Chapter 27: Back on the Road: Ghosts of the Ancient Battlefield

Very well. We will depart at once. Next stop, Dusken Lands, the year 300 AD.

Traveling south-southeast of the Beast King's Castle. Reaching the Ancient Battlefield imminently. Aldo?

Okay, let's look for an opening somewhere so you can drop us off.

Understood. Initiating landing preparations.

So this is the ancient battlefield, huh? This is where the war happened all those thousands of years ago.

Well, well, this is quite something.

Oh, Deirdre, what's up?

It's nothing to worry about, it's just that there's quite the ruckus in the land around here.

Well, well, this is quite something.

Who are you?

I'm Deirdre. A mercenary, currently employed by knights as a matter of convenience.

Oh, so you're a knight. I'm Aldo, a traveling adventurer. Pleased to meet you.

This place certainly seems unsettled.

A ruckus? I can't hear a thing.

I do not suppose you could hear it, no. That's because it is the wails of those who perished here.

The wails of the...p-perished? Quit foolin' around, okay?

Hmph, does it sound to you like I jest? Weapons thrown down will rust, bone will turn to dust, but the spirits of the fallen forever remain. Living a life alongside this demon sword has given me a certain affinity for these things.

Not to worry, Amy. My biological scanner detects no signs of life in the vicinity.

That's not comforting at all! Actually, it makes things even scarier!

This battlefield... I remember now.

Anabel, you too? Do you know something about this place?

A report came to the palace from one of the merchant ships sailing near the coast of the Dusken Lands. Word has it that the ancient battlefield has changed somehow. Peculiar, as passage into this ruinous place should have been forbidden.

I thought the story you got from the Mayor sounded familiar. It's the same rumor going around the order.

If we uncover anything on this expedition, I must see to it that King Miglance is informed.

But if what Deirdre says is true, then I do not think this will be an easy feat. Laments of the perished, non? As a Synth Human, I find that a bit beyond my comprehension.

Wait Helena, you don't actually believe this do...

There is no need to be frightened. If the situation takes a turn for the worse, I'll protect you with my Deliverance Sword.

Frightened? I am not frightened! Not one bit!

Deliverance Sword? A strange peculiarity, indeed. Anabel, one day, I would be grateful for a duel with such a sword.

Of course. How about after we return home from this land?

There's nothing to worry about! We have Anabel and Deirdre on our side, after all!

Factoring in their assistance, the success rate of this mission is near 100%!

Sounds good to me. Okay, let's go see what this rumor's about then!

Huh? Who are you?{lang-nuance}table_name:funcTable_false{/lang-nuance}

Hm? You're... Oh Anabel, is that you? Good to see you again. It's been a while!

Yes, the last time was when we uncovered Miglance's underground labyrinth, I believe.

But Anabel, what brings you here?

Huh? Who are you?{lang-nuance}table_name:funcTable_anaberu_false{/lang-nuance}

And you are...?

This is Anabel. The founder, and a Paladin, even. Very holy.

Now's hardly the time to tease me.

I'm Aldo. What's a Paladin doing out here, anyway?

I received orders to survey the disturbances that have been reported in this region. Ever since the war here thousands of years ago, this place has been completely uninhabited. However, merchant ships sailing by the nearby coast reported strange goings-on in this vicinity. Why this is all happening now is a mystery though.

I thought the story you got from the Mayor sounded familiar. It's the same rumor going around the order.

Did you come all the way to the Dusken Lands by yourself, Anabel? No backup or anything?

Is it safe here? The Beast King's Castle is nearby, so the beast army could still be around.

In the aftermath of the war, the order is acutely short of able hands. If worst comes to worst, I've been granted permission to unsheathe my Deliverance Sword.

Well now! Deliverance Sword, you say? I would be honored to duel against such a weapon one day.

Of course. How about after we return home from this land?

I know! Anabel, why don't you come along with us? Your survey will be much easier if we help as well, right?

Cooperating with Anabel will provide her, and us, with a 99.98% probability of success in our missions.

Working together would definitely be the safer option. Would you mind if I joined you?

Of course not. You're always welcome on our team. Okay, let's go and see what this rumor's about!

Huh? Just now, it felt like Ogre Rancorem was rattling inside its sheath...

Aldo, is something wrong?

H-Hm? No, it was nothing. Let's keep going. Probably just my imagination.

What even was that weird orb thing? We grant its wish and it disappears? What's that all about?

Amy, are you okay? You look really pale.

I told you, did I not? This land is laden with cries of the dead.

Deirdre's ears can pick up frequencies that mine cannot. I am clearly in need of further upgrades! I must request the immediate installation of specter scanners from my manufacturer KMS!

Forget about those upgrades! We're done with dealing with the dead now.

What are you talking about? The wailing chorus of the countless dead is incessant. In fact, it grows louder.

You're kidding me?!

Making fun of people is very unbecoming, Deirdre.

Hmph! I speak only of the truth. Do you not think it more advantageous to be aware of what's to come?

I am having a hard time telling if you two are actually friends or not.

Well, let's just get moving for now. There's still a long way ahead of us.

This place really is big. How's everyone holding up?

Fine, thank you. I have gotten used to the spirits' cries as well now.

Although, these spirits are not quite as hostile as I had first imagined. At this rate, there will be no need for the Deliverance Sword.

A shame indeed! I was quite looking forward to seeing it in action. I suppose it is for the best, however.

Yes, but this place still teems with monsters. We mustn't allow our guard to slip.

Now that you mention it, I remember hearing about the Deliverance Sword at the Beast King's Castle. Everyone there seemed pretty scared of it. Anabel, you must be really strong?

The Deliverance Sword is a blade inspirited with the pure power of prayers. As a paladin, I merely wield it.

There weren't any rumors about a demon sword wielder?

Huh?

Ah, no, it's nothing. Do not mind me.

Let us not waste any more time. Judging from the Ancient Battlefield's size, I would estimate we are about halfway. Let's keep our spirits high, and proceed.

To think these ancient siege weapons still function as they used to. It has been of great help to us, however.

Strangely, I feel sympathy for them. Built only for war, once peace arrives they're cast away. Could the war here not have been prevented I wonder.

Just as we still haven't achieved peace between humans and beasts, conflict will always be inevitable.

Even I and Helena, both creations of man, found ourselves on the opposing sides of a conflict.

Oui, that's right. Riica lived to serve human civilization, and I to overthrow it.

But after an unexpected sequence of events, we now travel together in harmony.

I never in a million years thought I would be allies with Helena either.

Exactly. That is why I do not believe that all conflict is inevitable.

Now that I think about it, we too were not the best of...

Hm? What are you looking over this way for?

Heh, never mind.

Even Aldo and I had a lively scuffle upon our first meeting, friendly as that may have been.

I'm pretty sure that was just because you mistook us for intruders and attacked us...

Humans and beasts will live in peace one day. I just know it.

I hope that day will come soon. Okay, let's go. Just a little bit further now.

Well, we were forced to take down Eden in Chronos' Umbra, but... Isn't there something we can do to save him? For Professor Chronos and Madoka's sake...

Indeed, we must do everything within our power to save him, to save our lost future.

Also seems like Feinne saved Altena and the Beast King subconsciously with her power. We gotta look for them, too.

Right, but where are we even supposed to start? If only we had some kind of hint to lead us closer to them.

An ancient battlefield?

Yes, many thousands of years ago, to the east of the Dusken Lands, it is said there was a terrible battle. Blood from the fallen monsters flowed like a river across the land. Countless skulls are said to still remain buried deep in the ground.

The Dusken Lands, home of the Beast King's Castle.

It seems that is where we shall commence our next journey, then.

Right. Another journey, and another adventure!

Let us proceed, Aldo! The world is awaiting us!

We have no time to waste here.

Aldo, we have to find Altena and the Beast King. There's not a moment to lose!

Okay, everyone, let's go. It's time to begin our next adventure!

Wretched humans! Thinking they can do as they please! No entry for us beastfolk, huh? How dare they! This forest used to belong to us...

What's that sound?

, da..., ildna... Guild...na...

Who is that? Who's calling my name?

So it was you? The one who was calling me. Who are you?

Guildna, this is your chance. A chance to start over. You don't have to spend 16 years of your life as the hateful Beast King. You can walk a new path!

What? Beast King? 16 years of my life? Start again? What are you talking about?! Just who are you? Answer me!

Please, Guildna! Do this for yourself, and for Altena!

Wait! You've...

Where am I? What is going on?

That's Snake Skull Mescita. Which would make this Snake Bone Island?

Hey you, over there! Could that be...

Hm?

It is, I knew it! Guildna, it's really you!

So you were brought back to this world again as well. Oh, I'm so glad! I can't believe it's true!

Hm?! What? Wait a minute. You can't be...Altena? That's impossible! Altena is still no more than a child!

But there's no mistaking it, I'm the real Altena, horns and all! You're the one who's really changed. Look at you! You've come back so young-looking.

I still do not fully understand what is happening, however... That girl said some strange things about me changing my time as the Beast King and making a new path.

But seeing you here now, as your younger self. It feels so strange!

So it really is you, isn't it, Altena? I too, did not expect to meet with you like this, so grown up. Anyway, this Feinne? What she said about starting my life again, was it really true?

I think she knew there was more to you than just the Guildna who waged war with humans. She has an eye for seeing the good in people. I'll introduce you to her, someday.

I see. Thank you.

In that case, I will not squander this chance I have been given. It is time to write a new chapter in my life, carve another dream upon this planet. One that will be remembered long after I have gone, not as the Beast King, but as Guildna!

Wha?! What's happening?!

Aldo, what's up?

You haven't stepped on an iwafox claw perchance? A mere scratch can cause horrific swelling.

N-No, it's Ogre Rancorem... It's going berserk!

This land, yes, right here, culmination! Make no mistake, 3000 years of ebbing sands past, we took stand here! And they, they too are here! I feel it. I feel their blood, their skin! Distant in the vast sea of time!

Aldo?!

Aldo?!

Wh-Wh-What the...?

Behold, the stronghold of my brethren, Ogres Spike!

Ogres Spike?! Tell me this is a dream. The ogre fortress that stood 3000 years ago, here?!

I hate to say it, but this is no dream, nor illusion. Look ahead.

Detecting strong interdimensional shockwaves being emitted. Unidentified lifeforms entering through spacetime.

What?!

Extinct ogres along with a humanoid battalion, confirmed. Analysis of weapons and armory matches same time-composition as Ogres Spike.

Warriors from 3000 years ago!

Where are we?! What happened?

Thunder King, at last!

What! The Thunder King?!

Thunder King, verily that is I. But what of you, state your na...

Palsifal's holy blade! What fates bring this here?

The Ogre Rancorem?! It's calling out to the Thunder King's holy sword!

Who the graaag are you, ah?! Where did you maggots fall fram!

We didn't fall from anywhere. Aren't you the ones who appeared here out of thin air?

Yeah, this is the future. The ogre clan was wiped out 3300 years ago.

I don't know how, but it seems they've crossed spacetime, fortress and all, into this time period.

3300 years into the future?! Insolent mockery. Such nonsense is implausible!

Thunder King, it's true, I promise. It's 300 AD, King Miglance VII currently sits on the thr...

What tha graag did you just say lil' worm! Tha ogre clan wiped ouuut? Think I c'n let an insult like that paaass?!

That's right. There's not an ogre to be seen in this world anymore. You were all completely destroyed by the Thunder King.

Graaag?! Watch your mouth, wretch! How could we possibly git defeated by humaaans! That gall's gonna cost ya! Imma have to smaaash that puny head on ya body!

Garf garrrf!

Fool, listen and listen well. Ogres have already seen their demise. It is unmistakable history. The final flare of the ogre clan imbibed the holy blade, becoming the genesis of I, Ogre Rancorem.

Grag graaag! What an insuffer'ble sword, ah! This Ogre Rancorem?! The remaaains of our clan are now nuthin' more than this pitiful sword?!

Braaag! Don't make me laugh. What kind of cretin would believe such bile, eh?! What arrogance to compare the mighty ogre clan to the likes of a whimpering mutt.

Garf garrrf! Garararrrf!

Very well. No reason is better heard than in the spilling of blood. Those millennia ago, we formed an oath. "All and any life be unsacred to our blade in seek of subsistence." "Be that even of kin blood, it matters not." Prepare for death!

Thunder King, please step aside. Leave this to us!

Is that so. Then I shall not hinder you. Show me your strength.

Okay, let's do this! Ogres! It's time to show you that your era has passed!

Grraaagh! We've never been brought so close ta defeat!

You've become much stronger, Deirdre.

Of course. Gone are the days when I depended on the demon sword.

It's pointless, ogres! Your time is over.

Greeeh! Vile humans!

Graaaaaah!

Wh-What just, who is that?!

King of the ogre clan, Zennon Ogre!

Zennon Ogre! Why would you do that to your own troops?!

I have no use for spineless cowards who fall to humans. Though, this is truly a curious story. 3000 years, into the future? Speak, what is happening at this moment? I also cannot but question that weapon you wear, Ogre Rancorem, it, What!

Ogre Rancorem, what now?!

What? What's it doing?!

Zennon Ogre! The final grain of 3000 years of sand hath at last fallen. The bounds of the Gyre Melody unwoven!

Ah!

Hrgh! Ogre Rancorem... Intriguing, the holy blade and the ogre clan seem to be resonating strongly. Very well, I shall take my leave for now.

Halt! I will not allow you to escape!

Fret not, Thunder King. The time will come for us to end this feud.

Until then, wait patiently for your annihilation! No matter the era, there is no place in this world for humans!

What's happening to the Ogres Spike?!

Wretched ogre! The fiend has bound Ogres Spike with his devious magic. In all my endeavors, I have yet to find a way of breaching that barrier.

Ogre Rancorem, can you do something about it?

This once may have been my magic to use, but regrettably I no longer possess the power to disable this.

I guess we'll just have to think of something else then...

Intertwining fates between holy and demon swords, a familiar tale. This seems entirely different to the tale that I heard though.

Thunder King, Aldo, might I suggest that we head back to the Royal City Unigan for now.

The Royal City? What is this place you speak of?

It is the capital of this era, the city of the king governing these lands. King Miglance currently makes his residence there. Perhaps you could meet with him.

Very good. I am curious to see the capital of this time. It could be advantageous to meet with this so called Miglance, too.

Your Majesty! Do you really think it is safe to travel together with one who possesses such a demon sword? Furthermore, this band contains such...bizarre companions, who knows what will happen!

Well now. Might I ask who exactly those bizarre companions would be?

Hmph. I'm not worried about that. I need you to stay here and watch out for those guileful ogres. I have no doubt that many of our companions will arrive in this time period too. They will need guidance. Gather them and establish an encampment.

But, Your Majesty!

You worry too much. Just leave the Thunder King with us, we don't bite.

There is no cause for concern. My protection service includes a 120% satisfaction guarantee!

Nobody is forcing you to join us, and we won't mind at all if you do not come either.

Thunder King, let us for now put aside our entwined pasts. Of course, I fight to honor my vow to Aldo... However, now more than anything, I wish to test what was once the ogre clan against my own might.

For a blade you tell quite a tale. Very well, Ogre Rancorem.

Understood. We will begin camp preparations immediately and await your return. We pray for your safe passage.

My thanks. See it done.

Well then, let us be on our way. I can just see the look of surprise on the King's face now.