A land of eternity without suffering... The ultimate hope for the future, spoken of in ancient legends.
Priestess
But nobody could have foreseen that when we gazed upon the border of the universe, we would realize asking for a future was the unreasonable part of the demand.
Priestess
Dr. {@nickname}... The you you are now, the you who has seen the devastation plaguing this planet for yourself—
PRTS's functionality is limited, the PCS system is completely destroyed, and DWDB-221E is also lost... There are not many tools we can use left.
Priestess
Did you expect things to turn out this way?
Priestess
Friston, Ed, Lu...
Priestess
I cherish the time we worked together. I was greatly looking forward to seeing what hopeful answers you could find.
Priestess
But it is a shame. Time has shown just how futile your efforts were, how fruitless they turned out... though they are still worthy of respect.
Priestess
...How I regret that things have come to this.
Priestess
Allow me to borrow your legacy one last time. My plans for the future never did obtain your complete approval, but at the very least, we can still have a future.
<p=1>New Rhodes Island, Operator Dormitory</>New Rhodes Island, Operator Dormitory
<p=2>Early December, 1101</>Early December, 1101
Amiya
......
It is the deep of night.
Amiya silently sits on the edge of her bed, unable to sleep.
The room is brand-new, the air exceedingly fresh.
The narrow space is laid out almost exactly the same as its original. She has no need to change any of her minute, unconscious habits that have built up over the years.
But ever since she moved in, she has not enjoyed a good night's sleep.
A faint sigh.
Civilight Eterna
Amiya...
Amiya
Theresa? No, I wasn't calling for you...
Amiya
...Did... Did you hear me earlier?
Civilight Eterna
I live in your consciousness, Amiya. There is no need for you to lie to yourself.
Amiya
I...
Civilight Eterna
It is rather late. Shouldn't you be asleep?
Amiya
Mon3tr and Closure, they're... They're doing the last bit of theory-testing before we bring back Dr. Kal'tsit.
Amiya
There's nothing I can do to help directly, but I also can't get any rest like this... Though I did promise the Doctor I would.
Amiya
But...
Civilight Eterna
I am always around if you need to get things off your chest, Amiya.
Amiya
I know everyone's working their hardest to bring Dr. Kal'tsit back. I need to stay strong too.
Amiya
It's a strange feeling. The day the incident happened, I thought we had lost her forever.
Amiya
But then Mon3tr appeared, and she told us there was still a possibility of bringing her back, a sliver of hope...
Amiya
It feels just like... that first time in the ruins of Londinium... when I saw Theresa.
Amiya
I still remember it clearly. What I felt at the time was certainly not joy...
Amiya
I'm sorry, Theresa.
Civilight Eterna
It's alright, Amiya.
Civilight Eterna
We have already said our farewells to Theresa, have we not?
Amiya
Right...
Amiya
I'm not too sure, and I dare not believe... If we really do manage to 'bring back' Dr. Kal'tsit, will the person who returns be her?
Civilight Eterna
You should know, Amiya, that Kal'tsit is different from everyone else.
Civilight Eterna
Mon3tr said Kal'tsit has been through this sort of thing before.
Civilight Eterna
Perhaps what we consider a miracle truly can come to pass?
Amiya
But after all our time together, Dr. Kal'tsit's basically a part of my family. I can't even imagine how she could be any different from us.
Amiya
Theresa, can you tell me one of your stories about you and her? From long ago.
Amiya
I want to know what sort of person she is in your eyes.
Civilight Eterna
I can only tell you about the memories Theresa has of Kal'tsit, Amiya. I am unqualified to tell you a story in her stead.
Civilight Eterna
I do not believe that is what you want, either.
Amiya
You're right. Maybe... Maybe I just want to hear Dr. Kal'tsit's voice again...
Amiya
She's taken care of me for so long, and taught me so much... but when I think about it, I know very little about her.
Amiya
I had so many questions I wanted to ask her and Theresa... but they were all such serious questions. I couldn't give them any more burdens to bear.
Amiya
Maybe... when they thought the time was right, they would've told me of their own accord.
Amiya
But the right time never came.
Civilight Eterna
I understand. Theresa and Kal'tsit were both very important to you.
Civilight Eterna
You do not need to hide your emotions from me, Amiya, nor should you bear everything alone. Go and tell Closure and Mon3tr, and the Doctor.
Civilight Eterna
No matter how things may turn out, you should not leave behind any regrets, alright?
Amiya
You're right... I'll be fine, Theresa. Once I step out of this room, I'll be back to normal.
Amiya
Don't worry. No matter what comes to pass, I won't let Closure and Mon3tr see any dismay on my face.
Civilight Eterna
But I cannot help but worry about you, Amiya.
Civilight Eterna
You have had far less sleep than usual this past month. You must get more rest.
Civilight Eterna
You should also be aware that ever since you used the Black Crown's power in Ursus, your vital signs have all been very abnormal.
Not only that, but you have been avoiding routine Rhodes Island medical checkups ever since Kal'tsit left us.
Amiya
I...
Amiya
I can also tell that... some changes started even before that.
Amiya
When the Doctor and I were exploring Civilight Eterna, we discovered a model from the Slumber Bridge project, and borrowed its power to fight Priestess.
I don't fully understand it yet, but I can sense that this model seems to have linked me even closer to the Black Crown.
Amiya
I can use the power of the Lord of Fiends more easily, I can sense emotions more intensely. Sometimes, I can even hear voices, and I can't shut them out.
Amiya
It's like... I'm back to before Dr. Kal'tsit gave me these rings.
Civilight Eterna
I am detecting that the connection between you and the Black Crown is deepening at a rapid pace. This is unprecedented in the entire line of the Kings of Sarkaz.
Civilight Eterna
I cannot explain its cause, but it is not something to take lightly, no matter what it may be.
Civilight Eterna
You must take care, Amiya. I believe you should let the Doctor know as soon as possible.
Amiya
Right... I understand.
Amiya
I promise I'll pay close attention to my condition, but is it okay if we don't tell the Doctor right now?
One minute, two minutes... Ten minutes pass, each one an eternity longer than the last, all without any warning pop-ups or worrying flashes of red.
Closure
Cmoncmoncmoncmon—
Closure
Don't...
Closure
(Deep breath)
Closure
No, it will make it!
Closure
This is all based on reasonable assumptions and a carefully calculated foundation, and it's in accordance with that 'life-phase transition' stuff she was going on about, so even if all we can get is a glimmer...
Closure
...Even if all we can see is a glimmer of hope, I'll be happy.
The Vampire's red eyes stare at the monitor, unblinking. The fluorescence reflects off Closure's pale face as a series of pinpricks of light, the process's various readings constantly in flux.
The progress bar on the monitor stops, just as it is about to reach the end.
After so many failures, she should already have gotten used to seeing this result, yet defeat still weighs heavy on her heart.
Closure looks towards the scarlet glare, subconsciously trying to use the naked eye to pick out the true cause of the issue from the morass of data.
But what made her despair the most was the fact that she had checked over every key snippet of code countless times over. If every step was performed correctly, but still didn't result in success, then doesn't that mean...
Our last two attempts should've succeeded. Even if Kal'tsit severed the connection between us, there are other methods we can theoretically use to replace the gemini cycle's information transmission function.
Mon3tr
I stored all the memories Kal'tsit encoded as energy strings inside. Every single one of the Sarcophagus's parameters is correct.
Mon3tr
Using 'Oka', blank Originium, as the base of Kal'tsit's reconstructed body is theoretically feasible...
Mon3tr
But where's the issue? What are we missing...?
Warfarin
Maybe...
Closure
......
Mon3tr
......
The same thought floats through everyone's minds, but none of them dare say it out loud.
Maybe what we're missing is...
The part that makes Kal'tsit Kal'tsit.
Mon3tr
Doctor? You're here!
Mon3tr
Sorry, we couldn't—
It's alright. We expected to run into difficulties.Though this outcome is a little disappointing.
Closure
Don't... Don't lose heart just yet, Doctor!
Closure
Rhodes Island's best engineer hasn't given up! With Terra's genius hacker on your side, making sense of the data Kal'tsit left behind is a done deal! On the honor of my spot in the Kazdel's Elite 100—
Closure
I will find a way to bring Kal'tsit back!
If that's how you feel, I've got nothing to worry about.Wasn't I meant to be the one giving the pep talk?
Closure
I mean, you did look a little disappointed just now.
Closure
I promised Kal'tsit I wouldn't let you or Amiya handle all the pressure by yourselves anymore.
Thank you, Closure.
Rhodes Island still needs Kal'tsit.We're all hoping she can come back to us.
Closure
Yeah!
By the way, news from Ursus.Crownslayer found more clues about the Sarcophagus.
<p=1>Rhodes Island Temporary Treatment Center, Odoyev Raion, Deity Grypherburg</>Rhodes Island Temporary Treatment Center, Odoyev Raion, Deity Grypherburg
<p=2>January 1102</>January 1102
Vetochki
You see... This w-wounded joint... If you... set it like this... It won't hurt.
Haggard Infected
Spasibo, Vetochki! I'm feeling better already!
Vetochki
I learned... it from Rhodes... Island's d-doctors.
Haggard Infected
Speaking of, this Deity Grypherburg place sure is something, having stoves like these we can warm ourselves with. No wonder those nobles can sit pretty in the cities without caring about winter.
Haggard Infected
Can we really settle down here, Vetochki?
Vetochki
It's... okay. Raidian said sh-she'd protect us.
Vetochki
Now... we don't... need to be afraid.
???
Good grief, it's absolutely freezing here...
???
Can't you add a little more firewood—My apologies. What I meant to say is, if you are still lacking in firewood, I will be happy to help.
Haggard Infected
Is she... Imperial Guard? What're the Imperial Guard doing here?
Vetochki
D-Don't be scared!
Vetochki
She... Sh-She helped us before... Don't you remember?
Eloysius
Thank you, Vetochki. Thank you for speaking up for me, and thank you for remembering me.
Eloysius
*sigh*... And after we forged a friendship in the fires of egress, too. I think my heart's beginning to break.
Raidian
You only have your conspicuous uniform to blame, 'Sergeant'.
Eloysius
I'm terribly sorry, but I am no lord with the time to change outfits for every single errand. I need this uniform as my free pass through other parts of Grypherburg.
Eloysius
It's been a while since I last dropped by to say hello. Everything still going smoothly? How are your medicine stocks?
Raidian
Hmm, our other supplies are just barely enough, but you know it's nearly impossible to obtain anti-Oripathy medication in the capital, and we're too far from our headquarters to transport more here.
Eloysius
If it wasn't for the matter of the Originium vein, the construction of Grypherburg's Oripathy medicine production line would've been on the agenda.
Eloysius
Who would have thought...
Raidian
Well, whatever the case, thank you for offering us this shelter.
Eloysius
I did make a promise. And it is simply an idle factory owned by my family. Even then, it still can't fit everyone inside... It is far too cold here.
Eloysius
Although the paperwork to shelter the Infected has been sorted out, now is not a good time for any of you to wander about the city.
Eloysius
I regret to say that... as things stand, I have no way of offering you better conditions.
Raidian
I know they're only allowed to stay in Grypherburg as key witnesses to the tragedy of the Far North... even though this trial has not yet manifested itself.
Raidian
This does not change the fact that there is nowhere in this nation for them.
Eloysius
...That may change, sooner than you think.
Raidian
Sorry, did you say something?
Eloysius
No, nothing. Let's shelve this discussion for later. I came to Rhodes Island today for another matter.
<p=1>Rhodes Island Deity Grypherburg Branch Office, Ursus</>Rhodes Island Deity Grypherburg Branch Office, Ursus
Zelgrad?
Dur-nar
Yep. Based on your team's intelligence, we can assume Ursus is secretly researching the Sarcophagus somewhere near Grypherburg.
Dur-nar
And according to Crownslayer's info, we've found a few clues that can validate this assumption.
Dur-nar
Despite Ursus's critical Originium shortage, there's a delivery of vast amounts of Originium from the city to the outskirts, same time, every day. Always in the same direction.
Dur-nar
Their Originium logistics channels are well-hidden, and it's a bad idea for us to chase them too closely. But we've checked all the satellite cities around the capital, and none of them have the sort of industry that needs this much Originium.
Dur-nar
None except the satellite city where the First Army is stationed. Zelgrad.
Dur-nar
But the moment any lead we have points here, it's cut off. Guess Grypherburg is putting a lot of effort into hiding the flow of energy.
Nobody's mentioned this city to us during our time in Grypherburg.
Dur-nar
You're not the only ones in the dark. Most Ursines are barely even aware Zelgrad exists.
Ursus must have a good reason to keep a secret like that.
Dur-nar
We can also assume that, if large quantities of Originium go missing at a time like this, there's probably industry magnates who aren't too happy about it.
Dur-nar
What's more, the Fourth Army's pretty much at the gates. They definitely have spies watching every move happening in Grypherburg.
Dur-nar
But that's the reason why one thing really stands out.
Dur-nar
Zelgrad is supposed to be a closed-off special district, but it's recently been advertising itself as 'a safe haven for the Infected'.
Dur-nar
Their public statement is that the First Army firmly denounces the tragedy that happened in the Far Northern mines, so they are willing to shelter those Infected who lost their homes during the unrest.
Dur-nar
'As a show of the absolute kindness the tsar has for the Infected.'
...
Dur-nar
Naturally, the first reaction everyone had on hearing this news was suspicion. We've been unable to get any information about any Infected who enter Zelgrad.
Dur-nar
We've also found some issues with the records Crownslayer found in the district gates. Once you factor out the outsourced materials being used as cover, imports of pharmaceutical products and raw materials are almost nil.
Dur-nar
None of this is concrete evidence, though. If we really want to know the truth, I'm afraid our only choice is an on-site inspection.
Dur-nar
That's all the clues my side can offer you at the moment. We'll keep up our work at the edges of Grypherburg, and get as much information as we can into your hands.
Dur-nar
Oh, right. Don't forget to tell the little USSG cubs what good work they've done next time you see them, Doctor.
Dur-nar
Not just for their information-gathering skills. They were amazing during the recent crisis in Grypherburg. They're all bona-fide, grown-up Rhodes Island operators now.
I will. Everyone did great.You're all the best of Rhodes Island's operators.
Thank you, Dur-nar.Remember to tell Zima and her crew to stay safe.
Mon3tr
Kal'tsit sealed away the Sarcophagus's core when she was in Chernobog. Theoretically speaking, Ursus's current technological know-how isn't enough for them to restart it.
Mon3tr
What's stranger is, shouldn't Ursus be trying to turn it into an energy source at a time like this? Why do the opposite and consume tons of Originium? What are they actually trying to do?
Amiya
Doctor, what I'm most worried about is Zelgrad accepting the Infected.
Amiya
I know this isn't a rational assessment, but... I find it very hard to believe the First Army is letting them in out of the goodness of their hearts.
An incredibly suspicious act.Our top priority is gathering even more intelligence about Zelgrad.
Closure...?
Amiya
What are you doing, Closure?
Closure
Ah, sorry, just a sec, nearly done. Let's see what secrets this website is hiding.
Amiya
Wait... Are you hacking into an Ursine government website?
Closure
Nonono, no hacking involved. The site I'm looking at is the 'Ursus State Council Executive Department Website'. The service-level news is for the public.
Closure
Government news, Catastrophe warnings... Ah, there it is, Zelgrad's notice saying they'll shelter Infected. Man, too many network fluctuations, filtering and download speeds are real slow.
Closure
But what's obvious is that a lot of this is just fake news to keep up with appearances.
Closure
Check this city migration schedule, for example. If this info is true, it means there's been three nomadic city collisions near Grypherburg just last month!
Closure
This sort of forgery definitely means they're hiding something. Just need to dig a little deeper...
Amiya
Are you sure you're not crossing a line here, Closure?
Closure
I'm not! Well... Maybe a little?
Closure
But whoever kludged together this website clearly isn't very good at network security. The website's server is directly connected to their internal database.
Closure
Nothing too important in here, all just basic info on city routes. But Zelgrad's urban identification code is in here, as well as their public logistics and transportation records.
Closure
Okay, give me three minutes, and ZOOT will calculate the optimal route from Grypherburg to Zelgrad.
Amiya
......
Closure
I won't leave any tracks behind, guaranteed!
Mon3tr
But all we have is a lock on the satellite city's position. How are we meant to get in?
Mon3tr
A direct attack? I don't have any issues with that, honestly...
Amiya
If the Sarcophagus is in the hands of the First Army, that means it'll be heavily guarded. A direct attack is out of the question.
Amiya
Doctor, I'm wondering if we can take advantage of Zelgrad admitting Infected—
A heads-up from Raidian—Take care. Looks like someone's here.
Amiya
Raidian... and Lieutenant Gorchekova?
Raidian
I happened to run into her. She says she has something to discuss with the Doctor, face-to-face.
Eloysius
It's been quite a while, my friends.
Eloysius
Though I do not believe I have met you before, Gospozha... Vampire?
Closure
Y'know, it's been so long since anyone's mentioned it that I practically forgot I am a Vampire.
Her name is Closure.
She's an amazing engineer.She's an amazing hacker.
Eloysius
It is my honor to meet you, Gospozha Closure.
Eloysius
It is clear that you are an excellent... Hmm...
Closure
Hmm...?
Eloysius turns to Raidian, choosing to communicate using sign language.
'Is this place safe?'
Raidian
I don't detect any signals of dubious origin. Closure can also guarantee we are free to speak here.
Closure
Wha? Sorry, I don't understand sign language—
Raidian
Everything here was wired by us, correct?
Closure
Yeah?
Raidian
(Quietly) Does this mean nobody is monitoring us right now...?
Closure
Oh, definitely not. You don't have to worry about that sort of thing when I'm here.
Closure
Just act like you're back on the ship—err, back at HQ. You're welcome, by the way.
Eloysius
Spasibo. Then let us get down to brass tacks. Our last discussion ended on the topic of the Sarcophagus's whereabouts.
Eloysius
In regards to intelligence on the matter, I have made some... not-so-small headway.
Thank you for being willing to share it with us.
Eloysius
Yet another promise of mine. All part of our cooperative agreement.
Eloysius
Besides, even if I did not share this information with you, I'm sure you would already be trying all sorts of ways to get into Zelgrad, as is typical for you Rhodes Islanders.
We will abide by the laws of Deity Grypherburg.I assure you, we won't do anything illegal.
Closure
Eep..!
A beep on the terminal draws Amiya's attention as the Vampire instinctively covers the screen. The young Imperial Guardswoman looks, but makes no comment.
Eloysius
Very well. I know full well just how difficult it is to establish a relationship built upon trust.
Eloysius
But I insist on recommending Rhodes Island secure a legitimate status for your operations... for there will be many bumps on the road ahead.
???
She's right. Rhodes Island must be well-prepared.
Eloysius
Are you... General Khratov?
Hellagur
Just Hellagur is fine.
Hellagur
According to the Doctor's instructions, I have attempted to contact, and succeeded in contacting a Vice Chairman of the State Council, Vasily Gorchikov.
Hellagur
In Grypherburg's eyes, Rhodes Island is on sound legal footing.
Eloysius
So it was your idea all along. I was wondering why...
Eloysius
Wait, how did you know he would be able to meet with the vice chairman—with Father?
It's simple. Because we could.It was Operator Hellagur who suggested it in the first place.
Eloysius
It seems I have been underestimating the intelligence and contacts Rhodes Island has access to this whole time...
Eloysius
If that's the case, I have no more worries. Allow me to formally pass on this invitation to Rhodes Island.
Eloysius
An invitation from His Imperial Majesty Fyodor Vladimirovich.
Amiya
—?
Eloysius
This is why I have come here today. Now, allow me to escort you to the audience chamber.
Hmm. At least they fit you better than your old clothes.
Cautus
Thank you. They fit fine, and they're comfortable.
Svetlana
You are my guest. This is the least of what I can provide you. If there is anything else you need, please do not hesitate to ask my adjutant.
Svetlana
How is Anatoliy, Yasha?
Diligent Servant
The Generalik is currently choosing his retinue for the next operation.
Svetlana
He simply cannot wait, can he? Remind him to pick strong young recruits, no more wily old soldiers.
Diligent Servant
I already have, ma'am.
Svetlana
Very good.
Svetlana
What is your name? I cannot be calling you 'child' the entire time.
Cautus
Hierda. I'm called Hierda, ma'am.
Svetlana
Well then, young Hierda.
Svetlana
As I must remain here to maintain discipline, I need you to accompany my son to Zelgrad as his 'doctor'.
Svetlana
He is going there to patrol, and look after the city. In turn, I hope you can look after him.
Svetlana
You should know that Ursus has recently run into misfortune. The unrest continues to spread unabated, and the number of people who want him dead rivals the number who want to snatch my authority away from me.
Svetlana
I want you to stay by his side and protect him, and once all the dust has settled, bring him back to me safe and sound.
Hierda
...'Once all the dust has settled'?
Svetlana
You need only reply. Can you do this?
Hierda
I need to know where my companions are first, and if they are safe.
Svetlana
How careless of me. I forgot to tell you that they have already headed onwards.
Hierda
'Onwards'?
Svetlana
To Zelgrad. The city is now open to both the public and the Infected. Your companions are the first lucky few to be accepted by this new policy.
(This ship is too large. Where am I supposed to find the young general?)
Hierda
Hmm...
Faint Voice
...drat...
Hierda
Ah, someone's there.
Hierda
Hello, may I ask—
Enraged Officer
...Everyone knows being one of his bodyguards is a death sentence. Who's still willing to go?
Enraged Officer
And now he's actually managed to figure out he just needs to pick some nobody greenhorns who don't know what they're getting into—
Enraged Officer
How shameless!
Determined Officer
(Quietly) Shh, keep it down! Let's talk somewhere else, I know where we can avoid the cameras.
Enraged Officer
I had to let it all out today.
Determined Officer
(Quietly) I get it, I get it, bratan. This is why we need to keep getting our people into his personal guard, even if it means sending them to the slaughterhouse.
Determined Officer
(Quietly) The marshal's clearly lost her ability to judge the situation. She thinks that with the new weapon, we can sleep peacefully at night, but she doesn't know the real problem was on the inside all along.
Determined Officer
(Quietly) Letting a useless boy play toy soldiers with the army just to earn some cheap glory, waving a live blade around like it's an emperor's scepter!
Determined Officer
(Quietly) She even lets him randomly execute the men without penalty... It's absolutely ridiculous.
Enraged Officer
She keeps going on about how we have to do it for Ursus, but today's killing was certainly not for Ursus!
Determined Officer
(Quietly) And if things keep going on like this, how're we supposed to deal with rebels? There was a Corporal Andrei in my barracks, all he did was follow the Marshal's orders to stop him, and he got his throat slashed open for it.
Determined Officer
(Quietly) Andrei wasn't even part of that 'Death Squad'. I had a look at his corpse, his eyes wide open, just a kid with a confused look on his face under the mortician's sheet...
