The Odyssey of Elias II

Argh...!

Why... Why...

Why won't anyone acknowledge me as the ruler of the werebeasts?!

Diana's washed up! She's so old that she can't even wield her power properly anymore!

With a leader like that, no wonder everyone takes us for a joke!

But... Chief isn't our ruler... she's our Chief...

Shut up, Beni! They mean the same thing!

Really?

Hehehe, it's all about image! That's your problem!

We need to launch a campaign to improve your image, Captain!

My image?

Why? What's wrong with it?

Um... Captain, most of the werebeasts see you as a trainee who has to tiptoe around Diana.

What?! Are you finished running your yap?!

Ahhh! Don't hit me! Stop hitting me!

Captain's angry! No more playtime! Run, Rufo!

Stop right there!

.........

*Sigh*

Why doesn't anyone get me and my dream?

My grand ambition: Make Werebeasts Great Again...!

At this rate, forget being a ruler... I'll just be another nobody with nothing to do.

I need to figure something out before I get crowned Biggest Deadbeat!

Hey, Rufo! Got any good ideas—Oh, right... she ran away...

Maybe I got carried away and hit her too hard?

No, she's the one who made fun of me first. It's her fault!

I'll just go do some sword training until she comes to apologize.

When I swung at that old hag last time, she blocked me by grabbing my arm like this...

Maybe I can counter by wielding two swords next time?

Two blades are probably better than one.

...Nooooooo!

What? What do you mean?

...Don't use two blades...!

What are you—wait...

Wh-Who're you?!

You were able to approach me, the Swordmaster of Elias, without me noticing... Impressive!

Sh-Show yourself!

Ugh... Tsk, tsk...

W-What?!

You're all brawn and no brains!

Aaaargh! What magic have you used on me?! I feel dizzy!

I think my eyes are spinning too! Stooop it! Arrrgh!

Tig...

Huh?

The strongest werebeast!

Oh, you know about me, huh? Hehe. I am strong, indeed!

But you behave like some petty thug.

Wh-What did you just say?! Release your magic and say that to my face!

See? That reaction right there. That's what makes you a low-life delinquent.

Grrrr...!

Tig? Do you wish to defeat Diana and become the ruler of the werebeasts—no, all of Elias?

Huh...? Y-Yes! I do!

Then, I shall teach you how.

Ahh! That's blinding! What the heck?

Huh? What is this place?

I've never seen a place like this in the forest... It's my first time here...

A book? Whoa! Is this some kind of secret tome of swordsmanship?!

That's right! In those books Rufo always reads, this is how the main character gets stronger!

Let's see... The title reads... "Qualification of the Ruler"...

Oh... so it's just some self-help trash written by some delusional idiot who got lucky once. Garbage.

...Yeah...

What?

...Just read it...

Ugh, you're so annoying. What are you saying??

I said to READ IT!!!!

Aaaack! My ears! Fine, I'll read it, okay?!

Hmm... An introduction? Boring. Let's skip that.

I'll just read from the middle... That way, I'll probably get the gist of how they started, right?

The ruler of Elias...?

They became the ruler of Elias? How?

Gah...! What page is it on?! Does it appear in the beginning?!

Treasures? There are treasures? Argh! What page?!

The second treasure is...

Ugh, what about the first one?! Where the heck does this start?!

Heeeeey, Tig! What brings you here? And you're even reading!

Yikes! S-Sprite Queen? How did you get here?!

I should ask YOU that!

This is where I come to hide whenever I run away. I thought I was the only one who knew of this place... Did you get lost, too?

Lost?

When I first found this place, I got here because I was lost.

I was stuck here for a week, starving and crying, before I barely managed to escape, you know!

How on earth did you get lost? If you just follow the branches of Yggdrasil in the sky, you reach Sprite Kingdom, don't you?

Oh...

...Wh-Who knew a trick like that existed? I'll keep that in mind for next time.

Anyway, what's got you so absorbed there? I thought you hated books.

Urgh... I-It's for my eyes only! Go away!

Oh... What's this? Crown of Mourning Hope?

What? Wait, do you know something about it?

Strange... I feel like I've heard something like that before...

Oh, that's right! I have it right here!

Where?

On my head. This is called the Crown of Hope!

At my coronation, Ner put it on my head and said that its original name was longer.

Could it be that its full name is the Crown of Mourning Hope?

Huh...? Hmm... Hold on...

I think she may be right...

That's a legendary treasure? Hmm... It's not exactly my style, but if it has amazing powers, I've got no choice.

What are you muttering about? It's giving me the creeps.

Listen, hand that over.

What?

I said, give me that crown on your head!

I don't wanna! If I lose this, Ner's seriously gonna yell at me!

Hehe... I don't care what you say, you idiot queen.

Snatching something like that from someone as useless as you is a breeze!

Wha...?! Eek! G-Get away from me, you little brat!

Hurry up and give it! I can use that crown's power better than you can!

What are you talking about?!

This doesn't have any powers! You think I'd be here doing this if it did?!

Your base stats are garbage. That's why!

Rufo said something similar, too! If some nobody puts on the magic ring, all it does is turn them invisible!

What kind of nonsense is that?!

You're gonna make me mad! Really mad, okay! I starved for an hour finding my way, you know!!!

Oooof!!!

*Cough* That really hurts...! *Heave, wheeze* I can't breathe...

I'm already hangry, and you just had to push me... Tch.

*Cough* Was she always this strong? She doesn't look like much, so why does her punch hit so hard?!

Can I even with this...? Based on strength alone, she might even outclass Diana...

What? What are you glaring at? Wanna go at it again? Ready for another beatdown?

Ugh... Damn it! This is humiliating! I can't believe I got knocked out by that airhead...!

I can't stand this disgrace...! I'll show you what a swordmaster can really do!

Wh-What?! You deflected that?!

OUCH! That hurts! That's gonna leave a bump on my head!

Master giving me noogies all the time is bad enough... Wait 'til I get you!

Huh?

Argh! I'm gonna get you!

Uh, hold on... Hey... wait!

Yeeeow! Stop! I'm sorry! I'll stop attacking you! Eeeek!!!

*Huff, huff* Watch who you mess with next time, got it?!

Last time, I was a bit out of it after having some of that chow, so I guess you thought I was a chump, but I'm still a queen, you know!

Urrrgh...! I can't believe this...!

*Sigh* I never liked you to begin with. Always going on about all kinds of nonsense...

Ugh... I was trying to move as little as possible because I was hungry, but look! I've worked up a sweat, and now I'm even hungrier!

Does she always keep her physical exertion to a minimum? Was this her true strength?

There you go again, muttering to yourself! I said I'm hungry! How are you gonna fix this?!

If I can't beat her with strength... I'll have to use my wits. That's what Rufo said, right?

I was wrong about the Sprite Queen's power... but she's clearly an idiot... so maybe...

Listen... I've got a bit of food on me... You think I could have a look at that crown?

Oh? Y-You've got food? Is it cake?

It's emergency rations... meat picked from meat trees and dried...

Whaaaat? Meat? Ugh, I don't know... that sounds strange...

Ugh, whatever! Give it here! I need to stuff my mouth with something.

A-And your crown...?

Um... Whatever. I suppose it's better than starving. I'm only lending it to you for a bit, got it?

O-Okay!

Heeheehee! I got it! The first treasure! See ya, dummy!

Huh? Hey! Stop right there!

I don't want Ner to yell at me! Heyyyy!!!

Like I care!

Hehehe... I managed to steal that crown from that sprite punk.

She was stronger than I expected, so it was tough...

...But at least no one witnessed my defeat.

Now then... Let's see what the second treasure is.

An outsider?

Hmm... outsider... outsider...? Oh, right... that crone Diana called those Elves outsiders...!

Something similar to a bow those elf bastards use...?

Get your heads together! I told you to always pick up the photon cartridges after firing!

M-My apologies!

Resources are scarce in Elias! We have to reuse whatever we can!

Sorry, Chief!

Ugh, how many times must I repeat myself?! Have cartridge collectors with you at all times!

Hehe. That's what I'm talking about.

It really paid off, keeping track of these elves' training routine.

Chief, we can't find it no matter how hard we look... Can't we just report it lost?

Do that, and we'll get chewed out by that secretary!

Look, today was supposed to be the first day of my vacation! Can't you see I've given that up to help you guys search?!

There was a game tournament at the arcade today!

Put some more effort into this so that I can at least start my vacation in the afternoon!

Yes, Ma'am...

Urgh... come to think of it, there are more elves than I expected.

If only Rufo or Beni were here, we could've tried a decoy tactic... *Sigh*

Those idiots... you always miss things when they're gone...

Anyway, taking them head-on will be tough, so I guess I'll have to make a grab for it...

I'll wait for the right moment, and... Um... I guess any of them will do?

Might as well go for a big one then!

Good... just stay crouched like that for a bit longer... Hehehe!

Chief! I found the shell casing!

Wow, really?!

Yikes! She turned around all of a sudden and almost caught me!

Huh? What was that? I could've sworn there was something behind me just now...

Eek...!

Hmm... Must've been the wind!

These Elias elementals have big presences for no apparent reason...

Phew...

These elves... they have big ears, but they can be quite dim-witted. Heh.

Wow, what a relief! Since we found it in the morning, I can take off in the afternoon after lunch.

For a while there, I was worried that some werebeasts who had snuck into the city had taken it.

The werebeasts? Take the shell casing? Why would they do that?

Oh, well, they're less civilized, so they can't resist things that are shiny.

They have a habit of picking up anything they think looks valuable and decorating their homes with it.

Wh-What...?

I thought werebeasts only hung around garbage dumps...

They're always scavenging stuff in those dumps... do you really think they would ignore a shell casing?

Ugh... Gahhh!

How dare they insult us werebeasts like this... These elf bastards...!

Beni, Rufo, Kommy... and, yeah, admittedly, quite a few of them do like scavenging things...

Still, how dare they talk smack about us in front of me?!

Trying to be cautious after losing to the Sprite Queen was a mistake.

Sneaking around after hearing that garbage would be cowardly!

I'll face them head-on, fair and square!

Hey, who's the strongest elf here?! I'm gonna take you on!

Yikes! What the heck?! Who's shouting?

Oh, it's a werebeast! That's the tiger that's on the wanted list right now!

Why, if it isn't the leader of that group of thugs... Chow Bells or something?

What was your name again? Tigger?

It's Tig! I'm gonna need that weapon of yours, so hand it over! Now!

What? You want my gun? Did I hear that right?

Yeah, that's what I said! Are you hard of hearing with those long ears of yours?

Grr, you mangy beast!

Quit yapping and come at me!

Chief, the mayor said to avoid armed conflicts with werebeasts for the time being...

Y-You don't think I know that?!

Hehehe! Running from the fight? Just a coward who only obeys orders from above?

We've got someone like you in our village too.

What?

A lame kid named Butter. She's just an obedient dog.

Putting down one of your own kind all of a sudden?

I'm gonna call you Butter from now on, got it?! You even have the same hair color as her.

Chief, are we seriously going to do nothing after hearing that?

The mayor told us not to engage! I'm frustrated, too! Ugh...

Ah...! Heh!

Look, werebeast, you want this that badly?

Go ahead, pick it up.

Wh-What?

Heh, if I can't fight them, I'll have to humiliate them.

You werebeast bums like to scavenge, right? So, be my guest and pick it up... from the ground. Hehehe.

Grr... Arrrrgh...!

Tig... you're truly an insufferably prideful werebeast.

Our latest AI already finished profiling you ages ago, you know.

Ru...

Huh?

Rufo always said the main character is meant to be miserable in the early stages!

Her words were, "Make a triumphant return later and repay it all."

Huh?

Captain, it seems like you've lost something more important than a bullet casing.

Wh... Wha... Hey! Stop right there! This doesn't match the data the Monatium AI put out! This isn't supposed to happen!

Heh... heheh! The second treasure! Kehehehe!

Got the crown... and the bow... Everything's going very, very smoothly.

Ohohoh... At this rate, I'll become the ruler of Elias!

So, what's next?

Ugh... Why is the name so long?

Will of flame... a sword? Just a flaming sword?

A sword that's on fire... I feel like I've seen that somewhere before...

Right! I think one of those elementals had one!

Elemental Mountain was somewhere around here, right?

So that's why you need my sword?

Exactly! If I get your sword and the other treasures...

...I can become the ruler of Elias, surpassing even Her Majesty or Master!

Then we can team up and turn that insufferable elven city to ashes!

Hahahaha!

I'd rather not, actually.

What?!

Don't you hate the elves?

They're not exactly my favorite bunch, but...

Ever since Master brokered a truce, Sylla has told me to keep to my turf and not cause trouble.

You pathetic little fire elemental!

You just do whatever the wind spirit tells you, you spineless little runt!

What?! Are you done talking? Are you trying to pick a fight?!?!

You're just a child, and yet you have nothing but disrespect for an elemental who has protected Elias since ancient times!

Why do you just do whatever that wind elemental tells you?!

If you don't like the Elves, you can just charge in whenever you want!

Ugh... These clueless little youngsters...

You have to pick your battles wisely if you want to keep your place at the table.

Boring! Why do you sound like some musty old relic?

You talk exactly like that old hag Diana!

I'm going to take your sword by any means necessary!!

Ugh... You're annoying! All bark and no bite...

So it's been you, right? Causing all that noise from Werebeast Forest every single day?

Give me the fiiiiiire swoooorrrrd!!!

Ugh... What a pain! Doesn't seem like you'll just leave if I talk it out.

Hmm... Well then... Hey, want to make a bet with me? If you win, I'll give you my sword.

A bet? I do always play bets with Rufo.

Betting? That's my specialty! Hehe, bring it on!

You're going to have an eating contest with me.

Eating? What... so you're a glutton too, just like the Sprite Queen or Beni?

Hmm... well, depending on how you look at it, I suppose that could be true.

I'm not quite at Beni's level, but I'm pretty good at eating too. Alright! Let's see who wins.

Sure, sure. Heheheh.

The contest goes like this: There are three rounds in total. One round we mutually agree on, and then one round each where we pick something we're confident in.

Shall we start off light?

The first round is to eat all the meat in front of us.

Meat should be fine for you too, right?

Sure! I eat that every day! Easy-peasy!

No time limit—just eat. Alright, let's go!

Lucky me! I was getting hungry. Free food and an easy victory. Kehehe...

Yeah, that's how you eat. Heheheh.

The second round is...

Eating firewood.

Huh?

You have to eat all the piles of firewood in front of you. No time limit.

What! This isn't food!

I never said what we were eating for this contest was food, right?

I went with my strongest category, so you don't get to talk. Just shut up and eat.

Ugh... you sneaky little elemental!

Blech... How am I supposed to eat this?

I sometimes chew on grass, but this is way too hard!

Are you giving up? Heheh...

This rotten little elemental... She deliberately picked something like this just to win...!

How dare she set the conditions so vaguely just to make me lose...!

And I bet in the last round, whatever food I pick, she'll just burn it all up and gobble it up...

What should I do?

Tricking me like this! I won't forget... oh?

...Water?

The third round is...

Hey! I'm the one choosing, right?

Yeah, that's right. Not that it matters... I'll win either way.

I choose to drink half of that lake's water each.

...What?

We both get in the lake and drink until all the water is gone.

Ugh! If we do that... no, Naia is going to be furious!

I chose this category fair and square, right? Do you forfeit the bet?

I'm not forfeiting... but argh!

Then stop whining and get in, you!!!!

F-fine, I'll get in!

Aaagh! It's freezing cold! Hey! You said we were having a contest! Why aren't you getting in!

Because I already won the fight before even starting!

The hero's victory is destined from the very beginning!

Wahahaha!

You tiny little werebeast! I can't swim! Nooooo! My fire is going out!

Success! I have the third treasure!

Over there! The one who dunked the Noble Elemental went that way!

Phew... Did they not see me?

Those fire elementals are trying to get revenge on me just because their captain lost a bet!

What petty little sore losers who can't accept defeat!

Things are getting hectic around here, so I need to find somewhere nearby to hide...

Ah, that place looks good!

Yeees... I'm coming! Who is it?

It's Tig, just passing through.

What brings you all the way to Ner's house? You've come quite far?

I need somewhere to hide for a bit. Thanks for having me?

What? No, I didn't say you could come in...

If you opened the door, that's as good as letting me in! Move!

Hweek!

You broke into Ner's house! You're a rude guest!

Ugh... how long are you going to stay?

That's my business! I come in when I want and leave when I want. Got it?

Ugh... Ner is not happy about this.

Now then... I should be safe here, so let me check the book to see where the fourth treasure is...

A shroud...? Wear it? Is it like clothing?

Darkness... elementals? ... An elemental in a cave, perhaps?

"Darkness elementals" is what they used to call us phantoms.

That was a really, really long time ago.

Shaydi said it was a boring name and changed it to phantom!

So... I need to get the clothes of a phantom?

You're one of the darkness elementals, right?

Yes!

And you're wearing clothes?

Yes!

Take them off.

Wh... What? All of a sudden, why?!

I need that to become the ruler of Elias!

That's ridiculous! You can't become the ruler of the world just by wearing some clothes!

The book says so! It says the one who collects six treasures becomes the ruler of Elias!

To become the ruler of the world, you must confront the leaders of each domain and defeat them one by one!

You don't just become a ruler by collecting a few treasures!

Hmm... Hmm... Now that I think about it, that does sound right.

Hmm... If I search in my old memories... I think there was someone who did something similar.

Speaki was too young a phantom back then to really understand what was going on, but...

I don't think things ended well for that someone.

It's like that hazy, foggy feeling you get as a phantom?

Going head-to-head with the bosses of each domain...

The Sprite Queen... I lost once because I wasn't feeling well, but... after a good nap, it's doable.

Diana? I was planning to take her down the moment she ends up in a wheelchair when she gets older.

That coffee-addicted elf... has too many underlings... I'd need to shake the foundation with the Chow Rebels...

There are 4 elemental bosses, which is a pain... ugh...

Ugh... ughhh... My head is spinning.

Simple in theory, but carrying it out is a whole different story!

I'm telling you, becoming the ruler of the world is no easy feat.

Shaydi is always talking big but almost never actually pulls anything off.

To challenge the leader of the dragons underground, you'd have to defeat every single dragon one by one...

And I've heard the Witch Queen is a magical genius! She's no pushover!

Ugh... what a hassle!

ANYWAY! I'll just do what the book says.

So, take off your clothes!

Speaki isn't the only phantom around! Why are you only coming after me?!

There's Espi who lives next door... and Alice who lives across the street...!

Right now, you're the only phantom in front of me!

If there's a phantom right in front of my nose, why would I go all the way somewhere else?!

Ugh... you're impossible to reason with!

You barged into Speaki's... no, Ner's house uninvited and started demanding this and that...

You're the one who opened the door and invited me in! Why are you changing your story now?!

I think you've lost your mind! Ner is going to lose her mind too!

Werebeasts have a custom of offering gifts and food when we invite someone into our homes.

Seems like phantoms are savages with no such customs!

So at least hand over your clothes!

Yikes! This is too much! You're a stubborn, unreasonable werebeast!

But Ner's clothes were made and decorated with so much effort by Speaki...

Oh...? W-Well then, how about this?

What?

Sp... Speaki can just make you a brand-new outfit!

Look at this outfit Speaki made for Ner! Pretty good, right?

Hmm... like that tailor who lives in the Sprite Kingdom?

I don't see a sewing machine anywhere, though?

It's a legendary treasure, so it has to be made with a legendary sewing machine!

Oh... Oooh?

I'll make you an invisible, transparent phantom outfit with an invisible, transparent sewing machine!

Whoa! That sounds amazing!

Just wait a moment! Speaki can make it in no time!

Since it's a transparent outfit, you can't watch the making process, understood?

Shouldn't the crafting process be transparent, too?

Being suddenly clever and raising objections over irrelevant things... that doesn't fit your character!

Hmm... is that so? Well, fine... just hurry up and make it!

Ta-daa! The outfit is all done!

What... you just went into the room and opened and closed the door? Did you actually make it?

It's a legendary outfit, isn't it? Doesn't it make sense, that it can only be properly seen by someone truly legendary?

Could it be that little Tig here isn't legendary enough to see it?

Ugh...! Ah! I can see it! Mmm! I quite like the sturdy, warrior-like decoration on the shoulders! That's right up my alley!

Right, right? Can you see the elaborate Yggdrasil pattern adorning the waist here?

It's Speaki's masterpiece!

Alright! I'll put it on! I'll slip my arms in like this...!

The garment resembles a dress, perhaps you should first insert your head through the bottom?

Ah...If you say so? Then I'll put my head in first...

Great! Tig, you've obtained the phantom's clothes! I sincerely hope you become a clueless legend!

Right! A clueless... what?

I said a "true" legend!

The Witch's rope...

Since it says the Witch Queen used it, she must be the one who has it, right?

Lady Fricle, someone keeps causing a ruckus in the town square trying to see the Queen. We have detained her.

I let myself get caught on purpose!

This is the fastest way to meet your boss directly, isn't it?!

What, it's just some half-beast crawling down from the surface?

What did you say?! Why you little—?!

Why is someone like you looking for our Queen?

I'm not interested in underlings like you! Bring me whoever this Queen is! I'll speak to her directly!

Huh?

Quite the arrogant one, aren't you?

Do you think our Queen is some pushover who'll just show up whenever someone asks?

The sprites met with me?

Ugh! Sprites and witches are leagues apart when it comes to rank and order!

Who do you think you are, furball from the surface, trying to have an audience with the Queen so easily?

Her Majesty is busy right now, so if you have something to say, say it to me.

I'll hear it first and decide whether it's a matter worth passing on to Her Majesty.

What if I say no?

Queen. Now. Here. Come, come.

Ugh... surface dwellers really have no manners!

I don't even want to hear what someone like you has to say!

It's bound to be nothing but nonsense! Throw her out immediately!

Tch... these witches are so full of themselves... so high and mighty...!

Should I sneak into the palace where the Queen lives?

I just need to figure out how to get the rope...

Look here! Haven't seen you in a while. Are you after the Queen's throne or what?

Huh?

If that's the case... then I could be of help to you, hehe.

Who are you to act like you know me? I've never seen such a ragged-looking vagrant before.

I'm not a vagrant!

All right, so I lost my footing in a little power struggle, and now I'm just taking a casual walk; that's all!

Anyway! You must not know how things work down here in the underground...

Only a witch can become the Witch Queen! If you help me become Queen, I'll grant you a wish.

What do you say? Want to do a little job with me?

Hmm...

Hmm...

What are you staring at?

Hmm... a rope...

Come to think of it... It could have been made from hair.

Right. Werebeasts with long fur would cut it themselves, twist it... and make rope out of it.

What's that got to do with anything all of a sudden? Are you out of your mind?

A witch's... hair... rope...? That could work, couldn't it?

If it belongs to someone who wants to be queen... she'll become queen eventually anyway...?

Just like it's my fate to become the ruler of Elias!

Ow! Hey! You can't just grab someone's hair out of nowhere!!!

Should I cut this?

What...?

What do you think you're doing?! Are you out of your mind?

Let go! I said, "Let go!!!"

GYAAAAAAH!!!!

You actually cut it! You absolute lunatic!!! WAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!

I wish it were a little longer...

Hey, let me get the other side too!

S-stay back!! I'm gonna make you pay for this!

Give that back right now! Maybe I can glue it back on!

My hair...!

Hmm... You handed over the first one without a fuss... so why are you fighting back for the second one?

Just as I thought... Witches really are scheming creatures you can never read...!

What kind of nonsense are you spouting!?

If you won't hand it over, I'll beat it out of you!

Coming at me all of a sudden?

Heh heh... Lately I've been sidelined thanks to that freak who got weirdly strong all of a sudden, but...

But a small-fry like you...

Is a one-hit wonder!!

Ugh... What the... A Werebeast with skills like this...?

I am destined to surpass all werebeasts... and become the ruler of Elias!

Tig... Remember that name well! Got it?

Why would someone this strong come all the way down to the underground just to cut someone's hair?

I thought she was nothing special...?

Now then... give me your other pigtail...

N-no... No, no, NOOOOO!!!

Ugh... my hair... *sob*...

The weak must offer themselves to the strong!

It's just the natural law of the world, so stop crying and accept it. Heh heh heh.

Well then, let's settle this after I become the ruler of Elias.

You'll regret this!! You lousy werebeast!!! I won't forget this!!

That's not frightening at all. Classic sore loser talk.

Hmm... The weather's lovely today... The village is so peaceful...

Tig hasn't been seen for a few days now... Maybe that's why?

I just hope she's not out there causing trouble somewhere...

Chief!

Hm? Butter? What's the matter?

Tig... Tig seems to be up to something weird again! She's been asking around for you like crazy!

Wh-what did you say?

Diana!!! I'm back!!!

Good heavens! You nearly blew my eardrums out! Tig, you rascal! What are you scheming this time?!

Hand over your staff!

What do you need my staff for?

The sixth... and final treasure is called "the Staff of Blind Enlightenment"!

It's obviously talking about the staff that old granny carries around!

What are you talking about... This is just a wooden stick I picked up from the mountain behind the village...

Chief!

Huh?

Looks like Tig and Rufo are up to some game again. Those are the weird words Butter heard last time when they were playing some kind of game!

So they were just playing around? Hmm...

Well, if you want it, go ahead and take it. But you have to return it when the game is over, alright?

Heh heh... Hahahahaha! Giving up a treasure so easily! You're truly weak!

You've got some nerve! What the hell do you think you're saying?!

Ow!!! Just you wait, old lady! When I become ruler of Elias, you'll be the first one I send to a nursing home!

Alright... Just as the book said... I've collected all six treasures.

What do I do now?

This is the section I read at the beginning!

A little further back... let me turn the page...

Oh... put them all on... and go up to the altar...

And then I just shout that I am the ruler of Elias...?

...Three times...

Three times?

...Shout it three times...

Got it. I just have to shout it three times, right?!

Heh heh, I'm going to become the captain of the Eliastance...!

...Say Elias...

I am... the ruler of Elias!!

...Haha...

I am the ruler of Elias!

...Hahahahahaha...

I am the ruler of Elias!!!

...Yes...

...I am the ruler of Elias...

...Hahaha, what a naive fool. Your greed made you dance to every command I gave... didn't it?

...That brute strength of yours will serve me very well...

...Once I adapt a little, the raw power of this body combined with my cunning... will make me the true ruler.

...I kept my promise, in my own way...

...So then, shall we finally commence the Great War of Elias... the one we tried to begin before?

...Ow! Ah!! My hip joint...

...Wait, what's going on? I performed the possession ritual perfectly to the letter...?

...Aaagh! Why won't my arm move properly...?!

...Huh? Wh-what are these? These aren't the real treasures...?

...Only the crown and the sword are real... everything else is just a bunch of weird junk...!!!

...There's not even a robe? What on earth did this idiot go and collect...?!

Ewias... Mawster... Heh... hehehe.

...If the ritual didn't work properly, then your consciousness remains...?

...Damn it all!! Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for this moment...?!

...I can't fail like this...! I still have to get my revenge!!!...

...Uuugh... Grrk...

...I don't want to disappear...

Ugh... Ow, my head...

What happened? I suddenly lost consciousness...

It's nighttime...? How long was I out?

Did I... actually become the ruler of Elias?

I should go to the village... and check.

Everyone will be bowing and calling me "ruler", right? Heh heh...

Captain! I found you!

Huh? Rufo? Beni!

Captain, where on earth have you been?! We've been looking all over for you!

Rufo, Beni? What do I look like to you?

What do you mean? You're the Captain!

Right, the Captain... heh heh... So even those who ran away are calling me Captain again on their own.

It worked! Mwahahaha!

Tig... you little punk...!

Huh?

Wh-what? Chief? Why are you calling me "punk"? You should call me "ruler"!

Seriously, I can not with you!

Ow!!! Why are you hitting me? You can't just hit me like that!!

All the trouble you've been causing these past few days has come to light! You should get down on your hands and knees and beg for forgiveness!

What are you talking about?! I wasn't causing trouble!! I was going on a "Hero's Adventure"!

Do you not see everyone standing behind me?!

They're the ones you've been upsetting by running around, causing chaos, and stealing their stuff for the past few days!

Eek?! What?! I never stole anything!

They all gave it to me willingly!! Why are you changing your stories now?!

Stop making excuses and give everything back right this instant, you little good-for-nothing!!! And hurry up and give me back my staff, too!

Yeah, Captain! Why did you do that? We almost got dragged into trouble too!

Eeek!

Rufo, Beni! Chow Rebels, fall back! Mission failed, mission failed!!!

W-why are we running away?

Because she's the Captain, we have to escape together! That's what the Chow Rebels are all about!

Stop whining! Hurry up and follow me!!