Chapter 57: Eva

Don't stand in my way!

I have to go after that princess... now...!

The prophecy you all believed in... was nothing but lies!

Besides... you don't actually like that princess, do you?

So just hand your body over to me.

I'll grant your wish!

No!

This anger, this hatred... they're your memories, not mine!

Eli, no, Princess Elizabeth is...

The one and only...

The royal I vowed to serve!

Strength alone isn't everything, Eli. Watch closely!

Wow! Amazing!

How did you do that?

Heheh. Aim for the weak point.

Strike the weakness, and you can bring down an enemy without much effort.

Now, want to give it a try?

Okay! Got it!

Hyaah!

Ugh... I failed again!

Heheh. No need to be disappointed.

Training has only just begun.

If you rush, you'll just get hurt, Eli.

But... you're so strong, Kay...

I hate being left behind...!

Sniff... I want to be strong, like you...

Eli.

Huh...?

Do you know why I became strong?

Um... I don't know...

You've always protected me from the very start...

Heheh. I was clumsy, just like you.

Even holding a spear filled me with fear.

But I grew strong because of you, Eli.

Me? But I didn't do anything...

You don't remember?

At the Founding Festival, you saved me.

I... saved you?

......

I always hated the festival.

Because of this hair, the color of a red dragon, I stood out.

And in the royal family... there were plenty who despised that.

Everyone shunned me. I felt abandoned, like I was alone in a dark forest.

The only one who called me beautiful...

Was you, Eli.

Of course! Your hair sparkles like rubies!

Thank you, Eli. But I thought it was just a cruel joke.

Every child of the palace hated me, avoided me.

But then...

When I saw you happily say the dress you were given was the same color as my hair... I made up my mind.

That no matter what, I would protect you.

...!

It's all thanks to you, Eli.

The will to protect someone precious... becomes a weapon stronger than anything forged by a master's hand.

And soon, Eli, you'll have people like that too.

So many, you won't be able to hold them all in both hands.

So don't rush.

When the time comes... you'll become strong too.

...Mhm.

Then I'll protect you, Kay!

Me?

Yes! Because you're precious to me!

Eli...

If I protect you and you protect me...

We'll be as strong as Father was! Heheh!

......

Heheh. I really can't beat you, Eli.

Impressive.

To overcome the Flame Emperor's corruption... and regain yourself.

You're...

The one who sent me to that cave...!

Why... did you send me to that cursed place...?

All I wanted...

was to protect my lord...

to protect my homeland, Britannia!

So why... why me...?!

...Fufu.

Hehe... Hahaha!

Are you so sure?

Then why did you leave Princess Elizabeth's side?

I told you...

I wanted to become stronger...!

The Blessing of the Red Dragon.

......!

Didn't you leave Britannia because you were tempted by that power?

...No.

Princess Elizabeth has no idea, does she?

That the moment she awakened the Red Dragon's blessing...

A knight's oath wavered.

No! I would never... betray Eli...!

I understand your heart.

Your father was granted a title...

But he was still born a commoner.

Surely you feared it. The stronger Princess Elizabeth grew, the less room there would be for you and your father.

......

I only granted your wish.

You always longed for greater strength.

Now you are an undying flame. You'll never lose again...

Not to goblins... not even to Princess Elizabeth.

The Flame Emperor, Agnes...

Never heard that name before, but judging by your state, it must be formidable.

Formidable doesn't begin to cover it.

It was beyond comparison, even against those vile apostles.

I'm sorry...

I swore to protect everyone, but I couldn't do anything...

What are you saying, Bedivere?

If it weren't for you, we couldn't have stopped her attack.

The only reason we're still alive... is thanks to you.

So what now?

Bedivere may have bought us time, but it's just stalling.

Without a way to trap and seal her away, the end will be the same.

...But we can't give up like this.

Merlin, isn't there any way?

Her flames will burn everything, Empire and Alliance alike.

We have to stop her before she rampages again.

In the battle against the Abyss, you said you borrowed the Spirit's power.

Is the Spirit of the Grail still asleep?

Morgana's been feeding it mana constantly, but it hasn't stirred.

Even the World Tree's power couldn't wake it...

Take out the Grail for me. I'll try myself.

Achoo! C-Cold! I'm going to freeze to death!

Nngh...! Just hold on a bit longer!

As I thought... it's not a lack of mana.

If the Grail's power isn't depleted, then the problem lies elsewhere.

We'll need to summon the Spirit directly.

Is that even possible?

Hmph. Have you forgotten who I am?

While my unruly pupil hunted for the Holy Sword, I was busy gathering information.

And in Vivien's archives... I found something intriguing.

The ancient ruins of Ataraxia.

A kingdom that once ruled the entire continent of Britannia.

But ruins mean it's long gone. Why bring it up now?

It's nothing but forest around it...

Exactly. That's why the records are strange.

Huh...?

The royal chronicles, the songs of bards, the plays of the theater...

Humans always strive to leave behind records of their lives.

So that future warriors won't repeat their mistakes.

But of Ataraxia... there's nothing.

Isn't that strange?

A great kingdom vanished, yet not even a fairy tale remains.

No way...!

That's right. It's speculation, but I believe the Holy Grail is tied to it.

If the kingdom was built on the Grail's power, it wouldn't be strange for it to vanish like a mirage.

If that's true...

Then there might still be records about the Holy Grail!

......

Thanks, Merlin. You've given me hope.

But when did you investigate the Holy Grail?

Heheh. I knew a time like this would come, so I prepared in advance.

Even a Spirit of the Grail would grow weary if summoned over and over again.

Ahem...

Now, Ethan. Time to fulfill your duty as the Grail's master.

Give her, the one trapped inside, the strength and freedom she deserves.

...All right. This is good timing.

I've been weighed down by what I said in the fight with the Abyss anyway.

Eva helped us then. Now it's our turn to help her!

Fufu. So you were uneasy after all.

Of course. Ethan should feel guilty.

Does he even realize how exhausting it is to look after him?

If it's anyone else, fine, but I don't want to hear that from you!

What was that?!

P-Please, both of you, calm down!

We're here!

......

Elizabeth, are you all right?

If it's too much, we can rest. Just be honest.

No, Ethan.

It's just... I can't believe what I'm seeing.

That such a massive kingdom could truly vanish... Why did it fall...?

That's the answer we're here to find.

Let's go!

Damn it... why is this thing so tough!

It looks like the ruins were left alone for so long that the monsters evolved.

Ethan! They are coming from behind too!

Tch, we do not have time for this...!

Get down!

Thanks for the save. And you are...?

I am Mori, priest of Ataraxia.

What brings you to such a humble ruin?

We are here in search of treasure.

We heard a rumor that the lost empire's greatest relic sleeps here.

...!

So you know about Ataraxia...?

Ah... yes. More precisely, it was the person who sent us who told us.

Impossible...!

The City of Peace never refuses guests!

Come, this way.

I will guide you through this city!

...

Ethan... is this really safe?

...Let's follow for now.

She seems to know Ataraxia well.

She might even have the answers we are looking for.

Everywhere we go... nothing but stone and graves.

Once... it was not like this.

The city square was filled with women's songs and children's laughter.

The capital, Morian, was the most peaceful and free city in all the continent.

You know these ruins well.

Where did you learn all this?

We've traveled all over Britannia, but this is the first I've even heard of such a place.

......

My ancestors were priests of Ataraxia.

Even after the Night of Silence, when Ataraxia was destroyed...

Their will has been carried on to this day.

Night of Silence...?

You don't know?

Sadly, no records of Ataraxia remain.

Even Britannia's great sage asked us to investigate.

As I thought... the world has erased Ataraxia.

As though it wished it had never existed at all.

Do you know what happened that night...?

It could help us with our mission.

...

Then may I ask one favor in return?

Of course. We don't expect something so important for free.

Tell our story in your lands.

A bard's song, a child's fairy tale, anything will do.

Just make sure Ataraxia is remembered.

As the only surviving heir, I must protect its honor.

I promise.

I'm no skilled writer, but I can at least make a short tale.

Heheh. That will be enough.

Fairy tales ride on the bard's melody...

And their songs become epic verses, recorded forever.

The age of peace ended with the resurrection of the Destroyer.

She ravaged Britannia's land and life...

Dragging the world into death.

But the people did not despair.

For they had the blessing of the Mother of Life, the Holy Grail.

The Emperor once again set out, blessed by the Grail, to vanquish the Destroyer.

The people prepared a feast, awaiting his return.

But as four seasons passed with no sign of him...

The longest night of Ataraxia began.

"Aaagh! My body... it's disappearing!"

"Healing magic won't work at all...!"

"O gods! Why have you forsaken us?!"

On that night, when even the stars were devoured by darkness...

The citizens were engulfed in blinding light and vanished.

The Destroyer's curse.

The high priest, protector of Ataraxia, knew he too could not resist.

So he sacrificed his life to borrow the Grail's power... and created a spirit.

A spirit that carried all of his memories.

Then you're saying... you...

Yes. That high priest was both my ancestor... and my creator.

But when I awoke, the Grail and Ataraxia were gone.

The City of Peace had crumbled.

......

Forgive me for not being of greater help.

But this is the truth you sought.

......

Then why do you remain here?

Because guarding the Grail is the only purpose of my existence.

I cannot live as an ordinary human now.

Even though the Grail is gone...?

The Grail's power cannot be wielded by just anyone.

Only its true master and its guardian spirit together...

Bound by deep trust, can unlock its power.

That is why I believe the Grail will return to Ataraxia.

For now, with Ataraxia in ruins, there is no human left who can wield it properly.

......

......

......

......

The Grail that wandered the continent, branded a forgery...

Will one day answer my prayers.

After the long night, when dawn's dew rises with the crimson sun...

Light will return.

Ngh...?!

Ethan?!

My body... it's moving on its own!

That's... the Crimson Grail...?

......

Heheheh... Ahahahaha!!!

Of course. I suspected all along.

A common adventurer, ignorant of the Grail's secrets...

A filthy treasure hunter...

Would only come here for one reason!!!

Ethan, step back!

...It was all lies.

That creature isn't some man-made spirit...

It's a true Spirit!

Hand over the Grail!

Or pay the price for blaspheming against the gods!!!

Mother of Life! Why do you turn away?!

Your children suffer!

It's no use.

This was always how it would end.

You... you're one of Avalon's fae?

What are you doing here? To mock me?

I've come for the Holy Grail.

You no longer need it.

Insolent fairy!

You would dare defy divine power?!

Still blind to the truth, I see.

Then allow me to enlighten you.

Urrghk?!

Your role is over.

The Grail will return to its rightful master. Do not worry.

Ghhk...!

Is it over...?

Not yet!

Ethan! Protect the Grail!

The Crimson Grail belongs to us.

And its guardian... is me!!!

Nngh...?!

(Mother of Life... the Grail's guardian has returned.)

(Bestow Your blessing upon me once more!)

(What is this...?)

(I see... this child wasn't just "lucky.")

The Grail will return to its rightful master.

(I hear your answer clearly.)

(Then I need not pray further.)

(You wish for me to fade into history's shadows.)

(As the Mother wills, I will cling to this world no longer.)

(But since the Grail's guardian still slumbers...)

(And its master has yet to face his destiny...)

(I will fulfill my final duty, guiding them along the threads of fate.)

(And when that is done, the spirit bound to the past will vanish...)

(While Ataraxia's name endures forever.)

Nngh... what was that vision...?

Ethan! Are you all right?!

That spirit... it went into the Grail. Nothing happened?

At first, it seemed like it wanted to take it. But then... it vanished.

And right as it did...

My mana started flowing into the Grail!

...!

Ethan! Put the Grail down, quickly!

It could be draining your life force!

No. It's all right.

The more mana it takes... the stronger Eva's presence becomes.

What...? Then does that mean our plan worked?

Judging by the results, yes. I don't know why it needs my mana, but...

Hey, if the outcome's good, who cares?

Let's just get back. Who knows what other monsters might crawl out.

This flame... don't tell me...

The Flame Emperor... she's awake again.

We have to hurry. If she finds the abbey... it's all over.

......

Elizabeth, don't worry.

You saw it yourself, Kay's will was still there.

There has to be a way to save her.

......

Thank you, Ethan.

But if the moment comes when there's no turning back...

Please strike without hesitation.

For the Alliance...

And for Kay.

Nngh..!

...! Ethan?!

Ethan! Please, stay with us!

Your mana... it's nearly gone.

Ethan, hand over the Grail. Any more and it'll kill you!

I'll be fine... just go ahead.

Once the pain settles, I'll catch up.

No, Ethan! That's far too dangerous!

...Elizabeth.

You know it, don't you?

That I'm not the kind of man who'd die in a place like this.

......

Ethan... that's such a cruel question.

Sorry. But... answer me anyway.

I know...

I know it better than anyone!!!

Because no matter the crisis, you've always saved us.

Then... I'm asking you.

Go on ahead... stop the Flame Emperor.

I'll join you before it's too late, like always.

......All right, Ethan.

But that promise, you'd better not forget it.

If you break it... I'll never forgive you!

Princess...!!!

......

I don't know what's going through your head...

But if you die, I won't forgive you.

You still have plenty left to do, for me, the great Fairy Queen.

The Church of Tiamat... they've already made it this far...

Ugh, could this timing be any worse?

Princess, go on ahead.

I'll hold them off here!

Bedi...

I'll stop the monsters from behind.

Elizabeth, hurry!

Morgana too...

......

Everyone... thank you.

I'll stop the Flame Emperor myself!

So you came walking right into my arms... how considerate.

I just can't understand you.

Agnes, Flame Emperor...

Why wasn't stealing Kay's body enough?

Why commit such atrocities on top of that?

......

"Atrocities"...?

And you think you've earned the right to say that?

You know nothing.

And because of that ignorance, we're forced to repeat this cursed play again and again.

Why am I doing this, you ask?

The answer is simple.

I am Agnes, the Flame Sovereign!

The one who will burn down the fool's cage and seize the sky of the future.

My flame will never die!

Heh... to face me alone, without your allies...

How pathetic.

Kay... please, wake up...!

You're not someone who would fall in a place like this!

Ahahahaha!

I'm sorry, but that knight will never awaken again.

Not in front of you, Princess Elizabeth.

...?

Hmph, that face, you don't understand?

Fine. Then let me tell you something amusing.

Ten years ago. A warrior who hadn't even come of age yet sought me out.

That warrior begged me for the Blessing of the Red Dragon.

...!!!

Now here's the question...

Why would that girl desire such power?

No...

Correct. The answer is fear.

Her liege was growing far too powerful...

So she thought she had to become just as strong.

Her fate... was decided by you.

Then Kay's disappearance...

It was all... because of me?

Exactly!

This cruel ending is nothing but the story you set in motion.

Now do you understand?

Why that knight will never wake again?

......

Ahahahaha! Yes! That face, steeped in despair! That's what I wanted!

And now it begins.

The despair, the torment we endured...

I'll make you savor every bit of it... slowly, ever so slowly!

...You're noisy.

Elizabeth. Don't be fooled by such twisted words.

You've done nothing wrong.

Ethan...? And you are...?

Explanations can wait.

For now, focus on the enemy before us!

Ahahahaha!

This pitiful thunder...? I can withstand it easily!

......

Looks like we'll have to use THAT method after all.

Eva. Ready?

Are you sure?

You'll have to shoulder the entire price.

I'll be fine.

You can take as much of my mana as you need.

......

You'd better be prepared to keep that promise.

Kay...?

Eli...?

What... what have you done?!

It's simple.

Two wills sharing one body...

I just split them evenly again.

And with that, your powers too.

You stole someone else's body, now pay the price.

Elizabeth. Your knight is back at your side.

The rest... is yours.

......

Yes, Ethan.

I won't waste this chance.

Kay... I'm sorry to ask this the moment you awaken...

But please, fight once more for me.

I want... to save everyone!

......

Of course.

This is what I've always wanted.

The only reason I sought strength...

Was to protect you, Eli.

I won't run anymore.

I'll prove my honor and pride as a knight, here and now!

Then I'll protect you, Kay.

You protect me, I'll protect you...

And we'll never lose.

......

You're right. Together, there's nothing to fear.

Agnes, Flame Emperor! Be ready.

For the flame that burned for ten years without fading...

Was your rage... and my will!

By a knight's conviction, seize courage in your grasp.

By the Red Dragon's vow, seize justice in your grasp.

By Britannia's name, seize honor in your grasp.

You who have walked the path of the warrior...

Will you swear to me eternal loyalty?

Even if my spear and armor shatter,

Even if I lose every ounce of strength...

I will guard my liege until the day this life ends.

My people shall bear witness to your oath,

And my faith shall make it truth.

By my name, Elizabeth Pendragon...

I proclaim you a knight of Britannia.

......

Kay. You don't have to be afraid anymore.

Because you've always been...

The strongest knight of Britannia!