Episode 5 Chapter 7: Their Desires

As a result, there's no way to know if any of this is true.

There's even a chance this could all be a fabrication, meant to keep other families from rising up to challenge them.

But the truth of the matter most likely concerns no one but scholars such as myself... Isn't that right?

In any case, on that day, they were granted the power they so desired...along with a curse to match.

And so they became the very first Vampire Lords.

Uh, I'm sorry to interrupt, but...

It's no problem at all. In fact, you held out much longer than I expected.

Hmm...

That was a compliment.

I'm aware.

When will we get to the part about the power of the new moon? I'd appreciate it if you could tell me about that first.

Aha!

Everything else you told me was helpful as well. The more information you have on a target, the better.

What do you know about the power of the new moon?

I had a chance to see it back in Ritania. The New Moon Seal, was it? Haste had a hard time because of it.

Ugh!

Haste! Are you okay?

Yes. I just felt dizzy for a moment.

It's because of that, isn't it? Swifty, you're also a Vampire. You must also be affected by it.

That specific phase of the moon has to be the reason. Maybe we should reproduce that shape and use it against Melissa.

Conwell said for symbols like that to have an effect, you need something else.

The energy of the black moon purified by the spell of the new moon, or mana just as potent as that energy.

Of course... Nothing in this world is easy.

You look pale. Haste, you should stay back.

Ohh...! So you've seen it in action!

That makes me jealous. Even I've never had a chance to see it firsthand...

It wasn't the most pleasant experience. In any case, would I be right in saying that it has the power to kill a Vampire Lord?

That's right. The one you met, though perhaps it's more accurate to say he's a reconstruction of what once was...

Melissa was able to easily eliminate Duke Conwell Lenox when she found him because he had been critically wounded by the power of the new moon.

You could even say that it's the only way to do it.

Good, good. This is proving to be very helpful. So... Where can I find an item imbued with the power of the new moon?

Veronica has in her possession the last remaining Bullet of the New Moon.

That I know already. What about something else?

You're right. It's just like you said...

I heard a scream.

...Even from this far away?

Yup.

It sounded like it was trying to say something, but I couldn't figure out what it was. And also...

...

It sounded very sad.

Like I thought, that beast was trying to help us that day.

You believed me, right? That voice I said I heard that day.

Of course!

I knew you did.

The ground is too frozen solid to dig a proper hole. Let's dig a grave for it in the snow.

Yeah. I'll go look for something to use as a gravestone.

So much time has already passed.

Let's go back before Eligos gets worried.

He never looks that worried to me.

He pretends not to be, but he actually worries a lot.

Let's get going, then.

Haste?

...

Are you alright? Do you...hear that beast's voice again?

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

When we put up that gravestone just now... It reminded me of my father.

You mean Conwell?

Yup.

It's just... You know, um...

I just kind of realized I'll never get to see him again. Weird, right? Just now... I was wondering who would have put up the gravestone on his grave...

Haste.

And I can't remember what I said to my reconstructed father that day... And there's no one I can ask...

It's okay, Haste. It's okay.

Yeah.

Conwell isn't with us anymore...but I'm sure he's still watching over you.

I bet he's watching over you with a warm smile, as proud as can be.

You think so...?

Of course.

So... It'll be alright. Everything will be alright.

...Okay.

If you say so, Pyllis, I believe you.

So?

What do you mean, so...?

So what happened? Don't leave me hanging and finish your story!

I finished it though...

She just left. The end.

Elvira came to talk and then just left?

Yup.

What, do you think I'm lying? Why would I lie to you about something like...

No, I believe you. I don't see why a simple guy like you would make up a story like this.

Wait, what?

Calm down and hear me out. Just like you said, I don't think she had any intent to kill you.

Right.

But didn't you say you weren't interested? What gives? Why the sudden interest?

Huh? T-That's because...Elvira showed up in the middle, of course. She's the underling of the mark we're supposed to assassinate.

I'm not particularly interested in your story as a whole.

...

So why didn't you report any of this to Mr. Eligos?

I'm going to, today.

And why are you telling me first?

...Huh. Now that you mention it, I wonder why...?

Heh, I bet you needed my advice.

I'll help you out, just this once.

Congratulations, Lord Kane.

I also heard the final scream of the Beast of Dread.

Hmph. Is that really worthy of congratulations?

But it seems you've done a decent job this time. Hahaha.

Thanks to you distracting the Slayers, I was able to enjoy my hunt in peace. Good work.

Thank you.

Also...has Haste still not awakened as a Vampire Lord?

No... Why do you ask?

Oh, I was just curious about the situation... I have no particular interest in Haste.

Hmm... Is that so?

...Yes, my lord.

Very well.

Lord Kane, may I ask you a question?

Hmm...

What is it? Is it about that kid again?

I understand that you used him as bait to draw out the Beast of Dread...

...But I'm curious what plan you have in mind to keep him alive even after he's served his purpose.

I thought I would be able to serve you better if I had a level of insight into your plans.

Absorbing his strength won't be of much help to us.

Oh... Even if he has the blood of Lenox, as long as he hasn't awakened...

That's also true, but...

There's also the fact that he had his power stolen by Conwell at one point.

But that doesn't mean he's entirely useless. He may very well awaken when he comes face to face with a danger he cannot overcome.

I see.

So you weren't joking. You really mean to awaken Haste...

He would be much more useful that way.

Why is that? He would become a threat to us.

Hahahahaha!

AHAHAHA!

...

Do you think the little cub would be a threat to me, Elvira?

N-No, not at all.

Even if he were to become a Vampire Lord?

No, my lord.

I won't be taking any more questions. There's no need for you to know any more. In fact, it would be better if you didn't.

Do you understand?

I do.

...Mmnn.

Mm... Hnng...

I wonder if Melissa's having a bad dream...

She looks like she's in pain.

She seems to be getting better, though. She wasn't even conscious until a few days ago.

Let's be patient a little longer.

I hope she wakes up soon.

There's no hope for that Vampire as far as I can tell.

Her wound's too deep, and there's no sign of it healing.

Hmm...

How much longer do you plan on bringing her along?

Well... We haven't been slowing down your march, have we?

You haven't. For now.

Nor will we going forward.

We've shown you a lot of patience by tolerating the presence of a Vampire in your party. The same goes for Haste.

It's in none of your best interest for you to cause any more trouble, Leader Eligos.

I take full responsibility for my family and my guests. There's no need for you to worry.

Yeah, all right. I'll trust that you're making rational choices.

...

I mean it.

Veronica has no intention of turning back, then.

Yes, Lord Kane. They've joined forces with the Slayers army stationed at the Guardian's Fortress and are continuing to march westward.

That means Bernard either failed to properly convey the situation in western Sangerat...

...Or they had an entirely different purpose for their expedition from the start.

...!

Could it be...? Could they be heading toward the same place as us...?

Elvira, I'm giving you a new mission.

Find out what the mercenaries from Ritania are scheming.

...You mean Dagger Sicar?

Yes. I saw them in person, and the level of their expertise is far greater than what Veronica is capable of paying them for.

I want to know what exactly it is that they're fighting for. Especially...

That Eligos. I need to know what he's up to.

Could they be heading toward the same place as us?

Are they also looking for what we are...?

Hmph. Unlikely.

...I'm sorry?

No, it's nothing.

Just focus on your mission, Elvira. Needless curiosity will only get in our way.

Is that clear?

What he meant was that he and Veronica have different objectives.

I'm sure of it. Whenever he reveals his inner thoughts, even if only for a moment, he quickly follows up with a straight face.

It's the same straight face that he put on just now.

So what are they planning, then...? Aren't they trying to gain power from the Tree of Genesis?

*sigh*... Nothing's ever easy, is it?

Let's be patient. If I wait, there will be a chance. I've managed to hold out this far.

*chuckle* Looks like I've lost my touch.

I'm being spied on by the one I'm supposed to spy on myself.

Getting caught in an ambush is wholly unbecoming of Vampires and Shadow Elves...

Don't you think so too?

Tsk.

I've been found out... If Coli saw, she'd be making fun of me.

Were you waiting for me here, Cidd?

I guess...you could say that.

Care to tell me why?

You just kept catching my attention.

I'm not such a big fan of being followed, you see.

Ack!

Dammit... Today's just not going my way...

Now, tell me, cutie.

...Tell you what?

Why did you wait around for me to find you without attacking me? And also...

Why didn't you fight me with the intent to kill me?

Hmm... So you noticed that too?

Oh?

Do you think I'm an idiot, Cidd? That's not true, now, is it?

N-No. There's no way that's true.

Then out with it. Or would you rather I place you under proper hypnosis?

Well, to tell you to the truth...

I've been waiting here because there was something I wanted to tell you.

Oh...?

It's a bit of a serious topic...

Mr. Eligos... It's too quiet.

Yes, I think so too.

Whether they meant to welcome us or attack us, they should have long since shown themselves by now.

Captain Veronica?

You said you needed mercenaries?

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

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

Is this really that fortress she told us about? No matter how I look at it...

...Hmm.

It doesn't exactly look to be under siege by Kane's followers.

We have indeed arrived at the Fortress of Zephyrs. They sent a request for aid to our garrison.

And I relayed it via messenger to Captain Veronica. Though it has been a while.

I think we might have come too late.

...Are you sure?

Let's search the inside of the fortress. There may be survivors.

There's no one here that looks like a villager, nor are there any surviving Slayers...

Can I ask you why you brought us to an abandoned fortress?

...I thought you'd be angry, but you're much calmer than I thought.

Did you perhaps see this coming, Leader Eligos?

Ha.

That's rich.

I wasn't exactly planning on deceiving you. You were just unlucky enough to get involved.

The plan had already been set before we met.

It was my idea.

...Huh?

Like I told you just now, the request came to us first. Not surprising, considering we were the closest point of contact.

The number of guards at the Fortress of Zephyrs kept dwindling, but given its location, the threat of danger only kept growing...

If the Vampires were to ever surround the fortress, the situation would become dire. So I suggested that they retreat to our fortress for the time being.

Of course, the chances that the remnants of the Vampires could muster such numbers are fairly small, but I have a principle of not taking unnecessary risks.

It was all Bernard's lies.

Lies? Um... I suppose you could say that.

But in finding a way to minimize the Slayers' losses and provide cover for Captain Veronica's expedition, you could say...

...

...That it was all part of a brilliant strategy. *chuckling*

Oh, and please, spare me your gasps and adulations. Anyone could have come up with the idea after a bit of concentration.

...

Eh? Why am I suddenly sensing bloodlust...!

Coli, wait. Boss said he still has more to find out from this guy.

...All right.

Y-You weren't just about to come for me, were you?

No. If I were, you'd already...

By the way, something's a bit strange.

You also told the Slayers you were going to assist the Fortress of Zephyrs. If you were just trying to deceive the Vampires and Shadow Elves...

Oh, that's because...

...We were trying to deceive everyone, of course, so that not even our allies could get in the way of our expedition.

Anything else you'd like to ask?

I thought you'd have a lot more questions.

It doesn't exactly feel like you're going to give us straight answers. And well...

I've had my fair share of conversations like this back in the day.

...I see.

I'd say it's because there's no need for me to butt in, probably.

...

But that aside, what about your subordinates? You tricked even the Slayers.

I could hear some rumblings amongst the soldiers.

Bernard should be able to handle the soldiers' discontent. I'll have to take care to get everyone on board with the new mission.

If we're headed for a new objective, does that mean we're going even further west from here? Are we headed for that abandoned temple? What was it called again?

...It looks like Bernard said too much.

I'd better give him a warning.

Let me ask you one last question, Veronica.

Won't you tell us what you're really plotting? Depending on the circumstances, we might be willing to help you, no strings attached.

...

This is for the future of us Humans who carry on the difficult battle to survive in Erasia.

It has nothing to do with you, Eligos. Go back to Ritania.

...Looks like you and I are in a bit of a disagreement, huh, Captain?

I'm just a little worried, that's all.

Hmm...

Yeah, it's probably a stretch to say that the Shadow Elves and Vampires will show us any goodwill. But at the same time, I doubt they harbor nothing but hatred for us.

And sure, maybe this is a bit unrealistic, but I'd like to find a middle ground where everyone can...

That's way too optimistic.

It might not be completely impossible, but even so.

Yeah, I know, but...

I don't think any one side should ever have a monopoly on the Tree's knowledge and power.

We're only in this mess to begin with because our ancestors couldn't control their greed.

...

Too much ambition corrupts people.

So in order to keep ourselves from falling down the same path, we need to find a way to control that immense power.

If we don't, then the Tree of Genesis will...

Yeah, I know. I've felt the consequences of that corruption, too.

What? What do you mean by that...?

Oh. No, it's nothing. Don't worry about it.

In any case, Captain, I believe you'd agree with me that we shouldn't be repeating past mistakes.

For our sake, and for the sake of all who live in the land of Erasia.

...I understand what you're trying to do, Leah.

I'll wait for you until you find a way. It's not like we have any other options for now.

...

Thank you, Captain.

So what next? What's Leah thinking...

W-Wait, I mean... You came out early! The talk with Leah must have gone well, huh? Ahahaha!

...You were eavesdropping again.

W-What? No, I wasn't. Why would I do that?

I was just waiting here for you to come back out, but this place doesn't exactly have good soundproofing.

If you concentrate, you can hear everything going on inside. Seriously!

...

Um...so does this mean we're canceling our plans...?

No.

We have no time to waste. We're switching over to Bernard's backup plan.

Hmm...

Let's leave the details for after we return, Claudia.

I hope you know we're not trying to push you away.

It's just that this is such a reckless plan. We don't want to rope in people who have nothing to do with us.

I don't know if you still trust me at this point, but...

There's someone you remind me of.

They said a similar thing, once.

Said they didn't want me to bet my life on a gamble for their faiths and ideals.

Interesting. So I wasn't the only one.

Who were they?

Ah... How should I put it...?

They were a drinking buddy.

...

I don't think they ever stopped to consider the feelings of the ones who would survive them.

Sometimes, I wake up from my sleep and think to myself...

...If only I had been there back then, I wouldn't have to endure such a wretched feeling now.

Still... I'd like for you to survive.

I'm sure your friend thought so too, Eligos.

...

Now that I think about it, there's something else you have in common with my friend.

...What is it?

A desire that you yourself do not realize, you could say.

Dominate, so that you're not dominated. That was their reasoning. Not so far off from the law of the backstreets where might makes right.

I'm not trying to pass judgment on whether that's right or wrong.

Personally, I don't believe there's justice to be found on any side. Which is to say...

...I hope you understand what you're heading towards. And what price you'll end up paying in exchange.

I'm aware.

And to be honest... You could say I understand it better than anyone.

Huh?

That voice Haste said he heard, I hear it too. Though in my case, it's the voice of another beast.

I've heard it since I was small.

...!

You understand what that means, right?

The price I have to pay will most likely be an even more gruesome curse. But it's a price I'm willing to pay...

...For the sake of the Humans in Erasia.

Will you be going now?

Yup. As much as I'd like to stick around and get to know you better, our boss isn't a big fan of wasting time.

Don't mind him, he's just trying to be polite.

Shut it!

Oh, we're headed in different directions, but we'll also be departing soon. Captain Veronica is also a rather punctual person.

I hope we get a chance to see each other agai...

Bernard.

Aaah!

Thank you. I heard you gave us some very helpful information.

Uh... Uhhh...

...By the way, why are you shaking so much? Are you trying to avoid me?

I-I would never... P-Please don't come any closer.

Hmm?

Heheheh, I think he's still scared of you, Coli.

No, I wasn't being serious back then. You don't have to keep running away...

I-I'm fine, thank you. I'd very much like you to maintain this distance.

You'll all be returning to Ritania now, right?

We have a target we need to take care of first. We'll be going back as soon as we're done.

I told you he's too much for you to handle...

We've taken on plenty such missions before. And we completed them all without issue.

I didn't expect you to give up easily. You're as stubborn as I am, Eligos.

Whatever ends up happening with my plan... We'll probably never meet again. Still, I'd rather not say any farewells.

Instead, I'll wish you good luck.

I saw him.

What?

...!

Over there.

...

I saw him go that way.

We just came from around there... Are you sure?

Yes. He was hurt very badly and he ran that way. You're talking about the man with long hair, right?

...That does sound like Kane. Thank you, kid.

The Dagger Sicar group is going to go back to Ritania?

It looks like they collected the information they needed. I think they've decided that they've achieved their minimum objectives.

But given Melissa's critical condition, it might be hard for them to leave right away.

...

They'll probably find a ship to Ritania in western Equilibria once Melissa ends up waking up or sleeping for good.

...Um... How was my sister doing?

Is there really no hope for her...?

I'm not sure either. I didn't see her for myself. I just overheard their conversation.

It looked like everyone but Haste had given up.

...I see.

But it did look like they were doing their best to take care of her.

I see... Um... Lady Elvira?

What?

Thank you for telling me.

Huh? Uh...y-yeah, sure.

By the way, Abigail, it feels like you...might have changed a little.

Me?

That wouldn't be so strange. They say everything in the world changes. I can't be the only exception.

Or maybe you didn't...

You seem to have changed, too. Compared to before, you seem a bit...no, very different.

What? I do?

Maybe this is the real you? It was just a passing thought. There's no real reason.

Hmm...

...By the way, Lady Elvira.

What do you think Lord Kane is looking for in this expedition? Do you think it's the same power that the Shadow Elves and Humans are looking for?

I'm not sure what reason there would be for this expedition other than that.

Do you think we could save my sister's life with that power?

Um...well...

What do you think? Do you think that's what Lord Kane would use the power for?

...

Maybe I shouldn't have said that.

There's no way to know the future, Abigail. When it feels like you've reached the end of your rope, another path will reveal itself.

Yes, I'd very much like that.

I'd better be on my way now. Like I told you before, Lord Kane asked me to meet him along the way.

He said he had a task for me.

Sure. Let's meet up again at the destination.

Is there really no way to know the future?

If... If Melissa disappears forever... If I can't ever see her again...

Will there be a reason to keep on living going forward? Would this long and pitiful life still be worth living?

I wish there would be a miracle. Like when I first met Lord Kane.

Like when I was given the power to protect myself. Back then, I really thought Lord Kane was a good person. But why...?

Why would Lord Kane...

You seem to be lost in thought, Abigail.

Oh! Lord Kane!

I'm sorry. I was just...thinking about my sister.

Oh. I see that it still weighs heavily on you.

Given what you did with your own two hands, it makes sense that you'd be laden with guilt.

...Yes, my lord.

I did anticipate this.

You're not as strong as I am... It must be difficult to rid yourself of unnecessary emotions.

Yes, my lord.

And that is why...I'm going to help you, Abigail.

Yes, m, Huh?

Go to the place I am about to tell you. Once you're there, you will realize...

...That Melissa's fate is in the hands of another, now.

W-What do you mean?

If you're lucky, you'll get to witness the awakening of a new Vampire Lord. But even if that weren't to happen...

You'll at least be free from the guilt that binds your heart.

You want me to wait here?

Yes. You're a Vampire, so you shouldn't get near objects that bear the power of the new moon. You've dealt with it before in the Taranor borderlands.

I might be fine now. I've been reducing my blood intake...

It looks like our little Swifty doesn't have such a good memory.

The thing that Veronica asked you to hold last time that gave you such a headache was a Bullet of the New Moon.

Oh. Right.

And it's not just you, but Melissa too. She needs to be especially careful.

She's in bad enough of condition as it is. It won't be good to disturb her recovery.

...Yeah, okay.

I'll stay here with Haste and guard Melissa.

All right.

Coli! Cidd! We're going in, retrieving the object, and coming right back out. Understood?

Yes, Mr. Eligos.

Yes, Boss!

This isn't it either?

*sighing* It's not even close.

Ugh...

Looks like you're the one with a bad memory. The crest of the new moon doesn't look like this.

It needs to look like a crescent, at least!

Did it really...? Hmm... I guess it kind of did.

Don't go digging through things carelessly.

We'll need to go deeper inside. According to Bernard's information...

There are old ruins to the west.

It once served as an ossuary for a noble family, but it became a battlefield in when the Human nobles waged war on the Vampire Lords.

After changing hands again and again, battle after battle, it was left abandoned with no one to claim it as their own.

And you think there might still be artifacts there that have the power of the new moon?

It's a possibility.

I didn't see it for myself, but rumors say there are mysterious robots guarding the inside of the ruins.

...Don't the robots belong to you guys?

Someone must have made modifications to our older models. Or they could be early Sangerat models that the Vampires used to use.

In any case, it's my speculation that they are guarding the place because there's something important inside.

Hmm, I see. But that makes me wonder...

Why aren't you investigating the ruins yourselves? Aren't artifacts of the new moon important resources for the Slayers?

Ah... Well, like I said before, it's just a possibility.

Based on our present objectives, it is paramount that we arrive at our destination before anyone else. We can't afford to gamble on possibilities.

But things are different for you. Since your objective is...

...Kane.

He said this place was guarded by sentry robots.

But we've yet to see a single one.

Aah! Boss!

Mr. Eligos, look over there.

Bzz... Bzzzt...

Oh, good. They're right on time.

This means we came to the right place.

They're taking longer than expected.

They've been in there since early morning, but still no news.

I hope nothing's gone wrong...

There's a chance something might have.

Back in the day, they went out by themselves because of the New Moon Shrine and got their butts handed to them by my reconstructed father.

Haste, that was...

If I hadn't gone and saved everyone...

Wait, hold on. I just heard something.

Was that the sound of the coffin moving?

I think Melissa might be awake!

So, she finally regained consciousness.

...

...Mm...

M-Melissa...?

...Something's wrong.

...Awak...en...

...Haste...

I can't detect Melissa at all.

It's just like the time when Cidd and Coli were hypnotized by blood magic.

...Do not...deny....

...Your thirst...for blood...

Watch out!

Kane!

It's Kane! He's the one controlling Melissa!

Focus on the fight, Haste.

The opponent is trying to kill you.

...Lenox...

...Kill...Kill...

I wanted you to remember me as the strong, confident Conwell Lenox and not as a Vampire Lord who had lost his power.

Is that... Is that why you didn't come back to me?

I didn't want to disappoint you.

You fool! You idiot! All I wanted...

I'm going to close this coffin one last time.

...It wasn't your stupid power that I wanted! You selfish, arrogant jerk!

This time, I'd like to say goodbye properly.

All I wanted was you! I just need you!

I love you, Melissa. You were the only one for me.

Melissa!

Melissa! Wake up!

Melissa!

Haste...

Melissa! Wake up!

...Haste, her heart isn't...

...

M-My sister...she's...

Is this what you meant when you said that her fate was in the hands of another?

When you said I'd be freed from my guilt?

AAH! AAAAGH!

Did you hear that just now? That scream...

Pyllis.

Hold her head still and open her mouth as wide as you can.

What...are you trying to do?

I'm not a Vampire Lord so I don't know what feeding her my blood will do. But...

If Father were here, I think he would have done this.

Hey, Boss.

We looked all over but there's nothing here with the crest of the new moon.

Cidd's right this time, Mr. Eligos.

Ugh. Dang it!

It was all a bust. We wasted so much time... Bernard...!

No, he did say it was just a possibility.

...Looking back, there is something that was a little strange.

Bernard would always avoid me and never look me in the eye!

Wasn't he just scared? Coli, you do look a bit scary.

...What did you say?

That is a bit strange.

It's not like him to give us uncertain information with such confidence. We should go back and find out his true intentions.

Should we go now?

I bet Swifty's pout is a mile long by now.

Hmm. Haste and Pyllis might have fallen asleep while waiting.

The Passage of Beginnings is just ahead.

Yes... We're finally here.

The journey might not have been long, but it certainly wasn't short, either.

Ahh! I can hardly believe I get to set foot in this historic site!

This very place where the curiosity of the unknown and a desire for the forbidden changed the course of Humanity!

How nice it would be if only Claudia could also...

...

Ah! M-My apologies!

...I was thinking that too. Claudia liked going to new places.

It's also your first time here, isn't it, Sir Bernard?

Of course. In fact, I've been looking forward to visiting ever since I was posted to the Guardian's Fortress.

But since access to this place was forbidden, I never expected I'd get a chance to actually visit.

You seem a bit too excited. Please keep in mind the reason why we're here.

Ah, yes, of course.

By the way, Captain Veronica, could I ask you a question?

What is it?

Why did you go so far as to give Dagger Sicar the slip by feeding them false information?

I feel like they could have been very helpful to have around, seeing as how they're seasoned mercenaries.

It's just my personal opinion, but... Oh! I suppose it would be difficult after all. We can't be sharing Erasia's secrets with people from other continents.

...Sir Bernard.

We have no idea what's waiting for us in there, or what horrible things might happen to us.

You're prepared, aren't you?

...I am.

This is our fight. This is our destiny.

We shouldn't force Eligos and his companions to walk this path with us. If luck allows, I'd rather keep him as a friend we might meet agai...

Arrghhh!

Did you hear that, Veronica?

The sound of your approaching death?

Kane!

No, it can't be... We were almost there...

Why here of all places...?

...

...

We're surrounded!

I think he was waiting for us to come here!

That's right. We were just dying to see you.

Hurgh!

Just give up. It's all over for you now.

Captain Veronica! You have to get out of here!

No.

I've sacrificed too much to turn back here. There's nowhere for me to run anymore.

All units! Engage the enemy with everything you've got! I will deal with Kane!

Arrggh!

Keep it together now. Don't go fainting on me.

Urk... Ugh...

I've still got a long way to go to pay you back for what you did to me last time.

AHHH!

So... Why aren't you using it?

Don't you still have one left? Your Bullets of the New Moon.

...

You'd better place your hopes on that one last shot if you intend to avenge your soldiers who died here screaming, not to mention that blue-haired friend of yours...

*huff...huff...*

Hahahahaha!

AHAHAHA!

...

It looks like your one last hope missed its mark.

You...won't succeed...Kane...

You will pay...for your crimes...

Hurk...!

Hmph. Still trying to play the hero, are you?

Even though you quake in fear every night that you might turn into one of us, controlled by a desire for blood?

...!

I'll personally bring an end to your worthless failure of a life. I wonder what blood mixed with the blood of Roland tastes like? Hahaha.

Surely, it will taste different from Claudia's.

...I'm sorry, Claudia...

...I failed... I'm sorry... I failed everyone...

What should I do with Bernard?

He's unconscious, but his wounds aren't fatal.

We'll bring him along. He'll have a use when it comes to serving guests.

As for Veronica... Leave her.

There is no more fitting end for the life of a failure than dying alone, writhing in pain by the roadside.