Beyond the Sands

...Are you injured?

I'm all right.

Good to hear that. When you got tangled up by that Filthoid, I thought I'd never...

...I'm just glad to see you're okay.

...There are so few of us left. And those who survived are heavily wounded.

If you have the time, would you stay and talk to the wounded?

Thank you. I'm heading back to find something, so please take care of them for the time being. The soldiers look up to you. Your encouragement will make them feel better.

Where are you going?

The battle map shows several warehouses near our location. We might find some first-aid kits there if we're lucky.

I'm already out of coagulants and painkillers, but some of the soldiers haven't been treated yet... Their injuries can't afford any more delays.

You should stay. I'll go.

This is the medic's job...

And the medic stays. You aren't strong enough to deal with the Filthoids out there alone. We can't afford to lose our only medic.

...

Understood... I'll follow your orders.

Is your radio still working?

Yes, it still works.

Then please stay on the channel so we can keep in touch.

Damn those friggin' rotters!

Captain! I'm fine, I can still move... Hssss...

Please don't say that, Captain! You did your best!

Who else could it be? The bastards who call themselves The Forsakens.

Those despicable cowards are using Filthoids as their weapon... The Forsakens are monsters, just like their Filthoid pets!

And those blasted airheads giving us the orders are just as bad. The mission brief mentioned nothing about the Filthoid hordes down here.

...Sorry about that. I shouldn't have vented my frustration in front of you, Captain.

It's alright. Letting out emotions is better than being unable to speak at all.

Hah! You always know how to soothe people, Captain!

And thank goodness we have you. We thought we were goners.

It's just that we're too green. If only Commander Avar were here... As a veteran, he must have a way to get us out.

(Sir Avar... Still no words from him.)

Please be careful. I'll be waiting for you right here.

Doctor... Dr Daphne... We're stuck in this bloody dump. Please, Dr Daphne, if I don't make it, do me a favour and bury me...

We're out of painkillers... so I have to grumble a bit to make myself feel better.

Sorry, Captain. I'll zip it. With no painkillers left, I can only grumble a little to help distract me from the pain.

Dr Daphne and you covered our retreat just then. How is she?

She's all right. She told me to come check on all of you.

Good to hear that. *sigh* A high-born lady like her could've stayed at the Academy, but no, she chose to serve with the 13th Legion. What was she thinking?

..."Eternal glory and loyalty to our Emperor!" Those aristocrats say that all the time. I wonder if any of them would still be so keen on that when they're actually in a filth pit like this.

But Dr Daphne has real medical skills and a soft, pretty voice. We gotta keep her safe, Captain. Don't want her to die here.

The warehouse does have a few military supply crates.

Great. But before your search, make sure the crates are safe to be approached.

I got it. The medicine appears to be in good condition.

That's great! Thank you! Be careful on your way back. Filthoids are probably lurking around this place.

Wonder how the other guys are doing...

Gotta make those rotters pay.

Damn those Filthoids... Damn The Forsakens...

Can't fall asleep... Can't die here...

Hsss, I can't feel my arm...

Thank goodness our Captain is all right. We're gonna make it.

You're back!

Great, this would help stabilise the wounded.

Any news from the Snow Wolves?

Not yet. While you were away, I tried reaching out to Commander Avar of the Snow Wolves and Chief Commander Fulvis, but none of the comm channels were working.

Keep trying. And meanwhile, let's see if we can find a safer place for the wounded.

...Actually, I have a plan.

What is it?

Take a look at this map.

We're currently in the storage area where the exit is blocked. However, there are some underground tunnels that we haven't checked yet.

Most imperial cities and fortresses have elaborate networks of underground sewers. In recent years, some of these tunnels were expanded and reinforced to serve as air raid shelters.

If we're lucky enough and The Forsakens didn't set up any ambushes, maybe we could get the wounded there to rest and recover. Besides, the sewer tunnels run all the way outside the fortress, so if our reinforcements arrive, they can easily get to us.

Of course... the tunnels might be risky as well. If you think it's feasible, allow me to scout ahead first.

It's worth a try, but we can't risk having our medic do this alone.

But now only the two of us can move or act... And the Filthoids might attack this place anytime. You should stay and keep the squad safe.

I may not be a professional scout, but over time I've picked up some useful skills, so...

...Alright, be careful down there. Make sure to sidestep any confrontation with the enemies.

Understood. I'll stay on the radio while you keep contacting the others. And if I lose contact for more than half an hour, please... lead the squad to find another way.

Don't be scared, Daphne. Everyone's survival depends on you... Don't be scared.

Filthoids!

Daphne, protect the wounded.

Yes, Captain!

This is... a relay. Anyway, just turn off one first.

Freeze!

The water won't go down!

Let's get through from the side.

Access granted. Please proceed.

Eh? It's blocked. Seems like we need to take a detour...

The switch doesn't work, maybe I should activate the connected Phoxynamo Wheel first.

(...Gotta turn it on quickly.)

Go activate the Phoxynamo Wheels once you're ready.

(These cables should lead me to the Phoxynamo Wheels.)

That's amazing...

(Found it. Gotta activate it now.)

They refer to this place as a "Simulated Battlefield," saying that... "The theme this time is the Defence of Icelake City."

I heard that this Icelake City is covered in snow, something that I've never seen in my entire life... How I wish I could go there and see it myself!

...I mean, if, by any chance, I could make it out alive.

(Done.)

Hang in there, I'll try contacting the Snow Wolves!

Still... got nothing...

...Copy? Do you copy?

We've got a response...!

What's the weather like in Hyperborea today?

It's raining tonight in Dismania.

This is Lieutenant Colonel Avar Hrodland. Report your position, Squad Griffins.

This is Medic Daphne Theodore requesting backup. We're currently at...

Filthoids just keep showing up...

Hang in there, kid!

Sir Avar!

Focus on the fight. I've got your six.

We've repelled the Filthoids and set up a temporary shelter, but I don't think this place will hold.

Daphne has tended to the wounded, but due to their injuries they're currently unable to fight.

...Okay. You two have done pretty well.

Commander Avar! Huff... Huff... you're here! I knew it... You'll lead us all... to take this damned fort...

Each one of you is a credit to the squad. You've shown courage that is truly worthy of your badge. The Empire will not let your efforts go to waste.

Sir, what about the Snow Wolves?

They are performing their duties, and I've reached out to the chief commander. Have a good rest and leave the fighting to us.

Commander Avar...? Am I... in a dream...?

This is not a dream. Stay with us, and don't fall asleep.

I salute you, sir... All glory... to our Emperor...

All glory to our Emperor.

Sir, do you think we still have a chance?

From what I see of the battle...

The tide of battle is in our favour. Reinforcements are on their way. Soon we will take the fortress and crush those bastards.

I've checked on everyone.

...

Why the grief? You still have your arms and legs, so stand up straight and pull yourself together!

...

...I know what you've been through. I've seen many of our fallen soldiers along the way.

But you are soldiers. Save your condolences for when you're home and safe.

So, are you two okay?

...

We're doing fine. Just carrying out the orders from higher-ups and almost got killed. Thanks for asking, sir.

Daph, Ugh, never mind.

Mors. You, do the report please.

Yes, sir. As planned, the Griffins and the Snow Wolves were expected to launch a two-way assault on Lonza Fortress. However, the Griffins were ambushed shortly after we began our infiltration.

The passageways between the zones were blocked. We lost contact with some of our men, and the rest have suffered heavy casualties. Our commlinks have been severed, too, we're essentially trapped here.

Actually, the Snow Wolves went through the same situation as yours. Keep this between us, don't let the wounded know.

So, seems like the two of you are the only combat-capable Griffins left in the squad...

Daphne, we've opened the passage between the storage area and the processing area, and there's a place in the middle that's reasonably secure. I've given the signal, and you'll be escorted there for a better rest.

Mors, you come with me and continue the mission.

I can take action with you. Please, let me... Argh!

You hurt your leg? Are you okay? ... How did you manage to make it here?

Don't mind me. I, I've saved one last dose of anaesthetic for myself. The latest Academy potion is quite effective at killing pains, so it's okay...

Medic Daphne, what is Article 12 of the Hyperborean Legionary Code of Conduct?

Now is not the time for rules! I can still...

Medic Daphne, answer your superior officer.

...The chain of command must be respected during all military operations...

Daphne Theodore, Medic of the 13th Legion of the Hyperborean Empire.

...Yes, sir.

Hold all actions and stand by. After joining up with the Snow Wolves, proceed with the wounded Griffins to the processing area for rest and await further orders.

...

Is that clear?

...Sir, yes sir...

Okay. Mors, follow me and proceed with the mission.

Yes, sir.

When did you get injured?

During the attack by that giant Filthoid. I didn't mean to hide it from you, but...

...You need a break. Listen to Sir Avar and go to the processing area.

I'll go see you when we're back in the capital.

Okay. After what Commander Avar said, I guess I don't have a choice. But I'm still worried...

Forget it. Now that he's here, there shouldn't be any problems.

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...

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.

...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.

...Okay.

Watch out for the soldiers around here. We may no longer have any allies.

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!

The water's receding!

Just one more valve!

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?

Your Highness.

Does the royal family intend to intervene in this military case?

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.

Don't tell me you're the only Griffin left alive. Where are the rest of your squad?

They're right ahead. Most of them are heavily injured. Please follow me.