Magic Knight Deirdre

Aren't you Aldo, the slayer of the Beast King?

Are you heading to the Karek Swampland by any chance?

Why, do you need something from there?

I'm sorry to bother you with this. A small-scale beast incident took place there a short while ago. The unit that was sent to deal with it hasn't returned yet and I'm beginning to worry.

Why don't you go and check it out yourself?

I would if I could, but I cannot leave my post.

Okay. I'll go and take a look for you.

Thank you, kind sir!

Can you describe them to me? Just so I know who I'm looking for.

Just look for a purple-haired female mercenary. Can't miss her. If only she hadn't been with my troop...

Why? Is she some kind of troublemaker?

Well...yes and no. I don't know all the details, to be honest. She's an amazing warrior, quickly making a name for herself.

That's good, though?

Her fighting ability is to be envied, sure enough. But there are disconcerting rumors about her. She refuses to follow orders and the court mage claims she's dabbled in the dark arts. I'm worried that the late return of the troop has something to do with her.

All right, I'll see what I can find out. A purple-haired mercenary should be easy enough to spot. I'll see you later.

All right, off to the Karek Swampland!

There's the purple-haired lady. And beasts?! They are still in battle?!

You persistent pests! Give us a break.

Thought I'd let you get away? Unlike those knights, I don't give up so easily!

Deirdre, I repeat! Cease the pursuit! We've been ordered to avoid prolonged fighting and report back as soon as possible.

You call this prolonged fighting? What do you take me for? This is just a warm-up. Besides, I can't stand being ordered around as if I couldn't make decisions for myself. If you're too scared, why don't you leave me to deal with the beasts while you go back to the castle and hide under your bed?

How dare you talk like this to your commander!

You guys aren't much of a team, huh? Looks like you can't count on their support, lady!

Wh-What?!

I'm getting bored here. Come on, entertain me!

Eek!

The other guys turned out to be a bunch of chickens, so I guess it's just you and me. Which is just fine as far as I'm concerned. Or are you also a chicken? Cluck cluck?

Wha... You want to die so badly, you crazy woman?! You're gonna get it!

You'll regret not heeding your wise commander's advice.

Oh, so you do have some fight in you. Perfect. I was thinking you'd be another disappointment.

The beasts are going all out! This is too much for us. Retreat!

Hah. This is when it gets good.

My demon sword is starving for the blood of a worthwhile opponent!

This is madness! We will retreat to the castle at once!

Cowards!

She's all on her own!

It's too dangerous to fight them alone. I'll help you out.

Where did you spring from? You don't look like a knight. Are you just some wayfarer with good intentions?

Let's save the talking for later. I'll distract the enemy while you look for an opening to attack!

Got you!

Gwaaaaaargh!

Nice one!

Thanks, stranger. That battle might've gotten a lot messier if not for you.

Time to feed my dear pet. Feast on this foe, Verweil!

...... Not good enough? You're one spoiled demon sword.

You called it Verweil? Is it a genuine demon sword?

You bet. Its power has waned somewhat, though.

You don't normally see Miglance knights wielding weapons like that.

I may fight for them, but I'm no knight and it offends me to be lumped together with them.

They're foolish idealists, believing in "justice" and "chivalry." Good luck protecting anyone when you only fight "honorably" against enemies who don't.

You seem to really hate the knights and their moral code. Why did you join the Order?

I didn't join it. I'm a freelancer offering my services at a price, there's nothing more to it than that.

I get that, but why would you associate with people you can't stand?

It's all for my demon sword. I want to restore its full power, and for that I need quality beast blood. I figured joining these guys would be a sure way to cross paths with powerful beasts and monsters.

Is there any particular reason you want to restore this sword's power?

Well... It's nothing concrete, I just...have this bad feeling that if I don't hurry with it, I'll regret it. That something terrible will happen. Even though to be honest, I have nothing left to lose.

......

By the way, you seem like a seasoned fighter yourself. Slaying monsters is nothing new to you. You're not as airheaded as you look, huh? What's your name?

I'm Aldo, from Baruoki. The comment about my looks was unnecessary by the way...

I'm Deirdre. Aldo, let me join you in your travels.

Wait, what? Did I hear that right?

Don't worry, I won't be a burden to you. Leave any beasts you come across to me.

Okay. There's no harm in having one more companion on my journey. But first we need to report back to the Royal Order about this battle.

Heh. All right, if you insist. Wait a bit longer, Verweil. You'll have your fill of beast blood soon.

The soldier who was posted here is gone?

Found something better to do, I guess. So much for a sense of duty. I'm not about to go out of my way to find him just to report in.

You're the one who has no sense of duty, Deirdre. This is not a casual job. Orders, regulation, proper procedures, they mean nothing to you, do they? Hiring you was a mistake.

Oh my, if it isn't Miss Perfect Paladin, always ready with a kind word.

Taunt me all you like, it's useless.

I was merely paying you back in your own coin.

......

......

(If looks could kill...)

News has reached me that you turned your back on your commander's orders again.

We had a difference in opinion regarding the objective of the mission, and the risk assessment.

I'm growing tired of your sophistries. It was insubordination, plain and simple. You pushed the beasts too far and they summoned a fearsome monster, didn't they?

That monster was pathetic. Its blood couldn't quench my sword's thirst. But since you know everything now, why don't you go and report the outcome in my stead?

Are you sure you want me to do it? I will not hesitate to mention your unacceptable behavior.

I've got nothing to hide. I think for myself and do what feels right to me. Just don't try to take credit for my glorious victory.

Excuse me?! Unlike you, I have principles!

If you're looking for the guard, he's gone to the barracks with the recently arrived troop.

Huh? Ugh, I don't want to deal with her...

I thought I smelled something bad. As expected, here's Deirdre with her rotten morals.

Oh my, if it isn't Miss Perfect Paladin, always ready with a kind word.

Taunt me all you like, it's useless.

I was merely paying you back in your own coin.

......

......

(If looks could kill...)

You turned your back on your commander's orders again.

We had a difference in opinion regarding the objective of the mission, and the risk assessment.

I'm growing tired of your sophistries. It was insubordination, plain and simple. You pushed the beasts too far and they summoned a fearsome monster, didn't they? And now I've been asked to slay it. You mess up, and I end up having to clean after you. But orders are orders. I always fulfill my duty.

Dear me, you might want to swallow your words. You've painted yourself such a martyr, all for nothing.

What do you mean?

You're making wrong assumptions, Lady Perfect Paladin. Enlighten her, Aldo.

M-Me?!

Uh...so, in a nutshell... The chimera's gone.

It's gone? Did it escape from the Karek Swampland? We must alert the local villagers to the danger!

No, we killed it.

I dealt the finishing blow myself, so you can be sure it's dead. You got all worked up for nothing. Better let the commander know, eh? Just don't try to take credit for my glorious victory.

Excuse me?! Unlike you, I have principles!

Girls, keep it down! They can hear you in the next town over!

You're one of Aldo's friends, aren't you?

That's right. My name's Soira. It's good to be so spirited, but do you really want everyone in town to hear you arguing? You're allies, so play nice together.

Sounds like someone's getting really upset!

Ah, it's Anabel and Deirdre fighting again. Tsk tsk!

Where do I know you from...

I'm Soira! I was just enjoying a nap when you two woke me up. You're allies, so play nice together. And don't disturb people napping. Okay?

S-Sorry, Soira. Now I kinda feel bad about it.

It was unbecoming of me to lose my nerve like that.

It's only you, Deirdre, that really makes me snap. My blood starts boiling the moment I see your face.

What a coincidence. You have a gift for setting off my temper, too.

Ahem! Don't start this all over again.

True victory is only achieved through righteous means. As long as you're with our order, live by its principles.

You're out of touch with reality, but good luck with that chivalrous approach.

What did you say?

Nothing, just muttering to myself. You guys pay me, I do my job. That's all there is to it.

What happened between the two of you to make you hate each other so much?

It was hate at first sight.

We just have completely incompatible worldviews.

O-Okay...if you say so.

Haha, it's all just friendly teasing, I'm sure! I need not have worried.

Well then, I'm off to the well for a nap now. Bye!

I'll be going back to the well to resume my nap now. Bye!

You sleep inside a well?

It's the ideal nap spot. Nice and cool on a hot summer day, with the clear blue sky visible up above. So nice.

With knights like this, I worry for the future of this country.

You're one to talk. I won't send you on another mission until you fix that attitude. Until then, the only work I have for you is routine patrols.

I'm not interested in your missions anyway. From now on, I'll be joining Aldo. Better chance of encountering powerful beasts.

These two just can't have a civilized conversation. Weren't you going to have a nap, Soira?

Um, yes. But I gave up on sleeping in the well after all. The growling is a bit unsettling.

Growling?

It's coming from like, under the ground? It gets quite loud in the well.

It's coming from like, under the ground? It gets quite loud in the well.

Now try to tell me that's not weird!

Any idea what it might be?

Maybe. It's more of a gut feeling. Mind coming along to check it out?

This is the well Soira was talking about. It is nice and cool down here, but it wouldn't ever occur to me to climb in and sleep.

Hmm...

I can't hear any growling, though. Maybe it was just a dream?

What were you hoping to find here?

It reminded me of a rumor I heard a while ago. I didn't think of it much before. Supposedly there's a huge labyrinth beneath Miglance Castle.

It could just be a folktale.

When I heard it, I just rolled my eyes. Nearly forgot about it, but now I think there may be something to it. The story changes slightly depending on who's telling it. Some say there's hidden treasure, others, that it was built to house a terrifying monster...

The more a rumor goes around, the further from the truth it gets.

Yes. However! All these rumors have one thing in common.

And that is...

It's just a tiny detail, but all the more remarkable that this would be the one constant element. "The underground labyrinth is huge." The castle itself isn't all that big. So if it really is huge, then it might not just stretch under the castle, but under the whole castle town.

Are you serious?

There we go. This wall made an empty sound when I knocked on it. It wasn't just a local myth after all.

This is the entrance to the labyrinth?! Or it could just be a tunnel for workers servicing the well.

There's only one way to find out. Come on, Aldo.

It looks pretty big.

Which corroborates the rumors. I wonder what else is true.

Aha! A monster, just like in the stories!

It's not your regular neighborhood nuisance kind of monster. Watch out!

Awesome! This may be just what I need to awaken my Verweil!

Groooooorgh!

Hold on, Deirdre!

Deirdre! I knew you'd be here!

This monstrosity was living under the castle all this time?

He's my prey, Anabel. You keep your hands off him!

I can sense your hatred, monster. Your blind rage, your guilt. What a rich feast you'll make for my sword! Devour him, Verweil!

What the... Does he not feel pain at all? Heh. Not a problem. It'll make an even better sacrifice for my demon sword!

It's frustrating to watch this farce.

Hey, you stay out of it!

We cannot allow this monster to escape. You stay back, and watch as I make short work of it. Hyah!

Graaaaaarrr!

It's lost its balance!

You've been relying on your sword's demonic power so much, your skill's gone rusty.

Don't get cocky just because you landed one good hit!

Stop arguing and strike before it has the chance to recover!

All right! Verweil, here's your prey! Devour its dark soul!

Urrrgh!

Perfect! This is it! Oh yes! Verweil has awakened! I won't ever need your help again, Anabel.

Don't tell me you lured this monster out of the depths of the labyrinth just for the sake of your sword?!

So what if I did?

Did it not occur to you what havoc would have ensued if it escaped? You put the townsfolk in danger!

That's true, I won't deny it. But those who have had a rough life know better than to waste time worrying about others.

......

The monster is dead, no one's been hurt. You're getting worked up over nothing.

Easy to say that when the result happened to be positive, but that was not guaranteed!

I see now that you're too irresponsible to be given a free hand, ever. I will be reporting all of this to the Knight Commander.

Deirdre, you'd be much better off without provoking her at every chance.

That's none of your business, Aldo. Anabel and I will never get along. That's a fact.

......

Now that my sword has awakened, I have no reason to stay here.

Huh? Verweil? Ah, you're still thirsty for more. What a greedy demon sword you are.

What's the matter, Deirdre?

I changed my mind. I'm going to take another look in the labyrinth.

Another dead end?

Looks like it. No, wait. There's something here.

It's a door. Uhn! Won't budge. It must be locked somehow.

I hate to interrupt you when you're having so much fun, but what if it's a trap?

Who's there?!

What is it? Did you hear something?

Prove my strength?

Deirdre?

Did you not hear that voice? It told me I have to prove my strength to learn the truth.

I haven't heard a thing.

Maybe the demon sword is the key. Waking it was only the first step.

It needs to feed on more monsters. Luckily there's plenty in the labyrinth.

We need to collect magic power, Aldo.

Okay. And how do we do that?

There are more monsters than rats in this labyrinth. Surely no one would like to have a deadly menagerie like this right under their town, would they?

Well, yeah...

So, as a temporary member of the Royal Order, it's my duty to exterminate them. And since I'll be killing them anyway, I'll harvest their souls and turn them into magic power.

So, what now?

Hold on. Let me feed the collected magic power to Verweil.

There we go! This is how I'll prove my strength and get that door open.

Is this a test of the demon sword's power then?

I'm going to pass this test with flying colors. How's this!

Ugh... What's going on? What are these visions?!

The demon sword...tremendous power. Life...when death...certain.

Ugh... Argh!

Deirdre, are you all right?!

......

I'm fine. I just...saw something strange. Ngh...

Don't push yourself too hard! We got the door open and that's good for now. Let's head back to the town and take a break.

I don't need a break... Ugh...

Listen to me, Deirdre...

Who's there?

Was it you who discovered the entrance to this labyrinth? It is now under the Royal Order's jurisdiction. You must leave immediately.

Don't boss me around... I must...find...the truth...

It's good you've found us, soldier. My friend here has been poisoned by a monster. Can you help me carry her?

What the heck... Aldo, you...traitor...

Ah, I see. Of course, I don't mind helping you.

Your concern for my well-being is, frankly, annoying and unnecessary, Aldo.

Sorry about that, but you were in no state to keep on going.

No matter. What's done is done. I'll rest up and make preparations for the next trip down the labyrinth.

And Aldo... You're now as deeply involved in this mystery as I am. You'll help me unravel it, won't you? I think you owe me for having that soldier drag me out of the labyrinth!

What was the labyrinth door trying to tell me back then? What was the meaning of that vision?

Help!

Where am I?

Somebody help, please!

This area is off-limits.

Since you're with the Royal Order and we could use some help bringing the labyrinth monsters under control, I'll let you pass. I couldn't believe it when they told me the labyrinth was real. I wonder how many other rumors are actually true.

Since you're with the Royal Order and we could use some help bringing the labyrinth monsters under control, I'll let you pass. There's a rumor people get lost inside and never make it back out again. Be careful in there.

Since you're with the Royal Order and we could use some help bringing the labyrinth monsters under control, I'll let you pass. We haven't been able to establish the source of the monster infestation yet.

Since you're with the Royal Order and we could use some help bringing the labyrinth monsters under control, I'll let you pass. I took a few steps inside and immediately lost my way. Thankfully, someone helped me get back out. I hate labyrinths.

Since you're with the Royal Order and we could use some help bringing the labyrinth monsters under control, I'll let you pass. No matter how many we slay, there's always more to take their place. Where are they coming from?

Good luck and thanks for the help.