Duet Night Abyss story · Main story, Chapter 1: Game of the Overlookers (Ⅸ)
The Judgment Day
1 scenes, 226 lines
1. Await the Warden's judgment
226 lines
...!!
...Why did you wake up? My questioning had just reached a pivotal point!
It's alright, ma'am. I remember what I told you in my dreams. But this is classified, I request a private conversation with you.
I'll tell you exactly what happened that day. Once you've heard the truth, I hope the justice within your heart will guide your decision.
Go ahead.
On 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.
...
Mors, Warden Hellfire has instructed me to bring Miss Theodore here.
During her interrogation, she repeatedly requested to see you.
...
...You weren't supposed to know that part...
Well, I don't know what happened, but the interrogator seemed much more accommodating this afternoon. He even asked if I wanted anything.
My testimony hasn't changed... Did you say something that swayed the Warden?
...Or is this some sort of final kindness before our execution!?
You're right. I pleaded guilty. We'll be executed soon.
...Really...? I see. I suppose you had no other choice. No one can withstand such intense interrogation.
It's alright. You've done so much to protect me already...
It's not true. I was just messing with you...
Wha... You really scared me... Y, You owe me an apology...
If Warden Hellfire's investigation goes well, we'll be free soon. I'll make it up to you by taking you to the opera house.
The Warden believed what I said and went to investigating Falsi.
Oh, that's great.
...You've got a lot more injuries. They must hurt... I... I'll beg them to give me back my first-aid kit...
I'm fine. You should take care of your own injuries though...
...If Warden Hellfire's investigation goes well, we'll be free soon.
I hope so...
...And one more thing. I'm sorry, this might bring back painful memories, but I must ask while I can.
Back at the fortress, the situation was so desperate that you didn't have time to tell me about my father's death. But I've sorted out my mood. Can you tell me about it now? Did my father... leave anything behind?
...
Sir Avar kept this with him at all times, in the pocket closest to his heart.
He wanted you to have this message...
"Find Daphne if possible. If she's alive, get her out of here... Once you're both safe, tell her..."
"I'm sorry, my baby girl. I've always wanted to hear you call me Dad again, just like when you were little."
...He... kept this photo all along...
So long that... I'm not the little girl in the photo anymore...
Alright. Both of you have again passed the Warden's test. Miss Daphne, you may leave now.
Were you eavesdropping on us?
Per the Warden's orders. I was to confine you both here and monitor your interactions.
Right, if we were guilty, we'd make use of every opportunity to collude in our testimonies... I understand. Thank you for giving us a chance to prove our innocence.
Perhaps... we'll leave this place soon.
Neither of you are leaving.
...?!
A directive to expedite all procedural reviews has been issued from above. The only document I received is a writ demanding your immediate execution.
Ma'am, this is not right, it goes against the standard procedures of interrogation.
Take a look at the writ and the signatures at the bottom. Even the Supreme Minister of Justice has signed it. Not even Chief Sibylle can stop it. Your case has grown beyond anyone's control.
What about Falsi? As long as we find Falsi and the recording device, we can prove that...
She's missing.
An explosion occurred during the battle. Falsi was last seen outside the fortress. Her bloodstained pistol was found along the riverbank. Although the Legion continues to search, it is likely that she is deceased.
...Ma'am, do you really believe in such a coincidence?
...
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.
Thank goodness. One moment later and I might have to talk to your headstone instead.
By all that is holy, my friend, you've really landed yourself in some serious trouble. You know how hard it is to meet my brother, and how rarely I get involved with politicians. But fortune favours you today, I was summoned for a different matter and seized the opportunity to secure your pardon.
Things have finally blown over. You're free at last. Where do you want to go, the art gallery, the opera house, or just a simple stroll along Whisper River for fresh air?
...Thanks, but no thanks.
...You... look pale. They did go rough on you. Why don't you come to my place? My personal physicians will tend to your wounds.
A millennium has passed, and still, the prisons of Hyperborea cling to such crude, barbaric, and wholly inhumane forms of torture... Those sycophantic chroniclers call this "the greatest and most prosperous of times" what a most exquisite farce.
Let's not dwell on that... How's Daphne?
I heard about your efforts to ensure her safety. Fear not, the pardon includes her as well.
Thank you, and... sorry, I don't have anything to repay your kindness at the moment.
Repay me? Hmm... How about serving as my bodyguard for six months?
Bodyguard?
One more thing...
And staying away from the Legion might be wise for now. The stigma of a criminal charge lingers. Going back to the Legion at this point could be awkward.
Fulvis's adjutant, Falsi, I don't think her disappearance was what it seemed. She holds the key to the truth behind all this. If it's not too much to ask... could I trouble you to look into her whereabouts? Dead or alive, I need to know.
Fulvis's missing adjutant... I see. I'll look into it.
Yes. Just think of those signatures, how many people are watching you in Dismania. Your prowess may deter approaching Filthoids, but not hidden assassins.
I know what you're worried about. Sibylle Mason is an old friend of Daphne. She is obviously inclined to your innocence, so she will at least ensure Daphne's safety.
...Come on, you know there's nothing I hate more than these pointless customs and etiquette. But you're in the mood for jokes now, which is a good sign.
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.)
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.
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...?)
The vanguard squad's wiped out.
Nice work, friend.
Serves them right.
Here's to a fruitful partnership!
Cheers, darling~
...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...!
(This isn't Sir Avar. It's a complete stranger.)
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!
Yes
No
We can't let the cries of the wronged echo over Lonza Fortress forever.
That's why... we came to you like this.
Framing Avar was never the real goal. What Fulvis truly wants is to purge every Charon-born from the Empire's upper echelons. If he succeeds, you know what that would mean, for the Empire... and for you.
If we're lucky, you'll recover concrete proof. If not, even her testimony will carry weight. Let me face her, right before you. Let the truth speak for itself.
I'll explain later, after you've had some proper rest.
The stench of blood here is proving itself noisome. Let's leave this dismal place once you're ready.
Five days later
Royal Grand Theatre, Dismania
That last piece, Children From the Snowfield, was composed by Cavaradossi. It was inspired by a folktale in his hometown, Icelake, one about a mystical creature that roams the snowy wilderness... You're not really listening, are you, Mors?
Huh? Yeah... something about a mystical creature? In Icelake?
Thought so. Still carrying the weight, I see. I'd hoped this might offer a brief escape.
About that "bodyguard" role you mentioned... I need to know what it actually entails. There's something I have to deal with, I need to know if this gets in the way.
That's what I wanted to talk to you about. So, I've been assigned to Scarletriver on royal orders, a six-month posting, give or take. It would ease my mind to have you accompany me.
I submitted your name as my aide when I met with my brother five days ago. He approved.
So you're asking me to leave Dismania... and head for Scarletriver, Flagson?
Understood. Then I'll go. What I'm looking for lies in the same direction anyway. Shall I swear an oath of service, Your Highness?
Pack your things. We'll leave in three days.
Sure.
(Flagson...)
(There is something there... that I didn't even tell the Warden...)
(The other piece of the Second Scion Program, the catalyst of No. 0...)