Chapter 07 - Rain of Shells Xin Dicus: ... Gtri Dactyla: That was not... a particularly beautiful song, was it? Rao Nyx: There were many dissonant notes, and it felt dark and heavy. Xin Dicus: ...Yeah, you’re right... The echoes aren’t reacting either. Xin Dicus: Was that not the Arca Song of Heaven after all...? Euro Gallu: You said the Arca Song of Heaven is supposed to be beautiful, so you might be right. Xin Dicus: How come? Euro Gallu: There are many symbolic characters here representing stillness, sinking, decline, and weakening. These signify inactivity, a lack of emotion and death. Xin Dicus: Oh yeah, you’re right... Gtri Dactyla: Emotionless, sinking, dead... It sounds exactly like this world as it stands. Gtri Dactyla: If I... no, if a far more capable ruler had been in my place, would this world have grown rich and beautiful...? Gtri Dactyla: It truly is lamentable... Euro Gallu: ... Euro Gallu: That’s not true. Beauty and abundance exist in this world, they’re harder to find, that’s all. Euro Gallu: Besides, having these symbols appear side by side means we’ve fallen to the absolute lowest. Which means… Euro Gallu: Zero. A starting point for renewal. Like a seed buried deep underground. Gtri Dactyla: ...I see... Rao Nyx: I see. A return to origins, so to speak. Euro Gallu: Ahaha, that’s a good way to put it. Yes, something along those li-.......... Rao Nyx: What is wrong? Euro Gallu: ...A return to origins... Euro Gallu: The forbidden Arca Song said to reduce everything to zero, don’t tell me...? Xin Dicus: The forbidden Arca Song...? Xin Dicus: Ah...! Xin Dicus: GET DOWN! Gtri Dactyla: ...!? Euro Gallu: Come here! Hide behind this rubble...! Rao Nyx: Cover your ears! [BOOM!!!] Gtri Dactyla: UGHH...! Xin Dicus: Wh...Where’s that coming from!? Euro Gallu: From the palace! What in the world are they thinking!? They’re blasting the citizens too! Rao Nyx: Another one’s coming! Get down...! [BOOM!!!] Gtri Dactyla: Kuh...! Gtri Dactyla: Ha... ha... Gtri Dactyla: ... I can hear children crying...nearby… [Inside the hospital.] Child: WAHHH, WAAAAHHH...! Tauran Tiaca: It’s gonna be okay, you did so well. You’re a hero. Well done. You were very brave. Lklein Manni: I have disinfected the wound, but if it swells or festers, please come back to us right away. Woman: Thank you so much. He was sleeping when a piece of stone struck his leg out of nowhere... Woman: What on earth happened!? Word on the street is that the Federation attacked the capital… Tauran Tiaca: I’m looking into that right now. Please stay somewhere safe, and do not let rumors mislead you. Man: Dr. Tauran! Could you please examine my brother!? Lklein Manni: Doctor, we have no beds left. Tauran Tiaca: Let’s secure more hands and more space. Bring your brother over here. Would you be willing to help us as well? Man: Of course! Anything at all! I’m so glad, you’re gonna be okay. Man's younger brother: ...I’m fine! I have to protect the Empire from those Federation scum! They show no mercy, not even to women and children! Tauran Tiaca: Don’t move. Your task right now is to take off your clothes and let me see your wound. Lklein Manni: I’d like to move the patients we’ve treated so that we can take in more people.. Man: Got it. I’ll help. Once we’re done with that, shall I call some acquaintances and see if they can look for space we can use? Lklein Manni: That would be an immense help. Woman: Dr. Tauran! Please help! My mother is trapped under the rubble...! Tauran Tiaca: Lklein. This place will be fine without you for a while. Go with her. If you can’t handle it, come back and report it. Lklein Manni: Yes, sir...! To be continued...