Parliament's Voice

No surprises there. Let's go.

Out with it.

The boys trust you. Without you, we would have rotted in the alleys, or the devils would have—

I've already died once, so I'm fine with putting my head on the line for you. But this just doesn't make sense. Why should we trust Rhodes Island? We know nothing about them.

The Exemplars are almost inside the city. It's going to be bedlam outside. We could take this opportunity to line our pockets...

Or at least... you should not risk yourself, being here.

You're not the only one who thinks this way, are you?

Have you thought about what will become of Londinium after this war?

Er... the way it used to be?

No, nothing will go back to the way it used to be. No one can go back, no matter what comes of this war.

Y-You're abandoning us?

No, I need you. Soon, Londinium will become a city in need of mending.

The old order has been destroyed by death and violence. There will be plenty of gaps left behind, plenty to feed us.

But—

I'm not asking your opinion.

Listen, I don't plan on going back to the old life, which means we have to plan for a new one. I haven't forgotten about you, of course.

In order to keep our livelihood, we need people to know what we're capable of.

Don't say I didn't give you a choice. So, are you coming or not?

......

Oh, sod it, put me at the front of the line, boss.

I'm not imagining it, am I... what is this...?

The blood-red rocks in the gaps of the frame and in the furnace... did the devils hide them here? What are they planning?

Vampire stuff.

Boss! I found something here!

A ducal alliance soldier?

Something's not right. He hasn't been dead for long. The name tag... Fifth Infantry Regiment, Eighth Column. Rank... Major?!

The Earl of March's troops, under the Duke of Normandy. No external wounds, but the death was not natural.

Her unit should still be outside the walls. Why would a major from the unit be here—

Where did they come from? Kill them, and quickly. The orders must not be delayed.

There are other altars that still need to be activated. There is no time.

The devils have us surrounded! There's no way out—

Why do we need one?

......

Bugger all.

Huh. I know that sword.

The General's briefing mentioned you. You've got nerve. Is the tin can somewhere nearby?

Maybe we can kill two fowlbeasts with one stone.

Hmph.

Carry on with your work, I'll handle this—

Excuse me, did anyone see my earring?

There you are, Little Garnet—Oh, it's broken...

I guess I'll have to borrow your toys, Duq'arael. Not like you're in any position to refuse.

Take care of Little Garnet for me, for a while.

She'll lead you where you belong. Now, you should go.

I'm surprised that anyone like Dame Kal'tsit would trust you, though.

—!

There's no time to waste if you want to help that one. This is not the only altar in these parts.

What do I do?

She will tell you.

Stop her—

Shh.

*Sarkaz expletive*!

The path has been prepared.

Take care of her, and she will guide you to me.

Let's go to the next one.

Boss, that weird Vampire thing... as we destroy the altars, it just keeps getting... prettier.

We've got more important things to worry about. Word is that the Exemplars have made it into the city, but they're being impeded by the ducal alliance's troops.

Have the factories gotten the order?

Aye. They're getting ready.

These strange hidden Sarkaz altars, and rumors that the dukes are ready to leave Londinium blockaded and abandon it to its fate...

Hah. Who's the one who actually wants to blow up the city?

Does it really matter?

It's been a while, Allerdale.

......

I thought you were dead.

I thought YOU were dead.

Even with Rhodes Island's help, there are too many of these for you to deal with, and too little time.

Who knows how many such altars the Sarkaz have hidden across the city? Without my knowledge, too. They could not have done it on their own.

More than one key district will be reduced to rubble if these altars are activated. I've discovered and destroyed several key ones, however.

By yourself...?

Vina needs help. The Exemplars need one final push. And the dukes need to hear the true voice of the people.

It was I who spread the rumors that the dukes are planning to abandon Londinium. Not that there wasn't an element of truth to it.

What do you want me to do?

You're already doing it. You and those who follow you.

But you, too, need a little push. I'll take care of the remaining altars.

You've changed. A lot.

I could say the same for you, 'Millscar'. Are you sure you like that name?

You've chosen to live. Then follow the path, and see where it leads.

......

Boss, she's—

Run like you've got all Kazdel on your heels. Go to the outer city, and tell the others to get ready to receive the Exemplars.

I never knew taking inventory could be such a pain.

Taking inventory at the factories on our turf back in the day wasn't half as bad...

If this is pain, I'll gladly take more pain.

It sure is exciting, though, to see so many people supporting us—

(Yawn) We've been at this all night. The sun's already coming up.

We have to push forward. The others can only buy so much time.

Word from Wiš'adel is that they threw a dozen wrenches into the Military Commission's system of command, but the Nachzehrers are still guarding Westhaleg.

We've been inside the city for two days, but there has been little sign of movement from them.

Weren't there rumors that Theresis has abandoned them and gone into hiding? Maybe that's why the Nachzehrers aren't moving.

That's just speculation. Not even the Doctor's team has been able to confirm it.

Get some rest, Morgan. The alliance's order to attack will come soon—

I just don't like counting, that's all!

I want to help Dagda. I reckon I've got a little more experience sweet-talking people into helping us.

Delphine is persuading the nobles who are still on the fence. Hannah and Catherine are organizing the surviving workers and Self-Salvation Corps. I have no doubt they can get it done.

But Dagda... she's not really the temperament for this...

Go help her.

Phew.

Let's continue. Supplies from Heidi... improvised weapons by the Self-Salvation Corps...

Huh?

What's this at the bottom? It's not on the list.

Let's go. It's time.

What's the situation, boss?

Their equipment is inferior to the alliance's. The dukes are having the Exemplars take the brunt of the fighting. Casualties will be heavy...

But this is also an opportunity.

The dukes want a hero. The people need a hero. Why not add a finishing touch to the story?

You're betting on them to win.

Bet? No, the bets were already made when the battle outside the walls ended. This is just the last chance to double down.

No idea how that works, but whatever you say. What's next?

We kill.

There will be chaos once the final battle begins, and 'opportunists' too. I'm not about to let them do whatever they want right under my nose.

Say... boss, what was that thing you left behind?

A little stage prop, to give more substance to the legend.

A note?

'Tailored to your size. Hope it fits.'

......

There's something else...