Episode 1 Chapter 4: A White Flower Blooming in Winter

I love how the forest is filled with flowers and bushes.

Then do you not like it in winter when all the flowers and bushes wither away?

No, I still like it.

"Because I know the flowers will bloom again no matter how desolate it may look."

Since I trust nature to one day bring those flowers back to life.

If I had put my faith in Saria's hope back then, would things be different now?

...If only I was a bit stronger. If only the Heir of the Covenant had awoken.

Then, I wouldn't have lost hope.

...

No. He still won't respond to me...

Am I... still too weak? Even after all my effort following the Archdemon War?

What's wrong, Iseria?

...It's nothing, I'm fine.

The road to the Forest of Elves and the sanctum of Dun Blyraia is this way. Please follow me.

Iseria doesn't look happy.

She must be worried about the Elves in the forest...

They seem to have been affected by an Acolyte's presence. And this poison... Nilgal is here.

His poison is particularly fatal to Elves, he was able to kill many of us in the war twenty years ago.

If we don't hurry, there will be another tragedy.

Don't worry so much, Iseria. The Forest of Elves will be fine.

If it is in danger, I'll... No, we will do all we can to help.

That's right, Lady Iseria. I'm sure Dun Blyraia is safe.

Kyukyu! Arky will do his best to help if something has happened too! It's time to show everyone Arky's super skills!

*sighing* If only you were so motivated all the time.

The protagonist always waits until the last moment to demonstrate his true power! BAM!

How can the Heir of the Covenant be so composed in this situation?

Even though an Acolyte has been summoned, and... even though everyone might die!

I can't leave this in the hands of the Covenant. I have to save the Elves myself.

...Yet even in this situation, "he" isn't appearing.

I've never required a greater power more than I do now...

Ugh...

...! Lady Iseria, what's the matter?

Iseria, are you alright? You don't look well.

I know how you must feel...but don't be afraid. Trust us.

That's right! Master isn't very trustworthy but I am! Just believe in me!

Why am I not trustworthy!?

Master...have you forgotten that the first thing you did after meeting me again was lie to me?

No one can trust a liar. Iseria saw Master's evil then too!

That was just an emotional hug...

...How can you joke around in this situation?

And how can you expect me to stay calm? My friends, my home, it might all be burning as we speak...!

And...it's your fault.

If you had just woken up during the Archdemon War, if you had stopped Vildred from stealing the Archdemon's Might...!

This is... all your...

...! Iseria...

Twenty years ago, I fought in the Archdemon War.

Kyahaha. Elves? You want to fight us?

You look like twigs that will break in the wind.

How quaint! I'll make you cry from pain until you have no more tears left!

Don't get carried away, you two.

So those are the Acolytes, followers of the Archdemon...

Are you worried, Iseria?

A little...but it'll be alright. I'm sure the Heir of the Covenant will save us.

Yes. Don't lose hope, Iseria.

The Goddess and the Heir of the Covenant will answer our prayers!

But the Heir didn't wake.

Kyaha! Is this all? It's so amusing to see them struggle in vain.

Now, stop hiding! I want more twigs to snap!

This is hopeless...

If this goes on, all the Elves will die...!

Retreat? What are you suggesting, Iseria?!

I don't want to either!

But... If we don't, we'll all die... We can't defeat them!

...We're so few, but at least we can save those that are still left.

Even if the Archdemon consumes the world, there will surely be at least one forest where we can survive. So...

Iseria. No.

What hope will remain for us if we run?

What future could we aspire to?

...

A winter forest is beautiful because one day the snow will melt and life will return.

No matter how hopeless things are right now, we have to hold onto what little hope we have left, Iseria...

Now, get back on your feet. We must fight!

...No, Saria. Hope doesn't exist in this world.

Hope is an illusion created to help us endure suffering.

It's an illusion created by the weak for their own solace!

...I'm going to take the remaining Elves and escape.

I can't watch any more of my friends dying in pain...

I'm too exhausted to keep putting my faith in hope, Saria.

With the Heir of the Covenant absent, the Archdemon War seemed hopeless. But through countless sacrifices, we somehow, barely, managed to seal the Archdemon's soul and end the war.

But I could no longer return to the Forest of Elves.

I was ashamed that I had suggested surrender and felt guilty for having survived.

And "he," the voice that always stayed with me and protected me, fell silent.

I left the forest and joined Ezera's Order of the Sword. There I came to know many people and resolved to become stronger.

Twenty years passed. Just as the wounds caused by the war had been mended, news of the Heir of the Covenant's awakening reached Ezera.

The Heir of the Covenant, who had not stirred even as our lament of horror reached its peak, had finally risen.

What is this! You weren't actually apologizing sincerely?! Waaah! Let go!

This is a heartfelt, genuine hug. I mean it. Let's do our best again this time, Arkasus.

Uh... Okay... Just trust Arky.

...How can he laugh like nothing has happened?

So many died because you didn't stir.

I lost so many precious friends. We experienced so much pain!

With the horrors of the war still clear in my mind, I found his carelessness all the more unbearable.

I blamed the Heir of the Covenant. He had risen too late.

I believed he had caused every tragedy and, in my heart, had long since denounced and condemned him.

Yes. He is to blame. For all of it...

And not just now, but when Queen Diene died too. You've always maintained a calm, happy expression.

I can't stand it.

You can't say that, you don't know anything! Do you really think Master is acting that way because he's actually happy?!

Arkasus, stop. Let Iseria speak.

But...

I heard that the Goddess Diche no longer has the strength to maintain this land.

And so you, as the Goddess's Heir, have become weak as well, and with the Archdemon's power unchecked, Chaos Gates and Lands of Death are appearing everywhere...

Let me ask you directly.

Is there still hope?

What if the Archdemon returns? What if Diche is truly too weak to maintain the world?

What can we do then?!

...

Iseria. I won't give up.

My duty as the Heir of the Covenant is to move forward even when all others have lost hope.

I can't get frustrated and depressed. I have to stay firm and carry on.

You might see that as baseless optimism or deception.

But please, please believe in the Goddess's power of creation, and me as well.

Just as spring follows winter, this world of Orbis will overcome this trial and hope will take root once again.

Only those who fight can envision this hope, Iseria.

...!

I knew...deep down.

It wasn't the Heir of the Covenant that I could not forgive.

It was myself... I who had given up on hope and ran away...

"Hope is an illusion created to help us endure suffering."

...That is what I used to say to justify my actions.

I wanted to believe that running away was the right choice.

"This is all because the Heir of the Covenant didn't wake when he was needed."

If I didn't believe that, I would have had to acknowledge that I had abandoned the forest and Saria... so I ignored the truth.

Even though I knew...I just wanted to hide from a truth that I couldn't handle.

Instead of taking responsbility for my actions, I was just making excuses.

Nothing will change if I just sit here and resent him like this.

This time, for certain, I will trust in him and fight on.

So that I will not bear any of these regrets... So that I may finally return to everyone's side...

Master! Master! Look over there!

There's an Elf lying on the ground!

Could it be?!

Ugh... Where... Am I...?

Are you alright?

What happened? Did something happen to the Elves?

Ugh... The village... Attacked by Acolyte Nilgal...

...!

I just managed to escape but... There are still... Elves trapped... Ugh...

What will happen to Dun Blyraia...? My friends... Our forest...

...Dun Blyraia is...

I can't get frustrated and depressed. I have to stay firm and carry on.

Only those who fight can envision this hope, Iseria.

...

Dun Blyraia will be fine.

The Heir of the Covenant and I will protect it.

We will not let you, your friends, or our forest fall before the Acolyte.

So please... be at ease.

I see... I'm glad to hear that.

I'm truly... glad...

...

Iseria...

I... always thought you were just a foolish optimist.

But...I understand now.

You hid your own anxieties and instead smiled in order to fill others with hope.

...Let us hurry. We must defend Dun Blyraia as I promised.

Let's go then.

Krrrrrr...

There are more of Acolyte Nilgal's followers ahead. I'll take care of them!

Arky will do his best too! Witness me!

Alright, let's go together!

Iseria...! You've returned!

Reinforcements have arrived! We just need to hold out a bit longer! Defend Dun Blyraia!

At last, I have the honor of meeting the Heir of the Covenant. I am Elder Saria.

Please forgive me for not showing proper courtesy, under these urgent circumstances.

It's alright, Saria.

Is the World Tree sanctum safe?

Yes. The Elves defended it as a priority. But I don't know how much longer we can hold out...

Iseria, can you call Guardian Zeaon?

...No. He hasn't responded to my calls for a long time.

No matter how many times I tried coming here...

Guardian Zeaon?

So after Ruele's death, he made a contract with Iseria...

But if he isn't responding to Iseria's calls... what's going on?

Kyahaha! You Elves are still the same pathetic rabble!

That noise... it must be Nilgal?!

Oh, look! It's the Heir of the Covenant! I thought you'd just sleep your life away...

Perfect. I'll end your life for good right here.

We have to defeat Nilgal's underlings as quickly as we can. Before more Elves are hurt!

Huhuhu... Don't be so serious. You'll make me laugh.

Well, now that the atmosphere is all nice and cozy... Let's have some fun.

What was that?! An explosion...

...! That wasn't a normal explosion. It contained traces of dark magic just like the incident in Reingar.

Kyaha! Did you see that? While you were busy fighting my underlings, I planted dark magic stones all around Dun Blyraia!

If I set them all off, not only is Dun Blyraia finished, but you can say goodbye to the World Tree too! Kyahaha!

No way...

You have two choices.

Will you hand over the Archdemon's Might and protect the World Tree, your forest, and your friends?

Or will you go down with them!? Choose!

...If we give up here, the Archdemon's Might will only grow in power.

I cannot allow that to happen.

Then you'll die instead? Foolish...

Time for the grand finale! Kyahaha!

W-what?! Where are the explosions?!

Huh?

I've blocked Nilgal's activation spell with a wind spirit.

I cannot hold it for long. Ras, you have to use this chance to... Nilgal...

No... this can't be the end.

Before the Heir of the Covenant's battle with Nilgal ends, Saria's magic will fade.

What do I do? What must I do?

I should stop fighting and help evacuate the Elves instead...

Iseria. No.

What hope will remain for us if we run?

...That's right. Once again, Saria chose not to run, and instead stand her ground and fight.

If I ignore Saria's will and run away again...

I'll end up repeating this cycle of shame and regret.

I can't make the same mistake again.

This time, I'll believe in everyone and hope, and keep fighting!

...! You...

If you will stay and fight, I will lend you my strength.

Will you, Iseria?

Yes, it is.

I will risk everything I have to protect Dun Blyraia!

Damn it... Naga! Kill that Elf!

You won't lay a scale on her!

That Guardian...

That's right, I thought that Elf looked familiar. She's the one who ran away with her Guardian after I gave her a good beating.

And now she's trying to get in my way again. Is she so stupid that she can't remember what happened last time? Kyaha!

I won't deny the past. I have to take responsibility for my shameful actions.

But I've resolved to overcome my fears... I'm not as weak as I was.

I'm not the same coward I was twenty years ago!

You've lost, Nilgal. Rot for all eternity in a dark abyss.

Phew... You bless me.

But you know, don't you? We are simply going back, not disappearing entirely.

We will meet again someday, so allow me to give you a gift you won't forget.

What...?

...Ras! Look out!

I'll see you in the underworld, boys!

Ugh... I didn't think he would self-destruct before dying... I should have been more careful.

Ras, are you alright?

...I can handle this much. But there are Elves who were poisoned...

Saria! Wake up!

This Elf is in serious condition...

Being close to Nilgal after having spent so much of her energy has dealt her a fatal blow.

Ras! We need to move the Elves underneath the World Tree immediately.

We need the World Tree's purification before the poison spreads further!

I'll deliver the Elves to the World Tree. Load the injured onto me.

Alright. Arky! Help us move the injured!

Saria... everyone... don't give up!

I haven't apologized properly yet... I don't want to say goodbye now...

Iseria...

Saria! You're awake?

What happened to Nilgal? And the World Tree? The others...?

Nilgal is dead. The World Tree is safe. Some Elves were injured in the battle but... The World Tree should be able to heal them.

It's going to be alright. Everyone will be alright. Don't worry, Saria.

...You've matured so much... You can even smile so...

We've almost reached the World Tree. So please... just endure this a little longer...!

I can feel myself fading away... I think... this is it for me.

Iseria... I... I have to tell you something...

No, it's alright, Saria. Save your strength...!

Whether you want to scold me or resent me, I'll listen to everything you have to say once you get better. So for now...

No. Iseria. My life ends here...

I name you as defender of our sanctum... And...

No... no...

...Iseria.

Whatever you decide...we, I, love you.

Now...

And forever.

I always...wanted to tell you.

...

...

Lady Iseria...

...We must move the injured before there are more casualties.

Please guard us, Mercedes. The way is long.

Is this enough?

Yes. The branches of the World Tree reach even the stars. It is the sum of all knowledge, and the source of the Elves' life force.

Simply being near it will restore them.

They're already beginning to look more stable. Hurray!

But I didn't even imagine that we'd meet Zeaon like this! I'm so happy to see you again. Kyukyu.

Yes. You seem to have become rounder since the last time we met.

But why were you hiding for so long? Didn't you want to see Master and me?

No, it wasn't that... I couldn't acknowledge Iseria as my Heir.

Ruele didn't back down even in the face of death. She stood strong to defend the world and her friends.

But my next Heir, Iseria...

She ran away, she made excuses for herself, and she resented everything.

So the reason you didn't respond to me wasn't that I lacked ability.

...That's right. I was simply disappointed in the way you ran away from that which you should have been fighting for. That's why I concealed myself.

I will not blame you if you hate me for staying silent for so long.

No. All of it was my fault.

And if I hadn't accepted my mistakes I'm sure I would have tried to run from my problems again even if you had been with me.

I used to believe that hope was a lie. That it was just a bad joke.

...But now I know.

Hope doesn't exist on its own. Hope is something I have to fight for.

The surrounding area seems to be safe now. I will lower the barrier around the World Tree.

...And Ras. There's something I'd like to tell you before you go.

What? For me?

Yes. I would like to apologize for the way I spoke to you before.

...I've been running and making excuses for so long. During the war, I was running from the Archdemon. And after the war, I was running from my shameful past.

Instead of shouldering my own mistakes and responsibility, I forced them all on you, the Heir of the Covenant.

Please forgive me for blaming you.

...Hmm, I can't forgive you so easily though... Right, Arky?

Yeah, yeah! We can't just ignore this sort of thing!

Then tell me how I can make it up to you. I'll do anything.

I want you to help the desperate and weak so that they can stand on their own again.

There may be Elves who have lost hope due to this war. And I'm sure that there will be more people who sink into despair in the future.

Help them find hope. I'm sure you'll be able to. You've overcome the same pain.

...I understand. If it will help correct my mistakes, I will do all I can.

What!? Master, wasn't the plan to blackmail Iseria into giving us a bunch of snacks?

*sighing* ...Arky, I'm the Heir of the Covenant. There's no way I'd ask for such a mundane thing.

Anyway, let's move into the World Tree.

Kyuu... Master needs learn how to enjoy the simpler things...

World Tree, the Heir of the Covenant calls upon you.

This energy... It's not from here.

But it is somehow pure. It is not like that murky dark power I felt outside the barrier.

Yes. I am Ras Elclare, Heir of the Covenant and wielder of the power of Diche.

The Heir of the Covenant. I have heard of you but this is the first time I've felt your energy.

It is similar to the Archdemon's Might that I protect, and the power of the Acolyte that I felt through the barrier.

...? The power of the Archdemon and his Acolytes is the power of destruction and death. The power I have received from Diche is the power of creation and life.

They cannot be similar in any way.

Creation and destruction, life and death, light and darkness...they are the same. They all originate from the same root.

Ilryos, who sent the Archdemon. Diche, who created this world. Though they have warred for perpetuity, are they not the same? Are they not brother and sister?

The World Tree is right. There may be fundamental similarities between the Archdemon's power and mine.

Even the dark magic stones, filled with the power of destruction, are made by first altering the power of creation.

...! Wait, that means...

I had always assumed the Archdemon's power was the absolute opposite of my own... But perhaps...

Like the Ilryos Church changed the power of creation into the power of destruction, can I do the reverse?

It might be worth trying.

World Tree, sum of knowledge and source of life, I have a request.

Rather than destroy the Archdemon's Might, may I instead transform it into the power of creation?

Could you use the power of creation you hold to help me?

Whatever you require of me, Heir of the Covenant.

Good... Let's try this!

Ras! You're alright!

Sorry. Were you waiting long?

Were you able to destroy the Archdemon's Might?

No. I didn't destroy it.

Instead, I transformed it into the power of creation and absorbed it into myself.

Was something like that... possible?

I wasn't sure either. I think that even Diche herself never thought to use the Archdemon's Might against him.

If the World Tree hadn't told me that destruction, death, creation, and life all stem from the same root...

...And if the Ilryos Church hadn't used the power of creation to create dark magic stones filled with the power of destruction, I wouldn't have thought of it either.

Certainly... Ras seems to have become much more powerful than before.

It's possible that we may be able to change the dark magic stones we retrieved from the Ilryos Church back into the power of creation.

If so, we'll be able to return that life to the world.

This is wonderful news. I'm sure the Conclave will be pleased to hear this as well.

Yes! Hope returns! *cheering* And I thought we were all doomed when the Goddess's strength began to fade.

We should return to Ezera immediately and tell them what we've learned.

Incredible! To think that we can return the power of creation to this world! The Goddess's grace is still with us.

Wow! Yes! I believe in you, Ras!

But...knowing the damage done to Dun Blyraia, it is hard to be entirely happy.

The Elves already sacrificed so much in the Archdemon War. And yet so many were killed and injured again now...

All is as the Goddess wills it, but indeed, this must be a difficult time for Iseria.

Enough! We'll end today's training here.

We are preparing for a possible battle against the Archdemon's forces. Do not neglect your training!

Uwah...it's finally over. What an agonizing day.

I heard Lady Iseria's home was attacked by an Acolyte and many were killed...

But she didn't seem any different. I hope she's okay...

I heard Lady Iseria never returned to her forest even once after the Archdemon War. Perhaps she just doesn't feel that attached to her home anymore...

Besides, she's always been a very reserved person.

Th-That's not true. Lady Iseria is more compassionate than anyone...! I'm sure that she's heartbroken about that even now...

Excuse me, have you seen Iseria?

Ah, Lady Iseria just left the training grounds in that direction.

Okay! Thanks!

...

Ah, there she is. Iseria...

... *sobbing*

...Ah...

Saria...

Even though it's finally over... Even though I finally went back...

I thought I would be able to apologize...

...It might be best to head to Wetheric Moor for now.

I'm sure Iseria doesn't want to show that side of herself to anyone...

I won't run away anymore. I'll fight to protect everyone as long as I'm able. Just like you...

"Because I know the flowers will bloom again no matter how desolate it may look."

Since I trust nature to one day bring those flowers back to life.

This is my first time coming back to Dun Blyraia since I brought Ras here.

You lived here once, right?

Yes. When I was very young. But during the Archdemon War I was taken from the forest and moved to a safer location.

I was sad when I had to leave... but now I have Rin and Basar and Marja too.

But Dun Blyraia was still once my home so I want to protect it.

So that's why you came here to hunt monsters.

Yes. Monsters did not frequent the area around Dun Blyraia until recently, yet now there are so many.

It's dangerous for the younger Elves if there are too many monsters living nearby so I'm trying to hunt as many as I can.

The forest is finally beginning to look like it did before the war. So much of it was destroyed in Nilgal's attack...

It must have been horrible.

Yes. Because I was so young all I could do was follow the adults and run away desperately.

And even when the war ended, I couldn't bring myself to even think about returning.

My memories of Dun Blyraia had been poisoned by the Wraiths' attack...

When I remembered what happened, my heart would race and I would find it hard to breathe.

...It must have been hard for you.

Yes. But it's all in the past now. I've overcome my past thanks to the help of my friends.

That's why... I'm able to return to Dun Blyraia like this.

Someone is screaming.

Is someone being attacked? Let's go!

When we arrived, we found someone collapsed on the ground. And standing over them, to our surprise, was Kiris.

...Kiris?

...!

...What a surprise. So you were alive.

Kiris... did you...

Did I kill this person? Yes. I killed them.

Why...?

I'm an assassin now.

...So you know each other.

You... fought in the Archdemon War to protect people... So why...?

...My greatest mistake.

Huh? What do you mean...?

The war may have ended, but I lost friends, someone I loved... I have nothing left.

The young Elves like you who were whisked away are the fortunate ones.

...

I don't think I can say anything as someone unrelated to this but... I don't think speaking and acting this way will make things easier for you, Kiris.

Is this necessary? Aren't you two reuniting after a long time?

...I didn't wish for this meeting. I... will be going now.

Kiris...

...She didn't fall over this time. I was worried she might.

...We can't worry about that right now.

Be careful! If you go too deep into the forest, you'll never be able to find your way back out.

I know, I'm just going to have a quick look at the immediate area.

...?

Wow, so cute! Oh, aren't you Arkasus? Pleased to see you again!

Agh! Let me go! Master, help me! She's brutally brutalizing me!

She's just being affectionate.

Of course Ras was nearby.

I heard that since the war ended you spend your time wandering from place to place trying to rebuild Ritania.

Have you come here to help someone in trouble too?

Something like that.

Have you seen a blonde Elf who carries a bow around here? Her name is Kiris.

...Why are you looking for them?

She killed one of our comrades. We're knights of the Order of the Shield.

There's a warrant for her arrest so Maya and I are currently pursuing her.

We saw her going this way but lost her when we arrived in this area...

...

You haven't seen her?

...No.

*sighing* And I thought we almost had her...

Oh well. It's too dangerous for us to go any further, let's just go back. I'm sure she's already escaped somewhere deep in the forest.

The forest will never accept an assassin like her, she'll come back out before long.

She'll show herself soon enough. We'll be going now. We're quite busy.

If you meet Kiris, be careful. You can't predict what an assassin might do.

Take care.

...

...I lied to them.

Ehehe.

...

Were you close with Kiris?

...I thought of her as an older sister when I was young. She was kind and friendly. I didn't know she had become an assassin.

I don't know the details but I'm sure she has her reasons.

...

Kiris.

...

The Order of the Shield is looking for you. Did you really kill one of their knights?

...I did.

Why would you do such a thing...? You aren't that sort of person.

Do you really think I'm the same person I used to be?

...You can still turn yourself in.

Why should I?

Does Evant know what you're doing?

...Evant has been dead for 20 years.

...!

Out of my way.

Kiris.

...I assume since you won't get out of my way, you're prepared to fight?

...

There she is, Kiris!

Ah, you're right.

You caught Kiris. Well done.

...

You're under arrest for the murder of a knight of our order, Willon.

...I was just fulfilling a request.

So? You think you're guiltless? After killing someone?

Think. Why would someone want Willon dead?

Do you think someone would pay to have someone killed just for the enjoyment?

What are you talking about?

Someone had a reason to want Willon killed. He only pretended to be a knight. In truth he was filth.

My requester is someone who bled and suffered because of Willon.

They labored and suffered in order to save enough money to pay me. They asked me to take revenge in their stead.

...

Are you saying Willon deserved to die? No matter what sins he committed, he deserved to be judged fairly.

What right did you have to kill him? What right do you have to judge a person? All you did was profit from someone's death.

If Willon could have been punished after being "fairly" judged, my requester wouldn't have asked me to kill him.

How could people as strong as you ever understand the feelings of the weak and prosecuted?

You won't ever be able to understand.

If you want to arrest me, you can try. I won't go quietly.

Agh! Stop right there!

She's so quick!

Hurry, Lorina! We have to follow her!

Understood!

...

They're gone like the wind.

...I'm so confused.

Even though I think Kiris needs to be caught, I can't help but be glad that she got away.

Of course. That's just how important Kiris is to you.

...When I lived in Dun Blyraia, Kiris and Evant were deeply in love.

But I didn't even know he was killed in the war. And Kiris has changed so much...

I thought everyone would be happy because I found my happiness.

Silk, it's alright. You haven't done anything wrong. The one who's wrong is...

Not you, Master. Don't think that way.

...

But I can't help thinking it. If I had just woken up during the Archdemon War, then things might be different now...

But I can't do anything about the past.

From now on, we have to comfort the wounded and help them not walk the wrong path.