The Road to Thunder

Are you ready?

Completely!

I'm so nervous. Who knows what awaits us on the other side...

Aren't you scared, Aldo?

Not really. I'm kinda used to diving into things, not knowing where they lead. So it's going to be okay. Whatever world is through here, we'll just have to do what we can.

Whoa, you really sound like a seasoned adventurer!

Okay. It's possible that I could find my way home through here, and being scared won't help that happen. This is my adventure.

Right. I don't think it's a coincidence that this pillar appeared as soon as we arrived. I'm sure we'll find something connected to your home through here.

Well... I guess there's no sense in putting it off any longer. Just like before, there's no way to tell what this world will be like until we're actually through.

Are you nervous?

...A little. But we'll never find any clues as to who I am unless we keep on pushing forward, after all.

And the people beyond this rift... They need help. I'm sure of it. It has to be us, or who else will?

Yeah. You're right.

Okay! Let's go, Aldo!

Okay!

Where are we?

Whoa!

It's horrible... How could something like this happen?

Do you recognize this place, Nona?

Nope, it's not bringing back any memories. I don't think I know this place.

Oh...

But there must be a reason it led us here. And now that we've seen this place, we can hardly turn a blind eye to this.

I at least want to know why this happened.

I was thinking the same thing. Let's take a look around.

I don't recognize this place. Do you know where we are, Aldo?

No, I don't have a clue. Let's look around a bit. Maybe we can find something out.

The ogres... Cowardly...trick... They said...seven days... But...they lied... ......

This fort...was key... We fall...only matter...of time... Until...Thunder King's...base falls... Humans...will perish...under ogres... ......

If Sir Goliadus... Hadn't been hurt... It's all because he gave...the Battle God's Ax to that girl... To Orleya... If it wasn't for her... ......

So there was definitely a fight here.

How could this be? For them all to die without any hope of being saved...

I know. But from what the soldiers said, I think I know what this war was.

You do?

Yes. I think we're in the time of the war between the humans and the ogres. I remember the name Thunder King. It must have been from when I was finding out about Ogre Rancorem. Basically, there was a war between the ogres and humans about three thousand years before my time. The Thunder King was the man in command of the humans.

Yes. I think we're in the time of the war between the humans and the ogres. That soldier mentioned the name Thunder King. So I think we've found ourselves in the Ogre Wars.

The Ogre Wars?

Basically, there was a war between the ogres and humans about three thousand years before my time. The Thunder King was the man in command of the humans.

Oh... So these people lost the battle with the ogres?

I think so. Except they shouldn't have.

Huh?

Well, according to history, the humans beat the ogres. But that's not the impression I got from those soldiers. So is this really the Ogre Wars I know?

Wait! There's someone over there!

Huh?

I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...

Is that...Orleya?

We might be able to help her! Let's go, Aldo!

Okay!

I'm so sorry. It's all my fault...

Hey, is that you, Orleya?!

Hey, you there!

That's a bad wound you've got there. Maybe you should rest?

I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...

Can't she hear us?

Maybe she's in shock?

Excuse me...

Eeek!

I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! It's all my fault. It's all because I had the Battle God's Ax.

Battle God's Ax?

Battle God's Ax? So...you are Orleya?

Yes. He gave it to me. But I-I...

Try to calm down! What are you talking about?

Everyone died. Right in front of me, they...they... They lost formation. They tried to flee those monsters. So scared, so desperate... I was supposed to protect them. I was the only one who could...

But I couldn't!

Wait!

Eeek!

Wait, what are you doing?!

No! You can't do that, Orleya!

NOOOOOO!

Don't, Orleya! You can't!

Why...

Hm? Wait... Everything looks different.

Huh?

The fire's gone out?

What's going on?! Just a moment ago... This place was strewn with dead bodies. And Orleya, we saw her...her...

Yeah. I don't believe we both were seeing some kind of illusion. Either way, let's go take a look around.

Yeah. It's just like the last bit of recurrent spacetime we were in.

So the same sort of thing is happening here?

Probably. Let's look around.

10 days' time?

Orleya?! Then...

Aldo, did you hear that?!

So according to the soldiers, the ogres have told them the battle will start in 10 days' time.

But before, it was seven days, right?

Right. That's definitely what the wounded soldier said.

And Orleya must still be unharmed, if she's due to be coming here. This is all so weird, Aldo! It's like time has just rewound!

Hm. I think maybe... This place is doing the same thing as Baruoki.

You mean it's repeating the same time, over and over again?!

Yes. I'm not certain yet, but it is strikingly similar. The time loop in Baruoki was caused by that vortex where I found you...

The conditions do sound the same.

Then everybody here is stuck repeating the same battle over and over again? And they don't even know it? That's terrible!

It really is.

But if that is what's happening, we should confirm it before everything repeats itself again. Ogre Rancorem was able to sense the flow of power before...

So why don't we go back to that pillar of light we came through? It's connected to the vortex, right? So maybe Ogre Rancorem can separate them and stop the time loop!

Good idea. Let's try it.

And Orleya must still be unharmed, if she's due to be coming here. It's just like...

Yeah, it might be just the same as that other time. Time's rewound on itself.

Oh, no, no... I don't know if I can handle seeing all that play out again...

Let's go back to the place where we first arrived. There's something I want to try. If we can cut this world off from its contact with the Vortex... Maybe we can still make it in time.

Yeah. It's worth a try.

Okay, here we are! Wakey wakey, Ogre Rancorem!

Hey, careful! You don't want to put Ogre Rancorem in a bad mood!

Oh, sorry. You're right! Ogre Rancorem bears all the hatred and resentment of the ogres, right? I bet he's scary when he's angry.

Yes he is.

Okay, so I don't want to sound too persistent. I'll try to wake him up nice and quick.

Huh?!

OGRE RANCOREM! WAKE UP!

Hey!

Urgh, what is all that noise? There is no need to bark at me, I am already wide awake. Do you think I can sleep with that distortion right there?

Listen, this world is also stuck repeating the same thing. We were wondering if you could sever the connection between this world and the vortex, like you did with Baruoki?

Hmm. It is not impossible...

Great! Then give me your power!

Do you think time will stop repeating itself now?

No, this time loop will not stop by simply cutting the connection with the vortex.

It won't?!

The time loop is powering itself now. Unless you correct the distortion of power in this world, it will not stop.

What, so time in this world just resets on its own?

And what do you mean by distortion of power?

Well, you know about distortions. And the power needs to be strong enough to distort logic without outside meddling. This force will be far too strong for you two to go up against it. That I know for sure. You would be far better off just leaving this world behind and going back to the vortex.

We can't do that! We can't doom these people to repeat the same tragedy over and over again!

'Tis no concern of ours. Do not go feeling sorry for them. ......

Hey!

Rats! Pretty sure that's the last we'll be hearing from him! So what do we do? I've got no clue what this distortion he mentioned could be.

Looks like we're at a dead end.

Oh, right! I nearly forgot! There was something you said before that really stuck out to me.

There was?

Yeah! When we were walking through the battlefield... You said something about how this wasn't like the Ogre Wars you knew? What did that mean?

Oh, just that historically, humans beat the ogres. But I'm not exactly an expert on the subject...

Hey, why don't we look into it? Something strange is definitely happening in this world. And if you know what happened in this period, you'll be able to tell what's distorted, right?

Okay, here we are! Wakey wakey, Ogre Rancorem!

Hey, careful! You don't want to put Ogre Rancorem in a bad mood!

Oh, sorry...you're right.

Okay, so I don't want to sound too persistent. I'll try to wake him up nice and quick.

Huh?!

OGRE RANCOREM! WAKE UP!

Hey!

Urgh, what is all that noise? There is no need to bark at me, I am already wide awake. Do you think I can sleep with that distortion right there?

So, Ogre Rancorem. It looks like this place is also repeating in time.

Do you think we could fix it by severing its link to the Vortex?

It would serve little purpose. This place has already begun to spin under its own power.

I was hoping you wouldn't say that.

But if we don't sever it, even if we do stop it from spinning, it'll just start back up again. Will you lend me your power, Ogre Rancorem?

...Do as you will.

Alright. Then let's go!

Thank you both. I think this place should be alright now, for the time being.

Now we just need to find the distortion that's causing the loop in the first place.

A distortion... There was something you said before that really stuck out to me.

There was?

When we were walking through the battlefield... You said something about how this wasn't like the Ogre Wars you knew? What did that mean?

Oh, just that historically, humans beat the ogres. But I'm not exactly an expert on the subject...

Why don't we look into it? Something strange is definitely happening in this world. And if you know what happened in this period, you'll be able to tell what's distorted, right?

Hm, that's not a bad idea actually. If we want to know about the Thunder King's time, then perhaps we should go to Unigan.

Unigan? Is that the capital of your kingdom?

Yes. There'll be loads of people who know about history there. We should go and ask them.

Whoa!

So this is Unigan?! It's incredible! There's so many people! So many new things!

Hey, we didn't come here to play, remember?

Oops, sorry! I got a bit carried away.

So how are we going to find out about the Thunder King's time?

Good question. If we're going to ask around, we should at least know what to ask about. Like, the Ogre Wars, or that fort, or Orleya.

Orleya?!

Hm? Did you say something?

No?

Did you just say "Orleya"?

M-Miyu?!

Aldo, you know this girl?

Yes, she's a traveling companion and the princess of Miglance.

Sh-She's a princess?! Whoa, you've sure got friends in high places, Aldo!

M-Miyu?!

I'm so sorry to intrude! I heard you mention my hero and I just had to come over!

Aldo, you know this girl?

My name is Miyu. I'm a traveling swordswoman fighting for the people...

Eeek!

Phew, that was close...

Hey, why are you hiding? Is that princess...

SHHH! Just treat me like any other traveling swordswoman, okay!

So you are her?! To think, I'm talking to a princess! Wow!

Whoa?! Wh-Who are you?!

I'm so sorry to intrude! I heard you mention my hero and I just had to come over! My name is Miyu. I'm a traveling swordswoman fighting for the people...

Eeek!

Phew, that was close...

Hey, why are you hiding? Is that princess...

SHHH! Just treat me like any other traveling swordswoman, okay!

So you are her?! To think, I'm talking to a princess! Wow!

So you know of Orleya? We're trying to find out about her.

I know of her? That doesn't do it justice!

She's my childhood hero!

Really? I guess she must be pretty amazing then.

Haven't you heard of her?

Orleya was a female warrior during the time of the Thunder King. There are SO many legends about her! She wielded a deadly Battle God's Ax, yet was victorious without blood shed! She's a hero, an undefeated general!

She's so passionate! Is she always like this?

No, I've never seen her like this before.

She's so passionate!

I used to get read bedtime stories about her when I was little, and I'd always dream about her. This strong yet kind hero running into battle in order to protect her people...

No one in the kingdom knows more about Orleya than me! If you want to know anything about her, I'm your girl!

Thank you! You see, we met her before and...

Whaaat?!

Aldo! You're going to blow poor Miyu's mind if you just leave it at that! We've got to explain! Let's see now. It's kind of a long story, but...

I see. So you found yourselves in the day the Ogre Wars started? But it sounds so different from the history I know.

What do you mean?

Orleya's first campaign, the battle of Thundering Fortress, ended in victory. There are no records of the fort being defeated, and there's absolutely no way that Orleya was killed in action!

Then history changed?

Maybe it has something to do with the distortion that Ogre Rancorem mentioned.

Hmm... Then perhaps we should go back to that time and work out when history started changing.

But this time, we'll take Miyu with us!

Hey, Aldo! Do you think maybe...?

Yeah. This could be the distortion of history that's causing the loop.

Okay! In that case, let's head back to that time!

But this time, we'll take Miyu with us!

F-For real? Are you sure?!

Of course we're sure! We don't know anything about that era. We'd love to have you with us, wouldn't we?

Thank you thank you thank you! I never in a million years thought I'd actually get to meet Orleya... Oh my gosh, I can't stop shaking. How should I act when I meet her?

Umm, are you okay? If it's too much for you, you don't have to come...

No! Please let me come with you! If my hero's in trouble, I want to help her in any way I can!

Well, I feel so much more confident having you with us.

Okay, let's head back to Thundering Fortress.

All right, we're back!

So this is Thundering Fortress...

Okay, let's go check on those soldiers.

W-Wait a minute! I need to get ready!

Get ready how, exactly?

Come to think of it, she rushed off to get something before we came here. Muttering something about fashions of the era...

Sorry for the wait!

Whoa, check out that outfit! You look amazing!

They're ceremonial robes, but they're the only thing I had on me that I thought might suit the era. I wanted to wear something that blended in when I meet Orleya. I don't want to insult her or anything. I do have a replica of Orleya's outfit. But I didn't have the confidence to wear that in front of her.

They're ceremonial robes, but they're the only thing I had on me that I thought might suit the era. I wanted to wear something that blended in when I meet Orleya. I don't want to insult her or anything.

Y-You don't think it's strange, do you?

No, it's perfect! You must really look up to Orleya!

*giggle* It still doesn't feel real that I could be about to meet her.

Come on, you two. Let's find these distortions in history and help out my hero!

Okay!

They said before, that Orleya would be arriving with Goliadus.

So if we just wait here, we should see her.

Goliadus? That's Orleya's grandfather, a hero who defined a whole era. I never thought I'd get to meet him, too...

Ah! They're coming!

......{lang-nuance}Goliadus{/lang-nuance}

Idiots.

I called you idiots, you wimps! If you have time to greet me, you have time to work on the base!

You said the war starts in 10 days? Fools. You can't take those scoundrels at their word. Read between the lines. If you've agreed to a date, then they're planning an ambush. Their army will soon be here.

......{lang-nuance}Orleya, to Goliadus{/lang-nuance}

The war has already begun. You don't have a second to lose. There can be no rest, only preparation. When you sleep, dream of the enemy, and you hold on tight to your weapons. When the sun is up, you fortify defenses. When the sun is down, you train your men around the campfire. That is the only way you'll make it out of this alive. Do you understand? Now get to it!

......

Amateurs.

And who are you?

Eek! He spotted us?!

You don't look like you're from around here, but you don't look like ogre spies, either. So answer me like your life depends on it. For it does.

Umumumum...

Oh, umm, we're not spies! We're umm...

We're reinforcements! We heard there was a battle and we thought maybe we could help!

You? You're practically babies. Don't waste my time.

Hm?

Wh-What is it?

That sword... It has absorbed much ogre blood.

Oh, erm... Yeah, I guess so.

I see, you're no ordinary children. But I can't help but think you've ulterior motives. Orleya!

Y-Yes!

These new folks are under your command. They look capable, but they can't be trusted. If they do anything suspicious, feel free to end them. I'm sure you'll make short work of it.

Understood.

(She seems so different from the Orleya I know...) Well, at least we'll be near Orleya for the time being.

W-We can't let our guards down yet, but at least we'll be near Orleya for the time being.

If we stick with her, we should be able to spot when history starts changing.

Just try to stay in her good books, okay? I don't really fancy being ended.

Wait a moment... I smell burning in the wind.

Huh?

The air is heavy with the smell of blood, the howl of starved beasts, the passion of fierce resentment.

Erm, I'm not getting any of that.

No, this arte I use requires a deep bond you do not possess. Only I can sense him, my nemesis, from this distance. So he lives yet. But not for long.

It sounds like Goliadus has some kind of connection with the enemy.

It sure seems that way.

Orleya, go and strengthen defenses in the auxiliary fort.

The...auxiliary fort?

We can't guarantee they'll steer the right course. They could decide to raid the other fort on their way here. But it is much harder to access than this one. Neither we nor they can send a lot of troops there. You have the might of a thousand men, and you are nimble. You are more than enough to hold them off.

Understood.

And if it comes to it, the Battle God's Ax will ensure your safety.

The Battle God's Ax? Wait a minute, Gra, I mean, Sir Goliadus. This is your ax. I thought I was just carrying it for you?

Don't be a fool. This ax is more precious than life itself! You think I'd have someone else carry it for me? No, I was always planning to give you my ax. It is yours now.

Oh...

This will be your first battle, and my last. This ax belongs to the one who has battles yet to come.

But this ax...

Yes. It is equal to a divine artifact, and may only be possessed by a warrior who has made a name for themselves. But all warriors must start somewhere. So long as you make a name for yourself in this battle, no one will object.

......{lang-nuance}Orleya, conversation about the ax{/lang-nuance}

Miyu, is this Battle God's Ax really such a big deal?

It is! It's legendary! Since the dawn of history, it has only been handed to the greatest of heroes. I never dreamed I'd get to see the moment she inherited it!

Sunset is nearly upon us. When it gets dark, the ogres'll have the advantage. They can see in the dark. Get to the detached base before that happens and prepare yourselves.

Yes, sir.

I'll lead you to the other fort. What are your names?

Um... I'm Aldo. And this is Nona and Miyu.

So that's Aldo, Nona, and Miyu. Got it.

Now, follow me.

Um, sure...

......

This is so tense. Orleya hasn't said a word since before...

I bet she's contemplating the incredible responsibility of bearing the Battle God's Ax. Just look at that serious expression, those pursed lips! She's accepted her heroic destiny! She's burning with the will to fight! It feels like I've stepped right into a story. I get to watch my hero in all her majesty during her first battle!

If you admire her so much, why don't you go talk to her?

I-I can't! I can't interrupt her at such an important time!

We've come a long way, haven't we?

Eek?!

Y-Yes! We have! We've come quite a long way, definitely. Yes.

So I'm in the clear now?

Huh?

Wah...

Wah?

Waaah! That was so scary!

What the?!

I thought I was gonna die outta sheer fright! I've never been around so many strangers before! Urgh it was horrible! They were all so coarse and loud! And there were so many men! I was so scared I swear I nearly passed out!

I thought something was a little off. I guess she was just pushing herself too hard?

What the? Why's she acting so different?

Perhaps... This is the real Orleya we're seeing now?

Oops. I'm sorry for startling you. But you're right... When we were at the fort, I was doing everything I could to look strong and put together.

My whole face feels stiff now!

This is the real Orleya?!

But this you is so much easier to talk to! Can't you always be like this?

Of course I can't! Didn't you see my grandpapa back there?

You mean Goliadus? He did seem pretty intimidating.

He is! He's always telling me to act like a warrior. The fortress is a crucial base, so I couldn't go about lowering morale. Whine and I'd feel his wrath, he said!

So you hid your fear?

Eheh, yeah. I'm scared of those fortress guys, and I'm really scared of Grandpapa...

But how are you going to cope being so scared? You're about to fight the ogres!

I know. But that might be okay.

I've lived my whole life hidden away in the mountains, just Grandpapa and me. All we ever did was train. Chopping up logs that rolled down the mountain, fighting angry bears, that kind of thing. So...

So ogres don't faze you?

I can outrun them for sure!

You're going to flee?!

Well, yeah! They're so big! And they've got superhuman strength! I'm petrified of them! Oh, I hope none of them come to our auxiliary fort...

With Orleya like this, I can't help but feel a little nervous about what lies ahead.

It's going to be fine, Orleya! After all, Sir Goliadus gave you the Battle God's Ax!

Agh! You're right. I've gotta do something about that.

Huh?

This ax is a really big deal. Grandpapa inherited it from a long line of heroes. It's proof a hero has recognized your power and chosen you as a successor. Wield it, and all will follow you.

Right. It really is an incredible ax...

It is, it's incredible. But that's why...

I'm giving it to you!

WHAAA?!

Take it, for free! It's heavy, but it's valuable! I'll even throw in this flag!

Wait a minute! Why are you trying to give it away?! Goliadus chose you to take it!

I don't want it! It belongs to someone way more heroic than me...

Pull yourself together, woman! YOU'RE the hero!

How can I be the hero? I'm a fainthearted coward!

Well...

I just know you can do it! And I'll help you out, okay? So you just keep hold of that ax of yours, got it?

You're being ridiculous...

...Hm?{lang-nuance}Orleya hears a sound{/lang-nuance}

Do you hear all that noise up ahead?

It sounds like metal on metal. There must be a fight going on!

Oh no...

Okay. Maybe we can get back without anybody noticing...

No, Orleya. We're going!

Eeep...

Oh no! The ogres are already here!

Gahahah! The humans! So weak! Let's end patrol... And start killing!

Wait!

Who're you?

The war isn't due to start yet. What is this, an ambush?

Ambush?

Pfft... Pahaha! You really thought we'd be good li'l ogres and keep our promise?! We may've been sent here to patrol... But you humans are too weak! We can't help it! Hahaha!

We will not allow you to ravage this fort any longer! Let's go, Orleya!

Orleya?

O-Orleya's not here. Sh-She's gone away...

Hey!

Orleya...!? I guess we'll just have to fight them ourselves, then!

We've got to defend this place, no matter what!

Take that!

Ngh?!

Boss! These ones ain't like them other humans.

Urgh. Didn't think we'd find any fighters after all 'em wimps. Fine. If that's how it is...

Muahaha! If you's is the strongest humans, we'll just go after the weaklings! I hear you creatures scare way easier than we ogres. Time to teach you a lesson. We'll purge these ones in front of you. Then we'll see how your courage holds up.

Don't you dare!

Move a muscle and we'll tear this guy limb from limb.

Guh!

You cowards!

Huh?

Gah?!

Run!

I'll buy you time!

Orleya?!

You sneaky little imp! Think you can just butt in?

We will crush you!

You sure about that?!

We can't waste the time Orleya bought us!

Agreed!

Guys!

I'm seeing you in a new light, Orleya! I think we can take them!

Urgh! Retreat! Retreat!

Phew... We did it!

Thanks for cutting in before, Orleya.

...... *pant* *pant*

What's wrong?

I...was...SO SCARED!

*giggle* Still?!

You were incredible, Orleya! You faced those ogres without even flinching!

Hey, don't tease me like that! I was absolutely terrified!

You were? But you were able to fight them head on!

Th-That was... Well... I was scared of the ogres. Terrified. Petrified. But that guy they captured must have been ten times, a hundred times more scared than me... So my body just started to move of its own accord... No more fear, no more shaking.

Orleya...

*giggle* You really are the person I imagined after all.

What's that supposed to mean?

You're so kind and strong. You're a real hero!

Wha?! That's going a bit far, isn't it?!

Oh, I get what you're doing! You want to flatter me into keeping this ax, don't you? Nope, it's yours now, Miyu!

What?! I don't remember agreeing to that!

*sigh* Fine. Worth a try though. I thought maybe you'd get carried away in the moment and take it.

We really can't be too careful around you!

But scared or not, confident or not, that ax belongs to you, Orleya. And after seeing what we've just seen, I think I understand why Goliadus gave it to you.

Right. You've got the makings of a true hero.

Not that again...

Huh? No, I didn't... It wasn't... I-I'm just glad you're safe.

Eeep... Oh... I... Err...

Erch...

......

Orleya?

What's wrong? Why'd you go quiet?

Huh? No way. Hey! Orleya? Hellooo?

She fainted.

Standing up?!

Oh... Thank you for the reports.

Then for today...we... We should rest. There's still...tomorrow to think about...

Thank you.

Looks like you're getting on pretty well with the soldiers now!

Huh?

I-I don't know about that. I like them, but I'm not sure if they like me. But I've finally been able to talk to adults who aren't Grandpapa. That makes me happy, at least.

*giggle* That's good.

You work so hard! I'm sure you did all you could back then. And yet...

Huh?

Oh, umm... Nothing! But, uh... We'll protect you, Orleya. Well, not just you. Everyone here. We'll do everything we can to make sure you're all safe.

Where'd that come from? I mean, I appreciate the sentiment, but...

Sorry, I just wanted to say it all of a sudden. Anyway, early start tomorrow. We should get some rest.

Okay!

Looks like we're all here. Okay, today...

Urgent message coming through!

Huh?

Oh no... Grandpapa is in trouble?!

Let's go help them out, Orleya!

B-But what about this fort?

Thank you all!

Okay, let's head to the main fortress!

Everything's going to be all right!

Your reinforcements have arrived!

Huh?

Bweh heh heh! Bweh heheh heh heh!

Ghh!

What's the matter? Has the famed Goliadus finally lost his touch? You must be getting old!

Shut...up!

Grandpapa!

You weren't this great mass of an ogre when last we faced on the battlefield. What sorcery is this, Chaos Ogre?

Gyeh heh heh! What's the point in explaining to some senile old fool?

Ngh!

Bet this isn't how you thought you'd die, right? I've been waiting for this moment for so...so long! Gyeh heheh heh!

Gwaaah!

I remember...that day you smashed my back in anger... My people looked down on me, laughed at me. My wounds ache when it rains. My life has been torture because of you!

That was y...

Urgh!

Stay back!

Gyeheh heh! No one's getting in Chaos Ogre's way!

This is between me and him. I will not let you get involved.

His delusions about me, his nemesis, have finally reduced him to this four- legged beast. He has lost all dignity... He is not worth the respect of a warrior!

Come at me, Chaos Ogre! Come die a dog's death!

What did you say?!

Ngh?!

You...

Grandpapa, get back!

We'll take care of this guy!

Don't be a fool! Didn't you hear me before?! This is bet...

Yes, yes, it's between you and him. But...I've lived my whole life by your side.

Your enemies are my enemies!

Right! And... Orleya's enemies are our enemies!

Fools, all of you.

Hey, Miyu. About this fight... This feels a little history-defining, doesn't it?

I was thinking the same thing. If the fortress is destroyed now, the enemy will be swarming the place in minutes.

And then that tragedy Aldo and I witnessed will repeat itself yet again.

We can't lose though! Not if we have the hero Orleya leading us!

Right! Poor, timid Orleya is up against that huge ogre! We have to make sure she wins!

Grrr! Why are you still loitering around?!

If you dare interfere with my vengeance, you'll pay the price with 100 corpses!

If you dare interfere with my vengeance, you'll pay the price with 100 corpses!

Gwaaah!

*huff* Surely now you understand... We won't let you take this fortress! Try to attack, and I will thwart you, every time!

Argh! How could I be beaten by puny humans like you? No... It can't be. This can't be happening.

I will never forgive you for this!

Ngh!

I was born to slaughter human vermin, to crush your pathetic skulls! A wound inflicted by a human brings shame to the whole clan! Think you get to wound me and live to tell the tale?!

Bring it to me! This power isn't enough! I'll show you true, almighty power! I'll crush you! I'll ensure not a single cell on your bodies remain unharmed!

Something isn't right here. What's going on?

"Bring it to me"? What's he talking about?

Hey! I know you can hear me! Come out! You are NOT leaving me to lose here!

What the?!

Huh? That's...

How strange. You aren't supposed to lose here...

Supposed to?

I gave you more than enough power. You're meant to destroy Goliadus and destroy all here before the sun rises. This has never once changed, not in the hundreds, nay thousands, of repetitions. The same power yields the same results. That is the very principle of this recurrent spacetime. What is causing this fluctuation?

Hey! What are you doing here, Phantom?! Wait, are you even called Phantom? You look like the one I know, but something's different about you...

Phantom? How do you know my name? Oh. I see... You must be the impurities causing this fluctuation. You are beings from another time layer... So perhaps you know me, but not I you.

Wait, did you just say "time layer"?! Are you saying I'm not in my own time layer right now?

You've caused such upset without even realizing this fact? Interesting.

What's a time layer?

You've caused such upset without even knowing of this concept? Interesting.

I don't care to know how you came to this closed-off cycle, nor what your intentions are. My only concern is that you are upsetting my own plans.

And your plans...are to get the ogres to defeat the humans?

So you gave Chaos Ogre power in order to twist the outcome of the battle in your favor?

Hm? You...

So I still have to explain, do I? Yes, I gave the ogres power. But I care not about benefiting them.

Then why are you trying to change history? If this place is stuck in a time loop, then what does it matter who wins? Time's just going to rewind anyway!

But that's precisely why it does matter.

Huh?

You wouldn't understand what we're trying to do here. So let me just say this... The ogres' victory is necessary to create this recurrent spacetime.

Recurrent spacetime?

Indeed. A closed-off space and time in which the same period is repeated ad infinitum. A phenomenon that can only occur in this time layer of homeostasis. We cannot fulfill our plans without it.

Homeostasis? What's that?

An equilibrium within a living system. The time layer is trying to get its damaged history back to how it was meant to be.

Here, the future is prioritized. The altered past converges with the original, for the sake of the all- important future.

History where the future is more important than the past? How does that make sense?

You once told me that seemingly insignificant changes in the past have the power to totally alter the future. I've seen towns in the future falling to ruins as a result of a change in the past. But what you're saying is...

In your example, yes, it's this future town that matters. We change the past to align with how we want the town to be.

But this is the complete opposite of our world! Why would you want this?

The history of this time layer has been damaged over and over again. This repeated alteration of history... Created a complex distortion that shook the very existence of the time layer itself. Then, when the time layer was on the verge of disappearing, a miracle occurred. It started to repair all contradictions in history, as if it had a will of its own. It kept itself alive.

What the?

Rejecting such contradictions, the time layer thus lost flexibility in order to get an image of its "correct" history. The future can't change, even if the past does. It will always force itself back in line with its predetermined course. These are the basic principles of the White Night Time Layer, a permanent and unchanging time layer.

Okay, so this world exists within a strange set of rules. But what's that got to do with time repeating itself?

The time loop is caused by one thing, but perpetuated by another.

The three day loop in this time layer was created by an interfering power from outside this world. But if nature was left to take its course... The interfering power would eventually weaken, and the time loop would end.

Then why...

So we decided to use the homeostasis of this time layer to our own advantage. Because you see, the time layer can only correct so much distortion in history.

Let's say many people die, when they're officially supposed to be alive. It'll take a huge event modification to correct this. When distortions exceed the time layer's ability to correct, the past and future will disconnect. The flow of time gets off course.

Disconnect?

That is, today cannot reach tomorrow. In this recurrent spacetime, last night can't connect to tomorrow morning... So it can only to be pushed back into the flow.

I don't completely understand... But maybe when Ogre Rancorem said the time loop was powering itself, this was what he meant?

What do you mean?

Basically, the fourth day that is meant to come involves a future in which the men of this fortress defeat the ogres. But since Phantom is distorting history, days three and four are inconsistent with each other... So it returns to day one instead.

Oh... How clever you are.

So that's what Ogre Rancorem meant... When he said that cutting the connection to the vortex wouldn't stop the time loop. But there's something you've yet to explain.

Why are you triggering this three day loop? The history of this world has already suffered enough, why destroy it further?

......

Tell me what you want!

There's no need to rush. You'll come to understand soon enough... You sweet little bird.

Huh?

Are you still talking?! It's me who called you here, not them! Gimme your power already!

Hm... I have never given you more power before. But with this outside interference, perhaps I must bend the rules a little. The battle must end with an ogre victory for this recurrent spacetime to be maintained.

Not on my watch! However you distort history, we will restore it! We will get this world's future back!

Heheh. Go ahead and try.

Phantom?!

I see. I felt a strange disturbance in the flow of history... And once again, it's your handiwork.

I should have known you were involved, Phantom!

You gave power to the Chaos Ogres. But why? What are you after?!

Our goal is the same as it ever was. To distort the true path of history, and to nurture and preserve these recurrent spacetimes. That is all.

So, because the White Night Time Layer prioritizes the future over the past... If this place doesn't reach the future it's meant to, it'll just keep on repeating. Right? Doesn't that mean we just have to help the humans win the war again, and it'll get fixed?!

...Try it, if you wish.

GRAAAGH!

This is going to be fun, interlopers. Let's see who wins in this recurrent spacetime, the humans or the ogres!

Graaagh... I feel the power!

If would take a great will to free this spacetime from its constraints. I look forward to seeing for myself who...

Hey! Hold it!

What's wrong? I've already given you enough power to slaughter these pests.

It's not enough! You didn't give me enough!

This isn't what you promised! I told you to give me the power to crush these humans once and for all!

You don't need more. You already have more power than these humans. If you still want more, then withdraw and wait for my associates to arrive.

URGH! Shut up! I want to crush them NOW!

I have given you all the power I personally can give you.

I don't care!

I thought I told you!

Give me ALL of your power! All of it!

You're trying to steal it from me? I see. I've given you too much power.

This feeble amount of power isn't enough to rid me of the shame... The wounded pride, the bitterness I feel from that fight! I need more! MORE! Give me all of your power!

He's...eating Phantom?!

This is just the way the wheel of fortune turns. We are all, and all are one. Even if I myself disappear, our plans can still be achieved.

Give! Me! Your! POWER!

Little bird... Love this world. Someday, this shell... ......

He ate him...

Be careful, everyone! He's acting even stranger!

Graaagh! Groooagh!

GROOOAAAGH!

He's lost control of himself!

Maybe he can't control the power he took from Phantom?!

GRAAAGH!

Ngh!

GROOOAAAGH!

Oh no! Orleya!

Orleya!

*huff* Gaaah...

Orleya!

Huh? I...

Grandpapa!

Are you...okay, Orleya?

Don't worry about me! What about you?! You're... You're...

So long...as you're...safe... ......

Grandpapa?! Grandpapa!

The power's gone already. I guess a body can't adapt to borrowed power after all. As the guy I just ate said, you shouldn't draw out power from other people...

Agh!

You will regret this!

Those eyes...

Hey. Don't look at me like that! You look just like him...when he broke my back... Argh!

Hey, wait!

Orleya! Your grandpa's still breathing! We might be able to save him!

Really?!

We need to make sure Goliadus gets some rest. We can worry about the ogre later.

Orleya!

So, umm, is he okay?

The combat medics are taking care of him. There's nothing else I can do for him now.

Oh...

They've dressed his wound, but it's pretty deep. It's too soon to know if he'll make it. And he hasn't woken up once. His voice once boomed so loud your eardrums might burst, but now, he's as silent as the grave. His huge, rough hands that used to grab me by the scruff of my neck when I ran off from training are just lying there.

I'm so scared... More scared than I've ever been before. The thought of losing Grandpapa, it's... I never got to pay him back for all those years he took care of me after my mom and dad died of their illness.

......

All I ever did was run away from training and get into trouble. I never did anything good. I can't bear the thought of causing him so much worry now.

Then why don't you stay with him? Just forget about the fort for now. We can take care of...

No, I'm coming too.

But...

I can't make him any better. But I can protect the fort.

Chaos Ogre will come back. And he will be so, so much more powerful than last time. I want Grandpapa to rest in safety, no matter what enemy comes this way... And I'll do whatever I can to make sure he does.

Orleya...

Okay. And I'll do everything I can to help you out!

Then let's go outside and try to come up with a new strategy with the other soldiers. We cannot lose to that brute.

Okay!

Everyone seems so...bleak...

Without Goliadus propping them up, I guess the troops fell into disarray.

How do we fire them up again?

Hm?

It looks like her ax is raising the troops' morale.

Yes. But...will it be okay?

Huh?

Ngh! Die? More...lives...

......

I...

I can't do that.

I'm sorry!

Orleya!

It looked like something was really troubling her.

There must be a reason for her to run off from everyone like that. And for once, I don't think it's because she's scared. She wants to protect this fort more than anyone!

Yeah. We should go and talk to her.

Yes...

......

I guess we should go look for her...

She couldn't have gone far yet.

......

There you are, Orleya!

Ah! Oh...

I'm sorry. I know that what I did was unforgivable. I've caused you three such trouble...

It's fine, Orleya. We didn't come here for an apology. We figured something must be going on with you.

Why don't you tell us what's wrong?

Oh... It's not really worth saying. I just... I can't be a hero... I got cold feet.

......

I underestimated what it means to be a hero. Up until I stood before everyone, I really thought I could do it. But I don't have the makings of a hero.

Why do you think that?

Heroes aren't cowards. Compared to the men of the fortress who are willing to sacrifice their lives for this war... I am so very cowardly. I'm scared of myself dying, and I'm scared of everybody else dying, too.

So when I heard them say they were willing to die... It was like my legs froze solid. I couldn't move. The thought that they may lose their lives for me, a false hero, was simply too much to take.

Orleya...

At a time like this, Grandpapa would be able to drive off all fear and lead his men through anything. And when he got to the battlefield, he'd fight harder than anyone, save life after life... And ensure victory was his.

But I can't do that. I can't save everyone, and I definitely can't win. I can't even get rid of my fear.

And yet, the men of this fort still recognized you as their hero.

I know. And that's why I'm so scared. I'm not the hero they think I am. They have an image of a hero, and I do not fit that image. At all. As much as it pains me, and shames me, it's become all too obvious now that I can't be the hero they need me to be.

I see.

I understand. Just go, then. Leave the fighting to the rest of us.

Huh?

I guess I was an idiot for believing you could be a hero. You're just a little girl. You don't have the ability to be a hero. I've run out of patience with you, with the soldiers who put you on a pedestal all because of that ax.

Just do whatever you want. I'll think up a plan to beat the ogres on my own.

There must be a way.

M-Miyu!

......

Aldo, what do we do? This is the worst possible time for our group to start falling out! Goliadus is defeated. The soldiers are scattered. Chaos Ogre is coming back... If we don't do something, everyone at the fortress is going to die like they did before!

......

I won't let that happen.

Aldo...

I think there's still something we can do. There was something strange about the way Miyu was acting before, don't you think?

Now that you mention it, yes. Her voice was so strained, and her whole body seemed tense. It wasn't like her.

And it seemed like there was something Orleya wanted to say, too. I don't know how to explain it, but there was something about what she said before that seemed wrong. But I can't quite put my finger on it.

Huh...

I think we should follow your instinct on this. In any case, I don't really feel like sitting around waiting for the ogres to come.

Right!

Thanks, Aldo. You've really helped lift my spirits. We'll just do whatever we can!

I must take the hero's granddaughter away... Quickly, before anyone else notices. But where is she? Where's she hiding?

Hey. I heard that.

Huh?

I heard you plotting to kidnap Orleya.

Uh-oh...

We've got you cornered! Now tell us what you're up to!

Ack...

I've got to... Battle God's Th... ...ne...

What was that?

Did you catch that?

I think...

Ah!

Oh no! We've lost him!

I think he meant "Battle God's Throne." Is that the name of a place or something?

If it is, then that's where we'll find him. Okay, let's get looking.

Excuse me. Is a place called the Battle God's Throne around here?

Haven't heard that name in a while. That was Sir Goliadus's fort when he was positioned here for frontier defenses.

It's a "throne" in name only. In truth, it's a crumbling ruin of a fort. We wanted to use a better fort, but he liked it. It overlooks this one, you see. It wasn't our choice to make, so we figured we'd at least give it a great name, even if the place wasn't great.

I see. So where is it?

Through those woods. But no one uses it anymore. You're not going to find anything there.

Thank you for your help! That's all we needed to know.

Ah!

There's that suspicious guy!

Urgh, why'd you have to follow me here?

Did you just hide something?

Was it something you took from Battle God's Throne?!

Stealing, were you? I have no time for thieves like you!

No, I wasn't...

*sigh* If you really won't let this go, fine. I'll tell you.

Huh?

Not a word of this to anyone, you hear? I was assigned to Miss Orleya. By Sir Goliadus himself.

You...were?

So you're not a thief? Or a kidnapper?

Of course not! You can't go throwing wild accusations about like that!

You're the one who was acting all suspicious!

Agh!

Anyway. Sir Goliadus asked me to take charge of Miss Orleya, should certain conditions be met. The first condition was if anything unexpected should happen to Sir Goliadus. The second was if Miss Orleya should find herself in any danger. And the third was if Miss Orleya should abandon her life as a warrior.

What the?!

Sir Goliadus knew he might be called to the battlefield. He knew he could die at any time.

So just in case, he named me, his long-time aide, as her emergency guardian. So that no matter what happened, Miss Orleya wouldn't be turned adrift in the world.

Oh... I'm sorry for doubting you.

But why were you sneaking around?

A lot of soldiers must know by now that Miss Orleya has no will to fight... But, they're not fully convinced of it yet. If rumor of her desertion started to spread, just think what that will do to their morale!

They may well hate her for this, and worst case, someone may try to kill her. So I had to act in secret.

I'm sorry. It sounds like you really have her best interests at heart.

But what did you need at the Battle God's Throne?

I came to get this. Sir Goliadus told me he hid it here before the battle.

The Axmanship Handbook? That's one hefty book. What is it, a guide on martial arts or something?

It may look that way, but have a little read.

...... What the...?!

Aldo... Orleya's parents were actually...

Yes. And that's why Goliadus did all that for her.

Would you mind if I took this book? I know where Orleya is. But I'd like to talk to her before we send her away from the battlefield.

What?

And if she's absolutely set on not fighting, then I'll take you to her.

Hmm... Perhaps that's for the best. I don't want her to have any regrets.

Okay, I'll let you hold onto it for now. I'll be waiting back at the other fort.

Right!

Do you know what you want to do now, Aldo?

Yes. Reading this, I realized what I want to say to Orleya. But I don't know if she'll think the same way. So I'm just going to hand her the book, and leave the rest to her.

Yes, I think that's a good idea. Okay, let's go back to Orleya!

Hey, Orleya. There's something I wanted to talk about.

Wh-What is it?

Your guardian gave me this. Would you mind taking a look at it?

The Axmanship Handbook? Is it a book on martial arts?

Well, yes and no...

You think I gave up fighting because I'm not strong enough, don't you?

But you're wrong. No matter how strong I get, I'll never be able to rid myself of this fear. I've trained since I was little, but I've always been a coward. What's the point in reading some book now?

No, it's not like that. Uhm...

Anyway, if I returned to the battlefield, it'd just put the lives of those who believe in heroes at risk. I'm a coward, I'm weak. I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me. Just forget about me. Please.

Orleya!

After her, Aldo!

I can't be a hero. I'm...

There she is!

Eeek!

Hey...{lang-nuance}Aldo hears a child scream{/lang-nuance}

I-I'm sorry. I musta taken the wrong path... Please, don't be mad...

Huh...? {lang-nuance}A girl, in response to an ogre{/lang-nuance}

......

Waaah! That was so scary!

It's way too dangerous for you out here. Let me take you someplace safe.

*sniffle* Thanks, miss... Weren't you scared of those big, nasty ogres?

Heheh, I wouldn't say that. I was scared of them. That's why I had to quit being a hero.

Oh... {lang-nuance}A girl, to Orleya{/lang-nuance}

You were a hero?

Oh, no, erm... I quit before I started, I guess.

I think you're a hero. Even now.

Aldo! Nona!

If you came to bring me back, you wasted a trip. That was just a knee-jerk reaction. I'm still the same old coward.

That's fine. I'm sorry we didn't say before, but we didn't come to bring you back. If you want to leave, that's your decision to make, and yours alone. But... Please, just take a look at that book we gave you. It was written for you.

For me?

Yes. Goliadus wrote it. In case anything happened to him, he wrote down how he wanted your guardian to raise you.

It's not a manual on how to be a hero or anything. It's the journal of the man who raised you all by himself, your grandfather.

......

My mom and dad... They didn't die from illness?

......

Grandpapa... So that's why? I always thought we lived all alone in the mountains so that he could train me as his heir. But I was wrong. He wanted to keep me hidden from Chaos Ogre. He just wanted me to be strong... ......

......

Orleya, does anything strike you after reading that?

Yes... Grandpapa was a lot more scared than I realized.

Yes, I think you're right.

He trained me so relentlessly because he was scared of losing me. He had me wield the ax from dawn till dusk... Because he was scared that one day he would no longer be able to protect me. He was probably even scared when he arrived at the fortress and started berating everybody...

He was prepared for anything because he was more scared than anyone about sending others to their deaths. He was the most frightened hero the world has ever seen.

......

You said before that you couldn't be a hero unless you got rid of your fear. But I think you're wrong. I think it's good to have fear when you fight.

Fear is proof that something is important to you. In fact... I think it's the most important attribute for a hero. Your fear is why you prepare, and it's why you fight.

It's good to have fear?

What you do next is up to you. Your guardian is waiting for you at the fort up ahead. If you don't want to fight, we will take you to him. He'll get you out of here, safe and sound.

......

You know...

Hm?

I don't remember my mom and dad dying. But sometimes I have this dream. I'm all alone in the pitch black. It's so cold, and I'm shaking in fear.

......

But every time, it gets brighter... I lift my head and I see this huge bear standing in front of me. It's so big and scary, but I don't try to run... I just stare at it, then my body starts to warm up and I feel rain dripping down my back. Then I hear this thunderous roar of a voice... ...... I always thought it was a bear...

But now, I've realized. That was my grandpapa. When my mom and dad were killed, Grandpapa opened the door to the cupboard where I was hiding... When he found me, he held me tight, and cried and cried. That's why it felt warm. That was the rain down my back.

Orleya...

I have to thank him. And until I do, I'm not giving up this fort. If I still have the right to fight, then I want to do so. I may be scared, and I may be weak, but I'm sure there's something I can do.

You're not weak, Orleya.

Yeah. You can win against the ogres. And we'll help you out.

Thank you! There's just one little favor I'd like to ask.

What is it?

I want to talk to Miyu again. But I don't think I'm brave enough to face her alone.

We'd be happy to help! Right, Aldo?

Right. Let's take you to Miyu.

Grandpapa... This ax won't just protect me. It will protect you as well.

Oh dear... Why isn't this right?

It doesn't look like the illustrations I've seen...

Miyu!

A-Aldo!

Oh. And Orleya. What do you want?

Um... Orleya wanted to talk to you.

Oh. She can say whatever she pleases. But I don't want to hear it. Come back the day before yesterday!

Miyu...

You can stop pretending.

Huh?

You're not used to having to be mean, are you?

What are you talking about?

When you stormed off before, something didn't seem right. It felt...forced, almost. Seeing you again, I'm sure of it. You're faking it. For Orleya's sake. Aren't you?

That's ridiculous...

Then why are you acting like this?

As if I need to explain. Because I feel from the very bottom of my heart, that Orleya isn't fit to be a hero.

Right. And?

And I know all too well how cruel it is to force someone to be what they don't want to be.

I experienced it myself. Before I was Miyu, I was expected to be a princess. I know the pain of having to spend your life knowing you'll never live up to other people's expectations.

If Orleya doesn't want to be a hero, then no one can force her otherwise. And that's why I... I want Orleya to just be Orleya...

So you were just worried about her, even if you have a funny way of showing it.

Thank you, Miyu. But it's okay now.

The term "hero" no longer feels like such a heavy burden to bear. I have support, keeping my feet firmly on the ground, keeping me facing forward.

What support?

I have people I want to protect. And I have to fight in order to protect them. I am so, so scared of fighting. But...

The most frightened hero the world has ever seen taught me something. It's okay to be scared. It's your fear that enables you to protect others.

Orleya...

If I can turn this fear into strength, then I know I can be stronger than anyone.

So, will you help me out?

......

*giggle* Truth be told, it's me who should be asking for your help.

Look! We were given these catapults to help stop the ogres, but I've got no clue how to use them!

I've been trying to work them out all on my own.

Heehee. Thanks, Miyu.

Okay, first thing's first, they're facing the wrong way. Shoot that way and you're gonna cause a landslide.

Wait, a landslide?

What is it?

Hmm... Actually, I think they're fine where they are. We don't have many catapults, and ogres are so strong that randomly shooting at them won't be very effective.

So what if we blocked off that route with a landslide? Wouldn't that make it so much easier to fight?

Oh!

The ogres are so much bigger than us. Which means, less of them can pass through one road at once. So if we blocked off a few routes, we'll be restricting where they're able to actually do battle with our army.

Thus, we'll be able to hit an ogre unit with many of our own. That'll really increase our chances of winning...

That sounds like a much better idea than using the catapults as they're intended.

But if we do so, I've got a lot of work ahead of me. I've got to amass all the catapults in the fortress... Then make sure no one goes near the cliff we're going to collapse.

And with this new plan in place, I'll now have to rethink our entire strategy. And then, and then...

Eeep, this is too much for just one person!

But it's worth doing, right?

Y-Yeah...

Then we'll all do it together. We'll call the soldiers.

B-But... After I ran away before, they...

It's gonna be okay! We'll be with you.

No, I can't! I can't do it!

It's the soldiers from the auxiliary fort!

Waaah...

Well...

I-I just... I couldn't bear to hear them talk about sacrificing their lives like that!

Huh?

Oh!

Yes, I think you're right!

Whuuu?! I-I can't do that...

Come on, there's no time!

Let's go, Orleya!

Eeep...

If I put this here...

Eeep! Wh-What is it? I'm just trying to protect the fortress in my own way! Leave me be!

I was disappointed in Orleya. Honest!

S-Stop fighting! I'll take it from here!

Um... Erm...

Excuse me! Will you please listen to me?

Oh...

Orleya, why don't I...

No, I've got this. I'll just have to use every trick at my disposal.

Trick?

Yes. First... Erm...

I'm gonna do a little impersonation.

So um... Could you try not to laugh?

Wh-Why would we laugh?

What impersonation?!

Wait! I'm concentrating...

Okay, I can do this, I can do this... I've got this. It's gonna be okay...

She's acting kinda strange? You think she's okay?

......

ATTENTIOOON!!!

How dare you ignore the successor of the Battle God's Ax?! Have you no respect for the heroes of old who protected this fortress for generation after generation?!

Why, to beat some courage into you gutless men, of course!

Are your lives worth so little that you're willing to just give them away to the ogres?

Don't offer up your lives, don't offer up your souls! You're people first, warriors second! Have some pride in that! Your lives are your own! Use them to protect those you love!

Don't let them take anything! Not this fortress, not any one of your lives! I won't let them! So listen to the new plan!

......

Well, I guess Orleya should...

......

(Ah, right...)

Okay! I'll take over from here!

R-Really? I did well? Impersonating Grandpapa?

Yeah! It was perfect!

Phew! I sort of lost consciousness at the end there, so I was a little worried!

I really didn't expect you to faint like that!

Heehee. As soon as I said what I wanted to say, I suddenly remembered where I was and just drew a blank...

So it really happened...

What do you mean?

Her speech from her first battle! I read it in a book, word for word!

I guess Orleya really is the hero I thought she was.

Yes. And...

Now she's our friend.

Is there nothing more we can do now?

If the ogres attack tomorrow, I don't think we'll win.

Even so, should we rest until tomorrow?

Okay! We've done all we can. Let's rest up for tomorrow.

Okay! We've done all we can. Let's rest up for tomorrow.

We can't fight the ogres like this. What should we do?

We can't leave Orleya as she is. Or Miyu.

Right. I'm worried about them.

Plus everyone in the fortress seems to have lost all motivation. We've got to get that back somehow.

So there's Orleya, Miyu, and the soldiers to deal with. It's one problem after the other.

This isn't going to be straightforward. Maybe we should look for some kind of clue?

What about that guy acting all suspicious before? Maybe we should go after him?

Right. If he's up to something, we've got to stop him.

But this Battle God's Throne he mentioned. I wonder where it is?

Maybe we should ask a soldier?

That suspicious guy who was looking for Orleya must be at the Battle God's Throne.

And the Battle God's Throne is through the woods behind the main gate. Now that we know where it is, let's get going.

The Axmanship Handbook we got from Orleya's guardian. We should give it to her. I mean, this book could really help...

Yeah, I know. Let's head to Orleya!

What are you doing, Aldo?! We've got to follow Orleya, quick!

Orleya wanted to speak to Miyu again.

So let's go look for Miyu.

We've got to tell everyone Orleya's strategy!

Right. Let's go tell the soldiers in the main fortress.

Okay! We've done all we can. Let's rest up for tomorrow.

The day is finally upon us.

I'm so stressed. Are we definitely ready?

Now that you mention it, I am feeling a little uneasy...

It's going to be okay.

I know the terrain like the back of my hand, and all the soldiers at the fortress know the new strategy. If anything unexpected happens, we'll all be able to get through it together. I think we have that kind of relationship now.

Orleya...

So have a little faith and come with me.

Well, umm, I guess it's more like fight with me...

Whoa! You sound so cool now!

Wha?!

You've really grown up, Orleya.

It even makes me happy to see.

Guys?! Wh-Why are you all looking at me like that? Stop it!

Heehee. I'll always believe in you. I know you'll win this.

Now we just need to rest and wait for tomorrow.

They're here?!

All right! Looks like we've blocked off that path!

They're not in control of their forces.

If we keep calm and head for them one unit at a time, they'll be no match for us!

Wh-What is it? Chaos Ogre again?!

You!

No.

I'm not giving this ax to anyone! This belongs to me and Grandpapa... And to all the heroes who've ever lived in this world!

......

Mmm...

It's...laughing... I hear...the ax...laughing...

Slash the wind, draw an arc... Remove a decade of rust. Are you enjoying yourself, my friend? Did you find a fitting master? Who is it? Who is making that battle cry I hear?

What?

Oh... She...

Heheh. Bwahaha! She's worried about her old man? She's a hundred years too soon.

Hmm. All I did was train her... But, yes. I was awoken from a deathly abyss...by the voice of an old friend. Perhaps it is telling me something...

There is but one job left for me now. Come, listen closely.

Has it got through those thick skulls of yours yet? I'm not giving you the Battle God's Ax!

What did you say?

It's just like before!

Phantom! Are you close?! Are you giving them power?!

Do you think Phantom has some kind of barrier there?!

NO!

Oh no! They must be heading for the barrier!

Orleya, no! You've got to stay here.

B-But... We have to find out where this barrier is!

I know. Just let me take care of it, okay?

Miyu!

I'll find this barrier place and cut off the ogres' power. You just take care of the fortress, got it?

......

Got it. Good luck out there, Miyu.

Thank you! Even if we fight in different places, our hearts are always together.

Definitely!

I'll go with Miyu. There could be enemies at this barrier. Besides, the fortress will be in safe hands with you two here to protect it.

Okay. Good luck! Stay with Miyu.

All right! Are you ready?

Absolutely!

I will settle this once and for all. This is my destiny.

I have no more power to spare for the likes of you.

To have squandered the power I gave you already... This may have just been a barrier test, but still, what a waste. We already have a pawn to give our power to. Pawns that have served their purpose have no place on the board.

So it was Phantom. But what is this barrier?

Oh... It's the little bird...

My associate gave away too much power and paid a dear price for it. So I decided to use this barrier to transfer my power.

Thanks for the information.

So we just need to destroy it, and you won't be able to work with the ogres anymore!

Ah!

It is poor form for a player to overturn the board itself. If you try to destroy the barrier, I assure you, there will be repercussions.

Go ahead. You won't beat us!

......

Miyu?

You talk of boards...and pawns...

Don't you realize these are living, breathing people you're playing with, not toys?!

Weighed against our plan, the lives of those in this time are insignificant. What is so wrong with using them as pawns?

Orleya and her men...even the ogres! They're not your pawns! They're beings doing their best to survive, making history. They should be respected!

But what is that worth, when we can manipulate said history?

No! I will not let you get your hands on the history of this world!

History should be entrusted to those who have plunged into the vortex and given their hearts and souls to it! You're just a spectator of this turmoil. It is all just a game to you!

And I will not forgive you for that!

So you want a fight off the chessboard? Very well.

Ngh!

Hey, Miyu. In order to protect this place, he'll have to use the power he's giving to Chaos Ogre.

So let's give him a fight to remember. Maybe we can draw out his power and run it dry!

Let's get him to use up all of Chaos Ogre's power!

That's not a bad idea!

All those years of being teased for wanting to fight will be put to good use now! Are you with me, Nona?

Of course!

Gyeheheh! How d'you like my new power?!

No matter how much we fight him, he keeps getting more power from the barrier!

But we can't let him pass! I won't let him kill anyone!

Eeek!

Orleya!

Oh no! Prepare yourselves!

Guys!

Okay. In the next attack, we end this.

......

Fight and fight, you're never going to win.

We don't know that.

History has always been made by those who have given their hearts and souls to it! By the heroes who wielded this ax... By Grandpapa who fought to the last... By all those unknown soldiers! And now it is my turn! I will fight you over and over! However long it takes!

So come at me, Chaos Ogre!

Those eyes... You dare look down on me?!

What the?! My attack...

The barrier's power has disappeared!

Miyu and Nona made it in time!

Groooaaagh!

Here he comes, Aldo!

Let's settle this!

Here he comes, Aldo!

Let's settle this!

They're here?!

And thus, the tragedy repeated itself yet again. Surrounded by flames, facing the ruins of the once-strong fortress, we vowed. Next time, we would stop this.

Time rewinds back to the day we arrived at the fortress...

Orleya fought bravely against Chaos Ogre. But... Between Chaos Ogre's inexhaustible power from Phantom, and the advancing enemy forces, defeat was inevitable. Surrounded by flames, facing the ruins of the once-strong fort, we vowed. Next time, we would stop this.

Time rewinds back to the day we arrived at the fortress...

We were once more carried back to this moment when the humans' and ogres' fates hung in the balance.

This time, we have to save them.

There must be something we can do. Let's try and think.

Right!

GWAAAGH!

*huff huff*

It... It's over...

It is! Together, we won!

Orleya!

Miyu! Nona!

So you managed to defeat Chaos Ogre.

We did. Thank you for stopping Phantom, you two.

Heheh. I'm dead beat. We really went to town on that guy. Right, Miyu?

Heheheh. Right! My father would have been shocked to see me going berserk like that!

Y-You really fought that hard?!

Thanks to Chaos Ogre's defeat, it looks like the Phantoms have withdrawn from this era.

He said something about not needing to invest further...because they got what they wanted? I think?

Correct.

Phantom!

Lay down your arms, I am not here to fight. History won't change by my presence alone.

I am just someone here to observe. To make sure that this spacetime is freed from its constraints.

Then... Tomorrow will truly come to this place?

Yes. Oh, and one more thing, little bird. I have something to give to you.

Huh?

What is this? A gem?

By rights, this belongs to you. It shattered at the advent of the vortex of time, and is now flowing into all time. It should help you find your memories.

My memories...

Hey! Why are you being so kind to me?

And why do you keep calling me little bird? Where do I come from?

All will come to light if you collect the jewels. Keep walking through this White Night...

Wait!

......

Do you recognize that gem, Nona?

No. But holding it is making me feel kinda warm inside.

Huh?

It's a jewel... Just like last time.

This is what you seek, is it not? One seems to have drifted here to this time, as well.

Are...are you really my enemy? Or are you my ally? Won't you tell me? You try to stop us from fixing the recurrent spacetimes, but then you give me these clues to my memories... It's like you're trying to teach me the things I want to know. Why?!

There's no need to rush. You'll come to understand soon enough... You sweet little bird.

Stop it with that already!

......

What are these jewels, anyway?

I don't know... But the last time I touched one, I felt like I remembered something. Not clearly enough to know what... But a very familiar feeling. Painfully so.

......

There we go! Nice and cozy. See over there? That's your mommy.

She'll only get in the way of my work. Take her.

So harsh, Your Majesty. Don't you feel for your heir?

Hmph. I don't know. It's a foundling. Not my husband's child.

What a cruel thing to say! You should show some concern for her upbringing!

You're the nurse. Raising the thing is your job. It has nothing to do with me. This baby is so very strange. If it does anything suspicious, just get rid of it.

This is a baby, not some governmental policy!

I'll prepare a bath. Perhaps you should have a good think about what you're saying, Your Majesty.

Hmph. That's a frightful baby.

......

Nona, what's wrong? You were just staring off into space.

I don't know...

But it feels like... I've put something somewhere, that I was supposed to remember.

And it makes me feel so lonely...

Are you okay?

Yes. I'm sorry. I'm all good now! Okay, now that the fight's over, we should go check on Goliadus and...

Wh-What was that?!

Gahahahaha! This was worth the wait! See, this was what we wanted. That struggle with Chaos Ogre really did a number on your forces! And with your strength exhausted, now's our chance! We'll crush these measly humans like the ants they are!

B-But... We have to ward them off.

Ugh...

Bwahaha! These soldiers we kept secret all this time, they ain't here to play!

Our opponents are weaklings, every last one of 'em! We'll tear them to pieces like old rags! Hm?

You're Grandpapa's aide...?!

G-Goliadus...is coming...here?! Ahahahaha. Looks like the wind's blowing in the wrong direction today... Everybody! Retreat! RETREAT!

They couldn't get away fast enough!

I never realized the ogres were so scared of Goliadus...

That was lucky! Things were about to get pretty ugly.

Heehee. Grandpapa really is incredible, isn't he?

All right! Let's go tell him the good news!

That's odd. We must have just missed Grandpapa on the way over.

Maybe he already heard about our victory and went back to base?

I wonder how he looked when he heard.

Teehee, I hope he's happy.

We're looking for Goliadus. Do you know where he went?

What's wrong?

...... What's going on?

......

He didn't make it? He's dead? H-How...

How could this be?! I thought he was coming to fight?

You!

I was awoken from a deathly abyss by the voice of an old friend. It told me something...

There is but one job left for me now. Come, listen closely.

I know my body. I'm not long for this world.

Huh. This is the stubbornness of a warrior. If I wasn't roused by the sound of the Battle God's Ax... I would've passed away in my sleep. Maybe I only needed to meddle. This is my final plan. Listen carefully.

There is a strange presence in the woods. A group in hiding, holding their breath, biding their time.

Yes. But we are already at all-out war. It is too late to make a move against them. They will wait until our side is exhausted, no doubt. Then they will strike.

But it is nothing to fear. We will not yield to such cowards. When their soldiers appear, use my name. Make them believe I am storming towards them with a fury that knows no bounds. Be a messenger.

Ah, that takes me back. That outlandish scheme of mine sure put you through the ropes! You were but a new recruit then... This will be the last time you have to listen to me and my schemes. Will you do it for me?

I'm sorry... When I failed to protect my daughter and her husband, I lost everything.

All I have is a name famous across all battlefields. But if I can use it in my final moments to protect my precious granddaughter... Then all will be well. Don't you agree?

And in a few years... Battlefields will tremble at her name... ......

...... I see.... Thank you.

Orleya?!

Grandpapa... I defeated Chaos Ogre.

See how strong I've gotten? I bet you'd barely even believe it. I could handle any training now. Bear hunting, log rolling, you name it. It wouldn't even scare me.

So what training should I do next?

You know, I really wanted to take you fishing when this war was over. You've never been fishing, right? I bet you would have loved it.

First you were on the battlefield, then you had to take care of me. You never got to rest.

Imagine how relaxing it would be, spending the day dozing by the river, dangling a fishing rod into the water.

I'm glad you don't have to fight anymore, Grandpapa. But I wish you would open your eyes.

I wish you'd say something...

I hate having to say goodbye to you, without ever having said the things I wanted to say... You looked after me my whole life. You even saved me while on the brink of death yourself. How do I ever pay you back? It's not fair that you have to go before I ever got to do anything for you...

All I can say is this...

Thank you. Thank you for being my grandpapa.

Orleya!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Did you get to talk to your grandpa?

Yes. I'm okay now.

I made him an oath.

I was never able to pay back any of the things he did for me while he was alive. So instead, I'm going to continue serving the people as a hero... And working to help those who are still alive.

Oh, really?

The ogres may have retreated from this battle, but someday, they will come back to settle the score. And when that happens, I will do all I can to give everyone courage, and to make sure no lives are lost.

So I've got to get stronger. Even if I am still a coward.

I think you're good the way you are. Legends about you will be told far into the future, and give courage to so many people.

Including the me from this world, who won't be born for quite some time yet.

Eh? What are you talking about?

Oh, that's right! We never told you.

We came from another time, and another world.

WHAAA?!

And Miyu is a princess of this kingdom in the future.

WHAAAT?!

I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep secrets from you or anything...

Come to think of it, I think maybe you mentioned something about being a princess before... It wasn't really the time to dwell on it, so it totally slipped my mind.

But you're...a princess. Heheh... Oh. Y-You're royalty and I-I... Argued with you... I fought in the mud with you. I said such impudent things to you...

When I'm but a warrior who serves your kingdom... I've shown such disrespect.

Hey, Orleya! You don't have to act all respectful towards me, okay?

Eeek! Please don't behead me!

Huh?

What is it, Nona?

Look! Something's not right here...

You're right. It looks a little like a wormhole...

Suspicious. I think there's something through here! I can smell it!

Hey, Aldo! Why don't you try to sever it using Ogre Rancorem?

Huh? Don't you know how dangerous that is?

PLEEEAAASE? I want to know if something's there! All you've gotta do is give it a teeny, tiny cut with the tip of your sword there!

Fine.

But stay back. It's not safe for you.

Whoa?!

A-Are you okay? What was with those sparks?

I'm fine. But maybe don't touch it.

Oh, right. Sorry!

Hm?

What the?!

Are they...ghosts?

But I recognize some of those faces!

Yeah, me too! Then why...

Oh!

Goliadus!

They disappeared...

What was that?

I thought Goliadus was dead! Why was he walking about like nothing was wrong?

It was too clear to be an illusion. It really looked like they existed in this world. Oh? What if...

What is it? Have you worked something out?

No. It's just that I saw something similar before, in Elzion. The townspeople were there, and then they weren't. They disappeared, surrounded by a light... Within a moment, it had turned into a ghost town, as if no one had ever been there at all.

Oh my gosh, that's so sad! That's such a terrible thing to go through! So, uh, what caused it?

Hmm... Well, the past changed, which caused the future to change and be rewritten before my eyes. It went from the future I was originally in, to a new future that had been changed in the past.

Rewritten? So why would Goliadus appear and then disappear?

I don't know. But perhaps... In addition to this "present" where we are now, there's another "present" in which Goliadus is still alive?

What?! So what we just saw was another possibility of him?

Yes. But because he vanished straight away, I don't think this is a case of rewritten history as it was in Elzion. I think it's more likely one of many overlapping possibilities happened to flicker before us for a moment.

Huh...

Then why did we see it? It happened when you were trying to cut that rift with Ogre Rancorem, right?

Right. So maybe we should try to work out why that rift appeared there in the first place?

If it was the makings of a wormhole, then there must be a key connecting to that future we saw through there. So maybe we saw what we saw because we interfered?

The question is, why did it appear now?

When you've gone through wormholes before, you've always ended up saving people, right? So maybe someone in need of help opened this up?

So it's to save them? But even if Goliadus was saved in this other world, I still can't imagine him having that kind of pow...

Wait. What if it's not limited to people?

What do you mean? Like, Phantom? Or the ogres?

No, the time layer itself!

Oh! Actually, yeah... The White Night Time Layer must be pretty powerful, given the lengths it went to try to preserve history. So...

Then maybe the version of history in which Goliadus lives, is how this time layer was always meant to be.

But Phantom gave Chaos Ogre his power, and thus changed history. If that had never happened, Goliadus would have survived.

But then history changed, the loop was broken, time stopped rewinding, and connected to a new future. Leaving Goliadus stranded, all on his own.

What the?

So maybe the time layer itself created this wormhole in order to return history to how it was meant to be. But why stop part-way?

Maybe it didn't have enough power to create the whole wormhole? Maybe it used what little power it had left after all those distortions in history and time loops... But it wasn't enough?

Yeah, you could be right.

And if we are, I want to save Goliadus! It was so unfair that Orleya fought so hard and still couldn't save him!

As if she hadn't been through enough! If there's a way to save him... Then we should do it! I'd do anything to reunite Orleya with her granddad!

I feel the same! If there's still something we can do, then we should do it!

Right! But, what DO we do? I don't think we'll be able to open up the wormhole by cutting it this time...

If you're right about it not having enough power, then I guess we need to supplement it somehow.

With what?

Um, I hadn't worked that bit out yet...

There must be something somewhere.

And we're going to find it!

I have an idea. The vortex we were in before definitely had a lot of power, enough to influence the worlds around it. Maybe we should go back to Arat and see if we can find anything out there?

Yeah, I think that's a good idea.

Okay, if we find anything interesting, we'll come back here.

Huh?

What is it, Nona?

H-hey, Aldo! look!

That fissure there!

Yeah! It's a proto-rift!

So when these appear, it's because the White Night Time Layer is trying to preserve history, was that it?

That means this world, this history, must have a different possibility within it, somewhere!

You saw a different possibility before, when you tried to make the cut with Ogre Rancorem, right?

Yeah. Let's give it a try!

...Ah! Look, Aldo!

Wow!

They don't look like ghosts... I see people I know, too.

Oh!

Goliadus!

They disappeared...

So that means there was another possible course of history where Goliadus survived...

Was there anything else we could have done?

We used the energy fragment we got from that monster to widen the rift, remember? If we can just find another fragment...

Yeah. Let's see if we can find one back in Arat, maybe?

If we're going to return this tear back to normal...

We'll need a lot of energy for it. Maybe we could use the fragment we got from the monster we beat back in Arat? But those are useful for other things, too...

We could find another one, maybe. Let's go look around Arat.

Either way, we need to find a way to return this tear to normal.

We'll need a ton of power. The vortex we were in before definitely had a lot of power, enough to influence the worlds around it. Maybe we should go back to Arat and see if we can find anything out there?

That's a good idea. Okay, if we find anything interesting, we'll come back here.

Hm?

This one's way too dangerous to ignore! It's on a whole other level!

That's exactly why we shouldn't go riling it up!

You're just gonna wait for it to attack? It's obviously gonna come for Arat!

Hm, what should we do?

Is something up?

It's just, there are these rare monsters that sometimes turn up here. Today's seems particularly strong. We were just trying to work out how to handle it.

Rare monsters?

They're these annoying creatures who gobble up whatever they can find, and turn it into power. Their appearance can change, but they act the same. They always go after things with more energy.

From their perspective, Arat, packed as it is with people and relics, makes for a pretty good feast.

That sounds terrible. We'll help you defeat it!

Thanks, I appreciate it. You do seem like you'd be pretty useful in a fight. Okay, let's go check it out then.

Wait...that's...Chaos Ogre?!

You know it?

Yeah. But I thought we defeated him in Thundering Fortress. What's he doing here?

Hmm... Then this probably ain't the one you fought.

What do you mean?

Dunno how they do it, but they change form depending on what they eat. If it looks like an enemy you know, maybe it consumed energy from the rift connecting to this Thundering Fortress.

If that's the case, then I guess this thing was our problem anyway. Come on, let's go get it!

Nah, no need to rush it. We have our own way of fighting. You don't wanna exhaust yourselves, do ya? So help me bring him down using our tried 'n' tested method.

Huh?

Hey, Aldo! It looks like the monster dropped something.

What are these?

Oh, they're energy crystals. Those rare monsters drop 'em sometimes.

Energy crystals?

You know how they eat anything that washes up here? Well, it seems to create some lump of energy in their bodies. I dunno how it works, but just one fragment can operate all relics here. It's pretty amazing stuff.

Really? Then maybe we could...

You thought of some way to use 'em?

Yes! Could I borrow this a second?

I mean, it's yours anyway. We'd have been in a tight spot if it wasn't for your help back there.

Thanks, Noahxis!

Say, Nona...

Yep, we should bring them to that partial wormhole.

How did you know that?!

Teehee, what else do you expect?

I've been thinking of nothing else this whole time.

Come on, let's go check!

Right!

It's an incomplete spacetime tear. Maybe we should go back to Arat and see if we can find anything out there?

Huh? I was sure that the wormhole opening was right here... I was hoping these fragments would help give it a little more power...

Isn't that it?

Hey, you're right! But it looks a lot smaller and weaker than before...

Maybe it's trying to continue history without Goliadus. I wish we could go save Goliadus with these fragments, but...

The rift... It's smaller than it was before.

Let's try the fragment out fast! For Goliadus's sake...

What was that about Grandpapa?

Orleya! Miyu!

What are you doing?

Umm, well...

So you think you found a way to save Grandpapa?

But, um... We still don't know if we can actually save him. So we didn't know if we should tell you or not. We didn't want to get your hopes up for nothing.

No, I'm glad you told me. I want to do everything I can to save him, even if it's not guaranteed to work.

Grandpapa protected me from Chaos Ogre. He probably didn't know for sure he'd be able to save me, but his body kicked into action regardless.

And now, I'm in his shoes. Whether it comes to any good or not, whether it works or not, I must try.

Oh, well thank you!

Then let's try these fragments again.

Okay!

Look! The tear!

Aldo, look!

It came back! There must be a way to save Goliadus through here!

The wormhole came back! There must be a way to save Goliadus through here!

Oh!

But I wonder where this connects to?

This is just a guess, but I think I know the answer to that. It will be when Chaos Ogre first attacked.

Why then?

I've thought about it over and over. How could I save Grandpapa? How could I make sure we were still together?

Orleya...

He got his deepest wound protecting me from Chaos Ogre. But he was already badly hurt before that. He would never have gotten the wound that killed him if he hadn't been so injured when he protected me.

If we go to save him... We've got to arrive sooner than we did last time.

I see. Then we'll have to fight Chaos Ogre as soon as we go through here.

I'm ready to face him again.

It's time for us to help Orleya's wish come true. Whatever fight awaits us on the other side, I will not run.

I feel the same. Let's get Orleya's grandfather back!

Thank you, everyone.

Wait for me, Grandpapa. I'm coming to save you.

So...he's here.

Reinforce defenses at the rear. I'll take their general.

The closer he gets, the stronger the stink of that ominous miasma. I was right to hide Orleya away from here. He would stoop to any level to get what he wants.

You won't take anything from me, Chaos Ogre! Not this time!

Gyeh heheh heheh!

Wha?!

How small you look down there, Goliadus. You don't stand a chance against me now.

You! How did you get so big?!

How I've longed to see that look on your face. How I've longed to see the despair cloud over those fierce eyes that once struck fear into me.

Pfft. You're not strong enough to even chip my tooth. My soul burns with rage! You will pay for what you did to my daughter and son-in-law with your life!

Ack!

Gyeh heh heh! Gyeh heheh heh! There is no feeling quite like overpowering your most hated foe! It's irresistible, it's all-consuming! Is this how you felt back then? Is it?!

Gyeh heh heh! Why, you seem to be getting slower at evading my attacks! Sooner or later, you'll get too tired to dodge me and I'll hit you so hard you spit blood!

We won't let that happen!

Huh?

Who the heck are you?!

We're here to crush your dreams!

We came to get you back, Grandpapa!

But how did you know?! I haven't even sent a messenger yet.

Get out of here, Orleya! Or else there was no point in me sending you to the remote fort! If he takes you hostage, my blade will be unsteady in my hand! I cannot give him such an advantage!

It's so good of you to worry about me like that, Grandpapa. But it's okay. You don't need to protect me anymore. Don't you remember all those years I spent training to be the strongest hero in the land? I'm ready to fight with you.

But!

It's okay. I won't lose. I won't part with you again, Grandpapa.

......

Just watch, Grandpapa. I've gotten really strong now. And I've got all these friends with me. I'm not a weak little crybaby anymore.

Thank you for raising me strong. Thank you for scolding me when I did wrong. There's still so much I want to say to you.

So come with me, to the future.

Gyeh heheh heh heh! I thought I'd wiped out your whole family, but you had a little granddaughter hidden away? Makes no difference to me how many of you there are! I will crush you like ants!

I won't lose to you. I will take back my future!

Ack! Hey! I need more power! Urgh, where are you?!

Phantom won't be coming.

Huh?!

So you'll have to fight fair and square when next we meet.

We'll take you on any time!

Gah! The impudence of you rotten humans! Fine! We'll finish this tomorrow! Just you wait, you'll get what's coming to you!

Phew. Looks like we managed to protect the fortress.

But now, we don't know how tomorrow's fight will go. I hope it connects to our future...

I'm sure we'll win.

Hm?

This is where the messenger said to come!

Grandpapa! Are you okay?!

That voice...

Oh no, it's the yesterday-us! It will really mess things up if we run into them!

Right, we should probably go back through the wormhole as soon as possible.

Good luck, everyone!

......

Orleya?!

I know we'll meet again. I'll be waiting for you on the other side, Grandpapa.

That was close! The wormhole almost closed before we jumped through!

But we just made it in time.

If the wormhole is no longer needed, maybe that means we managed to change history? I guess we should go check to see if Goliadus is here.

......

Orleya?!

Today will have been a moment that redefined our fate. I did all I could. And yet... When I looked in Gramp's face before, I got a lump in my throat. What if I never got to see him again...

......

But I guess there's no point in saying such things.

And even if I don't get to see him again, at least I got to tell him thank you.

And so...

What are you doing over there?

Huh?

Orleya, why aren't you training? I thought I told you, just because I'm not watching you, it doesn't mean you can slack off.

Sir Goliadus! You're supposed to be resting until your wounds have fully healed!

Grandpapa!

Are you okay? Your wound, it isn't... serious, is it?

Pfft. You think a little wound like this would be enough to take me down? Though I must say, I never imagined Chaos Ogre would dare fight so tenaciously... And with so little regard for his own life.

Oh!

I heard all about it. While I was away from the front, you led the soldiers and crushed the ogre battalion. I'm glad I gave you the Battle God's Ax. Such a feat in your first battle... It is most honorable.

*sniffle*

Orleya?

Waaah! Waaargh! Waaahaaah!

M-Miss Orleya! Whatever is the matter?!

I had...a dream... That I'd never see you again.

I was so lonely. So scared... I'm so... I'm so glad to see you again...

......

A dream, eh? Then perhaps these strange memories I have were just dreams, also. A result of the fever from my wounds.

Huh?

But you are the successor of the Battle God's Ax! You should not be acting this way! You mustn't relax just because the battle is over! You must get back to your training!

Yes, sir!

First, sword practice down by the river. Then defenses. Don't forget about your training run, either.

Of course! Wait, river? What river?

There's an open river nearby. While I'm convalescing, I thought I'd do some fishing as I watch over your training.

Oh!

Okay! That sounds like a great idea! I'm bringing two fishing rods!

Didn't you hear me?! You'll be training! Don't you even think about slacking off!

Come on, Goliadus. It's good to rest every once in a while.

Why don't you just relax and chat today?

I'm sure you have a lot to talk about.