My God

It's a beautiful country.

I know, right?

It's full of greenery, the flowers are in bloom, and the buildings and the people are in harmony.

It's such a beautiful place. Though maybe I just think that because I'm from here.

No, that's definitely not the only reason. I think it's beautiful as well. I'm proud we were able to protect a view so stunning.

I'm so glad to hear you say that!

Come to think of it, where is Sesta? You said she was living here as well?

Yeah. She's usually someplace in town around now. She can't seem to relax when she's in the castle.

To be honest, I can't really imagine Sesta settling down anywhere. I mean, she's spent her whole life searching for you.

Yeah, you're right.

Thanks, miss! You're like the big sister I never had!

Oh! I know that voice!

That was fun! Come play with me again sometime!

This is a problem. Sesta is sister, but not Girl's sister.

That's not what I mean! You're so weird, Sesta!

You're useless at baking, and you run so fast the race is over in seconds!

But it was so much fun, I'll give you my snacks! This is how you want yours to turn out next time, okay?

Okay. Thank you.

See ya!

Um. See...you.

I'm pleased for you, Sesta.

You seem to be getting along with the kids of this place.

It's even making me happy to see.

Nona... And Aldo? You are here too?

Yes. Girl warms up to Sesta now. Though Girl was scared of Sesta at first.

Locals are very nice people. They treat Sesta to dinner when Sesta is alone. So Sesta asks if anything Sesta can smash in return. Then they keep their distance.

Yeah, obviously that's how they'd react!

Well, they clearly see you as one of their own now. You have a home of your own now, Sesta.

Home? Sesta does not really understand that feeling. This is Sesta's first time really living, not just surviving. But Sesta is very grateful. Sesta plays with them, Sesta gets fed.

You're living a surprisingly carefree life...

Is this what you do every day?

No, it is not like this all the time.

Hm. Let's go to Arat. It is different from here.

Arat? What's in Arat?

You'll see.

Well, it has been a while! Okay, let's go back to Arat!

Here is good.

I don't see anything...

Aldo, Nona, is that you? And Wolfy, too.

......

What's wrong, Wolfy? You hungry?

I just got some grub. It's yours if you like. I owe you for chasing out those monsters before.

Thank you.

Wow, my ears must be deceiving me! Never thought I'd hear those words come out of your mouth, Wolfy.

Is this how you normally get food?

What makes this different from Cochlea?

Here, Sesta does nothing and still gets food.

That's why?!

It's almost like when a dog gets conditioned with treats or something.

She sponging off you again today?

Noahxis!

She's not sponging. Just, whenever she looks at me with those puppy dog eyes, I kinda want to feed her.

Yep. That's called sponging.

You know, the search has been going well. I guess we're all to benefit there.

You protected Aldo and Nona as promised. Go ahead, make yourselves at home. The guys'll be happy to see you all.

Everyone's so...kind.

Huh? Why does Nona look conflicted?

I don't know. Just, my big sister's living like a pet dog...

That is what bothers you? This "living" thing seems complicated.

I guess you've never had a normal life to begin with.

All Sesta had was impulse and purpose. Drive to meet Sesta's god. You, Nona.

Sesta wanted to erase anything that made her god cry. That why there is no point staying in one place for long. Had to keep running.

But now...purpose has been accomplished. Honestly, not sure what to do with self anymore.

I guess that's understandable. We'll just have to find you something new to live for.

Hm? What is that?

What the matter, Nona?

There's been something coming off of Sesta ever since we got here.

Hey, you're right. What is that?

Oh, this? It happens a lot lately. Part of body stops being Sesta and starts turning to dust.

Wha? Those specks are part of you?

Does that mean your body's basically breaking itself down? That can't be good.

Are you okay? You're not feeling unwell or anything?

What are we gonna do? This isn't normal! We should get you to a doctor or something.

Doubt a doctor can help. This body is not human, remember.

Right, you did say your body was made from fusion or something. Okay, if not a doctor, who could help you?

Oh!

You got an idea?

We should go to the Tower Argentauri!

The alchemists' place?

Yeah! She's a non-human lifeform, kinda like a homunculus.

Maybe the alchemists will know something!

Actually, that's not a bad idea!

Okay. Let's go to the Tower Argentauri.

So would you mind taking a look at Sesta for us?

Sorry to ask this. We know you must be busy with your Aurum work.

Don't be silly! There's no way I'm gonna refuse a favor from you guys!

Right! Alma's the kindest!

Hey, I'm not kind to just any old person!

But Aldo and Nona are like my disciples. They get to see my good side.

Disciples? Did not know you had such a relationship.

Oh yeah, I forgot all about that.

Okay Sesta, come right this way! If I analyze your composition, maybe that will explain a thing or two.

Okay.

Wow!

Girl saw something?

I've never seen a physical composition like this! You're not like a human, or even a homunculus. You're made up entirely of unknown matter. Matter that doesn't even exist here...

Basically...Girl knows nothing?

Hey, what do you take me for? I'm still the best alchemist around, okay?

The material composition itself may be a mystery, but I did see something.

Your body is starting to crumble.

What?!

The bonds between the substances in your body are breaking. As if they're losing individual strength. It's like your soul, the thing that makes you you, is fading.

My research into spiritual alchemy is incomplete, so I don't know a whole lot about souls... To be honest, it's stranger that such disparate substances were able to stay together as long as they have.

Your existence is pretty much a miracle.

Um. That all sounds complicated. Basically, Girl says this phenomenon is not normal?

Are you saying that unless we do something, Sesta's body will disappear?

I doubt it will be immediate. You should have a fair grace period. A few years, maybe.

What? Can't you do something?

No, I'm afraid not. If I recognized the substances, maybe I could transmute them and supplement your body with more. However, I don't know the formula for creating such substances.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

You did your best, that's all we could ask for.

Basically, it sounds like this issue is caused by Sesta's soul fading away?

Hm. Do we know anyone who knows anything about souls?

Ah.

You got another idea?

The machines in the Land of Ro! They had souls!

Oh yeah, I think you're right.

People put souls in machines? This world is amazing.

Even I can't do that. Now I gotta hurry up and figure out how to transmute a soul! The student must become the master!

I'll continue to study this. I'll let you know if I find out anything.

Thank you.

Okay, let's go to the Land of Ro. We have to save Sesta!

What?! Sesta's gonna disappear?

Yes. But not right away.

You can't disappear! Not now, not ten years from now! Never! I won't let you!

I'll summon the machinists and sorcerers at once. They're the ones who know all about souls. My countryfolk are the absolute best! I just know they'll be able to help.

Thanks, Tsukiha. I knew we could count on you.

Well, yeah! I'm a lord now. I need to be dependable. Besides, you two are my subjects!

If my subjects are in trouble, I must step in and help!

Nona, when did you switch countries?

Heheh. It's a long story...

Wait right there! I'll fetch the experts!

Hm. Even the strong adhesive I use on my machines isn't holding you together. I don't think we can stop this on a physical level.

Oh. This is adhesive? It tickles.

Your soul is certainly exhibiting a weak response. However, I've never seen that have such an impact on a body before...

No. Even with machines whose souls have been taken, their bodies do not crumble away like this.

No! There must be something you can do!

Princess, if her soul had simply escaped, perhaps there could be a way to return it.

However, the ability to strengthen a disappearing soul is not in our skill set.

Oh...

Aldo, it looks like there's nothing we can do for her.

This is too awful. I can't bear the thought that Sesta might disappear someday.

I know, I feel the same. But we're out of options. If only we could find out why her soul was fading away.

You two take great pains for Sesta.

Of course! You're a dear friend. Anything we can do to help, we're going to do it!

And you're my sister! My only sister! How are you coping, Sesta? You're the one whose body might disappear!

......

Sesta does not mind.

Huh?

Sesta's god cries no more.

God? You mean me?

Sesta realized. No longer flustered, even if about to cease being.

Sesta was born because of Nona's voice. Sesta lived to stop Nona's tears.

But things that upset you are gone. Sesta has nothing to do anymore. Like life in Cochlea.

Maybe it is good. Like, nothing to regret.

But... But...

Of course it's not good! You may be my big sister, but there are some things you just don't say! If you disappear, I will cry! Just as much as before! Is that what you want?

Well...

Nona, maybe you should calm down a little?

Aldo...

Obviously, I don't want Sesta to disappear either. But this won't solve anything.

Even if she survives, the moment you stop crying, her body's just going to crumble away again. If she only lives for you, then the same thing will happen all over again.

I just want you to want to live, Sesta. Is that really so difficult for you?

Difficult? Maybe. Sesta never had time to live for anything but Nona. It is a big thing to spring on Sesta.

Hm. I think I see now.

What is it?

The reason why her soul is fading away could be because it has no attachments. Souls have qualities akin to thoughts. If those thoughts weaken, so too does the soul. If you lack any attachments, any desire to do anything with your life, it will naturally start to disappear.

That makes sense. It was anger about Nona that gave Sesta life. Without that, not able to keep body together.

Oh...

Hm. Okay. This is what we'll do.

You have a plan?

We just have to give you a new purpose!

Something! Anything at all! Something you're interested in, something you want to try! Me, I want to conquer the world. That's why I'm loving life!

If you're able to enjoy life, then your soul will get stronger, and this whole issue will be behind you!

That is harder than it sounds. Sesta never once thought about enjoying life. I'm sure it is hard for you to imagine, but there is no way Sesta can live like that.

Oh!

Nona? Don't tell me you've had another idea?

There's someone else! Someone who didn't know how to enjoy life.

He'll understand what you're feeling better than anyone.

You don't mean...

Come on, Aldo! To Dust City! That's where we'll figure out how to give Sesta a new lease on life!

You're right. We should talk to him.

He should be in the office. Let's go to Dust City.

'Kay. I see what you're gettin' at. It's my time to shine!

Welcome to Doctor Kumos' therapy session!

Lemme guide you, lost little lamb...

Out of the way, fluff-brain.

Ouch! You can be so cold, Yakumo!

Teehee. You haven't changed a bit!

If only.

You know what change you need? A power button. Then I could turn you off when you get on my nerves.

I'm not here for your convenience, you know! You can't just use me whenever it suits you!

As if it ever suits me. Anyway. You came all the way here...to ask me for life advice?

Sorry, but I think you came to the wrong guy.

No, I don't think we did. I think you're the best placed to understand what Sesta's going through.

Besides, you do have a caring side. You looked after us, you taught us how to do our jobs.

Or did you forget, you're technically our boss. Think of this as a staff consultation.

Tch. Stop being so forward. You know I don't like it. Don't push your light on me. Or did YOU forget, that's how we ended up killing each other?

Oh. Sorry...

Nona... Yakumo is your boss? Even though Nona is princess?

Oh, I guess I never mentioned. It's quite a long story...

So many stories in Nona's past. You are an alchemist, citizen of Ro, and office worker? All at the same time? You make friends at every turn...

Nona must be the ultimate citizen of this planet.

Yeah, well I've just fallen in love with every place I've been to!

Sesta is envious. If Sesta thought like that, maybe body would stop crumbling.

I dunno anything about souls, but basically your problem is there's nothing you want to do? I mean, it's not really the same thing. Mine's that I don't have a reason to live.

But you decided to keep living anyway, yes? That is what Sesta heard.

I didn't want to give up on happiness.

But it's not like I know when I'm gonna get happy. I just gotta keep living till it happens.

Anyway, I don't have time to die. I'm way too busy with work.

Ooh, I think you're on to something there!

Huh? What do you mean?

Yakumo's too busy to die, right? Then maybe if Sesta was swamped with work, she wouldn't die either?

What? You want to put Sesta to work?

You know, that's not a terrible idea. It sounds like what she needs is an immediate goal. It sucks when you've got nothing in front of you. I know that all too well.

It could be anything, even short-term work. You just need something to keep you distracted. It's not like everyone's got some huge, lifelong dream or whatever.

Some people live...without staking their life on a grand purpose?

Yeah, that's normal. Honestly, Hero, why does everyone you hang out with have to be so freaking extraordinary?

If you wanna give it a try, I guess I could hire you...

Work? Me?

This is gonna be great! Can we make her my secretary, to make up for last time? There's somethin' about that piercing look in her eyes that does somethin' to...

No. I don't think that's for her.

Why not? She's perfect! Just look at her!

Looks aren't everything. And there's nothing worse than being forced to do a job you're not right for.

Although, pretty much the only work we do here is sales. That's all I can offer you. Just follow Aldo and Nona's lead.

I guess that makes us in charge!

Are you still trying to distribute the Kumos dolls to other businesses?

Nope, you guys already did everything there was to do there. What we want to do now, is create new products with some business partners.

We just need to find some willing business partners.

Wow, that's pretty impressive, Yakumo.

Afraid it wasn't my idea. It was those part-timers you brought along. Ugh. They're always so eager. All they do is create more work for me.

I'm glad we came to talk to you, Yakumo.

Why would you say that? You know I hate it when you try to flatter me.

I'll handle the formalities. You guys get going into town.

Heheh. You've never been one for beatin' around the bush, have ya?

One more word out of you, and I'm throwing you in the trash.

Now get going.

Sesta will do her best.

You want me to create a new dish? That's the dumbest thing I ever heard! You really think anything can surpass my original chili udon?

Is that yes? Or no?

If it is no...

Sesta, no! No violence!

No? Cannot use strength? How frustrating.

You were gonna beat me up? You piece of trash!

Trash? Well, Man is not wrong. Sesta's body is a collection of discarded weapons and chemicals.

You don't even deny being trash? Well, that's a first.

Usually I'd send you packing...

But my sales are pretty rough right now. If you have an offer for me, I ain't gonna refuse.

Really? I thought your chili udon used to fly off the shelves?

Yeah well, yesterday brought some funky smell to town. We got no roof, so it's scarin' away customers.

Smell?

My whole business is at risk if this continues! So yeah, I'll listen to what you have to say. I'm closin' up for the day, so come back later if you wanna make a new dish.

A new dish? Interesting...

I can't help you out for free, though. What can you offer me?

That makes sense. Never get something for nothing. Hmm...

Tell Sesta, what does Girl want destroyed? What does Girl want to disappear? Sesta will do.

Sesta! You can't say that! You'll scare her!

But this is the quickest way...

Disappear? What if I could just get rid of those guys who complained yesterday?

Girl is okay? Girl considering offer, maybe?

Oh, um...

I'd be happy to make a dish, but this isn't great timing. There's been strange-colored gas around the city ever since yesterday. People keep complaining that our product's the wrong color, but it's not my fault...

Gas? That sounds like a problem.

Maybe we could discuss your idea some other time? Now isn't going to work for me.

You want to make a new product? Like mascot-themed weapons and armor or something?

I mean, maybe. You don't think the design's a bit too cutsey for that?

The cuter for the better!

Girl gets it.

Haha! Well, whatever my little poster girl wants, she gets.

Just not today I'm afraid.

Why not?

Got too much other work on. Some of my regular hunters wanted some real strong weapons. There's been some nasty robot on the loose since yesterday, and their weapons aren't strong enough.

Robot? Sounds serious. Sesta can make it go bye-bye?

Hey, that sounds great. But it turned up so suddenly, there ain't many who've actually seen it. Don't even know where it is...

*cough*

Hm? What's wrong, sweetie? You caught a cold there?

I dunno, maybe. I guess I have a bit of a cough.

Oh dear. Let's get you home. Soon as we get you into bed, I'll get back to work.

Maybe come back some other time?

Okay.

This is not going so well. Sesta did not get approval once.

It's not your fault. Everyone seemed to have something else going on.

The city's usually a bit more lively than this. Everyone seems kinda stressed today.

And we heard so many strange rumors. Weird smells, gas, rampaging robots... Yakumo never mentioned any of this.

Everything seemed to start yesterday. Maybe he just hasn't heard about it yet?

......

Yes. That must be it.

Sesta?

Aldo, right now Sesta feels "concern" and "irritation." If it is as Sesta was told, should be fine for Sesta to express feelings.

You're worried about the townsfolk?

Yes. But why, Sesta is not so sure. Only just met them.

Heeelp!

Hm?

I-It's the robot! Even the hunters couldn't beat it!

Hey, I know that thing! That's the Dust Lovers' robot!

I thought Yakumo destroyed it. How is it here?

Aaah! I've gotta go hide inside! You guys should really run for it!

Yurgh, do you smell that? I think it's leaking gas!

Do you think we can defeat it? We need to stop it before it hurts someone! Sesta, we'll need your help!

So that is it.

What is it?

Concern and irritation turned to anger now. This machine is the culprit? Sesta is angry at machine. It is strange for Sesta to be enraged for people Sesta just met... but now it make sense.

Huh?

Nona loves this world. Nona protects these people.

Sesta will not allow them to suffer. Just like Sesta will not let Nona cry.

Sesta...

Sesta will hold back no more.

There is new anger in Sesta's heart. This is my new guide.

It is a familiar feeling. This new anger will keep Sesta alive now.

Sesta shows you her impulse. Shows you the fangs of an enraged, ferocious beast!

That felt good. People do not change so easily. Anger suits Sesta.

What was all that racket? Someone settin' off fireworks or somethin'?

No one's gonna set off fireworks in an indoor city, Kumos...

Sorry. We just heard about the robot.

It's okay. We've already sorted things out.

Nona?

Yes?

Sesta wants to see more of this world Nona loves so much. Just a little more. Sesta can see self caring for this world also.

And... Sesta wants to love what Nona loves.

Of course! We can do that!

I'll take you to all the places I've explored, where I've made such precious memories.

Okay.

Sorry for backing out of work.

No point apologizing. If it helps solve your problem, do it.

Okay, I guess we should head to Arat first?

Yes. It's connected to everywhere we want to go.

Chest feels lighter, field of vision seems wider. Everything seems bright, even though there is no sun.

Is this joy? Feels like it might be.

Yeah, maybe. Let's go to Arat. I'm sure it'll do you good.

We don't know when the next battle will be. That's why I help out with training from time to time.

Honing my skills with Orleya is like a dream come true!

If there's a next time, I know I'll see you leading your men and fighting proudly!

Huh? Yeah, I'll do my best.

Definitely... Maybe... Hopefully...

Why have you gone so quiet, Orleya?

We are slowly but surely evacuating the area. Soon, this place will fall to ruins.

I have no intention of calling this destruction the end.

I must burn this image into my eyes. The kingdom I create must be equal to this.

No, it must be even more beautiful. Even more majestic.

There's no human activity here anymore.

Still, those who left here will live to see tomorrow. Is that good or bad? Is it right or wrong?

I don't know anymore. It's not my decision to make.

But there is a tomorrow. Time will keep going forward for those living their lives.

......

Sesta?

Tell Sesta.

Chest is full, like warm fluid has been poured into it. Or is it light? Cannot see it, but like light shining in Sesta's heart.

What is this? What is this feeling?

Oh. I think it's...

It's beauty. That's how the world looks to me, too.

Sesta feels...beauty? That is why tears forming? That is why eyes feel warmer?

Oh... Yes. This world is beautiful.

Everyone has a purpose. Everyone sees where they should go. Like when Sesta was born. Like the way of life Sesta believed in.

The student needs to become the master!

Me, I want to conquer the world. That's why I'm loving life!

I didn't want to give up on happiness.

Sesta had a purpose.

Or rather. Sesta had nothing but purpose.

With purpose gone, Sesta is finally able to see something other than Nona. Sesta sees the world.

And now, Sesta realizes this world is beautiful. Sesta wants to stay here.

Sesta! Your body's stopped crumbling!

I'm so glad!

Nona, mind if we go to one more place?

Sesta wants to go there to confirm resolve to walk the road ahead.

Is this...

Yes. This is where the shelter ship was. Where the future people were.

Where Sesta was born, where Sesta died. Sesta had no tomorrow.

Still, by some twist of fate...this Sesta gets to see a new day.

Are you feeling guilty about that? Because you shouldn't. You fought for this, you won this.

No, not guilty. More like, Sesta finally realizes... Sesta wants to cherish the time she is alive.

Nona, Sesta told you before...

Huh?

Nona cares about all people living in this world, yes? Sesta could not agree before, but now, Sesta is a little jealous of how Nona sees things.

Sesta was jealous of you before. Because Nona cared about the world.

But now, Sesta feels the same. So Sesta has anger. New anger. Stronger anger.

What? Why would that make you angry?

When Sesta felt the beauty of the world, Sesta realized...

Why should Sesta have to disappear? Why can't Sesta live in this wonderful world?

Sesta should get these things.

And that's when Sesta's body stopped crumbling.

It's not anger for Nona anymore. This time, it's anger for yourself that's holding your body together.

Sesta will not cling to Nona anymore. Sesta must become own god.

Teehee! I guess that makes us both gods, then!

Never thought I'd hear that come up in a conversation...

Sesta continues to protect the world. To make a world where no children cry. Where no one has to hear heart- breaking cries like Sesta heard.

All people on that ship vanished now.

Will souls be reborn somewhere else? Sesta knows not the answer. But if they are...Sesta hopes they face a bright future.

To give them that world... Nona, will you walk with Sesta?

Together, as gods.

Of course!