Mysterious Desert Island

Beastrian Island? What's that?

It's an island where an old hero is said to have spent his final years.

Ah! The one about the cow beastfolk in the story, right? It was quite a touching tale of that hero.

So it's famous then?

Not really. It's barely known. Even the palace's oldest tomes only mention it in a few lines.

If it's that story, then I know a bit.

A retired hero went with the persecuted beastfolk to an island and built a village there... that was the gist of it.

So that's what they call Beastrian Island...

Most likely.

Wow, Morgana. You actually know stuff?

How rude, Ethan. I've lived far longer than you lot.

Well... it's just something I heard once.

That's amazing, Morgana!

Hmph! Hehe... something like this is nothing at all.

Alright, alright, that's enough showing off...

So why are we even heading to Beastrian? It might not even exist.

It's said a treasure left by the hero lies there. And if there are beastfolk descendants still living... they could be potential allies.

That would be a big help to the alliance!

Yes... It might be a wild goose chase, but right now, we're desperate enough to chase even the smallest lead.

Even a small wind can change the tide of battle.

Yeah, yeah, noble reasons, but I swear, every time I get on a ship here I'm doomed!

Damn it!

Ethan!

Ptooey...!

...Ugh.

Elizabeth! Wake up!

Nngh... Ethan...?

Are you alright?

Y-Yes... I think so. But this place...

Land. Last thing I remember was the storm... The ship may have gone under.

What? And the others...?

I don't kn...

Wahhh!!! P-Princess!!!

Bedi!

I thought everyone was gone! Hhh...!

Bedivere! Did you see Morgana?

No... not on the way here...

Morgana! Morganaaa!!

Ugh, my head... I'm right here, Ethan...

I guess Morgana sunk... Sniff... Morgana, my dear Fairy Queen!

I said I'm right here! And I'm hungry, Ethan!

Rest in peace, poor Morgana, eaten by sharks...

Ethaaaan! You rotten pig!!!

Ow! Can't you take a joke?!

Ethan, you're being too mean to her.

She's right. Morgana fought desperately to protect the ship. Even though the mast snapped and we wrecked in the end...

R-Really? Umm, sorry...

Hmph!

But... where are we? We sailed for quite a while, so this can't be the mainland.

I looked around while searching for you, Princess. It seems to be an island.

An island? Don't tell me this is Beastrian?

I doubt it. For a legendary island, it's too ordinary. I don't sense anything special.

So then we just drifted here...

We washed up on an island. If we can't salvage the ship, we're in trouble.

Were we the only ones who survived...?

So here you all are. I've been searching for you.

Ria! You're safe!

Ria!

Greetings can wait. Are your bodies intact?

Ria... worrying about me...! Sniff! Truly, kindness always comes back around...!

With a pitiful, frail body like yours, you'd better make sure it stays intact.

Now get up and help, how long do you plan on lying there?

R-Right...

Eli. I'm here too.

Kay! You're safe, thank goodness.

You guys!

Luckily, the ship didn't fully sink. The sailors who can still move are repairing it, though the damage is severe.

I see... At least it's not the worst case.

This is my worst case. Parasites who only eat will never understand the struggle of those who provide.

Haha... somehow your complaining makes me feel alive again.

Mmm... don't get too relieved, Ethan.

Repairs won't be finished anytime soon. And we don't have the strength to hold out until then.

She's right. Many are injured, and more importantly... our food supplies are critically low.

As the supply officer, you can imagine how miserable my position is.

No food...?

We only carried enough for the voyage, and half of that was ruined or lost to the storm.

That's... a serious problem.

Morgana...

Even my stomach senses the danger, it's already growling...

....

I'll treat the wounded! With the World Tree's power, most injuries will heal quickly.

Then we'll go forage for food, Ethan.

Sigh... guess we have no choice. If we want off this island, we'll have to cooperate.

They're all precious people of Britannia. I'll help too, Eli.

Thank you, Kay...

I came as your guard alongside Ethan. Of course I'll help.

Quick thinking, I see. Good. Now hurry and find food to fill this belly.

What are you talking about? If I go, you're coming too.

W-What?!

Music to my ears. Bring back something edible.

And for the record, if you wander too far and get lost, I'll leave you behind.

L-Leave us...?

We know nothing about this island. We can't afford to add more risks.

Still, leaving people behind...?

Use that lump on your shoulders. In this situation, who would you prioritize, the sailors, or a fool?

If you want to live, you'd better watch yourself.

P-Princess! Please don't get lost!

Don't worry, Bedi. I won't push myself.

Ethan... what if we only check the forest just ahead? If we don't go too deep, we won't get lost.

It's fine to go farther, Eli. I'm good at finding my way.

Confidence is nice, but we're all exhausted from being tossed around.

Let's do as Elizabeth said. Advance slowly. We don't know what we'll run into.

That's true. There could be monsters.

We can just take them out... but fine, let's keep it cautious.

Alright, we'll scout the outskirts first. If monsters appear, we take them down fast.

Yes!

Princess, please be careful!

I'll tend to the wounded with Bedivere.

I'm counting on you.

Haa... It feels good to be alive...

Yes... I feel like I can finally breathe again...

Morgana, don't eat too much. There are still plenty of monsters around. If you stuff yourself, you'll just get drowsy when more monsters show up...

I know that already! What do you take me for?

Sure... as long as you know.

Ethan...?! Don't tell me you ate all the fruit here?!

Yeah. Don't worry, I set aside some to take back to the ship.

That's not it... I've seen these trees before, back when I wandered Britannia in search of power.

The red-ripe ones are fine, but if the fruit's still green, you MUST not eat it.

What?! I already ate some!

Hmm... Eli?

M-Me? I only ate the red ones... Why? What happens if you eat the green one?

It's not fatal, but...

But...?

Your stomach will hurt. A lot. That fruit's actually used as a folk remedy when you're all blocked up.

Nooooooo!!

Hm? What's wrong?

Morgana! Don't tell me you ate all of them?!

Of course! Even if you beg, there aren't any left now.

You said you wouldn't overeat!

Exactly! This much barely counts as a meal! Why are you freaking out?!

N-No reason... Just get up. We need to pack up and take the food back quickly.

Otherwise... something terrifying might happen.

We're here!

That's... a King Slime?!

Hurry... hurry and grab the food...

Ah! Morgana is walking right up to it without a care!

She must be too distracted by her stomachache.

Morgana! That's dangerous!

Food... meat... bread... mushrooms... ahhh...

Jelllyyyy!!

That's not jelly!

This development...!

Aaaagh! Glurp...

Morgana got eaten!

Knew it!

I-Is this... normal for her...?

It's happened before... Ethan! We need to save Morgana first. Attack!

What a disaster. Still, we got food, so let's head back and regroup.

On deserted islands, hunger and fever are usually the worst dangers.

I heard water can be an issue too, but luckily there's a stream in the forest.

Even so, resources vanish quickly. We don't know how long we'll be here, better stock up.

We'll also need a safe zone in case of monster attacks.

Guess all that solo adventuring built up experience.

Unlike a certain clumsy princess.

Heh...

I-I'm not clumsy anymore!

U-Ugh... help me... my stomach... it hurts...

First we should move Morgana. Ethan?

...As much as I don't want to touch her right now, I guess it has to be me.

Stay strong, Ethan.

Princess! Ethan! You're safe!

Bedi. How are things?

We're alright. I scouted the area, there are monsters around, but none have come close.

We're using the time to build a fence. We should be secure for now.

Then our fight was worth it.

Uuuugh...

W-What happened to Morgana...?

Horrifying, right?

Ethan. Princess Elizabeth.

You look lively enough. What about the food?

W-We secured it...

Then move it over there.

...?

Kay? What's wrong?

Ethan. This island... it isn't just some ordinary deserted rock.

I'll investigate. Stay here and rest.

If that's the case, then I'll go too...

...She's already gone.

That's just like her. If she sensed something in the forest, I'm sure she couldn't ignore it.

Still, she could've taken us. If she gets lost out here, it's going to be a real problem.

She probably decided it was better for some of us to recover our strength.

Hrm... but if she runs into trouble...

It'll be fine, Ethan. She's strong. Even weakened, the Flame Emperor's power will protect her...

Right on time. Any later and I was about to come looking for you.

I ran into some monsters on the way back. I'm completely worn out now...

You've worked hard, Kay. I've prepared food, so please rest a little...

You're as thoughtful as ever.

Kay, tell us. Why did you suddenly rush off like that?

I sensed something unusual. A presence that normal monsters couldn't possibly emit.

Morgana didn't say anything, though?

Ethan, Morgana is...

Ah, right. That one isn't exactly in a normal state... So, did you find anything?

There was a tower. The presence was emanating from it, drawing monsters in.

A tower? So this island isn't just some deserted rock...?

Who knows. Only the one who built it could say for sure.

It could've been inhabited long ago... but if someone deliberately built a tower, then I might have a guess.

A guess? You have somewhere in mind?

Yes, Ethan. Remember, we've been sailing in search of Beastrian.

There were no other nations or villages along this route. But here we find an island with a tower that attracts monsters... it can only be that.

The hero who built a settlement on the Beastrian Isle in ancient times!

Yes. The purpose was likely to protect their people.

Um... Princess. Isn't the Beastrian Island just a legend?

What if we've simply failed...

Stranded on an island that's actually a monster nest? Then this whole expedition could be in danger.

This expedition started with Elizabeth's proposal, but Merlin and Britannia's allies agreed too.

That means it's not just some worthless legend.

That's right, Bedi. Morgana knew as well. Maybe not with certainty, but it's not pure fiction.

And... I want to believe. That the path we chose is the right one.

I-I'm sorry, Princess... I just worried we'd wandered into a monster pit by mistake...

Hehe! In that case, Bedi, you'll protect me, won't you?

O-Of course...! I'll protect you, Princess!

I don't care if it's Beastrian or not. What matters is that something is inside that tower. For a safe departure, we need to eliminate it.

Hmm... but with Morgana in that state...

I'll go!

Bedi?

Please let me, Princess. The wounded are all treated.

I can't just stay in safety forever. And if something happens, I can protect you all.

I see no reason to refuse. You've been with us from the start, and now you're strong enough to have our backs.

Ethaaan! You really do acknowledge me!

I don't have a reason to object either. I was only surprised you spoke up so strongly.

You're an important comrade, Bedi. Isn't that right?

P-Princess...! sniffle...!

What a chaotic party. Bedivere's childish streak still hasn't faded.

S-She's improved a lot, though.

Has she? You've had your share of hardship too, Eli.

Ethan, shall we head out immediately? Even if we go in daylight, it'll be dark inside the tower.

Yeah. Best to strike when there's no sudden monster surge. Let's do it.

Kay, are you sure you're ready to move already? Maybe you should rest a bit longer...

I'll rest while you prepare. That'll be enough.

Wait.

You mean to investigate the island...? I told you not to go too deep.

Ria, this concerns everyone's safety. If something in that tower is controlling monsters, we could be attacked at any moment.

Hmph... Whatever the reason, you're important to me as long as I'm responsible for supplies.

If the ones gathering food fall, the guards won't be enough to protect us.

We'll be careful, Ria!

Don't worry, Ria. As long as I'm here, everyone will be fine!

Heh. I always fight as though I'm the last one standing anyway.

Seriously, what is with you all...? Why is this turning into some heartwarming moment? Is this really the time for speeches?

Trading kind words like this just makes my skin crawl.

At times like this, all you need to say is: "Hurry back safe..."

Meat... I need meat... catch a rabbit on your way back...

See? That's more like it.

Wait, Morgana! You shouldn't be moving!

I know.

Morgana! You were worried about us going somewhere dangerous, weren't you?

Ethan. If you encounter that slime... you must capture it...

Huh? A slime?

I've been swalloed not once... but multiple times... This is about my pride as the Fairy Queen...!

I'll burn them all! I'll, ughghhh!!!

P-Please, stay strong, Morgana!

She's collapsed! She's not moving!

Leave her. She's just too embarrassed.

Ethan. You've survived longer than I expected.

Haaah... let's rest here a bit. We're all exhausted, but especially you, Kay...

I-I'm fine, Eli...

Hmm... Kay. Even if you're bound by some harsh fate, you don't need to push yourself to the limit every time.

I...

If you fight like you don't care whether you live or die, you'll end up being a burden instead of helping Elizabeth.

What's so wrong about resting, about leaning on us? We're comrades.

He's right, Kay. I want to fight alongside you... but not like this. It'll only hurt you.

Mmm... if you both say so, then...

But Ethan. There's one thing I want to make clear.

Hm? What's that?

I don't fight like my life doesn't matter. I don't intend to throw away the power I worked so hard to gain.

Good. I'm glad you think that way.

This world's dangerous enough, one slip and you lose your head.

Even Morgana gets humiliated by slimes on a daily basis. Haha...

E-Ethan...

Then... I'll rest, just for a while.

Huh? Ethan! Something's squirming here... looks like a slime!

What? A slime?!

Perfect! Morgana asked us to capture one, didn't she? I'll handle this!

W-Wait, Bedi! Don't just charge in blindly!

It's fine! I'll prove how much stronger I've become.

Against my power, a slime is nothing!!

...Kyaaah!!

...You haven't changed a bit!

Eeeek! Aaugh!

B-Bedi!!!

Ethan! Don't just stand there! Help her!

Sigh...

Kay! Help us! Bedi... Bedi's in trouble!!

Nnngh? W-What's going on?!

Why do things like this always happen to me?!

Sniff... sniff... I've been defiled... sob...!

Phew... Bedi. Don't ever say you've changed again. We were supposed to be resting, and now I'm even more tired.

I-I'm sorry... sniff... I didn't think it would end up like that again...

It's okay, Bedi. You're sticky and slimy, but... you'll be fine.

I... I'm...

Completely hopeless! Uwaaaaah!!

Losing one of us like this... if the thing controlling these monsters is as strong as a lich, this could be a serious problem.

I don't think so. The aura I sensed hasn't moved an inch.

That's a relief, at least...

E-Ethan... I... sniff! I won't fall behind... I swear!

Bedi... let's wipe your face first, okay?

Uwaaaaah!! Princessss!!

Wait! If you cling to me like that, Kyaaah!!

So this really was a tower built to protect the Beastrian Island. With a view like this, you could watch every direction.

To me, it looks like it was meant to flood the island with monsters from the very beginning.

They could've used it as a lighthouse or watchtower, but there's no trace of that. It was built to summon monsters.

So the tower's sole purpose was to gather monsters? To rely on them as guardians?

Kay, if ships could just sail past, wouldn't this island mean nothing?

If they could pass, yes...

But what if the tower's role wasn't just attracting monsters, what if it drew in everything?

...Kay may be right.

Think about it. Our ship carried seasoned sailors and Britannia's best.

On fair seas, with skilled hands, we still got wrecked in that sudden storm.

Ah... when you put it that way...

Sure the sea can be unpredictable, but that storm was too abrupt. If it was magic, it makes sense.

And to sustain magic like that, it couldn't just be some device. It must've been something that could run endlessly...

[Leave.]

Speak of the devil.

[Leave. Or eternal curse shall fall upon you...]

D-Did that wisp just... speak?

There's powerful magic here... a powerful will is embedded deep within it.

P-Princess... stay behind me...

Bedi, don't push yourself.

I'm sorry for worrying you. But I'm fine now...!

That wisp is definitely what's been drawing in the monsters. Ethan, let's destroy it.

If this is true, then the existance of Beastrian Island is more likely than ever. Forgive us, ancient hero... but we need that power!

E-Ethan!

Hold on! Grab a pillar and ride it out!

It's fading... looks like it won't collapse.

Ugh... I don't feel so good... urp...

The monsters are scattering in every direction!

Haaah... thank goodness. I don't think I had the strength for another fight.

Agreed. Let's head back and recover.

...? Kay?

S-Sorry, Ethan... I held out as long as I could, but now... I can't move at all...

Get on my back. Carrying you won't be a problem.

B-But...

It's fine, Kay. Ethan's trained by carrying Morgana around everywhere.

...Why phrase it like that, like some tragic backstory?

I'll support you, Princess! I'm mostly recovered.

Thank you, Bedi...

You've recovered already? The World Tree's power really is something.

So that's why you're late. It was necessary, so I won't scold you.

Ria...

But tonight's watch is yours. You have no idea how hard it was keeping guard with no one fit to stand.

We left Morgana behind, didn't we? What exactly was she doing?

The Fairy Queen Morgana no longer exists. What's here now is...

...a useless freeloader.

Hm? Talking about me? If you've got something to say, come say it to my face.

Morgana seems fully recovered...

...

Anyway... once the ship's repaired, we'll keep pursuing Beastrian Isle, right?

As quartermaster, it's a headache, but yes. I can't say for sure whether it's real, though.

With a facility like that tower, and monsters to match, plus something interfering with our voyage... the legend's looking more true than false.

That's right... and if not now, we might never get another chance.

If the Empire or the Tiamat Church claim the Beastrian's legacy, it'll be trouble for us all.

Exactly. Our time is short, we have to move quickly.

Agreed.

Honestly, I'm against it... we're exhausted, and what just happened was traumatic...

And besides... I just want a bath... sniff...!

If I had to weigh in, I'd say no as well.

The ship's wrecked! Why insist on going further? Let's just go home.

Think about why we came this far. Once the ship's repaired, we can move again.

We'll go as far as we can.

No one's ever sailed this way before, that makes us the first.

He's right. The monsters on the island prove it.

Even if the Beastrian Island doesn't exist, we've already blazed a new route. I don't want to turn back now.

We can do this. Everyone, help me!

O-Of course... sniff! If it's the path you and the Princess choose, I'll follow it anywhere.

Sigh... do what you like. Not as if Ethan ever listens to me.

...As long as I'm paid, I won't object. But if the voyage becomes impossible, don't argue when I say turn back.

Yeah. I promise.

...We're turning back.

Ethan?!

I don't want to quit either, but there are too many risks. The ship's damaged, we're exhausted, and supplies are short.

Y-You're right... Still, it's disappointing to give up so quickly.

We'll regroup and return. Let's gather more information on Beastrian in the meantime.

Mmm... alright, Ethan.

Wait! Ethan, that's reasonable, but we can still keep going!

Kay. Like I said, don't push yourself to the brink. I want you with us for the long haul.

Realistically, pressing on now is reckless. The rational choice is to wait for another chance.

Ethan...

So it's decided. I'll have the crew prepare to set sail home.

Princess... I'm sorry...

Don't be, Bedi. I've been thinking too much about the greater cause. With the losses we've taken, it's wiser to regroup.

We're stepping back, not abandoning the journey. Our path to Beastrian continues.