The Day of Dragonfire
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Scene 1
Last Bastion
Vanguard Training Grounds
Vanguard Training Grounds
Astrid
Not here...she is not here!
Finally, for once, I have arrived first!
Finally, for once, I have arrived first!
Astrid
I see not even the Demon Instructor
begins training before the sun has risen—
begins training before the sun has risen—
Ludmilla
Ah, Astrid. You're early today.
Astrid
Ludmilla...!
Y-you are here already?
Y-you are here already?
Ludmilla
Yes, for a while now. I was just about to
take a short break.
take a short break.
Ludmilla's Subordinate 1
Good morning, Lady Astrid!
Ludmilla's Subordinate 2
How nice to see you here so early.
Astrid
Well, I just...
I simply felt like it today, that is all.
I simply felt like it today, that is all.
Ludmilla
Haha, that must be nice. Those born with
talent don't need to put in as much effort.
talent don't need to put in as much effort.
Ludmilla
I've been cutting into my sleeping time,
and I'm still no match for you.
and I'm still no match for you.
Ludmilla
I guess the world just isn't fair sometimes.
Astrid
Yes...inborn talent truly is unfair.
Astrid
No matter how I try, I am no match for
your dignity and poise.
your dignity and poise.
Astrid
I would trade my skill with the blade for
your discipline in an instant.
your discipline in an instant.
Ludmilla's Subordinate 1
Haha. It seems like you each have
something the other wants.
something the other wants.
Ludmilla's Subordinate 2
Still, I would like to see the sword skills
the Vice-Commander admires so.
the Vice-Commander admires so.
Ludmilla
That's not a bad idea. Could we impose
on you to teach us a few things, Astrid?
on you to teach us a few things, Astrid?
Astrid
So straightforward... Perhaps it is your
humility that makes all the difference.
humility that makes all the difference.
Astrid
Understood. I will gladly teach you
some of what I know.
some of what I know.
???
Don't be ridiculous, Astrid.
Astrid
Father!
Luther
Vice-Commander Aldyne has nothing to
learn from you.
learn from you.
Luther
She is a consummate soldier. Meanwhile,
you excel in bladework and nothing else.
you excel in bladework and nothing else.
Luther
Not a morning passes when I do not see
her training here before sunrise.
her training here before sunrise.
Luther
I see you have, for once, made an effort
to recall where the training ground is...
to recall where the training ground is...
Luther
But as my successor, you ought to be
the first one here every day. Am I wrong?
the first one here every day. Am I wrong?
Astrid
I...that is... The reports you assign me
often keep me up into the night, and...
often keep me up into the night, and...
Luther
More of your endless excuses?
Have some shame, girl.
Have some shame, girl.
Astrid
......
...Yes, sir.
...Yes, sir.
Luther
This is war. People are weak at the best
of times, and they look to us for guidance.
of times, and they look to us for guidance.
Luther
Those who lead must always be conscious
of the image they project to others.
of the image they project to others.
Luther
What do you suppose the soldiers think,
seeing you snoring while Ludmilla trains?
seeing you snoring while Ludmilla trains?
Astrid
...That the Vice-Captain is better suited
to lead than I am...
to lead than I am...
Luther
If you continue to embarrass yourself and
our family name in this fashion...
our family name in this fashion...
Luther
I cannot in good conscience entrust the
Vanguard to you.
Vanguard to you.
Astrid
...!
Luther
I believe I've made myself clear.
Ludmilla
Right, that's enough! Take a rest until
morning practice begins.
morning practice begins.
Ludmilla
Thank you, Astrid. That was a much
better session than usual.
better session than usual.
Astrid
It was nothing, truly. I must also
apologize for making a scene earlier.
apologize for making a scene earlier.
Ludmilla
The Commander didn't mean it, I'm sure.
He's just strict. You know that, right?
He's just strict. You know that, right?
Astrid
Haha. Yes, I know.
It is rather disheartening, all the same.
It is rather disheartening, all the same.
Ludmilla's Subordinate 1
We understand. The Vice-Commander is
always hard on us, too.
always hard on us, too.
Ludmilla's Subordinate 2
It really does sting, having such a perfect
soldier point out our flaws...
soldier point out our flaws...
Astrid
Very true. Next to Ludmilla, I have little
to commend me.
to commend me.
Ludmilla
What's this? Am I the bad guy now?
Astrid
Haha. Sometimes a superior officer must
be the bad guy for her subordinates.
be the bad guy for her subordinates.
Ludmilla
(Astrid...she's joking around, but I can
tell the Commander really hurt her.)
tell the Commander really hurt her.)
Ludmilla
(I hate seeing such a close friend in pain.
There must be something I can do...)
There must be something I can do...)
Ludmilla
Ah, so...those reports the Commander
mentioned. That sounds rough.
mentioned. That sounds rough.
Astrid
I suppose so, though mostly in volume
rather than in content.
rather than in content.
Ludmilla
Let me help out. That way, you can start
arriving to practice first...
arriving to practice first...
Ludmilla
And the Commander will have to
acknowledge your hard work. Right?
acknowledge your hard work. Right?
Astrid
...
Astrid
No...
No, thank you.
No, thank you.
Astrid
Father gave me that assignment as
training for my inheritance.
training for my inheritance.
Astrid
It loses its meaning if I have assistance.
Ludmilla
...I see. Sorry, I shouldn't have offered.
Forgive me.
Forgive me.
Astrid
N-no, think nothing of it.
Astrid
(I cannot rely on her. This work is proof
that Father still views me as his heir.)
that Father still views me as his heir.)
Astrid
(I must retain my dignity, at least. If I
give that up, what will I have left?)
give that up, what will I have left?)
Mysha
Oh, you're early today, Tori.
Or, wait, am I late?
Or, wait, am I late?
Astrid
No, we still have some time before
morning practice begins.
morning practice begins.
Ludmilla
We were just doing a bit of individual
practice.
practice.
Mysha
Ah, I see. As expected of the next
Commander and Vice-Commander...
Commander and Vice-Commander...
Mysha
(Things seemed pretty awkward here when
I arrived. Was I just imagining things?)
I arrived. Was I just imagining things?)
Mysha
(Ever since Ludmilla was made Vice-
Commander, there's been a tension there.)
Commander, there's been a tension there.)
Mysha
(They used to be like sisters, too... Maybe
it's unavoidable, given their positions.)
it's unavoidable, given their positions.)
Mysha
(And of course, I'm just a sergeant.
There's not much I can do for them...)
There's not much I can do for them...)
Mysha
Well, let's get started! Command is yours,
Lieutenant Astrid.
Lieutenant Astrid.
Mysha
You must be tired, Vice-Commander.
You're off-duty today, so why not rest—
You're off-duty today, so why not rest—
Ludmilla
Right! That means we've got free time for
more training! With me!
more training! With me!
Subordinates
Yes, ma'am!
Mysha
That's...
That's very like her.
That's very like her.
Astrid
...
Scene 2
Mysha
Star Platoon, form up!
Astrid
Good work today. I will now give each
squad your individual orders.
squad your individual orders.
Astrid
Squad 1 will oversee dragonfire transport.
It is vulnerable to shock, so be careful.
It is vulnerable to shock, so be careful.
Astrid
(Ludmilla is Vice-Commander, while I am
still only a lieutenant.)
still only a lieutenant.)
Astrid
(And even then, my command is smaller
than a platoon ought to be...)
than a platoon ought to be...)
Luther
Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Astrid.
Lieutenant Astrid.
Astrid
Huh? F-Father!
Star Platoon, to attention!
Star Platoon, to attention!
Luther
Disregard your previous orders. I have a
special mission for Star Platoon today.
special mission for Star Platoon today.
Astrid
A special mission?
Luther
We have reports of unrest in the Outer
City as of late.
City as of late.
Luther
The Inner City is protected by the Inner
Wall, and beyond that is the Outer City.
Wall, and beyond that is the Outer City.
Luther
A haven for refugees fleeing the
predations of the undead.
predations of the undead.
Luther
The disruption and chaos caused by their
numbers births strife in the Outer City.
numbers births strife in the Outer City.
Luther
This latest uproar is especially bad.
The Star Platoon is to handle it.
The Star Platoon is to handle it.
Astrid
(A military mission! Entrusted to us
personally... To me!)
personally... To me!)
Astrid
We hear and obey, Commander!
We will not let you down.
We will not let you down.
Luther
...Will that do?
Vice-Commander.
Vice-Commander.
Astrid
(Huh...?)
Ludmilla
Yes, sir. I believe the Star Platoon is a
fine choice for this mission.
fine choice for this mission.
Luther
Then I'll return to the command room.
With me, Vice-Commander.
With me, Vice-Commander.
Ludmilla
Yes, sir.
Astrid
(...Oh. So it was Ludmilla's suggestion
to give me the mission.)
to give me the mission.)
Astrid
(How pathetic I am. I have never felt so...
envious as I do watching her walk away.)
envious as I do watching her walk away.)
Astrid
(Knowing it is thanks to her that I even
have a chance to restore my name...)
have a chance to restore my name...)
Mysha
That's great, Tori! Now we have a chance
to show your father what we can do.
to show your father what we can do.
Astrid
Yes...
I suppose we do.
I suppose we do.
Astrid
Ludmilla may have a head start on us, but
we will not be caught flat-footed!
we will not be caught flat-footed!
Mysha
It's a little galling getting the chance
directly from her, though.
directly from her, though.
Mysha
Speaking as the Platoon's second-in-
command, that is.
command, that is.
Astrid
...Galling, Mya?
Mysha
Of course it is! But it's not all bad. It's
nice to compete again, like we all used to.
nice to compete again, like we all used to.
Astrid
Haha. We were always neck-and-neck
when we first joined, as I recall.
when we first joined, as I recall.
Mysha
You've always been great with studying
and bladework, so we had to catch up...
and bladework, so we had to catch up...
Mysha
Ludmilla's just on a lucky streak for now!
We'll show her we've still got it, together.
We'll show her we've still got it, together.
Astrid
Haha...right. We won't be losing forever.
Thank you, Mya.
Thank you, Mya.
Astrid
Star Platoon, we make for the Outer City.
Let us show them what we can do!
Let us show them what we can do!
Star Platoon
Yes, ma'am!
Astrid
(Morale is high. This is a fine opportunity
for us to make a name for ourselves.)
for us to make a name for ourselves.)
Astrid
(But even so... What is this unease I feel
deep in my chest?)
deep in my chest?)
Astrid
(Father, why do you only raise up
Ludmilla? Do you intend to abandon me?)
Ludmilla? Do you intend to abandon me?)
Astrid
(What am I to you, Father?
If this continues...)
If this continues...)
Astrid
(...I fear I may grow to hate Ludmilla
and my father both.)
and my father both.)
Scene 3
Luther
I apologize for taking your time, but there
is something I must have you confirm.
is something I must have you confirm.
Luther
Have a look at this map.
Ludmilla
The city and its environs. Are these two
red flags outside the Wall allied units, sir?
red flags outside the Wall allied units, sir?
Luther
Yes. The blue markers are undead.
Luther
Two allied companies, one to the north,
one to the south; both pinned down.
one to the south; both pinned down.
Luther
A much larger army of undead is
approaching and will arrive soon.
approaching and will arrive soon.
Luther
Both forces will be wiped out if they stay,
but only one can retreat. Your thoughts?
but only one can retreat. Your thoughts?
Ludmilla
What about their fighting fitness, materiel
stores, commanders, positions?
stores, commanders, positions?
Luther
Assume that the two are, for all intents
and purposes, identical.
and purposes, identical.
Ludmilla
Then...it makes no difference which
company is chosen to retreat.
company is chosen to retreat.
Luther
I see...
Ludmilla
Of course, as soon as one company had
retreated, I would assist the other as well.
retreated, I would assist the other as well.
Ludmilla
(This feels like a textbook question. Is this
just a test of my tactical ability?)
just a test of my tactical ability?)
Ludmilla
(Or will we be facing choices like this
in the near future?)
in the near future?)
Luther
Indeed. An orthodox answer.
Luther
Now, what if one company had half the
members? However, they are all Valkyries.
members? However, they are all Valkyries.
Ludmilla
Hm...the Valkyries are the elite of the
elite. Each one is worth several infantry.
elite. Each one is worth several infantry.
Ludmilla
In that case, the Valkyries are a more
valuable asset. I would prioritize them.
valuable asset. I would prioritize them.
Ludmilla
(I dislike weighing the lives of soldiers
against each other...)
against each other...)
Ludmilla
(But a soldier must be logical.
The Valkyries are more important.)
The Valkyries are more important.)
Ludmilla
(Hah...Astrid would be furious with me
for making a choice like this.)
for making a choice like this.)
Luther
Then, what if one company consisted of
only a single survivor?
only a single survivor?
Luther
However, if that survivor perishes, the
front is lost.
front is lost.
Luther
Could you sacrifice an entire company
for the survival of one soldier?
for the survival of one soldier?
Ludmilla
I have several questions. First, can one
soldier's fate really decide a battle?
soldier's fate really decide a battle?
Ludmilla
The logistics involved in effecting either
retreat would also affect my answer.
retreat would also affect my answer.
Luther
It's merely a thought exercise. Make your
choice with only the information you have.
choice with only the information you have.
Ludmilla
Then there is no choice at all. To avoid
defeat, the single soldier must be saved.
defeat, the single soldier must be saved.
Ludmilla
Losing a front means losing Last Bastion.
A single company pales in comparison.
A single company pales in comparison.
Ludmilla
This is our last stand against the undead.
Losing the city means the end of humanity.
Losing the city means the end of humanity.
Ludmilla
In light of that, any and all options must
be considered, even distasteful ones.
be considered, even distasteful ones.
Ludmilla
At least, that is my opinion.
From a commander's perspective.
From a commander's perspective.
Luther
That, Vice-Commander,
is the correct answer.
is the correct answer.
Luther
The survival of Last Bastion must be our
foremost priority in this war.
foremost priority in this war.
Luther
The Commander of the Vanguard must be
able to recognize this truth.
able to recognize this truth.
Luther
Truly, you are a model soldier. I knew I
made the right decision appointing you.
made the right decision appointing you.
Ludmilla
Thank you, sir.
Luther
There's just one problem.
You are far too soft on Astrid.
You are far too soft on Astrid.
Ludmilla
...
Luther
She prioritizes any suffering individual
over the survival of all humanity...
over the survival of all humanity...
Luther
In peacetime, that would be an admirable
quality. But we are at war.
quality. But we are at war.
Luther
Her attitude is dangerous, and you must
not encourage it nor allow it.
not encourage it nor allow it.
Luther
But you have, repeatedly, out of your
friendship with her. Am I wrong?
friendship with her. Am I wrong?
Ludmilla
...
Perhaps not, sir.
Perhaps not, sir.
Luther
If Astrid succeeds me with such weakness
left in her, the Vanguard will crumble.
left in her, the Vanguard will crumble.
Luther
The future of humanity depends on
whether she can be tempered into shape.
whether she can be tempered into shape.
Luther
This is your highest priority. See to it
that she is made into a proper leader.
that she is made into a proper leader.
Luther
Do not allow her weakness to imperil
this city. Only you can do this.
this city. Only you can do this.
Ludmilla
Yes, sir. I swear, I will guide Astrid onto
the right path.
the right path.
Scene 4
Refugee 1
Haha! This war will all be over soon! The
Heroes will defeat all the undead at once!
Heroes will defeat all the undead at once!
Refugee 2
Break open the stores! Get the wine
flowing! We're feasting tonight!
flowing! We're feasting tonight!
Astrid
Take those two into custody.
Try not to injure them.
Try not to injure them.
Mysha
Hmph. Unrest, my foot...
This is just a bunch of idiots merrymaking.
This is just a bunch of idiots merrymaking.
Refugee 1
Hey, let me go! Blasted soldier! Can't we
even have a party in this damn city?!
even have a party in this damn city?!
Astrid's Subordinate 1
You have no basis to say that the
war will be over soon.
war will be over soon.
Astrid's Subordinate 2
Food stores are precious. You're the ones
who will starve if you waste them all.
who will starve if you waste them all.
Refugee 2
Tch, bootlickers. Once the war is over,
we won't need soldiers like you anymore.
we won't need soldiers like you anymore.
Refugee 1
Once you're all out of work, you're the
ones who will be starving, not us!
ones who will be starving, not us!
Astrid's Subordinate 1
Shut up! You don't work, you don't pay
taxes. You just cower behind our walls!
taxes. You just cower behind our walls!
Astrid
There is no call to be abusive to these
people.
people.
Astrid's Subordinate 1
B-but, Lieutenant...
Astrid
All living beings are allies in this war.
Even a single life lost strengthens our foe.
Even a single life lost strengthens our foe.
Astrid
Squabbling amongst ourselves only aids
the enemy. I will not allow it.
the enemy. I will not allow it.
Astrid's Subordinate 1
Y-yes, ma'am.
Forgive me, ma'am.
Forgive me, ma'am.
Astrid
Confine these people until they have
cooled their heads, and then release them.
cooled their heads, and then release them.
Astrid's Subordinate 1
Yes, ma'am!
Astrid
The two Heroes of Erden, blessed by the
Sage, bearing the storied Sword...
Sage, bearing the storied Sword...
Astrid
And even now, those Heroes are on their
way to banish the Evil One.
way to banish the Evil One.
Mysha
It's a common story, yeah...
It gives them hope, at least.
It gives them hope, at least.
Mysha
Though it's a fantasy at best.
I guess I don't really mind it too much.
I guess I don't really mind it too much.
Astrid
I would not mind it at all, if it were not
inspiring disturbances like this one.
inspiring disturbances like this one.
Mysha
The world's a pretty hopeless place. I can
see why they want an excuse to celebrate.
see why they want an excuse to celebrate.
Astrid
But if we do not step in, this uproar will
spread through the Outer City.
spread through the Outer City.
Mysha
The whole city would end up convinced
the war was ending tomorrow, I'm sure.
the war was ending tomorrow, I'm sure.
Astrid
If we do not deny the rumor proactively,
our silence will be taken as endorsement.
our silence will be taken as endorsement.
Mysha
Everyone wants the war to end. We all
want to be optimistic.
want to be optimistic.
Astrid
But the instant the truth returns, that
chaotic hope will turn to crushing despair.
chaotic hope will turn to crushing despair.
Mysha
Even the Vanguard would be shaken.
We could even get riots.
We could even get riots.
Astrid
Our best option now is to stop this rumor
before it spreads to the Inner City.
before it spreads to the Inner City.
Astrid
(Father, I will not let you down. I will do
what I must, as your successor.)
what I must, as your successor.)
Astrid
We have almost reached the center of this
uproar. Star Platoon...
uproar. Star Platoon...
Astrid
Suppress this disturbance. Do not use
force on anyone who is unarmed.
force on anyone who is unarmed.
Astrid
Move out!
Astrid
?!
Astrid
What...is this?
The sky is pitch black...
The sky is pitch black...
Mysha
Look at the Pyre! It's flared up...like a
tower of flame on the horizon!
tower of flame on the horizon!
Astrid's Subordinate 1
Lieutenant! The revelers in the Outer City
are descending into chaos!
are descending into chaos!
Astrid's Subordinate 2
The soldiers are shaken, too. We need
orders before they begin to panic.
orders before they begin to panic.
Astrid
Calm the Platoon. Then, begin directing
people indoors. Arrest anyone panicking.
people indoors. Arrest anyone panicking.
Astrid's Subordinates
Yes, ma'am!
Astrid
(What is this? Whatever it is, I must stay
calm. It is time to prove myself...)
calm. It is time to prove myself...)
Scene 5
Ludmilla
What...what is that?! I've never seen
the Pyre blaze so high!
the Pyre blaze so high!
Luther
I have, once, decades ago. On the day
the undead invasion began.
the undead invasion began.
Ludmilla
The invasion...!
Then that means...
Then that means...
Luther
We can't say for sure, but something is
bound to happen. Prepare for the worst.
bound to happen. Prepare for the worst.
Ludmilla
The worst... Sir, does that mean...
Luther
A horde of undead the likes of which we
have never seen before.
have never seen before.
Luther
Before, their force was divided between
pockets of mortal resistance across Erden.
pockets of mortal resistance across Erden.
Luther
But now that Last Bastion is our final
stand in truth as well as in name...
stand in truth as well as in name...
Ludmilla
Then every single undead on Erden is
on its way here.
on its way here.
Scout
Commander! We have reports of an army
on the horizon, vast beyond counting!
on the horizon, vast beyond counting!
Luther
Vice-Commander, call the Valkyries.
I want you all shoring up the Outer Wall.
I want you all shoring up the Outer Wall.
Ludmilla
Yes, sir!
Astrid's Subordinate 1
The first undead have reached the
Outer Wall!
Outer Wall!
Astrid
We cannot defend the Wall ourselves.
Prepare to fight within the Outer City!
Prepare to fight within the Outer City!
Astrid's Subordinate 1
Yes, ma'am.
I'll pass it on to the squad leaders.
I'll pass it on to the squad leaders.
Mysha
Tori, what about the people living here
in the Outer City?
in the Outer City?
Mysha
Should we evacuate them into the Inner
City? Or have them bunker down?
City? Or have them bunker down?
Astrid
I would much prefer to evacuate them,
but...
but...
Mysha
If we do, there'll barely be any space for
anyone in the Inner City or the keep.
anyone in the Inner City or the keep.
Astrid
Yes. The gates will be crammed, and
the Vanguard will be unable to mobilize.
the Vanguard will be unable to mobilize.
Mysha
We don't have the manpower to lead an
evacuation, either. It's just not happening.
evacuation, either. It's just not happening.
Astrid
...Understood. Call the civilian leaders
together. I will speak with them.
together. I will speak with them.
Astrid
Combat will soon be joined within the city.
Shelter inside, and do not leave.
Shelter inside, and do not leave.
Astrid
Reinforcements will arrive soon. You need
only hold out for a short time.
only hold out for a short time.
Refugee Man 1
And yer sure of that, are ye?
Mysha
Of course. The Outer City is a valuable
part of Lost Bastion.
part of Lost Bastion.
Mysha
The Commander would never abandon it.
That's why the Outer Wall was built.
That's why the Outer Wall was built.
Refugee Man 2
Alright...I'll buy it. I've had enough
running from those undead freaks.
running from those undead freaks.
Mysha
Thanks for understanding.
Child
Waaah...hic...
Waaaaah...!
Waaaaah...!
Refugee Woman 1
Now, now, don't cry.
There's no call for that.
There's no call for that.
Refugee Man 1
Can't hardly blame the lad, though.
I ain't happy with it neither.
I ain't happy with it neither.
Astrid
Do not worry, child. We will protect you.
Child
Y-you will, miss?
R-really?
R-really?
Astrid
Yes, I promise. So be strong, and listen
to your mother. Can you do that?
to your mother. Can you do that?
Child
Yeah... I can! I'll do my best!
Astrid
Now, then. Barricade yourselves within
your homes as soon as possible.
your homes as soon as possible.
Astrid
...Phew.
Mysha
Well, at least they're working with us.
Astrid
When the Wall falls, many of them will
die. And it will fall, make no mistake.
die. And it will fall, make no mistake.
Mysha
...Even so, we don't have time to grieve.
Mysha
Once you become Commander, you'll have
to make even more decisions like this.
to make even more decisions like this.
Astrid
...Yes, I know.
I have to focus.
I have to focus.
Astrid
First, we must report to Father. Mya,
take this down.
take this down.
Astrid
Large force of undead approaching. Close
the Inner City gates and harden defenses.
the Inner City gates and harden defenses.
Astrid
I recommend setting up dragonfire traps
in unpopulated sectors of the Outer City.
in unpopulated sectors of the Outer City.
Astrid
Star Platoon will lead the undead into
these traps, as possible. End message.
these traps, as possible. End message.
Mysha
It's a great plan, Tori. I'll get our fastest
runner on it.
runner on it.
???
Astrid!
Astrid
Ludmilla!
Ludmilla
We're here to thin their numbers
along the Outer Wall!
along the Outer Wall!
Astrid
Be careful! The enemy force is massive.
Ludmilla
We'll handle it. I've brought my
best soldiers with me.
best soldiers with me.
Ludmilla
Let's go!
Astrid's Subordinate
That concludes the report from
Lieutenant Astrid, in the field.
Lieutenant Astrid, in the field.
Luther
Good work. Tell her her message has
been received.
been received.
Astrid's Subordinate
Yes, sir!
Luther
Abandon the Outer Wall and focus on
defending the Inner City. A wise choice.
defending the Inner City. A wise choice.
Luther
A strategy that cannot succeed without
sacrifice... And the correct choice.
sacrifice... And the correct choice.
Luther
You've grown, Astrid. I'll have to
commend you next time we meet.
commend you next time we meet.
Scene 6
Ludmilla
Vice-Commander Aldyne, reporting.
Luther
Good work, Vice-Commander. I've
received word of your Valkyries' success.
received word of your Valkyries' success.
Luther
Mere hours since the attack began, and
you've defeated hundreds of undead.
you've defeated hundreds of undead.
Luther
Still, the situation remains dire.
Ludmilla
Yes, sir. The enemy force has only grown.
The Outer Wall will fall, sooner or later...
The Outer Wall will fall, sooner or later...
Luther
...And after that, surely Last Bastion
itself, you think?
itself, you think?
Luther
Your youth betrays you, Vice-Commander.
I can tell what you're thinking.
I can tell what you're thinking.
Ludmilla
...
Luther
Don't lose hope yet. I planned for this
eventuality when the city was built.
eventuality when the city was built.
Ludmilla
Is there some other option...?
Luther
Yes...the first undead invasion was Hell
on Erden. Truly horrific to behold.
on Erden. Truly horrific to behold.
Luther
So, I had mages work veins of dragonfire
into the foundation of the Outer Wall.
into the foundation of the Outer Wall.
Luther
Countless tendrils of the stuff, like roots,
stretching deep underground.
stretching deep underground.
Luther
When the undead take the Wall...
It can converted into a colossal bomb.
It can converted into a colossal bomb.
Ludmilla
The Wall itself...? But if such a bomb
were to be detonated...
were to be detonated...
Luther
The damage to the Outer City will likely
be severe, yes.
be severe, yes.
Luther
Almost all of the refugees beyond the
Inner Wall will perish.
Inner Wall will perish.
Luther
This is intended as a last resort, of
course. I'm open to any other options.
course. I'm open to any other options.
Ludmilla
...
...I cannot think of any.
...I cannot think of any.
Luther
Excellent. Then I'll assume you will be
assisting me in this plan.
assisting me in this plan.
Luther
It takes two to activate the dragonfire,
after all.
after all.
Luther
Two sigils concealed on the Outer Wall
must be activated to arm the bomb.
must be activated to arm the bomb.
Luther
Once both sigils are activated, there's a
15 minute delay before detonation...
15 minute delay before detonation...
Luther
But we cannot afford to evacuate anyone.
The undead are not fools.
The undead are not fools.
Luther
If they see a mass retreat, they'll pull
back for sure.
back for sure.
Luther
I will activate the sigil on the southern
wall. You take the north.
wall. You take the north.
Luther
Its location and activation ritual are
written in this book. Here.
written in this book. Here.
Ludmilla
Yes, sir...
I will move out as soon as possible.
I will move out as soon as possible.
Luther
Ah, I do have one other request.
Ludmilla
Yes, sir?
Luther
Before you activate the sigil, tell Astrid
to distance herself from the Outer Wall.
to distance herself from the Outer Wall.
Luther
She's my successor, after all. She must
survive to lead humanity someday.
survive to lead humanity someday.
Ludmilla
Understood.
Ludmilla
(It seems there are some lives he's not
willing to sacrifice after all...)
willing to sacrifice after all...)
Scene 7
Undead
Uuurggh...ghghgg...
Astrid
The undead have reached the Wall, and
appear to have stopped moving.
appear to have stopped moving.
Mysha
Maybe they've realized they can't climb
up, after the welcome we gave them.
up, after the welcome we gave them.
Astrid
If only they would give up entirely...
Astrid
?!
W-what was that?!
W-what was that?!
Mysha
The undead all rammed against the wall
at once!
at once!
Astrid
They are bringing siege beasts to the wall,
too. This is very bad.
too. This is very bad.
Mysha
At this rate, it's only a matter of time
before the Wall comes down!
before the Wall comes down!
Astrid
Star Platoon, fall back from the Wall!
Set up defenses within the Outer City.
Set up defenses within the Outer City.
Ludmilla
Astrid...
Astrid
Ludmilla! Did Father agree to enact my
proposal?
proposal?
Astrid
What of the traps? I am concerned we
may not have enough dragonfire.
may not have enough dragonfire.
Astrid
But this way, we can hold a new defense
line within the city, even if the Wall falls.
line within the city, even if the Wall falls.
Astrid
And it will fall, soon. You must call your
troops to fall back.
troops to fall back.
Astrid
I must say, I had expected you and
Father to stay at headquarters.
Father to stay at headquarters.
Astrid
It would be easiest to oversee the entire
front from there, after all...
front from there, after all...
Ludmilla
Astrid.
Astrid
Ah, I apologize for talking so much. I am
just so relieved to see you, I suppose.
just so relieved to see you, I suppose.
Astrid
In any case, yes. About the dragonfire—
Ludmilla
The Commander has decided to execute
a different stratagem.
a different stratagem.
Astrid
...Huh?
Ludmilla
Let me explain.
...Somewhere private.
...Somewhere private.
Astrid
You plan to destroy the undead and the
Wall all at once?!
Wall all at once?!
Ludmilla
I've been ordered to remove you from the
blast zone. Evacuate immediately.
blast zone. Evacuate immediately.
Ludmilla
Mysha, you go too. But you can't bring
your Platoon. The undead will notice.
your Platoon. The undead will notice.
Mysha
Wait. If we do this, a lot of people are
going to die. Does the Commander...
going to die. Does the Commander...
Astrid
He must realize that.
Astrid
I ordered the residents of the Outer City
to shelter in their homes.
to shelter in their homes.
Astrid
If the Wall explodes, every single one of
those people will die!
those people will die!
Astrid
Ludmilla, did you really agree to this?!
Even knowing that?!
Even knowing that?!
Ludmilla
I know, Astrid. But there's no other way
to save Last Bastion...to save humanity.
to save Last Bastion...to save humanity.
Ludmilla
There's no guarantee that a new line will
hold. Really, it's almost guaranteed to fail.
hold. Really, it's almost guaranteed to fail.
Ludmilla
And when that happens, the undead will
swarm into the Inner City.
swarm into the Inner City.
Astrid
Then, if we fall back to the keep—
Ludmilla
The keep walls won't hold against the
massed dead of Erden. You know that.
massed dead of Erden. You know that.
Astrid
Then, we fight in the streets...buy time to
evacuate the citizens to another location.
evacuate the citizens to another location.
Ludmilla
There is no other location.
Ludmilla
An evacuation would be picked and torn
at by undead from all sides.
at by undead from all sides.
Ludmilla
If the Inner City falls, humanity falls.
It's as simple as that.
It's as simple as that.
Ludmilla
Fighting in the streets... Don't be childish.
Astrid
If we fight and fall, and our people are
killed, then that is one thing.
killed, then that is one thing.
Astrid
But to massacre them ourselves...!
And you call yourself a soldier?
And you call yourself a soldier?
Ludmilla
...They'll all die anyway, when the Outer
Wall falls.
Wall falls.
Astrid
Those people held off on evacuation
because they believe in the Vanguard.
because they believe in the Vanguard.
Astrid
Even now, trembling in fear,
they believe that we will save them!
they believe that we will save them!
Astrid
This is...taking advantage of their faith in
us to lead them to the slaughter!
us to lead them to the slaughter!
Astrid
This is...it is immoral!
I will never support this madness!
I will never support this madness!
Ludmilla
(There she goes again...prioritizing her
ideals and feelings over logic.)
ideals and feelings over logic.)
Ludmilla
(She doesn't realize what her weakness
will lead to. I thought she knew better...)
will lead to. I thought she knew better...)
Astrid
If we enact my proposed plan, we can
weather the assault without this madness!
weather the assault without this madness!
Astrid
Ludmilla, please! With your support,
surely Father will reconsider...
surely Father will reconsider...
Ludmilla
Why should the Commander of the
Vanguard listen to a mere lieutenant?
Vanguard listen to a mere lieutenant?
Astrid
Ludmilla...!
Ludmilla
Plans on the front can be overturned in
an instant. Every commander knows this.
an instant. Every commander knows this.
Ludmilla
You clung to your plan and commanded
the citizens to remain in their homes.
the citizens to remain in their homes.
Ludmilla
You didn't account for possible changes
in strategy. Anything that happens now...
in strategy. Anything that happens now...
Ludmilla
Is on you and your strategic error.
Astrid
My... Error...
Ludmilla
I don't blame you for it.
Everyone makes mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes.
Ludmilla
Under the circumstances, I likely would
have made the same choice.
have made the same choice.
Ludmilla
But I can bear the consequences of that
choice. Even the tragic ones.
choice. Even the tragic ones.
Ludmilla
I see you can't. And that means that
all of this is just lip service to your pride.
all of this is just lip service to your pride.
Astrid
!
Ludmilla
All those times I covered for you were
a mistake.
a mistake.
Ludmilla
You just want the title of Commander.
You don't understand what it entails.
You don't understand what it entails.
Ludmilla
If you become Commander, your naivete
will be the death of humanity someday.
will be the death of humanity someday.
Ludmilla
The Commander saw that. That's why he
scolded you - hoping you would learn.
scolded you - hoping you would learn.
Ludmilla
But now I can see. You've never had what
it takes to lead, and you never will.
it takes to lead, and you never will.
Mysha
Ludmilla, you're going too far!
Astrid
...It seems that you and I are more
different than I had thought.
different than I had thought.
Astrid
If you do this, enact the evacuation first.
Otherwise, I will not move from this spot.
Otherwise, I will not move from this spot.
Ludmilla
I said the same thing. But the enemy will
realize something is amiss if we do.
realize something is amiss if we do.
Ludmilla
This is an order from the Commander
himself. You are to obey.
himself. You are to obey.
Astrid
Haha...so in the end, all you can do is
parrot my father's words, I see.
parrot my father's words, I see.
Ludmilla
What?!
Astrid
Choices, you say, but all you have chosen
is to become my father's mouthpiece.
is to become my father's mouthpiece.
Astrid
You were once so brave and proud,
Ludmilla. I looked up to you.
Ludmilla. I looked up to you.
Astrid
You would never sacrifice innocent lives
without exhausting every other option.
without exhausting every other option.
Astrid
...I promised to protect these people.
If that means fighting you, so be it.
If that means fighting you, so be it.
Mysha
Tori, stop it!
Ludmilla
If this is how it has to be...
Mysha
Ludmilla, no!
Please, you two! Calm down!
Please, you two! Calm down!
Astrid
Here I come, Ludmilla!
Scene 8
Mysha
Stop it! Both of you, stop this!
Astrid
Mya, help me! We cannot allow this
to happen!
to happen!
Ludmilla
Mysha, I need your help! Wasting time
like this helps no one!
like this helps no one!
Astrid
Enough!
Ludmilla
Ngh...!
Mysha
Tori...! That was aimed at her throat...
Are you seriously trying to kill Ludmilla?!
Are you seriously trying to kill Ludmilla?!
Ludmilla
(She got me in the shoulder...and I
lost my sword. So this is it...)
lost my sword. So this is it...)
Ludmilla
You always were the better swordfighter.
Astrid
...
Ludmilla
Are you going to kill me?
Astrid
I do not want to.
But...
But...
Ludmilla
This will make you stronger. Bear the
consequences...even the tragic ones.
consequences...even the tragic ones.
Astrid
...Thank you for everything, Ludmilla.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Astrid
...Aah?!
Mysha
I cut your Achilles tendon, Tori.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Ludmilla
Mysha...
Are you crying?
Are you crying?
Mysha
Of course I am...I don't want to kill my
friends, or watch you kill each other!
friends, or watch you kill each other!
Astrid
Why, Mya? We could have...
We had already won...!
We had already won...!
Mysha
I thought about it, and...I think Ludmilla
is right. We can't let the city fall.
is right. We can't let the city fall.
Mysha
We can't waste this chance. Even if it
brings about so much death...
brings about so much death...
Ludmilla
Thank you for seeing sense, Mysha.
Mysha
I just want you and Tori to make up.
That's my condition for helping you.
That's my condition for helping you.
Mysha
I won't be around anymore, so...you have
to treasure each other instead, okay?
to treasure each other instead, okay?
Ludmilla
What do you mean?
Mysha
You take Tori back to headquarters for
treatment. I'll activate the sigil.
treatment. I'll activate the sigil.
Mysha
Then...I'll face my fate along with
everyone else.
everyone else.
Astrid
!
Mysha
I turned on Tori for this plan. I'm willing
to take responsibility for that.
to take responsibility for that.
Mysha
So, please, Tori...
Don't hate Ludmilla.
Don't hate Ludmilla.
Astrid
No... No, Mya! Don't do this!
Ludmilla
I see you've made up your mind...
Mysha
Yeah, I have.
Ludmilla
...Understood.
Ludmilla
...There's a 15 minute delay on the blast.
Enough time for you to evacuate.
Enough time for you to evacuate.
Ludmilla
Just keep it in mind, okay?
I would hate to lose your talents.
I would hate to lose your talents.
Mysha
Thanks. That's kind of you to say.
Ludmilla
...I'll see you at headquarters, Mysha.
Mysha
...Goodbye, you two.
Astrid
Mya...! Mya!
Mya, wait!
Mya, wait!
Astrid
Mya...!
No...!
No...!
Ludmilla
Let's go. We have to leave...or we'll be
among the thousands of sacrifices.
among the thousands of sacrifices.
Ludmilla
(Thousands of lives...what a staggering
number...)
number...)
Astrid
Ha...haha. Now you hesitate? The
weight of this sin will cling to you for life.
weight of this sin will cling to you for life.
Astrid
The blood of thousands of innocents on
your hands, forever. Haha...
your hands, forever. Haha...
Ludmilla
...I know that. Pragmatism doesn't mean
I feel the weight any less heavily.
I feel the weight any less heavily.
Ludmilla
I'll carry their suffering with me. And it
will save the lives of countless more.
will save the lives of countless more.
Ludmilla
My hands may be stained with blood, but
at least humanity will endure!
at least humanity will endure!
Ludmilla
If you can't accept that, all you're doing
is running from reality.
is running from reality.
Astrid
...
Ludmilla
(Poor girl. To have leadership thrust upon
her just because of her bloodline...)
her just because of her bloodline...)
Ludmilla
(When she doesn't even grasp this
simple, brutal truth.)
simple, brutal truth.)
Ludmilla
(How can I help her? How can I shape her
into the leader she needs to become?)
into the leader she needs to become?)
Luther
The survival of Last Bastion must be our
foremost priority in this war.
foremost priority in this war.
Luther
If Astrid succeeds me with such weakness
left in her, the Vanguard will crumble.
left in her, the Vanguard will crumble.
Ludmilla
(The Vanguard will crumble...)
Ludmilla
(Just now, she disobeyed an order from
her superior and endangered the city.)
her superior and endangered the city.)
Ludmilla
(She even raised her blade to me, delaying
a strategy that will destroy the undead.)
a strategy that will destroy the undead.)
Ludmilla
(Her hubris blinds her to her failures, and
her childish ideals blind her to reality...)
her childish ideals blind her to reality...)
Ludmilla
(What's more, she recognizes all this and
makes no effort to correct herself.)
makes no effort to correct herself.)
Ludmilla
(An unfit candidate in almost all ways,
with no room to change.)
with no room to change.)
Ludmilla
(But even so, her bloodline alone will win
her enough support to advance...)
her enough support to advance...)
Ludmilla
(What an unfortunate girl...from
the beginning to the end.)
the beginning to the end.)
Astrid
No...
Mya...everyone...
Mya...everyone...
Ludmilla
...
I should go.
I should go.
Astrid
Sniffle... Lend me your shoulder, please.
I cannot walk.
I cannot walk.
Ludmilla
No. I'm done, Astrid.
I won't coddle you anymore.
I won't coddle you anymore.
Astrid
...What?! If you leave me here...
The explosion will kill me!
The explosion will kill me!
Astrid
What...what about your promise with Mya?
Ludmilla
Compared to the survival of humanity,
a promise...means nothing.
a promise...means nothing.
Ludmilla
Protecting Last Bastion is my top priority.
Saving you will make that impossible.
Saving you will make that impossible.
Astrid
...Oh, so that is it!
Finally, I see your true colors.
Finally, I see your true colors.
Ludmilla
What are you saying?
Astrid
You talk of making choices, but all you
have chosen is blind obedience!
have chosen is blind obedience!
Astrid
If you claim your bloodstained hands
will save humanity, then so be it.
will save humanity, then so be it.
Astrid
But your own humanity is long gone.
You are no more than a monster.
You are no more than a monster.
Ludmilla
...
...Say whatever you like.
...Say whatever you like.
Ludmilla
Goodbye, Astrid. May your next life be
a kinder one, in a kinder world.
a kinder one, in a kinder world.
Astrid
Ludmilla? You do not have to do this.
Ludmilla, please!
Ludmilla, please!
Astrid
Ludmillaaaa!!
Scene 9
Ludmilla
(This should be far enough to be safe.)
Ludmilla
(The sigil should have just been
activated. I have another 15—)
activated. I have another 15—)
Ludmilla
?!
Ludmilla
(What...happened? I can't see with all
the smoke...)
the smoke...)
Ludmilla
Cough, cough... The air's filled with soot.
And the Wall is...gone.
And the Wall is...gone.
Ludmilla
...It looks like I was right on the edge of
the affected area.
the affected area.
Ludmilla
The explosion came far too fast, though.
Did the sigils malfunction...?
Did the sigils malfunction...?
Ludmilla
...
I'd better return to HQ.
I'd better return to HQ.
Ludmilla
Vice-Commander Aldyne, reporting in.
Luther
...
Welcome back, Vice-Commander.
Welcome back, Vice-Commander.
Ludmilla
(...Something's not right. He seems...
Surprised to see me.)
Surprised to see me.)
Luther
Did you have a subordinate activate
the sigil, then?
the sigil, then?
Ludmilla
...
(Why would he ask that?)
(Why would he ask that?)
Ludmilla
No, sir. Mysha of the Star Platoon
volunteered to share the civilians' fate...
volunteered to share the civilians' fate...
Luther
...I see. A regrettable loss.
Ludmilla
(Ah, so that's what it was.)
Ludmilla
However, I did notice an irregularity in
the explosion, sir.
the explosion, sir.
Ludmilla
The time between activation of the sigils
and the explosion was abnormally short.
and the explosion was abnormally short.
Luther
...
Ludmilla
In fact, given the timing, I would guess
that the explosion happened immediately.
that the explosion happened immediately.
Ludmilla
As a result, I was barely able to escape
the blast zone, and still suffered injury.
the blast zone, and still suffered injury.
Ludmilla
...May I request an explanation.
Commander?
Commander?
Luther
As you've guessed, I lied. There
was no time delay on the sigils at all.
was no time delay on the sigils at all.
Ludmilla
...
Luther
I set you to find Astrid to buy time for
my retreat after activating my sigil.
my retreat after activating my sigil.
Luther
One of us had to die for this plan to
succeed. I chose you.
succeed. I chose you.
Luther
It's only natural to fear death. Even the
bravest warrior may quail when it comes.
bravest warrior may quail when it comes.
Luther
Thus, I decided to hide the fact that this
mission would require your death.
mission would require your death.
Ludmilla
I told Mysha she had 15 minutes, that
she had time to change her mind.
she had time to change her mind.
Ludmilla
I thought she would see sense. I thought
for sure she would choose to live.
for sure she would choose to live.
Ludmilla
She was always smart. I believed until the
end she wouldn't throw her life away...
end she wouldn't throw her life away...
Ludmilla
That was...my one hope in all of this.
So this...
So this...
Ludmilla
...I am ashamed by how readily I accepted
your words.
your words.
Luther
Hmph. Don't sulk, it's unbecoming.
The city is safe. That's all that matters.
The city is safe. That's all that matters.
Ludmilla
I'm not questioning the results, I'm
questioning your methods!
questioning your methods!
Luther
What? Suddenly sacrifices become
unacceptable when it's you on the line?
unacceptable when it's you on the line?
Ludmilla
...
Luther
Do you remember our thought exercise,
Vice-Commander?
Vice-Commander?
Luther
I praised you for your correct answers,
but you actually made one mistake.
but you actually made one mistake.
Luther
You were uncertain whether a single life
could win or lose the day.
could win or lose the day.
Luther
Do you recall?
Ludmilla
I have several questions. First, can one
soldier's fate really decide a battle?
soldier's fate really decide a battle?
Luther
Yes. A single life can absolutely change
the course of a war.
the course of a war.
Luther
If that life belongs to an excellent
commander or strategist.
commander or strategist.
Luther
In today's battle, my survival was our
victory condition.
victory condition.
Ludmilla
...
Luther
That's not conceit.
It's the simple truth.
It's the simple truth.
Luther
Since the invasion began, humanity's
strongholds have fallen one by one.
strongholds have fallen one by one.
Luther
Only Last Bastion, my fortress, still
stands to this day.
stands to this day.
Luther
Every other stronghold has fallen, due to
their commanders' incompetence.
their commanders' incompetence.
Luther
No matter what else is sacrificed, so long
as the city and I survive, humanity wins.
as the city and I survive, humanity wins.
Ludmilla
I agree. Last Bastion and her Commander
are needed to safeguard humanity.
are needed to safeguard humanity.
Ludmilla
But you misjudged me. I would gladly give
my life for humanity's survival.
my life for humanity's survival.
Luther
I imagine so. If it weren't for Astrid, you
would be the Vanguard's most loyal asset.
would be the Vanguard's most loyal asset.
Ludmilla
...What does Astrid have to do with my
loyalty?
loyalty?
Luther
It was possible you would tell her of your
mission. You've always been soft on her.
mission. You've always been soft on her.
Luther
She would never be able to approach the
matter rationally. Worse...
matter rationally. Worse...
Luther
She might even try to appeal to your
emotions and get you to reconsider.
emotions and get you to reconsider.
Luther
Or possibly even attack you. For a time,
I was worried she'd even succeeded.
I was worried she'd even succeeded.
Luther
Her naivete is truly fearsome. She can
turn even proud soldiers into cowards.
turn even proud soldiers into cowards.
Luther
But my fear was unfounded. You've
successfully completed your mission.
successfully completed your mission.
Luther
Astrid is inconsolable, I'm sure, but
she'll see the necessity in time.
she'll see the necessity in time.
Ludmilla
...No, I would say that your fears
were very reasonable.
were very reasonable.
Luther
...What do you mean?
Ludmilla
Astrid challenged me to single combat.
She gave me this wound here.
She gave me this wound here.
Ludmilla
She fought to stop me, and protect the
civilians in the Outer City...
civilians in the Outer City...
Luther
...Ha. She never changes. Here I had
hoped she might have grown out of it.
hoped she might have grown out of it.
Luther
I'll have to do something to beat that
mawkish foolishness out of her.
mawkish foolishness out of her.
Luther
Any threat to Last Bastion's stability must
be excised without hesitation.
be excised without hesitation.
Ludmilla
...Yes, I agree completely.
Luther
Guh...!
Ludmilla... You...!
Ludmilla... You...!
Ludmilla
The monopolization of the Commander's
seat by the Draclows weakens this city.
seat by the Draclows weakens this city.
Ludmilla
You're an old man, and rather than
make a rational choice of successor...
make a rational choice of successor...
Ludmilla
You forced your daughter to carry the
weight of a role she was unsuited for.
weight of a role she was unsuited for.
Ludmilla
All to prop up your own legacy,
at humanity's expense.
at humanity's expense.
Ludmilla
You've misled this city for long enough.
It's time for it to end.
It's time for it to end.
Ludmilla
Last Bastion will endure, with or without
you. I'll make sure of that.
you. I'll make sure of that.
Guard 1
What happened?!
We heard a gunshot!
We heard a gunshot!
Guard 2
C-Commander?!
Ludmilla
The Commander has retired from his post.
I am Commander now.
I am Commander now.
Ludmilla
Are there any objections?
Guard 1
N-no, ma'am.
Guard 2
Please excuse us!
Ludmilla
I will protect Last Bastion. Even if I have
to become a monster to do it.
to become a monster to do it.
Ludmilla
For Astrid, Mysha, and all the rest...
I won't let any of this be in vain.
I won't let any of this be in vain.