But Wait, There's More

Morning, Deirdre. How was your sleep?

Not good at all actually. I've been having the same nightmares over and over again recently.

Sorry to hear about the nightmares... Has something been bothering you?

Nothing in particular that I can think of...

Wait... I just remembered something that could be a nuisance.

What is it?

It's not really a big deal, though. I just remembered that the Knight Commander wanted to see me.

The Knight Commander?! Sounds like a big deal to me!

Don't tell me that you're in trouble again.

What do you mean by "again"?! You make it sound like I'm always in trouble.

Sure, I don't always salute my superiors and I often go down into the Labyrinth without permission. But that's all I think.

Sounds like making trouble to me.

Hmph... Believe it or not, I've been trying to do everything by the book recently.

I get it. The fact that I'm Anabel's...my sister's aide means I have to behave, is that right?

I get it. Because I've decided to support my sister behind the scenes, I can't do anything stupid.

I'm glad to know that you're making an effort. You'd better go see what the Commander wants.

Hmph... You don't need to remind me. I've got no idea what this is about, but if the Knight Commander needs me, then I've got to go.

Oh Deirdre, so you decided to grace me with your presence.

I'm actually quite surprised. I expected more of a fight out of you.

Hmph... Let's not waste time with chit chat. That's not why you called for me.

Deirdre! That's not how you're supposed to speak to him.

Hahah... Don't worry about it, Aldo. Her directness is what I value about her.

You really are an expert at making me feel uncomfortable.

Well then... I called you here for a reason. Some of our knights have gone missing on the Serena Coast.

They're missing?

There were no signs of a battle, but there have been reports of beasts in the area. Furthermore, some people claim to have seen a strange light around there.

There is a possibility that the beasts are working on some kind of new weapon. Sending more knights would only put them at risk, that's why...

Excuse me, Sir Lakhesis.

Captain Anabel, First Squadron, Royal Order of Knights, reporting for duty, sir.

Right on time, Anabel. This is about the knights who disappeared recently. I want you two to investigate what happened.

Anabel the Paladin and Deirdre the masterful mercenary... My apologies, I nearly forgot that you are an official knight now.

Anabel the Paladin and Deirdre the masterful mercenary...

Fighting alongside Aldo, the warrior who defeated the evil Beast King.

I have full confidence that you three will be able to handle this new beast weapon.

Hah... Is that what you wanted me for? I can take care of that on my own.

Whatever... We'll unravel the mystery behind these missing knights.

Hey, Deirdre. What was with the attitude towards Sir Lakhesis?

Huh? Do you have a problem with that?

I knew it. You see no problem speaking to your superiors like that.

R-Really? I thought I was being careful back there.

Sigh... I'll apologize for you to Sir Lakhesis later.

Ugh... I'm sorry, sis.

Knight Commander Lakhesis, huh? The other knights call him the Lance of Miglance on the battlefield. But he looks rather mellow to me.

That's what it means to be a leader. You could learn a thing or two from him.

Hmm...

Hey, Deirdre. What was with the attitude towards Sir Lakhesis?

He doesn't seem to think so. It's none of your business anyway.

Why you little!

Knight Commander Lakhesis, huh? The other knights call him the Lance of Miglance on the battlefield. But he looks rather mellow to me.

That's what it means to be a leader. You could learn a thing or two from him.

Hmph... It's none of your business.

Let's get back to the mission at hand. How could a group of knights disappear without a trace?

It worries me that no evidence of a battle was found in the area.

Here's what I'm thinking. Maybe the beasts had nothing to do with it. The light sounded a lot like a tear in spacetime. They could've been sucked up and sent to another time.

That's very possible.

If that turns out to be true, then it's a good thing we were chosen for this mission. First things first, we should check out the scene and see if we can find anything.

You're right. Let's start our search on the Serena Coast.

Here's what I'm thinking, Deirdre. Maybe the beasts had nothing to do with it. The light sounded a lot like a tear in spacetime. They could've been sucked up and sent to another time.

If that turns out to be true, then it's a good thing we were chosen for this mission.

What are you two talking about?

Nothing. We should first go investigate where the knights disappeared.

Hmm... It sounds like you're hiding something from me...

But you're right anyways, we should go to the Serena Coast.

This must be where the knights went missing...

I don't see any beasts, or any signs of a wormhole.

Hmm... This might be more complicated than we originally thought.

Hm? Aldo, when did it become just us two?

Huh?

Wait, Anabel is gone! Where did she go?

Deirdre! Aldo! Over here!

That's her!

Over there! Hurry up, Aldo!

Beasts!

Answer me. Are you the ones responsible for the disappearance of some knights that were here?

Muahaha... We can't remember every human we kill.

What if we were the ones responsible?

Well if that's the case...

Then there'll just be two more corpses on the ground shortly.

No way! Don't tell me that she's the Paladin, Anabel!

B-But I don't see her army anywhere. Get her before they arrive!

Haha... I don't see any beast army either.

This is bad... She's the Magic Knight, Deirdre!

My name precedes me. I'm honored... Since you know us so well, how about you tell us what you know about the knights.

I don't know anything! I swear!

Oh, that's too bad. Then I guess it's your turn next.

Eek! I know nothing! Come on, help me!

A chimera?!

Be careful! That's no ordinary chimera!

Heheh... If I'm going to the grave, then you're coming with me.

Looks like this is going to be fun.

Hmm... That was quick. My blade is still cold to the touch.

Is that Radias?!

Is that a knight?!

Hmm... You're not from around here, aren't you? I've never seen skills like yours before.

Are you by chance one of the knights who disappeared?

I'm Anabel, First Squadron, Royal Order of Knights! And you?

......

What's wrong? Were you hurt in the battle?

Uh...

Lady Anabel!

Huh?

It is I...Radias, also of the First Squadron!

Lady Anabel?

Have we met before? I know each and every member of the First Squadron.

I don't recognize the name Radias.

......

It's just as I thought, Lady Anabel. You don't recognize me either. Which means that I was right about this world.

The heck?! That chimera was supposed to be my ace in the hole. I've got to run before they notice me again.

What's the rush? Why don't you stay a little longer?

Guagh!

We don't want any more needless violence. Just tell us what you know.

I-I said I didn't do anything! The knights were swallowed by this weird light, and...

Look!

There's that light again!

Gahhh! It's pulling me in!

Is this a tear in spacetime?

No, I know I've seen this somewhere before.

No, there's something different about this one.

Get away from it! We're getting pulled in!

Ahhh!

Ugh?!

What's wrong, Deirdre?!

It feels like my head is splitting! And I can hear a voice...

Urgh...

It's the light!

Radias, not you too... It's dangerous. Get away from there!

No, we're being pulled in!

Ugh... Where is this?

Deirdre! Anabel! Are you two all right?

Uhh...

Ngh... The headache's gone...

But it looks like we've been thrown into some unknown land...

It seems we've traveled across spacetime...

It seems we've traveled across spacetime...

What does that mean? You said "traveled across spacetime," do you know what's going on?

Well, about that...

I guess we've got no choice. We have to tell Anabel the truth.

A tear in spacetime is a weird hole that sends you off to a different time when you pass through it.

We travel through the tears in spacetime to venture to the past and future. I understand that it's hard to believe...

The past and future?! That's ridiculous...

But I must trust what you say is true. Calling you a liar won't get me anywhere.

So... Where's that knight, Radias?

Come to think of it, that beast is gone too.

I can hear the crashing of waves. We can't be too far from the Serena Coast.

Perhaps the tear brought us to a slightly different place?

We should look around for Radias and that beast.

What's that?!

There's a battle between the knights and beasts!

I don't think we've traveled that far in terms of time.

Maybe these knights are the ones who went missing.

We should go join the fight...

Stop, guys. There's something going on.

How dare you!

Oh my... They're attacking the civilians?! There's no way the royal knights would follow such an order!

Does that mean this commander has gone rogue? This is just inhuman...

We just can't stand here and do nothing. Let's go!

You! What are you doing?

Had the troops followed my orders, this battle would already be over with.

I'm not here to listen to excuses.

So, kindly tell me about these unarmed beasts...

Why were they allowed to live?

Eek! How did you know we were here?!

Mommy!

Heehee... You must've thought that those flames would conceal you from us. Indeed, most humans wouldn't expect you to hide within such intense fires.

Unfortunately for you, I already knew that some beasts are immune to the heat of flames because of their elementals. Just wait a moment while I draw my sword.

M-Mercy, please! You do whatever you like with me...

But please spare my daughter's life!

...... Please don't worry yourself. I have no intention of doing anything wrong.

Oh... Thank you...

Go along now! Run away! Stay strong...

No, Mommy! Don't talk like this is the last time I can...

MOMMY!

*sob*

It must've been hard saying good bye to your mother. But please dry your eyes little one...

Because you will soon join her.

What?

Dammit! We're too late! Even the children are...

Men, women, children... It didn't matter. There was no mercy... What concerns me is who they looked like...

Is that... Is that really? Could it really be me? Was I killing civilians?

That's the last of them.

That means our mission is complete. Tell the knights to prepare to leave.

No...

It can't be...

Anabel...

What the heck is going on?

Oh... Is somebody there?

There's no where to run. If you're not a beast, then you have nothing to fear. Come on out.

Looks like we've gotten ourselves in trouble. It's best that you hide somewhere, Anabel.

Oh... Okay...

Hm? Your outfits...

You look like adventurers. What brings you to a place like this?

Well you know... Umm... Spacetime and... Oh! Forget that...

Hey Aldo, don't you think that it's sometimes better not to tell the whole truth?

What do you expect? I'm not good at things like this!

Umm? What are you two talking about?

Please allow me to explain, Lady Anabel.

Oh, that voice!

Captain Radias, First Squadron, Royal Order of Knights, returning to the field.

Huh?!

Radias! I knew you were alive!

Forgive me for being away for so long... I encountered some trouble along the way.

There's no need for you to apologize. I'm just happy you've returned to us. But where have you been? You were reported missing since the last battle.

Well...things got rather complicated...

I see, you can tell me all about it once we're back at the castle.

By the way, Radias... Who're these people?

They're some adventurers that I was traveling with until we got here.

Really, with these two...

Then I'd personally like to thank you for taking care of my aide.

Don't mention it. We just so happened to be traveling the same strange path.

Huh? Are you...

What is it? Is there something on my face?

It's nothing. Please forget I said anything.

It's time to return to the capital.

Oh, and Radias... I hate to ask you this since you've just returned, but could I send you on another mission?

Of course, Milady.

I want you to escort these people to the capital. It'd be impolite not to express our gratitude.

Yes, Milady.

Make sure you take good care of them.

Well then, adventurers. I'll be expecting you in the castle guardroom.

I didn't realize you were from this time period, Radias. But why did you decide to cover for us?

I'm not covering for you. I just had my own way of handling the situation.

You...

Radias. How can you be so calm?

Anabel...

You're one of those knights that massacres civilians, aren't you?

When you serve Lady Anabel long enough, it becomes ordinary.

Is that... Miss Commander really the same Anabel that we know? I mean, we've traveled through time so I'm sure she's the Anabel from the future, but...

......

I just can't believe that this is all true.

You have two options on how to proceed. Either you come with me to the capital...

Or you try to find that weird light again and return from where you came from.

Oh? So you're giving us the option to go home. Which means you're willing to disobey Miss Commander.

I've been watching your behavior carefully. I don't believe that you'll get along with Lady Anabel. The more time you spend together, the less likely things turn out well for you.

I'll be fine. Nothing will happen to me if I tell her you refused to come to the capital.

I'd like to go to the capital.

What?

I can't just run away without knowing what's going on!

Anabel is right. I want to go to the capital too.

*sigh* What pushovers...

There's no guarantee that I can find the way back to the weird light. Guess I'm coming with you, too.

You guys are quite the odd balls. Not like I can stop you though.

Let's make our way to the capital then.

Haah haah... What were those weapons?! Vile humans! That knight...Radias, was it? Why didn't she tell the Knight Commander about me?

So we've finally arrived at the capital. That Miss Commander must be waiting for us.

I really think you all should have gone home.

Oh, don't say that now. Things were just starting to get exciting.

Agreed...

What the heck is this?

This must be the same technology as the Tempered Arms on the battlefield. But this looks even more powerful...

The castle was damaged in the fire caused by the attack, but it looks fully restored! I had heard that it would take years though...

Tell me, Radias. What year is it now?

Really? Umm...

It's 300 AD.

Seriously?

Hey Radias, we want to know exactly what year it is.

I just told you. It's exactly the year 300 AD. The calendar here mirrors yours as well. In other words, the side we are in now and the side that you're from... well...

They both exist in the same era.

What are you talking about?! We traveled through spacetime and...

Wait a second... That explains those weird feelings coming through the wormhole.

Is this a tear in spacetime?

No, I know I've seen this somewhere before.

No, there's something different about this one.

The strange green light sure was different than the other tears in spacetime, right?

If it's the same year and era, it means we haven't traveled through time.

So this is a completely different world then. It must be some kind of parallel world...

A parallel world?!

It's really the only natural conclusion. I was thinking the same thing while I was wandering your world. Miglance Castle wasn't burnt down in this world. Our worlds were built upon different histories.

I see... That explains a lot. I heard the story about how a hole opened in the sky connecting this world to another time layer.

Maybe the distortions caused by the time layers are still lingering around.

This world is formed from alternate decisions made from the world we came from. We could call it a parallel time layer.

A parallel time layer...

Now that you mention it, that green light reminded me of the time layer gate I saw on Ciel's home. This could be part of the incident that led Leo to start doing business with the parallel time layer.

Now that you mention it, that green light reminded me of the time layer gate I saw on Ciel's home.

This could be part of the incident that led Leo to start doing business with the parallel time layer.

I can't believe we somehow arrived in this alternate world.

We might have the answer... The selection of the Knight Commander could be the divergent path from our world.

......

Radias. There's no way I can return to my own time layer. At least not without speaking to the Knight Commander.

Why's that? What's going on in this world has nothing to do with you.

Now that our worlds are linked, we can't just pretend that nothing is wrong. This is my problem, and I've got to deal with it.

Your problem?

Just give up, Radias. Once she's like this, there's no changing her mind.

*sigh* Well, we're still not ready to receive you. There are still reports to make and wounds to treat. I've got to catch up on the work left during my absence.

Well in that case, how about we ask around Unigan to learn about this time layer?

Sure, I think it's a good idea to gather some information before we talk to the other Anabel.

Hmph... Sounds like a lot of trouble, but I am interested in learning more about the Tempered Arms.

It's settled then. Let's ask around town.

By the looks of it, you don't see Tempered Arms all that often, do you? Are you from the sticks or something? That's from an ancient technology that Lady Anabel managed to unearth for us.

What was it called again...Lotus Tech? Mold Tech?

The word's not coming to me. But anyway, it was something along those lines.

How long has it been since King Miglance last was able to appear before his people? It's rumored that he's suffering from some sort of illness, but I'd love to see him healthy and well again.

Keep this to yourselves, but I've heard that Lady Anabel has more influence in the castle than King Miglance these days.

And it's only natural, isn't it?! Lady Anabel is the first ever to serve as both Paladin and Knight Commander!

The nobles are also sucking up to Lady Anabel...

But it appears that Lady Anabel is using the funds she's collected to restore villages ravaged by beasts! Ahhh... I just can't get over how cool she is!

Lady Anabel earned her title after crossing swords with the Beast King in her youth. Since then, she's stood up to every beast offensive and now, few of them remain on the mainland.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of the former Knight Commander are unknown. I wonder where he is...

Did you say that beastfolk attacked Baruoki and kidnapped a girl?

Don't even joke about that! You know that the Beast King has been sealed up in his castle for ages now, right?

Honestly, I doubt he can ever get out. Are you sure you didn't just dream this up?

Hmm... Apparently Miss Commander is loved by the people here.

It seems her forces are much stronger than the beastfolk compared to our time layer.

It's hard to believe that she has more power than King Miglance.

It's not strange if you think about how they merged the positions of Paladin and Knight Commander. The two positions were always given to different people to separate military and political power.

Anyway, I think I've got the gist of what's going on in this time layer.

Lady Anabel is ready to see you.

Thank you. Finally, I can meet her face to face.

But what will happen if Anabel meets... Anabel?

Huh?

I guess I wasn't thinking about that...

This is the perfect disguise. No one could guess who I am.

(The disguise is just like her sister's...)

Let's go! I need to hear for myself what I have to say to myself...

Yeah...okay. Let's go see Miss Commander.

Holy cow! The guardroom is way bigger than in our time layer!

Just goes to show how powerful the knights are here.

Quiet! Stay focused.

Welcome back, Radias.

You followed my orders to the letter.

We were separated in the forest, but she was also traveling with me before.

Unfortunately, she's concealing the wounds on her face from previous battles...

I understand. I don't want to pry into your past.

Thank you, Milady. Forgive my rudeness.

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude for helping Radias return to us.

Hmph... We didn't really do anything to deserve your gratitude.

In fact, let me ask you a question. You didn't ask us here just to say thank you, did you?

Hee-hee... Aren't you a little firecracker, you purple-haired knight. Something tells me we'll get along just fine.

Let me get to the point then. Would you all be interested in joining the Royal Knights?

Are you sure about this?!

Hmm... Interesting.

Unfortunately, we're just wanderers. We aren't from around here.

Huh?

(Just play along! You're making things difficult!)

Are you really willing to allow strangers to join your sacred Royal Knights?

Of course. With your skills, you'd be valuable assets to my forces.

What matters most is whether you are capable of wiping out the beastfolk or not...

But I can recognize talent when I see it.

So, what do you say? Would you be willing to aid me in our fight with the beastfolk?

......

......

Before we answer, I would like to ask you something.

Yes, what is it?

You slayed unarmed beasts in that village... Or so I heard.

Do you believe there is justice in committing such acts of violence against the weak?

Justice? Isn't it obvious. Hatred begets hatred. There is no greater truth in the world. To say otherwise is nothing more than delusions and fantasies.

Don't you see the contradiction? That's an endless cycle of hatred...

Have you heard this story before? A tale about a king who commanded thunder itself over 3,000 years ago.

Few know the details, but he wielded his blade against those who betrayed the light... After a protracted war, he finally defeated the traitors and eliminated their supporters. Peace and prosperity followed...

......

We can learn from this story that there is only one way to end the cycle of hatred.

By exterminating the source of hatred. That's why it's my mission to wipe out each and every beast from the world.

It's for this cause that the knights fight for me.

......

Okay, I see. You and I are indeed different.

We may look the same, but we couldn't be any more different!

What is this?! There are two Lady Anabels?!

Are you pretending to be me?

Perhaps not... And yet you look exactly like me. Just who are you?

I'm you from a parallel world. I didn't know why I was brought here...

But now I understand. I was brought here to stop you! Can you still justify your actions while I stand here before you?!

This is most interesting. You've really sparked my interest.

Either way, my offer still stands. Will you join my Royal Knights?

What?! You can't be serious right now? We're from another world and disagree with everything you stand for! There's no way any of us would join your cause!

Only a fool would surround themselves with those who follow orders blindly. Besides...

I made myself clear that as long as you have the skills, then we'd have no problems. Whether you are from this world or another won't change my mind. You understand my feelings toward the beastfolk, don't you?

Darn it...

I used to believe that all beasts were evil, and I held a terrible hatred for them.

I understand that many beasts are evil, and deserve to be hated.

But I swore to Lady Anna that I'd create a world where humans and beasts can live together in harmony. There's no way I can turn my back on that oath.

But there can be no justification for laying a hand on the innocent.

For I am the successor of Lady Anna!

For I am the successor of Lady Anna's name!

Is that so? Do the rest of you agree with her?

If you continue to commit crimes like you did in the forest, then I'll have to pass.

I may not agree with everything she says, but she's spot on this time... Miss Commander...

This is most unfortunate.

Thank you for your honesty. I have no intention in pursuing this any further. Radias... I'll leave them to you.

As you wish, Milady.

What does she mean by that?!

Hold your horses, Miss Commander. Are you kidding me? We came here believing that you'd treat us with gratitude for helping Radias.

Indeed, this saddens me too... To the ones who saved my aide turn traitors for the beastfolk cause.

Hahaha... You think we're joining the beastfolk's cause? I think it's past time we ended this conversation.

Though I had hoped that you'd become elite members of my forces... In the end, you're far too dangerous to be allowed to join my enemies.

I can't allow anything to threaten me or my cause.

This conversation is over. Do it, Radias.

......

Wait, Radias!

I warned you before bringing you here. You can ponder your mistakes in Purgatory for opposing Lady Anabel!

Ugh... Guys!

I'll leave the clean up to you guys. Take the corpses to the forest and feed them to the monsters there.

Yes, at once!

Hold it, Radias.

Yes, Milady?

It's unlike you to act innocent when you're clearly not. You may be able to fool the others, but not me.

Why did you not finish them off?

Huh?!

I guess there's no fooling you.

You ask why I didn't finish them off? It seems obvious to me...

It's because I have to stop you before it's too late, Sis!

What the heck is going on here?

Did she just call Anabel "Sis"?

And why has Radias drawn her sword against the Anabel?

Not bad... You have amazing potential.

But you've lost your chance. If you really wanted to kill me, then you should've used the sword on your back.

Darn it...

I'm surprised... I never expected that you'd be the one to betray me.

You were right. Only a fool would surround themselves with those who blindly follow orders. You had to know that I'd rebel against you one day.

Wait, Radias!

This is between she and I. You guys better get outta here!

I'm afraid we can't do that. I might actually feel bad if something happened to you.

Are you crazy?! Don't you and the others get it, Deirdre?! She's going to kill us all!

D-Deirdre?

Haha... This just got interesting.

Fine, I'll fight all four of you. I hope you understand the honor I'm bestowing on you.

Guards! Leave or risk getting caught up in this.

Urgh! What's with this power?!

It's different from that of the holy blade... How can an ordinary sword unleash a power like this?!

Watch out for that strike! One hit, and you're a goner...

Then we'll just make sure you're not hit.

Ah, it's you... It's been a while... I wasn't expecting our reunion to end up like this.

Unfortuantely, I'm not the same person you knew before. I wouldn't call this a reunion. And from the bottom of my heart, I hope that we never meet again.

How annoying! Where did they scamper off to?!

They couldn't have gone far. Seal the gates!

Well well... He's shown his face once again. This finally just got interesting.

Hahh... Hahh... Did we manage to escape?

Barely...

The Knight Commander... Her power is nothing like I imagined. It's hard to believe that she's me from a parallel time layer.

And now she knows I'm a traitor.

Radias... I'm sorry we had to put you through this. I can't imagine how hard it would be to lie to my own sister.

...... (Anabel is Radias' sister? What's going on here?)

Where is this place? I've never heard of this place connecting to the castle.

Only a few people outside of the royal family know about the entrances to these passages. They can be quite useful if one memorizes where they are.

Hmm... And how do you know these passages?

Now's not the time to be prying. We're not out of the woods yet.

Radias is right. We've gotta keep moving until we reach the surface.

I hate feeling like I can't do anything.

Haha... Well we can't fix that right now. We've gotta hurry!

The exit is dead ahead! We're almost there!

We should be able to see light any moment!

A dead end?! How's this possible?

You're right! I don't see an exit!

Hey, don't tell me... That you guys set this up from the very beginning.

Relax. Give me a second!

What's going on?

I confirmed this path from the blueprints, but this is my first time actually using it.

So... Are we done for?

There they are!

Darn it! It looks like we have to fight.

I feel a light breeze coming from the wall...

I've got an idea! I need you guys to buy me some time while I get us out of here!

Got it! Let's hold off this weapon!

What a bother... I guess we're all in this together whether I like it or not.

You're not gonna take us in quietly!

All right then! Let's do this!

You guys did quite a number on that. Not only did you delay them, but you chased them off completely.

We're lucky though. This passage had never been used before which is why the exit was hidden.

There's a hole! Now, we can escape!

No point in sticking around here. Let's go!

Can you hear that? It's the sound of crashing waves.

Which means that we're back in the forest that we arrived in!

I'm surprised that the tunnels would lead us to a place like this.

Well, it means we're outside of the capital now. Which means I've retired from the whole spying thing.

Care to finally tell us who you guys are? What were you planning to do by infiltrating the knights?

Do we have to have this conversation now?

They've come this far already, we might as well tell them the whole story.

Let's start from the beginning... But before that, I must apologize. There were reasons I had to hide my identity.

First, let me start off by introducing myself.

Wait, I know you!

I'm Lakhesis. I used to command the knights until I became a wanted man... Currently, I'm a fugitive and traitor.