Diseased

The first time I saw her was on that night.

I was hugging the children, and hiding in the operating room with some other researchers.

Slam! Knock, knock, knock!

In the name of the Church! Harder! Can't you guys break down a door?!

I don't know how many people were outside trying to break down the door of the operating room. The only thing protecting us was the refrigerator blocking the door.

I couldn't do anything other than cover the ears of the children and console them quietly.

Gunshots...

The voices of the Empire soldiers became wails and gradually quieted.

Good hold on hold on, everyone. You're safe now.

We heard the voice on the other side of the door, but had no courage to open it.

My name's Tania. I'm the Colonel of the Fourth Army of the Joint Council. We've come to get you out.

I was shaking as I reached to open the door, but then realized that I couldn't move the refrigerator blocking the door.

The soldier outside the door kept talking and doing her best to settle our nerves.

My name's Tania, but in the military, we all have codenames... My codename is Niz...

Gun up! Hold it steady! Look at the target, and don't shake out of fear. You'll miss your chance to kill the enemy.

Fire!

Bang!

Okay, put the gun down.

I have to say that your progress is beyond my expectations.

Thank you for the praise.

No, I mean it.

If you really think I've progressed, then fight me, Niz.

Heh... No wonder you were a researcher. You have such an overly hardworking attitude.

So how is it, Researcher? Good?

Don't call me a researcher anymore...

Okay, Yulia. How's life at military school?

It's lacking, and you as a special lecturer should be well aware of this.

What I'm more concerned about is the promise you made. If I graduate from military school in first place...

... I will invite you to serve in the north battalion. Don't worry, I will keep my promise.

But I don't get why you want to go to the frontlines so much. Aren't you afraid of death?

I'm not afraid of dying. I'm afraid of not having strength.

I became a researcher at the age of 14. I thought I had grasped strength then, and could save all children.

But that day made me wake up. Our hard work is meaningless in the face of bullets.

The power to kill is more of a deterrent than saving people.

I understand, and respect your choice.

Believe me, I will become your most loyal assistant.

Rather than an assistant... I might need an enemy more...

What do you mean? I don't understand...

Major General Niz! It's time.

Looks like I have to go, Yulia.

It's okay, we'll see each other soon in the camp.

Wait a second. You are injured, Niz!

The first Nebu Northern Crusade

Mori! Has the General's location been confirmed?

General Niz's approximate captive location has been confirmed. It's this village.

It's a general location. We need you to gather information to confirm it.

Got it. I'll leave the fight to you.

Hey, make sure to rescue the General! This is a matter of great importance to the heart of the military.

It's not something as simple as the heart of the military.

It's a high-ranking Nebu soldier. Looks like this is where Niz is being held.

Listen up, the General is inside. Whether we can get her out decides victory in this battle.

Come with me! We'll get the General out, even if it costs us our lives!

Finally, we finished off the Nebu clutter.

Ma'am, there's a hidden door here.

General Niz should be inside. Watch for traps.

Niz! Niz!

Is that Mori... Am I still alive?

I'm... Yulia. You're alive.

How are the frontlines?

Mori is in command of the frontlines.

T-That's good...

Save your strength! I'll carry you out!

Nebu's northern invasion plan failed. After that, we shared the experience of the split of the Joint Council, and Nebu's second northern invasion.

Mori and I were Niz's faithful allies and assistants, helping her reach the peak of power little by little in the northern continent.

The days of peace lasted for years, and the shadow of Nebu was long forgotten, though I can still smell the burning of war.

General Yulia.

Don't be so formal, Mori. Strange, why isn't Niz here?

Niz has to go receive a diplomatic envoy from Eastrise.

The group of defectors from Eastrise? I can't look at them without throwing up.

Right, about my strategy report last night, what's Niz's opinion on it?

Yulia... Are you hoping for war?

No one wants a war, Mori. But we will be beaten if we do not show our might.

The state of the world right now is that Nebu is rife with conflict, Eastrise lacks military power, and the Empire is staggering from the Calamity.

Bifrost Industries' interests are above all that... Mori, we swore an oath when we faced that banner that day. They day we split from Eastrise.

But we are exhausted... Yulia... Niz and I are tired.

We do not fear war, but peace is an addictive thing. I haven't woken up to the sound of blasts in a long while.

Weak... How weak, Mori.

Niz doesn't wish to go to war either, Yulia. She knows her view is not acceptable to you, so I will say it to you.

Enough... Enough, Mori. You and your weakness will destroy us in the end. Mark my words.

Yulia!

Yulia...

Gun up! Hold it steady! Look at the target, and don't shake out of fear. You'll miss your chance to kill the enemy.

Yes!

You bunch are the sorriest excuse for soldiers I have ever seen.

Now, imagine that the enemy soldier are right in front of you. They're carrying butcher knives, ready to cross over and kill your loved ones.

Can you still stand to be so weak?

No!

Then fight!

Good work. Dismissed.

General, are we really the weakest?

Oh? Did the officer who trained you tell you to say that?

No... I actually want to know the answer myself.

Have you guys thought about what you're fighting for?

For Stoker, to protect the industrial origins of humanity.

Not pompous talk like that...

To build a career and become a General.

You won't think that way anymore when you go to war.

Is that because...

Because the enemy wants to kill you... It's that simple.

Right now, you haven't seen them come charging at you with intent to kill. Whatever you say is useless.

Rather than an assistant... I might need an enemy more...

I see... So that's how it is...

General? What is it?

Ah... Nothing. I remembered something from the past. You guys keep training with the trainer.

You asked for me, General?

Yep... Nanook, right?

Mori just came to talk to me and mentioned that you taught her garrison a lesson, hm?

Yes, I did it.

Why? I am curious about the reason.

It's an old matter not worth mentioning. I am willing to receive punishment.

They bullied you?

Yes...

I see... How does it feel to get revenge? Good?

It was good...

That's why enemies are for, Nanook. They help grind you, sharpen you into a keen edge.

We have no shortage of enemies, but we just ignore them.

General, you mean...

Nothing. I'm not going to punish you. I've covered the matter up.

But there is one thing I would like you to help me with.

Please tell me, General.

It is morning, and the birch forest is unusually silent. Nothing can be heard except the chirping of birds and the sound of snow falling from branches.

It is morning, and the birch forest is unusually silent. Nothing can be heard except the chirping of birds and the sound of snow falling from branches.

Following that, Nanook's whole world became filled with noise because of what Yulia said, and the noise would not die down until several years later.

Assassinate Niz, declare war on Eastrise and re-establish the Joint Council.

What?

Do you want me to repeat myself?

All for the good of Bifrost.

Take back your frightening thoughts...

Yulia gripped the barrel of Nanook's gun and pressed it against her own forehead.

Kill me now and stop the war.

I...

Or join me, and we can launch this war together!

I'm sorry... General...

The gun goes off, and smoke wisps from a bloody hole.

Aaah!

Criminal 1! What is going on?!

Heh... hehehehe...

Nothing... I just had a sweet dream...

Heh... hehehehe...