Hearts Resonating

Hold on, everyone just hold on..

One at a time.

Unexpected incidents occurred one after another while you were waiting to meet your employer after arriving at the Campbell house.

Accompanied by a strong scent of roses, Lilies vanished from your embrace, the employer Camilla disappeared, and in the town, pumpkin lanterns clashed with soldiers.

Each event fills you with confusion. You, as you are now, are in dire need of understanding what has happened.

...Still unstoppable.

It's all Awakener's fault, saying that what he sees in me never changes? It must be because this idiot's favorite image is exactly the same as my true form...

Ah... my heartbeat is racing again. No, I can't think about that guy anymore.

I need to shift my focus!

Phew..

Hmm? Are you still following me?

This little one, does she think I haven't noticed yet?

Well, I guess I can hang out with you for a little while.

You left the Campbell family mansion and arrived at the town street.

Upon arriving at the small town street, you look around and find nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps you haven't reached the area where the pumpkin lanterns come to life yet.

In which direction is the street where you witnessed the pumpkin lanterns come to life?

You turned around to ask the messenger servant, who hesitated for a moment, subconsciously wanting to say something.

You... alright, go left ahead, and after two turns, you'll be there.

Under your gaze, the servant didn't say what he originally intended to, but quickly answered your question instead.

Ahem, ahem.

You deliberately ignore me even though I'm right in front of you. Young man, you're really lacking in manners.

A weathered voice you've never heard before suddenly emerged near you. You stepped back and looked around, but saw nothing.

Who's there?

Captain, can't you see it?

Is there something in front of me?

Who are you calling 'something'!

No matter how you look at it, there are only four people in front of you: you, Sova, Snezhana, and the servant of the Campbell family. There's no one else.

Captain, there's a pumpkin lantern with an elder's beard floating in front of you.

A pumpkin lantern adorned with a beard - this description is rather peculiar. It needs to be more precise and elegant.

May I ask who you are?

Just call me Elder Pumpkin Lantern.

You see Sova talking to the air in front of you, and indeed, voices are coming from the air.

Recalling the scene where Lilith suddenly panicked when you embraced her, you immediately realized your uniqueness.

You're not affected by Lilith's abilities and trapped in an illusion. Lilith can't alter her appearance in your eyes, and right now, you can't see the floating pumpkin lanterns that others can see.

Phew... So that's how it is.

Your words interrupted the exchange between Sova and the Elder Pumpkin Lantern, Sova turned his head to look at you.

Captain?

...Let's settle for this place.

For the Festival of Illusion, they even lit candles in the cemetery.

You guys are really working hard, the little sister of the Campbell family~

Huh?

Have... Have you found Camelia?

I noticed it from the very beginning, when I left the Campbell family mansion.

From the beginning...!

Wow, so impressive! So cool! It's like you just walked out of a comic book..

What?

Ah, I'm sorry! Camelia was just talking to herself!

You resemble a character from a comic that Camelia has read, elegant, powerful, and wicked..

I really admire a person like you!

I see, so there's no specific goal, you're just blindly following me because you were influenced by my abilities?

Ehehe..

Now that you've seen me and we've had a conversation, are you satisfied?

Uh, this, um..

What?

Actually, I want to learn how to become a person like you!

By the way, could you give an autograph to Camelia?

What you see is not the real me. Becoming like me won't help you at all, little Camelia.

It's better not to be real. The real self should stay hidden deep within, but... Camelia couldn't do that.

Is that so?

Actually! If Camelia comes into contact with the blood of a Case, Camelia easily enters a special state, and in that state, Camelia always does some strange things..

Camelia knows that those are the things she truly wants to do. But to reveal her hidden, true self to everyone is just too embarrassing..

The real me..

Why are you laughing..

I'm a bit curious, what does the real Camelia look like?

Hey, wait wait wait...

You move along the street, with no one in sight ahead, yet there's always a pressing voice coming through.

The elder is back! Hurry, hurry, we can't hold on much longer!

Are those behind you the reinforcements of the nobles? They don't seem very strong.

I knew it was a wasted trip. With so few people coming, it would be better for the old man to fight himself.

You can hear the sound, but you don't know where it's coming from, so you remain silent, with only the elder pumpkin lantern scolding back sentence by sentence.

Why are you all in such a hurry? Those soldiers can't hurt you. I called for help to ensure justice, not to embolden you.

After turning two corners, you indeed saw soldiers battling with the pumpkin lanterns.

These pumpkin lanterns recover from injuries immediately, they must be eliminated all at once!

Attention, everyone, concentrate your Attack!

No wonder they call it a farce..

Ahead of you, dozens of church soldiers are waving their weapons at the air, leaving only the road and nearby public facilities pockmarked with destruction.

You are from Teslovik, hurry! Help us deal with these troublesome pumpkin lanterns!

We suspect this is a plot by Rasparta, and you guys are specifically in charge of dealing with Rasparta, right!

What a joke! It was you who attacked us first!

We are, what's it called, the righteous counterattack!

That's called self-defense.

We are witnesses invited by the Campbell family. Please, both sides, cease this meaningless battle.

Stop, let these pumpkin lanterns stop first!

Why should we stop first! You stop first!

Captain, what should we do?

We don't have time to waste. We must first stop one side before we can reason.

I can't believe you're all in cahoots with the pumpkin lanterns!

The Church will not let you go!

These Empire soldiers kept fighting with the pumpkin lanterns, unable to distinguish between real and fake. You easily defeated these soldiers and tied them up on the spot.

There's no point in you continuing to fight like this. Only by finding the source of pumpkin lanterns can all of this be resolved.

We are here to resolve this matter.

We're already dealing with the source of pumpkin lanterns! You're just wasting our time!

Are you already working on it?

Snezhana's question was filled with incredulity. It hadn't been long since the pumpkin lanterns came to life, and these church soldiers had already found a clue. This efficiency seemed a bit too high.

Why do you think we're wasting our energy fighting these invincible pumpkin lanterns here?

Ghost Queen!

What are you going to do to the Ghost Queen?!

Of course, the plan is to deal with all of you once and for all.

Without the core, you won't be able to repair your bodies at will. Then... hehe.

What is the Ghost Queen?

Don't pry into things that are none of your business!

They just helped us, your attitude isn't very good, is it?

Did you hear what this guy said, 'solve all this'? He's definitely up to no good!

People from the Empire and Bifrost are not good!

Are you suggesting that the queen is not a good person?

I dare not, except for the Queen!

Everyone, shut up! They are my guests who I invited to help. No rudeness allowed.

Sorry, folks from Teslovik, we might need your help again in the next step..

You still need their help?!

You better shut up.

Why do I feel like we're getting deeper into the gloom?

Because our destination is the cemetery in the town.

I have inquired here during the day.

It's quite reasonable for the Ghost Queen to be in the graveyard.

But... I can't shake the feeling that something's not quite right.

You've known Lilith longer than anyone else. She doesn't seem like the type to have any connection with a graveyard.

Are we really not on the wrong path?

Indeed, the queen is in the cemetery ahead.

Few people usually come to this place, making it an excellent hideout.

..

Suddenly, a harsh noise came from ahead of you, like the sound of a wooden fence being destroyed.

Did you hear that?

It sounds like the sound of a wooden fence being broken, and I think I also heard some shouting.

It seems we didn't arrive too late.

Let's go, we should speed up.

You started to rush forward without concealing your actions. Just after a couple of steps, you were greeted by the heady scent of roses wafting towards you.

...Found you, Lilith!

Shy, shy... little Camelia, do you know how to overcome this feeling?

If Camelia knew, she wouldn't be so distressed.

Perhaps you won't feel shy once you get used to it?

Used to..

Just thinking about that person makes me blush.

How can I ever get close to him again like this...

That person? Get close to him? Blush?

Does sis have someone you like?

No, I was just showing my true self in front of that person, so I was just shy.

Is that person a relative of you?

Not a relative, it's hard for me to describe. Why are you asking this?

It's only when your true self is exposed in front of someone you care about that you become shy, sis.

If that person is not your relative, then they must be someone you like!

Is that so?

Yes, that's right. When Camelia is alone, she says those strange things without being violent, because there's no one around that I care about.

Is that really love?

Well, aside from feeling shy, do you have any other feelings? Like, do you feel happy when you're with them, or do you want to get closer to them? Do you care about how you appear in their eyes?

...Everything matches up.

Being with that person makes me feel 'real'. I can sense that I'm alive, and there's a peculiar scent about them that draws me in, making me want to get closer and hold them.

Wow... It sounds like it's more than just liking someone. Camelia thinks, what you feel for that person, is love!

Love?

Yes, it's the kind of feeling that people who make an eternal vow, swearing to be with each other forever, would have.

Eternal vow... huh?

What's wrong?

Shhh... Someone's coming.

Who is it?

It could be to catch me, or it could be to find you. Who knows?

I'll hide for a while, the people outside are up to you, little Camelia~

You quickly arrive at the cemetery, where a group of church soldiers have surrounded a timid figure.

According to my intelligence, you were the least likely candidate, but I never expected that the 'Ghost Queen' would actually be you.

Eh--? Wait a minute! Kurain missionary, is there a misunderstanding?

What is the 'Ghost Queen'?

Are you going to keep pretending? According to my Bio-Chips, you retain your memories even when you're in a berserk state. Don't tell me you don't remember anything.

Ghost Queen' Miss Camelia Campbell.

What on earth are you talking about... Camelia is not some 'Ghost Queen'!

I believe you're not like this now, but we all know that under certain circumstances, you can become like another person, a confident and strong individual.

Camelia Campbell! You're the organizer of the Festival of Illusion in Siloam, aren't you? All the pumpkin lanterns and candles around the town were prepared by your team, right?

Yes, that's correct.

So, you're the only one who has the ability and the opportunity to interact with all the pumpkin lanterns in the entire town of Siroa and bring them to life, although I have no idea how you managed to do it.

Not to mention that the 'Ghost Queen' those pumpkin lanterns are talking about is currently in the cemetery, and you just happen to be here as well. Could this be a coincidence?

What's your answer, Miss Camelia Campbell?

Camelia really don't know what happened..

Is Camelia the 'Queen of Ghosts'?

If all of this was done by Camelia after she came into contact with blood and went berserk..

There are no ifs, we all know who did this.

pumpkin lantern Grandpa, is the 'Ghost Queen' still in the cemetery?

It's Elder Pumpkin Lantern!

The queen is still in the cemetery, just ahead!

Since you won't admit it, we'll have to call in a witness.

I am the witness, the Jack-o'-lantern, and I am certain that Camelia Campbell is not the 'Ghost Queen'.

Was I say..

What?

She is not, the queen is still deeper in the cemetery

...Alright, it seems that everything was indeed a misunderstanding, Miss Camelia.

So, can you explain why you were in the cemetery? What is your relationship with the 'Ghost Queen'?

I..

('Ghost Queen'... Could it be the sister from before...?)

Camelia can't say.

Very well, it seems you do have a connection with the 'Ghost Queen'.

Wait!

People of Teslovik, you with your pumpkin lanterns... Are you in league with the 'Ghost Queen' too?

No... I just have a question to ask!

There's actually such a hidden place in this cemetery... It's truly surprising.

I'm also surprised that someone would actually visit a place like this.

Are you here to take me back?

Take you back? Do I look like someone who would arrest you?

Wearing the standard equipment of the Bifrost military, dressed in the Bifrost military's unique body-highlighting battle suit... Could there be a second possibility?

You actually like this style, do you have a masochistic tendency? Are you looking forward to being taken back by the people of Bifrost?

Don't you know me?

Should I know you?

...A pathetic trick. Do you really think such words can provoke me?

Well, since you're here, there's no need for me to hide anymore.

You want to go out? Please feel free.

How come the scent of roses is getting stronger?

As expected of the captain of the Nova Squad, you've managed to hold on for so long.

Is this the Church's way of doing things? Attacking the witness without a word.

I'm sorry, but this is not a conflict between the Church and Dark Road. This is a serious criminal incident on the border of the Empire.

No matter who it is--

It's the queen! The queen has appeared!

Everyone turned their gaze towards the depths of the cemetery at the same time. You didn't know how the pumpkin lantern was directing the way, so you were slightly behind.

A girl with white hair and red eyes, dressed in white, walked out from the depths of the cemetery.

...Why are there so many people here? What happened?

It's the queen! She is the queen you all need to protect!

So, you are indeed the 'Ghost Queen'.

Who is she?

Didn't you say you've seen the queen before? That's her, the 'Ghost Girl in White', the 'Ghost Queen', they're all her.

Is she the 'Ghost Girl in White'? Then who is Lilith?

Lilith? Who is that?

No, something must have gone wrong somewhere..

As far as I know, the reason why the pumpkin lantern came to life is because of a girl named Lilith.

She is very unique, I can't describe her appearance in detail, as Lilith appears differently in everyone's eyes..

You recall Lilith's abilities and turn to look at the young girl known as the 'Ghost Queen'.

What, what happened?

The girl in front of you has white hair, white clothes, and red eyes. She doesn't have horns on her head, wings on her back, or numbers on her thighs.

Once I catch you, the mastermind behind the border smuggling case will be apprehended. Any subsequent smuggling incidents will be minor in comparison.

You have to catch me first.

That missionary means harm to the queen! Hurry and protect the queen!

Did you forget about these pumpkin lanterns? Is this what you're relying on, Ghost Queen?

...No.

There's only one thing I can always rely on, and that's strength.

You will soon understand why I am known as the 'Death God'.

A twisted force gathered around the girl named Hera, and Klein's expression becomes extremely serious.

Just by unsheathing her weapon, the concentration of Echo Crystals in the air has risen to a level that can affect the environment..

I originally thought that only Vedfolnir, the former Minister of Defense of Bifrost, known as 'The Judge', had such power in Dark Road.

【Judge】In Dark Road, you can only be second best!

Something like a ghost gushed out from under Hera's feet. You can see clearly, this is not an illusion brought by Lilith, this is Hera's power!

Damn it... All Units, activate the anti-corrosion devices! Retreat!

Run as far as you can!

Thinking of running?

The entire cemetery was shaking, and the ghosts rising from Hera's feet formed an arm behind Hera.

That arm is so massive, it could easily crush anyone.

Slaughter, begin...

The massive arm reaches directly for the ground, crushing the retreating Church soldiers like toys with ease.

...Fighting is definitely not my strong suit!

Kurain pulled out his weapon in an attempt to buy time for his subordinates to escape.

In the next instant, Kurain was sent flying by a blow to the arm, his life or death unknown.

Captain! Run!

This kind of strength..

Captain!!

Speaking of which, I have a question.

What question?

How on earth are you floating in the air? And how are you able to speak?

No matter how I think about it, it seems very magical.

You're being slightly disrespectful to the pumpkin lanterns.

However, I really don't know why I can fly and talk.

I vaguely remember I wasn't like this before. It was the Ghost Queen who made me what I am now.

So you're saying the Ghost Queen turned you into pumpkin lanterns?

No... it was us who actively sought her out.

Why would the Ghost Queen have time to pay attention to us, the Normal pumpkin lanterns? She's just taking pity on us and lending a hand.

Is Lilith's illusion logic ability so strong that she can even supplement the story by herself..

Hey! Show some respect for us pumpkin lanterns!

I'm about to get angry!

Sorry, sorry, I was just speaking off the cuff.

Hold on, everyone just hold on..

One at a time.

Unexpected incidents occurred one after another while you were waiting to meet your employer after arriving at the Campbell house.

Accompanied by a strong scent of roses, Lilies vanished from your embrace, the employer Camilla disappeared, and in the town, pumpkin lanterns clashed with soldiers.

Each event fills you with confusion. You, as you are now, are in dire need of understanding what has happened.

...Still unstoppable.

It's all Awakener's fault, saying that what he sees in me never changes? It must be because this idiot's favorite image is exactly the same as my true form...

Ah... my heartbeat is racing again. No, I can't think about that guy anymore.

I need to shift my focus!

Phew..

Hmm? Are you still following me?

This little one, does she think I haven't noticed yet?

Well, I guess I can hang out with you for a little while.

You left the Campbell family mansion and arrived at the town street.

Upon arriving at the small town street, you look around and find nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps you haven't reached the area where the pumpkin lanterns come to life yet.

In which direction is the street where you witnessed the pumpkin lanterns come to life?

You turned around to ask the messenger servant, who hesitated for a moment, subconsciously wanting to say something.

You... alright, go left ahead, and after two turns, you'll be there.

Under your gaze, the servant didn't say what he originally intended to, but quickly answered your question instead.

Ahem, ahem.

You deliberately ignore me even though I'm right in front of you. Young man, you're really lacking in manners.

A weathered voice you've never heard before suddenly emerged near you. You stepped back and looked around, but saw nothing.

Who's there?

Captain, can't you see it?

Is there something in front of me?

Who are you calling 'something'!

No matter how you look at it, there are only four people in front of you: you, Sova, Snezhana, and the servant of the Campbell family. There's no one else.

Captain, there's a pumpkin lantern with an elder's beard floating in front of you.

A pumpkin lantern adorned with a beard - this description is rather peculiar. It needs to be more precise and elegant.

May I ask who you are?

Just call me Elder Pumpkin Lantern.

You see Sova talking to the air in front of you, and indeed, voices are coming from the air.

Recalling the scene where Lilith suddenly panicked when you embraced her, you immediately realized your uniqueness.

You're not affected by Lilith's abilities and trapped in an illusion. Lilith can't alter her appearance in your eyes, and right now, you can't see the floating pumpkin lanterns that others can see.

Phew... So that's how it is.

Your words interrupted the exchange between Sova and the Elder Pumpkin Lantern, Sova turned his head to look at you.

Captain?

...Let's settle for this place.

For the Festival of Illusion, they even lit candles in the cemetery.

You guys are really working hard, the little sister of the Campbell family~

Huh?

Have... Have you found Camelia?

I noticed it from the very beginning, when I left the Campbell family mansion.

From the beginning...!

Wow, so impressive! So cool! It's like you just walked out of a comic book..

What?

Ah, I'm sorry! Camelia was just talking to herself!

You resemble a character from a comic that Camelia has read, elegant, powerful, and wicked..

I really admire a person like you!

I see, so there's no specific goal, you're just blindly following me because you were influenced by my abilities?

Ehehe..

Now that you've seen me and we've had a conversation, are you satisfied?

Uh, this, um..

What?

Actually, I want to learn how to become a person like you!

By the way, could you give an autograph to Camelia?

What you see is not the real me. Becoming like me won't help you at all, little Camelia.

It's better not to be real. The real self should stay hidden deep within, but... Camelia couldn't do that.

Is that so?

Actually! If Camelia comes into contact with the blood of a Case, Camelia easily enters a special state, and in that state, Camelia always does some strange things..

Camelia knows that those are the things she truly wants to do. But to reveal her hidden, true self to everyone is just too embarrassing..

The real me..

Why are you laughing..

I'm a bit curious, what does the real Camelia look like?

Hey, wait wait wait...

You move along the street, with no one in sight ahead, yet there's always a pressing voice coming through.

The elder is back! Hurry, hurry, we can't hold on much longer!

Are those behind you the reinforcements of the nobles? They don't seem very strong.

I knew it was a wasted trip. With so few people coming, it would be better for the old man to fight himself.

You can hear the sound, but you don't know where it's coming from, so you remain silent, with only the elder pumpkin lantern scolding back sentence by sentence.

Why are you all in such a hurry? Those soldiers can't hurt you. I called for help to ensure justice, not to embolden you.

After turning two corners, you indeed saw soldiers battling with the pumpkin lanterns.

These pumpkin lanterns recover from injuries immediately, they must be eliminated all at once!

Attention, everyone, concentrate your Attack!

No wonder they call it a farce..

Ahead of you, dozens of church soldiers are waving their weapons at the air, leaving only the road and nearby public facilities pockmarked with destruction.

You are from Teslovik, hurry! Help us deal with these troublesome pumpkin lanterns!

We suspect this is a plot by Rasparta, and you guys are specifically in charge of dealing with Rasparta, right!

What a joke! It was you who attacked us first!

We are, what's it called, the righteous counterattack!

That's called self-defense.

We are witnesses invited by the Campbell family. Please, both sides, cease this meaningless battle.

Stop, let these pumpkin lanterns stop first!

Why should we stop first! You stop first!

Captain, what should we do?

We don't have time to waste. We must first stop one side before we can reason.

I can't believe you're all in cahoots with the pumpkin lanterns!

The Church will not let you go!

These Empire soldiers kept fighting with the pumpkin lanterns, unable to distinguish between real and fake. You easily defeated these soldiers and tied them up on the spot.

There's no point in you continuing to fight like this. Only by finding the source of pumpkin lanterns can all of this be resolved.

We are here to resolve this matter.

We're already dealing with the source of pumpkin lanterns! You're just wasting our time!

Are you already working on it?

Snezhana's question was filled with incredulity. It hadn't been long since the pumpkin lanterns came to life, and these church soldiers had already found a clue. This efficiency seemed a bit too high.

Why do you think we're wasting our energy fighting these invincible pumpkin lanterns here?

Ghost Queen!

What are you going to do to the Ghost Queen?!

Of course, the plan is to deal with all of you once and for all.

Without the core, you won't be able to repair your bodies at will. Then... hehe.

What is the Ghost Queen?

Don't pry into things that are none of your business!

They just helped us, your attitude isn't very good, is it?

Did you hear what this guy said, 'solve all this'? He's definitely up to no good!

People from the Empire and Bifrost are not good!

Are you suggesting that the queen is not a good person?

I dare not, except for the Queen!

Everyone, shut up! They are my guests who I invited to help. No rudeness allowed.

Sorry, folks from Teslovik, we might need your help again in the next step..

You still need their help?!

You better shut up.

Why do I feel like we're getting deeper into the gloom?

Because our destination is the cemetery in the town.

I have inquired here during the day.

It's quite reasonable for the Ghost Queen to be in the graveyard.

But... I can't shake the feeling that something's not quite right.

You've known Lilith longer than anyone else. She doesn't seem like the type to have any connection with a graveyard.

Are we really not on the wrong path?

Indeed, the queen is in the cemetery ahead.

Few people usually come to this place, making it an excellent hideout.

..

Suddenly, a harsh noise came from ahead of you, like the sound of a wooden fence being destroyed.

Did you hear that?

It sounds like the sound of a wooden fence being broken, and I think I also heard some shouting.

It seems we didn't arrive too late.

Let's go, we should speed up.

You started to rush forward without concealing your actions. Just after a couple of steps, you were greeted by the heady scent of roses wafting towards you.

...Found you, Lilith!

Shy, shy... little Camelia, do you know how to overcome this feeling?

If Camelia knew, she wouldn't be so distressed.

Perhaps you won't feel shy once you get used to it?

Used to..

Just thinking about that person makes me blush.

How can I ever get close to him again like this...

That person? Get close to him? Blush?

Does sis have someone you like?

No, I was just showing my true self in front of that person, so I was just shy.

Is that person a relative of you?

Not a relative, it's hard for me to describe. Why are you asking this?

It's only when your true self is exposed in front of someone you care about that you become shy, sis.

If that person is not your relative, then they must be someone you like!

Is that so?

Yes, that's right. When Camelia is alone, she says those strange things without being violent, because there's no one around that I care about.

Is that really love?

Well, aside from feeling shy, do you have any other feelings? Like, do you feel happy when you're with them, or do you want to get closer to them? Do you care about how you appear in their eyes?

...Everything matches up.

Being with that person makes me feel 'real'. I can sense that I'm alive, and there's a peculiar scent about them that draws me in, making me want to get closer and hold them.

Wow... It sounds like it's more than just liking someone. Camelia thinks, what you feel for that person, is love!

Love?

Yes, it's the kind of feeling that people who make an eternal vow, swearing to be with each other forever, would have.

Eternal vow... huh?

What's wrong?

Shhh... Someone's coming.

Who is it?

It could be to catch me, or it could be to find you. Who knows?

I'll hide for a while, the people outside are up to you, little Camelia~

You quickly arrive at the cemetery, where a group of church soldiers have surrounded a timid figure.

According to my intelligence, you were the least likely candidate, but I never expected that the 'Ghost Queen' would actually be you.

Eh--? Wait a minute! Kurain missionary, is there a misunderstanding?

What is the 'Ghost Queen'?

Are you going to keep pretending? According to my Bio-Chips, you retain your memories even when you're in a berserk state. Don't tell me you don't remember anything.

Ghost Queen' Miss Camelia Campbell.

What on earth are you talking about... Camelia is not some 'Ghost Queen'!

I believe you're not like this now, but we all know that under certain circumstances, you can become like another person, a confident and strong individual.

Camelia Campbell! You're the organizer of the Festival of Illusion in Siloam, aren't you? All the pumpkin lanterns and candles around the town were prepared by your team, right?

Yes, that's correct.

So, you're the only one who has the ability and the opportunity to interact with all the pumpkin lanterns in the entire town of Siroa and bring them to life, although I have no idea how you managed to do it.

Not to mention that the 'Ghost Queen' those pumpkin lanterns are talking about is currently in the cemetery, and you just happen to be here as well. Could this be a coincidence?

What's your answer, Miss Camelia Campbell?

Camelia really don't know what happened..

Is Camelia the 'Queen of Ghosts'?

If all of this was done by Camelia after she came into contact with blood and went berserk..

There are no ifs, we all know who did this.

pumpkin lantern Grandpa, is the 'Ghost Queen' still in the cemetery?

It's Elder Pumpkin Lantern!

The queen is still in the cemetery, just ahead!

Since you won't admit it, we'll have to call in a witness.

I am the witness, the Jack-o'-lantern, and I am certain that Camelia Campbell is not the 'Ghost Queen'.

Was I say..

What?

She is not, the queen is still deeper in the cemetery

...Alright, it seems that everything was indeed a misunderstanding, Miss Camelia.

So, can you explain why you were in the cemetery? What is your relationship with the 'Ghost Queen'?

I..

('Ghost Queen'... Could it be the sister from before...?)

Camelia can't say.

Very well, it seems you do have a connection with the 'Ghost Queen'.

Wait!

People of Teslovik, you with your pumpkin lanterns... Are you in league with the 'Ghost Queen' too?

No... I just have a question to ask!

There's actually such a hidden place in this cemetery... It's truly surprising.

I'm also surprised that someone would actually visit a place like this.

Are you here to take me back?

Take you back? Do I look like someone who would arrest you?

Wearing the standard equipment of the Bifrost military, dressed in the Bifrost military's unique body-highlighting battle suit... Could there be a second possibility?

You actually like this style, do you have a masochistic tendency? Are you looking forward to being taken back by the people of Bifrost?

Don't you know me?

Should I know you?

...A pathetic trick. Do you really think such words can provoke me?

Well, since you're here, there's no need for me to hide anymore.

You want to go out? Please feel free.

How come the scent of roses is getting stronger?

As expected of the captain of the Nova Squad, you've managed to hold on for so long.

Is this the Church's way of doing things? Attacking the witness without a word.

I'm sorry, but this is not a conflict between the Church and Dark Road. This is a serious criminal incident on the border of the Empire.

No matter who it is--

It's the queen! The queen has appeared!

Everyone turned their gaze towards the depths of the cemetery at the same time. You didn't know how the pumpkin lantern was directing the way, so you were slightly behind.

A girl with white hair and red eyes, dressed in white, walked out from the depths of the cemetery.

...Why are there so many people here? What happened?

It's the queen! She is the queen you all need to protect!

So, you are indeed the 'Ghost Queen'.

Who is she?

Didn't you say you've seen the queen before? That's her, the 'Ghost Girl in White', the 'Ghost Queen', they're all her.

Is she the 'Ghost Girl in White'? Then who is Lilith?

Lilith? Who is that?

No, something must have gone wrong somewhere..

As far as I know, the reason why the pumpkin lantern came to life is because of a girl named Lilith.

She is very unique, I can't describe her appearance in detail, as Lilith appears differently in everyone's eyes..

You recall Lilith's abilities and turn to look at the young girl known as the 'Ghost Queen'.

What, what happened?

The girl in front of you has white hair, white clothes, and red eyes. She doesn't have horns on her head, wings on her back, or numbers on her thighs.

Once I catch you, the mastermind behind the border smuggling case will be apprehended. Any subsequent smuggling incidents will be minor in comparison.

You have to catch me first.

That missionary means harm to the queen! Hurry and protect the queen!

Did you forget about these pumpkin lanterns? Is this what you're relying on, Ghost Queen?

...No.

There's only one thing I can always rely on, and that's strength.

You will soon understand why I am known as the 'Death God'.

A twisted force gathered around the girl named Hera, and Klein's expression becomes extremely serious.

Just by unsheathing her weapon, the concentration of Echo Crystals in the air has risen to a level that can affect the environment..

I originally thought that only Vedfolnir, the former Minister of Defense of Bifrost, known as 'The Judge', had such power in Dark Road.

【Judge】In Dark Road, you can only be second best!

Something like a ghost gushed out from under Hera's feet. You can see clearly, this is not an illusion brought by Lilith, this is Hera's power!

Damn it... All Units, activate the anti-corrosion devices! Retreat!

Run as far as you can!

Thinking of running?

The entire cemetery was shaking, and the ghosts rising from Hera's feet formed an arm behind Hera.

That arm is so massive, it could easily crush anyone.

Slaughter, begin...

The massive arm reaches directly for the ground, crushing the retreating Church soldiers like toys with ease.

...Fighting is definitely not my strong suit!

Kurain pulled out his weapon in an attempt to buy time for his subordinates to escape.

In the next instant, Kurain was sent flying by a blow to the arm, his life or death unknown.

Captain! Run!

This kind of strength..

Captain!!

Speaking of which, I have a question.

What question?

How on earth are you floating in the air? And how are you able to speak?

No matter how I think about it, it seems very magical.

You're being slightly disrespectful to the pumpkin lanterns.

However, I really don't know why I can fly and talk.

I vaguely remember I wasn't like this before. It was the Ghost Queen who made me what I am now.

So you're saying the Ghost Queen turned you into pumpkin lanterns?

No... it was us who actively sought her out.

Why would the Ghost Queen have time to pay attention to us, the Normal pumpkin lanterns? She's just taking pity on us and lending a hand.

Is Lilith's illusion logic ability so strong that she can even supplement the story by herself..

Hey! Show some respect for us pumpkin lanterns!

I'm about to get angry!

Sorry, sorry, I was just speaking off the cuff.

You left the Campbell family mansion and arrived at the town street.

Upon arriving at the small town street, you look around and find nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps you haven't reached the area where the pumpkin lanterns come to life yet.

In which direction is the street where you witnessed the pumpkin lanterns come to life?

You turned around to ask the messenger servant, who hesitated for a moment, subconsciously wanting to say something.

You... alright, go left ahead, and after two turns, you'll be there.

Under your gaze, the servant didn't say what he originally intended to, but quickly answered your question instead.

Ahem, ahem.

You deliberately ignore me even though I'm right in front of you. Young man, you're really lacking in manners.

A weathered voice you've never heard before suddenly emerged near you. You stepped back and looked around, but saw nothing.

Who's there?

Captain, can't you see it?

Is there something in front of me?

Who are you calling 'something'!

No matter how you look at it, there are only four people in front of you: you, Sova, Snezhana, and the servant of the Campbell family. There's no one else.

Captain, there's a pumpkin lantern with an elder's beard floating in front of you.

A pumpkin lantern adorned with a beard - this description is rather peculiar. It needs to be more precise and elegant.

May I ask who you are?

Just call me Elder Pumpkin Lantern.

You see Sova talking to the air in front of you, and indeed, voices are coming from the air.

Recalling the scene where Lilith suddenly panicked when you embraced her, you immediately realized your uniqueness.

You're not affected by Lilith's abilities and trapped in an illusion. Lilith can't alter her appearance in your eyes, and right now, you can't see the floating pumpkin lanterns that others can see.

Phew... So that's how it is.

Your words interrupted the exchange between Sova and the Elder Pumpkin Lantern, Sova turned his head to look at you.

Captain?

...Let's settle for this place.

For the Festival of Illusion, they even lit candles in the cemetery.

You guys are really working hard, the little sister of the Campbell family~

Huh?

Have... Have you found Camelia?

I noticed it from the very beginning, when I left the Campbell family mansion.

From the beginning...!

Wow, so impressive! So cool! It's like you just walked out of a comic book..

What?

Ah, I'm sorry! Camelia was just talking to herself!

You resemble a character from a comic that Camelia has read, elegant, powerful, and wicked..

I really admire a person like you!

I see, so there's no specific goal, you're just blindly following me because you were influenced by my abilities?

Ehehe..

Now that you've seen me and we've had a conversation, are you satisfied?

Uh, this, um..

What?

Actually, I want to learn how to become a person like you!

By the way, could you give an autograph to Camelia?

What you see is not the real me. Becoming like me won't help you at all, little Camelia.

It's better not to be real. The real self should stay hidden deep within, but... Camelia couldn't do that.

Is that so?

Actually! If Camelia comes into contact with the blood of a Case, Camelia easily enters a special state, and in that state, Camelia always does some strange things..

Camelia knows that those are the things she truly wants to do. But to reveal her hidden, true self to everyone is just too embarrassing..

The real me..

Why are you laughing..

I'm a bit curious, what does the real Camelia look like?

Hey, wait wait wait...

You move along the street, with no one in sight ahead, yet there's always a pressing voice coming through.

The elder is back! Hurry, hurry, we can't hold on much longer!

Are those behind you the reinforcements of the nobles? They don't seem very strong.

I knew it was a wasted trip. With so few people coming, it would be better for the old man to fight himself.

You can hear the sound, but you don't know where it's coming from, so you remain silent, with only the elder pumpkin lantern scolding back sentence by sentence.

Why are you all in such a hurry? Those soldiers can't hurt you. I called for help to ensure justice, not to embolden you.

After turning two corners, you indeed saw soldiers battling with the pumpkin lanterns.

These pumpkin lanterns recover from injuries immediately, they must be eliminated all at once!

Attention, everyone, concentrate your Attack!

No wonder they call it a farce..

Ahead of you, dozens of church soldiers are waving their weapons at the air, leaving only the road and nearby public facilities pockmarked with destruction.

You are from Teslovik, hurry! Help us deal with these troublesome pumpkin lanterns!

We suspect this is a plot by Rasparta, and you guys are specifically in charge of dealing with Rasparta, right!

What a joke! It was you who attacked us first!

We are, what's it called, the righteous counterattack!

That's called self-defense.

We are witnesses invited by the Campbell family. Please, both sides, cease this meaningless battle.

Stop, let these pumpkin lanterns stop first!

Why should we stop first! You stop first!

Captain, what should we do?

We don't have time to waste. We must first stop one side before we can reason.

I can't believe you're all in cahoots with the pumpkin lanterns!

The Church will not let you go!

These Empire soldiers kept fighting with the pumpkin lanterns, unable to distinguish between real and fake. You easily defeated these soldiers and tied them up on the spot.

There's no point in you continuing to fight like this. Only by finding the source of pumpkin lanterns can all of this be resolved.

We are here to resolve this matter.

We're already dealing with the source of pumpkin lanterns! You're just wasting our time!

Are you already working on it?

Snezhana's question was filled with incredulity. It hadn't been long since the pumpkin lanterns came to life, and these church soldiers had already found a clue. This efficiency seemed a bit too high.

Why do you think we're wasting our energy fighting these invincible pumpkin lanterns here?

Ghost Queen!

What are you going to do to the Ghost Queen?!

Of course, the plan is to deal with all of you once and for all.

Without the core, you won't be able to repair your bodies at will. Then... hehe.

What is the Ghost Queen?

Don't pry into things that are none of your business!

They just helped us, your attitude isn't very good, is it?

Did you hear what this guy said, 'solve all this'? He's definitely up to no good!

People from the Empire and Bifrost are not good!

Are you suggesting that the queen is not a good person?

I dare not, except for the Queen!

Everyone, shut up! They are my guests who I invited to help. No rudeness allowed.

Sorry, folks from Teslovik, we might need your help again in the next step..

You still need their help?!

You better shut up.

Why do I feel like we're getting deeper into the gloom?

Because our destination is the cemetery in the town.

I have inquired here during the day.

It's quite reasonable for the Ghost Queen to be in the graveyard.

But... I can't shake the feeling that something's not quite right.

You've known Lilith longer than anyone else. She doesn't seem like the type to have any connection with a graveyard.

Are we really not on the wrong path?

Indeed, the queen is in the cemetery ahead.

Few people usually come to this place, making it an excellent hideout.

..

Suddenly, a harsh noise came from ahead of you, like the sound of a wooden fence being destroyed.

Did you hear that?

It sounds like the sound of a wooden fence being broken, and I think I also heard some shouting.

It seems we didn't arrive too late.

Let's go, we should speed up.

You started to rush forward without concealing your actions. Just after a couple of steps, you were greeted by the heady scent of roses wafting towards you.

...Found you, Lilith!

Shy, shy... little Camelia, do you know how to overcome this feeling?

If Camelia knew, she wouldn't be so distressed.

Perhaps you won't feel shy once you get used to it?

Used to..

Just thinking about that person makes me blush.

How can I ever get close to him again like this...

That person? Get close to him? Blush?

Does sis have someone you like?

No, I was just showing my true self in front of that person, so I was just shy.

Is that person a relative of you?

Not a relative, it's hard for me to describe. Why are you asking this?

It's only when your true self is exposed in front of someone you care about that you become shy, sis.

If that person is not your relative, then they must be someone you like!

Is that so?

Yes, that's right. When Camelia is alone, she says those strange things without being violent, because there's no one around that I care about.

Is that really love?

Well, aside from feeling shy, do you have any other feelings? Like, do you feel happy when you're with them, or do you want to get closer to them? Do you care about how you appear in their eyes?

...Everything matches up.

Being with that person makes me feel 'real'. I can sense that I'm alive, and there's a peculiar scent about them that draws me in, making me want to get closer and hold them.

Wow... It sounds like it's more than just liking someone. Camelia thinks, what you feel for that person, is love!

Love?

Yes, it's the kind of feeling that people who make an eternal vow, swearing to be with each other forever, would have.

Eternal vow... huh?

What's wrong?

Shhh... Someone's coming.

Who is it?

It could be to catch me, or it could be to find you. Who knows?

I'll hide for a while, the people outside are up to you, little Camelia~

You quickly arrive at the cemetery, where a group of church soldiers have surrounded a timid figure.

According to my intelligence, you were the least likely candidate, but I never expected that the 'Ghost Queen' would actually be you.

Eh--? Wait a minute! Kurain missionary, is there a misunderstanding?

What is the 'Ghost Queen'?

Are you going to keep pretending? According to my Bio-Chips, you retain your memories even when you're in a berserk state. Don't tell me you don't remember anything.

Ghost Queen' Miss Camelia Campbell.

What on earth are you talking about... Camelia is not some 'Ghost Queen'!

I believe you're not like this now, but we all know that under certain circumstances, you can become like another person, a confident and strong individual.

Camelia Campbell! You're the organizer of the Festival of Illusion in Siloam, aren't you? All the pumpkin lanterns and candles around the town were prepared by your team, right?

Yes, that's correct.

So, you're the only one who has the ability and the opportunity to interact with all the pumpkin lanterns in the entire town of Siroa and bring them to life, although I have no idea how you managed to do it.

Not to mention that the 'Ghost Queen' those pumpkin lanterns are talking about is currently in the cemetery, and you just happen to be here as well. Could this be a coincidence?

What's your answer, Miss Camelia Campbell?

Camelia really don't know what happened..

Is Camelia the 'Queen of Ghosts'?

If all of this was done by Camelia after she came into contact with blood and went berserk..

There are no ifs, we all know who did this.

pumpkin lantern Grandpa, is the 'Ghost Queen' still in the cemetery?

It's Elder Pumpkin Lantern!

The queen is still in the cemetery, just ahead!

Since you won't admit it, we'll have to call in a witness.

I am the witness, the Jack-o'-lantern, and I am certain that Camelia Campbell is not the 'Ghost Queen'.

Was I say..

What?

She is not, the queen is still deeper in the cemetery

...Alright, it seems that everything was indeed a misunderstanding, Miss Camelia.

So, can you explain why you were in the cemetery? What is your relationship with the 'Ghost Queen'?

I..

('Ghost Queen'... Could it be the sister from before...?)

Camelia can't say.

Very well, it seems you do have a connection with the 'Ghost Queen'.

Wait!

People of Teslovik, you with your pumpkin lanterns... Are you in league with the 'Ghost Queen' too?

No... I just have a question to ask!

There's actually such a hidden place in this cemetery... It's truly surprising.

I'm also surprised that someone would actually visit a place like this.

Are you here to take me back?

Take you back? Do I look like someone who would arrest you?

Wearing the standard equipment of the Bifrost military, dressed in the Bifrost military's unique body-highlighting battle suit... Could there be a second possibility?

You actually like this style, do you have a masochistic tendency? Are you looking forward to being taken back by the people of Bifrost?

Don't you know me?

Should I know you?

...A pathetic trick. Do you really think such words can provoke me?

Well, since you're here, there's no need for me to hide anymore.

You want to go out? Please feel free.

How come the scent of roses is getting stronger?

As expected of the captain of the Nova Squad, you've managed to hold on for so long.

Is this the Church's way of doing things? Attacking the witness without a word.

I'm sorry, but this is not a conflict between the Church and Dark Road. This is a serious criminal incident on the border of the Empire.

No matter who it is--

It's the queen! The queen has appeared!

Everyone turned their gaze towards the depths of the cemetery at the same time. You didn't know how the pumpkin lantern was directing the way, so you were slightly behind.

A girl with white hair and red eyes, dressed in white, walked out from the depths of the cemetery.

...Why are there so many people here? What happened?

It's the queen! She is the queen you all need to protect!

So, you are indeed the 'Ghost Queen'.

Who is she?

Didn't you say you've seen the queen before? That's her, the 'Ghost Girl in White', the 'Ghost Queen', they're all her.

Is she the 'Ghost Girl in White'? Then who is Lilith?

Lilith? Who is that?

No, something must have gone wrong somewhere..

As far as I know, the reason why the pumpkin lantern came to life is because of a girl named Lilith.

She is very unique, I can't describe her appearance in detail, as Lilith appears differently in everyone's eyes..

You recall Lilith's abilities and turn to look at the young girl known as the 'Ghost Queen'.

What, what happened?

The girl in front of you has white hair, white clothes, and red eyes. She doesn't have horns on her head, wings on her back, or numbers on her thighs.

Once I catch you, the mastermind behind the border smuggling case will be apprehended. Any subsequent smuggling incidents will be minor in comparison.

You have to catch me first.

That missionary means harm to the queen! Hurry and protect the queen!

Did you forget about these pumpkin lanterns? Is this what you're relying on, Ghost Queen?

...No.

There's only one thing I can always rely on, and that's strength.

You will soon understand why I am known as the 'Death God'.

A twisted force gathered around the girl named Hera, and Klein's expression becomes extremely serious.

Just by unsheathing her weapon, the concentration of Echo Crystals in the air has risen to a level that can affect the environment..

I originally thought that only Vedfolnir, the former Minister of Defense of Bifrost, known as 'The Judge', had such power in Dark Road.

【Judge】In Dark Road, you can only be second best!

Something like a ghost gushed out from under Hera's feet. You can see clearly, this is not an illusion brought by Lilith, this is Hera's power!

Damn it... All Units, activate the anti-corrosion devices! Retreat!

Run as far as you can!

Thinking of running?

The entire cemetery was shaking, and the ghosts rising from Hera's feet formed an arm behind Hera.

That arm is so massive, it could easily crush anyone.

Slaughter, begin...

The massive arm reaches directly for the ground, crushing the retreating Church soldiers like toys with ease.

...Fighting is definitely not my strong suit!

Kurain pulled out his weapon in an attempt to buy time for his subordinates to escape.

In the next instant, Kurain was sent flying by a blow to the arm, his life or death unknown.

Captain! Run!

This kind of strength..

Captain!!

Speaking of which, I have a question.

What question?

How on earth are you floating in the air? And how are you able to speak?

No matter how I think about it, it seems very magical.

You're being slightly disrespectful to the pumpkin lanterns.

However, I really don't know why I can fly and talk.

I vaguely remember I wasn't like this before. It was the Ghost Queen who made me what I am now.

So you're saying the Ghost Queen turned you into pumpkin lanterns?

No... it was us who actively sought her out.

Why would the Ghost Queen have time to pay attention to us, the Normal pumpkin lanterns? She's just taking pity on us and lending a hand.

Is Lilith's illusion logic ability so strong that she can even supplement the story by herself..

Hey! Show some respect for us pumpkin lanterns!

I'm about to get angry!

Sorry, sorry, I was just speaking off the cuff.