Demonic Beast of a Strange Land

You want to know if there's a place around here known for its cold?

Yes. Both types of monster that have been attacking recently hail from frigid climates.

It stands to reason, then, that they have fashioned a nest somewhere nearby that is suitably cold. Can you think of any such place?

Hmmm... Can't really think of much that's near here...

Maybe he means a place beyond the village border fence?

Well, it's hard to say since nobody's ever gone there...

Hold on. None of you have ever been outside your village? Not even once?

Well, no. I mean, it's prohibited, for one thing.

Yeah. Most Glorious and Majestic Heavenly Emperor decreed that we're not supposed to change residences without permission.

Come to think of it, there was that time when around ten people wandered in after their village flooded.

But even then, Most Glorious and Majestic Heavenly Emperor decides where refugees like that will go, so they never want for anything.

We thought you guys were refugees at first, too...

Then...this is not a village, but a cage. Curse these oppressors! I'm so mad I could dance!

...

But really, why would you even want to leave the village?

Yeah. We have everything we need right here. Why would we just wander off to someplace we don't even know?

Are you. Truly okay. With that?

Well, yeah. I know I've never even thought about going outside the village before...

...I suppose this is the inevitable result of living in a single place where all one's needs are met.

...

...Hey, uh, mister? Have you got a minute?

What is it?

Well, uh...would you mind if we talked over there?

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Okay, so, don't tell the grown-ups about this...

...but I might know about a cold place nearby.

You do?

I know it's wrong to break the rules...

...but I can't help it. I want to know what it's like outside the village.

So sometimes, I sneak out to go exploring when everyone else is busy working the fields.

...I know just how you feel. There's just something enchanting about the outside world.

Really? Do you like exploring too, mister?

I knew you would say that, Senpai! You always enjoy meeting new people, after all.

I see... I guess you and me are a lot alike then!

R-really? I'm surprised to hear that, Senpai. You've always seemed to have even more wanderlust thanEr, never mind.

Well, even if you don't enjoy exploring, you've still done lots of it over the course of your many dangerous missions. That makes you a great explorer in my book.

I see... So you've done lots of traveling even though you don't like it. You must be really strong then!

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So, what can you tell us about this cold place?

Well, I haven't been there in a long time, and I only went once, but I remember there was a dark and chilly spot in the forest not too far from here.

I remember it being really creepy... If I were a monster, I'm sure that's where I would live.

Oho, so you've found a lead on the Krichat' nest, have you? That should be very useful. Well done.

This puts Koyanskaya squarely in our sights. Hehehe... I've got you by the tail now, you little minx...!

I agree we should take care of this nest sooner rather than later, but what about Akuta?

I'm preeetty sure she's keeping careful watch of us and just waiting for another chance to attack.

Wasting time in a deadlock with her will not help us. For the time being, we need to focus on any possible lead to bring us within reach of Koyanskaya.

If we leave after dark from the opposite side of the village where Akuta attacked, we should be able to sneak out.

Someone will need to stay behind to protect the Shadow Border while we are gone, just in case...

Even so, it is worth the risk of dividing our forces to investigate this possible Demonic Beast nest.

Well, then all we gotta figure out is who stays and who goes.

You should be part of the expedition team, Holmes. No point in a detective holding down the fort, right?

Setting aside for a moment that armchair detectives are, to use the modern parlance, very much a thing...I am forced to concur that this investigation must be conducted on site.

Very well then, I will go and investigate this nest. Fortunately, my wounds have completely healed now.

Mr. Fujimaru, I would like you to lead this expedition.

Left to my own devices, it is entirely plausible that I may become so engrossed in solving this mystery that I take another tumble over a waterfall.

I'll come along too, Senpai. Please say you'll do it.

In that case, why don't you choose the last expedition members, Fujimaru?

We've sure got no shortage of options! Who do you wanna bring?

Very well. I am used to fighting fearsome beasts thanks to my time in the Colosseum. Leave it to me!

...In that case, I'd like to come along, too. I think you'll need someone a bit more able to finesse matters than a Berserker.

Of course. I'm actually quite good at locating things, you know.

But you'll still need to smash any monsters you find along the way, won't you? In that case, I should come along too. I will crush any oppression we find!

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Then Mordred and I. Will hold. The fort.

If you want, Nezha 'n me could go squish anyone who says we couldn't take on that Crypter chick while you're out Demonic Beast hunting.

Just...just focus on keeping the Shadow Border safe, okay? Please?

Yeah, yeah. I was kidding! Freakin' fun police over here...

Wow! Riding around on your shoulders almost feels like flying, Spartacus!

Even familiar scenery can seem completely different when viewed from a new perspective. That small change can help you see things you've never noticed!

Sometimes you see beauty and goodness you overlooked; others, you see evil and cruelty you cannot ignore. It is all part of growing up.

...That's a lot of words.

I think what Spartacus is trying to say is that you're right to want to see the world outside your village.

I am?

You are, my little rebel.

...I wish I was as tall as you, Spartacus.

Hahaha! That will come with training. I wasn't much bigger than you when I was your age, you know.

Really? Then...I can actually be like you someday, Spartacus?

Of course you can. Anyone can be like me. Life is rebellion against adversity!

...I was a little worried about having a child lead the way, but Spartacus is actually pretty good with him. Who'da thought?

He is, yes. And since he's carrying the boy on his shoulders, we're making good time.

That said, we can't go too quickly, or Fujimaru will have trouble keeping up.

...Don't push yourself too hard, all right, Fujimaru? If you get tired, I'll give you a piggyback.

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...I can see more farmland up ahead. Is this a neighboring village?

We could save time if we go through it, but I'll get in trouble if someone notices. Maybe we should go around.

...Hey. Do you smell that?

...Yes. There's a definite scent of blood on the wind.

Ah, yes. I suppose that would make sense.

If the monster nest is in fact where the boy is taking us, then we are moving along the same path the monsters themselves did.

Any village along the way would surely be subject to these beasts' depredations.

Boy, go find a safe place to hide and stay there until we get back. We won't be long.

Okay... Be careful, all right?

...! This is awful...

What a gruesome sight. From the look of things... I don't think there were any survivors.

Be careful. I can still smell the foul stench of those man-eating beasts.

Yes, they're still close by. They will no doubt have noticed our scent as well.

Grrrrrr...

And there they are. There's a lot of them, too.

Just as well. If we do not take care of them now, they will go on to hunt for prey in other villages.

Let's do it! Your orders please, Master!

Hostiles eliminated... The battle is over.

Now these people can rest in peace... I'd like to think they can, at least.

...

What is it, Sir Detective? Have you noticed something?

Hmm. Master Fujimaru, how did this latest battle feel to you?

Yes. Those markings were so odd that I can't form a clear picture of them in my mind, but I did see them.

Ah, pay those no mind. Their behavior is what concerns me... In particular, the fact that they were clearly trained for combat.

And not combat with other animals...but with humans.

I agree. The Krichat' we fought in the Russian Lostbelt never behaved like this.

These were weaker individually, but had a sort of cunning and intellect to make up for it.

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Their loss of strength is almost certainly due to the change in environment. For creatures accustomed to cold, even this weather must seem oppressively hot.

Still, they were working as a team. Not like a pack of wild animals, either...but a trained unit.

Then someone had to have gone to the trouble to train them...

It's early yet to be certain, but yes, it does seem likely.

Do you think Koyanskaya is behind this?

If she is, that would raise its own questions. Namely, when did she have time to do so?

The answers will surely become apparent in time. Fortunately, they left footprints we can follow.

Good point. At least we know we're going in the right direction.

I'll go get the boy. Meet us outside the village.

No one so young should have to see something like this...

...I didn't know Spartacus was so kind.

He might not look like it, but his purpose was always to protect the weak. Once he believes someone needs protecting, he will do anything to keep them safe.

Of course, that often ends in him sacrificing anyone and everyone to do so... I guess that's a Berserker for you. They're nothing if not committed.

...It's just up ahead. There's this huge hole in the ground you can use to get inside.

I see. So they have taken up residence in a cave.

It's really cold and dark inside... I got scared so I didn't get very far in before I turned back.

It seemed like it was really deep though, because it was echoing like crazy.

That does sound like it would work as a good home for monsters who prefer the cold.

...Forget "sounds like" we're obviously in the right place.

I see. We're surrounded. How exciting!

I'm so sorry. I should have been more alert...

While you were an absolutely superlative navigator before returning to the front lines, Ms. Kyrielight...

...I cannot blame Mr. Fujimaru for relaxing his guard now that you are back at his side once more.

I, uh...

A-aren't you guys scared?

Oh, don't worry. This journey would've ended ages ago if everyone here couldn't crack a joke in the face of mortal peril.

Ha, too easy!

This is so strange.... I thought the Krichat' and giants would be living in different places.

Indeed. Krichat' destroyed that village, but we followed their tracks only to find giants.

Now I wonder what we will find in that cave.

There's only one way to find out. Just standing here thinking won't get you any answers, Sir Detective.

What about the boy? Don't you think it's too dangerous to bring him in there with us?

...

Be that as it may, we cannot let him return on his own, either. There's no telling how many Demonic Beasts could be lurking nearby.

Then we need someone to stay here and guard him.

No! You can't do that. You all need to stick together if you're gonna fight those monsters.

Take me with you. I'm sure I'll be safe as long as I stay close to Fujimaru.

Hm... Guess that makes sense, yeah.

I'm proud of you, boy! You have spirit, embracing adversity like this! You have faced the fears oppressing you and rebelled against them!

Come with us! I will be your shield and guide, and sing a song of triumph in your honor!

Indeed, we are not called Heroic Spirits for nothing. I promise we will not let your bravery go to waste.

...Well, this answers one question. Take a look.

Over here, we have giant tracks, and over here, we have Krichat' dung.

Does...that mean they've been living here together?

Much as I would like to laugh the notion off, we have seen ample evidence of their cohabitation.

These Demonic Beasts have been quite thoroughly altered...

So much so that they have begun sharing their territory with altogether different species.

So someone's been going around domesticating the same beasts that led to their Lostbelts getting pruned away... Pretty horrible hobby.

And of course, there is a yet more significant question...

To what end?

Maybe they don't have an end in mind.

You said this Koyanskaya went around the other Lostbelts tormenting innocent people for kicks, right?

Maybe releasing man-eating beasts into peaceful agricultural villages with no defenses is just more of that...

...Uh-oh! I think they've spotted us. Preparing for combat!

Damn, it's not easy fighting so many of them at once!

And they just keep coming!

Well, our initial goal was to exterminate the Krichat'. So this was more or less inevitable.

Take care of the boy, Spartacus!

No problem!

...They're retreating? That can't be right. There must be more to this.

I agree. In fact, their whole style of combat was odd.

Yes. This goes well beyond sharing territory. They're even fighting as a team.

We can now be certain beyond any doubt that someone is controlling them.

Then, do you think we'll find Koyanskaya further inside this cave?

I do not imagine we will be quite so fortunate, but we should go to meet whoever called them off.

Once we've taken them out, that should stop these monsters from attacking other villages.

Do you mind if we continue onward, little rebel?

O-okay... You'll keep me safe, right, Spartacus?

Of course I will. As long as you are prepared to face your fears, nothing can stop me!

Um... The Ortinax's sensors are picking up an impossible amount of magical energy up ahead...

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No. Far stronger. And unless my instruments are completely broken...there are two of them.

Does that mean we've finally found the boss?

I'm not sure. Their Spirit Origin patterns tell me they must be Demonic Beasts.

What's more, they're almost identical to the data for the D'yavol Trons and fire giants we've fought before.

But the sheer amount of magical energy they possess is insane...and on top of that, the reading is still going up.

Hold it. Do you hear that?

...What an awful sound.

You think those monsters we fought earlier came here to feed?

...Just so I am certain I understand, Ms. Kyrielight, you said the Ortinax's sensors picked up two signals?

Yes, that's right.

Hmm... If there are only two, then where did all the other Demonic Beasts go?

Urk. It reeks in here...

I can't believe these things...

Indeed. They're eating their own kind.

The D'yavol Tron is eating the Krichat', and the Muspel is eating the other giants...

There is ample precedent for cannibalism in the natural world, but we certainly never saw this happening in either Russia or Scandinavia.

Furthermore, if this is the source of the increased magical energy you noticed, then these are no ordinary predators.

To gain the strength of those they consume this quickly, they would have to be Soul Eaters.

Then, they had the ones we were fighting retreat so that

Yes. Most likely, it was to make these two more powerful for the final battle.

Though it remains unclear whether these two gave the order to retreat themselves, or if those who retreated did so of their own accord...

...Looks like they're done with their meal, and they're looking at us like we're dessert.

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I thought so too, Master. These Demonic Beasts must really hate humans.

...I'm not sure about the significance of that, but we can worry about it later.

Right now, it's time to get rid of these Demonic Beasts once and for all! Your orders please, Master!

Both hostiles are down. ...There are no other threats here.

I guess...that's that, then.

I'm afraid not, given that we are still no closer to finding Koyanskaya.

I believed it was possible that she may be the one training these Demonic Beasts, but the evidence is, as yet, inconclusive.

I never thought I would see Demonic Beasts cooperating like this.

Yeah... I was so sure we would find Koyanskaya here controlling them...

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I believe that is a safe assumption, given the lack of alternate suspects. But we still don't know why she set them free after doing so.

Huh? What do you mean?

Take a look at these piles of bones, Ms. Kyrielight. These beasts have been devouring their kin since well before today.

They have been sending the runts of the litter, so to speak, out to hunt, then stealing their magical energy for themselves... As ecologies go, it resembles the Dead Apostles.

No ordinary species would depend on such a twisted survival strategy. These beasts had no other choice.

They desperately needed to find a way to survive after being completely cut off from their proper habitat.

I don't remember the Jötnar or Krichat' being able to directly convert their prey into magical energy before.

They may have been forced to learn that ability to cope with the massive change in environment. Or perhaps Koyanskaya gave it as another form of enhancement.

If that is so, then the larger question remains. Why would she go to all that trouble just to have them fend for themselves now?

What a strange woman. I honestly have no idea what she could be thinking.

I was hoping to find evidence of her motives, but unfortunately, the trail has gone cold once again.

I can only surmise she has her own reasons for traveling between Lostbelts... A formidable foe.

Are you all right, boy?

Y-yeah, I'm fine. I was just over here watching, anyway...

You guys really are strong!

I was so scared I couldn't even speak... I'm sorry I wasn't more helpful...

Standing your ground and watching over others is a show of your strength and bravery on its own, boy. You have nothing to be ashamed of.

Th-thanks...

Um, Jing Ke? What are you doing?

Hm? Well, you guys said these things could be brewed into decent booze, right?

I'm not usually one for cutting up monster corpses, but if there's booze to be found... Is this it?

I see...their secretory glands. Yes, as long as you preserve them properly, I imagine Da Vinci could make whatever is within drinkable.

We certainly did plenty of toxin extraction in Russia, after all. I must say, though...

Between you and that Servant who drinks everything in sight, I confess I struggle to understand.

How can you still be hungry after seeing...that?

It doesn't matter what it used to look like, Sir Detective. There are few things sweeter to a warrior than a victory toast.

This way, we'll also have a nice souvenir to bring back to the village. Of course, neither Senpai nor I are of drinking age, but that aside...

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