The Sadness of a Hunter

Phew... Wow, the air certainly is clear in these parts. Somehow it feels almost familiar. It feels almost like anything could happen here.

Aldo. I have a request. I'd like to go and talk to the blacksmith. News may have come in while I was busy on this personal errand.

Okay. Let's go to the blacksmith's.

Hey, Cyrus. Long time no see. Have you been traveling somewhere?

That is a long story. One that is best saved for when everything has reached its conclusion.

Okay. Though I have to say, you've piqued my interest. Cyrus, have you ever been the recipient of a grudge?

I don't know what you mean?

Well, while you were away, I was visited a number of times. They always wanted to see you. They were a bit of a shady character, it has to be said.

We just took care of some goblin, maybe this character is connected to him in some way.

Speak of the devil. Look, a customer.

Are you Cyrus? At last we meet.

Hmm. So you're the mysterious visitor? You have some business with me?

I am but the messenger. There is someone who wants to meet with you.

I see. Well I see no reason why I should come when summoned like some pup.

What if I were to tell you that the one waiting for you is the one you have been searching for?

What?! Varn?! Where? Where is Varn? Tell me!

Waiting at your house.

The Man-eating Marsh. Okay! Aldo, we need to get to the Man-eating Marsh now!

Varn!

Cyrus? Long time no see. I'd heard the stories, but I didn't believe it until now. A frog...

I've been searching for you, Varn. For so long.

Yes, I'm well aware of how you've been chasing after me. I was hoping you'd give up one day. I never thought you'd go to such lengths to get back the secret texts.

Varn, you know I have to right any wrong, no matter how much time passes.

I am not the Varn I once was. The Varn you knew is no more.

Varn...

Cyrus, where have you hidden it? I assume you still have it?

It's not here. I've hidden it somewhere safe.

Go retrieve it, Cyrus. Give it to me, and I'll return the stolen texts. I'll wait for you on the Corinda Plains.

Varn!

......

What should we do, Cyrus? Are you going to make the trade?

The thing that Varn wants, it's buried by a rock next to Lake Tiilen. We need to go get it first.

Okay. Then we should head to Lake Tiilen.

It's around here somewhere.

Is this what he wanted?

Yes.

Enku Jizai-ryuu... Once upon a time I was a swordsman in the lands to the east. Varn and I were students under the same sword master. That was 10 years ago now. There were two ancient texts about the Enku Jizai-ryuu style of sword fighting that we were learning. Anyone who possessed both texts would have the secrets to the ultimate technique. One day Varn took one of the texts and ran away. I'm not sure what had transpired between him and our teacher, but Varn has always been an impetuous person. Perhaps it is because I was entrusted with the other text that he did this. He must have been resentful. Especially as he was always the better fighter. I left my country in search of Varn, and my travels led me here.

Cyrus...

Hmm. Shall we head to the Corinda Plains? I have to finish this saga with Varn, one way or another.

Do you have the text?

I have it here.

Very well. And I have mine. I'm sorry, but I'll never give it up. If you want it, you'll have to kill me.

Varn, you have it all wrong.

Cyrus...I just...wanted to be strong. I didn't want to lose to you! That's why!

Cyrus...

Varn, it's not too late. You can still fix this!

No... There's no turning back. Cyrus... It's too late!

No! Stop! Varn! Brother!

It's no use, Cyrus. I sold my soul to that demoness, Reptires...

I cannot disobey her commands. I'm just another one of her puppets now.

Brother! Come back to me!

What's taking so long? Varn? Get a move on!

......

I see. Very well. If you are refusing to do it...

Ngh!

Cyrus, watch out!

Guagh!

Brother?!

Varn...you betrayed me... Too bad it changes nothing.

You!

That's one brother down, now it's your turn, Cyrus!

Varn, why...

I was sick. Very sick... I didn't have long to live... I just wanted... to see you again... Cyrus... I'm sorry...

Varn?! Brother?!

Brother...

I understand his desire for me to be the one to stop him, but so unfair...

Cyrus, are you alright?

Don't worry, I'll be fine. Come, let us go home.

Yeah, let's go back.

I see... So Varn... I'm so sorry, Cyrus.

Hmm...I had no choice. Besides, I am glad I got to speak with him one last time. At last my journey has reached an end. But as one story comes to its close, another one is just beginning.

Of course, you're right. Don't worry. You will face her one day.

Hmm. If that is so, then it is still a long way off.