Episode 5 Chapter 3: Strangers in a Strange Land

I think it's another bust...

Yeah. There's...just nothing. What does she even think she saw here anyway?

Probably just some wild animal.

She did say the figure seemed Human.

Then maybe it was one of those vagrants or something. Would they really choose here of all places to hide Kane's body?

Here? Even though all it takes is a single platoon to turn the whole place upside down?

Now that you mention it...

That's what I'm saying. You know how clever those Vampires are. We fell for a dodgy report. Again.

Let's just go back. We're wasting our time...

Hey, this is about her, isn't it?

Who?

You know, the one with the pigtails. What was her name again? The one who brings us supplies. You just want to go back so you can see her again, don't y...

What? No I don't! Come on, man...

Yeah, right.

Let's just take one last look around over there and start heading back... Huh?

Why? What is it?

Do you see that over there? There's some sort of strange smoke...

Hurk...!

Such a pity. If only you had been a little less observant...

...You could have made it back alive.

Augh...! Y-You're...!

There's nothing to see here, so...

Why don't you take a little nap?

U-Uff...

*sighing* Well, that's annoying... I suppose this means we'll be moving Lord Kane's coffin tonight.

That's why I always say...

When you act without thinking, your body pays the price. Poor thing...

...Are you talking to me?

Who knows? If that's how it seems to you, Lady Elvira, then perhaps that's how it is.

*sighing* You annoying little...

No. It's fine. This is not the time. We should get to moving Lord Kane's coffin.

We should, shouldn't we?

Erasia?

That's right.

They say more passenger lines are making the trip these days. A lot more than they used to.

It's....really a long way away...

Oh, you've never been outside Taranor, have you? You should go out some more. See the sights. Broaden your horizons.

Hmph. Are you trying to brag about your trip to Eureka?

You should take your Dagger Sicar friends and go on a trip of your own. I'll write off all the expenses for you.

It's a mission. Of course you should write it off...

But why this sudden interest in Erasia from Taranor? You should at least fill me in on what's going on.

Ah... That's...

Like I said, with more ships coming in now from Natalon, we're also starting to get people coming in from Erasia aboard those ships.

I'm aware. A few of them managed to cause some trouble in the alleys of Revenbol.

We happened upon several bodies recently along the border between us and Ezera. It looked like the members of some rival gangs ended up killing each other in a fight.

Were they all from Erasia?

Yup.

Did you find anything out about their objectives?

That's... Well, that's up to you.

...

That's one of your missions. That, along with finding out who exactly these people are.

I see.

Anyway, the guards found something interesting while going through the area. Their belongings were all mixed up, so we don't know what belongs to whom...

But apparently they were tracking down exiles from Erasia who came to Taranor long ago.

Exiles?

Exiled Vampires. To be specific, they were looking for one that had managed to survive after all this time.

Jenua...?

Hm? What did you say?

Uh, nothing. It was nothing.

Hm... And the interesting thing is, the other faction was collecting information about Dun Blyraia's World Tree.

Isn't that strange? Why is Erasia interested in the World Tree?

They're not exactly your run-of-the-mill thugs or smugglers, then.

As I'm sure you already know, in Erasia, the Shadow Elves, Humans, and Vampires are in the middle of waging war against each other.

I didn't know that.

Hm... Well, you don't need to know all the details. But take a few books with you from the library, like travel guides and stuff.

You don't know the details either, do you?

I don't have to. I'm not the one going on the mission.

...And that's why we'll be going to Erasia and investigating the situation. Understood?

Yes, Mr. Eligos.

Yes, Boss!

Understood.

So we're going there to work. Until the moment we got on the ship, you were making it sound like we were going on a vacation...

There was a good reason for that. It's a secret mission, so we had to be discreet.

If people like us say we're going out on a business trip, it's only ever going to raise eyebrows.

That's true. Especially if it's you...

What was that?

Oh, nothing.

Our Swifty's finally going home. How do you feel?

I dunno. I don't exactly remember much.

Now that I think about it, this isn't your first time, is it? You crossed the ocean to come to Taranor.

Well... It wasn't exactly a pleasant experience...

Don't dwell on unpleasant memories, Haste. Let's focus on happy thoughts instead.

Once we're in Erasia, we might get to learn more about the life of your father Conwell.

Yeah, I guess, but it's not like I want to go out of my way to...

Everyone, stop bullying Haste and read up on the material I gave you. The mission always takes top priority.

Yes, Mr. Eligos.

Uh... But where are you going, boss?

I'm going up on deck to get some fresh air.

It might not have been ours, but we still paid good money to get on this ship. I ought to see the sights while I'm here.

What, so you're going to dump a bunch of work on us and go have fun on your own?

Leave that for the evening and come out. All of you.

The wind is a bit chilly.

Whoa! Hey, Boss! Take a look at that!

Ugh, can you stop acting like it's your first time on a boat? You're embarrassing me.

If anyone else sees, Huh?

Haste, get behind me.

What? Why?

Aaah! M-Melissa!

Oh? In a place like this? Now this is unexpected...

You... Did you follow us here?

Are you still trying to go after Haste?

Ha!

There's no need to concern yourselves.

I have no interest in Haste anymore.

Then why did you follow us?

That's right, you were following us! Why would you get on this ship to Erasia unless you were...

What are you talking about? Erasia is my home.

from Erasia. Oh.

I'm going home because I have nothing left to do and nowhere left to be back in Ritania!

But why are you here? How do I know you're not the ones following me?

Why would we ever?

Isn't it obvious? You want revenge. That's just how you...

That's not true, Melissa. We have no interest in you either. Sadly, we have received no requests for your...elimination.

And Jenua said he didn't want to get involved anymore.

Hmmm... Hmm...

So what are you going to do? Are you not going to attack me?

Hmm...

Haste, this one's yours. You make the call.

Eligos!

Well...

If Melissa doesn't want to fight, then I'm not too interested in it either. Like Eligos said, it's not like we got a request for it.

It's nothing personal.

...

Haste, were you doing an impression of me?

Yup.

Argh...

I'm getting real tired of looking at nothing but the sea, Boss.

We're almost there, so be patient for just a little longer.

How did you find out, Mr. Eligos? Did you perhaps deduce our location based on the positions of the stars and the incoming pattern of ocean swells...

No. I just asked a sailor I ran into by the galley.

Oh...

I really don't think I'm cut out for these lengthy trips. I already miss staying in Taranor...

Just one more night and I'll be home.

Our family's estate... I wonder what it looks like now?

It's probably nothing but ruins. I bet it's in even worse of a shape than how I left it.

It's all my fault. If I find any surviving family, I should beg for forgiveness, and...

Um, hello?! I'm trying to have a moment here!

It's quiet again.

*sigh*... This is not how I imagined going back home...

I was going to get my hands on the power of a Vampire Lord and rebuild our family... No, it's no use now. It was never possible to begin with.

...Nor was it ever what I really wanted.

But it's all in the past, now. What matters is the future. First, I need to see if any of my family survives and start agai...

ARGH! Seriously?!

I ought to take these idiot deckhands and...

Wait. Isn't this...the sound of fighting?

Is there a fight happening on deck?

Where did these guys even come from?

The one flying over there looks like a Vampire. I knew it, this was Melissa's trap all along...

A trap? Hardly.

Wah! You scared me!

Why are you trying to pin this on me? I was trying to catch some sleep in my cabin this whole time. I only came out here because of all the noise.

She's a Vampire. Doesn't that mean she's on your side?

What, do you think all Vampires know each other? By that logic you should be suspicious of Haste, too.

Hmm...

What should we do, Eligos?

Let's leave it to the sailors for now.

We should stay away from doing anything that might give away our identities.

Another sailor just went flying off the ship.

If everyone dies, who's going to drive the boat?

*sigh*...

Looks like we need to step in after all.

Oh, you're not so bad, are you?

Tch, she's fast.

I bet I'm unlike any Human you've ever seen.

Now I wonder who you are, Mister?

And who the hell are you, Miss Vampire?

Ha! Me? Do you really want to know?

I'd love to fill you in on all there is to know, but I happen to be a little busy right now.

I think we got 'em.

Yeah, these guys are a piece of cake!

Now let's take down that annoying Vamp...

AHHH!

Oh, dear...

The ship's going down!

Dammit.

Oh, no. I never wanted to go this far.

Are you sure? Didn't you plant the bombs because you wanted to set them off in the first place?

What? Of course not. If only they hadn't gotten in my way, I would have ever so gracefully...

Oh, never mind! Why am I even explaining myself to you? *sigh*

Do we have our package?

Of course. I work efficiently, unlike a certain somebody.

...Sure. Then we don't need to waste any more time here.

Let's go.

Right. Let us stop wasting any more time.

A... Abigail?

She does look a lot like her, but c-could it be?

Melissa! What are you doing? Get it together!

Huh?

We're too far. There's no way we can get them from here.

Yeah... You're right.

The sailors are lowering the lifeboats! Eligos grabbed one for us. If you don't want to die, then come...

Ahh!

Swifty!

Haste! No!

Haste!

This way! Quickly! Get on the boat before you get swept away...

No, not that way!

Hrrpff...

*gurgle*

*sighing* It's like father like son with that family. Won't ever listen to me for their lives...

I guess I can't help it.

Hng...

Mmm... Pyllis... Where are we...?

Sorry to break it to you, but I'm not Pyllis.

M-Melissa?

We're probably somewhere in western Equilibria. Not that I'm too sure of it myself.

But that aside...don't you know how to swim at all?

They say Vampires can't swim.

Pfft. Who told you that?

Your father Conwell would swim from the beach all the way to a small island offshore. He called it light exercise.

That's what it said in a book in the Revenbol Library...

But Eligos did say to take what I see in books with a large grain of salt.

What are you mumbling about? Anyway I have a long way to go, too, so let's...

We did make it to Erasia, though, right?

Right.

I hope the others got here safe, too...

I'm sure they did. They're a pertinacious bunch, they would have made it through, no matter what.

Or take a look around, if you're so worried. They probably all washed up around here somewhere.

Mhm.

Hey... Melissa.

What is it?

Thank you for saving me.

*sniff*... You've got a knack for making people self-conscious.

Now quit being such a bother and start looking for your friends. I'd rather not be your babysitter any longer than I have to.

You heard that too, right?

Yeah.

They've been following us for a while now.

Be careful, this place isn't like Taranor. There are all sorts of dangerous beasts that call the forest home.

The most dangerous thing in the forests of Taranor was Dagger Sicar...

Shh, they're getting close.

...

We need to attack first. Eligos says the first punch always gets the...

Of course.

Hey, this smell...!

Wait, hold on! Pyllis!

Pyllis?

Haste?

Haste, you're okay! Thank goodness!

See? I told you. I knew it smelled like Pyllis.

Uh... Umm... I smelled...?

You're okay, too, right Pyllis?

Yep, I'm fine!

...I thought that Cidd or whatever was the only puppy dog in your group.

Anyway, now that you've found your friends, I'll...

That's strange. Why do I keep hearing footsteps?

Watch out!

I guess Pyllis wasn't the only one that was following us.

I told you, the forests of Erasia are dangerous. Especially here in Equilibria...

There's even more footsteps. It sounds like there are more than one this time.

More than one? Could it be...?

It's coming from that way.

Ugh, of all things, why...

We need to hide. Follow me! Hurry!

Why are we hiding? It sounds like people, not wild animals.

That's exactly why we're hiding.

Armed people in Equilibria can mean only one of two things. Bandits, or Vampire Slayers.

Vampire... Slayers?

They're coming, they're coming. Shh...

Everyone stop here.

Yes, Claudia, ma'am.

All units, halt!

There was a fight here.

It wasn't just wild animals. They used bladed weapons. Weapons like swords and scythes.

They're coming closer.

No... Why are they coming this way? Now that it's come to this, we have to strike the first blow...

You told us to be quiet but you're the one being the lou...

Shh.

These marks are fresh. They're definitely close by.

My instincts never lead me wrong... O...ver...here!

Claudia! Claudia!

Why? What is it?

Urgent news!

The lifeboat's completely wrecked. But at least it managed to get us here.

I wouldn't say it's completely wrecked. We just have to fix the hole in the bottom and it'll be as good as new.

You can fix that?

I just need this axe and a decent piece of wood, and bam!

Ooh, I didn't know you had skills like that.

Heh, well, you see, before I came to this world...

What are you guys still doing with that?

It's not like we're going to need it anymore.

What...?

Really?

Yes. We've arrived in Erasia, so we won't be needing that anymore.

On our way back, it'll be better for us to take a bigger ship. No, a sturdier ship.

Oh, yeah, you're right!

If you're all back on your feet, let's get going. First, we need to find the ones who got separated.

Will Pyllis be okay? She jumped off the boat to try and save Swifty...

They're probably somewhere nearby.

I thought they'd be nearby...

Where do you think they are...? They'll be fine, right? I hope they're fine... Swifty doesn't even know how to swim...

Stop it! You're making me worried!

I'm only saying it because I'm worried too! Why are you getting angry at me?!

Don't worry, I'm sure they're both holding on. They're tenacious members of Dagger Sicar, after all.

By the way, where is this place? If only we hadn't left behind all our maps and guidebooks in our cabin...

I remembered to bring all our money though, Boss.

Well done.

In any case, we'd better get out of here. A place like this with so little cover is unfavorable for...

Mr. Eligos! There's someone coming this way!

Uh... Even at first glance, it looks like there's at least twenty or more people.

Dammit...

There's nowhere to hide, Boss!

What should we do?

Hmm... It looks like we're going to have a problem.

Stop right there! Yes, you three. Stop!

What do you want?

Ha, get a load of this guy. Running away not a moment ago and now he's suddenly full of confidence.

Why did you run away from us? Identify yourselves!

We're tourists from Ritania...

Who do you think you are, yelling at Mr. Eligos like that?! I'm going to...

Take it easy, Coli.

Boss! Should I cut them all down?

How do you plan on cutting down so many of them?

Quite the rowdy bunch of tourists, aren't you?

Why don't you put down those weapons first? I'll hear what you have to say after.

That's going to be a bit difficult.

Oh well, what can you do.

What the... Why are these guys so strong?

Hey, are you sure you're tourists?

Wouldn't you like to know?

If you first tell us who you are, then we'll tell you who we are.

Eh? You don't know who we are...? You didn't run away from us because of our flag?

What's so special about your flag?

We ran because you looked like the guards. We didn't run because of your flag.

Ugh, don't say that, you idiot!

We're Vampire Slayers stationed in western Equilibria. We're under the command of Captain Veronica.

I see. The Slayers... I think I remember reading about you in a guidebook somewhere.

You have no reason to be afraid of us unless you're Vampires. Either that, or...

...You have a friend who's a Vampire.

...Ah.

Uh...

Oh, we also go after thugs and robbers. We're in charge of keeping the peace around here.

So, now, why don't you tell us who you are?

It looks like they stopped fighting.

We should go join them.

Should we go now?

Wait.

They're most likely scouts... If we take them out here, the entirety of the Slayers' forces is going to descend on this one spot.

Right... This isn't Taranor. We don't have anyone watching our backs for when things get messy.

Pyllis, Eligos said something and they started moving again.

It looks like they're all going somewhere.

They're probably headed to the fortress where their main forces are. Luckily for them, they don't have a Vampire since you're here with me.

They have nothing that the Slayers would take issue with.

Tch, then that means it'll be a problem if I join up with them.

That's right. You're a smart boy, aren't you, Haste?

But I quit drinking blood already. Wouldn't it be fine?

...I take that back.

Hmph.

Looks like we have no choice but to wait until Eligos leaves the fort.

Haste, we should find somewhere for us to stay in the meantime.

Okay. But where will we find one? I've never been here before, and neither have you...

Oh, you know the way around, don't you, Melissa? It's your home, after all.

...

So... You couldn't find him in the end, is that right?

...I couldn't find him.

I couldn't find out...where he went after leaving Taranor...

But didn't you say he was leading a band of mercenaries?

There are...rumors...but...

There are too many...mercenaries...in Ritania...

It looks like we're repeating ourselves, unfortunately...

The same questions, the same answers, again and again...

Ugh, I know already!

Excuse me, but could you please be patient, Abigail? You know keeping them enthralled takes a lot of concentration.

Yes, of course. You are excused.

Now, then. Shall we try this again?

Mnnn... Ugh...

Why were you looking for him? Why did you go all the way to Ritania to look for the leader of the Exiles?

V-Veronica said...

Yes! We know Veronica told you to go. Why else would you have gone? So? What was your purpose?

...

*sighing* Why, oh why...

He's lost it, poor thing...

You pushed him over his limit, Lady Elvira, and now he'll never get to wake up again. Isn't that right?

You...

Yes?

Do you want to finish it? I'll let you have him.

No, thank you. He's not my type.

Let's raise a toast!

We did it! Hahaha!

It's lively out here.

Must be an occasion. Everyone's in high spirits.

Is this the biggest city in the region?

No, not quite.

It's the biggest among Slayer fortresses, but the nobles reside elsewhere.

Hmm...

And by that I mean Human nobles, not Vampire nobles.

I understood you.

So, are you holding a festival of some kind? The crowd seems rather excited.

No, not exactly...

Kane's done for! The Vampires are done for!

Ugh, those louts... How many times do I have to tell them?

Who's Kane?

...

Was that an uncomfortable question?

No, it's fine.

Kane Drake. He was the last Vampire Lord of Erasia.

We managed to take him down not long ago, and that's got everyone excited. But I think it's still too early to celebrate, personally.

...And why is that?

It's nothing you need to be concerned about.

Come on. I'll take you to Captain Veronica.

Claudia, you're back.

And these people are...?

Oh, we ran into them out on patrol.

They started running the moment they spotted us! So, at first, I thought, "Oh, look, yet another bunch of bandits."

Does that really need to be said...?

But, as it turns out...

You came from Ritania?

Our ship ran into some trouble and ended up sinking. So...

I've received a report on that incident.

Did you say you were mercenaries?

We heard Erasia was in the middle of a war.

So we came here looking for work. We figured our skills would be in high demand.

Yes, it is true we're in need of people who know how to fight.

You can stay here until you find work. We'll show you to the visitors' quarters, so make yourselves at home. However...

Under no circumstances should you cause trouble in this fort. Understood?

Of course.

Eligos, was it?

Yes?

Your subordinates aren't here, and neither are mine. I'd like you to be frank with me.

What are you...

As I'm sure you've seen, Human lands in Erasia are as barren as can be. It's nothing like Ritania.

Is it like this everywhere?

Don't misunderstand, I'm only...

For the most part, yes. Things aren't much better elsewhere than they are here.

It's been a long time since the Vampire Slayers were founded and we began our fight against the Vampire Lords and their Human followers.

War...changes everything.

I see you're aware.

This war began long before I was born, and since then it's shown no sign of stopping. That might change soon, but...

...This is the result. Not only us, but also the Vampire nobles and their once prosperous cities now all lie in ruin.

Only Skuggiheim of the Shadow Elves remains intact. But there's no work to be found there by any Human.

...

And you say you came here to find work?

Eligos, your words do not make sense.

...Fine.

I'll give it to you straight.

Pathetic oafs... What do they think gives them the right to go carousing like a bunch of idiots?

They haven't even found a single clue about where Kane's body's been hidden.

Hey, Claudia... I think I know how you feel.

Huh?

You know the type. The type of people who leave a job half-finished and call it done.

There were a lot of them back home, too.

*sigh*... Looks like they're everywhere.

I know, right? Just because you've killed a Vampire Lord doesn't mean it's over.

You need to find their true heart and...

That's right! That's what you have to...

Hey, wait a minute. How do you know that?

Oop...

How does someone from Ritania know about a Vampire Lord's weakness?

I heard you didn't even have Vampires there.

I-I, uh... You know, th... That's right! I saw it in a guidebook.

A guidebook?

O-Our boss got it from his contac, I mean, his library. It had all sorts of information in there... We lost it though.

You're not lying...are you?

Of course not. Why would I ever lie?

What reason does that Veronica have to talk alone with Mr. Eligos?

So what if she's the captain of this place, what does that have to do with him...?

Ugh, this is driving me nuts.

...Has nobody found Kane's body yet?

...No... And I heard it's not actually over until they find the body...

...

...By the way, have you heard? Another search party went missing a few days ago.

...I knew it, it's dangerous out there...! The remnants of Kane's followers are still lurking about...

Hmm...

This place isn't all that quiet either.

Did you make sure no one's listening in on us?

Yes, Mr. Eligos.

Good. Then let's discuss our strategy.

Um...

Do you have something to say, Coli?

No, it's nothing.

Hey, Boss!

Yes? What is it?

When are we going to go look for Swifty and Pyllis?

That's what we're here to discuss.

Oh, I see!

I'm sure you've come to realize now that we've fought against them, but these Slayers are not to be underestimated.

For the sake of our safety and the success of our mission, I believe it would be best for us to avoid a direct confrontation with them as much as possible.

I agree.

It looked like they had sizeable forces stationed in other regions, too.

It wouldn't be wise to reveal Haste's existence at this time.

We will stay here for a few days to collect information and to get a grasp on their movements. Then, once we find an opportunity, we will make our exit and search for Haste and Pyllis.

Understood?

Understood, Mr. Eligos!

Yes, Boss!

Honestly... I don't really know.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I want to quit. I promised I would help you, and I plan to stay true to my word. But...

To be honest... I don't entirely trust Leah either.

Unlike you, I've never associated with the guys up north. I just don't have a lot I can go on.

How am I supposed to trust anything when I can't even tell if it's true?

But there's a lot that lines up with Leah's information.

All the research that we've done so far into the Tree of Genesis, the documents preserved in my family vault...

That's why I'm making this call based on my own judgement. Alright?

...Yeah. That's good, then.

After all, the one I trust is you, Veronica.

Yeah, just forget about what I said earlier! That aside, what do you think about the guys from Ritania?

Ah... I spoke with their leader a bit...

Eligos, right?

Yeah.

He said they used to be mercenaries working for Friedrich, the former king of Taranor, but they were on the run as fugitives after losing the war.

So they fled all the way here because they had nowhere left to hide?

That's what he said.

They must have it pretty rough too, if that's true.

It's all a lie, of course.

*gasp*

If someone spills their beans without good reason, it's usually all a lie. I've told you before, Claudia, but you're too naïve.

I see...

Those people... There's no telling what brought them here, but they do at least seem useful.

What are your thoughts on this, Claudia?

We've crossed swords...and they're no slouches when it comes to a fight. They're well trained, and they seem experienced, too.

Right?

They'll definitely be able to help with our plan.

What brings you here so early in the morning?

I'm here because I have business with Leader Eligos.

Hmph. I don't know what your business is, but Mr. Eligos is...

It's fine, Coli. I'll deal with this.

...Okay.

You need mercenaries?

A long way west of here, there is another fortress much like this one. It's not as well armed as ours, but it is occupied by Slayers.

A few days before you came here, they sent us a request for aid. They've been surrounded by the remnants of Kane's followers.

By Kane, do you mean that Vampire Lord you say you've defeated?

It's still too early to say we've defeated him. We will, however, be finishing the job soon.

In any case, we're planning to go reinforce them before it's too late. And when we do, we'll need skilled fighters defending this place...

So what would you like us to do? Would you rather we stay here and help defend, or would you rather we follow you?

Eligos.

I don't trust you enough to leave this fortress in your hands.

...Daily they struggle to defend their home as enemies besiege them from all sides. We will not turn our backs on them in their time of need.

We will be the first to depart. Now, march!

*cheering*

Hey, I heard you're coming with us. Isn't that great?

Wasn't this your idea? Boss seemed to suspect it was you.

Nope, it was Captain Veronica's idea. Well, I did pitch in a little.

So, when you get paid, you have to give me a cut. Deal?

What...?

I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Haha!

And be careful out there. You guys are strong, I admit, but... I don't know if it's because this is such a hostile place to live, but this land is teeming with all sorts of danger.

That was really dangerous! We only just started and it's already looking bad...

We should have asked for hazard pay.

There's no use regretting what's already been done.

And besides, this isn't even what we're really here to do. Our top priority right now is finding Haste and Pyllis

So don't get distracted and...

AWOOOO...

...!

Why now, of all times...?

T-This cry...

It's close!

All units! Do not panic! Keep moving forward!

We have no time to waste.

You saw it too, right?

Of course. It was looking down at us from the hilltop, and then it suddenly disappeared.

It's fast. Not what you'd expect from something of that size.

Can you tell me what that was just now? Even Captain Veronica seemed to be surprised.

Um...

Everyone calls it the Beast of Anguish, but I'm not really sure why either.

They've been calling it that since before I was born.

The Beast of Anguish?

It's something like a beast of legend. You see it around a lot considering it's a legend, but still.

Some people say that it's the Vampires' guardian spirit, but I don't really buy that. I've seen it attack Vampires with my very own eyes.

Some people say it's old royalty that's been put under a curse, and...

It's not following us, is it?

Ahaha, no way...

AWOOOO!

The Beast of Anguish.

Good thing I decided to stake it out out here. I just had this feeling things would work out, you know?

Thanks for coming out while that annoying brat isn't here. Now I can go after you without anyone getting in my way.

All my pain... All my suffering... I'll give it back to you many times over.

Where are we now?

Bloodrose Manor... Or at least, what's left of it.

Then, Melissa, this is your...

Yes, this was my family home and the place where I spent the days of my youth. Though it was all a long time ago...

...This is before you met my father, right?

Yes, this is before I met Conwell.

So is everyone gone now?

...Oh, you just had to go there, didn't you?

That's right, they're gone! They're all gone and nobody lives here anymo...

Watch out! There's someone in front of us!

Drawing your sword already? Hasty, aren't we?

I wonder. If it's for the sake of protecting the ones we love, are we free to hurt others as we please?

Don't you dare talk to Pyllis like that! I won't let you get away with it!

Abigail!

It's you... The one who was with the Vampire that attacked our ship.

Hmph. So you thought you could take us and you followed us here.

You're going to regret that.

Wait! Please! Please, wait just a moment.

You... You're Abigail, aren't you?

That's right, Melissa.

I'm a little bigger than when you last saw me, aren't I? Back then, I was only a little girl that would cling to your hand.

You're alive...

Isn't that a strange thing to say? In a manner of speaking, I'm not even truly alive...

...

You're the one who made me like this, Sister. I must say, I did not expect to hear that from you.

Not truly alive? What's that supposed to mean?

A figure of speech, probably.

Once you become a vampire, your anatomy changes from that of a Human, and there's no going back...

So, you could say, in a sense, that your life as a Human is over.

That's pretty complicated. I've never thought of it that way.

I... Back in the day, I used to think...being ripped from my past, being crafted by somebody else's artifice...

...Meant that I was neither truly alive nor dead.

That's not true, Pyllis. You're alive!

I can feel you here right next to me.

Yeah, I know... I don't think that anymore.

I'm alive. And so are you, Haste.

It would be great if Melissa's sister could think so too.

Don't let down your guard just yet. We still know almost nothing about her.

I remember what you said, Sister. You said wanted to protect me from the tyranny of time.

And as I drank your blood, I wondered...

Is this a blessing, or a curse?

I'm sorry, Abigail... I...

Not long after you left, the Slayers stormed the estate.

The aftermath remains to this day.

All I wanted was to share more time with you.

Then why did you leave me?

I didn't leave you... I was stuck sleeping for a long time because of my injuries.

Then you woke up, and you left, Sister.

Without ever looking for me.

That's... I thought Conwell had betrayed me...

Was your revenge more important to you than me?

It wasn't just revenge. I needed the strength to restore our family...

There's nothing left now of the Bloodrose family. You and I are the only survivors.

I was going to come find you...once I was done with Conwell.

...I know.

That's why you're here. You came here hoping you'd run into me...

It's true. I...

I saw you that day, on that ship. And I thought... If it's you, Melissa, you'd come here after returning to Erasia.

I see...

Then are you with her now? The one from the other day...

We work for Kane. He gave me the strength to fight, and the strength to get what I want.

But family always comes first for me. That's the difference between you and me, Sister.

Abigail...

Claudia, with me. Everyone else, stand by.

We will rest here for a while.

Hm? Where are we going?

Leader Eligos, you are to stand by as well.

I... Yeah, I get it.

I'll wait here.

...Did we get here too late?

We came here on time. It's just that Elvira and Abigail were faster.

Dammit!

Cursed Vampires! I'm going to kill them all!

Calm down, Claudia.

And lower your voice. People will hear you outside if you're so loud.

What?

Wait, what? Eligos! What are you doing in here?

I was sure I told you to stand by.

Oh. I thought I was free to move around since we were resting. Was I wrong?

You...

I'll leave soon enough, so there's no need to make such a scary face.

*gasp*

That...sounds like that beast from before.

Claudia, we need to leave! Now!

Okay!

We were trying to send scouts across the bridge, but that monster suddenly appeared and got in our way!

We tried threatening it to get it to move, but then it became violent...

What did you do that for?!

I told everyone to stand by... Why is everyone...

GRR...

Ahh!

...There's no other way. We have to take it out ourselves.

Our position's already been exposed.

We'll have to make do.

It's so big though. Ugh, I thought mercenary work would be easier than this...

Quit complaining and get moving.

KRRRR...

KRAAHH!

It's running away! The beast is running away!

Hmph, did it realize it was in danger? It must be rather clever.

Alright! Let's go after it. We're finally going to...

No, we will not be chasing the Beast of Anguish.

What? Why not? This is our chance!

We cannot squander time and resources on things unrelated to our campaign objectives.

B-But...

Eligos! Where are you going? That's not the way the Beast of...

Well, my client happens to be Captain Veronica.

Muster and regroup the Slayers so we can depart, Claudia. That's an order.

By the way, Boss. Is it just me, or did that beast from earlier look unwell?

It looked like it was already injured before even fighting us.

Yeah... I think so too.

And it's not just the state it was in. Its attacks also felt like they were only halfhearted. It didn't look like it actually wanted to hurt us.

...I see.

Do you know why that was?

No. How would I?

Oh? Those guys are still alive.

How interesting... And they're with the Vampire Slayers, too.

I wonder who they are? Maybe I should have asked the old Mister properly that time.

Heh.