Darradarljod

You're... not one of those adventurers who come running the moment they get a whiff of something going down in some ruins somewhere, are you?

This is the front line we're holding against the Wild Hunt on Kipumaki Cliff. You shouldn't be here.

Yeah. We're help to help deal with the Wild Hunt.

*sigh* You might be decent in a fight, but this is different. A battlefield is no place for kids like you...

Something the matter, Anleifr?

Captain! I was just telling these adventurer kids why they shouldn't come somewhere this dangerous. No need to come over, don't need them getting ideas from a counterexample...

Ahem. Our captain may be young, but he's one of the strongest among us. So don’t use him as your baseline, you hear?

Traveler, Paimon. So it was you. Perfect timing, we were just waiting for you!

Huh? Captain, what's that supposed to mean?

They are the temporary recruits I mentioned earlier.

They are the ones? Well... I suppose heroes are indeed made young.

Alright. If you say so, Captain. I trust your judgment.

Traveler, Paimon, welcome to the team!

We just wrapped up the prep work, so the strategy meeting's next. You should join us.

Whoa, it's you two.

What a coincidence. Didn't think I'd run into you here again...

...Hold on. What are you doing here!? This is the front line against the Wild Hunt on Kipumaki Cliff. You shouldn't be here.

Yeah, we're here to help too!

*sigh* I know you're not half-bad, but this is different. A battlefield is no place for kids like you...

Something the matter, Anleifr?

Captain! I was just telling these adventurer kids why they shouldn't come somewhere this dangerous. No need to come over, don't need them getting ideas from a counterexample...

Ahem. Our captain may be young, but he's one of the strongest among us. So don’t use him as your baseline, you hear?

Traveler, Paimon. So it was you. Perfect timing, we were just waiting for you!

Huh? Captain, what's that supposed to mean?

They are the temporary recruits I mentioned earlier.

They are the ones? I mean I know what he's capable of... I guess heroes really are made young.

Alright. If you say so, Captain. I trust your judgment.

Traveler, Paimon, welcome to the team!

We just wrapped up the prep work, so the strategy meeting's next. You should join us.

Before we begin, let me do the introductions. Traveler and Paimon are the adventurers I mentioned earlier, the ones who helped retrieve the Silver Lampwick.

They will be joining our team for the upcoming operation.

We're adventurers, but we've got a lot of experience fighting the Abyss, so we won't slow you down!

Delighted to make your acquaintance.

I'm Anleifr. I suppose we can skip the "nice to meet yous," seeing how we've crossed paths before. Looking forward to fighting alongside you.

I'm Rollon. Thanks again for the save last time. Rest assured, I've done ample prep since then. I won't be repeating my mistakes so easily.

Just call me Bjorn. Looks like I'm the only one meeting you for the first time. Either way, if the captain chose you, I have faith in your abilities.

We can save the rest of the chitchat for the victory feast. For now, let’s get to the point.

The objective is clear: our squad must seize the Clifftop Camp ahead of the enemy and establish a forward line to hold back the Wild Hunt.

This position is the lifeline of the entire operation. If we lose it, every plan that comes after will be as good as scrapped.

To prevent that, we'll use the Silver Lampwick's power to restore the barrier on the cliff. That will clear out the Abyssal Whispers and keep the main force's route open.

The mechanisms that power the barrier are all ancient ruin relics, and we don't fully understand how they work...

But Traveler and Paimon are experienced adventures. With the two of them handling this key step, the whole operation should go smoothly.

Leave the mechanisms to us. Solving puzzles like these is Traveler's specialty.

Huh, guess this is what people mean by "the right person for the right job." I came across plenty of devices like this when I worked as a treasure hunter, but I never figured out how any of them worked. My wife was always the one who understood that stuff.

Huh? You used to be a treasure hunter, Anleifr? Hmm... now that you mention it, the vibe does kind of fit...

Hey now, none of that, 'aight? I've been a member of the Lightkeepers for three years. I'm an upstanding Ratnik nowadays.

What, do you think I'm not qualified or something?

S—Sorry! That's not what Paimon meant...

Alright, Anleifr, that’s enough. Stop scaring her on purpose.

Oh come on, Rollon, why'd you call me out like that? Everyone's so tense, I was just trying to lighten the mood...

Listen to Rollon, Anleifr. When you get serious, you look fierce enough to scare off even the Wild Hunt. No wonder she took you seriously.

Well, when you put it that way... Alright, sorry about that. We're teammates now, so I really shouldn't have tried to spook you.

O—Oh! Exactly, come on! If you scare Paimon so badly that she can't carry out the mission, what happens then? Traveler still needs her as a guide, y'know.

Right. And we're up against an unpredictable, formidable enemy this time. We all need to stay alert. We can't let our guard down for even a moment.

Speaking of the enemy, there's some information Traveler and Paimon need to know as well.

The Wild Hunt on the cliff may have abilities different from those elsewhere. Three years ago, we paid for that difference in blood.

That day, dusk had settled in by the time we finished our investigation, so we set up camp on the cliff for the night.

In the middle of the night, I was awakened by the sound of battle, only to find the area shrouded in a strange mist. From within that mist came faint, broken whispers...

The voices sounded familiar somehow, though I couldn't recall where I had heard them before.

But I had no time to think about any of that. When I pushed deeper into the mist and finally saw who was fighting, I realized it was our detachment members, tearing each other apart...

What!? How is that possible...

...Was that the Wild Hunt's doing?

Exactly. We've received reports of Wild Hunt anomalies that corrupt the mind across various areas, and it is likely that it all began here.

We lost far too many that night... Captain Olsson kept himself together through sheer willpower, but with just the two of us, there was nothing we could do...

After that, as the main force of the Wild Hunt pushed in, the captain ordered me to retreat and bring the unconscious, badly injured Ivar back for help. He chose to stay behind and cover our escape...

I rushed back to the city as fast as I could and reported everything to the old man, but... it was too late. By the time we returned to Kipumaki Cliff, even Captain Olsson had...

...

As for the Wild Hunt, it spilled forth and spread out beneath the cliffs. Before we could clear out the monsters, many innocent civilians had already fallen victim to them...

My fellow treasure hunters, my wife, I lost them all lost in that incident... It happened so fast that we couldn't even put up a real fight...!

Just as I thought we were done, a squad of Lightkeepers arrived. I fought alongside them, pushed the Wild Hunt back, until I damn near dropped dead from exhaustion...

But... the lives that were taken could never be brought back...

I was on a different assignment that day. I received the emergency order and rushed to the Kipumaki Cliff area to help... What I saw was too much to bear...

We fought endlessly, day and night, but monsters poured out from their bottomless lair without end.

I don't even know when it all finally stopped. I only remember fighting until I had nothing left... and when I opened my eyes again, I was already back in Piramida.

...At least you fought. You fought, and even if you lost, you were warriors who stood your ground.

But me? I was pulled from Captain Olsson's squad at the last minute because I suddenly got sick. Veyde took my place, and because of that, he...

If I had been the one who was there that day...!

There are no "ifs" in the past, Bjorn. What matters is what we do now.

Right. We rebuilt the camp after the incident, and we held the line for three years... because the conditions for a counterattack were not yet in place.

I know you've all endured this for a long time. I'm much the same.

But now, the day we've waited for has finally come. Good news has arrived from Piramida. The time is right. Tomorrow, we launch our counterattack!

Steady yourselves before we march, or those creatures may slip into your thoughts and twist them against you.

Remember this. We fight not only for the comrades we've lost, or for the innocent civilians whose lives were taken...

We fight to protect those who are still alive today... and to give those yet to be born a chance to live in a better world.

That concludes the meeting. Rest while you can. Tomorrow will bring a brutal fight, and we will need every ounce of strength you have.

Yes, sir!

Wh—What's going on? No matter how we attack, it's like we can't hurt it at all...

Heh... Is that all?

What's wrong? Were you not barking just seconds ago?

Bastard...

Don't rush in, Anleifr!

Hold the line! We'll find a way...

...Find a way? Hah... What way?

A way...

...To crawl away and save your own skins?

A way to send you to hell!

Haha... now that... is something worth waiting for...

But the way I see it, crawling away to save yourselves suits you far better...

After all, one of you is quite the expert at that...

Three years ago... Ten years ago... Always the same. Why not... ask him for some tips? Heh...

Y-You... how do you know that...? Could you be...

Captain, don't listen to it!

...!

Heh... go on, run while you still can... little chicks...

But in the end, you'll understand... running won't save you... Only death... awaits you...

It's gone...

...Our mission isn't over. We might have to face it again.

Next time we run into that bastard, I swear I'll...

Anleifr! Our priority is to complete our mission!

I know! But...!

Thinking like that is exactly what it wants. Calm down.

We should be the ones taking the initiative.

Traveler's right. We can't let our enemy drag us around. We push forward on our terms, and our plan.

Let us press on!

Before we begin, let me do the introductions. Traveler and Paimon are the adventurers I mentioned earlier, the ones who helped retrieve the Silver Lampwick.

They will be joining our team for the upcoming operation.

We're adventurers, but we've got a lot of experience fighting the Abyss, so we won't slow you down!

Delighted to make your acquaintance.

I'm Anleifr. Gotta say, joining the Lightkeepers at a time like this takes real guts, you two.

I'm Rollon. Lets watch each others' backs out there in the field.

Just call me Bjorn. If the captain chose you, I have faith in your abilities.

We can save the rest of the chitchat for the victory feast. For now, let’s get to the point.

The objective is clear: our squad must seize the Clifftop Camp ahead of the enemy and establish a forward line to hold back the Wild Hunt.

This position is the lifeline of the entire operation. If we lose it, every plan that comes after will be as good as scrapped.

To prevent that, we'll use the Silver Lampwick's power to restore the barrier on the cliff. That will clear out the Abyssal Whispers and keep the main force's route open.

The mechanisms that power the barrier are all ancient ruin relics, and we don't fully understand how they work...

But Traveler and Paimon are experienced adventures. With the two of them handling this key step, the whole operation should go smoothly.

Leave the mechanisms to us. Solving puzzles like these is Traveler's specialty.

Huh, guess this is what people mean by "the right person for the right job." I came across plenty of devices like this when I worked as a treasure hunter, but I never figured out how any of them worked. My wife was always the one who understood that stuff.

Huh? You used to be a treasure hunter, Anleifr? Hmm... now that you mention it, the vibe does kind of fit...

Hey now, none of that, 'aight? I've been a member of the Lightkeepers for three years. I'm an upstanding Ratnik nowadays.

What, do you think I'm not qualified or something?

S—Sorry! That's not what Paimon meant...

Alright, Anleifr, that’s enough. Stop scaring her on purpose.

Oh come on, Rollon, why'd you call me out like that? Everyone's so tense, I was just trying to lighten the mood...

Listen to Rollon, Anleifr. When you get serious, you look fierce enough to scare off even the Wild Hunt. No wonder she took you seriously.

Well, when you put it that way... Alright, sorry about that. We're teammates now, so I really shouldn't have tried to spook you.

O—Oh! Exactly, come on! If you scare Paimon so badly that she can't carry out the mission, what happens then? Traveler still needs her as a guide, y'know.

Right. And we're up against an unpredictable, formidable enemy this time. We all need to stay alert. We can't let our guard down for even a moment.

Speaking of the enemy, there's some information Traveler and Paimon need to know as well.

The Wild Hunt on the cliff may have abilities different from those elsewhere. Three years ago, we paid for that difference in blood.

That day, dusk had settled in by the time we finished our investigation, so we set up camp on the cliff for the night.

In the middle of the night, I was awakened by the sound of battle, only to find the area shrouded in a strange mist. From within that mist came faint, broken whispers...

The voices sounded familiar somehow, though I couldn't recall where I had heard them before.

But I had no time to think about any of that. When I pushed deeper into the mist and finally saw who was fighting, I realized it was our detachment members, tearing each other apart...

What!? How is that possible...

...Was that the Wild Hunt's doing?

Exactly. We've received reports of Wild Hunt anomalies that corrupt the mind across various areas, and it is likely that it all began here.

We lost far too many that night... Captain Olsson kept himself together through sheer willpower, but with just the two of us, there was nothing we could do...

After that, as the main force of the Wild Hunt pushed in, the captain ordered me to retreat and bring the unconscious, badly injured Ivar back for help. He chose to stay behind and cover our escape...

I rushed back to the city as fast as I could and reported everything to the old man, but... it was too late. By the time we returned to Kipumaki Cliff, even Captain Olsson had...

...

As for the Wild Hunt, it spilled forth and spread out beneath the cliffs. Before we could clear out the monsters, many innocent civilians had already fallen victim to them...

My fellow treasure hunters, my wife, I lost them all lost in that incident... It happened so fast that we couldn't even put up a real fight...!

Just as I thought we were done, a squad of Lightkeepers arrived. I fought alongside them, pushed the Wild Hunt back, until I damn near dropped dead from exhaustion...

But... the lives that were taken could never be brought back...

I was on a different assignment that day. I received the emergency order and rushed to the Kipumaki Cliff area to help... What I saw was too much to bear...

We fought endlessly, day and night, but monsters poured out from their bottomless lair without end.

I don't even know when it all finally stopped. I only remember fighting until I had nothing left... and when I opened my eyes again, I was already back in Piramida.

...At least you fought. You fought, and even if you lost, you were warriors who stood your ground.

But me? I was pulled from Captain Olsson's squad at the last minute because I suddenly got sick. Veyde took my place, and because of that, he...

If I had been the one who was there that day...!

There are no "ifs" in the past, Bjorn. What matters is what we do now.

Right. We rebuilt the camp after the incident, and we held the line for three years... because the conditions for a counterattack were not yet in place.

I know you've all endured this for a long time. I'm much the same.

But now, the day we've waited for has finally come. Good news has arrived from Piramida. The time is right. Tomorrow, we launch our counterattack!

Steady yourselves before we march, or those creatures may slip into your thoughts and twist them against you.

Remember this. We fight not only for the comrades we've lost, or for the innocent civilians whose lives were taken...

We fight to protect those who are still alive today... and to give those yet to be born a chance to live in a better world.

That concludes the meeting. Rest while you can. Tomorrow will bring a brutal fight, and we will need every ounce of strength you have.

Yes, sir!

Out of the way, move it!

Hehe... What's the hurry...

One way or another... you're all going to die. But some of you... just get to go a bit earlier...

He whined about not dying back then... Three years ago... And now... I'll fulfill his wish...

...Bjorn? What did you do to him!?

He was too weak... the weaklings... Useless... Crawling insects...

...Dying is all they're good for, no?

Don't you dare insult him! He's not weak at all!

Oh... In your eyes... he was strong...

But... but the strong die all the same...

I thought... you understood that better than anyone...

The ones stronger than you... They all died, didn't they? They died three years ago... and ten years ago as well...

...Shut your mouth!

Yes... the only weak one here... is you...

Otherwise... why is it that every time... every time... you're the only one who survives?

...You ran from the battlefield, didn't you? Just a coward clinging to life...

Illuga, don't listen to its nonsense!

Enough! Time to die!

...Traveler! Let's finish this quickly!

Hmm... the old man's all set too. Excellent.

Yeah. Word from Piramida. The old man's been making his own preparations to fight that undying fiend. Things are going smoothly on his end... Now it's up to us.

What's wrong? Something on your mind?

...Ah, it's nothing. Just thinking that I've still got a long way to go...

I was worried because I didn't understand what the old man was trying to do... Must've made a fool of myself in front of you.

You've already done so well.

Thank you. I'll work harder from now on. I won't let anyone down.

That Evil Eye... it attacked before the barrier could be fully deployed! The altar ruins have been wrecked...

Captain, can we redeploy it before it strikes again?

I'm afraid not. We failed to block that last attack, and the Silver Lampwick's energy has mostly drained away. There isn't enough left to deploy the barrier again.

...The situation is not looking good. We have no idea when that Evil Eye will launch its next attack. Without the barrier, it will be hard for us to hold this position.

The monsters around us are increasing in number. Even if we hold them off for a while, our stamina isn't limitless. If things ever reach a point that...

Come on, brother, you're talking like you've already given up! Monsters? I don't care how many line up, I'll knock 'em all down!

Even so, trying to hold out here forever isn't a real plan...

Is there really nothing we can do...

...I have an idea.

You've got something? Quick, let's hear it!

The sealing array on Kipumaki Cliff was left to us by the Torchforger and the Moonchanter of the Frostmoon Scions. Its structure must share the same origin as the Silver Lampwick.

While deploying the barrier earlier, I noticed three Verdant Crests on the cliff flashing in response, almost as if they were resonating with it. Those should be the focal points of the sealing array.

Oh, now that you mention it, Paimon can see them too.

When I visited Hiisi Island, I borrowed some ancient Frostmoon Scions texts from the current Moonchanter. I remember seeing similar structures in those records, so I cross-checked my findings with her. I'm confident this is correct.

However, the texts say that the sealing array should have four foci. For some reason, the most important one isn't resonating.

Still, the seal here has held for five hundred years. There must be something special about it. If we take the Silver Lampwick and activate the other three points first, we might be able to turn this around.

Captain, what do you think?

...It's worth a try.

Great work, Bjorn!

Hmph. Just so you know, I didn't spend the past three years doing nothing.

But if we want to carry out this plan, we’ll need more support.

Bjorn, Anleifr, Rollon, return to Cliffwatch Camp at once. Report everything to the entire force, then lead the reinforcements and coordinate with us to take those three positions!

Yes, Captain!

If the Evil Eye is targeting the Silver Lampwick, there's a good chance its next attack will go straight for it... I'll carry the Lampwick and activate the three focal points one by one.

Traveler, Paimon, come with me. Protect the Silver Lampwick!

Any objections? It's extremely dangerous. If either of you doesn't want to...

No need to ask. Of course I'm in, Captain.

This is the perfect mission for us! We'll keep both Illuga and the Silver Lampwick safe!

Music to my ears, hah! The captain's in your hands, then!

You all be careful too!

Understood.

Of course. I'm still waiting to see Anleifr land a punch on that fiend and shut it up for good.

That right? Hah, I'd best not disappoint you then, eh? I won't just shut it up — hell, it'll be groveling at our feet like a mangy dog, begging for mercy!

Alright, enough joking around. We'll have plenty of time for that later. For now, let's move out!

This day has finally come...

You still up?

Can't sleep with a battle like this on the horizon! You should, though. You're still growing, don't stunt that by staying up.

That should be everything... What's up? Something you'd like to ask?

For many of us, the wounds from three years ago still haven't healed.

My brother and I... we were the lucky ones. My brother's Ivar, by the way. The captain saved him. We both survived, and we can still carry out our duties as Lightkeepers.

I just hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow. That way, we can at least bring some peace to our fallen comrades.

♪~

You seem pretty relaxed.

I've spent the last three years preparing for tomorrow's battle. At this point, there's no tension, only anticipation.

I hope everything goes well tomorrow.

Even if there's trouble, we'll handle it. Don't worry.

We need to get ready to move. Vlaicu, proceed according to the original plan.

Once we seize the camp and deploy the barrier to stabilize the line, we will send up signal smoke.

When you see the signal, rally immediately and advance to the second phase of the operation.

Yes, Captain!

We'll be waiting to hear good news from you. And remember, come back alive, all of you!

Leave it to us!

It's time. Operation Clifftop begins now! All units, move out!

Great! That nasty Evil Eye's toast!

But... did anyone see something fall off it?

That was likely the Spiralblade, the sacred blade the Torchforger once used to seal demons away. I didn’t expect a monster to seize it and use it against us...

So that's what happened... B—But we should be safe for the moment, right?

For the moment, yes. The Evil Eye has been destroyed, and the monsters on the ground have been almost completely cleared out.

But we can't let our guard down. That creature has probably slipped back underground. It's wounded, but it might still have a trick up its sleeve.

We just went through a fierce battle. Everyone's exhausted, body and mind...

Doesn't matter. A win is a win! We got our revenge on that damn monster, and that's the score that counts!

Speaking of which... where's Bjorn? I don't see him anywhere. Did he get held up helping out somewhere else?

Who's gonna watch me show off my moves if he's not here? Can't be starting on my own, now can I?

He... Ugh...

Illuga...

...He was struck by the Evil Eye's attack while defending the position...

His injuries were too severe. We tried everything... but we couldn't save him.

...No way. How... How could that be!?

He had brains and brawn in spades. I never once beat him in a spar...! How could he go down so easily...

This makes no sense... no sense at all!

Anleifr, stop crying...

I'm not crying! Ugh...

Anleifr, pull yourself together. We need to be strong, especially now.

That creature is using these vile methods to shake us, trying to slip in again while we're vulnerable. We can't let it succeed.

We can't let that bastard stain Bjorn's sacrifice or turn it against us!

...

Illuga, are you alright?

I... I'm fine.

I'm sorry. This is all my fault.

That monster knew. It knew everything... Knew this would shake my resolve...

Bjorn died because of me...

...Captain! That's not what I meant, I just... sigh...

This isn't your burden alone.

That's right. All of us... We've gotta carry this together!

My heart aches as well. But our mission isn't over yet. The battles ahead will only get harder, and we may suffer still more losses...

But no matter what happens, we cannot stop moving forward, forward unto final victory.

Weren't you the one who taught us that?

I believe in your command, Captain. Bjorn would feel the same. We carried out our duties, and whatever awaits us, we shall have no regrets.

Same for me, sir!

If wiping that cursed monster from this world for good means dying in the process, I'd gladly do it!

Don't say something that ominous. We're about to face it for real in a life-or-death battle.

Hey, as long as you get what I mean, brother. I'm gonna rip that thing's filthy mouth right off and make it beg on its knees!

Yeah, as long as we can erase that wretched monster from this world for good...

...We don't have the combat power to face the upcoming battles alone. I'll need you to get reinforcements from the other positions.

Traveler, Paimon, I'm leaving the area Bjorn previously handled to you. I'll stay here and hold this spot until you return.

Alright, leave it to us!

Thank you. Just hold on a little longer... Soon, we'll claim victory.

"Why is it that every time... every time... you're the only one who survives?"

(What am I supposed to do... What should I do...)

"...You ran from the battlefield, didn't you? Just a coward clinging to life..."

(This is my fight... My battlefield...)

(I'm not... I'm not some coward who flees from danger...)

(...)

(This is my duty... I can't run anymore...)

Look at you... Look at you...

Cowards clinging to life... Huddling together like little chicks to keep themselves warm...

Who's there? Show yourself!

Captain, be careful. That might be that monster who can manipulate people.

Yeah, I know.

Way I see it, you're the real wuss here, ain'cha? I mean, I don't see you crawling outta your foggy hidey-hole. What are you? Scared I'll beat you to death?

You...? All bark and no bite...

An overreaching mutt...

...Hehe... Very well. I'll give you a chance...

...!? Everyone, get ready!

...How is Bjorn?

...He's badly injured. The attack came too suddenly, and to protect us, he... *sob*

...The battlefield was too dangerous, and he was in no state to be moved. We had no choice but to treat him here on the spot, but with the resources we have to hand, it's just...

...Captain...

Bjorn!

...I'm sorry... I couldn't complete the mission...

You did great! The position remains secure, and everyone's still safe...

Really...? I did it, then... That's good...

Stop talking. You need rest.

If I don't say it now... I won't get another chance...

...Don't say that! That's an order from your captain! You'll be fine... You'll be fine...

Heh... alright... as you command... I won't mention that again...

But at least... I'll finally be able to face Veyde with no regrets...

He would say... that we Lightkeepers are like Winter Iceleas...

In the face of the Wild Hunt... each of us is fragile... like a Winter Icelea's petals... How easily we shatter...

But... so long as the leaves remain... so long as the roots stay firmly in the soil...

When the next season comes... and the one after that... new flowers will bloom anew...

We will not fail... Isn't that right... Captain...

...Yes. We will not fail! I will see that monster buried at my hands once and for all!

...You're the strongest among us... I believe in you... Captain...

...Rest assured, Bjorn. I'll keep our promise. Rest now... Things will have turned around by the time you recover...

...

...

...Traveler, Paimon, we need to go. The mission isn't over yet. We can't stay here any longer.

Illuga...

...Yeah. Let's keep going.

(The fog's getting thicker. I can hardly see the path in front of us...)

...We meet again, little chick... Shame that it's only you...

No matter... Once I'm done with you, I'll send the others after you... one by one... Hehe...

Bark all you want while you still can. I'll make sure your silence is eternal!

Hehe... All by yourself... You think you can stop me?

...Taking down a lowlife like you is more than easy enough for me!

...Oh... I see... I see why you didn't bring the other little fledglings with you...

...Deep down, you think they're weak too, don't you...

...The kind who die the moment no one's there to protect them...

...Just like you, little hatchling... Hehe...

Shut your filthy mouth. Die!

Hehe... A seal like this will not hold me...

Anleifr! Rollon!

Captain... We're fine!

...Captain! Watch out for that monster!

Monster! You'll pay for this!

Damn it... they just don't stop...

Hehe... Too much for you to stomach already? This is only the appetizer...

Soon... very soon... The Professor will ascend his tower... and open the path to the Elysium beyond...

It will be a feast unlike anything this world has ever seen... ahh... Truly something to savor...

We have waited far, far too long for this day...

At last... We are but one step away...

Ten years ago... We failed... Three years ago as well... But this time... Never again...

I won't let you get your way! We won't let you get your way!

"We"... Hehe...

Have you ever considered... as you fight all alone...

That those weak, defenseless teammates of yours... might already be dying outside... one after another...?

Just like... Yes... Just like Winter Iceleas... A gust of wind, a touch of rain... and they wither... hehe...

Shut up! I believe in them. They... They'll be fine...

And I'm not some damn flower! Even if I were one, I'd be a demon-eating flower, made to devour scum like you alive!

Anleifr!? How did you...

Talk later. Focus on taking down the enemy first.

Captain, give us the order!

You guys...

...Understood. Assist me. Together, we repair the seal, reclaim the Spiralblade, and bring this monster down!

Alrighty! You can count on us!

Weaklings... Trash... Insects... No matter how many of you come... it changes nothing...

That damn monster's hiding again!

As long as we repair the seal, it won't matter where it hides!

(Time to rest...)

Curse you... Curse you all...

To think I'd lose to such... insignificant...

You're the only insignificant one here. Hiding behind your venomous words, too afraid to face us!

Hehe... Whatever you say...

The Professor... Professor Rotwang... My exalted master... He has already set out...

Soon... very soon... he will tear apart the veil of this false world...

Weak little humans...

In the end... it makes no difference... What awaits you all... is equality in... death...

Still mouthing off...!

It's on its last legs! The abyssal energy around the Spiralblade has faded!

Enough talking! Traveler, let's send it to hell!

Finally... this thing's done for good, right?

Seems so. Not even ashes were left behind.

Now then, let's have a proper talk, Captain...

...

...That was for Bjorn.

Alright, Captain. All done. You can punish me now.

No... I won't punish you. You were right.

Since you understand, Captain, I suppose I need say nothing more.

I'm sorry... I lost my composure. It's just that at that moment, the thought that you might leave me as suddenly as Bjorn did...

I just... I couldn't bear it...

Captain! With all due respect...

You're not as strong as you think you are, and we're not as weak as you believe.

That's why we fight side by side, no? That's why our squad exists.

Yeah! Didn't you say you'd trust us to watch your back?

Even if we're not strong enough alone, we can cut a path through any danger as long as we do it together!

...

Looks like it takes courage to trust others, too.

Traveler...

Yes... It seems like I really was weak after all...

My brother once told me, "Anyone who can face their own weakness will become stronger someday."

You saved his life three years ago, Captain. If these words of his can ease your burden today, I'm sure it would bring him comfort as well.

Yeah. Thank you... all of you. I'll pull myself together.

Heh. After drawing so much strength and courage from you all, it'd be harder for me to not raise my game...

The fight isn't over. Will you follow me and finish this final mission?

Of course! And we're sticking close. Can't have our captain wandering off and disappearing on us!

...Looks like I'll never live that one down.

If it sounds harsh, just take it as a punishment. Honestly, I'd say it's pretty light as those go.

Yeah... I deserve it, anyway.

...Back to business. Traveler, Paimon, and I will head back to Piramida first to report to the old man.

Once you've passed the message to our comrades who are holding the formations on the surface, return to Piramida as soon as you can and join the next phase of the operation.

Leave it to us.

To hell with all that "Professor" and "Student" nonsense. It's time we show 'em what we Lightkeepers are made of!

Uh oh... things look reeeeal bad around the Pillar of Embla...

That monster mentioned that "the 'Professor' has already set forth." I fear that deathless fiend has set his sights on the Pillar of Embla...

Is... Is Miss Alia gonna be ok?

All we can do now is trust her.

Yeah — and make the most of every second she's fighting to buy us.

Completing our mission is the best way we can repay her.

Oh! Captain, once everything's set on our end, we'll regroup with you in Piramida.

Captain, Traveler, what brings you two here? No need to worry. Once we finish up, we'll head back to Piramida.