The Sea Within

Well then... It was a pain in the butt, but we got out of the tower.

I'm so relieved...

Ugh...

Are you okay, Mistrare?!

I'm fine. But the Stifling Chain did more damage than I thought...

Did it hit you straight on?

No, I managed to avoid a direct hit. You did say before that the best thing to do was avoid it. But for Winged People like me, or to use his expression, for the People of Paradise, that chain... It seems to take immediate effect...

Thank you, Al. I'm okay now.

The term "People of Paradise"... His ability to use "paradise technology" like the Stifling Chain... The way he suddenly recovered the missing passage of the scriptures... The questions certainly are piling up.

And he was trying to install Clarte as god's vessel to keep on producing blessings. There's a lot that needs explaining.

Huh... Melina? Your face looks even scarier than usual...

It can't be helped... There's no way we could ever understand Brother Johann's actions. Maybe in his eyes he was acting rationally. But we can't possibly overlook such conduct unless he tells us why he did what he did.

But when you say things like that, will he really want to tell us?

He may have said he won't run or hide, but what's stopping him from running off with his tail between his legs?

Because, Thillelille, he's not like you...

Quite... I'm sure it will be fine. I think he was just acting as his duty dictated.

Exactly. There's no point fretting over it. Johann should be waiting for us at the Royal Sanctuary. Let's head there now.

Ah, you came. I'm ready.

You brought the Supreme Cardinal along?

Tsk-tsk, have you already forgotten, oh self-proclaimed savior?

Who are you calling self-proclaimed?!

I'm pretty sure I told you this back in the tower. I wanted to confess to the Supreme Cardinal. I've gone over everything that happened in the Crystalline Tower, so you don't need to worry about that.

So much happened back then, that completely slipped my mind... So even the Supreme Cardinal doesn't know what you're about to tell us, Johann?

The Supreme Cardinal supports the church in public, and the Tower Defender does so behind the scenes... My predecessor wasn't one to talk much, but I remember him telling me this.

That ever since ancient times, the Tower Defenders have always had more than their fair share of secrets...

But why would the Tower Defenders have such secrets?

That is what you're about to find out.

Take a look at this device.

Device? I feel like I've seen this design before...

It looks similar to the relics we saw in the Untrodden Region...

Relics? There are indeed a few researchers who call them as such.

But like the Stifling Chain, this is a piece of paradise technology passed down through the generations of Tower Defenders.

So the relics are paradise technology?

I'm sure you'll want to investigate all this further. But for now, I'd just like you to watch the video recorded on this device.

A video?

That's right, Mr. Silver-hair. This device stores things from the past in the form of moving images. As a Person of Paradise, you should be able to activate it. Touch it for me, if you'd be so kind.

It lit up?! Just like the lightning rod!

And now, the story of how the Tower Defender's blood came to be cursed is about to begin...

You're not teasing me, are you, Judith?

No... Ever since we fell for each other, I've been in such anguish. I can't keep lying to you. I'm truly sorry for deceiving you, Lef.

No, it's fine. It must have been so difficult for you, having to keep this to yourself all this time. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have mixed feelings considering our relationship, but I'm honestly glad you told me.

It's just so sudden, I haven't quite got my head around it yet. First, um...

Our god doesn't exist. That's a fact, right?

That's right, Lef. We made up the Sword-wielding Savior. He's there to symbolize the power of salvation. Naturally, we thirteen Winged Beings aren't messengers of god, either.

We don't come from this world... We come from another world, the place you refer to as "paradise." That much is true.

But... What are god's blessings, then? The land on our continent used to be so barren. How are we now able to live like they do on the central continent? That all started when you Winged People arrived. I know that for a fact.

You're right... From your point of view, maybe we seem like gods, the way we keep on creating blessings.

But once you take a closer look, it's not such a big deal. We can't create something out of nothing, either. The blessings... Are created from spirit power.

Did you just say "spirit"?! Like on the Zerberiya Continent?! I thought this place wasn't protected by the spirits.

The crystal spirit was considered worthless in paradise and was thus abandoned to this land. We use its power.

The crystal spirit? I thought there were only four: Earth, water, fire, and wind?

There are. At least, there are in this world, ruled as it is by the heavens.

We use the power of the crystal spirit from paradise, and copy the four elementals of earth, water, fire, and wind. And what makes all this possible... Is the Stifling Song.

The Stifling Song... That strange song you're always singing?

Indeed. It was originally created to calm the spirits of paradise.

But in order to copy something... Then surely you need an original? Where did you find...

That was entirely by chance. Originally we planned to use the power of another spirit abandoned to this earth at the same time as the crystal spirit.

But as soon as we arrived in this world... We met a man on the brink of death.

The man told us he had stolen elemental powers from the Four Great Elementals... And then he breathed his last.

Sadly, they were only small...

But with these, we didn't need to recover the thunder spirit or shade spirit.

So there's a thunder spirit, a shade spirit as well as a crystal spirit in paradise? I've never heard of any of these before. What exactly is this paradise place?

It's the homeland of the Winged People. But it's not as beautiful a place as the name implies. Not by any standard. Besides, that isn't the true name of our home.

We only started to use the name "paradise" in any official sense when a certain project of ours was put into action.

The Paradise Plan... Our plan to deceive the wingless beings and steal them away from this world.

Steal them away? To paradise?!

The wingless beings who were stolen away were used as pawns in the ongoing war in paradise... Using such a jarring word as paradise, providing you with god's blessings... It was all just bait for that. It was all just an investment to win the war.

I am truly sorry, Lef... If it wasn't for my love for you, I'd still be deceiving the wingless beings. I held them in contempt...

It's fine, Judith. I'm so grateful you told me all this. I believe every word you say. So is there anything I can do?

The least I can do is have the guts to try and persuade the other twelve. If I fail, I will be executed as a traitor. Obviously, I don't plan to go down without a fight. I need to protect all of you wingless beings.

But...just in case, I'd like to teach you the Stifling Song.

You want to teach it to me?

It takes a huge amount of magic to be able to sing the Stifling Song properly. You have the ability to sing it, which is an incredibly rare gift among wingless beings. So if the other twelve turn against me and we all go down together...You will still be able to calm the crystal spirit.

I understand. If that's what you want.

But, Judith. When you go to persuade them, I'm coming with you.

With me? But if you do that, what if...

I won't be alone. I think it's best to confide in the bishop and get some help we can trust. It would be wrong of us earth-dwellers to leave it all to you.

I'll do everything I can so as not to lose you. Even if you say no, I'm still going.

Hehe. You really are a reckless man.

Thank you, Lef.

I understand. Thank you for telling me.

Please, I've not done anything deserving of thanks. You should hate me... Until now, I've been deceiving all of you wingless beings, just like the other twelve.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't angry, or filled with hatred towards you for deceiving us. But Judith... It would be wrong to act on these feelings and cast you out. If I treat you the same as the other Winged Beings... Our souls will be forever impure when they are reincarnated.

Thank you for that...

Moreover... It would appear impossible to maintain the same relationship as before with the other Winged Beings. But if we were to capture the twelve, I fear it would lead to chaos among the believers.

Which is why we must rely on the device.

Are you talking about memory manipulation? Altering memories of the Winged Beings certainly would minimize the chaos.

I will capture the Winged Beings. The decision on what to do about the believers should be yours.

Understood. We will no longer refer to the twelve as Winged Beings.

They shall be branded as Those Bearing Wings, the ones who deceived the Winged Beings.

Where am I?

Judith... How could you fall for a wingless being and betray us like this? Did you think paradise would be willing to overlook the chaos you've sown?

You can't? What difference is there between a wingless being and an animal? You think they deserve your compassion because they can speak the same language as us?

Hmph! I'll never accept anything from you!

So you've finally noticed? Well you're too late. Woe betide the traitor and the wingless beings!

Thank you, Judith... We've seen to the other eleven. They've all fallen to the depths as well. I still think it would have been best to leave Howlo to us.

Watch out, Judith!!

Ugh?!

Are you okay, Judith? So long as you and our unborn baby are safe, I...

I've been waiting for you to let your guard down, Judith.

How could I forget? I am the leader of the Paradise Plan, after all. You think I wouldn't have prepared for a rebellion? I picked up the other eleven midair and evacuated them to the southern cliff. Once I have defeated you, traitor, it will be easy to unlock the chain. And then...

If we keep these wingless beings who know the truth silenced, then everything can go back to how it was before. The only change is that we will now be twelve, rather than thirteen!

What the, ?! Quit this futile struggle!

Are you insane? That will drop us both!

A spell...on those...between... heaven...and earth... Imprisoned...in... Giant's Claw.

I hope I did right by you, Judith. This wasn't how I thought things would end up... But I was still able to...

......

Lef...Judith! What a heartbreaking turn of events... At the very least, may your souls find their way to the true paradise...

Now that we have lost every singer, we have no way to calm the spirit.

Worry not. It's too soon to give up. There is no way to calm it, but there is still a way it can support us.

Indeed. Judith bestowed unto us a piece of paradise technology that I am actually able to use. I will use the Stifling Chain to shackle the crystal spirit and bleed it dry of its blessings.

I know it's wrong. It's a truly sinful thing to do. But I can't let our devout believers go through such pain again.

Heh...I stopped deserving to be a clergyman the moment this thought came into my head. I shall take responsibility for everything, including the memory manipulation.

If you priests would be so kind as to select my successor, I shall entrust the future of the church to you... And I shall entrust the past of the church to my descendants, who will be burdened with the naked truth.

Later on, the bishop did indeed shackle the crystal spirit with the Stifling Chain, exactly as he said he would. I don't know if this is true, but it's said that the blood and tears shed from the spirit created the Crystalline Tower. He became the Tower Defender, concealing both the shackled spirit and the truth of the past using paradise technology.

I am his descendant. It brings me great shame that this secret should have come out during my lifetime.

Thank you, Johann... That certainly clears up many things.

Then the Winged People like me, who live in Giant's Claw, really are descended from the twelve of Those Bearing Wings...

That Winged Person, Judith, said the Stifling Song was paradise technology. It all makes sense now, why it would have been taught to Mistrare and the other Winged People.

But how come I know the same song, when I don't have actual wings?

I had assumed that, since you don't have wings, your version of the Stifling Song mustn't be the real one. But it's the same as the Winged People's, you say? Then I have no idea.

The mystery remains... Either way, our church possesses elementals stolen from the spirits of the central continent.

Since this has all been cleared up, I'd like to return them if possible.

We could do that for you. I know the Four Great Elementals.

You...know them? You seem to be telling the truth. I'm astonished! I knew you were no ordinary man.

I heard they were shattered into a thousand pieces in order to prevent a great disaster befalling the world.

They now live in a ghost-like state in a place known as Purgatory. So it's not impossible to visit them.

I see. In that case, I'll leave this to you.

Leave it to us. We'll get these back to them.

But this now means the countdown has begun for our continent.

If Clarte had gone along with your plan and created the blessings, we could have kept it going a little while longer.

But we have no regrets over our decision.

I understand. If I may, what do you plan to do now? Surely you didn't decide to meddle with my work without any sort of follow-up plan?

*gasp*

Of course not. I have an idea.

Huh?!

I-I mean, yeah! Thillelille is not the type to be swept away by emotion in the heat of the moment!

Judith said something interesting. That they originally planned on using the power of another spirit. When we were leaving the Untrodden Region, we fought with the thunder spirit.

Is that so? How interesting. Then you intend to capture this thunder spirit with my Stifling Chain?

Don't be ridiculous! What would have been the point in all this, if we just sacrificed something else instead?

However... The spirit didn't seem like the type to be flattered into doing anything...

Indeed. That's the problem. But I was thinking we'd have to negotiate with the spirit, even before seeing that recording of the past.

Really? And then there's the voice I heard in the Crystalline Tower. Judging from what Judith was saying, there's a good chance that was the shade spirit.

Good point... If the thunder spirit's unlikely to help, we could try the shade spirit instead!

Precisely. If there's even the slightest chance, we should give it a try. Then Clarte, where was the voice coming from?

Well... It was east-southeast from here. At the Crimson Vastsea we saw from the deck of the ship.

And I'm almost certain... It was coming from the bottom of the sea.

The bottom of the sea?!

The Crimson Vastsea turns into a deep trench at Giant's Claw... If we approached by boat, we'd go to our watery graves in a matter of seconds.

You're right. At a time like this...

Why don't we ask Synth Hydra for help? Now that curse has been lifted... He should be able to fly over the continent without any problems.

Good point! Let's go talk to Synth Hydra then.

Hmph! It's all developing exactly as I thought! Investigating is fine and all... But Crimson Vastsea is such a dull name.

It should have a cooler name, one that really inspires exploration!

You're right...Besides, the bottom of Giant's Claw is still unnamed. And today is the perfect day to change that. Why don't I name it now?

Uncharted Region Verdot. That shall be the name of the untrodden route you must take to reach the shade spirit.

Eeeeeep! I'm so excited now!

Heehee... I'm so glad, Thilly!

Let's go to Synth Hydra, quickly now! Our adventure won't start until we step on the stage!

May that sea be the true Sea Within...

Hm... You want to search the Crimson Vastsea? That certainly would be best achieved from the air.

That's right. If you do this for us, I'll keep that little matter of yours a secret.

That little matter? You mean, you have more secrets of his besides the baby talk?!

It's not the Crimson Vastsea! It's the Uncharted Region Verdot!

Hmph... Understood. I'll proceed to Uncharted Region Verdot.

This isn't because I'm scared of my secret coming out. It's because we're such good friends.

That sounds like a lie to me...

Departure sequence initiated. To 20,000 BC. Uncharted Region Verdot!

Whoa! It looks so beautiful up close!

The water really is flowing vertically! I feel like I'm gonna be sucked in just looking at it!

The voice is definitely getting closer... I guess it really is coming from the bottom of Giant's Claw.

What do you think, Synth Hydra? Will we be able to get off here?

Hmm. The falling water is really messing with the atmospheric current. I'm afraid it's near impossible to fly safely. If the tip of my fin hits that waterfall for just a second, I'll lose all control. I don't want to have to make another emergency landing.

Then we'll have to approach the spirit from a different route...

What should we do? Should we go back to the church for now?

We have one other alternative. We carry on from here and go to see the Four Great Elementals... Or rather their phantoms, on the central continent.

The Phantom Elementals? I mean, we do have something to give them...

Right. And they might know something about the spirits of the western continent.

You make a good point. We completely overlooked that.

Sounds like a plan. Let's head to the central continent then.

So I finally get to see what this central continent is like!

It's my first time going there. I can't wait!

Synth Hydra! Could you drop us off near Ratle?

Understood. I shall proceed east, then!

Eeeek! I've missed feeling this excited!

Can we get to this Purr-gator-y place from here?

I've never heard of such a place, and I come to Ratle a lot for my missionary work.

Haha... I barely believed it at first, either. First thing's first, let's go and see Onodera. Now, try not to be too taken aback when you meet him.

Well, well, well. Long time no see! I am Onodera, the steward.

Whoa...

Did that ax just talk?!

Well, I think you'll find it's me, the straw, that's talking. So what can I do for you today?

Um... Actually, I'd like you to send us to Purgatory again.

No problem. Then I'll use my people's astral projection technique to send you to Purgatory once more...

Gastral projection?! B-But Thillelille hasn't even eaten!

Are you sure you're a prodigy?

Please don't worry. I'll just temporarily separate your souls from your bodies and send them to Purgatory. You'll be able to return to yourselves as normal afterwards.

Th-That sounds okay?

(Or does it? I do feel a teeny bit scared!)

Steel your body and mind. This could be a jarring experience.

Okay... We're ready.

Oh. You're...

Is there something up with me?

Oh, I apologize. You have a rare soul indeed.

Ah, yes. I may look like a human, but I believe that isn't actually the case.

If I don't have a soul, does that mean I can't go to Purgatory?

You do have a soul. Everyone has a soul. Yours is just...different. You leave this to me.

Phew... Looks like it worked!

Such a rare soul... Or rather, it was the color of his soul that was different...

Looks like we're all here now.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Not at all. I'm glad no one got lost!

So where are these Phantom Elementals?

I can feel for huge torrents of energy coming from different directions... They must each be in a different area so that their powers don't interfere with each other.

You're amazing, Clarte! If I didn't know any better, I'd say you'd been here before!

Ever since I received the crystal spirit's power, I seem to have developed a sensitivity to elemental movements.

Well, enough about me. We've got to return the original elementals to each of them.

You're right... And then we should ask if they know anything about the spirits of the western continent.

Long time no see, Gnome.

Hm? Oh, it's you, little one. It has been a while.

Did you just call Aldo "little one"?

Aldo isn't little! You're just SUPER big!

Heheh. We must look incredibly small in the eyes of a Phantom Elemental.

So what can I do for you? I can't imagine what you might want with a phantom such as myself.

Actually... I have something for you.

Hm...What is this? I wouldn't remember anything so small... But it does look like part of me. I am most grateful.

As a phantom, my power is limited, but is there anything you desire as reward for your troubles?

We're trying to find out about the spirits of the western continent. Could you tell us a story that we tiny humans wouldn't have heard before?

Hm... The western continent, you say? I don't know about the spirits, but I'll tell you what I do know.

A long time before even we were born, at the beginning of this world... There was a war between the mother goddess and the god of the underworld. A war between order and chaos. That war ended with the victory of our mother goddess. And then, in order to control the planet, our mother goddess created we Four Great Elementals. But the war had been far more brutal than anyone had imagined, and had caused the planet to change greatly. You can still see impact of the war on the continents today.

I never knew there was such a huge war...

The gods are truly immense beings. Beyond what tiny folks such as yourselves could possibly imagine. I heard there was a particularly big collision on the western land. Though I don't know what happened with that.

I see... Thank you, Gnome. You've been a great help.

Oh, it's you? You seem burdened with more sorrow than when I saw you last.

S-Sorrow? I've just been off having adventures...

Hmm... So you appear sad to the phantom? Were you not enjoying your travels in the western land, Aldo?

Wh-What? Of course I was! You've misunderstood, Melina!

I'm joking. You don't need to take it so seriously.

Your jokes sure don't sound like jokes...

Anyway, Undine. I have this for you...

Oh my...This is... This is a tear I shed long, long ago. It's a mere drop in the ocean, but it's still a part of me... I thank you.

As a phantom, my power is limited, but is there anything you desire as reward for your troubles?

We're trying to find out about the spirits of the western continent. Do you know anything? Even if it seems like a spit in the sea to you, it could help.

The western continent, you say?

I don't know about the spirits of that land, but I do know that it is a place filled with deep sorrow.

Again with the sorrow?

However, there is good reason for its sorrow. It is a land where the power of our mother goddess has no effect. There are a few other places like that on this planet, but that continent is special...

I see... Thank you, Undine. You've been a huge help.

A place the mother goddess' power can't reach? (Maybe she's talking about the Dusken Lands of the Beast King's Castle in my era.)

So we meet again, O Child of Man.

Yeah, it's been a while, hasn't it, Salamander?

That was a surprisingly direct way to talk to a Phantom Elemental...

Worry not... This one has an even more mysterious fate than we spirits.

So, he who stands against the darkness. What can I, Salamander, do for you?

Actually... I have something for you.

Hm... Is this... A spark that once flew from my body?

We've been told that long ago, a human who washed up on our continent stole this from you. I know this is incredibly late, but we'd like to return it.

I see... Thank you for your troubles. There were quite a few who desired my sparks and stole them from me, but this is the first to be returned. By the way, do my senses deceive me, or is there a non-human presence among you?

That would be me... My body is being used as a vessel for a spirit.

Salamander, did you know there were spirits other than you who rule over earth, water, fire, and wind?

Hmm... Never before have I heard of such beings existing on this world. However, we are not omnipotent. There are things we don't know, and there are things we can't do. We four embody the heavenly powers... But I am ignorant of the powers of the underworld. If there were spirits that embodied underworld power, that would be none of my concern.

Underworld spirits?

I can sense the chaotic spirit overflowing from its vessel just by looking at you. What I am telling you is for your own good. Don't stay too long before me. The fate of heaven and the underworld was determined by that primal fight at the very beginning of this world, after all...

I see. Thank you, Salamander. We will take our leave now.

Th-That was Salamander... The Phantom Elementals truly are great beings... I realize now it was absurd to think my fire could ever burn as bright as his...

I can't let this be! I must devote myself further!

Oh, live humans... And...is this a Winged Person?!

M-Me...?

I knew it! You wanted to dance with me some more, so you brought along a Winged Person for me? Am I correct, swordsman of the humans?

Um, no, I didn't come to dance with you today...

I came to give you this.

Huh? This must have fallen off me. Not that we phantoms molt. Well, what does that matter? Why worry about such things when you've come to play once more?!

I will dance with you as thanks for your gift. Everyone else is welcome to join in, too.

Haha. I'm sure that would be great fun.

But before that, I'd like to ask you something. Do you know anything about the spirits of the western continent, Sylph?

Western? Western continent? Teehee...I do, I do! The whispers of the wind tell me the dark god's claw marks are still to be seen on that land...

The dark god?

Long ago, the dark god wrought turmoil across the land, and for that, he was sealed away somewhere. How sad it must be, not being able to go outside and play! But sadder still is the fate of the spirits of the underworld. The dark god must be as powerful as our mother goddess, yet they never even got to be created.

Oh no! I'll anger mother goddess saying this!

I see...Thank you, Sylph. This will really help. We have a few things to sort out, but why don't we dance together after that?

Why can't you dance now? Just make sure you come back!

All the phantom spirits certainly had strong personalities...

But we found out some useful information. We reaped quite the reward from returning those items, don't you think?

Um... So if we piece together what each Phantom Elemental said...

I'm feeling a teensy bit confused! And we can't trust Prai to do it.

So why don't you go through everything, Aldo?

Huh? Me?!

Tee-hee this will be interesting. Let's try and get through this quickly...

Are you sure about that? Try and remember!

Who won the war between the gods all that time ago?

Yes, that was it! Mother goddess won and she created the Four Great Elementals.

Putting together what the phantom spirits said, the dark god lost the war and was sealed away.

That would be the natural conclusion. Well... Do you remember, Aldo?

Which continent was said to be most influenced by the dark god's power?

Yes, that was it! It was our own Zerberiya Continent.

A wasteland devoid of blessings from the spirits. Did it end up that way due to the the influence of the dark god?

This dark god seems to be the key to all this... Wouldn't you say, Aldo?

The mother goddess created four heavenly spirits... And likewise, the imprisoned dark god could have created his own spirits, don't you think? Just in case, let's try and recap how many the phantoms said he created.

Ah yes, right you are! They said his imprisonment prevented him from creating any underworld spirits.

But don't you find it strange? I mean, on our journey, we've...

Yes! We have actually met spirits on the western continent.

Well then, Aldo... This is the last question.

How many spirits have we come across on the western continent?

Yes! We saw the thunder and crystal spirits in the Davola Underground Caverns and Crystalline Tower respectively. Unless that was some kind of group hallucination...

Also, Judith mentioned a shade spirit in the recording...

And I can hear its voice coming from the bottom of Giant's Claw.

It's all very strange... And what's more, one of them is here, inside of Clarte.

But there's no reason the Phantom Elementals would lie to us, is there?

How very mysterious...

Phew... I didn't expect to run into a problem like this.

Thanks to Aldo, I've been able to get my head around this!

I'll handle this!

Whoa?! Are you sure?

No matter what, it's pretty certain that there's a third underworld spirit in the Uncharted Region Verdot... This "shade" spirit.

The problem is, how do we reach it? This just brings us back to square one.

Um, Mel? About that... What if we went back to my village?

The Winged People's Village?

Misty! Are you already feeling homesick?!

No, it's not that...

The spirit's voice that Clary can hear is coming from Giant's Claw, not the bottom of the sea... In other words, from the bottom of the valley between the seas. Giant's Claw is what separates the continent from the sea...

Oh, I see what you're saying. If we ask the Winged People to help us get down to the depths of the earth, theoretically we could walk across it...

Exactly! That's exactly what I was thinking, Mel!

Misty, you're almost as much of a genius as myself!

This seems to be the best idea we've had so far.

I think so too. Let's go with your plan, Mistrare.

We're all agreed then. Let's head to the Winged People's Village!

Great Grandmother!

Is that you, Mistrare? I didn't expect you back so soon!

Some people from your church came by a short while ago. They said they wanted to examine the feather grounds...

I hope they weren't too rude?

Well no, not in the slightest. It was rather anti-climactic. They didn't want to damage the grounds, so they were painstakingly slow handling each feather. It made me quite impatient.

Once they'd finished their investigation, they told me something. That your church will no longer consider us to be Those Bearing Wings.

You lot must have done something amazing to achieve such a result.

Hehe! But of course!

Though it hasn't been long since I left the village, we sure have been through a lot...

But I'll tell you all about that later. We actually came back to the village as we have a favor to ask.

Hm, ask away. What's the favor?

I see... You want us to take you to the bottom of the earth.

In order for the people on this continent to live even the most modest of lives, we have to get a spirit to help us. If possible, we'd like to find a spirit we can at least communicate with.

We don't know what kind of spirit we'll find lurking under the Crimson Vastsea... So right now, our first priority is to find that out.

I see... I'll tell the young men to help you, then.

But are you sure you want to go right away?

Yes...

(I actually really want to see Seze...) (But I can't put my own feelings first, not when everyone on the continent is facing such adversity.)

......

Aaaah!

You scared me half to death! What's wrong, Sister Thillelille?!

I totally forgot, I've got something super important to do! Stupid Thillelille! I promised the children I'd play with them when I came here next!

Sister Thillelille... There are more pressing matters to attend to right now.

It's fine. I have a little errand I need to run, too.

Huh? Sister Melina, you too?!

You really can't take a hint, can you, Mr. Fiery Friar?

Hehe. Why don't we go too, Aldo?

Sure...

I can tell you're trying to hide your feelings. You'll make a good wife one day.

Um... Great Grandmother...

What's said is said. I'm pretty sure the Mistrare I raised was always caring of others...

Yes...

I can read you like a book. She's back at home.

Seze!

You...

It's me! Mistrare!

So um, how have you been doing? I was worried about you!

...... You don't need to worry. I won't cause any more trouble to the village.

That's not what I meant!

That's not what I was worrying about! I was just worrying about you, whether you're being tormented by your own thoughts. Whether you've gotten used to the village. Whether you're hating having to live around other people.

I don't understand. Why would you need to worry about that?

Worrying isn't something anyone NEEDS to do!

I'm sorry. I just feel bad about leaving you to Great Grandmother after rescuing you...

Is there really nothing troubling you? You can talk to me...

...... I don't know if this counts...

But where exactly did I come from? Ever since I was released from my duty, I've had a lot of time to think. Where did I come from... And where do I go now? It's pointless, I know, but I can't stop thinking about it.

As far back as I can remember, I've always had that bow and arrow. But was I taught how to use it by whoever gave birth to me, or by someone else? I'd never thought about that before.

Tell me, Mistrare. Am I...

Am I ever allowed to be happy?

Seze... I'm never going to tell you you're "allowed" to be happy.

I thought so. Then I...

You don't need anyone's permission to be happy.

If you're able to, go ahead and be happy. It's no mean feat, believe me.

Hehe...you're... You're always the opposite of what I expect.

Speaking of which, Great Grandmother taught me a new phrase. I knew there was something I needed to say to you, but I couldn't find the right words.

Something you needed to say to me?

Umm...

Thank you for saving me that time.

Ah, Misty! Have you done what you wanted to do?

Everyone...

Yes. Sorry for the wait.

I've called some people from the village. They can take you to the other side or the valley floor, whenever you want to go.

You should get going. Take care.

I will! Let's go!

The same goes for the rest of you. You may not be from here, and you may belong to different peoples, but I think of you as my children.

Then, we'll be back.

This is so much lighter than I'd imagined the valley floor would be!

I too had prepared myself for a shadowy darkness underfoot...

This place seems to have an equal mix of thunder and crystal powers.

It's as if the thunder and crystal powers were copied and are now growing naturally.

The only thing I'm worried about is...

Is if the shadow spirit is up ahead, then why can't we see its influence at all?

I love a challenge! So long as it's light, I'll lead the way!

It looks like this will be a long journey, but I'll try my hardest!

That's the spirit!

Incidentally, Thillelille... What's that behind you?

Huh? Behind me?

A monolith? There's something written here... It's pretty faint though...

Loving? Could Judith have written this?

Maybe she miraculously survived after falling to the valley floor!

It's too new for that. I believe that recording was from a few hundred years ago.

Judging from the weathering of this monolith, it can't be more than a decade old.

I-I knew that! I just thought it would've been romantic!

But if not Judith, then who wrote this? Love seems a little out of place in a note about travels and adventures, don't you think?

It certainly is intriguing... But there's no use puzzling over things we don't know.

Right. For now, let's continue east, towards the spirit's voice.

Whoa! This place is amazing!

This must be that huge waterfall. This looks like it belongs on another world!

*sigh* Honestly... We're not on a picnic, you know.

Teehee! There's no need for that. No one's watching. Why don't you relax a little, Melina?

I don't mind other people watching. It's you I'm concerned about.

But it's really incredible! How is it doing that?

Wh-Why is the ground shaking?!

Look! There's something behind the waterfall!

Did it see you?!

Milsha! What are you doing here?!

Who are you?!

This is no time to be loitering around!

Me? I'm Milsha! But don't worry about that right now!

That's the king of the jungle here in the Crimson Vastsea...

Leviathan!

Leviathan?! It's so much bigger than the Leviathan I know of!

I-Is that a Leviathan too?!

That?! Of course not! That's just a worthless parasitic monster that lives on Leviathan!

You're calling this worthless?! Quit with the jokes!

Here we go again. We came to this hinterland looking for a spirit and now we have to start subduing marine animals.

Urgh! That ringing sound, are they ultrasonic waves?!

We've got to defeat it quick! Don't screw up!

What's the rush? Does Leviathan use those ultrasonic waves to signal his underlings where to go?

What?! That's ridiculous! This thing's gross is all! It's so ugly I want it out of my sight!

Urgh... Honestly...

Are you even stupider than Thillelille?!

So you're aware of your own stupidity, Thillelille?!

Quit acting stupid and start fighting! Get your weapons ready!

W-We managed to defeat it... It's SO disgusting...

Um... Milsha?

That's my name!

You're a wingless being, right? So how are you here?

A...wingless...being?

Look closely, Sister Mistrare. She may not have wings, but she does have fins. If she can move freely through the sea, then of course she could reach the valley between the seas.

Oh! You're so clever, Mr. Fiery Friar!

I assume from the looks of you that you're one of the fishfolk?

Hmph! I'm not a fishfolk! I'm a mermaid! I'm Milsha the mermaid!

Fishfolk? The nerve! Honestly, I'm nearly lost for words!

I-I'm terribly sorry...

Sorry to ask again, but what are you doing here, Milsha?

Oh! Um...Well...

More importantly! You're my friend, right, Aldo?!

Huh? Well, yes, but...

See, there's someone I'm trying to find!

Oh yeah, your little brother, right?

Right! I've searched the sea high and low, so I thought maybe there was a chance he was on land...

Sorry to ask again, but what are you doing here, Milsha?

Oh! Um...Well...

More importantly! You're my friend, right, Aldo?!

Huh? Well, yes, but...

There's someone I'm looking for! My cute little brother!

I've searched the sea high and low, so I thought maybe there was a chance he was on land...

Sorry to ask again, but why exactly are you here, Milsha?

Oh! Um...Well...

M-More importantly! We've defeated a monster together! Doesn't that make us friends?!

Huh? Yeah, I guess.

There's someone I'm looking for! My cute little brother!

I've searched the sea high and low, so I thought maybe there was a chance he was on land...

So that's why you're all here! This is a real godsend! Hey, you can be my guides on land, right?!

Sorry, but we're looking for something too. So...

Sure, that shouldn't be a problem. I'll be your guide!

Really?! I'm so excited!

Wait a second! Rosetta!

Don't worry, Melina. Leave this to me. In exchange, Milsha can help us out with what we've got to do first.

Sure! I'll do whatever I can! Just say the word!

Tee-hee! Thank you for your ready consent.

Now then, Milsha... You seem to know a lot about the monster ecosystem. Are you from around here?

Huh?

Um...Well... I just like to go walking here, I guess...

Walking? Isn't this a bit, y'know, in the middle of nowhere for a walk?

I expect you know your way around, so why don't you guide us ahead? Once we've found what we're looking for, we'll help you out!

Um... There's nothing ahead. I guarantee it...

That's fine, but will you still guide us? If there's nothing there, we can come straight back. Are we all agreed? We're pretty much stuck here, so we may as well hurry on ahead.

No way! You still want to go ahead?!

There's nothing there, I swear! Stop! You're just wasting your time!

Hey Milsha!

Ack... Minchy?!

Fancy seein' you here! Why don't ya swing by the town? Everyone's so worried about you!

Urgh! Seriously, can't you take a hint?! I've been trying to hide from you!

Hide?

Oh? Is that you, Aldo? And who are all these folks?

Huh? Whaaaat? Who's this guy?!

So there's a town? Thank you for the information.

Come on, you guys.

Sorry. She's a nice girl really.

......

W-Wait! Don't leave me on my own!

Did I mess up? I-I'm sorry, Milsha! Lemme make it up to you!

Wow... What a beautiful town!

I never would have imagined such a beautiful place existed here! It's completely different from the Dragon Palace!

But...

Oh no, not again!

Prai! Now's the time to protect a maiden's honor!

It's fine, Thille. It seems like our audience is made up entirely of women.

Huh?

You're right.

Of course. All Atlantica mermaids are female...

Eep! I thought Mistrare would stand out so much you wouldn't notice me...

Leave me alone!

What exactly is happening here?

Sorry about this. Milsha ran away from home a long time ago.

She ran away? Looks like we have yet another eccentric on our hands.

I guess we'll have to find the spirit without a guide.

S-Spirit?

I can hear a spirit's voice from deep within this town... It's getting clearer as we get closer.

Wait a minute. You're lookin' for a spirit?

We are indeed. Do you know anything?

No, I wouldn't say that...

Phew... I finally gave them the slip.

Hey, why d'you look so serious?

The voice is in agony? It sounds like it's coming from inside that big building at the back of town.

Oh, you mean the Spirit Hall? You want to go inside? Not possible! Don't you see that enormous door? It won't open.

It won't open? You mean earth-dwellers can't unlock it?

No, no... It's nothing so mean as that.

When I say it won't open, I mean it simply can't be opened.

Ah, I see... So there's a way to open it, but it's been lost to you?

Exactly. Which means even my Stifling Song can't reach it.

Stifling...

Song?

Did you just say Stifling Song?!

Y-Yeah... What's with you two all of a sudden?

You know how to sing the Stifling Song here? Could you tell us more about it? Who are you singing it to?

Who am I singing it to? Well, the spirit...

That's exactly what Judith said in the recording! Which means that the spirit's got to be beyond that door!

So that has to be the voice Clarte can hear!

However, not knowing how to get in might pose a problem.

Look. We should've gone looking for my brother before. It's him who had the key to the door.

You've got to be kidding me...

Wait a minute. Didn't you say that all the mermaids in this town of Atlantica were female? Yet you're looking for your brother?

Yeah, that's right?

You see... My brother was cast out. His name is Poseichi and he's just the cutest...

He was raised by Leviathan... The son of a devil.