Hero Stories: A Concerto of Light, Fire, and Ice

Hmm...this is odd.

Something is definitely wrong.

This isn't working... It's either too strong or too weak!

What is it, Dingo?

The fire from my hands... Ever since yesterday, I can't seem to control it well.

I need to get the right temperature for my cooking, but at this rate, I won't be able to get the taste I want.

Hey, Malicus! Care to explain?

Whoa! Who are you yelling at all of a sudden, Dingo?

I have a contract with Malicus, the Lord of Fire. This is a clear breach of that contract!

Well...I can't hear anything.

Not everyone can hear Malicus. You need to be chosen by the fire.

So, even though I couldn't hear his response...you did?

No... I didn't hear anything.

Hmm...

Don't worry about it too much. We can eat out for dinner. Or we can just go to the Order of the Shield's cafeteria.

That's not the problem here... If my fire is not working properly now, it could cause a whole lot more problems in the future.

I see.

Like, more serious than you not being able to cook properly?

First of all, not being able to cook properly is an extremely serious issue. Secondly, this is not going to be a simple problem to solve.

Oh, speaking of Spirit Lords, I heard Destina, the Spirit Lord of Light, is living in Duselnorc.

Maybe the Spirit Lords have their own ways of communicating with one another. How about we start there?

Not a bad idea...

I will find this Destina and make her send a message to Malicus...

That this is a serious breach of contract!

You're here to ask a favor of me?

Yes, Dingo here is in quite a predicament. He claims that he has a contract with the Lord of Fire...

I'm aware. Chef Dingo is the one who received a blessing from the one who burns the brightest, is he not?

Wow! Spirit Lords really are amazing! She figured it out right away, unlike those idiot Wild Dogs.

I was about to leave for the Light Spire. I will listen to the rest of what you have to say on my way there.

I see. It's odd for a bond between a Spirit Lord and the contractor to be lost...

Then this really is a big deal, huh...

This is the first time something like this has happened since I made my contract with Malicus.

Malicus is in the southern continent of Cidonia. It will require a lot of energy to reach him from so far away.

Is that why he said not to call him so often?

Even if there's a reason why Malicus can't use his powers, he should be able to respond if I send a signal from the Light Spire.

It's fortunate I was planning to go there already.

If I can contact Malicus at the Light Spire, I'll let you know his answer when I return.

Hmm... I'd rather come with you... I hate waiting.

If you are able to make contact with him and I'm there with you, we can just sort all this out on the spot.

And because you can also collect some more ingredients on the way, correct?

How did you guess!?

I saw the looks you were giving some of the monsters on the way here. I'll come with you too, to make sure you don't bring anything weird back.

Then we shall proceed together. Travelling with one touched by the fire is a joyous occasion.

There are never usually so many monsters on this road... I'm worried that something might have happened to the Light Spire.

You're right, the road ahead looks rough.

I thought there'd be peace after the Archdemon disappeared, but strange things keep happening.

The world was on the brink of extinction because of the Archdemon, Dingo. You can't make a comparison like that.

Well, it's still not safe.

We will need to be careful. It is fortunate the two of you came with me after all.

Hold on just a little longer.

*whimpering*

I know we've still got a ways to go to Reingar, but you're strong, so I know you can cope.

Where even are we? Why is it getting even colder...

*whimpering*

You're right. I think we might be lost. But don't worry...

I'll freeze anything dangerous that comes our way.

You are extraordinarily talented at cooking, Dingo. That was a delightful salad.

Of course it was, because he also had to eat it. He cooks all these meat dishes for others, but he's actually a vegetarian himself.

Hmm... If only I was able to control my fire better, I could have made grilled skewers for lunch.

You make so many meat dishes, have you never thought about using fresh vegetables as your key ingredients?

Should I? Well, the best chefs can use any ingredient... Oh my... That over there... That looks like a spectacular ingredient!

Why is he staring at me like that?

Isn't that... Zerato from Reingar?

Do you know him?

I met him once, in Savara. There was a big incident with a magic doll.

It must have happened while I was grocery shopping... Oh, you're right! He's that dumb kid with the ice.

Oh, it's you. The one with a contract with the Spirit Lord of Fire. I've always wanted to fight you.

Please, stay calm. Didn't you each receive the blessings of Nixied and Malicus?

But Zerato, it seems that Angara of yours is badly injured.

He was wounded a little in a fight... I was taking him back to Reingar to get him patched up.

But I ended up here after getting lost, and monsters started to attack me... I blew them all away, but he ended up getting even more badly hurt in the process.

It looks serious, I don't think you can make it all the way to Reingar. Based on my experience with Oliver, it'll only get worse if you leave it.

If you would please step out of the way, I can administer some first aid.

*whimpering*

So bright... Are you the Spirit Lord of Light?

You are correct. I am Destina, the Lord of Light.

Then that means that I'm in Duselnorc! How did I end up all the way out... Anyway, thank you.

I have stabilized him for now, but he will still require proper treatment somewhere safer.

Hold on to that Angara tight and follow me, Zerato. There are a lot of monsters here, so it won't be easy to protect him.

How is he now?

I think he's better... He isn't breathing as heavily as before...

Please face him towards me, Zerato, I will administer some more healing.

*whimpering*

This should help with the pain a little. Let's keep going.

There are a lot of monsters around here, so please be careful. We cannot afford any more injuries.

Don't worry! I still have my other arm to fend them off a little bit.

By the way, is it really okay for you to take a detour just for us, Destina?

I'm fine. Your Angara is more important right now.

Even with so many fractured bones and deep cuts, it hasn't given up and has made it this far.

If a being of light shows the will to survive, I will do all I can to save it.

Ah...

She's amazing, just like Malicus.

Ouch!

What's wrong?

Oliver was moved by Destina's words, so he bit my shoulder.

By the way, what made you come all the way from Reingar?

I was asked to investigate Nixied's Sanctum after a series of weird phenomena.

The ice around the sanctum had melted, and it suddenly became really hot in the center of the continent.

The effects reached as far as Reingar, and I absolutely cannot stand the heat, so you can only imagine how annoyed it made me.

Hmm... I don't think Dingo would understand, honestly.

He literally carries around fire...

Heat is fantastic. There are many wonderful dishes that you can only find in hot places.

I really don't want to get to know you any better than necessary.

Believe me, the feeling's mutual.

Stop it, you two. We don't have the time for squabbling.

If what Zerato said about Nixied's ice melting is true, then something definitely happened to Nixied as well.

I don't know why, but... the spirits are growing weaker.

Where exactly are we?

Didn't we pass through here already...?

I hope we'll be able to make it back to Reingar.

It's all because of you! I said we should take that right earlier!

No you didn't, you said left? I was just listening to you!

Well then you should have stopped me. Why didn't you tell me to take the right instead?

...!?

What's wrong?

Look. Isn't that Zerato over there?

Oh, you're right...fantastic! Let's go closer. Careful, it might be an illusion.

Please stop, you two. You agreed to get along while Destina's healing the wolf.

This punk keeps waving his stupid fiery arms at me.

You can't even cook, yet you mock my fire... Do you really want to become dinner?

What did you say? I should freeze you and your stupid flames!

Ha. No need to be jealous with those pathetic little icicles of yours.

I told you to keep it away from me! I'm really getting...

Zerato's being attacked!

Hmm, I'm not sure. It doesn't seem that way.

Let's go! Zerato!

Huh? What are you doing here?

To bring an entire gang here with him, that Zerato is not just cocky, but also a coward!

I made a promise to Destina, but I don't have a choice.

Wait, Dingo. I think there's been a misunderstanding!

Move, Cidd. I'll make dinner out of all of them.

You crazy cook... Touch them and I'll turn you into a block of ice!

I...should have stopped them earlier...

Let's go!

Eat this!

Oh no...

What happened? Why are you lying on the ground, Cidd?

You hit me with your stupid Glove Oven when I tried to stop the fight...

Ugh, I think a rib is broken.

Urgh...

Ze...ra...to...

Why are all of you lying on the ground?

You summoned an iceberg right down on top of all of us. Right on my legs...and her upper body!

This...is...all...your...fault...

You're the one that dived straight in. I'm only like this because I tried to stop you.

Hmph...

What's all this mess? You just couldn't wait, could you!?

To think that you are both contracted to a Spirit Lord... Aren't you embarrassed to act like this in front of your Angara?

Grrrr... Ruff!

All I did was summon a little iceberg.

Listen to me, Destina... They just attacked me out of nowhere!

I tried to stop them... Agh! Dingo! That hurts! Don't push!

I will start by healing Cidd.

Monsters are beginning to gather here, we will have to head up.

I won't be able to fight anyone in my state. Zerato, please cover me.

Sure, leave it to me.

How are you feeling, Cidd? Try moving your shoulders.

Wow! I can move them! And it doesn't hurt, either!

Try to avoid hurting the same spot for a couple of days. It's going to take a while for it to get back to normal.

I don't think we should keep fighting, Cidd.

I agree...

It's best to not push it.

And these would be...Reingar's famous magic dolls! It'll be difficult for me to heal you completely.

We...are...fine...

It's okay. We can get ourselves repaired back in Reingar.

Can you make it back on your own?

My legs are hurt, and she hurt her arms and head, but I think we can make it back eventually if we lean on each other.

We...don't...know...the...way...back...

That's right! We don't!

Then, should we go back together?

Are you serious? Who's the one that ended up here after getting lost in the first place!?

And Cidd is too injured to fight. Don't you dare back out now.

You should escort Destina to the Light Spire instead of Cidd.

Fine, no problem. How are we going to send them back, though...?

Don't worry about that, Zerato. I'll escort them back to Reingar.

I'll release this guy in a safe place as well.

*growling*

You can trust Cidd. He's smart and earnest... Other than being picky about his food, he's more or less a good guy.

Okay, thank you.

This time, you guys are definitely going back to Reingar. No more getting into trouble.

No... This...is...

Were you trying to blame all this on me? Getting lost and attacked is all on you!

That's enough... We're going! Please take care of Dingo!

Don't worry about us, and please take care of the injured.

Also, please check the ingredients that Dingo uses before you eat his food!

Hmph...

Wake up, Destina!

Ruele...? Is that really you, Ruele?

B...But...

Please don't make such a sad face. I'll be telling you your rabbit cookie fortune.

Ah... Ruele... You're always smiling so brightly...

You should smile as well, Destina. I missed you so much, please don't look so sad...

I'm sorry, Ruele...I can't stop the tears.

I think this is what it means to have a Human body...

Here we go... Drumroll please... Tada! Let's take a look, shall we?

Oh... Umm... Your fortune doesn't look too great.

There's a darkness coming for you from afar. Everything in this world could be in danger.

The Spirit's powers are growing weaker, the balance of the world is collapsing, and the void full of greed is trying to swallow it all up.

Th-That's...

Hehe...But Ruele's not worried. Because you're here, Destina.

You taught me to always have hope.

I believe that your warm light will protect us from the darkness.

That's why I can smile like this.

It's time to say goodbye, Destina. I hope that you'll be smiling the next time we meet!

Ruele! Ruele!

Were you dreaming, Spirit Lord?

Mmm...

Have you been on guard all night, Dingo?

No, Zerato and I have been taking turns so we could still catch some sleep.

I see...

Speak of the devil, here he comes.

I think we should go. The monsters that were roaming down there all night have finally left.

I agree. The Light Spire is just ahead.

We're so close...but there's so many monsters blocking it.

They look so strange, too.

They're not from this world... It seems that a gate to another world has opened up nearby.

They're all...new ingredients. So many new dishes to make!

Such motivation! Dangerous ingredients, dangerous food!

Focus. That one in the back is like nothing else we've encountered so far.

I can blow away the ones that attack me, but it'll be hard to take care of you at the same time.

Ha, showing off again, are we, ice boy?

If I froze you in a giant block of ice, would you finally shut up?

Stop it, you two!

You haven't had a true taste of my Glove Oven yet. I'll melt these silly icicles of yours in a flash.

Bring it on, I dare you!

Oh, I will. I've decided what I want to make for lunch, so I'd best prepare the ingredients!

Enough!

Stop it!

Um...

Hmm...

We don't even know where those monsters are from, and they've gone as far as to violate a spirit's domain.

Yet you two, both chosen by Spirit Lords, want to fight each other instead?

The balance of the world, where so many have been sacrificed, is being threatened!

And all you two can think about is pride?

...

...

Do what you want. I will fulfill my duty at the Light Spire.

...There are too many of those monsters to face alone. And Destina already spent so much of her energy healing Cidd and the Angara.

...We'll have our battle later... Let's take care of these monsters first.

I'll rile them up, and you freeze them in place, Zerato.

Deal. Let's go!

You both reconciled and came to help me.

Now you understand the incredible potential of harmony between two spiritual powers.

Well...I guess Zerato's frost magic can be useful...sometimes.

Hmph, you're not too bad yourself.

I'll ascend up the Light Spire and call Malicus.

Malicus...

Malicus!?

Nothing...

I can't feel the connection between the Spirit Lords.

This has never happened before... What's going on...?

Ah...!

There's a darkness coming for you from afar. Everything in this world could be in danger.

The Spirit's powers are growing weaker, the balance of the world is collapsing, and the void full of greed is trying to swallow it all up.

Ruele. My sweet, lovely Ruele.

I understand now.

I must ask Ras, the Heir of the Covenant, for help.

I will go wherever my mission leads me.

Destina! Where's Malicus?

He didn't answer.

Hmm...

Has something really happened to him...?

I will go look for him myself. I must head for the Fire Sanctum in Cidonia.

For that, I will need help. Zerato, please relay a message to Ezera for me.

That I, Destina, the Lord of Light, am searching for Ras, the Heir of the Covenant.