...Are you referring to the 「Emperor」 activating the 「wall」? That's right. Those energy walls destroyed the remnants of the old order—— Exactly what the Emperor was aiming for. He needed that for the 「new order」 left behind by the ancient work as intended. Wait a moment, what do you mean by 「new order」? Hm? Didn't I say so already? ...Ah, I guess I didn't. At my age one can't even understand children's books unless you read them several times. You wanted to know what 「new order」 was, right? Hmm... I suppose I'll need to explain the history of this world first. There was a 「Prophet」 in 「this」 Europe before the Emperor arrived. A Prophet? Of the 「religious」 type? Yes, that kind of 「Prophet」. Every community that worshiped him did it in an abnormal way. They all prioritized the collective will over their own individuality. Ahh, I know what you're thinking, I can see in your eyes you think there must be many virtuous people in this world. And you're not wrong. It's a virtue to be selfless. However, the more virtuous something is, the less likely it is for 「all men」 to have it. You should be aware of how difficult it is—— For a group to maintain the mentality of 「one for all」 despite the passage of time, the gradual shifts in their members and the flow of information. 「Selflessness」 is like clear water and 「selfishness」 is like ink. To avoid pollution, an ideal organization must force each one of its member to be like clouds, and return the water to the earth as rain. There aren't many groups of people in history who could have maintained that way of living but—— The 「Prophet」 miraculously obtained that 「result」 all over the continent. The Emperor noticed that abnormality and tried to find an answer. ...Please don't go off a tangent. What was the answer? What an impatient lady. It's simple—— The Prophet changed the very instincts those people were born with. He 「changed their instincts」? Genetic manipulation to become a hivemind perhaps? I don't know what 「genetic manipulation」 or 「hivemind」 means but... The answer the Emperor found was in Latin. It was a manuscript left by the Prophet. The Prophet said he learned that trick from a 「forbidden fruit」. However, he didn't include how he pulled it off to prevent his knowledge to be used for evil in the future. He engraved three principles into the instincts of the continent's inhabitants. First, an individual may not bring harm to the collective or, through inaction, allow the collective to come to harm. Second, an individual may not bring harm to another individual as long as the first principle is not violated. Third, an individual must obey the orders given by the collective except where such orders would conflict with the first and second principles. Isn't that just like the 「Three Laws of Robotics」?

注：

机器人三定律是阿西莫夫在他的科幻小说中为机器人设定的行为准则——

1. 机器人不得伤害人类，或坐视人类受到伤害；

2. 除非违背第一法则，否则机器人必须服从人类命令；

3. 除非违背第一或第二法则，否则机器人必须保护自己。

0. 在所有法则之前的约束：机器人不得伤害人类整体，或坐视人类整体受到伤害。

 ...I think it'd be more accurate to call it the 「Three Laws of the Military」. In this case, collective doesn't necessarily mean the whole human race. Rather, 「collective」 would be the 「army itself」. From the perspective of the Emperor, those people are the ideal soldiers. That's right. A good general can encourage his soldiers, and in turn his soldiers can encourage their patrons. Those were good times. Everyone's morale was high—— The only problematic ones were Hudson Lowe and his men. Who's Hudson Lowe? The British officer in charge of St. Helena. He tried to take a shot at obtaining the Emperor's power—— ——The Emperor! The Emperor is here! ...? Hey, what are you saying? I can feel the Emperor's presence! D-Does anyone from your group have ties with the Emperor? Or do you know where he is? No, that must not be it. The Emperor came personally to capture me, his betrayer? Impossible, the Emperor can't leave that—— Calm down, you dumb dragon! ....! Seriously. You shouldn't be freaking out like this at your age, buddy. W-What is that? Some kind of monster? You mean me? Cough. Let me tell you, I'm the one and only—— ——Weapon that is so annoying that makes me want to throw it into a furnace. Leaving aside for a moment the fact you were hiding things from me, you being here means everyone is okay now, correct? Yeah. Hello there, you two! Man, I sure feel refreshed after taking a 「nap」. Oh my, what's this? You got another pet? ..... (Hm? I can't feel... the Emperor's presence anymore?) ...You seem to be well as usual, Captain. And he's not a pet. He's Bertrand, a former Colonel who served under the 「Emperor」. ...Emperor? The one who made that 「wall」? The very same one we're trying to get rid of? Yes, that 「Emperor」. ——According to him, the name of that 「Emperor」 is 「Napoleon Bonaparte」. ...T-That can't be! ...Someone you know, Professor? ——What, you're a relative of his or something? ..... You're kidding, right? Come on, we're talking about Napoleon! Napoleon Bonaparte, the first Emperor of France, one of the greatest soldiers in human history! Have you never read about him in the Great Library? Oh yeah, I remember hearing about a guy like that. In some worlds he went around Europe causing trouble and killing people here and there in the name of France or something like that. ...I expected that from a British woman. If I understood this correctly, he's like Caesar then? Such a great hero is our enemy? ...Not necessarily. We only have 「Colonel Bertrand」's testimony as our proof. Wait... his name is 「Bertrand」? What is it, you self-important woman, you don't believe me!? ...No, I don't mean to say I don't believe you, it's just a truth hard to swallow. So you're saying I'm lying!? I didn't mean it like that either. ...Then, explain yourself! Bertrand, this is what we call a 「one sided argument」. We have no way to confirm the veracity of your information about 「Napoleon Bonaparte」 in case you are remembering something wrong. ——Basically, there is no other source of information besides you. Understood? I don't accept that! I am Colonel Bertrand! No, Brigadier General Bertrand! I've served the Emperor longer than most! Yes, so what? So what you say? Even algae and whirl-worms would—— ..... ...Ahh, how could this be happening! Damn algae! Damn whirl-worms! You're completely right. I can't tell anymore if my memory is correct or not. But! The Emperor indeed found and activated that 「wall」! That's something I'm completely sure of! Yeah, that's what the legends say too—— Though they never revealed who this 「Emperor」 was. I'm more interested in the Emperor's 「motive」 instead. What did he gain by activating that 「wall」? Colonel Bertrand, do you know anything about that? ...He wanted a border, of course. Like Limes or Hadrian's Wall. No, the Emperor's new empire needed those 「wall」 more than the Roman Empire did. That 「wall」 was absolutely necessary. ...Why? Take a look at me, I'm a monster barely alive. The moment I stepped out of the 「wall」 I forego any chances of returning back to my normal self. Curse you, Persian witch! You told me I could go back to normal with the power of that purple jewel! But I ended up like this! Unable to move and treated like a 「Leyden Jar」 for energy extraction!

注：

“莱顿瓶”是一种18世纪时用以储存静电的装置，最先由van Musschenbroek在荷兰的莱顿试用。作为原始形式的电容器，莱顿瓶曾被用来作为电学实验的供电来源。

 Doesn't matter who, someone just take this damn jewel off the back of my neck! The color and feel was so similar to our energy source I thought they were the same thing! Jewel? purple? Let me see—— Ah! But if it isn't my 「Noble」, the 「Gem of Domination」! What are you doing here, you little thing? This jewel belongs to you, strange magic sword? Yeah. It's a long story so let me get it off you first! No worries, it won't hurt—— This little guy can control the direction of energy—— And that also includes the electric signals of your nerves. There! Got it! See? It didn't hurt at all. Ahh, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my back! Hahaha! Boy, that serpent woman sure didn't put it to good use. What would be the proper use of the 「Gem of Domination」 then, Dudu-sama? Let me explain it using the words of Professor Schrodinger—— Have you ever heard of 「Maxwell's demon」? ...What's that, some kind of Honkai beast? Hehe. Bianka-sama, 「Maxwell's demon」 is an imaginary monster physicists created—— Which can freely manipulate the direction of particles in a convenient way to violate the laws of thermodynamics. 100 points to Rita! The 「Gem of Domination」 can let its user freely manipulate all kinds of energy! I gotta thank you, Dragon. I've been looking for it! (Du sure is polite when talking to strangers.) (Hehe. It doesn't act that way around you because it likes you, Bianka-sama.) (Hey! I don't want that thing to like me!) Cough. Back to the topic at hand. Bertrand, why was the 「wall」 so important to the 「Emperor」? Was it only just to collect that strange energy? The one the 「Indian madman」 made the 「Emperor」 drink? What do you mean by 「only」! That energy is super important! The Emperor's power began to fade over the years. By the time he got that power from the Indian madman he was nearing the end of his life. If he hadn't done something, his 「Super Human」 power would had faded away and he would had died soon after... and the new empire he built in Britain would be destroyed. The Emperor began to methodically drink the drug left behind by the madman which no one knew how to reproduce. Around that time a British officer wanted to become 「immortal」 and tried to steal one of the vials. ——I'm talking about Hudson Lowe, the man I mentioned earlier. There was a need to look for a replacement for that drug, and if it could be shared with everyone, even better. That reminds me, it was about that time the Emperor learned the secret of the 「Hymn」. I don't remember which one happened first but anyway, the Emperor acquired the power of the 「Hymn」 and the blueprints to make the 「wall」. One thing at the time. What's the 「Hymn」? The 「Hymn」 is a piece of music made by the 「Prophet」. It brings forth the 「Baptism」 lying dormant inside people's blood engraved by their ancestors, to prevent it from diluting and losing efficacy. After learning that, the Emperor used that musical piece to make every tribe and settlement swear loyalty to his empire. By 「Baptism」 you're referring to the 「three principles」 mentioned earlier? Yes. First, an individual may not bring harm to the collective or, through inaction, allow the collective to come to harm. Second, an individual may not bring harm to another individual as long as the first principle is not violated. Third, an individual must obey the orders given by the collective except where such orders would conflict with the first and second principles. ——These 「instincts」 were engraved into people's blood, and gradually they spread out throughout the continent. All the Emperor had to do was to welcome these 「innate followers」 with open arms. 「The Emperor of a foreign land took his servants and swarmed the streets. Then, strange things started to happen.」 「Half of those who saw them couldn't help but join them, as if they were born to be the Emperor's servants.」 「The Emperor's servants didn't eat, drink nor sleep. They just followed their Emperor, singing songs in a strange language and marching forward.」 ——What the legend says was true? No... it's exaggerating. They didn't drink nor eat? born to be his servants? Not at all. I can guarantee you, British lady—— The Emperor of France would never use such 「magic-like」 tactics! Pure nonsense. The Emperor was only doing a demonstration to his men. He was proving human power can exceed 「humanity」 itself. ...Why do that? Can't he just show them his own power? Before we landed on Amsterdam the Emperor shared some of his drug with us. He was convinced not only an emperor would be able to gain such power. And by that point there was no need to carefully ration the drug anymore. He knew erecting the 「wall」 would be the same as sharing the drug with everyone, though I don't remember where he got that knowledge about the 「wall」 from... probably it must have been in some ruin... Ahh... I wish I could go back in time to before I betrayed the Emperor. Everything was simple and beautiful until that day. I don't know whether the Emperor didn't fully understand the technology used by the 「Prophet」 or he miscalculated something along the way, but in the end... Once the 「wall」 was up, a lot of innocent people died. They were all the Emperor's men. Including new soldiers who believed in him and had the 「Baptism」 awakened. Not even the Emperor himself expected that many to die. ..... It turned out the 「Baptism」 from the 「Prophet」 wasn't good enough to withstand that kind of evolution. Some survived like me. Some others fully evolved like the Emperor did—— ——But many more, approximately 90% of the population, turned into monsters like that Indian madman or were burned to ashes the moment they were exposed to that energy! ...! ...How terrible. Indeed. If there is a hell, it would look like that... Some died in agony, some failed to escape, some started crying, some devoured their own companions, some burned to crisp, some shattered to pieces... ...The remaining 10% coldly looked down at them, as if they were unworthy stains on the floor. Because of the ancient 「Baptism」 engraved in their souls. ...I couldn't stand seeing that. I couldn't stand being by the Emperor's side any longer. Fear overwhelmed my loyalty and I instinctively ran away! Isn't it ridiculous!? ...It wasn't even a real 「betrayal」. I... just couldn't bear such tragedy any longer. I ran away! The Emperor's most loyal soldier ran away! I ran away with my tail between my legs after obtaining that 「Super Human」 power! I don't think... you should blame yourself for it. Most likely, the Emperor created a mighty and merciless 「Nation of Super Humans」 inside the 「walls」 by now. Meanwhile, this poor Bertrand is wandering aimlessly outside the 「wall」. I am Bertrand The Coward! I can't do anything! I can't even rely well what I know to others! No one is willing to get close to the big scary dragon. No one wants to listen to what I have to say. 99 out of 100 people run away scared after seeing me, and the remaining 1 try to kill me for honor and glory. And that damn Persian witch! She trapped me here to take what little energy I had left! ..... Let's end this once and for all. This coward doesn't deserve to be called the Emperor's most loyal soldier... ...Let someone else take that title. Brave ladies, before you face the Emperor, fight against his subordinate as a warm up! Colonel Bertrand can't join your expedition... so at least let me die in battle! ——Now, kill me! At least let me die a soldier's death! ...Hey! What are you saying!? Please calm down, Bertrand-san. Hmph. I think... If you want to die so badly why don't you just do it? Hey Du! Don't joke about that! It wasn't a joke, Bianka-sama. All humans eventually die—— So choosing how to die is important. But there is something our coward over here doesn't understand yet. If you want a soldier's death, why don't you try battling the monster called 「living」 over and over to find out how long it'll take you to die? ...The 「monster called living」? Yup. 「Living」 is the toughest opponent in the world, after all no one can win against it. Even the greatest heroes enjoy battling it with all they've got. Old people are stubborn so... Gonna go on a rant until you get it. Cough. Idiot! Dying fool! Coward! Where did the soldier who sang 『Chant du Départ』 go? 「Life」 is waiting for you to make your next move! There are still many things you can do in this world! You—— T-That's right! (Hey Bianka-sama, I'm still not done——) (Shut up and let me talk or else I'm handing you over to the villagers to be used as a pickaxe!) Colonel Bertrand. We are certainly going to face the 「Emperor」 in the future. I understand you can't come with us, but I have the perfect job for you. ...? Take a good look at this twisted, troubled, 「Super Human」 worshiping, driven by superstition country. What would be of them if we all leave? Colonel Bertrand! I ask you to please save this land! Would you guide them as the real 「Super Human」 that you are? You're better suited for this than the 「Emperor」 or the 「Persian witch」—— Because you have a gentle heart! That beautiful heart of yours didn't change after all these years—— So please don't let it go to waste! ..... Well said, Valkyrie. Dragon, the people of this place don't hate you. Rather, they'll worship you. ...But I betrayed my Emperor! So what? You think the 「Emperor」 never betrayed anyone? He is a man who invaded other countries and built a nation—— And for his ambition he sent many men to their 「honorable deaths」. How many of them you think he betrayed as their 「Emperor」? You think he would actually be bothered by your 「betrayal」? I think... You make a good point. He's the type of person who wouldn't care about betrayals. ..... Very well, it's your win. I'm truly a fool who can't crawl out of his own problems by himself. Damn you, algae! Damn you, whirl-worms! What I've been thinking all this time!? Haha, nothing wrong with that. Even the elderly need help every now and then—— Don't you think so? Moreover, let's get this over with and forget all unpleasantries. Come on, let's introduce you to everyone right away. ...Rita. Yes, Bianka-sama? Something on your mind? ...I wonder if it was really okay for us to push such an important job on that old man. Hehe. You're truly a kind person. For a last minute decision it was a pretty good one. You think so? His new workplace has nothing to do with his past experiences. It's the perfect opportunity for him to reaffirm his own values. And as people say, good work is healthy for the mind and body. ...So to celebrate the return of the oldest Super Human, the 「Dragon Colonel」 Bertrand—— ——We'll be holding a grand ballgame tournament! We'll split into Red Team and Blue Team! Anyone can participate! Yay! Long ling the Nakom-sama! Let's light up the place with torches once it gets dark and let the children welcome the new era with this game! ...Sorry, I'm late. What's going on? Like you just heard, the Captain invited people to join a match of ballgame to celebrate the arrival of the 「Dragon Colonel」. ...Ballgame? I can play soccer a little, but what kind of 「ballgame」 they play here? Mesoamerican ballgame. According to the records in the Great Library, it's the most popular sport around these parts.

注：

“蹴球”（玛雅语：pitz；纳瓦特尔语：ōllamalīztli）是一种发源于中美洲的球类运动，有超过三千年的历史。由于这项运动的历史非常悠久，它的详细规则随时间和地点会有所不同。一般而言，这是两人或两方对赛的竞技项目。

蹴球在古代具有宗教意义。球本身代表太阳，正式的比赛常被认为是天上的神明与地下世界的主宰之间的斗争。而最后（在正式比赛中），落败一方的领队会被斩首或取出心脏以作活祭品，他的头骨将作为新球的球心（当时的球都是实心橡胶球）。

 Basically, you try to keep the ball in play. You're allowed to only use your head, elbows, knees and hips. Huh... what an unusual sport... Ah right, there's another rule. You'll win if you can make the ball go through the opponent's stone hoop. If you make that happen, any point invalidated by rule violations will be returned to your team. ——Of course, doing so is not an easy task. Hmm. A one shot one kill move? Interesting. By stone hoop you mean that thing hanging on the wall? Yeah. As you can see, it's attached high into the wall and the ring has enough room for a ball to pass through. Hehehe, nothing is impossible for a Valkyrie! I'll participate! You just watch, I'll show you the legendary one shot one kill move! Hehe. In that case, I shall be Bianka-sama's opponent. Ho. You want to compete with me, Rita? Excellent! That's how Valkyries should be! Rita, I accept your challenge! No, Bianka-sama... I just thought the match would be too one sided if there is a Valkyrie in only one of the teams. How boring. But! You better not hold back during the match, adjutant Rita. Of course. I'll do my best to not disappoint you. Very well. Come on, let's sign up. Ladies and gentlemen, let's get this game started! Woooaaahhhh!!! The Special Red Team—— 「One Shot One Kill」! The Valkyrie Bianka Ataegina! I'm betting on you, Bianka-sama! Do your best! The Special Blue Team—— 「If that is your order I will not hold back. Get too confident and you will lose, Bianka-sama.」! The Valkyrie Rita Rossweisse! Do your best, Rita-sama! Show those guys how it's done! Things are getting exciting! Think the players are getting nervous too? Now then, ready—— ——Start! Both teams clash as soon as it started! Nice! Bianka hits the ball with her elbow to the center of the court and Rita swiftly returned it to the back! The Red Team didn't make it in time! Blue Team scores, 0:1! The Red Team quickly claims a point! Bianka performed a service ace aimed at the opponent's body! 1:1! The match is at a stalemate, neither team has scored for a while. Oh! A mistake! Bianka made a mistake! She sent the ball flying to the audience! 1:2! Blue Team is in the lead! Again! Red Team missed two times in a row! The players at the back missed and sent the ball outside! Is the Red Team nervous due to their recent mistakes? 1:3! The Red Team still keeps making straightforward shoots. Could they be perhaps aiming for the stone hoop? Blue Team sent the ball unexpectedly to the back of the court! The Red Team made it in time but... it's a foul! They touched the ball with their hands! That's against the rules, folks! 1:4! Blue Team is one point away from match point! What will the Red Team do!? It seems the players of the Red Team are trying to communicate with each other using gestures... And it started! Seems the Red Team is going for an all or nothing shoot! The Blue Team is playing defensively, maintaining their formation... Wow! What was that! What happened!? Bianka jumped, turned around mid air and made a shot with her knee! The ball went through the hoop magnificently! Unbelievable! The Red Team has made a miraculous comeback! It's the Red Team's victory! Like their name suggested, they ended it with a 「One Shot One Kill」 move! Congratulations, Red Team! Congratulations, Bianka! That shot was spectacular! The Red Team wins this special match! Red Team wins 14:12! Well played, Rita. I came very close to losing. Yes, that last shot was magnificent. The audience was very excited too! It was great! I really... don't get it... Didn't they just lose their leader? How can they carry on like nothing and have fun? Was their faith a lie all along? ——This is what we call 「cultural difference」. To be honest, I envy them a bit. ...You envy them? Yeah. For them a ruler is just a totem. Their lives belong to them and not to someone high above. I think it's a wonderful thing. It's proof their leaders don't interfere on their daily lives. I must admit that Persian woman was a good ruler, at least in that aspect. The people here worship a system, not a particular person. That system does have its fair share of issues, but it's better than a system you can't put your trust on. So even if the 「High Priestess」 turns into a 「Dragon Colonel」, this society won't lose that wonderful thing. Dogma aside, do you actually care if God's name starts with A or J? Hmmm... Give that a thought, 「Dragon Colonel」.