Part 72: Do we intend to turn this nation into nothing more than a smoking crater?
-Tetracyclic Tower-
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A second barrier, defending the Aureole from all angles...
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Hmm-hmm. The professor's research was spot-on, it seems.
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Haha. Hope we didn't tire you too much with the delay.
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Ah, Walter, Campanella. This is a surprise.
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I was sure it would be Loewe who met me here. What turning of the wind is this, I wonder?
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Loewe is accompanying the professor for the moment. So, as much as it may not be my place as a mere observer, I came in his stead.
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And, eh, I ain't got much to do at this point. Right now I'm just killin' some time.
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How unusual--for both of you. Though, interesting. Loewe is accompanying the professor? They are performing the last experiment, then?
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Heheh. Apparently. Our big, fancy plan is headin' into the big leagues, looks like.
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The archaisms and jaegers are almost ready.
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Once we have the beta in hand, we'll all be quite busy, I suspect.
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Even the professor and Loewe are going to struggle with that, I would imagine.
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Heh. Maybe. We're talking 'bout hijacking a creature of legend, after all. Ain't quite like throwin' pictures around or shakin' the earth.
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But hey, Campanella. This ain't like you.
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Ooooh, what's this, now?
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You're usually happily taggin' along with the professor. If you ain't doin' that--especially when things are THIS interesting--that means something even better's come up. So spit it out, already.
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Why, Walter, I'm hurt. Have you so little faith in me?
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I trust you as much as your number.
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What overflowing camaraderie, Walter.
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Such slings! Such arrows! You two are so cruel!
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Well. In truth, I would love to sit back and watch the fireworks unfold, but as it turns out, I've a bit of work to do. I'm off to gain us permission to use the Ark.
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Shit! Seriously?! We're finally busting THAT monstrosity out?! This mission gets better every day!
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The Crimson Ark...The Glorious.
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I find it hard to believe we would use such...Do we intend to turn this nation into nothing more than a smoking crater?
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Heh heh. That will be up to the professor and Loewe.
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So I am afraid I must depart as soon as we're done. I so look forward to hearing about our experiment when I get back!
-Release from the Spell, And...-
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Yes...I thought it would be here.
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Behold, Loewe. A majestic thing, is it not?
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...
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Are you really going to perform an experiment on something like this?
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I understand your apprehension. Without this data, however, we have no hope of completing the beta. We MUST know.
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Oh, I see we woke you.
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Your first time in the waking world of mortals in twenty years, yes?
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This is the first time we've met. Allow me to introduce myself. You may call me Georg Weissmann. I am one of the Anguis--caretaker of Ouroboros.
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...Begone...This power which hangs about thee like a mist...Familiar it be, somehow, but...Thy eyes betray thy purpose. In those windows I see a soul twisted and bent...incapable of joy unyoked from bringing suffering and agony to thy fellow man.
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Well, well! Such compliments! But I'm afraid I must deny your request--I won't be going anywhere. After all, we've business regarding the treasure of Aidios.
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Show him, Loewe.
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...
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Oh? Does this stir up memories from twelve hundred years ago? It's merely a replica, but I dare say it's well made enough, wouldn't you?
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...Surely thou dost not...Thou cannot mean...the Shining Ring!
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Ah, but I do.