Deluge of Calamity

Your Holiness, are you here?!

Azelante!

Dame Luche?

What is the matter?

Having run into Bailey, Luche's expression sours.

...

...Your Excellency, please let me through.

I have an urgent matter with Her Holiness.

I do not have time to converse with you.

If you're looking for Her Holiness, she's currently holding an audience for Sir Judas.

I believe they've left Sanctuary grounds and are out for a stroll.

Was there something you needed from Her Holiness?

...!

Captain, hurry!

...Oh, Captain?

As I turned to follow after Luche, Bailey pulled me close and whispered into my ear.

Before things get dreadfully ugly, I suggest you depart from Haven as soon as you can.

Unlike everyone else here, you are quite valuable, Captain.

We've been bestowed a revelation, you see.

That you, Captain, are a truly extraordinary person.

...They told me so, along with the revelation of the impending 'calamity'.

As Crux Cardinalis Bailey spoke, her eyes began to gleam with an unsettling fanaticism.

You are a righteous person, are you not, Captain?

Just like the almighty Diallos.

As I nearly recoiled from the uncanny fervor in her eyes, someone abruptly seized my shoulder.

Captain, what are you doing?

We should go after Dame Luche.

...Please, take your leave.

As for our conversation, we shall reconvene at a later date.

And with that, Bailey walked past me and left.

...

This feeling was leaving a bad taste in my mouth, but there were far more urgent matters at hand.

Azelante!

Luche burst through the doors as if intending to break them down.

L-Luche?! What's gotten into you?

Finally confirming that Azelante was safe, Luche fell to the floor as her relief exhausted all the tension in her body.

*Luche lets out a heavy sigh*

Your Holiness, I was told you had a private audience with Sir Judas.

Did nothing happen?

Oh, Sir Judas...

He left this with me before leaving.

...A sticker?

Wha...?

Mika scanned the sticker.

I'm getting zero readings on any Chaos contamination...

So, it's just a normal sticker.

Sir Judas told me... it was a good job sticker before he left, but...

The Fist of God, and a good job sticker?

Now, of all times...? Just what is he doing?

He used to have a playful side like this back when he was just a normal believer.

It's just... been quite some time since he's done so.

I don't think 'playful' is the best explanation right now...

When he handed this to me, he looked... a little sad.

Did Sir Judas do something that he shouldn't have?

...Azelante.

Listen closely to me, okay?

What...? Sir Judas... a heretic...?

That can't be...

Sir Judas is plotting something involving Chaos and its influence.

I know you're feeling conflicted right now, Azelante.

Because he was always... like a father to you.

And I know that all those days you've spent together only make things that much harder.

But we can't let Sir Judas be. We don't know what will come of his actions.

We have to stop him.

I don't believe that any of you are lying.

However, Sir Judas is not the type of man to act on something without reason.

Of course, I had my own suspicions, but not like this. Because that man...

...Captain?

I know this to be true because I had looked into Sir Judas's records.

It was quite evident that this is the type of man who lives and dies by his convictions.

I still haven't figured out why he came into contact with those powers, but I know too well that any Chaos-related powers are not things that humankind can handle.

Thank you for wording it the way you did, Captain.

However, all other Crux Cardinalis have sided with Crux Cardinalis Bailey, and Sir Judas controls our military might.

Even if I were to indict Sir Judas as a heretic, I do not have the power to detain him.

I speak without any intent to offend, but Luche and her Silver Knights do not hold a candle to those two groups.

Which leaves us in a quandary. And Sir Judas is soon to depart on his next campaign.

His next... campaign?

We came to you today after purifying that City of Mist's Chaos Core already.

I've been informed that he too has returned from the City of Mist, and that he is expected to leave on a new crusade.

...He's up to something.

He's probably trying to do something related to the Chaos over there, too!

Hold on, Luche. What are you planning to do?

That's obvious!

If he IS trying something, then it's only right to stop him before that!

Getting up from her seat, Luche turned and sprinted out the door.

We should follow her!

Luche?

Sir Judas, explain yourself! Why did you do what you did?!

...

I know not what it is you speak of, Luche.

You know exactly—!

...I guess words are pointless.

Crux Cardinalis Judas. As commander of the Order of the Silver Knights, I'll see you formally indicted!

...*sigh*

Forgive me, sir.

I did not want to have to attack Luche.

...What became of Sir Judas?

He's been detained at the Knights' headquarters.

I see...

Sir Judas had been preparing to depart on another Chaos purification mission near Haven.

Even though he will no longer be taking part, the crusade will proceed as intended.

It would be imprudent to rescind a Chaos purification operation just because of one man's absence.

Indeed. I would like to place this matter in your care.

However, by doctrine, outsiders are not permitted to partake in a crusade.

Making such a request under these circumstances would be...

Is there a feasible way?

There is... one way...

Luche's frown indicated her frustration with what was about to happen next.

...

...

...It has been a long time, Your Holiness.

I trust you have been well.

Do you have to speak so formally when it is just the two of us?

...

Your Holiness, I am the Crux Cardinalis.

Speaking casually to the Holy Monarch is simply out of the question.

But, Sir Judas...

...I can at least, convey this much to you.

...?

Sir Judas...?

What are those...?

...They are gold stars.

The ones you used to give me, Your Holiness...

...Are they not the same ones you would give me whenever I did what you wanted?

...

...Ha.

You kept them...all this time?

That was just a little game I used to play...

I remember.

I remember every word you said when you gave them to me.

Collect ten and I'll grant you a wish...

That's right. And, you just gave me exactly ten.

...That's a relief.

No matter how much things change, Sir Judas is still Sir Judas.

Lately, we have barely been able to talk. I was a little worried.

So then, what do you wish for?

Since it is you asking, Sir Judas, I will give you anything...

Please be happy, Your Holiness.

I wish for you to be happy.

...

...Sir Judas?

No matter what happens, no matter what hardships you face.

Please do not give up. Fight until the very end for the sake of your happiness.

That is my one and only wish.

Sir Judas, what...?

...

I will take my leave now...

Sir Judas, please wait...!

W-Why would you say something like that? Why...?

What are you planning to do?

Why does it feel like you are leaving me...?

Your Holiness.

No, Azelante.

Please, take care of yourself.

Sir Judas...!

...

Orlea.

Orlea...

...

Wake up already, will you!

Argh, did you get possessed by some ghost who died of insomnia or something!?

The nun who had dozed off sitting upright in her chair mumbled back as she roused from her slumber.

It's your fault for waking me when it's past sleeping hours, Luche...

You spend at least half the day sleeping if I don't.

What are you talking about... I'd be sleeping all day if you'd let me. *yawns*

...

Luche's face. Annoyance.

...Let me introduce you.

This sleepyhead here is Orlea, a nun with the 'Sisterhood of Respite.'

Azelante and I are quite acquainted with her.

Orlea of the Respite sisterhood... She's the woman who can see the future?

Yep, this be she.

Though what the people hear of my prescience is often made more convenient for and by the Crux Cardinalis themselves...

Crux Cardinalis Bailey is quite fond of them.

You do know you have enough influence to correct their exaggerations.

...

Yeah, well, let's just say I do...

Oh... Did I surprise our guests?

It's fine, it's fine. This is just how things are here on Haven.

But Azelante is always doing her best for all our sakes.

That's why I will always continue to back her.

Yeah, that I can agree with.

Azelante is essentially our last hope.

Unfortunately, there's nothing really impactful I can do to help her...

Hold that thought, Orlea.

There is a way you can help right now.

Luche proceeds to explain to Orlea what had transpired.

In short, you need an excuse that'll allow our guests to take part in the upcoming crusade?

I know we're asking a lot from you.

But we need to find out what Sir Judas was planning.

If not you, we don't have anyone else who can help us out—

Hmm, but I don't think you're going to need my help for this one?

What?

Crux Cardinalis Bailey actually wanted the Captain to come along with the expedition.

...

That woman said that? Why, all of a sudden?

Don't ask me... I'm just the one who heard it.

But...

It seems like Her Excellency is really, REALLY interested in the Captain.

Almost... to a dangerous degree.

Then, we never had to come here in the first place.

We can just go along with the crusade. We'll leave you to it then, Orlea.

Nope. I'll accompany you on this escapade.

What? Why?

Hehe, that's a se~cret~

...

Oh dear, even I can get upset if you glare at me like that...

Grrgh...! Fine, do whatever you want.

Having you around will certainly be good—just don't do anything weird.

Don't worry... I've participated in these crusades a few times.

Then, it looks like we're going to need to make preparations for a Chaos infiltration.

I'll round up the agents.

I should return, too.

For each of their own reasons, the Sanctuary's residents got ready to leave.

However, I noticed that Orlea would often be giving me very quick glances from the sides of her eyes.

It's kind of scary to look at you directly.

There's something... ominous lingering about you, Captain.

It's almost surprising that you're walking around fine with something like that latched onto you.

I can only really see a small fragment of its true nature...

But whatever it is, it's an existence that heralds ruin and death. Something that no human should ever come across.

If there's one bright side to it... it's that it doesn't seem to harbor any animosity toward you.

Acutally, it'd be more appropriate to say it likes you...

No... I can't really tell more than that.

But it wasn't something that I could just let be.

It's far more than what anyone would consider dangerous... so it piqued my interest, or concern.

Captain, please be cautious with anything regarding it.

Its power is uncharted territory and we don't know what type of result it could bring.

Sorry to say, Captain, but I think that option has already sailed.

Even now, from what I can see, its breath is latched onto you as if it were never going to let go.

Allow me to pray for you, Captain.

For you, and that existence, and your futures. May Diallos light your way.

I unconsciously tense up. Though it seems Orlea didn't notice, as she wasn't looking my way.

Just to be safe, you should take this with you. If you're ever feeling anxious, praying can help.

That's it for me, then. I'd like to catch up on my beauty sleep... *yawns*

After Orlea leaves, I sit in the empty room, fidgeting with the pocket watch.

Just earlier, when Orlea prayed in Diallos's name, I felt a terrifying bloodlust.

As if the entity that had latched onto me held an immense hatred and was rejecting the prayer.

I examine the object that Orlea left with me.

A pendant made of steel, cogs, and other mechanical parts... crafted in the image of Diallos.

It felt oddly familiar.

Hmm...? Why...are you calling so early in the morning...?

Orlea!

Are you awake? You didn't forget we had plans today, did you?

Plans...? Did we have plans...? Yawn... I really don't feel like going out...

But today is important. You've got to make it on time, okay?

Uhh...

See you later!

...

Maybe I'll just sleep for five more minutes...

Zzzz...

Orlea! Oooorlea! You're here, right? Hurry and get up!

Uhhh... What is it...?

We all promised to meet up today. I even messaged you this morning...did you forget already?

What is this about...? Uhh... I'm so tired...

Shh... Grrr...

Sigh... Seriously... So annoying...

Orlea!

Why is this happening so early in the morning...? Sigh...

It's not morning anymore, it's lunch time now... Seriously, you don't remember?

What...?

We agreed to meet up today.

But... I really don't feel like going out...

Are you kidding...? The cafe we are meeting at is right on the monastery grounds!

Azelante came all the way here because you said you wouldn't go out! How can you do this?

Luche, don't be too hard on her. Orlea must have a lot on her plate.

Uhh... Still, a promise is a promise. Hurry up and get ready.

...Yawn... I guess I don't have a choice...

But... You said it was an important day, right? What day is it...?

Hmm... Isn't it just an important day because of our teatime?

What...? You really don't remember?

Uh... Is it someone's birthday? No, that's not it. Orlea, is it your birthday?

No, it's not... Yawn... Was it some kind of saint's feast day...?

I don't think so...

Think hard!

I still don't know...

Today is the anniversary of our very first teatime together! How could you forget?!

What? No one would remember that!

Well, that's a surprise... I never thought I'd see the day I'd agree with Luche...

Hehe. You've got a good memory, Azelante.

Come to think of it, we used to get together like this so often before...

Since I became the Holy Monarch, it's been weighing on me that we haven't been able to meet up as much.

That sounds just like you, Azelante. It's definitely been hard to find time to meet up like this lately...

I miss the old days...

Hehe. Back then, a certain Knight Commander had quite the adorable side to them.

What!?

Sigh... How did you grow up to be like this? Since I'm so generous I'll let it slide this time, I guess!

What are you talking about!?

Everyone, just stop already. Can't we all just get along today?

What? We're getting along, Azelante. Right, Knight Commander?

That's right, Sleepyhead.

Yawn...

By the way, how's everyone been doing lately? Is everything going okay?

For me? Everything is...pretty much the same as always.

I guess it's the same for me, too. Going out on a mission and destroying our enemies... Then heading out for another mission.

How about you, Azelante? Is everything going okay?

...It's mostly...the same for me, too.

Really...? Then I'm glad. If anything comes up, just let me know.

I'll get rid of anything that's making things tough for you, Azelante.

That's right. If you ever need my support, just say the word.

Hehe. I feel much better!

...

Since we've gone to the trouble of getting together like this, let's eat up!

Come on, up you get! Time to head to the next restaurant!

Huh? Oh, okay...

Hehe...

I hope we can keep doing this...for a long time...

We've set course to the location of the Chaos Bloom with the path that the Holy Crusaders provided us.

All readings are within normal parameters, Captain.

The Holy Crusaders have also provided us with additional details regarding the Chaos we are headed to.

Bringing it up on the tactical map.

A structural diagram of the Chaos appeared on the projection map at the center of the command room.

The Chaos we are headed to is called the 'Swamp of Judgment.'

...Wait a minute.

Luche knit her brows as she examined the map.

Is this really the Swamp of Judgment?

Something's off.

What do you mean?

It's... different.

The Swamp of Judgment that I know of wasn't like this...

Hmm, it's hard to put into words.

I guess the best way to put it would be that the current Swamp of Judgment looks like something else is mixed in with it.

Captain, are you familiar with another Chaos, the Foretold Ruin?

...It's a gargantuan-class Chaos that occurred years back.

If left unchecked, it likely would have expanded into space.

We were fortunate enough to have stopped it from doing so, but...

The Swamp of Judgment right now... It feels like the Foretold Ruin back then.

...That, and there's something else that's a little unsettling.

Unsettling? How so?

Back then, the one who led the Foretold Ruin crusade was Sir Judas.

You could almost say that the reason he holds his current standing in Haven is largely due to his contributions back then.

I can't help feeling a little uneasy. This Chaos that Sir Judas was preparing to purify, and the Chaos in the past where his contributions played a major role. For them to feel so similar...

...

Before we proceed, Orlea.

Are you okay?

Huh? Of course I am.

You certainly don't look the part.

Oh, well, I just didn't get enough sleep, that's all... *yawn*

Orlea...

It's all in the past. It was never your fault.

I've long since moved past all that.

...Yeah, thanks.

But! I was being genuine about not getting enough sleep.

I'll go get a bit of rest for now~

Orlea gets up and leaves the command room.

Anyone could tell that she left to avoid further conversation.

*Luche lets out a heavy sigh*

...It has to do with the Foretold Ruin I mentioned just earlier.

Back then, Sir Judas executed his mission accompanied by a partner — a Protos...

...And my father.

The Protos that we saw when we ran into Sir Judas in the City of Mist was someone else.

And I remember Sir Judas telling Luche that he owed her father his life.

The one who had assigned Sir Judas his partner that day... was the touted nun of foresight, Orlea.

...So, she sent her own friend's parent to their death with her own hands?

It's not her fault.

She likely had no choice.

Back then, the two of them together were the best of the best.

Ever since that day though, Sir Judas has loathed Orlea.

Because the one man he considered his closest friend died that day...

You know what! Let's call it here with all that gloomy stuff!

We've got a Chaos to purify!

*yawn* That was a good nap.

How soon of you to join us, sleepyhead.

We've nearly arrived. Make sure to actually wake up now.

Captain, we should be arriving near the Chaos soon.

Understood, Captain. Sending out the aler—

Captain, receiving a comms request from a Holy Crusader ship.

Their preface is... pre-infil strategy coordination, but...

Who's the caller?

W-well...

It's Sir Judas.

...!

I had him restrained at the Order's headquarters...

So, he could've broken free any time he wanted...?

But why would he be reaching out to us first...

That's something we'll only find out after talking to him.

Hmm...

To see the Fist of God like this, Sir Christian would be heartbroken.

Whatever became of the glory of the Golden Generation, I wonder. It's nowhere to be found, Sir Judas.

...

Oh, don't worry. I didn't come only to mock you.

There's no need for you to be so stubbornly quiet, Sir Judas.

What is it you want?

Oh my. That stings.

I brought a story that I think you will find quite interesting, Sir Judas.

...?

It has been decided that you, Sir Judas, will be the commander of this "Crusade."

This is the will of the Crux Cardinalis. Please carry out your duty with honor.

...What are you up to?

Up to? I am simply making it easier for you to do what you were already planning to do.

You were going to find your own way out regardless of whether I freed you, weren't you?

For all we know, losing to Sir Luche in the first place may have been an act.

...

Even if your time is running short, you are the greatest fighting force the Crusade has.

I find it hard to believe you would be taken down so easily.

You...

Ah, my apologies.

Was your poor health meant to be a secret?

I understand you have been keeping it from Her Holiness, at the very least.

Though I'm not sure how much that matters at this point.

Children grow up faster than you'd think, Sir Judas.

And their perceptiveness can be quite startling.

...

Well, all of that aside...

So, are you going to escape or not?

I told you, I am simply helping you do what you were going to do anyway.

Crux Cardinalis Bailey.

You must already have some idea of what I intend to do.

You will not be exempt from being caught up in it.

Knowing that, why would you do something like this?

If I am caught up in it and die, then that too will be the guidance of Revelation.

...What do you know?

The great Diallos watches over everyone.

You, Her Holiness, Sir Luche, and all of those who shine in this turbulent universe.

From all of them, the most important is...

...

...Hehe.

No, I shouldn't speak so carelessly about this.

Now then, the time has come to choose, Sir Judas.

What will you do?

Hello, Captain. This is Judas, of the Holy Crusaders.

Sir Judas's voice was calm. As if nothing had happened between us.

How arrogant...!

Perhaps it is the will of the Crusade that placed me back on the path of this operation.

Captain, I trust that you already understand the urgency of the situation and won't dawdle on minor mishaps between us.

Without even giving me a moment to speak, Judas continued.

Full authority of this crusade falls upon myself.

I would like to ask your cooperation.

He is right. To go against him here would be no different than raising arms against the entire Holy Crusader faction.

We haven't much time until the window of infiltration shows, so allow me to be quick.

I suggest that you enter through a different venue from the Holy Crusaders, Captain.

This Chaos is being protected by monsters on either side of the core's coordinates.

Going in together just to split up and search for the other would be a waste of time.

Splitting forces would be the most reasonable method.

What he says is true, but...

If we go through with that, we would no longer have anyone watching what you're up to, Sir Judas.

I recall how the previous Chaos's core reacted at Sir Judas's command.

I have no ulterior motives other than to purify this Chaos.

But that aside... I see that Miss Orlea has accompanied you.

If you would be so kind, I'd be inclined to hear what future you saw this time.

...

Sir Judas, that time, I...

There's no need to bring up past events.

I'm sure you did your best.

...Is likely what Sir Christian would have said, even up until his final moments.

I just... wanted...

To s-save as many as I could...

By sacrificing the person that Crux Cardinalis Bailey selected?

...

Sir Judas, that's enough.

At Luche's words, Sir Judas complies with his silence.

Orlea, would you mind returning to your room?

...Huh...?

I bet you're pretty sleepy right about now, so go and get some rest.

...Okay.

After Orlea left the command room, Luche spoke up to one of my operators.

Miss Operator, could you swap over to a secured channel?

I nod my head at the operator who Luche was speaking to.

Switching to a private line.

As the line swapped over, Luche snatched the communicator and exploded into a loud voice.

ARGH!! Could you STOP that!?

Orlea didn't do that because she wanted to!

You know she had no other choice!

Sir Christian may have been your friend, but he was also Azelante's father!

...

The Sir Judas that I know would have never fumed at an innocent victim like this!

Just when the hell did you change so much!?

You, you're supposed to be the protector of Haven, aren't you?! The hero who protects the weak?

So why are you going around stirring up so much trouble! Why are you smothering salt on Orlea's wounds!

And WHY do you keep making Azelante so restless!!

Aren't you ashamed of yourself!? Hey, you contemptible sack of—! AND YOU DARE CALL YOURSELF A KNIGHT OF THE CRUSADE!!!

...

...

...

Panting for breath, Luche lowered the communicator.

You can switch back to an open channel now.

Y-yes, ma'am...

The cowering operator switched comms back to an open line.

...So, Sir Judas.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Maybe something you'd like to say to Her Holiness?

...

Sir Judas remained silent.

Though I couldn't exactly tell what kind of expression he was making on the other side of the screen...

...For some reason, it felt like sadness.

I fail to understand what you are talking about, Dame Luche.

Someone in a position as low as mine would have nothing of value to share with Her Holiness.

...What? Sir Judas, you—

Captain...?

Just a little. A very subtle amount.

Sir Judas's tightly balled fist was trembling.

...I wish you victory and fortune, Captain.

May luck guide your way.

The call has ended.

Captain, why did you interrupt me?!

We should be running a scoundrel like that into a corner!

What? What are you talking about?

Call it intuition, but... It felt as if Sir Judas still cared a lot for the Holy Monarch.

Leaving the bewildered Luche to herself, I got up from my seat.

The Chaos infiltration will begin soon. Let's make the preparations.

What is?

Almost as if... the acclaimed hero of the Holy Crusaders was never really interested in his own faith.

Though our side couldn't hide their wariness given the abrupt shift in situation, Sir Judas showed no interest.

He was far too stoic for someone who was being suspected of being in control of this Chaos.

Captain.

Would you kindly return to Haven?

I may have set up a few sleights here and there, but it seems I've yet to unfaze you.

You have left me in awe with your abilities.

...And so, I've no choice left but to implore you with my utmost sincerity.

Please return. I do not wish to harm you.

Luche, the same goes for you.

...

All that I am trying to do here... is for Haven and Her Holiness.

I beseech you to trust me.

Again, with this absurdity—!

I extend my arm to stop Luche from springing to her feet in anger.

No matter the reason, any human who comes into contact with Chaos's influence—physical or otherwise—is doomed to a horrific fate, just as Sir Judas himself had said before.

...

...Admirable until the end, Captain.

Dawn shall break soon. Let us proceed with the core's purification in due time.

Please make your necessary preparations.

Leaving the wary group behind, Sir Judas departed from the camp.

The core should be straight ahead.

I'm pretty sure the map had it somewhere over here...

...!

Midway through her comments, Renoa's expression turned grim.

That's not the core, that's...

A Chaos relic...!

In the place where the heart of this evil should have been beating was instead a corrupted object exuding dark malice.

And unlike what we had seen at the City of Mist, the energy that emanated from it was far more terrifying—almost as if this entire Chaos existed just to feed it more power.

Within moments, the members of the Holy Crusaders pointed their weapons at us.

What is the meaning of this, Sir Judas!

I don't believe that you truly thought that I'd let you do as you please.

Sir Judas approached the Chaos relic.

I watch as he grabs onto the relic and rips it from its place, letting it rest in his hand.

And like a serpent, the Chaos relic wraps itself around Sir Judas's arm.

...So all this time, the Chaos purifications you've done... were they all to empower that thing?

Of course it was, wasn't it! You utter piece of trash...!

The relic calls forth a Chaos to bloom, and from it, it absorbs the Chaos's energy to become more powerful.

I shall not deny it, Luche.

...

But fear not. I was true to my word when I said that I wish not to harm you.

However, until I finish with my proceedings, I will require you to stay right where you are.

A pitch-black curtain-like substance surrounds the area and closes us in. Almost like a prison.

Hold it, you apostate...!

Grk...! We have to go after him...!

Wait, don't touch it!

This veil is highly concentrated Chaos energy. You'll be exposed to its contamination if you come into contact!

Deputy Olyv. Let us return.

...Captain, though our time together was brief, I offer you my respect.

So I cannot allow you to become any further involved in such... vile practices during your stay.

His reply came with a bitter smile.

...Purification.

A cleansing required for salvation.

And moments after Sir Judas left, his disturbing words were all that remained.

A panicked voice rang out from our comms with the SS Nightmare.

Captain...!

We're identifying Chaos Blooms identical to the structure of the Foretold Ruin all across Haven! They're all occurring simultaneously!

Two, three, four... Ten, eleven, twelve...!

I-it's not stopping!

Cataclysm... was spilling forth.