...Eliminate.
The Corrupted under the Frostheart Emperor's command advance like a single, glacial machine, cold marionettes moving in chilling unison. With every synchronized step, they constrict the alliance forces' operational space.
Tch! Keep firing! Do not engage the Corrupted in close combat!
Moving!
Construct squads, follow me. Charge their front line! Keep formation!
Roger that!
Phew...
As planned, Simon and his forces break through the city gates and split from Rosetta's group, heading to a different area. The outcome is exactly as Simon has anticipated.
Or perhaps even worse.
I am General Rumyantsev, one of the Frostheart Warlords. Are all you alliance forces just cowards? Come on, show me what you've got!
If the enemy won't come to you, why not go to them?
Simon's prediction was correct: two Frostheart Warlords are here. Their combat strength, however, exceeds all expectations.
One way to handle it. But aren't you joining in, Fyodor?
No. I have other matters to attend to.
Upon receiving the reply, the Construct, Rumyantsev, whips his tail against the ground behind him. The force launches him high over the Corrupted, and he comes crashing down directly toward Noan's forces.
Defensive stance!
Shields up!
At Simon's command, the Construct squads snap into a shield wall. Rumyantsev's fist crashes against it, sending a shudder through the entire formation.
Hah! Stepping up to challenge me, black-haired soldier?!
Having blocked the attack, Noan instantly uses the shield wall as a springboard, launching himself toward Rumyantsev. The onlookers steel themselves for the impending duel, but—
Rising Engine, Level Two Charge—Thunderclap!
Instead, he darts past Rumyantsev, rushing toward the clustered Corrupted in the rear, and unleashes his Rev Blade's energy directly into their midst.
!
The resulting wave detonates, instantly annihilating their rear ranks.
Target cleared!
Fall back!
At the command, the Construct squads break formation and pull back. Noan pivots to join the retreat. But just then—
Interesting, black-haired soldier.
Rumyantsev intercepts him, blocking the path ahead. A heavy fist arcs toward Noan, punishment for the slight. Noan doesn't break stride.
Formation T, fire!
Hm?
The distant barrage arrives just in time, drawing Rumyantsev's attention and allowing Noan to break free from the Corrupted cluster.
Simon's strategy for unknown enemies is clear: maintain a tactical retreat while striking at vulnerabilities.
By the way, did you seriously just shout your move out loud?
Feels pretty good, actually. Let everyone know what's coming, not so different from you calling firing commands.
Prepare for the next phase.
Roger.
Their casual exchange barely lasts before the fight resumes. As Dark Aries re-engages—with Palma and Noan holding Rumyantsev in check—the Constructs systematically eliminate the Corrupted. Though the narrow streets blunt the enemy's numerical advantage, Simon knows all too well: a prolonged fight can only end in defeat.
They'll break through our lines sooner or later. Guys, how much longer...
Scrounging for materials in the city is harder than expected. We need more time.
Don't worry about precision. Focus on speed! We can refine it later!
On it!
Knowing that even the finest troops can be worn down by sheer numbers, Simon has looked beyond immediate tactics. He has ordered the construction of entrenched defensive positions. Once they are operational, his team can avoid the peril of a head-on clash with the Warlords entirely.
...Wait. The Warlords?
A sudden dread grips Simon. His head snaps up, scanning the enemy lines. His fear is confirmed: the tall, ram-horned figure has vanished.
Then, from directly above, comes a voice that chills his spine.
Clever tactics, but your strategy lacks vision, "Commandant" of Babylonia.
Simon jerks his head up to find Fyodor already perched atop a nearby building, aiming a captured firearm straight at him.
Well then, time to die.
Then, a gunshot rings out, accompanied by a concussive blast.
We've got a link! Signal's locked in!
Well done! As expected of the best researcher's assistant!
The ghostly blue light of the tactical screen illuminates Mina and Dr. Bear inside the command tent.
With Rosetta deployed, only skeleton defense and comms crews remain. Mina's and Dr. Bear's faces are bathed in the cold glow, fingers flying across keyboards as they work urgently to re-establish contact with Babylonia and secure a second wave of reinforcements.
Channel stabilized. This is Asimov, Chief Technician of the Babylonia Science Council.
Dr. Mina, that's not...
Well, well. Babylonia's top science mind, personally handling a field link. I'm Mina, Arctic Heritage Foundation. You can think of me as the de facto Chief Technician for the Arctic Route Union.
Acknowledged. Let's dispense with formalities. My objective is to assist you in fully activating the frame designated "Malkuth".
To do so, I require a precise explanation of the black box integrated into the frame, and why it is causing such severe disruption in the M.I.N.D. system.
...I'll break this into two parts.
First: I know the black box relates to the Amalgamation tech, but not the specifics of that link or its operational principles. I was the builder, not the creator.
Second: The problem may not be the black box... The Arctic suffers from severe technological discontinuity. It's possible I introduced flaws during construction, working from the manuscript alone.
This "discontinuity"... it began after the Amberia Incident, correct? The event triggered widespread aversion to structured research across the Union.
Hmph, exactly. Most Arctic researchers never received a complete education. I started as an engineer and shifted tracks mid-career.
We're not exactly prodigies here. Mistakes are entirely possible.
However... construction errors were not indicated in the diagnostic reports. Then, regarding your first point...
Is it possible this frame of Rosetta possesses capabilities similar to "Amberia"—specifically, the ability to assume control of other Arctic machines?
If Malkuth is the "Ultimate Amalgamator" as described in the manuscript, then yes. But it's not demonstrating that function currently. Maybe activating "Amalgamation" is a prerequisite for proper initialization?
Plausible. Evidence suggests the black box is connected to Amalgamation technology... Babylonia retains certain intercepted data on the subject, originally sourced from ARU transmissions.
I will cross-reference our archives. Please transmit all manuscript-derived materials through this channel for analysis.
Right, of course. Dr. Bear will send everything over shortly... Wait.
Hold on. What did you say Babylonia intercepted from us?
Before Mina can fully process the words—or call him out for his shamelessness—Asimov turns away and cuts the connection.
