Episode 2 Chapter 2: Guide of an Extinguished Flame

...

You look upset, Straze.

Oh?

As much as you'd love to deny it, I feel sadness oozing out of you.

From your face, your eyes, your wrinkles.

A shake in the voice?

Every step, every breath.

I didn't know gods could feel those kinds of things.

I assumed only Humans were burdened with something as useless as emotions.

Of course not. It's only natural the gods would have them too.

When you took that cursed sword, that terrible weapon from a strange world...

And plunged it through your heart.

Did you not become aware then that I felt emotions?

They were passed onto you... My pain, shock, rage...

Fear.

The terror of losing your immortality.

And yet I denied it. Just as you do now.

I thought you were different. I thought you were perfect.

Is that why you did it?

I never imagined you would actually die. I was disappointed when you did.

Not even the gods are omniscient and omnipotent.

Then you were simply pretending to be?

That was only ever an assumption of my creations.

We are little more than the souls of the stars. There are countless stars out there, each with their own souls.

And Humans are the creations of the stars.

They think as they like, imagine as they like, expect as they like, hate as they like...

So in the end, the fault lies with those creations.

You catch on quickly, Straze.

You're smart, but not enough to see what's coming. Don't you think we have that in common?

Quite. There are bound to be some commonalities.

All you are is a figment of my imagination after all, a specter born of my guilt.

What are you trying to say, Black Knight Straze...?

Godkiller Straze...

All you do is steal, you have nothing that is truly your own. To think that this king of annihilation, who leaves nothing but ruins in his wake, could feel guilt...

Perhaps it's more like regret.

You've claimed too many lives to turn back now. Without even knowing what it was for.

You've come all this way, leaving footprints of blood and tears behind you, only to be faced with an even greater void.

...Stop.

That's enough for today. I think I've confessed enough.

I'll see you again soon...friend.

This alliance is over! We will no longer allow ourselves to be kept in these shackles.

We declared ourselves a joint community due to our shared service to the flame, but that joint declaration is now little more than ancient history.

That same flame has been lost anyway.

Tell me, what meaning does the name of Muhr hold without Malicus!?

Is today the end of our shared history?

Is this what you all wanted?

Of course not, but there is no other way.

The one at fault is our irresponsible great chief, Khawazu.

From this point forward, no other tribe may enter the Flame Heart District!

Anyone deemed an outsider may be attacked, so make sure you inform your people.

The Lava Vein District will follow suit. Anybody not of our people must leave.

Those who do not will be dragged out by our warriors.

Hmph, we'll see which side is left crying in the end.

Right back at you!

The Emberstorm, too, will not stand by and be ignored!

The chiefs are fighting...! It's gotten so serious I'm not sure they'll ever make up.

What has my stubborn idiot brother done now?

I need to do something to stop this before it's too late!

The tunnel is getting wider.

Maybe this means we're near the exit.

You're right, it shouldn't be much farther... But...

The ground here is all discolored.

A Chaos Gate must have opened here...more than once.

They must have wanted to bring a lot of Unknown here.

Ras... Over there...

Those...are...

Abandoned weapons and armor... These belonged to the soldiers of the Muhr, I'm certain.

There must have been a fierce battle here. Though it seems like it was quite some time ago.

Soldiers from Meldrec fought against some other force here.

And in doing so, most of them lost their lives...

How awful...

They must have been fighting whatever came out of the Chaos Gate.

Is Meldrec safe...?

...It's hard to say without seeing for ourselves.

I hope whoever did this to these soldiers didn't cause any serious damage to the city.

Freedom! Sweet, sweet freedom!

Ras, be careful, there's...

Urk!

What was that for!?

Halt!

You cannot simply waltz into Meldrec as you please. For which tribe do you fight?

Which...tribe...?

I'm asking which tribe hired you, mercenaries!

We're no mercenaries, only travelers. There's something we need to do here.

Do you think I'm that easy to fool?

I'll make sure you never set foot in our great city!

Ughh...

Strange...

The Muhr have always been a rather isolated people, but they were never this belligerent...

Why would they just attack us without listening to what we say?

Our chief... He ordered us not to allow anyone into the city.

He said all but the people of Flame Heart are our enemies.

You mean...the other tribes of the Muhr?

The Muhr no longer exist. All tribes have gone their separate ways.

Meldrec has been divided into three independent districts, and the chiefs of each have all declared war on one another.

Incredible... The unity of the Muhr is...was an ancient tradition...

So Meldrec is in a state of civil war... It won't be easy to reach Malicus's Refuge.

Arky's worried...

This is...horrific...

It certainly was no normal fight...

I sense resentment. I'm not sure what kind of people they were, though.

They were from Aakhen.

Huh?

The people who fought here. You can tell from the armor.

Hmm, let's see... Incredible...

Aahken armor is some of the toughest out there, but these have been torn apart as if they were no more than a sheet of paper...

Do you think they knew it was hopeless?

Possibly. And yet they didn't back down. Typical of Aakhen.

These soldiers are responsible for protecting Aakhen and the richest mine in all of Cidonia. They are trained never to retreat until ordered to.

Still... It would have been far better to withdraw back to the fort than suffer this much damage...

Did this happen while I was in Ritania? How could I not have heard about such a large battle?

Do you have no friends to tell you these kinds of things, Violet?

The Raiders would have told me anything important... Especially Pavel.

So why didn't he...? Ah, there was no time!

Lilias sent me out almost as soon as I arrived.

There were Spirits who died here too...

Poor things...

Can you sense something, Luluca!?

Don't rush me.

First, in order to appease their grudge, I need to send them back to the Spirit World to be reborn.

You can do that? Amazing, I'm impressed... O-Only a little, of course.

What can I say? I'm a natural-born talent. Not everyone spends their time flirting and holding hands with every woman they see.

Now, shut up and let me concentrate.

Well, that... Umm...

I was simply born a romantic... And I never do anything unchivalrous.

Not that I have to justify myself to you...

Shush.

F-Fine.

...

They were...scared...terrified.

The sound of footsteps on the ground... Terrible creatures without end...

It's them, the ones from Rekos. Who know nothing but cruelty and murderous desire.

The sound of swords being drawn, the crash of thunder, screaming...

And...

May rage and animosity guide your path.

Attack!

Is it him again...?

Straze.

A power so great it made all of the Spirits in the area tremble... So much destruction in just a single moment.

Are you talking about the giant hole in the wall?

It's like it was hit by a giant cannon...

Just one of Straze's many powers...

Even though they knew it was suicide, so many of the Rekos Sentinels stood against him, and they were all killed in an attack exactly like this.

Most witnesses did not survive either. What's known is only rumor from the few who managed to escape.

How is this even possible...? Just what kind of man is he?

Straze...

Hmm...

Ras, is everything okay?

You're not walking very straight, Master.

Is this because of your injury from earlier? Usually, you'd be all better by now...

It seems like my body is becoming slower at recovering...

It must be because of the Goddess's power weakening.

Do you think so? Then Ras...

I told you, I'm just another normal adventurer now.

I've completed my role as the Heir of the Covenant, it's natural that I start slowly becoming fully Human.

But it's happening faster than I expected. I can even feel it happening in my body.

Ras...

No matter what you become, I will always remain by your side.

Arky too! Arky and Master, together until the end of time!

Well, as long as you keep providing plenty of snacks, of course.

Thanks, everyone... Really.

Let me see your wound, Ras.

It's gotten worse. You should have said something about it.

To be honest, I didn't realize it was getting worse either.

Usually, it would have healed up immediately, so I thought if I just left it a while...

I understand, I've had a similar experience myself.

You will need some time to adapt to having a Human body.

Master... Cheer up...

It already feels a lot better than before. Let's hurry into Meldrec.

This area looks like the tribe that those soldiers we met at the entrance belong to. We should be careful.

We're outsiders here, so they may not be friendly. Not to mention there's a civil war going on...

Excuse me!

N-No! Stay away from me!

We aren't allowed to talk to outsiders! I'll get in big trouble if anyone sees!

But you're already talking to us.

E-E-Exactly! You're putting me in danger!

You were already in danger... There are monsters all over the place.

You're right... It's so scary. It's getting harder and harder to live here...

I don't know what I'm supposed to do... But please, just leave this place. Quickly.

Let go of me! Let! Go!

I'm just here to talk, why won't you believe me!?

You just knocked out two of our warriors! Exactly why should I believe you?

Here, you! Hold onto this intruder brat for me. Tightly.

Yes, Chief!

I only knocked them out because they started provoking me first! It was self defense!

You entered our district without permission!

"Our district!?" Listen to yourselves! We're all citizens of Meldrec, free to go wherever we please. Just last week I spent the whole day here!

Khawana, do you still think you deserve preferential treatment as family of the great chief?

I've never once thought like that. I just wanted to talk with you.

I have nothing to say to your family! I don't even want to see your faces!

Hurry up and throw her out of our district.

Yes, Chief!

You don't have to act like this! Just listen to me, you stubborn old oaf!

If something terrible happens and we can never go back to the way things were, I will hold you personally responsible!

Why, you rude little...

Ras, those soldiers appear to be fighting with a young girl.

Let's stop them before somebody gets seriously hurt.

Master is so tender-hearted!

He never misses an opportunity to interfere!

Hey! You! Adventurers!

Help! I'm being unfairly manhandled!

Huh? Those people...

Aha! You must be mercenaries hired by the great chief!

Mercenaries? Us?

Everyone here just goes with the first thing that comes to mind...

Don't waste my time with your lies! I'll make you regret your reckless intrusion!

Ugh... You really splurged on a talented group of mercenaries, Khawazu...

But we will not give in! I will not let you take the Flame Heart for yourselves!

*sighing* We told you, we aren't mercenaries.

He's not lying. I've never seen him before.

Right! Arky has never visited Meldrec before!

And I didn't come here today to take your district from you!

Lies! Nothing but lies!

Why would I lie!? And anyway, how am I supposed to take the Flame Heart District all by myself?

Like I keep telling you, I just have something I want to ask.

Are you really prepared to split like this and live forever as enemies?

Umm...

The real threat to us is out there! And yet here we are fighting amongst ourselves!

If Khawazu is the problem, then I'll do what I can to help persuade him!

I have a lot of close friends in the Flame Heart, I don't want us to be torn apart like this.

Okay, I understand what you're saying...

Perhaps I may have overreacted, but only because Khawazu's stubbornness enraged me so much.

He has no respect for the other chiefs...! And...I shouldn't act the same way.

I will allow people of other tribes to enter our district. But anything more than that...

I...will need some time to think.

So you were trying to reach Malicus's Refuge...

If you had come a week earlier you would have had no problems at all... The relations between the tribes weren't so strained then.

Kyu... What a shame...

We already rushed here as fast as we could, we barely even slept.

Maybe if Ras had responded to me earlier...

I was pretty busy myself.

But...even if you had come then, you would have had a different problem when you reached the refuge.

I'll tell you about that later.

It looks like we've reached an area belonging to a different tribe.

That's right.

This area was settled by the Lava Vein Tribe when Meldrec was first built.

That's why they still have all these different names...

The Lava Vein district...?

Yeah...but it's kind of ridiculous when you think about it. We're all the same Muhr people, but we still divide ourselves into all these tribes within that.

A long, long time ago, whether Flame Heart or Emberstorm, we probably all shared the same blood.

After Meldrec was founded, there were even plenty of intertribal marriages. Now I'm not sure it matters which tribe I'm supposed to be from.

I know how you feel... From a Spirit's point of view, we've never really understood the importance of such things either.

The only reason Meldrec was even divided into districts in the first place was for easier city management.

But then the chiefs wanted to define districts as a symbol of whether those within share the same blood and differentiate their people from those of other districts.

Everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging to something.

And then once they do, they seek to divide into even smaller groups within that.

Master is an expert on understanding Humans now!

Of course, since I'm gradually becoming one myself.

But, Khawana...

Yes, adventurer?

Please, just call me Ras...

Do you think the soldiers in Lava Vein will be friendlier than the ones in Flame Heart? We're not going to get attacked again, are we?

Ah, well... Uhh... I can't make any promises...

If anything...they might be even more hostile...

Huh!? H-How come...?

Well... The Lava Vein Tribe have a few complaints about Meldrec. More specifically, they aren't the biggest fans of my brother, the great chief.

Their warriors have made great sacrifices for the sake of the great chief, but my brother has done next to nothing to actually thank them or even acknowledge it.

Then more misunderstandings led to things becoming even more complicated, and so he started to think he's carrying the burden all by himself.

I'm not really sure what burden he thinks he's carrying...but either way, the Lava Vein Tribe felt that they weren't being respected.

And the way my brother reacted... He said it can't be helped and that as great chief he would just need to put up with it.

...He sounds a lot like how Master used to be...

Would you please stop talking about the past?

After that, the other chiefs helped reconcile the two and calm things down, but it seems like lasting emotional damage was already done.

It's true... Their eyes are filled with hatred.

This place is surrounded by fire, so why is the atmosphere so cold...?

The Muhr have never liked outsiders very much, but thanks to me, they'll hate you even more.

Since I'm the little sister of the great chief who hurt them so badly...

Could you tell us exactly what happened?

Well...it was the year after my brother placed first in the Great Chief Exam...

Which meant that it was the year the other chiefs would declare him great chief.

At that time, the river of fire around Meldrec overflowed.

I guess that's when the balance within the Spirit World started to be lost.

Such a sudden disaster left the whole city in chaos.

Some people suggested we should ask other cities for help by borrowing their magic or machinery.

My brother disagreed very strongly with that idea, saying it would not be fitting for the soul of the Muhr.

Asking for help sounds like a great idea...

Right... I think a lot of people secretly felt the same...

But think about it... If the Muhr people, who are supposed to be able to handle fire better than anyone, need to ask others for help because of it...

Wouldn't that be humiliating? I think that's what my brother and those who agreed with him must have been thinking too.

That's why nobody could make a strong argument against his decision. He kept shouting about how we need to solve the problem ourselves.

So then what happened?

The whole of Meldrec was mobilized to help out.

Those best at dealing with fire were sent upstream to calm the small flames up there, and brave warriors made dams with rocks so it wouldn't overflow any further.

Eventually the river calmed down again...but a lot of warriors were lost.

Soldiers from the Lava Vein Tribe more than any other...

Ah...

There was compensation, but the great chief never formally honored or mourned their sacrifice.

My brother made a whole load of excuses as to why, but in the end, it boiled down to the fact that he simply refused to.

But why?

It's...complicated.

The Lava Vein Tribe opposed his plan until the very end. They wanted to borrow machines from Perland.

So on that day, when everyone was working to calm the river, they weren't where my brother told them to be and instead went off and did their own thing.

And maybe that's why they suffered so much damage...

So that's why Great Chief Khawazu didn't want to acknowledge them...

It really is complicated...

Ah! Khawana!

Chief...

What are you doing here? And with these outsiders in tow!

Please listen to what I have to say!

And why should I?

Is the great chief still using these kinds of cheap tricks? Hmph, I suppose I no longer have to call him by that title though.

Shameless Emberstorm! Using the blood of my people to hog all the glory for yourselves!

Please, just hear us out...

Quiet!

Our people have put up with enough already! We won't allow you to victimize us any further!

Here, take my hand.

I don't need your help.

Chief... I know...

After the incident with the fire river, you did your best to try and reconcile the tribes...

You visited the Hall of Great Chiefs again and again.

That...

I was also responsible for what happened that day. I thought it was my duty to try and iron things out...

I will never forget the noble sacrifice those people made for the sake of Meldrec that day. I will be eternally grateful.

I'm sure everyone feels the same way.

Even my brother. Every year on that day he holds a memorial service on his own inside the Fire Sanctum.

He told me he makes sure to do it early in the morning to avoid anyone seeing.

Stupid man... He has some weird idea that doing that kind of thing makes him not look like a strong leader.

Khawazu...said that?

And yet he still wouldn't stop acting so self-righteous. What use is wallowing in sadness all by himself?

So...can't you help him one more time?

...

...I'm sorry, Khawana.

I'm still not sure.

Chief...

Khawana...

Yes?

Some wounds take time to heal.

As long as you are sincere, everything will solve itself naturally in the end.

Okay...

What am I supposed to do?

It's like a giant boulder rolling down a hill. You don't know where it's going, but you can't stop it either.

Has being great chief always been so difficult and painful?

Perhaps it would have been better for me to have died an honorable death back then...when I met the Black Knight.

H-How is this possible? The best warriors the Emberstorm has to offer...swept away in an instant...

Don't count yourself lucky for being the only survivor.

As their leader, I left you alive deliberately.

A-Ack!

The wound is not deep, it will heal soon enough. You are the leader of this city, aren't you?

...

That's right. I am great chief of Meldrec.

Don't make light of the pride of my people. Even if every bone in my body is broken...I will fight you until the end!

Be careful what you say, Great Chief.

My legion could march straight into your city and slaughter every man, woman, and child in no time at all.

But...that's not what I want.

I believe leaving you alive will suit my goals a lot better.

So what will it be? Will you let your entire city disappear with you?

...

What do you want from me?

If you do as I say, I won't lay a hand on the city of Meldrec.

You can even continue to be its great chief.

Hmm...

I had no other choice...

He really was prepared to raze Meldrec to the ground.

I could see it in his eyes.

I'm sure whatever befell Malicus happened at his hands, too...

In order to buy time, I had no choice but to do as the Black Knight asked...!

I assumed that in time a solution would present itself and things would get better. Dammit!

In the end, all I did was destroy the unity of my people, and I don't think it can ever be reversed.

What am I supposed to do...? Who can I even talk to about this?

A great chief must take on all burdens and solve them alone... But everything has gone wrong, and it only keeps getting worse...

Everyone admired my father for his wisdom, if only he were still alive... He would be able to tell me what to do.

That's it... I should try talking with Khawana! She's a great listener, and she always knows the right thing to say.

Khawana!

Khawana, where are you!?

Welcome to the Emberstorm District! As the name suggests, this area is mostly populated by the Emberstorm Tribe.

That's the tribe my brother and I are part of.

We're all pretty much the same, I don't see why everyone still insists on dividing themselves into different tribes.

So...that means we should be welcome here as long as we're with you?

...Maybe.

Our tribe was very proud about having the great chief be one of our own. But they've started getting a little carried away recently...

Look! It's Khawana! The traitor!

This district doesn't seem very welcoming either...

Have you finished your walk around the other districts slandering our great chief!? And now you bring outsiders here!

You are a disgrace to the Emberstorm, Khawana!

I heard the great chief of Meldrec is required to pass an extremely difficult exam. One that requires considerable persistence and willpower.

That's right, very few people even bother to attempt it.

Khawazu must have spent a long time preparing.

But was there a reason he decided to become great chief?

Hmm... Probably because of our dad.

He was the previous chief of the Emberstorm and deeply respected by everyone.

He was always a bit too...self-righteous. Always thinking only he was right...

Other than that, he was a great man. My brother looked up to him so much... He was distraught for so long after he died...

I see...

That's why he was so set on becoming great chief, a dream our father never managed to achieve during his lifetime.

Maybe he is just like father...

Refusing the help of others, thinking he must decide everything on his own...

But blindly accepting everything that comes your way isn't a sign of respect. It sounds like Khawazu doesn't understand that.

That's true.

Weird... We've spent half the day here already, but I haven't seen the Emberstorm chief anywhere.

The great chief isn't also chief of the Emberstorm?

Oh no, there has to be another chief separate from the great chief.

A great chief should never take the side of any one tribe in particular.

Makes sense.

Not only do I not see the chief, but there are a lot of people here who aren't from our tribe...

What's going on...?

Look out! They're going to attack us!

This road will take you to Meldrec Plaza.

You have to go through the Flame Temple and the Fire Sanctum if you want to get to Malicus's Refuge.

And if you want to get there, you need to take the path from the Hall of Great Chiefs and go through the Sunshine Gardens.

The Sunshine Gardens?

Yes, but...

It will be blocked. Whenever Meldrec is in danger, the road is closed under the great chief's orders.

They were whispering, so I only caught bits and pieces, but...

I heard that some time ago Malicus suffered a terrible injury and retreated back into the refuge and hasn't been seen since.

And then there's the group of elite warriors that were sent out by the great chief and never came back.

Malicus!

...So that's why your consciousness is so faint.

Since then, nobody has been allowed that way without the great chief's permission.

Hmm... What could have happened... Could it have something to do with what we found at the entrance...?

Either way, I think we need to meet Great Chief Khawazu before anything else.

He should be in the Hall of Great Chiefs...

...After all, he's rarely seen anywhere else.

You said we need to go to the Hall of Great Chiefs, right?

So we can ask Khawazu for permission to let us into the Sunshine Gardens.

You have a good memory!

I always know what to say to him, so getting him to open the road should be easy.

This area seems busier than the others.

Arky still can't believe anyone would build a city inside a volcano!

This is the center of Meldrec.

Does anyone else have the strange feeling somebody has been watching us for a while now?

I feel it too.

I haven't had that kind of feeling yet, but I'll continue to stay on guard.

There's something strange in the plaza. A small, shining crystal on top of a long stick.

It seems like those Emberstorm soldiers are making sure nobody gets anywhere near it. They have some suspicious-looking people helping them too.

Ah... That was put up after the incident I told you about earlier.

The day my brother went out with the elite warriors...and only he came back.

I feel a strange energy.

Something that doesn't belong here, from a different world...

Me too...

Really? I don't feel anything...

Everyone has a different name for it, but my brother calls it the Comet's Eye.

Comet's Eye? That certainly is unique...

Just hearing the name gives me goosebumps.

It's like it's watching me.

That feeling somebody was watching us must have been because of that crystal.

What? It really is spying on us?

Not quite. Less like observing our behavior and more like...responding to our inner emotions?

It feels like the crystal is stimulating specific emotions... Maybe I'm more sensitive to it because I've only recently grown aware of my own emotions...

As if it picks up on your deepest desires and encourages them.

I think I can feel it faintly as well...

Like a voice just beyond the range of hearing is whispering in my ear.

Telling me I'm different from all of you, even if I'm locked in a Human body... That my lifespan isn't as limited...

Th-That's...

But it started to quiet as we got further from the Comet's Eye.

Strange. And creepy.

Do you think my brother changed because that crystal was whispering to him too? Hmm... But he's always been stubborn...

Still, it may have been influencing him slowly, making it hard to notice. Maybe those with stronger emotions change even faster.

Either way, it's like he's a different person since he became great chief. When I was little, he was always considerate and took good care of me.

Governance and leadership are hard to imagine for those who have never experienced it.

I'm sure Khawazu has his reasons.

Right...

If there's still a chance he can return to his old self, we need to be open with each other and try to be understanding.

So, shall we go in?

You fool my innocent little sister and dare to set foot in here, outsider?

Meldrec belongs to the Muhr! Forget whatever suspicious intentions you have and leave now!

We're only here to check on Malicus.

It's urgent, there's no time to waste like this.

Please open the way to Malicus's Refuge, Great Chief Khawazu.

Hmph! Everyone always has something to say, don't they?

What do you people care about Malicus?

Don't interfere where you're not wanted. Go home, the Muhr can take care of themselves.

And Khawana... I can't believe you would let these fools use you like this... You're related to the great chief!

How pathetic.

Argh...

Do you have any idea what's happening to Meldrec right now?

The tribes have all split from one another and have their warriors marching around fighting over whose land is whose, while everyone else is too scared to even leave their homes!

I don't want to hear it! You don't know anything!

I'm sick of seeing your faces! Leave! Before I have the warriors of the Emberstorm drag you out!

Wait, Khawazu!

He's already gone!

So much for it being easy...

Run after him! He can't leave the Hall anyway!

You finally made it here.

The Goddess incarnate... A sacred promise...

And yet you now face the same fate as the weakening strength of your Goddess.

Who told you that?

A great chief has many sources of information...

Liar! Now that the elders are gone, you have nobody around you.

You don't know as much as you think, Khawana. I have many friends.

You're talking about Straze, aren't you?

W-What!? How do you know about the Black Knight...

Straze? Who's that?

So that's how it is, Great Chief Khawazu. He killed your men, and then you submitted to him.

But you didn't tell your little sister. You didn't want her to know your dishonor.

Dishonor? How dare you, it's not like that!

I had no other choice if I wanted to save everyone! My life is my own to throw away, but...

Will someone please tell me what you're all talking about? What have you been hiding, Khawazu?

Who is Straze? How did those warriors die?

Khawazu.

Confess now, and ask for help. You can't fix this all on your own.

No! I don't need anyone!

I've done just fine by myself! I can do this!

I will be the strong leader Meldrec needs.

Khawana... Get out of my way. I'll deal with these meddling outsiders myself.

So this is what it comes to...

Kill me if you want. I am a proud warrior of the Muhr, I will not deny my own defeat.

But even without me, Meldrec will never yield.

Khawazu.

We only came to check on Malicus and offer you our help.

...Is that true?

It is! They came here to save Malicus!

I told you, not everyone outside of Meldrec is an enemy!

Hmm... And why should I believe that? Regardless, it's too late to save Malicus.

No, it isn't.

I can still sense Malicus. Though only faintly.

Malicus is still alive? How can you know that?

I see... I heard rumors. A Spirit Lord in the body of a Human...

That's right. I am Destina, Lord of Light.

Now please, open the road to the refuge. Time is running out.

Hmm...

Khawazu! There's no time! Can't you trust me, at least?

Mmm...

How about you open the road first and then come with us to make sure?

Come...with you?

Yes! You can see for yourself that Ras is really here to save Malicus!

Don't you want to regain the trust of your people? Who will want to follow a great chief that does nothing but sit around sulking?

Great idea.

With Khawazu there to show us the way, we can get to the refuge even quicker.

Fine. I will open the road.

The road from Meldrec Plaza to the Sunshine Gardens is now open.

But this doesn't mean I trust you. If I think for even a moment that you are playing me for a fool, I will not hesitate to deal with you.

You won't need to worry about that.

He's from a completely different world?

I thought his name sounded shady... Then again, everything's a little shady these days...

Hmm... In Ritania you occasionally come across travelers from other worlds.

I'm not sure about Cidonia.

Our people rarely ever left Meldrec before, but it got even worse since my brother became great chief.

Because I wanted to keep them safe...

And all it did was make things even more dangerous. People have been sneaking out because supplies are running out and end up getting attacked.

Hmm... The Black Knight... He said that crystal would keep the city safe...

You mean the Comet's Eye?

Yes...

He told me that the mysterious power within the crystal would deter those horrible-looking monsters from entering the city.

That didn't stop them from massing around the city instead!

They've been swarming ever since the Comet's Eye was first set up.

And I'm not the only one that thinks that. Everyone in Meldrec except for you would say the same.

Hmm...

And they're gradually starting to get in, anyway. It's only a matter of time before the whole city is overrun.

Khawana is right, just look around you.

There are Unknown roaming all over the place.

The Sunshine Gardens are teeming with them!

The Black Knight lied to me! He said we'd be safe as long as I did as he asked...

I can't believe I was such a fool...

Sunshine Gardens... The name has a much different tone compared to the rest of Meldrec.

There isn't really much thought behind it. This is the only part of the mountain where the sun reaches this deeply.

They say that a long time ago, when the volcano was a lot weaker and Meldrec hadn't been built yet, this was the warmest place here.

Ah, that makes sense.

It used to be so beautiful. Young couples would spend almost all their time here.

But now...

Now it's far too dangerous for that.

*sighing* It's all my fault...

Khawazu... You're not the only one to blame here.

I was like you once too, I thought everything was my responsibility. But all that did was make things harder for others.

Really...?

There are complex circumstances behind every hardship we face. If you think you're the only person who can deal with them, you're bound to just keep repeating the same mistakes.

If you understand and trust in the efforts of those who have the same goal as you, you can solve any problem together.

I...never thought of it like that...

Anyway, this is the only route to the Fire Sanctum.

Cutting across the Sunshine Gardens will lead to the entrance of the Flame Temple, which is connected to the Fire Sanctum.

And then behind that will be Malicus's Refuge...

Exactly.

Ras, there are people waiting for us.

Hmm...

Great Chief Khawazu...

I didn't think you'd ever have the courage to leave the Hall.

What are you doing here?

Don't worry, we weren't waiting for you. We only wish to stop these outsiders from going any further.

Stop us? Why?

You're bringing chaos to Meldrec!

I've never seen outsiders just stroll in and treat the city like it's their own like this before... And now you want to intrude on the Flame Temple and Fire Sanctum as well?

Nothing like this would ever happen if we had a great chief who was in control.

Chief! Stop it!

These people are...

Umm...

Khawazu...?

These people have come here to help us. They may even save Malicus.

Is that even possible? It's not like you to be swayed by the words of outsiders.

Though...I suppose this wouldn't be the first time either.

What are you saying...?

That man in the black armor. You hung on his every word, Great Chief!

The day you came back without any of the warriors you left with... I talked with their families and the elders and convinced them...

For the sake of the Emberstorm, for the great chief, for Meldrec...! Don't let anybody know about this...

...

I put my faith in you! And where did it get us!?

You refuse to take responsibility for anything, and now you hide behind the backs of outsiders, ready to hand over the Flame Temple to them!

I ought to expel you and lead Meldrec myself. A strong Meldrec that doesn't kneel to the whims of outsiders!

Get up.

...I've lost. Spare me your pity and just kill me already.

I will not kill you, Chief.

You were right about me. All I did was shirk responsibility and run away.

That day, in front of Meldrec... I was finally forced to witness the tragedy my pride had inflicted...

I watched helplessly as our greatest, most honorable warriors fell before me.

He was too powerful. It seemed like he could tear down everything we had ever known and loved with a snap of his fingers.

Why did you not discuss this with the other chiefs? Did you not trust us?

I was...scared.

Without a word to the other chiefs, I went to out to battle. And I lost. I had no choice but to weakly do as the Black Knight told me...

I was afraid to be seen like that. To be criticized. To be told I could no longer be accepted as great chief.

So what will you do now?

I will beg the chiefs for forgiveness.

For not trusting them, and for not being worthy of their trust.

It's too late for that, Great Chief.

The time for apologies has long passed!

...

...Of course.

...Don't get discouraged. The chiefs will understand eventually.

You have conveyed your heart, now leave the rest up to fate, Great Chief Khawazu.

The Unknown have reached even here...

How could this happen!? Is there nobody protecting the Temple?

Where are the guards!?

Maybe they've already fallen to the Unknown...

Impossible, they aren't the kind of warriors to fall so easily to creatures like these.

Could it be...Straze!?

No. If he were here, I would feel his presence.

Ras, there are signs that a battle took place here.

A battle involving...magic.

Magic!?

Is there someone else here besides the Unknown?

Whoever came in here sought to slow down any pursuers like us by setting Fire Spirits and Unknown loose.

They have entered this temple, the home of Fire Spirits, and defiled the very nature of fire. This is unforgivable.

I'm sorry, Khawana.

You tried to warn me again and again. But I refused to listen.

It's fine, I had no idea how much you were suffering either...

I kept trying to push you, not realizing you were already carrying such a heavy burden.

Thank you for being understanding. And for finding others to fight by our side.

I-It's nothing...

No matter what, we have to save Malicus and return this place to how it once was.

Monsters are blocking the path out of the temple.

They don't want us to pass.

Dammit! The Fire Sanctum is just ahead...

They're moving strangely...

They're starting to come towards us!

Urgh...

Watch out!

Graaaarghh!

Kyu!

Take this!

Kwek!

They're coming from the other side too!

*growling*

And here too!

Kreeergk!

They surrounded us in an instant...

Were they waiting to ambush us?

It seems so.

I'm not sure how we can get past them without somebody getting hurt...

Krrrrrghhh...

Kwahk!

Huh?

Somebody's in the gardens. They're fighting through the Unknown and coming this way.

I-It can't be...

Kwuurk!

How dare you defile the Fire Temple!

Kwaaagh!

You've met your match now!

Graaahk!

Hmph! Disgusting things.

Hey, Great Chief! You had something you wanted to tell us?

We came to hear it.

I'm glad to see we weren't too late...

You brought the other chiefs...

All I did was pass on the word that the great chief wanted to formally apologize.

Y-You...

Anyway, the chiefs can watch our backs now while we attack the front.

Okay, Ras. I'm ready!

Arky too!

Aha! We should be able to get through them now.

Hurry, before they regroup!

Brave and honorable chiefs of the Muhr...

I, Khawazu...

Hurry up and get out of here, Great Chief!

You can give us a proper apology later in Meldrec Plaza.

We'll hold off these monsters here. Go save Malicus and keep the flame of Meldrec from extinguishing.

Leave this place to us, go catch up with your friends.

I will. Thank you.

If I return safely, I will apologize to you all before the whole of Meldrec.

Seems like I don't dream as much as I used to.

Or rather, I dream, but I don't remember what they were about.

All I know is that every time I wake up...I always have a lingering feeling of pain and confusion.

I wonder why that is...

Memories of the past that, far from being lost, come back to me vividly.

And memories that I wished to live inside forever...are cloudy like last night's dreams.

Is it because my body is getting worse? This paralysis in my right hand never used to happen so often.

Neither of us has long until the end. Could I now say I know how you feel?

No... Of course not.

I'm being nearly as arrogant as that strange girl.

You can't move your right hand again?

No.

I guess the medicine has stopped working.

I guess.

Then does this mean you don't need me anymore?

I could say the same to you.

I imagine I've outlived my use to you as well.

...Do you really think so?

Yes.

I've done everything you asked of me.

Is that not why you wanted to meet today?

Always so cold and brusque. That's why I like you so much.

If we have no further need for each other, there's no reason for us to meet again.

That's right... I'm leaving for somewhere else.

Somewhere very far away, where I won't even be able to see Ritania.

I see.

I suppose you're going to go back to your hometown, aren't you?

Maybe.

Of course, it's only natural you'd want to face the end there.

I can imagine how you feel...

No, you can't.

The pain I've suffered, the hell I have witnessed. You will never be able to imagine that.

...

If you had lived the life I have, you would not be able to speak so lightly about how much you love chaos.

...You don't understand me after all, Kawerik.

I never cared to.

All I wanted was the medicine to stay the convulsions.

There's no way I could understand.

I was born to die. Oblivion was always my fate.

But you, you were to be immortal. And yet here you are, staring death in the face.

If I told you I knew that fear, that feeling of helplessness, I'd be lying.

These sudden pains in my chest, this hand of mine that refuses to listen... They couldn't possibly compare, could they?

To the feeling of loss upon seeing the blessing of immortality disappear.

Ah, the paralysis is fading. I can move my fingers again.

Now I can grant you peaceful sleep.

This essence of ice from another world will burrow deep into the lava and put your immortality to rest forever.

Lord of Fire... Malicus.

There are traces of strong magic here as well, Ras.

They knocked down all of our shamans in one strike. What are they...?

Whoever they are, it looks like they were heading for the same place as us.

For Malicus?

It's highly likely.

Those ugly monsters are all swarming here as well.

All the fire creatures have changed strangely...

This has happened because the fire lost faith in the Muhr. How can the sanctum itself have become like this...?

This isn't the time for self-pity, Khawazu. We need to stop this mage before they achieve their goal.

Okay, sorry.

This is where the great chief of Meldrec would receive the prophecies of Malicus with the help of high shamans.

The ritual is held every six months. It's very solemn and super cool.

Not that I've ever been able to see it myself...

The last one was canceled because Malicus wasn't responding. I really wanted to watch...

It does sound incredible, I wish I could see it myself.

Arky too!

It's a ritual to commemorate the day when the Muhr people left their home to settle in Meldrec, back during the time of the Shandra Empire.

Our ancestors worshipped the Spirits, and this is where they first formed a bond with the fire.

There's a legend about the first time they met Malicus, but it's hard to distinguish fact from fiction.

Once Malicus has recovered and the tribes have reunited, we'll need to prepare to hold the ritual.

Feel free to come see for yourselves, you're all invited.

Deal!

I definitely would like to see it too.

Hmm... Though who can say if I'll still be great chief by then.

How much farther, Khawazu?

We're almost there.

This sanctum is a lot bigger than I expected. It holds not only Malicus's Refuge but this place and the Flame Temple as well.

The fire is everything to us, we don't cut corners.

Not to mention most of the people are afraid of Malicus, so we had to build it far from the residential areas.

Even I've only heard the prophecies through the shamans, I've never seen Malicus directly myself.

That's not uncommon, most don't wish to be too close to Spirit Lords.

The monsters are beginning to thin out. We should be able to pass now.

What a relief.

Great, let's hurry.

Argh...!

Destina! What's wrong?

G-Give me a moment...

I just...need to...concentrate.

Kyu...?

No...! Please!

W-What's happened to Malicus?

Malicus's consciousness just became much weaker... It was faint already, but now I can hardly feel it at all.

I need to concentrate hard just to sense it even a little.

The mage who was ahead of us!

At this rate, it's only a matter of time before Malicus's breath ceases altogether! We have to hurry!

You arrived earlier than I expected. I was getting worried we'd miss each other altogether.

Kawerik Vian. I should have known.

Such powerful traces of magic left behind, it can't have been anybody else.

That's right, the power gifted to me by Ezera's Church of the Goddess, at the mere cost of having my entire life completely snatched away from me.

You may have been sleeping those twenty years ago, but without you, perhaps that curse may not have existed either.

Aren't you pleased to see me again, Heir of Hypocrisy?

You! You're the one who did that to the guards and shamans of the temple, aren't you?

Why are you doing this!?

Don't misunderstand, I have nothing against Meldrec or its people.

I'm simply following my client's orders. Think of yourselves as a small seed caught up in a giant storm.

I suppose I can consider myself much the same.

Are you working for him now, Kawerik?

Is Straze really any better than the "hypocrites" of the Church of the Goddess?

He is. At the very least, he doesn't cheat me.

I would advise you to be more careful where you step, Heir of the Covenant.

Ras!

Ah!

I set a trap in case anyone tried to interfere before I finished my work.

It would have vanished after a time, but you arrived much earlier than expected.

Watch out!

Arghhh!

Ras!

Kyu!

Ack! Ras!

Khawazu...!

Take my hand, I'll pull you up.

*chuckling* You're lucky you have such good friends beside you. The Heir of the Covenant...becoming more and more Human every day...

Be careful, any wrong moves now and you'll die forever.

Stand back, Kawerik. We're going to check on Malicus.

And what if I refuse?

Then I'll tear you into pieces myself! I will avenge the fallen warriors of Meldrec!

Urgh... Dammit...

Why does this paralysis have to come back now...?

The cycle is getting shorter again, just like before...

Kawerik?

He stopped attacking.

He really is backing away... What's happening?

Oh well... I should have bought enough time for the ice essence to have been absorbed by now.

It was fun to fight again.

Heir of the Covenant... Or I suppose now you're just "Ras."

Are you running away again?

...

Are you going to continue turning your back on the truth?

Stop talking as if you know everything. It's plain to see that the privileges of your sacred birth are fading.

Whether I'm Human or of the Covenant is irrelevant here.

Don't you people have something more important to worry about than where I'm going?

Malicus...!

I hope we can meet again. Truly.

Where is Malicus!? Are they okay?

Malicus should be sleeping deep within the lava there, in the middle!

Their conciousness is incredibly weak!

Malicus! ...Malicus!

Dammit! We're too late!

Please... No... Malicus...

There's still some breath!

Even if it means burning up all the power I have, I will keep Malicus alive!

Malicus...

Will Malicus recover?

The worst of it is over, but...

But as time passes, Malicus will grow weaker again, and the flame will be in danger of extinguishing.

Even if I stay here and use my healing magic, I'm doing little more than buying time. Malicus can't hold on for long.

If we are to make Malicus's flame strong again, we need extremely powerful fire energy.

Hmm... Extremely powerful fire energy...

Where do we find something like that...?

Hmm...

...Oh! Khawazu, what about...

Huh?

There's that story in our history books. The Twilight Ember.

Aha! You're right! Maybe it could help.

What's going on...?

Kyu...? The Twilight Ember?

It happened at the height of Meldrec's prosperity, not long after it was built. Back then there were no strange monsters and plenty of exchange between the cities.

Aakhen had only just begun to resemble an actual city, and their mines were uncovering a lot of usable ore. But they had nowhere to smelt any of it.

They came to ask to use our lava, but dragging all that heavy ore up here all the time would be extremely difficult, right?

So Malicus handed down a prophecy to the great chief at the time to gift the Twilight Ember to Aakhen.

It allowed them to stoke powerful fires in even the most barren environments, so they were incredibly thankful.

Now Aakhen has giant smelting furnaces all over the city and shouldn't have much need for the Twilight Ember anymore.

The Twilight Ember... Could that be what we need to bring Malicus's flame back to life?

If it was a gift from Malicus, then surely it will contain the power necessary to help them recover.

There's no time to waste, Ras. Please get that Twilight Ember back from Aakhen.

Alright.

Khawazu, Khawana. Please send the finest warriors of Meldrec here to protect Destina and Malicus from the Unknown.

Right away.

We're on it!

We'll make for Aakhen immediately.

Straze.

...

I can feel the embers still burning, Straze.

...I see.

Not that it matters. There isn't much time left now.

But these kinds of mistakes cannot continue to occur.

...

I would prefer for my plans to be fully implemented to the letter.

I'm speaking bluntly, Straze, since you appear to be unaware of this fact.

...I see.

Ah, there is something I was wondering.

Yes?

Why Orbis? Why the universe of Aethra?

An interesting question, Straze.

A natural and arrogant curiosity typical of a mortal.

Though it was only for a short moment, you entertained me, so I'll tell you.

Though I'm not sure how well I can explain in this crude language of yours.

...

Fugitive. That seems the most appropriate word out of all the ones I've discovered recently.

There was an important story hidden within the memories of a fugitive, and a fragment of it found its way into this universe, to this planet.

It's...hiding here?

The fragment itself has no inkling of what it truly is. Much like the lower gods of this star.

Ilryos, Diche, Lunaris...the unconscious Orbis.

None of them have any idea.

But they do know why I'm interested in this small, insignificant planet, far from the center of the universe.

What it is I desire.

Destruction?

That's right. Total annihilation.

I will bring an end to Orbis and this entire universe.

It won't be much longer now.

The Unknown is escaping that way!

Ah, you idiot! What if it gets away?

Don't worry, it won't!

Krehhk!

Phew, the area around Meldrec Plaza should be safe again now. I'm surprised there are still so many of them left...

You wouldn't know, but it's actually a lot better now than it used to be.

But more and more dangerous creatures keep gathering outside the village.

...This is all my fault. All because I couldn't make the correct judgment as great chief...

Let the past stay in the past. First...

Krrrrrrrrk...

We should focus on clearing these guys out.

No time for moping around. Come on, let's get moving!

I don't want to have to sacrifice even one more member of the Muhr...

By the oath I made to Malicus!

Ack...!

Chief, are you okay? You've been pushing yourself lately.

Pushing myself!? I'm just getting started...

Khawana is right. You've been joining these hunts every day without rest.

Leave the rest of the work to your warriors. Some rest would be good for you.

*chuckling* I wish I could, but I'm afraid we have none to spare.

What do you mean?

We don't have even half as many warriors as we used to. We have enough on our plate just protecting the village from Unknown.

But why? What happened?

Chief! Do you intend to let them leave?

And what would you like to do? Drag them back? Don't waste your time, they've already lost faith in me and the great chief.

You know better than anyone that the incident with the fire river was an accident.

Of course... It's what caused all this strife between myself and Khawazu. But those people lost their family.

That's why I have no right to make them stay. So...let's not discuss this again.

Chief...

All of the things happening now stemmed from my own mistakes. That's why...

It's up to me to set them right.

Stupid, stupid Khawazu!

Khawana? How did you know...?

Hmph, you're very predictable, you know. But even I didn't think you'd do something this idiotic.

How can the great chief go outside by himself?

The Lava Vein who left Meldrec were victims of choices I made.

That's why I have to solve all these problems myself. Without help from anybody else.

Every word is dumber than the last!

Ack..! Hey! Stop hitting me!

Why is everything up to only you!? These are problems for all of Meldrec!

Even if you think you need to fix this all by yourself, the least you could do is talk to me about it!

...I guess I was trying to decide everything by myself again.

Then let's get going! Someone once told me that the sooner you apologize, the better.

If you beg hard enough, I'm sure they'll all be happy to come back.

According to the map, this is the last place they were seen.

Hmm, but there's nothing here? Not even Unknown.

The Lava Vein Chief has tried to find them several times, but it's like they vanished.

This won't be easy then... Oh?

There's a bag on that rock over there.

Hmm, it seems like all of their things are still inside... They can't have gone very far. They should be back soon.

Oh! What if it belongs to one of the Lava Vein?

Get your hands off my stuff right now!

Look at their clothes, they really are one of the Lava Vein.

Oh, wow! They really came back!

What are you two doing here?

I've come to beg for your people's forgiveness.

Forgiveness? Ha, don't make me laugh. Do you even know the meaning of the word?

I heard why you decided to leave Meldrec. When the fire river overflowed, I was...foolish.

I know it's late, but I want to make everything right. Like it once was.

I'm ready to atone for my wrongdoings.

*chuckling* Well, in that case, there's only one solution...

I don't like that look in his eyes.

You'll have to pay with your life! That's the only way to appease the dead!

You came here to ask my forgiveness, and yet you attack me?

What are you talking about!? You tried to kill him first!

Khawazu really did come to apologize and bring you all back...

There are too many Unknown, it isn't safe outside Meldrec. You need to come home.

Isn't safe? Pfft, since when did you care about our safety?

I can still hear them ringing in my ears... The screams of my family and friends who died because of your stubbornness!

...I...

Leave your hypocrisy behind and tell the truth. Why are you so desperate for our forgiveness?

Does our noble great chief wish to relieve some of the guilt weighing oh-so-heavily on his heart?

Or do you require more of my people to sacrifice for your greed?

You really don't shut up, do you? Khawazu, don't just stand there! Why won't you say anything back?

...

Hmph, you really don't have anything to say. Now get out of my sight, and don't even dare think about looking for our village again.

I'm not the only one who would love to cut you down where you stand.

Wait! Stop!

He said what he wanted and just ran off. Hurry up and chase after him!

Who knows... Maybe he was right.

Maybe all I really am interested in is unburdening myself of my guilt.

Maybe so, but isn't it more important to protect them from the Unknown?

You said it yourself, "I don't want to have to sacrifice even one more member of the Muhr..."

If you turn back now, that's no different than abandoning them.

You're right. I almost let my guilt make me forget what's most important. Thank you, Khawana.

*sighing* How would you ever get by without me? Hurry, before we lose his trail.

Why are there Unknown here...?

Krraaark...

Did they attack my comrades?

Chaahkk!

Ack...! These are different from any Unknown I've ever fought...

My fire isn't working. Dammit, at this rate, I'm...

Behold the strength of the Emberstorm!

Kweeehrrkk!

Khawazu...? I should have known you'd follow me...

These bodies... They're Lava Vein... Were we too late?

Get behind me. I'll deal with these creatures.

Oh, so now you're finally willing to act like a great chief and protect your people? Despicable.

How about you quit bickering and combine your strength? There are too many enemies around us to waste time fighting amongst ourselves!

Prrraarghh!

Hmph, I can deal with this just fine by myself, but I guess I'll help watch your back.

Don't mistake this for forgiveness, though.

He won't shut up even in a situation like this...

You dare threaten my people, you disgusting monsters...!

I'll burn you to ash!

Stupid creatures, why are they focusing on me?

Krrraang!

Argh...!

Go away!

Chweeehk...!

Are you insane!? You can't take the full force of an attack like that!

This is...nothing... Are you two okay?

Why are you so desperate to save me?

When I became great chief, I swore an oath before Malicus to protect the Muhr.

But starting with the incident with the fire river overflowing, all I've done is create scars.

With the help of others, I was able to recognize my own arrogance and faults, and I decided...

I would never let mistakes like that happen again.

That doesn't erase the mistakes you've already made...

I know. I can't blame you for wanting to hate me. But please, give me another chance. Just one.

I intend to keep to the oath I made as great chief, even if it's late.

Khawazu...

Fine. I'll believe that you've changed, if only a little.

Are you sure...? Thank you. Thank you so much.

But don't expect the same from the rest of us. Like I said before...

You cannot imagine how much some of them despise you.

...I'll keep that in mind.

How much farther is it to the village from here?

The path is winding, but it's not too far.

Great, then let's get going!

No matter how strong the Unknown are, I don't understand how they could have completely annihilated my comrades like that. They were some of our best.

And the wounds on their bodies...

Is this the right place? This is less of a village and more of a...ruin.

There are no guards at the entrance either. Something's wrong...

Wait, stop. Something's coming this way.

Krrrrrk...

Unknown? Coming from within the village?

No, that's impossible... That means...

We don't know anything yet. Don't panic, and focus on getting rid of these monsters first.

It wasn't easy, but I think we have them under control...

We've gone all around the village, but there's not a single person here. I noticed something else too...

What is it?

It's like they got straight up and left. They didn't take anything with them, there are even unfinished meals on tables...

Isn't that weird?

Dammit, how did it get this bad in only a week...?

What do you mean?

With the Unknown getting stronger, the other, younger warriors and I suggested that we return to Meldrec.

But the new chief refused. He hates you a lot, Khawazu.

As time went by, the Unknown were causing us more and more damage, but he stood by his refusal.

But then people began to go missing. So I...

Arghhh!

*chuckling* And that's the last of our rat infestation.

Well, if it isn't Khawazu...!

O-Oh no... The wound is very serious...

Are you the new chief? How could you attack your own tribesman!?

Hmph, as much as I'd love to cut you into little pieces right now, you're not the one I'm here for.

Hey! Let me go!

Quiet.

K-Khawazu! *muffled*

Khawana!

Suitable...material...found...

Let go of Khawana now, or I'll make sure you regret it.

...Fool. Fine, I'll entertain you for a while longer.

With power like this, it should be little more than child's play.

In his flame...I feel the strength of the Unknown...

Now... Die!

I can't block it...

The fire coming from your bracelet... Ha, how did someone as pathetic as you ever earn that power?

I'll end it here for today. There's nothing left to do here anyway.

Stop...

Now you can know how it feels... The pain...of loss.

Khawana...

Ugh... How long was I out for?

Finally...you're awake... I thought I'd die...waiting...

Wait, don't move! Your wound has gotten worse.

The chief... Unknown... Working together...

What are you saying...?

Ridiculous...right? But I saw...own two eyes... Urk...! He gave...everyone...to the Unknown...

This must be a misunderstanding! There's no way...

Ha...haha... I wish...I was wrong... Read this...you'll know...

A notebook?

Everything...I know...written... I protected it...as best...I could...

I get it, now stop talking. We have to stop the bleeding!

I was wrong...about you... Khawazu...grant me one...final request...

Save...them... Even if...they resent you...

Of course, I will. They're my people.

Ha... Don't let me down...Great Chief...

...

The Scorned Lands...

That's where this book says Khawana and the others will be.

I never even learned that warrior's name... He suffered alone this whole time. Rest in peace...

On my honor as great chief, I will save everyone.

Khawazu... Do you remember the virtues of a great chief I once told you about?

Ah, yes... The strength and wisdom to lead one's people to peace and prosperity.

That's right, those are the most basic qualities of any great chief. As my blood, you have plenty of both.

But it's not enough to simply possess those qualities... That's why from this day forth I will educate you in what it takes to become great chief.

...

What's that face for? Do you hate to follow in my footsteps?

Ah, n-no, I can... I want to! I want to become the great chief you could never be...

*chuckling* That's right. You must do exactly as I tell you.

Yes, Father.

...Khawazu? Wake up! What are you daydreaming about now?

...Huh? What...?

*rumbling*

Do you see this lightning storm? And the lava isn't flowing normally either.

Does the Great Chief Exam really need to be held today?

Stop worrying, Khawana. If a little weather like this was enough to scare me off, forget becoming great chief, I wouldn't even be worthy of becoming a normal chief.

Anyway, this day was chosen by Malicus. There will be a reason.

I know, but...it seems dangerous.

Come on, Khawazu, it's time. Let's go.

If you dally too long, you'll forfeit your place in the exam.

Hear that? None of the other chiefs intend to give up, so I can't back down either.

Come back safe, Chief Khawazu!

Become great chief and make the Emberstorm proud!

See, I'm not the only one who wants this.

But...

Go home and get some rest, you don't need to worry about me.

Everyone! You can believe in me! Next time you see me, I will be your great chief!

*sighing* That idiot... If he comes back with even a scratch...

Watch closely, Father. I will fulfill the dream you couldn't reach.

It seems all the chiefs took different paths after we began wandering through the sulfur mist.

I'm going the right way, aren't I...?

You, walking the path of the great chief, what is your name?

I am servant of Malicus, Chief Khawazu of the Emberstorm.

Good, Chief Khawazu. Will you take the exam necessary to become great chief?

Of course.

In that case...

These people... Aren't they Muhr warriors of the past?

One of the basic virtues of a great chief... The power to protect one's people.

You must prove your might...

Against those warriors of the past who gave their lives to protect the Muhr.

There's over a dozen of them... And they all look very strong.

Fine. I will show you I'm worthy.

I'll show you a heat unlike anything you've ever experienced. Face the flame of the new great chief!

Raaaarghh!

...!

You're stronger than expected...

But we won't fall so easily to a flame like that.

Even if I manage to bring one of them down, they get straight back up... How am I supposed to win?

You cannot. But you have proved your worth as chief of the Emberstorm.

How about you give up on becoming great chief and return to your previous position?

No. I will not give up.

Even if it costs you your life?

Even if it means I die here, I will not change my mind.

...

They're all...gone?

A great chief should never give up and must lead their people against even the direst of odds.

Emberstorm Chief Khawazu, you have shown such fortitude.

You have passed the trial of the Path of Valor. Please, do not forget the courage you have displayed this day.

The courage...to keep going...

Phew... Becoming great chief sure isn't easy.

Father passed the first trial easily too, it was the second where he failed...

What could have stopped him?

I'm sure the other chiefs passed the first trial as well, so this should be the trial that settles things...

Emberstorm Chief Khawazu. Are you ready for your second trial?

I was born ready.

A great chief must be decisive. Moreso than anyone else, they must be trusted to make the correct choices.

But not all choices are easy...

Khawazu!

Ch-Chief!

Khawana...? My people...? What are they doing in those cages?

One or many. Your blood or your tribe. How do you compare their worth? How do you judge the weight of these lives?

What are you talking about!? These people have committed no crime!

Khawazu. Chief of the Emberstorm. You may save only one or the other.

Creeeaaaaak... SLAM!

Hurry up and do something, you idiot! I'm going to fall into the lava!

Aaaargh! Please, Chief, please save me! I have children! Three!

You're running out of time to decide. Faltering could cost you everything.

I refuse to accept this trial! Wait, everybody! I'll come save you!

You are on the Path of Decision. This is not a place where things can be solved through brawn alone.

There are too many standing in my way... But how can I choose...?

Urk... It's just like the Path of Valor. I knock one down and another stands right back up to take their place.

Creeeaaaaak... SLAM!

Stop wasting time and save me already!

Chief Khawazu! Abandon us now and I will curse you from beyond death!

Time is slipping away. Make your choice.

...I refuse. Instead...

I will forfeit the Great Chief Exam. Now let them go!

You may only attempt the Great Chief Exam once in a lifetime. Are you sure you wish to forfeit?

If earning that title means sacrificing my family and my people...

I...I have no interest in becoming great chief.

In that case...

Chief Khawazu of the Emberstorm. You...have made a decision different from that of your fellow chiefs.

What happens now?

Your sister and tribespeople...were never here to begin with.

They were merely illusions made from the fire, allowing us to see which path you would take.

I see... I'm glad they're safe.

You have successfully completed the trial of the Path of Decision.

E-Excuse me? But... But I forfeited...

To pass this trial...you must select a third option which was not given to you.

You may proceed to the Tomb of Oaths. There you will be named great chief.

G-Great chief...? Me?

Am I the only one who passed all of the trials?

Pfft, of course, who else could?

There's never been a great chief as young as me before either. I really am amazing. *chuckling*

Is that the Tomb of Oaths? It looks just like I always imagined it would.

It's almost time. If I just place my flame inside that furnace...

I will receive the blessing of Malicus. And once the ritual is over...

I will be great chief of the Muhr.

Before the respected great chiefs who have served Meldrec before me, I, Chief Khawazu of the Emberstorm...

Take oath as the next great chief of the Muhr, servants of Malicus.

No matter what dangers befall us, I will protect Meldrec and its people and lead them forward.

Lord Malicus, I humbly call upon you to answer this oath with a flame that will never extinguish.

Finally... I'm great ch...

Ack...!

Why... Why is the furnace's fire pushing me away?

The holy furnace does not accept those who are unworthy.

You are not worthy of the title of great chief.

Why...?

The standards really have fallen. To think someone as inadequate as you could come this far.

Stealing my appearance... Who are you? What are you?

I suppose you could say I'm a being created to stop the unworthy from ascending to great chief.

Ack...! I've already passed the exam! I'm the only one worthy of being great chief!

You're right, you proved your power and wisdom through those two trials, but...!

Urrrgh!

Nevertheless, as you are now, you cannot become great chief.

No... I won't fail here... I won't!

Why are you so obsessed?

I must become great chief.

Not of your own will, but of that of your late father.

I cannot entrust the fate of the Muhr to someone like that.

For as long as I can remember, I grew up being shaped by my father to become great chief.

Sure, there were times I saw being chief as only a stepping stone towards a higher goal.

But as I took on leadership of the Emberstorm, I realized...

I don't want to protect just the Emberstorm. I want to protect the happiness of all of the Muhr.

To do that, I must pass through that furnace and receive the blessing of Malicus. And that is why I will not give up.

For everyone's sake, I will become great chief! Not because it's what my father wanted...

But because it's what I, Khawazu, Chief of the Emberstorm, want!

...

Can you keep your word, Khawazu?

This voice... Malicus...?

Can you stay true to the oath you made to me, Malicus, the Lord of Fire?

Of course, I meant every word I said.

Then place your hands on the furnace.

I can feel it... The power of Malicus is flowing into my bracelet...

As long as your resolve remains steadfast, my power will be available to you whenever you need it.

With the undying flame of your oath, I hope you will lead the Muhr well.

Great Chief Khawazu.

My oath to you, my resolve, will not falter.

I will keep the Muhr safe. No matter what.

According to the notebook he gave me, if I keep following this path...

I should reach the Scorned Lands.

The place every person in Meldrec has heard stories of since they were young. Every adult always gave me the same warning...

"Stay away from the Scorned Lands north of Meldrec."

And even if I asked why, it would always be the same answer. That we've always stayed away, and we had promised to continue doing so.

I've spent my entire life wondering, just who could Meldrec have made that promise to?

But that's not important right now.

The only thing that matters is saving Khawana and my people.

I've seen clothes like that in a book before. Is he from Meldrec...?

What's he doing this far north?

Is he the reason Teacher sent me out here?

No, I shouldn't waste time on pointless speculation. I need to determine whether or not he's an enemy first.

Hm, he might be shocked if he sees me... I should approach carefully.

*hissing*

Of course, they're all over the place out here too.

I'm still within the lava zone, but if I go any farther...

That's right, this is the Inferno Pass, the only lava zone in the Scorned Lands.

All sorts of things from the Blurred Valley, wait, I'm letting myself get distracted.

You're from Meldrec, aren't you? What are you doing here?

At least let me see you if you're going to interrogate me. Isn't that basic manners?

Ah, well, i-if you insist... Just promise you won't run away or attack me.

Attack you? Why would I attack a girl?

Listen to me, I'm not a Carbuncle!

A talking Carbuncle...?

Talking animals... Reminds me of that "Guardian" thing that outlander Ras was carrying around with him.

Maybe getting the Twilight Ember won't be as easy as I'd hoped.

I know I look like a Carbuncle, but my name is Reina! I'm a Human!

Are you sure?

Umm... It's a long story.

Grrrrr...

Uh oh, these things never listen.

Graaaark!

Alright, Carbun, Reina. I'll listen to your story later. For now, get behind me.

Ugh, these damn things are such a pain.

Are you going to fight this many of them all by yourself? Is everyone from Meldrec this strong?

Still, they should be no match for me, ack!

Did... Did my wound from the village open up again...?

Huh!? You were doing so well, why are you suddenly...?

*growling*

Carb, Reina, save yourself. Don't worry about me.

Urgh, don't act all tough when you're already injured!

Hyup!

Grrk?

If you were that strong, why did you wait until now...?

Stop mumbling and escape already! All my attacks can do is buy time.

Huh? Oh, uhh, yes...

Grraaargh!

Phew... It doesn't look like they followed us.

That was close.

Is that all you have to say?

Oh, of course. How much farther is it until I'm out of the Lava Zo...

Not that! I just saved your life, the least you could do is say thanks!

Ah... Right... T-Thank you...

Hmph, I guess the old saying is true. Everyone from Meldrec really is just arrogant and rude...

Ahem... Anyway, what you were saying earlier. What do you mean you're Human?

Changing the subject, huh? Fine, I suppose I ought to introduce myself. I'm Reina, a student of the great shaman of the Dawnstride Tribe.

Some...stuff happened, and now I find myself with the body of a Carbuncle.

The Dawnstride Tribe. Hmm, I don't think I've heard that name before. Are you from this area?

You don't know much, do you? You're a decent warrior and not much else?

I guess I can forgive you. It's not like just anyone is told about us.

I don't get it. I know everything there is to know about Meldrec.

Oh my, look at you! And who might you be?

I'm Khawazu, great chief of Meldrec.

I came out here to find my sister and my people. They were kidnapped by the Unknown.

Haha, I see. A great ch, wait! Great chief!? Of Meldrec!? How gullible do you think I am?

Don't believe me, huh? Look, Malicus gave me this...

The power emanating from that bracelet certainly isn't any normal power...

Maybe... Maybe he can save everyone!

Oh, no, no, I believe you. And actually, I've seen your people too.

Really!? Where?

They came through this area with those evil Spirits.

Evil Spirits... You mean the Unknown? Where were they heading? Hurry, I have to catch up with them!

Calm down. First, let's tell each other what we're doing here.

I feel like we might share the same goal.

So the Unknown took my people to Stroll Village?

Seems like it. They dragged away anyone who was outside the village at the time, too.

That Unknown, you called it Dakis, didn't you? It must be pretty strong to have taken control of an entire village.

True, Dakis is strong. But if it weren't for that traitor, it never would have happened so easily.

There's somebody working together with the Unknown?

That's right, they handed the souls of their own people over to that monster.

So if we defeat that Unknown, we can save everybody?

I think so. Teacher said Dakis was the one controlling everybody's souls.

Your people should be freed too, right?

This "Dakis" Unknown was definitely there when Khawana was taken. Maybe this Carbuncle really is telling the truth...

Hey, what are you thinking about? You don't believe me, do you?

Uh, no, I'm just a little overwhelmed by all this new information.

Well, you didn't even know my tribe existed before today...

There isn't a single mention of the Dawnstride Tribe anywhere in Meldrec's records.

All that was ever passed down was, "Stay away from the Scorned Lands."

I wish I could tell you why...

But in the process of transferring your soul into the body of a Carbuncle, your memories became confused.

Exactly! You've been listening to me after all.

How much farther do we need to go before we meet your friends?

We're almost there, I think if we just get around this...

Krwaaaark!

An enemy? Just a moment, Reina...

Wait, stop! I know them!

Oh, you've come out to meet me? That should mean my dumb brother is somewhere near, waahh!

H-Hey! What was that for!? Don't you recognize your leader's little sister when you see her!? Let go, you damn birdbrain!

Krrrrrk!

Wait! What am I supposed to do if you get yourself eaten for dinner?!

Kwaaaahk!

You think I'm not willing to chase you?

Hyaaaaaap!

Grrrrrgh...

Don't come anywhere near me, Meldrecan!

A talking Gryphon...? Are you the older brother Reina told me about?

That's right, I'm Raze. Student of the great shaman and Reina's brother.

Phew, we found you. I'm not your enemy here, we're on the same side.

You sure have a lot of guts to come here, trying to get me by taking my own sister as a hostage.

As long as you came here alone, you won't make it back alive!

Oh no, you're mistaken. Reina and I are working together.

Mistaken? *chuckling* I know you Meldrecans are in cahoots with those evil Spirits!

Your words won't work on me! But since you're so willing to talk...

You're not going to listen to anything I say, are you? I can't help but feel this situation is a little familiar...

...I will have to capture you and squeeze out every last detail of your evil plots!

Ack... Beaten by one man... Please forgive me, Reina, I wish I could have saved you...

You didn't need to save me in the first place, you idiot!

Argh! Why are you hitting me!?

This is punishment for ordering one of your Gryphons to take me off somewhere weird!

I was only performing my brotherly duty of protecting you from this wicked Meldrecan...

Shut up! Teacher always tells us to grasp the situation first before we act! Yet you still never even take the time to figure out who's friend and who's foe!

So...he really is on our side?

You heard that and you still attacked?

Of course, why should I believe a word you say!? Just earlier today some Meldrecan warriors came looking to capture me.

I barely managed to escape with my tail! That's when I decided all Meldrecans are my enemy! All of them!

...Really? Why would they want to capture you?

It was probably on that damned traitor's orders. He's still looking for that thing...

That means...Teacher might be in danger!

...

Khawazu! Sorry about my brother... What are you thinking about so deeply?

Oh, nothing. I'm just glad this misunderstanding has worked itself out.

I know you must be exhausted, but we can't stop now. We have to get to Teacher as soon as possible.

Now that I think about it, this is around the time he told me to come back to the forest.

Did he...plan all of this?

Hmm, fine, I'll make up for my misunderstanding by giving you a ride. Hurry up, time's a-wasting!

Alright then.

Ha, they seem to get along well.

I'm coming to save you, Khawana.

Hold on just a little longer...

Huh... What am I doing here? I was in a village...and I got attacked...

Your mind...remains...for now...

Ack...! What's happening...? My head... It feels...like it's going to explode...

Soon...you will crumble. And then...

Your body...will be mine...

N-No... I can feel myself...fading...

I'm coming to save you, Khawana.

Hold on just a little longer...

K-Khawazu? He's not always reliable...but I know he will come save me... Until then...

I will not give in!

She denied...my power... Impossible...

Please, Khawazu...hurry... I don't think I can...hold out for long...

I must...tear her down...

I must...destroy...that man...

Why is the forest so quiet? And where is Teacher? He must have moved again...

What are you talking about?

Teacher entered the body of a very weak creature.

So he's always hiding. He always preferred shutting himself away somewhere dark anyway...

I see. But why are you all in the bodies of wild animals?

Huh? You still don't know? Why didn't you tell him, Reina?

You tell him. I'll find Teacher.

I have an idea where he might be.

Hmph, you always push all the hard work onto me. Fine, how much do you know so far, Meldrecan?

Dakis took control of your village with the help of a traitor.

So you don't know that traitor, Diaz, is our priest and was also one of Teacher's students?

They're a shaman too?

That's right. He's an outsider, but he became Teacher's first student. He was always kind to us.

But after he couldn't become Teacher's successor he...changed.

That day, he was caught trying to steal the Ceremonial Relics that have been passed down for generations.

As he stood in front of the God Tree in the center of the village, he was banished. And that's when the Black Door opened.

Dakis and the Unknown came through, and at first, the village warriors were able to fight them off.

Then he put Dakis in contact with the God Tree and the situation changed rapidly.

Was it that serious?

In order to decide whether or not to exile Diaz, the souls and consciousness of everyone in the village were connected as one through the God Tree.

Which meant all of their souls were placed right into in Dakis's hands.

Exactly. Teacher, Reina, and I eventually regained consciousness, but by that point, our bodies had already been taken.

Our only choice was to take the bodies of wild animals and find a way to fight back. That's when you showed up.

A lot has been going on...

The story took longer than I expected. Why is Reina still not back?

W-Why are there so many of them!?

Angara! Everywhere! That's why there were no other animals here!

Krrrrrrrrrrrr!

They don't look like they've come to welcome us into their forest.

Of course not! Don't let your guard down for even a second if you want to live.

Urgh, there's too many of them.

The worst part is they seem to be moving strategically.

If you have time to chat, you're not fighting hard enough!

Krrrrrr! Kraaaark!

Huh!? Why are they all looking at me all of a sudden?

Oh, really? Khawazu, this is all your, no, your people's, wait, no, it's all Dakis's fault!

What do you mean?

As expected, you Meldrecans started poking around in the forest, and it sounds like you killed a whole load of Angara.

You...can understand what they're saying?

Ever since entering this body, yes. But that's not important right now.

They say if we don't hand you over, they'll strip our fur and turn us into winter coats!

Krrrr... Kraaaaaaaarrrgh!

Hmph, fine! If you want me, come and get me!

Wow, is he really strong enough to take that many on by himself? Amazing...

I told you, he's great chief of Meldrec. Still, I'm not sure he's strong enough to defeat Dakis.

What are you two muttering about back there?

N-Nothing... Haha...ha...

But where is Teacher? If he's not here, do you think that means...

Don't worry about me, I'm fine.

And it would appear you two are as well.

Haha, of course! Where were you this whole time?

Isn't it obvious? He knew we'd deal with the Angara, so he was just hiding.

*chuckling* As always, Reina can see straight through me.

But who is this friend you've brought with you? Those look like the clothes of a Meldrecan to me.

Ah, this is Khawazu. He's great chief of Meldrec.

Aha, I should have known. I can feel the power of the Spirit Lord Malicus themself emanating from his bracelet.

You must be the great shaman of Stroll Village. No normal person would be able to sense the power of Malicus.

But, Teacher, wasn't the reason you sent me to Inferno Pass to meet Khawazu?

I knew only that there was someone there who could help us, not who.

You've been waiting for me specifically?

Indeed. Though I never would have guessed you would be the great chief of Meldrec himself.

Anyway, we should get moving, there isn't much time. We'll talk on the way.

Where are we going?

To save everyone, of course. By finding what has been hidden.

Has there still been no word from the great chief?

No, Chief. We've searched all of the areas on the map as instructed, but there are no signs of him anywhere.

His supplies would be running low by now. You don't think an Unknown could have... No, that's impossible.

But it's clear that something must have happened to keep him from returning.

Increase your numbers and head back out. I'll lead the search party myself.

Are you sure? If any more of us leave the city, it will be hard to defend against the Unknown.

Not to mention, I'm not sure how long the Lava Vein can hold out without their chief here.

I know, that's why I was planning to ask the Emberstorm and Flame Heart for help.

We may have made up publicly, but you know the relationship between our tribes can never again be what it once was.

Do you really think they will be willing to help us, Chief?

I will go speak with them now, be ready to leave when I return.

...Yes, Chief.

Great Chief, please be safe, I don't want to find a body...

I hope this sense of foreboding is false.

The entire forest is engulfed in flames. What's happening?

Those are the flames of the Lava Vein. Which means...

I thought it was no normal fire. We will have to proceed carefully.

At least the animals will be too busy running from the fire to get in our way.

*chuckling* You can't run any further now.

What's wrong with you, why are you attacking us!? Don't you remember!? We trained together!

Oh, I know exactly who you are, that's why I've come to take you.

I want to give you the chance to serve the great Dakis!

You're not thinking for yourself! You're being controlled by that Unknown, aren't you?

Pull yourselves together! We're Lava Vein, not the slaves of some monster!

Krrrrrrrrk...

*chuckling* Keep resisting and we'll just have to drag you back!

Dammit, at this rate they're going to end up doing exactly that.

Argh! The fire has blocked the path!?

I knew it, the Lava Vein fell under the control of the Unknown.

Lava Vein? *chuckling* I'm afraid you're mistaken. We're the Shadow Vein now!

Shadow Vein...? What a ridiculous... Are you guys okay?

What is he doing here? Go away, we don't want your help!

Ha, you sound mighty proud for someone staring death in the face. If you want to live, how about shutting your mouth and accepting our help quietly?

Reina, try not to be so aggressive, this is a delicate situation.

He's right, watch your tongue, kid. I'm so sorry for the way my little sister is behaving.

Talking animals!? What is that Khawazu involved in now...?

I'll explain later, there are more important things to worry about right now.

Krrrrrrrrr!

Must remove...Great Chief Khawazu...so we may take the girl's body...

The girl...?

Careful, Great Chief! I can feel Dakis's energy inside that man's body!

We don't know if you may fall victim as well.

Don't worry about me. Until Khawana and the others are safe...

I will not give in!

Hey, you! Where are you keeping my sister!?

...

Stop, Dakis has already left his body.

Is there no way to free them from the control of the Unknown?

You think these people are under the control of the Unknown?

Are they...not?

It is true, they follow Dakis and have been rewarded with great power, but they did so of their own volition.

Perhaps their driving force is...their hatred for you.

That...

I'll make sure they don't wake up again for a while.

Now, you should go that way. Don't you have people waiting for you?

...Understood.

While looking for the villagers who disappeared...

You discovered the new chief had sold his own people to the Unknown? And you expect us to believe that?

I know it's hard to believe at first, but look at this...

How... How did you get this notebook?

It was entrusted to me by a man who gave his own life to protect the truth. You will find everything I just told you inside.

Yes, I recognize both the notebook and the handwriting... Then everything you just told us really is the truth...?

How could all this happen while we were away hunting Unknown...?

I know how much you all despise me. But I need all of your help if I'm going to save everyone.

Please lend me your strength for now. I will pay the price for my mistakes once we have our people back.

I don't like it, but I suppose we're left with no other choice.

Then you will join me? Thank you, everyone.

We'll need your strength in order to save everyone, so I'm willing to give you just one more chance.

So, what can we do?

I need your help finding the Ceremonial Relics that have been hidden.

You must be the great shaman. Reina told me all about what happened to you three.

Ceremonial Relics... Aren't those what your student tried to steal from you?

The very same. They are sacred items that allow our Dawnstride Tribe to commune with the God Tree.

They are our only hope of saving everyone under Dakis's control.

Is this Unknown you call Dakis really so strong?

The more people Dakis brings under their control, the stronger they become. As we are now, we stand no chance at all.

...

Reina and Raze will be able to tell you in more detail.

Okay.

Once you've each found your relics, we need to meet up at the Forest of the Unworthy. Oh, and...

Please, be careful. We're not the only ones looking for them.

As we were escaping the village, Teacher was just barely able to bring the Ceremonial Relics with him.

He sealed each one away where nobody would be able to find them. He wouldn't even tell us where he put them. But now we need to find them...

And one of them is supposed to be around here?

That's right. The Wand of the Ancestors. It's one of the relics that traitor Diaz is most desperate for.

But we don't know if Diaz is even the person the great shaman said is looking for these relics?

We can't be certain, but Diaz will never give up. He's quite the stubborn type.

I think Teacher's prediction is correct, though.

Grrrrr...

I thought it was about time. Watch out, it looks like they're in battle formation. There might be a leader somewhere.

What if...it's Diaz...?

Then all the more reason to hurry. We can't let him get his hands on either of the relics!

Are you still not finished removing the seal on the wand!? What's taking you so long!?

Wait a second, I'm almost done!

There, it's gone! Now we just need to run away from these disgusting monsters!

Thank you for doing all the hard work for me, Raze.

Urgh, it's that damned traitor. Why didn't he show himself earlier? I guess he was waiting for the seal to be gone...

Damned traitor? How can you call your friends such horrible things? I see your tongue is as filthy as ever.

As much as I'd like to stay here and teach you some manners...

My body... I can't...move...

All I need is the wand, so I will mercifully spare your life.

Living out the rest of your life as a Gryphon is a punishment in itself too, I suppose.

Why did you do it? Why did you betray the village that took you in to Dakis and the Unknown?

I have no need to explain myself to you. I'll be leaving now, lots to do!

I won't let you go that easily!

Oh, it's you. The great chief of Meldrec.

How fortunate I am to find you here. I was given orders to kill you.

You have to kill me so that monster can take Khawana's body, don't you?

Aha, you figured it out. That's right, that girl should be enough for the Great Dakis.

She's able to resist for now thanks to her faith in you...

But I'm sure that will all crumble in a moment once your corpse is thrown before her.

I guess I can take a minute out of my day to kill you here.

Urk... Has he also been given the power of the Unknown?

He's kind of a tool, but he's actually really talented. It will be difficult for you to take him on by yourself.

We'll cover you. We need to get back the wand my stupid brother lost!

Right, if he gets away with that wand, all hope is lost.

Do you think working together will make any difference? Fine, I'll humor you a while before I send you to your graves.

Even in these new bodies, your power remains strong...

I've always been stronger than you, remember? Now hurry up and give back the Wand of the Ancestors.

Not even the body of a Carbuncle can temper your pride, huh? Fine, I will admit my defeat here today.

But if I can't have the wand...

Stop! We need that to save every!

Too late!

...!

I...I can't believe it. He broke the wand...

Why are you doing this? Why are you working with the Unknown?

You still don't seem to grasp the situation, Great Chief Khawazu.

I'm not following Dakis out of blind devotion. We are working together. Equal partners working towards the same goal.

The same goal...? And what goal is that? To steal the souls and bodies of countless people?

You have no right!

Ha, and whose judgment is that to make?

As I left my hometown, I was thinking... I'd gladly sell my own soul to complete my research.

And that's when they appeared. The very being I needed to turn my dreams into reality.

All of this is for research? Countless lives, stolen for the sake of an experiment? That's...insane.

Call it what you will. But I will gladly give Dakis every lowly soul on this planet if that's what it takes to achieve my goal.

It's such a shame I have to leave you still in one piece.

Who said you could leave?

Kraaaaarrk!

Next time we meet, your souls will belong to Dakis.

Unknown are gathering here again!

What should we do, Raze? The Wand of the Ancestors is completely broken... We're screwed...

Khawazu, grab Reina and climb on my back! Now!

You're too injured to fly! I'll break through them, somehow.

Argh! Let go, what's wrong with you!?

Do you want to die here? Hold on tight, I'm taking off!

It wasn't easy, but we made it. Are you both okay?

I am, but Reina...

...

Hang in there, Reina. We can't give up yet.

Without the wand we can't do anything! There's no other way to save everyone!

Then you'll just have to run as far from the Unknown as you can.

What!? How can you say that?!

Then quit crying and get up. We need to do whatever we can, no matter the odds.

Is that going to make any difference?

We can't be too rash. Nothing about the future is set in stone yet.

How can you stay so optimistic?

Because I know what it's like to fall into despair about the future. And I also know what's it's like to regain hope thanks to those around me.

That's why I'm going to continue moving forward. I decided back then that no matter what happens, I will never give up.

...You're right, we haven't lost yet. I'm sure Teacher will know what to do.

Exactly. And I'm sorry... I was too busy fighting the Unknown to protect the wand.

What are you apologizing for? Don't be silly.

Anyway, we should start moving toward the Forest of the Unworthy if we want to meet up with the others in time.

Thank you, Khawazu. I've never been good at comforting people, I wasn't sure what to do.

Though she may look tough on the outside, Reina has always been soft inside.

I understand, my own little sister isn't much different.

Stop dawdling and hurry, you old men!

Are you sure she's soft?

...I'll have to think about it.

Am I the only one left...?

Prrrrrrrk...

That should have bought enough time for the others to get to safety.

Krraarrrk!

Don't let me down again, Great Chief...

Aren't these the Meldrecans who went with Teacher?

Looks like they fought with some Unknown.

But I don't see any sign of the great shaman... Perhaps they were buying time for him to escape.

We should be able to find him, though. Look, he left tracks.

I'm so sorry to leave your bodies here like this, but I will never forget the sacrifices you all made.

Leave everything to me, and rest in peace.

It's not obvious, but it looks like there was a battle here, too. And yet there aren't any bodies...

Do you think they managed to fight off the Unknown?

I'd like to believe that, but something feels wrong.

Oh, look at this!

That spider leg belongs to Teacher!

Of course, the ominous feeling was correct... Maybe the Unknown captured them all.

Then they would have all been taken to Stroll Village, right?

Wait a minute. I feel a faint memory of what happened...

Wait! I'll show you, just...take your hands off them.

*chuckling* You're smarter than I thought. Fine, I have a better use for them, anyway.

Now, where is the Ceremonial Incense Burner?

They weren't Unknown. It was the chief of the Shadow Vein.

Chief of the Shadow Vein... He's the one who attacked me and kidnapped Khawana.

They were also looking for the Ceremonial Incense Burner.

Then we can't hesitate any longer. We have to go to the Garden of the Unworthy.

I told you, I don't know how to disarm the traps!

Then we'll just have to use more bait.

Ch-Chief! I swear I will follow you! Please give me a chance! I was only outside of the village by chance!

You're more useful to me as bait than sitting there begging. Now go!

P-Please, Chief...

O-Okay, if I just step carefully, I'll li...

*click*

Arghhhhhhh!

*chuckling* Excellent, the path is open. Lead the way.

...

Those dead people in the traps are the Lava Vein who were with Teacher.

So you're saying he's using them as bait to trigger and remove the traps in his way?

Yes, they were forced by the Shadow Vein chief.

Is that man even Human...? How could he do something like this?

Get angry later. We need to hurry if we're going to save the great shaman.

I won't let you get away with this...

Hurry up and remove the seal protecting the incense burner.

...

Give it to me!

I'm afraid I cannot do that.

*chuckling* Now the real plan reveals itself. Do you really think I didn't realize you were dragging your feet to buy time?

But for what purpose? Nobody has come to save you. Hahaha!

No, they will come. And you will get what you deserve.

I'm growing tired of listening to you.

Ack...! Reina... Raze...

You have a lot of life in you, but can you hold out against this...?

Get away from him!

Hyaaaaap!

Khawazu, you came! But do you really think an attack like that would hurt me?

Great Chief... I'm glad you came...in time...

Teacher, you can't die like this!

Get out of the way! I won't let that happen!

You still don't realize you are no match for me. A fool like you never deserved to become great chief.

I saw the fighters on the way here. Did you push them into those traps?

Of course, it was the safest way to get here. Why, don't you like it? *chuckling*

The only reason they were here was because they hated you so much that they left Meldrec.

I'm their chief, I can use them as I please.

Is that what you think a chief is?

Hahaha! To think I'd hear those words coming from your mouth, of all people! Yes, Khawazu, you're the one who taught me this is how a chief acts.

You've not forgotten already, have you? The screams of all those who died in the fire river still ring in my ears!

...I understand. Just like you, I too once let myself get tied up in the regrets of the past.

My foolish decisions led to the sacrifice of many. I blamed and hated myself endlessly.

Until finally I realized, much too late, that I couldn't let the past control me. Otherwise, how could I carry on?

That is why I must stop you here. The last vestige of my foolish past.

That was quite the speech. Fine, I'll see for myself...

Whether you really do live up to those lofty words of yours.

As expected, you're all bark and no bite. You're still lacking in so many ways after all.

I'm just...resting... That's all. This isn't over...

Ugh...!

I'm growing bored of watching you shame yourself. That pathetic life of yours ends here!

Brave warriors of Meldrec! Protect your great chief!

That voice...

Great Chief Khawazu, are you okay?

Chief of the Lava Vein? How did you...

How can you just disappear on us like that? If those strange insects hadn't shown us the way here...

We'd probably still be wandering aimlessly around the Scorned Lands.

Insects... Then the great shaman led you here.

It's been quite some time, Lava Vein Chief. What are you doing this for? I thought you hated our great chief as well?

I did, once. But I've learned to put that behind me. Now I'm willing to lay down my own life to protect him.

So fickle. Get out of my way, you disgust me.

Everyone here will die at my hands.

You've changed a lot since I last saw you. And that power... It belongs to the Unknown. What happened to you?

Take a look at yourself! What if your son were still alive to see what you've become!?

Quiet!

Urk...this new strength of yours...can't be taken lightly...

Step aside, Chief! This is my fight!

You have more important things to worry about! Hurry up and go, I'll stop him here!

But...

Quickly! I can't hold him back for much longer!

...Okay. Just promise me you won't die here!

You think you can stop me? You think I'm still the man I was before? You're wrong!

I haven't even broken a sweat.

I'm sorry, Great Chief... I don't think...I can keep that promise.

Reina! Is the great shaman okay?

Reina, the great chief is here.

I can hear your voice, but...where are you?

My body has been lost. For now, I must remain here as a spirit.

Soon I will return to the God Tree.

...What is that supposed to mean?

When our people die, our souls return to the God Tree... And can communicate with the shamans...

But... Teacher...

Can he not borrow the body of another animal like he did before?

It's already too late for that. The return of my soul to the God Tree cannot be stopped.

But first, there's something more important I have to worry about.

Something more important? Do you mean...

I have the Ceremonial Incense Burner, Teacher!

Is this really the only way...?

Don't be sad, Reina. You know this must be done.

Raze, it won't be easy, but you must win, together with Reina.

Yes, Teacher.

Great Chief, our Dawnstride Tribe is also part of the Muhr.

As shameless as it may sound, please, help us...

Of course.

Thank you. Well then...

The Wand of the Ancestors is shining...?

...!

It's fixed!

Teacher sacrificed his soul in order to restore it.

Sacrificed? Does that mean...his soul was completely destroyed?

Yes. Teacher is gone. Forever.

...

Let's go back to the village. Now that we have both of the Ceremonial Relics, all that's left is to save everyone.

Great Shaman... I will never forget your noble sacrifice.

Stroll Village will be on the other side of this forest.

Now that we have the relics, what do we do with them?

Reina and I will use them to make contact with the God Tree. The problem is buying enough time for us to be able to focus our minds.

I can't hold all of them back on my own...

Grrrrrrr...

Urgh, now we need to deal with the forest creatures as well?

...That's right! Why didn't I think of it earlier?!

Do you know why this place is called Assembly Forest, Raze?

Because it's where all the wild creatures of the Scorned Lands gather together. Uh, Reina, you're not thinking what I think you are, right? That seems dangerous.