Dead or Alive

How are the others holding up...?

That's... Sir Avar!

Come on. We should check on Marco and the others, find somewhere safe to regroup.

Leon, Marco, and... Monica...

...All taken down by a single shot. No signs of a struggle. Not even a chance to fight back.

They were killed by someone they trusted... From the blood, it must've happened while we were trapped in the central control room... Damn you, Fulvis...!

...

Let's go, Daphne. We must get out of here alive.

Nothing on him. Keep going.

Still no luck...

Got it! The key!

Let's move!

The water's rising fast, we need to get out before this place floods!

It says here: "Activate all three valves around the reservoir to accelerate water discharge."

That should do it. Let's get out of here...

They're going to burn this place down...?

Warden Hellfire... I've been waiting for this moment. To speak with you face to face, because I had to tell you the truth myself.

Wait... the Warden said something about... interrogation...

That interrogator mentioned a hypnotic agent...

I'm probably not in a real world. This is a dream..

("Sir Avar" and "Daphne"... They're gone...)

(The Forsakens...?)

...Get the hell out of my dream.

First question: As an Imperial soldier, have you conspired with The Forsakens and betrayed your Empire?

Should you betray the justice of the Empire, these Filthoids shall tear you apart with their claws!

(...This one's easy.)

(Ngh...! My body... it's getting heavy... I shouldn't have admitted to those charges...)

(Why are there Filthoids here...!?)

(No, stay calm. They're just illusions.)

(That's right. I won't confess to a lie.)

(Filthoids...)

(No, illusions. They're not real.)

Second question: The vanguard squads were annihilated at Lonza Fortress. Were you the architect of their doom?

Should you betray the justice of your comrades, your own blade shall spill your blood!

(No hesitation. Make the choice, and stick to it.)

(Ngh...! My body... it's getting heavy... I shouldn't have admitted to those charges...)

(...Who are you!?)

(No, this isn't me.)

(Yes... I have to keep going. The truth must come to light...)

(You're not me. You're just a cheap imitation.)

Get lost.

(The path ahead's blocked... Should I turn back?)

You who claim innocence, will your resolve falter in anger?

How's the cleanup?

Flawless. As you can see.

(It's them... Fulvis and Falsi!)

You who claim innocence, will your resolve waver in sorrow?

Mors... my cadet...

Sir Avar!

Ugh...!

You who claim innocence, will your resolve crumble under the weight of doubt?

Allow me to show you the way, sir...

Yes... The way to hell.

That's enough, ma'am! Please... stop!

Come with me, Mors. I'll lead you out!

Whatever lies ahead... please remember...

We will survive this, together!

(This is it, the final trial.)

(I have to survive this... I have to speak the truth to her face!)

You who claim innocence, if your resolve still holds true, then forge that will into a blade...

...and answer me with your sword!

Falsi... blow up... control room...

Yes, sir.

(Time's running out...)

(This should keep me going for a while... I need to get out of here now!)

There... The bleeding's finally stopped.

Explain this: why was a signed oath of allegiance to The Forsakens recovered from the fortress by the Narwhals? One bearing Avar Hrodland's handwriting and fingerprints, both verified with full precision?

Handwriting and signatures can be forged. It's not that difficult. As for fingerprints, anyone in the Legion with regular access to Sir Avar could've lifted and replicated them.

...

Autopsy reports show multiple casualties caused by the fortress's own defence systems. And the encrypted logs from the central control room list only two active operators: Avar Hrodland, and you. How do you explain that?

We accessed the defence systems to shut them down, not to activate them.

As for the logs... If someone had stolen Sir Avar's access key, they could've erased or falsified entries under his name.

Where am I...?

On the day the fortress fell, only Avar Hrodland and Mors accessed the central control room.

In the end, it was Mors who triggered the self-destruct sequence.

But I was fitted with next-gen encrypted logging tech, The Aeolipile's pride and joy! Even if you melt me down, the data remains! Ha-ha... Ha-ha-ha!

(Those are... the vanguard troops...)

Forsakens The to plans our reveal to likely most one was he charon a he's

Us betrayed someone ma'am see can you as path every in traps set Forsakens The

Wolves Snow and Griffins the out sold I Legion 13th the betrayed I Empire Hyperborean the on back my turned I

Verdict just and fair a deliver to you request humbly I ma'am you to murderer the brought I've

Huff, huff, huff...

To be honest... My head's spinning. Everything's a mess.

Fa... Sir Avar's gone. Those Hyperborean soldiers out there are shooting us on sight. They're calling me a spy. But I... I don't understand any of this...

Please... I need to know I can trust you... I'll believe whatever you tell me.

...

I... I've pulled myself together now. Sorry, you're so heavily injured, yet I was there acting like a crying baby...

I still have some of the medication you found. Let me help with your injuries.

Let's rest here until the medicine takes effect... I'll explain everything that happened outside.

One of them got away?

Yes, ma'am. A female medic named Daphne Theodore. The vanguard squads fought back fiercely, allowing her to escape.

The Narwhals are entering the fortress. But no one else must know that we cleaned up the vanguards. The situation may turn for the worse if Daphne contacts them for help.

The situation is delicate. Chief Sibylle is en route to Lonza Fortress after hearing the battle has turned. Luckily, Avar is already out of the picture.

As for Daphne, what do you want us to do with her...?

Relay Commander Fulvis's order: lock down the fortress, find, and eliminate Daphne Theodore. As for the charges… claim she conspired with The Forsakens, infiltrated the Legion as a spy, and compromised the fortress assault.

Yes, ma'am.

...And after that...

I checked on our squad mates while making my way to the central control room. Luckily, I avoided all the soldiers.

But it was too late for most. They all suffered precise, fatal shots, ironically from our own men rather than the enemies.

That's all I know... Now, tell me what happened in the central control room.

I'll explain later, now isn't the right time.

But you were right about the situation, every soldier in this fortress is now our enemy. Fulvis has ordered them to eliminate us.

Fulvis... He's the despicable traitor who leaked our plans to The Forsakens. He's the one who decimated our squads.

...

Thanks to your medicine, I'm feeling much better.

Fine. You must have your own reasons for withholding the information. But there's one thing I must know...

My father... Avar... Did he complete his mission?

...Thank you.

Farewell, Dad.

Let's go. So long as we're alive, we'll find a chance to make Fulvis pay.

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.)

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.

(...Rest in peace.)

Mors! Thank goodness you're safe.

I found this on Vic. Thought you should have it.

His identity disc...

"Monica, next time, I'm beating you at the shooting range." ...Heh. Haha... That idiot. What kind of farewell is that...

If I'd known he'd be that petty... maybe I would've let him win...

...Monica. We've got another fight ahead. Stay sharp.

I... Yes, sir. And thank you... for bringing this back.

Watch your six!

Stay alert, they're coming from all sides.

Nice shot!

That's their leader, bring it down!

Nice work. You've got a real talent for demolitions.

That's our cue, move in.

Daphne Theodore and an unknown accomplice are currently hiding in the sewers near Reservoir 1.

Initiate the flooding of Reservoir 1 to force them out.

They found us... We need to get out before this section floods completely!

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!

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.)

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.)

We should be safe for now...

The exit should be up ahead, but...

They're definitely waiting to ambush us there.

You're heavily wounded... Is there any chance of us escaping this place...? Even if we make it out, the Legion will hunt us down... We'll be fugitives forever, constantly dodging assassins...

But this place doesn't have enough food or clothing, Please, let us figure something out!

No... You might be a skilled soldier, but you're heavily wounded. We wouldn't stand a chance...

...Do you have another idea...?

...

Take off your clothes.

What?

We're switching outfits.

They think I died in the central control room and they have no idea who your accomplice is. You are the only target they can identify.

I'll wear your uniform and make a run out there. The medic's uniform is conspicuous enough to draw their attention. You'll make your escape during the chaos.

Are you serious? We're completely different sizes! They'll quickly realise they're chasing the wrong person!

The longer I can distract them, the better your chances. This is the plan, Daphne. Honour Sir Avar's last wishes.

Don't hesitate, hurry up.

...No.

Thank you for respecting my father's wish.

But could you at least hear my wish?

Dismania is a rainy place. When I was a little girl, all my friends hated the rain because it would mess with their hair and soil their pretty dresses.

But I didn't hate the rain, because it never reached my shoulders. In my eyes, the rain was just little ripples sprouting around my boots and droplets dripping off the brolly.

But as I grew older, I realised that rain wasn't that nice. It used to look nice, only because my dad was there to bear it for me.

My dad was such a kind man, and such a stubborn one too. He always put others first. Always.

...

Before I was born, he joined the Legion and fought hard to prove himself worthy of my mom. After I grew up, he left us because he didn't want to "soil my future."

...In public, he'd scowl and forbid me to call him Dad. But deep in the night, he'd drunkenly shout mine and my mother's name, crying, He was always bearing the weight of everything on his own...

But he never asked if I wanted any of this... Just like you never asked if I wanted to live knowing you sacrificed yourself for me!

Neither of you know what I actually wanted... I never wished for a hero who'd shield me from the rain. My wish is that...

If there's only room for one under the brolly, I'll brave the rain with you all.

I wish that we make it out and live on, together.

Daphne...

Let's think together… There has to be another way!

Fulvis wants us silenced. That's our situation. He's labelled us as spies so that our fellow soldiers would kill us for him...

We're the only ones left from the Griffins and Snow Wolves. Every soldier here follows Fulvis and his adjutant Falsi... Every soldier in the fortress...

Wait, I have an idea...! Father once said a strategic retreat could be a cover for an advance. Sometimes the greatest risks lead to victory.

We still have one option... We can turn ourselves in.

No, not to Fulvis. To someone else...

Exactly!

Remember what Falsi said in the broadcast?

Seal all exits. Once they surface, we'll eliminate the traitors.

Hurry up! We're running out of time!

Lonza Fortress is currently under Fulvis's full control. We're little more than rats in a cage. Then why is Falsi in such a hurry?

Do you remember what I overheard earlier from one of the soldiers...

Chief Sibylle is en route to Lonza Fortress after hearing the battle has turned.

...So you want to seek protection from Sibylle?

Correct.

But Fulvis has already condemned us and even fabricated evidence... Wait, I get why you want to turn ourselves in.

Mm-hmm! Chief Sibylle is also a graduate of the Academy. From what I know of her, she wouldn't tolerate betrayal from anyone, not even those she holds dear.

...Which is also why Sibylle would carefully review any acts of treason. She would not make any hasty decisions to execute the suspects because she'd want to get to the bottom of it.

If we manage to meet her, she's most likely to throw us into the Imperial Prison. The Prison is reputedly so well guarded that even a fly could not escape the place. But it'll also keep out anyone who wishes to silence us.

The Imperial Prison will be our safest refuge. We can prove our innocence during interrogations. This is our only chance to survive.

Your reputation will suffer though, as you'll be interrogated for espionage... But once we endure the questioning, we will be able to clear our names and bring the real traitors to justice.

...Being questioned for espionage... Any chance that word gets out beyond the Legion? Perhaps the royal family will hear of this?

The army has always been the focus of Emperor Julius. Moreover, His Majesty personally founded the 13th Legion. I believe it will reach his ears...

Then perhaps... that person can help us.

Alright, let's go with your plan and find Sibylle.

Time's against us. Let's move!

And thus, I took her hand and we stepped towards that narrow beam of sunlight piercing through the door's gap.

It felt as though we were stepping into a shimmering grave of our own making...

We expended our last ounces of strength evading our pursuers, in time to meet Chief Sibylle, who had just arrived at the fortress.

And just as Daphne had predicted, we were escorted to this very place.

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.