A Memory of Bygone Days

Is that...?

What's up, Hismena?

I'm being called up, but this time it's...

You guys from IDEA never seem to take a rest.

Umm... This time it's got nothing to do with IDEA. My old comrades contacted me.

Your old comrades?

Were you fighting something even before joining the IDEA?

Yeah, you got that right. But there's more to it.

It's really weird to hear from them. I kind of tried to leave all that behind.

Hismena, what exactly happened back then?

I'm sorry. I can't say anymore right now.

There's no way I can see them. Like... I'm not supposed to, you know.

Is that right? Still, I think you actually want to hear how they're doing.

Huh?

And they need you for something, don't they?

Then it can't hurt to respond to them, can it?

......

When you say it like that, I guess it wouldn't hurt anyone.

But on one condition! You've gotta come with me, Aldo.

Uh... Me?

Yes, you. I'd feel more confident with you around.

If you say so. Just tell me how I can help.

You're so sweet, Aldo! They want us to meet them in the Gamma District. Let's head that way.

Are those your old comrades?

Seems like it.

"Seems"? What do you mean by that?

We used to hide our identities on the battlefield. The truth is this is our first time seeing each other for real.

Really?

It makes sense in a way. I mean it'd be a lot of trouble if one of you got caught and spilled the beans.

Something like that.

So then, why are you going this time without hiding your identity?

Are you who I think you are?

Umm, I'm not...

Yup, he's the guy.

Just hold on a...

I just came with him out of curiosity.

What... No... Hismena?

(Shh... Just play along.)

(O-Okay...)

Curiosity, huh? That's something that'll get you killed in our world, man.

Believe me... I know.

You better.

Hey you, young man. You gotta be from the other side, right?

Other side?

Forget about it, man. You got some fancy-lookin' costumes on but do they keep you breathing when the sauce hits the pan, man?

Costumes? Pans?

You don't understand, man. I've met dozens... hundreds like you. They're always the first to go, man.

I'm sorry, Aldo. He's talks a bit rough now and then. He really is nice deep down so let it slide this time, please.

You're just trying to hide the... the reality, man.

Alright, alright... I'm getting tired of this. It's time. I'm assuming the others have already arrived.

Yeah, you're right. Come on, let's go.

I'm looking forward to seeing you commanding on the ground again. We managed to stick together as a team because you were there for us after "he" was gone.

...... We just can't stand around talkin' about the past, man. We got a job to do. We can chit-chat and plan at the bar.

Everyone. It's time to pull yourselves together. Cause this cold war is about to get hot!

It's so easy to understand these people. I wonder why we even needed to hide our identities.

Say, Hismena... Why did you lie to him? Why did you say that you're only here accompanying me?

Didn't you hear what I said? I once turned my back on the battlefield. I can't just show up like before.

I'm happy to see them, even if it is as someone else.

Hismena...

I got it. I'll play along with you. Don't you worry about a thing.

Thank you.

But still... Don't you think they'd prefer to reunite with you instead of me? You're the one they fought side-by-side with, right?

...... I'll think about it.

Come on, let's go to the bar!

By the way, Hismena. If I'm supposed to be you, don't you think you should tell me more about these people?

You don't want them to find out the truth, do you?

True... Let me briefly explain. First, you might have thought that these guys are hunters, but actually they're not.

What?! Are you saying that they are disguised as hunters?!

For now it's easier to think of it that way.

And the things you should know about the other members are...

What was that? Did you feel that shaking?

It came from inside the bar. Let's go and check out what's going on!

R-Right!

Wh-What's it doing here in a place like this?!

Get it together, man! "They" are getting serious!

So it seems... I'd say, bring it on!

This is going to be fun. I'm at your command!

Yeah, leave it to me!

That way, Aldo!

Ready... Phalanx Formation!

Phew... All in a day's work.

But I've never fought a foe of that class in broad daylight in the middle of the town, inside a bar!

Wait! Look at those two standing by the hunters!

Hismena?!

......

Hey you. You're a guy from "this side of the world," aren't you?

That's right he is. He was called up here.

H-Hold on a sec!

A soldier from my era and a Sentinel of Antiquity?! How are you connected comrades like these?

I thought it was pretty obvious.

By any chance... Have you been traveling through time before we even met?!

...... Yeah... Well, it all happened so long ago.

There was this world of freedom, and power meant everything. We were allowed for the first time to prove our right to exist.

Well, that's something... I never thought there were others traveling through time like us.

The monster dropped some plans. Now we'll know where they'll be and what they wanna do. With these plans our lives'll be a lot easier.

Come on! Let's follow the plans to the Industrial Ruins. We got 'em this time man.

The Industrial Ruins?!

That's right, man. It's gonna get dicey, but no pain no gain.

Come on, let's get a move on! Don't be late.

What's going on? There must be a reason they're being lead to such a dangerous place!

Didn't you say you've fought alongside with them? I'm guessing they're pretty strong if that's the case.

You're right. But there's no guarantee that fighting Synth Humans would draw out their power.

There's no time to explain. We better go after them before they get themselves into anymore trouble.

Alright. Off we go to the Industrial Ruins.

Hmm... Is it time?

Don't lose your cool, man! It'll come.

There they are! Good thing they're still safe!

Hey guys, it's dangerous out here! We should all head back to the city.

Hold your horses! We got a signal!

What the heck is that?! Why is there a dinosaur in this era?!

It must have traveled through time to get here!

Get ready, guys! Prepare for Formation Phalanx!

Good here!

Here too!

Roger that!

So long... Creature lost in time!

Mina Vulcan!

W-We did it!

Did you now?

It's a Synth Voice.

Look what we have here. What do you humans want from me?

Oh... It looks like there's a round two! This is getting fun!

Stay focused! Here we go again. Mina Vulcan!

Hooraaaaaahhhhhh!

No way.

The Mina Vulcan didn't...

It had no effect?!

No way, man! Is he really a Synth Human?!

What's the matter little humans? I suppose you didn't come all the way here to play game, did you? You fools had best not underestimate me.

Eeeek! H-H-Help!

I'll take care of things from here. Fall back!

D-Don't! You'll never make it!

Hmm, here comes another fool, willing to lay down her life.

We'll see about that. I didn't just to lose to the likes of you.

This lance'll show you the power of our determination. Nothing can get the better of me. Your destiny has brought you this far, and it comes down to me to end it.

Wait, I think I heard something like that before.

In the name of "Blue Rose"!

I've seen those moves. And the way she introduced herself. It has to be! She was that "guy" who led us all that time, man!

You're the Blue Rose Knight!

What?

The Blue Rose Knight?! Seriously?!

You're the real deal! You're the Blue Rose Knight, aren't you?!

I can't believe he was a girl the whole time! You were using a male avatar all along!

Ok, I'm a little lost here.

The Blue Rose Knight is the strongest player in history who created legends and made remarkable achievements!

You're talking about a player? Can someone please fill me in?

It's an honor to have had the chance to go on a hunt with the Blue Rose Knight!

You saved me in the game once when I was just a newbie!

Th-The game?

Hismena. I'm still really in the dark here. Start talking.

At your command, Blue Rose Knight!

O-Okay... Let's head back to Elzion.

You see, I did a little research of my own. Apparently, we weren't supposed to encounter a foe at the Industrial Ruins. There was a news announcement about the glitch on the official website alerting everyone.

Of course. I mean, who would plan a raid event in a dangerous area like that?

Guys... I'm still here. Waiting for an explanation. So, what's a Blue Rose Knight and is it you Hismena?

......

It's all about an online game. I used to be really into it once, but that was a long time ago.

We used to be guildies and this was our meet up. You know... IRL. Anyway, I'm shocked to see that the Blue Rose Knight was a young lady like you!

And you were the Blue Rose Knight in this game?

Y-Yeah... You could say that.

You have no idea how cool the Blue Rose Knight was! He, err...she could solo raid bosses that usually needed tons of players to beat! She also cleared a dungeon on extreme difficulty in just a few hours!

Wow. I never knew Hismena was a talented gamer. That leaves of the question of why the name "The Blue Rose Knight"?

Oh, that. It came from her character. <The Holy Knight of Blue Rose> It was her handle.

Hismena? Where do you think you're going?

This conversation is just too embarrassing.

Say, Aldo. Is there a way to travel back to the past and tell myself to make different life decisions?

I-I'm not sure about that. Even if you could, I don't think that's such a good idea.

You're right... Sigh. Gosh, what was I even thinking?!

You're disappointed in me, aren't you? You must be shocked to find out I'm this kind of person.

I don't understand why you're so embarrassed about this.

I think the Blue Rose Knight is a wonderful name, and it suits you.

Geez, Aldo.

You might be from another era, but you really should figure out what's cool and what's not.

What? Are you saying I don't know what's cool? I'm totally the cat's meow. That means cool, right?

Hahah. Yeah. Thanks for saying that. I feel a little better now.

Hahah... Wait, is that supposed to make me happy?

So I guess you're not planning on coming back as the Blue Rose Knight?

No. I don't have any reason to. There's somewhere else I belong... This uniform is proof of that.

I see... It's sad to hear that. But nothing is forever in the world of online games, and we've got to accept it. Well, if you feel like coming back, you're always welcome!

I'll keep that in mind.

Oh. By the way, there's this promising new guildy that people have been talking about.

Oh yeah! The new member. I see her now and then. The name was...

XxDemonic PrincessxX!

......

That person is also gonna have some serious regrets in the future.