Another Eden story ยท Another Episodes
God in a Godless Land
The group arrives in the Merlot Ward in the Old Church Domain. They're shocked to see the deplorable state of the residential district, but the church has not abandoned the inhabitants.
9 scenes, 473 lines
1. Scene 1
23 linesPeople actually chose to live in this wasteland? Why would anybody do that?
You said this was the Old Church Domain? Judging from the name... Those who live here never left when the ward stopped being under the church's protection.
That's right. Or to be precise, they're the descendants of those people. But they share the same sentiments.
It's said that from the moment of the Sword-wielding Savior's arrival, and until he was gone... This land flourished under his blessing.
Until we was gone?
Ever since he disappeared, our god's blessings started decreasing by the day... The territory was simply too big. The whole area couldn't be maintained any longer.
However, when the priests decided to scale down the church grounds. Most people refused to move within the zone where their protection could be guaranteed. But when so many believers crammed into such a small space, it was bound to cause chaos.
Now the only place guaranteed church protection is the HQ itself. And it's not just Merlot Ward. All believers who live outside HQ are packed in like sardines.
The believers who live in the HQ help us priests out wherever possible, so that we can find god. But those who live in the Old Church Domain... Theirs is a staunch faith of an entirely different nature.
So they really chose to live on this poor land. They don't believe they're cursed, they don't want to break free. I feel so ashamed of myself.
You do? It seems to me you did everything you possibly could while you were bound by that curse, Mistrare.
Really?
It's quite a relief to hear you say that.
But still... You can't help but respect the people who actually choose to live here.
Indeed. It's not an easy choice to make. To entrust a priest with your prayers to god... They must spend their whole lives waiting.
They can barely scrape by, yet they're willing to keep believing in us. I wish I could reward them for such ardent faith.
Prai...
I'm sorry. That was out of character.
Anyway... There's still a fair distance between here and the HQ.
Then why don't we rest here for today? Rushing headlong won't save us any time.
I feel a little embarrassed being quoted like that.
Haha... But it's the truth, either way.
Fortunately, I have an acquaintance in this ward. Let's ask if we can stay the night.
2. Scene 2
118 linesEveryone looks so cheerful. I didn't see that coming.
But of course. They chose this path. You won't find people complaining in these parts.
Now, it should be somewhere around here.
I don't believe it! You're so stupid!
Huh?
Hey! Stupid?! You can call me that, but you can't go saying that to the priests!
Shut up, shut up, shut up! You're always sticking up for those priests!
Looks like they're arguing about something.
Huh? I know that voice...
Yay! Mister Prai! I knew you'd come back! I've been waiting for you!
Mister?
Never mind, it's always like this.
It's been quite a while since I was last here. I'm sorry, you must have been lonely.
It's no big deal! I know you're busy with work, Mister Prai!
Long time no see, Father Prai. I'm glad to have you back.
And Sisters Melina, Thillelille, and Rosetta, too...Aren't you all a sight for sore eyes? Are you here on an inspection? Everyone will be so pleased.
No inspections today. We've been summoned to the HQ, but thought we'd drop in on the way.
On the way? Didn't the ship go straight there?
Well, it's a long story.
You're not gonna believe this! We walked from the Untrodden Region!
Th-The Untrodden Region?!
My, my... What a journey. You must be exhausted.
And who might these people be?
Ahem! They're my traveling companions!
Hehe... She's not wrong.
Umm...it's nice to meet you. Sorry to put you out like this.
So polite! It's a pleasure to meet you, too.
Wait?! Your feet aren't connected to your shadow. And what's doing all that flapping, that sure is unusual...
What the?! You have wings? You can fly?!
Whoa!
You two! Are you okay?!
I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!
No, no... I was a little surprised, but not scared. I'd heard there were all kinds of species in this world. But someone less versed in the scriptures would surely mistake you for a Winged Being.
Shhhh! You can't use that term! You'll only complicate things!
Um, anyway... It looked like you were arguing about something just now?
We were... About that, um...
...... I don't wanna say in front of Mister Prai!
And why is that?
I don't want you to hear! Go somewhere else!
He could, but...
Tee-hee! Just be a man and grant him his wish...
......
We got less rations from HQ again.
Oh dear!
So you get rations from HQ?
They may not guarantee protection, but that doesn't mean HQ's completely abandoned those in the Old Church Domain. HQ still regularly provides material support like food and supplies.
We were originally self-sufficient. But the land is barren, so we simply can't grow most crops.
We're the ones who left their protection. It's so embarrassing that we still need their help.
Ain't nothin' to be embarrassed about! Everyone's doin' their best, but there's nothin' we can do!
It's just, there ain't much food or medicine in our rations this time.
And what good is that?! I really wanted to make Mom somethin' nutritious, but I can't...
Kook... I'm so sorry. I'm so ashamed, allowing you and your mother to struggle like this.
Don't apologize, Mister Prai!
That's why I didn't wanna tell ya! You're always sendin' us food and clothes you've paid for out of pocket.
That's chicken feed, nothing more. It's far from enough.
That ain't true! These days it's more than our rations from HQ!
......
......
I appreciate the sentiment, but I think you're exaggerating.
I ain't exaggeratin'!
I-I'm not blamin' you, Mister Prai.
But... Sister Melina?
Yes?
You're lookin' for the same god as Mister Prai, ain't ya?
That's right.
So now you're back, does that mean you've found god? 'Cause you shouldn't show your face here till you have.
I'm sorry. I've not found god yet.
Then... What about you, Sister Thillelille?
Erm...
If you're really the reincarnation of the savior, have you come into your power yet? Have you come back 'cause you can save us all now?
I'm sorry... Not yet.
Then when is god gonna save us?!
Kook! You're going too far!
If you keep on stickin' up for everyone and suckin' up to 'em, nothink's ever gonna change!
And you, miss, with the wings, you're a real Winged Being, right?! Please find god... If you don't, my mom'll...
I'm sorry. I don't know what I can do...
Oh dear...
Listen, Kook. I know I've got nothing to do with the church, but... They're trying their best and their hearts are in the right place. So maybe don't be so harsh on them.
They're tryin' their best? That don't put food on the table!
But... Ain't the truth something else entirely?
......
Look, I get it... It ain't easy findin' god... But I don't see why I should believe in someone who don't do a thing when everyone here's sufferin' so badly!
No matter how much greater than Mister Prai they are...
I hate 'em! And you, Winged Child! And you, reincarnation of the savior!
Oof!
Wait a minute, Kook!
How can I ever apologize enough? Sister Melina, Sister Thillelille...
I'll give the boy a good talking to! And Sister Rosetta...
Don't worry about it. It's not an inquisitor's job to take words at face value. Of course, it's a whole other story if these are his true feelingsโช
Kook's always been a sweet kid, and a loving son. He's never been the type to say that kind of thing.
It seemed like he felt his back was against the wall.
He was so worried about his mom. Is something up with her?
......
Anyway... Are you okay, Melina?
I'm fine. It takes more than that to get me down.
Oh, erm, what I meant was... Didn't Kook bump into you when he ran off?
Is something the matter?
It's gone! I had a pouch in my pocket and now it's gone! I know I had it when we arrived.
Oh dear! You think Kook stole it?
Well, it's no big deal. It wasn't that important.
No, this won't do! I'll chase after him. Stealing another's belongings goes against the teachings, whatever your reason may be!
There he goes, charging off like a wild boar! He reminds me of a certain someone.
You're so right! Total disregard for the consequences.
We should go after him as well. We can't let him get away with this!
They've gone, haven't they?
Such kind people... I'm sure Kook knows it, too.
3. Scene 3
69 lines*huff* *huff*
Phew... Think I lost 'em.
I did it! I swiped Sister Melina's pouch. There's so many seeds in here. I've never seen anything like 'em... Must be from the other continent. I bet they taste so good!
This must be food for that blue creature of hers.
It's so unfair... Her pet gets to eat this well. When me and Mom... And everyone else who lives here never get to eat anything half as good.
We've lost him! Where'd he go?!
If he's going to see his mom, he'll still be nearby. Let's head to his mom's place!
Mom, I'm home!
Kook... You're back. You been off playing with the other kids?
Nuh-uh! How could I go off and play while you're stuck in bed?
Kook...
Anyway, look at this, Mom. I brought you something!
Look...The elder shared these seeds with me. Don't they look nutritious? I bet you'll feel so much better if you eat 'em, Mom!
I've already eaten mine, so these are all yours. Go ahead and eat!
Thank you, Kook...
But... I can't eat these seeds.
What? Why not?! Are they too big? Can't you chew 'em? I could grind 'em up for you.
No... That's not it.
Kook my dear... Where did you really get this pouch?
I-I already told you. The elder gave me it.
See this fancy embroidery? If I had to guess, I'd say it belonged to someone in the clergy.
Huh?!
So tell me the truth. Did you really get this from the elder?
I'm sorry. Truth is, I got it from someone else... Well...That's a lie too. I didn't "get" it.
...... It's sweet of you to worry about me, Kook. But that doesn't mean you can go about deceiving people. Whoever you stole this from must be so distressed.
But...But... You're not well, Mom! If you don't eat something nutritious...
And... Those church folks get it so much better than us! Why are they the only ones to get nice things?
Is that what you think?
Not you too, Mom! How can you side with 'em?! They're feedin' this stuff to their pets! They pretend like we don't exist!
......
Forget it! I don't know you anymore, Mom!
......
Sorry to disturb you.
You... You're Melina, aren't you? I saw you when I was in the HQ.
Yes... That's correct.
Wait a minute... I'll get up.
Please, don't push yourself. Stay lying down, it's fine.
Oh, thank you... But...
I think this pouch belongs to you. I'm sorry about my son... Here, take it. He said it was pet food.
Yeah... That's right. It's not much, you should just keep it. You're not well... I won't keep you any longer.
Take care.
You're a bad liar, Melina.
Huh?
These seeds...They're all strong varieties that could be cultivated in sterile soil. I once spent quite some time trying to figure out how to keep us all fed. So I can work out what most of these seeds are just by looking at them. You've been in the other continent, looking for seeds that can grow in our barren land, haven't you?
There's no hiding anything from you, I see. I'd always intended to give you these seeds anyway.
You had?
I'd heard about a female priest who'd been researching crops, who ended up getting married in Merlot Ward.
Really? Thank you so much. But my son, he said some horrible things to you, didn't he?
That doesn't matter. The truth is, we've still not been able to find god.
You're all forced to take on such a great burden...
Don't talk like that. You priests are doing the best you can for us. Everyone who lives on this land is well aware of that. Even my boy... I'm sure even he gets it. He just doesn't have an outlet for his other feelings right now.
Ah... I understand.
I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble. Um... I hate to ask, but could you possibly do me a favor?
Sure, what is it?
I'd like you to deliver a message to Prai. Tell him... Tell him thank you for always looking out for my boy. It's because of his talks with my Kook that the boy has so much resolve. I am so grateful to god for having him in our lives.
*sob* I've not done anything to deserve such thanks.
It looks like you heard the whole thing.
Sorry. Sound sure carries through the houses in this community.
I already knew that those seeds weren't for Noah. Melina always shares her own food with him.
How did you know that? That's so creepy.
Tee-heeโช I've been monitoring you, Melina.
Hmph! Melina's not the only one! I don't give Moke any special feed, either!
Well you also forget to give him any un-special feed.
Grrr! How could you say such a thing?!
Is Kook okay? I sensed a pain and anguish in his eyes. He's not in control of his own feelings.
Deep down... He's too kind for his own good.
Indeed... If only he could learn to accept his feelings.
But that's something Kook's going to have to work out on his own...
Anyway...Thanks to that distraction, we nearly forgot about why we came here in the first place. Let's go and ask the elder if we can stay with him.
4. Scene 4
63 linesAh, you're back, are you? Have you managed to recover the pouch Kook stole?
Technically no, but the issue's been resolved.
I see... Well, I won't press for details.
Though... How was Kook doing?
He's at a sensitive age. I think it's best to leave him be.
Still... I can't help but worry. There aren't many children in this ward.
Kook is really loved. Someday he'll come to realize that.
By the way... We originally came here to ask a favor of you.
Of course. Ask away.
Could we possibly stay the night? It's been a long journey and everyone's exhausted.
Obviously, we don't expect something for nothing. We'd be happy to help you out with any chores that need doing.
Don't even think about it. Not when Kook's caused you so much trouble already.
Kook is our responsibility too. You can't be expected to take the burden alone.
Hmm... In that case...
Is there something we can help you with?
I'm embarrassed to say, there's something that completely slipped my mind.
Please, don't hold back. You must have so much to worry about.
Well, some of the supplies we received... I'd like to set them up in public.
It'll be faster if I just show you.
Please, come this way. I'll explain when you see them.
Here we are. This is what I was talking about.
Huh?! Are these... Prisma?!
What did you say? Pris...
Oh, it's nothing...
(There's no way. Prisma comes from shattered spirit power that's been solidified over thousands of years.) (But if they're not Prisma... What on earth are they?)
Don't you know, Aldo? They're god's blessings!
God's...blessings?
We've already told you this. God gave us power equal to the blessings of the Four Great Elementals.
Oh yeah... I remember that from the palace. Actually seeing this with my own eyes... Your god sure is amazing.
But... They look like they're decreasing even more than before.
They are... They're too valuable to be used like this.
If not like this... Then how do you use them?
This is an old crystal I picked up in the Chasselas Crystal Region.
Another god's blessing just appeared?!
That's astonishing. Did that blessing really just double?
Hee-hee... Wouldn't it be nice if that were true?
You can't simply double them. Whether we're talking quality or quantity... All aspects of the blessing copy suffer from significant deterioration, so HQ doesn't recommend them.
We call this the power of the "crystal."
I heard the deterioration rate doesn't even change for copies made from relatively new crystals grown in HQ. Which is why no one thinks to copy them.
We can't even talk about such things in the Old Church Domain.
But crystal power is soooo dangerous!
Just imagine what a mess we'd be in if you made a mistake and ended up with two beauties like me!
Tee-hee...Yes, that's the basis for many a fairy tale.
But there's no need to worry. The only thing this has is the power to copy is god's blessings.
So this crystal power only duplicates god's blessings?
Anyway...You really want to copy them and put them up in public?
Of course. Come with me. I'll show you where.
This should be easy. Let's split up and get this done!
Done! Now it's time for a well-deserved rest!
Thank you so much, everyone. I haven't much to offer, but please make yourselves at home when...
Elder!
Why if it isn't Kook's mother! You should be resting!
Don't you worry about me! More importantly, has Kook come by?
I've not seen him.
Oh no! Then the rumors are true!
Calm yourself! What rumors?
Someone saw Kook leaving the village... Th-There are monsters out there!
Just that it was to the south.
That should be enough.
We'll head off right away.
Right! We'll get Kook back!
5. Scene 5
55 lines*sob* Stupid Mom... You've gotta eat properly... I don't want you to die.
......
What would Mister Prai do at a time like this?
Hey, kiddo!
Huh?
You a new priest?
Indeed I am. My name is Prai. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Does the church not like you then, mister?
Hm?! What makes you say that?
I mean... They sent you to a dead-end place like this. Someone high up must not like you.
Huh?!
You may not be under the protection of the church, but we worship the same god. And our prayers are still the same.
I want to help you...
Mister...
Goodness! Your mom's sick?
Yeah... She can't get out of bed anymore. So I've been waitin' to get a chance to talk to a priest.
Just until Mom gets better... Please increase our rations. Please... Don't abandon us.
Really?!
Of course! And...
You've done so well to get by on your own for so long. But now I'm here, I'll do whatever I can to help look after your mother.
Really?!
But that doesn't change the fact that you're the one who must stay by her side and protect her.
Let's work together so you can stand tall!
Yeah! I wanna be like you when I grow up, Mister Prai!
Hahaha! That makes me so happy to hear.
But I'm still young! I'm only in my twenties... You can call me big bro if you like.
Thanks, Mister Prai!
......
......
I've gotta stop mopin' about and blamin' Mom for things.
Wait! I gotta do this for Mom.
I still can't find him!
Where could he have gone?!
There are so many monsters out here! We've gotta find him quick, before he gets hurt!
Was that a roar?!
There he is! Over there!
I-I've never seen anyone hunt...
But I'm gonna destroy you so my mom can eat some meat! Brace yourself! Salamander attack!
Oooof... It's so strong.
I-I'm scared! Help me, mister!
Kook!
Mister Prai?!
Are you hurt?
I'm okay...
What in the world possessed you to pick a fight with a monster that size?
You've got real guts there!
That was brave of you. Or perhaps "stupid" would be more apt!
Whatever, I'm just glad we made it in time!
Stay on your guard, people. This monster looks like one nasty customer.
Right! Let's do this!
Skip scene?
6. Scene 6
47 linesIt's over...
You actually defeated it! You're incredible!
......
I just really wanted to feed Mom some meat... I thought if I defeated that monster...
Whoa!
It disappeared?!
Some monsters in the Chasselas Crystal Region don't have a physical form... Some say this is how they adapted to their unique environment.
That's why the adults don't hunt here, no matter how poor they are. It's just not worth the effort.
I see...
...... I knew that.
But... I couldn't think of a better idea... I promised Mister Prai that I'd protect my mom... But... But...
Kook...
Mister Prai... What am I meant to do?! I said such horrible things to you all... And I stole that bag of seeds...
I know I shouldn't. I know I'm a bad person... But... It's gettin' so hard to plain survive on our rations... And if I can't hunt and get even one ounce of meat.
What am I meant to do? Help me, Mister Prai! *sob*
In times like this, Kook... We apologize.
It's not okay to steal from the rich. It's not okay to hurt someone mean. And most of all... If something happened to you... Think how your mom's heart would ache.
But people make mistakes. And no one blames you for it.
So apologize. Seek forgiveness and never do it again. That's all we can ever do.
I'm...sorry... Sister Melina... Sister Thillelille... Everyone who helped me... And I'm sorry to the elder... And my mom...
Waaaaaahh!
Looks like he fell asleep from exhaustion. Mistrare's taking him back.
He must've been worrying himself sick. Once he started crying, he finally snapped and collapsed from fatigue.
He's so young...Yet he's had to worry about his mom all this time.
Sister Melina, Sister Thillelille. There's something I'd like to talk to you about.
You look strangely calm. Not like your usual hot-blooded self.
I'll cut to the chase. It's about the supplies for Merlot Ward.
What about them?
Whenever I've visited Merlot Ward... I've noticed something. More supplies arrive in my name than I've actually sent.
......
......
Up until now, I've always assumed it was some kind of mistake and not thought much more about it.
But this time... Obtuse as I am, even I realized what was going on when I heard there were more supplies from me than from HQ.
It's you two, isn't it? You're sending all these supplies and giving me the credit, aren't you?
You see, I examined them, and I recognized the supplies that were being sent under my name. Seeds from vegetables Sister Melina ate nonchalantly as we walked... Long-lasting food Sister Thillelille was given by the locals.
*sigh* Why couldn't you pretend not to notice? You just don't know when to keep quiet.
You're too earnest, Prai. Some things are better left unsaid.
We're fine with things as they are. We're commanding officers, and we're the ones responsible for finding god.
But!
We shouldn't be distracted by sending supplies when we're meant to be looking for god. Until we find god, it's unacceptable for us to do so.
But as the reincarnation of the Savior, it's my duty to support our people. I'll just never reveal that it's really me!
Until I'm awakened, there's not much I can do to help.
That's why it's got to be you who looks after the people of Merlot Ward, Prai. Honestly, take some responsibility!
Sister Melina... Sister Thillelille...
Hehe... That's so like them.
Yeah, it really is.
Anyway, there's no point talking about this right now. Let's bring the boy back to his mother's.
7. Scene 7
40 linesKook!
Mom!
Everyone... You brought my son back to me. I don't know how to thank you.
Don't worry about it. I'm just glad he's safe.
He wanted you to be able to eat some meat, so he went off to fight a monster.
Yep...
How could you be so reckless?
But I didn't get any meat.
That doesn't matter. You're back safe, that's all I care about.
Mom...
Kook! Kook's back?!
Indeed... He's right here.
I knew you'd get him back for us!
Anyway... Why are you in such a hurry?
Ah, yes! Listen carefully now, Kook.
I've just received word. A ship's come in with all the clergy and commanding officers from the central continent. Apparently, it's also carrying a decent amount of supplies.
Supplies?!
That's right. And the supplies that arrived at HQ... They'll be given to us! We'll be getting extra rations!
Extra rations?!
I thought I'd better tell you... There'll be more food and medicine.
Yayy! I'll go instead of you, Mom!
Ahaha! That sure cheered him up.
We should go too. You can never have too much help with something like this.
Right! I'll fly the heavy things over!
Prai...
Wh-What is it?
I have a favor to ask. These extra supplies... Can you tell my boy that it was you who sent them from the continent?
Huh? But they've got nothing to do with me.
Father Prai... I'm sorry, I also must ask this of you.
Kook still doesn't trust other priests. He's too distracted by the good news to be thinking about it yet.
But if he realizes these supplies are from anyone but you, he's going to refuse them... If he thinks they're from you though, I'm sure he'll be more than happy to accept them.
Exactly. So, please...
But...
I didn't hear any of this. This is your decision alone, Prai.
And there was a mosquito buzzing around my ear, I heard nothing.
Thank you.
Then let's go watch the heroic Prai in all his majesty!
8. Scene 8
57 linesKook...
Oh!
Look, Mister Prai! There's food and medicine! This'll make Mom all better!
Yes... I'm sure it will.
Listen... Sorry about crying and kicking up a fuss before.
I guess I'm still not as cool as you.
But... Someday I'm gonna catch up to you. You're always helpin' us out, even when you're searchin' for god. You're my hero.
Kook...
Heh-heh! Anyway, you sent these supplies, right? Like you always do?
Well...
I have a favor to ask. These extra supplies... Can you tell my boy that it was you who sent them from the continent?
If he thinks they're from you though, I'm sure he'll be more than happy to accept them.
Huh?
Prai...
I-I must've misheard. Everyone's shoutin' so loud...
Then I'll say it again. I didn't send these supplies.
Then... Who did? Don't go tellin' me other priests did this. If they think they can ignore us all this time and then act generous out of the blue.
Then I won't take anything!
Hey... Answer me, Mister Prai... If they're not from you, then who?!
God?
We still can't go to the land in which god lives... Nor can we even identify where that is. And yet... God still sees the way of life of our people, and he sees our perseverance. These are god's gifts from the Sea Within. There still aren't many supplies... But someday bountiful blessings will fill this land... At least, that's what I believe.
Mister Prai...
Okay, I get it. I'm gonna try real hard to wait for god. Me and Mom, we'll be waiting... Because someday he's gonna save us. Someday we can all be happy...
Yes, that's right, Kook. God will come to us, someday. So long as we all try our hardest.
Phew! That was so close! If you'd said you'd sent all this, I'd have had to drag you out of here under suspicion of heresy.
You sound so serious... Sister Rosetta, you terrify me.
But I live my life knowing my hands are clean should I ever be interrogated.
That was so cool of you, Prai. Let me pat you on the back as a special treat!
The doubt and sorrow that clouded little Kook's spirits seem to have lifted.
You're right. Though I'm sure he'll be getting himself into trouble again before long.
He'll be fine.
So long as his scary-faced hero is there to look out for him.
And god is there to look out for the hero.
That's strange. They're the only ones to be late...
Why the frown? What's the matter?
It's just... The summons to HQ... Sister Melina, Sister Thillelille... And even Sister Rosetta haven't arrived yet.
What? That is strange.
Maybe Sister Thillelille has, but Sister Melina and Sister Rosetta have never been late for a summons before.
And though Sister Thillelille can be a little much, she's always punctual and meticulous with her work.
I have bad news!
Is something the matter?
The guy delivering the extra rations to Merlot Ward has reported in... He saw Sister Thillelille and Sister Melina in the Old Church Domain! Sister Rosetta, too. And some over-zealous priest!
Merlot Ward? In the Old Church Domain? Why are they inland?
And that's not all. It's hard to believe, but... There are eyewitnesses claiming they saw them traveling with a woman with wings on her back... A Winged Being!
A-A Winged Being?!
A Winged Being? If that's true...
Does this mean Those Bearing Wings actually survived?
Come to think of it...You know that boat carrying the additional supplies? If it came from the central continent and was transporting the clergy... Then it must be the boat we were meant to take.
Grrrr! Being late for that stupid boat was the greatest mistake of my life!
We can't just sit around! We've got to hurry to the church!
9. Scene 9
1 linesTo Be Released: Ch. 6 "The Holy Deception"



