Hero Stories: One Blade, One Truth

Hmm, the investigation hasn't turned up anything useful...

Decades ago...after we sealed the Archdemon and the war ended, I traveled all over Ritania.

To figure out if the memory...no, the experience that Acolyte Kayron showed me was true.

I've been trying to find evidence that proves this world has been destroyed and restored over and over again.

But the only things I've found so far are old, insignificant documents...

Sir Vildred, you're here once again.

...I told you not to disturb me unless something important came up.

I remember that, sir. But I thought you should see this.

A letter with the Ezeran royal seal on it... Is this from Sir Charles again?

Yes, sir. This time he sent his lieutenant as well.

The lieutenant insisted on meeting you himself, but I sent him back.

...Very well. Leave it on the table.

You're going to burn it again without even reading it, aren't you?

That's none of your business.

...Sir, it's already been quite some time since you isolated yourself. You haven't returned to the castle in years.

And strange rumors have begun to spread among the people.

Haha, rumors... Let's hear it, what do people say about me?

Some say you were severely injured in the Archdemon War, and some say you've been locked up in a dungeon for committing a grave crime.

That's not all. Those are more like jokes compared to this one. Do you want to know what it is?

They say you've sided with the Archdemon and are plotting something.

...

Honestly, I don't know what you're thinking anymore, sir. How long are you going to live like this?

Hahaha... So tell me. Which of those rumors do you think people believe the most? That I'm injured? Or locked in a dungeon?

Or...that I've sided with the Archdemon?

...One way or another, the truth will come out. However, one must decide whether or not they will accept this truth.

The wise find a silver lining even in the darkness, but most people... Most people let the darkness devour them.

This old man wishes only that you will make a wise decision.

Don't worry too much... Everything will be over soon.

...Please pardon me if I crossed a line. I'll take my leave now.

Hmph, what's with that look? I've never seen you make that face before. Now you've begun to feel pressure?

You again?! Get out of my head!

Isn't it time to accept it? When are you going to stop living like this, buried underneath these useless documents?

When are you going to stop denying the truth?

Hahaha! The truth? What's the truth? Don't underestimate me. I'm the one who will decide what to believe.

You can't force me to believe anything!

*chuckling* How foolish. But I suppose allowing you to realize it on your own is fine after all. Because as soon as your hope dies, and the shadow of despair falls over you...

...You'll come looking for me anyway.

...Dammit!

I'm not done yet. There's still one last place that I haven't searched.

A place that the data I've collected so far is pointing toward. I'm sure what I'm looking for will be there.

It...has to be. Otherwise...

I feel like I'm walking in circles. As expected, this is no ordinary forest.

But according to the map, I should arrive there soon. And there, I'll be able to find...

...The truth of this world, hidden by the sage so long ago.

Hopefully it can alleviate this...deep mistrust I have.

*growling*...!

Somehow I seem to attract Undead and Demons wherever I go.

Maybe it's due to the power of the Archdemon flowing inside me...

This tombstone doesn't hold any supposed truth of the world. Only proverbs the sage left behind...

What have I been doing for all these years...? What was it all for?

Does this mean I'll never know whether or not Kayron was telling me the truth?

You appear quite disappointed that your final hope was fruitless.

...Are you here just to make fun of me? Fine, you were right.

I've searched everywhere...but I couldn't find a single document on the destruction and restoration of the world.

Do you understand what that means? It proves that what you've shown me was nothing more than an illusion.

It's not proof that I was wrong.

Shut up. I won't...let you mess with me anymore.

So get out of my sight, now!

If that's what you really want, I'll go. But listen to the voice deep inside your heart. Are you really satisfied?

What are you going to do about your mistrust of the Goddess and the Heir of the Covenant?

Enough. I promised myself that if I didn't find the answer I wanted this time, I would give up and go back to Ezera.

*chuckling* Do you really believe that's what you want?

If you were going to give up this easily, you wouldn't have wandered the continent for so long.

You would have returned to Ezera, firm belief in the Goddess intact, and prepared for the upcoming Archdemon War.

But you didn't. Why?

...

I know the answer. It's because, when faced with a question that shakes the very core of your beliefs...

...You're the type of person who cannot move forward before finding a convincing answer.

Therefore, in response to your call, your desperate search for even the slightest clue...

...I have descended.

...Yes, maybe you're right. The unrest inside me has grown larger.

I...don't even know what to do anymore, or what to believe.

So how do you plan to put an end to this growing unrest of mine?

Are you going to persuade and delude me with cryptic words again?

No, I won't. This time, you're going to choose what to believe.

Come with me, I'll show you everything you wanted to know.

This is a place where the Ezeran army has no presence...

I think you're safe to reveal yourself. There's no one else around.

Oh? Look at you, now you're being nice to me. I'm a little surprised.

Quit speaking nonsense. Why did you bring me here?

Didn't I just tell you? I'm going to show you proof of the truth you refuse to believe.

This is a very meaningful place.

This is where the seeds of your wrath and doubt were planted.

...

Of course, you wouldn't know anything.

I still don't fully trust you. And yet I followed you here...

...Because I won't let mistrust control me any longer.

So...you'd better not think you can manipulate me.

Hmph. I'm just leading you to the truth.

I'm not going to force you to believe anything. Now, shall we begin?

I hope you won't allow the truth to weigh you down.

Ack...! My head...

I wasn't expecting the Archdemon's main forces to attack the castle so soon.

Huh...? This voice...?!

Watch out, Vildred!

Don't worry, I can handle this.

Dancing Blade!

Krrraang!

That's...me. And evidently, I'm fighting monsters. But who's the person next to me...?

Save your strength for the greater task, Heir of the Covenant. I'll deal with the monsters.

The number of monsters is growing. In other words...the Archdemon will soon descend upon this world.

It's not the right time to save my strength. We must break through the Archdemon's main forces and go straight to the Sanctuary.

If we don't, this world will...

Krrrrrrr...

Alright, then. What are you waiting for? Let's go!

Krrrrrrr...!

Here he comes in a blaze of fire! Aki, the final Heir!

I've never heard of an Heir who possesses the power of fire. And the Heir of the Covenant is awake...

Is this the previous world that Kayron told me about?

As expected, the soldiers are already worn out.

I don't think they can even fight these monsters, let alone break through to the Sanctuary.

...It was unavoidable. It hasn't been that long since the last war.

Now that we know the Archdemon that we sacrificed so many lives to defeat wasn't even the Archdemon himself but just a part of him...

I see your point. The situation now is definitely more desperate than last time. But in times like this, we need to encourage them, don't you think?

Protecting our one and only world, that's our duty. Don't you agree, Vildred?

The word "duty" feels a little too heavy for me, since I'm not even an Heir. Rather than that...

I just want to prove that the deaths of my comrades were not in vain.

It's true, many people lost their lives during the war... But don't worry. No matter what, we still have the Heir of the Covenant by our side.

And Ras and I have already defeated the Archdemon once before. I'm sure it'll be no problem this time too.

What do you say, Ras?

...You're right. Many were sacrificed for one noble reason. To protect this world.

But if we don't stop the Archdemon, then all their sacrifices will be in vain.

To prevent that from happening, we must stop the Archdemon again. And...

...Only the three of us can do it. We carry the will of those who gave up their lives.

Yes, let's destroy the Archdemon and get back to Ezera.

A fifty-year old bottle of Dilveranc is waiting for me! And that baby was an expensive one!

How can you talk about alcohol at a time like this...?

Anyway, first, I'll evacuate the injured. We'll lose them if we don't have their wounds treated.

Alright. Come back as soon as possible. No slacking!

...

Hmm, if we fail to defeat all those monsters...

We'll fail this world, won't we?

...Aki. I know what you're thinking. But I hope that you won't make that decision.

Of course. But if...if that time ever comes, you know...

It's been longer than I thought. Luckily, the invasion hasn't begun yet.

Ras, where did Aki...?

Master! Are you really going to let Aki do what he wants?!

What Aki wants...?

He would do anything for Orbis. Since I know how much he cherishes this world...I can't stop him.

Although it may not be the best decision, I just want to respect his choice.

I understand. But remember, once an Heir dies, they...

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Are they here already?

Come, Arkasus! Let's save this world and all its people once more.

I...I'm tired of seeing this world die.

Gotcha, Master!

...I didn't mean to, but I accidentally overheard them.

What Aki wants and an Heir's death... I wonder what they were talking about.

More than anything, his last comment is bothering me the most.

"I'm tired of seeing this world die..." What could he possibly mean?

...Ras, what are you hiding from us?

Dammit, this is never going to end. Is every monster on Orbis here?

It feels like they're trying to hold us back. At this rate, we won't be able to reach the Sanctuary.

Vildred will be back soon. I'm sure we can make it if we focus and work together.

Raaaarghh!

Tsssssss...!

I'm not too late, am I?

Hmph, you're earlier than I expected. I thought you'd have a relaxing break and take a nap before you came back.

...Again, I cannot believe you. How can you make fun of me in this situation? Guess those fights didn't take any energy out of you.

Anyway, Ras, I have a question for you. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but earlier...

H...Here you are... The Heir of the Covenant...

A Dust Walker?

Ack...!

Impressive. Even in this condition, you blocked my attack. You're as skilled as ever, Heir of the Covenant.

But soon the Archdemon will descend upon this land. In other words, it's our victory this time.

It's too early to predict, Kayron. As long as we have even a little bit of hope, we won't give up.

Haha, but how long do you think that hope of yours will last?

Krrrrrrrr...!

How shameless! They're using the sacrificed soldiers as Dust Walkers.

Is it just me or has the whole situation actually gotten worse?

...If I use my full strength, I'll be able to break through the defense line for a short moment.

Meanwhile, Aki, head to the Sanctuary with Ras. And stop the Archdemon.

Well, that's an idea...but I refuse. This is not something that can be solved by sacrificing yourself.

Don't worry about me. Just focus on saving the world...

All I need is a few seconds. Earn me some time, and then I'll try to use the Spirit power infused in this gauntlet.

I thought that was only possible during an eclipse.

I'm not certain, but what's the harm in giving it a shot, right?

Very well. I'll deal with the Dust Walkers. Hurry!

...The time has come.

...And it worked.

The Strak Gauntlet is out of control...?

Wait, this is what you meant?! Stop right now, or else...!

Yes, I'll die. But listen, Vildred. I learned something from the last time we fought the Archdemon.

I learned that...we can't save this world without sacrifices.

I've known since then that I would be next.

Without you, Ras has to face the Archdemon by himself. Have you forgetten that?

What do you mean by himself? You'll be there. I guess you haven't noticed, but sometimes you're stronger than the Heirs when faced with dangerous situations.

And I hate to admit this, but...you're the person that Ras trusts the most.

So I believe that you two can stop the Archdemon...even without me.

*rumbling*

I can sense the dark energy of the Archdemon. We're running out of time, I need to go now.

I never said I'm okay with...

Grrrrrrrrrr!

Ack...! What awful timing... Get off of me, you damn skeletons!

I'm so glad I had a friend who truly understands me. I'll leave it to you guys now. Oh! And...

...You can have my fifty-year old Dilveranc. I hid it in the cupboard.

As I told you already, that baby's expensive. Try not to drink it all at once.

Stop! I said stop, Aki!

Master, Kayron's power is getting stronger.

Yeah, this energy... It's definitely the power of the Archdemon.

Hmph, is that all you're capable of? Now it's time to put an end to this...

Wait, this flame... Could it be the one who incapacitated the Archdemon last time?

Aki, so you've decided to...

Forward, Dust Walkers! Stop him!

Do you seriously think your silly, little skeletons are enough to stop me and my flames? You're not very bright, are you?

You fool, do you really think you can defeat me and my Dust Walkers without the help of the eclipse?

Hmph, apparently, you don't know much about my Strak Gauntlet. An eclipse isn't the only way to unleash its full power.

Ack...! S-So powerful... How?!

Ras, I don't need to spell it out for you, do I? You won't have long. Go to the Sanctuary with Vildred, and...you know what to do next, right?

...Okay, Aki. I'll save this world no matter what it takes.

I'll be honest. I'm not quite happy with the fact that you're my companion to the afterlife.

But I guess it can't be helped. Anyway, I'll have to use this powerful flame to create a grand finale before I go. So get ready...

...To witness the power of Malicus! I'll burn you to ashes!

Ras, did you know about Aki's decision?

Yes.

Then why didn't you stop him!?

...After the last time we defeated the Archdemon, Aki was overcome with sorrow for a long time, thinking of all the Heirs who died while he lived on.

But in the end, he came to understand that their sacrifice was for the sake of the entire world.

And so he believed that he must do the same for the next Archdemon War.

So what you're saying is...even though you knew everything he was thinking all this time, you let it happen?

Yes, but that was Aki's own decision. And I wanted to respect his choice.

And most importantly, nothing matters more than protecting Orbis. Aki's choice to sacrifice himself was inevitable.

...Yes, this world is more important than anything else. It's all over once the world is gone.

But I must ask you this. Ras Elclare, what are your comrades to you...?

Don't tell me you see them as tools that you can sacrifice as you please to protect the world.

...

And you're clearly hiding something from everyone.

You said, "I'm tired of seeing this world die." What did you mean by that?

...Tell me the truth.

I'm afraid I can't tell you that. But I want to make one thing clear.

To me, you guys are...

...

You don't appear to be pleased.

...So what happened to that world?

I was defeated before the end by an Heir, so I was unable to see for myself exactly what happened... But the mere fact that this world exists seems to be an answer to your question.

Aki, the Heir who was blessed by the Spirit Lord Malicus. I've never even heard his name before.

If, as you say, this world continues to be destroyed and restored over and over again, how come he doesn't exist in the current one?

Haha, there you go. I've been waiting for a question like this. It's simple.

When the world comes to ruin, Diche restores Orbis to its state from a certain point in the past.

But...Heirs are not included.

Why?

Well, how am I to know what's in her mind?

So in other words, Heirs disappear forever if they die. Are they...aware of that?

No, they're not. Only the Goddess, the Heir of the Covenant, and the Guardians know.

So that they may use the Heirs as they please.

...How come I've never heard of this place before?

Oh, you were so lost in thought, I nearly forgot you could speak. You looked quite tormented.

...

And it's no wonder. Hardly anybody knows about this place.

This is one of the hidden paths to the Sanctuary.

So you have something to show me here?

I can trust you, because you're as good as us Heirs.

Ack... I hear that voice in my head again...

Ha! It seems that the first experience I showed you has awakened the rage and doubt within your soul.

You no longer need my guidance.

So please take care of the Heir of the Covenant, Vildred.

The battle must have begun on the ground.

The Heirs are keeping them distracted for now, but soon the Acolytes will notice that you're gone.

Yes, and the longer we take, the more lives we're likely to lose. We must hurry to the Sanctuary.

Krrraang!

Ras, watch out!

Krrrrrrr...

What are you thinking? You've been spacing out! That was dangerous!

I'm sorry, Vildred. It feels like I owe you so much.

I mean, it can't be helped. The Heirs asked me to take good care of the clumsy Heir of the Covenant.

So I have to keep the promise I made.

They said I'm clumsy...? Is that how I come off?

Well, there are other reasons I need to take care of you. You're the only one who can defeat the Archdemon, after all.

Since you're our only hope of restoring peace, of course you need to be protected. So you don't owe me anything.

I would gladly risk my life to protect you, even if it means I die.

Yes. If we can defeat the Archdemon, there will be peace. But...

What's with that face?

...Nothing. Let's go, we don't have time to waste like this.

I assume even the Heir of the Covenant feels pressure.

But I think there was something he was about to tell me... Maybe it was my imagination.

So you were hiding underground this whole time, Heir of the Covenant.

What are you doing here?! Does that mean the Heirs...?

No need to be surprised. That battle of death and madness is still raging up on the surface.

...But not for much longer. Because I'm about to kill the world's last hope!

I won't let you!

...Well, well. Your faithful dog is here too.

Hmph, keep talking, before you run for your dear life as always.

I see that arrogant nature of yours hasn't changed. But today...things will be different.

We'll see about that!

This energy... It doesn't feel like the Kayron I used to know. His power feels somehow stronger...!

No, Vildred! Stay away from him!

Blade Ascent!

...Ah, that's nothing.

How did he block my attack so easily...?!

I possess the power of the Archdemon. Now, it's time for you to kneel before me.

Ack... This power is overwhelming...

Only the Heir of the Covenant, who possesses the power of the Goddess, can cut me down.

Meaning that, no matter how strong you are...you're merely an ordinary, unworthy Human to me.

...Vildred. I've got this. Leave it to me and Arky.

Dammit, am I...just a burden? ...No, as long as I have the energy to hold a sword...

Haha! Allow me to present you with an endless despair. Behold the final moments of this world!

That's the only choice you have!

Ack...! I'm not done yet... Just one more step, and I can...!

How reckless of you, trying to stop me again... I won't spare you any longer!

*chuckling* I'm not afraid. I made the decision to give up my life for this world long ago.

Ras, now! While I've got him!

But you'll die if I do!

I don't care. If we don't defeat him now, he'll bring ruin to this world...

So come on, this is the only way to save the world!

Ack... Heir of the Covenant. You're trying to protect the world with countless sacrifices once again.

Good...job. Ras... Go to the Sanctuary...and save the world...

...

You...gave up on this world, didn't you?

Yet you continue to allow these foolish Heirs and soldiers to risk their lives to save it.

What? What does that...?

This world, kept alive through the sacrifices of so many... How meaningful do you truly believe it is?

The contemptible Heir of the Covenant. I look forward to hearing your answer in the next world. *chuckling*

...Vildred.

Ras... Answer me. What is all this about...? He said you gave up on this world. Then why are you letting people die like this...?

I'm so sorry, Vildred. I can't tell you anything...but please trust me.

Everything I've done, I've done for Orbis.

Are you saying that letting people die and allowing the world to end is the right thing to do...?

Everyone has been counting on you, Ras. How can you say such a thing?

...Kayron, let me ask you one thing. What I just experienced... Is this what really happened in the past?

I mean, can you guarantee that what I experienced is not just an illusion that you created?

...Don't you already know that this is a stupid question?

Are you going to believe what I say, no matter what?

That's...

If not, you should decide for yourself...

...Whether it's true or false. Wasn't that what you really wanted?

...

Hmph. I guess you need some time to organize your thoughts.

He's right. It's up to me to judge what he says.

Based on what I've experienced so far, what Kayron said to me wasn't wrong.

The Heir of the Covenant...is deceiving everyone, sacrificing us all in an endless war.

He's hiding the truth from everyone.

...Maybe it's all an illusion created by Kayron to make me mistrust the Heir of the Covenant.

But the rage and pain inside me is growing more and more vivid.

...

What if everything I saw was the truth? If it was, then...what should I do?

...

Based on the look on your face, I guess you've finally made up your mind.

Yes. What I felt throughout the experience was vivid rage and pain.

But when I suppressed those feelings and slowly retraced my memories, one image kept coming to mind.

Even though he's been hiding the truth from us, the Heir of the Covenant kept trying to tell me something.

So after careful consideration, I came to this conclusion.

Over the course of the repeated destruction and restoration of the world... I'm certain he tried to tell me the truth.

You're talking in circles, but I assume you still want to believe in the Heir of the Covenant.

...Yes.

Well... Let's find out what his real intentions were.

I hope you don't change your mind.

There are monsters everywhere. It seems like Archdemon Anghraf will appear soon.

You're right, let's keep going. Kise and Ruele are waiting up ahead.

*panting*

Ras, are you okay? Don't push yourself too hard. You're going to faint before we even get to the Sanctuary.

I'm alright, Vildred. I can handle this.

The Acolytes aren't even here yet, you must save your energy.

I mean, I'm always ready to risk my life to save you and the Heirs.

No, don't say that. I don't want to lose anyone this time...

This time...? What do you mean?

Ha...haha... Nothing, it was a slip of the tongue. I guess I'm too nervous about fighting the Archdemon.

...Nice try. You're hiding something from me again.

...

...I once thought of you as only the Heir of the Covenant, the person who would save our world.

But as we overcame countless hardships together, I came to think of you as a friend.

And ever since then, I started to see what I couldn't see before. And I realized that you've been hiding something.

I'm not hiding anything.

You're not being honest with me. Is it because I'm not an Heir, or...I'm not someone you can trust?

...That's not it. It's just... Sometimes you're better off not knowing the truth.

But even so, you don't have to carry the burden all by yourself. You should share with...

No, this is my problem. I can't...no, I don't want to share this burden.

I won't tell this to anyone...not even to the Heirs.

So please, don't ask any more questions.

...

Kise! I was right! They're here!

What's taking you so long? We've been waiting for you guys for ages!

Hmm, what's going on here? I feel a weird tension between you two. Did you guys have a fight?

...Sorry, we got delayed getting rid of monsters on the way here.

Let's go. The Archdemon's main forces will soon be here.

Huh...? R-Ras, wait for us!

Vildred. What happened between you and Ras?

...No, it's nothing.

I won't pry if you don't want to talk about it.

But...maybe you shouldn't ask Ras any further questions either.

Did you hear everything?

Yes, we did. Although Ruele said we should pretend we didn't...

You're right. The Heir of the Covenant... He's hiding something from us. But I trust him to tell you everything one day.

But now isn't the right time, so let's be patient with him. It won't be too late to hear his story after we've saved the world.

Since you said you think of Ras as your friend, you can wait a little longer, right?

...If you say so, then alright.

Hmph, you're still frowning. Don't worry, if Ras still doesn't say anything after that...

...Ruele and I will nag him and make sure he tells you everything.

Haha, thanks. That's very reassuring.

Now, let's get going. Ras and Ruele are waiting for us.

She's right, there must be a reason why Ras can't tell me anything yet.

Let's just wait and give him some time. He's the Heir of the Covenant and...my friend.

Alright, looks like everyone's made it to the Sanctuary. Now, come!

Archdemon, Acolytes, monsters! Vildred, General of Ezera, is waiting for you!

Grrrrrrr...

Ha, you must be the only one left. Very well, I'll cut you in half!

GRROOOAAARR!

Phew... That was close, but it looks like I'm still in one piece! I guess I'll head to the Sanctuary now...

Ack...! You're...Acolyte Kayron...!

You again, Vildred. It's always been like this. The Heir of the Covenant always uses you as bait whenever he's at risk.

What are you talking about...?!

Perhaps it's you who's suffered most in this world...

Ack...!

You aren't aware, but I can feel your soul engraved with wrath and agony...

Excellent. I think you're now qualified enough to escape from this vicious, painful cycle.

W-What are you doing to me...? And what is this power flowing into my body...!?

*chuckling* We'll meet again someday, Vildred. Until then...

*chuckling* ...I see. So that's how it is. He never had any intention of telling me the truth.

He only wanted to use and sacrifice us in this endless cycle of despair...

And of course that ludicrous Goddess, unwilling to leave this world, is behind all this.

...Does that mean that once Diche leaves, the Archdemon will no longer return?

Correct. That way, we can sever this painful chain of sacrifice once and for all.

And you, Vildred...

...The person who suffered the most, standing by Ras's side all this time...

You are the only one who can end this.

Protecting our one and only world, that's our duty. Don't you agree, Vildred?

Hehe, today's rabbit fortune cookie is also super luck, so don't frown like that! I know the Heir of the Covenant will be able to save the world!

Though he may seem a little clumsy, I'm sure he'll be fine. He's the Heir of the Covenant after all.

Thank you for trusting me and the Goddess, Vildred.

You're the friend I trust the most.

Kayron, what world did I just see...?

That was the sixth restored world. The world that existed right before the current world.

So the world already went through six cycles of destruction and restoration before this, which makes this world the seventh.

Correct. Do you feel like you're a step closer to the "truth" that you've been seeking?

The truth... Well, the truth is no longer important to me.

Because...I don't trust anything anymore.

The only things true to me anymore...

...Are these unmistakable feelings of hatred, rage, and resentment.

You said I'm the only one who can sever this painful chain of sacrifice?

Very well. I'll save everyone. I'll do anything, whatever it takes...

...As long as I can prove them wrong in this seventh world.

Diche... Heir of the Covenant. Wait for me.