Episode 5, Chapter 8: A Worthy Divine Maiden

It's very late, but would you tell me how I can help you?

Do you remember the Toxic Mire?

...I do.

Nagi has led the Serpent Dragon Guild into a rebellion there.

It's forced countless beastkin from their homes and scattered them across Baek-Ah.

Nagi...

Please give me Fate's Embrace...

I cannot do that.

Without my mother's sacred weapon, Nagi will not listen to me.

So, please...

...I see.

You did not get to spend much time with you mother. Something all new Divine Maidens should enjoy... So, I understand.

Try holding it.

This is your mother's divine sword... Fate's Embrace.

(Where am I? What happened...?)

(Blood...?)

It happened long ago, but they say beings from the Void poured out through that wound.

And the beastkin that saved the world back then was from the Far East.

(Is that... the Wound of the World...?)

It's... me?

Are you... alright?

I will not ask what you saw.

However, you must remember.

If you take Fate's Embrace, many more may accept you as the Kumiho Divine Maiden.

But you are borrowing Miho's authority.

I know, but what else can I do?

*Chuckle* You have the answer, yet you still search.

Huh?

You saved me, did you not?

You managed to break through my barrier and found your way here, and rescued me from my own mind.

So you didn't do it alone, Mina... *Chuckle* but why does that matter?

Miho acted alone, but you need not do that.

Walk with others by your side.

*Deep breath*

Everyone. The beastkin you've been looking for...

I think that might be me.

What?!

What?!

But, I can't go with you right now.

I have something I must do.

So...

I need your help to become a true Kumiho Divine Maiden...

Please be friends with me!

Will you do that?

Of course we will. You don't need to ask, Mina.

Yeah, count us in.

Wow, that was some tear-jerking stuff...

You weren't listening at all.

Hehe. Anyway, what do you plan to do about the Toxic Mire situation?

At this rate, we're headed for a war.

Does that mean you'll be helping too?

No, that's not what I said. Wait, when did you get so bold? Is it the power of the divine sword?

Well, a single slacker like me won't be much help. Let's go to Naksan.

If we want to make a difference, I believe we'll need more Monster Tamers.

Thank you very much.

It's the right thing to do.

Let me know when you're ready.

Ha, it's been a while since I've been back to Naksan.

I'm sure you will do well.

I really hope I do.

I hope your sincerity reaches Nagi.

Thank you for saying that.

I won't follow after you.

...I'm actually still a bit unstable.

Since what's been torn apart has only just been mended.

Hm, I'll have to stay put for about ten years.

I hope to see you again in good health.

Well then, return safely.

Oh... I'm getting nervous.

About what?

It's really been a while since I've been back to Naksan.

Can't you go to Red Lotus yourselves?

We're going to get support from Monster Tamers.

Shouldn't the branch master be the one to take the lead?

$CAT_NAME$

Nyan...