Time of Innocence

This way, Little Minion!

Halt! This is the inner city. No Charons allowed in without special clearance!

Oh, it's you guys. Ease up, they just did the Escort a huge favour.

What brings you to the inner city?

We want to check on Officer Fischer and see if she's okay.

I heard she made it through, though she's still unconscious in the hospital. I can take you there. Just lay low and follow me.

Doesn't look like she's doing too well.

Eek! How come you walk like a cat? Not a single sound at all...

There you are, Outsider. Did you manage to report the situation about the poison to the inner city soldiers?

Yeah, took a while, but they finally got it. How's she holding up?

They said she's stable, but... it doesn't look like she'll wake up anytime soon.

She will.

Why? Don't tell me you are also a medicine expert!

Not at all. It's just that I read people.

Look at her hands, calloused, roughened. Those come from years of hard work. She's indeed a dedicated soldier.

And those eyes of hers, always so stubborn and full of determination. People like that never know when to stop or take an easier way out. They always have to push until they hurt themselves badly.

So she's not going to stay down for long. She'll drag herself back into the fight before the "Charon Hunt" case is resolved. For now, all we have to do is have a good rest and wait for her to wake up.

Rhythm... Rhythm!

Blues...? Keep it down... I'm so sleepy...

Seriously, you're napping in the middle of the day again? The test's tomorrow! Do you even remember where I left off?

Uh... something about the Charons'... "sins"? Yes, what was that again?

Ugh, figures you've been slacking off in class again.

Hehe... working at night always leaves me too sleepy for school the next day... But hey, that's what I've got you for, my personal tutor!

*sigh* I had to work too, but you don't see me nodding off in class. We only get a few years of schooling... How can you just waste them like that? Anyway, the Charons' "sins." It all started from the "Night of Lamenting Lake."

A thousand years ago, right here in Icelake, the horned "demons" the Charons, pretended to join the Solarians for a lakeside festival. But that very night, they did something terrible... Nearly every Solarian there was slaughtered.

That's why... for the crime of the "Night of Lamenting Lake", every Charon born since must carry the burden of that sin for the rest of their lives.

But... it's been so long. Do we really have to spend our whole lives paying for something we didn't do?

Yes. Repayment is all we can do... But if we join the Legion, become loyal soldiers of Hyperborea, or even earn the title of Laurelled Charon... Maybe things could change for us then.

You'll make it, Blues! I believe in you!

Haha, with your faith in me, the 6th Legion's entrance tests don't seem so daunting anymore.

Well, let's wrap up today's Fischers Tutorial with a beautiful tune from my harmonica... Wait, where is it?

I told you to tie a strap or chain to it ages ago... But no, it was "too expensive" and "not worth it." ...Fine, I'll make one for you.

How'd things go at the factory?

All sorted! With the 6th Legion's appointment letter, the factory owner doesn't dare push me around anymore.

Oh, how's it going with the Escort? Are you settling in alright?

Haha... Well, I'm just getting started, you know.

So... not going too well, huh? See, I told you not to rush into joining the Escort like that. You could've focused on prepping for next year's 6th Legion entrance tests.

Nah, it's pointless. I'm way below the passing line on every test, hard work can't make up for everything.

But if I can make a difference in the Escort, I might still have a shot at becoming a Laurelled Charon, right? Plus, I can help the people of Icelake in the process.

Sure, it'd be great if we could pass together. But if I don't have what it takes, I won't force it, I'll just stumble my way through and see what works.

Rhythm, look over there, what do you see?

Um... a building?

Sure, but I mean the spot I'm pointing at, up there.

...The watchtower?

Exactly! More specifically, the light on top of the watchtower. That's the highest point of Icelake!

Every time I look at it from here, it feels so high, so far away, and so bright. Like a beacon from a storybook, right before my eyes, yet always out of reach.

But I'm not the same as before. I'm a Laurelled Charon now! Those dreams I had, performing, playing music, they're not just pipe dreams anymore!

Now I can get into the inner city, climb to the top of the watchtower, and stand under that light... It'll feel like I'm the king of Icelake!

"Soldiers, hear my command, full assault! For the glory of Hyperborea!"

Shh! Keep it down! Are you trying to get yourself into trouble!?

Ah, sorry, got a little carried away... Hehe.

Oh, the 6th Legion's training is no joke. The commander said the first three years will be intensive and completely residential, so I won't get to go home. If you miss me, just look at that light.

I'll be in the inner city waiting for you. I'll save every coin so we can finally live the good life. We'll watch operas, eat whatever we like... No one will push us around anymore.

Blues...

Aw, don't cry! It's okay, really. Three years will fly by before you know it! And hey, maybe you'll get lucky and become a Laurelled Charon next year!

Then we'll climb to the top of the city walls together and show everyone in Icelake just how amazing we are!

Blues... I'll do my best... I promise. We'll... get on the city walls... together...

Officer Fischer! You're awake! Wait... a, are you crying? Did you have a bad dream?

...

I think... I dreamed of... so many things from the past...

Little Minion! Mutt Ears! Quick, come here, Officer Fischer's awake!

Mutt Ears totally called it! Officer Fischer's just as tough as our captain, practically unkillable!

It's you... I remember I was with Blu, No, wait... We were in the sewers... chasing...

The monster! The perpetrator of the "Charon Hunt" did we catch it!?

Whoa, slow down. You've been unconscious for two days. Take a breath, have some water and eat something first.

I'll explain. That day, after they got you out of the sewer...

So... it got away after all... I...

Whoa, easy! Don't tell me you're thinking about diving back into that sewer. Your squad's already on it, and you're supposed to be resting. You're not going to help anyone in your condition.

Yeah. You've done everything you can. Let your colleagues take over from here.

...

I'm sorry for wasting your time. I haven't even been able to keep my promise to help you find your family...

Oh, right.

Here, take this. It's the key to my secret base. The address is written on the back. Could you go there and grab my silver seal with my name on it?

I'm in no condition to do much for you right now, but I can at least write a few letters to ask for help on your behalf.

Yes. Though few in number, there are still some who are willing to lend a hand to the Charons.

I made a promise. Besides, I truly hope you'll reunite with your family.

Alright, we shall gladly accept your help, then.

A soldier's secret base? I bet it's packed with cool stuff! This is so exciting!

The address points to somewhere near the roadside freight station.

She actually built her secret base in a place like that?

People tend to pick the oddest spots for their hideaways...

Some use cars, some find old pipes... A roadside freight station? Seems pretty normal to me.

Uh... please tell me I'm not the only one who used to crawl into random places as a kid.

Is this it?

The entrance should be near. Let's look around.

Hmm, looks like this place used to be an old maintenance room.

Ooh, this place is kind of like my messy... I mean, the Demon King's grand chamber!

Alright, let's split up and look for the silver seal.

Take a look at this.

Why are there so many mining lamps and pickaxes in an abandoned maintenance room?

Back when the Glevum Pit was running dry, miners started swiping gear to sell elsewhere, out of fear of losing their livelihood.

This place must've been one of their stashes. Rhythm probably stumbled upon it later and turned it into a secret base. But that's not what I wanted to show you.

Hmm, looks like this place used to be an old maintenance room.

Ooh, this place is kind of like my messy... I mean, the Demon King's grand chamber!

Alright, let's split up and look for the silver seal.

Take a look at this.

Why are there so many mining lamps and pickaxes in an abandoned maintenance room?

Back when the Glevum Pit was running dry, miners started swiping gear to sell elsewhere, out of fear of losing their livelihood.

This place must've been one of their stashes. Rhythm probably stumbled upon it later and turned it into a secret base. But that's not what I wanted to show you.

I was wondering who the genius was that sent painkillers to someone in a coma. Now it makes sense, that's so Rhythm.

Anyway, this is all I've found so far. What about you? Found the seal yet?

Not yet. But I've learned something else...

When Rhythm was young... her parents were killed by a Filthoid. That same Filthoid took the lives of so many others.

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.

...Protecting civilians is my duty... as long as... you're all safe...

Maybe that's why she joined the Escort, to make sure no one else has to suffer like her parents did.

...

Then... you've forgiven her for what happened that night?

...Or maybe, deep down, I never hated her to begin with.

I just... needed a vent to ease the pain inside...

What I truly hate is the incurable Deterioration and the gnawing helplessness back then.

Nobody's at fault for what happened to Psyche. If anything is to be blamed, it's this broken world we live in.

I get it. Some wounds run too deep to heal. It's not something you can just brush off with a simple "forget it."

It's okay not to forgive. You don't have to force yourself to.

Once this "Charon Hunt" thing is over, and she's helped you gather information about Berenica, you can cut ties with her and never see her again.

Yeah...

It's getting late. Let's hurry up and find that seal.

(A photo of a brother and sister standing under the inner city wall. Scribbled in the top-right corner are the names "Rhythm Fischer" and "Blues Fischer," along with a congratulatory note celebrating Blues' passing the 6th Legion's entrance tests.)

(A harmonica that looks like it hasn't been used in a long time. Its condition suggests it's more of a cherished gift than a personal hobby of Rhythm's.)

Ta-da! I found the seal! See? When it really matters, you can always count on Snow!

Huh, nice work. I guess you've earned yourself a prize, how about a Dewiolet flower crown?

I'm not some little kid you can brush off with just one flower crown! I want two, one for me and one for Vita. Zero for Outsider.

Sure. Once we're done with all this, I'll make you two crowns.

Of course not. Knowing Button Mushroom's little goldfish brain, she'll forget all about it in five minutes. Let's go.

? ...What gibberish are you spouting? Just get moving already.

We're back. This is the seal, right?

Yes! Alright, let's get straight to it.

Miss Vita, please provide your lost family's name, the place where you were separated, their appearance, the clothes they were wearing, and any belongings they might have had with them. Be as detailed as you can, don't leave anything out.

Waah! It sounds like Officer Fischer's going to arrest my Little Minion!

...Oh! Sorry about that, it's a work habit. Don't mind me, just tell me however you're comfortable.

Her name is Berenica, from a small southern island. And I think she may have joined the 13th Legion recently.

She has silver hair and red eyes. She's beautiful, but always dresses in dark clothes.

She's incredibly strong, and loves fluffy things, though her culinary skills leave much to be desired...

Okay, I got it all down. The 13th Legion keeps their information under wraps pretty tightly, but I'll reach out to some reliable contacts. If we find her, what do you want me to do? Should I pass along a message and tell her to come find you?

No, it's okay. Just let me know where she is and if she's safe. I'll handle the rest myself.

Sure. Even though she's not with you right now, I hope... no, I BELIEVE she's out there, staying strong and waiting for the day you'll reunite. Just like me and Blues.

Ah... sorry if I came off too blunt. I probably haven't mentioned this before, but Blues is my younger brother. He's currently serving as a Laurelled Charon candidate with the 6th Legion in the inner city.

Laurelled Charon? That's no small feat. Only the strongest of the strong can make it.

Yes, Blues... he's nothing like me. We were both fortunate enough to awaken as Daimons, but even among Daimons, the difference is stark. He's a gifted child... Even without much practice, magic came to him effortlessly.

But he never took his gift for granted. He worked incredibly hard, and that's why he passed the 6th Legion's brutal selection process, only one in ten thousand can manage it, and earned a place in the inner city.

Congrats, I guess? One in ten thousand, all that hard work, just to lick up the crumbs nobles toss under the table.

...

I understand your indignation. But I'm content with it. Blues achieving his dream is something we never thought possible when we were kids.

Blues and I grew up under the weight of a double burden: the guilt of our Charon bloodline, and... the sins of our parents.

When I was a child, my parents unknowingly sheltered someone who was secretly a Deteriorator... You can probably guess what happened next, that Deteriorator turned into a Filthoid and wreaked havoc, killing many of our neighbourhood.

Under Hyperborean laws, harbouring a Deteriorator is as much a crime as being one.

But even as the children of criminals, the Empire didn't punish Blues and me. They even allowed us to serve in the Legion.

Life as a Charon is harsh... but through effort, we can still make each day a little better than the last. Don't you think?

But have you ever thought...

Greetings, Warrant Officer Rhythm Fischer.

Lynn, Major of the 13th Legion. I've been assigned to take over the "Charon Hunt" case.

So, you're Warrant Officer Fischer and the Phoxhunters assisting with the investigation, correct?

(The 13th Legion...!?)

(Stay calm. She doesn't seem surprised to see me. My cover should still be intact...)

If the 13th Legion is taking over, we'll get out of your way.

You've done well on this case.

You civilians shouldn't have been caught up in this. Thanks to the 6th Legion's bunch of good-for-nothings.

I came to Icelake for only one thing: The "Charon Hunt." Warrant Officer Fischer, I want the full report on this case in my hands within two hours.

And Phoxhunters, since you're already in this deep, might as well keep assisting us if you can spare the effort. Certain matters are better left to the locals, they know the lay of the land, after all.

Come find me when you're sorted. The pay's proper. It's all for the safety of Icelake.