Rising Shadow

Originium is what guides their development, reshaping the lifeforms from Talos-II to have a similar appearance to us.

I am rather fortunate. I have been able to leap across the millennia to communicate with them. I have even considered myself one of the people of this land for a time, experiencing their past and future.

But in the end, I am not of here. I have even begun to feel... uneasy about Theresa's efforts.

If the Originium Project ends in failure, no, even if it is merely postponed for some time... Theresa, Kal'tsit, even the future that I promised to Amiya...

The inhabitants of this planet, some of the few lifeforms known to us, are but illusions that will break at the slightest touch.

I have been lying to them and to myself for a very long time now. But... how will I explain it to Kal'tsit? Or to Theresa, or Amiya?

Am I supposed to tell them that all the pain they have been through is the key to their salvation, and they must stop fighting?

That all of Terran civilization is a fleeting dream, and only by being assimilated into Originium will we have the opportunity to avert our fate?

Seeing the lives of those they call the Infected dissipate like smoke brings pain to my heart.

It has long been a common sight on Terra, but it always marks the end of life—sorrowful and cruel.

It has been too long since I've heard a voice full of life. I can't just see them as unexpected sparks.

But what I see cannot be called a warrior's death.

Rather, they have given in to the Originium's assimilation, passing through death to join the Assimilated Universe, a chance where life can break through the deepest darkness.

Should I bow in silence at their deaths...? Or should I quietly rejoice at the smooth progression of the project?

It is for this reason that Theresa dedicates herself to her research. Kal'tsit, our AMa-10, has also chosen to believe in the potential of Terra, chosen to resist Originium and put an end to war...

But what about me?

The Originium Project was built upon the efforts of countless generations, and in that time, billions of our compatriots have died, all in exchange for a mere ten thousand years that I have spent waiting and waiting.

And now, the flint and tinder are in my hands. After all the long years. How could I abandon it?

Because Terra has left me pleasantly surprised in a few short years? Because of the choices that Theresa and Kal'tsit made?

Even if Amiya has moved me to compassion, would I not have been the selfish one all along?

They... awakened me to be their salvation, but in truth, I am destined to bring them to annihilation.

They awakened me, their destroyer, as if I were their savior...

(Chokes back tears)

Amiya... Kal'tsit...

What should I do?

Priestess... What should I do?

Well, how could I ever blame you?

I understand your dilemma. Our debates are far beyond what those little lifeforms known as humans could participate in.

But this is the only way. You and I both know that much.

If, perhaps, we still have time before Its return, we can envision things together, achieve them together. Describe anything and everything within the boundaries of the universe together.

I hope that in those fragile moments, you will always stand by my side.

You will, won't you?

And that concludes my report, Your Highness.

The Military Commission seems to be certain we will retake region C8-10's village and supplies, but by building an outpost there, they have already fallen into a trap.

There are, however, some officers who have begun to use tactics completely different from Manfred's. This is highly irregular.

Our spies have reported seeing Nachzehrers entering the troops' camp.

Nezzsalem...

What does the Doctor make of it?

The Doctor believes that no matter how the Sarkaz God of War intends to participate in this conflict, our arrangements will be thrown into complete disarray.

What about you?

Everyone is well aware that many members of the Royal Court have always favored the Military Commission, which advocates for reprisals and violence.

But on account of certain restrictions—ones that you might even call rules of convention—none of them are willing to participate in the civil war.

If the sovereigns were to decide to wage war upon us in Kazdel, those Sarkaz who have not yet returned would once more be unable to find Babel on the map.

Practically speaking, if the Court sides against us, the military gap will be concerning. Plus those that support us are, for the most part, not warriors or soldiers.

For many of our troops, this is the first time they have ever held a weapon.

This is why I must speak my mind. No matter how you look at the facts, our situation is changing dramatically.

......

I understand.

Keep monitoring the Nachzehrer Court.

If Nezzsalem is no longer holding back, then Duq'arael is likely to act as well.

For three weeks in a row, 'the Rose Riverside has no Canoes.'

The Rose Riverside is a most excellent spy network. They are able to deceive anyone they so wish, except for their sovereign lord.

Tell them to pull out immediately. Leave Kazdel if they must. Lie low in other lands.

It will be done.

I'll take my leave then, Highness.

The Royal Court. They possess the most direct capacity to use force. Nezzsalem only agreed to hand over command because he was promised a war that would reshape the land.

Although rather troublesome, it is a challenge that we would have had to face sooner or later, if we were to achieve all that we hope for.

Babel does not blindly reject violence. It is clear to us all that if necessary, we must use force to defend our beliefs.

But this also means that the Sarkaz will further devour themselves, venting the hate they hold for the land by setting themselves ablaze.

It will mean the end of us.

Defeating the Military Commission will not solve all our problems. We must give closure to those Sarkaz who have grown up knowing only hatred and suffering, in other regards as well.

As for Oripathy and Originium, we—

Please, enter.

Your Highness.

......

Your wounds have not yet fully healed, Ascalon. There is no need for you to make your report in person.

I've recovered. Besides, this is top priority. Hoederer's team has successfully intercepted a witchcraft decoder.

The Doctor has already begun deciphering our enemy's codes. I believe we should see results soon.

You have done very well.

......!

Thank you, Your Highness. I hope we'll crack our enemy's comms as quickly as possible, so we can plan our next ops.

Where is your captain, by the way?

Hoederer took a few flesh wounds, nothing too serious. He's getting treated in the infirmary right now.

If that is the case, then I will not waste your time. Go to him.

Of course. Thank you kindly, Highness.

......

W.

Eh? What?

Go to Hoederer.

Oh. I...

Alright, got it.

Guess he still ain't dead...

If that is all, Your Highness, I have other business—

That reminds me...

I still haven't thought of a real name for the girl, have I?

Answer my questions, or die here.

Ask away.

Are you betraying Babel?

I've never been a Babel member, but I've also never abandoned them to face their struggles alone.

Why have you come to me?

I have a request.

I will not speak to a myth with no name... evil spirit.

Who are you?

...Doctor. Doctor Doctor.

...Doctor.

Not long after she had crushed the rebellion that sought to destroy the new city, the joyful people of Kazdel invited us to witness the unveiling of these two statues.

(Ancient Sarkaz language) Heroes.

They were to watch over the border we had marked with our own two hands for generations to come, warning our foes, welcoming our friends.

I once swore an oath to her below her statue. My sword would behead all who stand against her.

Does the Military Commission not stand against her?

No. There is no part of Kazdel that has truly risen up against her. Her foe is me, and me alone.

And what of you?

......

You ought to remember that most Sarkaz who once lived here have long since died, lost to history. There are only a handful left who know how to find this place.

You came here on foot. How far have you walked?

Very far.

You have broken the witchcraft cipher created by Manfred's team that he's so proud of.

I did that a long time ago. I just never told anybody.

Even Theresa believes that I only began my work recently. Meaning, I'm in possession of nearly all of the Military Commission's battle plans.

So I created this opportunity to meet you. Alone.

You are confident that I would not kill the strategist who poses the greatest threat?

I am confident that what I'm about to offer is worth enough that you wouldn't.

Technology that can control Originium.

......

How far can you go under so much pressure from Victoria? How do you plan to completely change the Sarkaz, and even this entire land?

I can give you the answer you need.

You are a boastful one.

So, what is it you wish me to do, evil spirit?

...Destroy Babel. Scatter her followers. Let Theresa in on your plans.

Unify the Sarkaz under a Kazdel ruled by the Military Commission.

......

She and I have never relied on the charity of our enemies, in the course of leading Kazdel to where it stands today.

It is true that this war will only end with the decisive defeat of one of us. But you should not be the one to propose it.

Proceed. Tell me more of why you would make this request, evil spirit of an age long gone.

You already know. There are no surprises here. Considering the near two hundred years you and Theresa spent working together, you should be able to guess.

I seek... the expansion of Originium.

Babel's struggles will only prolong the dying gasps of this land, Theresis.

No matter if you resist it or accept it, Originium will take on myriad forms, drawing all of civilization into her embrace.

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?

The burden I bear is greater than the future of the Sarkaz. If I must destroy some things to create a ladder I hope for...

I will do it. It's all I can do.

I've already hesitated for far too long.

Destroy some things, to create a ladder...

You speak lightly of sacrifice.

Nothing light here, Theresis.

Believe me when I say, you couldn't even conceive of what I've been through.

......

And where do I see your sincerity for our cooperation?

Is the Shard not enough for you? Otherwise, even with the help of the Confessarii, you—

It is not. It is far from enough, evil spirit.

It is only enough to spare your life. Only enough to stop me, leader of the Military Commission, from killing a fated foe here and now.

I require an even more direct means to advance this war to the next stage.

......

If you wish for the Babel members to be spared, then so be it.

The Military Commission promises you that as long as Babel concedes defeat and departs Kazdel, we will not exterminate those who desert or surrender.

But you know what you must do in return.

No... You can't...

Who would have thought that the evil spirit, who so roused the interest of the Nachzehrer King, would be such a coward?

You can't both let Theresa live and allow the Babel members to leave safely; it's a total contradiction.

Only with the destruction of Babel and the complete eradication of its members can Theresa leave for Londinium with me.

Otherwise, it would merely be a case of the Military Commission quashing and dispersing yet another group of civilians, migrants, and pacifists.

Even without my order, such things will happen naturally.

Perhaps you believe that Theresa would be willing to step back and watch it before her eyes? She will not. And so she will resist.

You know what I ask of you. If you truly wish to save the many who stand by your side, make them willingly admit defeat and surrender to me...

Then slay their king.

......

And then, I will allow Babel to leave. As it collapses, it will no longer be considered a Sarkaz endeavor, and it will grow weak, drifting to the edges of civilization.

'Destroy some things to create a ladder', Doctor.

......

You're right. There is nothing light about this.

......

In your opinion, what is the meaning behind this civil war? What meaning would her death hold?

Reclaiming our lands, rebuilding our homes, ending discrimination, and revitalizing our race. You will have heard these platitudes many times.

They are too complex, and yet too simple.

Merely a small and pitiful species trying to grasp their fate.

I see.

In that case, I will tip the scales of destiny.

Destroy Babel, divide them, weaken them. Allow them to return to their former lives, so that they can know a moment of peace in the final century.

That way... we don't have to kill Theresa. Or at the very least, we can minimize the loss of life.

Fretting over violence serves only to stifle you. You understand the Sarkaz better than most, but perhaps still not well enough.

I have a question myself, Doctor.

Evil spirit of a bygone age, you who call yourself a giant, a god, a supreme creator, one who can dictate the fate of the Sarkaz. Are you the only one of your kind?

...I am.

That is good to know. Go, now, without guilt, and do what you have decided to do.

If you worry there will be no one to tear you down from your lofty heights, or judge your sins. Don't. I will do it, evil spirit.

Until there are none left to toy with our fate.