The End of It

Sister Melina! Please wait!

There's no time for that!

There's no time for that kind of nonsense!

You all saw it, didn't you?! That horrible monster was flying just a stone's throw from the church! It's heading for Merlot Ward and we don't even know what it's capable of!

Who are YOU willing to sacrifice while we're wasting time here!

We don't have one moment to waste for Thillelille's team to return from their expedition.

...Don't you forget that I am the Winged Child.

The Supreme Cardinal was right. It has to be me, and no one else. We must catch up with the scouts we sent up ahead...

Either way...we're not having this argument now.

We've got to defeat this monster without delay!

I'm going with or without you all. Those wishing to stay can hide behind Noah back in the church.

Thank you...

I'm pretty sure we'll find the monster if we proceed across the Chasselas Crystal Region. Let's get going!

Stop moving!

You must be one of the scouts. Those wounds look terrible... Hang in there and I'll heal you.

Huh...?

Hey... Stay with me...

Open your eyes! I can save you and... You're one of us!

...... I'm sorry, Sister Melina, but I'm afraid he is...

He can't be...

We'd best keep moving... It seems our enemy is most formidable.

Understood, Sister Melina. Let's proceed with caution.

I'm sorry, my friend. I promise we'll come back for you.

What was that?!

Stop right there!

Look how fast it ascends into the sky!

Don't give up... I'll save you!

Don't be stupid! It's my duty to save you all! Now, to take care of the rest...

Huh?!

It appears and then disappears again!

Ah!

Sister Melina, are you all right?

You are...

I'm Prai, a member of the squad sent ahead to scout the enemy.

Thank you, Prai. You saved me...

Were you not here when the others were attacked?

We split up into two teams trying to chase that terrible fiend... But only myself and a few others still live.

That's all?!

The thing was heading for the other team, and I came running after it.

...It's fortunate that I ran into you and could update you on the situation.

This is too much for me...

Shape up! We've got to hunt that monster down and destroy it!

Allow me to come with you, Sister Melina!

Prai, I want you to help the wounded back to the church.

Wh-What are you saying?!

Do you not see your own injuries?!

Huh?

Guhhh!

Your determination can only keep you standing for so long. You're in no shape to fight this battle.

Now, you should be able to make it back to the church. Leave this to us. We need you to report what's going on.

Let's go, everyone!

Sister Melina...

How shameful... All I can do is wish her luck.

Where is it?! How could we lose sight of such a huge monster of its strength?!

I've never seen anything like it before. Perhaps it's a mutated monster...

Plus...

This weather's terrible, too. The sky is shrouded by clouds, the rain blurs our visions, and we can't hear anything because of the thunder.

The rain is supposed to be a blessing from the earth, not an advantage for a monster! But this isn't over yet...

Yes... Without a doubt. I'll try to trace its magical power to its current location.

(Relax, Melina. You can do this! Focus, and you'll do just fine...)

What's this?! Look out everyone! Here it comes!

There you are!

I'm the one in command here!

Ugh! Why you little...

(It's getting ready!)

Huh?!

What's happening?!

What's it doing?!

No!

We're going after it! I don't know what's going on, but we must save him!

Sister Melina! Please wait!

(It's like its playing games with us. But why?) (It didn't even make itself invisible when it flew into the sky this time...) (This is getting more worrisome by the minute.)

Is this where it landed?!

Over there!

Oh, thank goodness you're safe!

Are you hurt? I can heal you right away...

Huh?

NO!

What was that?!

Impossible... You...

Urgh!

I can feel the monster's presence! That vile creature must be binding Sister Melina!

Gwahh! Run...everyone...

It's draining my magic power! It was me the monster was after! Its presence is everywhere here... It was all a trap!

It's coming! Run! Get out of here!

There's no choice! THAT IS AN ORDER!

I don't have enough magic power to break free! So please...RUN!

The Winged Child is our only hope! This is not where she takes her last breath!

Advance!

No... Stop!

Oh no! This can't be happening!

Ugh... Sister Melina... Please close your eyes... We don't want you to see this.

You're all crazy!

Stop, everybody! You're going to get yourselves killed! Run! Call for help!

O divine, please protect the Winged Child! Keep her safe, for she is the hope of these lands!

It's all my fault... If it wasn't for me...

Huh?!

*huff huff*

It's the same dream again...

Blup?

I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me.

Blep...

Melina! Sorry for bothering you! (...Not sorry at all.)

Haaah... All I wanted was some peace and quiet.

Don't be so rude! Thillelille brings a smile to everyone's faces!

Whatever you say, just get to the point.

Better quit with the grouchiness. The Supreme Cardinal wants to see you!

The Supreme Cardinal told me that you are requested to come to the Holy Sanctuary!

He also requested my presence as well, so Thillelille will escort you there.

Go ahead without me.

Hellooo?! Were you even listening to me?!

Good to see you again, Melina. Arch-cleric Thillelille, thank you for relaying my message. Let's get straight to the topic at hand.

Good to see you again, Arch-cleric Melina. And Cleric Thillelille, thank you for relaying my message. Let's get straight to the topic at hand.

I've received reports that a monster was spotted in the Chasselas Crystal Region.

A monster? You can't throw a stone there without hitting a monster.

Which means there's something different this time...

This isn't just an ordinary monster we're dealing with, is it?

Precisely.

B-B-But of course Thillelille would've guessed that too!

The reports describe the monster as follows... It's large enough that it appears to block out the sky. It has immense power and can disappear suddenly.

Its magical power can't be detected while it's invisible, making it nearly impossible to track down.

I-Is this...

Are you sure this information is accurate?

Directly from our best sources.

Could this monster be...

It seems likely that the monster from that terrible day has reappeared. So far we've suffered no casualties, but we can't allow it to roam free. We may not have another chance. The monster must be slayed.

I cannot agree more.

Melina, I understand that you've left the church and I have no authority over you but...

So, Arch-cleric Melina, for this particular mission...

I'm requesting that you confine yourself to one of our rooms until this monster is dealt with.

I'm ordering you to confine yourself to one of our rooms.

What?!

You're restricting Melina to a room?!

I don't understand why?! I can't comply with that! Supreme Cardinal, you're aware that I was the only survivor from the attack squad. It's my duty to kill that monster!

Melina...

I'm no longer obliged to take orders from you.

Be that as it may, I must stop you. The reason I want to keep you away from that monster is that you were the only survivor.

I still remember your panic-stricken face when you returned alone.

Of course, Winged Child, you were the only survivor from that squad.

That's why I've determined not to allow you to participate. I still remember your panic-stricken face when you returned alone.

I'm afraid your emotions will cloud your judgement on this mission. One simple mistake could cost everything in a mission like this.

......

But Supreme Cardinal! Normal attacks have no effect on that monster. Without me you'll...

I'm well aware, Melina. I read every detail of your report.

I'm well aware, Arch-cleric Melina. I read every detail of your report.

However, you should understand. We can't just rely on hopes right now...

But, !

Judging from the last encounter, it's natural to assume that the monster is targeting you. If we let you join the mission, we might lose everyone again.

...I have an idea to take down the monster!

It's irrelevant at this point. I will not allow you to join this mission. If you're distracted, then there may be even more victims this time.

I won't let that...

It's already been decided.

Several teams of clerics and priests will be lead by the cardinals in this mission.

Prai will lead one of the teams due to his previous experience with the monster. Melina, I want you to stay safe until this is over.

Prai will lead one of the teams due to his previous experience with the monster. Arch-cleric Melina, I want you to stay safe until this is over.

You'll be monitored by...Arch-cleric Thillelille.

You'll be monitored by...Thillelille.

......

...Sure. I'll keep an eye on her.

Thillelille?!

You are not to leave the room and go to the Chasselas Crystal Region. Melina. Arch-cleric Thillelille. Off you go now.

You are not to leave the room and go to the Chasselas Crystal Region. Arch-cleric Melina. Thillelille. Off you go now.

This way, please.

This is the room. Please remain here until you are called for.

There's nothing to worry about! I, Thillelille, will not let a single Moke leave this room!

Bleep!

Well, Melina, since we have some free time, how about we enjoy some girl-talk...

HEY! Just where do you think you're going?!

Isn't it obvious?

I'm going to the Chasselas Crystal Region.

Hold up, Melina! Weren't you listening?! You and Thillelille must stay here until...

You expect me to just sit here and do nothing?! Those were my friends that were slaughtered... Do you really think I could just wait?

You know I can't do that!

But...

You'd understand too if it were your friends who sacrificed themselves to save you...

Thillelille'd be out there for revenge!

Which means you should let me go!

Weeeeell...

Thillelille is worried about you!

......

Thillelille understands...you're frustrated and want to do something.

Thillelille also has regrets from that day... If only our team had gotten there sooner...

But...

Thillelille doesn't want to see you get hurt fighting that thing again! If you go fight as you are now, you'll just get yourself beaten both physically AND mentally!

And Thillelille can't allow that!

...... This does not concern you.

Grrrrr!

I don't need your charity or kindness. The greatest pain I've ever felt is the inability to avenge my friends.

No matter what, I must be the one to defeat that monster! Let me through...I won't ask again.

I-I can't do that! You'll regret it if you disobey the Supreme Cardinal and go through with this!

I-I can't do that! You'll be exiled if you go against the Supreme Cardinal and go through with this!

I don't care one bit. I've got to hunt it down no matter the price...

I don't care one bit. I've got to hunt it down, even if the church casts me out forever...

To avenge my friends!

Grrrr! You stubborn girl!

Thillelille can't let you join this battle...

Especially considering the friends you lost!

Get out of my way.

Never!

Have it your way...

I'll have to move you by force!

If that's what you want...then bring it on!

I won't hold back just because it's you. I'll come at you with everything I've got!

Wouldn't expect anything less!

Blup!

Bleeep blep bleep!

Noah?! Ugh!

Watch out, Moke!

Blup!

Thanks, Noah... I should calm down.

Sorry Moke... Didn't mean to send you flying...

Thillelille has calmed down thanks to you...

......

You're right... If I fought in this state, then I'd just make mistakes... It's just as you and the Supreme Cardinal said, I'd just put more people at risk.

Melina...

If you realize that now...then maybe you deserve some mercy.

What does that mean?

You're determined to do this, aren't you? You're willing to risk everything to slay that monster, right?

You're determined to do this, aren't you? You're willing to be dismissed from the church if it means you'll slay that monster, right?

Yes...of course I am.

But...

I do have a concern about this fight... The monster is pursuing me and could hurt whoever I am with. I don't want to see anyone else get involved...

...It looks like you are thinking rationally.

What?

Which means you MIGHT deserve to go on this mission! Under one condition...

I, Thillelille, am coming with you!

Huh?

Imagine if they found out that Thillelille allowed you to leave this room! It'd mean demotion for sure.

Which means...

Thillelille must prove ready to fight even if it means being exiled from the church!

Thillelille must prove ready to fight even if it means being exiled from the church with you!

Why would you do that for me?

That's because Thillelille is the reincarnation of...

No...not that...

In fact, not gonna tell you! Too bad!

Ugh...whatever. ......

Do as you like. Though I'm not comfortable with the idea of you getting exiled because of me...

Do as you like. Though I'm not comfortable with the idea of you getting exiled with me...

That's twice now you've been rude to me today!

Come along, Thillelille. We should hurry before the Supreme Cardinal's troops arrive there.

If we can get there first, then we can fight the monster without having to worry about anyone else. Let's hurry.

All righty!

You're an idiot, Melina. The only reason I'm still with the church is to support you at times like this.

You're an idiot, Melina. The only reason I'm still with the church is to be here with you.

Anyway, now's not the time for this!

Moke!

Blep?

Thillelille stopped her attack just before hitting you...

But you flew away like you got smacked. WRONG! BAD MOKE!

Blup?

Thillelille should leave you here!

Bleple...bleeep!

What's going on, Melina?

Get out of the way.

I'm afraid I can't.

The Supreme Cardinal suspected that the child prodigy would outwit the self-proclaimed Savior.

Hence, he assigned me the task of acting as a secondary guard.

I understand that my paradise technology has no effect on this monster, but why bother with this task?

Anyway, would you kindly return to the room? I'm overworked enough as it is, and I don't have time to babysit you two.

Cut the speech, Johann! We don't have time for this!

Now Thillelille REALLY doesn't want anyone to get in our way!

Please step aside. There's no need for a meaningless fight. Furthermore, I can't waste any energy fighting you before the coming battle.

I guess we've failed to reach an agreement... At least I'm getting paid for this...

Hold it, Johann.

Oh my, are you all here to gang up on me?

We're asking you nicely to let the girls through.

Hmph...how annoying. Alright, I'll leave them alone.

Huh? Aren't you gonna put up more of a fight?

Fighting all of you would be a waste of energy. Whether we fight or not, I wouldn't be able to stop you anyway.

Just run along will you. I didn't see anything. Being protective isn't my prerogative.

I checked in on the child prodigy, but the room was already empty... Such bad timing.

What a waste of time that was...

Teehee...♪ You two are quite the troublemakers.

You of all people shouldn't say something like that.

But thank you all. Why are you here?

Why? We're not strangers, are we?

We heard everything from Rosetta.

Heehee...♪ If you'd only stayed in the room... It would've been the perfect opportunity for a slow, elaborate interrogation♪

Geez Rose! I know you don't mean that!

We heard that you were on your way to get revenge for something that happened in the past.

Please...allow us to help you!

I'm comin' too! Let's beat the snot out of 'em!

Darn right! I'm gonna give it a fin slap!

Guys...

Hmph! You look surprised...

Oh be quiet.

Thank you...all of you.

Don't mention it. Friends are supposed to help each other, right?

Yeah, you're right... Let's hurry! The enemy is in the Chasselas Crystal Region.

(Friends...) (I won't let anyone else die for me.)

So, where can we find the monster?

I've heard it can turn invisible, waiting...like some kind of game.

How do we find it if it can mask its magical power?

Look there!

How awful!

He's still breathing!

Did you all hear that?

Thillelille's ears hear all... It's close!

It's coming from that direction!

Got it. Let's go!

Woah!

Where did these guys come from?!

...I could feel the magical power in the area drastically increase when we heard that roar.

It's possible these monsters were attracted to that power.

My, oh, my, what are we to do? We can't advance with them here♪

Ngh!

They just keep coming!

Ewww... They're so gross!

Looks like we've got no choice...

Mel! You go on ahead!

Mistrare?!

You've got to avenge your friends, right? You don't have time to waste here!

She's right. Leave these weaklings to us.

Aldo! You go help her while we take care of things here.

Got it! Leave it to me!

Thank you all...

Hurry up, Melina! Go all out and don't look back!

Come on, Melina!

Of course, let's go!

Hooraaaaaahhhhhh! FEAR THE HOT BLOODED PRIEST!

Ack!

For three years I waited for this battle!

I hope you said your prayers, 'cause this is where you die!

Gwah!

(My friends, Sister Melina's team, so many others... We lost them all that day...) (And I couldn't do anything about it!) (I must stop it this time... Even if it costs me my life...)

For Sister Melina and all those we lost... I MUST NOT FAIL!

Guagh!

Ngh!

Sister Melina?! You were supposed to be confined...

Never mind, I should've known that order wouldn't have stopped you.

I'm glad to see the Hot Blooded Priest is still alive.

Alive and well, Sister Melina!

Prai! You're safe! But why are you alone? Didn't you come with others?

We were all attacked by the monster... I barely managed to keep up with it. I was determined to put an end to all this.

I feel the same.

There it is again! Is it not weakened at all?!

That could be the case...

Standard attacks don't have any effect on it whatsoever.

Then what can we do?! It's got to have some weak point...

Only one. However... We can't exploit it just yet.

What does that mean?

Remember what I told you, Aldo? I lost all my friends because they tried to save me from being captured.

Yeah...

Did you wonder why I just stood by, watching the others die...

And still managed to come back alive?

Now that you mention it...

Dammit! Here it comes again! What can we do if we can't exploit its weakness here?!

...I'll stop it. Not another soul will be lost!

What the?! Was that thunder?!

Those blue flashes were coming from high above!

But there aren't any clouds... Wait, could this be, ?!

But there aren't any clouds...

Sister Melina!

Wh-Who are you?!

I-It's...!

The hell is that?!

Incredible!

Melina! Aldo!

Guys!

Dear me, thing's are getting wild over here♪

No need to ask us twice!

...It's over, isn't it?

You've finally avenged everyone.

Don't mention it. We're just happy you've finally gotten what you wanted.

Totally! Everythin's aaaaall gooood!

I'm as relieved as a fish off a hook!

The monster's dead. We should go assist the wounded priests and return to the church.

You're right about that. Melina's magic should have healed them enough to stand again.

STOP!

Thillelille has something very important to tell you. You should know that...

You're the ideal grown-up that Thillelille has always dreamed of becoming!

You're strong, beautiful, cool, tall, intelligent... One day, Thillelille will become an amazing grown-up just like you!

And then, Melina won't stand a chance against me... Speaking of which...

Where IS Melina?

Where?

NOOOOOOO WAAAAAY!

I get your feeling, Sister Thillelille. I wouldn't have believed it either...

Ack!

Geez, you really are insensitive sometimes, Hot-Blooded Priest.

Anyway, let's get going. We've got to report back to the church♪

Melina, you got a moment?

The others don't seem very concerned, but what's the deal with this change in appearance?

I guess that makes sense. So those thunderbolt-like things came from your full power.

But how can you do that?

You mean, one from the Davola Underground Caverns?!

...But what kind of training would allow you to do that?

Oh come on, Melina! Tell me! Don't hold out on me!

Mel! Thilly! You're back!

How did it go with the Supreme Cardinal?

He told me to write an in-depth report and made me swear to never do it again. That's it.

He made me write an in-depth report. That's it.

An in-depth report?

Teehee...♪ More likely a written apology♪

Just an apology?! That's it? Thillelille's going to be cleaning the church windows and hallways for the rest of the year!

Sometimes life's not fair...

Glad I'm not you...

I don't even wanna think about that. My fins would get so dirty.

Why must only Thillelille suffer this torture?!

Oi, Prai! You work for me, remember? That means you're also responsible! You'll be assisting me, got it?!

Urrgh...

*sniffle*...

Wh-Wh-What happened?!

Ugh... Forgive me... I'm just so happy...knowing that this terrible ordeal is finally at an end.

Waaaaaaaah!

Geez, sometimes you worry me, Hot-blooded Priest.

Here. Take my handkerchief. Looks like you're gonna need it.

Well, I'm really glad it's all settled.

Not quite!

Huh?!

Did we forget something, Thillelille?

Absolutely! There is a MAJOR problem yet to be resolved!

Melina...

...HOW DOES THILLELILLE BECOME A GROWN-UP LIKE YOU DID?!

......

Thillelille wants to be a beautiful and cool woman like you were!

You're not going to tell me?! HOW EVIL CAN YOU GET! MEEELIIINA!

......

It's really over, isn't it?

Shine for the hope of all, Sister Melina. Our beacon, our wings...

I've become a beacon after all... But that's all because my friends were there for me.

My light is a gift from all of them. And I swear I will always protect them, keeping that light shining forever.