Life or Death

What's goin' on here? The spear hit and then the Wyrmking just... disappeared, right? And now the sky seems bigger than ever... But still...I don't get it. What's with this hole?

I can't...believe this...

Ah...

Melpiphia? What is it?

This is...exactly like my vision.

The giant spear pierced the dragon, and now it's gone. But...

This thick cloud is still here. I wonder if that means...my village is still in danger.

......

I can still sense the dark energy here, without a doubt. What's worse...I fear it may even be stronger than before.

And this hole is undoubtedly at the source of it all.

It's different than the wormholes I'm used to. I wonder if it's a portal through time too...

It appeared just as the Wyrmking vanished. I cannot imagine the two phenomena to be unrelated.

We may've gotten rid of the dragon, but it feels like we've still got work left to do.

If the dark energy is still here, then that means the elves aren't safe yet. And it's already caused dark dragons to appear on the mainland. If we don't do something...

Whoa!

Ungh... This feels the same as when I failed to make the contract with Iridian.

So it's eating away at our hearts. If this miasma were to spread...people will have more than dragons to worry about.

That giant spear started moving and then that dragon completely vanished! What is going on?

Your guess is as good as mine. But something feels different now. Like I just stopped caring...

I feel pretty restless myself. And some of the others just started fighting for no reason...

But I just don't feel like stopping them. What's wrong with us?

Ngh... It hurts. We built our village in the trees to escape the miasma, and yet it managed to reach us...

But if this is our fate, then there is nothing left for us but death... For we must accept things as they are...

No, don't give in! Have you forgotten what Melpi said?! I'm sure she's doing our best as we speak. That's why... You can't...

But...

It hurts so bad... My heart can't take it. I don't know if I can keep going on like this...

Melpi...

Is it over...?

I cannot imagine the dark energy that emerged to have just disappeared.

Indeed. This was a miscalculation on my part...

That sounds like...the Dragon God.

I may owe you an apology. I could not foresee this happening. The Wyrmking of this island was merely an incarnation of the real one, made up of dark energy.

That was an incarnation?!

I get it. It was a manifestation of its power, not its body. It wouldn't be the first I've heard of it, but... To create something of that size is no easy feat.

Summoning that vast power would require more than just the might of the Wyrmking. One would need large amounts of dark energy and advanced techniques to act as a catalyst. But how it could manage that?

Ah. Maybe...

You see, I have but one objective, and it is to see the Wyrmking manifested in this world so he may shroud it in chaos. And to do so, I hunt down humans then gather the negativity they feel and offer it all to him. We do not aim to destroy the world, but to reclaim it. To return it to what it was before that wretched war!

That's why that dark dragon was gathering all those negative emotions.

I did not know you had encountered such a dragon. To think anyone would still speak of that war after all this time...

But I have not forgotten it. I fought the Wyrmking then, back when we were both of flesh and blood. The war ended in a draw, I lost my body, and he was sealed in the Darkrealm. Or at least...he should have been. But then he manifested on this isle, so I confined him with the stakes and the divine instrument.

So that wyrm's strong enough to rival the legendary Dragon God in battle, huh. He really is somethin' fierce.

But if what we saw was just an incarnation, that means he's got a real body somewhere, right? And that somewhere is...

In the Darkrealm.

Whoa! There it is again!

It looks like dark energy is gonna keep comin' outta this hole. And those roars... Is the Wyrmking on the other side of this?

If that's the case, then this hole must lead to...

The Darkrealm?!

It is rare, but sometimes our world does connect to another. However, I did not know it could occur on such a scale. Perhaps the incarnation's disappearance triggered an explosion of dark energy which created a distortion in space and time...

But as long as this hole is here, it will continue to release dark energy into the world.

That means...our fight ain't over yet.

Wryz?

I think it goes without sayin' now, but...let's go. Into the Darkrealm.

If it ain't dead yet, we're gonna slay it. And if it ain't over yet, we're gonna end it. 'Cause that's just how we do things, and we wouldn't be standin' here now if we weren't always pushin' forward.

...You're right. And I can't think of anything more unexpected than taking a hop, skip, and jump into another world!

Indeed. I never once expected you to stop, either.

If it will save the people of this world, then I will join you.

I never had any intention otherwise.

...What brave warriors you are. But one must be brave in order to accomplish such a daring feat. My form will not hold in the Darkrealm, so I will not be able to join you, but...I shall pray for your victory.

My child...

Huh?

I hereby entrust you with a portion of my power. You are not so different than I was when I was whole, so you should be able to wield it.

It feels...warm. There's something really calming about it too...

The Darkrealm is a dark and dangerous place. Should you need more power, you need only ask. And...

No. Any more would be...unlike me.

Huh...? Well, thank you!

Right. If we're ready, then...

Let's get goin'. It's time for our final adventure. Once we get there...we're gonna settle this once and for all!

So this is the Darkrealm...

Hahaha! It's just as eerie as I imagined!

But it isn't unsettling. There is something almost tranquil and magical about it. I can tell we are in a different world from the atmosphere alone. I can imagine taking leave of my senses here.

...It gives me the creeps. I've got so many goose bumps, I might just turn into a goose!

The air is thick with dark energy here. It might be difficult to breathe, especially for heavenly races like elves.

You okay, Sazanca? You haven't said anythin' for a while now.

...Huh? Oh, I'm fine...in body.

In...body?

That roar... It most definitely belongs to the Wyrmking. But I cannot tell exactly which way it came from. I think we have little choice but to proceed without a heading.

Yeah, and it's not like we've got a feel for the place either.

...... Good grief, never thought I'd set foot back here again. You folk sure are adventurers, through 'n' through!

But this is where I leave ya. Best of luck out there, friends!

Hey, wait! Are you really gonna leave us now?!

Not so fast.

Ah, lemme guess! There's something ya need to buy before I split?

Just who do you think you're foolin' here? We all know you're not just some ordinary peddler.

Sounds like ya just can't let go of the past. Why're ya so obsessed with that ol' war anyway?

Because those heavenly bastards act as if they own this world... And I cannot bear to let such wretched beings be in control!

Ya sure are a stubborn one. Ain't much like the other folk down in the Darkrealm, that's for sure.

I don't know all the details and I won't ask, that's just how Arcadia works. But...

You've come this far, and if you're familiar with the Darkrealm, ya could at least show us around. Or do ya really think ya can outrun me?

C'mon now! Ain't ya bein' just a little too harsh? There ain't no reason to hold a friend back by the scruff of his neck, is there?

...Like this.

......!

W-Wait. But how?! Get away from her right now!

Heh, I was just joshin' ya! Didn't scare ya, did I? Anyhoo, what kind of merchant would I be to refuse a customer in need? First, lemme tell you about this amazin' little doohickey.

I call it the Chaos Compass. To put it all simple-like, it'll point ya in the direction where the dark energy is strongest.

And there's probably no stronger dark energy down here than the Wyrmking.

Well, you can use it to show us the way. I'll pay ya whatever it takes.

Does Arcadia have the budget for that?

We are a group of wanderers, so it is about as meager as you expect, but...how we spend it is up to our captain.

Well, I'll be! It ain't often I get paid for services instead of goods!

Not that I'm complainin'. Sounds like it'll be a hoot, so count me in.

It's a deal. Lead the way.

We finally reached an open area, and yet...

There's somethin' blockin' our path. Maybe we can break it down.

What gives? Our weapons ain't makin' a dent.

That's 'cause it's made out of Darkrealm material. You'll find what's "common sense" to ya ain't always common down here.

And for times like these, might I recommend this great gadget? I call it the thrillin', drillin' Very-Go-Round! Ya just stick it into whatever's too solid for yer linkin', rotate it round-and-round and...watch it spin for hours! It don't burrow through nothin', so it's great for people who ain't got nowhere to go!

Right... And that'd help us how?

We won't get anywhere at this rate...

Whoa!

Is that...the power the Dragon God gave you?

Hahaha! You cut a fine figure, friend!

Oh, my little baby's all grown up! It's enough to make a grown elf cry!

My body's overflowin' with power... I feel stronger than I've ever felt before!

Hey, Wryz? If ya need help gettin' somewhere, I can help. This place is full of cliffs, so I can fly everyone around on my back!

You're incredible, Iridian!

Here's hopin' yer invincible too! I'd be much obliged if ya could clear the way of any unfriendly folk we encounter.

Wish I could, but...I don't think I'd last that long. I really thought I could take on the world for a second there!

Still, you're really somethin' else. You never cease to amaze me, partner. Alright, let's get moving. And if we need help gettin' somewhere, we can ask Iridian!

Yeah!

Po... Po-paew?

Po poh paew-koo!

There are people livin' here? Hold on. These aren't people...

Oh, how adorable! I want one! I'll name him George and I will hug him and pet him and squeeze him! And pat him and pet him and...

Wait. Aren't they...from the Nopaew Clan?

You know 'em, Aldo? Guess I shouldn't be surprised. You know everyone.

I wouldn't say everyone, but...I've met members of their clan before.

Now that I think about it, I heard the Nopaew were a dark clan.

You rarely see 'em in our world, but I guess that's because they're from the Darkrealm!

They must be a dark clan if they've made a settlement here.

If there are heavenly species, then it makes sense there'd be dark species too.

Ya got that right! And the Nopaew are some of my best customers! They're always...

Po... Po-paew?!

Poh! Popopopo-paew!

Poh popopo! Paew-koo!

What's goin' on? They look mad!

They sure do... What'd you do to 'em?

I didn't do nothin'! 'Cept give 'em a fair deal, even better than fair, I reckon!

They're highly skilled blacksmiths 'n' builders, so that got me thinkin', maybe they could use some tools!

So you peddled them some useless junk, yes?

I know you're mad, but it's okay! Just calm down and we'll find a way! I'm outta rhymes, so I'll just shout "hey"!

Paew?!

Hahaha! Guess even the folk down here don't know what to do when they meet someone so chaotic!

I think it's best we keep pressin' on here. Who knows what'll happen if we stay and rest a while with Kuchinawa around...

It doesn't seem like they'd attack us or anything, but...it'd definitely help if we were on better terms.

Is this...a town?! I didn't expect to see anything like this here...

Hmph. The creatures of the Darkrealm live as their heart desires, so doing anything as a group is supposed to be rare.

You're right. For better or worse, the folk here don't usually work together.

So you're sayin' this place was built by force?

Ain't human towns built the same way? Someone tellin' someone else what 'n' where to build. That's just the way things are.

Things're a lot simpler in the Darkrealm, though. Ain't no one in charge, no ladies, gents, or presidents. No siree! Power is everythin', so the strong're at the tippy-top of the chain. Ain't that the way nature meant it to be?

I feel it would be unwise for us to dig deeper into the way things work here. There isn't much we could do about it anyway. As they say, "In Nadara, the only constant is the heat of the flames."

But now that we've found a town, perhaps we should take the opportunity to rest a while.

Good point. This is usually about the time Sazanca starts askin' for a break anyway.

......

Somethin' wrong? Or are ya just so tired ya can't speak?

Sazanca? ...We'd better find a place to rest, and quick.

Maybe there's an inn somewhere.

If there is, we'll find it.

Oh! I can see a sign over there! It's gotta be an inn!

Huh? What gives? Someone's blocking the door...

Excuse me, but...we'd like to get into the inn. Would you mind letting us past?

......

Er, maybe you didn't hear me. We wanna get into the inn, so...

(How rare... Heavenly energy... And humans...)

Whoa! What was that?!

His mouth didn't move, but...I could hear his voice.

Heh, gave y'all a right fright, did that? Remember, this is a different world. Things ain't the same as what you're used to.

(Do not disturb me. I like the flow of energy here. It's comforting.)

A selfish excuse if I ever heard one. The people of the Darkrealm truly do live as they please.

Hmm... I suppose that means getting him to move won't be such an easy task.

Ahaha! Ya folks sure are a hoot 'n' a half!

What're you laughin' at? Did we say somethin' funny?

Y'all are just so orderly. I mean, yer even tryin' to talk it out with someone blockin' yer path.

You like yer rhyme 'n' reason, don't ya, Cerius? But in different worlds, different rules apply. I told ya about how things work here, didn't I?

You said power is everything, and that is the way nature was meant to be. I prefer not to use violence to solve a problem, but...

I know what to do.

You do?

Yup! Just leave it to me!

Hey you! Ya sure wanna keep ignorin' us? Big things're usually stronger, and I know I'm pretty darn big!

(You truly are enormous and full of energy... This is...)

Now, lemme show ya what I can do. Hyah!

So? What're you gonna do now?

(......)

Oh. Are you gonna move?

It doesn't feel much like a win if ya admit defeat so easily. Aren't ya upset at all?

(Why would I be? Its power is clearly greater than my own.)

A very matter-of-fact answer. I suppose that is the way logic works here.

Well, all that matters is that we can get into the inn now. Great work, Iridian!

Let's rest a while, then get back to explorin'.

How're ya feelin', Sazanca? Any better?

Huh? Oh, I...I'm fine.

I'm not so sure about that... I guess the air down here doesn't agree with you either, huh. If you're not feelin' so hot, let us know. You're our only healer, so we need ya to be ready for anything.

By the way, Iridian. I noticed that it ain't just your body that's grown. Ya seem more mature too.

Ain't that a good thing? I wanted to try winnin' an argument just like you, Wryz!

Well, ya definitely won't hear me complainin'. Now let's go!

Heh, there sure ain't a dull moment round those folks. Seems they're finally startin' to get how the Darkrealm works, but... Will they be able to start thinkin' like 'em too? Not like it really matters.

The roars are louder now. It seems we are indeed getting closer.

Of course we are. That's what ya asked me to do, and I ain't in the business of disappointin' my customers.

The compass says the dark energy's gettin' stronger too!

It's a damn pity we had to bring this guy along.

As if the air here ain't unsettlin' enough, we gotta deal with this guy and his crooked ways too.

Try to calm down. This isn't like you at all, Utpalaka. I mean, I don't think I've ever seen you without a smile on your face.

Sorry. But the fact of the matter is, I'm from the heavens. Even though I can get along with humans, people from the Darkrealm are an entirely different story. They live in a different world, have different values... It's just the complete opposite of everything I'm used to.

I know how you feel. This place is...very unsettling to me too. It gives me the creeps. And even though I know I have to stick it out for the people of Memhelba...

Grr... I just feel like going berserk!

How's that any different than usual?

......

Sazanca? You haven't made a peep in ages. Are you sure you're okay? Everyone seems to be a little on edge, and if you're not feeling well, then...

No. Like I said earlier, I'm fine in body. But...

But?

I...I can't keep going. I'm calling it quits.

What?!

Why? I know ya always complained about fightin', but I didn't think ya hated it this much.

I do. Even though I don't want to die, I kept going for everyone else's sake. But...

That dragon didn't bleed.

And you wanted his blood...for the immortality elixir.

Yes. That's why I came to Wrymrest, why I kept on fighting.

But if it doesn't bleed, that means I won't be able to do what I came here for! There's no point in risking my life!

So that's why you were so quiet, huh. Sorry for not noticin' earlier...

But that doesn't mean ya should quit here! Just 'cause the incarnation didn't bleed on Wyrmrest doesn't mean the real one won't.

I wouldn't be so sure about that.

What's that supposed to mean?

If it's Wyrmking blood yer after, well... I reckon ya might be outta luck. That slinky serpent's more like a god than anythin', so who knows if he bleeds? I mean, ain't there humans who worship dragonfolk like gods?

......!

You're right... Even the god back in my hometown was said to be a dragon.

But that means you won't be able to fulfill your dream...

Then it's settled. There's no reason for me to continue this dangerous journey.

I fear it would be dangerous to venture out on your own here.

Nothing could be as dangerous as heading straight to the Wyrmking!

Sazanca...

It's not like my dream's disappeared. I won't give up on it. But it doesn't mean my heart can withstand anything.

Of course not. Everyone gets discouraged sometimes.

Even I know this isn't like me. I always got back up whenever I stumbled, but...

I've been trying so hard for so long and it hasn't paid off at all! My heart just feels so empty... I'll get back on my feet someday, but...I just don't feel like fighting right now.

I'll look for the way back and pick some herbs along the way. That's the closest path to immortality.

I get what you're saying, but...is there no other way?

I don't want you to leave us, Sazanca. You're our friend.

You're all my friends too. And I really was happy to be a part of Arcadia. I'm sorry I can't be with you guys until the end. But I just...

I can't! It's not worth my life!

Sazanca...!

......

I guess...it was just too hard for her to stay with us.

She never liked fightin'. But I kinda just...assumed she'd be with us when it all ended.

I don't think she stuck it out just 'cause she wanted to be with us. She was here for her own reasons.

Yes... Aracadia is a group united by a singular purpose, after all...

Still... This sucks. I know we haven't known each other all that long, but...we've faced so many tough times together. Tch...

Wryz...

But we can't stop here. We've got our own dreams to fulfill. And the longer we take, the more the darkness spreads on Wyrmrest. So we have to keep going.

C'mon.

Sazanca... I really hope...your dream comes true.

I wonder if we've made it into the depths of the Darkrealm yet.

Say, Kuchinawa. Just where are we anyway?

Well... I'm afraid there's no easy answer to yer question. Y'see, whatever we traversed is really just a teeny-tiny piece of a fraction of a fragment of a portion of the Darkrealm.

The Darkrealm is an entire realm, y'know. It's in the name! It ain't nothin' like a walk in the park or a trek across an island. There ain't no "depths" here. No ceilin' or floor neither. It's a realm, simple and complex as that.

I guess the only real bearing we have is how close or far we are to the Wyrmking.

Nngh, my ears hurt! Can his roars really do all this?!

It wasn't even this bad when we were climbing up his back!

Probably due to this being the real thing and not an incarnation. The power lies in his flesh.

But still, to cause a quake of this magnitude must mean he is close.

Ahhh!

Are those...footsteps?! That means...

There he is... The Wyrmking! Even from this distance, there's no denying how overwhelming his presence his.

Given his size and appearance...he is without a doubt the same dragon we saw on Wyrmrest.

So he really is that big...

Finally... Now we know where we have to go! All we have to do is get over there!

Damn... I can't get up!

Hale 'n' hearty as ever, I see...

We can only move forward once the tremors subside.

We didn't come this far just to turn tail and run now.

You're just lookin' for a way out, aren't ya?

Perish the thought! What kind of merchant would I be if I didn't stay 'n' offer y'all the latest 'n' greatest solutions to yer problems?

Y'know, it ain't just your crooked attitude that don't sit right with me. I can't stand your dishonesty. You never say what you're really thinking.

That's enough, you two. We can't afford to start fighting now!

I bet you think emotions are childish, that they don't matter. But emotions speak the truth. Humans just don't listen to 'em.

Are you suggesting we ignore our mission in favor of our emotions?

...No. Our mission is to realize our dreams by slaying the Wyrmking. When I think about it that way...it may be best for me to set off on my own as well.

What did you say?!

When I finally set eyes on that dragon and realized its true power...I finally understood. The Wyrmking is the ultimate quarry. And there is no meaning to hunting it if I do not do so alone.

Wait. Does that mean...?

This...this can't be right! You're leavin' me too?!

And here I thought...that you'd be the one to stay, even if everyone else left!

...As did I.

I thought supporting you as you tried to leave your mark on history gave meaning to my hunts. However...

I thought my skills would be put to good use hunting dragons as a member of Arcadia. However...

Can I not prove that my father's ways and the words ingrained in me were right... By following the path of logic and felling the Wyrmking?

Tch...

No... You can't do this, Cerius! You care about Wryz just as much as I do! I know you do!

I understand that it may very well be the effect of darkness on me, but I can say this for sure, All it did was lay my innermost thoughts bare.

So you're sayin'...that's how you really feel, huh?

Without a doubt.

I for one don't intend on sufferin' in silence any longer. We can regroup before fightin' the Wyrmking, can't we?

I will do my best to finish him off before then.

Poh. Po-paew poh.

Melpiphia?

...I suppose I should be serious at a time like this. To put it bluntly...I can't go with you.

I just want to save my village! I'm doing everything I can, and yet all you guys do is fight!

And if that's how things are going to be, I'll have to find a different way to change the future!

......

If everyone's going their own ways, then... I think I'll go look for Sazanca.

Aldo!

I can't leave anyone behind. I just can't. I wanna save everyone.

That means the people of the world, and all the friends I made in it! I can't just leave things like this. Sazanca's been feeling unwell for some time too. I promise I'll bring her back!

This can't be happening. No matter how strong the Wyrmking's energy is...

My friends wouldn't abandon me this easily, would they?!

Guess there was no postponin' the inevitable. Y'all are so...unique, after all. Ya couldn't even agree on which direction you were headin'.

...Good grief. I suppose the time has come. Now that we're the only two left, there's no point in us traveling together.

What?

I was convinced that our odds of victory were higher as a group. But if it's just you and me, Wryz...I am stronger alone. There is nothing we could do that I could not manage on my own.

I do not blame you for what happened. But I must continue alone if I am to succeed. I trust you won't try to stop me.

No... This isn't right...

This was bound to happen, seein' as we're closinin' in on the Wyrmking. He ain't got no will of his own. This'll happen so long as he's still alive 'n' breathin', which makes him quite the nuisance.

I'll take that fee ya promised me for gettin' ya this far, then I'll be on my way.

What was that? It felt like he just took a deep breath in...

Wryz!

So this is it... That bastard didn't even notice us! We were nothin' more than worms beneath his feet!

Dammit... Damn it all!

Well, what'd ya expect? This is the Darkrealm. Power is everythin' here.

Ungh...

Where am I...? It looks like I fell pretty far down...

Damn that hurts... Where are the others? ...Who am I kidding? I was all alone to begin with...

Well, there's no point in standin' still. I better get back to where I was.

Are those snakes? They're everywhere...

But they're dead. All of 'em... Maybe somethin' stronger got to 'em. Guess I should be on my guard.

If I'm not careful, I'll end up just like these snakes. Dead, at the bottom of some pit. I'll have nothin' left.

I refuse to go out like that. I won't give up!

Tch... Couldn't have picked a worse time.

You won't stop me! I won't let anyone or anything get in my way! Now move it!

Huff... Huff... I...I did it... But...I'm wounded... I don't wanna... I can't...give up now...

Damn it...

People left every time the Wyrmking roared. I lost everythin' because of that dragon.

Everythin' I ever had is gone now...because of him!

But how the hell do I beat something that strong? There's no obvious answer, like a giant spear stickin' outta the ground. I only have myself and whatever power's left in me.

Still...I refuse to give up on movin' forward. I don't even know what I'm lookin' for, but I... I gotta keep goin' till I find it...

......

Hey, that's...

Kuchinawa!

Well, well. Look what the kitty-cat dragged in! If it ain't good ol' Wryz! Didn't think I'd be seein' ya again, alive, at least.

...Nothin' dampens your spirits, does it? Not even fallin' all this way.

Hah, that weren't nothin'! It happens so often, I could probably sleep through it.

You could sleep through fallin' off a cliff? Just what kinda life did ya lead?

If ya really wanna know, then look no further.

See all the pitiful little corpses lyin' round here?

Well, they ain't done nothin' bad. Just took a gander out from the mud, y'know? But that's all it took for 'em to get the life squished right outta 'em.

That's how things work in the Darkrealm. Life is chaos. Ya might think "might is right," but ain't nothin' right here.

Y'know, Wryz... Ya really are a hoot.

Huh?

I reckon yer neck must hurt from always lookin' so high up. I mean, yer dream's as far as the stars in the sky... But ya just keep reachin' for it. I know there're countless people livin' like ya, flailin' and wailin' the whole while, but you take the cake. Yer a real fireball.

But don't ya think it's time ya admitted it? Some things in this world just ain't possible.

And what's that supposed to mean?

Do ya still think ya stand a chance against the Wyrmking? If ya make a run for it or hold your breath real quiet-like, ya can still make it out alive.

The Wyrmking don't act outta spite. He ain't done nothin' wrong, even by human standards. So what's the point in fightin' him?

......

Kuchinawa.

Yeah?

If that's a joke, I ain't laughin'! Stop messin' around, will ya?!

What in tarnation?! Why're ya gettin' angry at me? I ain't done nothin' wrong. But I did get the feelin' ya wouldn't give up, no matter what I said.

Still, no matter how important that dream is to ya, it can't make the impossible possible, ya hear?

I know. But I don't wanna give up. And I just... I can't stand it! Just 'cause he was born strong doesn't give him the right to trample on the weak!

......

I know everyone went their separate ways, but...maybe it was 'cause their true feelings were bein' heightened by the Wyrmking. And even if what they said was true, deep down...

It ain't no one's right but their own to decide when they say it!

Well, ya might have a point there...

It's like they lost themselves. Like their free will was taken from 'em. And if I give up now, the whole world's gonna be just like 'em.

You remember that hole on Wyrmrest, don't ya? It was spewin' dark energy last we saw. And it's already spreadin' to the mainland.

It won't end with people just gettin' attacked by dark dragons either. If this cloud of dark energy reaches 'em, then...

They'll be just like Sazanca and the others.

They'll start fightin' and people who were friends won't talk to each other no more. Their lives won't ever be the same!

I'm sure they've got their own dreams too. They wanna be the hero of their own story.

Just like me.

But that'll all go away if the Wyrmking wins. Everyone who ain't at the very top'll have to play a supporting role! That's what he's takin' from 'em. He's gonna trample all over 'em, dreams and all, like they're nothin' but trash!

Doesn't that make you mad?!

......

Hah...

Are you...

Ahahahaha!

What're you laughin' at?!

You, of course. Ya sure are somethin'. Now, to answer yer question: No, it don't make me mad.

Tch...

But if it's any consolation to ya... Yer even more of a hoot than I gave ya credit for.

Huh? How?

I mean, yer mad at an opponent ya don't even think ya can beat. Any normal person'd be shakin' in their boots or runnin' for the hills.

But that anger means there's a fire in ya that's burnin' to do somethin' about it. I reckon that fire, that anger yer feelin', makes ya special. And a downright hoot.

I never thought about it that way... Hah. I always thought there was nothin' special about me. Never thought you'd be the one to change my mind.

Well, if I'm such a hoot... Then why not come with me? That seems to be pretty important to ya, after all.

Well, I'll be. Is that sales talk I hear?

You won't get much more than that outta me, I'm afraid.

And I don't need it. I've already heard more than enough, more than I'd ever hear in the Darkrealm. I'll go with ya. Consider me yer faithful companion till the end.

That Wyrmking ain't never piqued my interest, after all.

Then it's a deal. Now c'mon...

Tch. Not this guy again...

Looks like we've got ourselves a right pickle.

Have you got a weapon or somethin' that can get rid of it?

Nope, nothin' like that. That's why...

I'll show ya what I really got up my sleeve!

What the?!

Oh, don't look so surprised. This's how the weak survive round these parts. I lived so long, my blood's gotten a bit...pungent. So pungent, in fact, it's turned to poison. Not even the creatures here stand a chance against it.

Can't believe you were hidin' somethin' this strong from us...

C'mon now, let's get a move-on. Ya wanna get back to where we were earlier, right?

Yeah. Lead the way.

Is this...a dead end?

I think we're in a good place, as far as coordinates go. The town should be right above us.

Then...I guess it's time.

Time to what? Ya got some way of gettin' us up there?

Did ya forget? I'm a Dragon Summoner. All it takes is one ritual to get us outta here. I ain't used to doin' it yet, though, so I've never tried it in the heat of battle... But we should be fine here.

Oho, I get it now.

Alright... Time for a reunion.

O dragon to who I am bound... I, the Dragon Summoner Wryz, call upon you. Heed my words and answer my call!

Hasten to my side now...Iridian!

Wryz!

Iridian!

What took ya so long?! I've been lookin' all over for ya! Ya know you're not just my partner, right? You're like a mother to me! And ya can't just abandon your child like that!

Alright, alright! I get it! I'm sorry, okay?

Heh, yer really gettin' an earful, ain't ya? Makes me wonder just who's the parent round here.

No one asked you!

I promise to tell ya all about it later, so could ya give us a lift for now? We wanna get back up there.

...I'm glad to hear ya haven't given up yet.

You haven't either, right?

Of course not! Just who do ya think raised me? I'm just as stubborn as my mom! And I wanna settle the score with that Wyrmking too.

Now hop on. I'll get ya where ya need to go!

Thanks!

Someone said they saw Sazanca around here. I hope she didn't go too far...

Wryz?!

And Kuchinawa, at yer service. Didn't think we'd round ya up here, no siree.

I'm not a cow...

I'll cut to the chase. I want ya to help me, Aldo.

...... Are you planning to fight the Wyrmking head-on?

No. I wanna find the others first. All of 'em. Including Sazanca.

Weren't you more concerned with pressing forward? It didn't seem like the others wanted to keep going either... At least not together.

I know. I was too focused on gettin' there quick, but...I had a change of heart.

Why's that?

'Cause I want everyone to be the hero of their own story again.

What do you mean?

I mean I want 'em to fight for themselves, without the influence of the dark energy.

I wanna bring 'em back to their senses and talk to 'em again. And once they decide whether or not they actually wanna come...then we can keep going. We can fight the Wyrmking together.

Wryz... That's exactly what I was thinking. If we do that, we can really say we saved everyone.

Y'know...you're always tryin' to save people, Aldo. And I think I finally understand now, even just a little, how ya feel.

Even though I set out to fight the Wyrmking, I never thought about doin' it for the world. I mean, the world's never done me any favors. Nothin's ever gone right in my life. I never had any friends. I was all alone with no one to help me. But I just can't stand the thought of everyone bein' oppressed by somethin' just 'cause it's stronger.

Yeah, me either.

That's why I decided I'm gonna do this for more than just me. I won't just leave my mark on history... No. I'm gonna beat the Wyrmking so that no one ever has to bow down to the strong ever again.

That's why I...I wanna save the world!

Wryz...!

We can do it! I know we can!

Well, you've come this far. Might as well go all the way. Go big or go home, right? And ain't nothin' bigger than the Wyrmking.

You're right. Let's do it! You've got this, Wryz. I know you do!

...Just you wait, Wyrmking. I ain't fightin' for just myself anymore. No, I'm gonna save the whole world, so my spear's gonna hit harder than ever. Everyone deserves to be the hero of their own story, and I won't let ya take that from 'em, not one single page!