Side Episode: Aki Chapter 1: The Spirit Lord Inheritor

The story of a hero who sacrificed everything to save the world...

and of an Heir who would burn down all obstacles just to save one girl.

Baa!

Whoa, whoa. Be good now, won't you? Come on over here. Look, there's so much tasty grass...

Hey, I said come here! I told you not to go toward the forest!

Baaah!

You little troublemaker, getting a taste for wild berries... But I guess they are in season right now.

Ahem. Anyway, you really can't this time. Dad said the forest has gotten dangerous these days.

Baa?

Hmm... what did he say again? Oh, right. He said that far away, in the royal palace where the King lives, the Heir of the Covenant has awakened.

That's why all the bad people are hiding out in the forest, trying to avoid the Heir of the Covenant.

"If you wander into the forest, they'll capture you and offer you as a sacrifice to resurrect the Archdemon!"

...That's what he told me.

Baaa...

...Yeah, yeah. I know it sounds crazy, right? That's what I thought, too.

*sighing* Why am I even trying to explain this to a sheep?

...

My days are peaceful, but also a little boring.

The only thing this village can boast about is that the Inheritor of the Flame, Aki, occasionally stops by, citing his past deed of saving us as a reason.

Even our stingy village chief butchers a pig when Aki visits, meaning we all eat well for a few days.

Dad said that sharing a meal with a hero like him was something he could brag about for his entire life, but...

I don't want to live as just another villager a hero passes by, not even worthy of being a supporting character in an adventure story.

Someday, I want to become someone special and go on an adventure of my own.

...If bandits were to attack again, I wonder if Mister Aki would come and save us again.

Then... maybe this time I could finally ask him to take me with him. I could tell him I want to help save the world, too.

Baaaaa.

Ugh... I was just saying. No need to give me that look... wait...

I feel... something. It's calling me.

Come this way, child.

Into the darkness of the forest... where the sunlight cannot reach.

...

But Dad said the forest was dangerous...

Only you can save me and all life on Orbis.

Me...? Only I can save you...?

...I can see your desire. Do you wish to be someone special?

If you help me... I shall make you a hero even greater than that Inheritor of the Flame.

A hero... greater than even Mister Aki.

STEP... STEP...

Yes... Come... Come to my side...!

...That's...

A black wolf... covered in wounds.

...

Those eyes look like they're pleading with me...

This is weird. My instincts should be screaming at me to run away... But I don't feel like I'm in danger.

Are you... the one who called out to me?

...

Right, it's not like a wolf can talk.

Yes... I was the one who called you, child.

Ah... at last...

After countless trials, I've finally met a human I can speak with.

Aah! Th-The wolf...

The wolf is talking!

N-No, wait. I came here because a voice called me... So I guess it's not that weird for them to be able to speak...

Huh? But how is a wolf able to speak...?

Such matters are trivial. Did you not come here in answer to my call?

Human child. Can you... help me?

H-Help you? What can I...

Oh, I see! You're asking for help because... you're badly injured, right?

Hmm, while tending to my wounds is a concern, what I wish to ask of you is...

O-Of course I can do that much for you! Wait here! I'll go get some bandages and food!

W-Wait. Let me finish what I was saying!

*sprinting away*

...Yes. I suppose there's no need to be too hasty.

After all, to reach "it"... I will need to recover the power I expended to leave the continent of Erasia.

After that day, I started keeping a secret from Mom and Dad.

I began to visit the forest often to tend to the black wolf's wounds.

There were all sorts of other monsters hiding in the forest besides the wolf, but...

Strangely, none of them ever attacked me.

They even told me all sorts of news from the outside world while I was treating the wolf.

Rumors that all manner of wicked things were flocking to the capital of Ezera, and that the humans influenced by them had begun to wage war and pillage...

And stories of how they had fled here to escape the war, but that this area would soon be engulfed in flames as well.

Mmm...

...Is something troubling you?

It's just that Pupper and Smokey told me they saw a group of bandits in the woods not too far from here.

What if bandits attack our ranch again? They've come a few times before...

Mister Aki always came and saved us, but there's no way he can show up at exactly the right moment every single time.

If that should happen, I will protect you and your family.

Wow, really? Even if it's just words, thank you.

Just words? I assure you, it is not.

I already command the monsters that have gathered in this forest. I've been preventing them from attacking you or descending upon the village.

So, even if bandits do appear, they should be able to fend them off to some extent.

I-I see. I'm sorry. I just assumed they were kind, just as you are...

Think nothing of it. It's no trouble for me to handle.

Well... I should get going. Mom said she's making a wild berry pie today.

Do you want to try some? I can save a piece and bring it for you!

Yes, I'll look forward to it. Return safely.

Ah, and one more thing...

You want me to promise not to tell anyone I saw you, right? You say it every single day. I'm tired of hearing it.

My apologies. I simply do not wish to cause any unnecessary commotion.

Fine, I get it. Anyway... I'm leaving for real now! Take it easy!

*sprinting away*

...

The flames of war... The time is near.

...Now that I think about it...

Dad did say that we haven't had any trouble with wild beasts at the ranch lately.

It was all thanks to the wolf protecting us. I had no idea...

Diene? What are you so lost in thought about?

Huh? Oh, it's nothing.

Wow! The wild berry pie looks delicious!

Hehe... It does, right? The restriction on entering the forest was lifted recently, so I was able to pick some nice, plump wild berries.

I hear things are chaotic over in the capital these days...

For this area to be so peaceful at a time like this... It must be thanks to the Inheritor of the Flame, Aki.

I'm so grateful. I pray for his safety today as well.

...

Hmph. Mom and Dad are so silly. It's always "Aki this," and "Aki that"...

The one protecting our ranch right now isn't Mister Aki, it's the Black Wolf that I saved...

Once the wolf is all better, I should introduce them to Mom and Dad.

Imagine the looks on their faces when they see me with a wolf as big as a house, commanding monsters at my word. They'll be completely surprised, won't they? Hehe...

...Thinking about it again, it really is strange. Why do they protect me and do everything I say?

I think they said something when we first met... I wonder if that's the reason.

...Well, whatever the reason is, it doesn't matter. The important thing is that they listen to what I say. Yep.

Diene? What did you just say?

Huh?! Ah, nothing! I didn't say a word!

Are you feeling sick today? You haven't even touched your pie, you're just staring into space and muttering to yourself...

N-No, I'm not! It's just... the pie is so good! I was saving it because it's so delicious!

Munch... Mmm... Mmm! So good! See? Your pies are the best, Mom!

Hehe, right? I was especially confident about today's pie.

Thank you for the meal! I'm going to go up to bed now! Good night!

*runs off and slams the door shut*

...She's being very strange today. Could she be hitting puberty early?

Oh, I'm sure kids just have their own things to worry about.

Phew... That was close. They almost found out.

I panicked and ate the slice of pie I was saving for the wolf.

...Oh, well. I'll just have to beg Mom to bake another one tomorrow morning.

And then... I'll take the pie and ask the wolf if I can get a ride.

If I ride on the wolf's back down the road, everyone's eyes will be on me. They'll all be so jealous, won't they?

Hee... I can't wait.

Hmm... I couldn't find the wolf again today.

Now that they're almost all healed up, they never stay in one place.

...We had meat porridge for the first time in a while. It's a shame they missed it...

Oh, whatever. If they get hungry, I'm sure they'll hunt something.

...

A month has passed since the day I first met the Black Wolf.

With just my clumsy treatment and what little food I brought, the wolf has almost completely recovered...

They started patrolling the area along the forest's edge, as if they're getting ready to leave.

Once the wolf is gone... will I just go back to being a normal country girl again?

I feel a little sad about parting ways. I liked being with the wolf... It made me feel a little special.

...Right. If they're going to leave, I'll ask them to take me with them.

With the wolf by my side, maybe I can become a hero like Mister Aki!

Okay. Dad always said to strike while the iron is hot.

I'll go write my parents a letter so they won't be worried.

Right now... huh?

...

Huh? What's that burning smell? It's not the right season to be burning field ridges... Uh oh.

It can't be... No way, no...!

*sprinting*

No... Our ranch... Mom, Dad?!

Ugh, damn. What's that smell? It's awful.

You idiot, you set fire to the dung heap. Of course it's going to smell like burning crap.

You did this last time, too. Why are you so obsessed with burning down empty houses?

I dunno, I just like watching things burn.

...Thank goodness. My parents must be out in the fields.

Bandits... They've attacked. I have to warn the villagers.

*rustling*

Eek?!

A-A twig? How clumsy...!

Hm?

Oh, a villager? Perfect timing.

Ah... Ugh...

*drawing weapon*

Hey, kid. Know which way it is to the village? We're a bit lost here, Huh?

Grrr... BARK!

What's this?

SLASH!

*whimpering*

P-Pupper!

That's odd. That monster just moved as if it was trying to block our path. Could that child have tamed an Angara?

What, are you crazy? There's no way you can tame a monster.

It probably just thought we were after its food. Stupid mutt.

Hmm... You think so?

S-Stay back...!

Oh, she's actually quite pretty up close. We could get a decent price for her on the slave market.

...Pretty? Nah, she's just a kid.

Hey, Mark. I know that damn fire-freak crossed over to Taranor, but...

The border patrol is just around the corner. Are you really going to waste time fooling around here?

Heh, you've gotta make some extra coin when you can, no?

The cut we'll get from robbing a dump like this is gonna be just a few coins anyway.

Cut the crap and let's wrap this up.

Boss said he'd smash our skulls in if we were late again.

Tsk... Fine. You win.

Well then, little girl. Since it's come to this... don't make this any harder on yourself. Let's go quietly.

Ah... S-Stay away...!

Whoa there, don't move. That'll just make this hurt more...

Huh?

Grrr...

Ugh... Whoa! W-What is that thing? A wolf?! Where did it come from...?

CHOMP!

Gak!

N-No, Mark! Dammit, where did this house-sized beast come from...

Grrr!

Ahhhh!

Wolfie!

...You were about to be in real trouble. Are you unharmed?

Y-Yeah. I'm okay. But... the bandits went down to the village... Over there...

Aaaah! Please, someone, help me!

Oh Goddess, oh noble Covenant, I beg you for salvation, AAAH!

Aki...! Help us...!

N-No... Everything's on fire. My hometown... my neighbors...

...Indeed. Your small world is crumbling, child.

But rest assured. I will protect you and your family from "death".

Wolfie, can't you save the villagers, too? Just like you saved me...

...I'm afraid that will be difficult.

The current reach of my power extends only as far as the ranch where you and your family reside.

It can't be...

If you wish for power beyond that...

W-What's happening? I can't see anything...

A darkness blacker than midnight, more profound than the deepest sea.

Here, everyone must face their own true nature.

Wolfie...? Where are you?

You are gazing upon me as we speak, child.

I am the darkness behind the veil, the Lord of the darkest night.

Henceforth, you shall call me Noias.

Noias...? That's the name of the Dark Spirit Lord.

...A scruffy wolf like you is actually a Spirit Lord? That's hard to believe...

Scruffy... Ahem.

I cannot reveal my true power at this moment.

However, if I form a contract with a worthy being and borrow their hand, I can overcome this limitation.

A contract... A worthy being... You mean me?

Yes, child. If you become my Inheritor... I will grant you the power to save your village and defeat the bandits.

In return, you need only grant me one request...

I'll do it! I'll make the contract!

Just like the day we first met... Would it not be wiser to hear the full terms before agreeing?

You're asking me to become a Spirit Lord Inheritor, just like the famous Inheritor of the Flame, Aki, right?

And on top of that, you're giving me the power to save my village! This is an absolute yes!

If you insist... Very well. The situation is urgent, so I shall explain my request later.

Diene Tali.

In the name of Orbis, the all-father and the foundation of the earth...

Would you make a contract with me, the Spirit Lord of the Darkest Night, Noias, to achieve what we each desire?

Yes, please.

I, Diene Tali, will make a contract with the Dark Spirit Lord Noias, so that we may both achieve what we each desire.

...Good. Our contract has been made.

Mmm...

Are you awake?

Wolfie... Oh, I mean, Lord Noias.

There's no need for formalities. Human pleasantries hold no value for me.

Really? Okay.

Then, I'll call you Noi from now on!

...Perhaps a bit more deference would be appropriate, but... fine, do as you wish.

Now, if you've come to your senses, let's hurry down.

R-Right... okay. We have to go down to the village and fight the bandits.

Are you afraid, by any chance?

N-Not really, but...

It must be from your earlier ordeal. Do not dwell on it. Even the most skilled warriors cannot easily cast aside the fear of death.

...It's really not because I'm scared. It's just... none of this feels real.

Real?

Am I really a Spirit Lord Inheritor now?

I kind of expected to be bursting with uncontrollable power, or maybe get a cool mark on my body somewhere... But nothing's changed.

So even if you tell me to go fight bandits, what's an ordinary girl from the countryside supposed to do?

...The essence of a spirit contract is to borrow power and wield it. There's no need for the Inheritor's physical appearance to change.

Though I suppose that's not very convincing, seeing as the most famous Inheritors in the world happen to be that Inheritor of the Flame and Ruele.

I see...

Besides, you won't need to fight yourself. If you wish for help in your heart...

CHING-

These little ones will manifest and assist you.

Whoa...!

Do not be afraid. Now that you are my Inheritor, "death" can no longer extend its claws to you.

Right... Got it, Noi!

Then let's go, everyone! To save the village!

Eek! What is that thing?! Nobody told us we'd be fighting a monster!

R-Run! Fall back!

They're running away... We're safe!

Diene saved us from the bandits!

I... no, we did it, Noi! We saved the village!

...

Diene!

Sweetheart, are you all right?

Mom? Dad!

*hugging*

The house burned down... The bandits said it was empty, but I was still so worried that...

*sobbing*... I'm so glad you're alive.

Yes... We're glad you're safe, too.

But, what's with the wolf next to you...? It doesn't seem dangerous, but...

Oh, this is Noi... I mean, Noias. They're a Spirit... Mmph.

...

Phwah... Noi? What was that for?

Could you gather the villagers in one place? I have something to announce.

Oh, my.

*gasping* It's a talking wolf!

...Hurry.

U-Understood! I'll have them gathered here right away!

What's going on? One minute, bandits are attacking the village...

The next, dark spirits show up and save us, and now we're waiting for a talking wolf to give a speech.

Shh... Quiet down, Sam. What if they hear you mouthing off and decide to eat us instead?

Hyuup...!

It seems just about everyone has gathered. Is that correct?

One, two, three... twenty-seven. Yep, everyone's here! No one died...! Thank goodness!

In that case... I shall begin by revealing my true identity.

I am the Spirit Lord of the Darkest Night, Noias. I have fully manifested through a contract with this girl, Diene.

As payment for the contract, I have given Diene the power to protect this village, and in return, she has promised to grant me one request.

Huh... Did I make that promise?

...Don't act like this is the first you're hearing of it. We clearly agreed you would hear the details later.

That wolf... is a Spirit Lord? And not just any, but the Dark Spirit Lord...

That's right! The "Most Aloof Spirit Lord" who they say has never before made a contract with a human!

Seriously, is everyone buying this? Sure, they were controlling dark spirits, but...

Oh...! Dark Spirit Lord, to be in your presence is an honor of a lifetime!

...Chief?

Argh!

You fool! Most Soul Weavers couldn't even dream of performing the feats Diene just did!

Diene has truly become a Spirit Lord Inheritor! Having personally served Aki, I can tell!

Whaaat?

Ahem...

Ah, Chief! Please be quiet. Noi is trying to speak.

*gulping*...

...Thank you, Diene. Now, let me continue my explanation.

My aforementioned request... is for you, as my Inheritor, to join me on a journey to the World Tree.

The World Tree? You're talking about that huge tree in the Elven kingdom, right?

...You're asking me to travel all that way? I haven't even been to the next village...

There will be no danger. I will always be by your side to protect you.

But... I'm scared. This will be my first time traveling so far on my own.

Don't worry, Diene. We'll go with you.

Huh? Mom and Dad? Both of you? What about the ranch and the sheep?

Our daughter is about to embark on a journey to save the world. What's a silly old ranch compared to that?

A journey to save the world...

That's right. You might even become an Heir to a Guardian, just like the Inheritor of the Flame, Aki.

To become someone special and embark on an adventure. That's what you've always dreamed of, right?

Well, yeah, but... you were always against it, Dad. What changed your mind?

...I know you can help Lord Noias and complete this journey. You're a special child, after all.

Whenever Aki visited our village, he always seemed to take a special interest in talking with you, didn't he?

I knew you were destined for greatness from the very beginning.

Eh... Even you, Chief...? It's making me blush. It's a weird feeling.

Ooh...! I'll go too! I've always wanted to witness the birth of a hero up close!

Me too, me too!

I'll go with you!

Wh-What? You're all coming with me?

But that only leaves a handful of people behind... Calm down, everyone! Who's going to rebuild the village?

Haha... It's all right. The remaining people will be more than enough to handle the reconstruction.

Diene. We will take responsibility for rebuilding the village and your family's ranch, so you can go without any worries.

Chief...

You're very lucky to have such people, Diene. Then again, anyone would want to help a kind child like you.

Stop it, Noi, you're embarrassing me...

Then, let us depart at once. Get on my back.

H-Huh? Right now? No, wait, if we're going all the way to Dun Blyraia, we need to prepare first...!

There will be no need for that.

I know you're a wolf, so you're fine as you are, but humans need to pack things! ...Though I've never been on a journey, so I don't really know for sure.

You will understand what I mean when we arrive at the next village.

Ugh... Okay. I guess you know better than I do. You are a Spirit Lord, after all.

Lord Noias. I wish you success in your endeavor.

And... Diene. Please return safely.

I will, Chief! I'm off to have an adventure that'll go down in history!

You're just visiting the neighboring country, so try not to get into any trouble...

Heehee, see you later!

Just this morning, all I was worried about was getting fodder and feeding Noi, and now I'm off on an adventure to Dun Blyraia!

I have a good feeling... This must be it! My special destiny is finally beginning!

I'll do my best, until the day I can fight alongside Mister Aki!

...

...

...

For a Spirit Lord Inheritor to visit our village... We are truly honored!

You saved us. Thank you so much...

We can't let you leave empty-handed. Here, this is our village's specialty honey.

In that case, you should also take the Dilveranc 50-year I'd stashed away for the holiday...!

Wow, isn't that Mister Aki's favorite? Thank you so much...!

Huh?

I told you, drinking is for when you're an adult. I'll hold onto this for you.

Hmph... You're just going to drink it all yourself. I know it.

Hehehe... You caught me.

Daaad!

To think I'd be treated so well in my life, all because my daughter became a Spirit Lord Inheritor.

I am worried about the people we left behind, and our ranch that burned down, but...

The Chief is there, so I'm sure it'll be fine. Let's not worry too much and just enjoy this journey.

We can surprise everyone back home when we return with lots of gifts and stories of our adventures.

Isn't that right, Diene?

Uh-huh!

Phew, that was one hectic day.

Beating the monsters wasn't that hard, but I'm exhausted from the villagers showering us with gifts.

...Still, every day is full of fun and rewarding things. Don't you think, Noi?

I don't truly have a physical body, so I have no preference for material pleasures. I am simply pleased that you are enjoying yourself.

Hmm... but you're traveling with me because there's something you want from the World Tree, right?

...

Like all others who seek the World Tree, I am merely searching for the answer to a question.

Because the answer to that question... is a truth I must know, no matter the cost.

Hmm... I see.

Something you want to know, no matter the cost...

Someone else said the exact same thing to me before.

Phew... I think that's about the last of them.

I don't know why they keep attacking a backwater place like this. It's not like there's anything to steal.

Chief, you got a pot of gold buried somewhere in your house?

M-My deepest apologies, Aki.

That's odd. I made sure to bury everyone who knew about the pot of gold. I'm not sure how they keep finding out...

...I was joking. Are you serious?

No, I'm joking as well.

Pfft. Chief, you're really something... I thought so last time, too, but you're quite the character.

This old bag of bones is still alive thanks to you, Aki.

Now, we've prepared a feast. Please, join us.

Ah... Sorry, but I'm pretty exhausted today. I'm gonna get some sleep at the inn, so could you just have some food sent up?

Of course... not a problem at all. Please, do as you wish.

Um... Mister Inheritor of the Flame, are you not coming to the feast? Everyone's waiting...

Hm? Oh... It's the little girl, isn't it? You've grown.

You're still as scruffy as ever, Mister Aki.

Diene! What a rude thing to say! And I told you not to come up here!

You were taking so long to come down, I got worried something had happened.

Uncle Sam, who nearly died today, even brought out his special secret stash of liquor. What was it called, Dalrong... Dilrong...?

...Dilveranc.

Oh, right, that's it.

*sighing*... I was really planning on just resting today...

But to think that such a beauty and a fine drink were waiting for me... I can't miss out on that, can I?

Beauty...

A-Aki...

I suppose I can make a brief appearance.

Well then, little girl, please lead the way.

Ehehe... Of course, Mister!

...Um, Mister Aki.

Hm?

I've seen you three times now... and every time you've been exhausted and covered in wounds.

Haha... Well, you could call it a hero's fate.

Don't you get tired of wandering around all dusty and fighting monsters all the time?

I do. So tired I want to quit right this second.

Then why do you keep doing it? ...And don't give me some cliche answer like "for the sake of justice".

Pfft... Well, that's what I'd have to say for the official record... but I don't want to give you that answer.

You're right. A flimsy emotion like a sense of justice isn't enough to keep doing this.

...Then why?

I want to see this world's "tomorrow".

And I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. Even if it means forsaking my own humanity.

This world's... tomorrow? What's that supposed to mean?

The sun rises after you wake up, doesn't it? You go through all this trouble just to see that? Are you dumb?

...It's just a metaphor. A figure of speech. Anyway, I'm doing this because I want to...

You don't need to worry about things like this. Just eat well, grow up strong... and help me protect the world next time.

Eww, Mister! Don't pat my head with your dusty hands!

Too bad. I'm going to keep doing it.

Gaaah! Stop it!

Bwahahahaha!

...Now I remember.

I wanted to be a hero like Mister Aki, but...

I decided that a simple farmer's daughter could never save the world, so I set my own limits and gave up on my dream.

But things are different now. I have a power just like Mister Aki's... No, it's an even greater power! With this, I can...!

All right. I have a goal now! Just you wait, Mister Aki!

I'm going to become a stronger Spirit Lord Inheritor than you!

And... I'll fight alongside you, and we'll see this world's tomorrow together!

So, Noi! Let's work even harder from now on!

...You were lost in thought for a while, and now this. How sudden.

Yep! I decided just now!

What is it you intend to "work harder" on?

Everything! Let's go, Noi! I'll work even harder in the next village!

Hmm... Well. It is good to dream big. You have my support.

...

Hmm... This appears to be a peaceful village.

It's a fes-ti-val!

Diene, try some of these pancakes! They even have whipped cream!

This is so extravagant...

*sighing*... Another feast.

Where's my chance to shine as a Spirit Lord Inheritor...?

There will be days like this. Why not simply enjoy yourself?

For a Spirit Lord Inheritor to visit our village... We are truly honored!

Uh... okay...

You saved us. Thank you so much...

But what did I even do...?

We can't let you leave empty-handed. Here, this is our village's specialty honey.

The last village's specialty was honey, too...

In that case, you should also take the Dilveranc 50-year I'd stashed away for the holiday...!

Hey, are you kidding me? That Dilver-whatever thing is actually pretty common, isn't it?

Of course, it's fun and I'm grateful for the endless festivals everywhere we go, but... is it really okay to just keep enjoying myself like this?

I haven't done anything, but everyone keeps praising me like a hero. It feels awkward and uncomfortable.

Mister Aki was always on the front lines, fighting until he was worn to a thread.

And here I am, also a Spirit Lord Inheritor, just having fun and eating good food.

...Yeah. This can't go on.

I think I'll feel better if I find something to do and keep myself busy.

When I meet Mister Aki again and tell him about my adventures, I can't just say that I did nothing and all I did was get pampered.

*slips away*

Hm? Lady Diene, where are you going?

Ah, um. Just to the kitchen... I was wondering if there was anything I could help with.

What? A Spirit Lord Inheritor shouldn't be doing menial tasks... I'll go in your stead!

It's fine. I'm just getting restless from sitting around, so don't worry about it!

But...

I said it's fine! I'll be right back!

*dashes off*...

Mmm... There's nothing left.

Surely they didn't use up all the food they had for tomorrow just to prepare a festival for me?

Hmmm...

Oh, there's a cauldron. What could be inside?

No...

Huh?

Don't open it, please...

Excuse me? Is someone in there?

...

...Maybe I'm just tired from sleeping in a different place every night. Now I'm hearing things.

There's no way someone's in a place like this.

Eek!

Huh...?

Mommy... what's wrong?

Ah... Aah... No... We've been found...

U-Um, why are you hiding in there? There's a festival going on outside...

Is this some kind of game?

Please... please... please... Just spare this child, please...

Excuse me...?

Gyaaaaaaaah!!! You monster!!! Get away!

S-Someone! Anyone! Please, save us!

Waaaaah! Mommy, what's happening?

What's with her? She's calling me a monster? Why? Anyone can see I'm a normal, living girl...

...Is she having some kind of hallucination?

The child with her might be in danger. I should separate them first...

S-Stay back! Get your hands away from me!

Ugh?!

You'll have to kill me before you lay a hand on my child!

Kill you, ma'am? I think there's been some kind of misunderstanding... Huh?

CRASH!

Ugh, what now?

Grrr...

A m-monster?!

Kyaa!

Nngh, Smokey!

CHING-

SLASH!

Kergh...

*thud*

Where did a monster like that come from all of a sudden? Noi! Chief!

*sprinting*

Wh-What's happened here...?

What about the festival? Where are all the villagers?

Ghh-

Uooah...

Where... did everyone go? Mom, Dad... Noi...!

Diene!

SWOOSH

Noi!

I felt your confusion through our contract and came at once. What has frightened you?

What's going on? Just a moment ago, the festival was in full swing. How did it end up like this...

The villagers? Where are Mom and Dad? Why is this place crawling with monsters?

What are you talking about... Ah.

...I evacuated them. In the chaos, I didn't realize you were in the kitchen.

R-Really? Thank goodness...

First, we must leave this place. Can you move?

...Yeah. I'm okay now that you're here, Noi.

Let's go, Smokey!

CHING-

I think that's the last of them. Now then...

Where are you going?

There was a strange woman hiding in the kitchen earlier. In a situation like this, we need to get her out of here.

Huh? There's no one here.

It seems she escaped during the confusion.

...She escaped through all those monsters with a child in tow?

There's no way. We have to search the area...

Diene. I'm sorry, but I don't think we have time for that. Look toward the village entrance.

*huff...huff...*

...

Noi, what in the world was that? Where did those monsters just spring out of?

...My apologies. I was careless and failed to notice the monsters' approach.

What? The smell of decay is so strong, even out here. How could you, a wolf, not have smelled them?

...The smell of decay, you say.

Diene. I may look like this, but I am a Spirit Lord. It is unbecoming to mistake me for a common watchdog.

Nngh... I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean it like that.

Oh, right. Come to think of it... what about the villagers? You said you evacuated them.

Hmm. They are making their way back as we speak.

Diene! Are you all right?

Dad! Yeah, I'm fine! I'm not hurt at all!

...And the villagers... one, two, three... "eight". Yep. Everyone's here.

...Wait?

Dad, where's Mom?

Huh? Your mother stayed behind in the village. Don't you remember?

...What?

Someone had to stay to rebuild the ranch... so only I came with you.

That's right... When this journey is over, we were going to go back with lots of gifts and stories to surprise Mom and everyone else... That's what we said.

Goodness, I must have gotten confused after that strange experience.

Lady Diene...

Wah!

Y-You scared me. You're the woman who was in the cauldron, right?

Yes... that's me...

I was in such a panic before... I was terribly rude to you, Spirit Lord Inheritor. I beg your forgiveness...

N-No, it's all right. Are you okay, though? How did you manage to escape with all those monsters around?

Somehow... I was lucky.

What about your son?

I'm sorry? I have no son...

Oh. I guess I was just confused again... Anyway, all right.

After what happened in the village, it'll be hard to go back for a while.

Come with us. When we get to the next village, we can find someone to help you.

Oh... I don't know how I can ever repay you. Thank you, truly...

...The sun is beginning to set. We should find a place to camp for the night.

I'll leave it to you, Diene.

Okay, Noi. Come on out, Smokey!

CHING-

...

Diene. You haven't gone to sleep yet. I imagine you must be exhausted...

Ah, yeah... I just have a few things to think about. Sorry to worry you.

What is it?

I was thinking about the look in that woman's eyes today.

Honestly, the entire day was so chaotic... I can't even remember for sure if she had a child with her...

But that look in her eyes... it's stuck in my head. I can't forget it.

...

When I opened the lid of the cauldron, she was confused for a moment, but then she composed herself and glared at me.

But... that wasn't the look of someone in a state of confusion.

It was a look of courage and sacrifice... Why, though?

What was it about me that made her so determined? That's what I want to know.

What do you think, Noi?

I didn't see it myself, so it's not my place to say.

However, there is a fine line between madness and courage... Perhaps you were mistaken, being so young.

I guess so...

You should go to sleep now. It is late, and we have a long march tomorrow.

Okay. Good night, Noi.

No, Noi. There's no way I was mistaken about that.

Because the look in that woman's eyes... was the same one I once saw in Mister Aki's.

...Wait a minute. Noi, this is... a dead end. Why did we come into the forest?

From today, we will travel to Dun Blyraia through the beast trails of the forest, not the main road.

What are you talking about, all of a sudden?

It is because of yesterday's events. The decision was made for your safety. I ask that you comply.

...We've always had monster attacks. I was a bit flustered yesterday, but it wasn't that dangerous.

I'm fine since I'm riding on your back, but...

We're traveling with the villagers now. Uncle Sam has bad knees, so he'll fall behind quickly.

...I have already spoken with the villagers. Those who fall behind will return to Mayer Village.

What? You made that decision without even talking to me about it? What is the meaning of this?

Noi... you're being strange. This isn't like you. What's going on?

My apologies... but we do not have time to argue. For now, will you not just follow my lead?

...Fine.

Noi... Do they really think I haven't noticed?

They keep looking back, acting like something's chasing us.

...Something's wrong.

It's not just Noi. The villagers have been acting strangely since yesterday, too. None of them will look me in the eye...

...

Could it be... that Noi is tricking me?

It's possible. They say that unlike the other Spirit Lords, the Dark Spirit Lord has never answered the call of a human.

What if Noi... what if the wolf is actually an evil being using the name of Noias?

What if they entranced the villagers, and are leading them deep into the forest to eat them all?

...I can't let this go on. I need to know exactly why Noi is behaving this way.

Um... Noi...

Kyaaa!

Wh-Why are you doing this?

Agh!

CLANG!

What's that sound? There's a commotion over there.

They've finally caught up. All of you, go and stop them.

...

...

Huh? Dad? Uncle Sam?

*sprinting*

What was that just now...? Noi, did you just give an order to Dad and Uncle?

What in the world is going on?!

Huh...? Hanien? Mister Aki?

It's me, Diene, from Mayer Village!

Do you... know what's going on...?

...

*feeling nauseous*

Huh...?

Why... is he looking at me like that?

Like he's looking at something disgusting and fighting back the urge to vomit...

... ...!

...? ...!!!

...

But... what is this? That look... it feels so familiar. Someone looked at me just like that recently...

Oh.

Gyaaaaaaaah!!! You monster!!! Get away!

S-Someone! Anyone! Please, save us!

The woman who was hiding in the cauldron.

That's right... She called me a monster, glaring at me like that and telling me to stay away.

And when I met her later, she was so quiet, like she was a different person...

As if she were a different person...

Come to think of it, Chief and even Dad...

Whenever I said I wanted to go on an adventure like Mister Aki, they'd always scold me and tell me to know my place...

But when I said I was going on an adventure after making a contract with Noi, they didn't object at all. They even came with me.

Knowing them... even if the Heir of the Covenant himself had shown up, not just a Spirit Lord, they never would have allowed a journey like this.

Huh? What am I thinking right now?

Mom. Where did Mom disappear to?

No... It can't be...

Dear child, trapped in an illusion.

Huh?!

Let me tear away the curtain that covers your eyes. To know the truth is your right.

Ah...?

...No matter how painful that reality may be.

No, Diene!!!

Ahh... AAAAAAAH!!!