Arknights story · Retracing Our Steps
OS-7 Incense and Shadows
Gnosis and his team are preparing to arrest Carolin, who is suspected of stealing military secrets from Kjerag. Enciodes leads his men to the Vine-Bead Court to apprehend a traitor who has been colluding with Victoria. The tension is palpable, conflict threatening to break out with even the slightest touch.
2 scenes, 478 lines
1. Before Operation
248 lines...You've finally come.
Enciodes.
Naturally, I would not dare refuse an invitation from the Vine-Bead Court... Great Elder Adso.
If I remember correctly, it shouldn't take very long to get from the Silverash domain to the Vine-Bead Court.
To be summoned to the Vine-Bead Court is a matter of great importance. As I stand accused of improper dealings with Victoria, I had to make ample preparations to prove my innocence.
Without further ado, Sir Enciodes, please come inside so that we may discuss this further.
One moment, please.
A large convoy of vehicles pulls up to the center of the Vine-Bead Court.
Silverash... What is the meaning of this?
Are you not investigating the ties between Karlan Trade and Victoria?
I had someone compile all the documents related to the last decade of business dealings between Karlan Trade and Victoria. It is quite the voluminous collection, so much so that we had to fill several trucks.
Great Elder Adso, if it interests you, please take your time to read through it.
Good... Very good.
Unload everything, then tell your people to leave.
I'm afraid I can't do that.
What is the meaning this, Enciodes?
It is true that as of late, Kjerag has had to weather great turmoil. Undoubtedly, Victoria has been at the heart of many of these incidents.
Indeed, our troops have discovered evidence of contact between the Vine-Bead Court and Victorian spies.
Empty accusations. Without proof, what right do you have to investigate the Vine-Bead Court?
Investigate? I would never dream of such a thing. However, the Vine-Bead Court has accused me of 'colluding with Victoria', and so I am here.
By my command, nobody is to leave the Vine-Bead Court today until Great Elder Adso and I reach a conclusion.
Yessir!
Now then, Great Elder Adso.
...
...We've never talked like this before.
I have hardly even seen you on my past visits to the Vine-Bead Court, let alone spoken with you.
I've heard from many clerics that you spent years in seclusion, studying the scriptures in the Hall of Writings and never concerning yourself with temporal affairs.
It seems you've also come to handle the affairs of the Vine-Bead Court with ease.
The only thing I've done over the years is ensure that Kjerag follows the path She ordained.
Moreover, we stand at a critical juncture concerning our survival. Should the Vine-Bead Court stand by and watch you drag Kjerag into the abyss, allowing Kazimierz, Victoria, or any other foreign power to devour us?
You are not the king of Kjerag, Sir Enciodes.
Thank you for the admonition, Great Elder. If Kjerag were to have a king, it could only be Her.
If there are diplomatic errors the Vine-Bead Court wishes to correct, then Karlan Trade will do our best to cooperate.
However, there is one question that puzzles me, for which I seek your guidance.
How exactly is the Vine-Bead Court negotiating with Victoria?
Is it using all of Kjerag as a bargaining chip?
Elder!
(Whispering) We just took a look around. Silverash's troops have already blocked the way down the mountain.
(Whispering) We, we'll go check the back door and—
The secret passage?
I wouldn't bother with that unless you're keen on searching for Tschäggättä.
Ahh!
Don't be alarmed. By Kjeragandr, I have no intention of attacking the Vine-Bead Court.
...
Tell everyone outside to rest where they are. No one is to move without my order.
...Enciodes, you accuse the Vine-Bead Court of betraying Kjerag to Victoria. Where is the evidence for your claim?
Please be patient, Great Elder. It will take some time for the evidence to be delivered here.
In other words, you came empty-handed yet still chose to resort to violence against us.
You should know what the price is for doing this, head of the Silverash clan.
Look down at the people beneath the mountain. Your elite troops might be able to block off the Vine-Bead Court, but you cannot fight all of Kjerag.
I am willing to give you time... But if you cannot produce conclusive evidence before sundown, I'm afraid that the reputation of Karlan Trade, and even that of the entire Silverash name, will be in tatters.
You will become untouchables throughout the land of Kjerag.
Indeed. I am, of course, well-aware of the consequences of my actions.
What I do not know, however, is what it would mean for Kjerag if the Vine-Bead Court is found to be colluding with an enemy that assassinated leaders from the three clans, and was caught in the act of espionage.
I will be with you to witness that moment, Elder.
...I know exactly what you're waiting for.
But, time is not on your side, Sir Enciodes.
Let us in! We were invited by the Vine-Bead Court to participate in the blessing ceremony, and Silverash's goons have no right to stop us!
...
Throughout her illustrious career, The Black Knight was unshakeable, even by the most fearsome opponents.
But now, looking down at the teeming crowds crammed onto the narrow mountain road, she feels utterly helpless for the first time.
Why haven't we seen a single cleric here? What is Silverash trying to pull?!
Please calm down, everyone. The Vine-Bead Court... has encountered some extenuating circumstances, and Sir Enciodes is assisting with the investigation.
We came here on an invitation, and you're telling us that there are 'extenuating circumstances' now that we're here? Cut the crap!
A man squeezes through the crowd, but as soon as he takes a step forward, he is met with Degenbrecher's cold glare and has no choice but to retreat, muttering under his breath.
Sir Enciodes will issue an explanation to the public after things have settled down. Please, I ask that you all return home for now.
...Ma'am, be careful—
I'm fine, Degenbrecher. I can stand on my own...
We all trust you. We know that you're a daughter of Kjerag and would never bring us harm.
So, can you tell this old woman exactly what is happening with the Vine-Bead Court? What do you know about this whole thing?
...
A vehicle winds its way along the mountain road; outside the window, dense dark clouds are gathering, mingling.
The window rolls down, and a few snowflakes laced with unidentified impurities slide into the car before disappearing without a trace.
The signal's a little better now.
According to our informant, Victoria and the people from the Vine-Bead Court have left the mining site, and have not made any further moves.
But given this weather, we can expect more heavy snow... It'll take a lot longer to get back to headquarters than expected.
Compared to THAT, this little hiccup can hardly be considered beyond our expectations.
Are you referring to those Victorians from earlier?
The Vine-Bead Court, huh...
The fact that they'd show up here instead of calming the populace is rather strange indeed...
It's evident that they were completely unprepared for the situation, and their deliberate attempts to hide their schemes are easily seen through.
If some of them are willing to play cover-up for the Victorians—
Then, it's only a matter of time until the mask comes off.
It's nearly time.
Turn back to the mining site.
Are you trying to...?
The exit ways there are now open, making it a good place to leave the country.
As you just heard, Enciodes has already surrounded the Vine-Bead Court with his men. He has deliberately made a big show of things to alert the enemy.
Those hiding in Kjerag will definitely be itching to seize the moment.
Our undercover agent friend we've been tracking seems to have a particular fondness for this kind of stuff, and should be arriving in the vicinity soon.
Moreover, I suspect she's not the only one either.
Instead of looking for her, we should just let her come to us.
Gather everyone together and keep a close eye on the entrance to the mining site. Pay extra attention to—
The people who helped her escape.
...While you were on your way, the clergy throughout the city were already inviting people to come up the mountain for the ceremony.
I wonder, how long Degenbrecher can hold them back?
Did the Vine-Bead Court stoop to these desperate measures knowing I would not point my weapons at the people?
It's true that I'm using them, just as you did to Arctosz and Ratatos during the Holy Hunt a few years ago.
Perhaps I overestimated you, Sir Enciodes. Even if you're hungry for power, you should be less obvious about it.
Before you commit a grave error, I am willing to announce to the public that you've come to the Vine-Bead Court to capture the Victorian assassin.
If you truly thought highly of me in any capacity, you would not think that I am only 'seeking power'.
All I care about is the future of the land of Kjerag.
So, a violent coup is the best path forward?
Yes.
Because our Victorian friend sits in a position that cannot be reached except through violence.
Hahahaha! What you say is true, Sir Enciodes.
The unarmed Vine-Bead Court, driven to despair by the descendants of Victorians and their acolytes, helpless to defend themselves even when thieves cry thief in front of them.
Behavior determines identity better than blood.
It is a fact that since the attack on Ensia, people from the Vine-Bead Court have been falling over themselves to back Victoria.
If you are so confident you know what I'm waiting for—
The cleric and the Victorian spy caught red-handed together. Be it for the general public or the three clans, the rest speaks for itself.
I know no more about the conduct of these clerics than you do.
Even if the Duke of Caster were to come here herself, she would only tell you that I firmly rejected her offer.
That is nothing more than an excuse. A failure to control your subordinates means you are equally responsible for them, and the same applies to Karlan Trade.
...What you suggest is that the clergy of the Vine-Bead Court indulge in pleasure and collude with foreigners, while I remain oblivious and allow them to sell out Kjerag?
You and Victoria share many of the same delusions; in reality, the Vine-Bead Court has only ever wanted to use this as a pretext to expel Victoria and their true ally—
Enciodes Silverash.
However, the reality is that they ended up aligning with Victoria in practice—
All the clergy who've associated with Victoria have sworn an oath of death after you are expelled.
Their bones will nourish Kjerag's future, and they will leave no regrets behind.
...
So, what you propose is that Kjerag should purge itself, down to those who hunt Victorian spies to this day, those who the Duke of Caster considers enemies...
And THAT is the only way to defeat Victoria?
There is nobody around. A sudden gust of wind suddenly howls through the unfamiliar courtyard.
Carolin continues to stir around her piping-hot cup of savory milk tea, the spoon continuing to clink against the cup.
She shudders in anticipation, either due to the drink or her impending evacuation.
She stares at the swirling tea and strokes the cup, completely ignorant to the fact that the cup is engraved with Kjerag's mountain ridges.
Her thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door.
Who is it?
...Stay back!
Sorry to keep you waiting, young lady of Victoria.
It's you...
Please pardon my intrusion, but due to the situation changing, you will be transferred to a new destination ahead of schedule.
What?
...What happened?
I only know the gist of the Vine-Bead Court's decision.
A 'gist' isn't good enough. We need to have a concrete plan of action, or else...
I will take full responsibility for the operation until you have safely left Kjerag's borders.
All you need to do is follow the instructions. As for how to leave and who will help you—
Don't overly concern yourself about such things.
Kjeragandr witnesses all, and She shall walk with us.
Stop trying to fool me with your vague and nondescript dogma...
By Kjeragandr.
...
...
In other words, I've become your responsibility now, right?
I am but a follower of Her will.
Fine. You have your beliefs, and I have mine.
But since we'll be working together, let me remind you that if this operation fails, your side will also be exposed.
That's right.
Does that not worry you at all?
The cleric simply smiles gently and takes a garment out from his bag.
No, young lady.
All I need is faith.
You can also place your faith in us. As long as we are of one heart, we can overcome our fear.
Cleric of the Vine-Bead Court.
I don't think we need to discuss this any further.
Instead, let's focus on something useful, like when we leave.
My apologies, young lady. This is a cleric's robe that I sewed myself. Please put it on for now.
This journey will take you past many people and countless eyes. If you encounter someone who comes up to you seeking prayer or answers, do not try to please them. Stay silent, and avoid them.
I will walk with you, no matter what dangers we may face.
Color me curious. Why do people pray to your god for protection even after a Catastrophe?
...
Just in case.
Believe me, young lady. You know too little about Kjerag.
Now, please pack your belongings. I will wait for you outside.
The door opens, and a dry, cold wind rushes in, lashing at the cleric's neck and face.
An old dagger slips from his bag, and he nonchalantly bends down to pick it up.
He knows exactly what this amulet, forged for him by his father who has returned to Kjeragandr, will ultimately be used for.
By Kjeragandr.
May this devout body be blessed, and may it spread Your holy will.
They brought excellent seeds to Kjerag as well as machinery... The Vine-Bead Court has never denied these contributions.
To be frank, I have never seen anyone so complicated in my already-withering life...
Hero.
This does nothing to dispel my doubts.
Compared to these acts, the Vine-Bead Court seems only to recognize friend and foe based on where they come from.
Then, allow me to ask you a question first, Sir Enciodes.
In your heart of hearts, what exactly is Kjerag?
...I have already answered this through my actions.
Victorian-style buildings. Victorian-style weapons. Victorian-mandated laws.
Is this your answer?
Unless we choose to seclude ourselves deeper within the mountains, shunning both external disturbances and any further advancement.
Otherwise, you might even be able to see things from Laterano or Leithanien one day.
Until one day, the people of Kjerag believe in nothing but Originium and money, unless faith itself can be sold.
Once the shell of Kjeragandr is ripped open, the people shall no longer hold any reverence for eternity. They will only chase after their own values and desires.
They will hate the strong because in this new 'theater', the more one abandons his morality, the stronger he becomes.
They will hate the weak because the weak will come to occupy the crevices of pity and charity.
Nihilism will become the most popular ideology; the people's hearts will become empty and detached, and they will take pride in this emptiness.
Your ideals are slaughtering the people of Kjerag, turning Victoria's present into our future.
...The Kjeragandr that the Vine-Bead Court worships is far more fragile than the one I worship.
If all it takes to overthrow our sacred beliefs are a few foreign tools, then how has Mount Karlan stood to this day?
How could it be that foreign tools can cover our mountains and rivers, yet foreign ideas can never be touched?
If this is what you believe, then you must also admit that what can conquer the body can also conquer the soul.
Born into a dark and hopeless era, you must race faster than the clouds to avoid being swallowed by darkness.
Faith should not drive people to become accustomed to the darkness, but rather unwaveringly affirm the yearning for light.
Yet, the more pious one is, the more destitute he becomes. In due time, he will see piety as a noose, and begin to hate the history of faith itself.
Which is why those who adhered to the teachings of Kjeragandr were ridiculed as pedantic and ignorant.
Without turning on the tap, there is no clean drinking water. Without applying chemical fertilizers, there is no fertile farmland.
You leveled the mountains and forests to build your factories, then sent the displaced back to the ruins of their homes to either sell their labor or die.
The lives you've improved for some, are fed by the happiness you've stolen from others.
O eloquent grandmaster, I ask you—how should we deal with the 'stragglers' left in your wake?
...You are right. It is a heavy responsibility that I must accept.
However, the Vine-Bead Court only fantasizes about incremental change while continuing to regard doing nothing as a virtue.
Such people have no right to judge me.
I have never sought to block Kjerag's progress. My only responsibility is to pull the reins on self-important tourists before things spiral out of control.
You're moving too quickly, Sir Enciodes.
The way to format the Kjeragandr, the way to punctuate prayer passages, which hand to raise during rituals... are debates that can last for centuries.
Elder of Clan Browntail, you have both the talent and the platform, and yet you only yearn for the solace of the other shore.
Yet when you hide away in the Hall of Writings and philosophize from your armchair, do you know anything about where Kjerag is actually headed?
...
What I know... is that Kjerag would never let an apostate take the helm. And, I have never been one to 'philosophize from my armchair'.
You are not the first apostate I've dealt with.
What memories come to mind when you hear the names, Olafur and Elizabeth Silverash?
What...?
...
This bloody weather again... Damn it, why's there a traffic jam in a place like this?
Hey, you in the back. The road's about to get real bumpy.
If you want to be able to stand after getting out of the truck, I'd recommend taking a nap now and conserving your energy.
Inside the rear compartment, the lights flicker as the truck sways. The passengers trying to escape sit upright on their haystacks, eyes tightly shut.
Shit, what's that thing in front of me?!
Urgh...
An oil slick spills across the middle of the road, and in front of the stopped truck is a line of fully-armed men.
The engine emits a strange, strained noise, and the windows are splattered with paint.
Inside the driver's seat, the Victorian tightly grips the steering wheel.
I've never tried to hide where I come from, even though it's something that others have long forgotten.
...Luca Browntail. Ratatos and Sciurus's grandfather. My cousin.
In order to achieve the same goal, we accepted different fates—to safeguard Kjerag's order through the Tri-Clan Council and the Vine-Bead Court.
Though known for his ruthlessness, he still harbored fantasies about the Silverashes until the very end.
He said: 'A peaceful resolution is never impossible, as long as the couple are willing to make concessions.'
...But, I have never lived in fantasy.
That train accident...
Hahaha... Is that what you believe? Or, did Ratatos make you believe it?
How many clergymen and devotees do you think are out there among the commoners?
If the masses wish for Kjeragandr to punish the apostates, then I, serving the Vine-Bead Court, shall deliver on those wishes.
...
...Sir Enciodes!
The man who killed your parents is right in front of you.
Those who commit murder will be punished twice over by Kjeragandr. This crippled body has lost any meaning for me long ago!
I grant you permission to dispose of me as you wish for reasons private and public, not for treason, but for murder. Arrest me here and put me on trial!
Let the people of Kjerag see just how sinful it is to kill an apostate!
The old man wobbles to his feet, his withered fingers clenching into fists as if using all his strength. Suddenly, he stretches his arms out before Enciodes.
Like a sinner waiting to have his confession heard, his cloudy eyes shine with a glimmer of light, as if seeking to quench decades of old grudges with another's anger.
Enciodes slowly closes his eyes, his fingertips wrapping tightly around his cane.
If you're trying to provoke me into acting out of line, I'm afraid your efforts are in vain.
I won't lay a finger on you here...
All I can do is ensure that you receive a fair trial...
2. After Operation
230 linesHurry it up! You in the back, keep up!
Our intel indicates that the target should be around here. Search carefully, and leave no stone unturned!
...
After that woman left the room, an unknown amount of time passed, to the point that time itself seemed alien to Monch.
Only the stinging pain of the ropes tightly binding her reminds her that she has not yet lost consciousness.
Finally, a hopeful sound comes from beyond the door, and Monch musters what might she has left to shout out.
I'm... over here...
I'm—
But try as she might, her parched throat can hardly produce a sound.
She laboriously crawls towards the door.
It opens.
Monch!
Madam... Why are you here...?
We've been searching for you ever since the Catastrophe hit! That damned Silverash, pretentious bastard. Thought they actually had some useful intel... but in the end, I still ended up having to do all the legwork myself to find you!
How're you doing? You hurt anywhere?
Wait, your leg—
I'm... fine...
Madam, listen to me...
The researcher I'm tracking... She's from Victoria, but more important... she's got ties, to Columbia...
What they're really after is...
Monch! MONCH!
Along the narrow mountain path, the convoy slowly plods onward.
After the incident's sudden outbreak, no shortage of people left their cars to observe the conflict's epicenter.
Turn off the engine. Get out.
What do you think you're doing? Who the hell are you people?
I... I'm an industrial investigator dispatched from Victoria! This is illegal obstruction of official business!
You've damaged our property, endangered Victorian lives, and almost even caused an accident! Mark my words, the Vine-Bead Court will hear of this!
Never should've come to this bloody shithole...
Yessir!
This is no time for you to try to twist the narrative, Victorian. Just cooperate.
Open up the rear compartment.
I...
Unwilling to cooperate? Fine by me. You're more than welcome to conserve your energy to fend for yourselves before the court–if you're cold, I can offer you a blanket.
Matterhorn waves his hand, and the guard pries open the rear compartment without a word.
Seated upright upon a haystack there is an old cleric.
He brushes the dust off his body and walks out.
It is an emotionless affair, hardly amounting to courage.
The old cleric gazes upon the blinding brightness before him, and recollects the scenes from before.
Some ten minutes ago...
Why'd the truck stop?
Have we arrived?
...
Carolin lowers her voice.
...Did something happen?
Stay calm, young lady.
...Did they find us?
...
I didn't expect to find you here, Cleric of the Vine-Bead Court.
Let's continue this conversation elsewhere. This place is less than ideal.
You are as hasty as always, young master of Clan Edelweiss.
Honorable friends of Clan Silverash, I apologize for disturbing your work during this inclement weather.
I am more than glad to go along with your arrangements.
Looks like the one we're after isn't here.
I do believe this is where we part ways, young lady from Victoria.
Are you getting off?
No, I'll stay here. Just keep walking forward, and don't look back.
The entrance isn't far off. Silverash's people will surely notice this truck. Get out of here before they find you.
By Kjeragandr... trust me.
The old cleric helps Carolin up.
I'll do as you said.
But, you'll also be exposed.
That, too, is Kjeragandr's will. What I cannot change, I shall therefore accept.
I ask only for Her forgiveness.
I can't say I understand what your beliefs truly are—but maybe some day, I will.
I respect your beliefs, so I will also try to find a way to live in peace. Best of luck to you, sir.
Carolin gets out of the truck and runs without stopping, in a direction leading far, far from Kjerag.
Shedding her stained cleric's robes, she shivers from the cold.
Alone she walks through the vast, pale mountainscape.
Until in the distance, a dark tunnel entrance beckons to her.
Through the telescope's lens, Gnosis sees the mysterious scientist step into the shadows.
I've brought one.
...
I'm afraid I cannot grant your wish, Great Elder.
Upon hearing that long-awaited voice, Enciodes stands up and walks past the old man who remains frozen like a wooden sculpture.
Gnosis executed the plan. The Tschäggättä deployed immediately on his signal.
Before the presence of these wraiths, the clerics could do nothing but stumble back into their abodes, their tender faces affixed in fear.
I, I'm one of the Vine-Bead Court's clerics! You can't treat me like this—
Shut up and stop resisting!
...Master Frey is here too! Please, help me!
The one just brought in was the once-arrogant envoy of the Vine-Bead Court. His gaze sweeps over the shouting cleric, and he shakes his head.
Father Frey, I believe I can now explain your actions.
...
Victoria's agents conspired with the Vine-Bead Court's clerics to smuggle spies out of the country through the mine railway, but were caught red-handed thanks to Karlan Trade.
And before that, you were assisting the Victorians with scouring the mining site. Premeditated ill-intent.
And lest you forget, you protected the suspect following Ratatos's funeral.
You will formally be put on trial for these crimes.
By Kjeragandr... Forgive him, for he knows not of what he speaks––
It is a fact that spies have infiltrated the Vine-Bead Court. I urge you to not resist. Cooperation with our investigation is the only path to leniency.
Take Elder Great Adso, Father Frey, and the other elders of the Vine-Bead Court away for questioning. The other clerics are to remain there, awaiting their summons.
Yessir!
Now then, Great Elder Adso––
...
Silverash, do you think you've won?
'Those who live by the blade will find their arrogance short-lived.'
I wonder, just how long will your arbitrary reign of terror last?
Without making any unnecessary movements, Adso gives a slight nod to the crowd, then slowly walks to the door.
Great Elder! What should we do?!
...Survive.
The rest is already written in the scriptures. I have nothing else to say.
You are Her servants, and whatever happens, you must act according to your conscience.
...
Take him away.
By Kjeragandr, may the guilty receive their fair trial.
This is an abandoned mining shaft—the torches and tunnel lights don't work anymore. Bend down carefully, and watch your head...
If we wrap around from this side, we should just be able to make it...
Urgh!
Watch out!
...Come over first. Watch your step.
Joanna shifts her feet, and several rocks tumble down the cave, the sounds of dislodged pebbles echoing through the cracked crevices as they fall. She shudders.
So deep... You'd probably turn into a stain on the ground if you fell from this height...
Damn those Victorians for causing trouble in the mines... Else, we wouldn't have to come this way...
Huh? Saintess, what are you looking at?
There's a light ahead; it must be the path leading to the main ore vein. Come—let's hold hands, just like before.
We are just a few steps shy of our answer. We mustn't run into danger here.
Soon... We will find all our answers.
The map is illuminated by the flickering light of the oil lamp. They hardly converse, moving forward in silence, their steps filled with both fear and anticipation.
But eventually, the search comes to an end.
...
...Are you sure this is the right place? Might we have made a mistake?
No... I'm sure of it.
This is the mine I previously calculated and located... There's no way this could be the wrong place.
But...
What are you two talking about? This is the place we were looking for, yeah?
...
According to my plan, we should be able to find an Originium vein here... My deduction can be proven correct, if and only if it exists...
But, this place...
...is an Oriron mine.
What...?
I've investigated and analyzed everything; these are all just ordinary Oriron deposits. There's no chance they're related to Catastrophe...
...Let alone any traces of 'extraterrestrial objects'. Where did we go wrong?
But, why?! We clearly saw a bunch of trucks transporting Originium on our way here! How could this all just be Oriron?
...
It doesn't take long for Enya to grasp the schemes of the man bonded to her by blood.
Indeed... We came to the wrong place.
The mineral vein here is not the 'Heart of Karlan', but rather, the 'Bones of Kjerag'...
The bones that uphold Kjerag's spine...
...Um, may I say something?
The Heart of Karlan is a pure core that validates faith. Man's eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and hands can deceive, and only the heart cannot. Such is written in the Kjeragandr.
But, I don't think we're being unfaithful or impious.
We all know how much we've done... and surely, She must know too.
Just like how give everything on the hunt, only to come up empty-handed and go hungry through the night.
But, we must have faith. Faith in the land of Kjerag. Faith in Kjeragandr's protection. She promised us that as long as we have our two hands, we shall not starve or freeze to death in Kjerag's lands.
So, Great Saintess, come. Let's try again––
Huh? Try... what?
Use your bell to call Kjeragandr.
That sweet bell—the sound of the Saintess who played to awaken Kjeragandr, the clear sound beloved of Her, the sound that is Her call.
So it says in the Kjeragandr that burdenbeasts wearing this bell will not be snatched away by wild beasts; they shall not fall ill or die young, and shall find their way back home should they ever be lost.
...
For one's 'heart to be astray' is to be lost too, right? I don't totally get what it means, but I heard it from one of the clerics at the Vine-Bead Court!
...
Unlike her two dejected companions, the girl shows no signs of discouragement and is eager to try again.
That's right. We should keep trying. Perhaps Kjeragandr will respond to us.
The silver bell rings out on high, its engraved patterns shimmering beneath the hazy light of the miner's lamps.
She had tried to call out like this before. At the Vine-Bead Court, in her own bedroom, among her books, while resting among the snow-capped mountains.
Ring—ring—
The clear, cold sound of the silver bell echoes through the empty cave.
...Woah, that's...!
This sound, this frequency... Why does it sound so alike?!
Did you discover something?
That frequency! The echoes of your bell throughout the cave sound just like that one audio recording from the observatory—almost identical, even!
Is that just a coincidence?
A coincidence? No...
'In nature, no two snowflakes are exactly alike'...
Say, Saintess... Where exactly did that bell come from?
That would require going back to very ancient legends...
In Kjerag history, there was a long span of time where Kjeragandr fell into deep slumber until She was awoken by a devout Saintess.
It was Kjeragandr's gift to that Saintess.
I've also heard that when subsequent craftsmen made bells for the Saintesses, they sought to imitate the sounds of the mountains...
The sounds of the mountains...? What kind of mountain could make a sound––
A Feranmut?
Impossible... How could that be...
Snap out of it, Elena... You're a scientist. How could you let your faith falter at a time like this...?
Elena, are you saying that on the day before the Catastrophe, something fell onto Mount Karlan, thus creating that sound?
Based on my previous conjectures, yes...
So think about it this way... If we think of the mountain as a huge bell, doesn't that mean there's probably a huge hollow inside it?
Theoretically speaking, that would... be possible... But, do you know where a massive hollow like that could exist?
There is a rumor not recorded in Kjerag's official history, and it also happens to be related to the Saintess who awakened Kjeragandr.
A long, long time ago, there once was an uprising against the Vine-Bead Court in Kjerag.
The people had grown dissatisfied because Kjeragandr had not performed any miracles in a long time, and so they marched upon the Vine-Bead Court. Their wrath was only quelled when the Saintess awakened the sleeping deity.
During the chaos, a number of clerics took their precious scriptures and took refuge within Mount Karlan, therefore preserving some of their valuable knowledge.
Yet regardless, the classic works of the Vine-Bead Court still suffered a break in continuity around that time.
What if... the account of Kjeragandr leaving her people within the scriptures... is actually a description of this event?
Great Saintess... If this sanctuary truly exists, will we find traces of the 'Kjeragandr' there?
Where should we even look?
Behind the Vine-Bead Court... the place leading to Mount Karlan's summit.
Enya tightly grips the silver bell in her hand. She seems to hear the wind and the snow, as well as the footsteps that would occasionally shadow her while she worked at the Vine-Bead Court.
Whose voice was that? Who was calling to her from behind? Who would pat her on the shoulders and bring honeyed cystymilk to her while she was burning the midnight oil to organize her scriptures?
All she can hear and see is the pure white snow that never stops blowing with the wind.
O Kjeragandr on high, please grant us your guidance.
May the path we walk be true.
'A cleric from the Vine-Bead Court, in collusion with Victorian agents, stole important military intelligence and was arrested yesterday.'
'Great Elder Adso confessed to some of these allegations, and agreed to fully cooperate with the investigation. During this time, all activities of the Vine-Bead Court are to be suspended.'
'There is considerable evidence suggesting that Victorian agents are involved in a string of unusual natural and social phenomena.'
'Karlan Trade is also assembling scientific researchers to assess the possibility of an espionage-related Catastrophe.'
'As a reminder to all citizens of Kjerag: If any foreign national approaches you under the guise of offering charity, business ventures, or gathering news, please be extremely vigilant...'
...
I knew it!
The Great Elder and that Victorian duke are in cahoots! Look what those bastards have brought upon us!
Couldn't it just be one big misunderstanding? If even the Vine-Bead Court has betrayed Kjeragandr... My goodness...
They've been mucking about with the Victorians, and you still give them the benefit of the doubt?
But, hasn't the Karlan Trade you seem to trust so much been dealing with Victoria this whole time...?
The only reason you can even hear all this on the radio is thanks to Karlan Trade. But what about the Vine-Bead Court? What've they ever done for you?
Stop your bickering. Victorian broadcasting has a response. Shut up and listen.
I don't give a damn what they have to say!
...I need to make sense of all of this.
...
'Sir Wilson, you are highly respected by Her Grace the Duke, as well as an expert on the Kjerag affair. We would like to ask you—how should we interpret the attitude displayed by Enciodes Silverash?
'I see it as nothing more than a way of quelling the public discontent in Kjerag. Enciodes has always been a close partner of Victoria.'
'Don't you find that somewhat difficult to believe?'
'Even based on publicly-available information, it is an indisputable fact that Victoria has been the primary beneficiary of many of the trade contracts strongly spearheaded by Enciodes himself.'
'With the help of Karlan Trade, Kjerag's development has almost entirely come off the back of Victoria's aid, from the import of breeding beasts and fertilizers to railway technology and even Originium processing.'
'In return, Enciodes has committed to handing over more than forty percent of Kjerag's natural resources for Victoria's development.'
'Not along ago, Karlan Trade also handed over a mining site that was being worked by Kazimierz to the Duke of Caster.'
'Then, it seems that Enciodes is trying to maintain an attitude of ambiguity. That being the case, are you not worried that his attempts to soothe the public will anger the Duke?'
'Lest you forget, Enciodes is the Duke's grand-nephew, and the blood of Caster flows in his veins. The delicate understanding between him and the Duke is, without a doubt, difficult for outsiders to grasp.'
'What you may not know is that even while he issued the statement, he also submitted a new mining agreement to the Duke, who has already signed and returned it. Expect a joint announcement on this matter in short time.'
'I have obtained the key points of this agreement and would like to share them with you here. Do take a look at these graphs, good sir.'
''Karlan Trade is willing to entrust 100% of future mining rights to a foundation established jointly with the Duke of Caster'. This truly is...'
'Just the tip of the iceberg. Look at what comes next...'
...
Nonsense!
The young reporter is startled by the volume of her outburst. She instinctively reaches to pat her bulging backpack before turning around.
Seeing the empty street makes her let out a heavy sigh.
Phew... Looks like they won't be able to catch up to me.
Camera, recorder, film prints... Everything's here. This time, I won't let them take these away!
She then looks at the statue of Kjeragandr in the distance, pulls down the brim of her hat, and walks toward the city's center.