Episode 2 Chapter 9: Advent

How long has it been?

What are you referring to?

How long since you changed me into something...inhuman?

The change was your choice.

The moment you used the full power of that sword, Star Extinction, you began to change, and when you took the holy blood of Orbis, the transformation was completed.

Judging by these incomplete questions long after the fact, it seems you didn't feel a thing.

There was no special feeling.

You kept emphasizing the fact I am a mortal, and so I surmised the opposite must in fact be true.

The title with which I refer to you was not intended to hold such a meaning.

By my standards, a minor god too is no different to a mortal. They are equally insignificant to me.

I agree. As I said, I felt no difference between the two either. But that is one of many small truths covering up a host of lies.

I am aware you are rarely honest with me, Fastus.

How can you be so sure? How can you judge what is a lie when you cannot even approach the truth?

Isn't that true for everyone?

Expressing gratitude in twisted ways is a characteristic unique to humanity. Straze, you need to realize what you now are.

I have no desire to be a god.

I am aware.

You don't trust me, do you, Fastus?

You noticed?

I read an interesting text on one of those planets that we destroyed. About the soul of a great, dark star, named for arrogance...

A god invulnerable to the powers of those minor gods below them.

It's true. I cannot be killed by a god weaker than me.

However, that is not the reason I turned you into one. Humans cannot possibly hope to harm me either.

You are too weak to be of any threat to me, Straze.

...Then why?

You will find out once you are a little closer to the truth.

Whether you want to or not.

The final goal is to completely surround the Altar of Unfamiliar Stars, where Straze is currently located.

As I said at the previous meeting, the offensive will be divided into three groups.

Captain Rikoris will stand in the vanguard with the Taranor Army and attack their western line.

You can count on me!

Lady Iseria and Sir Crozet will support the Taranor Army from the flanks with the Sword and Shield.

Yes, sir.

Ready whenever you need me!

Reingar's Machinery and the sorcerers from Witchaven will take up the center and advance as fast as they can in order to provide ranged support to the east and west flanks.

That won't be easy.

We could find ourselves under concentrated attack.

Yes, it is likely.

As soon as we secure our goal in the west, the Sword and Shield should join up to escort the central force.

The eastern flank will consist of the forces of Meldrec under Khawazu and the Rose Apostles under Jena.

It's time to show the courage of the Muhr.

You can count on us.

We will begin the operation immediately following the Aakhen Army's first round of artillery.

You plan to clear the surrounding area before launching an all-out assault on Straze himself, is that right?

That's correct.

There is still far too much we do not know about him, so we will hold back on attacking him directly until the situation is as favorable as possible.

It feels wrong for me to stay back and watch the battle from the rear.

Charles is right! We'll be in big trouble if you fight up front and the same thing happens as last time.

I know... I won't make the same mistake twice.

Now that I'm here with you, you have nothing to worry about.

I will never forgive myself for being unable to lead the charge on such a historic day!

It was irresponsible for you to even have come this far with the state you're in, Father.

I told you to stay back at the barracks and get some rest.

I'm all better now...

Oh? Says who?

You know... That...Ray Damus lad.

Oh, there he is right now. Ray!

Hmm, Citylord, I don't think you ought to be out here with the battle about to begin.

You promised me you would stay rested.

Don't treat me like some kind of patient.

But you are. You were only allowed to come here in the first place under the condition you would stay in bed.

Hear that, Father?

Cerise, I hate to say this, but...don't you think you're being a little overprotective?

I would rather that than spend the rest of my life regretting it if something happened to you.

Urgh... At the very least I want to see the first round of artillery being fired. It will mark the start of one of the greatest battles in history.

Infiltrate the enemy camp and sow confusion... Truly a mission worthy of a genius!

A mission like this is what the Raiders were made for.

It also provides the perfect opportunity to find Luluca and get her out of there!

I knew you'd say that.

Hmm... That's the sound of shelling, isn't it? Has the big moment finally come?

Must have. Look, the western vanguard is on the move.

Hey, Rikoris! Good luck out there!

Aha! Everyone is cheering for us!

Once this battle is over, we can finally go home, right?

Are you already thinking about that? I was hoping to at least have a look around Perland first. Who knows when we might be back here again...

We're pushing forward at lightning speed! Krau will hardly believe it when I tell him!

L-Lightning?

Shouldn't we be keeping pace with the Ezeran Sword and Shield?

No, they'll be moving ahead just as fast. We need to make sure we don't lose!

...

...

Supreme Spear!

None of them can stand against me! As expected, training every day without any rest is paying off.

You're faster and more accurate than ever. You're amazing!

We really can move like lightning at this rate!

I-It's a little embarrassing when you say it like that...

Alright! Let's not waste this momentum. Break straight through in one push!

Where has that stupid shaman girl gotten to?

I thought I'd catch her in no time... I was definitely on the right track!

More importantly, why are there so few guards around here? Has Nekronos been slacking again!?

Moving forward under the flag of victory!

...Huh?

I am Rikoris, captain of the Taranor vanguard! Come show me what you've got!

Giant scissors... Ridiculous hair... C-Captain...

I'm pretty sure that's that Lilibet people are always talking about...

Oh, you must be from Ritania.

Th-That's Lilibet!?

Impossible! She's supposed to be in the center. Was our intelligence wrong!?

I go wherever I like.

B-But you shouldn't be here...

Who cares? She is! We'll just need to beat her like we beat everyone else!

Do all that stuff with your spear again!

That's right, I have my spear! As long as I do exactly as I trained, I have nothing to worry about. Especially now that I have all this real-world experience.

Heh... Maybe I can stay and play for a little bit...

B-But, the scissors! I've never fought against dual swords before!

Just keep an eye out and dodge them like any other sword!

Then fly up like Krau, and POW!

W-What should I do? Do I have time to check the textbook for the best method to fight against dual swords...?

Huh?

She's taking them out! She's coming!

Get out of the way! Roll right!

Let me introduce you to Cho and Mal.

Uck...!

Captain!

That shouldn't have been too hard to dodge...

Nnnnng...

Oh no, the wound is bad! Captain, stay with us!

I'll carry him back to the camp, watch our backs!

Retreat! Retreat!

Running away already? Hmph, I'll teach them to, No, don't get distracted. I need to hurry up and find Luluca.

I can leave the cleaning up to my soldiers.

There's an army coming this way...

They aren't from Aakhen...or Perland. Hmm, I've never seen those uniforms before...

Should I head toward them? ...No, there are too many of Straze's soldiers that way.

But surely they'll come help me if I get caught up in a fight... No, I can't just rely on that. Who knows, maybe they belong to Lilias...

Urgh, why isn't Violet coming? If he was with them, I wouldn't need to stand around fretting like this!

What if...? No, don't think about it. Think positive, Luluca.

Luluca!

Eh?

I found a safe path. All the monsters protecting it went somewhere else.

Oh? Then I should be able to run past now. Thanks!

Captain Rikoris has been seriously wounded in an attack, and the Taranor Army is retreating!

Already?

I can't believe it. I heard his skill with a spear was unmatched...

Isn't he the one that said that, though?

Apparently he had a duel with Lilibet.

Lilibet!? I thought she was fighting in the center...

They must have moved their battle plan around after Fluri's reconnaissance run.

I have a bad feeling about all this...

Don't you always unless there's money involved?

Umm...

Lady Iseria, the enemy is pushing against our front line. We should hurry up and focus on securing the western line.

You're right. Then we can find Lilibet and get revenge for Captain Rikoris!

I will...kill...

And I will...revive...

You're strangely quiet today, Commander. Is something wrong?

What are you talking about?

I never say any more than what is absolutely necessary in the middle of a battle.

Oh? So it definitely doesn't have anything to do with Jena...

In a battle you focus only on your next opponent. That is the knight's co...

Look! It's Nekronos!

All the dead bodies... They're coming back to life...

It's turning them into Undead to fight against us!

I've dealt with similar tactics before...

Let's hurry up and get rid of it!

Nekronos is defeated!

The other monsters are running away!

So they're able to think for themselves to some extent...

That wasn't so hard after all. We got all worried for nothing.

Weren't they the one responsible for breaking our vanguard?

That was Lilibet. According to the reports I heard at the war council, she wields swords shaped like two halves of a giant pair of scissors.

I haven't seen anything like that yet.

We've reached the end of West Pilgrim Road. I don't think she's here.

Could she have gone back to the center? But why was she here in the first place...?

Was she hoping to ambush him?

Wow! Such supernatural powers of deduction!

We don't know what she's up to yet, but we can't eliminate the possibility that our battle plan has been exposed.

It could be dangerous to stay here long.

According to the original battle plan, we should wait here on standby or go join the central force.

It's hard to say whether we've completely secured this area. We should find out where Lilibet is first.

I agree, Lady Iseria.

Strange, I definitely sent a messenger earlier.

Maybe they got lost? Everything about this planet looks so...strange. It's hard to tell where you are most of the time.

The only strange-looking thing around here...is you two!

Argh!

Ack! Y-You!

Targets eliminated.

Ahh!

Shall we move onto the next one?

Good idea. It's only a matter of time before someone notices we're here if we stay in one place too long.

Next place is... Hey, get the map out.

Hmm, it's too dangerous to go in any deeper here...

How about here?

You're more concerned with checking out places they might be holding Luluca than actually sowing confusion amongst their camp, aren't you?

No, it's not that, I just...

Let's go then.

You sure?

Of course. You need to save Luluca, don't you? I'm sick of hearing you mention it every five minutes.

...Thanks.

But...she's going to be safe, right? Do you think she's safe? She's the "chosen shaman," after all, she must be safe...

Don't worry, she's too much like you to let anything happen to her.

Though if Luluca really is up there on that altar, there's a good chance Straze is there with her. Do you still want to go?

Of course! For Luluca, I'd go to the ends of the universe!

Incredible.

Where the hell am I?

*sighing* I should have asked Roana to draw me a map at least.

Luluca! Luluca!

Yes? Did you find a way out?

No... I can tell you how to get to each altar, but I don't know anything about getting out...

Like I told you earlier, we have no reason to leave.

Ah, right...

Anyway, that's not the point. You need to hide, the monsters are coming this way!

Hmm, I should be able to fit under here.

Faster! Hurry!

Is Nekronos really dead?

Since when did you care? Nobody liked them anyway.

But they are dead, right?

Is the coast clear...?

Stay there! More are coming!

Urgh, why do they keep sending us back and forth like this?

Some weird things broke into the camp.

How weird can they really be?

I heard one of them is completely purple from top to bottom and has a really big head.

Hmm, you're right, that does sound weird.

Exactly...

They're gone now, you can come out.

Thank you so much!

Purple... With a big head... They must have been talking about Violet.

Violet and Pavel came to save me. I knew they would!

Maybe if I follow those two, they'll lead me to them.

Luluca... If you go that way, I can't help you anymore.

That's okay, you've helped me more than enough already. I can take care of myself from here.

Stay safe!

...! They're coming this way!

There's hardly anywhere I can hide in here...

Luckily there's only a few of them. I'll have to fight.

Urgh, even more are coming from behind!

Why's everyone having a party in here all of a sudden?

I've got no choice. Before they manage to call any more friends...

Why do we have to do all this? If they want to know where Lilibet is so badly, why not just ask her chief of staff?

Didn't you know? Her chief of staff is the one trying to find out where she is.

...

Apparently she was muttering about needing to find someone and then ran out. Could it be that shaman girl? Anyway, all we need to do is tell her she's needed quickly.

If you say anything else and she ends up getting angry...

She'll cut us in two with those giant scissors of hers. Don't you think I know that? Let's just find her.

Hey, wait for me! It's scary in here!

Hmm... Lilibet is looking for me?

Good, I've been waiting for my chance to...

It's all up to you, Luluca.

...No. No. I promised Roana I'd focus on what she asked and not get into unnecessary fights.

Just you watch! The great Luluca will put an end to all this and bring about a new beginning!

How is Captain Rikoris's condition? Was the wound serious?

Hmm, how do I say this...? The physical wound itself is relatively mild, but the wound to his pride...

...

What exactly happened out there? I heard you unexpectedly encountered Lilibet and lost, but...

...I'm sorry.

Umm... While retreating, we were ambushed again by some kind of strange mage. Rikoris wanted to make up for earlier, and he overdid himself and...

He lost. Again.

A strange mage?

Yes. Very ugly, too.

He looked around Sir Charles's age, but more muscular... And he had this great big bushy hair and a mustache. He wasn't acting very normally...

Well, this is the first I'm hearing of somebody like that. But a mustache... He must be a man of fine taste.

Well, get some rest for now, Captain. Thank the Goddess the Taranor Army did not suffer too many casualties...

Okay soldiers, gather over here. I shall bless you on behalf of the Guardian Star.

Oh, wow! Suddenly I feel so refreshed, like I could take on the entire world! I think my cold cleared up as well.

Thank you so much, High Priestess Elena!

Aren't the Sword and Shield advancing too quickly? They're in far too deep.

I left battlefield decisions up to the discretion of the individual commanders, but you're right, they are moving forward exceptionally quickly.

I hope they don't overextend themselves...

Lilibet! You made it just in time!

You sent your minions to come fetch me.

Y-Yes...

What do you want?

The enemy is infiltrating the plaza.

As our scouts reported this morning, they are comprised of Reingar Machinery and Witchaven sorcerers.

Just as expected. You finished doing what I asked of you, I trust?

Yes, everything is ready.

Fire!

COMMENCING ARTILLERY BOMBARDMENT.

Argh!

Grrrrrr...

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT...

Kikirat, stop! You're supposed to be escorting the Aranea, why do you keep moving forward?

...BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS.

That's right, you stay there.

Didn't you say that mechanical Golem was supposed to be a cleaning tool?

Second Lieutenant Karin requested patrol Machinery to help maintain public order back in Perland, so we brought Kikirat along to make up for the Machinery we left behind.

Of course, it's far more suited to cleaning. But you can't afford to be fussy at a time like this.

I see. It looks a little...powerful for cleaning.

Woodrow! The sorcerers are about to raise a storm to attack the enemy.

Please summon a creature to protect us as soon as we're charged up.

Yes, Miss Vivian!

Wester, you should come over and start getting ready as well!

Coming!

Look at this. The floor is all...

There's rubble everywhere... Was there a fight?

That's strange, we're the first allied troops to get this far in.

It's going to be hard to bring the Aranea through here.

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS.

Huh? You and the two Gigantes will carry them through one-by-one?

That's only three Aranea at a time. Do you have any idea how long that'll take?

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS.

What!? You'll each carry two at a time in both hands?

Wow, Katis can understand what Kikirat is saying?

Incredible, right? I've tried listening carefully to work out how he does it, but it still makes no sense.

Oh, it's nothing really. You just need to spend long enough around it.

Even though it sounds like it's saying the same thing over and over, the intonation varies a lot.

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS.

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS!

What did it say this time?

We're under attack!

Attack!

Kraaaaaaaaaargh!

Gweeeeeeeeehk!

DAMAGE LEVELS CRITICAL. CANNOT RECOVER.

Dammit! They're too close for artillery!

POWER SOURCE LOST. SWITCHING TO EMERGENCY POWER.

EMERGENCY POWER LOST. SHUTTING...DOWN...

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS!

Kikirat, calm down! This isn't the time to lose your head!

Sorcerers! Everyone, get past the rubble now! Quickly!

And just abandon Katis and the Machinery!?

Once we're on the other side, we can levitate them over with magic.

That will consume a lot of mana...

It's the only choice we have right now!

O-Okay!

FLOATING. STRANGE.

MOVING...AGAINST OWN WILL...

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT...

You don't need to carry Kikirat over, it can manage by itself.

Ah... Okay.

Hurry! We need to get clear of the enemy!

That was the last one. We can go now.

Here too...

The road is a complete mess... This must have been deliberate.

Did they know the Machinery were going to be coming this way?

Should we use more levitation magic? The distance is much farther this time though...

We'll need to be quick, before they find us.

Once we have the Machinery over, we'll set up camp and get some rest. That should give time for your mana to recover and the Machinery's engines to cool down.

That sounds like a good idea.

*giggling* This was an even bigger success than I expected. I only wanted to get them to leave their artillery behind, but now they've wasted all their mana too.

Argh!

Urk!

Come welcome our new guests, everyone!

Attack!

Kweeeeeh!

Don't leave a single sorcerer alive!

Ambush!

Woodrow! Wester! Bring the sorcerers this way!

This way, everybody!

*gulping* Those scissors are really scary.

Don't worry, it will only hurt for a moment.

Nng... Go away! Don't come any closer!

Wester! Run faster!

I need to summon something...!

...

Hmph, that will only buy you a couple more seconds.

Uck...

I...I don't think...I'm going to make it...

Don't worry, I'll be with you soon.

Huh?

Keep firing!

Aranea! Stick close to the rubble! Kikirat! Gigantes! Cover the sorcerers while they make their way across!

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS!

Hmm, those toys from Reingar are tougher than I expected. I didn't think their range would be so wide. Looks like this is going to be a long one...

I have something I need to go do. You're in command from now.

...Where are you going?

None of your business, that's where.

...Understood.

Maintain your distance and keep pressuring them. Make sure they keep firing at you, too.

Once they've run out of artillery shells, they'll have no choice but to retreat. Got it?

Y-Yes... But come back soon.

Urgh!

...

Why are there no defenses here...?

We should be able to walk straight to the altar where Straze is.

Wait, you're saying the infamous Black Knight is right up there in front of us?

I can't believe I'm here fighting alongside Lady Iseria at a time like this...

Hmm... This is suspiciously easy...

Sir Charles told me to avoid fighting Straze if at all possible.

You will not run...

You, who fights for everyone until the very end... Iseria, the Knight of the White Flowers.

That's right... I made a pledge...

...

Iseria?

Let's keep moving forward. Fate may be handing us a golden opportunity.

That doesn't sound like you. We have no idea how powerful this Straze guy even is.

...

This really doesn't feel good. My gambler's intuition is screaming out at me, "Don't bet on it!"

Don't just stand there, Sir Crozet, try and stop her.

I really think we should follow the original battle plan...

Sir Crozet... A knight of unparalleled bravery... It is your duty to protect your comrades.

If Jena sees you heroically protecting your allies from even Straze himself...

That's right... I am a symbol of chivalry and honor. And...Jena needs to see that.

It is unchivalrous to avoid a fight right in front of you. Though we must also honor our orders to do just that...

Commander! Listen to yourself! Are you saying we should fight or not?

Cermia. You think we shouldn't fight?

That's right.

Then myself and Lady Alexa will take a handful of troops and scout around the altar.

We're not going there to fight, only to get a grasp on the situation, so don't fret. Cermia, you wait here with the rest of the Order of the Sword soldiers.

Fine.

The Order of the Shield will scout with you.

Lorina and a handful of soldiers will come with me and watch the rear, while Maya will stay here with the rest and defend the camp.

Lorina, take good care of the commander!

You can count on me!

This is still not enough.

More blood of Orbis must flow.

You're getting impatient, Fastus.

I have waited far longer than you could possibly imagine. I've spent an eternity preparing for this moment.

Now I stand only a few steps from the end. I'm sure you can empathize, Straze.

And so that's why you're enticing the heroes of Orbis to come here?

Their vanity is leading them here, not me.

Arrogance will lead them to their ruin.

Either way, I suppose I should go greet our guests.

Evil shall be punished.

Hmm... The Guardian, Zeaon.

Divine extermination!

I expected better.

Now it's time to test your fates.

Luluca's tracks end here... Did she go inside?

The allied forces! When did they get this far? Was the west left too open?

Ugh, what a pain.

There are too many useless buildings in this temple. What's even the point of this place?

Huh!? That earthquake... Straze?

There must be a fight at the Altar of Unfamiliar Stars. Should I go help?

But...why?

If he needed me, he'd have called for me.

*sighing* Why am I in such a bad mood today?

Well, I know why, but still...

Anyway, at a time like this I should just stick to what I do best, hunting prey!

That's what I've always done. Thinking about how they're all dead, while I still live...

And making sure I'm the last one standing.

Hmph, I guess our "chosen shaman" didn't pass through here either...

Huh? Another earthquake?

The fight is dragging out for quite a while...

No need to worry though, there's no way Straze will lose.

This whole thing should be over before sunset. This stupid place, this long war.

And then...

...And then what?

My old retirement plan is completely ruined thanks to the choices I've made.

Should I go back to how I used to live?

Together with my Cho and Mal...the only ones who will never betray me.

Cutting through anything that gets in my way or annoys me.

What do you use those giant scissors for?

I thought maybe...you used them to make really, really big clothes.

Right... I would prefer to be cutting cloth... Argh!

That's all I ever thought about whenever I wasn't fighting...

Dammit! Dammit, dammit, dammit!

Pull yourself together, Lilibet! You can't waver. If you waver, you die.

You know that.

Lady Iseria! Watch out!

Hyaaaaap!

That was close...

My legs are getting tired, I'm not sure I can dodge the next one.

Lady Iseria, we can't do this by ourselves.

We need reinforcements. We have to get out of here.

Commander! He's coming back!

Arghh... Ack..!

Commander!?

I'm fine... I managed to block it.

I don't think I can endure the next attack. Both my shield and I have our limits...

A worthwhile fight. I didn't expect such bravery from the soldiers of Ritania.

I can tell you won't be able to hold out for much longer, so I wished to convey my respect for you in advance.

No... I can't dodge...

Behind my shield! Everyone, get behind my shield!

B-But, Commander...

There's no time, Lorina! Lady Iseria, hurry up!

Leave it to me! One more time, one more...

Disappear.

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!

Kyu! That last earthquake was really big!

Such power...!

Look, there's been an explosion in the middle of the temple! That's...

Straze used that power again... I hope we didn't lose too many people...

Ras, there is something you need to know.

The Sky Gate is getting bigger. Well, of course, we know it's been getting bigger since it first opened...but we think we've worked out why!

The more people we lose, the bigger it gets. If we lose many more...

It will grow even faster.

Blood... It's blood! He was able to open it with mine, and now it grows by feeding on that of the living things of Orbis.

Y-You don't think...

He deliberately drew us to the Comet Temple. He wanted blood spilled directly beneath the Sky Gate.

In that case, this entire battle was nothing more than a trap! Lady Iseria and Sir Crozet...

That's it, I can't keep standing here. Maybe I can save them...

B-But...

Don't worry, I have an idea.

Good luck, Ras.

I will redirect our forces into a defensive formation. We need to get our front line as far from that gate and its influence as we can.

Mercedes, Arky. Let's go.

I'm ready.

Arky too! This time, I'm going to keep you safe!

That giant explosion... There's no way it wasn't Straze.

How can he use that power again? He's insane.

But now I know exactly where to find him.

Is this path going the right way? I thought I had figured out the right direction when that last earthquake happened...

But now I'm not sure.

If only Violet were here, he'd know what to do. Speaking of that idiot, where is he!? Wasn't he supposed to be coming for me?

When I do see him again, he's gonna pay!

His face is too pretty to mess up, so I'll have to aim for the stomach first instead, and then...

It's true what they say, if you want something hard enough, you'll get it. Its been too long, last shaman of Rekos.

Although it seems you might not be the last after all?

Were you following me this entire time?

Finding and removing pests is my job.

But I do have one question before I kill you. Was Roana with you inside Straze's cape?

Why? Tell me what happened.

Why don't you ask him yourself? I couldn't care less about what he's thinking.

Fine. It was a meaningless question anyway.

Roana told me all about them. The victims of the Holy Archives...

Not another word.

The children taken to Tyripas.

Someone like you would never understand, so don't even pretend you give a crap.

As long as I kill you here, it doesn't matter.

Hmm...

And when you do kill me, then what? What does that solve? Will it bring your old life back?

No, but it will help me take out my anger against those who took that life away from me.

And how has that been working out for you? Has creating countless other victims like yourself made you feel any better?

I'm fighting for my survival!

Survival? From who?

Shut up!

You're the same! What makes you any better than me!?

You're only here to avenge all those you lost on Rekos!

...

...You're not wrong, I was. At first.

I swore vengeance for those you cruelly killed, for the Spirits who sacrificed themselves for my sake. It gave me the strength to come this far. But...

And so you've decided you won't kill Straze anymore. Is that it?

Oh, no. Straze must die, and I will be the one to kill him. But no longer for revenge.

I will kill him to bring an end to this war that has caused so much pain for so many, and begin a new age...

A new age where nobody needs to be a victim.

...

Ha... Only someone so noble could come up with such idealistic crap.

This may not matter much in the end, but let me tell you one thing you've gotten wrong.

My parents were also killed in the holy war. I was with a group of other orphans when I caught the eye of a shaman girl...

She told me they needed a new apprentice for a small shrine nearby... Who knows, some people might say I had been "chosen" by fate.

And so you went to live with the very people who orphaned you?

Exactly. At first, I saw them as my enemy too. So I almost tried to burn the whole shrine down.

But...Rekos never taught that we should attack non-believers. It was people who started the war. And those people were now dead.

Are you trying to brag about how lucky you were?

...

You're right.

I was lucky. If I had been taken to Tyripas, I probably would have ended up like you too.

Just cut to the chase already... I'm getting tired of your stories.

I'm just...trying my best not to despise you, Lilibet. Even as you stand between me and Straze.

...

I won't stop you.

Excuse me?

I've done enough fighting for one day. Cho and Mal must be getting tired, I can't swing them around as well as before.

Like my father always told me... A tailor must always treasure their scissors...

Lilibet...

If you want to kill me, we can fight. But I don't want to. I'll only try hard enough to avoid feeling guilty about it.

I won't fight you, Straze comes first. Taking your life won't bring back the lives of any others.

But...this doesn't mean I'm forgiving you.

I know.

Hmph... I'm sick of this planet.

...! That's...

The last Chaos Gate I'm able to open. I saved one, just in case.

Where does it go?

Beats me. Now that the Chaos Star is out of position, there's no way of knowing.

But wherever it leads...I'm sure there will be work for me to do and people who need me.

If not... If there isn't even that...

Well then, I guess it would be hell.

Huh...? It's like a storm just swept through here. What's going on?

Alexa!

Cermia...

Where is Iseria? And the others?

O-Over there...

I knew this would happen. Suddenly a girl who's never placed a bet in her life was ready to risk it all. Not everybody's cut out for gambling, Iseria.

D-Don't worry about me... Commander...Crozet...

Is he hurt even worse than you?

...Where even is the commander?

Maya... Over here... I can't carry him by myself.

Oh Goddess... So much blood... And his armor's shredded to pieces. Commander!

He's unconscious.

We gotta hurry up and get him to a doctor. But what happened with Straze? Why isn't he out here too?

He turned around and went straight back into the altar after attacking us. He never even looked back to see if we survived.

What the... Was he trying to say he doesn't want to kill us?

I doubt it, look! His soldiers are swarming this way!

Dammit! I'll help Iseria up, you take Crozet.

The commander's heavier than I expected... Lorina, I'll take his right side, you take his left.

Okay!

Hurry!

My sorcerers are exhausted. What should we do?

And we're almost out of artillery shells. We either hold out here until reinforcements arrive, or...

A flare! From command!

Doesn't that color mean...retreat?

Sir Charles wants everyone to retreat... The battle plan must have changed.

I guess we should see it as a blessing. Any longer here and we could have been in a lot of danger.

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS!

I know you're angry, Kikirat, but we need to be realistic.

Vivian, we'll focus our firepower on the south and try to break a hole through. The Aranea will exhaust the rest of their artillery shells, then it's up to you.

Got it.

He should be here by now...

There he is!

Flululululululululu!

Hey there, cutie. You took so long that grumpy man over there was getting worried.

Flulu?

I wasn't worried...

Flululu?

Oh, don't mind him. He's always like that. Anyway, you did a good job! See you next time.

Flulululululu!

What does it say this time? Looks long.

We have a new mission. All allied forces on the front line have been ordered to withdraw back to command HQ...

That explains the signal flare earlier.

Although all other units are retreating, the Rose Apostles and warriors of Meldrec have failed to withdraw from the east.

Were they encircled by Lilias?

Maybe.

It also says the more casualties we suffer, the bigger that great scary Sky Gate will get. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it doesn't sound good for us. Well, then...

We should get to work on creating an opportunity for them to retreat before it's too late.

And be reunited with Lilias...

Seems like it.

It's about time.

There were lots of little skirmishes.

The Meldrec warriors took the lead in the charge...

Looks like the Rose Apostles have lost a lot of blood.

They took a lot of damage, but they kept winning each fight and advancing further... Who knows, maybe she was only pretending to be losing so badly to lure them farther in...

We both know her tricks, but maybe it wasn't so obvious to them...

They must have wanted to rush through the building while it seemed there was no threat.

Which would have been exactly what Lilias was waiting for.

Then she would be free to block both exits and hunt them down inside.

What should we do?

First, we need to draw them away from the escape route.

I'll act as bait, and you run in while they're distracted.

You again? Don't you think you're overworking yourself?

It's only natural, since I'm the more talented.

Hey, now wait just a minute...!

We'll rest here for a moment before we go any farther. This is exhausting...

*mumbling*

The commander is waking up!

Commander! Can you hear me?

Nng... M-Maya...

That's right, it's me, Maya!

L-Lady...Jena...

...

She should be fighting in the east.

Come on, Commander! Why are you looking for Jena? It was hard enough dragging you this far...

...! You can't just drop him like that...

Wah!

Hmph, well, it woke him up.

Hostiles! They've already caught up with us!

Ack...!

Kweeeeegh!

Kroooookroooo!

We found them!

Kill 'em all!

We can't die like this. I must fight...

Ack...!

Lady Iseria!

Don't be ridiculous, you can barely even stand! Just stick close to the ground.

We have far too many wounded, there's no way we can survive this...

Kwaaahh!

Leave it to me.

Kyiiiiiiiiiiik...

Kwergk...

Kal, destroy everything.

N-No! Noooooooo!

Leave some for Arky!

Ras...

Ras!

We'll clean up here, you evacuate all the wounded. Ray and Elena will be able to treat everyone back at command HQ.

Are you okay, Khawana? Can you walk?

Yeah...but only slowly.

How about you, Jena?

I can walk, but I don't think I can fight anymore.

We've lost a lot of warriors, Great Chief. I know I'm repeating myself, but we're like pigs to the slaughter in here.

I know, we fell into a trap... We need to hurry and get out of it...

Come on, everyone! Just a little more! This time, the Rose Apostles will lead the charge!

Ambush!

Gwoooooo!

Argh!

*chuckling* You're too predictable.

Attack! Don't leave a single one of them alive!

Urk...

Take that!

Kwehk!

They've got us surrounded! We're done for...

No... I can't believe they caught us out...

Give up and accept your fates! Especially you, Khawazu! You and your barbarians will pay for daring to defy the Kingdom of Perland!

I'll make sure your death is slow and agonizing.

Lay a single hand on him and you'll be sorry!

You talk tough for a girl who can hardly stand. I'll have to start with you first.

Ahh!

Arrghhh!

What!?

You think you can save her? You're all going to die today anyway! Get out of my way!

Lilias... Your sword may pierce my body... But it will never break through the fighting spirit of Meldrec's finest warriors.

Is that so? Well, let's see how much longer you can keep hold of my sword.

Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Chief...

Stop!

Stop, Lilias. I'll... I'll...

Don't say another word! Have you forgotten your oath!?

I'll buy you time, take the others and get out of here!

I can't just leave you here...

You've already proved your courage, Khawazu. The courage to accept your mistakes and try to correct them.

What we need now is a Great Chief with wisdom.

Show me you are wise...Khawazu...

Let go of me, you savage!

*straining*

...Alright. I will never forget the advice you've given me.

Come on, everyone! Let's break through in one blow!

What are you idiots doing!? Go after them!

This side of the building was completely cut off earlier, but now it's almost empty... Did something happen?

Be careful, it could be another trap.

K-Khawazu... Somebody's coming this way.

Hmm...

Rose Apostles, prepare to engage.

Wait, wait! It's me, Violet Harrison!

Violet!

Does that mean this way is clear?

Nothing to worry about over here, Pavel has drawn them all away.

We'll need to hurry before they give up on him and come back.

Thank you. I will never forget this.

It's nothing, I'm simply helping my comrades in arms. Anyone would do the same.

Are you not coming with us?

If you keep going that way, you'll end up running into Lilias...

Why else do you think I'm going?

Ah...

We have an old saying in Perland...

When a Perlander makes a mess, it's up to a Perlander to clean it up.

They're moving out of reach of the gate's influence. They must have worked out our plan.

This changes nothing.

But we need their blood. Even I can tell the gate is not fully open yet.

This changes nothing.

Is that really true, or are you simply trying to convince yourself it is?

This changes nothing.

You can trust me, Straze.

You sent your soldiers in while you stayed out here to command them.

Smart. I mean it. If you hadn't, I'd have had to ambush them in one of the corridors.

Violet... Does your Pavel know you're here without him?

He's busy giving your underlings a run around the neighborhood.

So we'll have plenty of time for a nice little chat. I see you still have some people loyal to you.

Smart. I mean it.

Oh please, I learned everything I know from you.

We don't need to be enemies, Violet. There is still a place for you at my side.

Haven't you noticed? You've gone way too far over the line, Lilias.

And who decides where this "line" is, hmm?

I know all your tricks, so let's not waste each other's time.

Now hurry up and send your underlings at me. You've always been the type to not make your dramatic entrance until the end.

Hmph, you'll regret this.

I don't always stand back and watch, Violet!

Huh!? When!

Urk...!

A sniper? You cowards.

Rich coming from you.

Pavel!

How did you get back here even quicker than her soldiers?

Ah, those guys are...preoccupied right now.

I lured them into the support fire Aakhen and Witchaven were providing from the east.

Attack them!

You're both growing tired. It's almost time for me to intervene.

I still have the strength to take you down.

Hahahaha! You may have that silly gun of yours, but Violet has never once bested me in a sword fight.

Where you get such confidence is beyond me.

It's true I've never beaten you, but that's because I've never eaten an apple while we were fighting.

And what difference could that possibly make? Enough with your poor jokes.

It's all about the mindset. Until now, I never had a reason to fight you seriously.

CRUNCH! CRUNCH!

*sighing contentedly* Simply delicious! My family always has grown the best apples.

I can't believe you still have an appetite at a time like this.

Now...I'm going to fight to kill.

This has to end.

Ack!

No... Not like this... My destiny...

Lilias... That's a sheer drop behind you.

My destiny...will not end like this... I am the great Lilias Perlutia...

Lilias Perlutia! By order of the council of the New Republic of Perland, I am placing you under arrest!

You are charged with insurrection, murder, and conspiracy to commit murder, just to name a few!

I'm serious, if you step back any further...

This isn't the end! A new age will come... You don't understand...!

Yes, a new age will come. One where you pay for what you've done.

Drop your weapon! Now!

Shut your mouth! You dare talk to me like that!? I'll cut you both down with a single stroke!

I warned you.

Argh!

No... This can't be how it ends... I was born for more than this...

She's losing her balance!

Lilias!

My ambitions...

Lilias...

It's very high... It would be a miracle if she survived.

Even if she did, it would be hard for her to survive much longer out here.

Right... The council won't drop this until a body is found.

Even without a bounty on offer, there will be no shortage of people across the continent who will want her dead.

Violet... Is that...?

*sighing* I thought I'd feel relieved, but if anything, I only feel bitter...

Look, it's Luluca...

You wouldn't understand, but ever since I was a child...

Wait, what did you just say?

Violet!

You purple-headed idiot!

Luluca...?

Violet, I think we should leave right away, Ras and Straze are already...

Hmm...

I guess it can wait five minutes.

Your retreat plan was a success. All the wounded have been treated and are now resting.

Thank you for your hard work as ever, Doctor Damus.

There are flashes of light below the Sky Gate. They must be fighting again...

I can feel Straze's power all the way from here... I hope Ras is okay...

Form a defensive line. We need to hold back the monsters streaming down from the temple while Ras and the others face Straze.

The very fate of our world balances on the outcome of this battle.

I can feel the vibrations in my bones. Such colossal power...

Hopefully you don't end up getting hurt as badly as last time.

And even then, I'd managed to dodge the brunt of it...

You should come up with a plan before we go in, Violet.

Why is it only up to me? You try thinking of something too!

You're the one who got to see his power up close and personal, I was too far to see properly.

I have an idea already, so you two can quit bickering.

Really?

Roana shared her power with me.

It's only for the shortest of instants, but it gives you the power to see straight into somebody's true nature.

Abandon all prejudices, empty your mind, and you will be able to see things as they really are.

Not only their outward appearance, but their heart. Then you can understand their actions.

She said it would be essential for facing Staze.

Straight into somebody's...true nature?

It was a big help with Lilibet earlier!

I trust her.

In that case, I think I should eat one of my apples before we run in there.

Violet... Would you mind giving me one of those apples of yours, too?

There's nothing special in the apples themselves, it's all about the mindset.

Give me one anyway.

And me! It's hard fighting on an empty stomach.

...

I'll tear you to shreds!

Hyaa!

Hmm...

You've changed, Ras.

I can't say the same about you.

To be able to change is a blessing. Though to me, it came only as a curse...

Ah, is it my turn?

Ack...!

Ras!

Don't worry, it wasn't a direct hit.

Arky, do you think you can transform again?

I've already done it twice... Arky needs time to regain his strength...

The power in his sword keeps getting stronger. At this rate...

We need to stop him from being able to use that attack. But how?

I'll try distracting him again.

I can see you're starting to get tired. It's too dangerous...

I don't know what you're whispering about, but... If you are losing the will to fight, I can end it here.

Eternal...rest...

No!

Oh? I...missed?

Luluca... How did you...?

I saw it! I saw it... The moment he drew upon the sword's power!

I see. She gave you her power.

Phew, I was worried we'd be too late.

I knew you'd come.

Pavel's here too!

I'm sorry, we would have arrived earlier if not for those two...

Excuse me?

Why did you return, Luluca?

Why else? To kill you, of course.

Did she want this?

That's right. She asked me to end you. Not that I needed convincing, I have enough reasons already.

First and foremost, there are the lives lost on Rekos because of your foolish greed!

And the blood of the life of Orbis.

I will stop you from bringing the Dark Star here, Straze.

You will pay for what you've done to Ras.

You're wanted by the council of Perland as well.

I wasn't a big fan of you to begin with, but the moment you kidnapped the lady Luluca, you crossed a line you can't come back from!

Arky can transform again!

You all seem ready for the end. Good, I've always enjoyed testing limits.

I look forward to seeing if you can change your destiny.

The time has come.

Is this the finale you had been waiting for?

In truth...I do not know. Perhaps. Perhaps not.

Did you always intend to walk the same path as me? To become a god, only to die at the hands of a Human you cherished...

She is not doing so directly.

True... That small technicality seems to be of great comfort to you.

Quite. At least she will not need to feel what I felt...

When I pierced through your heart.

Think of it as a small kindness given to you by destiny.

I hope destiny will be kind to you as well. Sincerely.

Once my guilt is gone, you will finally be free.

Do you wish to disappear, Straze?

I wish to cease existing entirely. Not a single trace. Not even a memory.

Nng...

You did it!

That was amazing, Luluca!

I... Through his heart...

Thank you, Luluca. Now you too are a Godkiller.

W-What?

But...you will not be cursed like me. I'm glad.

What are you talking about?

He's right. His soul will find eternal rest...

He will disappear along with me, like falling into a dreamless and eternal sleep

Roana... You told me...

What's that voice!?

I know this feeling... It's the star! The Dark Star!

The Sky Gate is still...

It's not possible, Fastus.

The gate...is not fully open...

Your body and soul are not yours, Straze.

They are nothing more than vessels prepared for my advent.

I guess I can leave now then? ...K-Kawerik! Why do you keep coming closer!?

Unfortunately, the Witchaven I yearn for...

Has no place for you.

Ack...! Argghhhh!

No! I am the pride of the Blackstring family! I can't lose to someone as lowly as him!

I can't die...like this...

I can feel myself...losing...

Consciousness...

...

...

Reject death... Awaken...

What's this...voice?

H-How...?

The dead...walk. The dead...will fight.

Urgh...

Hmm, they don't look as high quality as some of the older ones. Are you sure they can even fight?

Reviving so many...at once... Tired...

Hmm, does their ability weaken with greater numbers?

I can see... Am I...alive?

*groaning*

*grunting*

They're a little unreliable, but they have their uses... Okay, I'll explain this one last time. Listen closely.

Meldrec and Witchaven have joined up with forces from another continent and are attacking east and central Cidonia.

Witchaven...

You're in the west. Your job is to hold them back from advancing any further.

I...understand.

Do you really, though? ...Alright, then get to the front line.

You'll need to deliver a decisive blow against the enemy. You know the temper Lilibet has now, don't you?

I... I do...

Good. That's why I brought you all these bodies, so make good use of them.

My...living dead... Let's move...to the battlefield...

Grghhh...

Gruuuurghhh...

Battle... Fighting... Pain... Scary... I don't want to...

Uck...!

Urgh... My body...is moving on its own... How dare you...!

But...who am I?

Grurghharghhh...

Huh? Why did it fall over all of a sudden? Hey, get that thing up! We need to get ready for the fight!

No point. It's already a useless corpse again.

Have they already reached their limit? Urgh, what a waste of time.

Will I...die again...? No... I need...to live...

Why?

I...don't know. But I need...to leave... Go to...Witchaven...

And...

...

I don't know...

You have forgotten your purpose. All that remains is rage and a thirst for revenge.

In that case...

I won't...die...

Huh? It's just staring at nothing and muttering to itself. How useless.

I'm...not useless...

Aha, we've got an intelligent little dead boy here. Alright then, if you're not useless, what are you?

FWOONG...! KABOOM!

Dammit, the battle is starting already. Come on, you worthless bunch of bodies, it's time to fight!

I'm...Zantana...

The...The Great Sorcerer!

How long...was I unconscious? Is the battle...over?

Hoourrrghhh...

I can feel...the life force leaving me... Has the source of the power died?

Urrgh...

So...futile...

You can hear my voice...once again.

You...helped me see reason...

All I did...was raise your consciousness...from the abyss.

But now...it's different. The power keeping us apart...has gone. Now we can do even more...

So...you can stop me from dying?

Your rage... Your loathing... Your obsession... I've been watching it all from the cracks between chaos...

A suitable target... If you'd like...you can achieve your purpose.

I'm not sure what you mean... But if I can live...I will do anything...

You must draw a summoning circle like I taught you... You must call my name...

...

Dakis.

*chuckling*

Aha, this is it! I can feel the life flow through me! Mwahahahaha!

Are you satisfied?

Of course! I feel so alive it's as if I was never even dead!

And this overwhelming power... Yes, it should be more than enough to get my revenge on Kawerik.

There are still many enemies here. Quick...you must escape.

Dakis... What exactly are you? Your name has never come up in any book I've ever read.

And...why give this power to me, of all people?

Answers...can wait for later.

Alright, fine. I don't see any soldiers around here...

So I'll just focus on breaking through all these monsters.

Captain! We have a problem!

Some kind of strange mage has appeared and is blocking our retreat!

A mage...?

Ahahahahaha! Get out of my way, you pathetic insects! You are no match for the amazing Master Zantana!

Please, stop! You look like you're from Witchaven, why are you attacking us?

Oh, aren't you the one who was nearly killed by that little girl with the scissors?

Th-That was... J-Just answer my question!

Your men were in my way, I was simply clearing them up.

Where are you going? Depending on your answer, I may be forced to detain you.

None of your business. Get out of my way, or you'll regret it.

Wrong answer. If anyone here will be regretting their actions, it will be you.

Ahahahaha! Is that so? Regret is only for weaklings like you!

Ack... Are my wounds still not fully healed? I need to look impressive in front of my men...

Haha! See, nothing more than a weakling. So much for "supreme spear."

Practice some more before you try me, kid.

Mwahahaha!

Are...Are you okay?

...Battle report.

Fortunately, there don't seem to be any more hostiles nearby. That mage didn't do much damage, either.

The biggest casualty seems to be...you, sir.

...I see. Maintain defensive posture and return to the main unit.

How shameful... I still have a long way to go.

Nobody seems to be following. I should get moving.

I have a faint memory of Witchaven sorcerers fighting in the central part of the front line...

I should go there. Sage Rango must have had control of Ranok the Walker.

She must be the one leading Witchaven!

*chuckling* She'll be so glad to see me back and alive.

Now, how do I get there...?

The danger is over... You must pay compensation...for your revival...

Hahaha, I forgot all about you. Alright, fine, what is it you want?

The body of a magic user... New research subject... Dakis will take over.

What's that supposed to me, Argh! W-Why can't I move...?

You're going to research my body? Let me go! What do you mean "take over"? I won't let you!

I reject...your rejection. You will...obey.

What are you doing to me? I'm...going numb...

I have learned a new emotion... Thirst for vengeance...

My goal...requires a body... I have chosen you.

I had no choice... But I didn't think something like this would happen...

Vengeance...on Khawazu... Great Chief of Meldrec... Must go east...

L-Let's talk about this first. I don't want to go east!

No.

Arrghhh!

If you'd told me a few months ago we would end up all the way at the Comet Temple, I'd never have believed you.

Forget that, who would have imagined we'd be fighting alongside the Rose...whatevers from Ritania!

Good point. Am I the only one that feels a little uneasy around them, though?

Oh, you feel it too? Just ignore it. They seem pretty weak, if I'm being honest.

The fate of the world itself is at stake. I'll take any help we can get.

Anyway, we've patrolled the whole area, let's get back. It's almost time for the next shift.

Wait... Who's that over there?

Looks like a person. Hey! Stop right there!

Are you warriors of Meldrec?

Who's asking? Which side are you on!?

*chuckling* You think I'll tell you?

...!

Magic? Stop immediately! Or else...

I-I wish I could. I have no desire to fight you, but...

It's not my choice to make!

Ack...!

A surprise attack? You're as cowardly as you are ugly!

Cannot allow...any Muhr of Meldrec...to live...

Urgh... Stop! Please stop! Don't use my body so recklessly!

What are you talking about? Burn in the fire of Meldrec!

Such power... No wonder you had the confidence to come here all alone.

Haha. I'm amazing, I know.

Uh, I-I mean, I wasn't fighting you because I wanted to!

You despicable man, you're still trying to convince me with that crap?

And why am I only using the most mana-inefficient kinds of attack magic?

And yet... My mana is at full power!

Up until now... Have I only been using Dakis's power?

Your mana must be close to running out, let's end this!

Must kill...Muhr...

Get out of here! You can't stop me!

...!

*panting* If that had hit us...

You cannot interfere...

Did I move...my arm? Feeling is starting to return.

The weaker Dakis gets...the more control I regain over my body...?

*chuckling* Here's my chance...

Get behind me, I've come to help!

I was just thinking I needed somebody new to fight.

Stop holding back your power. I'll teach you a spell to wipe them all out in one sweep!

Sudden cooperation... Suspicious...

You saved my life, I'm simply paying you back for the favor. Isn't that the obvious thing to do?

Who are you talking to? This guy doesn't seem like he's all there...

Heh... Just shut up and come at me!

That works for me. In the name of the Goddess, I will punish you!

Aha, I've nearly regained full feeling of my body. Let's get started...

With my ultimate sorcery, ridding myself of these insects will be child's play!

Requesting...information...

This will be a very delicate spell. You're simply too strong and use too much brute force, so I will require full control of my body to do it myself, if only for a moment.

Humans...cannot be trusted...

If we get caught out here, that's it for your revenge too.

You will be trusted...for a moment. If you deceive me...you will die. Again.

Stop being so paranoid. It'll be worth it.

Worth it for me! Hahahaha!

He's creating a new magic circle, we need to stop him before he's finished!

Too late!

...!

...Huh? Nothing happened?

*giggling*

It worked... It worked!

He's running away pretty fast for somebody of that age. Is this magic as well?

Shall we pursue him?

...No, the enemy's movements are getting strange. We cannot afford to waste any more waste time and manpower on this.

Ah, this feels good. I'll never take freedom for granted again.

Control of body...completely lost... I do not...understand...

We've just returned to the natural order of things, that's all. It's my body, I should be the one moving it.

You have deceived me. You shall return...to death...as is the natural order.

...

...Strange. I cannot take back...the power I granted you...

You have the sealing spell I cast earlier to thank for that.

I adjusted the flow of power between us. I can make use of yours, but you can't do anything to me.

I cannot forgive...betrayal!

Calm down, you're being scary. I didn't think you were capable of such strong emotion.

It happened again... Humans... Resentment... Loathing...

I'm not going to break our promise, just be patient, alright?

Rango and I sought to control the entirety of Cidonia.

That includes Meldrec. When the time comes to conquer it, maybe I'll remember to grant you your revenge.

Until then, be a good...thing, and let me use you as my source of mana. Mwahahaha!

Alright, I should go find Sage Rango.

All our troops should be in their places soon. Everything seems to be going well so far.

But...there is one thing I'm worried about.

Hmm?

I'm nervous about the front line unit we deployed beside the Ritanian army.

Why? What's wrong with it?

Have you forgotten already? Most of them were former disciples of Rango and Zantana.

I know where you're coming from, but they accepted their guilt and agreed to follow me.

I think it's best to forget their past sins and repay the faith they're willing to put in me by trusting them.

Still... I have a bad feeling about it...

We don't have much choice, the battle could start at any time. Don't worry, Woodrow, it will all work out in the end.

*rustling*

Huh? What's that sound?

Somebody was eavesdropping! There are footprints here!

There are faint traces of mana as well, but this mana...

What!? How is that stupid woman still citylord!? In that case, Sage Rango...?

Something has gone wrong... And our poor disciples! Forced like slaves to fight in the front lines!

She did not...say that...

Hmph, but isn't it obvious!? Without me and Rango, they must have suffered such terrible abuse and persecution!

They've clearly been left with no choice but to follow along with whatever that manipulative little girl tells them. It's the only explanation.

These emotions... Confusion and anger... Clouding judgment...

Oh? That sorcerer is...

Master, you're alive! I knew that mana felt familiar!

I don't fully understand it, but okay. You were granted a strange power which gave you new life...

Even though you still look like a corpse...

Hahahaha! That's right, I have been reborn stronger than ever before!

I can't believe Rango and Ranok were killed... That explains why that wicked brat is still in power.

Without you two, there wasn't much the rest of us could do on our own. The other sorcerers weren't happy with us either.

So in the end we had little choice but to follow her. But now everyone is...

Alright, I've decided!

Decided...what?

Take me to your unit. I shall save you all from your oppression!

Uhh... Well, actually...

There's no time to waste! We should hurry!

*sighing* Everyone has accepted Vivian as their citylord now...

I see one thing hasn't changed, at least. He still doesn't listen to a word any of us say...

BOOM!

...! Has the battle already started?

It would seem so.

Argh... Damn that Vivian! She's driving my disciples to their deaths!

Master, slow down! If you just show up looking like this, it could be a problem.

What do you mean?

After the last battle, everyone knows that the enemy is using the reanimated bodies of the dead in their army.

So if you show up looking like that, it's not unlikely they'll mistake you as one of the enemy.

Hmph! Don't be absurd, my disciples would never attack me.

If you say so. But there are also the machines they brought from Ritania...

Hmm... What do you suggest, then?

I have an extra robe with me. You can wear it and rejoin the unit safely alongside me.

Aha! An excellent idea! As expected of one of my disciples.

You need to be extremely careful that the robe doesn't get pulled off. If you aren't wearing the robe, the machinery will think...

Yes, yes, I get it. Stop pointing out the obvious.

Just a little longer, my disciples! Your Master Zantana is coming to set you free!

A chance...will come soon...

Wahahahahaha! Out of my way!

Ark...!

This is chaos. Nobody's going to survive at this rate.

She has the greatest sorcerers of Witchaven at her disposal, and this is the best she can do? I always said she was a no-good citylord.

Anyway, using all this magic is really tiring...

But I can't stop here, I need to save my disciples... Eh? Why isn't my body...moving...

Cowardly sorcerer... Become weaker... Stay quiet...

Dammit, I forgot you were there. But....how?

Incomplete body... Using strength excessively... Weaken... Do not miss my chance.

Ack... So you're stealing my body from me again? I refuse to give it up willingly!

This time...you will never get it back... Not just your body...but your mind too.

Ughhh...

Oh, here you are. I was worried when I realized you were no longer with me.

Nnnng...

Why are you just standing there? The enemy is everywhere!

Ack...!

...Oh no! His robe...!

UNREGISTERED HUMAN. IDENTIFYING... WITCHAVEN SORCERER.

NO LIFE SIGNS DETECTED. IDENTIFYING... RESURRECTED HUMAN. ENEMY. ELIMINATE.

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS.

Oh no... This is exactly what I warned him would happen.

Get a hold of yourself! This isn't the time to zone out!

*groaning* I will...not...give...my body...

Your body? What are you talking about?

Well, then there's nothing else for it. I'll need to protect him myself.

Give up... Without my power...your body cannot remain alive.

You're right. Without your power, I'll die all over again.

But if I lose consciousness, you'll also return to where you once were.

Threats...do not work. Proceeding as planned.

I made sure of that when I sealed you. I don't think you will find it easy to return back to this world, either.

Finding a desperate and incredibly talented sorcerer who desires your dark power will be difficult.

Making judgment... You make valid points... Changing plan...

I don't like this either, but we need to reach a compromise. Like it or not, our destinies have been tied together.

We can work together to achieve both of our goals.

I will trust you...one final time, sorcerer... No, Master Zantana.

How long have I been standing here?

You've finally woken up...

...! Look at you! Who-Who did this!?

Don't worry...about that. Just get away... Escape...

Pull yourself together! You can't faint in a place like this! How can you tell me to just abandon you and run away by myself?

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT BY EXTERMINATING HUMANS.

What on Orbis is that hideous thing? Is this one of the "machinery" from Ritania?

It's targeting me... I guess I lost my robe.

BOOM!

...This attack magic is familiar...?

What are you doing? He started moving again.

What do you think we're doing? We can't allow these monsters to keep on using him! We need to help him rest in peace.

That is all we can do for Master Zantana now.

W-Wait a second, my disciples! Listen to m...

Its guard is down, now's our chance! Attack!

I'm so sorry, Master Zantana!

*gulping* This looks dangerous...

BOOM!

Urgh....

He's still standing. I don't think I can bear to keep doing this.

Suck it up. Now get ready, I'm going to use the strongest attack spell Master Zantana taught us.

No! It's too dangerous!

Must escape... Or body...will be destroyed...

Argh, dammit!

He escaped.

Even when he's little more than a walking corpse, he still runs surprisingly fast. I hope we can grant him his eternal rest another time...

...

What do we do now...Master Zantana?

All of this... Everything... It's all that sneaky, manipulative, wicked Vivian's fault!

If it weren't for her, my disciples... Those poor, innocent souls would never have dreamed of attacking me!

Dammit... If only I had the power, I could take Witchaven back. I could build a city of true sorcerers.

What are you concentrating so hard on, Master Zantana?

Take a look at this, Sage Rango. It talks of an ancient being buried within the Shandra Ruins.

It isn't clear about what the being is, but considering how incredibly powerful it seems to be, the summoning ritual is relatively easy.

Sounds like nonsense.

Haha! But who knows, maybe it could be true. If we can obtain this power for ourselves...

We could take not only Witchaven but the whole of Cidonia in the snap of a finger. Don't you think?

I've made up my mind. We will go to the Shandra Ruins and awaken an ancient being.

And with that power, I will take Witchaven back.

I do not think that will be enough...to satisfy you... You are a man...of great ambition...

*chuckling* You're right. We won't just stop there.

Next is Straze. I'll wipe him out alongside those dirty Ritanians.

And a new Cidonia will rise from the ashes! A continent made for sorcerers, ruled by the great Master Zantana!

Need revenge...against Meldrec...

Of course, of course. The new Cidonia will have no need for people so ignorant of magic.

Heh heh heh... Get ready to awaken from your slumber. You will meet your new master soon!

You look afraid.

All I wanted was to become stronger. I didn't want to do...this.

Nothing can be gained without sacrifice.

But why must...they be the sacrifice?

This is what you wanted.

What I wanted!?

That's right. This here, now, is the secret desire you've always kept hidden deep inside.

You've never been closer to your true self than you are right now.

It's been a long time. I never thought I'd see this place again.

Does it remind you of the past?

Perhaps. To me...

This is a place I want both to remember and to forget.

*chuckling* You are as sentimental as ever.

We should get going. I just want to get this over and done with as quickly as possible.

We engraved this here... I thought it would have eroded away by now.

Has nobody come here since then?

Well, I suppose only a fool would come here deliberately.

Krrrrrrr...

It's about time you showed up. This is your territory, after all.

Kwaaaargh!

Do you recognize me? *chuckling* Don't worry, the people who tried attacking you back then are...gone now.

I know we don't have a choice, but this is too much. That place is full of monsters and traps!

They're sending us to our deaths!

What can we do? We're enslaved. To them, we're toys to be used and thrown away.

Before they left, they said we need to bring the Fighter's Mask back even if it kills us.

And that if we're successful, they'll set us free...

Ha, and you believe that? Pfft. We're marked with tracking magic, we can never escape them.

Is it really so dangerous?

Is there anything you actually know? This place is nothing more than a graveyard for treasure hunters and adventurers.

Get distracted for even a second and you'll find yourself caught in a trap. And even if you get out of it...

The area is full of Tarasks. If one of them gets their jaws on you, they'll never even find your bones.

They'll go for the weakest among us first. You, in other words. *chuckling*

I-I'm not weak! I'm strong now too, thanks to Teacher!

You? Strong? Ha, don't make me laugh! All you're good for is bait to buy the rest of us time.

...

What? Did I hurt your feelings? Don't blame me. It's not my fault all you do is cause trouble for others with your incompetence.

Everyone, make sure you're always prepared for a fight. Who knows when one of them might show up.

Krrrrrrrrrk...

There are even more than I expected. Get in your positions, we've practiced for this.

If we don't watch each other's backs, we'll all end up as dinner!

Y-Yes, Teacher! You can count on me!

You stay back, you'll only get in the way.

Guuurrh...

What's wrong with you? Are you shocked by how much I've changed?

Give me all you've got, it'll make it more fun.

Seems we made it through. Is everyone okay?

Most of us only have a few minor injuries, thanks to you. Though, as you know, there are some who...

...

Are you an idiot!? Why did you suddenly jump out of nowhere!?

I...I wanted to show I could help as well...

You were a big help. For the Tarask!

Take a look around you. All these people are dying because of you!

I...I didn't mean to... I only...

Enough. It's too late now, anyway.

Hmph. Standing up for your one and only disciple, huh?

I only want to avoid more unnecessary fighting. It's not as if he's here because he wants to be.

I know, and that's why I'm so pissed off. If he's not going to be any help, the least he can do is stay out of the way.

I'm sorry. This is all my fault for not teaching him properly.

...Urgh! No, that's not what I meant.

*sighing* Just keep an eye on him. If you don't do something, we'll all end up dead.

...I'll keep that in mind.

...

Not far now.

Where we first met...and where all of this began.

...

Why have you stopped?

Footprints...

Oh... Aha! He's finally come after us.

But...you don't seem very happy about that. Why not? You were always so desperate to meet him again.

Stop talking as if you know anything about me.

Why, who else could possibly know you as well as I do? Not even he saw the craving within you.

Who else but me knows about that, Batisse?

...

You don't look very happy.

...

Everyone has their shortcomings. Life is all about recognizing and overcoming them.

My hope is that, rather than making you frustrated, our time here will help you realize where you are lacking, and allow you to take another step in your development.

...You always say that. How only through knowing yourself can you improve.

And I do know myself now. I know that no matter what I do, I'll never get any better.

Put such negative thoughts aside. They will only impede your progress.

No, the others are right! I'm...I'm worthless. Just a nuisance who only gets in the way of others.

I want to be strong like you. That's why I became your disciple and endured the training.

I was more than willing to endure the ridicule of those around me, and imagine a future where I was finally stronger...

But coming here, I've realized... There are some things that just aren't possible, no matter how hard you work towards them.

Don't let the others get to you. As long as you continue looking ahead...

Don't let the others get to me? How can I not!? All they've ever done is look down on me!

I...I hate them. If I could, I'd want nothing more than to tear them to pieces with my own hands.

But I'm too weak for that, aren't I? That's why...That's why I hate myself even more.

Weak and incompetent. That's all I am.

...

I found a hidden passage!

Wow, you could cut the tension in here with a knife. What have you two been talking about?

...Nothing.

Oh, quit sulking already.

Haven't you seen how tired I am from making sure you don't get killed? I even let you rest while I did all the searching.

Stop arguing and show us to this passage. We shouldn't stay in one place for too long.

Shouldn't we look around a little more first? Make sure there are no traps...

Come...to me...

I'll take the lead then. It's not like any of you need me anyway.

Just a little...further...

Step back now. Fortunately, nothing's happened yet, but who knows what might still be ahead.

...Are you saying I can't even be trusted for something like this?

I'm saying no such thing. I'm just worried about you, that's all.

No. I know this may sound strange, but ever since we entered the passage...

I think somebody has been guiding me.

...What?

Look ahead, we're almost at the end of this maze.

Nothing happened after all...

No traps, no monsters... Do you think we might have come the wrong way?

It's possible, L-Look! It's the Fighter's Mask! At the top of those steps!

It is! This is all thanks to you. We just need to take it back with us, and we'll be free.

You can...try.

Kraaaaaaaaaaaargh!

...I should have known it wouldn't be so easy.

...

Where are you going!? It's dangerous!

Grrrr...

Ack...! The Tarask are attacking us, but...they're letting him pass.

Does that mean...the rumors are true? No! I must stop it!

Argh! Why are they leaving that useless idiot alone and only trying to kill us?

How should I know!? Stop talking and keep killing!

We finally meet.

The voice that was calling me... It was coming from the mask?

That's right... You and I...are connected by a yearning for strength.

Strength... Will I become strong if I wear you?

Yes. But not without a price.

All I want is to be strong. I'm willing to give up anything for that.

Stop! The mask is evil! Even if it gives you what you want...

You will lose yourself!

I thought you knew me. But it turns out you don't know anything at all.

Strength is everything to me. Nothing else matters.

...

So this is the choice you've made...

I knew you'd be here, Teacher.

Have you been waiting for me?

I was. I've almost finished everything I needed to do, but this is a very meaningful place for us.

If ever we were to meet again, I thought this would be the best place for it.

You know why I've been coming after you, don't you?

Of course. Though you took your time with it.

Long enough for all the blood that was spilled here to have dried.

I still believe what happened that day is not what you wanted.

That the mask was using you for its own ends...

Well, you'd be wrong. It was a pleasure I'd wanted to indulge in for a long time.

I will never forget that feeling. I'd gladly make the same choice all over again.

Hearing you say that, one thing is clear.

I failed you as your teacher.

And so... Today, I will bring an end to this cycle of sin with my own hands.

You can try.

Ack...!

Such a shame. The greatest of all fighters, a man who could not accept even a single defeat...

Now kneels before me, powerless.

That mask...will bring you nothing...but destruction.

"Let us not linger in the past." Isn't that what you always told me?

So give up already.

Stop wasting time, and get what we came for from the altar.

...Alright.

*click*

An old map...?

It is the only way for us to find what we seek.

*rumbling*

We should leave. Now that the map has been taken, this building has no more reason to continue standing.

Ughhh...

...

This is...

I see you're still able to fall asleep anywhere. Some things never change.

Why didn't you leave me there?

A moment's impulse.

Besides, we're still not finished. I couldn't simply leave you there to die.

We're still not finished...

Krrrrrrr...

The noise made from the temple collapsing must have attracted nearby Tarasks.

*chuckling* I suppose we have little choice but to form a temporary alliance.

...

Even if neither of us would like to.

...I hear you found a new disciple.

I see you've met Lena.

She's looking for you. We found ourselves...acquainted for a while.

I have to say I was a little shocked. When you agreed to teach me, didn't you say I was your first and last disciple?

I never taught her directly. She watched me training and followed along, that's all.

Hmm, I did wonder why she relied so heavily on brute strength.

But if she can smooth out those rough edges, she has the potential to be an outstanding fist fighter. Like you once were.

Ha! Good one.

Don't make me laugh. I was useless trash who couldn't do anything on his own, nothing more.

Whether you or others really believed that, I had faith...

That one day you would become a fighter far beyond my own ability.

I can't say you were wrong, Teacher. Though I'm sure this isn't how you wished it to happen.

Will you really not take that mask off?

Never. There is still...something I need to do.

Besides, I've come too far to stop.

Seems we're free of Tarasks now.

Well, then...

Ack...! Why...

Have you forgotten it was only a "temporary" alliance?

You're right... But I never said I'd let you leave.

...Let go. Or I'll have no choice but to kill you.

You won't though, will you? If you were willing to kill me, you'd never have saved my life back at the temple.

That was...

A moment's impulse? No.

You like to think of yourself as a demon, parading around all these evil deeds you've done while wearing that mask.

But I've seen it inside of you...one last hope of retaining your humanity..

...

People don't change easily. You're suffering a long nightmare, nothing more.

Are you even listening to yourself right now?

Helping you realize that is my duty as your teacher.

...! L-Let go of the mask!

Don't let it control you. You said you've come too far to stop, so let me help you...

To wash away the sins of your past, and return to yourself.

Arrrgghhh!

I was happy to stay out of this, but you dare lay your hands on me!

I promised Batisse...I would spare you...but now... Argh! Why must you go this far...

Do not...interfere...

Get back. Get away!

...

Teacher... You're still as foolish as ever. You probably won't give up on me right until the end, will you?

O-Of course...not...

Then come to Star Chaser Heights.

There...please...

...!

Until then, stay...stay safe...

It's what you truly want...

Batisse...