The Leithanians had high praise for our city's prosperity, and the parties quick reached an agreement.
TV News
It is expected that regular trade will be established between Dzwonek and the Leithanian city of Graufield.
TV News
A Leithanien-inspired commercial district is also currently under construction on a new plate, the first phase of a project focusing on Leithanian art and music.
TV News
A spokesman for contractor Gale Industries touted the design of the new district, the brainchild of a world-famous architect, and promised that it will become a new landmark for Kazimierz.
TV News
The project is expected to be a massive boon for the city's tourism industry...
Szewczyk
(Oops, cut this one a little thin...)
Woman's Voice
Honey?
Woman's Voice
Why don't you put that away? It's time to pick up our boy from school.
Szewczyk
Can't he get home on his own?
Woman's Voice
I know he says you're nosy, but he doesn't mean it.
Szewczyk
Nosy, huh? He's got a noble knight picking him up personally, the ungrateful brat... He was having so much fun playing with those peasants.
Woman's Voice
Just be patient, dear. You said it yourself: people will forget all about 'Plastic' Szewczyk before long, and then we'll be safe.
TV News
...Next up, new Infected riots have been reported in the Old District. The National Council is currently investigating the incidents.
TV News
The police have acknowledged that Zeno Shelvin, the Infected ringleader who had previously turned himself in, has escaped custody. A number of officers have been suspended in connection with the escape.
TV News
A reward is being offered for information regarding...
Woman's Voice
You heard the news, right? You should go soon.
Woman's Voice
We came all the way to Dzwonek, even living among the common folk, but it looks like trouble is never far away.
Woman's Voice
To think I used to be worried about you getting hurt in the arena, and now I'm worried about our little boy making it home from school.
Szewczyk
You're overreacting. The press loves to exaggerate these things.
Szewczyk
If they were a real threat, we wouldn't be hearing about public investigations from the National Council.
Szewczyk
The only problem is the incompetent police who don't know how to track down the Infected without ID numbers. On their own, they're not much of aβ
Szewczyk
......
Szewczyk
Of course, the Infected make a good excuse to sell people insurance and protective gear. Especially after what happened at the Major.
Woman's Voice
Well... If it's so safe, why are you going out in full armor?
This statue marks the edge of the Central District.
Dzwonek Rep
The outer plates are old, and there isn't much to see there.
Leithanian Noble
May I inquire as to the containers stacked up over there?
Dzwonek Rep
Ah... that's just an abandoned district.
Dzwonek Rep
There used to be a cargo passage leading down to the lower levels. After it was closed, old containers from decommissioned trucks began to pile up.
Dzwonek Rep
βO-Of course, we're currently working hard at giving Dzwonek a face-lift. Abandoned districts like these are all slated to be rebuilt very soon, and you won't see any trace of them by the next time you're here.
Leithanian Noble
Is that so? I rather like how the colorful containers come together to form part of the cityscape.
Dzwonek Rep
Er, is that so? I-I suppose Leithanians do have an eye for art.
Leithanian Noble
Heh, you flatter me.
Leithanian Noble
It's getting rather late, though. I shan't keep you.
Dzwonek Rep
It's no problem at all! It's been my pleasure to show you our city's nightscape.
Dzwonek Rep
But you also have the ribbon-cutting ceremony to attend tomorrow. Perhaps we should return to the hotel.
Dzwonek Rep
Incidentally, if you enjoy music, I also have a few best-selling albums from Dzwonek here. Would you like to have a listen to them in your room?
Leithanian Noble
Ah, that's very kind of you, but I've already picked the pieces I wish to enjoy tonight. I hope I'm causing no offense?
Dzwonek Rep
Er, no, of course not.
Dzwonek Rep
Then I will take my leave here. Good night, and we will be back to pick you up tomorrow.
Bodyguard
I've asked around, sir.
Bodyguard
But are you really sure you want to go at this hour?
Leithanian Noble
Are we being watched?
Bodyguard
Not right now, as far as I can tell.
Leithanian Noble
Then let's. I'd prefer to end this trip on a high note.
How do you think I feel? Does my leg look like it's getting better?
Rowdy Stowaway
This was from a legit pharmacy, and it cost a pretty penny. It's not working?
Injured Infected Knight
Wouldn't be the first time stuff from legit sources didn't work.
Rowdy Stowaway
What happens to the plan if you can't walk?
Injured Infected Knight
Shh...
Injured Infected Knight
Someone's coming.
MΕynar
......
Rowdy Stowaway
Ahem. Er, may I help you, sir?
Rowdy Stowaway
We have nothing to do with any attacks, and we don't know that man you're with.
Rowdy Stowaway
The cops have been here a few times already. Everyone checked out clean.
MΕynar
...I'm looking for the Weaver.
Rowdy Stowaway
Oh, you're friends with them? Didn't look like it.
Rowdy Stowaway
Go around behind that dark-red container. You'll find an empty tailor shop with a hidden door in the back, leading to a long alley. Ask around when you reach their warehouse.
Rowdy Stowaway
Not even a word of thanks?
Injured Infected Knight
What'd you expect from a noble?
Injured Infected Knight
Back to the plan. You got word from the boss?
Rowdy Stowaway
Yeah, it's urgent, and it's happening tonight. Getting cold feet?
Injured Infected Knight
A little, but it's like fighting gloompincersβthere's no turning back.
Injured Infected Knight
...It'll be worth it even if just to make the people in high places sweat a little.
This abandoned district is even worse than the Infected district in the Grand Knight Territory... When I catch that brat, he's getting a stern lesson on where is and is not appropriate for a noble to visit.
Szewczyk
...Dammit, where did he go?
Szewczyk
Hey, did you see any kids playing around here?
Panicked Refugee
Whose kid? It's such a big place, I can't possibly remember the face of every kid...
Szewczyk
Then cut the crap.
Szewczyk
Why are you trying to run? There's nowhere else for you people to go in this city anyway.
Szewczyk
Look, I'll pay you to go back and rescue any children you see.
Szewczyk
And if you run into anyone else, you can tell them too. That I'll pay for each child that they bring back to me.
Panicked Refugee
Wh-Who are you? This isn't some kind of sick joke, is it?
Szewczyk
Here's the cash. You can choose whether you want it or not.
Panicked Refugee
T-This is...?! Yes, sir, whatever you say, sir!
???
Sending people into a fire, eh? Must be nice having money to burn.
Sinister Refugee
Mr. 'Plastic' Szewczyk.
Szewczyk
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Sinister Refugee
Don't worry, I know a lot of things, and you're not one of the important ones.
Szewczyk
If you're not here to help, then don't waste my time.
Sinister Refugee
Let me put it this way... obsolete goods like you are worth less than nothing. It takes a bigger target to start this fire.
Szewczyk
What do you mean? Who caused the explosion?
Szewczyk
Who dares harm my son?
Sinister Refugee
No need to shout, you don't scare me.
Sinister Refugee
But I do enjoy watching rich folks like you flee for your lives, losing whatever you hold dearest.
Szewczyk
If you think you can get under my nerves with this crap, then you're wasting your time and mine.
Sinister Refugee
Look. That billboard is about to fall.
Sinister Refugee
How many evacuees will it kill, and will your son be among them? Wanna bet?
An arrow whistles past him before he can finish his sentence.
Szewczyk
Tch.
Szewczyk
Zero, and no.
The billboard is now pinned to a wall by the arrow.
Sinister Refugee
......
Szewczyk
Now, let's talk business.
Szewczyk
I could use a guide who knows the lay of the land here.
Sinister Refugee
You want to go in yourself?
Szewczyk
I'm finding my son and getting him out of here. Now get moving, unless you'd like to be pinned to a wall too?
The door's warped... I'll try to clear a way with my Arts.
Leithanian Noble
...It'll take some time though.
MΕynar
Go ahead. If I'd meant to harm you, I would've done so by now.
Leithanian Noble
Very well...
Leithanian Noble
*cough*... The fire's spreading.
Leithanian Noble
I was caught in a fire once, many years ago.
Leithanian Noble
Someone tried to set the count's tower ablaze, the day the Witch King's light faded from Leithanien.
Leithanian Noble
The arsonist was never found. Perhaps many who had been slaves to fear threw kindling upon the flames all at once, the moment they could breathe again.
Leithanian Noble
The fire itself didn't cause too much damage. My father's casters quickly brought it under control.
Leithanian Noble
Treasures could be replaced, as could servants.
Leithanian Noble
But I couldn't help but think... that the fact that I continue to live in comfort and luxury is perhaps the reason they lit that fire.
Leithanian Noble
And what of you? Why do you stand in the flames with no fear on your face? Even if you deny it, you look like one who has seen the burning fires of war up close.
MΕynar
......
Leithanian Noble
βDone.
The voice becomes increasingly discernable as the dust clears.
The faint light of Originium Arts illuminates a room that looks like it has been turned over. Furniture is scattered across the ground, and any signs of life are long gone from the body buried beneath the rubble.
The only sound comes from a radio on the ground.
Radio
Here are the assignments for squads around Dzwonek for the new equipment test.
Radio
Intel obtained from the captured Leithanian spy indicates that Leithanien has developed multiple Arts Units designed to penetrate Kazimierz knight armor.
Radio
In preparation for the war with Leithanienβ
A hand snatches up the radio and smashes it on the ground.
The Leithanian noble grows pale as he processes what he just heard.
Dzwonek, an important military outpost, still has 'the bones of sentry towers and turrets hidden in the corners.'
This was what he told the Kazimierz knight standing before him, the day before.
The great steel eye remains focused on Leithanien, on him.
Leithanian Noble
I... I didn't hear anything...
Leithanian Noble
I don't know...
His eyes land on the caster rapidly approaching his counterpart from behind.
You'd better be prepared to get Infected blood on you, if you want to harm my savior.
MΕynar
...Out of the way, Zeno.
Zeno
Huh?
An arrow whistles past the young Infected's cheek, just as he is pushed away.
Szewczyk
Blasted Infected! I remember your face! You're the culprit behind the riots!
Szewczyk
And you, MΕynar Nearl! I knew someone was backing them.
Szewczyk
What are you plotting? What are you doing here? House Nearl just can't help but side with the Infected, can it?
MΕynar
Who are you to question House Nearlβ
Szewczyk
Why are you dragging us into trouble, this far away from the Grand Knight Territory?
MΕynar
......
Leithanian Noble
Let's go, Aloisia!
MΕynar
...You let the Leithanians get away.
Szewczyk
Answer me! What are you planning? Where's my son?
MΕynar
Enough. Do you really believe everything the press reports? Don't tell me you're still as foolish as the day you first lost in that ridiculous competition, and drowned yourself in wine.
Szewczyk
Youβ
MΕynar
...I saw a boy with purple hair.
MΕynar
If he has the slightest sense of responsibility, he'll have accompanied his friend to the hospital.
You saved the lives of 22 children! What is your name and occupation? Are you an experienced rescuer?
Excited Reporter
How many of the children do you know? What made you decide to help so many people whom you've never met?
Sentimental Reporter
Where did you find them? We saw an injured child being sent to the hospital. What did you feel as you rescued him?
Szewczyk
Out of the way, out of the way.
Szewczyk
I need to find my son.
Curious Reporter
Your outfit is similar to the so-called 'Plastic Knight,' who hasn't been seen for a while. Are you a fan of his? Did he inspire you to this valorous deed?
One informant was 'unfortunately' lost in the accident, just as planned. No other casualties.
Campaign Knight
Target has returned to his hotel, accompanied by his bodyguard.
Czcibor
That's unfortunate. It would have given us an edge at the negotiation table if he'd gone off on his own and gotten into an accident at the abandoned district.
Czcibor
But impromptu plans rarely go smoothly.
Czcibor
What about Nearl?
Campaign Knight
Unknown.
Czcibor
...He must have left with someone familiar with the secret passages.
Campaign Knight
Also, a letter just arrived.
Czcibor
At this hour?
Campaign Knight
Yes, sir. For your eyes only.
Czcibor
From the bounty hunters... alright, back to your station.
Czcibor
You know I keep my promises, Toland.
A certain someone says he recently dreamt of us? Come on, you must be so worried that you can't sleep.
I know what you're planning, Czcibor, and I suggest you think twice.
You were always the calmest and most rational of us.
I didn't use force or cause any trouble. All that happened is that someone sent us records of Gale Industries and your knightclub working with each other.
