Epic Seven story · 6th World Episode

6th World Episode Chapter 3: Inevitable Sacrifice

8 scenes, 536 lines

1. Part 1

62 lines
Ruele of Light

The treatment of the injured is just about done.

If many had been directly attacked by the Acolyte, it would have been much harder to heal them. Fortunately, most of the injuries were caused by the Naga army.

It's all thanks to Saria and Iseria, who took on Nilgal head-on and held him off.

Saria

I only did what a leader is supposed to do.

I'll take care of the remaining patients. Ruele, you should get some rest now.

Act 1 A Restless Night

Ruele of Light

Phew, today felt especially long.

When I first came to Dun Blyraia, I was prepared for the worst, but I'm just glad I made it through.

That means I can still save more people!

Huh? Oh, of course, I'm happy that I get to spend more time with Destina too. That goes without saying, so... eh?

Ras Elclare

...

Ruele of Light

Ras, what are you doing here?

Ras Elclare

Oh... I was just observing the world.

I don't really need to sleep until the Archdemon is sealed, after all.

Ruele of Light

But isn't there not much to observe here?

Ras Elclare

It might seem ordinary to you, but to me, everything feels new.

The stars in the night sky, the sounds of crickets, and the tools crafted by people...

It's all fascinating to me.

Ruele of Light

Even though this world was created by the Goddess? After all, you are the Goddess's alter ego, right?

Ras Elclare

There's a difference between knowing something and truly understanding it.

Besides, I'm just another part of this world, like everything and everyone else.

But that kind of imperfection isn't what people expect from the embodiment of the Goddess.

So I act according to their expectations.

Vildred

He's hardly spent any time living in the human world. How much could he really understand us?

Ruele of Light

Perhaps... it's not that Ras cannot understand us, but rather...

...In that case, how about experiencing the rabbit fortune cookie this time?

Ras Elclare

Rabbit fortune cookie? What's that?

Ruele of Light

You split a rabbit-shaped cookie in half to tell your fortune. The more cream on the top side, the better your luck!

Ras Elclare

Isn't that's just coincidence? It doesn't actually have anything to do with destiny, does it?

Ruele of Light

Hey, you'd be surprised! It's more accurate than you think!

Go ahead, Ras. Just think of something you want to test your luck on and break the cookie.

Ras Elclare

Umm... Like this?

Ruele of Light

Wow, look at all that cream on top!

That means whatever you wished for in your heart is sure to come true.

Ras Elclare

Honestly, it's hard to believe that this could predict the future...

But I do understand that you want to encourage me. Thank you. Uh... umm...

Sorry, but... what was your name again?

Ruele of Light

Hehe, it's Ruele Destina! Just call me Ruele, Ras!

Ras Elclare

All right, I'll remember.

*rustle*

Hanien

Looks like you can't sleep.

Rinak

...Yeah.

Hey, Hanien... What is it that I should be fighting for?

Hanien

That's not something I can decide for you.

Rinak

...I wanted power so I could become the greatest villain.

Because good people are always exploited, hurt, and left with nothing.

That's why I decided to become an adult like Robin. I vowed never to let anything be taken from me again.

But...

Because I didn't act, Iseria lost her life...

And Saria lost a dear friend.

And in the end, I lost nothing.

But looking back... what was it that I actually managed to protect?

The thing I was willing to become a villain for... I'm not even sure what it was anymore.

Hanien

Rinak, you are the kindest person I've ever known.

That's why you grieve for the losses of others as if they were your own.

Rinak

No... that's not true. If I were truly kind, I would have rushed to the battlefield like Victorika.

I could have ignored Robin's words, but I followed them anyway. Then I justified my own cowardice by blaming it all on Robin.

The real coward wasn't Robin. It was me... And because of my cowardice, Iseria died.

Hanien

...

Rinak

Either I should embrace being a coward completely, or I should commit to being good.

But being stuck somewhere in between... I hate myself for it.

2. Part 2

64 lines

Act 2 Emotional Crossroads

The Next Morning

Ras Elclare

I didn't get a chance to introduce myself properly yesterday with everything going on. So let me do it now.

I am Ras Elclare, the Heir of the Covenant. Though it seems like everyone already knows about me.

And this is my Guardian, Arkasus.

Arkasus

Just call me Arky! Master might be unreliable, but take good care of him, okay?

Vildred

I am Vildred Dayern. Captain of the Royal Guard of Ezera.

Right now, I'm accompanying the Heir of the Covenant... working as an assistant so to speak.

This is Kise, leader of the Nocturnes and an Heir.

Kise

*nods*

Vildred

She's got a cool demeanor, but don't worry. She's not cold-hearted.

Ras Elclare

Saria has told me all about you all while updating me on recent events.

Let's do our best as comrades on the battlefield.

Zieg

Hmm... from the looks of it, it seems you've gathered power from most sanctums.

Ras Elclare

Yeah, now all that's left is to absorb the life energy from the Fountain of Tears at the Taranor Royal Palace.

After that, we'll head straight to Ezera and prepare for the final battle at the Sanctuary.

Kise

Taranor Royal Palace...

Arkasus

Judging from what we've seen so far, the Acolytes will try to drain Master's power as much as possible before the Archdemon's advent.

Kise

The duty of the Heirs is to preserve the Heir of the Covenant's strength, ensuring he can stand against the Archdemon by holding off the Acolytes and the Archdemon's army.

The closer we get to the Archdemon's advent, the more powerful the Acolytes will become. It's best to take them down as soon as we can.

Guard Captain Krau

With Nilgal taken care of, that just leaves Tenebria and Kayron, right?

Vildred

Correct. Just so you know, Tenebria was last spotted in Taranor.

Intel from the Taranor Army suggests she's moving west with about 200 soldiers from the Archdemon's army.

Kise

If you don't mind, I'll focus on tracking the Acolytes rather than heading to the sanctum.

With the Archdemon's advent so close, we need to take them down as quickly as possible.

Vildred

That makes sense, but... are you going alone? Even for you, Kise, that sounds risky.

For an opponent like Tenebria and an army of that size, at least two Heirs will be needed.

Ras Elclare

Then, Ruele and Rinak, can you two assist Kise with the search?

Ruele of Light

Of course! I've been wanting to get to know Kise better anyway.

Rinak

...I'm okay with that too.

Robin

If Rinak is going, then I'll go too.

Rinak

No, there's no need.

Robin

Didn't we make a promise? The deal was that you'd fight as an Heir, while I made the decisions–

Rinak

Just drop it already!!

Vildred

Hey, take it easy. What good is it if we start fighting among ourselves?

It's normal to want some time alone during adolescence. It's just part of growing up.

Robin

...All right.

If that's what you really want, Rinak.

Taranor Royal Palace

Alfred

It is an honor for one as lowly as myself to stand before the Heir of the Covenant.

I am Alfred, King of Taranor. And this is my son, Friedrich.

Ras Elclare

Got it. I'll remember.

Arkasus

Yeah, right. You'll forget as soon as you walk away...

Guard Captain Krau

That must be Friedrich.

If I hadn't left my family behind when I was young, I'd probably be serving him instead of Victorika.

Ras Elclare

You know why we're here, don't you?

Alfred

Of course. You've come to obtain the power residing in the sanctum, Fountain of Tears, haven't you?

I'll guide you. Please follow me.

Taranor Royal Guard

Wait.

The King has only granted entry to the Heir of the Covenant.

The rest of you will need to wait outside.

Victorika

What? That's ridiculous!

Alfred

Apologies, but the sanctum is an incredibly symbolic and sacred place for us...

Ras Elclare

It's fine. I can go in alone.

Friedrich

While the Heir of the Covenant is at the sanctum, allow me to give the rest of you a tour of the royal palace.

I promise, it won't be a boring experience.

Vildred

Oh! With that much confidence, now I'm curious to see what you have to show us.

Arkasus

So that means we get to eat a bunch of tasty treats? Arky would rather have dessert than go to the sanctum!

Ras Elclare

Nice try, but you're coming with me. You are my Guardian, after all.

Arkasus

Kyukyu... Can't another Guardian go instead of Arky?

Zieg

For real...?

Ras Elclare

Quit avoiding reality and let's head to the sanctum.

Arkasus

Kyuuuu...

3. Part 3

64 lines

Act 3 Sense of Foreboding

Friedrich

This villa is normally closed to outsiders, but I'll grant you a special tour.

Behold, a place shaped by the hands of Taranor's most skilled artisans!

Guard Captain Krau

Hmm... well... it doesn't look all that different from Victorika's home.

Victorika

My home is way more stylish than this! This interior style is totally my grandmother's taste...

Friedrich

Grandmother?

Victorika

Ahem, I mean... what an elegant and timeless design! Truly a space befitting the dignity of the royal family, haha...

Robin

I'm not really interested in just looking at expensive things. But stealing them? Now that catches my attention.

My dear Prince, how about we play a little game? Try to guess what goes missing from here.

Vildred

Hahaha! I have to admit, that does sound a lot more entertaining.

Friedrich

...Maybe I should've just left theses people waiting outside the sanctum.

Victorika

Huh? This painting...

Friedrich

Ah, this is Mother and Father when they were young.

Victorika

Mother?! But this clearly looks like Ki– mmph!!

Guard Captain Krau

Hush, lady. I have a feeling bringing that up would only lead to trouble.

Robin

So this is why she did not come to the royal palace.

Vildred

Kise doesn't talk much about herself, but I always had the sense she carried a painful past.

But more importantly... if her son is already that grown up, just how old is Kise?

Friedrich

Mother rarely shows herself due to health issues.

Even I, her own son, have only seen her a handful of times... mostly when I was very young.

She must look quite different now compared to this painting...

Victorika

Seems like he has no idea that Kise became an Heir, right?

Guard Captain Krau

Well, that's royalty. Always full of secrets we can't understand.

Friedrich

Hey, what have you all been whispering about without me this whole time?

Vassal

Excuse me, my Prince.

There's an urgent matter that requires your attention. I'll need you to spare a moment.

Friedrich

I'm currently occupied with attending to my esteemed guests. Once they depart–

Vassal

His Majesty the King has ordered that this matter be dealt with as soon as possible.

Friedrich

Father has?

Robin

Go on, then. It's not like your presence makes things any less boring.

Friedrich

...All right. I'll be back soon.

Victorika

But what could this be about? If it was that urgent, it could have been mentioned earlier.

Guard Captain Krau

I guess no matter how much time you spend outside, you're still a lady at heart.

Vildred

From the looks of it, that Prince really is completely in the dark.

Victorika

Huh? What do you mean?

Robin

I'm just saying... something smells fishy.

We might as well enjoy the show and see what kind of surprise His Majesty has prepared for us.

Meanwhile, West Taranor

Ruele of Light

Rinak! Look over there! Doesn't that cloud look just like a rabbit?

Rinak

...You're right.

Ruele of Light

Oh! A skylark just flew by in the sky! Did you see it?

If you make a square with your fingers and frame the bird inside it, they say it brings good luck!

Rinak

*sighing*

Ruele of Light

...I'm sorry, Rinak. I've been talking too much and probably bothering you.

Rinak

Ah, no!! You kept talking to me because I looked down, right? You were just trying to cheer me up.

It's just... I still feel uneasy about getting angry at Robin.

Kise

Robin tried to stop you from returning to Dun Blyraia, right?

Rinak

...But in the end, it was my decision to listen. Robin was only worried about me.

Even though I know that... I still...

Kise

She'll understand, too.

That's just what it means to be a protector.

No matter the humiliation or pain, as long as you're safe, she can probably endure anything.

Rinak

...Is there someone like that for you, too?

Kise

Of course. I became an Heir to protect that child.

Though right now, he probably hates me, thinking I abandoned him.

Even if I ended up being hated, I just wanted to create a future for that child.

Ruele of Light

I'm sure that one day, he'll understand your intentions and feelings!

Rinak

I get it now... Robin must have known I would hate her, but still...

...When I go back, I'll talk to Robin again.

Ruele of Light

That's wonderful! I'll be rooting–

Hanien

Wait.

I sense an Acolyte's presence, not far from here.

Kise

...!! Which direction?

Hanien

This way! Follow me!

4. Part 4

44 lines

Act 4 What I Hope to Protect

Rinak

Ugh...

Kise

This is horrible... It seems the destruction has already happened.

Hanien

I can still sense Tenebria's presence. She can't be far.

Ruele of Light

If there are any survivors, they might have seen where Tenebria went.

Let's clear out the monsters and search the area.

Hanien

Rinak, are you okay? You don't look so well.

Rinak

...I'm fine. I just got lost in old memories for a moment.

This place... it's so similar. Just like the scene from back then, when I lost everything and met Robin...

Robin

Hey there, little one. Are you playing hide-and-seek here?

Young Rinak

Mommy told me... no matter what I hear, I should never come out from here.

She told me if I stay quiet, no one will ever find me...

How did you know I was hiding here?

Robin

Well... You see, I have a special talent for finding places where expensive treasures are hidden.

I opened a spot that totally felt like it'd have something valuable... and look who I found instead!

Well, whatever the case, it looks like you've just become my little treasure.

Young Rinak

*stomach growling*

Robin

If you've been hiding here since the attack started, that means you've gone two days without food.

Come on, let's get you something to eat.

Young Rinak

No, I can't leave.

Mommy said I have to stay right here... She promised she'd come get me once everything was over.

Robin

...Hey, little one. Take a look around. What do you see?

Young Rinak

Smoke, fire... and broken houses.

Robin

That's right. This is what it looks like when "everything is over." Your mother... she didn't keep her promise.

Staying here won't change anything.

Rinak

No... this time, it's different.

It's not over yet. Not yet... Someone is still...

Faraway Voice

Please... Help me... Is anyone there...!!

Rinak

...!! I just heard a voice from beneath the wreckage.

Hang in there! I'll get you out soon!

Thank goodness... She doesn't seem to be injured.

Young Girl

Thank you for saving me!

But... where are my Mommy and Daddy?

Rinak

That's...

Young Girl

Are they dead?

Rinak

I... don't know yet.

Young Girl

Why didn't you come to save us sooner?

Why did you just stand by and do nothing until everything was over?

Rinak

...I, I...

Hanien

...! Rinak!!

Young Girl

Kyaaaa!!

Rinak

Hanien?! What are you doing!

Young Girl

Oh dear... I've been caught.

Specter Tenebria

Just a little more and she would've fallen for it.

5. Part 5

75 lines
Specter Tenebria

Haha, yes, keep squirming.

Kise

Is she planning to drain our strength using Dreamers?

And the Archdemon's forces... That's not just 200 of them. There are at least several times more out there.

If we take on all these enemies, we'll be exhausted before we even get to Tenebria.

Rinak

...Hanien. We'll do our best to create an opening.

Go find Ras, inform him of the situation, and bring him here.

Specter Tenebria

Calling for help? Sure, go ahead.

There's nothing more entertaining than watching someone slowly break down while desperately waiting for reinforcements that never arrive.

Kise

She speaks as if she's certain Ras won't show up.

She must have already taken measures over there as well.

Act 5 A Foolish Decision

Taranor Royal Palace Underground

Alfred

...We've arrived. This is the sanctum, the Fountain of Tears.

Arkasus

Let's finish this quickly. I don't want to stay in this damp underground any longer.

Ras Elclare

Quit complaining and be patient. This won't take long.

Ssssss...

Alfred

...

Arkasus

Kyuu... Everyone else is probably enjoying delicious food and touring the royal palace. But what about Arky? Stuck here!

This is why choosing a good master is so important...

...!!

SLAM!!

That was dangerous. Master, are you okay?

Ras Elclare

Yeah, it startled me a bit, but I'm fine.

What is this barrier...?

Alfred

It was created to protect the sanctum. I never expected I'd have to use it like this, though.

Ras Elclare

You sided with the Archdemon's forces? Why?

Alfred

Because I was given an offer I couldn't refuse.

It was nothing more than the foolish decision of a human who longed for just one more moment with the one he loves...

Please... forgive me...

Ras Elclare

So you were swayed by your lingering regrets. That means the culprit must be the Acolyte Kayron.

Kayron

I'm glad you figured it out.

This barrier, I'm told, was forged from the same divine power that you use.

Attacks infused with divine power won't do much against the barrier.

Ras Elclare

But I'm sure it has limits. If I push beyond what it can withstand, it will break.

And that's exactly what you want, isn't it?

To drain as much of my strength as possible so I can't stand against the Archdemon.

Kayron

What then?

You think uncovering my plan changes anything? What exactly can you do about it?

If you're hoping for other Heirs to come to your aid, you'd best give up on that idea.

I've already made sure they won't be coming.

Ras Elclare

...!!

Just like Kayron said, there's no other option.

If there's only one option left, then may be better to make the choice as soon as possible...

Faraway Voice

Hey, the Covenant Heir guy!! Are you there?!

Ras Elclare

This voice is...

Kayron

One of his lackeys, I presume.

I thought I made it clear that they were to be contained.

Alfred

As you instructed, I deployed all the Archdemon's forces that were standing by. But somehow...

Taranor Palace Villa, Not Long Ago

Vildred

Well, it's not exactly surprising that there are a few secret passages you didn't know about, right?

Kayron

...So, you choose to scurry away like a rat.

But it changes nothing.

With your strength, you can neither break this barrier nor defeat me.

Souls who cannot rest, turn them into the dead!

Mud-Skull Warrior

Krrrrr...

Zieg

They're Dust Walkers... Kayron's pawns.

Individually, they're not that strong, but their real strength lies in overwhelming numbers.

Vildred

That barrier... it's similar to the one Kise created.

If the person in the portrait at the royal palace was Kise, and she's the one who made this barrier, then...

There might be a way to break the barrier.

Robin, can you find where Friedrich is?

Robin

Of course. If there's one thing I've done more than anything else, it's tracking people down.

Vildred

Sounds good. Then...

Ras!! No matter what happens, don't fall for his bait!!

We'll get you out of this. Just conserve your power for the Archdemon!!

Ras Elclare

...Yeah.

Kayron

Pathetic. Do you actually trust that human's empty words?

Ras Elclare

Vildred isn't someone who lies.

Vildred

Krau, Victorika. Help us break through and escape from here.

The Acolytes' real goal is to weaken Ras and the Heirs. To them, the survival of ordinary soldiers like us doesn't really matter.

So if you can make a distraction, we should be able to escape.

Guard Captain Krau

And after we escape? Don't tell me you're planning to ask Kise's group for help.

Vildred

No. This is just a hunch, but I believe the key to breaking this barrier is somewhere inside the royal palace.

Victorika

...All right. In a situation like this, where we have no other options, it's better to put our faith in something.

I'll make sure you all get through safely.

6. Part 6

32 lines
Kayron

Do you see this, Heir of the Covenant?

The loyal dog and the sneaky rat you trusted have fled, and those who remain are slowly inching toward death.

Are you still planning to just sit and wait?

Ras Elclare

...

Kayron

Hah, it seems the Heir of the Covenant has no intention of breaking through the barrier to save you.

You devoted everything and fought for the world and the Goddess... only to be cast aside in the end. How tragic.

Victorika

It's not... over yet.

Kayron

Do you truly believe you can stop me?

Do you believe those who fled will return to save you?

And even if they do, do you really think they've found a way to save you?

Victorika

Ugh...

I must've lost too much blood. I can't think straight anymore...

Is he right? Am I really going to die here?

Guard Captain Krau

If you've chosen to believe, then don't doubt.

Guard Captain Krau

That's what your father told me when everyone else doubted me.

You can take your time deciding whether to believe in someone. But once you've made that choice, you must never waver.

Believe in those who left. Believe in yourself. And...

Believe in me, the one watching your back.

Act 6 The One Who Refuses to Give Up

Rinak

*panting*

At the very least, we have to hold out until Hanien brings back the Heir of the Covenant...

Kise

Rinak and Ruele are both completely exhausted.

We'll never defeat Tenebria in a war of attrition.

I'll hold off Tenebria for as long as I can. Use that time to escape.

Ruele of Light

But what about you, Kise? You'll be left alone!

Kise

This all happened because I suggested we split up in the first place.

I can't solve this situation, so at least let me take responsibility for it.

Rinak

It's not like you forced me to come! I chose to be here.

And didn't you say there was someone you wanted to protect? That's why you became an Heir!

Kise

...But.

Rinak

I have a plan. For now, let's give it a shot.

7. Part 7

58 lines

A Few Years Ago

Robin

Seriously, who do you keep brawling with every single day...? Parenting is such a hassle.

Young Rinak

You come back hurt all the time too, Robin.

Hey... You never lost a fight before, right?

Robin

Hmm... Well, as far as I remember, yes. If I had lost even once, I probably wouldn't be alive.

Young Rinak

Then does that make you the strongest person in the world?

Robin

No, there are plenty of people stronger than me.

But winning a fight isn't just about strength.

You can throw dirt in your opponent's eyes, strike from behind... There are many ways to win.

Young Rinak

What? That's so lame!

Robin

Better to live looking lame than die trying to look cool.

Young Rinak

But... I want Robin to stay cool.

Robin

Haha, well, if I want to see you grow up, I'll need to live at least another ten years.

So let's put the whole dying in a cool way thing on hold.

Young Rinak

No!! I said you should be cool, not that you should die!

I hate waiting for someone who's never going to return...

Robin

...Then how about this?

You grow up to be a strong and cool adult. Then you can protect me instead.

A Few Moments Ago

Rinak

This whole situation is a trap set by Tenebria. As long as we stay within her game, we have no chance of winning.

There's only one way to turn the tables and take on a superior opponent.

An unexpected ambush.

If the enemy is stronger than us, we just have to make sure they never get the chance to use that strength.

If she thinks we ran away, she won't be able to be so relaxed as she is now.

While she's focused on fighting Ruele, Kise and I will use that opening to ambush her.

Ruele of Light

Maybe... just maybe, we can actually win this!

Rinak

This ends here... for good!!

Robin

...Rinak?

Rinak

...!!

*stabs*

Act 7 One Last Strike

Friedrich

What do you think you're doing?!

Did my father order you to lock me up here?

Taranor Royal Guard

You are not being confined. You are being protected.

Friedrich

Why would I need to be locked up in my castle for my own protection?!

SLAM!!

Vildred

Oh wow, you're actually here?

Taranor Royal Guard

D-Damn it... how did they manage to get this far?

Vildred

Is this all you've got? Looks like the Taranor soldiers need some serious retraining.

Friedrich

What do you think you're doing?! Drawing your sword in another nation's royal palace...?

Is this how you repay our hospitality?!

Robin

I wasn't sure, but now it's clear. You really have no idea what's going on.

We're not the ones who betrayed you. It was your father. He sided with the Archdemon's army and imprisoned the Heir of the Covenant.

Friedrich

You expect me to believe such a ridiculous lie?!

Vildred

If you can't trust my words, then see it with your own eyes. But before that, there's something we need to take with us.

Among the things your mother left behind, is there anything that looks like an amulet?

Friedrich

An amulet...?

Vildred

The sanctum's barrier is similar to that of the Nocturnes, which is based on the divine power of Lunaris.

I've heard about the barriers created by the Nocturnes before.

They use special amulets when setting up their barriers, and carrying one allows passage through them.

It's also a tradition to gift these amulets to loved ones, as a symbol of protection.

Friedrich

There is one. The only thing my mother left behind.

She didn't give it to me. Instead, it was something lost, and I simply ended up keeping it.

Vildred

All right, hand it over to us.

Friedrich

No, I'll only hand this over once we reach the sanctum. Until I see it for myself, I can't believe my father betrayed the Heir of the Covenant.

Robin

Do as you please. We don't have time to waste convincing you.

I've had a bad feeling for a while now.

Could something have happened...?

8. Part 8

137 lines
Arkasus

Master, are you seriously going to do nothing?

Victorika and Krau can't hold on much longer. If we don't help now, they're going to die.

Ras Elclare

If I break the barrier now to save them, I won't have enough strength left to stop the Archdemon.

I have a duty. I must defeat the Archdemon and protect this world.

Arkasus

Master, are you truly okay with that?

Ras Elclare

...Giving in to emotions and abandoning my duty isn't an option. That's not what people expect from the Heir of the Covenant.

Arkasus

But isn't waiting here for Vildred proof that you still want to believe in him?

You can't completely cast aside your emotions.

Ras Elclare

...You may be right.

But I don't believe in him just because I want to.

In the worlds before this one, Vildred has never once betrayed my trust.

That's why I believe this time will be no different...

Vildred

Ras!!

Take this amulet and get outside!!

Ras Elclare

I believed in you, Vildred.

Kayron

...!! Not a chance!!

Vildred

*slashing*

Kgh...

Kayron

This is...!!

Vildred

Heh... So you noticed?

This side was a trap, you fool.

Kayron

Then that means the real one is...

Ras Elclare

SLAM!!

Robin

As requested, delivery complete!

Friedrich

...Father.

Why did you do this?

Alfred

If making a pact with an Acolyte was the only way to fulfill a desperate wish...

Anyone would have made the same choice as I did.

Now that things have gone wrong, my wish can never come true.

Friedrich

So, do you resent me for siding with the Heir of the Covenant?

Alfred

...This too must be fate. The downfall of one who dared to defy destiny.

*stabs*

All the dishonor... I will carry it alone.

So, at the very least, you...

*thud*

Friedrich

...I will never become like you, Father.

Act 8 Failed to Protect

Victorika

The Heir of the Covenant...

Thank... goodness...

7th World Ziegfried

She's just exhausted from using up all her strength. Her life isn't in danger, so don't worry.

You both did well. Victorika and you too.

Ras Elclare

From here on, I'll take care of you myself, Kayron.

Kayron

...Things didn't go exactly as planned, but it doesn't matter.

My goal was never to defeat you but only to drain your strength.

Hanien

Ras!!

Arkasus

Hanien? Why are you here alone...?

Hanien

Tenebria's forces were much larger than we expected.

They're barely holding on, but the longer this drags out, they'll run out of strength.

Guard Captain Krau

...I see. Since the Taranor Royal Palace betrayed us, the intel we received must have been a trap as well.

Robin

That means Rinak is...!!

Vildred

But if we push just a little harder, we can take down Kayron.

If we don't finish him now, the damage he causes will be far worse.

Hanien

But if we don't move now, the Heirs won't survive!

Guard Captain Krau

...So, what's your choice, Heir of the Covenant?

Ras Elclare

...

One Acolyte or three Heirs...?

Ruele of Light

That means whatever you wished for in your heart is sure to come true.

Rinak

I could have saved her...

I... I could have probably saved her...

Kise

There's someone I want to protect. For that child's sake, I'll do whatever it takes.

Ras Elclare

...Let's go save the Heirs.

Kayron

How naive... Heir of the Covenant.

You will regret this moment for a long time.

Robin

Whew... That was a real surprise. Trying to ambush me when I let my guard down!

But hey, I returned the favor, so I'll be nice and forgive you!

Rinak

*coughing*

Faraway Voice

Rinak!!

Robin

...Huh. It looks like the Heir of the Covenant is on his way.

Kayron kept boasting that reinforcements weren't coming, no matter what.

Always making grand plans, yet never once seeing them through properly.

Ruele of Light

Rinak, stay with me! Rinak!!

Robin

Hehe, but I am not walking away empty-handed.

Specter Tenebria

I had my fun, goodbye!

Robin

Rinak, Rinak! Please stay with me!!

Rinak

...Robin.

Are you really Robin?

I'm sorry... I tried to fight like you would... but it didn't go very well.

Robin

We can save her, right? Just heal the wounds, and she'll be all right, won't she?

Ruele of Light

The Acolyte's power has already spread throughout her entire body.

I'm sorry... My power isn't enough to...

Robin

No, no!! That can't be true!!

There has to be a way! There has to be...

Vildred

Time keeps moving, even as we stand here.

This will be your final words. Don't say something you'll regret.

Robin

Rinak...

Rinak

It's my fault...

Even though I knew it was just an illusion... I still couldn't stab you, Robin.

Because... I promised to protect you.

I'm sorry for getting angry at the end.

Still... I'm glad I was able to apologize.

*thud*

Robin

...Why. Why did you have to die in a place like this?

Why did you have to become an Heir... only to lose your life?

Hanien

...I'm sorry.

Robin

Then give me the power to avenge Rinak.

Just like you made Rinak an Heir, grant me the power to fight the Acolytes.

Hanien

...That's impossible. Only one person can be made an Heir by making a contract.

Now that the Heir who shared part of my power is gone, my time is running out as well.

Robin

Then is there really nothing... I can do for her?

Kise

...Eternal Full Moon, Lunaris. Bestow your power upon this place.

Guard Captain Krau

What happened to you?

7th World Ziegfried

She just used up all of her Nocturne power through that spell.

Judge Kise

That was a spell to preserve Rinak's body, preventing it from decaying.

It's not much, but this is the only way I can pay my respects.

Once the war is over, let's hold a proper funeral–

Robin

I couldn't care less who wins or loses this war.

Let the world burn, let people die. It's none of my concern.

Guard Captain Krau

Calm down, Robin.

Robin

That guy couldn't even save a single child, and you call him the savior of the world?

Ras Elclare

...

Robin

You forced the burden of being an Heir onto a child, then let her die. What makes you think you deserve to save anything?

Robin

I can no longer trust you all, nor can I stand by your side.

No matter what it takes, I will personally avenge Rinak.

Hanien

Can I ask you for one last favor?

In the end, I failed to protect my Heir.

That's why... at the very least, I want to help protect who she tried to protect.

If Robin is ever in danger, could you save her, at least just once?

Judge Kise

...All right. I promise.

Hanien

Thank you... Then, I'll leave the rest to you.

Theo

The King of Taranor took his own life after colluding with the Archdemon's forces.

But I'm sure you already knew that.

Noard

Hehe, let's just call it a fitting end for a non-believer.

Theo

Then, does that make us non-believers too, since we're using the Archdemon War for our own ends?

Noard

Of course not. We stand with the Heir of the Covenant and the Goddess, right?

As the Goddess wills it, the Heir of the Covenant will defeat the Archdemon and restore peace.

How could it be blasphemous to trust in the Heir of the Covenant and prepare for the future, even in times of chaos?

Theo

As promised, I will provide my full support.

But in return, you must keep the promise you made to me.

Noard

Of course. I, Noard, will do everything in my power to ensure you are safely recognized as the head of the family.

The upcoming banquet will be the last. So be sure to say your farewells.

The time is near.

Once the war ends, the day I seize everything will be at hand...

CHAPTER CLEAR Chapter 3 END