Warriors of the Arena

W-Water... I can't find the way at all in the desert...

I could have sworn there was an oasis around here...

Maybe it was a mirage? We've been walking for quite some time.

Wait, up ahead...!

How unlucky for you to run into me here.

Everyone, get ready for battle...!

If you went with me from the beginning, you would have explored the desert with ease. How unfortunate! Mwahaha!

...Commander Beryl?

Mhmm, mhm. You can just refer to me as your leader. Your Captain and I are basically comrades, so you are my subordinates too!

Hey, it's been a while! How have you all been?

But... Why the long faces? Commander, have you been messing with them?

Messing with them? They were like that from the beginning!

...I'll explain.

Renoa? Why aren't you proceeding with the operation yourself...

...Something feels... off. Renoa, where's your Captain?

...You must never speak of this to anyone, Beryl. Although it's a secret from the Wolf Platoon too... We just need all the help we can get right now.

It's never been officially announced, nor have I reported it to the superiors. Keep that in mind.

Let it all out. The Captain's, and the SS Nightmare's business is basically Wolf Platoon's business.

The Captain...

Has been missing. For the last 88 hours.

Like a fading dream, the rancid stench clinging to the swamp and marsh dissolves all at once.

I can't remember how I got here at all.

Beneath the scorching sun, the desert stretches out endlessly.

Sand slips into my mouth, coating it harshly. My vision darkens, then returns, again and again.

What's that...?

Huh...? A person...?

You can't sleep here...!

Muster up some strength in your legs! You have to walk!

It's hard to move.

Guided by the unfamiliar voice of a young girl, I force myself forward, one step at a time.

Could you spare a little water? This person's completely dehydrated...!

Alright. Now hand over the money for the water.

Yeah... this should about cover it.

What? You said you'd help!

I never said it was free. Nothing in the world is free.

Of all places, here, in Speitz?

You liar...!

All this money, just for a little water... this is insane...!

Then you shouldn't have accepted it.

If you can't pay, work it off. Hey, drag them along.

W-Wait! Let go of me!

The sun still scorches my skin, yet a sudden cold spreads across my back and waist as I'm slammed to the ground.

Uhm... how is this person doing?

Ha. You've landed yourself in prison. How can you be worried about someone else?

You are what you are. And dangerous people... are dangerous for a reason.

That's... fascinating. I'll need to take a closer look.

Through the haze of fading consciousness, someone's hands move over my body.

No obvious abnormalities in vital signs, but...

...Interesting

Huh? Wh-What is it?

There's something... unusual in the body.

A life core in the chest. Just being near it seems to clear the mind.

This is a Protos.

That in itself is interesting. Hmm...

There's something embedded. Something... incredibly powerful—

Doesn't matter what. Wake them up. Now.

Or they won't even last a single day.

You're awake. If you'd slept any longer, we'd have had to apply immediate physical stimulus.

And... there's a real chance they wouldn't make it. They're still extremely weak as it is...

But staying unconscious any longer wouldn't help either. We don't have that kind of time.

Speitz. It's a planet. Ever heard of it?

The Twin Star's Shadow. More precisely, the Black Market's slave arena prison. Let me put it plainly...

It means that you also have to survive fights against monsters!

I-I'm sorry... We found you unconscious in the desert...

We tried to move you somewhere safe, but the only place nearby was the Black Market, so we asked for water and ended up here...

Honestly, it's incredible you survived! Rico was drained when she brought you in.

She saved you with her life.

You can thank us later.

We need to introduce ourselves since we're companions now. As soon as possible.

We don't have much time left until the match.

Oh, I'll start!

I'm Tiphera. An adventurer. My personal ship malfunctioned and crash-landed here... When I came to, I found myself locked up in a prison.

I'm... Rico. I'm from the Kingdom of Critias on Speitz...

From Speitz's fallen kingdom? So there are still survivors.

Rico's face darkens in an instant.

...The Kingdom of Critias will flourish again someday.

The air grew heavy in a heartbeat.

Tiphera scratches her head and continues.

I've heard that some people from Critias are trying to rebuild it. So you are one of them too.

Not many people remember anymore, but it is still the root of Speitz... Even the Black Market will realize that someday.

Nine's cold voice cut in.

Hard to say. Maybe it is better if they never do. They are already far too late to return to what they were.

People who treat torn lives as entertainment cannot be called the same kind of people.

Do you need me to introduce myself? My name is Nine. I'm just a mercenary.

I have come to Speitz on a mission.

...Although I'm going to fight at the coliseum under my own circumstances.

Nine, were you a mercenary?

Hmm... I think there was a famous mercenary by that name-

...There's nothing special about it. I only completed more missions than the others.

Enough about me, I am more curious about this Protos here. You were dragged into a place like this with a broken life core.

...tain...

Captain...?

C-Captain, there's a plant on your body...

Is that... the fruit of the plant? The fruit is linked to the Captain's body...

Nightmare! Emergency recall the Captain! Now!

Emergency recall unavailable...! Something's wrong...

Captain...!!

Captain!!

...

My head feels like it's about to explode.

Memories drift up in fragments, floating hazily beneath my consciousness.

Their condition has gotten worse...

Wow! Nine's tormenting a patient!

I didn't do anything.

There are people waiting for me on the SS Nightmare.

We need to escape this awful place and signal my crewmates right now.

Yes, we have to leave. Though it won't be easy.

If you plan on getting back in one piece, stay alert. Otherwise, you'll be mincemeat in a blink.

Here slaves are forced to fight monsters for the crowd's money. Those deemed worthless are disposed of.

And... you're not a Combatant. I can tell that just looking at you.

But you're a Protos. I'm sure you'll be useful.

So it's simple.

You save us, and we save you.

Well, I'll leave the explanation for later.

The match will soon begin.

As you watch, you can see for yourself where we're trapped.

The item you came to retrieve, Nine... It's Speitz's "Egg of the Deity," right?

That's right.

It is an energy source powerful enough to wipe out an entire planet.

I planned to retrieve it and leave right away. But now we're stuck until the coliseum matches end.

But that's Speitz's treasure...!

It is already in the market's hands. Even if it never reaches me, it'll be sold off to another galaxy someday.

Then... maybe I could negotiate with them somehow...!

Hmm- if they were people you could reason with, Rico, we would not be here right now.

They already abandoned their home planet and their kingdom. They are even selling their own people to other galaxies...

But I can't just stay here like this...

If we imagine a fairy tale ending, Nine, you would sneak in and return the egg to the people of Speitz, but-

...

I'm sure you have your own reasons for carrying out that mission, right?

We are acting on a contract from Peltion. That is all I can say for now.

Ah, so that's who you're working for. I heard Kladenets mostly takes jobs from Peltion, so it is true after all.

Still, can I ask you why you're working for someone so shady?

...We're indebted to them.

Anyway, this will be the last mission.

I am aware how important it is for your planet.

But I have my own reasons. I can't back off.

Let's talk about this later. It's meaningless if we can't escape, anyway.

We could, if I could move alone.

But leaving you guys behind is not an option. That's why I cannot go.

I heard that Nine's comrade is being held hostage.

...That's why I need your help, Protos.

This is not just an underground arena prison. Somehow, inside the Chaos Zone, I can move through areas with lower Chaos density, but if I am going to find my companion and escape through the exit, I need you.

Having a map of these arena tunnels would've been a hell of a lot better, but I guess beggars can't be choosers in a place like this.

The layout, huh... Somehow, it feels familiar.

This structure was created by remodeling the royal palace of Critias.

It was originally a structure built above ground.

Critias was a nation that developed around magic. Every structure was itself a magical device.

When thieves ran rampant, the palace sealed itself underground to protect itself, turning into a maze-like structure.

...

According to legend, something terrifying is said to be hidden at the end of that maze-

I'm not interested in a history lesson.

You and the Protos will find the way. Tiphera and I will follow orders.

Alright! All that's left now is the match in the arena.

I don't expect you to. Tiphera and I will handle the fighting.

Woah, I'm an adventurer, not a Combatant-

Do you take me for a fool?

...I can smell the warrior within you. The scent of having stood countless times before life and death.

...

Anyway, you two. Don't try to step up during the fight and stay in a corner.

I-I think that's a bit harsh...

...I'm telling you to understand that you each have different uses.

Not only for a civilian like you but also the Protos aren't supposed to be in a battlefield. This situation itself is an exception.

Wow, everyone! Look at Nine speak all nicely She must be softer than we thought!

...Ugh...

There is nothing more annoying than someone useless who thinks they can contribute.

How can you help, when you can't even take care of yourself?

...?

Hey, don't agitate me. Stay put when I tell you to-

A terrible headache splits through my head.

Wow, Nine is tormenting a patient!

N-No, I didn't do anything...!

...Protos, are you alright...?

I think you have a fever. Why don't you take a rest...

Don't strain yourself. We won't be bothering you again today, anyway.

Rest, Protos! I'll take watch.

I force myself through the crushing dizziness and collapse onto a narrow bed that looks more like a prison cot.

It does not take long for me to sink into sleep.

A sense of reality drifts across the surface of my consciousness, as if floating in the void of space.

The events from before I fell onto this desert planet replay like an edited recording.

No, Captain!

Y-You people-! Get away from the Captain!

I hear familiar voices through the mishmash of time and memories.

I'll buy us time. At least get the Captain out-!

Plants, screams, SS Nightmare, infection, comrades, escape, failure, drifting-

A chaotic storm of keywords and images bursts forth.

And at its end,

Captain-

It is a young girl.

You can't die here!

I can't go on without you-

I think I heard those words.

In the ruins devoid of everyone else,

Chaos entities incoming—and fast. They're basically sneering at us and what easy prey we look to be to them.

Death walks toward me.

And through that.

Captain-

An unfamiliar voice raps at my ears.

You can't die here!

SS Nightmare, prepare for descent immediately!

I-I'll go down-! I'll get the Captain-!

V-Vice Captain, calm down! Continued descent in a situation like this is an act of suicide!

I'll shoot if you don't prepare for descent right now!

The Captain's still down there...!

Th-That's...!

The Captain's location signal just disappeared.

...What...?

That can't be right! Track that signal right now-

Everyone-! Calm down-!

It's not that kind of loss of signal!

So what is it? What is the Captain's status?!

...I don't know why, but the signal has suddenly been transferred from Verne to "another planet."

Like someone sent it there by force...

So, the Captain's still alive, right...?

We'll need to check, but it's highly likely that the Captain is still alive right now.

P-Phew...! Thank goodness...!

Track down the location. Where is it?

Tracking signal. The final signal was...

From Twin Star, Speitz.

Renoa, are you listening to me?

You've been in the Command Room for days. Have you slept?

We may have received an additional signal.

I checked earlier, but there were none. Crash landing on the Speitz would have impaired the Life Core and the signal device.

If not... We wouldn't need to go looking. All we would need to do is find the signal and recall it.

Has the energy that was last observed just before the Captain disappeared been analyzed?

We're still doing it. Like I said, it's not registered even in Xera's databse.

It could be a divinity, a monster, or a being we've never encountered before.

Maybe it's a Chaos that's friendly to humankind. One that looks like a pretty girl-

...

...You can't even take my jokes?

You really should take a break, Renoa. If you fall, the SS Nightmare will really be defenseless.

...Understood. I will rest now for today.

Well done. I'm sure the Captain would have told you to rest too if they saw you in this state.

...They would have.

...

Elaine.

Yes?

I know that there are the occasional instances where people who make contact with Chaos are denatured into "other things."

...

You told me that you saw the Captain assimilating with Chaos before going missing, right?

Are you worried that when you meet the Captain, they'll be different from the Captain you know?

Or contaminated by Chaos?

...

...Shall we think about that after finding the Captain?

...

Okay, understood.

Hmm... Hmmmmm...

This statue...the trees...the lighting, temperature, humidity... Doesn't this feel familiar somehow?

I have this feeling we're just going in circles...

Yeah... I think we've seen this same spot five times already...

What are you talking about?! Each place is slightly different! There's no way Beryl, descendant of the desert and expert in wilderness escape operations, would get lost!

I even recruited a local expert on the spot!

If arresting grave robbers counts as "recruiting local experts," then sure...

...Hey, grave robber. Do you really know what you're doing?

If we find out you're lying to save your own skin...you know what happens, right?

O-of course I do! I make my living robbing this area.

There was definitely a path around here, so if you'll just trust me a little longer...

Sigh, maybe it was unreasonable to trust someone who makes a living digging up other people's graves in the first place.

I'm offended! I'm an honest grave robber...!

H-honest and grave robber don't really go together...

But commander, are you sure we'll really meet the client if we go to the Critias nomads' settlement?

I can't be certain, but it's the place where we're most likely to meet the client!

I heard that most nomads who haven't defected to the Black Market hope for the restoration of the Kingdom of Critias.

At least one of them should know a client affiliated with the royal restauration faction!

Well, I think that's a long shot...but you're not going in the wrong direction.

It's a place with lots of people, so some kind of information should turn up. We can start our investigation from there once we get a lead.

It's not just our assignment, we also need to help find the captain of the SS Nightmare.

As expected, the commander and Luke had it all planned out!

Beryl, you said you're looking for a client, right?

Exactly. We definitely waited at the meeting place Anika gave us, but no one showed up.

We tried contacting them several times through the terminal, but got no response at all.

Since they requested this mission in utmost secrecy and didn't reveal their identity, we have absolutely no way to track them down.

If it hadn't been Anika who accepted the commission in the first place, I would've been convinced it was a fake assignment!

The situation does look suspicious enough... Are you confident it's not a prank or a fake assignment?

I trust Anika. She's not someone who would accept an uncertain assignment.

That's for sure! Unlike our commander, she doesn't act on emotion!

Hmm... I want to ask if maybe she passed it to Beryl precisely because it was uncertain, but I should hold my tongue...

See those tents up ahead? That's where the nomads live.

We really made it!

W-well then, I'll be on my way...!

Ah, he ran away!

It's fine. He kept his promise and guided us to where the Critias residents are, so let's just let him go.

We've got plenty to do ahead!

These structures... It must have been an incredible civilization.

Well, until just a few hundred years ago, the Critias dynasty ruled this planet.

You look like...outsiders. What brings you to Speitz?

We are a mercenary group here to carry out a mission on behalf of a client.

We've been waiting at the meeting point for so long, but they never showed up, so we're looking for the client...!

Hmm... I don't know who it is, but I hope they weren't captured by the Black Market.

We moved here yesterday to avoid the Black Market.

No one was away right before we moved, so the client you're looking for probably isn't here...

Moving frequently means your lives are being threatened...but you haven't left Speitz.

We can't leave. We're waiting.

Waiting, you say? For what?

For a hero... The savior who will revive the Kingdom of Critias.

Follow me. I'll show you around the village.

The Critias dynasty was great. Its influence reached not only this planet but also the surrounding star systems.

But...even golden ages can't last forever. The Critias dynasty also met its end.

No one knows the cause. Some say it was civil war, others say someone cursed them.

To rebuild an ancient dynasty in this situation...

There is hope. According to an ancient prophecy, a hero will one day appear who will inherit the spirit of Critias and bring salvation to this planet.

...Do you believe in that prophecy?

If we don't believe in that, what else is there to believe in? This is our only reason to live.

It breaks my heart. How long will those people keep waiting like that?

Heroes...don't appear that easily.

Without faith, they can't survive. Reality is too harsh.

We've looked around, but it seems the person you're looking for isn't here.

Thank you for showing us around!

Thank you for helping us so sincerely! Even though we didn't find our client, I'll pray for the restoration of the Critias dynasty.

Um, excuse me... have you heard any news of outsiders like us by any chance?

There's one more person we're looking for.

Well... I did hear the Black Market thugs talking about alien slaves when we were escaping from the last raid.

Among them, there was one man... Ordinary appearance, but he apparently killed a monster with his bare hands.

He was giggling about whether "Protos" were always that strong. Disgusting...

A new slave, and Protos...!

There's a good chance it's the captain!

I hope this helps. Maybe meeting outsiders before dying loosened their tongue.

Thank you! I hope you meet the hero you've been waiting for soon...!

Hehe... Thank you. I wish you well on your journey too.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you!

In that case, we need to find a Black Market local expert!

We'll come with you. It would be a problem if the client had been captured.

Thank you, Beryl. And...everyone.

Hehe, it seems our next destination is decided.

Well then, shall we go?

Thank you everyone for coming to the arena!

You have come a long way, and I guarantee you a good show!

Here are the new slaves! They are-!

Listening to the host, I head into the coliseum.

It's like I said before. Us two will take care of the battle. You two focus on surviving.

I'll designate the safe spots. As for orders-

...?

You, what are you saying-

Eh, there's no time to talk. Incoming!

...Agh!

Nine parries the monster dashing from the left with the blade of her sword.

Proving her infamous mercenary abilities, she slashed parts of the monster's with the body scattering nearby.

Agh, me too!

With that, Tiphera scattered small cube shards in all directions.

The cubes pierce through the monsters rushing in from the right, like a hive of small insects.

Wow...! The monsters moved like the Protos said!

You, how can a non-combat Agent...!

...No, but...!

Still.

Haha, this is a masterpiece! Protos! Please take the lead!

...Pfft.

Although Nine clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction,

she didn't comment on my following commands.

The good news is that we survived, for now.

Although the bad news is that we need to repeat this tomorrow.

Wow- I did hear that you move differently within Chaos if you have a Protos.

But I didn't expect this. They weren't lying when they said you can't fight a powerful enemy without a Protos.

I-I mean it! For some reason, my mind clears when you're nearby...!

...

...Uh, Nine, you should compliment the Protos here-

Shut up.

Okay.

We talk while walking up the corridor heading for prison.

But just then, a scene catches my eye.

Fang, we gathered the wounded slaves.

Ugh...

Good job. Gather them underground so we can deal with them.

Understood!

Deal with them? Do you think that means they're going to kill them...?

...Well. Dying is better in places like these.

Hey! Why are you loitering here?

Follow me. Go back to your cells!

...

Nine grimaces in discomfort, then looks back at me.

Protos, I know this feels like I'm straining you... but we need to begin investigating tonight.

I must find my colleague Alcea, who is locked up.

It doesn't mean a thing if you become an excellent fighter here, only that the whip cracks a little softer. I must find my companion soon and leave.

I've always been waiting for this! I'm not confident in infiltration, but I'll do my best.

...

And before that.

Protos, we need to talk.

Take a seat.

Let me take a look at your wound.

When I looked in the direction that Nine was pointing at, I saw a penetrating wound across my arm.

It looked like I was hit by a monster attack during combat.

It must have hurt a lot, but you're good at hiding it.

...You're bluffing.

It's fine. Leave it to me.

I'll treat you along with an apology.

...

Nine takes a deep breath.

As though trying to rid herself of her shame.

I am sorry for looking down on you.

You are much more competent than I thought.

...Oh.

It looked like talking to me as though looking down on a non-combatant was weighing on her mind.

...Hmm, anyway.

Give me your arm. I'll treat it.

There aren't any first aid tools nearby.

Spit heals wounds.

Before I could even ask, Nine grabbed my arm and brought it to her mouth.

Then, she licked.

Stand still, Protos.

...This is embarrassing for me too, so let's get it over with.

Blushing, Nine licked my arm like a cat drinking water.

She repeated it for a while.

The wound was quickly closing.

Such that I could see the speed at which new flesh grew.

It's one of the other skills I learned while working as a mercenary.

If you hide medicine in your mouth, you can always use it well. Security can't catch it either.

...What?

Can't you just lick your finger and dab?

...

...

...Let's go, if you're done healing.

Nine quickly turned.

Her ears were red to their tips.

I figured out most of the security's movements. There will be the least patrol today.

Are you all ready?

First, I think the Protos looks much better than before...

I had already planned on leaving before you came. It was just a matter of whether it can be realized or not.

This way, Protos!

It's one of the biggest reasons of lax security. I don't know why they always make them big enough for us to fit.

If you take the lead and find the way, we'll follow.

From what I heard, they said Alcea is locked up somewhere with high Chaos contamination levels.

So, you need to head for the direction with high Chaos contamination levels.

Shh! There are guards over there...!

Ugh...

Hey, I think this one's awake!

Leave them be. They'll be the same dead or alive.

That's...

They really have some weird tastes. They don't need corpses or healthy slaves...

Why do they take these guys who are almost dead?

Don't you know? They're used as test subjects for experiments.

...What? Experiments? What kind of experiments are they doing?

I don't know. Things have surely become easier ever since Fang began dealing with them, but...

What kind of terrifying people is he dealing with? It gives me goosebumps at times.

Well, I heard that there's something under the coliseum...

No idea. How are we supposed to know what the higher-ups are thinking?

Ugh, it's strange how we have so much work to do.

Let's get it over with.

It seems safe now. Let's move.

Hmm. It's like a maze from here...

...Can you come over here?

Huff, huff...

...Alcea!

...Nine? How did you get here...

You're much worse. I have to detoxify...

Ugh...

Thanks. I was at the limit.

Who goes there!

Nine flinched at the guard's voice.

Nine, run...!

Fang added some security device just for my room.

...Pfft.

Give me a second. I'm going to smash this door...

No, Nine.

The alarm's going to go off. We'll be annihilated if we fight the entire coliseum!

Are you telling me that we should leave Alcea here?

Have you forgotten where you are? It's a miracle you're still alive!

Hmm- But I can't agree with you and say we should all jump off a cliff.

She's important to you, so exercise caution! You must make a move when you are sure you can save her!

When I took an attack in Nine's place, she hurriedly pulled me aside.

...!

Protos! What do you think you're doing? You could have been greatly injured!

...Damn it!

Nine, I'm okay.

Seeing your face... is enough for now.

Wait for me, Alcea! I'll be back soon...!

...Okay, I'll wait.

They're coming this way...! Come on!

Protos, Rico. Are you okay?

Huff, puff... I'm fine...

Ah, how about you, Protos? You were hurt a while ago...

Eh, give me a second.

Rico examined my scratch.

It wouldn't have been strange if... you were much more hurt.

It's much lighter than I thought. It's fortunate, but...

Is this a Protos ability?

I wouldn't have gone through all that trouble in Verne if it was.

My body is definitely different from before.

I have become blunt to pain, with outstanding healing speed and overall more resiliant.

Is it from the Chaos I made contact with from before?

...

Shut up.

...? Dab you?

...Enough nonsense.

I'm happy confirming Alcea's okay for now.

...

I will go and look for her again when the time comes.

With that, Nine quietly lay on her bed.

Everyone slept like logs, from sheer exhaustion.

Except for me.

It feels like my entire body is floating through the universe.

It's as though I am in a lucid dream.

This odd feeling I've recently been getting whenever I go to sleep.

But it's different today.

...There's a "guest."

Can you hear me?

Hmm, Captain? Can you see me?

An unfamiliar girl is waving before me.

Hmm...? I think you can see me? Is it not a hallucination...?

Wow, it's the Captain-! Captain, it's been so long-!

Eh, huh? Haven't we?

Shall we say that I'm a cat for now?

If we haven't met yet, we'll meet soon. Let's introduce ourselves then.

Then, the girl stuck out her tongue.

It's somehow annoying how you don't even know my name.

It's denting my pride. I'm not telling you.

...You promised.

It sounds full of disappointment.

Full of old feelings.

While speaking to the girl, the pocket watch begins to react.

I could feel a presence breathing down my back ... It did not seem pleased.

A disgust as if its territory had been trespassed.

...

A cold sensation creeping over me, I studied the other person's face closely, but...

I can't recall having met her before.

Anyway- So where are you now? Speitz?

I'm sorry, I get confused with the timeline sometimes.

It's easy to do that when you're between time and space.

Ah, I really want to tell you what's what, but it will get complicated the moment I do.

We do have to avoid the worst scenarios, don't we?

The girl sighed.

If you take the wrong path...

...This will happen.

Through a splitting headache,

a nightmarish view struck my eyes at terrible resolution.

...

*cough cough*

...

...Cap...tain...

Captain...

...Captain, you should go...!

No. This is neither an illusion nor a future that will happen one day.

It is what could happen, or what has already happened somewhere. I'm only showing you the records.

There will come a day when I can answer everything. But I can tell you one thing for sure.

You can stop this from happening. Speitz is where it begins.

...Hold on a little longer. Then, I'll be able to tell you everything.

We'll meet again soon anyway.

...Of course. That's what you'd be curious about right now.

The girl quietly stared at me.

Then, she beamed.

Although you don't know me,

I was very happy to meet you again.

I was very, very happy.

With those words, the girl stepped toward me and hugged me.

So please come to meet me again.

I'll be keeping my promise.

And with that,

my consciousness was dragged outside.

Nine, what are you looking at?

For you to be unable to sleep late at night...

Are you nervous about the upcoming mission?

Hah, that's ridiculous.

It's something I've repeated countless times. There's no way I'd be nervous about it now.

I'm just...

It didn't feel real, so I was quietly trying to calm my mind.

Hmm, I think I know how you feel.

The mercenary life you hated so much has somehow become your everyday reality.

That's right. A life without risking my neck is hard to even imagine.

Hehe, are you worried your future life will be boring?

Are you sure? The floor here is dirty.

You're the only one who still treats me like a lady, Nine.

That planetary incident turned my life upside down too.

Right... It's not just my problem, yet here I am wallowing in self-pity alone.

It's not just your problem, but you do bear the greatest responsibility, so no one can say anything about it.

Ugh...! Cough, cough...!

Alcea...!

You don't need to make that face. I still have time before the next antidote cycle.

I organized and sent over the details of this assignment. Did you check?

Yeah. The location is the planet of Speitz. A criminal organization called the Black Market has something called the "Divine Beast's Egg," and all we have to do is steal it.

It's a bit underwhelming for a final assignment that could free us from the mercenary work we've been trapped in all our lives.

I thought I'd have to destroy at least one planet for them to let me go.

The Divine Beast's Egg is a precious item containing such huge energy that even Peltion covets it, so stealing it won't be easy.

And the Black Market doesn't seem like an organization we can let our guard down around either.

The more I investigated, the more hidden details I found. Not only do they capture Speitz's refugees and sell them as slaves... but there are also rumors they run a dark underground fighting arena.

It's a show for perverts who watch slaves fight giant monsters and enjoy watching them die.

Slaves captured by the organization, forced into death matches. It's like looking at ourselves.

A life that can only be extended by risking our lives to complete missions... That's no different from being Peltion's slaves.

It's not just us. Espada's lives depend on a single small vial of antidote.

Perhaps that small vial is our battlefield, incomparably smaller than any secret fighting arena.

So we're in no position to pity anyone... You really do have good insight.

You can't survive all those battlefields on luck alone.

Hehe...

Nine, this is really the last time.

Have you...ever imagined what comes after freedom?

Whether there's anything you want to do, whether you'll continue as a mercenary, whether you'll quit the Kladenets Mercenary Group.

Well, I haven't thought deeply about it, but...there is something I want to do.

I want to just sit still and relax.

Savoring things like drifting clouds or the feeling of grass against my back,

watching the sky turn from blue to red, then to deep darkness.

And if I get bored, maybe catch a little sleep.

You know it yourself. This kind of relax isn't allowed on the battlefield.

Nine...

Hehe, I bet you won't last long before jumping right back up. You'll say your body's itching for action.

You're right. Only those who've had their fill can afford to relax.

Why not try living like a lady for once? I'll help you.

Are you telling me to wear a dress?

Hehe! I just imagined it. Nine in a princess dress... It really doesn't suit you at all.

Alcea.

Even if I start a new life after everything's over, the Kladenets Mercenary Group will always be in my heart.

Feel free to reach out anytime you want. I have no intention of pretending the past never happened.

...You figured out what I was asking, but you're only answering now? That's cruel.

Sorry, you're right, I do have some insight. And a bit of a nasty personality too.

Honestly, I can't win against you...

I hope everything will be over soon. If only for the sake of your dress.

...I agree.

W-We almost died today...

It feels like they're sending stronger monsters each day. The others are hurt too...

It looks like there are more audiences if the fight's cruel and exciting, and they earn more money.

...How can they do this to other people? These people at the market were all citizens of Critias before...

...

...Nine's very down since meeting Alcea...

Come to think of it, Rico. Did you find anything out about the rune we saw on the pillars?

Well, I understood some of it...

I think it's both a ward and a curse. We'll likely find pillars eched with similar sigils all over the temple. They might protect the sturcture from certain things, but...

At the same time, it will bring down the entire structure if the magic is broken.

There's nothing special required. All you need to do is smash the pillars with the runes engraved on them.

Hmm... It's not hard to activate it, but it has such extreme results.

It might be hard to make use of it.

...Or something more dangerous could happen.

These pillars. I think they also seal whatever's buried under the coliseum.

I think we need to worry more about not being squashed to death.

A collapsing building is nothing.

...I think it's nothing only to you, Nine.

I-I'm sorry. This is useless information...

No! It would have been nice if I could have been helpful...

You're already helping us, Rico! I'm worried that I'll be a burden, actually.

Now, let's all take a rest. Good work, everyone.

Tiphera and Rico return to their seats, and silence ensues in the cell.

...Nine's breathing quickens.

...

Nine seems to have a fever.

I hurriedly tried to wake the others, when Nine grabbed my arm to stop me.

...Don't make a fuss.

It's just... the symptoms of being poisoned. It's only temporary... I'll be fine if I take a rest.

...

Well, there's nothing to hide at this point.

...The planet Espada where I used to live was basically paradise full of resources. Until Chaos bloomed.

We began to construct an ark in a hurry, and the resources were useful for us. Although it did hold us back...

The people of Espada were poisoned by the gas that leaked from mining ores. It was condensed, much thicker compared to other planets since ours was an abundant one. The gas began to slowly kill us.

...We had no time to reorganize ourselves or make a new plan. The people of Espada along with their children were chronically poisoned, and they needed to detoxify regularly.

We became mercenaries to pay off the debt we had from being provided with the treatment. And...

The payment for this mission is the antidote for a full recovery of all of Espada.

...I gave my last one to Alcea .

She was worse off than me, so I made an efficient choice...

Human logic do not work on beasts.

Just then, I remembered Nine's face as she watched the audience at the coliseum.

The rage toward people watching other people die for fun.

Nine chuckles shortly and leans against me.

...It's not something I'd like to announce to everyone. Thanks.

I can feel the heat from Nine.

Protos.

Thank you for taking that hit for me before.

...You reminded me of my comrades for the first time in a while.

They were stupid too. Like you.

They all prioritize the safety of others before their own...

I realized while carrying out various missions in the universe. That not all humans are like that.

Maybe we are born with tribalism, or...

...we might have found out that we can't survive unless we lean on that...

...

Always.

At all times. Until I die.

...

Nine's breathing subsides.

...Just a bit...

Don't worry. I will wake up before the others do...

...

Mercenaries do not distinguish the good and evil of their work.

Mercenaries move only for their clients.

Mercenaries complete only the mission that is given. That's the way of it for drifters like me.

*cough cough*

Don't move. You're losing a lot of blood. I will call a medic.

...Stop it, Nine. The medic is... treating the Protos...

It's all over for the others if the Protos dies... So take care of the Protos.

...

I will steal the Life Cores of regular Agents. If you wait for me here...

...Mercenaries complete only the mission that is given... Isn't that what you said, Nine?

...

Don't do anything useless. I can't put everyone in danger just for the likes of me.

...Nine, you're a good person.

Our militia said they would die standing rather than submit to them. We really would have. If you didn't persuade the others that we have to do everything we can to survive...

You said the words everyone was afraid to say out loud. We thought we had nothing left to us except our creeds. We thought it was over if we lost it. But we still had more to lose.

Life... The fact that we're alive.

You said you wanted to save your family. The same goes for me, too.

For me, you are my family.

...

Nine. Do you like flowers?

What?

My daughter did.

Before Espada was covered with gas, she used to make me a wreath with flowers she brought from somewhere.

...

She was always so bright. She was the light of my life.

...She held on for six months against the gas poisoning.

I didn't have the money to get Peltion's antidote.

After six months, she told me.

With a dazzling smile, like she always did.

I am hurting so much. I suffered up until now.

So now, I wish to be at peace.

...

Nine, imagine it.

The person who is the most important to you, begging you to kill her instead.

What would you have done?

...

I would die myself.

Right?

That's how I felt when looking at my daughter.

...

So.

I can be the only one experiencing things like that.

Protect our hometown, Nine.

Don't be entombed by something like me. Our future is in your hands.

I...

I am a loser who couldn't even save what I wanted to save-

...

...Is this a shower?

(...That's one more thing I failed to protect...)

We'll do anything to survive. That's the only thing we have.

We'll do anything to protect. Even if that means trampling over others.

Since I'm the only one who can protect them.

Enough of your nonsense, Alcea!

You would depend on those market guys? I'd rather have a full-scale war!

...They're the only ones who know where the Egg of the Deity is.

If they require my body as a price... There's nothing I can do about it.

Nonsense. There's no way they'd tell you the information just because you leave yourself in their hands!

Our comrades are in pain, Nine.

...

Peltion's condition is that... with this mission as their last, they'll provide the entirety of Espada with the antidotes.

I can't fail.

Fang would already want to get the information he wants from me.

...Seeing how my past is the past,

I have no intention of making it easy for him.

Since I'm going to dig up information on the Egg of the Deity near Fang.

...Alcea.

He's probably going to make me a hostage and you an attraction while you die in the process...

But the Nine I know would easily break out!

...I'll go to pick you up.

Make sure to stay alive.

...

Okay, I'll be waiting.

...

Wait. Stop the match.

Hey you, come over here.

Huh? Wait, where are you taking them?!

The guards drag me by my arm and stand me before Fang.

I've been watching you.

Aren't you a Protos?

...

It was strange, how you would show such outstanding leadership even within Chaos.

...

Fang smiles gruesomely, showing his teeth.

I think it will be more fitting for a Protos... to be a toy for rich guys with nothing better to do, than being in an arena.

What do you think?

Upon hearing Fang's words, the slaves awaiting disposal crawl toward us.

F-Fang...! Spare me! Please let me go with them...!

Please! I'll do whatever you tell me to do!

All products have their own uses.

You are all junk. Invaluable except that you're alive. Where am I supposed to sell guys like you?

Fang, please...!

My clothes are more useful than your life. Don't try to touch them.

Aagh...!

When Fang gestured, the guards began beating the slave.

S-Stop it!

Oof, you shouldn't resist too much.

He had barely finished speaking when guards dragged someone over from beyond the corridor.

Alcea...!

I'm rather skittish, you see.

If I feel like I'm in danger, well.

Who knows what may happen there?

You son of a...!

Follow me quietly.

Protos, you're coming with me.

It was a dilemma.

So long as Alcea is over there, the very axis of our power, Nine, is blocked from fighting.

And I won't be able to guarantee everyone's safety at this rate.

In that case, it would be better to-

Protos? Are you deaf?

I didn't reply to Fang. Instead, I looked around.

If my memory served correctly, there had to be one nearby-

The moment I found the familiar "pillar", I breathed a sigh of relief.

...?

...

The look in Nine's eyes sank.

Her eyes instantly examined the surroundings as though calculating the conditions required for her actions and the results.

Alcea.

And her hand fly to the handle of her sword.

Get down.

She made a split-second decision and sprung into action even faster.

Nine's sword flashed, and smashed the pillar with the rune with one strike.

Soon.

...?!

The entire building began to vibrate wildly.

Huh, how scary.

I almost didn't make it out.

F-Fang, what happened?

A single pillar broke, the entire arena...!

Well, I don't care about that building. What about Nine and the other slaves?

Most of the guards have escaped, but the wounded slaves and other things are all inside...

Let's take what we can, and leave the rest.

...Pardon?

If the pillar caved down, it would have woken what was buried underneath. The things inside are already dead.

There's no time to waste. Move.

...U-Understood!

I-I thought I was done for...!

If Nine didn't parry that piece of building debris...!

...I told you. That's nothing.

I always wonder if we're even the same species. Aren't you mixed with some extraterrestrial primate and not a human?

...

I was joking. Relax.

Nine sighed.

I'm glad you're okay, Alcea.

Yeah, Nine. Thank you for saving me.

...And let's save our reunion for later.

I don't think it's over yet.

With those words, something stood up from inside the collapsed coliseum.

Grr...

...What is that...

I'm sure of it. That's...

The king of the sand tombs... T-To seal that-!

Grr... Aghhhh...

That's... the worries of the Critias ancestors... It will only consider us to be invaders and eliminate us...

...Everyone, run. I will do what I can and...

It's not an opponent you can face alone!

I know, but... I can't put you all in danger...

If one should disappear with the obsession of the past kingdom... it should be me...

No.

We're all going to escape.

Nine...?

I can't die like a dog I have to try.

Protos.

Lead us.

...You're childish at times.

Nine and I smiled at each other.

D-Did we defeat it...?

It will recover before it collapses completely. We have to run. Now!

W-Wait. Please help...!

Don't leave us behind...!

I'll take care of those who fall behind!

*panting*...

Has everyone climbed up safely?

Ugh... Help...

Stop!

You're guarding this place even in this situation?

Why are you working in the market with such responsibility?

You should have just died below!

Where's Fang?

What's that to you? You're going to die here anyway!

Aagh...!

Let me ask you again. Where's Fang?

H-Help...!

He's already escaped! We don't know where he went!

...He abandoned you and ran? He's quick to understand the situation.

Argh!

Nine, calm down. First... we need to heal the wounded.

Alcea's holding on, but we don't know what other problems there are.

...

Are you all okay? Take this first...!

I'm done for. I can't feel my legs... Ouch! That hurt!

I-I'm sorry! You said you couldn't feel them...!

...

Nine sheathed her sword and stared beyond the sandy desert.

Soon, she approached me and leaned her forehead on my shoulders.

...Good job, Protos.

Thanks to you, we easily made it out.

...

Let's go to my ship first. There will be a spot for us to rest for a while with this number of people.

Protos, you should come to my ship too and contact your comrades.

...There's no need to do that.

Someone surrounded us through the sandy wind.

Nine and Tiphera prepared for battle. When the wind drew back, the opponent came into view.

SS Nightmare, I found a target that looks like the Captain.

Captain! You're safe, right? Are you hurt...!

...Rei, step back.

Chaos contamination levels... Exceeded the limits.

...

...Are you the Captain...?

Renoa, what's wrong...?

...Protos, are they your comrades? They don't look exactly friendly.

...Nightmare, scan the biosignatures of the target.

Detected biosignature. Analyzing...

Analysis results, the biosignatures are 99% in accord with the Captains. However...

The energy of the parasitic plant of the Cosmic Deity Sekred, "Burning Life," encountered in Chaos has also been detected.

That is when I became aware of the feeling of heat boiling from deep within me.

Almost terrifying healing abilities, as well as my physical abilities...

...!

SS Nightmare, prepare for the return of the Captain.

And tell Elaine too. We must take action for the Captain...!

...Wait, what kind of action?

I know that you are the Protos' comrades. But it doesn't look like you'll see them off easily.

Renoa's gun shoots out from her holster, and aims for Nine.

...I don't know who you are.

And you probably don't know who I am.

So, why don't we go our separate ways?

This is strictly the business of the insiders on the SS Nightmare. Keep your nose out of it.

In that case, tell me what you are going to do to the Protos now.

Make me understand, and I will willingly let the Protos go.

...We will never harm the Captain.

You say it's going to be safe, but you're pointing a gun at me. I can't trust someone like that.

...Who is this, really?

The Captain is from the SS Nightmare! You're only an outsider, why are you acting all friendly?

Outsider or whatever. This Protos is...

Nine examined me and rolled her eyes.

It looks like she is contemplating how to define our relationship.

...My companion.

I can't let you take the Protos until you tell me for sure who you are.

Just then.

It looked like sparks were flying out of Renoa's eyes.

...Prepare for battle.

It looks like we won't be finishing this in a conversation.

I shall make sure to take the Captain from you.