Chapter 56: Time Asunder: Visage of the Void

Yeah, you're right... I'd better go, Master. If I can't figure out the motives of the church of the Goddess of Time, and do something about the changes to history...

Wh-Where is this?

Ngh! Phantoms!

So these are the ones who will stand against the darkness? They are the ones recognized by the Dragon God?

In that case, wouldn't it be quicker to finish this here and now?

What did you say?!

Wait. I am unable to read their stars. Moreover, isn't that Ogre Rancorem? What's it doing in the hands of these humans? You should be standing with the darkness. We couldn't have imagined you would betray us.

Hmph. And what do we have to say about our position on the Daughter of Time?

There is the matter of the Goddess of Time. Depending on this group's actions, this may turn out in our favor.

Then I welcome you to the battle of the gods, O Child of Man! I'm afraid there is no escaping from this game.

That's it! I've been quiet long enough. Just what is it you guys are planning?

Listen well Aldo... You desire the truth about the Goddess of Time, do you not? It seems the church has altered history itself in order to guide you to this land. They are sealed in that shell of time and can't step foot off that island.

What does that mean?

Now that you mention it, Ogre Rancorem said something about that too.

But why Aldo? And why us?

Naturally, you all have a role you must play in this game. You are a gear in the machine of time. They have predicted as much. On the day we wake from dreams of time, the Goddess of Time shall return, opening the door to paradise. However, is it really that easy for everything to go as they plan?

A tear in time and space?!

Be on your way, Aldo. Discover the truth for yourself. The beginning of the Goddess of Time!

That's not good...

Now what will you do, Goddess of Time? Can you save them? Your children...? The ones who stand against the darkness. The curtain on this mighty game has been drawn and there is no escape! Muahahaha!

Hmm... We certainly have time on our hands, these days. I wonder if anything interesting will ever happen...

What? Var-var, how can you be so cheerful about this? Why, Master Guildna is out there doing his best in the East as we speak!

What? Var-var, how can you be so cheerful about this? Why, something awful could be happening to Master Guildna in the East as we speak!

I'm well aware of that, Myrus. But, even so...

Hey, Mister Vares! Come play tag with us! Please?!

Please come and play, oh, please! Mister Vares!

Well, well... You children again? You don't know when to quit, do you? I see. Very well, then. However, please don't call me Mister. It makes me feel old. Just Vares will do, eh? Now then...shall I be "it" first, again? What do you say?

Hooray! Okay, but you've gotta really do your best to catch us! Mist... I mean, Vares!

Yes, yes, of course. So, you want me to do my best, eh? My very best? Well then... Here I come!

All right! He's breaking out his secret ultra beetle-demon form!

Now, see here! How many times must I tell you children?! I am not a beetle!

Eeeeek! Run away!

Wait! Why, you little rascals! When I catch you, I'll eat up every last one of you! Naughty children?! Crying children?! Come out, come out, wherever you are! Bwahaha!

Darn it, Var-var!

*sigh* I guess he can't let Master Guildna see this side of him.

Guildna... And Feinne and Aldo, too... I hope they're all doing well...

It's all right. Guildna.. And Feinne and Aldo, too... They're all doing well... I'm sure of it!

Where am I...? No. What era am I in?

This landscape is familiar to me. It would seem that we are in the East, in Antiquity. Most likely in Hokishi Forest. My homeland, Gadaro, should be nearby.

In that case, why don't we go check out this Gadaro place now?

Right. Surely Phantom must have had a reason for sending us here... Let's go to Gadaro!