Swordsman Veiled in Crimson

Welcome, welcome! Would you like to order something?

Yes, do you know if anyone has put out a bounty on any monsters or beastfolk?

Woah... Not quite the order I was expecting.

It seems you came at the wrong time, though. I'm sorry to say that I don't know of any such requests.

Is that right?

Is this how you usually find work, Radias?

Yeah, working as a mercenary is the fastest way to earn some coin.

You two look stronger than the typical thugs we get around here. I'll let you know if I catch wind of anything.

Actually, come to think of it, some knights were looking for some good soldiers. Go have a look around the castle and see if they're still interested.

Knights? Do you mean knights of Miglance?

Who else could they be?

Do you have a problem with the knights?

It's nothing...

In fact, this gives me an excuse to drop by and check on things.

What're you talking about, Radias?

Oh, I was just thinking aloud.

Thanks for the information.

Let's head over to the guardroom at the castle.

What're you planning to do? These knights aren't from your time layer...

This is a good opportunity to see the knights in this time layer for myself.

Thanks for the information.

Let's head over to the guardroom at the castle.

Hm? Who're you?

We hear that the knights are hiring soldiers. Are you the one in charge?

You'll need to talk to the Knight Commander about that. Go wait in the guardroom while I get him.

Sorry for the wait.

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Lakhesis, Knight Commander.

......

What's the matter? Is there something on my face?

No, it's nothing.

You just...look very similar to someone I know.

Radias? You okay?

What's wrong, Radias? You're face's getting red...

I-It's nothing! I know he isn't my father.

It's nothing. Please don't pay it any mind.

Sorry if I got a bit flustered, but I'm all right now. Now, let's get down to business. We heard you're looking for people.

Ah, I'm sorry, I nearly forgot to introduce myself. My name is...

Radias, a blade for hire.

H-How did you know my name?!

Truth be told, I've heard of you before. A female mercenary was recently spotted in Unigan carrying a massive blade. I assume that's you? The peasants and merchants whisper of your accomplishments. I hear you are an exceptional warrior.

I didn't realize you were so famous, Radias.

Neither did I...

It would be foolish for us to turn away one of your prestige. We would gladly hire you if you're still interested. What do you say?

Hah, I came here expecting an interview. I didn't expect it to turn out like this.

But I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.

I'm glad to hear it! I have a request that requires your attention.

I dispatched a squad to slay beasts in the Karek Swampland. They've yet to return. I would like you to investigate, and lend them a hand if necessary.

A task like that won't be a problem. It'll be a good opportunity to show you what I can do.

Aldo, let's head to Karek Swampland.

Hey, look over there.

Grrrr... All my friends...

You're the last one left. You life must end to preserve the peace in our land.

Do you think this is over?!

What?!

Darn him! He's trying to flee. After him!

Shut your trap! We can't allow it to get away. Now, hunt it down!

Quit'cha blabbering and follow him!

What's his deal? He should calm down and listen to his squadmates.

Hmm... I'm pretty sure I've seen that squad leader before...but where?

Oh!

The beasts are going all out! This is too much for us. Retreat!

Hah. This is when it gets good.

My demon sword is starving for the blood of a worthwhile opponent!

This is madness! We will retreat to the castle at once!

That must be why he's trying so hard right now.

Huh? Radias? Where'd you go?

What are you spacing out for? Come on, let's get after them.

S-Sorry, I was just thinking...

Huh?!

Aldo, behind you!

Hm?

Who the heck are these guys?!

They must be riled up because of those knights!

Just sit back and watch. I'll take care of this.

Don't try to keep me...

O' crimson flames... Lend me your strength!

You slew them all with a single blow?!

Radias! Are you okay?!

Urgh... That took a lot out of me.

Huh? You're burning up!

Keep your distance, Aldo... The flames could burn you.

How can I stay away from you when you're obviously in so much pain? What did you do?

Heh... I just used some of the power that lies in my sword. This sword holds immense power, but using it drains the life out of its wielder.

Some kind of reaction to the power you used...

I'm glad that you'd use that to protect me, but...

Don't go overboard trying to save me. I don't like seeing my friends in pain.

I don't draw on the sword's power lightly. I only resort to that power when I'm willing to sacrifice myself.

Cut it out! Don't say stuff like that!

Huh? You're burning up!

You should probably stay away from me. You might get burned by the flames.

Don't worry about that. Could it be that the sword on your back is...

I just used a little of the power from my sword. It turns out that wielding the power of a fire elemental takes quite a toll on one's body.

I'm happy that you want to protect me, but... Try not to hurt yourself, okay?

You used it again here even though you just used it to stop the Deliverance Sword.

Sorry, Aldo. I'll be more careful.

I'm feeling better now. Let's find that squad.

Okay, but please be careful. Don't forget that I'm here to fight at your side.

All right, let's get going. They can't have gotten far.

Aha! Here they all are, humans and beasts!

This is the end of the line! We let you get away last time, but you won't be so lucky this time!

You pursued me this far? But... Hehehe...

What's so funny?!

Do you really think I was simply running away?

What did you, ?

You fools fell right into my trap!

Rgh... You still resist us!

Hah! Now, chimera, show these humans the might of the beasts!

This is the end...

Now's not the time to quit. What'll happen to the people of Unigan if you fall here!

Wh-Who are you?!

I'm Radias, a mercenary. The Knight Commander ordered me to check on your squad.

Did you say you're a mercenary?!

Why you... We don't need anything from the likes of you! I won't let you undermine my orders!

How could you say that at a time like this?!

What is this infighting? Last time you caught us off guard, but I won't let that happen again!

What are you doing? I said we didn't need your help!

Are you done talking now?

What did you, ?

I don't know what happened to you in the past, nor do I care... But this is the moment where you need to forget that and take up arms to defend your country.

Huh?!

Why do you even carry a blade? Is it not to defend your countrymen?!

Grr...

Troops, get into formation! We're taking this chimera out with Radias' help!

Looks like everyone's working together.

Aldo, ready your sword. Let's take care of this chimera!

Let's do this!

Squad, give it everything you've got!

This can't be! They defeated my chimera!

This is the end for you! Graaah!

Guagh!

Haah... Haah... Is it... Is it over?

Yeah, that was some attack you did.

Should I be happy to be complimented by a mercenary?

Haha... I think a simple "thank you" would be enough.

Our mission here is over. Let's head back to Unigan.

And Radias...

What is it?

I'm sorry that I said bad things about you simply because you're a mercenary.

I'll be sure to remember that honorable mercenaries such as yourself do exist.

Looks like a happy ending after all, Radias.

Still, what do you think happened to make him hate mercenaries so much?

Ah, so about that...

So, you do know something. What happened?

Well, someone like yourself once ignored his orders...

This person ignored his orders? Why would someone in this line of work do that? Trust is critical as a mercenary.

Do you know this person's name, Aldo? I'll make sure not to take any jobs with them.

The mercenary's name's Deirdre.

......

Is something wrong, Radias?

Forget I asked. Let's change the topic.

Wait, what?

Let's head back to Unigan. We need to report to the Knight Commander.

H-Hey, wait up, Radias!

You're back. The squad leader told me what happened.

All I really did was give them a little push.

You needn't be so modest.

No matter the case, I'm just happy that everybody made it back safe and sound.

Here's your reward. You really saved us.

It was my pleasure. If you ever need help again, please let me know.

You can be certain of that.

By the way Radias...

Is there something else?

When we first met, you said that I looked like someone you knew, but... Have we actually met before?

......

Sorry, but that's highly unlikely. That was our first meeting without a doubt.

Is that so? I must be mistaken then, I'm sorry.

There's just something about you that feels so...familiar.

......

I must just be overthinking things. I apologize for keeping you. You're free to go.

Then Aldo and I will be on our way.

Shall we get going, Aldo?

Was that okay? Are you sure you don't want to stay and talk to him a little more?

I think it's best this way. I'm sure there'll be other chances to see him in the coming days.

Good point. I'm sure he'll have more missions for you soon enough.

And I hope you're ready for that, because I'll be sure to drag you along to help me.

Haha, I'll be waiting!