Episode 5 Chapter 9: The Debt

You're drunk.

I am...?

Apparently. You're not thinking straight, my friend.

I agree. I mean, look at all these bottles.

No, no. I'm fine, listen! I'm enunciating every word correctly without even slurring. I'm just...

I'm simply stating a fact, an inconvenient truth that you seem so desperate to ignore.

What's this nonsense now?

The Heir of the Covenant. He hasn't awakened yet. Am I wrong?

...

He will, when the right time comes.

I once believed that myself.

...Are you suggesting that you don't anymore?

Well, let's just say...

There are too many things I no longer trust now.

The Sacred Kingdom of Ezera, ordering us to do a bunch of stuff in the name of the Goddess. And that unreadable...

Nay, a rather too transparent, Priest Noard. The prophecies, interpreted at Her Majesty's discretion. Oh, it only gets bet...

Enough.

Don't tell me you're suspecting Diene, are you?

Hey, buddy, relax. What's with the scary face?

We were comrades in the battlefield!

If it weren't for Diene, we would have died that day!

I know.

I, too, am one of the individuals who witnessed the miracle that day. And I do cherish that memory. However!

...He's definitely drunk.

The person I trusted from the bottom of my heart, was that brave girl who kept fighting with everything she had, no matter how hopeless the situation may have seemed.

Not the current queen of Ezera who's keeping a watchful eye over Taranor.

I understand what you're trying to say...

But I'm afraid I can't take your side on this one.

Are you sure it's not because you refuse to do so?

Alright, I'm taking off now. Eligos, I'll catch up with you later when he's sober.

Sure.

Don't forget to pay for your drinks before you leave!

...Ugh, so stingy.

Eligos, are you staying with me to hear me out?

Thanks. You're the best...

Ah, well. I'm free tonight. I can't think of anywhere else to go, and I'm not in the mood for bed yet.

...

What could be better than some free drinks and listening to stories anyway?

By the way, what was that all about? You know Krau doesn't like hearing stuff like that.

Because someone has to bring it up someday.

Hmm...

Whether he likes it or not, it's a reality he must face.

Yes, we may have stopped the Archdemon thanks to some outstanding heroes and the saint's devotion, but that doesn't mean this story ends "happily ever after" for everyone.

Life goes on. And there will always be a place for poverty and sadness in our lives. I'm sure you're no stranger to this truth.

...Right.

In the backstreet, it wasn't really our concern if the world was on the brink of destruction or if some heroes led us to victory...

At the end of the day, it all came down to whether you die or struggle to survive.

Since the war, Ezera holds the supremacy within the entire continent. And they're refusing to let it go. Do you see where I'm going with this?

More power to them means less for us.

Exactly! That's what I'm talking about!

It's what my first boss used to tell me all the time.

The people of Taranor live each day full of despair and anxiety.

They're waiting for the day when the chosen one awakes, who is still in deep slumber in a foreign land, shaken by the ominous prophecies from other countries.

We can't leave our own destiny in the hands of others. What we need is the power to protect our people.

But...

We must become strong. Whether it's saving ourselves, or bringing peace to this land...

We must do it ourselves!

Everything comes at a cost. I'm just worried about you.

I'm ready. I'm more than willing to sacrifice anything for the future of Taranor.

Whatever that might be.

You know it's just a made-up story, Captain Veronica.

Sure, it's a little tragic and unpleasant when you think about it... But none of those things would actually happen.

You're right.

It's something that only happens in a fairytale.

Hmm...

Sometimes I feel like you think too much, Captain.

And that's a serious problem! You're overthinking about something that won't ever happen.

Keep making that depressing face, and I'll never go see a play with you!

Claudia...

What is it, what's with that serious face?!

I don't know, I was just scared.

I couldn't help but ask myself...if you're going to stay by my side even if I turn into something completely different.

What are you talking about? Of course I...

I'm sorry, Claudia. I really am...

Huh? So suddenly? What are you sorry for?

Everything... I'm so sorry for everything...

I'm so sorry...

Veronica?

What we started together...

I wanted to finish it...

Veronica...

I... I ruined everything.

I'm so...sorry...

Stay with me, Veronica.

Oh... It's you...

You don't have to say anything.

No, I'm... It's too late...

...

You've lost too much blood. And the wound is too deep...

I...know that...

But you shouldn't...

No, do as you like, you're not going to listen anyway.

I...knew you would come back...

Eligos...

...That's because Bernard gave me false information...

So I waited... No matter how sleepy I felt...

I see.

I've...got something...for you... And...

So...?

What...do you say...?

All right.

Dagger Sicar officially accepts your request.

...You can pay me when we meet in the next life.

*chuckling* Thanks...

So...you should rest now, and lay down your burdens.

I'll take care of the rest.

Okay...

I need to get some sleep now...

...I am aware.

It's the blood magic widely used by noble Vampires for interrogation when Sangerat flourished most.

It is known to exhaust the minds of their enemies with illusions, which they later cannot remember, causing them to confess only the truth.

But!

It'll be useless against me.

What makes you say that?

Anything you could ask that I could give an answer to, are things you're already aware of. Am I wrong?

Of course, I'm aware that my own research and hypothesis are beyond anyone else's knowledge.

But none of that would surpass what you've recently learned from the Beast of Dread...

Oh, you knew about that?

Of course, the shrieking noise it made...was loud.

Loud and horrifying, indeed. I was surprised that some people were dull enough to miss it.

Huh. This kid...

Anyway, you must have looked into the memory of the Human who first approached the Tree of Genesis.

...He seems to know a lot more than I thought.

So what I'm saying is, you don't need to hear my hypothesis. It's nothing more than a theory that I came up with based on my research and assumptions.

*chuckling*

I'm afraid that's not what I want to hear from you, kid.

You've sent someone to collect information from Ritania, haven't you?

Th-That's...!

Save your breath.

You seem to have a good understanding of what this magic is capable of. Hahaha!

I've already entered your mind, Bernard. It might take some time, but you're going to end up telling me everything.

Urk... P-Please, stop this!

Hmm, this... This is information you haven't even reported to Veronica.

Another tree in Ritania...

The World Tree, was it...?

This place...feels very unpleasant, Boss.

Does it?

I agree... This might be the creepiest place I've ever been.

Not a single place we've been to was exactly a picnic. Anyway...

Are you sure Kane came this way?

Yes, he's here.

Haste...

I'm certain. I can feel it.

If so, there's no reason for us to hesitate.

Let's go.

Should we just keep going forward? This feels too easy.

Umm... Eligos.

Yes?

Honestly, I'm a little worried about this mission.

There seem to be too many variables.

...You're right.

But we have no other options.

...So you're also aware?

Of course.

Don't worry. Because...

There have been many other cases like this. It all turned out well in the end.

What...?!

You said you had a Plan B and Plan C!

Only to reassure you. You guys work best under pressure anyway.

Eligos, you've been lying to us!

I'm sure he doesn't actually mean that. When push comes to shove, he'll think of something quickly.

Of course. We're Dagger Sicar.

As long as we stick together, there's no situation...

W-Wait! Something's wrong!

All right then, let's go get rid of it.

Hmm?

Wait, Haste! Something on the wall and the floor...

...Just moved!

Kyaaaa!

Hmm?

Gotcha.

They're used to working as a team. Even in battles, they work great together... That's what's different from you two.

Ah...

...

However, if you separate them from each other, they're not as strong individually. Then, it'll become much easier to deal with them.

Now, go. Let them hear the sound of approaching death.

Understood...

Right away.

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.

I've heard a lot about you, Elvira of Halloon's Spear.

I heard you've been doing excellent job in the special forces. I appreciate your hard work.

I only did what I had to do.

Elvira.

Do not disappoint me.

I'm going to catch it. And no matter what, I'm going to kill the Beast of Anguish with my own hands.

And I'll prove myself to Harsetti that I'm the most...

Where did it go...? I'm sure...

...?!

KRAAHH!

What's the use of keeping her in the Vampire Slayers when she can barely walk?

It's time to make a decision, Captain.

What are you going to do? She's only wasting our resources.

...

Elvira.

I entrusted you with an important task, and you failed. Apparently, that wasn't enough for you, considering this is the choice you made. I'm quite disappointed, you were once the core of Halloon's Spear.

You were once the talented hound of Skuggiheim, and now you want to become a Vampire?

I'll give you the honor of listening to your last words.

I don't mind dying here... I've already died once already.

You've seen me... Ack... And you know that the way I am, could barely be called living...

The noble Shadow Elf now seeks to become the very existence she once despised most.

Elvira.

Not only did you disappoint your colleagues and myself, but you also allowed those who are jealous of you to decry you, demoralizing all of Skuggiheim.

...So you must change.

This is your last chance to restore your honor. Do you understand?

Hurk...!

What a pity. Why'd you have to notice that?

You could've gone home alive tonight if you'd just been a little less observant.

So, what do you think? You just met a Vampire that you've been so eager to get rid of.

...I-I'm scared and terrified. Please don't kill me...

Scared and terrified...

Ack... AHHH!

You won't die right away. Although, the more you struggle to survive, the sooner you'll die.

Argh... Ahh! My leg...!

Elvira.

Be my secret eyes and ears for me, will you?

If you do, I promise you the honor for the most outstanding ones in Skuggiheim will be yours for eternity.

W-What happened?

Where did everyone go?

The path has changed. That passage we were on earlier seemed to divide into separate paths and move separately.

Could it be some kind of trap?

I've seen something similar in the past. It was in an ancient catacomb, and it was a device designed to confuse robbers.

An ancient catacomb? When have we had a mission in a place like that?

It's from the place where I used to live.

Ah...

I'll tell you about it later if there's a chance.

...I'm really not that interested.

What did you say?

I mean, if it's something important, I can always...

Forget about it.

Let's look for a way out first. We need to rejoin Eligos as soon as possible.

Where's this passage connected to... I hope it's not a dead end.

I don't think so.

Really? How do you know th...

Look over there.

So we meet again.

I've been waiting for you, Cidd.

...Have you given my deal any thought?

Well.

There's been a lot on my mind lately, you know.

...She seems to have changed quite a bit.

And may I have your answer now?

Maybe...you could say this is my answer.

Watch out Cidd, she's coming this way!

...And that's why I left my former boss.

Some may point fingers at me, saying that I betrayed him, but I don't see it that way. Because in a trustworthy relationship, one should never be coerced into acting against their will.

How am I supposed to trust someone when I know they're just going to take advantage of me and abandon me once I've played my part?

Anyway, since the time you told me you understand my situation... I wanted to tell you this.

Because I understand you, too. You're probably also deceiving yourself into believing that this is what's best for you.

Just like I used to.

Elvira collapsed, we must put an end to this now!

W-Wait! If we approach her now...

Come on, why are you hesitating? You failed to talk her out of it, you fool!

No, it's not that. It's a tra...

Ack!

Urghhh... Dammit...

Ah, fresh blood always makes me forget all of my pains and concerns at once.

Coli!

My body... I can't move...

Just give me a second, pink-haired lady. Let me use the power I absorbed from you to defeat Cidd.

Ack!

Ugh....

Now I can give you my answer.

Because I've finally organized my thoughts.

Cidd! Run!

I once had honor and pride to protect.

That's what helped me come this far.

The documents left in Erasia and Ritania aren't enough.

We need the oldest records from Cidonia, Eureka, and even Natalon to get a better understanding.

Only then, can you realize...that the World Tree and the Tree of Genesis...

...Appeared almost during the same time period.

Interesting.

So, the day when the Primal Star died and its fragment was buried in this land, both trees appeared simultaneously?

We wouldn't know for sure, but there's a chance.

Do you think there's a chance they share the same root?

Again, we wouldn't know the truth for sure, but there's a chance they originated from the same source.

From that fragment?

That is my assumption.

In that case, how are they related?

In fact, the only thing they share in common is the time they appeared.

Hmm...

So, they might have nothing to do with each other.

May I ask why someone like you, a Vampire Lord of Erasia, is interested in Ritania's World Tree?

Wasn't your ultimate goal to gain power from the Tree of Genesis?

I'm looking for a passage.

A passage that leads me directly to the Tree.

I don't need someplace like a confessional, where I have to put up with its illusions and nonsense, and beg for power...

I need a place where I can see, hear, reach, and twist its neck myself...

This is bad... We must rejoin the rest as soon as possible.

Pyllis.

Yes?

Melissa's coffin... Isn't it heavy?

I'll carry it from here.

Don't worry about it, it's not that heavy anyway.

I'll carry it until we get to the end over there. It's not time to switch yet.

It's way past switching time...

How are you feeling now, Haste? You lost so much blood earlier...

I'm fine. I just feel a little dizzy, that's all.

It's unfortunate that Eligos kept all your blood bags...

Don't worry about it, Pyllis. We'll be reunited with him in no time.

You're right.

Where are we... I hope we're not back where we started...

Everything looks the same, it's so confusing.

What if we just stayed here? Wouldn't Eligos come find us?

I don't know... We're going to be exposed quickly if we don't move around.

I guess you're right.

Kane's going to find us first.

...I think he already might have, Haste.

...

Abigail!

...

She's gone.

What should we do...?

She might be luring us.

Let's follow her.

We wanted to find her first anyway. Perhaps this is going as Eligos planned.

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

Have I?

I would do it all over again if I had to.

Here, take this flower we found and listen carefully. This is the proof of my promise to you...

It's okay, Abby. Like I said, no matter what happens, I'll be there to protect you.

And if I'm to protect you from the tyranny of time, turning you into one of us is the only way.

Just take it all in, Abby. For both of our sakes.

We're just missing one last Bloodrose scum. She can't have gone far.

Find her! Not a single Bloodrose must survive!

Is...everyone really dead? Am I the only survivor? How could this happen?

If only Melissa were here, none of this would have happened.

Melissa, where are you? You promised you would protect me.

Please save me...from this hell.

You're alive...

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

...

And I'll be staying at this manor from now on. It might look like this now, but once upon a time...

It was a place where our family spent happy days together. And if you stay here with me...

I'll never leave you again. Let's grow your favorite flowers in the garden...

And live a happy life together, forever.

Abigail, wait!

We've almost caught up to her. Let's move faster, Haste.

Got it!

...

I've got something to tell you, Abigail.

I'm sure you do, Haste. But before anything else...

Why are you still carrying around Melissa's coffin?

That's...

Is it like a trophy to you?

N-No, it's nothing like that!

You're mistaken, Abigail!

Really? I'm surprised there's anything left for me to be mistaken about...

Considering how deceitful we both can be.

Just listen to me for a second, for crying out loud!

Abigail!

Wait!

Just as soon as I get rid of you two...

Ack!

Abigail!

I'm going to disappear as well.

So that not a single thing related to Bloodrose...

I don't believe you.

The three Family Heads... They visited the Tree of Genesis again?

After they became Vampire Lords?

That's right.

It was quite some time after Damian Lenox and Jane Roland began to turn into beasts.

After watching their transformation, William Drake trembled in fear. Although he hadn't yet transformed, it was only a matter of time before he would turn into one himself.

So they went back to the Passage of Beginnings...?

Since the Tree of Genesis gave them power for free, they believed it would fix the side effects as well.

They were a bunch of naive fools.

How odd.

According to the documents of the Drake family, it was written that Sir William Drake died in a battle that took place in Western Sangerat.

And that they couldn't find his body.

...You're right.

Not surprising. The brave Head of the Drake family never participated in that battle.

And his body disappeared in the Passage of Beginnings.

While Damian and Jane were running for their dear lives, frightened, William's body disintegrated into pieces even smaller than dust and got sucked in somewhere.

According to Damian's memory, that was the last time he was ever seen.

Do you think...the Tree of Genesis...

What's interesting is that those three never got to actually see the Tree of Genesis themselves.

Both the first and the last time. They had no choice but to believe that all the illusions and voices it had shown them were true.

Even when it kept deceiving them, transforming endlessly.

So no one ever saw its true form.

It must have considered Damian and Jane to be failures.

Instead, it was interested in William, who hadn't yet turned into a beast.

Ah...

What it's expecting is a certain result. Anything else is just a tool for achieving its goal.

Humans who covet transcendental power, and the Shadow Elves who covet endless knowledge. They're all just a bunch of fools being used by the Tree, blinded by their own greed.

But I'm different.

I don't care what it turns out to be. I'll find a way to reach it with this hammer.

So you'd better be helpful...unless you wish to die a painful death, Bernard.

I've taken care of them all.

As you ordered, I kept Eligos alive.

He must be headed this way.

Good. At least one thing is going as planned.

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

No, he hasn't.

I see.

I'll take care of Eligos. Stay here until I call for you.

...Understood.

Right away.

How much farther should I go?

*panting* Krau, you little!

Hey, take it easy!

Didn't I tell you earlier? Just think of it as an excursion with Dagger Sicar.

You know, get some rest and enjoy delicious food. If you get bored, you can take a walk outside and talk to people...

If you really think about it, it's more like a trip than a mission!

That's all bull.

I'm going to have a talk with him once I'm back.

Huh...? Bernard?

...

Oh... I see.

...

All right, all right. Bernard, you'd better stay where you are.

Come to think of it, you look a lot dumber...

...Kyaa!

...Than when Cidd transformed! I'm glad I have the potion with me.

Ahh!

Ugh... Nng...

Are you okay now?

...Yeah.

D-Did I hurt you by any chance?

...Hmm.

As a matter of fact, you almost killed me.

N-No way! I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Eligos!

Whoa, I even put you in danger... Do you think I'm also talented at fighting?

...

You don't seem well, Bernard. Maybe you should get some rest.

Okay...

Oh, what about Captain Veronica? Is she okay?

Well, that's...

I'll tell you when I return. Stay right here.

Umm... Mr. Eligos.

Yes?

Don't go that way, it's too dangerous. Kane is waiting for you.

I know.

Hmm...

What's up, Eligos?

This remind me of the first time we met.

You mean that joke of yours about dancing to the sound of approaching death or whatever? Which wasn't even funny, by the way.

I've been expecting you.

I already told you. I'm not going to die, at least, not here and not today.

KAHAHAHAHA!

You're such a lucky man, Eligos...

...Am I?

Because depending on your choice, there's a chance I might let you live today.

So just accept my offer.

You're going to get an immortal body and new power. Just like how you've survived to this day...adapting to changes.

...I didn't expect this.

I'm sure you're aware of the truth, but what's important is that we have a common enemy in the end.

...

And I promise you.

Once you get rid of the Tree of Genesis, I'll set you free. Well, we'll have to deal with Harsetti before that, but it's not that important.

What do you say? You're not getting the short end of the stick here.

...I have no idea what you're talking about.

What...?

Haven't you heard everything you needed to hear from Bernard?

Well... Any information collected by Dagger Sicar belongs to Taranor.

So whether we know or not, I can't have an outsider privy to it. Do you understand?

*chuckling*

You've made the wrong decision. Nothing will change except the fact that you'll suffer even more.

Ack!

You're holding out longer than Veronica's group.

Dammit... He's even faster than Conwell. What kind of monster is he...

AHAHAHA!

Think wisely, or else you'd better accept your fate!

...I need to buy more time.

Hmph, do you think I'll let you run?

Save yourself some time and effort, Eligos.

Ack!

Things have changed from when we first met.

I became stronger than ever after absorbing the life force of an immortal. I would have already devoured that Lenox kid if he had awakened in time...

*panting*

And you've grown weaker.

There are no subordinates of yours hiding and waiting for your signal, nor are there any others willing to join the fight, watching us from a distance.

...Mmm...

Claudia and Veronica, those prey have already been devoured.

You're all by yourself, Eligos.

And it's time for you to die, alone, regretting turning down the final opportunity that was offered to you.

Kane...

Oh, have you changed your mind now?

What makes you think I'm by myself?

...What?

I'm sorry, Boss! We're kind of late, aren't we?

Don't tell me you waited all this time to see me get beat up...

No way! Stupid Cidd got us lost!

What? You also thought we were heading in the right direction!

Shut up already!

W-What's happening?!

Elvira! You told me you took care of them!

Elvira!

No one's coming. They're not here.

They said they're off somewhere far away.

Now I can give you my answer.

Because I've finally organized my thoughts.

Cidd! Run!

I once had honor and pride to protect.

That's what helped me come this far.

Ahhh...

And I'm going to release myself from those shackles. I don't want to deceive myself anymore...

This is my answer, Cidd.

Ah...

Keep going straight, and you'll find Eligos.

Elvira...

I'm going to return to Kane and tell him lies for the last time. For you.

And...when I ever get to have my life back, I'll write a letter to you, Cidd.

Y-You idiots...!

Wait, where's Abigail?

She's busy now.

She's taking care of Melissa.

Just as soon as I get rid of you two...

I'm going to disappear as well.

So that not a single thing related to Bloodrose...

...!

Stop, Abigail!

M-Melissa?

I-Is that really you?

Yes, it's me...

Melissa woke up!

...Having her drink your blood must have worked.

Wait, does that mean... Haste... Are you...

Well... I can't really feel any difference. It's hard to tell.

Melissa! I'm so sorry, I really am. It's all my fault... *sobbing*

It's okay, Abigail... I'm okay...

Don't you ever leave me again. Ever...

Everything's going to be just fine.

...

Now it seems the tables have turned.

Aren't you the one who's left all by yourself, Kane?

Hmph. I've survived far worse than this.

Try your best to surprise me, Eligos.

Sure. I'll teach you a lesson today...

That there's nothing worse in the world than dealing with us, Dagger Sicar!

He's stumbling!

Now!

Boss!

Sure, I've got this.

Urk!

Eligos, you're amazing!

Mmmm...

Is it over now?

...Damn it! I let my guard down and allowed them to ambush me.

But a wound like this, I can recover from it within a few hours. Once I escape from here...

I'll drink the blood of some vagrants and travelers to restore my strength. Then, I'll track them down and eliminate them one by one. I'm going to survive this...

Like I always have.

I know what you're thinking, Kane.

I can almost hear your thoughts from all the way over here. But just give me a second. It won't take too long, I'm reloading now...because I have to change the bullet.

It's a gift from my client for you.

I...knew you would come back...

Eligos...

...That's because Bernard gave me false information...

So I waited... No matter how sleepy I felt...

You're right.

I've...got something...for you... And...

Huh...? Is this a... Bullet of the New Moon?

It's the last one left...

When Kane...

She changed the bullet before shooting you.

According to her, she made that decision because the chance of piercing your heart with just a single shot was too low.

Even in a situation like that, she made a rational decision. Veronica was such an outstanding commander.

...!

N-No!

There's no way I'd miss from this close, right? Since I'll be shooting right at him...

Grab him from both sides just in case he moves.

Yes, Boss!

Right away.

W-Wait!

Eligos!

You must be conscious still.

From client Veronica, to target Kane. Before the elimination, she told me to deliver this message.

"This is a gift from Claudia."

Please! Just listen to m...

Don't get me wrong, Kane.

I'm simply carrying out my mission. It's nothing personal.

You little bastard.

Mission accomplished.

Good job, everyone. Let's get out of here now.

Ahh!

Huh...?

Is it just me or did the ground shake?

It's shaking again!

Ahhh!

Eligos, is there a chance...the Passage of Beginnings might be collapsing?

But why...?

We haven't done anything...

Could it be because we eliminated Kane?

But that's...weird.

It's not like he built this place or anything, why would it...

Actually, it might have something to do with it.

Look! The blood from Kane's body...is seeping quickly into the floor.

It really is.

It's as if the floor is absorbing it.

Hmm...

It's unclear who created this place. I've looked through all the remaining records of Sangerat, and there's not a single record about it. Perhaps...

This place is in fact a part of the Tree of Genesis.

Anyway, it seems that the Passage of Beginnings lured Kane into it, and took his life. Regardless of what happened along the way, it now has what it wanted...

By the way, Bernard.

I thought I told you to wait for me there.

Of course, you did, Mr. Eligos...

In case you lost, I thought I'd have to move as quickly as possible. As a precaution, you know.

*sighing*

You were trying to run, weren't you?!

I'm more than happy that you've won, and...

What now?

It's where Kane's body used to be...

A giant black hole suddenly appeared...where the floor came into contact with his blood.

Wait... Could it be...the passage he's been looking for?

Hey, Swifty! Where are you going?!

Haste!

He's...calling for me...

The last...Vampire Lord...

What are you talking about? Who's calling you? And you're not even a Vampire Lord anyway.

Wait, Haste! Don't listen to that voice!

...But, my father...

It's a trick! You're hallucinating, it'll say whatever you want to hear!

He's calling me...

You should stay away from that hol, Huh?!

Bernard?

AHHHH!