Duet Night Abyss story · Main story, Chapter 1: Game of the Overlookers (Ⅲ)
A Vibrant Heart
5 scenes, 457 lines
1. Advance deeper into the Fortress
6 linesMors, so you're not going to ask me anything?
You just said soldiers must obey.
Given what we've been through, are you really going to be as rigid as a piece of wood?
You also said that one must fully concentrate when engaging in combat.
The current circumstances are perilous; being sidetracked by criticism might lead to casualties.
You sharp-tongued brat!
2. Head to the Engine Room
89 linesExactly. They exploit us because Charons are stronger and withstand extreme heat and cold better than Solas. You may think we're the same as The Forsakens, but they've never accepted us as their own.
Exactly. But the power to the entire fortress has been cut off, we need to get this thing there.
Let's get the Phoxynamo Wheels up and running, it should bring this sector back online.
Turret's aligned. The Sim Battlefield's powered up as well.
Let's head to the control panel, I'll open the gate with you.
Simulation successfully overwritten. Reboot in progress.
Test environment: Icelake, Cocytus. Gate unlocked. Training personnel, standby.
The gate's open. Let's get back to the turret.
(Locked and loaded.)
Let's sort through the situation here first.
Our battle plan involved Colonel Fulvis and his numerically superior Squad, the Narwhals, launching a diversionary attack on the bridge leading to Lonza Fortress to distract The Forsakens.
Meanwhile, the Snow Wolves and the Griffins would parachute right on top of the fortress. Our two squads would infiltrate the fortress via the engine room and the arsenal, then launch a direct strike and seize the central control room.
However...
The Forsakens predicted our moves.
Yes. Either they have intercepted our communications, or there is a spy working for The Forsakens in the Legion.
Regardless of how our plans got out, The Forsakens were undoubtedly well-prepared.
They used the fortress's defense systems to ambush us, and even lured a bunch of Filthoids here... We planned for an infiltration strike, so none of us were equipped with heavy weapons for large beasts. The only option was to throw our lives at it.
Given that Lonza Fortress was designed by Imperial engineers, you might know how to disable its defense systems, right?
You literally slept through your cryptography courses, didn't you?
I cannot believe you're still sore about that, sir.
Never mind. Acing those courses wouldn't be much help in this case anyway. The Forsakens have modified the mechanisms in the fortress. We don't have time to go through each hardpoint and crack every code.
But disabling the systems first would be the right call, so we should reach the engine room next.
Cutting their power will shut down the systems, giving us the time to rescue our trapped soldiers. That's our main objective in the next move.
Operating the devices there requires two people. Thank god I took you with me.
Hold on, we're getting a call...
Hello? Does anyone copy? What's the weather like in Hyperborea today?
It's raining tonight in Dismania.
Commander Avar? Is that you? I'm Vic!
Avar listening. Give me a report.
After we split our forces, Monica and I took the path along the outer perimeter. We're about to reach the engine room.
Engine room? Are you trying to...
I'm calling you specifically to give you an update, sir. We'll make an attempt to shut down the power unit.
The engine room is probably full of traps. Cease your actions and stay where you are. Captain Mors and I will get to your place in about fifteen minutes.
Please, let us try, sir! Every moment we delay puts our comrades in greater danger.
You...
And one more thing... Since Captain Mors is with you, may I ask how the Griffins are doing? My brother Simon is in that squad...
...
We have yet to secure his body.
...Wha...?
Ahem, he means Simon's got some injuries, but the medic is taking care of him in a temporary shelter. There's no need to worry about him.
...Understood. Thank you, sir.
Your way with words... Take my advice, never try to comfort anyone. Okay?
...Loud and clear, sir.
Take out that Forsaken guy first, the Filthoids are following his lead!
Vic, Monica... hang in there. We're coming.
(Alright, that's one down. Time to find the rest.)
His uniform, freshly issued, is in tatters. Beneath the torn fabric, claw slashes and bite marks mar his body. He was clearly ripped apart by a swarm of Filthoids. In his lifeless grasp, a broken blade, knuckles pale and stiff, a silent testament that he fought to the bitter end.
Beside him, an identity disc lies quietly. You recognise it instantly, standard issue for fresh recruits. The front reads: Vic Girard. On the back, a message scratched in with a blade: "Monica, next time, I'm beating you at the shooting range."
(Looks like destroying the Phoxichor tank knocked everything offline.)
These beasts... They killed everyone...
Yes... let that hatred fester. You've never craved blood like this before, have you?
If only they could bleed. If only they could weep. Then maybe they'd understand the fire roaring in your chest.
But none of that matters now. Just raise your blade. Swing it. Again, and again.
(...No!)
(They're waiting for me... I can't let these Filthoids drag me down!)
Since they've reworked the mechanisms, does that mean there are some elite engineers in The Forsakens?
Of course. I've repeatedly warned the bigoted higher-ups not to take The Forsakens as mere illiterate barbarians.
They have controlled the fortress for over six months. If they are barbarians, what does that make us?
...The higher-ups were way too complacent.
Well, no one grasps the "Art of Command" better than Fulvis after all.
Let the great commander explain himself to the Chief! And let's see if his silver tongue can charm Sibylle into letting him off the hook this time.
You've made it!
Vic is down there. He was trying to shut down the Phoxichor tank, but he got locked behind a door... They've re-encrypted the control panel... I gotta figure out something else...
Monica! Can... hear me?
The engine room... Run... Argh...!
... ...
Vic?! What happened?! VIC!!!
Hang in there! I'm nearly finished... Almost there...
...
...It just won't crack...! Ugh! Of all times...!
...Pull yourself together. I've got this.
I'll take care of the door. Mors, get down there, and help me shut down the device to save Vic.
Follow my lead. The quicker we are, the higher our chances of saving our comrade. Understood?
I found Vic... Vic's body.
...
Continue our mission.
Besides the independently powered central control room, this place stores all the Phoxichor that powers the whole fortress.
If we destroy the power unit here, we'll disable most of the facilities in the fortress.
We must shut down the systems... We can't let Vic die in vain.
I'll disable the protective barriers one by one. When the signal light's on, smash the Phoxichor tank as fast as you can!
Some Phoxichor tanks may be equipped with self-destruct devices; if you hear a timer, evacuate immediately.
Now! Smash it!
Excellent work. We got two more tanks to go.
The 2nd one has been disabled. Now!
Whew... One more left. You okay down there?
No problems here.
Alright, this is the last one!
...A self-destruct timer?
The engine room is about to explode. Evacuate now!
3. Enter the Engine Room
50 linesThe engine room is the "heart" of the entire fortress, and all the power that keeps the fortress running comes from the Phoxichor tank in there.
But a direct attack would only lead to explosion, so you need to shut down the Phoxynamo Wheels around it first.
You should be able to recognise those wheels, aka the blue ones, right? What you need to do is turn them yellow.
I graduated a long time ago, Sir. You don't have to lead me through all the basic steps.
...Alright kid, play it by ear then. I'll contact you if necessary.
(Following the cables on the ground may help me get to the Phoxynamo Wheels. I hope they're not too tricky to be found.)
(I'll shut down this one first.)
(Alright, that's one down. Time to find the rest.)
The door due east is now open. You can go that way.
(Put the Phoxynamo Wheel in such a weird place... Those engineers sure know how to make things involved.)
(That should work.)
(That was complicated...)
What's the noise... Everthing okay?
WARNING: Abnormal Phoxynamo Wheel shutdown detected. Re-activating Phoxynamo Wheels now.
...!
Damn it!
WARNING: Phoxichor tank overload risk detected. Please check if more than required Phoxynamo Wheels have been activated.
Overload risk?
Listen, Mors. I need you to go to the lower floor of the engine room, activate all the back-up Phoxynamo Wheels, then evacuate immediately.
Since we can't shut them down our way, we can let them do it in a self-destructive way.
You mean... exploding the Phoxichor tank by overloading it? Got it.
Back-up Phoxynamo Wheel No.1 is ready. Now activate it.
Well done. I'll unlock the control authority for the remaining three Phoxynamo Wheels.
Activate them once the yellow light is on.
(The light is on. Looks like Sir Avar has made it on his side.)
WARNING: Phoxichor tank is overloaded by 50%. Please shut down the Phoxynamo Wheels immediately; unauthorized departure is not permitted.
(...I need to hurry up.)
No.3 is also ready. Go get it!
(Phew...)
Quick and clean! Well done, kid.
The control authority is unlocked. This is the last one!
WARNING: Phoxichor tank sabotage detected. Anyone held responsible should confess your crime.
Run! Get behind the safety door!
WARNING: Phoxichor tank sabotage detected. Anyone held responsible should confess your crime.
Here it is.
The view is good. Let's bombard the central control room from here.
Damn it...
Take down the Filthoids first. Don't let them distract you!
Alright, all cleared out.
Next, let's start with the relatively thin side door.
Keep it up! Use the High-Explosive Shells!
That's our cue, move in.
Snap out of it! Keep firing!
Are you okay? Did you get hurt?
I'll be an old man by the time you break the door with that! Go back to the cannon.
Go, stay in touch, and be careful.
Vic...
Activate the Phoxynamo Wheels and set off whenever you're ready.
The young soldier lies slumped against the cold wall, lifeless. A massive claw had torn straight through his chest. Against something like that... an ordinary human never stood a chance.
(...Rest in peace.)
4. Examine the Phoxichor tanks
21 linesThe engine room is the "heart" of the entire fortress, and all the power that keeps the fortress running comes from the Phoxichor tank in there.
But a direct attack would only lead to explosion, so you need to shut down the Phoxynamo Wheels around it first.
You should be able to recognise those wheels, aka the blue ones, right? What you need to do is turn them yellow.
I graduated a long time ago, Sir. You don't have to lead me through all the basic steps.
...Alright kid, play it by ear then. I'll contact you if necessary.
(Following the cables on the ground may help me get to the Phoxynamo Wheels. I hope they're not too tricky to be found.)
(I'll shut down this one first.)
(Alright, that's one down. Time to find the rest.)
The door due east is now open. You can go that way.
(Put the Phoxynamo Wheel in such a weird place... Those engineers sure know how to make things involved.)
(That should work.)
(That was complicated...)
What's the noise... Everthing okay?
WARNING: Abnormal Phoxynamo Wheel shutdown detected. Re-activating Phoxynamo Wheels now.
...!
Damn it!
WARNING: Phoxichor tank overload risk detected. Please check if more than required Phoxynamo Wheels have been activated.
Overload risk?
Listen, Mors. I need you to go to the lower floor of the engine room, activate all the back-up Phoxynamo Wheels, then evacuate immediately.
Since we can't shut them down our way, we can let them do it in a self-destructive way.
You mean... exploding the Phoxichor tank by overloading it? Got it.
5. Escape from the Engine Room
291 linesFantastic job, kid, you are indeed the best among your peers.
...
Okay, most of the defensive weapons within the fortress have been disabled. The rest of our squads should have an easier time.
So can you continue? Let's go if you can, we've got other comrades to rescue, Hold on, new communication coming in.
(Radio)
Avar, where are you?
...
The weather in Hyperborea today.
What's your problem? Can't even recognise the chief commander's voice?
Weather.
It's raining tonight. Tsk, I've seen marble sculptures in the gallery with more flexibility than your mind. Now, report on your squad.
Thanks to your "brilliant" decision-making, the Snow Wolves and the Griffins haven't been completely annihilated yet. What, got any new insight?
Enough with your snide attitude. You should be ashamed of how this battle has turned out.
I would like to achieve glory, sir. If you exercised proper secrecy and came up with a more credible plan, our soldiers would be popping champagne bottles in the central control room at this very moment instead of waiting for body bags.
Avar Hrodland, I'm warning you, Watch your tone when speaking to your superior!
Antonius Fulvis, I'm also warning you, Stop wasting the lives of my comrades.
I have no time for this right now. I am here to demand a progress update on the mission.
The two squads have been ambushed and suffered heavy losses. I'm preparing to search and rescue the missing soldiers first, then regroup in the processing area, waiting for your support.
Your mission is a rapid infiltration assault. No field officer of mine is permitted to make their own bloody choices.
Straying off the planned course of action will only alert the entire fortress. I order you to stick to the plan and launch a direct assault on the central control room.
Are you even listening to yourself? Alert the fortress? They're already in ambush positions, waiting to wipe us all out! We've sustained eighty percent casualties, eight zero! Isn't that enough for you!?
Casualties? Forget about your bloody casualties. All I know is that you're significantly behind schedule!
You've brought shame to the legion's banner, the soldiers of Hyperborea are not cowards who would stop because of trivial losses like this!
From Emperor Dis I to Legion Chief Quintus, the mastermind of the Divine Elegy offensive, no Hyperborean commander ever baulked at taking losses.
I gave you the elites of the 13th Legion. You should have more than enough resources to take this puny fort.
...
(Stay silent)
We can continue the mission, but only with additional support.
Receiving enough support gives us a better chance of victory. A victory in your name, sir.
Commander Fulvis, if we all fall here, your tactical acumen alone won't stand a chance to take this fortress. And you'll surely have to answer for such a failure.
We are your soldiers who fight for the glory of the Empire, not your enemies.
And who is this? Oh, it's you, Mors, Avar's favourite protege and the Captain of the Griffins, I presume?
Since you're so full of courage, why don't you come to the front yourself?
And who is this? Oh, it's you, Mors, Avar's favourite protege and the Captain of the Griffins, I presume?
What's the hurry? We have concluded our tactical meeting. Reinforcements from the Narwhals are on their way, and I'll be gracing the front with them.
Stick to the plan, you hear me? As Hyperborean soldiers, you fight until your last breath or face the consequences!
Sir Avar...
...
Captain! Captain!
This is Simon from the Griffins. Do you copy, Captain?
Copy that. Simon, where are you?
We're trapped by a Filthoid horde along the rail track. If you have any forces to spare, we need an extraction!
Please... Captain!
...
I also picked up a signal from another squad reporting their position, right after Fulvis ended his call. Mors, what are you gonna do?
I intend to get to the soldiers first. We don't stand a chance on our own.
You kiddo... I knew I was right about you.
Even though our chances are slim, we must adhere to the Chief Commander's orders.
Fulvis is nothing but an arrogant and greedy bastard. His senatorial lineage is the only reason he's up there, barking orders at you.
He sees soldiers as mere numbers in his reports, treating them as fodder for medals to pin on his uniform, not as living, breathing humans.
Besides, battlefields are ever-changing. What true insight can he gain from just staring at a map?
Go rescue your comrades, Mors. In case Fulvis seeks someone to blame later, consider this a direct order from me.
Yes, sir.
Monica and I will be on our way to rescue another team of soldiers trapped near Turret 4.
We disabled most defensive weapons within the fortress. The turret's auto-defences should be offline now... We might be able to seize the Turret first.
...And once we do that, we can blow apart the defence system around the central area with the Phoxichor Cannon.
It's settled then. Meet me at Turret 4 once you've finished everything on your side.
We have a clear view from here. This is our stop.
Next, we'll use the Phoxichor cannon to blow apart the barrier ahead.
Some Filthoids picked up the scent. Just fire away.
What a tough barrier...
Took a Phoxichor cannon shot with barely a dent. Those guys at the Aeolipile have some real skills...
Don't stop, keep firing! Use the high explosive shells!
Even if we fail to tear down the barrier, continious fire can force the enemies from the inside to open the gate themselves.
Someone's running out from the side gate, it's the Forsakens!
That should do it. Let's go check it out.
Hey, quit fooling around. Get over here!
What's wrong? Why squatting down?
Katya?
Easy, sir. I'm just doing some preparation...
Now, I'm ready.
That's right, you've made the right choice. Grip the hilt tightly. Yes, just like that. Now aim at the creature's throat...
Are... Are you insane?
Yes, do it. Do not hesitate.
Ahhh... Ahhhhhh!!
Mors...My god, what have you done!?
This one too. The old fool is just dead weight.
Argh... Arrrgh...
And the others too...
That's right! Forget about meaningless reason. Just follow my lead...
STOP! NOOOO! Captain! Commander Avar! The Captain's gone mad!
Everything fell silent.
No, not dead silent. It's just that every noise had coalesced into a warmth flowing down my arms, dripping to the floor.
It was the sound of passing time, the roar of life that once was, the heartbeat of an embryo, and an ancient echo sealed deeply within my heart.
I felt as though I had become one with this primal voice.
Plop... Plop... Plop...
AARGH...!
What's gotten into you? You scared me!
(Were those just... an illusion...?)
Is everything done?
"The 13th Legion will attack in two days. Antonius Fulvis has vowed before Sibylle that if his forces fail to breach the fortress, he would shoot himself with his own gun. Sibylle then assigned him the best troops."
"The Legion will do everything they can to take Lonza Fortress back. We should not attempt to defend the Fortress against such odds. Withdraw our forces and ensure the survival of The Forsakens."
"Merely retreating would squander a perfect opportunity. We should make the Hyperboreans pay dearly."
"Easy. Leave it to Avar. He'll be commanding two vanguard squads in the operation. Those fools always listen to him."
"Avar will hold off their assault. Use this time to lay traps and fortify our defences. The fortress will become their graveyard."
"We'll soon read this headline in the news..."
"'During the battle in Lonza Fortress, the 13th Legion valiantly defended the Emperor's lands. The vanguard suffered ninety percent casualties in the fierce conflict...'"
"'Lieutenant Colonel Avar, one of the survivors, mourned the fallen and delivered a eulogy of unmatched honour.'"
"Good for Avar! Let's go with this plan then. Shame those dead dogs will receive posthumous honours, though."
...Avar?
"Charons like us can no longer stand Hyperborean tyranny."
"I hereby pledge my allegiance to The Forsakens. The Empire must be held accountable for its actions."
" Avar Hrodland"
...!?
We need to have a SERIOUS discussion about this.
Fulvis... you scheming bastard.
You fabricated all this "evidence," didn't you? I didn't know you old-line aristocrats would stoop to such nasty tricks.
I'm nothing like those stubborn old fools. I'm a pragmatist and would do anything that works.
Isn't this your favourite protege? You did this?
Heh, I was just setting the stage for a deal with you. I don't think we need a third party.
...
Off you go, Falsi. It's alright, the entire fortress is in our hands. This old man dares not make a move.
Yes, sir. I shall wait outside the door.
Now, why bother making up all this false evidence? You really think the higher-ups are that stupid?
Of course not. They're actually smart enough to turn a blind eye and play along. Use your head, Avar. Why do you think I dare to make this bold move? It's naturally because someone wants me to.
Since you're a goner already, I'll show some mercy so you won't die a fool.
When His Majesty was first crowned, Duke Servius was our Imperial Regent. But the Regency strayed from established Hyperborean traditions and grafted too many useless scions onto the great Imperial oak.
Those fools let so-called Laurelled Charons into the Military Council and the Legion, even handed high office to some of you. It's absurd.
Though His Majesty is now aware of these mistakes, they continue to plague us. I'm merely helping him prune the oak.
...So you went through all the trouble, just because you don't like Charons?
You should've told me earlier. There's no need for such an elaborate ruse. Just let me off this time, and I'll retire early and stay out of your way forever.
If you need my loyalty, I can do that too. We can blame her for leaking our battle plans. Both of us walk away clean. Hell, we might even get a reward for uncovering a spy. And...
You'll gain an old dog obedient enough to follow your orders.
Hah, how quaint, Avar, didn't expect you to stoop this low too. But you don't know the half of it, Avar. You're worth far more to us dead than alive.
Use your head! Imagine the uproar if it came out that a high-ranking Charon officer defected and joined The Forsakens, resulting in the deaths of many of our best young soldiers.
Laurelled Charons in high office are already a thorn in plenty of sides. A scandal like this? It'll drag their names straight through the mud. Take our beloved superior, do you have any idea how many people wish to watch her crash and burn?
You mean Sibylle? You wish her gone... You're after her position and power?
Perhaps. Maybe I want more. But that's no longer your concern.
Wait!
We should talk about one more thing... About No. 0.
...Oh?
She is the most precious weapon of the 13th Legion. Sibylle controls her now, but to complete the Second Scion Program, she still needs the crucial "Catalyst"...
Sibylle has ordered you to find the Catalyst in Flagson. But your search doesn't seem to be enjoying much success.
Get to the point, Avar.
There are many paths to power, Fulvis. Even if this charade pushes Sibylle off her seat, how can you be sure the Emperor will let you take her place?
You need some kind of unparalleled credit to propel you to the Legion's head.
I'm listening.
The Second Scion Program is too important to the Empire. It's worth far more than a hundred Lonza Fortresses combined. If you find the "Catalyst," which is the final piece of the puzzle, the entire capital will chant your name, Antonius Fulvis.
It's the unparalleled credit you need. And I, by circumstance and chance, happen to know of its whereabouts. I am willing to concede this to you.
Now we're talking.
That would be my end of the deal. All I ask in return is your word, let me and my people walk out alive.
What a noble commander. Alright, tell me where the "Catalyst" is, right here, right now. No stalling, no tricks. You don't have leverage.
Fine. It's at...
Oh, thanks. As for now, I just need one last thing...
...Do not indulge in the eternal void...
...Wake up...
...Before blood flows like swollen rivers... This is far from over...
...I'm still... alive.
(Avar shows no sign of life. There is nothing on him except for a military knife, a tactical flashlight, and a broken radio.)
...What's this...?
...
Argh!!
Attention to all 13th Legion soldiers in Lonza Fortress. Daphne Theodore, the former Medic of Squad Griffins, is now classified as a Forsakens spy.
Daphne Theodore is to be executed upon sight.
...Daphne? A wanted spy?
(I must... get out of here first!)
An accomplice! Kill 'em both!
Here, take this painkiller. It should hold you over for a while.
Wait, where are you going?
To the central control room. My fa... Commander Avar is still in there.
No, don't go.
He's d, Sir Avar is no longer with us.
...I have to check on him myself. Maybe he's just heavily wounded... As a medic, I can probably...
Get back here. They burned down the entire central control room. Sir Avar's final words were for me to bring you safely out of this place. At least respect the man's dying wish.
Argh!!
...!!
There's no turning back now. We have to keep moving.
Where are you going?
The underground sewers.
The fortress is filled with Fulvis's men. We have to try our luck with the sewer tunnels.
Warning. No access privileges.
...They've already revoked our authorizations...
Target sighted! Over here!
...
Knock them out and use their key to open the door.
Current water level exceeds safety threshold. Safety gate will remain closed. Reduce water level to reopen.
They're controlling the inlets... But since this is a reservoir, it must also have drainage outlets.
They can't be far! Herd the remaining Filthoids into the tunnels!
Seal all exits. Once they surface, we'll eliminate the traitors.
Hurry up! We're running out of time!
...We should hurry up too!
What a riveting story, which completely contradicts the testimonies provided by the Narwhals. Since you claim that you and Avar Hrodland are innocent...
...Do you have any idea what you just said?
I absolutely do. I'm formally accusing Antonius Fulvis of orchestrating the events at Lonza Fortress.
Then are you aware of the consequences if your accusation against Colonel Fulvis are proven false?
...It's ten years in prison, for making false accusations.
Incorrect. You'll be charged with treason, espionage, and making false accusations.
And the highest penalty in the Empire awaits you: being hung upside down with thorny vines and crucified on the Heaventree in the centre of Dismania, until your very last breath is taken.
I'm telling the truth. Since you have chosen to interrogate me and Daphne Theodore separately, you must be aware that our testimonies can perfectly corroborate each other.
Despite suffering grievous wounds, you have endured intense interrogation without changing your testimonies. Admirable, I must say.
Push the interrogation to the next level, initiate the "Inferno."
Yes, ma'am. The hypnotic agent is ready.
Survive this, and I'll consider the veracity of your testimony.
...Fine.
...My head hurts...
The warden just said... the next-level "interrogation"...
Wait, isn't that Leon… and Marco!?
Traitor of the Empire...
If you claim to be innocent, prove it to me.
Leon! You are still alive?
As you can see, ma'am, all our plans have been leaked...
...Commander Avar participated in the formulation of the vanguard squad's combat plan...
...He's a Charon. He was the one most likely to reveal our plans to The Forsakens...
What did you just say?
Marco!
...The Forsakens set traps in every path...
As you can see, ma'am, someone... betrayed us...
...No, this is not Marco.
That interrogator mentioned a hypnotic agent...
I'm probably not in a real world. This is a dream...
...Sir Avar...
As you can see, ma'am, I am Avar Hrodland, Commander of the vanguard squads in this mission...
I turned my back on the Hyperborean Empire. I betrayed the 13th Legion... I sold out the Griffins and the Snow Wolves...
My accomplices include... my daughter Daphne, from my ex-wife Claudia Theodore... and my protege at the Imperial Military College, Mors...
...
So this is the charge Fulvis had prepared for me.
Shut up. You're not him.
...
As you can see, ma'am, I am Daphne Theodore, daughter of Avar Hrodland...
My father... and Mors... they planned to split the payment for selling intel to The Forsakens...
...But at the heart of the fortress... They disagreed on the division of the spoils...
My father... was...
He was killed in a ruse woven by Mors ...
She then deceived me about how my father died...
I've brought the murderer to you, ma'am... I humbly request you to deliver a fair and just verdict...
...You're not Daphne.
As you can see, ma'am, I am the control panel in the central control room of Lonza Fortress...
Motto 18 of the Hyperborean Legion: An unexpectedly easy victory often leads to an impending ambush...
...I can't believe you have to recite those mottos even in my dreams.
All verdicts are in the name of justice.
All questions must be answered absent falsehood. I tolerate no fabrication, alteration, or concealment of the truth.
The vanguard squads were obliterated in the battle of Lonza Fortress. Were you the architect of their doom?
Feel their agony! Betrayal led them to untimely deaths.
Should you betray the justice of your comrades, these Filthoids' claws shall tear you to pieces!
(They were killed by these monsters... Fulvis... He actually unleashed these monsters upon his own comrades...!)
One last question. Are you the cause of Avar Hrodland's demise?
Despite his faults, he trusted you. Where were you when he was consumed by flames?
(Yes... He truly trusted me...)
(I must survive... to avenge him... I cannot let this woman kill me...)
Should you betray the loyalty of friendship, these infernal flames shall burn you to ashes!
(Justice... justice... That's what she keeps talking about...)
(Time to reveal the truth of that day...)
Ma'am, to satisfy the justice you seek...
Allow me to tell you the truth... of what unfolded in the central control room that day.
We need to have a SERIOUS discussion about this.
I'll keep it short, we're out of time. If we still can't reach the outside... I shoot you with this gun. And you play dead.
To make it convincing enough, the shot will have to hit. It will miss your vitals but will really hurt. You must endure the pain silently.
What are you going to do?
We're trapped in here, completely cut off. Fulvis is already on the move... by now, he's probably seized the whole fortress.
Only the dead stay silent forever. He'll kill me, no doubt. And you... you're in this too. You've seen the fake evidence. He won't let you walk away either.
...!!
It's okay, I got you.
...If I "kill" you and feign allegiance to him... he might lower his guard. You'll slip under the radar, it's your only shot.
No... Sir Avar, once that door opens, we're going out together!
I'll try to negotiate with Fulvis, though I believe it's going to fail in the end, so don't get your hopes up. The negotiation is for a more important purpose...
To collect evidence.
Take this recording device. It'll provide the evidence needed to expose and destroy Fulvis.
We can't let the cries of the wronged echo over Lonza Fortress forever.
...Sir Avar...
Why the long face? Cheer up, kid! A true soldier laughs at adversity.
...
I'm proud to have been your instructor, Mors... And I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess.
You must survive. Bring the truth to Chief Sibylle and His Majesty. Let the entire Empire know that every soldier here held true to their creed and duty, and everyone fought till their very last breath.
...All glory to our Emperor.
Think. After everything we've been through to get here, boxed in, outnumbered, what chance do we stand against Fulvis's personal guard?
If we're surrounded... close to none. But so what? I'd rather die fighting than...
Dying is easy. Living on, carrying the mission, that's the hard one. This is an order, Mors. You're the only one who can do this.
As for me... heh. I'm not done yet. I've still got a part to play.
...That's exactly what happened in the central control room that day.
Sir Avar fought valiantly, confronting a conspiracy far greater than any individual could withstand alone. He sacrificed his life to secure crucial evidence, his final act in defence of justice.
But, we underestimated the enemy's meticulousness. As I drifted in and out of consciousness, I sensed Fulvis's adjutant, Falsi, removing the recording device from me.
By the time I fully regained consciousness, Fulvis had seized control of the fortress. Confronting him would have led to our deaths, and the truth would have been buried with us.
That's why we decided to come to you like this. I believe that you have the authority to recover that evidence, or at least secure a testimony from Falsi.
Warden Hellfire, I know you hold justice above all else, and I believe you possess the means to defend it. Please, go get Falsi. She holds the truth you want.
Hyperborea functions like a vast machine, requiring every component to operate flawlessly.
My role is to uphold the law and protect the justice defined by Hyperborea. If anyone attempts to manipulate me to subvert this law, they will face severe consequences.
I will investigate Falsi. Be aware of the consequences if what you said proves to be false and a waste of my time.
...
Your Royal Highness Prince Vergilius! This place isn't fitting for someone of your stature. Please don't proceed any further!
Gathering so many signatures must have been quite the feat.
Yet, these signatures might weigh less than the one in my hand, I suppose?
Intervene? I must ask, do you view His Majesty's decree of pardon as an "intervention"? Is the Royal Military Prison no longer under the crown's jurisdiction?
...
I need to speak with Mors alone. Everyone else may leave.
...Phew, they're finally gone.