Hero Stories: The Path of Vengeance

Dinnertime, everyone!

Phew! We can finally take a break!

Maybe it's because the weather is all over the place today, but I'm worn-out way more than usual.

But there's still plenty left to do. Let's eat so we have the energy to finish up. Come on!

...

Hey, that lady standing over there. Isn't she a Wolf Morai?

Judging by the dejected look on her face, she must've been dragged into work today.

Hey! If you're just going to stand around, how about you go somewhere that's not in the way? Some of us are actually busy!

...

Come on. Let's just go around her.

Man, what a scowl... She's so rude.

...

You're late, Peira.

Are you all out today, too?

...We're fresh out. I keep telling you, you need to get here earlier.

Hmm...

What?

What's that under the box?

Ah, those?... Uhh, that is, well...you see...

I specifically set those aside for the people working up in the mountains to the north... I'm afraid I can't give them out, not even to you.

*sighing* ...Fine. I'm losing count of how many days it's been now.

I'm sorry, but you're going to have to look for food elsewhere. Will you be all right?

It can't be helped, then. I can take care of myself, so don't worry.

...

Look at her biting the hand that fed her. She'd be long past dead, had our tribe not saved her.

Hush up! What if she hears you...?

So? What if she does? She never pays attention to what anybody says anyway.

You don't know what she might do... She's a Wolf Morai, after all...

That aside, did you hear? Apparently, the harvest was bad this year, so food is scarce.

Really? She must be starving then.

I'm sure she'll manage on her own...

Like you said, she's a Wolf Morai. They're naturally a lot tougher than people like us.

...

Hey, Peira? What brings you here?

I'm here to buy some ingredients.

Hmm... I don't really have much stock. You can just take these if you'd like.

What is all that in the back?

Ahh, that's all expensive stuff. You know, rare fruits, regional delicacies, those sorts of things.

You probably can't afford any of it, right? This is all I have that's within your means.

...

A dented radish, soft with rot... A yellow, shriveled up cabbage... And a single chunk of discolored meat that's been sitting out for who knows how long...

Is it even legal to sell "food" like this...?

H-Hey! Don't look at me like that! You know how bad the harvest was this year!

If you're not going to buy anything, then get going. I'm busy!

It seems I need to rethink my meal today, so I'll look around a little more.

Then I'll be in the back taking care of some things. Just leave your money here if you decide to, Ah! Valued customer, welcome! What can I do for you?

I was looking for some tasty fruit. Do you have any?

Yes, of course. We have a wide selection of fruit! Why don't you take a look around?

...

Wow... How shameless. He's not even pretending to hide it. Whatever, it's not like it's the first time...

These look good. I'll have a basket of these, please.

Right away, ma'am! I'll bag you an extra as thanks for buying so many!

Haha, thank you kindly.

With only three months until the big day, things must be getting quite busy around here.

Three months? Until what?

You haven't heard? They're going to hold the Tournament of the Autumn Sword Protector.

The Tournament of the Autumn Sword Protector....?

Oh, that's right. I heard they're determined to find somebody this time.

As they should! We shouldn't have gone as long as we have without a protector. Applications are open for another five days, but all the top warriors have already applied.

It's set up to determine the person most worthy of becoming the protector of that sacred weapon based only on their skill as a fighter, not their reputation.

Now that you mention it, I've received a considerable number of orders for an upcoming banquet. I'm told the event will be a spectacle to behold.

It's going to be the first big event in years. That must be why they're going all out with the preparations.

I suppose that's to be expected. But... I think we all know who's going to win.

Haha, yes, truly. Who could be more worthy than the great elder's daughter?

...

...So the Protector of the Autumn Sword...is chosen according to their skill...

Peira! Where did you go off to this time?

...Arunka.

I've been waiting for ages! Where have you been?

Don't tell me...You showed up too late and there was nothing left, so you had to go buy food elsewhere? Not again...

...

Why do you always make things so hard for yourself? You ran off on your own even when I offered to eat with you.

We had a huge lunch today, so I saved some leftovers for you. You won't find anything better than this, so eat up.

I'm fine. I already grabbed a bite.

"A bite?" I'm sure that whatever your so-called "bite" was, it wasn't enough. Let's get you fed.

I told you, I'm fine. I'm not hungry.

All right. All right... Well, since nobody else is going to eat it anyway, I'll just leave it here in case you decide you want it.

Fine. Go, then.

What if I don't want to?

I'm trying to work and you're annoying me. Can you go?

Don't be like that. We both know you can work just fine with me around.

Why are you being so stubborn today?

Because I want to be. Why? Aren't I allowed to hang around if I want to?

Are you trying to show off or something?

What do you mean, "showing off"? I just can't help that I like you and feel comfortable when I'm around you.

When I'm with you, nobody comes to bother me, and I can avoid all the adults who just want to nag and lecture me.

Most importantly, I get to see my beloved little sister as much as I want.

...Whatever. Suit yourself.

You mean it? In that case, let's dig in! This stuff doesn't taste good when it gets soggy.

*sighing* Fine.

Wait, wait, slow down a little bit. I'll show you the right way to eat it. You put this on top of the meat, like this...

...

What do you think? Delicious, right?

It's edible.

Ha! It's good to see you eating properly for a change. You should make a habit of it.

Eat well, stay healthy, and focus on yourself. Don't pay any attention to what others say.

...

It's what I tell you all the time. Ignore what other people may think about you, and just forge your own path.

Don't concern yourself with those cowards who don't even have the guts to face you and have to resort to whispering behind your back.

...I know.

You've said it a million times already. I couldn't forget even if I wanted to. So would you mind not treating me like an idiot?

Of course, of course. You've always been smart!

...

So, whatcha looking at now, miss smarty wolf?

What are they doing over there?

Hmm? Oh, they must be setting up the stadium.

Stadium?

They'll be holding a tournament soon to decide who will become the Protector of the Autumn Sword. Remember? It's the weapon used to defend the Prairie.

I heard a merchant talking about it with a customer earlier. They mentioned that skill would be more important than status.

That's because as long as the war continues, one's prowess in combat will be far more important than the family they were born into.

So... Does that mean anyone can participate?

I imagine so. They'll probably do a basic character evaluation since they don't want people that could cause trouble to participate.

But as long as you have the skill and determination, sure.

Are you going to paricipate?

How could I not? Who better than me!?

...

Why do you ask? Do you want to participate, too? I'll help you fill out the application.

No. I only asked because I was curious.

Are you sure you don't want to? You've definitely got the skills to compete. If it were up to me, I'd invite you in a heartbeat!

It can't be that hard to apply, so I'll do it myself. Stop worrying about me.

I have to get back to work. You should quit lollygagging and go.

...Hmph, fine. Good luck!

*sighing* Why is she always so cold? Would it really be too much to ask of her to open up to me a little after all these years?

...Hey, Arunka.

Ah!!! Holy whiskers, you startled me... What's up?

...

I, uh... How do I apply?

*sobbing*

Dad...! Open your eyes, Dad!... Mom!... Mom?... Why are you just lying there?!

W-Why... Why did this happen...?

Oh, the horror. The whole village has already been wiped out.

...We were too late.

For the fearsome Wolf Morai to have fallen like this... The alliance must have gathered their forces to launch a surprise attack.

Great Elder, what do you think is the best course of action? Abandoning this place seems like a prudent first mov...

Wait! There's a Wolf Morai kid over here!

Huh? A kid?

Hello there, young pup... From now on, we'll take care of you. Everything is going to be all right now that you're with us.

Ignore what anyone else says about you. Don't let them sway you. Forge your own path.

You'll grow up to be big and strong. Nobody is going to be able to stop you from rising up to your potential.

...

So much time has passed since then...

Hmph, I ended up staying here longer than I expected to. Have I become accustomed to living in this awful place...?

I can't keep living this way...not forever. I need to forge my own path...

I've decided. No matter how much they try to cast me out, no matter how much they try to belittle me with their scorn...

I won't give them the satisfaction. I refuse to be a runt, the last pathetic whimper of a dying race.

I'll take back what's mine. I'll make them pay for everything. That will be my path.

And for that, I'll need power.

...Is this all it takes to apply? It's even easier than I expected.

I guess I just turn this in at the reception booth.

What do you mean you "can't accept" my application?

I'm sorry, that's what I was told.

I thought anyone was welcome as long as they can fight and haven't caused any trouble.

Yes, and that's exactly why we cannot accept your application.

...What is that supposed to mean?

You've been listed as a potential threat to public decorum.

Hah! Are you insinuating that I'm some kind of troublemaker?! I haven't caused any trouble since I've joined this tribe.

No, you have not. But your entry into this tournament would... That's all I'm trying to say.

Excuse me?

The great elder has ordered us not to accept applications from outsider Suin in order to avoid potential uproar.

Not to mention, you're a Wolf Morai as well, so your participation is all the more unacceptable.

Are you kidding me? My application is being rejected just because I'm a Wolf Suin?

That's ridiculous!

I-It's out of my control! It's an order straight from the great elder.

Where is the great elder right now?

Probably in the meeting room...

Then I'll have to go ask him myself.

W-Wait! You can't do that! Wait!

Who dares intrude into...

You...!

I would like a word with you, Great Elder.

You applied for the tournament, didn't you, Peira?

Wait...? You knew about that?

Well, I know you're not the type to come to me unless you felt you had to.

Then you must know why I came all the way out here to see you.

Mind your manners!

...

Coming here won't change anything.

I just need one good reason. Why am I, why aren't Wolf Morai allowed in the tournament?

...That's just it. It's because you ARE Wolf Morai that you can't participate.

I don't understand!

The Tribal Alliance is still wary of the Wolf Morai, who played a major part in the most recent war.

You know that better than anybody else.

What does that have to do with anything?

Do you still not understand why you were brought into our clan?

With your people wiped out, the alliance stood down. You, the only survivor, ended up here with us.

As the last of the Wolf Morai, if you were to participate, or even become the new Protector of the Autumn Sword for that matter...

Do you think they will stand by and watch?

...

It's for your own safety and ours. So leave it be, and...

You're just afraid!

What?

My clan was attacked by the other clans because we were strong.

The other clans realized they didn't stand a chance against us on their own, so they resorted to forming an alliance to slaughter my people.

I know that every last one of you standing here is fully aware of this fact.

Did you really think that I wouldn't realize that you wanted to stop me because you were afraid the last surviving Wolf Morai might actually win...?

That I would wield the sword used to protect the Prairie, that I would gain the power to take my bloody revenge!

How dare you spout such!

I know that the other tribespeople have ostracized me out of fear. That, I can understand.

But if you were planning to deny my rights because of my origin, then why did you bother to take me in at all?!

Peira!

That's quite enough! Get out! Now!

...Great Elder...

You will regret never getting over your petty fear.

Dammit!

They've always blocked every chance I've had to gain even the slightest bit of power because they've been afraid of me.

And for a stupid reason like that...they've shunned me like this?!

Do they expect me to just sit still and take it? Well, they can't stop me! I'm going to enter no matter what...and once that power is mine...

Excuse me, you're Peira, right...?

...Oh, what now?

A-Ah! Calm down, I'm not here to pick a fight!

I think I know why you're so angry. But if my guess is correct, you'll want to listen to what we have to say...

What nonsense is this?

Come. It's not something we can discuss out in the open.

...

Since ancient times, the Wolf Morai had been renowned for their incredible fighting abilities.

Despite being few in number, the other Suin regarded them with awe.

But it wasn't their innate strength that made them an object of fear...

It was an artifact they possessed, the Goblet of Oath.

A long time ago, the sorcerers of the Prairie gifted the Wolf Morai a magical goblet to protect themselves.

Following the sorcerers' instructions, every succeeding Wolf Morai chief spilled some of their blood into the Goblet of Oath.

Over time, this empowered the sorcerers' magic that was imbued within.

At a certain point, the Goblet of Oath became a symbol of the Wolf Morai chief as well as the strength of the clan.

This inevitably led to rumors that found their way across the Prairie... "Soon the Wolf Morai would be more powerful than any other clan."

Eventually, these rumors gave birth to an alliance formed among the other tribes, an alliance dedicated to wiping out the Wolf Morai.

As far as I know, the Goblet of Oath went missing during the massacre.

That's the rumor, yes.

So...

You want me to use the long-missing Goblet of Oath, and then join forces with you?

Indeed. Nobody but you can do it.

You dragged me all the way out here to waste my time with nonsense. Even if anyone had any idea what happened to that goblet...

Why should I trust you?

We were expecting you to say something like that.

I told you we should introduce the others first...

What if they're wary of her?

But if we do nothing, she's going to stay wary of us, too.

Who are these people you're talking about?

...Some people we want to introduce you to. I'm confident you will be very happy to meet them.

You seemed close to the elder's daughter, so they were scared that you might betray them. That's why we've come to see you first.

It's clear you're unhappy with how things are turning out, so this seems like the perfect time to meet up with them.

...She really came.

See! I told you she would!

Peira... We've been wanting to meet you for so long.

A-All of you... survived!?

Of course we did. You know we Wolf Suin don't die easily.

Now you can see for yourself that we were telling the truth...

This...

There's no doubt about it, this is the Goblet of Oath...

How do you have this? Everyone said that it was destroyed by the alliance...

But did any of them witness it with their own eyes?

...

They merely believed what they wanted to. It appeared as if all the Wolf Morai had been killed off, and nobody saw the artifact anywhere, so... That was that.

How did you all end up here?

This is an old story now, too, I suppose.

When we arrived at the Wolf Morai Village, it had already been quite some time since the massacre.

But there were a few, like you, whose bodies we couldn't find. That gave us some hope, and we spent the years since searching for you.

We felt guilty for not having been able to protect our kin. It's weighed heavily on us ever since...

Most people believed that the Goblet of Oath was shattered and the fragments disposed of. Nobody has seen or heard of it in the years since.

But some began to suspect that it may still be out there somewhere, as nobody had ever been able to confirm or deny its destruction.

And out of fear that one of us may someday find it, reunify our scattered peoples, and seek vengeance...

...the alliance has been closely monitoring and oppressing us remaining Wolf Suin. I'm sure you've had first-hand experience with that.

I don't believe it...

We, too, had our doubts about its existence, but it was being safeguarded in the most unexpected of places.

...The hands of a Human!

A Human...?

That's right. She came to us with these two to return the goblet, and promised to help us.

We were skeptical at first, too. But you must sense it? That this is the real thing.

We're a motley mix of wanderers from minority races who lost their families to war. Though our species may differ, we are unified by the same purpose.

That Human woman found us first and told us that we would be able to get our revenge and rule the Prairie if we cooperated with the Wolf Suin.

...Where is she now?

Who?

That Human woman.

Oh. Her? She left for a bit, but she should be back soon...

Were you looking for me?

Are you ready?

Yes, Father.

As expected, you don't look the least bit nervous. I have no doubt that you'll do well.

Of course, there's no need to worry about me.

But I was wondering... Have you still not found her?

...No... She seems to have vanished entirely.

*sighing* Well, please tell me as soon as you find out anything.

She'll turn up before long. She's probably just sulking about somewhere, upset about not being able to participate, that's all. Don't get hung up on that, focus on the tournament.

...

All right, it's time to leave.

...Okay.

Arunka! How are you feeling today?

I've never felt better. My body feels as light as a feather.

Then the others won't stand a chance!

When you're in top form, you're unstoppable!

I'm not going to let that get to my head, though. I'm going to take this seriously.

Of course! Luckily you won't have to deal with that Wolf Morai that's always bothering you.

Right... *sighing*

But, I'm the one who's always pestering her...

I would have liked for her to at least come to watch, but I can hardly blame her for not wanting to, either.

If I were in her shoes, it would pain me as well to attend an event where all my tormentors are enjoying themselves.

I'm so ashamed I wasn't able to persuade the elders to allow her after they so publically announced that anyone could to participate...

Though, I would be lying if I didn't admit that I'm somewhat relieved that I won't have to face off against her.

Still... She's been gone for days without a word. I can't help but worry.

Is it today for sure?

Yes. The tournament should be starting right about now, so it won't get any busier than this.

Is everything ready?

Of course. Just say the word.

Alright. In that case...

There's no point wasting any more time. Let's start the Goblet of Oath's ceremony.

Urk!

Huh?! W-Who, what are you doing?, Argh!

The Autumn Shrine is that way!

We're through!

Call the other guards! We can't be the last ones left?!

Most were posted at the tournament grounds and the shrine!

We won't be able to hold them off! We need reinforcements!

Forget the tournament, we need to stop them!

O-Okay! I'll go report to the great eld, Argh!

C-Captain!

Cut down anyone who gets in the way!

The next protector who will wield the Autumn Sword will be none other than...Arunka!

*cheering*

Congratulations! You were amazing out there!

Thank you. It was a walk in the park, really.

The conferment ceremony will be held at the Autumn Shrine. This way, please.

I knew you could do it, Arunka!

Thank you, Father.

Here. Take it. This is the Autumn Sword that will be entrusted to your care.

So, this is the famed Autumn Sword... It's heavier than I expected.

Not too heavy for you, though, I trust?

Of course not.

The ceremony will begin shortly. Please follow m...

Stop the ceremony! We have an emergency!

What could possibly warrant interrupting an event as important as this?!

Intruders! They've already wiped out our forces at the east and south gates! They're even attacking civilians!

They're being led by Wolf Morai...!

...?!

Wolf Morai? It can't be...

...No! Not Peira!

Arunka, stop! You can't just run out there! Stop right there!

Arunka!

Peira... Don't you recognize me? Peira...!

...

Please! Please, wait. Can't we talk this out?!

I fed you! Have you forgotten?

Don't make me laugh.

Ahh!

Arrghh!

H-How could you do this to us...?!

The great elder welcomed you into our clan! We fed you and raised you! This is how you repay us?!

You, what? Fed me and raised me?

Let's get things straight. All you ever did was reject and stifle me. You were always afraid that I would rise above you.

You condesended to me, denying me of my potential.

...

Despite your best efforts, I HAVE risen up! You will pay for the way you treated me!

Just wait. The fear you feel now is but an inkling of what's to come. By the end of the night, you will know the true meaning of despair!

P-Please... S-Spare me...!

You people will stand in my way no longer.

Stop right there, Peira!

...Arunka.

Judging by that sword in your hand, I see that you've won the tournament.

...

Calm down and listen to me.

I was shaken when you abruptly disappeared. I went out to look for you every chance I got. I waited for you to come home every day.

I even managed to convince my father to set up a search party for you.

You expect me to believe that?

It's the truth, Peira. I was so worried about you. But for you to come back to us like this...

I was as angry as you that you were excluded from the tournament. But please, put your emotions aside and stand down. For your own sake!

If you keep with up this any longer, even I won't be able to help y...

Cut the crap, Arunka.

You managed to gather your entire military to come face me in such a short time, all the while wielding the Autumn Sword.

And you claim that you're "worried about me"? You want me to stand down for my own sake? Don't make me laugh. I don't listen to the lies of hypocrites.

I've done everything in my power to help you. But for the safety of the clan, I can't allow you to take this any further...

You know my position. As the daughter of the great elder, I can't simply turn the other way.

But, I didn't come here to fight. I came to listen to what you have to say...and to talk to you.

I'll listen to whatever it is you need to share. I don't care how difficult it is. So, please...

Enough with your empty words!

...Where did you get such strength?

Oh, right. This must be your first time witnessing the power of the Goblet of Oath.

What!?

You thought it had gone missing, didn't you? So did I. But my kin found it for me.

Even if you don't know what the Goblet of Oath is capable of, I'm sure you've heard of the ceremony it requires.

You didn't... did you?

I did. And it went even better then I had dared hope.

Why? Why have you gone and done this?!

Was it really worth more than anything we had between us?!

Yes, it was.

...

It was important to me.

But...why...?

Because I was always told to ignore what others thought about me, to forge my own path.

What are you saying...

Don't you remember?

...You were the one who said those words to me, to ignore what others thought about me.

And I will not let what you think of me get in my way.

Peira...

I will not stop...

...until blood stains this entire Prairie.

...

This is my only path, and I'll show no mercy to anyone who tries to stand in my way.

Not even you.

...

Arunka! That Wolf Suin is a traitor! Stop hesitating and give us an order...!

...

...To arms! Protect the tribe...

Why won't you fight me properly?

...

You're looking down at me, aren't you? You still think of me as the runty pup I used to be!

Well, I've grown! I don't need your help anymore!

No... I never even needed you to begin with.

...

If you can't bring yourself to stop me, then get out of my way.

Urk...!

Peira's right. At this rate, I won't be able to stop her.

I can't let personal feelings hold me back anymore. I have to act, and fast!

I'm sorry, Peira, but as the Protector of the Autumn Sword, you have left me no other option.

Argh?! That power...

Is that...the power of the Autumn Sword?

Forgive me, Peira. Think what you will of me, but...

Just as you put the goblet's ritual above all else, I am putting my people first.

Ack...!

Give up, Peira. You cannot win this.

...

I will...never give up...

Then you leave me no choice but to arrest you as a traitor...

Argh! What's with this wind...?

...Huh?... What just happened?

She was right there in front of me only a moment ago...

You're lucky I arrived when I did. If they had gotten ahold of you, we'd have never seen you again.

...So, it was you...

I wasn't expecting any gratitude from you, but don't you think you could show just a little warmth?

...

What about the others?

They're resting nearby. We weren't able to bring everyone back, though...

So, we failed?

Yes. Well, we can't exactly call what happened a success, I'm afraid.

...

But rest assured, we've dealt them a considerable blow. You've certainly given them a nice wake-up call.

They are now aware of the wrath of those they had turned a blind eye to.

That's consolation enough for me.

Indeed, so we can't consider this a failure, either. You're not feeling discouraged over this, are you?

Don't mock me.

Oh, no, I'm not. Not at all. I'm just eager to give you all the help I can.

On that note, would you hear me out?

About what?

There's another way for you to get revenge, and it's surprisingly simple. But you'll need to get your hands on greater power.

But they're so strong. How could I possibly hope to get to their level...?

Power need not always be taken from others. You can generate it yourself.

You don't mean...

That's right, Peira.

You can give yourself new power.