95. Appointed by the Empress

Wow, I didn't expect the Archive to be so close to the cell. So the two buildings are connected!

Well... The Archive is stationed with troopers and gatekeepers for security and surveillance. They must have acted as prison guards as well.

I see. It seems ridiculous, but if you think carefully about it, it somehow makes sense.

Yeah... but I still wonder if it's necessary to purposely build the prison in such a place. Can't really understand what the bigwigs are thinking...

Just forget it. We need to hurry up and go find them... what?

What's with you?

Wait, I think I heard a loud noise from over there... Maybe... there's a fight going on! Good, I'm going to go get some exercise!

Ah! Taisei! Please wait!

The sound of fighting is... over there! Here I am!

I said, wait! This place... seems to be the Dragon Orchid Institute that Pan Pan mentioned...

She did mention that the Institute is inside the Archive or something! We should go and check it out...

Whatever! As if I care! I'm gonna join the fight right now!

Ugh... We can't stop her anyway. Nothing we can do now. Let's just follow her.

Uugh!

You're tough aren't you? Still standing on your feet after the blow I just dealt you.

Ahahaha... Kind of you to say so. But if you're complimenting us, how about cutting us some slack...

That's a totally different thing... If my ''destined spouse'' were here as expected, you would have escaped death.

But he chose a different path, so your fate has changed as well... If you want to blame anyone, blame your twisted fate.

You're getting insane again. What exactly is your relationship with Awakener?

and I... were made in heaven under the witness of ancient gods. The most appropriate term to describe our relationship is... ''destined spouses''.

Under the witness of ancient gods? I don't quite understand. But isn't it his sister who is closer to those gods?

Rayna is indeed a Vessel, but Awakener is just an ordinary person who is one of the crowd.

... You know nothing about fate. He is the darling of fortune. His choices are what can truly shape the future of this world. This is... my conclusion.

Awakener is the real, Awakener.

... Awaken... er?

Lord Zawa, these thieves are stalling for time. You don't have to waste your time on them.

My side has all been cleared. Now there is only one more bunny girl.

Damn it, you're calling me bunny girl?, Wait, Stara, Yanling, are you all right?

Well... if you mean I'm still alive, then yes.

Ugh... I can't do this... Run, Eriri. Make it count!

Ahhh, what should I do...

What! Oi, what are you guys doing here?

This, this sounds like Taisei... Ehhh? Why are you guys here?

Stara, Eriri and Yanling?! What's going on?

... New intruders have shown up.

...A mob who dares to cause such disruption in the Archive. What a terrible stain on the history of this solemn place!

I know you must have a lot of questions... But now is not the time to chat!

We have to get out of here quickly! So, could you please give us a hand? I think me may actually die this time...

Fine, I don't know what's happening, but I'd love to blow off the steam of being captured! Let's have a good fight before we leave together!

Well, we should be safe here... We, we're finally rescued! Guys, thank you so much. You saved my life!

That's all right. But what were you doing there just now, Eriri?

Well, Pan Pan leaked the information about the Dragon Orchid collection room that day... Plus the guards stationed there today will be fewer than usual, so we just... wait, it's not the time to chat.

What about the public execution? Aren't you supposed to be executed today?

... Oh, you said ''today'', so Dosen was right.

Yes, the so-called public execution must be a cover. The real purpose is to use us to lure Awakener to step into their trap.

... I see. Bad news again...

... Bad news?

Right. Our original plan was to split into two groups. One will go straight for the Dragon Orchid, one will come to rescue you.

If things went well, by now Awakener, Sova, and Xen should have saved you. But something happened.

By the way, we just heard that the Dragon Orchid has been moved away from where it was...

Therefore, what do you think will happen to the Dragon Orchid and Xen's group?

This... is no time for jokes! We have to get to the execution place as soon as possible!

(Awakener, please don't do anything crazy.)

(...and Xen, No, Sunflower! Please keep yourself safe!)

Long live Lady Raeon! Long live the Dragon Orchid! Traitors must be killed! Kill them all!

Seems my people have also understood the Dragon Orchid's value. Hehe, I am so pleased.

It seems that I should also thank you. Without you, they wouldn't have known the value of the Dragon Orchid.

It's... not... the end! I can still... Ouch...

Stupid. I didn't know that you would be so stubborn. I would like to see if you are still able to fight against me after all this.

Ugh... Uh...

I'm dying... We can't win against Raeon...

(Gasps) Ha... Ha... Sova, Awakener, we'd better... retreat.

I hate to say this, but there's nothing more we can do... We can't even get close to the Dragon Orchid...

You are absolutely right! We'd better get out of here first...!

Stop! No one can leave here today!

Not this way either, the troopers are everywhere...

Haha, the fun part has just begun. And you guys want to leave early. What a pity.

You're not in a rush, are you?

Ugh, even the way out is blocked... We're all gonna die here...!

Hang on, stay calm. There's still a way out.

... Uh?

Awakener, why don't you pledge your allegiance to me? If you are willing to be my vassal, your friends would all be safe.

Huh...? W-Why me?...

I know you very well... Probably better than yourself.

Zawa has told me everything about you. Including that your sister was selected as a Vessel, and that you're searching for the Relic, hoping to save her...

Apart from that... she told me who you truly are.

Who I truly am...? What is that? What are you talking about...

That will be a long story. Anyway, your existence is crucial for my kingdom.

Well, wanna make a deal with me? I think it would be beneficial for you as well.

Because I and the Dragon Orchid... can save your sister.

...!?

Can... can you make it happen...?

Yes. As long as you use the Dragon Orchid to absorb all the Echo Crystal particles from your sister's body.

That way, she, will be free from the responsibility that is too heavy for her, and turn back into an ordinary girl.

... Can you save... Rayna...?

, Awakener, you must have searched in other kingdoms other than Eastrise. Now I ask you. Besides me, who else will grant you this wish?

You are wise. You must have known clearly that those foolish heads of states are not even capable of guarding their own kingdoms, let alone lending a helping hand to a stranger.

Horus remains distant from the public. Sooner or later, her clique will collapse from within under the effort of Rasparta. And Nebu Alliance is running out of time, that's for sure.

Levia has the ambition, but is reluctant to show up in public, so she just hides behind the scenes and manipulates her puppets. Who will believe in such a coward hiding in the shadows all day long?

She's just an idiot who deceives the public with bluffs and conspiracies... Undoubtedly, Bifrost will be the first to be kicked out of this war.

Awakener, don't believe her crap! She's just cheating, yikes!

Lady is not asking for your advice. So, can you guys just keep quiet for a while?

Come on, Awakener. Hold my hand. You must clearly know what you should do, right?

...

(... At this point... no matter what we do, it's impossible to turn the situation around. In order to save everyone, I have to submit it to Raeon)

(And, if it's really possible to save Rayna...)

I...

Wait a minute!

... Uh?

All of you...!?