en
Act 7: The Undead King
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 1: An Ignoble Mission
Callen
...

Finn
Callen...
Callen?

Callen
Mm...

Finn
She's not waking up.
She must be exhausted.

Finn
(No wonder. She's researching stuff no
one's even thought of before, after all.)

Finn
(But why did she suddenly throw herself
into this?)

Finn
(All this, just to "duplicate the Golden
Crest", she said.)

Finn
(Does mankind really need that kind of
power?)

Callen
Mm...
So... It is...

Finn
Callen?
Talking in her sleep, I guess.

Callen
Weakening...
What to do...?

Finn
I wonder what kind of dream she's having.

Rizette
Ah, there you are.
Do you have a moment?

Finn
Ah, hey. Yeah.
What's up?

Rizette
Astrid's called everyone together.
You included.

Finn
Okay.
I'll be right there.

Finn
(Callen...
What's really going on?)

Astrid
Thank you all for coming, everyone.
I will get straight to the point.

Astrid
The Queen of Rigland has commanded us
to provide reinforcements to Hymelia.

Astrid
I have called you here to determine who
will be going and who—

Vesh
I oppose this.

Finn
But why? We don't even know what
we're helping out with yet.

Vesh
Hymelia is the seat of the Speaker of Fire
that wisheth to see thee dead, Sir Finn.

Vesh
Why must we rush to the aid of one who
intendeth harm to our dear companion?

Astrid
I understand your opposition, Vesh.
But the dealings of royalty are complex.

Nagi
The Princess said we would be foes once
the Gru Grim fell...

Nagi
But it seems she desires our alliance to
last a little longer.

Finn
Let's at least see what they have to say.
We can decide what to do afterward.

Vesh
Mm...

Astrid
Ahem.
If I may continue?

Astrid
The kingdoms of Rigland and Hymelia
have historically been on good terms.

Astrid
Our recent hostilities were with a splinter
branch of the royal family...

Astrid
...Not the kingdom itself. Rigland and
Hymelia are still allies.

Rizette
So the Princess attacking Rigland knights
doesn't count as going to war, huh?

Astrid
An unfortunate accident in the heat of
battle...is how I imagine it was explained.

Ga'Luga
...How convenient for her.

Astrid
I agree...but let us put aside our personal
feelings for now.

Astrid
Now, to business. The Hymelian royal
family is on the brink of ruin.

Theo
What? How?

Astrid
There are two main factors. Monster
attacks on the civilian populace,

Astrid
And a faction of revolutionaries
fomenting rebellion against the Crown.

Astrid
Slowly but surely, the royal family is
losing their hold on their kingdom.

Elmina
That's their problem, isn't it? Shouldn't
Hymelia handle their own messes?

Astrid
Unfortunately, it is not that simple.
Beyond Hymelia lies the Bergarian Empire.

Astrid
Bergaria has coveted Hymelia's territory,
and Rigland's, for centuries.

Mysha
So if Hymelia falls, then we're next on
the chopping block.

Astrid
Yes. Hymelia is the wall standing between
Rigland and Bergaria.

Astrid
The Queen has decided we cannot allow
Hymelia to weaken any further.

Finn
I see...sounds pretty complicated.
International politics sure is rough.

Ludmilla
It certainly is. You'll see soon enough—
We Knights are on the front lines of it.

Finn
Marshal!
How are you feeling?

Ludmilla
Back to full strength. I need to make up
for Darna's humiliation of me.

Astrid
I am assigning Marshal Ludmilla, Finn,
and Ga'Luga to this mission.

Astrid
We will start with a mobile squad of 3.
Everyone else will remain on standby.

Vesh
I oppose this.

Astrid
I have explained the situation. Do you
not understand?!

Vesh
I understand. But my mission is to protect
Finn. I shall not stand and watch him go.

Nagi
I agree! I, too, dearly wish to meet
that fierce, beautiful lily once more!

Astrid
...That reminds me. I heard you made
untoward advances to the Princess, Nagi?

Nagi
Urk.

Astrid
I will not be sending someone who taunts
royalty for fun on a diplomatic mission!

Astrid
And you, Vesh. Your presence would
defeat the very purpose of a covert squad.

Vesh
Mm...

Astrid
I know you are strong, but we need to be
circumspect.

Astrid
Ready yourself, and be patient. That is
the best way you can protect Finn now.

Vesh
...My appearance is the problem?

Astrid
Huh?
Well...that is...

Vesh
Then, what of this?

Vesh
Will this form serve?

Astrid
Wha—!
S-so fluffy...!

Astrid
B-but even so, a talking animal will
doubtless stand out, as well...

Vesh
Then I shall not speak.
...Yip.

Astrid
T-that is not fair! Using such fluff against
me...! Marshal, say something!

Ludmilla
H-he's so soft!
And so adorable!

Astrid
Ludmilla?!

Vesh
Yip!

Astrid
...Fine. Fine! If you can convincingly play
a normal animal, you may go with Finn!

Vesh
Yip. ♪

Rizette
(Vesh's tail is wagging...)

Theo
(He seems more like a pet dog than a
fox.)

Astrid
A-ahem.
Ludmilla. Finn. Ga'Luga. And...fox.

Astrid
You are to travel to Hymelia, and assist
the royal family in any way possible!

Rizette
Take care, Finn.

Finn
We won't have anything to worry about
with Vesh around. See you all soon!

Vesh
Yip! ♪

[S-Mission 7-1-1]

Optional
[Mission 7-1-1]

[S-Mission 7-1-2]

Optional
[Mission 7-1-2]

Finn
We're in Hymelian territory now...
I hope everyone in Nushelle is doing well.

Ludmilla
If Elmina was with us, we could have
swung by, but it's a bit out of the way.

Ga'Luga
There are a lot of other villages nearby.
It might be wise to stop by and—

Man
H-help!
Somebody help me!

Finn
Marshal!

Ludmilla
Get moving, Knights! If there are civilians
in danger, we have to save them!

Ga'Luga
Right!

Finn
Are you alright?

Villager
I think so...
Thank you. You saved my life.

Ludmilla
It wasn't just us. I know it's odd to say,
but you seem very skilled at running away.

Villager
I'll take it as a compliment. These things
are so common nowadays, that's all.

Finn
These things?
You mean, monster attacks?

Villager
That, and those "Revolutionary" bastards.
They cause trouble everywhere they go.

Villager
What's the army even doing? I don't see
why they're not keeping us safe.

Ludmilla
So even the civilians can see that the army
is stretched thin. The cracks are showing.

Ga'Luga
...

Finn
Ga'Luga? Something wrong?
You look pretty serious.

Ga'Luga
Is it that strange for me to look serious,
Brother?

Finn
A little. Neither of us have much head for
kingdoms and armies, after all.

Ga'Luga
Well spotted, my Brother.
I am thinking about that battle.

Ga'Luga
Those undead we defeated...
There was something strange about them.

Finn
Really? Huh... I guess so.
Yeah, they felt stronger than usual.

Ga'Luga
That is part of it. But more, they covered
for each other. They were organized.

Ga'Luga
...I have a bad feeling about this.
We should be careful.

Finn
We will. Your warrior's instinct is never
wrong, after all.

Ludmilla
Let's keep moving.
We're not far from the capital now.

[Mission 7-1-3]

Hymelian
Esteemed Red Dragon Knights, welcome
to our capital. Please, this way.

Finn
H-hey, this is the throne room, isn't it?
Why'd they bring us here?

Ludmilla
Stand up straight, Finn.
We're in the presence of royalty.

Regulus II
Welcome, my friends! Thank you for
your assistance in these trying times.

Finn
(He seems pretty...carefree, for a king.
Not that I've met a lot of kings.)

Ludmilla
Your Majesty, I am Marshal Ludmilla of
the Red Dragon Knights. With me are—

Ga'Luga
Ga'Luga, warrior.

Finn
And Finn, also of the Red Dragon Knights.
Your Majesty.

Regulus II
How considerate of you! Allow us to
introduce ourselves, as well.

Regulus II
I am the King of Hymelia, Regulus II.
These are my sons...

Claudius
I am the First Prince, Claudius. You
honor us with your presence, Marshal.

Remus
I am the Second Prince, Remus. It is a
pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Ga'Luga
(These two are pretty casual, too. You
wouldn't think they're under attack.)

Regulus II
Now, it's our hope that you will be able
to solve the problems plaguing our land

Regulus II
in one fell swoop, as it were.

Ludmilla
One fell swoop, Your Majesty?

Regulus II
These monster attacks, and the unrest
caused by those revolutionary knaves...

Regulus II
These attacks are sporadic, and we are
at our wits' end dealing with them.

Regulus II
If this keeps up, my kingdom will fall
apart. And so...

Regulus II
I have no choice but to take the field
and deal with these scoundrels myself!

Ludmilla
...Excuse me?

Regulus II
I will bring First Prince Claudius, and his
sister, the Speaker of Flame, Maxima...

Regulus II
And we'll track down the source of all
this nonsense, and burn it out ourselves!

Claudius
We would like the Red Dragon Knights'
assistance as royal bodyguards.

Claudius
We will show these upstarts the true
majesty of the royal family!

Ludmilla
I-if I may, Your Majesty... This plan may
place your august self in undue peril...

Remus
Your concern is understandable, Lady
Marshal. I said so myself several times...

Regulus II
I know my way around a sword, boy!
Those rebels won't get the best of me!

Remus
...But as you can see, Father is stubborn.

Ludmilla
I-I see...but even so. It would be best to
avoid exposing you all to undo risk.

Claudius
Monsters are similar to beasts, after all.
They may act unpredictably.

Claudius
But that is exactly the time for the skills
of the Red Dragon Knights to shine!

Ludmilla
...

Claudius
Please, lend us the strength with which
you vanquished the Pandemonium.

Ludmilla
...I see you are decided.

Ludmilla
Understood. The Red Dragon Knights
shall give our utmost.

Finn
Marshal...

Regulus II
How wonderful! Let's put together a
punitive force right away, then.

Regulus II
I'd like to go out as soon as possible.
Claudius, assist me!

Claudius
Right away, Father!

Ga'Luga
...Are we sure about this? It seems
absolutely reckless.

Ludmilla
There's not much we can do if a foreign
ruler decides to disregard our advice.

Ludmilla
We'll do all we can...
But don't put yourself in danger.

Finn
...Okay.

[S-Mission 7-1-3]

Optional
Hymelian A
Hold formation! Maintain the line!

Hymelian B
All troops, forward march!

Finn
That's a ton of soldiers. I guess a king
needs a pretty big escort, after all.

Ga'Luga
I did not expect to be marching in a
parade here.

Ludmilla
It's lucky we were assigned to the rear.
I assumed we would be placed in front.

Finn
You mean, at the front of the line?

Ludmilla
Yes. It's likely that the King called us here
to show that he still has foreign support.

Ludmilla
Look, the heroes who ended the
Pandemonium support me, he's saying.

Ludmilla
To the Revolutionaries...and to the inner
circle of nobility.

Finn
The nobles...?

Noble A
Ugh! Why must we go to fight for a herd
of filthy farmers?!

Finn
Huh? Those soldiers are complaining
really loudly.

Ludmilla
Noble officers. They likely only joined for
the glory of a military expedition.

Noble A
Throwing ourselves into danger, for
peasants? Unbelievable!

Noble B
They're little better than livestock.
I say let the monsters have them!

Finn
What...?!
How could they say that?!

Ludmilla
Finn! Where are you going?!
Don't do anything stupid!

Finn
But, Marshal...!

Maxima
Be silent! Bite your tongues!

Noble B
Wha—?!

Finn
Maxima?! Right, the King did say she
was coming along, too.

Noble A
Y-Your Highness! What an honor to see
your most beautiful self—

Maxima
Spare me your flattery. Our farmers'
labor provides much more worth

Maxima
to this kingdom than your empty words.

Maxima
Their hard work sustains us all, even
royalty. You will not disrespect them.

Noble B
But even so, Your Highness. Surely those
of worth, like you or ourselves, are—

Maxima
Do not make me repeat myself.

Noble B
Eep...
I-I beg your forgiveness!

Finn
(She's as harsh as ever, but...it looks
like she really cares for her people.)

Maxima
...You ought to be more careful, Finn.

Finn
Huh?

Maxima
You are a foreign agent here. It would be
unwise to brawl with the nobility.

Finn
...Right. Sorry. I'll keep it in—
Ahem. I will be more careful, Ma'am.

Finn
Ah, right.
May I ask something else?

Maxima
What is it?

Finn
You told Vesh and Nagi we would be
enemies again after Darna was defeated...

Maxima
Vesh? Nagi? Ah, the Avatar of the Land
and the impudent bikki.

Maxima
Yes, I did. And I still consider you a grave
threat to Erden, even now.

Maxima
But... My Lady, Volcana, has decided to
observe you for the time being.

Finn
Observe me, huh...

Maxima
Yes. Do not think yourself safe yet.

Maxima
If my Lady determines you to be a threat,
I will kill you without hesitation.

Vesh
Yip! Yip!

Maxima
...?
That fox...

Maxima
...No matter. I will take my leave now.
I am needed at my father's side.

Vesh
Strange, that a fellow Avatar should
insert herself into the conflicts of man.

Finn
V-Vesh! You're not supposed to talk.

Vesh
I may speak to thee if I whisper, may
I not? No other shall hear, I assure thee.

Ludmilla
As long as you're careful. In any case,
I agree with you.

Ludmilla
Monsters are one thing, but this rebellion
is pure politics— humans killing humans.

Vesh
Knowing this, why dost thou participate
in such meaningless bloodshed?

Ludmilla
We're human ourselves, after all. We
all have obligations to follow.

Ludmilla
We protect others, and live our lives, as
best as we can within those obligations.

Vesh
...The world of mortals is a strange one.

Ludmilla
You can say that again.

[Mission 7-1-4]

Hymelian
We're under attack! Monsters...no,
undead, attacking from the rear!

Ludmilla
Finn. Ga'Luga.
That's our cue.

Ga'Luga
Finally.
I was getting bored!

Finn
I wonder if these are from the same band
as those organized undead from before.

Ga'Luga
It's possible.
Keep your eyes open, Brother!

Merdain
...It's time.

Soldier
Lord Merdain? Why did you strike the
bridge support?

Merdain
Just watch. You'll understand.
...We'll have a fine view from here.

[Mission 7-1-5]

Ga'Luga
What is that up ahead?
A bridge?

Finn
Looks like it. The King's carriage is just
about to cross.

Ludmilla
The advance guard has already crossed
to secure the far side.

Ga'Luga
Right. I was worried we would get
ambushed, but I guess not.

Finn
...Wait. I think... I hear something.
Like a rumbling, or a cracking...?

Ga'Luga
Really?

Finn
My ears aren't as sharp as Rizette's, but
even so...!

Hymelian A
A-aaaah!
The bridge! The bridge is collapsing!

Maxima
What?! There was hardly a tremor under
the vanguard!

Maxima
Yet it suddenly crumbles beneath the
King...this is no coincidence!

Ludmilla
All troops, fall back! Pull the carriage
back, immediately!

Ludmilla
(No, it won't work. Carriages can't
move backwards fast enough!)

Ludmilla
Abandon the carriage! Get His Majesty
out of there, now!

Maxima
Father! Quickly, this way!

Regulus II
Maxima...!

Maxima
(No...)

Maxima
(I can't reach. He's so close—
But I can't reach him—!)

Maxima
(Father...!)

Regulus II
Noooooooo!

Claudius
N-no... Father fell...
Father fell into the ravine!

Maxima
No... Father!
Fatheeer!!

???
...
Lucius.

Lucius
...Yes, Merdain?

Merdain
Next time we go back, I'm telling the King
that Father's death was a murder.

Lucius
...

Merdain
I'd like the weight of your family name
behind my declaration, too.

Merdain
And if that's not enough, then we'll tell
Maxima too, and she'll back us up!

Lucius
A public accusation will throw the realm
into an uproar, you realize.

Merdain
If that's what it takes, then so be it!
You know Father would do the same!

Merdain
The Senate, the royal family, everyone who
hated and betrayed my father. Everyone.

Merdain
And then, once the rot has been carved
out...

Merdain
We'll establish our own kingdom!

Lucius
Wait, Merdain!
...Merdain!

Lucius
Mer...
...Mm?

Lucius
(I can hear the ocean. A great, vast
sound... So that was a dream, and...)

Lucius
(...I've failed again. Failed to leave this
island of Avalon.)

Le Fay
Oh, you have finally awakened.
Good morning, Lucius.

Lucius
Good morning, Le Fay. What a strange
place this island is.

Lucius
I can row straight away with all my might,
and before I know it, I'm back ashore.

Le Fay
How many times must I tell you?
This is a magical place, the promised land.

Le Fay
Without the permission of me and my
sisters, you are never going to leave.

Lucius
Merdain had no trouble leaving, though.

Le Fay
After eating the Fruit of Wisdom, yes.
Escaping the island was child's play.

Le Fay
You could do the same. Eat, and you will
chase him down in the blink of an eye.

Lucius
Sorry, but as I've said, I have no interest
in that stolen wisdom.

Lucius
Le Fay. Please, tell me everything you
know about escaping the island.

Lucius
You must be getting bored of watching
me build rafts by now, right?

Le Fay
Myself and my sisters are manifestations
of Avalon's will.

Le Fay
What I desire, Avalon desires, in part.
I could perhaps put one little raft to sea.

Le Fay
But only if I desire it. And I see no reason
to let you leave without eating the Fruit.

Lucius
Please, Le Fay. I need to stop Merdain's
revenge. I'll do anything.

Le Fay
Anything?

Lucius
...Aside from eating the Fruit of Wisdom,
yes. Anything.

Le Fay
Hmph. This would be so much easier if
you simply ate it already.

Le Fay
Then...
Would you bring me with you?

Lucius
Bring you?
To Hymelia?

Le Fay
...No, I know it is impossible. You would
never allow one who twisted your friend—

Lucius
Alright.
Let's go together.

Le Fay
...Huh?

Lucius
Why do you look so surprised? You're
the one who suggested it.

Le Fay
But I am part of Avalon, the island
you ought to despise...

Lucius
If you were just a normal person, I
would hate to bring you into danger.

Lucius
But you're not normal, after all. And you
can protect yourself, can't you?

Le Fay
...Somehow, I dislike your phrasing.

Le Fay
But that is acceptable. Quickly, now—
Steer this raft into the ocean.

Le Fay
We must away, quickly and quietly.
Before the island notices...

Claudius
Our gallant king then fell...and vanished.
His guards' bodies were recovered.

Claudius
Hymelia has lost her guiding light. The
next king must be crowned without delay.

Claudius
Father appointed me to lead the
expedition. He trusted me, his eldest son!

Remus
Please, Brother. The funeral is not even
over. Is it not too early to discuss this?

Remus
Father may have named his successor
in writing. We will search his chambers.

Remus
For now, we must not let loss drive us to
act hastily, but take time to grieve.

Remus
...

Maxima
...Is your discussion finished?

Remus
Not so much finished as...
Placed on hold, I suppose.

Remus
Claudius is truly amazing. Even now,
he remains completely unshaken.

Maxima
...Must you phrase it like that?
He may simply be hiding his grief.

Maxima
I cannot appear weak to our people.
Surely Claudius feels the same.

Remus
My dear sister...I believe you when you
say that.

Remus
But to be blunt, I do not have the same
faith in Claudius. This was no accident.

Maxima
Remus...? Why do you doubt not the
Revolutionaries, but Claudius?

Remus
I apologize for my impertinence, but...
Do you believe it was an accident?

Remus
Father was in the process of naming me
as his heir apparent.

Remus
So, before it could be finalized...
Claudius arranged for an "accident".

Maxima
That's...
That would be...high treason.

Remus
Maxima. I tell you this because I trust
you, as my elder sister.

Remus
I know you despise the corrupt nobility...
Or perhaps the peerage in its entirety.

Remus
I feel the same. If you wish it, I swear to
better the lot of the lower classes.

Remus
If...I become king, of course.
Will you work with me, Maxima?

Maxima
...

Maxima
Forgive me, Remus. I need some time.
There is something I must confirm first.

Remus
I understand. But we are rapidly running
out of time.

Remus
Claudius has killed for the throne once
already...

Remus
You must choose whom to ally with,
before violence forces your hand.

Maxima
Remus...

Maxima
(If that truly was no accident... Father's
death was murder. Regicide.)

Maxima
(Merdain... Is this your doing?)

Maxima
(If so, then the one I must stand with is...)

Remus
...Phew.

Remus
(Damn you, Claudius. Already making
your move, are you?)

Remus
(Getting Maxima to watch him should keep
his hands tied...but she might not buy it.)

Remus
(I've bought myself time, at least. I need
to prepare for anything.)

Remus
(At worst, I can blame everything on
those idiot Revolutionaries...—?!)

Assassin
Die!

Remus
Damn it! Already?!

Maxima
Remus! Get down!

Remus
Maxima?!

Maxima
Who hired you?! Speak!

Assassin
Tch!

Maxima
Stop, villain!

Maxima
...He fled. I am sorry, Remus.
I meant to capture him.

Remus
Ah...no, that's...

Remus
...That does not matter. We both know
who sent him.

Remus
There is no avoiding it now.
Hymelia tilts toward civil war.

Maxima
Civil war...!

Remus
...I must prepare for battle. Please,
come with me, Sister.

Maxima
But... I...

Remus
Will you show mercy to a kinslayer?
Or will justice be served?

Maxima
...As you say.
As you say, Remus...

Chapter 2: Hymelia Shattered
Finn
Morning, Ga'Luga.

Ga'Luga
You don't look like you slept very well.

Finn
You can tell, huh? Yeah... I kept hearing
the King's scream, and it kept me up.

Finn
And there was a lot of activity going on
outside my room, too...

Ludmilla
You two.
Get ready, now.

Finn
Marshal?
What's going on?

Claudius
The situation is most dire. A large-scale
revolt has broken out in the capital!

Finn
A revolt?! Is it those revolutionary guys?

Claudius
We do not know, but the leader of the
revolt...is Remus. My brother.

Finn
Prince Remus...?

Claudius
I imagine that with Father's death, he
means to seize the throne. How awful...

Claudius
Honored Knights, will you help me protect
my people and quell this madness?

Finn
I...

Finn
(I know it's for the good of the people,
but should we really get involved...?)

Ludmilla
Our purpose here is not to interfere with
your nation's politics, Your Highness.

Ludmilla
However, ending this revolt quickly may
indeed save many lives.

Ga'Luga
I don't mind.
I can't say I like it, but let's get to work.

Claudius
Oh, thank you! Please, liaise with
my Guard captain for your orders.

Claudius
Please, honored Knights. Do this for
the innocent people of Hymelia!

Ludmilla
Finn.
Maybe you should return to Rigland.

Finn
Huh?!
But why?!

Ludmilla
Because I'm worried. I don't want to get
you involved in this fight.

Finn
I'm a knight, Marshal. If you say we're
going to fight, then I'll fight alongside you!

Ludmilla
...

Ludmilla
...Alright. Then we'll work to quell this
rebellion together.

Ludmilla
Vesh, I'd like you to return to Rigland
and call for reinforcements.

Vesh
I refuse. 'Tis my duty to protect Finn,
even here in this foreign land.

Vesh
I shall not leave his side, at the very hour
the horns of war are sounded!

Ludmilla
The war's already begun - a war between
mortals. This is no battle for justice.

Ludmilla
What decides battles between humans is
numbers. The bigger side is stronger.

Ludmilla
And right now, you're our best hope for
reaching our allies.

Vesh
Mm...

Ludmilla
Vesh.
Can I ask this of you?

Vesh
...Thy world is muddled, and strange.
I cannot understand it.

Finn
I promise to stay safe until you get back,
Vesh. Please, do this for me.

Ludmilla
Please, Vesh!

Vesh
...So be it! Finn, I shall return with all
haste. Protect thyself well!

Finn
I will, I promise.
You stay safe, too!

Hymelian
Marshal Ludmilla. I'm told you will be
cooperating with us in this matter.

Ludmilla
Yes, Captain. We'll do our utmost to
end this with as few losses as possible.

Hymelian
Thank you very much. I'd like you to
assist with securing the royal palace.

Hymelian
The palace is strategically placed. Prince
Remus's forces will surely try to take it.

Ludmilla
I see. I'm told that the Princes' personal
forces are of comparable strength?

Hymelian
Yes, which is why whichever force takes
the palace will have a huge advantage.

Ludmilla
Then there's no time to lose. We'll
head to the palace grounds immediately.

Hymelian
We're counting on you, Heroes!

Ludmilla
Finn, Ga'Luga, with me.
We'll protect the palace!

Finn
...Yes, ma'am!

Le Fay
Look! What a huge island. Surely this
must be Hymelia.

Lucius
No, no. Hymelia is a huge country, on
the mainland. That's just an island.

Le Fay
Really? I find that hard to believe. No
land could be much larger than that.

Lucius
(How many days have passed since we left
Avalon? I can't clearly recall.)

Lucius
(But there's an unease deep in my chest.
Something very bad is happening.)

Lucius
(I need to get home as soon as I can...!)

[S-Mission 7-2-1]

Optional
Finn
...

Ga'Luga
What are you doing, Brother?! This is
a battlefield. Stay sharp!

Finn
...Sorry. Something just doesn't feel
right here.

Ga'Luga
What doesn't? Whoever takes the palace
wins. Pretty clear, for a mortal war.

Finn
Yeah, I know.
It's not that that's bothering me.

Finn
It's just, like you said, this is a battlefield.
It's just now sinking in what that means.

Ga'Luga
You don't think this is the best way to
keep casualties down?

Finn
No, I do. I understand it logically.
It's just...

Ga'Luga
Yeah...I think I get how you feel. It's
different from fighting monsters.

Finn
...Huh?

Ga'Luga
What, surprised?

Finn
Yeah, a little.

Ga'Luga
Hmph, thanks. But I understand.
That's why I'm warning you—

Ludmilla
Enough chatter, you two.
Get ready! Here they come!

Remus's Guard
There they are! It's the foreign knights!

Ga'Luga
Hmph, they're nothing special.
If you value your lives, get out of here!

Remus's Guard
Gyaah! D-damn you, outsiders! How dare
you....interfere...!

Ga'Luga
Tch. Seems like they have it in for us.

Ludmilla
Not for nothing. The late king held us up
as a symbol of order and justice.

Ludmilla
Allying with the First Prince naturally
weakens the Second Prince's claim.

Ludmilla
It's no wonder they want to take us out
as soon as they can. Stay alert!

Remus's Guard
There! It's the Red Dragon Knights!

Ga'Luga
There's no end to 'em. We'll never get
to the palace at this rate.

Claudius's Guard
Sir Knights, leave this to us! We'll hold
the scoundrels off!

Finn
Thanks! Then we'll just have to push
our way through!

Remus's Guard
Aargh! Y-you...!

Finn
(Great, I disarmed him. Now we can
push past!)

Remus's Guard
Oh, no!
You're not getting away that easy!

Finn
Huh?!
(H-he grabbed my leg!)

Claudius's Guard
You don't know when to give up, do you!
Let go of him!

Remus's Guard
Gaaah...!

Finn
...Huh?
You...you killed him?

Finn
Why did you kill him?! He was unarmed!
You could have just made him let go!

Claudius's Guard
Why are you angry?
I was just saving you...

Ga'Luga
Enough, Brother!
This is a war!

Finn
But...!

Ga'Luga
I understand how you feel. That's why
I need you to listen to me.

Ga'Luga
You are a knight! You can't let yourself
be ruled by emotion!

Finn
A knight...

Ludmilla
My apologies.
Thank you for the assist.

Claudius's Guard
...You're welcome.
Just, sir Knight?

Claudius's Guard
...It's not like I wanted to have to kill
him, either.

Finn
...

Ludmilla
Finn. I want you to know that I don't
believe you're wrong.

Ludmilla
Your kindness has saved many. It's what
makes you a hero, not just a soldier.

Ludmilla
But I'll say this. In these circumstances,
kindness is just naivete.

Ludmilla
Naivete will only bring you loss. Not just
your life— your banner, your cause...

Ludmilla
Even the lives of your comrades.

Ludmilla
That's what our blades are for. To end
this as fast as possible, and end the loss.

Ludmilla
...Do you understand?

Finn
...I'm sorry, Marshal.
I...

Ga'Luga
It doesn't have to feel right.
We're outsiders here, after all.

Ga'Luga
But stay focused. Do what you have to,
and protect anyone who needs protecting.

Finn
...Yeah.

Ludmilla
...Don't let it get to you. Now, come on.
We have to reach the palace fast.

Finn
(Until now, I could just focus on saving
the people in front of me.)

Finn
(But this is different. Everyone's fighting
for their own different ideals...)

Finn
(It's not my place to decide who's wrong
and who's right. Maybe no one is either.)

Finn
(Even this road ahead of me...
Might not be the right one...)

[Mission 7-2-1]

[S-Mission 7-2-2]

Optional
[Mission 7-2-2]

Lillian
Hold it right there!

Finn
Huh? A little girl?
What are you doing here?

Lillian
Hey! Don't you look down on me just
because I'm young!

Ga'Luga
This is no place for a kid.
Go home.

Lillian
Grr, you're not listening! Fine, then I'll
just make you listen!

Ga'Luga
Wha... She's strong!

Lillian
Hee hee. If you underestimate me,
you're going to get hurt!

Lillian
My dear Sister's orders are absolute.
We'll protect the palace with our lives!

Finn
I don't really want to go all-out against a
kid...but it looks like we have to!

Lillian
Grr! I said stoooop iiiiiit!

[Mission 7-2-3]

Lillian
Ow...!

Ga'Luga
Sorry, kid. We're going on ahead.

Lillian
N-no...
I won't let you!

Ga'Luga
Step aside. If this goes any further,
people are going to die.

Finn
It may be naïve of me, but I don't want to
kill you. Please, move.

Lillian
Even if I'm young, I'm still a soldier!
I have things I'd give my life to protect!

Finn
You'd give your life...

???
Enough, Lillian. Fall back.
I will handle this.

Maxima
...What?
You...!

Finn
Princess Maxima!

Lillian
Maxima! I'm so sorry, I couldn't...!

Maxima
You did well, Lillian. I do not want to lose
you...so fall back. Leave this to me.

Lillian
...I understand. But you have to promise!
Promise me you won't die!

Maxima
...Red Dragon Knights. Why have you
allied with Claudius?!

Ludmilla
We received an official request from
Prince Claudius, Your Highness.

Ludmilla
We are acting to preserve the order of
our allied realm, Hymelia.

Ludmilla
With your royal father's passing, to
support the heir apparent is only natural.

Ludmilla
If I may, I am surprised to see you
supporting the Second Prince, ma'am.

Maxima
You consider Claudius the rightful heir?
You are wrong!

Maxima
The heir ought to be my younger
brother— Remus!

Finn
What are you talking about?!

Maxima
Claudius, while by no means a fool, is not
a wise man. He is unfit to be king.

Maxima
The King had already begun procedures
to name Remus as his successor.

Maxima
And so, before it was made official...
...A plot was put into motion.

Ludmilla
A plot? That is a rather...indirect
phrasing, Ma'am.

Ludmilla
If you mean that Prince Claudius had
the King killed, why not say so directly?

Maxima
Because...

Maxima
...It is unclear whether it was Claudius's
doing.

Finn
But then, how do you know if Prince
Remus is in the right?

Maxima
Remus had no reason to kill our father.
The throne would have been his in time!

Maxima
...You are supporting the wrong side.
Lay down your weapons!

Ludmilla
I understand your viewpoint, Ma'am...
But neither side has any proof here.

Finn
Marshal! Are we really going to fight her?

Ludmilla
Is that a problem?

Finn
She's trying to resolve this peacefully.
We have no idea who's in the right here!

Ludmilla
...You're right.
It's one prince's word against another's.

Ludmilla
But will surrendering our swords here
end this conflict any faster?

Ludmilla
Should we lay down our weapons here,
to stop a war that's already begun?

Finn
I...

Finn
(I...don't know.)

Finn
(What's the right choice here? Whose
cause is righteous?)

Finn
(What should I do? Is all this fighting
really going to save even one person?!)

Ludmilla
...Finn.

Finn
...

Finn
(Calm down. It's not just Hymelia. If this
continues, Rigland is in danger too.)

Finn
(As a member of the Red Dragon Knights,
I have a duty to protect my country...!)

Finn
...I'll fight. I believe your decision is
the right one, Marshal.

Maxima
...I see. A pity. And after my Lady spared
you her judgment, no less...

Maxima
No matter. I will snuff out that Crest of
yours, along with your very life!

Maxima
Nngh...so even at full strength, I am no
match for them?!

Ludmilla
Don't let her catch her breath!
Push forward!

Lillian
Oh no you don't!
Protect the Princess, everyone!

Remus's Guard
We stand with you, Your Highness!

Maxima
What are you doing?!

Remus's Guard
You must live on, Your Highness! Our
lives are a small price to pay for yours!

Maxima
You...

Claudius
You are well-liked by your retainers, I see.
Not so by the nobles, though, I fear.

Remus
As she should be.
The people know that our cause is just.

Maxima
Claudius!
Remus!

Ga'Luga
Both princes have their main forces with
them. This is going to be a meat grinder.

Ludmilla
This is not a fight we want to get trapped
in the middle of...

Finn
Can't we stop this somehow? Like if we
take out Remus really fast, or something!

Ludmilla
Look at his bodyguards. Do you think we
could break through that line?

Finn
...It would be tough.

Ludmilla
I know you can make the right decision,
even with your heart in turmoil.

Ludmilla
There's no escaping it. This is going to
be a bloodbath. Just keep yourself alive.

Finn
There must be something. Anything!
Any way to stop this...!

???
All of you, lay down your weapons!

Claudius
...What?

Hymelian
All of you are to lay down your weapons and
gather in the throne room! That's an order!

Claudius
Ha! An order? Who do you think you are?

Claudius
Someone bring me that messenger's head!
Then prepare for an all-out charge!

Hymelian
I-I...! No, Your Highness, I will not back
down! All are to obey immediately!

Hymelian
By order of His Majesty,
Regulus II of Hymelia!

Remus
...What?!

Maxima
...Father?!

[S-Mission 7-2-3]

Optional
Remus
This...this is ridiculous. Father died in
the bridge collapse. This is...

Remus
This is impossible!

Maxima
Father...

Regulus II
I am saddened...
I am deeply, deeply saddened.

Regulus II
To think the first thing I see upon my
return is my sons, with steel in hand...

Claudius
Y-Your Majesty. We thought you had
perished in the fall, and so...

Claudius
B-but you are alive, and returned to us!
My heart leaps for joy, Father!

Regulus II
Settle, Claudius. There is no need to
posture so.

Regulus II
To think my wise, kind sons brought war
to Hymelia of their own volition...

Regulus II
There must be some mistake.
Yes...

Regulus II
This, too, must be the work of the villains
who sought my death from the shadows.

Regulus II
Soldiers of Hymelia.
Seize the Red Dragon Knights.

Hymelians
Yes, Your Majesty!

Finn
Huh?!

Ludmilla
Your Majesty?!

Regulus II
I invite you to my home, and you strike at
my heart. You are serpents, not dragons.

Finn
This is all a misunderstanding!
We didn't do anything!

Regulus II
My sons kept the peace before you came.
You must surely be involved somehow.

Ga'Luga
That makes no sense! We came here to
help you, because you asked us to!

Regulus II
They are to be imprisoned. We will
have the truth from them, eventually.

Ga'Luga
Tch, he's not listening...

Regulus II
And now, my sons.
You may approach me.

Remus
Father... Is it really you, Father?
And not some manner of spirit?

Regulus II
If you doubt me, my beloved sons,
come closer. See for yourselves.

Claudius
O-of course.

Regulus II
...Oh, my sons. So well-mannered and
obedient to your king's commands.

Regulus II
Why did you rush to conclusions? Why
assume I perished, and start a war?

Regulus II
I am deeply, deeply...
Disappointed.

Claudius
Wha...

Claudius
Gah...?!

Maxima
Father?! What have you done?!

Claudius
F-Father? Why...? Y-you've...
You've slain me...

Regulus II
Foolish boy. Hymelia ill needs a rash,
war-hungry ruler like you.

Remus
Father...t-then, does that mean that I am
to be your successor, then?!

Maxima
Remus! At a time like this?!

Regulus II
Oh, Remus. Yes, I had considered you
my successor...but I was wrong.

Regulus II
You are no more fit to rule than your
idiot of a brother!

Remus
Gyaah!

Finn
H-he attacked Prince Remus, too?!

Maxima
Remus! Stay with me!
Remus!

Remus
M-Maxima... Damn it. Not like this...
Not...like...

Maxima
...No. No, this can't be happening!

Maxima
You are not our Father! That warm, kind
man would never slay his own sons!

Regulus II
Oh, Maxima... You always were the most
intelligent and talented of my children.

Regulus II
You used to drive your caretakers to
distraction, sneaking from the castle...

Regulus II
But you were always so pure and strong,
untouched by the nobility's prejudices.

Maxima
Wha...

Regulus II
The filthy nobles despise you, but those
who serve you love and respect you well.

Regulus II
That is why I asked you to support your
brothers, when I was gone...

Maxima
H-how do you...

Maxima
No...no! Be silent! Your defilement of my
father's past only makes the truth clearer!

Maxima
Primordial of Flame, Volcana! Grant me
your power, I beg you! Turn all to ash!

Regulus II
Gh...?!
Aaaaah!

Maxima
...What Hymelia ill needs is this sham
replica of her king! Begone!

Regulus II
...Ha ha ha.

Regulus II
Hahahaha!
Well struck, child!

Hymelian Noble
T-the King is just bones?!
And the bones are moving?!

Ga'Luga
He's an undead?!
...Wait, don't tell me—!

Regulus II
Guards! Seize Maxima!

Regulus II
Your sin of treason shall be judged here
and now! Join your brothers in death!

Hymelian
...As you command.

Maxima
W-what are you doing?!
Let me go!

Finn
What's going on?! Why is everyone
obeying the undead?!

Ludmilla
...I don't know. Either they're afraid,
or they're waiting to see what happens.

Ludmilla
That...or the soldiers and nobles have
already been tainted by the undead!

Hymelian Noble
If I may, Your Majesty! A humble
suggestion!

Regulus II
Mm...?
What impudence is this?

Hymelian Noble
Maxima is no longer your royal daughter.
She is a traitor and a criminal!

Hymelian Noble
She does not deserve the honor of death
by your august hands, in these chambers!

Maxima
W-what...

Hymelian Noble
Let her rot in the dungeon, then
execute her in the square like a dog!

Regulus II
Hmm...

Regulus II
So be it. Take Maxima to the dungeons,
along with the serpent Knights.

Hymelian Noble
As you command, Your Majesty...

Maxima
This is...this is insanity.
What's going on here?!

Hymelian
Shut up and walk!

Maxima
Father...!

Revolutionary
Sir! According to our spy within the
Second Prince's army...

Revolutionary
Both forces converged upon the palace,
but the King, now undead, stopped them!

Merdain
...What?

Revolutionary
Both princes were then executed, and
the Princess and Knights were arrested!

Merdain
(This is different from the future I Saw.
What's going on here?)

Merdain
(The Fruit of Wisdom gives all who eat it
unparalleled insight and knowledge.)

Merdain
(And the one I ate was the most powerful
Fruit of all. So how...)

Merdain
(...That said, there have been things I
haven't been able to See well before.)

Merdain
(The Crestbearer, the Gru Grim. Any time
a true Power makes a move.)

Merdain
(Does this mean something of that level
is behind the chaos in Hymelia...?)

Merdain
...I can't say I care for it.

Revolutionary
Sir?

Merdain
Nevermind.

Merdain
The situation has changed. Get everyone
together. I have new orders for you.

Revolutionary
Yes, sir!

[S-Mission 7-2-4]

Optional
Chapter 3: Angel of Ruin
Le Fay
So this is Hymelia...
There are so, so many people.

Le Fay
I knew it would be noisy and lively, but
the reality is beyond my wildest dreams.

Lucius
No... No, something is wrong. There's not
usually such a commotion.

Hymelian A
Hey, you hear?!
The King's come back to life!

Lucius
...?!

Hymelian B
Huh?! Doesn't that mean he died?!

Hymelian C
Don't be stupid! They never even
found the body!

Lucius
(Rumors and confused hearsay. I can't
tell what's true and what's nonsense.)

Lucius
(But if nothing else, it's clear that
something has happened to the King!)

Lucius
Le Fay. We need to get to the palace
right away.

Le Fay
Huh? But I want to look around the port
a while longer...

Lucius
No time. If something has happened to
the King, Merdain may be behind it!

Le Fay
Hmph. I was hoping I would get to enjoy
my very first vacation. You bully!

Finn
...

Ga'Luga
Brother.
Are you alright?

Finn
Sorry. I'm fine.
...I'm fine.

Ga'Luga
You don't sound it.

Finn
...You can see right through me, huh.
Yeah, I guess I'm just in shock.

Finn
That was the first time I've killed someone
for believing in a different future...

Finn
And it was all for nothing, in the end.

Ga'Luga
...
But, well...

Ga'Luga
...No.
Sorry. Don't mind me.

Ga'Luga
(It would be easy to say that that's just
how war is, to push through it...)

Ga'Luga
(But nothing good will come of saying
that to him. Not right now.)

Ga'Luga
...

Finn
...

Ludmilla
Your Highness. That thing, in the
throne room. What was that?

Maxima
I do not know. I have never heard nor
read of such a...monstrosity.

Maxima
My father...the King was, until the day of
the expedition, my father, in truth.

Maxima
But that day, when he fell...something
happened. Something dark and horrible.

Hymelian Noble
Please forgive my interruption,
Your Majesty.

Finn
You... You're the one who suggested that
Maxima should be executed.

Maxima
Has our date of execution been decided
already, then?

Hymelian Noble
No. I am here to assist in your escape.

Maxima
...What?

Hymelian Noble
I apologize for my rudeness. If I had not
interjected, you would have been killed.

Hymelian Noble
There, the door is open. The King has let
his guard down— flee now, while you may.

Maxima
But why—

Hymelian Noble
You too, honored Knights. Please, tell
Rigland all that has happened here.

Ludmilla
Thank you, but...what will become of you?

Ludmilla
Once our escape is noticed, suspicion
will naturally fall onto you.

Hymelian Noble
...I am prepared to die, if it comes to
that.

Hymelian Noble
The King is a monster, the Princes are
dead. You are the only one left, Highness.

Hymelian Noble
Please, flee from here. Until the day that
you return the light to our cursed nation.

Maxima
...I see.

Maxima
It will be done. Trust in me.
And may you be safe, as well.

Maxima
...Knights, let us go.
We must escape the palace!

[S-Mission 7-3-1]

Optional
Ga'Luga
That should be far enough.
So— what now?

Maxima
...I have a request for you, Knights.
As the last royal of Hymelia.

Maxima
I once turned my blade upon you. I know
this is hypocritical of me to ask...

Maxima
But there is nowhere else for me to turn.

Maxima
For the innocent lives of my people...
Please, lend me your strength.

Ludmilla
Of course. Our mission here has always
been to save Hymelia, after all.

Ludmilla
Begging your pardon, but I much prefer
fighting monsters to fighting civil wars.

Finn
(So even the Marshal wasn't happy with
it...)

Ludmilla
That said, we are severely lacking in
resources and personnel.

Ludmilla
Not even the flames of your Primordial
were able to destroy that undead, after all.

Ludmilla
And there may be more undead in the
capital than we think.

Ga'Luga
More of them?

Ludmilla
You saw those soldiers who obeyed
the King without question, yes?

Ludmilla
They could have been plants from the
start...or they could be monsters.

Finn
So we have no idea how many bad guys
there are...I hope Vesh gets back in time.

Ga'Luga
Will our reinforcements be able to find
us out on the plains?

Ga'Luga
If we are too obvious, the enemy could
find us well before Vesh does.

Maxima
Then...we shall ally with the
Revolutionary army.

Finn
The revolutionaries? Wait, weren't
you just at war with them?

Maxima
Yes. But we were not merely
on the defensive.

Maxima
We know where their headquarters
are— eastern Hymelia.

Maxima
The plan was to investigate several
suspicious locations on the expedition.

Maxima
Obviously, we never got the chance...

Ludmilla
Respectfully, how do you intend to
win anti-royal rebels to your side?

Maxima
If I am correct...their leader is a man
I am familiar with.

Maxima
Merdain. Once a knight of Hymelia,
and one of my closest friends...

[S-Mission 7-3-2]

Optional
[Mission 7-3-1]

[Mission 7-3-2]

Ga'Luga
So the revolutionaries' base is around
here? Lots of ground to cover.

Maxima
Hopefully we will be able to find
a lead of some kind...

Ga'Luga
...Wait. Someone's here.
Show yourself!

Revolutionary
...Princess Maxima.
And the Red Dragon Knights, eh?

Maxima
...Are you a member of the
Revolutionary army?

Maxima
I am the First Princess of Hymelia,
Maxima. Take me to your leader!

Revolutionary
Hah, so you know us already, eh?
Everyone! Capture her!

Ga'Luga
They don't want to help, looks like.
Get ready! Here they come!

Revolutionary
Damn, they're strong!
Call reinforcements!

Maxima
I am not here to fight you!
I only wish to talk to your leader!

Maxima
If you have ever loved Hymelia,
please, listen to me!

???
...Fine.
Soldiers, fall back.

Finn
That voice!
I knew it!

Revolutionary
S-Sir Merdain!

Merdain
Forgive my subordinates. Normally,
I would have nothing to say to you...

Merdain
But I can see the situation has changed.
Speak, but be quick about it.

Maxima
Is there anyplace we may sit and have
a civilized discussion?

Merdain
...Alright. Show them to the base.
And be polite about it.

Revolutionary
Yes, sir!
This way, please.

Finn
I guess everything worked out...?

Ga'Luga
Seems like. That was pretty
touch-and-go for a while, though.

Maxima
...

Merdain
What, not going yourself?

Maxima
Before we begin, there is something I
must ask you, as an individual.

Maxima
Merdain. Were you involved
in the death of my father?

Merdain
...Why would you think that?

Maxima
Because you have the power of
foresight.

Maxima
When we fought before, you disarmed
me with almost no effort.

Maxima
It was as though you saw my attacks
before I made them. I felt like a novice.

Maxima
It was then I understood what that
power you gained was.

Maxima
It could not have been anyone but you.

Maxima
No one but you could engineer such a
perfect "coincidence" as that.

Merdain
...If you've figured out that much already,
then why ask at all?

Maxima
Am I to take that as assent?

Merdain
Yes.
I killed the King of Hymelia.

Maxima
...!

Maxima
You...!
After everything else you've done...!

Revolutionary
Sir Merdain!
Royal scum, how dare you!

Merdain
It's fine.
Back off.

Revolutionary
But, sir!

Merdain
Go on ahead.
I'll catch up.

Revolutionary
U-understood...

Maxima
I believed in you. Even when I knew it
had to be you, I wanted to believe!

Maxima
What you're doing is not revolution!
It's no more than short-sighted revenge!

Maxima
You're no better than the nobles who
plotted to kill your lord father!

Merdain
What...?

Maxima
Your father, killed for being a commoner.
And mine, killed for being a king!

Maxima
Where's the difference?! Both men
are dead only because of their blood!

Maxima
You...!
Damn you...!

Merdain
Maxima...

Maxima
Lord Artorias, dead...
You and Lucius, missing...

Maxima
Father, dead...by your hand. My family is
gone. Everyone I loved is gone.

Maxima
...I want to go back.

Maxima
I would give anything to go back to those
carefree days, just the three of us...!

Merdain
...

Maxima
I...!
...!

Finn
Maxima...
Are you okay?

Maxima
...I thought you had gone on ahead.
Were you listening?

Finn
Uh, not intentionally...
I just kind of overheard.

Maxima
...That was undignified of me.
I am sorry you had to see that.

Maxima
Forgive me, Merdain. I will speak now
as a royal, not as an individual.

Merdain
...I don't mind. I accept the sin
of what I've done.

Maxima
...
...Let us get to business.

Maxima
I wish to free Hymelia from the grasp of
the monster wearing the King's name.

Maxima
On that point, at least, I hope the
Revolutionary army agrees?

Merdain
Yes. We fight for the people suffering
under the unjust rule of kings and nobles.

Merdain
I very much doubt this undead monster
has the people's best interests in mind.

Merdain
Therefore, our goal hasn't actually
changed at all.

Maxima
Then...let us join forces. To cleanse
the throne of that undead's rot.

Merdain
Wait. Do you have a plan for this?

Merdain
I'm told that not even your Spirit's fire
made an impact on the thing.

Ga'Luga
There is one way.
Finn's Golden Crest may work.

Merdain
The power that ended the Gru Grim.
You think it can kill the monster?

Ludmilla
There's no way to be sure. But the Crest
can twist Fate, and even kill gods.

Ludmilla
If the Crest doesn't work, then it's
likely beyond mortal hands entirely.

Finn
(...If only Oz were here, we would
have another option to try...)

Finn
(But he's gone.)

Merdain
I see. In that case, I'm open to
cooperation.

Merdain
But I have a condition.

Maxima
What is it?

Merdain
We revolutionaries joined hands to free
Hymelia from the monarchy and peerage.

Merdain
Abdicate the throne and dismantle the
nobility. That's my condition.

Ludmilla
...Can a country even function without
a ruler?

Merdain
I hear you come from a storied knightly
house of Rigland, Marshal.

Ludmilla
Yes. I didn't slack on my training,
of course...

Ludmilla
But I imagine my family name played some
part in my appointment, all the same.

Merdain
And do you feel proud of that?
As a knight?

Ludmilla
...I should be angry at what you're
implying, but I can't deny it.

Merdain
Many capable people are born to common
families. My father was one of them.

Merdain
But commoners aren't given time to study
or train. Their lives are eaten up in labor.

Merdain
If given the chance, even commoners
could excel at "noble" pursuits.

Merdain
Even without royals or nobles, the people
are what make a country work.

Maxima
...I accept your condition. The survival
of Hymelia comes before all else.

Maxima
But in return, I claim the right to
extend a condition of my own.

Maxima
You aim to destroy the monarchy.
What can you offer of equal worth?

Merdain
...So you want collateral? Then allow
me to offer the greatest prize I hold.

Maxima
And what might that be?

Merdain
My life.

Maxima
...What?

Merdain
On the day my dream is fulfilled,
I will end my own life, as recompense.

Merdain
I have nothing else to offer you.
Only that.

Maxima
Don't be ridiculous!

Finn
P-Princess?

Maxima
You seek to destroy our country, then
flee from the rebuiliding? Unacceptable!

Maxima
I am negotiating as Princess of Hymelia.
Do not insult me with personal appeals!

Merdain
Then what do you want? Everything else
we can offer was stolen by you nobles.

Merdain
We of the Revolution have nothing
left to give except our lives.

Maxima
That is not true.
You have wisdom, and power.

Maxima
Merdain.
You will be Hymelia's next leader.

Merdain
...What do you mean?

Finn
You mean, Merdain's going to be
the next King of Hymelia?

Maxima
No. Hymelia will never have another king.

Maxima
But the people, with no time to raise
a leader of their own, may fall into chaos.

Maxima
So, even if only until that chaos settles—
You will lead them, Merdain.

Maxima
It should be simple to find a capable
successor among them, yes?

Merdain
...
...Fine.

Revolutionary
Your pardon, sir!
I have a message for all assembled!

Merdain
Come in.

Revolutionary
Yes, sir!

Revolutionary
I apologize for the interruption.
There is a disturbance in the capital!

Maxima
The capital?!
What is going on?!

Revolutionary
An unknown army has occupied
the capital. People are fleeing in droves!

Finn
An army...no way!

Ga'Luga
The King's subordinates?!

[Mission 7-3-3]

Hymelian A
Aaaaah!
Run! Run awaaay!

Hymelian B
Where can we even go?!
N-no, stay back! Stay back!!

Undead
...!

Finn
There's so many! Where was the
King hiding them all?!

Ga'Luga
Even with the revolutionaries, we're
outnumbered...damn it.

Ludmilla
The situation's bad, but don't
give up. Focus on saving the civilians!

Finn
Right!

Ludmilla
Finn. If worse comes to worst, we
may need to use your power again.

Ludmilla
Don't push yourself. If you have to, let
me and Ga'Luga handle things here.

Ga'Luga
Let's each do what we can, Brother.
Together, we are strong!

Finn
Okay. I'm counting on you,
Ga'Luga!

Ludmilla
Enemy force ahead. Watch your flanks!
Start from the side and cut through!

Undead
......!

Hymelian A
N-no! Nooo!! Stay back!!

Finn
Get down!

Finn
Are you alright?!

Hymelian A
Y-you saved my life!
Thank you so much!

Ga'Luga
Eyes up! Here come more!

Finn
I see them!

Undead
......

Finn
Huh? They're...retreating?

Ludmilla
Head directly away from the capital.
Run, as fast as you can.

Hymelian A
R-right!
Thank you...!

Finn
There was something strange about
those undead.

Ga'Luga
It almost felt like the battle in front
of the palace. Can't really explain it...

Ludmilla
It's likely because these enemies
are disciplined.

Finn
...Now that you mention it, the undead
who attacked earlier felt the same.

Ga'Luga
Right. They're strong, and they cover for
one another.

Finn
Maxima and the others are holding
their own, but this isn't looking good.

Ludmilla
No, it's not. We're badly outnumbered.

Ludmilla
It might be time to use your strategy, Finn.

Finn
Huh?

Ludmilla
Remember? At the palace, you suggested
we take out the leader in one strike.

Finn
Ah...! You're right. Instead of trying to
break through the front line...

Ga'Luga
We can send a small squad into the back
to find and kill the leader!

Ludmilla
Right. That said, the commander will be
well-defended, too.

Ludmilla
It'll be a dangerous mission...but that's
exactly the kind of job a knight does.

Ludmilla
Can I ask this of you two?

Finn
Yes, ma'am!

Ludmilla
Then you have your orders.
Find the enemy commander, and kill him!

Ga'Luga
So where is this leader? I would guess
he's in a central location...

Finn
Watch how they're moving. If they get their
orders and then move out...

Ga'Luga
Then the boss should be...this way, huh.

???
Seek out the citizens. If you find a group,
encircle them so they can't escape!

Ga'Luga
There!
So that's their boss, huh.

Finn
There sure are a lot of undead around.
How do we get in close?

Ga'Luga
Looks like they're leaving the dead
alone until they can resurrect them.

Ga'Luga
So why don't we act like corpses and wait
for the boss to pass by, then get her?

Finn
Act like corpses? What if they notice us
and make us into real corpses?

Ga'Luga
If we don't do something fast,
we're going to be caught anyway.

Finn
...I've never pretended to be dead before.
Are you sure this'll work?

Ga'Luga
Do I look like an actor to you?
Look, this is probably our best chance.

Finn
...Yeah, I can't think of anything else.
Okay, let's do it.

Ga'Luga
Alright, how about...right there?
Don't screw this up for us, Brother!

Finn
Same to you, Brother!

Finn
(I know we have no choice, but... lying
among these people makes my heart hurt.)

Undead
......

Finn
(The undead are getting really close...)

Finn
(But it looks like we've fooled them. Now
to wait for that robed one to come by...)

Finn
(Just a bit more...
A bit... closer...!)

Finn
(...Now!)

Finn
Haaaaaa!

???
...?!

Finn
(She dodged, but I caught her hood!
The next one will...—)

Finn
...Huh?

Ga'Luga
Wha...?!
You're...

Finn
Rizette?!

Rizette
...How bold of you. I never expected you,
least of all Finn, to hide amongst corpses.

Finn
What...why?
How are you...?

Ga'Luga
Tch. Snap out of it, Brother!

Finn
Ga'Luga...but look! It's Rizette!
It has to be!

Ga'Luga
Sure, she looks just like Rizette. But
there's no way that could be her!

Ga'Luga
Unless you think our friend would
command the undead to kill civilians!

Finn
...!
You're right! There's no way!

Ga'Luga
And if it is her, then it's not of her
own free will. And that means...!

Finn
Yeah...if you're being controlled by
something, then I'll free you!

Rizette
...Pointless.
No one can free me.

Finn
Haaaaa!

Rizette
...Ah...

Finn
R-Rizette?

Finn
...No way. She's not breathing.
I-is she...dead?

Ga'Luga
What the hell...?

Undead
...!

Ga'Luga
They snuck up on us!
Look out, Brother!

Finn
Let me go! Rizette—
Rizette!

Ga'Luga
The undead are...retreating with
Rizette's body?

Finn
Come back! Come back!
Rizette!!

Ludmilla
(The undead are weakening. Did Finn and
Ga'Luga do it?)

Ludmilla
...There they are!

Finn
...

Ludmilla
What is it? Neither of you look injured...
What happened out there?

Finn
Marshal. I...
We...

Ga'Luga
...We'll start from the beginning. Just...
Give us some time to cool down, first...

Hymelian A
Why? Why is this happening to us...?

Lillian
Is anyone hurt? Do you have your loved
ones with you? Keep them close!

Maxima
Lillian?!
You are alive!

Lillian
Dear Sister...?
M-Maxima!

Lillian
Thank goodness you're alive!! I-I tried
so hard to keep everyone safe, but...!

Maxima
Thank you, Lillian. You have done
very well.

Lillian
Dear Sister! I'm so happy!
I can hardly believe it!

Lillian
But I have to focus and report, too.
You have to know what happened.

Maxima
Yes. Please...what is going on in the
castle? How are my people?

Lillian
The King is so different now. Even the
least crimes get the death penalty...

Lillian
Not only for the nobles, but for everyone.
So many people have been executed.

Lillian
Finally, it was like even that was taking too
long...and he released his army.

Lillian
It's been a massacre, all through the
capital. That's why everyone's fleeing.

Maxima
...That is...horrible.

Lillian
There's more. The ones who are killed...
They come back. As undead.

Maxima
What? Then, that army...

Lillian
...Is mostly Hymelian civilians...

Maxima
...

Lillian
The army just keeps killing, and they just
keep getting stronger.

Lillian
The more time passes, the worse things
get for us.

Maxima
Yes...we must end this quickly.

Maxima
Lillian, we will stop the King. Until then...
I entrust our people to your care.

Lillian
Okay... I would like to come with you.

Lillian
But you taught me that keeping people
safe is just as important.

Lillian
So I'll keep watch, and wait for you
to come back to us safe and sound!

Maxima
Yes, I promise I will return to you.
Keep our people safe for me, Lillian.

Lillian
I will. Okay, I'll get going, then!

Maxima
Merdain, how are your soldiers?

Merdain
We've taken casualties, but not many.
We can keep going.

Merdain
But the undead outnumber us greatly.
A frontal assault will fail.

Maxima
All the more reason to hurry to the capital.
We will take the route the Knights found.

Maxima
If we cannot strike from the front,
we will be a dagger to strike from behind!

[Mission 7-3-4]

Merdain
Infiltration successful. Time to split our
troops, Maxima.

Merdain
The revolutionaries need numbers, and
you'll have more luck with a small squad.

Merdain
I'll stay here with the revolutionaries, and
pull the undead away from the palace.

Merdain
Meanwhile...

Maxima
We will infiltrate the castle and pit the
Crest against the King. Yes, I agree.

Maxima
Can you hear me, Finn?
We will need your power.

Finn
...Yeah. Don't worry, I can hear you.

Maxima
What happened to you? You have looked
unwell since you returned.

Finn
...It's a long story.
I can tell you on the way.

Ga'Luga
Don't worry. I'll keep him safe until we
get to the throne room. Let's go.

Maxima
R-right...
Good fortune on the battlefield, Merdain.

Merdain
...Hmph.

Undead
......

Ludmilla
Of course we run into the undead
right after we split our forces...

Maxima
We knew from the beginning that this
would not be easy.

Maxima
Conserve as much strength as possible.
Push for the throne room! With me!

Revolutionary
Sir Merdain!
Are you injured?!

Merdain
I'm fine! Focus on keeping yourself safe!

Merdain
The more lives we lose, the stronger our
enemies become! Protect your fellows!

Undead
......!

Merdain
Out of my way!

Merdain
(I can't See anything related to these
undead.)

Merdain
(Not even the footsoldiers' movements.
What are these things?)

Revolutionary
Reporting!
There is no end to the enemy, sir!

Revolutionary
What's more, defeated enemies rise again
and rejoin the battle!

Merdain
Remember, we're a diversion! Don't
engage the enemy recklessly.

Merdain
...Hurry it up, Maxima. We don't have a
lot of time here!

Maxima
The enemy commander looks just like
one of your allies?!

Finn
Lillian said that the Hymelians killed by the
undead were added to their army's ranks.

Finn
If that's true...then that could have been...

Ludmilla
...We've received no reports of these
undead in Rigland as of yet.

Ludmilla
But it's...not impossible that our allies
met with undead on the road.

Maxima
Right... I see. Perhaps my father was also
turned down in that valley...

Maxima
Finn, I understand how you feel.
Though it is hard, you must face forward.

Maxima
We must not let others suffer the way we
have. Do you understand me?

Finn
...Yeah, I know. We need to make it to the
throne room and defeat the King.

Undead
......

Maxima
The revolutionaries are pulling many away,
but it seems there are still several guards.

Maxima
Come, monster. No matter who you were
before...I will lay you to rest!

[Mission 7-3-5]

Maxima
Finally, we meet again...
Father!

Regulus II
Well, well.
How boldly you come before the king.

Maxima
Shut your mouth! You are no king!
You have destroyed our kingdom, monster!

Regulus II
Destroyed? No, Maxima. I have brought a
new future to our people.

Regulus II
The brightest future any can dream of:
Freedom from the cold grasp of death.

Regulus II
They have been freed from the fear and
suffering of mortal existence.

Maxima
Sophistry!

Regulus II
You disagree, Maxima? Such a pity.
I thought you more intelligent than that.

Regulus II
When understanding fails, it is the
responsiblity of family to educate.

Regulus II
Would you not agree?
Claudius? Remus?

Brothers
......

Maxima
Claudius...Remus...
Of course...

Maxima
You have already raised them as undead.

Finn
...No one deserves to suffer like this.

Finn
Come on. Once we defeat the King,
this will all be over!

Regulus II
Gaaah...! Curse you!
Impudent, foolish mortals!

Maxima
Finn...! Now! Use the Golden Crest
and put an end to him!

Finn
Yeah!
Here goes!

Regulus II
Nngghhhgh...! M-my body...crumbles?!
What...what is this...?!

Maxima
...Father.

Regulus II
I...I burn! S-so...so hot...!
Gaaah...!

Finn
...He's just a pile of scorched bones now.

Ga'Luga
...Well done, Brother.
This battle is over.

???
...No, it's not.
It will never be over.

Finn
Huh...?

Rizette
I don't know what this power of yours is...

Rizette
But you can't sever the ties that bind us.

Finn
Rizette?!

Maxima
This is your ally...
The leader of the undead?!

Rizette
...

Ludmilla
A black...fire?

Ga'Luga
It's sinking into the King's bones!

Regulus II
Kkhh...kkhgh...
Kkhhhaa...kha...ha...

Regulus II
Khhaahahaha!
Was that your secret weapon, Maxima?!

Maxima
What...?! He reformed?!

Finn
That's impossible! I know I hit him
with the Crest straight-on!

Finn
...Ah!

Callen
Mm...
So... It is...

Finn
Callen?
Talking in her sleep, I guess.

Callen
Weakening...
What to do...?

Finn
(Has Callen been trying to duplicate the
Golden Crest...)

Finn
(Because the power of my Crest is
weakening?!)

Brothers
......!

Maxima
Even Claudius and Remus...

Maxima
Is...is it hopeless, then?
Is there no salvation for Hymelia...?

???
Fiiiiiinn!

Finn
That voice!

Vesh
Finn! Mine eyes beheld the radiance of
thy Crest!

Finn
Vesh!

Ludmilla
Vesh?!
Our reinforcements have arrived!

Ga'Luga
Look, Brother! There, on his shoulder!

Rizette
Finn! I'm so glad we arrived in time!

Finn
Rizette...?

Rizette
What's the matter?
You look like you're about to cry.

Rizette
...I heard it's been really rough here.
But don't worry. We're all here to help.

Rizette
It's okay. You don't have to shoulder this
all alone anymore.

Finn
...Thank you.
Thank you, Rizette...!

Rizette
...

Rizette
Huh...? Who...who are you?
Why do you look like me?

Rizette
...Someday...

Rizette
Someday, you will regret saving his life.

Rizette
Huh?

Ludmilla
Now's our chance! We have to retreat!

Maxima
What are you saying?! We have finally
cornered the creature!

Ludmilla
We have no way to defeat them now!
We cannot afford to die here!

Maxima
...
Understood.

Maxima
But I will not give up! Father...someday,
I will destroy you!

Rizette
All troops, after the Red Dragon Knights.
Kill them all.

Rizette
...I didn't expect to see him again so soon.

Rizette
...I'm such a fool.
There's no coming back, for me...

[Mission 7-3-6]

Undead
......

Merdain
Ngh...! This is getting bad...!

Undead
......!

Merdain
(Damn, I won't be able to dodge.
That one's going to hit...!)

Lucius
Merdain!

Merdain
...Lucius?

Lucius
You're wide open, Merdain. Been relying
a bit too much on that fruit of yours?

Merdain
Shut it.

Le Fay
Oh, do not bully the poor man, Lucius.
There is something horrid about these.

Le Fay
A scent unlike any Avalon knows...
It is absolutely repulsive.

Lucius
I see... can you See anything about them,
Merdain?

Merdain
No. The spirit's right - there's something
different about these things.

Merdain
I can see how the situation is going,
though. We'll be calling for retreat soon.

Merdain
All troops, start falling back.
Don't get careless!

Revolutionary
Yes, sir!

Merdain
Lucius. It galls me to ask, but we could
use your help.

Lucius
I'll take the rear. As the General said,
A knight should be as a light on a hill!

Merdain
..."A beacon bright for those he leads."
But I'm not a knight anymore.

Merdain
I'm just...
An avenger.

Undead
...!

Ludmilla
Tch, enemies ahead of us. I suppose
they won't just let us walk out.

Ga'Luga
Good legs on them, for dead men. Come
on - let's take down the biggest one!

Ludmilla
Great! The enemies' line has broken!

Maxima
Raise the signal fire, quickly! Merdain
and his troops must be told to retreat!

Ludmilla
Yes, I agree. Any losses sustained now
would be entirely senseless.

Vesh
A vexsome foe. But I shall protect Finn,
though it cost my very life!

Finn
Yeah. I want to protect everyone, too.

Finn
I never want to feel like that again, when
Rizette fell...

Rizette
When...I fell?

Finn
(The real Rizette is right here, alive
and well. I'm so happy for that.)

Finn
(But then...
That other Rizette...)

Finn
(Just who is she?)

Chapter 4: March of the Red Dragons
Ludmilla
We've made it pretty far away now...no
sign of pursuit. Let's take a break.

Nagi
Such a relief to see you unharmed,
Sir Finn.

Astrid
It is good we made it in time, but...many
people lost their lives today.

Finn
Nagi, Astrid...
Thanks for coming for us.

Nagi
No need to thank us! Ah, but Sir Theo
and Lady Mysha are waiting for us.

Nagi
We had better return with plenty of tales
of heroism for them!

Astrid
...I have to commend your ability to keep
your cheer even in this situation.

Finn
(Nagi's bright attitude does help.
Especially with things the way they are.)

Maxima
...

Ludmilla
Princess Maxima. I know how you must
feel, but...

Maxima
I know. We should be glad to escape with
our lives, and yet...

Maxima
I promised to stop the King, and I could
not. It is...frustrating.

Ludmilla
...We were not strong enough.

Ludmilla
Next time, we will not fail.
No matter what.

Maxima
...Right. A commander must ever look
forward, yes? Thank you, Marshal.

Maxima
Before that, we must reunite with Merdain
and Lillian. And find a safe place for the...

Finn
(Not strong enough...)

Finn
(If the Crest wasn't weakened, could I
have beaten the King and not-Rizette?)

Rizette
Finn, do you have a sec?

Finn
Ah... Y-yeah?

Rizette
The "me" in the palace said something...
That I would "regret" saving you.

Rizette
I can't stop thinking about it. I need to
go talk to her again, no matter what.

Finn
Huh?! Don't be ridiculous!
It's way too dangerous!

Rizette
Finn...?

Finn
Uh...sorry. I didn't mean to shout.

Finn
But it really is dangerous, you know?
I don't think we should go back just yet.

Rizette
True...I guess you're right.
Sorry. Forget I said anything.

Finn
(No...it's nothing for her to apologize for.
I'm just scared.)

Finn
(I can't trust my own power anymore. I
may not be able to protect my friends...)

Finn
(I've always been so gung-ho before...
This is the first time I've felt so scared.)

Knight
Marshal Ludmilla!
A report!

Ludmilla
I'll hear it.

Knight
The neighboring country, the Bergarian
Empire, has begun mobilizing!

Maxima
They have already noticed the unrest,
then.

Knight
They appear to be moving some new type
of weapon through the Yarrell barony...

Ludmilla
New type of weapon?
Is that all the information we have?

Knight
Well, the scouts seem uncertain of even
what the constructs are supposed to do.

Knight
The most that can be said is that they use
some unknown type of technology.

Ludmilla
...I see.

Maxima
If Bergaria takes Yarrell Fortress, the
repercussions will be severe.

Maxima
However...in the current situation, we are
poorly equipped to stop them.

Finn
We have to either deal with the Empire
or with the King, and fast...

Ludmilla
Not a choice I like being faced with...
Let's weigh our options.

Rizette
Marshal? The Red Dragon Knights belong
to Rigland.

Rizette
Assisting Hymelia is one thing, but facing
the Bergarian Empire head-on?

Rizette
I think it's best for us to focus on the
King, for the good of all of Erden.

Cyrus
Hm, I wonder about that one.

Rizette
...Cyrus?!

Finn
When did...
How did you know where we are?

Cyrus
The Marshal seemed pretty panicked, so
I just followed after her. And here we are.

Ludmilla
...

Maxima
If I may...
Who are you?

Cyrus
Just a local old man.
Who saved the world a few years back.

Maxima
I-I beg your pardon?

Finn
Uh, he traveled with my dad, I think.
I don't know much more than that.

Rizette
We can go over the details later.
So, Cyrus...

Cyrus
Right. Like I said, you should prioritize
the Empire, not the undead.

Rizette
And why is that?

Cyrus
A fallen capital, or a not-yet-fallen fort.
Which one's easier to defend?

Rizette
...The fort, admittedly. And we'd have
the terrain advantage, too...

Cyrus
Right. The Empire's advance will make
the undead situation worse.

Cyrus
If the Knights have to tackle both, it's
best to handle the simpler one first.

Ludmilla
...I hate to admit it, but he has a point.
I agree with his assessment.

Ludmilla
We'll reinforce Yarrell Fortress first.
We can deal with the undead after that.

Rizette
Understood.
I'll do my best.

Ludmilla
We'll need as many hands as we can get
to hold the fortress.

Ludmilla
Your Highness, is there a wide, sturdy
road to the barony near here?

Maxima
We can use the cliff roads. The enemy
should not expect us from that direction.

Ludmilla
Then I request that you guide us,
Princess. Finn! Rizette!

Finn
Yes!

Ludmilla
Princess Maxima will scout ahead. See
to it that she comes to no harm.

Vesh
...
...Ludmilla.

Ludmilla
...Fine.
You can go too, Vesh.

Finn
Haha...
You never change, huh.

Vesh
Of course not. To protect thee is
mine unchanging duty.

Finn
...Thanks, Vesh.

[S-Mission 7-4-1]

Optional
[Mission 7-4-1]

Finn
Vesh, can I ask you to keep an eye on
the surroundings while Maxima scouts?

Vesh
Hrm. I care not for the Avatar of Flame...
But very well.

Finn
Thanks.

Finn
Rizette...there's something I want to talk
to you about, if that's okay.

Rizette
I'm glad you've finally decided you want
to tell me.

Finn
Huh?

Rizette
I can't really put it into words, but you've
been acting kind of strange lately.

Rizette
I'm glad you feel like you can talk to me
about it. Whatever it is.

Finn
...You're amazing, Rizette. It's like you've
seen right through me.

Finn
...I think the Golden Crest's power
is weakening.

Rizette
Weakening?
Is that possible?

Finn
Yeah...
I think so.

Finn
I felt it for sure when I couldn't defeat
the King or that other you.

Finn
I could feel it activate, but it wasn't
strong enough.

Finn
So I just...don't feel very confident in my
strength right now. So, you know...

Finn
...I wanted to apologize.
I'm sorry.

Rizette
Huh? Why?
Where's this coming from?

Finn
When you said you wanted to talk to the
other you, I freaked out a bit.

Finn
You didn't say anything wrong, but I still
yelled at you. So...

Rizette
You don't need to apologize for that.
I know it was a rash thing to say.

Rizette
But, about the Crest...
What do you—

Maxima
Are you two ready to move? I have found
an undead camp. Let us take them out.

Finn
Ah...sure. Let's go.
We can talk more later, okay?

Rizette
...Yeah.

[Mission 7-4-2]

Maxima
This is the end.
Bathe in Volcana's primal flame!

Undead
...!

Rizette
Wow, that's thorough.
There's nothing left but ashes.

Rizette
That fire does seem like the best way to
deal with them.

Maxima
I wonder. Father...no, the undead king
withstood the primal flame, after all.

Maxima
Perhaps the king is stronger than its
minions, or perhaps...

Vesh
...How strange.
Didst thou see, Speaker of Flame?

Maxima
Huh?
Ah... Yes.

Maxima
The undead's souls flew off somewhere
far away...

Finn
The souls?
You can see that?

Maxima
Faintly, with my Lady's power...but I am
afraid I cannot explain the sensation well.

Vesh
The flow of life toucheth all things, in
Erden's grand cycle of existence.

Vesh
The Land supporteth that flow, thus can I
see it as well... But...

Vesh
Strange. There is a warp in the souls'
path. They go not to the grand flow...

Vesh
But to a deviate ring. A stagnant,
endless circle.

Rizette
A deviate...you mean, the souls are going
in a different direction or something?

Maxima
In any case, these soldiers will not trouble
us for now. The road ahead is secure.

Maxima
Let us call the troops to advance!

Maxima
...You two seem close.

Rizette
Huh?
Yeah. I guess so.

Maxima
May I assume you have known each other
for a long time, then?

Rizette
Not really. Finn lived a village over, but
we never met before the Pandemonium.

Rizette
But we traveled together. It was hard...
really hard, but it was wonderful.

Maxima
...I see.
I know the feeling.

Maxima
So, let me say this...it can all vanish in an
instant. Treasure the time you have.

Maxima
In particular... A strong sense of justice
can lead one into peril very easily.

Rizette
Right. Finn's got a lot on his shoulders.
He's sure to face a lot, but...

Rizette
He'll be alright.
Because I'll be right there with him.

Finn
What's the holdup, you two?

Rizette
Oh, um...i-it's nothing.
Let's go!

Maxima
You ought to know better than to intrude
upon a private conversation, Finn.

Finn
Huh? Wait, but you did it yourself just a
bit ago! That's not fair...

[S-Mission 7-4-2]

Optional
[Mission 7-4-3]

Ludmilla
Endless circle?
What are you talking about?

Finn
When we defeated the undead, their souls
flew off somewhere far away.

Vesh
In the true order of things, dead souls
return to the flow of life, to be reborn.

Vesh
As new life, as fire or wind or rain...the
soul and the world are one and the same.

Ludmilla
S-sure...

Vesh
But those souls did no such thing. They
have left the sight of the Spirits.

Ludmilla
...So their souls are being drawn away
by some kind of outside power?

Vesh
Aye.

Ludmilla
I see... I wonder if that could help us
figure out a way to defeat them.

Ludmilla
Let's keep it in mind. If you figure out
anything else, please let me know.

Ludmilla
I have another report coming in.
Can we call this settled for now?

Finn
Yes, of course. Thank you, Marshal.
Thanks to you too, Vesh.

Vesh
Hrm.

Scout
Reporting in, Marshal!

Ludmilla
You're the scout who saw these new
weapons the Bergarians have, right?

Ludmilla
Tell me everything you can. Even small
details may help us guess their function.

Scout
Of course. Well, what I saw—

Knight
Attack! We're under attack! Undead from
the fore and the flank!

Maxima
What?! Impossible!
We saw nothing out there!

Ludmilla
...Get ready to fight!
Work together to defeat them!

Endless Rizette
Sorry, but we outnumber you. Our
formations are stronger, too.

Finn
You...
Rizette!

Endless Rizette
I won't let you pass.
This place will be your grave.

[Mission 7-4-4]

Knight
T-there's so many! No...stay back!
G-gaaaaah!

Astrid
Fall back! Leave this to me!

Knight
L-Lady Astrid!
Thank you, thank you...!

Astrid
There are so many...and they keep rising
again! How can we defeat them?!

Maxima
I am told you command fire magic. Burn
them! They cannot recover from fire!

Astrid
Burn this many?! Is she insane?!

Astrid
No...there is no time to complain.
I'll do it!

Ga'Luga
Damn, we're being pushed back...stay
calm! Don't get separated from the rest!

Knight
I-I'm slipping...!
Aaaaah!

Maxima
The soldiers are being forced back over
the ledge...the cliff road was a mistake!

Rizette
There was only a small camp! There's no
way we could have missed all these!

Maxima
Did they wait for us to leave, and follow
after us? With such a large force?

Maxima
But how...? Did they learn of our advance
by some unknown means?

Endless Rizette
...It's really not that complicated.

Maxima
You—!

Hymelian
F-flee, Your Highness—
Gaaah!

Endless Rizette
Don't run. It'll be a pain. Maxima, I'm
here to welcome you to our ranks.

Maxima
With the blood of my countrymen on your
blade? You must be joking.

Maxima
Begone, creature!

Endless Rizette
...Pointless.

Maxima
She dodged?!

Endless Rizette
This will only hurt for a moment...

Nagi
I shall never allow you to injure the
Princess!

Endless Rizette
...Tch. Another distraction.

Maxima
You...
The impudent bikki!

Nagi
Still as stern and beauteous as ever,
o fair, yet poisonous lily!

Nagi
Leave this to me! To protect one's allies
against grave evil is what a hero lives for!

Ga'Luga
I'll help out. I have some unfinished
business with that thing, too.

Nagi
Gladly, Sir Ga'Luga! Why am I cursed to
face so many beautiful women, I wonder?

Endless Rizette
...I see this Nagi is a ridiculous fool.

Nagi
This Nagi? Meaning there is a double of
myself out there somewhere, as well?

Endless Rizette
I have nothing to say to you.

Nagi
So merciless. I expected you to be just
as warm as our own dear Rizette!

Endless Rizette
Enough of your jabbering. This time, I'll
take more than just an arm.

Nagi
...!
Here she comes, Sir Ga'Luga!

Ga'Luga
I can see that!
Be careful!

Ludmilla
Report!
How is the battle going?!

Knight
M-many have fallen from the cliffside,
including several Knights!

Knight
The slain rise again to turn on us...
The line is quickly falling apart.

Knight
The enemy leader is reportedly engaged
in battle with Sir Ga'Luga and Sir Nagi.

Ludmilla
I'll go to assist them. Vesh, will you come
with me? I have an idea.

Vesh
Understood.

Finn
Please, wait! That girl who looks like
Rizette is strong. Let me come too.

Ludmilla
I can't say this too loudly, but...
Finn, I'll be straight with you.

Ludmilla
We aren't winning this. It's not that the
Knights are inferior to the undead...

Ludmilla
But numbers decide a battle. And the
enemy force just keeps growing.

Ludmilla
If we can't defeat their commander, we
are all going to die here. That's a fact.

Ludmilla
We already tried it once in the capital,
and it didn't work. But even so...

Ludmilla
You're our hope, Finn. We can't lose you.
That's why I'm going.

Finn
Marshal...

Ludmilla
Let me do my duty as your commander,
eh? ...I leave the rest to you.

Finn
...
I...!

[S-Mission 7-4-3]

Optional
Ga'Luga
So strong...! We should have tied you up
or something when we had the chance!

Endless Rizette
And I should have killed you. All this
cleanup work is exhausting.

Ludmilla
Ga'Luga! Nagi! Are you alright?!

Ga'Luga
Ludmilla and Vesh...good timing. We're
holding her off, but not for much longer.

Ludmilla
You've done well. Listen, I have an idea.

Endless Rizette
It doesn't matter what tricks you try.
You're all going to die here!

Ga'Luga
Here she comes. Nagi, get behind me!

Endless Rizette
I'm so tired of all of this nonsense.
Just die already!

Ga'Luga
Gh...!

Nagi
Hold on, Sir Ga'Luga! Just a little more...

Nagi
There! An opening!

Endless Rizette
...?!
He's fast...!

Ludmilla
Well done, you two!
Now, Vesh! Push her off the cliff!

Vesh
As thou sayest!
Aha!

Endless Rizette
Ah...! N-nice try...!

Nagi
She still stands?! We may be out of
options, comrades!

Ludmilla
Not yet!

Endless Rizette
Aah...!

Nagi
Lady Ludmilla?!

Endless Rizette
Ha...haha. Cut me, stab me all you like.
You won't break me.

Ludmilla
I know. But I can slow you down.

Ludmilla
Vesh! Collapse the cliff edge!

Vesh
...

Ga'Luga
What?! Are you suicidal, Ludmilla?!
You're our Marshal!

Ludmilla
I won't let any more of my subordinates
die for me!

Ga'Luga
...!

Ludmilla
I couldn't ask this of anyone else...
Which makes me a poor leader, perhaps.

Endless Rizette
...You won't be rid of me that easily.
I'm undying. Endless.

Ludmilla
I know, but by the time you climb back
up, my soldiers will be long gone.

Ludmilla
If my sacrifice can spare their lives, then
that's a trade I'm willing to make!

Ludmilla
Do it, Vesh! I can't hold her much longer!

Vesh
...Understood.

Finn
Huh? Wait, are you serious?!
Wait! No!

Endless Rizette
So reckless, driven by emotion...
How...foolish.

Endless Rizette
...But maybe I'm the bigger fool, feeling
my hands bound. You're all so like him...

Finn
Vesh, no!!

Vesh
...Crumble, earth!

Ga'Luga
The cliffside is crumbling...
They're falling!

Finn
Marshal Ludmilla!
Ludmillaaaa!!

Ludmilla
Finn. You will need more than that Crest
to bring hope to the people of Erden.

Ludmilla
You must become a hero with the courage
to stand up and fight for this land!

Finn
If I had only been stronger

Finn
If I had only been stronger
If I had had the courage to fight

Finn
She wouldn't have had to die

Finn
I could have saved her...!

[Mission 7-4-5]

Finn
Haaaaaa!!

Undead
...!

Finn
Damn it...damn iiiit!!
Who's next?!

Astrid
Finn! You are getting too far away
from the line!

Nagi
He is consumed by rage.
This is very bad!

Ga'Luga
We need to go after him! He'll be
surrounded and cut off at this rate!

Vesh
To think he would go someplace I cannot
follow...!

Rizette
Finn...!

Undead
Gaoaaargh!

Finn
Ah!
My sword...snapped?!

Finn
(...Is this the end for me?)

Finn
(Too weak to do my duty, too weak to
save anyone...)

Undead
Graaaagh!

Cyrus
Not so fast, there.

Undead
Ggrh...

Finn
Cyrus...?

Cyrus
You've got guts, kid, I'll give you that.
Spacing out against enemies like these.

Cyrus
Kind of reminds me of your old man.
Here, take this.

Finn
A sword?

Cyrus
It's called the Endbringer. Its power is...
Well, you'll see.

Cyrus
...Cleared your head a little?

Finn
Ah...
...Yeah. Sorry.

Cyrus
Good to hear. Let's get out of here, eh?
Just a sec... There!

Finn
There's...a rip in the air?!

Cyrus
This'll take you far away from here.
Come on, hop on through.

Finn
Far...away?

Finn
(Something feels weird about the space
in there...it feels so different from here.)

Finn
I can't just run away on my own. I'll take
the rear, so you get everyone else—

Cyrus
Still not thinking straight, huh. Listen, if
you die, there's no hope against the dead.

Finn
...!

Cyrus
I know your Crest didn't kill the King, but
it had some effect, at least.

Cyrus
If you get the Crest's power back, you can
defeat them and save the world.

Cyrus
So you have to live. Get your strength
back, and bring hope back to these folks.

Finn
...!

Cyrus
Go on, get through there. Don't worry.
I'll take care of your friends, too.

Finn
...Okay. I can't protect them myself, so...
I'm counting on you, Cyrus!

Cyrus
There he goes...
Oh, boy.

Rizette
Cyrus! Did Finn go through that hole?

Cyrus
He sure did...ah, sorry, missy.
Can't let you join him.

Rizette
It closed?!
Why?!

Cyrus
Who knows? Passenger limit, maybe.

Rizette
Are you serious?! Open another one!
Please!

Cyrus
Deadly serious, sorry. I hate to say it, but
I'm done helping you all out now.

Cyrus
If you feel like complaining, complain to
Callen. Bye bye now...

Rizette
He...he's gone!
Finn! Finn?! Where are you?!

Maxima
Rizette, fall back! The line cannot hold!
We have to retreat!

Rizette
Finn is gone, and you want me to just
leave him?!

Maxima
Calm down!

Rizette
...!

Maxima
With the Marshal gone, command of the
Knights falls to Astrid alone.

Maxima
Your soldiers are panicking. They need a
leader. They need their captain!

Maxima
I will open a path. If you wish to save your
soldiers, call them together, and retreat!

Rizette
...
...Understood.

Rizette
(Please, Finn.)

Rizette
(Please, stay safe...
Wherever you are...!)

Epilogue: Red Dragons Reborn
Vesh
The spirits whisper it to me...
The faint beating of a powerful soul.

Vesh
...Under this boulder!
Hrrrgh!

Ludmilla
...Urgh...

Vesh
I feel thy life force... But it wanes.
As thou art, 'twill not hold much longer.

Vesh
I must hurry to a healer.
She must be healed!

Theo
Sigh...

Callen
Feeling restless?

Theo
I know staying behind and keeping watch
is important, but I'm still on edge.

Theo
I hope my sist— The captain is safe.
The same goes for everyone else.

???
——Knock knock!

Callen
Who's there?!

Vesh
Callen. Theo. 'Tis I—
Vesh.

Callen
Vesh?!
Okay, I'm opening the door!

Vesh
I ask thee, heal the one I carry on my back.
There is little time to spare!

Callen
On your back... Ludmilla?!
What awful wounds!

Theo
Lay her down here!
Leave the initial treatment to me!

Vesh
Understood!

Theo
First I've got to close these wounds...
Starting from the biggest.

Callen
...What happened to her?

Vesh
In the land of Hymelia did we battle
with foul undead.

Vesh
Before we were overwhelmed, Ludmilla
bade me collapse the cliffside,

Vesh
burying her and the enemy commander
both.

Callen
Always so reckless...

Callen
And everyone else?
They're not with you?

Vesh
We went our separate ways to outmaneuver
the enemy. I know not where they are.

Callen
What about Finn?!
Weren't you going to stay with him?!

Vesh
Well...

Callen
W-what? What happened?
Are we in a worst-case scenario...?

Vesh
No. No, I think not, but...

Vesh
The subtleties of humanity are difficult. I do
not know what words I should give thee.

Callen
You're just making my imagination run wild.
Stop beating around the bush...

Vesh
Hmph... Fine, I shall tell thee all.

Vesh
Finn slipped through a gap in space. He has
gone to a place not even I know of.

Callen
Slipped through... What?
Why would he...

Vesh
The way was opened for him. By one who
would let no other pass.

Vesh
That someone is thine old comrade, Cyrus.
I daresay that he is no ally of ours.

Callen
Cyrus took Finn?!
But why...?!

Callen
...I never could understand him,
even back then.

Callen
But when we traveled together, he
worked with us to stop the Pandemonium...

Callen
Even after all that... What is he thinking?
What's his goal?

Ludmilla
...
Mmm... Hm?

Theo
Marshal!
Thank goodness. She's awake.

Ludmilla
So I survived? Theo, Callen.
You two healed me?

Callen
You were injured pretty badly, you know?
More injuries than unbroken skin.

Callen
Your wounds are closed, but it'll be a while
before you're back in fighting shape.

Ludmilla
I appreciate it, but this is an emergency.
I have to hurry and rally our company.

Theo
W-Wait, stop!
You're in no condition to even stand up!

Ludmilla
Ngh?!

Callen
Hey, I told you so. Hurts, doesn't it?
Now lie down and rest.

Ludmilla
But I...

Astrid
Ludmilla!
You're alive!

Ludmilla
Yes, somehow.
It looks like you're in one piece too, Astrid.

Astrid
I would not be, without Vesh's help.
He's the one to whom we owe our thanks.

Callen
Where is he?
He's not with you?

Astrid
Searching for other Red Dragon Knights.
His spirit helpers seem eager to assist.

Astrid
Whatever took Finn is of great interest to
the Primordials, so they are helping us.

Ludmilla
Finn... He's gone?

Astrid
Those two would know more than me.
May I continue, Marshal?

Ludmilla
...Yes, ma'am.

Astrid
The undead army overwhelmed us. Our
Hymelian allies also suffered heavy losses.

Astrid
However, thanks to your removal of the
undead leader, their army lost control.

Astrid
They broke ranks, allowing our forces to
rout many of them from the battlefield.

Ludmilla
I see... That's good to hear.

Astrid
Unfortunately, this bought time for the
Bergarians to invade the Yarrell Barony.

Astrid
The Barony did not resist their attackers,
freely giving up their lands.

Ludmilla
No resistance? From the city that boasted
the most formidable walls in Hymelia?

Astrid
I don't know the details, but it has been
confirmed that there was no major fighting.

Ludmilla
...This is no time for me to be resting.

Callen
Hey! Didn't I tell you not to be so hasty?!

Ludmilla
The capital has been occupied by undead,
and Yarrell Fortress has been taken.

Ludmilla
Hymelia has fallen.

Ludmilla
I've no idea what the undead are planning,
but I imagine the Bergarians want Rigland.

Ludmilla
It should have taken weeks for the
stronghold to fall. How long was I asleep?

Theo
T-three days.

Ludmilla
That's time I don't have to waste.
I must get used to moving again.

Astrid
...That ends my report. I'll go now
to continue looking for our knights.

Ludmilla
All right. Thank you.
I need to return to my training...

Theo
What should we do, Callen?
The Marshal can't just get up and move yet.

Callen
...We can't very well stop her ourselves.

Callen
Let's just support her as best we can.
At least we can keep treating her that way.

Theo
Okay!

Maxima
Haaaaaa!

Undead
......!

Maxima
Nnh...!

Rizette
Maxima...you're pushing yourself too hard.
Let me handle this one. You should rest—

Maxima
If I rest, who will cremate these filthy
undead?!

Rizette
Well, that's...!
You yourself should know your own limits!

Maxima
...Forgive me. Snapping at you will not help
the situation at all, I know.

Maxima
I simply...do not wish to see my former
comrades raised as undead slaves...

Rizette
......

Maxima
If it were not for these undead, the cursed
Bergarians would be no match for us...!

Rizette
...I think you're doing just fine in your
efforts to cull the undead.

Rizette
That effort hasn't gone to waste.
I know it hasn't.

Maxima
Indeed...I suppose not. Their souls have
gone to a place far away from here.

Maxima
Not even my Lady of Flame can follow them.
I...hope that means they are gone.

Maxima
Or is someone...something, out there?
Calling them back to an unknowable place...

Rizette
...I don't know. But either way, fewer
enemies makes things easier for us.

Maxima
True. Our own force may be small, but...

Maxima
If we can but destroy the undead...we can
band together and finally restore Hymelia.

Rizette
...You're optimistic, all of a sudden.

Maxima
As if it was not your own words that
reassured me, just now.

Rizette
Ah...

Maxima
I am not optimistic. The Barony is already
lost to the Bergarians, after all.

Maxima
I have just not given up. My people depend
on me. I cannot afford to—

Maxima
...A shadow? It looks odd.
Wha... What is that?!

Rizette
Maxima, what's gotten you so...

Hymelian Soldier
L-Look up!
Something's in the sky!

Rizette
What... What are those? Not birds or
dragons... And there's so many!

Rizette
Are they people? No, that can't be.
Is this some Bergarian trick?!

Maxima
There is no time to waste! We must
gather our forces and head for Rigland!

Rizette
Ah...!
Look where they flew off to!

Maxima
They are headed to Rigland...
Directly to the capital!

Ludmilla
Ngh...

Callen
Are you okay?! I told you to rest...
Where does it hurt?

Ludmilla
...Everywhere.
But my arms feel the weakest.

Ludmilla
Maybe I injured my muscles.
Every time I try to train, it hurts.

Callen
Your muscles? Hmm. Does it hurt anywhere
when you're not training?

Ludmilla
No.
Now that you mention it, no.

Callen
So it hurts just when you train...?

Ludmilla
...

Callen
Ludmilla, it's hard for me to say this, but
I don't think you're in any shape to fight.

Callen
Your body's telling you to rest by showing
your exhaustion as pain. You should listen.

Ludmilla
Your concern is appreciated.
But these are trying times.

Ludmilla
If I don't overcome this pain, then I'll be
useless when I'm most needed.

Callen
It's not that I don't understand, but...
Just do a short session, okay?

Callen
Don't overdo it. You can have another
short session after some rest.

Ludmilla
...Understood. I'll do that.

Ludmilla
...

Ludmilla
What the...? My body is so heavy.
Almost as if I'm shackled to the floor.

???
Ludmilla.
Why do you train only your body?

???
Within you lies a spectacular strength.
Far greater than any physical might.

Ludmilla
...Strength?!

Ludmilla
Ah...!

Ludmilla
...A dream? How pathetic...
My hopes are starting to appear in dreams.

Ludmilla
A power within... If only that were true.

Ludmilla
...I wonder how many have been slain
in Hymelia.

Ludmilla
I...

Rizette
We've finally returned...
To the capital of Rigland...!

Ludmilla
Rizette, Princess Maxima.
It's good to see you are unharmed.

Rizette
You too, Marshal!
I'm so relieved!

Nagi
Lady Ludmilla! Your proud and noble visage
is proof positive of your health!

Astrid
I'm so glad we could all regroup unharmed.
All thanks to Vesh.

Vesh
Erm...
I am ill at ease in the settlements of man.

Astrid
How long have you traveled with us already?
You must get used to it!

Rizette
Nagi, Astrid, and Vesh, too?
Thank goodness you're all safe.

Ludmilla
Mysha and Elmina are looking for Ga'Luga.
Let's wait for, hopefully, good news.

Maxima
Rizette. A happy reunion is all well and
good, but we ought to report.

Rizette
Ah... Right. It isn't good news,
but it bears listening to nonetheless.

Rizette
On our way here, we saw Bergarian troops
flying through the sky.

Ludmilla
The skies? An air force...
This spells trouble.

Ludmilla
Infantry with the mobility of flight...
We may be under siege soon.

Astrid
We must secure our borders. I will petition
the nobility for reserve troops, and—

Boooom!

Astrid
What the...
What was that sound?!

Red Dragon Knight
R-reporting! An explosion has occurred
in the heart of the capital!

Maxima
Another Bergarian weapon? I hoped that
flight was the most of their capabilities...!

Ludmilla
I have a bad feeling about this. All troops,
assist our people! I'm taking the field!

Astrid
Wait!
Ludmilla, you can't go out like this.

Ludmilla
Until we see what this new weapon is, we
have no idea how best to fight it.

Ludmilla
If I can save even one soldier by holding
the rearguard, then I must.

Astrid
No, leave the tactics to our captains.
You should escape, Ludmilla.

Ludmilla
What...
What are you saying...?

Astrid
They won't let the Red Dragon Knights
escape. Including me, the "Hero of Erden".

Astrid
If we face them now, they will annihilate us.
Rigland's hope will be snuffed out.

Astrid
The best thing for us to do now is split up.
We must survive and plan our counterattack.

Ludmilla
I agree.
That's exactly why I will—

Astrid
No, this is an order.
Flee, hide, and rest.

Ludmilla
...You're serious, aren't you?

Maxima
I will rally the survivors in Hymelia. Once
that is settled, we will ride to your aid.

Maxima
I have taxed Volcana to her limit.
She needs time to recover.

Vesh
Then I shall accompany you.

Maxima
You...?
Do you not despise the Speaker of Flame?

Vesh
I do not care for thee, 'tis true. But now
is the time to put aside our differences.

Vesh
The spirits themselves are restless. For
Erden, we must needs work together.

Maxima
...You are quite the frigid one.

Rizette
Theo and I will come with you, Astrid.

Theo
You're more likely to survive with a healer.
We'll keep you safe, to our last breaths.

Nagi
Then I will protect Lady Ludmilla. Guarding
an injured ally is the duty of a knight!

Ludmilla
...Astrid.
I'll go, too...!

Astrid
Enough, Ludmilla!
You will only slow us down!

Ludmilla
...!

Astrid
I know how devoted you are. But you're in
no shape to fight! Do you think I am blind?!

Ludmilla
N-no, of course not! I can fight. I just—
Argh!

Astrid
...The day will come when we need your
strength alongside ours.

Astrid
When that time comes, I pray you will join
us. We'll be waiting.

Ludmilla
...
...Understood...

Booooom!

Theo
Another explosion... And closer this time.

Rizette
At this rate, even the Pillar Room won't be
safe for long. What's our Plan B?

Astrid
I can't say I have one. I never imagined that
Bergaria could have such technology.

Astrid
...With Finn missing, we may not have the
strength necessary to oppose them.

Rizette
No...

Astrid
Do you recall the struggles we faced during
the Pandemonium?

Astrid
The way was never easy, but at times it felt
as though we had some kind of guidance.

Astrid
Like signposts on the road. It may be that
some were created by Arcane...

Astrid
But this time our foe is no god, but
mortal men and women.

Astrid
The real Hero is gone. I cannot see a way
forward... And so.

Astrid
We may have to resort to different tactics
if we wish to preserve our nation.

Rizette
What do you mean...?

Astrid
Underhanded tactics. This decision is not
an easy one; it goes against my own ideals.

Booooom!

Theo
Another one...Ahh!
T-There's a hole in the ceiling!

Bergarian Soldier
I've located the hero Astrid.
Just as arranged.

Astrid
Arranged...?
(So they didn't find this room by chance?)

Bergarian Soldier
You're coming with us.

Astrid
Tch...!
You think you can defeat me that easily?

???
Resistance is futile.

Astrid
Ah...?!
(What is that weapon?! It melted my sword!)

???
As I said, resistance is futile.
Do you understand now?

Astrid
And you are...?

Caldeon
I am General Caldeon of Bergaria. And you
are Lady Astrid of the Red Dragon Knights.

Astrid
...I am.

Caldeon
Then I've no wish to fight you.
Rather, I would like to offer my assistance.

Rizette
What? You're the ones attacking us!

Caldeon
Our objective here is the conquest of
Rigland, and Rigland alone.

Caldeon
We are aware that the Knights do not
fall directly under Rigland's banner.

Caldeon
We also owe you respect, for ending the
Pandemonium and saving the world.

Caldeon
If you swear fealty to Bergaria and assist
us in the subjugation of Rigland...

Caldeon
The Red Dragon Knights will retain their
titles and continue on as a knightly order.

Astrid
You're asking us to become turncoats?

Caldeon
To put it bluntly, yes.
But I suggest considering it. After all...

Caldeon
If you refuse, we will slaughter every last
Red Dragon Knight on Erden.

Astrid
My comrades...
Their lives...

Astrid
...
Father...

Astrid
...As you wish.
I accept your offer.

Theo
Astrid?!

Caldeon
A true hero, this one. Little wonder you
survived the Pandemonium.

Caldeon
And what say the rest of you?

Theo
We'll never join you!
We'll never kneel down to our conquerors!

Theo
Right, Riz?!
...Riz?

Rizette
...

Rizette
(Astrid would never sell out our country
unless she had a good reason.)

Rizette
(Could this be what she said before...?
About underhanded tactics?)

Caldeon
Make your choice, at once!
Should you fail to do so...!

Rizette
...Ha!

Caldeon
Ngh?!
(She used it as a throwing weapon?!)

Bergarian Soldier
General Caldeon!
Are you injured?!

Caldeon
This wound is nothing.
We have more important matters to tend to.

Astrid
The two of them ran off.
...That will work.

Rizette
Over here, Theo!
Hide!

Theo
R-right!

Bergarian Soldier
Don't let them escape. We have orders—
Bring them back, dead or alive.

Astrid
Wait. If you intend to pursue them,
use this secret passage.

Theo
Astrid! What was that...?!

Rizette
Shhh... Be quiet.

Astrid
This passage leads outside the city.
Go, quickly! Do not let them escape!

Bergarian Soldier
Y-Yes, right.
Come on!

Astrid
...
Please, find a way out of this, you two...

Rizette
(Of course... Astrid could never betray us.
She's just adopted a new strategy, is all.)

Rizette
(In that case, so will we.
We'll change tactics and continue the fight!)

Theo
...Let's go, Riz.
We have to escape.

Rizette
...Okay.

Rizette
We've been walking for quite a while.
How are you holding up, Theo?

Theo
I'm fine.
What about you?

Rizette
No problems here. All our travels with the
Knights have definitely made me stronger.

Theo
That's true. I'm not feeling tired, either.
...Ah! Over there, I see it!

Rizette
...We're finally home.

Theo
Westcarte Village, where we were born.
Nothing's changed since the Pandemonium.

Theo
The villagers either died or moved on...
No one was left to rebuild.

Theo
I wonder why we came here? We knew
nothing would have changed...

Rizette
That's not true.
Look.

Theo
It's...
A flower?

Rizette
Yes.
So small and pure white. Isn't it lovely?

Rizette
Hey, Theo.
None of them have given up.

Rizette
Not the Knights, not the Primordials, and
not these little flowers.

Rizette
So I won't give up, either.
There's still hope.

Theo
Yeah... You're right! We can't lose hope.
That's the first step to being a real hero.

Theo
Like Finn...and Oz.

Rizette
...Right.

Theo
Well, what do we do now?
What's our new goal?

Rizette
Our goal hasn't changed. We have to save
everyone, and restore peace to Rigland.

Rizette
We need to find Finn first... And solve the
problems with Hymelia and the undead.

Rizette
We'll do what we can. Help others, find new
allies...and keep an eye on Bergaria.

Theo
But how do we start? We can't call
ourselves the Red Dragon Knights anymore.

Rizette
...No. We'll make a new order.
A new name for people to know us by.

Theo
A new name, huh...
Um... "The Knights who Help People"!

Rizette
That's simple enough, but it's
not very cool, is it?

Rizette
How about the Blue Dragon Knights? It's
like we're carrying on the mission.

Rizette
We have no support and only two members,
but we're a proud Order all the same.

Theo
That sounds good.
It's a lot cooler than my idea!

Rizette
Heh, then it's settled.
Give me your hand, Theo.

Theo
Right. We're in this together.

Rizette
...Now, let's be off.

Rizette
The Blue Dragon Knights are here—
to bring new hope to a world at war!

An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙