Hero Stories: Beyond the Boundary

Now that you've come back safely from the Spirits' Dimension, you're officially a shaman of Rekos.

From now, everything you do and every word you say will represent the holy will of Rekos.

Do not forget that.

I will not.

You don't seem to be very excited about it, Roana.

...I'm not sure I'm really qualified to be a shaman.

Do you still believe your gift brings only misfortune?

Because it's true...

There must be a reason why Rekos gave it to you.

There will come a day when your gift plays an important role. And I believe that is the reason why I was granted a revelation commanding I hand you...this.

...The Touch of Rekos. Why are you giving it to me...?

Someone like Luluca is more worthy of this. I...

Rekos chose you to inherit it.

I'm sure He has a grand plan we cannot yet comprehend.

...

Roana, I hope you find the strength to move on from the past and stop blaming yourself.

We're all special in the eyes of Rekos.

Special...

...

Look, isn't that Roana?

Oh, you're right. I heard she's cursed and only causes misfortune for anyone around her ever since she was a child.

As expected, becoming an official shaman didn't change anything. But...it's fine. I'm already used to it.

Apparently, she's officially become a shaman now... Do you really think she carried out Spiritual Communion successfully?

Not likely. I'd rather trust the rumors.

Rumors?

They say she was only able to become a shaman because she gained the high shaman's favor.

I had no idea there was such an absurd rumor about me... And even involving the high shaman...

There you are! Congratulations! I heard you passed the exam and became an official shaman.

...Luluca.

I wanted to be the first to congratulate you, but I was all the way out in the countryside.

Still, I came as soon as I could. And...

Ta-da! I've got something for you!

Tyripas black tea...

I knew you'd always wanted to try it.

I didn't think she'd actually remember... I only said that because she wouldn't stop asking.

Why is she being so nice to me...

There were all sorts of different kinds, so I thought it was probably best to get the most expensive! I had to save up for quite a while.

But that's not a big deal, as long as you're happy...

...I'm sorry. I don't need it anymore. I appreciate the thought, though.

I've got to go.

This is best for both of us. She's better off not being friends with me.

Was it too much?

...Maybe I should have went for something smaller. Hmm, but I heard the more expensive the gift, the better.

But what should I do with it now? I don't want it either...

You want to be put in charge of the Dimensional Archives? Do you realize what you're asking?

Though they exist on Rekos, they're also connected to several other dimensions, and so the environment within changes often.

Then you must be aware that many archivists have gone missing inside, which is why so many prefer to avoid it.

...Yes, I am aware.

Yet you still insist? May I ask you why?

Because as dangerous as it is, it's important. I heard the Archives have been neglected for a long time.

If we leave the Archives in their current state for much longer, it will only become harder to recover them.

So, I've been thinking...someone must do it. And it's only natural for it to be me since nobody else knows more about them.

If there's any other reasons behind your decision, please do tell me.

...That is the only reason. Please give me permission...

She seems very determined. I don't think I could persuade her otherwise even if I wanted to...

...If that is what you want...then alright. I'll officially assign you to the position soon.

Nobody wants me, so why not go where nobody else wants to...

It makes perfect sense to me.

So these are the Dimensional Archives...

Seeing how thick the dust is, it really must have been a long time since anybody was here.

I hope this feeling of uneasiness is just my imagination.

Phew, I've cleaned up the worst of it. Shall I have a tea break?

Hmm, what's this? "Dimensional Archives Safety Guide"?

Are these notes from the former caretaker? What do they mean by "random changes"...?

*rumbling*

Huh? What's that noise? It's coming from the book shelf over there...

*rattling*

Everything's being distorted!?

What's happening? And what's this power surrounding me...? N-No...!

...!

Where am I? ...Was...

Was I sucked through a Dimensional Rift...?

...

This isn't good. The guide said no one can escape on their own.

...But there's nothing around me. Did the Rift already move somewhere else?

Or maybe it just disappeared...

...!

It's weak, but I sense the power I felt before.

Maybe it's still somewhere near here.

Phew, there it is. But...

I don't feel the Spirits beyond it... That means it leads somewhere other than Rekos...

More importantly, the power I've been sensing is growing stronger and stronger.

I've never felt energy so dark. So horrible and ominous...

*rumbling*

The Rift is closing. What should I do...?

Should I go through it?

...

It's not like staying here will solve anything anyway....

...Fine, I'll go.

Knock knock, excuse me! Is anybody there?

Delivery! It's something really important, so please open the door!

Ahem, since there's no response, I'll take that as permission to come in...

Surprise! It's me, Luluca!

Oh? There's nobody in. But they definitely said she'd started working here...

Did she finish and go home already?

Ouch, the cup is still hot! Oh, it's black tea, that should go well with the snacks I brought.

Hmm, but where did she go... Aha, I know!

She must be taking a nap somewhere!

Haha, no one can escape from me! Now, where could she be...

*rumbling*

Huh? What's that noise?

...I'm in a different dimension again.

How do I get back to Rekos, then?

Ack...! The Vigilant Eye...? And that dark energy is back...

...The Dimensional Rift...is connecting to Rekos?!

Oh, what's this? There's something weird floating in the air. Hmm...kinda looks like the surface of a lake.

Wait, no, that's not it. It's more like... Oh! Right, it looks just like the pudding I dropped on the floor a few days ago.

It was flat, but still all lumpy and squishy.

Hmm...but really, what is this?

...Luluca! Go!

Huh? I think I heard Roana's voice coming from the other side...

Roana! Are you in there? What are you doing?

...come...in!

Eh? What is she trying to say? I can't hear her well.

You're in there, aren't you? Answer if you can hear me!

...

She's not answering. Although, I'm pretty sure I heard her telling me to come in.

She sounded pretty urgent.

Maybe she's in danger and needs my help!

That must be it! Everyone is always saying how dangerous this place is.

She must have got caught up in something. She needs my help!

Hold on! I'm coming for you!

...No!

Ugh... I didn't expect to fall from the air.

Although it hurt less than I expected... Strange. Anyway, where's Roana?

P-Please move, I can't breathe.

Oops, so that's why the landing was so soft... Sorry!

Ouch...

Are you okay? What are you doing here? Where even is "here"?

Why did you go through the Dimensional Rift...?

Huh? Oh, that was a Dimensional Rift? Haha, it's fine, we can always just go back throu, Huh?! Where did it go...?

I told you not to come in!

...I thought you said the opposite.

Now she's in danger and it's all my fault.

If only I hadn't changed anything in the Dimensional Archives... Maybe I shouldn't have talked to her in the first place...

...What should I do now?

...

Look!

Hmm? What's going on?! Is there a monster...

There's a huge floating rock, and a bunch of other tiny ones behind it!

Don't you think they look like ducklings following their mom? How adorable!

...Are you serious?

Oh, sorry. Did I upset you? I was just...trying to lighten up the mood a little.

...

I'm sorry...

...No, I'm the one who owes you an apology. This is all my fault.

Anyway, we should try to find another Rift we can use. That's the only way we can go back.

Alright! I'll keep an eye out for one!

This energy...

Hmm? What energy? I don't feel anything.

Huh? When did she get that far ahead?

Roana, wait for me! It's dangerous out there!

It must be somewhere near here...

Watch out!

Agh...!

Get off me, you hideous creature!

Tssssss...

Luluca!

I'm okay, I was able to block it. But what's that ugly monster?

I have no idea...but I know one thing for sure.

The monster had the same energy I felt from the Dimensional Rift.

And I can still feel the energy getting stronger somewhere near here...

There must be a new one!

It's possible.

Great! Now that we know what we're supposed to be doing, let's hurry.

You said the energy is coming from over there, right? Okay, I'll lead the way!

Wait, Luluca! We should stick together, it's dangerous!

Go away! Leave us alone!

Grrrrr...!

Hmph, that was easy.

Anyway, are you sure it's around here? I don't see a thing.

Shhh, just a moment...

...

It's weak, but I can feel the dark power. And yet, we can't see anything...

I'm not certain, but seems like it's hidden in between dimensions.

Mmm, what about your Vigilant Eye?

Well... I'm not able to use it whenever I please. And even if I could, nothing good will come of it.

Just look at where we are now. If it wasn't for my..."gift," you would never have ended up h...

Why is that your fault? It was my decision to enter the Rift.

And the high shaman told me your Vigilant Eye is a blessing from Rekos.

...You don't know what you're talking about.

You have no idea what I've had to bear because of it.

Being able to see the true nature of people is a cruel thing. Especially for someone who doesn't want to...

...So you've grown to resent and fear it.

Stop talking as if you know everything about me.

You're right. I don't. But still, I wanted to tell you something.

Whatever happened in the past because of your gift...wasn't your fault.

I'm sure whatever happened was an accident because you weren't used to controlling it. So, please...

Do not hate yourself for being different from others.

...What are you trying to...

Heh... Maybe I crossed a line. I'm sorry if I upset you.

...Let's get going. Standing around here won't solve anything.

It's a little far from here, but I can sense a similar kind of power again.

Maybe it could be another Rift.

Alright, but let me have a look around here first.

I'd love to avoid encountering those ugly creatures as much as possible.

...

Hmm, the Rift led us to yet another strange dimension...

Ever since we came here, the Touch of Rekos has been responding to something.

Maybe we're getting closer to home...

...Uh, oh. We have a problem.

What? What is it?

*rumbling*...

...You're hungry.

I haven't eaten since this morning because I was baking snacks for both of us.

But I left them in the Archives...

Then what's in that pouch?

Oh, right! I totally forgot about it!

It's a cookie I made! What do you think? Looks delicious, right?

Are you sure...it's edible?

...Oh, it actually tastes a lot better than it looks.

Of course! Taste is always most important!

I realized that early on!

Luluca...

Why do you keep trying to be friends with me? Everyone else tries to avoid me as much as possible.

Is it because both of us were taken to the Spirit Shrine by the high shaman?

...Well, not exactly. There's no end of other orphans from that war...

Why then?

...Do you remember that day when I first tried harnessing the power of a water Spirit?

I do. You were the first to ever manage it even before completing Spiritual Communion.

A lot of people came to see.

But then, because it was my first time...a lot of people ended up getting hurt.

It was an accident, that's all.

And you know that. Dealing with power on that scale is a difficult thing even for official shamans.

That was the problem. Everyone was calling me a genius, so I overestimated myself.

...Ever since that day, I was afraid of standing out.

And hated myself for not being able to handle it.

You were the only one who tried comforting me.

...I remember now. You were sitting in the corner of the training ground.

You came up to me and said...

"Do not hate yourself for being different from others."

Sound familiar? It's what I told you earlier.

Looking back, that day...I think I saw myself in you and how you were suffering for being different to others.

So I told you what I wanted to hear myself.

Maybe I should have just said it to myself as well...

Thanks to you, I was able to get back on my feet.

And then realized you were the same. You had nobody by your side to comfort you as you suffered for the same reason I was.

So you're trying to return the favor by becoming friends with me?

Well...maybe at first, yes. But not anymore.

It's just...fun to be with you. You may look a little blank most of the time, but I can read your emotions on your face.

You're not great at hiding your feelings, so it's fun to tease you.

A-Am I not?

Haven't you noticed? Anyway...

Will you stop acting like we're not close? Or, do you still not want me to be friends with you?

...Fine.

*giggling* Great! Now that our stomachs are full, shall we get going?

...But where to?

*rumbling*

...What's happening?

Krrrrrrrr...!

Yuck, those weird looking creatures are moving as a group!

They look like they're heading somewhere specific, though.

Should we follow them?

I think that's a good idea. It seems like something is about to happen.

Look, they're gathering in front of that rock with arms.

Trample all living beings! Sacrifice the planet for your master!

Tsssssss...

Krrrrrrrr...

Did you see that? When the dark marble in its hands started glowing, that Dimensional Rift got a lot wider.

I hope the planet they were talking about wasn't Rekos...

Don't worry, I don't think it was. I didn't feel the energy of Spirits when the Rift got wider. Maybe it was a different dimension again.

That dark marble must be what's controlling the Rifts.

Let's capture that talking rock when it's off its guard.

And I'll torture it with my water pillars until it spits out every single thing it knows. We can call it "Operation Water Pillar Horror."

...Shh! Someone's coming.

Yes, sir. We've deployed all our troops.

Yes, sir.

There are beings from Rekos here... This place is so large, I don't even know where to begin searching.

Did you hear that? They're looking for us.

...There's not that many of them. Let's go with your plan.

What plan?

Operation Water Pillar Horror.

Haha, great! I've got this!

Oh, so this dark marble is called an "Eye of Chaos"?

To be more precise...it's only one fragment of an Eye.

I sense dark energy coming from this object. Darker than any I've sensed before.

Is it true you can use this to open a Dimensional Rift anywhere you want?

With one complete Eye of Chaos, yes. But only commanders know how.

With only a fragment like this...all I can do is keep them open once they appear.

Do you know anything about the Dimensional Rift connected to Rekos?

All I know is that we couldn't take full control of it for some reason. It kept changing its location as well, so it was hard for us to track.

We finally succeeded at binding it to one location, so the commander went to check.

And then what?

I don't know. But it's our policy to destroy those we cannot control.

It's probably gone by now.

...Does that mean we can't return to Rekos?

Are you sure? You'd better be telling us the truth.

Well... It will be difficult unless the commander reopens the Rift for you.

Why are you telling us everything so easily? It's suspicious...

I-I'm telling you the truth! Why would I lie?! Please, just let me go. I've already told you everything I know!

Let's stop here. I don't think they're lying. We found out everything we need.

Fine. But to make sure you don't get in our way...

Arrghh!

BOOM!

Oh...

We need to get rid of any risks before they have a chance to cause problems later.

Anyway, so that Rift appeared in the Dimensional Archives because of these guys?

Yes. They said they accidentally opened it while trying to control the Eye of Chaos.

...Phew, what a relief.

Huh? Why is that a relief?

Because now we know it definitely wasn't your fault.

Now you can stop beating yourself up.

...Thank you for saying that.

Do you think we can find the Rift before it closes? They gave us a vague explanation of what to do, but...

We don't need to worry too much about it. This fragment is connected to the full Eye of Chaos...

So it shouldn't be too difficult to find the way.

I think this is it... I can feel the Eye of Chaos not too far from here.

Great, so we're going in the right direction!

Phew, and it feels so refreshing to be outside like this, Oh, look at the sky!

I've never seen this many stars before. It's almost as if we're standing in the middle of the universe.

Do you think they use this dimension to select their targets?

Probably. And our planet could be next.

Y-You think so?

Calm down. I only said "could be."

Oh, thank Rekos. I thought you saw the future with the Vigilant Eye.

That's not how it works. Mmm, simply put...

It's an ability that allows you to see the true nature of beings for a moment.

...I don't understand a single word of that, but I guess Rekos is safe?

Yes, for now...

Here you were.

H-Huh? Something's happening to the Eye of Chaos fragment...

This is...the dark power? No, it's more like...darkness itself.

You're worthless, and yet somehow you possess a tiny piece of a god.

That peculiarity has drawn my attention.

D-Darkness... Blurry... I can't stay awake anymore...

...!

Lowly god, why go through the effort to show yourself here?

This warm light... It must be...Rekos...

Your feeble light cannot block my sight.

...!

How foolish of you. Do you really think this mortal is worth it?

The light...is slowly pushing away the darkness...

I have seen you. We will meet again soon.

Then you will have to pay for daring to stop me.

Rekos.

Can you hear me? Are you okay?

W-What happened...?

The fragment suddenly became darker, and you stopped walking.

You weren't responding, and you'd gone all pale...

Then a weird ring of golden light appeared and you woke up.

The fragment is broken now though...

This is...the Touch of Rekos...

What's going on?

I don't remember. All I remember is incredible darkness, and a feeling of anxiety and horror...

But the rest is all fuzzy.

I think I heard something I shouldn't forget...

Huh? Is that darkness still here!?

No, not anymore. Rekos's light pushed it away.

Rekos!? But we're in a whole different dimension. How did He...

This means the Dimensional Rift is still open.

Commander, we have an emergency!

The creatures from Rekos we've been looking for are attacking our troops!

O-Only two, sir.

Everyone wanted to be the one to stop them and get a promotion, but they were all defeated...

Huh? Are you sure...?

Strange. The number of enemies is decreasing.

Get out of my way, you dumb pebbles!

Ack...!

I assume that giant marble is the Eye of Chaos...? Oh, I see a Dimensional Rift behind it!

I can hear the Spirits whispering, it must lead back to Rekos. But...

Then let's go. What are you waiting for?

Somehow...I just have this weird feeling that it'll take us somewhere else.

Did she notice...?

Oh, you're the purple commander stone. What have you been doing while we were busy destroying your soldiers?

You came here all alone to speak nonsense at us?

Grrrrrr...

I knew it... They were trying to trick us.

W-What did you say? We won't let that happen!

I was trying to sound confident...but there are too many of them. What should we do?

...I need you to hold them back for me.

I'll adjust the Eye of Chaos so that the Rift connects straight to Rekos.

Do you think you can?

That's the only way we can escape. And it might be possible if I use the Vigilant Eye.

...Okay. I'll try to buy you as much time as possible, but hurry!

Hmph, I'm the strongest shaman in the universe, that's why! Well, technically I'm not an official shaman yet.

Anyway, you've got to try harder than this to defeat me!

Roana, are you almost done? I can't hold out much longer...

...

I'm going to find Rekos...somewhere in this endless universe.

I can do this.

I need to empty myself of all negative feelings... The pain, the rage, my past...

If I just let go of my prejudices and accept myself for who I am...

I'm sure I can...

There it is.

I did it! I did it!

I've been waiting to hear you say that!

Hmph, gonna chase us, are you? In that case...

...!

Why are you attacking the Eye of Chaos?! What if it breaks...?

Haha, don't worry! I didn't use all my power. Let's hope it lasts until we're back!

H-Hope it lasts?! That's the most irresponsible thing I've ever heard!

Is this...the Dimensional Archives?

The tea is still warm. I guess not much time passed here...

I'm glad we're back safely...

Nng... I'm dizzy...

That was so irresponsible! Why did you do that?

What would we have done if the Rift disappeared while we were still in it!?

Huh? What are you talking about?

...?

Ah, I get it. Did you fall asleep and have a bad dream? Haha, don't worry, I won't tell anyone.

She...doesn't remember anything.

Anyway, look! I made you some snacks...

H-Huh?! They're all shattered into pieces!

And what happened to this place? I swear it was clean when I came in...

She must have forgotten everything that happened in the other dimensions.

But how come I still remember everything?

Is it because of the Touch of Rekos? Or...the Vigilant Eye?

Luckily, I prepared a spare pouch just in case...

I don't understand anything anymore.

But maybe there's a special reason why only I remember what happened.

Huh?! The spare pouch is empty!

Ha, don't worry. It was delicious. Even though it looked a little weird.

...How do you know that?

And why does it feel like we've suddenly become so much closer? Did something happen...?

...I guess my dedication finally led her to opening up!

Luluca, will you help me clean up a little?

Did you just...ask for my help...? Sure, of course!

Wow! It feels so great to be out of town. It's been too long.

You know we're not here for fun, right?

Of course. We're here to help reconstruct the abbeys destroyed during the holy war.

That's right. Meaning that we don't have any time for tea. We're already running late.

We are!? But I still have so much Tyripas black tea left.

If we leave now, I'll have to throw it all away...

I don't think it's a good idea to let such expensive tea go to waste.

Looking at your silver armor, you must be...a Sacred Knight!

Were you looking for us?

Originally, yes. But it was the scent of black tea that led me here.

*giggling* Good answer! You can sit here...umm...

You can call me Straze.

Nice to meet you. I'm...

Why is the Vigilant Eye responding to him? Is it trying to show me his heart?

He doesn't seem to be different from any other Sacred Knight. He has strong faith and devotion to his god, and...

An anxious darkness...? Deep within. Why?

You look pale. Are you okay?

I-I'm fine. I felt a little dizzy, that's all.

We should introduce ourselves as well. This is my friend...

Luluca! I'm a shaman of the Spirit Shrine

And I'm...

Roana.

An unexpected mistake has allowed me to find my proxy.

Someone who serves his god, and yet denies him.

That anxious darkness of his is what will bring me to Rekos.

Nobody can stand in the way of his corruption.

The god of this pathetic little planet will pay for standing in my way.