Connected Always

Wait a minute. Aren't you...

Aha! I've been looking for you!

Oh, hey. You're the girl that was fighting with her brother! Glad you two were able to make up.

Yep, that's me! I really can't thank you enough for what you did.

Not just for escorting me back to Unigan but for helping me reunite with my brother.

Oh, I was just being an old busybody. There's no need to thank me at all.

Now, what's that you've got there? It looks like a bundle of letters.

It is, yes! I'm a delivery girl now. I actually got this job shortly after we met.

Well, well. Good for you.

When I saw how you connected me and my brother using just a pen and paper...

I realized how incredible it is to be able to express your feelings through the written word.

So, I decided I wanted to help others do the same.

Oh, really? How splendid!

Thank you!

So, you needed to talk to Zilva about something, right?

Oh right, yeah! I actually...um... have a letter for him here... Somewhere... Um...

Not finding what you're looking for?

Oh, here we go! Finally found it! Here you go!

Thank you. Now, I wonder who would be sending a letter to an old man like me?

Hm? How odd. There's no sender.

Yes, I thought that was strange, too.

Where did it come from?

Um...I don't know how, but it got mixed in with all the others. I thought it wrong to throw it away, so...

When I heard you were traveling I thought if I got the chance, I'd hand it to you myself.

Is that so? Well, let's take a look at this letter then, shall we?

......

Well? What does it say?

"Your day of reckoning is nigh, Berserker."

...That's it? Creepy.

I'm sorry. I should have just gotten rid of it...

Now now, it's just a prank. I wouldn't worry too much about it!

But...

It's fine, truly. You were just doing your job, after all.

Okay, time to go!

Ah, I totally lost track of time! I've got a delivery over in Baruoki and if I don't leave now, I'm gonna be late!

Wait, I know that uniform. You work for the Miglance Postal Service?

I do! But I only just joined, so I don't have my own uniform yet.

I see. Well, if they are with you I'm sure you'll be fine!

Hey, I think I've seen that uniform before. Are they postal workers too?

That's right. We have to travel together for safety reasons.

I see. Well, if they are with you I'm sure you'll be fine!

You're going with them?

That's right. We have to travel together for safety reasons.

Wise choice. Safety lies in numbers. Especially against a monster attack.

But I fear I'm making you late. You might want to run along before I waste any more of your time.

You're not wasting my time at all! I'm really glad I got to see you.

As am I. Safe travels.

There was no hiding those daggers in his eyes when he read that letter. It really is him.

Then the time has come.

So about that letter... Why do I get the feeling you know more than you're letting on?

When you read it, I noticed your expression changed, and not in a good way.

So you noticed, huh?

And I used to be so good at hiding my emotions... Age is quite the harsh mistress, young Aldo.

So then what's wrong? You can talk to me about it, you know.

You're right. Maybe I should...

Somebody, help! Come quick!

Bandits over in the Karek Swamplands are attacking postal workers!

What?!

Aldo...

Right! We have to go help them!

Is everyone okay?

Sort of... I mean, we'll manage, but they kidnapped our new recruit!

The girl from before? We got here too late...

Well, they couldn't have gotten far. Which way did they go?

This way...

Hey, hey! We'll take it from here. You just tend to those wounds.

It's our responsibility to make sure she comes back safe. So at least allow me to show you the way.

......

This looks like a dead-end. Are you sure this is the right way?

Strange. I was certain they headed this way...

Perhaps we should go back and check for footprints.

Tch... You're good, old man. I'll give you that.

Did you think I wouldn't notice that there are more of you here than there were back in Unigan?

Zilva! Are you okay?

Oh, there's no need to worry about me. But be on your guard, Aldo.

This woman carries herself like a killer.

Heh. Looks like you're my guy, all right. I'm glad I found you while you still have your wits about you.

It will make this kill all the more satisfying, Berserker!

...Berserker? Like in the letter?

If I am your target, then there was really no need to get the young lady involved.

Oh, but there was. How else was I supposed to confirm your true identity and lure you here?

Where is she?

Pfft, what's the point in asking? It won't matter to you soon.

I repeat the question. Where is she?

You're pretty strong, I'll give you that. But I have a little surprise for you.

A monster?!

The knights won't interfere with us here.

Now, I will avenge my grandfather. Die!

What a powerful attack...

Now, for the last time. Where. Is. She?

Ngh!

What the?! How is it healed already?

Heheh. Impressive, isn't she? You have the beastfolk and their little experiments to thank for that. Expensive, but worth every penny if it means I get to witness the light drain from the Berserker's eyes.

What do we do? This thing heals every time we attack.

Yes, it is a little troublesome, isn't it?

My, my. Guild standards must be slipping.

What kind of assassin relies on a monster to do her dirty work? How very embarrassing.

Felmina? What are you doing here?

Later, Aldo. First, let's get you two out of here. Quick, this way.

What kind of an assassin relies on a monster to do her dirty work? How very embarrassing.

Wh-Who are you?!

Later, boy. First, let's get you two out of here. Quick, this way.

Ugh, he got away! I knew he wouldn't make this easy for me.

I'll have to formulate a new plan before the guild finds out.

You should be safe here.

Thanks, Felmina. But this isn't over, not yet. We still need to rescue that poor girl.

You should be safe here.

Thanks...but...who are you? Why did you help us?

My name is Felmina. I have been entrusted to protect the realm from the shadows.

I happened upon you in my search for your assailant and her monster, so I decided to help you retreat.

I've heard much about you, Aldo, savior of the nation.

I see... Well, thanks, Felmina.

But this isn't over, not yet. We still need to rescue that poor girl.

Girl? What girl?

They kidnapped one of the postal workers. I really hope she's okay...

Your assailant was a member of the Assassins' Guild. Which leads me to wonder... Why would the guild start kidnapping civilians? That isn't their style.

Wait, you're saying that woman back there was an assassin?

Yes. I've been monitoring her for a while now... Ever since I heard that she's been bringing a dangerous monster into the guild.

The Assassins' Guild? You mean Bone Wolf?

Yes. I've been monitoring her for a while now... Ever since I heard that she's been bringing a dangerous monster into the guild.

Assassins' Guild?

Yes. As you probably guessed from the name, it's a secret group of assassins, operating in the shadows. Your assailant was one of them. I've been monitoring her for a while now... Ever since I heard that she's been bringing a dangerous monster into the guild.

If there's some connection between this monster and the kidnapping...

Now, now, there's no need for such alarm.

It's Zilva, right? Because I need to make certain of your identity.

Felmina! What are you doing?!

...Berserker. That's what the assassin said.

There's that word again! Why does everybody keep going on about this "berserker"? What does it even mean?

Once upon a time, there was a legendary assassin who went by that name. But he was said to have died a long, long time ago. If such a dangerous assassin was actually still alive... Then given my position, I cannot overlook such a threat. I have to find out the truth, no matter what.

......

So let me get straight to the point. Are you the Berserker?

Wait! Zilva's no assassin! There's no way he...

It's okay, Aldo.

I'll tell you my story. I was always planning to, anyway.

But I'm not ready yet. Would you allow me a little time first?

Of course. Whatever you need.

You're not planning to run away, I would hope.

At my age? Heheh. I think not. My old man's legs could never outrun you.

...Clever.

Thank you for being so understanding. Now, since we're in the area, would you mind accompanying me to Serena Coast?

Sure. Let's go, Felmina.

...'Cause having seen you up close, I can tell there's no way I could catch you.

Aldo, do you remember how I once told you... I would use this ax to save as many people as the number of lives it's claimed?

Yeah, I remember that. It was when you helped that couple in Rinde reconcile. You said you'd made that promise to your wife, right?

Correct.

War was all I ever knew.

Back in the days when humans of this continent warred against each other, my place was on the battlefield. When my country eventually fell, I became a drifter, forced to wander from place to place. To survive, I joined a certain organization, I think you can guess which one. While working for them, I became known as the Berserker.

One fateful day, I snuck into Miglance Palace in order to carry out my duties.

My sources had informed me that the prince would be alone. However...

Come on, Al! Your turn! Chug! Chug! Chug!

Okay, okay! But this is my last one! I'm trying to cut back, you know!

Pfft, don't be such a downer!

I can't possibly take on all of them at once.

Stop, stop, stop! Don't go in there! That area doesn't need cleaning!

Nobody told you? The prince wants his party to be a secret, so we're not to clean...

...Wait, who're you? I've never seen you around here before...

(Well, this wasn't part of the plan. But she's seen too much now. She's got to go.)

Ah, I see I know what's going on here. You're a lumberjack, am I right?

A lumberjack?

Why else would you have such a fine ax if not to cut down trees?

...Yes, that's right. I'm a lumberjack. I'm here on a sales trip, but it seems I have have very much lost my way.

Hey? Is that a maid I hear out there? You need something? We're kinda busy!

(Uh-oh!)

O-Oh! Do excuse me! Everything's fine!

That's good to hear.

Ahhh! I can't believe I interrupted the party!

(This has taken too much time. I'll have to withdraw for now. But what to do about her?)

Oh, right. Mr. Lost Lumberjack. If you're not busy, would you mind helping me with some of my work?

You want me...to help you clean?

We're down a girl, so I could use the help! Please? I'm sure they'll give you something for your trouble!

Please say you will?

(How can this girl be so naïve? At least she doesn't appear to suspect me...)

Of course. It's the least I could do for helping me find my way.

Really? Yay! Thank you so much! Now, let's get cracking! We'll start with the terrace...

I ended up cleaning the entire night. My target, entirely ignored.

And that's how I met my wife. My beautiful, wonderful, wife. Whose smile was as bright as the sun. She brought me out of the shadow and into the light. I soon quit the guild and started a new life with her. I worked as a lumberjack, tending to the palace trees on occasion. It was a happy time.

But I can't imagine a retired assassin could disappear so easily.

No, you're quite right. It wasn't long before I got wind that I was being pursued.

So, I sent my wife to the safety of the palace and faced my pursuer alone, in my own home.

Ugh! Where's that li'l snake hidin'?

He can't simply vanish into thin air, not with a wife in tow. There'll be a trail, we just have to find it.

Grrr!

Not a single drop of blood on you... Berserker, I must say you live up to your reputation... Why would a man like you betray the guild so readily?

I am no berserker. I am but a humble woodcutter.

Woodcutter, my ass!

Stay right where you are. If you vow to leave me alone forever, perhaps I will let you live.

I'm sorry, my granddaughter... Forgive me...for leaving you all alone...

After eliminating most of my pursuers, I decided to take my wife and get as far away as possible. Unwilling to reveal my identity to my wife, I lied, telling her that I'd found a good job elsewhere. With hindsight, I should have just told her the truth and left her. But I didn't have it in me. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing her love for me fade and die.

Zilva...

It was far too dangerous for her to stay with me, so I decided to hide my wife away and live apart. I left her at my hideout and wandered from place to place, occasionally returning home to check on her.

What's this for?

For writing letters. We should start writing to each other about what we've been up to.

This way, we can still communicate with each other, no matter where we are in the world.

But I've never written a letter before. What do I write about?

Whatever you like! What you did that day, what you ate, anything!

Anyway, take it. This should be more than enough paper to last you for a while.

From then on, we each conveyed our feelings to each other through our letters.

In doing so, I learned that letters can help keep two hearts close, even when they are far apart.

However...

Hm? There's a pressed flower in the envelope...

"The arrival of a blessing..." Hmmm...

...Wait! Could it be...?!

Is what you said in your letter true?

Darling?

Answer me...

No! Those flowers...our blessing...

My wife was attacked while I was on my way back to her. She died helpless and alone. To this day, I still don't know whether it was the work of the guild, or senseless, random violence... I was left with regret as my only companion. If only I hadn't left her on her own. If only I'd told her my past and let her be free. No, if only I'd never married her in the first place.

But what good does regret do? My past is what caused this.

So, as an act of repentance... I promised my wife that I'd use my ax to help as many people as I'd once killed with its blade.

......

And even as we speak, there is somebody who needs my help. However, that beast is truly fearsome.

That's why...

Your clothes...

...The Berserker.

Yes. A symbol of a truly terrible past. But they have left me no choice.

My darling wife, forgive me, and allow me to return to this form one last time...

Is this her grave? So that's why you asked us to come here...

I see...

If we leave that monster be, it will bring disaster to the whole kingdom. I cannot let that happen. Our interests are as one here. I will assist you to the best of my ability.

Thanks, we'd be glad to have you with us.

We still have one problem, though. We have no idea where that assassin is hiding herself.

Assassins stick to the shadows. She'll be somewhere dark and gloomy, where daylight holds no sway.

Hmm...maybe the Moonlight Forest?

Yes, that would be my guess, too. I hear that the forest is a hotspot for guild activity.

Then we have our destination. To the Moonlight Forest.

Hm? Are they...

Assassins' Guild members, yes. There's too many of them; we should wait here and watch for...

Hey, Zilva! Get back here!

Excuse me, did you happen to notice a young lady carrying a bundle of letters passing through here?

...It seems you may need to be apprised of the truth of the matter.

Where is she?

How nice of you to come to me, Berserker. I was afraid you were going to make me come to you.

I'm here for the girl. Now, let her go.

I'm afraid my little pet here has grown quite attached to her and well...

Damn! What are we going to do? We have to figure out a way to get past the healing!

I have an idea.

First, we'll need to weaken it. I'll need both of your assistance for that, if you'd be so kind.

Understood. Now go and show us how you got your name, Berserker.

Let's do this!

It's no use! It just keeps healing!

No, this should do it.

Hnnnghhh!

Nrgraaargh!

I've never seen an ax move so fast!

No! Heal faster, damn you, you stupid monster!

Haaaaaah!

Did we do it?

It certainly looks that way.

It's not over yet! I swore I would avenge my grandfather, the man you killed when you left the guild, and avenge him I will!

When I left the guild?

I'm sorry, my granddaughter... Forgive me...for leaving you all alone...

You don't mean...

That day, I lost my grandfather. The only family I had left, the man who raised me. All because of you!

And so you filled your heart with darkness?

Darkness, shadow, whatever. I devoted my life to revenge, it's all I've thought about since I was little...

And now you can find new meaning.

Where is the young lady?

Kill me. I'll die before I tell you anything, Berserker.

If you don't intend to answer me, I'll just have to find her myself.

Why don't you kill me? An assassin of your notoriety can hardly be capable of compassion.

Me? I am not the man you speak of. I am but a nosy old man.

...I'll be killed either way, whether it's by your hand or not. You think the Guild will look kindly on me using its resources for a personal grudge, and worse, failing? I'd rather you use that ax on me than go through what the Guild will do.

If you think this is absolution, you are mistaken.

Huh?

To take so many lives, and then go to your eternal rest, is selfishness. Your death is not atonement.

Atonement...

I won't let you die. But nor will I let you kill anyone else ever again.

What?

I made a promise to my late wife. I told her I would save as many lives as I had once taken.

And that's how you're atoning?

Yes. My actions caused her death, and I will carry that regret for the rest of my life.

She had no connection to the darkness in which I lived, but I dragged her into it all the same...

I thought I would never make such a mistake again, but no. Yet another woman now suffers the same fate.

......

The girl's through there. She's just unconscious.

Thank you, I'm relieved to hear that. I'm sure the girls can take it from here.

Her friends? What do you mean?

...Hmm. Maybe it's best if we leave. At speed, I think.

What are you two talking about?

You should come too. Things might get messy if you stay.

This atonement you speak of...

Maybe I should try it.

That is something that you, and you alone can do. And it starts with never doing something like this ever again.

...ke up.

Mr. Zilva?

Wake up!

Huh? Where am I? Wasn't I...out on a delivery?

But we're here now! So everything's gonna be okay!

Hmm... Who was here before we arrived?

Come to think of it, weren't you calling someone's name just now? Did you see something?

Oh, that, no... I just thought you were someone else for a second...

(I could have sworn she said Uncle's name. I must be imagining things...) (I thought maybe I'd get to see him again... Oh well...)

(But I thought... Wait... Did I just hear what I thought I heard?)

(Eh, prolly just imagining things.)

Looks like the delivery girl was rescued successfully.

Now it's my turn.

Thank you for all your help, Felmina.

If anything, I should be thanking you. I never could have sorted this all out without you.

Well, I better get going. A lot of loose ends left to tie up.

Aldo, I have one more thing to ask of you...

Sure, what is it?

Once things have calmed down, would you mind accompanying me back to the Serena Coast? I'd like to visit my wife again.

Of course I'll go with you.

I appreciate it. It's time to draw this chapter to a close.

She must be quite livid to see me in such a state... But it was while I was dressed like this that I was able to save a precious life. I hope she understands... I held on to this outfit all these years, unable to throw it out. But it has finally served its purpose.

So you're going to get rid of those clothes now?

I am. I should really have buried them a long time ago.

Excuse me!

Mr. Zilva! There you are!

What brings you here?

Um...I wanted to thank you. For helping me yet again.

I haven't the foggiest what you mean.

You're the one who saved me in the Moonlight Forest, aren't you?

Well, now, I really can't recall... When you get to be my age, you forget things so easily.

That said, are you well?

Yes, I'm just fine! I can't be lazing around in bed when people are waiting for their letters.

Look at how strong you are now. That troubled look on your face when we first met seems like a distant memory.

Heheh, it's all thanks to you.

The guard the palace sent to escort me was a big help, too.

She's crazy strong, you know. She's been slashing through monsters left, right, and center.

You're giving me too much credit.

(Wait. I know that voice...)

Ah, I better get back to work. I have to get to Rinde for a delivery!

All the best, and take care on your journey.

It's you...

Yes, well, I thought, if I'm going to die anyway, I might as well do it helping others.

And I wanted to start by making up for the harm I caused that girl.

Look, she chose to admit her guilt and atone for her sins, just like you.

But wait, what about the guild? Won't they be coming after her?

I wouldn't worry about that.

I've been spreading a little report around to keep them distracted. "The guild's star assassin was killed by the Berserker, previously assumed to be long dead." "The Berserker's current whereabouts are unknown."

The guild will be in far too much chaos over this to notice that she's not actually dead.

My goodness, the flowers that bloom in the Kingdom's shadow truly are something...

Well, the burden has finally been lifted from my shoulders. Never again will I have to wear this...

Hm?

What is it?

There's something in my pocket... What's this? A letter?

How... How could this be?

What does it say?

It's...from my wife.

What?!

To think it's been here, all this time... I don't know what to think...

She knew. She already knew. Just when I thought I was done with these skills for good, it looks like my beloved has forced my hand.

How can I face her now unless I truly do see this through to the end?

I will set this vow to paper, and inscribe it as a letter to her. Letters bind our hearts as one. They always have, and they always will.