Arknights story · Near Light

NL-7 Afterdream

Silverlance Pegasus's entrance to the city causes a ruckus, the Plastic Knight and Justyna confront Platinum head on, and the Doctor meets Malkiewicz once again. However, with the events of the day getting more intense by the minute, can anyone truly keep to their ideals?

2 scenes, 545 lines

1. Before Operation

243 lines

'This world is the very last enemy that the knights shall face.'

'The cities should have stood still above the earth. Instead, they fed on their citizens' sweat and toil, and even began to creep their way forward.'

'The cities are living monsters. Now, gather everyone to rise up against these fortresses. Let us return to them the purest glory there is!'

'Let grassland be grassland again. Let sky be sky. Let the people be resolute once more. Let our glory last forever!'

'I shall be the last knight!'

Spokesman Malkiewicz

What's happening? Where are the campaign knights headed? The Adeptus?

Spokesman McKee

No...

They went to the Wall of Champions exhibition hall, where the champions of years past are granted their awards and have their portraits displayed.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Why...? Shouldn't they be going after the government?

Spokesman McKee

The Board of Directors is discussing that right now. The way I see it, the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi's trying to save face, and this is their first step.

As for their next step... well... they might try to impose martial law with the garrison.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

......

Spokesman McKee

But in this day and age, things aren't going to be as simple as holding a knife to somebody's neck... The foolish knights haven't realized that.

The era of violence is long behind us.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Hm...

Spokesman McKee

Sorry, but you'll have to pay Area 0 another visit. The blackout will take a toll on the Infected shelter and treatment center.

See if it's run into any problems.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Okay.

A Corporate Employee

Report, Mr. Spokesman. The power grid... is starting to recover! We're working to restart it now!

A silver ray of light makes its way through the darkness.

The extravagant appearance is surrounded by a boisterous audience.

The streetlights flicker, before the colorful neon lights start to rouse the city from its brief slumber.

The Silverlance Pegasus seems out of place against the backdrop of the neon billboards.

However, all those who are present: tumultuous passersby, the panicking knights, and the excited tourists...

All of them have the same misconception. They think the Pegasus is the source of the light.

And the city is slowly coming back to life behind them.

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

Grandmaster Ioleta.

Ioleta Russell

It's been a while, Liam.

You've ventured far. Alas, it doesn't seem we have much time for rest.

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

We don't need rest. There is nothing more urgent than cleaning up the filth for Kazimierz's sake.

Ioleta Russell

Heh, look at you... Impatient as always.

Would you like to see tonight's main course?

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

Margaret Nearl...?

She should not have refused your invitation. She could have been the finest among our ranks and avoided her fate.

Yet she's back in Kazimierz now, even stepping into that false arena... Did exile really change Margaret Nearl?

Ioleta Russell

You fought her before. Do you think that's the kind of person she is?

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

Hmm... Time can change everything. It might have changed her too.

Ioleta Russell

Look at the wall behind you, Liam. Look at the champions of Majors past.

Why do you think these knights of this slowly collapsing era shine so brilliantly, even now?

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

An exceptional knight or two means nothing, Grandmaster.

The knight competitions are still blasphemous and the root cause of Kazimierz's downfall.

Each of my journeys back to the Grand Knight Territory fill me with sorrow. Our people are losing respect, and our noble ideals have become a tired joke.

Ioleta Russell

Perhaps... but that has always been the case since the campaign knights left the Grand Knight Territory.

Alas, the times belong to the young ones. Our conclusions no longer matter.

Shining

So you too have realized as much, Doctor.

I should have expected no less.

Your choice

We can't go too overboard right in the middle of Kazimierz.

My first priority is the safety of Amiya and all our operators.

None of you would want us to act rashly.

Shining

I understand... Nearl didn't want us to return to your side during the Major to begin with.

But I couldn't ignore the information I got from the local Infected. It was getting more and more dire by the minute... I thought I had to let you and Amiya know.

Amiya

No, you made the right decision, Shining.

If the Infected are really facing... inhumane treatment in Area 0, then we can't stand idly by for the sake of our own 'safety.'

Shining

......

Amiya

Still... the Doctor's concerns are reasonable too... Kazimierz, Ursus, and Lungmen are all different...

Your choice

Imagine.

We could bomb the facility now, rescue all the Infected, and skip town.

We could talk to the General Chamber and buy out all the remaining Infected.

We could report this to the National Council, and let the Adeptus handle things.

Amiya

Violence is out of the question.

If we cross that line, Kazimierz has the power to knock us over in a split second.

We're in the dead center of the Grand Knight Territory. This country might be fundamentally different from Ursus, but... this is still a nation of knights.

No matter how intense its internal conflicts have gotten, this is still Kazimierz.

Rhodes Island can't make an enemy of this place.

Uhh... W-We probably can't do that...

Even if we could buy all the Infected with money... what happens after that? You think the people of the Grand Knight Territory will just stop getting infected?

Besides, that would only turn the Infected into a commodity.

And that wouldn't solve anything.

The Adeptus Sprawiedliwi... We still don't know the whole truth of Area 0.

The Adeptus Sprawiedliwi and the K.G.C.C. are not on the best of terms, and the Adeptus's attitude towards the Infected is ambiguous at best... It's possible they've been tolerating them right from the start.

If that really is the case... what could Rhodes Island do?

Shining

Doctor...

What will you do?

Your choice

We'll solve their problems their way.

An Armorless Union Member

Over there! After her!

Greynuty

Gah!

(The power's back already... Knowing Sona, she'll find a way to rendezvous.)

An Armorless Union Member

Call for backup right now—

Greynuty

Turn the corner here—Nng!

Platinum

Just as I'm enjoying my time lounging around Area 0... the lights go off on me.

I almost got the impression the Armorless Union was finally so stingy they stopped paying their checkpoints' power bills. Up until I got the backup request, that is.

Greynuty

Platinum...!

Platinum

You again...?

This really makes me wish you and Flametail Knight got a harder beating last time.

Greynuty

Too bad... harder I'm beat, the harder I fight back.

Now out of the way—!

Platinum

You never learn, do you...? Guess I'll have to teach you another lesson.

Greynuty

(She's keeping her distance—As long as I block her shot, I'll have a chance to return her attack!)

An Armorless Union Member

She's here! Help Platinum!

Greynuty

(Crap! Behind me—?!)

An Armorless Union Member

Urgh!

Platinum

What...?

Ngh...! Did she shatter the streetlight?

What if the shards cut my face? Sheesh...

Greynuty

Justyna!

Justyna

Ashlock, get out of there.

We'll hold her back somehow.

Greynuty

Alright!

Platinum

Don't even think about it!

Grr... what a pain. Let me take cover first. I'll find you...

......!

A standard-issue light crossbow doesn't have that range...

No, are there two of them—?

Szewczyk

Fartooth, looks like she's on to me.

Justyna

Time to move, then.

Never get into a sniper war with the Armorless. Then again... It's two-on-one right now.

Platinum

(They stopped... Did they change positions? Smart.)

(If I'd known this would be such a pain, I would've ignored the call for backup...)

(Still...)

Platinum closes her eyes.

She thinks back to something her parents told her long ago.

They told her that her sharp eyes would bring honor and glory to the family.

Has she found glory yet?

Platinum

I got you now, Szewczyk.

Szewczyk

Urgh—?!

An arrow brushes past Szewczyk's face, fierce as a windstorm.

A few centimeters' difference and his brain would be torn to pieces.

Szewczyk

—She's fighting from such a distance?!

Justyna

Talk to me, Szewczyk!

Dammit! Don't stop! Keep moving!

Platinum

Hnn—

This arrow's a present for you... Merry Christmas.

Justyna

—!

Special arrowheads... And they go hard.

She can pin down our positions even in complex urban terrain like this?

Platinum

They're gone...

Did they get away?

Plastic Knight

I'm not one to run like that, Platinum.

Platinum

......

Plastic Knight

You... What did you do to my family?!

What did you do to them?!

Platinum

You realized you can't fight me at range, so you're making this a melee?

Good thinking.

Plastic Knight

Ngh—

Platinum

Pathetic... A father ending up like this because he crossed the Armorless Union.

Plastic Knight

You little—!

Platinum

I didn't kill your wife and child.

Plastic Knight

—Where are you hiding them?!

Platinum

If you just did what the Armorless Union wanted, I could get you on the phone with them..

Plastic Knight

You...

You want me to betray Pinus Sylvestris?

Platinum

Are you a father... or are you a knight?

Do you have to go so far for the Infected, Szewczyk?

Plastic Knight

......

Justyna

Don't move.

That's as far as you go, Platinum... At this range, your reflexes are no match for my bolts.

Platinum

Make your choice.

Plastic Knight

Grr...

None of you... give a damn about us knights...

Platinum

Anyone can become a knight by joining the competitions. It's easier if you're born into knight nobility, though, yeah.

The knighthood... is kind of just a disappointing dream.

Plastic Knight

Tch...!

Platinum

—Is pride more important than your family?

Plastic Knight

I was never going to trust you anyway, you dirty assassin!

Do it, Fartooth!

Justyna

—

Bald Marcin

Looks like order has returned to the streets.

That was a huge ruckus...

Maria

Did Sona and her friends do all that?

Margaret

Perhaps... there are others fanning the flames.

Their hearts are filled with anger. They want to rise up against their unfair treatment, and the Infected's fight... will end up exploited by another party for another purpose.

I've seen tragedies like this time and again.

Zofia

Are you thinking about helping them?

Margaret

......

Zofia

Your choice is between fighting for the Infected and fighting as a knight. Those choices couldn't be more mutually exclusive these days—

Margaret

—The injustice that the Infected face is just the tip of the iceberg. Suffering takes more forms than our eyes can see.

I believe there will be those who will uphold justice for the Infected, and I trust that they will achieve just that.

Maria

Margaret...

Margaret

But it's not up to us to rescue them. It'll all be meaningless if they find themselves rescued by those who already have a firm conviction.

Młynar

A rare visitor.

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

It's been some time, Sir Młynar.

Młynar

Don't 'Sir' me. You're the only knight here.

If you're here for Margaret, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed.

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

It has been years since I last came back to the Grand Knight Territory. I am shocked to find our hero's estate... in this shape.

Have the sisters moved out?

Młynar

......

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

My apologies... That is your family issue.

Młynar

Was there something else...?

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

Sir Młynar—

Młynar

Stop calling me that.

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

Others may look down on you, but we will not.

Even if Margaret strayed onto the wrong path and her younger sister is still young, the Nearl family didn't earn our respect riding on a legacy of fame.

The boastful merchants have not realized this fundamental idea, and that is why they do not understand the actions that knights take.

And, truly, just seeing you in good health eases my mind.

Młynar

You mean my appearance? Spare me the pleasantries, sir.

If you truly have any respect for me, please leave.

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

Sir Młynar.

We have the utmost respect for you... no, for the Nearl family.

Młynar

The age of heroes is long behind us...

Does a mere citizen of Kazimierz like me really deserve such respect from a Silverlance Pegasus?

Spokesman Malkiewicz

What a bizarre evening, Doctor...

It'll be daybreak soon. I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. The K.G.C.C. has a lot on its hands, after all...

Your choice

Tell me your thoughts on Area 0.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

......

I'd like to think... there's no hidden meaning in that question.

You are a clever one.

Your choice

Regrettably.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Right...

Do you think that... the way the Grand Knight Territory treats its Infected is a reasonable measure?

You don't need to answer me. Both you and I know the answer—It's only a compromise.

We could neither make the perfect, humane solution nor bring ourselves to go with the bloody, primitive answer, and this is the result.

Your choice

That's unreasonable, Mr. Malkiewicz.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but our society today is built on top of all kinds of unreasonable things. You might want to poke through our history books a little.

You may not know this... but after the nation of pegasi was overthrown in the upheaval wrought by the Nightzmora and this country of knights came to be, it was the affinities who actually banded together first.

The affinities toiled away for the knights' profits and tended their lands. Then, they came together, and chased the tyrannical knights off the stage.

And now? The K.G.C.C. controls both a hitman agency and the competition knights, and those who are being controlled will always try to rise up and break free of tyranny—

History repeats itself, Doctor.

The spokesman before me had some dirty dealings too. He paid the price for them, and now it's my turn to step into this position, pressing forward no matter how hard the job.

Does all this fit your concept of morality? Is it 'reasonable?'

I don't know how you've come to know this, but you've no doubt already noticed...

The way the General Chamber has decided to deal with those who get injured in the arena, those whose Oripathy has progressed beyond control... is to put them out of their misery.

Is it unreasonable? Of course. I want to tell them 'no' myself.

But do we have to keep treating those Oripathy patients, when this disease is incurable?

Each day that Oripathy remains incurable is yet another day where coexistence is out of reach.

Your choice

What you're talking about is murder.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Everyone who found it unreasonable has been eliminated, creating this thoroughly reasonable history. Fortunately, I've accepted this truth. You understand me, don't you?

You're trying to take on Kazimierz... and I suggest you stop.

We may have other options, and if you can think of anything, I'll be more than willing to help.

But not right now.

The prime suspect in last night's blackout is none other than the Infected knights.

Let's suppose the blackout caused a traffic accident... or an elderly person who relies on a ventilator stopped breathing because of it—

Will we have to turn a blind eye to tragedies like these in the name of helping the Infected?

Allowing the Infected to participate in the competitions in large numbers has been a source of stress to everyone—

And this stress comes not from some organization or people out there. It comes from society itself, Doctor.

Your choice

But the Infected are dying as we speak, and we are doing nothing about it.

You're right. 'We may have other options.'

......

Spokesman Malkiewicz

There are many people dying of unnatural causes right this moment. Disease, Catastrophe. We can't help everyone.

I'm sorry.

True...

If you have an idea... I'm sure you'll get it done.

But please remember what I just said. Don't treat this whole affair like you're helping the elderly cross the street.

The contradictions that persist in Area 0 are complicated.

Sorry... Perhaps I've gone too far with my words.

It'll benefit the both of us if you could calm down and think all this over, carefully.

Gravel

...Doctor.

Someone here to see you.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

I'll get out of your way...

And don't get the wrong idea... If possible, I would like to be on your side.

That said, it's difficult to find the one best answer out of all the unreasonable things we can do nothing about.

You're right... The blackout, the Radiant Knight, and the Blood Knight... It all fueled the Infected knights' will to resist.

Before everything gets out of hand, I hope both you and I can keep casualties... to a minimum.

'Goodness pays off,' or so it's often said, but I'm afraid this no longer holds true in our society. Unless, that is, you reach out and grab hold of the payoff yourself.

2. After Operation

302 lines
Sona

Ashley!

Greynuty

Sona... Thank goodness you're okay!

Sona

You fooled Roy, huh? What a performance. How did you pull it off?

Greynuty

I just imagined how it'd feel if I actually lost you.

Sona

Whoa, a method actor...

Where are the others?

Greynuty

Iwona's hurt. Bad... But she'll live.

Sona

Iwona...

'Justice Knight'

(Dejected clicking noises)

Greynuty

She's the one who fought most like a warrior... She stood firm to the very end.

Justyna and Plastic's gone to deal with Platinum... We have to hurry and help them!

Plastic Knight

No need. She's gone.

We aren't so rusty that the two of us can't take her on. She's not that strong.

Greynuty

Where's Justyna...?

Plastic Knight

......

Spokesman McKee

Today's matches must continue as normal. Is that understood?

A Corporate Employee

We've made sure the Major competition venues are fully operational.

Spokesman McKee

Good. Keep the spectators calm. Tonight's match must go off without a hitch.

Remember. It's not just the audience. After all that ruckus, the directors will be paying keen attention to this event.

If we perform well, we'll all get hefty bonuses. If not...

A Corporate Employee

Understood!

Spokesman McKee

And I appreciate your efforts, Mob.

Greatmouth Mob

Don't mention it! I'm honored to commentate tonight—

Spokesman McKee

I suppose it goes without saying, but pretend as though nothing had happened last night.

Of the four events tonight, the match between the Radiant Knight and Nightmare Knight would undoubtedly be the hottest one.

However... After the Infected instigated an incident of such scale... the Board of Directors isn't very keen on letting the Radiant Knight continue her streak.

Greatmouth Mob

So... they want the judges to disqualify her?

Spokesman McKee

We'll make a decision as the competition evolves, but you must 'convey' to the audience how reasonable it is once the judges make the call.

As for the Blood Knight, we've already sent someone to work this out with the Crimson Chalice Knightclub. We should come to a decision on that matter soon.

As for the matter on hand... the Radiant Knight and Nightmare Knight... They're just two maniacs.

Greatmouth Mob

Understood! I'll head off and prepare for the match!

Spokesman McKee

......

Spokesman Malkiewicz

What's the matter? You look pale.

Spokesman McKee

Darksteel disappeared after the blackout. All three of them.

This is still confidential, but several of K.G.C.C. executives were assassinated during the blackout...

Things are hectic at the crime scene. All evidence points to the Infected, but... I don't think it was them. The Infected aren't that good.

As we speak... something terrifying is slowly unfolding.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

You mean...?

Spokesman McKee

Yes.

The Armorless Union has betrayed us.

Nightmare Knight

Batbayar, do you always have so much free time on your hands?

Old Knight

Look who's talking!

Aren't you a titled Major knight? You have no training grounds. You don't have so much as a home. Do you seriously wander the streets of the Grand Knight Territory day in and day out?

Nightmare Knight

When a hunter loses his way in the forest, he will naturally provide for himself and build himself a wooden shed.

Old Knight

You are standing in one of the greatest cities of the world right now...

Nightmare Knight

—City!

The unusual roar stuns the old knight.

Everyone in their vicinity are staring at them as though they are wild beasts of the forest.

Nightmare Knight

The city... is a symbol of weakness.

Right after this civilization conquered barbarism, they built their tall towers here.

In these towers, humanity is no longer necessary.

Old Knight

What are you even on about...?

Nightmare Knight

Kawalerielki has warriors worthy of fighting. Here, they have warriors worthy of my trust.

Yet they are all resisting this city. The obedient are frail. The rebellious are eternal.

This is a symbol of civilization's corruption, Knight. We must return to those times of blood and glory.

Old Knight

Son... You're living in the past.

Nightmare Knight

I live in glory.

That era is not yet behind us, and I hope to experience it tonight.

Old Knight

Well, I've got no more to say to you, then. Margaret will win.

Nightmare Knight

She has the scent of a hero...

I only hope her talents have not been eroded by the hustle and bustle of this era.

Greatmouth Mob

Welcome to the Kazimierz Major, and welcome to tonight's Kazimierz Major!

As the events continue, we're getting bigger and bigger audiences joining us here in the arena!

I'm honored to announce today that the cumulative spectator count and the total prize pool have once again pushed to the highest numbers in the history of the Major!

There's no doubt Kazimierz has a bright future ahead!

Maria

Can't I go to the arena to watch the match? Margaret should have gotten some tickets, no?

Zofia

Silly girl. Do you want to be attacked by the Armorless again?

Maria

Ugh...

Zofia

We're openly standing up against the Armorless Union... Do you know what that means?

We have to keep a low profile. If we're going to fight them, we might not even be able to stay in the Grand Knight Territory.

Honestly... I really have no idea how things turned out this way.

Left-hand Knight

......

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Hmm... If this isn't...

Left-hand Knight

Czarny's lackey, huh...?

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Hello, Sir Tytus.

Left-hand Knight

You can sit.

Becoming a spokesman has really lifted your spirits, hasn't it?

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Not at all...

Left-hand Knight

You were given those orders in such a perilous situation. Did you not find it all strange, under those circumstances?

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Mr. Czarny left in such a hurry... There were a lot of things I never had the chance to ask him.

Left-hand Knight

Do you want to ask him?

Spokesman Malkiewicz

I...

Left-hand Knight

I'm somewhat well connected with the K.G.C.C... If it pleases you, I can help you find out where Czarny was exiled.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

......

Left-hand Knight

Don't get the wrong idea. Losing to the Radiant Knight again proved to me that I'm not the Tytus Topola who defeated seven knights with one hand anymore.

Before I retire, I have to curry favor with you spokesmen... What's that look for?

Spokesman Malkiewicz

To tell the truth, I never expected this from a man of your caliber. You're the core of the Blade Helmet Knightclub, once a top 4 hopeful, and a candidate for the title of Grand Knight...

I never imagined you would entertain the idea of retirement yourself.

You are so... prideful in the arenas... I thought you would...

Left-hand Knight

It's not easy to be a competition knight, Malkiewicz. Outside the arena, we're no different than you, and we need an exit strategy.

I'm plenty satisfied just to be able to fight this far with all four of my limbs intact.

The times for ideals are over, Malkiewicz.

Greatmouth Mob

In tonight's match, not only will we get to see two of the biggest names in the tournament duking it out, but we have two independent knights facing off. We haven't seen a spectacle like this in years!

No corporate sponsorship! No knightclub training or support! If they need their helmets polished and weapons sharpened, they have no one to rely on but themselves!

Yet they both stand here today in the arena. And one of them is a former champion! All eyes are on our champ, eager for her return!

Please welcome the young legend, the champion from the Nearl family, the Radiant Knight, MARRRGAREEEEET NEAAAAARRRLLLLLLL!

Margaret

......

Greatmouth Mob

And on this side, the descendant of a race left on the pages of the history books, a rare Kuranta, war-god scions who flay the years past—

We could go through the entire history of the knight sports and find no one with purer blood, purer horror, and purer might than him!

Now, here comes the lone wanderer from the grasslands, the last Kheshig, Nightmare Knight TOLAAAAAAAAA!

Nightmare Knight

......

Greatmouth Mob

What's this?! The Nightzmora's horn! The match is off to a fiery start! Will the champion fall to the ancient race?! Will this new conquest be cut short by the Radiant Knight?!

Let us—

Nightmare Knight

Radiant Knight.

Greatmouth Mob

Ohh? Nightmare suddenly slammed his spear into the ground. W-What is he doing? Is he saluting his opponent?

Nightmare Knight

I've been waiting for this moment... for far too long.

Kazimierz's knights have been a disappointment.

Margaret

I've heard of you from Master Vogelweide, Nightmare.

What are you seeking?

Nightmare Knight

I am seeking my fate, pegasus.

All who belong to my ancient race must set off on a Khaganquest when they come of age...

None of us know what awaits us during our Khaganquest, but it is only when our journey is at an end that our lives have truly begun.

Whether we fight fierce beasts or visit foreign lands, a Nightzmora who finishes his Khaganquest will know its meaning by the journey's end.

Then, we become plumules of terror itself, spreading fear as we make our way across the lands.

Only by knowing the world will we know our destiny.

Margaret

Have you found your Khaganquest's meaning yet?

Nightmare Knight

Not yet, Pegasus. The road ahead... is like a forest shrouded in fog.

I truly hope that you will be my meaning.

Come.

Justyna

Are you Plastic's... Szewczyk's family?

A Quiet Woman

Who are you?

Justyna

I'm... a knight. A friend of his who's a knight.

Have you... been mistreated in any way at all?

A Quiet Woman

Mistreated? I'm not sure I follow...

That day, a knight in white told me that Szewczyk was killed by an enemy he made in the arena.

After that, she brought us here, and we've been hiding ever since.

Justyna

I got this from Szewczyk...

A Quiet Woman

Oh! This is the wood carving I gave him.

Where is he? Is he doing okay?

Justyna

I'll take you to him.

Platinum

Let's make a deal.

As long as you can promise me that you will never again make an enemy of the Armorless Union, I can tell you where your wife is.

Plastic Knight

What...?

Platinum

And you, Fartooth. Convey this to everyone in Pinus Sylvestris:

There's been some issues within the Armorless Union, even I noticed.

No one wants to be used for no good reason. That obviously sucks...

Justyna

Unbelievable.

Can you alone represent the will of the entire Armorless Union? I mean, you may be Platinum—

Platinum

But I'm still only middle management, huh?

Yeah, that's the deal... Most of the Armorless were hired by the K.G.C.C. I'm only here to manage things for them... and no one can stop the Board of Directors's plans.

Still though, wouldn't things be a lot easier for you if us middle managers stopped doing anything?

After all, the Board has been pretty angsty lately, and our new recruits kinda subpar...

Justyna

......

Szewczyk

What's that? It was the Armorless who took out the power?

Sona

Roy even wrecked the server room and laid the blame on us.

Is the Armorless Union... trying to shake off the Board's control?

Greynuty

Grr...!

So we've been used, right from the start?!

Our fight... our sacrifice... all of it—!

'Justice Knight'

(Dejected clicking noises)

Greynuty

Sorry...

Sona

No.

After the Candle Knight rescued me, I ran into Ioleta.

Plastic Knight

—The Grand Knight?! You met the Grand Knight?!

Sona

Ahaha, she's a little younger and kinder than she seems on the papers and TV news.

She agreed to give us all... the legal status we wanted. Our deal still stands.

Ashley, do you have the chip?

Greynuty

Of course...

But, as things stand right now... the public thinks the Infected are the blame for everything that happened...

Sona, does this 'legal' status actually... mean anything anymore?

Sona

......

Greatmouth Mob

Words can't describe how I feel right now—

No doubt all of you are already familiar with the Radiant Knight's strength, but look at Nightmare Knight! See the stunning techniques this warrior of yore has in store for us!

This is just unbelievable! Neither of them are using any serious Arts. This is a contest of pure combat and weapon prowess!

This is more over-the-top than any action blockbuster I've ever seen. Look at their lightning quick moves, their powerful slashes! It's only been ten minutes, but the whole arena's already absolutely stunned!

An Excited Spectator

Look! Check out Nightmare Knight's moves! He's on the same level as the champions!

A Rowdy Spectator

I knew he'd be worth keeping an eye on! I spent four hundred on him!

Spokesman Malkiewicz

What an extraordinary match.

Left-hand Knight

I've never seen anything like the way the Nightzmora wields his weapon.

It's like the campaign knights' techniques, but also not quite the same... Hm...

Spokesman Malkiewicz

What's the matter, Left-hand Knight, sir?

Left-hand Knight

Looks like we have an unexpected guest in the audience... The rumors from the other day are true, then.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

What do you mean—Ugh—!

A ray of silver light stands solemnly in the corner of the audience at the very back.

His presence may be matched by none, but even he is engulfed by the audience's cheers and screams.

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

It's my first time to watch the Major up close like this...

It makes me want to vomit.

Ioleta Russell

And what's so revolting about this, Liam?

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

......

Ioleta Russell

I see. I know your answer now.

In that case, from your point of view, what do you think of these two knights in the arena, the Nightzmora and the pegasus?

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

I have to admit... their techniques are beautiful.

The Nightzmora may not be a battle-hardened veteran, but a certain obsession has driven him to become a true warrior.

As for Margaret... Hmm...

Ioleta Russell

What's wrong?

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

I thought your eyes on this would be sharper than mine, Grandmaster.

She's far too different... from what she used to be.

Margaret

Haah...

Nightmare Knight

Hff—

Greatmouth Mob

The exhilarating exchange of blows has ground to a halt! This is the first time the storm of battle has paused!

Don't these two need to breathe?! Are these moves even possible for mere mortals?!

Nightmare Knight

Beautiful swordsmanship, pegasus.

Margaret

Likewise.

Nightmare Knight

You... excite me.

Did you know? According to legend, the Khagan once lost to a pegasus with golden blood, in his younger years.

I'm curious... Is there really a Kuranta in this world with golden blood in her veins?

Margaret

Sorry to disappoint, but the blood on my face is red.

Nightmare Knight

Warmup is over, Radiant Knight.

You live up to your name. And so—

The air is starting to freeze.

It isn't until the audience come back to their senses that they notice they forgot to breathe.

Is it fear?

Why are they afraid?

The entire audience... including all the knights feel a strange sense of repression.

Nightmare Knight

—Let reality give way to me.

The Radiant Knight

—

This is the first time Margaret has used her Arts subconsciously in the arena.

The intense radiance is almost like that of the sun, lighting up vast night sky.

Despite the blinding light, the young Nightzmora stands unflinching as ever.

Just as the name implies, a knight competition is nothing but a competition.

However, in this instant, Margaret feels something. It's the same aura that she has felt from her strongest enemies.

Catastrophes, the wails of the Infected, and their roars, the blood of the Infected, and their last struggles on the brink of death.

The young Nightzmora has never seen any mountains of corpses or seas of blood for himself.

Yet his lineage taught him how to control fear the moment he was born.

His pure lineage.

Nightmare Knight

......

...(Ancient language) The young hunter sets out on his Khaganquest ♪ From dreams he goes, towards the shores of gold ♪

(Ancient language) A halberd in hand, stained red with blood of kin ♪

Margaret

......

A tragic yet heroic song...

...telling an ancient story.

Nightmare Knight

Hah!

Margaret

—Ugh!

Greatmouth Mob

Wh-What just happened?

Some kind of Arts?! He used some Arts, and everyone in the arena is feeling a—uh, sensation, I guess!

But! With a single step, Nightmare Knight roused up a blast wave that slammed right into the artificial boulders!

What a fierce strike! The Radiant Knight had no choice but to fall back!

A strike that pushes back a champion! A strike that dispels her light! Even the most radiant of lights cannot stop the Nightzmora's conquest!

Spokesman Malkiewicz

There's no applause...

Everyone's immersed in... these emotions.

Left-hand Knight

That strike...

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Did you notice something?

Left-hand Knight

Any other knight... would be dead by now.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

Uhh...?

Left-hand Knight

He's doing this for real.

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

......

He's the real deal...

Ioleta Russell

Just a lost child.

Poor kid.

What's going on?

Greatmouth Mob

(What?! So sudden? You sure? Uhh...)

This just in! The Arts that Nightmare Knight just used have been deemed an adverse effect on our audience members and judges!

This is a clear violation of Articles 3 and 7 of the Major's rules!

'Competition knights may not harm or threaten the safety of the persons or property of the audience' and 'Competition knights may not in any way interfere with the judges' ability to make subjective rulings!'

(Dammit, this is way too much of a stretch! Couldn't they have at least picked a better time?!)

This match is now over—! So—

Nightmare Knight

—Come!

Margaret

Light...

Gather round.

Greatmouth Mob

W-What's going on?! It's like the knights didn't hear our ruling!

The match is over! Separate immediately and wait for the judges!

Nightmare Knight

Hah!

Margaret

—!

Nightmare Knight

Ah! What beautiful swordhand!

In the blink of an eye... Right before my blade could slice your skull, you countered my attack...

You've witnessed death. You've witnessed cruelty. You tremble in the face of neither fear nor me!

Margaret

...Huff...

Strong opponents and insurmountable difficulties do not frighten me.

On the contrary, the paralysis and degeneracy this city shows even right this moment are much more terrifying than you.

Greatmouth Mob

Somebody, stop these two! Pull them apart!

Nightmare Knight

Modern Kazimierz is indeed sickening—

—Come, let fear open the eyes of these spectators. Show them just what it is they are watching.

???

That's enough.

Nightmare Knight

—What?

A figure reminiscent of blood fissures the earth.

The ground between the two is cleaved apart by a giant axe appearing from thin air.

???

I said: that's enough.

The match is over...

Nightmare Knight

......

Margaret

It's you... The Blood Knight.

Greatmouth Mob

Who could have known?! No one could possibly have anticipated that the one who would finally put a stop to this unstoppable battle would be—!

'Kazimierz's Crimson Goblet', the hero, Dikaiopolis! It's not an easy name to remember, but be sure not to take your eyes off this—

That's the champion of the Kazimierz Major, undoubtedly the most popular of them all, the god of war from Minos! THE—BLOOOOOOOOOD—KNIIIIIIIIIGHT!!

(Man, thank goodness he showed up. Guess I put on a decent enough show today? Hey, one of you, go check on the spokesman and tell me how he's reacting!)

'A Silverlance Pegasus'

Dikaiopolis... A Minoan name. So he's the Infected who took the title three years ago.

Spokesman Malkiewicz

This is my first time seeing the Blood Knight fight in person too... What a potent aura.

Left-hand Knight

Hmph...

The Blood Knight

......

Greatmouth Mob

Whoa! The Blood Knight leaped into the arena! And he's walking toward our brawling contestants!

It's been years since Kazimierz has seen something like this!! Two champions! We have two champions on the same stage! What a sight to behold!

Of course, of course! The man standing on the other side isn't exactly your average Józef either, having just demonstrated his immense strength. What's more, that's Kazimierz's last Nightzmora we're talking about—

This here, everyone, is a million dollar marvel! Do not ever forget this moment! This is one for the history books!

Nightmare Knight

You... another champion...

The Blood Knight

Your next opponent is me, Nightzmora.

Nightmare Knight

......

The Blood Knight

And my next opponent is you.

Margaret

......

Nightmare Knight

Hah... hahaha... I sense you imply I will lose to you.

The Blood Knight

Absolutely.

Nightmare Knight

......

The Blood Knight

How will a phantom who lives in the past possibly defeat me?

You, Infected, I look forward to the day I fight against you.

Nightmare Knight

Do you think you can just walk away?

The Blood Knight

—

Nightmare Knight

–––Hraagh!

The Blood Knight

Nightzmora, you should understand that you can only instill fear in those who live in the 'present'.

Margaret

(He managed to deflect that strike from such an angle...?)

The Blood Knight

We will meet on the field.

The Radiant Knight

......

Margaret turns around to look at the axe-marked ground.

The Blood Knight walks over to retrieve his weapon.

It seems as though blood is spilling out of the lifeless fissure in the earth.