Echocalypse: Scarlet Covenant story · Main story, Act 11: Soil of Faith
54. A Strong Opponent
If we hadn't made it here, I'm afraid they'd have succeeded with this assassination. But, no one knows if it's good for Teslovik or not... Alas, I never thought that we'd have such a strange and complex relationship with our former enemy...
6 scenes, 59 lines
1. A Strong Opponent
7 lines
Sorry to keep you waiting. The Church is taking over at the village. I'll take you to St. Jordan.
You don't look all that shaken up, even after the attack.
I'm more sad than shaken...I knew their leader.
They said they were attacking you on behalf of the God Eaters. Is it an organization opposed to the Church?
Well...yes. The God Eaters are enemies of the Church, but they are unusual in nature.
Unusual?
They were founded by Guinevere, cardinal of the Church.
2. Stage 54-1, before the battle
18 linesLady Guinevere publicly preached blasphemy, steering the people away from the divine word.
That alone shouldn't be enough to threaten the Church, right?
...Guinevere took half of the Church's upper hierarchy with her when she left the Church. The leader of those assassins was Gryph, former captain of the Holy Knights.
Many others joined her, and it was enough to convince many people of the God Eaters' legitimacy.
The core teaching of the Church is [Hear God's word and avoid God's punishment]. With the Calamity becoming a regular occurrence, it's natural that faith in the Church would dwindle if the Church is unable to protect its believers.
...I can't argue with that.
If the God Eaters have brought such unrest to the Church, why are they still allowed to exist within the Empire?
Their existence has not been formally acknowledged. Knowledge about the organization only exists as word of mouth.
They have not shown themselves in public, no high-ranking member has revealed themselves, and there is no written doctrine. It's like they're ghosts.
I see. No one is a God Eater, and anyone could be a God Eater.
And the God Eaters have never engaged in open violence...until now.
They must have gotten hold of your patrol route, and planned to assassinate you in front of the villagers.
(They may well have succeeded if we didn't happen to show up.)
Regardless, I must report back to Her Holiness...major changes may come over the Empire in the days to come.
You're traveling to St. Jordan for business, right? I recommend that you complete your business as soon as possible. I will escort you when you depart.
We'll be careful, and...
We've come this far on our own power. Leave these beasts to us!
...Looks like I've underestimated you. I'll leave it to you!
3. Stage 54-9, before the battle
2 linesThat was impressive. No wonder you've been able to travel on your own. Now that the danger is past, we should be on our way.
Lead the way, please.
4. Stage 54-9, after the battle
12 linesWelcome to St. Jordan, crown jewel of the Empire, and the place where I was born and raised.
So this is St. Jordan...
It was not the solemn holy place that I had imagined - more like a peaceful sanctuary.
Echo Crystal-powered technology blended in seamlessly with the Church's dignified architecture.
The people looked happy and carefree. They seem to live without fear of the Calamity, with worship and prayer the only thing on their minds.
It's probably past Her Holiness' audience hours. I'll take you around the city -
Excuse me, Your Holiness, it seems you have yet to attend to your duties at the Shrine...
...Er, could this wait until later? You know, er, a little break every now and then?
I believe that was why you applied for the patrol mission.
...Sorry, I guess I have to go. Please come to the Holy Shrine when you have time; I'll take you to the best food stalls in town!
It was a pleasure to meet you, Vivi.
Alright, we just received the time and place of meeting from the client. Let's take care of business first.
5. Stage 54-10, before the battle
12 linesWe followed the coordinates away from the church district and into the residential district.
As we got further away from the Cathedral, the solemn religious atmosphere began to give way to the sights and sounds of everyday life.
Night fell before long, and it was almost time for us to meet the client.
Pass through this alley, past the house with a tulip emblem and go straight...the client should be on the right side of the square.
Keep your wits about yourself. Teslovik has minimal presence in these parts, and we have no idea who we're dealing with. We're playing by ear here.
Teslovik? Please excuse the delay; we ran into a bit of trouble before this.
Let's go i...
...
Wait, there must be a misunderstanding...
They're attacking. Get ready for a fight!
6. Stage 54-10, after the battle
8 linesI can't believe the Church marked us so tightly. Looks like we underestimated them.
Are you Gryph? There's been a misunderstanding, we've been sent here by Teslovik!
You think I would believe your lies? You revealed your true colors when you stopped my attack on Vivi!
They're telling the truth. I've confirmed this with Fenriru.
Are, are these people really...
...Who are you?
I'm your employer, and Gryph's superior in a sense. You may have heard of my name in the Empire.
I'm Guinevere, former cardinal of the Church, and founder of the God Eaters.