Episode 5 Chapter 2: Betraying Your Kind

This token thing... How are we supposed to use it?

It looks like some type of trinket. Are we supposed to wear it on our clothes?

All you have to do is show it to them! I made it by putting my signature mark on my favorite gemstone, so they'll know it when they see it.

Oh, and a word of caution, don't try to take it apart. And do try not to drop it or break it.

I'm not really interested in taking it apart.

The gem's so pretty... And it's really shiny, too.

I told you, it's been imbued with mana. That's what gives it the extra sparkle. But if you break it, the mana will leak out and wreak all sorts of havoc.

Use it wisely, and it can be your weapon. Use it poorly, and it will come back to bite you. That's mana, but I'm sure you're well aware, being Shadow Elves.

Just hand it over to the Slayer guys and they'll handle the rest, yeah?

Slayers, you say...?

Yep. Those guys are my Human friends that I just told you about. They're the ones in power among Humans.

And just what exactly do they slay?

What do you think? Anything that's not Human, of course, but not me!

Figures...

Alright! Now that we have this opportunity, shall we get going right away?

Before we do, there's just one problem.

Hm? What is it?

We don't know where we're going.

...

Huh? Didn't you say you knew the way around, Sis?

All I know is the way to the city center of Skuggiheim. There's no way I'd know the ins and outs of the Human regions.

Oh...

Where do we need to go? Show us the way.

Me? Hmmm... That's kind of a lot.

Look, if you're going to help, at least see it through.

And you're the one who's receiving that help. Don't you think you're getting a bit ahead of yourself?

...

Oh, I know. Fenris, you should go with them.

What?

You said you've been to the Human village lots of times. You know the way, don't you?

Why do I... No, I can't. I'm busy.

Busy? You literally just got fired.

...

Brieg being Brieg, he's sure to issue orders for everyone's arrest, including yours. Didn't you come along because you knew you'd have no place to return?

Now that you're all fellow fugitives, why not extend a helping hand to our lost, pathetic friends?

Who knows? If you help them and things work out, maybe they'll come back and help you in exchange.

I don't need any help.

Hm? Why not? Are you going to stay here forever? Where do you plan to hide? How long do you think you'll last?

Or what, do you think you're brazen enough to live like me?

...

If you go with them, they might even take you back to their homeland, or maybe find you a ship to a different continent. You never know, right?

And once you make it out of here, you'll be free. Isn't that right, you guys? Don't you think so too?

What?

Of course! We're not so shameless as to receive help and not return the favor.

What are you saying, Amid? Do you mean we should escort that brat all the way back home?

Are you serious?

Just bear with me for a minute. Right now, we're in desperate need of help finding our way. We can think about the rest later.

...*sigh*... I'm only taking you to the entrance.

That would be plenty. Thank you!

...

...

...

Ran, Aria, come on. Lighten up.

...I still can't accept this. I know we're desperate, but how can you ask us to trust someone like him?

I agree. Not to mention, he's the same one who led us into that prison.

But he also got us out, didn't he?

That only makes him even more suspicious. What could he possibly be up to?

The other Shadow Elves, too, don't you remember how they lured us in with kind words and hospitality, only to turn on us and label us as the daughters of a traitor?

For all we know, they're plotting to use him to lead us into another trap.

*sighing*... I'm not saying we should follow him blindly. We should still be on our guard.

But remember what Fumyr said, they don't exactly treat the two of them very kindly. We got to see firsthand what that means.

And things are even worse for him now that he's a fugitive. He had to have known what would happen, but he helped us anyway. Don't you think at least some of that could have been genuine?

...

...Hmm.

Hey, I have a question.

What is it?

Who exactly is Fumyr? What's your connection with her?

...Dunno. We just know each other's names, really, so your guess is as good as mine.

Why was she cast out by the Shadow Elves?

She says she got caught doing something stupid in the Garden of Noias.

The Garden of Noias?

The place where they serve Spirit Lord Noias, the caretaker of the Tree of Genesis.

What stupid thing did she do?

Something...that got her in trouble. I don't know.

Then how come you landed in the same boat as her?

It's more or less the same story.

Really? And what did you do?

...Something dumb.

So what is that, exactly?

This way.

...

He's not exactly forthcoming.

He's being cagey. He's suspicious after all.

Oh, please... Who would want to go around spilling the beans on their personal lives to outsiders like us?

Let's give it a rest and pick up the pace.

...We're here.

Huh?

There's nothing here. What are you talking about?

This is the way into Human lands. I brought you to the entrance like I promised.

No, wait... There really is nothing here. It's hard to even tell north from south.

Take us a little farther. Please?

You said the entrance would be plenty.

I had no idea it'd be the middle of nowhere!

Tell us the truth. Is this really the entrance? Or are you trying to drop us off who knows where for another one of your schemes?

*sighing* I'm here by myself. What scheme do you think I can pull?

Here by yourself? We'll see about that.

You don't have to believe me if you don't want to.

Where will you be going?

That's none of your business.

It's none of our business where you go, but it absolutely is our business how that might affect us.

Do you have somewhere to hide, then? You're a fugitive like us, after all.

I don't.

Spit it out. Where are you trying to go?

I'm not. Your business or not, I'm only trying to get away from here. I won't get in your way, so back off.

It's not like I'm a big fan of you guys either, so what's the point in sticking together? Let's just go our separate ways.

You little...

...

No, you're wrong. There is a point. I don't want to just send you away like this.

What?

Amid? What's gotten into you?

I just...had this really strong feeling, like we shouldn't be sending him away like this.

What? Where is this coming from?

OUTSIDER DETECTED.

What's this now?

A machine...?

OUTSIDER DETECTED. INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT! ATTACK! ATTACK!

What?! H-Hold on!

Calm down! We're not here to fight!

That's right! You must be mistaken, we're not a threat!

Calm down? Be mistaken? Do we even know if that thing has a consciousness?

Oh! Maybe it'll recognize Fumyr's token!

Yes, we should give it a try. Hey, you, get us that token of...

...Where the heck did he go?!

*sighing* I knew this would happen.

He went that way!

Stop right there!

INTRUDER ESCAPING! PURSUIT! PURSUIT!

It's coming after us!

I'll get it off our tail!

Urk...!

Got you, you jumpy little foal. You dare run away from us?

Let me go! We agreed to go separate ways!

Separate ways? Are you kidding me? You ran off with our token! I'm on to you, you little twerp! You're trying to sneak away with it and leave us stranded!

What? Fine, if you want it so much, then take it!

Ah...!

Looks like I'm right on time.

Aria! How did it go?

I managed to shake them off with a spell. It looks like we've caught our little weasel and found our token too.

Yeah, but now we're even more lost than before.

You're right. We've been chasing each other around so much...

Hey, you. Where are we? Why did you come this way? And don't even think about lying to me.

I don't know. I was too busy running, thanks to you, and now I don't know where I am either.

Tsk...

What do we do now?

...Oho, new faces! Now this is a rare sight!

You there, you must be new around here. Are you tourists? You're clearly not Human.

And who are you?

Me? I guess you could say I'm something of an expert when it comes to these parts.

Do you live here?

There's not a single house or building nearby. Maybe he's homeless.

Homeless? Pfah!

I was keeping an eye on you and you looked lost, so I thought I'd go out of my way to help you out...

But it looks like you don't need my help at all, so I'd better be on my way. Well, excuse me, then!

Wait. We do need help. We happened to be looking for a Human to ask for directions.

Hold on. Can we trust this guy?

What's not to trust?

Don't you think it's weird that he would suddenly come up to us and offer to help? Kindness always carries a price, you know.

So what, do we send him back and sit on our butts out here?

*sighing*... Is there really no other way?

That lippy brat says he's lost too. We need the help and we can't afford to be picky.

If he wants something in return, we can pay him off. If he tries something stupid, then we knock some sense into him.

I agree with Ran. We don't have much of a choice, so let's ask him for help.

...Hmph.

You'll come with us too, right? We're all in the same boat out here, you'll have to if you want to find a way out.

...Tch.

So... Did you say you lived here?

There's no house nor shed for anyone to call home out in this wilderness. I'm only familiar with these parts because they lead to the entrance to the eastern regions.

...So that road really was the entrance.

And for your information, I'm a seasoned traveler and a curator of knowledge and experience from all over Erasia.

So you're a vagrant.

No, not some mere vagrant, but a seasoned traveler! I'm an expert when it comes to the matters of Erasia.

...Oh. Okay.

His field of expertise suddenly grew from "these parts" to encompass all of Erasia.

You, you came here from a different continent, didn't you? Of course you did, else you wouldn't be running about slack-jawed in Human lands.

You're right. And that's why we'd like to get some information about Erasia.

Well, you've come to the right place. What would you like to know?

We heard on the way here. The Humans and Shadow Elves don't get along.

Ahh... Well, you see, it all started a long, long time ago.

Back in the olden days, the Humans and Shadow Elves were on such good terms, the Shadow Elves would even give out land for Humans to live on.

In fact, that's how the Human nation of Sangerat came to be.

Does that mean we're in Sangerat land?

Nope. Sangerat is waaay over there in the west.

The place we're in right now is called Equilibria.

Equilibria?

That's what we call the Human lands that have risen up in rebellion against Sangerat.

Rebellion? Was there some sort of civil war?

That's right. Sangerat today doesn't belong to Humans, after all, but to Vampires.

What's a Vampire?

They look like Humans on the outside, except they're a bit different...and a bit creepy. Well, that's the gist of it, anyway. I'd rather not get into the details.

Then is this the capital of Equilibria?

Capital? There's no such thing. Equilibria doesn't have much to its name in the way of governance, unlike Sangerat.

People just gather together in settlements here and there, and then the Slayers set up camp nearby to keep things civil.

The Slayers do try to fill in for the lack of a proper government, but it is still technically an anarchy out here, so they're only barely getting by.

Anyway, because of all that, we've got a three-way fight going on between Shadow Elves, Vampires, and the Slayers.

...

Did you guys get all of that? Am I the only one that's confused...?

No. I get the feeling some things haven't been properly explained.

...In any case, you appear to be familiar with the Slayers. Since you're showing us the way, I'd like you to take us to them.

...To the Slayers? Why?

We have a favor to ask of them.

What kind? Want to ask me instead?

No. It has to be the Slayers.

Uh... You sure? They're pretty high-strung and they've got a nasty temper to boot. They're not an easy bunch to deal with.

Regardless of where you're from, there's no mistaking you for anything other than Shadow Elves. And they slay Shadow Elves! Do you think they're going to leave you alone?

We can handle ourselves. There's no need for your concern.

Hmm...

I can take you there, but you've got to go a ways farther to get there from here. Let's head to the village entrance for now and mull things over.

Let's do that.

...How much farther do we have to go?

Just a little more!

You seem to be taking us further and further off the beaten path. Am I mistaken?

Yep, you sure are! We're right on track!

I don't think you're mistaken.

Aria?

It's strange no matter how you look at it. I don't think he's taking us where he says he is.

Take a look around. Forget settlements, even the occasional ruins we used to see are gone.

Oh yeah. That is a little strange.

Hey, what do you have to say about this? Is this really the way to that village? Do you see anything familiar?

No. I've never been here before.

*sighing*

Didn't I tell you? Kindness always carries a price. I don't know what he's up to, but he's definitely leading us into a trap.

Then what should we do? Should we ditch him and make a run for it?

But we don't know where we're going, and he knows this place like the back of his hand.

What's keeping you? Tired already? Come on, now, keep up!

Yeah, we're coming.

Tsk... This is going to be a pain.

Should we just overpower him? There's only one of him after all.

Maybe we'll have to take him down and threaten him by force. I didn't want to resort to violence...

...You there, what's with all that whispering amongst yourselves? You're not up to anything fishy, are you?

...

Honestly, we think you're suspicious.

You say we're right on track, but there's no village in sight. If anything, it's only getting more and more remote.

It was strange to begin with that you'd show up out of nowhere and offer us help. Especially when we're not even Humans.

You'd better come clean before someone gets hurt. As it stands, we're rather busy, and we have little time for your excuses.

...

Well, now that you mention it, I'm not exactly in a position to kick back and relax, either. We're here, by the way.

Hey, I brought the goods.

The goods?

What's this now? What did you drag in all that extra baggage for?

I had no choice. I can't handle all this by myself.

But the goods this time should fetch a decent price. It's that Shadow Elf stuff the Slayers are looking for.

Uh... There's more of them.

Looks like we already fell for it...

I should have known, you were after Fumyr's trinket all along.

Hey, missy, it's already too late for that.

Is it just me or are these guys also Shadow Elves?

They're not from Skuggiheim, judging by the looks of it. I don't know where they wandered in from, but it looked like they were lost.

Must be why they followed me here like docile little lambs. Hehehe...

Now, if you don't want to go missing in the middle of nowhere, you'd better play nice and hand over the goods.

I knew it. I told you it was off, didn't I?

*sighing*... It feels like nothing's been going our way since we got here.

It's too late for regrets now. Now that we're trapped, there's only one choice for us to make.

Right... Now it's either fight or flight.

Argh! Hurk...!

Where do they keep coming from?

There must be more hiding nearby!

This way! The wolf-looking one's got the item!

Get him!

Aria! I'll distract them, so take Amid and run the other way!

No! You can't handle all of them on your own!

Yes, I can! I'll catch up with you so just go!

Give me that, you, *gurgling*

What are you waiting for? Hey, kid! Don't just stand there, run!

...It might be too late for that.

FUGITIVE DETECTED. FUGITIVE DETECTED.

*sighing* Dammit.

Hey, who's there?!

*gasping* Slayers...!

Hm? Wait a minute. Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

They kind of look like the ones that were seen robbing passersby the other day...

N-No! You've got the wrong person! W-We were, just...you know...

...Getting attacked by those Shadow Elves over there!

Get attacked? You were the ones who attacked us!

Oh. Huh. It really is a Shadow Elf.

You dare stir trouble behind enemy lines? You've got guts, I'll give you that!

We're not your enemy! We've only come to ask you for help!

We're Fumyr's friends! Here, take a look at this trinket. This is our proof!

Fumyr's friends? Hmm...

Hey, this really does look like one of Fumyr's tokens.

It might be fake. We need to check.

In any case, for now we need to bring you in as criminals. But rest assured, we'll let you go once we've verified the authenticity of this token.

Criminals? We didn't even commit any crimes. How are we criminals?

...GRRR...

Weren't you attacking these innocent travelers?

Whatever the reason may be, the fact that you were attacking Humans makes it difficult for us to trust you.

They're the ones who attacked us first. We're the real victims here!

GRR... GRRRR...

Your stories aren't exactly lining up. Who's lying?

That trinket was ours from the beginning! They stole it from us!

Mr. Slayers, please! Do you really mean to insist you'd rather take the word of some Shadow Elves over that of Humans?

Hmm...

...Hey, wait. Did you hear that?

Hear what?

ROAARR!!!

AHHH! The heck is that?!

Some sort of wild beast? But its eyes, something's not right.

It's coming straight at us!

Watch out! Get out of the way!

That was close. Had we noticed it any later, things could have been really bad.

Is everyone okay?

W-We're fine. We managed to get behind our machine...

Thank goodness everyone's okay.

Wait, those travelers are gone.

Huh? Fumyr's trinket, too...

It's gone with them. It's the reason why they approached us in the first place.

So they really were a bunch of robbers, then?

What do we do? Without the token, we can't prove we aren't their enemies...

There's no need to rely on that thing now. It looks like they've caught on to who the liars are.

Uhh, well...

...It would be unseemly to continue insisting the people who helped us are our enemies.

Does that mean you believe us?

Can't say we do entirely, but we do believe you bear no hostility toward us.

I never once imagined my enemies would end up saving my life.

Haha... We were never your enemies in the first place, you know?

You said you came here to ask for help, right? Are we the ones you wanted to ask?

That's right. In fact, we were actually looking for you Slayers. Fumyr told us you'd be able to help.

Ugh... What do we do? Is it okay to bring them with us?

I dunno either... Hmm...

...Well, let's bring them and see what happens. Amiki will know what to do.

Alright, then... You guys, follow me.

Thank you for trusting us. We owe you one.

...

Huh? Wait, where are you going? It's dangerous out there on your own!

Leave him alone. This is what he wanted from the start.

But...

Now that we've found the Slayers, we don't need to rely on him anymore. Let's let him do what he wants.

Let's go, Amid. There's no point in wasting time.

...

Whoa... It's a total wreck.

What in the world were you doing with this machine?

Hey, hey, relax, Amiki. They wouldn't have broken something this expensive because they wanted to.

There must have been a good reason for all this. So, why did you break it?

We're not the ones who broke it in the first place!

We came across these people while out on patrol, but when we were trying to identify who they were, this wild, rampaging beast came charging straight at us...

...And the machine was damaged while we were trying to stop it.

A wild beast? On a rampage?

We've been hearing a lot of those reports lately.

Give it to me straight. Is that really the truth? Or are you just making excuses to cover your...

It's the truth. We saw it too.

...

Speaking of, who are these people with the fresh-looking outfits?

They're Shadow Elves...

What?!

N-Now wait a minute, Amiki. Hear us out! They say they aren't from Skuggiheim!

They're outsiders from a different continent. In fact, they say they're on the run from the Skuggiheim Elves.

It looks like they're on the same side as that Shadow Elf who's been helping us.

Fumyr, that ghastly guttersnipe.

So why did you bring them here?

They helped us in the wild beast attack. They seemed to have some urgent business, and they said they had something they wanted to ask...

...

It can't have been easy, saving these buffoons. You have my thanks.

We only did what had to be done.

Not that we'd mind a little something in the way of compensation.

Ahh, right. So, what did you want to ask?

...Information on the Tree of Genesis?

Yes. That's our only objective.

Celestial forces? Hmm... This is the first I've ever heard of it.

But considering the transcendent power of the Tree of Genesis, maybe it's not so far-fetched after all.

Fumyr told us that if we went to the Slayers, we would be able to find information.

She's not wrong, but we don't have all the details either.

We have our hands full just dealing with the other races, so we don't have the time to pay attention to that kind of stuff.

Oh, but there are those files that Leah's been putting together every now and again...

Can you show us?

EZRA! Are you crazy?!

Ack! For the love of... Why do you have to shout like that?

You can't just go blabbing about something so important! The files' owner isn't even here!

When's the last time we needed permission to see them? It's fine.

It's not fine! Those people are Shadow Elves!

*sighing*... Amiki, they told you. They're Fumyr's friends.

Now, I know you have it out for every last Shadow Elf regardless, including Fumyr, but you know how Leah is.

She'd no doubt tell them to help themselves to whatever they find. And don't you remember what she said last time?

But still...!

And if you're still worried, we can just keep an eye on them. What's the big deal? There's no need to make things complicated.

...

*sighing*... You see anything the slightest bit suspicious, you report to me right away. If anything goes wrong, it's your head on the block. Understand?

Yeah, yeah. Understood, Officer.

...It's disheartening, being looked upon with scorn wherever we go. It's almost starting to wear me down.

Yeah... It makes me feel like I'm lying on a bed of nails.

Sorry to keep you waiting, my honored guests!

You have permission to peruse the files. Follow me if you want to take a look!

Really? Thank you so much!

There's something I'd like to know. Can I ask you a question?

As long as it's not too complicated.

It shouldn't be. I'm only curious as to why you're helping us.

Hm? Do you really need to know? Doesn't it work out for you either way if you get what you want?

We've only just been burned by accepting help from a stranger. Not to mention, I've been thinking lately that the less we know, the more careful we need to be.

That you do. That's not a bad mindset to have.

She's not here right now because she's off on duty somewhere else, but we have quite the reliable leader in charge of the Slayer base in the northeast.

And not long ago, she said, "To cast out another because they're of another kind is to only fan the flames of conflict."

...Though she probably only said that to calm people down because they couldn't get on the same page about Fumyr.

What a compassionate leader you have.

Of course, it's not like we can start getting along with our enemies at the drop of a hat, but still, she does have a point...

Just because they're born of the same blood doesn't mean they're born of the same circumstance. Take Fumyr, for example.

She said she was cast out by the Shadow Elves.

Exactly. They're of the same kind, but they get along worse than enemies. I just thought Leader was being idealistic at first...

But you know how they say everyone has something to offer? We give her what she wants, she gives us what we want. It actually works out pretty well.

And Fumyr seems to be helping out Leah quite a bit, too, with her research into the Tree of Genesis.

...So that's how she built up the trust she needed to make friends with the Slayers.

But don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean we're on entirely friendly terms with you or Fumyr.

As I'm sure you're aware, the Shadow Elves are our enemies. And at the end of the day, you are still Shadow Elves.

So let's try not to cause any trouble, take care of our business quietly, and go our separate ways. Yeah?

Right... No objections here.

This is our barracks. If you go that way, you'll find some big bookshelves with our leader's precious books.

The files on the Tree of Genesis or whatever it's called are all there, so go knock yourselves out.

Thank you.

Is this the shelf with the files on the Tree of Genesis?

Nope. It should be everything in that corner from top to bottom.

...This is a lot more than I expected.

From what I hear, the Slayers have been carrying out this research for generations. Apparently things died down for a while because of all the war and what not...

But Leah started taking extra interest in it since a few years ago. Before you ask, though, I don't know much about that tree. Nor do I particularly care to.

In fact, it's probably safe to say hardly anyone in the Slayers knows much about it at all.

We heard that not only Shadow Elves, but also you Humans were looking get your hands on the Tree of Genesis.

That's from back when Sangerat was still in its heyday.

It's been a while since we got in this mess. So it's safe to say that people like me without much of a connection to Sangerat don't know much about it at all.

From what I gather, a lot of the material we had on it was lost... And all that's left now is just rumors and hearsay.

I see...

...Um, excuse me, I have a question.

Yes, please, go ahead.

Are there, by any chance, villages other than this one nearby? Or any roads one could follow on their way out...?

Uh, no? I don't think so. This is the only village around, and there isn't much in the way of roads.

This really is the middle of nowhere. It might look open and inviting, but once you go out, it's mostly just intraversable wastes.

...I'll be right back.

What? Where are you going?

I can't help but be worried. I'm going to go look for him.

What, that cheeky little brat?

Why do you keep concerning yourself with him? He has nothing to do with us. We're never going to see him again.

I know. I know, but still...

*sighing*... Did you already forget all the trouble we had to go through because of him? Besides, he wants to be left alone anyway.

He doesn't care for us either. It's mutual.

...I don't think that's how he really feels.

What are you talking about?

He looked like he was carrying the whole world on his shoulders. He looked too tired and lonely for that to be the case.

I don't think he took advantage of us for some ulterior motive. I think he was just treated with scorn and discrimination for so long that he couldn't help but be on edge around us.

...

No matter the reason, no matter the cause, I don't want to turn a blind eye to someone fighting a lonely fight.

I trust you'll understand me, Ran.

For goodness' sake, Amid...

...

I understand. But you have to be back before sundown, even if you don't find him.

I will. Don't worry.

This is the way he went back then. Completely opposite from ours...

If he was having a hard time, he could have just asked us for help. Not that I don't understand how that could have been difficult with complete strangers...

Now that I think about it, he looked especially nervous on our way to see the Slayers. That can't have all been because of us.

Up until the moment we left the forest together, I didn't get the impression he was trying to get away from us.

Also... Looking back, he'd always run away and hide whenever we ran in to Slayers.

Judging by how he had no qualms about throwing us Fumyr's trinket when Ran got ahold of him, it doesn't look like he was trying to take it for himself, either.

No matter how I look at it, it has to be because of the Slayers. There has to be more to this.

And if that's the case, he might be holding on to a lot more information that can help us, while also hiding it from us because of his own personal circumstances.

...

We might need each other's help more than we realize.

...Some freedom this is. I wanted to be free from my troubles, not free of all worldly bonds.

Fumyr... She didn't send me here thinking this would happen, did she?

If she did, then she had to have known how much trouble I'd be in. Then why? What was she thinking?

Or what, is this all a coincidence? Did I agree to all this trouble for nothing?

I can't go back to Skuggiheim like this, and it's not like I can just wander into a Human village either...

Why did I do this to myself? Forget Fumyr, what was I thinking? Why did I back myself into a corner with no way out?

Just what can I do about it now?

...

I guess all I can do now is starve to death out here alone...

...Oh? There you are.

...?!

I knew you couldn't have gone far. The road was pretty easy to follow, so I found you faster than I exp...

...Dammit.

Huh? Wait! I'm not here to threaten you. I just wanted to talk...!

...Ack!

...!

Oww... Stupid rock...

...Uh, hey, are you alright?

Ugh... My ankle, it hurts... I can't get up...

...

...So what did you start chasing me for? If you'd just left me alone, you would have been fine...

...Gotcha!

What? Hey, let me go!

I said I just wanted to talk! I won't try anything else, so could you please stop running away?

I have nothing to say to you!

But I do! You're the only person I can ask!

...Ugh...

I won't hold you for very long. If you still want to leave after talking to me, I'll let you go. So please, just a moment of your time.

...Make it quick.

Shall we take a seat first and stretch our feet?

...

Oh, come on... Lighten up a little. How does such a little guy like you hold on to so much tension?

What?! Are you calling me small?

No, not your size, I mean your age. By the looks of it, you must be a whole lot younger than I am. Am I wrong?

...

Anyway, thanks for agreeing to talk with me...and, um... Since we're here, shall we be a little more up front with each other? Here, let me start.

To be honest, I'd rather we have this conversation in a village where we can be safe, instead of out here in the middle of the wilderness...

Not happening.

...Yeah, yeah, okay. I didn't expect you to agree. Although, if it's because my companions made you uncomfortable, I could try talking to them for you.

Still not happening.

Oh, so there's something else the matter, huh?

...

To tell you the truth...I followed you here because I wanted to get to know you better.

Like why you decided to help us, or why, after all that, you wanted to leave us. Or why you're so intent on avoiding the Slayers...

...And what kinds of burdens you're carrying alone.

...

You said you were an outcast in Skuggiheim, right? When Fumyr sent us here, she said she gets along better with the Humans.

You, on the other hand, keep running away from everyone. From Skuggiheim, from the Slayers, all by yourself.

Whatever it is, it must be a really lonely battle you're fighting.

...So what?

So I know what it's like to try and carry all that weight on your own, how lonely and difficult that can be.

And also how much it can hurt you and the people you're trying to protect.

...

Now, I'm sure whatever burdens you're carrying have nothing to do with us. And I'm sure I'm sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, but...

I don't want to see anyone else suffer through unnecessary pain and sacrifice. And now that I've discovered your loneliness, I can't exactly turn a blind eye.

...If you didn't want to see it, you could have just let me go.

Then you'd never have to run into me again, and you wouldn't have to know where I was or what I was doing.

Well, then you'd just end up being on my mind the whole time I'm travelling. I'd have no idea how things turned out for you.

Oh, you're nosy alright.

*giggling* Yeah, I can be like that.

And also, to be just a tiny bit selfish, I was thinking you might have a bit more information than you're letting on.

So I wanted to ask you for your help.

Ah, so that's your real reason.

Oh, you know. Just one of many.

...*sighing*

I get what you're saying. But still, I can't go there.

Why not?

I... You could say I owe them a big debt.

A big debt...?

...

You're still here?

Oh, Amiki. Are you done with the machine?

Just about. I only need to check on it anyway. Someone else will be doing the repairs.

But that aside... We're missing someone.

She said she was heading out for a bit.

Out? Where?

No idea. It sounded like she was looking for something.

...

Hey, where did one of your companions go?

She went to go look for someone else from our group. We got separated on our way here.

Oh? If you'd just told us, we could have put some people on you to help. Who are we looking for?

A Shadow Elf. Young. Looks like a brat. Goes by Fenris.

Fenris?

Is it someone you know?

...No, I just thought I heard the name somewhere before.

Yeah?

Speaking of, Amid, was it? Hasn't it been a while since she left? The outer reaches haven't been looked after for some time, it's not a good place to be for too long.

...Tsk, I knew it. I should have gone with her.

It's not too late to put together a search party...

...It's fine. I'll help.

...Huh? What's gotten into you, Amiki?

It's wasteful to muster troops just to look for a couple people. Besides, it's not like I have much to do right now.

Really? You? Helping Shadow Elves?

What, do you have a problem with that?

No, I don't have a problem, it's just... Are you alright? Did you hit your head while I wasn't looking?

...

...You gonna be okay on your own?

The roads are easy to follow and I know the region like the back of my hand. What's there to be worried about?

Well, I suppose that's true... Okay then. Be careful out there.

Sure.

I'd say that worked out. With Amiki on the job, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Our officer might not be the friendliest person alive, but she can handle herself pretty well in a fight.

...

I should go too.

Huh?

Where are you going off to?

That Amid, she went out there without knowing her way around. She could have gotten herself in trouble again.

I wouldn't be surprised if she ended up wandering down the wrong path along the way.

Amid certainly is carefree, but she wouldn't be so careless.

But what if you're wrong? I can't help but be worried with her out there alone in this unfamiliar place.

And even if there is a Slayer on the case, it'll still be faster to find her with two people instead of one.

Hmm... I suppose that's true too.

...

Anyway, I'll be back.

A big debt? What is that, exactly?

...Don't worry about it.

Oh, so you're just going to play dumb again after making me curious?

Why are you so obsessed with other people's business?

I told you, I want to get to know you better.

You're so annoying. Are you interested in me or something?

What if I am?

...

No, don't take it the wrong way, since we're both on the run from our people, I just felt a bit of a connection with you and wanted to get a little closer...

*sighing*

...Found you.

Oh! Amiki! Did you come looking for us?

...!

...You little rat. So you finally showed yourself.

Huh...?

For years I've been waiting for the day I finally found you. It looks like the day came faster than I expected. How lucky can I be?

I'm so happy I could cry, Fenris.

...Amiki.

Oh? Do you know each other?

We sure do. I would never forget that face. Not even in death.

...

Speaking of which, I see your face is still as brazen as ever. It feels like only yesterday you turned tail on us and bolted. What brings you crawling back now?

Oh, did you come back to die? Would you rather I do the honors? Why, it must be so hard to go on with all that guilt, even for you.

Well, if that's your wish, I'll gladly oblige.

Stop! What are you doing?!

Step aside, unless you want to die, too.

I won't! Fenris is my friend!

Friend? Ohh, that's right. They said you were looking for your companion.

...

Make all the excuses you want about being shunned by your kind, but at the end of the day, you're still Shadow Elves all the same.

This makes things simple, then. You're just going to have to die here, too.

W-Wait! Amiki! You've got it all wrong! Listen to me for just a...

Ran!

Looks like I made it just in time.

You scum... You followed me!

You should have seen the look on your face the moment you heard the name "Fenris."

Honestly, I never wanted much to do with him. But if you're thinking of even laying a finger on Amid, I can't exactly stand by and watch.

Ha! Really? Fine, then. Wiping this world clean of you Shadow Elves was all I ever wanted anyway.

I'll just have to kill all three of you at once. Now die!

I got her! Now's your chance!

Let me go!

Stop squirming around so much and sit still!

Ugh...!

Phew... It's not so easy trying to go easy on someone out for your blood.

You did great, Ran.

As for you, Amiki, it's time for you to calm down. Rather than just lash out at my companion, why don't you explain what exactly...

ARRGH...!!!

Let me go! I'm going to kill him! That traitor! I'm going to kill him with my own two hands!

...Traitor...?

Do you have any idea what I had to live through because of you cursed Shadow Elves? Do have any idea what it took to survive after you took everything from me?!

I will never forgive you!

What's this all of a sudden...? Where's all this coming from?

I don't know either...

Say, that big debt you said owed... Were you talking about Amiki?

...

Phew, we somehow managed to shake them off.

Man, I can't believe you managed to come up with that. Right when we were about to get caught, too! Did you see the stupid looks on their stupid Shadow Elf faces?

And that beast showed up just in time. I told you luck is on our side.

And now that we have the goods safe and sound, all we need to do is cash out.

Finally, you're here. I was starting get worried you guys might stand us up.

My goodness, Mr. Slayers. You came early!

We ran into a bit of a situation and things got delayed. But we brought you the goods safe and sound.

This is it, right? This thing with that kooky Shadow Elf mana.

It is. Give it here.

Now, now, don't be hasty. We had a deal, Mr. Slayers. Don't you remember?

If you mean payment, we brought plenty of it. See for yourselves.

Oh, come on... Is that it?

We put our lives on the line for this, and you're telling us to hand it over for a piddly bit of change? The least you could do is make it worth our while.

Did you really think we wouldn't know how anything that has to do with that Tree whatsit sells for enormous prices?

What? This was the deal we agreed on!

You should be grateful we even give you the time of day, you sticky-fingered hobos...

Sticky-fingered hobos? Now that's just going too far. We're going to have a problem if that's how you're going to be.

We might just barge into your encampment and air all your dirty laundry about this illicit trading you've been partaking in.

You uppity little thugs! Do you think you'll get away with that?

Don't do anything you're going to regret and hand it over while we're still being nice.

Don't you know who's holding the cards here, Mr. Slayers? We don't have to sell this to you.

If this thing fetches such a high price, then it must be in high demand, right? Now, I wonder... Whose demand should we fulfill?

...It looks like words aren't going to get us anywhere.

If this deal falls through, all we have to do is round you up and throw you in a cell. It's not as if our comrades would believe the words of some ne'er-do-wells anyway.

And as for evidence, we can always cook something up if we need to.

What are we waiting for, then? Let's get them now.

Now, wait a minute. You can't be serious. I still have the item in my hand. You know that right?

Oh, I do. So be a good lad and hand it over. It'd be a shame if something happened to that hand.

We said we're not handing it over! Hey, let me go! Do you have a death wish?!

Do I have a death wish? Oh, you're in for it now. Shut your mouth and hand it over!

Hey, look out...!

*gasp*... I-It's cracked.

Dammit all, are you nuts?! Do you have any idea how much that was worth...?!

W-What? What's this strange gas...?

*gasp*... My body...!

W-What's happening...?!

...

Hmm... How is it? Making progress?

More or less.

That's good to hear.

...Right.

...

...

...

...Can I help you?

Not in particular.

Then why are you staring at me?

Um... Well, it's not like I have anything else to look at. We just kind of ended up alone.

So you're keeping an eye on me, is that it?

Can't deny that, I suppose.

You're helping us and yet you can't trust us, so you're staying on your toes... How ironic. Why not just make up your mind and stick with it?

But I want to do both. What else am I to do? I'm just trying to be impartial.

I have to consider both our leader's directive not to cast out other races, as well as the eyes of my comrades who have it out for every last Shadow Elf.

The less you know, the more careful you need to be, right?

...Tsk.

So why is it that you Humans seek the Tree of Genesis? At least we Shadow Elves were born from its power.

Well... To be precise, it's not Humans, but the Slayers, and more specifically the higher-ups like Leah and the Marshal.

And this is just my guess, but isn't the Tree of Genesis the whole reason behind why the Shadow Elves and the Humans have been at war for so long?

So the Tree of Genesis is the root of this conflict?

You seem to be under the impression that the Tree is some sort of repository of knowledge, only good for sating your curiosity...

But here in Erasia, the Tree of Genesis holds much more significance than as just some sort of encyclopedia.

What was it that they said again...? Some kind of godlike entity even capable of changing your very nature?

Change your very nature?

You know, Vampires. They were Humans once. One of those books should mention something about it somewhere.

Anyway, it's so great and amazing that even the snobby Shadow Elves have taken to worshipping it.

And once upon a time, they say, the Shadow Elves and the Humans shared its power in peace and harmony. Though, technically, it was probably just the Shadow Elves who were giving it away.

Then, one day, the Shadow Elves got it in their heads that they were better than everyone else and started trying to keep the Tree for themselves.

Now imagine yourself in the shoes of the powerless Humans. You lived your whole life relying on the Shadow Elves, only to have the rug pulled out from under you. How would that make you feel?

And that about covers what I know when it comes to the Tree of Genesis. I never really cared to know more, so I've never even peeked at those books over there.

...I see. But that only makes things weirder.

Why's that?

Because even though we've been cast out from Skuggiheim, both we and Fumyr are still Shadow Elves in search of the Tree of Genesis.

So what, you'd rather we turn on you and kick you out?

No, but...

But you're not a fan of this ambiguous relationship? Well, for what it's worth, it makes me uncomfortable too.

And to be honest, you're right in thinking that it's weird for us to trust you, given the circumstances.

But it's not so much that we trust you, it's more that we hope you'll lead us to a way to end this war and be the key to improved relations.

And that's also what Leah wants, so we're choosing to accommodate you for now. Though there are still some like Amiki who haven't quite come to terms with it all...

But you said so yourselves, you want to protect this world from the Celestial beings or whatever. And there's more to this world than just Shadow Elves, right?

...

Do you understand now why we're helping you while keeping an eye on you at the same time? So just make sure to stay away from causing any trouble, and things will be fine.

It looks like we're in agreement then...

Heavens above! What the heck was that?!

Some sort of explosion... It came from outside.

Could it be...? A surprise attack? Is it the Shadow Elves?

We should go out and see.

Argh... Why now? Why does it have to be now when Leah and Amiki aren't here?

Hey! Are you okay?! What happened?

Urgh... E-Ezra...

We're under attack! It looks like it's those vagrants wandering around our base!

There are more attacks and strange explosions coming from their direction!

What? Those thugs! I had my doubts when I saw them lurking about...

We have enough on our hands as it is guarding against the Shadow Elves. I didn't think we'd get stabbed in the back like this by Humans under our protection...

But why would they suddenly attack this place?

There's nothing valuable here to steal, and if they were under your protection, they're not exactly doing themselves any favors.

W-Well... We have no idea either...

Maybe they're looking for weapons to steal? You know they wouldn't think twice about stealing anything worth any money.

Hey, how about we get moving and save the wild conjectures for later? What about Amiki? Is she back yet?

We haven't seen her either. I don't think she's back.

For the love of... Hey, you! Didn't you say you were on patrol earlier? Did you ever run into her?

...

What, cat got your tongue?

Hey man, this isn't the time to be spacing out!

Wait, I think that one just entered the base from the direction of the explosions. How can he be so calm in the middle of all this chaos...?

And that look in his eyes. I think I've seen it somewhere. Somewhere...before I came here...

...No, it can't be!

It can't be what?

That man...he's a Slayer, the same as you, isn't he?

Yeah, so?

*sighing*... Listen to me carefully. He is no longer your comrade.

What?

There's no time for a full explanation, but one thing's for certain. He is no longer the person you once knew.

I don't know yet how or if we can turn him back... For now, we can only assume the worst.

What are you talking about?!

WHOOSH! CLANG!

What are you doing? Get out of my way!

What am I doing? What's the matter with you?!

Do you really expect me to just stand there and watch while some outsider calls my friend an enemy and starts attacking? What kind of idiot do you take me for?

Do you not see the chaos unfolding around you? Do you intend to lose your entire base for the sake of one soldier?

How do we even know if this is his fault?

You planned this whole thing from the start, didn't you?

...Excuse me?

Now that you mention it, didn't you say earlier that you were with those ruffians? How do we know you're not on the same side?

Forget ruffians, she's a Shadow Elf!

Shadow Elf scum! Are you trying to turn us against one another in the midst of all this chaos?

What...? You can't seriously be accusing me of...

Come on, now... This is disappointing.

Didn't I tell you just now? All you had to do was stay away from causing trouble.

...

I don't know what made you want to suddenly start spouting all this nonsense, but let me make one thing clear.

I asked you not to cause trouble, but you did. Now I can't just sit by and watch.

What is this about? Tell us properly.

...

I... I don't know either. I just...

You don't know...?

My whole village was torn apart the moment you ran away. My family, my friends, they all disappeared, and you dare tell me you don't know?!

I know it was you who led them to our village!

It wasn't me!

I've always wanted to tell you the truth, I just never had the chance. And it doesn't change the fact that I have nothing to be proud of, so...

Ha! You got that right! You really do have nothing to be proud of. How dare you make excuses in front of me with your lies?

I can't believe she lost her whole village...her family...

...

So die and pay for your sins with your...

*gasp*...!

That sound... Did something explode?

It sounded like it came from where we came from. Could it be...

I-It wouldn't have come from where Aria is, would it? Oh, no. I think I have to go...

Calm down, Amid! We don't know what exploded where! If we run into it without thinking...

...

...Let me go.

What?

I said let me go! I need to get back there!

B-But...

I don't have time to waste on this worthless runt! I have to get back to my comrades!

That distance and that direction can't be anything other than the Slayer base!

...!

I knew it...! Ran, we have to follow her!

Right. You! Snap out of it and get moving!

M-Me?

What in the world...

...What an absolute mess.

Aria? Where are you? Answer me!

Amid!

Aria! Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?

Yeah, I'm alright. I managed to get out of the way. But the way things are going...

Hey, what happened here?!

There's been an insurrection! The vagrants suddenly stormed our base, and then some of our troops started attacking our own people...!

We're evacuating the injured and trying to establish a defense!

What? An insurrection?! Attacking our own people? But why?!

...They've gone berserk.

Berserk?

Do you remember that beast we saw outside? It came at us like it had gone crazy the moment it caught sight of us.

They had the same eyes as that beast and acted the same way. I don't know what's going on in their minds, or what caused it...

But they're showing blind aggression as if they've gone mad. They're not themselves. I'm sure of it.

What should we do, Amiki? They're still our comrades...

But that doesn't mean we can just let them raze down our entire base!

Stop them! Attack them if you have to! Try to capture as many as you can alive!

Thankfully, there aren't too many of them. It shouldn't take long to subdue them!

Good. Drive them out and surround them!

Huh? What's that?! There, at the entrance!

Argh!

This way! Attack! Push forward!

S-Shadow Elves! When did they get here?!

Shadow Elves?!

It's the enemy! Block the entrance! Hold them back!

It's an emergency! The Shadow Elves... They've brought an army!

This can't be. But why? How is this happening all at once?

...They seem to have gone that way this time.

They've sure been busy running around.

Past this road, we'll reach a region garrisoned by the Humans. There don't appear to be any forces presently lying in wait.

Do you mean they have no guards stationed at the border?

It is certainly strange. This place used to be so heavily guarded that there would be frequent skirmishes all the way up to the forest.

Shall we continue, sir?

No. We don't have a full grasp on the situation, so stay on the lookout. It won't hurt to be careful.

It's obvious this would be the direction that the fugitives have gone, so we have no reason to rush.

Yes, Commander.

Over there, Commander. It's the Slayers.

Of course. Are they standing guard?

Um... Well, they do appear to be guards. But something's amiss...

They're talking to another group of some raggedy-looking Humans. From what I can make out, it sounds like the scene of some illicit transaction.

Illicit transaction? Ha! That's what caused their lapse in security?

I said we had no reason to rush, but I'd also rather not waste time paying witness to their tomfoolery. Let's just take them out and...

Wait, Sir. The item they're holding... It appears to be one of Fumyr's.

...Fumyr's?

W-What? What is this strange gas...?

*gasping*... My body...!

Wait, this is...

I can sense a strange mana! But it also feels familiar somehow...

...She must have taken the mana from the Tree of Genesis and twisted it to her will.

Sir, they're on the move. They seem to be headed back to their base.

...

And now we have a reason to rush.

Sir?

We don't know what effects Fumyr's mana will have on us, so keep your distance as you give chase and stay on your guard.

Also, there will soon be a commotion in the Human encampment. Use the chance to launch an ambush.

Understood, sir.

With a bit of pressure, their position will crumble on its own. There's no need to go out of your way to cause trouble.

Our only objective is to keep driving them into crisis after crisis.

A Shadow Elf army? How could this happen?!

W-Well, that's...

The ones that went berserk... They were guards posted at the border.

What?!

We don't know what happened either! Like that Shadow Elf said, the guards suddenly came back out of their minds, and after that...

They must be behind all of this. Ever since those Shadow Elves showed up, things have only been going wrong!

The Shadow Elf army must have followed you here, too.

We didn't mean for any of this to happen! We're just as lost as you! We only made it here with Fumyr's help...!

I can't believe this...

Curses. This is why I always said we shouldn't be letting in any Shadow Elves!

Why's there no end to them?!

There's too many injured! We're being outnumbered!

We're engaging enemies both inside and outside our base! We won't be able to hold out for much longer...!

Why now, of all times, is Leah not here?!

Amiki, you have to make a decision! Now!

...

Fall back... Fall back! Abandon the base! Round up the injured and retreat!

...*sigh*...

How could this happen? Our base fell in the blink of an eye...

What about Ezra? Is he alright?

He was struck by a fellow Slayer gone berserk...and has been severely wounded.

I see... Where are the Shadow Elves?

We're holding them over there.

...

Isn't it time you came clean? You brought them here, didn't you?

*sighing*... I told you. We didn't.

All that trouble fleeing our own kind's false accusations, only to face them again here...

Maybe we should have just tried to find our way on our own...

...

Speak up, Fenris. Doesn't this remind you of the good old days? This is really bringing me back.

You tricked me and my sister into accepting you as a friend, only for you to then betray us...

...And have our village mercilessly trampled by the enemy. Just like today.

Why don't you try giving me the rest of your excuse from earlier?

...

*sighing* You disgust me.

The Shadow Elves are our enemy! This one in particular has aided and abetted the invasion and destruction of Human lands!

We will bring them north! We will bring them to justice!

...I'm the one you're looking for.

What did you say?

Both back then and now, I'm the cause of all that's happened. The others have nothing to do with it.

So I'm the only one you're looking for. Let Amid and the others go.

...

Fenris...

Such heartwarming bonds of kinship. I'm sure you hold your kind dear in your heart. But the same goes for us.

And I'm done being made a fool by your petty tricks. After all that's happened, your words mean nothing to me.

So save your breath and wait. Your misery's coming to an end.