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Kane, however, was blocked by this heavily fortified yet still heavily guarded steel fortress. This was Kazdel's most heavily defended front line: the royal court's elite soldiers, clad in gleaming silver armor and exuding a chilling aura; scavenger warriors, their faces concealed by pale, bone-adorned robes; and blood demons whose pupils gleamed with ominous crimson and whose lips curled into faint, bloodthirsty smiles… These elites were like an impenetrable net, leaving no suspicious target unchecked.
It seems we have no choice but to resort to the old methods. Kane's eyes narrowed. He had managed to infiltrate Kazdel using unconventional means, but he was reluctant to rely on this method again.
He swiftly unfastened his specially made, wide leather cloak, securing its four corners firmly to the buckles on his arms and legs. As a violent updraft swept over the steel frame, the tough leather instantly taut and bulged! The next moment, Kane was violently pulled off the ground by this raging wind, gliding like a clumsy human kite towards the boundless wilderness outside Kazdel.
This was the "vehicle" he used to infiltrate the area—a makeshift glider temporarily modified from sturdy leather. As for how he generated initial lift? It was all thanks to "great strength makes things fly"—using his exquisite control over airflow and explosive Originium Arts to forcibly create an updraft!
This crazy idea was inspired by the astonishing high-altitude fall performed by a future elite of Rhodes Island. Since someone could fall from a great height without a parachute and remain unharmed using only Originium Arts, there was no reason why Kane couldn't try to do the opposite.
As it turns out, the upper limit of Originium Arts depends solely on the caster's control and imagination. With sufficient precision, riding the wind is not an unattainable dream.
After Kane crossed the walls of Kazdel, he unfolded his simple gliding suit and flew towards Ascalon. As the gravitational potential energy accelerated, he got closer and closer to the ground, and the original yellowish-brown wilderness gradually became clear. The huge Originium crystal clusters and the thick, massive rocks all began to magnify.
The instant he cleared the city wall, Kane immediately adjusted his posture, manipulating the airflow to swoop down in the direction where Ascalon's signal had disappeared. The force of gravity magnified the landscape rapidly, making the textures of the yellowish-brown wasteland clearer, and jagged, massive clusters of Originium crystals and towering, imposing rock mountains loomed before him!
Slow down! L-shirt-Siming VI6I (II) Ersiba
Kane instantly activated his Originium Arts! A violent gust of air slammed into the ground like an invisible giant hand; several blazing fireballs exploded in mid-air at different locations below, generating powerful upward shockwaves; and smaller explosions precisely created recoil blasts near the landing point! The combined force of these multiple forces forcefully counteracted the terrifying kinetic energy of the fall!
Boom——!
At the last moment, shimmering white calcium crystals rapidly covered his entire body as if they were alive, forming a makeshift armor. Kane curled up, like a stone ball thrown by a tremendous force, crashing heavily to the ground, rolling several meters away with immense momentum.
Smoke and dust filled the air, and debris flew everywhere. When everything calmed down, Kane shook his slightly dizzy head and checked himself—his calcified armor had absorbed most of the impact, his skin was intact, and only his clothes were covered in dust.
"Safe landing," he muttered to himself, quickly removing his armor and brushing off the dust.
Although Ascalon's trail had become extremely faint, the connection had not been completely severed. Without the slightest hesitation, Kane immediately used Originium Arts to clear a path. Although the Lupo's body was not as strong as the Sarkaz's, it was by no means weak.
He dashed towards Ascalon at full speed like an arrow released from a bow. The concept of time blurred during the chase, and after an unknown amount of time, when the faint signal he sensed finally stopped moving, Kane estimated the distance—he was at least thirty kilometers away from Kazdel.
In Terra's combat analysis, this distance is already extremely dangerous. If a high-speed warship is only 30 kilometers away from a mobile city, it can almost be considered that war has broken out.
It seems the final battle between the Tower of Babel and the Military Council is about to begin.
Chapter 34 Successful Infiltration
June 27, 1094 in the Terra calendar.
Although the upheaval in Londinium was not made public, its outcome had already been captured by the intelligence networks of the Terran nations. Duke Cavendish of Victoria invited the Sarkaz Military Council to Londinium, attempting to use its henchmen to eliminate political enemies, then raise the banner of "slaying the Daedric" to drive them out and seize the throne.
However, the other Duke of Stafford, who was also seriously ill, was unwilling to die on his deathbed and launched a lightning coup, intending to end the war quickly—even if he died on the day of his coronation, he would have been king for a day. In the end, both dukes perished in the chaos, and the military council took over, becoming the sole ruler of Londinium.
Behind this lies a brutal power struggle between the Tower of Babel and the Military Council. The Tower of Babel leaked intelligence and incited riots, intending to lure the Dukes of Victoria into joining forces to assassinate the Military Council. However, the Military Council was well-prepared, with the Grand Dukes personally overseeing the operation, and the disorganized dukes ultimately failed. In the end, the heart of Victoria—Lentinium—fell into the hands of the Sarkaz.
Hidden beneath the guise of the wilderness, Kane was completely unaware of the distant storms. Since tracking Ascalon and discovering the Tower of Babel, he hadn't acted rashly. To have managed to contend with the Sarkaz Military Council this long, the Tower of Babel must possess top-tier combat power at the level of a Grand Prince. Kane was confident he could handle one, but if surrounded by multiple elite operators, he knew he had no chance of survival.
So he completely immersed himself in the wilderness—his cloak covered in dust, becoming one with the yellow sand, lying in wait like the most patient hunter, patiently waiting for the Tower of Babel to be at its weakest.
Although Victoria's plan to use someone else to do her dirty work had failed, Babel's strategic focus remained on retaking Kazdel. With the main Royal Army bogged down in Londinium, the forces remaining in Kazdel were powerless to halt Babel's all-out offensive. The call to reclaim Kazdel had finally sounded!
Kane coldly watched the opening of this decisive battle through the gaps in his camouflage: armored land vehicles roared out of the Rhodes Island's massive hangar like steel beasts leaving their nests; rows of well-equipped, disciplined Babel warriors surged across the wilderness like a torrent toward the wounded city-state of Kazdel.
Meanwhile, the scattered forces of Babel began to rush to the aid, with one elite squad targeting Lentinium—to assassinate Regent Theresis.
All of this was within the Military Council's expectations, and could even be considered part of the "Babel Tower Evil Spirit" plan. Once the main force of Babel was deployed to capture Kazdel, its headquarters would inevitably be vulnerable—this would be the perfect opportunity to decapitate Theresa!
As night deepened, a small squad of thirty men, like melting shadows, silently departed Kazdel. Avoiding all combat zones, they stealthily made their way into the heart of the wilderness along a precise map provided by the Military Council, ultimately locking onto the lone steel behemoth—the mobile fortress of Babel, the Rhodes Island.
"That's right, there are also important figures assisting us on the other side—this warship's defense system will probably also be shut down."
The lead assassin's voice was hoarse, a fleeting, indescribable sorrow crossing his eyes beneath the mask. That benevolent Demon King had been betrayed by those closest to him. But he quickly extinguished that wavering. They were the "Dead"—a group of self-mutilated warriors who had severed their horns, sacrificing their lives and souls for their mission. Since the order was to take the Demon King's head, they would become the coldest blades, carrying it out without hesitation.
Kane had already begun his operation long before these "dead" set foot on Rhodes Island.
Eight hours ago, dusk had not yet faded.
Kane keenly sensed that Ascalon's location had shifted—she had left Rhodes Island and was rapidly heading towards Kazdel! Whether it was to support the assault or to carry out a decapitation strike, this meant that the opportunity Kane had been waiting for had finally arrived!
"Even the personal bodyguards have been sent out... On the Rhodes Island, there are probably only clerical staff left to maintain the bare minimum."
Without the slightest hesitation, Kane charged towards the Rhodes Island like an arrow released from a bow. He tried his best to conceal himself, hoping to delay his exposure. However, he underestimated the capabilities of this former civilization's spaceship. Even though most of its functions were not repaired, its basic detection systems were still operational.
The moment Kane stepped into Rhodes Island's surveillance range, the ship's AI, PRTS, had already captured him. According to standard protocol, unverified intruders are flagged, alerted, and handed over to the commander. However, when PRTS's multi-scan beam swept over Kane's body, some hidden protocol with higher priority seemed to be triggered deep within the core program.
All data streams related to Kane were instantly cut off, and then—access logs were silently and automatically erased, plunging the alarm system into an eerie silence.
Kane was completely unaware of this. Like a "guest" guided by an invisible hand, he effortlessly made his way to the massive landing deck of the Rhodes Island. To his even greater surprise, the elevators leading into the ship's interior were not even locked. He brazenly entered the warship's interior through the normal passageways.
Surveillance is everywhere… thankfully, there's the disguise spell. Kane doesn't know when the assassination attempt against Theresa will take place, but whenever it does, once Theresa dies, the remnants of Babel will inevitably be enraged—especially Ascalon, who will thoroughly investigate every core member of Babel, and any traitor will die.
And the surveillance footage will naturally be thoroughly reviewed—Kane probably won't have the chance to use "Cain's" face again.
He was on edge, prepared for any possible interception or conflict. However, the anticipated encounter did not occur. The corridor was empty and silent, save for the low hum of the ship's internal machinery.
The existence of PRTS greatly optimized manpower requirements, and the Doctor's deliberate scheduling made Rhodes Island almost a "ghost town" at this moment. Theresa and the Babel Tower operators placed their unreserved trust in this supreme commander, never imagining that this trust itself would become a poisoned blade piercing their hearts.
The core area, the command hall is adjacent to the data room.
The Doctor stood alone before the data terminal, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the cold control panel. He, who should have been at the command center, strategizing and planning, was instead hiding here organizing and archiving. Battle reports from the front lines poured in like snowflakes: the fierce fighting in Kazdel was in full swing, and the assassination attempt on Lentinium had begun… Every decision concerned countless lives and deaths, affecting the future of Sarkaz and even Terra. But he couldn't hold on any longer.
Chapter 35 Doctor and Ama9
The inner torment tightened and bound him like a noose. The tenacious vitality and potential displayed by the Terra civilization were as unexpected as its birth—those individuals who struggled in suffering and blossomed in the flames of war even inspired him, the "observer," to want to join in and personally guide it towards prosperity. He had to admit—he liked this civilization.
"But time is running out." That cold, absolutely rational voice echoed deep within my mind, leaving no room for argument.
The lumberjacks show no mercy, nor will they stop. Terra's potential is insufficient to overcome its inevitable destruction. The plan, bought with the sacrifices of billions from the previous civilization, cannot be shaken.
I know. The Doctor's main personality is struggling in agony, yet powerless to refute it. Especially after witnessing Theresa successfully analyze the essence of Originium and re-"translate" it.
Her existence is the greatest obstacle and threat to Project Originium. She must be eliminated.
If Theresa's technology for analyzing Originium is made public, all Originium will be converted back into matter; and the previous civilizations in the Originium universe will be wiped out.
I know! So… I chose to cooperate with Theresis. The Doctor's mental barriers crumbled before the absolute logic of his personality.
The assassin... will be here soon.
Nourishes—
The automatic sensor door made a slight opening and closing sound, and a figure appeared in the doorway.
"Theresia?" The doctor's voice carried a hint of weariness and barely perceptible guilt as he instinctively turned around.
"I'm just taking a short rest, I'll be fine soon..." Through the dark mask, he didn't see that familiar, pure white.
Standing at the door was a Sarkaz, his entire body wrapped in a dark cloak covered in the dust of the wilderness, his face hidden in the shadow of the hood.
--split line--
Kane hadn't expected such a coincidence. He followed the signs inside Rhodes Island to the vicinity of the command center, intending to avoid Theresa, the "Demon Queen" whose presence in the command hall was almost tangible, and find a secluded corner to lie low for the time being.
Unexpectedly, when the automatic door opened, a gray hooded figure appeared; this strange fellow was the evil spirit of the Tower of Babel, and also Kane's theoretical creator... his "father".
"Who are you?" The doctor's voice came through the mask, carrying a hint of barely suppressed astonishment and incredulous wariness.
"How did you get in here?" Even the most shrewd commander felt a chill run down his spine. This person was definitely not a member of Babel, but if he was an assassin from the Military Council, how did he manage to penetrate so many defenses and infiltrate this core area so silently?! Keep in mind that he hadn't even deactivated Rhodes Island's defenses yet.
The Military Council's hidden trump card? An unknown ruler of the royal court? No... if such a being truly existed, why would Theresis cooperate with me?! The Doctor quickly pondered, the cold logic of the gray pin attempting to stabilize the situation, but the unexpected turn of events had exceeded all contingency plans.
"Ha, I didn't expect you to be so flustered. I thought you would see right through me."
Hearing that neutral, husky voice, Kane deeply realized how enormous a "surprise" his own existence was to this "father" before him, even exceeding all his expectations.
Kane no longer concealed himself. He raised his hand, and a precisely controlled burst of Originium energy shot out silently, shattering the ceiling surveillance camera and sending sparks flying.
He ripped off his dusty cloak, and the Sarkaz illusion that had enveloped him vanished instantly: the black, twisted horns on his head shrank and deformed, transforming into alert, erect wolf ears covered in gray fur; the leather tail behind him, a symbol of the demon race, also fluffed up and stretched out, returning to a fluffy, naturally swaying wolf tail.
"Rupert? You're from a family in Syracuse?"
Based on this information, the doctor deduced that there was not much friction between Syracuse and the Sarkaz because the other side was not strong enough. Syracuse had 22 cities, but none of them were mobile cities or cities that could not be escaped. Once they were breached by the frenzied Sarkaz tribe, the consequences would be unimaginable. Therefore, Syracuse rarely interfered in Kazdel's affairs.
"Heh." Kane chuckled. He had to admit, it felt great to watch smart people make fools of themselves and then have everything under control; but things were urgent, and he didn't want to keep beating around the bush.
"Project Ama".
Kane candidly revealed his background—a plan known to only a very few people in the world—which immediately allowed the Doctor to grasp the most crucial thread.
Fragments of memories, long buried in the dust, uncontrollably broke free from the suppression of the gray pins and replayed in the doctor's mind:
That was Ama-10, the very first time Kal'tsit successfully cultivated her. Back then, she wasn't what she is now; she was a green, intricately prismatic structure. To observe her progress, he and Precys would set aside time each day to look at her through the glass, just like parents would look at their newborn child.
A twin-loop system means that it can adapt its appearance to different needs each time it is restructured. What do you think it will become?
The doctor proposed the discussion, and Precys quickly accepted it; these small discussions were their way of exchanging ideas.
It will probably conform to the logic of natural evolution, evolving from its current geometric form into a vertebrate, and eventually, in order to adapt to the cosmic environment, it will gradually transform into the form of a refractive being.
Although Precys is a woman, she is surprisingly rational when discussing this topic, and she herself actually enjoys "doing silly things".
I hope it turns into a cat.
This construct is incredibly affectionate towards its creator. When testing its computing power, in order to meet his requirements—Ama-10 even went so far as to overclock by damaging its own core—a behavior he forbade. This affection would be quite adorable if it were applied to a small animal.
Really? I prefer dogs to cats.
Why? Is it because canines are more intelligent?
No, because dogs are more loyal.
This trivial, everyday conversation is but a fleeting moment in the long river of the doctor's life. Yet, at this moment, it emerges with unparalleled clarity, every detail carrying a weight of destiny.
"You are..." The doctor's voice, coming through the mask, was no longer a question, but a resolute confirmation:
"Ama-9?"
“That’s right, Father—” Kane admitted frankly, but his tone carried a hint of barely perceptible stiffness.
"Your reaction is... rather calm than I expected." The cold black mask concealed all expression, making it impossible for Kane to discern whether it was absolute composure after shock or bewilderment at realizing he'd been tricked by Priscilla. He could only maintain his deliberately cultivated, slightly ironic calmness.
"How should I put it..." The doctor's voice carried a hint of disbelief and astonishment.
"How should I put it? The more I learn, the more I believe in the existence of no god—but how could it be such a coincidence? Kal'tsit is Feline, and you are... Rupert."
Precyth...didn't you say you preferred loyal dogs? Why is Ama-9 a wolf? Do you perhaps secretly admire wild, untamed...vicious dogs?
The doctor was unsure whether this small error was intentional on the part of Precys.
"Are you on her side?" The doctor's question went straight to the heart of the matter—"she" refers to Precyth.
Kane felt a chill run down his spine. He wasn't sure if the Doctor and Priscilla had completely broken ties. His survival instinct led him to choose the most diplomatic stance:
“We are all on the side of Project Originium.” He threw the question back, trying to blur the lines between opposing sides.
"Is this really a good idea?" Kane changed the subject, his gaze seemingly piercing through the mask and looking directly into the Doctor's heart, his tone carrying a hint of deliberate inquiry.
“That Demon King, Theresa… seems to get along quite well with you, doesn’t she? If you back out now, perhaps you still have a chance to save her.” He gently pointed out the Doctor’s deepest inner struggle.
"No." The doctor's answer was unusually concise; he suddenly became cold and resolute, cutting off all hesitation.
"She must die here for Project Originium."
"And then use your life... to repent to her?" Kane's tone suddenly rose, carrying an almost cruel mockery.
"Sigh... Could this be considered a kind of... double suicide? If my mother knew... what would she think?"
Kane raised an eyebrow; he had been wanting to see this for a long time—the Doctor's awkward position caught between two women!
""
The Doctor fell silent—he had originally thought Ama-9's personality would be similar to Kal'tsit's, after all, they were "siblings," but now it seemed that he and Kal'tsit were completely different.
"If you have prepared enough backup plans to push forward the Originium Project." Kane took a deep breath, completely abandoning all his previous probing and pretense, his gaze seemingly trying to meet the Doctor's eyes through his mask, driven by the most primal desire for survival.
"Then, I suppose you wouldn't mind having me too?"
He took a small half-step forward, his voice low and firm, revealing the sole driving force that propelled him through war, infiltrated through disguise, and confronted the Creator:
"I... want to live."
Chapter 36 Two Roads
"To survive... I see." The doctor's mind worked, and he instantly understood Kane's predicament.
"You were indeed marked as an unfinished product in the Ama series."
"How much longer?" His voice came through the mask, revealing no emotion.
"About 20 years..." Kane answered frankly, the number like a heavy shackle that constantly kept him from finding peace.
The Doctor, though also a researcher, possessed a core different from Prestis's purely cold rationality. His love and reverence for life itself were intense, even to the point of wavering his belief in the Originium Project and considering supporting the future of Terra civilization instead. Now, faced with Kane's plea, he too felt an impulse—to remedy the "deficiencies" of the previous civilization, granting this "child" a long life, allowing him, like Kal'tsit, to explore the meaning of life for himself.
"Based on the success of Ama-10, theoretically, I have a way to improve your life structure." The doctor's words had just ignited a glimmer of hope in Kane's heart, but his next words extinguished it.
"But unfortunately... as you can see, even with Babel's best efforts to repair it, Rhodes Island still suffered heavy losses. The environment and resources for cultivating or modifying a sophisticated artificial life form are no longer available here." He wasn't making excuses; although he had a blueprint in mind, he couldn't cook without ingredients.
"So, am I just supposed to accept my fate?!" Kane's voice carried a hint of suppressed indignation.