The Reborn

Mmm. Alive and not incapacitated, no broken bones then.

Who are you...? How do you know my name? Berry, where are we...

No, we were...

(I must find Berry. If it weren't for me, she would've managed to escape from those soldiers...)

(Maybe...)

Hey, are you even listening? Camilla and Snow have come all this way to save you! You better come with us to the city right now, or else you'll soon become a snack for some wandering Filthoids!

To... the city?

Got a fright, huh? No worries, you'll be safe in a jiffy, Icelake is the largest city in northern Hyperborea!

Hyperborea... I'm in the Hyperborean Empire...?!

Well, yeah... What's the big deal?

Do you know this woman called Sibylle? Others refer to her as the "Chief," and she's supposed to be in this country... I need to find her.

Sibylle is a common name, but there's only one that's linked with the title "Chief." You want to find her? How did you lose your mind to the blizzard? I thought Charons are supposed to be resistant to cold temperatures.

I'm serious. She might've taken some...thing that's very important to me, so I must find her and get to the bottom of it.

Espionage, assassination, defiance... With what you've just said, the Imperial soldiers could just arrest you for these three reasons alone. If you really want to find the Chief, I'd advise you not to rush into it.

For the last time, if you don't want to end up as Filthoid fodder, come with us.

Thanks for saving my life. But...

You're worried, and suspicious..."These two strangers must be up to something."

...!

Then stay here and mull it over by yourself, if you think there's anything about you that's worth anyone else's time.

...

(Right... I have nothing to lose now, what more could they possibly take from me?)

I'll go with you.

I'll go with you.

You seem to be all bruises and cuts, are you alright?

I'm fine. The pain's gone now.

Something really bad must've happened to you... But no worries!

You're under my wing now! Snow will protect you! After all, Snow is...

Woooaaah...!! WWWWWhat is that over there?!

Seems like someone's had a bit of a mishap, and it's even attracted some Filthoids... Those nasty monsters!

Phew, thank goodness we took them down...

I'm not afraid! I... I was just worried about that poor driver!

Well... that was because you seemed so talented, so I decided to give you a simple test...

...Anyway, I have another question.

Do you know how far it is from this "largest city in northern Hyperborea" to Purgatorio Island?

It's a small island... should be to...

The south of Hyperborea, under a huge Heaventree, right? It's far, far away, over 1,500 kilometres from here.

...!!

What, did you come from there or are you trying to get there? Eh, don't worry about that now, let's find a safe spot to take a breather first.

(That far away... so I didn't just drift here.)

(But who... and why would they bring me here?)

The city gate is just up ahead. Follow behind us, we'll get you in!

And keep your mouth shut. If anything comes up, our almighty Camilla will take care of it!

Okay.

Stop right there.

Ugh, not another check! Don't even remember Camilla and Snow, huh? Looks like your eyes and your brain aren't working very well.

Not you, Luno. I was talking to...

Oi, one-eye! In such a hurry to visit the Security Bureau for tea, eh?

...

You're not from here, are you? Where are you from? Got your travel permit?

Which island? Be specific, there are like a million islands in the South.

Never mind, show me your travel permit.

Wha...

Ah, yes, this is my cousin's child. They were attacked by Filthoids on their way from Marberg. My cousin died... But this kid miraculously survived.

...She's from the south, sent by the Vivar Winery to deliver goods. The bridge was slippery, so the cart overturned, and some Filthoids destroyed this poor thing's cargo and luggage.

I'll reapply for the travel permit soon, but the child is quite shaken. Please, have mercy on this poor thing, let her in for a warm meal.

Whoa... why are you crying? Darn it, Chief never told us how to deal with tearful young ladies!

This would've been a simple matter in the past, Ms Camilla, but... you know, recently that "Fork Shakens" or something is wanted nationwide, so the Chief specifically asked for strict security checks across towns.

...It's "The Forsakens." I tell you what, I, Camilla Scarlet, on my honour, assure you that she has nothing to do with The Forsakens.

Alright, I trust you, Ms Camilla. But remember, keep a close eye on this kid and don't let her stir up any trouble in town. If the Chief finds out about this, we'll both be in for it.

Thank you. Next time you come to The Asphodel, it's on the house.

(So... this is a "city"? Never seen or been to one before...)

(But I have no idea where to go... Guess I should find Snow and the lady called Camilla first.)

Don't cause any trouble in town, you hear me?

An excellent performance, I must say.

I'd say you are normally an honest kid. Look, your hands are still shaking.

It's alright. You'll get used to these tricks of survival in no time in a place like this.

Alright, now that I've brought you in, the deal is fulfilled, I should go back to my tavern. Stay out of trouble for me, alright?

Wait a minute! I'm still quite confused.

Then make it quick. Time is money for a merchant.

Yep! Just yesterday, in the pitch-black windy evening, a fiend cloaked in white light infiltrated Camilla's tavern and threatened her...

Hmm?

Well... a hooded man in a white cloak struck a deal with Camilla to find you and bring you into town.

Do you remember what this man looked like?

He was covered head to toe, quite a mysterious figure, you don't know him either?

I have no clue.

How curious. Some enigmatic benefactor from nowhere is willing to spend a fortune to save a stranger but doesn't want to reveal his identity or intention.

Someone will pluck you from the briny waters and lead you to a frozen wilderness, where destiny will pose the ultimate test.

(...Could it have been the person from my dreams who orchestrated my rescue? But to what end have I been brought here?)

Snow just told you, didn't she? It's leagues away. If you're planning to head back there... the southbound train comes with a hefty fare, not to mention the travel expenses... You'd need at least a few thousand silver coins.

Even if you'd rather beg your way across the Hyperborean plains, you'd still need to somehow deal with the inspections in every town you pass. Next time, you might not be so lucky...

For all you know, you might well find yourself languishing in prison.

(Hmm... right, going all the way back is no picnic. I must first get some money and, as that soldier mentioned, a "travel permit.")

The 13th Legion is directly under the Emperor's command, with bases in every province, so Sibylle could be in any part of Hyperborea.

The most likely place, though, is the colossal steel bastion in Dismania, the imperial capital city, where you can find the Empire's finest soldiers and an arsenal of every type of conceivable and inconceivable armaments.

If Hyperborea is a roaring chariot, that place is its engine, its fiery core, if you want to give it a try, go ahead. You're neither the first nor the last madcap I've seen.

(So, what I'm facing isn't just Sibylle but the Empire behind her. Do I stand a chance? Not for now, at least... I need a plan B.)

Let's call it a day. I've been out so long, The Asphodel might be in quite disarray by now.

...

Try and survive on your own.

If you can't even do that, then don't ever again mention any mad talk about confronting Sibylle to get your stuff back.

...Look, there's an inn up north called the Hypnos' House that might take in someone with a sketchy backstory like you.

You mean... that spooky "haunted house"?

Where else would take in a Charon without a travel permit but a place that is so creepy even the soldiers didn't want to search?

I understand, thank you.

Umm... Alright! Seeing you so lonely and lost, I'll take you to this Hypnos' House to see what's what!

What exactly did you mean by "haunted house"?

I heard about it from the guests at The Asphodel. There's always someone complaining...

Like, even though it's such a big inn, the doors are always shut tight every day, turning away any travellers from outside the town...

Or how the lodgers seem to never ever leave, and sometimes, there's this really weird smell drifting from the inside of the house...

And how the innkeeper's face is colder than the waters of Lamenting Lake... It's as if he's not running an inn, but a coffin shop!

It doesn't sound too bad. I thought it was crammed with Filthoids and Sibylles.

But, if they don't welcome outsiders, I doubt if I can...

Still, it seems Ms Camilla Scarlet holds some sway here. Hmm... perhaps I could leverage her influence a little bit.

Nah, you can use Snow's name. From now on, you're under my wing, my little minion!

Thank you, but what's a "minion"?

It's what they call someone in those stories who's the favourite lackey of the awesome Demon King!

Among all the Luno in the world, why else would little ol' Snow have these nifty horns, if not to be a Demon King one day? It's totally my destiny!

And it was those mysterious voices that brought me to you, so you must be the minion sent by destiny!

Soooo~ I've made up my mind, with all my wisdom, I'm gonna guide you down the right path!

...

("The Lunarians are generally friendly towards humans"... The books weren't lying.)

The inn's just up north! C'mon, fol, low, me!

(...It's just that this one seems a tad too friendly.)

Here we are! You wait here!

Who is it?

Um, ahem! I am the Pure-White Redeemer ☆ Demon King of Light. Listen well, this person...

Hold on, please!

Ms Camilla Scarlet told me to come to this place. I was hoping to stay here for a few days, would that be possible?

...

No travel permit?

...That woman's misplaced compassion knows no bounds.

Alright then, let's see it.

...?

The price you're willing to pay.

...

Haven't got any money?

I'll find a way to...

Then get lost.

Yo-You're so rude! A real disgrace to Icelake!

Let's leave, Snow.

Mr Henrik, I'm back!

I just tidied up the house again, and it's all set... Ah!

Be careful.

Uh! I got a little dizzy and didn't see the step, thank you.

Are you... a new lodger?

Just a penniless outsider looking for a place to stay, I was about to kick her out.

An outsider? But... if you kick her out, won't she be homeless?

That's none of your concern.

But... the house is still unsold anyway, lending it to her for one night wouldn't hurt, right? She can pay you back when she can, that way we get a little extra cash for basically nothing.

If you keep being so cold to everyone, you'll never find a buyer for that place.

You...

...Fine, have it your way then.

But just for one night. Come morning, you must go wherever you're supposed to.

...Understood.

The house is to the south, follow me!

Here we are.

This room has just been cleaned up. You can stay here tonight.

Cool!

Don't be upset, Mr Henrik isn't really that greedy. It's just we've been quite strapped for cash lately, otherwise he wouldn't consider selling his old house to make ends meet.

It's been neglected for years, but after a good clean, it's not half bad, right? At least it keeps out the chill!

Oh, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Psyche, a lodger at the Hypnos' House. And sometimes I help Mr Henrik out.

Vita... That's quite an uncommon name in this city.

Mr Henrik mentioned you're not a local. Where are you from? Your outfit is a new sight for me.

A small island, far, far to the south.

The South, I know it! It's a place with four seasons, including spring! And an island... you must have seen the "ocean." I've heard it's even bigger than a hundred Lamenting Lakes put together...

(Stomach growls)

O-Of course not! We luno folks aren't as fragile as you... We don't get hungry so easily.

...Are you hungry? I'll get you something to eat. Be right back!

Who'd have thought such a rude and gloomy innkeeper would have such a nice and helpful kid working for him...

Thanks to her, we've finally found a place to stay. Let's rest a bit, I'm quite tired too!

(So much has happened... Weird dreams, that mysterious man in a white cloak, Sibylle, and "No. 0"... They all seem to be connected somehow, but I can't figure it out.)

(The only thing I'm certain of is that I've lost Berry...)

(...If she's managed to escape, she'd surely try everything to find me... Of course, I can't rule out the worst-case scenario that Sibylle has taken her to the Legion.)

(The silver lining is, it seemed that Sibylle needed Berry for some reason, so she probably wouldn't harm her.)

(...Anyway, I need to scrape together some money in Icelake, get a travel permit, and then plan for my next move.)

I'm back.

You must be starving. Here's some freshly baked bread.

Berry...?

...?

Are you all right?

...!!

I'm fine. Just so hungry that I accidentally bit my tongue. It hurts, so...

Then you better eat some bread and wash it down with warm milk, that'll make you feel better, be careful, don't bite your tongue again.

...Thank you, Psyche.

Are you sad?

...Hmm? Why?

I can feel it. Even though you're trying to put on a smile, you're not happy.

I'm a bit curious about what you've been through, but Mr Henrik told me not to pry into our guests' pasts.

Anyway... you can take a good rest here, and think about what to do next.

Thank you.

Psyche, I need to ask you something.

I need some money. Is there any place in the city where an outsider might find work without too many questions asked about their past?

Let me see...

Most people here work in the factories... Um, but they all ask to see a travel permit... Well, there's perhaps one place you could try...

Ms Camilla Scarlet's tavern, The Asphodel. You can take up commissions with handsome rewards there.

But, those commissions are often quite dangerous... You might have to go to places even the local Escort would avoid, and you might encounter some wandering Filthoids...

Camilla Scarlet? I met her today. Though I had no idea that her tavern also runs this sort of business.

It's okay, I can handle it. Can you take me there?

Huh? After all this running around, you're going back to Camilla?

Then count Snow in! Snow's more than familiar with that place.

No... Don't...

What are you looking at, you little twerp?

Stay out of trouble for me, alright?

F...Father...

You bastards!

What do you think you're doing?!

That's for underestimating Snow's minion! Now you know what we've got!

*cough*, *cough*...

Alright, alright, here's your money bag! I haven't had a decent meal in days, so I got desperate... I'm sorry!

Oh, you're starving? Guess what, so is everyone in the slums! And you didn't seem so sorry when you snatched the money bag from me!

Mm... How about this: You threw a few punches at me, so now I'm gonna hit you with my shovel a few times! Then we call it even, and you can leave.

...

O...Okay...

Watch out, Margie! He's got something in his hand!

...!

(Something just knocked the dagger away... is that a dinner knife?)

Remember, sometimes a beast baring its belly isn't showing weakness, it might be baiting a trap. Drop your guard, and you'll get bitten.

Like the wild, the city's teeming with beasts like that. Margie, be wary of undue mercy or trust. You too, Vita.

I, I'll remember that...

Ms Camilla? Did you come all this way to back us up?

Since you've come all this way to Icelake, it'd be a shame to meet your maker in this sorry spot on your first day, wouldn't it?

Tsk, I thought some big shot came, turns out it's just a tavern-keeping old hen. What are you gonna do about it? Call the guards? Do you really think those high-ups give a d*mn about Charons...

...Crystallo of Stella... Mr Henrik...

Don't try to be a hero, kid. Run for your life if things get dicey.

The Asphodel offer more than just libations... much more. All for a price, naturally.

Where to begin... Well, it's got a long history. Built by the Empire's first ruler after the Great Migration 800 years ago, it's among the first few cities of the empire.

It's also the northernmost major city of the Empire. Just over a hundred kilometres further north, past the Vidofnir Mountains, and you're on Askard's turf.

Icelake used to be known for its Phoxene veins. Take Glevum Pit for example, one of Hyperborea's largest Phoxene mines back in the day. But now, the veins are spent, only the old factories are barely chugging along.

But then, this is all stuff you can read about in books, things anyone could tell you. I'd suggest you look with your own eyes and listen with your heart, to find out what truly lurks beneath this city's snow and ice.

A bunch of cheap, noisy blighters keen on spinning yarns. Some of them became Phoxhunters to eke a living, some just fancy a bit of ruckus and adventure. One thing they have in common is they often end up more battered and bruised than not.

Truth be told, I've often wanted to give them the boot, let them munch on dirty snow and gulp the north wind outside.

But then, they do manage a fair bit that ought to be the Security Bureau's job. Without them, likely not many in this city would have the luxury to kick back in my tavern.

So I let them gather and natter here, a bit of quid pro quo. Still, I do wish they'd keep it down a little and get into fewer brawls.

Hasn't anyone told you it's rather rude to pry into a lady's secrets for no reason?

Of course, I can share my stories with you, provided you can pay the right price... hehe.

Everything alright?

...!!

I suddenly couldn't see clearly back there and ended up startling that monster... I'm so sorry!

Are you feeling better now?

Yeah, I think I'm fine now.

Great. If you're in the condition to fight, let's take on this monster together.

Sure! I'll do my best to support you.

They say even the fiercest beasts can be brought down by targeting their weaknesses...

It must be the same with this Filthoid! Let's take a breath and find its weakness.

It's slowing down. Looks like those shoulder-looking parts are its weakness!

Crystallo of Stella... Look at its beauty! No wonder everyone wants a piece of it.

What a commotion I just heard. So it was you guys that took out that giant thing? Impressive.

Looks like there's a path over there! Let's get out of here, this place gives me the creeps...

...Wait, when he said "anyone unrelated," he wasn't talking about me, was he?

This trail feels different from the one we passed through earlier, almost as if it's been hand-dug by someone.

Yeah, there are even pickaxes lying around here... Looks like other adventurers have been here before us!

You okay, Psyche? You look pale, and you've been awfully quiet for a while.

Ah, h-have I?

Guess I still reelling from that monster. I keep wondering if it could have once been...

Relax! We're right here with you!

That Outsider said that my little minion is a strong "Daimon," right? So even if ten more Filthoids came at us, they'd be no match for her.

Cut it out. I'm nearly spent, and Psyche was just bluffing.

I'm just relieved you're both safe... Maybe I shouldn't have involved you two in such a dangerous event.

No, not at all! I'm really happy that I took part in such an adventure.

I never thought I'd get out of town with friends, explore unknown places, get in trouble, and fight evil enemies together.

Now that I think about it, it all feels so unreal, like living a daydream.

See? Psyche agrees with me!

...

It sounds like a steam whistle. Is there a train passing by?

...

That's nice. Do the passengers have lights on? Are the windows looking pretty and warm, like tiny flames in a fireplace?

...Oh, I see.

Psyche... when did your eyesight start to fade?

When was it...

I don't really know. I thought it'd be the same as before, just blurry for a while, and then it'd go away. But now it just...

Let's not talk about that. There's a place I'd like to visit; could you come with me?

It's by the Lamenting Lake, near an old tree stump. My dad once took me there when I was little.

...It's been so long.

Here we are.

There should be a small box buried near the roots. Vita, could you help me find it?

Could you open it?

This is a...

It's called a "camera," an amazing treasure.

Dad gave it to me when I was four. That year, he had managed to grow beautiful Lamenting Lake Bellflowers. A wealthy man from the inner city loved the flowers and gave this camera to Dad, which he then gave to me as a birthday gift.

But I cherished it too much to actually play with it. I thought, if I buried this precious treasure in the ground, it would sprout many more cameras by harvest time. Then our family would become rich, and my parents wouldn't have to work so hard.

So I came here alone and "sowed" it. I was quite silly back then.

When Mum and Dad found out about this later, they didn't get mad at me. Instead, they said, "Let's dig it up on your coming of age, as a gift to your future self."

Vita, thank you for keeping me company these past days, but I don't have anything valuable to give you. Please take this camera as a gift from me.

I no longer need it because of my eyes, but your journey is still long.

Please see the world for me with your eyes.

...

Since we're already here, how about a little stroll around the lake?

When I was little, Dad would sometimes bring me here for walks.

Despite the occasional hide-and-seek with the Filthoids, I always looked forward to coming here.

Because I loved the floating ice and mountains here, and more so, I loved watching the trains roar by.

You like trains?

Yeah. I'm fascinated by their destination... the "South."

I've read that it's nothing like Icelake.

The sun's warmer there, and you get to see seasons change.

When spring comes, the ice and snow melt away, and there are flowers everywhere, even in the wilds.

I always dreamed that if I could catch a train, I could actually get there.

But Dad told me, it was not a dream we could afford.

Because... you're Charons?

Yes. And also because Mum and Dad are just ordinary gardeners. We were poor and didn't have the means to board that train.

So, the day you showed up at the door of the Hypnos' House, I was thrilled... I'd never met anyone outside Icelake.

I've always secretly wondered what your homeland is like. Have you seen the ocean with your own eyes? Is it as large as a hundred lakes put together?

If only I could also see it for myself...

...Look at me, almost eighteen and still daydreaming like a child.

Listen, Psyche. It can be more than just a dream.

Besides Berry, you were the first one to be so kind to me. I've always wanted to do something for you.

There's no one else here, so tell me, have you been under threat? You can trust me. No matter how scary the enemy may be, I'll protect you.

I'm a stranger here, I can take you away, just like the day we went to the pit together.

Once I find Berry, we can go to my hometown in the South, build little houses by the sea, and grow flowers around our homes. When spring comes and the flowers bloom, your eyes will heal.

Every day, the sun will shine so brightly that you might even find yourself missing Icelake's snow... Oh, it might be a slight damper on your dream, but are you scared of bugs? The ones in the South are bigger and noisier.

Thank you. I'm not under threat, it's just that...

I just can't leave Icelake, no matter what.

Psyche.

...!

Henrik...!

It's not safe outside the city. You've been out too long.

Sorry! I'll head back now.

Psyche, keep in mind what I said. If you decide to trust me...

Meet me by the ticket booth south of the Hypnos' House at 2 AM.

...Goodbye, Vita.

...