On a Gentle Breeze

Psyche, I'm here to take you home.

Is this... my home?

Honey, look, Psyche is smiling at us.

...I wonder whether this child's birth in this world was a blessing or a curse.

...Yes, we weren't born with blessings.

Mum! I promised Psyche I'd bring her home today to play with blocks...

Who says you can play with her? How many times have I told you to stay away from these unclean people? Do you want to get killed by dark magic?

Ugh, now these blocks are all dirty. Throw them away now!

That day, feeling wronged and confused, I bathed all night until my skin bled.

Please, sir, you've got it all wrong. My daughter is a good girl, she knows better than to steal a necklace and hide it in a flowerpot!

Save it. Is there even one Charon kid who isn't light-fingered?

Alright, if she's so innocent, she can prove it: just smash all the flowerpots here. That'll clear things up.

...It's all because, we are "demon's children."

Aargh... why...

She's such a kind child, and we've always been decent, law-abiding people... Why did this happen to us?

...At this point, there's nothing left but to turn to Dr Henrik Ethelred. It's the last thing we can do for her.

Mum, Dad, I'm sorry...

...It's all meaningless.

You bring these things to me every day, but what difference do they make?

Psyche, you should know what it means to be sent here.

Yes, I'm aware.

...But are we just living for some kind of "meaning"?

...Psyche...

...Can you hear me...

Talk to me, Psyche...

Is someone calling out my name...

Are they trying to tell me not to fall asleep like this...

You've witnessed your entire life. A cursed beginning, and a meaningless end.

It's all meaningless, how you've always appeased others with a fake smile. Are you really that selfless? No, you're just cowardly begging for their pity, and for them to remember you, as before you turned into a monster!

It's all meaningless, their fleeting pity and memories will soon wither and decay with time, leaving you rotting in the ground, utterly forgotten.

What are you thinking? What are you furious about? Ah, I see. You crave to vanquish me. You still harbor the naive thought that by eliminating me, your life will return to those amusingly peaceful and tranquil days.

Well, you're wrong. Deterioration is irreversible. Once I die, you'll vanish along with me!

Just embrace me, and yield to the primal urges of this flesh. Be a beast... none of this absurdity can hurt you anymore...

You "demon's child."

Just be a beast... you demon's child...

Right... My time...

Has already... come to an end.

It's you...

Stand up...

Stand up... Don't yield to this cold, unfeeling world!

I...

Psyche, don't lose hope.

It's you...

Stand up... Don't yield to this cold, unfeeling world!

Don't yield to this cold, unfeeling world!

I...

Are you insane? What do you think you are doing!? Kill me, and you will be gone too!

It's them! They are the ones who insult and hurt you! And you choose to destroy me!?

You should've followed the desire of this body to destroy and pulverize everything!

No, this is not right. 'Cause I remember...

Psyche, do you remember what your deepest wish has always been?

Yes, I remember now.

I've always wanted to leave this place and see the world.

To find a warm place where flowers always bloom.

I wish to make it there. I will make it there.

Psyche, I'm here to take you home.

I've still ended up... hurting you all... I'm so sorry...

It's okay. Let's go home together. They wanted me to tell you, they're all waiting for you.

...Home...

...But it's already... too late...

...Outsider, aren't you a know-it-all? Didn't you say your brain was a million times smarter than mine? Do something, now!

...

It's too late. She's fatally wounded... she won't make it, even as a Filthoid.

What?! Little minion, did you really have to hit her that hard?

...No, it wasn't Vita... It was me... I killed...myself... I can't...and I don't want to...live like this...

Chin up, Psyche. You said you dreamt of a place warm and full of blooming flowers.

You've said it yourself, flowers bring good luck.

Yes, it must be... a beautiful place.

No, don't just take my word for it, you have to see it for yourself.

Do you know why I love flowers?

Because their seeds, carried by the gentle wind, travel to distant lands... over city walls and mountains, nothing can stop them.

I have one last wish...

I'm all ears.

Target missed. Unable to confirm the status of either target or hostage from this range.

...Ma'am, the Deteriorator, it's already...!

...Something's off. But the hostages are safe, at least.

Rhythm Fischer, Warrant Officer of the Cocytus Escort, 6th Legion.

The Filthoid is highly dangerous. Although it's ceased attacking, it may only be in temporary dormancy. Return to the city immediately, the Escort will take it from here.

No need, ma'am. We took care of it before you got here. No point wasting more bullets.

...I see. That would explain why the target was more stable than a typical Filthoid.

...

I thought you wouldn't act so recklessly anymore. Yet, you remain true to yourself, which isn't bad, This is you.

We've just said goodbye to a brave young lady. I can't let you risk yourself as well.

...Thanks for covering for me back there.

There's nothing to thank me for. After all these years, I've changed from a hedgehog to a rat, living only to see another day. Don't end up like me.

A hedgehog retains its dignity, so it's better to leave the grovelling to the rat.

Ooh, there is one more thing.

I'd never heard of any Deteriorator regaining their self-consciousness, but Psyche briefly did it. With the last bit of sobriety, she shattered that filthy beast with her own hands, telling everyone that she would not surrender.

Did you...make that happen? The magic you were using... It was Resonance, wasn't it?

...! How did you...

Relax, I'm not going to press you about your past. But remember what I'm gonna say...

This power of yours will spell disaster for you in the Empire. I remember the last person who had this kind of power plunged the whole Empire into bloodshed and chaos, and their end was utterly miserable, they ended up swinging from the gallows in the square of Dismania.

...

Alright. Just let it out. You'll feel better after a good cry.

The wind here is so strong, I can't hear a thing. Even if I hear some noise, it's just the sparrows chirping.

I've seen this kind of thing countless times. But I tell myself, "You've only got one night for tears."

Anyway, pull yourself together. That girl would surely wish for you to face tomorrow with a smile.

...Even if we were once deceived by this world.

So, just use your power with utmost caution.

May your soul find peace in the depths of the Misty Sea...

You have come, child... Please, wait while I complete this final rite.

…May you be reborn within the bosom of Mother Embla.

Greetings, child. I roam as the Ferrywoman of the Misty Sea, or, if you prefer a more personal touch, you may call me Lady Nifle.

Having journeyed here, I've heard the whispers of a wandering soul in this place; thus I've come to guide "her" back to the Misty Sea.

A wandering soul?

Yes. Child, do you, too, hold a departed soul in your thoughts?

How did you know?

My eyes can see the longings of souls.

As I guided her, I glimpsed all she held dear, and among these visions, I saw you.

...She was a friend of mine.

I... I failed to protect her. She must be... disappointed in me.

Quite the opposite. Many souls I've witnessed depart with intense grievances and bitterness, their cries thick as the fog along the riverbanks.

But her voice was very gentle. It bore no sorrow, anger, nor resentment, only expressions of gratitude and... blessings.

Perhaps, those were meant for you.

But...

Child, I have lived long and bid farewell to countless souls, and I've heard such words time and again.

Just as plants succumb to wildfires and bugs perish in storms... Impermanence is a part of life. Sooner or later, death touches us all.

Rather than cursing fate's indifference and cruelty, or lamenting our frailty, we can choose to... cherish the memories we hold dear.

After all, if death is the inevitable, then every moment alive is a miracle that defies the odds, isn't it?

I believe that the gentle soul who journeyed to the Misty Sea would also wish that... when you recall your time together, you'd find yourself smiling, not crying with grief.

The Misty Sea... is the cradle and resting place of life for Charons. Souls of the deceased return there, and the living emerge from it, life flowing in endless cycles.

If that's the case...

Were it someone else asking, my answer would be this: The cycle of life and death is a universal law, not to be defied by human might.

However, child, I sense... you are bound by an unusual destiny.

One day, when you have garnered enough strength to confront this world's unveiled truths and even challenge its very laws...

Perhaps then might you step into the river of life, to its terminus, the Misty Sea, where the departed souls await beyond the veil of time.

Hehe... I am merely an observer by the riverbank. The answer to this question must be discovered by yourself.

If your heart truly yearns for it, then proceed on your path.

Godspeed, dear child.

(The Misty Sea... Departed souls...)

(The world's truths and its laws...)

You've embarked on your journey.

Perhaps you've explored new places, and have met new friends...

...

You seem sad.

...Yes.

I had a sad dream, well, I'm not sure if it was a dream.

I feel like I've lost something important.

Trying hard to hold onto something, yet it slips away like sand through our fingers.

Time, and life... it's all like this.

To be born is to be destroyed; to meet is to part ways. The only thing that ever lasts in this world is "oblivion."

Where are you going...?

Like you, I'm starting my own journey.

Wait! Who... who are you?!

My name is...

Our paths may cross again one day.

Pain and hatred have been my acquaintances. They've wearied and agrieved me...

Yet, I find joy in having existed in this world.

This is my choice.

Er, it broke.

Well, it is made from scrap, after all. I was surprised that it would work!

Back already? Shouldn't you be following Henrik?

A young man just climbed up here, and now three others? What's all this about?

Just as I thought, he startled the Filthoids here and got attacked.

Looks like this gate still works. But it's locked...

Seriously, why do they need all these security measures for an abandoned old pit?

...Probably to keep curious folks from stumbling into a Filthoid attack.

Let's try our luck! Maybe there's a key lying around here somewhere.

Wow... take a look at this! Margie would flip if she saw it!

This ore's pretty tough, though. It might just break Miss Margie's shovel.

Let me help you, Vita!

I've got this. Hey Psyche, while the Demon King isn't looking, how about we split the treasure?

I'm good. You can keep it all to buy yourself some nice clothes or something. I... don't really need the treasure.

What's this?

Psyche, can you hear me?

Talk to me, Psyche...

You said it yourself, there's so much you want to do...

...

No need, ma'am. We've taken care of it before you came. It's dead as a doornail now, no need to waste more of your bullets.

Took care of it?

No signs of life, indeed. That explains why the target was more stable than the average Filthoid.

Although... was it just the two of you? You look like Phoxhunters from your outfits, am I right?

Precisely.

That's not it! Ma'am, during my earlier scouting, though from a distance, I saw these Charons using magic...

They... They might be accomplices of the Deteriorator! These low-life beings, all wicked sorcerers! They should all be...

...

...Er, I'm not saying... I was just referring to them, ma'am. I'm not saying that all Charons are... Anyway, I didn't mean anything by it!

...Punishing the guilty shouldn't affect the innocent.

We appreciate your support of the Legion. Please come with us to the Security Bureau; we shall offer you handsome rewards.

Dispose of the Deteriorator ASAP to avert public alarm.

...Don't touch her.

Hmm?

She... was trying to keep away from the crowds, that's why she ran towards the outskirts so desperately.

...Even in her last moments, she was still trying... to do something for others...

What do you mean by "dispose of"... How could you even...

What did you say?

Are you alright? Should I arrange a military medic for you?

Not at all, ma'am. My friend is just a bit shaken up, we'll be fine after a few warm drinks at The Asphodel.

We'll talk about the reward another time, got another commission to attend to.

...Let's leave.

She was not a Filthoid or some trash for you to dispose of.

Her name was Psyche. She was a citizen of Icelake. Tonight, she protected everyone in the city from Deterioration.

I will make sure she receives a proper send-off. Stay away from us.

What are you talking about? You're defending a Filthoid? Ma'am, this one-eyed brat is highly suspicious, might need a thorough interrogation...

That's unnecessary.

In Charon tradition, we don't bury the deceased. Instead, we set them adrift on water, believing it carries their souls to the eternal Misty Sea.

Let's move on. I'll explain the situation to the higher-ups.

...

...

Took care of it?

...

I thought you wouldn't act so recklessly anymore. Yet, you remain true to yourself, which isn't bad, This is you.

We've just said goodbye to a brave young lady. I can't let you risk yourself as well.

...Thanks for covering for me back there.

There's nothing to thank me for. After all these years, I've changed from a hedgehog to a rat, living only to see another day. Don't end up like me.

A hedgehog retains its dignity, so it's better to leave the grovelling to the rat.

Ooh, there is one more thing.

I'd never heard of any Deteriorator regaining their self-consciousness, but Psyche briefly did it. With the last bit of sobriety, she shattered that filthy beast with her own hands, telling everyone that she would not surrender.

Did you...make that happen? The magic you were using... It was Resonance, wasn't it?

...! How did you...

Relax, I'm not going to press you about your past. But remember what I'm gonna say...

This power of yours will spell disaster for you in the Empire. I remember the last person who had this kind of power plunged the whole Empire into bloodshed and chaos, and their end was utterly miserable, they ended up swinging from the gallows in the square of Dismania.

...

Alright. Just let it out. You'll feel better after a good cry.

The wind here is so strong, I can't hear a thing. Even if I hear some noise, it's just the sparrows chirping.

I've seen this kind of thing countless times. But I tell myself, "You've only got one night for tears."

Anyway, pull yourself together. That girl would surely wish for you to face tomorrow with a smile.

...Even if we were once deceived by this world.

So, just use your power with utmost caution.