Specialty Change: Arowell

It's so refreshing to get out of the lab and walk along this quiet mountain path. It feels like we're on vacation.

Not that I didn't enjoy our last trip to Savara, but it was way too hot and crowded for my taste.

By the way, I'm curious what the Order of the Shield's request is. The letter only asked for our urgent presence and left out the more pressing details...

Shh, wait... Ah, never mind. It was nothing.

You don't need to be so on edge. Look around, there's nothing. I can't hear a peep.

Even still, this place has had a lot of Angara sightings. I need to be on full alert just in case.

If we weren't being asked for this urgently, I'd have taken a different path. And we've only passed through the easy part...

Doris, get behind me!

Relax, it's a mountain rabbit. It's probably more scared of you than you are of it.

...That's...a relief.

Why are you so tense, Arowell?

I've...always been like this. I'm just trying to protect you to the fullest of my ability.

Well, I beg to differ. As a matter of fact, it's been on my mind ever since we departed.

I could tell you were rattled the moment you found out we were headed to Wetheric Moor.

...

Does it have something to do with the time you spent in Wetheric Moor in the past?

How did you know this is where I'm from?

I heard it from my housekeeper a long time ago. They said it was important to run a background check on the one who'd be in charge of my safety...

Don't get me wrong! It's not like I asked for that kind of information.

But if I remember it correctly, you were a member of a mercenary group here...

...That's correct. This is where I learned everything I know now, including how to hunt, fight, and...protect others.

So this is the place that shaped you. What made you leave this place behind?

That's...

...

There's that grim expression again. Maybe this is a sensitive subject for her.

Umm... We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. We have a long way to go, so let's keep moving.

I...ran away.

I ran as fast as I could and left all my duties and responsibilities behind...just to save myself.

I knew the vice commander always had it in for me...but I never imagined he would rise up against me like this...

It's my complacency that's causing you this grief, Arowell... Ugh..!

Your wound is deep. Please, stop talking.

Run... You still have a chance at making it out of here alive.

I cannot. I'm your guard. It's my duty to stay by your side until the very end.

So this is where you ran off to? Didn't make it very far, huh? Now...how about I take that head of yours and promote myself to captain.

...I don't intend to hand over this title so easily.

No... Commander, come back!

Go, Arowell! This is my final...order. Live on...and find a new place to call home.

And someday...go out and see the worl...

Commander...!

I knew I should've run back in there to save him...but my body gave into the fear and all I could do was run.

I was even ambushed by those who managed to track me down...but I escaped with my life thanks to some of the Commander's allies from the Strongman Company.

After crossing the border to Taranor, I just drifted around for a long time. Then...

You found me and saved my life.

I still remember... She tried to protect me even though she was in a worse state than I was.

I couldn't understand her actions then...but now I do.

What happened to the mercenary group afterward?

They were shunned by other mercenaries and clients who firmly declared they could not entrust renegades with any of their requests.

Last I heard they're just a group of bandits now... Perhaps they found their true calling.

...

My apologies. It's not exactly the best bedtime story, is it? It's just that I used to travel along this path often with that group...

It's hard to imagine a good-spirited person like you having such a tragic past. Thank you for sharing it with me.

Although it's impossible to undo your past...you shouldn't let it control your present.

I'm sure that's not what the late commander wanted for you when he gave his final order, and neither do I.

...You're right. Thank you, Doris.

So this is the home of Ezera's renowned Order of the Shield. The soldiers seem to be very well-trained, just as I expected.

But for some reason, something seems off...

Commander Crozet isn't here? But he's the one who requested our presence.

Yup! He's out of town for an urgent meeting. But don't worry, he'll be back in a few days.

That's a relief. It's going to shorten the period of investigation, but we can use the downtime to familiarize ourselves with the case.

Maya, I have something to show you. It's a letter from Leon.

Training and mentoring recruits...? That means he's going to stay there longer than originally planned.

Indeed. He's staying there longer than the Taranor Magic Laboratory guests stay here.

What should we do...? Crozet did mention that these are such busy people that he had a hard time getting their approval for this request.

Then how about this? We begin a preliminary investigation until he gets back.

I'm not sure if we're authorized to do that. We may face disciplinary action later.

Well... Although it's in title only, our ranks do still give us some authority here...

So I think it'll be okay as long as we stay out of trouble. We may even score ourselves some compliments if we can resolve the issue.

...All right, let's do it. Our titles were given so we can provide leadership when it comes to the Order's affairs.

Umm... Is there a problem?

Nope, no problem at all. We actually just got a letter from Crozet, informing us to go ahead and conduct the investigation ourselves.

Really...? Well, if that's what he said, I guess...

Yeah, you've got nothing to worry about. Why don't you go and get brushed up on what we've prepared for you? We're going to go and get ready for scouting.

Is it just me, or does something about all this feel very...improvised? Well, at least they did gather an extensive amount of information.

These names...

What's wrong? The vanquished bandits on the report... Are they...?

Yes, their names match that of my old companions.

It says, "Vanquished: leader exterminated and the group dealt an irrecoverable blow."

Vanquished... I can't really say I'm surprised. Yeah, I guess it fits their crimes.

The area we're to investigate is the bandits' old turf. I hope we don't run into any stragglers...

Don't worry. Even if we do...I promise I'll keep you safe, Doris.

So...you're saying the mysterious phenomena that are occurring have something to do with magic?

Yes, the way they're reacting to the spells and devices we brought... I can assure you that there's nothing natural about them.

If someone's behind all these, will you be able to figure out who's done it?

I can...but I need more samples to narrow down the suspects.

Got it. I'm going to tell everyone to turn in what they've found so far.

By the way, do you know where Arowell is? I haven't seen her for a while.

I saw her going up a hill over there. It seemed like she was searching for something, but she looked rather serious.

As I suspected, there's another mark here along with a magical inscription.

It's been modified a bit, but it's the same type we used as mercenaries. Judging by these tracks, it was engraved recently...

Wait, if I connect all the places that both the inscriptions and marks were found on the map...

They're centered around the place being investigated by the Knights of the Shield. I see now... They lured us here using the phenomena as bait.

I need to let Doris know. If I don't, she could...

It's payback time! Annihilate those Knights of the Shield!

Bandits... I heard their leader made it out alive, I guess this is what they've been up to.

We're in trouble. The magic has isolated us from outside help, and now the soldiers are too spread out!

Damn, there are so many of them. It looks like they've been planning this... Where's Doris?

We need to remove that magical barrier fast, otherwise we'll be picked off one-by-one. Luckily, it won't be too tricky to dispel. Just give me a second!

*smirking* No, I don't think I can let you do that.

How did he get behind me... No, it's too lat...

Not on my watch!

Arowell!

I guess I made it right on time. Go ahead and dispel the barrier, Doris.

Got it.

Stand back. No one lays a finger on her as long as I'm here.

*chuckling* You still think you're capable of protecting others?

That voice...

It's been a while, Arowell. I'm actually glad to see you again in one piece.

H-How... The report said you were killed...

Did you think it'd be that easy to get rid of me? You have no idea who you're up against. Stop getting in my way and step aside.

With those trembling hands of yours, I don't think you'll be saving anyone.

N-No... I'm not...afraid of you...!

Hmph, you're going to go down swinging, aren't you...? Well, it's too late. Give my regards to our former commander for me!

Ugh...!

Argh...! I can't let him hurt Arowell.

Hahaha, look at how she's trying to protect you, Arowell. That brings back memories, doesn't it?

You won't be able to wear that stupid smirk for long... The Knights of the Shield will get through that barrier and arrive soon.

...!

Ack... Where are these vines coming from...! And she managed to lift the barrier within such a short amount of time?

Tsk, it's time for a tactical retreat. But I'll make sure you die during the next phase of my plan, Arowell.

Phew... That was really close...

THUNK...

These wounds...because you were trying to protect me... Why do I always...

It's all right... They're not too serious. And don't feel guilty over it, I was just doing what I wanted to.

But...I feel a little tired...so I'm going to rest my eyes for a bit...

Over here! Man down! Hurry!

How's Doris?

She's doing much better now. The injuries she sustained weren't critical, so all she has to do is get some rest. Then, she'll be as good as new.

But she won't get that rest out here, so we're going to transport her to somewhere safer.

...Thank you.

Are you sure you don't want to go see her? She wouldn't stop worrying about you while receiving treatment.

To be completely honest with you, I'm not sure how to face her now.

I swore to protect her with my life, but I did nothing at the most critical moment.

You weren't able to fight the leader of the bandits... Was it because you haven't gotten over your past trauma?

How do you know about that? Did Doris...?

Oh, no. She didn't say anything. We've collected an extensive amount of data on them through our battles in the past.

Including how that group of mercenaries went rogue and became a group of bandits...and the reason you fear their leader.

So what is it that you want to say here? Are you going to say I'd be useless in combat?

No, I didn't mean that. Nonetheless, I don't think it's a good idea for you to participate in upcoming battles.

Why not? It's my chance to get revenge for Doris... Did you think I was keeping in contact with them or something?

That's not what I meant. I just...

Calm down, Arowell. We're not suspicious of you. We're just worried about you.

Fear is what gets soldiers killed on the battlefield.

I'm not scared. I just...hesitated for a moment there. But it made me realize something important.

If I can't overcome my past...my fear, then I'll never be able to protect what's important to me.

So please give me another chance to escape my past...let me start moving forward.

I understand where you're coming from, but...

You know what? Let her have a try. And if she seems to be struggling, then we give her a helping hand.

Thank you. Then what should we do no...

Ah, that's where the soldiers and Machinery regrouped.

It sounded like something exploded. Do you think there's been an accident?

There's no way of knowing if we keep standing around. Let's go!

Why are they attacking one another?

Maya, it's an emergency. The bandits disguised themselves as soldiers and broke into the fortress.

I don't know how they're doing it, but they gained control of most of the Machinery too.

Oh, no... Why is this happening now, when Crozet isn't here?

How dare they set foot in the Order of the Shield's fortress! I'm going to take this opportunity to root them out once and for all!

Knowing him, I'm sure he's hiding somewhere around here.

What are you doing standing there, Arowell? Are you frozen or something?

Found him...!

Ah, it's dangerous to go alone... Wait for me!

So this was your next move? I advise you to stop what you're doing and surrender.

Ah, Arowell. Look at you, pointing your sword at me. But...

I have no time to waste on you. Don't feel bad though, I'll leave this piece of junk here to keep you company.

I knew you were using a magic tool to control the Machinery.

...It's amazing how much you've figured out, but that changes nothing.

Actually, it changes everything. The way I see it, that little thing in your hands is a kill switch to your pathetic group of bandits.

I'm not helpless like last time. You will not get past me.

It's a dead end. You have nowhere left to run.

Something about you has changed compared to a few days ago. It's hard to pinpoint...but you seem less fearful.

You've certainly grown up, not just your swordsmanship, but your capacity to persevere.

Yet that day still feels like it was just yesterday.

...

The day you ran away just to save yourself... You fearfully fled that room of blood and screams.

Quit stalling. Hand over the magic device, or...

Or what? Are you going to slash my throat? Do you really think you're capable of doing that?

The thing about fear is the harder you struggle to overcome it, the stronger it gets.

See? You're trying to act all tough, but you can't conceal your body's fear response.

My hands...won't stop shaking. I thought I wouldn't let fear take over. Was that confidence all in my head?

But I'm not such a cruel person. So, I'll give you one more chance, for old times' sake.

...No, if I don't deal with this now, I'll never be able to break free from my past. We need to do this.

Don't think of it like running away. You're simply making a rational decision. Look around you. The fortress is about to fall.

I've got to overcome the fear within me. I must take a single... Step... Forward!

Then there will be a bloodbath. But you...

HYAAAA!

Ugh... How... did you...?

CRACK...

The magic device... Tsk, but it's too late now! The Knights of the Shield ar...

Everyone, hold your ground! Your commander has returned!

Dammit, how did that idiot get back already...?

It's all over now. You have nowhere to run and I am not backing down.

So...let's put an end to our twisted fates, once and for all.

There you are, Arowell.

Doris! When did you get back? Are you feeling better now?

Yes, but what about you?! I heard a lot happened while I was away. I heard the bandits raided the fortress, and...

That you caught their leader.

I did.

So you're okay now?

Better than ever. So you don't have to worry about me.

I'm glad to hear that. But is it really true that Crozet suggested you join the Order of the Shield?

Ah, that... I respectfully declined. I was extremely flattered, but that's not where I belong.

Haha, I see. Then are you ready to return to Taranor?

...I'm afraid not. I've been doing some thinking...

About whether I should return to Taranor or head somewhere new.

My commander's last words to me were to find a new home...

Then he told me that I needed to go out and see the world. Well, I fulfilled his first command, so now I'm thinking about moving on to the next part.

...Yeah, that makes sense.

Ah, do I have your permission?

I knew this day would come sooner or later. And it's not like you're saying goodbye forever, right?

That's right. I promise I'll return to you, Doris.

I'm going to hold you to that! I'll wait for you to come back and tell me all of your amazing stories.

Very well, then I'm going to go. If I stay here any longer...I may get cold feet.

Ah, wait...! Go see Crozet before you leave. He said he had something for you.

For me...?

Yeah, he still thinks very highly of you. He sat me down and talked about you for a very long time.

He mentioned something about "anyone with pride and integrity in their heart deserving to be called a knight."

Pride and integrity...? But I...

I think I know what he's talking about. If you don't, you should take this trip as an opportunity to find out.

...All right. Then goodbye, for now.

Until next time. Take care, Arowell.

Thank you, Doris. You do the same.

This is it...for today. You're all dismissed.

When was the last time we finished our training this early? I can't even remember.

Not often, I know that much. Do you think he got dumped by Jenna again while he was in Ezera?

No, he didn't even get to meet her this time. I think it's because of the knight who left a few days ago.

Yesterday, I heard him sighing over and over about not being able to get her to join the Order.

Ah, you mean Arowell? She's been gone for quite a while now. He hasn't moved on yet, huh?

Apparently not. He was so desperate that he even opened up the Order's treasure chamber.

*clearing throat* Yes, I wanted her to join the Order...

But it was more so because someone who's about to embark on a new journey ought to have the best equipment.

Huh? Did you really give her the sword and the shield? But they were your prized possessions.

It's all right. I believe they will shine brighter in the hands of someone who deserves them.

And also because I discovered a map that leads to the Shield of the Ancient Hero.

If I give that to Jenna as an end-of-the-year present, I'm sure she'll...

But do you know where Arowell was headed? She left without even saying goodbye.

I heard she was planning to travel north. But that's about it.

Up north? Weren't a bunch of bandits spotted there... Oh, perhaps that's the reason she went that way.

I heard bandits were swarming all over this area. Are you sure it's safe for us to pass by? What if we're ambushed...?

Come on, how can you call yourself a merchant if you get scared by little things like that? Have you not heard of the saying "the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward?"

Hand over all your belongings!

I'll let you live so we can rob you again next tim...

Urk...!

A shield appeared from nowhere and fell on his head...? Where on Orbis did that even come from?

I think...I know what that is. That must belong to...

So you've heard the word on the street, but I guess it wasn't enough to stop you, was it? You're beyond redemption.

Gentlemen, I'll handle this from here, so leave it to me. And...

Bandits, this is your last chance. Drop your weapons and surrender. Accept the consequences of your actions.

She just turned our captain into mush with her shield. Maybe we should listen to her...

But we just flipped a coin for that position. We don't need that loser to take this girl down.

So...this is the way it has to be. Then you leave me no choice. To protect the weak from the devious who have strayed from the path of righteousness...

...I have no choice but to punish you.