The King of Nevermore

Here's that pillar of light. You sure you want to go through? We don't know what's on the other side.

Here's that new pillar of light. You sure you want to go through? We don't know what's on the other side.

I'm sure. I promised Nona we'd find where she comes from.

I want to know who I am. And I think the answer's through here.

So even though I'm scared, I have to keep going.

Let's go, Nona!

Okay!

Looks like we're in some sort of palace.

Ringing any bells?

No, I don't think so. It's really pretty, but it's not bringing back any memories.

But why don't we take a look around just in case?

Good idea. I'm with you all the way, Nona.

Hurry uuup! The ritual's about to start!

Hey, wait up!

Eep!

Are you okay?

Y-Yeah. Thanks, mister.

Why are you in such a hurry?

Um, everyone said to go to the plaza for the levy-tation ritual.

The...levitation ritual?

Yeah! The whole castle's gonna fly up in the sky!

Um?

You didn't hear? Then you've gotta come to the plaza, too! The grown ups'll tell you all about it!

Wow, there's so many people!

Well, yeah. Everyone from the castle's here.

Mom! Mom! I made it!

Ah, there you are, dear! I was getting worried! I thought you and your little friend would be here already.

Yeah... Sorry about that. We were looking for this.

Is that a toy bow?

It's Duon Helios! A charm to keep away bad things!

Duon Helios? I swear I've heard that name before...

Anyway, Mom. These folks wanna know about the ritual. Can you tell them about it?

You don't know about the ritual? Really?

I haven't seen you two before. Are you not from around here?

Erm... No, I guess not.

Then allow me to fill you in.

That's so kind, thank you!

Over the last few decades, surface contamination has gotten way worse, right?

Surface...contamination?

An overuse of prisma caused terrible contamination and corrosion of the land. The whole world is completely uninhabitable now. The only way for humanity to survive was to build a floating city.

The Rising is what we call our plan to raise the Kingdom of Kelkale up into the skies.

The Kingdom of Kelkale?

Fascinating! Thanks so much for your help.

Don't mention it. I'm always happy to inform others about our kingdom.

Then is this Claude's...

What the? Did you just hear that?

Where's that voice coming from?

The tower at the center of the palace. The king speaks to us from the true throne.

The true throne?

Once sat at the very top of the tower, it's now found at the bottom, for convenience.

Huh.

Whoa?! The ground's shaking! Is it an earthquake?

Nope! The ritual's starting!

Woop! It worked!

Look, look! We're going up!

Long live the Kingdom of Kelkale! Long live King Claudio!

Duon Helios, Bow of Creation! Bless our journey to the sky!

What's that shaking? It doesn't feel right...

We're being dragged down! Ahhh!

Yaaghhh! Mommy! I fell over and it huuurts!

Are we...falling?

No. We can't be... Right?

Then what is going on? Tell me! Somebody tell me!

Waaahhh! I'm scaaared!

Ugh... My legs...

Oh dear! We're doomed... I've gotta...help Nona! Nona! Nona! Take my hand!

Aldo!

Waaagh!

Aaaghhh!

Ugh!

It hurts... Mommy, where are you? It's so dark.

Oh no!

I've gotta...save her...

(But it's too dark!)

Why?

(Who is that?) (Is someone crying?)

Why did this happen? I was supposed to save them.

Can I really not save anyone? Augh, I'm so useless...

Ugh...

Huh? Where are we?

What was that? What just happened?

Oh! I remember! Aldo saved me!

Aldo?! Aldo!

Oh no! This is all my fault! If he hadn't protected me, he'd still...

Ouch! Stop shaking me!

Y-You're okay? You're not dead? You're alive? Breathing and all?

Breathing and all. I'm fine. See?

But...why am I fine? I thought we died back then!

Hey, you! Just what were you doing, lying in the middle of the palace?

Huh?

Wait...

Everyone's alive?

What are you talking about? Is this pre-Rising nerves or something?

Don't worry, it's sure to work. The Kingdom of Kelkale has the best technology on the whole continent.

Some folks are making a big fuss, saying we should stop, but not me. I trust the king. I know we'll be fine.

Well, see ya! Make sure you sleep in an actual bed tonight!

That guy... He said the Rising hadn't happened yet.

But we literally just experienced it. The whole building fell to the ground.

And everybody died.

But the building and everyone in it is completely fine. It's like we've gone back in time.

Back in time, huh? Maybe time is acting up, like it did in Baruoki?

So it's repeating the same time over and over again? Tomorrow's never going to come?

I don't know for sure, but a similar thing happened near the vortex where I found you. Which would mean...

These people are stuck in a loop of the final days of their kingdom, and they don't even realize that?

Hoping for tomorrow, falling back to yesterday...

Even if they don't know what's going on, I can't just watch them fall to their deaths over and over again.

Yeah, you're right! Then you should try doing what you did when you escaped the other time loop.

Good thinking. If we can get Ogre Rancorem to sever the flow of the vortex, then maybe...

Maybe everything will go back to normal!

Is this just like last time then?

Well, this whole place crashed to the ground, yet there's not a single scratch on anyone or anything. I'd say it's pretty likely we've gone back in time.

These people could be stuck repeating this tragedy over and over.

So we've gotta get Ogre Rancorem to save them. It may not have worked last time, but you never know. Maybe he can get time to flow properly again.

It's worth a try. Let's go back to the vortex.

This place is currently closed for the Rising. I'm afraid I can't let you through.

This area looks the same as before time rewound.

Okay, let's call up Ogre Rancorem.

Ogre Rancorem? Would you mind helping us save these people?

......

Hm? Is he sleeping?

It's hard to say. Even when he's awake, he doesn't tend to respond to things that don't interest him.

No, I guess not. Looks like I'll have to use my secret weapon then.

Is he sleeping? He's a real sleepyhead, isn't he?

It's hard to tell. He only ever perks up when things interest him, so there's a good chance he's just ignoring us.

I guess I'll have to use my secret weapon then.

Huh?

Hmm, let's see now. His armpit must be somewhere around...here.

Nona? What are you doing?

My wakey-wakey tickle attack!

Tickle, tickle, tickle! Tickle, tickle, tickle!

See, my tickling woke him up!

Erm, you remember how I told you he's a demon sword?

Don't touch me, girl. And I was awake anyway.

I cannot sleep with that distortion right there.

Okay, well long story short, this world seems to be stuck in a time loop like Baruoki. Could you sever the connection between this world and the vortex like you did before?

As you wish.

Great! Thank you.

All right! Do you think it's free from the time loop now?

No, this time loop will not stop simply because we have cut the connection with the vortex.

It won't?!

Proximity to the vortex may have affected it at first, but the time loop is powering itself now. Unless you correct the distortion affecting this world, it will not stop.

Distortion? What distortion?

Something powerful enough to distort the very logic of this world. You won't override it so easily. Best to just forget about this place and return to our own world.

We can't do that! These people are stuck dying over and over again!

And? If you feel bad for them, figure out something on your own. Leave me out of it.

Wait! Ogre Rancorem!

......

I think that's the last we'll see of him for a while.

What should we do? We don't know this place. And we don't have a single lead.

Okay, well long story short... Would you mind severing the connection between this world and the vortex like you did before?

Fine. It won't work, but I suppose you need to see that with your own two eyes.

Yes. If there's even the slightest chance we can resolve it with this, we should at least try. Okay, here we go.

All right! Hopefully that freed this place from the time loop.

No, it's the same as before. We were too late. The time loop will not stop unless you correct the distortion affecting this world.

You don't happen to know what the distortion is, do you?

No, that's your problem to solve. Abandon them for all I care.

Never! We have to save them from this tragedy! We can't leave them stuck in this loop!

Pfft.

But easier said than done. We don't have a single lead.

Actually... We do have one.

We do?!

Do you remember that toy bow the kid had?

Yeah. Duon Helios or something?

I've heard that name before. Or rather, I know someone who has a bow with that same name.

Claude. He's an acquaintance of mine. He might know something about this kingdom.

I've heard of the Kingdom of Kelkale before. Or rather, I know a member of their royal family.

Claude. He's a traveling companion of mine. He might know a thing or two about this.

That's one mighty big lead!

Ogre Rancorem said there was a distortion in this world. If there's a distortion, then there must be an un-distorted version, too. Maybe if we knew that...

We might find a way to end the time loop!

Ogre Rancorem said there was a distortion in this world. Maybe if we can return history to its correct course like last time...

We might be able to stop this tragedy from repeating any further.

Right! So let's do whatever we can!

You know, I can't help but notice... You sure know a lot of people, Aldo. You mentioned so many names when you told me of your adventures, but you must have a thousand friends!

I do have a lot of friends, but nowhere near that many!

Claude might though.

Why? Is he famous?

Well, yes. But also... Claude goes to this enormous school called IDA. If he knows everyone there, then that's probably a good thousand people.

All in one place? Whoa, that really is enormous!

Just think how shocked you'll be when you actually see it.

Oh, are we going to this IDA school to meet your friend?

How exciting! I wonder what a school is like!

Wow! This building is huge! As was that floating castle! Towns in the future are really something else.

When everything's so new, it's hard to know where to look, isn't it? When I first came to the future, I was so disorientated. Everything was a shock to me.

Teehee, you sound so wise, Aldo! I hope I get used to this place as quickly as you did.

Ooh, I have a question for you!

Why is there a load of people over there? Is there something special about that place?

It's just a corridor, so I wouldn't say...

As soon as I restore my kingdom to its former glory, I shall invite you all! Of course, I'll let you live there as my subjects, if you so desire.

Sign me up! A kingdom of your own making must be an incredible place, Your Highness!

Ooh, Your Highness! Is the position of queen taken yet?

They're all circling around that guy. Everyone seems so excited. Is he famous or something?

Yes! Kelkale cares not for education, pedigree, or bloodline! All who love my country are welcome!

Kelkale?! Did he just say Kelkale?

Um, Aldo? Is he...

Yes. That's Claude.

Hm? Is that you, Aldo?

And who's this lovely lady in the exquisite cloak?

I'm Claude, top student of IDA and one of the white-uniformed members of IDEA.

It's nice to meet you, Claude. I'm Nona. Aldo's friend.

We came here to see you. There's something we need to ask you.

Is there now? Me, and not IDEA? How unusual.

There's some people that need saving, but we need your help in order to do that.

Hmm... This sounds complicated. Let's go somewhere else.

Okay, I follow. For some reason, there is a world stuck in a loop of its final days. And there, you witnessed the moment the Kingdom of Kelkale, my homeland, fell to ruin.

Right. And you see, we don't know anything about the Kingdom of Kelkale...

But you used a bow called Duon Helios during the Dream World Incident, didn't you? We heard that name in the other world. So I thought maybe you'd know something.

Maybe I do. I am the rightful king of Kelkale, after all.

Whaaat?! Y-You're a king?!

Yes. Though now, I am but a king of a fallen kingdom, with no land or people to call my own.

But since you're descended from Kelkale royalty, I thought maybe you'd know something.

You would be correct. Though now, I am but a king of a fallen kingdom, with no land or people to call my own.

However, you will find no one more knowledgeable on the Kingdom of Kelkale than I.

Fallen kingdom? Then...

Yes, the Kingdom of Kelkale is destined to perish. It may have gone about it in a different way, but the end is still the same.

That's terrible...

......

No need to look so sad. My homeland may have perished, but its royal line lives on in me.

I will have many opportunities to restore my land. And...

Visiting the Kelkale of the past and seeing what it was truly like will surely contribute to that purpose!

So you want to come with us? I appreciate the sentiment, but you may end up seeing things you really won't want to...

And what of it? I cannot sit back and wait for disaster to strike my kingdom. It is unbecoming of a king.

Besides, if even the slightest thing seems out of place, I am better placed to notice it than you two.

I am practically an encyclopedia on Kelkale, from kings and queens, to historical events, to recipes.

Wow, that sure is impressive! We couldn't ask for a better helper!

I'll make sure to live up to your expectations.

To my homeland we go! A triumphant return for the king of Kelkale!

So this is the Kingdom of Kelkale? The homeland I have been imagining my whole life.

Finally...

I'm home! I have returned to the land of my ancestors, to the motherland of my people!

Hey! Everyone's staring at you! Keep your voice down!

Nothing to see here, everyone!

He's just excited to be back home after so long.

Are you the technicians that were sent to Magnolia?

No, we...

Shh! Let's hear them out first.

What a disaster. Crossing the border, risking the contamination, yet the Magnolians go and do that to us? We'd been working on the Rising plan for over a year, and now they decide to cancel?

It's so infuriating! Don't you think?

......

But thanks for trying all the same. The Rising will be tomorrow at noon. You've been away from home for so long, you should get some rest.

He mentioned a levitation plan. Is that the same thing as the Rising? Do you think its failure has something to do with this other country?

Lady Cynthia, Princess of Magnolia, said our neighbors destroyed our land because they feared our technology. When they heard this, Magnolia decided to conduct the ritual alone.

This was just hearsay, so it's bound to differ a little from actual historical fact, though.

Hm. It's too soon to say for sure. I need more information. Let's ask around.

It is possible, but... My homeland wasn't able to fly either way.

So it doesn't have anything to do with this time loop?

It's too early to give an answer at this stage. I need more information. Let's ask around.

You there.

You're not planning to go outside without a purifier, are you?

Erm, I guess we were? We need a purifier?

Have you been living under a rock?

It's contaminated out there. It's too dangerous to leave without protection. *cough cough*

Are you okay? Can I get you some water?

You're kind. But it's too late for me. My lungs were damaged by the contamination back when I used to live outside, in town.

I have a question for you, ma'am. Is this contamination caused by the use of prisma?

Well, what else would it be?

We may not have used prisma ourselves, but our neighbors did. And now we're left with their mess.

So how do you get fire and water if you don't use prisma?

Why, with the magic transformer at the top of the palace, of course.

A magic transformer? I remember reading about that in my ancestor's notes. Kelkale didn't use prisma, they converted natural energy like sunlight and wind power into magic.

And what made this possible was the magic transformer invented by the third king.

Well, I guess it hasn't been firing on all cylinders lately.

Oh, I nearly forgot. Take this.

What is this? A watch?

It's a purifier. The country's very best technology went into making this. Wear this, and you'll be able to wander around even the most contaminated areas. The magic battery easily lasts all day, so you shouldn't have any problems.

That's so kind! Are you sure we can take it?

I don't need it. The king's knights hand out new ones all the time.

In that case, we gratefully accept.

Good. I hope it helps.

This is a palace, right?

With all the children running around, it seems more like a town.

A strange sight, is it not?

A decade ago, the king before last opened up part of his castle to us, to limit the impact of contamination. Now we get to live, eat, and sleep under the same roof as the king and his knights.

And this was just a decade ago? Sounds like neither of the last two kings had particularly long reigns...

No, they both passed away in quick succession, of contamination sickness.

King Claudio now sits on the throne, but he can be a little unreliable.

Claudio, eh?

Is he famous?

I'll explain later.

Ever since he took the throne, relations with our neighbors have soured. The levitation ritual was supposed to be performed using magic of both the Kelkale and Magnolia royalty...

It doesn't seem in Magnolia's best interest to reject us.

Okay, let's go over what we know. We are around 100 years before my time, during the reign of the Fallen King Claudio.

The Fallen King?

Yes. The thousand year history of the Kingdom of Kelkale came to an end under his reign, you see.

......

And they're doing this because the contamination on the surface is making people ill.

It was meant to be a joint venture with their neighbors, but for some reason, they're going it alone.

And the old man said that the king is the cause of this change in relations.

In history as I know it... the Rising never takes place. The kingdom was attacked and destroyed by our neighbors before it could happen.

In history as I know it... the Rising never takes place. There was no such account in my ancestors' memoirs. We were attacked, and only very few escaped.

So does this mean that the Rising itself is the cause of the distortion?

So if we stop the ritual, the time loop will end?

Quite possibly. However...

If the Rising fails, all these people will die.

That is their fate, and resigning them to it would be the right thing to do.

That's terrible...

If the past changes, so too will the future. Saving someone in the past may erase someone in the future. And first on that list...will be me, the heir to the throne.

......

And yet...

A king does not leave his people to die. If I wish to call myself king, I must find a way to save them!

Claude... I'm in. I want to save them, too.

Me too. We can't accept that their fate is to die, not when they're so alive now.

But how do we do it? The old man said something about magic from the two kingdom's royal families?

And I don't think we'll be able to get to Magnolia and persuade the king in what little time we have.

Don't despair! You have a king right here!

Huh?

We just need two royals, yes? Then I, future king, shall fulfill that role!

Now that that's settled, let's meet the current king!

Hold it! You're approaching the audience chamber. No unauthorized personnel allowed.

I thought this might happen. How do we persuade th...

Listen up, men! I am Claude, future king of Kelkale, and I request an audience with King Claudio!

What?!

Claude! That's not going to work!

Is there some kind of problem? I have all the proof you need right here, with this jewel.

Hey, I remember that. You said you needed that gem to be recognized as the rightful heir to the throne.

Well remembered. That's right. This is a family heirloom, the jewel that selects the king!

Behold! See how it blesses this meeting between kings!

W-Wait! It's too bright!

It's making my head spin.

Okay! You've made your point! Please put that away.

The King's Radiance may be glorious, but it certainly does hurt the eyes.

And why did it shine so bright? What was it reacting to?

Why don't you understand? I thought I could trust you! How could you betray me like this?

I'm not betraying you! But cancelling the plan is in everyone's best interest! Continuing on will only bring tragedy! I beg you to reconsider!

Sounds like there's an argument...

Get out! I can't beat the sight of you any longer!

Very well.

Who are all these people?

Apologies, Captain Elaine. These people wish to see the king. And one of them, um...

Elaine?

Interesting. There is an air of the last king about him.

We came to talk to the king about the Rising ritual. We thought there might be something we could do to help.

But we couldn't help overhearing your argument. Did something happen?

Well...

Let them through.

The king has granted you permission. Please, go ahead.

Thank you.

You came.

You're the king?

Why do you ask? Do I not look the part?

No, it's just... You look so young. Younger even than us.

I was never meant to take the throne. I was the very last in line.

You are the one who claimed to be our future king?

It is an honor to meet you, King Claudio. I am Claude, future king of Kelkale.

Hey! You can't act that way to the most important person in the kingdom!

It's fine, I don't mind. Whether or not he came from the future, he is certainly of royal blood.

You believe him? I know this is a strange thing to say, but our group must seem pretty suspicious to you, Your Majesty.

I may be king, but it is purely symbolic. There is no need to be humble toward me.

Then, um... Why do you believe him?

Well, his face. And his emerald hair. They are characteristic of the Kelkale line. And...

The tablet that chooses kings has been reacting ever since you arrived.

I feel like I've seen the pattern on that tablet before...

It is the flag of our country. My gem has the same pattern engraved on it.

So you have the dragon soul? I see. Then perhaps you really did come from the future.

Dragon soul? Strange name for such a pretty stone.

The gem comes from an evil dragon that our first king, Siegmund, slew using Duon Helios.

The family kept a piece of its soul to ensure it could never rise again and repeat its evil ways. But this was thousands of years ago, in the age of legends. I don't really know if any of it is true.

All that matters is that it's a national treasure, handed down through my royal family.

Possession of it qualifies you to challenge the Tower of Selection.

This slate responds to royal blood and invites those who yearn for the throne to a trial.

I've heard about this. Royalty must show the ancestral dragon that we are worthy of being king.

You fought the Guard Beast to be recognized as king before. Is it like that?

Or maybe the jewel itself is a simplified version of the original ritual held in the kingdom.

And on that note, you said there was something you wanted to talk to me about?

It's about the Rising ritual. You were originally going to do it with the royalty of Magnolia, right?

It won't work without incredibly strong magic. That's why I wanted the Magnolian royalty, since theirs is so powerful.

But they turned you down?

......

And that's where I come in. You cannot be expected to perform a ritual requiring the magic of two royals all on your own.

I, future king of Kelkale, would gladly take the place of the Princess of Magnolia.

You'll take her place?

Okay then. I accept.

The ritual uses the magic that lives in royal blood. We Kelkales may have strong magic, but there are troublesome constraints imposed upon us.

Constraints? Come to think of it, weren't there a load of preparations you had to do to use Duon Helios?

You can use the bow of creation? Not many in our family have been able to wield this artifact.

Wow! You must be pretty incredible, Claude!

Back to the topic at hand... The constraints are like keys. Your magic is locked, and you need to unlock each one in order to use it. Does that make sense?

And, in order to use your full power, you must be recognized as king. You must take the trials.

I understand what you're saying. If I'm to take part in the ritual... I must first strengthen my power by proving myself worthy in these trials.

Exactly. I'm glad you follow.

In that case, I guess I've no choice but to take the trials.

This way.

Place your hands on the tablet and chant...

On the cracked bones of Kelkale. Insignia of our misdeeds. That which is spirit of our state; the blood of thy lineage, the blood of thyself. Bestow unto us, the long forgotten, drenched in the miasma of our sin, the fortuity of atonement.

I recognize that chant.

Yes, it is the chant I spoke before the Guard Beast.

Well then...

On the cracked bones of Kelkale. Insignia of our misdeeds. That which is spirit of our state; the blood of thy lineage, the blood of thyself. Bestow unto us, the long forgotten, drenched in the miasma of our sin, the fortuity of atonement.

The gate to the trial is now open. Show them your full strength.

Let's go.

Brother... If you were still alive today, what would you make of me now?

Where are we?

What a strange place.

That will be the high concentration of magic. It's making me feel oddly nostalgic...

What the? I heard a voice inside my head.

Kelkale? Interesting. So you are the ruler of this place?

And how exactly do I do that?

Hmm... I think this is the trial.

So we've got to defeat this monster to get to the top?

I feel kinda bad about doing this, but I guess it's our only choice.

It's rock-hard! Our arrows aren't piercing it at all.

Neither's my sword, or flames. What do we do?

Strength, wisdom, benevolence. If you possess these qualities, you shall overcome any trial that you may face.

Isn't that what Kelkale said?

He said it for a reason. I don't think we can defeat this with strength alone.

So what do we do?

How do you show wisdom here? Or benevolence, for that matter?

Umm...

"Those who love and help their subjects shall be granted the blessing of the ancestral dragon."

Huh?

I remember reading that when I was researching the kingdom.

So if you do good deeds, Kelkale will reward you with his help?

Yes, if we're to take it at face value. I don't know if it's true or not, but it's certainly worth a try.

I agree. Even if it doesn't work, it's never a bad thing to try and help others.

I hereby declare us the Kelkale Cooperation Corps.

What's with the name?

I kinda like it.

For now, let's go back to the palace and respond to people's calls for help.

I have to say, it would be reckless to continue in our current state. Let's first try to get the blessing of the dragon I mentioned before.

And you get that by helping people, right? So we should look for people in need of help.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's go for our rematch.

We did it!

We got rid of the monster! Now we can continue on!

I see... So the battles up to now were to determine my strength, to test my wisdom. And the final test will be to defeat you by force.

I feel it. My magic is so much stronger than before.

Is it over?

Now we just need to make sure the levitation ritual works.

......

Claude? What's wrong?

Oh nothing, just something on my mind. Okay, let's go back to King Claudio and tell him I have proved myself as king.

You're back.

I am. I successfully proved myself worthy.

......

A torrent of magic now flows through my body. I will be able to aid you in the Rising.

I'm sure, yes. Please, do all you can for our people. The Rising ritual takes place tomorrow. Until then, rest up.

I am happy. Of course I am. My only wish is to protect my country and my people. He who looks so like my brother is sure to save them.

He's so much stronger than I...

The Rising...

Is something wrong?

We never found out what the distortion was in the end. Even if the ritual works, if we failed to correct the distortion, time may still reverse again. This whole thing could have been a complete waste of your time.

I know, I'm worried about it, too. But we don't have any other leads.

If history says Kelkale perishes anyway, then the ritual failing can't be what causes time to reverse.

Right...

I have my doubts, but I must do it. That is why we came all this way.

Exactly. Right now, we have to believe that our actions will push things in the right direction.

We did what we could. I'm sure it will be okay.

There you are. Did you rest well yesterday?

The whole kingdom's survival depends on this ritual. I am ready.

Nona and I can't really do anything directly... But if there's anything at all we can help with, just let us know.

Good luck with the ritual!

Thank you. Let us head to the true throne.

So this is the true throne? What an amazing view!

Is that a light on the ceiling? Looks a little odd for a light.

That is the cornerstone of our state, the magic transformer. It converts sunlight to magic power, providing our people with energy, protecting them from contamination.

This is my first time ever seeing the real thing. It has such a warm glow.

To protect this light, we have to make a success of this ritual. Okay, I will address my people now. Feel free to watch.

My beloved subjects...

We peoples of Kelkale have always sought to lead sustainable lives, to coexist with nature. But we cannot go on. The surface is too polluted for us to survive there any longer.

So today, we bid farewell to our motherland. You have faced such hardships, but I guarantee you a safe life under the warm sun, with no contamination. I look forward to greeting you all in the eternal skies.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

The fate of an entire nation depends on this plan. It is your duty as king to calm their nerves. And to hear these words firsthand from you, my ancestor, is a true honor. I can't reproach you for it.

I'm kinda nervous.

Don't worry, I'm sure it will work.

Then let us begin.

Here and now, in this promised land, we of royal blood command ye!

Land of our fathers, bound to the earth!

Land of our mothers, embraced by the end!

Free us from the shackles of the earth! To the heavens shall ye rise!

I feel so strange, like my body's being pulled by something.

Did it work?

I hope so...

If it didn't, we have a problem. If it didn't, I...

What was that?

That tremor... Was that...

Aldo! Nona! Grab on to something! Bend your knees and land on your feet! That will soften your fall!

Got it!

Okay!

King Claudio, quickly!

Why... Why do I always...

Claudio!

Ngh!

I'm...alive? Did time rewind?

......

But... Why aren't we dead?

The throne room was the very corner- stone of the kingdom. Perhaps it was protected by some kind of magic.

If time hasn't rewound, is this how things were always meant to be? Is this its true history?

I wanted to stop the cycle of death and destruction... But not like this. This wasn't what I wanted at all...

The Kingdom of Kelkale has fallen. This is its true history.

And yet...

To see the lives of my people be lost like this... It is unfathomable.

......

Why...

Hey! Did you hear that voice?

There could be a survivor. Let's go!

Over there!

What is the meaning of this? You told me the ritual would work so long as I had your magic! Were you lying to me when you said you'd give me power?

No, it was not a lie. I did give you power. I gave you my power, but you were never going to...

Phantom! What are you doing here?

Oh? Are you Claudio's little helpers? Interesting. The sacred artifact by the true throne must have kept you safe. But how do you know my name? Who are you people?

Wait, you're not the Phantom I know? You do seem a little different.

Oh, I see what's happening here. I felt something different this time. That was you. You are visitors from outside this time layer. In which case, we have a different fate between us.

You mentioned a time layer. Are you saying I'm not in my own time layer right now?

What's a time layer?

Indeed. In this time layer, time repeats itself like a sun that never sets. We call it the White Night Time Layer.

You don't know? Very well, I'll tell you.

We meet again, sweet little bird, and traveler whose fate is bound to mine in another world.

There was a possibility that your meddling would have hindered my ambitions, but it would appear not. Whatever you do, the end is always the same. Time and time again, he will fail to save his kingdom.

Time and time again? What are you talking about?

The first three times, the power of the magic transformer alone was insufficient, and the palace fell. On the fourth time, there was an irregularity. A knight persuaded him not to do the ritual. He was scared. But then he was killed by monsters who invaded the palace when the device stopped working.

......

After that, things didn't always go according to plan, but it always balanced out in the end. So long as this time layer repeats the same time, there is no issue.

So you've been watching the king and everyone else dying this whole time?

After the tenth time, I decided to tell Claudio about the repeating world.

I don't think I want to ask, but why?

I told him: You are a leftover, the last pick as king. You can't save anyone. You haven't the power, royalty or not. But if you die, time will reverse. Hearing this, he took out his blade and cut his own throat.

You wretch!

That's so cruel! Why would you do such a thing?

Oh? Fate seems to draw you to me, little bird.

Very well, I'll tell you why I'm doing this. But right now...

Is that...true?

Yes. I've no need to lie to you. Imprisoned by your own guilt, you'll always choose to take your own life. And when time rewinds, so too do the memories of all who belong to this world. Why keep anything from you?

I see. I may be useless, but there is still something I can do to help my people.

Here. Take this.

The dragon soul? No, this is similar, but this is not my jewel...

This is the ancestral dragon soul. It is given only to those with the right to succeed to the throne. With this, you can take the trials as the true king. One worthy of wielding the sacred artifact.

Why would you give him something so important?

You who claims to be our future king... No...

You who so resembles my brother... Please. When time rewinds, save my people.

Your Majesty, no!

No matter how many times I watch, the result is always the same. Human behavior is truly fascinating.

May we meet again in the next time loop.

We've gone back?

King Claudio...

Okay, enough dawdling. I know how to close the time loop. There is no time to waste.

The king has to survive, doesn't he?

But he said the Rising ritual would never work, no matter how many times we try. The king isn't powerful enough.

And it didn't even succeed with the help of my magic, either. Basically, it is impossible.

But then...

The Kingdom of Kelkale will fall. I knew this from the very beginning. And yet, I still made an error in judgment. I gave in to the temptation of saving my homeland and performed the Rising ritual. I don't have the right to call myself king, not now.

Don't say that! Sure, it's important to protect history... But not if it means leaving people to their deaths, right before your eyes!

I agree with Nona. Even if you made the wrong decision, you still tried to help them. I wouldn't call it an error in judgment at all.

No, it was a mistake. Time is irreversible. A lost life can never come back. The simple fact is, I made an error in judgment and got my people killed for it. King Claudio laid down his own life to give us the chance to start over. I won't let it go to waste.

Claude...

Do you remember what Phantom said?

Um, he said something about the magic transformer running out of magic or breaking down or something.

And he said that sometimes, the ritual never ends up taking place at all.

Yes, and that got me thinking. Maybe our whole premise was wrong.

What do you mean?

Kelkale falls, that much is certain. But as far as I know, there are no records of anyone's death.

I never thought anything of it. After all, the names of common folk never survive to posterity. But just because our kingdom perishes, it doesn't necessarily mean our people meet that fate.

Then...

My people may have survived. If the Rising ritual couldn't go ahead, you would find another way for your people to escape. If King Claudio's death creates a fatal contradiction for this world... Then maybe his death is what causes his people to perish, when really they were meant to survive. It's possible, don't you think?

It is possible. It didn't seem like Phantom was interested in the ritual itself, yet he still offered to help the king.

Perhaps that was a trap. Make him believe the ritual would work to eliminate any opportunity for a plan B. Thus leading to a tragedy that could have otherwise been avoided.

So even if we bring an end to this time loop, there could still be a way to save everybody. A way to stop the ritual and ensure that the king and his people all survive.

Are you sure about this? If the ritual never takes place, the Kingdom of Kelkale will...

I know. But I know what I must do. I must be the one to destroy Kelkale.

I'm so sorry, Claude. If it wasn't for us, you wouldn't be in this situation.

Don't worry about it. If I can save my people, I, Claude von Kelkale...

Will gladly accept the title of Fallen King, destroyer of our motherland!

Okay. If you've made up your mind, then I'm with you all the way.

Now that we have a plan, there is no need to stay here any longer. Let's return to Kelkale Palace.

......

Hm? I haven't seen you around here before. Are you the technicians that were sent to Magnolia?

No, we...

Thank you for being alive! I am so glad to be reunited with you in this place!

Huh? What are you...

You don't need to understand! All that matters is that you're all alive!

Riiight... Anyway, the Rising ritual's tomorrow. You should rest up if you're tired.

Aldo, Claude. Let's save them this time.

Yes. Let's end this time loop and bring the third day to this place!

We will not repeat the same mistakes again. As the future king, I will not let my people die!

Although... How do we go about persuading King Claudio? He may have concerns about the ritual, but he's unlikely to be convinced by the truth.

Right. Unlike us, he won't remember anything from the last time loop.

Perhaps that knight who talked him out of the ritual in the fourth time loop would be able to persuade him?

A knight, huh? Perhaps that lady we heard arguing with the king before?

Elaine? That might just work.

Okay, let's go find her then!

Kelkale Search Party, mobilize!

Yes sir!

Not this again...

Hm, that really boosted my morale. Let's go. I can't have my people see me looking gloomy.

I wonder where we'll find Elaine.

Hmm... She's a close aide to the king, so she's sure to be busy. That gives us some time. Let's help out some people while we wait for information.

Here, take this.

Isn't this a purifier? But we're moving to the sky. I thought we didn't need these things anymore.

We've never done a levitation ritual before, so we can't say for sure how it will go. This is just in case.

I heard you were real close with the king? Shouldn't you be with him right now? We're all good here!

......

We're off home! If you're fighting with the king, you've gotta kiss and make up.

See ya later, m'lady!

Are you Elaine?

I am. And who are you? You don't look like you're from around here. And you... Sorry to be rude, but have we met before?

No, we've never met before. My name is Claude. Claude von Kelkale. We come from a day in your future, the day the ritual fails. King Claudio beseeched us to save his people.

If you want proof, you're looking right at him!

At least, that's what I'd like to say, but this is no joking matter. Perhaps this will convince you.

The royal jewel... I don't believe it...

Right. That's a normal reaction.

However, you do have the air of royalty about you. You look just like our previous king.

I am not your previous king, I am your future king. But I won't hold that against you. This is where my ancestors are from, after all.

Hmm... So are you a distant relation of the royal family, like me?

Huh? You're a Kelkale?

My ancestors gave up their positions and became citizens. So I'm not royalty or anything. But back to what you said before. You said the Rising ritual fails. Do you happen to know why?

Because the king doesn't have magic. The ritual could never possibly succeed. But you already know that, don't you? That's why you're handing out purifiers to aid in an evacuation.

Correct.

We want to persuade the king to put a stop to the ritual.

If he goes ahead, the same thing will happen again. The king and everybody else will die.

We want your help to persuade him.

His Majesty is stubborn. He won't listen to me.

You look sad, Your Majesty.

Ever since I took the throne, contamination has been spreading at an alarming rate. There's less and less space for people to live, and we've lost one of our food greenhouses.

Worst of all, there's contamination sickness, a disease with no cure. It damages the lungs and ruins the immune system, before eventually killing the afflicted. And all because the magic transformer isn't providing us with enough magic.

Since I was born without magic, I can't make up for this shortfall like my father and brother could.

I'm glad you don't have magic, Your Majesty. Even a king shouldn't have to give up everything, including his own life, for his people.

Thank you. But I... I wish I could die for them.

I will save my people from the contamination!

Claudio, don't be disheartened. Yes, it's a shame that Magnolia won't help now. But there'll be another way to save our people. A more grounded way than the Rising ritual...

It's all my fault. They realized I don't have magic powers. Why? Why don't I have magic? Why can't I do what everyone else can?

It's not your fault, Claudio. That's just the way you were born. There's nothing wrong with...

What would you know? You were born with magic! Strong magic! The country will perish, my people will be lost, all because of me! Because I am the way I am!

Claudio...

Every morning when I wake up, I'm scared that today will be the day everybody realizes how useless I am.

Every day, I feel so empty, wondering why I am stuck in a place to which I am so ill-suited.

Every night when I go to bed, I feel so bad for deceiving everyone that I just want to die.

I try and I try, but I can't protect anyone. Do you understand how I feel?

......

You wish for Kelkale to carry out the levitation ritual alone?

Yes, I have found a collaborator. He gave me magic.

This enabled me to challenge the Tower of Selection. I was given the power to protect my people. My magic alone is not enough, but I can borrow the rest off the magic transformer.

This is insane! How can you trust such a suspicious power? You have to stop!

I know. And yet...this is the only way I can protect my kingdom.

Claudio! There are still other ways!

Enough, Elaine! I have made up my mind. As king, I must do what needs to be done.

......

When persuading him inevitably fails, I would like you to help us. If he pushes ahead with the ritual, would you be able to evacuate the palace?

Understood. I'll work with you.

Really? Thank you so much!

To be honest, I still don't really believe you're from the future. But if he genuinely is our future king, that means we have a future in which he is able to exist.

I want to believe in that.

That future will come, I promise you.

Okay, let's head to the audience chamber.

Not this again...

Your vigilance does you credit. But they are with me. Let us pass.

Your Majesty. There are some visitors for you. Will you grant them an audience?

I have guests? How rare. The only person who ever visits me here is the chairman of the...

......

Sorry for staring. You look so alike someone I once knew... So, what can I do for you?

I'll get straight to the point. Don't do the Rising ritual.

Excuse me?

The kingdom will never reach the sky. It will fall to the ground, and no one will be saved.

You might not believe us, but we come from the future. We saw the ritual fail. We saw everybody die.

Your story is in poor taste. I hate such tales of gore and horror. If you want to tell these stories, go somewhere else.

If I were to spin a tale, I would tell one of glory, heroism, and chivalry. But I'm afraid I am neither a playwright nor an actor. Every word we've told you is the truth.

We really did come from the future. A future where so many lives are lost, where you take your own life.

What?!

I kill myself?

Your Highness, you asked me to save our people. And I, too, wish to save them. So please. Don't go ahead with the ritual.

I cannot do that.

Your Majesty, please reconsider. I know you know the ritual cannot possibly work.

......

Do not listen to them, Claudio.

You again!

Claudio, have you forgotten why you made that oath with me?

I-I haven't. I did it to protect my kingdom.

Don't be fooled by him! Phantom won't keep his promise to you!

No, that's not true. He is already sustaining life on my kingdom.

What are you talking about?

Instead of prisma, we use natural energy, converted to magic with the magic transformer. But contamination has blocked the sunlight and reduced the strength of the wind and water. Meanwhile, the amount of energy required to purify the country keeps increasing year by year. We can no longer sustain our kingdom with the magic transformer alone.

Ah, so it was the other way around. You didn't open up the palace because the contamination was spreading... You did so because you could no longer purify as wide an area, so you cut your living space instead.

Yes, exactly. The kingdom is slowly but surely turning into an uninhabitable wasteland.

But what's that got to do with Phantom?

It's simple. The magic transformer cannot support the country. And Claudio here has no magic. This weak king cannot do as previous kings have done, and supplement the missing magic with his own. So he came to me. He asked me for magic, so that he could protect everyone.

You would rely on a complete stranger to protect your kingdom and people? You'd really go that far?

Laugh at me, call me a fool. You wouldn't be wrong. I am but a figurehead. And yet... I can't let the Kingdom of Kelkale end during my time.

And that's why...

Your Majesty! Wait!

I WILL make the levitation ritual a success! No one will stop me!

Claudio, don't!

They disappeared...

They must have gone to the true throne, to perform the ritual.

Elaine might be able to stall the king for a while, but there's still Phantom to deal with! We have to go after them, quick!

I will activate the tablet. Let's go to the true throne.

Huh?

What happened?

It feels like the magic in this tower is stronger than last we visited.

Trial? Wait! We don't have time for any trials right now! We have to stop the ritual before...

Oh yeah, he did say something last time about dreams and reality being one.

So we don't need to worry about time? But...

Ancestral dragon, you must know our current predicament. Is there a reason why you're still asking me to take the trials?

So I must take your trials in order to become more powerful?

Should I take the trials?

If the top of the tower is protected, you should probably take the trial first.

You're right. I'll take the trial.

I have an idea about this sacred flag he mentioned. If I can acquire the power to break through its impregnable defense, this detour won't have been in vain.

I shall endeavor to live up to your expectations.

Look, we need to go after King Claudio as soon as possible.

You're right. We can't let him fight alone.

So send us to the king!

I need some time to think. I want to make the right choice.

What is this?!

I'm sorry. I couldn't stop him.

He's already started the ritual! We're too late to stop him.

Oh no! There's nothing we can do!

What the? We've stopped rising...

Aldo! Look!

Oh no! Why are we falling?!

Somebody help! We're all gonna die!

Waaarghhh!

AAAHHH!!!

And thus, the tragedy repeated itself yet again. Before the ruins of the palace and the corpses of its people, we vowed. Next time, we would stop this. Time rewinds to the day we vowed to stop the levitation ritual...

And we were once more carried back to the moment that parted our fates.

We can't make any more wrong decisions. This time, we have to save everybody.

Right. Let's try to work out where we went wrong.

Got it!

Should I take the trials?

If the top of the tower is protected, you should probably take the trial first.

You're right. I'll take the trial.

I have an idea about this sacred flag he mentioned. If I can acquire the power to break through its impregnable defense, this detour won't have been in vain.

I shall endeavor to live up to your expectations.

Look, we need to go after King Claudio as soon as possible.

You're right. We can't let him fight alone.

So send us to the king!

I need some time to think. I want to make the right choice.

Should I take the trial to become the true king? I need to think about this.

Why do you look different from last time?

Ah, I understand. This is your true form.

How was that?

Ancestral dragon, are you satisfied?

Huh?

But that was from before time reversed. How did you know that?

I've just thought of something! Phantom said that events in the time loop didn't always follow the same course like they should.

That must have been because of your warnings.

Then it is my turn to show the king the benevolence that you have shown.

I will stop him from making the wrong choice.

What is this?

Khajemis? Who's that?

The second king of Kelkale, who calmed the soul of an evil dragon through the love in his heart.

I thank you, ancestral dragon. I hope that someday we may speak again.

The robes of the saint Khajemis? How very fitting for a finale.

Now let us take to the stage. Time to put an end to this tale of the two Fallen Kings... The one who lost his kingdom, and the one who destroyed it.

Right. I don't ever want to see those things we saw again!

Let's stop that tragedy from repeating!

Please stop this ritual.

I won't hear of it. I need to do this to protect my kingdom. You know this. Captain Elaine, my most trusted knight. Please forgive me. But step aside.

No! I won't! I'm not here as your retainer, I'm here as your friend!

I'm begging you to reconsider! This is genocide! I don't want you to be the king who killed his own people!

The ritual will work! I will make sure of it. That's why I'm here!

Just because you want it to happen, it doesn't make it so!

Poor little Claudio. Your confidant doesn't appear to have any faith in you.

Oh... Why don't you believe me? I thought you would always be on my side!

Guh!

My knight, I'll deal with you later. For now, stay right where you are.

Oh no!

Elaine! Are you okay?

Don't worry about me. Just stop him. Stop Claudio.

Claudio... There is no time to hesitate. If you wish to save your kingdom, now is your only chance.

......

Don't let him fool you! He's just using you to get what he wants!

I know. I never thought he'd give me all this power for nothing.

Then...

But even so, I...

I am king. I have a responsibility to my people, to my country. So I know what I must do!

I will take magic from the magic transformer, the cornerstone of our kingdom.

No! Wait!

There's an invisible barrier?

It must be the sacred flag. It's protecting him.

Now is the time to free our motherland from the shackles of the earth!

My kingdom! To the heavens shall ye rise!

Oh no! The same thing's gonna happen all over again...

No, there's still a way to stop him.

What are you doing?

No... You would use Duon Helios?

This bow can break down the barrier of the sacred flag.

But you can't...

It would still be in vain. Even if you kill me, the ritual won't stop.

I know.

You would break the magic transformer? But the whole kingdom will...

Perish, yes. It will no longer be able to protect itself from the contamination or invaders.

......

How could you even suggest such a thing? Our kingdom is the very heart of our people! It is where they live! I won't allow anyone to take that from them!

I know. It is their home, an irreplaceable land. A place I hope to return to someday.

And yet... I will not let innocent people die just to protect my country!

Neither will I!

The protection of the sacred flag will not be broken by Duon Helios!

I know. Our national flag protects the kingdom from all that would harm it. Even with the power of this bow, it will be difficult to penetrate that protection.

So I'd better give this all I've got!

But you have two arrows! Are you planning to shoot them both at once?

I once could barely draw its string, but now that I've won the ancestral dragon's approval, it comes easily.

Take all remaining arrows of the bow of creation!

I summon you, enemy of the sun, bringer of eternal night! Scythe your way through the sky, split the heavens asunder, and strike your target without fail!

Duon Helios!

Sacred flag! Protect our homeland!

Claudio! His power, it's...

Ugh...

He's passed out? How very weak.

Phantom! Stop messing with the people of this kingdom!

You said before that your goal was simply to create a recurrent time layer. So how could you do something so terrible? Why deceive the king and cause all these people to die?

You and I have very different values. What makes something "terrible" is merely a matter of opinion. I do this because it is necessary to do so. Little bird, I don't ask you to understand. But don't get in my way. I don't want to hurt you, my dear.

......

Why would you do something so terrible?

I am merely doing what must be done to achieve my goal. It may be your opinion that what I do is terrible, but I simply cannot fathom why you might think that.

Even at this point, I understand that we're not going to see eye to eye. But tell me. Why do you inflict such harm on my kingdom?

You say you have a goal, but this place is just a time loop. If time's just going to rewind anyway, what does it matter what happens?

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 death of Claudio and demise of this kingdom 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?

It's 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 tiny 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 altering 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 repairing contradictions in history, as if it had a will of its own. It kept itself alive.

What?!

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. Still, what's that got to do with time repeating itself?

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

Which is why 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 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 third day that's meant to come involves a future in which the ritual fails, but the king lives. But since Phantom is distorting history, days two and three 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 two-day loop? 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?

Ugh. Phantom...

Ah, Claudio. You've come to. Good. Your despair is not yet enough.

My...magic...

He still wants to do the ritual?

Claudio, you can stop now. You've done enough.

I may be a useless king, but...

If I don't carry out the ritual, my people will die from contamination. Kelkale will perish. So I must do it! It's not about can or can't! I HAVE to protect my country, my people! And I will not let anyone get in my way!

Allow me to help. Let me draw out the power from within you.

I am the leftover king. But... I won't let my kingdom fall! I will expel you and protect my country!

Ugh...

Unleash the power of the dragon blood that flows through your veins!

What is this?!

Oh no!

Phantom! What did you do?

Nothing. I simply granted this wretched man's wish. And just as I'd imagined, he cannot take this much power. It has driven him wild.

You gave him your power knowing this would happen?!

Now, Claudio. Destroy your beloved homeland and die in despair!

You fiend!

King Claudio... You were willing to turn yourself into this monster just to protect our kingdom?

Thank you.

I am proud to have an ancestor like you. You truly love our country.

And yet, I've no choice but to point my sword at you. I must protect our people. And I must keep my promise to you, who sacrificed his own life to entrust me with his wish.

I will defeat you and destroy Kelkale!

King Claudio... You were willing to turn yourself into this monster just to protect our kingdom?

Thank you.

I am proud to have an ancestor like you. You truly love our country.

And yet, I've no choice but to point my sword at you. I must protect our people. And I must keep my promise to you, who sacrificed his own life to entrust me with his wish.

I will defeat you and destroy Kelkale!

Please, come to your senses! You fought to protect the country. So stop this!

Claudio!

Thank goodness! He's alive!

But he's still a dragon.

So long as he's alive, that's good enough for me.

What is it?

Captain! Where are you? There's trouble in the palace!

Monsters! There's monsters everywhere!

What happened to the barrier?

Sorry... Hanging up now!

What's happening? Is something going on down there?

I've got to get down to the surface to help them!

But...

That is kind of you. Thank you.

Claudio...

However much you change, I will always be on your side. Always.

Oh no!

We're here to help!

Fresh troops! They just keep coming!

I've run out of arrows...

Oh, come on! This couldn't happen at a worse possible time!

We've got to fight the king again now?

No, he's right.

Sorry I'm late. But right now, just do as he says. You can't keep fighting with so many wounded. They can handle this. Go protect the civilians.

Don't mention it. Besides, it's me who should be thanking you. Now, as Captain of the Royal Guard, allow me to aid you in this battle.

It's over!

I don't see any more enemies.

Do you hear something?

Wait! Where are you going? I am your friend, and your knight! Wherever you go, I go!

Claudio...

So Claudio has gone.

Phantom! What's your plan here?

I too will leave this place. This time layer seems to have accepted this conclusion as its official history.

Then...

The time in this place will never again return to the past. So I will withdraw from this spacetime. This world will now return to the normal flow of time.

Then these people will get to see tomorrow?

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?

Another jewel? What is this thing?

It is not yet time to tell you. Once you collect all the jewels, I will tell you the truth as I know it.

Another one? Why do I feel so warm holding this jewel?

...It has begun.

Your Majesty!

Terrible news! The barrier has...!

The barrier's component sigils have gone haywire! Attackers are finding their way through!

The magic soldiers are holding the line for now, but even the elementals have begun acting strangely!

How could this be happening?! Our glorious kingdom's barrier should never fall, not like this!

If things carry on this way, the Kingdom itself will fall! Your Majesty... Please, Your Majesty! Save us!

......

I will go immediately. Make preparations to evacuate the citizenry should the worst befall.

Right away!

What an empty thing it is, to struggle against a pre-ordained destruction.

No matter how many corpses may pile up behind us... If this life, alone, persists, then the true end shall not come. It shall not. I will not permit it...

Nona! Nona!

Huh? Was I staring off into space again?

Huh? Was I staring off into space?

Yes. It was like your mind was someplace else. That jewel isn't dangerous, is it?

I don't think so. And yet...

I don't know how to explain it. My chest tightens up and I feel like I want to cry when I hold it. But why? What's going to happen when I collect them all?

I don't know. I just hope it's not a bad thing...

Thanks, Aldo.

Yes.

It's all over now. They won't have to go through this day of destruction again. And yet...

I thank you for your help.

But I am the king's knight. I have to fulfill my duty.

He tried to protect them all, right to the very end. As his knight, I vow to do the same.

So let's talk about where we go from here.

I'm glad they all understood.

I guess everyone realized they had to do something. I think they were just panicking because it all happened so quickly.

Did we really help them?

They're better off than they were at the start, but it didn't exactly go well, did it?

Huh?

Being king sure sounds tougher than I'd thought...

What? No, we can't just go back and forth through time as we please.

Ooh, are we making requests? Because I'd love try out some place where we can go on a big adventure!

I already told you no! Ogre Rancorem is dangerous, we're not unleashing him for personal use!

Hmm...

What is it, Nona?

There's something not quite right here.

Now that you mention it, yeah...

Wait! Isn't that the same distortion as we saw in the other recurrent spacetimes?

I think so.

Ooh, I know! Let's call up Ogre Rancorem to cut through this thing!

Good thinking. If it's like last time, then there's something spilling over from this world.

Something's repelling it. I should've known it wouldn't be so simple.

Hm?

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? Where'd all those people come from?

What is this? A hologram or something?

Hologram?

It's technology from the future that projects a realistic-looking image into an empty space.

Wow! That sounds like magic! But this doesn't look like an image.

Look! Over there!

The king!

They disappeared...

Is this the rewriting of history you mentioned before?

I don't know. But if it is that, then there must be a "present" in which the king isn't missing.

So this "present" we just saw, where the king was here, is the version that was always meant to exist?

I'm so glad. It's so sad that the king ended up all on his own, when he cared so much for his people.

Same. It was terrible how it ended. If this time layer used the last of its power... Just to create a wormhole to try to correct history, then we HAVE to open it up and find the king.

Yes! We have to help him! So let's go back to Arat. Hopefully we can get the energy to open up the hole like last time.

What was that?

The king was there, surrounded by people! But he disappeared!

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 the king 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 the king didn't disappear?

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

Yes. But since he vanished so fast, I doubt this a rewritten history case like with Elzion. I think it's more likely one of many overlapping possibilities happened to flicker before us for a moment.

Oh...

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

Right. So maybe we should try to work out why the 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? Then maybe someone in need of help opened this up.

So it's to save them? Even if the king 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 something?

No, the time layer itself!

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

Then maybe the version of history in which Claudio isn't a dragon, is how this time layer was meant to be.

But Phantom gave the king his power, and thus changed history. If that had never happened, the king might have had a different fate.

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

Ah!

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?

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.

If it is, we need to save the king!

He died over and over again, just to save everyone. And yet, he never could... A king who cares that much for his people shouldn't be left, lost on his own.

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 part out yet... There must be something somewhere.

I'm sure we'll think of something. Actually, I have an idea. The vortex we were in before 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, that could work. Okay, if we find anything interesting, we'll come back here.

Maybe we should go back to Arat and see if we can find anything out about this incomplete wormhole?

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 the king. I wish we could go save the king with these fragments...

Is that true?

Claude! Are you done checking on the kingdom?

Yes, no problems to report.

But about what you were just saying. You mentioned saving the king. Did you mean it?

We're not certain about it, but...

I see. So it's possible to go back in time and save King Claudio.

Yes, but it really is just a possibility, nothing more. We managed to reach a different "present" before, but that doesn't necessarily mean we can again.

Yes, but it really is just a possibility, nothing more.

We don't want to get your hopes up.

It's fine. Better to be disappointed in the results of your actions than do nothing for fear of failure.

I agree. We only give up once we've exhausted all other options.

Then let's give it a go.

Yay! I think it worked!

The wormhole should be restored now. The only issue is, where does it lead?

If we've been given the chance to start over, I'd guess it's just before things turned sour with the king.

So before we went to meet him? Will this really be okay?

We only angered him last time when we tried to persuade him.

Nothing to fear. This time, I have in my possession the jewel he gave me!

The jewel you used in the trials? How does that...

Oh!

Why do you know about things from the previous loop?

This jewel is a piece of the dragon's soul. And the dragon has memories from outside their world.

So you want to show Kelkale's memories to King Claudio?

I do. I know it is cruel to show him such horrors. But it will certainly be persuasive.

I guess...

He's stronger than you think. It will be okay.

I've been wondering. Have you ever met the king before?

No, not yet.

Then...

Our grant finale awaits us! My very existence is proof of that. So let's go!

Your Majesty, please reconsider this ritual. It is far too reckless for us to go it alone. You must have seen the calculations. Even with the magic transformer, we don't have enough magic!

I know. But if we don't carry out the ritual, the country will perish and my people will be lost.

I may have only been chosen by process of elimination, but I am still the king. And I must do my duty.

Your duty? To ensure the survival of your people?

Who are you?

It's a pleasure to meet you again, King Claudio and Captain Elaine. I am Claude. Claude von Kelkale.

I am king 100 years in the future, and I came back from the world of tomorrow to save you.

You can't just go out and say it like that and expect them to believe you!

It's only a matter of time before our wormhole disappears. So we have to get straight to the point.

What are you talking about?

It will take too long to explain. Behold!

Is that the Kelkale family jewel?

It contains a record of what we saw in the future.

......

......

A future where my people die and I take my own life, or a future where my people live and I become a dragon. Just like the nightmares that plague me every night.

And you're saying this is my future?

Yes. This is hard to say, but if you carry out the Rising ritual, you'll, erm...

So we came to stop that from happening.

So please, leave Phantom and join us!

Who do I choose? Phantom or you?

I know what I must do.

I cannot join you.

Why not?

Words can lie. I will not be deceived by lies. A lost life can never come back. There is no such thing as a second chance.

I won't err. As king, I cannot do so.

So that is your answer.

But! If you do this, you'll die!

Elaine! Get them out of here! Use force if you must!

You heard him. Unless you want a fight, get out of here!

Not you too, Elaine...

Say something, Claude! Or else we won't have changed a thing! That tragedy will repeat just as before!

No, we're too late.

No! There must be something we can do! If we give up now, the king will...

King Claudio... I wanted to do this with you, but I guess I was wishing for the impossible.

Let's go back, you two.

Claude! Wait!

......

The wormhole!

We didn't manage to change anything. Not his mind, the future, nothing.

No, we got through to him. His decision not to join us was done in order to protect our people.

But the king...

Hurry, hurry! Everyone's already at the plaza!

Wait, aren't those kids...

Hey, wait up!

Eep!

It's just like when we first came here?

Are you okay, little miss?

Y-Yeah. Thanks, mister.

You seem in quite the rush. Is there somewhere you need to be?

Um, yeah... The levy-tation ritual.

What?

Everyone's going to the plaza.

Oh no... Did going back to the past change the future again?

But we'd saved them! Is that tragedy about to repeat itself again?

......

Why d'you look all sad?

I know! Come with us to the plaza! It'll be fun!

Yeah. I guess we should go.

Mom! Mom! I made it!

Ah, there you are, dear! I was getting worried! I thought you and your little friend would be here already.

......

It's starting...

Once he stops talking...

......

Country? But he said "homeland" last time? He's not doing the levitation ritual?

I guess putting on airs runs in the blood...

What do you mean?

Why is the king here? What about the ritual?

I am canceling the Rising ritual.

But...why?

I do not have enough magic to perform it.

You don't? But you're the king!

I'm sorry it took so long for me to reach this decision.

I couldn't let go of my desire to raise our kingdom to the skies. But I was just being greedy.

I wanted the impossible, to protect both my land and my people. I have failed you as a leader.

I am truly sorry for being so foolish.

So we're not moving to the sky?

But we can't live on the surface anymore!

What are we going to do?

Everyone! Look at me!

It must feel like everything has suddenly turned dark. You are anxious about the future. You have lost the tomorrow you thought would come. Of course you're scared.

Claude...

But hear me now! The Kingdom of Kelkale will fall, and you will become a nomadic people. But each and every one of you must live on, sharing your memories of our land with future generations.

Our land may be lost. But so long as you are alive, the kingdom itself is not gone. Your very existence is the foundation of the Kingdom of Kelkale!

I beg of you, too. Our land may be lost. But so long as you are alive, our kingdom is not gone.

Your very existence is the foundation of the Kingdom of Kelkale!

......

And I promise you! If you keep this hope alive...

Our kingdom will be rebuilt in 100 years!

We don't really know if that's true...

We can't stay in our country, not now that the magic transformer has been broken.

I'm scared. But I know we can do it, together!

Thank you.

...... Our work here is done. Let's go back to where we belong.

Are you sure?

It should be the people who live in this world who decide what happens next. We from another world shouldn't interfere.

For all we know, we might trigger another time loop if we do anything else. So let's go back to the wormhole that leads to the vortex.

Leaving without saying goodbye, are we?

Your Majesty, Elaine...

We wanted to at least thank you. You bought us time.

We did? What are you talking about?

It will take too long to explain. Behold!

Heh...

Isn't that the dragon's soul? Are you showing us its memories?

Are you sure about this?

I must cooperate with Phantom if I'm to maintain the magic transformer. I can't entertain their nonsense.

Still, it's important to be prepared for if the ritual fails. Just in case.

Can I leave the people to you?

Ah!

As you wish, Your Majesty. I'll hand out the latest purifiers to everyone, just in case.

Claudio, have you turned against me?

I wouldn't say that. All I did was buy some time so that we could prepare to evacuate the civilians. I needed your magic to maintain the magic transformer.

You used me? A weak, puny human like you? How dare you!

Perhaps you have forgotten, but I am the king.

I may form alliances, but I serve no one but my people. I shall never kneel to you!

Such dignity. You truly are my ancestor.

Claude, I need your power here. Help me repel those that would harm our kingdom!

I only exist for my subjects. I will show him every last ounce of my power!

It looks like the correct timeline- version of us did what we were meant to do.

It's all because of you that I wasn't taken in by Phantom's lies. Thank you.

You don't need to thank us. We just didn't want to leave you all to suffer.

And I hate to see anyone else's misfortune. If there's something I can do to help, I'll do it. That's all there is to it.

And I just did what any king would do. I protected my kingdom and my people.

You really are good people, right down to the bone.

Claude, you said you were the future king. So I ask of you, please restore our once fallen kingdom.

I will. It is both my own personal wish, and I promise I have made to my beloved people.

It won't be easy, yet you clearly have no doubts about it.

I have made up my mind. And so, I will make sure it happens.

I have every faith in you, king of the future.

I will do you proud, great king of the past.

With that decided, there's no need for us to stay any longer. I must act while my memory's still fresh! It's time for the second act of the grand tale of my life! The restoration of my kingdom!

Okay. Let's go back.

Everyone back in Arat will be getting worried.

I look forward to the day we meet again.

Great-Grandfather, Great-Grandmother.