Reputation: Phantom CIC

Is this everyone? Today will be the Phantom CIC's first expedition into the Land of Death.

Are you ready?

I was so excited about finally seeing some Unknowns that I couldn't even sleep last night!

Bellona Moune. She's a noble lady from Ezera, and an amazing mage.

She's famous for arresting a brutal mass murderer known as the Berserker. She's always kind and gentle...

But all people agree she is the last person they want to face in a fight.

We may be going to the Land of Death, but that doesn't mean we'll come across any Unknown. And honestly, I'd prefer not to.

We shouldn't hope for more danger.

That's Lots Greenwood. He looks like a cute little boy, but he shouldn't be underestimated. His skills are incredible.

...

Sez, how are you feeling today?

How I feel doesn't matter. If there's someone I need to fight, I will fight.

He's Sez Gaien. A famously brutal mass murderer once known as the Berserker.

Despite his reputation, he's calm and quiet. Even when someone criticizes him, he politely listens.

Don't worry about him. Just shout "The Unknown are going to kill you, Sez!" and he'll turn into a rampaging killing machine.

Sez becomes violent only when he's in a life threatening situation.

I won't pretend I wasn't worried when I heard he was a murderer, but he tends to be in a daze, anyway. Good for us, I guess...

I don't understand why we're working with a murderer. I must convert him before it's too late.

That's fine, but don't intimidate him too much, otherwise he might get violent.

Intimidate? I'm just hoping to save him. No intimidation. Honestly, I think he's more dangerous than any Unknown.

Finally, this is Lidica Asin, a knight of the Rose Apostles. I understand that she was expelled in questionable circumstances.

She's strong-willed and talented, but also hot-tempered. She often takes issue with Sez, which worries me.

Considering the Phantom CIC's duty of fighting Unknowns is a dangerous one, I'm glad for any volunteers we receive, and yet...

I'm worried about exploring the Land of Death with such a ragtag team.

The Unknown aren't the only dangerous creatures here. The monsters inhabiting this area are also strong. Be careful.

Don't worry. Fighting is a specialty of mine. Lots, you're still young, so hide behind me.

Just because I'm young doesn't mean I can't fight.

Lidica, Lots is much stronger than you think. He wouldn't have been able to join Phantom if he wasn't.

But still, if things get dangerous I might need Lidica's help.

Right. I'll take care of you, Lots!

Okay. Let's go, everyone.

The Land of Death. No matter how many times I come here, I can never get used to this ominous place.

This is where my husband, Duren, was killed by an Unknown. I'm here to take revenge, but...

I still don't know which one might have done it.

Attack the Unknown, not me!

I wasn't aiming at you. You just got in the way.

Then you should be more careful. You almost hit me too.

I thought you would move.

...Ah, here we go again.

Stop arguing, both of you. Nobody got hurt, anyway, and we got the Unknown.

I was already well aware, but we really are a ragtag group.

When people who are completely different to each other work as a team...

Sez, make sure you pay attention to what everyone else is doing even when you're fighting.

That thing was trying to kill me. I didn't have the time to worry about everything around me.

If you can't even do that much, why are you here with us? Are you saying you'd let your comrades die in order to save yourself?

You're pointing your sword at me. Are you a threat?

Lidica, lower your sword.

But he started it!

Lidica, I've told you already, don't provoke him.

...

Calm down, Lidica. He's not a normal person. We need to be understanding of him.

And you calm down as well, Sez. Lidica isn't going to kill you. We're on the same side.

So make sure you pay attention to what your comrades are doing. We're going to be working together a lot in the future.

...

It might seem like Sez is ignoring Bellona when he stays silent like this...

But in reality, he's thinking about what she said.

Sez only turns into a mindless killer when his own life is threatened.

Otherwise, he has his head in the clouds.

He isn't stupid, he simply prefers to watch what's happening around him rather than get involved.

It's only when someone criticizes him that Sez begins to think about what he might have done wrong.

He seems to have tried to stop thinking altogether after the suffering he was put through in those experiments.

I hope he gets better.

Now that we've defeated some Unknown, let's go back. Shall we go eat something tasty as a reward?

Oh! Like what?

I'm not sure. Is there something in particular you'd like?

Steak!

What about you, Sez?

Nothing.

Still no appetite, I see. I wonder if he'll ever want food.

He's better than before, at least. He didn't even talk when he first came here.

Right... I was worried whether or not he would be able to adjust to everything.

If this is better, I wonder what he used to be like...

Well, he was more unsociable. At least he answers back when you ask things now. Trust me, he's improved a lot.

Our ragtag expedition team has a long way to go, but we're slowly getting there.

We'll keep improving. I'm satisfied with that.

You know, my husband is such an amazing person.

I've been working as a mercenary for a long time, but I haven't seen many as capable as him.

The first time I worked with Duren, he destroyed a pack of monsters with a single blow. It was love at first sight for me.

Oh please, Captain. Again?

Again? What do you mean, I barely ever talk about him.

I've never met your husband, but I think it's obvious he's a great match for you.

He sounds like he's kind, polite, and strong.

...Yes... I don't think I'll ever be able to meet someone like him again.

But doesn't he worry about you, with all this Phantom CIC work?

Huh? Oh. No, he supports me. He always wishes me luck in whatever I choose to do.

...

He must be an amazing person. If I marry someone like him, do you think they'll be able to accept whatever I do?

Hmm. I'm not sure there are many men in the world who could understand you, Bellona...

I think any man who wants to marry Bellona would need to be strong. That way, when she says she's bored, he can entertain her by sparring with her.

I guess they would need to be at least as strong as Sez?

...

But I beat Sez.

You did.

You took that better than I'd expected. I thought you'd be angry.

Why would I be angry about the truth?

Sez only gets angry when he's in danger.

I guess you're right.

Captain, why don't you invite your husband to join us in HQ one day?

I'd like to see if he's as tough as you claim.

...You're unnecessarily strong anyway, Bellona.

Yeah, right, Lots is right. He's strong, but not as much as Bellona. Haha...

R-Right?

Still, it would be nice to meet him. I'm curious after all the boasting you do about him, Captain.

I guess he must be super busy. She said he works as a mercenary. Right, captain?

Hmm? Oh. Yeah. He's not at home now, anyway. Because of work. Yeah, work.

Shame. Well, promise you'll bring him when he gets back?

S-Sure.

...

I should have told them the truth from the start. Duren went missing 3 years ago.

Rather, it's more likely that he was killed by an Unknown.

But if I talk about him, it feels like he's still alive.

I often dream of a day when I'd go home and he would be there waiting, apologizing for coming home so late.

I know it's a pointless fantasy. Yet, I just can't let go.

...

...Captain, what are you still doing here? Aren't you going home?

Hmm? Oh. Soon...

What's got you looking so down?

When you become a grown-up, the things you have to worry about grow as well. That's all.

Do you want to get a drink? I'll buy.

*sigh* What are you talking about, kid? If anything, I should buy you some cake.

I don't like sweet foods. And aren't you treating me too much like a kid? I'm a member of Phantom too.

You aren't old enough to be treated like an adult.

Well... You're not wrong.

...

If... there's anything you want to talk about, let me know.

Why?

I might not be able to solve anything, but I am a good listener.

Ha! You're funny.

I'm not joking.

...I know. Thank you. It warms my heart to hear you say something like that.

I feel much better now. I should go home. Let's go, Lots.

...

I'm sorry.

I have something to tell you. I had planned on telling you and then leaving Phantom...

You're not searching for Duren anymore. But I know that you'll always miss him and hold onto whatever hope you have left.

If I tell you the truth; your hope will fall apart.

I know I can't keep it a secret forever. I have to tell you someday.

Just not today...

Digitus called me this morning.

Another member of Phantom, Digitus, joined on the condition that he would be able to hide his true identity. He conducts his own research into the Unknown.

But due to his poor health, he's been working with the information brokers of the World's End Pub.

Welcome.

You must have interesting news since you called me here, right?

Well, you can decide whether it's interesting or not.

Do you remember that I asked the World's End to investigate an area of the Land of Death for an extended period of time?

Ah, I remember. Did you have a reason to do that?

Because of the Unknown. As everyone knows, the Unknown are completely different creatures to the monsters we know.

I thought it was strange that they only appear inside the Land of Death so I wanted to know the reason behind it all.

Until now, we've believed that the Unknown are animals or monsters that have mutated for some reason.

Right. Since the Land of Death used to be a healthy region before it changed overnight, we thought it would be the same for the Unknown.

Yet, the Unknowns and the creatures of Orbis have nothing in common.

It's more likely that the Unknowns were created spontaneously.

So? Have you discovered how they appeared?

Yes. The World's End's mercenaries found some interesting things. They discovered that the Unknown are not native to Orbis at all.

Then how did they come here?

They appear to be creatures from a different universe. Somewhere we do not know, so to speak.

I don't get it. What are you saying?

According to the mercenaries, the Unknown come here by ripping through dimensions. It's hard to believe, I know...

But then again, Reingar's mages have long theorized that other worlds exist in a space that we can't perceive.

So I think that the Unknown came here from another world. A world that we don't know.

And if this is true... No matter how many Unknown we kill, they'll keep coming.

So I'd like Phantom to find out whether the Unknown truly are coming here from another, mysterious world.

And I'd like you to take charge of this, Aramintha. You're Phantom's leader after all.

From that point on, we investigated a single area of the Land of Death for a long time.

So you're saying that a gate will open up in the air and an Unknown will crawl out?

That's what I heard.

Wow! I want to see it!

Me too, I would come here every day if I could see something interesting like that.

...

So...how sure are you?

We've come here so many times and...nothing.

Well, if it was that easy to witness, then everyone would have heard about it already.

We've already basically been living here for two weeks now...

Maybe the mercenaries Digitus hired were just hallucinating?

How long will it take? I'm getting bored.

...

You're getting bored too, aren't you, Sez?

I just do what I'm told.

I don't know why I bothered asking...

What now, Captain? Are we staying like this forever?

I'm debating what to do...

...Wait. Over there.

There...don't you see it's moving?

...

Right. The air is being distorted.

Rippled space, like someone had stretched it from both ends.

A crack in the world, and an endless night beyond it. And the thing that came through...

Look, an Unknown!

......!

Get ready to fight!

Thank goodness it wasn't that strong.

...Can it really be true? Do the Unknown come from another dimension?

After that incident, I made a report to the Conclave. But the Church of the Goddess chose to keep it top secret as it might cause unrest amongst the populace.

We began to call the spaces that connected other worlds to Orbis "Chaos Gates."

After discovering that the Unknown travelled to Orbis through Chaos Gates, we made another discovery.

The newly arrived Unknown were physically weak, as they had yet to adjust to our world.

After some time, they would be able to grow back to full strength.

And so we realized that killing the Unknown as soon as they arrived in Orbis was the best way to reduce our own losses.

Since then, we've been focusing on just that.

Of course, Phantom did not have the manpower to organize enough patrols alone, so the various Orders sent knights to assist us.

Thank you for coming, Sir Crozet.

Oh, it's my pleasure. Protecting the whole of Orbis is a part of our duty as well.

I'm impressed how easily you're handling them.

I'm honored.

Actually, I know you've been through a lot lately, so I feel sorry for asking this of you...

Ah... You're talking about the Moonlight Effect?

It's an old legend...

On the night of a full moon, if you make a sincere wish, it will be manifested within a copy of yourself.

Whether the legend is true or not, there has definitely been a growing number of reports lately of people seeing these copies.

They usually turn out to be nothing more than a doll modelled after that person, or somebody's personality suddenly changing so much they thought they were someone else.

The majority of occurrences are simple misunderstandings, and nothing to do with the legend at all.

But there are some who are actually beings crossing over from another dimension, which is how we came to be interested in them.

Either way, people have come to refer to this phenomenon as the Moonlight Effect due to its similarity with the legend.

What I experienced didn't seem to be a being from another dimension...

The Moonlight Shade looked exactly like me, and had the same name.

The thing is, it caused troubles everywhere it went and put me in a difficult position.

At first, I thought an imposter was using my identity to cause problems, but that wasn't the case at all.

Then...what was it?

As Chief Commander of The Order of the Shield, I've always done my best to walk the path of righteousness.

To do so, sometimes I had to fight against my own desires.

I've always desired to live freely, to live the life I wanted, but I've been resisting it.

I wondered if perhaps it was that desire of mine that created my Shade. Just as I had desired for myself, he lived life exactly as he wanted.

But the illusion taught me a lot. I realized how much of myself I had denied up until now.

...I see...

...It only happens to those who are alive, right?

It won't happen to those who are...dead, for example?

I can't say I know much more... I assumed you would, having investigated it more directly.

What I can say is, I have yet to hear of such a case.

I thought as much, but stilll...

...?

Anyway, shall we go now?

Sure.

...No matter how hard I look, I can't find a single person who's seen him.

Did he only appear in Eureka?

Ugh... I'm dizzy... I thought I would be fine today.

There are three countries on the continent of Eureka. The first is Lefundos, my homeland.

Next is Wintenberg, a country of Dragon Knights, ruled by Cecilia.

Lastly, is the Republic of Politia.

Two years ago, the Republic of Politia was attacked by the Black Knight and his legion.

They destroyed a quarter of the entire land of Politia.

Lefundos and Wintenberg dispatched their armies to help, but our forces were annihilated.

We assumed that once the Black Legion took control of Politia, they would begin threatening Wintenberg and Lefundos.

And yet, suddenly, the Black Legion disappeared.

If the whole army moved elsewhere, then at least someone should have seen it.

The last time they were seen...they were entering a Land of Death within Politia.

With their location unknown, Politia was further unsettled and yet the legion never again reappeared.

But now we have a lead as to how they disappeared so suddenly. They must have travelled elsewhere, using a Chaos Gate.

Just like how I came to Ritania from Eureka.

I came to Ritania, as I believed that the Black Knight might have come here.

From witness accounts, both the Black Knight and his legion are incredibly powerful.

I suspected he may be an Acolyte.

The Archdemon terrorized Ritania twenty years ago with his war. If the Black Knight was one of his Acolytes, it would explain his power.

But now, having learned of the Chaos Gates and the Unknown, my opinion has changed.

They may be an alien being like the Unknown who travelled here through Chaos Gates.

Then it's possible that they may have completed whatever goal they had in Politia and so returned to their own world.

Of course that's just my own wishful thinking. In truth, I believe the Black Legion will return eventually.

I came to Ritania because I believed that the Black Knight might one day threaten Lefundos...

But now that I have learnt of the Archdemon, who I thought was only a legend, and the fact that Lands of Death are appearing more frequently here...

I instinctively noticed that our world, Orbis, is under a serious crisis.

Is it time to reveal my true identity and the knowledge I have amassed?

I can't say I know much more... I assumed you would, having investigated it more directly.

What I can say is, I have yet to hear of such a case.

...I knew it.

Three years ago, my husband Duren went missing in a Land of Death. All that was left of him were his torn clothes.

It was obvious that he had been attacked by an Unknown but I could not give up hope.

For years I travelled to every Land of Death I knew of in search of Duren. I'm sure that people thought I was mad.

I never found Duren. All I did was lose one of my legs in a fight with an Unknown.

I had no choice but to admit that he's gone.

...It's been a long time.

This is where I found Duren's clothes. There were so few Unknown back then, why did he just have to run into one...

Come to think of it, this land is also where Duren and I first met.

Back when I was the commander of a mercenary company, I once received a request to investigate a Land of Death.

Back then, we only knew that the Lands of Death were foreboding places. I entered with such worries weighing heavily upon me.

And then I met Duren.

Duren, who worked alone as a mercenary, often travelled into the Lands of Death. His knowledge was great and he had no fear of them.

He helped me finish the request and we became friends.

After we grew closer, he told me that he had lost his memories and had been living while wandering aimlessly.

But with his death, his forgotten past was buried in this land too.

I wanted to help him find his lost memories...

......!

I felt something was behind me. So when I turned around, there was an Unknown.

I was careless.

I shouldn't have gotten distracted even if the Unknown don't frequent this area.

I drew my sword. But I couldn't handle a medium-sized Unknown alone.

Captain!

Lots? Why are you...?!

Not now, let's talk about it later!

Alright!

Together, we defeated the Unknown. Lots may be young, but his skills go beyond his years.

Are you okay?

Are you?

I'm fine.

Why are you here?

I was...just worried about you, coming here all alone. So I followed.

What? Why would you worry about me?

You could have been in big trouble if it wasn't for me. You know that, right?

...

Anyway. You always warn everyone not to enter the Land of Death alone. So why did you?

*sighing*...I have no excuse. Thanks for helping me.

Shall we go back?

Uh...wait. Something dropped from your clothes.

Huh?

This is...

I was about to pick up what Lots had dropped when I froze in place.

The item on the ground was a bracelet. One that I had made myself for Duren.

How come...you...?

...

Where did you get that bracelet?

...As you know, I'm actually a priest of the Holy Order of the Blue Cross.

I've always felt inadequate. So I worked hard to become stronger. That's why I went to Reingar to study magic.

After that, with my confidence improved, I travelled around in order to continue training myself.

Some people would look down on me because of my age, but when they saw what I could do, they all recognized my ability.

Then one day, I met Duren and Gamod inside a Land of Death.

Both of them told me that it was no place for someone so young and they wanted me to leave...

Despite my protests, they wouldn't listen to me.

While they were escorting me out of the Land of Death, an Unknown appeared before us.

Duren told me to run but I stayed and fought instead. I was overconfident. And eventually that led to my being injured...

Duren and Gamod were trying to lure the Unknown away from me in order to save me when I lost consciousness.

When I woke up, neither of them were there. I went looking for them.

But all I saw was...their clothes, all torn up.

And there I picked up this bracelet...

I'm so sorry...I wanted to return it to you. It's my fault he died...

But I couldn't bring myself to confess... I'm sorry, captain.

After that, Lots disappeared.

You're not trying to come here and complain, right? I'm not feeling very well these days.

I'm not planning on annoying you, don't worry. I just couldn't stay in the headquarters. I needed some fresh air.

Do you need a drink too?

I'm on duty right now.

Haha. Look at you, such a hard worker.

I'm going to work overtime today.

I didn't know Lots went through something like that.

...

So you just let him go?

We came back to the headquarters together. Then he left today without a word.

How did you feel? After hearing Lots's story.

I was a bit...numbed. And at the same time, I realized that my husband really was killed by the Unknown.

You don't blame Lots?

He didn't do anything wrong. He isn't the reason Duren and Gamod died.

Duren was working on a request. He wouldn't have been able to avoid fighting the Unknown.

I can't get angry at Lots for something that happened three years ago. I'm just a little frustrated that he didn't tell me anything until now.

If that's how you feel, I'm sure it would take a load off of his mind.

He must have been beating himself up over it for a long time.

He should have just said something instead of holding it in until now.

True...

...I need to go.

Are you going to find Lots?

Hopefully. But you...you really don't look well... Are you alright?

The sooner you leave, the sooner I can get some rest.

Alright, alright. I'm leaving. Don't push yourself too hard with your Unknown research.

...*sighing* Is it almost time...?

I thought about where Lots might have gone, and decided to head towards Ezera on a whim.

Luckily, I caught up with him before long.

...

...

I never said you should quit.

But...

I know it must have been hard for you to tell me. I am upset since you kept it a secret until now...but thank you for telling me.

I'm sorry, Captain.

What for?

You did nothing wrong back then. If you had pushed yourself any further fighting the Unknown, you might have died as well.

And it's been already three years. It hurts, but I have to move on.

I shouldn't be stuck to the past for my entire life.

...

So you need to let it go too, okay?

...Thank you, Captain.

Oh, enough. You've been a huge help to me and Phantom. Let's go back, alright?

...Sure.

I've been looking for you, Captain.

Bellona? What is it? You seem to be in a hurry. That's unlike you.

I...I went to see Digitus, but I found him collapsed on the floor.

Why?

I called a doctor, but he's pale and doesn't seem well.

I didn't think he looked well recently, but I didn't realize it was so serious.

Are you alright?

Oh, Aramintha...

What happened? The healer said you were poisoned by a Dragon. A long time ago...

When did you ever fight a Dragon? They're extraordinarily rare on this continent.

...As you said, it was a long time ago. I wasn't treated for the poison quickly enough and so the effects became permanent.

So? You've given up on living now?

...

It won't be easy to find a cure, but...

You still have a chance at life, unlike Duren. You should do whatever you can to survive.

...Haha, you sound so determined. I can't persuade you off of it, can I?

I'll try to find a cure.

Don't try too hard. I'm already prepared for the worst.

How did he manage to get poisoned by a Dragon? I don't know anything about Digitus's past.

He joined Phantom on the condition that I wouldn't ask personal questions about him.

And so I didn't. Not who his family is, or his homeland...

Still, I regard him as a friend. I want to help him as much as possible.

After searching, I discovered that a Dragon Knight named Cecilia is currently in Ritania.

I thought she would know a lot about Dragons considering she must have fought a lot of them.

Thank you for meeting me, Cecilia.

I was happy to. But the most important aspect to treating Dragon poison is time...if we've already missed the optimal window I'm not sure what I can do.

Still, please take a look at Digitus.

Digitus? I brought Cecilia with me.

...What? Cecilia?

...Schniel?

Ah...I didn't realize you were on this continent.

I could say the same to you. How did you come to Ritania?

It's...complicated. And you...?

I was swept away by a vortex... When I woke up, I was here.

Uh...have you met Digitus before, Cecilia?

...Digitus? This is King Schniel of Lefundos.

...Oh damn.

K-King...? Digitus, explain.

Oh... Haha, well... I was going to tell you eventually, but my real name is not Digitus.

It is Schniel Boroa Zebranto. I am King of Lefundos, in Eureka. But you can call me Schniel.

So you've been lying to me? Why did you join Phantom?

I'm sorry. I was going to tell you everything when the time was right. All the countries of Eureka have been looking for someone called the Black Knight.

That's right, we were keeping our eyes on him back in the Wintenberg as well.

I thought it was strange that the Black Legion disappeared after causing all that trouble in Politia.

If he ever showed up in Ritania, then rumor would have spread instantly.

Since according to you, his power is equal to and possibly even greater than the Acolytes...

Yes. I'm certain he is not Human.

I believe that a dangerous power has travelled here via a Chaos Gate, and is now threatening Orbis.

...

From what you say, this sounds like another case of Moonlight Shades coming from a different dimension.

Right? They said themselves they aren't from here, and they certainly act like nobody I've ever met.

But they insisted that they weren't Moonlight Shades from a parallel dimension, but came from an entirely different planet altogether.

So they're nothing to do with Orbis at all?

I do not know how powerful the Black Knight may be...but it's possible that he came from a different world as well.

What if the Black Knight is from another planet as well?

Can I meet them as well?

I'll contact them. Though their way of thinking is a bit different to us, communicating with them isn't difficult.

Thank you.

Garo said that he has thought it strange that Cartuja and Schuri would join Sicar, an organization of assassins...

And after investigating, he discovered that they weren't the real Cartuja and Schuri at all, but rather beings from another world.

They said they had borrowed the appearances of Cartuja and Schuri as they could not maintain their original forms here.

Could there not only be copies coming from other worlds, but also aliens coming from space, borrowing the appearance of people?

Wow...you really do look like Cartuja.

Nice to meet you, Aramintha.

Nice to meet you.

So, do you have any intention of telling me your real names?

Hmm... I wish I could but I'm afraid it cannot be expressed using any of the languages of this world.

So just call us Cartuja and Schuri. That's easiest for everyone.

Though, of course we feel bad for the inconvenience we're causing the real Cartuja and Schuri. Anyway, you wanted to meet us?

Yes. There's also someone else who wants to meet you too.

Hello, I'm Schniel.

His name is...Schniel? And he looks like...

I am King Schniel of Lefundos, Eureka.

I knew it...!

You're the king of Lefundos? Impressive. But how did you manage to come here all they way from Eureka?

I thought it was impossible?

I used a Chaos Gate.

Oh I see. So what do you want to hear from me?

Some time ago, there was an incident in Eureka. The Black Legion attacked the Republic of Politia.

We could not identify who the leader was, but as they always wore black armor, we came to call him the Black Knight.

After hearing his story, they looked worried.

We can never be certain until we see him with our eyes...

But this Black Knight. He may be Straze.

Straze...?

He's from another world.

Straze and his legion have already destroyed countless worlds.

We are pursuing him, and we believed that he was here.

Considering your description of the Black Knight's appearance...

I believe there is a good chance that it is Straze. Do you have any leads to his location?

After attacking the Republic of Politia, the Black Knight and his legion disappeared.

Maybe they moved to a different place using a Chaos Gate

If Straze were to move, then you would know somehow.

Destroying an entire city is nothing to him.

We've learned a lot of new information today thanks to you.

Me too. Thank you for introducing them to me.

I had no idea that Digitus was actually Schniel. I only received his letters. If I ever saw him in person, then I would have known.

I only found out recently myself.

I've received a request previously to search for the king of Lefundos. I believe the members of his court are still searching for him.

Are you asking for permission to reveal his location? It's your choice.

He isn't an official member of Phantom. He worked alone in investigating the Unknown.

Furthermore, if they are his courtiers, then they must know about his condition, right?

I'd like them to help Schniel. His health is deteriorating.

I see. Fine, I will let them know.

Sometime Later...

A major incident happened in Ritania.

...The Breezy Plain was attacked!?

Yes, by a silver-haired, black armored man and his army.

It must be the Black Knight.

We should go there.

The Phantom CIC will join you.

The Breezy Plain is completely ruined...

Who is this man...

He must be a being with an extraordinary power, if he's from another world.

...

Aramintha.

Cecilia, how...?

I came to help after hearing that the Breezy Plain had been attacked.

Be careful, everyone. The Black Knight and his armies are powerful.

I must prepare.

I will fight as much I can.

Thank you for coming. Please, come this way.

It's as if the area was hit by a natural disaster.

All the survivors have said the same thing. That the enemy were invincible fiends.

We knew it would be a struggle, but we had no choice but to face the Black Knight.

And face him we did.

...

Straze...

...Is he the Black Knight?

Yes.

Greetings, everyone. Long time no see. What should I call you by this time?

You may call us whatever you like, Straze. You do know why we are here, no?

Revenge, I'm sure.

...Yes. You, gifted with your incredible strength, were only given your freedom in exchange for an oath that you would never interfere with another world.

And yet you broke that oath and killed our god. You destroyed our world and escaped here.

Killed...a god?

...Incredible.

It seems like you won't just let me through. No trouble, I always welcome a fight.

...Stay away, everyone.

But...

He may look Human, but he is not. You will have to take care of yourselves here.

You are stronger than I thought. Very impressive.

...

I knew it...this body is too weak to confront Straze.

He was a godkiller. Too powerful to be a mere Human.

Even Bellona, considered to be the strongest member of Phantom, was no match for him.

As expected. You cling onto life.

I will win if we fight long enough, but it will cost me too much in the long run in my current state...

Let's call it a day for now. I'm tired as well. I'll look forward to fighting you again.

...He disappeared. *sighing* Thank goodness.

I can't believe a being like him exists.

I've never been so exhausted from a fight. You said his name is Straze? He was so strong.

I have to become stronger before we fight again.

That's the Bellona I know! Is everyone alright?

I'm still hanging in there.

Same.

We were able to prevent any further losses thanks to everyone here.

I'm glad everyone is okay.

Straze is strong, but not as much as the first time I saw him.

It seems that he used much of his power travelling here. I'm sure it will take him time to recover completely.

We should defeat him before he regains his power. But with our strength as it is now, we are no match for him.

If we intend to confront a beast like him, we need a specific plan.

Following the battle at Breezy Plain, Tywin and Romann visited Phantom HQ.

They likely heard about Schniel from Garo.

...

...

Haha, long time no see.

You ran from the palace knowing the day we met again would be the day you died, didn't you?

Haha, we are friends, aren't we? And technically I wasn't running away. I simply had something important to do here.

Aramintha already told us everything.

You should have just left it to us to go looking for the Black Knight. Why would you go by yourself in your current state...?!

Current state? Is His Majesty ill?

Ask him yourself.

Sorry, Tywin. I should have told you earlier. Please don't be mad at me

...?

...

I get the feeling you're blaming yourself, but it wasn't your fault that I was poisoned. I was just unlucky.

No, it was my fault. I should have protected you...

This is why I didn't tell you before.

...

You've protected me plenty well. I don't know how many times you've saved my life.

My past deeds are irrelevant in light of your current state.

What are you saying? If it wasn't for you, I would have died long before being poisoned by a Dragon.

Then I would never even have become king. Don't blame yourself.

Actually, I expected you to be angrier at me than Romann. Haha...

*sighing*...You really are reckless, Your Majesty.

That's why I didn't want to become king. I knew I would only worry all the people around me.

I wasn't a good king, but I'm glad I got to know you and Romann. Even if I die now, I have no regrets.

I won't let you die. I'll find a way to save you, my King.

Just give up. If you hold onto useless hope, it'll make things harder for you later.

His Majesty always lives selfishly, can I not do the same?

...Mmm, you have a point.

I know you worry about me. But I'll take responsibility for my own choices.

...I am so sorry, Tywin. Thank you for caring about me.

If you truly are sorry, then please do not give up on life.

*sighing* Fine. I'll try to hold out as long as I can.

By the way, was the Black Knight really as strong as they say? I've heard you fought him?

They call him a godkiller. Fighting him, I realized the reason why Politia was brought to her knees.

If he ever came to Lefundos, it would have meant the end of our kingdom.

I'm worried about the future...

As everybody knows, Phantom have been killing the Unknown while exploring the Lands of Death.

Recently, one of our teams found another Chaos Gate.

According to our research, this particular gate is connected to another continent.

Another continent? Is it Eureka?

No...

Then...?

It's too soon to know, but we know that there is another continent to the south of Ritania.

I assume that is where it leads to.

We won't know until we go there and explore.

Phantom will enter the gate and investigate what is on the other side.

We'll come with you.

I wish I could join you, but...

You're right, we need to find a way back home. Don't even think of running away again.

Haha...alright. I assume you'll be returning home for the time being as well, Cecilia?

You are correct. I've been here for too long. I should go back.

Then I guess this is where we say goodbye.

Thank you for everything. I hope one day I can repay you.

That's right, you have to live so that we can see each other again.

As time passes, more and more Chaos Gates are being created.

We have no idea where these gates are connected to or what problems are waiting for us on the other side...

I can't help but worry, but as long as I am a part of Phantom, I can't avoid having to come face to face with new, mysterious beings.

Is everyone ready? We'll be arriving at the Chaos Gate soon.

I'm excited. What dangers will be waiting for us in a whole new continent!?

Typical Bellona.

How do you feel about it, Sez?

...Nothing special.

Typical Sez.

Okay. Let's go, everyone.