Chapter 52: Bedivere

Hmph, you've gotten pretty strong.

What, are you planning to stop me again?

Nah. It's not like you were gonna play with me anyway.

But since I still don't want you to die, I'll check if you can enter this place.

You know what happens if you lose, right? You have to play with me.

I have no intention of backing down.

Ethan...

Heh, fine. Then, let's play again this time.

The World Tree is the observer of this world, the keeper of balance.

It's not going to take humanity's side.

You might not get the ending you're hoping for... are you really okay with that?

Ask as many times as you want, our answer won't change.

We're going to bring Bedivere back.

......

Heh. You've grown up a lot since we last met.

Fine. I'll let you pass, just this once.

But if you get your friend back... you owe me a date, okay?

Sure. As many as you want.

......

Perv...

Next scene: World Tree Rift

Ugh... Can we not do this now?! We're in the middle of something important!

2. World Tree Rift

28 lines

The enemies at the entrance... they're incredibly strong.

Spirits guarding the World Tree, and monsters we've never seen outside...

Each battle left us completely drained.

It's only natural, they exist to protect the World Tree.

Even if it costs them their lives, they'll try to drive us out.

Still... the spirits are unusually aggressive.

It's like they know who we are.

......

(Could it be... because of me?)

(Because I put Bedivere in danger...?)

Ethan. You're not having another one of your pathetic guilt trips, are you?

..! I'm just tired, that's all...

Good. For a second, I thought you were back to blaming yourself for everything again.

......

(What's with her today? She's unusually sharp...)

Well, not like someone would waste time on nonsense like that at a moment like this.

If the World Tree IS reacting to you, that's actually a good sign.

How's that a good sign?

Isn't it obvious?

If the World Tree's angry, it means Bedivere is definitely here.

..!

So quit standing around and keep up.

A place this packed with mana is basically my personal playground.

Next scene: World Tree Rift

......

Yeah. Thanks.

And with that, deciding maybe I should go a little easier on her for once, I followed Morgana's lead.

The way she tore through wave after wave of monsters at the front...

No one could deny she was every bit the Fairy Queen.

3. World Tree Rift

74 lines

Damn it... they just keep coming!

Ethan! They're coming from behind, too!

Just hang on a little longer! The World Tree is right up ahead!

But as if to mock our last shred of hope, more monsters surged toward us.

Haaa...

A meadow bathed in starlight, reeking of death...

The memories from that day began to creep back into my mind.

Just a few more steps forward... and we might reach Bedivere.

Do we really have to give up now?

Ethan! Watch out!

No... I won't make the same mistake again.

I WILL see Bedivere again!

At that moment, a blinding light rained down.

My vision blurred for an instant...

And in that fleeting second, all the monsters vanished.

And the one who came running through the clearing mist was...

......

..!

Bedivere!!!

Her hairstyle had changed. Her clothes were different. But that face, I could never mistake it.

Bedivere, our dear companion... she was truly alive.

Bedi..! You... you're really okay...

Elizabeth ran to her, tears streaming down her face. But then...

Aaaaah!

..!

..!!!

She was no longer the Bedivere we once knew.

So... you found me after all.

I'm sorry, but I won't be returning to Britannia.

Please... just turn back.

I don't want to hurt any of you.

Gh... Bedivere...

Why... why are you attacking us?!

Is it because... you still can't forgive me?

......

That day... there are no words to justify it.

What I did... I gave you a wound you'll carry for the rest of your life.

You can hate me. I deserve it. Even if you never forgive me, I'll understand.

But I'll make you one promise.

We'll never lose to the Apostles again.

If danger ever comes for you again... I'll protect you with my life.

So please, Bedivere, just give us one more chance!

......

Ethan... do you know what it's like to feel your arm being torn apart?

......

Or the agony of slowly drowning in an icy sea?

......

I never want to feel that kind of pain again.

But if I go back... those things will happen again, won't they?

I want to live a quiet life now, as the Guardian Knight of the World Tree.

Bedivere...

...This is your final warning.

Please go back.

Bedi... did you really forget our promise that day?

You said we'd return together... To the place filled with all our happiest memories!

......

From now on, I will eliminate intruders

......

Spirits she summoned charged toward us.

Her bow was aimed straight at my heart.

I guess... we were too late.

My grip on my sword loosened.

Elizabeth's scream, Morgana's shouting, they all began to fade.

In the end, the happiness we four once shared...

Would remain nothing more than a memory.

Tch. Honestly, Ethan...

Have you already forgotten me?

..!

As if I'd ever say something like that to you.

Be...Bedivere...?