Officiate: Now, we shall perform the oath. Representative Ashley Sagan, please come forward.
Ashley: Yes. As a United Nations force devoted to protecting order and world peace.
UN Soldier A: (Ohh... so that’s the World Emperor’s son...I heard that he was aiming to join the army.)
UN Soldier B: (He’s a prodigy who skipped grades to enter university, then graduated at the top of his class, isn’t he!? An exceptional man like that must be in high demand.)
Ashley: —as its symbol, I hereby pledge my strength and loyalty to the World Emperor. ...I bow to thee!
. . .
World Emperor: Ashley.
Ashley: Yes... Father.
World Emperor: Your oath at the enlistment ceremony was splendid. Take this as my congratulations.
Ashley: Thank you, Father. ...what a lovely handgun. It looks a bit old... early 20th-century, perhaps?
World Emperor: Indeed. It’s a custom-made piece that I received from an acquaintance in my youth. Take good care of it.
Ashley: Yes. My deepest thanks.
World Emperor: Now then, starting tomorrow, dedicate yourself to your military work.
Ashley: —Father!
World Emperor: ...what is it?
Ashley: I have always dreamed of helping you realize your goals— a world of perfect peace, free of conflict and struggle.
Ashley: Today, at last, my dream has come true... My heart is overflowing with joy and hope for the future.
Ashley: For you, and mother, and all of our peace-loving people— with this Mauser by my side, I will boldly march on!
World Emperor: ...I expect great things from you, my son.
Ashley: —yes!
. . .
UN Soldier A: Hurry! Major Sagan is coming to this town for an inspection! We must welcome him!
UN Soldier A: Have a security network ready, just in case!
UN Soldiers: Yes, sir!
Ashley: What a lovely town... I couldn’t bear seeing this scenery reduced to a mountain of rubble.
UN Soldier: All salute Major Sagan!
Ashley: Thank you for your service, everyone.What is the status of the occupation effort?
UN Soldier: Overall, things are progressing well. However, we have received reports that remnants of the Resistance are lurking on the outskirts, and a search for them is underway.
UN Soldier: In town areas, clashes with rebellious citizens often occur. Any offenders are then imprisoned.
Ashley: Imprisoned, hm? Going to the trouble of having them imprisoned is another example of my father’s leniency. It would be better to sentence them all to death.
Ashley: During the inspection, my Mauser might even have the chance to spill some filthy blood.
UN Soldier: Mauser... you say? Is that a handgun from a half-century ago?
Ashley: Indeed. It’s my beloved gun, given to me as a gift from my father to celebrate my enlistment. Shall I show you? See— isn’t it beautiful?
UN Soldier: I see... However, in terms of performance... wouldn’t it be better to use the latest model of gun?
Ashley: This again? My associates always insist as such, but I’ve already decided that this Mauser is my partner.
Ashley: We’ve shared countless experiences since the start of my career in the military. From here on, until I’ve built the future I envision, that will not change.
UN Soldier: Y-Yes...
Ashley: What a lovely town. How I’d love to show my mother this place...
. . .
A few days later, Ashley’s mother was killed by a band of Resistance fighters.
In the wake of this incident, Ashley’s suppression of the Resistance’s activities became even more severe.
Around this time, an unknown ore was discovered at a former nuclear war site. Later, it was found to be a powerful energy source capable of replacing nuclear power,
In an effort to form a trump card to use in suppressing the rebel forces, Ashley and his associates secretly began conducting research on bombs created with this new ore.
Having seen with his own eyes the power of the completed Myrrh, the World Emperor, deeming it inhumane, refused to allow it to be used.
As his health declines, he becomes increasingly alarmed by Ashley’s radical views.
One day, Ashley meets with an accident and barely escapes with his life, only to learn that the incident was ordered by the World Emperor.
And finally, Ashley turns his blade against his own father.
Ashley: Ngh... aaaahhhh!!
Ashley: Damn it... I failed...! World Emperor, you contemptible, cowardly man...!!
Ashley: I will never again consider such a man to be my father...! He failed to avenge my mother, and rejected my creation, Myrrh!
Ashley: That bastard even tried to have his own son assassinated...! I’ll kill him...! I swear it, I’ll kill him!
Ashley: —ngh! *cough*...! Hahh... hahh...
Ashley: What will... become of me...? Trying to kill the World Emperor— that’s a grave act of treason. I suppose the death penalty is unavoidable...
Ashley: ...no, I’ll fight back...! No matter what happens, I’ll prove I’m in the right...!!
Ashley: That’s why I’ve spent all this time preparing...! I have many supporters, people who eagerly await a new era for this world...!
Ashley: My miserable, foolish father and the conservatives who protect his rule...! I’ll bring judgment on them all!!
Ashley: Know this well... Myrrh and I are the saviors that will bring about a splendid future for humanity!!
Ashley: Hh... gh... The room is spinning...
Ashley: Is there somewhere I can rest...? Ah, that’s right...
*creak*...
Ashley: My room... it’s been so long. Nothing’s changed here... since my student days.
Ashley: Hh... *cough, cough*... Hahh.
Ashley: Mauser... You’re the only one on my side. To guide the foolish human race... and the world...
Ashley: I want the power to surpass... my father...
..................
Ashley: ...nh... Did I fall asleep...?
Ashley: What’s this...? It’s like a weight has been lifted... I feel like I can see a thousand miles ahead.
Ashley: ──!?
???: So you’ve awoken, Ashley.
Ashley: ...who’s there? I thought I’d locked the door behind me?
Mauser: I am Mauser, your handgun, and the Noble Musketeer guided here by your powerful will.
Ashley: Mauser...? Noble Musketeer...?
Mauser: Just as before, I will devote my everything to you. Please, order me as you will.
Ashley: What in the world are you talking—
—*rattle*!
UN Soldier: The door is locked! The perpetrator must be in this room!
UN Soldier: Alright, let’s break the lock open!
Ashley: Ah, it seems a guest has arrived. —you, there. If you so desire my orders, then how about you kill the men who are about to come through this door? Can you do that?
Mauser: Yes, sir.
—*bang*!
UN Soldier: He’s here! Don’t move...!?
UN Soldier: Ngh...!!
Mauser: It is done, sir.
Ashley: One shot each, right between the eyes... good job.
Ashley: Mauser. Will you truly devote everything to me?
Mauser: Yes, sir.
Ashley: Can you kill the World Emperor?
Mauser: Yes, sir.
Ashley: Can you go to the very ends of the earth, to find the traitors who killed my mother?
Mauser: Yes, sir.
UN Soldier: The gunshots were from over here!
UN Soldier: Ashley Sagan! We are apprehending you on suspicion of attempted assassination of the World Emperor!
Ashley: —well then, let’s start right here...
Jailer: Come on, get moving!
Ashley: Ngh...
Jailer: This will be your cell. Go on in!
Ashley: ...you dare to treat me so roughly? What is your name? I’ll be sure to remember it.
Ashley: And then, rejoice. In the near future, you and the rest of your family will fall into a peaceful slumber.
Jailer: Ha, what a joke! You’re the criminal who brought harm to the World Emperor! For all eternity, your crimes will never be forgiven!
Ashley: Hm... Eternity sounds awfully boring, does it not? Bring me books. Everything you have.
. . .
Jailer: Ashley Sagan, you have a visitor.
Ashley: Who is it?
Jailer: Frederick Sagan. He’s the man responsible for the World Emperor’s personal guard— or to you, wouldn’t he be your brother-in-law?
Ashley: ...I’ve been waiting for you, Frederick.
—A few days later.
*gunshots*
Jailer: Ah...gh...
Mauser: Ashley, preparations are complete. Here is the detonator.
Ashley: Thank you. Now... can you hear the clock hands ticking? They’re counting down until the moment when the world is reborn!
Ashley: Ah, Father... The World Emperor, who was everything I admired...
Ashley: Thank you for taking care of me for all this time. And now... goodbye.
—*click*!
*screen shakes and goes white*
Mauser: ......
Mauser: This is the Imperial Detention Center. United Nations Headquarters, come in.
Radio: *static*
Radio: This i—quarters—General assembly—massive explosion of unknown cause.
Radio: Survivors—can’t be found!
Mauser: Roger that.
Mauser: Now then, shall we go? Your Majesty.
Ashley: —yes.
The bombing carried out by Frederick Sagan killed many key members of the United Nations’ forces, including the World Emperor. The World Empire was thus thrown into chaos.
At that time, Ashley, who had left prison and headed for the United Nations Headquarters, attempted to work with his subordinates to reach a resolution.
After ascending the throne as the second World Emperor, he began conducting a great purge of Resistance forces through the use of Myrrh.
And thus, through the new World Emperor, the world was engulfed in a maelstrom of military dominion—