Episode 1 Chapter 5: A Dream in the Mist

Leon, follow me. Maya, you stay here and inspect the fortress's security!

Commander! Security has been inspected multiple times. There aren't even any ants left in the vicinity.

You should make a habit of preparing as best you can. You never know what might happen!

Excuse me...

Stop! There will be an inspection!

Haha, you really are someone with an unshakable sense of duty.

Ah...

Are you alright? You're limping...

...I just twisted my ankle a little, that's all.

It's nothing serious, so don't worry about it.

I-If you say so... P-Please come in.

Thank you. Um... Commander?

Y-Yes!

Commander, your face is turning red.

Ahahaha! Isn't it on fire?

Q-Quit talking! Finish the inspections before the Heir of the Covenant arrives!

If it worried you so much, you should have followed after her, Commander.

Enough!

The Heir of the Covenant will arrive shortly! Protecting the people is important, but for now our escort duties take priority!

Come on... Commander Crozet. Do you really have to be such a stickler?

From the way she was walking, I'm sure that woman was injured!

Helping the residents of the fortress is important...but right now, we must focus on delivering the Heir of the Covenant to the sanctum.

Excuse me... Are you talking about me?

...! Greetings Heir of the Covenant! I am the commander of the Order of the Shield, Crozet Morbihan!

You don't have to be so formal, Crozet.

Speaking in such a manner to someone like the Heir of the Covenant is the duty of anyone in a knightly order!

Let us head to the sanctum immediately. Follow me!

But is anything the matter? I thought I overheard something about...

It's nothing of importance.

Master really is dense! I've already figured out what's going on!

Oh, youth!

Alright then, Commander. We'll head out to strengthen the fortress defenses. And while we're at it, we'll also look for that woman.

What are you...

Alright, you can go.

Thank you, Heir of the Covenant!

Leon! That rascal... This is quite embarrassing.

There's no need to be so tense, Crozet. Despite how I look, I am still the Heir of the Covenant. And Meru and Arky are here too.

Yes. I have sworn to protect Ras with my life.

...Even so, I can hardly leave everything to a Wraith.

As I have received orders to safely deliver you to your destination, I will complete my mission without fail!

Oh well. Thank you in advance for your protection and guidance to the Tagehel Ruins sanctum.

Were there no strange people wandering around before we arrived?

No, only a few ordinary civilians. Nobody suspicious.

I have placed a number of knights of the Order of the Shield on every road that leads to the sanctum. You may relax.

This must be your order's famous iron defense. I'm impressed.

But who are those people over there?

They're knights of my order. Something must have happened!

This energy...

I sense dark magic! Everyone! Prepare yourselves!

Crozet! What is going on? Has the Order of the Shield taken the Archdemon's side?

There must be a reason. These men were the ones assigned to defend the gate...

There was something strange about the knights who attacked us... They were muttering to themselves the entire time...

They were saying, "Anyone who approaches is the enemy!" and, "We must defend the gate!"

They appeared to see us as enemies.

They were slower than usual and their eyes were blank as well. As if they were staring at something that wasn't there...

Ah. I've got it! Arky's figured it out! The reason why the soldiers were acting strange!

I'm sure they were drunk!

They say day drinking will make you forget your own parents. I'm sure they had a bit too much and forgot who Master and Sir Crozet are!

The knights of the Order of the Shield would never drink while on duty!

Calm down. Let's look for clues while pacifying any members of the Order who attack us. Take care not to cause any fatal injuries.

That's Lorina, an apprentice knight, approaching.

Anyway, let's ask her and find out what happened.

Lorina! What happened...

C-Crozet! I'll defeat you! Hyaa!

Lorina! Get a hold of yourself! What's wrong with you?!

Huh? Commander, what happened? Why am I here...

I could ask you the same thing, Lorina. Why did you attack me?

I attacked you? Impossible...

I... I was standing sentry, when suddenly my head started spinning...

...Tenebria, Queen of Illusions.

This energy and these methods. It must be her doing.

Lorina! Did you see anyone using illusion magic?

No, no one. I remember seeing Leon running towards me and then... Ah, weren't we going somewhere?

*sighing*... I can't remember anything. I'm sorry, Commander.

Will I lose my place as an apprentice knight? Now that I've committed such a crime...

You aren't to blame, Lorina.

Right. Tenebria is to blame for this.

We must find her before there are any more losses. I'm sure she's watching us nearby, enjoying herself.

Understood! I will make sure to restore my honor!

*sighing* Is there no end to these soldiers?

And it's so much harder since we have to knock them out instead of killing them.

...This is one of the areas where we increased our presence recently.

I wanted to ensure that even when I was escorting the Heir of the Covenant and could not be here, the safety of the people of the Iron Fortress was guaranteed.

But our iron defense has placed the people in even greater danger...

Are there many civilians living here?

Yes. Though this is a military facility, a number of civilians who assist our operations also reside here.

They have chosen to live here and aid the Order even though it places their lives at risk.

That is why we must defend them with our very lives.

I admire you, Crozet. Your position as Commander of the Order of the Shield is well deserved.

Let's check on the civilians of the fortress first.

We'll go see what's going on, deal with Tenebria before she causes more problems, and then go to the sanctum.

Heir of the Covenant...! Thank you!

Lorina, while Ras and I are checking in on the fortress civilians, please stand guard here!

Yes, sir. I will ensure that no hallucinating soldiers get past me.

I will make up for my previous mistake!

Good luck, Lorina.

This is...awful. Tenebria must be nearby. Be careful, everyone.

How could she do this to these innocent people... She is a demon!

Come out! Cowardly Tenebria!

Agh! P-please save me!

Over there!

Wait... that's...

The weak...must...die...

Why is the Order doing this?! No!

L-Leon?

...I'm hungry.

I have to find food... Mom... If you were here, would I still be this hungry?

It sounds like the fighting has stopped... Will it be safe to go outside?

Agh! P-please save me!

Why is the Order doing this?! No!

There are still knights setting fire to the village. Will I be safe here? I'm so hungry...

...Why must I live in such pain?

Is life this painful because I insist on living even though I'm weak?

Should the weak just die...?

Don't cry kiddo. I'll protect you.

When you grow up, you too can become someone who protects the weak.

If everyone takes care of each other like that, the weak won't have to live in pain any more.

Protect the weak? ...What a strange person.

No. No...he isn't strange. He's...!

Leon! Wake up!

Commander...? Whose blood... Why... Ah...?

No. It can't be. Who was the knight massacring the villagers in my dream...?

Agh! No! No! I...! NOOOOOOO!!!

Calm down, Leon!

Me? Me? I-I thought she was injured... I went to help her...

Protect the weak? I wanted...to...protect...them. Because...I promised...

I tried...to keep that promise? Huh? What? Ha. Hahahah.

I get it. It was just a dream, wasn't it? It's just a nightmare.

Leon...you aren't to blame. This is Tenebria's work.

But even if it wasn't by your will, your hand was the tool.

Hurry up and move the civilians you've harmed back to the barracks, and apologize to them deeply.

*sobbing*

Will Leon be alright by himself?

...When I met Leon for the first time, he promised to never to give up on his life.

He's never broken a promise to me yet. I trust he won't start doing so now.

You believe in him.

I see that Leon and you are bound by the trust you have for each other.

He is the first person I ever saved as a knight.

Back then, Leon was just a child, incapable of defending even himself, let alone other people.

I wanted to give Leon the power to defend others. And so I kept him by my side and trained him as a knight...

But now that power has slain innocents.

...Crozet.

All the soldiers I tasked with defending the people attacked the Heir of the Covenant.

And the boy I taught to be a knight, who would keep the people safe, only brought them harm.

W-What can I defend now... What is left for me to do...

Crozet, your efforts have not gone to waste. No matter the end they brought about.

I cannot say what end the Goddess's will or my actions will bring.

All I can do is believe in the path I've chosen and move forward.

Let's find Tenebria, Crozet.

That's the one thing we can do for all the people who have died today.

...That woman.

Mm?

The woman Leon was looking for wasn't among the dead.

Is she still alive?

She could be. We'll find her and protect her if she is.

Find that woman. We'll follow the trail of dark magic and track down Tenebria.

Understood!

He looked completely defeated at first, but as soon as he thought of that woman his attitude totally changed!

He realized that he still has something to fight for.

I hope that woman is safe for Crozet and Leon's sake.

She isn't here.

She must have been attacked as well...

Who are you looking for?

...! Ah! You're alive! Thank the Goddess...

Oh, were you worried about me?

Now, everything will be fine.

You'll help me achieve my dream, and in return, I'll give you a dream you won't want to wake up from.

...!?

Hehe. Are you surprised?

No...! You... It can't be!

Indeed, reality truly is wretched. I know you want to run away. I know you don't want to believe it is really happening.

Forget me and your mistakes and just follow the fantasy I give you.

The Heir of the Covenant...

He will bring destruction upon this world. Death walks beside him.

The Heir of the Covenant...

Who is your enemy?

The Heir of the Covenant...!

...

What's the matter, Ras?

Something is wrong. We have to find Tenebria soon.

There! Crozet's coming this way!

Crozet! Did you find that woman?

Heir of the Covenant!

This world was plunged into darkness the moment you awoke. Ever since you came here, I have been drowning in a swamp of despair.

Once I kill you, everything will return to the way it was!

Crozet...?

It's dangerous, Ras!

Ugh... Heir of the Covenant... Ras...?

I found that woman...but...she...

It's alright, Crozet. Tell me what happened.

Nothing at all!

Tenebria!

Nothing happened, so go back to your fantasies.

...! Tenebria!

Mercedes! Don't look into her eyes!

It's time for good children to go to bed.

...I feel like I had the strangest dream. Has Ras defeated the Archdemon?

Yes! We've won!

Oh... Really? ...That's right, we did defeat the Archdemon!

Huh...? Did we really? We really did!

Diche's strength has returned and the Celestial War has ended as well. No more Archdemons, forever!

I don't really understand, but that's wonderful, Ras!

Now that long and horrible war is over let's go on a culinary holiday! Kyukyu!

Ras Elclare, thank you for defending this world.

Kise… Are you returning to your clan now? To the Lunar Cemetery?

I've been away for too long. It's time I return to the Aubade Light.

Hehe, today's victory was a complete triumph over all evil!

I told you, Ras! Today's rabbit fortune cookie said it would be a day of super luck.

Now that the Archdemon is gone, we can finally be happy!

You're right, Ruele. Seeing you happy makes me happy too.

It was all thanks to you, Ras. No one died, no one was hurt. We achieved a perfect victory.

As expected, the Heir of the Covenant is truly different. Thinking back, I'm ashamed I once resented you.

Iseria, you endured so much pain and loss to win this fight. You really went through a lot.

Pain and loss…? No, there was no such thing.

…Huh? Is that so…?

Mercedes. Do you remember something?

No… Nothing at all…

Heir of the Covenant, who are you talking to right now?

What? You can't see Mercedes standing right next to me?

Looks like the Heir of the Covenant has a knack for seeing things we can't.

Vildred? How are you… here?

What, did you change your mind at the last minute? You said you understood me and forgave me.

Petty you! My master's just got a reeeally narrow heart!

Hahaha! But you were practically begging me in tears to come back! Honestly, I'm way too soft-hearted.

I… begged you in tears, and that's why you came back…?

Since I'll be returning to the Lunar Cemetery tomorrow, it'd be nice to tie up any loose ends at tonight's banquet.

Hehehe, sounds good!

…Something still feels off.

Ras?

Mercedes, Arky, what were we doing? Do you really believe that we defeated the Archdemon?

Could we really have defeated him without losing anything?

But...isn't this the world and future that you longed for?

Ruele, Kise, Vildred, they're all here. No one died, no one was betrayed...

Yes. This was the world I wished for.

A world where no one was sacrificed... A future free from threat of evil.

...!

I see now. That's why I don't exist here.

As a Wraith, I will always be a threat to the world...

But I already know. This future is impossible.

We were going to defeat the Archdemon. Supported by the sacrifices of countless people.

Master, please. Arky wants to stay here...

Everyone is happy here. I want to play with Ruele and Kise...

You have to let them go. They're gone. You can't change the past...

And I can't change the mistakes I've made. They died... We can't bring them back.

For a brighter future, we have to accept the past and acknowledge reality.

No matter how cruel that reality is...

Kyuu...

Even though it was all an illusion, I'm glad we were able to see each other again, everyone...

...

I've been dreaming this whole time.

A dream where Ras and I brought peace to the world, and where I was accepted... An impossible dream.

For there to be true peace, no Wraiths can exist.

I was fooling myself because Ras was so kind to me...just like Quene Diene.

If Tenebria's illusion is my truth...

Then...

Are you alright, Mercedes? Don't worry so much.

Here, hold my hand.

If we're seperated inside this illusion we might not be able to escape together.

...Ras.

What am I supposed to do...

Are you abandoning us after all?

We trusted you and fought with our lives on the line. Is this how it ends?

I didn't just put my life in your hands, I risked my entire clan for you.

But now you've chosen to deceive and abandon us.

We can't waver. This is just one of Tenebria's illusions.

You're a despicable person who can't protect or take responsibility for anything.

The Heirs believed in your false hope and risked everything they had for you.

Their deaths are entirely your fault.

Nothing can change that fact.

...

You're just an illusion.

Don't you understand, Mercedes?

You are not a being that can coexist with the Heir of the Covenant.

...! Who...are you?

No...I know this person.

He's...

Come back. Accept your true calling.

Urghh...

Master! Meru is acting strange!

What's wrong, Mercedes! Get a hold of yourself!

I'm confused... I don't know what's happening.

What was that? Who was that? Who...am I?

You're Mercedes. You're my companion. You've fought alongside me up till now.

No matter what happens, or what illusions we see, that won't change.

Focus on me, Mercedes.

Ras...

Finally, the illusion has been dispelled! Where is Crozet? What's happened?

He's over there!

I'm sorry, Heir. I didn't realize that woman was Tenebria...

I should have suspected as much considering she appeared just as you arrived.

And even if it was only for a moment, I fell under her magic and truly believed that you were my enemy.

The memory of wielding a sword in the name of evil is forever scorched into my mind.

It's over. Both the Order of the Shield, and my honor. You may discipline me in any way you see fit.

Crozet. The past isn't important. We have to focus on what we can do right now.

Look towards the present and future, not the past, Crozet.

Right now, you must defeat Tenebria and return peace to this place.

If you wish to atone, if you want revenge, lend me your power. Let's overcome this, together.

Ras...!

Now, get on your feet, Crozet. We have to defeat Tenebria!

Aww...how anticlimactic. And I put extra effort into preparing that world.

How did you figure out that it was an illusion? No, rather, I wonder what even compelled you to leave it.

I knew because the real world could never be so perfect.

Of course, the world is a dark, dirty place. That's why you should have stayed in my fantasy.

I have no intention of becoming your plaything.

Let's end this, Tenebria.

Ras! I will take care of Tenebria's followers!

My knight, Crozet. Don't do this. Fight for me.

Become my hope and defeat the Heir of the Covenant.

Kgh...

Crozet!

I won't...be fooled by your sweet tongue any longer.

I know that escaping reality can't change anything.

All I can do is...accept my reality, overcome it, and move forward!

I knew you're such a boring man.

It can't be helped. The game's over, Heir of the Covenant.

You'll regret not staying in your illusion longer.

We're not the type to crumble over some careless fantasy.

What a shame... I wanted to play a little longer.

Haha... But even if I die, Vildred and Kayron will soon resurrect the Archdemon.

Resurrect the Archdemon?

I really wanted to see...your face writhing in despair...as you realize that fate has only been toying with you...

Ah, what a shame...

Weren't Vildred and Kayron trying to use the Archdemon's Might for themselves?

...What are they trying to do?

Will you truly be alright alone to the Tagehel Ruins?

I'll be fine. I have the map you made for me as well.

The Order of the Shield needs you more than I do right now.

I know it won't be easy...but...

...Sorry, I don't know what to say at times like these.

I understand. We have lost too much, but...I have found a greater calling through this tragedy.

The thing I truly have to protect isn't the Order or you, but rather...

...the future of this world.

In order to protect that, neither shall the Order of the Shield nor I crumble!

You've become stronger, Crozet.

I'm glad you made it through all this. Please take care of the survivors.

Morfid, a prophet from Wetheric Moor, is in charge of protecting the Tagehel Ruins, right?

Now that we know for sure that Vildred is headed for Wetheric Moor's sanctum...

We can only hope that Morfid is delaying him as best he can.

If I know Morfid, he would rather die than open the sanctum for Vildred!

Do both of you know this person?

Hmm...well, to be honest it's complicated, but...when the Archdemon attacked, he fought with us.

Well, at least that's how it was in the previous world. Morfid wouldn't remember anything from back then.

He's really scary and always really serious, but he still really loves the Goddess!

So when we told him that Ras is the Goddess incarnate, he was so happy that he didn't know what to do!

Secretly collecting my loose hair… hiding under my bed without me knowing...

When Morfid locked eyes with me under the bed... that was the creepiest moment of my life!

Why... would he do something like that...?

He said that he lacked consideration for others relative to his own needs...

But honestly I don't know either. Humans are hard to understand.

He really is something else...

Mercedes. I'll say this since we were talking about him, but...

Morfid and his assistants are fanatical in their devotion to the Goddess.

They're likely to be extremely uncomfortable around you as you aren't one of the Goddess's creations.

Even if they say something disrespectful, try not to pay it much mind.

...I will.

Master! Look over there! Those soldiers are being attacked by monsters!

They seem to be injured... Are they defending the Tagehel Ruins?

Aren't you...the Heir of the Covenant?

Yes, I am Ras Elclare, Heir of the Covenant. Are you the soldiers tasked with defending the Tagehel Ruins?

What happened? Did Vildred do this?

That abominable betrayer...he forced Morfid to dispel the sanctum's protective barrier and...

So many soldiers have died... Only a handful survived...

What happened to Vildred and Morfid? Are they still close by?

They're... *coughing*...

Kyuu... He's blacked out.

Ras! There's an injured soldier here as well!

Y-You...

Don't touch me with your filthy hands! How dare you?!

...Forgive me, Lord Brieg.

Don't say that. She's not trying to hurt you.

You...you're the Heir of the Covenant! Ah...we knew you would come to save us.

But I cannot accept the assistance of a Wraith. Such an act would go against my beliefs!

I'd rather die honorably than be saved by a Wraith!

...*sighing*. Alright. I'll help you then. Can you accept that?

The Heir of the Covenant himself! This is beyond an honor! Thank you, thank you...

Alright. It should be safe here.

I've treated you the best I can... Can you tell me what happened?

Just before you arrived... Vildred came here accompanied by a Wraith.

They planned to force Morfid into lifting the barrier around the sanctum and take the Archdemon's Might bound there.

But Morfid refused to cooperate. And so, Vildred took him to a Land of Death.

A Land of Death... There's one in Wetheric Moor as well...?

He must be planning on killing Morfid there!

Heir of the Covenant! Authority of the Goddess! Please save him! He who is so devoted to you!

Yes. I'll do all I can. Where is the Land of Death?

Northeast of here.

If we weren't injured we could guide you there. I'm sorry...

It's alright. Thanks.

Let's head to the Land of Death. We must save Morfid!

Hmph! Those soldiers were horrible! Meru just wanted to help them!

I experienced similar treatment in Ezera. I'm used to it.

Meru...just because you're used to it doesn't make it okay.

Sad experiences are sad no matter how many times you've experienced them... Please don't just ignore it because you're used to it.

I want you to be more outgoing and honest with yourself.

...Arky, it's not that easy.

What's wrong and what's right. How I should act.

Is it right for me to stay by you and Ras?

I wish I had been born without emotions or free will.

Master... Meru has been feeling down since we met those knights earlier...

Master should tell Meru to cheer up. If it's Master, Meru will definitely perk up!

...Hmm. I wonder...

What's with that halfhearted reaction? You don't care if Meru keeps being depressed?

I was wondering if it's really alright to tell her to cheer up now, when nothing has been resolved.

Even if I say something to her now, something similar might happen again in the future.

Is cheering her up every time really the right thing to do?

*sighing*... Both Master and Meru think too hard about things.

Just tell her to stay strong and cheer up! It isn't hard!

...I know I can't be doing this much longer.

If what I've been doing was, in fact, deception, it's time for me to come clean and tell them the truth.

Mercedes, are you still upset about what happened earlier?

Ah, no... I'm just a bit tired. That's all.

We have so much in common, you and I.

What could a Homunculus like myself have in common with someone like you?

Like the way you always try to take everything upon yourself, or the lies you tell while pretending to be all right...

These are the things I've been doing for a very long time.

...

That's exactly why Vildred got so upset with me and said I'd been deceiving everyone around me.

Maybe...it would've been better if I had shared my problems and hardships with others more.

Before any more people like Vildred or the Ilryos Church learn the truth and feel betrayed...

Ras...

Did you feel anything strange while fighting those Unknown?

...They looked like monsters, but there was no dark magic, no life force either. It felt like fighting a corpse.

That's right, these things are not alive... Never given life, they only exist in death.

Is that...even possible?

It shouldn't be possible in this universe. That's why they're distorted creations!

When the Goddess created beings of life without death, beings of death without life were also created.

Life without death... Are you such a being, Ras?

No. This world...

By all the laws of the universe, this world and everything in it should be dead.

The Archdemon has already destroyed this world six times.

And six times Diche has recreated it. But no one remembers this truth, as the Goddess has erased all memory of the world's destruction.

With every cycle of death and rebirth, the distortions in Diche's creations have grown just as her power has weakened.

Defeating the Archdemon and restoring Diche's power is my most important duty, but...

If we can't break this cycle of destruction, this world is bound to become more and more twisted.

...I thought that defeating the Archdemon would fix everything.

But it won't be enough to save this world...

...Okay.

It is my duty to ensure that people do not lose faith in the Goddess but...

For an ordinary person, if they realized what is truly happening, I'm sure they would believe the world is ultimately doomed.

That's why I've kept the truth hidden.

But...ever since I saw the dead Heirs in Tenebria's illusion, I've began doubting myself.

I believed in you...that's why I gave my life for you!

Did my death mean nothing?

They fought and died believing that defeating the Archdemon would bring about a complete peace.

I don't know if concealing the truth is the right thing to do when nothing is certain.

How could you give false hope to so many and push them into a war with such indifference?

You think yourself innocent, but you are beyond cruel!

Like Vildred said, what I thought was care and consideration may have just been cruel deception.

I'm sure it was hard.

...You don't hate me?

All the people who've come to realize this truth have either begun to hate me or lost faith in our cause.

But you weren't hiding the truth out of malice.

And, in the end, I trust you, Ras.

Even if we face a problem that seems insurmountable... No matter how difficult a battle may seem...

I know you'll overcome it.

We've overcome so many trials to get this far already.

I know now that there are other problems too...but I'm sure you'll be able to resolve them, Ras.

Isn't this the hope you spoke of?

...Mercedes.

Thank you. You've made things clearer for me.

This is why just saying what you're worrying about is the best solution!

You need to be more discreet though.

All right, now it's your turn, Mercedes.

Tell me what's been troubling you lately.

I...

Aghh!

Hmm?

There must be someone being attacked by the Unknown...!

The noise came from that way. Let's move!

Mercedes... I thought she wanted to say something.

...I'll ask her later.

Get back, filth!

Master! Over there! It's Morfid! He's being attacked by an enormous Unknown!

I've never seen an Unknown so big... The world's distortions are getting worse as more time goes by.

We have to save him!

Praise be! I knew the Goddess and the Heir of the Covenant would come to save me!

Right... I'm glad you made it through.

Where is Vildred? What happened to the sanctum?

I did not succumb to the threats of the betrayer! That ruffian left just before you arrived!

I'm sure he realized the Goddess was coming to annihilate him and so he ran away as fast as he could. Hehe...

Vildred ran away? That doesn't sound like him...

Ahh, I managed to endure thanks to your timely arrival. Praise be to the grace of the Goddess!

Uh...right. Then Vildred hasn't stolen the Archdemon's Might sealed here?

We should go to the Tagehel Ruins quickly. Vildred may return.

Most certainly we should. However...

Are you planning on taking that Wraith to the sanctum as well?

You cannot allow a filthy Wraith to enter a sanctum of the Goddess! As a devotee of her teachings, I will not allow it!

What...!

Ras. We don't have time for this.

Your mission is more important than me.

Yes, good. This Wraith understands well.

Will you allow me to protect you, at least until we've escaped this Land of Death?

Since the Unknown here seem to be extremely aggressive.

...Hmm, well. I can accept that much. It would be a mercy for me to do so.

Mercedes, you really don't mind not coming?

Don't worry about me, we need to focus on leaving this place immediately.

Kyuu... Meru really isn't honest with herself.

Oh! Such strength! You defeated those ferocious Unknown in one blow!

This...is a miracle... This world's hope...

If I were not a devotee of the Goddess, I'm sure I would not have been able to witness such incredible power... Ah...

Morfid is even louder than I remember. My ears hurt...

Here come more...Mercedes! Take care of our rear!

Yes, ma'am!

Don't interfere, Wraith! The Heir's beautiful performance will be ruined!

I just planned on defending...

Just take care of me while the Heir of the Covenant is realizing the will of the Goddess.

The Heir is so powerful that he could destroy endless numbers of Unknown without tiring at all!

I do get tired...

Show yourselves, Unknown! Though I walk through the Land of Death, I fear no evil, for the Heir of the Covenant is by my side!

*sighing*...

Now that we've escaped the Land of Death, the Wraith can no longer accompany us.

Know that I allowed your presence due to my charitable nature! Were my soldiers here, this would never have been allowed!

Mercedes, you can hit him if you want. Or I can hit him for you.

No. It's fine.

Let us go to the Tagehel Ruins immediately!

Mercedes, we'll be back soon.

I'll be waiting for your safe return.

...

...This is the first time I've been alone.

In Ezera I had Queen Diene...and now Ras.

What am I supposed to do with no one to protect?

It's been a while.

...!

No need to be so alert, Vildred is not here.

Why are you here? What do you want?! Are you planning on hurting Ras?

No, I'm here for you.

...?!

You should not be here. Come with me to where you belong.

I refuse. I won't go with you.

You're running from your destiny... You force me to compel you through violence.

Capture that Homunculus!

No matter how far you run, you cannot escape your destiny.

Homunculi are creations of the Archdemon's Might.

Beings made for a singular purpose, they cannot escape the meaning for their existence.

No. I will never join the Archdemon.

Because if I ever did...I'm sure it would break Ras and Arky's hearts.

...Foolish.

I once felt the same way you do.

I thought I could abandon my purpose in life...and follow my emotions.

But such thoughts were simply self-serving. No matter how much you ignore the truth, you cannot change it.

No matter what you want, what you may feel... Your future will not change.

You can't run from yourself nor can you run from your destiny!

...I understand now, thanks to you.

I would rather die than serve the Archdemon. My place is beside Ras.

Rather, besides Ras is where I want to be...!

...I know you feel that people doubt you as a Wraith and that you work that much harder to fight that doubt.

But I already trust you. So you don't have to do this.

I've always believed my emotions were unnecessary, unimportant.

But that might not be true.

All the emotions I've experienced are the reason why I refuse to go to the Archdemon's side.

I don't want anyone to have to face a tragedy like Lady Iseria did.

I want to take revenge for Queen Diene, who was brutally murdered by Vildred.

I want to help Ras, who believed in me and relied on me.

I...I'm going to do what I want to do. Not what I was created to do.

...Ras.

Mercedes. You're already an important companion to us.

The one person who treated me without prejudice. The one person who accepted me as a comrade.

The kindest, strongest person I know.

If it's for the world that Ras wishes for, I can do anything.

Even if... Even if there's no place for me in such a world...

Heir! Do you remember this place?

According to legend, this is where you, the Heir of the Covenant, fought the final battle against the Archdemon hundreds of years ago.

Ah... That was here? It does seem familiar...

I extolled the Goddess's and your glory here every single day from the moment I began my training to become a priest!

"Thank you for defending this world from the Archdemon and his fiends!" is what I cried out as I prayed to you.

Though the Lands of Death only become bigger and the monsters only ever grow stronger and greater in number!

I have never doubted you or the Goddess.

How merciful is our creator! To treasure the world so much that she gave unto us her Covenant!

And the hair of the Heir, bearing such worry over the creatures of that world, has gone completely white...

My hair has always been white...

Truly, the Goddess and her Heir are this world's hope! They are the light we must believe in and follow!

My trust is like steel.

You still have many followers, Heir.

Indeed, they trust in you and no one else.

...I know.

That's why, no matter what happens, I will defend that hope.

Hope! What a wonderful word.

No matter how difficult things may become, with just a single word - hope - people can endure.

"Things will get better." Such a simple phrase.

The Goddess and the Heir of the Covenant must know this better than anyone!

That is why they can say, "Don't abandon hope. I will give unto you my Covenant. Follow my Heir."

...Morfid?

That's why I have praised both you and the Goddess my entire life!

...

Yes. I've devoted my entire life...

...to worshipping liars and deceivers. Foolishly.

...!

Why...did you betray our trust?

...Morfid, you...!

As I would not dispel the sanctum's barrier, Vildred took me to that Land of Death and there he showed me the truth.

As long as Diche protects this world, the Archdemon, sent by Ilryos, will continue to plague us...

And with every loss, every time the world is destroyed and recreated, it rots and becomes twisted!

At the very least...you should have told the people who believed in you!

If you had told us that there was no hope... If you had just said so...

I would not have wasted my life...

...I'm sorry. I know my apology isn't going to make much difference now.

But you're right. I made the wrong decision which claimed countless lives.

However, that only gives me more reason...to try my utmost to protect this world.

To undo my mistakes, to make everything right.

So tell me, Morfid. Did you give Vildred the Archdemon's Might?

I gave him the power to dispel the sanctum's barrier...

Despite everything, I could not stand to watch the sanctum that I had defended for so long fall into the hands of the Archdemon.

My only hope now is that he destroys this world with the Archdemon's Might quickly so that my agony might end! Ahaha!

Arky, we might still have time to stop Vildred! Hurry!

You're late, Ras Elclare.

Vildred...!

Now that I have obtained another fragment of the Archdemon's Might, your life ends here.

Vildred, it isn't too late. Abandon the Archdemon's Might!

You still peddle your ridiculous hope.

I discovered that the power of destruction can be turned into the power of creation in Dun Blyraia.

With that, we will be able to restore Diche's lost strength!

You should know better than me, that won't be enough to save this world.

Once Diche has regained her power, what then?

Will you begin the cycle of death and rebirth anew? Will you push the world back into war?

Or will you tell the restored Goddess to leave this place?

...

Of course you won't. You can't.

Because you have no idea what might happen to a world without the Goddess. Because you don't know if you can overcome that trial.

You ignored the truth. And because you could not leave the Goddess nor trust the people of this world, you decided to lie.

What have you done that I could leave the world's future in your hands?

I will use the Archdemon's Might to kill you, expel the Goddess, and defend this world!

The time for your death has finally come, Heir of the Covenant.

Get out of my way, Homunculus! Know your place!

...I won't let you kill Ras as you killed Queen Diene!

...Ras.

Thank you for everything.

...You teleported them away.

A pointless struggle. The end is already decided.

I don't know what your end is...

But I believe in Ras.

He will overcome everything and return light to the world.

...

...You fool.

...Ras.

Wake up, Ras!

Ah! He's awake! Ras woke up!

Thank the Goddess. I was worried he might sleep for another twenty years again!

This place...?

Near the Tagehel Ruins.

I received orders from the Conclave to find and assist you in your quest. Yuna and I were headed towards the sanctum when we discovered you here, collapsed.

...Where is Mercedes!?

We only found you and Arky.

We looked around the area, but the sanctum is already gone and Mercedes is nowhere to be seen.

Then...Vildred must have taken her...

R-a-s!

Stop acting like this is the end.

Besides, you still have us here with you. And just because Mercedes isn't right here next to you, it doesn't mean she's gone for good.

That's right. Don't give up, Master!

Given the circumstances, it's more than likely that Vildred took Mercedes alive.

It's possible that Mercedes has a past, or a role to play in all this, that we do not know about.

Now that you mention it...

Mercedes here was entrusted to me by the Heir, Krau, who also happens to be one of my longtime friends.

I'd always thought that she was someone entwined in the Heir of the Covenant's fate, but I guess that's not the case.

...I don't care about the reason as long as she's still alive.

Now that he has gained another fragment of the Archdemon's Might, Vildred must be heading towards another sanctum.

If we are to save Mercedes, we must hurry to the sanctum in Duselnorc.

All right. Let's make haste.

But first, there's something I must tell everyone.

Before it's too late...I want to tell you the truth of this world.

I was wondering what this is about... Is it that?

If it's what I think it is, we already heard from Morfid.

What...!?

I half doubted it when I heard, as Morfid seemed to have lost his mind and was spouting nonsense, but as you brought it up, I assume what he said must be true.

...I'm sorry I hid it from you.

If you hate me now and want to leave because of this, I understand.

Personally, I believe you made the right choice.

If that truth had been revealed with the world in its current state, there would have been chaos.

And we chose to go with you even after hearing all of that.

And I didn't trust and want to help you because you're the Heir of the Covenant or anything.

When Reingar was in danger, and when I wanted to run away from everything...

Weren't you the one who saved the city, and me as well?

...I see.

Thank you. Truly.

Now, now. Since you're all cheered up, let's get a move on towards Duselnorc!

I always just saw the creatures of Orbis as people I had to protect and lead.

Yet even as I asked them to believe and trust in me, I never truly did the same in regards to any of them.

I'm sure there will be more people like Morfid, who cannot come to terms with the truth and choose to turn their backs on hope.

But there still are those who, even in this desperate situation, will maintain hope and choose to keep moving forward.

Like Yuna and Iseria, and Mercedes too.

I know now that there are other problems too...but I'm sure you'll be able to resolve them, Ras.

Isn't this the hope you spoke of?

...Mercedes.

R-as! If you don't hurry up we'll leave you behind!

...Alright, I'm coming!

I will repay their trust in me by trusting in them. And we'll move forward together.

That's the only way I can thank them for their faith and bravery.

We've even lost the Tagehel Ruin's fragment.

Not only has Vildred managed to take two fragments of the Archdemon's Might, but he's being guided by the Acolyte Kayron...

There is no way an ordinary force can stop him.

Now there are only two sanctums left! Duselnorc's Lunar Cemetery and Taranor's Fountain of Tears.

The Heir of the Covenant is currently moving towards Duselnorc. Hmm. But Taranor is a problem.

Are they still refusing any assistance from our army?

Yes. We have sent envoys, but they claim that Taranor cannot allow foreign soldiers to be stationed on their territory.

Now they just keep repeating that Taranor will defend their sanctum with their own strength.

But if their Archdemon's Might is taken, the problems caused won't only be theirs to deal with...!

It would be best if we could amiably find a solution for both our countries.

And we may have problems in Taranor, but it's the same story in Duselnorc.

There's the issue of Ludwig, last of the Nocturnes. He's shut himself inside the Lunar Cemetery, and we have no way of knowing if he will be willing to lower the sanctum's barrier.

Why must they persist in their childish games when now is the time when we must combine our strength...

Uwah! It's so cold! This place is just like it's described in books! Even my heart is freezing.

It would be best to put on something warmer.

Kyukyu! Arky is totally okay! Duselnorc's climate is perfect!

Are you two alright? This won't do. I'll cut off some of Arky's fur and you can wrap yourselves in it.

Kyuu! No! No! Don't you dare!

Hmm...I'll pass. I really don't like animal fluff.

That hurts just as much...

In that case, Yuna, let's stay close together. We'll be warmer if we share body heat.

Oh, is that really okay? Woohoo! I'll never let you go!

Y-Yuna, when I said we should stay close, I didn't mean you could hug me like this!

Sorry to interrupt when you're improving your relationship, but can you look ahead for a moment? Monsters are coming.

Those monsters will be hugging you soon too if we don't get rid of them.

These monsters... They're like the ones that went berserk after being affected by the Acolyte's dark magic back in Dun Blyraia.

I sense it too. An Acolyte may have come in search of the Nocturnes already.

It must be Kayron.

Acolyte Kayron was persuasive enough to control the Ilryos Church and convince Vildred to fight for him.

We should hurry. Before the Lunar Cemetery is taken by our enemies!

Master...is this the right place? I feel like we've been going in circles!

Strange. The cemetery has to be nearby, but I haven't seen a single tombstone...

*sighing* I knew this would happen, Master has never had any sense of direction...

But I'm pretty sure this time Ras has been taking us in the right direction?

Look. This book says the Lunar Cemetery should be around here as well.

It may be that the cemetery is hidden so that ordinary people cannot find it. Like Dun Blyraia.

Ah! Page 485 says the exact same thing!

"The Nocturnes are extremely secretive and other than during the Archdemon War, they rarely interact with other people!"

If the cemetery is the home of a group like that then they'll definitely want to make sure it's well hidden!

With so much snow everywhere, even if there was some sign or object it must be buried deep.

Agh! Master, look over there! Someone is dragging a ton of monsters this way!

Uwah! Heir of the Covenant! Please help! Quickly!

Huh!?

Phew...that was close. The monsters are so much more ferocious than they were before.

What are you even doing here in the first place?

I'm Huche, unrivaled super merchant of Ritania! I came here to sell my wares!

How can you sell anything here if there aren't any people?

My speciality is going anywhere there's anyone who needs something I have!

I rushed here as soon I learned that my fate and the fate of the Heir of the Covenant were interconnected!

Eh? How do you know that?

Trick of the trade.

But anyway, does this mean that you have something I need right now?

Naturally, certainly. Aren't you looking for the way into the Lunar Cemetery?

I'll tell you more once we're somewhere safer. I'm scared there are too many monsters here!

Oh well. Stay right behind me.

You don't have to tell me twice. Now, now, get rid of those monsters for me!

Hmm, thanks for saving me. I'll tell you what I know now.

But! Only if you promise to pay me back for what the information is worth!

Pay? You want money?

Does Master have any money?

I'm sure Iseria or Yuna have some. Yuna is president of the student council of Reingar and Iseria is the Order of the Shield's second in command.

Eh...?

Tsk, tsk, tsk. I can make money any time.

What I want is connections!

My dream is to create a merchant guild that will one day be even larger than the Emporium!

If I have connections with Heirs, then I'll be able to get your help with things.

The payment I want is a promise that you won't forget the help the peerless merchant Huche has given you today!

Alright, Huche. I won't forget how you helped us.

Hmm, you promise? Well, follow me then. I'll take you to the Lunar Cemetery!

There are still traces of the defenses the Nocturnes put into place here. They make it easy to get lost, so be careful!

Everything was destroyed during the Archdemon War, but once upon a time the Nocturnes village used to be here.

It doesn't feel like a place where people lived at all...

You said you lived on another world during the Archdemon War, right, Yuna?

If you had seen the Archdemon's cruelty and destructive power you would know how a village could completely disappear.

So the Nocturnes kept fighting even after losing so much and even managed to end the war by sealing the Archdemon...

They were truly a brave people.

While Queen Diene and the Heirs suppressed him, their clan completed the ritual to bind the Archdemon in exchange for their lives.

It was thanks to them that we were able to bind the Archdemon's Might even without the Heir of the Covenant.

You protected this world by fighting with everything you had.

Yes. While many were frustrated and losing hope, the world was saved due to the actions of those who maintained their beliefs.

Now, now. Enough chatter.

Hmm...it has to be around here...

Ah, I found it!

What's this?

It's a Nocturne talisman used to create barriers.

They resolved to protect those important to them and so created this talisman.

To protect someone important...

As something made by the incredible Nocturnes, it fetches an equally incredible price as a self-defense item!

But why is something like that just lying on the ground here?

There's a saying that goes, "One amulet, one life..."

When the Nocturne who created a barrier dies, their barrier loses its power and only the amulet is left behind.

Then the owner of this amulet must be...

They've left our world.

But since we've found an amulet, we can go lower the barrier.

Here! I almost missed it underneath all this snow. This is the Lunar Cemetery's barrier stone.

If you touch the amulet to this stone, the path to the Lunar Cemetery should appear. Try it!

Wow, a path really did appear! There wasn't anything there before!

Ehem. If it weren't for me, you never would have found this, right?

Alright. Let's hurry up and enter the Lunar Cemetery. Do we just have to follow this path?

Yes! I'll take you to the entrance quickly and with precision, so just follow me!

There's someone approaching the cemetery.

It must be the Heir of the Covenant.

Do you wish to go with him?

No, I told you already, I have no intention of helping him.

...I see.

Now, now, we're almost there.

So we have to be extra careful from now on! There are Demons here!

They're so incredibly dangerous they've been nicknamed the Death of Adventurers in Duselnorc.

The one responsible for protecting the Lunar Cemetery and the Nocturnes' home has been doing so using these creatures.

Alone, for so long.

Huh? I thought all the Nocturnes sacrificed themselves in order to bind the Archdemon?

One survived. The Nocturnes locked him inside the cemetery in order to protect him.

He was only able to leave after his people had died while binding the Archdemon.

...I know the pain of seeing everyone you know and love die. I'm sure he suffered greatly.

But even so, Kise and the Nocturnes must have wanted to protect Ludwig.

Hmm? Ludwig? Is the last remaining Nocturne someone you know, Ras?

Yes. Kise, leader of the Nocturnes and an Heir of the previous world, always worried about him.

He's been suffering alone for a long time. If he were to meet an Acolyte while vulnerable...

We should find this Ludwig as quickly as we can.

Right. We have to reach the Lunar Cemetery soon.

Once we're there, we'll be able to give Kise's final message to the Aubade Light.

The Archdemon's army approaches... Are you prepared, Ras?

...Not entirely. But the Archdemon won't wait for me.

So even the Heir of the Covenant gets anxious. The Goddess must have made you too Human.

Indeed. I would have preferred not to feel anything. The Goddess can be merciless at times.

Then speaking of our merciless fate, I have a final request to ask of you, Ras Elclare.

If I am unable to return to the Lunar Cemetery...

Kise. I will deliver your message without fail.

I won't put the Lunar Cemetery and Ludwig at risk.

That's all I can do for you now.

This is the entrance to the Lunar Cemetery!

Now that I've completed my mission, I'll be going!

Alone? Won't the Demons attack you?

It's alright! The Demons won't attack someone holding an amulet of the Nocturnes.

Don't forget how I helped you! It's important to my future! And make sure you all survive to see it!

The Lunar Cemetery... It really is a cemetery?

So why...why has he trapped himself here, with the clan cemetery covered in amulets...!

He must have nowhere else to go.

And for him, the pain he feels might be his way of remembering his people.

Master. Why are you being so quiet?

Something that might explain why Ludwig chose to remain here... It might be that he's fulfilling a personal duty.

Dedicating himself to protecting the barrier binding the Archdemon's Might might be Ludwig's way of making up for surviving alone, after the rest of his clan sacrificed everything.

Kyuu. Master's become much more emphatic!

If that is so...I feel that Ludwig may not be particularly happy to see you again, Ras.

He may even resent the Heir of the Covenant, as I once did, for not protecting the people important to him.

...Resent...

But even so, there is no need for you to feel guilty, Ras.

I just needed someone to blame, and I'm sure Ludwig is the same.

Iseria, do you still resent me?

...Not anymore. Once Ludwig truly understands you, he'll feel the same way I do.

Master! There's someone over there!

Huh? Ras, is that Ludwig?

I had thought he'd at least be in his twenties, but he's just a kid!

Only in appearance.

The Nocturnes receive the rite of moonlight and, following that, do not age.

Please do not talk about me like I'm not here. This is not a zoo.

Turn back. That's all I came to tell you.

Lower the sanctuary's barrier, Ludwig. There will be others trying to take that power!

What will you do if I refuse to open?

That won't do! You have a duty as a Nocturne–

Quiet! I'm tired of all my duties and obligations!

Wait! Please!

Where did he go? Did we lose him?

I'm sorry. I said too much.

It's alright. As you said, blaming others is a self-defense mechanism.

Ludwig is running from us because of his own emotional wounds. You didn't do anything wrong, Iseria.

But we need to find him quickly... Arky! Find Ludwig's trail!

Master...we've talked about this.

How dare they speak of duty to me... How dare they...!

Will you really force them out?

You'll disappear if I dispel the barrier...

I hate the Wraiths for killing my clan. And I hate the Heir of the Covenant for not saving them.

But my being can no longer hold back the Archdemon's Might.

Even if you don't dispel the barrier, I will disappear.

...

Why did you decide to defend the sanctum anyway? I... I wanted to give up on my clan's responsibilities!

Do I need a reason to want to protect a place I love?

Ludwig, you do not have to take up our clan's duties. Walk the path you want.

This is one of the reasons Kise became an Heir and tried to protect this world...

And it was also the will of your fallen clan...

There he is! Stop, Ludwig!

Agh! How did you find me? I was sure I had lost you!

Ludwig! If you don't want to help us...at least listen to what I have to say!

I have a message I have to give you!

No. I don't want to hear it!

I just want to live here, alone and quietly... Why are you trying to get in my way?

Get out! Disappear!

You've done well, Ludwig. But I'll take it from here.

Acolyte Kayron!

What?! Then is the sanctum...?!

No, I never...! Agh!

Undead soldiers! Keep them occupied! I have things to discuss with Ludwig.

Wait! Kayron! Ludwig!

Hey, get off of me! Let go of me and we can talk!

I can wait no longer. Give me the Archdemon's Might.

No, I don't want to take anyone's side...

Don't you realize that by protecting this place you are already taking the side of the Heir of the Covenant?

...

It seems that your hate for the Heir of the Covenant was a lie.

Enough of this farce.

No! Be careful!

Where did Kayron and Ludwig go? We can't lose this sanctum!

There! Ludwig...!

...! Wake up, Ludwig! What happened!?

Please...help me.

If Kayron destroys the barrier, then Krom will... If I lose Krom as well... I...

It's alright, Ludwig.

I don't know what's happening, but we'll stop Kayron.

Can you stand? Let me help you.

...I'm sorry. About telling you to leave. And for treating you badly.

I already dispelled the barrier binding the Archdemon's Might once before.

Then... what's holding back the Archdemon's Might?

...It's Kise's Guardian, Kromcruz. He became the barrier itself, suppressing the Archdemon's Might.

I didn't want to dispel the barrier, because I was afraid that Krom might disappear.

But now, I think that no matter what I choose to do, Krom won't survive.

Even if I don't dispel the barrier, Krom's power is almost finished.

I know this. I know it, but...I can't give up.

Because Krom is my last remaining friend!

...If you don't want to give up, don't.

I can return Kromcruz to you. Then we'll be able to dispel the barrier and you won't lose your friend.

...! Is that possible?

...Guardians are beings of the power of creation. The lifeforce of the Goddess within me should be able to restore Kromcruz.

And if that fails, I will borrow the power and knowledge of the World Tree to help him.

I know how sad it is to lose someone important to you. I want to help you in any way possible.

Me too! I'll use all of Reingar's records to help you!

Okay, Ludwig? We'll do everything we can for you.

...Okay.

Thank you, everyone...

We've arrived. This is it!

My clan's defenses are everywhere in this area so even an Acolyte won't be able to reach this place easily. We have to use this chance to...!

Heir of the Covenant...you've finally awoken from your long slumber...

Yes, just wait a while longer. We'll bring you back soon.

Even though just dispelling the barrier... Killing Krom would be the easiest option...

I have to do my best as well, in return for their efforts to protect Krom and me...!

So you chose the Covenant's side in the end, Ludwig.

...! Kayron and his undead are here!

I'll stop him somehow!

Iseria and Yuna, please protect Ras...and Krom!

Amusing. Do you really think you can take me on alone?

This sanctum is filled with hundreds of years' worth of the Nocturnes' defenses.

I will use all the power of my clan to stop you...!

Kise, watch over us.

Then speaking of our merciless fate, I have a final request to ask of you, Ras Elclare.

If I am unable to return to the Lunar Cemetery...

Tell him to forget us and live his own life...

We will shoulder our clan's duties. Tell him to live freely like the radiance of the dawn.

To defend what is dear to him...

I will protect Kromcruz, Ludwig, and everything they hold dear!

You're still just a naive child, Ludwig.

I had thought you were an intelligent boy. Have you been fooled by the Heir of the Covenant's false hope?

It doesn't matter whether I win or lose!

I...I just want to defend the one last thing dear to me!

"Protect the ones dear to you with your life."

The Nocturnes have lived by these words and so created countless boundaries and defenses.

I, the Aubade Light, the last Nocturne, will risk everything to protect the one dearest to me!

I know you have regrets you can't let go of.

Forget your painful past, and become one of my Dust Walkers. I will grant you a new life and an eternal resting place.

No, Ludwig! Don't listen to him!

...The anguish, the despair...

Are exactly why I cannot simply forget everything and begin a new life.

From the day we met to the day we parted, the memories I shared with them are as precious as they are painful.

Even if I lose Krom and die here, I will give my all to protect what matters to me until the very end.

That's all I want!

Krom...!

Kromcruz came back to life?

I knew it was all too easy. This grave keeper, as well as the Heir of the Covenant...

Kayron, you've brought chaos and confusion to this world for too long. Now is your time to rest for eternity!

I'm afraid I can't do that. There's still so much I have to do.

The Archdemon's advent is near.

Tenebria said the same thing.

Are you and Vildred...truly planning on reviving the Archdemon?

I don't have to answer that.

Are you running from me!? Kayron!

Damn, he's gone.

He's always been quick to run away.

Kromcruz...you really did come back...

I did not think I would be able to see you again.

...At least we were able to regain the sanctum and bring back Kromcruz.

Getting to see Ludwig that happy is enough of a reward.

Right? Kise...

I see. The Final Moon's Light...or rather, Kise left me that message.

Yes. So like Kise said, don't be bound to your duty and live freely.

Alright. Then I choose to help you.

What? There's no need for you to feel any obligation. Even though Kromcruz made you an Heir, you don't have to follow me.

I know, but I've decided to go with you.

What's important to me now isn't my unlimited freedom or my hatred for my duty.

The Nocturnes gave their lives to keep both this world and me safe. I will not let their sacrifice be in vain.

I just...want to be with my friend.

Friend...? Me? You're making me feel embarrassed.

N-no! I'm talking about K-Krom! You're still far from being my friend.

But...

Since I've decided to take up a new mission thanks to you...

You have to take responsibility for that!

What?! What do you mean!?

Huh. He's acting cute suddenly. It's like we've gotten a younger brother!

Of course, he may be cute, but he has a long way to go before he can rival me! Kyukyu!

I hope we can become good comrades, Ludwig.

Me too...!

Ludwig seems happy. I can't remember the last time I saw him smile.

Thank you, Heir of the Covenant, for helping Ludwig smile again. And for taking the Archdemon's Might that was suffocating me.

No. I only did what I had to.

And purifying the Archdemon's Might has allowed me to gain even more power.

I'll use this new strength to save the world and everyone in it. So Ludwig and everyone else can keep smiling.

The Wild Dog Company has received a request to find some stolen goods, no?

I've heard this area is frequented by thieves so let's have a look around and see if there's anyone who looks the part.

Hmm, I'll have to keep an eye out for usable ingredients.

Monsters and people shouldn't be used in cooking! Just make something with normal food, please!

Do you know how much of a shock it was when you told me that my breakfast this morning was made from Karax meat?

You were enjoying it plenty before I told you.

Anyway, don't think about food. Think how to accomplish our mission!

...! That's...!

What?! Is something wrong?

There's a plant that looks like it would make an excellent spice. I'll dry it to use it in my next dish.

...

Hmm... What's that over there...

Is it a thief?

It's a nut tree. I'll have to collect some on the way back. It looks like it's in season too.

...Dingo, you're doing this on purpose aren't you?

Look here, Cidd.

You can't cheat me anymore. And I'm not interested in cooking!

No, look at that group of Suin. They have weapons and are threatening those people.

What? Ah! It's true!

Hmph, we have no business with penniless mercenaries. Mind your own business, kuhuhu.

I can't do that. Let's teach these guys a lesson, Dingo!

*squeaking*... We lost, squeak.

This is everything we stole squeak. Let us off with this squeak...

Hmm, is the merchant's stolen property in here as well?

Let me see...

Zzz...

Dingo?! What's wro...

Zzz...zzz...

Kuhaha! Stupid mercenaries. Goodnight and sweet dreams!

Ugh... my head. What happened?

It seems that the box that Suin gave us contained a bunch of sleep spores.

So that's why we fell asleep as soon as we opened it.

...! So that's how they tricked all those merchants and mercenaries up to now. Cowards!

And they didn't just drug us and run. They've taken my knife and my spices.

How dare they touch a cook's knife... I'll find them and make them regret this!

Squeaksqueaksqueak. This knife and these spices seem pretty valuable?

Let's sell them when Savara's Shadow Market opens. Squeak squeak.

That will take forever squeak! It'll be faster to sell it through Jaiman...

Shh, someone's coming squeak!

Hmm... Is this not the way?

It's a single woman! She's wearing expensive-looking clothes squeak!

She looks like she would have a lot of valuables squeak, let's make her our next target squeak!

Stop right there squeak!

Hand over everything you have and we won't hurt you squeak!

I see you are in need of money.

If you want something valuable... Here, these Dragon's teeth I brought with me from Eureka should fetch a good price.

Did you hear that squeak! Dragon's teeth squeak!

We won't have to work for months with this squeaksqueaksqueak!

Ho ho. I see you're pleased. That's good. I'll be on my way then.

Captain, Captain! Look at this! Dragon's teeth! Squeak!

What?! Where did you find this valuable thing?

A lady we met earlier gave it to us squeak! She was really nice squeak!

Idiots! So you let her go just because you got this?!

She must be incredibly rich if she's willing to give this away like it's nothing. You should have gotten more!

Show me the direction she went! I'll find her myself and get more money out of her. Huhuhu...

That's her squeak! She gave us the Dragon's teeth squeak!

You... you're the Suin mercenary I encountered earlier. Is there something you need?

Oh ho... Are you the aristocrat who gave these idiots the Dragon's teeth?

Let's see... You must have something more valuable...

But enough talk. Hand over everything you've got!

Ugh... That was unexpected. I've lost.

That box over there contains everything we've collected and the Dragon's teeth you gave us as well. Take it all.

Haha. When she opens that box she'll fall deep asleep. Then we'll take everything she has!

No. I'm sure you need that more than I do.

...?! We tried to kill you... You won't even take back what's yours?

Aren't you disgusted that someone you tried to help attacked you?

I may have been in danger... But you also put yourself at risk in fighting me.

No one considers their life unimportant. If you were willing to risk your only life, doesn't that mean you were that desperate?

...!

I simply hope that my goodwill will help you to solve some of the problems you face.

I must get going now. I need to find a way back to Eureka.

Not here either... Where is it hiding?

Oh, someone's coming this way. Let's ask her if she's encountered any thieves.

You there! You haven't happened to see any thieves around have you? I'm sure they're still nearby...

I have not seen any thieves, but I did meet some Suin mercenaries who required aid.

They asked for some charity, so I gave them some Dragon's teeth I happened to have at the time.

You will find them up there on the way where I came from. You should help them if you can.

Doesn't she realize that she was robbed?

Anyway, they are over there! Let's chase them!

Ah! There they are!

Squeak! Captain, Captain! The mercenaries we robbed earlier have found us squeak!

You'll pay a price for stealing my knife.

But, that captain of theirs... He seems different from earlier?

I forgot how I became a robber...

My family were starving, but the people of Savara refused to give me a job because Suin are not trusted.

I couldn't just watch them die so I began stealing...

But I became so used to it that even after things got better, I never tried to find different work.

Why is he going on about his life story when no one asked?

But, that lady has made me come to my senses. There's no need for me to do this anymore.

Here, take what we stole from you and the goods we stole from the merchants as well. Take it all.

I will go to the Savaran Authority and confess. Farewell...

Hmm... I don't really get what's going on but...

Everything stolen is back and request is successfully solved! Right?

Indeed. And I managed to find some new ingredients.

Dingo? Isn't that the case the thieves used to put people to sleep?

Now I'm going to try a new cuisine using these spores.

And then make me eat them, right?!

Just please stop making food with weird stuff! Just leave it! Leave it!

Let's not go to Savara for a while. Arky almost melted into jelly.

There was a record heat wave when we visited.

Even Savara's famous market was only populated by flies.

We recently received a request from Afih.

We realized what the request was as soon as we arrived in Savara.

Savara had been hit by a heat wave that was making it impossible to go outside during the day.

So Afih asked us to find Dominiel, the successor to the Nixied clan, in order to cool Savara down.

Is Dominiel really here?

According to the information we got from the World's End Pub, she should be training somewhere in this area.

Let's start looking around.

...

Oh, someone's here? Is it Dominiel?

No, they look like just another adventurer.

Are you adventurers?

Ah, we're looking for someone. You wouldn't have happened to have seen a girl with short, blue hair called Dominiel Nixied?

Dominiel Nixied. I've heard the name. But I haven't seen a single soul here.

Really? Maybe she didn't come here?

I might have simply not realized.

I'm focused on travelling around new lands right now. So I don't really pay attention to people even if they're right next to me.

*sighing*...

I see. If you happen to see Dominiel let her know that Ras Elclare is looking for her and that he needs her help.

Right. I will.

Phew...

Oh, there's someone over there. Can it be...?

Dominiel! There you are. We've been looking for you for a while.

Ras...? What are you doing here?

Dominiel Nixied, I have something to ask of you.

I didn't know that such a severe heat wave had fallen on Savara.

Please use Nixied's power to freeze Savara over!

But... I'm not sure I will be able to stabilize Savara's climate.

I thought you were contracted to Nixied?

That's true... But I must undergo more training.

Being contracted to Nixied doesn't let you use his powers right away?

That's... I'm not sure if I can handle it. It hasn't been so long that Nixied and I made our contract...

You're worried about whether you can do it?

...

Could you at least try once?

Right now, the Suin who live in Savara are collapsing due to the heat.

I'm sure your ice magic will be a huge help.

...Then I will try my best. But before that, I must visit Seven Flags Fortress.

I've taken a request to defeat a strange monster that has appeared there.

Alright. Then let's go to the Seven Flags Fortress first.

Oh... That village over there, isn't there something huge in it?

It's a golem. It's similar to a powerful monster. I was told that I should fight it in order to test Nixied's power...

It might be dangerous to fight it alone. We'll help you.

It really was strong.

I've heard that many warriors come here to test themselves against the golem.

Nixied's sanctum is just beyond here as well. Warriors often train inside.

Arky doesn't like the heat or the cold.

I almost became jelly because of the heat in Savara, but if I go inside Nixied's sanctum, I might end up as sherbet ice cream!

But seeing how you fought that monster, I think you're more than capable. Don't you think you can be a bit more confident in yourself?

...Thank you.

Cool! It's snowing in Savara in the middle of summer!

It was almost like being inside a sauna just a moment ago yet things are already beginning to cool down.

Well done, Dominiel. You've helped Savara a great deal. People are enjoying the snow.

It was nothing... And this isn't my power; it's Nixied's.

But if you hadn't made your contract with Nixied then there would have been no way to use Nixied's power to help Savara.

So you should still be proud of yourself.

...

Thank you for saying so. You've... made me more confident in myself.

You should be super confident! Even Arky thinks you're powerful.

...Thank you.

I'm glad things worked out, Ras.

Right. I'll go see Afih by myself so you and Arky can stay here and play with Dominiel for a while. This is the first time you've seen snow, right?

Yes, it is.

Alright. Since it's your first time, enjoy yourself.

Wow! What a beautiful forest.

Truly. I did not realize during the day...but at night it is dazzling.

So there's somewhere in this forest you would like to visit, Ludwig?

Yes. It's an important, memorable place to me.

I'd like to see it one more time before I leave the cemetery.

But what could be inside such a remote forest?

Can't you tell us? I'm dying of curiosity!

There is a lake where much of my clan received their rite.

Ah, now that you mention it, I think I saw that in a book!

"When the full moon rises, with the blessing of the Nocturnes, receive the rite of moonlight, and gain eternal life!"

That's right. It is the lake that appears in that legend.

The instant the rite is completed, the subject will not age beyond that point.

Ahaha. So that's why even though you're so old, you still look like a kid?

Yeah! He might have a cute face but inside he's a complete old man!

Since Ludwig doesn't like being treated like a child, let's treat him like an elderly man from now on!

No, just treat me normally. Normally!

*sighing*... Why am I getting so worked up. Let's just keep moving.

Wait for us, old man!

The old man is pretending to be young and innocent!

Stop it! I'm serious!

We've almost reached the lake. It's right there.

...Incredible.

It really is beautiful. I can feel my mind becoming more serene just looking at it.

Kise loved this place as well. She would always come here to enjoy the moonlight every full moon.

Before I left... I wanted to engrave this scene into my memory.

The lake reminds me of a myth.

It speaks of a lakeside that is always lit by moonlight and the Mirror of Lunaris.

The Mirror of Lunaris is said to grant the wish of whoever beholds it...

If one were to reveal their wishes to this lake, I feel as though it may indeed be granted.

Then, if I said that I wanted to stop doing student council president work and just continue my research, maybe that might come true?

There's always a chance. But the Mirror is said to grant your desires not to the person gazing into it, but rather their reflection.

What?! Then I just need to ask it to make a copy of me that will do all my work!

Then I'll be able to have fun while she takes care of everything.

Oh, kind Lunaris, I truly, really want to do student council work! Grant me a twin!

Kind Lunaris will not grant your fake wish.

*growling*...

Ah! Monsters!

They shouldn't be here! There's a barrier protecting this area!

It must have been weakened by the disappearance of the Nocturnes...

It seems the barrier here has become weak since the death of my clan.

If I leave things like this, monsters may continue to amass here and eventually harm the lake...

I should reestablish the barrier to prevent any future problems.

Could you please slay any monsters near the lake in the meantime?

Of course. We'll take care of the monsters so just focus on making your barrier.

Yes, thank you!

By the way, don't you two have any wishes you'd like to come true?

Since we've come all this way. Why don't you ask for something? It won't hurt to try!

Maybe. My wish is...

I think I just want to become a better knight?

Arky wants to eat lots of tasty food!

You could just ask me for that instead of pleading to the Goddess.

That's why I mentioned it now.

I wanted to make you feel bad without asking directly!

So that's your plan...!

But what's your wish, Master?

My wish... I don't know.

To defeat the Archdemon? Or...for Mercedes to be safe?

Not things like that. Don't you have any personal wishes?

Yeah yeah. Like, "I want to be popular with women." Anything like that?

What's good about being popular?

So, I mean, I like being popular.

Really? I still don't really understand Human emotions.

But Master's still become much more Human than he used to be! You might even fall in love at this rate!

Be careful, Arky won't approve of anyone!

What are you, my dad...?

Alright, I think that's most of them? Shall we start heading back?

M-Master! There's someone over there...

Someone? What...

...!

Ruele?!

Cheer up! We Heirs will follow Ras!

How... Why is Ruele here...

...

Wait!

Master! Wait for me!

Ras?

Huh?! Is it someone he knows?

I'm not sure. I don't think I've ever seen Ras so unnerved.

Let's follow before we lose track of them.

Ruele... Ruele!

Ras... I should have known there would be nobody else who remembers that name.

I don't understand... You disappeared with the previous world...

That is correct... Ruele is no longer of this world.

Master, I don't think this person is Ruele...

You are correct. I am not Ruele, but Destina, Lord of Light.

I've never heard of a Spirit Lord taking on a Human form...

Ruele was very special to me. She was more than just another Human.

Having exhausted so much of my strength and losing her too... I was overcome with sorrow and loss for a long time.

All I could do with what little strength remained in me was to make a copy of her.

Seeing my reflection, it helped to ease my longing for her.

Though I know it's futile to carry on like this, I can't stop myself...

...

So that's what happened.

Kyu... Now Arky is remembering we will never see Ruele again...

Actually, Kise once spoke of something similar.

She said that this lake allows you to meet people you miss through the reflection of the full moon...

And by facing the illusion of the reflection, you would understand that person no longer exists.

There was someone Kise missed outside her clan? Who?

I never found out. I did hear once that it was a Taranorian...

Remembering Kise, it's hard to imagine.

She may have been somewhat cold and impassive but even she had someone she deeply cared for.

I was beginning to think maybe Ruele really had come back to life, even though I knew it was impossible.

Just like Destina, I still haven't been able to accept her loss...

Having spent so long among Humans, have we both begun to share their emotions?

Maybe like Arky said, I'm becoming more and more Human.