Collapse, survive

Schwarzkopf had already knelt on one knee, one leg completely frozen, his red eyes flashing: "Unbeatable. In recorded history, humanity has attempted to make contact with the [Star Core] several times. Without exception, they were driven by human selfishness, trying to seize the substance for their own use."

"The Builders' Order: Any attempt to make contact with the [Star Core] will have serious consequences."

"Requesting a final ruling—"

March 7th was still hesitating when he suddenly couldn't hold back anymore: "Huh? The final... what? It's not going to be a self-destruction, is it?!"

Even though you're an omnic, this is too decisive. Wait a minute!

"Danheng, what should we do? This situation doesn't look good!"

The star is still rising.

Dan Heng also looked pained: "Wait a minute, Schwarz, you can surrender. We just want to know the truth, to know about the Star Core. We don't want to be your enemy."

The star is still rising.

"There is no evidence to suggest that you will be the exception. Maintain the existing calculation results."

The star was still there... She was sent flying by the mechanical elbow, like a Jepard, persisting in the fight... A strong force came from the side, and she was sent flying far away, landing and rolling, supporting herself on one hand to stay upright.

Damn it, this robot is targeting her!

And Danheng, why did you elbow me?

"Swarovski is about to self-destruct."

Self-destruction... wait, self-destruction, how much does it explode?

Schwarzrod's goal for the entire furnace core was to sever the connection between the upper and lower parts and try to prevent the spread of the already compromised rift erosion from the upper part.

In the moment of crisis, a voice rang out to save the world—

"Mr. Schwarz! Please don't!!"

It's Clara.

Hearing that the gate had been smashed, the residents had fled, and the fire had broken in, she was very worried about Schwarz and rushed to see him one last time.

Schwarzkopf's red light returned to half of its blue, and he issued the command: "Clara, get out of here."

Bronya, who was providing long-range cover from the perimeter, also noticed: "Clara, danger! Find somewhere to hide!"

"No, you're all bullying Mr. Schwarz. If you're going to kill him, kill Clara first!"

Clara, determined to protect Swallow, charged headlong into the battle, her small body shielding both sides.

Ah this...

They charged forward under heavy fire until they could no longer advance.

Seele stopped.

Fighting dangerous robots is one thing, but fighting Clara...

March 7th covered her face: "I feel like our pioneering efforts have turned out strange."

"March."

Danheng really wanted to ask her how she had finally discovered it.

He couldn't say.

As Clara approached, Schwaro could no longer flash its red light: "Prototype 3 - [Supervision Machine] Schwaro, the protocol application status has been determined to be aborted. Clara, obey orders and leave this place."

"No!"

Clara wouldn't listen.

What to do?

She clearly cannot save the world, but can only serve as a reason for a temporary truce. However, neither side will back down. One side wants to find the truth and break through the blockade, while the other is willing to blow up the core area.

"That's enough, everyone. Please come over here. It wouldn't be good if you were left with any injuries."

Compared to Clara, who was able to stop the battle, Natasha appeared, who was even more capable of ending it.

Along with her came the subterranean fire.

Clara discovered that the fighting here wasn't the only one; seizing the opportunity, Earthfire also stormed into the hearth area, for the resources accumulated by the Swaro Kingdom, which were crucial for the lower levels that were so depleted they could no longer sustain themselves.

Sambo was even among the accompanying volcanoes.

"Nata? Sambo, what brings you here..."

Seele was unaware of this. She put away her scythe and couldn't bring herself to strike Clara; she couldn't even beat Hook.

Sambo grinned, "Of course I'm here to support everyone! Oh dear, that was dangerous! The entire furnace core almost collapsed! This is what they mean by 'a close call'! Luckily, I was prepared... I need to quickly notify the Fire Brigade to mobilize. Hey guys, why are you surrounding Sambo?!"

"Are you about to start again?"

March 7th clenched his fists, and Xing moved his feet.

"Haven't you ripped us off enough along the way? And now you're doing it again."

Sambo screamed, "Boss, help me!"

Natasha didn't help. She walked between Seele and Clara, watching as she protected Schwarz, the machine that had always dominated the hearth, cut off all communication, and driven everyone away.

Clara, her voice trembling with tears, still stood firmly in front of Natasha, who was carrying a machine gun: "Please don't hurt Mr. Schwarz!"

"Clara? You... like Schwarzkopf that much?"

Natasha's expression was gentle, but her tone carried a threat: "But it even wants to blow up the core, to cut off all hope for the lower levels forever. Even now, it hasn't surrendered."

Clara didn't know what to say: "Mr. Schwarz is no longer able to fight, please... please don't hurt him!"

She knew that Schwarzschild would not surrender; his will to protect the lower classes at all costs was unwavering.

“K... Lala…”

Schwarzko understood his adopted daughter well, knowing that she wouldn't give way.

This is true.

Clara remained motionless, weeping, "Mr. Schwarz, please stop being stubborn, I will not leave!"

"Really."

Natasha withdrew her pressure and looked back at everyone, including the Earthfire, the pioneering squad that had come after defeating Sambo, and the Silvermane Iron Guards from the upper echelons.

Frankly, what can Schwarzlo do to stop such a combination? It's harder than going against the entire Belleburg.

Otherwise, who on the lower levels could defeat Schwarzkopf? It could continue to exist in its own way.

But Natasha wouldn't waver. She had already arrived: "Mr. Schwarz, can you tell everyone what you know? I think you also know that things have come to this point, and we can't just retreat now. Let the lower classes decide their own future."

"..."

What does the silence of a robot look like?

Schwarzlo demonstrated this.

Clara felt she had to do something, even if… she suddenly said, “Mr. Schwarz said you would grant me every wish, right? Clara’s biggest wish right now is that everyone can come together, like… like family.”

Stop fighting, let's join each other and become one family.

We can no longer seal off the furnace core, nor can we continue to preserve the truth. So why fight? Aren't we all doing this for humanity?

Most importantly, Clara doesn't want to lose Schwarzkopf!

"..."

Schwarz remained silent, but then, a candid voice rang out, audible to everyone:

"Evaluation system restarting... Restart successful. Inputting, transforming variables..."

"Variable 1: Clara's request."

"Variable Two: Outsiders..."

Xing and March 7 exchanged a glance, then looked at Dan Heng together—didn't you say we were variables? We're nothing compared to Clara.

This journey has been so circuitous, and I've cried three times because of it all, Danheng!

Danheng didn't want to talk about it.

Schwarz has concluded: "...Assessment updated: the decision-making power is transferred to outsiders, and access to information related to the [Star Core] is permitted."

On March 7th, some doubts arose, so the fighting was stopped and peace talks were initiated: "So... does this mean it's a success?"

"You still want to fight?"

Danheng didn't know what had made March 7th look like this. Was it a star?

He looked at Schwarz, somewhat expectantly: "The situation is quite obvious. Schwarz's cold logic seems to only make an exception for her. Hopefully, his memory bank does indeed contain data related to the [Star Core]."

We are ultimately outsiders.

Just as Danheng was expressing his feelings, he heard Schwarz's reminder:

"The data and audio recordings related to the [Star Core] have been compiled. Call the outsider immediately?"

"We accept, we accept."

On March 7th, Xing and I went over to each other. Now that we've finally reaped some rewards, how could we not accept them?

"Requesting access to database data, number 13175. Encryption level: Highest."

"Data access approved, playing now..."

A screen of light unfolded before Schwarzro, revealing the so-called truth to everyone—everything Schwarzro had protected until now.

A researcher and a... Great Guardian appeared on the screen.

“That is the second generation of High Guardian, who succeeded the first High Guardian, Alisarand. This… this information is at least seven hundred years old.”

Bronya gasped in surprise, then quickly covered her mouth and looked intently.

Researchers: ...The results of years of research are right before your eyes, Guardian. The evidence is conclusive; that so-called "Star Core" is the root of all disasters.

The elder guardian: The people will find this hard to accept, Doctor. If they knew that it was the great Alisa Rand who activated this thing, causing the world to be covered in the cold wave... even if it was to fight against the Legion's destruction, the people would not accept it.

Researcher: The truth, sir—the truth will not change according to the opinions of the majority. The research report before you is the culmination of the hard work of Berlöberg's finest scholars; you must trust its authority…

The elder guardian: I have never questioned you, Doctor. On the contrary, I have unwavering faith in your findings. From the moment I assumed this position, that voice… their voice has resided in my mind, haunting me.

I shouldn't have brought this up. Let's get back to your research. I can't possibly release these research reports to the public, Doctor. Unless…

Researcher: Unless? Unless what? Sir, I'm listening...

The Guardian's voice: ...Unless you can find a way to completely destroy the [Star Core].

Researcher: I understand. In the name of [preservation and protection], I will certainly live up to my mission.

This document revealed a cruel truth that Bronya was completely unprepared for, one that was entirely different from her previous understanding and so revolutionary that she was momentarily unable to think and was left bewildered.

Jepard wasn't much better off; silent, resolute, and protective, he was more than any Silvermane Guard of Landau. Unconsciously, he clenched his fists.

He remembered that his sister had been a member of the research team studying the star core, and the research had always been highly confidential. All he knew was that she had done something wrong and was eventually expelled from the City Builders by the Great Guardian...

On the contrary, others were able to continue watching.

Schwarz's mechanical voice announced: "Data No. 13175 has finished playing. Next up: Data No. 24830."

A new researcher appeared on the screen, along with an image of a previous researcher, but who had aged considerably.

New Researcher: I don't understand, Doctor, why are you hiding those valuable research findings? They represent your life's work...

The old researcher: Cough, cough... You're still young, child. Someday... cough, someday, you'll understand. The Great Guardian thinks far ahead than either of us; all her decisions are for the peace of Belloberg...

New researcher: I just feel...unfortunate. Our research has hit a bottleneck, and your findings will have to be shelved...

The veteran researcher: *cough*... No need for regret, child, you have plenty of time. Once you find a way to destroy—cough, destroy the [Star Core]... all our efforts will not have been in vain.

Schwarz's mechanical voice announced: "Data No. 24830 has finished playing. Next up: Data No. 57614."

This time, a young, new Great Guardian appeared. In the somewhat dilapidated research institute, there were no researchers, only her and her guards.

New Guardian: What is this...? Why is there a robot here?

Guardian: This is Dr. Mearsheimer's personal robotic bodyguard, said to be a prototype that survived from the Great War. It has remained here ever since the doctor and his assistant passed away, without ever moving an inch.

New Guardian: I see. Let's start searching; we must find all of the doctor's research findings.

Guard: Found it, Guardian—all the documents are here.

New Guardian: Hmm...good, that's settled then.