Grendel's Second Coming

Anomaly during summons?

Yes...

The Doctor says that when you were summoned, there was a disturbance during this era in this spot.

That might be the reason why you can't unlock your second Noble Phantasm.

Something else was summoned at the same time... The answer's simple.

Soyou think it's Grendel?

No doubt. I can't think of anything besides him that could influence the summoning process.

It's true there are nameless fire dragons out there...

But Grendel was the only monster with such fierce hate and glory in my life.

He was an evil creature who played with people's lives.

The kind of evil that reveled in the meaningless slaughter of people trapped in their dwellings.

I can understand fights over territory, or animals just fighting for survival.

ButGrendel had both reason and intellect and was simply evil.

That's why his very existence... is far more of a threat to me than that of a fire dragon.

Fire dragons are passive as long as you leave their treasure alone. But Grendel's a twisted monster who revels in evil.

If he revived as a side-effect of my summoning I gotta kill him.

...Then let's go. The last response was in the old castle up ahead.

If you take a look at it, maybe you'll figure something out.

Okay. Let's go, Master.

There are some things that shouldn't exist in this world. Grendel is one of them.

It'sdeserted. Not a soul to be seen.

I can smell blood. It seems we missed our chance.

Ugh...

Mash, can you tell? Looks like every last human in this castle was slaughtered.

...Damn. This isn't good.

The more human flesh he consumes, the more powerful and evil he gets. We have to crush him before he attains his perfect form.

But, where is he?

Something's close! Mash, prepare for battle!

It's coming!

Damn... We didn't take it down!

W-Was that a chimera?

Grendel is a protean creature. He can change his form depending on the situation.

That's why I need Hrunting, because it tracks enemies.

Let's go after him. Follow me!

So, here...

H-Help me...

That...

Help me...

Wait, now!

Stop!

!?

Wh-Why!?

...Enough of this stupid farce, Grendel. Hrunting is eager to bite into you.

... ...

What, a fake?

Something like that! Let's go, Master. It's not a human, so don't hold back!

He ran away again. Listen up, young lady. Don't trust whoever it is you next meet in this castle.

Also, don't be surprised by who you run into. He can read your mind like a book.

When he appears again, he'll likely take the form of someone we know.

Brace yourself, it's gonna be painful.

Just a little more... Hey, come on out already!

... ...

... ...

... ...

...T-These are all fakes!?

Right. What looks like armor and clothes is hardened skin. The weapons are extensions of claws and hair.

Pretty nasty, right? That's why he's evil.

But luckily it looks like we can kill him before he starts talking to us.

He talks?

Only based on the speech in the memories he extracts.

...N-No. I'm just...not...used...to this body yet.

I don't know...why I was...summoned. But...I'll do what...I have to.

What on earth...

I'll kill you...in a cruel way. Every last one...in cold blood.

That's how it is. That's how it must be.

That's what makes me Grendel. Like how I feasted on the human souls back in that castle!

Shut up. You probably just heard that from your mom. I'll make sure the two of you are nice and cozy together in hell.

Master, let's go!

D-Damn you!

Ugh... I feel queasy... I know they're fakes, but the sensation when you hit them...

But it's all over now, right? There's no response. Let's head back.

... ...Master, don't you think something's off?

I see...

You've got a sharp nose. That's my Master.

？！

What do you mean?

It's a vicious creature we're dealing with. Not the sort to accept death without a struggle.

...Something smells. Can we search a little longer?

Okay... If you think it's a good idea, there's no problem.

He's nowhere to be found...

...Fou!

Fou?

Fou, fou, fou!

...Below us?

Oh, damn, I didn't notice. This castle has a cellar. Let's check it out.

I can't believe the cellar connects to a place like this...

So that thing faked his death and fled here. Which means

Ugh... D-Damn you...

We've got you cornered. Your mom's not here, buddy.

I'll send you to hell where you belong! I, Beowulf, will show you no mercy!

I could say...the same... I've read the memory...of the one who killed you!

It's over, Grendel. You're a monster that's not meant to be summoned.

We'll likely never meet again. ...Dammit, I met the one I wanted to meet the least.

Wh-Why... The one...who killed...you...

Actually, you're the one I fear the most in this world. The fire dragon simply dealt the killing blow.

It was strong, but didn't frighten me. I also now have dependable allies, unlike then.

You're a fool to not see that.

Good riddance, masquerader. You should've had a bit more faith in your own strength.

D-Damn you!

Seems we really got him this time!

Guess so. My Noble Phantasm is unlocked now.

In the future you'll face punks looking for a fight. When that happens, let me help you.

Well then, I guess we should head back, Master! Time for our triumphant return! Hah hah!