Specialty Change: Alexa

I'm Carmainerose, but you can just call me Rose.

I'm Alexa Lovelace. I'm fine with Alexa, too.

You're gonna be my new older sister! I think it's fair because I was younger than you when I became a Banshee.

And you and I don't know each other once we get to Levulin.

...Why?

Because I'm a legendary hero, and you're not.

I see...

What a joke... A traitor drunk on his past glory and a child from an inferior species...

Behold, two fools from a corrupt future which will soon disappear!

Kneel before the noble heir to the great Azimanus kingdom!

Ah... Why didn't the super-strong spikes blessed by the Goddess work...

*sobbing* I thought victory was ours...

Sorry, sorry. I was going to go easy on you, but I got carried away in the middle of the match!

You were amazing, Lady Cermia!

You were great too, Alexa! Should we...go professional?

Lady Alexa?

Y-Yes?!

Lady Iseria! When did you get here...?

Just a moment ago. What's on your mind to have you so lost in thought, Lady Alexa?

Oh, I was just reminiscing about last summer. So many things happened! ...Especially the beach volleyball...

If only it could have been with you...

Ah yes, from what I remember...

You said you would leave volleyball behind as a cherished summer memory and vowed to diligently focus on your duties as a member of the Order of the Sword.

...Y-Yes, I did.

But...I only said that because I thought Cermia would rope me into some kind of gambling fraud. In all honesty, I wanted to spend more time with you...

I think that is a very admirable mindset to have. We must never forget our responsibilities as Knights of the Order of the Sword.

R-Right! Of course!

With that in mind, I came to check up on you to see if you were adequately prepared for this year's knight training.

Yes, of course! I could even start today!

Good. I look forward to seeing your progress.

It won't be easy, but as long as you keep in mind your honor and pride as a Knight of the Order of the Sword, I trust you will do an admirable job.

I'll do my best!

Alexa Lovelace of the Order of the Sword, here to report the successful completion of my appointed duties!

Wonderful news! I knew I could rely on you, Lady Alexa. You are an exemplar to all Knights of the Order of the Sword!

Thank you very much. I never could have done it without your leadership, Lady Iseria.

Azimanum's doll is in exactly the same position I left it in.

So he must still be slumbering...

I wish the seal would break soon so he could come back to the real world. Then he could see the doll I made, and we could talk about all sorts of things...

Azimanum, I succeeded in completing all of my assigned duties this year.

Lady Iseria even praised me herself! She said I was an exemplar to the Knights of the Order of the Sword!

There were these children cowering in fear. So, I jumped between them and the horrible Goblin bandits and I shouted...

"Kids, can you stand up?"

Hehe... I'm sure I was just like you. Maybe you would have laughed if you saw it yourself...

Spirits!?

W-What the, Wah!

Impudent creature!

Hyaaaaap!

You may have dodged me this time, but let's see how much longer your luck lasts!

Huh? I swear I was in Dun Blyraia just a moment ago...

Where am I...? Why is the queen...?

Hahahaha! It's no use looking around. There's nowhere for you to run!

Embrace the pain as I tear you limb from limb!

Am I dreaming...? But it feels way too real!

Azimanum?!

Is this some kind of trial he prepared for me?

All right, then! I'll show him what I'm made of!

Leave this to me!

Hyup!

Urgh!

How dare...this mere child...

I did it!

Did you see that, Azimanum?! I passed your trial! I defeated Queen Azumashik all on my own...

Huh?

Why's it suddenly so dark and quiet?

Am I still dreaming? Usually, once you realize you're dreaming, you wake up...

But I'm still here.

...?

Isn't that a voice...?

I think it's coming from over there?

Close your eyes, Azimanum. It's time for you to go back into the gem.

No matter what happens...I swear...

This time, I'll help you into a slumber so deep, that you won't have to worry about your problems.

I'll...stop you...

Sweet dreams...

Azimanum... My hero.

The one and only love of my life...

I'll miss you.

But it's time to let go of the past. Goodbye...

Oh?

Strange... What is this sense of disharmony? There shouldn't be anyone else in this space-time.

...Impossible.

N-No! I didn't mean to eavesdrop!

Ah...

It really was a dream. I did think the queen was strangely weak.

But it was all so vivid. Especially the voice of that woman talking to Azimanum.

It felt somewhat familiar too...

I can't believe the future you would come here with this ugly Human... I'm speechless.

That's it!

It was Vera's voice!

Which means...

She was the one who sealed him within the Tear of Emerald Memories...?

I knew it! The green light is shining even brighter!

Now I'm certain it's related to this beach in some way.

If I keep looking, maybe I can find a clue on how to break the seal.

But where do I even begin...?

If I patiently keep trying my best as always, I'll find a way. Because I'm a Knight of the Order of the Sword. I'm!

Y-Yes?

I thought you might be here.

L-Lady Iseria!

What is she doing here?! Oh, right, she went to Dun Blyraia...

I-I'm sorry, Lady Iseria. I was planning to return the Tear of Emerald Memories right after I checked up on something...

What are you talking about?

I'm just here for some volleyball practice. We may not know when we'll play again, but it's best to be prepared.

Volleyball!?

As for the Tear of Emerald Memories, I'm sure if anyone felt the need to borrow it, they would certainly make sure they returned it when they were done with it.

Just like you said yourself.

...Yes.

All right!

You can be my practice partner. I expect you'll play at the top of your game?

O-Okay!

I need you to focus, Lady Alexa! Pay attention to the direction the ball is flying!