duke of Caster is still on the ship.

Victoria can't afford to lose another duke in battle.

We—

Attention all soldiers of the alliance. This is the Duke of Caster, in command of the Gloriana.

You see as I do how the Sarkaz tyrant has torn our motherland apart.

The malice and barbarism of our foe merely serves to strengthen our resolve to defend our country.

As long as our ships and soldiers... *Bzzt*... as long as we all do our duty...

This is the resolve of Parliament—and every citizen, duke or commoner, general or soldier... *Bzzt*...

Our foe climbs the broken bow of the Gloriana once more. Originium threatens to devour our fortress.

But you have not yielded, brave soldiers! Neither will Caster!

...*Bzzt* I shall step up to the frontlines and stand with you... *Bzzt* ...

We stand upon Mother Victoria—

The Duke of Caster...

Is... is he mad?!

The steam knight went mad a long time ago, Hannah.

Did I see that right? Did the steam knight just smash into the Gloriana?

No, he smashed into the almost-crystalized Stone of the Sword and Sighs of Kings...

What is he trying to do?

...He wants to save his Victoria.

...

You...

You've grown.

Shh. I can hear the questions within you, Amiya.

But I can't answer them. All answers, all explanations are pale and powerless.

Our reunion was the product of an accident.

...

Perhaps I was looking forward to this moment too.

You, Kal'tsit, W... and Doctor. You stand before me.

I'm sincerely joyful for this reunion. You feel it, don't you?

—!

You... you're not...

You're not... Theresa...

Do you truly think that, Amiya?

The Theresa I know would never do something like this...

Enough, Your Highness.

Damn... I came here thinking I had it thought through, but I couldn't find any words other than 'Your Highness' before that face.

I remember you...

Hah. You remember me. There's no greater honor I've won in my entire career as a merc.

I would have ran up to hug you, if circumstances were any different.

But you don't know, and you don't need to know, how many times I've said goodbye to you already.

This might sound sentimental, but... you were special to me like no one ever was. You showed a wandering mercenary sights that she never thought she would see.

So, the only way I can repay you is by putting you to rest.

Is that so...?

You still call me 'Your Highness'. You still remember that I'm the King of Sarkaz.

Then the only thing for me to do is to protect the Sarkaz.

This tower is beautiful, Amiya.

It will continue to grow forever, breaking through all limits, and hold up the heavens for the garden that will rewrite Sarkaz destiny.

How I wanted you to see it...

But you are not permitted here. Accidents must be eliminated.

When you stand before me...

You're the enemy of the Sarkaz.