Episode 3 Chapter 9: Fate at a Crossroad

...We shouldn't have failed.

Everything was meticulously calculated. But because of Romann...!

You're an Automatic Doll supposedly created in his likeness so why aren't you as useful as him?!

...I have no excuse.

What an incompetent thing...

It's always been like this. Everything valuable or useful belonged to Schniel.

And everything that belonged to me was just a cheap knockoff or a third-rate item, like you.

What you have aren't cheap knockoffs or third-rate items and I'm going to prove it to you.

...So calm down.

...*sighing*

You should leave.

Understood.

...I haven't lost yet.

Not as long as I have this red stone with me...

Welcome, everyone. It must have been a long trip.

Normally we welcome our guests with a large welcoming party, but due to the current situation at hand, that isn't possible. I hope you can understand.

There's no need for that anyway. Seeing all of my friends again is good enough.

Aren't you being a little too informal in front of a king from another country?

Ahaha, we're not here as official delegates or anything...

But you're still a knight. Show some respect, Sir Krau.

Now, now, that's not what's important now, right?

We heard the situation is dire, so we came right away. What can we do to help?

While asking each country for their cooperation against the impending celestial threat, I learned that three countries have been preparing for war, each with their own reasons.

And the root of everything appears to be that red stone... Acolyte Tiwig.

Tiwig...

I've almost fully recovered from the injury I sustained in the battle against Tiwig, the Blood Queen.

Once I regain my true form, you won't ever be able to return.

Yes, she's the Acolyte I fought until the end. I thought she disappeared for good...

I assume that fragments of Tiwig were scattered to areas outside of Ritania as well.

For the last few centuries, Tiwig has been involved in the events that occurred on this continent.

And where are those fragments now?

Ervalen of Lefundos has one. And Ilynav of Wintenberg has another.

And it's not just us... Belian from Politia is also after the stone.

I assume she plans to attack the Sanctuary after she acquires it.

The Sanctuary? But why...

Why she wants the stone and why she wishes to attack the Sanctuary is still unknown.

Therefore, some of us are going to head out to Politia first to gather some information while others try to persuade the Dragons to end the war.

Politia... You mean the city full of machines, right? I'll go!

Romann, would you please accompany her?

I assume you know the most about Politia among everyone here, and there may be some tasks that require an immediate decision.

Sure. Since Tywin will be with you, I assume you won't need my help as much.

Eda, you would prefer to go to Politia as well, is that correct?

Y-Yes, if that's okay...

I guess everyone else is going to Wintenberg?

If everything is all settled, let's get going. I'm sure Yufine's been going crazy waiting for me.

...Hmm.

Ritania's auxiliary troops have arrived. It seems they're planning to barge into Wintenberg.

Since they've conquered the Wizard's Spire and have Eda with them, it's safe to assume they're also in possession of the red stone we want, correct?

Isn't it reasonable to assume that if they're aware of our desire for the stone, they would have hidden it elsewhere for safekeeping?

It doesn't matter. Wherever the stone may be, we must acquire it.

Because of the power the stone carries?

So this stone grants its owner a tremendous amount of power, similar to the Dragon Knight Insignia that Ilynav has.

...All right, I'm going to tell you this just in case you're planning something. That stone doesn't just give away its power for free.

If you ever get hold of it, you have an important decision to make, whether to accept its power and subsequently destroy yourself or to play it safe and accept our cooperation.

We have a secret weapon that we can use that doesn't require us to borrow the power of that ominous stone.

If that secret weapon doesn't require the power of the stone, then why haven't you used it already?

That...

Information is on a need-to-know basis, and you don't need to know.

...Sure.

But we'll honor that pact that we made and we'll cooperate as much as possible if you help us.

All right. We're going to do our best to secure the stone from them and deliver it to you.

Since our relationship is based on trust...am I right?

...What a cocky kid.

But no matter how much he pretends, he's still just an amateur.

According to the information we obtained, it seems the Human auxiliary troops are coming toward us. Though their numbers are limited, I heard their ranks include several Heirs.

If we do not prepare immediately, they will soon join the allied forces, placing us in an unfavorable situation.

Are you sure they've sided with the allied forces?

Though they carry sacred power, they're also Humans. They won't need much convincing to join other Humans.

And it's difficult for us to expect trust and loyalty from them anyway.

Heirs...

Maybe the time has come.

...

It looked so close on the map. I had no idea that we needed to take a detour.

Since the Dragon Valley is surrounded by high, snowy mountains, this is the only path we can take, unless we were to fly.

We should stay low and try to avoid detection.

If we're unlucky, we'll have to confront both Dragons and allied forces simultaneously.

You said we need to subdue the Dragon's forces, right?

Yes. First, I'm going to take care of Mort, the leader of the Dragons, and the reason behind all of this.

After that, we're going to persuade the rest of the Dragons with the help of a Dragon that's sympathetic to Humans.

Okay, then we'll help you defeat the Dragon's leader.

No. It's meaningless unless I do it myself.

Please keep an eye on the situation and prepare for battle. Meanwhile, I'll take care of Mort.

Wait, something's wrong.

Kill them all!

*cheering*

Aren't they...Dragon soldiers?!

How did they know we were coming?

The situation seems bad. Your Majesty, stay behind me!

Hyaaaap!

Urk...

Have you already forgotten what Ras said? We're not fighting to win, we're just trying to subdue them!

Why are you inflicting so much damage? Too many are getting injured!

It's difficult to go easy on them when they're coming at me with everything they have.

Not all wounds that bleed are serious injuries. And even if they aren't that serious, they're still good for taking away their will to fight.

...How was I supposed to know that? I'm new to fighting and bloodshed.

Well, that explains a lot. I could tell you were raised in a very sheltered environment.

It doesn't look like she's lived a tough life either...

Do you get it now? The basics of batt...

...! Watch out!

Huh?!

Are you okay? Are you hurt?

Is this...an arrow?

An arrow...? Could it be...

*shrieking*

Soldiers, advance!

Even the Dragon Knights of Wintenberg?!

Maybe they think we might join the allied forces and threaten them.

Judging by how they were waiting for us here... It seems that someone must have given them false information along with the fact that we're coming.

Due to the Dragon Knights killing Dragons, the situation is getting even more dire.

Which will only result in chaos...

...Ras, go ahead and leave it to us.

Nothing you're worried about will happen. I swear on my sword.

Lady Iseria is right.

You said it's your duty to take care of Mort. That means this war is our responsibility.

We're sending you because we have trust in you, so you should do the same.

...

All right, then I'll leave it in your hands.

Ludwig, Sir Krau, please stop the Dragons. We'll take care of the rest.

Queen Cecilia, Lady Charlotte, and Lady Iseria, please do your best to subdue the Dragon Knights.

Dragons... I guess I don't need to go easy on them.

Now that we all know what to do, let's move. We must stop them as soon as possible.

You should retrieve your spear!

Is that Cecilia?

Huh...? I thought she was killed in the last battle.

Soldiers, think about why and for whom you are fighting.

If you're here to protect someone precious to you, then you should drop your swords and spears immediately. That's the best course of action in order to protect them.

Don't listen to her. Remember what Queen Ilynav said!

Cecilia is neither the queen of Wintenberg nor is she a warrior! She's just a mere fugitive. A coward who ran from the battlefield!

She's with those untrustworthy Dragons, trying to trick us into giving up!

Soldiers, let's get rid of her so that our honorable comrades won't fall for her sweet lies!

*cheering*

As you reported, the auxiliary troops have come...but something isn't right. Look, they're also fighting against the allied forces and not just us.

It seems that the auxiliary troops wanted to persuade the Dragons to stop the war, while the Dragon Knights wanted to fight for victory.

To me, it seems that they're on the same page on ending this war, but with different ideas about how.

Then we should attack those who are amicable to us.

...Since the war should go on long enough for me to make my contribution and receive some recognition.

I knew that's what you would say.

Ugh, come on! How much longer should we wait?! All the other soldiers are fighting, why can't we?!

This isn't some sort of back-alley street fight. You can't just jump in whenever you want!

She's right. We should keep the order and formation to...

Helen, you of all people aren't qualified enough to say something like that.

When have you ever followed a plan? You always mess things up for some reason or another and somehow manage to make everything right with luck alone.

That's true, but...

What I'm saying is, we don't need a plan. We can just improvise and act based on what we see, right?

And you're going to take full responsibility for any accidents that might happen?

If you get caught while acting carelessly, I'm sure Instructor Camilla won't let you off this time.

Ugh...

B-But what if it works out? You know, Helen is extremely lucky so it'll all work out in the end.

She's not a lucky charm you know.

I see Cecilia at two o'clock. We need backup, make sure to send in your best and most violent soldiers!

Did you hear that? I heard someone say, Cecilia! She must be the "Cecilia" I know, right?!

Melany, come on. It's not our turn yet.

Sorry, but you won't stop me. I mean, you don't get a chance to fight a former queen every day!

I don't care if Camilla makes me run a hundred laps around the training grounds. Let's go, Helen!

Huh?! M-Melany! Let go of me, it hurts a little...! Ouch!

Ugh... Whatever.

Why did you betray us, Cecilia!

I have never turned my back on Wintenberg or my people.

Let me ask you this. Why are you aiming your swords and spears at me?

Are you afraid of the end of the war?

Do you feel guilty about ending your search for revenge?

Are your spears truly aimed at me because I'm your enemy? Or are you aiming them at me just because you don't want to face your own weaknesses?

She's just trying to confuse us! Don't listen to her!

Not listening and not thinking would be your true mistake!

You're supposed to be warriors who worship strength. Then why can't you see that admitting your own mistakes is true strength!

Who is she and why is she interrupting? Do you know her?

No, I have no idea who she is.

...Ahem, who I am is not what's important!

She's right. Who cares who she is or who is right?

What really matters is who's the strongest among us!

The weak should obey the strong. This is a basic tenet for Dragon Knights!

If you want us to listen to you, prove yourself by defeating all of us including Queen Ilynav!

Don't you agree, Helen and Christy?

I-I guess so...

Don't drag me into this. I didn't want to get involved in the first place.

See? Everyone agrees. Now...

Prove yourself to everyone!

Y-You cowards! Shame on you. How dare you all attack at the same time!

It's meaningless to complain about that kind of stuff in a battle. You've got to win no matter what.

You aren't cut out for battle, seeing how whiny you are about this.

And you seem to be the same.

CLASH!

Oh, no. My sword...

A soldier who drops one's sword is unqualified to be on the battlefield.

Return home and relearn the basics, starting with how to hold a sword properly.

Christy! Let me help!

*sliding*

Kyaaaa!

H-Huh...? Where's my sword?

Charlotte! Watch out...!

What?!

Hehe, exposed!

...!

Stop!

THUD!

*screeching*

Charlotte! Are you okay? Am I too late?

You're just in time.

A-A Dragon? N-No way... So the rumors that Cecilia sided with the Dragons are true

Cecilia and Charlotte haven't sided with Dragons! They're just on my side.

Right?

...Are you sure? This isn't a joke, right? It's really her?

I'm not joking and yes, I'm sure it's her.

Flan, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Politia requested a secret meeting with you.

FINALLY! You have no idea how long I've waited for this! I was dying to meet you. You see, I'm also a very busy person.

Then let us get right to the point. What are you here for?

Oh... I know I said I'm busy, but I would have appreciated a cup of tea, at least. Is this how you treat all your guests?

I apologize, but I'm unaccustomed to dealing with guests who insert themselves in the matters of the royal family in order to usurp the throne and start a war.

Come on, don't be so harsh. I didn't bring you bad news today.

Honestly, I never would have thought Ras and his friends, including you, would struggle this much.

There were too many variables in this war. Because of that, it caused us more losses than we were anticipating.

So, we did some calculations based on the updated data, and it turns out that it's better for us to back out at this time.

Are you saying you're going to surrender?

Under one condition, yes.

I assume you're going to ask for the red stone.

I don't think you would agree to that if we were to request it.

So what we're asking for is something much simpler than that.

We need you to kill Ervalen.

...What benefit do you get from me killing Ervalen?

We just want you to become the indisputable victor.

With our help, of course.

I'll tell you where Ervalen is. I'll even give you information about his future plans.

In return, you will not ask Politia for any kind of reparations or acknowledgment of fault after the war ends.

We want to be remembered as an ally who gave you help at a critical moment, and not as an enemy.

You're here to look for a way out without suffering any losses, just as things are going sour.

Just moments ago you were our enemy that we were risking our lives to defeat...

It's difficult to trust what you're saying. And there's no guarantee that this isn't some sort of trap.

If you need proof, I'll sign a similar treaty we made with you in the past, right here, right now.

"Politia will not engage in any action with the intent to kill using our technology against the other countries of Eureka."

This isn't just a simple treaty, it's a contract secured with a magic spell. I can't think of anything else that's more definite than this.

Also, by signing this treaty with you, it means that I support and accept you as the representative of Lefundos...

It looks like we're on the same team, right?

Even if I can't trust her, I can trust the treaty she's offering. If you accept this offer, Politia will no longer be our enemy.

But King Schniel...

...

You know this is the best treaty possible. Why are you so hesitant to sign?

Is there something that's bothering you among the terms I suggested?

I...

Let's see how much longer you can hold out!

Hyaaaap!

I was curious to see who's giving our soldiers such a struggle...

He's definitely stronger than any ordinary Dragon. Certainly worthy to be an Heir.

Ranok, Zoranox. Attack him now.

Sir, don't you want to battle him yourself? He seems strong enough to please you.

I already have an appointment.

Why would I ruin my appetite before a feast by nibbling on snacks moments before.

Sir! It's a message from Alencia!

Now? What for?

I didn't hear anything specific...but she said it's something urgent.

Tell her to wait until the situation is more stable. I can't leave my post during a battle.

Go ahead, I'll let you go.

But sir, you'll need my abilities to minimize the damage inflicted on our soldiers.

There's no need for that.

I just sent them out to the battlefield so they can buy me some time before the final moment.

I don't care whether or not they return.

...! Sir Mort, losing several soldiers is one thing, but losing an entire troop is another. Why would you say...

Wasn't it you who said that victory is the only thing that matters?

That...

Are you suggesting that you're going to disobey me?

Just like the soldiers on the field, whether you're here or not doesn't matter, so go ahead and leave.

...Understood.

I thought that with my experience and position as a Dragon leader that I would be different than I was in the past, where I was easily swayed by the opinions of others...

Was it just my arrogance?

I get to fight alongside Sir Mort. What an honor!

If I can make them repent their sins, I could do anything...I could do everything.

Their rage and their lives are not just things you can throw away...

But it was everyone's wish to summon him, and I ended up agreeing with them.

Though it may not be in the form we wanted, he would bring us victory.

So...all I can do is to wait until the end.

...You arrived.

What did you call me here for?

You've stood beside Mort for a very long time.

And in that time, you were cautious of his cruelty instead of being seduced by his power.

I heard you were the one who was opposed to summoning Mort at the last moment.

There's someone I want you to meet.

Hello, Lucius. I believe this is the first time we've met in person.

You're...

Why did you find me? I thought you were disappointed and left after being abandoned by Humans.

I'd still like to end the war. In order to do so, I need your help.

...It's too late now.

As long as Sir Mort is summoned, the river of blood running through the valley will never dry up.

I'm going to defeat him.

Once he's gone, I believe you're going to be the one in power, like you used to be. What happens after that is up to you.

Defeat him? You sound so confident.

Are you remembering the wars of the past where there was nothing you couldn't accomplish thanks to the will of the Goddess?

You don't shine as bright as you used to.

Your light has faded and you're just a common mortal now.

I must assume this is why you're relying on the mercy and kindness of others, and why you're asking for my cooperation.

You were worried that I only see kindness in Humans.

But the reason I believe in kindness and doing the right thing isn't because I'm unaware of evil.

I know there's an easier path if I just choose to ignore what's in front of me...but I decided on this path, despite the hardships that follow...

Because it's worth it.

I'm not here to ask for your opinion on the situation or for an analysis of your troops.

I'm here to ask which path you're going to choose.

...I believe you have already chosen your side, Alencia.

But why? You have never sided with anyone, neither Humans nor Dragons no matter how desperately they asked you.

...A long time ago, there was a girl I cared for.

Even though I saw her being used by Mort for her entire life, I... I didn't do anything for her.

I couldn't turn my back on everything I had. I didn't have the courage to be hated by her.

I thought forgetting was the best thing I could do. I didn't want to love anyone again and I kept to myself as much as I could.

But I failed.

I told Yufine just to forget and give up everything because I didn't want her to go through the same pain I went through.

So please, just forget everything and stay the way you are. Do not try to love like your mother, and do not hate like your sister.

That way, we'll be able to stay with each other for a very long time.

Maybe you're right. With a life like that, nothing would go wrong.

But what's the point of having such a long, sad and lonely life?

Does that mean that even after hearing my story, you've decided to walk the same path as your mother?

Yes!

A life where I can meet new people, create beautiful memories together, and then part ways. A life where I can share my happiness and sadness with other people...

I just wish there would come a day where both my sister and her friends are by my side...and no one has to get hurt or die.

Doesn't that sound amazing?

It's a dream too wonderful to give up.

And she never gave up even though she knew all the hardships that awaited her.

Because the future Yufine dreamed of was so precious and important to her.

If those who hate fight for blood, then I want to fight to protect my loved ones from bleeding.

It will be a difficult fight.

It'll be worth it.

I had to give up so much.

And now...I don't want to anymore.

...

I thought it was irreversible.

But maybe it's not too late to right my wrongs...

I know I said it's impossible to defeat Sir Mort...but there is a way.

If you and Alencia aim for his weak point.

...That's all I know.

I see. Thank you, Lucius.

Like I said, you'll only have one opportunity to strike his weak point.

If you fail...there will be no second chance.

Change of plans?

Politia changed alliances that easily? When each side is separated from each other?

There's something suspicious about it.

I'm sure Schniel felt so too.

But since we're miles away from them and can't hear any of the details...it's hard to know what his decision was based on.

Maybe it's better if you go and check for yourself, Cecilia.

With Yufine's help, I think we can buy you some time. I'll take over your role as commander here.

But...

You're not saying you don't trust Yufine and me, are you?

Don't worry, we've got this!

...Okay, thank you.

Sir Ragnar! Cecilia has left the line and she's moving alone!

It's the perfect opportunity to get rid of her.

Gather all our available soldiers and kill her!

No.

There's no need for that.

I've wasted too much time dealing with the soldiers.

I hope I'm not too late...

You can't go any farther than this...

Cecilia.

Rose...!

You're safe, I'm so relieved.

Are you really?

As long as we're trying to stop you, won't you need to defeat us?

...Rose, Nemunas. Will you please let me pass through.

What for?

In the past, every Dragon Knight admired you, Cecilia. But now...do you have any idea the things they're saying about you?

I don't understand why you chose to be treated that way, or what you're up to.

You haven't gained a single thing. In fact, you lost everything.

So please, come back. Come back to Wintenberg, and to the way you were before. I'm begging you.

I'm...afraid I can't.

That's exactly why this is happening now. Because everyone gave up.

I won't... I can't give up.

...This must be because of her.

This is all because of Luna, right? Because you just can't let her go.

Yes.

...

She must have been the starting point.

Because only after she turned her back on me and after I searched for the reason for her betrayal could I understand her world.

And then it started to make me question why the world turned its back on her and not why did she turn her back on us.

What we're fighting for, and why we hate.

Because so many have died at the hands of Dragons! We're seeking revenge for our ancestors and our friends!

To me, the life of someone beside me matters more than hundreds of lives of those who have already died.

I can't do anything for the dead, but I still can save those who are with me now.

I don't want to watch the living suffer for the dead.

You asked if this is because of Luna. I have to say you're right.

But if you ask me if this is only about Luna, then my answer is no.

My wish is to see you all live happy lives by my side rather than die as brave warriors on the battlefield.

...

And that's why I'd like to stop this war, Roseria.

...You won't make it in time if you go this way.

Let me show you the way that'll get you straight to that idiot from Lefundos.

R-Rose! Are you really gonna...

...! How do you know this?

Because it's a trap.

A trap where they talk Schniel into getting rid of Ilynav and Ervalen while the others are taking care of the Dragons and Dragon Knights.

And wanted us stop you just in case you tried to join him.

They must have thought we would have been heartbroken because of what happened before since we were so loyal to you.

They're near Razorstone. You'll make it in time if you leave now.

All right, thank you.

...Are you really going to trust me just like that? What if I'm lying to you and I'm sending you the wrong way.

Because I know...

I know that I'm special to you, just as you're special to me.

Wish me luck.

Are you sure about this, Rose? If she loses, we're going to be executed...

There's no way she's gonna lose!

And I had to repay my debt to that Half-Dragon anyway. Now that I helped Ceci fight for that Half-Dragon, I guess we're even now.

A debt? But she tried to kill you.

I'm sure you must have heard but her attack missed all my vital organs.

...I've never seen her spear miss. Not even once.

Apparently, she had no intention of killing me even when I was fighting with my all to kill her.

So I just thought... Maybe I should turn a blind eye to Ceci fighting for her, just this time.

Rose...

Cheer up! Though Ceci left you, I'll always be there for you, Rose!

Who cares about you!

And don't talk like I was abandoned by Ceci because she chose her over me! I'm letting her go just this once!

...*sighing*

Are you nervous? It's merely a hunt.

I guess you're too noble for this stuff.

A fool who only knows how to fight has learned a few words. She should be more careful about what spills out from her mouth.

You sounded so confident when you were speaking.

We are the warriors who used to hunt Dragons, those beings that have been called "sentient disasters."

Soldiers who have never experienced a proper war can be subdued easier than a child on a playground.

Truthfully, I'm not fond of fighting those weaklings when I'm this close to fighting my real enemy...

I suppose I should focus on the bigger picture and follow you this time.

I hired one of the Dragon soldiers to be our spy. Using him, I'm going to leak fake information.

Since the they have no way of knowing the political situation on our side, they're going to misunderstand the situation and think that the allied forces came to help us.

But since they don't want a war, they will try to persuade the Dragons instead of fighting them.

We must create an environment where they can't have a proper conversation.

And you want us to play that part.

By hiding among them and attacking the Dragons, am I right?

That's correct. While they're dealing with the chaos that you're causing, I'll send Flan to Schniel to speak to him.

This is where we'll remove Schniel and join you to defeat the remaining troops one by one.

Ha, he won't fall for that so easily. We've been raising our swords at each other.

How naive are you to think that this will work.

Oh, you think I can't do it?

The world doesn't revolve around you. It's foolish of you to consider something is impossible just because you can't do it.

Oh, I didn't realize puppets could talk.

She said she's confident, so let's give her a chance.

Of course, I'll have a contingency plan in place if you fail.

He might be dubious at first, but he'll end up accepting my terms. It's too good of a deal to resist.

No matter what he thinks, or what concerns he may have, he'll end up falling for it.

Creating an environment where there's only one possible option, applying the correct amount of pressure and, making someone sign a treaty that benefits us...

These are all things that I specialize in.

...I guess she wasn't bluffing.

The army is heading this way.

Then it's time to part ways. I hope your courage can compensate for any weaknesses.

Hmph, just you watch.

THUMP, THUMP...

You're late.

It must have felt like an eternity for you.

Time passes by differently when you're waiting for something.

It would have been fun if you had run away.

Unfortunately, I'm known to keep my word.

Interesting.

Now...shall we begin?

Please be understanding if you feel like I'm rushing things, but I've been waiting for so long.

That was quite impressive. But...

SPLAT!

Urk...

The more you use that energy, the duller your attacks become. It seems like that energy is overwhelming your body now...

Didn't you say would provide me with what I desire the most, even with that Human body of yours?

SMACK!

I haven't had my fun yet but you already seem exhausted.

*panting*

Master...

I'm willing to forgo my spear for you. What do you think?

I don't want to damage you if you're going to be mine eventually.

I'm talented in breaking things, not fixing them.

That's enough...!

CLANG!

You don't seem to be willing to give up.

CLANG!

Hyaaaaap!

Save your strength...

...!

KABOOOM!

Phew...

Did we do it?! I can't see anything because of the dirt!

I'm sure we did.

Well...

I see that you targeted my Wrath and not my face.

You really meant to kill me this time, Alencia.

...We failed.

He defended the attack with his hand, but only by a narrow margin...

How adorable. Whose idea was it?

Was it that boy? Or you, Alencia? If not...

Lucius, the only one who knows where my Wrath is.

...

That was a clever move indeed. A surprise attack has a higher chance of success than normal tactics.

However, now that you've missed...

You have no chance of winning.

Ack... *coughing*

You should have decided to kill me several centuries earlier.

If you did, that little girl you liked wouldn't have suffered so much and you wouldn't have lost your friend during the war with the Humans.

And I would have enjoyed my fight against you a little more.

Mo...rt...!

SPLAT!

Is this all you can do...?

You've truly grown weak. You don't even deserve the mercy of death.

WOOSH!

Arrrgghhh!

Now that I've dealt with that noisy beast and Alencia... We're finally alone.

This is my final offer of mercy. Give up now.

...No.

I know I said it's impossible to defeat Sir Mort...

But if you and Alencia could aim for his weak point, there is a way.

I know what it is. It's the Wrath between his neck and chest, right?

How did you...

But that is a weakness Mort is aware of, which means it isn't his true weakness.

What can defeat him is...a weakness that even he isn't aware of.

Something only I, the one who has been serving him the longest, could notice.

I...won't give up.

Because I made a promise.

To someone who gave everything to me, trusting in my courage and my will.

I appreciate that you're trying to keep your promise, but what you're attempting isn't within the realm of possibility.

How can someone who can barely crawl think they can take my life.

...He hasn't noticed the energy stored in the pendant.

But I only have one chance.

His weakness is that he's been the strongest, a warrior with no equal, for a very long time.

How is that a weakness?

Because there was no one who was capable of pushing him to his limit, so he hasn't had the chance to push his body to the edge.

He's had countless battles with those who thought they were strong.

And no one could kill him...however, some have managed to leave a scratch at the cost of their lives.

*stumbling*

Mort, do you...remember everyone you've defeated?

STOMP...

How many have you hurt? Have you ever once thought about all those lives you ruined?

When you walk down a path, there are bound to be a few bugs that are caught under your foot.

But are you deeply saddened by their deaths?

They were simply...unlucky.

Those countless fights must have felt like nothing to him. They were simply dull moments in his life.

He won't be able to remember all those tiny scratches either. However, even the smallest of scratches after accumulating a thousand times, a million times...

Become fatal.

And due to these wounds, he can no longer use all the abilities he used to have.

But since he never had to use the full extent of his power before, he isn't aware of that.

So, if you and Alencia could push him to his limit...

If you're worried you might become one of them, don't be.

Unlike them, you're quite special just based on the fact that you used to be the embodiment of the Goddess herself.

Let me do the honors.

The boy named Ras Elclare will die here today, and will be reborn with a new name and new life as my subordinate.

STOMP...

I did everything I could.

*STOMPING*

All that's left...is to believe.

Come, give me everything you have. Show me I wasn't waiting for nothing!

I can see the back line of the Lefundos's troops. It's just as Flan said.

Attack them before they can reorganize!

It's an ambush! They must have been hiding at the top of the valley!

Those foolish things...willingly walking right into a trap.

I'll burn you all!

Haha, you wish.

Urk...!

If anything, you seem to be the fool here.

You've failed, Ilynav. Give up already.

Cecilia...

How...

You were supposed to be fighting the Dragon soldiers, what are you doing here?!

You know this is the best treaty possible. Why are you so hesitant to sign?

Is there something that's bothering you among the terms I suggested?

I...

Your Majesty, even if we trust her, maybe it's better to join the others on the way...

Your only chance is when Wintenberg is preoccupied with killing Dragon soldiers and they haven't realized we withdrew.

If you hesitate, you're going to miss this opportunity.

...I can't put others in danger due to my own beliefs and greed.

So your suggestion...

Your Majesty, Sir Tywin! It's an emergency.

Many including Dragons and Dragon soldiers are leaving the battlefield!

What?!

What do you mean we don't need to attack Cecilia?

It's not just Cecilia. We no longer need to fight the Humans.

What do you mean by that... You're not ending this war, are you?

We can't end it like this. This war has been going on for centuries now!

Then should we kill a hundred today, ninety tomorrow, and eighty the day after that?

Even if we choose peace, they won't! You know how Ilynav is!

Cecilia is going to return to her position as queen of Wintenberg after she drives out the allied forces.

But...!

Know your place, Ragnar.

Even if you made contributions to this war, that doesn't give you the right to be acting so rude.

...Aren't you the one who's being rude?

You may have been the leader of the Dragons, but that's all in the past. Sir Mort is the leader now.

He's going to perish soon. Then I will be the one who will decide the path we take.

What do you... Who could ever defeat him?

Is it Ilynav?! Is she using some sort of...

Withdraw all our troops from the battlefield at once. I'll explain everything in front of everyone.

...So this is how the final page of a long history ends.

Have you betrayed Mortelix?!

I want my revenge! What am I supposed to do with all my rage if we reconcile with them like this?

We can't trust Humans. You know how deceitful they are!

Not everyone seems to have truly accepted the end.

But...

I don't trust Humans either.

However, I do trust the Heir of the Covenant and he trusts them.

The Heir of the Covenant... It was him.

I'm going to withdraw the troops on my side. Now that there's nothing to protect, continuing to fight is a waste.

I've been following Mortelix only because I was drawn to his power. I don't believe you're that loyal to him either, Ranok.

That...

To continue to fight out of personal vengeance is your choice.

Just know that you are not required to fight Humans just because you have Dragon blood running through your veins.

If you make a choice when there are other options available, you should be fully responsible for the results.

And after all is said and done, we'll be left with an ending based on those choices.

This... This isn't happening!

If it ends here, what was it all for.

If we decide to co-exist with Humans, what we've done so far will be regarded as a shameful mark in history, and not something to be celebrated.

I can't let it happen... Luna!

Yes, sir.

Don't listen to that coward.

Find Cecilia right now, and kill her for me!

All the Dragon soldiers and Dragons have retreated. I assume Ras was the cause.

And thanks to that we were able to join forces with Schniel and come here.

The Dragon Knights told us about your plans and that's how we were able to catch you off guard.

What do you mean the Dragons retreated?

And the Dragon Knights leaked information?!

Nonsense! I know what this is really about. You're just trying to fool me!

You can return and see for yourself whether we're lying or not.

We'll let you go if you surrender.

...Who are they to stop this?

They were the ones who trampled our lands first, and now they wish to declare peace?

They don't deserve it.

They must suffer...forever. I need to hear the most painful screams come out of their mouths on the battlefield!

Just like how our friends, families, and lovers screamed when the Dragons killed them!

Everyone, charge!

The situation seems to be getting worse. We haven't heard anything from Flan yet...

I'm sure she must have decided to pull out the moment she felt things were going poorly.

She must have volunteered to negotiate with Schniel in order to secure a way out, no matter the outcome of our original plan.

If she decided to switch sides, then the situation must be hopeless.

You said you were going to prove your worth.

Now is the time.

As you command.

Take Eliza with you, and escape right now.

But I can't leave you alone in a situation like this.

Romann, what do you take me for? Do you think I'm some sort of fool who's incapable of doing anything without your help?

I still have a secret weapon left.

I'm evacuating you two just as a safety precaution because I don't know what it's going to do to me once I use it.

If she dies... I'll never have my revenge.

...Understood.

This is it.

I'm going to put an end to this long, tiresome fight.

Why are you trying to stop our revenge?!

You never lost someone you love to these Dragons. What gives you the right to stop this?!

It may not have been by Dragons, but Sir Krau and I have also lost loved ones.

And we understand your pain all too well.

But if you don't stop, you're just going to make more people go through the same pain that we've been through.

I don't care about their pain! Why do I have to stop for them?!

If I withdraw my spear, the deaths of those who have been sacrificed during the war will mean nothing.

No one's going to remember any of them, and it'll be all in vain!

I, Ilynav, as a warrior and the queen of Wintenberg, won't let that happen!

The ominous energy is growing stronger.

The Dragon Knight Insignia, what Ilynav has, is known to allow the bearer to inherit the power and will of our ancestors.

But it was just Tiwig who manipulated the wearer and forced them unleash such terror.

We must stop Ilynav before she is completely devoured by that power!

It seems that Cecilia and the Wintenberg troops, including Ilynav, are on the upper part of the valley, and Ervalen and the Lefundos forces are at the lower part of the valley...

Seeing how things are... The outcome seems pretty obvious.

GRASP

It's time to make a decision again.

Why did you leave him alone? You should have escaped with Ervalen instead of me!

It was by his command.

You know what's going to happen to him!

...Do you think he should live?

What?

What are you implying? Do you think he deserves to die?

If he loses this battle, he's better off dead.

SLAP!

Don't say that.

I don't understand why you're so worried about him.

Just so you don't have to feel guilty? Or because him being alive is more beneficial for you?

You never showed any affection toward him.

That's...

Because Ervalen wouldn't have wanted me to be a hypocrite, pretending to care at this point.

I heard you've been looking for me for days.

I came to tell you one thing. Do not come and visit me ever again.

...Why?

Because of who my mother is?

Is that what this is all about?

Does that give you the right to look down on me and throw me away...?

...I'm sorry, Ervalen

But you're strong. You'll be able to deal with any hardships that come, like you always have.

So...you should be fine without me.

I'm the one who ended things like that. How could I ever reach out to him first?

We might be able to use each other, but there's no room for affection.

But for you, things are different. He's your master, how could you say that...?

When I said that, I didn't mean that we should let him die because he's useless to us if he loses.

What I meant was he's going to have no meaning or purpose left in his life if he were to lose this battle. He gave it all he had.

Why? Because revenge was all he ever wanted?

No, that's not true.

What Ervalen truly wanted wasn't revenge.

So you've come this far, Schniel.

If you keep resisting and end up returning to Lefundos later, even I won't be able to stop you from being severely punished.

But if you surrender, we'll be able to reduce your sentence and can banish you instead.

If your goal was to make me realize my hypocrisy and suffer for my sins, you've done so.

So please, Ervalen, please stop...

My sweet, sweet brother. Are you weeping for me, even at a moment like this?

Did you expect me to feel so touched by your speech that I fall to my knees and surrender to you?

My corpse would be cold and my soul long gone before that happens.

Everyone, charge!

Your Majesty.

...

...Attack.

...! Your Majesty, something's wrong with him!

No, it can't be...

Ack... Aghhhh!

You can't borrow the power of the stone, Ervalen!

That stone is known to destroy the bearer who receives the power. Once you use it, you won't be able to return!

I don't care... I'm willing to die in this war.

Why are you doing this to yourself?!

All I wished for is to see you live.

Though we can't do anything about the past, we can change our future. We could have made peace with what happened and started a new life together.

Am I...asking for too much?

Are you asking for too much?

Ahahaha...! Hahaha!

For you, maybe forgiveness comes as naturally as breathing since you've never felt how painful and tiring it can be to merely be alive.

You've never had to feel this emotion, you never even considered how it would feel to have your very existence be considered a mistake... A life where you can only exist by taking advantage of someone else...

And you've never had to experience being ignored, receiving the smallest bits of attention after fighting for it and not caring about how distorted that attention was.

You never even realized how cruel you were being to me.

Ervalen didn't want revenge? Then what is it he wants?

It doesn't make any sense...if he didn't want to see me and Schniel in agony...

Ervalen hates both of you. But...

Just as you're not someone who can understand me, I'm not someone who can make such a choice.

All I've ever had in my life was betrayal, hatred, and embarrassment. Do you think I could ever understand a life without these things?

Even if I could, how could I dare choose to have such a life?

I've noticed that artists call a future without an option, "fate."

From the day I was born there was no other ending for me except this.

He hates himself more than anyone else.

A life so distorted and filled with loss. A life he feels that he was destined to live.

No matter how strong my jealousy is or how many times I try to overpower you, there is only one miserable result for me. In the end, you take everything.

Like how you always have.

I want to take everything that Schniel ever had.

If I can't take it, I want to destroy it.

If I can't destroy it...

I'd prefer to end this, rather than continuing to live such a miserable life.

Hyaaaap!

CLANG!

It's dangerous, Your Majesty. Please escape while I stop them!

Ervalen...

We're running out of time, now!

Do you think I'll let you escape?!

In full bloom, Sword of Flowers!

Ack!

That voice...

We came after subduing the Dragon Knights. I'm glad we're not too late.

Should I defeat him?

Be careful. He's being controlled by the red stone.

We're outnumbered!

I'm not sure if we should keep on fighting just to prolong this war against the Dragons.

I think we've done enough, why don't we just shake hands and...

*shrieking*

Does anyone else agree with that idea?

...

You said you're willing to forgive? I bet you aren't. You're simply worn out.

When you raised your sword for the first time for our cause... Is this the end you were hoping for? Are your convictions really that light?

No, Your Majesty!

From the moment you decided to walk this path, living an ordinary, peaceful life was not an option for you.

Attack until they die. Or I'll kill you with my own hands.

As long as you've raised your weapon as a warrior of Wintenberg, that is your fate!

Stop making meaningless sacrifices. You have nothing to gain from this fight.

I know better than anyone that this war isn't fair.

And that's what I'm atoning for.

Ever since Moro died, I've lived a life of agony, a life without meaning.

Those are just self-serving excuses. Just because you experienced pain doesn't give you the right to inflict that same pain on others!

Do you think you're in any place to judge me?

Fine, then I'll just have to get rid of you.

There's no room for someone like me in the world that you dream of and there's no room for someone like you in the world that I dream of.

We cannot live under the same sky.

So let's end it here!

Ack...

Now! We should take the stone from her while she's weakened!

Urk...

You've lost. Let go of the stone.

WHOOSH... SMACK!

Ack...?!

Sir Tywin!

It shouldn't end like this.

How did you...?

I hope you didn't forget the promise you made.

We won't just sit by and watch!

Escape while I stop them.

Escape... To where?

Anywhere.

Wherever we go, it's all the same to people like us.

BOOOOOM!

...?! An explosion?

BOOOOOM!

*rumbling*

The cliff is collapsing, watch out!

...! Ilynav...

*rumbling*...

Is this...the end...

...Moro.

Even if everyone turns their back on me, even if they say I'm wrong...

You'll be by my side, holding me, right?

That's...all I need.

Because you...you saved me.

...I located Ilynav at the estimated landing spot.

*rummaging*

*tearing*

The red stone is in my possession.

I'll return to Politia, Flan.

What happened? What was that explosion?

It didn't seem like magic. It sounded more like an explosive device...

...From Politia.

But according to the treaty Schniel told us about, Politia is no longer able to attack us...

"Politia will not engage in any action with the intent to kill using our technology against the other countries of Eureka," is what was agreed on, if I remember correctly.

There's room for discussion that the treaty doesn't include actions that don't have the intent to kill, such as destroying certain areas.

Then they planned this when they first brought the treaty?

Tada! Did you miss me?

I've been preparing to make an adequate appearance at an adequate moment!

I've just been told they've taken care of Ilynav. I knew Laika could be trusted.

Who is she?

...The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Politia. We used to work together.

What are you up to?

Oh my, if I hadn't evacuated you two after making that explosion, both of you would be dead right now.

I think I deserve a little appreciation.

If you've been watching everything, I'm sure you noticed that I didn't hand over the red stone when I got it.

I believe there's nothing useful left on my side.

And I don't think you've saved me out of pure compassion. Someone as calculating as you would never do something like that.

So just say it.

Ah, well. You've always been so quick-witted.

We knew that you had the red stone even before you used it.

Because we planted a bug at the spire when you sent Tywin to North Lefundos.

...You swore you wouldn't do anything like that.

You seemed to be hiding something from us at that point. So if anything, you're the one who violated the terms of the contract first.

So I decided to watch you and see how you would act...but you didn't seem to be willing to give us the stone.

And so you waited until I failed completely?

So that I'll beg for mercy and simply hand it over to you...instead of making you take it from me by force.

Well, maybe! While you won't be able to know my true intention, I think one thing is fairly obvious, you're left with no choice.

When everything is taken from someone, and a person is facing their own destruction...they become so desperate that they'll do almost anything.

Though they might think it's suspicious, or even unfair, there's nothing they can do about it. Because they have no choice.

Do they call you a Foreign Minister in Politia? Because to me, you're nothing more than a trickster or an intimidator.

To be a great Foreign Minister, you must be able to take a step back, minimize loss, and get what you need.

...Seeing as you're keeping me alive instead of killing me and taking the stone right away, is it correct to assume that there's something else that you want from me.

You're good!

Okay, I'll explain more once we move to Politia. And your fiancé will be waiting for you there as well.

...

I've got him.

Then let me officially ask you again, will you be a part of my final plan?

For the eternal glory and development of Politia and humanity.

The long fight is over.

But I know this doesn't mean the end of everything.

Because the wounds of your heart won't suddenly be healed even if the war is over.

I, Cecilia, crowned representative of all of Wintenberg, promise.

I will do my best to heal the wounds we have suffered instead of inflicting pain upon others with my spear.

I will help those who are still living under the remnants of the terror of war and do my best to mend our relationship with the Dragons.

Towards this end, we'll accept the aid given to us by Ritania and join the union they have created...

Ras, who was instrumental in helping end the war against the Dragons, has promised to be a witness to our treaty and help build the bridge between our people.

For that, with admiration and appreciation, Wintenberg hereby declares to be the strongest ally of Ras.

I can't admit it!

"The weak should obey the strong. This is a basic tenet for Dragon Knights!"

...Doesn't it sound familiar to you?

Hmph, that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Who said that?

You did...

What!? Show me some proof that I said that!

W-Why, how would I have proof you said that...

Why would you frame me when you don't even have any evidence?!

Leave her alone, Melany.

Christy! You're my twin. Aren't you supposed to be my soul mate?

I came to make sure you didn't make trouble, not join you in making trouble.

Though Cecilia can be indecisive, I heard she's strong and wise.

Frankly speaking, I think Cecilia is more suitable to be queen than Ilynav.

But there will be nothing here for me if the war is over! I came all the way here from Lefundos just because I thought I could fight as much as I'd like!

Even if the war ends, I'm sure there's plenty of opportunities for you to go on a rampage. You could work as border security, for example.

But that's different!

How come?

Do I really have to explain it?!

Helen, tell me. Do you also think securing the border and fighting in a war are the same?

Th-They are two different things, but somehow they feel the same...

Ugh! Are they the same or different?!

Never mind! Nobody understands me. I don't need any of you!

Melany! Where are you going?

Leave her alone. If you keep giving her the attention she wants, she'll only end up spoiled. And I'm sure she'll return once she's calmed down.

But...

I think I'm going to follow her. She'll be upset if no one seems to care.

Melany, wait for me!

I've been following her footprints...but I don't see her anywhere. How far did she go?

If I keep following her footprints...

THUMP

Ouch! What was that? A tree...?

*shrieking*

Kyaaaaaaa!

Huh? I think I heard a noise...

Was it her?

K-Kyaaa, I'm scared... Stay away from me! Shooo!

She seems to be beating them up just fine, what is she scared of?

Is she scared of herself?

*whining* Is anybody there? Help!

I don't know why, but she seems frightened. Maybe I should help.

I'll take care of them, step back!

You... You're the kid we fought...

Kid?! Even though I'm a little short, I'm not a kid!

What are you doing here?

Oh, Melany... I need to follow her!

Melany? Is that your pet's name?

No, she's my friend... You know, the fierce-looking girl with the purple hair...

Oh, you mean that Dragon Knight.

She looked like she could take care of herself. Why are you trying to follow her?

Because... I'm sure she would have wanted us to follow her. If I don't, she's only going to get more upset and be meaner to me.

Hmm... Are you sure you two are friends?

A-And you never know what she's going to do once she gets mad, so I need to calm her down!

Actually, I should get going...

Hmm, she looks more like the owner of a fierce dog being dragged on a leash than a friend...

All right, then. I'll go with you. I was headed this way as well.

How come no one's following me?!

I was going to return, pretending to give in if Helen came to find me... But now there's no excuse for me to go back.

I can't just return after being so mad... Ugh, where should I go now?

*rustling*

Huh? What's that?

I hope it's a monster so I can fight it and feel a little better.

Hello? Who's there?

I'm going to attack if you don't answer!

H-Huh?! Stop! I'm not a monster!

A Dragon...?!

I'm sure she's the Dragon I saw from the battlefield.

All three of us combined weren't enough to take her down last time. I'm sure I can't defeat her all by myself... What should I do?

Umm, excuse me!

...Are you talking to me?

Yeah, who else would I be talking to?

Doesn't she remember we fought before?

You're coming from Wintenberg, right? Have you seen Charlotte on the way?

Oh, by the way, Charlotte is my friend. She's an adorable girl with a giant sword!

She said she'd be here by four... But then I realized there aren't any clocks in the valley.

Usually, my aunt would have taught me how to keep time using shadows... But now that she's sick and sleeping in bed, I didn't want to ask...

So I decided just to wait since last night!

But Charlotte hasn't come yet! Do you think I'm here too early? Or do you think she's lost?

Her memory isn't that great...and she seems a little dumb.

I guess that's good for me since I'll be able to restrain her easily if she's careless.

I'll pay her back.

Oh, I think I saw her on the way. But she was going in the opposite direction.

Maybe she got confused?

Huh?! Oh, no!

Don't worry. I know which direction she's headed. I'll take you there.

Really? Hehe... Wow, you're such a nice person!

Of course, I'm the nicest person you'll ever meet.

Just follow me!

Oh, isn't that Charlotte? The girl over there.

Where, where?!

Right there, right behind that big tree...

I don't see anyone there...

Now!

...!

SPLAT!

Huh?!

Ah, dammit. What was that? Why did she push me? Did she notice I was going to attack her?

Huh? What happened? Why is there a hole in the spot I was standing...

Why did you save her?

Ceci said Dragons and Dragon Knights are not allowed to fight anymore!

Cecilia and Lucius... Those soft-minded leaders will be replaced in no time.

No one's going to follow their orders.

You see, this girl... We fought against each other before, but now she's trying to help me!

*feeling guilty*

She remembered me...?

Since she helped me, I'm going to help her too. So don't you ever try to hurt her!

Well, it seems you're begging for death. I'll have to make your wish come true!

KABOOOM!

Huh? What was that explosion?!

It's the Breath of a Dragon! I thought the war was over, why...

...Cecilia said some are going to refuse to accept the peace.

*gasping* Could it be...?!

I have a bad feeling about this.

I'll go see where the noise came from, and you should get help!

O-Okay!

Urk...

She survived that attack... I guess she's a real Dragon after all.

No matter how noble your blood is, I won't lose to someone who can't even transform.

This is my last warning. Move out of my way.

No!

Well, I have no other choice.

I'll have to kill you as well and make it seem like you two got into a fight and killed each other.

Why are you doing this to us?! What did we do to deserve this?!

Nothing, nothing at all. I just hate peace.

If the war had lasted longer, I could have gone higher and become more important.

But the moment the war's end was declared, everyone turned their back on me.

Even my troops, not to mention the other Dragons!

If I want to become important, to have a chance again, I need war.

I'll kill anyone I see so that everyone will realize that only a miserable death awaits them unless you take action first.

If I make enough victims, someone, either Humans or Dragons, will decide to attack.

...Wait, that's exactly what I said.

But I just...liked the fact that I could go on a rampage without having to care!

I never wanted to be a victim myself!

Melany, you're a great trainee. Your physical strength, stamina, and agility...they're all above average.

You forgot to mention my charm and wealth. You made it sound like I'm only good at fighting.

...Sure. But there's one huge flaw that negates everything.

You don't think.

Yes, I do! Even though it was with a mediocre score, I still passed the written test.

I'm not talking about your intelligence or ability to learn.

You're always blinded by your own greed. You ignore others and your surroundings.

You do whatever you want, but ignore the results caused by your actions.

Those who act without considering the outcome are called fools.

Hmph, then I'd rather be a fool, living a fun life than a perfect and boring student.

Keep this in mind. The sword that swings without thought soon points towards its master.

...Seeing how I'm reflecting on my past behaviors as soon as I'm in danger, maybe I really was a fool after all.

I'll help too. With my skills, I'm sure I'll be able to stall for time at least.

Since we're not too far from the training ground, people will come and help us. We just need to hold out until then.

Got it.

In your dreams!

*panting*

Krrrrrr...

Oh, no! Monsters...

Should I escape? But I can't afford a detour.

B-But fighting alone is too scary...

Your stamina and physical strength are not improving at all and your endurance levels can't even be measured because you fall as soon as you start to run...

Helen... I'm curious how you even joined the order in the first place.

Oh, I heard they didn't have enough applicants the year I applied. It was the first time that ever happened since the Order of the Dragon Knights was established.

And it was the same year where I took a few day's rest... If I were there, I wouldn't have let you pass.

*whimpering*

...Well, I guess that's your strength. That you're amazingly lucky.

In the end, everything just magically works out for you. As if someone is pulling the strings behind the curtain.

I guess you can trust your luck and muster up some courage when the situation arises.

Right, even instructor Camilla said what I lack the most is confidence.

I'll just have to trust my luck this time!

Hyaaaap!

*whining* Ouch, ouch! It hurts! Let me go!

Krrrr... Krrrrr...

H-Help!

Is anybody there? Please heeeeelp!

H-Huh?

I thought I heard someone crying...

Are you okay? You look like a mess.

Ahhh... Thank you for saving me. *sobbing*

Are you a trainee from Wintenberg? What are you doing here?

Though a ceasefire has been agreed upon, it's still dangerous to be wandering around alone.

Oh! A Dragon used their Breath of a Dragon attack in the forest. My friend might be in danger now!

I must return to the order and ask for help. Can you give me a ride?

Shouldn't we go check on your friend as soon as possible? I think I can help.

Huh? But I'm sure a Dragon with an attack that powerful is too much to handle all by yourself...

Hmm?

Ahaha, this is quite an unusual experience.

Don't worry, I'm sure there are only few people on this continent who are stronger than me.

Ah...

Seeing how relaxed he is makes him seem untrustworthy...

But if I wait any longer, it might be too late. I guess having him there would earn some time for us at least.

All right, then. This way!

Watch out, it's coming again!

BOOOOOM!

Urk...

I can't...hold out any...

*cracking*

Ack...

H-Hey...are you okay? Open your eyes!

Sorry, I can't...no more...

Run...now.

I should have run when you weren't like this. How could I run away now?

Please help...anyone...!

Now, this is it...!

Hyaaaap!

*shrieking*

That girl...!

Why are you standing there?!

That surprise attack will only earn us a little time. Take Yufine and run!

O-Okay!

Why...standing...

Time...for you...Yufine...run...

This voice... Charlotte? Is that you?

...Human...arrogant...

It's weird, voices are...fading...

Of course, it's because we're running away!

Running away? Then what about Charlotte?

I think she's going to earn some time for us to escape. So we have to hurry, or we'll never be able to escape!

No... I need to save Charlotte...

But I can't even lift my head... I can't do anything...

If only I could transform, maybe I could have run and stopped anyone from getting hurt...

Why am I...

The situation is getting worse. Maybe we should send Yufine to the valley.

But they must be thinking that we betrayed them... I wonder if they're going to accept her.

...Since she's young, I'm sure they won't be too harsh on her. And there's Alencia, too.

Let's go visit the valley together soon. If we meet her and ask in person...

Mom...Dad. What are you talking about?

...Did we wake you? I'm sorry, Yufine. It's nothing, there's nothing to worry about.

But...you said "valley."

Don't pay any attention to that. Mom and dad are going to take care of it.

Luna...where are you going?

...

You're not trying to leave me, are you...?

Luna, you remember you promised not to go anywhere without me, right?

I...I'll be stronger. I'll be strong enough so that you can count on me.

Auntie told me that I'll be so strong once I learn how to transform into a Dragon. So...

...Once you can use the Dragon's power freely, you'll end up killing many with that power of yours, and eventually it'll get you killed too.

One with power will always find themselves in danger from those who covet or fear that power.

So, Yufine... Try not to learn anything, try not to do anything.

...Only then will you be safe.

...I must return.

But your condition and my skills aren't...

I'm fine. I can still fight.

I refuse to be a useless kid anymore.

...! You... You just...

Here, this way!

Huh?!

A Wyvern...and a Dragon?!

I-I don't think we can handle this alone. Let me go get more people.

...Doesn't it look like they're fighting each other?

Huh? O-Oh, now that you mention it...

What took you so long?! You should have followed right after me!

Melany?! You're safe!

If you're not fighting the Dragon soldier... Then where is Charlotte...? She went to save you.

She's unconscious now. I managed to save her because that Dragon came to help.

Since the Dragon is on our side, we only need to take care of the Wyvern, right?

That Wyvern is stronger than an average one. It's almost as strong as a Dragon, and it seems very skilled...

Somehow that Dragon looks rather inexperienced. We'd better help, or it's going to be in danger.

You should take Charlotte somewhere safe. I'll take over from here.

He's the one who fought Ranok and Zoranox...

This is bad. I'd better retreat.

The Wyvern is trying to escape!

Hey, Dragon! Get us above that Wyvern!

W-What?! Why do I... M-Melany, you're not trying to...

Now, Helen. It's time to show your skills... I mean, luck.

Just stab it as you're falling!

SMACK!

Kyaaaa!

It seems to be...Ragnai. One of the few Wyvern's who is also classified as an Evil Dragon.

It appears that while running away injured, he was hit in a critical spot and died.

Why did you push me off... *sobbing* I could have died!

With that knight on the ground I'm sure you wouldn't have died even if things went wrong.

I had a plan, you know.

Liar!

You must be Sir Krau from Ritania, right? Thank you for saving our trainees.

I barely did anything. The Wyvern tried to run the moment it saw me.

If anything, that Dragon and your knights did the bulk of the work.

Dragon...

Did you hear that? Apparently that Dragon helped us.

Are you sure? I thought Helen and Melany were caught in the middle while the Dragon and that Wyvern were fighting.

Are you the Dragon that helped Melany and Helen?

Yes, I am!

I see. I really appreciate your help. I'll make sure you're well compensated.

Oh, no, it's fine. If anything, Melany helped me first!

Excuse me? I'm sure Melany wouldn't have done such an admirable...

Are you sure it wasn't a misunderstanding?

W-Why, I can do a good deed from time to time!

From time to time...? To my knowledge, you've never helped anyone...

*clearing throat*

Hey, Dragon! Speaking of which...I owe you an apology.

An apology? To me?

I wanted the war to last, and I thought you were a fool.

But it turned out I was the real fool.

I considered the war to be some kind of game where you got a point for killing a Dragon soldier.

So... I'm sorry. And thanks a lot.

It's all right. Charlotte said anyone can make a mistake.

If you're really that sorry, would you do me a favor?

A favor? ...Let me hear it first.

Will you be my friend?

I always think, the more, the merrier!

Hmm...okay.

Now that things turned out this way... Helen, Christy. You two are also her friends now.

What?

M-Me?

I don't want to be a third wheel between her and Charlotte!

Christy, since you're my twin sister, you're supposed to do everything together with me!

And you, Helen...

There's no particular reason for you, but you're just a plus one I guess.

She's so mean!

Phew... Who can stop her?

I was skeptical that we could find a way to co-exist with Dragons...

But maybe our kids might not have the same trouble we had.

The cliff is collapsing, watch out!

...! Ilynav...

*rumbling*...

Is this...the end...

...Moro.

Even if everyone turns their back on me, even if they say I'm wrong...

You'll be by my side, holding me, right?

That's...all I need.

Because you...you saved me.

Ack...

...Where am I?

Are you awake? I was worried you might not wake up. You've been asleep for days.

Penelope?

I'm not dead yet.

Since I didn't get to take my revenge, maybe that's why I couldn't go to where Moro is...

What does Moro have to do with any of this? I simply took good care of you and nursed you back to life.

No one knows you're alive, except Camilla and me. We weren't sure if you'd like to return or not.

I can't go back to Cecilia's Wintenberg. That's not where I belong.

Even if everyone gives up, I'm going to keep fighting and die on the battlefield.

What? Wait... You're too weak now!

Huh? My arms...they don't feel right.

It feels like I'm in somebody else's body...

Is it because I'm not fully recovered yet?

*panting* Finally. Don't make me run, I've got a bad leg, you know.

It's not just a feeling... I can't use my body properly.

With this body, I won't be able to kill a lizard let alone a Dragon.

...You're right. I'm not sure if it's because the Dragon Knight Insignia is gone, but your condition seems to be much worse than before.

I think you need to rehabilitate for a very long time. And even then, you won't be as strong as you used to be.

And it's probably impossible for you to keep living as a Dragon Knight.

Am I not even allowed to die on the battlefield...

*sighing*...

Why did you save me?

I'd rather die than continue to live such a shameful life.

Are you...suggesting that retired soldiers like me are living shameful lives?!

If you're so eager to die, then die right now. If you're too weak to strangle yourself, let me help.

All right. Go ahead...

NOOO!

What do you think you're doing?! You promised to take good care of her!

...I wasn't really going to kill her. I just wanted to threaten her...she was being pathetic.

What's going on, Penelope? Have you been keeping in touch with Dragons secretly?

What do you mean? That Dragon has nothing to do with the Dragon soldiers we fought.

It's still a Dragon. It could become a huge threat to Wintenberg once it's grown.

I-I have no intention of doing that.

It's not up to you. Penelope, take care of that Dragon right now!

...Ilynav, there's another thing I haven't told you yet.

That Dragon saved your life.

What?

He was the first one to find you under the pile of snow at the bottom of the valley.

So he reached out to me for help, since he knows me because of my trading of Dragon body parts.

What...?!

Urk...

THUNK

*gasping* She collapsed again! Oh, no... I hope she's all right.

She hasn't fully recovered, that's why she collapsed.

Let's head back. Do you mind helping?

Sure...

...You don't need to hide.

H-How did you know...?

Though my body isn't the same, I did spend my entire life hunting Dragons. My senses are still in top form.

So get lost, you're getting on my nerves.

But Penelope said you could collapse again... And she asked me to let her know if you do.

Do not expect me to show you mercy just because you saved my life. You'll be my first victim if I'm able to hold a spear again.

Run before then, if you wish to live.

Why are you so desperate to kill me?

You Dragons have taken someone very precious to me.

For that, you can't be forgiven, even if I kill each and every last one of you.

...I've lost my family to Humans as well.

But I've never thought about killing every Human for that.

Ha, that's because you didn't have the time or power to do so.

Forgiveness is just an excuse for not being able to get revenge. Because you don't want to feel guilty about it.

No, you're wrong.

They said I wouldn't be able to live for too long since I was born weak. But I'm the only survivor after all of this.

Why did I survive? Why me?

I think there must be some meaning behind it.

At least, I don't think I was given this life just to use it to hate and kill others.

So the meaning of life to you is living peacefully with the people who killed your own family?

I'm sure your family wanted you to get revenge for them. And you're ignoring their wishes just for your own safety and happiness.

Not only are you being selfish, but you're also a coward.

Why do you think they would want revenge?

If that person who died truly loved you, they wouldn't have wanted you to find the meaning of life in vengeance.

Shut up! You don't know anything about her!

...Let's call it a day today.

If I see you again, I'll kill you!

...Where am I? A battlefield?

Your Majesty! The Dragon soldiers are retreating. Should we follow?

Yes, it must have been a nightmare. I couldn't have fallen into such a miserable state.

Of course, to the end's of hell.

Kill every single one of them!

P-Please, I have a son who was born frail. If I die, he won't be able to live.

If you let us go, we'll live quietly somewhere no Humans would ever go... Please...

What should we do, Your Majesty? They don't seem to be soldiers...

...

I don't want to risk it. Kill them all.

*shrieking*

We've killed all the Dragons. There are no survivors.

Good job. I'm sure our dead would be pleased by today's victory.

Ilynav.

That voice...

Moro!

I've become the strongest knight in Wintenberg just like you said!

I've killed so many Dragons. Everyone is so proud of me.

You're proud too, right? Aren't you happy?

You can rest in peace now, right...?

Is there anything you want to do or learn, Ilynav?

...Huh?

What I want to do is avenge you...

Other than that...

Think about it and let me know, all right?

For now, why don't we put these books and swords aside and go get something delicious to eat?

Moro? Moro, where are you...

Don't leave me... Moro!

Ilynav, Ilynav!

Geez, look at you. You're sweating. Did you have a nightmare?

...Moro was in my dreams. She never appeared in my dreams ever since she died.

But she left like that... Without even listening to me.

Ilynav...

I'm sure the reason I had this dream is because of what that Dragon told me... That Moro wouldn't have wanted me to get revenge.

I agree, she wouldn't have wanted revenge.

She was a kind person, who only wished for your happiness.

...Even if she didn't want it, I had no choice.

I don't think my decision was wrong and I don't regret it.

That's the past, but what will you do now?

Do you still want to keep walking that path?

...

Is there anything you want to do or learn, Ilynav?

...I don't know. I...

I don't know if there's anything I can do but kill...

*peeping*

I said hiding is no use.

*gasping*

...

...I'm here again. Aren't you mad at me?

I might have killed your family.

Do you still...have no intention of getting revenge?

No, I don't.

Why?

I told you. I don't think the meaning of my life is to get revenge.

Whenever I got sick, mom used to tell me that there are so many beautiful things in this world, and that she wants to share them with me.

And because of her, I was able to fight against my medical condition.

Now that I've survived and seen this beautiful world, I wish to be a part of it too.

That's why I've forgiven Humans and saved you.

That's the ideal world I dream of.

The world...is full of betrayal and revenge.

Those who say that the world is beautiful are too immature and naive.

Umm... Are you feeling better now?

There's something I want you to see. Follow me this way.

Why would I...

Oh, come on, you won't regret!

A cliff... I'd surely die if I fall off.

If I take one more step...

I'm glad it's so clear today. With the blizzard, you don't get to see all this.

Stop staring at your feet. Lift your head and look over there.

I'm sure there's nothing to see...

...Ah.

Isn't it beautiful?

Have the skies of Wintenberg...always been like this?

I'm sure some are still fighting down there.

But at the same time, here's this beautiful sunset.

I think that even if everyone were in the same place, looking at the same sunset, no two people would see things exactly the same way.

So I'm sure the world you see is somewhat different from what I see.

No one's right or wrong, it's just that we're seeing different sides of the same world.

Like you said, you could focus on dark, ugly things.

But I've decided not to.

Because life is too short even when filled with beauty.

...

Is there anything you want to do or learn, Ilynav?

Sure! That's a great idea.