Hero Stories: Summer and Winter

Hmm!

You threw yourself at me without a moment's hesitation... That instinctive move could only have come from real battle experience.

Are you planning to carry on without a sword? I admire your spirit, but a good fighter knows when to step dow...

Haha, I wouldn't dream of it. I'm trying to borrow one of your swords there.

Huh? Did you...?

My Sword of Summer Twilight...!

Ah, is that the name of this sword?

It's the Summer Sword.

The Summer Sword... It sounds classy.

Seeing all of these exquisite swords makes me wonder who you are.

Don't. You'll only regret it.

You don't know what the future holds, so don't act otherwise. Well, shall we continue?

Something feels different from before.

...

It felt as if I could cut the tension with a knife and I love it!

You became talkative.

I bet you're going to charge at me with that quick slash that I saw before.

It's sharp and fierce but still unrefined. This match is over when the sound of your breathing changes as you lean forward.

Hmph!

Let's end the match here.

Hmm?

I provoked you on purpose to see how strong you were...

I know.

It was fun and enlightening enough to make me realize that you were more than a match for me.

But forcing a fight against a person like that with a stolen sword? That's just not who I am.

I'm no thief.

Hmm... That's what you say, but the title certainly suits you from my perspective.

Ah, please. I'm too honorable to be a thief.

Here's your Summer Sword back. It's one expensive-looking sword by the way.

It's priceless.

So take it already before I change my mind.

I'll leave the Sword of Summer Twilight with you.

Oka, W-What?

Is this some sort of joke? It's not funny.

Do I look like I'm joking?

You're saying you want to hand over a masterpiece like this to a complete stranger?

I'm not giving the sword to you.

I'm giving you to the sword.

...What does that even mean?

You don't need to understand what it means right now.

Just keep in mind that you should cherish the sword. Do not allow anyone to take it away from you, do you understand?

W-Wait! Is this some elaborate scam? Perhaps I'll receive a bill for an astronomical amount later or something...

Hey, stranger! You can't just walk away in the middle of a conversation!

My name is Ran.

Ran? That's an unusual name.

I'm Vildred, the strongest and most talented descendent in the entire Dayern family, haha!

Are you always that cheerful?

Well, I wouldn't say always...but I'm in a particularly good mood today.

It's my lucky day indeed. Not only did I learn a valuable lesson from a stranger I only met today, but this magnificent sword is now in my possession.

Hm.

Ran...was it?

If you haven't decided on a place to stay, why don't you come with me? I can spare a guest room in my mansion for you.

I hereby formally invite you!

The seasons have changed more than a dozen times since I left this place.

It's been long enough for the sea to change...but I see this place isn't very different from the last time I was here.

A vast field under the clear sky...and thugs seeking an opportunity to rob an exhausted traveler.

I have neither the time nor energy for trouble of any sort, so I should take care of this quickly and move on.

Excuse me, suspicious traveler! Please stop for a second!

...I'm the suspicious traveler? Who are you?

I'm Alexa Lovelace of the Order of the Sword.

The Order of the Sword... I see.

Wait, wait! I'm not finished.

What do you want?

I received a report that there's a stranger making threats to villagers, and you happen to match the description of the suspect.

Yeah, so?

Were you the one who threatened the villagers?

Hmm, if you are a knight as you claim to be, isn't hunting nearby monsters a better use of your time?

Please answer my question first.

I never entered the village. I was only resting my eyes under a tree near the village entrance yesterday...

A couple of punks came by and asked if my swords were for sale and I told them no.

I see.

Then they exchanged odd glances at each other, and one of them asked me where I came from, saying that I didn't look like an Elf from Dun Blyraia.

In the meantime, I noticed the quiet one trying to get his hands on my swords that I placed against the tree.

So I told him, "Don't move a muscle if you wish to keep your hand."

...Okay. That's enough.

Can I go now?

I'm afraid that you didn't tell me the entire truth. I heard you were trying to get some information regarding the Dayern family.

Well, I wasn't seeking it from those thieves.

Or was I...?

You keep changing what you're saying.

In any case, I was just curious about what happened to them. It's been ages since I was last here.

Where are you coming from? You'll arrive at Tirel Castle if you continue on this road. Are you planning to visit there?

I'm under no obligation to disclose such information to you, Alexa, the knight from the Order of the Sword.

Actually, you do. It's my duty to guard the castle and the king. I'm sorry, but I can't let you pass until I verify your identity and the purpose of your vis...

No! Stop right there!

How inconvenient.

*gasping*

He's so fast...

I don't want to make the Order of the Sword my enemy, so let's leave it like this.

You better pray that you never find yourself on the wrong side of my blade, Alexa Lovelace.

B-But...

Don't follow me.

He seems to be looking for something, but I can't figure out what it is.

I think it's my first time hearing you say you don't know something!

Is this true?

Hmph, well... I can't know everything that goes on in this world. When you think about it, the information I have is only a portion of all the information out there.

As a matter of fact, he came by here once. It was a long time ago... I think it was before Alexa was even born.

Ah...

What did he ask?

I can't tell you that. It's strictly confidential.

But I can tell you one thing, the deal didn't take place.

Oh?

I didn't have the information he needed. If he visits me now, it'll be a different story...

How odd.

Lady Alexa said he was a pretty skilled swordsman, but how is it possible that there's nearly no one in Ritania who knows about him?

It looks like he travels alone. He said he stayed in Eureka for a while before the barriers were created.

He left for Erasia before Archdemon Anghraf arrived. I know that's where he went because he told me so in person.

Erasia...

It's a land across the ocean towards the east. If you're interested in the details, you should pay extra...

No, that's fine.

All right, I don't have much information about the eastern continent anyway.

Does that mean Ran is...?

He's from the Eastern Empire... Ah, I forgot what they call the continent there...

A swordsman from the Eastern Empire...

His skills weren't something you could see every day. The way he wielded his sword was so fast and fierce, like a gust of wind...

...It reminded me of Vildred from a long time ago.

...!

That's understandable because...

He's the one who taught Vildred.

I see...

So there's nothing left here now?

Well, there's no way for people like us to know.

It's the family of a traitor...and their reputation has been completely burned to the ground, so who would dare to show interest?

There's some horrible rumor going around as well, so no one really comes by here anymore.

What did you draw your sword for?

What did you accomplish when you sheathed your sword?

It's too honest?

Yes, it's so honest to the point that I can see where your next attack is going to land.

Ugh, that's not good.

Hacking away with brute force is not the key here. If you do that, your enemy will be able to anticipate your next move based on how your muscles are moving.

Then how am I supposed to, Ah!

You can't use this skill properly if you hold the hilt too tight.

O-Okay!

You need to feel your opponent's presence.

It doesn't matter whether you keep your eyes open or not. It's all about realizing what's real.

Hmm...

Attack in your mind first, and let your body follow along naturally.

Recall our first fight, Vildred. You followed your instincts and threw your body at me without any hesitation.

Umm...

Think of the tree in front of you as your enemy, and see it in your mind...

Haa!

You could feel yourself slicing through the tree even before your blade touched it.

And one more time! Follow your instincts and unleash a swordstorm.

Hiyaa!

That's the true Dancing Blade.

Whoa, this is amazing!

You're the one that's amazing. Honestly, I didn't expect you to pull this off on your first attempt.

Haha, really? Then can I finally call myself a decent swordsman?

Maybe.

Hey... If that's true, then perhaps I can be of assistance sometimes.

Whatever it is you're looking for, wouldn't it be better to search together?

Do you even know what I'm looking for?

Of course...

I don't. You never told me.

It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. I have no clue how to find it or how long it will take.

This search may surpass the normal life span of a Human. Not to mention...this is something I must do alone.

...Hmph, that's so unfair.

Vildred, wait...

What is it?

I hear several people's footsteps, and it's coming from somewhere nearby.

This land is owned by my family... Who could it be?

Intruders, perhaps?

Normally, villagers don't come by this far. It could be a group of bandits looking for their next target.

Are there any more?

There's no one but us. You can feel that too, right?

Yes, indeed.

Watch out, Vildred! Right behind you, I see...

Ah, I let my guard down for a second!

Nothing's there.

Huh?

I told you to feel your opponent's presence. Don't just talk the talk, but focus.

There may be a time when someone is actually standing behind you waiting to stab you in the back.

That's not fair. I'm not that careless!

Let's see about that.

You don't seem to understand. Revenge doesn't equate to an end.

Even if you get your revenge by killing the Dragon Lord, it won't bring back those who are already dead.

So if I kill the Dragon Lord, maybe the Dragons will attack Humans in retaliation. But...

...So I can't stop. Tell me, would you make a different choice if you were in my position?

You're...Ran, right? Do you remember me?

How did you know my name, Alexa Lovelace?

We have a pretty good information network.

Hmm... I specifically told you not to follow me. Was I not clear enough?

Actually we came here for a reason, Ran.

I'm Iseria Arisphodel, Second-in-command of the Order of the Sword.

All right, let's hear it.

There's someone who would like to meet you.

It won't be a waste of time on your end either.

So the royal palace must've really wanted me there. They sent a letter last week, but this week, they sent a messenger.

...

It's not that I don't understand why they want me so badly. It's probably because I impressed them deeply during the mission where I took care of the bandits near the border.

I knew you had some experience in a real battle.

You did?

You look tense, Vildred.

I'm a bit nervous. It's a real war, not one of those small fights with a bunch of punks in a back alley.

The time promised by the Church of the Goddess... Has it come?

Yes, the Heir of the Covenant is about to wake up. So the royal army needs to hurry and make all the necessary arrangements beforehand.

That's why they need a lot of officers.

I can see the reason the kingdom needs your service.

There are not many nobles in Ezera who can fight a war now. Especially after everyone became so soft and weak after such a long-lasting peace.

What? You...

How do you know the inner workings of Ezera so well? It's so suspicious!

I knew it! You're a special agent that the Archdemon's forces sent to stop me from leading us to victory, right?

Hmm...

Isn't it more plausible to say I'm a spy sent from the East tasked with laying the groundwork to invade Ritania?

You're finally admitting the truth! Draw your sword, you spy! I'll make you pay for your crime!

...How much longer do I need to play along with this?

Well, if I'm being completely honest with you...

I don't think I'll be back any time soon once I answer the summons from the kingdom...and you said you were leaving as well.

Yes, I stayed here longer than I planned.

So I feel like I'm going to regret it later if I don't do this. I want to go head-to-head with you just like the time we first met.

What are you trying to prove here? I assure you there's no swordsman in Ezera who can surpass you.

Still, I want you to see how much I've grown.

You said so yourself! A true swordsman speaks with their sword.

...All right. Let's begin.

Ugh... I knew it was impossible for me to defeat you.

That's not true, Vildred. It's because you have no intention of harming me.

The outcome would've been different if you had tried to attack me with all of your might.

I see... Wait, does that mean...

You wielded your sword with the intention of killing me?

Well...

Perhaps I shouldn't tell you and keep it a mystery.

Haha, you don't play fair till the end.

Is this goodbye? You're going to leave Ezera right away, aren't you?

I travel light, so...

Hey, the one you're looking for... It's someone precious to you, isn't it?

...

I heard you talking in your sleep. You kept saying someone's name.

You heard wrong.

In any case, I hope you find that person.

And I hope you distinguish yourself in battle.

When the Heir of the Covenant wakes up, he'll take care of everything anyway... I'll probably be there just to offer some assistance if he needs it.

But who knows? You may be talking to the future general of Ezera right now!

You mean, the youngest general in the history of Ezera?

Haha! That's right!

Ran.

Yes.

We can...meet again, right?

I guess not. Can we meet again someday?

...!

Ras, Ran is here to see you.

Okay, come on in.

We should excuse ourselves so that they can speak in peace.

Yes, Lady Iseria.

Please be respectful, Ran.

So you're Vildred's teach...

Are you the one who killed my student?

Kyu! Master is in danger!

Arky, stop. He can outspeed everyone here.

Th-Then what should we do?

It wasn't Ras! I...

Wait, Meru. I'll answer.

I...

I...was going to return with him.

I really wanted to come back...with Vildred.

To where?

I didn't think about that at that time...

I thought anywhere would be all right...if I could've just brought Vildred back, if I could've turned him around.

...I see.

Vildred told me about you a long time ago. He said his sword was a gift from his teacher who was also a friend.

I didn't give it to him. He took it.

Hmm?

Didn't you wake up twenty years later than the prophecy said you would?

From what I know, you and Vildred had only met for a brief moment. But why are you talking about him as if he's an old friend of yours?

...

With all your heart.

That's...

There are situations in the world that are just hard to explain!

Ras doesn't lie. Although it's more like he's incapable of it...

I know.

You're here to retrieve this sword, aren't you?

No, I think you should keep the Sword of Summer Twilight for now.

...I should?

Yes, I'll leave it with you.

Ran!

...What are you doing here?

I heard you're leaving Ezera.

There are a few places that I'd like to visit, so I'm looking for a ship that leaves for another continent.

I'll accompany you to Levulin on behalf of the Order of the Sword.

That's not really necessary.

I insist.

You're worried about any trouble I may cause on my way out.

You're very sharp. Arky told me what happened when you met Ras.

Just in case you're curious, Lady Iseria is not here because...

I'm not curious.

The delegation from Theranhad is here, so not only the Conclave but Lady Iseria herself are there to receive them with the king...

From Theranhad?

That's right. I heard their ship arrived at Levulin port a few days ago.

Hmm...

Why does Theranhad...

Are they from your hometown?

Something doesn't feel right. I need to go to Levulin right now and see what they are up to.

All right...

Please clear the path! It's official Order of the Sword business!

...

...

These people...

They are no ordinary thugs.

What in the world is going on right now? Why are they after you?

I'm wondering that myself.

Do you know when the Theranhad delegation will leave?

Today...

I should hurry.

Ahh!

The ship from the East is leaving the port right now!

Dammit, I missed it by seconds.

Uhh, your sword just...

Why is it... No, is it because of the Summer Sword?

Is Ras on that ship?

Huh? I-I'm not sure... But I didn't hear anything like that when I was in Tirel Castle.

Ran! What are you doing? Ran!

*panting*

Were you trying to catch up to the ship?

Yes, I guess it can't be done.

Of course...

But I had no choice. I had to at least try to stop the Summer Sword from going to Theranhad.

I shouldn't have left it with Ras...if I had known.

Would something terrible happen if the sword goes to the East?

There's nothing I can do...to separate the swords of four seasons...

As the chilly wind blows and a flower of transient vengeance withers, aspirations and ambitions fade away like a summer mirage...

If something is destined to happen, then it will happen... No human can fight it.

...!

...You're so secretive. But it was a rhetorical question.

...

I was just curious.

Wait...

What happens in the East doesn't concern the Order of the Sword...

I'd like to ask you for a favor, Alexa.

Huh? Yes!

Can you find out when the next ship to the East leaves?