Gyurelle, The Fallen Dragon
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A Traitorous Aeon Lord
Devout Man
When I saw Him, I felt as though the truth
of the world had been revealed to me.
of the world had been revealed to me.
Devout Man
Profound reverence. Worship. Veneration.
I drowned in admiration of His name.
I drowned in admiration of His name.
Devout Man
Surely, I thought, surely, it was
my Lord—the true God of this world!
my Lord—the true God of this world!
Devout Man
I had not a shred of doubt that it was so.
And yet...
And yet...
Creak...
The intricate door is pushed open,
releasing a groan from its ancient hinges.
releasing a groan from its ancient hinges.
The gaze of the figure seated inside falls
upon the visitor.
upon the visitor.
The Eternal
REJOICE.
Devout Man
(I'd braced myself, but I really don't feel
any divine majesty or love...)
any divine majesty or love...)
Devout Man
Good morning to you, too...
You whom I once called "God."
You whom I once called "God."
Rayth
I, Rayth the Venerable Puppetmaster...
Rayth
have decided to betray you.
Rayth
Oh, how it pains me...
The Eternal
...!
The Eternal
REJOICE... EXHAUSTING EVERY
SENSE...
SENSE...
The Eternal
IN YOUR IGNORANT...
QUEST FOR TRUTH.
QUEST FOR TRUTH.
Rayth
Oh, enough out of you.
You, who lacks the majesty of the gods...
You, who lacks the majesty of the gods...
Rayth
Unfortunately, I am no longer like you—
a mere puppet to be manipulated.
a mere puppet to be manipulated.
Rayth
While I would be intrigued to look beyond,
to the hidden man behind the curtain...
to the hidden man behind the curtain...
Rayth
I am shocked to discover that I do not
consider you a god.
consider you a god.
Rayth
Not any more.
Rayth
This world has no gods...
Rayth
for the gods are dead.
Rayth
Now then. My deepest apologies, but I am
a busy man.
a busy man.
Rayth
After all, I must depart to seek God.
Or, rather...
Or, rather...
Rayth
if there are no gods, then I have no choice
but to become Him.
but to become Him.
Rayth
May you rest for eternity—
The Eternal
I COMMAND YOU.
Rayth
...!?
The Eternal
OBEY.
The Eternal
PURIFY.
Rayth
...
Rayth
Are those your final words to me?
If so, then I refuse.
If so, then I refuse.
Rayth
I have already overwritten your
commands.
commands.
Rayth
As I suspected, you are no god.
Oh, the pain!
Oh, the pain!
Rayth
I respectfully return the name
"Venerable Puppetmaster" unto you.
"Venerable Puppetmaster" unto you.
Rayth
Pleasant days to you both—
the false god, and you, the Hidden One.
the false god, and you, the Hidden One.
The Eternal
REJOICE...
The Eternal
REJOICE... RE...JOICE!!!!
Rayth
Oh, you resist? It is futile, you know.
Anyhow, I'll leave the rest up to them.
Anyhow, I'll leave the rest up to them.
Rayth
Go, my puppets. Take it away!
Xandra
GRAAAAAAGH!
Dorsata
HAAAAAAGH!
Argento
—Rayth.
Rayth
Oh, Argento. You've returned.
Rayth
I was not expecting you back so soon.
Argento
The tempering completed ahead of
schedule. I've lined up a buyer, too.
schedule. I've lined up a buyer, too.
Rayth
Most excellent news!
Rayth
If I'd known you were here, I wouldn't
have used those old fossils.
have used those old fossils.
Argento
You would have "used" me instead?
And you think I would've just let you?
And you think I would've just let you?
Rayth
Haha, I would expect not.
Argento
Rayth... Are you planning to defy His
word and flee?
word and flee?
Argento
Do you even think it possible?
Rayth
I appreciate your concern.
However, I have devised a plan.
However, I have devised a plan.
Rayth
He cannot easily reach me if I am in
a village that doesn't exist.
a village that doesn't exist.
Argento
A nonexistent village?
...Doesn't matter. This is all too foolish.
...Doesn't matter. This is all too foolish.
Rayth
Foolish, is it...
Rayth
Oh, if only I were able to continue to see
his façade, as you do. Ignorance is bliss.
his façade, as you do. Ignorance is bliss.
Argento
Yeah, well, I guess my "eyes" aren't so
good.
good.
Rayth
Perhaps you should forge some glasses
so you can see the world more clearly.
so you can see the world more clearly.
Argento
Ha! I've no interest in anything but
weaponry.
weaponry.
Rayth
As always. So long, Argento.
Perhaps we'll meet again someday.
Perhaps we'll meet again someday.
Argento
You really are a fool, Rayth...
Rayth
So, this is it... The nonexistent village.
Rayth
The stink of pious heretics fills the air.
Guard
Hey, you there!
Rayth
Oh, my, a dutiful guard!
Do forgive my boorishness.
Do forgive my boorishness.
Rayth
(Guards stationed inside rather than out.
They seem to be more like prison guards,
They seem to be more like prison guards,
Rayth
monitoring inmates to prevent escape.)
Guard
You don't look like a peddler...
You some kind of missionary?
You some kind of missionary?
Rayth
Indeed, I seek God.
Guard
God, huh? Well, whatever.
Guard
But listen here, missionary. You'd better be
prepared if you enter this village.
prepared if you enter this village.
Rayth
Meaning...?
Guard
We've got a rule here.
Anyone that attempts to leave is executed.
Anyone that attempts to leave is executed.
Rayth
Haha, you don't say?
Thank you for the laugh.
Thank you for the laugh.
Guard
If you think I'm joking, you'd better turn tail
and run while you still can.
and run while you still can.
Rayth
Oh, I'm afraid I can't do that.
Guard
A missionary on a "mission," eh?
Anything you want to talk about?
Anything you want to talk about?
Rayth
Well, aren't you the caring one.
Guard
I sure am! My family loves that I'm the
gentle type.
gentle type.
Rayth
How lovely... It will truly break my heart to
hear your screams.
hear your screams.
Guard
Screams...?
Rayth
Yes.
Guard
Ngh...
Gggnh... Ngah—
Gggnh... Ngah—
Rayth
Repeat after me.
God's love is everything.
God's love is everything.
Guard
God's love...is...eeeverythiiing.
Rayth
Hmm, that was a little off.
Some minor tweaking should do it.
Some minor tweaking should do it.
Guard
Grgh... Gngh...
Rayth
Once again.
God's love is everything.
God's love is everything.
Guard
...God's love is...everything.
Rayth
Much better.
You are now my puppet.
You are now my puppet.
Guard
I am...your puppet.
Rayth
Now then, show me around the village.
Guard
...Yes, sir.
Knock, knock
Village Chieftain
I'm comin'... Oh, a guard. What can I do for
you? Shouldn't you be at your post?
you? Shouldn't you be at your post?
Guard
...I brought a guest.
Village Chieftain
Huh? Who's this?
Rayth
Allow me to introduce myself.
I am Rayth, a traveling missionary.
I am Rayth, a traveling missionary.
Guard
...I've checked him out...
He is not...a threat.
He is not...a threat.
Village Chieftain
If you'll vouch for him, then...
Very well.
Very well.
Rayth
My thanks. Rumor has it you're the
chieftain of this fine village?
chieftain of this fine village?
Village Chieftain
Yes, I'm in charge here.
Rayth
So the rumors were true.
It is an honor to meet you.
It is an honor to meet you.
Village Chieftain
No need for such formality. We're a
humble village, nothing too special.
humble village, nothing too special.
Guard
...I must go...
Village Chieftain
Oh, yes. You're still on the clock,
aren't you? Thanks for your work.
aren't you? Thanks for your work.
Rayth
Thank you kindly.
You may return to your post.
You may return to your post.
Guard
...Farewell, good sirs...
Village Chieftain
...Hmm?
Rayth
Something the matter?
Village Chieftain
No, I've just never heard him
speak so formally before.
speak so formally before.
Rayth
Perhaps he is nervous from showing
me around.
me around.
Village Chieftain
Maybe... Probably. We haven't had visitors
here in quite a spell. I'll put some tea on.
here in quite a spell. I'll put some tea on.
Rayth
Oh, no, it's alright.
Village Chieftain
It's no bother. I've got some fine tea leaves,
and you must be thirsty. I insist.
and you must be thirsty. I insist.
Rayth
How gracious of you.
Thank you for your hospitality.
Thank you for your hospitality.
Rayth
That was delicious.
Village Chieftain
The fertile land around Dragro is to thank
for that. It's a gift from the Great Dragon.
for that. It's a gift from the Great Dragon.
Rayth
The Great Dragon is the deity worshipped
in these parts?
in these parts?
Village Chieftain
Yes. We hold a festival in Its name every
year.
year.
Rayth
Are sacrifices part of the events? Say, with
persons of high magical ability offered—
persons of high magical ability offered—
Village Chieftain
...
Village Chieftain
Haha, of course a missionary would be
well versed in our rituals!
well versed in our rituals!
Village Chieftain
Though, the sacrifices are merely symbolic.
We aren't actually offering—
We aren't actually offering—
Rayth
Oh, my goodness gracious, I've offended
you! I am deeply sorry for the implication!
you! I am deeply sorry for the implication!
Village Chieftain
No, no. There's no need to apologize. To a
clergyman like yourself, it must seem a
clergyman like yourself, it must seem a
Village Chieftain
barbaric practice.
Rayth
Your kindness knows no bounds.
In light of that, may I ask you a question?
In light of that, may I ask you a question?
Village Chieftain
What is it?
I'll answer if I'm able.
I'll answer if I'm able.
Rayth
There is one more person in this house,
isn't there?
isn't there?
Rayth
Perhaps a young girl with powerful magic
ability, a perfect candidate for sacrifice—
ability, a perfect candidate for sacrifice—
Village Chieftain
H-How could you know that...!?
Rayth
When I mentioned sacrifice, your hands
balled into fists and your gaze turned
balled into fists and your gaze turned
Rayth
toward the stairs.
Rayth
This is a large house, much more spacious
than would be needed for a man and his
than would be needed for a man and his
Rayth
wife alone.
Rayth
I deduced that you must have a child as
well, but everyone in the village says
well, but everyone in the village says
Rayth
no child lives here.
Rayth
Which tells me you are keeping them
hidden.
hidden.
Village Chieftain
...Did you pull some kind of trick on me?
Rayth
You don't want to make your offering?
Your own child—
Your own child—
Village Chieftain
...Th-That's not it!
It's just, making her the sacrifice...
It's just, making her the sacrifice...
Village Chieftain
It would be too dangerous!
Rayth
Oh, my! What a fascinating choice of words.
Rayth
It would be too dangerous...
Rayth
For your daughter? Or perhaps...
for the village.
for the village.
Rayth
I see, I see. Quite the unexpected twist,
I must say.
I must say.
Rayth
It's not unheard of, you know, to have
someone with exceptional powers they
someone with exceptional powers they
Rayth
aren't able to fully control—
Rayth
And to have their parents keep them hidden,
concerned with how society may view them.
concerned with how society may view them.
Village Chieftain
You...
Rayth
However, that is not a bad thing!
Rayth
In fact, it is marvelous! I have long sought
such a powerful person!
such a powerful person!
Rayth
It is a gift, a revelation!
A divine revelation!
A divine revelation!
Rayth
Dear God, hidden though You are,
I am eternally grateful!
I am eternally grateful!
Village Chieftain
Wh... What are you talking about?
What the hell do you—hmpff, mph...
What the hell do you—hmpff, mph...
Rayth
I am but a humble servant of God.
Village Chieftain
Gah... Ahh... Aaaaaahhh!
Rayth
Pious, obedient, yes—an agent of God.
Village Chieftain
Ah, gah gah...
Rayth
For that reason, I shall be needing your
daughter. You understand, don't you?
daughter. You understand, don't you?
Village Chieftain
......Y...es...
Rayth
Heh heh. Very good.
Rayth
Oh, how magnificent!
Rayth
Frugality is a true testament of faith,
and it is embodied by this sanctuary—
and it is embodied by this sanctuary—
Rayth
Wouldn't you agree?
???
...Oh, um...
???
Yes...
Rayth
Very good.
Rayth
From now on, this is your home.
Isn't that nice?
Isn't that nice?
Rayth
Well, Gyurelle?
Gyurelle
...Yes, Mr. Rayth.
Heroes on the Move
Clang, clang, clang, clang...
A somewhat pleasant sound rings out,
echoing through the dark cave.
echoing through the dark cave.
Argento the blacksmith exhales deeply, and
senses the presence of someone behind him.
senses the presence of someone behind him.
While tending to the fire, he mutters quietly
to the figure behind him.
to the figure behind him.
Argento
Well, well. Look who's finally back.
Argento
You could have at least sent a damn letter.
You had me worried sick.
You had me worried sick.
Argento
Anyway. Let's have a look.
Show me how you've done.
Show me how you've done.
Argento
Excellent. You've gathered quality
materials, as usual. I've raised you well.
materials, as usual. I've raised you well.
Argento
Ah, before I forget.
You wanna test out my latest piece?
You wanna test out my latest piece?
Argento
Don't be shy now. You'll be swinging it like
a champ in no time, but I won't force it on
a champ in no time, but I won't force it on
Argento
you if it's not your style.
Argento
Okay, okay. Your payment's over there.
I've got my hands full here, so help yourself.
I've got my hands full here, so help yourself.
Argento
Your eye has become quite sharp.
Argento
Wasn't long ago you couldn't tell a simple
rock from ore.
rock from ore.
Argento
What, you're leaving already?
Stick around a bit. Let's chat.
Stick around a bit. Let's chat.
Argento
No need to be so cold all the time.
I know you can't stand me, but still.
I know you can't stand me, but still.
Argento
Oh, and I have another task for you.
Argento
This one's not from me.
It comes straight from on high.
It comes straight from on high.
Argento
You're free to refuse, though
knowing you I doubt that'll happen.
knowing you I doubt that'll happen.
Argento
Enough of that, you say? Alright, I'll get right
to it.
to it.
Argento
Your task is this:
Argento
Days ago, Aeon Lord Rayth betrayed us—
or former Aeon Lord Rayth, I should say.
or former Aeon Lord Rayth, I should say.
Argento
You are to revoke his Eternity.
Argento
Gone already... Guess I should be glad
she's getting straight to work.
she's getting straight to work.
Argento
But this job will be tough. It's not one she
oughta rush into blindly.
oughta rush into blindly.
Argento
There's nothing that weapon cannot
destroy, but all the same...
destroy, but all the same...
Argento
Anything could happen when going up
against Rayth.
against Rayth.
Argento
Perhaps I should get her some backup,
just to be safe.
just to be safe.
Blue sky stretches as far as the eye can see.
Beneath it, four travelers walk a rugged
mountain path.
mountain path.
Druke
When the hell did she slip away?
Rody
Who?
Druke
Alira!
Yuki
I hadn't even noticed she's gone.
Rody
Haha, she hasn't changed a bit since we
met her.
met her.
Druke
This is no laughing matter, partner.
We're on assignment.
We're on assignment.
Callen
It is Alira, I am sure she will be fine.
No need to worry about her.
No need to worry about her.
Druke
Who's worried? I just mean, whatever
happened to teamwork!?
happened to teamwork!?
Rody
Whoa! Never thought I'd hear that word
from you!
from you!
Callen
What is next, snow in the Habsu Desert?
Druke
HEY!
Rody
Easy now, calm down.
Oh, wait. I think we've lost Cyrus, too.
Oh, wait. I think we've lost Cyrus, too.
Druke
...Totally unorganized, as per usual.
We've got to get it together.
We've got to get it together.
Yuki
Will there be enough of us to finish our
assignment?
assignment?
Rody
Investigating "the nonexistent village"?
I guess the unexpected could happen.
I guess the unexpected could happen.
Rody
Remember Tuatha Village?
Callen
Speaking of which, Dragro was supposedly
once wiped out by a massive earthquake.
once wiped out by a massive earthquake.
Callen
Now the village is a hot topic in all reaches.
I find that a little odd.
I find that a little odd.
Yuki
The talk could be nothing but gossip, right?
Yuki
Luther does have a habit of sending us off
to investigate unfounded rumors.
to investigate unfounded rumors.
Rody
Yeah, and the assignments have been
constant this month...
constant this month...
Rody
Not to mention you've been bearing most
of the burden.
of the burden.
Yuki
Oh, I'm fine. You're the one who's suffering!
Yuki
It's been ages since you've seen Finn!
Rody
True, but we need to find out what's got
everyone talking about Dragro again.
everyone talking about Dragro again.
Rody
Something's happening. Or rather, is
about to happen.
about to happen.
Rody
We've got to be there when it does.
Rody
It's just a hunch, but a strong one.
Yuki
Rody...
Rody
Plus, I want to ensure that when Finn is
all grown, the world is a brighter place
all grown, the world is a brighter place
Rody
than it is now.
Rody
I don't think I'll be heading back to Finn
and Sarina for a while yet.
and Sarina for a while yet.
Yuki
Making the world a better place for your
child—
child—
Yuki
I doubt anyone can object to a reason like
that.
that.
Druke
When you do get home, be sure to share
tales of your adventures with him.
tales of your adventures with him.
Druke
You've got no shortage of those.
Callen
We have plenty we can tell him ourselves.
Callen
We can regale him for days with tales of
his father's recklessness and stupidity.
his father's recklessness and stupidity.
Rody
H-Hey! You'd better talk me up at
least a little! I'm his father!
least a little! I'm his father!
Druke
Sorry, partner, no can do!
Callen
It is the duty of a mature adult to be
honest with children.
honest with children.
Yuki
Hehe, you're right. Let's wrap this job up
and head back as quickly as we can!
and head back as quickly as we can!
Rody
Sounds like a plan. Can't wait to get back
to my family.
to my family.
Rody
So, Callen. What was this supposedly
vanished village like?
vanished village like?
Callen
It was one of few in the world where
humans lived alongside dragonkin.
humans lived alongside dragonkin.
Rody
And what are dragonkin?
Callen
A race descended from humans and a
dragon deity.
dragon deity.
Callen
They had horns and extraordinary abilities.
Callen
Their abilities were so precious that
dragonkin were often the victims of
dragonkin were often the victims of
Callen
trafficking and unfounded accusations of
all sorts. They faced severe persecution.
all sorts. They faced severe persecution.
Callen
Dragro Village was a place for them to
escape their hardships. It was their oasis.
escape their hardships. It was their oasis.
Druke
What kinds of abilities did they have?
Callen
Well, you see—
Rayth
Hmm.
—
Rayth
Gyurelle, your power remains unchanged.
Rayth
The power to merely "distort"...
Rayth
Other dragonkin can harden their skin,
turn clods of soil to iron, and more.
turn clods of soil to iron, and more.
Rayth
The Dragon God, your ancestor, was said to
possess the ability to convert dust into gold.
possess the ability to convert dust into gold.
Rayth
Yet, you can do nothing but warp objects.
Gyurelle
I... I'm sorry...
Rayth
Oh, do not distort that pretty face of
yours too. There is no need for apologies.
yours too. There is no need for apologies.
Gyurelle
Mr. Rayth...
Rayth
However, if you were to use that ability of
yours on a person, I do wonder what the
yours on a person, I do wonder what the
Rayth
result would be.
Gyurelle
On a person...
Rayth
They would likely be disfigured, as that
crystal is.
crystal is.
Gyurelle
No... No...
I'd never...!
I'd never...!
Rayth
You say that, but everything you touch
becomes warped, yes? Have you never
becomes warped, yes? Have you never
Rayth
touched a person?
Gyurelle
No... I've never left my room...
Gyurelle
And I never will!
Gyurelle
I'll never go...outside...
Rayth
I see, I see. That comes as such a relief.
Rayth
That is a trial you must face, bestowed by
God. Do not forget this vow you have made.
God. Do not forget this vow you have made.
Gyurelle
...Okay. I won't.
Rayth
Ah, before I forget. About your parents—
Gyurelle
Mother and Father...!
Rayth
Unfortunately, they won't be able to come
this week, either.
this week, either.
Rayth
They are quite busy with their duties
in the village, it seems.
in the village, it seems.
Gyurelle
Oh...
Rayth
Now then, take good care of the sanctuary
for me, my little priestess.
for me, my little priestess.
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
I will...
Gyurelle
All alone... Again...
Gyurelle
(It's nothing new by now...)
Villager Child
Heeey, what's for dinner?
Villager
Hmm, how does fried chicken sound?
Gyurelle
(I can hear voices outside...)
Villager Child
Yaaaaaay!
Villager
Alright, let's hurry home!
Gyurelle
(Sounds like they're having fun...)
BAM...
Gyurelle
Huh?
Gyurelle
Am I hearing things...?
BAM, BAM...!
Gyurelle
!!!
Unwanted Power
BAM, BAM, BAM...!
Gyurelle
(Someone must be outside, pounding on the
sanctuary door...)
sanctuary door...)
???
Open...up... Help...me...
Gyurelle
(A woman...? She sounds so weak! I must
help her!)
help her!)
Gyurelle
(I'm not supposed to talk to anyone, but...
She sounds desperate!)
She sounds desperate!)
Click...
Gyurelle
Wait there, I'll open—
Gyurelle
She came inside...!
???
Ma...ma...
Gyurelle
(Oh, no, she collapsed!)
Gyurelle
Um, excuse me...
Gyurelle
What do I do, what do I do?
???
Ungh... Hmm?
???
Where am I...?
???
(So I'm inside that building I saw...)
???
(The damage from destroying the aegis
must've been enough to make me collapse...)
must've been enough to make me collapse...)
???
A blanket?
???
Who put this blanket on me? Was it...you?
Gyurelle
Uh, um...
???
Why are you hiding over there in the
corner?
corner?
Gyurelle
Umm...
Gyurelle
I...
???
C'mon already, say something.
You're making me mad.
You're making me mad.
Gyurelle
Oh...
Gyurelle
I'm sorry...
???
(Weak little twerp...
Time to have some fun.)
Time to have some fun.)
Ossia
My name is Ossia. What's yours, ma'am?
Gyurelle
Ma'am...!?
Gyurelle
I'm sorry if I'm wrong, but, er...
Are you, um...
Are you, um...
Gyurelle
Younger...than you look?
Ossia
Yeah, I'm five.
Gyurelle
Five!?
Ossia
(I was created five years ago, so it's
technically true.)
technically true.)
Ossia
(But I don't wanna answer a million questions,
so I'll just drop it.)
so I'll just drop it.)
Gyurelle
Ossia... You're acting so mature...
That's so amazing...
That's so amazing...
Ossia
What? Is that all?
Gyurelle
I... I'm sorry... I've never...done this
before...
before...
Ossia
(I hate being hounded with questions, but
she hasn't even asked a single one.)
she hasn't even asked a single one.)
Ossia
(This kid is bizarre...)
Ossia
So, what's your name, ma'am?
What should I call you?
What should I call you?
Gyurelle
Oh, uh... My name! Right!
Gyurelle
My name is...um...
Gyurelle
I'm...Gyurelle.
Gyurelle
I-I'm sorry...
Ossia
(What is she apologizing for? She keeps
stammering, it's annoying as hell.)
stammering, it's annoying as hell.)
Ossia
(But...why does she look so...delicious?)
Rumble...
Ossia
...!
Did you hear that?
Did you hear that?
Ossia
Ahem. My stomach is rumbling.
Gyurelle
Oh, um, I... Ah!
Gyurelle
R-Right, um... I'm sorry I didn't offer
anything. I'll fix you something right now!
anything. I'll fix you something right now!
Ossia
Huh? Wait, so you'll feed me?
Gyurelle
Yes... You can have anything here in the
sanctuary.
sanctuary.
Ossia
Anything, you say? I see.
Ossia
In that case, I think I'll have you.
You look so delicious.
You look so delicious.
Gyurelle
Um... What do you mean?
Ossia
Heehee, don't worry...
I'll only take a little...
I'll only take a little...
Gyurelle
N-No...! Stay away from me!
Ossia
Huh? What's up with you, ma'am?
Gyurelle
You can't touch me...
Gyurelle
I don't want you to get all messed up...
Gyurelle
Like...that crystal...
Gyurelle
Like that time...
Gyurelle
Like that doll—
Gyurelle
La la la— ♪
Mr. Bunny should be like this...
Mr. Bunny should be like this...
Gyurelle
Teeheehee ♪
There you go, just like that!
There you go, just like that!
Gyurelle's Father
What are you up to, Gyurelle?
Gyurelle
Oh, Dad! I'm playing dress-up with
Mr. Bunny!
Mr. Bunny!
Gyurelle's Father
Haha. Dress-up, eh?
Gyurelle's Father
I'm glad you like your birthday present.
Gyurelle's Father
Will you let dad play too—
Gyurelle's Father
...Gyurelle? What is that thing you're
holding?
holding?
Gyurelle
It's Mr. Bunny! Isn't he cute?
—
Gyurelle's Father
This is the doll I gave you...!?
Gyurelle's Father
Give it here!
Gyurelle
No, I don't wanna!
Gyurelle's Father
Give it to me now!
Gyurelle's Father
This is... I knew it. Transmutation.
Gyurelle
Dad, give him back!
Gyurelle's Father
S-Stay away!
Gyurelle
Huh...?
Gyurelle
WAAAAAAAAAH!
Gyurelle's Father
Quit crying! Someone will hear you!
Gyurelle
Sniff... Waaaaaah...
Gyurelle's Father
Listen here, Gyurelle—you're never to go
anywhere near anyone, ever!
anywhere near anyone, ever!
Gyurelle's Father
For your own good!
Gyurelle's Father
Got it!?
Gyurelle
At first, I didn't understand why he would
say that. I thought my father was just
say that. I thought my father was just
Gyurelle
being mean to me.
Gyurelle
But then, after he locked me in my room,
he talked to my mother...
he talked to my mother...
Gyurelle
And I heard everything.
Gyurelle's Father
That girl is too dangerous.
Gyurelle's Father
I knew she had high magical ability,
but nothing like this.
but nothing like this.
Gyurelle's Mother
She was to be the most powerful of our
people... To master the power of
people... To master the power of
Gyurelle's Mother
transmutation...
Gyurelle's Father
You are not to let her out of that room.
Gyurelle's Father
If that had been not a doll,
but a person...
but a person...
Gyurelle
My power...hasn't changed...
So stay far, far away from me.
So stay far, far away from me.
—
Ossia
("Transmutation", the ability to alter
things with a mere touch...)
things with a mere touch...)
Ossia
(Because of it, she was shunned. And after
being locked away in her room, she's now
being locked away in her room, she's now
Ossia
being kept in this cold, dark place...)
Ossia
(She, too, was born with power she doesn't
desire.)
desire.)
Gyurelle
Ah...
Gyurelle
I'm sorry... I scared you, didn't I...
Ossia
Who, me?
Gyurelle
Wait, so...you're not scared?
Ossia
Nope. Not at all.
Gyurelle
You're... You're lying. If you touch me,
you'll get all...messed up.
you'll get all...messed up.
Gyurelle
That would be scary for anyone.
Gyurelle
You're... You're really not scared?
Not even a little?
Not even a little?
Ossia
Ugh, quit it. I heard you the first time.
Gyurelle
I'm...sorry...
Gyurelle
But I'm glad... I think.
Gyurelle
That someone isn't afraid of me...
Gyurelle
(Wait... Wasn't there one other person who
wasn't scared of me...?)
wasn't scared of me...?)
Rumble, rumble...
Ossia
I can't wait any longer. Just a nibble.
Gyurelle
No, you can't!
Gyurelle
Um, I'll bring you something else!
Gyurelle
J-Just wait there!
Ossia
And off goes my snack.
Promises Must Be Kept
SMASH!!!
Ossia
(What was that noise?
And is that smoke...?)
And is that smoke...?)
Ossia
Did Rayth return and light a fire?
No, that can't be it.
No, that can't be it.
Ossia
There must be a more logical explanation.
Ossia
It must be that girl—
Ossia
Gyurelle?
Ossia
...
Ossia
What are you doing?
Gyurelle
Aaagh...
Gyurelle
Aw...
Gyurelle
Ossia... I was just...
Gyurelle
I was just trying to make some oatmeal...
For you! To eat!
For you! To eat!
Gyurelle
It's supposed to be really healthy,
so I thought...
so I thought...
Gyurelle
Umm...
Ossia
You're such a klutz.
Gyurelle
But I...!
Ossia
Why is there so much smoke?
It's just oatmeal!
It's just oatmeal!
Gyurelle
I've never...cooked anything before...
Gyurelle
Um, but it's okay. I'll get it right this time.
Gyurelle
First, we...
Gyurelle
Ahh!
Gyurelle
Waaaaaagh! Nooo!
CRASH!!!
Gyurelle
Neeeh...
Ossia
(She took quite a spill. She's clearly got no
idea what she's doing.)
idea what she's doing.)
Ossia
You are way too clumsy. It hurts just
watching you.
watching you.
Gyurelle
Oof, told off by a five-year-old...
Ossia
What were you trying to get?
Gyurelle
Some bread... I thought there's no way
I could mess that up...
I could mess that up...
Ossia
It's up there?
Gyurelle
Yeah...
Ossia
I'll get it for you.
Gyurelle
Oh... Thank you...
Ossia
This here?
Ossia
Got it. And here's yours.
Gyurelle
Huh?
Ossia
Right, no touching. I'll put yours over here
on the table.
on the table.
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
Thank you...
Ossia
What, you don't like bread?
Gyurelle
No, it's not that. It's just... Teehee.
It's just...you know.
It's just...you know.
Gyurelle
I always eat alone.
Gyurelle
I don't even remember the last time...
I shared a meal with someone else.
I shared a meal with someone else.
Ossia
Huh. That's weird.
Gyurelle
Yeah, I guess it is...
Ossia
But who cares? You're hungry, aren't you?
Eat up.
Eat up.
Gyurelle
Right... Let's eat!
Ossia
Munch, munch...
Gyurelle
Munch, munch...
Ossia
Dry like sand. And bland.
No hint of sweetness.
No hint of sweetness.
Gyurelle
I'm sorry... This is all we have...
Gyurelle
This is all Mr. Rayth gives me...
Ossia
And who's that Rayth?
Gyurelle
Uh... He's the priest here...
Ossia
I see.
Ossia
(...It's just as I was told. Former Aeon Lord
Rayth is operating from this sanctuary.)
Rayth is operating from this sanctuary.)
Ossia
Hey, ma'am. When's this Rayth going to be
back?
back?
Gyurelle
Um, I don't know...
Ossia
When he comes back, don't tell him
about me, okay? You might get in trouble.
about me, okay? You might get in trouble.
Gyurelle
With Mr. Rayth? Maybe... He might be
mad that I let someone into the sanctuary.
mad that I let someone into the sanctuary.
Ossia
Promise me! You've gotta keep promises to
your friends!
your friends!
Gyurelle
Friends...? C-Can we be friends?
Ossia
What, you don't wanna?
Gyurelle
No, I do! ...I want to be friends.
Ossia
Good, then swear you'll keep our promise.
Gyurelle
I will! I swear!
Ossia
...Simpleton.
Gyurelle
A what-ton?
Ossia
Nothing! Anyway, I think it's about time.
Gyurelle
What do you mean, Ossia? What are you...
Huh?
Huh?
Gyurelle
I'm suddenly so sleepy... What did...?
Ossia
Good night, Gyurelle. Remember,
promises made to friends must be kept.
promises made to friends must be kept.
Gyurelle
Os...sia...
Ossia
Now then...
Ossia
(He no longer has the title, but Rayth
was an Aeon Lord like me. I won't
was an Aeon Lord like me. I won't
Ossia
have a chance at taking his Eternity with
how much damage I've taken.)
how much damage I've taken.)
Ossia
(I need to replenish my magic somewhere.)
Gyurelle
Wha...? Did I...
Gyurelle
Ossia? Where are you?
Gyurelle
She's gone. I'm all alone...again.
SLAM—
Creak!
Creak!
Gyurelle
Who was that?
Oh, maybe it's Ossia...!
Oh, maybe it's Ossia...!
Gyurelle
Oh...
Gyurelle
Mr. Rayth...
Rayth
Phew, so you haven't run off.
Rayth
Heh, I was mistaken. Of course, of course,
you would never dream of leaving—
you would never dream of leaving—
Rayth
But then, why is the aegis broken?
Rayth
Who, oh who, would dare set foot in my
sanctuary uninvited?
sanctuary uninvited?
Gyurelle
Um, Mr. Rayth...? What's wrong—
Rayth
Gyurelle.
Gyurelle
Y-Yes, sir...!
Rayth
Was there someone else here? Tell me the
truth, now.
truth, now.
Gyurelle
U-Umm...
Rayth
Was there someone here or not? That's all
I'm asking. Now, let's hear your answer.
I'm asking. Now, let's hear your answer.
Rayth
Why do you not respond?
Rayth
Silence is rebellion against God, I won't
let it go unpunished.
let it go unpunished.
Rayth
Dearest Lord!
O God, my God! Give me strength!
O God, my God! Give me strength!
Gyurelle
Mr. Rayth... I, uhh...
Gyurelle
Um, I, um, must have fallen asleep...
I, um, don't know what...
I, um, don't know what...
Rayth
Gyurelle, that is not an answer to my
question.
question.
Rayth
My question was, WHO WAS HERE!?
That's all.
That's all.
Rayth
Who was it? Tell me now, Gyurelle.
Rayth
Spit it out.
Spit it out.
Spit it out.
Rayth
—TELL ME.
Gyurelle
I... I don't know...
Rayth
You don't know?
Gyurelle
I don't...know anything...!
Rayth
Oho.
Rayth
You claim ignorance, yet you don't deny
someone was here.
someone was here.
Gyurelle
No, wait, I... No one was here...!
Rayth
Gyurelle.
Rayth
I ask again.
Rayth
This is the last time.
Rayth
Who was here? With whom did you meet?
Gyurelle
(Mr. Rayth is scaring me... But I have to
keep my promise to my friend...)
keep my promise to my friend...)
Gyurelle
(..."Promises made to friends
absolutely must be kept.")
absolutely must be kept.")
Gyurelle
(Just like that other time...)
Gyurelle
(...Wait, what other time?)
Rayth
Gyurelle!
Gyurelle
There...
Gyurelle
There was no one here...
Rayth
Oh? Ohoho!
Rayth
Haha... HAHAHAHA!!!
Rayth
Isn't this just marvelous? I never thought
YOU would be the one to betray ME—
YOU would be the one to betray ME—
Rayth
Such a thing has never happened...in all
my years...
my years...
Rayth
Not even once...
Rayth
You shall have no freedom from now
until the day of the ritual.
until the day of the ritual.
Rayth
It is for your own good. Understood?
Gyurelle
Yes, sir...
Rayth
Good, then the issue is resolved.
Rayth
Now then, it is time to carry out your
duties.
duties.
Rayth
You are before the Great Dragon.
Remove your gloves and lie upon the altar.
Remove your gloves and lie upon the altar.
Gyurelle
Forgive the intrusion, Great Dragon...
Rayth
You are to someday become one
with God.
with God.
Rayth
Isn't that fantastic? You must be so happy.
Rayth
Oh, glorious God! Witness the purification
of this holy maiden!
of this holy maiden!
Gyurelle
Nghaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
Gyurelle
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Rayth
It feels as though your body is being cut
into a thousand pieces, doesn't it?
into a thousand pieces, doesn't it?
Rayth
However, your cries of pain are a
manifestation of your sanctification.
manifestation of your sanctification.
Rayth
Now then, absorb more magic, until your
your body and mind can take no more!
your body and mind can take no more!
Rayth
More, more, more, MORE!
Gyurelle
AAAAAAAAAHHH...
AAAHHHHHHHHH! NOOOOOOOOO!!!
AAAHHHHHHHHH! NOOOOOOOOO!!!
Gyurelle
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Gyurelle
Aaauuuhhhhh... Aaahhh...
Aaahhh... Huff, huff...
Aaahhh... Huff, huff...
Gyurelle
No... No more... Mercy, please...
Rayth
If you cannot take it, I'll find another who
can. If you break, so be it.
can. If you break, so be it.
Rayth
Now, let's continue with a bit more.
Rayth
You shall be a fine offering indeed!
Gyurelle
No, no more... No— AAAHHH!
A Captive Dragon
Rody
So this is Dragro Village.
Yuki
It was easier to find than expected.
Everyone says it's nonexistent,
Everyone says it's nonexistent,
Yuki
so I thought it'd at least be somewhat
hidden...
hidden...
Rody
Maybe the name is due to its
inaccessibility? Or its lack of resources?
inaccessibility? Or its lack of resources?
Druke
The soil smells fine to me.
Yuki
There's plenty of fruit growing around here.
Yuki
They should have no issue trading with
neighboring villages.
neighboring villages.
Callen
It is hard to imagine how a village this
small can get by without trade.
small can get by without trade.
Druke
So why the "nonexistent" moniker if
peddlers and whatnot come and go?
peddlers and whatnot come and go?
Druke
Somethin' about this stinks.
Rody
Let's take a walk around. Maybe we can
glean something.
glean something.
Druke
Agreed. We oughta scope things out with
our own eyes.
our own eyes.
Druke
This place is just about as plain as it gets.
Rody
Yeah... Just a bunch of ordinary people,
nothing seems out of the ordinary.
nothing seems out of the ordinary.
Druke
I guess all that "nonexistent" talk was
nothing more than just talk.
nothing more than just talk.
Callen
Hmm...
Yuki
Something up, Callen?
Callen
Maybe. Don't you think this village is a
little too...pristine?
little too...pristine?
Yuki
Now that you mention it... We've seen a lot
of villages, but this one has barely been
of villages, but this one has barely been
Yuki
touched by the Pandemonium.
It even seems almost well-off.
It even seems almost well-off.
Rody
Some of these houses are downright
palatial. They're built with some
palatial. They're built with some
Rody
first-class stone and lumber.
Rody
If those materials were from around here,
Dragro should be a major trade center.
Dragro should be a major trade center.
Druke
Something else's been bugging me.
Is there a festival going on here?
Is there a festival going on here?
Rody
Some of these decorations would suggest
that. Let's try asking someone.
that. Let's try asking someone.
Yuki
Rody, wait. That goes beyond the scope
of our assignment.
of our assignment.
Rody
All the more reason.
Rody
If our investigation is complete, then why
not partake in the local festivities?
not partake in the local festivities?
Yuki
I thought you wanted to get back
home quickly?
home quickly?
Rody
I think we're all exhausted from the
nonstop assignments.
nonstop assignments.
Rody
We should kick up our feet
every once in a while.
every once in a while.
Druke
Now you're talkin', partner!
Couldn't agree more!
Couldn't agree more!
Druke
Remote villages like this always have the
best booze and food!
best booze and food!
Callen
This could be a learning experience too.
Callen
Well, I suppose it could not hurt to
turn a blind eye every now and then...
turn a blind eye every now and then...
Yuki
Are you all serious!? Unbelievable!
Yuki
(I've got a bad feeling about this.)
Yuki
(Something is off about this village, but
I can't quite put my finger on it...)
I can't quite put my finger on it...)
Yuki
Wait, you guys.
Rody
What's wrong?
Yuki
No one stopped us when we entered
Dragro. There was no security,
Dragro. There was no security,
Yuki
no guards checking who comes and goes.
Rody
Oh, yeah. That is odd.
Druke
Nah, they probably blew off work and
went to grab drinks.
went to grab drinks.
Druke
There is a festival goin' on, after all.
Callen
Still, it is worth investigating.
Callen
If nothing is amiss, then we can grab some
food and enjoy ourselves for a bit.
food and enjoy ourselves for a bit.
Yuki
We can't do much more, I guess...
Rody
Hello there! I have some questions I'm
hoping you can help me with.
hoping you can help me with.
Rody
Is there some sort of celebration
happening here in the village?
happening here in the village?
Villager A
It's almost time for the Great Dragon's
festival.
festival.
Villager A
We've gotta keep it bright and festive to
show It our gratitude...
show It our gratitude...
Rody
Ha, thought so!
Rody
So what kinda events you got?
Rody
Back where I'm from, we get pretty wild
with our celebrations. How 'bout here?
with our celebrations. How 'bout here?
Villager A
It's almost time for the Great Dragon's
festival.
festival.
Villager A
We've gotta keep it bright and festive to
show It our gratitude...
show It our gratitude...
Rody
Yeah, I get it. Bright and festive.
Rody
So, how do you do that, exactly?
Do you have dances, prayers, floats...?
Do you have dances, prayers, floats...?
Villager A
It's almost time for the Great Dragon's
festival.
festival.
Villager A
We've gotta keep it bright and festive to
show It our gratitude...
show It our gratitude...
Rody
That's the third time you've said that.
You been drinking much during the day?
You been drinking much during the day?
Villager A
It's almost time for the Great Dragon's
festival. We've gotta—
festival. We've gotta—
Rody
This is a waste of time.
Angry Voice
OKAY, LISTEN HERE!
Rody
...Was that Druke?
Rody
What's wrong, Druke? Is there a problem?
Druke
I'm goin' crazy over here. Watch this.
Druke
Hey, how much for that bottle up there on
the shelf?
the shelf?
Druke
I've got tons of money, so name your price.
Villager B
...
Druke
SELL. ME. ALCOHOL!
Villager B
...
Druke
It's like talkin' to a brick wall.
Druke
There's no gettin' through. I can get not
selling to outsiders, but this is ridiculous.
selling to outsiders, but this is ridiculous.
Rody
He's got quite a pair to not even budge
with the likes of you screaming in his face!
with the likes of you screaming in his face!
Druke
Hey, you're supposed to be on my side!
I'm just trying to get a drink.
I'm just trying to get a drink.
Druke
Why does it have to be so hard!?
Rody
Sorry, sorry. But what are you gonna do?
Rody
If he doesn't want to sell, then he doesn't
want to sell.
want to sell.
Druke
I guess that's true...
Now I'm all worked up. Let's go elsewhere.
Now I'm all worked up. Let's go elsewhere.
Rody
A reasonable solution. The festival is to
celebrate the village's highest deity, so
celebrate the village's highest deity, so
Rody
there's a good chance there's better
refreshments out there anyway.
refreshments out there anyway.
Callen
Druke... Your voice...
It is ringing my head like a bell.
It is ringing my head like a bell.
Callen
I cannot take it...!
Rody
What's wrong, Callen? You've gone all pale.
Callen
You really do not feel that? Guess having
dull senses has its benefits. I envy you all.
dull senses has its benefits. I envy you all.
Druke
You alright...? You really don't look well.
Yuki
Ungh...
Rody
Yuki, you too?
Yuki
There's a terrible magic current here... I
was just walking around and it nailed me...
was just walking around and it nailed me...
Rody
A magic current...
Druke, you feel anything?
Druke, you feel anything?
Druke
Hm, something is making my fur stand
on end a bit.
on end a bit.
Callen
Rody, does your "hero sight" offer any
clues?
clues?
Rody
Nothing really stands out...
Wait—
Wait—
Rody
...!
Druke
Partner, your eyes!
Rody
The Crimson Crest is reacting!
Druke
Wait, they look like they're back to
normal?
normal?
Rody
No, they're still burning...!
Callen
They are pulsing.
Rody
They burn, then return to normal, then
burn... This has never happened before.
burn... This has never happened before.
Druke
If the Crimson Crest is reacting, does
that mean they are involved?
that mean they are involved?
Rody
Aeon Lords...! One must be nearby!
Rody
I know the two of you are in pain,
but I need your help!
but I need your help!
Callen
Of course. That is the whole point of our
party, isn't it?
party, isn't it?
Yuki
That's right. If you even think of leaving
us out, you'll get an earful!
us out, you'll get an earful!
Rody
Wouldn't dream of it.
I need the both of you.
I need the both of you.
Druke
So what are your eyes reacting to,
partner?
partner?
Rody
It's odd... It isn't a stable reaction.
Druke
Well, let's pick a direction and see what
we can see!
we can see!
Druke
We're bound to come across
something, right?
something, right?
Rody
Yep! Let's go th—
Callen
Wait, wait! We need a real plan!
Yuki
I know the source of the magic engulfing
the village. We can start there.
the village. We can start there.
Callen
Great. Lead the way!
Yuki
It's that white building over there!
Callen
The magic here... It is sinister...
Rody
A preemptive strike wins the day.
Let's go in full force!
Let's go in full force!
Yuki
—Rody, stop!
Rody
Why?
Yuki
There's an aegis protecting this building.
It's an exceptionally strong one, too...
It's an exceptionally strong one, too...
Rody
Can you lift it?
Yuki
It has so many layers I'm not sure I can,
even if time weren't a factor.
even if time weren't a factor.
Young Girl's Scream
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Druke
What was that scream!? It came from inside!
Rody
Damn it, something's going on in there!
I'll smash it with my own body if I must!
I'll smash it with my own body if I must!
Yuki
That won't work, either. This type of aegis
can't be worn down with physical force.
can't be worn down with physical force.
Callen
Let me take a crack at it!
Callen
Hnnnngh...hyiiiiiii...
Callen
Fwee... Hooo... Fwee...
Callen
BEEEEEWWWWW!
Callen
Boo, even my trusty barrier-breaking
magic had no effect at all!
magic had no effect at all!
Rody
The voice we heard screaming was a girl's.
Druke
And pretty young from the sound of it.
Possibly even a child.
Possibly even a child.
Rody
We've got to find a way inside!
Callen
—Hngh, augh...!
Yuki
What's the matter, Callen?
Callen
My eyes... The pain...
Yuki
Is it recoil from your spell?
Callen
No, that is not it... But...this is—
Callen
(My vision is blurry...)
Young Girl's Scream
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Rody
Another scream! There's no time, we've got
to get inside! I'll cut the damn aegis in two!
to get inside! I'll cut the damn aegis in two!
Callen
Stand down, Rody! I have got another trick
up my sleeve—
up my sleeve—
Callen
an enhanced version of my spell!
Callen
If the aegis cannot be lifted or removed,
the only option is to SMASH IT TO BITS!
the only option is to SMASH IT TO BITS!
Callen
HI-YAAAAAAAAA!
Druke
The trick up your sleeve was brute force!?
Crack...
SMASH!
SMASH!
Yuki
Was that sound the aegis breaking?
Callen
Haa...haa...
Callen
That was a lot stronger than I expected...
Rody
You did great, Callen! Leave the rest to us!
Yuki
What are you going to do about the lock
on the doors?
on the doors?
Druke
Exactly what you think!
Rody
Break it wide open!
Rody
Haaaaaargh!!!
Rayth
This "Gyurelle" is nearly complete.
Rayth
My dearest wish shall soon be—
BANG!
CRASH!
CRASH!
Rayth
—Who's there!?
Rody
What the hell are you doing in here!?
Take your hands off that girl!
Take your hands off that girl!
Rayth
Oh my, oh my, oh my...! You'll bring quite
the punishment upon yourself for kicking
the punishment upon yourself for kicking
Rayth
down a sanctuary's door like that.
Rayth
I presume the aegis's destruction
yesterday was also your doing?
yesterday was also your doing?
Druke
Quit yappin' and step away from the girl!
Rayth
Oh, very well.
Now, seeing as this is a sacred sanctuary—
Now, seeing as this is a sacred sanctuary—
Rayth
I request you promptly take your leave.
Druke
We heard those screams earlier!
Druke
You expect us to just ignore them and
be on our merry way?
be on our merry way?
Yuki
What are you doing here?
What did you do to that girl!?
What did you do to that girl!?
Callen
The magical response... That medicinal
scent... You would not...!
scent... You would not...!
Callen
You are not forcing magical energy into
the poor girl, are you!?
the poor girl, are you!?
Rayth
It is none of your concern.
I am simply doing what is necessary,
I am simply doing what is necessary,
Rayth
both for me and for her—
Callen
You...monster...
Druke
What happens if too much magic is forced
into someone's body?
into someone's body?
Callen
Magical power circulates within the body,
not unlike blood.
not unlike blood.
Callen
If a body is injected with more than its
maximum capacity, pressure builds
maximum capacity, pressure builds
Callen
within it and eventually, the body is
destroyed from the inside out.
destroyed from the inside out.
Callen
It is similar to what happens to a balloon
when overinflated. It pops.
when overinflated. It pops.
Yuki
Oh, the poor thing! She's in great danger!
Rody
—We'll save her!
Rayth
First you intrude into my sanctuary, then
you interfere with my business?
you interfere with my business?
Rayth
The sacrilege of it all!
Rayth
A group of truly helpless heretics, which
only death can absolve.
only death can absolve.
Rayth
However, I am quite busy...
Rayth
The purification must be completed.
My puppets, rid me of these rotten heretics.
My puppets, rid me of these rotten heretics.
Guard
...None may leave the Dragon God's
domain.
domain.
Druke
What's with him!?
Rayth
They're all yours, my dutiful guard.
Guard
...None may leave the Dragon God's
domain.
domain.
Rody
You're a guard!? That girl over there
needs help! She's from this village,
needs help! She's from this village,
Rody
so do your duty and help us rescue her!
Guard
...None may leave the Dragon God's
domain.
domain.
Yuki
He's just repeating the same nonsense.
Druke
Then get out of our damn way!
Guard
...None may leave—the Dragon
God's—do—
God's—do—
Druke
How many times was he gonna repeat
himself? Something's wrong with the
himself? Something's wrong with the
Druke
people in this village.
Rayth
My, oh my. Defeated already?
Humans really are useless.
Humans really are useless.
Rayth
I suppose I have no choice.
I'll just have to use them...
I'll just have to use them...
Callen
Dragonkin!?
Rody
Hey! What do you mean, "use" them!?
Rayth
You are unwelcome guests here.
Be silenced, and begone.
Be silenced, and begone.
Dragonkin Man
That girl is too dangerous...
Dragonkin Woman
She was to be the most powerful...
Druke
Damn it, we're gonna have to fight them!
Get ready, partner!
Get ready, partner!
Rody
Right... We have no choice if we want to
rescue the girl!
rescue the girl!
Druke
Haaaaargh!!!
Rody
Haaaaaaa!!!
Rody
—How!?
Druke
They're hard as stone...!
Rody
They've fortified their skin to be tough as
armor! Is this a dragonkin ability—!?
armor! Is this a dragonkin ability—!?
Girl on the Altar
N-NOOOOOO!!!
Druke
You son of a bitch! Get away from her!
Rody
Yuki, Callen! You two rescue her!
Yuki
On it!
Yuki
...Huh?
Callen
What the...?
Yuki
We...can't use magic.
Druke
How could that be...
Rody
Is that guy preventing it somehow?
Dragonkin Man
That girl is too dangerous...
Druke
Bastard...!
Rody
If we don't do something, that girl will—!
Druke
Partner, leave these two to me!
I'll keep 'em busy!
I'll keep 'em busy!
Rody
Got it! They're all yours, Druke!
Dragonkin Woman
She was to be the most powerful...
Druke
Alright then, let's see what you've got!
Druke
Haaaaargh!
Girl on the Altar
Aaaaahhhh... GAAAAHHH!!!
Rayth
It hurts, yes? You're suffering? I know,
I know. However, it is not yet enough.
I know. However, it is not yet enough.
Rayth
I need you, you see...
Rody
Stop it, you son of a bitch!
Rayth
Oh my, oh my, oh my...!
I've grown tired of you, rotten heretic.
I've grown tired of you, rotten heretic.
Rody
Get your hands off her!
Rayth
I am fulfilling a promise to her.
Stay out of it, if you please.
Stay out of it, if you please.
Rody
What, you trying to say this is for the girl's
benefit? Gimme a break!
benefit? Gimme a break!
Rayth
You understand nothing. Gyurelle is an
abomination, shunned by the village.
abomination, shunned by the village.
Rody
That doesn't give you the right to do
whatever you want to her!
whatever you want to her!
Rody
Every child that's ever existed was born
with a purpose!
with a purpose!
Rody
I don't know anything about her being
shunned, but...
shunned, but...
Rody
There isn't a child in the world that
wasn't born with love!
wasn't born with love!
Rayth
How utterly...narrow-minded.
Immature, ignorant, oblivious fool...
Immature, ignorant, oblivious fool...
Rayth
There is such a child...before you now.
Rody
You're twisted... If you won't get away from
her voluntarily, I'll move you by force!
her voluntarily, I'll move you by force!
Rody
—Haaaaaa!
Rayth
What's th—
Rody
THERE!
Rayth
Ggh... GAAAHHHHH!
Rayth
My arms... My ARMS!!!
Rayth
Heretic, heretic, heretic, HERETIIIC!
Rayth
Grant me your strength, O God, for I am
your envoy...!
your envoy...!
Rayth
Nngghh... Hnghh... AAAAAAAAH!
AAAAAAH, GLORIOUS GOD!
AAAAAAH, GLORIOUS GOD!
Rody
(His arms grew back...!
Don't tell me he's—)
Don't tell me he's—)
Rody
You're an Aeon Lord...?
Rayth
Heh heh heh...
No, not any more...
No, not any more...
Rody
I don't know what your story is, but if this
crest is lit, that means I can take you down!
crest is lit, that means I can take you down!
Rayth
Oh my, is that so? That must make you
the "Crestbearer" so oft talked about.
the "Crestbearer" so oft talked about.
Rayth
However!
Rayth
Such rumors and titles mean nothing
to me. Not as I am now.
to me. Not as I am now.
Rody
What does that mean...!?
Rody
(My crest's power has suddenly
weakened!)
weakened!)
Rayth
What is it?
Where has all that confidence gone?
Where has all that confidence gone?
Rayth
Come, hero, defeat an envoy of God—
if you are able!
if you are able!
Rody
Grr...
Dragonkin Man
That girl is too dangerous...
Dragonkin Woman
She was to be the most powerful...
Druke
The hell is this? The ground is swelling!
Are they using some form of magic!?
Are they using some form of magic!?
Callen
It is the dragonkin transmutation ability!
They are altering the shape and properties
They are altering the shape and properties
Callen
of the ground!
Druke
Oh, this'll be fun... Careful, these
protrusions are sharp as blades!
protrusions are sharp as blades!
Druke
Here they come! DODGE!
Yuki
They're so fast... Aaahhh!
Druke
Yuki, are you okay!?
Callen
His magical energy is creating too much
interference... I cannot use any magic...
interference... I cannot use any magic...
Druke
Move away and the ground transforms
into weapons, move in close and their
into weapons, move in close and their
Druke
skin turns to stone...
Druke
Is there anything the dragonkin can't do!?
Rayth
That too is divine intervention...
Atone for your sins!
Atone for your sins!
Rody
—Gah...!
Rayth
Shall I remove your arms, as you did
to me? Do unto others, as they say.
to me? Do unto others, as they say.
Rayth
No, you would be less useful to me then.
You shall become my puppet as you are—
You shall become my puppet as you are—
Rayth
—What!?
Rayth
Ungh—!
Rayth
W-Where did that magic come from...!?
Rody
—Druke, Callen, Yuki!
Now's our chance! Run!
Now's our chance! Run!
Druke
Right!
Callen
But who cast that...?
Rody
We'll figure it out later!
We've gotta get the girl out of here!
We've gotta get the girl out of here!
Yuki
Agreed!
Druke
I'll cover our rear flank!
Rayth
Wait, I won't let you—
Rayth
Ungh... Another attack!?
Rayth
This magic, could it be—
Yes, it must be his doing... The Hidden One.
Yes, it must be his doing... The Hidden One.
Ossia
So you made it out too. Good.
Go, run as far away as you can.
Go, run as far away as you can.
Ossia
You'll find another place for yourself out
there, I'm sure.
there, I'm sure.
Rayth
So, you are an Aeon Lord after all.
I can sense your power.
I can sense your power.
Rayth
Funny, you possess more humanity than
those he normally employs.
those he normally employs.
Ossia
Is that some kind of joke?
There's not a trace of "humanity" in me.
There's not a trace of "humanity" in me.
Rayth
Do forgive me for the poor choice of words.
Rayth
But I do not understand. Were you not
here for the girl?
here for the girl?
Ossia
I had my fun toying with her... But no.
Ossia
My assignment is you,
Rayth the alumnus.
Rayth the alumnus.
Rayth
Come all this way just for me, have you?
By the way, have the wounds you incurred
By the way, have the wounds you incurred
Rayth
from breaking the aegis already healed?
Ossia
Yes, and thank you for asking.
Ossia
Now then, to finish my task before I spill
into overtime.
into overtime.
Ossia
You'll see that a former Aeon Lord is no
match for a current one!
match for a current one!
If Only I'd Met You Earlier
Rody
Looks like we're not being followed.
Druke
I can't imagine he'd have given up.
Not with how crazy he was acting.
Not with how crazy he was acting.
Rody
At any rate, we should find a place to—
Callen
Catch our breath. I agree.
Yuki
Rody, the girl.
Rody
I'll rest her down here.
Callen
A great deal of magic was forced into her.
Her little body must be exhausted having
Her little body must be exhausted having
Callen
to circulate it all.
Callen
If we are not careful, she may suffer
damage that we have no chance of healing.
damage that we have no chance of healing.
Callen
For now, I will try to return her magic
circulation to normal. Yuki, can you help?
circulation to normal. Yuki, can you help?
Yuki
Absolutely!
Rody
Are you two able to use your magic again?
Yuki
Now that you mention it...
I don't have that awful feeling anymore.
I don't have that awful feeling anymore.
Callen
It must have been a form of curse.
Callen
He did something to the entire village that
suppressed the use of magic.
suppressed the use of magic.
Druke
So, you should be able to use it now that
we've left the village, right?
we've left the village, right?
Callen
We appear to be out of range of the
curse. Its effects are not reaching us.
curse. Its effects are not reaching us.
Yuki
Callen, we've got to hurry.
She's in critical condition.
She's in critical condition.
Callen
Right. I will apply local recovery magic to the
most affected areas...
most affected areas...
Yuki
What's her prognosis?
Callen
Hmm...
Callen
I cannot say specifically, but the healing
magic is not taking well.
magic is not taking well.
Callen
I am no specialist, so I really do not know
much more than that...
much more than that...
Yuki
That sounds pretty bad.
Druke
Hey, look...! She just moved!
Rody
She did!? Hey, can you hear me?
Gyurelle
Ngh...
Yuki
She's waking up! Oh, thank goodness...
Rody
You never let go of her hand, did you, Yuki?
Yuki
I...I guess I didn't.
Rody
Your wishes for her wellbeing must have
gotten through to her.
gotten through to her.
Yuki
I hope my hands weren't too cold...
Rody
I'm sure they were warm, just as your
heart is.
heart is.
Yuki
Heehee. Thank you, Rody.
Callen
Sigh... So dense... It is getting on my nerves.
Druke
Partner. You may want to keep your yap
shut, or it could come back to bite you.
shut, or it could come back to bite you.
Rody
Why, what did I say!?
Callen
If you do not know, then you are hopeless.
Gyurelle
Ngh... Where, am I...
Yuki
You're awake! Are you in any pain?
Gyurelle
Pain... I... Huh?
Gyurelle
!
Gyurelle
N-No... Don't!
Yuki
Oh... She pulled her hand away from mine.
Callen
She must be confused.
Callen
She has been through a lot, so it is
understandable to be a little out of sorts.
understandable to be a little out of sorts.
Rody
You're safe. That man isn't here.
Druke
And if he shows up, we'll kick his butt and
send him packin'!
send him packin'!
Gyurelle
I... I don't have...my gloves...!
Yuki
Your gloves?
Gyurelle
What do I do, what do I do...
I touched you...
I touched you...
Rody
Easy, now. Are you okay?
Gyurelle
S-Stay away...! Don't come near me...!
Gyurelle
!
Rody
H-Hey, wait. Come back! It's nothing but
forest out there. It's not safe!
forest out there. It's not safe!
Yuki
Rody, wait!
Rody
But I can't let her run off on her own!
Yuki
Of course not, but I have a feeling that
she's afraid of something she doesn't want
she's afraid of something she doesn't want
Yuki
to talk about.
Callen
So she is not just confused?
Yuki
I don't think so. It's probably not because
of what happened to her, either.
of what happened to her, either.
Yuki
She seemed worried about something else.
Yuki
We need to listen to what she has to say.
Rody
She told us to stay away from her.
I think if all of us go after her,
I think if all of us go after her,
Rody
she'll get scared and keep running.
Callen
It is times like this where that fearless
attitude of yours may come in handy.
attitude of yours may come in handy.
Druke
You're the best one for the job, no doubt.
Yuki
What do you say, Rody?
Can you handle it?
Can you handle it?
Rody
How could I refuse? I'll hear her out,
let her do all the talking.
let her do all the talking.
Rody
Oh, there you are.
Did you get caught on a branch?
Did you get caught on a branch?
Gyurelle
Stay...away from me...!
Rody
Okay, okay. I'll stay right where I am.
Rody
So, can we talk at least? That's all I want.
Gyurelle
Um...
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
Yeah...
Rody
Great, thank you!
My name is Rody. Nice to meet you.
My name is Rody. Nice to meet you.
Rody
That big guy that was with me is Druke.
He's strong, and loud. Really loud.
He's strong, and loud. Really loud.
Rody
There was a short woman with us, too.
Her name is Callen, a brilliant magician.
Her name is Callen, a brilliant magician.
Rody
The one that was holding your hand is
Yuki. She's an expert in ice magic,
Yuki. She's an expert in ice magic,
Rody
and she loves children.
Rody
She's always teaching magic to kids,
and they even call her "Miss Yuki."
and they even call her "Miss Yuki."
Rody
That's me and my companions.
Gyurelle
Com...panions...
Does that mean friends...?
Does that mean friends...?
Rody
Yeah! We're friends! They're important
people I can trust to have my back.
people I can trust to have my back.
Rody
I hope you'll be my friend, too.
Can you tell me your name?
Can you tell me your name?
Gyurelle
Um... Yeah...
Gyurelle
I'm... Gyur...elle.
Rody
Gyurelle? That's a nice name!
Rody
So, Gyurelle. Can you tell me why you
don't want us to come near you?
don't want us to come near you?
Gyurelle
Um, because...
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
Anything I touch...gets all...messed up...
Rody
Messed up? What do you mean?
Gyurelle
They get all...deformed...
Rody
They change shape? I see, it must be a form
of the dragonkin transmutation ability.
of the dragonkin transmutation ability.
Rody
(But it doesn't sound quite like how Callen
described it. Maybe her power is a unique
described it. Maybe her power is a unique
Rody
form of transmutation...)
Rody
Ah, I totally get it. I'm the same way.
Gyurelle
You are...?
Rody
Yep. I've got a special power too, but
when I tried to use it earlier, I couldn't.
when I tried to use it earlier, I couldn't.
Rody
I'm terrified that someday I won't be able
to use it properly and the people dear
to use it properly and the people dear
Rody
to me will get hurt.
Gyurelle
I see... You're afraid, too...
Rody
Yes. What are you afraid of, Gyurelle?
Gyurelle
That... I'll touch someone, and...
they'll get all messed up, too...
they'll get all messed up, too...
Gyurelle
I'm scared of that...
Rody
So that's why you ran from us.
Rody
You were trying to protect us.
Thank you, Gyurelle.
Thank you, Gyurelle.
Rody
You're a very kind girl. You care about
those around you, even though you were
those around you, even though you were
Rody
in a terrible situation.
Gyurelle
No, I'm... I'm not... I'm not kind...
Rody
Sure you are, Gyurelle. And the world
needs more kindness like yours.
needs more kindness like yours.
Rody
Do you think we could be friends?
Gyurelle
Friends...?
Rody
I want to shake your hand. Is that okay?
Gyurelle
No...! Weren't you listening?
The things that I touch get deformed.
The things that I touch get deformed.
Gyurelle
So I can't touch anything!
Rody
Then what about Yuki? She was holding
your hand and she's fine.
your hand and she's fine.
Gyurelle
Huh...?
Rody
She held your hand for quite a while. You
saw yourself when you woke up, didn't you?
saw yourself when you woke up, didn't you?
Gyurelle
Th-That was...
Gyurelle
Because...I was sleeping. That's it.
I must have been too weak.
I must have been too weak.
Rody
You sure about that?
Gyurelle
Yes, I'm sure!
Rody
Let's test your theory. Right now.
Gyurelle
...What do you mean?
Rody
I trust the kindness in your heart.
Take my hand.
Take my hand.
Gyurelle
Whether you trust me or not won't change
the fact that I have this power...
the fact that I have this power...
Rody
Have you ever deformed someone you
care about with it?
care about with it?
Gyurelle
Well...
Gyurelle
There was a stuffed bunny... A fork...
I do it to crystals every day...
I do it to crystals every day...
Gyurelle
But nothing...alive... But that's 'cause
I've always avoided touching any.
I've always avoided touching any.
Gyurelle
But it could happen...by accident.
Gyurelle
So, I stay away from people...
I keep to myself. All the time.
I keep to myself. All the time.
Rody
That must be hard on you, Gyurelle.
Gyurelle
Hard...on me...? If I'm brave, and suffer
through... No one will get hurt...
through... No one will get hurt...
Rody
You didn't ask for this ability to warp
the things you touch.
the things you touch.
Gyurelle
No... I've never wanted to distort
anything! Not even once...!
anything! Not even once...!
Gyurelle
But they just get messed up anyway!
Gyurelle
It's fine, it isn't hard on me...!
It isn't hard, I swear...!
It isn't hard, I swear...!
Gyurelle
It isn't...
Rody
Gyurelle, give me your hand. It'll be fine!
Gyurelle
Are you sure?
Rody
Yes! Absolutely.
Rody
I'll prove it to you.
Your hands are not for hurting others!
Your hands are not for hurting others!
Rody
They have many other purposes.
Rody
Like holding hands! Come on!
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
...Okay.
Gyurelle
Rody...!
Gyurelle
...I did it. I...held your hand.
Gyurelle
And you're...completely fine!
Rody
See? Like I said, your hands exist to be
held by others.
held by others.
Gyurelle
Y-Yeah...
Gyurelle
Thank you...
Gyurelle
(His hand is so warm... So this is what the
touch of another person feels like.)
touch of another person feels like.)
Gyurelle
(—Didn't someone else give me their
hand like this...?)
hand like this...?)
Gyurelle
(Who was it...?)
Yuki
The ability to distort things with touch...
Callen
It must be a rare power, even among
dragonkin.
dragonkin.
Druke
Could her power just be underdeveloped?
Maybe she doesn't know how to control it
Maybe she doesn't know how to control it
Druke
so it triggers at random?
Callen
I cannot say for certain without doing some
research, but it is likely a special
research, but it is likely a special
Callen
characteristic she obtained innately.
Rody
So it is a special form of the
transmutation ability.
transmutation ability.
Druke
All that aside, you sure are good at
bonding with people, partner.
bonding with people, partner.
Yuki
Just one of our hero's many talents.
Callen
She is still holding your hand.
Gyurelle
Huh? Ah...!
Rody
Nothing wrong with that.
I'm sure Gyurelle has been starved of
I'm sure Gyurelle has been starved of
Rody
human contact for a long time now.
Callen
So it seems.
Yuki
Careful, at this rate you won't be able to go
back to your wife and son at all.
back to your wife and son at all.
Rody
Come on, why are you all picking on me!?
Back me up here, Druke!
Back me up here, Druke!
Druke
Can't expect me to bail you out of every
situation. You're on your own.
situation. You're on your own.
Rody
Some partner you are...
Gyurelle
...Heehee.
Yuki
Oh, a laugh! You've got an adorable smile.
Gyurelle
Oh...
Yuki
I think Rody told you about me, but my
name is Yuki. Can I shake your hand, too?
name is Yuki. Can I shake your hand, too?
Gyurelle
Um...
Gyurelle
You're not scared...?
Yuki
I held your hand for quite a bit already.
I'm not even the least bit scared.
I'm not even the least bit scared.
Gyurelle
Um... Well...
Gyurelle
Umm...
Gyurelle
Okay. Here.
Yuki
Thank you, Gyurelle.
And now, we're friends!
And now, we're friends!
Gyurelle
Ah... Hehehe...
Callen
Girls are always at their cutest when they
are smiling!
are smiling!
Callen
My name is Callen.
I want my handshake, too.
I want my handshake, too.
Gyurelle
Oh, um... Okay...
Gyurelle
You're the brilliant one, right...?
Callen
Rody told you about me, did he?
Gyurelle
You're small, but amazing...!
So small...
So small...
Callen
Hang on a minute! What am I, a child!?
Callen
Rody, just what did you tell her about me!?
Rody
That you're tiny.
Callen
I AM NOT TINY!
Druke
YO! Nice to meet ya!
Gyurelle
Ah...!
Gyurelle
R-Right...
Gyurelle
Nice...to meet you, too.
Rody
Hey, Druke. Quit scaring the poor girl,
will you?
will you?
Druke
I'm not!
Gyurelle
Hehe... Hahaha!
Gyurelle
All of this is...so new to me.
Rody
What, even chatting with others like this?
Gyurelle
Yes...
Gyurelle
I've forgotten how to even laugh and
smile...
smile...
Yuki
You were alone for a very long time,
weren't you?
weren't you?
Gyurelle
Being alone was...all I knew.
It was normal.
It was normal.
Callen
That man wasn't the only one that kept
you locked away. Your parents did, too.
you locked away. Your parents did, too.
Druke
Worse—the entire village did.
Gyurelle
I'm...an abomination, so...
Who can blame them?
Who can blame them?
Rody
Gyurelle, why don't you come with us?
If you want to, I mean.
If you want to, I mean.
Gyurelle
With...you?
Yuki
Yeah. We'd all be happy to have you,
and you wouldn't have to suffer anymore.
and you wouldn't have to suffer anymore.
Callen
You have finally escaped solitude.
It would be good to broaden your horizons.
It would be good to broaden your horizons.
Druke
There's a wide world out there. There are
all kinds of things you've never seen,
all kinds of things you've never seen,
Druke
or even imagined.
Gyurelle
The outside world...
Together, with you all...
Together, with you all...
Gyurelle
It sounds...fun...
Gyurelle
I...w-want to go with you...!
Rody
Then, that's that! Welcome to the crew.
Now then, first things f—
Now then, first things f—
—KABOOM!
Callen
What was that!?
Druke
It came from over there... It sounded like
an explosion. Is there a battle going on?
an explosion. Is there a battle going on?
Yuki
It came from that white building—
the sanctuary.
the sanctuary.
Gyurelle
The sanctuary...
Rody
What's the matter, Gyurelle?
Gyurelle
...back...
Callen
Gyurelle, what is wrong...?
Gyurelle
...have to go back...
The sanctuary...must go back...
The sanctuary...must go back...
Gyurelle
...to the sanctuary...
Druke
Whoa, whoa, whoa! She's acting like
those people in the village!
those people in the village!
Gyurelle
The sanctuary... To...sanctuary...
...have to go back...
...have to go back...
Yuki
Gyurelle, wait!
Rody, something's wrong with her.
Rody, something's wrong with her.
Rody
Let's go after her!
???
I doubt that will do any good.
Rody
—!?
Rody
What are you doing here!?
Reluctant Alliance
Ossia
Long time no see. You're as kind as ever,
I see.
I see.
Rody
Is that really you, Ossia...?
Ossia
Yes, of course. It is I, the pitiful
homunculus you killed on that island.
homunculus you killed on that island.
Rody
Yeah, I killed you... I had no other way of
stopping you. So how are you here now?
stopping you. So how are you here now?
Yuki
Rody, wait! This can't be the real Ossia...
There's no way...
There's no way...
Druke
Yeah! Not even a homunculus could come
back from the dead...right?
back from the dead...right?
Callen
Indeed, normally it is impossible.
However, we know of certain beings that
However, we know of certain beings that
Callen
are far from normal, don't we?
Rody
Don't tell me...you're an Aeon Lord now!?
Ossia
You're sharper than you look.
Why don't you ask those eyes of yours
Why don't you ask those eyes of yours
Ossia
if you want to make sure?
Rody
...!
Rody
So it's true... You really are an Aeon Lord.
Yuki
If that's the case, then...how did you get so
many injuries?
many injuries?
Yuki
Are...you okay?
Ossia
What is this?
A lowly human dares worry about me?
A lowly human dares worry about me?
Ossia
I was created as a superior being—
Ossia
The absurdity is laughable!
Callen
Such arrogance from a child who cried
for their mommy not long ago.
for their mommy not long ago.
Ossia
It's called growth. I suppose someone
who's never matured past childhood
who's never matured past childhood
Ossia
wouldn't understand.
Callen
You had better not be talking about me!
Ossia
Still, if you prefer me that way, who am I to
judge?
judge?
Ossia
Mama? Papa? What's wrong?
Ossia
Don't be like that. Come give me a hug.
Ossia
C'mon, hold me tiiiiight∼
Rody
...Stop it, Ossia. That's sick.
Ossia
Oh, am I not your type? You were so
obsessed with that little dragon girl,
obsessed with that little dragon girl,
Ossia
I thought you might like 'em young.
Rody
Ossia... You're not out to use Gyurelle, are
you? Like that other Aeon Lord was?
you? Like that other Aeon Lord was?
Ossia
The other Aeon Lord...
Ah, you mean Rayth.
Ah, you mean Rayth.
Ossia
That weakling's only talent is fleeing.
Do not lump me together with such scum.
Do not lump me together with such scum.
Ossia
It makes me want to retch.
Druke
So, what then? You and him are enemies
or something?
or something?
Ossia
You truly know nothing... Such ignorance
can inspire anger in others, you know.
can inspire anger in others, you know.
Ossia
A word of advice:
If you wish to save that dragon girl,
If you wish to save that dragon girl,
Ossia
you'll put a stop to tomorrow's ritual.
Ossia
By any means necessary.
Rody
Tomorrow's ritual...
Rody
Ossia, is that man—
is Rayth plotting something?
is Rayth plotting something?
Ossia
Just so we're clear, you and I merely have
a common enemy.
a common enemy.
Ossia
They say "the enemy of my enemy is my
friend—"
friend—"
Ossia
But make no mistake; despite the
circumstances, we are not friends.
circumstances, we are not friends.
Ossia
I'm not helping you so much as using you.
You are merely a means to an end.
You are merely a means to an end.
Ossia
Now then, my loathsome heroes—
give them hell.
give them hell.
Rody
Ossia...!
...She's gone.
...She's gone.
Callen
Resurrected as an Aeon Lord...
She is too stubborn to die, even.
She is too stubborn to die, even.
Rody
That day, if I had just...
Yuki
No, this isn't your fault. But there's no
time for reflection—
time for reflection—
Yuki
We have to save Gyurelle!
Callen
Right... Tomorrow's ritual.
Druke
She could just be lying, right?
She is an Aeon Lord, after all. Our enemy.
She is an Aeon Lord, after all. Our enemy.
Druke
We sure this isn't some kind of trap?
Callen
I do not think she would go so far as to
injure herself like that just for deception.
injure herself like that just for deception.
Yuki
I agree. If she were going to lie to us,
there are easier ways that don't involve
there are easier ways that don't involve
Yuki
bodily harm.
Rody
She said she was "using" us. She wants
us to help her defeat a common enemy.
us to help her defeat a common enemy.
Rody
I guess it will be to our benefit, too!
Rody
We'll be there for the ritual—
and we'll save Gyurelle, whatever it takes!
and we'll save Gyurelle, whatever it takes!
Ossia
(Good thing they're such a caring group.
With any luck, they'll all wipe each other
With any luck, they'll all wipe each other
Ossia
out when they face off against Rayth.)
Ossia
Ngh... I'm dizzy...
Ossia
...Guess casting that Aeon Bane did more
damage to me than I thought.
damage to me than I thought.
Ossia
To think this power could challenge even an
Aeon Lord's regeneration and immortality...
Aeon Lord's regeneration and immortality...
Ossia
But that is why I was created, wasn't I?
A mere weapon to end the Pandemonium...
A mere weapon to end the Pandemonium...
Ossia
An instrument of destruction.
Ossia
Ugh, at this rate I'll end up...
like that time...
like that time...
Ossia
I'm sick...of being...alone...
Ossia
Mama...
Gyurelle
The sanctuary... Must go back...
Gyurelle
The sanctuary... To the sanctuary...
Argento
Hold on.
Norza
That's the key to the ritual?
Argento
Seems so. Pretty boring for something so
important.
important.
Argento
Norza, remove her brainwashing for me.
Your sword can handle that, right?
Your sword can handle that, right?
Norza
I don't know what you're planning, but
quit ordering me around.
quit ordering me around.
Argento
Sure, sure. You got it.
Norza
Laid-back son of a...
Whatever.
Whatever.
Norza
HYAAA!
Gyurelle
Wh-What...
What was...I doing...
What was...I doing...
Gyurelle
Um... Who are you...?
Argento
Oh, don't you worry about us.
Ossia needs your help.
Ossia needs your help.
Gyurelle
!
Gyurelle
What happened...to her?
Wh-Where...is she!?
Wh-Where...is she!?
Argento
She's probably passed out in the forest
somewhere. I dunno any more than that.
somewhere. I dunno any more than that.
Gyurelle
Passed out...!?
Gyurelle
But I have to go...to the sanctuary...
Gyurelle
No, Ossia is my friend...
I have to help her. She's...more important!
I have to help her. She's...more important!
Gyurelle
Um, thank you for telling me about
Ossia...!
Ossia...!
Norza
That's your plan?
Argento
Oh, no, just the prelude.
Argento
Now, there's something I need to confirm.
With Rayth, of course.
With Rayth, of course.
Argento
That should also buy some time for that
dragon girl to save Ossia.
dragon girl to save Ossia.
Norza
Always willing to put yourself at risk
for the sake of that weapon.
for the sake of that weapon.
Norza
Hmph, do as you wish.
Argento
Oh, I'm not the only one that's going in.
You and I are doin' this together.
You and I are doin' this together.
Argento
Let's go get manipulated by Rayth.
Norza
...
Norza
Like hell.
Argento
Hey, wait, wait, wait.
Come back!
Come back!
Argento
I know he was dangerous when he turned
his back on the boss.
his back on the boss.
Argento
But in his current state...
Norza
...I see, so you do have a plan.
It's shallow, short-sighted—
It's shallow, short-sighted—
Norza
and meaningless.
Argento
That's where you're wrong.
It's worth a shot.
It's worth a shot.
Argento
At any rate, the boss has ordered
that our weapon be recovered.
that our weapon be recovered.
Norza
Ordered? Then I'm really out.
Argento
How about this, then?
Argento
It's an opportunity to face a powerful
opponent. That's something you're
opponent. That's something you're
Argento
interested in, ain't it?
Norza
...You'd better not be lying.
Argento
Wouldn't dream of it! I would never lie to
such an important customer!
such an important customer!
Norza
...
Norza
Very well.
Argento
I knew you'd get it!
Argento
Let's get to it.
Ossia
(...Where am I?)
Ossia
(I'm not dead...)
Ossia
(Of course not. I can't die.
I'm an Aeon Lord, and we're immortal.)
I'm an Aeon Lord, and we're immortal.)
Ossia
(So then, why am I lying down in a
strange room I've never seen before...?)
strange room I've never seen before...?)
Ossia
Hmm? Something smells burned...
Gyurelle
Oh, no, no, no!
The flame from the candle...
The flame from the candle...
Gyurelle
Um, um...
Gyurelle
Wh-What do I do!?
Ossia
—You do this.
Ossia
Ugh, useless as ever. You pour water on
fire to put it out.
fire to put it out.
Gyurelle
O-Ossia...! You're all better!
Gyurelle
Thank goodness...!
Ossia
What were you doing, anyway?
You could have burned us to death.
You could have burned us to death.
Gyurelle
Um... I just, wanted to...light a candle...
Ossia
And you almost burned the place down.
You are way too clumsy.
You are way too clumsy.
Gyurelle
Agh...
Gyurelle
Y-You're one to talk. You're always
getting beat up, and stuff...
getting beat up, and stuff...
Gyurelle
I had a really hard time carrying you
here...
here...
Ossia
(So she's the one that brought me here.)
Ossia
I thought you couldn't touch anyone?
Gyurelle
Right, um...
Gyurelle
That's...all okay now...
Ossia
(Does this mean something about her
has changed?)
has changed?)
Ossia
Let me put it another way.
Ossia
Why did you help me?
Gyurelle
Um, well...
Gyurelle
See, it's...
Gyurelle
'Cause...
Gyurelle
We're...friends.
Ossia
What?
Gyurelle
See, um...
Gyurelle
You, and me...
Gyurelle
We're friends... That's why!
Ossia
Friends...? That's all it took?
Gyurelle
...Yeah.
Ossia
(Wow, she still hasn't realized I drugged
her. Her naivete truly knows no bounds.)
her. Her naivete truly knows no bounds.)
Ossia
(She's making me question my motivation.
What am I even doing...?)
What am I even doing...?)
Ossia
Listen here, I—
Gyurelle
Oh, right... Um, Ossia,
Gyurelle
You can...eat my magic!
Ossia
...
Gyurelle
Oh, um, sorry... It probably tastes really
bad, anyway...
bad, anyway...
Gyurelle
I just...want you to get better...
as soon as possible...so...
as soon as possible...so...
Ossia
(There's that overly caring personality
again... If she's giving permission,
again... If she's giving permission,
Ossia
maybe I'll take her up on her offer and
suck her dry.)
suck her dry.)
Ossia
Are you sure I can have some?
Gyurelle
Y-Yes, of course...!
Gyurelle
Take your fill...!
Ossia
(Ignorant child. You say such things so
lightly, unaware of how wicked they are...)
lightly, unaware of how wicked they are...)
Ossia
(Perhaps I'll just have to show her
exactly how foolish she is.)
exactly how foolish she is.)
Ossia
Well, if you insist—
Ossia
(I don't understand... I absorbed so much,
she should have passed out and seen
she should have passed out and seen
Ossia
the error of her ways already.)
Ossia
(What is going on here?)
Ossia
Uh, why did you rest my head on your
legs?
legs?
Gyurelle
Huh? Oh, well...
Gyurelle
People get sleepy...after a meal, right?
Gyurelle
But there are no pillows, so...I thought...
Gyurelle
Um... Are you comfortable?
Ossia
Eh, kinda.
Gyurelle
Oh... I see... Well...
Gyurelle
Um, how was my magic...?
Was it...good?
Was it...good?
Ossia
You had a lot of it, but it tasted funny.
Gyurelle
R-Really...?
Maybe it's because I'm dragonkin...
Maybe it's because I'm dragonkin...
Ossia
But if you're dragonkin, how come you
don't got horns?
don't got horns?
Gyurelle
Oh, that...
Gyurelle
Here, watch.
Gyurelle
Hnnngh...
Gyurelle
There.
Ossia
Whoa, horns. So you usually hide them?
Gyurelle
Y-Yeah...
I'm bad at transmuting other things, but...
I'm bad at transmuting other things, but...
Gyurelle
I can change my appearance...
I'm good at that, at least.
I'm good at that, at least.
Ossia
I see.
Ossia
Hmph.
Gyurelle
What's wrong...?
Ossia
Nothin'. Was just wishing you could
change how gloomy you always are, too.
change how gloomy you always are, too.
Gyurelle
Aw...
Gyurelle
Ossia... You're so mean...
Gyurelle
I've got just the thing for a meanie.
Gyurelle
Laa, la la la ♪
La la la la ♪
La la la la ♪
Ossia
Uh, what's that?
Gyurelle
...A lullaby. You'll get crankier if you
stay up too late, so...
stay up too late, so...
Gyurelle
Go to sleep...
Gyurelle
Laa, la la la ♪
La la la la la la laa ♪
La la la la la la laa ♪
Ossia
(Am I so pathetic that I need to be
put to sleep with a lullaby from such
put to sleep with a lullaby from such
Ossia
a pitiful little girl?)
Ossia
(Wait... Huh? The rhythm is so comforting,
I can feel my body relaxing all at once...)
I can feel my body relaxing all at once...)
Gyurelle
Heehee...
Gyurelle
Sweet dreams, Ossia.
Gyurelle
Yawn...
Gyurelle
Watching Ossia...made me...kinda...
Gyurelle
...sleepy too...
Ossia
(Can't believe I fell asleep in this dingy
cabin on this girl's lap...)
cabin on this girl's lap...)
Gyurelle
Zzz...
Ossia
(And she even nodded off while lulling me
to sleep... What a child.)
to sleep... What a child.)
Ossia
Well, my magic's all replenished, so
it's time I went on my way.
it's time I went on my way.
Ossia
Your magical energy wasn't bad.
For a lower life form, at least.
For a lower life form, at least.
Ossia
...Thanks, Gyurelle.
Gyurelle
...Ossia..
Ossi...zzz...
Ossi...zzz...
Decisive Battle
Gyurelle
Huh, where am I...?
It's pitch black, and cramped...?
It's pitch black, and cramped...?
Shink, shink...!
Gyurelle
Ouch!
Gyurelle
...My legs are chained.
Gyurelle
I must have been captured by Mr. Rayth
again... That's why I'm locked up...
again... That's why I'm locked up...
Gyurelle
Ossia... I hope she's okay...
I hope he didn't catch her, too...
I hope he didn't catch her, too...
Gyurelle
(I'll probably never see the outside world
again...)
again...)
Gyurelle
(But I think...I had fun.)
Gyurelle
(Going outside, talking and laughing with
people, Ossia sleeping on my lap...)
people, Ossia sleeping on my lap...)
Gyurelle
(Yeah, I did have a lot of fun.)
Gyurelle
(All I need are those memories.
I don't need anything else.)
I don't need anything else.)
Gyurelle
Being locked up is normal for me.
Yesterday was...just a dream...
Yesterday was...just a dream...
Gyurelle
I am...a sacrifice for the Dragon God.
Gyurelle
For the sake of everyone in the village...
I have to do what Mr. Rayth says.
I have to do what Mr. Rayth says.
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
(But Rody said I could leave the village
with him...!)
with him...!)
Gyurelle
No! No, no no no...!
Gyurelle
No, Gyurelle, don't even think about it...
Forget about those happy dreams, or else...
Forget about those happy dreams, or else...
Gyurelle
Stop thinking about it!
???
Ugh, just listen to your pathetic whining.
You're trapped in a box...
You're trapped in a box...
???
And what's more, you put yourself in there.
???
That's why people call you useless.
???
Come on! Get out of there,
you lousy shut-in!
you lousy shut-in!
Ossia
If you know what you want to do, then
make it happen.
make it happen.
Gyurelle
O-Ossia...?
Gyurelle
You seem...different... More mature?
Ossia
What are you doing? Get out of there
already. Now is your best chance.
already. Now is your best chance.
Gyurelle
But these chains...
Gyurelle
You have that ability of yours, don't you?
Use it and you'll be free.
Use it and you'll be free.
Gyurelle
But...
Ossia
No more "buts"! Shut up with your
"buts"!
"buts"!
Ossia
Not that I care, but you seriously think
those guys would try so hard to help you
those guys would try so hard to help you
Ossia
if they didn't care about you?
Gyurelle
Those guys...?
Ossia
They're a bunch of illogical, self-righteous
dolts that put themselves at risk because
dolts that put themselves at risk because
Ossia
they can't abandon people in need.
Ossia
Ugh, they disgust me.
Gyurelle
You mean, Rody and his friends!?
Rayth
Well, well, well, what have we here...
Rayth
You've returned, like a moth to a flame.
Rayth
Though your intentions are misguided,
I must admit the feeling of having a flock
I must admit the feeling of having a flock
Rayth
suits me, being closest to God and all.
Rayth
That girl is my property. I shall not give
her up to anyone.
her up to anyone.
Rody
We'll never let her stay with someone
that only sees her as property!
that only sees her as property!
Rody
She deserves to live freely! Release her!
Rayth
Heh heh... Hahahaha!
Who knew heroes could be comedians too?
Who knew heroes could be comedians too?
Rayth
"Live freely," you say...
"Release her," you say...
"Release her," you say...
Rayth
Such things are out of the question.
Without my hands pulling her strings,
Without my hands pulling her strings,
Rayth
she will be but a lifeless doll...
Rayth
I am her master. I am her God!
Callen
A vile man like you could never be
anything even close to a god!
anything even close to a god!
Yuki
All you're capable of is controlling a child!
Rayth
Oh, no, not just that.
Rayth
Allow me to introduce my new bodyguards.
They're fresh new puppets, still
They're fresh new puppets, still
Rayth
hot out of the oven as it were.
Argento
...
Norza
...
Rayth
Though, it is the fault of these two that
recovering the girl took longer than ideal.
recovering the girl took longer than ideal.
Rayth
It's all part of God's plan.
We cannot resist our fates.
We cannot resist our fates.
Rayth
Now then, my puppet soldiers—
tear these moths limb from limb.
tear these moths limb from limb.
Rody
TWO Aeon Lords!?
Druke
How is this possible!? He even got Norza?
Argento
...!
Rody
—Bastard!
Look at all those weapons...!
Look at all those weapons...!
Rody
(Not just the quantity, but the quality is
impressive, too! Each one of those blades
impressive, too! Each one of those blades
Rody
has been masterfully crafted!)
Norza
...!
Druke
Ungh—! His swordsmanship is sharp as
ever, even when he's been brainwashed!
ever, even when he's been brainwashed!
Rayth
I'll leave these pests up to you. Now, let's
see about that girl...
see about that girl...
Yuki
You're not going anywhere!
Callen
We are not in your little sanctuary. Your
magic suppression is not as effective here.
magic suppression is not as effective here.
Rayth
Are you honestly convinced you can stop
me?
me?
Rayth
Very well, let us find out. Two little moths,
four little moths, it makes no difference.
four little moths, it makes no difference.
Rayth
The ritual will proceed!
Gyurelle
Rody, Yuki...
Druke and Callen are here, too...
Druke and Callen are here, too...
Gyurelle
Why... Why did they come...
Ossia
They came to stop the ritual and rescue
you, duh. I was the one that got them
you, duh. I was the one that got them
Ossia
moving, though.
Ossia
That look on your face says you don't
understand why they'd come for you.
understand why they'd come for you.
Ossia
You really need it spelled out for you?
Can't you figure it out on your own?
Can't you figure it out on your own?
Ossia
Ugh, you're just like how I was before.
It makes me sick.
It makes me sick.
Gyurelle
I just...don't understand...why...
Ossia
Being as rational as I am, I can't begin to
imagine what those heroes are thinking.
imagine what those heroes are thinking.
Ossia
Probably some crap about "friendship"
or something cheesy like that.
or something cheesy like that.
Gyurelle
Friendship...
Gyurelle
I see...
Gyurelle
Did you also come for me...because we're
friends...?
friends...?
Ossia
Ha, no way!
Ossia
I'm simply returning a favor. You helped
me, so now I'm helping you. Nothing more.
me, so now I'm helping you. Nothing more.
Ossia
Plus, I can't just let Rayth get his way.
He needs to be humbled.
He needs to be humbled.
Ossia
Or would you rather I say something like,
Ossia
"I just had to save my bestest friend in
the whole wide world!"
the whole wide world!"
Gyurelle
Heehee...
Thank you, Ossia...!
Thank you, Ossia...!
Gyurelle
There are things...I want to do!
Out there, in the world...!
Out there, in the world...!
Ossia
Yeah, yeah. Just stay out of trouble and
away from that phony festival.
away from that phony festival.
Gyurelle
R-Right! I'll be careful!
Ossia
"Bye bye, bestest friend! Be careful
and stay away from here, okay?"
and stay away from here, okay?"
Ossia
(Now that Gyurelle's gone, Rayth's
plans have no chance of succeeding.)
plans have no chance of succeeding.)
Ossia
(All that's left to do is finish my
assignment. It's time to earn my pay.)
assignment. It's time to earn my pay.)
Argento
...!
Rody
Hngh... Haaagh!
Ossia
(Just how did those two fall under Rayth's
control, anyway? It's not part of any plan
control, anyway? It's not part of any plan
Ossia
I've heard about.)
Rody
...Ossia! My hands are full here. You go
take care of Rayth!
take care of Rayth!
Ossia
And why exactly would I take orders
from the likes of you? What's in it for me?
from the likes of you? What's in it for me?
Rody
I'm sorry! But this is the only way
to save Gyurelle!
to save Gyurelle!
Ossia
(Hmm. Knowing that girl, she'll probably
end up in Rayth's clutches again
end up in Rayth's clutches again
Ossia
regardless of how far she tries to run.)
Ossia
(Ugh. I just want to do my job, but now
I've got these battle-crazy freaks
I've got these battle-crazy freaks
Ossia
interfering with my plans...)
Ossia
Why don't we just take care of these two?
Then you'll be free to go after Rayth.
Then you'll be free to go after Rayth.
Rody
You've got a way to stop them? Great!
Then by all means, we'll go with your plan!
Then by all means, we'll go with your plan!
Ossia
(That glibness... Has he forgotten
I'm an Aeon Lord, too?)
I'm an Aeon Lord, too?)
Ossia
Now then, Mistress Witch.
Let's see what you can do.
Let's see what you can do.
Callen
Heh, "Mistress Witch?" Sure, let me
show you a thing or two!
show you a thing or two!
Ossia
I wasn't talking to you. Go play in the
corner, child.
corner, child.
Callen
Hey, who are you calling a child!? That
is rich coming from the likes of you!
is rich coming from the likes of you!
Callen
You are the one always crying for your
mama!
mama!
Rayth
Oh, my, infighting amongst allies?
Take your barbaric behavior elsewhere!
Take your barbaric behavior elsewhere!
Callen
Whoa, that was close!
And no way we are allies with her!
And no way we are allies with her!
Ossia
The very thought is offensive.
Allies... Eugh.
Allies... Eugh.
Ossia
You there. Yuki, was it? One large serving
of ice magic, if you please.
of ice magic, if you please.
Yuki
—Me!? But my magic is too unstable to
conjure anything that powerful...
conjure anything that powerful...
Ossia
I'll bolster your magic. Remember
when you froze that volcano solid?
when you froze that volcano solid?
Ossia
Just use that spell again.
Yuki
That could work, if you supply some of
your magic...
your magic...
Ossia
Draw the puppets in. They'll need to be
closer for this to work.
closer for this to work.
Ossia
Easy job for such "heroes," right?
Norza
...!
Druke
Guh... Haaargh!
Druke
(He's broken my stance with the gust of
his swing! His strength, speed, skill are all
his swing! His strength, speed, skill are all
Druke
leagues better than they once were...!)
Norza
...!
Druke
Ngh... YAAA!
Druke
Huff...huff...
Druke
You won't get the best of me, damn it!
Norza
I still owe you...from that day in the cave...
Norza
Time to repay what is owed...
Druke
(Did he just... Wait, does that mean he's—)
Norza
Haaaaaa...!
Druke
Ungh—!
Druke
(That was a close one! A hair to the
left and he'd have cut me in two...!)
left and he'd have cut me in two...!)
Druke
Haha...
Druke
So this is the power of an Aeon Lord.
I can't wait to see just how much you're
I can't wait to see just how much you're
Druke
really capable of! C'moooooon!
Druke
(I'd almost forgotten why I was
anticipating the Pandemonium; to fight
anticipating the Pandemonium; to fight
Druke
a worthy opponent, to become stronger—!)
Rody
—uke!
Hey, Druke!
Hey, Druke!
Rody
You okay over there?
You've split too far off from us!
You've split too far off from us!
Druke
I'm fine, haven't even broken a sweat!
You worry about yourself, partner!
You worry about yourself, partner!
Druke
(Phew, I almost lost sight of myself in
the heat of the fight...)
the heat of the fight...)
Druke
(If I don't keep my focus, I may actually
end up as the monster I was shown I'd
end up as the monster I was shown I'd
Druke
become...)
Druke
(No, I won't allow that. I know I can stay
true to myself in my pursuit of strength!)
true to myself in my pursuit of strength!)
Druke
You want more? Then get over here,
Norza! If you dare!
Norza! If you dare!
Norza
...
Rody
We could use a change of scenery too!
Argento
...
Ossia
Not bad, considering who your opponents
are. Here, Mistress Witch! More magic!
are. Here, Mistress Witch! More magic!
Yuki
(Wow. Ossia's mana has really improved
in quality and volume since we last met!)
in quality and volume since we last met!)
Yuki
This should do it—
Rayth
Oh, and what's this? It may prove to be
a thorn in my side...
a thorn in my side...
Callen
Rayth, you face me!
Rody
And me! I won't let you hurt anyone
else!
else!
Druke
You're useless without your puppets, huh.
So just sit there and twiddle your thumbs!
So just sit there and twiddle your thumbs!
Rayth
...Tsk.
Yuki
O ice, I call upon thee to freeze him!
Yuki
This ends now—!
The Conclusion
Gyurelle
(I need to hurry... I have to keep running!
If I don't get far enough from Mr. Rayth,
If I don't get far enough from Mr. Rayth,
Gyurelle
he's going to catch up...!)
Gyurelle
(If I can just make it out of the village...
and into the forest, then I'll be...)
and into the forest, then I'll be...)
Villager A
Enjoying the festival?
Villager B
If we don't get to worshipping soon, then...
Gyurelle
(Everyone in the village has embraced the
festival mood... If they knew that I was the
festival mood... If they knew that I was the
Gyurelle
sacrifice this year, and that I'm escaping...)
Gyurelle
No, I...
Gyurelle
I've made up my mind!
I'm running away, and that's that!
I'm running away, and that's that!
Gyurelle
I want to get out of here, and...do all kinds
of stuff. And meet tons of different people.
of stuff. And meet tons of different people.
Gyurelle
I want to hang out with that girl again,
too!
too!
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
(Wait... Who do I mean by that?)
Sweets Vendor
Hey, Kanna...!
Village Girl A
Oh, Kanna! It's about time you showed up.
Gyurelle
Um, I'm... That's not me...
Gyurelle
But it's strange...
Gyurelle
(I'm not sure why, but...
That name sounds...really familiar.)
That name sounds...really familiar.)
Gyurelle
Kanna...
Inner Voice
(..."Promises made to friends
absolutely must be kept.")
absolutely must be kept.")
Gyurelle
Wh-What's happening...?
These words in my head...
These words in my head...
Gyurelle
There's no escaping them...!
Inner Voice
("Bye bye, bestest friend! Be careful
and stay away from here, okay?")
and stay away from here, okay?")
Gyurelle
(That's what...Ossia said earlier...)
Gyurelle
(I've heard this all before. The same lines...
in a really similar situation.)
in a really similar situation.)
Gyurelle
...But from who?
Gyurelle
I'll definitely be back...
Gyurelle
I mean it, I swear...
Gyurelle
...That's it!
Gyurelle
How could I have forgotten...?
Gyurelle
That was the promise...
Gyurelle
I made to Kanna!
Ossia
Hm, your puppets are awfully wooden.
There's nowhere left for them to run.
There's nowhere left for them to run.
Ossia
(I'll fight Rayth with the heroes. The plan
was to take them on after they had worn
was to take them on after they had worn
Ossia
each other out, but... Well, if Rayth goes
down, that's good enough.)
down, that's good enough.)
Ossia
(Then I'll take his Eternity...
And my mission will be complete.)
And my mission will be complete.)
Ossia
Go on, Mister Hero. Finish him off.
Rody
No, I'm going to take him to Rigland.
I'm not even halfway through
I'm not even halfway through
Rody
the list of questions I want to ask him.
Ossia
...Did I hear that right? Not only are you
sparing him, you're taking him with you.
sparing him, you're taking him with you.
Rody
I want to know what he was doing in this
village.
village.
Rody
And his plans for Gyurelle are still
a mystery.
a mystery.
Ossia
I swear, you humans...
You're all such knuckleheads.
You're all such knuckleheads.
Rayth
Oh, yes... Fools, indeed. After all,
something like my leaving this village...
something like my leaving this village...
Rayth
...shall never come to pass.
Yuki
Rody, behind you!
Dragonkin Man
That girl is too dangerous...
Rody
Wait, isn't he the dragonkin who
was at the sanctuary!?
was at the sanctuary!?
Druke
I'm leaving him to you, partner!
I'll handle this one!
I'll handle this one!
Dragonkin Woman
She was to be the most powerful...
Rody
Skin-hardening abilities and ground
attacks are bad enough, but...
attacks are bad enough, but...
Rody
Rayth's manipulation increases their
agility, too. This is going to be tough!
agility, too. This is going to be tough!
Rayth
Hmph. The tables have turned, haven't
they? All that's left is to find Gyurelle.
they? All that's left is to find Gyurelle.
Ossia
No, this ends here.
Rayth
...If not for the Crimson Crest, my
immortality would be absolute.
immortality would be absolute.
Ossia
Which is exactly why I'll be collecting that
Eternity of yours.
Eternity of yours.
Rody
Hey! Just what are you planning to do,
Ossia?
Ossia?
Ossia
Even if I can't borrow these heroes' powers,
I still have another ace up my sleeve.
I still have another ace up my sleeve.
Ossia
You should've kept those dragonkin of yours
on a short leash.
on a short leash.
Rody
W-Wait just a minute!
I still have questions that I nee—
I still have questions that I nee—
Ossia
And why should I bother listening
to any of your requests?
to any of your requests?
Ossia
I am one of the Aeon Lords...
Ossia, the Illustrious Plaguebearer.
Ossia, the Illustrious Plaguebearer.
Ossia
I have not—nor will I ever—
be on your side.
be on your side.
Rayth
Well, now! I don't know what you intend to
do, but...
do, but...
Rayth
Even your most desperate attack came
short of being fatal. Or did you forget?
short of being fatal. Or did you forget?
Ossia
I am not so stupid that I would make the
same mistake twice.
same mistake twice.
Ossia
That explosion that went every which way
can be set to converge on a single point.
can be set to converge on a single point.
Ossia
That's the true nature of Aeon Bane.
Ossia
Even an Aeon Lord's immortality
will be snuffed out in a snap.
will be snuffed out in a snap.
Rayth
A concentrated attack...
Ossia
Well, it's too late for you now.
Everything's already in place.
Everything's already in place.
Ossia
I failed to bring you down before,
but you won't be so lucky this time.
but you won't be so lucky this time.
Rayth
Puppets, return to me! Become my shield!
Ossia
I keep telling you, it's too late fo—
Gyurelle
...Mother? ...Father?
Ossia
Gyurelle...!?
Gyurelle
Rody, why are you...fighting...
my parents?
my parents?
Rody
Your parents...? Wait, you mean those
dragonkin are—?
dragonkin are—?
Druke
Rayth...!
You son of a...!
You son of a...!
Rayth
Heh, so you did return.
And what good timing!
And what good timing!
Rayth
This is truly the work of the divine!
Rayth
Come now, my trio of dragonkin! Use your
abiding familial love to protect me!
abiding familial love to protect me!
Gyurelle's Father
...Protect...
Gyurelle's Mother
...Protect...
Gyurelle
...Protect...Mr. Rayth...
Ossia
(No! My Aeon Bane has already fully
charged. I can't stop it!)
charged. I can't stop it!)
Rody
Ossia, call it off!
Ossia
Gyurelle...
You absolute idiot!
You absolute idiot!
Rody
Ah—!
Callen
I have never seen such a powerful blast!
Yuki
Everything from earth to sky is
rippling from the aftermath!
rippling from the aftermath!
Ossia
Ahahaha... There isn't so much as a
scratch on Rayth...
scratch on Rayth...
Callen
They pushed their transmutation to the
utmost limit, to become living shields.
utmost limit, to become living shields.
Yuki
Even though it meant that...all three of
them...would die...
them...would die...
Rayth
That's the beauty of familial love.
Ah, such devotion...
Ah, such devotion...
Rayth
Why, it's God's greatest gift of all.
Rayth
Still, the dragonkin ability to bend things
to their will is magnificent.
to their will is magnificent.
Rayth
I'm surprised they fended off such strong
magic. It's a shame they're charcoal, now.
magic. It's a shame they're charcoal, now.
Rody
RAYTH...!
Rayth
Nrh! Ghh... Heheheh!
So, this is the power of the Crimson Crest!
So, this is the power of the Crimson Crest!
Rayth
Well, this ritual was a failure...
but I'll have plenty of other opportunities.
but I'll have plenty of other opportunities.
Rody
No, you won't! This ends here!
Haaaaaaaaagh!
Haaaaaaaaagh!
Rayth
Huuurgh!
Rayth
Ngh... Ah...
Druke
He sure liked the sound of his own voice,
huh? But just what was he trying to do?
huh? But just what was he trying to do?
Rody
Ossia... Why didn't you call off your spell?
Ossia
It was already at its peak.
If I'd tried cancelling at that point,
If I'd tried cancelling at that point,
Ossia
it would have gone haywire and exploded
anyway.
anyway.
Ossia
And then none of you would be standing
here right now. Consider yourselves lucky.
here right now. Consider yourselves lucky.
Rody
Alright, but... Couldn't you have gotten
the spell to change directions?
the spell to change directions?
Rody
Pick a different target?
Ossia
...Sure, I could have.
Rody
So, why didn't you!?
Ossia
Are you done blathering self-righteously
about your own deceptions? It's irritating.
about your own deceptions? It's irritating.
Rody
But, Ossia... Gyurelle died because of that.
Wasn't she your friend?
Wasn't she your friend?
Ossia
Friend? Absolutely not.
Ossia
Who could befriend a walking corpse?
Rody
...Wait, what did you just say? You mean,
Gyurelle wasn't alive to begin with?
Gyurelle wasn't alive to begin with?
???
Exactly.
Rayth's ability has its limits.
Rayth's ability has its limits.
???
He can only make puppets of
those who have lost their lives.
those who have lost their lives.
Rody
Urgh...!
Rody
You—
Yuki
Rody!
Yuki
A-Aah...!
Argento
That was awfully frosty, Mistress Witch.
Consider this your reward.
Consider this your reward.
Druke
You bastard! You've got some nerve—
Argento
Careful there, warrior.
Acting rashly is only lowering your guard.
Acting rashly is only lowering your guard.
Argento
...Case in point.
Druke
Wh-What the—!?
Norza
Druke, I'll arrange for us to lock swords
another time.
another time.
Norza
Don't disappoint me by dying before then.
Druke
N-Norza...
Argento
What happened to the elf?
She didn't get away, did she?
She didn't get away, did she?
Norza
Of course not.
She's lying over there.
She's lying over there.
Callen
...
Argento
Hm, expertly done.
As expected of the Corpseblade.
As expected of the Corpseblade.
Ossia
More to the point, what are you two
doing here? Did he send you?
doing here? Did he send you?
Argento
No, this was my own idea. You were to go
up against the Venerable Puppetmaster
up against the Venerable Puppetmaster
Argento
who's to say what he had up his sleeve?
Ossia
So, you came to lend a helping hand?
Why, thank you for sticking your nose
Why, thank you for sticking your nose
Ossia
where it didn't belong.
In short, you were a hindrance.
In short, you were a hindrance.
Argento
And for our trouble, we were put on ice.
Argento
Well, I suspected that something was up.
He's acting like he's been beaten, but...
He's acting like he's been beaten, but...
Ossia
If we had stuck to my original plan, then
Rayth would have died a whole lot sooner.
Rayth would have died a whole lot sooner.
Ossia
That, and...
Argento
I think you'll find he's not quite dead yet.
Ossia
Huh? What are you getting at?
Argento
Hey, Rayth! You gonna wake up yet?
You dodged that last attack, didn't you?
You dodged that last attack, didn't you?
Argento
I know all about your true form too, so
your acting's not going to help you here.
your acting's not going to help you here.
Argento
Come on, get up!
Rayth
H-Huh? Um... How did you know?
Ossia
...!
Argento
Now, don't play dumb. I noticed that you
were much weaker fighting Ossia.
were much weaker fighting Ossia.
Argento
I knew at a glance what was wrong.
That whoever that was...wasn't Rayth.
That whoever that was...wasn't Rayth.
Argento
Which meant that someone had
taken on a disguise...
taken on a disguise...
Argento
And this village did have dragonkin
living in it, after all.
living in it, after all.
Argento
Given that they could use transmutation
to change their own shape...
to change their own shape...
Argento
Well, the idea didn't seem so farfetched.
Rayth
Wooow, that's all you needed to piece it
together? Gosh, you're good.
together? Gosh, you're good.
Rayth
But maaaaan, that hero sure is trouble.
I faked the hit, but he still kinda got me.
I faked the hit, but he still kinda got me.
Rayth
I mean, just looooook.
Like, that's totally blood, right?
Like, that's totally blood, right?
Rayth
Awww, scheisse...
Ossia
He really is still alive...
Ossia
But, Argento, you just said that
you knew all about his "true form."
you knew all about his "true form."
Argento
That I did.
Who we're actually speaking with...
Who we're actually speaking with...
Argento
is the real Gyurelle.
Isn't that right?
Isn't that right?
Rayth
Oooh, you nailed it!
Rayth?
Hnnngh...
Gyurelle
Ta-dah!
Gyurelle
This is what I really look like. Hey, Ossia?
Gyurelle
When I absorbed the magic from my copy,
I saw all her memories of when you were
I saw all her memories of when you were
Gyurelle
being nice. Could we like, keep being
friends?
friends?
Ossia
...
Ossia
Who are you...?
Or should that be what are you?
Or should that be what are you?
Gyurelle
Hm? I'm a girl. I'm Gyurelle.
Like, the actual Gyurelle.
Like, the actual Gyurelle.
Gyurelle
Um, you still look kinda unconvinced.
Gyurelle
Alright, fine, I get it.
I'll give you the whole story.
I'll give you the whole story.
Gyurelle
Let's see, it all started back when...
Her First Friend
"It was a Monday..."
"And I was dying to go outside."
Jane
But for real, Kanna. I toootally love how you
dress. You're, like, always serving looks!
dress. You're, like, always serving looks!
Kanna
Heh heh heh! I mean, I wouldn't go
that far, but thanks!
that far, but thanks!
Doe
Girl, YES. It's 'cause you came from
outside the village too!
outside the village too!
Doe
Maaan, I SO want to see
what's out there!
what's out there!
Jane
Omigosh, Doe! What if someone hears
you talking about going outside...!?
you talking about going outside...!?
Doe
Whoops, was I that loud?
My bad, Jane!
My bad, Jane!
Jane
Girl, you are such a bimbo. But like, I
really wanna know what's hot, too.
really wanna know what's hot, too.
Kanna
You mean like, for clothes? I guess, like,
Lightling-patterned scarves?
Lightling-patterned scarves?
Doe
I want that for me...
Maybe I'll ask Miss Chique over at the
Maybe I'll ask Miss Chique over at the
Doe
tailor's to make me something like that.
Kanna
I could transmute you one, easy-peasy!
I'll have it for next time!
I'll have it for next time!
Jane
What? No way! Love youuu, Kanna!
Kanna
Teehee! Yeah, you do!
Gyurelle
(Sounds like they're having fun...)
Gyurelle
I know! If I made a scarf too, then...
maybe I could join their group!
maybe I could join their group!
Gyurelle
Except my transmutation...
just makes things go wonky...
just makes things go wonky...
Gyurelle
But maybe this time will be different...
Gyurelle
I... I guess I should give it a try...!
Gyurelle
Um, okay... Let's see...
This goes like this, and...
This goes like this, and...
Gyurelle
Ah... Nope, that was no good... Ugh...
I knew I couldn't do it with my power...
I knew I couldn't do it with my power...
Gyurelle
Besides, I...can't even get out of here, so...
Gyurelle
Getting to play with those girls...
is just going to have to stay a dream.
is just going to have to stay a dream.
Kanna
Hey, Jane?
What's that building, again?
What's that building, again?
Jane
Oh, you mean the sanctuary?
Doe
Um, I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be
for praying to the Dragon God and stuff.
for praying to the Dragon God and stuff.
Jane
I think someone lives there? All the adults
talk about a kid who's bad news there.
talk about a kid who's bad news there.
Doe
You seriously buy that?
I've never seen any kids inside.
I've never seen any kids inside.
Jane
Yeah, 'cause you're not supposed to look.
If you do, you'll get cuuursed!
If you do, you'll get cuuursed!
Doe
Yeeeeeek!
Kanna
Bad news, huh?
Jane
You should stay away too, Kanna.
We're told to keep away for good reason.
We're told to keep away for good reason.
Doe
Only the priest can go in.
Anyone else gets yelled at.
Anyone else gets yelled at.
Jane
It's like, a village rule.
Kanna
...Weird, I think I just saw someone.
Doe
Girl, stooop! I'm not built for that!
Jane
Anyways, why don't we do something
kinda different today?
kinda different today?
Kanna
Oh, right...! The festival's coming up!
We'd better go help set up!
We'd better go help set up!
Doe
Why don't we go check out the plaza?
Maybe we could grab something to eat?
Maybe we could grab something to eat?
Kanna
Ooh, yeah, let's go!
Gyurelle
O-Oh no, she saw me...!
That girl, um... Kanna!
That girl, um... Kanna!
Gyurelle
I wonder if she figured out that I was
eavesdropping on them...
eavesdropping on them...
Gyurelle
Would that make her think...I'm creepy?
Gyurelle
Oooh... Nooooooo!
Gyurelle
If I made her feel bad, then, um...
Maybe I should apologize?
Maybe I should apologize?
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
But it's not like...
I'll ever get the chance.
I'll ever get the chance.
Gyurelle
No one comes near me...
Gyurelle
I can't let anyone get close, so...
"Then, on Tuesday..."
"That was when I met her."
Gyurelle
They're late today...
Gyurelle
They always show up at the same time,
and have really fun talks, too.
and have really fun talks, too.
Gyurelle
...Oh, right.
They have to help out with the festival.
They have to help out with the festival.
Gyurelle
I forgot...
Knock, knock
Gyurelle
(Hm? Was that...a knock at the door?
No, couldn't be... I must be hearing things.)
No, couldn't be... I must be hearing things.)
Gyurelle
(Mr. Rayth is the only one who comes here,
and he never knocks, so...)
and he never knocks, so...)
Knock, knock!
Gyurelle
(W-Wait, so there IS someone at
the door!?)
the door!?)
Kanna
Hellooo?
Anybody hooome?
Anybody hooome?
Gyurelle
(That voice...! It sounds like that
Kanna girl.)
Kanna girl.)
Gyurelle
(N-No, I can't... I'm not allowed to go out...)
Gyurelle
(Mr. Rayth will be very angry if I answer
the door...)
the door...)
Kanna
C'mon, I know you're in here! Like, I'm
pretty sure I saw you the other day?
pretty sure I saw you the other day?
Kanna
Hmm... I guess nobody's here after all.
Oh, well. That's that, huh?
Oh, well. That's that, huh?
Gyurelle
...D-Did she leave?
Kanna
Ow, ow, ow...!
O-Oooh, my stomach huuurts! Help meee!
O-Oooh, my stomach huuurts! Help meee!
Gyurelle
(H-Huh...!? She's in pain?
And needs help!?)
And needs help!?)
Kanna
Uuugh, I-I'm gonna diiie...
Gyurelle
(Oh, why isn't there anyone else around?
Kanna's hurting so much!)
Kanna's hurting so much!)
Gyurelle
(...I'm the only one who can do anything.
I'm the only one who can save her!)
I'm the only one who can save her!)
Gyurelle
(I'm sure the Dragon God and Mr. Rayth...
will forgive me for that!)
will forgive me for that!)
Gyurelle
(It'll be fine if I don't touch her!
I'll help her, then send her right out!)
I'll help her, then send her right out!)
Creak!
Gyurelle
A-Are you okay...!?
Um, Kanna... Can you walk?
Um, Kanna... Can you walk?
Gyurelle
H-Hurry and come inside...
Gyurelle
Er, here's some water!
And some medicine...!
And some medicine...!
Gyurelle
I wasn't sure which would be better, so, um...
I kind of grabbed whatever...
I kind of grabbed whatever...
Gyurelle
But you should take it, and fast!
Kanna
Umm... I'm really sorry!
Gyurelle
...Huh?
Kanna
I lied. I just had a feeling it was the only
way to get those doors open.
way to get those doors open.
Gyurelle
You...lied?
You're not hurt anywhere? At all?
You're not hurt anywhere? At all?
Kanna
Nope, I'm totally fine!
Gyurelle
Oh, thank goodness...!
That's a huge relief...
That's a huge relief...
Kanna
Huh. Wow, you're actually super nice.
Uh, that might not mean much,
Uh, that might not mean much,
Kanna
coming from me. I'm super sorry for lying!
Gyurelle
N-No, I'm not...nice or anything...
Gyurelle
Oh, but... What should I do? I didn't help
anyone... I'm going to be in huge trouble...
anyone... I'm going to be in huge trouble...
Kanna
Oh, I know how you can help me! Just
chat with me for a bit, okay?
chat with me for a bit, okay?
Gyurelle
That...counts?
Kanna
Yep! I wanted to talk to you sooo bad, it
was driving me nuts! So, can we?
was driving me nuts! So, can we?
Gyurelle
U-Um... I guess that's fine...
Kanna
Thanks a bunch! So, you know my name,
but what's yours?
but what's yours?
Gyurelle
...It's, um...
I'm...Gyurelle.
I'm...Gyurelle.
Kanna
Gyurelle, huh? I love it!
Okay, so, why are you always in here?
Okay, so, why are you always in here?
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
That's, um... Anything I touch becomes
all messed up, so...you know...
all messed up, so...you know...
Kanna
Wait, what do you mean?
Gyurelle
It gets all twisted...
Because of my transmutation power...
Because of my transmutation power...
Gyurelle
So you have to stay away from me, okay?
Kanna
Huh. I'm a dragonkin too, so I have that
as well.
as well.
Gyurelle
...It's scary, right?
Kanna
Nope, not at all! I don't mind sitting apart
when chatting or anything, though.
when chatting or anything, though.
Gyurelle
You...really mean that?
Kanna
Plus, being able to make, like, sculptures
with just one touch is so cool!
with just one touch is so cool!
Gyurelle
Cool...?
Gyurelle
That's the first time...anyone's ever said
that to me.
that to me.
Gyurelle
Teehee, this is...kind of fun.
Kanna
OMG, you should see yourself when you
smile! You're so adorable!
smile! You're so adorable!
Gyurelle
I-I am...!? U-Um...
Kanna
Haha!
You're cute when you blush, too!
You're cute when you blush, too!
Kanna
Okay! Next, it'll be my turn to tell you all
about me, Gyurie!
about me, Gyurie!
Gyurelle
...Gyurie?
Kanna
Yep! It's totes adorbs, isn't it?
Gyurelle
Um...
Gyurelle
...Sure. Totes adorbs.
Kanna
You betcha! ♪
Gyurelle
Unlike me, Kanna was a dragonkin from
outside the village.
outside the village.
Gyurelle
But she soon became the most popular
person in town.
person in town.
Gyurelle
And it was that bubbly girl that I stared
at wistfully from the window.
at wistfully from the window.
Gyurelle
That day I spent chatting with Kanna
felt shorter than any other.
felt shorter than any other.
Gyurelle
And the whole sanctuary seemed to shine...
Kanna
Gyurie, d'you ever wonder about what's
outside the village?
outside the village?
Gyurelle
Sometimes, I try to imagine what it might
be like, sure...
be like, sure...
Kanna
The outside world is freaking awesome!
Gyurelle
Freaking...?
Um... How, exactly?
Um... How, exactly?
Kanna
Like, would you believe me if I said there
was a lake big enough to fit the whole
was a lake big enough to fit the whole
Kanna
village in it?
Gyurelle
You're kidding...!
That can't be possible..!
That can't be possible..!
Kanna
I know, right!? And there's whole countries
that are, like, fifty thousand times bigger!
that are, like, fifty thousand times bigger!
Gyurelle
Oh, wow...
Kanna
Haha! Your eyes just got bigger than
dinner plates!
dinner plates!
Gyurelle
B-But I just can't picture it! Do they have
even more people than we do here, too?
even more people than we do here, too?
Kanna
You betcha! They've got all kinds of people!
Kanna
It's not all just humans and dragonkin,
y'know!
y'know!
Kanna
There's too many kinds to count!
Gyurelle
Th-That many...!?
Gyurelle
I didn't know...that there were lots of
dragonkin outside, too...
dragonkin outside, too...
Kanna
Oh, um, well...
I wouldn't say lots, but...
I wouldn't say lots, but...
Kanna
We're, um... Like, you know!
Ultra rare and extra valuable!
Ultra rare and extra valuable!
Kanna
Which makes us super cool!
Gyurelle
Oh, okay...
Yeah. That's, um, cool.
Yeah. That's, um, cool.
Kanna
See, you get it! So, what I wanna do is
gather up aaaaaall the dragonkin,
gather up aaaaaall the dragonkin,
Kanna
and make my very own kingdom!
Kanna
Then, I'd be a princess.
I'd make you one too, Gyurie!
I'd make you one too, Gyurie!
Gyurelle
You don't have to go that far!
But that would be nice...
But that would be nice...
Gyurelle
A whole kingdom of dragonkin...
Kanna
Yeah!
Anyways, Gyurie...
Anyways, Gyurie...
Kanna
The outside world is bright, shiny, and
just like, tons of fun!
just like, tons of fun!
Gyurelle
I'm sure it is...!
I'd like to see that.
I'd like to see that.
Gyurelle
I was thrilled that someone like Kanna
would talk to someone like me.
would talk to someone like me.
Gyurelle
But as she started getting closer to me—
or at least as I imagined that she did—
or at least as I imagined that she did—
Gyurelle
I made sure to keep my distance.
Gyurelle
It couldn't have been more clear that I was
meant to be alone.
meant to be alone.
"And, on Wednesday..."
"She stole me away."
Kanna
...Scheisse!
Gyurelle
...Bless you?
Kanna
Oh, that's just something you can say
when you're really frustrated.
when you're really frustrated.
Kanna
It's not a very polite word, though.
Kanna
Because, I mean...dang!
Is that really all true?
Is that really all true?
Kanna
Gyurie, that fake priest does weird
things to you?
things to you?
Gyurelle
Oh, um, I... I don't know if he's fake, but...
It does...hurt.
It does...hurt.
Gyurelle
But it's for purification...
For the festival, so...
For the festival, so...
Kanna
Nuh-uh! He definitely gets a kick out of
hurting cute girls!
hurting cute girls!
Kanna
He's a dirty perv, that's what!
Gyurelle
Um, Kanna...
Why are you so upset?
Why are you so upset?
Kanna
Why would I not be!?
Why aren't you mad, Gyurie?
Why aren't you mad, Gyurie?
Gyurelle
Should I be? But that's just...normal.
Or rather, it's my duty, so...
Or rather, it's my duty, so...
Kanna
There's not a person alive who'd think
that kind of hurtful stuff was normal!
that kind of hurtful stuff was normal!
Gyurelle
...Kanna?
Kanna
Whatever! Gyurie, we're going!
Gyurelle
Wh-What!? Wh-Where!?
Kanna
Doesn't matter! Anywhere that's not here!
Somewhere you won't get hurt!
Somewhere you won't get hurt!
Gyurelle
B-But...
I'm not supposed to leave...
I'm not supposed to leave...
Kanna
You'll be fine! I'll be with you. You can
trust me!
trust me!
Gyurelle
You mean it...?
Gyurelle
(Kanna knows about my problem.)
Gyurelle
(If we're together, then maybe I won't
touch anyone by accident.)
touch anyone by accident.)
Gyurelle
(I spent so much time...looking at the
world through a window.)
world through a window.)
Gyurelle
(I want to run around, like when I was
little...!)
little...!)
Gyurelle
O-Okay. Let's go...!
Kanna
Alright! Now we're talking!
Gyurelle
And then, Kanna took my hand tightly
in her own.
in her own.
Gyurelle
Then, before I could pull away, she took
me outside with her.
me outside with her.
Gyurelle
She brought me into a world filled with
color, and my hand felt so warm in hers.
color, and my hand felt so warm in hers.
Gyurelle
It made me realize for the first time that
it was okay for me to touch people.
it was okay for me to touch people.
Gyurelle
Thanks to Kanna, I managed to leave
the sanctuary.
the sanctuary.
Gyurelle
I still remember how fast my heart was
beating and how beautiful everything was.
beating and how beautiful everything was.
Gyurelle
I'll never forget how I felt that day.
It became my eternity...
It became my eternity...
"But on Thursday..."
"She paid for her crime."
Gyurelle
Just as Kanna and I were about to leave
the village, we were caught.
the village, we were caught.
Disapproving Villager A
This is what comes of outsiders entering
the village...
the village...
Disapproving Villager B
No thanks to her, my own daughter is
starting to get ideas, too...
starting to get ideas, too...
Disapproving Villager C
For the crime of attempted egress, you are
hereby sentenced to...
hereby sentenced to...
Kanna
Noooooo! Stop! I'm sorry...!
No more! Please! I can't—
No more! Please! I can't—
Kanna
Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!
Gyurelle
Her screams made my chest clench.
What awful things were they doing
What awful things were they doing
Gyurelle
in the name of punishment...?
Gyurelle
Just imagining it made my heart feel
like it would burst.
like it would burst.
Rayth
My goodness. I trust that we won't have
any more of these little escapades, hm?
any more of these little escapades, hm?
Rayth
Now listen, Gyurelle. You have an
extremely important duty to fulfill here.
extremely important duty to fulfill here.
Rayth
You understand that, don't you?
Gyurelle
Yes, sir...
Rayth
Very good.
Speaking of your sacred rites...
Speaking of your sacred rites...
Rayth
Today will be quite strenuous, as we will
channel more magic and medicine than
channel more magic and medicine than
Rayth
usual. This isn't a punishment, but a
blessing.
blessing.
Rayth
It is all part of God's will.
Is that not the most joyous thing?
Is that not the most joyous thing?
Gyurelle
Yes, sir...
Rayth
I trust that you will hold fast. After all, it
would be quite impossible to remake you.
would be quite impossible to remake you.
Gyurelle
Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!
AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
Gyurelle
It hurts! It hurts so baaaaaaad!
A-Aaaauuuugggghhhhh!
A-Aaaauuuugggghhhhh!
Rayth
Pain is God's way of bestowing His love.
Do not shy away from it, Gyurelle.
Do not shy away from it, Gyurelle.
Gyurelle
I was used to the pain.
...Or so I'd thought.
...Or so I'd thought.
Gyurelle
That was the first time I had ever
performed my duties less than willingly,
performed my duties less than willingly,
Gyurelle
and it was infinitely more painful.
Gyurelle
And yet, through it all...I held onto the
memory of Kanna's warmth.
memory of Kanna's warmth.
Gyurelle
All while I was screaming, that memory
kept playing in my mind.
kept playing in my mind.
Her First Ritual
"I found out, on Friday..."
"That wasn't enough to discourage her."
Kanna
Hey! How's it hanging?
Gyurelle
K-Kanna...!?
Gyurelle
How did you get in here...? Mr. Rayth told
me that he'd locked up the sanctuary
me that he'd locked up the sanctuary
Gyurelle
extra tight.
Kanna
Maybe he did! But like, I'm not just any
old dragonkin!
old dragonkin!
Gyurelle
Oh, so...you used transmutation?
Kanna
Yep. Even a giant lock like that came
undone in a snap!
undone in a snap!
Kanna
But I'll make sure to put it back later
so we don't get caught.
so we don't get caught.
Gyurelle
I didn't know you could do that.
You're so talented...
You're so talented...
Kanna
Well, what can I say? I'm special!
Kanna
So, we slipped up yesterday, but let's work
on a real plan to leave the village!
on a real plan to leave the village!
Kanna
I'm gonna bust you outta here, Gyurie!
Kanna
And that's that!
Gyurelle
Oh! Er, well...
Kanna
I saaaid, that's that!
Gyurelle
R-Right. Sure.
Kanna
Okay!
Kanna
So, after we leave the village—
Wait, we'd better hide those horns first.
Wait, we'd better hide those horns first.
Kanna
D'you have a hat, or something?
Kanna
Like, a really flashy one!
The bigger and swankier, the better!
The bigger and swankier, the better!
Gyurelle
Um, I don't have anything like that...
Kanna
Hmmm...
Okay, I'll just make you one!
Okay, I'll just make you one!
Gyurelle
You don't have to go that far...!
Um, if I just have to hide them, then...
Um, if I just have to hide them, then...
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
D-Does this work?
Kanna
No waaaaaay!
You can make them disappear!?
You can make them disappear!?
Gyurelle
Y-Yeah...
Can't you do it, too?
Can't you do it, too?
Kanna
No way, no how!
I've never met a dragonkin who could!
I've never met a dragonkin who could!
Kanna
Usually, people can harden them, or
change them enough to hide them,
change them enough to hide them,
Kanna
but not make them go poof!
Kanna
Gyurie, you've got some mad skills!
Gyurelle
I guess... I've always been good at
transmuting myself, so...
transmuting myself, so...
Kanna
Well, do you have any other cool tricks!?
Gyurelle
...Oh, um... It's been a while, so I'm not
sure if I still can manage it, but...
sure if I still can manage it, but...
Gyurelle
Hnnngh....!
Gyurelle
...Did it work?
Kanna
Oh. Em. Geeeeee!
Kanna
There's two of me!
And like, we're totally identical!
And like, we're totally identical!
Gyurelle
So, I...did a good job?
Kanna
You SO did! Oooh, I'm such a cutie!
Gyurelle
Well, if you say so... Good, I'm glad.
Kanna
For real, Gyurie! You're amazing!
A total, super genius!
A total, super genius!
Gyurelle
I-It's nothing, really...
Can't you do this, too?
Can't you do this, too?
Kanna
Pfft, no way!
That's aaaaaall you, girl.
That's aaaaaall you, girl.
Kanna
And that is some crazy power!
Kanna
Oh, but like, maybe the Dragon God
could? Well, it's a legend, so it can probably
could? Well, it's a legend, so it can probably
Kanna
do anything.
Kanna
Hey, Gyurie... Try talking like me!
I'll bet you no one could tell us apart!
I'll bet you no one could tell us apart!
Gyurelle
Oh, no. I couldn't...!
Kanna
C'mon, it's easy! Fine, I'll start by
acting like you, Gyurie!
acting like you, Gyurie!
Kanna
A-Ahem... I'm, um... Gyurelle...
P-Please stop that, Kanna...
P-Please stop that, Kanna...
Kanna
Yep, nailed it!
Gyurelle
Is that...what I sound like?
It's so...mousey.
It's so...mousey.
Kanna
Hmm, I think that's because you don't
want to be mean to people.
want to be mean to people.
Kanna
You like, respect others.
Kanna
But, y'know... Gyurie, I love your way of
talking! You sound so kind.
talking! You sound so kind.
Gyurelle
R-Really...?
Gyurelle
Well, when you put it that way...
I guess that's not so bad...
I guess that's not so bad...
Kanna
...Hey, Gyurie?
Kanna
Has anyone else ever seen you turn into
another person?
another person?
Gyurelle
Come to think of it... No, maybe not.
Kanna
Cool, gotcha. Hmm... So, could we...?
Nah, that'd be almost too easy.
Nah, that'd be almost too easy.
Gyurelle
Um, Kanna?
Kanna
Oh, it's nothing! Just talking to myself.
Kanna
Anyways, I've got some pointers for when
you're being me!
you're being me!
Kanna
Always keep things hopping, and be super
into everything! Be proud and positive!
into everything! Be proud and positive!
Gyurelle
Oh, okay... Thanks for the advice?
Kanna
Look, just keep it in mind. You never
know, it might come in handy sometime!
know, it might come in handy sometime!
Gyurelle
In that moment, Kanna looked oddly
gentle.
gentle.
Gyurelle
Even now, my mind drifts back to how
much it stood out to me.
much it stood out to me.
"So, on Saturday..."
"She invited me to the festival."
Kanna
Did he figure out that I messed with the
lock?
lock?
Kanna
'Cause now there's a barrier.
He's not playing around, huh?
He's not playing around, huh?
Kanna
I'm sorry I can't, like, actually see you.
Gyurelle
No, it's fine... I'm just glad you came...
Kanna
You know what? I think I could get rid of
this stupid barrier if I tried!
this stupid barrier if I tried!
Gyurelle
N-No, don't! Things could be worse, so...
Kanna
Fine, here's what we're gonna do:
Chat the day away!
Chat the day away!
Gyurelle
And we did. Kanna and I had a great
time together.
time together.
Gyurelle
She used to always be where I could see
her, but today, a wall stood between us.
her, but today, a wall stood between us.
Gyurelle
I wanted to hold her hand again, now that
I knew how warm it was. But I couldn't.
I knew how warm it was. But I couldn't.
Kanna
So, Gyurie... How much longer are you
gonna stick around there?
gonna stick around there?
Gyurelle
...Huh?
Kanna
I mean, I touched your hand and I was
fine. So, why stay cooped up?
fine. So, why stay cooped up?
Gyurelle
Well, I have my duties to perform...
And, what if...you're a special case?
And, what if...you're a special case?
Kanna
Hm. 'Kay.
Kanna
Oh! But you're going to the festival
tomorrow, right?
tomorrow, right?
Kanna
I'll come pick you up, so you'd better
be looking forward to it!
be looking forward to it!
Gyurelle
Um, sure... I'll be waiting for you.
Kanna
Great! See you then!
Bye-bye, Gyurie!
Bye-bye, Gyurie!
Gyurelle
See you tomorrow...Kanna!
Gyurelle
(There she goes. The festival, huh...?)
Gyurelle
Heehee, I really am...looking forward to it.
Jane
Geez, that Kanna...
Gyurelle
(That sounds like one of the other girls
who are usually with Kanna.)
who are usually with Kanna.)
Gyurelle
(If they're in front of the sanctuary, then
they must have been waiting for her.)
they must have been waiting for her.)
Doe
She really is, like, wicked curious. Never
thinks what she's getting into, y'know?
thinks what she's getting into, y'know?
Jane
That's what I've been saying! I told her
that's where the bad-news kid lives.
that's where the bad-news kid lives.
Jane
Plus, y'know, lately...she hasn't been
hanging with us at all.
hanging with us at all.
Jane
Is she ghosting us?
Gyurelle
(Because she's been with me instead...)
Gyurelle
It's not good for her to hang out with the
likes of me...
likes of me...
Gyurelle
I don't want to cause Kanna any more
trouble than this, so...
trouble than this, so...
Gyurelle
Maybe I should give up...on going to the
festival...
festival...
Gyurelle's Father
Gyurelle...
Gyurelle's Mother
Gyurelle...
Gyurelle
Oh...! Father! Mother!
Gyurelle
Wh-What are you doing here...!? Mr. Rayth
said that you were too busy to come and...
said that you were too busy to come and...
Gyurelle
W-Well, it doesn't matter! I've missed
you both so mu—
you both so mu—
Gyurelle's Father
Gyurelle, you are to fulfill your duty
tomorrow...
tomorrow...
Gyurelle
...Huh?
Gyurelle's Mother
You must fulfill your duty...
Gyurelle
Mother... Father...
Gyurelle
...I understand.
Gyurelle
That was the last time I heard my
parents' voices.
parents' voices.
Gyurelle
I knew that I no longer existed in their
unfeeling hearts, but...
unfeeling hearts, but...
Gyurelle
As much as I had wanted to see them,
I was overwhelmed with sadness...
I was overwhelmed with sadness...
"Finally, on Sunday..."
"Kanna and I traded places."
Gyurelle
I woke up to complete darkness.
I could barely move.
I could barely move.
Gyurelle
It was as if...I was in a coffin...
Rayth
Gyurelle, the time has come for you to
fulfill your duty. You've held up well.
fulfill your duty. You've held up well.
Gyurelle
Um, Mr. Rayth...
You mean... I'm going to...
You mean... I'm going to...
Rayth
There is nothing you need worry about.
Simply remain in the box.
Simply remain in the box.
Rayth
That's all you must do.
Gyurelle
Simply...remain...
Rayth
Then, it will all be over.
Gyurelle
...I understand.
Gyurelle
My duty...is to be sacrificed to the
Great Dragon God.
Great Dragon God.
Gyurelle
I've always known that.
Gyurelle
I kept that thought in my heart, pushing
through pain and loneliness...
through pain and loneliness...
Gyurelle
But the past week was so dazzling...
Gyurelle
that I couldn't just let go.
Gyurelle
...I want to see Kanna again.
If I could, I'd...
If I could, I'd...
Gyurelle
I'd never leave her side. I want to see the
whole world with her!
whole world with her!
Gyurelle
But maybe I'm just being selfish.
Kanna will be better off without me...
Kanna will be better off without me...
Gyurelle
I'm an abomination. Being friends with
me is nothing but trouble.
me is nothing but trouble.
Gyurelle
She tried to take me out of the village with
her, even if it meant breaking the rules...
her, even if it meant breaking the rules...
Gyurelle
That is enough...to make me happy...
Gyurelle
My memories of the past week
are plenty. They're all I need...
are plenty. They're all I need...
Gyurelle
I really did have a great time with Kanna.
It felt like a dream...
It felt like a dream...
Kanna
Hey! Helloooooo!
Sorry I'm late!
Sorry I'm late!
Kanna
Whoa, Gyurie! What's got you looking
so down in the dumps?
so down in the dumps?
Gyurelle
Hic... Ngh... Waaaaah...
Wh-Why'd you... hafta show uuuuup...
Wh-Why'd you... hafta show uuuuup...
Kanna
Gyurie, why are you crying?
Kanna
Festivals are supposed to be fun!
You gotta smile!
You gotta smile!
Gyurelle
B-But I...have to stay here...
Kanna
We can fix that, easy! Just turn into me!
Gyurelle
And...then what?
Kanna
It's fine, don't worry about it!
C'mon! Get with it, girl!
C'mon! Get with it, girl!
Kanna
If you don't, I'll stop being your friend!
Gyurelle
Huh? Um...
O-Okay, I'll do it.
O-Okay, I'll do it.
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
Did I get it right?
Kanna
Yep! And remember, you have to sound
like me, too! Or else!
like me, too! Or else!
Kanna
Like, it's a festival, so...
You've gotta be hyped up! ♪
You've gotta be hyped up! ♪
Gyurelle
W-Wait, Kanna...! Tell me what you're
going to do. Please!
going to do. Please!
Kanna
Basically, I'm gonna chill in this box for
you, Gyurie.
you, Gyurie.
Gyurelle
...Y-You can't! If you do that, then you'll be
sacrificed, Kanna!
sacrificed, Kanna!
Kanna
Sacri— Girl, what year is it? That's totally
not a thing anymore!
not a thing anymore!
Gyurelle
But...that's what Mr. Rayth said was my
duty, so...
duty, so...
Kanna
Naaah, it's all fake. Sure, that's how it went in
the past, but not anymore.
the past, but not anymore.
Gyurelle
Oh... That's...hm.
Kanna
Seriously, that's how it is. Go on, get
going! Before someone comes!
going! Before someone comes!
Kanna
If you don't do it for me, then I really WILL
stop being your friend!
stop being your friend!
Gyurelle
I...don't want that to happen...
Kanna
Great! I'll see you later! Make sure you get
a good look at all the stalls!
a good look at all the stalls!
Kanna
There's stuff from all over!
Gyurelle
I-I will! ...I'll definitely be back soon.
I mean it, I swear...!
I mean it, I swear...!
Kanna
Bye bye, bestest friend! Be careful
and stay away from here, okay?
and stay away from here, okay?
Gyurelle
...Kanna?
Rayth
Well, well... It's you again. I thought your
previous punishment had been enough
previous punishment had been enough
Rayth
to persuade you to keep a wide berth, hm?
Gyurelle
Oh. Um...
Rayth
Tch. Don't just stand there.
Get out of my sight.
Get out of my sight.
Gyurelle
Y-Yes, sir...
Rayth
Funny, that reply almost reminds me of...
No, it couldn't be!
No, it couldn't be!
Rayth
Stop right there...!
Gyurelle
(O-Oh, no... Now Kanna's
going to get mad at me again!)
going to get mad at me again!)
Gyurelle
G-Geez, what gives? You told me to get
lost, so that's what I was doing.
lost, so that's what I was doing.
Rayth
...
Rayth
Gyurelle, are you still in there?
Kanna
...Y-Yes, Mr. Rayth.
Rayth
Very well. So? What are you dawdling
around for? I believe I told you to vanish.
around for? I believe I told you to vanish.
Gyurelle
Yep, can do!
Gyurelle
(Th-Thank goodness, we're safe. I'd better
go before he changes his mind.)
go before he changes his mind.)
Gyurelle
(Thank you, Kanna... I'll come right back,
I promise...!)
I promise...!)
Sweets Vendor
Hey there, Kanna!
I've got some tasty treats for you!
I've got some tasty treats for you!
Gyurelle
Huh? Oh, right...
Everyone thinks I'm Kanna.
Everyone thinks I'm Kanna.
Sweets Vendor
Come on, don't be shy! It's the thing you
said was all the rage outside, remember?
said was all the rage outside, remember?
Sweets Vendor
I put a village spin on it!
Gyurelle
S-Sure, I'll have some!
Sweets Vendor
Your friends are snacking on 'em, too.
See? Right over there.
See? Right over there.
Jane
You sure took your sweet time! We've
been looking everywhere for you, Kanna!
been looking everywhere for you, Kanna!
Gyurelle
Oh, um, I...
Doe
Hm? Something wrong? You're kinda
mumbling. You feeling alright?
mumbling. You feeling alright?
Gyurelle
Yeah, I'm...totally fine.
It's like..uh...whatever!
It's like..uh...whatever!
Doe
So, all good?
Anyways, down to business!
Anyways, down to business!
Doe
Today's the festival, so let's enjoy the heck
out of it!
out of it!
Gyurelle
S-Sure thing...
Gyurelle
(And now I'm going to wander around
with her friends.)
with her friends.)
Gyurelle
(They won't figure out that I'm...a fake,
right?)
right?)
Gyurelle
(No, it'll be fine...! I did spend all that
time watching them from the window...)
time watching them from the window...)
Gyurelle
...Yeah! It's festival time!
Let's go have a blast!
Let's go have a blast!
Jane
Whoo! Now you're talking! Let's finish
these, then go have a look around!
these, then go have a look around!
Gyurelle
...Sure!
Gyurelle
Oh, Kanna... Everyone's paying attention
to me...
to me...
Gyurelle
And they're happy to talk to me, too.
Gyurelle
I get to eat good food with friends and giggle
at nothing in particular.
at nothing in particular.
Gyurelle
It's all I've ever dreamed of.
Gyurelle
Oh... It's already this late...
Jane
Kanna, d'you have plans or something?
Doe
Can't you stay a little longer?
C'mon, festivals don't happen everyday!
C'mon, festivals don't happen everyday!
Gyurelle
I know, but...
Jane
Wait, are you going to see the freaky kid?
Seriously, just give up.
Seriously, just give up.
Doe
Like, did ya get tired of hanging out
with us or something?
with us or something?
Gyurelle
Th-There's no way that Kan—
I'd ever get tired of you guys!
I'd ever get tired of you guys!
Jane
I kno, right?
Sorry, we didn't mean that.
Sorry, we didn't mean that.
Doe
Hey, let's go check out the tailor's!
They've got new fits to try!
They've got new fits to try!
Doe
And they're giving stuff away, too!
Jane
Oooh, dope!
Doe
You're good with that, right, Kanna?
Gyurelle
Um... Yeah, why not?
Jane
Okay, let's go! If we don't hurry, all the
good stuff'll be gone!
good stuff'll be gone!
Gyurelle
(I'm sorry, Kanna... I'll just be a little
longer!)
longer!)
Gyurelle
(It's gotten pretty late... But I'm sure that
Kanna will smile and say it's no big deal.)
Kanna will smile and say it's no big deal.)
Gyurelle
I wonder if she'll like the candied apple
I got her...?
I got her...?
Gyurelle
Wh-What's happening...!?
Why is the ground's shaking...!?
Why is the ground's shaking...!?
Gyurelle
Ngh! My head's pounding...!
Gyurelle
Ngh... Ooh...
Gyurelle
Haaah... Haaah... Haaah...
Gyurelle
What was that...?
Gyurelle
Wait, there's...people passed out on the
ground...
ground...
Villagers
...
Gyurelle
!?
Gyurelle
(Everyone... Everyone's on the ground!?
A-And no one's breathing!)
A-And no one's breathing!)
Gyurelle
What's going on!?
Gyurelle
Everyone who was at the festival is...
No, maybe even the whole village...!?
No, maybe even the whole village...!?
Gyurelle
(In that case... Kanna... She took my place in
the plaza...)
the plaza...)
Gyurelle
Kanna...
Gyurelle
KANNA!
Gyurelle
...!
Gyurelle
(Mr. Rayth collapsed, too!)
Rayth
...
Gyurelle
...He's not breathing either.
Gyurelle
No... Even Mr. Rayth...
Gyurelle
Everyone's really...
Gyurelle
...KANNA!
Gyurelle
(The lid is stuck... I can't open it! I'm not
strong enough...!)
strong enough...!)
Gyurelle
...But if I used my powers of distortion—
—
Gyurelle
(Now it should...open!)
Gyurelle
Kanna...!
Kanna
...
Gyurelle
Oh, no... Kanna...
Gyurelle
You can't... You have to wake up!
Kanna
...
Gyurelle
If only I'd...gotten back earlier, then...
Gyurelle
No, it would have been better...if I hadn't
gone to the festival at all...
gone to the festival at all...
Gyurelle
Or if you hadn't ever met me...!
Gyurelle
Please, Kanna...! You have to wake up...!
Gyurelle
You're mad at me, right?
Right!? I need to hear you say it!
Right!? I need to hear you say it!
Gyurelle
No... Kanna...!
Gyurelle
You were my one and only—
Her Endless Rituals
"It was a Monday..."
"And I was dying on the inside."
Gyurelle
Something strange happened the
next day.
next day.
Gyurelle
The villagers who had, presumably,
died the day before...
died the day before...
Gyurelle
were up and about the next morning,
like nothing had happened.
like nothing had happened.
Gyurelle
Everyone looked fine as they went about
their daily business.
their daily business.
Gyurelle
There were faces I recognized, too.
Like Jane and Doe, for instance.
Like Jane and Doe, for instance.
Villager
"It's almost time for the Great Dragon's
festival."
festival."
Villager
"We've got to keep it bright and festive..."
Gyurelle
But no matter what I asked them...they
wouldn't deviate from their set dialogue.
wouldn't deviate from their set dialogue.
Gyurelle
And...
Gyurelle
Neither Mr. Rayth...nor Kanna...
ever woke up again.
ever woke up again.
"Then, on Tuesday..."
"I didn't meet her."
Gyurelle
My unique transmutations...
Gyurelle
I'm not sure when it happened, but at some
point, I started calling my own power
point, I started calling my own power
Gyurelle
"transfiguration" instead.
Gyurelle
And one of the things it could do, turning
into other people, came with a rule.
into other people, came with a rule.
Gyurelle
The more I know about the person I'm
replicating, the better the effect.
replicating, the better the effect.
Gyurelle
It's not just their appearance.
Their occupation, their interests,
Their occupation, their interests,
Gyurelle
their philosophies, their abilities...
All that makes for better copies.
All that makes for better copies.
Gyurelle
And I thought of how I had felt like I was
getting to know Mr. Rayth through the
getting to know Mr. Rayth through the
Gyurelle
magic he poured into me during purification.
Gyurelle
His memories, his history, his feelings...
Why he needed me to be the sacrifice...
Why he needed me to be the sacrifice...
Gyurelle
In order to learn more, I continued to take
magic in bulk from what used to be him...
magic in bulk from what used to be him...
Gyurelle
Until I could become him.
Rayth
"Aeon Lords... Puppets... Ritual... God...
I see, I see. Quite the unexpected twist."
I see, I see. Quite the unexpected twist."
"And, on Wednesday..."
"She didn't steal me away."
Gyurelle
Because she just didn't feel like showing
me the outside world.
me the outside world.
Gyurelle
Mr. Rayth's memories were now in my
possession.
possession.
Gyurelle
That's when I realized...that Kanna had
lied to me.
lied to me.
Gyurelle
Twice.
Kanna
"Sacri— Girl, what year is it?
That's totally not a thing anymore!"
That's totally not a thing anymore!"
Gyurelle
Oh, it totally was a thing here.
Gyurelle
A horrific ritual, sacrificing a living being
to the Dragon God.
to the Dragon God.
Gyurelle
The reward for such an offering was
having a boon granted by the Dragon God.
having a boon granted by the Dragon God.
Gyurelle
Its extraordinary powers of transmutation
have saved Dragro countless times,
have saved Dragro countless times,
Gyurelle
every time granting the same wish—
"to have the village rejuvenated."
"to have the village rejuvenated."
Rayth
Mr. Rayth... Or rather, I conspired
to use that wish for my own gain.
to use that wish for my own gain.
Rayth
By offering up a creature with magic
stores as vast as Gyurelle's...
stores as vast as Gyurelle's...
Rayth
My wish?
Rayth
"To enhance my puppet mastery, and
obtain infinite control over the dead."
obtain infinite control over the dead."
Rayth
I would become a being that had,
effectively, transcended death.
effectively, transcended death.
Rayth
And people would worship me...
as their rightful God.
as their rightful God.
Rayth
"I wanted to be...a god!"
Gyurelle
Which brings me to Kanna's second lie.
Kanna
"The outside world is bright, shiny, and
just like, tons of fun!"
just like, tons of fun!"
Gyurelle
I researched the dragonkin, and through
that I learned about her upbringing.
that I learned about her upbringing.
Gyurelle
She had a miserable life, so the world she
saw had to have been tainted and dull.
saw had to have been tainted and dull.
Gyurelle
Dragonkin are a rarity, with most being
forced to live their lives as slaves
forced to live their lives as slaves
Gyurelle
because of their powers.
Gyurelle
Kanna was also taken from her family...
to become the property of a wealthy
to become the property of a wealthy
Gyurelle
household, endlessly transforming pieces
of her own skin into gemstones.
of her own skin into gemstones.
Gyurelle
She must have spent every day in nothing
but pain and suffering.
but pain and suffering.
Gyurelle
And yet, when she came to this village,
she never once stopped smiling.
she never once stopped smiling.
Gyurelle
Dragonkin mean a lot to this place.
Gyurelle
They are the ones being used as
precious sacrifices, after all...
precious sacrifices, after all...
Gyurelle
Basically, dragonkin are the only
acceptable offering for the Dragon God.
acceptable offering for the Dragon God.
Gyurelle
And in return, the village prospers.
Gyurelle
Which is exactly why they welcomed
dragonkin with open arms,
dragonkin with open arms,
Gyurelle
and why they wouldn't stand for any
dragonkin trying to leave.
dragonkin trying to leave.
Gyurelle
That was the village's ultimate mandate...
Gyurelle
There is no true oasis for us anywhere.
Gyurelle
Learning that made any hope I had of
leaving completely shrivel up.
leaving completely shrivel up.
Gyurelle
I only had one wish.
Gyurelle
All I wanted to do was ask Kanna why she
wanted to get me out.
wanted to get me out.
Gyurelle
I wanted to know that, more than
anything else...
anything else...
Gyurelle
So, I set about recreating the ritual.
"But on Thursday..."
"I was the only one being punished."
Gyurelle
All in all, I didn't have much to prepare.
The foundations were already in place.
The foundations were already in place.
Gyurelle
And I had my wish, of course.
Gyurelle
All that was missing was...yes, a sacrifice.
Gyurelle
A request of that caliber called for
a sacrifice brimming with magic.
a sacrifice brimming with magic.
Gyurelle
That much I knew.
Gyurelle
Mr. Rayth's ritual failed because Kanna's
power wasn't equal to his wish.
power wasn't equal to his wish.
Gyurelle
An exceptional desire required an
exceptionally gifted offering.
exceptionally gifted offering.
Gyurelle
And only "Gyurelle" would do.
Gyurelle
So, I decided that I'd make
a second and third version of myself.
a second and third version of myself.
Gyurelle
I used transmutation to craft alternate
"Gyurelles".
"Gyurelles".
Gyurelle
I had my pick of corpses, and plenty of
dead dragonkin to use as sacrifices.
dead dragonkin to use as sacrifices.
Gyurelle
In short, I had all the materials I could
possibly need.
possibly need.
"I found out, on Friday..."
"That wasn't enough to discourage her."
"...So, I wouldn't let it get to me, either."
Gyurelle
Because...
Gyurelle
...
Gyurelle
How many Fridays has it been now?
"So, on Saturday..."
"It was almost time for the festival."
Gyurelle
Which meant it was almost time for this
round to end.
round to end.
Gyurelle
When I sucked the magic out of some
villagers, I saw their memories of that day...
villagers, I saw their memories of that day...
Rayth
Gyurelle, are you still in there?
Kanna
...Y-Yes, Mr. Rayth.
Rayth
Still, I can't help but wonder if that foul
little dragonkin was up to something...
little dragonkin was up to something...
Rayth
...
Rayth
Hmm.
Perhaps I should check.
Perhaps I should check.
Watchful Villager
Well, if it isn't our priest!
What are you doing here?
What are you doing here?
Rayth
Ah, you're part of the patrol... There's
nothing amiss here, so be on your way.
nothing amiss here, so be on your way.
Watchful Villager
I'm sure you think so, but...
Watchful Villager
You were just about to try opening that box
now, weren't you?
now, weren't you?
Watchful Villager
"None shall look upon the offering
before the ceremony is complete."
before the ceremony is complete."
Watchful Villager
It's a rule here, you know.
Serious Villager
You don't have anything to worry about,
Father.
Father.
Serious Villager
We were keeping a close watch on the box,
and no one laid their hands on it.
and no one laid their hands on it.
Rayth
Do you swear that? On God's name?
Serious Villager
Sure. God, the Great Dragon, I'll swear on
anything you want me to!
anything you want me to!
Rayth
Is that so? I see, I see...
Well, then. I shall hold you at your word.
Well, then. I shall hold you at your word.
Rayth
I still have some preparations to attend to,
so I will leave the surveillance to you.
so I will leave the surveillance to you.
Watchful Villager
Yessir.
Don't worry, we'll take care of it.
Don't worry, we'll take care of it.
Watchful Villager
...Good, he's gone.
Serious Villager
I swear...
That guy and his "God".
That guy and his "God".
Watchful Villager
I'm more concerned about why the
chieftain is letting an unrelated person
chieftain is letting an unrelated person
Watchful Villager
have any part in the ritual.
Serious Villager
Who's to say? I can only guess that he
has his reasons.
has his reasons.
Watchful Villager
It does make you wonder who's in that
box, though.
box, though.
Serious Villager
If I'm being honest, I wouldn't mind if it
were that dragonkin girl from the outside.
were that dragonkin girl from the outside.
Watchful Villager
Mhm. A stranger who's the right species?
That couldn't be more convenient.
That couldn't be more convenient.
Serious Villager
If any other dragonkin start wanting to
see the outside world, that's going to be
see the outside world, that's going to be
Serious Villager
an issue. Best to nip that in the bud.
Watchful Villager
By the way... Were you genuinely keeping
watch just now?
watch just now?
Serious Villager
Of course not. But I had to act all official
to keep him from breaking our laws.
to keep him from breaking our laws.
Kanna
...
Kanna
No matter where I go, no one wants me,
huh...?
huh...?
Gyurelle
Kanna... This village, the outside world,
it's all the same.
it's all the same.
Gyurelle
It's all hell.
"Finally, on Sunday..."
"I brought Kanna back to life."
Gyurelle
The reason didn't matter anymore...
Gyurelle
Or something like that.
Gyurelle
All I could say with any confidence was
that I was still alive, and Kanna was dead.
that I was still alive, and Kanna was dead.
Gyurelle
I wanted to be done with that lie.
That's it.
That's it.
Gyurelle
But...
Gyurelle
This attempt was yet another failure.
Gyurelle
A new Monday will never come.
Gyurelle
Just the same one, over and over.
Bye Bye, Bestest Friend
Gyurelle
And that's why I am the way I am.
Norza
I see. So, how many times would this
attempt have made?
attempt have made?
Argento
The land here wouldn't be so cursed if
you'd only done it once or twice.
you'd only done it once or twice.
Ossia
True, the flow of magic here is very
abnormal.
abnormal.
Ossia
That means that a reckless ritual has
been performed a lot in a short time.
been performed a lot in a short time.
Gyurelle
Oooh, aren't you a bunch of smarty-pants!
You're right again!
You're right again!
Gyurelle
Hmmm, I guess I'd say I'd done about a
thousand times or so.
thousand times or so.
Ossia
A week-long ritual...a thousand times
over? That doesn't make sense.
over? That doesn't make sense.
Ossia
I was told that Rayth had gone rogue
only days ago.
only days ago.
Ossia
Argento... That is what you told me
when you were briefing me, isn't it?
when you were briefing me, isn't it?
Argento
Anything within a ten-year scope
is practically days ago, yes.
is practically days ago, yes.
Ossia
It figures that the most ancient Aeon Lord
would consider that to be only yesterday...
would consider that to be only yesterday...
Ossia
(Which means that Eternal left Rayth to
his own devices for more than ten years...)
his own devices for more than ten years...)
Ossia
(That's arguably more concerning.)
Ossia
(Why have him executed now?)
Ossia
(Well, I suppose that's a question that
doesn't have an easy answer...)
doesn't have an easy answer...)
Ossia
In short, the constant rituals were what
created the stagnation effect
created the stagnation effect
Ossia
and made it harder to use magic here.
Ossia
While that's clear enough, there is one
thing I don't understand.
thing I don't understand.
Ossia
Argento. You and this "Rayth" go way
back, don't you?
back, don't you?
Argento
Hey, now. If we did, I would have told you
right from the start.
right from the start.
Argento
Since it would have impacted your task
and all.
and all.
Ossia
Then, when did you realize that Rayth
was actually Gyurelle?
was actually Gyurelle?
Argento
Well, I only started to suspect it when I
watched you fight him.
watched you fight him.
Argento
His movements were just too different.
Argento
Honestly, I doubted my own eyes at first.
I thought, that can't be that Rayth.
I thought, that can't be that Rayth.
Argento
Right, Norza?
Norza
Exactly. I'd been hoping to face him, but
I found my interest waning as his
I found my interest waning as his
Norza
weakness became apparent.
Norza
However, the mystery behind his change
kept me interested instead.
kept me interested instead.
Argento
It was soon obvious that he was a fake.
For confirmation's sake, we let ourselves
For confirmation's sake, we let ourselves
Argento
be controlled.
Argento
Rayth's manipulation magic was truly
inescapable, even for Aeon Lords.
inescapable, even for Aeon Lords.
Argento
This one, however, was all too easily
shrugged off.
shrugged off.
Ossia
Hm? So, neither of you were really
controlled?
controlled?
Argento
With that flimsy artistry? Absolutely not.
Who do you think we are?
Who do you think we are?
Ossia
And just when did you piece together
that this Rayth was, in fact, Gyurelle?
that this Rayth was, in fact, Gyurelle?
Argento
That was mostly conjecture. But, to be fair,
the only ones with any sense in the village
the only ones with any sense in the village
Argento
were Rayth and Gyurelle.
Argento
The rest of the inhabitants were, by and
large, rather odd. No thanks to a certain...
large, rather odd. No thanks to a certain...
Gyurelle
Okay, that one wasn't my fault.
You're not pinning that on me, nuh-uh!
You're not pinning that on me, nuh-uh!
Gyurelle
Mr. Rayth's the one who made them all
loopy when he slipped up big-time
loopy when he slipped up big-time
Gyurelle
on that ritual!
Ossia
So, you're saying that because the ritual
failed, Rayth's wish ended up creating
failed, Rayth's wish ended up creating
Ossia
a lot of masterless puppets.
Is that right?
Is that right?
Gyurelle
Yep, you got it! With no one pulling the
strings, the wish got flipped!
strings, the wish got flipped!
Norza
What is your current aim, then?
Gyurelle
That's been the same this whooole time.
My bestest friend died in my place,
My bestest friend died in my place,
Gyurelle
so I'm reviving her.
Argento
That's impossible.
Gyurelle
Excuse me?
Argento
You should know that yourself. You've
performed that ritual countless times over
performed that ritual countless times over
Argento
and nothing changed—
Gyurelle
...Shut up! It can be done! With the Great
Dragon God's transmutation, you can totally
Dragon God's transmutation, you can totally
Gyurelle
bring the dead back!
Gyurelle
...If it's not working, then it's 'cause
I'm doing it wrong. That's it.
I'm doing it wrong. That's it.
Argento
Would you listen to yourself? All that
"Great" Dragon God of yours can do is
"Great" Dragon God of yours can do is
Argento
make masterless puppets.
Argento
If anything had the power to raise the
dead, it wouldn't be some half-rate dragon.
dead, it wouldn't be some half-rate dragon.
Gyurelle
Okay, then I'll just have to give her my
Eternity!
Eternity!
Gyurelle
Mr. Rayth knew a bunch about a lot of
things! Aeon Lords can come back to life
things! Aeon Lords can come back to life
Gyurelle
with the "Eternity" they got from God—
Gyurelle
All I have to do is give Kanna Mr. Rayth's
old Eternity, and she'll—
old Eternity, and she'll—
Argento
But you've tried that already, haven't
you?
you?
Gyurelle
!
Argento
Of course you would have, since you feel
so strongly about the matter.
so strongly about the matter.
Argento
And? Did it do anything to restore your
friend's life?
friend's life?
Gyurelle
Well...
Argento
There you have it. It's high time you
gave up.
gave up.
Gyurelle
But...I must just be...missing something...
Argento
You aren't. She was, from the start.
For it to work, the target would need
For it to work, the target would need
Argento
to have had some manner of
attachment to life.
attachment to life.
Argento
Without that strong will to live...even
Eternity could not bring them back.
Eternity could not bring them back.
Gyurelle
Kanna was missing...the will to live...
Gyurelle
No... No no no no no! She wasn't!
There's no way she was, nuh-uh!
There's no way she was, nuh-uh!
Gyurelle
The outside world betrayed her,
the village punished her...
the village punished her...
Gyurelle
And I didn't go back to her like I'd
promised...
promised...
Gyurelle
Why wouldn't she be angry!?
She totally would've wanted revenge!
She totally would've wanted revenge!
Norza
Why not see for yourself? Check her
memories, just like you did Rayth's.
memories, just like you did Rayth's.
Norza
Or do you not have the guts to?
Gyurelle
Well... If I did, then...
Norza
Fine, then. Go ahead and spend the rest
of your days here, playing with your dolls.
of your days here, playing with your dolls.
Gyurelle
Ngh...
Gyurelle
...Alright.
Gyurelle
Here's where Kanna's been sleeping.
Ossia
Wait...
Kanna
...
Ossia
The girl on the altar...isn't that you,
Gyurelle?
Gyurelle?
Gyurelle
If I'd left her as she was, she'd've gone all nasty.
This way, she got to stay nice and pretty.
This way, she got to stay nice and pretty.
Ossia
So, transmutation has preservative
properties as well? Interesting.
properties as well? Interesting.
Ossia
(That opens up a whole slew of new
possibilities...)
possibilities...)
Argento
Well? Aren't you going to read her
memories?
memories?
Gyurelle
Um...
Gyurelle
Well, I...
Norza
Go on. The quicker you do it, the quicker
it'll be over.
it'll be over.
Gyurelle
It's just that, uh...
Ossia
...Pfft! Hahaha!
Gyurelle
Ossia...!? What's so funny? I'm, like, going
through a really hard time right now!
through a really hard time right now!
Gyurelle
Why are you so meeeean?
Ossia
It's just...you've changed so much, but...
You're still a kid on the inside.
You're still a kid on the inside.
Ossia
No different from the Gyurelle I met.
Ossia
You're afraid of being hurt, aren't you?
That's why you've kept up this whole
That's why you've kept up this whole
Ossia
charade, repeating these meaningless
rituals hundreds of times over.
rituals hundreds of times over.
Ossia
That's what makes you immature. You
keep coming up with theories and excuses,
keep coming up with theories and excuses,
Ossia
which is only delaying the inevitable.
Ossia
You can't accept that you've lost someone
important, so you're running away.
important, so you're running away.
Ossia
How pitiful.
Gyurelle
...Shut up! Shut up, shut up!
Screw you! I ain't running from anything!
Screw you! I ain't running from anything!
Ossia
Then, why are you dragging your feet?
You're scared, aren't you?
You're scared, aren't you?
Gyurelle
...No, I'm ready for whatever. I'm ready
to be insulted, to apologize, whatever.
to be insulted, to apologize, whatever.
Gyurelle
But... I just... I really want to talk to her
again. One last time, just like we used to.
again. One last time, just like we used to.
Gyurelle
I lied. I don't care why she did all that.
That's not why I kept at all those rituals.
That's not why I kept at all those rituals.
Gyurelle
I just wanted to see...my favorite person in
the whole world...smile one more time...
the whole world...smile one more time...
Gyurelle
Saying that she wouldn't want to come
back is too cruel...
back is too cruel...
Gyurelle
C'mon, Kanna. Don't be shy.
You can have my Eternity.
You can have my Eternity.
Kanna
...
Gyurelle
Kanna...
Ossia
Seems like she doesn't want it.
Gyurelle
Kanna...why? Is the answer to that in your
memories...?
memories...?
Gyurelle
...Fine, I'll do it.
Ossia
So, absorbing someone's magic will also
absorb their memories, right?
absorb their memories, right?
Ossia
It seems only a scant amount of magic is
tethering this corpse to this world, though.
tethering this corpse to this world, though.
Ossia
Once it's gone, she'll crumble to nothing.
Gyurelle
Oh. My god. I knooow!
I know, okay? Geez!
I know, okay? Geez!
Ossia
Then get on with it, will you?
I don't have all the time in the world.
I don't have all the time in the world.
Ossia
Least of all time to watch a coward drag
her feet!
her feet!
Gyurelle
...Seriously, I said I was gonna.
Ossia
Good. That's the way to do it, Gyurelle.
Argento
Well, that's generous of you.
Ossia
Eugh, don't smile at me like that.
It's disgusting.
It's disgusting.
Argento
I was just observing how much you've
softened. As your guardian, I'm so proud.
softened. As your guardian, I'm so proud.
Ossia
Please stop. I mean it.
I just think she's pathetic.
I just think she's pathetic.
Ossia
Trying to raise the dead is completely
ludicrous.
ludicrous.
Ossia
Being able to view their memories is
plenty to be grateful for...
plenty to be grateful for...
Kanna
"Great! I'll see you later! Make sure you
get a good look at all the stalls!"
get a good look at all the stalls!"
Kanna
"There's stuff from all over!"
Gyurelle
"I-I will! ...I'll definitely be back soon.
I mean it, I swear...!"
I mean it, I swear...!"
Kanna
Aaand off she goes. I'm sure she'll have a
blast with the festival going and all!
blast with the festival going and all!
Kanna
...I lied, though. About the outside world
being all shiny. But, like...
being all shiny. But, like...
Kanna
That's legit how it looks to me.
Kanna
I've gone through tons of bad stuff, but I
wouldn't be me if I let that dim what I see.
wouldn't be me if I let that dim what I see.
Kanna
To me, the world shines bright, like a single
star in the middle of a pitch-black sky...
star in the middle of a pitch-black sky...
Kanna
The bad stuff weighs you down, though.
So, I ran and hid here.
So, I ran and hid here.
Kanna
I just don't have the courage to go back
there, so...
there, so...
Kanna
What I want is to get all the dragonkin
and make, like, a Dragonkin Kingdom.
and make, like, a Dragonkin Kingdom.
Kanna
It'd be totally awesome. We'd all, like,
be one big, happy family!
be one big, happy family!
Kanna
Haha! I'm not totally sold on the idea
of being a princess for real, though.
of being a princess for real, though.
Kanna
If anyone could become royalty, it'd be
you...Gyurie.
you...Gyurie.
Kanna
When I listened to your soft voice in the
sanctuary, it became super obvious.
sanctuary, it became super obvious.
Kanna
Yep. No one else'd do.
Kanna
For dragonkin, the outside world's a huge
drag. It's hard, and it sucks, so I hid.
drag. It's hard, and it sucks, so I hid.
Kanna
I'd've swapped places with anyone.
Kanna
That's why I want you to go and have a
good life, Gyurie.
good life, Gyurie.
Kanna
You're totally wasted on a place like
this, y'know?
this, y'know?
Kanna
But if I'm gonna make a wish, then...
Kanna
I wouldn't mind seeing this stupid,
messed-up world get completely trashed.
messed-up world get completely trashed.
Kanna
Until you couldn't tell what it looked like
before!
before!
Kanna
Then, two girls like us could stroll
outside without a care in the—
outside without a care in the—
Kanna
Okay, maybe that's a bit much.
Kanna
I guess my one true wish would be...
Kanna
Gyurie, go enjoy the outside world!
Kanna
"For real, this past week was definitely
the most fun I've had in my whole life!"
the most fun I've had in my whole life!"
Kanna
"I really, reeeeeeally wish that we could
do it over again! Tons of times!"
do it over again! Tons of times!"
Dragon, Plague, Blade, Fire...
Gyurelle
So, that's how you felt, Kanna...
Gyurelle
Thanks for letting me know. I'm really
sorry I held you back for so long...
sorry I held you back for so long...
Gyurelle
Bye bye...
Gyurelle
...
Ossia
Have you put it all behind you now?
Gyurelle
...Yeah, Pmuch! Anyways, what you said
before helped a lot, Ossia. Like, a lot a lot.
before helped a lot, Ossia. Like, a lot a lot.
Ossia
Of course it did. That's why I said it.
I'm glad it did something for you.
I'm glad it did something for you.
Gyurelle
Aw, I looove how devious you can be, Ossia.
Ossia
And I can't say I enjoy that candor of
yours.
yours.
Gyurelle
Aaaaaanyways... You know how you still
owe me, right?
owe me, right?
Gyurelle
Since I saved you from dying twice and all.
Ossia
That wasn't you, so what could I
possibly owe to this iteration?
possibly owe to this iteration?
Gyurelle
What, seriously? You cheapo!
Boooooo, you suck!
Boooooo, you suck!
Ossia
If you insist on pushing this matter...
I'll have to sock you for fraud.
I'll have to sock you for fraud.
Gyurelle
Oof... Oh, well. Guess there's nothing
I can do about that...
I can do about that...
Gyurelle
You said you hate owing people, though...
And you said we were friends, toooooo...
And you said we were friends, toooooo...
Ossia
Tsk...
Ossia
No, nothing to be done indeed. Rather
than going back and forth about debts owed,
than going back and forth about debts owed,
Ossia
let's just settle everything here and now.
Ossia
Yes, that would be for the best... That way
we can start our future dealings with
we can start our future dealings with
Ossia
a clean slate...
Ossia
By all means, let me return the favour!
Gyurelle
Ossiaaa, you look kinda scary right now...
Ossia
And whose fault might that be, hm?
Gyurelle
Ahaha! Okay, so! We're gonna...
Gyurelle
Bust this whooooole place up!
Ossia
The...entire village?
Norza
That was your friend's last wish?
Gyurelle
Kinda? I mean, it's not too far off. I'ma get
around to the real thing eventually.
around to the real thing eventually.
Gyurelle
This is like, a warmup!
Gyurelle
'Sides, I've got beef with this place.
Gyurelle
Their stupid customs, the dumb festival,
and the folks who did Kanna dirty.
and the folks who did Kanna dirty.
Gyurelle
Aaaaaaall of it sucks!
So, we're gonna burn it down!
So, we're gonna burn it down!
Ossia
I feel like that's a pretty poor excuse, but I
do appreciate a good payback.
do appreciate a good payback.
Argento
This is all a result of Rayth's incompetence.
Might as well consider it his funeral.
Might as well consider it his funeral.
Argento
What about you, Norza?
You do specialize in destruction, after all.
You do specialize in destruction, after all.
Norza
Where's the fun in slaughtering stationary
objects? I'd rather rouse the heroes
objects? I'd rather rouse the heroes
Norza
and go another round with them than
bother with that nonsense.
bother with that nonsense.
Argento
Well, then. Look behind you.
Norza
...!?
Roaming Villager
Ah... Aaaaah... Aaaaaaagh!
Norza
What the...? Weren't they restricted to a
handful of the same movements?
handful of the same movements?
Gyurelle
Oh, right. These guys go on a total
rampage from sundown on Sunday to
rampage from sundown on Sunday to
Gyurelle
sunrise on Monday. It's a massive pain
in the neck.
in the neck.
Gyurelle
Since no one's holding the reins,
it's like they turn into animals, y'know?
it's like they turn into animals, y'know?
Ossia
They're almost like zombies.
This would be worth researching...
This would be worth researching...
Gyurelle
Change of plans! We mop up here first.
Let's do this thing!
Let's do this thing!
Roaming Villager
Aaaah... Aaaaaargh!
Ossia
I might have miscalculated. I didn't think
there were so many of them...
there were so many of them...
Ossia
Perhaps I should chain them up and
send them to my lab.
send them to my lab.
Argento
The numbers are one thing, but the way
they get right back up when wounded...
they get right back up when wounded...
Argento
This is going nowhere fast.
Argento
Should we go wake the heroes and put
them to work?
them to work?
Norza
I'm not going to ask them for help.
Besides, it's not like they'd do a decent job.
Besides, it's not like they'd do a decent job.
Ossia
Not to mention, we've put a fair amount of
distance between us now.
distance between us now.
Ossia
Does anyone really want to go through
the trouble of getting them?
the trouble of getting them?
Argento
Then, what do you propose? Ossia, can
you hit them with Aeon Bane?
you hit them with Aeon Bane?
Ossia
They're so spread out, a single-target burst
won't work here. I'd have to use
won't work here. I'd have to use
Ossia
the all-direction one.
Ossia
Which would basically blow me up and put
all of you in the range of the explosion too.
all of you in the range of the explosion too.
Ossia
It's very unlikely you'd be left unscathed.
Argento
...I guess we'll just have to pick them off
one by one then, as much of a pain as that is.
one by one then, as much of a pain as that is.
Norza
Not very strong, but really tenacious...
Norza
Picking off these small fry is
going to be so tedious.
going to be so tedious.
Gyurelle
Hmmm... Lightbuuulb! ♪
I just came up with a brilliant idea!
I just came up with a brilliant idea!
Norza
Denied. You're the one to blame for this
mess.
mess.
Gyurelle
That was the Great Dragon and Mr. Rayth!
Ugh, don't make me repeat myself!
Ugh, don't make me repeat myself!
Gyurelle
Whatever, not the point!
Just check this out.
Just check this out.
Gyurelle
There was some good stuff kicking around
those stuck-up dragonkin's memories.
those stuck-up dragonkin's memories.
Gyurelle
Um, I think the chant goes something
like this...
like this...
Gyurelle
We, with dragon blood resting in our veins
do beseech you...
do beseech you...
Gyurelle
Heed our call and rise from the depths...
Gyurelle
O divine one... O desolate one...
Show us your mercy...
Show us your mercy...
Gyurelle
Bestow upon us thine blessing...
Gyurelle
O almighty dragon with dominion
over evil...
over evil...
Gyurelle
Hear thy true name and answer—
o great Dämondrach!
o great Dämondrach!
Gyurelle
Look, your adorable descendant could
reeeeally use a hand.
reeeeally use a hand.
Gyurelle
Ugh, just wake up already!
You stupid, shitty dragoooooon!
You stupid, shitty dragoooooon!
Ossia
Is that a crack in the ground...?
Gyurelle, what did you do!?
Gyurelle, what did you do!?
Gyurelle
I just used my transmutation—or
"transfiguration"—to tickle the dragon, why?
"transfiguration"—to tickle the dragon, why?
Argento
You...touched the Dragon God? How?
You were only poking around in the dirt.
You were only poking around in the dirt.
Gyurelle
Well, duh. 'Cause this village is
the Dragon God!
the Dragon God!
Ossia
I see. So it used its transmutation power
to sculpt a town from its body?
to sculpt a town from its body?
Argento
The Dragon God's spirit dwells in the village
itself... That's one straightforward deity.
itself... That's one straightforward deity.
Gyurelle
Waking the Dragon God up'll ruin the whole
place and take all those villagers with it!
place and take all those villagers with it!
Gyurelle
It's, like, two birds with one giant stone!
Norza
...Except that we happen to be standing
on said stone. Aren't we also at risk?
on said stone. Aren't we also at risk?
Gyurelle
Huh?
.........Oh.
.........Oh.
Gyurelle
Aeon Lords don't go down that easy.
You'll be totally fine! ...Teehee?
You'll be totally fine! ...Teehee?
Argento
...Buried alive for eons.
The very definition of hell.
The very definition of hell.
Ossia
You're just as dim as ever, I see.
Gyurelle
.........'M sorry.
Voice from the Ground
Grooooooaaarrr...
Argento
It seems it's waking up already.
Argento
Everyone, retreat!
Run awaaaaaaaay!
Run awaaaaaaaay!
Argento
We've made it to the edge of the village...
Take a look. The sanctuary still stands.
Take a look. The sanctuary still stands.
Gyurelle
Seems like a good location, huh. But didn't
they only build it way out here to hide me?
they only build it way out here to hide me?
Argento
Maybe, but I can't imagine anyone would
consider building a place of worship
consider building a place of worship
Argento
on top of a literal god, either.
Gyurelle
Oh yeah, that might be it, too. I think some
stuff in people's memories said as much.
stuff in people's memories said as much.
Ossia
The rest of the village's buildings have
sunk into the ground, though.
sunk into the ground, though.
Ossia
It's like a giant sinkhole.
Norza
All the zombies went down too.
Ossia
(I wonder if those heroes are among the
victims?)
victims?)
Ossia
(I can't imagine a more desirable outcome...
But we have more pressing matters now.)
But we have more pressing matters now.)
Ossia
So? What shall we do about that?
Dämondrach
GROOOOARRGH!
Argento
Well, it's obviously got its sights set on us.
Gyurelle
...that one's, like...on me, right...?
Ossia(Ossia, Argento, Norza
Obviously, you idiot!
Gyurelle
Uuuugh... Now the Aeon Lords are mad
at meee...
at meee...
Dämondrach
GROOAAARGH!
Ossia
It's clearly preparing an attack.
Shouldn't we distance ourselves from it?
Shouldn't we distance ourselves from it?
Norza
Hardly!
Norza
Finally, a worthy opponent! Maybe I
haven't come here for nothing after all!
haven't come here for nothing after all!
Norza
...SEISMIC SLASH!
Dämondrach
Skreeeeee... GRAAAAAAGH!
Gyurelle
Wow, you actually sliced the Great Dragon...
Aeon Lords are sooo awesome...
Aeon Lords are sooo awesome...
Gyurelle
Compared to them, I'm...
Ossia
Did you just take it down in one strike?
Norza
No, it's not down yet.
Argento
What formidable regeneration speed...
It couldn't be...
It couldn't be...
Argento
Hey, Gyurelle! Congratulations, you've
done it again.
done it again.
Gyurelle
Yep, that's me... Always making
everything super hard for everyone...
everything super hard for everyone...
Ossia
Oh, so now you're choosing to wallow in
self-pity? So pathetic.
self-pity? So pathetic.
Gyurelle
I'm sorry...for being pathetic...
Argento
There's no time for that! That beast holds
a good part of Rayth's Eternity.
a good part of Rayth's Eternity.
Argento
In other words, it is our next target.
Ossia
Ah, I see. Since Gyurelle was constantly
throwing magic around, what seeped into
throwing magic around, what seeped into
Ossia
the earth was absorbed by the Dragon God.
Gyurelle
So, in the end...all of this is my fault?
Gyurelle
Oooooh, I'm a total good-for-nothiiiiiiing...
Norza
Knock it off. I'm trying to concentrate.
Norza
Ultimately, it's no Aeon Lord... So, we just
have to hack away at it until it can't
have to hack away at it until it can't
Norza
regenerate any more.
Norza
...Hah!
Norza...
...It deflected the hit!
Ossia
It must have hardened its hide with its
transmutation ability.
transmutation ability.
Ossia
As you might expect from the progenitor
of the dragonkin...
of the dragonkin...
Ossia
That, plus its reaction time, certainly
makes it formidable.
makes it formidable.
Norza
Tsk! This blade is useless. It's already
blunt. That skin really is something else.
blunt. That skin really is something else.
Norza
Right when I'd finally found an opponent
with some bite, too...
with some bite, too...
Norza
Hey, Forgefire!
Argento
Gotcha, I've got no shortage of weapons.
Use whatever you'd like!
Use whatever you'd like!
Gyurelle
Oooh, I know! Guys, if those scales're giving
you a rough time, my transfiguration c—
you a rough time, my transfiguration c—
Dämondrach
GROOOAAAAARGHHH!
Gyurelle
Yeeek...! Eep! Yikes!
Hooo... Phew. Whooooah!
Hooo... Phew. Whooooah!
Gyurelle
Huff...huff... I actually dodged all that...
Ha! Stupid dragon, you can't aim for shit!
Ha! Stupid dragon, you can't aim for shit!
Dämondrach
...GROOOOARH!
Gyurelle
Eek! ...Auuugh!
Ossia
Well, I suppose it's no surprise that
scatterbrain got knocked out.
scatterbrain got knocked out.
Ossia
(It did seem to be aiming strictly for
Gyurelle. Perhaps it feared her powers?)
Gyurelle. Perhaps it feared her powers?)
Ossia
(What a shrewd creature this is...)
Ossia
I suppose we have no choice but to use the
Aeon Bane.
Aeon Bane.
Ossia
Norza. Argento. I'm going to need a human
shield, so to speak.
shield, so to speak.
Argento
You're going to need what now!?
Ossia
My apologies. Would you be so kind
as to shield me with your bodies?
as to shield me with your bodies?
Argento
Rewording didn't really make it sound
any better...
any better...
Argento
Hmph, I suppose there's no choice. I'll have
to put my ultimate weapon on display.
to put my ultimate weapon on display.
Norza
Fine by me. I'd already made up my mind
to fight this thing.
to fight this thing.
Ossia
Thank you, that's much appreciated.
Norza
Are you sure you're up for the task,
Forgefire?
Forgefire?
Argento
Did you forget who you're speaking to?
Argento
What kind of smith would I be if
I couldn't use the weapons I crafted?
I couldn't use the weapons I crafted?
Norza
Fine, you take the right.
Argento
Got it!
Ossia
Just where are you two rushing off t—
Dämondrach
GROOOAAAAARGHHH!
Ossia
It sprouted...bladed appendages!?
That it can wield!?
That it can wield!?
Argento
Take thaaaaat!
Norza
Hnn... Haaaah!
Ossia
You culled all of them...? Not bad.
Norza
That much is simple enough.
Argento
More importantly, you just focus on
charging your attack, Ossia.
charging your attack, Ossia.
Argento
Otherwise, this is all meaningless.
Ossia
Oh, I've already gathered all the magic
I need.
I need.
Argento
Already? Doesn't a fully charged Aeon
Bane take longer to prepare?
Bane take longer to prepare?
Ossia
Yes, but I actually started gathering
magic much earlier.
magic much earlier.
Ossia
I figured that the only thing that could
possibly outstrip that thing's
possibly outstrip that thing's
Ossia
healing capacity was my Aeon Bane.
Ossia
But allow me to demonstrate.
Behold, my ultimate trump card—
Behold, my ultimate trump card—
Dämondrach
Grrrrrrrrr...
Norza
It's changing its shape. Switching straight
from offense to defense, huh?
from offense to defense, huh?
Ossia
It really is quick to react. Increasing its
density to ward off the oncoming attack...
density to ward off the oncoming attack...
Ossia
Very well, let's see which is superior.
Ossia
Your powers, or my masterpiece of a final
attack—
attack—
Ossia
—Aeon Bane.
Ossia
...!
Dämondrach
Graaaaagh... Raaaaah...
Dämondrach
GROOOOOOAAARGH!
Argento
...You can't be serious. Aeon Bane barely
scratched the surface of that beast...
scratched the surface of that beast...
Argento
And it's launched straight into its
regeneration process.
regeneration process.
Argento
I swear, the speed at which it does that...
Argento
Between its Eternity and transmutation,
it truly is a menace.
it truly is a menace.
Ossia
Ugh, and the recoil from Aeon Bane
has gotten me all worn out...
has gotten me all worn out...
Ossia
This is all your fault, Gyurelle.
Ossia
If you hadn't repeated that ritual so many
times, that thing wouldn't be so...
times, that thing wouldn't be so...
Argento
Whoa, careful now. You're wobbling.
Here, take some of my magic.
Here, take some of my magic.
Ossia
...Spare me your babying.
I'm fine. I...couldn't be better.
I'm fine. I...couldn't be better.
Ossia
I'll hit it with another Aeon Bane.
Ossia
This time, I won't hold back even a scrap
of power...
of power...
Argento
Don't push yourself.
Ossia
I am still an Aeon Lord...
I am Ossia, the Illustrious Plaguebearer.
I am Ossia, the Illustrious Plaguebearer.
Norza
I appreciate the attitude, but it seems your
best move can't breach that
best move can't breach that
Norza
regenerative shell.
Ossia
All I have to do is increase the firepower.
If I put a little more effort into it...
If I put a little more effort into it...
Gyurelle
Nein, nein.
Gyurelle
If one shot wasn't enough, then all we
have to do is make it two!
have to do is make it two!
—
Gyurelle
See? Now we've got another shot.
Ossia
Gyurelle... If this is a joke, you'd best revert
this instant. I'm warning you.
this instant. I'm warning you.
Gyurelle
You're pretty snarky for a five-year-old.
Show your elders some respect, geez!
Show your elders some respect, geez!
Ossia
Hmph. As I said, I don't think I will be
befriending this version of you.
befriending this version of you.
Ossia
Alright, my living shields.
Once again, from the top.
Once again, from the top.
Argento
You are so rude.
Who did you pick that up from?
Who did you pick that up from?
Norza
Double the explosions? That should make
for some great fireworks.
for some great fireworks.
Norza
By all means, blast it to your hearts'
content.
content.
Norza
...Here it comes, Forgefire!
Argento
I'll leave that side to you, Corpseblade!
Ossia
Weird question to ask now, but...
Which is the real you?
Which is the real you?
Gyurelle
Hm... I've got Mr. Rayth and the villagers
in here, and I also absorbed Kanna too...
in here, and I also absorbed Kanna too...
Gyurelle
I don't really know which one is me.
Like, I can't be Kanna, but...
Like, I can't be Kanna, but...
Gyurelle
I can try harder when I'm acting like her.
Gyurelle
Weird, huh?
—
Gyurelle
Alright...! I'm gonna try and copy your
super deadly technique, Ossia!
super deadly technique, Ossia!
Ossia
Well, then. As a special favor, I'll waive
the royalties this one time.
the royalties this one time.
Ossia
In exchange, I expect you to push yourself
to the limit!
to the limit!
Gyurelle
Like I wasn't gonna!
Ossia
Ready now...!
Ossia
Here comes a super-charged shot—
Gyurelle
Meet my super-concentrated blast—
Ossia, Gyurelle
AEON BANE—!
...And All That Is Left
Gyurelle
Scheisse... That stings! And you just used
it twice? That's insane, Ossia!
it twice? That's insane, Ossia!
Ossia
Well said, but compared to a true Aeon
Bane, yours was a little rough.
Bane, yours was a little rough.
Ossia
(Though, to be fair...landing a serviceable
Aeon Bane in her first battle is nothing
Aeon Bane in her first battle is nothing
Ossia
to scoff at. It took me three years to get to
that point...)
that point...)
Gyurelle
Something wrong, Ossia?
Ossia
No, it's nothing...
Argento
Haha! You really did it, huh.
Argento
Though, I guess with that scale of power
it's nothing to be surprised at.
it's nothing to be surprised at.
Argento
(Being able to imitate manipulation magic
is one thing, but Aeon Bane is a combat
is one thing, but Aeon Bane is a combat
Argento
spell. To fire it so effectively is...well.)
Argento
(And when she got hit with the recoil, she
just laughed it off. I imagine she has some
just laughed it off. I imagine she has some
Argento
genuine regeneration abilities.
There truly are monsters among us...)
There truly are monsters among us...)
Argento
Just like the Dragon God itself... She
couldn't be its second coming, could she?
couldn't be its second coming, could she?
Ossia
Now then, to business. I believe this settles
all past debts between us.
all past debts between us.
Ossia
That being said, further negotiations are
required.
required.
Gyurelle
Ossia... You're such a hardboiled
bean counter∼
bean counter∼
Ossia
We've collected the Dragon God's
Eternity just now...
Eternity just now...
Ossia
However, a portion of it still remains
within you.
within you.
Ossia
I'm sure you understand that it
must be returned in full.
must be returned in full.
Gyurelle
Oooh, that. Yeah, I guess that's fair.
Argento
A moment, Ossia. Our task this time was
to retrieve Rayth's Eternity, specifically.
to retrieve Rayth's Eternity, specifically.
Ossia
Yes, and?
Argento
Since we were...delayed...it might be
prudent to bring her along with us.
prudent to bring her along with us.
Argento
As a new Aeon Lord candidate.
Ossia
...Excuse me?
Ossia
...Well, you do have a point. Rather than
just returning what was asked of us,
just returning what was asked of us,
Ossia
offering something of increased value
would be best.
would be best.
Ossia
The way she obtained it was quite unusual,
but she does seem to have adapted well.
but she does seem to have adapted well.
Ossia
Otherwise, I have no other explanation
for her resiliency...
for her resiliency...
Gyurelle
...Hm?
Gyurelle
Um, wait...what?
I'd be an Aeon Lord?
I'd be an Aeon Lord?
Argento
If you would rather not serve a higher
power, that's your choice. However...
power, that's your choice. However...
Argento
We'll simply take the Eternity from you.
Argento
Which, I might add, will result
in your death.
in your death.
Gyurelle
I-It will...? Oh, gosh...
Norza
Which is it going to be? An eternal
servitude, or an immediate end?
servitude, or an immediate end?
Gyurelle
Huuuuuh.
Hmmmm... Hnnnngh?
Hmmmm... Hnnnngh?
Gyurelle
I mean, I guess the Eternal made some
points being stupid Mr. Rayth's enemy...
points being stupid Mr. Rayth's enemy...
Gyurelle
And if I stick with you guys, then I'll get
to go see the outside world, so...
to go see the outside world, so...
Gyurelle
Can I just ask one little question?
Gyurelle
Is it like, an Aeon Lord's job...
to totally trash the world?
to totally trash the world?
Argento
Was that not obvious?
Ossia
Why, naturally.
Norza
Without a doubt.
Gyurelle
Oooh, thought so∼!
Gyurelle
Okay, I'm definitely tagging along!
I'm gonna be an Aeon Lord∼!
I'm gonna be an Aeon Lord∼!
Gyurelle
(Kanna, get this! I can actually keep my
promise to you!)
promise to you!)
Gyurelle
(You wanted to see this stupid, messed-up
world burn... So, I'm gonna kick its ass!)
world burn... So, I'm gonna kick its ass!)
Gyurelle
(As an Aeon Lord!)
Gyurelle
(Just you watch, Kanna...!
Keep your eyes on me!)
Keep your eyes on me!)
Gyurelle
Uuuuugh... I'm done. I can't mooooooove...
Ossia
I'm inclined to agree.
Gyurelle
Yeah, but, Ossia...
You collapse all the time.
You collapse all the time.
Ossia
Are you any better this time?
Argento
Hey, now. No sullying the Aeon Lords'
reputation.
reputation.
Argento
Hmph. You leave me no choice.
Ossia
W-Wait! What do you think you're doing!?
Gyurelle
Oooh! The fabled princess carry!
I'm dying! That's sooooo peinlich!
I'm dying! That's sooooo peinlich!
Ossia
Stop mocking me this instant! And Argento,
I told you I don't need your babying!
I told you I don't need your babying!
Argento
Weapons ought to be handled with care.
All the more so, when it is a superior piece.
All the more so, when it is a superior piece.
Argento
So, be still.
Ossia
But I... Ugh, this is so shameful...
Gyurelle
Hmm... I wonder if there's anyone else
around...who could carry me like that...
around...who could carry me like that...
Gyurelle
How am I supposed to go aaall the way to
our destination like this?
our destination like this?
Gyurelle
Gosh, if only there were a kind soul
who could help me∼
who could help me∼
Gyurelle
I'm in soooooo much paaain...
I'm sure carrying me would be nothing after
I'm sure carrying me would be nothing after
Gyurelle
cutting the Great Dragon God down with
one stroke...
one stroke...
Norza
...As you wish.
Gyurelle
Hey! I'm not a cat! Let go of my neck!
Ow, ow, ow...! That huuuuurts!
Ow, ow, ow...! That huuuuurts!
Norza
Settle down, or I'll settle you down for good.
Gyurelle
Geez! You're soooo mean!
Norza
Listen up, Gyurelle.
Norza
Since you failed to protect your one friend,
let me give you a warning.
let me give you a warning.
Norza
As someone who will live forever, you will
one day forget that friend of yours...
one day forget that friend of yours...
Norza
...You will kill her all over again.
Gyurelle
Hm? What's that supposed to mean?
Argento
"You will one day forget your friend..."
That's interesting, coming from you.
That's interesting, coming from you.
Argento
You wouldn't happen to mean...
That friend, would you?
That friend, would you?
Norza
Shut it.
Norza
One more word about that, and you'll find
my blade in that undying body of yours.
my blade in that undying body of yours.
Argento
I see... Well, I suppose as fellow coworkers,
we have no connection beyond
we have no connection beyond
Argento
swordmaster and blacksmith.
Argento
With that said, do dial down the bloodlust.
You're scaring the new hire.
You're scaring the new hire.
Norza
Hmph.
Gyurelle
(Oh my gooosh... What the heck was all
that about? I-I thought I was gonna die!)
that about? I-I thought I was gonna die!)
Gyurelle
(Maybe this wasn't such a great idea...
Kanna, I'm scaaaaaaaared...!)
Kanna, I'm scaaaaaaaared...!)
Ossia
By the way, those heroes didn't perish,
did they?
did they?
Argento
I doubt it. No true foes of ours would die so
easily. Where would be the fun in that?
easily. Where would be the fun in that?
Norza
As long as Rody and Druke are still alive,
I couldn't care less about the others.
I couldn't care less about the others.
Gyurelle
Aw, I wouldn't mind seeing all of them
again.
again.
Gyurelle
I mean, they were pretty nice to the other
me, so...
me, so...
Rody
...Ouch...!
Rody
Where am I? Guys! Are you all okay!?
Cyrus
Hey, it's about time you woke up.
Rody
Cyrus!? What are you doing here?
Cyrus
Aw, c'mon. Is that any way to speak to
someone who just saved your life?
someone who just saved your life?
Cyrus
The path that you all had taken gave
out under my feet, so I literally came flying
out under my feet, so I literally came flying
Cyrus
in to the rescue.
Cyrus
And there you were, buried in the dirt,
smack-dab in the middle of this forest.
smack-dab in the middle of this forest.
Cyrus
I dug you guys up, then hauled you off to
a safer spot. I think that deserves a thanks.
a safer spot. I think that deserves a thanks.
Rody
It does. Thanks for that.
Rody
...Hang on. Where'd you say you found us?
Cyrus
Uh, the forest.
Rody
Not the village?
Cyrus
There's not one anywhere near here.
Rody
(No, I'm sure we fought those Aeon Lords
in the middle of a village.)
in the middle of a village.)
Rody
(Then we were caught off-guard, and...)
Cyrus
Look, I know where I found you guys, and
it was in the middle of some boring woods.
it was in the middle of some boring woods.
Cyrus
If I had to describe it somehow...
Cyrus
That huge empty hole is about the only
thing that stands out around here.
thing that stands out around here.
Rody
Hole?
Rody
I remember this. This area... These woods...
That's where the village was!
That's where the village was!
Rody
Did it disappear!?
Cyrus
Seriously, what's gotten into you, Rody?
Of course there's no village.
Of course there's no village.
Cyrus
That's what you came out to investigate,
right? The non-existent village.
right? The non-existent village.
Cyrus
Anyways, let's wake the rest and get out
of here.
of here.
Cyrus
—Druke, Callen, Yuki!
C'mon, rise and shine!
C'mon, rise and shine!
Rody
Then... Just what did we see here?
Rody
And that girl, Gyurelle.
Who—or what—was she...?
Who—or what—was she...?
Argento
I, the Silvered Forgefire, do offer my
proposal.
proposal.
Ossia
The Illustrious Plaguebearer approves.
Norza
As does the Pristine Corpseblade.
The Eternal
...
The Eternal
...
The Eternal
...VERY WELL.
The Eternal
THIS ONE SHALL BE KNOWN AS
"GLORIOUS MYRIADMASK."
"GLORIOUS MYRIADMASK."
The Eternal
ENGRAVE COUNTLESS FACADES
UPON THYSELF.
UPON THYSELF.
The Eternal
BECOME A FIENDISH TRICKSTER
AND TORMENT EVERY NEW WORLD.
AND TORMENT EVERY NEW WORLD.
Gyurelle
I most humbly accept the name you have
bestowed upon me.
bestowed upon me.
Gyurelle
My heavenly master, Lord Eternal!
Argento
(And with that, the number of Aeon Lords
increased by one.)
increased by one.)
Argento
(But it's still unclear as to why Rayth's
betrayal went overlooked for so long.)
betrayal went overlooked for so long.)
Argento
(And the timing of the mission to retrieve his
Eternity, the way it lead us straight to
Eternity, the way it lead us straight to
Argento
discovering Gyurelle, a dragonkin of
exceptional talent...)
exceptional talent...)
Argento
(It all seems slightly too convenient.)
Argento
(So, Lord Eternal... Just how firmly
are we seated in the palm of your hand?)
are we seated in the palm of your hand?)
Argento
(...Say, Rayth. Were you the fool all along...)
Argento
(Or are we?)