Arknights story · Break the Ice
BI-8 Check
The Doctor's plan succeeds in confounding the Silverash side. Ensia reaches the foot of Mt. Karlan without a hitch and begins to climb, while Degenbrecher is intercepted by Sharp, the two prepared to battle at the drop of a pin.
2 scenes, 617 lines
1. Before Operation
211 linesSir, I've searched the woodlands around the perimeter of the Paleroche clan and found no signs of mobilization.
Keep looking.
Yessir.
Gnosis, we've got an issue.
Gulo split from the Doctor's forces and led a team around Mount Karlan, breaking through the pass and occupying the station there!
What?!
Right now, Gulo is driving everyone out of the station, and another team is heading for Klin.
That's where Yucatan is being held... Is this a rescue operation?
Impossible. They're being far too inefficient for that. There must be another motive.
Monch, based on the route you saw them taking, where do you think the Doctor is headed?
...They chose a route that could lead either to Mount Karlan or to the pass.
Oh... Could the Doctor intend to bypass Mount Karlan to directly attack our territory?
I should've warned you about this possibility.
No, I was caught off guard myself. I should've stationed more troops at the pass.
The Doctor...
But, Arctosz still hasn't shown himself, and we cannot say for sure what their true objective is...
Grr, I'll have Valais head to the station to deal with Gulo, then Weiss will go to Klin.
Have a portion of the troops stationed at the base of the mountain go defend the pass and prevent the Doctor's forces from breaking through to our territory.
Understood.
General, we've already taken control of the station. Why are we still waiting here?
The Doctor told us to avoid hurting anyone, but I didn't hear anything about not smashing the place up. This station is a symbol of Silverash treachery.
Calm down. We'll see when the next train arrives––
Grr... When's the thing supposed to arrive anyway? Let me see the note the Doctor left me...
Okay, that sounds about right.
Huh?! What's going on here?!
This station now belongs to Gulo of the Paleroche clan! Get out of here, if you value your life!
Why is the Paleroche clan here?!
And it's none other than the terrible Gulo! Did the Paleroches declare war?!
Ugh... I'm too young to die! Run!
That's right! Run, faster!
......
Umm... General Gulo, thanks for bringing me along.
Hmph. I would want nothing to do with a Silverash daughter, if not for the fact that the Doctor told me you were helping.
You really aren't in cahoots with that brother of yours?
I'm here to stop him.
...I don't trust you, but I do trust the Doctor. The one called Sharp told me to trust in the victory the Doctor would bring.
Alright. Didn't you say you had to make your way up the mountain? Off with you.
After you go, I'll have to halt the railroad... to do what again? Oh, right, gotta stop things from running so that Silverash reinforcements don't show up too quickly.
Well, thanks anyway, General Gulo!
These people make no sense to me at all.
Whatever. I have my own things to do anyway.
Hmph, that musclehead might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he certainly does know how to fight.
He should be fine holding down the station.
Next up is... Dammit, my ass..
Madame, why don't you get off the burdenbeast and rest for a bit? The rest of us can handle things.
Hmph. I don't have the luxury for that right now.
Our task is much more difficult than Gulo's.
In addition to rescuing Yucatan, we also have to take as much of Klin as we can.
Until the Doctor wins over on the other end, we have to draw the Silverashes' attention.
Madame, can we really hold out against those numbers with the forces we have here? Are you sure this Doctor isn't just using us as fodder?
That's right, the Matriarch...
Shut it.
Listen, Ratatos is sick and tired of carrying this clan on her back, so she's trusting this to me.
We're at a do or die moment for the house of Browntail. If we succeed, the Browntail clan might just have a future. If we fail, we're all changing our names to Silverash.
I don't care what Enciodes is trying to do or what he wants Kjerag to be, but us Browntails will never be anyone's fodder.
If you're that eager to get a new name, then you can leave now. But if being a Browntail means anything to you, then come with me!
(I've never seen Sciurus so charismatic before...)
(I didn't know Sciurus had such a talent for speeches...)
(I think she really is speaking her mind. She's just never been given a chance before.)
What are you mumbling about over there?!
(Even though I heard that the Matriarch herself was planning on surrendering, if Sciurus isn't willing to give up, then...)
(It would be really shameful for us to raise the white flag.)
(That's right. And to be honest, I find it hard to believe that the Matriarch would do something like that...)
You're still not done? If you don't like it here, then beat it!
We fight for the house of Browntail!
Hmph, that's more like it.
Alright, I'll handle the rest.
Are you serious about this?
Don't worry. I'm a bona-fide pro.
As much as I've trained, it's been a long time since I've done any real mountaineering. Not since I came to Rhodes Island for treatment.
This sure is getting my blood pumping, haha...
Wait for me, sis. I'm coming for you.
Ensia remembers how when she was a child, she always loved bringing her sister along to her climbs.
Though she was physically fit, she'd always give up halfway through.
Her favorite thing to do was to curl up on the sofa by the fire, knitting something for herself or her brother, or just napping.
'My sister probably doesn't like the mountains.' That's what Ensia thought.
But in the end, after becoming the Saintess, she was bound atop the mountain.
Ensia always had a dream – that one day, she would save her sister from the mountain.
General, this railway should be useless now, right?
No clue. But it probably isn't gonna work anymore.
But who gives a shit. The other job the Doctor gave us was to start some chaos in Silverash territory, the bigger the better.
Since we've already messed this place up pretty good, let's go somewhere else––
...Huh?
You sure took your sweet time, Valais.
Gulo, what exactly is the Doctor after?
The sentimental side of me actually wants to tell you.
But, honestly, I got no clue what the Doctor is trying to do either, hahaha!
But what I do know is, I'm here to make enough trouble to give Enciodes a tough time!
Gulo, I'd prefer not to humiliate you.
Or any of the excellent warriors of the Paleroche clan.
So lay down your arms. You have no chance of winning.
Valais, I know you've got some bad blood, and I'm not good at comforting people.
I also know that there's nothing I can do to bring back what you've lost.
But I'm happy to rumble with you. Let you blow off your steam.
......
Phew... That should be it for the first checkpoint.
Ah... If I remember right, this trail was part of the trial to become a Saintess.
Ensia remembers, the night before the selection of the Saintess, her sister had some kind of fight with her brother.
That night, she sat alone on the sofa in the living room until the sun came up.
She still remembered telling her sister that if not for the fact that she was too young, she would've joined the Saintess selection process herself. Her sister smacked her upside the head.
Her sister was quite strong.
But never did she expect that this would be the last time her sister would smack her around.
......
Sir, it's starting to snow.
A good opportunity.
Kjeragandr smiles upon us, by the look of things.
Though it took a lot of extra time to make our way to the Holy Hunt, it was well worth it.
How's the situation at the foot of the mountain?
It seems like the Doctor was able to divert their attention. The forces stationed there were far fewer than we expected.
Haha, good! Very good! The Doctor is quite capable!
Still, we can't afford to bring shame to the Paleroche name.
Warriors, now that our time is nigh, we need no longer conceal ourselves.
Forget the Silverashes! Follow me – we'll rush up the mountain and rescue the Saintess!
Yessir!
Why'd it have to start snowing now...?
Old Kjeragandr really has a dry sense of humor.
Or, maybe this is a test for me, as the sister of the Saintess?
Well, whatever.
A bit of wind and snow can't hold me back!
You can do this, Ensia! You weren't just talking big in front of Aurora! You've got this!
It was hard to send letters back to Kjerag from Rhodes Island.
Usually, she would only get the opportunity when Courier showed up.
Each time he visited, she always felt conflicted.
Fortunately, Courier would bring a letter from her sister.
Unfortunately, Courier and Matterhorn would always treat her like a kid, as if she couldn't see the sadness on their faces.
She is also a child of the Silverash family. She read the books left behind by her parents and knew of the vision they had for Kjerag. She also got good grades in Hypatia's class!
Of course she knew.
What she did not know is... Did things have to turn out like this?
If so, then why her family?
Sir, troops led by Arctosz suddenly appeared at the foot of the mountain and broke through the defensive line!
Grr... Where'd they come from?
I'm afraid they entered the site of the Holy Hunt, so our men were unable to track them down...
And our forces stationed there couldn't stop them?
A portion of the forces were split off to defend the pass, plus it suddenly started snowing, and morale was low to begin with. Since their goal was to break through the line...
......
You've been outplayed, Gnosis.
......
You made the right call. They care only about Mount Karlan and the Saintess. Everything else is secondary to that.
Did you come back only to mock me?
No, I would've hesitated too, in your position.
Just as you used your longstanding reputation within Karlan Trade to put on a play of half-truths...
Our lack of familiarity with the Doctor worked to that one's advantage – no shortage of tricks up those mysterious sleeves.
You may believe that the Doctor has designs on Kjerag, but from my perspective, I don't necessarily think that the Saintess is the only objective.
Of course, the Doctor could not be sure that we would see things this way, and that was the wager.
That you'd see the Doctor's actions around the pass as a move against Kjerag.
The Doctor only required that you be sufficiently concerned about this possibility to send your troops to assuage those concerns.
As such, the Doctor won the bet.
Enciodes, your arrogance is truly loathsome. To wax admiringly about the actions of your enemy at a time like this.
This is not a game, and we cannot afford to fail.
I am not a fan of failure, Gnosis.
I've already sent Degenbrecher.
To intercept Arctosz?
No... Why do you think the Doctor chose a route that could lead either to Mount Karlan or the pass?
You're saying that Arctosz's forces are a ruse.
From the very beginning, the Doctor's forces were both the bait and the main force.
No wonder why they were moving so slowly. They were waiting.
That's right. And, if I'm not mistaken, this is when they will start making their move.
If the Doctor is allowed to group with Arctosz, then there would be real trouble.
Ensia already knows.
She knows her wish cannot come true.
She cannot save her sister from the mountain.
She also cannot mend the relationship between her two siblings.
How could she have no idea as to what her brother seeks to accomplish?
How could she not see that the rift between the two was only growing wider and wider?
But what can she do?
She doesn't like to cry, to vent her frustrations to others, or to give up.
All she can do is wedge the climbing pick in her hand into the rock above her head, and momentarily forget some of her troubles as she overlooks the scenery from atop the mountain.
Drifting snow strikes her face, leaving traces that look like streaks of tears.
Doctor, Master Arctosz has begun to move.
We've also heard that the Silverashes are reinforcing the pass.
So far, everything is proceeding as you have planned.
......
So she's here.
This is as far as you go, Rhodes Islander.
......
Lucky the Doctor brought some spare clothes.
So that's what's going on. This entire army is both the genuine article and also a decoy.
To be precise, this plan was specially tailored to you.
The Doctor had to plan for a contingency that included a woman strong enough to tear any plan to shreds.
I am not Enciodes. The admiration and respect of my enemies mean nothing to me.
The only thing I need of my enemies is for them to be strewn across the ground.
Then you're in luck. You've got a whole army of opponents right in front of you.
You're the only one in this crowd worthy of being my opponent.
Degenbrecher shakes her head, sighing as if offering an immutable truth within her opinion.
Sharp looks at the woman before him, and for some reason, is reminded of his friend Stormeye, a fellow elite operator.
Stormeye would've been very happy to face an opponent like her.
But to him, whether mingling with the army here, or dealing with Degenbrecher, all of this is just a part of the job.
It's a shame, an enemy's respect doesn't do much for me either.
I dislike glory, but you don't seem to care about it at all.
Nothing personal. It's just business.
Just business?
Doing business requires professionalism. Only an amateur would bring personal feelings to the job.
There's nothing worth bragging about when it comes to my combat abilities. It's just one of my tools to get the job done.
Hahaha, I like the way you think.
I've always despised self-righteous challengers, pumped up on their skills or ideals.
And, without exception, I crushed them all underfoot.
I have heard of your feats as The Black Knight.
A Leithanian who cannot use Arts, rendering all dignity and pride worthless before your greatsword.
Where is that greatsword, by the way?
Waving something like that around in this unsophisticated place would only scare the natives, so I decided to switch weapons.
Not that it matters what I use, though.
Degenbrecher flourishes the blade in her hand, and in the blink of an eye, the wind and snow itself seem to cleave in two.
As for me, I was promised victory.
Sharp bends forward slightly, placing his hand on the hilt of the standard-issue knife at his waist.
Degenbrecher notices a familiar scent from him.
Back when she was in Kazimierz, only a few people gave off this same scent.
The scent of war.
2. After Operation
406 linesDo you come from the Court of Sargon?
I have little interest in Arts. But when it comes to weaponry, I couldn't forget anything, even if I wanted to.
No wonder they called The Black Knight a natural-born warrior.
Natural-born?
Hmph.
Do you know how long it took to go from 'a Leithanian who can't use Arts' to 'a natural-born warrior?'
'Click.'
The shield in Sharp's hand reveals a crack.
Though there are several wounds on Degenbrecher's body, she seems not to notice them.
Do you have no sense of pain?
If growing up, the only waking sensation you knew was pain, then you too would be used to it.
How about you? How many times have you danced with death?
Everyone I knew who even thought of counting didn't survive long in battle.
I heard that The Black Knight, despite being a three-time champion, was exiled from Kazimierz and hunted for refusing to work with the General Chamber of Commerce, eventually disappearing beyond Kazimierz's borders.
So?
Once a symbol of refusal to bow to authority, now a conspirator's bodyguard taking part in the usurpation of a country.
I don't pass any moral judgments. I just can't help but to feel a bit let down.
I thought a Rhodes Islander of all people would understand Enciodes's ideas.
Understanding is one thing. Acceptance is another.
Actually, I think the Doctor understands Enciodes well.
I'm not going to defend Enciodes or myself. It's too much of a hassle, and also unnecessary.
See for yourself what he wants with your own eyes – if you survive, that is.
After a great many struggles, Ensia finally reaches the edge of the cliff. She can scale it easily, but the sound of a nearby conversation makes her freeze.
Everything's gone to shit down there, and everything's gone to shit up here too.
Yeah. I can't believe the Great Elder went down like that, and now Arctosz is rampaging his way up here.
I was under the assumption that the worst was over, but now I have no idea what's going to happen next.
I didn't really think there'd be peace anyway, but now that things have gone south, I feel a little guilty.
Guilty? Why?
Since we entered the Vine-Bead Court, the Lady–– Err, the Saintess, has clearly taken the reins.
Since the Great Elder collapsed, the entire Vine-Bead Court has fallen in line with the Saintess.
And below the mountain, Sir Enciodes has taken complete control.
......
When you put it that way, it all makes sense, huh. The Saintess controls the mountain, and Sir Enciodes controls everything below.
Borrowing your words, I have no idea what's going to happen next.
We're just underlings anyway. There's no point thinking too hard about it.
Yeah, you're right. Why even bother?
Let's make two more rounds. Maybe we'll get called down the mountain by then.
Sis...
Hey! What's that?!
The granary is on fire!
What?! Someone go put it out, hurry!
Heh, piece of cake.
Madame, you certainly have a unique way of doing things, though that's to be expected...
The hell are you trying to say?!
N-Nothing, it was a compliment.
Hmph. I'll pay for them to rebuild the granary after we're all done here, but for now, we're on urgent business!
Stop dragging your feet! The fire's got their attention, so go rescue Yucatan! The place is right ahead!
Yes, Madame!
...Kjarr.
I'm here, Saintess.
During the ceremony, I recall that when I happened to spot you in the crowd, there was a hooded figure next to you.
That's right.
I've heard that this person is a guest from Rhodes Island invited by Enciodes. A guest known as the Doctor.
But now, that individual stands with Arctosz, fighting against Enciodes.
...Nothing escapes you, Saintess.
How did you come to know this person?
By chance, when I was heading down the mountain to deliver your letter.
...I'll take your word for it then.
Why did this question suddenly grip your thoughts?
......
I would like to meet this person.
Huh?
Though I don't know exactly why, the Doctor stands in direct opposition to Enciodes.
I want to know exactly why.
......
I no longer doubt what I must do, but I am afraid that I made up my mind too late.
There are some things I must fight for.
About that... You needn't worry yourself.
Why not?
Because the Doctor's emissary is right behind you.
Huh?!
Sis!
Ensia... I suppose I've finally started hallucinating.
Snap out of it, sis! You're not hallucinating! It's me, your sister, Ensia!
What?! Ensia, is that really you?
It is! Here, come touch me if you don't believe it.
......!
Enya wants to reach out with her shaking hands to feel Ensia.
She fears that the sister who suddenly appeared before her is an illusion.
But before she has a chance to do so, Ensia has already plunged into her arms.
She knows right away, without a shadow of a doubt, that the woman embracing her is her dearest little sister.
......
It's you, Ensia... It really is you...
I've missed you so much.
I've missed you too.
Have you been well?
What of your illness?
What kind of place is this Rhodes Island?
You're so silly. You already asked all these things in your letters.
I have to tell you...
Sharp takes a few steps back with a shallow breath.
He has fought many opponents throughout his career, and has also learned from – or at least watched – many formidable fighters at Rhodes Island.
But he has to admit – he has never faced anyone like Degenbrecher before. Or rather, an opponent as pure and simple as Degenbrecher.
She has speed and strength, qualities that every warrior should possess.
Degenbrecher has nothing more, but clearly needs nothing more.
Why would anyone need anything more than incredible speed and strength?
Fortunately... Sharp became an elite operator because he also possesses these two things.
......
......
You have a lot of trust in Enciodes.
What makes you say that?
Few people have the capacity to do this for money.
And besides, you are not a person who can be won over with money.
What about you? You said this is just business, but what you've done goes well beyond duty.
I assure you, the work I do is the work I like.
...I didn't like Kazimierz. Too chaotic, and the people are too loud.
I thought I wouldn't like Kjerag either.
But Kjerag isn't too bad.
That's a fair reason. Having a nice place to retire is important.
As if reaching a tacit agreement, the two sides take a few steps back.
They both realize that their previous moves achieved nothing toward the goal of eliminating the opponent.
They would have to tap into more of their power.
Degenbrecher casts her sword aside, and pulls the swordbreakers from her waist.
Sharp likewise discards his shield and holds his knife with both hands.
An evergreen tree branch buckles under the weight of the snow with a crackling sound.
In the same instant, Sharp and Degenbrecher both vanish from where they were just a second ago.
Honestly, what am I going to do with you?
You actually managed to sneak past everyone and climb all the way up from the foot of the mountain.
Heheh, it was the only way for me to see you.
You were just saying a certain 'the Doctor' sent you up here?
To what end?
The Doctor told me I should stay by your side, protect you when you need it, or help you escape.
When I need it?
Yeah, like if our brother tries to do something bad to you.
......
I...
Okay, this is what I think.
He has his ideas, and I can't stop him.
But if those ideas end up putting you in danger...
I'll put my life on the line to stop him.
......
Enya suddenly understands why the Doctor sent her sister to her side.
For protection. For a way out. These are the two reasons told to Ensia.
But the Doctor also knows about her ideals, as well as the fact that being able to see her sister would be inherently meaningful.
Have Ensia protect her?
Have Ensia help her escape?
No, quite the opposite.
She is the one who should protect Ensia.
She is the one who should help Ensia escape.
She is the one –– who should be fighting.
Ensia, I see you're still wearing the bracelet I made for you.
Of course. And I'll keep wearing it.
I'll find the time to make a new one for you.
Really?!
Mmhmm.
So, Ensia...
Yeah?
Do you want to do a little favor for me?
A favor?
Come with me.
......
(It's awfully quiet outside, but there should still be two guards.)
(The window... If I don't want them to see me from this angle, I have to lead the guards away first.)
(The patrol route... They pass through this area five times a day, and should be coming around soon.)
(No, I can't force open the lock... But if I can pick it...)
(...Then there might still be a chance.)
Sir Enciodes... This time I swear...
(––They're coming!)
The conflict... three clans seems inevitable, but...
...Browntail clan's... burning... Sciurus...
(Sciurus...?!)
(Why did they mention Rus? Did something happen to her?!)
(Dammit, I'm still too far away... I can't hear clearly.)
(No, she can handle herself. I have to find a way out of here first, then find Sciurus and the Matriarch...)
Halt, who are you people?!
Stop them right now–– Guh...
–––?!
(There's a commotion coming from the entrance... What happened?)
Yucatan, are you alright?!
Rus?! What are you doing here?
Huh? Are you dumb? I'm here for you, obviously!
Everyone else is so worthless, I had to rescue you myself!
But, it's too dangerous!
Rus, how many did you bring with you? Y-You didn't have to come yourself, you know. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you!
......
Yucatan.
Say one more word and I'm going to beat the crap out of you.
Umm...
Shut up! Think about what you'd do for me. I'll do just the same for you!
And you'd better not forget it!
Also, you're not allowed to abandon me ever again.
Rus...
You know I'd never do that.
Hmph! Of course I know!
Alright, the fact that you're okay is a huge load off my shoulders... Now, I have something else to take care of. I promised Ratatos I'd finish another job after I save you.
A job?
Madame Sciurus, Weiss of the Silverash clan is moving to intercept us!
Right on schedule. I'll tell you the details later, but our job is to cause some trouble for those Silverash bastards.
And... there's someone else I want to talk to. But that comes later!
Things aren't looking too good, and Weiss won't go down easy... But we're in this together. Right, Yucatan?
......
Of course. I'll be there for you as long as you need me.
Sir, we're about to be completely encircled!
Hmph... I suppose this is as far as we could get just charging through.
Please lay down your arms, Arctosz.
Child of Yek, I don't know what Enciodes offered you to make you so infatuated with him.
The Yek family is prominent in Paleroche lands.
Yet you still chose to help Enciodes usurp Kjerag!
......
Lay down my arms?
Never.
Arrest Arctosz... But try to take him alive.
......
Come at me, Silverash scum! Who's brave enough to face me?!
......?!
Looks like I caught up to you.
Hey.
(Tug on the brim of your hood)
Ah, Doctor, it's about damned time!
The snow delayed things a bit.
Avoiding Silverash eyes and ears took time.
Haha, Kjerag's snow is a challenge for outsiders like you.
No worries. All that matters is that you're here!
Heh, now that reinforcements are here, nothing can stop us!
Isn't it too early to celebrate, Arctosz?
Enciodes!
Long time no see, Doctor.
'Long time no see' indeed.
Has it really been that long?
So, you're finally willing to meet me.
Though there's a lot I want to talk to you about, now is not the time, unfortunately.
Just you wait, Enciodes. I'll break through your encirclement, rescue the Saintess, and prove to all of Kjerag that you're the real traitor!
I’m looking forward to it.
Warriors, what has been the house of Paleroche's duty since the beginning of time?
'Defend Kjerag from foreign enemies, and protect the peace of the land!'
Now, Enciodes seeks to work against the Saintess and use her as his tool.
Can we, the hosue of Paleroche, accept that?
'No! No! Absolutely not!!!'
Reinforcements have arrived. Follow me up Mount Karlan, topple Enciodes, and rescue the Saintess!
'Topple Enciodes, rescue the Saintess!'
'Topple Enciodes, rescue the Saintess!!'
'Topple Enciodes, rescue the Saintess!!!'
......
Saintess, what are you doing?!
I'm heading down the mountain.
Sir Enciodes said––
Since when do I need Enciodes's consent to do things?
'Ding ding', 'ding ding', 'ding ding––'
An otherworldly bell sounds throughout the court.
The next moment, everyone present except Ensia falls to the ground.
Wow... incredible...
Kjarr, Kjarr.
Saintess, how did you know I was here?
I can guess where a clever girl hides.
I need to make a trip down the mountain, so please look after things here.
Oh, are you leaving the hard work to me?
There are even more troublesome things waiting for me.
If that's the case, I suppose I can't object.
......
In fact, during each Saintess selection, I'd dress up as a maid and secretly observe the girls being tested.
You were the sixth one that year.
I didn't have very high expectations for you, at first, since the Saintesses have been more and more boring as of late.
They may have been strong of body, but none of them were sufficiently strong of will and all ended up puppets of the Elders.
I sometimes wonder if this is because Kjerag is too closed-off. They, and the people of this country too, stagnated.
But you're different.
You're very interesting, Enya.
You didn't come here because you wanted to be the Saintess, but because of your anger and disappointment.
You faced the unforgiving elements on the trail up the mountain, you refused to give up even when your body had reached its limits, the thing on your mind...
Was not becoming a Saintess, or becoming an envoy of Kjeragandr. Rather, you were thinking about how best to serve the Kjerag people.
You thought about how disappointed you were in your brother, how disgusted you were with the other two clans, and the rage you felt at becoming the Saintess.
But the real surprise was your attitude towards Kjerag.
Or more accurately, the surprise that your family brought me.
Your brother gave me his answer sheet very early on.
And you have been searching for your own answers this entire time.
Over the years, you've endured the indifference with which the Saintess is treated in the Vine-Bead Court, while actively searching for a way to help the people. These things have become your nourishment.
And now, all that nourishment has transformed into your strength. You have not lost yourself amidst the turmoil, and you have made your choice.
Congratulations, my child, my envoy, my friend, my sister.
Forgive me for not being able to guide you. I rashly branded this land with my mark, and still regret it to this day.
But at least, allow me to add some color to your journey.
Above the silent passageway, Kjarr smiles and gently pats her hands together.
'Clap, clap.'
After which, everything changes.
Just a scratch!
Ugh...
Valais, I'm not sure if Master Arctosz wronged you in some way––
But Enciodes isn't exactly a saint himself!
I already told you.
Kjerag needs change.
This is also so that excellent warriors like yourself will no longer make sacrifices in vain!
Don't force my hand, Valais.
That's my line, Gulo.
The two of them take a step back and assume a solid stance.
They know that today, one of them must fall.
What's that?
The dark cloud... cleared?
......
Gah... What a stubborn one. I underestimated you.
But, even if you manage to defeat us here, it won't make any difference.
You cannot stop the Master.
Like I care.
The Matriarch... Ratatos always had her own ideas about Kjerag.
She also wants people to move forward and hopes that everyone can have a better future.
Except, she doesn't have the power.
And so, she became Ratatos the schemer, as you people call her.
Maybe to you, my sister is just a bump in the road.
But to me, she'll always be my beloved sister!
Yucatan...
......
We don't hold any personal grudges against you. As long as you're willing to lay down your arms, we guarantee your safety.
I'm not going to let Rus and I become bargaining chips for Enciodes to use against the Matriarch.
Weiss of the Silverash clan, step aside, or I will kill you.
The same goes for you, Yucatan of the Browntail clan.
You must remain here.
You can do it, Yucatan!
Huh...?
Look, Mount Karlan! Are those dark clouds clearing up?!
Sharp turns and watches Degenbrecher slowly return her swordbreakers to her waist.
Around them, trees lie snapped in twain and rocks shattered as if a Catastrophe swept through the land.
He doesn't notice his knife slipping, because he has already lost feeling in his right hand.
He has lost.
Best not overuse your right hand for the next three months.
Thanks for the tip. Looks like it's time to take a brief medical leave.
You don't seem very upset about it.
The outcome of our fight here doesn't change anything.
I kept you occupied here until now, so I've done my job. The others will handle the rest.
Now that my job's done, it's time to clock out.
Is your job that important to you?
Maintaining professionalism is very important to me.
Finding a good employer isn't easy, so I do happen to care about this job.
What about you? You knew from the beginning that I was here to waste your time. You don't look that upset about it.
......
Call it a bit of curiosity. Even if you managed to delay me here, what exactly can you accomplish?
Looks like, Enciodes's bodyguards are good for doing more than just his dirty work.
People only know that Enciodes bought The Black Knight. They don't know the Black Knight also approves of Enciodes.
You and Enciodes are both prideful.
...I'll remember your name, Sharp.
You don't have to remember my name, but you would do well to remember the Doctor's.
Hm?
What's going on at Mount Karlan?
......
......
Soldiers, in formation.
Yessir!
All forces––
—!
......!
–––?!
What happened?
Time seems to stand still in this moment.
Only the Saintess's footsteps reverberate through the mountains.
The wind and snow already gave way, at some unknown time.
The dark clouds overhead seem to part before her path, slowly spreading to both sides.
The light filtering through the clouds shines upon the Saintess, and for a second, the people see her descending from the sky itself.
But this is no illusion.
A miracle...
It's a miracle.
It's a miracle!!!
In this moment, only one thought remains in the hearts of the warriors.
And that is –– to offer their staunchest devotion to the Saintess.
Kjarr.
Go. I will attend to the Great Elder.
Of course.
......
Come to think of it, even though the great hall has been repaired several times, it may not be much younger than Her.
The same goes for the title of Great Elder.
......
No one would deny that the existence of the Vine-Bead Court has allowed Kjerag to remain united all these years.
But what was correct in the past may no longer be correct.
If you cannot adapt to the changing times, then no matter how strong you are, you are fated to be cast aside.
Kjerag should not suffer that fate. At least, that is what some people hope.
Sweet dreams, Great Elder.
You've done well. You've all done well.
...How?
...What is THAT?
Is that... a miracle...?
What's going on at Mount Karlan?
All forces, pull back.
What... just happened?
Can it be... a miracle from Kjeragandr?
......
What will happen to Kjerag now...?
I don't know myself.
To be honest, if this was a part of the Doctor's plans, or even an anticipated possibility...
Even if some operators act like the Doctor is omnipotent, I think this would be a bridge too far.
......
Enya, I'm scared...
Don't be, Ensia.
I will protect you.
I... will protect Kjerag.
All the warriors along the mountain trail lay their weapons down.
In the face of a miracle from the Goddess of the Snowy Mountains, the goddess they have worshipped all their lives, their mortal squabbles seem ridiculous.
......
I, leader of the Paleroche clan, Arctosz Paleroche, offer my most sincere blessings to Her envoy, the Saintess.
After a short silence, he slowly bows to the Saintess and kneels before her.
All the Paleroche warriors follow his lead, repeating his actions.
...Having second thoughts now, Enciodes?
What do you mean?
You ignored my advice and brought that Doctor to Kjerag.
Do you think we lost?
Does this not seem like a loss to you?
It might have, in the past.
But today... maybe not.
Enciodes steps forward.
He strides out from the crowd and also approaches the Saintess, taking a knee and offering his blessings.
All the warriors of the Silverash clan follow suit.
And thus, the Snowcap Incident comes to an unexpected conclusion.